UK's Costa Coffee is here in the Philippines!

Dispel the myth. Londoners do not just drink tea. They love coffee as well.

Last week, I got a chance to experience what UK's #1 coffee is all about as Costa Coffee made us experience it firsthand during their soft launch for bloggers.

The first ever Costa Coffee store is at Eastwood Citywalk 1, near the Activity Center. That's not too far from me. They will be opening up 4 more stores very soon -- Robinsons Ermita, Tera Towers, Bonifacio Global City, and Robinsons Antipolo.

Qualimed opens in UP Town Center

In spite of the fact that Katipunan is densely populated with residential houses and condominiums and home to at least three major schools and a few smaller ones in the periphery, as well as numerous eating places, I always wondered why it sorely lacked one thing for decades -- a decent, modern diagnostics and healthcare facility.

Not anymore though!

With the opening of the UP Town Center and its mall facilities, the QualiMed Health Network, a network of clinics, surgery centers, and hospitals, owned by Mercado General Hospital, Inc. in partnership with Ayala Land, Inc., has put up a Qualimed clinic in its mall area to service the area.

Magnum Manila's pop-up store says goodbye with a brand new menu

You know that feeling when something you know is bound to come to an end actually comes to an end?

It was a day of mixed emotions for all of us at the media event. We recalled how, just over a year ago, we were in this same place celebrating the opening of Magnum Manila's pop-up store, enjoying the menu prepared for us by Chef Him Uy de Baron as well as the chocolate creations by award-winning pastry chef Miko Aspiras. And now this same group gathered once more to bid goodbye to Magnum Manila as it prepares to close its doors on July 26, 2015.

Magnum logo made from pop sticks

Read my post last year on Magnum Manila's opening.

On the 1st International Day of Yoga, Waves of Peace will flow from Manila to Mindanao, Mindanao to Manila

Last Dec. 11, 2014, the United Nations (UN) declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This move was supported by 175 countries, the highest record number of declarations and co-sponsors of any UN General Assembly Resolution.

Globally, yoga communities are organizing different events to celebrate the first celebration. In the Philippines, one yoga community's intention is to send waves of peace to Mindanao, with Mindanao doing the same for Manila.

'Tis the Sip 'N Go Season at Starbucks with new beverages and a promo!

This summer is just one of the hottest I've ever experienced. Good thing there are a few things that go well with the hot summer and that includes two of the latest frappes from Starbucks.

They're introducing the Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino and the Caramel Triple Coffee Jelly Frappuccino till July 27, 2015.

Monggo goodness with Knorr pork cubes

Superfoods are now becoming popular among health buffs because of the extra boost in nutrients that they give. I've been buying chia seeds and quinoa for some time now to mix them in smoothies and other dishes. But frankly, I cannot buy these in large quantities because they are usually expensive and available only in select health stores and weekend markets.

But guess what! A childhood favorite, which is very inexpensive and locally grown, is also a superfood! MONGGO!

60 Years since its Film Debut and Singin' In the Rain is Coming to Manila!

My generation and the generation before me loved Gene Kelly. He was the "crush ng bayan" (heartthrob). And he ranked up there alongside Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in musicals with dancing. One of the most loved musicals that showcased Gene Kelly's dancing ability was Singin' In the Rain.

Now, even the millenials will relish the experience of Gene Kelly's dancing because the UK production is coming to Manila, specifically Solaire, on August 20, 2015.

Ladies, put on your Power Pout over Cervical Cancer!

I attended this event on cervical cancer hosted by GSK because I had two adult girls and wanted to learn more about cervical cancer and the vaccine.

A cervical cancer survivor shares her story

Zenutrients launches its Argan Skin Salve-ation

I've long been a user of Zenutrients' deodorant roll-on made from tea tree so when my friend Tin invited me to Zenutrients' main branch to check out their new Argan oil line. I immediately said yes.

Arriving at the place, I was delighted to find a store unlike the usual brick and mortar ones. Just look at this facade. It makes you feel like you're about to enter the forest or some kind of wonderland.

Braun and Severin's Afternoon Bites with Mommy Bloggers

When you get an invitation like this, you can be sure that the afternoon would be fun, fun, fun. And indeed it was! Mommy blogger friends took time off from family responsibilities to gather for some much needed ME time with our host, Colombo Merchants Philippines, exclusive distributors of the German brands Braun and Severin.

Mom blogger friend Mish helped organize the event.  The whole function room atop one of the condominium units at BGC turned out to be beautifully and tastefully bedecked for the occasion. One could not miss the details - beautiful summer flower arrangements on each table, dainty table decor, classy tableware in hues of ivory, browns and yellows, a specially made table card with the menu for the afternoon, recipe sets for each of us containing instructions on how to prepare all the food we would be having, a matching USB stick with more product information, and more! The whole place was just eye candy despite it being an intimate gathering.