Friday, November 18, 2016

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.