by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 11, 2016 | Events
The spirit of Christmas is palpable at Filinvest City, the bustling Central Business District south of Metro Manila, as it provides the best holiday experience with an array of festive activities for everyone to enjoy.
Home to landmarks such as the Festival Supermall, Crimson Hotel, and the Festival Mall River Park, the pedestrian-friendly CBD will have something for everyone to feel the holiday celebrations – from festive decorations to Christmas shopping and gustatory delights.
Spreading the holiday cheer at Filinvest City are the Christmas decorations adorning the city’s streets, as well as the much-awaited Christmas Light Show at the River Park in Festival Mall which will run all throughout the holiday season.
Aside from the Christmas Light Show, visitors will also be treated to concerts and other family entertainment like Repertory Philippines’ Hansel and Gretel which will be staged at Festival Mall, Ballet Philippines Pas De Deux, The Voice of the South Grand Finals, and Yuletide Melodies at Westgate featuring award-winning chamber choir, Kammerchor.
You can also frolic and play the Eskimo way at Crimson Hotel’s Crimson Wonderland showcasing a giant Christmas tree and other holiday attractions.
Of course, the season is not complete without food. Families and friends gathering together to celebrate Christmas can enjoy a wide selection of yuletide fares at Filinvest City’s hotels such as Crimson, Acacia, and Bellevue. Filinvest City’s premier clubhouse, Palm’s Country Club is also opening The Continental for guests looking for an ultimate dining experience.
With Christmas being the busiest shopping season, Festival Mall can serve as your shopping destination for presents, holiday fashion, and other Christmas items to help you feel the holiday spirit.
“Christmas is once again upon us, and through the various holiday shows and activities at Filinvest City, we hope to bring everyone together to make the yuletide season even more memorable,” said Filinvest Executive Vice President Catherine A. Ilagan.
Indeed, more than the colorful lights, blinking decors, and gift-giving, Christmas becomes more meaningful as it gathers friends and families together to bond and create wonderful memories. And all that is happening at Filinvest City!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 10, 2016 | Business
High priced items could be appliances you need at home or gadgets you need for work or school. Or it may even be a gadget you’ve wanted for a long time. As Christmas fast approaches we find ourselves looking longingly at those high priced items at the store windows.
If you have the cash or if you have a credit card (with space, of course) then it isn’t a problem. For card holders most card companies even have schemes at this time of year where not only can they pay in installment but they also have something called deferred payment … this means that they are not required to pay anything for these purchases until 2 to 3 months from date of purchase.
However, studies have shown that less than 10% of the buying public in the Philippines own credit cards. So how will the remaining 90+% be able to afford these high priced items then?
Get those high priced items with Home Credit
I’m sure as you’ve walked around appliance and gadget stores like SM Department Store, Robinson’s Appliance Center, Samsung Store, etc. you would have seen signs saying “buy on credit without a credit card, 30 minute approval” or words to that effect. Chances are, this was Home Credit.
Home Credit allows you to purchase up to three (3) items in one transaction. What do they ask for? Just a government ID for starters. Then a down payment – in the bloggers conference held last November we were told that the minimum deposit is 20% of the cost of the items to purchase but when I went to two appliance stores they both told me that they require 30% down payment.
Example, assuming that the item is 10,000: P10,000 x 30% = P3,000 is your down payment.
How do we pay?
You get to choose your payment scheme. Usually it would be 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, or 24 months. Keep in mind that the shorter the payment period, the better. If nothing else, it means you can get a loan sooner if you choose a shorter number of terms. 🙂
Let’s say you decided to get the 6 month payment scheme. That means your payments will look like this:
- P3,300
- P1,400
- P1,400
- P1,400
- P1,400
- P1,400
Do they have a processing fee?
Home Credit shares a processing fee of 3% of the total purchase cost. I don’t think the store adds on more than that but do let me know if they do so I can update this post.
Cash is, of course, king, but sometimes we need a little help and Home Credit has our back. Bring home that high priced item you’ve always wanted for yourself and for your loved ones. Use Home Credit and make it a very Merry Christmas for one and all.
ZERO PERCENT INTEREST – that is their goal. And as you can see in the breakdown, P1,400 a month is no longer heavy on the budget … especially if it means you can finally get that TV for dad or that oven for mom or that phone you’ve always wanted.
Think about it. All you are paying for is the cost of the item divided into the number of payments you chose + 3% processing fee. That’s it! Next question would be … where d you make payments? Payments can be made at any Bayad Center branch. Easy peasy!
For more information about Home Credit you may visit the website at www.homecredit.ph or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/homecreditph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 9, 2016 | Product and Service Review
The end of the online revolution draws near but there is still time to get some great finds that could finish up your Christmas list. Here are a few that I spotted that I think you might enjoy, too. 🙂
Tuxun Mini Karaoke K068 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone with Mic Speaker (Gold)
Let’s admit it, Filipinos LOVE to sing … and Christmas parties (or any old party, for that matter) are just not complete without someone rocking the mic … preferably everyone. 😀
Now here is a common scenario … not enough mics to go around! Guess what? That is not a problem anymore if you have this baby … the Tuxun Mini Karaoke K068 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone. It comes in two (2) colors: gold and rose gold. I loved it so much that I bought one of each! 😀
This is what the description says:
- Built-in high-quality chipset, it produces excellent sound quality with reverberation (echo).
- No need to aim at the microphone, it can capture your voice with a pickup hole (translation: it is not unidirectional. It can pick up sound from the top and sides).
- the effect is much like KTV, you will feel liking being on the scene of karaoke.
- It supports almost all singing software no matter on the phone or on the computer (translation: it is compatible with most karaoke apps, whether for your tablet, phone, or computer).
- With a 3.5mm audio jack, it can connect with Android, iOS phone, etc. (translation: you can connect it to your Android or iOS device via an audio jack).
- Wireless Connection: You can connect with your phone with cable or Bluetooth (translation: you can connect either via wired (audio jack) or wireless (Bluetooth) connection).
- You can practice singing, listen to music, and record songs without going to KTV (it is a wireless mic so, really, you can practice anywhere).
Package contents:
- egg-like carrying case
- 3.5mm audio jack cable
- micro USB charging cable
- manual
The manual that comes with the package is in Chinese (I believe) and I could not understand a word of it so I searched for an English manual online. Click here to download the English manual.
My personal experience:
My nephew loves to invite friends over on the weekend to use my Major HD-10 Platinum Karaoke and we only have 1 (wired) mic. With the Tuxun Wireless Mic, I would sneak up on him and suddenly sing a duet. When he heard my voice magnified he was quite surprised because the sound came from behind him, not in front.
Take a look at the Tuxun Mini Karaoke K068 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone and you will notice something immediately … it has an unusual shape for a mic. As a matter of fact, the first time I saw it I thought it was a flashlight! Turns out the wide base is actually the speaker.
- The top switch-slide is the volume control.
- The middle switch-slide is the echo control.
- The bottom button is not only the power button, it is also the button you press for pairing the mic with your device via Bluetooth
Does it really pair with Karaoke software?
I’ll be honest with you … I have no idea. I tried to use it with Smule but I couldn’t get it to work the way I wanted to. But that does not mean it won’t work with others, it just means I haven’t tried it with others yet. 😀
Sanosan Products
For baby and for you.

Sanosan Lotion, Bath and Shampoo, and Oil
Anyone with children will tell you that babies have very sensitive skin. This means that we cannot use just any old product on her.
We’ve tried several brands, from the brands available in the local groceries to products that arrive from relatives who send over balikbayan boxes.
Lately, though, we have tried some brands we have not heard of before until now, and one of those brands is Sanosan. I must confess, though, that we do not believe in using lotion and oil on a baby’s skin … mostly because in most cases they do not really have any dry skin at that young age.
I used the Sanosan Baby Oil to remove my makeup and it works like a dream! The Sanosan Baby lotion I set aside for use later when it turns cold and we start to experience dry skin … yes, Bubu included.
Sanosan Baby Shampoo
Sanosan Baby shampoo has a mild scent and is very gentle on our Bubu’s delicate skin. It is a clear, colorless liquid that froths easily so we do not need to use much to get scalp and hair clean.
- Includes beneficial ingredients such as olive extract and lactoprotein
- Conditions the scalp
- Prevents dryness
- Clinically approved
- Colorant free
- Sanosan baby shampoo does not contain surfactants that impair the natural protective function of the eye
It comes in an attractive powder blue container designed with slip-proof grips on the side making it easier to hang on to the bottle even with wet hands.
Sanosan gives the baby the best possible care. It uses olive oil and hydrolyzed milk protein which are natural ingredients that provide optimum care, cleansing, and protection that nourishes your baby’s skin better.
All Sanosan products are hypoallergenic and free from parabens and dyes. Pamper yourself and your little sweetheart with Sanosan on a regular basis and experience the daily delights of unique, natural, and gentle care.
65 years of premium skincare, for you and for baby.
Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi
For most of the day, our feet are trapped in shoes. For some of us, we spend most of our time on our feet. Our feet just go through so much punishment! Consequently, we find, later that our feet are covered in calluses and dry skin.
I am lucky enough that my feet are not in such bad shape but sometimes I would be surprised to find my heels snagging on my blanket and I realize that it is time for another foot spa.
Having a foot spa, when done often could turn out expensive so here is (what I think) is a better (more economical and more efficient) solution. And using it is easy, too! Watch this video below just to see how easy it is to use this product.
Veet Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin

Veet Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin
Most modern women (myself included) today worry about the unsightly hair growth in our armpits and other parts of the body (such as on the arms, legs, and face). Most either pluck or shave. One can be painful while the other causes the hair to grow back faster and thicker and tends to darken the skin.
The solutions we are often left with: laser treatment, threading, and waxing. These solutions are not cheap. So what solution is left? Depilatory creams or lotions like Veet.
I have used Veet in the past and it is so easy to use that it is often my go-to product when I don’t have time (or money) to go to the waxing salon.
- Wash and clean the area you want to remove hair from.
- Pat dry so that the area is no longer wet.
- Squeeze some Veet on the spatula and smooth over the area you want to depilate.
- Let it stay for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use the spatula to remove the product from your skin. You will see the hairs come off with the cream.
- Use a soft sponge or washcloth to remove the cream if the spatula is too abrasive. I like to wet the sponge or cloth with warm water first.
- If needed, you can leave the cream on longer before fully removing it. Do not exceed 6 minutes, as your skin will likely become irritated and produce a painful burning sensation.
The result? Soft, smooth, hairless skin. No-fuss, no mess, no worries! Try it for yourself! One tube goes a long way. Depending on how many areas you want to depilate, one tube of Veet can last for several months.
- Works close to the root even on short hair
- Preparation: 5-10 minutes
- Enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
- Duration: smoothness for up to a week
- Softer hair regrowth
- Body Area: Legs, Bikini Line, Underarms, Arms
- FREE: Travel-size Veet Hair Removal Cream
Precious Products

Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil, Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Fragrance Mist, Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap, and Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad
With the traffic situation we deal with daily. we often go home more tired than we should be. Here are some products that I got that helped me in relaxing at the end of the day.
Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap (with oatmeal and tea tree oil)

Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap (with oatmeal and tea tree oil)
A lot of the (beauty) soaps sold today are made overseas. Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap is proudly Philippine-made.
I tried this soap immediately and I was surprised at how soft and smooth my skin was after one use. I don’t know if it was the VCO or the goat’s milk that did it but I loved the effect.
According to the product page, this is what this product offers:
Anti-aging
By protecting you from free radicals that can damage skin, Virgin Coconut Oil helps to slow the aging process. The oil forms a barrier of defense on your skin, allowing you to absorb necessary nutrients while blocking the chemicals that can cause wrinkles.
Ultra-hydrating and moisturizing
Pure, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil deeply moisturizes the skin, making it smooth and supple. Our soap is the perfect defense against redness, flakes, itch, and common skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis.
Certified organic
Made in the PHILIPPINES with lots of LOVE: Our soap is handmade and contains organic plant-based ingredients. It’s 100% pure, vegan, and safe for all skin types. It contains no parabens, alcohol, petroleum, dyes, fragrances, animal fat, and preservatives.
Ultimate luxury
After a long, taxing day, treat yourself to the finest form of relaxation. A warm bath paired with our Virgin Coconut Oil Soap will melt away your stress while nourishing your skin. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on what comes next!
Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil

Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil and Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Fragrance Mist
My left shoulder to hand has been hurting like the dickens for days now. when this happens I usually just ignore it but occasionally I call on Ashley, my favorite therapist from Asian Massage to massage me instead.
They often use mineral oil when they give a massage but they usually ask for their clients’ preference also. Sometimes I use lotion but other times I provide my own oil. On her next visit (probably later tonight!) I will try the Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil. The mango scent is strong but not overpowering, which is good. I won’t smell like a fruit salad. D
- precious massage oil
- blend of essential oils
- refreshing and relaxing
- can bring emotional balance to the body
The Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Frangrance Mist will give the room that spa smell that will help me relax even more. That’s one of the missing elements when I have a home service massage … the spa smell. :). The only thing missing would be a waterfall or chime music playing in the background.
It not only makes the air smell good it also acts as a deodorizer, eliminating bad smells in the air.
- precious aroma fragrance mist
- refreshing and relaxing
- an elegant way of scenting environment
- contain odor neutralizing compound
Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad
If you have ever injured yourself or suffered from intense shoulder pain then you (like I) have used hot and cold compress pads. I’ve used versions that had the metal “coin” you flip inside to activate the gel to make it hot. I’ve used the versions you either microwave (for hot) or stick in the freezer (for cold). The one thing common about all these is that they were just that … a hot pad or a cold pad.
Precious came up with a revolutionary product called the Precious all Natural Pain-Away Pad.

Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad
Unlike other hot and cold compresses, this one comes filled with special herbs combined to give you much-needed pain relief. Even as I opened the package I could smell the eucalyptus that must be part of the mixed herbs.
- Hot and cold compress using your microwave or steamer at home
- Made of all-natural herbal seed and aromatic herbs
- 100% natural aromatherapy herbal heat pillow
- Moist heat therapy and dry cold therapy with aromatherapy
- Best for joint pains and spasms
- Helps remove stress
- Hot herbal pillow help relax stiff muscles
- Good for back pain and arthritis
How to use:
- To heat it up you could either put it (the green package that smells really nice) in the microwave or steam it. Directions could be found in the package.
- To freeze it, just place it in the freezer for a few hours.
- After you have either heated or frozen it to your needs place it in the cloth bag that comes with the package.
- Apply to the affected area (like your shoulder or neck) and just relax.
Easy, right? And best of all, it is available at Lazada at a very affordable price!
Lazada’s Online Revolution ends at 11:59 pm on December 12. Shop now for great discounts and great finds for you and your family and friends.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 7, 2016 | Health and Wellness
In our haste to come up with the best Christmas gift this season, we tend to forget that every person’s well-being will always be on top of the list, thus, a gift of wellness is something that will be well-received.
Around the globe, holidays means parties everywhere which also equates to frequent sleep deprivation not to mention increased alcohol intake for some and the bad effects of second hand smoke for others. All these factors contribute to lower immune system and this might not be a good match for the holidays.
Bewell-C has got your back covered as it contains all the vitamin C your body needs minus the acidity. Bewell-C is a non-acidic vitamin C supplement that boosts the immune system to fight against various health conditions.
Bewell-C is great for kids

photo credit to Randall Collis
Bewell-C is made of encapsulated powder which can be extracted and mixed with juices. Most parents nowadays do this, especially in the event that their kids are suffering from weak immune system.
Sodium ascorbate is effective in alleviating coughs and colds in children and can be given 3x a day as opposed to the acidity of a regular vitamin C.
Bewell-C is excellent for adults
Sodium Ascorbate promotes healthy cell development which helps active individuals in terms of sports related injuries as it plays a major role in collagen synthesis and help form bonds between strands of collagen fibers. It is also helpful for those recovering from surgery.
For those who follow a beauty regimen, Sodium Ascorbate helps firm the skin tissues and works well in enhancing the efficiency of anti-aging supplements.
Sodium Ascorbate helps fight cancer as it produces a cytotoxic effect in malignant cell lines including melanoma cells, hence its anti-cancer property. Vitamin C in Sodium Ascorbate also help in lowering the risk of heart diseases and early death.
For those who requires a low-sodium diet, Bewell-C Plus Calcium is recommended.
Bewell-C and Bewell-C Plus Calcium is available in all leading drugstores nationwide and on Lazada Online Shopping: http://www.lazada.com.ph/bewell-nutraceuticals-corporation. For more updates, Follow their FB: https://www.facebook.com/bewellcsodiumascorbate
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 4, 2016 | Stories
The Bayad Center is probably one of the most visited businesses that does not sell anything. The Bayad Center is a Meralco Company … it is a payment and remittance center that most Filipinos trust. Our country couldn’t stress enough how Filipinos Overseas have helped our economy. In 2014, Overseas Pinoys reach a record high remittance of $26.9 Billion. This solid stream of remittances has played a major role in the country’s economy through the years thanks to our kababayans abroad.
Overseas remittance does not only help the economy in general but also help improve the quality of living of their recipients, hence, we consider our Kababayans abroad as our modern day heroes.

BAYAD CENTER with the advantage of technology and innovation wants to applaud and honor these overseas Pinoys with a service that would enable them to do seamless transactions in aid of their families and loved ones in the country.
BAYAD CENTER Online will allow not just overseas Pinoys but also those who rely on e-commerce in paying their bills. Transactions are made easier and faster via this web-based facility. Overseas Pinoys can access www.international.bayadcenteronline.com, whereas domestic customers can transact thru www.domestic.bayadcenteronline.com.
BAYAD CENTER is the Philippines’ pioneer and leader in the bills payment collection industry backed by Meralco‘s seal of service and integrity. It accepts 170 types of bills in its system, covering Electricity, Water, Landline, Internet and Cable.

Bayad Center Online can be accessed on all devices with internet access
Aside from home or office based computers, consumers can also view and do their transactions using their mobile phone 24/7 as long as they have a valid email account and an internet service. Payments are transacted thru Paypal and are accepting all major credit/debit cards.
This service also aims to override the limited operating hours of remittance centers that often creates a hassle.
Consumers will benefit from easier record keeping as a receipt will be sent thru email both from Paypal stating that your card has been charged as well as an email from Bayad Center stating that your payment has already been posted.
With BAYAD CENTER, every Filipino, wherever they may be, can always be assured of #TatakSigurado! This is a testament of millions of Filipinos using the service. Paying bills has never been easier.
Who is the target market?
International market
BC Online primarily caters to Overseas Filipino Workers and Residents who send money to pay for utility bills, but end up sending more because funds are often misused for other things. This growing concern prompted Bayad Center to develop this platform.
Domestic market
BC Online also caters to Filipinos in the country who wish to use the Bayad Center facility, but prefers to pay their bills in the comfort of their homes or offices. Paying through BC Online is the same as paying directly to the business center.
What type of bills are accepted?
More than 170 types of bills are accepted in the BC Online Facility. From basic utility bills to tuition fees and online shopping payments, BC Online brings the Bayad Center one-stop shop promise to the digital space.
- cable internet
- Aclans Cable Network
- Asian Vision
- Batangas CATV
- Cable Link: Pateros, Manila, Quezon, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Malabon, Navotas, San Juan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Cainta, Biñan, Bacoor, Taguig, Imus, Pasay, Pasig
- Colorview CATV
- Crown Asia
- Destiny Cable
- Digitel
- Excelite CATV Batangas
- iBlaze
- Infocom
- JM Cable Network
- Met Cable
- My CATV
- Northstar Cable
- Pilipino Cable Corporation
- PLDT MyDSL
- Plus Cable
- Quezon CATV
- Sky Cable
- Sky Internet
- Subic CATV
- Sun Broadband Wireless
- Tayabas Resources Ventures
- Wesky Cable Networks
- Verdant Cable
- electricity
- Albay Batelec 2
- Balamban Enerzone
- Benguet Electric (BENECO)
- Davao Light
- Ilocos Norte Electric (INEC)
- Iloilo 1 Electric (ILECO 1)
- Iloilo 2 Electric (ILECO 2)
- Leyte 2 Electric (LEYECO 2)
- Mactan Enerzone
- Meralco
- Meralco Prepaid
- Pampanga 2 Electric (PELCO 2)
- Pangasinan 1 Electric (PANELCO 1)
- Pangasinan 3 Electric (PANELCO 3)
- Subic Enerzone
- Tarlac 1 Electric (TARELCO 1)
- Tarlac 2 Electric (TARELCO 2)
- Visayan Electric (VECO)
- memorial plans
- Eternal Gardens Memorial Park
- Eternal Plans
- Manila Memorial Park
- online shopping
- real estate
- Bria Homes
- Brittany
- Camella Homes
- Carissa Home
- Extraordinary Development Corporation
- First Advance
- Lumina
- Micaza Properties
- telephone bills
- ABS-CBN Mobile
- Clarktel
- Digitel
- Globe
- Innove Product
- Maratel Inc.
- PILTEL
- PLDT MyDSL
- Smart
- Subic Telecom
- Sun Cellular
- tuition fees
- water
- Baliwag Water District
- BP Waterworks Inc.
- First Peak: Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu
- Goodhands Water Specialist
- Happy Well Management
- Laguna Water
- Manila Water
- Marilao Water District
- Maynilad
- Meycauayan Water District
- Micaza
- Norzagaray Water District
- Primewater: South, North, Lemery, Lingayen, San Carlos Pangasinan, San Pedro Laguna, Paniqui, Camiling, La Union, Sorsogon
- Primewater Basic Enterprises
- San Jose Water
How do we pay?
Initially, BC Online accepts any type of Credit Card as mode of payment. Soon, the facility will allow the use of Debit Cards and Electronic Wallets such as GCash and SmartMoney for settlement.
When will payments be posted?
Consistent with the Bayad Center over-the-counter experience, posting of payments is within 24 hours, if not real-time, mainly due to Bayad Center’s direct partnership with each Biller Partner.
What are their rates?
BC Online charges the customer with a merchant discount rate of 3.6% of the amount to be paid, which is common for card payments.
There is also a minimal system fee of Php 1.00 for Domestic transactions, and Php 20.00 for transactions made abroad.
How can Bayad Center Online be accessed?
The Bayad Center Online can be accessed through www.bayadcenteronline.com, with no minimum bandwidth required. This means that the facility was built to consider the slowest internet connection from the most remote area, and from varying displays like desktop, tablets, and smartphones. As this is an online facility, BC Online is available 24 hours a day, any day of the week, globally.
About Bayad Center
BAYAD CENTER is the pioneer and leader in bills payment services, accepting over 200 types of bills in its multi-channel payment platform. Powering more than 5,000 payment locations nationwide including major malls, supermarkets, courier services, remittance outlets, and other establishments, BAYAD CENTER has become the most trusted brand in bills payment, offering a reliable, hassle-free experience of paying bills in one-stop.
Aside from its over-the-counter payment channel, BAYAD CENTER also introduced the Touchpay Machine – an Automated Payment Machine strategically located in Biller Offices, Business Process Outsourcing institutions, Vertical Residential Developments, Drugstores, Gas Stations, and other Commercial Establishments.
BAYAD CENTER has likewise released its own POS Machine, the Bayad Center Retail Machine, enabling community-based, neighborhood establishments like sari-sari stores, barbershops, carwash, etc. to accept payments and other services. Click here to view the list of available physical outlets of Bayad Center.
CIS Bayad Center, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and a member of the MVP Group of Companies.
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