It may sound bakya to some people but when I can, I try to watch the latest teleseryes, especially if they feature actors or characters that I can relate to in real life. When I was young, I would keep my glued on TV for Mula sa Puso or Pangako Sa’yo. They made me sympathise with the characters and at the same time feel relieved that my life isn’t that bad compared to the main protagonist’s.


One such favourite actor that I love watching on TV is Ian Veneracion. I remember him when he was my childhood crush when he played Joey de Leon’s son in Joey and Son. I know he’s older than me but he doesn’t seem to age that much. In fact, when he played in the remake of Pangako Sa’yo as Eduardo Buenavista, I fell in love with him again. Moreso when he was cast as Engr. Anton Noble! Who wouldn’t? He’s not just an actor, he’s also a painter, an athlete, a pilot, a chef, and admirably, a family man. I can just imagine how busy his schedule can get.



Just recently, United Laboratories (UNILAB) made him a brand ambassador for Conzace the most prescribed multivitamin and mineral brand in the country. Mike Jimenez, Conzace assistant brand manager says he is “...the epitome of superior immunity and good looks,” I think that’s an understatement: he’s ageless. This product is literally an ACE up his sleeve (Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E is paired with Zinc for immunity). Meanwhile, according to the Ian himself, health manifests from the inside out. He doesn’t just want to look good, he really puts value on being healthy so that he can do more for himself, his family, and his life’s work.

Compared to other multivitamins, Conzace has the highest levels of ZACE combined. All these elements play different roles in one’s well-being. This unique formulation in Conzace creates a synergistic effect that is clinically proven to help boost immunity, promote healthy skin and hair, and assist in wound healing as it speeds up skin regeneration.

At this point in my life, I think that like Ian, I'm putting extra effort on being healthier as I age. I believe that Conzace can help me reach this goal.


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Many plumbing problems can be much more complicated than most people think. They require the skill of a trained plumber in order to fix them correctly. However, there are many people who do not want to spend the money that is required to hire a plumber. These people will often make the mistake of trying to tackle their plumbing problems on their own. More often than not, they only succeed in making the problem worse than it was before. Here are a few of the benefits that you will get when you hire a professional plumber.



1. Having a professional plumber to fix your plumbing problem will give you the peace of mind that the job will be done correctly.

Trying to fix your own plumbing problems is a bad idea for a number of reasons. You might think that the problem has been successfully fixed. However, you do not have all of the training that a plumber has. Therefore, you might be completely mistaken. There is a chance that the problem was not fixed correctly and you are unaware of it. This can lead to an even bigger problem that will cost you a lot of money to fix down the road. Hiring a plumber who has many years of experience will ensure that your problem will be fixed the right way.


2. A trained plumber will be able to point out other problems that you might not have noticed.

The problem that you call a plumber to fix might not be the only issue with your plumbing. It is very possible that you have one or more smaller plumbing problems that have gone unnoticed by you. It goes without saying that unnoticed plumbing problems can turn into large ones if they are not dealt with right away. Atlanta plumbers are trained to do very thorough inspections of the plumbing that is surrounding the area they are working on. This gives them the ability to notice small issues before they become very serious. You can then have the plumber fix these small issues for a fraction of what it would cost if you waited until they became more serious.

3. A reputable plumber will guarantee all of the work that he does.

Even the best plumbers make mistakes every now and then. This is why a plumber's guarantee is so valuable. The best plumbers will give you a guarantee on all of the work they perform at your house. This means that they will come back and fix any problems again for free if the repairs were not done right the first time. You should never hire a plumber who will not guarantee his work.

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Many of my friends abroad have often observed that we Filipinos eat socially. Food is always meant to be shared in occasions that we consider important. As a mom, I’ve always tried to create menus that cater to everybody in the family. However, bigger parties always leave me stumped for choices (not to mention the manpower needed to pull it off) and that meant I have to rely on caterers to do the deed.


With parties, my family doesn’t leave it all to chance. We rely only on the ones that are not only affordable but gives us a peace of mind during the event. With our youngest brother getting married next year, we are looking at Hizon’s Catering to satisfy us and our friends. Since 1987, they have been the go to caterer of events that can range from simple and casual to formal and lavish. Although based in Metro Manila, they can go as far as Subic, Batangas, and Rizal and can cater from 50 to 15,000 guests. We have a big family and lots of friends so I’m pretty confident they can pull this December wedding in Bulacan.



Joseph Hizon, Hizon’s Catering General Manager, assigns an event planner per client to get down to the nitty gritty details (decor, hotel, bridal car, entertainment, sound system, wedding cake, etc.) as an added service, no markups involved. Their package start at PHP 450.00. I’m not that meticulous with details but as a big sister, I want everything to be perfect. Not a bad deal for someone like me who doesn’t want instant food or flavoring in their catered food.



Hizon’s Catering’s 4-in-1event at the Oasis Manila’s Pavilion invited bloggers recently to see their range of expertise. They featured a formal and elegant wedding set-up, a circus themed children’s party, a glamorous awards night, and a corporate seminar. These were all deliciously made by chef Simon Dayit’s kitchen team and each event creatively styled by Drew Manor. The event is made possible by Oasis Manila, Advent Light and Sounds, Sentimental Groove Band, Bars Datiles Design Props, Star Balloon, Enzuno Cakes, the Photoman, Keon Salon, Jerome Yu LED Projector, and the amazing Myra Lorenzo who facilitated the program.



There was a formal and elegant wedding setup first. There was a buffet layout of Trufle Mushroom soup and Peach Mango salad with Walnuts and Smoked Salmon. The mains included reminded me of earth, sea, and sky: Baked Fish Stuffed with Spinach and Tomato, Beef Salpicao with Grilled Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes, and Chicken Sambal. There was also a carvery that offered melt in your mouth Slow-roasted Beef with Hickory BBQ Sauce and Classic Mushroom Gravy and the crowd favorite, Thrice-cooked Pork Belly with Cilantro Salsa. Perfectly filling after the wedding!




The children’s circus themed party was a feast. My very playful niece from Australia’s celebrating her birthday in the Philippines and I’m sure she will love the Bacon-wrapped Hotdogs with Sweet BBQ sauce and French Fries with Thousand Island dressing. There are also mini Pizza, Nachos, and Red Velvet cupcakes.

The most glamorous setup is like an after party awards night. There’s the red carpet, paparazzis, and overflowing hor d'oeuvres such as Tempura rolls, Argentinian Steak and Candied Bacon canapes, Tomato and Basil Confit in skewers, Crispy Beef Ssam Fresh spring rolls, and  Smoked Salmon Caviar creme pops. There was also a dessert bar that displayed Vanilla Creme brulee, Sunken Island, Peach Egg tart, Flourless Chocolate cake, and a very delicious Mango Vanilla Panna Cotta.

Quite the opposite were the no frills section of the corporate seminar set in the morning. There was an omelette cooking section where you can make your own omelette with different fillings: mushroom, ham, cheese, tomato, onion, bell pepper, bacon, shrimp, olives, chicken pesto, and spinach. It is paired with baskets of baguette and foccacia bread. Refreshments included coffee and tea.

Would I have enjoyed it? That’s an understatement. I LOVE IT already just looking at the photos. I don’t think I can pull it off by myself though, as these guys are professionals at what they do best. Hizon’s Catering can make any event happen without a glitch. By the way, they’re also accredited by a lot of venues in the Metro. For more details, do visit their website www.hizonscatering.com, email your inquiries at info@hizonscatering.com, or better yet call (02) 925-0103 or (02) 925-0107.


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As a mom, the rainy season has always brought a wrinkle in my brow.I worry because aside from the inevitable delays in class suspension, there is a big fat chance that my boy will be exposed to germs brought about by the season. I have had times when my boy was riddled with fever, colds, or skin infection from wading through flood waters.I don’t want to go through that again so I am taking every precaution I can to protect him. I know you're also like me when it comes to your kids. Thankfully, Generika Drugstore is exclusively distributing Nutrawell Nutraceuticals supplements that can keep kids healthy whatever the season without breaking the bank.



One of my most recommended must-buy from Generika Drugstore is Nutrawell Probiotics for Kids. It contains seven safe and effective probiotic strains of 5 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU). It’s a grape flavored drink which I prepare daily. A glass or two keeps the gut bacteria healthy and the immune system resistant to disease. Another go to product is Actimed Ascorbic Acid provides kids antioxidants that also boosts resistance and hastens wounds and injury recovery. Aside from that, it can also help absorb iron, an important mineral for blood circulation.For more sensitive tummies, Nutrawell Sodium Ascorbate has you covered. It comes in syrup form which makes it easier for younger children to take, they’ll look forward to it every day.
To get the most out the health benefits of these supplements by Nutrawell Nutraceuticals by Generika Drugstore, make sure that your children get a healthy, balanced diet made of seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats from the local market. Their hectic schedule in school should also be balanced by power naps and restful sleep. Encourage them to engage in sports or, like in our case, visit the gym regularly. Visit their website www.generika.com.ph/ or better yet, like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Generika.com.ph.


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Every Pinoy traveler’s dream destination includes Japan, The Land of the Rising Sun. It's not surprising really because the place is screaming with so much culture and life, and every attraction is bucket-list worthy: the gleaming temples and architectures, modern cityscapes a la sci-fi film, stunning parks in vibrant colors, heavenly hot springs—all begging to be explored. Its fusion of ancient traditions and modern technology makes it an endless discovery and a country that holds a lot of surprises. Japan is the fourth most-visited country in Asia last year according to the World Tourism Organization, so it’s no doubt that it’s on top of most people’s bucket lists.

Kyoto: A time-warp to old century Japan

If Tokyo is the loud, beating heart of Japan, Kyoto is its more peaceful soul. This city is bursting with history and tradition, you’ll be amazed at how its century-old culture and architectures have remained intact up to this day.

Walk through the green wonderland that is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, pass by the historic castles dating from ancient eras, admire the aesthetic pathway of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and experience the Japanese way of life by trying the delectable cuisine like the Kyoto’s popular kaiseki meal. One of the city’s highlights is the Kinkaku-ji, also called the golden pavilion, which sits in a lush of greenery surrounded by water where you can be one with nature. A trip to Kyoto won’t be complete without visiting this renowned Buddhist temple, so don’t forget to take photos while you’re there!

The city is also home to lovely cherry blossom trees and colorful geisha culture. With its reflective spirit and calm vibe, Kyoto is an amazing experience that you won’t get enough of.

Where to stay

Located in the heart of Kyoto lies Karaksa Hotel, a three-star leisure hotel that is a total bang for your buck. Think star-ranked hotels’ hospitality and facilities at a completely affordable price. It’s very accessible to the Arashiyama and is only 3 minutes away from Omiya station, so it’s a smart hotel option after a long day of exploration in the city.

The gastronomic adventure that is Osaka

Osaka is a dynamic city. For instance, it’s the food capital of Japan, so it’s the ultimate go-to place for binge-eating. If you’re in a quest for the yummiest authentic Japanese eats like takoyaki, horumon and okonomiyaki—just head to Dotonbori or Shinsekai. Name it, they have it. The city is also home to popular tourist attractions such as Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, Osaka Castle, and Universal Studios Japan.

Osaka Castle

For those who like to observe city skylines, Japan’s tallest skyscraper, Abeno Harukas, has an observation deck called Harukas 300 where you can admire the city’s sweeping views 300 meters high. While you’re there, you can visit the Kintetsu Department Store and Art Museum just a few floors below. The nightlife is also flourishing here, so be sure to be wide awake at night while exploring its happy streets.

Where to stay

At the end of the day, have a good rest at the comfortable rooms of Karaksa Hotel, a leisure hotel just a few walks away from Osaka’s main shopping district, Shinsaibashi. Osaka Shinsaibashi I is located at 1-6-9 Bakuroumachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, just a 5-minute walk from Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station/Nagahoribashi Station.

Come home to Karaksa

Whether you went to get cultured at Kyoto or eat your heart out in Osaka, you can come home to the inviting comfort of Karaksa Hotel, specially designed for the smart Asian traveler.

Inside, there’s everything you need for a cozy stay. The rooms are fully-air conditioned and equipped with hot and cold shower, all of which contains the basic necessities like the latest flat screen TV, universal sockets with USB ports, bath towels, hair dryer, suitcase storage under the bed, Japanese-style bidet, mini refrigerator, toothbrush set, shampoo, conditioner and face soap, pajamas, sanitized slippers. There’s also a mini desk area if you have an urgent work to check. The room sizes include double decker and Hollywood twin for 2 adults and their child, and connecting room for a group of friends or bigger families. The average room size is 18 sqm.


Its interiors are charming—every corner is a minimalist’s haven. The hotel is an experience itself: their amenities include a smoking space and prayer room for the Muslim guests. A high-speed Wi-Fi service is also installed in the whole building, so you won’t easily get bored. Guests can also assure their important belongings are safe with their safety deposit box.


The overall vibe of the place feels like home--you can chance upon its Filipino receptionists, and there’s a TFC channel in your room television when you feel a little home sick. That’s because it has a touch of Pinoy: the hotel’s owner, Xymax Corporation, Japan's premier asset property management company has teamed up with Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), one of the leading property developers in the Philippines. RLC is the official Sales and Marketing agent of Karaksa Hotel in the country.

The Osaka branch features a laundry area and a leisure space with massage chairs and a wide array of vending machines for snacks, toys, and souvenirs, plus dining sets for eating or chatting with your companions. The Kyoto branch, on the other hand, features only twin rooms: Bunk and High Floor for up to 2 persons and Hollywood for groups and families.

A trip to Japan most likely comes with a hefty price tag, especially since the country is screaming with lots of attractions to put in your itinerary. To maximize your experience, start by choosing an affordable hotel to stay in. Karaksa Hotel is a great value for money, complete with basic amenities and comfortable accommodation. It’s slightly cheaper compared to other hotels of the same kind in the city, but it offers a top-star hotel experience that won’t hurt your wallet.

Whether you grab a seat sale or impulsively book a tour to Japan, fret not! You can book at Karaksa Hotel easily through http://www.gohotels.ph/gohotels-now-in-japan/. By booking at any Go Hotels branch, you can get a chance to win a trip for two to Osaka. Click here for more details.

Karaksa Hotel, in partnership with Go Hotels, will open five more branches before the Tokyo Olympics 2020: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Tokyo Ginza, Shin-Osaka and Namba to cater more budget travelers. You can expect the Namba branch to open this November.


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