During my days in the province my grandparents would always tell me not to eat fruits in the morning because it might upset my stomach. Apparently they were wrong because fruits would always give us the nutrients and energy that we need for our daily workloads. My Aunt would always say “don’t listen to them too much sometimes they are wrong” and she would follow “that’s an old folks saying.”

Well, good thing that I sometimes defy the norms and would always go for something that I believed would benefit me much, especially with regards to my health. It was college days when I started eating fruits in the morning, it’s an influenced and also a learning from watching morning TV shows. They featured that fruits are essential to our body, mostly during mornings because our body mainly absorb all the nutrients after that eight hours of sleep. One of the best fruit to eat during morning is the banana. Banana provides lots of nutrients to our body, it got potassium, some calcium, zinc, copper, iron, vitamin E, and selenium. It also contains fructo-oligosaccharide which acts as pre-biotics and does have good fibers for indigestion.


So mainly bananas are good for us and much better if those bananas are fresh just like the bananas from Dole. Speaking of fresh, I know this is not fresh anymore but I just happen to stumble upon the fan page of Dole Philipines after attending the cooking event that they have. I found out that they are running a contest. I know it’s quite late but hey its worth to try and besides sharing your healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to help others.

The contest is called the “Banana Morning Motto” which runs through August 5 – September 4, 2011. The contest mainly encourages people to have a good motto every morning. So what are the prizes? Well it’s just 10 sessions of Zumba Classes and an Executive Massage Gift Certificate from The Spa. If you’re a spa lover you will for sure grab a chance to these prizes.

So what’s the mechanics? It’s just a nine pointer activity to finish the whole contest mechanics. So here it is…

1. Sign Up or Log In to www.facebook.com
2. Like the Dole Fresh Philippines Fan Page.
3. Register your name and address at the Dole Banana Morning Motto Application
4. Read the full mechanics.
5. Take a picture of your DOLE® Banana with your Banana Morning Motto (the “Photo”). Be creative.
6. Make sure that the Dole sticker is part of your photo (I just don’t know if there’s no sticker available like mine).
7. Upload your photo
8. Tag your friends whom you'd like to share your entry (optional)
9. In the Banana Morning gallery, users can view and vote for their own entry as well as others' entry

Plain and simple! I think readers can easily grasp the whole mechanics but if you have anything to ask just visit their Frequently Asked Questions.
You still got a few days to go and join the contest but before you do that kindly check my post and like them.  Here's the link http://apps.facebook.com/dolebananamorninggal/view.php?id=171&fbuid=769113247&from=0  Thanks!

It was mid-week and the weather is having a little rain shower, I’m on my way to an event of which I know it is definitely for 18 years old and above. All the way from Clark, Pampanga and went on to the event’s place. Though familiar based on the map, I’m still not sure if it is precise. So together with my bag and alone I traverse a place which I rarely go. Fortunate enough that the weather has somewhat friendly to me that it made me reach the place first before it showers more.

 I came to the registration area and met Ms. Jane, she’s the one who emailed me and has been texting, asking if I’m attending. Anyway she showed me the way and met the other bloggers who were there already. Glad that I’m not that late.

 Okay so what was the event all about? Well it is the briefing of the new Benmore Marketing Campaign. They really wanted the product to sink in more to Filipinos because as we all know Filipinos are not very much of a Scotch whisky drinker. So through their thorough campaign they are aiming for the flourishing of the Benmore Four Casks. As part of their Marketing Campaign, they are also introducing their Brand Ambassador, Borgy Manotoc. As Borgy have mentioned in his speech this was his first time to endorse liquors, that’s why his really eager enough to introduce the product to the public.


 After the dinner and the short program Borgy Manotoc was able to seat with us, the bloggers. He was cool and easy to talk with. We even made that simple little chit chat into an interview, asking questions about Benmore Four Casks and even some touch of his love life. Some of the questions that we shoot to him was “If your (Borgy) going to rate Benmore Four Casks with the rate of 1 to 10, what’s its rate?” Without any much doubt he answered “It’s a 9”. Good enough to hear from the endorser himself. Another one was “If you’ll (Borgy) compare Benmore to a sexy lady who will it be?” He replied “it would be Megan Fox.” Then followed by “if locally who will it be?” Without hesitation he exclaimed “of course Georgina Wilson”. Then that interview ended with Borgy Manotoc inviting every to try Benmore Four Casks.


 Of course the product will not be judge without any taste test, so all the bloggers get a taste of Benmore. Some of us tried it with Cola and some just tried it plain. In my case I tried it with Cola and without Cola just to taste the difference. It’s quite good to taste something new.

 While having another chat with the staff of Global Noble some of us, bloggers got curious about the name and the icon. So what was Benmore in details? Here’s what according to them.

BenMore Four Casks is a more premium drink that believes that details matter. Expert blenders have specifically chosen MORE of the finest malt and grain whiskies up to 21. These batches have been matured in 4 different oak casks to give an even smoother Scotch Whisky experience.  It is made in Scotland and it is bottled by Diageo.

 The iconic stag - to represent heritage and authenticity. It connotes masculinity, superiority and leadership. Consumers drinking BenMore will be perceived as smart, stylish, presentable and tough. They know what they want and are a go-getter; but they’re also friendly and open-minded, exactly like the Brand Ambassador, Borgy Manotoc.

Wedding preparations stories doesn’t always good. Most of the differences occur during wedding preparation and this story is well true to all who are still on the setting up stage, who got married and to those who also planned but ends up deserted because of unwanted situations.

The quarrel, the heartaches, the crying, the misunderstanding, the pressure, the resolution, the make up, and the decision, all comes out during planning stage. It seems that emotions do runs to couples wanting to go beyond the boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.

That’s what the story of Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi is all about. The movie is all about the stories behind every wedding preparation and the differences of both families. This film is the latest comedy offering of Star Cinema and OctoArts Films which starred by Toni Gonzaga as Belai and Zanjoe Marudo as Oca, together with Eugene Domingo and Wendell Ramos and directed by Jose Javier Reyes.





This is for sure another wacky comedy movie from two veteran comedians. Wedding Tayo Wedding Hindi opens nationwide in over 100 theaters on August 31!

The JD Set is back!

The wait is finally over as Jack Daniel’s Philippines brings back into the spotlight the 7 indie bands chosen from last year’s most successful run of The JD Set— Jack Daniels’ global music program. Beginning in the UK and then trickling down to Asia and the Pacific regions of Australia, Japan, India, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and now the Philippines.




From an impressive roster of 13 promising acts down to its exemplary Chosen 7, Jack Daniel’s is now ready to implement the program’s 2nd phase, The JD Set 7 TOUR. For 7 months, these lucky 7 groups get to tour with the JD Set around Mega Manila as well as a few but impactful opportunities to play elsewhere like at the Sinulog in Cebu. That’s 7 months of playing for fans and reaching out to new audiences. That’s 7 months with a total of 18 events, to campaign for their right to be Jack’s No. 1!






From 7 to Jack’s No. 1, Jack Daniel’s gives the FANS 100% reign in selecting who the people want to be crowned as king via voting in both ONLINE -- thru Facebook and the Web partners (i.e. Odysseylive.net, Splintr.com, and AtTheWomb.com) as well as ON GROUND. When chosen, Jack’s No. 1 will then have the opportunity for an out-of-the-country performance at the next Asia and the Pacific JD Set Event, a one year marketing support from Jack Daniel’s and the prestige of being the 1st ever Jack’s No. 1!



Last August 19, 9pm at the Eastwood Central Plaza the JD Set 7 Tour was launch as the Friday night was blown away by raw talent from Jack’s Chosen 7 who are: Kelevra, Playphonics, Blue Boy Bites Back, Stories of Now, Mr Bones & the Boneyard Circus, Jack Versus the Crab and Paramita. Jack’s Chosen 7 return onstage to showcase that they have got what it takes to represent the Philippines at the next Jack Daniel’s JD Set Asia and the Pacific regional event in 2012!











The night was also heightened by the live performances from Urban Dub and Razorback—two of the country’s most exemplary music acts, defining what it takes to be authentic and a master of music. The JD Set Philippines is powered by JB Music with Distillery as bar host. Also they are extending their special thanks to Jam 88.3, Rogue Magazine, AtTheWomb.com, Splintr.com, Odysseylive.net, Manila Concert Scene, Digradio.ph and Betamaximum Inc for a very successful launch.





For 18+ y.o. only. Please drink Jack Daniel’s responsibly.

Two years after her rockstar attitude performance in ABS-CBN's hit reality star search "Pinoy Dream Academy", Bunny Malunda returns in the limelight as the ultimate glam punk, pop rock queen.

Image from PEP

With self-titled album, bunny fabulously combines the grainy rock and hippie pop genres in one sexy music collection that men must check out.  Its tracks are also inspired by Bunny's "independence and personal strength."

According to Bunny "the songs talk about me and the various stages of my life.  The lyrics of my carrier single 'FYI' really happened to me.  Before I met Chivas [her real-life sweetheart], I was not really looking for a guy.  I was content with my family, friends and school.  I guess love really finds you when you're least expecting it - not when you're actively looking for it.  We all go through a phase when we are just happy with what we have."

The European/American producers Jaye Muller and Ben Patton found this fascinating artist through her uploaded performance in Youtube.  Through this the producers' venture into an exciting glam rock project.

Muller said "we didn't 'package' Bunny at all, that's just how she is.  She is a born rock-star with her own real-life sexiness and attitude, and at the same time, she's funny and sweet.  We just tried to write the songs that represent the way she really is.  That's the album concept which is also an introduction to Bunny.

Producers Muller and Patton also believe that Bunny is like no other in the country - who can be both "gritty and glamorous" at the same time.  "In the Philippines, usually, the rock bands are gritty and the pop singers are glamorous.  But Bunny is both," they added.

Featured in Bunny's album is an amazing duet with his real-life sweetheart Chivas Malunda entitled "Mad Lover."  Unlike the traditional attack to cheesy love songs, which is often mellow and sweet, the song depicts a story of lovers, who are both wild and crazy.

"We wanted to write a duet for Bunny and Chivas, but they are both rockers and so we knew it couldn't be a cheesy old fashioned love song.  Instead, we wrote 'Mad Lover,'" the producer said.

The songs are by Muller and Patton while the lyrics are from Ben Patton.  they have been behind two of KC Concepcion's songs including her carrier single "Not Like The Movies" and "After The end".  They also did Nikki Gil's "Last Love" and the entire album of Kelsey Adams from Cebu.

According Bunny herself, "'What I Meant' is my favorite among the tracks of my album.  I could actually relate well with it because whenever I fall in love, I'm always in denial and afraid of opening up.  So, I would say I show and verbalize the opposite of how I really feel."

Now that Bunny really does well in her singing career, she would like to venture on other endeavors such as acting and modeling.  "As a singer, I know I can act too, as I always internalize and give life to each song I perform.  As you can see, I enjoy dressing up and fixing myself, so I'd like to get into modeling too.  But I owe all these to my talent in music.  I will not be discovered by Jaye if not for Pinoy Dream Academy."

"Bunny", which is officially manufactured and distributed by Polyeast Records is now available in leading record bars nationwide.  For more information, log on to facebook.com/bunnymalunda.

A Press Release from Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition.

Viewers can expect a new July Ann Santos-Agoncillo when the popular Kapamilya actress finally returns to television through the much-awaited kiddie cooking reality show “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edtion.”


For the very first time in her career, the Philippine’s Queen of Soap opera will dabble in hosting as she leads the search for the finest young amateur chef in the country.


Joining Judy Ann, or Juday to her family and fans, are world-renowned Filipino chefs Fernando “Ferns” Aracama, Rolando “Lau” Laudico, and JP “Jayps” Anglo in the newest reality franchise from the group that brought you phenomenal hits “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Pinoy Dream Academy,” and “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition.”

They will be the ones to guide the kiddie chefs and judge the dishes they will cook up as they compete to become the first Pinoy Junior MasterChef, who will win a culinary scholarship and P1 million.

Juday shared that she was almost at tears during their first taping because she has been a fan of Junior MasterChef editions in the United Kingdom and Australia. (The Philippines is the third country in the world to produce its own Junior MasterChef.)

Aside from being awed by their set, which is a perfect replica of the original MasterChef kitchen, she also felt nervous as she was embarking on a new field in her career.

“I really need to give my best in this program to make sure that the overwhelming support and trust ABS-CBN is giving me in this project won’t be put to waste. Hosting is not my forte but I’m willing to learn,” she said.

But if you ask Business unit Head laurenti Dyogi, Juday has already exceeded their expectations as she can instantly connect with the kids and the chefs.


“She’s the perfect choice as host for Junior MasterChef. Her passion for cooking and love for children come out naturally in the show. At first, she was still adjusting but eventually you can already see she’s enjoying and how she’s able to become an inspiration to the kids,” he explained.

The award-winning actress, who is a mother of two, said unlike her previous work, her job as host doesn’t require any acting at all. She said whenever she’s in front of the kids, the mom in her takes charge.

“This show is all heart. The kids are really cute and smart so it’s hard not to have a connection with them. But as a host and their mother figure in the program, I’m the one to balance their emotions. We don’t want to hurt their feelings but we also need to be honest when it comes to the outcome of their dishes. When they’re about to cry, I have to be strong and raise their spirits. You have to be ready with words of encouragement for them,” she shared.

With the help of Chef Ferns, Lau, and Jayps, all accomplished chefs and restauranteurs, Juday said kids will surely learn from every challenge or task they face in the program.

Laurenti said he expects viewers to enjoy the unique flavor of “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition,” just like how the rest of the world has received the other editions of MasterChef.

“Most of reality shows in the Philippines are looking for singers or performers. This time we’ll showcase cooking of kids and how magnificent and awesome they are in creating dishes out of passion and love for their families. We’ll join them as they try to reach for their dreams and we will be there to ensure they are equipped for their dream career,” he said.


Don’t miss the first taste on the reality show that will make you smile, cry, and be inspired to cook, whether you are young or old, an aspiring chef or simply a food lover in “Appetizer: The Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition Primer” on August 20, Saturday on ABS-CBN. Meet the 60 young kitchen stars and find out who will advance to the Top 20 on the premier of “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition” on August 27, Saturday also on ABS-CBN. Be updated on the program, like the official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jrmasterchef or follow @jrmasterchef_ph.