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
- Reduces muscle tension
- Improves circulation
- Enhances productivity
- Boosts morale
- Cost-effective
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.
To know more about what ZION Philippines, please follow @ZionPhilippinesMain @OfficialZionPhilippine on Facebook and @zion.philippines on Instagram or check out their website at www.zionphilippines.com.
The innovative features of the and , such as Advanced Zero Gravity System, Specialized Heating Rollers, Whole Body Stretching Program, Smart Voice Control System, and more advanced features that work together to provide you a full-body massage that relieves tension, reduces stress and promotes overall wellness.
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Send a message now for huge discounts! Visit our website at www.zionphilippines.com
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.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 21, 2023 | Book Reviews
Brittany is such an interesting character that I was happy to know she was going to be featured in Four Enemies by Stephanie Brother, the 3rd book of the Four After Dark series. First of all, she is in her 30s and not reed thin. Second, she is a highly sexual woman and knows how to get what she wants but practices very good self-control. Third, she is organized and knows how to get things done. Two out of three made her promotion as tour manager aka “babysitter” for Club Red on Tour logical.
Going on tour with four hot men should be a dream but these fellas don’t make it easy. Colin and Jordan seem to be determined to act like horny teenagers and take every opportunity to provoke her. Zane and Brittany had a fantastic one-night stand that Brittany would like to keep a secret, and Owen is just quiet and sullen. The tour starts innocently enough despite the childish pranks from Colin and Jordan. But one booking error at a hotel and a game of Never Have I Ever changed everything … for Brittany and for the men.
- Brittany has never been with more than one man before but being with these men just felt right.
- Colin, Jordan, Owen, and Zane have never shared before, but being with Brittany together did not feel awkward.
Then the morning comes and Brittany backpedals in her guilt. Aaargh! That was so frustrating! It may seem weird but as I was reading I found it easier to relate to the men, specifically Owen or Zane, than to Brittany. If I had to think about it, it is probably because I hate how wishy-washy she was with the men. I get it, though, she was afraid that she and they would lose their jobs.
Because this is an enemies-to-lovers story it is more angsty than the usual Stephanie Brother books I read. Nonetheless, it is still thrilling to read. I’m up for a cuddle or four.
Mark the date on your calendar! April 25, Four Enemies by Stephanie Brother will be available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats, woohoo! As always it will be on Kindle Unlimited but you can already pre-order the ebook now for $2.99. The paperback copy will be $12.99. Don’t forget to read the bonus chapter on Stephanie’s website!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 21, 2023 | Lifestyle Tips
If you are interested in packaging for your product that is recyclable and resealable, you probably have many questions. Are plastic pouches recyclable? Some are and some aren’t, so you should do some research on the manufacturer before making a purchasing decision. Once you find a packaging company that offers recyclable pouches, you can take advantage of many benefits. Here are the top five.
1. Providing Added Convenience
Custom stand-up pouches are convenient for you. They’re versatile enough to be used in almost any industry, and they don’t take up much space, so you can store your inventory more efficiently and save on storage costs.
Resealable pouches are also convenient for your customers, who can seal up your product and carry it around in a pocket, handbag, or briefcase without having to worry about it spilling or leaking. Recycling the pouches is fairly easy as well, and becoming easier all the time.
2. Preventing Waste
Obviously, using recyclable packaging is going to cut down on the waste that ends up in landfills if consumers do their part and dispose of the packaging properly. However, resealable packaging also prevents perishable products from going bad by sealing out oxygen and moisture, keeping the contents fresh longer. As a result, consumers don’t have to dispose of unused portions that went bad before they had a chance to use them. This saves consumers money and gives them good value for their money.
3. Reducing Packaging Cost
Custom sachet packaging made from recycled materials doesn’t require as much processing as those made from virgin materials. Therefore, they do not cost as much to produce. This translates to savings on your part because you can package your materials for less. You can also pass the savings along to your customers, who are likely to appreciate it.
Using flexible, eco-friendly packaging can also reduce your transportation costs because the packaging is more lightweight and you don’t have to use as much of it. This can mean additional savings for your company.
4. Conserving Resources
Flexible packaging and packaging made of recycled materials use less water and fossil fuels to manufacture because they require less processing and they don’t use virgin materials that have to be extracted from the ground. This helps to conserve limited resources.
Flexible packaging made of recyclable materials also emits fewer carbon compounds than rigid plastic packaging made of virgin materials. Fewer greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere help to reduce global warming and climate change.
5. Connecting With Customers
As awareness about the need for sustainability increases, more consumers are making buying decisions based on the environmental friendliness of the company. Recyclable flexible packaging communicates to potential customers that you share their values and their concerns about the environment. It demonstrates that your company is deserving of their trust. Once consumers find a company that they can trust, they keep coming back to purchase from them, developing brand loyalty in the process.
While it’s not always easy going green at first, the long-term benefits to you and your customers make the extra effort worth it.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 20, 2023 | Health and Wellness
Massage chairs have become increasingly popular over the years as people look for ways to relax and relieve stress at home. With the convenience of having a massage chair in your own home, you can enjoy the benefits of a massage without having to schedule appointments or leave your house.
ZION Philippines the leading brand of massage chairs offers a variety of massage chairs available on the market today, ranging from basic models to more advanced ones that come with a wide range of features. Each massage chair is designed to provide a full-body massage but varies on certain specifications.
One of the primary benefits of owning a ZION Philippines massage chair is that it can help reduce stress and tension in your muscles. Regular massage can also help improve circulation and flexibility, as well as alleviate pain and stiffness in the body which is one of the goals of the brand in terms of the health and living standards of an individual.
ZION Massage chairs are also a great way to unwind after a long day at work or a strenuous workout. They provide a relaxing and comfortable environment that can help you recharge and rejuvenate.
Just like one of ZION Philippines’ Brand Endorser, Ms. Dimples Romana, mother, actress, and a very influential personality in showbiz, has first-hand experience of how amazing the benefits are of having a massage chair at home. It helps her save time instead of having to book a massage appointment and travel to a spa or massage center; She can simply relax in her own home and enjoy a massage whenever she wants especially with such a demanding work schedule.
When choosing a massage chair, there are several factors to consider. These include the type of massage you prefer, the features you want, and your budget. Most of ZION Philippines’ massage chairs come with additional features such as zero-gravity positioning, and air compression massage, which can provide even more benefits for your body. Soon enough, ZION Philippines will be announcing a new addition to its top-of-the-line flagship model featuring volcanic hot stones.
Overall, ZION Philippines massage chair can be a great investment for anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental health. With the convenience of having a massage chair at home, you can enjoy the benefits of a massage whenever you want, without having to leave your house.
Follow @ZionPhilippinesMain @OfficialZionPhilippine on Facebook and @zion.philippines on Instagram or check out their website at www.zionphilippines.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 19, 2023 | Health and Wellness
The Oral Health Report 2022 from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 46% of persons 30 years of age and older have gum disease. This is one of the most prevalent oral conditions that affect adults in their middle years, which is also the main factor in tooth loss. Moreover, we are led to believe that we are doomed to lose all our teeth as we age, just like our parents and grandparents. However, did you know that this is preventable? You can keep a healthy mouth, even as you age, with good oral hygiene. Good oral health is a lifetime commitment, the earlier you develop good oral hygiene habits, like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, the easier it will be to avoid expensive dental operations and more serious oral health problems as you age.
“The dental profession strives to reduce the consequences of oral health disease in the country. A lot don’t know that as we age, oral health problems become more common. These can take a toll on a person, causing mental distress, impaired social function, and worsening health conditions. I’m very happy that Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Philippines is spreading awareness with the advocacy of “Mouth Aging.” Just remember, the progression of oral health diseases as you age can be hindered with regular visits to the dentists and by practicing proper oral hygiene: brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash,” Dr. Jose Angelo “Gelo” Militante, oral and maxillofacial surgeon and immediate past president of the Philippine Dental Association.
Last April 13, 2023, Listerine held a talk on the significance of protecting your mouth as you age. It was moderated by Listerine brand ambassador Macoy Dubs, and it featured special guests. Dr. Jose Angelo “Gelo” Militante, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and immediate past president of the Philippine Dental Association, spoke about the aging mouth and the need to act immediately to improve overall oral health, and Dr. Ashita Bhatia, associate director of research & development for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health APAC, who shared the science behind Listerine and how it is the best mouthwash partner for people who are experiencing mouth problems as they age.
“We at Listerine envision a world where everyone, everywhere realizes the transformative impact of good oral health. We are committed to helping every Filipino enjoy healthier mouths for longer by raising awareness on the impact of aging on the mouth, and educating on the essential role of mouthwash and how Listerine helps #FightMouthAging,” says the marketing manager for Listerine Philippines, Miguel Gamboa.
Learning how to get your mouth clean with a brush, floss, and rinse routine may be as simple as it sounds but maintaining a consistent oral care regimen is a different story. We all know that brushing alone only reaches 25% of your mouth and that it leaves behind oral problem-causing germs that damage your oral health. “As you age, your body’s ability to fight germs and infections weakens, making you prone to oral health problems. Using a mouthwash like Listerine is essential as you age because it reaches the whole mouth and protects you from these germs. Just swish two times daily after every brush,” says the associate director for research & development for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health APAC, Dr. Ashita Bhatia.
With Listerine Total Care Zero it helps you #FightMouthAging because it gives up to 24-hour complete germ defense to fight cavities, plaque, and gum problems. It also has four essential oils, namely thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, and methyl salicylate which have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and offer lasting freshness, to help keep your teeth and gums healthy, even as you age. Aside from this, Listerine Total Care Zero has zero alcohol for a mild taste and contains fluoride to strengthen enamel and give protection against cavities.
Investing in your oral health is critical, especially if you want to have a healthy mouth that lasts a lifetime. It’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of our overall oral health and this involves getting the right oral care regimen of brushing, flossing, and using Listerine.
Listerine is available in Watsons both online and in-store and on official Johnson & Johnson Shopee and Lazada pages. To learn more about Listerine visit www.listerine.com.ph and follow Listerine on Facebook @ListerinePhilippines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 17, 2023 | Business
ZION Philippines presents a POWERHOUSE ensemble of well-known celebrities and influential personalities showcasing top-of-the-line massage chairs that offer comfort and complete body and mind relaxation. This is where luxury meets the utmost relaxation.
ZION Philippines is the leading brand in the industry that provides a wide array of massage chair models that are intended to fit various requirements and tailored to the needs – using cutting-edge technology to deliver therapeutic, pain-relieving, and calming effects, alleviating muscle tension, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.

L-R: Rico Maierhofer, Gerry Santos & Sol Mercado Libre
ZION Philippines provides THE ULTIMATE MAN CAVE NEEDS with massage chairs ranging from the most basic to the high-end models with advanced features such as zero-gravity positioning, airbag massage, and full-body health scanning. These chairs are designed to simulate the techniques of professional massage therapists. They are a unique addition to your man cave décor and a great way to start a conversation while relaxing.
Having a ZION Massage Chair in your man cave can provide a number of benefits for both your physical and mental well-being such as mood-enhancer and stress- reliever as the immersive massage experience, various techniques, and features help the release of endorphins.
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