30 June 2015

Score Safety, Style, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES



One of the fun parts of being a parent is getting to dress up your baby. I really love dressing up Zack! I even made an outfit post section of him here on my blog. :) But when it comes to dressing him up, I only choose stylish pieces which are perfect for mixing and matching and which can also provide him comfort all day. And in choosing the perfect clothes for our babies, I believe that we must prioritize safety above all. Unlike clothes for adults that mostly prioritize trend over comfort, our babies' wardrobes should only consist of clothes that are not only fashionable but are also comfortable and safe to wear.

Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES

During an event held last week at SM Aura, me and other mommy bloggers were introduced to Japanese clothing and high-street brand UNIQLO Philippines' new clothing collection that is carefully designed and engineered to be safe for babies. It was definitely a great news for me! I've always loved UNIQLO's round neck shirts and jeans as their items have superb quality and affordable prices. And I love that my son can now enjoy their products!

Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES

So what makes UNIQLO's Babies Collection unique? Following the global Oeko-Tex Standard 100, UNIQLO makes sure that every piece of clothing is free of harmful substances and meets the highest standards. UNIQLO’s Baby Wear are categorized as Class 1— the safest classification under the Oeko-Tex Standard. From the raw material used to the finished product, all clothes are made sure to be formalin-free to ensure the health and safety of babies. 

Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES
Adorable onesies from the UNIQLO Babies Collection

“UNIQLO is focused in providing stylish and safe clothing essentials for babies. We closely monitor our manufacturing process to make sure that our products meet global strict standards,” says Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer of Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc. “We apply strict checks on our entire baby’ garments, from the material color and pattern, buttons, zippers, and even the sewing threads,” Kubota explains.  

Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES Delamar Arias Nikka Martinez Garcia
Host Mommy Delamar Arias with Mommy Nikka Martinez Garcia

The best quality control is applied to the smallest details of the baby range.  While care labels are commonly sewn inside clothes, UNIQLO’s had its ones placed outside to prevent irritation. A special sewing technique is also used to remove any unevenness on the cloth or threads to keep the skin of babies safe. The clothes, moreover, also undergo tests for more than 200 chemical substances during the planning and production stages. 

Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES Delamar Arias Nikka Martinez Garcia
Host Delamar Arias
Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES Delamar Arias Nikka Martinez Garcia
Mommy Nikka Martinez Garcia

During the said event, we were joined by Mommies Delamar Arias and Nikka Martinez-Garcia who are both pregnant. And as expecting mommies, they are very particular when it comes to the clothes that their babies would be wearing. As for Nikka, she wanted clothes that are not only fashionable but also safe for her baby. She also wanted something that would be easy to put on and to remove, just like the super cute onesies from UNIQLO's Babies Collection. She is definitely happy and excited about the new babies clothing line of UNIQLO.

Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES Delamar Arias Nikka Martinez Garcia
Mommies Delamar and Nikka with UNIQLO Philippines' Executives

To keep to its commitment of providing safe products to babies, UNIQLO will also be adopting an original quality standard later this year. This is another step for the brand to conduct strict product management and finally assume final responsibility to its clothes.  Kubota finishes, “Every parent wants to give the best to their babies. We want to help them with that by providing safe fashion choices.” 

Score Style, Safety, and Comfort with UNIQLO BABIES Delamar Arias Nikka Martinez Garcia

The “Babies” collection is initially being carried only in 5 stores—Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM Aura, and Powerplant Mall. Now, the collection is already available in 11 more UNIQLO outlets namely SM Pampanga, SM Clark, Robinsons Manila, SM BF ParaƱaque, SM Southmall, Gateway, SM City San Lazaro, SM Makati, and Robinsons Magnolia. Nine different baby clothing categories will be available in 16 UNIQLO stores.

Know more about UNIQLO's products through their social media accounts:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/uniqlo.ph
Twitter - https://twitter.com/uniqloph
Instagram - https://instagram.com/uniqlophofficial

XO, Mish


26 June 2015

#MinionsatMcDo: Celebrate Minions Banana Festival at McDonald's!



Are you ready to go bananas over the latest Minions craze? I sure am! Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, stars of the Minions Movie, are definitely back and they have taken over McDonald's. A full Minions experience is yours at McDo's Minions Banana Festival - an awesome treat that kids and even adults will absolutely enjoy. 


During the McDonald's Minions Family Day held last Saturday at McDonald's West Avenue branch, me and other fellow mommy bloggers were the first to know what's in store for everyone during the Minions Banana Festival. We were also treated to our McDo favorites (mine's Chicken McDo!!!) while having fun with various Minions games and face painting and enjoying a complete family bonding experience. 


To begin with, McDo came up with new Minions Happy Meal toys. I don't think any Minions invasion could be complete without the Minions Happy Meal toys! 10 Minions collectibles will be available with every Happy Meal starting today, June 26. But I might have to collect them all cause they're so irresistible! 


Here are the 10 adorable Minions collectibles that comes with every McDo Happy Meal:


From top to bottom: Groovy Stuart, Guard Minion, Chatting Bob, Martial Arts Minion, Minion Caveman, Guitar Strumming Stuart, Minion Vampire, Lava Shooting Kevin, Egyptian Hula Minion, and Marching Minion Soldier. So far, Zack's favorites are the Chatting Bob and Guitar Strumming Stuart! And my personal favorite is the Hula Minion. :)


Aside from the Minions Happy Meal toys, also included in the Minions Banana Festival are the Minions Combos featuring an array of Minions-themed desserts. And I don't think there could be any better McDo combo than their McDonald’s World Famous Fries with the all-new Minions-themed desserts. This would definitely make a perfect snack combination for you and your friends. 


There are four McDo Fries and Dessert Combo that are available during the Minions Banana Festival. These are the Minions Medium Fries and McFloat Combo (Php65), Minions Medium Fries and McFlurry Combo (Php95), Minions BFF Fries and McFloat Combo (Php165), Minions BFF Fries and McFlurry Combo (Php225). Ther BFF Fries Combo are definitely perfect for sharing (unless you're extra hungry ;))!


Of course, these desserts are available separately. Try the new Honey Banana McFloat, a sweet and refreshing banana and honey flavored drink topped with vanilla soft serve for only Php27. In the mood for a McFlurry? You have a choice between two new and exciting McFlurry flavors. Discover the Banana McFlurry with Oreo (Php50) where a classic gets a banana-licious twist, as banana flavor is mixed with Oreo bits in vanilla soft serve. You can also have the Banana Crumble McFlurry (Php50), made with crushed graham and banana flavor blended in creamy vanilla soft serve. Between the two, my fave is definitely the Banana Crumble McFlurry! Everything just goes well in that cup of McFlurry!


McDonald’s is also introducing the Minions Banana McDip, a delicious vanilla soft serve covered in banana-flavored dip on a blue wafer cone—one of the cutest dessert items you’ll ever see and taste for only Php15. 


Head over to McDonald’s to see the Minions Movie come to life! Bring the entire family or barkada and find a Minions treat for everyone. Be sure to try these Minions Happy Meal and menu offers at any McDonald’s stores nationwide ASAP as they are available for a limited time only!

Share your love for the Minions at McDonald’s via the official Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/mcdo.ph, or by tagging @McDo_PH to your sweet and funny McDo moments on Twitter or Instagram. #MinionsAtMcDo

XO, Mish

06 June 2015

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision



Gone are the days when mobile phones are limited to their call and text functions. Nowadays, they boast of amazing features that incorporate other aspects of our everyday lives into a single gadget. We could now listen to music anywhere, take superb photos, and do more with our mobile phones. We could now also watch TV on some mobile phones available in the market. And that feature is made even better through the launch of the first line of Digital TV Phones in the Philippine market by no other than the country's most innovative mobile brand - Starmobile.

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision

During an event held a few days back at Burgers and Brewskies in Estancia, we were the first to witness this new line of Digital TV Phones. These mobile hybrids allow you to watch cable-quality Digital TV (DTV) Channels for FREE anytime and anywhere DTV services are available. You can choose from three models: the big-screen KNIGHT Vision, the slender UP Vision, and the big battery UP Max.

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
Knight Vision (P9,990)

Leading the pack is the KNIGHT Vision (P9,990). It comes with a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM, an HD screen in-plane switching, which means that images look great from any angle. It comes with real-time recording technology so you never have to miss a moment in your favorite sport or drama. Its camera is equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) technology, which keeps your photos blur-free and sharp. A physical anti-shake mechanism will allow you to take better videos, which are sure to be great with a 13MP rear camera with Sony EXMOR technology as well as an 8MP front camera for selfie goodness. 

The phone has an internal memory capacity of 16GB, though a Micro SD card slot ensures you can add up to 64GB to that. Meanwhile, there’s no need to worry that your TV viewing will result in a dead phone as the 2450mAh Lithium Polymer battery gives you up to four hours TV time, 15 hours talk time, and up to 15 days on standby mode.

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
UP Vision (P5,990)

The UP Vision (P5,990) has more streamlined power, but it still packs quite a punch. This digital TV phone is the slimmest and lightest phone of the bunch, which means it’ll fit like a dream into most pockets and just about any purse. It features a 1800-mAh battery that comes with up to 9 hours talk time and about 10 and a half days on standby mode. Its got a 13MP rear camera that sports an AF Sony BSI lens with a Blue Glass Filter and an 8MP front camera from Samsung.

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
UP Max (P7,490)

The UP Max (P7,490) is built to outlast its older siblings thanks to its ultra-amped up 5000mAH battery, which is the largest on any smartphone currently on the market. With it you can enjoy up to 10 hours DTV time, 24 hours talk time, and a whopping 41.25 days on standby mode. At 9.6mm—the slimmest for a phone with a 5000mAh battery--its design remains sleek and ergonomically perfect in the palm. Plus, it comes with a DTV antenna dongle which you can simply remove when you’re not watching TV. 

This Android Lollipop-powered phone also comes with an enhanced user interface, better app compatibility, and improved security features, including mobile anti theft technology and data protection. Last but not the least, the UP Max also comes with a 13MP Sony IMX 135 with EXMOR RS sensor, which means you can snap photos in low-light and have them come out like a dream.

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
It's a full house at Burgers & Brewskies in Estancia as friends from the entertainment, lifestyle, broadsheets, and digital media get first dibs on Starmobile's Digital TV phones

The technology and versatility of DTV phones mark a new era in Philippine mobile functionality. Starmobile has always put the wants and needs of Pinoy mobile users first. Admit it or not, TV is a huge part of Filipinos' everyday lives whether it's for general info or entertainment purposes. Not a day passes by without us watching the latest news on TV or enjoying our fave soap operas. With that kind of modern and very mobile lifestyle, Starmobile has come up with it's first line of Digital TV Phones. What sets these mobile phones apart is that they made watching TV more accessible and convenient for consumers. 

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
The fun boys of Boys Night Out, also Starmobile brand ambassadors, host the lunch affair for Starmobile Digital TV Phone launch

Watching shows via DTV Phones makes TV a solo affair. You can now watch your favorite TV channels on your mobile through Starmobile without having to fight for control of the remote control whenever your favorite show is on air. Also, digital recording spreads viewing times out. Real-time recording functions on Starmobile digital TV phones mean that you can wait until you are free to do so before you watch a TV show you’ve been meaning to catch. That frees up your social life so you don’t have to make the decision between finding out what happens on the season finale of your favorite show and meeting your barkada for dinner.

Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
Starmobile Product Marketing Manager Elijah Mendoza

Moreover, 'anytime, anywhere’ means quality TV programming can and should be 24/7. With the Starmobile DTV phones, now you can watch your shows in bed even without a TV in your room, and you can record shows you might not be able to watch when they air. Lastly, the crisper, high-quality video means more emphasis on great artistry. Any advances in the quality of video the average viewer can watch have called for the industry to update the way they do things, from the makeup techniques used on actors to visual effects achieved through filming or production.


Starmobile Launches PH’s First Line of Digital TV Phones - Knight Vision, UP Max, and UP Vision
The stellar lineup of Starmobile Digital TV Phones, new innovations that will change the way we watch TV forever

Even if you’re not a TV addict, you’ll still get a lot of use out of your digital TV phone. Gamers will love the responsiveness of the system as well as the HD screen, something people who download a lot of videos will get a kick out of, too, apart from the huge memory available for use. Instagrammers and photo-foodies will appreciate the great cameras these come equipped with, as will folks who like to capture moments in time via video (like parents and travel junkies). Honestly, I can see myself watching TV and killing time with these DTV Phones during my long commutes to and from school. 

The UP Vision and the KNIGHT Vision are now available in Starmobile Stores and Kiosks nationwide while the UP Max will be available beginning the second week of June. 

To learn more, visit the Starmobile website at www.starmobile.com.ph. You can also search for “Happy Man by Starmobile” on Facebook or follow @happymanPH on Twitter and Instagram.

XO, Mish


04 June 2015

When in San Juan, Batangas - Bernardo's Hideaway



A few days back, my family and I had our first (and probably our only) summer outing for this year at Bernardo's Hideaway at Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. This was our second time to visit the place and I assure you that it'll never fail to make you fall in love with it every time you visit. The exclusivity and serenity of the place will make you feel relaxed and the time you spend with your loved ones here will definitely be enjoyable. Anyway, here is a photo diary of our short vacation (taken using iPhone camera and Nikon D5000):

Laiya San Juan Batangas Photo Diary Bernardo's Hideaway
Laiya San Juan Batangas Photo Diary Bernardo's Hideaway
Laiya San Juan Batangas Photo Diary Bernardo's Hideaway
Laiya San Juan Batangas Photo Diary Bernardo's Hideaway
Laiya San Juan Batangas Photo Diary Bernardo's Hideaway
Laiya San Juan Batangas Photo Diary Bernardo's Hideaway
Laiya San Juan Batangas Photo Diary Bernardo's Hideaway

The last time we visited, Z can't even stand on the kiddie pool yet. During our recent visit, he kept on roaming around by himself while splashing water on me! Aside from the private and exclusive pool, they also have a huge gazebo wherein you and your family can have your meals. As regards the rooms, each has its own bathroom and the cabanas are very relaxing and spacious, too. If you prefer to visit the beach during your stay, Bernardo's Hideaway offers an access to a private beach where you could enjoy the white Laiya sand. If you're in for a total relaxation and want to spend some time away from the city, this place is definitely the one for you! Anyway if you want to know more about Bernardo's Hideaway (such as number of rooms and other facilities available), please check out their website: http://www.bernardoshideaway.com/. :)

XO, Mish


02 June 2015

Crizal Alize Essilor Lenses Review + Tips for Healthy Eyes



I've been using prescription glasses for years now but I've never been particular as to what kind of lenses are placed on my glasses. All I simply wanted was a clear vision and standard lenses could provide that. During an event held for Essilor Philippines, a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, lens coatings and dispensary technologies, we had a thorough eye check up and the privilege to try out Essilor lenses. Of course, I was eager to give it a try so that I could finally compare what these could do as compared to standard lenses. Since I did not ask for anything in particular (and I don't think I could sport Transition lenses), my Springfield Rectangle Glasses were replaced with Crizal Alize No-Glare lenses.


The Crizal Alize lenses offer complete protection for one's eyes and vision. It reduces glare, resists scratches, repels water, resists smudge, and has an eye sun protection factor of 5. Initially, I can't tell any difference the Crizal Alize has from the previous lenses that I've tried. They all seem the same to me. Of course, my vision was definitely clearer because I now have a higher eye grade. I had only noticed the difference between Crizal Alize and any of the lenses that I have previously used when one time I was drinking coffee and the vapor went straight to my glasses. Normally with my previous lenses, the water on the lenses would just remain there and block my vision. But with the Crizal Alize lenses, the water was all gone in just seconds.


Recently, I have realized that my vision seemed to be sharper with these lenses. I can see details in objects extremely clearly and properly. I have also noticed that it was easier to clean the Crizal Alize lenses than any of the lenses I have used before. And even if I was not able to thoroughly clean the lenses, my vision would still remain clear. My glasses are abused but I have not seen any scratches on the lenses yet. I have not noticed anything though when it comes to its anti-glare properties, but the lenses that were installed definitely made me at ease and more comfortable in wearing glasses now than before. And if it will ever occur to you that all lenses are the same, I can assure you that they are not and that Crizal Alize definitely has better performance than any of the standard lenses that I've previously tried. 

Wearing Crizal Alize No-Glare Lenses on my Springfield Rectangle Eyeglasses

Anyway, here are some tips that I have learned from Essilor Philippines's brand ambassador, Piolo Pascual, during the event I was talking about earlier - the launch of “Seeing the World Better,” a public awareness campaign on the importance of good vision organized.

Keep your eyeglasses on. “I am fond of surfing the internet through my mobile device, but I have learned that the blue light from electronic devices can harm our eyesight, so I always wear my eye lenses on,” Piolo shared. Harmful blue light is a risk factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration, a deterioration of the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. To prevent its damaging effect, eye doctors recommend wearing lenses that effectively blocks the harmful blue light. Reading in a dark room should also be avoided. With only your mobile device as your main light, the glare on the screen can cause eye strain. 

Follow a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. Eating a healthy, nutritious diet is beneficial to our eyes. Vitamins C, A and E, folic acid, selenium and zinc, which are present in fruits and vegetables, can make your eyes healthy. Have a daily dose of fruits and vegetables like grapes carrots, spinach, kale, or collard greens, for a clearer, better vision. 

Keeping a healthy lifestyle can also be helpful to your eyes, and your overall health. Piolo, who is a known triathlete, maintains a healthy lifestyle by engaging in sports like swimming, biking and running. By maintaining healthy weight, it reduces the chance of getting eye diseases. According to National Eye Institute, being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.

Visit your optometrist regularly Piolo shared that he has 20/20 vision, but despite having perfect eyesight, he regularly sees an eye doctor to make sure his eyes are in good condition. Regular visits to an eye doctor are very important because it can pick up early signs of eye conditions. You need not wait for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea and cloudy vision before visiting your optometrist. At the same time, eye check-ups may also detect most diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart diseases, and even certain cancers, and can help cure or prevent these diseases from worsening over time. Make an appointment with your eye doctor once a year to keep your eyes and whole body healthy. 

Hope you learned a lot from this blog post and don't forget to ask your eye doctor for Essilor lenses!

XO, Mish