Reward Yourself with Cashback by Shopping with ShopBack!

It's an off day and you know what I've been doing for 6 whole hours? Online shopping. I have about 10 grand worth of clothes on my shopping cart plus a couple more IP Cameras, Cables, Storage devices on my wish list that I'm still thinking about to put there. All these in the comforts of my own home, because I love retail therapy, I love online shopping.

Now for you guys who haven't done this yet, you're in luck because there are perks that come with creating an account with online stores like Lazada, Sephora, Ali Express, Agoda, Honestbee and other ones, before you do that, please let me introduce you to ShopBack.ph. I don't know how you're doing it right now, but what I'm telling you is that this is the smarter way to actually shop online.

Online Shopping

Shopping at home has never been easier. With the amount of money you could save in the coupons these shops give directly, you're bound to save a lot. Aside from that, being in the comforts of your own home means you don't have to go out and spend 2 hours on EDSA or any major Philippine highway for that matter. ShopBack also gives you a part of shopping referral fees so it's always a win-win situation every time you do it through them.

So I did the smartest thing earlier, I logged in to my ShopBack account and clicked on the link under Lazada. I needed to purchase a new jacket anyway and this was the opportune time to do it. I saw that they've got a ton of specials on brands that are included under Lazada so I clicked on ACTIVATE CASHBACK in ShopBack.ph. It's going to start a session that will count your purchase to be quantifiable through the website. Aside from that, if you refer 4 of your friends you can get as much as Php 799 of more shopping money if they sign up. You can sign up as my friend HERE to get Php 100 off your first purchase.

If you plan to travel soon or spend stays in different cities, you may use Hotels.com discount codes on room bookings from them too. I was also looking for accessories and couldn't find them in one store, but don't fret because they too have different stores where you can find these things. One of them is GreatValuePlus and it's one coolest places to scout for new clothes, trendy fashion finds and lots of shoes. Perfect for shoe-holics like me!

My purchase earlier was a breeze. You can even pay through credit cards, COD or Paypal whenever applicable. Then after that, you can just sit back, relax and wait for it to happen. I got an email confirming my cash back was already available and noted on ShopBack. I didn't even have to move a muscle.

Discount Codes

Now don't think you'll be getting no more discounts after that huge one when you sign up for the first time. They've got that covered because at ShopBack they're raring to get you exclusive shopping discount codes after your debut. That means you'll get to have up to 9% discounts plus a lot more in the long run. You'll get hooked up with tons of stores without shipping costs and keep the costs down, wouldn't that be a good thing?

Then at the end of the day, you don't have to go hungry. I've been a big customer of Foodpanda and have bought pretty much a couple of things for parties there. They've mobilized a lot of restaurants in their platform and has done delivery in a whole new level. I suggest you start with the craft burgers there and party favors if you're in the lookout for more especially in the Makati area, I'd take a look at their service seriously. Imagine me getting protein shacks from there to Quezon City, still fresh and hot! You can't beat that! Well you can because you're getting cash back with it now.

Reward yourself, you deserve it like I do!

St Peter Life Plan Perks at Breakout Philippines

What does your life plan give you today? Couldn't answer much right? I know.

I asked that specific question because most often that not, your life plan provider doesn't give you anything side from just getting your money that's accorded in your plan. St. Peter Life Plan has been in the industry for years. True enough, they have retained the number one spot in the pre-need death care industry and has been able to provide more affordable packages in traditional memorial life plans. Now that's all good, but what is this thing they call Death Care Week?

It's their way of giving back to the community, one that they started 11 years ago. Back then even talking about death was a taboo, it made people uncomfortable, but you know how convenient it would be to have one so as not to disturb your own family when you leave this world. They held a lot of events, helped tons of people get to and from cemeteries during Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. This year seems a lot special because aside from their usual community projects, they have also added perks to all St. Peter Life Plan holders together with Breakout Philippines. Have you 

heard of them?

Look at me so happy to solve this room! LOL!

Breakout Philippines has been providing group and family entertainment for a couple of years now. They have themed mystery rooms in different malls, buildings, with the goal of solving it and I've done it quite a number of times. This time however, the partnership they have with Breakout Philippines means all Employees, Sales Agents, Plan Holders with PHIC (plan holders identification cards) or signed St. Peter Life Plan Contracts will get Php 100 OFF their rates on these specific rooms. For SM North Edsa's Boogetman and Sleep No More, Greenbelt 5's Corpse Bride, Katipunan's Clownhouse and Paragon Plaza's Hide and Seek. We actually tried the one in SM North Edsa a few days ago and by golly, it was so much fun I wanted to try the other rooms too. 

Make sure you look for an additional clue, it's the St. Peter Pink Casket!

The Boogeyman had a difficulty of 4/5 because you literally don't have things to actually start with, you just have to find clues and know how to open the cases. It's really fun to do with a group of 5 or more. The best thing that happened that afternoon is of course, we got out of The Boogeyman room in record time. I think we clocked in at around 38 minutes for a 45 minute limited time room. Now is your chance to do it, so go to these branches to get those perks people! 

For more details about Death Care Week, please take a look at my article here. Thanks St. Peter for letting us experience this Breakout Philippines Boogeyman room!

/* First two photos in this article are from Ed Uy. Thanks!

Aiai, Zsazsa, Carmi and Beauty for Ricky Lee's BES and the Beshies

I spent the afternoon at Le Reve in Esguerra Quezon City to attend the media conference of BES and the BESHIES, a new film by CINEKO Productions and Regal Entertainment. Albeit some of the cast were not there, it was still fun hearing Ms. Aiai Delas Alas, Ms. Zsazsa Padilla, Hashtag's Nikko Natividad and the writers under the tutelage of Ricky Lee tell us about the experience of making this film. I was under the impression that this would be something close to the iconic 80's hit movie Working Girls but this doesn't seem the case. Ricky Lee has been conducting really good workshops and he deemed these writers under him would be getting the chance to do this movie. True enough, the producers were delighted to do this story.

"Our goal was to portray 4 women who are always showcasing courage, even before we wrote Super Parental Guidance, we wanted to do this right after Ricky Lee's workshop who we are a part of. This initially came from that Filipino expression "May nanalo na bes!" and we just played with it."  -Alpha Haboj and Rod Marmol

It was a little early but when he arrived, he initiated to actually talk to us before the media conference. Nikko, as his friends call him has been part of PBB and popular boy dance group Hashtags. Although very popular, I felt these guys are very humble especially the ones I've already talked with like Macoy, Luke, Nikko (this one) and my favorite Ryle. He posed for photos as he described his character in the movie. 

"I play the role of Dans here, I don't know if I'm a boy or girl, but I'm definitely a good son. I am currently under Star Magic, we talked about it (his former manager) and they will take care of my career. I am so close with the other hashtags, our bond is strong even if we're off the show. We haven't even had any problems that were too big to handle, I think it's just a matter of respect. I am a bit of a terror as a brother so in a sense this is close to me, I am the eldest in my family." -Nikko Natividad

While on the front of the stage, Miss Aiai started to talk about the movie and said "I am so glad to see how we have been put together, especially under Joel Lamangan, who is so strict. We felt it whenever we had a shoot we were so nervous. I have a lot of friends and if I try to mention all of them we won't have time for this presscon. Direk is so much of a perfectionist, it's not enough what you can do, you have to do what he wants to happen in his mind, it's his vision. In love, age is just a number, weddings are dreams for me, a dream for my Mom too and I would really like to see that. I even joke about it because as you know, most of the men do cry during weddings."

"Now I know it's the first time I am working with Zsazsa and Carmi in a movie, but they are my personal friends so it was less stressful. Before I got to where I am today I've done different jobs, so this is seriously not a new thing for me. It happens to people that look for work or earn a living. This is situational, we also use millenial language so it's going to be fun. I hope you all help us see this with your family."  -Aiai Delas Alas

When asked about her good friends who are also in the industry, Ms. Zsazsa uttered "Gary, Martin and everyone in ASAP are my beshies. Even if we don't often see each other, I can depend on them when I need them.  I don't talk about weddings during our shoot, we thought about it and wanted to have a business rather than a wedding. I have been working since I was 18 and in a way I could relate to this character, but I am no martyr like Mabel. I also had to work hard because the role needed a specific accent and I get scolded a lot by Direk, I had to think that I'm really from the Visayas without looking forced."

They also talked about her recent engagement and a little about Dolphy, but I'd rather keep that in the blinds because she mentioned most of it were very personal.

 Anyway, this looks good on paper and hopefully it would also translate a good run in the box office. Two productions, Direk Joel Lamangan (a very strict director) and ensemble cast is making sure you'll enjoy and have a lot of laughs with Bes and the Beshies. You will see them on theaters this coming October 18. It also stars Beauty Gonzales, Ms. Carmi Martin and a lot of stars that are staging a comeback. This is for women empowerment, friendship and love. You'll enjoy this for sure.

Easy Parties with Red Door Kitchen

My life is crazy. Even if people think this is fun, it's packed with events left and right and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone. I must say, I appreciate TIME so much that I really spend it wisely on weekends to catch up on sleep, or do a fine job of reconnecting with friends and family. Now since I sleep late and wake up late, I don't have (sometimes) the luxury to actually cook for about 6-8 people. It's a scary task and I don't have the hands to wash the dishes, but if I do I would. Last Saturday, I woke up around lunch time (okay my Mom woke me up) because I forgot I scheduled a feast for the weekend. My Mom was already cooking Spaghetti and I forgot to tell her to relax because everything is taken cared of. Just look at this spread, this is from RED DOOR KITCHEN.

I always pass by this area when going to Manila or nearby Banawe for events or restaurant hopping (as they are located between D. Tuason and Cordillera streets). They have their establishment in one of the shacks there identified with an actual Red Door (so you can't miss it!). They specialize pickup or delivery of great party food which you can even schedule ahead of time. That to me is convenient especially if you're not the type who cooks or have the time for it. I'm a schedule freak so if you can arrange for it before it happens, that's a life saver.

Aside from that, they can accommodate orders even if you need it within the day. Ask them and it should be easy. Like if you have relatives from Canada (oh yes it happened to me just now!) and they need to take something from home, I'll let you in on some great pasalubong items which you can order from them too!

This is UBE ENSAYMADA. Imagine swirls of soft baked bread intertwined with semi sweet ube and loads of salty grated cheese and glistening sugar on top. It was good baby, it was so good it was gone once I opened the box it came with.

My favorite on the other hand is the CHEESE ROLL. I like how this one mixes the love that the ensaymada has but got a thick stick of cheese in the middle. Perfect for cheese lovers like me.

Oh my, I wonder what's inside these wonderfully packaged round things. Now the way this works is that you have to BUILD YOUR OWN COMBO. You have to CHOOSE YOUR NOODLE, then CHOOSE YOUR MEAT and ENJOY.

This is the CHINITOYO. This one is their own recipe. I like how it's packaged well and has got a life of it's own. What I mean about that is the combination of flavors. It's a little sweet, boldly savory and a little spicy too. It's their best one, their best seller. Building the combo, I chose the CHICKEN CHOPS as meat for this dish. I like it a lot because of how they did the breading, I mistook it for that Taiwanese Porkchop I so love from Chinese restaurants, so this one is a healthy option. They even packed the vinegar neatly, so I could put it in a smaller dish and enjoy lunch with my family. I would strongly suggest you order the same, the generous servings and tasty accompaniments are just awesome.

Oh don't get me started about the PALABOK. Their version is with thick rice noodles, really thick eggy sauce, scrumptious shrimp and is super good. They have the pork cracklings on a separate packet so it doesn't get mushy when it arrives. They also provide calamansi for those who would like some. The meat paired with this is the LIEMPO BARBECUE. It's meaty, but hell of a lot soft because it's cooked perfectly. I don't know how they marinated this thing but man, it kinda threw me off as it felt like barbecue from Aristocrat. I definitely dig this the most, so if you're a meat lover... don't trip on your way out because this is so precious. Nothing was left for my Dad LOL. 

 Now this was a surprise. We had company who didn't like the SPAGHETTI of the other take out place (you might know what that is), but this one didn't just pass with flying colors.. she was raving about it. True enough, when it was my turn to get some on my plate, this was wonderful. I felt like a kid again. Now you know those things that could kick some of your childhood memories? This was it. It's sweet, a definite challenger to the more popular Filipino spaghetti without tiring you at all. It's something you would come back for more. Oh and if you're not doing anything, please try the LUMPIANG SHANGHAI. It's meaty, not too hot, has that crunchy exterior you love.

If you're a little more adventurous, please do help yourself with the KUNG FU SHRIMP. It's a very good version of Kung Pao Pasta, hotter than usual so it's right for me. I love extremely hot stuff but even though it was just enough, it was lovely! I also like the mushrooms and peanuts, it was a play of textures. I was a little full already during this time but the spice was just so inviting, I had seconds of this. You can also order the pasta and noodles individually, but I strongly suggest you get the combo instead. It's the better option and could save you a few bucks.

For those who would still need a little more carbs, take a LOAF BREAD with your combos. You don't have to go out and buy it from the local bread shop or bakery. They already have some available upon order so don't hesitate to add this on your list.

Now what's a celebration without a cake. Good thing my family loves UBE CAKE, but if you're the type who couldn't make up their mind... they've got one they call CANT DECIDE CAKE wherein they put around 4 flavors in one putting. I super duper love this ube cake though because it's fluffy outside, and the cake wasn't really too sweet which was perfect for the diabetic people in my house. It felt like eating a jar of that lovely ube jam you used to take home from Baguio, and it's really good. I would get one for my Dad's birthday on Sunday. He deserves a treat!

I took photos of the brochure so you get an idea. You can always look it up or ask them while you order. They are also on Facebook

For those who are already tired about the same old food you order for birthdays and special occasions, RED DOOR presents itself not just as a super great alternative, but an equal or even greater promise to be present in your special days. It's affordable, it's so good and if you're going to ask me, it's even better than the usual. I would personally feed this to my friends and family, and it's complete with protein on the combos so you don't have to think about stuff to add because they've got a menu that's really well though of. Add to that the lovely cakes and baked goodies which you can take for a ride, hey it's a home run! 

They also have the CHOCOLIQUOR CAKES BY MARICAR REYES POON which is so popular nowadays, you don't have to look further. Call the RED DOOR KITCHEN office hours at 442-9888 or their mobile number 0999 477 7333. I am already hungry from editing this article, but I'll have to hold it. You go ahead and call them, your family will enjoy something new, something real good for a FUN PARTY!

Hope someone orders a cake for me!