image from Star Magic

Bloggers have the opportunity to interview one of the rising Kapamilya Teen Star, Julia Barretto in her episode for Maalaala Mo Kaya or MMK.  Maalaala Mo Kaya is ABS-CBN's longest running drama anthology that features different stories played by most of the actors and actresses in the Philippines.

Julia Barretto shared us her experiences and challenges in making this MMK episode.  She was nervous and at the same time proud to do a drama in MMK, "It is given to me for a reason" according to her.

She disclosed also that the last scene was the hardest part for her because it was really a heavy drama.  But still she managed to focus and it came out great.   Let's all watch it this Saturday on MMK.

Here is a sypnosis of the story:

Julia played as Alex, a young teenage girl who grew up in a complete and happy family.  Her life reaches a turning point when her mother leaves them for another man because of her father's drug addiction.  Alex decided to forgive her father before her family gets ever broken.   She works hard to prove to her mother that their family will still be happy without her. (it seems that it will be a full and heavy drama, so don't miss the episode).

Together with Julia Baretto in this episode are Ara Mina, James Blanco, Jacob Dionisio, Tommy Abuel, Manuel Chua, Kristoff Meneses, Marikit Morales and Yda Yaneza.

image from filipino-tv.info

This episode was researched by Akeep Jordan Del Rosario, written by Mark Angos and directed by Dado Lumibao.

Don't miss Julia's first ever "MMK" episode and watch if she gives justice to the character of Alex.

This coming Saturday June 15 after "Wansapnataym" on ABS CBN. For more updates, log on to www.mmk.abs-cbn.com and follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter and visit the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MMKOfficial.

BonChon, the crispy chicken sensation raved about globally, is now serving the original Korean fried chicken secret the world craves for in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.BonChon opens its doors in SM City Baguio, Breezeway Terrace, at the 2nd floor.

BonChon, meaning “original village” in Korean, serves Korean fried chicken that’s super crispy yet light and not greasy, with hot moist juicy meat, and sauced with its addicting soy garlic or spicy glaze. From its original home in Seoul, BonChon opened branches in New York where its crispy chicken secret earned major media and industry accolades, as well as raves from discriminate diners. Its similar success in other US cities such as San Francisco, Boston, Virginia, and New Jerseyset the stage for the restaurant chain’s international expansion in Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Singapore – and later on in key Philippines cities such as Cebu, Davao, Cavite, and now in Baguio. Now with more than 45 stores in the Philippines at 2 years of operations, the company is well on its way of realizing its vision of having BonChon in every key city in the country.

The company is steadfastly committed to serve fresh, innovative food at reasonable prices, delivering much value to its growing cult of customers without any shortcuts.

The local menu offers a wide range, starring BonChon’s world-renowned crispy chicken.

The crispy chicken secret that inspired a global cult following: BonChon Chicken is super crispy yet light and not greasy, with hot moist juicy meat, sauced with the highly addicting soy garlic or spicy glaze. It’s the original Korean fried chicken secret.

Its seafood offerings began as local seasonal offerings that have become popular items on the local menu: the brand’s take on the English classic of fish and chips, crispy squid rice, and the raved-about fish taco which was inspired by the California food truck mishmash of Korean and Mexican.

At BonChon, the traditional Korean bulgogi is served Asian style as beef bulgogi over rice, Western style as beef bulgogiin a wrap, and BonChon style as crunchy chicken bulgogiover rice.

Enjoy the tasty fresh and light options at BonChon: a choice of the Oriental Crispy Chicken Salador the classic Caesar Salad, paired with the refreshing House Blend Premium Iced Tea.

As a sweet ending to a BonChon meal, BonChon’sKo-Yo (or Korean Yogurt) strikes the perfect balance among tart, sweet, cool, and creamy – served in alternating layers with homebaked graham pie crust, and offered in Blueberry Torte and Banoffee Pie variants.

The vision of BonChon Chicken Philippines is to serve as many Filipinos as possible, with BonChon in every key city nationwide. “It is crucial to find the best partners to enable us to best actualize this vision. Opening BonChon in the Summer Capital of the Philippines – and during this brillian summer season, too -- brings this dream one step closer. The city’s economy is booming, and we are proud to be part of this progress.We are looking forward to offer something new to the people of Baguio, the same crispy chicken that has made its mark in the international market,” says Scott Tan, Managing Director of BonChon Philippines.

Franchisee Kevin Chong of Healthy Pine Ventures Inc. shares, “My family is from Baguio, and ever since I was a kid one of the things I look forward to is the culinary adventures. The foodhas been consistently wonderful in the classic places. BonChon brings a new kind of delicious to our fair city. I remember my first experience – the chicken was super crispy yet very tasty, nothing like I’ve ever had before – and we are excited to be sharing this highly addicting experience with everyone in Baguio.”

Visit BonChon at SM City Baguio, Breezeway Terrace, 2nd floor. For more information on BonChon, log onto www.bonchon.com.ph.

Who's craving for a potato chips? Who wants a new taste and new look of potato chips?  Well, if you say yes to both of my questions then you definitely need to read this post and let yourself indulge in a new experience as Jack n' Jill introduce their latest offerings.

Few weeks ago, Jack and Jill invited bloggers, of course including me, to enjoy something shaky and something rolly.  Hahaha get it shaky and rolly.  Yes, it is a potato chips that you need to shake and roll before you can have the flavorful taste of the chips.

Jack n' Jill Shake and Roll have two variants, Wasabi Salmon Sushi and Unagi Kabayaki Flavors.

Wasabi Salmon Sushi is a spicy one that can suits on yuppies that loves spicy chips while the Unagi Kabayaki Flavors, bloggers love that flavor and according to them this will be their partner while blogging. The Shake and Roll Potato Chips is good also without the powder flavor, well my kids love the plain flavor.

Since the product ambassador is The Crew, the 2012 World Hip Hop Champions, every one are encourage to do the Shake and Roll dance moves gracefully.  The bloggers, including me as well, was able to dance the Shake and Roll moves, (open, season, seal, shake and roll).  Imagine how I dance, hahaha I just don't know if there's any rolling camera that took a shot.  it's kind of odd you know!


Well, I definitely give this snack particularly the Wasabi Salmon Sushi to my husband every time he do the blogging works to wake him up because of the kick of the spicy flavor, hahaha.

Jack n' Jill Potato Chips Shake and Roll in Wasabi Salmon Sushi and Unagi Kabayaki is only PhP35.00 and available on all leading supermarkets nationwide. For more information on Jack and Jill products, visit http://www2.urc.com.ph/#

Photo from SMTickets.com

Who wants to be serenaded by two well known singer here in the Philippines? Who likes OPM or our local Pinoy Music?

Well if you would definitely want to be serenade here one concert that you should miss. I'm sure you'll definitely want to witness the collaboration of Aiza Seguerra and Noel Cabangon in one concert show.  If you're a Pinoy you sure and definitely know how Aiza's voice sounds like.  It is really cold and when she sung you'll feel the true feeling what Aiza want to share with his listener.  On the other hand Noel Cabangon portrays a true Filipino singer together with his songs.


According to Noel he is so excited that Aiza will join him in a concert, he is also thankful that Brainbox Inc. give him an opportunity to do and make the "Tambayan Hits" concert. He did not disclose how many songs they will sing but he assures that people will definitely achieve their expectations.  Of course I will watch this kind of concert with my hubby.  I think I will sing along with them on those song that I know while watching them.


Get serenaded and reminisced some OPM hits, watch the "Tambayan Hits" on June 21-22 at Onstage Greenbelt Makati.  Buy your tickets now at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 899-9999 or 09156216512. Like their FB page www.facebook.com/TambayanHits.

Well I never thought girls get so excited by these male hunks.  To be honest this is the first time I've heard about this group.  Silly me!  Hahaha!  Anyway this group is here in the Philippines to mesmerize all the ladies out there.  It`s an “Ultimate Girls Night Out,” according to them and the Chippendales Live: The Philippine Tour is happening until June 15!

The legendary group from Las Vegas is coming to mesmerize the Pinays! Incredibly handsome men in their famous bow tie, ideal muscles, Hollywood smile and a show that very woman needs to see at least once in her life as Laser Tech Pacific production brings you Chippendales live billed as “The Ultimate Girls Night Out,” on June 11, 13, and 14 in Manila, Cebu ang Pampanga.

Named “ the most-wanted men in Vegas!” by ET's The insider. The Chipendales' touring production captures the perfect balance of sex appeal ang testeful teasing, eliciting waves of screams from their excited audience. This high energy fully chroroegphed, interactive show features some of the most physically elite men in the world who playfully dance and sing their way into the hearts of birthday girls, bachelorettes and girlfriends who just want to have fun. Annual winner of the, Las Vegas Review Journals prestigous “Best of Las Vegas Award,” the acclaimed production has also received “Five Stars” from Las Vegas Weekly and was named one of the “Top 10 Girl Getaways” By MSNBC

Annually, the Men of Chippendales will be seen by almost 2 milliom people worldwide and currently selling out venues across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia & Asia as part of the brands international touring production.

Over the past 12 months, the Chipendales – who have become icons of Americn Pop Culture – have been featured on numerous national television show, including the Emmy Award winning CBS series, The Amazing Race (Jaymes and James – 2nd place Season 21 winners), The Ellen DeGeneres Show ( where TV legend Betty White received a special surprise performance), and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ( giving Lissa Vanderpump and taylor Armstrong a night they will never forget).

So what re you waiting for? Call all your girlfriends and spend a rare experience of an “Ultimate Girls Night Out” at the Chippendales Live The Philippine Tour on June 13 and 14, 2013 at resorts World Manila, Pasay City. Also on June 11, 2013 at Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu City and June 15, 2013 at Hotel Stotsenberg, Angeles City, Pampanga. Buy your Tickets Online at Ticketworld.com.ph/chippendaleslive

TICKET Prices: For Chippendales Live at Resort World Manila Prize Zone 1 ( VIP ) - P 4,076.80 Prize Zone 2 ( DELUXE ) - P 2,912.00 Prize Zone 3 ( BALCONY ) - P 2,329.60

School Time again! Mommies are your children ready for school?  Better have all the things needed for school be prepared already and let your kids enjoy the first day of school.  Bags, notebooks, socks, pencil, shoes and other things are important things we, parents, need to prepare for our kids.  Shoes in particular are very important. We really need to know  that our kids are comfortable with their shoes.



With this, I will share what I have learned in one of the event that I attended, the Dr. Kong Press Conference which was held at Chef Laudico's Guevarras.  Also I will share our story buying Dr. Kong shoes.


To start with I'll introduce first the brand, Dr. Kong Healthy Shoes Shop was first established in the year 1999. Currently there are now over 200 branches across Asia: 60 in Hong Kong, 133 in China, several branches in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.  Quite a lot already isn't it.




As of May 2013, Dr. Kong Healthy Shoes Shop has 5 branches and it is the first to provide the innovative "Check & Fit" foot examination and insole fitting service  which is free together with the professional assessment of the foot with the use of an apparatus that they have.  After assessing the foot, the most suitable foot care product will be recommended to the customer depending on the condition of the customer's feet.



Dr. Kong offers various products for people which are focused on foot and spine care for all ages.  There are Shoes for Infants, Children, Men, Women and Elderly.  There are also various foot care accessories such as basic and specialized insoles, Heel protectors, Toe Protectors and others.  Plus they also offer Spine Care School Bags which is good for kids who have plenty of books to carry.



If you want to know more about their brand and products simply follow them on their twitter account @drkongshoes or like their facebook account www.facebook.com/DrKongPH.

Since I'm too eager to know about the brand and to know as well how the foot testing runs, me together with my family head on to one of their branch at the Robinson's Galleria and experience the actual foot examination for my son, Maki.



Since my eldest son, Maki, is already a Grade 1 student we looked for a more suitable school shoes for him at Dr. Kong's store.  Their staff are very curtious and accommodating as well. They ask me to let them assess the foot of my son.  So Maki immediately stepped on the top of their equipment and have his feet tested.



Maki stood and enjoyed the assessment though he was really "malikot".  After a few minutes, the Dr. Kong staff explained that our son is a flat footed so his feet needs to be corrected and he needs to do some exercises such as tip toe and gripping everyday to correct the problem.   According to her the Dr. Kong's Shoes with the arch support will help Maki in correcting and developing his flat foot into an arched foot.  They told as too that we need to go back after 4 months to assess again the feet of Maki if there's any development.


So, if you want to have comfortable and better shoes for you kids try and give Dr. Kong Healthy Shoes a chance on your kids feet.  Have a better arch development of your kid's feet.  So form my dear Maki, he is now ready to go to school with his Dr Kong Health School Shoes.

Hairstyle is very important, especially this time.  Proper grooming reflects the attitude and the appearance of an individual.  This days, teenagers are very updated about the "trending" fashion and hairstyle.

Recently, I attended an Ystilo Event at one of their branch at Greenhills.  I am very curious on what's new with them and of course the services that they offer.  I've never been to this salon, so I was excited on how the pampering will be.


School days again locally, so most of the students are wanting to have their haircut done and of course have the trendy look when they come to school.  Examples are these two good looking guys of Starmagic 2013, Jules Estrada and Alexander Diaz.

Jules Estrada

Bloggers got the opportunity to interview Jules and Alex. Jules Estrada, son of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, shared his hairstyle and it's a no no for anyone to touch it, ever! According to him, he like his spiky hairstyle which is not suited during school days, as we all know there are certain restrictions at school on how hairs should be so for him he manages his hair by letting it brush down and not the spiky look to be appropriate in their school.  Oh, I just wonder if my son will be like him when they grow up, but for now I enjoy being the boss of their hairstyle because they are still my little boys.

Alexander Diaz

Apparently Alexander Diaz was more of an adventurous type on his hairstyle.  He liked experimenting on what is "trendy" and appropriate on his look.  During the interview, he even disclosed that he will let Ystilo take care of the trimming of his hair and put some haircolor to look more fashionable.  Well I guess he is more on changing his style because he is a model and a talent of Star Magic.


Since it's school days, Ystilo salon have their back to school promo which offers some treatment and hairstyle that will definitely fits to most of the students.  And here's what they are offering with their back to school promo.

Of course, I too got the opportunity to try their services.  Two months ago I had my hair done with Hair Rebond, so this time I definitely need to have a Kera treatment to bring back the nutrients of my hair.  So, I try their Kera treatment, aside from the nutrients that my hair needs, looks more shiny and soft.


Well, I feel that I am going to school again with my beautiful hair (hahaha) because after the Ystilo event I attended a summit, iBlog: The 9th Philippines Blogging Summit.  While listening to the speaker my husband who is a blogger also keep on taking pictures of my hair.  I think he is still in love also with my hair, hahaha.



So mommies out there, try to experience the hairstyle that Ystilo offers and also try their back to school promo.  Visit their page at Ystilo Salon

This past few days, I am not feeling well. dizzy, easily get tired (fatigued I guess) and don't want to do anything but sleep.  I am a full time mommy of 2 kids, take note 2 hyper kids.

The event that I attended recently is really appropriate for me.  I have a lot of question why such dizziness keeps bothering me.  Some advice me to see a doctor, some to see an optometrist because it might be caused by my eyes that's why I am feeling dizzy, but still I didn't do anything.  I think this dizziness is tolerable.  I just took a ferrous sulfate, hoping that I'm just anemic.  Until, Sangobion event came and invited me for the coverage.  I am very curious about this, since I first thought that Sangobion is a ferrous sulfate, so I am excited on what will I know about the products.


The event was to inform the press and bloggers about Sangobion through the Salaminkera Show.  Sangobion proudly present a one-woman show called "Salaminkera", an educational and entertaining performance of the well-loved comedienne, Giselle Sanchez to promote awareness on the wondrous effects of iron to our  body.  Press and bloggers enjoyed the presentation, if you were there you'll definitely know that everyone enjoyed and laughed aloud inside the conservatory room.




At the end of presentation, they explained the benefit and the difference between Sangobion and the ferrous sulfate that I usually take to ease my dizziness or anemic. 
Sangobion is the organic iron with vitamins and minerals. It gives women a boost thru organic iron that helps prevent the 3 signs of iron deficiency. These signs include lack of focus, looking pale and always feeling fatigued. It's organic because unlike Ferrous Sulfate, Sangobion is Ferrous gluconate - a form of iron, so that it is gentler on the stomack, and is easily absorbed by the body. Aside from iron, it also contains vitamins and minerals that include Vitamin C, Folid Acid, Vitamin B12, Copper Sulfate and Manganese sulfate for that extra boost. Sangobion hopes to inspire and give a boost to women everywhere so that they can always be beautiful and successful as a mom, a wife and even a career woman.



Just like Giselle I will definitely try the Sangobion so that i will gain a healthy living for my family and to avoid those dizziness that really bothers me.


So mommies out there, do attend the "Salaminkera" show this coming June 9 at the Lower Ground Level, Building A of SM Megamall.  To know more and be aware on iron deficiency and the benefits of Sangobion.

Actresses in television today ventures into new challenges in their life.  They strive and try to make new things, new talents and new ideas about their career.  As most of the stars in Hollywood does they reinvent themselves in order to keep up with the changes in the industry.


One of the top teen stars in the industry today, Barbie Forteza, has managed to make something new to her career by exposing more of her talent. We've know her popularity started when she was offered with lead roles in highly rated GMA Network soap operas like "First Time, "Pilyang Kerubin" "Nita Negrita" and recently "Paroa: Ang Kwento ni Mariposa. She has also appeared in top grossing movies such as "Ang Darling Kong Aswang". "Si Agimat at si Enting Kabisote", "Tween Academy: Class of 2012. "The Road", "Ang Panday 2" and "Sossy Problems".


Bloggers were given an opportunity to know more about her through the Bloggers' Afternoon with Barbie Forteza.  I find her very cheerful, lively and happy in answering all the questions that bloggers are asking her.  I find it interesting that shes very confident and straight to point in answering them.  Like as the phrase "no kyime".   With no hesitation she easily disclose things and information about her and her latest album.  According to her she is not expecting her album to be topnotch because deep in her heart she knew that she's not really a good singer but all that she knows is that she know how to sing.  She even disclose that her music training was really tedious, she is into voice lesson so that her voice can develop more for a better performance, and the favorite song of her fans/supporter is "Meron Ba".


"I am so thankful to MCA Music for trusting me and giving me a chance to share my talents. I can't wait to share it to my fans who supports me all the way'. Barbie said.

She finally released her debut album under MCA Music (Unviersal Music Philippines). Simply self-titled, the album fits Barbie's personality perfectly-bubble, fun and wholesome. It includes the carrier single "Meron Ba" about having a crush on someone but could not tell anyone including the person she admire. It's music video is not out on MYX directed by J Pacena and also stars fellow GMA artist Jeric Gonzales as Barbie's love interest. The album produce by Francis Guevarra, also features her version of Jolina Magdangal's "Laging Tapat" - another song about young love, the bouncy track "Upside Down" (originally from the A-Teens) and an original song "Wala Lang" - written by Jude Gitamondod. "Wala Lang" also come with a dance version for those who want to groove to Barbie's music.


Here are some of the gig of Barbie: will hold an album launch and fans day on June 2 at 3rd floor of SM North EDSA The Block. Grab a copy of her album which will be sold by Astroplus to get a free poster and have it signed by Barbie herself after the show. Also catch Barbie Forteza on June 9 at SM Marikina and on June 30 at Pavillion Mall, Binan, Laguna. All shows start at 5pm.

Barbie Forteza, the debut album, is now out on record stores nationwide under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). It is also available via iTunes via this link http://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/barbie-forteza/id634521122. It features the iTunes exclusive track "Wala Lang" (Pop Version). Watch her music video via this link



To download Barbie's song "Meron Ba' as your ringback tone, just text MERONBA to 2728 (free for 5 days).

Bloggers' Afternoon with Barbie Forteza is brought to you by MCA Music, Pinoy Magazine, LionHearTV and GMA Artist Center.