Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Museum Cafe's Music and Meryenda at M


I am not a big fan  of Makati because I certainly hate traffic. Who wouldn't, right? There are only two reasons when I'm forced by nature to brave this business capital of our country, namely, collectible toys and books, and good food.

Last week my wife Joy of www.occasionsofjoy.com  had the chance to try Museum Cafe's Music and Meryenda at M. They serve buffet meryenda for only P295++ from 2pm to 6pm while being serenaded with great live entertainment..















M Cafe
Ayala Museum Complex, Greenbelt 4, Makati City. 
Contact Numbers: 757.3000 / 757.6000

Thursday, November 30, 2017

HIStory Leather Bags for Men

Back in 1999 while I was working with an international pharmaceutical company, Fino leather bags were supplied to us, top selling  medical representatives.  Fino bag is something you carry with pride while visiting doctors and pharma store owners because of its class, quality and style.

Aside from that, Fino bags is sturdy and roomy, which allowed me to carry all the necessary tools I needed in dealing with my clients and doctors.

When I resigned in 2003 to focus on my business, I opted for sporty bags which helped me when my wife and I bike and trek. I have completely given up on leather bags.

Fast forward to 2017, I am reunited with FINO when my wife Joy of  Occasions of Joy and I checked out their newest collection - History at the Powerplant Mall.

POWER PLANT MALL
L2 Rockwell Center, Makati City
Tel. No: 898-1456, 898-1457

I tried all the bags but it was Raul Ona's bag that stood out for my taste and need. I bike a lot and I move a lot, I needed a bag that is compact and yet still classy when I meet my lawyer and accountant for meetings.

Raul Ona bag comes in black and brown. I wanted the brown one but they have ran out of it. Got to wait for the next delivery.




To know more about the other HIStory bags, feel free to click the blue link for the past article I wrote on FINO. You might also want to watch the video below that my wife took while I was busy checking HIStory Leather Bags for Men.


FINO Leatherware
connect@finoleatherware.com
FB + IG: finoleatherware

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Infinix Zero 5

BGC, especially at night, is a big no-no for me because of traffic. Last night though was an exception.  My wife Joy, of www.occasionsofjoy.com, went at Brick and Mortar, braved the bumper-to-bumper scene because I wanted to see the new Infinix Zero 5.




Without further ado, here is what to expect if you plan to buy Infinix Zero 5:

- Price -  P13,999 for three months exclusively at Lazada


- It is an android phone 7.0 and is powered by a 4350mAh
- non removable battery
- with a 5.98-inch touchscreen display
- with a resolution of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels
- powered by 2.6GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio P25 processor
- comes with 6GB of RAM
- packs 128GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card
- has a 12-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 16-megapixel front shooter for selfies
. has a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Micro-SIM and Micro-SIM
. connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, FM, 3G and 4G
- Sensors on the phone include Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope


USANA® Celavive™

USANA®, the leader in multi-vitamins all over the world launched to media and bloggers today Celavive™ line in Makati City.

Ms Aurora Gaston, USANA Vice President of the Philippines and Indonesia welcomed everyone with the report of USANA's 2017 accomplishments.

Ms Aurora Gaston, USANA Vice President of the Philippines and Indonesia

Celavive Ambassadors, from left, Sara Jane Paez, Sam Pinto, Misagh Bahadoran and Michelle Barrera

Being early at the venue gave me the chance to try these products. I am not at all vain but turning 40 has given signs that says, " I need a daily regimen to keep my skin not just youthful but more importantly healthy.  What can I say? I feel refreshed in just 10 minutes.



Products in the USANA® Celavive™ line include USANA InCelligence Technology® to support healthy looking skin. InCelligence ingredients are included in the Celavive Cell Signaling Complex. This Cell Signaling Complex includes targeted ingredients to support the genes responsible for your body’s natural, beauty-preserving functions.   InCelligence maximizes the potency and effectiveness of the plant-based ingredients included in the Celavive Cell Signaling Complex. Celavive skincare—with the help of InCelligence and Cell Signaling Complex—goes further and deeper to moisturize skin and help maintain the skin’s natural barrier function by enhancing cell communication.


Celavive™ Perfecting Toner uses numerous natural plant extracts to keep skin clean and pure. These plant extracts include sakura cherry blossom extract, a unique plant-based seven botanical blend, and Olivol® Botanical Blend, a blend of botanical oils. This toner prepares skin for hydration with hot spring mineral water. Working together, these key components enable your skin to get clean, stay clean, and hydrate well in preparation for the next step.

Want to firm, tone, and reinvigorate skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores? Treat your skin to rejuvenation with USANA® Celavive™Vitalizing Serum. This age-defying and youth-preserving serum uses a powerful formulation of peptides and botanicals to help achieve smooth and flawless looking skin.

Treat your skin to sensational hydration and cleansing with USANA® Celavive™ Creamy Foam Cleanser—formulated specifically for combination skin types. It can be tricky to hydrate, cleanse, and keep skin looking clear at the same time, but your skin can have it all with Celavive Creamy Foam Cleanser.

The cleanser is designed with natural ingredients essential to enhancing your innate beauty. A special combination of sugars and salt harness moisture from within your skin to reveal a supple, well-hydrated appearance. At the same time, soapberry extract acts as a gentle cleanser.

USANA’s Olivol® Botanical Blend, a combination of natural extracts, provides skin with a deep, rich conditioning and restores a healthy balance of hydration and tone. Refreshed, younger-looking skin is full of moisture and prepared to fight oxidative stress all day long. Continue your cleansing routine with Celavive™ Perfecting Toner and Protecting Day Lotion to defend beautiful skin.

Dry and sensitive skin can be hard to care for. Many cleansers dry it out, and a lot of moisturizers leave it too oily.

USANA® Celavive™ Gentle Milk Cleanser solves this dilemma by gently cleansing and moisturizing skin. Gentle Milk Cleanser’s active ingredients gently remove excess sebum and dirt, and help strengthen the barrier proteins of the epidermis to sustain healthy, hydrated, and beautiful skin. Gentle Milk Cleanser goes beyond just cleansing skin. It protects and defends skin from environmental damage. This promotes healthy moisture retention and helps cleanse toxins and impurities. Relieve your sensitive skin from harsh chemicals and greasy lotions with Celavive Gentle Milk Cleanser.

USANA® Celavive™ Conditioning Makeup Remover lifts stubborn makeup from the skin while conditioning with sugar-based moisturizers. When makeup is not removed from the skin, pores can get clogged and the skin can become dry and irritated. This makeup remover pulls cosmetics from the pores and skin surface, to help keep the skin clean. It also moisturizes and prepares skin for cleansing with other Celavive skincare products.

No skincare regimen is complete without a toner step. Toners close pores that have been cleansed of impurities, and smooth the appearance of your skin to uncover your youthful glow.

Celavive™ Perfecting Toner uses numerous natural plant extracts to keep skin clean and pure. These plant extracts include sakura cherry blossom extract, a unique plant-based seven botanical blend, and Olivol® Botanical Blend, a blend of botanical oils. This toner prepares skin for hydration with hot spring mineral water. Working together, these key components enable your skin to get clean, stay clean, and hydrate well in preparation for the next step.

Protective Day Cream
Successfully finish preparing for the day by applying USANA® Celavive™ Protective Day Cream to freshly cleaned and toned skin. This formula provides ample hydration while shielding skin from the sun. Protective Day Cream is designed specifically for individuals with dry and sensitive skin. It leaves skin with a lightweight layer of moisture without feeling greasy. This day cream also boasts a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and PA++ to give skin plenty of protection from UV rays during the day.

Protective Day Lotion
For oily skin types, look to USANA® Celavive Protective Day Lotion for day-long moisturization and protection from the sun. Protective Day Lotion is SPF 30 and PA++ to give your delicate facial skin a much-needed break from the sun’s damaging rays. This lotion is water based and very gentle on your skin. It’s formulated with basil extract, shea butter, and USANA’s Olivol® Botanical Blend. The lotion goes on the skin in thin layers and thoroughly moisturizes skin without adding grease or oil.

Replenishing Night Cream
USANA® Celavive™ Replenishing Night Cream is formulated specifically for the intense hydration of sensitive, combination, and dry skin types. Fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced after use, and over time, skin’s texture looks smooth and radiant. Calling upon ancient skincare practices, Replenishing Night Cream uses pearl powder to enhance skin luminosity.

Replenishing Night Gel
Oily skin is frustrating to hydrate. Often, topical creams and moisturizers leave skin greasy and shiny. Celavive Replenishing Night Gel is formulated with oily skin in mind, providing the best overnight hydration for oily skin. This gel contains unique and standard ingredients to hydrate skin. It provides moisture without excess oil. Some of the many benefits boasted by this night gel include the reduction of wrinkle visibility, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and rough skin.

With aging comes wrinkles. However, wrinkles don’t have to appear there forever. USANA® Celavive™ Hydrating Eye Essence helps by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. Crow’s feet and dark circles can be visibly diminished with consistent use.

The ingredients in Hydrating Eye Essence help keep moisture locked into the skin’s cellular matrix. This moisturizing eye treatment preserves the skin’s youthful and healthy appearance.

Want to firm, tone, and reinvigorate skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores? Treat your skin to rejuvenation with USANA® Celavive™Vitalizing Serum. This age-defying and youth-preserving serum uses a powerful formulation of peptides and botanicals to help achieve smooth and flawless looking skin.

Sunday, November 26, 2017

HIStory, the Men’s Line of FINO Leatherware

FINO Leatherware,  is highly applauded, used and promoted by accomplished women like Dyan Castillejo, Serla Russel, Margie Moran-Floirendo, Candice Adea, Menchu Lauchengco, Lia Bernardo, Liza Ilarde, TC Alvarez, Rachelle Gerodias, and Mikka Padua.

Although a lot of classy women is into FINO, it actually began with a line for men way back in 1992. Last week to honor its roots, FINO launched another meaningful collection: HIStory, the Men’s Line of FINO Leatherware at Dr. Wine. 

Meet History Ambassadors (and their History bags) who collaborated with FINO Leatherware to come up with elegent and functional leather bags for men, namely, Elbert Cuenca (seasoned restaurateur),  Bryan MCCleland,  Carlo Ople (VP of Digital Strategy and Disruptive Business for PLDT), Chef Robby Gocco, Monchet Olives, Eric Paras (Interior Designer) and Raul Ona.

ELBERT CUENCA


As a child, there were three things Elbert Cuenca loved: steak, cars, and bikes. He has since added a fourth: technology (because there were no computers back then). As an Apple “evangelist,” friends (and even strangers) often run to him when they have problems with their iPhones and Macs. This seasoned restaurateur considers himself an entertainer, with his focus directed on bringing the ultimate gastronomic experience to the discerning customer. He now has six restaurants including the acclaimed Elbert’s Steak Room, now on its 10th year and its spin-off, Elbert’s Sandwiches under his belt. Visit any one of his restaurants, and you’ll immediately understand where all his hard work goes to. His interest in good service and good food dates back to the 70s when his family was running a restaurant business.

Possessing a love for car racing and a talent for biking, it is fitting to say that despite switching gears to a career in IT and marketing, the trail still brought him back to the restaurant business. He is inspired by his customers, having the opportunity to make a difference in their lives—big or small. Elbert lives a balanced lifestyle: His work at the restaurant allows him to entertain customers, ensuring them of quality food, great service, and an unforgettable experience.

Biking keeps him healthy and fit. When he wants to destress and relax, he travels with his wife to favorite destinations, as well as to new ones here and abroad. With such a busy schedule, Elbert always takes a bag with him that fits everything he needs. With this in mind, he collaborated with  FINO History Leatherware to come up with a zip-up tote that he thinks men like him will find functional and practical, and can easily fit into their lifestyle. The FINO bag Elbert co-created is reminiscent of a bespoke vintage race car bag sporting a number in front, reflective of his love for racing, which has taken center stage in this collaboration. The distressed brown and gray leather definitely lives up to that retro feel. Elbert shares, “I wanted to be able to incorporate an international racer design with a stripe and a number.” Like him, the all-leather piece wears many hats, used while he’s biking, traveling, and working. Elbert adds, “I like leather because it’s very sensual. It appeals to the human senses—you can see it, you can smell it, and you can feel it. It covers almost all the senses. The tactile feel even produces a sort of sound—and this is almost the same things I do in the restaurant business. They are similar experiences.” He describes the piece as a messenger-tote bag, designed so that it doesn’t swing while biking. The compartmentalized bag was designed to be home to his life’s essentials and needs. “I designed the bag to have several compartments, so that everything has a place: tech stuff like my laptop, gadgets, chargers, and cables; personal items like my glasses, grooming products, and checkbook; and things for work like folders,” says Elbert. “I also made sure to include an outside pocket, which is useful when you travel— that’s where your passport and boarding pass go. Plus a trolley sleeve, which you can easily slide over  your hand carry luggage.” The double straps, which have racing stripes, are short enough to hold in your hand and long enough to wear on the shoulders. It also has a detachable strap, whose length can be adjusted, so that the bag can be worn as a cross-body or as a bike bag on your back. As the bag for the multi-hyphenate man, he tells other men who believe it is not necessary to carry a bag or who think carrying a bag is not a manly thing to do, “I now have a bag that carries everything I need and you will discover that with my bag, you do need one too.”

MONCHET OLIVES


“This isn’t your grandmother’s fan,” Monchet explains when asked how he made a fan relevant to the
modern age. “I just added different pieces to a regular fan to update it.” Monchet has kept the art of fan making alive for the last 60 years through their family business. “For the longest time, I’ve been looking for somebody to work with to create a fan bag.” His dream bag is brought to life with FINO, designed to allow you to store your fan, and many other essentials, in the most stylish way. The outcome was a smooth, leather, two-tone, compartmentalized man clutch with a fan pocket on the outside, perfect for times when one needs to bring a fan and to use a small clutch also. The variant he uses is red and black, his signature colors. The piece also features a small card case as well as pen case, smartly conceptualized to be compact and flexible.

The genius of Monchet is apparent  throughout his  career in ABS-CBN which began in the 80s when he created and brought to life concepts that made life for the Filipino better. Examples are the TFC Channel, which brings the Philippines to millions of OFWs all over the world and the Pasig river clean-up project, Kapit Bisig Para sa Pasig. Part of the campaign was a fun run that bagged the title of “The Biggest Run” in the Guinness Book of World Records. His advice to a young fresh graduate? “Go to work and learn how difficult it is to make a living. Be around people who have less than you—that covet the job. So History you will understand the concept of struggle. Because if you do not understand the concept of struggle, you will not understand the creative process that goes with it. You cannot write a good book if you did not have any significant human experience.”

ROBBY GOCO


With the dining scene constantly evolving and growing at lightning speed, getting a share of the market can be a challenge. Chef Robby Gocco did this and a whole lot more, enriching the lives of not only his customers but also his employees. He shares how some of his employees have sent their kids to college, leading to good employment afterwards. “I want them to aspire, to work hard.” the selfless employer says. He now has several restaurants under his name including CYMA, Green Pastures, and SOUV! “You have to be constantly innovating, constantly challenging your recipes,” he explains. A firm believer in the saying “Good food is a right, not a privilege” he shares that
he has very high standards when it comes to his restaurants.

When asked about his medium sized backpack-sling, leather-nylon, FINO bag, he says, “It’s rugged, not at all formal.” The easy-to-wear fusion back sling was a result of experiences from both work and leisure, championing creativity, convenience and innovation. Aside from his business related activities that include meetings, going to the market, running a kitchen, he also needed a bag that he could use for traveling. You’ll  immediately see his keys attached in front, which shows how mobile he is. The bag is made up of several secured compartments, which is fitting for his multifaceted lifestyle as well.

BRYAN MCCLELAND


He is the man behind bringing the concept of a bamboo bike “Bambikes” to the Philippines, and turning it into a sustainable business. If you happen to be in Intramuros and see a set of people circling the walled city in Bambikes you would have seen part of the realized vision of Bryan. Behind Bambike are the Bambuilders from Gawad Kalinga, an organization dedicated to providing sustainable livelihood for some of the less fortunate communities in the Philippines. His company, Bamb Ecological Technology has so much promise for the future.

Take a look at his leather messenger bag, and you’ll immediately see how fitting it is for someone as active and as outdoorsy as Bryan is. Constantly biking from one commitment to another, he needed a bag that was durable, compartmentalized, and flexible. This rectangular, tough but classy leather and canvas bag has enough compartments to carry items like a water bottle and other work essentials, while still having room for a cellular phone, a laptop, a wallet, and other work essentials. Perfect for the adventurous commuter. Bryan was very much involved in the design, creating a bag that is personalized and suited to his own lifestyle. The perfect companion for the active gentleman, you can just sling it on and go. He ensured that he can easily and conveniently slip all of his daily essentials into the bag as he treks through History traffic, while protecting his valuables and belongings as he braves the pollution and dust he encounters during his city rides to get to his meetings. Just like his Bambikes, Bryan’s unique FINO piece is ruggedly stylish and functional, durable and versatile. We will excitedly wait and see what happens next for this driven force of nature. “It’s an amazing feeling
you get when you see how something you did, or how time you spent working on a project, has drastically changed someone’s life,” he shares.

ERIC PARAS


Enter The Henry Hotel in Pasay and you’ll immediately be transported to another world—a sophisticated, fun, and enticing one. This world was designed by interior designer Eric Paras. Finding the perfect harmony, he took both old-world and modern elements and fused them to create a welcoming, inspiring, and comfortable sanctuary. Go into A11, his store-showroom for his interior and feature designs, and you’ll get a better grasp of what kind of creator he is—designing spaces and furniture that are not only pleasing to the senses, but also purposeful for the dweller.

Being all about form and function, the bag he designed with FINO is just that. As simple as it appears, a lot of thought was put into developing it. It’s a utilitarian, rectangular, easy-to-match tote containing a detachable clutch where a man can choose to put his essentials. It was designed in a size perfect for carrying folders and other documents needed by an artist or creative spirit. Being composed of mostly nylon makes it very light despite its generous proportions.

RAUL ONA


From the top of a motorbike to the back of a camera, this man is king. As a director, he has been awarded  for a number of his works including Best Director (Ad Congress) for PLDT, Monde Nissin, Procter and Gamble, and Coca-Cola. Being a seasoned professional, he has seen the change in the media landscape. When asked how one stays relevant in the fast-paced, digital world of today? “Change is the only constant,” he explains. “At the end of the day, we are people with emotions and values. New forms and tools of reaching out to people will always come and go; it’s how you tickle or touch their heartstrings that poses a challenge and makes this field of advertising fun and unpredictable.” Besides being a top advertising director, Raul is an elite motorcycle rider who bikes across the globe. In his most recent adventure, he served as road captain of the first Filipino motorcycle team to ride up the most dangerous road and highest motorable peak in the world at more than 8,000 feet, the Himalayas.

Similar to his personal style, the FINO bag he co-designed is understated but functional and comfortable to wear. Featuring multiple compartments, the curved leather man sling, which also doubles as a backpack, is small and easy to carry, yet still big enough to carry one’s needs. The front of the bag features zippers on each side as well as scraps for closure, perfect for someone who is constantly on the move.

CARLO OPLE


At his young age, Carlo is riding high in the digital  landscape of the Philippines. He is now VP of Digital Strategy and Disruptive Business for PLDT. “The modern consumer is more discerning because they are empowered with digital to make better choices,” he shares. “The consumer is changing from the way they buy, communicate, and consume media, at a rapid pace. The challenge for marketers is to be able to keep up because when they don’t, they are open to disruption.” He also founded Unbox.ph, which has one of the highest traffic for technology lifestyle sites in the Philippines.

His attention to detail and drive towards perfection is seen in bag he designed with FINO. “I wanted a bag that would serve the needs of the modern-day executive. The number of gear that a professional needs has changed over the years. There’s the laptop, power bank, cables, smartphones, tablet, cameras, etc. The bag I envisioned was built to carry those in a purposeful and stylish way.” The result is a hybrid leather-canvas messenger bag, with a removable organizer for his gadgets. It also has a card and pen holder at the front interior of the bag. This versatile bag can be used for both formal and casual occasions. Carlo shares, “I’m happy that the collaboration led to a bag that I would love to use everyday.” During this collaborative journey, each man has given FINO an inside look into the workings of their minds. The result is a collection featuring intelligently designed pieces that are functional and yet creative and aesthetic, fulfilling current and realistic needs and demands of today’s fast, technology driven lifestyle. Through relevant and well thought out designs, each FINO piece is meticulously produced for the established, discerning Filipino. HIStory, FINO’s line for men is available at select FINO stores. Like and follow FINO on Facebook and Instagram (@finoleatherware).

FINO’s History:

FINO Leatherware, applauded for their soulful collections like FINO NOW and the Vinta Collection actually began with a line for men way back in 1992. Known then as the Business Line, the collection featured the original envelope folios, leather jotters, agendas and briefcases—which as fate would have it, is what brought the company to leather and to what we know today as FINO Leatherware.

The previous collection, FINO NOW, featured collaborations with women who have made their mark—. Through these collaborations, the FINO NOW campaign celebrated the Filipina—her accomplishments, failures, journeys, destinations, while encouraging and supporting her to keep dreaming, pursuing and finally actualizing her passions and aspirations—now.

FINO branches:

Alabang Town Center,Power Plant Mall , Eastwood Mall, SM Mall of Asia,
The Podium, Robinson’s Place Manila, Trinoma, Robinson’s
Magnolia, Shangri-La Mall and Glorietta 3

Monday, November 20, 2017

100 reasons to experience the SM Magic in SM Bacoor



SM Supermalls in South Luzon is giving you 100 reasons to experience the SM Magic through the biggest and much-anticipated Grand Magical Christmas Parade!  Now on its 6th year, SM South Luzon’s Grand Magical Christmas Parade is an annual parade of colorful and vibrant holiday icons which has put countless smiles to everyone who visits SM malls either to shop, dine, or to simply enjoy the show. 

This year, SM made it bigger and more magical as they bring 100 Christmas characters to life!  The grand launch was held at SM City Bacoor last November 18, 2017 where well-loved Christmas icons such as Santa, toy soldiers, princes and princesses, elves, and cuddly teddy bears will mesmerize not just kids but the entire family as well.  If you missed this spectacular event, you still have a chance to experience SM’s Grand Magical Christmas Parade at the nearest SM South Luzon mall!  




#SMagicalChristmasAtSMSouthLuzon #SMSouthLuzonGrandMagicalChristmasParade


Friday, November 17, 2017

SM City Clark’s Pyro Fest 2017

The Brightest Christmas celebration happened last night as SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga a kicked off Pyro Fest 2017 at SM City Clark’s The Meeting Place. 


Guests, shoppers, media and all expectators were amazed when the sky was filled with colorful and creative display of fireworks.

Pyro Fest will entertain people with four shows - November 17 (Asia's Pop Treasure), November 18 (Europe's West End Secrets, November 24 (America's Hollywood Tales and November 25 (Latin American Nights)


Tickets are sold at P100 at the mall's selling booth at the main atrium or at www.smtickets.net.

#SMCityClarkPyroFest6  #FollowTrendsFollowSMClark  #EverythingsHereAtSM #SMSupermalls



Monday, November 13, 2017

Gelare is now in the Philippines

I'm a big fan of ice cream, waffles, chicken, name it so I'm happy to announce that Gelare is now in the Philippines! November 9 marks the launch of Australia's most-loved dessert cafe', Gelare. Founded in 1986 and has been tantalizing palates for over 20 years and counting. From melt-in-the-mouth gourmet ice cream and warm golden waffles, to vegan desserts and light hearty breakfasts, Gelare dessert restaurants are trusted for nothing less than a sweet and savory taste sensation.


Vanilla Hot Fudge Sundae (You can choose the ice cream flavor for your preference)
Boneless Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles
Tuna and Cheese Waffle
Cappucino
Trivia: Ice creams that we grew up with has 50% air, most known Gelatos has 25% air, while Gelare's ice cream is airless! Exciting isn't it?

Gelare is located at the 3rd level of Uptown Mall in BGC