DIY: Happy Birthday Greetings

I love DIY projects. This is my outlet to unleash my creativity. Actually, my office mates tease me that I am also an art teacher :)

Last January, my son turned four. I forgot to print him something that we can post on our wall. We wanted to surprise him. A night before his birthday, I recalled the letter cutting my Arts teacher taught us. Took the effort in folding and cutting a simple message to my son. Got some leftover green papers I used when I made birthday decors for my daughter's first birthday last year. Voila! "Kiko's 4th Bday."

Last week, my daughter turned two. Again, same scenario happened. I forgot to print the birthday greetings. And again, a night before her birthday, got small cut out card boards I used for the letters I made for Kuya, made a quick lettering and made a colorful birthday greeting. My daughter actually volunteered to put up the last two letters. She was proud to help.

I love doing simple things for my kids. It keeps me young at heart :)

Mommy kisses,

May

Little Help from Kuya

My mother was craving for ginataang halo-halo. When I started forming the glutinous rice, my son said, "Nanay, parang clay."

I asked him if he would like to help me and he said, "Opo."

I got a little help from my son. He enjoyed forming the bilo-bilo.

Thank you Kuya for helping!

Mommy kisses,

May

Now Open: Baskin-Robbins at Greenbelt 5

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s most beloved ice cream brand now brings scoops of smiles and joy to its recently opened store at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center in Makati.

Good news for all ice cream lovers in Makati! Baskin-Robbins, the world’s most beloved ice cream brand now brings scoops of smiles and joy to its recently opened store at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center in Makati. It is Baskin-Robbins third branch in the country, serving a variety of delectable ice cream sundaes, custom cakes, frozen beverages and more.

“We are delighted to celebrate this new milestone as we open our very first Makati branch of Baskin Robbins here in Greenbelt,” said Michael Dargani, president of IceDream Inc.

“We are geared towards achieving the brand’s vision of strengthening its presence in the local market, as well as in the global scene.  With the expansion of Baskin-Robbins, we strive to get more and more people to experience the height of ice cream pleasure at key locations throughout the metropolis,” Dargani added.

Following the success of Baskin-Robbins in Bonifacio Global City and Ayala Fairview Terraces which opened last year, Baskin-Robbins Greenbelt brings to the table its famous selection of 31 unique ice cream flavors that has drawn in many ice cream aficionados in the country. Some of the all-time favorite ice cream flavors include Mint Chocolate Chip, Jamoca Almond Fudge, Very Berry Strawberry, Maui Brownie Madness and Pralines ‘N Cream.

The newly-opened store features the brand’s latest shop design which highlights its popular pink and blue colors in a clean, fresh and modern setting. One can enjoy their chosen treat in a bright and inviting atmosphere or simply grab their favorite BR items and go!

Apart from Baskin-Robbins’ unique and timeless 31 ice cream flavors, the new Greenbelt shop also serves a delicious range of frozen delights including ice cream cakes, milkshakes, and sundaes.

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 in Glendale, California by Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins, ice cream enthusiasts and brothers-in-law, whose passion inspired what is now the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. As of 2013, Baskin-Robbins has 7,300 shops in nearly 50 countries, with the U.S. having the largest number at 2,500 ice cream stores. Today, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty stores, serving over 300 million customers each year worldwide.

Baskin-Robbins Greenbelt 5 opens to the public from 11am to 10pm daily.

For more details about Baskin-Robbins, visit their website www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their Facebook (facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph), Twitter and Instagram (baskinrobbinsph) accounts.

Fun Summer Activities at National Book Store

My son and I had a date last Saturday. We went to SM Megamall to attend Fun Summer Activities hosted by National Book Store. The activity for the day was Clay Painting, sponsored by Art Attack. There were about 50 kids who participated and enjoyed the activity.

For the schedule of activities, click the picture below.

The Art Attack facilitator gave instructions to the excited audience.

Each kid was given a block of an Art Attack modelling clay

This is a perfect time to share with a seatmate 

Kuya prefers orange 

Kuya's work with the help of Nanay

Proud of his work

We hope to participate in other activities on the coming weekends.

Have a great week ahead mommies!

Mommy kisses,

May

Marian Rivera is new 555 KumpleTuna endorser

In an new TV coomercial for 555 Tuna, the Kapuso Primetime Queen describes her married life as happy and complete.

I'm not a follower of her but I'm a follower of this best seller...

“KumpleTuna ang buhay ko!” exclaims Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera in her new TV commercial (TVC) for 555 Tuna.

Marian, who got married in a highly anticipated ceremony late last year, is obviously glowing with happiness in the new TVC, which featured her enjoying wedded bliss. Here, she is seen preparing a meal for two using 555 Tuna, the brand that is complete given its delicious mix of tuna and vegetables in a flavorful sauce. It is also complete in offering a wide range of lutong-bahay flavors. In short, KumpleTuna!

“Super happy ako to be chosen as the new face of 555 Tuna. Lumaki kasi ako sa Lola ko na lagi akong ipinagluluto, so ngayong may asawa na ako, sobrang namimiss ko ang lutong-bahay. Thankfully, sa 555 Tuna, nahanap ko yung lasang ‘yon – yung 555 Tuna Afritada nga, halos katulad nung afritada ni Lola!” said Marian. “Mas convenient pa especially pag nasa tapings dahil naka-easy open can siya.”

Greg Banzon, General Manager of Century Pacific Food Inc., the company behind 555 Tuna, also expresses joy in having Marian serve as the brand’s newest ambassador.  “555 Tuna has found the perfect endorser in Marian Rivera, who is famous not only for her beauty and sass, but also for her genuine love for cooking. She is in fact taking cooking classes and likes posting photos of her dishes, and we’re definitely excited to see 555 Tuna gracing her dining table.”

In the new 555 Tuna TVC which will soon air on primetime TV, Marian can be seen preparing a home for two – adding a second towel for her bathroom, setting the table for a dinner for two and of course, a KumpleTuna dish for the man in her life whose arrival is signaled by the sound of a doorbell, “Ding-dong!” Finally, Marian exclaims, “Ayan na siya, My KumpleTuna!”

Like Marian Rivera, Pinoys can enjoy 555 Tuna’s lutong-bahay sarap which is available in 12 delicious variants: The best-selling blue line - Afritada, Caldereta, Adobo, and Mechado; the green line, featuring Bicol Express, Lechon Paksiw, and Sisig; and  orange line, featuring Flakes in Oil, Hot & Spicy, Sweet & Spicy, Corned Tuna, and Chili Corned Tuna.

Delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare, 555 Tuna is truly Marian’s – and every Pinoy’s – KumpleTuna!

Inspiring talk by world renowned humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on secrets to inner strength and happiness

He travels to nearly 40 countries a year and has started programs and organizations that have touched the lives of over 300 million people in over 150 countries and on the 8th of April 2015, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, one of the world’s icons for human values and peace, will be visiting the Philippines, to inspire the public for one night only with his globally recognized wisdom.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar believes that a peaceful society starts with the peaceful mind of every individual. He started organizations such as “The Art of Living Foundation” to share best practice techniques and ancient Wisdom to help people from all over the world manage their mind and negative emotions - thereby helping them lead healthier and happier lives.

The Art of Living's programs include breathing techniques, Yoga, Meditation and simple yet profound life guiding principles. The core technique known as the Sudarshan Kriya, is a powerful and revitalizing breathing technique scientifically proven to be beneficial for the mind and body. Art of Living’s global website, http://www.artofliving.org, states that “Sudarshan Kriya incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonize the body, mind and emotions,” It has been proven to be very effective in managing stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression.

Founded in 1981, Art of Living Foundation – is now one of the largest international volunteer-based, non-profit, educational, charitable and humanitarian organizations having a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

In the Philippines, the Art of Living has conducted numerous courses and workshops. In 2009, Bienvenido “Donnie” Tantoco, President of Rustan’s Supercenters Inc., was quoted saying, “Once you know proper breathing, it is effortless to be in the present moment. I’m calmer, my mind is more lucid. Basically, I don’t feel so stressed and I have been sleeping better now than I have in years.”

The Art of Living  programs benefit all sectors of society – people from all backgrounds and all walks of life have enjoyed the various courses and techniques offered by the foundation. Apart from addressing the stress and negative emotions of the general public, Art of Living also includes

poverty alleviation, women empowerment, environmental sustainability and conflict resolution in their mission.

In the Philippines, the service arm of the Art of Living deploys volunteers and teachers to conduct workshops free of charge to various sectors of society. One such workshop, BeST (Breath & Sound Therapy) is for marginalized, depressed or traumatized people and communities including victims of calamities in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda and Ondoy. The BeST program is effective regardless of the number of participants, making it recognized by other NGO’s as an effective psychosocial remedy to address deep trauma in large communities where one-on-one sessions are impractical and costly.

BeST has been conducted throughout the Philippines from Metro Manila, through Visayas and Mindanao working occasionally with other NGO’s such as the Red Cross and Save the Children. The Service arm has also conducted regular workshops for prisoner rehabilitation in Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City as well as Makati City Jail – over 1000 inmates have been through the program till date.

In light of the recent violence and tragedies that have befallen the nation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit complements the national and global call for peace and harmony. “Difficult and unpleasant times come in everyone’s life,” he says, “What is important is to keep the faith intact. On a completely dark night, even a flickering lamp can help you find the way.”

Sri Sri’s visit to Manila marks the end of his Asian Tour where he is expected to inspire thousands of people across Cambodia, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.

In Manila on April 8, the public speaking engagement of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Tickets are available at Php 300 and P100 for Students, seniors, teachers, NGO workers, Gov. Employees. Group rates are also available. For more information about this event as well as courses offered, contact the Art of Living Foundation at 09178400049 09178484898 or (632) 6222-566/63, info@artofliving.org. To learn more or register online visit www.artofliving.org

Meet Century Tuna’s newest faces who are ABS-olutely ready for summer!

Century Tuna, the country’s number 1 tuna, once again welcomes the hottest season of the year as it presents the country’s hottest and most promising stars as its newest batch of brand ambassadors.

Four of the country's hottest and most promising stars 

headline the country's number 1 tuna's newest campaign 

where they show off their fit and healthy bosied and share secrets

to an ABS-olutely delicious summer

The sun is at its peak and the beaches look more inviting than ever, but can you say that you’re ready for summer? Century Tuna, the country’s number 1 tuna, once again welcomes the hottest season of the year as it presents the country’s hottest and most promising stars as its newest batch of brand ambassadors.

Making the road to fitness more inspiring and more exciting, the company proudly presents not just one, but four stunning endorsers who represent some of the biggest names in the industry – Paulo Avelino, James Reid, Elmo Magalona and Jessy Mendiola.

“Century Tuna has been known not only for our line of products, but also for our vision of helping our consumers achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle,” says Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food Corporation. “We believe that this powerful advocacy requires only the most influential ambassadors who can inspire others through their sexy bodies and healthy lifestyle. And so this year, we strengthen our campaign through with newest batch of endorsers who have also undergone stunning body transformations,” he added.

Known for his enviable bod, striking features and acting prowess is the Gawad Urian awardee Paulo Avelino. Paulo has been living an active lifestyle for years now to maintain his figure. In fact, the actor is engaged in numerous sports activities like badminton, rock climbing and jogging. “Being tapped as a Century Tuna endorser is overwhelming. Now that I am part of the body transformation campaign, I hope to become an inspiration to those who have often expressed admiration of my physique,” Paulo shared.

Meanwhile, Filipino-Australian heartthrob James Reid finds this opportunity to be a sweet reward to his hard work to achieve his now toned figure: “I used to be thin and weak years ago – I even had asthma. But through swimming and gymnastics, and a healthy diet, I’ve become more buffed. I’m definitely proud of the new me.”

Raring to make a name for himself in showbiz, Elmo Magalona ventured into acting, rapping, singing, and hosting. Over time, people also noticed his body’s remarkable transformation. At 20 years old, Elmo has already developed chiseled abs and very muscular arms through a customized workout and disciplined diet. “As the youngest in the bunch, I’d like to let people know that they can – and should – start early in their journey to a healthy body,” he shared.

The only lady in the batch is the beautiful actress who has captured the hearts of many with her angelic face and sexy body: Jessy Mendiola. Jessy has graced a lot of magazine covers and TV commercials, yet she finds something uniquely exciting about her Century Tuna experience: “I’m excited to show a different side of me: a grown-up Jessy who consciously takes care of her body through proper diet and exercise. Plus it’s always nice to endorse a product I truly love!”

Through the inspiring stories of Century Tuna’s newest faces Paulo, James, Elmo and Jessy, the country’s leading tuna brand aims to help more and more people understand that anybody can bring out the better versions of themselves and be ABS-solutely ready for summer.

The four new endorsers join long-time endorser Anne Curtis in promoting the ABS-solutely delicious Century Tuna as a brand that motivates people to aspire for a healthy body.” For all of them, there’s no other tuna!

For more information and fitness tips, visit www.centurytuna.ph.