A Fit, Toned and Wonderful Holiday Season from FTW Magazine

FTW Magazine First Issue

I've been wanting to visit Reebok Megamall ever since I learned that I was chosen as FTW Magazine's letter sender for its maiden issue featuring Nikki Gil. FTW's first issue was entitled The Curves Challenge: Get Your Fitness Regimen Started Sans The Intimidating Gym Hardcores. To be picked as FTW magazine's letter sender for its first-ever issue is already mind-blowing awesome! (Yipeee!!!) Then to be awarded with the Reebok kicks of my choice is the cherry on top of my chocolate cake.


So after all the holiday buzz (well actually it ain't over yet because New Year is just a few days away), well let's just say one afternoon after finishing my day's chores, the family and I went to visit Reebok Megamall.

2011 U.S. Potato Board's (USPB) Thanksgiving Dinner featuring US Frozen Potato Creations by Chef Myrna Segismundo of Restaurant 9501

USPB Thanksgiving Dinner Restaurant 9501

"Thank You": Two words that are most often forgotten. We don’t usually celebrate Thanksgiving here in the Philippines but we have so many ways we can show our gratitude for all the blessings we receive throughout the year with our fiestas and holiday celebrations.

The holiday spirit arrived early this year during the Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the U.S. Potato Board (USPB). Thanks to NomNom Club, I was privileged to be invited by the USPB to celebrate with them what they are thankful for this year. There are three things to be thankful for during the USPB Thanksgiving dinner.

BPI launches BPI Cards Wonderworld to make Online Shopping Fantastic, Amazing and Safe

Welcome to BPI Cards Wonderworld

On November 8, 2011, BPI started the week right after the long weekend with its launching of its BPI eCredit card and My ePrepaid card. I am a BPI subscriber and I have a BPI savings account and another BPI cash card. My BPI cash card is very handy especially for handling my ebay store payment transactions because wiring money through BPI anywhere in the Philippines is free.

Passion for Rugby and Soccer Transpires Any Language

Look for Promotional Coupons on Rugby

While tutoring English online, I discovered that several of my male students like talking about soccer and rugby during our free conversation time. For me this can pose a challenge because I am not naturally a sports fan. Yet, even though it may not come naturally to me I still find these two sports very interesting especially after reading the news about the 2011 World Cup Soccer and 2011 Rugby World Cup. Thus, I end up contributing something about the subject even if it was just by asking questions.

Revlon Professional Philippines 2011 Make-Over Results

Amazing what a hair make-over can do to boost your self-esteem and make you feel like a queen (for a day at least). 

(Photo courtesy of Revlon Professionals Facebook Page/Photo taken by Magic Liwanag. Check out his website www.magicliwanag.com) 

This is my favorite Revlon Professionals photo. Special thanks to one of the upcoming professional photographers in the country, Mr. Denise Viña)

What could be better than an action shot. Revlon Professioanals CEO Ms. Vicky Lim and I while talking about the favorite topic of the day "Taking Care of Your Hair - The Revlon Professional Way".

Do I normally smile while I get my hair done? No, not really but somebody was taking my picture while professional photographer, Denise Viña captured this Revlon Professional photo of mine. My favorite past time when I have to stay for long hours in the salon - watching a movie or listening to an audio book in my iPod.

Short bio about the phtographer: Denise Viña graduated culinary arts in 2009 at the De La Salle - College Of Saint Benilde. He worked as a Line Cook in 2 restaurants. Denise Viña started taking up Photography in the same school in 2010. Currently he specializes in Fashion photography, Photojournalism, Events, and food. 

Watch a short videoRevlon Professionals (Philippines) demonstrates how the Revlon Hair Spray can help you fix your hair any way you like it and not worry about tangled hair after. Plus it does not leave any sticky feeling on your hands. Revlon Professional Product Demonstration is brought to you by my hairstylist for the day and her model.

My Revlon Professional Philippines Make-over and Blogger Event 2011

This Semtember 2011, Revlon Professional Philippines opened its doors to bloggers and several media personnel for a first-hand experience of professional hair treatment and coloring done courtesy of Revlon Professional Philippines hair educators.

Three Revlon Professional treatments were available to choose from namely hair color and treatment; hair color and highlights and scalp treatment and haircut.

Find out what I chose by clicking "Read more"...

Isabeli Fontana - 2011 Autumn Image Model for Mango: First Pics

Isabeli Fontana for Mango 2011

For the Mango 2011 autumn collection, the Spanish firm has chosen model Isabeli Fontana as their new image to represent the fashion brand. Isabeli Fontana represents the woman Mango Fashion wants to dress: independent, working and urban.

New Mango Stores in the Philippines 2011

MANGO Fashion has opened a store in Newport Mall, Pasay City in May 2011.  The store, having a sales area of 232 sq m, has a store front made of full height glass with a three-dimensional  MANGO signage.  There is a "Lamella" slotted wall at the back of the show window in warm grey finish. Mango decided to use the WABI furniture concept to give value to its garments display wherein the container gives way to the content. You can expect a clean, functional and versatile environment unified by natural color shown on the flooring, walls and ceiling of the store. The contrast comes from the different materials textures.


Excited to see what the Mango Newport Mall Store looks like from the inside, click read more...

Mango Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection Campaign In Paris

Kate Moss and Terry Richardson

This is a post in support of the Mango Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection of the Spanish international fashion brand, Mango. Recently a short film starring British supermodel, Kate Moss, and international photographer, Terry Richardson, was launched for the Mango Autumn/Winter 2011 Campaign. 

Watch the Mango short film at the end of this post.

Vote for Shamcey Supsup in the 2011 Miss Universe Online Poll

If it means putting the Philippines in the beauty pageant arena map for this year's 2011 Miss Universe Online Poll then I am proud to make this post as a sign of support to a fellow countrymen.

Vote for Miss Shamcey Supsup for the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant

For the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant, the candidate who tops the 2011 Miss Universe Online Poll will be automatically joining the roster for the Top 16 in the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant that will happen in Sau Paulo, Brazil.

Let's prove to the whole world how powerful social media is here in the Philippines and exercise the value of bayanihan by voting for Miss Shamcey Supsup in the 2011 Miss Universe Online Poll.

Here are the steps for the 2011 Miss Universe Online Poll:

Search for the Blogger Apprentice 2011: The Magic 6

When I first saw Mr. Jonel Uy's search for the Blogger Apprentice 2011 I know I saw an opportunity I cannot pass. Aside from the obvious benefits I will get from the program such as to be an apprentice for an established blogger such as Mr. Uy and to be working with peers who are as invested as I am to the craft I love, I know that Blogger Apprentice 2011 is a chance of a lifetime. When I applied for the Blogger Apprenticeship Program of Mr. Jonel Uy, my goal is to be part of a team that will be significant to my journey in reaching the excellence and quality I aspire to achieve as a blogger for my chosen niche. I would like to be part of a team that will support each other in reaching a common goal.

Ia Adam Lim: One of the Top 6 for the Search for Blogger Apprentice 2011

Mr. Jonel Uy of www.bloggermanila.com

Some of the Blogger Apprentice 2011 Candidates: Batch 1 and 2

I understand my two cents here can be interpreted in many ways but let me tell you in black and white what exactly I mean. I want to work interdependently with other bloggers. To differentiate the terms let me give a few scenarios. A general notion for bloggers is that bloggers work independently from each other. That bloggers are like lone cowboys since the blogger is the writer, editor, publisher, proofreader of his or her own online journal. But as the number of bloggers grew, groups and cliques were formed. It started as small groups at first joined by a common interest like food, beauty, fashion, travel and the list can go on. The relationship in turn have become dependent to each other for some R&R's (retweets and reposts) and other forms of support to promote the now blogger friends online.

Bloggers Apprentice's Magic 6 Announcement & Thanksgiving Dinner

Blogger Apprentice's Magic 6 Announcement & Thanksgiving Dinner

But the relationship does not stop there, new bloggers are added each day and now there is a ballooning number of newbies who needs direction. However, I think the blogging arena in the Philippines (and I claim this as my opinion only and not as a fact) is at its entropy stage. There is disorder because there is a need to unify different thoughts that started as independent ideas. Naturally conflict arises because there are too many variables to consider. However, in an interdependent relationship, it is one that is "dynamic of being mutually and physically responsible to, and sharing a common set of principles with others".

The Top 5 (in random order) of the Bloggers Apprentice 2011 Magic 6

The Top 5 (in random order) of the Bloggers Apprentice 2011 Magic 6

The Top 5 (in random order) of the Bloggers Apprentice 2011 Magic 6

And I think we need to give bloggers its time to evolve; to grow; to modify and to adapt. Then again will the time bloggers need to become a unified system be enough to answer the urgent matters and different pressing issues that have to be solved right away? Because from where I see it, what makes bloggers successful is also the same thing that weakens it. There are just too many people with different ideas (and sometimes too loud ideas) that we cannot hear each other anymore. Just like in a normal conversation, no communication can be achieved if everybody is talking at the same time. I can point out several current issues to enumerate these pressing concerns but then again my abstractions will be chaotic as well with no direction.

Some of the Girl Candidates of Bloggers Apprentice 2011 (From left to right: Krystele; ia adam lim; Larizza and Sugar) including Jonel Uy (middle)

And for me that is what the Blogger Apprentice I signed up for is all about. I know its time for me to listen and I want to listen to somebody who is learned. To grow personally and vicariously together with a mentor and other apprentices. It will take a different kind of maturity and preparation; a higher level of conviction and another angle of perception to be an apprentice. An apprentice is defined as:

a. A person "bound by indenture to serve another for a prescribed period with a view to learning an art or trade"

b: one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling

I would like to emphasize the keywords in these apprentice definitions which are "to serve"; "to learn an art and trade" and lastly "practical experience". And yes I want to learn this trade; this art which is also my calling. And I want to learn to do it right because I know I have a responsibility for the next bloggers to show them also the standard it requires to be an established and reputable blogger.

Lastly, I would like to commend my husband who is also a blogger in his own league. I now appreciate why it takes a long time for him to make a post in his blog http://itszhahnnotjeen.blogspot.com/ and that is because something good cannot be rushed. Just like wine, it takes its sweet time to age and mature.

Jappy Lim of http://itszhahnnotjeen.blogspot.com

The search for the next Blogger Apprentice 2011 is not yet over. Tonight, the top 3 will be chosen from the Magic 6 bloggers. The Magic 6 will meet at 7pm dinner in Zong Eton, Centris after the 2nd Blogger Fiesta Manila 2011 before going to the Gran Prix Hotel in Quezon City for the final challenge.

Just as entropy happens, homeostasis follows. I am super excited and nervous at the same time for the Final Challenge of the Blogger Apprentice 2011. I would like to put up a good and evena great fight for the Blogger Apprentice slot because I know it will be worth it.

Ia Adam-Lim at the Bloggers Apprentice 2011 Magic 6

If your interested to join the 2012 Search for the Blogger Apprentice, you can check out updates at http://www.bloggermanila.com/.

Sources:
Interdependence: definition retrieved August 20, 2011 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdependence

Apprentice: Definition retrieved August 20, 2011 from
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apprentice

Photos Courtesy of:
Bloggers Apprentice's Magic 6 Announcement & Thanksgiving Dinner by Ria
Hazel Lumandog of http://www.sugarsmile.blogspot.com retrievedAugust 20, 2011 from
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150341993992429.395347.738677428&type=1

I hope to hear about your thoughts about the Search for Blogger Apprentice. Feel free to voice out what you think and what you feel for a Blogger Apprentice Program.

Catwoman of the Dark Knight Rises (First Look and Movie Trailer)

I have an entirely different post I had to write for today but after seeing the first look of the third sequel of the Batman movie, the Dark Knight Rises, I decided I have waited for this movie long enough it's just have to be my first post of the day!

(Anne Hathaway: First Look of Catwoman in the Dark Knight Rises)

(Anne Hathaway: First Look of Catwoman in the Dark Knight Rises)

For the third sequel of the Dark Knight movie, the original cast under Christopher Nolan's direction namely: Christian Bale (Dark Knight), Gary Oldman (Lt. James Gordon), Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) and Michael Caine (Alfred) will be joined by new characters like Anne Hathaway (Catwoman), Joseph Gordon Levitt (John Blake), Marion Cotillard (Miranda Tate) and Tom Hardy (Bane).

Eversince I first saw Catwoman in the television series of Batman played by actress Julie Newmar I know I will have a long standing admiration for this beautiful villain. Since then several actresses followed her footsteps and one who wished she didn't take the role (cough cough Halle Berry). In fairness to Halle Berry she accepted her Worst Actress Award in person and acknowledged the fact that the movie did not stand at par to her credibility as an Academy Award winner. Berry's Catwoman version received a rotten tomato standing of 10% and an audience rating of 34% ,

So let's go back to the good if not great and legendary Catwoman versions. Julie Newmar set up the standard of what we should expect from Catwoman, which is somebody who has beauty and brains (in real-life Newmar graduated at the age of 15) albeit a distorted character. She is one of those few villains I just find hard to hate. Similar to the story of most villains, a tragic incident forced Catwoman to think and do the unimaginable and take on her darker side.

My respect for the character deepened after Michelle Pfeiffer potrayed the vixen villain in the 1992 Batman movie "Batman returns". The chemistry among the characters especially between Penguin and Catwoman was just demented. Who could forget that scene where Catwoman literally swallows Penguin's (well I don't know how else to say this...) "bird" (Oh you know what I mean!)? Wasn't that scene full of tension (well for me sexual tension)? And that for me was one of the memorable scenes where I began to appreciate villains and the complexity of their personalities which in turn I think gave rise to villains you just love to be bad like the Joker (Heath Ledger), the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and many more.

Anne Hathaway is not my first choice in mind for the character of Catwoman. I will be biased about this but I think Angelina would have played the role better (Doesn't Newmar and Jolie have a similar sinister look in the pictures below or is it just my imagination!). But then come to think of it Jolie being too popular and those signature lips would have made Jolie the center of attention rather than Catwoman. Just by looking at those lips behind the mask I mean who wouldn't recognize that!

Julie Newmar (First Catwoman/1960's Batman Television Series)

(Angelina Jolie in leather)

My vote actually goes to Underworld Star, Kate Beckinsale. I mean she has already proven that she can wear a black leather jumpsuit be drop-dead gorgeous and do her physical stunts. And she is the perfect height (not too tall)!But alas, that will all be wishful thinking now.

So just like all Catwoman fans out there plus a gigantic expectation since the last Dark Knight movie, I am sure everyone following this trilogy are all excited to see the first look of the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises Warner Brother movie.

Enjoy!

Being A Nuffnang Blogger is the Hottest Thing Since Stuffed Crust Pizza was Invented

My family and I went had stuffed crust pizza from Pizza hut last week after a whole week of rain and stormy days. My husband and I talked about the status of our blogs and how much it had open opportunities for us.

I first learned about Nuffnang while looking for ways to earn through my blogging but I heard about how cool it was to be a Nuffnang blogger from my food blogger friends particularly from Darryl Villena of http://www.deiville.info/. I was excited to hear from her the prizes, perks and privileges (3 P's) she has received from blogging different topics and products posted by Nuffnang for its bloggers. Hence, informally I call these 3 P's is the reason why being a Nuffnang blogger is the next hottest thing. It's a win-win arrangement both for the advertisers and for the bloggers. It also makes us remember what blogging is all about which is giving H.O.T. (honest, open and trusted) opinions about something that we have experienced and witnessed about almost everything under the sun.

Now going back to my dinner with family, as we savor our stuffed crust pizza meal and enjoy the 50% promo discount of the day which happened to be Caesar salad and mushroom soup, it was good to reminisce how blogging has actually shaped my life. And now hopefully, as a H.O.T. Nuffnang blogger, I have more stories to share to keep my writing on fire.



Pizza Hut now offers Hot on the Dot Pizza deliveries: 30 minutes AND hot (as indicated by the thermally activated sticker you place on the pizza box upon receiving your pizza) or your pizza is FREE!

Dial 911-11-11 if you want your pizzas Hot on the Dot!

Captain America: The First Avenger (Movie Review in the Philippines)

I was able to watch the Captain America: The First Avenger in big screen during the blocked screening of Captain America at the Mall of Asia last Friday July 29, 2011 courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/captamericaph and http://www.theavengersassembled.com/.


Before the movie started, the guests of the screening were entertained by different cosplayers with their colorful costumes and animated poses. Since the invitees were priveleged to bring guests, I brought a friend of mine who in turn brought her two-year old child. Children and adults alike enjoyed the cosplayers especially the ones who were dressed as Captain America.


As for the movie, it started almost on time which is good compared to other exclusive premiers or screenings I have been attending so far.




I would like to give my ratings for Captain America: the First Avenger movie using three criteria namely: length of movie; plot and actors.

The movie runs for 2 hours which I think is just enough time to cover the story. It was not too long for me nor was it too short. The movie was able to cover the important parts of how Steve Rogers became the "Captain America" and his first nemesis, the Red Skull.

As for the plot, I find the screenplay honestly close to the comics which is good because it showed respect for the humble beginnings of this all American hero. I really like the script and the message it implies. From the movie, audience will appreciate that strength and brute may force people to do one's bidding but character is still the best when it comes to making impressionable change.

As for the characters of the story, I had my apprehension when Chris Evans was cast as Captain America since he came out already as Johnny Storm or as the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movie. That now changed because I think this is one of his movies where he will be remembered especially when The Avengers movie comes out next year. My husband and I were talking and he said that the Captain America movie is comparable to the first Iron Man movie which made fans want to have a sequel. I also liked Tommy Lee Jones playing Colonel Chester Phillips. He gave the character a sarcastic but funny impression of a an army man who wants to win a war but at the same time in tuned with the reality of the resources he only has. I remember the part when Captain America asked if Colonel Phillips has a plan for rescuing the POW's and he said "Yes, and its called winning the war". Colonel Chester Phillips was trying not to be pessimistic but at the same time he was brutally blunt and frank of the situation the troops were currently in. And who could forget Colonel Chester Phillips' response when Captain America received his goodbye kiss from the beautiful Peggy Carter while trying to catch Red Skull's plane. Everyone gave a short chuckle with his comment "I'm not kissing you.". That remark made the ultimate cliche "one last kiss scene" not so cliche anymore.


Ultimately, I think the movie was well-cast and I wouldn't want to change anything else. Even the kids in the movie house watching with us seem to be really enjoying the movie because you can hear them react to some of the scenes with laughter and gasps.

Below is the review my friend made. She is not a professional movie reviewer but she is definitely a consumer and this is what she has to say about her experience:

Great movie! It has exceeded my expectations. The visuals are very exciting and full of surprises. I have been waiting for this Captain America movie for a while now... With two Ironman movies already done and this Captain America I have just watched, I think I missed on the Thor movie. Which I have not seen yet...

The actors did a remarkable performance with substance for their characters esp Chris Evans. It was amazing how they made Chris Evans look so small... Then he felt 'taller'... The evaporating (if I may call it) people getting hit by the secret weapon would realistically be impossible - is it...? But I guess with the Red Skull and Howard Stark, we never know. At least, I now know when to use FONDUE in a sentence... haha!

I wish movie-goers would realize that if your in the theater, you do not use your mobile phone... I can see additional lighting from the mobile phone of the front row. Should I have tossed popcorn (or stones) at them? hmmm...! There were also other mumbling behind us... Oh well...

With a historic background starting from the beginning, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Until the story progresses into the action figure, and a true American hero. With a touch of laughter here and there!

Stay after the credits to see the trailer of the upcoming Avengers movie! I may say I'm really excited and I'm looking forward to the sequel next summer!


Again thank you so much to the organizers of the Captain America: The First Avengers Block Screening http://www.theavengersassembled.com/ and more power to you.

Till the next post...

The Wuds: 28th Anniversary Celebration in Concert At the Park

This post is a repost of an invitation sent by NPDC to me with a few research about The Wuds.


Bobby Balingit (guitar/vocals), Alfred Guevara (bass guitar/vocals) and Aji Adriano (drums), collectively known as The Wuds, celebrate the 28th anniversary of the formation of their band in Concert at the Park, this Sunday, July 24, 2011, starting at 5:00 p.m. Venue is the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium, Manila. Ms. Minette Padilla is program host. Admission is free.

Wuds’ program line-up, this Sunday, is as follows: SA LOOB NG GULONG (Guevara); TRAFFIC (Balingit); LOOBAN (Guevara); SARANGGOLA SA DILIM (Balingit); TAONG HAYOP (Guevara); TRI CORDI JOE (Balingit); SAMPAGUITA (Balingit); GERA (Balingit); SAYANG ANG ORAS (Balingit); RADIO FRIENDLY (Guevara); WE (JUST LIKE BEFORE); NO EXCUSES (Guevara); AT NAKALIMUTAN ANG DIYOS (Balingit); and INOSENTE LANG ANG NAGTATAKA (Balingit).

Admission to Concert at the Park is free of charge. The public is cordially invited.

A little background about The Wuds,

According to the online registry of Filipino Musical Artists, The Wuds is a punk band consisting of Bobby Balingit on vocals, Adji Alejandro on drums, Alfred Guevarra on bass. The band's first album was entitled "Fatal Response" which was released in 1985.

Apparently they also have a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/thewuds. According to their page, "The Wuds were among the first — and most influential — punk rock bands in the Philippines. In the early ’80s, punk bands began to form in the Philippines as economic woes and political unrest started to fuel a burgeoning underground scene. The Wuds, along with Third World Chaos, the Philippine Violators, the Betrayed, and the Dead Ends, roared their amps in a country once dominated by easy listening artists.

Not surprisingly, there was little mainstream acceptance. Radio airplay was limited to Howlin’ Dave’s punk rock show on Manila radio station DZRJ. However, the Wuds and their peers found loyal support from the small independent label Twisted Red Cross and exposure through the Brave New World concerts. Given that rock audiences in the Philippines were divided between hippies and punks, violence was not uncommon; nevertheless, the Wuds were actually devout Krishna’s, quite different from the public stereotyping of punk rockers as immoral troublemakers. Throughout the ’80s, the Wuds remained outside of mass acceptance.

In the early ’90s, though, Manila underwent an alternative rock revolution and the Wuds were lauded as pioneers, especially by the popular punk group the Youth. The Wuds — featuring Bobby Balingit (vocals, lead guitar), Alfred Guevara (vocals, rhythm guitar), and Allen Calixto (drums) — released a long-waited debut album, At Nakalimutan Ang Diyos (And God Was Forgotten), in 1994. Raw and uncompromising, At Nakalimutan Ang Diyos solidified the Wuds’ status as one of the Philippines’ true punk rock bands. Two years later, the group recorded Gera (War), an intense record with powerful social and political commentary à la the Clash. The anti-war track “Ang Umibig Sa ‘Yo” (“One Who Loved You”) became a hit on Philippine alternative radio stations. In 1997, the Wuds released Nakaupo Sa Puso (Sitting on the Heart). By refusing to soften or polish their sound to appeal to a larger market, the Wuds continued their reign as the Philippines’ most respected veteran rock outfit."

I decided to keep the information as it is to get as much attention how The Wuds have been part of the local music industry that needs the Filipinos' appreciation.

See you at the Rizal Park.

Captain America is my utimate American hero!

All cartoon geeks out there who's been following the Captain America Marvel Comics series gets to see their ultimate American hero on screen. Just like Iron Man or the Avatar we are in the era where the technology behind computer-generated graphics can make what people can only imagine before.

Captain America for Marvel readers like me is one of the ideal heroes unlike Wolverine who was forced to become a hero or like Batman who had tragic reasons to wear the cape or Spiderman who accidentally got bitten by a radioactive spider, Captain America, on the other hand, chose to become America's hero. This is considering that Steve Rogers, Captain America's alter ego, started with a frail body.

And even if his physical activities were magnified (since ultimately Captain America is a super-enhanced human), his reason for becoming a hero did not change. He has as been true-blue (and red that is) extreme patriot of the star-spangled banner and that has never changed.

You might think why not Superman? He is more popular and cute right? But did you know that recently Superman has renounced his American citizenship. He is now is a global citizen while Captain America has been faithful to his country and people.

It is important to know where it all started from and hence, my favorite Captain America moment will be the first issue of the Marvel series which was released on March 1991.

For more promos and updates Like them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/captamericaph and visit http://www.theavengersassembled.com

Have You Joined the Security Blanket Cookbook Giveaway?

A good friend of mine Vance Madrid, a celebrated blogger and author of http://angtakawko.blogspot.com/, is holding one of the nicest giveaway contests nowadays. Just by following simple steps, bloggers can get a chance to win a limited edition cookbook from Nestle's Centennial Celebration.

(Photo courtesy of http://angtakawko.blogspot.com/)


Out of her generosity, she will be awarding this limited edition cookbook from Nestle's Centennial Celebration to one lucky winner of Security Blanket Cookbook Giveaway. This cookbook as Vance described it is for "those who don't know how to cook yet--but would love to learn as well as those who already know how to cook yet wanted to learn more".

I rarely join contests giveaways nowadays feeling that the spirit of contests have been tainted. Instead of having that good clean fun of showing our support for products we truly patronize, it has for me become what the message of the song Price Tag said "when the sale comes first and the truth comes second".




(To watch more covers from Karmin Music, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ6L6sC6QTU&NR=1)

We try to convince companies how much we like the product but do we really use them or are we just after the freebies and prize? As I actually support Nestle and even tried their 14 Days of Fitness Cereals, I feel that having the limited edition cookbook from Nestle's Centennial Celebration will provide me more opportunities to show my support to the company and of course to the author of this up and coming food blog http://angtakawko.blogspot.com/. Even the name of the blog inspires you to just have fun with food.

For my take on Nestle Fitnesse Cereals, you can check:
http://iaadamlim.blogspot.com/2011/02/show-off-your-shape-nestle-fitnesse-14.html

http://iaadamlim.blogspot.com/2011/02/day-1-of-show-off-your-shape-14-day.html

For details on how you can join this wonderful contest, check out
http://angtakawko.blogspot.com/2011/07/security-blanket-giveawy-with-sign-up.html

May the lucky blogger win...

Varekai by Cirque du Soleil: Review (with some comparisons with Flow of PAGCOR)

Yes finally my family and I were able to watch the famous Cirque du Soleil, a first here in Manila. Philippines thanks to its sponsors Manila Hotel, Rizal Park and Banco de Oro. My entire family has been anticipating all day to watch Cirque du Soleil's production entitled Varekai.

This will not be our first carnival show though. We watched Flow at PAGCOR some two years ago and we really enjoyed it.

That is why this blog post will be somehow a comparison of Varekai and Flow. I want it to be something different since most reviews that will come out about Varekai today will be people's general experience.

Let me discuss three aspects my review will be focusing on namely: location, price and performance. I am not a theater expert so my reflections will be purely based on my feelings and experience as a consumer.

LOCATION:
To watch Flow you have to go to PAGCOR. PAGCOR is located at 1330 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, Philippines. On the other hand to watch the Varekai production of Cirque du Soleil one has to go to Rizal Park right in front of Quirino Grandstand behind Manila Ocean Park. Your landmarks will be Manila Hotel and Roxas Boulevard.

For those with cars, both are easily accessible. For those who are commuting, I recommend to get a taxi. Still, if your saving for the taxi fare, there are buses that can pass in these locations but not exactly to where you want to be dropped.

Still if you can afford to buy tickets for these shows, I am sure you can make accommodations for a comfortable transportation.

PRICE
The ticket prices to watch FLOW are as follows:
Ticket Prices:
Php 3090.00
Php 2575.00
Php 2060.00
Php 1545.00
Php 1236.00

These are the prices I got from the blog of http://playbillphilippines.blogspot.com/2010/05/flow-a-one-of-kind-family-entertainment.html

The regular tickets for Varekai are given below:

Source: https://tickets.cirquedusoleil.com/zope/webshop/walkin?channel=8&seriesCode=VARMAA&language=en&lfMix=CDSGP&promoCode=PUBLIC

PERFORMANCE
Flow was recommended to me by my former teacher. My nuclear family together with some extended family went to PAGCOR one rainy night and braved the flood just to watch the show. It was a good thing that the show was really entertaining because our car became a boat due to the flood. What I liked about Flow was that there was no dull moment. The stage was very lively. The energy is over-flowing and there are always people dancing everywhere. According to their facebook fanpage "Flow tells the story of “Dance” – a graceful creature whose cheery disposition and fluid moves work in synch to express her deepest affections. "

On the other hand, "The word Varekai means "wherever" in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers. This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to the infinite passion of those whose quest takes them along the path that leads to Varekai." In Varekai, the audience is captured in the story of Icarus and the Bethrothed. Their discoveries becomes your discoveries, their adventure becomes yours as well.

For me, Flow is like a kaleidoscope. It's very colorful and dynamic. You can't really predict what's going to happen next. For Varekai you are most likely expecting a happy ending to a love story.

I find the stunts and performances in Flow more breathtaking than in Varekai. There are jaw-dropping moments as well at Varekai but I'm saying there's just more in Flow. Since Varekai is a story there are points I find kinda slow while in Flow the energy just keeps on going higher.

Therefore, stunts-wise and performance wise I give it to Flow. However for the aesthetics, costume, customer appreciation and service, souvenires all of those I hand to Varekai. The costume itself is part of entertainment while watching Varekai. It feels like the characters came from an underwater land or some magical forest. To be offered popcorn, hotdogs and drinks inside the tent also made it feel like a genuine carnival experience to me. The souvenire corner is also something not to be missed because the items being sold can be a collector's item.

On the other hand, I remember we had to fall in line for a long time for Flow. People are starting to complain and the ushers are nowhere to be seen. I can't remember if there is even a program or souvenires being sold for Flow.

For both shows, one cannot take pictures, video or use any electronic devices. They are strict about those things.

Last thing to be noted was that for the Flow production, our very own Manouvres dance group is part of the show. Varekai is staged by Cirque du Soleil which is a Quebec based company recognized all over the world over for their high-quality, artistic entertainment. Cirque du Soleil was founded in 1984.

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/home.aspx#/en/home/about/details/cirque-du-soleil-at-a-glance.aspx

For the Varekai you can read about the inspiration, acts and characters of the story in their very informative website. I am having a hard time doing my research for Flow though. Their facebook fanpage has only two posts!

Below are my favorite acts from Varekai.

And finally, my favorite Flow acts:





I consider my family and I very lucky to be able to have a chance to watch these shows and we hope that in one way or another my family and I have encouraged you to take these opportunities to invest time and memorable moments with your family.

Till the next post!

I would like to acknowledge the websites of PAGCOR, Cirque Du Soleil for the photos I used in this post.