Sophie’s Pictures at Pic a Boo

One proof that a company gives good service is when customers come back and I think this is one thing I can say about Pic a Boo Photo studio. I first tried their services when my daughter turned 1 and I want a nice picture to remember that momentous event.

This year, going back to Pic a Boo for a 2^nd birthday pic is really in my plan. It was fortunate though that I was able to buy a discount voucher of Pic a Boo from Ensogo. After a year, not much has changed with the rates and terms so my 1^st Pic A Boo photo studio review
is still applicable. 

I am satisfied with Pic a Boo services before so I am excited and have high expectations. Unfortunately, Sophie was not in the mood and unlike the first time, she was not in the mood for the whole 30-minute photo session. I think she doesn't like the photographer. The result- she is not smiling in any of the pics. I am also a bit disappointed because some of their costumes are old and tattered. But still, I was able to choose a few pictures to print.

At least, I was able to get a privilege card which entitles me to freebies and discounts. Imagine, last “Grandparents Day”, Sophie and my mother gets a free photo session and one 8x11 printout.

Overall, I would still recommend Pic a Boo and I am still coming back. Here are some of the pictures:

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Do it Yourself Birthday Party

September is a special month for me because it is the birthday month of my daughter, Sophie. Yes, she turned 2 last September 5 and for this year, we decided to hold the celebration at home. It is a much simpler one compared to her 1^st birthday. Nevertheless, it is as memorable as the first.

I thought we can save on balloons because we have an inflater. But I think it would have been better if we bough ready-made balloons na lang. Inflating balloons is not as easy as it seems plus the balloons we bought at a thrift store seems to be of low quality. Here are some of the balloons we managed to make.

The simple menu:

Lechon

Kaldereta

The Birthday Cake

Shrimps with Baguio Beans

Pansit

Hotdogs and Marshmallows

We also had ice cream, lumpiang shanghai, pininyahang manok and steamed tilapia.

I made a simple lootbags with assorted candies on it.

The party was held at home and we only send invites to a few people so we spend less this year but you know, I guess we enjoyed it more. As there is no time restriction to think at home, the party lasted almost all day, with videoke singing, a little drinking and lots of eating.

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Cellphone Plan That Offers The Best Value for Your Money

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The need for a great communication tool is necessary for one to stay competitive in this fast-paced world. That is why getting a cellphone plan is very important. And the good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune for it.] For those living in USA, Straight Talk offers a cellphone plan that would give users the best value for their money.

Android on Straight Talk offers an “All you Need Plan” that is perfect even for those which are heavy phone users as it comes with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data. Their unlimited calls, texts, picture messaging and web service only costs USD45 a month and you do not even need a contract to avail this service. No contract means no monthly bills, no credit checks, no reactivation or termination fees and other hassles that come with a phone plan. One can save even more money by availing the unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web service for only USD499 a year. For that amount, you can also make 411 calls for free.

One can also be assured that Straight Talk plans comes with a strong nationwide coverage. You won’t regret falling for this Hook, line and sinker.

They work with trusted phone manufacturers such as LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.So what are you waiting for, Call a friend now using Straight Talk.

Watch this video of satisfied customers of Straight Talk

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A Short Visit at The Farm @San Benito, Lipa Batangas

 I was able to visit The Farm at San Benito in Lipa, Batangas last July. I was with my husband, my daughter and my mother. We all woke up very early one Sunday morning for the more or less 2-hour drive to Batangas. It was a very very short visit but not short enough for us not to able to take pictures.

Here are some of them:

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Glee 3D Concert Movie Review

My Monday started right this week even if I am laden with so many tasks at the office. It also happens to be the first day of my menstruation and as I had only a few hours of sleep the night before, I suffered a major headache which almost had me running home because I am useless at the office.

Well I did went home early that day, partly because of the headache and partly because I won two tickets to the advanced screening of Glee 3D concert movie in SM Megamall Cinema 1! Yes, talk about luck. The tickets were courtesy of Warner Bros and I got it by joining a contest in the Astroplus FB page.

 

The movie is at 8pm but I went home at 4pm so I can still have time for my daughter before heading to the cinema. I tagged my husband along even though I know that he has no interest in Glee. As for me, I am still a fan of Glee even if their Season 2 is kind of disappointing. I hope Glee Season3 will be a lot better.  Well, here’s my brief review:

First, I think I’m grateful that I was able to watch it for free. It seems that the line of Sue Sylvester in the trailer is quite true- you know saying that it’s a waste of money. Not because the concert was bad. The performances of the Glee casts are fantastic; I just think that I would be able to watch all of it in YouTube for free.

Amidst performances, they feature the stories of real-life fans of Glee and I don’t like that part. I wish they had focused on the Glee characters and the Glee series more. It is a movie for Glee fans because those new to Glee would not be able to understand. I hope the movie caters also to those who have no idea about Glee and thus may be able to gain new fans through the movie.

The most memorable performances are from Heather Morris which is gorgeous and from the Warblers. I barely saw Quinn and I hope Dianna Agron had more performances.

In the end, the movie was a bit bitin. I am not sure if that is really the whole Glee concert. I wish I would be able to watch a Glee concert live too so I can write a better review.

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Watch Korean Films at SM Cinemas for Free

Yes I am one of the many Filipinos who love Koreanovelas. Their dramas are heartbreaking, their comedies are hilarious and their love stories are so unforgettable. And of course, the actors and actresses look perfect—even the guys look like girls because of their flawless skin and hair. So I guess many would be happy to know that they can watch Korean films at SM cinemas for free. The Korean Film Festival started yesterday, Sept 20 and would run until October 2.

The participating cinemas are SM North, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Cebu. As usual this is first come, first serve. It is advised to get your tickets at least 2 hours before the screening period to guarantee your slot.

Here are the feature films and the schedules:

Synopsis: Secret Reunion

Song Kang-ho, an ex-agent of the National Intelligence Service who is very careful about his actions, is paired with Kang Dong-won, a former spy from the North. Song’s character was released from the NIS six years after the gunfight which happened in the heart of Seoul; however, both men keep their identities hidden from each other.

Scandal Maker

Nam Hyun Soo was a very famous idol worshipped like God by teens. Though he is in his mid-thirties now, he is still one of the most sought-after celebrity in the industry and a DJ in a radio show. One of his listeners, Jung-nam, sends him letters narrating her willingness to see her father whom she never met. Her story became a hit and catapults the show’s ratings to be the most popular program. But one day, Jung-nam knocks on Hyun Soo’s door claiming that the father he hasn’t met is none other than him.

Happy Life

The plot revolves around three former members of college rock band, Volcano, who were reunited by the death of their leader. At the funeral, a young, jobless lead guitarist Gi-Young (Jang Geun Suk) suggested that they reform the band with him as the new front man.

My Dear Enemy

Hee-Soo, who is living a miserable life as a single woman in her thirties, sets out to find her ex-boyfriend, Byoung Woon who owes her $1000. Byeong Woon is also penniless but knows that girls are willing to give him money. Hee-Soo follows him as he visits many girls for money and starts a one-day journey that will change her life again.

Hwang Jin Yi

A film based on the story of Hwang Jin Yi, the most renowned courtesan of the Chosun Dynasty. She was a beautiful, talented and intelligent young woman who has no other choice but to become a gisaeng because she was an illegitimate child. The movie shows how she used her position and her charm to gain favor from the upper class, as well as his love affair with a male servant named Nom-yi.

For Eternal Hearts

An ordinary college boy Su-young meets an extraordinary girl named Pippi on campus. He fell in love with Pippi which did not last long because the latter ended her life at a student demonstration. While trying to get over Pippi, he was hired as a tutor for a girl named Su-young. He was almost at the brink of giving up because of Su-young’s peculiar personality but something is stopping him from doing so. He soon fell in love with Su-young and bizarre things started to happen.

Christmas In August

The film is about Jung-won who falls in love with Da-Rim while suffering from an unnamed illness. He hides the fact to Da-Rim and tries to continue living as usual, spending time with his friends and family.

SM Mall of Asia (Cinema 6)

September 21

My Dear Enemy - 6:30PM

Hwang Jin Yi - 9:30PM

September 22

Christmas in August - 6:30PM

Eternal Hearts - 9:30PM

September 23

Secret Reunion - 6:30PM

Happy Life - 9:30PM

September 24

Hwang Jin Yi - 12:45PM

Eternal Hearts - 3:00PM

Christmas in August - 7:30PM

September 25

Happy Life - 12:45PM

Scandal Maker - 3:00PM

My Dear Enemy - 7:30PM

SM North Edsa (Cinema 3)

September 20

Hwang Jin Yi - 1:40PM

Secret Reunion - 6:30PM

September 21

Scandal Maker - 1:40PM

Eternal Hearts - 6:30PM

September 22

Happy Life - 1:40PM

My Dear Enemy - 6:30PM

September 23

Christmas in August - 1:40PM

Scandal Maker - 6:30PM

September 24

Secret Reunion - 1:40PM

Happy Life - 6:30PM

My Dear Enemy - 9:30PM

September 25

Hwang Jin Yi - 1:40PM

Eternal Hearts - 6:30PM

Christmas in August - 9:30PM

SM Cebu (Cinema 1)

September 28 (Premiere Screening)

Scandal Maker - 1:30PM

September 28 (Regular Screening)

Eternal Hearts - 7:30PM

Happy Life - 9:30PM

September 29

Hwang Jin Yi - 5:30PM

Christmas in August - 7:30PM

Secret Reunion - 9:30PM

September 30

Eternal Hearts - 5:30PM

My Dear Enemy - 7:30PM

Scandal Maker - 9:30PM

October 1

Happy Life - 5:30PM

Secret Reunion - 7:30PM

My Dear Enemy - 9:30PM

October 2

Christmas in August - 5:30PM

Hwang Jin Yi - 7:30PM

Eternal Hearts - 9:30PM

For more information, log on to phil.korean-culture.org

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An Afternoon Delight: Bejewelled Spa in Ortigas

Since I started working, 2011 seems to be the busiest. There are so many tasks to do and targets to meet that can sometimes be overwhelming. There are also times when I want to complain because my boss seems to forget that there are only three people (actually only two) in our group and we are handling close to ten websites. So last June, when my group did our mid-year report- it was really satisfying to hear my boss say that he appreciates all our hard work. As a reward, he gave the three of us spa and massage vouchers for Bejewelled Spa in Ortigas.

Last Friday, our boss allowed us to go out as early as 2:45pm so we can finally use the vouchers. I am a bit ashamed to admit that it was actually my first time to experience a full body spa and massage treatment. The vouchers entitle us to the following services; one hour body massage, one hour deep moisturizing dead sea salt scrub, and hair spa.

One downside of this spa center is its location which is at the inner part of the GoldPark Center in Ortigas so it s so unlikely to see it right away. One may still need to ask the guard to point its exact location. The place is so hidden that of one of my officemates joked that they may be offering extra service.

But inside, the place looks clean and decent. I love the relaxing interior designs of Bejewelled Spa.

The therapists are polite and friendly. They immediately offered us our lockers and robes so we can undress right away. Then we were led to the spa room and the first treatment was the hair spa. I did not really feel it -she just put some hair cream and that’s it. Then she proceeded to give me a body scrub. As it was my first time, I am a little embarrassed to lie there almost naked and have someone to practically scrub my whole body. I had to keep myself from giggling most of the time. It was my favorite part of the package. 

After 60 minutes of scrubbing, we were asked to go to the shower room to rinse. I love the shower part too because I love the feel of the oil on my skin, I felt so moisturized. I am contented with the body scrub actually but there is still the one-hour body massage.

I am a newbie to spa centers, but I guess that based from the excellent service and the really relaxing massage, I believe that Bejewelled Spa is one of the best.

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