Science is Fun at the Philippine Science Centrum

Who says science is boring? Not if you happen to be at the Philippine Science Centrum (PSC) at the Riverbanks Center in Barangka, Marikina City. Located at the E-Com Building along A. Bonifacio Avenue, the PSC is a hands-on science museum recognized by the Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Tourism for its awesome exhibits.

A project of the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology, a private foundation that promotes science education in the country, the PSC has something for everyone – even for those who don’t consider themselves science buffs. All it takes to appreciate the exhibits is sense of wonder and an inquiring mind. 

That’s really not difficult because there’s a lot to do there. At the PSC, young and old alike can dabble in different interactive science experiments, making it an ideal destination for students and the general public.

Amazing optical illusion - head on
a platter

If you’ve ever been curious about the “how” and “why” of things, you’ll certainly get all the answers at the PCS with its “scienterrific” offerings. This is the place where visitors can touch, twist, play, hear, and see over a hundred exhibits in 11 exciting galleries, namely, Lights, Bodyworks, Mathematics, Electricity & Magnetism, Water, Vision and Perception, Infectious Diseases, Earth Science, Space, Kids’ World, and Mechanics.

My family and I were fortunate to be invited there recently and the trip was certainly worth it. I learned how a roast pig feels with its head on a platter, one of the many amusing optical illusions at the PSC. Another personal favorite is the distorted room which showed my two kids (who almost have the same height) in different sizes.

Kurt trying out the Magic Mirror

This is actually a replica of the original Ames room invented in 1934 by the American ophthalmologist Adelbert Ames Jr. who was apparently influenced by the writings of the German physician and physicist Hermann Helmholtz. When viewed with one eye through a pinhole, the person finds nothing extraordinary about the room. But when people start walking in it, they dramatically change in size.

There’s a scientific reason for this optical illusion. The real shape of the room is trapezoidal, meaning the walls are slanted and the ceiling and floor are inclined. The right corner is also closer to the viewer than the left corner. This explains why a person standing in one corner looks like a giant and suddenly becomes a dwarf at the other corner.

Another display that caught my eye (and hair) at the PSC was the Van de Graaff generator. You’ve probably seen this device somewhere – it’s the big aluminum ball on top of a pedestal. Invented by the American physicist Robert Jemison Van de Graaff in 1931, this device can chalk up to 20 million volts of electricity and was made to provide the energy needed by atom smashers. Luckily, the one at the PSC is used mainly for experimentation purposes and won’t shock anyone.

However, it will literally make your hair stand on end. This happens because the device transfers static electricity to the person touching it. As the hair follicles are charged, they repel reach other. This is one hair-raising experiment you can’t miss!

I could give you many more reasons to visit the PSC but it’s best to go there yourself. Bring the family along and discover the wonderful world of science.

Visit Philippine Science Centrum:

Webpage: http://riverbankscenter.com/learning-center/philippine-science-centrum

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/philippinesciencecentrum

63rd Miss Universe Viewing Party

For all Ms. Universe fans, It's your time to talk and meet 

Miss Universe 2014 this coming January 26 7am to 11am at Skydome SM North Edsa. 

You can buy your tickets at SM ticketnet and metrodeal.

Lots of games, trivias and binibini interviews awaits for Ms. Universe and 

Binibining Pilipinas fans. So mark this day and buy your tickets now!

Small is Beautiful at Riverbanks Miniature Museum

If you want to experience how Captain Lemuel Gulliver probably felt when he traveled to Liliput, the best place to be is at the Miniature Museum at the 2nd level, E-com Building at Riverbanks Center in Barangka, Marikina City.

For those who don’t know, Gulliver is the main character of Jonathan Swift’s classic novel Gulliver’s Travels. In one of his many incredible journeys, Gulliver is shipwrecked and washed ashore on the island of Lilliput where the inhabitants are less than 6 inches tall.

One gets the same feeling inside the Miniature Museum, which houses the fantastic collection of over 60,000 miniatures made by the late artisan Alelie Lourdes Salinas Vengua. Vengua, an alumna of the Philippine Women’s University, was an interior decorator by profession who loved collecting small things as a child.

Her love is clearly shown in the Miniature Museum that features the realistic-looking miniatures that she painstakingly made through the years. Originally housed at her own home in 1977, Vengua’s stunning collection of miniatures was later transferred somewhere in Marikina when she passed away in 2004 before moving to its present location.

The spectacular pieces give new meaning to the phrase “small is beautiful” that was first popularized in 1973 by British economist E.F. Schumacher in his bestselling book of the same name. Indeed, Vengua’s pieces are a sight for sore eyes owing to their intricate detail and surprising realism.

The pieces are enclosed in shadow boxes that represent the 24 rooms of a European mansion. These include a garage, boy’s room, Christmas room, music room, master bedroom, and dining room, among others. What’s even more amazing is the fact that most of the things you’ll find there are made from scrap plastic, wood, aluminum, glass, and fabric.  

While Vengua is no longer with us, her inspiring work lives on in this unique collection - one of the many great attractions at Riverbanks Center. Be sure to make this one of your holiday destinations. You won’t regret it!

For more details visit The Spirit of Bethlehem & Miniature Museum

Web page: http://riverbankscenter.com/learning-center/spirit-bethlehem

Web page: http://riverbankscenter.com/learning-center/museum-miniatures

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/museumforthemindandspirit

ERICSSON’s 10 hot consumer trends for 2015

The end of 2014 is approaching, and Ericsson ConsumerLab can now, in the fourth edition of its annual trend report, present the hottest consumer trends for 2015 and beyond. 

President and Country Manager Elie Hanna
(Photo Credit: Mel Dominguez)

Elie Hanna, President and Country Manager for Ericsson Philippines and Pacific Island, says: "The cumulative effect of smartphones becoming part of mainstream society is astonishing. As consumers, we try out new apps and keep the ones we think improve, enrich or even prolong our lives at such a rapid pace that we don't even notice that our attitudes and behaviors are changing faster than ever. Services and products that quite recently seemed beyond imagination are now easily accepted and believed to rapidly reach the mass market. With only five years until 2020, the future really does seem closer than ever before."

The insights in the report “10 hot consumer trends for 2015 and beyond” come from Ericsson ConsumerLab’s global research program, with a special focus this year on smartphone owners aged 15 to 69 in Johannesburg, London, Mexico City, New York, Moscow, San Francisco, Sâo Paulo, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo – statistically representing the views of 85 million frequent internet users. 

These are the 10 hot consumer trends for 2015 and beyond:

1. The streamed future. Media use patterns are globalizing. Viewers are shifting towards easy-to-use on-demand services that allow cross-platform access to video content. 2015 will be historic as more people will watch streamed video on a weekly basis than broadcast TV. In Philippines, 22 percent of regular Internet users stated that most of their TV/ video viewing is on-demand or online while 21 percent stated that most of their TV/ video viewing is through TV channels.

2. Helpful homes. Consumers show high interest in having home sensors that alert them to water and electricity issues, or when family members come and go.  In the Philippines, nearly 40% of regular Internet users said they were interested in the concept of a Connected Home.

3. Mind sharing. New ways to communicate will continue to appear, offering us even more ways to keep in touch with our friends and family. Many smartphone owners would like to use a wearable device to communicate with others directly through thought – and believe this will be mainstream by 2020. One-third of all Philippine respondents said that they would be interested to use wearable devices.

4. Smart citizens. The idea of smart cities is intriguing – but a lot of that intelligence may actually come about as a side effect of the changing everyday behaviors of citizens. As the internet makes us more informed, we are in turn making better decisions. Consumers believe traffic volume maps, energy use comparison apps and real-time water quality checkers will be mainstream by 2020. 

5. The sharing economy. As the internet enables us to efficiently share information with unprecedented ease, the idea of a sharing economy is potentially huge. Half of all smartphone owners are open to the idea of renting out their spare rooms, personal household appliances and leisure equipment as it is convenient and can save money. 

6. The digital purse. 48 percent of smartphone owners would rather use their phone to pay for goods and services. 80 percent believe that the smartphone will replace their entire purse by 2020. 

7. My information. Although sharing information when there is a benefit is fine, smartphone owners see no point in making all of their actions open to anyone. 47 percent of smartphone owners would like to be able to pay electronically without an automatic transfer of personal information. 56 percent of smartphone owners would like all internet communication to be encrypted.   In the Philippines, while only 10% of the respondents surveyed said that they currently use mobile payment systems, nearly 70% of the respondents said that they will be encouraged to buy online if there are flexible, secure payment options.

8. Longer life. Smartphone owners see cloud-based services of various kinds giving them the potential to live healthier and longer lives. Jogging apps, pulse meters and plates that measure our food are believed to help prolong our lives by up to two years per application. 

9. Domestic robots. Consumers are welcoming the idea of having domestic robots that could help with everyday chores. 64 percent also believe this will be common in households by 2020. 

10. Children connect everything. Children will continue to drive the demand for a more tangible internet, where the physical world is as connected as the screens of their devices. 46 percent of smartphone owners say that children will expect all objects to be connected when they are older. 

For A Change Try Rellenong Bangus For Noche Buena

Filipinos celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world. Decorations are already up by September, marking the start of the season in the Philippines. Parties and reunions are everywhere every week leading up to Christmas Day and are usually extended till New Year’s Eve. And parties only mean one thing: Good food.

Everyone looks forward to this time of the year when we can splurge on a leg of ham or a jamon de bola if budgets are tight. Lechon makes an appearance in bigger families, since it is considered de rigueur for parties. With all these holiday delicacies, it is a real challenge to keep track of the calories you consume and stay on that diet you’ve been trying so hard to follow all year. You convince yourself that this is just a once-in-a-year event and a slice of that tasty ham or a bite of that crispy, succulent lechon skin won’t do any harm. Before you know it, you realize you've had too much and all that’s left is the taste of guilt plus those extra pounds.

This holiday season, Fisher Farms Inc., a world-class aquaculture food processor and the largest supplier of farm-raised milkfish in the country, lets you indulge without the guilt with its Gourmet Baked RellenongBangus. Created by celebrity chef and food expert Reggie Aspiras, this delicious creation is a healthy alternative to the fatty dishes often served during the Noche Buena.

The whole bangus is stuffed with a savory filling of fish, sweet potato, bangus belly, shrimp and other premium and special ingredients that give a holiday twist to this traditional dish. Juicy and flavorful but not cloying like its fried counterparts, the Gourmet Baked RellenongBangus makes any celebration merry and healthy. Unlike the traditional rellenongbangus, this is baked and not fried, which cuts down considerably on the fat content without sacrificing flavor. The relleno comes in three generous sizes to suit the Filipino family: 800-grams, 1.1 kilos, and 1.3 kilos. With bangus this big, you can definitely share the feast but not the fat.

Marina Benipayo and Regine Tolentino share their holiday food
favorites during Fisher Farms BlogCom

As the country’s leading aquaculture processor and exporter, Fisher Farms grows its milkfish in the pristine seawaters of Pangasinan in fish cages, resulting to sweeter, more flavorful, firmer and cleaner fish. Only high-protein feeds are given to farmed fish to produce high-quality fish meat. Fisher Farms’ Gourmet Baked RellenongBangus is available in select supermarkets in Metro Manila and in select provinces around the country.

For more details about Fisher Farms:

Visit fisherfarms.ph. 

Visit its Facebook: fisherfarmsinc

Twitter:@fisherfarmsph

Instagram: @fisherfarmsph

Dell Brings Pictures to Life with New Monitor Line-Up

Dell unveils its new-generation monitors during its year-end media gathering event at Hyve, The Fort, today. The new monitor line-up includes the world’s first type of 5K monitor UP2715K, the industry’s first type of 34-inch curved-screen monitor U3415W, the all-new Ultra HD 4K monitor P2715Q and the new UltraSharp monitor U2515H. These new-generation monitors represent Dell’s most cutting-edge technologies in ultra high-definition, ultra wide-angle curved screen, high-performance commercial Ultra HD 4K screen, and ultra sharp screen, bringing the highest picture quality and superb usability to customers.

We are excited to announce Dell new monitor line-up in sizes and price points that will be compelling to customers seeking for higher resolutions,” said Jasmon Ching, S&P Brand Marketing Manager, Dell South Asia. “Today’s announcement reinforces how Dell has led in product innovation by making the latest monitor technologies available to everyone, regardless of their usage or budget.”

The industry’s first type of 5K-resolution monitor UP2715K is the latest flagship product of the UltraSharp series known for its uncompromising performance and visual experience. This monitor is designed mainly for the color-based and high-resolution imaging industries and game and software developers. UP2715K uses a 27-inch 16:9 ultra-HD 5K screen panel and its screen resolution reaches 5120 x 2880 (higher than 14 million pixels) or seven times better than ordinary full-HD monitors. Ultra-high pixels bring incomparable fine-quality pictures, enabling the user to obtain the experience of amplification of the real world in the screen.

Dell UP2715K has 12-digit hardware 3D LUT and supports the company’s Premier Color technology. It can display 1.07 billion colors, boasting an accurate color reduction degree. UP2715K covers 99% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB colors, and with a DeltaE value of less than 2, providing performance in continuous color presentation. It uses innovative optical bondling of tempered glass and LCD panel, directly reducing the reflection surface of light path. With 86% decrease of harmful reflection compared with other products, the UP2715K can deliver a more accurate display performance. 

Foods to Help You Beat Stress

A lot of people tend to overeat if they’re tired, bored or depressed. But visiting the kitchen or raiding the fridge may be a good idea after all if you pick the right foods. In the same way that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, experts said that some foods can affect your mood and help you beat stress. 

Photo Grab from Google

To understand what I’m saying, here’s a short guide to popular foods that can give you health and happiness:

Oatmeal - a bowl of oatmeal can help you conquer the trials of the day and make you feel as if you’ve just swallowed a Valium. The reason? When you take carbohydrates, your body brings the amino acid tryptophan to the brain to create serotonin, a neurotransmitter that relaxes you and helps you fight stress. This is why dieters who don’t take starches often get angry, tense, and depressed. But don’t just feast on glazed doughnuts. Pick fiber-rich carbs like whole-wheat pasta or beans. Your body will digest these foods slowly and serotonin will flow steadily. 

Pistachios – is stress driving you nuts? Consume a handful of these nuts to fight stress. Pistachios have fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids that lower blood pressure. A study revealed that consuming only 1 1/2 ounces of these nuts lowered stress in people taking a math test. 

Milk - a warm glass of milk will put you to sleep and has enough protein to reduce anxiety and frustration. Researchers found that the calcium in milk likewise reduces muscle tension and keeps your blood pressure at healthy levels. So before you sleep, drink warm milk with cocoa powder and a natural sweetener. This will help reduce stress.

Avocado - this delicious fruit has monounsaturated fat and potassium to control high blood pressure. Monounsaturated fat also makes brain receptors a lot more responsive to mood-enhancing serotonin. Consume half an avocado a day to overcome stress. 

Skintology: A Rising Star in the World of Beauty

Beauty has become a major industry through the years and this is evident in many countries, including the Philippines. With the mushrooming of several beauty clinics, aesthetics and dermatology have blossomed into an innovative industry that continues to grow, thanks to advances in technology and state-of-the-art beauty practices.  

Combining art and science can be tricky but Skintology Aesthetics Clinic in Makati City has managed to pull it off by providing high-quality and special beauty treatments for those who want to look beautiful and fight the signs of aging.

Thanks to its dedicated staff and commitment to customer satisfaction, this small start-up business established by a group of friends has grown to become not only a reputable company among clients and peers, but a customer-centric enterprise that offers nothing but the best skin care practices in the market.

 “Our drive and passion in pursuit of beauty and wellness fuelled us to put up a clinic that offers an array of quality skin care solutions and state-of-the-art skin care technology to give clients the best personal experience and results,” according to Maia Pega, president and co-founder of Skintology Aesthetics Clinic.

Pega is, Indeed, passionate about beauty. A traveller at heart, her exposure to different cultures all over the world has opened her eyes to many beauty secrets that she now shares with women at her clinic to make them feel and look special.

This is evident in the many beauty services that Skintology Aesthetics Clinic offers. From facial to body services, dermatological to non-invasive treatments, and whitening to slimming programs, the clinic has a variety of services and dermatological procedures that cater to different people. 

“Our approach entails a general and holistic method of treatment that aims to address the client’s concerns and contributes to their well-being,” said Skintology Clinic Manager, Dr. Bryan Uy-Barretta M.D.

Barreta specializes in weight loss and management. Earning his MD from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, he first worked as a primary care physician for BDO UniBank, Mandarin Hotel, Hotel Intercontinental Manila, and Barangay San Lorenzo Clinic simultaneously, before moving on to Fortmed Medical Clinics as part of the senior medical staff at the Dusit Thani Clinic. 

Another key member is Dra. Katrina Marie Abat, MD, DPDS, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Skintology Aesthetics Clinic. She graduated with honors cum laude in BS Biology at the University of the Philippines and finished her Doctorate of Medicine at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital. 

Previously, Abat was an intern at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and at the New York Aesthetic Consultants in Manhattan, New York. She passed the Philippine Dermatological Society diplomate exam as a top-notcher and completed her three-year residency in dermatology at the Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc. from 2011 to 2013.  

Skintology Aesthetics Clinic is located at the ground floor of Plaza Royale Building, 120 L.P. Leviste Road, Salcedo Village, Makati City. For more information, call 843-22-33, 0925-SKNTLGY (7568549), follow @Skintology120 on Twitter, and like SkintologyClinic on Facebook.

Latina Star Visits RP To Promote New Show

Gina Rodriguez, star of Jane the Virgin that airs every Sunday on Sony Channel, recently visited Manila to promote her new show.

The Latina star met and greeted Filipino fans at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. She talked about her new comedy series where she stars as Jane Villanueva, whose meticulous life plans are suddenly turned upside down when she is accidentally artificially inseminated. 

When Jane was a young girl, her grandmother, Alba, convinced her of two things: telenovelas are the highest form of entertainment, and women must protect their virginity at all costs. Now aged 23, Jane is a driven young woman studying to become a teacher, nursing a dream to be a writer, and supporting herself with a job at a hot new Miami hotel.

Despite the conflicting influences of her mother and grandmother, Jane has managed to find a wonderful fiancé: a handsome, hardworking detective named Michael, who loves her enough to accept her detailed timeline for their future together and even her insistence on “saving herself” until they’re married. 

However, all of Jane’s plans change when she sees her doctor for a routine checkup and is accidentally artificially inseminated with a specimen meant for the patient in the next room. Unknown to her, the specimen belongs to Rafael, a reformed playboy and cancer survivor, who is not only the new owner of the hotel where she works but also a former crush.

Named the “Next Big Thing” and one of the “Top 35 Latinos Under 35” by The Hollywood Reporter, Rodriguez’s profile has been rising steadily since her breakout performance in Filly Brown which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 where she won an Imagen award for Best Actress in a Feature Film. 

Growing up in Chicago, Rodriguez started performing at age 7 with the salsa dance company Fantasia Juvenil. She went on to work with other companies including Los Soneros Del Swing, performing at several Salsa Congresses in Chicago, California, New York, and Puerto Rico. At 16, Rodriguez was one of 13 teens to be accepted into Columbia University NY- Theatrical Collaboration taught by Richard Niles, where she wrote, directed, and performed original works. 

Jane the Virgin airs every Sunday at 9:05 p.m. exclusively on Sony Channel which is seen on SKY Cable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, and Cable Link Channel 39. 

Sony Channel is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates pay-TV channels AXN, beTV, Sony Entertainment Television, Animax, ONE and GEM. 

My Big Bossing’: Vic Sotto’s MMFF starrer is three times bigger this year

“My Big Bossing,” Vic Sotto’s entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is expected to create another blockbuster film franchise as the movie brings with it an all-star cast ensemble, three high-calibre directors and excellent production and visual spectacle to complete a trilogy of stories in one neat package of a movie this year.

From left to right. Nino Mulach with his son Alonzo Mulach, Ryzza mae Dizon
and Bossing Vic Sotto during the 'My Big Bossing Presscon'

Easily the festival’s biggest and most daunting competition in the box-office arena, “My Big Bossing” enlists superstars Vic Sotto and Ryzza Mae Dizon, along with Ms. Marian Rivera and Nikki Gil in the cast. Three of the country’s biggest directors helm three different stories within the movie  - Tony Y. Reyes, Marlon N. Rivera and Bb. Joyce Bernal. 

The movie is the biggest-budget entry in the MMFF race, and boasts of the collaboration of three of the country’s biggest film production outfits: Octoarts Films, M-Zet TV Production and APT Entertainment. 

“My Big Bossing” consists of three episodes of fantasy and wonder, each with its own storyline. It features a star-studded cast led by the indomitable Bossing Vic Sotto, MMFF’s all-time box-office king and wonder child superstar Ryzza Mae Dizon in all three episodes.

Episode 1 entitled “Sirena” is directed by Tony Y. Reyes, and features the talents of Wally Bayola, Manilyn Reynes, and Pauleen Luna. 

Episode 2 billed “Taktak,” directed by Marlon N. Rivera, is led Marian Rivera and Jose Manalo in the cast.

Episode 3 called “Prinsesa” is directed by  Bb. Joyce Bernal, and puts Ryzza Mae Dizon in the spotlight alongside rising child star Alonzo Muhlach, the son of former child star Niño Muhlach, who will play the role of Alonzo’s dad in the movie as well.

“My Big Bossing’ is bigger and grander in scope this year because we are presenting three different stories in one film and each story was filmed independently of each other given that three different directors helmed each episode. No expense was spared in the overall production – costumes, design, special effects - particularly in the fantastical final episode. We just want to give the audience satisfying entertainment value. We want them to enjoy this film as much as we enjoyed creating this for them,” says OctoArts big boss Orly Ilacad.

“My Big Bossing” will be in theaters starting Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

Spend Xmas at the Zoo

Do you love wildlife and want to spend Christmas in the jungle? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of indigent kids? If you can’t join an African safari, pack your bags and join the Zoomanity Group’s Christmas Gift Giving at its five theme parks in the Philippines, aside from Paradizoo and Residence Inn, there are Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zambales, Zoocobia in Clark, Pampanga and Zoocolate Thrills in Loboc, Bohol. 

On December 13, 2014, the Zoobic Safari and Zoocobia Mini Zoo in Subic, Zambales and Clark, Pampanga respectively will make Christmas merry for visitors and indigent children alike with its fun-filled and charitable activities.   

Not to be outdone is the Residence Inn in Tagaytay and Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite with their share of exciting attractions and gift-giving activities on December 14, 2014. 

In Residence Inn, Tagaytay, activities includes Zip Line, Cable Car, Animal Feeding, Animal Show and Horse Back riding. It's a 2 hectares facility overlooking Taal volcano with exotic animals as exhibit and for interaction like Lion, Tigers, Crocodiles among others while in Paradizoo, it's a 12 hectares theme farm with farm animals inside like horses, ostriches, ducks, rabbits among others with mini zip line.

All are managed by the Zoomanity Group, the leader in theme park and zoo management. Robert Laurel Yupangco, Zoomanity Group head honcho, said the event is their way of giving back the wonderful blessings they received through the years. 

“Since the zoo is enjoyed by children, it’s the perfect and happiest place to share with kids who are not that fortunate to experience this kind of activity,” he said. 

Yupangco is inviting everyone to experience the thrill of the only tiger safari in the Philippines and share the happiness of street children at any of these four locations. 

New activities will also be launched by the end of 2014 or early 2015 that will surely amaze the young and young at heart. 

Love Life with Sangobion

Did you know that 1 out of 7 Filipinos who enter the hospital need blood? That means they require about 2,000 to 2,500 units of this lifesaving liquid.

To meet the increasing demand for blood, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has been actively supporting different hospitals nationwide by providing 25-30% of the country's blood supply. In spite of this, there is much to be done to reach the target amount. 

A reliable blood supply is essential to health, especially in treating diseases such as dengue and cancer. Sadly, not everyone can acquire this precious liquid because it is in short supply.

Recently, Merck Inc. partnered with the PRC to meet the blood requirements of the country. Spearheaded by one of Merck’s leading brands, Sangobion, an organic iron supplement for women that fights iron deficiency, the Sangobion Go Love Life campaign held a blood drive at SM Fairview in Quezon City on December 5, 2014 to encourage women to donate blood.

The Be A Lifesaver blood drive is the fourth and final phase of the Go Love Life program that aims to empower today’s women to take care of their bodies and change their lifestyle for the better so they can enjoy the life they love. 

The campaign was launched in March 2014 through social networking sites. An online promo challenged women to submit their pledge to change for the better by taking Sangobion daily.

On the first leg of the campaign, the winners had a total beauty blowout where 40 lucky ladies were treated to free hair and make-up services courtesy of Shu Uemura and Blo Blow Dry. On the second leg, the new set of winners went on a shopping spree and had their own fashion show. 

Sangobion boosts iron and keeps the blood healthy, helping women look, feel, and perform at their best. For more information about Sangobion and the campaign, visit www.facebookcom/SangobionGoLoveLife.

Ever Gotesco Christmas Tree Lighting

Ever Gotesco Mall Ortigas ushers in the holiday season with its Christmas Tree lighting held recently Pasig City. The colorful tree will hopefully serve as a beacon to budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable and quality Christmas gifts and decorations to deck their homes and offices.

The mall will surely delight shoppers with its wide array of items that will surprise everyone. Drop by to enjoy fabulous bargains at the bazaar and have your fill of tasty treats at the food market and restaurants inside the mall. Dance to the beat of great music with the Battle of the Bands at the activity area. Kids will also find something to love with the mall's kiddie rides and various activities like loom band making, acting workshops, and stage plays.

It's no secret that many Filipinos love shopping and this often serves as a moment for families to bond together and have fun. Ever Gotesco invites families and friends to spend time at the mall for an unforgettable Christmas. With around 200 establishments inside, this is your ultimate destination for  an Ever So Happy bonding with families and friends, shopping, and more!

10 Xmas Gifts From Mind Museum

Considering that we celebrate an extended holiday season -- starting from the "ber" months to late January -- you'd think people would have enough time to shop for unique gifts. That's hardly ever the case, though.

Year after year, people rush to stores at the last minute to get the usual mugs, picture frames, toiletries, and what have you. However, getting an ordinary gift doesn't exactly usher in the spirit of the season. Why not wrap something remarkable? If your loved ones are that special, why not give them the stars? Not literally, of course, but something close with the help of The Mind Museum that has lots of great gifts. Add a special twist to your usual holiday flavor with gifts that inspire learning on this season of giving. Take your pick from these awesome offerings:

1. The Scientific Date: How about a date in an artsy but science-themed gallery, or stargazing in cozy couches in a custom-made planetarium?  Surprise your loved ones and young ones with All Day Passes or gift certificates to The Mind Museum! With over 250 hands-on, minds-on exhibits and live experiment demonstrations that unveil the remarkable science behind living and non-living things, a date or two there is definitely a unique and exciting way to spend time together this Yuletide season. Get them for only P750.  

2. Name the Stars after Your Loved Ones: Did you know that you can literally leave your mark in The Mind Museum by naming one of their virtual exhibits?  Leave your names or your loved ones’ on digital exhibits found in the different galleries there, through a fixed donation that comes with e-certificates.  Imagine the delight of seeing your family name imprinted on the virtual stars that make up a constellation, or a specific dinosaur that inhabits a virtual era in history. What’s more heart-warming is that proceeds for this program help support the institutions’ project of giving free museum visits to public school kids. Prices range from P1,000 to P5,000, depending on your choice.

3. The Key to Endless Discovery: How does a year-round, all day admission to the first world-class science museum in the country sound? Interactive exhibits, a thoughtfully designed planetarium, meticulously laid-out 3D shows, and exciting science demonstrations await the lucky gift recipient. The Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass is your ticket to free admission to over 300 worldwide science museums, discounts on travelling exhibition tickets, birthday packages, and store purchases. Since the institution's goal is to expand the knowledge of today’s generation, this unli-pass directly supports free museum passes for underprivileged kids. For a group of four or more, passes sell for only P2,250/pax. 

4. All for Science, All for Love: To celebrate the holidays in a different, more meaningful way, why not sponsor a trip for public school kids this Christmas? You can even ask family or friends to join you in enriching the sense of wonder of these kids. To inquire about this project, send an email to inquiry@themindmuseum.org.  

5. Wear Your Wit: Let your friends “wear their wit” with exclusive shirts from The Mind Museum Store. These shirts come in different colors with vibrant graphics and statements that will truly make science a cool fashion statement. Prices range from P379.75 to P499.75.

6. Of Puzzles, Papers, and Pencils: Instead of those tired old notebooks or planners, try giving a funky Human Anatomy Notebook or Science Alphabet Notebook. They’re a safe space for random thoughts, important lists, or mind babbles. Pair these notebooks with Puzzle Color Pencils to create a DIY-diary. Get the notebooks for only P379.75, while a set of Puzzle Color Pencils can be yours for only P649.75.

7. Own the Universe: While kids are taking baby steps towards their dreams, you can show them the momentary shortcut in seizing the universe, literally, through the Star Planetarium! Projecting 3D stars, planets, and constellations, this amazing contraption also includes 3D glasses for a more mesmerizing virtual representation of what’s above and beyond the world we live in. Get the set for only P2,579.75.

8. Unearthing the Dinos: Be a paleontologist and travel back to the era of dinosaurs with the special Dino Excavation Kit. Dig for bones hidden in the gypsum block, assemble them and enjoy your very own miniature dinosaur skeleton replica. Top it off by learning more about the fossils you've just uncovered. The entire kit is sold for P2,699.75.

9. Tricks and Treats: Put a little ease and fun in teaching kids with exclusive playing cards from The Mind Museum store. You can either get What’s GNU?—a 3-letter learning game deck or go for a game of speed and visual tricks with Hyperswipe! Grab these cards now and be a game master at the same time. What’s GNU deck costs P9,49.75 while the Hyperswipe set costs P1,349.75.

10. Build Your Own, Learn on Your Own: Teach your young ones the basics of gardening, without having to worry about landscaping your backyard, with these innovative plant miniatures! Grow the Sweet Leaf, with leaves that be used as a natural substitute for sugar; the Mini-Melons that produce sweet mini cantaloupes in less than two months; or get out-of-this-word with the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden that will allow kids to experiment in mini pots. Sweet leaf and Mini-melons cost P829.75 each while the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden is sold for P1,229.75.

Visit The Mind Museum today and enjoy endless activities and possibilities with these unique gifts.

Elabram Systems Group at LTE World Summit in North America

Elabram Systems Group (ESG) just recently participated this November 2014 at LTE North America (LTENA) as exhibitor and speaker with the Group Managing Director Mikel Yaw, Group  Deputy Managing Director Sunny Yaw and Business Director Tommy Ng. 

LTENA was part of the LTE World Series Summit around the world and the biggest convention of all leaders in a telecommunication industry with operators, vendors and media and participated by 150 exhibitors and more than 1500 attendees. 

Elabram Systems Group believes in collaboration and partnership for the four solutions under this 15 years old company. Solutions are Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Talent Acquisition & Deployment (TAD), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) and Network Planning & Optimization (NPO). 

Mikel Yaw as speaker discussed the roles of vendors in rural areas and one of the key founders of Elabram Systems Group, a reliable Telecommunication Engineering and IT service provider specialised in Specialist Resource Provision, RF Engineering Services and Project Management of advance telecommunication in wireless network solutions but expanding right now in BPO and IT sectors which are big in Indonesia under Sunny Yaw. Elabram Systems was founded in year 1999 and it has office in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. 

Have A GoodNight Sleep with Uratex Pillows

Many people spend a lot of money to buy a good, comfortable bed. Ironically, when it comes to buying pillows, they’re not that choosy and leave everything to chance. This is a big mistake since a good pillow is vital to a good night's sleep.

You can’t sleep well with the wrong pillow. One that’s too soft or too flat can lead to neck pain while a stiff or too high pillow can result in back pain. You can avoid these problems by selecting a pillow that supports your neck, head and upper spine. This will ensure that you sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.

Choosing the right pillow, however, can be difficult since there’s plenty to see. To make things easier for you, here are some tips to consider:

Photo grab from Uratex Foam website

First, know your sleep position. Do you sleep on your back or do you lie on your side? Some sleep on their stomachs. Every position requires a different pillow. Soft pillows are ideal for those who sleep on their stomachs.

Those who sleep on their backs need a firmer pillow. Side sleepers need the most support and do well with firmer and higher pillows. A pillow’s firmness depends on the amount of filling it has. Naturally, a pillow with more material is firmer.

Finally, change your pillow if needed. A lot of people keep their pillows for a long time which isn’t good. Replace your pillow every couple of years. It’s time to buy a new one if the old pillow doesn’t “bounce” anymore. To test it, fold it in half and observe what happens. If it takes too long to return to its shape, replace it. 

Investing in a good pillow and comfortable bed is a must to get a good night sleep. That's why Uratex Philippines gives everyone a wide choice of pillows and bed to select according to their needs. Uratex foam pillow selection are available in many sizes and options, so you are sure to find something that suits – whether you are looking for a memory foam, latex foam, and fiberfill pillow. These varieties of pillow will surely aids you in getting a good night sleep and feel rejuvenated in the morning.

The RGC Foam group the makers of Uratex foam is today’s largest manufacturer of commercial and automotive polyurethane foam products in the country. Through world-class manufacturing practices and a strong culture of excellence, RGC Foam Group has become the most dominant player in the local foam industry and one of the leading foam-makers in Southeast Asia.

Uratex gives everyone a Comfort for Life! They has a high quality mattress and pillows with revolutionary sleeping technology that relieves pressure, relaxes, and helps you get better sleep. There's a model and style for almost every taste, from basic to most intricate. Indulge in the most exciting range of designs that is resplendently elegant.

FoodPanda: Awesome Food Delivery Service

I love to cook, but there are times I have no time to cook and food delivery is my angel! Most traditional food delivery needs a landline which the line is busy sometime.

The http://mommybloggersphilippines.com  announces Foodpanda delivery service www.foodpanda.ph and I was given a code to try their service.

Since it’s meryenda time I choose Pizza Republic. Pizza is always a hit for my kids.

I just simply choose my City and our exact address then the listed restaurants including Pizza Republic was there to choose.

When the meal arrived less than 30 min I was so happy and excited. I was able to surprise my kids since I order food using my Foodpanda app in my smartphone. They have no idea that food is coming.

My oldest son keeps telling me “Mom do this again tomorrow, I love food surprise”. I just answer him “Well let’s see if the Foodpanda will surprise me too”. What’s Food Panda mom? My youngest son replied.

Here’s my answer to my son’s question. Since he thought Foodpanda is the cartoon movie KungFu panda.

Foodpanda.ph is an online food delivery portal that makes it easy for customers to order food from the best restaurants in the Philippines and get it delivered to their home. With more than 160 restaurants to choose from, foodpanda has become one of the online food delivery leaders. Customers can order food from popular chains like Tony Roma’s, Chooks To Go, Yellow Cab, Gerry’s Grill and lots more.

The cuisine list on foodpanda is equally tempting. Customers can order wide range of cuisines like Sushi, Indian food, Italian food or Western food. Thirst-quenching beverages can also be ordered from famous places like 7 Eleven.

I just really hope I can order ice cream and my favorite Starbucks coffee can be delivered also using my foodpanda app.

My 'You're Not You' Movie Experience

When a fellow blogger invite me to watch 'You're Not You' movie, 'Parang gusto ko pang tumanggi', I was thinking this is another love story. But when she told me it's about ALS disease it perk me up.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, and rarely Charcot disease—is a neurodegenerative disorder with various causes. The term motor neurone disease (MND) is sometimes used interchangeably with ALS while others use it to refer to a group of similar conditions that include ALS.  ALS is characterised by muscle spasticity, rapidly progressive weakness due to muscle wasting. This results in difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. The disease usually starts around the age of 60, except in cases that are directly inherited when the usual age of onset is around 50. 

About 5 to 10% of cases are directly inherited from a person's parents.  ALS is the most common of the five types of motor neuron disease.

I may not have this disease but I have a rare disease which is somewhat the same symptoms with ALS. As I watch this movie I can truly relate how Kate (Hilary Swank) suffer. The frustration of not moving or doing things I usually does. Felling depress what would happened in the near future? Thinking if I could survived and be cured? Having this disease is a burden for people around me. Starting with my family and circle of friends. 

The Movie

This movie is not just for lovers but for the whole family. So they could clearly understand ALS is not just a physical pain for the patient but also an emotional pain for the whole family.

The title 'You're Not You' for me is all about the characters Kate (Hilary Swank) and Bec (Emmy Rossum),  how they change when Kate has disease. 

Kate - a suave, successful classical pianist diagnosed with ALS. 

Bec - a college student - applies for the job despite her lack of experience. 

Then Kate sees something special in Bec and wants to have her as her caregiver to help her with everyday things like taking a shower. Kate and Bec help each other to live their lives and find their way in the world.  The story explores how two strangers can bring out the best in each other.

Director: George C. Wolfe

Running time: 103 minutes`

Producer: Hilary Swank

Genre: Drama

Hilary Swank, Emmy Rossum and Josh Duhamel