Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Pony Up

I used to think of pony hair shoes as too high maintenance, but because I was unable to resist the urge to own leopard print sandals (from Anthology) and ballet flats (Yosi Samra of course), I eventually caved in. 

And now, it seems I can't just stop at one pair because I want the White Giraffe and Wildcat Samaras by Yosi Samra too!

 Leopard, White Giraffe, Natural Wildcat pony hair Samara flats

My leopard print flat was from several seasons ago, so it didn't have the YS logo that the newer season flats have.


Just look at these beauties! No real endangered leopards, giraffes or wildcats harmed in creating these flats too.




Meanwhile, if you'd like a touch of pony hair only, these Abbey flats with a detachable ankle strap and grommet detailing will do just the trick!


For the pony hair, it comes in natural/wildcat and black/white giraffe versions only. If you're looking for something a little bit wild, a little bit rock & roll, take the Abbey road! ;)

For stock availability and reservations, contact your nearest Yosi Samra branch: 

Yosi Samra Abreeza Davao, 0915-4797156
Yosi Samra Alabang Town Center, 0915-4797133
Yosi Samra Ayala Center Cebu, 0926-6725001
Yosi Samra Glorietta 4, 0915-4797192
Yosi Samra Rockwell Powerplant Mall, 0915-4797138
Yosi Samra SM Aura Premier, 0915-4797121
Yosi Samra SM City Cebu, 0927-3250166
Yosi Samra SM Mall of Asia, 0915-4797127
Yosi Samra SM Megamall, 0915-4797155
Yosi Samra Trinoma, 0915-4797142
Yosi Samra Gas, Greenbelt 3, 0915-4797224

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

I've Switched to SMART Infinity


Around mid-November, I upgraded from a regular SMART line to SMART Infinity, just about the time that SMART came out with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Which also explains why I got first dibs in watching Chicago The Musical, heehee.

You know why I'm glad I made the switch, and so happy to be part of the Infinity family? It's the perks that make SMART Infinity subscribers more special:

1) My own Infinity Management Officer

When I attended the Smart iPhone 6 launch, I met my Infinity Management Officer, Ronna Cosio, and she took care of making sure I didn't have to line up for my phone when it was time to claim it. 

When I told her that I had to leave as it was getting late, she even offered to bring my iPhone 6 to my house. My eyes opened so wide, and I couldn't help blurting out, "Really, you'll do that?" and she said "Of course!" like it was the normal thing to do. Which is normal for SMART Infinity subscribers of course.

2) Priority Hotline & Smart Store Handling

Gosh darn it. I just paid for my SMART bill the other day and totally forgot about this. I should have told them I was  a SMART Infinity plan holder so that I don't have to wait 20 minutes in line, like I did. I'm never forgetting this next time I visit the SMART Store.

There's an exclusive 24/7 hotline by the way, should I have any concerns with my phone line. Which thankfully, I've never had any, as of this writing.

3) Worldwide 24 Hour Concierge 

We're talking about dinner reservations, gift deliveries, travel bookings, business services, and such. I really ought to make the most of this, heehee.

4) Smart Infinity Lifestyle App

I recently just found out about this, and can't wait to try it out! Downloading it now as we speak via the Apple App Store and will tell you more about this once I've gone through the app.


PS - Want to enjoy the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus with SMART Infinity?


Check out these plans to find out how you can get your hands on an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus when you upgrade to SMART Infinity!


For more details visit, http://www1.smart.com.ph/infinity/iphone6

The Flawless Pink Revolution


Flawless Face and Body Clinic continues to give Filipinos easier and more affordable access to medically-sound and innovative skin and body solutions with the Flawless Pink Revolution - their 5+5 service packages month long promotion this December!

“We really want to mark this fantastic year and share the success with our clients,” shares Rubby Sy, CEO of Flawless.  

“Several milestones were achieved not just for Flawless but for the entire Philippines. 2014 is the year that we launched the country’s first ever widely-available all-in-one intravenous vitamin mix – called the Beauty Drip - and our All-Natural Ultimate White Facial. This is also the year that we managed to exclusively bring in the world’s first 100 percent natural in origin, 100 percent biodegradable and 100 percent hypoallergenic beauty line, Novexpert.” Sy continues, 

“We also opened two more locations this year, one in Bacolod and another in Eastwood. With plans to begin operations early next year in several move sites – we can’t be more thankful to everyone who continues to support us. And that’s why we instigated the Flawless Pink Revolution.”

Sy shares that under the Flawless Pink Revolution, they are matching 100% of the 5 sessions customers initially purchase to thank and empower their loyal patrons with 5 more FREE sessions of the same services, which they can share with family and friends. 

Their best selling services such as the Cell Booster Infusion Mask, Nano Power Peel, Laser Hair Removal and Shape and Sculpt are included in the package!

UPDATE: Promotion is extended to January 31, 2015. All services purchased in this promotion are redeemable until July 2015. 

To know more about the Flawless Pink Revolution, like Flawless Face and Body on Facebook or follow @myFlawless on Instagram and @myFlawless on Twitter. Or you can visit any of the 38 Flawless clinics nationwide.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

DIY Christmas Cards with the Canon SELPHY CP910

 A mock-up of our DIY Christmas Card this year

It has become family tradition for us to have Christmas cards professionaly printed out each year, chronicling every new addition, while visually sharing how our family has grown, with family and friends.

This year was a bit of an exception. I am due to give birth by mid-December and I was thinking that if we were to give out our family Christmas card this year, it would be nice to have our newborn son to be part of the photo.

But here’s the deal, I don’t really have the luxury of time to go all fancy and go to a photo studio, and have my hair & makeup done after I give birth. More importantly, I am not risking our newborn son’s health just to have his photo taken with us, with all the studio lights, flash photography, and the mad holiday crowds outside. From a practical point of view, we also don’t have the time to wait for proofs and then have them made into cards in time for early gift giving.

So for this year, our best bet is to do it DIY style.

Late one night, while sitting on my work desk at home, I had some time on my hands, and the urge to tinker around with the Canon SELPHY CP910.

The Canon SELPHY C9P10 is a compact, ultra-portable photo printer that’s perfect for printing anywhere because it has Wi-Fi with AirPrint™ support, for easy printing from smartphones and compatible cameras 

I figured, I might as well practice making a few cards, so that when the Baby #3 pops out, we can have a quick photo taken, and I can go on to making Christmas cards to share with loved ones, as they have come to expect! 

And guess what, it’s pretty simple really, using what I already have on hand. 
1) My mobile phone with the photos and A Beautiful Mess app 
2) Canon SELPHY CP910 
3) Canon photo paper 

Using the collage function of the app, A Beautiful Mess, in minutes, I put together existing photos, holiday headers I found online, and added a bit of flair with the text and doodle functions to create some DIY holiday cards, like these.


















 



 That’s it! Super simple, it’s a no brainer really!

 Now let me tell you why I love the Canon SELPHY CP910.

1. Wireless printing. 

The great thing with the Canon SELPHY CP910 is that I can wirelessly print from my iPhone (works with the iPad and iPod Touch too) using AirPrint™ over my Wi-Fi connection, without the need to install device drivers. 

I printed a card I made straight from my phone, because of Canon’s Wi-Fi with AirPrint™ support function 

2. Easy to use instructions on a wide LCD screen.

Since I am not a very gadget-savvy person, the SELPHY’s simple, straightforward on-screen guidance makes printing super easy too.

The LCD screen tilts for easy operation and convenient viewing 

3. Works with other devices 

Let me clarify that the SELPHY CP910 works for Android phones as well, and can easily be connected to other devices. For laptop/desktop users, the SELPHY CP910 allows direct printing from memory cards and USB sticks. 

4. Various printing options 

More than just printing cards, the Canon SELPHY CP910 allows us to print various sized stickers too, even ID photos, thanks to a Face Frame Guide, in a wide range of accepted sizes. We can even choose to print photos with a glossy or semi-gloss finish without changing photo paper. 

5. Print quality 

Most importantly. the vibrant, durable lab-quality prints of the photos can last up to a hundred years. 

I’ve used other portable printers before, and I have to say, the SELPHY CP910 is the easiest, most user-friendly portable photo printer I have used ever. And because the photo paper and ink casettes are readily, and easily available, and reasonably priced, you pretty much are on top of your cost per print. 

So I can go on printing even a hundred of our DIY holiday cards this year, without breaking a sweat, on top of taking care of a newborn, and entertaining visiting guests in the middle of the busy holidays!

I can print a hundred of these without worrying about the cost! 

The Canon SELPHY CP910 is available in Black or White for Php 8,998 - making it a perfect holiday gift that benefits the entire family!

Monday, December 15, 2014

The Gift of Good Health: Hi-Precision Diagnostics


It wasn't until I met Mel Ongsue-Lee of Hi-Precision Diagnostics did I realize that the power of preventive medicine is available to us right, here in the Philippines!

We got to talk about BRACAnalysis, a type of genetic testing that helps determine whether someone has one of the two genetic mutations – BRCA1 or BRCA2 – that can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It is the exact test that helped Angelina Jolie decide to have a double mastectomy.


Turns out, Hi-Precision offers the same test, right here. To be exact, the blood is extracted here, but is sent to their partner, Myriad Genetics in the US, to have it analyzed there.

They also have EndoPredict, a multi-gene test for breast cancer patients, which helps a patient decide on the best treatment strategy for them. In a nutshell and in layman's terms, there are some cases in which breast cancer patients are subjected to chemotherapy, even if they don't really need it. This leads to over treatment and exposure to unnecessary side effects and expenses. With EndoPredict, patients can decided on the best individual therapy strategy for them based on the biology of their tumor. (For detailed information on this, contact Hi-Precision at 741-7777)


Mel also says they do paternity tests, another kind of genetic testing, which of course, helps in determining if a guy really is the legitimate father of a kid. Just in case someone you know has such concerns, you know where to go. Hehe.

Curious about these breakthrough tests, I visited Mel at Hi-Precision Plus in Bonifacio Global City, and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the facilities.

Hi-Precision Plus The Fort is at the 3/F of Commercenter Building, by the parking area

The reception area of Hi-Precision Plus The Fort in Bonifacio Global City

I've always associated hospitals and clinics with doctor visits, and laboratories as something where I get blood work and X-rays done and that's about it. But Mel changed all that for me when she explained to me what else they can do. 

Because more than just a laboratory, they are a medical diagnostics facility equipped with the latest technology and software. They also have specialists on board, available for consultation.

Everything is laid out so well, with an extraction room:


The Biometrics counter:


A dedicated Drug Testing Lab:


Where they can also do Hair Follicle Drug Testing, if a person refuses to have their blood extracted, for whatever reason. Wink. Wink.


The Imaging section where X-rays and ultrasounds are done:


As well as physicians clinics and clean and sterile examination rooms.

I also noticed on their wall that they offer HIV testing...


And the super popular Food Intolerance Testing that many of my friends have already done themselves. Curious about this too? Well, Dada and I did this, thanks to Mel's convincing and I am excited to share the results with you as soon as we get them!


Meanwhile, let me highlight two more things!

1) Hi-Precision offers home service. If you would like to have some lab work done, but you don't have time to go to their lab, they can send one of their trained nurses to get samples from you at your home or office. If you are a huge household, you can even arrange for your annual physical exams to be done right at home, they can even bring the machines right to you!

Call the Home Service Hotlines at 741 7777/0922 890 6664/0947 896 6617 for inquiries or appointments.

2) Hi-Precision is now in Sta. Rosa, Laguna at Sta. Rosa Estates - which is great news for those living further south.


And they are offering 10% OFF on all laboratory tests until the end of this month, December 31, 2014!


It is close to Paseo de Sta. Rosa and pretty near Nuvali and Ayala Westgrove Heights, for those who are more familiar with these landmarks.


This holiday season, you may want to spend on preventive healthcare instead, and knowing what is available to us now, well, you know where to go! ;)

For more on Hi-Precision Diagnostics and their services, visit their website, https://www.hi-precision.com.ph/

P.S. - I promise to share with you the highlights of my Food Intolerance Test, soon!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Happy Holidays from Physiogel!


In this season of giving, I am giving some of my friends Physiogel gift packs, to help them and their family members be able to say, "I am Free in My Skin!" ;) Because diba, who wouldn't want the gift of smooth, supple skin? I know I would!

Of course, I am spreading the love online too, right here in my blog. Because I am giving away 5 Physiogel gift packs to five of my readers.

Each gift pack contains: 1 Physiogel cleanser 300 ml, 2 Physiogel Lotion 200 ml and 2 Physiogel Cream 75 ml.

That's almost like a full year's supply, so you remember me and Physiogel the whole year round. Heehee.

Joining is easy, simply join by using the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Contest ends on December 19, 2014 and winners will be announced on December 20. Prizes will be sent out via courier, hopefully in time for the winners to enjoy your Physiogel goodies this Christmas! ;)

Friday, December 12, 2014

Chicago Live, Thanks to Smart Infinity


When my friend Maymay and I went to the Gala Night of Chicago the Musical at The Theatre at Solaire, we knew we were in for a treat, thanks to Smart Infinity, and what a treat it was!



I personally loved Chicago the Movie, with Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere, so it was fun and thoroughly entertaining to see it on stage, ala Broadway or the West End, right here in Manila.


One more fantastic thing about the musical? The all-Filipino orchestra, headed by Robert Billig, the musical’s conductor who joined “Chicago” three months into its original run in 1975.

I later found out that it only took four masterful hours for 14 Filipino musicians to get “All That Jazz” together and come out sounding like a well-acclaimed “Chicago” stage orchestra, at the Theatre – Solaire.
“A four-hour rehearsal, yeah, that’s all we were allowed. I knew from the very beginning [that we’re well covered with the Filipino talents we found] as soon as we played the overture. We met for four hours together on Tuesday (Dec. 2) and that was it! We did the dress rehearsal the following day and the opening that night (Dec. 3). So they came a long way in two days, pulling this show together,” said Billig.

Billig performed with 14 Filipino musicians he selected from 25 submitted video auditions prior to “Chicago’s” Manila debut.

Unlike other musicals, “Chicago” weaves its band into the story and Billig gets to be part of the performance alongside its touring cast led by Terra MacLeod (Velma Kelly) and Bianca Marroquin (Roxie Hart) who have performed for Manila media and members of Smart Infinity since the start of the musical’s Manila run last December 3.

There's the Filipino orchestra right behind Velma and Roxie's lawyer, Billy Flynn


“The ongoing run of ‘Chicago’ is part of the realization of the premium mobile lifestyle that complements the experience our members get from Smart Infinity. The experience of seeing the longest-running Broadway musical in Manila is really a big takeaway for our members,” said James Chi, marketing manager at Smart Infinity. 


“Just like the successful local runs of other world-class stage spectacles like ‘Cats,’ ‘Mamma Mia,’ ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ and ‘Wicked,’ bringing ‘Chicago’ to the Philippines is again a very special treat for our subscribers,” said Julie Carceller, Department Head of the Smart Infinity Business Group at Smart. 


For details the “Chicago” run, visit www.ticketworld.com and www1.smart.com.ph/infinity/Chicago.

Smart Infinity is also the first to launch iPhone 6 and iPhone6 plus last November 14. New Infinity subscribers have the option to get the iPhone 6 (64GB) or the iPhone 6 Plus (16GB) with an additional P5,000 worth of GCs or bill rebates compliments of Smart Infinity starting on their fully consumable Prestige Plan 5000. On the brand’s fully consumable Premium Plan 8000, new subscribers can choose to receive two 16GB units of the iPhone 6, or an iPhone 6 16GB plus a MacBook Air. New sign-ups at P3500 per month, or the Aspire Plan come with a 16GB iPhone 6.

Christmas 2014 Gift Guide: Elin + Like Mother, Like Daughter

Berry wearing the Alice Dress in Pink

Some exciting news over at Elin! This should also solve your "What to give my pregnant sister/friend/cousin?" conundrum, and settle the "What to give my favorite mother-daughter duo?" issue.

For one, Elin has just recently released a special collection for the Holidays - "Like Mother, Like Daughter", where our little girls get to finally dress in the clothes we ourselves love to wear!

Berry was so excited during the shoot, not just because she loved the dresses she modeled, but also because she loved seeing us in matchy-matchy pieces.

Me in the Navy Alice Dress (available in this color way) and Berry in Pink

I am wearing the Lia Dress in Cobalt, Berry is wearing the Lia Dress in Fuchsia

Berry loves the Lia Dress best, she calls it the "Princess Dress" because it's like a gown she can wear every day. All of Elin's pieces come in the softest, most comfortable jersey too, so they are a joy to wear.

More so when you are pregnant like me, and want pieces that will move and stretch with our growing bellies. 

Here are some of my favorite pieces from my shoot with Martina and Kathleen of Elin, and there's more styles to love as you can see in their blog posts here!

Short Sleeved Ellie Nursing Tee (available in Blue, White, Baby Pink, Red Violet, Red, Apple Green and Navy)



Sage Dress in Fuchsia also available in Black and Blue
 

The Tippi Dress is also available in Oatmeal and Navy


I love the Aria Tee so much I have it in Grey and Navy too! (also available in Oatmeal)

Carmen Dress in Red (currently out of stock)


Can I just say, I feel so lucky that my third pregnancy has been documented so beautifully, thanks to these photos taken by Kathleen? I love that it's natural and fuss-free. Just the way I like.

Thanks Elin! These pictures alone are gifts I would treasure my entire lifetime!

Clothes: Elin
Makeup: Gex Garcia
Hair: Ivan Albin
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