by Ferry Bayu | Aug 8, 2023 | Business
Potato Corner’s new snack Harvest Chips supports Benguet farmers
MANILA, Philippines – Potato Corner recently launched its new snack offering Harvest Chips in partnership with community development organization Gawad Kalinga (GK).
The potatoes used for Harvest Chips are sourced locally from Benguet farmers. These are then processed into chips by workers in Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm located in Angat, Bulacan.
Gawad Kalinga has been assisting local farmers through their BayanAnihan program by “providing harvest inputs and training, supporting their production, administrative and logistics process, and connecting them to committed buyers.”
Luis Oquiñena, chairman of Gawad Kalinga, said the partnership with Potato Corner can create “sustainable pathways for our poorest farmers through Harvest Chips.”
Potato Corner started as a small food cart in 1992 and soon became one of the largest kiosk-based chains in the Philippines. It was acquired by Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Incorporated in 2022.
“We hope that, given its scale and the platform Gawad Kalinga has provided, we can boost the income of Filipino potato farmers and make a positive impact in their lives,” said Vicente Gregorio, president and chief executive officer of Shakey’s Pizza, in a disclosure on Monday, August 7.
A limited time offering, Harvest Chips is available in Metro Manila, Rizal, and select kiosks in Luzon and Cebu for only P99.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 8, 2023 | Business
FWD Startup Studio Accelerator Opens Applications for Asia-based Startups
FWD Startup Studio, in collaboration with 1337 Ventures, is thrilled to announce the 5th cohort of FWD Startup Studio Accelerator, a game-changing 13-week programme designed to catapult your insurtech or adjacent vertical startups to new heights. If you have a brilliant idea for a collaboration with FWD Insurance in Malaysia, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Application for FWD Startup Studio Accelerator Programme is now open, with a focus on Asia-based startups that are venture-backed in insurtech or adjacent verticals.
FWD Startup Studio, in collaboration with 1337 Ventures, is thrilled to announce the 5th cohort of FWD Startup Studio Accelerator, a game-changing 13-week programme designed to catapult your insurtech or adjacent vertical startups to new heights. If you have a brilliant idea for a collaboration with FWD Insurance in Malaysia, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
The FWD Startup Studio Accelerator aims to bring together the brightest minds in the industry, fostering innovative collaborations and potentially leading to proofs of concept (POC). Aspiring startups seeking to enrich their ventures through a strategic partnership with FWD Insurance in Malaysia are encouraged to apply.
“Startups bring new ideas to traditional businesses and industries, which aligns closely with our vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. Through our Startup Studio Accelerator as well as TIM Ventures, our venture capital fund, we are keen to identify outstanding startups, work together with them and help them grow, leveraging on our presence in 10 markets across Asia,” said Ryan Kim, Group Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, FWD Group.
The accelerator programme offers a plethora of benefits for participating startups:
Industry expertise: Gain unprecedented access to decision-makers within FWD Insurance and esteemed mentors who can provide invaluable guidance, open doors to collaborations, and facilitate partnerships.
Acceleration of growth: Fast-track the development of your collaboration to a real proof of concept (POC) before the accelerator programme concludes, giving your startup the momentum it needs to thrive.
Fundraising opportunities: Connect with prominent investors such as TIM Ventures and 1337 Ventures, expanding your network within the investor community. Exceptional collaboration ideas may even unlock the potential for Venture Capital funding.
Access to customers and markets: Successfully piloting your idea in Malaysia could spark interest from other FWD branches in different countries, opening doors to new markets and potential scaling opportunities.
Resource support: Empower your startup with over USD 20K worth of credits on digital infrastructure and cloud services, providing essential resources to fuel your growth.
Networking and community: Join a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs and global insurtech and adjacent vertical leaders, fostering meaningful connections that could propel your startup to new heights.
Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures, stated, “The FWD Startup Studio Accelerator presents an incredible opportunity for startups to engage with FWD Insurance to explore a proof of concept (POC) solution and access to decision-makers and mentors within FWD Group. We are eager to support and witness the growth of promising startups in the insurtech and fintech space.”
Venture-backed seed stage Asia-based startups who are in the insurtech or adjacent verticals are encouraged to apply and develop a proof of concept (POC) design with FWD Malaysia.
The startups who participated in the previous cohorts have walked away from the accelerator better equipped to be game changers within their respective industries. Past participants include; BlueDuck, Kapitani, Finory, Betterteem, Koha, Safyer, Cashku, eHibah, CoreHalal, Du-It, Marion, Protos Labs, uPledge, Warantee and more.
Join us in an upcoming webinar on 17 August 2023, to learn more about this accelerator, RSVP at https://bit.ly/eventfwdc5
Applications are open now, and the deadline for submissions is 28 August 2023. FWD Startup Studio Accelerator will begin on 5 September 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator.
Established in 2012, 1337 Ventures is Malaysia’s first accelerator programme and early-stage accelerator. Pioneering the Design Thinking Methodology and Design Sprints in Malaysia, 1337 Ventures has utilised its learning to accelerate the growth of over 2,500 startups from 6 different countries. 1337 Ventures has launched accelerators for MNCs and GLCs such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Khazanah Nasional, Telekom, Digi, MDEC, CIMB and Maybank, to name a few. More recently, 1337 Ventures is proud to be one of the three new recipients of the Equity Crowdfunding license from the Securities Commission.
To find out more about 1337 Ventures, please visit www.1337.ventures.
About FWD Startup Studio
FWD Startup Studio is a leading innovation and accelerator platform that empowers startups to realise their full potential and drive transformative change in the insurance, takaful and adjacent sectors. With a commitment to fostering innovation, FWD Startup Studio provides startups with access to industry expertise, resources, and collaboration opportunities to accelerate their growth.
Shannon Chow
Head of Marketing, 1337 Ventures
sh*****@**37.ventures
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 4, 2023 | Business
The demand for residential spaces in major cities in Metro Manila continues to increase. This is because the real estate sector benefits from the continued reopening of the economy, including the return to office mandates and rising foreign investments.
Horizon Land, the smart-value brand of premier real estate developer Federal Land, Inc., is addressing the increasing demand for investment-worthy properties within Metro Manila with the launch of Quantum Residences, a three-tower property strategically located along Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
“Taft Avenue has seen a lot of development in the past decade and has been home to many students, young professionals, and growing families who are drawn by its proximity to top-notch schools, thriving business districts, and complete services and amenities that are essential for everyday life,” said John Frederick Cabato, General Manager of Horizon Land.
“It is precisely this harmony of completeness, convenience, and vibrance that inspired the vision for Quantum Residences, now on its’ third and final tower. With this strategically located three-tower condo, Horizon Land empowers residents to pursue their aspirations and live a balanced and meaningful life.”
Located near the intersection of Taft Avenue and Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, Quantum Residences’ big draws are accessibility and convenience. It is nestled near some of the top-performing universities in Metro Manila, like De La Salle University, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, Arellano University, St. Scholastica’s College, and the University of the Philippines Manila, as well as premier business centers like Makati Central Business District and Manila Bay Area.
Another draw of Quantum Residences is its transit-oriented location. Commuting residents can enjoy the pleasure of getting to places conveniently as city buses and jeepneys regularly ply the area. LRT-1 and PNR stations are also a stone’s throw away while going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, and Metro Manila Skyway would only take a short trip from the condominium.
Worthwhile Investment
Since its launch, Quantum Residences has been a popular choice among homebuyers and investors. Its first two towers, the Aqua and Amethyst Towers, have enjoyed brisk and consistent sales take-up as more buyers see high investment potential in modern and affordable developments located in prime areas.
Prospective homebuyers and investors can expect Quantum Residences to become a lucrative investment. Investors are provided with well-built units for rent, which can benefit from rising prices and improving rental yields because of its central location to Makati CBD, Bay Area business park, university belt, various dining options, and retail hubs. While homeowners can enjoy comfortable living spaces that nurture a balanced and dynamic lifestyle as they face the ‘next normal.’
Work-Life Balance Takes Center Stage
Quantum Residences offers studio units that are perfect for students, one-bedroom units ideal for young professionals, and two-bedroom units best for start-up families.
Each residential unit will be equipped with smart features like keycard door lock security, USB outlets, and fiber-optic internet connection provisions. Rest and relaxation come easy with a wide range of wellness and recreational amenities such as swimming pools, fitness gym, KTV room, sky lounge, game room, gazebo, multi-purpose court, pocket garden, plaza, and jogging paths.
Residents who work or study from home can find alternate spaces for remote work and study at the business center, conference room, study lounge, and hobby room.
There will also be two levels dedicated to commercial and retail units located on the towers’ ground floor and second floor.
Horizon Land Grand Open House
To learn more about Quantum Residences, join the Horizon Land Grand Open House on August 6, 2023, Sunday, from 11AM to 7PM at Le Pavillon, Metro Park, Pasay City.
Sneak a peek at Horizon Land’s dynamic and thriving residential communities across Metro Manila. On the day, guests can get as much as a 20% discount or up to P2.5M worth of furniture and appliances for select units.
Bring the whole family for a day filled with vibrant and fun activities such as a family portrait session, a DIY Filipino dessert bar, an arts and crafts booth, and a retro game area.
To RSVP, visit www.horizonland.ph or email in****@*********nd.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 3, 2023 | Events
Baguio City will witness a momentous event that blends history and sportsmanship. The inaugural Victory Day Ride, spearheaded by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), slated on September 3, 2023, will take cycling enthusiasts and history aficionados on a journey to honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans and raise awareness about Baguio Victory Day.
Mike Villa-Real, PVB First Vice President for Marketing and Communications, said, “The enactment of R.A. 11216 in 2018 marks September 3rd of each year as a special working holiday, marking Yamashita’s surrender and Victory Day in the Philippines. This day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and the toil and sacrifices of the soldiers of both the United States and the Philippines. However, it is not as well-known as the “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) commemorated on April 9 each year.”
Organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), City Government of Baguio, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines (WHG), Without Limits, Salgado PR, this ride aims to foster a deeper understanding of the city’s significant role during WWII while encouraging active participation in the sport of cyclists of all ages and backgrounds.
Inspired by the annual Ride for Valor that retraces the infamous Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride takes a different route, focusing on the historical sites and landmarks associated with Baguio City’s role in World War II. Cyclists and participants will embark on a 44.5-kilometer route that meanders through the city’s picturesque landscapes and historical spots, providing a unique opportunity to relive the past and honor the heroes who fought valiantly for freedom.
While the Ride for Valor primarily focuses on the Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride aims to balance the narrative by shedding light on the broader scope of World War II history in the Philippines. The Victory Day Bike Ride seeks to increase awareness about Baguio City’s role during the war. The event intends to give due recognition to the countless Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country’s liberation
The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) invites sports and cycling enthusiasts to join the Ride for Victory Day, a bike-for-a-cause event that aims to raise funds for the maintenance of the country’s historical markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.
The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace and will also implement a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants.
Villa-Real also said a mechanic would be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.
The non-competitive bike ride will have five pitstops: Start at Baguio City Hall. First Stop, Camp Allen. Second Stop, USAFIP-NL Marker. Third Stop, Sablan View Deck. Fourth Stop, Fort Del Pilar (Philippine Military Academy). Fifth and Final Stop, U.S. Embassy in Camp John Hay.
The registration fee for the Ride for Victory Day is P600, which includes an official event shirt, a race bib and passport, a loot bag, a post-ride meal, and a commemorative medal.
Interested individuals may register online at https://bit.ly/victorydayride-regform, while groups may email ri**********@***il.com until September 1. Participants may also register onsite at INSERT BIKE SHOP PARTNERS HERE Baguio City branch.
PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With its new Charter signed into law, the Bank’s ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.
For more information about the event, follow Victory Day Ride on Facebook.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 3, 2023 | Book Reviews
His parents killed before his eyes, Orion’s pack was taken from him when he was a child. Now that he is an adult, he has been plotting how to get his pack back for many years.
All witches in the pack are enslaved. Diana is reluctantly the favorite witch of the current Alpha of the pack. She dreams of only one thing … freedom from the pack and living a life as a regular human being away from it.
Orion and Diana decide to become pretend-fated mates to achieve their goals. Little did they know that the Moon Goddess had other plans for them.
I think that Rejected Alpha’s Return by Waverly Sage is currently my favorite of Waverly Sage’s books. It is so hot, but much of it (especially at the beginning) is all in their head! When they finally become intimate in real life, it is tempestuous and electric!
With a title like Rejected Alpha’s Return most people that it was Diana who rejected Orion. But that isn’t the case at all. It is more convoluted than that and you will have to read it yourself to find out. 🙂
So many things happen in the chapters of this book that I’ve found myself reading it slower than normal simply because I am savoring the scenes. If you are still wishy-washy about whether to read this book or not, I’d say go for it! I certainly enjoyed it.
I would classify Rejected Alpha’s Return by Waverly Sage as a slow burn. Sometimes so slow that I wanted to reach into the pages of the book to shout into the characters’ ears to get a clue, lol! It was worth the journey, though. This is a book to be savored; and as I like to say, “trust in the process”. In the end, it all works out for the characters.
As a note, while their love scenes are not very graphic, they manage to be super hot. I don’t know if that is because of the way Waverly wrote the scenes or if I just have an overactive imagination, tee hee.
If this looks like something you would want to read, you can find it on Amazon as a Kindle version for the very reasonable price of $1.50. If you have a Kindle Unlimited account, though, you can read it for free!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 3, 2023 | Business
Federal Land, Inc. celebrates another milestone with the topping-off ceremony of Four Season Riviera Peony Tower. The event marks the structural completion of the third tower of the development — a testament to Federal Land’s commitment to providing well-built living spaces, wellness amenities, and an auspicious address that brings good opportunities to more homeowners in Binondo, Manila.
Four Season Riviera is a prime riverfront home designed to allow good feng shui to flow directly inside the home and welcome good fortune and prosperity. Its strategic location within Binondo, Manila, provides residents convenient access to thriving business centers, dining hotspots, lifestyle destinations, and nearby historic locations, such as Intramuros. The completion of its third tower offers residents a tranquil life without being fully detached from the main roads and the booming commercial center in Manila.
Captured in the photo is a prosperity ceremony, serving as the culmination of the topping off milestone, to invite good fortune for future residents of the Four Season Riviera Peony Tower led by Federal Land’s executives and partners (from left to right): Federal Land Sales Group Head, Margarita Saenz-Resurreccion; Federal Land Brand Marketing Department Head, Jose Eliseo Bringas; Federal Land Sales Channel Head, Allen Gafar Mindalano; EEI Corporation President and CEO, Henry Antonio; Federal Land Technical Execution Group Head Alvin Ty; Federal Land Product Planning Department Head, Robie M. Belgica; Federal Land Urban Planning and Design Group Head, Ar. Gilbert Berba; and EEI Corporation Senior Vice President for Building Andres Tumbokon III.
To know more about Four Season Riviera Peony Tower, visit www.federalland.ph or e-mail in****@*********nd.ph to book a private viewing at GF Four Seasons Riviera, Muelle De La Industria corner Prensa Street and, Numancia St, Binondo, Manila.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 1, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Western Visayas, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, is set to captivate the taste buds of food enthusiasts as The Manila Hotel celebrates the region’s diverse culinary delights at Café Ilang-Ilang this August.
For its latest dining offer, Café Ilang-Ilang has teamed up with Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, Jr. — a culinary virtuoso and passionate Western Visayas heritage cuisine advocate.
A Tapestry of Flavors
Through this exciting collaboration, Café Ilang-Ilang brings the essence of Western Visayas directly to its dining tables. Acknowledged as the Food Haven of the Philippines, Western Visayas boasts a vibrant food culture that reflects its history, geography, and cultural influences. The partnership showcases diverse dishes, highlighting the region’s local recipes, distinct ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.
A Champion of Heritage Cuisine
Chef Tibong, hailing from Western Visayas himself, has his culinary journey deeply rooted in his love for preserving and promoting the region’s culinary heritage. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing and family traditions, his creations offer a contemporary twist to classic dishes, presenting an elevated experience that resonates with both locals and global food enthusiasts.
Embark on a Gastronomic Adventure
At Café Ilang-Ilang, guests can embark on a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques unique to Western Visayas. Throughout the whole month of August, Café Ilang-Ilang patrons can enjoy selected dishes for lunch and dinner buffet. The weekly cycle of featured dishes includes Guimaras Mango with Ginamos sa Tulapo, KBL (Kadios, Baboy, Langka), Laswa, Pancit Molo, Pancit Efuven, Beef Morcon, Chicken Binakol, Lengua Estofado, Bitchuelas, Sopa de Ajo, Fabada, Kinilaw na Tanguigue, Paella Negra with Chiperones, Canonigo, and Lapaz Batchoy Ice Cream.
Experience the “Flavors of Western Visayas” at Café Ilang-Ilang until August 31. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500 or email re************@************el.com.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides 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.
The hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and 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 which offers a window into a contemporary world, captured by different artists’ objective points of view.
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 Delicatessens that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 31, 2023 | Awards and Competitions
Luciano Armand Copok recently made headlines by winning Bronze in the 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad and 2 Championships for Golf in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour and the Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT, all held in the USA.
Luciano Armand, 14 Years old and a Grade 8 Student from British School Manila, has remarkable success in both fields as he juggles his studies and training simultaneously.
Luciano Armand Copok and Francis Deinmel Legaspi
In the recently concluded 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad Global Round, He won Bronze in the “Grade 7 – 8” division out of over 100 finalists from 22 countries, demonstrating his intelligence and dedication to the subject. Fellow Filipino Math Wizard Francis Deinmel Legaspi also won in his category.
The Copernicus Olympiad is an international competition joined by students from Grades 3 to Grade 12, which aims to enhance and develop their potential by honing their logical deduction abilities and connecting with a like-minded group of people from around the globe.
Luciano Armand Copok at Thunderhart
Luciano Armand was also named Champion for two separate US golf tournaments. He first competed in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour for Boys 13-14 Years Old Category last July 8 in Freehold, New York. Then moved and claimed another Championship in Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT last July 18 in Ormond Beach, Florida.
His success is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He has proven that it is possible to excel at two seemingly unrelated activities and that it is possible to achieve success even when it requires juggling two different pursuits.
Armand’s Mom, Ms. Tiffany Chua Copok, is thankful for the support they received for their son’s competition journey.
Tiffany Chua Copok, proud mom of Luciano. Cheers!
The success of Luciano Armand in both the Math Olympiad and the Golf Tournaments is a reminder of the power of hard work and dedication and a testament that it is possible to succeed in multiple fields.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 29, 2023 | Business
It was a success!
After three years of running the business, Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center can finally scream the continuous success of the brand. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, Dear Self was able to run the company through their relentless willpower and unceasing trust in the process and in our Lord Almighty.
To celebrate this and thank everyone who has been part of the sweet success, they mounted a mini-Thanksgiving concert titled Love Above All: Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic Anniversary Concert at the Elements, Centris, Quezon City, July 24.
“This event is not just to celebrate Dear Self’s success, but more of us giving thanks to everyone who has been an instrument to this success- our employees, our investors, our partners, family, and close friends,” Madam Krystal Tecson-Garalde, CEO of Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic said in an after-event interview.
Moreover, the event also celebrated International Self-Care Day. An annual opportunity to spotlight self-care and the benefits that effective self-care can bring to individuals and healthcare systems as a vital foundation of health has been Dear Self’s advocacy since day 1.
“Self, you must remember the importance of loving yourself, embracing your imperfections, accepting your flaws, and turning them into opportunities to be a better version of yourself are the greatest gift you can give not only to yourself but to a hundred more people around you,” Madam Tecson-Garalde stated in her heart-warming opening message.
“Dear Self Family with you I am truly LOVED,” she ended.
The Concert Event
Showtime’s Boom Boom Neri, Gace Abina, and Amina Magat brought the house down with their sizzling hot opening number. This was followed by Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 1’s grand finalist and Star Music Artist, Lucky Robles, who serenaded the crowd while having their sumptuous dinner.
Brand Ambassador Ric Abasola and Theatre Actor and Director Allan Dale Alojipan, event hosts, introduced power women of the music industry: Ms. Pinky Marquez, TV and movie actress, singer, and theatre Idol, amazed the crowd with her rendition of Broadway favorites while Ms. Bituin Escalante, left the audience in awe with her interpretation of Aretha Franklin’s classic, Respect, and Natural Woman.
The audience went wild when Ebe Dancel went up to the stage to perform his band’s classic, Hari ng Sablay, Prom, and Wag Ka Nang Umiyak and his very own single Bawat Daan, which lasted for an hour.
“All these songs are meant to promote self-importance and self-love, kaya mas meaningful sa buong team namin. And our guest artists are all the best, we want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts, for responding to our invite, kahit hindi kami one of the top companies,” Mr. Christian Tecson, Dear Self’s Chief Financial Officer said.
Other Event Highlights
The company also awarded loyal employees for Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center.
“Thank you to our very loving EMPLOYEES, such as staff, branch managers, customer service team, HR team, OM team & marketing team. They are too many to mention, but I swear they are the best,” Ms. Vivien Tecson-Cadivida mentioned in her parting speech.
Moreover, Manufast CEO Clarence Cadivida introduces a new product line that will surely contribute to Dear Self’s business landscape in the next coming years.
On the other hand, the all pink-themed concert event, aside from it as the brand’s official color, was derived from Japan’s Hanami Festival where people enjoy flower viewing. An event that denotes renewal and new beginnings.
“We chose to have this theme because just like the meaning of Japan’s Hanami Festival, Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center is now on another milestone where it can already stand on its own, operate well with all the trainings and the constant education, unti-unti rin nakikilala na sa aesthetic and wellness industry, so indeed a new beginning for the brand,” Mr. Ric Abasola, Dear Self’s Brand Ambassador, Marketing Consultant and one of the event’s hosts, mentioned.
Lastly, madam Tecson-Garalde sent her message of thanks to everyone who supported the company in many different ways, “Mama, papa Dennis, mga anak, Christian, Kenneth, Clarice, Michelle, Clarence, Mhean. Tecson and Garalde family, sir Ric, ma’am Amy, ma’am Jhezel, sir Wayne, our influencers at sa lahat ng kasama namin sa buhay at hanapbuhay Salamat.”
Visit their social media pages to know more!
- https://www.tiktok.com/@dearselfaesthetic.center
- https://www.instagram.com/dearselfaesthetic/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_PjtJko9-eXk1stBnEpX7g
- https://www.facebook.com/dearselfaestheticandwellness
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 28, 2023 | Book Reviews
If I had one word to describe Claimed by the Hunter by Lila Fox it would be “rompfest”. The characters of this book, Hunter and Nicole, are just at it like bunnies a lot! But that seems to be the norm for this series.
Nicole opened a bakery there with two human friends who are mated to wolf shifters. While she loves living in the town and being with her friends, she can’t understand why they are having so much sex!
That is until she meets Hunter, the town sheriff, who turns out to be her mate. He also happens to be the brother of Roman who is mated to one of her friends, Brenna.
As the heat overwhelms her the time to get to know each other is set aside for later so that Hunter can “take care of her needs”.
Some things in Lila Fox’s shifter-verse differ from what I’ve read in other shifter stories.
- While not all humans know that shifters are real, those aware and can accept them are welcome to co-exist with them and live within their towns.
- The Alpha does not (seem to) live in the packhouse and rank does not seem to matter as much although it is acknowledged.
- Once mates find each other, they have to jump their bones as soon as possible or both will suffer tremendous pain that builds up if not sated.
- When the mate bond is triggered the urge to have sex all the time is not just out of desire but is also a necessity. In other words, it is “for health reasons”. In the beginning, it is every few minutes, then every hour, then every four hours, until it settles to once a day (at least)
- They have to have unprotected sex all the time when mating to assuage the apparently non-stop heat BUT they don’t get pregnant. It isn’t clear how they get pregnant without reading the previous 2 books but I am assuming that it (probably) has something to do with knotting. Although, there wasn’t any mention of knotting in the book so I am just spitballing.
This is a quick read and despite having only 97 pages, other things happen in it aside from sex.
I enjoy sex as much as the next person but if this book were a movie it would probably be entry-level porn. I say entry-level because it is not as graphic as it could be, most is left to the reader’s imagination. That being said, it feels like all they do is turn around and they are at it again. There are a few of non-sexual tension-filled chapters in the book but shortly after, they are back in bed.
It isn’t among my favorite stories but it was okay for what it was. I enjoyed Nicole’s snarkiness and Hunter’s attentiveness and teasing.
Claimed by the Hunter by Lila Fox is the third book of the Carnal Lust series and can be found on Amazon in Kindle format for $3.99.
The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) invites sports and cycling enthusiasts to join the Ride for Victory Day, a bike-for-a-cause event that aims to raise funds for the maintenance of the country’s historical markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.
I think that Rejected Alpha’s Return by Waverly Sage is currently my favorite of Waverly Sage’s books. It is so hot, but much of it (especially at the beginning) is all in their head! When they finally become intimate in real life, it is tempestuous and electric!
Nicole opened a bakery there with two human friends who are mated to wolf shifters. While she loves living in the town and being with her friends, she can’t understand why they are having so much sex!
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