Mommy Practicality: Press Release

Sunday, December 15, 2013

AirAsia Zest Hot Meals Now Available

If there is one thing you still don’t know about me, it’s that I love “budget” travelling. Of course I have to put “budget” because I love to get the most out of everything without having to spend too much. That is true for all my purchases including travel. I’ve posted a few articles in the past about my domestic trips since I started blogging last year. One of the most memorable trips I had with the family was back in September, 2009, during Typhoon Ondoy. It was one of the best deals I got because we unbelievably spent less than P5, 000 for a Zest Air round-trip flight for five going to Boracay. But amidst that fateful typhoon we experienced, we were flown home safely.

Speaking of Zest Air, it is now rebranded as AirAsia Zest, after AirAsia Philippines and ZestAir entered into astrategic partnership very recently. This alliance promises to provide a world-class travel experience that every Filipino deserves. It also updated its tagline to: AirAsia Zest, The Right Way To Fly. AirAsia Zest now offers international and domestic flights to more destinations with unrivaled daily low fares. Not only that, to complete your travel experience, AirAsia Zest now offers in-flight menu of Hotmeals.

I’ve experienced checking-in early for a flight either too late for breakfast or too early for lunch, so I end up buying expensive, but not so filling, food at the airport. I was thrilled after finding out that AirAsia Zest offers inflight Hotmeals at a very affordable price. In fact, it’s the most affordable low cost airline meals in the Philippines. Plus it’s made from fresh and quality ingredients and promises to be the most delicious and suited for local taste.

Their Hotmeals may be ordered onboard for Php 200 each. But if you pre-book your meals (up to two meals per flight) @AirAsia.com via Manage My Booking they give you a 15% discount (Only Php 168 only)and free 100ml water. You may choose from: Chicken Adobo AlaMariles, Junior Cho’s Korean Beef Stew, Uncle Chin’s Chicken Rice, Maan’s Pasta Arrabiata, Beef Caldereta and Pak Nasser’s NasiLemak.

I got a chance to taste their Hotmeals along with other food and lifestyle bloggers last week during its launch.

Jonathan Yabut, the first Apprentice Asia’s winner, passionately presented what’s new with AirAsia Zest including new domestic and international flight destinations, AirAsia Zest’s New Mission (which is to build Philippine tourism,) their latest FREE Seats promo, their FREE flights for Yolanda PH volunteers (seats promo were available at that time and not anymore as of press time) and lastly AirAsia Zest’s Hotmeals. Let me just say that he is very articulate and intelligent and truly a deserving apprentice to Mr. Tony Fernandes, AirAsia’s group’s CEO.

I could barely stand from where I was seated that night, too full from the food tasting of five courses served from their Hotmeals. I tasted and almost finished all these:

Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak

Chicken Adobo Ala Mariles

Uncle Chin’s Chicken Rice

Junior Cho’s Korean Beef Stew

Beef Caldereta

Maan’s Pasta Arrabiata

What’s more, these sumptuous meals are prepared by Manila Catering Service (MCS) who applies airline technology standards in its processes such as blast freezing/chilling to ensure that the food is preserved in its natural and freshest state.

AirAsia Zest also offers delicious desserts such as Cinnamon Breadsticks, Choco Banana Pound, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Fudgy Brownie Bar. My favorite is their Chocolate Chip Cookies, which I could actually finish a pack in less than five minutes.

AirAsia Cafe's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Other desserts: Cinnamon Breadsticks and Choco Banana Pound

Doesn’t this post make you hungry? Writing this makes me want to fly to anywhere in the Philippines now just to taste their Hotmeals and their sweet desserts once more!

So what are you waiting for loves? Visit AirAsia.com to book a flight and make sure you pre-book AirAsia Zest Hotmeals (book two meals, you won’t regret it promise!) For promo updates, follow them on Twitter or LIKE them on Facebook.

Disclaimer: Some talking points in this post were suggested by sponsor. However, the views and opinions stated herein are purely my own

Monday, December 09, 2013

DMCI Rhapsody Residences, Life Beats Anew

As a mom, isn’t it we always want what is best for our children? That includes quality education, some of the latest game consoles, neat clothes, healthy food and a safe and friendly community they could grow up in. Hubby and I have always wanted these things for the children. Now as a young couple, one of our dreams is to have our very own house.

“Someday mahal, someday,” he promised that to me.

Currently, we still live with my parents because I support both of them and secondly, it’s more practical than renting an apartment. We agreed not to rent, but to work harder and aim to get our own house. While on the search for our dream house, we constantly check-out developed and pre-selling condominiums or townhouse units here and there.

We’ve gone to a number of residential tours of some known developers. We are looking not just for a place to live in, but a community where my kids could engage in different activities, enjoy nature and safely play and make friends with other children. We don’t want them to feel boxed in, just how other condos feel.

Recently, I went with my son to DMCI Homes’ Rhapsody Residences tour, located at Muntinlupa City. I definitely think we left our hearts at Rhapsody Residences. Here are some photos to show you why:

DMCI Homes Rhapsody Residences Clubhouse

Pathway going to their Japanese Garden

DMCI Homes Rhapsody Residences has three pools: Kiddie Pool, Adult Pool and Lap Pool

If I only brought proper swimming attire, I would've jumped into the pool!

Bare two-bedroom model unit, showing the Toilet & Bath and entrance to two bedrooms.

Bare unit, shot taken from one of the bed rooms.

Fell in love instantly with this living area of a 2-Bedroom Model Unit

He wished his room looks like this. :)

Amazed at how an empty unit could look big with the right mix of interior design, furniture and lighting!

Here's a shot of the same model unit from another side.

A young girl's room in a model unit

Room for mommy and daddy

Toiler and Bath

A spacious living area of joint units. This is HOME!

Well-lit dining area strategically located near the kitchen.

I would love to hang out in a clean kitchen as this. I could cook all day!

Masters bedroom in the joint unit.

That's me facing the mirror in the walking closet! Every mom's dream closet!

Another Toilet and Bath model.

My son was visualizing himself in one of the children’s rooms in the model units we toured. He said:

“Mom, this room is so cool! I wish we could have this house for us!”

“This is where I am going to put my Mac Book!”

He can't get enough of this room!

Visualizing where he would put his collection of K-Zone magazines and his (future) Mac Book.

He asked Ms. Tina of DMCI “How much do we pay for an unlimited stay?” That is actually an aspirational question from my son, who at 10 has a clear appreciation for beautiful things, scenery and ambience. He actually thought that we were in a resort and that we could rent a unit for days.

That’s how DMCI Homes Rhapsody Residences is. My son and I are in harmony with what we felt when we toured the resort-inspired condominium village. Being there seems like you’ve escaped from the stressful hustle and bustle of the city life. It’s like attracting your inner peace so you could restore your balance.

Everything we saw at DMCI Homes’ Rhapsody Residences is what hubby and I wanted for a place to call our own. I didn’t feel like a prisoner in a small and cramped space. It provided a breathable corridor because DMCI Homes made sure they put some greenery in the buildings’ hallways.

DMCI Homes brings the nature inside every building's hallways, making living space breathable and Zen-like.

I'm glad they designed the corridors this way, bringing nature close to home.

They are complete with indoor and outdoor amenities and their facilities are more that what you expect. You don’t have to go elsewhere, everything is there. For me it’s a perfect place for a young family like ours to start.

Rhapsody Residences is DMCI Homes’ Neo-Asian-themed mid-rise residential community located along East Service Road in Sucat, Muntinlupa City. It is also perfectly located near hospitals, airports, supermarkets, malls, schools and churches. They have eight 5-storey condominiums and one 10-storey building within the village. Two-bedroom units of 50.5 to 82.5 square meters are available with one parking space per resident. Additionally, what I like about this resort-themed community is that it’s completely secured 24/7 because of the guarded entrance and roving security personnel.

Here is a complete list of their amenities:

Outdoor:

Grand Clubhouse

Lap Pool, Lounge Pool, Kiddie Pool

Landscaped Pool Deck

Jogging Path

Basketball Court

Play Court

Koi Pond

Gazebos

Parks and Gardens

Indoor:

Lounge and Bar Area

Function Rooms

Fitness Gym

Game Room

Entertainment Room

Sky Lounge

Here are some more photos of their facilities:

Wow! Facilities are almost complete! No need to go out anymore. :)

Koi Pond

Basketball court and ample parking spaces for everyone.

The Clubhouse lounge area where it absolutely makes a guest feel like he's in a resort. That's how we felt.

Oh look! They have an Audio Visual room too!

The children will definitely have fun here! I can just imagine.

Parking space in every building is provided by DMCI Homes for its residents.

One of the two huge function rooms available for private functions of guests.

Open veranda at the second floor of DMCI Homes Rhapsody Residences' Clubhouse.

Panorama shot of the Clubhouse showing the three swimming pools.

DMCI Homes Rhapsody Residences.

About DMCI Homes Rhapsody Residences

Rhapsody Residences is a premier condo community project of DMCI Homes— a company of innovative builders and engineering experts that develops modern day living solutions for urban families. Each of its developments is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s almost 60 years of expertise in the construction and development industry. Its corporate philosophy is anchored on a deep understanding that buying a home is more about investing in a better way of living.

Thanks to feature-rich, ideally located communities, residents can finally enjoy a more comfortable and meaningful way of life where they can feel real good to be home.

Rhapsody Residences is ideally located near the airport, hospital, malls and supermarkets

Truly, DMCI Homes Rhapsody Residences is where we wish to live in. My son undoubtedly loves everything he saw and experienced during the tour. For me, as a parent, it’s very important to also consider your children’s feelings about a life decision that you and your husband is going to make, such as buying a house.

By the way, currently, six of the nine buildings are already tagged as “Ready For Occupancy.” I will definitely come back to tour Rhapsody Residences, this time, with the husband, so he could feel the peace and harmony I felt when I went there.

Should you be interested as well for a tour at Rhapsody Residences and other DMCI Homes projects, you may call 324-8888 or visit the website at http://www.dmcihomes.com. For updates, you may also Like DMCI Homes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmcihomesofficial

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Press Release: Snapware Glass Bottles

You wouldn’t drink something contaminated, would you? How would you feel if you thought what you were drinking is healthy, but it turns out it is not? Did you know that even water becomes toxic when stored in a wrong container?

Time is of the essence these days. In juggling between work and social life, you have little time to think about small things. There are days you hardly consider what you are drinking, what more assessing where you are drinking from. But, what you drink is not trivial—it is vital. The simple act of drinking clean water today will have a positive impact on your health tomorrow. But ensuring that your water remains clean should not be hard. Good thing there is Snapware Eco Flip and Eco Grip!

Snapware Eco Flip and Eco Grip are designed with your health in mind. The bottles were developed in California, U.S.A. with hygienic materials that ensure healthy hydration. Worry less and live more with Snapware glass bottles!

WHAT MAKES SNAPWARE GLASS BOTTLES HEALTHY?

1. HYGIENIC
These healthy bottles are made with non-porous glass, preventing any residue build-up inside the bottle. Common water bottles especially those not made of glass have been proven to retain residue, which causes discoloration, odor and molds. When residue is trapped within the pores of your drinking container, it would inevitably promote bacterial growth. With Snapware glass bottles, residue is not likely to penetrate the bottle,
inhibiting bacterial growth. You can have peace of mind knowing that where you drink from is clean.

2. SAFE
The bottles are made with non-reactive glass, preventing chemical reactions that may occur between the bottle and the beverage. Water bottles made with reactive materials such as plastic have been found to release chemicals, such as diethylhexyl adipate and bisphenol A (BPA), into food and beverage products. These toxins are proven to have adverse effects in our bodies. According to research, diethylhexyl adipate has the potential to cause damage to liver and testes, and may cause cancer. Bisphenol A has been found to cause heart and liver disease, brain and hormone development problems, and even cancer. With Snapware glass bottles, you can now be certain that such chemicals do not get into your drinks.

3. VERSATILE
The bottles are able to hold a wide range of temperature with no chemical leeching. Some chemicals are released in greater amounts when the contents are hot. This is why the health recommendation is to not store hot beverages in plastic containers. Providing a wider temperature range for your bottle would mean a wider choice for your beverages. With Snapware glass bottles, you can now start bringing hot teas and coffee
with no health concerns.

4. ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE
The bottles are able to withstand heating without releasing chemicals from the bottle. It has been warned time and again not to leave plastic water bottles in the car. Water contained in plastic bottles left in a hot car is no longer potable because chemicals from the bottle have already transferred to the water itself. With Snapware glass bottles, you no longer have to bring your bottle around all the time. You can leave Snapware glass bottle in the car with no health worries.

5. DESIGNED FOR CLEANLINESS
The non-thread bottle opening prevents bacteria build-up. Screw-top mouth opening bottles retain saliva and residue from the beverage on its threads, making drinking from them unhygienic and unhealthy. Bottles that use straws also provide a breeding ground for molds and bacteria, as the straws are also a challenge to clean thoroughly. With the style of mouth opening of Snapware water bottles, saliva and other residue is easily cleaned off, preventing growth of molds and bacteria.

6. US FDA APPROVED
Snapware glass bottles are a product of USA that adheres to US FDA standards.
You can be assured that Snapware has passed food-grade quality assurance.

7. STYLE MEETS FUNCTION
Silicon sleeve of Eco Flip and neoprene sleeve of Eco Grip provide an additional protection from physical breakage and offers safe, easy and convenient grip of the bottle.

Keep your drinks clean and healthy with Snapware! We want you to make the healthy switch to Snapware. Whether you’re leading an active lifestyle, or making small steps to care for your health, Snapware is perfect for you. We care about your health, for you to love health, love life!

Raffles and Co. Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Snapware glass beverage bottles in the Philippines. Our head office is located in 14/F Cyber One Plaza, Eastwood City 11 Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City Cyber Park, Bagumbayan, Quezon City. You can contact us at 687 4715 loc. 33 or 34 or at marketing@raffles.com.ph. Snapware glass bottles are available in any of our branches or registered dealers. We have branches in Metro Luzon – (632) 576-7731 to 32, Cebu – (032) 253-8006, Cagayan de Oro – (08822) 727-612, and Davao – (082) 225-0717, making the healthy bottles accessible all around the Philippines.