Andi Manzano-Reyes on making the Smart Organic Choice

Deciding what’s best for the family is a struggle for every mom. Andi Manzano-Reyes is no stranger to this – although she considers herself a smart homemaker, she still struggles sometimes when it comes to making choices for her family’s health.

Having her first daughter, Olivia, was what motivated Andi and her husband GP to make a lifestyle check. “For me, being a mom has changed the way I make decisions,” she said. Health and nutrition became a priority for her, and it became increasingly important that she become more meticulous especially with the food that she prepares for her daughter.

Andi was inspired by her fellow moms who lead a healthier and more natural lifestyle, and this is where she was also introduced to organically sourced food. Organic products follow a strict standard that ensure there are no artificial pesticides, growth hormones, and synthetic antibiotics used during its production process. “There’s this concern that some products might be made with a lot of chemicals that aren’t going to be helpful for your child’s development-- there’s always that fear.”

Olivia, now 4 years old, loves fruits and vegetables – food that Andi regularly includes in her diet. Since Olivia is very adventurous when it comes to food (especially spicy ones!), she and Andi make preparing food a fun time for them. They usually cook Filipino dishes, and make homemade fruit ice popsicles or salads together. 

“We don’t always go organic but when we have the chance to do so and it’s available, we do it. Choosing organic food gives me peace of mind knowing that whatever we ate, drank or put in our body was straight from the ground and has no chemicals,” said Andi. 

Although Andi doesn’t always serve organic food to her family, she chooses smart when it comes to Olivia’s milk. She wants to make sure that Olivia gets the best available milk that provides age-appropriate nutrition with the assurance of organic. 

After doing thorough research and consulting fellow moms, Andi discovered Promil Organic and choosing it for Olivia’s milk was an easy decision for Andi. Firstly, Promil Organic is made by Wyeth Nutrition, the leading formula milk manufacturer in the Philippines with over 100 years of scientific expertise.

Secondly, Promil Organic is made with 100% organic milk sourced from certified organic dairy farms. It is certified organic by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) Inspection & Services Inc, following strict organic requirements.

Lastly, Promil Organic is the only organic formula milk in the Philippines intended for preschoolers aged 3+ that contains DHA & AA – important nutrients that help support a child’s brain development.

Just like Andi, all moms can make the smart organic choice when it comes to their children’s nutrition. To know more about Promil Organic and its other benefits, visit https://www.wyethparenteam.com.ph/products/promil-organic.

McDonald’s gives back to delivery drivers with a special surprise

Because of the hustle and bustle of everyday, we rely on delivery drivers and services to make life more convenient. No matter the weather and traffic situation, we can count on them to deliver our orders. Their hard work and sacrifice often go unnoticed, which is why McDonald’s decided to deliver back to them.

In a recently released video, McDonald’s went around Metro Manila to McDeliverback and surprise delivery drivers with a simple token of thanks. From couriers to food aggregators, McDonald’s gave back to the people who brave everything to bring us anything.

Watch the video on McDonald’s Facebook page and see how the brand gave back to the people who make our lives more convenient.

Through McDelivery, McDonald's helps you satisfy your cravings from the comfort of your home. Get your McDonald’s favorites from the hardworking McDelivery drivers by ordering via mcdelivery.com.ph or the McDo PH App, which is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Announcing the official Philippine National Volleyball Team lineup for the 2019 SEA Games

Philippine volleyball fans, are you ready for this year’s SEA Games in Manila?

The Philippine national men’s and women’s volleyball teams have released their official line-ups for the games, featuring a pool of talented professional and competitive players. Here is a look at our Volleyball representatives eyeing a podium finish in the regional meet.

MEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Joining the men’s national volleyball team are talented players who have made their mark in the sport. Headlining the team is a powerful trio collectively known as BAE (a playful acronym of their surnames), and their team captain John Vic de Guzman.

John Vic de Guzman

Men’s national volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman is a stellar pro athlete with the PLDT Home Fibr Ultra Fast Hitters. He shot to prominence through his winning collegiate career, leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to an NCAA championship in Season 92, as well as earning the MVP honors along the way.

Bryan Bagunas

Bryan Bagunas is a collegiate MVP and Japan-based pro player. Bagunas led the Bulldogs to two UAAP championship runs and finished his storied collegiate career with two MVP titles. The 6-foot-5 athlete portrays his power on the court through his long wing-span and powerful spikes, taking his talents not only to the Philippine national team, but also to the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler volleyball club in Japan.

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla is a standout pro from Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao. He is a BS Criminology graduate from DLSU-Dasmarinas, where he helped the team win three national championships from the Private Schools Athletic Association, two from the National Capital Region Athletic Association, and three from the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association. He currently plays in the Premier Volleyball League for the Philippine Air Force, in which he also serves as an airman 2^nd class. Folks in his hometown of Bongao revere him as a hero and a role model for the youth.

Marck Espejo

Marck Espejo is the country’s first ever “Mr. Volleyball,” proving himself a force to be reckoned with. Espejo’s crowning achievement is winning the Most Valuable Player in Ateneo de Manila University’s three consecutive championship seasons from UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, along with Rookie of the Year, Best Attacker, Best Server, and Best Scorer awards.

Together with Bagunas, Abadilla, Espejo, and De Guzman, the Men’s National Team, coached by Dante Alinsunurin, is completed by these talented players:

• Francis Saura – Philippine Air Force
• Kim Malabunga – Philippine Air Force
• Ricky Marcos – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
• Esmilzo Polvorosa – Cignal HD Spikers
• Jessie Lopez – Philippine Air Force
• Ave Joshua Retamar – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
• Rex Intal – Cignal HD Spikers
• Mark Alfafara – PLDT
• Jack Kalingking – Philippine Navy
• Joshua Umandal – PLDT

WOMEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The star-studded and jam-packed women’s team is headlined by the best and brightest volleyball stars of this generation. Led by Coach Cesael delos Santos, the team hopes to earn home court advantage as they look to bring back the glory days of Philippine volleyball. 

Some of the headliners are:

Aby Maraño

A champion professional and collegiate MVP, women’s national team captain Aby Maraño plays with a burning passion under the mantra Beast Mode Don’t Care, or BMDC. Maraño shot to fame in her college days playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, where she helped the team win an impressive three consecutive UAAP championships, earning two MVP awards along the way. Maraño has also had a successful pro career thus far, winning six championships in the Philippine Super Liga, five of which were with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. With this dazzling resume of accolades under her belt, Maraño will be looking to lead the team in dominating the field at the 2019 SEA Games this November.

Alyssa Valdez

Alyssa Valdez, affectionately known as “The Phenom,” is one of the most popular athletes of her generation. She’s best known for her time as a star player of Ateneo de Manila University during her college days, where she unceasingly led her team to two UAAP and two Shakey’s V-League championships, as well as numerous individual awards for her amazing play, including three MVP awards. Valdez has also been a standout in donning the Philippine tri-color in international tournaments, as well as in her pro career, leading her current team the Creamline Cool Smashers to two Premier Volleyball League championships in 2018 and 2019.

Majoy Baron

Majoy Baron is another champion pro and collegiate MVP.  She is truly unpredictable when she starts hitting it out on the court. She led the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to three consecutive UAAP championships, where she also won individual awards because of her commendable performance. Baron’s pro career is also flourishing, helping take the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers to five PSL championships, including the recently-concluded 2019 PSL Invitational Conference, in which she also won MVP. Baron is not new to international volleyball tournaments—just recently, she was named the Best Middle Blocker in the ASEAN Grand Prix held in Thailand and the Philippines.

Jia Morado

Jia Morado is an award-winning pro MVP and former college standout who has previous experience representing the Philippines in the SEA Games. During the recently concluded 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, Morado made noise by setting the pace for the national team during its five-set victory against Vietnam. Netizens praised her outstanding performance, with some describing her playmaking as a “game changer.” Her pro career with the Creamline Cool Smashers has seen incredible accomplishments so far, with two Premiere Volleyball League championships playing for the club.

Completing the promising women’s national volleyball team in the 2019 SEA Games are:

• Rhea Dimaculangan – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
• Ces Molina – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
• Eya Laure – Foton Tornadoes
• Kalei Mau – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• Mylene Paat – Cignal HD Spikers
• Jovelyn Gonzaga – Cignal HD Spikers, PacificTown-Army
• Maddie Madayag – Choco Mucho
• Mika Reyes – Petron Blaze Spikers
• Dawn Macandili – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• Kath Arado – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers

Cheering as Sambansa in the 2019 SEA Games

Now that we know who will represent the Philippines at the SEA Games this November, don’t be shy to show your support! Both the men and women’s teams have been busy preparing with the help of various organizations and companies such as Rebisco, and they will need all the support they can get from their Filipino fans as our players look to play their best against the top talent of Southeast Asia and bring home the gold.

The volleyball tournament of the 2019 SEA Games will be held from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila.

For more info and updates on the Philippine national volleyball team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook (facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/), and on Twitter and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.

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Jollibee just launched Cookies ‘n Cream Sundae Twirl!

Oreo lovers, rejoice! It’s time to head to the nearest Jollibee store to try the creamy, crunchy cookie sundae goodness.

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast food brand, just announced their latest addition to their roster of delectable desserts – the Cookies ‘n Cream Sundae Twirl!

A new twist to our favorite Jolly Twirl, you can now experience the thicker and creamier vanilla soft-serve now encrusted with crushed Oreo cookies, with sweet white chocolate coating, and topped with a whole Oreo cookie!

“The mix of crushed cookies, with white chocolate coating, and a whole Oreo on our popular soft-serve ice cream is a delightful combination we can’t wait for everyone to experience,” said Kay Segismundo, Jollibee’s Senior Marketing Manager for Complementary. “The awesome new Cookies ‘n Cream Sundae Twirl is the perfect treat for any time of the day!”

Treat yourself to a wonderfully-sweet Cookies ‘n Cream Sundae Twirl for only P39! It’s available for dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru at all Jollibee stores nationwide.

For more updates on Jollibee products, don’t forget to like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Bida para sa bida in new Kuya J TVC

Behind every delectable Filipino dish is a team who relentlessly work hard to make every salo-salo celebration a meaningful experience for you and the people you love.

This was the main message shown in the newest Kuya J commercial with its “Bida Team” passionately and meticulously preparing its best-selling dishes. The TVC showcased their well-loved Crispy Pata, deep-friend crispy pork skin with tender juicy pata meat; the Kare-kare in Kuya J peanut sauce; and Kuya J’s milky-smooth ice Halo-Halo Espesyal that’s packed with toppings, homemade leche flan, sprinkled with crunchy cornflakes, and drizzled with sweet ube cream.

The thirty-second spot also featured its endorser, Jericho Rosales, who narrated how to make celebrations meaningful with your loved ones, only at Kuya J. “Meron kaming game plan,” Jericho explains. “To make dishes na binabalik-balikan, at higit sa lahat pinaghihirapan. Para bawat baso, ikasasaya ninyo.”

The commercial ends with Jericho saying, “Sa Kuya J, we make everything espesyal. Lahat ng hain, binibida because you deserve only our best. Kuya J, bida para sa bida.”

Whether it’s an intimate affair or a grand festivity, Kuya J’s “Bida team” guarantees to make it memorable, giving only their best through their carefully and passionately prepared dishes.

To know more about Kuya J and to watch its newest TVC, visit https://www.facebook.com/KuyaJResto/.

Andrea Brillantes unveils make-up collection under Careline

               

Young actress Andrea Brillantes recently released her new make-up collection, Blythe, under Careline Cosmetics, the trendy and cool cosmetics line of Ever Bilena. . Her collection offers a full-range of make-up essentials which include Cloud Tint, eye make-up such as The Eyeliner Duo Stamp, The Starlight Eyes, and Blythe Face Palette; Stardust Highlighter Palette, The Perfect Brow Trio, and lipstick collection which come in various shades and formulations—the Stellar Satin Lipsticks and Majestic Matte Lipsticks.  Blythe by Careline will be exclusively available in selected Careline counters at leading drugstores and department stores nationwide. It will also be distributed in Lazada and Shopee. To know more about Blythe by Careline, visit https://careline.com.ph/ and follow their social media accounts: www.facebook.com/blythebycareline, and https://www.instagram.com/blythecosmetics/.

  

A game of bowling with Best Buddies

For regular shoppers, it may have been just an ordinary afternoon at the mall, but for Vico, 28, it was a special day to spend a few hours enjoying a game of bowling with his friends from Best Buddies Philippines.   The group of friends were at the mall, with other pairs of best friends, for a friendly bowling tournament organized by Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement for one-to-one friendships and inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The activity is one of the many initiatives organized by Best Buddies, in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. During the event, individuals with IDD like Vico, had a fun afternoon hanging out with their Peer Buddies volunteers who committed to spend time, have fun activities, communicate on a regular basis and enrich their lives through friendships with individuals like Vico. 

Catherine Cham, mother of Vico, said that events like the Best Buddies Bowling Game give her son an avenue to socialize and feel he is a regular part of a group. She is very thankful for Best Buddies which she said helped her find a best buddy for Vico. 

“His peer buddy is Buboy Palomares. They’ve been friends for 4 years. They used to jog regularly twice a month or watch a movie. They also engage in group activities. With Buboy, Vico was able to find a friend whom he would text regularly.  It is really important for parents because it’s really not easy to entrust your child to somebody.” 

“We are very thankful for the support that we have received from our volunteers and sponsors,” exclaims Michelle Aventajado, executive director of Best Buddies Philippines. “Events like these strengthen the friendship between volunteers and individuals with IDD. It’s a great opportunity to promote inclusion, have fun, and enrich the lives of everyone involved in the Best Buddies program.”  

For SM Cares, the event is another opportunity to support and give back to the community. “At SM, we believe that establishing good relations can positively affect and inspire those with special needs. We strive to make every SM Mall, a mall for all, and by supporting activities such as this, everyone can enjoy the same fun and leisure in SM, as anyone would do,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, program director of SM Cares Program on PWDs. 

Best Buddies Philippines is looking into partnering with private entities like SM who can   support them in their advocacy and their other programs. It also aims to widen its scope in the next 5 years by establishing Friendship Chapters in more schools nationwide. 

To know more about Best Buddies Philippines you may visit www.bestbuddiesphilippines.com, https://www.facebook.com/BestBuddiesPhilippines/, or send an e-mail to bestbuddiesmanila@gmail.com.

To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com.

The Most Instagrammable Cafe in the Philippines!

Are you looking for a place where you can relax while sipping a cup of coffee?

Well, good thing to know that Coffee Project does not only offer coffee and scrumptious food that will surely delight your day, they also one of the most Instagrammable coffee shop in the World!

Here's the Drinks that they offer:

Hot Coffee

• Cafe Americano
• Cafe Latte
• Cappuccino 
• Vietnamese Latte
• Cafe Mocha
• White Mocha
• Caramel Latte
• Coffee Indochine
• Espresso 
• Espresso Machiatto

They also offer Bulletproof Coffee that may help you lose fat and decrease your stress level!

Iced Coffee

• Iced Americano
• Iced Cafe Latte
• Iced Cappuccino
• Iced Cafe Mocha
• Iced White Mocha
• Iced Caramel Latte
• Iced Coffee Indochine
• CaPhe Sua Da
• Sweet Cold Brew
• Cold Brew

Non-Coffee Drinks

• Matcha Latte
• Iced Matcha Latte
• Hot Chocolate
• Iced Chocolate
• Iced Tea

Dark Chocolate Frappe

Non-Coffee Frappe

• Dark Chocolate
• Vanilla Macadamia
• Chocolate Cookie
• Caramel Vanilla
• Strawberry Vanilla
• Matcha Green Tea

Caramel Coffee Jelly Frappe

Coffee Frappe

• Mocha Frappe
• Cappuccino Frappe
• Coffee Cookie Crumble Frappe
• Coffee Butterscotch Frappe
• Coffee Creme Brulee Frappe
• Vietnamese Coffee Jelly Frappe
• Caramel Coffee Jelly Frappe

Fruit Frenzy Drinks

• Apple and Raspberry
• Lemon Lychee Tea
• Berry and Pomegranate Green Tea
• Green Apple Cucumber Slush
• Avocado Raspberry Medley

Foods they offer:

Continental Breakfast is All day Breakfast. You can have it anytime of the day. 

Arrabiata Penne, Creamy Carbonara, Sardine Pasta and Creamy Mushroom Pesto 

They also have Chicken Alfredo, Sausage Arriabata and Sausage & Garlic Pasta. 

Chicken Parmigiana has Arabbiata sauce and pimiento cheese with Hot Pepper Rice. 

They also offer Garlic Longganisa, Beef Tapa, Caramelized Spam, Boneless Bangus, Mushroom & Garlic Chicken, Tender Chicken Tocino and Classic Corned Beef. 

French Toast

They also have Mushroom Omelette and Ham & Cheese Omelette. 

Fish and Chips

Pepperoni Pizza, Godfather and Cheese Pizza

All of their pizza has 4 kinds of cheese. They also have Bacon and Cream Cheese Pizza.

Clubhouse Sandwich is good for sharing and It has chicken spread, ham & egg, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and chips. 

They also have Spam & Egg, Tuna Melt and German Sausage. 

Kani Salad

They also offer Caesar Salad and Greek Salad. 

Chocolate Cookie Dough Cheesecake

They also have Red Velvet Cheesecake, Oreo Cheesecale, Blueberry Almond Cheesecake, Purple Yam Cheesecake, Ube Macapuno Cream Cake, Bannofee Cake, Chocolate Cake and more... 

Coffee Project was very honored to be recognized as the 24th most instagrammable cafe in the world!

The ambiance of all their branches was very cozy and relaxing. The interior will surely amaze you! So if you want to relax go to your nearest Coffee Project and reward yourself with some delicious food and drinks! Bring your friends and love ones too! 

Here are some of the photos of their branches:

Vista Mall, Tanza Cavite

Coffee Project Libis

Vista Mall, Naga City

Coffee Project Global South

One of my favorite branch is the Coffee Project Vista Hub, located at Bonifacio Global City. I was very impressed with the interior, the ambiance is very relaxing and it's quite big because the seating capacity is 150. Their Baristas are very friendly! They'll welcome you with warm greetings and a nice smile. They also have a cool Store Manager, Sir Jham that will certainly make sure your drop by will be worth it! Pictures below is the Coffee Project Vista Hub branch:

During the reservation, buffet style:

Vista Hub, BGC Taguig

This cafe offers unique coffee experience and you'll definitely enjoy visiting Coffee Project! 

You may also have a reservation for events such as meeting, baby shower, bridal shower and etc. 

Below are the current Coffee Project branches:

• Alabang
• Antipolo
• Bataan
• Bonifacio Global City
• Bulacan 
• Cagayan De Oro
• Cebu
• Espana
• Evia
• General Trias
• Global South
• Iloilo
• Imus
• Katipunan
• Kawit
• Lakefront
• Las Pinas
• Legarda
• Libis
• Malapagal
• Molino
• Mosaic
• Naga
• Pampanga 
• Salcedo
• Shaw 515
• Spark
• Sta. Rosa
• Symphony
• Taft
• Taguig
• Tanza
• Worldwide Corporate Center
• Wil Tower

For more information, you may visit their official website:

www.coffeeproject.com.ph

Also, follow them on Instagram and Facebook:

@coffeeprojectofficial

Photo Credits: Coffee Project