Wednesday, February 12, 2020

A Way to Say "I Heart You"


It's that time of the year again when everything is hearts and flowers!


A little bit of history, this special day of love originated from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day. 

Jumping back to present times, we still celebrate Valentine's Day by taking them out to a dinner or movie date, and giving flowers, chocolates, stuffed toys, sweets and other gifts to our loved ones.

Personally, although I am happily single, I like giving my family, friends and colleagues at work sweet treats to remind them that I appreciate them.  For 2020, I chanced upon these cute mini heart donuts from Dunkin' Donuts that come in a box of 4s.


Beautiful puffy donuts covered in strawberry jelly that's not too sweet, with a sprinkling of white confetti candies.  Such a steal at Php 55 per box with a promotional price of Php 149 for 3 boxes, giving Php 16 savings.



Of course, how can I give love if I don't love myself first?  Got my own box of mini hearts, too, and it doesn't hurt that the donut looks nice on my heart-shaped plate. 



Love, love, love!

Monday, January 27, 2020

Kobe Bryant, Legend



Another case of gone too soon.

Yesterday, the world lost another legend in the person of Kobe Bryant.  An American professional basketball player, Bryant played his entire 20-year career in the National Basketball Association with the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships.

Kobe and Gianna shared a passion for basketball (photo: New York Post)
Bryant was 41 years old when he and eight others, including his 13 year old daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. They were on their way to a basketball camp for kids in Thousands Oak, California.

RIP, Kobe Bryant. RIP, Gianna Bryant.

Friday, January 24, 2020

LIRAH TEAMS UP WITH HIP-HOP GROUP EX BATTALION FOR AN EPIC COLLAB


The newest OPM hip-hop muse LIRAH is set to release a surprise track with hip-hop power players Ex Battalion for a collab to end all collabs. “Mahal Mo Rin Ba Ako?”, to be released on February 7, 2020, features Bosx1ne and Flow G. The track is LIRAH’s follow up to the hit “Sahod” and is released under Ivory Music Video.





“Mahal Mo Rin Ba Ako?” shows a different side of the hip-hop prodigy. Showcasing LIRAH’s sweet yet powerful vocals, the track details the feelings of falling miserably in love with a person, leaving us with the question “Do you love me as much as I love you?” Bosx1ne and Flow G’s verses are as powerful and impassioned, showcasing the rappers’ lyricism and poetry that made them a staple in today’s charts. “Mahal Mo Rin Ba Ako?” is an emotional concoction of lyrics that touch hearts and a melody that speaks to the soul.

LIRAH has been hustling in the music industry since she was 13 years old, joining and finishing strong in GMA 7’s reality singing competition Protégé: The Battle for the Big Break. Her stellar performance in the said competition impressed judge Gloc-9 so much that he took LIRAH under his wing soon after. Her debut single “Sahod” (released August 23, 2019) was received widely by OPM fans and had earned her a Best New Artist nomination from Wave 89.1’s Year End Awards 2019.

Ex Battalion is a hip-hop collective known for pushing the boundaries of OPM hip-hop. Their hit single “Hayaan Mo Sila” is one of the most streamed songs of 2017. Its music video currently has 80 million hits on YouTube. The group has since been dominating the airplay, social media, streaming and downloading sites.

LIRAH’s “Mahal Mo Rin Ba Ako?” featuring Bosx1ne and Flow G will be available in digital music stores starting February 7, 2020.

Pre-save LIRAH’s “Mahal Mo Rin Ba Ako” on Spotify 
bit.ly/MahalMoRinBaAkoLIRAH

For digital stores:

https://backl.ink/119967940

For Apple Music Video:
https://backl.ink/119975314

For more updates on #LIRAH and #MahalMoRinBaAko, see the links below:







Tuesday, October 22, 2019

15th Marites Allen Philippine Feng Shui Convention Preview


2020 is considered a year of new beginnings and renewals – new opportunities, love and business or career success.  This is what the country’s feng shui queen, Marites Allen, hinted at the press conference for the 15th Marites Allen Philippine Feng Shui Convention held at Novotel Manila Araneta City last October 9.

The Year of the Metal Rat is the year that the Chinese Zodiac will have come full circle, with the Rat being the first sign from the 12 animals cycle, and is seen to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year, and is a great year for founding and evolving.  The years of the Rat are: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, and 2032.

“If you are turning 60 years old next year, then you will complete the cycle of the elements and animal signs.  The last time the Year of the Metal Rat occurred was in 1960,” Ms. Allen shared.

Ms. Marites Allen at the press conference for the 15th Feng Shui Convention

Looking Back

Ms. Allen started by doing a recap of the happenings in 2019, the Year of the Earth Boar, as published in the feng shui booklet for 2019 distributed at the convention last November 2018.  “One of the things I indicated here was the outlook for career, that women who are leading a certain country will be challenged and could eventually leave their post.  Examples were Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom and Angela Merkel of Germany.  And it did happen as Prime Minister May resigned in June of this year while Merkel left her party in December of 2018. This is just one of the forecasts revealed at the 2018 convention,” she shared.  “Forecast on business and economy, anything to do with restaurants, food, commissary or human consumption business will prosper that’s why you see a lot of restaurants and food business in the malls.  Also healing business such as yoga prospered.”

Ms. Allen continues, ”If you are born in the DAY or YEAR of the SNAKE then you are in CONFLICT with the YEAR of the BOAR.” She cited famous personalities who passed away this year such as Gina Lopez and Eddie Garcia because both were born in the year of the Snake while Amalia Fuentes, who was born in the year of the Dragon, but her sign was in conflict with the month of October, which is the month of the Dog. “This is the reason why praying, doing charity work and wearing your pampaswerte and pangontra is very important,” she adds.

Moving Forward

One important feature of the destiny chart is the so-called Flying Stars or the lucky and unlucky sectors in one’s home or office that are associated with the various animal signs.  For 2020, the lucky sectors are Southeast, for windfall of good fortune; Northeast, for victory; Northwest, for financial wealth; West for prosperity; and Southwest for romance and travel opportunities.  On the other hand, the unlucky sectors are East, for misfortune; South, for illness; the Center, for robbery or loss; and North, for arguments.

The lucky signs for 2020 are Dragon, Snake, Tiger, Ox, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar while the unlucky signs are Rabbit, Rat and Horse.  Ms. Allen cautions those born in the year which clashes with the animal sign of 2020, “If you are BORN in the DAY or YEAR of the HORSE, then you are in CONFLICT with the Year of the RAT.  Another warning that I’d like to say because the pillar of 2020 is an Ox, those of you born in the DAY or YEAR of the SHEEP will be challenged.”

With birthday girl Ms. Marites Allen after the press conference

Well attended by media and blogger guests, the press conference was a preview to the November 24 feng shui convention where, Ms. Allen will discuss forecasts on love, health, wealth, and career; ways on how to enhance the lucky sectors and downplay the unlucky sectors; meanings of special numbers; and how to tap your guide spirit.  She will also share how to have miracle mornings; how to create a wealth vase for 2020; how to do a vision board for 2020 and beyond; and reveal what’s on your destiny chart for the Year of the Metal Rat.

“It is very important that we create something for a new beginning.  A wealth vase is actually a combination of auspicious symbols that you can put together in a vase and bring home before the Chinese New Year, so it’s good to have that before the year ends,” Ms. Allen shares.  Another must-have is the vision board to which she recounts, “When I started learning and doing feng shui in 2004, I also started my vision boards.  Looking back now at the photos of people I wanted to meet along the way, I have met most of them. And those photos of
material things, like a kitchen or a house, I have achieved them.  So I’d like to teach you how to do vision boards on November 24.”

The press conference also served as the launching of Marites Allen’s 2020 horoscope books, Feng Shui Almanac and Planner, the 2020 Feng Shui App, and the Frigga e-commerce website.

Wondering what’s in store for you for the Year of the Metal Rat?  Want to know how to maximize your good fortune in 2020? Secure your seats now for the 15th Marites Allen Philippine Feng Shui Convention happening on November 24, 2019 at the ballrooms of Novotel Manila Araneta City.  Get your tickets at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-marites-allen-philippine-feng-shui-convention-tickets-71031468033), call the following numbers: 0920-9509390 / 8188858/ 7360512 / 4707661 or email maritesallenevents@gmail.com.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Archie Comics Philippine Exclusive


To all Archie fans and comics collectors out there, here's great news!  The Riverdale gang goes on a trip to Manila and had their photo taken with the Rizal Monument.

Filbar’s and Comic Odyssey have joined forces for the very first ARCHIE COMICS Philippine Exclusive cover illustrated by Miguel Mercado. Coming this November 2019. 😊❤️🇵🇭

Cover photo courtesy of Filbar's Online.



Saturday, October 12, 2019

One Saturdate at Century Tsukiji

My annual meet up with a former work colleague from my days at CMG of Australia finally pushed through after two reschedulings.  Judith and I (plus another one) would meet every October during her vacation here in the Philippines from Dubai, where she works.  And everytime, the meet-up would be at Luk Yuen for some Chinese food.

This time around, I asked Judith if she'd like some Japanese cuisine and told her to meet me for lunch at Century Park Hotel on a Saturday, where we dined at Century Tsukiji.  This is my second time to eat at the hotel's Japanese restaurant but the first time was about five years ago during a client meeting.

L-R: Judith and I
Going inside the restaurant was like a breath of fresh air, like being transported to Japan.  The minimalist interiors were perfectly decorated with accent pieces that were easy on the eyes.  I did not notice this the first time I was here for a business meeting as I was ushered hurriedly into a private dining room.  I love the central painting of the four season in the common dining area, it's bright colors giving the otherwise neutral palette of the room warmth and life.  I nice touch to the Japanese theme is the Samurai armor on display at the entrance of the dining area and the large Japanese lanterns lined up on the high ceiling.


Love the four seasons painting in the background.
Their menu has plenty of good choices from sushi to sashimi to maki sushi, donburimono to teppanyaki, grilled to fried dishes and makunouchi bento, and more. We opted for the set menu which would be easier to choose and enjoy.

I ordered the Yakiniku Teishoku or pan-fried beef in ginger sauce, served with two kinds of appetizer, sashimi or salad, steamed rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles and fresh fruits for dessert.  The beef strips are tender, juicy and flavorful and the perfect pair to the sauteed vegetables.  Everything was delicious and filling.  The fresh fruits were a sweet ending to the meal.


Yakiniku Teishoku
Judith tried the Wakadori Teriyaki or pan-fried boneless chicken with teriyaki sauce.  Of course, the set comes with with two kinds of appetizer, sashimi or salad, steamed rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles and fresh fruits for dessert.  Delicious meal but the serving can be good for two.  She just finished half because she easily became full and took home the rest.


Wakadori Teriyaki
Service from the staff was excellent as they were attentive to the customer's need from refilling water down to taking photos of guests.

Delicious food plus good ambiance plus excellent service will make me come back again and again.

Century Tsukiji is located inside Century Park Hotel at 599 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila, Philippines.  For reservations or inquiry, call (02) 8528-8888 or email at reservations@centurypark.com.ph.  Visit their website www.centurypark.com for more details.


Friday, September 20, 2019

Maximize Your Good Fortune in 2020 with Marites Allen’s Feng Shui Convention


Chinese New Year 2020, the Year of the Metal Rat, is fast approaching and if 2019 falls short on your expectations, here’s your chance to turn things around. The Rat is the first animal sign in the Chinese zodiac, and its arrival marks the start of a new 12-year cycle. Take advantage of the winning traits of this clever and adventurous animal to establish a stable and abundant new year.


Join us on November 24 – an auspicious day for starting important events and deemed lucky for those who expect superior value for their investments –  to learn how to maximize your luck and good fortune in the coming Year of the Metal Rat.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from the international fengshui master herself, Ms. Marites Allen, and hear first hand the following: 
·     Insights on lucky/unlucky prospects for your personal/professional life
·     Updates on energy types and directions that may work for or against you in 2020
·     General forecasts for important life areas (wealth, health, relationships, etc.)

Get these additional benefits by attending the event:
·         ·    First dibs at the latest luck enhancers and cures for the Metal Rat Year
·         ·    Convention brochure filled with useful takeaway points
·         ·    Engaging presentations, excellent food, auspicious company
·         ·    Chance to win raffle gifts and lots of other surprises

We are also excited to launch Ms. Marites Allen’s 2020 horoscope books, Feng Shui Almanac and Planner, the 2020 Feng Shui App, and the Frigga e-commerce website.

Don’t let this golden opportunity pass you by.  Secure your seats now and get your tickets at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-marites-allen-philippine-feng-shui-convention-tickets-71031468033), call the following numbers: 0920-9509390 / 8188858/ 7360512 / 4707661 or email maritesallenevents@gmail.com or yours truly at dcalnea@gmail.com.
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