Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Give the gift of health with the MediCard online store

This Christmas season, aside from love and togetherness give your loved ones the gift of health as MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider, introduces the MediCard online store.
With the MediCard online store, you can buy high-quality healthcare plans and give these as Christmas gifts for your loved ones. There’s a Medicard plan that suits every age and lifestyle including MediCard Family/Individual, MediCard VIP, MediCard RxER, MediCard Healthplus,MediCard Kabayan, MediCard Select and MediCard Health Check.

For individuals and families who want to have coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures, preventive healthcare, emergency, financial assistance, and dental care, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans. For those who want to have more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard VIP plans are also offered. On top of the extensive hospitalization, outpatient procedures, preventive healthcare, emergency, member’s financial assistance and dental care coverage, MediCard VIP plans also come with healthcare assistance during an emergency abroad.

Designed to give members utmost value and convenience, RXER offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases, preventive and outpatient care. Best of all, there’s no age limit, no medical check-up required and hierarchy is waived. For the Healthplus plan, members can avail of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard free-standing clinics for one year for only P1,100.

Created for overseas sponsors, the Kabayan card provides superior health coverage for beneficiaries in the Philippines. For those who want to have healthcare coverage for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund, try MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs and allows returns of unused fund.

The MediCard Health Check Card gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups for only P500. These include check-ups with MediCard’s primary care physicians and select specialists, 20% discount on labs and tests, plus one-time annual physical exam. This plan is valid for one year at any MediCard free-standing clinic where the card was bought. 

MediCard has various accessible free-standing clinics and satellite clinics nationwide, including MediCard Lifestyle Center, MediCard McKinley, MediCard Makati, MediCard Sta.Rosa, MediCard Alabang, MediCard Cavite, MediCard Calamba, MediCard Fairview, MediCard Ortigas, MediCard Clark, MediCard Sta. Lucia, and MediCard Cebu City.

Give your loved ones the best gift this Christmas with MediCard’s high-quality healthcare plans. Visit https://www.medicardphils.com/medicard-online-membership. To learn more, check out www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/. All products are subject to terms and conditions.

Old Orchard Cranberry’s 5 Simple Lifestyle Tweaks for a Healthier Lifestyle

It's the last day of November, next thing we know it's already Christmas then New Year. Together with New Year is that undying New Year's Resolution which I'm guilty of making yearly. I'm sure you all can relate to this, right? And, one of the most common resolution is staying fit and healthy. . Being fit and healthy should be a lifestyle and not just a resolution, however, while others may be successful others are still striving for many reasons.

Striving for a healthier lifestyle can actually be refreshing and easily achieved with the help of the American juice brand, Old Orchard Cranberry Juice. Did you know that Cranberries are distinguished in the nutrition world because they boast various health benefits? This gives consumers better options and alternatives on how to care for their bodies and live a healthy lifestyle.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a bottle of Old Orchard Cranberry Juice together with other Fly Ace Products.

One of the main health benefits of drinking Cranberry Juice is that it helps prevent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) from occurring and worsening, as cranberries are a rich source of Flavonoid and Phytonutrient contents called hippuric acid and proanthocyanidin, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. Considering that UTI is one of the 2nd most common infections in the body, it’s amazing that a small fruit like cranberry could help prevent infection and permanent damage to the kidneys if not taken care of. So if you’re looking for other ways to give your urinary system some TLC, take heed of these advices from Philippine-USA registered dietitian-nutritionist Cheshire Que, RDN:

1. Level up your hydration status. “It is human nature to seek water in variety of forms to quench thirst and cool the skin simply because the body is made up of 45 to 75 percent of water”, asserts Que. However, this simple tip is harder than you think since it takes discipline and conscious effort on a daily basis. “Water helps flush out bacteria that saves your bladder from infections, so keep yourself hydrated throughout the day by consciously drinking water whether or not you are thirsty. We can also add various types of beverages aside from water, but practice moderation on drinking liquids that contain sugar, fat, and alcohol,” adds Que.

2. Prioritize your “pee” time. We’ve heard it many times before and let us say this again: Don’t put off your pee the moment you feel it as to prevent bacteria from colonizing in your bladder. Que prescribes: “Urinating helps regulate blood pressure and removes the body’s waste product called urea--so fully emptying your bladder with adequate fluid intake can ward off not just UTI but kidney stone formation”. 

3. Practice good hygiene. Unfortunately, women are more prone to UTI than men so ladies should learn this technique on how to properly keep their nether region clean: Wipe your intimate area from front to back all the time and opt for a cotton underwear since it’s more breathable than any material.

4. Give your immune system a boost. Different external factors such as stress happens and can take a toll on our mind and body, which compromises our immunity. That’s why Que’s advice is to load up on nutrient-rich foods such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and berries coupled with at least 7 hours of sleep and exercise that help strengthen your defense against bacterial infection.


5. Sip cranberry juice. Don’t get bogged down thinking that cranberries are just for your cocktails; cranberry juice is one of the best diuretics out there. It’s also good to know that drinking cranberry for UTI isn’t just an old wives’ tale. According to Que, “Cranberries contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that help prevent UTI. Its bioactive compounds called proanthocynidins flush out bacteria, specifically E. Coli.” 


Old Orchard Cranberry Juices are grown, harvested, and packed in a modern facility in Michigan, USA, where the great-tasting and perfect blends of juices are whipped up daily. You can be sure that every drop is healthy and stable before even reaching your glasses. Old Orchard Cranberry Juice is available in 3 delicious variants: Cranberry, Apple Cranberry and Cranberry Raspberry. There are also diabetic-friendly variants that contain 75% less sugar and only 20 calories: Healthy Balance Cranberry and Healthy Apple Balance. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, there is no shortage of fun and flavorful ways of protecting and loving your bladder while nourishing your whole family.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Tips on How To Age Well featuring Nutrawell Collagen with Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid


Aging is inevitable, and together with aging is the physical signs of it, fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet and more. But we can always choose how we age by taking care of our health. Taking care of our health and beauty go hand-in- hand. In fact, the foundation of nurturing and maintaining your youthful vibrancy relies on adopting daily health habits. To help you get started on living a better life while ageing with grace, here are simple health and beauty tips that will keep you radiant.

Eat Healthy Food

Enjoying plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday goes a long way in maintaining your youthful glow. Coupled with whole grains and lean proteins, a diet rich in these natural goodies can help the skin maintain its healthy complexion. Including organic sources of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet also contributes to keeping the skin strong and elastic. On the other hand, eating food rich in anti-oxidants bolsters the body’s ability to combat the effects of sun damage and pollution on the skin. As an added bonus, anti-oxidants also fight free radicals that lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Maintain an Exercise Routine

While the benefit of exercise on keeping your desired weight has long been known, it also has a direct effect on keeping skin beautiful. Exercise increases blood flow, ensuring enough nutrients and oxygen reaches your skin. The blood flow also helps skin cells flush away toxins and waste products, helping the body in its natural detoxification process through the liver. Regular exercise also tones your muscles, helping boost your overall look. Just remember to avoid excess tension when you exercise, especially on your neck and chest area. Prolonged tension will pull-down your facial muscles, making you look less youthful.

Keep Everything Clean

It is absolutely important to keep yourself clean. Regular cleansing washes away dead skin cells and any toxic build-up on the skin that could lead to blemishes and poor complexion. But you must remember to be gentle! Use mild soaps and cleansers with warm water, this way you don’t strip away essential oils from your skin. After cleansing, remember to use a moisturizer to keep your skin supple. Most importantly, your bed has to be clean too. If you don’t change your sheets often, any dirt or bacteria on your bed can cause unexpected breakouts.

Manage Your Stress

Stress causes wrinkles, fine lines, acne breakouts and other skin blemishes. In some cases, stress even leads to eye bags, dry skin, grey hair, and hair loss – especially when it is uncontrolled and left unchecked. While the most immediate way to be rid of stress would be through regular massages,
there are more practical methods to alleviate stress that can be done in your own time without any
additional cost. Daily stretching and meditation sessions do a great deal in reducing stress levels. Spend at least 20 minutes a day calming yourself while breathing deeply to keep stress at bay. It will help you look more refreshed and beautiful.

Avoid What Damages Your Skin

Other than processed food, refined sugars, alcohol, and cigarette smoke – the sun is among the leading sources of skin damage. Even when you’re indoors, the sun’s harmful UV rays can still take a toll. That is why it is incredibly important to always use sunscreen. At the bare minimum, use sunscreen with SPF 15– and they must be reapplied every two hours. When it’s especially sunny outside, it’s best to use protective clothing that can block ultraviolet rays. Another important tip is to always drink water, to offset any moisture and hydration lost from heat exposure. Constant hydration also helps the body cleanse itself while keeping the skin supple. 


A great way to support your daily routine would be to boost it with all-natural food supplements, giving your body all the nutrients it needs to strengthen itself and maintain its youthful vibrancy. While the choice of food supplement is best decided between you and your Physician, there’s one readily available, over-the- counter product tailor made to manage the ageing process. Generika Drugstore’s Nutrawell Collagen helps the body repair and protect the skin, keeping you beautiful as you age. Certified as organic under the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), it contains key components that nurture the skin from within. 


I attended its launch last October where I get to know more about this product. With the many Collagen drink in the market today, what makes Nutrawell different? - It has Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid. 


Nutrawell Collagen is a powder mix that can either be taken on its own or mixed in your favourite drink or food. It has 5000mg of marine Collagen that rejuvenates skin firmness and radiance. Its 60mg of Hyaluronic Acid helps prevent osteoarthritis, cataracts, infections, and skin dryness. The 70ug of Astaxanthin helps protect the skin from UV damage. It is a powerful carotenoid anti-oxidant that helps promote eye health while also aids in preventing cancer. Research also suggest that Astaxanthin is a potential aid in cardiovascular health by possibly lowering down triglycerides, raising good cholesterol and improving blood flow.

Nutrawell Collagen also contains Elastin which helps the skin remain elastic, Biotin which boosts skin, nails and hair health plus it also helps to ease eczema and dermatitis and L-Cystein which can lighten one’s complexion. Of the powder mix’s components, Vitamin C is among the most critical as it is an anti-oxidant that helps the body strengthen its tissues, keeps the heart healthy, and boosts the body’s ability to produce and repair collagen.

So happy for this, thank you so much Generika and Nutrawell!
Healthy habits paired with the right food supplements can help you keep fit and age with grace. Through these healthy tips and Generika Drugstore’s latest age-management innovation, you can enjoy more out of life while retaining your youthful vigor.

To learn more about Nutrawell Collagen with Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid and/or Generika Drugstore, simply visit http://www.generika.com.ph/ or like its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Generika.com.ph.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Tupperware Brands Philippines Blogger Meet Up Featuring New Products

Who doesn't know about Tupperware? Ever since it was introduced here in the Philippines about 50 years ago, it has become a household name. I believe you or your mom own at least one Tupperware product at home, right? Funny thing is, that even non-Tupperware brand products are called it, you probably made the same mistake. Haha!


Last October, I together with my fellow Mommy Bloggers, attended the Tupperware Brands Philippines Bloggers Meet Up, at their headquarter in Five E-Com Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The Blogger Meet Up intends to showcase their latest innovation, the Speedy Chef. The program was just short with a quick actual demo on how to use the Speedy Chef, wherein we also got to personally try it. It was really fun!


Ms. Melody Yap, Marketing Manager for Tupperware Brands performed the actual demonstration by making meringue using the Speedy Chef.

The meringue looks perfect!


After the actual demo, Ms. Yap taught us another recipe using the Speedy Chef, Speedy Chopper and other Tupperware products. This time we went live on Facebook so Tupperware Brands Philippines followers on Facebook got to watch us we whip our own 30-second choco-peanut mousse.

The Speedy Chef works like a manual mixer, it efficiently whips  small or large quantities of food - one loop is equivalent to 113 times mixing.

The Speedy Chopper, chops different herbs and small vegetables. Creates dips, sauces and purees too.

Here's the video:


Not to exaggerate, but yes the recipe only takes 30 seconds to make, of course less the preparation of the ingredients. But honestly, since I'm still not used with the products and the recipe, it took me more than 30 seconds. Nonetheless, I had fun the entire time!


I've always wanted to have my own mixer, I'm really not good in baking but I can bake, thanks to Google haha. Ever since I learned how to bake, I was only able to bake, banana, bread, bread loaf and cake without the icing because, I don't have a mixer. And, it was like an answered prayer when Tupperware Brands Philippines let us take home all the products on our table, yey! Now, I can bake a cake with icing, haha! On the other hand, the Speedy Chopper makes chopping garlic, onion and other spices so much easier and tear-free! Thank you so much Tupperware Brands Philippines!

By the way here's the recipe for the 30-second choco-peanut mousse, which you can easily whip up using The Speedy Chef and the Speedy Chopper:
30-second choco-peanut mousse


After the event, they also toured us to their mini-Christmas Store featuring products from their Christmas Catalog which you can check here

To know more about Tupperware Brands Philippines latest product offerings visit their websitehttp://www.tupperwarebrands.ph/ and follow them on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/tupperwarebrandsph/?qsefr=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tupperwarebrandsph/

Maldives Now Within Reach with Citi Credit Cards!


As part of its #LovetoClick promotion, Citi Credit Cards recently launched a new offer for a sweet escapade you can’t resist. Avail of a deal at one of the largest hospitality and leisure companies in Asia Pacific, MINOR Hotels, and save up to 40% off your next getaway!

MINOR Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 151 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce a new partnership and offer with Citi Philippines.

By using any of your Citi cards, hide away from the world with sun-soaked paradise, plunge into crystal waters from the private deck of your villa, and discover the Maldives! The special offer with MINOR Hotels rewards travelers with a 40% discount off best available rates, plus 20% off dining at participating restaurants, as well as a complimentary breakfast for two at any of the Maldives luxury resorts.

If you have a different destination in mind, choose your ideal escape from three unique MINOR Hotels’ brands in a range of stunning destinations and enjoy up to 20% discounts for stays and dining worldwide. Anantara offers authentic luxury and original cultural experiences. AVANI provides all the details that matter in refreshing contemporary style. Per Aquum exudes luxury that dares to be different through bold and imaginative concepts.

The special offer is available from now – 30 November 2016 at www.anantara.com/citiph, www.avanihotels.com/citiph, and www.peraquum.com/citiphm using the promotion code CITIPH.

Plus, you can also book your desired vacation via email at reservations@minorhotels.com. Don’t forget to mention the promo code when booking!

Experience luxury at its finest in the pristine beaches of the Maldives or at a faraway island resort of your choice through Citi and MINOR Hotels.

For more information about this exciting program and to know more about other online privileges exclusive to Citi cardholders, log on to www.citibank.com.ph/lovetoclick or call the 24-hour CitiPhone at 995 9999.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

From Carcass to Table: Lowdown of Meat Industry’s Delivery System

We all know by now that parents only wants what's best for their family, especially for our children, right? As parents we want our family to be in tip top health, and on my previous post I shared with you how Danica Sotto- Pingris secures her family's health. Danica shared tips including choosing the right supplement and practicing healthy habits such as eating healthy and nutritious food. But how can we really make sure that the food products we buy are fresh and at its best?

Producing safe food should be the ultimate goal of any agri-food system enterprise. By the time the meat reaches the consumer’s kitchen, they should be assured of the many safety measures taken by these companies to deliver fresh and quality meat. Big brand names are not enough to guarantee the viability of the meat we purchase.

The problem lies with the company’s delivery system. Most companies contract third parties to deliver freshly slaughtered meat with no proper monitoring systems on the trucks' temperature and travel time. It is common knowledge that some of these contractors turn off the truck’s refrigeration system during travel to lessen fuel costs. Proper handling of products during delivery also plays a key role in maintaining quality. Dropping of products directly to the floor, or carrying carcasses on the bare backs of handlers are common practices, which compromise the product.

The meat supplier’s delivery system is usually where it falls short. Meat producers may have the best plants with state of the art facilities but if they have a poor delivery system, the whole process to keep the quality of the meat is compromised.

With this in mind, I would like to share with you how RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. (RDFFLFI) delivery process goes and how they properly handle it in making sure the quality of their meat products. 

RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. is a local producer that has gained the growing trust of Filipino meat consumers. It  has introduced a unique cold chain process to ensure the quality of meat they sell. From the slaughterhouse or dressing plants to dispatching to the delivery of animal protein, RDF guarantees its freshness.

Livestock and poultry are prepared differently at the start of the cold chain process.

For pork, the cold chain process starts in the slaughterhouse where carcasses are placed in a refrigerated 10-wheeler truck that transfers carcass to the central depot. This process cools down the internal temperature of hot carcasses. At the central depot, the internal temperature of the carcasses reaches 36 to 39 degree Celsius. It will then be stored in the holding room with the room temperature of -10 to -15 degrees Celsius to cool down the carcass internal temperature to 7 degrees Celsius below before cutting.

Pre-cooled holding room
The holding room is pre-cooled an hour prior to the arrival of the carcasses. After pre-washing and sanitizing using chlorinated water at 0 to 3 degree Celsius, carcasses are transferred to the pre-cooled holding room and stored for 14 to 16 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of less than 7 degree Celsius. The carcasses are then sent to the fabrication area, cooled at 10 to 15 degree Celsius, for primal cutting.
Dressing plant
For chicken, the cold chain process starts in the dressing plant. Dressed chickens are passed through two chilling vat washers to sanitize the carcasses and cool the chicken internal temperature down to 4 degrees Celsius. The first chilling vat has chlorinated chilled water with a temperature of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. The second vat has chlorinated water cooled to 0 to 3 degrees Celsius. Chilled dressed chicken will then be placed in crates lined with plastic and filled with crushed ice.

For beef, the holding room is pro-cooled an hour before the arrival of the carcasses. After pre-washing and sanitizing with chlorinated water at 0 to 3 degrees Celsius, the carcasses are transferred to the pre-cooled holding room.

After the initial process, all items are then stored in a freezer. Warehouse men will then prepare the orders from each store, all done under a room temperature of 10 degrees. Ordered items will then be stored in the anteroom, cooled to 10 degrees Celsius. An assigned personnel regularly monitors the temperature of all products in the storage area. Proper storing of products in crates and proper spacing per crate is strictly monitored to ensure that there is a balanced cool airflow inside the room.

Dispatching
During the dispatching process, items are checked by the dispatcher, drivers and crew to make sure that items declared on the document have the same weight as that of the actual product. This process happens in a temperature-controlled room, pre-cooled prior to the actual dispatch.

Prior to loading, trucks are pre-cooled up to 4 degree Celsius. Products are then carefully transferred to the trucks. During the trip, the temperature of the truck’s refrigeration is monitored through a GPS system with random checks by the staff during the entire trip.

When the products reach the retail outlets, stocks are placed in a 6-door storage chiller freezer, while items for selling are displayed in 3-door freezers to maintain the cold chain process.

RDF facilities from production to delivery and retail outlets are all owned and operated by the company. Customers can be assured that RDF has control in every part of the cold chain process. RDF has also Quality Assurance field representatives to regularly check the products sold in the stores.

The cold chain process is very important for consumers to ensure their safety when buying meat products. Perishable goods are temperature sensitive, any interruption in the process will greatly affect the quality of the product. The cold chain process reaffirms RDF’s commitment to the consumers of bringing safe and quality food to their tables.

Mommies and daddies, I hope you find this article helpful for your next trip to the grocery and supermarket. Look for RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. tag to ensure that the meat products you buy are fresh and at its best! 

Healthy Upbringing according to Danica Sotto - Pingris

As a mom, my children always comes first. It's my passion to provide them with the best of everything. On top of that, their health is of utmost importance. I'd do anything and everything in my power to ensure that my kids are always well-protected from any kind of sickness or ailment. And, just like any other parent in the world, this is the number one priority for celebrity mom, Danica Sotto - Pingris.

When it comes to her two kids, Aniella Micaela and Jean Michel, Danica secures their well-being with a healthy and active lifestyle.

Importance of Health
For Danica, it’s incredibly important to instill in her kids the practice of healthy living. “As early as now we want our kids to know that they should be mindful of what they eat and how to take care of their bodies,” she explains. Although, the actress admits that she sometimes allows her kids to eat sweets and other treats, she makes sure it’s taken in moderation.

The couple actuates this belief by engaging their kids in various activities that’ll help work up their heart and strengthen their bodies. Danica adds, “We engage our kids in sports like basketball, gymnastics and ice skating. They also sometimes join us when we go for short jogs around the village.” Danica believes that by doing this, she and Marc will be able to strengthen their children’s resistance against sickness – “Living an active and healthy lifestyle will help us live longer, decrease our risks from certain illnesses or cancers.”

She encourages moms everywhere to continuously promote healthy living within their respective families. She even went so far as to give mothers everywhere some tips as to how they can achieve this:

1) “Create healthy habits for your children.”
2) “Enjoy meals with them and engage yourself in some of their activities.”
3) “Take care of yourself, [because] a healthy mom is a happy mom!”

In addition to all of this, Danica suggests giving your children the ideal Vitamin C supplement. In her case, she has chosen to give her children the most awaited Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C supplement
for kids from the makers of FERN-C,– FERN-C kidz!

Choosing FERN-C kidz

Danica chose to give her children a Vitamin C supplement that allows them to keep up with their day-to- day activities, as well as, give them that extra protection from sickness and disease. Danica exclaims, “I'm so happy that I've discovered a Vitamin C supplement that helps boost my kids' immunity and because they have a really good Vitamin C [supplement], they don't easily get sick.”

Because FERN-C kidz is made with the same Sodium Ascorbate found in the Subok Na brand, FERN-C, it is safe for children to take on a daily basis and you are assured of its quality. More than that, each bottle of FERN-C kidz is marked with the Quali-C seal, which certifies it of quality and effectivity. This ensures every mom out there, including Danica, that this Vitamin C supplement is safe, secure and efficient.

FERN-C kidz also contains Zinc for added protection. Danica says this ingredient assures her of her children’s resistance against sickness. That’s why Danica can now say that her children have a “stronger immune system” and are not “sakitin.

Lastly, FERN-C kidz comes in a delicious orange flavor, which makes it easier for kids to take and enjoy. Danica even says that her kids enjoy drinking their Vitamin C supplement. “Mic and Caela love their Vitamin C [supplement]. They even remind us that it's time to take FERN-C kidz,” she expounds.

Over-all, Danica is satisfied with her decision to promote a healthy, active lifestyle with her kids. She’s even happier now that she’s got FERN-C kidz to help support her goal of letting her children live a positive, active and healthy life.

So, moms, now’s the time to start instilling a healthy and active lifestyle among your children. To do that, you’ll need the help of a Vitamin C supplement that’ll ensure your children’s protection and resilience, FERN-C kidz. Because with FERN-C kidz, your children will truly be “resistensaya, lusog-saya.”

FERN-C kidz is now available in leading drugstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and Fern kiosks nationwide. FERN-C kidz is from the makers of FERN-C and a quality product of FERN.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

BeautyMNL.com: Finally a Beauty Destination For Everyone + Haul

I'm a self confessed late bloomer when it comes to make up. I don't know a lot about make ups, nor how to properly apply it, in fact, the only beauty products I use is a powder, lipstick and blush on sometimes. Well, except of course when there's an occasion and there's a make up artist who'll do my look. Although I'm not a beauty expert, I'm a certified beauty enthusiast. I like discovering new products and occasionally make purchases especially my favorites. But I rarely shop for make ups in a physical store. Since I don't know a lot, I need to research and read reviews about a certain product first before buying and it usually takes me a while so buying it online is more convenient for me. And recently, I discovered about BeautyMNL.com, finally a beauty destination for me and I will be sharing with you why it could also be your beauty destination and I'll show you my mini haul, so read on.

What is BeautyMNL?


BeautyMNL is the number 1 and the biggest beauty website in the Philippines. BeautyMNL wants us, Filipinas to feel our most beautiful every single day thus they offer something pretty and new every day! They have their own online magazine section which is called the "Bloom" that features tips, easy how-to's, and great beauty trends from celebrities and beauty gurus. Aside from their magazine they also have their Shop where you can find wide array of beauty products from both local and international brands. 

And here are the reasons why I love BeautyMNL.

1. Curated assortment of over 300 authentic beauty brands including Organics

BeautyMNL carries over 300 beauty brands from both local and international, giving us wide selection of products. This only means that BeautyMNL can cater even to our tightest budget. They also offer promos and discounts from time to time. The great part is, all their products are 100% authentic so no need to worry about getting fake ones.


With their curated "shop" section, shopping is as easy as ABC! Speaking of ABC, they have an alphabetical list of the brands, so you can just click on your favorite brand and it will redirect you to all it's products. They also organized their products according to its categories such as skin care, make up, hair care, organic, nails and scents, accessories and essentials. 

For the Green advocates, organic products from brands like Human Nature, By Nature and more that are  that are gentle, eco-friendly, and baby/kid friendly alternatives to traditional cosmetics are also available at BeautyMNL.

2. Rewarding review system


Aside from the accurate description of each products, they also have reviews from the those who purchased and have used the products. I find this very useful since I mentioned above that I do a lot of reading before actually buying. And to encourage shoppers to make their reviews, BeautyMNL rewards "Top Reviewers" with Php500 worth of credits for every 50 reviews successfully completed until they reach 200 reviews. Not only are reviewers helping other shoppers but they also get rewarded for it, awesome right?

3. "Bloom" - Insightful Online Magazine


Your daily dose of fresh, interesting tips, easy how-to's, and great beauty trends from celebrities and beauty gurus. Something new to discover from time to time that will surely make you feel like a pro!

4. More Payment options including Cash on delivery

You can select your preferred payment option, it can be via Credit Card, Paypal, Bank Deposit or if you don't have any of those mentioned above you can opt for Cash on Delivery.

5. Personal delivery service and Fast Shipping

After successfully placing your order all you have to do is sit back an relax while waiting for it. They have their own delivery service so you are sure that your package will arrive to you in good condition.

The part that I'm impressed the most is their fast shipping! For Metro Manila, you can expect your package within 24 hours or the next business day. For Provinces, it will be within 5 to 7 business days due to the holiday season. They don't ship on weekends.

I placed my order 2AM of October 14, 2016 which is Friday so I already anticipated to receive my order by Monday, October 17 which is my birthday. But around 9AM, I received a text message from BeautyMNL informing me that my order will arrive within the day. Whoa! Seriously? Almost 11AM came and knocking on our doors is my BeautyMNL rider personally handling me my beautiful package! It was like an early birthday present for me! Yey! Can you believe it, just less than 12 hours? You know when they say, that when something is too good to be true, it probably is? Well not this one! It's the fastest online shopping I've experienced so far. 

Alright so I got my package on the 14th of October but it was just last November 8 that I unboxed it and I made a VLOG for that which is on my YouTube Channel. Posting it below as well:


Can you imagine how hard was it for me to resist the temptation of opening the package? Haha! I just had the guilt feeling of opening the package and use the products without blogging about it so I had to resist the temptation. Anyway I would also like to apologize for this super delayed post, on the VLOG is my explanation why. LOL! Moving on, here's my BeautyMNL mini haul which are comprised of products that I haven't used before though they are not relatively the latest products there is. 


Buttery-soft formula applies rich and creamy; delivers vibrant, opaque color payoff; glides onto lips seamlessly for comfortable wear; long-lasting formula with a shine-free, velvety finish.

 I've been eyeing on these ever since it came out, I was just hesitant to buy at first because it may not look good on me since I already have pale lips. But bought it anyway as I wanted to achieve a good natural look for everyday errands.


Covers and conceals pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections; absorbs excess oil for a fresh, radiant finish; protects against harmful UV rays and pollution; can be used wet or dry; suitable for all occasions indoors or outdoors.


Foundation is another product that I am hesitant to purchase. I use to hate how oily and sometimes cakey they turn out to be. I was in 2nd year college the last time I've used a foundation and ever since I've only used baby powder. But I'm giving foundation another chance since now I've learned some beauty hacks lol.

An easy, two-step hair treatment designed to revitalize hair. Perfect fo salon-less hair therapy.

My hair was bleached 2 times in just one session last June and since then I never went back to the salon for the maintenance. I know! It totally took a toll on my hair, it was dry and damaged so I bought this, but haven't used it yet. Last week I finally had my hair treated and I need hair treatment once week so I'm going to use this!

As of posting, I have used all the products already except for the hair treatment, hopefully I could post a review about these even just on social media.


Overall, I am pretty much impressed with my BeautyMNL online shopping experience. I didn't have any problem with my transaction with BeautyMNL except that I actually had a hard time deciding what to get haha. I am very indecisive and takes a while to shop, but other than that everything went well. Everything was smooth, from choosing the products through it's organized list, it's unique and beautiful packaging and most of all the superb fast shipping! Finally, an online shopping destination for all my beauty needs! I highly recommend shopping at BeautyMNL.com, and since it's holiday already they have gift bundle promos, discounts, and an exclusive holiday promo of free shipping when you spend at least Php1,500. On regular days, you can take advantage of free shipping for purchases Php2,000 and above. 

Oh and last bu not the least, if you like taking selfies (Selfie what? Lol), you can join BeautyMNL's #selfieMNL contest! Get a chance to win a Printster polaroid of your pretty face and a PHP200  worth of BeautyMNL GC! For the complete mechanics, please click here. Good luck beauties!

To stay updated with their promos and more visit their website: https://beautymnl.com/
or follow their social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautyMNL/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beauty_MNL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymnl/

Friday, November 11, 2016

ShopBack sets biggest online sale with Singles Day:11/11


The Yuletide season is officially upon us. And, as the holiday cheer spreads across the country, Christmas shopping has become a daunting task instead of fun because of the congested traffic and crowd-packed shopping malls. Therefore, shopping physically for your Christmas list is something to reconsider.

Good thing there is ShopBack, the top Cashback site in Southeast Asia that allows you to shop at the biggest online stores from the comfort of your home and earn extra cash while you are at it. The site encourages Filipinos to start their Christmas shopping early and earn Cashback that can be withdrawn to a customer’s Philippine bank account. The savings can also be used to purchase even more gifts from top online retailers such as ZALORA, Lazada, Althea, ASOS, AliExpress, eBay and ever more.

If you are planning to travel outside the Philippines for Christmas, book your flights and accommodation from ShopBack’s travel partners: Agoda, Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com, and earn Cashback from every transaction which you can put towards a scrumptious Christmas-eve dinner or some Christmas desserts.

ShopBack Philippines is holding their biggest online sale of the year today as an early Christmas treat to all their customers with Singles Day: 11/11. ShopBack customers can get up to 31% Upsized Cashback from top Philippine online stores, like Lazada and get the best deals of the year.

From 11 am to 11 pm today, November 11, there’ll even be best bestsellers from SanDisk, MamyPoko, Nestle, Maybelline, Cherry Mobile and more super brands, available to be purchased at only P111 after Cashback.

We want to give Filipino customers a new way to do their Christmas shopping, and through ShopBack’s Singles Day: 11/11 Sale they can get their Christmas list completed and add more money to their savings.” said ShopBack Philippines’ Country Manager, Ms. Kristina Ay-ay.

ShopBack Philippines houses over 300 online brands and offers Cashback for every transaction made through its website. The Cashback is credited to a customers ShopBack account after a transaction is made and can then be cashed out to their local bank, PayPal or GCash account.

Ms. Ay-ay added, “The Philippines is one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets and through ShopBack, every Filipino will be able to save money while they shop online, especially this Yuletide season.”

ShopBack will surely change the way you shop for your Christmas list: Hassle-free, instant, and even
more rewarding when you can earn Cashback while you shop, on top of discounts and promo codes!

Visit https://www.shopback.ph to create an account for free or follow ShopBack Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more details on the Singles Day: 11/11 Sale.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Gotta Catch 'Em Pokemon Battle Gear with your Jolly Kiddie Meal


Hear ye, hear ye Pokemon Go fanatics! Whether young or young at heart, Jollibee adds another reason for you to enjoy your Pokemon battles with the latest Jolly Kiddie Meal offering – the Pokemon Battle Gear! 

And to our surprise, a Jolly Box was delivered to our doorstep the other day. My kids were so delighted as they unbox and saw what's inside.

Each one of them got their own choice of Pokemons and played with it right away.

When Jaear got home from work I could see that he was happy with the Pokemon Battle Gear as he's a Pokemon Go player himself.

Now kids of all ages can enjoy playing with these lovable and rare pocket monster characters, 
Pikachu, Tepig and Oshawott, along with their favorite Jollibee meals.

Unleash the powers of Pikachu Electro Launcher by attaching the electroball on its tail. Push it down to release Pikachu’s high voltage ball of lightning! 

You can also catch rare Pokemons Tepig Fireball Blaster and Oshawott Water Cannon. To ignite Tepig, insert the fireball in Tepig’s body and press the tail to fire away. 

The Oshawott Water Cannon makes a splash in the battle ground with its water squirting feature. Just detach the cap found at its back, pour water inside the body then press the button and squirt with water from Oshawott’s mouth.

Catch them all now at a store near you with every purchase of a Jolly Kiddie Meal: Jolly Spaghetti Meal at P95, Yum Burger Meal at P96 or Chickenjoy Meal at P122. Each package comes with its own Jolly Joy Box. The Pokemon Battle Gear is available in all Jollibee outlets until November 12 only so hurry, gotta catch 'em all!

More than 1M deals Await Shoppers for the Lazada Online Revolution


Online shoppers will surely rejoice for the biggest online shopping event in Southeast Asia, the 5th Lazada Online Revolution. Since its launch in 2012, Lazada Online Revolution has offered shoppers more exciting and effortless Christmas shopping experience. This anticipated shopping event will kick off on November 11, 2016, just less than 9 hours to go and it will be participated by more than 12,500 local and international brands and 6,000 merchants.

During the event several prizes were raffled off and I won Precious 100% Herbal Pillows goodies. I rarely win in raffle contests so I felt excited though I wished I won the Powerbank or the TV haha!
This year, Lazada will offer everything customers love – from huge discounts to flash sales and exclusive bundles. And, last November 3, 2016 I attended their media event where they announced this year's theme, ‘Brands for All,’ putting customers’ favorite brands in the spotlight. Customers can expect jaw-dropping, well-curated offers, and exclusive launches of branded items.

These deals come on top of the wide and growing assortment on Lazada. To date, Lazada boasts an unmatched catalog of close to 30 million products for consumers across six Southeast Asian countries. In the Philippines, the assortment grew 4x more than in 2015. 

Something to watch out for is the P11 peso deals featuring a Virtual Reality Box, LED light bulb rotating lamp and a Genius gaming mouse among many others, are up for grabs.  Limited-time flash deals on a 32” Slim LED TV for Php 5,499, a Fujidenzo 20L microwave oven for Php 1,999, a Star Mobile 4.5” smart phone for Php 999, an HP desk jet printer for Php 888, and a L’Oreal lip and cheek palette set for P399 are only some of the many highlights during this mega shopping day. Perfect value indeed for all the Christmas gift-seekers out there.

The deals extend to over 17 product categories including Fashion, Health & Beauty, Home & Living, and Electronics. Lazada is focusing deep into its customers’ interests with weekly specials- a curation of items for beauty fans, supermoms and families, techies and fashionistas.


As if these weren’t enough, Lazada will also launch games to make Christmas online shopping more fun. Follow Lazada’s social media channels to get free shopping vouchers, brand giveaways from Samsung, MamyPoko, Unilever, JBL, Lenovo, and more. To top this all, Lazada will also raffle off an Isuzu 4x4 pick up!

Led by the Lazada co-founder and CEO, Inanc Balci (center), Lazada team and VIPs from top brand partners eagerly pose for a group photo as they aim to provide Filipinos with a large assortment of products from different categories, during the Lazada Online Revolution media launch last November 3 at the Ascott BGC Ballroom in Taguig City. In the photo (first row, left to right) Bosch Business Developer, Juan Paulo Mendoza and Brand Manager, Martin Valenzuela (Power Tools); Unilever E- Commerce Manager, Kay Veloso; Nestle Sales Business Excellence and E-Commerce Head, Randy Allan Elido; ASUS PR Head, Anvey Factora; Mamy Poko Brand Manager, Ann Charmaine Obedencio; Loreal CEO Thibault De Saint Victor; Reckitt Benckiser eCommerce Manager, Justin Rafael S. Francisco; Imarflex VP Sales & Distribution, Anita Papa Senior. (Second row, left to right) Bum Fashion Marketing Manager, Stanley Briz; Platinum Karaoke Sales Director, Ankur Chaudhary, , Cherry Mobile Product Marketing Head, Lorraine Javalera; JBL/ Harman Kardon Country Head, Larry Secreto; Microsoft CBD Director, Jerry Bongco, P&G Assoc. Director of Sales, Luis Yanga; Canon Jill Santiago, SanDisk Country Sales Manager, Ron Flores; Samsung Chief Marketing Officer Chad Sotelo.
Last but not the least, Lazada has also partnered with top brands to make shopping more rewarding. Use your MasterCard to get an additional 12% off on top of already discounted prices. And if you’re feeling lucky, Isuzu Philippines is giving away a brand new pick-up for more out of town road trips, and Turkish Airlines is raffling off air tickets to fly you off to your dream vacation.

I can't wait to see more amazing deals and check off my shopping list. I know you are as excited as I am so make sure to complete your shopping lists, ready you shopping game on and enjoy more than 1M amazing deals! The good thing is Lazada Online Revolution will run from November 11 to December 12.  Visit www.lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada mobile app for free to join the biggest online shopping event of the year. 

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Gift Ideas for Newly-weds and their New Home

June has always been the wedding month. But in recent years, December, aside from the usual Christmas season gatherings it is also becoming a popular month for couples to tie the knot and start a new chapter of their lives, building their own family while growing old together. The times may be shifting, but the challenge of picking the right gifts for the newly-weds still stays the same. Of course, people want to give only the best things that the couple may use in beginning their new life and that it would be a seemingly good idea to start gift hunting as early as possible.

Fortunately, Midea- the world’s leading consumer appliances manufacturer, gives well-wishers a chance to express their love and support to the newly-weds by offering some gift ideas that would definitely be loved by the couple and would help them in building their homes. Couples usually get household items such as flatware and silverware as gifts while for friends and family members who want to give something that could ease the newly-weds’ life as they start anew, small appliances still top the gift registry charts.`

Induction Cooker: Midea’s Induction Cookers has a Quick Heating Feature that cooks faster than the conventional electric stoves and because of this feature, nutrients in the food are locked in which makes it healthier. It has 8 cooking functions which make it easier for everyone to enjoy cooking without having to worry about the settings. Its flameless heating, Auto Safe shut-off, and Auto Cooling features make it safe for everyone to use. And the best part is that Midea’s Induction Cookers provide 37% savings from electrical consumption compared to conventional electric stoves.

Microwave oven: Microwave ovens may be a common option for gifts because of its versatility in function and how it quickly does some of the things needed to be done in the kitchen. But with Midea’s Digital Microwave Oven, things get done faster. It has several quick function settings which make it easier for everyone to cook, defrost, and reheat food items. Lastly, cooking food in the microwave for 3 minutes only costs Php 1.00, making it easy on the pocket.

Washing Machine: If wedding sponsors are feeling more generous, it would really be a big help for the couple to have a washing machine in their new home. Midea has a long lineup of washing machines, from the most basic to the most hi-tech of features available. Midea has a Semi-Automatic Washing Machine that has a Dual Cleaning Motion feature that cleans clothes while reducing tangles in clothing, making it very fabric friendly. Its advanced Spin Air Dry technology makes drying faster and more efficient saving more time for the couple.

Midea has several fully-automatic washing machines in the lineup too, but their iAdd Washing Machines are their top of the line. It can literally do everything for the couple, from intelligently dosing detergent and fabric softener with its iAdd feature, to its Auto Dryer Sensor which runs the ideal drying setting to avoid accidentally shrinking clothes and saving time and electricity. Midea’s iAdd Washing Machines also has IntelliClean which features 208 wash solutions for a better clean on clothes and the Smart Save inverter which reduces electrical consumption up to 62% for a quick wash cycle (for the front load model).

These are just some of the solutions that Midea can offer as a gift idea for weddings. Relatives and friends can still explore the selection of other Midea home solutions that can make things better for any couple’s new home. All of these home solutions offer features that are not complicated which make them consumer-friendly even to kids. They can get Midea home solutions at any branch of their retail partner all over the country, where couples can also post their gift registry.

Beginning a journey to forever in a new chapter of the newly-weds’ life takes a lot of responsibility, especially in preparing themselves for the various emotional and economic aspects of their life as a couple. Their families and friends will definitely always be there to help them through tough times and equip them with the basic things for their soon to be home in no time. Midea truly prides itself as a partner to these families and couples in making their lives more harmonious by its home-friendly solutions.

For more information on Midea’s products check out their website at http://midea.com.ph and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MideaPhilippines.

Kathryn and Liza Found their Kitchen Best Friend + Recipes!

I used to think that cooking was a daunting task reserved just for mothers and household helps. I know a lot of young people feel the same way, they don't want any business in the kitchen. But technology played a role in guiding people around the kitchen. Just like how it became a big help to me especially now that I'm a mother. Now, I just search online for cooking videos or check out “food hacks” to be able to produce any dish I want that I can, in turn, show off on social media. Cooking indeed has been an exciting task for me!
Young celebrities Kathryn Bernardo and Liza Soberano, the newest tandem to endorse AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning also enjoy cooking for their loved ones. Apart from what can be found in the Internet, Kathryn and Liza became more confident cooks because they can rely on a brand of seasoning to make delicious home-cooked dishes by bringing out the natural goodness of food. 

Experienced cooks or kitchen newbies can make AJI-NO-MOTO® their best friend in the kitchen – an ally in serving nourishing and enjoyable dishes for the whole family. The new AJI-NO-MOTO® TV Commercial features three (3) dishes to show the versatility of the product in making all kinds of dishes delicious. Among the dishes are the Omurice, a Japanese-inspired meal composed of rice and omelet, Kathryn’s Adobong Puti recipe, a different take on the classic adobo without soy sauce and the all-time favorite comfort food Beef Nilaga. See recipes below.

AJI-NO-MOTO® can be widely used in a variety of dishes because it has no smell or specific flavor of its own and can therefore be used to enhance the original flavor of food. This is a safe and quality product that is made from natural crops like sugar cane, corn or cassava and manufactured through the natural process of fermentation. AJI-NO-MOTO® enhances taste of food by providing umami taste. Umami is the fifth basic taste also described as rich, savory and ‘malinamnam’ derived from food rich in glutamate like tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, ham and seafood. 


OMURICE
Makes 2-4 servings
Nutrition Information: Calories 457 Carbohydrates 44g Protein 14g Fats 25g
Ingredients:
  • Rice Mixture:
    • 1½ tbsps vegetable oil 
    • ¼ cup garlic, peeled, minced 
    • ¼ cup onions, peeled, minced 
    • ½ cup ground pork 
    • ½ cup frozen carrots 
    • ¼ tsp ground black pepper 
    • 2 cups cooked rice, short grain 
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce 
    • 1 teaspoon AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 
  • Egg Mixture: 
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
    • 3 pieces eggs, small, beaten 
    • 1/8 teaspoon pulverized black pepper 
    • 1/2 teaspoon AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 
    • 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt 
Procedure:              
  • Rice Mixture 
  1. Heat oil in a pan, sautĂ© garlic and onions for one (1) minute over low heat. 
  2. Add ground pork and cook until brown. 
  3. Add carrots and black pepper. 
  4. Add rice and stir-fry for another minute over medium heat. 
  5. Add soy sauce, mix well. 
  6. Sprinkle AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and mix well. 
  7. Remove from fire, mound the rice on plate then set aside. 
  • Egg Mixture
  1. In a bowl, beat the eggs until the whites and yolks are well combined. 
  2. Add pulverized black pepper. 
  3. Sprinkle AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, mix well. 
  4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the egg mixture. 
  5. Remove fried eggs out of the pan and mold it well on top of the rice. 
  6. Serve with catsup. 
ADOBONG PUTI
Makes 4-5 servings
Nutrition Information: Calories 461 Carbohydrates 5g Protein 18g Fats 41g

Inredients:
  • ½ kilo chicken, adobo cut 
  • ½ cup vinegar 
  • 1/3 cup garlic, peeled, crushed 
  • 1 piece bayleaf, crushed 
  • ¼ teaspoon peppercorn, cracked 
  • ½ cup water 
  • ½ cup cooking oil for deep frying
  • 1 teaspoon AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 
  • 1 tablespoon refined sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon iodized salt
Procedure:
  1. Combine chicken, vinegar, garlic, bayleaf, peppercorn and water in a pot. 
  2. Let boil and lower heat. Simmer until tender. 
  3. Drain the chicken pieces from the broth. 
  4. Heat oil in another pan and deep fry chicken pieces. Return to the broth. 
  5. Simmer until liquid has been reduced to half. 
  6. Sprinkle AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami seasoning and sugar. Simmer for one (1) minute. 
  7. Add salt and mix well. 
  8. Serve hot. 

NILAGANG BAKA 
Makes 4-5 servings
Nutrition Information: Calories 195 Carbohydrates 21g Protein 21g Fats 3g
Ingredients:
  • 2 ½ liters water 
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 
  • 2 pieces onion, medium-size, chopped 
  • ½ kilo beef shank, cut into serving pieces 
  • 2 pieces corn, cut into five per piece of corn 
  • 2 pieces potatoes, medium-sized, peeled, quartered
  • ½ piece small cabbage, quartered 
  • 1 ½ teaspoons AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 
  • 1 tablespoon iodized salt 
Procedure:
  1. In a casserole, put 2½ liters of water; add peppercorns, onions and beef. 
  2. Boil beef until tender. 
  3. Add corn and potatoes; boil for 2-3 minutes. 
  4. Add cabbage, mix well. 
  5. Sprinkle AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and simmer for 30 minutes. 
  6. Add salt and mix well. 
  7. Serve hot.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Travel Tips | Explore the Beauty of La Union

Situated on the North West Island of Luzon, with neighbouring provinces of Ilocos Sur, Benguet and Pangasinan and the West Philippine Sea, lies a progressive and developing province of La Union. La Union or “The Union” in Spanish holds a special spot in my heart as it is my hometown and growing up to this province I held witness to its captivating and promising beauty.


Carrying the slogan, “La Union: Where the mountains meet the sea” La Union is predominantly hilly and is surrounded by alluring beaches. Indeed you'll enjoy the best of both worlds. La Union, coined as ElYu (L.U for La Union) is also popularly known as the "Surfing Capital of the North". But more than just surfing and it's alluring beaches, La Union also has beautiful beachfront hotels, guesthouses, and inns, and a whole lot more to offer in its 19 municipalities and 1 city. And now I am very happy to know that its hidden wonders are starting to be discovered thus giving La Union the long overdue attention it deserves. 

Easily accessible, just 5-7 hours drive away from Metro Manila, La Union can be traveled back and forth in just a day for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the Metro. But if you wish to explore more of La Union or just simply relax and unwind, spend at least 2 days or more. Given its booming tourism, a huge array of accommodations are available, ranging from a hostel to luxurious hotels, depending on your budget. It's necessary to book your accommodation ahead of time to save yourself from any hassle, the good thing is, you can do that online.


Planning a vacation to La Union anytime soon? Here are more tips that will surely come in handy for that.


HOW TO GET TO LA UNION

Coming from Manila
Travel time: 5-7 hours
Fare: 400 plus

You can board the bus going to Vigan, Laoag or Abra, as these buses will pass through La Union. There’s also a bus going to San Fernando only. Most of La Union's major municipalities are just along the highway like Rosario, Sto. Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Bauang, San Fernando City- it's capital, San Juan, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Sudipen, while other municipalities are accessible through minor roads of other towns like Bagulin, Tubao, Pugo, Burgos, Naguilian, San Gabriel and Luna. You can ask the conductor to drop you off to your destination.

Bus Terminals:
  • Partas Transportation – Cubao
    • 816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
  • Partas Transportation – Pasay
    • Tramo corner Edang St., San Roque, Pasay City
  • Partas Transportation- Sampaloc
    • 1716 Vicente Cruz St Cor Laon Laan St, Bgy 488, Zone 048 Sampaloc Manila
  • Dominion Bus Lines
    • EDSA corner New York St., Quezon City
  • Viron Transportation Co., Inc.
    • 1209 Dapitan corner Blumentritt Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
GETTING AROUND LA UNION

Tricycles are commonly used to access must-see places within towns. Jeepneys and mini-buses between towns with minimal fare are also common. Car or van rentals are also available.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LA UNION

Surf in San Juan 



Large good quality waves bringing on a good swell, primarily in Urbiztondo, SanJuan isn't called "Surfing Capital of the North" for no reason. It's actually a shame that within 2 decades of living in La Union it was just last Summer of 2015 did I get to experience surfing for the first time. And I can't wait to come back for more!

Surfing lesson with husband last summer 2015
Don't know how to surf? Fret not, surfing lessons are readily available along San Juan beach and it costs around Php400 for an hour, inclusive of board rental and instructor fee. Since its launch in 2006, La Union Surfing Break is now being held every month of October. Surfing break is a festivity that is flocked by tourists for surfing, music, food and entertainment.

Beach Bumming


Sunset at San Francisco beach San Fernando La Union
If you are not into surfing then beach bumming, watching and photographing the sunset in La Union's alluring beaches is definitely a must do.

Trek and Cliff diving at Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel
I honestly haven't been here yet, where was I, 2 decades ago? LOL. But this overlooked but breathtaking attraction is perfect for adrenaline junkies. Get close to nature and enjoy its beauty as you go for an hour of trekking, then soak up in the refreshing water of Baroro river and go cliff diving if you dare!

Get adrenaline rush at Pugad in Pugo
Another one for the adrenaline junkies is the Pugad or Pugo Adventure. Get thrilled with their three ziplines, the longest and highest in Northern Philippines. Enjoy its breathtaking panoramic view of Pugo’s picturesque surroundings. ATV track and atower for rappelling and wall climbing is also available.

Take a dip at Tapuakan River in Pugo
A motorcycle road trip back in 2007 led us to Tapuakan river. Because of its pristine waters flowing from the mountain top towards the river mainstream, Tapuakan River has been awarded the Cleanest Inland River of the North. Along the river mainstream are giant boulders, engulfed into other rock formations. Entrance fee back then was Php10 there are cottages and changing areas available as well. Too bad we weren't able to back up our photos.

Get to know Ilocos heritage at Museo de Iloko in Agoo
Museo de Iloko is the old “presedencia” of Agoo. It houses artifacts and other pieces of cultural importance to the Ilocanos.

Get to know more about La Union at Museo de La Union in San Fernando
The museum showcases archeological finds in La Union which date back to Prehispanic Philippines.

Visit the Baluarte and Noble Stone House or Bahay na Bato in Luna
Luna is known for its beaches, particularly in Nalvo Sur and Darigayos- where our ancestral house is. Luna is also known for its pebbly beach, and along the stretch of pebbles rests the ruins of an old Spanish watch tower, locally named as Balauarte which stands still after more than three centuries. 

Nearby is the Noble Stone House or Bahay na Bato, it's actually a rest-house- turned-tourist-site owned by a Baguio couple. The stone house features several stone sculptures by Korean artist Vong Kim.

Admire Occalong Falls in Luna 
Another hidden beauty, occalong falls isn't that high compared to other falls but surely is worthy of a visit just to disconnect from the city and get close to nature.

Visit the Ma-cho Temple in San Fernando
The majestic Ma-cho Temple is a Taoist temple built by San Fernando City's substantial Chinese community in 1975 and is open to all worshipers and non-worshipers alike. This 11-tiered, multi-hued attraction stands on a more than one hectare of lot 70 feet above sea level and overlooking the sea. Housed in the Ma-cho Temple is Ma-cho's (Goddess of the Sea) 8 inch wooden image who is said to be the same with Our Lady of Caysasay who's wooden image was also found in Taal.

Be at peace with Nature at the hilly Botanical Garden in San Fernando
La Union Botanical Garden is home to a collection of Beautiful plants from the tropical Regions of the world. It showcases different garden themes like the serene Japanese setting, Friendship garden and more. Exotic birds like talking mynas and eagles, monkeys, iguana and other friendly animals are also put on display. 

Chase 4 waterfalls at Arosip Ecotrail in Bacnotan
Located 440 meters above sea-level of barangay Arosip in Bacnotan, Arosip Ecotrail welcomes guests with cool shades of towering trees planted along the road which is equipped with a number of tire-paths, offering a dramatic panoramic view of lowland Bacnotan. Countless springs, looking like miniature waterfalls can be seen as you go on a 45-minute descending trek where 4 waterfalls await; Zim-sim- ug Twin Falls to the east which has an estimated height of 20 feet and a basin deep of eight to nine feet, going down southwest, after a 10-minute walk, lies Pad-tok Falls which has an estimated height of 22 feet and has a shallow basin because of the usually weak flow of water, The combined water of the falls all meet in one main waterfall called Tekdag-aso which is located west of the bedrock. Going down, lays the wide and enchanting secondary basin which is most perfect for swimming. 

Witness Sillag Festival in San Fernando City
If you happen to visit La Union in summer preferably April, don’t miss out Sillag Festival of Lights which is a showcase of dramatic lighting of San Fernando skies. Sillag Festival is named after the Ilocano word “sellag” meaning “moonbeam” and started in year 2012.

La Union is also home to some historic churches:

Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo
Better known as Agoo Basilica, it's dedicated to Our Lady of Charity. It is the seat of the Santa Monica Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Fernando de La Union under the Vicariate of St. Francis Xavier (Vicar Forane Father Raul S. Panay).

Sts. Peter and Paul Church Bauang
It's one of the oldest church in the country which was founded in 1580 and was canonically finished on 25 April 1587 by the Augustinian missionaries.

Pinadangan Ruins in San Fernando
Pindangan in the Ilocano dialect means a place where meat is sun dried with salt for preservation. Here you can see the buttresses and walls of the ruins of one of the oldest church which was built in the year 1764. Behind the ruins is the monastery of the Carmelite Sisters the caretakers of the glorious landmark.

Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in San Fernando 
Also known as the San Fernando Cathedral. It's patron saint is William the Hermit (or William the Great) (died 10 February 1157), the founder of the Catholic congregation of Williamites, a branch of the Hermits of St. Augustine. The town feast is celebrated every February 10.

Namacpacan Church in Luna
Also known as the Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church. Formerly called as Luna Church, The church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.

All these tourist attractions are easily accessible whether you will be staying in San Fernando City or San Juan.

WHERE TO EAT IN LA UNION

Some of La Union's specialty dishes are dinengdeng - a bagoong based vegetable stew, dinakdakan- an Ilokano food containing pork snout, pork ears and pig brain and is similar to sisig, pinapaitan- a soup dish mostly composed of cow or goat innards and a lot more. These are always available in small karinderya in every town of La Union. However, these days, a lot of resorts and restaurants have emerged offering more food choices for everyone. 

Here are some of the must-try restaurants in La Union (particularly in San Fernando and San Juan):

Night Market in San Fernando
Every night some roads along San Fernando dry market are closed for this night market. Here you can see food stalls offering comfort foods and street foods.

Halo-Halo de Iloko


Enjoy rustic, homey ambiance while devouring on their local Ilokano dishes offering with okoy and halo-halo as their specialty. 
Address: Zandueta St, San Fernando, La Union

Cafe Esperanza
Classic Filipino delicacies.
Address: Gen. Luna St, San Fernando, La Union

Midtown Food Palace
Looks like an upscale Karinderya serving decent local Filipino favorites.
Address: Quezon ave, San Fernando, 2500 La Union

Sunset Bay Resort
Good food by the beach.
Address: Canaoay Community School, Airport Rd, San Fernando, La Union

Patio del Sol Seafood Restaurant
Latin-American Seafood beachfront restaurant
Address: 39 San Vicente Road | Brgy Pagudpud, San Fernando La Union

Thunderbird Resort
A piece of Santorini in San Fernando, Thunderbird offers pleasure and luxury. A resort and casino in one with choices of delectable dishes. 

  • Olives Restaurant- serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine
  • Ouzo Restaurant - offers Mediterranean and Asian dishes
  • Pianosa Deli CafĂ©- offers midday or after-meal treat
Address: VOA Compound, Pennsylvania Avenue San Fernando City, La Union

Gefseis Greek Grill
Get a taste of authentic Greek cuisine
Address: Urbiztondo Beach Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union

Tagpuan
Affordable restaurant offering classic, comfort Filipino dish.
Address: Manila North Rd., Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union

El Union Coffee
Coffee shop and roaster, serving great coffee in surf town since 2013.
Address: Kilometer 274+600 MacArthur National Highway, Barangay Urbiztondo San Juan, La Union

Mad Monkeys
Serves burgers with a little taste of madness
Address: Urbiztondo Beach San Juan, La Union

Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel
Offers a wide range of international and local cuisine. Open for non-guests.
Address: MacArthur Hwy, San Juan, La Union

Surf Shack
Laid back bar and restaurant 
Address: 239 National Highway, Urbiztondo, 2514 San Juan, La Union 

I'll be honest, some of the places or spots I mentioned above are fairly new to me since I moved to Manila in 2010. And for the past 2 decades of my stay in La Union my life mostly revolved around San Fernando City. Upon writing this, I realized that I missed out on a lot of things back then. So now La Union is definitely on my bucket list. Aside from visiting my parents there, I promised myself that I'll see more of La Union. So this post will be updated as soon as I check off all the things listed here. 

Hope you find this post helpful and if you have any tips you want to add up on the list,please feel free to share.