Sep 29, 2016


I was invited by the Hair Philosophie team to take part of their event, A Press Delight. It's an event dedicated to press people and bloggers to enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering at their salon. I was really excited to receive such invitation because I don't usually get invitations like this. I even thought of dyeing my hair to silver gray or light brown and try if it looks good on me. Then I realized if they cut and style my hair, we won't see any difference since my hair is too short at that time. So I thought of bringing my mom to avail the services instead of me. I'm glad Ms. Wendy and Ms. Rain Dimalanta agreed to my request. Thank you so much! :)





Here are the hair products the stylist used for my mom's hair.


According to the stylist Mr. Rich Chua, my mom just had a hair rebond so they will just have to color the roots. The white hairs on the roots are already visible. They also treated her hair to create volume. I was really expecting to see a different look and hair color from mom but the stylist explained to us why we can't color the hair full. The staff was really accommodating and explains the whole procedure very well.

The stylists were trained in Manila for months according to Sir Jing Monis when we had the chance to chat with him inside the VIP room. He was really accommodating too and shared a lot of tips on how to take care of our hair.

The products they used to the other press people and bloggers are from Schwarzkopf Professional, Macadamia Natural Oil and Wella Professionals. These products are only available in the salon.





I don't have a before and after photo of my mom but here's the result after the hair cut, hair color, and hair treatment. SUPER FAB! (Hindi lang nakapag-bihis ng maayos, kainis! hahaha!)


My mom was really happy with the result she boasted it all day long. Thank you Sir Jing Monis, to all the staff, and stylists of Hair Philosophie Salon in Abreeza Ayala Mall. Thanks for the gifts too! :)



HAIR PHILOSOPHIE BY JING MONIS


Thank you for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Sep 28, 2016


Moms are everyday heroes!

They play different roles in the workplace and in the community. Sometimes, they would sacrifice their "me" time just to attend to the needs of her family. It's also a challenge for a modern working mom to achieve a piece of mind especially when they go to work and leave the kids at home. But these days, smart gadgets and high-speed internet can help moms control the family's safety and security.


Photo above: http://itsmegracee.blogspot.com/2016/08/pldt-home-launches-smart-watch.html

Just ask Asia’s Songbird and modern-day mom Regine Velasquez – Alcasid. Mom to four-year-old Nathaniel James, more fondly known as Nate, Regine exemplifies the modern-day Filipino mom who strikes the balance between her hectic work schedule and her role as a family woman.


“Technology helps me become a better mom,” she revealed. “Specifically, I get a lot of help from PLDT HOME.” Regine, who is also an ambassador for the brand, added, “They have a suite of products and services that are designed to give moms like me peace of mind through the power of technology. So far, super helpful talaga siya for me especially when I have to be away for work.”

Forefront of strongest connections at home


As the leader in digital innovations for the home, PLDT HOME designs its products and services to help parents like Regine effectively multi-task while ensuring the safety of their families. Two products which promote peace of mind among working moms are the Fam Cam and Smart Watch.


The Fam Cam is a home monitoring system which allows parents to check on their children remotely, and even communicate with them. The Smart Watch, a personal favorite of Nate, is a multi-functional gadget which kids can use to take photos, play music, and even record voice messages.


According to Regine, they use the Smart Watch to easily talk to Nate because he can directly answer calls using his watch when it is connected to their Telpad or a smart phone. The Alcasids also use it as a WiFi remote for the Telpad or smart phone cameras so it’s easier to take selfies or groufies wherever they are.


Regine also shared how the watch helps teach Nate to become more responsible and aware of his surroundings. Nate’s Smart Watch can come to the rescue using the anti-lost feature. He simply has to click on a button and the connected device will make a sound so it can be located. The Smart Watch will also vibrate if Nate goes more than 10 meters away from the paired device so if the Telpad or smart phone is with Mommy Regine or Daddy Ogie, it will remind him to go back to them.


“Nate really loves his Smart Watch,” Regine said. “As a parent, this is a gadget na approve sa akin kasi I can really see that it helps us bond better as a family.”


Nate Alcasid as the new PLDT Home Endorser

Following his mother’s footsteps, Nate was recently launched as the new ambassador for the Smart Watch.

“We’re very excited to have Nate on board,“ PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali said. “He represents the kids of his generation—perennially curious, smart and dynamic. Together with his mom, we look forward to reaching to more families and educating them about the ways technology can help bring them closer.”

Regine added, Siyempre, I’m super proud of my baby boy! PLDT HOME is close to our hearts and as a family, we are proof that technology can really help make our lives safer and easier.”

PLDT HOME subscribers who upgrade to a Telpad plan automatically get a free 1Mbps HOME DSL speed boost, and for only an additional P199 per month, they can already top up with a Smart Watch. The watch is also available to existing Telpad subscribers. Simply order online and it will be delivered for free. For more information, visit pldthome.com/telpad/smartwatch.


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day ahead! - Jexx

Sep 27, 2016

pldt sme nation brogo smart biz lte mobile broadband sun cellular

As most travelers today carry a smartphone with mobile technology, PLDT SME Nation aims to enhance customer and hospitality experience by introducing a brand new wireless broadband connection, BroGo. The first of its kind in the Philippines, BroGo is PLDT SME Nation's newest bundle tailored fit to every entrepreneur and top-grade businesses. It allows internet connection to hotel guests even beyond the walls of the hotel.

This exclusive bundle comes with gadgets and mobile data connection devices. BroGo enables hotels to deliver reliable mobile internet connectivity to their guests at an affordable price.

"Technology has changed the way people travel, experience, and share travel experiences across the globe. Her in the Philippines, PLDT SME Nation recognizes this growing need from entrepreneurs in our hotel industry for a solution that enables them to cater to today's on-the-go mobile consumers," shares Neph Denosta, AVP/Head of SME Nation Wireless Marketing.

"With BroGo, internet connectivity for hotel guests and travelers does not stop inside the premises of these establishments. They could easily continue to be looped in online and conveniently share their travel experiences with family and friends through easy-to-bring pocket WiFis and their mobile devices - fast and in real-time."

BroGo comes an internet load portal with which hotel entrepreneurs can easily access and manage multiple prepaid sims and pocket WiFis that they can lend or rent out to their guests. As a result, hotels can attain up to 200% return on investment from their BroGo subscription.

PLDT BroGo is already available since September 2016. To know more about the PLDT SME Nation, please visit www.smenation.com.ph.

pldt sme nation brogo davao bloggers society


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Sep 26, 2016


PLDT has partnered with US-based Roku, the world's leading video streaming platform, to bring the best entertainment to Filipinos right from their TV screens through access to over 3,500 viewing apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and HBO Now.
"We are seeing a growing demand for internet-delivered TV services in the country and there is no better partner for us to give Filipinos the world of entertainment than Roku which has the largest base of active streaming users in the world," PLDT FVP and Head of HOME Operations Oscar Reyes Jr. said.


Roku has nine million active accounts in 10 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. It also has more than twice the usage of Google Chromecast, according to independent surveys and Roku’s own tracker conducted in November 2015.
"Roku's powerful platform will be a strong complement to PLDT HOME's current array of content from various providers that include iflix and Fox International Channels," Reyes pointed out.
PLDT HOME broadband subscribers currently enjoy subscription video on demand (SVOD) through their iflix accounts which include not just western but also Asian and local TV shows and films while the partnership with Fox also allowed live streaming and catch-up television of the various shows on Fox channels.
PLDT HOME has also been increasing the speed of its Fibr plans with the most recent upgrade reaching as high as 1 Gbps to satisfy the growing appetite of subscribers for bandwidth heavy apps like video streaming.
The demand for internet TV in the world has grown dramatically in the past five years, with the fastest year-on-year growth of 73% registered in 2015 with one over-the-top (OTT) box now streaming 5.5 billion hours at the end of 2015.
"In the past, operators first had to build or lease dedicated infrastructure in order to deliver TV services to the home, with streaming that is no longer the case. As a result, we see a lot of interest from all over the world for our Roku Powered program from both telecom and pay TV operators," said Andrew Ferrone, vice president pay TV at Roku. "With its fast fiber & DSL infrastructure, PLDT is in a perfect position to leverage the Roku streaming platform and quickly deploy a proven, low-cost, turn-key solution and launch an innovative TV service to its broadband customers."
According to recent surveys, video consumption via OTT boxes has been growing dramatically in the US and accounted for 58% of total views as of March last year from 44% the previous year and against 24% for PC and 17% for mobile devices.
"We foresee the Philippines eventually following this trend as more Filipinos' viewing habits involve more and more video. The partnership with Roku is consistent with PLDT HOME's objective of having the widest and best video portfolio in the Philippines," said Reyes.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day ahead! - Jexx

____________________
Press Release from PLDT Home

Sep 23, 2016

s&r members treat

The much awaited S&R Members' Treat is back! From September 30 to October 2, 2016, get exciting deals and treats that you and your family will enjoy! Get discounts of up to 50% and avail their Buy 1 Take 1 promos. I really have to mark my calendars because my family waited for this for a long time. They've been asking me when's the next big sale. We actually missed this last year since no one in the family is a registered member.

So for you to avail the discounts, you should sign up at S&R for Php700 for a Gold Membership. The members can bring their family inside, however, only members may purchase using his/her membership card.

I'm really excited to shop at S&R with my family. I'm sure they will really enjoy the great deals and treats.

I heard that these are some of the food products that are going on sale from September 30 to October 2:

Ben & Jerry Chunky Monkey
Ben & Jerry Chocochip Cookie Dough
Ben & Jerry New York Fudge Choco
US Vanilla Marble Ring Cake
US Double Choco-chip Creme Ring Cake
US Apple Raisin Creme Cake
Ranch House Angus Rib-eye Steak
Ranch House Beef Short Ribs
Ranch House Angus Strip Steak

Other items:
UP Baby Wipes
Irish Spring Soap
Tresemme Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner
Dove Rough Patch Lotion Tube
Pantene Hair Spray
White Rain Kids 3 in 1
Colgate Kids Mouthwash Bubblegum

For more updates, visit their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram.

S&R Membership Shopping
Facebook: www.facebook.com/snrmembershipshopping
Instagram: www.instagram.com/snr_official


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

An advocacy for teachers was created over coffee from a small group of like-minded PLDT executives nine years ago. With a common dream of being a catalyst of change in the lives of teachers,  Gabay Guro was born and became the CSR arm under the PLDT-Smart Foundation.


What transpired after that fateful day revolutionized education-based advocacy efforts in so many levels giving birth to a holistic approach that was anchored on the now famous Gabay Guro pillars - Scholarships, Trainings, Housing and Educational Facilities, Livelihood Programs, Broadbanding and Computerization, and Teachers’ Tribute.


Gabay Guro managed to write off mediocrity since then, championing excellence and  paying tribute to teachers all over the country (and nearby countries) by bringing attention to their heroic deeds and at the same time, providing them with the necessary tools to contribute to the change in the lives of their students and their families.


To this day, Gabay Guro managed to thrive on volunteerism – mostly among the ranks of the executives from PLDT and Smart.


Nine years after, Gabay Guro has over 1,100 scholars in various state colleges and universities nationwide. There are over 300 LET passers, 496 active scholars as of August, 2016 and a projected 167 graduates in 2017. Gabay Guro also celebrates the fact that 137 scholars graduated with honors – 112 cum laudes  and 25 magna cum laudes.  Gabay Guro has also partnered with local government units to further teacher education.


The foundation has conducted trainings for over 16,000 teachers in the course of its nine years. Today, it runs eight training programs for teachers around the country namely: Teacher’s Treasure Chest; English Proficiency Training; Computer Literacy; Emotional Intelligence; Teacher’s Armor; Leadership Training; IT Sustainability and Literacy; and Unleashing Creativity in Teaching. At the same time, Gabay Guro answers to the needs of the times by doing grassroots anti-drugs trainings in schools.


Gabay Guro’s initiative on Broadband and Computerization has had great impact nationwide.  All partner-schools were recipients of either computers/laptop or internet connections from PLDT or Smart.


Knowing that shortage of educational facilities is a major disaster area in the Philippine education system, Gabay Guro has taken the cudgels in the construction of classrooms in the provinces, mostly those that have been hit by debilitating calamities. There is over 40 classrooms constructed and donated already in the ff. provinces: Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.


Gabay Guro has grown to be the force that it is today. Whereas in the beginning, there were only a couple of thousand member-teachers under its stable, 2016 sees 20,000-strong membership (and growing!) at its helm and has easily taken over the leadership, the one that sets the bar of service, in all education-related NGOs around the nation.

Ms. Chaye Revilla and the Gabay Guro team of visionaries with her in the foundation, were propelled by this belief: “our nation’s children depend on our nation’s teachers to lead them to the future. And this teachers’ month, Gabay Guro gives tribute to those who teach the next generation of nation-builders.”


The pinnacle of Gabay Guro’s celebration is embodied in the tribute event held every year at the MOA Arena. Year after year, the organizers leave no stone unturned ensuring that it is in Gabay Guro where teachers get to be treated like royalty. Generosity at its finest, raffle prizes have grown to be the staggering house and lot and vehicle showcases and livelihood opportunities that they are today in every Gabay Guro tribute event.


The Gabay Guro’s 9th Teacher’s Tribute this year, the biggest gathering of the country’s celebrities, will not disappoint on Sept. 25 at the MOA Arena. Stellar names set to give the teachers the time of their lives on this day are Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Pops Fernandez, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Ms. Lea Salonga and Mega star Ms. Sharon Cuneta and more surprise guests on the big day.




This is the day where our teachers get to let their hair loose, meet the biggest celebrities, be treated to a whole day of entertainment and huge raffle prizes beginning with house and lot and vehicles., anything to remind them of their invaluable presence in our lives.


This year’s event is made possible through the help of the ff. sponsors: Perry’s Group of Companies (for the house and lot), Foton for the (Gratour Van),  Intel, Devant, Motorlandia (for the Honda and Suzuki motorcyles), Ropali,  Penshoppe, National Bookstore, Enchanted Kingdom, Splash, Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Mundipharma, Gardenia, Bic, Art Attack, Microsoft, Smart Bro, Ultera, Talk N Text and 51 Talk.

The PLDT Gabay Guro grand tribute event is exclusive for teachers only. Admission is free. Follow Gabay Guro on Facebook, twitter and Instagram at @PLDTGabayGuro or visit the Gabay Guro official website gabayguro.com for more details.


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx


__________________
Press Release from PLDT Home

Sep 16, 2016


Starbucks is inviting us to take a sip of their newest handcrafted beverages. They just launched Starbucks® Teavana™ Handcrafted Beverages and Full Leaf Tea Sachets in Asia. This is their modern take on the tea experience for people who are looking for new and different tastes and experiences. It will give customers the opportunity to enjoy a range of unique iced and hot tea beverages with bold, layered flavors, handcrafted the way only Starbucks can, for the first time.

“The launch of Starbucks® Teavana™ brings an entirely new tea occasion specifically developed for our customers in Asia, who increasingly want new and different tastes and experiences,” said John Culver, group president, Starbucks Global Retail. ”With Starbucks® Teavana™, we see a tremendous opportunity to leverage the company’s expertise in creating best-in-class retail experiences, handcrafting customized beverages, and sourcing the finest ingredients, to create a new, premium tea experience. Just as we’ve done for coffee, this is tea reimagined at Starbucks.”




Beginning today, Starbucks Philippines is offering three new Starbucks® Teavana™ Handcrafted Beverages:

Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls

This refreshing beverage combines Starbucks® Teavana™ hibiscus tea and bursting pearls of real pomegranate juice for a tart kick of flavor.
Iced Shaken Black Tea with Ruby Grapefruit and Honey

Combines a traditional western black tea experience with a creative twist that is delicious iced with bites of pomelo fruit, grapefruit and honey for a touch of added sweetness.

Matcha and Espresso Fusion

Our fine Matcha powder layered with milk and Starbucks signature Espresso Roast creates a beautiful layered beverage and is an inventive combination of coffee and tea, to be enjoyed hot or iced.
In addition to handcrafted beverages, Starbucks is also introducing Starbucks® Teavana™ Full Leaf Tea Sachets. Through a curated selection of packaged full-leaf tea sachets, customers can now enjoy a new tea experience in our stores or in the comfort of their own home.

Black Tea

English Breakfast – A handcrafted blend of Indian Assam, Sri Lankan Ceylon, and Chinese black tea. This tastes great with or without milk.

White Tea

Youthberry™ – Inspired by super fruits, acai fruit is blended with tropical pineapple and mango flavors with high-quality white tea, balanced by rosehips and tart green apple.

Green Tea

Emperor’s Clouds and Mist™ – Exclusively harvested during the month of April and grown on the steep, windy slopes of Huangshan Mountain at 3,500 feet above sea level, this tea has a rich body and a naturally sweet flavor.

Caffeine-Free Herbal Teas

Hibiscus – Bright, juicy papaya and mango combined with citrus lemongrass for a naturally caffeine-free blend. Hibiscus flowers lend the tea a slight tartness and extraordinary deep fuchsia color.

Mint Blend – This tea’s spearmint base is rounded out with cool peppermint notes and undertones of spicy-sweet lemon verbena. The mint leaves come from the highly sought after and prized Pacific Northwest mint known for its high amount of mint oil.

Chamomile – The Chamomile used for this tea is sourced from Croatia. It provides the overarching flavor for this soft, soothing floral blend.

I can't wait to try their newest offerings. I think I will love the Matcha and Espresso Fusion. Visit any Starbucks nearest you and let me know which one is your favorite.


Check out the Starbucks Philippines’ Facebook page for more details


Thanks for visiting and have a great day! - Jexx

Sep 15, 2016


PRESS RELEASE --- Limits were tested, boundaries were pushed as more than a thousand runners converged for one of the biggest trail running series of the season – the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016, Davao Leg – last August 27.

Over five years since its inception, the Salomon X-Trail Run continues to be the most anticipated trail running event throughout the Asia-Pacific Region. With competitions held in unique and exotic locations in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hongkong and the Philippines, it is reputed for mounting the most challenging and scenic trail running races that feature a mixture of different terrain surfaces, including vertical ascents, long uphill climbs, with multi-surfaces of dirt, rocks, sand, and concrete paths.

In the Philippines, the Salomon X-Trail Run has been held for 5 consecutive years, in exclusive venues– ensuring that the race venues not only demonstrate the majestic beauty of nature but also, offer participants a stimulating and unique trail running experience. This year, Salomon decided to hold its Salomon Xtrail Davao Leg at the GAP Farm, Maa, Davao City, where tough and sweet trail routes were created exclusively for this year’s race.







The GAP Farm and the trails around Maa served this year’s trail racers a sweet and tough 7KM challenge as they dashed through the dark with multi-terrain, technical ascents and descents and mud-covered tunnel; the reason why “No or Incomplete mandatory gear, No race” policy were strictly imposed.

At 5:30PM, trail runners began to embark on their adrenaline-filled journey through a route that possesses a mixture of different terrains – from asphalt and sand, to rocks, to mud, and technical ascents and descents. It simulated ascents of Skyrunning races – an arena wherein Salomon dominates. Getting through this track in the dark was definitely not an easy feat especially with a three-hour cut-off time.



Committed to ensure that each race leaves as little to no harmful environmental consequences, the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016, Davao Leg, remained strictly, a GREEN RUN. As such, no disposables were provided at the hydration station, which required participants to bring their own provisions.

By 9:00 PM, raffle prizes were given to the participants such as Salomon Speedcross 3, Suunto Ambit3, Sea to Summit Products, Ahon products, Headware products and much more exciting products from Salomon. After giving the raffle, awarding ceremony commenced and this year’s roster of winners took home not only a range of exciting prizes but above all, a strong sense of fulfillment for pushing themselves to be the best that they can be – a philosophy echoed by Salomon. At the end of the day, no one went home empty handed as the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016 - Davao Leg proved to be a memorable and extremely satisfying feat for all the participants, regardless of winning. Plus, Salomon also gave way food and drinks from Sponsors after the race to reenergize the runners – Summit Water, Pascual Creamy Delight Yogurt, and Brew Kettle Beer.




At the core of each Salomon X-Trail Run event is to champion trail running and passion for the outdoors. This year’s Davao leg, it has once again succeeded in inspiring each and every trail runner and outdoor enthusiast to realize their potential and inner strength with its zero-compromise race principle – ideally embodying Salomon’s slogan of being “#1 in trail running”.

In the years to come, Salomon will continue to uplift the trail running discipline by constantly mounting no less than a premium event such as the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016!

Organizers - Davao Adventure X and Salomon 
Davao Adventure X Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/davao.adventurex 
Salomon Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/salomonphilippines


Photo credits to Landscape Photographers of Davao and Davao Adventure X
Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

Sep 9, 2016


It's true that nowadays, we see people walking around with their eyes glued to their phones. Taking selfies, chatting online, and playing mobile games and catching cute monsters. But soon enough, the fiercest creatures and characters will be on frenzied fans’ feet, as the craze moves to collecting the season’s hottest fan-phernalia: the Limited Edition Havaianas + UAAP 2016 collection.

As UAAP season 79 rolls around once again, there’s no denying the thrill of witnessing yet another round of intense battles and momentous victories. Yup, it’s definitely that time of the year again, when students, alumni, and spectators alike, gather in the name of elite athleticism, honor, and good old fun.

Bring the spirit of the games with you in and out of the courts by slipping into these iconic pairs from Havaianas!










This limited edition collection will be available at the Havaianas + UAAP 2016 pop-up shop & photo exhibit on the 2nd floor (between Sunglass Haven & Bambu) of Ayala Abreeza from September 1 to 5, where various complimentary Havaianas + UAAP 2016 merchandise from ballers, clappers, & sticker tattoos can be all yours upon a single-receipt purchase of a regular-priced Havaianas + UAAP 2016 pair. 


Also, Martish will be selling these limited items if you missed this in Abreeza.


Havianas Philippines

Martish


Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

@jexxhinggo