by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 22, 2025 | Book Reviews

Book 13 of the Huge Series, Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother
Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother is book 13 of the Huge Series and was just a joy to read! As soon as I received my ARC copy, I put my iPad on a stand, snuggled under the blanket, and read until my eyes dried out … or I lost consciousness, lol! Then, I resumed as soon as I woke up.
What did I like about it?
- Triplets … because why not? They’re brothers, and there are three of them. I think my eyes just crossed, lol!
- Guys into sports – there is just something sexy about watching them skating on the ice (in my head) and the excitement and adrenalin rush when they are up against a good team. Hockey can get rough, but so can they. Meow!
- They’ve got history. They aren’t new to the concept of being steps, which means that the physical attraction has been there for some time but suppressed.
- The drama of the socials! This was not an issue that would even have been possible back in the day.
It all made for a titillating story that had me holding my breath, laughing at times, and quickly turning pages to know what would happen next.
Grab your copy of Pucking Huge by Stephanie Brother soon on Amazon. Free with Kindle Unlimited.
I promise you won’t be disappointed.
#bookrecommendations #reverseharem #whychoose #stepbrotherromance #enemiestolovers #HugeSeries #StephanieBrotherBooks
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 22, 2025 | Awards and Competitions
Manila, Philippines — The Philippine delegation made waves at the prestigious Waterjet World Cup 2024, held last December in Pattaya, Thailand. Representing the country with determination and skill, the team returned with remarkable achievements and unforgettable experiences. Their journey was not without challenges, but it was these very challenges that highlighted their resilience and passion for the sport.
This year’s event marked a significant milestone for the Philippines, with seven young athletes aged 14 to 22 proudly carrying the nation’s flag. These rising stars not only conquered the waters but also bravely navigated the challenges of competing at an elite level against the world’s best. Their exceptional performances underscore the determination, discipline, and passion that define the Philippine delegation.

Vito Tinio
At just 14 years old, Vito Tinio excelled in the Junior 13-15 category, finishing as World No. 4 in Spark Stock. “Every race tested my grit and focus,” Vito shared. He also claimed the championship title at the Kundang Jet Sports Malaysia Seadoo Junior Time Attack 2024. “I had to remain calm under pressure and concentrate on improving with each round,” he added, highlighting his remarkable composure.
Cody Lorenzo Pontino proudly earned the title of World Champion in the Novice Ski Stock category, showcasing his skill and determination. “The toughest part was staying consistent throughout the competition. Every race felt like an opportunity to prove what I’m capable of,” Cody shared.

Kristine Mercado
Sisters Kristine Kate and Kayla Marie Povadora Mercado, the pride of the Philippines, excelled in the Women Runabout 1100 Stock category.
Kristine emerged as the Triple Crown Champion, while Kayla secured 2nd place in the series. “It’s not just about competing; it’s about representing the Philippines and inspiring others,” said Kristine.
Kayla added, “Being part of this journey with my sister made the experience even more special.”
Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus is a remarkable competitor in the field, having secured multiple titles across different continents. He has earned the prestigious title of Overall Triple Crown Champion. “Competing on the global stage is not only exhilarating but also incredibly demanding. The key is to adapt to different courses and maintain mental strength,” Angelo explained.
His resilience in the face of tough competition has enabled him to achieve numerous accolades, including the Novice Runabout Stock Champion titles in both Europe and America, along with a 3rd Place finish in Thailand.

Marchael Louie Buhisan
The team’s diversity and camaraderie were evident during the competition. Marchael Louie Buhisan placed 2nd in the Endurance Open and 3rd in the Pro-Am 1100 Open, finding the balance between endurance and speed to be the ultimate challenge.

Jesse Arcilla
Jesse Arcilla, one of the youngest riders, shared his thoughts on the growth he experienced from competing with seasoned athletes: “It’s an honor to race on such a significant stage. I’m learning so much from each competition.”
Their coach and mentors believe that these young athletes embody the spirit of Filipino excellence. “They have shown that, regardless of their age, they can confront challenges directly, adapt to pressure, and excel against the best in the world,” said their coach, highlighting the team’s dedication.
While the delegation celebrates its achievements, it aims to inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes. Their collective story embodies perseverance, teamwork, and a steadfast desire to elevate the nation in the world of water sports.
Jesse Arcilla
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- 9th Place, Women Runabout 1100 Stock
Kristine Kate Povadora Mercado
- WGP#1 Waterjet World Series/Triple Crown 2024:
- Champion, Women Runabout 1100 Stock
- Poland Grand Prix: Champion
- SBT WGP#1 World Finals: 2nd Place
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024: 4th Place
Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus
- WGP#1 Asian Championships Osaka, Japan 2024:
- Champion, Novice 1100 Stock
- WGP#1 World Series Europe, Poland:
- Champion, Novice Runabout Stock
- 3rd in Novice 1100 Stock
- WGP#1 World Series America, USA:
- World Champion, Novice Runabout Stock
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024, Thailand:
- 3rd in Novice Runabout Stock
- 4th in Novice 1100 Stock
- Overall Triple Crown Champion
Cody Lorenzo Pontino
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- World Champion, Novice Ski Stock
Kayla Marie Povadora Mercado
- WGP#1 Waterjet World Series:
- 2nd Place, Women Runabout 1100 Stock
- Poland Grand Prix: 4th Place
- SBT WGP#1 World Finals: 6th Place
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024: 6th Place
Vito Tinio
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- World No. 4, Junior 13-15 Spark Stock
- Kundang Jet Sports Malaysia Seadoo Junior Time Attack 2024: Champion
Marchael Louie Buhisan
- WGP#1 Waterjet World Series 2024:
- 2nd Place, Endurance Open
- 3rd Place, Pro-Am 1100 Open
- WGP#1 Water Jet World Cup 2024:
- 3rd Place, Pro-Am 1100 Open
The delegation’s success represents a collective achievement, reflecting the unwavering support of the athletes’ families and the guidance of their coaches. This accomplishment highlights the growing prominence of Filipinos in the waterjet sports arena and serves as an inspiration for future generations to excel in water sports and beyond.
These young athletes have not only demonstrated the capabilities of Filipinos but have also made a significant impact on the global stage. May their journey ignite dreams and motivate the next wave of champions!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 16, 2025 | Food & Beverage
As the Chinese New Year approaches, The Manila Hotel invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Join the festivities and experience the rich traditions that may bring good fortune and joy to everyone.
Signature Tikoy for a Sweet Start
To celebrate this auspicious occasion, The Manila Hotel is offering its signature Tikoy, also known as Nian Gao, from now until February 2, 2025. These traditional Chinese New Year cakes are available in two delightful flavors: Almond and Red Bean. They make a thoughtful gift or a wonderful addition to your holiday feast. Each box is priced at Php 988 net.
Take advantage of our Early Bird Offer and enjoy a 30% discount when you purchase a minimum of five (5) boxes by January 19, 2025. For bulk orders placed between January 20 and 31, 2025, the following discounts will apply:
- 10% off for orders of 5 to 9 boxes
- 15% off for orders of 10 to 19 boxes
- 20% off for orders of 20 boxes or more
Festive Lunar Celebrations
Join us in celebrating the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year at The Manila Hotel! On January 29, 2025, prepare to be amazed by the Lion and Dragon Dance, a lively performance that wards off evil spirits and invites good fortune. To enhance the festive spirit, guests dining at the hotel on January 28 and 29, 2025, will receive an Ang Pao filled with golden chocolate coins and fortune cookies.
Chinese New Year Set Menu at Red Jade
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with an indulgent special set menu at Red Jade, featuring a selection of exquisite dishes. The menu includes:
- Prosperity Yee Sang (Lo Hei)
- Roast Peking Duck with Black Truffle Sauce
- Shredded Chicken with Dried Scallops and Shark’s Fin Soup
- Tower Mei Cai Pork with Black Sea Moss
- Assorted Seafood with Baby Abalone in a Hot Pot
- Braised Wawa Cai with Morel Mushroom
- Pan-fried Sea Bass with Soy Sauce
- Stir-fried Crab with Chili Sauce
- Fukien Cha Misua
- Pan-Fried Tikoy
- Mango Sago
This sumptuous set menu will be available for lunch and dinner from January 27 to 31, 2025. It is priced at Php 3,888 net per set, with a minimum of six (6) sets required per table.
Raise a Glass to Good Fortune
Enhance the celebration with Shǒuyè, a cocktail that combines the smoothness of cognac with the refreshing zing of ginger ale. Guests can enjoy Shǒuyè at the Tap Room, Lobby Lounge, and Pool Bar throughout January.
Celebrate at Home with the Chinese New Year Hot Box
If you prefer to celebrate at home, M Takeout is offering the Chinese New Year Hot Box, which includes a delicious serving of Pork Knuckles with Hot Buns. This convenient and flavorful option is available from January 15 to 31, 2025, and is priced at Php 3,688 net, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
For more information and reservations, please call +632 85270011 or ++632 5301 5500 or email re************@th************.com.
About The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is conveniently located beside Kilometer Zero (0), the point where the City of Manila begins, and is within walking distance of well-known landmarks such as Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museums. Renowned for its rich history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel has been the preferred choice for distinguished guests since 1912, continuously offering exceptional services and amenities for a truly memorable experience.
The hotel boasts over 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three ballrooms. Guests can enjoy five-star relaxation with experiences at the Manila Hotel Spa, along with access to adult and children’s pools and the Manila Hotel Health Club. Additionally, the hotel features the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrates its illustrious history, and an Art Gallery that offers insight into contemporary art through the perspectives of various artists.
Dining at The Manila Hotel provides a unique culinary adventure across six different outlets: Café Ilang-Ilang, a favorite for its extensive selection of international buffet delights; the Champagne Room, renowned for its Old European style fine dining and regarded as the most romantic venue in Manila, specializing in European cuisine; the Tap Room, which has an Old English pub atmosphere with live music in the evenings; the Lobby Lounge, perfect for casual dining, aperitifs, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and the Delicatessen, offering the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 15, 2025 | Business
The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (CCIP) recently held its fourth General Membership Meeting (GMM), themed “Cocktail Night,” at the Revel at the Palace in Taguig City.
The event was led by the CCIP Board of Trustees, including President Christine Reyes from Amway Philippines, who presented her annual report. She highlighted CCIP’s mission to accelerate, elevate, and champion the cosmetics industry in the Philippines. Christine expressed excitement about continuing to grow the Chamber’s legacy with the unwavering support of its member companies.
“In response to the dynamic and ever-changing business and regulatory landscape, CCIP is dedicated to advancing the cosmetics industry by fostering adaptability and providing swift, strategic solutions to market shifts. By nurturing creativity, we aim to drive sustainable growth and meaningful change, reinforcing our leadership in the industry. Building on the momentum of our 50th anniversary, our next step is clear: to elevate CCIP to the next level as we pave the way for the cosmetics industry to achieve unprecedented excellence in 2025 and beyond,” she stated.
Joining Christine at the year-end festivities were fellow board members: Jacqueline Lim from First Asia Manufacturing, Monina Leslie Ferrer from Snoe Beaute Produits Inc., Denice Sy from Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc., Dennies Ladia from Environatural Corporation, Dr. Janina Tan from Jradiance Corporation, and Shirley Cayago from Splash Corporation.
The event, co-hosted by Denice Sy, Dominic Plana, and Tin Guiao, was filled with energy, entertainment, and camaraderie among members. Guests enjoyed great drinks, lively music, and the excellent company of colleagues from across the industry.
A significant highlight of the night was the announcement of the election results for CCIP’s new Board of Trustees for 2025. These new trustees will work alongside the current board members.
The Election Committee, led by Gladys Conopio from DKSH Philippines, Inc., Lessie Galindo from Brenntag Ingredients, Inc., and Faye Muñoz from Chemrez Technologies, Inc., announced the newly appointed trustees: Aio Nery from CCT Chemicals Inc., Jellie Marie Villamor from GT Cosmetics in Cebu, Maria Roberta Estacio from Harem Inc., Ramon Claridad from Rainiers Research and Development Institute, John Robinson Uy from Unilever Philippines, Michael Zotomayor from ZLab International Corporation, and Kimberly Sablayan from Lifestrong Marketing, Inc.
As the Chamber moves into 2025 with a dynamic and visionary board, CCIP reaffirms its commitment to empowering the local cosmetics industry and fostering collaboration among its diverse and vibrant membership.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 10, 2025 | Food & Beverage
The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room offers a unique culinary experience, transporting guests to the historical Saga Prefecture in Japan through an exceptional six-course dinner, masterfully prepared by The Manila Hotel’s esteemed Japanese Chef Oseki Nobu and paired with a curated selection of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, chosen by renowned whisky expert Mr. Johnssen Li.
Scheduled for January 16, 2025, at the iconic Champagne Room, this elegant evening promises a harmonious blend of flavors, combining the unparalleled quality of Saga Wagyu with the nuanced profiles of premium Japanese whisky.
The Culinary Experience
Chef Oseki Nobu has designed a six-course menu that highlights the distinctive qualities of Saga Wagyu, known for its exquisite marbling, tenderness, and delicate flavor. The menu includes Saga Tataki with Watercress Ohitashi, Thinly Sliced Saga in Beef Consommé, Sesame Tofu in Saga Beef Roll, Pan-seared Saga on Mushroom Risotto, Saga Beef with Black Garlic Sauce, Panna Cotta with Plum Wine Jelly, and Saga Beef Jerky in Dark Chocolate.
Each whisky has been meticulously selected by Mr. Johnsson Li of Grand Cru Wines and Spirits, known for its fine quality and international acclaim, to enhance the dining experience of our guests.
This one-night-only event is a rare opportunity to savor the finest Japanese beef alongside premium whisky in the elegant setting of The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room. With limited seats available, priced at Php 11,625 net per person, we encourage you to secure your reservation at your earliest convenience. Standard discount tiering applies for Prestige cardholders.
This event is presented in partnership with Saga-Gyu and Mayon Consolidated Inc.
For inquiries and reservations, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500 or send an email to re************@th************.com.
The Manila Hotel is located beside kilometer zero (0), where the City of Manila begins, and is within walking distance from the Philippines’ known landmarks: Rizal Park, Intramuros, and National Museums. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel is the choice hotel for the most distinguished clientele.
Since 1912, The Manila Hotel has continuously provided the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three (3) ballrooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and the Manila Hotel Health Club. The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past.
It also has an Art Gallery that offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through the objective point of view of different artists. It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang, which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila — it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessen that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
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