Judy Ann for Del Monte Pineapple

Judy Ann is here to cook something special, especially for the kids and kids at heart. She partners now with Del Monte Pineapples as her secret ingridient to make ordinary dishes, into extra ordinary surprizes like Adobo which is loved by 9 out of 10 kids. As she herself now is a full time mom, she make sure that what she cooks is healthy and also delicious. Graduated from cullinary school and also played roles as a chef in her teleseryes, she has a lot of experiences in the preparation and also the elements needed to satify not only her kids but also her husband, Ryan Agoncillo.

Del Monte Pineapples does give out a healthy side to dishes as it contains 5 times more fiber and also other vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Manganese and Pythonutrients from natura that help increase the body's overall health and immunity. Del Monte Pineapples are picked and packed on the same day to lock the important nutrients. The good news is, there are a lot of favorite dishes that can be "Pina-Level Up!". These are recipies for Pork Humba, Pancit Guisado and a lot more where you can add Del Monte Pineapple to add zest and nutrients to your favorite dishes. Just visit www.kitchenomics.com for recipes.
Judy Ann Santos knows her food and the ingridients that go well with it. She is very health conscious, which is why according to her, " As a mother and an avid cook, it is very important for me to give my family, most especially my kids, the proper nutrition by serving them delicious and nutritious meals. Therefore I'm always looking for new delicious and healthy recipies that will surely whet my family's appetite."

So like Judy Ann, add Del Monte Pineapples to your everyday dishes like Adobo to make it "Pina-Level Up sa sarap at sustansya". 

Blah Blah Blogs: Blessed Pope John Paul II, the patron saint of Bloggers

Aside from the Royal Wedding of the Century of Prince Charles and Kate Middleton, another worldwide event that caught the eye of the world was the Beatification of the late Pope John Paul II, which is the most loved pope of all time because of his influence especially to the youth. I myself has been inspired by his life and works that also contributed to what I am today, he affirmed my Catholic faith and also inspired me to be God's servant. And as he is elevated to the title of being Blessed, I would like to say that as a blogger I would consider him as the patron saint of bloggers or Blessed patron of bloggers, technically everywhere. I think its time for him to have that title as he himself was the pope at the age of the Internet and other technologies. His influence rippled into the world with it, he was also the first pope to send an e-mail and launch audio CDs. There were also saint who were given a patron title for new innovations like St. Claire of Assisi as the patroness of television. Pope John Paul II (also known as Karol Józef Wojtya), also started the World Youth Day which is attended by millions of Youth all over the world. And this year, it will be held in Madrid Spain, and of course I would like to go there since I have not directly participated in the world youth day 1995 where I was only in grade school back then. Truly beloved by Catholics and other faiths worldwide, he made connections with Muslims, Jews and other Religions that also paved for peaceful reconciliations. I do hope that his canonization will come in the next few years as many are now testifying by his intercession. And even just with his charisma has already won the hearts of many. 

As he is now part of Blessed Circle, she joins the rank of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and our own Pedro Calungsod, who were Beatified just years ago. And the process of Sainthood is never easy as it goes through rigorous investigation and confirmation. He is very lucky to be beatified in the span of less than 5-10 years which most would take decades or even centuries. And like what I said that he is the patron saint of bloggers, may his intercession bring more inspiration and hope for us who also speak out and evangelize using the new media.



Kuha Mo? A Second Chance happens in 100 Days To Heaven Starting May 9


A Second Chance can change your life forever, and this is coming on ABS CBN Primetime. From the makers of 'May Bukas Pa", comes another inspirational yet entertaining series, 100 DAYS TO HEAVEN.


It tells about the story of Anna Manlastas, played by both Xyriel Manabat (as the young anna) and Coney Reyes (as the adult Anna). Though a very successful businesswoman with the largest toy company in the country, she is both feared and hated by many. However, after her sudden death, she is destined to be sent to hell for her wrongdoings, she then makes a deal with the gatekeeper of heaven to give her a second chance to be worthy to enter heaven. But she has to do her mission and in just 100 days.


Veteran actress Coney Reyes has been part of several primetime shows like 'Ysabella' and 'Rubi' and Xyriel was known for her performance in 'Agua Bendita' and 'Noah'. The 100 DAYS TO HEAVEN is dirceted by Malu L. Sevilla, and other cast include Jodi Sta. Maria as Sophia, Louise Abuel as Kevin, Joel Torre as Andres, Dominic Ochoa as Bobby, Valerie Concepcion as Miranda, Rafael Rosell as Bart, Smokey Manaloto as Bruce, and Niel Coleta as Jopet.

This series will win your hearts as it not only shows the struggles of living but also contains values young and old can reflect on. I myself was moved by the scenes and can't help shed a tear but also be prepared to be entertained by the funny moments and brilliant acting of the cast that makes you want to know what happens next until the 100th day. 

100 DAYS TO HEAVEN will be part of ABS CBN primetime bida on May 9, 2011.

Coughing Myths and Cures

There are a lot of misconceptions in the treatments of coughs
 which may prove detrimental to our health in the long run.
Coughing is one health condition we have encountered at least a dozen times in our lives. Some people even go to the extent of using various remedies and treatments available in their quest to relieve their cough.

However, there are many misconceptions and non-scientific practices in the treatment of cough, which may even prove detrimental to our health in the long run.


One popular practice is eating hot soup to help cure coughs and colds. While this practice does help soothe an irritated throat, it does not, unfortunately, help cure one’s cough.

Eating soup may help soothe the throat,
but it does not however help in curing coughs.
Reliance on chemical medications may be second-nature to most people, but there are hidden hazards to such a practice. Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com), a respected medical research organization of around 2,500 physicians, warns against giving children “two medicines with the same active ingredients, such as an antihistamine, decongestant, or pain reliever.” “Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose,” it says.

There are likewise certain ingredients in some chemical-based cough medications that may cause serious and even life-threatening effects in children.

Codeine, which is found in cough suppressants, for example, may have adverse effects on the central nervous system. Dextromethorpan (DXM), meanwhile, may lead to serious side effects such as brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness and irregular heartbeat if not formulated properly.
 
It's best to use an all natural medication in treating coughs 
such as Ascof's cough syrup, made from 100% lagundi leaves.
Cough preparations such as Carbocisteine have valid use only in persons suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD).

The Philippine College of Chest Physicians recommends and advocates the following as best home remedies against cough : 1) Increased fluid intake; 2) lots of rest and 3) good nutrition. However, there may be times when you need added help to reduce the severity and duration of your cough, without necessarily resorting to chemical-based medicines that may have side effects. Your natural remedy? Take Lagundi.

Philippine traditional medicine have long proven the efficacy of the Lagundi plant in treating cough, as well as other common ailments such as fever, headache, toothache, asthma, and even superficial bleeding. Through the years, modern science has also validated Lagundi’s power as an effective and safe cough and asthma remedy, through various clinical studies.

So what’s your best solution against cough? It’s the proven combination of nature and science— made from 100-percent Lagundi leaves, like ASCOF Lagundi.
The best home remedies are 1) increased fluid intake, 
2) eating healthy, and 3) getting lots of rest.
Clinical trials show that Lagundi is much safer because it does not have the harmful side effects usually associated with chemical cough medicines. It works in three ways : one, it opens up the bronchial tubes to facilitate airflow, therefore making it easier to breathe; two, it dissolves mucus so it’s easier to expel; and three, it reduces the inflammation in the respiratory passages due to its anti-histaminic action.
ASCOF’s efficacy and safety as a cough remedy is backed by two decades of research and analysis conducted by the National Integrated Research Program of Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), a consortium of top medical and academic institutions and scientists in the country.

What’s more, ASCOF Lagundi, a product of Pascual Laboratories, Inc., is a convenient remedy for cough. It is available in tablet, capsule and syrup formats, and are available at leading drugstores nationwide.

So the next time you treat your cough, separate the myths from the true cure – reach for the natural and safe remedy that will effectively relieve you without any worries.

BPI takes Wealth Management into New Heights with Investment 3.0

As BPI celebrates its 160th year in the banking industry, they made another innovation to bring finance management into a new light and technology. On April 26, they introduced Investment 3.0. With the convenience of the internet and the security of its servers, this makes investors aim for great future stability with the help of Investment Councilors always available. 

Themed Investment 3.0, BPI Asset Management exhibits its latest innovation in the banking industry - BPI Investments Online, a new online facility through which the bank’s clients can maximize the use of internet to manage their assets, transact, and access their investment portfolio, without the restraint of time or place. 
Through BPI Investments Online, BPI enables customers to apply, inquire and transact investment funds via the internet platform. The project is part of the Bank’s commitment, through the Asset Management and Trust Group (BPI Asset Management), to educate and empower Filipinos on how they could build wealth through investments, thereby converting savers into savvy investors.


Clients can now enjoy the convenience of initiating investment transactions through the internet quickly, inexpensively, and virtually anytime, anywhere. With the launch of this online facility, investors can easily make transactions that would otherwise entail clients to visit their branch. Clients can now access portfolio information, explore further investment opportunities, subscribe to additional funds, redeem investments, and make regular contributions via the Regular Subscription Plan (RSP) at their utmost convenience.

AURELIO R. MONTINOLA III
President and CEO
Bank of the Philippine Islands

Mario T. Miranda

Vice President and Head of Wealth Management
Asset Management and Trust Group
MARIA THERESA MARCIAL JAVIER
Senior Vice President
Group Head and Chief Investment Officer
Asset Management and Trust Group
“With the onset of our 160th year in serving Filipinos, we are staying true to our tradition of leadership and technological innovation,” says SVP Maria Theresa Marcial-Javier, Group head and chief investment officer of BPI Asset Managment. “We continue to remain relevant and even one step ahead as we move toward technology that will make it easy for our clients to make their money work for them."

Ms. Javier adds, “We’ve migrated our investment facility online to take advantage of the pervasive internet technology that will empower our investor clients to transact anywhere at any time at their convenience. This frees up more of their precious time that could be spent on other important business agenda or with their families. Truly, growing and managing investment funds is easy with BPI Asset Management.”


Banking via the internet is getting more popular to investors for the ways it saves in time and costs. I am looking forward to make my investments in the future. It does pay to make organize investments to make us financially smart and secure.

To find out more about BPI’s Investments Online Facility and its services, interested parties may visit www.bpiassetmanagement.com, or visit any BPI branch near you.




photo credits from jeman villanueva.

Bravia for a Cause, for Japan




It has been over a month since the tragedy in Japan, but aftershocks are still being experienced by the residents and there’s the nuclear threat to be dealt with. As a leading Japanese based company, this tragedy is very close to our hearts. We hope to get your support in this endeavor. Aside from the BRAVIA purchases, there are other means to help - please click on this link for more details - http://www.sony.com.ph/microsite/AprilNewsletter/BraviaCause.html


This will run from April 15-May 15, 2011 – For every purchase of a BRAVIA unit, Sony Philippines will give PhP100 for the Japan Relief Operations. Other ways to help is by dropping cash donations at Sony Centres or depositing donations in the specified Sony account.

MUSIC LYF: K-POP time, its 2AM in Manila!


K-POP Mania is alive this month with another band coming to Manila this April. 2AM famous for their songs like "This Song" and also won their first Mutizen at Inkigayo for the song, "Can't Let You Go Even If I Die".

Megaworld Lifestyle Centers have become the new haven for today’s hottest K-Pop acts as it brings to Manila, together with MCA Music, the four-member ballad boy band 2AM consisting of members Jinwoon, Jo Kwon, Seulong, and Changmin for a 4-day promo tour of their latest album, Saint O’ Clock, beginning April 27 until April 30. Fans will definitely be thrilled and overwhelmed as their favorite K-Pop group will be invading the entire metro for a series of meet & greets, live performances and a grand show. Catch them at the following venues: April 28, 6:00PM at The Newport Plaza at Resorts World Manila, April 29, 6:00PM at Venice Piazza at Mckinley Hill and April 30, 5:00PM at Eastwood Mall Open Park. Enjoy sweet serenades from MCA Music’s freshest teen acoustic-pop duo, Krissy & Ericka who will also perform in these series of mall shows.

Eastwood Mall, Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, and Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, are Metro Manila’s premier themed lifestyle centers, owned by Megaworld Corporation.

All those who will purchase 2AM's Saint O'clock Special Edition album during the meet & greet shows on April 28 and April 29 will get the chance to have their albums signed! The special edition album features your all-time favorite 2AM songs from the standard St. O’ Clock album plus 2 bonus tracks and a DVD packed with music videos that is just pure 2AM goodness.

On April 30, catch the boys sing their hearts out in their Grand Show at the Eastwood Mall and witness a night of performance that is full of surprises. Let 2AM serenade you as you sing-along with your favorite 2AM songs.

2AM has charmed their way into winning prestigious awards such as winning in the 25th Golden Disk Awards, 2nd Melon Music Awards, MNET Music awards and Seoul Music Awards. These four boys really give us a fresh insight on the KPOP scene with their multi-awarded ballad songs.

2AM live in Manila is presented to you by MCA Music Inc. and Megaworld Lifestyle Centers. Also by valued media partners, MYX- the official music channel of 2AM in Manila; Barangay LS (97.1, Tugstugan na) - the official radio station of 2 AM in Manila; The Manila Bulletin, Garage Magazine, KPOP Live, Orangemagazinetv.com, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel - the official residence of 2AM in Manila; Maxima Machineries & Hyundai Truck and Bus - the official transportation of 2AM in Manila; Big Hit entertainment Korea, JYP Entertainment Korea and 2 One Day Philippines. This much-awaited promo tour will be the ultimate K-POP event this year!

To get the latest updates on 2AM, visit MCA Music's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcamusic.

500 Peso Deals – Free iPad 2 Raffle!


What more has Noy-Ni got for the Noy-Pi? Plenty, if you sign in to get updates from www.500PesoDeals.com, which starts boosting your bucks May 13!


Can one Ninoy bill actually get boosted to twice its value or more? And can the same deal possibly score you a sweet iPad 2 – yes, the same gadget that got sold out all over the world on the day after its release? Oh, yes it can. All these and more are what savvy Pinoy shoppers can look forward to with 500PesoDeals.com.

Unlike other group-buying sites, though, with 500PesoDeals, what you see is what you get. A single P500 – no more and no less - can buy you entry into the hottest events and parties, a meal at the best restaurants, and a seat at the coolest experiences all over the country. And for those who have premium budgets in mind, check out our Super Booster deals – huge savings on very high-ticket items with up to 80% off! But make sure to get the deal early – Super Booster Deals have limited quantities!

500PesoDeals makes it easy for you to keep up with all these deals by giving you a chance to win your very own iPad if you register today. Boost your chances of winning by getting your friends in the game. Each friend who registers gets you one entry in the raffle, and there are no limits to how many entries you can earn!

So do you think you and your friends are worthy of such awesomeness? Sign in now, invite your pals, and wait for the deals – and, possibly, that iPad 2 that totally has your name on it – to come rolling in.

MUSIC LYF: French Singer-songwriter JULIEN DROLON, Sings Pinoy.

While other Filipino bands and singers are trying so hard to be like other Asians just to join in the bandwagon, it surprising to see a European, particularly French, to take his music and immerse himself into the Philippines. And he launches a new single perfect for this summer.

Singer, songwriter, and former International Reporter are all words that can be used to describe Julien Drolon, but they merely scratch the surface. Drolon (born in Nantes, France on the 5th of February 1982) is on a mission to promote peace thru his love for music. He first arrived in the Philippines last 2007 and came back at the end of 2009 and decided to start his musical career.

This French singer with a Pinoy heart describe his music style as feel good music which combines pop, reggae, funk, and rock. He considers Jason Mraz, Bob Marley, Jamiroquai, Donovan Frankenreiter, Patrice and Asa as his musical influences. Drolon performs on stage with his equally-talented Filipino band composed of Girlie Capulso (back up vocals), Enzo Queyquep (lead guitar), Joseph Duenas (bass), Leal Nanca (keyboard) and Joven Palencia (Drums).

Drolon already played in Hong Kong and mainland China, at an Asian music conference, Music Matters Festival, which was held in Hong Kong last May 26-29, 2010. He also performed for the opening of the China Music Industry Park in Shanghai last July, 2010.

Addressing the issue of why he started his career in the Philippines, he responded, “It’s a place that is blessed with amazing musicians that want to collaborate on the making of my album and Filipinos are music lovers”. For his first album, Drolon is working with producers Jack Rufo and Angee Rozul.

Julien Drolon's debut album entitled “JULIEN DROLON… PHIL SO GOOD” is due for mainstream release in May 2011, followed by a series of tour in the Philippines. Check out more updates on Julien Drolon at www.facebook.com/jdrolon, www.myspace.com/juliendrolon and www.twitter.com/juliendrolon12

You can download his song in the april 2011 issue of ORANGE MAGAZINE TV.

Take a Break at the Electrolux Mobile Spa!

HALSA, its a Swedish term for health and with the elements getting more harsh and pollution levels rising in our world, we do need to think more of our health and wellness as it is our most important wealth. And with the holy week, we would also encounter a lot of stress sometimes more than the vacation that we  plan to.
This Holy Week, have a new reason for your gas station stop over. Not only you can recharge fuel, take quick nap or buy snacks, but now, you can also avail a free massage treatment from Electrolux Mobile Spa.

First, you need to stop over in the NLEX Total Gas Station in Apalit, Pampanga (north bound) from April 20-23 (Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday) or SLEX Total Gas Station in Sta. Rosa Laguna (north bound, going back to Manila) from April 24-25 (Easter Sunday to Back-to-Work Monday). Then to avail of a relaxing massage treatment Electrolux Mobile Spa, gas up or spend at least P500.00 at any of the establishments in NLEX Total Gas Station. For the SLEX Total Gas Station, spend at least P500 worth of purchases from Total Fuel or Bonjour.

The Electrolux Mobile Spa is led by Electrolux Philippines together with Blue Water Day Spa and Total Philippines. Blue Water Day Spa is providing the massage services from their experienced and well-trained therapists while Electrolux constructed the calming and relaxing Mobile Spa built with the Electrolux air conditioners. The range of air conditioners Electrolux offers has integrated Air Filtration System, bringing wellness to facilities, homes and offices. It eliminates up to 95% of bacteria and 99% of dust particles released in the air. It also has Vitamin C technology that discharges that burst of freshness to help reduce stress and help fight off incidence of asthma, skin allergies and common colds – ensuring that the air you and your family breathe is clean and pure.


Share more of our thinking at www.electrolux.com.ph. For more news and updates visit: www.electrolux.com/electrolux-insiders or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook.

And me and blogger friends had the chance to check out the mobile spa in Pampanga, and it was a relaxing experience after some time on the road. Hope you can also drop by and take a break before going in or out to Manila.