January 20, 2017

Love never tasted this sweet!

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, one cant help but notice that love is in the air – and it smells oh-so sweet. This special day is a time to spread love, kindness, and sweetness all around; a chance to let the special people in your life know how you feel about them through gifts, cards, flowers, and sweet treats. In fact, they say that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomachs. If that’s true, then Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop, has something special and exciting in store for all the lovers out there.

In addition to its already-impressive treasury of delicious treats, Goldilocks is introducing three brand new limited edition cakes for Valentine festivities that will surely be loved by everyone.

The Strawberry Delight Cake (P540), which— believe it or not — tastes even better than it sounds, is a rich vanilla chiffon cake topped with scrumptious strawberry cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for celebrating with your loved ones and families. 

My Cupcake Heart (P450), on the other hand, is an adorable heart-shaped cake adorned with cupcake roses and garnished with fluffy marshmallow icing. 

Rounding out the special Valentine’s cakes is the beautiful Bunch of Blooms (P750), a mouth watering vanilla cake topped with 13 elegant cupcake flowers. 

In addition to these sure-to-be best sellers, Goldilocks is bringing back its seasonal favorite, Choco Lollipops (P25). These chocolate lollipops come in vibrant reds and pinks with sweet messages and sayings. 

Any of these sweet treats will be the perfect centrepiece for any Valentine’s celebration, and will surely make the Valentine’s season even sweeter. 

Follow your heart and head over to your nearest Goldilocks Bakeshop now, or join the conversation through GoldilocksPH at Facebook and Twitter

Tips to conquer your fortune this 2017

The year of the boisterous monkey is about to end, and people are only too happy to bid it farewell. In its place, the Fire Rooster comes speeding in, setting its track ablaze with fortunes waiting to be claimed.

Chicken? Rooster? Not again.

You’re probably thinking that you’re in for a bad year. After all, in Filipino culture, the Rooster or the Chicken is considered a symbol of tight times. “Isang kahig, isang tuka” is only too familiar to kids who grew up with their grandparents.

So before you write down 2017 on your forget list, know that the Rooster favors the hardworking and goal-oriented. It brings great success to those who can aim sharply as this zodiac animal. The rooster has no qualms about sharing a fortune. You only have to earn it with a rooster’s sure-footed steps.


Think and crow like a rooster

Make 2017 your banner year by having a clear goal in mind. Open the year of the Fire Rooster with your eyes set on a successful outcome, and you will find that great financial habits can yield results.

The trick is to take charge of your destiny. Is it wealth that you want? Is it better work-life balance? Is it a comfortable and secure future? Reflect on your goals and extract every bit of detail you can draw from them

Be specific. Exactly where do you want to be? You need to be specific about your wishes. Simply saying you want something may not be compelling enough for you to act. You want to be rich? Well, how rich is rich to you? It’s more proactive to say, “I want to have a net worth of P5 million by the time I’m 40 years old.” See, it’s easier to track your progress if you have actual numbers, or metrics, to measure yourself by.

Know when to hold off spending. Tell yourself, “My budget is my friend.” Roosters are long-sighted, because their eyes are transfixed on their goal. Pick up this trait and you can look forward to greater rewards and yields, if you stick to your budget.

Remember, today is the best day to build your net worth. Your net worth is a good place to start and expand your horizon. The way towards wealth starts with building your net worth. Net worth, in simple terms, is your assets less your liabilities. Take heart: having a low net worth isn’t the end of the world! All you need to do is begin. So take one step forward!

Trace that red thread that connects you to your dream future. Asian folklore says there are strings that bring two fates together. Visualize that thread running through time, connecting you to your ideal self. Maximize the time in between by investing and growing your money, from its present to future value.

That is why you should plan for your investment basket. Today, there is a wide variety of investment vehicles that you can choose from. These vehicles come with different risks and expected returns. So,hit the books, and know the pros and cons of wealth-building tools. Better yet, consult with experienced professionals. Let them guide you on the best way to grow your fortune this New Year.

Create and insist on having a good mix for yourself. Your portfolio should be as hard-working as your dreams. Diversify to mitigate the challenges of this exciting year of the Rooster. Be as bull-headed as this zodiac animal and you will take home your desired earning.

Don’t gawk too long over your wins. A strategic financial plan will bring robust yields, but make sure to keep engaged in your goal. Along with your advisor, review your investments’ performance and plan how to proceed. So, during your annual financial review, ask yourself: are your investments delivering the returns you expect? Are there over-performers? Are there under-performers? How are their results affecting your financial goals?

Review your investments, and re-calibrate if needed. Like a fire rooster that has a strong sense of time keeping and responsibility, review and re-calibrate your portfolio to get back on track. That is, you may have to take profits on over-performing portions of your investment and re-allocate these to the under-performing ones, to “average down”. This is the concept called "regression to the mean". This tells us that over time, the returns we get from each investment would approximate its average historical return.

Keep your eye on the prize. Like the hard working rooster, keep your eye on achieving your goals. The conditions surrounding may become challenging, but just persist and find ways to mitigate those challenges.

Rein in the Fire Rooster with a good team. Connect with a team that gets you started on the life that you want today. Pursue your financial goals with Insular Life and have fortune on your side with the right mindset and the burning determination that are perfect for the Year of the Fire Rooster.

To get more advice on personal finance right from the experts, visit Insular Life’s blog, http://www.savingstips.com.ph/.

Send your ultimate Valentine’s SURPRISE through M&M’s® Fun First Move Project!

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate romance, love and surprises to our love ones and special people around us. Sometimes you're so excited and thinking of how to express your feelings and send your message across to someone special to you. 

Are you adventurous enough to make the first move to surprise your loved one and show how truly special he or she is? Or are you finally ready to reveal yourself to your secret crush? Or how about making your partner fall in love with you again?



If you’re wanting to share your feelings but clueless on how to do it, then worry no more as you will now have a chance to be that romantic guy or fun girl you always want to be through M&M’S® Fun First Move Project! 

M&M’S® is bringing in its spontaneous fun to the most romantic time of the year. Through M&M’S® Fun First Move project, get a chance to win a special delivery service through M&M’S® Characters Red, Yellow and Green that will make your Valentine’s celebration fun and truly unforgettable. 

A surprise through the M&M’s Fun First Move Red package



M&M’S® Red, the leader of the gang, will tag along a boyband to have an exclusive live serenade for your special someone which will surely make her fall head over heels for you. Red adds, “If you can’t say it, you sing it!” 

M&M’s Fun First Move Yellow package delivered by Azkals player Misagh Bahadoran to his girlfriend, Sam Pinto.


M&M’S® Yellow, the friendliest of them all, will send lots of warmth and love together with his life-size Teddy Bear mate. Yellow says, “Who will not have a soft spot for an adorable Teddy especially when I’m bringing it along with M&M’S® chocolates?” 


Social media’s it couple Mark Agas and Kara Gozali enjoying the fun moment with the M&M’s Fun First Move Green package

And of course, M&M’S® Green, the confident and smart diva, never fails with her surprises. True to her personality of owning all things good-looking, she brings along a hot real-life cupid to deliver you and your gifts to your partner. Ms. Green affirms, “We are sure to make heads turn and have others literally turn green with envy!”

The biggest surprise is for the lucky grand winner! The ultimate Valentine’s date -– a helicopter ride going to the scenic south of Manila for a dinner at an exclusive place where more romantic surprises await your special someone! “How could someone forget an epic date like this, right?” says Red.


So, are you game with the idea and curious on how to join?

All you need to do :
* Buy any two (2) packs of M&M’S® products from leading supermarkets.
* Post a photo of the M&M’S® products you bought on your Facebook or Instagram accounts with the hashtag #mmsfunfirstmove. 
* Make sure your Facebook and Instagram accounts are on public setting.  
* Alternatively, you can present your proof of purchase to the M&M’S® sales promoters in store so they can process your registration. 

If you win, M&M’S® will get in touch with you to plan your ultimate Fun First Move! Promo runs from January 9 to February 5 2017 in time for the Valentine’s Day. 

It’s easy to make your loved one’s Valentine’s Day truly memorable, right? So what are you waiting for? Join the M&M’S® Fun First Move project and give your special someone the fun surprise this Valentine’s Day!

For full contest details, please follow www.facebook.com/MMsPhilippines. Watch M&Ms Fun First Move video  HERE.


January 19, 2017

Singapore events and attractions to kick start 2017 with a bang!

Singapore welcomes the Year of the Fire Rooster with a bang with an exhilarating line-up of exciting experiences at its world-class attractions, mouthwatering dining choices, adrenaline-pumping events, and retail treats perfect for both first time and repeat holiday seekers.
“Singapore always offers its visitors something new and unique to discover. From world-class attractions and entertainment events to delightful dining and retail offerings, a visit to Singapore brings fresh experiences that will surely make travelers ask for more,” said Lael Loh, Singapore Tourism Board Area Director for Philippines.


Eye candy attractions

A national garden and premier horticultural attraction, Gardens by the Bay celebrates the Year of the Rooster with a brand-new floral display called “Dahlia Dreams”. From 20 January to 19 February 2017, Dahlia Dreams features auspicious Dahlias in various hues and colors in a Chinese garden inspired landscape with a three-tier pagoda, a pavilion, moon gates and even intricate sculptures of adorable chickens to welcome the Year of the Rooster. In February, love is in the air at the Gardens as it celebrates the love month with an assortment of activities such as evening picnics and movie under the stars, perfect to share with family and loved-ones.

Resorts World™ Sentosa will dazzle Lunar New Year celebrants as it features a fantastic line-up of festive programmes with its ‘Gong Sea Fa Cai”, from 21 January to 11 February. Visitors can go on interactive trails and get up close to threatened sea creatures such as the manta ray and this year’s star animal – the Rooster Hogfish, and witness one of a kind Underwater Dragon Dance show with special lighting effects and a Chinese drummer to heighten the excitement. Also at Sentosa Island, visitors can rub elbows and take selfies with famous celebrities and personalities at Madame Tussauds™ Singapore, currently headlined by an exhibition of world-famous KPOP icons such as Lee Min Ho, Choi Si-Won and Nichkhun.


Eat to your heart’s content

As a melting pot of culture and influence, Singapore has made its mark in combining simple, distinct flavors to create unique dishes that provide a gastronomic experience for foodies, whether at Singapore’s well-loved hawker centers or at celebrity chef dining spots. The Singapore Michelin Guide, launched in July 2016, was the first in the world to recognize hawker food, and is a testament to the city’s varied dining offerings. Singapore is now home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred eateries, with the Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (S$4 or PHP140) and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles (S$2 or PHP70), each being awarded 1 Michelin star.

Other must-try hawker favorites include Wah Kee’s best-selling big prawn noodle at the Esplanade, and the country’s beloved chicken rice at ROOST, located at the Centrepoint on Orchard Road.

For trendy foodies, Singapore’s Open Farm Community has produced food innovations sourced from local farms in and around the country—a sure hit for travelers seeking to consume fresh and organic farm-to-table ingredients. Janice Wong Singapore at Stamford Road, the only sweets boutique in Singapore that creates interactive and edible art, will be a delightful dining experience for all imaginative souls.


The night is always young

Making loud noises this 2017 is Singapore’s line-up of world-class performances. Headlined by Grammy® Award winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Metallica with their Metallica Worldwired Tour 2017, happening on January 22 at the Singapore Sports Hub, and the legendary Guns N’ Roses with their Not in This Lifetime Tour, which will see the founder Axl Rose and former members sharing the stage for the first time in over 20 years on February 25 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the Lion City is set to roar with excitement! British rock sensation Coldplay is also slated to return for a two-day performance on March 31 and April 1 at the Singapore Sports Hub for it’s a Head Full of Dreams Tour, while Grammy® Award winning English singer-songwriter Sting makes a return for his 57th and 9th Tour at the Singapore Sports Hub. Other artists to watch out for in Singapore are British rock band Bring Me the Horizon (February 2, D’Marquee), American rock bands Journey (February 10, The Star Theatre) and Yellowcard (February 12, The Coliseum).

The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, which will be celebrating a decade of night racing, is also something to look forward to this year. With engines revving and the crowd on their feet, the city streets will play host to another night of high-octane celebration on and off the tracks.


Retail heaven

A haven for shopaholics, Singapore is home the latest and unique finds whether at the malls along the world famous shopping strip at Orchard Road, the glitzy Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, the cozy vintage shops in the Bras Basah and Bugis area, or the relaxing lifestyle enclave at Dempsey Hill. Shoppers can uncover local treasures from local indie retailers in Haji Lane, or go old school in Scotts Square’s vintage design shops and boutiques. Bargain hunters should definitely not miss out the buzzing enclave of Bugis Village for affordable clothing, souvenirs and street food. From March 17 to April 16, the Orchard Road Style Festival will celebrate different passions and lifestyles, as it plays host to the works of local and international designers, stage art workshops, and live performances for everyone to enjoy. The all-new Dover Street Market outlet, the trendy fashion retail and concept store created by Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo, is also set to open in Dempsey in the spring of 2017.

With Singapore’s 2017 exciting line-up of experiences, what better way to kick start the year by booking your next holiday vacation in Singapore with your family and friends? For more details on upcoming events and activities, please visit http://www.yoursingapore.com.

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore’s key service sectors. Working in close partnership with industry and community, STB aims to shape a dynamic tourism landscape and differentiate Singapore as a vibrant and inspiring destination through the “YourSingapore” brand. 

For more information, please visit http://www.stb.gov.sg or http://www.yoursingapore.com or follow us on Twitter @STB_sg (https://twitter.com/stb_sg).

Meditate Your Way to Health, Success and Happiness

What do Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Michael Jordan and Lebron James have in common? They’re all incredibly successful, hard-working and geniuses in their field, but many people don’t know that they all practice meditation. Oprah said that meditation has made her“1,000 times better”. Michael Jordan and Lebron James, both famous athletes, practiced meditation to sharpen focus and improve concentration. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was a well-known meditation practitioner.


As stated by his biographer Walter Isaacson, “Your intuition starts to blossom and you start to see things more clearly and be in the present more. Your mind just slows down, and you see a tremendous expanse in the moment. You see so much more than you could see before. It’s a discipline; you have to practice it.”


Meditation is the process of reflecting on your mind. When you start looking inside yourself, you will be able to change and improve yourself and thus, tap into so much unrealized potential. At Ortigas/Makati Meditation, you can look back on your mind and improve your life and career. Through the “subtraction” method you can discover the original nature of the mind.

The human mind is like a stack of pictures that you have stored in your mind and body. These “pictures” are the accumulation of your past experiences which have formed your pattern of thinking and habits. The pictures stored in your mind contain emotions, thoughts, and attachments to people, places, and material things. They have created their own world in your mind. Because the world in the human mind is not “real”, you can throw them away. This method is systematic and scientific. It is not about suppressing your mind and experiencing temporary comfort. It helps you to eliminate the roots of your human mind, completely. When you empty your mind through the subtraction method, your mind and body will become lighter and more free. You will find the true happiness within you.


At the Ortigas/Makati Meditation Center, professional instructors guide practitioners with the subtraction method and always check their meditation progress in order to help them throw away their thoughts. Most of the practitioners feel the changes in their minds in 2~3 weeks after they practice the subtraction meditation.

Once the noisy and complicated state of mind is subtracted, then you can feel calm, light and comfortable. You will be able to control the negative emotions that engulf you. You can discover yourself sincerely smiling at the colleagues you used to feel uncomfortable around.

You will even feel happy in the morning when you wake up. Your work performance improves along with your concentration as the useless thoughts disappear from your head. You will find yourself free from stress. You can recover your confidence and get to know yourself much better. You will be able to understand people much better, therefore, the relationships with people naturally improve and conflicts will be solved. 

With the awareness of how to empty your mind, your inner power grows, which allows you to control your mind in any situation you can possibly face. You will always be positive and the quality of your life will dramatically improve.

The effects of this meditation have been scientifically verified. An extract from the academic paper “The Effects of the Meditation Program on the Brain Function of University Students” published in the Journal of the Completion Education Society stated this: “After the mind subtraction meditation, the university students’ brainwaves became stable and their brain quotient enhanced. Therefore, their concentration and thinking ability have improved. Their resistance to stress from internal and external environmental factors has enhanced.” Likewise, meditation has positive effects on the brainwaves. Therefore, it gives people who practice the method mental stability.

This meditation was established in South Korea, in November 1996. Currently, there are more than 340 meditation centers all over the world and more than 500,000 people have practiced the method of subtraction to cleanse the mind and body to become the truth.

In the Philippines, there are centers in Ortigas and Makati. The centers open from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm, 7 days a week. 

If you would like to get more information about meditation, you can register for the free seminar conducted at any of the centers.


Free Introductory Seminar: Every Saturday at 3:30 pm

Ortigas Meditation Center: 687.1294/0915.254.8986 AIC Gold Tower, F. Ortigas Jr., Pasig

Makati Meditation Center: 856.6943/0915.345.2296 Classica Tower 2, 114 H.V. Dela Costa St.

For more information you can check out the following sites. 










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