26 May 2014

Getting To Know Ban Kee Trading's Products - Lalaloopsy, Cra-Z-Loom, Boon, The First Years



I remember toys used to be purely recreational or something to entertain children and to keep them busy. Nowadays, toys are considered as a tool for their development as well. Luckily, I was invited by Ban Kee Trading, a company that carries more than 70 brands of toys and other products for toddlers and children, to an intimate mommy bloggers lunch and I was able to be acquainted with some of the latest products that my kid would love and enjoy.


Established in 1986, Ban Kee Trading, Incorporated is a leading distributor of toys and baby products in the Philippines. Ban Kee currently represents companies such as TOMY, INTEX, GRACO Children products, The First Years, Bandai, Zhuzhu pets, Chuggington, and Speed Stacks toy line.


During the event, we were introduced by Ms. Jenny Fernandez to some of the most popular products that Ban Kee Trading carries such as Lalaloopsy, Boon, First Years, Leap Frog, Cra Z Loom, Lamaze, Chill Factor, among others.

25 May 2014

My Magnum Cafe Manila Experience



Since I rarely frequent the South and my blogger friends and I were already at the area, we didn't miss our chance to try out the latest dessert craze in SM Aura - the Magnum Cafe Manila. Right after the Mrs. Philippines Globe press conference, we immediately rushed to the place.  


Located at the 5th floor of the mall, this dessert haven is not hard to find as a crowd can always be found in its entrance. As to its interior, Magnum Cafe Manila is very modern and neat. It is filled with interesting decor that will surely catch your attention. Their staff were extremely nice, too!

21 May 2014

Swensen's SM The Block Grand Opening



Last week, I was able to witness the grand opening of Swensen's The Block branch. Since I am a fan of desserts plus ice cream is perfect for the sweltering heat we've been experiencing for the past days, I was definitely excited to try out their delectable treats! I did not have a hard time looking for their humble stall as it is located near my favorite shops at The Block - Forever21 and Uniqlo. :)


Available in their store are more than 25 varieties of ice cream - from basics such as Vanilla and Chocolate to complex ones such as Reversible Chocolate, Rum Raisin, Midnight Brownies to fruity flavors such as Cantaloupe, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Lime Sherbet, among others.


There were fun activities for kids during the event, such as face painting and balloon twisting. The first 50 customers of Swensen's were also able to get a free scoop of ice cream of their choice. :)


During the program proper, the owners of Swensen's started the grand opening with a prayer and dedication and finally conducted the ribbon cutting. 


Of course, we didn't miss the chance to try out Swensen's ice cream! Aside from the basic ice cream scoops that can be availed of at their store, they also offer mouth-watering combinations from their menu. We had a hard time choosing which one to try!


And here are the sundaes that my blogger friends and I decided to try at Swensen's (clockwise):


1. Oreo Brownie (P265) - A crispy waffle basket served with chunky brownies, Oreo cookies, and banana top with almonds and chocolate sauce.

2. The Chocolate Earthquake (P675) - The Sundae for chocolate lovers combining 8 scoops of ice cream and rich toppings: hot fudge, Oreo, brownie and almonds. - Perfect for sharing!

3. Nutty Banana (P265) - A crispy waffle basket served with banana and caramel sauce on top with almonds and pecan praline.

4. Waffle Sundae (P175) - A scoop of ice cream on freshly baked waffle with chocolate fudge and almonds.


5. Coit Tower (P245) - A tower of Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream with chocolate fudge, strawberry jam, banana and almonds.

6. Little Prince (P135) - Kiddie sundae decorated with Oreo cookies.

7. Mr. San Francisco (P140) - Kiddie sundae dressed with chocolate dipped cone hat.


Just look at that Oreo Brownie Waffle Basket Sundae that I was able to try. It was heavenly! Swensen's never fails to make anyone a happy kid! Thank you for having us at your grand opening. :)

Visit Swensen's at the 2nd Floor of SM North EDSA The Block. Don't forget to check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SwensensPH!

XO, Mish


17 May 2014

Experience Banana Peel Flip Flops



Just a few days before Mother's Day, I received a lovely present from Banana Peel - a Yellow Mellow Sutton flip flops for the mommy and Boneyard flip flops from the Kookiss collection for the little man. This present was definitely just in time for the weekend as we were about to spend it in the province. We definitely had a great time relaxing and lounging around in these slippers. :)


This first flip flop concept store has gone a long way - from a small venture in 2002 to becoming the largest specialty retailer of flip flops in the country with 29 branches, 2 franchise stores, and 9 export countries. The brand has expanded its styles to cater to all different tastes and adventures; you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out. Funky, trendy; plains and prints; there is just too many to choose from. Of course, their products are made from eco-friendly and non-harmful materials from the thong down to the sole. Hence, they're perfect for the whole family!


This year, they have tied up with several partners such as Mickey and Minnie, Hello Kitty, Archie Comics, Lalaloopsy, among others. They also tied up with the Department of Tourism to come up with a line of slippers highlighting the essence of Pinoy fun in line with the country's It's More Fun in the Philippines Campaign.


As a part of their goal to support non-profit organizations and charitable institutions, they also released the first collection of flip flops for World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines. These statement flip flops are designed not just to make people aware of the current environmental situations present but actually enable citizens to participate in WWF’s advocacy.


Know more about Banana Peel through their sites:
Website - http://www.bananapeel.net/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/BananaPeelFlipFlops
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/bananapeelofcl
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/bananapeelofcl

XO, Mish


16 May 2014

Cohen's Lifestyle Program for Moms



I've never realized how truly blessed I am for having Z until I have heard stories about infertility and actually met several women who have had a hard time conceiving. Some takes years for them to finally conceive a child, while some just end up giving up. From what I've heard, it is not only costly to undergo medical procedures that aren't 100% sure to finally give them the child that they've been praying for but it also emotionally and mentally stressful.


During the Cohen Lifestyle Centre event for mommies, I learned that the risk of infertility runs high among the obese. As explained by Dr. Angel Bandola, an obstetrician-gynecologist at University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center and Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre’s executive director, “Weight loss is the cornerstone in the treatment of obesity-associated infertility. Every 0.1 unit increase in the waist-to-hip ratio of women decreases the probability of conception by 30% per menstrual cycle. This is due to the imbalance in hormones leading to problems in ovulation, fertilization and implantation. In addition, obese women who do get pregnant are more vulnerable to pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, stillbirths, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.”


To address these issues, Cohen came up with a Lifestyle Program that will ensure rapid weight loss and wellness solution through nutrition based on a person's unique blood profile. This Cohen program has helped many aspiring moms lose the flab, experience the joys of motherhood, and stay in shape after giving birth. Without requiring exercise, injection, or intake of pills, the program delivers results, with clients averaging a loss of up to 8 to 10 lbs a month. 

12 May 2014

ACTIVEFUN Fairview Terraces' Grand Opening



Last Friday, I had the opportunity to witness the grand opening of ActiveFun Play and Party Center's latest branch at Fairview Terraces. ActiveFun is a tried and trusted brand that aims to promote a one-stop safe and kid-friendly recreational facility advocating exercise in a safe, fun environment and play as a venue to develop several skills of the children. It allows group play encouraging kids to develop social and interpersonal skills as they learn to interact with other kids. 


The event was filled with fun activities such as face painting, mascot  and magic shows, and games that the kids (and their parents) definitely loved. The kids were also able to enjoy the unlimited play at ActiveFun's Safari-Themed play center. I wish I had brought Z with me during the event!


Everyone from the crowd was able to get prizes and giveaways from the event sponsors, Lotte, Mogu Mogu, Lysol, Johnson's Baby, Goody Gulp, Tiny Buds, Disney Junior, among others.


For the ribbon cutting, Team Kramer was also present. They even participated in some of the activities during the event.


Active Fun's Safari Fun Adventure themed center in Fairview Terraces features sections in the play area like See saws, Ball Pit, Mini Slide, Building Blocks for Toddlers; Play Frame features are Slide, Trampoline, Ball Fountain, Cannons, Air guns, Swings, Tunnels & Hanging Bridges.  New Attractions include Water Bed, Rocking Chair, Shark Tube, Revolving Tunnel, Mini Ball Fountain, Fun & Learn Panels and LED Ball Pool! This place can accomodate 150 kids at a given time.


Aside from these fun activities, ActiveFun also offers snacks and refreshments and party packages. Their Party Zone can be used for children’s parties, meetings, product launches, and other occasions up to 80 persons seating capacity.



For inquiries and reservation, call 294-8412/294-8410 or email activefunfairview@gmail.com. Operating Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays; from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays and Holidays. 

XO, Mish


09 May 2014

Meet the Candidates of Little Miss Solane 2014



After a long yet exciting search throughout the country, Little Miss Solane 2014 presents the 24 girls with the most promising wits and abilities. On its second year, Little Miss Solane is a talent and personality search where young ladies can discover, develop and nurture their potentials at an early age to help them grow into empowered, responsible and successful women in their own right.

The present candidates with the previous winners of Little Miss Solane

Unlike other children’s competitions that focus merely on physical attributes, Little Miss Solane 2014 endeavors to enhance talent and potential and build character and personality. By giving them a good sense of accomplishment this early, the pageant aims to mold these young misses into successful women who create positive change in the society. Little Miss Solane 2014 is an avenue where young misses can meet new friends, learn new things about themselves and more importantly, improve their talents, skills and well-being. 

This year’s finalists for the cuties category (6 to 10 years old) are Sheena Belarmino, Angela Marie Gilstrap, Kaheia Marie Ida, Marydee Manayaga, Sofia Berry Villanueva, Steph Netthel Redne, Ashley Kate Arindain, Isha Kim Quibal, Beatrize Bade, Rachel Frances Suazo, Ariana Yambao and Precious Mariano.


The contenders for the teenies category (11 to 14 years old) are Ma. Mercy Bacarisas, Kyla Angelica Marie De Catalina, Aubrey Jean Pitogo, Sharmaine Michaela Richards, Princess Justine Marie Sing, Duchess Blythe Uybengkee, Alessandra Rafael, Ma. Dominique Trillana, Marielle Jhoy Tubig, Ma. Christine Mendoza, Schanelle Ashley Banzon and Micah Jillian Antonio.


These young ladies will represent their respective regions and compete during the national pageant set on May 17 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.

Judges will choose one winner for each category and will crown them as Little Miss Solane 2014 Cuties and Little Miss Solane 2014 Teenies. As grand winners, they will each bring home P50,000 cash plus P50,000 worth of scholarships and developmental programs. The title holders also will have the privilege of joining Solane activities like outreach programs, trade shows and client appreciation events where they can further showcase their talents.

Little Miss Solane 2014 winners wowed the media with their amazing talents

Meanwhile, the first and second runners-up will take home P30,000 and P20,000 cash, respectively. Aside from these titles, finalists also stand a chance to get a sash and P5,000 cash prize for the following special awards: Best in National Costume, Most Elegant, Most Beautiful Child and Most Beautiful Teen, Little Miss Talent, Little Miss Sporty and Healthy, Little Miss Intelligence, Little Miss Bestfriend, Child of the Year and Teen of the Year, Solane Mom and Daughter of the Year, and Darling of the Press.

Made possible by Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions company and the organizers of Mrs. Philippines-Globe, Little Miss Solane is sponsored by Monde MY San Corporation, Peerless Marketing, Mister Donut, Oishi Bread Pan, Fres Candies, Yupangco Music Academy, Tiddletots, Ozar, Island Rose, and Dayzinc Vitamin Syrup.

For more details, like Little Miss Solane on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LittleMissSolane) and for ticket inquiries, log on to www.smtickets.com or call SM Tickets at 470-2222 or email us at littlemisssolane@eventvisions.com.ph. This pageant is organized by EVI Marketing Communications.

XO, Mish


02 May 2014

Mrs Philippines-Globe 2014 Pageant Night To Take Place on May 17



Out of hundreds of applicants from all over the country, twenty three single moms and married women have been chosen to compete for the prestigious crown of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014

A nationwide search for women of substance fit to be the face of Mrs. Globe, Mrs. Philippines-Globe is a platform to empower married women of substance and single mothers as movers of society. 

The lovely candidates of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014

“These are women who do not let age and civil status get in the way of fulfilling their dreams, and whose achievements, charitable acts and life stories serve as inspiration to others forming a community and sisterhood of empowered women. Women are usually stereotyped to skills confined inside homes but Mrs. Philippines-Globe tries to change how married women and single mothers perceive themselves,” said national pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo.

National Pageant Director Morena Carla Cabrera- Quimpo

The winner of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014 will receive up to PhP 300,000 worth of prizes. She will also represent the Philippines in the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2015 World Finals at Shenzhen, China in November.

Aside from the title of Mrs. Philippines-Globe itself, the candidates will also vie for the coveted Woman of Substance title alongside other special awards such as Achievement of the Year, Advocacy of the Year, Best Talent of the Year, Career Woman of the Year, Most Beautiful Face, Darling of the Press, Entrepreneur of the Year, Mrs. Body Beautiful, Karimadon Super Model Mom, Nikon Tough Mama Life Story Award, Most Elegant Woman / Designer of the Year, Personality of the Year, Husband of the Year, Celesty Shinagawa Mrs. Celestial Beauty and Solane Mother of the Year.

For this year, the lovely candidates who made it to the finals are — Eizza De Baron, Fe Saligumba, Sarah Jane Real, Jedalyn Sator, Grenjen Madridejo, Marie Charmaine San Luis, Melissa Esguerra, Jemmy De Leon, Aileen Jane Cavas, Sonia Mendoza, Marianne Bitara, Stephanie Sitoy, Winlove McLaren, Fritzie Lexdy Noche, Mary Rose Cariazo, Chiara Valerie Lizana, Maria Andrea Geronimo, Ivy Macalalad, Velinette Quiat, Janice Trillo, Czarina Cheloe Ylaya, Marie Claire Briones and Jay Angelique Wang.

Ranging from 26 to 44 years old, this year’s finalists are composed of women from diverse fields of expertise: hotel and restaurant management, academe, dentistry, pediatrics, speech and language pathology, business process outsourcing, direct selling, civil service and real estate.

Current candidates with the previous title holders of Mrs. Philippines-Globe

Mrs. Philippines-Globe is the local franchise of Mrs. Globe USA, an organization strongly affiliated with The Women In Need Foundation, which aims to help abused women and children recover their self-esteem. Mrs. Globe emphasizes that women have the right to be heard, loved and respected.


The Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014 coronation night will take place on May 17, 2014 at SMX Convention Center Taguig, SM Aura Premier. For ticket inquiries, log on to www.smtickets.com or call SM Tickets at 470-2222 or email us at mrsphilsglobe@eventvisions.com.ph. This pageant is organized by EVI Marketing Communications.

Previous winners of Mrs. Philippines-Globe with members of the Mommy Bloggers Philippines group

Mrs. Philippines-Globe is presented by Solane and Celesty Shinagawa. In cooperation with 96.3 Easy Rock, SMX Convention Center Taguig, Datem, Galderma, Restylane, Cetaphil, Slimmers World. Special thanks to Nikon Tough Mama, Wacoal, Calchews, Working Mom, Venice Piazza, SM Tickets, Dezire, Karimadon, Tamayo’s Catering, Kopiko, Godiva, Island Rose and Glyderm.

XO, Mish