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11Apr 2016

iRegalo: Health as a gift

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

The quote ‘health is wealth’ is common to us. I realized this when I was 46 years old and raring to get back to the corporate world. During the course of a pre-employment checkup , the cardiologist discovered some abnormal findings in my heart. Fortunately, I had a health maintenance organization (HMO) card that covered the diagnostics required to see if my heart had a blockage or not. This discovery would not have happened if I had bothered at to use my HMO for preventive health care. The good news was there was no blockage in my main arteries. I decided to live a healthy life by making it a choice.

How many Filipinos even have preventive health care? For overseas Filipinos, is there a way to ensure their family’s well being despite being far from them? Let me share iRegalo.ph, a start-up that targets the health care of overseas Filipinos. I am quite excited about this new e-commerce player because of the value it provides to health care aside from other online products and services.

iRegalo assembles a comprehensive health care lineup that assures our kababayans their earnings are really spent on their family’s specific medical needs.

iRegalo introduces a new way of sending gifts, something that was not easy to do, nor even available online before. For the first time , there is a gift service offers healthcare choices for the overseas Filipino.

iRegalo’s health care

Health care packages cover dental, optical and general medical care.

One package helps keep their teeth and gums healthy for a whole year. Another provides a consultation with a licensed optometrist plus a new pair of glasses perfectly fitting the requirements of the patient.

With iRegalo General Medical Exam (GME) packages, she could have her regular check-up done at any of the 350+ iRegalo partner clinics nationwide.

Though there are three areas that are covered for now, iRegalo will continue to add services, ensuring that their families in the Philippines get the healthcare coverage they need.

Security built-in

When I first shared iRegalo a few weeks back, the main question was “is online payment secure?” iRegalo took the necessary steps to secure the entire process, using encryption that has been rated A+ by Qualys SSL Labs, an independent testing service.

“We made sure that not only are our packages compelling, but that the entire process is worry-free,” said Gilbert Paras, iRegalo CFO.

iRegalo also accepts the following secure payment options namely: PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, UnionPay, and Discover Network.

With just a few clicks at their website at iregalo.ph, Filipinos can send healthcare packages to family and friends anywhere in the Philippines. These packages are honored at hundreds of medical, dental and optical clinics nationwide.
We must always keep our health in good condition because no matter how wealthy we are, if we are not in good physical condition, then all our wealth will only be in vain. Aside from health care packages, you can also send flowers and the latest smartphones and laptops, too.

iRegalo users will be able to send gifts from participating supermarkets and other merchant types all over the country. The various categories in iRegalo is a big step in providing choice and convenience, compared to what is currently available in the market.

09Mar 2016

Sending gifts: Simple joys & acts of love from OFWs & Balikbayans

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

“What do you want for pasalubong? I will prepare a balikbayan box.”, my siblings asked via Skype. I always look forward to reunions. It is not often my siblings from the US come home to the Philippines. The last time we were together here was in 2003, when our father died. So when a wedding in the family last January got scheduled, everyone made travel plans.

2016 Photo by Widengrens Creative Media

The balikbayan box is so precious because it conveys love in a box, and also represents hard work and love for our family and friends.

Photo via Flickr by Jeff Youngstrom. Some rights reserved.

When I picked up my siblings from the international airport, I often wonder what is inside each of those balikbayan boxes. A Manila Bulletin article “What’s the most precious thing you’ve ever put in your balkibayan box?” gives us a glimpse.

My favorites are: the iPad2 I sent my wife for her birthday and the laptop I sent to my daughter so she won’t have to go to computer shops anymore for school stuff. —Randy Villegas, Saudi Arabia

My mother has cancer and I send her medicines… I find comfort in the fact that even if I can’t always be with her; I can still take care of her with the medicines that I send. —Doeleth in KSA

I saved just so I can buy clothes, shoes, even groceries that I can fit in a big balikbayan box. Opening these boxes has been a favorite bonding activity of my family. —Aileen in Dubai, UAE

Photo via Flickr by Angela Sabas. Some rights reserved.

The balikbayan box that my siblings prepare truly represents the love and joy of giving. It is different for every one. One sister packs her balikbayan box with food items while another sibling puts in towels and bedsheets. Another family member, sends books or costume jewelry from garage sales. These are items not normally found in the Philippines. But see, there are many common items inside the balikbayan box like canned goods, chocolates, bedsheets, clothes, or personal care products like lotions, perfumes, make-up, and gadgets like mobile phones and tablets. Sometimes, there are very specific items like a particular pair of shoes or shirts bought on sale. Then, there is the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFWs) who prepare the box for months, as they watch out for sale items. Whatever the gift items, our OFW or balikbayan family member is sending love inside the box when they bring it home or sent through a courier.

Photo via flickr by Island Pacific. Some rights reserved.

But there are times, you want to send it ASAP like birthday, graduation or anniversary gifts. The delivery date of a balikbayan box is usually not reliable. It could take 60 days or, even longer to arrive. Sometimes, when there is an occasion, or the item is perishable, it becomes a challenge. It’s a good thing there are now options like iRegalo that allow you to easily send items . Their site, www.iregalo.ph, allows you to buy items like smartphones, flowers, and other gadgets online. They will then deliver nationwide in the Philippines. Now, that is so convenient.

Pretty soon, iregalo will be introducing new product categories to give the OFW choice and control. Now this is something to watch out for. How exciting!

03Mar 2016

Top 10 interesting things to know about Quorn, a deliciously healthy meat alternative

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

I was at the Great British Festival last weekend to check out Quorn, a deliciously healthy meat alternative . Ever since I chose to be semi-vegetarian (or pesco-vegetarian), I have been searching for food alternatives. I tell you , I am so impressed.

I ate pasta, longaniza and chicken nuggets. It tasted exactly like real chicken nuggets. I was not able to taste any weird flavors that I often associate with soy products. I swear by it . This is one reason I am sharing it in my blog. I am so excited that it will soon arrive in the Philippines.

Did you know that excessive meat consumption is harmful to your health and even to the planet? Pressing health issues such as obesity and heart diseases have been linked to excessive meat consumption. That is one reason, I chose to be pesco-vegetarian. And did you know that meat production is one of the biggest causes of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change?

Food production is a major contributor to emissions and thus climate change. Livestock specifically is estimated to contribute over 14% of greenhouse gas emissions – a greater share than transport.

Let me share Quorn’s press release on the “Top 10 reasons why Quorn is better for you and better for the planet”

Quorn aims to combat these issues by delivering their mission – to help the world eat more healthily and sustainably.

Here are 10 interesting facts you should know about Quorn:

DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY MEAT ALTERNATIVE

Quorn is a deliciously healthy meat alternative that best replicates the taste and texture of meat, perfect for creating healthier versions of your favorite meals.

MADE FROM NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Quorn’s main ingredient is MYCOPROTEIN, a naturally healthy protein that is meat-free, low in saturated fats, but high in protein and fiber. Mycoprotein is made through fermentation, a process similar to how bread, beer and yoghurt are made. It is non-GMO.

MEAT-FREE PROTEIN

Quorn products are vegetarian.

It has a Vegan and Gluten-free range, ideal for the health conscious and health conscious to be.

GREAT TASTING PRODUCT RANGE

Quorn has a full range of great tasting products — from ingredients that allow you to cook from scratch to ready to cook/ ready to eat options.

YOUR DIET BUDDY

Quorn generally has 200 fewer calories per meal and 0% cholesterol. Now your journey to #twentysixTHIN and achieving those #bodygoals will be much easier!

BETTER FOR YOU

High protein, high fiber
85% less saturated fat than lean beef
200 fewer calories per meal
0% cholesterol

BETTER FOR THE PLANET

Quorn products have a carbon footprint approximately 90% less than beef and 75% less than chicken.
It uses 40-90% less land and water than different meat options.
Quorn Foods is the first global meat-alternative brand to achieve third-party certification of its carbon footprint figures.

TRUSTED BY EXPERTS

Quorn aims to be the best at helping consumers eat less meat. It is recommended by doctors, nutritionists and heart foundations all over the world.

WORLD LEADER

Quorn is the world leader in meat alternatives, with over 3 billion servings made over the last 30 years.

SOON IN THE PHILIPPINES

Quorn is present in many countries in Europe; in the U.S, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and soon in Asia. Arriving in the Philippines soon, get ready to taste the deliciously healthy goodness of Quorn!

For more information, visit www.Quorn.com and www.facebook.com/QuornPH.

26Feb 2016

Fighting With Your Spouse Is Good For Your Health

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 9 Comments

The captivating news feature , Fighting With Your Spouse Is Good For Your Health caught my eye. But hold your horses, war freak spouses. Listen, it has to be a good fight . Not the cat-dog fight. Preliminary results from a University of Michigan study found couples that suppress anger die earlier than couples in which one or both partners express their anger and resolve the conflict..

Researchers looked at 192 couples in Tecumseh, Mich. during a 17-year period placing them into one of four categories. The first category included couples in which both partners communicated their anger.

The second and third groups included one spouse that expresses while the other suppresses anger and the forth group involved couples where both the husband and wife suppress their anger and brood, lead author Ernest Harburg said in a press release.

“Comparison between couples in which both people suppress their anger, and the three other types of couples, are very intriguing,” said Harburg, professor emeritus of the U-M School of Public Health and the psychology department.

When both spouses suppress their anger at the other when unfairly attacked, earlier death was twice as likely than in all other types.

Ernest Harburg clarified that “If you bury your anger, and you brood on it, you resent the other person or the attacker, and you don’t try to resolve the problem, then you’re in trouble.”

The key factor is communication. Filipinos are not too hot on a confrontational talk including my husband but with practice we found ways to argue and resolve amicably. How?

1. Avoid “You should or you should not”
At the heat of any argument, I don’t butt in and say “You shouldn’t feel that way” or “You should be calm”. When I am disappointed or impatient with his attitude, I just say “I feel sad that you are feeling that way”. By owning my feelings, I am not accusing him or making him responsible for my of sadness. Even if he seeks advice, I still say “I feel this is the right approach” . I never say ““you’re wrong.” I often try hard to look for areas of agreement and work on them.

2. Don’t beat around the bush in our conversations to control the reactions of your spouse. Guilt producing comments only produce guilt.
Hinting at what we need doesn’t work. Our spouse can’t read our mind and they are more likely to resent our indirectedness. The best way to take responsibility for what we want is to ask for it directly. And, we can insist on directness too. If I need to say no to a particular request, I make it known. If my spouse tries to control me through a conversation, I refuse to participate.

3. When I’m wrong, I admit it.
I make mistakes now and then, so I say ““You’re absolutely right, dear, I know it’s my fault and here is what I’ll do to make amends.” Even if I am NOT wrong, at least I give him the benefit of the doubt, ““I may be wrong, let’s examine at the facts together.” It’s hard to argue with that.

4. Communicate with your husband when he is out of his cave
Some husbands like mine hibernate to their cave for solitude when he is thinking about a problem. Many men withdraw until they find a solution to the problem. I don’t know if women hibernate in a cave. I know I don’t. One thing I learned is Never disturb your man while he is growling in his cave.

It pays to have a good fight when both are willing to resolve like two mature invidividuals.

Any ideas to add on how to resolve your problems?

24Feb 2016

10 lessons from 10 years of blogging

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

What an incredible journey!

Today, I celebrate 10 years of blogging but 10 years ago there was nothing to celebrate. I was wallowing in a pit of unspeakable grief .

I lost my precious son 16 years ago. I don’t know how I survived , but I managed somehow because here I am, blogging about the resolution of my grief journey. Before I started blogging, I was literally drowning in sorrow. Reading blog posts about parents who lost a child helped me cope but they were mainly based in the US. I could not find anyone who wrote about grief in the Philippines. I wanted to share my story and possibly offer hope that there is a new normal after the loss of a child. Losing a child is the ultimate tragedy that can ever happen to a parent. My whole world collapsed on the day my son died. To even describe the pain is not possible. The pain is gut-wrenching and indescribable.

Losing a son felt like the end of the world to me . I wanted to die along with him but I had to remember that I still had two children and a husband to look after. I knew I had to transform my pain to something that will help not only myself but everyone around me. One night as I sat down on my couch (yes that is the same couch below), I found out there was no use making sense of my son’s death but there is hope in making sense of my life. I pondered “What can I do about it now?” “How can I help?” or “How do I pick up the pieces and go on living as meaningful as possible?” The answer was getting out of my comfort zone by helping others like myself.

On February 24, 2006, I launched aboutmyrecovery.com and wrote my first post “I chose joy over sadness. It is said that grief is inevitable but misery is optional. I realized that it did no good to sit in my misery pit. It did no good for the loss of my son to lead to the loss of two. What does do good is doing good. I decided to lead the second part of my life differently and better than I would have imagined …in the name of my son, Luijoe. I know that as I reach out to bereaved parents , the world is changed in some small way for the better, and then the actions taken become my living tribute to my son. And then Luijoe is never entirely gone.”

I am bringing back the original logo of this blog to celebrate 10 years of blogging. Speaking of celebration, I don’t have a blog giveaway but instead I want to share 10 things I learned in the past 10 years of blogging.

1. When you write about yourself, it’s never just yourself.

Writing is a work in progress. I am still learning. I used to ask myself , “who would ever read my depressing posts?”. I found out the story is not really about my pain. It was what my readers could relate to. Each of us have lost someone in our lives. My blog was just a vehicle. Who am I anyway? Why should my life be so interesting to readers? It could be interesting only up to a certain point. There’s got to be a point when it is no longer talking about myself. Or even when I am there are points others can relate to .

2. A new normal after losing a loved one is possible. Being a blogger is my new normal.

Touched by an Angel in e-book format

When I look back at my grief journey, the turning point came when I became a blogger. It must have been my angel that touched me that one night.

That is why I chose to call my blog, “Touched by an Angel”.

Looking at my first post in 2006, I merely wanted to give hope to parents, siblings and grandparents that there is a new normal after a loss of a child. I did not realize that I would be touched by my own blog. Being a blogger is my new normal. Sharing the changes in my new normal after the death of a child is one way of reaching out to others. I offer hope that life can still continue on despite the pain and that pain is a wonderful teacher. Never in my wildest dream did it occur to me that this new life without my son would open doors to an even more meaningful life.

3. Develop a thick skin and stay focused on my blog goals.

I am into blogging for many reasons like all bloggers have their own reasons. I am in it for the long haul. Yes, I can be opinionated but it’s all part of being a blogger. I make a stand whether it is popular or not. My entries may have hurt a few bloggers and readers. I apologize (when given the opportunity) when feelings are hurt but it doesn’t mean I don’t stand by my entries. Bloggers should not just know the technical side of blogging. One must be able to stay on track, stay committed and hopefully stay sane. Reality is, not everyone will like you. The more high profile you are, the more the criticisms. The more successful you are, the more some people will want to see you fail. One tip I learned from my favorite blogger is to develop a thick skin.

4. Criticisms helped me become a better blogger.

It was the year 2007 when I received a lot of criticisms . I guess it was because I was so new in blogging and made mistakes. Oh those hurtful comments inspired me to prove that I will be better. Instead of focusing on the mean comments, I worked doubly hard to improve on my blogging style. I often tell myself, “you have experienced the worst pain. You will get through this.” As a blogger mentor said, “Don’t let them beat you down. Stay focused and clear headed. If you purposely inspire negative reactions, then run with it. Enjoy getting what you asked for. If you don’t and get smacked, think it through, respond with care, and keep on blogging.”

In my early days of blogging, I received a comment that I was a “trying hard blogger”.

My reply:

Yes, you are right. I am trying hard to be a better blogger. Thanks for reminding me.

5. You are essentially what you write and will be judged accordingly by your readers.

Many years ago, a blogger once opined that I don’t have credibility but do I care? No, because that blogger is not in my community. The blogger’s perception on my questionable credibility is real for that blogger. I may not be credible to that blogger but my community of readers think I am. Why do you think they want to read my blog? Why do they subscribe to my feed? Why do they follow me?

The basic equation is really:

Perceived Trustworthiness + Perceived Expertise = Perceived Credibility

6. Embrace change .

Blogging has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Social media networks started to evolve in 2007. I am known as @momblogger in twitter. As one of the early adopters of any new thing that explodes online, I got hold of my monicker when twitter became popular in 2007. My readers are more likely to follow my blog posts on social media – clicking through to my links when I post them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. From this original blog (aboutmyrecovery.com), I have three other blogs : pinoyfoodblog.com (recipes), techiegadgets.com, beautyoverfifty.net (lifestyle) and a lot of social networks often known as “momblogger”.

7. “Personal branding is very powerful because it sends a clear, consistent message about who you are and what you have to offer.”

I had no idea about personal branding nor did I want to dominate a niche on mom bloggers. I simply wanted to be called “mom blogger” as an alternative name so the younger bloggers will stop calling me “ma’am”. @momblogger was simply more acceptable. I discovered that my life as “momblogger” encompassed not just being a mom and a blogger. I nurture both my family and community. My focus as a citizen advocate allows me to bring out underplayed stories, fight for women and family issues which are close to my heart. That is who I am. It makes me happy to be of help to others and at the same time it allows me to leave my digital footprints behind.

8. Popularity is not the same as influence.

One commands attention ; the other inspires action. Brands dictate too much on their own agenda but do they really care about mothers’ needs? Have they been communicating with moms effectively? The Social Mom is well connected and influential in her community. Moms like myself who transitioned from active parenting to being involved parents must not be underestimated. Advertisers and brands seem to forget or underestimate a growing circle of Mom influencers and advocates who no longer have young kids. This group of Moms are my generation , older women, social media savvy, still involved with our families, wiser (we would like to think) after many successes and failures during our parenting years.

9. “Live to love and love to live! Relationship is everything in the Social Media world”.

This is actually a quote which reminds me about my early months in blogging. I wanted to share my blog to have a wider reach. I went to my first blog event, iBlog 2 in April 2006 and introduced myself to popular bloggers. That was my first break. From 10 readers a day, blog traffic grew to 100. Today , this blog gets a minimum of 2,000 unique hits. Followers on my twitter account, @momblogger has now reached over 20,000. My biggest facebook community is my pinoy food blog with over 569,000 followers.

The lesson is : “Focus on how to be social, not on how to do social.”

10. Content is king. Sharing is queen.

Will blogging one day be a thing of the past? Blogging is here to stay but it is changing…a lot! I use my social media networks to deliver the snippets of long form content from this blog. I want to believe blogging will continue to evolve in exciting new ways. Ten years ago, I started blogging without a clue about what was about to happen to my life. I remember my humble beginnings before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest came. I continue to rediscover technology and see ways to improve my life and others, as well.

Ten years of blogging.

Do I miss my beloved Luijoe?

Of course , I do. Is there sadness or a tear now and then? Yes. But there is a big difference. The sadness no longer steals the joy away. The awful pain and emptiness diminished over time, as I persisted in enjoying the memories of the moments spent together, not dwelling on the times which will never happen. That pain is giving me courage to focus on my purpose in life. To live a meaningful life as a mom blogger, a citizen advocate.

To be touched by my angel.

23Feb 2016

Am a socially-conscious mom blogger . Politics is incidental

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

I am known as @momblogger in twitter. As one of the early adopters of any new thing that explodes online, I got hold of my monicker when twitter became popular in 2007.

Really, I had no idea about personal branding nor did I want to dominate a niche on mom bloggers. I simply wanted to be called “mom blogger” because I wanted the younger bloggers to stop calling me “ma’am”. @momblogger was simply more acceptable .

Well , I am a momblogger because I am a mom and a blogger at the same time. I am proud to be both. While this blog focused partly on parenting, more than half of my topics are about life in general or completely unrelated-to-parenting topics.

10 years have passed since I started this blog. I blogged about my unspeakable grief because I lost my precious son on May 27, 2000. I wanted to offer hope. Through the years, I evolved from writing on parenting , family life and grief recovery issues to being active and blogging for social good. That is aside from my tech , and food blogs.

Together with other bloggers, Blog Watch was born in 2009 in answer to a clamor in my mommy community that they wanted to know more about electoral issues. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever want to pursue the political scene. Just like any social media experiment, you never know what clicks or not in the internet.

Truly it is love of country that makes me passionate towards citizen media (blogwatch.ph and blogwatch.tv .) The thought entered me “What better way to leave a legacy to my children by making a difference in my own small way through blogging for social good” . It cannot be helped when feisty old me questions the laws, the public servants and even the issues that affect the community that I live in. I nurture both my family and community. I cannot isolate myself from the larger society. Dealing with politics is incidental. Sometimes when you want change, the best way to attain is to through political means. But politics is not an end in itself but merely a means to an end.

My feisty actions and strong opinions make me now controversial.

Am I really a mom blogger?

Boom…I am not really viewed as a mom blogger but as a political blogger. I look at myself as a citizen advocate NOT as a political blogger.

I guess I am in denial. Or not? A few years ago, I talked to a few influential blogger-friends over lunch who bluntly told me that when they think of me (momblogger), they think “political”. Some brands do not want to be associated with me (the personality behind the blog) because well, companies are capitalists in the first place. My controversial self might not be compatible to their corporate mission-vision.

It is quite disappointing to be told I am “controversial” but at the same time what good is it if I keep blogging mindlessly about brands day in and day out? or hold contests or give out freebies?

What value is in it for me? This blog will die . I will die one day. But in the meantime, I want to make my mark and impact for social good . I want to make a difference in the lives of my children, one blog post at a time…one tweet at a time. I want to do something other than blog about brands or being a brand advocate.

I do admit writing about shallow or lighter articles on my new blog “A Woman on Prime Time” which deals on taking care of myself using spa services, anti-aging products and services. Loving myself is important because when love overflows I am able to help others.

Let us look at the mom bloggers in the United States:

The average mommy blogger is 37 years old and 89% of mommy bloggers have kids between the ages of 2 and 11. They’re also socially conscious and are 85% more likely to have supported a politician based on an environmental issue, 88% more likely to buy eco-friendly products and 38% more likely to volunteer than the average mom.

And Candace Lindemann of Mamanista suggests

It is important to remember that before a lot of “mom bloggers” were moms and bloggers, they wore other hats, too. They have expertise in marketing, journalism, education, medicine, law, science, etc¦ labels have the power to empower and build community.

By that definition, I am a mom blogger.

mom bloggers —socially conscious

Indeed I may not be the average mom blogger in terms of age. I am 58 years old with two adult children. But see, I have earned wisdom through the years as a mother to three beautiful children. I am socially conscious and speak up on it.

But are the average mom bloggers in the USA considered “political bloggers”?

I am not the only mom blogger in the Philippines who is socially conscious or most likely to volunteer in charity work. Moms react differently on specific issues but we all have a common concern : our children’s futures unite us. There are the breast-feeding advocates and mothers concerned with the environment or Reproductive Health.

Is “being controversial” the price I will pay in making a stand on issues that may give positive gains on the future of my children’s children and the Philippines?

My focus as a citizen advocate allows me to bring out underplayed stories, fight for women and family issues which are close to my heart. That is who I am. It makes me happy to be of help to others and at the same time it allows me to leave my digital footprints behind.

Controversial or not, I choose to lead a purposeful and vibrant life as this blog turns 10 years old, tomorrow, February 24, 2016.

22Dec 2015

Meralco’s Liwanag Park lights up Christmas for kids from 1 to 92

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.– Ruth Carter Stapleton

I love Christmas lights. It gives me that warm fuzzy feeling that glows inside for the entire season. It brings me so much joy. Childhood memories of twinkling lights and Christmas carols are enough to lift my spirits during the holiday season. Once again, Meralco lights up ‘Liwanag Park’ with the theme ‘One Child, One Lamp’ campaign to benefit schools without electricity.

Among the park’s many features are Christmas figures and a gigantic tableau of the nativity scene made entirely of scrap copper wires.

Visitors may hitch on a ride via a miniature train, reminiscent of the days when rail operations were a part of the company’s vast portfolio of businesses (Thus, the “R” in the MERALCO acronym which stands for “Rail”). The train’s tracks circle a giant Christmas tree which is decorated with lanterns crafted from old electric meter covers and LED lights. Another attraction, especially for the kids and die-hard action movie fans, are two large robots fabricated from parts of decommissioned Meralco service vehicles and basket trucks.

The park also houses a night bazaar where visitors can go shopping for clothes, gift items, food products, among others.

Proceeds of the bazaar will go to One Meralco Foundation’s “One Child, One Lamp” campaign which aims to provide solar lamps to students in public schools without electricity.

I just loved how the whole Meralco compound literally lit up on cue when Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, along with other Meralco executives, pushed the button signalling the opening of the park, which has been a popular Christmas destination in Metro Manila.

2015 Meralco Lighting Ceremony

The lights make my heart grew tender with warm childhood memories and love of my family. As long as I know in my heart what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis

The Meralco Liwanag Park is open every day from 4:00pm to 10:00pm until January 10, 2016.

18Dec 2015

Beautiful Flowers from Te Amo Floristeria

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul. ” Luther Burbank

Imagine yourself surrounded by beautiful flowers. Visiting the Te Amo Floristeria last week brought me such a warm and fuzzy feeling. If I were an artist, I would have already painted these flowers into the canvas. In fact, Claude Monet once said, “I must have flowers, always, and always.” If you think about it, entering a room filled with flowers, bring me a feeling of contentment and comfort . The e presence of a beautiful floral arrangement can brighten your mood, relieve tension, and even change the course of your day. Let’s take a tour of Te Amo Floristeria to make your day bright and happy.

Te Amo Floristeria prides itself in being the pioneer luxury floral boutique in the Philippines. They now have a flagship store in Bonifacio Global City (G/F Active Fun Bldg, 9th Ave, Bonifacio Global City) and witnessed the blessing of the store.

Tess Prieto Valdes along with Te Amo Floristeria’s founder Amy Peng cut the ribbon for the store blessing.

I liked how the priest included all the staff for the blessing.

Tess Valdes is lovely beside the pretty roses from Ecuador. Amy Peng told me that she traveled to the world’s prime horticultural countries to source flowers straight from the farmers.

The flowers are so beautifully arranged. There are many flower arrangements. One can get the elegant, lavish selection of classic flowers and an assortment of timeless floral staples that comprise their European flower bouquets. Thematically arranged and packaged elegantly to suit a wide variety of purposes, they offer the most diverse collection of bouquets and blooms appropriate for virtually any occasion, most especially grand displays of love, tokens of deep gratitude and appreciation, and congratulatory gifts.

I could not get enough of the flowers so I just snapped away.

Did you know beyond being beautiful and fragrant, these flowers deliver a health-promoting array of benefits?

Bright, fresh cut flowers instantly improve your mood.

These are cabbage roses.

Flowers bring positive emotional feelings to those who enter a room. Just try visiting Te Amo Floristeria and feel the difference. Hopefully, their store rep is bit friendlier now that the hassle of the store blessing is over.

Anyway, Te Amo Floristeria also provides preserved flowers that can last from three to five years

Here are other preserved flowers. They cost 12,000 pesos.

Check out the gallery of fresh flowers and be amazed at the beauty of their arrangements: (click to enlarge). The flower bouquet is deal for chic event giveaways, wedding entourage props, dainty centerpieces, and even thoughtful tokens of appreciation, our adorable mini bouquets are guaranteed to delight even the coldest of hearts. An assortment of fastidiously curated flowers arranged in vivid color schemes, our unique and versatile mini flower bouquets are excellent adorn- ments sure to brighten up any given space or event. There are also fresh boxed blooms for those looking for unusual yet extraordinary floral displays. Their boxed blooms provide a fresh, novel approach to the typical flower bouquet . Consisting of intricately selected and combined flowers packaged in charming boxes of various shapes, the fresh boxed blooms work perfectly as a floral display, and add an instant touch of class to your work or living space. Although these blooms come in several preset options, they are entirely customizable to fit your specific needs and desires.

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Here is the gallery of preserved followers. They are pricey but if you compute the cost spread over three to five years, it is worth it. (click to enlarge)

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Contact details:

Te Amo Floristeria Manila Premium Flower Shop Floral Design Studio
G/F Active Fun Bldg, 9th Ave, BGC
Telephone number 8695633/09166298122
Email info@teamoflowers.com

16Dec 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the new Gateway Dolby Atmos Cinema

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

I finally watched the much awaited Episode 7 , Star Wars: The Force Awakens. I like it! It’s fun and entertaining. Good thing I got a media invite for the grand launch of the biggest Atmos Cinema in the country located at the Gateway mall, Araneta Center. I didn’t really know what to expect with a Dolby Atmos Cinema except astounding sounds.

Featuring a revolutionary audio platform that creates powerful moving audio using audio objects and overhead speakers, Gateway Mall’s Dolby Atmos Cinema boasts of sounds that come from all directions, the dialogue and music of the onscreen story move all around the audience in three-dimensional space, transporting them into the scenes and putting them in the middle of the action.

While waiting for the screening, I enjoyed the various Star Wars characters that posed at the theater lobby.

Can you tell that I was so excited to watch the movie. It’s been 38 years since I saw the original movie in 1977 and I was excited to see Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamil. Episode 7 is the first to be directed by J.J. Abrams.

Set around 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the sequel follows the adventures of new lead characters Finn (John Boyega), Rey (daisy Ridley) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they join forces with the original characters Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamil), and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), to fight Kylo Ren (Adam Driver ) and his broadsword lightsaber. The film also features Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke and Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata.

After the ribbon cutting, the cinema gave a sampling of the Dolby Atmos technoloy. Compared to regular theaters, Dolby Atmos Cinema has the most number of speakers with a 53.5 sound system (53 individual surround channels and 5 subwoofers).

Each speaker is powered independently and gets its own separate audio feed. In effect, the movement of every sound the in the scene is reproduced in all three dimensions. With bated breath, I expected a rich audio experience . I was not disappointed. The movie was a spectacular homecoming. The reappearance of Han Solo and Chewbacca brought applause from the audience. It touched me to see him once again , a much wiser Han Solo. Such an emotional nostalgic experience.

I can say the movie follows the spirit of the original trilogy. It had both action-adventure and fun! Speaking of fun, it was a dramatic new listening experience. Sorry, I am not good at writing movie reviews so just read this review roundup but remember, there are spoilers. Here are a few review quotes:

Everything you need to know about the movie is precisely where it belongs, in the movie. Just see it. You’ll love it.”

The Times gives The Force Awakens a five-star rating (the maximum). The movie is “exactly what we have been hoping for.”

“The Force Awakens is ridiculous and melodramatic and sentimental of course, but exciting and brimming with energy and its own kind of generosity. What a Christmas present”

“The cleverest thing that The Force Awakens does is make this a generational experience not just for its audience, but for its characters, too..”

“Fun, fresh-faced leads; a terrifying, three-dimensional villain; a lightsaber battle for the ages. Fear not, Star Wars fans: J.J. Abrams has made the sequel of your dreams.”

They finally made a movie sequel to the original Star Wars trilogy. And the good news is? The Force Awakens easily captures the charm and excitement of the first three movies.

Not great. But far better than “not bad.” Solidly, confidently good. Spoiler alert: The word “good” will crop up throughout this review, because it’s the most accurate adjective for this Disney-owned product launch.

The Daily Mirror, John Hiscock wrote: “All I can say is The Force Awakens evokes magical memories of 1977’s Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, with plenty of humour, action, drama and heart.”

My favorite review is from Gizmodo. ” And to some extent, nostalgia for Star Wars has become like the description of the Force from the very first movie: It’s an invisible energy that binds all Star Wars fans together. Nostalgia can cloud your mind, can move large quantities of toys, can go to either the dark side or the light side. It’s hard not to feel at times, watching this new movie, as though what’s awakening is our fond memory of the classic movies, with all the power that goes with it.”

And I have a Star Wars pillow to remind me about my youth , when I first watched the first Star Wars movie. It’s a good feeling. I will probably watch it again.

15Dec 2015

In Her Shoes, a new local magazine show premieres at 2nd Avenue on December 20

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

In Her Shoes premieres on December 20, Sunday at 6:30 PM. Catch the replays on the following timeslots: Mondays at 10:30 PM, Wednesdays at 4:30 PM, Thursdays at 9:30 PM, and Saturdays at 9 AM.

I know I am going ahead of what is new at 2nd Avenue. At the press launch of “In her Shoes” , there was a pocket event at the Zalora pop store at the EDSA Shangrila (open till December 31, 2015). I have always wanted to buy at Zalora but never knew my sizes. Fitting the shoes gave me an idea on what my shoe size is.

Speaking of shoes, there is a new local magazine show In Her Shoes that will premieres on 2nd Avenue. Modern-day Filipina women wear many hats. Aside from taking care of the family, most women take on other jobs and active roles outside the home. Though it is not easy to constantly juggle responsibilities, it brings a lot of challenges that also make their lives very fulfilling.

In Her Shoes is the all-new 30-minute lifestyle magazine show that trains the spotlight on women whose passions are not limited to home, child-rearing, beauty and, fashion. The show steps into the different lives of 2nd Avenue women as it takes a sneak peek into the distinct interests and cliques of varied archetypes of women—from bloggers, artsy types, the foodies, and the fitness buffs.

China Cojuangco-Gonzalez is hosting In Her Shoes. She says : “I’m a chef together with my husband Gino, and a mother to my beautiful daughter, Lucia. Naturally, I’m curious about what other women like us do as they go about their lives. Join me, as we discover the modern woman’s story, her passions, goals, missteps, and triumphs.”

Don’t miss the much-awaited pilot episode and join the conversation at #IHSon2ndAve. It deals with superwomen. We all know that some people excel in one thing. Others, like these women, push the boundaries in many aspects of their lives, proving that “limitation” is not a fact, but a human concept. The second episode deals with “Women who break the mold”. In this day and age, women are no longer expected to act a specific way or follow certain rules. But these women aren’t just “different”; they set a new standard for all, and up the bar in their respective fields. Then they will even show “Fabulous at Any age”. These are women who smoothly ride the wave of time, continue to shine radiantly, and who aren’t going to stop any time soon. Just reading the episode guide (see below) is making me excited. I am sure women of all ages can relate somehow.

I am sure you are looking forward to the rest of the episodes . Here is the guide.

Here is the segment guide:

2nd Avenue is the female entertainment channel for strong, successful women craving light and relatable programs that reflect their concerns, passions and interests. Seen on seen on UHF Free TV Ch. 29, SkyCable Ch. 19, Global Destiny Cable Ch. 29, Cablelink Ch. 35, and Cignal Ch. 28. Check out 2nd Avenue on www.facebook.com/2ndAvenue, or on Twitter via @2nd_Avenue and on Instagram via @2ndavenuetv. D