Japan adventure from Osaka to Kyoto! Ohayo!

There is a temple for everyone in Kyoto, Japan. There is a golden pavilion, and a silver one too. Many temples have beautiful Zen gardens. There are picturesque mountain temples, that become even more stunning with the colors of fall. And there is an iconic temple with thousands of vermillion gates. In fact, there are more than 1600 temples in Kyoto.

A visit to Osaka will not be complete if you don't venture to Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, and a World Heritage Site. My Japan adventure continued as I hopped from Karaksa Hotel Osaka to Karaksa Hotel Kyoto. It was a good thing they had train directions handy, which I was easily able to follow to get to Kyoto.

As soon as I arrived in Kyoto, I went straight for the food. What I like about both hotels is that they have customized food maps that help you explore the different restaurants around the neighborhood.

Here’s why your next trip to Japan should be to Osaka

Osaka has become a popular destination for Filipinos, especially for second time visitors to Japan who have already been to Tokyo. Universal Studios is a major draw, especially for families. Plus the city is also the gateway to the historic capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

For my recent trip, I was hosted by Karaksa Hotels, a new hotel chain, and a partner of GoHotels.ph, where you can book accommodation for Osaka and Kyoto. The hotel’s sister company, Karaksa Tours, arranges tours for the Southeast Asian market. In fact, it was the Karaksa Tours van that picked me up from the Kansai International Airport (Cebu Pacific flies direct from Manila to Osaka). It was very comfortable and equipped with WiFi, so you could update everyone that you’ve just arrived.

ASUS ZenFone 5 for vivid night photos

I just got my ASUS ZenFone 5 the other week. Timing was perfect and it's been really handy during my trip to Australia in winter weather. For one, it has GloveTouch, meaning you can use the phone while wearing gloves!

One of its most important features is the 8 megapixel PixelMaster rear camera which delivers crystal clear daytime photos and vivid night photos. Shots are steady with image stabilization, perfect selfies to document your perfect smile. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 makes it literally damage and scratch resistant.

The phone is also dual sim, so I can use my Philippine sim in one slot, and the local sim in the other. But the best part of the phone is its Intel Atom Processor Z2560 which makes the phone very responsive. Yes, you can play games without lags. Visit your nearest phone dealer now, you'll be surprised the phone is very affordable too!

PLDT Home DSL's "Ask Diego" getting good following

PLDT Home DSL recently launched a new TV commercial featuring Diego Ledesma, a bright, handsome and witty young boy. How he stole the heart of many was unprecedented. The PLDT Home DSL commercials always center on family to show how important family values and strong connections are at home.

For this new series, the Ledesma family is featured. Their claim to fame began with seven-year-old Diego, who now has tens of thousands of fans on his advice column on Facebook, “Ask Diego.”

The Ledesmas are the perfect fit for the commercial because they are the ideal example of today’s young, urban family: tight-knit, enjoys doing things together online using multiple gadgets simultaneously to help one another out. That’s where PLDT Home DSL’s limitless and reliable family-sized connection really comes in handy. This kind of strong connection helps keeps the family together, in more ways than one.

Some people initially raised their eyebrows at the thought of a child being on Facebook, but upon learning that values is paramount in the Ledesma household because his parents monitor the page constantly, Diego started getting so many questions on topics ranging on love, studies, and bullying, all the way to vacation and business ideas. Before he sees the questions, Paolo and Lara delete offensive content, and sometimes answer the more difficult questions themselves. Then they help him type out answers, especially when he asks about how to spell words. On occasion, Diego also gets ideas for answers from his Ate Trisha.

Check out "Ask Diego" on facebook.com/AskDiego.

Exploring Northern Thailand and Laos

For many, it’s quite difficult to travel and get away from work for more than a week. If we do get the chance, we always try to make the most out of it. Last November, I spent three weeks in Thailand and Laos.

From Bangkok we flew to Sukhothai to attend a cultural tourism workshop. The Historic Town of Sukhothai, the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam between the 13th and 15th centuries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the first day, we got to tour the ruins of the royal palace and ancient temples in the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Read more...

We all live to have a brighter life

Have you ever considered what a brighter life is? In a world where we all have to make choices, giving up one thing for another, how can we achieve a brighter life? For me, getting to live comfortably and happy, experiencing different cultures and new places, is enough to have a brighter life.

The Brighter Life Philippines website was shared to me by my friends at Sun Life Financial. We all have financial issues that we need to overcome, maybe not of the same magnitude, but definitely a burden we all need to let go off. The website was created to inspire and educate Filipinos toward financial security. They obviously vary depending on your own personal circumstances. But there is definitely an invaluable piece of information for every situation that requires financial decisions, from personal to family affairs or career to lifestyle concerns. Check out the Personal Finance section for articles on finance written in layman’s terms. There’s an article there entitled “Pinoy style financial planning” for some money tips for our situation.

For more tips about personal finances, visit http://brighterlife.com.ph.

Documenting travel with your mobile phone

Mobile phones have definitely changed the way we chronicle our travels. I was a late-mover when it came to acquiring a smart phone (I regret not getting one earlier) and I only got my Instagram account less than two years ago. My mobile phone and the Instagram account have become my most important tools in documenting my trips the past few months. I can now look back at every memorable place I’ve visited and cultural experience I’ve encountered just by looking at my Instagram photos.

Here are some things I do when taking photos with my phone:

1. Take a lot of shots
Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell on the spot, especially if you’re in a hurry, whether the photo you took was blurred or your subject was not looking at the camera. It’s even more difficult to repeat the moment, which is why it’s always best to take a burst of shots from which you can select your favorite one. You can delete the bad ones anyway later on. Some apps like SnappyCam Pro allow you to capture the perfect moment with a burst of shots. I just click the shutter button really quick.

Read more...

Travel challenge: How to pack for a long trip with just 20kg

Have you ever wondered how to pack for a really long trip with only 20kg allotted for your check-in luggage? Wherever you’ll be spending several weeks on the road, such as a multi-country trip around Southeast Asia, Europe or South America, you’ll have to pack light and pack smart. Here are some tips to remember:

1. Weigh your empty bag
It’s important to know how heavy your suitcase is even before you place anything in it. Sometimes, the reason travelers have overweight baggage is because the suitcase was too heavy and big to begin with. Keep your suitcase at 5kg or less. That leaves you with 15kg which is still not much for a long trip. Try to find a suitcase made of light materials as well. Read more...

Globe Huawei Ascend Mate is great for travel!

In my recent trips to Nepal, India and Malaysia, the battery life of my Globe Huawei Ascend Mate wowed me! Since I was abroad, daily phone usage was less. I’d take out my phone for photos that I’d post on Instagram or Twitter every now and then. But what impressed me was that I rarely had to charge my phone during those trips.

While using it with WiFi to check my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and my e-mail, I noticed it lasts at least a day longer than my other smart phone. Finally, I found a phone with a long battery life which does not force me to look for a power outlet as often as before! In fact, standby battery life extended up to five or six days, no kidding!

But I realized it shouldn’t be a surprise since Globe Huawei Ascend Mate has a 4050 mAh battery. Plus with a huge 6.1-inch HD display, I could appreciate my photos better. The large display of Huawei’s Android pocket cinema smartphone also made it convenient for me to check social networking sites, watch videos and surf the Internet without having to bring out my laptop computer.

In Kashmir, I also used my phone to capture Srinagar’s stunning sunset and enjoyed using it to document our pony ride through spectacular landscapes on the way to the Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley. In Malaysia, I took great shots of both old and modern architecture.

But it's definitely two thumbs up for Globe Huawei Ascend Mates’ battery life! I’m looking forward to using my Globe Huawei Ascend Mate in future trips!

Globe presents Huawei's newest smartphones & the Globe Huawei Ascend ambassadors

Cesca Litton, Patti Grandidge, Aly Borromeo and Ivan Henares all share one thing in common. They may not be today’s larger-than-life superstars, but their confidence, wit, and sense of perseverance in everything they do are worth everybody’s attention and second glance.

Like Cesca, Patti, Aly and Ivan, leading device manufacturer Huawei has unveiled its newest top quality smartphones that deserve a second look. Slim and flawless, crystal-clear and long-lasting, the Huawei Ascend P6 and Huawei Ascend Mate are the latest handsets from Huawei packed with exciting features and superb functionality for a differentiated smartphone experience.

The Huawei Ascend P6 is the world’s thinnest smartphone at 6.88mm, and is designed with precision and flawless beauty to perfectly fit one’s hand. Effortlessly turn snapshots into flawless portraits with its amazing 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The Huawei Ascend Mate combines best-in-class features across the board including a giant crystal-clear 6.1" HD screen and an unparalleled 48-hour battery life via its massive 4050mAh battery.

The Huawei Ascend P6 is available at Globe Best-Ever MySuperPlan for as low as P999 monthly at Plan 499 with P500 monthly cashout for a 24-month contract period or at Plan 999 with P200 monthly cashout also for a 24-month contract period. The Huawei Ascend Mate is free at Plan 999 and is also available at Plan 499 with a P200 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period.

Meet the Globe Huawei Ascend ambassadors 
One of the country’s favorite TV hosts juggling entertainment, lifestyle, and sports news, Cesca Litton is a superwoman who has always considered animals and children her top priority. So when she devoted herself to help in this cause, she went all the way to South Africa to lend a hand. Cesca is not just a pretty face, she’s an enigma on her own. That’s why people really take a second look at her beauty, grace, and allure.

Cesca says, “I’ve always believed in traveling my way: learning the culture and bringing to life my advocacy. I always believe that it’s the small things that count, and the best pasalubong are photos, because what better way to keep a memory of your travel than with a captured moment. The Huawei Ascend P6 is perfect for me since I can take quick pro-snapshots with its 5MP front-facing camera and share on Instagram via my Globe unlimited surfing plan.”

Don’t be fooled by her sweet façade, as host-model Patti Grandidge is one tough cookie. Not only is she a certified fashion maven, she is also an entrepreneur. She specializes in baking, and is known for her sinfully Sweet Patti Cakes. Her passion for the delish is evident on her food blog "Patti's Palette." You have to look twice because this femme fatale is one of Manila’s multi-faceted personas.

“I’ve always been passionate about food and fashion, and it has been my habit to share this passion to everyone. With my fast-paced lifestyle, I need a device that can keep up with me. Thanks to the Ascend P6, I get the thinnest Android phone out there, a device that doesn’t weigh me down. I can also wear this stylish phone with my favorite skinny jeans without a phone embossed on my leg as I strut down the runway and through my meetings. And with my Best-Ever MySuperPlan, I get to stay in touch with my contacts worry-free,” shares Patti.

Aly Borromeo is known to be an aggressive player on the field as captain of the Philippine Azkals. Add that to his intimidating and strong physique, it's hard not to be intimidated by him. However, behind his fierce aura lies a sweet, shy and mellow guy who enjoys staying home and watching movies and sports clips during his free time. With his busy lifestyle, it's very hard for him to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures such as these.

“Because of my hectic schedule, I always miss out on my favorite movies and live sports broadcasts. That’s why I need a device that fills in this gap. With the Huawei Ascend Mate, I get a 6.1” screen, the biggest smartphone display screen today. This device lets me catch my favorite shows and sports clips via video streaming while on the go, thanks to my Globe unlimited surfing plan. The big screen is perfect for a big guy like me,” showcases Aly.

An awardee of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2012 for Heritage Conservation, Ivan Henares is considered as one of the country’s most influential travel bloggers. He has in fact visited all 80 provinces of the Philippines. On the sideline, Ivan is a writer and lecturer at the UP Asian Institute of Tourism. Traveling is his passion, and he shares this passion to the world through his blog "Ivan About Town."

Ivan explains, “When it comes to gadgets, I put battery life first and foremost, because I need a device that lasts longer while I travel around the country and the world. When you’re traveling, you don’t get the luxury of having a socket beside you all the time to charge your device. Huawei Ascend Mate comes in handy with this need. With the device’s long-lasting battery, I can take pictures and play music while I’m discovering places around the world. I get to upload my travel photos instantly without worrying about my battery, thanks to my Globe consumable surfing plan.”

So the next time you come across Cesca, Patti, Aly or Ivan, make sure you give them the second look they rightfully deserve.

Grab your Resorts World Sentosa promo rates now!

Singapore is host to the nearest Universal Studios to the Philippines. I got to enjoy the theme park during a recent trip to Sentosa. I must say, it's really a great experience, especially for families with kids. But even those young at heart will enjoy the exciting movie-themed rides.

And since it's summer, now is the perfect time to go to Singapore (or go back if you've already been) with your family and friends!

Check this out, if you book between now and August 29, 2013, you can avail of super affordable and must-avail hotel deals and attraction offers using your BDO Credit Card.  

The promo package details are as follows:

• 3D/2N Sentosa Getaway at Hard Rock Hotel®, Hotel MichaelTM or Festive HotelTM, from SGD608 nett, inclusive of breakfast for two;
• Two (2) Universal Studios SingaporeTM Adult One-Day Pass; 
• Two (2) S.E.A. AquariumTM Adult One-Day Pass; and 
• Two (2) Adventure Cove WaterparkTM Adult One-Day Pass

Rates are SGD608 nett (low) & SGD708 nett (peak) for stay period from May 1 to May 23, 2013 and SGD688 nett (low) & SGD788 nett (peak) for stay period from May 24 to August 31, 2013.

You may also avail of other superb offers for your trip to Singapore using your BDO Credit Card:

• SGD10 off on one (1) Adult One-Day Pass at Universal Studios SingaporeTM and get additional SGD10 discount retail voucher;  
• SGD50 Package for one (1) S.E.A. AquariumTM & Adventure Cove Water ParkTM  Adult One-Day Pass. 

Promo period is from March 20 to August 29, 2013.

Promo Mechanics:
1. The promo is open to all active BDO MasterCard, Visa, JCB, UnionPay and American Express Credit Card Cardholders.
2. Promo period is until May 31, 2013 for Universal Studios SingaporeTM Pass and Bundled Tickets to S.E.A. AquariumTM & Adventure Cove WaterparkTM and until August 29, 2013 for the 3D/2N Sentosa Getaway, with hotel stay period of May 1 – August 31, 2013.
3. To avail of the offer, Cardholder must use his/her BDO / American Express Credit Card.
4. Bookings and payment may be done on-site and via promotion link on the Resorts World SentosaTM website with BDO MasterCard, Visa, JCB and UnionPay Credit Cards, while American Express Credit Cards may be used for on-site transactions, by specifying “BDO Promotional Universal Studios Singapore.”
5. Universal Studios SingaporeTM and S.E.A AquariumTM + Adventure Cove WaterparkTM Bundled Tickets are valid for purchase of up to 6 tickets per card per transaction.
6. Offers are not convertible to cash or gift certificates.
7. Offers cannot be exchanged for other items or discounts and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers, privileges and VIP cards.
8. For hotel room accommodations, advance reservation is required. Blackout dates and specific hotel standard terms and conditions may apply.
9. Rates may be subject to applicable taxes and/or service charges.

What are you waiting for? Visit https://www.bdo.com.ph/promos/resorts-world-sentosa and book your trip to Singapore now!

Tagaytay: Your own vacation unit at Asilo Tagaytay

Tagaytay is such a charming city, with a majestic view of Taal Volcano from the ridge. On one side of the National Highway, they strictly impose height restrictions so as not to block this beautiful view. On the other side, medium and high-rise living spaces are now rising, providing city residents with an opportunity to enjoy a vacation unit with the famed view.

We were invited by Avida Land, Ayala’s affordable housing arm, to check out their new development in Tagaytay City. Asilo Tagaytay is a mixed-use residential development that offers a second home or vacation unit for buyers who want to enjoy picturesque views overlooking the majestic Taal Lake and Volcano and the cool, refreshing climate that Tagaytay is famous for. It’s perfect for families, couples, and individuals who wish to have a beautiful second home in Tagaytay where they can spend a holiday, a weekend, or take a vacation.

Of course, part of the visit was to experience two popular activities in Tagaytay – food and relaxation. There are so many interesting restaurants in Tagaytay and we had lunch at one of them. For the afternoon, we were pampered at the famous Nurture Spa, definitely among the best in the country.

Before trooping to Tagaytay, we visited their showroom in Alabang Town Center. We were introduced to the development.

Among the features I like about Asilo Tagaytay is that the size and number of the buildings are just enough to let resident fully enjoy the views and the climate—and of course, to maintain as much as possible a natural setting which is very important. I just hate developments that are all concrete. This is evident in the form of the structures and their terracing, where we see how they sort of step back and become unobtrusive parts of the overall landscape.

Corridors are designed to have breezeways and there’s ample space between buildings to allow better cross-ventilation. The roof is pitched so there is a particular character that is appropriate to Tagaytay. Plus, there are more balconies in the upper floors so that residents can fully enjoy their view of Taal and the Batangas mountain range in the horizon.

We all like to have a vacation space in Tagaytay. Asilo Tagaytay could just be your place. For more information, visit the Asilo Tagaytay website. You may also contact Avida thru (+632) 848-5200.

Instant relief to food sensitivity from Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief

After all those Christmas parties, tasting all those warm soups, warm drinks like hot chocolate, and cold desserts like frozen salads or ice cream, you should know by now if you have sensitive teeth. Did you every experience any difficulty trying out these dishes? If so, don’t fret because there’s an easy solution. You don’t have to give up your dreams of being a foodie.

So what triggers tooth sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentine of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Over time, the enamel covering can get thinner, thus providing less protection. The gums can also recede over time, exposing the underlying root surface dentine.

Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ provides instant relief to tooth sensitivity. Note that most other sensitivity toothpastes contain potassium which primarily numbs the tooth nerve masking the pain of sensitivity. And that potassium toothpastes take at least 2 weeks of use before significant sensitivity relief is delivered. Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ on the other hand, effectively plugs and seals open dentine tubules, the cause of tooth sensitivity. This prevents pain pain-producing stimuli, such as heat and cold, from causing pain sensations. Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ is made of a unique combination of ingredients -- Arginine and the insoluble calcium compound, Calcium Carbonate -– which provides instant relief when directly applied with fingertip to a sensitive tooth and massaged for one minute. It provides lasting relief when you brush your teeth twice daily.

So don't wait another minute. Try it for yourself and feel the difference! Who says we have to abstain from delicious food?

For more information on how to relieve tooth sensitivity, see www.colgatesensitive.com.ph/

UnionBank extends promo for remittances from UAE

Remittances don't stop when the Christmas season ends. Many OFWs send money regularly. In fact, UnionBank has a promo for remittances from UAE through UAExchange Money Transfer Operators running until March 31, 2013.

If you're based in UAE, or if you have relatives sending funds from UAE, Visa Money Transfer Fast Funds is a payment and remittance service from Visa which allows immediate cross-country crediting to any Visa card. So your monthly remittances can be made through the Visa Money Transfer Service. And it's a real time payment and remittance service that is safe, fast and convenient.

The program is open to all UnionBank Visa Debit Cardholders who are beneficiaries of OFWs and receive their remittance through the Visa Money Transfer Service from any branch of UAE Exchange in the United Arab Emirates.

Qualified UnionBank Visa Debit Cardholders are entitled to get an additional Php500 cash credit from every remittance of any amount they receive from any branch of UAExchange through their UnionBank Visa Debit Account from October 25, 2012 to March 31, 2013. The additional Cash Credits of P500.00 will be credited to the account of qualified cardholders within three banking days from date of receipt.

So if you’re looking for a quick and efficient was of sending remittances, you might want to consider UnionBank’s service. For more information, click here. 

BGC Passion Fest this weekend!

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) has got to be one of my favorite mall developments in the country, especially because of Bonifacio High Street, their open-air mall. I've always liked the way they've shown the Philippines that malls need not be air-conditioned with their perfect mix of architecture, intelligently-landscaped open spaces and great establishments.

This weekend, BGC will host BGC Passion Fest, Bonifacio Global City's 3-day weekend celebration on November 23-25, 2012. There something for everyone! And I'm posting the schedule here for your information. You all better go!

November 23
Catch Music Moves. Art Grooves Mobile Concert (6:30 p.m. to 12 midnight) featuring:
(1) fused performances by Wolfgang with a seven-piece wind and string ensemble, Pinoy and foreign movie themes with visual performance by Joseph the Sand Artist at 9th Street High Street;
(2) the Brass Munkeys with Jun Lupito, big band rock with a graphic artist at the Mind Museum;
(3) Razorback, Pinoy 70s to 90s rock, caricaturist visual artist at Turf BGC;
(4) Silverfilter with Skarlet, club jazz, graffiti artist at the Fort Entertainment; and
(5) Mobile concert, performances to be held on an open-wing 12-wheeler truck

November 24
Enjoy the Great BGC Outdoors at High Street and High Street Central (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)! High Street will be transformed into a big fair ground with giant game installations, picnic areas, pet shows, fair games, inflatables for kids, magic shows, and free cotton candy, popcorn and ice cream. Kiddie shows will happen at High Street Central Ampitheater from 4 to 6 p.m. Plus a movie marathon after from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight will feature The Toy Story 3, Finding Nemo and Avenger movies.

November 25
More fun and exciting events will happen on Sunday including:
(1) Run BGC Ready Set Explore from 5 to 9 a.m. where you can explore BGC's interactive parks, outdoor art, science museum, and retail playground in one exciting run.
(2) The Great BGC Outdoors from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(3) Opening of BGC Christmas, 6 p.m. at High Street Central

Note that there will be a special route of the BGC Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour during the said weekend. Those who live, work and study in BGC get discounts in registration fees for Run BGC, and special discounts and freebies in selected retail shop and restaurants in BGC.

So start planning your weekend at BGC!

From Saudi to Manila: Pag-ibig na Pangmatagalan

Finally, the Tide with Downy story is complete! Selected from the hundreds of stories shared to us via the Tide Bangong Padala Promo, the love story of Myrna and Emmanuel truly represents Pag-ibig na Pangmatagalan.

Emmanuel had been in Saudi for 16 years, occasionally reunited when he flies home. And sadly, he never saw his children grow up. But that is the reality overseas workers have to face. The lure of a better future even if it means staying away from your family becomes a clear choice given our situation here in the country. They may have been separated for so long, but their love remains fresh and strong. That’s why we selected their story.

After selecting their story, visiting Myrna at their home and sending Emmanuel her package in Saudi, the ultimate goal was to reunite them here in Manila after being separated for a long time. It was obvious that Myrna yearned to see Emmanuel again. The tears that flowed down every time she told the story was really a sign of longing to see her husband.

When we visited Myrna at her home in Novaliches, we never said when Emmanuel was coming home. When the day finally came, we motored to NAIA Terminal 1 to meet with Emmanuel who was flying in from Saudi.

Indeed, simple scents can remind you of home. I was standing at the arrival area when I saw Emmanuel walking down. And I knew it was him since he was wearing the Tide with the Freshness of Downy shirt that was sent to him from Myrna.

I got to talk to him while on the van en route to where Myrna was. He said that he had been in Saudi for 16 years since he had to earn money to raise his family. While working abroad, you can’t help but remember your family at home. He mentioned to me how the simple scent of his t-shirt reminded him of home, how the scent of freshly washed clothes remind him of Myrna’s care.

Myrna was actually not aware that Emmanuel was home, not aware that she was going to be seeing him that night. She was just being interviewed about her love story with Emmanuel when suddenly…

So what happened really? Watch the video and see how the two got reunited!


This whole experience touched me as a frequent international traveler. I can get homesick especially when I’ve been away for weeks, what more for people who have been away for years. It was also impressive to see how despite distance, love prevails.

If you missed the first video, here it is as well.


Thank you Tide with Downy for that heartwarming experience!

BDO offers online shopping on installment

Have you ever wanted to purchase something online but couldn’t because it would be too much to pay one-time within a month or so? How I wish I could buy airline tickets online automatically on installment as I’ve already had quite a number of online airline ticket purchases that would have been made even better if payments were spread out.

Well, the good news is... BDO Credit Cards is offering a first for online shopping with their automated Online Installment promo! Hopefully, this will be the start of a new local trend when it comes to online shopping.  With a bit of luck, I might just be able to purchase my long-haul flights on installment too! (fingers crossed)

For a minimum spend of P3,000 at BDO partner merchants, all BDO Credit Cardholders (except Corporate, Commercial, Tie-up & CUP credit cards) have the option to pay on 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months installment terms for online purchases until December 31, 2012. Cardholders may choose to avail of either the Absolutely Zero Percent or Regular Installment promo offer. It’s such a great deal, right?!

So with your BDO Credit Card, you can now purchase products and services from Ensogo, Filgifts.com, Reebonz, Hallo Hallo Mall, Deal Dozen and the Philippine Hotel Reservations Service on installment. Other BDO online partner merchants include ZestAir, Ava, CashCashPinoy, City Delivery, Zalora, Shopinas.com, Gupo and Lazada.

If you have a BDO Credit Card, you should not let this opportunity go to waste especially with Christmas just around the corner.  This would be a great - not to mention convenient - way to complete your Christmas list and be able to spread out the payments to make it easier on your pockets!

For more information, visit the BDO website.

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The happy Filipino makes traveling to the Philippines more fun!

Traveling the Philippines is most definitely fun! After seeing all 80 provinces of our country, I can attest to the fact that it's more fun in the Philippines!

Having explored the islands of Batanes and experienced the warm Ivatan hospitality; knowing that the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are not only breathtaking sites and that the Ifugaos that live there are truly a happy group; spending a night with the Manobos in the Agusan Marsh who opened their floating homes to me; visiting the T'boli in Lake Sebu, all these experiences in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, there's one thing is common, Filipinos are welcoming, and know how to smile and have fun!

This kind of hospitality makes our country a viable tourist destination. Everywhere I go, there are always locals willing to help a visitor enjoy his or her stay.

Indeed the happy Filipino makes traveling to the Philippines more fun!

Filipinos are known to be among the happiest people in the world. Anybody who has been to the Philippines will attest that the remarkable ability of Pinoys to face anything with a happy and positive outlook truly is what sets them apart from the rest of the world.  When it comes to observing distinctly Pinoy quirks and sensibilities and highlighting the best of what the country has to offer, the insightful and humorous videos of YouTube sensation Bogart the Explorer always hit the spot.



Here is the latest video brought to us by Jollibee, where Bogart tours his newfound friend Kirk, a foreign tourist on his first visit to the Philippines. It features some of the most popular tourist attractions in North Philippines such as Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Baguio City. But more than that, it highlights how Filipinos have fun while traveling or welcoming people.

More than the diversity of the country's natural resources and its often-cited world-class beaches, it is the Filipinos' warm hospitality and happy character that inspired the It's More Fun in the Philippines campaign.  While other countries definitely have their own breathtaking attractions, the Filipino people are the number one reason why tourists should travel to the Philippines.

To find out more about Jollibee's happy Filipino, visit www.thehappyfilipino.com.

Splenda is the healthy sweet!

I’ve so gotten used to drinking black coffee since I have to avoid sugar as much as possible. That’s the life of a diabetic. Looking for the words sugar-free has become routine if I want to satisfy my sweet cravings. Which is why I am always happy, just as I was today, when my coffee is served with packets of Splenda!

I found out that Johnson & Johnson has started officially distributing Splenda in the Philippines! That explains why it’s now more readily available than before. It has been such a great friend the past few years as it has allowed me to enjoy things I would otherwise try to avoid.

But Splenda is not just for diabetics like me. We can all enjoy “sweet” without any guilt or downsides. Aside from being sugar-free, Splenda is a Low Calorie Sweetener (LCS) that comes closest to the taste of sugar. I myself can attest to that. It has no bitter aftertaste like other artificial sweeteners, and no calories!

Plus preparing sugar-free food and beverages is now made possible with Splenda. It is actually the only brand that can be used for cooking and baking because it is heat-stable. That’s why there are a lot of sugar-free cakes, pastries and desserts coming out in the market today. And that definitely keeps us all smiling, especially since Splenda can remove three-fourths of the calories that comes from sugar.

Did you actually know that? We’ve been so used to sweeteners only for coffee and other beverages, many don’t realize there are now more possibilities because of Splenda, a sweetener that can actually be used for cooking and baking. I’m looking forward to trying out some great recipes in the next few weeks now that Splenda is here in the Philippine market. Time to dish out something healthy yet sweet from our kitchen!

SunLife Sun Shorts: So how do you deal with debt?

This short film got me smiling this afternoon. It's a humorous way of getting the message across, making sure you leave your loved ones with something even when you're gone. I won't say much about it and will let you watch it instead since it's brilliant!



There's a lot to learn from this short film, the importance of investing or hearing out opportunities even when you think you're too busy to do anything new, since they may be the solution to your problems. This short film, and the other four created for Sun Shorts, gives a funny twist to a very serious matter which is preparing for the future.

This special feature is brought to you in part by Sun Life Financial. The Debt is one of the five digital short films produced by Sun Life Financial collectively called Sun Shorts.