I’ve been receiving emails and SMS about Halloween Event this year. But I don’t think my son will be going to any Trick or Treat event because he is now a tween. But let me share the Halloween Events that I know just in case you are looking for one.
Vivere Hotel “A League of Our Own”
October 29, 2017 at 10AM-2PM
Registration: 9AM
Ticket Price: Php 1,200 nett (Adults)
Php 1,200 nett (Kids 2 years old and Above)
Php 840 nett (Kids 0-1 years old)
Inclusions:
Lunch Buffet
Loot Bag for the Kids
Entry for the Costume Contest (Costume Contest is open to
Parents and kids ages 2 and above)
Grand Prize: 3 Days and 2 Nights trip to Hong Kong Disneyland for 3 persons (inclusive of accommodation and airfare)
The Bellevue “BelleBoo Superheroes Party!”
Dress as your favorite superhero (or create your own!) and get a chance to win 3 days and 2 nights stay at The Bellevue Resort Bohol.
Other prizes include:
* Overnight stay at The Bellevue Manila with breakfast for 2
* Overnight stay at B Hotel Alabang with breakfast for 2
* Overnight stay at B Hotel QC with breakfast for 2
October 28, 2:00 to 5:00 PM at The Bellevue Manila Grand Ballroom.
Tickets are for sale at Cafe d'Asie for only Php1,100 nett
!
Crimson Hotel “Heroes and Villains”
October 28, 2017
10AM to 1PM and 2PM to 5PM
Lunch buffet: P1,514 nett w/ free flowing drinks
Dinner buffet: P1,729 nett w/ free flowing drinks
Heroes and Villains Bundle Promos: P1,900 nett includes one (1) ticket to Heroes and Villains Super Halloween morning session
P2,145 nett includes one (1) ticket to Heroes and Villains Super Halloween afternoon session
Available on:
October 28-31, 2017
For reservations, call (+63 2) 863 2222 local 1612 or email alabang.cafe8res@crimsonhotel.com
Acacia Hotel “ Pixel City Halloween Party”
October 31, from 11AM to 2PM!
P1100 per person FREE 2 years old and below
Inclusions: Parlor Games Entertainment Heavy Snack Buffet Goody Bags Raffle Prizes Trick or Treat
Taal Vista Hotel Ghost Hunting at the Ridge
October 29, 2017
2PM-6PM
Pico De Loro Cove Monster Mash Halloween
October 28, 2017 3-6PM
F1 Hotel Manila Zombie Bash Halloween Party
October 28, 2017
I will update this list.
Foodpanda interviews one of its top-photographers to guarantee glamorous food snaps
Nowadays, everyone loves taking pictures of their food, whether it’s fiddling with filters to enhance images, or using special lenses for professional results - before actually digging in and enjoying a meal. But according to foodpanda, there are several even simpler tips to ensure masterful food photos without having to buy professional gadgets!
1. What is considered to be most important when taking food photos?
It’s pretty difficult to pinpoint ‘the most important’ aspect to consider when taking photos of food, because a good photo depends on many factors, from lighting and technique to have an aesthetic eye, and of course the food itself. However, one of the most important things to consider is authenticity and to stay true to your individual style. Once you have your own style, you should stick to it, as it will serve as an expression of your personality.
2. Do you need a professional camera to achieve the above or can you take cool pictures with a smartphone?
You can certainly achieve all of this with your smartphone! Having a professional camera has great benefits, but you are definitely not limited with a smartphone. If you know what factors to consider when taking pictures, you are guaranteed professional-looking images. You can also always edit pictures with the help of white balance settings or playing with one of the countless photography apps.
3. Do ingredients play a role in pictures?
That’s a pretty good question, because it doesn’t cross most people’s minds, but the contents of the dish do play a role in photos. There are many dishes that don’t photograph well, so you need to consider adding fresh ingredients that would enhance the picture. The next time you order food that is not photogenic, consider using fresh ingredients with great colors available in your kitchen. Feel free to arrange them nicely and test the angle.
4. Should you use raw ingredients around the dish in photos. What is the benefit?
Raw ingredients make for great extra props, especially with foods that don’t photograph well. As mentioned, the addition of raw ingredients make the photo look fresh, while bright colors would make your photos pop.
5. If a dish looks crowded, will the picture be less appealing?
Yes, simplicity is key. The plate should be nicely arranged and not in an overwhelming way. To help you envision what that means, think about how you can keep the outer white space of the plate clear. I would suggest to just use a small portion of your meal to take the photo, and then later on enjoy it in its entirety!
6. What about including hands in the photo? Is that a no-go?
Adding a human element to your pictures actually makes for a good picture, as it shows viewers that you are taking the picture from your own point of view and creates a sense of presence. You could take a picture holding cutlery, or you could simply lay your hand on the side. Holding ingredients on hand (rosemary, cranberry etc.) is a great idea. Just test the angles and you’re sure to take a perfect shot!
7. What are the best angles to use when taking food pictures?
Angles are the visual language connecting you and your audience, and my two favourites are the top angle and the front angle. Of course, there a lot of different angles that work, but these are my personal favorite when taking food pictures.
8. And is there any necessity for professional gadgets?
If you’re not a professional photographer, it’s not necessary to invest in technical additions. Improvisation couldn’t be easier! Here are some super helpful tips:
● Decorate - use a wooden board to place your food, white baking paper or paper bag as a background even spread some baking powder around for that extra effect!
● Use a napkin to take out excess oil from some dishes - oily dishes don’t photograph well and it will taste just the same.
● Put your food close to a window. Natural lighting is key to the having best pictures.
● Don’t have a selfie stick to take pictures from a high angle? Stand on a chair!
● Use styrofoam as a substitute for reflectors, they work wonders!
● Set the focus point correctly on the main dish - simply click on the screen of your mobile phone.
9. Any obvious tips? Golden rules?
It might seem obvious, but it needs to be said that you should always keep the plate clean, especially when shooting close-ups. If there are smudges or imperfections, it would make the food look unappealing. Another tip would be to set up your perfect shot before your meal arrives -- food comes last in the composition process. Lastly, an arrangement is a golden rule, as it is the key to a successful picture.
Food photography ultimately amounts to your interaction with your meal. Specific arrangements, differing camera angles, the use of natural lighting, and the human element are just some of the things to consider. This process takes time and postpones the moment of eventually taking that very first bite of a delicious meal. But the anticipation makes this experience all the greater, so take out your camera and enjoy snapping some cool shots using the above tips. Just don’t let that meal get too cold!
Yesterday, I received an email regarding the HappyPlus Phishing Scam. I was shocked because pati HappyPlus card may phishing scam na rin pala. I will share here the email just in case you are not subscribed to their newsletter.
This is to inform you of the SMS and email scams meant to target Happyplüs cardholders. These emails are sent to trick individuals into allegedly winning the Raffle Draw and downloading a certain application to claim the prize.
Recently, some of the cardholders received an email or SMS that seemed to come from the Happyplüs program. Fraudsters make it appear as if the SMS or email come from the Happyplüs program. Clicking on the link, users are directed to download an application wherein they can claim the prize that they supposedly won in the Monthly Raffle draw. This application can be used as a virus to attack your devices. Please be informed that this is a phishing scam. Happyplüs will never ask its cardholders to download any application through embedded links.
While the Happyplüs Technical Team has already taken action regarding this activity, we would like you to exercise caution regarding this suspicious email. We advise you and your family to change all your Happyplüs passwords.
As an additional reminder, please take note of the following tips below to protect you from this fraudulent activity:
Official Happyplüs Raffle Prizes can only be claimed at any of the participating Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Chowking and Greenwich stores.
We do not have any mobile or desktop application for Happyplüs.
The approved DTI Number for the Happyplüs Raffle is 6206, Series of 2017.
The raffle draw is held every 6th day of the next month. The winners are announced by the 3rd week of the month in the Happyplüs website and social media pages.
Monthly Raffle Draw winners are listed in the Happyplüs website. You may check www.happyplus.com.ph if you are one of the lucky winners.
If you receive a suspicious email, immediately report it to us. Kindly call our hotline (02) 588-6000 and send a copy / screenshot of the email or SMS you received to support@happyplus.com.ph.
July is almost over and Malacañang has already released the list of holidays for 2018. Check the list of Philippines Holidays in 2018 so you can plan your trip next year. We have 8 long weekends next year.
January
January 1, 2018, Monday – New Year's Day
February
February 16, 2018, Friday – Chinese New Year
February 25, 2018, Sunday – EDSA Revolution Anniversary
March
March 29, 2018 – Maundy Thursday
March 30, 2018 – Good Friday
March 31, 2018 – Black Saturday
April
April 9, 2018, Monday – Araw ng Kagitingan
May
May 1, 2018, Tuesday – Labor Day
June
June 12, 2018, Tuesday – Independence Day
August
August 21, 2018, Tuesday – Ninoy Aquino Day
August 27, 2018, last Monday of August – National Heroes' Day
November
November 1, 2018, Thursday – All Saints' Day
November 2, 2018, Friday - All Soul's Day
November 30, 2018, Friday – Bonifacio Day
December
December 24, 2018, Monday - Christmas Eve
December 25, 2018, Tuesday – Christmas Day
December 30, 2018, Sunday – Rizal Day
December 31, 2018, Monday – New Year's Eve
Read up and do something before these germs put your family at risk!
If you think you can protect your family from diseases by using any kind of soap, think again. Wherever you go, bacteria abounds. Many of these bacteria are able to cause malodour, skin infection and diseases such as diarrhea, cough, colds and the like.
Worse, these bacteria are increasingly harder, dirtier, and can multiply faster than you expect, therefore putting your family members at risk.
Consider these troubling facts about bacteria:
1. The number of bacteria that live in and on us outnumber our own human cells by ten to one.
2. Common cold, flu and stomach viruses can live on the fingertips for hours and can survive on the surfaces of objects for days.
3. 80% of all infections, from the common cold and flu to venereal disease and Ebola fever, are transmitted by people touching one another or touching objects that others have touched.
4. A shopping cart can contain more fecal E. Coli than a supermarket toilet.
5. One study found that in schools, water fountain buttons, pencil sharpeners, keyboards and faucet handles were the most contaminated objects with viruses.
6. Phones have been found to have up to 4200 bacteria from fecal contamination. Safe drinking water should have less than 1 bacteria per 100ml.
7. In an environment as humid as a bathroom, a single bacterial cell can multiply into one billion cells overnight.
8. When someone comes to work sick, about half of the commonly touched surfaces in the office will become infected with the virus by lunchtime.
In light of this disturbing data, it is imperative for all members of the household, especially children, to use the right kind of soap that can kill these germs effectively and prevent their regrowth.
Unfortunately, not all soaps are created equal. Experts have demonstrated that most soaps do not protect their family from modern day germ threats. Protection from germ threats begin with proper handwashing and bathing using an effective antibacterial soap like Safeguard.
Safeguard with Germshield+ technology can fight a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi, preventing more types of sickness, malodour, and skin infection. Moreover, Germshield+ technology inhibits the regrowth of these bacteria and fungi for up to 24 hours, thereby providing optimal protection.
For over 50 years in the Philippines, Safeguard has been recommended by the leading health experts for germ protection for the entire family. Encouraging proper hygiene, frequent handwashing, and the use the Safeguard will make your job as protector of the family easier and more effective.
Easter Sunday is fast approaching and if you are looking for Easter activity, you may check the following event. Last year, we celebrated Easter Sunday at Vivere Hotel. You may check the video here.
Read: Staycation at Vivere Hotel
A Hoppy Easter at Vivere Hotel
Eastergalactic at Vivere Hotel
Come and join us for an EASTERrific event on April 16, 2017 9:30AM to 1:30PM (Sunday) and have an out-of-this-world EGGSperience.
Tickets are at Php950++ inclusive of Lunch Buffet, Activities and Loot bags.
A Hop-py Easter at Dusit Thani Manila
Grand Easter Sunday Crossover Brunch celebration on April 16, 2017, 1pm to 3PM at Mayuree Ballroom.
Delight on the buffet spread of the hotel’s specialty restaurants – The Pantry, UMU and joining the brunch on this day, the Benjarong Thai restaurant.
Come in your cutest bunny costume and bring your customized Easter basket. Egg-citing activities and prizes await!
• Egg Hunt
• Magic Show
• Face Painting
• Balloon Twister
• Art Activity
• Mad Science Easter Show
Lots of treats to be given away. Special thanks to the sponsors: RCBC Bankard, BDO, Toy Kingdom, Hasbro, Regent Food Corp, Trolli, Marks & Spencer, Smileys, Chips Delight, Egg Bites, Momoe Creations, Leslie’s, Cornerstone Garden, Dutch, Magnolia Chocolait, Jellyace
First 200 kids must avail of the Easter Sunday Crossover Brunch worth PHP1,250 net for kids age 3-12 years old. 20% discount applies to Dusit Wine and Dine and Dusit Lifestyle members.
An Easter Sunday Mass will also be held at 10:30AM at Sarika Function Room. For inquiries, please call 238-8888. #RediscoverDusit
Easter Sunday Party at Makati Shangri-la
Place Round up the family as Rafa the Rabbit and Friends visit Makati Shangri-La for a hop-tastic Easter Sunday party. On April 16, your kids will be in for the most unforgettable Easter Egg Hunt in a forest adventure and a city adventure.
They will be delighted to watch the very first Rafa the Rabbit and Friends musical show. There will also be a magic show, giant sunken ship inflatable playground, kid’s meals and wonderful Easter prizes to bring home.
Ticket is priced at Php 1,250 nett inclusive of 3 food items and 1 drink at the Rizal Ballroom.
For tickets, visit the Restaurant Reservation booth located the lobby and call us at (632) 813 8888. #RafaTheRabbit #MakatiShangExperience
Hop and Hunt at the Ridge at Taal Vista Hotel
Hop on to the coolest place to be this coming Easter! Beat the heat in Taal Vista Hotel and join the “Hop and Hunt at the Ridge” Easter event.
Kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy these activities:
• Egg-Hunting
• Water Bottle Rocket Making
• Space Art • Magic Show
• Egg Coloring
• Face Painting
• Balloon Making
• And other Fun-filled games and surprises!
Thanks to the sponsors: Kettle Korn, Party Time Philippines, Toy Kingdom, SM Supermalls, Oishi, Nestle Kitkat, Go Sigla Distribution, Inc, Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Quaker Oats, Cetaphil, Regulus Spacetech, Green Stevia, URC, Artus 101, Selecta, Nestle Kitkat
For inquiries, please contact Taal Vista Hotel at (02) 917 – 8219 to 20, (46) 413 1000 and (0917) 557 8265 or email foodandbeverage@taalvistahotel.com.
Sweet Easterrific Adventure at Armada Hotel Manila
Discover where the Bunny hid its gifts and treasures at Armada Hotel Manila! Join our Easter lunch buffet as we bring you fun games and activities to entertain both kids and parents.
For tickets/reservations, please call 559 9890 loc. 8888 or e-mail reservation@armadamanila.com
Regular Rate: PHP 750 net (4 years and up) 50% off for kids 3 years and below: PHP 375 net See you on April 16, 2017 10AM to 2PM #ArmadaHotelManila #SweetEasterrificAdventure
Angry Birds Adventure Land at Crimson Hotel Alabang
April 15, 2017, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, there will be an egg-citing activity yard, giant slingshot, inflatables and an eggs-pedition quest by age group.
To make it more fun, kids can also watch Angry Birds movie while delighting in yummy kiddie buffet. Ticket rate per person is Php 730++ (for kids three-year old and above)
Dino Egg Hunt at The Mind Museum
Join Dino Egg Hunt on April 16, 2017, Sunday at 1:30PM & 4:30PM!
*Free for 12NN-3PM / 3PM-6PM / all day pass ticket holders
Limited slots. Reserve via email at programs@themindmuseum.org
Eggchanted Forest Kids Easter Party at Acacia Hotel Manila
Acacia's Easter Party just got more EGG-CITING! Tickets are now available at the Front Desk for Php 1,100 nett inclusive of Brunch Buffet and access to an event filled with storytelling, games, booth activities, goodie bags, and egg-hunt surprises! Kids 2 years and below are free of charge.
For ticket purchases, kindly call 720 2000. #AcaciaEggchantedForest #EasterParty
Summer is fast approaching, looking for summer activities for your kids, check this post. (will update the list)
Feed 5000 Kitchen Studio Cooking and Baking Class
TINY CHEFS 3-6 yrs old
Batch 1: April 6-8
Batch 2: May 11-13
Time: 9 am to 12 noon
P3500
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN 7-10 yrs old
Batch 1: April 20-22
Batch 2: May 18-20
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
P3500
Tween Time 11-14 yrs old
Batch 1: April 25-27
Batch 2: May 25-27
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
P4000
Feed 5000 Kitchen Studio
43 SULU ST.,
Ayala Alabang Village,
Muntinlupa City
Contact Chef Len Santos-Ding at: 09178428496 feedfivethousand@gmail.com
McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop 2017
This is a 5-day workshop, where kids get to experience on-floor restaurant training (Lobby, Counter, Drive-Thru and other fun group activities such as Cheeseburger Making, Dessert Making, Scrapbook Making and song and dance numbers.
McDonald’s Kiddie Crew will run from March 20-June 2 for 6-12 years old.
Just visit the nearest participating McDonald’s store, fill up the application form and pay the registration fee, or download the application form or register online at mcdokiddiecrew.com.ph.
Recruitment is ongoing until April 30, 2017. The Kiddie Crew Workshop starts every 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM and runs for 1 hour.
Registration fee: P650, inclusive of the following:
• T-shirt
• Cap
• Bag
• ID with Lace
• Apron
• Chef’s Hat
• Scrapbook
• Kiddie Crew CD
• Completion Button Pins
• Certificate
• Meals
Check our McDonald's Kiddie Experience here.
Nowadays, criminals find ways to obtain financial information through text messages, social media accounts and even emails. Most of the time these unknown emails go straight to spam folder but there are times you will see this in your inbox. Bad guys copied legitimate websites and emails so if you will not check carefully, you might fall for this scam.
Last January 21, I received an email from bpiexpress@bpi.com.ph. I retype the message so you can read the sample clearly but I did not change any word.
After two days, I received another letter from expressonline@bpi.com.ph. They are using BPI Logo but still, it doesn’t look legit.
Why I did not believe this letter?
1. Reading the email is enough proof that this is not from BPI, just check the grammar and how they compose the letter.
2. They send this to my blog email address not my personal email.
3. I don’t have any credit card with BPI.
But if you have credit cards with BPI or any credit card company, don’t be a victim of Phishing scam. Don't click anything nor give any personal information.
Read: Ways to Protect from Phishing Scam
Update: March 2017
I received another Phishing Scam email from MetrobankDirect, email is hecker.hubert@t-online.de
