Grand Easter Party at THE SKY DOME, SM City North EDSA

I don't remember joining any Easter egg hunt activity my entire life as I know it's not a Filipino tradition to do such. We just go to church on Easter Sunday and sometimes dine out. Now that I have two kids, I am just as excited as them to attend this kind of event. Hope the weather would be just right for the running and chasing at the mall. Ha ha..

If you are one of those who love joining costume contest, be ready joining the Easter Costume Contest. Register at 10AM and be sure that your child exudes the happiness Easter brings.

I'm pretty sure children would be clogging to meet and greet with HOP Bunny at 3PM and strike their cutest poses.

They say what's Easter without the egg hunt. Surprises await those who can collect as many Easter eggs as he can!

There would be an Easter Mascot Parade. Do you think your child would see his favorite mascot on Easter Sunday?

Aside form these, so as not to bore our kids, there would also be Bubble Show, Face Painting, Photo Booth, Cake Decoration, Easter Egg Decoration and Maze Game. If they get hungry, don't fret because food coupons will be given out for free so be sure you are early as there may be limited number of it.

I am so looking forward to be enjoying My First Easter Celebration with the kids. See you on March 31!

Tropicana Coco Quench Kicks Off Summer 2013 in Boracay

  

Green is definitely the color of summer, as Tropicana Coco Quench, the first locally produced coconut water in a TetraPak packaging, ushers in the summer season at TripAdvisor’s2013 Best Asian Beach, Boracay.

Right at the glistening white and powdery shores of the island, Tropicana Coco Quench will be holding several activities that will take off on March 27 through the 31st. Selling and redemption booths are scattered along the three stations, and with a strong push for recycling products, Tropicana Coco Quench will give out essential summer items in exchange for empty TetraPak packages.

March 30 marks the Green Saturday event, which will start with Yoga wellness morning with renowned instructor, Louise Lee. There will be a sunset happy hour with overflowing coconut water, and a chill out party to cap off the night, all happening at the beachfront of Obama Grill.

Just as nature intended, Tropicana Coco Quench is a convenient way to enjoy coconut water, with no added flavors, low in sugar, and fewer calories, as compared to other drinks. Its Tetra Pak packaging locks in the freshness and benefits found in a real coconut fruit, and improves the shelf life for up to 8 months.

About Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. is the exclusive bottler of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 65 years. Lotte Chilsung, one of the biggest beverage companies in South Korea, is the lead shareholder of PCPPI as an independently-listed company and co-manages it with PepsiCo. It is co-owned by Lotte Chilsung, one of the biggest beverage companies in South Korea. PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, and Premier. It has established manufacturing facilities across the country, serving at least 440,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network. PCPPI was awarded “Pepsi Bottler of the Year – Asia” in 2006. To learn more, you can visit their website at www.pepsiphilippines.com.

SM Launches Biggest Summer Toonfest in April 2013

Expecting a deluge of kids and kids-at-heart with their families at the SM Supermalls this summer, the country’s largest chain of malls is launching the biggest and only gathering of 40 cartoon characters in 44 malls nationwide on April 12. Dubbed SM Toonfest, the summer-long festival that ends May 31 will feature a never-before-seen number of activities and cartoon-related toys and interesting finds for the whole family and the cartoon-lover to enjoy.

The SM Toonfest will showcase meet and greets with beloved characters such as Spongebob and Patrick, Dora and Boots, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Polly Pocket, Monster High, Big Bird, Bugs Bunny, Barbie, Green Lantern and many others. Fun activities include face painting, coloring contests, exciting raffle prizes, scrapbook making, cartoon film showings, arts and crafts shows and one-of-a-kind play centers and game areas. Special discounts will be available for toys and other character items on sale.

SM Toonfest is supported by Bates/Nickelodeon, Richprime, Pacific Licensing, Honeybarn, Solar, Click Licensing and Astroplus/Magnavision, among others. With all the beloved cartoon characters in the malls this summer, SM can truly say, Everything’s Here.

For more information, you may visit SM Supermalls' facebook page.

Rivermaya Returns to Local Recording Scene with Panatang Makabanda

Iconic and multi-platinum-selling band Rivermaya makes a local recording scene comeback with the much-awaited release of their album Panatang Makabanda, under Universal Records. The album is their first in four years and their first with Universal Records.

Rivermaya is now composed of Mark Escueta, Norby David, Mike Elgar and Ryan Peralta.

Rivermaya joins the label’s elite roster of bands – Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Calla Lily, among others.

“It's really a great honor for us, not only to become part of such a high-calibre roster, but to be given the chance to work with a company that has always championed the Filipino artist. It took a few weeks for it to really sink in. Di kami makapaniwala. Finally, we're home.” - Mark Escueta

The album’s single Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising, penned by founding Rivermaya member Mark Escueta, is reminder to everyone to go against crab mentality, and selfishness, especially now that another elections is within the horizon once again.

When asked how the single was chosen among the tracks recorded for the forthcoming Panatang Makabanda album, drummer-turned-guitarist Mark quips, "In the early stages of recording, this song became the initial favorite of the group. It's also a fun song to play live. Maganda yung message ng kanta and very timely rin since election time nanaman tayo."

Norby adds, "Hopefully our new record can take the fans to a whole new level and attract more new listeners to our songs and stories. We are all excited for what each of us can bring to the table, and soon to your ears."

When asked to sum up his Rivermaya journey from 1993 to 2013 founding member Mark says: “One of my firm beliefs is that the best part about being a musician is the PROCESS. If you enjoy the process then all your gigs, songs and albums will be celebrations after a great day at the ‘dream office.’ If the process is messed up, many things can go wrong and it can even end up as a painful experience. It has to be good for everybody, not just one or two. Few people know, and I’m sure a lot of my fellow musicians will agree, that one of the most important things that keeps a band going is something that is not so musical in nature. It’s called laughter. A band that laughs together, stays together. Diyan mayaman ang Rivermaya ngayon, tawanan, pagkakaibigan at bagong musika.”

Stay in touch with Rivermaya through their Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram: @rivermayaband
and you can also check out the band's voice blogs on the Bubbly App for iOS or Android. Their official website is www.rivermaya.ph.

The launch of Rivermaya’s latest album is this Friday, March 22, 2013 at 8:00 PM, in Eastwood City, Libis, with performances from Jensen Gomez and Malay.

Bear Brand's Role in Micronutrient Deficiency in the Philippines

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are needed only in very small amounts, but their impact on our health is huge.

Micronutrients like iron, zinc, Vitamin A, and many others are responsible for the vital functioning of our body’s systems, from physical growth and vision, to brain vigor and increased immunity. When the body fails to receive the small quantities of micronutrients that it needs, serious health problems can result in a condition widely regarded as micronutrient deficiency or “hidden hunger”.

The nutritional makeup of the Philippines continues to be characterized by the severity of micronutrient deficiency. According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute- Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), 70-90 percent of Filipinos lack iron and Vitamin A in their usual diet.

Two out of ten schoolchildren suffer from iron deficiency anemia, and the incident rises with age. Following closely are those lacking adequate amounts of Vitamin A in their diet. One out of ten from the same group is Vitamin A deficient.

The same study also shows that two out of ten children are zinc deficient. Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a role in body metabolism, reproductive health, immune function, and more than 200 important chemical reactions in the body.

Inadequate intake of these three important micronutrients may lead to several nutritional problems, including stunting, fatigue, poor concentration, lack of focus and other signs of impaired physical and cognitive development. These may be reflected among schoolchildren who suffer from poor mental and physical performance and frequent absenteeism as a result of impaired immunity. It is also important to have plenty of Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity, prevents cardiovascular disease, and contributes to healthy skin, among many other benefits.

“Making the right food choices is one of the ways to address the problems of micronutrient deficiency,” said Dr. Imelda Agdeppa, Assistant Scientist of FNRI-DOST. “Unfortunately, the inaccessibility of food and money in the majority of Filipino households puts many families at a high risk of getting sick. The good news is there are many products in the market that are affordable and fortified with these micronutrients, and many families are already benefiting from these.”

Experts from FNRI recommend that when there is an inadequate intake of these nutrients, the consumption of foods that are fortified particularly with the three micronutrients primarily lacking in the Filipino diet—Vitamin A, Iron, and Zinc—is encouraged so as to address nutrient gap.

In response to this dietary concern, Nestlé Philippines is intensifying its campaign to promote nutritious and affordable sources of important nutrients especially needed by children, such as BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink. It is fortified with tibay resistensya nutrients like Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin C plus Calcium that kids need for proper growth and to perform well in school.

Former Rivermaya Frontman Jason Fernandez Makes TV Acting Debut

In previous interviews, former Rivermaya frontman Jason Fernandez admitted being abandoned by his Cypriot father at a young age. In fact, after his stint in the band, he flew to Cyprus to meet his father.

This Holy Week, Jason was tapped by CBN Asia to be one of the lead stars of their Good Friday presentation – Tanikala presents Ama Namin, which also stars Mike Tan, Diva Montalba, and Tricia Amper. It will air this March 29, 2013 at 5:00 PM, on GMA 7. Jason can very well relate to his role Arthur, an artist whose father had to leave him to work abroad when he was very young.

“The role is something very close to home,” adds Jason. “I hope people will be blessed, and inspired with this special Lenten Presentation.”

The episode talks about the lives of three friends whose lives were greatly affected by their respective relationships with their fathers.

Ama Namin is written by Icko Gonzales, Don Gonzales and Gin Sardea and is directed by Icko Gonzales, John Valdez-Tan, and Derrek Adapon.

SM Supermalls' Women's Month 2013 Celebration

 

Women will not only get a pampering this month especially dedicated to them but will surely have a field day shopping with discounts and special treats from participating stores at all SM Supermalls on all Wednesdays of March.

At Watsons, all women will instantly get 10-percent off on minimum P1,500 worth of purchase. Watsons houses the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high quality private labels and brands. It offers more than 1,000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise.

All lady customers at Ace Hardware, meanwhile, will pay 5-percent less on every P3,000 single receipt purchase on all regular priced items. Ace Hardware is the ultimate one-stop-shop for the latest solutions for home improvement.It boasts of 40,000 home improvement solutions on its core product ranges which include paints and sundries, electrical and plumbing, hardware and power tools, building materials and outdoor merchandising.

Our Home, the lifestyle furniture and home accessories affiliate of the SM Group, Our Home, also provides special discounts for women this March. For a minimum P15,000 purchase on all furniture, lady shoppers will get 5-percent off. They can also avail of 10-percent discount on all accessories for a minimum purchase requirement of P5,000.

Our Home offers a wide variety of items—from sofas to dining tables to curtains to picture frames—with great designs and great prices that equal great value and a great shopping experience.

The SM Store (the new name of SM Department Store) also has a treat exclusive for women shoppers. With their SM Advantage Card, the SM Store will take 10-percent off for a minimum singe receipt purchase of P3,000. The SM Store is a founding retail center where various brands of fashion, footwear, bags, accessories, toys, gadgets and other types of products can be found.

Of course, women’s shopping will not be complete without the groceries. At SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket, women SM Advantage Card members will get double their SMAC points when they purchase on Wednesdays.

The Philippines’ largest supermarket chain offers a world-class supermarket shopping experience—boasting a wide range of fresh produce, sourced directly from the growers, processors and integrators. It also hosts an extensive line of food products and innovative services catering to customer needs and wants.

Lastly, at SM Appliance Center, women will also get 10-percent off on selected merchandise. As a retail affiliate of the SM Group, it has established a reputation for value and quality services in the marketing of home appliances.

SM Advantage Card, the customer loyalty program of SM, rewards members with points every time they shop in SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and other SM retail establishments inside and outside SM Supermalls. The points earned can be used to redeem practically anything sold in any of those stores.Aside from reward points, SM Advantage Card also offers numerous members-only privileges such as exclusive sales, discounts and freebies inside and outside SM Malls.