Gel Jose

Korea’s NO BRAND opens its second store in Robinsons Galleria South

Korea’s NO BRAND store will open is second branch on December 27 at Robinsons Galleria South in San Pedro, Laguna. Its maiden store in the Philippines is located at Robinson Galleria.

Launched in 2015 by Korea’s leading retailer, E-mart, No Brand is very popular in Korea with 258 locations. It is known for its “No-Frills Marketing. No Fancy Packaging. Just Value and Quality.”

“It’s not the brand. It’s the customer.”

This is the slogan of NO BRAND. The value-driven store features private label products that do away with marketing frills and fancy packaging, yet deliver the same quality that are at par with respected and much-patronized brands in the market.

The smart consumer takes centerstage as it highlights utility over vanity, value over appearances. By adopting a simple approach to merchandising and eliminating costs of fancy branding, customers can expect to get exactly what they need or more. No drama, no selling ploys, no brand – only the guarantee of a wide variety of high-quality products at affordable prices. Choices range from chocolates, potato chips, cereals, Korean ice-cream to non-food products like tissue, laundry detergent, diapers and more. Price points are from Php50 to Php1,000.

To know more about No Brand Philippines, follow it on Facebook and Instagram. To know more about RRHI, visit the company’s official website.

Store information and details provided in a recent press release.

Come home to these great movies on SKYcable this December

Cherish the holiday break this Christmas as the whole family is home for the holidays and enjoy SKY’s movie marathon treat with a diverse and fresh selection this December.

Welcome back “Joy” and “Ethan” into your homes as they bring you a story of personal struggle and romance with the phenomenal box-office hit “Hello, Love, Goodbye” on SKY Movies Pay-Per-View available from until January 12 for only P99.

Catch “Dumbo,” one of the childhood classic novels’ live-action reimagining as it premieres on Fox Movies this December 21 at 9:00 P.M. Collin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva green, and Alan Arkin join force in this film adaptation of the story of struggling circus owner Max Medici (DeVito) who engage Holt (Farrell) and his two children to take care of Dumbo. See what obstacles they encounter in the circus and how they manage to bring the circus back to life again.

Another live action revival awaits cartoon lovers this coming Dec.25 at 8:00 P.M. as “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” airs on Fox Family. In Paul Tibbitt’s directorial debut, Spongebob helps Mr. Krabbs in finding Burger Bread who stole the top secret recipe of Krabby Patties.

‘90s babies now have the chance to catch “The Brady Bunch Movie” on Paramount on December 31 at 2:15 P.M. Parents Mike (Gary Cole) and Carol (Shelley Long) are having problems as their home is in danger of being taken away by Larry (Michael Mckean), the house’s developer. As soon as their six Brady kids know of the problem, they decide to enter a talent contest to help the family.

Sports fans can learn from “Gold,” a fictionalized retelling of the first Olympic gold win by hockey team, Independent India in 1948, on Zee Sine. In this historical sports drama, which airs Dec.21 at 8:30 P.M.,, check how assistant manager Tapas (Akshay Kumar) was instrumental in bringing India its first Olympic Gold as a free nation.

Also don’t miss Vice Ganda’s “Fantastica” on C1 this December 31 at 9:00 P.M., where he plays a struggling carnival owner thinking of ways to make his family’s business become lively again.

From Hollywood box office films to local films, you can come home to SKYcable for great flicks. Take your pick now and arrange a date with the entire family. Existing SKYcable subscribers can choose to add movie channels to their lineup for as low as P20/month. Sign up at mysky.com.ph/addchannels.

Not yet on SKYcable? Fill up this form or call your local SKY office to see which cable plan is right for you.

Show details and image provided in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

SKY partners with Asian Eye Institute to give eye care to students in Luzon

Hundreds of students from Luzon have received free eye care to help them with their productivity and well-being as SKY partnered with the Asian Eye Institute to bring the “Kislap Mata: Malinaw na Mata, Malinaw na Kinabukasan” project.

Beneficiaries of the eye care program held in San Isidro Elementary School, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Sto. Tomas North Central School, and at Lagundi Elementary School, Morong, Rizal received free consultation, proper eye care workshops, and prescription glasses.

Zacquia Chua and Cassandra Baral of Lagundi Elementary School have difficulty in reading and catching up in class because of their poor eyesight. But as two of the beneficiaries of the eye care project, their glasses have been replaced.

“Mas makakapag-aral na po akong mabuti kasi makakakita na po akong mas maigi, salamat po sa SKY at Asian Eye” Cassandra said.

Across the various legs of the project, 575 students have attended the eye talks, 338 have received eye checkups, 108 have been given eye glasses while 23 have been referred to clinics for further checkup at Asian Eye Institute’s EyeSite is an ambulatory eye center with branches located in St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; SM City Fairview; SM City Batangas and SM City Dasmariñas.

“We are happy to be part of this initiative. It gave us an opportunity to teach children what it means to have healthy eyes,” shares Asian Eye Institute Chief Operating Officer Alwin S. Sta. Rosa. More than just giving glasses to students that need them, it’s also important for children to learn good eye care habits early. “Kids are constantly exposed to technology so it’s good practice for them to rest their eyes every 20 minutes of studying or playing on gadgets. It’s also an effective way to prevent eye fatigue that can lead to headaches.”

Another factor to consider is good hand hygiene. Sta. Rosa adds, “We also remind children not to rub or scratch their eyes, because it’s the best way to avoid eye irritation or infections like sore eyes.”

To further support the aim of improving the students’ school performance, SKYcable and SKYdirect connections were donated to each school.

“We feel privileged and blessed that our students have been chosen as recipients of the ‘Kislap Mata’ program of SKYcable. Eyesight is very important for students. Without healthy eyes, they won’t be able to understand and read their lessons. Thank you very much to SKYcable and Asian Eye. Of all the schools in the Philippines, Morong got picked,” Lagundi Elementary School principal Claire Rino said.

SKY Head of Integrated Marketing Gidgette Faustino, shared SKYcable’s eagerness to help students, “We at SKY are grateful for the opportunity to help in any way we can, we envisioned ‘Kislap Mata’ project to help select students learn in their full capacity and more comfortably with clearer eyesight. We look forward to more learning advocacies that will help promote learning and education in the country,” she enthused.

Asian Eye Institute is a world-class eye institute that put the Philippines on the map of quality health care. It started in 2001, and provides a full range of specialized medical services, delivering safety and comfort of modern facilities, with some of the most advanced technology worldwide.

For more information on SKY, visit mysky.com.ph.

Program details and images provided in a recent press release.

UKEAS to Partner with British Embassy Manila for Study World UK Education Fair

UKEAS Philippines is proud to announce a joint partnership with British Embassy Manila for the upcoming Study World UK Education Fair on 18 January, 2020, at Shangri-La Hotel Makati. The Study World UK Education Fair will provide students with the chance to explore opportunities to complete their post-graduate studies at the top universities in the United Kingdom.

“The British Embassy is really pleased to once again be working with UKEAS. The UK has a world-class education offering, and our higher education institutions are amongst the most renowned and prestigious in the world. For 2020, the British Embassy Manila, UKEAS, and the British Council are partnering together to bring this message across to students in the Philippines,” shares Richard Colley, the United Kingdom’s Director of Trade & Investment. “UKEAS’ Study World makes studying in the UK accessible to many Filipinos who aspire to broaden their horizons through learning at our prestigious universities. As education becomes more globalised, we want to make sure that everybody hears about educational opportunities in the UK. To do so, we choose to work with partners who exemplify British values.”

What is the Study World UK Education Fair?

This January’s up-coming Study World UK Education Fair will bring representatives from the leading universities in the United Kingdom to Manila. The event will allow students to gain all the necessary information needed to pursue an education in the UK, while giving them access to seminars and keynote speeches.

“Students and universities in the Philippines will be able to see the spectrum of UK education in a series of events that the Embassy is organising in partnership with UKEAS and the British Council. As well as the Study World UK Education Fair, we will also host a UK-PH University Partnership Conference and a series of networking events for academic institutions,” says Richard Colley. “We believe by establishing UK-PH partnerships, we will create more opportunities to unlock joint research projects, broadening of curricula and access to new resource materials and exchanges for both students and faculty members.”

Participating universities include:

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (NEW)
Birmingham City University (NEW)
Coventry University (NEW)
University of Sunderland (NEW)
QA Higher Education (NEW)
- Northumbria University London
- Solent University
- Ulster University London
- University of Roehampton
Navitas
INTO – City University
INTO – University of Liverpool
University of Leeds
Hult International Business School – London
Nottingham Trent University
University of South Wales

“The UK is serious in its commitment to make education accessible and relevant. This also supports Philippine industries and their workforces for the future,” adds Richard Colley. “Study World UK Education Fair will give prospective students, whether undergraduates or professionals seeking to top-up their qualifications, access to special sessions on university applications, essay writing, visa applications, and living in the UK. There will also be a helpdesk, to give advice and information on student funding opportunities including self-paid and part or full scholarships.”

Attain World Class Education at Study World UK 2020

“We are committed to championing the breadth and diversity of UK education. As a destination of choice for students from around the globe, we are committed to supporting our global partners in their educational objectives, and to sharing UK knowledge and expertise,” says Richard Colley.

Get one step closer to your dream of studying overseas with UKEAS and British Embassy Manila at the Study World UK Education Fair on 18 January, 2020, at Shangri-La Hotel Makati.

“We are proud of the UK’s outstanding reputation for education. Four UK universities are in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings. University degree qualifications from the UK are among the best and desirable in the world and highly valued by employers globally,” says Richard Colley. “UK education programmes are delivered in many innovative ways. As well as classroom-based learning, there are opportunities for online, community-based and immersive study. Degree courses can also be studied at a Philippine university but with 6-12 months of the course being completed in the UK.”

Education is great! Register here to begin your journey to study overseas.

“Education is Great” and #YouCanWithUKEAS

Program information and images provided in a recent press release.

Harry Styles “lights up” with groundbreaking new album, Fine Line

Harry Styles’ sophomore album, Fine Line is finally arriving on December 13,
2019—just in time for a Friday the 13th release.

Fine Line includes previously released tracks “Lights Up,” “Watermelon Sugar,” and latest single “Adore You,” whose cryptic marketing campaign sparked tremendous buzz for weeks. The second studio release also reunites Styles with producers Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon, who refined the overall sound of his debut album.

A “brazenly honest” record

On Fine Line, the former One Direction star opens up about “constantly dancing in and out of desire and destruction,” as Entertainment Weekly puts it, and exploring his more brazenly honest side in terms of the songwriting process leading to the final touches of his newest album.

“For me, it doesn’t mean I’ll sit down and be like, ‘This is what I have for dinner, and this is where I eat every day, and this is what I do before I go to bed,” Styles shares in a recent Rolling Stone interview. “But I will tell you that I can be really pathetic when I’m jealous. Feeling happier than I’ve ever been, sadder than I’ve ever been, feeling sorry for myself, being mad at myself, being petty and pitiful — it feels really different to share that.”

The thematic vulnerability that comes with Styles’ 12-track release earned glowing reviews from international music critics. NME praised the record for embracing the nostalgic sound of his previous self-titled record and combining it with “soaring pop sensibilities.” British bi-monthly magazine i-D called it “another confident exercise in Harry Styles’ ongoing genre cross-over.” DIY Mag dug deeper into the gripping nature of his songwriting, proclaiming that it is a “compelling document of an artist coming to life.”

Upcoming tour

After his much buzzed, sold-out concert in Manila last May 1, 2018 at the Mall of Asia arena, the British pop singer is also preparing for his upcoming 2020 world tour, ‘Love On Tour’ to promote the release of Fine Line. Full list of dates and all ticket information/on sale info is available on Harry’s official website. Asia (possibly Manila), Australia and additional tour dates to be announced in 2020.

Harry Styles’ Fine Line will be available from Friday, the 13th of December on all other digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Album details provided in a recent press release.
This post contains affiliate links.

Gotcha Fresh Tea, Greenhills

Well, here’s some good news for milk tea lovers: Australian milk tea brand Gotcha Fresh Tea has set up shop in the country.

In a small cafe outside Virra Mall in Greenhills, milk tea lovers can drink their fill of Gotcha’s offerings which include signature milk teas, premium milk teas, healthy fresh milk, black sugar, maple sugar, cheese foam teas, collagen teas, coldbrew and yogurt teas.

Taking pride in its slogan “We farm our own tea,” Gotcha handcrafts and brews its drinks made from a single tea plantation in Mount Alishan Taiwan in its bid to guarantee product consistency and quality.

It also champions earth-friendliness with its reusable cups, a worthy advocacy in my book.

During the shop’s Grand Opening, I was treated to one of Gotcha’s drinks, the Oreo Cheese Macchiato (Php145) in which the tea flavor is tempered by the creamy milk, with added mild saltiness from the cheese topping as well as sweetness and texture from the crushed Oreo cookies.

As far as dessert drinks to go, this was ok but not particularly exceptional.

My friends, on the other hand, were able to try out other flavors such as:

Strawberry Yogurt (Php130).

Peach Collagen Tea (Php140).

Taro Milk (Php135).

There was great variety when it came to drink options but given its cafe setup, offering food items would be a good move.

Thanks to Kian of Kian Ventures for extending the invitation for this event!

Gotcha Fresh Tea is located at Ground Floor, V-Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan.

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended this resto’s grand opening where drinks were served to enable us to sample the fare and to facilitate honest reviews. Said drinks were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

A fresh take on milk teas at Brown Cafe, BGC

It sure looks like the milk tea craze is here to stay, if the sheer number of stores opening in the metro offering copious varieties of the drink is any indication.

And then another milk tea brand joins the fray: Bangkok’s very own Brown Cafe has opened a take-out counter in Serendra, BGC to give the locals fresh and exciting choices for our milk tea.

Its menu simply teems with crave-worthy drinks: from original milk tea, fresh milk lattes, cheese macchiatos and more, choices abound for milk tea lovers ans connoisseurs. Each cup is made from freshly brewed tea leaves and its wondrous array of bubbles – which includes flavors such as original, collagen, brown sugar, peach, strawberry, mango, lychee, rainbow low cal and exclusive-to-the-Philippines ube – are all made inhouse.

Among Brown Cafe’s claims to fame are its Rainbow Low Cal Bubble Teas, made with fruit-infused teas accompanied by its colorful Rainbow low-calorie bubble sinkers.

The Anchan Strawberry Latte (Php140 for cup | Php155 for reusable tumbler) features a combination strawberry with the edible blossom anchan, more commonly known as the butterfly pea in a creamy latte.

The Melon Niu Niu Latte (Php140 for cup | Php155 for reusable tumbler), on the other hand, is a taste of summer with a sweet melon flavor that flavors the creamy milk.

So if you find yourself in BGC and want to try something new to quench your thirst, pop by Brown Cafe’s take out counter and treat yourself to one of its milk teas.

Brown Cafe is located at Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Disclosure: I visited Brown Cafe during its mini blogger get-together where drinks were served for free to facilitate an honest review.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

Holiday kakigori flavors at Shari Shari, BGC

Given that we’re in a tropical country, we shouldn’t have to wonder why ice-based desserts have so much appeal.

Even now, having entered the supposedly “brrrr” month of December, we can still find the metro’s heat and humidity quite oppressive.

Yes, icy desserts are definitely the way to go, and luckily, all kinds of these frozen treats are readily available in the metro.

The kakigori, for example, is fairly new to Pinoy foodies. This shaved ice dessert originated from Japan and has been around since the 11th century when blocks of ice saved during the stockpiled during the winter months are shaved to a snow-like consistency and served with sweet syrup to the aristocrats during the summer months.

Today, icy treats are a lot more accessible to us year-round, thanks to technology (yey for refrigeration!).

And with specialty shops like Shari Shari, we Pinoys get to have a taste of authentic kakigori.

This dessert shop was founded in Hong Kong but soon found its way to the Philippines. It opened its first shop in Serendra, BGC where it serves bowls of its signature shaved ice desserts. Using special ice custom-made from different kinds of water, shaved with a special machine imported from Japan and flavored with syrups made fresh everyday has allowed Shari Shari to offer kakigori with the look, taste and texture consistent with those in Japan.

And you would be amazed at the sheer variety of flavors possible with the kakigori: from fruity versions like strawberry, melon, mango and banana; classic dessert flavors like chocolate; to more exotic variants like Coffee Tiramisu, Earl Grey Milk Tea and Matcha Cream. There’s something for almost every sweet craving at Shari Shari.

Plus, be sure to check out Shari Shari special holiday flavors available beginning December 1:

Pistachio Raspberry topped with whipped cream and a candy Santa. This combines the nutty taste of pistachios with the sweet and fruity tartness of raspberries.

Choco Hazelnut topped with whipped cream and a chocolate gingerbread man. Dessert lovers would really go for its combination of nutty and cocoa flavors.

Every spoonful is a burst of icy sweetness in my mouth, a great way to relax and cool down, warm weather or not!

And what a sweet and cool (or icy!) way to get in the holiday spirit!

Shari Shari Kakigori House is located at Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Disclosure: I visited Shari Shari during its mini blogger get-together where the holiday kakigoris were served for free to facilitate an honest review.

Dreamin’ of my avocado at Avocadoria.PH, Greenhills

What a lovely time to be alive!

We inhabit a period of time when we can enjoy the previously highly seasonal avocado.

Now practically ubiquitous, the avocado has made its way to salads and sandwiches. For me, however, nothing beats avocado for dessert.

Luckily, we now have Avocadoria.PH which hypes up avocado desserts, and how!

Take its Avocado Dream (Php90), for example. It’s made of creamy avocado ice cream stuffed into an eco-friendly avocado shell and topped with a humungous ball of pastillas truffle which serves as the avocado seed. This dessert is both visually arresting and tasty.

Plus, avocado is quite healthy, too! Check out how it can be good for you:

Contains vitamins K, C, E and Folate
Is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats
Contains more potassium than banana
Supports liver function and eye health
Is high in dietary fiber

No wonder then that the avocado is my favorite fruit and desserts made from it are among my faves as well!

And wouldn’t you know it: there’s an Avocadoria.PH kiosk in V-mall where I was loitering about so I got to enjoy this dessert quick and easy!

Why don’t you give it a try?

This Avocadoria kiosk is located at the Second Floor, V-Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan.

Other kiosks may be found at:

Quezon City: Eastwood Citywalk 2, Robinsons Galleria, Ali Mall Cubao, Farmer’s Plaza, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Fisher Mall Del Monte, SKY Garden SM North EDSA, Waltermart North EDSA, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf Balintawak, SM City Fairview, Robinsons Novaliches, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Ayala Vertis North
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila, SM City San Lazaro
Pasig: Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls the 30th
Makati: Ayala Malls Circuit, Philamlife Tower Salcedo, San Lorenzo Place Condominium
Marikina: SM Marikina, Ayala Malls Marikina,
Mandaluyong: EDSA Central Pavilion, Forum Robinsons
Taguig: Market! Market!, Food District Signatures on the 5th
Paranaque: SM City Bicutan, Victory Food Market Baclaran, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM City BF
Caloocan: SM Center Sangandaan
Malabon: Fisher Mall Malabon
Valenzuela: SM City Valenzuela
Las Pinas: SM Southmall, Vista Mall
Alabang: Alabang Town Center, Starmall Alabang, Ayala Malls Southpark

4 reasons to update your home furniture over the holidays

The holiday season and the transition to a new year presents us with many reasons to makeover our homes.

Updating our home furniture is a great way to usher in some good vibes over the holidays and gear us up to face the new year.

If you find yourself vacillating on whether to replace your old furniture with new ones, here are reasons that should get you started:

1) You get to update your home’s style.

Your style preferences – may it be modern, minimalist, shabby chic or retro – may have changed over the past year and replacing your old furniture will allow your home to be more in line with your personal style.

Also, you wouldn’t want to present your holiday visitors with stained or run-down furniture, would you? Getting new pieces will help you come up with a more presentable home for hosting get-togethers.

2) You get ensure your family’s continued comfort.

Your little ones may have outgrown their old beds or the couch may be sagging in places. Updating your furniture will allow you and your family to enjoy that feeling of solace and relaxation again which is what being home for the holidays is all about.

3) You get to maximize your home’s available space.

Replacing your old pieces with dual-purpose or space-saving furniture may improve your home’s flow and use of space.

4) You get to take advantage of awesome sales.

If you’re worried that doing a home makeover will put a strain on your budget, well, fret not.

From December 13 to 15, Sogo Home and Office Center will hold an Installment Madness in its 15 branches where furniture shoppers can avail of 0% interest on installment for a minimum purchase of Php12,000 using any major credit card.

With this promo, buyers can update the pieces in their living room…

… dining room…

… bedroom…

and more!

PLUS Buy Now Pay 2020 offer on all major credit cards will also be available.

SOGO Home and Office Center has been providing furniture at Everyday Low Prices since the early 1990’s. Today, it boasts of over 15 locations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces that offer everything you need for your home at incredibly low prices. From room packages, Buy 1 Take 1 Deals and great offers across furniture categories such as sofas, dining sets, beds & mattresses, decors and office furniture, SOGO Home and Office Center has everything you need for your home.

True to its tagline “Everyday Low Prices” SOGO Home and Office Center makes sure that it’s always affordable to furnish your home. Payment options through cash, card installment or even financing aim to help young professionals that are starting to build their dream houses, newly married couples that starting new family and even those families that are renovating their homes.

For more details, visit its website to check more of Sogo’s products or you visit any of its branches near you.

METRO MANILA BRANCHES:

4F 168 SHOPPING MALL, MANILA CITY
Tel# 8-708-4932 Cp# 09369912289

LGF ALIMALL CUBAO, QUEZON CITY
Tel# 8-912-6603 Cp# 09369912288

2F DOÑA CONCEPCION BLDG. ARNAIZ AVE., SAN LORENZO MAKATI CITY
Tel# 7-728-5760 Cp# 09369912295

2F AYALA MALLS MARIKINA CITY
Tel# 8-638-1004 Cp# 09266565721

LGF AYALA MALLS SOUTH PARK, ALABANG MUNTINLUPA CITY
Tel# 8-541-1270 Cp# 09055196370

2F CW HOME DEPOT COMMONWEALTH, QUEZON CITY
Tel# 8-277-6935 Cp# 09173465637

Level 3, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, MAKATI CITY
Tel# 8-425-2430 Cp# 09770971985

LGS RIVERGREEN RESIDENCES, STA. ANA, MANILA CITY [EXHIBIT]
Tel# 8-523-1449 Cp# 09770971987

4F ROBINSONS METRO EAST, PASIG CITY
Tel# 8-647-5901 Cp# 09369912290

2F ROBINSONS FORUM, MANDALUYONG CITY
Tel# 8-687-9816 Cp# 09369912291

2F ZABARTE TOWN CENTER, CALOOCAN CITY
Tel# 8-962-4186 Cp# 09369912292

PROVINCIAL BRANCHES:

3F ROBINSONS GALLERIA SOUTH, SAN PEDRO LAGUNA (NEW)
Tel# 8-353-6598 Cp# 09959609219

GF ROBINSONS PLACE DASMARIÑAS CAVITE
Tel# 8-425-0791 Cp# 09154080962

4F ROBINSONS PLACE IMUS CAVITE
Tel# 8-425-0783 Cp# 09266680727

2F CW HOME DEPOT IMUS CAVITE
Tel# 8-245-9497 Cp# 09055196332

Promo details provided by SOGO Home and Office Center in a recent press release.