Launching of lassi Yogurt with boba pearls by Swoosh at Trinoma Friday March 11, 2011, 3pm

I have recently been invited to attend Swoosh's launching of its Lassi Yogurt with boba pearls at Trinoma this Friday March 11, 2011, 3pm.



I enjoy yogurts very much. Yogurt is something that is always part of the grocery list. I also enjoy yogurt drinks especially the one I tried at the San Lorenzo Sunday Market. So when I heard Lassi Yogurt drink I became curious what it is? Well, when I hear Lassi the only thing that pops in my head is the dog. Haven't really seen the show but I remembered my mom naming one of our dogs Lassie. Later, I found out it really came from a show. Anyway, Lassie is still one letter more than lassi.

So what is a Lassi Yogurt Drink?

According to http://www.cuisinecuisine.com/Lassi.htm, "Besides Indian tea known as "Chai", Lassi is the most popular drink of the people of India. Lassi is made in two ways either sweet or salty. On a hot sunny day it is only natural to quench one's thirst with a tall glass of Lassi."

From the aforementioned site you can also see different recipes on how to make sweet lassi, salty lassi, mango lassi and pineapple lassi. In making both sweet and salty lassi, the three most common ingredients is of course yogurt, ice cubes, and a pinch of salt.

Since its summer already, a lassi yogurt drink can be a perfect and healthy drink to quench your thirst.

Coming this Friday, March 11, 2011, Swoosh is inviting food bloggers to attend the launching of its Lassi Yogurt with boba pearls at Trinoma this Friday March 11, 2011, 3pm.

As of this post, there are limited slots still available for bloggers. So if your a food blogger whether new or experienced you can be invited to go. To reserve your slot, just follow simple steps:

a. follow me in my blog www.iaadamlim.blogspot.com
b. like me at facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iaadamlim/146062788769185
c. follow me in twitter ia_adam_lim
d. send an e-mail message together with your contact details e.g. landline number,cp number to my gmail address ia.adam.lim@gmail.com.

Hope to see you at the event...

First Time Barangay San Lorenzo Sunday Market Visitors (What To Expect): A Review

After our Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga at Shui Hilot Healing spa, we searched for a new spot we can have breakfast. Upon the recommendation of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga instructor Toinette Villajin we started our adventure for the nearest Sunday market. Our feet brought us to Barangay San Lorenzo Sunday Market.


When we entered, the first thing we saw were different organic soaps, scents and candles. Feeling pretty famished after the yoga, we left the dry goods section and scoured the food section. I was actually happy to see several choices. On the other hand compared to the Sunday market at the Lung Center, the prices at Barangay San Lorenzo Sunday Market is relatively high. For example, a dried fish packed meal (consisting of tuyo, atchara, egg and rice) is alreaady P100 while compared at the Lung Center Sunday Market that is just half of the price and maybe lower plus bigger serving.


On the other hand, the Barangay San Lorenzo Sunday Market, being located at Makati amidst posh buildings and structures, you can be assured that the target market can afford the price.


What I like about Sunday markets are the free tastes. For me its a great motivating factor to buy a product if I can try it first. After trying and truly enjoying the experience then that's the time I can really say that it was a "good buy". Also it helps if the seller will give a discount for bulk items or even for retail (which makes it is really a good deal).



Anyway, just an observation, for stores where store owners are present usually the staff or the entire team is nice and accommodating. However, there are stalls where some staff whose mood is more sour vinegar and whose face is as tangled as the octopus they sell.


However, we decided that no matter what happens, we will have a good day that morning and so we just sat back, ate and shared our breakfast and listened to live ethnic music being played. My companions and I commented that only the sand is missing and it can be already a sunny day lounging at the beach.


For me the two best buys I made at Barangay San Lorenzo Sunday Market is my cool and refreshing Blueberry yoghurt shake and my denim wallet.


So will I come back at the Barangay San Lorenzo Sunday Market?

...Well, yeah sure just in case I am near the area. It still gives you a feel of Makati life on a sunny Sunday morning.

Till the next blog post...

Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga Experience at Shui Hilot Spa with Toinette Villajin thanks to CASHCASHPinoy

Early one Sunday morning I went to Shui Hilot Spa to use my Cashcashpinoy purchases of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga practice under yoga practitioner/instructor Ms. Toinette Villajin. My cousins, my sibling and I arrived at Shui Hilot Spa at 7:00 am. The Yoga started on time but since we do not have yoga mats we did our practice on a banig.

Yoga Instructor Toinette Villajin was trained in US

I was with 3 "yoga virgins" and I hoped that my companions will enjoy their first yoga practice. As we declared our intention for that day and received our yoga practice at the back of my mind I was wondering how my companions reacted to their first yoga practice. The answer to my question was a big "Yes" and I have to give credit to Ms. Toinette Villajin for making it such a wonderful bonding experience for us.

Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga every Sunday at Shui Hilot Healing Spa

This is the first time I sweat like a pig after yoga. I felt so stretched after my core strength vinyasa yoga and I wished a bought more Cashcashpinoy deals. Fortunately, the same deal is offered currently by www.dealspot.ph. There is still about less than a week before the deal expires and I hope you take advantage of this. It's really a money saver. As you know this blog is about consumerism and I promote anything that serves consumers value for their money and top quality service. I consider a Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga class as one of the best exercises you can get for such a very low price from one of the up and coming yoga instructor, Ms. Toinette Villajin. Just to give you an idea, the original price of Ms. Toinette Villajin's class is P550 but if you're one of the lucky ones to take advantage of the online deals, her yoga class can cost for just P100. That's about 82% savings.


There is of course points to consider when buying this deal from www.dealspot.com. Please note these details were copied directly from the online deals' website.

• Reservation is strictly required. For reservation kindly text 0922 826 3816
• Class Schedule are as follows:
• --Tuesday & Thursday:
  * Shui Hilot Healing Spa, Dela Rosa Street, cor. Perea Street, Makati
  7:00-8:00 AM; 8:30-9:30 AM
  
  * White Plains , Quezon City
  7:00-8:00 PM
  
• --Sunday
  *Shui Hilot Healing Spa, Dela Rosa Street, cor. Perea Street, Makati
  7:00-8:00 AM
  
• Not valid with other offers.
• See the rules that apply to all deals.
• E-vouchers are transferable provided an endorsement letter must be given.
• No cash back for any unused vouchers.

Hope to see you guys in the next core strength vinyasa yoga class!


Till the next blog post...

* Photos were taken from my own collection and some from the Toinette Villajin's Facebook Page "Yoga with Toinette".

Availing Your Healthway Privilege Card c/o Quaker Oats

Some time February 2011, I bought two packs of 400g Original Quaker Oats from Mercury Drugstore E.Rodriguez branch. I bought oatmeal in line with my 14-Days of Wellness Challenge from Nestle. I thought that since I started the Show Off Your Shape Challenge I better continue choosing healthy food to continue my diet. Well, I got more value for my money because attached to my Quaker Oats is a sticker giving me a FREE Healthway Privilege Card. I was only supposed to buy one bag but because of the promo I got two. Why two? The other privilege card is for my husband.
The freebies in the privilege card looks promising. So I checked Healthway's website and I saw this post. How did I come about this post. I typed Quaker Oats in the "search" and that's how I found out. If you are looking for it in the promos page, you won't readily find it so its faster if you just search for it.

I still had questions in mind so I called the hotline, found in the basic information page of Healthway's Facebook's page.

Basic Information

Location	SM The Block, Shangri-la Mall, Market Market, Alabang Town Center, Festival Super Mall, Robinsons Place Manila
Hours	Mon - Sun: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
About	The OFFICIAL FAN PAGE of Healthway Medical Philippines

Phone	751-HWAY(4929) / 0920-WOW-HWAY
Website	http://www.healthway.com.ph http://www.twitter.com/Healthway http://www.healthwaymedical.multiply.com

I was greeted by a female customer support who answered my questions:

1. What sort of check-ups is for free?

Only those who require general practitioners and internal medicine check-ups are considered for free. Other specialists will have a P400 consultation fee.

2. Do you offer x-ray? and will it be discounted.

Yes and you can have 15% discount for that.

3. Where can I claim my privilege card?

You can claim your privilege card in any Healthway branch.

Mechanics for the FREE Healthway Privilege Card from Quaker Oats

Buy any specially marked Quaker Oats pack from January 1, 2011 – February 28, 2011 and get a FREE Healthway Privilege Card Sampler! See mechanics for more details.

MECHANICS:

• Buy One (1) of any specially marked (promo stickers) Quaker Instant Oats 400g, Quaker Quick Cooking Oats 400g, Quaker Instant Oats 800g, Quick Cooking Oats 800g, Quaker Flavored Instant Oats 400g or Quaker Rolled Oats 1.2kg from any participating store and get 1 FREE Privilege Card sampler and (1) wellness visa of a colon cancer consultation (Colon Check) from Healthway.
• Empty Quaker Pack with promo sticker will be surrendered at Healthway to avail of the Privilege Card sampler and wellness visa.
• One (1) Privilege Card sampler and wellness visa, for every stickered pack, for every person. Maximum of one (1) Privilege Card sampler sticker coupon per transaction.
• Privilege card sampler and wellness visa of (1) FREE Colon check is valid 3 months upon issuance.
• Upon purchase of Quaker Cheers to a Healthy Life Promo Pack, customer can avail of free Privilege Card sampler and wellness visa from Healthway until April 30, 2011, subject to the terms, conditions and concessions of a regular patient.
• Promo is valid in all Healthway Clinics.
• This promo could not be used in conjunction with other promotions & health card discounts.
• Promo Coverage: Promo shall run from January 1, 2011 – February 28, 2011, but can be redeemed until April 30, 2011.

Well according to Healthway's website, this privilege card from Quaker Oats entitles the holder to a free colon check. Hence, my next blog will be my experience upon claiming my card and how it went.

Cebu Chronicles: Day 1 - Arriving at Cebu

Day 1 at Cebu

We arrived at Cebu as scheduled and we went straight to our hotel. We settled in and decided to go out for lunch. We asked the hotel staff how to get to the main city.

After two jeepney rides (P8 from hotel to Highway and P9 from Highway to Cathedral) we visited two of the six oldest churches in Cebu. The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and the Sto. Nino Basilica Church.

The Sto. Nino Basilica Church is the oldest church in Cebu built in the 1500’s. Inside the Sto. Nino Basilica Church is a small museum holding artifacts of different kinds of Sto. Nino's and other relics such as donations to the Sto. Nino, Sto. Nino idols, old money (from different currencies around the world), church items and many more.

The entrance fee to the museum is P10 only while kids' fee is P5. Very young kids can enter for free. What drew my attention inside the museum is an 18^th century bench. Imagine, this bench has survived two centuries of history. I maybe just few of those weird people who will get sentimental over a bench but just the thought of how many people have passed this bench who may or may not be alive anymore amazes me. This antique bench is still present in this world for not just one but two centuries now.

We entered the two churches: Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Sto. Nino Basilica Church and each one is maintained in pristine state. There were more people inside the Sto. Nino Basilica Church being the most popular church in Cebu. There was also a line at the Sto. Nino Basilica Church leading to the patron saint Sto. Nino. Falling in line gives you a chance to see the miraculous Sto. Nino to touch him or to pray to him. However, the line was too long so my companions and I decided not to see him anymore.

The patron saint of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is St. Visalis. If I were to choose where I would go and spend some solemn time in I would probably choose the Cebu Metropolitan Museum because there were less people, the wind is just perfect to cool you off in a hot sunny afternoon and the vibes I get from the place (I don’t know I can’t well explain it) makes me feel closer to God. Suddenly, it gives me the urge to pray.

We ended the day buying some Cebu delicacies in front of the Sto. Nino Basilica Church. We got tsokolate morcon for P20 for 3 pieces; sweet fried noodles for P15 and rice crispies for P20 for 6 pieces.

I bought my own breakfast which consists of one can of chicken Vienna sausage, 1 bag of Ruffles, two cans of dole sliced pineapples, 6 liters of water, 1 pack of yakult, 1 pack of 6 hotdog buns, 1 pack of skyflakes (6 pieces), 6 milo sachets which cost me a total of P550. For the entire trip, I was able to to consume most of the items I bought (which is about 4 breakfasts and snacks). The only thing I was not able to finish was my Milo and about 1 liter of water.

My friend’s hotel room also has provision for cooking so we decided to cook our own meal for our first night. For one whole chicken, isda na may sampalok and rice I contributed about P50.

Total expenditures for the day: P699

Breakdown

Transportation - P34.00 (round trip hotel to Cathedral and back or about 4 jeepney rides)

Entrance Fee to Museum - P10.00

Cebu Delicacies - P55.00

Breakfast for entire week - P550.00

Dinner - P50.00

Thought at the end of the day: Happy to have taken this trip but I've got to avoid doodads.

Cebu Chronicles: Deciding to Go to Cebu or Not?

Can I really afford to go on a vacation espcially now that I am a freelancer? Who am I kidding? That's the point of being a freelancer, right? So sometimes, you just have to leap. When the opportunity arises and you have the chance to grab it, what do you do?

I had two options...
Do you say yes because you know it will be good for you? Well you assume that an opportunity is good for you. Or is it really an opportunity or a mistake?

Or do you say no because you still have to analyze the situation and think whether if it will be good for you or not. Or will you regret not doing it and missing a chance of a lifetime?

Crowne Regency Mactan Poolside Where I Swim in the Morn'

So when a good friend of mine asked me to go with her to Cebu to spend a week, the usual things came to my head like “what’s my schedule”; “do I have a budget for this?”. “What am I going to do in Cebu”. Yeah those things entered my mind but it did not persist. The call of what I might discover, what new things will I see see, new people I will meet; something new to take me away from the mundane everyday things of my life. That call was stronger than just staying in my comfort zone.

This chronicle of blogs is the product of that decision. With three thousand pesos in my pocket, I want to know how long will I survive in this little adventure of mine.

Below the historical Casa Gorordo Azotea

Till the next blog post...

Getting Discounted Hair Pampering at Benefits Style Salon thanks to Ensogo

One of the online deals I got was from Ensogo (http://www.ensogo.com.ph/manila/invitation/?s=cf0b27651e979f9a958d597ec0cc1543). I bought this online deal for myself in preparation for my date on Valentine's Day.

I got two deals to complete my hair pampering treatment.

Only P249 for Hair Keratin Treatment at the Benefits Style Salon (valued at P1000)

Only P168 for Professional Hair Cut at the Benefits Style Salon (valued at P450)


Thus, instead of paying P1450 for the two services, I only paid P417 or only 28.75% (approximately 30%) of the total price. That is a saving of a little more than 70% or about P1033. Imagine a thousand peso saving! This is one of the reasons why I love getting on-line deals.


To claim the online deals I bought, I first made an appointment with Benefits Style Salon to make an appointment of the date and time I will redeem my online deals.

Before Picture

Upon arriving at Benefits Style Salon, I showed them my printed coupon. One of the staff of Benefits Style Salon confirmed it and then I was asked to wait as they prepare for the services I bought.



My companion and I were first ushered to the shampoo area. I can say that this is the first time I truly enjoyed shampooing my hair because it did not hurt my nape lying down on an awkward position. Benefits Style Salon uses L'oreal products for their services.


After shampooing my hair, my hairstylist for the day, Jereme Reyes, proceeded to cut my hair as per my request. I chose a hairdo with bangs for an avant garde look. The last time I had bangs was when I was in elementary.


After my haircut, I was passed to another Benefits Style staff who applied the keratin treatment. Finally, my hair was blow-dried and final trims were made by the hairstylist.

Over the phone I was told the process will take about an hour. In actual, it took as a little more than two hours which included the waiting until I was finally finished.

I enjoyed the ambiance, the music, the temperature, the staff and the location of the salon. If Eastwood was just near my place, I think I can find myself going back to Benefits Style Salon as my personal salon. However, right now it took me also about two hours just to go to the salon (traveling, asking directions, traffic etc).


To book your appointments at Benefit Style Salon, you may contact them at:
Till the next blog post...