Zalora Presents Lunar New Year Collection

Hot, fiery and floral, this printed dress is part of the CNY collection for Zalora

I love how it feels to see a new collection, especially when you get first dibs on seeing it either on the racks, their atelier, or on the show. You get to stay ahead of the pack in seeing the latest trends or get to know the designer a little better. You also get to somehow judge if the secrecy he did for the collection is effective or not. It's hard to do that but since Zalora is in a giving mood, here's what they have solely have for the Chinese "Lunar New Year" and I'm loving the pieces they came out with.

Sold separately, they've got crisp white sleeveless tops, cold floral prints (probably a transition from Winter to Summer). It's got pink, red wine, grays, blue and purple. It's cold shades, a thing that would also be perfect for evening wear if you're out on a date or  just plainly with friends. 

Feminine cuts, dresses that are above the knee could also be best to show off those calves which men find totally sexy with 5 inch pumps depending on your mood.

Want something bright? This red, blue and white printed sort of floral dress would be nice on a walk during the day!

It would be so luxurious if you get this dress with bright prints. You'll play the adorable little girl, or woman that everyone would remember because you'll definitely catch attention. Pretty!

Asian influenced prints, used fabrics like jacquard, neoprene and lace, you'll be definitely starting the festivities in pretty dresses that would go with the Year of the Sheep!

Paulo Campos of ZALORA Philippines says “Our collection gives them the chance to celebrate heritage without looking dated and empowers them to style freely as each piece can match any modern fashion accessory.” Judging from these photos, it's evident that they've researched well, I can even say these dresses would even follow Feng Shui traditions with the colors, prints that all follow the ancient ways.

Lace and a little black dress? It's something hot and sultry that you can wear for an event or if you're just going out for the evening.

The thing is, it's also affordable. The price ranges from Php 1,000 to Php 2,000 only and available exlcusively in Zalora. This is the perfect time to get it before the actual day of festivities. Aside from the charms, crystals and lucky ornaments you're planning to get for that day, you better get the dresses before it gets sold out! Shopping online has never been easy!

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ZaloraPH

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Happiness with Red Ribbon Mocha Roll

Happiness. It's one word to define you - when something surprising, something unexpected happens, it just brings enormous joy. This is what happened to me a few days ago when I received this box of Red Ribbon cake. It's the Filipino go to food when they want something comforting no matter what occasion that is. For birthday parties, baptismals, graduation or just simply hanging out with friends, the moment just becomes so special when there's a cake in the mix. That sweet start or end to your meal just tastes immeasurable, I could have sworn it's the person who gave me this that mattered but aside from that, it's the CAKE... it's the Red Ribbon Mocha Roll in fact!

When I opened the box, I thought I was going to see the usual Mocha Cake I buy from them. This looks to me like they've improved a lot in the looks department. The buttery icing which was formerly decorated on top seems to have been substituted alternately with super rich, earthy milk chocolate with fragrant mocha, chocolate, coffee and caramel tones. The top is also drizzled with a generous helping of caramel syrup... then all you can do is take a slice. Mmmm... I carefully placed it on a small plate and sat down on the table - having my moment to taste this wonderful piece of heaven!

It's available in all Red Ribbon Bakeshop branches nationwide and can be ordered in half or full Mocha Roll sizes. You can even have it delivered to your home for a fee if you can't take the time to go rush to the store. It's that convenient. I know you love Red Ribbon just like me, it's affordable, it's not too sweet and it's so easy to have on those special occasions. I'd love to share this also with my family, not just on special days, but even on a regular one so we can bond, take a moment to enjoy, indulge in lovely cake anytime of the day, wherever, or whoever I celebrate it with. Bring a box of Red Ribbon when you go to your friends house (especially me), and I'll surely appreciate it! It's my favorite of course! 

For more information about their products:

Red Ribbon Bakeshop

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http://www.redribbonbakeshop.com.ph/

Robin and Rommel Padilla, Bb Gandanghari Stars in 2 1/2 Daddies

Robin Padilla, Bb Gandanghari and Rommel Padilla stars in 2 1/2 Daddies

They've just made a dream come true. Robin Padilla, Bb. Gandanghari and Rommel Padilla just started a show on TV5 called "2 1/2 Daddies". It premiered last January 24 and I've seen a lot of people loved it. The chemistry was unquestionable as these brothers (and sister!) got to work again on a TV show after their stint in Mistah which starred much of the Padilla clan. The premise, they've all got a little baby in the house (a foundling) and they've got to take good care of her. With Robin (who plays the tough guy), Rommel (who plays the role of a smooth talking "the ladies man") and Bb (who's the lone trans woman), this would definitely be a very difficult place to start a family.

Robin Padilla says "This is one of the things we thought about when the Bb Gandanghari came out. Will this be a blessing? or is this just a fad? This is why Bb has so much responsibility, to show in the sitcom what reality is. LGBT exists, and it's a community. With her actions, I don't find anything wrong. We're wondering how her waistline looks really, because we find it too small. In one sequence, she just came out without bras and we had to stop her. I had to let Rommel do the talking because he's the older brother. I've also offered Bb a lot of projects but she's too expensive to work with, my production is still small but we did offer. We even asked for rights on films but Bb later on wanted her own Director so it got shelved.

This next project I'm doing by the way "Ang Tatay Kong Hoodlum" will be some sort of a comeback in action films and I'll be with Kylie on this one. That you have to find out. You have to watch this new show too, 2 1/2 Daddies is something that would reflect Filipino lives, you'll learn how to handle situations like these, because ultimately, it happens." 

The former Rustom Padilla revealed a lot during the press conference. Bb Gandanghari says 'When I was compared with Carmina Villaroel, I really laughed a lot about it. Tita Celia has alzeimers here and it was just a punchline. The creative group just picked it up because there are a lot of people who often compare Bb's looks with Carmina. But I didn't have any peg, I didn't even think about it. There must be a ton foreigners that I might have looked up to but not really this. As for Robin and Rommel's treatment, whatever they do with other women, they do it also to me. I really prefer them treating me normally which is what they are doing right now. I like that part a lot. I also would love to do a classic film, hopefully this would be a start to open new doors to make more action, more dramas. 

When I did PBB I wasn't able to come out in the public. During that show, I didn't even got to talk to anyone but only one person. It was Carmina (everyone gasped). Robin even got so mad he wanted to enter the house but they had to watch it... that happened exactly 9 years ago. Rustom and Carmina had closure during 2005, so I hope people would be fair to her. We helped each other during those times, she and I had so much things going through our lives. I had to run, and I thought I was Forrest Gump. When I left in 2002, I outed in LA late 2003/04 and when I got back here everyone was talking behind my back and it did hurt a bit to hear that. I didn't even talk to people in PBB, it wasn't planned at all, so for people thinking it was scripted, you're all wrong. The thought process was all inside, I was just looking for a sign and the Mariposa that arrived inside the home was just it. It wasn't a conspiracy, it was why I did a voluntary exit. It was just at the back of my head, a one time big time thing. I didn't want people to interrogate me, and it was the time to come out publicly." 

Rommel Padilla adds "All along I thought it was just a gimmick. I talked to Robin and it looked like we're hearing from people that it's true. It did hurt that we received texts, feedback from people about his sexuality. It was bitter sweet, because it was like losing a brother, but in the end he found himself.

I've also tried a lot of things in acting, this series will be a test on how I could do comedy and I hope everyone would find me funny (Robin and BB says he's got good timing cracking jokes). Rommel also adds no matter what your blood brother is, whatever his preference is, you just have to love him. You have to maintain the respect he deserves. This is why we're in good terms. This is why it works."

2 1/2 Daddies was a riot on its first day, please watch again this Saturday 7 PM on TV5! Don't fail to watch it! 

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Ruffa Gutierrez for Cosmo Skin Premium Collagen

We were at the launch of new Cosmo Skin Premium Collagen from BargnFarmaceuticPhils Co. at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Their gorgeous beauty ambassador Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez is now endorsing Bargn's own Cosmo Skin Premium Collagen that promises better collagen synthesis and reverses signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, stretch marks and sagging skin. It even gets your hair more healthy, isn't that amazing?

Being in the show business industry for many years, the lights, the sun hasn't been really too kind on her skin and Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez says she needs all the help she can get when it comes to keeping herself beautiful, gorgeous and young looking. She also stresses that it's not an excuse for Moms to pig out and not take care of their skin after giving birth, as they have lives to live - and being attractive to their partners would be something that shouldn't end after a marriage. With Lorin and Venice by her side, they give their frank observations and opinions without holding back, that includes if Ruffa would be okay to marry again or not. She's always conscious about how she looks because a lot of people also look up to her. She feels that it's her responsibility to be this way as an artist, and as an individual.

Nino Bautista and John Redentor Gatus Jr. were so happy to see the fruits of their labor - the products of years research and testing. They made sure they only use premium ingredients to create the best beauty products for the Philippine market and even go importing Japanese raw materials because they want you to sincerely have the skin that would make you stand out in the crowd, the power of collagen supplements that would make your skin healthy, beyond beautiful. Best of all, it doesn't take a genius to even take it. No syringes, no tablets, capsules, or something that would taste off when you mix it with drinks.

To prove it, they got Pineapple Juice, Mocha Frappuccino, Milk Shakes and everyday drinks in front and they mixed a teaspoon of the Cosmo Skin Premium Collagen. I got one of the Pineapple Juice glasses and tasted it, the thing was like Pineapple Juice still. Now that tells a lot, if it doesn't taste like icky medicine then you'll get the collagen requirements you need since it's got 20,000mg unlike others who only have  5,000mg on it. They're giving you your money's worth. Plus, it's only Php 120.00 and exclusively distributed in Watsons stores nationwide.

Ruffa even called Jun Lalin one day and told him that her coffee was a little too thick. Ruffa made the mistake of putting the whole contents of the bottle in one cup of coffee. You only need a little and mix it. She promises in 6 months, you'll see your skin glowing, way better, smoother, hair and nail got stronger. She's okay with Mommy roles but she's not okay looking haggard and wrinkly. Other press people tried it too while we were there and they find it very nice. Even diabetics tried it, without any problems. It doesn't sacrifice the taste of the beverage when you take it regularly.

Ruffa says "I really love how they took time to think about the packaging too because it looks so pretty in pink, consequently it's also my favorite color. You'll see results in 6 days, but in ads they say it's 4 weeks. Cosmo Skin Premium Collagen can be taken by those who are also older, those of whom have lost a lot of it already. It's a natural way of doing things. I always have a lot of energy but some days you get a little tired, it's important to take care of yourself and collagen is really important. It's unlike small ready to drink bottles that have sugar content on them and isn't quite effective. Even the competition that have it in sachets only have 5,000mg so you don't get the full effect. It really works and I've tried it with their other products, I love their vitamin C, the soaps, shower gels, I really use their products because it's very good. I'm so happy to say we've got 3rd season of "It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez". I'm going to launch Lovapalooza in March for a childrens line, including tweens for Lauren and Venice, plus baby boys for Zion. For me now, what's really important is we have to source more things outside of our regular jobs. Our show has opened up a ton of opportunities for me. We're Asians and we're very conservative. We even have to think of other Asian countries if we're wearing dresses because we have a big market. Mom and I don't have to fight in order to rate, Mom is even toned down already. Still, there's more exciting things happening in the near future. Including my renewal of contract with Cosmo Skin in the coming months. That, I'm really thankful for!" 

Again, this product is available in all Watsons stores nationwide. You can even get it in their branches in SM Malls so there's no excuse to NOT take care of yourself. I'm going to try it now and have it with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hopefully I'll look younger in just a few weeks! 

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PLDT HOME Maintains Home Broadband Leadership

There's no question, PLDT Home is still the broadband home leader as they reach 1 Million subscribers in the end of 2014. Mr. Ariel Fermin, EVP and Head of Home Business says "This growth was driven by PLDT Home's extensive facility roll out and unending efforts to provide compelling multimedia content. We're investing in improving and expanding our infrastructure so we could reach more homes to provide the strongest connections."

I could attest to this because aside from my very reliable Smart line, I've got PLDT Home internet connection which never gave me problems for years now. Thay stability I think is its selling point. Now that they are expanding infrastructure, I heard they are also thinking of providing more content like music, games and tv shows. They are also providing solutions to soho security with the new PLDT HOME FAM CAM that's done together with existing PLDT HOME DSL plan Php 1299, Php 1699 and up subscribers. It's one of the reasons why PLDT HOME DSL got awards from consumer groups, and recently the Araw Awards. They are also a six time Readers Digest Trusted Brand Awardee for the Most Trusted Internet Provider, now how can you beat that?

Ciao!

KUMAGCOW

A Uratex Foam Plant Visit

If you've got a bed, a pillow or soft foamy things at home, most often than not you've got a URATEX product. The company that have started to produce polyurethane foam in 1968 by Robert Cheng promised only one thing in particular, to provide comfort for life.

We visited their plant in Muntinlupa a few months ago and it was a first for me. Honestly, I felt like a kid going on a field trip. Though the place was filled with onlookers wondering who we were, and what we were doing there. Security was strict, you can't go walking or crossing the street if you're not in a designated area. They said it's because they wanted both visitors and employees to be safe since their trucks and forklifts travel very fast inside the plant. A single mishap would disrupt production and they just want things in order. That part is really understandable.

Each foam maker have their own formula in making this, but what they are basically doing is trapping air inside the product after having chemical reaction. These chemicals are stored in huge silos inside their property and are kept in constant temperatures to make that perfect foam. It is in liquid form and when they get combined in the machines, they just let it expand and stay on its form.

A special wax paper is also used so it wouldn't stick on the conveyor belt. It just basically "happens" on its own then they let it rise.

Then they cut it into the length of their warehouse so it could be arranged and sit to dry them for a few days. You might think it's already good foam at its state but inside, it's still hot, wet and raw. 

They use huge cranes to arrange these on lanes that are also either manually done or computerized. The drying also goes in stages and after it dries you can already cut them up for whatever purpose you want to use it for.

They also use metal rods so they can stick it into these foams to check for temperature. The outside layer may look dry but it's bubbling hot inside if it just came out of the machines. People here take precautions so none of them get into an accident as safety is their first priority especially in this part of the production.

They cut up those huge logs into blocks like these, some of which could be 10x as big as your bed. Different densities for different applications. If you want a softer bed, a softer foam. If you want a firmer bed, then they can make you one as hard as a rock.

They drop, spin and cut them with knives and hot wires so they would look like your everyday foam beds. They also have these processes organized so they don't have to go to other warehouses to finish one product. 

They even make special foams for sound proofing, the ones under the carpet, or the ones carved like hands for sports events like UAAP or PBA. I'm sure you've seen some of that!

As part of URATEX's environmental responsibility, they don't waste any materials and use them jagged cuts to create new foams for flooring and carpet appliques. Unfortunately, old foams would not be safe to recycle because of hygienic purposes. It's understandable because imagine the years of dirt that goes through every bed in a lifetime. Uratex is always finding ways to be environmentally responsible, starting in their own turf in Alabang. Utilities, Water, garbage, packaging, are all monitored so they would be sure to keep clean in the facility.

If you wish to visit them at their Parañaque plant, they've got a full store too in front of the property. The store can cater to your needs if you need plastic, foam, quality premium beds that can satisfy even the most discriminating people. For those who want to have the dreamiest place to sleep when they get home from work, I suggest you also try and check their premium mattresses - especially the models that are firm to lie on, some of which are so awesome, soft and cuddly to sleep in - we all tried it there. Oh yes! The whole line is available for viewing, so you may go ahead and try it out if you're looking for the perfect bed. We just did!

It was a joy to be with very nice people from Uratex, thank you so much for having me that afternoon. I enjoyed it a lot, and really learned so much in just a few hours. Thank you and I hope the next time I write about them, I can tell you more about why I have Uratex in my home too.

For more information about their products:

Uratex Philippines

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http://www.uratex.com.ph/