Taste the world with Bakers Maison

I looove traveling. I have always been a person who's just ready to jump into an adventure, especially to far off places full of history and mystery, each with their own story to tell. It’s just amazing how the world contains so much diversity and culture. But do you know? One of the best ways to get to know new places is to taste their food. To me, that's also one of the best parts of the journey. So whenever I travel, the first thing I look for is the best places to eat, especially cafes, bistros and bakeries as I'm a sucker for breads and pastries!

When I heard the news of a bakery-café opening in the Philippines that offers breads and pastries from all over the world, I was super thrilled! Not to mention super thankful when I was invited to its grand opening last Feb. 14 at SM North EDSA! I was one of the few people who got to taste the world first, and wow, what a delicious experience!

This new ‘premium neighborhood bakeshop,’ called Bakers Maison, is an authentic Aussie bakery-cafe franchised by Gardenia Bakeries Philippines. It offers world-class quality pastries and breads inspired by a fusion of flavors from around the world. First established in New South Wales, Bakers Maison has been serving Australia’s foodservice sector with authentic French-style breads and pastries since 1998.

Danish pastries, French baguettes, Austrian croissant and Italian focaccia are just some of the many choices you can find here. You can have them for take home or dine in while sipping a cup of Bakers Maison's signature coffee blends.

Aside from its innovative selection from across the globe, Bakers Maison also offers something new to the table with its very interesting mobile app, featuring an augmented reality feature that’s just mind-blowing. This interactive app gives an overview of Bakers Maison products, its latest promos, and even has a feedback section to ensure it’s giving its customers nothing but the best service. My favorite though is the augmented reality feature which, when used in-store, creates a digital overlay on top of the real world. I had fun using this app and will go back to Bakers Maison soon to play around with it again!

Gardenia Bakeries Philippines President and General Manager Simplicio P. Umali officially opened the store with a ribbon cutting ceremony joined by the very lovely Tessa Prieto-Valdes. Now it’s ready to serve our adventurous and hungry palates with their mouth-watering breads and pastries.

What's more good news is that Bakers Maison is also planning to open up more stores nationwide! Now, every Filipino will be able to experience a taste of the world.

Thank you Bakers Maison and Gardenia Bakeries Philippines for giving us a wonderful chance to taste the world!

Now this is what I call a world-class breakfast! I literally enjoyed stuffing my face with all these tasty pastries. Ha ha!

Good morning from these energetic young servers from Bakers Maison

Don't you just love the bakeshop's interior design? Wait till you're actually there to smell all those delicious bread and pastries!

Which one is your favorite? I honestly can't pick  'cause I love them all!

Makes me hungry just looking at all these delicious breads!

Say hello to the Bakers Maison PH team!

Gardenia Bakeries Philippines President & General Manager Simplicio P. Umali, Jr.

Guest Master Baker Nigel Sanders

Beautiful and witty host Cerah Hernandez

The bread couple: Husband and wife Carlo and Digzy Umali

Bread power family:  Mr. Simplicio Umali with son Carlo and his wife Digzy and daughter Kate

Me and lifestyle experts Anton Barretto and Roselle Miranda

Lifestyle and fitness enthusiast Janina Manipol and It Boy LA Aguinaldo

I bet these two bread lovers learned a few baking tips from this jolly master baker

The ever-gorgeous Tessa Prieto-Valdes taking a photo with bread power family, the Umali's!

My lovely ladies Angelette Calero and Donna Cuna-Pita really look like bakers with those cute Bakers Maison aprons, don't you think?

That moment when a new specialty bakeshop with the flavors of the world finally opens in Manila. And soon, all over the country!

Everyone was just all smiles that day. We're all sooo happy to finally be able to get a taste of the world here at Bakers Maison!

Lazada helps you find the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your loved ones this year!

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day is almost here! I'm pretty sure the lovebirds all over the Philippines will be tweeting romantic messages and poems while some will be showering their partners with all sorts of gifts and affection on this special day. But with all kinds of antics and preparations going on for this upcoming occasion, I'm somehow a bit curious. I mean, how can you tell if you have that 'full-proof' plan and present that will make your partner feel ultimately special this Valentine's Day?

Lazada recently conducted a local survey with over 300 respondents to find out how to answer that question.

Interestingly, they found out that only a third (36%) of Filipinos are really happy with their Valentine’s Day gifts. Less than half (46%) said that they were satisfied while 3% expressed absolute dissatisfaction. Kinda shocking! But for what possible reasons could this be?

Well, for one thing, almost one in four respondents (23%) expressed that chocolates and couple shirts are cliché, but the most cliché gifts are picture frames with over 40% of people agreeing they are passé. On the other hand, over 30% of respondents agree that flowers are a must have, beating out chocolates (19%) and stuffed toys (9.6%). Surprisingly, more and more people (15%) see gadgets as an essential gift for the month of romance. Bottom line here? Avoid "clichés" but never forget the "essentials".

I feel so old-fashioned with this but seems surprise gifts are falling out of season as an overwhelming 86% of respondents prefer to tell their partners directly what they want. Of course they try to find the cheapest and most affordable deals in the market, with 65% of respondents saying they don’t mind sharing that they got their gifts on sale. The implicit learning is that if you get your partner the gift they want, it doesn’t matter if you got it on discount. So I guess, one of the new Valentine's Day trends for Filipino couples today is the "Ask and you shall receive" treatment. Seems practical though, right? Personally, I'd love whatever my loved ones give me but I'd also like to have presents that are pretty handy.

On the "digital" side of love, Lazada's survey also showed that overtly expressing affection over social media or “Online PDA” seems acceptable with 52% of respondents saying they practice social media PDA themselves.  However, when it comes to meeting love interests online, half of the respondents had hesitations. 51% agreed with the statement:  “Online shopping never hurt anyone, people do.” Wow! Talk about #hugot.

With more Filipinos nowadays who prefer receiving gifts in a much less surprising and practical approach, Lazada recently released its Valentine's Day pomo that makes it the perfect place to easily get affordable gifts  your partner could ever ask for. All you have to do is visit its official website at www.lazada.com.ph or you can shop using the Lazada mobile app.

For more information on Lazada's latest updates, activities, contests and promotions, you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines.

Taste the Feeling with Coca-Cola

I adore reading stories, especially ones with good endings and new beginnings. And speaking of new beginnings, last January 21 was a brand new start for the most iconic soda pop in the world, Coca-Cola!

The Rigodon Ballroom in Peninsula Manila was a full house that Thursday night as Coca-Cola partners and consumers, as well as several media invitees (including me) witnessed the reveal of the newest and biggest global campaign of Coca-Cola this year, Taste the Feeling. In this new campaign, which was simultaneously launched in 200 countries, Coca-Cola unifies everything that its trademark product stands for – that the simple pleasure of drinking Coca-Cola makes every moment special no matter when, where, or who you’re with.

The launch, themed A Night of Feels, featured the reveal of the new campaign with a celebratory ceremonial toast led by Coca-Cola Philippines VP for Marketing Stephan Czypionka, followed by the introduction of its new (and hottest) brand ambassadors! Joining Coke Ambassadors chinito Enchong Dee, OPM "pop sweetheart" Janella Salvador and kalyeserye stars Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza are On the Wings of Love tandem James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Forevermore love team Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, and PBB 737's Bailey May and Ylona Garcia. Wow, right? Now that’s what you call powerhouse!

There was so much life and excitement in the air as Coca-Cola also invited former Coke Ambassador and talented performer Gary Valenciano, who sang the new Coca-Cola Anthem along with the new generation of ambassadors. To add more flavor to the night, Morisette Amon a.k.a. the girl with "the whistle" and the very charming Sam Concepcion made special appearances and performed during the night as well.

Coca-Cola also creatively put up a Coketail bar, where the bartenders cleverly whipped up delicious and flavorful cocktails mixed with Coke, based on the mood you tell them! They also set up a flipbook photo booth where we got to see our still shots put into motion for 7 seconds! All designed in a cute tiny glossy flipbook we were able to take home.

For over a century, Coca-Cola has told its stories throughout the globe, creating joy, excitement and all kinds of surprises, making memorable moments for friends, families and each individual familiar with its unique and flavorful goodness. I can say it has made such a huge impact to me and many others here in the Philippines, as well. I remember ever since I was little, Coca-Cola drinks were staple refreshments in my family's household and I never can truly forget how this little bottle of fizzy sweetness could give me such an unexplainable positive and refreshing feeling. It's almost like every time I take a sip, I'd feel really nostalgic and find myself smiling. Well, I guess that's why it's called 'Taste the Feeling.'

Thanks Coca-Cola, for always making every moment extraordinary, by simply being there. With Coke, I really can #tastethefeeling.

Raise your Coke bottles high and let's drink to a new beginning. #TastetheFeeling with Coca-Cola!

Coca-Cola Philippines Commercial Director Bruce Burnett, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Commercial Director Javier Sanchez Carranza, music idol and former Coca-Cola ambassador Gary V., new ambassador teen heartthrob James Reid, former PBB 737 teen housemates Bailey May and Ylona Garcia, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice-President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Asia Division Director Fabricio Ponce, long-time Coke Ambassador Enchong Dee, returning ambassador Janella Salvador, new ambassadors and Forevermore sweethearts Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, Coca-Cola Philippines Franchise Director Carlos Alfredo Gonzales

Coca-Cola Bosses: Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communication Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Philippines Integrated Marketing Communications Director Jesus Ferreira

The Big Man. Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo

Chinito Enchong Dee

OPM POP Sweetheart Janella Salvador

Teen Heartthrob James Reid

"King of the Gil" Enrique Gil

 La-la-Lovely Liza Soberano

A Dashing young Bailey May

Glamorous Ylona Garcia

A very handsome Jerome Ponce 

New team picture:  New Coca-Cola Ambassadors (center) Bailey May, Ylona Garcia, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, James Reid, Janella Salvador, and Enchong Dee ith Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Director Jesus Ferreira, Finance Director Eduardo Rearte, Sustainability Manager Gilda Maquillan, Assets, Promotions & Activations Manager Macy Magpayo, and Public Affairs and Communications Manager Samantha Sanchez; (below L-R) Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications Adel Tamano is joined by former Coca-Cola ambassadors Jerome Ponce and Joseph Marco.

Let's talk feelings with Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka

The lively hosts of the Night of Feels Sam YG and Iya Villania

Music idol and former Coca-Cola Ambassador Gary Valenciano gave us such an outstanding performance during the night!

Whoo! Now, that's a voice! Amazing singing from The "Girl with the Whistle" Morisette Amon

Former Little Big Star Sam Concepcion is so cute and talented!

Looove that smile! Taste the happy feeling with Coca-Cola and New Coke Ambassador Ylona Garcia!

Raise your Coke bottles with Coca-Cola Ambassador s Enrique Gil and Enchong Dee

With happy company. McDonald’s Kenneth Yang  smiles and poses for a picture with Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka

IMC Senior Sparkling Content Manager Jenny Cinco, Marketing Manager for Stills Teejae Sonza sharing big smiles for the camera

A very charming shot of "It Boy" LA Aguinaldo, Director Paolo Valenciano and hottie Joseph Marco!

Coca-Cola Philippines Marketing Manager for Sparkling Jonah de Lumen, Coca-Cola ASEAN Connections Planning Director Yasmin Mallari, McCann Erickson CEO Raul Castro, McCann Erickson VP Head of Strategic Planning Gino Borromeo, McCann Erickson VP Managing Partner Bernadette Chincuanco, McCann Erickson Creative Director Chan Dela Calzada

Metro Society’s Anton Barretto, Lifestyle Asia Editor-at-Large Cheryl Tiu, ABS-CBN Corporation Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa Operations Kai Rodriguez enjoy the night with a groupie shot

Having a Coca-Cola moment with fashion forward friends Nix Alanon and Rajo Laurel

Coke lover and 7-Eleven CEO Vic Paterno

Coke bottles up with the stylish Tessa Prieto-Valdes!

  

Coke fans, Philippine Star Lifestyle Editor Millet Mananquil and Robinsons’ Robina Gokongwei-Pe capture a moment with all smiles

Me and my lovely ladies Angelette Calero and Eds Genuino having that perfect Coca-Cola moment.

Go Bananas with Lazada's 2016 Chinese New Year sale!

I've always been fond of Chinese new years especially because it's a chance to welcome good fortune for the rest of the year. Whenever it comes, I try not to fall out of luck by purchasing items that are believed to bring good fortune like new clothes for myself, my family and some friends. But because I often have a very busy schedule, it can be difficult for me to go around shops and stores so when online shopping became a craze in the Philippines, I decided to try it on Lazada.com.ph, and I've been hooked ever since!

When Lazada announced its huge Chinese New Year sale from January 26 to February 8 this year, I was so thrilled! Tons of new clothes, accessories and toys are up for grabs with discounts as high as 88%. Some are so affordable I almost went crazy when I saw that Casio Beside Men's Silver Stainless Steel Strap Watch and Diva Designs Swarovski Crystal Heart Studs are up for grabs for only P88.00! One can also avail P888 items like the Oli Casual Mstyle Low Cut Sneakers and Nankai-02 20000mAh Power Bank with a free Mini Power Bank Mini Foldable Monopod. Online shoppers can also try their luck winning more additional discounts through vouchers and special deals won from the Lazada wheel of fortune game. Woohoo!

Lazada is the Philippine's largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles and tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its customers allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

Shop till you drop this upcoming year of the monkey via www.lazada.com.ph. For more updates on Lazada's latest innovations, activities, contests and promotions, connect via Facebook  at www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines.