Philippines Volcanoes bags much coveted HSBC A5N Top 5 win against UAE

The Philippines defended its coveted spot in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5 competition last May 19th after beating United Arab Emirates 24-8. The Philippine National Rugby Union Team, nicknamed the “Volcanoes” scored four tries from Christopher Hitch, Matt Saunders, Gareth Holgate and Graeme Hagan.

2013 marks a new era for the Philippine Volcanoes as they get closer to the World Cup.

Philippine “Volcanoes” is the country’s official representation to the international rugby union. And with its recent winning, Volcanoes have now become headliner in Philippine sports.

Volcanoes became the most successful team in the Asian Five Nations Tournaments next to Japan. The 2013 Asian Five Nations division tournaments also known as the 2013 HSBC Asian 5 Nations due to the tournament's sponsorship by the HSBC, refer to the divisions played within the tournament. 2013 HSBC Asian 5 Nations is the 6th series of the Asian Five Nations.


In the past five years, thus Herculean squad has lost only one match, Losing to South Korea in Division One in 2011. In 2012, the Volcanoes stormed into the Top 5 with an unbeaten run, besting Chinese-Taipei, Singapore and Sri-Lanka in a round robin Series.

The spectators cheered on loudly as the Philippine team scored ahead of UAE. The Rugby game was so intense as every player on each team ran and delivered blow-by-blow strike as they slammed bodies against each other in the pursuit of the ball.

Coach Jarred Hodges said, “We know we belong in the top flight of Asia. But we're not happy with fourth. We want to push for that second slot and get that World Cup berth” as he affirmed Volcanoes position in the Asian top five. The 2014 A5N Elite Division champ automatically qualifies for the 2015 World Cup while the second-place team enters a four-team single-elimination “repechage” tournament for the last slot.

Filipino Pride truly burns deep as this athletic feat is a big first for the country – even deeper for Fila Philippines which will accompany the Volcanoes to the prestigious competition as their official sponsor.

Carlo Rossi Sweet Red now in the Philippines

Filipinos are known to have sweet tooth as such tendencies are evident in our cooking and food preferences. For the same reasons, we Pinoys also look for the same sweetness in drinks and wines. Even females are drawn to wine drinking because of its perceived health benefits. Plus a glass of sweet wine, loosens the tongue and makes conservation animated. It really makes every celebration and get-togethers more remarkable.

Well, fret no more because Emperador Distillers brings Carlo Rossi Sweet Red, the No. 1 Imported Wine in the Philippines.

Thanks to Kenny for capturing this moment

This sweet wine named Rossi Sweet Red is the latest innovation from Carlo Rossi brand. It was crafted from grapes grown in California’s sun-drenched vineyards and comes in three flavors---vanilla, bright cherry and wild raspberry flavors, definitely creating a unique blend of sweetness.

The Emperador Distillers team wanted to create a difference and stand out with their latest wine, according to Von de Torres, Managing Director. 

They wanted Carlo Rossi Sweet Red to be known for its sweetness. With the appropriate alcohol content combined with the cooling sensation of ice cubes, Carlo Rossi Sweet Red can be your on-the-rocks drink for “we-time”.   The wine is recommended to be enjoyed with ice since it brings out the flavor.  The sweet, real wine flavor stays perfect even after the ice melts.

Alberto Reyes, Marketing Manager of the said brand noted that catching up with your friends can be more effective and fun with Rossi Sweet Red.  So celebrate victories with a sweet, refreshing red wine!  Milestones or baby steps are reasons to celebrate good times with Rossi Sweet Red.

Award-winning LED Lighting Designs at Feliix

Feliix Store launched its newest luxurious Lighting Fixture Brand in the Philippines. By promoting QisDesign of Qisda, Feliix aims to bring innovative technology and design to every home. QisDesign is a leading Taiwanese technology manufacturer of LED lights.

The Feliix event was hosted by fashion and stage director Mr. Anshari Alonto. Lifestyle bloggers, media practitioners and VIPs from different industries were there to witness the LED product launch last May 4th at Alabang Town Center.

These jellyfish-shaped energy-efficient LED lamps have a three-way ‘touch ring’ dimmer. 'Aurelia' comes in elegant colors of pink, aqua and orange. You may choose from Aurelia LED table lamp or the Aurelia Suspension, great for the kitchen, small dining areas and bars.

The 'Crystal Light' is a fascinating lighting fixture that boasts of its color-changing feature. The various shimmering crystals are connected by a magnet. Hence it can be arranged into any form you desire. The crystal light also works as an accent in any table center.

Flamenca lamp design on the other hand is inspired by the breathtaking movement of Flamenco dancer’s ruffled skirt twirling around in the air. The Flamenca is an ambient light combination of bi-color acrylics and curvy shape that achieves dreamy and bewitching lighting effect which captures the playfulness of its essence. Its dimming function gives different levels of breathtaking luminosity to give your outdoor parties and home sections some romantic touch.

The 'Piano Light' is award winning design that drew its inspiration from the piano keyboard. This LED lighting fixture, allows users to interact and play with the light as if they were playing the piano without being burned.

All Feliix products come with a three-year warranty.

If you want to know more about QisDesign LED products, visit their showroom at Alabang Town Center or visit their website at http://feliix.com/

Anti-Bullying Program at Reedley International School

Bullying or hurting someone is is becoming a social problem nowadays. Rude behaviours such as namecalling, discrimination, verbal tirades or physical abuses may be exhibited by children or adolescents in any situation or social setting to keep someone out of a group. Bullying contributes to child stress, hinders them from learning and from having healthy peer relationships.

Even in schools, these acts often goes too far despite having a set of school discipline policy. Hence, parents need to choose schools well so that their children's rights are enforced. After all, kids need to be safe and happy at school.

Middle School Teacher, Nico Villanueva, discusses Reedley's Anti-Bullying tactics

At Reedley International School, Life Skills Curriculum is being enforced to ensure students are free from bullying and intimidation. Their anti-bullying policies in place to deal with bullying promptly and effectively by involving mediation, disciplinary action, warnings, social skills programs, counselling and parental involvement.
 

Reedley International School focuses on raising student morale and self-esteem so that they show more initiative and greater disposition to learning.  Reedley and Reedley parents make a formidable team in making happy, better learners.  The school helps make children confidently handle more of life's tough challenges.

If you want indepth details on what Reedley International School can do for you and your children, please visit their website at www.reedleyschool.com

You may also see updates on their Facebook Fanpage www.facebook.com/ReedleyInternationalSchoolPhilippines

Summer Treats from Julie's Bakeshop

Bloggers were invited by Julie’s Bakeshop Marketing Manager, Meggie Jose, to their Pasig main offices recently to be the first to sample their baked summer offerings. Being a person who will eat the batter of everything, I was excited to go.

I love cakes. And like most people, we celebrate milestones with cakes at home. I always look forward to digging into a slice of cake, licking my plate clean and then asking for seconds.

Julie’s Rainbow Round Cake at 160 pesos is an inexpensive, six-inch fluffy chiffon goodness you can take home to celebrate birthdays! Rainbow Square Cake Slices, mini-serving portions of the Rainbow Round Cake are also available at 45 pesos.

Julie's Rainbow Cupcakes were so lovely colored and delicious as well!  The tropical flavors are pineapple, strawberry, buko pandan and ube.  And each one is topped with confetti sugar candies!  It is affordable at 12 pesos a piece or 75 pesos for half a dozen.

Julie's Yummy Yoyos at 5 pesos per piece is a happy sandwich treat bursting in Orange, Buko Pandan, Pineapple and Strawberry flavors!

I love their Chiken Empanada best of all!  It is a great steal at 8 pesos per piece.

Do drop by Julie’s Bakeshop to try these summer baked treats for you and your family. Join the number of people who frequent Julie’s Bakeshop for their fill of baked goodness daily.

To know more about #JuliesBakeshopSummerSurprise promotions, follow them on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/JuliesBakeshop1 You may also Visit Julie's Facebook Page : www.Facebook.com/JuliesBakeshop for updates.

HP Write and Read 2 kicks off

Mr. Albert G. Mateo, General Manager for Printing and Personal Systems Group of HP Philippines

Efren Peñaflorida, 2009 Cable News Network (CNN) Hero and Read Ambassador 

Hewlett Packard reaffirms its commitment to make modern technology available for creative school work with the second phase launching of Write and Read program on April 30, 2013 held at Richmond Hotel. Write and Read started as a story writing program launched by Hewlett Packard Philippines last year to spark the creative process in Filipino youth.

With more than 300 entries last year from 74 schools, submissions to the HP Write and Read 2 program is expected to be bigger. This year's program focuses on poetry writing and illustration as "the creative side of children ... leaves a mark in their heart" according to Peñaflorida.
The Kariton Classroom proponent, Efren Peñaflorida, looks forward to his partnership with HP as he "shares the same vision and passion in teaching the younger generation". He further adds, "Education is not just a responsibility of the school. But is a duty of everyone".
25 finalist for the creative writing and another 25 for illustration will be chosen. In cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Efren Peñaflorida, the HP team opens the contest to 1st to 4th year high school students based in the National Capital Region (NCR). Contestant will undergo a two-day master class in poetry writing or illustration. The final contest entry will be a collaborative work between one writer and one illustrator who finished the master class workshop.
  Four schools in Metro Manila will be chosen as venue of the said workshops. Watch out for the succeeding HP press releases. Get more information at http://www.hp.com/

A Celebration of Life at Gerry's Grill

The youngest member of the family had just turned two. What better way to celebrate this occasion than eating with the family together in our favorite restaurant! One of life's greatest pleasure is eating with the family and Aki's birthday celebration meant sharing family meals at Gerry's Grill that foster warmth and love.

A serving of delicious Kare-Kare costs 305 pesos

Dinaldakan is an Ilocano Dish version of Sisig

superb Pork Sizzling Sisig is at 189 pesos

Bangus ala Pobre is 255 pesos per serving

We all love hanging out at Gerry's Grill because of its great food selection. There is always something for both the kids and adults to enjoy biting into. This time we went to their branch at Nuvali, Sta Rosa. The Nuvali Branch is spacious. It is homey with long tables suited for family gatherings. This birthday occasion gave us an excuse to take time to sit down together and savor a good family meal. When life gets busy, it can be easy to slip into the rut of eating on the run and neglecting to take time to sit down together. Yet this is something we should be striving to avoid. There are a whole host of benefits that comes with taking the time to eat dinner together, at the table. My new favorite dish at Gerry's Grill is Dinakdakan. It is consists of crunchy, grilled pig parts and brain. The crispy viand is like sisig with a twist. It is chopped into small pieces then mixed with mayonnaise, onions, salt and pepper to taste. I so love Sisig! And I am always looking for other ways to cook it. Dinakdakan is a great discovery. I feel good discovering another version of sisig.