Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Get This - Get Laud 2012 Calendar



Hey Coffeeholics! As Christmas approaches, I suggest you get ready with your Christmas gift shopping as soon as you can. I can't even emphasize how much important it is to grab the opportunity with all these sales ongoing! You not only save money but you get a chance to grab the best deals being offered out there. So coffeeholics and shopaholics, check out GET LAUD's special treat to all their loyal customers. With this special treat, you not only get to enjoy shopping during sale season only but every month of 2012 coz Get Laud will be giving away this chic Get Laud 2012 tabletop calendars for FREE! And I'm not excited just because of the calendar but because of what's inside - a special treat of GET LAUD coupons every month of 2012. Hmm this intrigues me. I wonder what Get Laud has in store for us?


Well my dears, if you really wanna know, all you have to do to claim your free Get Laud 2012 Calendar is to shop at any participating Get Laud branches nationwide (check out store locations here). Then purchase regular Get Laud items for a minimum of Php 800 on a single receipt. For purchases, cash or credit card may be accepted. Get Laud Privilege Cardholders are more than obliged to join. This promo is not valid with any other promotions and discounts except the Get Laud Privilege Card.

So don't forget to drop by at the nearest Get Laud branch nearest to you and avail of the GET LAUD 2012 Calendar on or before January 15, 2012 to enjoy a whole new year of special treats!  Also do kindly check out their website, add their facebook, or follow their twitter for the latest promos, sales, and updates.

Happy Christmas Shopping!


Get Laud Website | Get Laud Facebook | Get Laud PLUS | Get Laud Twitter
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GET LAUD, the quality ladies' apparel, makes use of the finest imported and trendy fabrics throughout all their creations. Stylishly cut and locally sewn, GET LAUD clothing not only gives superb comfort but makes its customers instant fashionistas as well. GET LAUD also won the "Marketing Excellence" Award for 2010 and the "Most Promising Retailer" Award for 2007 from the Ayala Malls. Consecutively, in 2005 and in 2006, GET LAUD received the "Seal of Excellence" Award as the "Best Spandex Apparel Retail Store" given by the National Shopper's Association of the Philippines and the National Shopper's Choice Awards.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

KRUPS Latte Love - Coffee Art Workshop


Just before I left for Roxas City and Boracay last October, I received an invite to attend LATTE LOVE - A Coffee Art Workshop sponsored by KRUPS. I was really saddened though coz the date of the event was scheduled during the time I was out of town. So I was really happy when I found out that there was another workshop that was going to be held at TRINOMA Landmark. I jumped at the chance and immediately signed up for it. I had a feeling that Brew of The Day at LATTE LOVE A Coffee Art of Workshop = Perfection!!!



So COFFEE ART. Have any of you coffeeholics have ever heard about it? I LOVE COFFEE. I think its absolutely divine! Though most of my coffee experience has been more on then popular commercial side,  the only time I encountered coffee art was when one of my favorite baristas put KAI on my coffee drink using chocolate syrup. I thought it was the coolest thing ever coz I felt real special! And basically, that's what coffee art is all about! The Coffee is used as a canvass, while the milk and chocolate syrup served as the paint.

 Christmas tree at Trinoma Mall Landmark Activity Center
So our venue was in front of this HUGE Christmas tree in Landmark Activity Center. It was the background of the whole workshop making everyone feeling the Christmas spirit in the air. The smell of coffee brewing stimulated our senses. I couldn't wait to see what this Latte Love Coffee Art Workshop had in store for us!

KRUPS Espresso Machine
Of course the main star of this event was this KRUPS Espresso Machine. With this machine at home, you can your very own barista! Ahhh if only I could take one home.. hehe.


The workshop was facilitated by Chef "Mike" -- Michael Ross Canlas. He is a Barista Instructor/Trainer at the Philippine Barista and Coffee Academy (wow I had no idea that there's such a thing.. A COFFEE ACADEMY sounds super cool!). He is also a part-time owner and F&B Manager at Route 196 and Marjj. He then proceeded to show us his masterpieces with the help of two champion Baristas - Adlher Miko Simangan and Kevin Israel Fortu, both from Lyceum of the Philippines.

Chef Mike Canlas, Adlher Simangan, and Kevin Fortu
So how to make good coffee that's just perfect for Coffee Art? First you must have the right ingredients!

Espresso Coffe thanks to Krups and Folgers,
Can't make Coffee Art without its most essential ingredient right!
Meadow Fresh New Zealand Pure Milk
Chef Mike couldn't express how important FRESH MILK must be used to make this work.
And some Chocolate Syrup to make his wonderful Coffee Art Creations!
Chef Mike demonstrates how one should pour the milk or "crema" to create this canvass.
Frothing or steaming the milk is very important to get the latte look frothy and fluffy like that!
And here are some of his creations using just the milk and strategic pouring of the crema  to create this awesome  works of art. I would find it difficult to drink my cup of coffee with those designs on it coz its too pretty!
My favorite - the Snowman! Perfect for the Christmas season.. plus all that chocolate -- Yummy!
Yes they made a lot of art in a very short amount of time! Amazing!
Members of the audience were also given a chance to try making some Coffee Art. Just watching them made it look easy. I felt that I could probably make some of the designs on the coffee as well. But after watching the participants try their hand at it, di pala ganun kadali! It looks easy but it takes patience, a steady hand, and precision! Here are some of their works.

Their designs and attempts weren't as perfect as the Chef and his assistants but they still did an amazing job!
Here are some of the participants attempting to make coffee art.
I think they did a pretty good job! The coffee art flowers look lovely!

Each participant got a gift from Krups and additional extra special gift for the participant who made the best coffee art design! Here is the winning piece!
After the workshop, Chef Mike then proceeded to demonstrate how to make homemade crushed iced drinks that could rival the commercial ones out there! I really had a fun time at the workshop. There was also an ongoing raffle and I won a gift pack from Meadow Lea Fresh Milk. Thank you Krups and Meadow Lea! My sister drank it all up. Anyway, I had wanted to show you all a photo with me in it, but since I was just by myself when I went to this workshop so no pictures with me in it. Anyway, I still enjoyed my time there and learned a lot. Thank you once again Krups for inviting me to this event! Now don't forget to drop by KRUPS and check out their latest promos. I don't know about you guys but a Krups Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine would be a great Christmas gift! You can also get a FREE COFFEE GRINDER upon purchase of KRUPS FMD3 Coffee Maker or FMD1 Coffee Maker.


Don't Forget to drop by KRUPS FACEBOOK to check out their latest promos and updates!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Sale Alert - SM Accessories PRIVADO

Hey Coffeeholics, get your wallet ready for next week coz not only is it a holiday on Wednesday, but on the day after that will be the start of one awesome sale event brought to you by SM Accessories.




Starting on December 1 up to 4, SM Accessories is having a four-day luxury sale of branded eyewear, watches and jewelry at the SMDC Showroom. The sale event PRIVADO features items from over 75 luxury brands, like D&G, Escada, CK, Guess, Esprit, Rayban, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Citizen, Police, Timex and more.

Promo is up to 50% off on these great brands. PLUS, an additional 20% discount will be given with your SM Advantage, SM Prestige, or BDO Rewards card. 


I'm dropping by there on December 1 evening to check this out! This is one sale event that I don't wanna miss! If you are going there at that time, let me know. Maybe we can hang out! :) See you til then.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Check it Out - TOMATO Red Card





Reward yourself with the Tomato Red Card

Hey Coffeeholics! I have been a great fan of Tomato ever since they opened their store at Trinoma Mall. I always pass by there almost every day and I would always check out their latest collection of bags, shoes, accessories and clothes!


Well then, there's good news for those of us loyal customers of Tomato stores! You are all in for a reward time for the Christmas Season -- The Tomato Red Card. The Tomato Red Card is a loyalty card, privilege card and points-collection card-in-one that gives monthly perks and treats for the cardholder. Yay for loyalty cards!


The Tomato Red Card is available starting November in all Tomato branches nationwide upon purchase of a Tomato 2012 Datebook. The card may be used at any Tomato store. Customers who purchase a Tomato Datebook 2012 will receive both a Red Card and a Reward Yourself Card.  The second card lets a customer earn vouchers and a 15 percent discount on purchases during his or her birthday. The Reward Yourself Card is only available to Red Card holders and may be used starting 2012.



I LIKE - the PINK Aninal Print one of course!

Tomato Datebook 2012 is available in four chic designs—choose one that best suits your look and personal style!



“The Red Card gives access to varying monthly privileges and treats that are exclusive to cardholders. These include exclusive sales, special discounts; points accumulation and redemption of items; limited edition giveaways and a lot more,” said Lennie Dionisio, Tomato Marketing Director.  She added that Red Card owners will receive information about upcoming monthly privileges thru e-mail, Facebook, the Tomato webite or at Tomato stores.



To activate the Red Card, the cardholder must go online at the Tomato website (www.tomato.ph). While the Red Card is not usable for online shopping, there are online promotions that will be exclusive to Red Card holders only.



Visit a Tomato store now and get your very own Red Card! Available in all of these Tomato locations: Glorietta Makati, SM San Lazaro, SM Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM North Edsa, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Place Ermita, TriNoma, Starmall, Marquee Mall, RCBC Plaza, La Fuerza, Market! Market!, SM Bacoor, SM Bicutan, and Southmall.


HAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!                                                                                                   

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

OOTD - Its Rainy Red and Stripes

One thing I like about Christmas is that with it comes the "cooler" season here in Metro Manila.
So FINALLY out with the long sleeves and the jackets!
I haven't been quite adventurous with color in my outfits lately but I couldn't resist wearing this 
red denim jacket coz CHRISTMAS is here and well RED is such a cheery color!

Ok forgive me for my random posing.. haha. Its just me wondering if I look ok with  RED!


Red Denim Jacket - Thrifted
Black and White Long Sleeved Stripes - Bazaar
Blue Jeans - Forever 21
Red Sneakers - Converse

So yeah its time to bring out the jackets my dears! Its getting a bit cooler now that Christmas is just around the corner. So expect more outfit posts with jackets in the near future. So Coffeeholics, what do you do or wear to keep warm and comfy this Christmas/cooler season? Would love to hear from you all soon!


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Lay Bare Grand Opening at Walter Mart E. Rod


LAY BARE Waxing Salon has definitely made its name well known here in the Philippines as one of the first ever unwanted hair removal specialist in the Philippines. Lay Bare was made possible through these two amazing sisters Miss Fiona and Miss Monique. They came up with this brilliant idea of setting up exclusively waxing salons during a time when waxing or more specifically Brazilian waxing was not as well known mainstream. After five years in this business, Lay Bare has achieved its landmark of opening 40 branches nationwide.

Last September, I was able to meet Miss Jamie from Lay Bare at the Blogapalooza event where she explained how Lay Bare works and how important it is for us to have a regular waxing. All of us who attended the event were also given gift packs from Lay Bare plus to be able to try out the waxing services offered by Lay Bare, we were each given a free Bikini wax treatment. Honestly, I've never tried waxing before! I am terrified of the thought of enduring the pain of hot wax treatment and the very painful procedure of removing the wax strips really wasn't my cup of tea. So I had no intention of trying it out. However, my sister-in-law, TIN of Ohhthat.blogspot.com, encouraged me to try it and swore it didn't hurt. She has been a Lay Bare customer for quite some time already and has highly recommended it to me several times already.


Then I finally decided to stop procrastinating and face my fears because I was invited by Miss Jamie to attend the Grand Opening of Lay Bare Waxing Salon at Walter Mart E. Rodriguez. 


Lay Bare Waxing Salon at Walter Mart E. Rodriguez had its soft opening last September but officially had its grand opening last October 28. It was quite a memorable day since the Walter Mart E. Rod Lay Bare branch is the 40th branch to open. 

Ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by Miss Fiona's daughters.

Immediately after arriving and the ribbon cutting, I was invited to try out their services. Well since I wasn't in much of a hurry to have my first waxing done (I was just steadying myself to face the "unknown." I know its kinda silly but hey, I went to this event without my "kakambal na blogger", Jen, along so I had to gather my courage. haha.. ), I decided to have some refreshments as well and in the process was able to have a good chat with one of the owners of Lay Bare, Miss Fiona Hilario. 

With Miss Fiona, owner of Lay Bare
Throughout our conversation, I was able to get to learn more how the waxing salon business has evolved since the time she first started this business. Indeed it took a while before Filipinos (or Pinays rather) overcome their "shyness" and embraced this mode of removing unwanted hair. And after finding out that not only that it works, but in terms of trust level issue and the service given - many have found it exceptional and Lay Bare's popularity grew by word of mouth and recommendations. I for one cannot help be impressed how Lay Bare waxing salon was able become quite well known in its unique service thus making it a staple fixture in our well-known malls today. 


 Miss Fiona was a real sport and encouraged me to try any of the waxing treatments when she found out that it was my first time to wax. She mentioned that Lay Bare's most popular waxing treatment as to date is the Brazilian Wax Treatment. And yes, there are quite a number of men availing it too! I, on the other hand, had already made up my mind that I will take up Miss Fiona's offer to get a hair removal treatment - and that is the Half Leg Treatment that would cost around Php 300.  Since it was my first time, I decided to play it safe. Also since I shave my lower legs anyway, I wanted to see how long it would be before my hair would grow back. 




So I finally chose a cubicle where I will be having the treatment. The cubicle that I chose was attended by Ate Mona. The cubicle was quite reassuring in its cleanliness and privacy. 


So how did I fare? Well I can now say that all my fears and apprehension about waxing in general was flushed down the drain! I DID NOT FEEL any PAIN at all! There was a slight stinging sensation as Ate Mona worked her way on my leg. But it was a tolerable type of sting and seeing her steady and assured hands convinced me that I should not worry a single bit. In fact, I felt a bit relaxed and found myself humming to the tunes being played on "Lay Bare" Radio. 

Cold wax treatment of Lay Bare is NOT painful at all!

Oh and not only is it pain - less but it is quite effective if I might say so! Hair on my lower legs took some time before it started to grow again. This experience was really pleasant and I wouldn't mind coming back to Lay Bare again and have my legs waxed and maybe try other services as well. 


Just before I left, I was reminded of several things that I should and should not do before and after waxing. So here are some things that you should be prepared for when you have your waxing treatment at Lay Bare!

  

Don't forget to drop by www.Lay-Bare.com or text 0917-LAY-BARE for more info and updates on what's happening on Lay Bare. Thank you so much Lay Bare for the wonderful experience that you allowed me to have and also help me overcome my "fear" of waxing. 

So Coffeeholics, don't forget to drop by Lay Bare the next time you feel like being adventurous or maybe just wanna remove unwanted hair. :) Have any of you dears tried Lay Bare already? Do feel free to comment and share!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Check it out - Ber Month Sale at Aigoo Shoppe!

 

Hey coffeeholics especially those who love wearing contacts, Aigoo Shoppe is having a Ber Month SALE. Get a pair of contacts with lens case for only Php 350! And if you buy 4 pairs to get FREE local shipping.  I've bought and used her contacts before and absolutely love the Geo Contact Lenses (I bought purple of course!

This was taken last year, I was wearing my purple Geo contacts here from Aigoo Shoppe!
So if you are thinking of an "alternative" Christmas gift for your "kikay" friend, do check out Aigoo Shoppe and choose among the many colors and designs that they are offering. Also, don't forget to drop by Aigoo Shoppe Online Facebook to check out what's their latest offers. Happy Christmas Shopping!


Advocacy - Join MTV Exit Combat Human Trafficking


One of the things that I like about having a blog is that because of it, I can air my opinions, concerns, and thoughts about the things that has touched my heart, piqued my interest, and stirred up my compassion. As a teacher, I do have my own advocacy that I follow and support.  Recently though I stumbled upon MTV's EXIT Advocacy which is to END EXPLOITATION AND TRAFFICKING. This really struck a chord especially when I found out that most of their targets are young people. So recently I was quite privileged to  attend the Media Presentation and Award Ceremony of the National Youth Summit of The Movement of Anti-Trafficking Advocates (MATA) that was spearheaded by MTV EXIT End Exploitation and Trafficking last October 29 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.



I was able to go there because my blogger sis/bff/cuz/ aka JEN invited me to go with her here and I'm really glad that she did coz I really learned a lot and its something that I said that I'm really going to blog and share about here.


With bloggers rising up and becoming known as influencing the SOCIAL MEDIA, it is indeed good to share concerns such as this so that people will become more aware and actively support about this. 


So first things first, what does it mean when we say human trafficking? According to the United Nations, Trafficking is defined as the "recruitment, transportation, and receipt of a person for sexual or economical exploitation by force, fraud, coercion or deception" in order to make a profit. Sadly, the majority of victims of trafficking came from Asia and the Pacific. It is the second-largest illegal trade after drugs, with criminal traffickers earning over US $10 billion every year through the buying and selling of human beings. Often the victims are young men and women, the MTV demographic, who are guilty only of wanting a better life.


So in the desire to address this issue and involve the people directly concerned about this, MTV EXIT  and the Visayan Fourm Foundation launched the first ever National Creative Youth Summit for the the Movement of Anti-Trafficking where a three day media camp from October 26 to 28  was conducted by leading Filipino talents from the film, theatre, and music industries of  'Dakila' and were inspired strengthened in their creative skills by challenging them to produce a campaign plan to take back to their local communities to spread the critical social messages. 

The summit commenced with a 2-day forum that brought together 110 youth participants, ages 16 to 26 years old from across the Philippines for a series of inspirational workshops and discussions to educate them on the critical social issue and explore various methods to contribute to the anit-trafficking movement. 



So  last October 29 and this official media presentation and award ceremony was conducted at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria where  MTV EXIT and the Visayan Forum Foundation to conclude this first ever National Creative Youth Summit for the Movement of Anti-Trafficking that happened last October 24 to 28, in partnership with United States Agency for International Development and the Australian Government Aid Program to empower the Filipino youth to spread the awareness on human trafficking and exploitation.


 There were several speakers who were also present last October 29 that helped raise this awareness in human trafficking. We listened to representatives from AusAID, Yahoo, and even from our own government commending the young people involved in this movement against trafficking. 




One common theme that echoed among the speakers was how influential the young people have nowadays and that by empowering the young people with right knowledge and skills, they will able to help a lot in  spreading the word and informing others about Trafficking and how to avoid being a victim. With Facebook, Twitter, and the power of Filipino social networking -- getting people to be involved and informed is more easy than before.

The day ended with a free outdoor LIVE concert sponsored by MTV EXIT in partnership- with USAID & AusAID at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds to help further increase awareness about the dangers of human trafficking. MTV EXIT LIVE IN MANILA free concert was headlined by Korean pop sensation, Jay Park, and joined by the line-up of Evaline, a California alternative rock band, and top local artists Parokya Ni Edgar, Pupil, Ebe Dancel, Itchyworms, and hosted by MTV VJ Holly. International singer-songwriter & anti-trafficking advocate, Jason Mraz, joined the fight against human trafficking by making a surprise visit at the recent MTV EXIT Live in Manila concert!




If you weren't able to watch MTV EXIT Live in Manila Concert, don't worry! GMA NEWS TV Channel 11 in the Philippines will be premiering this on November 20, 2011, at 9:55 PM. So don't forget to check this out later this evening!

Dingdong Dantes
Also, MTV EXIT recently announced the release of the new documentary film -  ENSLAVED: An MTV EXIT Special by Dingdong Dantes, which will premiere on GMA NEWS TV Channel 11, on November 27, at 9:55 p.m. Please don't miss out on this, it is very informative and really raises the awareness on the kind and level of human trafficking and exploitation that is occurring here in the Philippines. I already had a sneak peek at this documentary and I assure you, its something you musn't miss out. So my dear coffeeholics, set the date! Remind yourselves to watch this and find out how important it is that we all get involved in ending this in our country.

For more details about human trafficking and exploitation in Asia, visit www.mtvexit.orgor follow MTV EXIT on the following social media platforms: Twitter @mtvexit andwww.facebook.com/mtvexit