2017 Fit Filipino National Weight Loss Challenge Culminates with a Bang

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Advocacy campaign gets Filipinos moving with a “Live to Move” fitness party

How many times have we woken up and decided that “today is the day” to begin losing weight, only to be sidetracked by that delicious lunch of tasty pork adobo and a sweet ending of scrumptious leche flan? Too many.

The battle to lose those pounds is something that many of us face daily. We always have to deal with the temptation to indulge in good food, made worse by the persistent “I just don’t have the time to exercise” mentality. These hinder our quest for fitness.

Knowing this all too well, celebrity fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret (“Fit Filipino Movement”, “Biggest Loser Season 2”) have set out to champion a change in the mindset of Filipinos so they will lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. This year, they decided to embark on probably their biggest challenge yet—rallying the entire nation to collectively lose a total of one million pounds in six months.

“We launched the FitFil National Weight Loss Challenge this 2017 with the vision of uniting all Filipinos towards a healthier lifestyle. This is the first of its kind in the world. The one million lbs weight loss challenge is the first step in our goal to curate one million fit Filipinos by 2020,” shares Coach Jim.

“The truth is that for most of us who continue to struggle with losing weight, shedding off one or two pounds is already a humongous challenge. This is why we wanted to make losing weight fun and easy," adds Coach Toni.

Joining hands to support one cause

In the FitFil challenge, individuals can pledge to lose weight or combine their weight loss with a group of friends and pledge. Likewise, top institutions (Philippine Medical Association, National Youth Commission, and Philippine National Police), organizations, local government units (LGUs), brands, and corporations have supported the advocacy campaign.

“To encourage more Filipinos to sweat it out and move, and create greater awareness of the health benefits of exercise, we staged our 'Live to Move' fitness party last June in SM Mall of Asia,” said FWD Life Philippines Head of Marketing Rochelle Vandenberghe. “Empowered by FWD’s #GetReadyToLive brand attitude, we want more people to be inspired to live life to the fullest by adapting a healthier lifestyle!”

As an insurance industry pioneer in the space of health and wellness, FWD Life Philippines has been at the forefront of pushing more Filipinos to lead a healthier lifestyle. The company spearheaded the “Live to Move” health and wellness movement in 2015, inspired by the idea that achieving better health is key in getting ready to live life to the fullest. The insurance company also partnered with coaches Jim and Toni in creating the four-minute metabolic fitness routine, the FWD Motion.

Live to Move fitness party slated on December 3

On December 3 (Sunday), FWD will be staging the year’s biggest fitness party at Central Park, SM By the Bay at the Mall of Asia. Entrance gates open at3:00pm. Event-goers can enjoy treats and freebies from a host of FitFil and FWD Max partners. The ceremonial “big reveal” of the campaign’s weight loss achievement is scheduled at 5:00pm, with the fitness party starting at 5:30pm. Event registration is absolutely free.

To know more about FWD’s Live to Move campaign and to pre-register for the December 3 fitness party, go to fwd.com.ph/en/live/live-to-move; For information about the FitFil National Weight Loss Challenge, visit www.fitfil.ph.

Chef Anton Amoncio Featured In Canada 150 Chef Exchange

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Celebrity chef Anton Amoncio will showcase his culinary expertise at the Canada Beef and Fairmont Lake Louise Canada 150 event this coming December. Chef Anton, alongside world-renown chefs, will whip up recipes using Canada beef. 

The week-long event where Anton will be participating in, is mounted by Canada Beef International Institute for the Canada 150 Fairmont Hotel Series/Canada 150 Chef Exchange. This coincides with Canada's 150th anniversary.

Aside from representing Philippine cooking using Canadian beef, Anton will get the chance to experience brand training at Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and attend the Culinary Exchange Gala Dinner at Fairmont Lake Louise.

Watch out for Chef Anton's recipes of beef appetizers and tenderloin steaks using Canadian beef. 

Follow Chef Anton Amoncio’s - Anton’s Food Corner on YouTube ( https://goo.gl/8698Uh) or visit his official Facebook account: Anton Amoncio.

10 reasons to celebrate Christmas at the World Bazaar Festival 2017

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Now on its 17th year, the country’s longest running annual holiday bazaar, World Bazaar Festival or simply WBF, is back to work its way into the hearts of everyone with this year’s theme of “Diverse Stories, One Journey”!

Beyond all the shopping and gift buying, what makes every WBF show truly memorable is how it lets Filipinos immerse in unique holiday experiences. True enough, this year’s WBF takes inspiration from the power of Christmas to unite people from different walks of life to deliver a wide range of event highlights and activities that will surely bring friends, families, and even strangers together for one magical and love-filled Christmas!

Still thinking twice about it? Here’s a run-down of all the awesome things that await at WBF 2017 and be sure tick every single one off your list!

The ultimate shopping experience

With close to 800 booths and over 60 participating exhibitors WBF is shaping up to be the ultimate holiday shopping destination!For practical shoppers with a taste for luxury, Designers Avenue serves up a wide range of branded apparel and accessories at an affordable price.

Shop with the stars at the Celebrity Pavilion

Christmas lights aren’t the only thing that’s going to shine at this year’s WBF with the Celebrity Pavilion, where fans can meet and mingle with some of the hottest Kapamilya stars who will also be setting up their very own booths. Among the celebrities participating are Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Ronnie Alonte, Enchong Dee, Gladys Reyes, Valerie Concepcion and a whole lot more.

Kid idols take center stage

Injecting a dose of good-natured fun and humor to everyone’s holiday bonding experience, WBF returns with the 5th Woobie’s Kid Idol. Here, kiddies with a knack for performance are sure to amuse everyone with their adorable personalities and unique talents.

A musical affair!

Truly a multi-faceted show, WBF 2017 invites bazaar goers to get down on it with the students going head to head at this year’s Woobie’s Street Dance Competition. There’s also the newest addition to WBF’s musical line-up. A choir singing competition, Himig ng Pasko will definitely get everyone into the holiday spirit in no time!

Fur-tastic and proud

Dog lovers are in for an extraordinary treat with the 12 Dogs of Christmas, a delightful event that lets pet owners dress up their dogs for a chance to win prizes! Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own beloved pets on the day of the event.

Show your pets some loving at Woobie’s Pet Expo

WBF is more than ecstatic to present another new addition to its roster of event highlights – Woobie’s Pet Expo! A one day event only, the pet expo is happening on December 9 and will feature a diverse selection of booths dedicated to all things pet-related. This season, show your loyal fur buddies just how much you love them by shopping for yummy goodies, unique toys, and premium pet care products!

A festive food trip like no other

After all the shopping and holiday action to be had, Woobie’s Food World offers countless food choices and a space for visitors to rest, relax, and bond with their loved ones over good food and drinks!

Get your style on at the Bloggers United 14

Get dibs on the hottest trends straight from the most stylish bloggers’ very own closets as WBF returns with the Bloggers United 14! Who knows, you might even learn a styling trick or two from the top bloggers such as Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Victor Basa, David Guison, Say Alonzo, Camille Co, Blogger Jowas, Richard Juan and many more!

Bring home the holiday treats

What is Christmas without the treats and eats? Before heading home, be sure not to miss Woobie’s Goodies, where one can find a delectable array of holiday treats for sharing and munching!

Imbibing the true spirit of a Pinoy Christmas

As if you still need more reasons not to miss WBF 2017, WBF tops it all off by giving everyone a chance to truly imbibe the spirit of the season. As part of the proceeds of WBF goes to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., bazaar goers get the chance to pay it forward this holiday.

World Bazaar Festival 2017 is officially opening its doors on December 3 to 22, 10:00am to 12:00mn during Fridays to Saturdays and 12:00nn to 10:00pm during Sundays to Thursdays at the World Trade Center Manila. 

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/worldbazaarfestival.

Delicious Holiday Meals Made Easy at Electrolux’s A Taste of Christmas event

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The holidays are upon us and let the Christmas feasts begin! To help you prepare delectable Christmas celebrations, Electrolux is presenting A Taste of Christmas, a cooking demo event happening this December 2-3, starting 2 p.m. in Anson’s at Alabang Town Center. 

With the help of Chef Jonathan Paul Em, you can learn new and exciting dishes for your whole family to enjoy this Christmas season! Watch as he prepares classic holiday dishes with a twist such as the Christmas Paella and the Spiced Fruit Salad Cups at the Electrolux Kitchen Studio. 

Christmas Paella prepared by Chef Jonathan

To keep food and especially produce fresher for longer, Electrolux has the NutriFresh line of refrigerators, which ensures that your fruits and vegetables stay market-fresh for up to 7 days so that dishes are healthier and more flavourful. 

The NutriFresh™ Inverter Refrigerators is equipped with a FreshShield Crisper which comes with a unique tight seal to keep temperatures stable, minimize water loss and provide higher humidity so that fruits and vegetables stay fresh for up to 7 days.

When it comes to cooking, Electrolux also offers a variety of appliances to suit your every cooking need. 

If you live in a condo or apartment with a smaller kitchen or looking for cooking convenience, you will love the Electrolux Tabletop Microwave Oven with Grill & Convection EMS3288X. This 2-in-1 appliance combines the convenience of a microwave and the performance of an oven, grill and even a steamer, which allows you to prepare a wide variety of dishes. 

Meanwhile, if you have a big family, the Electrolux Built-in Oven EOB2200BOX is perfect for you. It comes with the InfiSpace Oven with a 68-litre capacity that gives you plenty of room to cook multiple dishes in one go, plus a large fan that circulates hot air evenly throughout the oven to ensure uniform cooking temperature. It even comes with an enamel coating that repels grease and dirt, making it easier to clean – so you don’t have to stress about after-party clean ups!

Combine your Built-in Oven with the Electrolux Built-in Induction Hob. Induction is faster than other cooking technologies, boiling one liter of water in three minutes, allowing families to enjoy tasty meals in no time. 

Induction cooktops are also safer to use as it directly heats the cookware while the cooktop remains cool and safe, so you can involve your kids and family during holiday meal preparations without worrying about accidental burns. How’s that for great family bonding! 

Chef Jonathan cooking the Christmas Paella with Electrolux induction hob

Of course, to keep your home smoke and odor-free, equip your kitchen with the Electrolux Chimney Hood, which will absorb all the grease and cooking fumes while recirculating indoor air. This allows you to go from kitchen to party without worrying about smelling like food! It also has a removable cassette filter, making it easier to clean. 

With Electrolux, Christmas food prepping is quick, easy and fun, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones. Together with Chef Jonathan Em, let Electrolux help you create delectable dishes that are fast and easy to prepare. Now that’s Christmas in every bite!

For more delicious holiday meal ideas, please visit www.electrolux.com.ph and follow @ElectroluxPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram or @ElectroluxPH on Twitter.

Boy Abunda's book ‘It’s Like This’ Is Number 1

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In just a short period, Boy Abunda's book ‘It’s Like This’ is now ranked No. 1 for National Book Store October Bestsellers list for Non-Fiction: Philippine Publication. The book was formally launched last September at Shangri-La Mall.

It’s Like This, a good source of inspiration to the readers, contains life lessons, quotes, and selected essays that Abunda wrote for his Direct Line column in The Philippine Star.

Abunda’s life story is an open book. It’s Like This covers his humble beginnings in Borongan, Eastern Samar; his unparalleled love for Nanay Lising; his personal challenges; his journey as a television host, inspirational speaker, and talent manager, among others. 

His nuggets of wisdom are now preserved in the pages of his bestselling book. Some of them include: Gay love is equal to all forms of human love; Never allow other people’s opinions to define who you are. And your opinions must not define others as well; Believe that something great is to become of you. Believe and it will happen; Laugh and live with your successes and failures, knowing that all are fleeting; Enemies deserve respect. The same respect we give to the dead.

Read his 100+ Abundable thoughts and see what valuable lessons you can apply to your personal life.

It's Like This is a great gift for Christmas. Available in National Book Store and Powerbooks for only P275.