Blogapalooza 2013

It's official, I'm going to this year's biggest business-to-bloggers' event - BLOGAPALOOZA 2013!!!

I heard about Blogapalooza two years ago and really caught my attention that it made me sign up instantly.

So, what is Blogapalooza?

Blogapalooza is a community. It’s a link between big and small businesses who have something cool to share and the online community of people who love to share. Blogapalooza is a blogger event on crack! Lots of giveaways for the bloggers and online community and a chance for big and small businesses to present their product / brand / thingamajig to hundreds of influential bloggers and online social media influencers.

Blogapalooza is an event happening on Nov 16, Saturday, at SM Aura BGC. 500 influential bloggers will participate at one venue where businesses can pitch their products or services. After the event, the bloggers can then write about what they saw and introduce their loyal readers and followers to your brand or product.

So if you are a blogger or into business, are you just gonna read there and relax? Sign up here now: http://blogapalooza.wheninmanila.com/ or click the badge below for more details and see you there! The slots are very limited so sign up now!

 

Philips Get LightstyLED Event

Follow @onegutsymom

 

Echoing the belief that “Home is where the heart is”, Royal Philips Electronics, the global leader in lighting solutions, today unveiled its newest range of stylish and versatile LED home lighting solutions, to address the growing demand of Filipino consumers for quality lighting products that combine style and functionality. Light is more than turning on or off a switch. True enough, it can make a difference to our life and our home, affect our mood and transform a room in an instant. I'm sure many of you will agree on that and what make our lives easier is that with the use of Philips LED lighting solutions, there are more possibilities than before.

The event was graced by Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno, General Manager for Philips Lighting Philippines, which according to her speech, “Philips is committed to fully understanding the needs of its consumers. Innovation and design is key to our LED lighting solutions. We continuously strive to develop innovative lighting solutions that can further enhance the quality of people’s lives. By using Philips’ LED lighting solutions, homeowners can transform spaces and enhance the overall human experience. We give our consumers the unique opportunity to see and experience life, as well as its precious moments, through a clearer, more colorful perspective."



Through its comprehensive LED lighting range that offers lamps, luminaires, and controllable ambience solutions, homeowners can transform houses into homes, kitchens and dining rooms into areas that promote bonding and friendship, studies into havens of learning and inspiration and bedrooms into cozy sanctuaries. See below photos taken during the event. Not only it feels home and relaxed having these LED lights, we also get to save energy consumption in as much as 50-80%. That is equally important for Mommies like me who strictly monitors the monthly electricity bill.

My family has been a Philips' loyal customer since then and we intend to continue supporting the brand that commits to meaningful innovations and helps consumers to be mindful of the environment. I am very much pleased to be a part of this launch. Special thanks to Ms. Christine for inviting me on this event.

*Philips diverse range of LED lighting solutions is available in all Philips stores, and in over 30 branches of Wilcon Home Depot nationwide.*

Dove: Campaign For Reveal Your Glowing Skin Event

Follow @onegutsymom

Life is more pleasant when you expect less. That's one thing this day has taught me and gave me a big reason to blog about this event before bedtime. A few hours ago, I was one of the invited participants to witness Dove Beauty Bar's event at Romulo Cafe in Jupiter St., Makati. Little did I know that aside from launching their newest campaign, we will also get the chance to be made up by top caliber MUAs in the country. I mean, come on, for real? The guest coordinators then guided me to the powder room to have my face washed and make it free from any make up. It's not surprising to see Dove facial products ready to be tested.

I got more hyped when this print ad welcomed me just as I was about to enter the 2nd floor of Romulo Cafe.

Neatly displayed Dove products which we all loved for years. Currently, I've been using this big bottle of Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash which my sister-in-law gifted us last Christmas. I've also discovered their hair care products which have been a constant addition in our grocery cart. Aside from doing wonders on moisturizing my skin, I like how the fresh fruity scent of Dove smells good all over my body. You really can't argue with that.

Here's my second stop on that event. Make up sesh! My make up was done by Razel "Pong" Niu of MAC cosmetics, she's definitely proven her expertise and am so happy for this rare chance! (I really wish I had a photo taken with her) After the beauty project, I was then asked to have my photos taken. Instant celebrity for five minutes! But I must really say that I'm more comfortable behind the lens. My jaws were somehow locked when asked to smile! Tsk, I really can't be a showbiz celebrity! LOL

After the photo shoot, the dining area was then my third stop. I admire the cozy interiors of Romulo Cafe. Black and white combinations are too quaint for me, but the swirl, Aztec and square prints here were far more than attractive. We had a great set of buffet which I will blog separately soon. Food here is exquisite!

Jules Gollayan (Brand Manager) presented Dove's campaign for real beauty covering the TV commercials they aired few years back up to the most recent. I find this year's ad more lively but somehow disappointed that despite liberation and advancements, out of 6,400 women surveyed, only 4% felt beautiful about themselves. That is really sad and if you were to ask me now, I belong to that 96% too.  It's really heartbreaking that we see more beauty apart from our own. So, this is where Dove wants to fulfill their social responsibility. They want to let every woman believe that we are beautiful in our own way. Indeed, Dove has always been at the forefront of celebrating real beauty.

Dove’s latest campaign is definitely more than skin deep. Beyond the search for women with exceptionally beautiful and glowing skin is a celebration of a woman’s new-found confidence that stems from taking good care of one’s self. Through the Reveal your Glowing Skin campaign, the world’s trusted beauty bar hopes to encourage more Filipinas to let themselves be seen and heard, and serve as role models to their peers.

 

 I feel so excited about this! Filipino women to represent Dove campaigns! First time in history - isn't that awesome?

So to my lovely readers, here's how you can be a part of Dove's movement. To get that billboard-worthy beautiful glowing skin, aspiring Dove women should use Dove Beauty Bar for seven days. More than just a cleansing bar Dove contains ¼ moisturizing cream that makes skin smoother and softer. It gently yet effectively works from within resulting to beautiful glowing skin.

After taking Dove’s 7-day challenge, users should take a close-up picture of themselves and upload it on Dove’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Dove). Uploading of entries will be until October 31.

 

10 women will be featured from among the entries who will be given the privilege to represent the essence of real beauty as envisioned by Dove. Renowned fashion photographer Sara Black joins the Dove team for the second time as she peeps through the lens to capture Dove’s real beauties in awe-inspiring photographs.  Who knows, our faces will be the ones flashing on those billboards! teehee! So, let me end this post with this one big question: Are you the next Dove girl?

Thank you Dove for this wonderful evening and I'm sending back all the support and well wishes for the success of this campaign!

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

Sumo Sam: Mega Food Sale

I went home straight after work at 3pm. It's Friday and with the upcoming long weekend and a recent pay day for bi-monthly wage earners, I'm sure Manila's traffic becomes instant. Taking an early weekend rest isn't the plan though. I only picked Mom and Daphne and hurried to SM Megamall before bulk shoppers and foodies block all the entry points. Why? Because I purposely want to experience the Mega Food Sale event! I really suggest you pay a visit and relish their food offerings. Read here for some participating shops.

It was only the other day when I learned that Sumo Sam opened another branch in Megamall. There is something in Japanese cuisine that enthralls my taste buds. First, I like how they pay attention to details during food preparation. Second, I find it healthy because most dishes are a combination of seafood, fruits and veggies. Third, servings are of small portions if not bite sized. And lastly, I have this love and hate relationship with wasabi.

Sumo Sam, as we all know, is a reinvented traditional Japanese cuisine that house a variety of selection from noodles, tempura, salad, sushi and seafood. We were greeted by the staff's genuine smiles upon entering. It's a pleasant feeling and somehow an assurance that their food will satisfy your palate. After getting comfy in our seats, our bottomless drinks immediately followed. We tried their Sushi-all-you-can for Php355 with a little less expectation.

Dynamite Roll

Garnished with a few spice but definitely was the bomb!

I like how the toppings easily melt in my mouth and how the spice compliments with the sushi rolls.

Crunchy Tuna Roll

This is Mom's favorite, perhaps she finds the uniqueness of the tempura batter on top.

This sushi roll is like a medley of different tastes and textures.

Las Vegas Roll

I just love the richness of the melted cheese plus there were some strands of cucumber which has a noticeable crispness. It certainly has a flair among the rest. My favorite! 

 

California Roll

At this point, Mom and I were already full so I didn't really notice a lot of distinction aside from the obvious that it was fully loaded with crab meat. Nonetheless, we still left the plate empty with wide smiles! ^^

Gosh, I am so overjoyed the fact that we were served with these blockbuster sushi rolls! The ingredients were all fresh and my wasabi, as always, played the important role. The ambiance exudes a cozy welcome and the dining experience was exceeded.  Be sure to come in an empty tummy if you wish to try the Sushi-all-you-can from 2-5pm. Visit them at the Lower Ground Floor, Bldg A of SM Megamall. You still have 2 days left to enjoy the Mega Food sale so if you aim to go malling this weekend then this is the place to be. 

Special thanks to Sean and Az for this Foodate. ^^

MEGA Pinoy Pride: A Class Of Champions

After celebrating the country’s Independence Day, MEGA further stresses its nationalism through the recently held “A Class of Champions”.In its pursuit to look for the next new face in Filipino design, MEGA created the MEGA Young Designers Competition (YDC) in 1994 to gather the next best Filipino designers who could bring Filipino design to the runways of the world. Some notable designers started their careers through the competition, namely: Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Gian Romano, Ivarluski Aseron, Russell Villafuerte, Mich Dulce, Oj Hofer, Rajo Laurel and international designer Furne One among others.

I am amazed to have a glimpse of Furne One's creations!

 

 Fashion forward, indeed! So Gaga-ish right? Can't mess with someone wearing that!

 

Designs by Patrice Ramos - Diaz

 

 

I fell in love with this stylish white coat and skirt. 

 

 See how this gown was intricately created. I think my eyes and hands will surrender if I do this. 

 

“A Class of Champions”, held last night June 19, 2012 at The Podium, cited and awarded ten of the country’s top Filipino designers. The exhibit was a collection of different pieces taken from the creations of YDC alumni. Fresh from the MEGA Pinoy Pride Ball, iconic pieces by international Filipino designer Furne One was also on display. The thirty one pieces presented by Furne in the recently held MEGA Pinoy Pride Ball was said to be a multi-million peso worth collection.

It was a celebration of Filipino brilliance, acknowledging the achievements they’ve made and the future success that they will accomplish.

   

Cocktails were served to the stylish and chic crowd who gathered to view the fashion exhibit. I took a glass of red wine which I preferred light. Just as I was writing this post, I received a thank you message from Ralph's Wines and Spirits.

 

 

Did I read that right? CCA? Cool! That's my dream culinary school!

  

Met these young ladies and fashion bloggers: Carizza, Mich and Hazel. See you again soon! 

 

It's only Tuesday and I'm already booked for an event. 

Let's all have a productive week ahead! ^^

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

 

AyosDito.ph i-Ball Event

 

AyosDito.ph, one of the preferred online classified ads for Filipinos, had recently organized its first Ayos Dito i-Ball, a blogger event at the COWO Asia in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. This blogger event celebrated the fun and unique Filipino lifestyle just like how Filipinos buy and sell online. It was hosted by DJ Tony Toni of Magic 89.9 and graced by the latest IT-Girl Solenn Heussaff and actor John Medina.

This event was organized as part of their appreciation to bloggers who have experienced the website and were instrumental in bringing users to their site. A short question and answer was conducted by Jon Santico (General Manager of the company behind the site) and Tanya Cabbab (AyosDito.ph's Marketing Manager) who's also been very accommodating to all the guests. 

The food served was a twist on our regular Pinoy comfort food like Tempura Quail eggs, Sisig tacos, Chicken pate on Fita, Tuyo Pasta, Angus Corned Beef Pan de sal and the blockbuster ice cream in three flavors - Sapin Sapin, Champorado and Mangga't Suman by Sebastian's. They were also generous to give out raffle prizes such as Polaroid camera and Apple iPad. Well, none of them landed to my ever precious hands. LOL

 

Presenting...my plate! That sisig taco is heavy, enough to sustain you the whole night.

As I've mentioned on my tweet, this is my first time to try this sapin sapin ice cream! It tasted like the real kakanin.

Solenn made all the guys go crazy, she's too gorgeous to describe.
That guy who won the one minute date is much envied. 

 

 

These shot glasses look dangerous especially for me who doesn't party anymore.

It wasn't bad though, just take a quick shot and the bottom flavour will save you.

 

Met cool bloggers that night. It's more fun sa AyosDito! ^^

 

Anyway, I personally accessed AyosDito.ph years ago when I was looking for a condo to rent and I must say that the experience is easy and hassle free. Items you wish to sell can be posted on their site for FREE. Categories listed here are vehicles, properties, electronics, and home & personal items and these are itemized per region in the Philippines. Generally, browsing items for sale or rent are not confusing. Of course, just be smart enough not to get impressed by something that's too good to be true.

Thank you so much AyosDito.ph for this invite and I hope to see you all again!

You may visit their website http://www.ayosdito.ph/ and check out their latest deals.