by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 26, 2023 | Book Reviews
Single Dad’s Surrogate by Krista Lakes is a book I encountered when checking out the books on sale during Goodnovel’s 3rd birthday bash. Money (and Goodnovel coins) well-spent!
Wyatt is a widower. His wife, Caroline passed away a year ago from cancer. When they were newly wed they discovered that because of her cancer treatment, Caroline would not be able to have a child. Thus Caroline and Wyatt decided to go for surrogacy.
Lily is the surrogate they chose 5 years ago. Her one condition to agree was that she be allowed to remain in the child’s life and they agreed immediately. In all that time she was loved and treated like family. Maggie, their daughter, even calls her Aunt Wiwee.
Wyatt’s housekeeper, Mildred is leaving for vacation for 10 days. Because he knows how much his daughter, Maggie, loves Lily he came up with the idea of asking her to be Maggie’s temporary nanny while Mildred is not around. With pay, of course. He even offered to add $100 compensation to each of Lily’s workmates who will cover her shift at the coffee shop.
Lily loves Maggie with all her heart and would have done it for free if not for the bills she still needed to settle. She immediately agreed and made arrangements at work. It didn’t hurt that she would get to feast her eyes on the object of her affection and the star of her wet dreams.
What I love about this story is that it is so organic … it is believable and possible. It does not feel forced. The fact that Wyatt is a billionaire is incidental even. The mansion, the private playground, the pool, the Lamborghini, etc. are just indicators of his wealth. He could have been a fairly well-off man living in a condo and the story would have still unfolded the same way.
There is no great conflict in the story other than the ghost of Caroline … only as this prevented Wyatt and Lily from getting together sooner because of guilt. It wasn’t until they both felt that Caroline would be okay with them being in a relationship that they are even able to be together.
I mentioned that I found this book on Goodnovel. Happily, it is also on Amazon, so those of you who don’t want to pay per chapter can get it there for 4.99. Strangely, when I checked Goodreads for this book it turned up but appears under a different author! Same title, the same preview, and the same book cover. In Goodreads, Single Dad’s Surrogate is credited to Cassandra Zara and Annie Young. So who is the real author?
Nevertheless, I have a feeling you will enjoy this book as much as I have. Do check it out!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 24, 2023 | Health and Wellness
Many people spend a considerable amount of their day sitting at a desk, typing away at a computer. This sedentary lifestyle can cause various health issues, including poor circulation, back pain, and muscle stiffness. Fortunately, there is a solution that can alleviate some of these problems – a massage chair in the office makes wonders and ZION Philippines, which is the leading brand to deliver the highest-quality massage chairs, recliner chairs, carbon saunas, foot, and eye massagers provides some of these benefits of having a massage chair in the workplace.
- It alleviates stress
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- Enhances productivity
- Boosts morale
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To put it briefly, having a ZION Philippines massage chair has numerous benefits, including stress relief, reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, enhanced productivity, boosted morale, and cost-effectiveness. Even leading influential business owners like Ms. Anna Magkawas, CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group who trusts her ZION King massage chair, and Mr. Gerry Santos, Founder & CEO of Mr. Freeze Tube Ice Inc. with his very own ZION Executive massage chair for both their relaxation and unwinding.
If you’re considering investing in a massage chair for your workplace, it would be a wise decision that benefits both your employees and your business as ZION Philippines offers a variety of top-of-the-line massage chair models to choose from depending on the budget and features.
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by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 23, 2023 | Advocacy
One Meralco has marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful planting of over two million trees across the country as the world celebrates Earth Day 2023.
A total of 2,037,450 trees have been planted and nurtured in different parts of the country under the One for Trees environmental advocacy program led by One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Meralco.
According to OMF President and Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao, the successful planting and nurturing of over two million trees are a testament to the power of grassroots partnerships to impact lasting change.
“One for Trees goes beyond reforestation and embraces sustainability by working with communities to ensure that the trees they plant will also benefit their own families,” Tarayao said.
The One for Trees program, Tarayao explained, advocates multi-dimensional sustainable solutions to address reforestation and environmental protection, and conservation in the Philippines while empowering communities through economic and social development.

RAISING AWARENESS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. Meralco employees join a tree planting activity in Siniloan, Laguna as part of the One for Trees program of the One Meralco Foundation. The One for Trees program recently marked a significant milestone with two million trees planted across the country.
Since its launch in 2019, One for Trees has contributed to a greener future in different parts of the country including Bohol, Bukidnon, Aklan, Agusan del Norte, Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon City, as well as Panay, and Cebu, where reforestation sites of Global Business Power Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation, are located.
One for Trees also provides new sources of income for tree-farming families through partnerships with people’s organizations. These strategically contribute to the program’s aim to plant five million new trees by 2026 in biodiverse landscapes in the Philippines.
“Our reforestation efforts are in line with One Meralco’s holistic approach to embed sustainability not just in our business operations, but also in the development of the communities we serve. As we continue to engage more stakeholders in environmental protection and conservation, we remain committed to helping ensure that the responsibility and benefits of investing in our planet are shared by all,” Meralco President and Chief Executive Officer and OMF Vice Chairman Atty. Ray C. Espinosa said.
Centered on preserving and protecting the planet, One for Trees is a key initiative under One Meralco’s sustainability agenda called “Powering the Good Life” which is deeply rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 23, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Many years ago my daughter used to drag me to this amazing new unlimited Korean Grill for samgypsal. I remember asking her, “What in the world is samgyupsal?” and my daughter patiently explained to me that it is a Korean barbeque place. Since I’ve never been a fan of K-drama I was clueless and this all went over my head but “food is food” so I went along. And that was the start of our fascination with Korean Unlimited Grill. Watch out, waistline!

Samgyupsalamat opened its doors to hungry patrons in 2012.
Rebranding
Since its inception in 2012, this popular restaurant has sprouted several branches and rebranded multiple times. From the initial “Samgyupsalamat” it became “Unlicity Samgyup!” to its newest name “Unlicity Samgyup Salahat”. At present, only the Subic branch already has the signage for Unlicity Samgyup Salahat. This new name will soon be implemented in all existing (and upcoming) branches, whether they are currently called Samgyupsalamat or Unlicity Samgyup!
Come visit Unlicity Samgyup Salahat at Trinoma

Unlicity Samgyup! at Trinoma
Soon to be called Unlicity Samgyup Salahat, Unlicity Samgyup! at Trinoma is ready to provide us with delicious meats and side dishes from 11 am to 2 am daily with happy hour from 11 am to 3 pm.
Ample space and seating

ample walking space and seating at the Unlicity Samgyup Salahat Trinoma branch
I’ve always hated when people stand or sit too close to me so I’m one of those people that LOVES the fact that the pandemic forced people to recognize the importance of social distancing. The tables are spaced far enough to make the wariest guest comfortable while at the same time providing ample seating for several groups who would wish to dine in.
What’s on the menu?
Unli pork, beef, chicken, and side dishes for groups of 2 or more are priced at a mere P549 … no leftovers (otherwise you will be charged), and all guests are allowed to dine for a maximum of 3 hours. Eating solo? No problem! Just be prepared to spend P699, instead.
If you want to get more “bang for your buck”, come and dine during the “happy hour” which is actually more than an hour as it runs from 11 am to 3 pm for only P499. You get the same flavorful quality meats and side dishes for less!
I tend to like my meat very flavorful and/or spicy so my go-to orders are P2 (Buljib), P4 (Gochujang Pork), B3 (Beef Boolgogi), B4 (Gochujang Beef). Buljib is pork belly seasoned with salt, cracked pepper, and ground parsley. Gochujang is a red chili paste that is savory, sweet, and spicy all at the same time. This makes it perfect for combining with grilled meat either as a marinade or as a dipping sauce. Bulgogi, on. the other hand is thinly sliced beef marinated in a dark, sweet sauce.
All 8 side dishes listed are served even before you reach the table, except for the steamed egg which has to be requested. Including the steamed egg my favorite side dishes are the chapchae (glass noodles sauteed with veggies, chicken, and a special sauce), spicy tofu soup, pickled radish, and rice.
Not to be forgotten is the melted cheese dip that is placed on the grill in a little holder to keep it piping hot as we enjoy our meal.
Sadly, one of my favorite side dishes, the fishcake strips, is no longer on the menu. 🙁 I think perhaps it is not as popular as the others or might be more expensive. Instead, it was replaced by the cucumber, which is sliced thinly, then marinated in gochujang. If I weren’t allergic to cucumber I would surely like it as I’m quite a fan of gochujang. 😀
To wash down all that yummy goodness iced tea and cold water are provided, as part of the package. If you have a hankering for a beverage other than those, they do have soda, beer, and Soju available for an additional charge.
Also not part of the package is the ramyun gyeran (ramen or noodle soup) and dessert (ube, leche flan, or a combination of both).
What’s new at Unlicity Samgyup Salahat?
As we swelter in the oppressive summer heat, Unlicity Samgyup Salahat has added something refreshing to the menu that got me excited. As someone who loves fruits and fruity drinks, this popular summer drink hit the spot.

Unlicity Samgyup Salahat’s Create Your Smoothie menu
Fruit smoothies are now available at a reasonable price of only P129. Whether you are a purist and go with a single fruit or want to mix it up with a 2 or 4 fruit combo, these smoothies will surely leave you feeling happy and refreshed.
So the next time you and your family and friends are looking for a congenial place to share a meal that is reasonably priced, make your way to Unlicity Samgyup Salahat! They also accept advance bookings, especially for large groups.

Cook the way you like it then dig in!
Unlicity Samgyup Salahat Trinoma branch is located on the 4th-floor garden view level.
Bloggers at work
I would like to thank my fellow bloggers Jamie, Aileen, Camilo, Dianne, Nestor, Trixie, and Vicky for sharing their event photos. Thank you, also, to Ms. Grace for inviting us and Ms. Sunrise for hosting us.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 22, 2023 | Food & Beverage
SamgYup! is a restaurant chain in and around Metro Manila that serves unlimited Korean BBQ. It’s been around some time with a lot of branches under the “Unlicity” brand and counting for more as there are under construction soon to open branches and under the management of Zoomanity Eatz.
Now open with a new brand from Samgyupsalamat to SamgYup! at Trinoma Mall on the 4th Floor, Garden Area, and with easier access at the Mindanao entrance, the popular and famous chain of restaurants is still serving all the mall goers.
Opened last October 2019 with a different brand with Zoomanity EatZ CEO, Robert Laurel Yupangco, YUP Gallery Board of Trustee Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas and Zoomanity Group COO May Gamir and Operation Site Manager Sunrise.
According to Robert Laurel Yupangco, Zoomanity EatZ CEO, “We are thankful for the patronage of our customers, we have now 5 branches under our management that includes branches in Century City Mall in Makati, Inside The Residence Inn in Tagaytay, at Alabang Town Center and Subic. Filipinos are into unlimited BBQ and affordable cost with good and quality food.”
SamgYup! menu combines flavored pork and beef (and exciting side dishes, too!). There are so many patrons right now because of the popularity and affordable prices.
For the new brand, it offers also Japanese dishes and Coffee since the company started Japanese restaurants before venturing into Korean. New brand, more offerings.
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