Sugarsmile

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

On EDSA Holiday and the ABS-CBN's Senate Hearing on Franchise Renewal

Photo from ABS-CBN News

Before this site became a lifestyle blog, this is previously a personal blog. I remember talking about press freedom, my adventures as a journalism student, and even how I wanted to land a job at ABS-CBN. So lately, I was very tuned in about the Senate Hearing yesterday, February 24, about their renewal franchise. It was headed by Senator Grace Poe and the Senate committee on public services. And for many Filipinos who has ABS-CBN stories, I believe that they too are monitoring the proceedings and while many issues were brought up, some things became clearer—at least to me.

Popeyes brings poppin’ Valentine’s treat to Manila

Posted by Ria Hazel on 3:26 PM in Biscuits, foodie, Fried Chicken, Louisiana, Popeyes, Popeyes Fluffy Heart Biscuits, Popeyes Fried Chicken, yummy,

Have a sweeter celebration with Popeyes, home of the world-famous Southern-style fried chicken. as it launches its newest store in Robinson’s Place Manila on Valentine’s Day.

Located at the 4th floor of the mall. the new restaurant opens at a most opportune time as guests can enjoy Popeyes’ special Valentine’s Day offering: the light and fluffy Heart Biscuits, a perfect sweet treat to celebrate the day of love.

Friday, February 21, 2020

BTS debuts the new album title track “ON” exclusively on TikTok

Posted by Ria Hazel on 11:54 AM in BTS, BTS ON, Korean, Kpop, Map of the Soul 7, TikTok, TikTok News,

This is the first time BTS has pre-released 30 seconds of the title track of MAP OF THE SOUL:7

TikTok, the world's leading destination for short-form mobile video with a mission to inspire creativity and bring joy, will exclusively pre-release a clip of the title song “ON” from BTS’ highly anticipated new album ‘MAP OF THE SOUL: 7’.

Mang Inasal honored with 8 Araw Values Awards for exceptional digital work

Posted by Ria Hazel on 11:33 AM in Araw Values Awards, Digital Work, Food, foodie, Jollibee Foods Corp., Mang Inasal, yummy,

Camille Quiambao Cacapit, the Digital Brand Manager of Mang Inasal (second from right), receives the award for Bronze Araw Values Award under the Advocacy and Branded Communications - Love of Country and Respect for National Customs and Traditions. Alongside her are representatives from DDB Philippines as well as from the Araw Values Awards of the Advertising Foundation of the Philippines

Mang Inasal, home of the leading branded grilled chicken, recently took home top plums in the prestigious 2019 Araw Values Awards.

Mang Inasal was recognized for its exceptional work on their Solb ang Pinoy, Gawad PiliPinoy, HoLEAFDay Araw ng Kalayaan, and Buwan ng Wika Pampilipit ng Dila campaigns.

“It has always been our desire at Mang Inasal to cultivate our rich Filipino culture and to promote positive Filipino values by reflecting them in our digital marketing campaigns”, says Camille Cacapit, Mang Inasal’s Digital Marketing Manager. “As a Filipino quick service restaurant with a nationwide presence, we aim to inculcate Filipino pride through our food, services and our distinct brand messaging.”

Join the Century Tuna Superbods 2020 Go-see

Posted by Ria Hazel on 11:05 AM in Alden Richards, Body Beautiful, Century Superbod, Century Tuna, Go See, Nadine Lustre, SM Megamall, Superbod,

Do you have what it takes to be a Century Tuna Superbod? This 2020, the country’s number 1 canned tuna brand says, “Everybod can be a Superbod!,” as it enjoins everyone to embark on the Superbod journey.

If you think you have what it takes to be this year’s Superbod, join the Manila go-see event at SM Mega Fashion Hall on February 22-23, 2020. The contest is open to men and women with Filipino heritage who are 18 to 60 years of age. Anyone within the age group can join as long as they have the passion for health and fitness as a means to become a better version of themselves. Thirty finalists (15 male and 15 female contestants will be chosen) will be selected in the final callbacks.

Finalists will be judged on the following criteria: 20% will be given for both their transformation story and social impact; then 30% will be awarded for body and personality, all totaling to 100%.

A total of ₱1,600,000 is at stake, with grand winners bringing home ₱500,000 each. Two runners up will both take ₱200,000 each while the rest of the 26 finalists will receive a ₱10,000 cash prize, along with other exciting perks and freebies.

For more details, visit Century Tuna’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/centurytuna. #FishEveryDay #EverybodCanBeASuperbod #CenturyTunaSuperbods2020.

Meralco to decrease power rate for February 2020

Posted by Ria Hazel on 3:34 AM in electricity bill, February 2020, Household, Kuryente, Meralco, Meralco Rates, Power Decrease, savings,

Good news! Saw this interesting information on how low our power rates are!

Getting huge savings on a product or service is always my favorite topic. You see, I am not yet a home maker, but I pay most of the household bills. And recently, I heard this great news for us consumers, because for the second month in a row, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced a decrease in power rates for February.

Huawei Film Awards Partners with Filipino Film Directors

Posted by Ria Hazel on 1:03 AM in contest, Huawei, Huawei Film Awards, Lyka Gonzales, Pepe Diokno, Reese Lansangan, Sid Maderazo,

Empowering Aspiring Filmmakers by Bringing Smartphone Photography and Videography to the Next Level

Last February 4 marks a day filled with creativity and passion as Huawei held the Huawei Film Awards, a grand showcase of the gift and talent of Filipinos. Alongside several videos aired that day, like the short films from Pepe Diokno and Sid Maderazo, both famous directors in the Philippines, and the music video of singer-songwriter Reese Lansangan, was the official launch of Huawei’s CSR documentary by filmmaker and humanitarian, Lyka Gonzalez.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

PayMaya Preferred: You can now get sweet deals when you use PayMaya QR at Ministop

Posted by Ria Hazel on 4:14 PM in cashless solution, convenience, Convenient Store, DontPayCashPayMaya, Ministop, Pay QR, PayMaya, Paymaya Ministop, Paymaya Official, QR Payments,

Grabbing a quick bite or buying some last-minute needed items just got more convenient and rewarding as Ministop joins the growing list of PayMaya Preferred merchants, where customers can get added treats and perks whenever they pay using PayMaya QR.

PayMaya QR is now currently available in more than 500 branches of Ministop all over the country, allowing for the ultimate convenience not just in buying goods but in having a quick and hassle-free payment experience as well.

Is ABS-CBN Really Out for Good after March 2020?

Posted by Ria Hazel on 1:15 PM in ABS-CBN, current events, Issue, No To ABS CBN ShutDown, social issue,

As an early millennial, I feel nostalgic whenever I hear that the ABS-CBN franchise will expire by the end of March 2020. I could not believe it. Whenever reports come up that the Kapamilya network will be gone this year, it makes me sad that the channel who molded my personality, (YUP, I applied once after I graduated) will cease to air.

Sakura Season starts at Starbucks Philippines

Posted by Ria Hazel on 11:15 AM in Cherry Blossoms, Sakura, Sakura Season, Starbucks, Starbucks Card, Starbucks Drinks, Starbucks Philippines,

Last year, I was able to witness the sakura season in Tokyo, Japan. And I am telling you, it is all about the feels - pink everywhere and the surroundings are very pretty. The arrival of spring is probably one that is always anticipated by many especially in Japan. The rare sight of Sakura trees coming in full bloom lifts blissful spirits, signifying a unique sense of renewal and optimism. Every year, Starbucks offers to bring that cherry blossom experience but always with its own twist.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Kuya J opens newest Kuya J Café + Restaurant in Mandaluyong

Posted by Ria Hazel on 5:54 PM in Cafe, Food, foodie, Guava Cake, Kuya J, Madaluyong, New Branch, restaurant, Rockwell Sheridan, Tablea Cake, yummy,

Photo shows (L-R) Kuya J Group marketing director Ton Gatmaitan, Kuya J Café + Restaurant Rockwell Sheridan franchise owners Cherry Rocha and John Erwin Chen, with Kuya J COO Richard Joseph Li.

Well-loved Filipino restaurant Kuya J launched its third Kuya J Café + Restaurant, giving customers a new spot perfect for an afternoon of relaxation with a warm cup of coffee or a grand dinner of delicious Filipino comfort food with loved ones.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Shopee Celebrates Love this Valentine’s Day with up to 90% Off Deals and a Staycation For Two

Posted by Ria Hazel on 2:19 PM in Ecommerce, gifts, online shopping, Shopee, Shopee Philippines, Shopping, Valentine Gifts, Valentines Day, VDay,

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, celebrates the season of love with Shopee Valentine’s Day Sale from February 13 to 15. Take this opportunity to shower loved ones with gifts with discounts up to 90%, such as the Apple Airpods 2, GoPro Hero 8, and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8. Shopee offers a sweeter deal for one special couple to win a staycation at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati through Shopee’s Feb-Ibig Forecast.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

HBO’S Brand New Comedy Series "RUN" Debuts on April 13

Posted by Ria Hazel on 5:43 PM in comedy, Domhnall Gleeson, entertainment, HBO, HBO GO, Merritt Wever, Run,

Written and produced by Vicky Jones, HBO’s new half-hour comedy series Run, debuting same time as the U.S. on Monday, 13 April at 10.30am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, follows a woman whose humdrum life is thrown upside down when she receives a text from her college sweetheart inviting her to drop everything and meet him in New York to fulfill the pact they made 17 years earlier.

For Busog sa Ihaw Sarap meal, go to Mang Inasal!

Posted by Ria Hazel on 5:13 PM in affordable food, Coco Martin, foodie, Ihaw Sarap, Mang Inasal, TVC, yummy,

Why settle for meals that don’t satisfy, no matter how affordable they are?

Or as Coco Martin asks in his latest Mang Inasal TV ad: “Sinong matutuwa sa laman-tiyan lang?”

The leading branded grilled chicken communicates anew its value-for-money proposition through an entertaining 15-second TV commercial featuring Mang Inasal’s long-time celebrity endorser.

Top 6 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with PayMaya para may BalikBayad ka!

Posted by Ria Hazel on 3:40 PM in Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, Cashless solutions, lifestyle, love, love month, PayMaya, Scan To Pay, Tinder, Valentine's Day,

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to fall head over heels on PayMaya’s deals this month of love! From gift shopping online for your loved one to dining out at your favorite restaurant with your special someone, you can have a more exciting and lovelier Valentine’s Day celebration when you use PayMaya for your payment transactions.

Jericho and Kuya J bring cheers to kids and families affected by Taal eruption

Posted by Ria Hazel on 2:08 PM in Advocacy, Batangas, Jericho Rosales, Kuya J, Taal,

Jericho Rosales reached out and spread smiles and happiness to over a thousand families affected by the recent eruption of the Taal volcano in Batangas.

Rosales led a relief operations program which was supported by the Philippine Army, KUYA J Group and other sister companies of KUYA J, namely Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, Isla Sugbu Seafood Restaurant, Tsay Cheng, The Grand Con, Majestic, Landers Central, Doppio, and Manila Comisario. The project gave assistance to a total of 196 families who were relocated to Alitagtag Central School, and another 898 families at Bauan Technical High School.

All About Love at Century Park Hotel

Posted by Ria Hazel on 1:16 PM in a, Century Park Hotel, Century Park Hotel Manil, promo, staycation, Valentines Day,

Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of the finest hotels in Metro Manila, is delighted to offer its lineup of romantic treats this February. Get ready for a spectacular month as we welcome a load of offers for you and your special someone.

STADA Philippines Strengthens OTC Portfolio in the country

Posted by Ria Hazel on 10:00 AM in Fern, Fern C, health, healthcare, medicines, Stada Philippines, Vitamin C,

Last February 7, 2020, the STADA Group formally introduced its expanding its portfolio in the Asia-Pacific region after announcing a number of acquisitions and partnerships in Europe. Strengthening their stride as the the global manufacturer of high-quality generic drugs and consumer healthcare products, they finally launched the acquisition of the FERN portfolio in the Philippines.

Monday, February 10, 2020

Celebrate Love in All Forms on TikTok

Posted by Ria Hazel on 4:23 PM in BFF, friendship, Funny, lifestyle, love, Music, TikTok, Valentine's Day, Video,

February is known as the month of love! As this season rolls in, people around the world get creative with how they express love towards those who matter in their lives. While it is best known as a time to celebrate romantic love, after all, Valentine’s Day happens right in the middle of the month, February is as good a time as any to express love in all forms.

Are you ready to show the world how much you care for someone or something? Why don’t you try doing it online through TikTok? You might just be surprised at how much love there is going around in this popular app. Here are some of our favorites.

Emirates Serves 40 unique culinary creations for Valentine’s Day

Posted by Ria Hazel on 2:51 PM in Emirates, Emirates Valentines Day, Transport, Valentines Day, Valentines Day 2020,

Emirates is creating a memorable travel experience for its customers for Valentine’s Day. The airline will serve 40 unique Valentine’s Day themed desserts and treats to serve on board and across its network of lounges spread over 6 continents.

KathNiel Shares Their BalikBayad Stories with PayMaya

Posted by Ria Hazel on 11:31 AM in BalikBayad, cashback, cashless solution, Daniel Padilla, Kathniel, Kathryn Bernardo, PayMaya, Paymaya Official, rewards, Rez Cortez, Shopping, Voyager Innovations,

Local film and TV royalties Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla strut the “green carpet” before the official premiere of their latest “BalikBayad” video project as the newest brand ambassadors of PayMaya, the most rewarding mobile wallet app in the Philippines today.

After more than a year of not being seen together on-screen, “Teen Royalties” Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla reunite for an action-packed project that sees them sharing the many perks and rewards of going cashless through PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign.

Serving as a follow-up to PayMaya’s widely successful “Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!” campaign last year which gave birth to a catchy video and jingle set to the tune of the hit ‘90’s Eraserheads song “Ligaya,” the “BalikBayad” campaign sees Kathryn and Daniel in action-packed scenes teaming up to beat a common foe–cash.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the flawless of them all?

Posted by Ria Hazel on 10:46 AM in Affordable skincare, Beauty, Facial Cleanser, Fair Skin, Flawlessly U, Loving yourself, Papaya Lotion, Papaya Soap, self care, skincare,

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you like what you see? Are you kind to yourself?

According to a gender difference study by the University of Texas at Austin, women are more prone to low self-esteem compared to men. Similar studies also show that girls believe that they are generally not good enough, especially when it comes to their appearance. Cultural expectations, external pressures, and social media are just some that contribute to someone being hypercritical of themselves.