I grew up with a very sweet tooth.  I think I got it from my mother and now my kids got it from me!  One of our favorite chocolate brands is Meiji.  My eldest who's now an 18yo young man grew up with Hello Panda!  After coming from work, I would always bring home a pasalubong and he'd always be excited when I bring home a Meiji Hello Panda!

From then until now with my third child, Meiji's been with them.  I'm so excited to share that this holiday season, Meiji brings joy this Christmas with discounts up to 30% off this December 5!

Here's a roundup of what Meiji products we enjoy these days:

Meiji Hello Panda Assorted Box 260g

It's one of the most-loved and best-selling brands of Meiji which was first released in 1979.  This big box contains 4 foil bags of Chocolate Flavor (26g each), 3 foil bags of Strawberry Flavor (26g each), and 3 foil bags of Milk Flavor (26g each).  I always love the surprise of every bite in the middle because the filling is really generous and tasty!  It has a cute panda design on its crunchy shell with a soft flavorful inside, great for snacks!

This size is perfect for sharing among friends with other family members.  I'm sure like us you'll truly enjoy every bite of Meiji's Hello Panda!  

Check out the Meiji Hello Panda Assorted Box 260g on Shopee. https://shopee.ph/product/285051219/13843231616/

Meiji Almond Black Chocolate 58g (Set of 5)

Also one of Meiji's most-loved, best-selling brands, Meiji Macadamia Black Chocolate is one of my favorite WFH snacks!  It's made from select, high quality, large, and crispy roasted almonds and high quality dark chocolate.  It has a smooth chocolate texture outside with a crunchy nutty core!  Perfect for munching when you're thinking while working before you go nuts!  Hahaha!  

Check out the Meiji Macadamia Black Chocolate 58g (Set of 5) on Shopee. https://shopee.ph/product/285051219/5448757049/

Meiji Fran Chocolate (Set of 5) 

If you're like me who both like biscuits and chocolate at the same time, try this!  Meiji Fran Chocolate is a box of delicious biscuit sticks dipped in rich chocolate cream.  It's considered as Meiji's premier stick chocolate snack made with premium ingredients.  If you're a fan of Meiji's YanYan, you'd definitely love this too!  These are biscuit sticks which you don't need to dip in chocolate and get messy.  The premium chocolate already covered the biscuit sticks so you get even chocolate every bite.  You and your kids will definitely love this!

Check out the Meiji Fran Chocolate (Set of 5) on Shopee. https://shopee.ph/product/285051219/5368400421/

https://shopee.ph/product/285051219/5448757049/

This holiday season is a season of giving, merrying, and eating chocolates!  For all your chocolate cravings, Meiji has everything you want to satisfy it!  This is why Meiji made an express delivery option to make sure you get your chocolates as fast as it can!  

Check out Grand Dragon Enterprises on Shopee for your Meiji favorites and other brands that I'm sure you use at home too!  Here's their official shop: https://shopee.ph/granddragonph.  Purchase these for up to 30% off this December 5!  Also,  watch for their 12.12 Big Christmas Sale too because they'll be offering up to 50% off on selected items!

Give in to your chocolate cravings this holidays!  Meiji surely got your back!  And what better way to satisfy your craving is to add to cart right away on Shopee!  Happy Holidays!  Happy Shopee-ing!

Taking care of the skin is one of my beauty musts since I was in my 20s. Back then, products with natural ingredients weren't popular or weren't a thing. Of course I didn't know much about the harmful components or chemical ingredients of the products I put on my face and body. If I had known, I wouldn't have used them and would have right away switched to products with all-natural ingredients and those that are eco-friendly too.

Here's a rundown of the things I love about Farmskin:

• Natural Ingredients and Eco-friendly- Farmskin carefully selects and partners directly with local farmers in Korea where majority of our natural and eco-friendly ingredients come from.

• Cruelty-free - All of Farmskin products are safe on animals.

• Wide-range of products - They have skincare, haircare, and hand and body care, and even gift items to offer. Medical supplies are even available in their site.

• Affordability - You will be surprised to know that their products are priced fairly. Farmskin gives you value-for-money products that are clean and effective.

• Good for all skin types - All their skincare products have different variants for different skin types - Normal, Dry, Sensitive, and Oily.

Did I tell you that Farmskin is now on Shopee? Yes I did right? I'm just excited to share this great news with you. They are also having a Grand Launch Sale where you could get up to 50% off when you add to cart and purchase until December 9.

So what are you waiting for? Check out their products and add to cart what you think fits your type of skin. For more information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Here is Farm Skin Official Store: https://shopee.ph/farmskin.  Happy Shopeeng! :) 

If you want to create a cinematic experience at home or simply want to enjoy your favorite songs in high-definition quality, then you’re going to need a good set of speakers. They determine whether your AV system will sound full-bodied and rich or like broken glass, so it’s in your best interests to find high-quality ones.

Home Speakers

To help you out, here are some things you want to remember when buying speakers:

The Sound Quality

One of the first things you have to consider about a speaker would be the sound quality. In fact, it can be argued that this should be everyone’s top priority for any audio output device. Of course, you also have to take into account your own tastes. Some people like a bit of extra bass, while some like the higher notes to be clearer.

The best way to determine a speaker’s sound quality is to visit a store personally. Bring your own music so you can get an accurate gauge of the audio experience. If you’d rather stay at home and order online, you can rely on reviews from trusted sources. Tech websites are some of your best bets, since they can break down the details of what makes a speaker good or bad. You can also look for consumer reviews for real-life feedback.

The Right Size

The bigger the room, the farther the sound waves have to travel to reach your ears. In short, you need bigger speakers (or at least multiple small ones in every corner). Most audio equipment manufacturers also have a recommended distance between speakers, so make it a point to follow it to achieve the best audio output.

This means you have to measure the space where you’re going to put the speakers. Make sure to allocate enough space between the wall and the back of the unit, as well as remove as many obstacles so the sound waves don’t “bounce” around too much.

What Do You Need Them For

You’re going to need different kinds of speakers depending on your listening needs. For example, if you want to upgrade your home theater system, a soundbar with a subwoofer would be the best option. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for speakers specifically for listening to music, then smaller, portable speakers with Bluetooth capabilities would probably suit your needs better.

There are also high-end, studio-grade equipment that give you high-quality, lossless, surround-sound audio. Obviously, this option is more expensive than your standard speakers and subwoofers. Nevertheless, if you’re really that particular about the audio output, then you won’t hesitate to invest in such accessories.

Mixing and Matching

When buying multiple speakers, it’s better if you stick to just one brand. This way, you can count on the same audio quality. However, when it comes to pairing speakers with subwoofers, it’s a good idea to mix and match. This is because speakers and subwoofers are different kinds of equipment. Thus, a manufacturer of one type of product won’t necessarily be an expert in making the other (and vice versa).

A good practice here is to always check reviews; if possible, visit the store and test the equipment for yourself.

Compatibility

If you’re buying a Bluetooth speaker for your mobile devices or music players, note that some older models of gadgets aren’t compatible with newer speakers. Make sure to check the compatibility of each device before making a purchase so you don’t waste your money.

Meanwhile, for speakers and subwoofers, make sure to buy amplifiers and/or receivers with the correct power output. If not, you may not be able to get good performance out of your speakers even if they’re the best ones in the market.

Type and Aesthetics

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget about your personal style preferences when buying speakers. They’re mostly a functional product, but they can still contribute to your home’s overall looks. They can also take a lot of space if you don’t choose a suitable style.

For Bluetooth or portable speakers, you have plenty of options such as tubular, rectangular, square, or round ones. There are also plenty of bright colors to choose from. Meanwhile, soundbars and other larger speakers as well as subwoofers tend to be black although they sometimes have casings that can come in different finishes like colored plastic or faux wood.

If you don’t have a lot of space, you mostly want to keep your speakers up and off the floor. However, there are some floor-standing models that are slim enough if you like their design. Floor-standing speakers also have better sound compared to other types, so make sure to factor this in when making your purchase.

Having poor-quality speakers can affect your enjoyment. Imagine watching your favorite movie with broken audio or listening to your favorite songs with harsh trebles. With good speakers, you can elevate your listening experience and fully appreciate videos and music.

Users can enjoy fun content from the celebrity father-and-daughter duo, free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily at Shopee’s most anticipated year-end sale 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, closes the year with its annual 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, the most joyful year-end celebration in the region. 12.12 is set to bring a smile to users as they shop from the widest variety of products to reward themselves and their loved ones during the happiest time of the year. Through the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, shoppers can also spread the holiday cheer to their favorite local businesses, with 2 times more items sold by local businesses this year.

Users can look forward to a delightful celebration throughout the festive season. In the past year, Shopee has brought fun to users with exciting giveaways and exclusive content, recording over 13 billion engagements and views across its social media channels. This 12.12, users can expect even more entertainment and engagement with a brand-new commercial featuring international superstar Jackie Chan and performances by popular K-Pop group Tomorrow X Together. To get into the Pinoy family spirit of the holidays, Shopee also welcomes first-ever celebrity father-and-daughter brand ambassadors, Dingdong and Zia Dantes. 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Every 12.12, Shopee comes together with our users to celebrate the milestones and achievements over the past year. This year, we would like to show our appreciation to all our users for letting us be part of their daily lives. Many more users are now using digital services, and local businesses are increasingly embracing the shift online. We are glad to have been able to adapt to their evolving needs this past year and we will continue to help more people benefit from the digital economy as we head into a new year. We look forward to celebrating the year-end with all our users as we bring smiles to one another this holiday season.”

1. Celebrating the happiest time of the year with the best deals

As shoppers hunt for the best gifts,  Shopee is thrilled to bring users the most exciting deals this 12.12. These include:

• The best promotions: Shoppers can enjoy the best deals for all their gifting needs with deals such as free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily.

• Big discounts: They can also get discounts up to 90% off on the biggest Shopee Mall brands: 

2. Celebrating the holidays with entertainment for the whole family

Users can also expect non-stop entertainment from today until the big finale on December 12. Highlights include:

• Fun-filled 12.12 TV Special: Filipinos can tune in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live this  December 12, 10:30pm, to catch Tomorrow X Together, Korea’s hottest rising boy group, grace the stage with a very special performance. Celebrities such as Michael V, Ysabel Ortega, Kate Valdez, Rayver Cruz, Julie Ann Jose, and Andrea Torres will also join host Willie Revillame for a fun and star-studded evening. 

• Entertaining content from Shopee’s newest brand ambassadors: Fans can catch Dingdong and Zia’s festive new TV commercial, which features the beloved Pinoy Christmas tradition bunutan ng pera, on local TV networks and on Shopee’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts. Users can also check out Shopee’s YouTube and Tiktok accounts for heartwarming videos featuring Dingdong and Zia, wherein they recreate social media challenges, go shopping on Shopee, and more.

• Exciting games and contests: Users can win voucher giveaways by joining Dingdong- and Zia-themed games and contests on Shopee’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. From December 1-12, users can win a total of ₱12,000,000 in prizes from their favorite local celebrities, including Dingdong and Zia, by playing Shopee Celebrity Pamasko on the app. Users simply have to tap on the angpao to win a prize from the celebrity of the day.

3. Celebrating local businesses and culture

Local businesses represent a significant part of local culture and as the need for digitalization increases, Shopee is committed to supporting these sellers and helping them thrive:

• Shopee Celebrates Local: Shopee launches ‘Shopee Celebrates Local,’ a special contest to share and promote beloved local sellers. Users can read their stories on the #TatakPinoy page and on Shopee’s social media channels, and vote for their favorites until December 5. Winning sellers stand to win prizes they can use for their businesses, while users stand to win Shopee vouchers. Through the Tatak Pinoy page, users can also enjoy exclusive deals when supporting these sellers. 

4. Celebrating wider communities 

Through 12.12, Shopee will continue to uplift local communities through its platform. In the spirit of Christmas, Shopee launches the Frontliner Holiday Package to show gratitude for local heroes. Starting December 10, frontliners can avail of this package, which includes vouchers they can use for their holiday celebrations. 

For more information about Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale. 

Download Shopee for free on App Store or Google Play Store.

Nowadays, parents are always looking to make the right choices to give their kids the best of the best, to help make the world a better place for their future. More than this, they are also teaching their children clean living practices and giving them early exposure to environmental responsibilities, instilling in them important behaviors so they can grow to be more conscious of and kind to their surroundings.  

As everything starts in the home, parents want to make sure they also choose the right products and brands to help their children learn more about environmentally-conscious living. What you use daily affects our nature, from the plastic containers and packaging in the exterior, to the ingredients that go into the formulation. 

Breeze, moms’ beloved laundry detergent brand, introduces its all-new enviro-friendly formulation to give parents the #EcoClean choice they can trust. Breeze now with #EcoClean Technology is boosted with enviro-friendly ingredients for a powerful clean that’s kind to the environment and your hands.

Made with both your laundry needs and the environment in mind, the improved formulation consists of four naturally-derived stain removers that do away with different kinds of dirt marks; weight-efficient and plant-based ingredients that replace crude oil-based materials; and biodegradable enzymes, surfactants and foam boosters.

Apart from its refreshed ingredients, Breeze with EcoClean Technology also promises to give you the same expertise in stain removal, great whiteness maintenance and long-lasting fragrance the brand is known for, while being kind to your surroundings and your hands.

Make the #EcoClean choice with the all-new Breeze with EcoClean Technology. Stay tough on stains, while being kind to your environment as you start or continue your eco-parenting journey. 

The new Breeze laundry powder with #EcoClean Technology is now available in all leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide, as well as through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee. For more information visit Breeze Philippines’ Facebook page.

Amid these challenging times, the Christmas season enters with hope, cheer, and the anticipation of reuniting with friends and family. Indeed, a lot of us faced obstacles along the way, but it should not stop us from celebrating and enjoying the happiest time of the year together with our loved ones.

Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 pcs  boneless chicken breast fillet

salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging

2  Tbsp  butter

2  Tbsp  olive oil

1/3 cup  fresh lemon juice

1  cup  chicken stock/broth

1 cup  heavy cream

1/4  cup  capers, rinsed

1/3  cup  parsley 

500  grams fettuccini noodles, cooked as per package instructions 

parmesan cheese, shaved

PROCEDURE

1.  Season chicken breast halves with salt and pepper.  If chicken breasts are too thick, pound a little to ¼ inch thick.  Dredge in seasoned flour on both sides and shake off excess. 

2.  In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt butter and olive oil.  Add chicken and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden.  Remove and set aside. 

3.  Turn the heat to medium low. Add broth, lemon juice, heavy cream, and capers. Bring the sauce to a boil and return to medium low heat. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Allow the sauce to cook and bubble for about 3 minutes. 

4.  Serve the chicken over cooked pasta and spoon the sauce over both. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

PORK TENDERLOIN ROAST WITH ROMESCO SAUCE

Yield: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

250 grams  red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeds and membranes removed

350  grams tomatoes 

4  pcs large garlic cloves, peeled

½  cup  roasted almonds

1 to 2  tsp  red pepper flakes

¼ to ½ cup  extra virgin olive oil, as needed

1  Tbsp  fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1  tsp  paprika

  salt and pepper, to taste 

2  Tbsp  red wine

1 kg pork Tenderloin

salt and pepper, to taste

¼ cup olive oil

PREPARATION

Preheat the broiler and line the baking tray with foil. 

1. Place the tomatoes on the baking tray, and place under the broiler for two to four minutes, until charred on one side. Turn over and broil on the other side for another 2 to 4 minutes until charred. Remove from the heat, transfer to a bowl and allow to cool. Peel and core.

2. In a food processor, put in red peppers, tomatoes, garlic cloves, and roasted almonds. 

3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the olive oil in a slow steady stream. 

4. Add 2 tablespoons of red wine, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper. Process until smooth, thick, and creamy. NOTE: If it is too thick add 1 or 2 tablespoons of red wine.  If too thin, add olive oil, pulsing a few more times.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning, by adding salt or red pepper flakes as desired. Let the sauce stand for an hour at room temperature before using.

6. Meanwhile, generously season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.  Put in a roasting pan then line with aluminum foil.  Brush with olive oil and put in a 350℉ oven for 45 min to 1 hour.

7. To serve, slice pork tenderloin to 1/8-1/4 inches thick.  Arrange in a serving tray and pour Romesco sauce on top leaving some to serve on the side.  

A Product of the USA, Welch’s products are available in retail stores. To learn more about Welch’s Sparkling Juices and recipes, visit www.welchs.com or follow Welch's PH on FB and IG. You may also have Welch’s Sparkling Juices and other Welch’s juices delivered at your doorstep by visiting https://acefoodservice.com. Or place your order on the following online groceries: metromart.com, Lazmart, and waltermartdelivery.com.ph.

My husband loves to cook and I would be the one who'd be buying the cookware, cooking utensils, accessories, kitchenware, and everything related to cooking.  These days, I've been eyeing on cookware that works on all stovetops: Induction, Gas Electric, Ceramic, etc.  I've found a brand of cookware on my favorite e-commerce site, Shopee!  It's Maxflex Premium Stainless Steel Cookware!

When I purchase, I make sure that it's of good quality and then affordability.  I don't just look at the price tag and get the cheapest one in the market.  When I do an important purchase, I make sure that it's value-for-money, durable, and versatile. 

I've found all these qualities in all Masflex cookware!  To be specific, we've been eyeing on this Masflex Limited Edition 6 piece Premium Stainless Steel Cookware Set with 20 cm Casserole. 

16cm Premium Stainless Steel Saucepan with Glass Lid Perfect for cooking sauces such as gravy my kids' favorite. But you could also cook more than just sauces with this saucepan. When we usually reheat sauce-based food or fry in small batches, we also use this. It's very versatile! A saucepan is a must-have for us! Glad that this one comes with a tempered glass lid unlike others.

24cm Premium Stainless Steel Frypan with Glass Lid I don't know any family who doesn't fry their chicken or fish in cooking oil! Even if we have an air fryer, sometimes frying the old fashioned way gives additional flavor to the food! So this is another cookware must-have for us. Glad Masflex has this high-grade stainless steel frypan. More importantly, it comes with a tempered glass-lid that protects us from hot cooking oil splats.

20cm Premium Stainless Steel Casserole with Glass Lid Happy that there's a casserole with just the right size that comes with this set of cookware we're eyeing on Masflex's Official Shopee Store! And yes, it also comes with a tempered glass lid. Our family loves soup-based viands such as Sinigang, Nilagang Baka, and Tinola. For a family of 5, for me this is just a perfect size.

What I like about these are: 

• Made of heavy gauge quality stainless steel
• They have thick Tri-ply Encapsulated bottom for even heat distribution
• Ergonomically designed riveted stainless steel handle and knob
• It's safe to use, durable and will never rust
• They come with a tempered glass lid
• They work on all stovetops: Induction, Gas Electric, Ceramic, etc.
• It's easy to clean and dishwasher safe

Eco-friendly, reusable, washable Masflex White Apron

So for cookware and all other kitchenware and for the love of cooking, check out Masflex's Official Store on Shopee!  Happy Shopee-ng!

As kids attend school from home, it is important that they are able to continue learning and explore their creativity, even outside the virtual classroom. By exposing them to everything that sparks their interest, we can encourage them to bring their curiosity to life and keep them active.

In a first for McDonald’s Philippines, kids can look forward to having fun-filled afternoons with the return of the Kiddie Crew Workshop – now serving smiles and learnings online!

A well-beloved event of McDonald’s spanning over 29 years, kids and parents alike have looked forward to the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew every year, providing them with not only fun activities that impart values such as discipline and teamwork, but also precious bonding time together. 

In helping address kids’ needs as they continue to grow and explore the world around them, McDonald’s Philippines is once again bringing back the workshop in an exciting digital set-up. 

Spanning the weekends of November 20 to December 29, each McDonald’s Kiddie Crew online Workshop will be a 2-day session, each lasting 90 minutes in the afternoon.

Housed through a website, children will be guided as they go through a virtual McDonald’s store. Various points in the digital area will let children hop from one activity to another – from dancing, to singing, to playing fun games where they can learn more about the different Kiddie Crew values of discipline, hard work, teamwork, sharing & responsibility, and active play! Even better, attendees will also be accompanied by Ronald and the Gang throughout, making their online workshop experience even more exciting!

For a registration fee of only P499, customers will not only get access to the 2-day online workshop, but also a 1-day Workshop Meal (Happy Meal 1-pc. Chicken McDo with drink) and their very own Workshop Kit (Chef's Hat, Apron, Bag, and Cap) with a FREE Kiddie Crew T-Shirt and Lanyard!

“Since its launch in 1991, McDonald’s Kiddie Crew has become a well-loved and iconic summer workshop for kids all over the Philippines. With its virtual comeback, we’re happy to share this new— and first of its kind— experience where McDonald’s helps kids stay active, learn values, and build skills despite the online setup,” said Oliver Rabatan, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Channels.

Exciting games and lesson-filled activities await; experience fun and play with McDonald’s through the first-ever online Kiddie Crew Workshop!

Registration for the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop is now ongoing online. Visit www.mcdokiddiecrew.com to sign up your kid/s for a slot, view more information on the workshop, and even to purchase more goodies for you and your kids through the Kiddie Crew Shop.