Globe Telecom to Offer Free Facebook Access

Collaboration with Facebook to bring together first-of-its-kind customer experience innovations such as availability in all Facebook mobile platforms, advice of charge notifications, one-click to purchase data plans & data access lending to access links outside Facebook

Setting another unprecedented milestone in Philippine telecommunications, Globe Telecom is giving the telco’s over 36 million subscribers free access to Facebook on mobile phones for an initial period of three (3) months. Globe worked closely with Facebook to enable customer experience innovations for the best free Facebook offer yet.

Available to all Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and TM subscribers using feature phones and smartphones* and accessing either through the mobile site of Facebook or the Facebook app, users can post, like, comment, chat, add friends, upload photos, share posts, and more on Facebook without the need for Wi-Fi.

Aside from offering Facebook at zero data charges, the collaboration between the two global companies has also paved the way for subscribers to enjoy first-of-its-kind customer experience innovations. 

Working with Silicon Valley-based Facebook engineers, Globe has put together innovations that cover key milestones in the customer experience journey such as availability of access on feature phones and smartphones across all Facebook mobile platforms whether via the Facebook app or Facebook’s mobile site m.facebook.com; no billshock or “nakaw load” as customers will be notified if they will incur data charges once a link that leads out of Facebook is clicked; and one-click registration to the data plan of choice to continue browsing without having to leave the site. Recommended data plans consider a subscriber’s available prepaid balance and/or megabytes (MB) balance of existing data plan. 

Moreover, customers with not enough prepaid load can “loan” a 10MB data plan for only P10 which will be deducted on their succeeding top-up so they can fully explore content outside Facebook, making the experience seamless and worry-free. 

“Once again, Globe has proven that it is the mobile data service provider of choice by industry and technology leaders around the world with this breakthrough partnership with Facebook to give our 36 million subscribers uninterrupted, seamless, and worry-free Free Facebook experience. This is collaboration at its peak, which has resulted in the best and most innovative Free Facebook experience yet,” said Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business at Globe Telecom. 

Globe is progressively rolling-out availability of the Free Facebook service to cover all its subscribers by October 31, 2013. 

Bithos added, “Over the past months, the engineering, business development and marketing teams at both Globe and Facebook have worked together to plan and design the customer experience from scratch – which includes making the service available across all Facebook mobile platforms, rolling out a system that alerts users once they are about to click a link that will incur them data charges, paving the way for subscribers to easily subscribe to a data plan without having to leave Facebook, and allowing data access lending for subscribers who don’t have enough prepaid load to continue browsing links outside Facebook. This service testifies how Globe is transforming itself beyond just an access carrier. Globe is striving to be a leading digital brand catering to the needs of digital Filipinos who need to be connected to their social circles around the world.” 

"Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected," said Chris Daniels, vice president of partnerships at Facebook. “Globe understands the opportunities giving people access to the Internet brings and we’re thrilled to be working with them to give Globe subscribers access to Facebook without data charges across our apps and mobile website.” 

Starting October 31, 2013, subscribers can dial *143# and select FREE FB to know more about Globe Free Facebook. 

*Except BlackBerry.  Free Facebook will soon be available to Nokia Xpress and Opera Mini users

Tanduay First Five 2013 Concert Night in Davao City

So how was your weekend? 

While other people in the other cities are probably busy partying in clubs or in their own party places, the entire Davao City filled the Tionko Football Field (Agro Football Field) and sang with their favorite First Five Band for the Tanduay First Five 2013 Davao Leg.

The annual series of concert touring around the Philippines is being sponsored by the number one liquor brand in the Philippines, Tanduay, to bring the rock scenes to the major cities. This year's final leg was with Davao City--closing the year 2013 with pure hard rock music and smooth but strong drink that has truly became a household name to every Filipino.

Opening the night was no other than the voice of Yael Yuzon and the Sponge Cola. Of course, First Five night wouldn't be complete without the hard rock songs from Wolfgang, the hyper energy of Jay Contreras and Kamikaze (Tsinelas?!), Chito Miranda and Parokya ni Edgar and also Rico Blanco who was, like last year, in his symbolic attire. Gloc-9 also joined the First Five Bands in giving cheers to the Davao crowd who rocked the night. 

With no further ado, enjoy browsing through the images from the evening taken by no other than my friend, Elaine Magistrado (big thanks, Lai!).

  

Daghang Salamat Tanduay! Next year na pud?!

(Many thanks, Tanduay...Till next year?)

Tanduay First Five 2013 in Davao City

Are you ready for the biggest rock concert in the Philippines?  

If you want a sneak peek on last year's concert, you may check my blog post linked below

TANDUAY ROCKFEST 2012 DAVAO

Closing the Tanduay First Five will be the Davao leg this coming Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Tionko Football Field (Agro Football Field) along the Quimpo Boulevard. The Five Bands playing this year will include Kamikazee, Wolfgang, Rico Blanco, Parokya ni Edgar and Sponge Cola with special participation of Gloc-9.

Tanduay, the Philippines’ leading producer of liquor , boasts its products for being a true Filipino pride--made by the Filipinos using only the best sugar canes from the Philippines. And what can be the best way to celebrate and enjoy your favorite Tanduay products than to listen and jam with the top rock bands in the Philippines.

So Davao, go and purchase your favorite Tanduay liquor. One 750ml Tanduay 5 years or 750ml Tanduay Light will give you one admission ticket in any participating outlet.

1. Davao Amigo Traders (Gov. Sales Street, Davao City near Sa’Less Diner)

Map Here: http://goo.gl/maps/YDQeH

2. WVP Lopson Inc. (F. Bangoy Street, Davao City near Homitori Dormitory)

Map Here: http://goo.gl/maps/WmhpE

3. Fortuna Supermarket (Marfori Street, Bankerohan, Davao City)

Don’t forget to visit and like Tanduay Rhum’s official Facebook account here and use the hashtag #T5Davao!

Tara, Rakrakan na!

One Year after Typhoon Pablo (Bopha)

Increased support is needed if families are to fully recover from the impact of Typhoon Bopha on their livelihoods, Save the Children says. 

A year after the category 5 typhoon – the highest category for a storm – the children’s aid agency says tens of thousands are still struggling to find work to feed their families. The Typhoon, which struck on 4th of December 2012, affected over six million people and left nearly 2000 dead or missing. 

Rescue efforts during the Typhoon in December 2012
Photo from: LA Times (Ted Aljibe/ AFP/ Getty Images)

The storm caused widespread damage to agriculture, which account for the livelihoods of 80 per cent of the residents in the affected area. The Filipino government’s disaster agency estimates a loss of over US$700 million in agricultural damage, including bananas, coconuts, rice and maize. 

“The job that aid agencies need to fulfil shouldn’t stop at immediate relief,” said Tom Howells, Team Leader for Save the Children’s Bopha Recovery Program. “But many are forced to end their projects as there is little to no funding available for long-term rehabilitation of livelihoods. Our worry is that these families will no longer be able to send their children to school, provide nutritious foods and a protective home environment once aid stops.” 

Save the Children conducted two livelihoods projects in the Bopha-affected areas, unconditional cash grants for vulnerable families and cash-for-work to rehabilitate schools. Roselyn Cabatlao, 34, was one of the program’s beneficiaries in Davao Oriental after her family lost their only source of income – a coconut plantation – in the storm. It will take them at least seven more years to get back on their feet as coconut trees take about eight years to mature.

“I can see there are still many families here that do not have stable income because many of our coconuts have been damaged by the typhoon,” she said. 

Through income generated from Save the Children’s cash-for-work program, Roselyn is now able to buy food, vitamins and condiments for her children. The mother of three was also given the tools and seeds to plant vegetables in their backyard for consumption and income. The vegetables and direct nutrition interventions helped Roselyn’s son, Jericho, to recover from severe acute malnutrition. 

“Families like Roselyn will be left to their own devices once aid agencies leave. We have given them the basic tools to sustain themselves, but it will be years before Roselyn harvests coconuts again and builds a sturdy house for her family,” said Tom Howells. 

Save the Children responded to the needs of affected families in Typhoon Bopha, delivering an integrated package of child protection, education, health and nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, disaster preparedness in schools, food security and livelihoods in Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Overall, the children’s aid agency has reached about 138,000 people

Project Hygiene Kit for Yolanda Victims

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another” -Charles Dickens

The devastation caused by the typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) has affected not only a few cities and houses in the Philippines but the majority of the Visayas region where the death counts has now reached thousands and number of families affected now millions.

A conscious effort is now being undertaken by the Davao Bloggers Society to join the relief operations by raising a total of P100,000.00 to finance and produce 1,000 hygiene packs for the victims. Each kit costing to PHP100 or USD2.50 will contain toiletries and other essentials good for one week's use by one person. Hygiene kits were chosen to be donated as this is something that is not yet prioritized by many donors.

If you wish to help or join the campaign, you may donate in cash (please seal in envelope) or in kind (preferably hygiene products found in the photo) to:

Mam Bebs Bakery

CVA Building, CM Recto Street, Davao City

(fronting City Triangle, adjacent to Ateneo Claveria Gate)

Mondays- Fridays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

You may also send via PayPal to merchant@alleba.com

You may share a note of encouragement or positivism in your donation. We will be be more than happy to include that inside the kit.

Pledges for donation may as well be coursed through any member of the Davao Bloggers Society until December 7, 2013. Feel free to contact bloggersforreliefPH@gmail.com or Chamee at (+63) 9324364187 for all your inquiries and questions.

Please also help us disseminate this information to those who are willing to help and contribute. You may share or link this post to your social media accounts with hashtags #bloggersforReliefPH #YolandaPH

Bangon, Pilipinas!

Hopes Post- Yolanda and for My Country Philippines

Note: If you wanted to get in touch with groups or organizations to help, send supplies or donate cash or in kind, please check this link compiled by my blogger friends. If it is not so much, please share this link to your social media handles so that others will also be informed.

YOLANDA PH Donation and Relief Operations Information link here

On the 8^th of November this year, the strongest typhoon recorded in the history of manind (so far) hit the islands in the Visayas region of Philippines. At around six in the morning the same day, I received a notification in my mobile phone from our co-employee based in Tacloban informing us of the heavy downpour of rains in their area but electricity and network coverage was still okay. By the time I get to read her email, all the electrical power lines were cut-off in Tacloban while flying debris from houses and buildings were also being shown in the news clip in the television. I never heard anything from my friend not until yesterday through a short call from a phone that she probably borrowed.

A streak of hope and positivism for my fellow Filipinos. Light shines brightest at the dark.

The internet was also flooded with updates and news about the extent of damage and the many efforts to help reach out to the victims. The sad part is that this flood of information also included stories that make the situation worse.

• People blatantly saying that they were GLAD THAT IT HAPPENED claiming that the VICTIMS DESERVED THE PAIN. It did not end with postings of people who apparently lack the sense of symbiosis but also, to my opinion, “kulang sa pansin” (attention-seeking). They continue to justify that they are entitled to their opinion and they should not be condemned.
• While help is pouring even from our international counterparts, QUESTIONS ON FAIR DISTRIBUTION became a trending topic in the internet.  As the country now also fights one of the biggest expose in corruption of the Pork Barrel, people asks whether the billions of donations from other countries reach the victims or will the culture of corruption reign even at this devastating incident.
• POLITICIANS as well as other NARCISSISTS bragging about their contributions, counting what they donated and using this incident to campaign for elections if not, simply brag.
• HEADLINES OF PEOPLE LOOTING from stores and even from relief operation vehicles clearly describes that the human system is now operating in a survival instinct to feed and protect oneself and their families.
• SECTORS REFUSING TO HELP people not coming from their sect also raised many eyebrows in the social media walls. If this is true or not, the fact the people START TO DIVIDE INSTEAD OF WORKING IN SOLIDARITY is as obvious as the lack of unity killing more people each day.

I would agree that the Filipino spirit is waterproof, storm-proof and that even a super typhoon cannot break it but it many instances, while many are trying their best to help, some cannot really resists to be self-centered, tactless and destructive. I would like to tell myself that perhaps, these people lack self-esteem that they needed to put somebody down just to feel good or catch any attention, even the negative attention, just to feel they exist. I do not like to believe that they lack souls but I also do not choose to be of very sympathetic to these selfish people right now.

I’d like to hope that the donations will be coursed through organizations that are focused to aiding the victims and assure the relief will reach those who needed it most. While I am still trying to convince myself that the current government is trying their best to remove corruption in the system, I’d prefer that other countries would course though their help to reliable organizations that will have no personal gain when helping the victims. While we lack time to debate or argue, others are already moving so let us go with the actions flowing.

Let us also avoid re-affirming these people with publicity (even negative) because it is exactly what they want and rewarding them with attention cookies will only promote them to repetitively do what they do. Collective effort creates an impact. Surely, reposting what they did, even for the purpose of putting them to shame, will not really put them in shame. They will only get that 30-second fame that they wanted. Don’t reward them and see their negative actions disappear in the middle of the generosity and kind-heartedness of other people.

While the news of looting and refusing to help other to protect their own maybe expected, it is still a sad reality to hear and raises an alarm to immediately send in help so that people will not be pushed back to the wall with this choice nor will it marginalize those in the hard-to-reach area. When survival is at stake, we cannot really expect a high rate of selflessness. No parent in their right mind would sacrifice the life of their children just to do the morally-correct act when stealing or refusing to share is the only way to survive.

I may not be in the best position to fully explain the psychology of what happened with my fellow countrymen but my humanness is calling me to be more human than ever. Today, may we choose to help and help without expecting anything in return. May we choose to lift other people up, and shun away from the negative stories that will not help make the lives of the victims better. May we choose to salute those who put their hearts and minds to contribute in helping in with fund and donations drive. May we choose to learn from this tragedy, to be more prepared, to avoid the mistakes that sacrificed many lives and may we choose to remember that we do not forget.

Miss Universe Updates

As you may have already watched in your live streaming, the Miss Universe pageant is currently being held in Moscow, Russia. The first cut included the top 16 candidates where the final slot given to the Social Media candidate. Did any of your favorites got it?

1. Costa Rica
2. Ukraine
3. China
4. Ecuador
5. Great Britain
6.  Indonesia
7. Venezuela
8. Dominican Republic
9. Puerto Rico
10. Spain
11. USA
12. Nicaragua
13. Switzerland
14. India
15. Brazil
16. Philippines (Social Media Candidate)

Should I be surprised by Philippines, being the social media capital of the world, getting the spot for the social media candidate? The telecast continued with some back stage clips and the later, the introduction of judges which included Steven Tyler of Aerosmith who is also one of the performers for the night. 

For those who were following updates in the website of Miss Universe 2013, you may have known that Miss Nicaragua won the Best in National Costume Award together with the other top five contestants  (for this category) that include: Japan, Indonesia, Russia and, Trinidad and Tobago. A short clip was also shown to present the winners during the pre-pageant judging.

Can you imagine walking in this outfit? Bow to Ms. Nicaragua!
Photo courtesy of  missuniverse.com

Did you hear the crowd for Miss Philippines? I can feel the tension even just from watching TV! And now in, the top 10 finalist:

1. Spain
2. Philippines
3. Great Britain
4. India
5. Brazil
6. USA
7. Ukraine
8. Ecuador
9. Venezuela
10. Dominican Republic 

Will the crown remain with USA? Or will other countries snatch it with their beauty and wit as the long gown and the interview portion followed? However, let's reserve the thrill later as we enjoy the series of presentations and av-clips for the evening.

Now, here is the result for the Top 5:

1. Ecuador
2. Brazil
3. Spain
4. Philippines
5. Venezuela

Miss Philippines in her long gown....Not my favorite look for the night though :(
Photo from pinoyrepublic.net

For the first time, the contestants will answer the interview questions immediately after the announcement of the finalist! Here are the Q& A portion of the pageant:

ECUADOR

Q: What would happen to the world if we could no longer use the internet?

A: I believe that computers itself as well as technologies nowadays, has its advantages and disadvantages. And one of the disadvantages is that we are no longer as close together with our families. I would like to use this moment to tell teenagers and everybody that we should use the methodology of computers and internet for....way. It’s never too late to start, let us start right now.

BRAZIL

Q: What is your opinion on places that do not allow women to do things such as travel aboard, vote or drive cars?

A: In my opinion, we as women achieved our independence through time. Unfortunately, nowadays we still have some problems with our independence as women but we need to keep our open minds, because nowadays, we are home-makers, we are out there in the workforce, in my country we have a female president. We are capable of everything. 

SPAIN

Q: What the most significant thing we can do we can help women elect more women to political offices around the world?

A: I believe in order to select a good woman she must possess the good qualities in order to perform a good job. Discipline, ...how to adapt herself, how to respond, her work her performance, and fulfilling her job.

PHILIPPINES

Q: Can be done with the lack of jobs for young people starting their careers around the world?

A: For the people who have lack of jobs, I do believe that we people should invest in education (that is my primary advocacy) because if every one of us is educated and well-aware of what we are doing, we could land into jobs, we could land good careers in the future. So education is a primary source and a ticket for a better future.

VENEZUELA

Q: What is your biggest fear and how do you plan to overcome it?

A: I believe that I might have al lot of fears but nonetheless, this is nothing negative. I believe we should overcome all our fears and this in turn will make us much stronger and thus we can become stronger persons. As soon as we overcome our fears and we are sure of ourselves, we can face any challenges.

AND THE BIG RESULTS!

4th Runner Up: Brazil
3rd Runner Up: Philippines
2nd Runner Up: Ecuador
1st Runner Up: Spain
Miss Universe 2013: Venezuela, Gabriela Isler

The new Queen of the Universe from Venezuela.
Photo: AFP, Alexander Nemenov

Congrats to all the girls! You are all pretty and winners!

Submit Now! Philips Innovations Campaign

Its nearing the end of the year and maybe you can do some extra god deeds so that Santa Claus will never forget to put your name in the "NICE" list. Why not contribute ideas? Ideas about 'Innovations that Matters to You' or inspirations that help make more Livable Cities, Healthy Families and get a better Access to healthcare.

If you have one that you wish to share and discuss with other people, Philips will help you make this into reality. Remember, great things start from an idea so grab this opportunity to become part of a bigger project this year. And if you want to learn more, here is more detailed article for you.

****

Check Philips' Innovation website at http://www.meaningfulinnovation.asia/philippines/

Philips kicks off innovations campaign to improve lives of Filipinos

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) has officially kicked off its “Innovations that Matter to You” campaign, which encourages people from all walks of life to submit ideas on how to address three of the most crucial problems of the country today – the need for livable cities; proper nutrition for families; and easier access to quality healthcare solutions.

The Philips Innovations campaign initially kicked off in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Korea, but has been launched in the Philippines to adhere to the company’s goal of providing people with meaningful solutions that can ultimately improve the quality of their lives. Additionally, the Philips Innovations campaign in the Philippines seeks to leverage on technology as an important tool in making life better for everyone.

“The Philips Innovations campaign is a call for people to innovate, to combine their ingenuity with technological resources, to develop health and well-being solutions that can benefit the public, especially those belonging to marginalized sectors,” said Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno, Country Manager of Philips in the Philippines. “As a technological innovator, we at Philips look forward to collaborating with them on making our communities safer places to live in, our families healthier, and giving our communities access to proper medical diagnosis and assessment, particularly in the area of non-communicable diseases.”

Submission of ideas can be done on the Innovations campaign website www.meaningfulinnovation.asia/philippines, which is scheduled to go live on September 23. Ideas should be realistic, impactful, and should fall under one of the three idea categories given. A select panel of subject matter experts shall then shortlist six ideas that meets Philips’ objective of creative positive change. The individuals/organizations behind these six suggestions   will then undergo a mentorship workshop with some of the Philippines’ respected visionaries, to further fine-tune their ideas, and make them more actionable. Philips will then select one winning idea, and implement the chosen innovation in 2014.

As a company, Philips is focused on offering innovative products and services that help improve people’s health and well-being.  This objective is actively supported by its three sectors – Lighting, Consumer Lifestyle, and Healthcare.

For more information on the “Innovation that Matters to You” Campaign, please visit the Philips Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PhilipsPH and the official campaign website at www.meaningfulinnovation.asia/philippines.

People: Dining Staff at Vikings

Now that you have seen the food and probably hungry about what to cook just to temporarily take your mind off Vikings, I would like to share some of the dining experiences we had in Vikings. These are photos of the hard-working chefs and dining staff and also with Mr. Luel Magbanua, their Dining Manager, together with my fellow Davao Bloggers during our visit.

You will also see some photos that highlights the interior and details surrounding the buffet restaurant. Go ahead and enjoy!

Battle of the Davao Buffet: Vikings vs Yakimix

Coming soon!

Eat Like a Viking at SM Lanang Premiere

A new dining experience has opened its doors to Davao City’s premiere mall.

Boasting its wide variety of dishes and being the biggest buffet restaurant in the entire Philippines, Vikings’ opening was not only warmly anticipated but was enthusiastically welcomed by Davaoenos. The first branch of Vikings being opened outside Metro Manila catered to ten buffet stations highlighting your favorite cuisines and an array of desserts and antipasti of your choice. Name it and it’s probably there.

We were lucky that we were able to take a glimpse of the luxurious buffet and experience eating like a Viking together with my fellow bloggers. During our visit, I was also able to grab the chefs in some stations and ask few questions about their preparation and the process they go through to come up with meals that are being served in the buffet.

It may look simple and easy when you simply dine in the buffet but each station is equipped with live kitchens where food is prepared right in front of you. Stations like the grill, pasta and pizza, crepe and churrasco will allow you to create your own dishes that add to the Vikings experience. Hot right to your plate and fresh like morning dew, all food you can imagine to eat in a one place you can consider heaven.

Now let's start this gastronomic tour. First stop: ANTIPASTI

Lachis: Enjoy the Best Diner in Town

Here we are. The home of DFAT and the best Sansrival in town. Lachis is one of the places that anyone from Davao Bloggers may have not missed. We have been here for countless of times and the quality of the food will never disappoint your hungry tummy.

Lachis Sansrival Atbp started only with few tables and chairs in their humble location in Marfori Heights only specializing in mostly cakes and deserts. A couple of years after, they expanded but still, the area gets packed with guests dining in especially during lunch and dinner time. It is a one-stop shop for your favorite meals and desserts—from rice meals, laing, pasta to your all-time favourite cakes and even pastries. The best part is that not only Lachi’s gives you that homey dining experience, the prices are REALLY affordable.

I guess the word of mouth got into many people as Lachi’s weren't

as aggressive as many commercial establishments but they are very serious in serving tasty meals! Most of people I know who have been there were also informed by other friends to try their foods. This place is the best example of quality reigning supreme.

Want to be hungry?

 

TGI Friday's Weekday Specials

Before thanking God coz its Friday, thank Him for the weekdays that came before it. TGI Fridays now gives you more reason to enjoy your Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Available only during weekdays from 11am to 3pm, four new adventurous meals are now added in TGIF's menu! 

Let your tongues bring you to a gastronomic reward for only Php295 with these four meals that you can choose to enjoy only at TGI Fridays Abreeza Mall in Davao City. 

Chicken Chimichurri. Your sizzling meal with yummy chicken breast meat in white sauce topped with heavenly cheese, grilled garlic, and bell pepper with steamed broccoli on the size. My favorite among the four!

Bruschetta Fish. Friday's version of the famous Italian antipasto modified to a course meal! Rich with fresh tomato goodness, sticky rice and broccoli to complete your tummy needs.

Pasta Diablo on fire. This pasta dish is for the adventurous in you--spicy tomato sauce topped with your favorite chicken pieces.

Championship BBQ Pork Chop. Served with TGIF's BBQ sauce, garlic rings and friend rice.

As with their other meals, these Weekday Specials are served warm and in big servings. If you are with your friends, you can order different specials and share your plate. You will have enough food for yourself and enjoy your company as well! Of course, other regular meals and dishes are available for you to enjoy but if you want a BIG money-saver, why not try these specials only made available for you!

Whatya waiting for? Call your food buddies and go now to the Abreeza Mall and get your Weekday Special at TGI Fridays. 

Sta. Maria’s Hidden Paradise: Little Boracay

After of long and hearty pitstop lunch in Digos City proper, we headed our way to our resort destination in Brgy. Sto Nino in Sta. Maria where a wonderful stretch of white sand beach awaited us. To be honest, as we are en route to Little Boracay, I was a little curious whether or not I misheard people saying that is a white sand beach—the seashore we pass by are all black sands! And to my analysis, Davao del Sur is very near Mt. Apo which only means that seashore should be indeed covered in dark-colored sands.

A few minutes after, we saw this haven of calm beachline of white sands!  According to Ms. Joyce Mariscal, our most wonderful host, Little Boracay has been like this ever since and not an inch of its sands were artificial as if a hidden paradise was made at the end of the coastal area. So they developed a resort that tourists can enjoy both for day tours or overnight stay.

Of course, we get to try the seafood that are freshly cooked in their specialty—sinugba (grilled), kinilaw (ceviche) and sinabawan (soup). Thanks, Glen Santillan of EscapeManila for the food photos!

Have a Brow-tiful Day with Browhaus

Way back before my blogging days, going to a formal party is a dread for me because it meant that I would go to a salon and if things go uncontrollable, the unkind makeup artist would shave my eyebrows! Sure it will look good when I still have my makeup on but waking up the next morning and finding myself looking at a stranger in the mirror is the part I dislike the most. Friends, remember Kilay 2000?

Most people may not know that the line and symmetry of our eyebrows change the way we look. Remember Betty La Fea and how goofy she looked with her unruly brows? Or how villain Bella Flores looks even when she is smiling? Or check Jose de Venicia, need to add some more?

Because our eyes are the windows to our soul, our eyebrows make sure that our windows are in proper frame. So this one favor for yourselves ladies, visit Browhaus and see what difference would a few eyebrow hairs when trimmed could make. Now don’t worry because Browhaus is THE specialist to trust with your eyebrows. Trained all the way from Singapore and are constantly being monitored by QA’s from their headquarters, Browhaus makes sure that getting the right eyebrows appropriate for your face shape is not as painful as plucking it or from traditional threading. Having tried regular threading myself, I can vouch that this is the least painful eyebrow-fixing I have experienced.

All About BYS Eyes

Since I’m feeling a little “kikay” today, allow me to share my notes on some BYS products that were used during Ryan Wong’s workshop with the ladies from Davao Bloggers. BYS is a great cosmetic line to get that makeup that you want. Not limited to eye makeup, BYS has a complete line for different beauty types—from foundation, eyes and lipsticks. Good news for me, BYS has developed products that are appropriate match to morena-skinned-Pinays like me (yey!).

I tried using BYS’ Souffle Eye Creme and Eye Shadow Mousse as well as their Gel Liner to do my makeup mostly on my eyes. For this “experiment”, I also tried using the Gel Liner for my eyebrows to check if it will make a good alternative if my trusted eyebrow kit will go MIA.

Take Care of Your Kissable Lips with Carmex

Do you know that you also needed sunscreen protection in your lips? Yes. Since our lips have skin like the rest of our body and are exposed to the sunlight, you need to find a lip product that will not only prevent your lips from cracking but also protect it from the sun.

Carmex Philippines is so generous to have us try their product and experience Carmex Moisturing Lip Balms. I was able to try the classic and the strawberry scent and the results are very pleasing. Here is what I have to say:

A Relaxing Stay at the Hotel Centro Palawan

Right in the heart of Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a place where you can stay and enjoy a very convenient location for all your business or leisurely trip. As its name would suggest, Hotel Centro is only a few minutes away from the airport, restaurants, malls and some attraction within the town-proper.

My sisters and I arrived at the airport and were welcomed by the warm smiles of the many drivers from different travel agency lining up outside the arrival area to offer tours or transportation to arriving tourists. Light rain was pouring from the skies that time although it was far from the rough plane ride that we experience due to some heavy clouds within the perimeter of Palawan (a tropical storm just passed by a couple of days then). Hotel Centro’s airport representative welcomed us and gave a brief overview about Palawan and how to go around the city (talk about being tourist-ready). You can easily feel that the locals are prepared to welcome guests and help them during their stay even though it may not directly benefit them.

Fiesta Sorpresa: Digos' Home of Filipino Cuisine

Travelling 54 kilometers from our jump off point in Matina Town Square, Davao City was all worth it when we reached our first destination for our second day DFAT adventure. The second day was intended to visit our neighboring city, Digos to know more about and taste the best Filipino restaurant they have.

Fiesta Sorpresa is one of Digos' pride when it comes to Filipino cuisine. They serve some of the best food that we, Filipinos, serve and enjoy especially during fiestas and big celebrations. You can always imagine yourself enjoying a feast with your family and friends, taking photos and enjoying their company while getting your tummies filled with favourite dishes in one sitting. Fiesta Surpresa do not just serve food but an opportunity to have great time.

When you reach their place, you will notice that they have highlighted some of Philippines’ famous fiestas (just imagine that Philippines has too many to mention that in a year, you fill up your calendar just with those!). In the corner near the counter, you will also see some of the local celebrities who enjoyed dining in Fiesta Sorpresa as well. Let’s not forget to mention the warm staff who will welcome you with the Filipino trademark hospitality.

 

Binagoongan--get it spicy, the way you like.

Greenwich ULTIMATE Treat with DFAT 2013 and Davao Bloggers

The last stop of our Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2013 brought us to Greenwich Pizza—the very same bloggers event that introduced me to the Davao Bloggers.

Just like before, we were welcomed by the warm staff of Greenwich Ilustre. While our first event introduced us to their chicken and pizza selection, this time we were able to taste the meatier and the more saucy lasagna as well as their pizzas!