Wednesday, November 26, 2014

36 Days of Buqo Christmas Freebies

free books, free magazines, freebie, giveaway, buqo, Christmas gift
free books and magazines
Buqo - a digital bookstore, newsstand and reader, has prepared awesome freebies for all of us this Holiday season!

For 36 days -  from November 26 up to the very last day of 2014, they'll be giving away a book or magazine. Imagine, we'll get to receive A New Gift Every Day! 

Yes, that’s 36 days... Because 12 days just isn’t enough!

Buqo wants us to  re-experience that "childhood" feeling of finding  a gift under the Christmas tree. But of course, they're doing it digitally.

They're so generous. I'm sure book and magazine lovers would love these freebies.  This is really worth checking!

So How Does It Work?

Starting today, November 26 at exactly 11:00 am, a new book or magazine will be unveiled on Buqo’s social media accounts as the featured freebie. That freebie will be available for download for 23 hours. Remember, it's FREE! You have until 10:00 am the next day to get it.

Then, the next day when 11:00 am comes around, a new freebie will be up for grabs!

free books, free magazines, freebie, giveaway, buqo, Christmas gift
Look for this banner in the buqo store
How to Get it?

So, if you don’t have the Buqo app yet, get it now. Download it on your Buqo iOS (App Store)  or Android Buqo Android (Google Play) device, or both!

  1. Go to Buqo store and find the "36 Days of Christmas" banner.
    The freebie will be under a special banner in the buqo apps and website.
  2. Click to get your free item.


Just to give you a sneak peak (and hint) of the Daily Surprise:

free books, free magazines, freebie, giveaway, buqo, Christmas gift
Watch for these announcements on Social Media

Today, November 26, the freebie is - "I Saw the Sign" (Summit Books) and then for November 27 it would be "Preview Current Issue Current Issue" (Summit).

#buqopromo #36DaysofBuqoChristmas
#freebooks #freemagazines

And, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter  to get the freshest and latest news and be the first to know the featured freebie of the day.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/buqoapp
Twitter: www.twitter.com/buqo
Instagram: www.instagram.com/buqoapp


Remember: Keep checking everyday (until December 31) to get your freebie under the Buqo “Christmas tree.”

Thanks so much Buqo for all these Christmas gifts!

Enjoy reading and don't forget to share these good news to everyone!

10 Best Holiday Gift Ideas from The Mind Museum

It's the time of the year when everyone needs extra help in finding that special holidays gifts. I'm also thinking and looking for the best gifts especially for kids. Are you also looking for gifts to give your kids and your "inaanaks" this Christmas?

Year after year, people rush to stores for that last minute gift shopping with hope of finding something extraordinary. We all want to give our loved ones, especially the kids, what they wished for or something more remarkable.

Mind Museum, the first world class science museum in the Philippines, doesn't just provide a whole new learning experience for kids, it also has great educational toys for children of all ages. It even has the best and most unique gift suggestions that kids of all ages can enjoy and learn from.

Check out these ultimate gift guide that will add twist to your usual holiday flavor. They also inspire learning and lets you celebrate the season of giving.

1. The Scientific Date

Surprise your loved ones and the young ones with All Day Passes or gift certificates to The Mind Museum!

With over 250 hands-on, minds-on exhibits and live experiment demonstrations that unveil the remarkable science behind living and non-living things, a date or two in The Mind Museum is definitely a unique and exciting way to spend time together this Yuletide season.

It's great to have a date in a science-themed gallery, or stargazing in cozy couches in a custom-made planetarium with the entire family, right?

(The Mind Museum tickets all day passes Php750/php)


2. Name the Stars after Your Loved Ones

Leave your names or your loved ones’ on digital exhibits found in the different galleries in the Museum, through a fixed donation that come with e-certificates.

Imagine the delight of seeing your family’s name imprinted on the virtual stars that make up a constellation, or name a specific kind of dinosaur that inhabits a virtual era in history. What’s more heart-warming is that all proceeds for this program go to supporting the institutions’ project of giving free museum visits to public school kids.

(Virtual exhibits’ price ranges from Php1,000 to Php5,000, depending on your choice of show. For more information, visit http://exhibits.themindmuseum.org.)

Perfect! I can name a star "Skylah" (my daughter's name) and name the dinosaur "Brent" (my son).


3. The Key to Endless Discovery

This is a year-round, all-day admission to the first world-class science museum in the country.

The Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass also gives free admission to over 300 worldwide science museums, discounts on travelling exhibition tickets, birthday packages, and purchases inside The Mind Museum Store. Also, this unli-pass directly supports free museum passes for underprivileged kids.

(For a group of four or more, avail the Unlimited Science Pass for only Php2,250/pax. Visit https://www.themindmuseum.org/science-alive/63/membership-program for more information)

Wow this unlimited Mind Museum pass is something that my kids would love to have!


4. All for Science, All for Love

Why not sponsor a trip for public school kids this Christmas to celebrate the holidays in a meaningful way?

You can even ask your family or friends to join you in spearheading this project to further enrich the sense of wonder of these young ones. Don’t worry, The Mind Museum’s doors are open to plan and accomplish this advocacy of embracing and sharing the true spirit of the season.

(To inquire about this project, please send your email to inquiry@themindmuseum.org.)

Doing this is truly heart-warming!


5. If these shirts could talk:

Let your friends “wear their wit” with these design shirts that are exclusively available in The Mind Museum Store! These shirts come in different colors and are tastefully designed with vibrant graphics and statements that will truly make science a cool fashion statement of choice this holiday season.

(Prices range from Php379.75 to Php499.75)



Really cool shirts for all kids!


6. Of Puzzles, Papers, and Pencils:

Give the young ones (or even your family and friends) these funky Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook! They’re, indeed, a safe space for random thoughts, important lists, or mind babbles. Here’s a tip: pair these notebooks with Puzzle Color Pencils and let its colorful tips become their wand to create their DIY-diary.

Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook Php379.75
Puzzle Color Pencils Php649.75
I love fancy notebooks just like these!


7. Own the Universe

While the kids are taking baby steps towards their dreams, show them the momentary short-cut in seizing the universe, literally, through the Star Planetarium! Projecting 3D stars, planets, and constellations. This amazing contraption also includes 3D glasses for a more mesmerizing virtual representation of what’s above and beyond the world we’re living in.

Star Planetarium set Php2,579.75
Wow! I'll wish this for my kids! :)


8. Unearthing the Dinos

Let the kids experience being a paleontologist and travel back to the era of dinosaurs with the special edition Dino Excavation Kit.

Dig for the bones hidden in the gypsum block, assemble them and enjoy your very own miniature dinosaur skeleton replica. Top it off by learning more about the fossils you have just uncovered.

entire Dino Excavation Kit Php 2,699.75
Great activity for curious kids (and parents)! 


9. Tricks and Treats:

Have fun teaching your kids using playing cards that are exclusively sold at The Mind Museum store.

There's What’s GNU?—a 3-letter learning game deck or go for a game of speed and visual tricks with Hyperswipe! Grab these cards now, be the learning and game master at the same time, and let the enlivening game itself, too, serve as an added gift to these kids!

What’s GNU Php 949.75, Hyperswipe set Php 1,349.75
My kids have a game deck like GNU... now, I want to try Hyperswipe with them!


10. Build Your Own, Learn on Your Own

Teach your young ones the basics of gardening, without having to worry about landscaping your backyard, with these innovative plant miniatures!

Let them grow the Sweet Leaf, which grows leaves that be used as a natural substitute for sugar; the Mini-Melons that will actually produce sweet mini cantaloupes in less than 2 months; or get really out-of-this-word with the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden that will even allow them to experiment right in their mini pots!

Sweet leaf and Mini-melons Php 829.75
Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden Php 1,229.75

Don't you just love to get one of these for your kids?

Let's all have a merry and meaningful Christmas season!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Bank on Your Child's Future at Cordlife Philippines Newly-Upgraded Facility

For expectant and future parents, have you thought about storing your baby's cord blood for future use?
As parents, we want to secure our most valued investment in life - our children. And you can do that by making the right choice... and one way is through Cordlife Philippines.

Cordlife New Stem Cell Facility Opens for The Public

Cordlife Philippines, cord blood banking, stem cell, cord lining, facility launch, baby,

Cordlife Philippines, the leading cord blood and cord lining banking provider in the country, launches its newly upgraded stem cell and cryopreservation facility for Filipino families. This facility is located at UP-Ayalaland Technohub.

This expansion is driven by the growing number of parents who recognize the value of banking their baby’s stem cells in the country.

Cordlife Philippines, cord blood banking, stem cell, cord lining, facility launch

It’s the first and only facility in the Philippines that features separate isolated processing rooms for cord blood and cord lining.

The event launch was hosted by popular DJ Delamar Arias and graced by celebrity moms, actress and beauty queen Lara Quigaman and reporter/journalist Niña Corpuz. The 3 Mom Ambassadors all shared their personal experiences of being Cordlife moms themselves.

 DJ Delamar Arias, Lara Quigaman, Niña Corpuz, Cordlife Philippines, cord blood banking, stem cell, cord lining, facility launch, baby,

Also present at the launch were Cordlife Group CEO Jeremy Yee, Cordlife Philippines Medical Director Dr. Arvin Faundo, and Cordlife Philippines Director Michael Arnonobal.

The event highlighted the five essentials of mother and child that Cordlife addresses through services.
  1. Sense of Security.The facility is designed with cryogenic storage capacity that can accommodate up to 30,000 cord blood and cord lining units. Parents who banked with Cordlife can have peace of mind knowing that their baby's stem cells are kept in a highly secure laboratory built to withstand earthquakes, ward off fire and are not dependent on electricity.

  2. Expertise.Cordlife’s expertise in the stem cell banking arena, is proven not only by being the largest network of cord blood banks in Asia, but also the number of cord blood releases for stem cell transplant and their adherence to the stringent global standards of AABB (formerly known as American Association of Blood Banks). Cordlife Philippines is also the country’s first and only ISO 9001:2008 and Department of Health-registered cord blood and cord lining bank.
  3. Value for life.
    Cordlife is committed to being a steadfast partner to parents who wish to bank their baby’s stem cells because of their proven ability to treat Leukemia, Thallasemia and other types of cancers.

  4. Bond.
    Cordlife helps preserve this precious bond between the mother and the child. Partnerships are forged with trusted hospitals and research institutes like Duke Medicine research, adding more value to this special mother and child bond.

  5.  Investment.
    All these essentials are available to parents as a practical investment for their child’s health.

    “To help the most number of Filipino families access this important service, Cordlife offers cord blood/cord lining banking for as low as P8,000 per year, and offers flexible payment schemes that are within reach of most families,”
    says Michael Arnonobal.

One Chance. One Choice. Together with Cordlife.

+Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood (or placenta blood) could offer hope for the child or members of the family. Why? Because stem cells can be used to treat a number of diseases.

Cordlife Philippines, cord blood banking, stem cell, cord lining, facility launch, baby

+Umbilical Cord Lining
Baby's umbilical cord lining is a rich source of Mesenchymal (MSC) and Epithelial (EpSC) stem cells.

+MetaScreen
Comprehensive metabolic screening for newborns from one simple urine test. It is non-invasive yet more accurate and effective in detecting inborn errors of metabolism.


Cordlife Philippines, cord blood banking, stem cell, cord lining, facility launch, baby, metascreen


Cordlife Philippines
Event Launch Nov. 18, 2014
Crowne Plaza, Ortigas


ABOUT CORDLIFE MEDICAL PHILIPPINES INC

Cordlife Philippines was officially launched in February 2010 as Philippines’ first and only cord blood processing and cryopreservation facility to better serve the cord blood banking needs of the local market. Registered with the Department of Health, the ISO-certified facility was built in accordance to global gold standards such as the American Association of Blood Banks to give local families peace of mind. In 2013, the Company launched the country’s first and only cord lining banking service, using CellOptima™, a patented technology invented in Singapore that can isolate and expand two types of stem cells from the umbilical cord lining. Cordlife’s 365-day facility is equipped with the world’s most advanced fully automated cord blood processing system, SEPAX-2® and has a storage capacity for 30,000 cord blood units. Cordlife Philippines is a subsidiary of Cordlife Group Limited, a mainboard company listed on the Singapore Exchange.

For more information, you can email info@ph.cordlife.com
Or add them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/CordLifePhilippines

Thursday, November 6, 2014

All About Pasta as Doña Elena celebrates National Pasta Month

How do you like your pasta? I want my pasta Al Dente!

It means, "firm to the bite!"

I am a certified pasta lover! Glad to be invited (and I was able to attend) Doña Elena's World Pasta Day celebration at The Blackboard.

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard
I love pasta!
It's great to know more about pasta during Doña Elena's event. Here are some tidbits and interesting infos I've learned:
  1. October is a National Pasta Month and October 25th is National Pasta Day!
  2. Pasta is healthy for it is a good source of protein, fiber and antioxidants. 
  3. Pasta is not fattening for it is made of whole wheat (just eat moderately)
  4. Pasta should be not too soggy or too hard. It should be tender and firm. Just right, Al Dente!
  5. Avoid boiling pasta in a covered pot or rinse it after it's cooked.
  6. Doña Elena Al Dente does not require oil when cooking because it doesn’t stick together.
  7. Each pasta has its sauce-match. Thin pastas like spaghetti should be served with light, thin sauce (like tomato). Thicker ones like Fettuccine with heavier sauces. Pasta with holes or ridges, like Penne Rigate is best with chunkier sauces. 
  8. Doña Elena Al Dente is the only artisan quality pasta, made from 100% durum wheat semolina (hard wheat). Unlike local pasta with only 6% protein content, Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta contains 13% protein.
[During the event]

Nutritionist, Professor Luchie Callanta shared the nutritional benefits of eating pasta.

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard
"Carbohydrates are not responsible for obesity."

RJ Ledesma shared about how he started Mercato and his own pasta experience.

It's interesting when he shared that... most cuisines have their own origin, discovering the story behind it will make our experience enjoyable...

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard, RJ Ledesma


Chef Michel Cottabaren of The Blackboard whipped up pasta dishes using Dona Elena products, cooking it the Italian way.

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard, Chef Michel, cooking demo, food blog
cooking demo the Al Dente way
Everyone the privilege to taste these dishes too!

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard
Penne Rigate
Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard
Fettucine with shrimp in olive oil

We got to enjoy the Fettuccine with Shrimp in olive oil, Penne Rigate with bacon and mushroom in tomato sauce, Spicy eggplant with pomodoro and paprika, and Panna Cotta.

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard

recipe, spicy eggplant, Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard


Selected bloggers also took part in the Doña Elena Al Dente 10-minute cook-off contest.

 #aldentepasta #nationalpastamonth 

It's fulfilling to spend the day eating pasta, learning more about it and appreciating it even more!

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard, Podium Mall
with Chef Michel of The Blackboard
I love pasta and I want my pasta Al Dente!

Thank you Doña Elena Al Dente for inviting me to celebrate National Pasta Month with you!


Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta, The Blackboard Podium mall
with mommy blogger Josephine and bloggers all over :)

Let's always celebrate the goodness of pasta and the best way is to do it Al Dente!

Doña Elena Al Dente - Artisan Quality Pasta

Dona Elena Al Dente is made the Artisan way of making pasta – slow drying and not subjected to high heat.  It uses  bronze die which creates ridges on the pasta. It makes the sauce stick to the pasta better. It is also  GMO-free and certified all natural.

Dona Elena Al Dente  pasta is made using special bronze dies. Pasta prepared using the Bronze Die Cut is better. Why? Because its coarse texture allows the sauce to cling to the noodles better.

Doña Elena Al Dente, Dona Elena, food, pasta
Doña Elena variants include Spaghetti (500g), Fettuccine (500g), Lasagna (500g), Penne Rigate (500g and 250g) and Fusilli (500g and 250g)


For more recipes, join Doña Elena Cuisinera Club and visit their website to learn more about Doña Elena.

[EVENT] 
Doña Elena Al Dente
World Pasta Day Celebration
The Blackboard, 5F Podium Mall

#FlyAceCorp #event #food