Desperate for something green.

I kept thinking about Tagaytay, my favorite place in the Philippines. Whenever i feel sad, happy, or craving for solitude, I make it a point to spend my time either at Pink Sisters or at Brahma Kumaris to meditate, relax or just feel the cool breeze and fresh air. However, here in Dubai, everything is man-made. And right now it’s scorching hot and you can’t even inhale fresh air because it’s mostly humid. Trees aren’t swaying. They just stood there unnaturally frozen. I feel so sad most of the time. I am craving for nature so badly that I don’t have much choice but to visit parks. Don’t get me wrong. I love Dubai and it’s luxury and glamour, but if you are a nature lover like me, the only thing you’ll appreciate in this city is the beach. That is the closest nature feels you can get.

So since I am talking about parks here, I wanted to show you how beautiful they are, even if they are purely unnatural.

Barsha Pond Park 

I love this park so much. There’s a running track for joggers, a pond, basketball court, tennis court and playground for kids. A few benches to sit on if you feel like reading a book,  relaxing or listening to music. My favorite spot here is facing the pond while pigeons try to give you company when lonely. It’s so nice here especially if you feel like wanting solitude and just think and ponder on some things.

Internet City Park

Nothing quite special about this place but there’s a nice small pond too and a few benches to sit on if you feel like blogging or writing something. A perfect place to read as well. It is mostly a hangout for geeks who work there inside Internet City.

 

Media City Park

Same thing here. People who work inside Media City usually spend their time just relaxing. Perfect place to jog and have picnics.

 

The Greens 

I spend most of my evenings here to jog, think, or read a book. It’s just a 10 minute walk from our flat. this is a park where you can walk your dogs, do your yoga asanas, and hang out at coffee shops nearby.

More places to share. It’s summer here so most of us just prefer staying inside our flat because the heat is too unbearable already. 🙂

Prevent Hair Loss: Dabur Amla Shampoo Replacement Review

I am having serous hair dilemma!

Since I arrived in Dubai last month, I am losing almost a hundred strands of hair a day and it’s getting way out of hand. I have fine hairs and the problem with this is that if I tend to lose more hairs, I’d definitely have bald patches in my head, which isn’t a good sight believe me. In desperation to find some solution for this, I started doing research online and found out that it’s actually the water in Dubai that’s causing so much hair fall for women and men alike. The harmful chlorine added to the full blast air conditioning of flats are creating serious damage to our scalp and losing it’s natural moisture. Now I have figured that the best solution is to start using Paraben free hair products and also buy a filter to hook it up in the shower head to prevent some serious hair fall scare.

Dabur Shampoo Replacement 

Review:

the creamy lather feels so light in my scalp and I know that it’s mild and won’t cause any harmful effects because it isn’t too strong. The Indian Gooseberry or popularly known in the UAE as Amla,  helps with hair growth and makes the hair really lustrous and strong. The Amla fruit has a Carotene and iron component which is a natural anti-oxidant. Now I decided to use this instead of the regular shampoo to help with hair loss treatment that i’ll be doing for the next few months. I mean this is pretty serious and I miss my old hair. I am still getting used to this DXB culture thing and making a lot of adjustments. Apart from the mild feel, I also love the scent as it is not too overpowering compared to the traditional shampoos we use. What I love here in Dubai is that you’ll find a lot of affordable organic products. I love shopping at Carrefour because they always carry affordable stuff in there.

So if you are a Kabayan (most of Filipinos are being called Kabayan here) and you are new in Dubai, I suggest to use this product because you’ll be losing so much hair like me. You’ll see a lot of people here balding and some have bald patches which looks really horrible especially if you are a woman.

More product review soon. I am missing Philippines already!

 

Early Sunday Mornings Become Brighter with Wazzup Pilipinas Radio

There is truth to the old adage that the early bird catches the worm since several studies have also correlated waking up early with success. It seems success could easily be attained when an individual maintains the habit of beating the sunrise to eagerly start his daily adventures feeling refreshed, highly energized and with renewed enthusiasm.

Most successful people are those who get a head start on the day by knocking out tasks before the rest of the world, especially their peers and competitors, has rolled out of bed. They are the go-getters who want to work longer hours but still have enough time for their personal lives too. The biographies of history’s greatest men would reveal that most of them were early risers. “They were men of action who had things to do and people to see. They couldn’t dilly dally under the covers.”

Early risers can be more productive, successful, and calm. They are happier, healthier and more productive than night owls. Normally, those who are punctual and are never late for work, events, meetings, and other gatherings and activities, often get the biggest opportunity because not only do they gain the admiration of their superiors and peers for their punctuality, they often send across the message that they are highly reliable, resourceful and organized.

Since traffic congestion has become a normal scenario nowadays, giving it as an excuse for being late no longer counts as an acceptable reason. Early risers have a habit of making their way to their destinations even before they get caught in a jam. They avoid such hassles because they plan ahead so that even before all the rest of the PUVs and private cars congest the streets of Metro Manila, they’ve already managed to mark the most convenient routes to reach their target destinations.

Now, there are more reasons to wake up early even on Sunday mornings. Wazzup Pilipinas Radio has been regularly on air on a weekly basis every Sunday at 6 to 7 am, and has proudly topped all the rest of the early morning radio shows during that time. The radio show has been airing live on DZRJ 810 AM and livestreaming on 8Trimedia Network’s social media pages via YouTube: http://bit.ly/2sDn0dU and via Facebook Live: http://bit.ly/2sDTe8L

Hosted by the Pambansang Blogger Ross Del Rosario, with co-hosts Master Pogi David D’Angelo, Millennial Momshie Sarah Muyco, and Ate ng Bayan Ayla De Joya,

South Girl goes to Dubai!

Leggings (Forever 21)  Top (random finds) White sneakers (Converse) Sunglasses (Rayban) Charlie Chapman backpack (Flea market in Dubai)

 

With my sister  at Souk Al Bahar

DUBAI.

A breeding ground for rich people. Dubai is so beautiful that I literally went speechless as soon as I stepped in tthe airport. All the places look immaculately clean. Everything is so modern that even the parking lot is automated  when you pay for your slot. A driverless Metro as it is programmed in between stops makes everything so easy and convenient to travel. Now I know why so many Filipinos are enjoying their life here. If you are determined and goal driven, youll get rich really quick here.  I met one filipino  who already owns an Aston Martin in just 3 years of working here in Dubai. Amazing isn’t it?

More things to tell about this place soon. In the meantime, I’ll be busy helping my sister for her wedding. I’m still thinking of considering to relocate because this place is just so pretty and full of wonderful opportunities. I’ll keep you posted.

 

 

 

 

Help Lavinia Battle Chronic Kidney Disease

Her name is Maria Lavina Cajoles. She looks strong and vibrant but deep inside she is bruised, fighting a battle that not ordinary women have. A year ago, Lav is diagnosed with what we call as Chronic Kidney Disease or commonly called CKD. A person with CKD has kidney whose function gradually becomes impaired. In its advanced stage, electrolytes and wastes can build up in the body making one’s body weak. There will be complications like anemia, weak bones, and even nerve damage. Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of the kidney damage, usually by controlling the underlying cause. Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant. 

Most people don’t have any symptoms early in the disease. Once the disease progresses, the symptoms can include feeling tired, feeling weak, loss of appetite, not sleeping, not thinking clearly and swelling of the feet and ankles. The most common causes of CKD are high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Chronic kidney disease can also be caused by infections or urinary blockages. Today, as Lav takes the battle field to the next level, she finds comfort in knowing that she is never alone in her fight. The fact that people she doesn’t personally know care about her gives her strength. Currently, Lav is an active member of Life Saving Shirts wherein the group sells shirts for a cause not only for Lav but also for other patients who are fighting the battle of CKD. Support Lav in her battle by visiting the fan page of Life Saving Shirts.

Place an order via https://www.facebook.com/thelifesavingshirts/

Divatress fabulous wigs for that reinvention!

—This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine–

The downside of aging is that apart from your metabolism slowing down and skin losing it’s elasticity, our hair starts to lose it’s vibrance and slowly thinning. At age 35, I realized that my hair is approaching doomsday. As much as I wanted to grow my hair long again, whenever it reaches down to my shoulders it looks so limp and lifeless. I have to admit that I haven’t been really nice to it because I’ve been coloring my hair and putting all sorts of hair products resulting to having damaged and unhealthy strands.

I decided to let my hair breathe for once. I snipped a few inches and stopped putting chemicals to it until it grows back from it’s original color and texture. Being a blogger, I am always on the lookout for solutions online. One thing that came to mind is purchasing a wig that would really look natural when worn.  In our country the Philippines, it’s quite rare for someone to sport a wig unless you’ll be attending a social gathering or a VIP party, so you’ll seldom find a good wig to buy at a department store or malls. The good thing about the internet is that it gives you an avenue of information. Good thing I stumbled upon this website DIVATRESS offering beauty products from wigs, hair care and styling products, hair accessories, and styling tools.

The Model Model Hair Weave is perfect for my temporary hair dilemma and these are my personal picks

 

DIVATRESS is a leading E Commerce company and they are known for their popular all natural looking wigs. You’ll enjoy the wide selections of styles from curly, wavy, pixie cut, and shoulder length hair with bangs. A lot of beauty stylists go to this website to order wigs for models too (based on my personal research). You can tell just by the name that it’s totally perfect for us women with a lot of swag!

If you are trying to grow your hair long or if you don’t like the style of your hair now, feel free to browse through their website and yo;u’ll be amazed of the fabulous styles they offer. Fast delivery and very efficient customer service!

I am craving for that reinvention and this is it!!!!!

 

An 80’s concept cafe in Makati: VC Cafe

You’ll find a lot of coffee shops on each and every corner of Makati. From the main road along Ayala up to the most hidden streets of  Salcedo Village.  These cafes are your typical commercialized ones like Starbucks or CBTL and only a few unique themed ones.. If you wanted to try out something different that would remind you of your childhood days (that is if you”re an 80’s kid) a new cafe has just opened to the public. It will definitely bring back old memories.

Venture Capital Cafe just opened a few weeks.  A super awesome hang out for yuppie s and students alike. Feel that 80’s vibe while sipping macvhiato and enjoying a Napoloeones for desserts. 

 There are so many desserts to choose from and the awesome thing is that they have a personal chef who makes them. I can’t get enough of their chocolate mousse cake. Their blueberry yoghurt tea is for the win. 

The grand opening was a success. Food bloggers, people from the media also attended the said event. 
After work should be a time for relaxing and since this is situated in Ayala, it is a perfect meeting place for those who would want to relax and read a book or a manga, play cards or anything they wish to do to unwind.

Check out VC Cafe located at the back of RCBC Plaza at Don Chua Lamko  Building. 100 LP Leviste st corner Dela Costa st, Salcedo Village Makati.

Like their Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/VentureCafe

Open everyday from 6am to 12am Midnight. 

A different kind of fun run: Color Manila Blacklight Run 2017

It’s the Holi Festival where the concept of color run first came into existence.

“The festival has many purposes. First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colours and saying farewell to winter. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating events present in Hinduism. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw coloured powder at each other, and celebrate wildly. . . . The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit,”

-Source: www.ccithink.com

Good thing we have our own here in the Philippines! I always think that fun runs are quite boring, especially to someone like me who’s not into sports. I love Color Manila’s concept where you run with a lot of fun, literally!

PRESS RELEASE:

May 3, 2017 – Manila: COLOR MANILA just launched its CM Blacklight Run Tour at F1 Hotel, located at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig recently. The launch announced its 3-city tour for the CM Blacklight Run, covering Manila, Bacolod and Davao City; which will be held May 27, June 3 and August 12, 2017, respectively.
“We created the CM Blacklight Run Tour so that our followers can have the option of signing up for all three events, and give them the opportunity to experience the most colorful night run in the country today. Thus, more than just enjoying the run with your friends, you’re also able to see more of the Philippines,” says Justine Cordero, VP of COLOR MANILA.
The CM Blacklight Run in Manila, which will be held in Filinvest City, Alabang, on May 27, 2017, is targeting 12,000 runners. This was also the total number of runners they had during their earlier event this year, which celebrated COLOR MANILA’S fifth year – called CMR5.
Participants for this run may choose between four (4) race categories, 3K, 5K, 10K and the 6K Challenger category. They also have the option of choosing between 3 types of kits – the Deluxe kit, the Rockstar kit, and the 6K Blacklight Challenger kit.
The Deluxe kit, priced at Php950, includes a drifit shirt, headlamp, race bib, color packet and finisher’s medal. While the Rockstar kit, priced at Php1,500, includes a drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, drawstring bag, foldable water bottle, face paint tube, color packet and finisher’s medal. The 6K Blacklight Challenger kit, priced at Php2,000, includes two (2) drifit shirts, race bib, headlamp, drawstring bag, foldable water bottle, face paint tube, color packet and the finisher’s medal.

Race kit claiming will be from May 23 – 27, 2017 at 2nd Level, Node Expansion, Festival Mall, Alabang, from 10am-7pm.
The CM Blacklight Bacolod leg on the other hand, is set to take place on June 3, 2017, at The District North Point, Bacolod City. While the CM Blacklight Davao leg, is scheduled to take place on August 12, 2017, at SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

Participants for both CM Blacklight Bacolod and Davao can choose between three race finishes – the 3K, 5K and 10K categories and can choose between the Deluxe, Rockstar and Superstar kits. The Deluxe kit is priced at Php750, with the kit containing singlet, prop, race bib, drawstring bag, finisher’s medal and color packet. The Rockstar kit, priced at Php1,050, comes with drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, drawstring bag, color packet and finisher’s medal. The Superstar kit, priced at Php1,500, comes with drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, 3 drawstring bags, headwear, CM sticker, color packet and finisher’s medal.

By the way, I had so much fun during the Presscon coz I won a laptop case the raffle!

Registration is ongoing at http://www.colormanila.com and SM Tickets counters.

For Manila leg, registration may also be done via Runnr (Trinoma, ATC, BHS), Second Wind and Toby’s (Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall branches). For CM Blacklight Bacolod leg, registration is already ongoing at Planet Sports at Robinson’s Place Bacolod. And for CM Blacklight Davao leg, registration via Chris Sports SM Lanang Premier Mall and Toby’s Abreeza Mall Davao would start June 1, 2017.

Check out this video and see what fun awaits you!

 

 

An affordable All-You-Can eat in Pampanga: Chef Laudico’s Feast

Food can be deadly. I have proved this statement to be true. I was hospitalized for a month and it’s because of eating too much meat with the lack of fruits and vegetables. I suffered from stomach pains for the past couple of months and I’ve been ignoring the symptoms of a gallstone forming in my bile ducts. So I ended up rushing myself to the emergency room last March and had a Gallstone removal surgery.

I remembered I had several food reviews and I think this could also be the main reason for these gallstones sneakily forming without me being aware of it.

The last food review that triggered my excruciating stomach pain is the Grand Launch of Chef Laudico’s Feast at SM Clark. I am definitely not blaming this event because really, their food is super amazingly delicious!  I actually tried all the dishes with no guilt feeling. Guilt was the last thing on my mind. All I ever cared that time is to satisfy my cravings.

 

I always feel so overwhelmed whenever I see a lot of dishes in front of me. I guess maybe that’s why I’m not a fan of buffets because I have the tendency to lose my appetite if I’m seeing too much food. However, during the event, I decided not to eat breakfast and lunch just to prepare my tummy for stuffing loads of meat.

I did started with the main course without caring too much about appetizers. Here are some of the food I’ve tried.

 

I had too much of crabs and shrimps because those were the food I seldom eat. But again, I would always look forward to desserts as usual.

Can you believe that all food is prepared with no MSG? Everything is traditionally made without shortcuts. All their ingredients are sourced here in the Philippines and they make sure that everything is fresh, from their vegetables and fruits.

What I love about this celebrity chef couple is that they do their cooking with passion and a lot of love. They are even risk takers knowing that Pampanga is a home of good cooks and there are a lot of competitions around them.

Come visit Chef Laudico’s  Feast at SM Clark Pampanga and experience Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Filipino dishes all served fresh.

Here are their rates:

For weekend lunch, adults pay only 499. For kids it’s only 249

For dinner, adults pay only 599. For kids it’s only 299

For weekends, adults pay only 699. For kids it’s only 349

 

 

Allianz PNB Life Backs National Youth Futsal Cup

Allianz PNB Life in cooperation with the Henry Moran Foundation and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) will be holding the National Youth Futsal Cup on May 6, Saturday, 7am to 5pm, at the University of Asia and the Pacific. The event will mark the beginning of the selection process for the Philippines’ participation to the Allianz Junior Football Camp (AJFC).

(Clockwise) Gae Martinez, Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer; Rei Abrazaldo, Allianz PNB Life Branding Communications and Digital Director; Ake Pastoral, Philippine Football Federation National Grassroots Officer; and Danny Moran, Henry Moran Foundation President.

 Allianz, the official partner of FC Bayern Munich, is host to an annual international football camp held in Munich, Germany. The camp gives teenagers (between the ages of 14-16) from across the world a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with the FC Bayern Munich coaches. This is the first year Allianz PNB Life will be sponsoring five male players from the friendly tournament to the AJFC to be held this July in Bali, Indonesia. Two winners out of the five players will be given the chance to represent the Philippines in the global camp this year in Munich, Germany.