Exclusive retreat at Huma Island Resort with Citi

Exclusive retreat at Huma Island Resort with Citi

I cannot recall the last time I had a real vacation but I remember that as far as vacation spots is concerned Huma Island has always been part of the dream.  All the stories I’ve heard about Huma Island has been glowing and all the pictures I’ve seen have convinced me even more that I will need to find the time and the money to go there.

Now, if you are a Citi credit card holder then that dream could be a reality. With Citi Credit Cards, you can enjoy a memorable island getaway through an exclusive 3 days/2 nights travel offer with Huma Island Resort & Spa in Palawan!

Huma Island villas on stilts

photo credit to humaisland.com

Choose between the Water Villas that rise on stilts right above the coral banks at 54% discount; a Beach Villa straddling the shoreline at 49% discount; and a luxurious family suite replete with its own mini pool at 38% discount.

family room

photocredit to smartotels

Or, you may go for an expansive Presidential Suite – all of 294 square meters which is perfect for large groups!

ingredients for a worry free vacationTo ensure a worry-free holiday, included in this travel package are overnight accommodations, daily breakfast, roundtrip land & boat transfers (Busuanga Airport – Resort – Busuanga Airport), and special credits towards dining, spa services, even for island activities.

And remember: advance reservation is required to guarantee availability of rooms.

How to avail of this special offer

To grab this irresistible offer simply contact Huma Island Resort& Spa’s reservation hotline at (02) 553 0119, or their booking emails at in*****@********nd.com and re*********@********nd.com.

Promotion period is from January 1 to March 31, 2017, while the stay period is from January 1 to June 30, 2017.

For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-hour CitiPhone at 995-9999.

Philippine history in augmented reality

Philippine history in augmented reality

Gateway Gallery celebrated the second year of its “Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art” exhibit by launching a digital interface that utilizes augmented reality (AR) to recount Philippine history and make it more interesting to an increasingly digital-savvy generation.

On February 22, the Gallery launched “Sining Lakbay: Philippine History in Augmented Reality,” a project that marries art and technology to give visitors a more enhanced experience of its long-term collection.

Sining Saysay attendeesThe event was attended by guests of honor like:

  • Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas, president of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation president and vice chairman of the Araneta Center, Inc.
  • Manolo Roxas, grandson of Philippine president Manuel L. Roxas
  • Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc chairperson Stella Marquez-Araneta
  • esteemed painter Betsy Westendorp
  • Divina Gracia Pascua, OIC of the Culture and Tourism Affairs Office
  • Dinky Soliman, former DSWD secretary
  • as well as Binibini queens Nicole Codroves, Jennifer Hammond, and Nichole Manalo
  • and 2016 Miss International Kylie Verzosa.

Viewing a painting with ARDuring the event, guests were able to test the AR feature and were encouraged to go around the Gallery to experience it first-hand. Ten DOT-accredited history teachers from various Quezon City schools served as Gallery Guides.

Art and AR

Sining LakbayThe “Sining Lakbay” project is a product of careful and creative implementation spearheaded by artists, filmmakers, historians, curators, editors, and technology providers.

It aims to be a platform for gallery guests to have a more enriched experience of “Sining Saysay”, a collection of 30 large history paintings that resulted from the collaboration between the University of the Philippines and the Araneta Center.

“Sining Lakbay” also aims to create awareness of history among the youth by appealing to their interest in digital technology.

Watching Philippine History unfold on their devices

Watching Philippine History unfold on their devices

Layar logoTo Gallery visitors a more immersive experience, 10 paintings from the collection will “come to life” on their WIFI-enabled digital devices like mobile phones and tablets using the Layar app that can be downloaded for free (on iOS and Android).

Users will then be able to scan the selected paintings on their device to watch the video and hear the narration on chapters of Philippine history.

The videos are accurate historical accounts of events depicted in the paintings. Each video lasts roughly three minutes, with the whole tour lasting about 30 minutes total.

This launch is just the first phase of an even bigger project of making all 30 paintings in the collection AR-enabled.

Gateway Gallery: Here and now

Gateway Gallery opened on November 21, 2014. Its long-term exhibit, “Sining Saysay: Philippine History in Art,” opened to the public on Feb. 18, 2015.

The Sining Saysay artists are:

  • Grace Alfonso
  • Don Artificio
  • Bim Bacaltos
  • Adi Baen-Santos
  • Grandier Bella
  • Angel Cacnio
  • Romy Carlos
  • Cris Cruz
  • Dennis Dasco
  • brothers Simkin and Vincent de Pio with their father Gig de Pio
  • Neil Doloricon
  • Norman Dreo
  • Ding Hidalgo
  • the late Abdulmari Asia Imao, National Artist for Visual Arts
  • Ben Infante
  • Junyee
  • Aileen Lanuza
  • Romy Mananquil
  • Norly Meimban
  • Jonal Salvosa
  • Julius Samson
  • Randy Solon
  • Michael Velasco
  • and Janice Young

In over two years of operations, the Gallery has grown its art collection to 50 artworks donated by various artists. Attendance has also risen to an average of 200 visitors a day in the same period.

Last year, it received an accreditation from the Department of Tourism.

The Gallery will continue to expand its horizons this year, providing artists a home to hone and showcase their craft, and giving the Filipino public a haven of learning and creativity. Projects lined up for this year include:

  • the Reading Nook, a mini library for all ages, highlighted by story-telling sessions for kids in partnership with Adarna Publishing;
  • and Bravo Weekend, which showcases Filipino culture through music and dance.

With its vision to make arts and culture accessible to ordinary Filipinos, Gateway Gallery will continue programs that introduce arts to young children, holding art workshops for hobbyists, portrait sketching sessions for professional artists, and hosting talks by artists and historians.

Located at the 5th level of the Gateway Tower at the Araneta Center, Gateway Gallery is free to the public and is open Mondays to Sundays from 10am to 7pm. It is supported and managed by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, the CSR arm of the Araneta Group.

Summer + beach bods = selfie moments

Summer + beach bods = selfie moments

When the weather starts to feel humid and the rays of the sun seem to follow you wherever you go, that’s it – you know that summer is fast approaching and it’s about time to hit the beach!

beach bodyYou’ve got your summer beach bods ready, your out-of-town trips booked, your OOTDs planned, but have you thought about what to use to capture those social media worthy moments?

Lazada Philippines, your favorite one-stop online shopping and selling destination is giving you red-hot deals for as low as 83% off on camera and accessory brands such as GoPro, Canon, Samsung, Nikon, and many more:

Capture life in a whole new way with the GoPro Hero5 Black.

It is the most powerful and easiest GoPro product to use so far, boasts of an advanced video stabilization where you can capture stunningly smooth videos, handheld or mounted on your gear; and is even rugged and waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without housing.

Get yours at 10% off for only P18,799.

You’d really be in for a treat with XiaoMi Yi’s 16MP Sports and Action Camera because it comes with a Kingma Waterproof Case, a Yi Monopod, and a Yi Remote Shutter.

It definitely is a higher-end camera with an entry level price at only P5,897.

The S-40 Handheld Stabilizer for Steadicam has a magic carbon fiber stabilizer designed to reduce shake and stabilize videos and a bidirectional base plate which you can use to adjust your camera to any direction.

The best part is, this can be widely used with any kind of professional camera or camcorder for only P2,767.

If you’ve only got your mobile phones with you, you can still take great pictures with the VODOOL 3-in-1 Clip which includes a 0.67X wide angle lens that can capture relatively large scenes in a small range, a 10x micro lens that can capture tiny particles clearly, and a 180° fish-eye lens that can expand the scope of the area and give you a good viewing experience.

Get all three for only P365.

Birthday Blow-out!

happy birthday, lazadaMarch also marks Lazada Philippines’ anniversary month and the company is set to offer great deals on its Birthday Sale happening on March 21-23, 2017.

Enjoy a birthday blowout of killer deals, massive discounts, unbeatable flash sales, and many more amazing surprises during this three-day shopping extravaganza.

Celebrate with Lazada by visiting Lazada.com.ph or downloading the Lazada mobile app for free today.

About Lazada

lazada-text-logoLazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.

lazada mascotLazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns.

Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

Dash cam: a must have in 2017

Dash cam: a must have in 2017

Get your hands on these devices smarter than your basic video camera, which can prove useful in sticky road situations and keeping everything in check.

Dashboard cameras (dash cams) have become increasingly popular and essential over the past couple of years and Lazada Philippines offers you options that can fit your budget.

Think of it as the GoPro of your lovely car which records every detail that takes place both on the road and inside the car. It also provides an objective eye in driving situations that are often met with confusion. Simply mount this nifty device to the dashboard/windscreen of your car and you’re all set for the road trip.

Have a peek at its benefits and why it is a good buy:

Crash for Cash

car accident

graphic courtesy of www.cuteinjury.co.uk

Be not afraid to be a victim of some modus operandi and protect yourself if you fall prey to these illegal money-making organizations. They try to cut in on your right of way to cause a collision and report an alleged injured passenger to extort money from you. Getting a dashcam could be the strongest proof to defend yourself and be acquitted from such circumstances.

Incident Recording

In case your car gets involved in a road accident that clearly is not your fault, this camera will be your most important witness to prove otherwise.

Avoid getting tickets

For a driving violation you did not commit, readily offer to open up and review your dash cam footage before a ticket is given.

Teenage Driving

Portrait of teenage girl with keys in car

photo credit to autoinsurancecenter.com.

Set up a regular schedule to review the dash cam footage of your kid’s driving. See what you can do to prevent him/her from getting a ticket or being involved in an accident. Best to be preventive and give them tips on what they can do better when on the road.

With the variety of dash cams currently out on the market at quite hefty prices, purchasing one might seem like a big spend and out of budget.

Worry no more in finding the best dashboard cameras as Lazada Philippines, the country’s one-stop online shopping and selling destination, gives you enough reasons to shop more and spend less. Simply visit to Lazada.com.ph and browse through your dash cam options.

Birthday Blow-out!

happy birthday, lazadaMarch also marks Lazada Philippines’ anniversary month and the company is set to offer great deals on its Birthday Sale happening on March 21-23, 2017.

Enjoy a birthday blowout of killer deals, massive discounts, unbeatable flash sales, and many more amazing surprises during this three-day birthday shopping extravaganza.

Celebrate with Lazada by logging on to Lazada.com.ph or download the Lazada mobile app for free today.

About Lazada

lazada-text-logoLazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.

lazada mascotLazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines.

Let your lips do the talking

Let your lips do the talking

fingers on lipsThe lips express loving feelings powerfully through kisses. Whether they are laid on the face as a friendly sign of affection, around the neck for passion, on the knuckles for devotion, or simply on the lips for romance, kisses can share what you find hard to put into words.

But little do people know that lips need tender care against dryness to stay kissable. Give your lips the love and color they need with the newest lipsticks of Ever Bilena.

Lock love down with moisture-rich Ever Bilena lipsticks

The country’s leading cosmetics company now has new lipstick lines that come in a wide range of desirable colors perfect to match your mood. What’s more, each formulation comes loaded with moisturizers to keep the lips soft, smooth and supple.

Keep your look strong and solid from morning to night with the Luxe line. It comes in sweet violets, vivid reds, pretty pinks and bold browns with names fit for confident women: Princess, Queen, Charm, Goddess and Diva. Its silky application gives way to a rich semi-satin finish, a quick swipe is enough to make a statement.

ever bilena lipsticksFrom a sweet smile to a sultry pout, switch up your look with a quick swipe of the LTD Liquid Lipstick. Experience a velvety soft liquid lipstick that delivers buildable and long lasting lip color with a matte finish.

A range of colors your lips will love

This limited edition range comes in twelve highly pigmented shades, from soft mauvey nudes to vampy reds. And with playful names like “Hotel Heiress,” “Cashmere Blush,” and “Skinny Dip,” you can be sure to need all twelve for your make-up kit!

So kiss dry, boring lips goodbye! Express your love in the many shades of Ever Bilena’s Luxe and LTD lipstick today.

To learn more about these lipsticks and other products by Ever Bilena, visit www.everbilena.com.ph, and follow www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics.

Minola is the healthy oil

Minola is the healthy oil

If you are a Filipino and you often do the cooking or the grocery shopping then you are familiar with Minola cooking oil.

Minola productsMinola has been a staple in our kitchen for as long as I remember.  Growing up I spent a lot of time in the kitchen learning to cook and bake.  Many Filipino dishes start off by sautéing garlic, onions, and tomatoes and Minola is perfect for that.

frying panMinola has no strong smell or taste.  It is a clear fluid.  What I like best about it?  It is a locally produced product and is derived from coconuts.

Minola is made from coconut oil

coconutThe coconut is one of the most robust and useful members of the plant kingdom and can be found in tropical and subtropical countries all over the world.

“It offers the greatest means of sustenance to the natives, for they obtain from it wine, fruit, oil, and vinegar.”

– Capt. Artieda (around 1564), vol 3, p. 202.

There are two (2) kinds of fat:  saturated and unsaturated fat.  For many years we’ve been told that saturated fat is bad for us, that it causes many illnesses, cancer included.  But research revealed that when they said “saturated fat” they really meant animal fat.

breastfeeding mother

Photo courtesy of www.dred.com

Coconut oil is also classified as saturated fat but unlike animal fat it is rich in lauric acid which is found in mother’s milk. This means that the first food we were introduced to was the best for our body, so how can Minola oil be anything but good for us?

There are so many varieties of cooking oil in the market … soy, corn, palm, olive, and canola to name a few.  And for every variety there are so many brands.  So how can we decide which one to get?

My personal take on it is … let’s go healthy and let’s support our own.

Minola cooking oil is made from coconut and is locally sourced and made by the San Pablo Manufacturing company for more than 50 years now.  Recently they introduced the Palm Olein cooking oil and the Minola margarine.

Healthier ang relationship with Minola cooking oil

Minola is sexy

Minola makes healthy sexy.  It illustrates it with this funny, sexy commercial.


The first time I saw that commercial it cracked me up.  It was funny, it was sexy, but more importantly, it was sweet!  It didn’t extol the medicinal benefits of Minola cooking oil but it promoted emotional health in a relationship.  It is a simple way to spice up a relationship, don’t you think?

Minola is love


This commercial is not funny, it is not light.  It was touching and sweet and tackled a topic that most people do not openly talk about.

Good relationships are hard to come by.  Relationships that last are even harder.  It helps when there is something in the relationship to keep the spark alive – something like great cooking with Minola cooking oil by the one you love.

External applications of Minola

Minola oil is made from coconut oil, which makes it great for other things besides cooking.

Minola for Hair and Scalp Care

healthy, beautiful hairHot oil treatments are the common organic/natural answer to hair and scalp care.  As the weather turns from hot to cold and hot again our scalp starts to flake and our hair dries out and gets split ends.  Regular treatments with Minola coconut oil is an inexpensive yet effective treatment.

I know some people who have said they do the whole hot oil treatment routine of warm up the oil before applying it to their hair and scalp.  Then they wrap their head in cling wrap and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before massaging the scalp and then washing it out and towelling dry.

Some I’ve heard go simpler.  They just take a little Minola oil in their palm and then rub it straight into their hair and scalp.  Once coated, they let it sit for a few minutes then they wash it out.

Whether treatment 1 or treatment 2 the end result is the same … strong, beautiful hair and flake-free scalp!

Minola for removing makeup

remove makeup with coconut oilTaking off make up is not easy, especially when removing eye makeup.  Coconut oil is currently a trend in makeup removers.  If you were to search online you will see expensive brands of coconut oil make up removers.  But why spend so much when Minola cooking oil will do the trick?

What you need:

  • cotton balls or cotton pads
  • a few drops of Minola coconut cooking oil
  • your made up face.

I wear makeup and removing waterproof mascara and eyeliner is not easy.  Whenever I try to remove it I often end up smearing it first (and looking like a raccoon) before I can get it right.  Same goes with eye shadow. Blended eyes are pretty but because it means you placed several layers of makeup, it also means that there is more product to remove.

That is not a problem with Minola.  And best of all, it is not expensive. 🙂

Minola is good for our body inside and out.  So why think twice about it?  I think every Filipino home should continue to have Minola Cooking oil close at hand.

For more information about Minola Premium Coconut Cooking Oil visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Minola-Cooking-Oil-148228115196855.

 

What’s the latest with Grab?

What’s the latest with Grab?

To stay on top of their game Grab has come up with some innovations to their services that patrons are sure to appreciate and enjoy.

Various payment options

philippine currencyIn the past the only way to pay for Grab rides was via cash or credit card.  Late 2016 they renamed their payment feature into GRABPAY and provided more payment options, such as:

  • cash
  • credit card
  • debit card
  • top-up credits

Top-up credits means you can reload your Grab account through online banking or via ATM.

Maybe someday they will also accept payments from GCash and Smartmoney 🙂

Live phone support

phone supportWhenever we have problems with our ridesharing app or service don’t we wish we could call someone?  Sure email works but response takes too long!

Thankfully Grab now has Phone support.  This means that we can call them if we have any issues we want addressed immediately instead of having to wait for an email.  Hooray!  Good work, Grab!

Grab rewards

Grab All RewardsLoyalty cards are now all the rage and Grab has introduced its own in-app version. Grab gives their riders more reasons to keep using Grab.

The more trips you take the more points you make!  Grab now rewards it’s riders with free trips when you reach a certain number of points.

Not only that but, in addition, Grab riders also get discounts and freebies from their partners such as:

  • Agoda
  • Althea
  • Flexiroam
  • Fraser Place
  • KFC
  • Mister Donut
  • Mrs. Fields’s
  • Tokyo Tokyo
  • Travelbook
  • Zalora

Personally, I am quite likely to use the food rewards first. 😀

Grab My RewardsYou can also check out how man points you’ve already made and how many points you need to reach a specific level.  The levels they offer are SILVER, GOLD, AND PLATINUM.

Points are earned with every transaction you make with whatever Grab service you use.

For example, I booked Grabshare from my house to work and after the trip ended I received an alert that I now have an additional 38 rewards points.  It’s that easy!

At the left are my rewards points.  As you can see I still have a long way to go.  To avail of even the P50 discount I need 600 points.

Grab offers its patrons an experience beyond the ride.  Grab offers a lifestyle.  Use my code to join Grab now: https://invite.grab.co/BFCC24

Not all glasses are created equal

Not all glasses are created equal

I used to wear glasses when I was in high school and all the way until the early 2000s.  Since then I have been lucky enough not to need them but lately, with the stress of grading papers and submissions by my students I noticed that my eyesight seems to be more blurry than I remembered.  And  so pretty soon I will find myself possibly on the hunt for a new pair of glasses, at the very least, reading glasses.

Oftentimes when we visit the eye doctor to get prescription glasses, we spend some time choosing the frame that suits our face shape and personal style. But do we also take time to choose the type of lens appropriate for our eye problem and lifestyle?

Dr. Emelita RoledaAccording to Dr. Emelita Roleda, general manager of Essilor Philippines, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, “wearing just any kind of glasses is not enough. It is important to choose the right lens to get the best protection”.

Dr. Roleda explains that there are two types of lenses: uncoated and multi-coated lenses. “Uncoated lenses are prone to damage and don’t provide protection against elements that threaten healthy vision. Using multi-coated lenses enhance the performance, quality and life of glasses. Invest on high quality lenses as it will really pays off in the long run, in terms of benefits to one’s eyesight.”

Crizal lens coatingMeanwhile, multi-coated lenses are more advanced and tightly controlled due to computer processes. These lenses are evenly layered, can withstand high temperature and offer more improved performance.

couple wearing Crizal® Prevencia glasses

Glasses fitted with Crizal® Prevencia’s multi-coated lenses filter out harmful blue-violet light from gadgets, LED TVs, LED lights, fluorescent lights

Essilor’s Crizal® Prevencia is a multi-coated lens made with smart technology that filters out harmful blue-violet and UV lights emitted by the sun, gadgets, LED TVs, LED lights and fluorescent lights. On top of preventing long-term vision damage, it allows good light that helps regulate sleep and mood, and boosts brain activity.

essilor logo“Do consult your eye doctor because they can recommend the best lenses suitable to your needs and lifestyle,” Dr. Roleda adds.

Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia by visiting your preferred eye doctor or leading optical shop, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.

Recipe: Cream cheese filled bacon-wrapped chicken

Recipe: Cream cheese filled bacon-wrapped chicken

They say that everything’s better with bacon and I can’t help but agree.  For today’s dinner, I decided to make cream-cheese filled bacon-wrapped chicken.  Sadly, I cannot display photos of the dish itself because we were too hungry that as soon as it was cooked and placed on the table, everyone took a piece off the platter and … nibble, bite, chew, savor, swallow, yum!  It was gone. 😀

For this post, I will use photos from the web but as soon as I am able to do this dish again I will make sure to take photos and post it.

Some things you need to know about chicken

sexy chicken

photo courtesy of buzzfeed.com

There are two kinds of meat on a chicken – the dark meat and white meat.  In a nutshell white meat is made up of the entire torso of the chicken while dark meat is the thighs, legs, and wings.

  • White meat is meatier (there is more of it) and is often dry which is why it is what is usually used in making chicken salad, chicken sandwiches, etc.
  • Dark meat is juicier (fatter) and softer so people who are counting calories tend not to get this.  However, it is for that reason that dark meat tastes yummier!

What you need to know about bacon

bacon sizzling on a pan by Kenny Alexander

photo credit to Kenny Alexander taken from http://6iee.com

It’s delicious. Nuff said. 😀

There are many brands selling bacon to be found in the supermarket but my favorites are Purefoods and it’s sister brand, Vida.

  • Purefoods bacon comes in many variants – classic honey-cured, maple, thick slice, barbeque, and honey roast.
  • Vida comes in only 1 variant … just bacon 😀

Kitchen tools I used

  • teaspoon
  • 2 chopping boards
  • large plastic container
  • mallet or a pestle (if you don’t have a mallet)
  • toothpicks

Ingredients I used for this recipe

  • chicken thigh fillet
  • Vida bacon – you will understand in a bit why I chose to use this one, besides for its price. 🙂
  • Hunt’s barbeque sauce – you can use any old barbeque sauce.  This just happened to be the one we had available.
  • Arla Cream CheeseArla cream cheese, any variant – my go-to brands are usually Philadelphia cream cheese and Emborg but I saw this one and got curious because it is less expensive.  FYI, it’s pretty good, too!.
  • salt and pepper

Alternative ingredients

You can use Purefoods barbeque flavored thick cut bacon if you like to save on steps. 😀

Procedure: what I did to put this dish together

I usually like preparing early so that when it is almost time to eat all I need to do is pop the food in the oven, in the fryer, on the pan, or pot.  Today was no different – I prepared 3 hours ahead. 😀

  1. Layout the bacon on a chopping board or large plastic container without overlapping and pour some barbeque sauce on it (not too much!) and smear.  Some of the sauce will end up on the board or container, that’s ok.  Flip the bacon and smear the other side as well and then just let it sit.
  2. mallet and pestleTake your chicken thigh fillet, lay it out as flat as you can on a chopping board, and then pound it flat (using a mallet or pestle) until it is almost evenly about 1/2 inch thick.  If it came out thinner than that, it’s ok, just make sure it is even.  Some would recommend putting the chicken in a clear plastic bag or cling wrap first.  This will help in preserving the juices and will avoid splashes.
  3. salt and pepperLayout all the chicken pieces you just pounded on your chopping board.  Take some salt and sprinkle in on the chicken.
  4. Take your pepper and do the same amount of pepper to use really depends on your preference and the preference of the people who will eat it.  But, if I may suggest, don’t be heavy-handed with the seasonings.
  5. Note:  There is no need to rub the salt and pepper in, just let it sit.
  6. Flip the chicken pieces and repeat the salt and pepper.
  7. On another chopping board take one of the bacon strips that you marinated in barbeque sauce and lay it flat.
  8. Take one chicken thigh fillet and put it on top of the bacon starting from one end with the majority of the bacon uncovered by chicken.
  9. Place 1 tsp. of cream cheese and plop it down on top of the chicken and smear it on as flat as you can concentrating on the center part of the chicken.  Once cooked the flavor of the cream cheese will infuse with the chicken and you won’t actually see it on the final product. 🙂
  10. Starting at the end where the chicken is starting rolling as tightly as you can without breaking the bacon and making the chicken tumble.  Your goal is to have a rollup that has bacon inside and out and to make sure the cream cheese will not escape the chicken when you cook it.
  11. Once you reach the end, take a toothpick and poke it through to secure the roll then transfer your finished product into a container, possibly the one where the bacon is marinating.
  12. Repeat the procedure with the remaining pieces.  Once done, cover the rolls and place them in the refrigerator to “set”.  Actually, we are just allowing the flavors we added to everything to seep in.  At a minimum, I’d say 30 minutes.

Cooking time!

How to cook it is up to you.  You can pan-fry, deep-fry, air-fry, or bake.  The cooking time will depend on how thick your chicken is.  I opted to use the air fryer (in an attempt to be healthier, hehehe) so that I do not use up so much oil and to keep the cream cheese in the chicken.

  1. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes.
  2. Place a few pieces in the air fryer without crowding (about 4 to 5 pieces). Set the temperature to 180 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.
  3. Ding! Place your cream cheese-filled bacon-wrapped chicken on a platter and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

bacon wrapped chicken for eating

Serve alone or with a dipping sauce of your choice!  One roll-up is pretty big and is good for 1 serving per person.  For the growing boys and hungry adults, you may need 2 of these. 😀

Cooked properly the bacon will be warm and crispy and the chicken will be soft and juicy and infused with the flavor of the cream cheese.  FYI, I got rave reviews about this from my family last night. 😀  Try making it yourself and let me know what you think.

If you like this recipe and will replicate it, take a pic and share it on Facebook or Instagram and don’t forget to tag me and use the hashtag #slvrdlphnrecipes

Ridesharing promo codes for March 2017

Ridesharing promo codes for March 2017

ride shareIn the month of hearts share a ride with a stranger or share a ride with friends.  Take Uber, Grab, or Angkas.

Can’t decide which ridesharing app to use?  Let Google maps help you decide. Below are some promo codes to make our commute more affordable.

Uber promo codes

uber-x and uber blackWaiting for promo codes from Uber is an exercise in frustration.  But when they do it often leads to something fun. 🙂  In the meantime, I suppose we just need to be satisfied with their excellent service. 🙂

Promo code:  LUNCHATUPTOWNBONIFACIO

Have lunch at Uptown Bonifacio and avail of this promo

  • P50 discount
  • valid for two (2) rides from 10am to 3pm going to and from Uptown Bonifacio at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
  • valid from Monday to Friday only up to March 9, 2017
  • valid in Metro Manila only

Google maps promo

Book at Uber ride via google maps

  • P100 discount on two (2) Uber rides
  • valid for Uberpool, Uber-X, and Uberblack rides

Grab promo codes

GrabcarYour eyes are not deceiving you.  Yes, promo codes do repeat.  And when they do the amount discounted is not always the same.  Take advantage of these inviting discounts while they’re available.

Whether you need a private car or are willing to share your ride, Grab has promo codes guaranteed to perk you up.

Promo code:  SHAREFRIDAY

  • P70 discount
    • valid for one (1) GRABSHARE ride only
    • from 6am to 10am on March 31, 2017

Promo code:  SHARE

  • 50% discount up to P100
    • valid for GRABSHARE rides only from March 27 to April 4, 2017
    • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 21 to 27, 2017
    • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 14 to 20, 2017
    • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 1 to 5, 2017
  • P50 discount
    • valid for two (2) GRABSHARE rides only from February 24 to March 1, 2017

Promo code:  GRABPAY

  • 50% discount up to P150
    • valid from March 27 to April 3, 2017
  • P100 off
    • valid for two (2) rides from March 25 to 26, 2017
  • 100% discount up to P200
    • valid for three (3) rides from March 13 to 19, 2017
    • valide for three (3) rides from March 4 to 12, 2017
  • use with GRABCAR, GRABCAR PREMIUM, and GRABCAR 6 SEATER rides in Metro Manila only
  • valid for Grabpay credits, debit cards and credit cards

Sometimes I can’t help but think that their marketing team don’t think things through when they come out with promotional material for their campaigns.  Take this for example.

Explain to us please, Grab, how we are supposed to #GRABALLWECAN if you put a cap of only 3 rides using the promo code.  I, for one, on any given week could Grab as little as 1 to as much as 14 in a week!  So how is 3 rides “all I can”?

It is a misleading ad and definitely does not display truth in advertising.  So sad.

Promo code:  GRABTRIKE

GRABTRICYCLE now moving in Mandaluyong!  One Grabtricycle can accomodate up to 5 people.

  • FREE RIDE from March 27 to April 5, 2017
  • only valid at Mandaluyong in the following areas:
    • Pioneer St. to William St.
    • Sheridan to cor. William St.
    • Reliance to cor. Pioneer St.
    • Mayflower to United St.
    • William
    • Madison
    • Pines

Promo code:  SHAREMKT

  • P50 discount
  • use if pickup point is within Makati CBD
  • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 27 to 31, 2017 from 10am to 4pm

Promo code:  SHAREBGC

  • P50 discount
  • use if pickup point is within BGC CBD
  • valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides only from March 27 to 31, 2017 from 10am to 4pm

Promo code:  GLOBEWANDERLAND

  • P200 discount
  • valid for GRABCAR and GRABSHARE rides going to and from the venue (Filinvest City Events Ground)
  • code can be used for both cash and Grabpay payments
  • valid from March 4, 2017 to 7am of March 5, 2017

Promo code:  SMMANILASALE

  • P50 discount
  • valid for GRABCAR rides going to and from SM Manila only
  • valid from March 3 to 5, 2017

Promo code:  GRABSHARE

Win a meet and greet pass to Wanderland!

3 lucky passengers will get face to face time with Temper Trap, Lany and Yuna just by using the promo code GRABSHARE. The more you ride, the higher your chances of getting to meet your favorite Wanderers.

Tag your friends and enjoy the trip with Grab, the Official Ride Partner of Wanderland 2017. Grab away!  Winners will be announced on March 1, 2017

  • valid for GRABSHARE rides only
  • valid from February 22 to March 1, 2017
  • valid in Metro Manila only

Promo code:  BOOKAGODA

Get a chance to win the holiday of your dreams with Grab and Agoda using this promo code everytime you ride a GrabTaxi or Grabcar.

  • cannot be used in conjunction with other promo codes
  • valid from February 1 to March 31, 2017 only
  • no discount given to your ride
  • each booking made using this code acts as an electronic raffle ticket
  • only three (3) winners will be picked

For more information about this Grab+Agoda promotion visit the website at grb.to/phdreamholiday.

Angkas promo codes

angkas

Traveling alone and traveling light?  Instead of a car perhaps you want to ride a bike instead.  In that case ANGKAS is the ride for you.

Just like Grab, Angkas offers repeating promo codes.  Perhaps because the two ridesharing services are actually related. 😀

I have tried using ANGKAS several times and more often than not I have found the ride safe and efficient.  I think it was only once that I had apprehensions, and it was because the bike was small and there was no basket at the back where they usually store the helmet.

Promo code:  TRAFFIC40

Take 1 non-promo ride and get a discount on your second ride within the same day

  • P40 discount
  • use between 3pm to 9pm
  • valid from March 30 to 31, 2017 only

Promo code:  AKTODAY

Take 1 non-promo ride and get a discount on your second ride within the same day

  • P75 off on your second ride
  • valid from March 30 to 31, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKASMORE

  • P50 discount
  • use this promo code when you book a ride to and from Marikina and Cainta
  • valid for two (2) rides from March 29 to April 12, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKASNOW

  • 50% discount up to P50
    • valid from 10am to 3pm only
    • valid from March 28 t0 31, 2017 only
  • P30 discount
    • valid from 10am to 3pm ONLY for six (6) rides from March 15 to 20, 2017
  • P50 discount
    • valid for two (2) rides on March 13, 2017 only
    • valid for three (3) rides from February 28 to March 1, 2017 only

Promo code:  BEATTRAFFIC

  • 50% discount up to P100
  • valid for two (2) rides from March 28 to 31, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKASPA


  • P50 discount
  • Use this promo code when you book a ride to and from the following new service areas in Quezon City: travel to or from Katipunan, Quezon City Circle, Tomas Morato, New Manila, Balintawak, and Monumento
  • Use this promo code when you book a ride to and from San Juan, Eastwood, Libis, Cubao, and Aurora Boulevard (LRT Katipunan to Gilmore Station)
  • for Metro Manila users only

Special Promo:

Complete three (3) non-promo Angkas rides by March 16 (Thursday) and receive a new promo code on March 17 (Friday) for P50 discount on two (2) rides!

Promo code:  ANGKASNOW

  • P30 discount
    • valid from 10am to 3pm ONLY for six (6) rides from March 15 to 20, 2017
  • P50 discount
    • valid for two (2) rides on March 13, 2017 only
    • valid for three (3) rides from February 28 to March 1, 2017 only

Promo code:  ANGKAS

  • P100 discount
  • valid for eight (8) rides only
  • valid up to March 6 to 12, 2017

Promo code:  ANGKAS50

  • P50 discount
  • valid for five (5) rides only
  • valid up to March 6 to 12, 2017

Promo code:  TRAFFIC

  • P30 discount
  • valid for three (3) rides only
  • valid up to March 1 to 4, 2017

Promo code:  BOOKANGKAS

  • P150 discount
  • valid NEW USERS only

Promo code:  ANGKASNA

  • P100 discount
  • valid NEW USERS only
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