Love Takes Time … Purefoods Ready to Eat Meals

Love Takes Time … Purefoods Ready to Eat Meals

The concept of ready to eat meals is not new to us, another name for it is “frozen dinners”.  The difference, I suppose is that while most frozen dinners as we see them in foreign movies are full meals made for one person alone, Purefoods Ready to Eat meals are made for families.

But this is also a reflection of how Filipinos enjoy sharing meals with family or friends.  I know of very few Filipinos who cook full meals for just one person.  We always tend to cook so much that we are eating the same thing for an additional meal or two. 😀

Purefoods Ready to Eat variants

Purefoods Ready to Eat variants

Purefoods Ready to Eat variants

At present, there are a total of nine (9) variants … each one a standard Filipino dish and (as the packaging says) it has already been slow-cooked to give us, the consumers, the softest, juiciest, most delicious viands in minutes what would usually take us so much time to prepare … because “love takes time”.

I was able to get every variant (except the beef caldereta which I just photoshopped in the picture above to complete the set) and I will try to cook and review each one every day.  In our house, there are quite a few people so I have to really think about what I will cook every day and how to stretch it, given how expensive meat and vegetables are.

Also, I am quite handy in the kitchen so I will quite likely do more than just put these babies in the pan, heat, and serve. 🙂  Watch out for what I cook up in the coming days.

Purefoods Ready to Eat viands are available at http://themall.sanmiguelfoods.com and at some supermarkets and groceries.  Prices vary depending on the viand you purchase.

Zoobic Night Safari 2019

Zoobic Night Safari 2019

zoobic night safari logoIt is Zooper Summer once again and we have relaunched the only theme park night activity at Zoobic that has received good reviews from patrons.

Why stay indoors at your home or hotel watching movies when you can view and interact with the animals in the only night safari in the Philippines, at Zoobic.

The Zoobic Night Safari opened its doors to visitors this year on March 2, 2019, but has been an annual summer offering for several years.  It has wowed patrons since.

Go classic

Gear up your nocturnal senses and prepare for a series of roaring nights of fun while visiting Zoobic Safari’s classic attractions:

  • Serpentarium – a wild encounter with snakes, lizards and iguanas,
  • Zoobic Park – a walk-through petting zoo,
  • Tiger Safari – an enclosed safari jeep ride that will take you to the tigers’ natural habitat,
  • Croco Loco – a crocodile lair where you will have a chance to feed them.

Go bold!

Take a walk together with the greyhounds and follow the night trail in Greyhound Walk. Enjoy a different and bolder show specially prepared for the night’s entertainment; expect an explosive presentation that will surely growl your mind away.

How can we get tickets /make reservations for the Zoobic Night Safari?

Walk-in guests are always welcome and the regular rate will apply.  But if you are interested in getting a discount, your best bet will always be to go to the official website and purchase your tickets there.  Click on the link HERE to be brought directly to the reservation page.

How much is the entrance fee?

  • P695 for adults and children above 4 feet (121.92 cms.) tall
  • P595 for children from 3 feet (91.44 cms.) to 4 feet (121.92 cms.) tall
  • Free for children below 3 feet

You may also check out affiliate sites such as Klook and Metrodeal for special discounted rates

Do senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) get a discount?

I’m assuming so but don’t take my word for it yet. I will get back to you on that once I receive an answer myself. 🙂

How do we pay?

You may make payments via the following methods:

  • Over-the-counter payment at BDO
  • Credit card
  • ATM / Debit card
  • PayPal

What are part of the Zoobic Night Safari Tour?

The Zoobic Night Safari Tour includes the following (in alphabetical order):

  • Butaan Museum
  • Croco Loco
  • Enchanted Forest
  • Forbidden Cave
  • Greyhound Walk
  • Serpentarium
  • Tiger Safari Ride
  • Tram Ride
  • Zoobic Cave
  • Zoobic Night Safari Show
  • Zoobic Park

When can we visit the Night Safari?

The Zoobic Night Safari is only open on Saturdays starting March 2 up to May 25, 2019.  Guests are allowed to enter between 6pm to 8pm only and the Night Safari show starts at 8pm.  To get more value for your money I would recommend going their early (like at 5pm) so that you can enjoy all the inclusions.

A visit to the Zoobic Night Safari promises to be a night you won’t forget!  See you there!  Roar! 🙂


Zoomanity Group logoZoobic is part of the Zoomanity Group, the leading company in the theme park industry under the Yupangco Group of Companies.

Zoomanity envisions world class, innovative and enjoyable facilities from Northern to Southern Philippines by providing the best tourist destination and nature educational experiences with the facilities that are uniquely designed to provide enjoyment to visitors of all ages.

SM and McDonald’s promotes family bonding

SM and McDonald’s promotes family bonding

SM Supermalls and McDonald’s level up the Thanksgiving tradition among Filipino families with the online and on-ground celebration of “National Thank You Week” this November 19 to 25.

“On the second year of our partnership with McDonald’s, we continue to underscore the uniqueness of the emotional bond of Filipinos, especially when our customers make memories and redefine thanksgiving celebrations in our malls,” shares Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.

On digital, SM and McDonald’s encourage families to share their thank you moments and get chance to win P5,000 SM shopping money by simply taking a photo using the #NationalThankYouWeek Photo App that can be accessed via smsupermalls.com from Nov. 19 to 25. Meanwhile, as a simple way to say thank you to customers, all McDonald’s stores located in 48 SM malls nationwide will give a free Vanilla Sundae Cone for every purchase of a Happy Meal from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day itself (November 22) till Sunday, November 25.

A culminating activity is also in stored for families on the last day of the week-long celebration (November 25). Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to experience SM Supermalls and McDonald’s Thank You Town where everyone can enjoy an array of fun activities and fun technology games.

free vanilla sundae cone

SM Supermalls and McDonald’s level up the Thanksgiving tradition among Filipino families.

At the Thank You Town, SM shoppers can also sign up for McDonald’s Stripes Run, avail discounts in booking McCelebrations, and get amazing deals at the Toy Bazaar.

On top of the exclusive McDonald’s treats, the Thanksgiving experience of SM shoppers will be made more meaningful with a Thanksgiving Blessing at select SM malls on November 18 or 22 plus special dining offers at SM Foodcourt and other participating restaurants from November 19 to 25.

SM Supermalls is the sole Philippine finalist in this year’s World Retail Awards, held last April 19 in Madrid, Spain. SM’s “National Thank You Day,” an integrated live brand experience campaign in partnership with McDonald’s Philippines, made it as a finalist in the ‘Best Customer Experience Initiative – Mall Owners’ category.

For more information, check out www.smsupermalls.com, and its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.

All dogs go to heaven

All dogs go to heaven

All dogs go to heaven, that is what they say.  I certainly hope it is true because the thought of our little ones not being in heaven right now would break my heart.

Mary

maryBut I guess that correct term is “break my heart even more”.  On May 30, 3 days after birth, Little Mary passed away.  She waited for me to get home, allowed me to give her vitamins and a little milk, cuddled in my hand and a few minutes later, breathed her last breath.

I cried buckets.  My chest hurt so much it physically felt like my heart was breaking in two.  Tears rolled down my cheeks and wouldn’t stop.  I couldn’t breathe.  I couldn’t help but think that there must have been something I missed, something I failed to do that cause her to die.

I was in denial.  I kept hoping that there was actually a way to revive her.  I even put her in a towel and held her against my chest as I brought her to the vet all the while massaging her chest, hoping to stimulate a pulse.  But when I got there Doc Allan took her from me, checked her for himself. He tried to massage her chest, check for a heartbeat, etc. He then looked at me with a sad face and said there was nothing we could do.

You see, he had seen the pups at 8am that same morning and noticed how much smaller and thinner Mary was than the other pups and he told us that we had to forcefeed about 1 ml. of milk 30 minutes to support her.  It was all for naught.  We tried our best but she just wasn’t strong enough.

Ylli

After Mary passed away there was one more tiny one left and we called her Ylli.  She was a little stronger than Mary and because of what happened with Mary we were extra vigilant with Ylli.  We took turns feeding and cuddling her.  We made sure she had first dibs on Princess’ milk before letting her sibs anywhere near, just to be sure she does not starve.

At night when it gets cold she slept with me and yesterday morning she opened her eyes for the first time and (I hope) was able to see me.  I was so happy!  I thought, yes!  This one will make it!  In my mind I was even thinking “this pup we will keep”. An hour or two later her sibs also opened their eyes.

ylli-with-her-siblings

Ylli grew a little bit and was no longer skin and bones but she was still only 1/3 the size of her sibs.  Doc warned me that it was possible that like the first one, she could also have a weak heart and that if she survived she would never be as strong as her siblings.

Now I am left with 3, three precious darlings – more precious to me now than they were before.  These three are strong and healthy but I still can’t help but worry.

And though I truly believe that all dogs go to heaven I don’t want them to go there too soon.

Lord, allow them to live long, happy, and healthy lives here on earth.  Give them the opportunity to be loved not just by me but also by the families that will adopt them.

Great finds for the family at Lazada

Great finds for the family at Lazada

The end of the online revolution draws near but there is still time to get some great finds that could finish up your Christmas list.  Here are a few that I spotted that I think you might enjoy, too. 🙂

Tuxun Mini Karaoke K068 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone with Mic Speaker (Gold)

Let’s admit it, Filipinos LOVE to sing … and Christmas parties (or any old party, for that matter) are just not complete without someone rocking the mic … preferably everyone. 😀

Now here is a common scenario … not enough mics to go around!  Guess what?  That is not a problem anymore if you have this baby … the Tuxun Mini Karaoke K068 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone. It comes in two (2) colors: gold and rose gold.  I loved it so much that I bought one of each! 😀

This is what the description says:

  • Built-in high-quality chipset, it produces excellent sound quality with reverberation (echo).
  • No need to aim at the microphone, it can capture your voice with a pickup hole (translation:  it is not unidirectional.  It can pick up sound from the top and sides).
  • the effect is much like KTV, you will feel liking being on the scene of karaoke.
  • It supports almost all singing software no matter on the phone or on the computer (translation: it is compatible with most karaoke apps, whether for your tablet, phone, or computer).
  • With a 3.5mm audio jack, it can connect with Android, iOS phone, etc. (translation: you can connect it to your Android or iOS device via an audio jack).
  • Wireless Connection: You can connect with your phone with cable or Bluetooth (translation:  you can connect either via wired (audio jack) or wireless (Bluetooth) connection).
  • You can practice singing, listen to music, and record songs without going to KTV (it is a wireless mic so, really, you can practice anywhere).

Package contents:

  • egg-like carrying case
  • 3.5mm audio jack cable
  • micro USB charging cable
  • manual

The manual that comes with the package is in Chinese (I believe) and I could not understand a word of it so I searched for an English manual online.  Click here to download the English manual.

My personal experience:

My nephew loves to invite friends over on the weekend to use my Major HD-10 Platinum Karaoke and we only have 1 (wired) mic. With the Tuxun Wireless Mic, I would sneak up on him and suddenly sing a duet. When he heard my voice magnified he was quite surprised because the sound came from behind him, not in front.

Karaoke K068 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone controlsTake a look at the Tuxun Mini Karaoke K068 Wireless Bluetooth Microphone and you will notice something immediately … it has an unusual shape for a mic.  As a matter of fact, the first time I saw it I thought it was a flashlight!  Turns out the wide base is actually the speaker.

  • The top switch-slide is the volume control.
  • The middle switch-slide is the echo control.
  • The bottom button is not only the power button, it is also the button you press for pairing the mic with your device via Bluetooth

Does it really pair with Karaoke software?

I’ll be honest with you … I have no idea.  I tried to use it with Smule but I couldn’t get it to work the way I wanted to.  But that does not mean it won’t work with others, it just means I haven’t tried it with others yet. 😀

Sanosan Products

For baby and for you.

Sanosan Lotion, Bath and Shampoo, and Oil

Sanosan Lotion, Bath and Shampoo, and Oil

bubu-and-meAnyone with children will tell you that babies have very sensitive skin.  This means that we cannot use just any old product on her.

We’ve tried several brands, from the brands available in the local groceries to products that arrive from relatives who send over balikbayan boxes.

Lately, though, we have tried some brands we have not heard of before until now, and one of those brands is Sanosan.  I must confess, though, that we do not believe in using lotion and oil on a baby’s skin … mostly because in most cases they do not really have any dry skin at that young age.

I used the Sanosan Baby Oil to remove my makeup and it works like a dream!  The Sanosan Baby lotion I set aside for use later when it turns cold and we start to experience dry skin … yes, Bubu included.

Sanosan Baby Shampoo

Sanosan Baby shampoo has a mild scent and is very gentle on our Bubu’s delicate skin.  It is a clear, colorless liquid that froths easily so we do not need to use much to get scalp and hair clean.

  • Includes beneficial ingredients such as olive extract and lactoprotein
  • Conditions the scalp
  • Prevents dryness
  • Clinically approved
  • Colorant free
  • Sanosan baby shampoo does not contain surfactants that impair the natural protective function of the eye

It comes in an attractive powder blue container designed with slip-proof grips on the side making it easier to hang on to the bottle even with wet hands.

Sanosan gives the baby the best possible care.  It uses olive oil and hydrolyzed milk protein which are natural ingredients that provide optimum care, cleansing, and protection that nourishes your baby’s skin better.

All Sanosan products are hypoallergenic and free from parabens and dyes. Pamper yourself and your little sweetheart with Sanosan on a regular basis and experience the daily delights of unique, natural, and gentle care.

65 years of premium skincare, for you and for baby.

Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi

For most of the day, our feet are trapped in shoes.  For some of us, we spend most of our time on our feet.  Our feet just go through so much punishment!  Consequently, we find, later that our feet are covered in calluses and dry skin.

I am lucky enough that my feet are not in such bad shape but sometimes I would be surprised to find my heels snagging on my blanket and I realize that it is time for another foot spa.

Having a foot spa, when done often could turn out expensive so here is (what I think) is a better (more economical and more efficient) solution.  And using it is easy, too!  Watch this video below just to see how easy it is to use this product.

Veet Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin

Veet Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin

Veet Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin

Most modern women (myself included) today worry about the unsightly hair growth in our armpits and other parts of the body (such as on the arms, legs, and face).  Most either pluck or shave.  One can be painful while the other causes the hair to grow back faster and thicker and tends to darken the skin.

The solutions we are often left with: laser treatment, threading, and waxing.  These solutions are not cheap.  So what solution is left?  Depilatory creams or lotions like Veet.

I have used Veet in the past and it is so easy to use that it is often my go-to product when I don’t have time (or money) to go to the waxing salon.

  1. Wash and clean the area you want to remove hair from.
  2. Pat dry so that the area is no longer wet.
  3. Squeeze some Veet on the spatula and smooth over the area you want to depilate.
  4. Let it stay for 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Use the spatula to remove the product from your skin.  You will see the hairs come off with the cream.
  6. Use a soft sponge or washcloth to remove the cream if the spatula is too abrasive.  I like to wet the sponge or cloth with warm water first.
  7. If needed, you can leave the cream on longer before fully removing it. Do not exceed 6 minutes, as your skin will likely become irritated and produce a painful burning sensation.

The result?  Soft, smooth, hairless skin.  No-fuss, no mess, no worries!  Try it for yourself!  One tube goes a long way.  Depending on how many areas you want to depilate, one tube of Veet can last for several months.

  • Works close to the root even on short hair
  • Preparation: 5-10 minutes
  • Enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
  • Duration: smoothness for up to a week
  • Softer hair regrowth
  • Body Area: Legs, Bikini Line, Underarms, Arms
  • FREE: Travel-size Veet Hair Removal Cream

Precious Products

Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil, Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Fragrance Mist, Precious VCO Goat's Milk Soap, and Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad

Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil, Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Fragrance Mist, Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap, and Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad

With the traffic situation we deal with daily. we often go home more tired than we should be.  Here are some products that I got that helped me in relaxing at the end of the day.

Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap (with oatmeal and tea tree oil)

Precious VCO Goat's Milk Soap

Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap (with oatmeal and tea tree oil)

A lot of the (beauty) soaps sold today are made overseas.  Precious VCO Goat’s Milk Soap is proudly Philippine-made.

I tried this soap immediately and I was surprised at how soft and smooth my skin was after one use.  I don’t know if it was the VCO or the goat’s milk that did it but I loved the effect.

According to the product page, this is what this product offers:

Anti-aging

By protecting you from free radicals that can damage skin, Virgin Coconut Oil helps to slow the aging process. The oil forms a barrier of defense on your skin, allowing you to absorb necessary nutrients while blocking the chemicals that can cause wrinkles.

Ultra-hydrating and moisturizing

Pure, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil deeply moisturizes the skin, making it smooth and supple. Our soap is the perfect defense against redness, flakes, itch, and common skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis.

Certified organic

Made in the PHILIPPINES with lots of LOVE: Our soap is handmade and contains organic plant-based ingredients. It’s 100% pure, vegan, and safe for all skin types. It contains no parabens, alcohol, petroleum, dyes, fragrances, animal fat, and preservatives.

Ultimate luxury

After a long, taxing day, treat yourself to the finest form of relaxation. A warm bath paired with our Virgin Coconut Oil Soap will melt away your stress while nourishing your skin. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on what comes next!

Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil

Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil and Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Fragrance Mist

Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil and Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Fragrance Mist

My left shoulder to hand has been hurting like the dickens for days now.  when this happens I usually just ignore it but occasionally I call on Ashley, my favorite therapist from Asian Massage to massage me instead.

They often use mineral oil when they give a massage but they usually ask for their clients’ preference also. Sometimes I use lotion but other times I provide my own oil. On her next visit (probably later tonight!) I will try the Precious Mango Tango Massage Oil.  The mango scent is strong but not overpowering, which is good. I won’t smell like a fruit salad. D

  • precious massage oil
  • blend of essential oils
  • refreshing and relaxing
  • can bring emotional balance to the body

The Precious Blue Ginger Aroma Frangrance Mist will give the room that spa smell that will help me relax even more.  That’s one of the missing elements when I have a home service massage … the spa smell. :). The only thing missing would be a waterfall or chime music playing in the background.

It not only makes the air smell good it also acts as a deodorizer, eliminating bad smells in the air.

  • precious aroma fragrance mist
  • refreshing and relaxing
  • an elegant way of scenting environment
  • contain odor neutralizing compound

Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad

If you have ever injured yourself or suffered from intense shoulder pain then you (like I) have used hot and cold compress pads.  I’ve used versions that had the metal “coin” you flip inside to activate the gel to make it hot.  I’ve used the versions you either microwave (for hot) or stick in the freezer (for cold).  The one thing common about all these is that they were just that … a hot pad or a cold pad.

Precious came up with a revolutionary product called the Precious all Natural Pain-Away Pad.

Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad

Precious All Natural Pain-Away Pad

Unlike other hot and cold compresses, this one comes filled with special herbs combined to give you much-needed pain relief.  Even as I opened the package I could smell the eucalyptus that must be part of the mixed herbs.

  • Hot and cold compress using your microwave or steamer at home
  • Made of all-natural herbal seed and aromatic herbs
  • 100% natural aromatherapy herbal heat pillow
  • Moist heat therapy and dry cold therapy with aromatherapy
  • Best for joint pains and spasms
  • Helps remove stress
  • Hot herbal pillow help relax stiff muscles
  • Good for back pain and arthritis

How to use:

  1. To heat it up you could either put it (the green package that smells really nice) in the microwave or steam it.  Directions could be found in the package.
  2. To freeze it, just place it in the freezer for a few hours.
  3. After you have either heated or frozen it to your needs place it in the cloth bag that comes with the package.
  4. Apply to the affected area (like your shoulder or neck) and just relax.

Easy, right?  And best of all, it is available at Lazada at a very affordable price!

Lazada’s Online Revolution ends at 11:59 pm on December 12.  Shop now for great discounts and great finds for you and your family and friends.

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