Northern Mindanao Food Fest Bigger Than Ever!

About 5 years ago, Big Bite Food Festival in Northern Mindanao uncovered an exciting food culture in the region. Founded by Centrio Ayala Mall, it has become mall management’s great pride and joy to discover new and innovative food entrepreneurs and enthusiasts comprising an incredibly dynamic local food industry.

The first Big Bite Food Festival was held in Marquee mall in Pampanga, a regional food haven in the North. Further down south in 2014, Mindanao followed suit with Cagayan de Oro’s then brand new Centrio Ayala mall offering itself as venue. Both festivals form part of Ayala mall’s institutionalized support for local food business and concepts.

Big Bite features the obvious massive-sized food items as festival highlight. Past years have revealed the giant halo-halo, the region’s largest maja blanca, enormous ham sliders, a colossal pineapple crumble and an oversized bowl of salad among a host of other interesting savory flavors and dessert delights in gigantic portions. In addition to such titanic highlights, Centrio gives an award to the year’s best food discovery, as judged by the country’s food industry leaders and celebrities.

This year, gracing the festivities is the Philippines’ Idol sa Kusina, Chef Boy Logro. The Chef Master of GMA network is joined by young television host and former VJ, Joyce Pring to oversee stimulating culinary competitions and other cooking events throughout the 4-day fiesta. Celebrity Chef JP Anglo, host of CNN’s Hungry with Chef JP will be the festival’s Special Guest; completing the set are some of the country’s top food bloggers including The Pickiest Eater in the World, Ritchie Zamora.

Big Bite regulars have come to expect fresh food concepts interspersed with all-time favorites from homegrown restaurants in the local food scene. What’s more, they are treated to excellent music featuring the best of local artists, and gastronomic sets in visually exhilarating scenes and instagrammable nooks and crannies which best showcase the epicurean pleasures the festival has to offer.

The Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival runs from Thursday till Sunday, March 14-17, 2019.

For Media Inquiries please get in touch with

Carlitos John T. Felesedario

Marketing Associate

Centrio Mall

Email: felesedario.carlitos@ayalamalls.com.ph

Marie Angela D. Kho

Professional Organizers Unlimited Inc.

Event Managers for Big Bite Food Festival

Email: professionalorganizers@ymail.com

SM CDO Downtown Premier Celebrates Women's Month: Enjoy Exclusive Deals Every Wednesday!

SM mall join the whole world in celebrating Women's month. SM CDO Downtown Premier join this celebration with month-long campaigns and launched #WeAreWomenAtSM on March 8, 2019.

Because all women are inspiring and worth celebrating, SM offers the month of March an exclusive sale every Wednesday for all types of women namely in Fashion, Beauty, Wellness, etc.

What do they Offer for Women's month? 

Cute Vanity pop-up for those who love to take selfies (like what we did below)

Photo grabbed from SM

For the whole month of March, shoppers can randomly take selfies and groufies at this beautiful set-up, celebrating the "kikayness" of a woman. Beside the cutesy pop-ups are items on discounted prices from SM Fashion accessories and SM Beauty.

 

WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY SMAC SALE - Get extra 10% off during all Wednesdays of March from participating departments.

WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY SALE for other tenants: Bench, Guess, Bayo, Giordano, Mags, Treasures by Carla, Noregold, Forme, Diagold, Oro Italia, Bagel Girl and Dickies.

WOMEN'S SPECIALS - Because women are special, SM came up with the offering like discounts and buy 1 take 1 sale from wellness centers to pamper us: CDO Skin Health Experts, Cardinal Eyecare Clinic, Nadela Dental Care, Nailandia, Aurga, Amuma and Eyebrowse.

Apart from the offerings, worthwhile programs are also in place:

March 10 - Regional Finals of Ms. Teen Philippines

March 23 - WE ARE WOMEN TALK SHOW, featuring inspiring women like: Tisha Biruar (muslim Social Media Influencer), Tweetie Bullecer (Fitspirational speaker from Davao), Karen Lluch (former Ms. Cagayan, cancer survivor) and Mags Cue (entrepreneur and philanthropist).

Kagayan Experience Food Tour (KExTour) Day 2

CDOBloggers hosted the first ever Kagayan Experience Food Tour last November 13 - 17, 2018 and I was able to visit only two places on the first day. On the second day of the tour, it started at Krispy Kreme in Limketkai Center. They offered limited edition of holiday donuts. I was extremely happy when they gave each one of us a box of half dozen holiday donuts coz my kids love them!
1. Krispy Kreme

Krsipy Kreme limited edition

Our second stop was at Chinkee Tea. The place was instagrammable. I mean, you can take lots of picture perfect with a very good angle in your cameras! They have several branches but we went at their Velez-Gaerlan branch. Chinkee Tea has a very nice ambiance. It has this feel-good view or a classic-meets-modern scenery. Since I was in a hurry to pick up my youngest child at school, I decided to take out my Wintermelon milk tea, which apparently, was one of their bestsellers.
2. Chinkee Tea

Me at Chikee Tea =)

My Wintermelon Milk Shake

I wasn't able to join the 3rd and 4th stop that day. My fellow-bloggers went to Mykelli's Grill located at Pueblo. Their 4th stop was at Samgui Korean resto in Corrales. I had a busy afternoon and did some motherly duties so I excused myself.
3. Seda Hotel Centrio

Me beside the lighted Christmas Tree at Seda Hotel

I was only able to join the group on their 5th stop at Seda Hotel. However, I arrived a little late for the Stellar Christmas Tree Lighting Event due to heavy traffic. But at least I was able to catch up the remaining parts of the program and took some pictures of what was left on the food.

Foods served at Seda Hotel

Kebobs: Food served at Seda Hotel

Some foods served at Seda Hotel

4. Superstar KTV Lounge and Club - The last stop on that night was at Superstar KTV Bar located at CTC. We were welcomed by the owner and treated us with really good food! We had fun singing that night but I need to be home before midnight so I went ahead with the group. Overall, our busy day ended with a super fun night.

Facade of Superstar KTV. Located at the 2nd floor of CTC

There were lots of foods served that night and everything just tasted so right! Check the pics below:

One of the best kinilaw I've tasted

Very cheesy Nachos

You can never go wrong with Spicy Chicken with fries

Sizzling squid

Kagayan Experience Food Tour (KExTour) Day 1

The bloggers of Cagayan de Oro, or CDOBloggers, hosted its first ever Kagayan Experience Food Tour last November 13 - 17, 2018. It was so timely because it was also the organization's 10th year anniversary. The Food Tour was more memorable because another group of bloggers - Iligan and Manolo Fortich bloggers - joined in the fun.

The first day of the tour started last November 13, 2018. I wasn't able to join other tours as I have some motherly duties to do earlier that day. I think they went first to Bigby's and then Cucina Higala. I was only able to catch up in the afternoon despite the heavy rains. Anyways, below are the pictures and summary of the tour that I joined:

1. Pane e Dolci - "Take a break from the ordinary". Pane e dolci is known for their Sylvannas and other yummy Cakes (I love the Opera cake!). They also offer Meals, Civet Coffee and Specialty Coffee.

During the tour, they showed us how their famous coffee was made. They served to us the coffee with ensaymada. Thank you for the treat and for the Sylvannas giveaway :-p

At the 2nd floor of Pane e Dolci

Coffee...anyone?

Sylvannas - Simply the best!

2. Boy Zugba - a Filipino restaurant that offers Sinugba, Bilao, Boodle, Kinilaw and many, many more. The latest addition to their menu is called SOSPA or Sisig Oh Salad Pa.

It was the last stop that night for our Food tour. Below were some of the foods they served for dinner. Boy Zugba is really the best place to go if you're looking for a Filipino food. They have the best Pancit (Pancit sa Pulis), cheezy chorizo, grilled food and kinilaw.

Chicken ala Carte

Kinilaw placed in a Bamboo chamber---and with seaweeds (latô)

SOSPA - Sisig Oh Salad Pa!

Buttered Chicken, Squid with Lumpia Shanghai & different dips

Me - happy at Boy Zugba despite the heavy rainfall outside :-D

Hello December 2018!

 It's December once again and lemme greet you in advance a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This picture was taken at Sophie Red Hotel in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. How I would love to spend an afternoon here but maybe next time. The place is good for sight-seeing the scenic view of the ocean while eating at the restaurant located by the seashore.

Inside the hotel (where I stood), you can see this huge and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. I was only there to check the place and took a break from a long journey with friends. Hope to stay there longer when I come back.

Licealiz Rolls Out Nationwide Kilusang Kontra Kuto Year 3

As pediculosis capitis or head lice infestation continues to be a concern in public schools in the Philippines, Lamoiyan Corporation's Licealiz has led the nationwide rollout of Kilusang Kontra Kuto or KKK.

As a part of the mission to create a kuto-free Philippines, Kilusang Kontra Kuto, a coalition of head lice prevention experts and advocates led by Lamoiyan Corporation's Licealiz, the Department of Education or DepEd, UP Manila College of Public Health, Mommy Bloggers Philippines, and Drugstores Association of the Philippines, was created. Now on its third year, they want to make its impact bigger and its reach wider in order to eliminate kuto by educating the public about the problem. They will be visiting different schools in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

According to a study conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the University of the Philippines, head lice infestation is still considered as the second most common health problem in public schools in the Philippines next to tooth decay. While it may not be a fatal condition, attention must still be given to this persistent condition which commonly found in school children.

Here are some problems that head lice can cause if left untreated:

It can cause other serious infections.

The surface of our skin is filled with different kinds of bacteria. According to Dr. Arlene Bertuso from University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health, while lice itself can't cause infections, "severe scratching cause by allergic reactions to the insects' saliva can cause the scalp to break, therefore increasing the chance of a secondary bacterial infection".

It can decrease self-confidence in a child and the parents.

Head lice or kuto often has a negative connotation due to its association with poor hygiene and low social status, which can cause a child to lose confidence, especially around his or her peers. However, the child isn't the only one affected as the parents can also experience loss of confidence. Parents whose child has been infected with head lice feel embarrassed since they feel like they exhibited poor parenting by letting their child get head lice infestation.

It decreases academic or work productivity.

Itchiness and inflammation are effects from the bites of head lice. The irritation caused by the bites of the head lice can disrupt concentration in school or at work, hence affecting productivity. It can also cause loss of sleep, which can then lead to irritability, short attention span and lack of focus. In addition to that,  "it dramatically affects the school performance of children because of the discomfort and social stigma it causes," as stated in the study by DepEd and the University of the Philippines.

Misinformation can cause more damage.

Myths and superstitions are already ingrained in Filipino culture and society. Kuto is surrounded by several of these myths and misconceptions that can be harmful to the infested such as the use of mayonnaise or kerosene and wrapping the child's head with plastic overnight. Contrary to popuplar belief, lice can also be acquired at any age and by any gender. Incorrect information like these can lead to untreated head lice, which can spread quickly to the whole family or to the whole class simply through physical contact with one infested person.

Head lice is often overlooked or disregarded despite its many negative impacts, but this problem can be solved with correct information and appropriate control methods. Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo is effective solution to eliminate and prevent head lice.

Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo in Regular and Soothing Coolness (10mL and 60mL)

To know more about the activities of Kilusang Kontra Kuto led by Lamoiyan Corporation's Licealiz, visit www.facebook.com/licealiz.

One Lovely Afternoon in Amaya View

Sharing to you the beautiful scenery of Cagayan de Oro City. This was taken sometime in August this year at Amaya View, Sierra del Oro. They have the best sunset in there and if you come earlier, you might want to try paragliding ;-)

The picture was taken from my iPhone6s but it did not justify the very beautiful view that I've seen that day. I want to go back in there and bring my other camera and try to capture some scenic views.

This was my 3rd time to visit the place and still got so amazed by the beauty of nature. The place is just a 15-minute ride from (my) home or perhaps, around 20-30 minutes ride from the city proper.

There are lots of activities to do in case you want to relax and unwind at Amaya View. I hope to go there again soon to take a dip at the pool or perhaps rock-climbing (if I still have the guts) and kids can play at the recreation area.

Mark Your Calendars and Head to Hey Sugar on November 27!

You know how they say that women have incredibly high pain thresholds? That's a fact. Women see past the challenge of childbirth and see the joy in it. They wear high heels willingly, or slip into a pair of Spanx if they must. They even regularly tear hair off their skin as part of their daily grooming routine.

While there's not much women can do about pinched feet and blisters - waxing doesn't have to be as painful as you imagine. It's a matter of knowing where to go and what waxing method to choose.

So in the spirit of this year's National Hair Free Day, Hey Sugar is letting you in on a secret - sugar waxing is a nearly pain-free way of dealing with unwanted hair.

Happy me after I availed Leg Velvet (half-leg/hot)

Take Hey Sugar's sugaring process for example. Known for only using gentle, all-natural ingredients, Hey Sugar takes you through the process of waxing without causing anxiety, regardless if you've been doing this for years or you're new to the whole thing.

Their method is swift but efficient. It begins by an expert aesthetician pouring the sugar wax on the area, so its rich, delicious warmth soaks into your skin. This allows the mixture to really seep into your pores and get a good grip on hair follicles, straight from the roots, with the added bonus of moisturizing and exfoliating your skin. They work in small, manageable sections and pres on the skin gently as they lift the cooled wax, efficiently removing even the shortest hairs from its roots. After that, you emerge from the salon smooth, exfoliated, moisturized, and hair-free.

The experience is a stark difference from DIY creams and at-home waxing kits - which are not only messy, but are as painful as you probably imagine waxing to be.

Leading up to National Hair Free Day, Hey Sugar will also be offering an incredible pampering treat. Visit your nearest Hey Sugar branch on November 27 from 11AM to 3PM and you can indulge in their free eyebrow threading and underarm waxing services.

With that said, do you really have to wonder if you should #SwitchtoHeySugar?