by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 14, 2017 | Business
Your graduates deserve a special gift for their diligence and hard work to make it to this momentous occasion. After so many years he or she has finally made it!
In purchasing that perfect gift why not use your Citi Credit Card and enjoy exclusive deals with PayLite through our partner merchants – Western Appliances, TechnoMarine, and MyDiamond.
Discount at Western Appliances
Get up to 20% off on selected items at Western Appliances, and 0% Citi PayLite for up to 12 months from March 15 to May 15, 2017.
Discount at Technomarine
Meanwhile, enjoy a 20% discount on selected timepiece models from TechnoMarine, and 0% Citi PayLite for up to 12 months from April 24 to July 24, 2017.
Lastly, take your pick among select fine jewelry pieces and get 30% off and 0% Citi PayLite for up to 12 months also from April 24 to July 24, 2017 at MyDiamond. This generous offer is valid at participating branches.
For more information on these special offers, log on to www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-hour CitiPhone Hotline at 995-999.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 8, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, reminds everyone to go for an eye check up as part of the educational campaign of Crizal®, one of the company’s flagship brands.
The campaign, Create beautiful moments, actively encourages the public to have their eyes checked as Essilor believes that beautiful moments in life deserve the clearest vision.
“Protecting healthy eyes is as important as correcting vision problems,” explains Essilor general manager, Dr. Emelita Roleda.
“Through the create beautiful moments campaign, we can educate the public on the value of healthy eyesight, for everyone to realize that it need not take a missed moment to have a reason to visit your eye doctor. Everyone should have an eye check up at least once a year.”
A visit to your optometrist will reveal more just your current prescription. Your eye doctor can also determine what preventive actions you should take against permanent damage and can even provide great insights into your general well-being. Aside from checking how well your eye muscles work, the optometrist can also gauge if you are suffering from any ailment that can affect your eyesight and your overall health, including diabetes and glaucoma.
Your vision dictates both how you see life and how you live it. Regardless of age and physical health, routine eye check-ups are vital to keep your eyes healthy and stay focused on life’s moments.
Crizal® allows Filipinos to live life more clearly with its line of Anti-reflective lenses. Whether prescription, for outdoor activity, indoor use or part of a digital lifestyle, these lenses filter and deflect harmful UV and blue light, lowering the risk of eye fatigue and preventing long-term vision damage.
Crizal® lenses are available at leading optical shops and through eye care professionals nationwide. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph.
About Essilor
The world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission is to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet his or her unique visual requirements.
To support this vision, the Company allocates over €160 million to research and development every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Essilor’s flagship brands are Varilux®, Crizal®, Xperio® and OptifogTM.
It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eyecare professionals.
Essilor reported consolidated revenue of €4.9 billion in 2012 and employs around 50,700 people in some 100 countries. It operates 19 plants, a total of 390 prescription laboratories and edging facilities, as well as several research and development centers around the world.
Essilor was classified by Forbes magazine as being among the world’s 30 most innovative companies.
For more information, please visit www.essilor.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 7, 2017 | Business
It’s official! One of Philippine television’s most beautiful faces, Liza Soberano, is head-over-heels in love with diamonds. In fact, she, along with MyDiamond, excitedly joins the world in celebrating Diamond Month this April. Who can blame her? No one can resist the dazzling brilliance of this exquisite crystal-clear gem.
April is the month of the diamond
April is especially dedicated to diamonds and is celebrated worldwide. Those born in this month are lucky enough to have this beautiful crystal as their birthstone. No other gemstone is quite as mesmerizing and stunning as the diamond.
It is also believed to bring balance, clarity, and abundance and symbolizes eternal love because it is as strong as it is beautiful.When turned into jewelry, it provides its wearer better relationships and increases inner strength. No wonder it remains to be the most sought-after gemstone in the world.
Diamonds, worn as rings, necklaces, bracelets and as fashion statements, exude elegance and sophistication. Liza Soberano expresses fondness for MyDiamond’s exquisite creations that she feels are elegantly designed and finely crafted lifestyle pieces.
Each MyDiamond jewelry piece is delicately made by internationally-trained craftsmen using diamonds of top-tier cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
MyDiamond makes April more special
To make diamond month even more special, MyDiamond offers exclusive discounts to all its loyal customers. From now until April 16, 2017, all members of the MyDiamond Privileged Program can get additional 5% on top of their usual member discounts. Non-members, on the other hand, can also avail of up to 45% discount for all purchases of jewelry with diamonds, and up to 50% off for purchases of 1 carat and higher until April 30, 2017.
Celebrate Diamond month with Liza Soberano and MyDiamond with your own piece of brilliant diamond jewelry. Visit a MyDiamond concept store at:
- Ayala Center Cebu
- Shangri-La Plaza Mall
- SM Megamall
- Robinsons Place Manila
- Festival Supermall
- Glorietta 4
- Greenbelt 3
- Gateway Mall
- SM Mall of Asia
- SM Aura Premier
- Lucky Chinatown Mall
- SM Lanang Premier Davao
- Diamantaire in Shangri-La Plaza
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 5, 2017 | Tech Tutorials
Filezilla is a very useful web tool that I have found is often taken for granted. Filezilla is an FTP software used generally for uploading and downloading web files. It uses the same credentials as cPanel to login and, in my personal opinion, is easier to use and just takes a moment to set up.
Start off by downloading Filezilla from https://filezilla-project.org.
Using Filezilla in a public terminal
When you are on a public terminal such as at an internet cafe it is always best to just use the QUICKCONNECT option. Quickconnect does not save usernames and passwords which makes it ideal in this scenario.
Fill it in as follows:

- HOST: ftp.yourdomain.extension (type FTP followed by your domain)
- USERNAME: type in the username provided by your hosting provider.
- PASSWORD: type in the password provided by your hosting provider
Your username and password are the same as those you use to login to your hosting site’s cPanel. Now Click CONNECT.
Look at the transfer window and wait for it to say STATUS: DIRECTORY LISTING SUCCESSFUL.
Setting up Filezilla on a private computer
If you are working from your own computer it is advisable to just set it up so that you don’t have to type everything again each time you need to access your server. What do you need to do?
- Click on the SITE MANAGER icon on the toolbar or go to File > Site Manager or … just press CTRL+S. This will open the Site Manager.
- Once there click on NEW SITE and customize it.

- In the GENERAL tab:
- input your host
- change logon type to normal
- type in your username
- type in your password.

- Go to he ADVANCED tab:
- In default local directory point it to the folder of your website
- In the default remote directory point it to public_html
- CONNECT.

Look at the transfer window and wait for it to say STATUS: DIRECTORY LISTING SUCCESSFUL.
Uploading your site or part of your site to your server
- On the left you will see the window for the local site, clickthrough until you reach the folder that contains your web project.
- Click on the file/s or folder/s you want to upload.
- On the right go to PUBLIC_HTML … this is where you will upload your website.
When uploading for the first time simply right-click the folder of your website then click on UPLOAD SITE.
And you’re done!
Downloading your site or part of your site to your server
When downloading from your server do it in reverse.
- On the remote server on your right make sure you are in PUBLIC_HTML.
- On the left (the local site) make sure you are in the folder containing the folder of your website (if you want to download the entire site) or within the website folder (if you want to download parts of the site only).
And that’s it! It’s that easy! The only thing left to do is monitor the transfers window in case there are any failed transfers so you could process them again.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 31, 2017 | Business
Lazada Philippines pulls ahead of the e-commerce game with a 3-wheeled cart and a cow named Luz.
E-commerce giant, Lazada Philippines, makes a game-changing move by putting up a mobile pop-up store in the form of a 3-wheeled cart pulled by a cow named Luz. Just in time for the summer season, the mobile pop-up store will be offering over 7,107 tag-init essentials such as floaties, shades, tsinelas, and the ever-popular, t-shirt-at-shorts-na-pang-swimming combo.

Inanc Balci
Lazada CEO and Co-founder, Inanc Balci, stated in an interview “This is a business move we have been planning for years. It is something our competitors would have never foreseen, and I know it will help us pull even further ahead in the game. As I told the cow Luz, we will take it one step at a time.”
Click here for more information on the summer mobile pop-up store.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 30, 2017 | Health and Wellness
There’s a new dental chain in town – one that’s approachable and affordable — that aims to be your go-to partner for quality oral and dental care: Novodental. With the desire to deliver superior yet reasonably-priced dental services to more people, Novodental brings together highly-qualified dental professionals and advanced equipment, and houses them in a space that is thoroughly modern yet welcoming–all at accessible locations in the Metro.
For their newest branch, located at the 3rd floor of the recently-opened Ayala Malls the 30th on Meralco Avenue in Pasig City, Novodental is staffed by a team of able and caring dental experts who undergo regular training in the latest developments in dental medicine. They are warm, attentive, and most of all professional, assuring you of a pleasant experience every time you come for a visit, whether for a routine check-up or even the most complicated of procedures.
Among the menu of quality services available at Novodental include dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and general dentistry—all these at reasonable rates, with an atmosphere that is both pleasing and relaxing: warm color schemes, sleek interiors, and conducive lighting—giving you a real reason to smile!
Quite simply, Novodental’s intention is for it to be a part of your family, someone you can turn to and trust for all your dental needs. And by making their outlets accessible, one need not travel too far to visit their clinic. In fact, soon to open are outlets at Robinsons Manila and at the Grand Adriatico Residences.
To learn more about Novodental or to schedule an appointment, you may contact them at 0917-115NOVO (6686), 720-9096, or you may visit their Facebook page at novodentalphilippines.
Novodental is open from 11am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday, at the 3rd floor, Ayala Malls the 30th, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.
Disclaimer: logo used in the cover photo is just an approximation of their logo as I did not know what font they used. In case you are wondering, the font I used is called Caviar Dreams.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 27, 2017 | Food & Beverage
This year, the world’s favorite ice cream brand is sure to bring more happiness as it introduces new ice cream flavors to delight ice cream fanatics in the metro. Here goes (drum roll, please): Butterscotch Toffee Blondie, Dulce de Leche, Salted Chocolate Truffle Crunch and Tiramisu Delight.
Available in stores now is the new Tiramisu Delight, a rich tiramisu and espresso ice cream wrapped with an espresso chocolate flavored ribbon and tiramisu cake pieces.
A perfect treat to beat the summer heat is Butterscotch Toffee Blondie, which is made with butterscotch toffee pieces and brownie bits swirled with a toffee ribbon.

Upcoming flavors include Dulce de Leche ice cream swirled with a dulce de leche flavored ribbon (available in April) and Salted Chocolate Truffle Crunch, chocolate ice cream with a salted chocolate cookie crunch ribbon and chocolate flavored truffle pieces (available in May).
Three things I love … coffee, chocolate, and crunch. Which means it is a safe bet you will find me at Baskin-Robbins soon getting a scoop (or two) of the tiramisu delight. Then on my birthday month, watch out, Salted Chocolate Truffle Crunch! I’m coming to get you! 😀
To know more about other Baskin-Robbins premium ice cream flavors, log on to www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their social media accounts:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 27, 2017 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Taxes, Holy Week, and vacation time! These are the things to look forward to this April. But not just that, there are also promo codes with our favorite ride sharing app.
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 does not come up with promo codes for public consumption often. Make sure to check your app or check your mail often because they’ve been sending me exclusive promo codes I couldn’t share with you guys because they would not work with anyone else but me.
In the meantime, I hope these promos will please you.
Promo code: MNL200APR
Apply this code and take 4 trips this week from April 17 to 23, 2017 to get P100 off two (2) rides from April 24 to May 1, 2017.
Promo code: EASTERMNL
- P50 discount
- valid for four (4) rides taken from April 15 to 16, 2017 only
Promo code: MNLAPR250
Apply this code and get P50 off five (5) rides from Monday, April 10, to Sunday, April 24. Just take 5 rides this week Monday, April 3 to Sunday, April 9 to get up to P250 off.
Sakay.ph promo
Book at Uber ride via the Sakay.ph app on iOS and Android.
- P100 discount on two (2) Uber rides
- valid for Uberpool, Uber-X, and Uberblack rides
- for existing Uber users only
Google maps promo
Book at Uber ride via google maps. Click on the link for instructions on how to do this.
- P100 discount on two (2) Uber rides
- valid for Uberpool, Uber-X, and Uberblack rides
- for existing Uber users only
Grab promo codes
Your eyes are not deceiving you. Yes, promo codes do repeat. And when they do the discounted amount 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.
Top-up your Grabpay Credits and get a 50% Bonus
Promo code: GRABSHARE
- 30% discount up to P100
- valid for three (3) GRABSHARE rides from April 18 to 30, 2017 only
- Win free tickets to Fifth Harmony Live at the Mall of Asia Arena on April 5, 2017! Be one of the lucky winners just by using the promo code GRABSHARE. The more you ride, the higher your chances of scoring a pair of tickets!
Tag your friends and enjoy the trip with Grab, the Official Ride Partner of the 7/27 Tour. Grab away!
Terms and Conditions:
- Promo code is valid for GrabShare rides only.
- Promo code is valid for GrabPay, Grabpay Credits and cash payments.
- Promo code is valid within Metro Manila only.
- Promo period is until April 4, 2017.
- Winners will be announced on April 4, 2017, 5PM.
Promo code: SISIG
- 300 FREE GRABTRIKE RIDES in Angeles using this promo code
- valid from April 26 to 29, 2017 only
- for more information go to http://grb.to/GrabTrike
- GRABTRIKE is only available in Zone 1, 2, and 3
Promo code: GPSHARE
- 50% discount up to P100
- valid for one (1) ride from April 18 to 24, 2017 only
- valid for two (2) rides from April 12 to 17, 2017 only
- valid for two (2) rides from April 7 to 13, 2017 only
- valid for two (2) rides from April 5 to 7, 2017 only
- use with GRABSHARE rides only
- valid for Grabpay credits, debit cards and credit cards only
Promo code: PISOSHARE
- P1 ONLY!
- valid for one (1) GRABSHARE ride taken from 10am to 5pm only
- valid from April 17 to 21, 2017 only
- valid in Metro Manila only
Promo code: FEELINFRESH
- P50 discount
- valid on APRIL 10, 2017 for one (1) GRABCAR ride within Metro Manila only
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
- valid between 8am to 5pm only
- 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
Angkas promo codes

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: WEEKEND
- P50 discount
- valid for four (4) rides from April 28 to May 01, 2017 only
Promo code: TRAFFIC
- P30 discount
- valid for three (3) rides from April 26 to 29, 2017 only
Promo code: ANGKAS40
- P30 discount
- valid for two (2) rides taken from 3pm to 11:59pm
- valid from April 6 to 7, 2017 only
Promo code: ANGKAS30
- P30 discount
- valid for three (3) rides taken from 10am to 3pm
- valid from April 4 to 7, 2017 only
Promo code: ANGKASBORA
Use this promo code and get a chance to win a trip to Boracay for 3!
- 1 ride = 1 raffle entry
- valid for rides taken from April 3 to 5, 2017 only
Promo code: ANGKASMORE
Passengers going to and from Makati and Cainta can now enjoy the services of Angkas with this
- 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: ANGKASPA
Angkas can now travel from Monumento to Las Piñas!
- 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)
- Use this promo code when you book a ride to and from Parañaque City, areas in Muntinlupa (Cupang, Alabang, Buli), and areas in Las Piñas bordered by Alabang-Zapote Rd. (Casimiro, Talon Cuatro, Zapote)
- for Metro Manila users only
Promo code: BOOKANGKAS
- P150 discount
- valid NEW USERS only
Promo code: ANGKASNA
- P100 discount
- valid NEW USERS only
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 25, 2017 | Health and Wellness
In celebration of International Women’s Month this March, Nutramedica Inc., encourages women to speak their mind and know their rights. Be it in society or otherwise, women have excelled over the years, creating a sense of socio-equality that every female across the globe shall be proud of.
This years’ theme is “Be bold for change”, a very subjective manner of approach to the present era where women are called to lead and influence. Novuhair calls for the same thrust.
Novuhair empowers the female population by improving their appearance thru self-help ideas on social media. Channeling their self-esteem and confidence to exude.
Nutramedica Inc. itself is being led by a formidable woman, Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO & President. Ms. Velilla built the company from scratch, exerting much effort in product development and exemplary business & marketing acumen.
Founded in 2004, Nutramedica was one of the first companies to market virgin coconut oil (VCO) in the Philippines. Today it is known for its comprehensive range of oral and injectable pharmaceutical lines, food supplements and cosmetic products.
At present, Novuhair has been awarded by Watson’s as the leading Medicated Hair Care Brand in the country for five consecutive years. The effectiveness of the product speaks for itself.
Novuhair is made with 19 natural ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint and almost 100% natural.
Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching.
It also penetrates deep to rejuvenate the hair follicles, provides optimum nutrition to help combat hair loss and/or thinning of hair, improves blood circulation in the scalp which contributes to the stimulation of hair growth.
Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide.
For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial.
You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 19, 2017 | Business
The country’s leading foreign bank continues its aggressive bid to be the number one digital bank in the country with the launch of new digital partnerships, products, and services.
Citi Philippines latest digital innovation comes in the form of online credit card application and approval program, a first in the Philippines.

David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products
David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products, briefed members of the media this morning, and said their clients can expect to get credit approval online, after they complete the simplified application form and submit digitized copies of required documents.
“We were one of the first banks to launch an online presence and also one of the pioneers in attracting customers through our website,” recalled Stoughton.
“At that time, we were only capturing the information online when they apply, but the processing still takes place offline including the credit review. With this latest service, we are excited to break new ground for the industry and deliver another innovation for the Filipino consumer.”
Apply online and get a digitized reward too!
With the digitized application and approval process, a client will know in minutes if he or she is qualified for a Citi credit card. “This is a game changer as we continue to look at our products and services, and accelerate digitization to deliver remarkable client experiences,” said Stoughton.
Citi also digitized its rewards – clients who prefer to submit applications through promotion booths in shopping centers or travel exhibits because of attractive turn-in gifts will be pleased to discover they won’t be missing out just because they will do it online.
From now until April 30, complete an application online and receive an electronic voucher you can redeem for an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and iced tea. Upon approval, clients who are getting their first Citi credit card and make a purchase of P20,000 or more within 60 days are also eligible to get a Fitbit Charge 2 fitness wristband.
Groundbreaking partnerships with leading digital retailers
Citi also recently unveiled another strategic digital partnership, this time with Amazon. The Philippines will come next after Thailand where credit card holders can now use their Rewards Points to pay for purchases at Amazon.com.
On average, Citi announced a new digital innovation or partnership fortnightly in the last 12 months across Asia. During 2016, Citi announced strategic partnerships in leading digital ecosystems across the region. Some of these included Alipay and WeChat in China and Line in Thailand and Taiwan. The bank also formed digital credit card partnerships with the likes of Airbnb and Uber in various countries. The bank’s social media followers in Asia grew from 3million to over 10million during 2016.
In the Philippines, its regional digital partners include:
- Booky, an offline restaurant finder;
- Zennya, the world’s first spa on-demand app;
- Lazada, the leading online shopping mall in the country;
- and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform, to name a few.
In the country, Citi’s ongoing promotions with leading travel sites including:
- Asiatravel (grab 12% off on hotel bookings until June 30, 2017);
- Agoda (get 10% off on hotel accommodations year-long);
- Expedia (enjoy 8% off until October 2017);
- and Airbnb (on first stay, get P1,800 off until November 15, 2017).
Beyond travel, expect to also enjoy exclusive discounts when shopping online with Citi credit cards.
Banking on a Digital Future
“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton.
He added that regional figures show one out of every four new credit card accounts acquired comes from digital sources and over 50% of clients are actively using digital banking channels, up from 30% three years ago.
Over the past five years, traffic in Citi branches across Asia has declined 50% as digital transactions grew over 100%. While digital banking is not completely replacing the branch experience, the nature of branch interactions is changing, and Citi’s strategy is now aimed at a combination of bricks and clicks.
“In our drive to digital, we have also become the credit card brand that online and mobile retailers prefer. This initiative presents a bright outlook in a country which greatly embraces the growth of online shopping and lifestyle,” added Stoughton.
Over the last year, Citi launched the newly-refreshed Citi Mobile App in Asia featuring easy-to-use functionality and interfaces such as Snapshot and Touch ID which has seen over 2m million downloads to-date. The bank also was the first to launch Voice Biometrics across the region which has since received more than 700,000 sign-ups from customers with over 1m clients consenting.
“We are focused on becoming the world’s leading digital bank, and we will continue to leverage on our global network for strategic partnerships even as we develop and deliver digital products and services,” said Stoughton.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.
Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.
Additional information may be found at:
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