Just like a multi-faceted diamond, singer-actress-TV host Karylle has sparkled all the more after overcoming challenges over the years. Throughout those hard times, her class, sophistication, and inner beauty shone brightest making her the perfect choice to be the famed and trusted jewelry brand Miladay’s first-ever celebrity endorser.

“Just like the history of Miladay, Karylle’s life is composed of inspiring tales of love,” says Christine Dayrit, one of the owners of Miladay. “This makes her the perfect choice to be the face of ‘Miladay Today’.”

As brand ambassador, Karylle jumpstarts the 46-year-old jewelry company’s empowering campaign – Miladay Today. In this campaign, Karylle appears in an AVP titled “Sacred Vows,” where she empowers one to make inspired vows to one’s self.

“Sacred Vows” is directed by award-winning director Mark Meily. The cinematography is done by award-winning cinematographer Carlo Mendoza (Asiong Salonga), a former classmate of Karylle at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Karylle explains, “It is like being engaged to yourself. It is a brilliant concept that aims to inspire and remind people that loving one’s self is the ultimate key to one’s happiness. At this day and age, one does not need someone else to give one an engagement ring or a dream diamond or any precious jewels for that matter. It’s the best gift of love you can give yourself. I am so happy to be part of this campaign and of this trusted brand.”


Miladay Today is a part of the Dayrits’ effort to fulfill founder Mila Salgado-Dayrit’s dream of each Filipino having a Miladay piece, no matter how small.

“This is such a big honor to have been chosen by Miladay to be its first celebrity endorser,” says a giggly Karylle. “The brand stands for so many good and beautiful things—trust, love, integrity—and I am so excited to be its brand ambassador.”


Christine Dayrit notes Karylle’s achievements as the primary reason why the singer-actress was chosen as brand ambassador.

Karylle has just received international acclaims for her work in the TV series The Kitchen Musical. She is currently a part of the noontime show Showtime and the Sunday variety show ASAP 2012. Her latest album Roadtrip, which she personally produced, has just turned Gold.

More than these achievements as a performer, Karylle’s golden heart is simply her biggest achievement. For the past years, she played an active role in supporting Child Haus, White Cross Children’s Home, and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

PAWS is a volunteer-based non-government organization whose goal is to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy. While, Child Haus is a temporary shelter for indigent patients from the different provinces who have cancer or other dreaded diseases and have no place to stay in Metro Manila while undergoing medical evaluation or treatment. White Cross Children's Home, on the other hand, is a child welfare institution catering to the children of parents with tuberculosis.


“My mom’s passion for local culture, love for her loyal workforce and gifted goldsmiths gave birth to Miladay’s collection, a showcase of Filipino artistry through beautifully handcrafted jewelry,” says Chrstine. “The legacy left by my parents continues to be our inspiration to make the Miladay brand bigger, more trusted.”

True enough, Miladay was named one of the country’s “Trusted Brands” in 2006 and 2007 by the nationwide survey of the Reader’s Digest. It also garnered the prestigious “Retailers Award” in 2007 given by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Retailers Association.

Christine adds that her parents have imparted to them important business principles that they strictly uphold—honesty, integrity and reliability.

The success of Miladay, more than just being an entrepreneurial victory, is a beautiful tale of love – for God, of parents to children, children to parents, employers to employees, brand to consumers.

According to Christine, Miladay has kept their family working on the vision and legacy of their parents. Aside from her, other owners/directors of the Miladay Jewels board are Michelle Dayrit-Soliven, Mark Dayrit, Yvonne Dayrit-Romualdez, and Jaqui Dayrit-Boncan.

“Undeniably, this is a family affair that we would like to extend to every Filipino and their families,” says Mark. “Over the years, we have worked hard to present to everyone what ‘Miladay Today’ is all about.”

Aside from the House of Miladay in Jupiter Street in Makati, Miladay has branches in Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta 4, The Podium, The Block in SM North EDSA, TriNoma North Triangle and SM City Taytay. For more information, please call 890-6303 or 890-7738 or log on to www.miladayjewels.com.

In the cyber world, where all bloggers are moving-in has become more challenging due to different trends that have been born from time to time in every click and tick of their finger on the mouse. As the blogger pursue their passion, they tend to produce more effective write-ups that are based on their experiences, observations and even with their own opinions.

Today, blogging becomes a good portal of advertisement and online promotion because it can give a huge impact and easy to access information once published.  In just one click, everything goes to life as it is being shared and liked by others instantly when uploaded.

Given that the bloggers exist every minute and seconds in every social-networking site as well as in the blogging flat form and while giving the readers and other people to have the latest updates as well as entertainment in their websites or blog sites, these bloggers or authors doesn't know each other personally.   I think I'm right!

Perhaps, others know each other but I'm sure some does not because there are few of them tends to get intimidated or something like that, especially when they see each other in different places. Why? Maybe because they never get a chance to be introduced to each other.

Moreover, the blogosphere in the Philippines is just a small piece of the universal peer of bloggers.  Is it so impossible to know the person one by one in a particular websites or blog site?  And so, bloggers created an event that we called “Filipino Bloggers Hub Party” to get a chance to see, meet and know the person behind in every blog that we read, follow and subscribe to.

On the 19th of May 2012, 1:00pm at the Central Colleges of the Philippines, bloggers around the Metro will gather to have a simple acquaintance party with full of surprises, giveaways, fun games and raffles.  This is the chance to meet and know other bloggers, and this is the day that all bloggers will unite and promise to continue what started intelligently as to give people good, and balance information that people want to know.

To all bloggers in the Metro out there, we would love to know you more and see you in the 1st Filipino Bloggers Hub Party of the year!

This event has been sponsored by Central Colleges of the Philippines, San Marino, Dianna Stalder, Human Nature, Tiger Energy, Classic Savory, MedChef, MEGA Publishing Group, OkayOkay, Get Beauteous, Taste of Goodness, Tablets Mania

One reason why it has become harder to penetrate the music scene these days is the stiff competition, especially with YouTube giving any talent the window to the world. But wait, there’s still truth to the saying that “many are called, but few are chosen.”

No doubt the likes of Gotye and Lana Del Rey belong to the few, with their chart-topping songs and staggering number of YouTube views providing credence to the claim. Both carrying likable stage names and having released significant indie recordings prior to mainstream success, they’re simply commendable to be labeled as “Breakthrough Artists of 2012.”





The Belgian-Australian Gotye, with his song “Somebody That I Used To Know” selling nearly five million downloads, is the first Australian act to top the Billboard 100 Chart this 21st century and the first Belgian to accomplish the feat since 1963. The track, which he recorded with the artist Kimbra, already accumulated 200 million views and counting, with several covers appearing everywhere.  

Recently, Gotye’s international hit, also reaching the top of the Billboard Digital Songs Chart and Billboard On-Demand Streaming Chart, was featured on Fox's hit show “Glee,” interpreted by Darren Criss and Matthew Bomer. It was likewise covered on "American Idol," featuring the voices of Elise Testone and Phillip Phillips.

Last February, he made his American television debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with him performing the piece "Eyes Wide Open", his first single off his latest album “Making Mirrors” and a nominee at the 2011 APRA Music Awards for Song of the Year category.

The album title inspired by an old artwork created by his father, he expressed, "The mirror reflects on the artwork and it is all very related to self-reflection and introspection on the album."




As for American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, her time has arrived as well. Her now released debut album “Born To Die” ushers the beautiful irony that she is here to survive the competition, armed with talent, original compositions, and charisma.  

The album, with nearly a million units shipped in just its first week in the market, already topped the iTunes chart in 18 countries, even becoming the fastest-selling digital album ever in France. For two weeks it also spent at the top of the Official UK Album Chart, thus resulting to two worldwide hits including the title track.

“Video Games,” the album's first single, spent almost ten weeks in the UK Top 20. Its YouTube views got past 28 million, while her Facebook page has gathered five million supporters and counting as of press time.

In an interview she stated, "I wanted to be part of a high-class scene of musicians. I was hoping that I would meet people and fall in love and start a community around me, the way they used to do in the '60s."

Recently she took home the Q award for the title "Next Big Thing", along with the Breakthrough Artist citation at the BRIT Awards 2012, beating the sensational Nicki Minaj. 

Both the breakout albums of Gotye (“Making Mirrors”) and Lana Del Rey (“Born To Die”) are locally distributed under MCA Music in CDs at leading record bars nationwide or online via mymusicstore.com.ph.




To download Gotye current single “Somebody That I Used To Know” on your mobile phones, just text KA136 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text STIUTK and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493375 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

To download Lana Del Ray current single “Born To Die” on your mobile phones, just text KA142 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text BORN2DIE and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493353 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

Has any of my readers been to Bo's Coffee yesterday?  Well if not yet, better be there and grab their Mother's Day's sweet gesture.   A special item offer for this Mother's Day, it's the White-Frosted Mini Chocolate Cake.  Just right for those Moms getting low on sugars.

It's a guilt-free treat for Moms!  This chocolate cake is sugar-free—even the whipped cream that it's glazed with. If you're bent on avoiding sugar, pair it with one of Bo's Coffee's sugar-free drinks: the Coffee Vanilla Primo, Strawberry Freeze, Vanilla Freeze, brewed coffee or an espresso beverage.

The White-Frosted Mini Chocolate Cake will sell for P120 and will be available only in Luzon.

So readers, you still got the whole day to get that special treat.   So head on to Bo's Coffee!

The Villars, who would have not known that name, especially the check mark. I know for sure most people would easily identify it already even if it only shows the first letter of their family name, which is the letter V.

Even before, the Villars have already marked their names in the area of Las Pinas. I know this because I have watched and followed their strive in making the water lilies that clogged the Las Pinas-Zapote River into something more productive and provides great opportunity to settlers in the area. They have made those water lilies a source of income for the people living along the river.


Though this was the only project that I have known from the Villar Foundation, specifically through the effort of Ma'am Cynthia Villar during her term as Congresswoman in Las Pinas, I know that their projects did sure make a change in the community. A small act does not instantly changes every thing but it takes time to build a strong foundation through that small acts. Like the Villar Foundation which was founded in 1992 by the Villar couple, Manny and Cynthia. Before then, the foundation was unknown to many but because of the couple's effort in making the City of Las Pinas a model city, they have established programs and projects beneficial to the community and to the environment.


Two decades after the establishment, the Villar Foundation had enormously grown. Creating more projects and programs for the people and making livelihoods a good source for the community in need. They sure take the path of the teaching “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime,” and this can be seen in the communities and barangays of Las Pinas.

Recently, I joined a tour in the southern side of the metro, I think. It was at Las Pinas City. The group were there to visit the different livelihood projects that caters by the Villar Foundation. It made me recall my field trip days. Where we are educated about the different places but for this instance it's more of a life learning experience. As part of that learning experience we were able to interview Ms. Cynthia Villar, the founder and chairman of the Villar Foundation but before the interview we were toured first in all of their livelihood projects.


First stop, the Twinning and Weaving Nets from coconut husks. We were toured there and they were able to introduced to us this livelihood project. At first I was curious about the end product and its use but as the guide further shows and explains the processes, he also answered my curiosity. The weave nets are used by most construction works especially when creating a rift raft to hold the soil and avoid any landslide.







I was amazed that their livelihood project was placed in a barangay and the people from that barangay were employed in that project. According to Ma'am Cynthia Villar "they don't have to ride in a jeepney to get on to their working place, they can just walk and bring along their kids with them while working." That's a really big help for them, that's why we set up our livelihood inside the barangay." They employed 40 families and can earn Php3,300 in a week. Take note that is each family.


The raw materials which is the "coconut husks" are free. Coconut vendors bring those waste material to the livelihood center.

Second stop, Weaving Blankets for Calamity Victims. According to our guide, the weaving blankets were initiated with the thought of creating blankets for calamity victims. The produced blankets are given to calamity victims since blankets are one of the major necessity after a calamity.

Blanket weavers can produced up to three (3) blanket in a day which make them earn around Php4,300 in a month.

Third stop was the Composting Area and The Production of Hollow Blocks. If you're familiar with the people gathering food left-overs for their pigs, then this is also the same with it but this one is for the purpose of composting or commonly called as organic fertilizers. Headed by the so called “bio-men”, these people goes door-to-door around the community asking for the left-overs instead of throwing it in the garbage. Our guide shows how it is being done and even let us see the end product.
 




Our guide also shows us what they do with the plastics. The dreaded plastics that also clogged drainages and causes flash floods. These plastics are shredded, mixed with sand and cement, and created into bricks or hollow blocks. A much more interesting way to recycle plastics.

The fourth stop was the Crafting Baskets out of the Water Hyacinth or commonly called Water Lily but before heading to our fourth stop we were toured first at the place where the water lilies once clogged the dam. Some of the bloggers even tried riding their ferry in crossing the river.







Their creativity and the love for their hometown may have been influenced by one of the famous instrument in Las Pinas, nonetheless but the Bamboo Organ.

Different baskets were shown to us. It was amazing that something crafty like that came from water lilies. I remember this livelihood project being featured in different TV shows before.




After the tour we were met by Ma'am Cynthia Villar in their house and welcomed all our inquiries while having lunch. She explain to us that she's hands-on on all the undertakings of the foundation, which is what I like about her that makes all the projects and programs even more successful. Also makes her more aware of each and every details of the foundation. She even said that “I can answer anything you ask about the foundation”.



The day was full of great information and great ideas to ponder and live with.  How about you, what do you think of this programs?

If you want to know more about the Villar Foundation just visit their website at http://www.villarfoundation.org or you can personally visit their livelihood projects to see for yourself.

For sports fanatics, here's something for you from TOBY's.

How to Join:

• Participants may join by creating a video (video should not exceed 2 minutes) that shows his or her best move like dunking on the ring, smashing a tennis ball, kicking a football etc.
• The video should be posted on Toby’s Sports official fan page (http://www.facebook.com/Tobysstore) to be counted as an official entry.
• Participants may use any video sharing site (ex. Youtube, Dailymotion, Vimeo etc.) as long as it can be viewed by other people when posted in Toby’s Sports official fan page.
• Think of a creative title for the video (ex. John’s amazing 360 lay-up for Toby’s Sports!)
• Participants must encourage their friends to share their video.

Safety Precautions:

• Participants must ensure that safety precautions (ex. Warm-up, stretching, conditioning, medical check-ups, etc.) are taken into consideration before performing their move. Protective gear must also be worn at all times during the video. Toby’s Sports will not be liable for any injuries, traumas, accidents or fatalities that may occur during the filming of the video.
• Participants must get official permission from the person who owns the place where they are going to shoot the video. Toby’s sports will not be liable for damage to property, trespassing and the like.

All Participants Shall Attest to the Following:

• Participants must be residents of the Philippines in order for their entry to be valid. 
• The video must not have any special effects that will give an unfair advantage to a participant’s sports move.
• The participant must ensure that he or she is the person doing the move in the video in order for the entry to be valid.
• There can only be one entry per person. If you wish to change your entry you must delete your old video. Two or more entries will disqualify you from the contest.
• Toby’s Sports has the right to remove and disqualify videos which are deemed as offensive, vulgar, hateful, racist, and the like.
• Toby’s sports has full rights to use your video in any way, shape, or form.

Criteria for Judging:

• 50% - Wow factor and difficulty of the move
• 30% - Creativity and originality
• 20% - Number of shares and number of positive comments

Prizes of Winners:

• 1st Place – P5000 worth of Toby’s Sports GCs
• 2nd Place – P3000 worth of Toby’s Sports GCs
• 3rd Place – P2000 worth of Toby’s Sports GCs

Promo period is until May 25, 2012 only.

I know summer is not yet over but the rainy season is already starting.  So, before the rains continuous to fall here's something from SM City North EDSA Skygarden for the kids to enjoy.

Mallgoers will have the rare opportunity to experience the wonders of life under the sea in the Sea Explorers World at SM City Norh EDSA Skygarden.  Featuring replicas of nine of the most famous sea creatures in the world, this will take the young and even the young at heart into an exciting journey into the world of sea animals right in the mall.


The Sea Explorers World show dolphins, walrus, sea lions, killer whales, emperor penguins, hammer head sharks, sea turtles, pelicans and great white shark in their natural habitat in the different areas of Skygarden from April 27 until May 31, 2012.  Voice narratives, braille and trivia boards will also make it a fun and educational experience for kids.

SM City North EDSA is considered as one of the main summer destinations for those staying in the city, and this showcase will give parents and kids more reasons to go malling and enjoy summer.


Sea Explorers World is just one of the many exciting events of SM City North EDSA.

There is so much speculation building up as we are getting closer and closer to the date December 21, 2012. It is the date that is predicted to be the end of days. Rumors have begun to spread around the globe that the elite are now building cities underground, where they can hide for survival on that day. The media has also now began jumping on the bandwagon as we are now seeing so many documentaries coming out on TV regarding this controversial issue as well as articles on print media and doomsday websites on the Internet. So where did this all begin?

This so-called doomsday date December 21, 2012 actually comes to us from the Mayan calendar. The Mayan civilization, a civilization that ceased on earth centuries ago, was made up people who were very skilled mathematicians and astronomers. They keenly observed the movement of the planets and the stars because their livelihood depended on the precise mapping of the movements of these celestial bodies. The Mayan long count calendar is a product of these accurate astronomical observations made by these people centuries ago. What’s controversial is that their very accurate calendar ends precisely on December 21, 2012. Because of this, people around the globe have started to inquire and speculate as to why the Mayans ended their calendar on that specific date. Is it a prediction that the world will come to an end on that day?


Also, there is further significance to the date December 21st because it falls exactly on the equinox that marks the beginning of winter, or the winter solstice. NASA also projects that there will be a galactic alignment of the earth and the sun to the center of the Milky Way galaxy, which is a very, very rare occurrence. On an astrological note, the date gains further impact as it is the date where we leave the Age of Pisces to shift to the Age of Aquarius. If this date is really a very significant date to humanity, the question is how are Filipinos preparing for this?

Nobody has ever come out to the general public to speak about this very controversial issue perhaps out of fear of ridicule. Due to this most Filipinos are still in dark as regards this very hot topic.

Good news to all Filipinos! To shed light amidst the confusion, John Calub, the Philippines’ most sought after motivational speaker decided to make a comprehensive research and investigation as to the scientific and spiritual facts behind this prediction to prepare every Filipino for this momentous date and to help end fear and speculation. John has traveled to different places around the globe to interview experts on this topic to finally get to the truth. He has even gone to the extreme by meeting with a real Mayan elder to get firsthand information as to what they Mayans really wanted to convey. He will be sharing his research findings to the general public through an informative talk entitled, “DO YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON DECEMBER 21, 2012?” happening on May 12, 2012 (Saturday), 8:00 am to 7:00 pm at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. One of the highlights of this event is the launch of a global Pinoy campaign called “UNITE TO PRAY”, whereby John Calub seeks to invite at least 1,000,0000 Filipinos to sign up and commit to praying together at eve of the doomsday date. John has become very well-known across the country in sharing the universal law that, “Thoughts become things.” He believes that if millions of Filipinos from all over the globe join hands together in a prayer of love, peace, harmony and forgiveness in one specific day and time, it may well influence the course of history for the good.

Tickets for this event are available for only P500.00 at all SM Tickets outlets in all SM Cinemas in all SM Malls nationwide. For further inquiries, you may contact Ms. Belle Pustanes at 748-7646 or text 09165516146. To get regular updates and follow the discussion on this 2012 issue, “LIKE” John Calub’s page at www.facebook.com/johncalubtraining. You may also download a free report about December 21, 2012 at www.philippines2012.com.

‘Go Green,’ Kraft Foods Philippines’ (KFP) program to help save water and energy and reduce carbon emissions was given the Gold Award for Environmental Excellence at the 4th Global CSR Awards 2012.

Kraft Foods Philippines’ Gold Award for Environmental Excellence was handed by Hon. Mayor John Yap of Malay, Aklan (center) and Atty. Michael Frederick Musngi (right) Undersecretary for Special Concerns of the Office of the Executive Secretary, The Office of the President of The Philippines, to the Company’s Communications Officer Caitlin P. Punzalan (left) during the 4th Global CSR Awards.

Held April 19, 2012 in Boracay, the Global CSR Awards prides itself as Asia's most prestigious recognition awards program for corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Awards Program is organized by The Pinnacle Group International based in Singapore and recognizes companies for outstanding programs, which demonstrate ongoing commitment to respect for individuals, communities and the environment in the way they do business.

This is the 5th award that Kraft Foods has received for its ‘Go Green’ program in two years. Kraft Foods aims to help in the preservation of the environment by ensuring that reducing, recovering and recycling precious resources is part of its business. ‘Go Green’ is aimed at reducing Kraft Foods’ use of water and energy and lessening its carbon emissions. One way which Kraft Foods helps Mother Earth through ‘Go Green’ is the recent upgrading of its water recycling facility.

Kraft Foods’ new water recycling facility. This allows the Company to use treated or recycled water for many other purposes. Previously only used for maintenance tasks, the water that Kraft Foods recycles is now being used for cleaning inside its manufacturing facility.

In March of this year, Kraft Foods inaugurated its improved water recycling facility for its Sucat, Parañaque manufacturing plant. This upgraded facility utilizes reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light to treat the water that Kraft Foods uses in its production activities.

To ‘treat’ means to remove impurities the water has acquired through use. The goal of treating is to ensure that the water returns as close as possible to its natural state. By treating the water it has already used, Kraft Foods is able to use less fresh water and help in preserving this natural resource.

“I am personally very pleased to share that with this improvement initiative, Kraft Foods will be able to make a significant reduction to its water consumption,” says Sudip Mall, Kraft Foods Philippines’ General Manager. The amount of water that Kraft Foods hopes to reduce with this new facility is equivalent to filling up 4 Olympic-sized swimming pools or 581,000 5-gallon containers of water!

Kraft Foods recently inaugurated its improved water recycling facility for its Sucat, Parañaque Plant. The new facility aims to help reduce and recycle the water Kraft Foods uses for its manufacturing activities. This initiative is part of Kraft Foods’ 5-year ‘Go Green’ program aimed at reducing not only its water use but its energy use and carbon emissions as well.

He continues, “Our programs like ‘Go Green,’ don’t just make sense for our business. We also work to protect resources for future generations. I would like to add that it is truly remarkable the way our employees have relentlessly focused on driving our environmental initiatives, of which this facility is an example. We are very proud of the award bestowed upon us and this new phase of our program for the planet’s betterment.”

Making every drop reusable. For many years, Kraft Foods has had a wastewater recycling program inside its plant. Before, the water the Company treats was used only for watering plants or other maintenance tasks. This new facility ensures the treated water can be used for much more.

This is because this specific process ensures that the treated water meets the high quality standards that Kraft Foods needs for its manufacturing activities. Instead of using fresh water to clean inside its production area, the treated water is now used instead.

“We have been a community partner of Parañaque for almost 50 years, since our plant opened in 1963,” shares KFP’s Operations Director Gautam Pal. “This improved water recycling facility is another way of helping our community. By using less water, and using it smartly, we are able to contribute to our community’s efforts to save our water resources.”

In the future, Kraft Foods is looking at installing biomass boilers, or those, which use alternative energy sources, to reduce its carbon footprint even more. To find out the other ways Kraft Foods makes today delicious, visit www.kraftfoods.ph.

Max's has a treat for all Moms, read the details below....
4 May 2012: Bent on ensuring that diners will have an exciting and unforgettable experience on Mother’s Day, Max’s Restaurant has partnered with global cosmetics and beauty brand Body Shop in coming up with a heartwarming surprise for the most special woman in our lives.

Family members who will be celebrating Mother’s Day at Max’s Restaurant with a minimum spend of PhP 1,300 will be receiving a luxurious bottle of Body Shop’s Shower Gel - soap-free, lather-rich and fruit-infused! It’s the perfect gift to pamper MOM on her special day.


“In the Philippines where mothers are respected for being the “light of the household,” people take the time to dine together as a family on Mother’s Day. One of the most nostalgic places to re-unite and celebrate with family has always been Max’s Restaurant. Mothers and family members, regardless of age, lifestyle and cultural background, find comfort in its homey interiors and the passionate service of the staff,” said Edgar Allan Caper, Marketing Director for Max’s Restaurant.

Whether they are in the busy Metro or searching for respite in the provinces, the familiar inscription that reads “the house that fried chicken built” has always spurred a feeling of enthused anticipation for the scrumptious spread of home-cooked dishes and heirloom recipes that have been in the Max’s tradition for more than six decades.

The beckoning smell of piping hot Sinigang, classic Kare-Kare oozing with thick peanut sauce, the crackling sound of Crispy Pata as one’s fork penetrates its perfectly crunchy skin, and the unforgettable experience of Max’s “sarap to the bones” Fried Chicken, the Filipino’s iconic dish - these are just simply difficult to resist. Cap this sumptuous meal with an exciting bottle of Body Shop Shower Gel from Max’s.

Catch Max’s lush treat from May 7-13 at any Max’s branch nationwide. Prepare to create the most touching moment for MOM on Mother’s Day – simply because she deserves it.

Band

Natural and man-made calamities and disasters have plagued the world and new health threats are continuously emerging, but one alarming issue that has gained worldwide attention once again is the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, and West Nile Fever from the traditional zones of the tropics to Europe and North America. Afflicting over 700 million people and resulting in millions of deaths annually all over the world, the danger posed by these diseases is such that they can no longer be ignored.

Many have resorted to chemical short cuts and quick fixes to address the issue, but it was a group of French men who turned back to nature to find a long-term and ecological solution, and thus Para’Kito was created.


Para’Kito is an all-natural mosquito protection band and clip that’s easy to wear and stylish, that both adults and kids wear with pleasure. Using technology to understand nature, the Para’Kito solution is a patented device, proven to provide a strong and long-lasting protection against mosquitoes. In January 2012, Para’Kito became the first mosquito protection product to be approved as a medical device in the European Union and Australia.

What makes it effective?
Tests conducted in a French national laboratory, which works closely with the World Health Organization, concluded that Para’Kito is a technological breakthrough in the domain of personal protection against mosquitoes. Testing done in other laboratories in Europe, Australia, and the USA further proved that Para’Kito is effective against Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex the three main species of disease carrying mosquitoes.




Unlike other mosquito repellants, Para’Kito uses a proprietary combination of seven natural essential oils - Lavendula, Geranium, Citronella, Maritime Pine, Patchouli, Clove, and Peppermint. These oils are sourced from around the world, blended in France, and impregnated into the replaceable pellets using a patented technology that assures long-lasting effectivity despite the natural volatility of these oils. The combination of the seven essential oils creates a complex veil of molecules that mosquitoes are unable to see through or adapt to. In the case of chemical-based alternatives, mosquitoes eventually adapt to the solution and evolve into a stronger breed. A vicious cycle is created, each time requiring a stronger, and most likely a more hazardous formula to combat a new strain.

While other repellants and devices count their effectivity in hours, each Para’Kito pellet is 100% efficient for 24 hours a day for 15 straight days.

How Safe is Para’Kito?

With all the talk about DEET over the past few years, more and more people are becoming aware of the serious danger this hazardous chemical poses.

Using all-natural ingredients, Para’Kito is safe for all ages. Para’Kito is hypoallergenic and non-toxic, being DEET and chemical-free. It is recommended for individuals susceptible to skin allergies and irritations, as the pellet does not come into contact with the skin.

It’s effective. It’s Safe. What Else?

Para’Kito is a mosquito repellant not a mosquito killer. What most people don’t realize is that mosquitoes play an important part in the ecosystem, plant pollination being one of their least understood activities. Para’Kito is a symbol of commitment to providing a sustainable solution to the alarming situation by working with the environment, while nurturing and protecting it at the same time.

You can trust Para’Kito to work every time and all the time no matter what. It’s sweat- and water-proof, and effective in all climates, giving you no reason to be without it.

Gone are the days of sticky lotions, unsightly sticker patches, smoky chemical mosquito coils, and bug sprays. Para’Kito is not only the most long-lasting and safe mosquito repellant available, but also the most stylish and easy to wear personal anti-mosquito protection device in the market. Choose from Para’Kito’s wide range of color and graphic bands and clips that you can mix and match for any occasion.

So go ahead and live a life without fear or worry of mosquitoes. Soak up the sun, go on an adventure, and be spontaneous! It all begins with Para’Kito.

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Organizers of the first Philippine Popular Music Ferstival (PhilPOP), led by its executive director and music maestro Ryan Cayabyab, issued a last call to Filipino composers, performers and music lovers to join the PhilPOP songwiritng competition.

The composer of the top winning entry will receive P1 million in cash and two runners-up will each receive P500,000 and P250,000 respectively. A People's Choice award will also be given to the most popular entry as decided by online and text votes.

Fourteen (14) finalists will be chosen for a final performance and competition night to be held on July 14, 2012 at the Philippie International Convention Center (PICC).

Cayabyab said, “We are inviting all Filipino composers to come out and share their work. This is your moment to shine. It's high time we once again celebrate the artistry of the Filipino musician. Your big shot at song-writing success begins at this first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival.”





Last night, bloggers were invited to have a conversation with maestro Ryan Cayabyab as the deadline for the submission of entry for the PhilPOP is almost near. As of yesterday the number of entries submitted are more than a thousand already. So for those aspiring amatures and of course professionals who wants to bag that million pesos cash prize, you still have a few more days to work with your compositions.


As the event progressed last night, it was interesting to know that Maestro Ryan Cayabyab himself was an amateur when he first joined the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (MetroPOP) and where his composition “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” won the top prize in the first ever run of the contest. The same music festival gave the local music industry its trove of seminal hits and its roster of song writing pillars and icons like Jose Mari Chan (“Hahanapin Ko”, “ Minsan Pa”) Nonong Pedro (“Narito Ao”, “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit”), Gary Granada (“Salamat, Salamat Musika”), George Canseco (“Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi”), ouie Ocampo (“Ewan”), Snaffu Rigor ("Bulag, Pipi at Bingi") and Freddie Aguilar whose song “Anak” failed to win in any awards at that time but went on to become one of the country's most popular songs.




We were also given a simple lecture about music which inspires also us, bloggers, to get a try to make something extraordinary, good music and who knows we might get a chance.


With PhilPOP, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab now comes full circle in his career as one of the Philippines' most celebrated musicians – inspiring a new generation of song writers and composers as well as spearheading the renaissance of OPM through a familiar platform he himself has gone through.





More than just the excitement of the prizes at stake, the music maestro explained the long-term impact of the competition for the eventual winners. “PhilPOP is not just a one-time, big-time shot at fame. It can be that stepping stone to building a long and successful music career. More than anything else, it's a chance to carve a niche in the industry and change the landscape of local music,” he added.

So again, interested composers may still submit their entries online at PhilPOP.com.ph until midnight of May 10, 2012. Song entries must be in MP3 format and can be in any popular music genre or a fusion of known genres, in any form of structure. Each composition must not exceed four minutes. Contestants can submit a maximum of two songs, either as a sole composer or as a collaborator, Song lyrics may be in Filipino, English, any Filipino dialect or a combination thereof. Entries will be judged based on the artistry of music (50%) and lyrics (50%).





The PhilPOP buzz has traveled beyond the archipelago and has now reached Filipinos in other parts of the world including Thailand, North America, Hong Kong, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, France and the United Kingdom.

PhilPOP is a collaboration among respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision – to spark renewed pride and enthusiasm in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.





The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by Maynilad, Meralco, PLDT, Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, North Luzon Expressway, Metro Pacific Investments, PICC, Philex Mining Corporation and TV5.

For more information, please visit the website PhilPOP.com.ph.

Now on its 16th year of serving Just Roasted Freshness, Bo’s Coffee has come so far from its humble beginnings as a six-table kiosk in Cebu to being one of the country’s most successful coffee brands. With its growing branches nationwide and a loyal community of coffee lovers, Bo’s Coffee is now opening its fifty-sixth (56th) store in the Philippines.

This new branch is nestled right inside the Nuvali community. Nuvali is a destination where people can meet up, go shopping, or just relax. In an avenue where people can embrace nature and savor life, Bo’s Coffee Solenad is definitely a place for quick coffee fixes, meet ups, and unwinding. Customers can enjoy Laguna’s fresh breeze as they sip a cup of brewed coffee, or stroll by the picturesque views of the lake while they drink the sweet concoctions of Froccino Primo.


During its official store launch, Bo’s Coffee Nuvali also offers two latest selections:

1. Biscotti Amaretto as the Summer beverage - Blended coffee with biscotti and Amaretto syrup topped with whipped cream, dark chocolate drizzle and crushed biscotti sprinkles
2. Fillet O’ Dory Cream Sandwich for Lent - Golden brown, crispy breaded cream dory fish fillet with fresh lettuce in tangy tartar sauce

The fifty sixth (56th) branch shows the big difference from the time when the coffee shop culture was not fully grasped. Today, Bo’s Coffee continuously grows with Mr. Benitez’s passion to bring world-class coffee experience to the country. Bo's Coffee looks forward to even more aggressive expansion in the coming years, both locally and abroad.

Pokwang, Pooh, K Brosas and Chokoleit, four of the great and famous comedian will be joining forces again for the anticipated repeat performance of their concert "4 Da Best" The Repeat which will be on May 4 and 11 (Friday), and 12 ( Saturday) at the Music Museum.

As expected, the first two nights of "4 Da Best" show last March at the Music Musuem was a success.

This time, there's no stopping for this four comedians to give their best shot in their performances. So expect the double the fun and double the laugh while watching "4 Da Best" The Repeat.

"If they really enjoyed our first show in "4 Da Best" they for sure loved this repeat.  So for those who have already watch our first performance they can still watch and enjoy this second concert" said Pokwang.

"Wapak na wapak ang '4 Da Best' not because this is our show, noh.  But because, we, ourselves did have a great laugh on each other's performances," said K.

"If four times the fun from the first, this time the repeat is eight times funnier," Pooh added.

"If they thought that we went all out during the first performance, well, that's not true.   We still have many surprises and it's hard to tell so they'll just have to watch for it" promise of Chokoleit.

"4 Da Best" is produced by Amine Entertainment and directed by the veteran comedy concert director Andrew de Real.

So reserve and purchase your tickets now, SM Tickets - 470 2222 and Ticketworld - 8919999. Ticket prices are: 2750, 1980 and 1100.