Philam Life Usap Tayo Session

Two weeks ago, I was invited over at Baron's Bar, Tower Club for an "Usap Tayo" session organized by Philam Life.  Before coming to this event, I was already aware of what Philam Life is.  It is an insurance company.  My parents are both covered with life insurance already so I have a vague idea about it.

Host Litz Ong

Barons  Bar

I arrived at the venue, fashionably late.  Too bad I missed the snacks but luckily, I was just in time for the talks.  The host Litz Ong introduced each speaker and then the speaker would first discuss about the topic and the floor will be open for questions at the end of each talk.

Bar

Larry Cleto

Financial Planning 101: How to Save up for your Dreams by Larry Cleto
Although I am still a student and have no means of income, I have already attended financial planning seminars before. Mr. Larry Cleto's talk was similar to all the other basic financial planning seminars.  It teaches you where you can place your money taking into consideration the risks and returns and availability of funds in each type.

What I like about his talk is that he gave an overview of what it is about.  His viewpoints seemed fair and reasonable and not inclined towards the life insurance side only.  I agree with his approach because one of the reasons people are afraid of insurance is because of their pushy marketing technique.

Buti na lang Stories
Miss Isca Abaya showed us some buti na lang stories based on real life stories of:

1. Connie Dizon

• Connie Dizon is a successful entrepreneur owning a photocopy and printing business.  Her life was happy until she discovered she had cancer.  Philam Life took care of all her medical bills so she was able to concentrate on her recovery and became a cancer survivor

2. Eva and Deorie Caraca

• The Caraca sisters were daughters of a seaman who died from lung cancer.  Even without their father, the two are able to study and even achieve honor rolls because of the continues funding from Philam Life.

Open Forum

A lot of bloggers who attended the event were already stable mothers who are concern for their kids.  They had a lot of questions from the speakers and the guests Dizon and Caracas.  Although I was able to learn from the exchange of questions and answers from both sides, I think that insurance planning is better addressed on a one on one talk because each person or family has a different situations from another.   

1k GC winner

1k GC winner

There was a short raffling of 1K worth of Gift Certificate from Philam life.  As a token,  we were given T-shirts and a notebook.  It was too big for me though and it had a hole.  

Overall, the Usap Tayo event was successful.  I learned that there are now various types of insurance offered.  I'm actually interested to know more about it in the future perhaps three years from now when I already have a stable income.  

Based on my observation, a lot of us think of life insurance as a compensation upon the death of someone is the only kind of insurance.  I came home that night excited to share with Kurt what I leanred but he got annoyed with me for thinking that he is ignorant for not knowing what an insurance is.  What he did is the typical attitude of people with insurance.  I'm not saying that I'm in favor of insurance.  In fact, we are victims of CAP educational plan and other educational plans too.  I just think that it is better to be open minded and evaluate first before we close our minds to something.

Usap Tayo!  Perhaps you could share some insurance experience too so we could have more idea about it too.=)

Happy Moon Cake Festival

Today is one of my favorite holiday.   After a year-long wait, it's the moon cake festival again.  It is usually celebrated by eating moon cake, hopia and playing a dice game.  This year, our family may not be playing our annual dice game because my cousin is studying abroad.  The whole dice game can be bought at Chinese bakeries.  The set includes the hopia prizes available in various size, the dice set and the instructions.  

We usually receive moon cakes from relatives and friends.  We also buy just moon cakes to give to our relatives, friends and neighbors.  The situation becomes like Christmas except that you only get moon cakes in various brands and assortment.  

Moon Cake from Hong Kong

Golden Lisa Moon Cake

Local Home-made Moon Cake

Here in the Philippines, there are many flavors available like Mixed Nuts, Black Monggo, Lotus Cream and more.  They may contain egg or salted duck egg.  I prefer them without eggs because I want to eat more moon cake.

The Mixed Nuts has a lot of Almonds, Walnuts, Sesame Seeds, Candied Mandarin Orange and more.  Although this is the most expensive, I don't like it.  It's too sweet for my taste.

Mixed Nuts

The Black Monggo is similar to a hopia.   I'm not found of eating hopia because it feels so dry.  I love the smooth texture of the moon cake pastry and the smooth feel of the Black Monggo fillings.

Black Monggo

My favorite variety is the Lotus Cream.  It is made from Lotus Seed Paste.  I love the taste and the texture.  So what's your favorite?

Lotus Cream

We also don't forget to give to our employees, garbage men and the like.  A box of hopia to spread the celebration to everyone.

Box of Hopia

Hopia 

I Love My Space Glow in the Dark Wall Candy!

A month ago, I received an email from Val to review their product called "Wall Candy".   They're actually wall stickers that are unique, easy to apply, removable and reusable.  Browsing through their site, I got a lot of ideas about the product and how useful it could be.  

For one, I 've noticed relatives often redecorate their child's room.  Wall Candy is a cheaper and more convenient alternative to being up-to-date with a child's preference in terms of decor because Wall Candy it is removable and it offers a lot of choices from nursery to kids. (p.s. The new "Pirates" design is so adorable!)


Personally, I've been staring at my wall paper for more than 10 years.  I'm want change! But seeking outside help seems too inconvenient for our busy household.  Let's see if Wall Candy is the perfect solution...

Among all the tempting designs, I chose Space from their Glow in the Dark collection for two reasons:

1. I've loved Glow in the Dark since I was young.
2. My ceiling has space Glow in the Dark objects so its a perfect match.

texture is rough perhaps for the thickness

When I got the item, I was surprised that it was bigger than expected. Honestly, for the price, I was speculating it to be smaller  because we used to buy Iphone decals at the same price.

Package contents and instructions

We followed most of the instructions:

1. Prep well - Check!
2. Plan your design - We couldn't do this.  It was tougher than it looks so we proceeded with the next step.
3. Get your sticker on - Check!  But... we had to do several readjustments because we didn't have a plan beforehand.  Despite that, we didn't have any difficulty because the stickers were easy to remove and it was so thick that it didn't fold or tear.
4. Sit back and enjoy the new look! - Check!  (see images below)

Our very own space design

Now, let's turn off the lights...

My Space Glow in the Dark Wall Candy!=) 

It  perfectly matches my ceiling.  Awesome!

My ceiling

Overall, I'm so delighted with Wall Candy!   It''s easy and fun to use.  More importantly, it is convenient and affordable.  Check them out at http://wallcandy.multiply.com/  Wall Candy is perfect for both kids and adults.  I'd actually advise that children should be allowed to help in designing their own room decor.   It is the perfect bonding activity, an opportunity to exercise their creativity and it will make them feel more comfortable with their room.  Happy decorating!=)

Ironman, Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime Statues

Last Sunday, we saw these large statues at Robinson's Midtown Atrium.  It was already closing time so we just took some quick photos.

Ironman

Ironman

Optimus Prime

Bumblee Bee

Toblerone says Thank You Global Pinoy held at Duty Free Philippines

Each of us, in one way or another has thought of going abroad to earn for our loved ones. But, the truth is only a few of us has the courage to leave our families. Being away for our loved ones is a great sacrifice. Thus, those who are capable are worthy of being heroes.

Currently, the Philippines is ranked 4th globally with the most migrant workers with 11% of its population working overseas.   With that in mind, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Duty Free Philippines, Good News Pilipinas, Kraft Asia and Toblerone would like to give all OFW's their well deserved recognition. 


So nominate, share and vote for the stories of your friend, relative or simply a loved one who's working abroad that you admire.  The top 10 most amazing stories will be awarded in January 2012.

These are the ones who made this event a success:

True Faith should showed their gratitude to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by performing live.

There was a dedication wall where all the messages to the OFWs were posted.  

In the end, the simple message of saying Thank You Global Pinoy was shown well.  Whether or not we are related to these Global Pinoys, we owe them our thanks for helping in the progress of our country.  So in behalf of everyone here in the Philippines, we would like to say "Thank You" once again.  

Honda Scoopy Launch at Bonifacio High Street

The other day, I was invited to attend the Honda Scoopy Launch at Bonifacio High Street.  There was a large tent set up around 9th street just for the event.  When I arrived at a little around 3 p.m., I saw several rider teams like the group of Alliance of BeAT Riders (ABR) who were supporting the event by joining the 5 p.m. motorcade.  Nicole Anderson was also there and she has a lot of fans taking her photo.  

I registered myself and checked out the new Honda Scoopy.  They were displayed for viewing.  There were five colors available: Red, Black, Yellow, White and Pink.  

I thought the Honda Scoopy looked familiar.  Then, I remembered that it's the scooter that is popular in other Asian countries.  I even saw it being endorsed by the handsome Mario Maurer.

Mario Maurer on a Honda Scoopy (credits to Mariochina.com)

Andi Manzano

I was just in time for the Amazing Race: Media Challenge.  It was hosted by Andi Manzano and played by five media teams composed of three players each.  I'm not sure if I was able to grasp the mechanics properly but I've observed that it has five parts:

1. Solve math problems
2. Gear-up
3. Head to the Honda instructor for a ride on the Honda Scoopy
4. While riding, other team mates can start solving mind puzzles like the Rubik Cube and forming shapes with the pieces
5. Going to the judge when all tasks are accomplished

Simultaneous with the Amazing Race: Media Challenge was a Honda Scoopy Song Dance Contest.  Random contestants were chosen to dance with G-Force as their guide.  They first danced in group before they were made to dance individually for judging.  The only female contestant was held the winner based on the applause of the crowd.  She was awarded a Honda Jacket.

dance winner

voters

Scooter Project designs for each school

There was also a polling going-on for "The Scooter Project" (Interschool Scooter Design Competition.  Honda Scoopy designed by each school was displayed so the crown can vote.  As a Lasallian, I voted for College of Saint Benilde. But honestly, I was a bit disappointed when I saw that the design was too plain compared to the rest. There was also a Honda Scoopy simulation game.  

Kuya who distributes balloons

Small balloons with stubs were being distributed all over Bonifacio High Street to invite people to the event.  The stubs can be used to get a FREE photo at the photo booth and a FREE Honda Cap.  I also got myself a small white balloon and got my photo taken.=)  

I met the blogger behind silkenhut.com for the first time and we decided to claim our snack stub at Italliani's.  By the time we returned, Moonstar88 was playing one my favorite songs "Torete".  The crowd was gathering to watch the show.  

A introductory dance number was performed by G-Force to introduce the show hosts Sam YG and Slick Rick of Boys Night Out. (see video above) 

Sam YG and Slick Rick of Boys Night Out

The winners for "The Scooter Project" were awarded:

• Grand Prize Winner: University of Saint Thomas
• Second Prize Winner: University of the Philippines
• Third Prize Winner: Asia Pacific College
• Consolation Prize: College of Saint Benilde

(my apologies I missed one team)

The winners for the Amazing Race: Media Challenge were also presented their prizes.  The top three teams won a cash prize plus Honda watches.  While the last two teams were awarded consolation prizes. 

The hosts announced the five winners of their raffle for the Honda Sunglasses and Honda Jackets.  (I'm not sure how they got the raffle stubs)  Then, Honda's President Mr. Katsuhisa Yoda delivered an opening message.

Honda's President Mr. Katsuhisa Yoda

The "Honda Scoopy Song" music video by Ramon “RJ” Jacinto feat. Patti Grandidge was introduced. (see music video bove) RJ and Patti went on stage as they were given their own customized Honda Scoopy Scooters.  

Patti's Cute Scoopy on the right

RJ's Scoopy (Rock n' Roll Themed)

Rj, Patti with Sam YG and Slick Rick

RJ performed three songs with the Bloombrothers.  The first song was the Honda Scoopy Song.  He invited Mr. Yoda to play with him.  On the third song, RJ exhibited his rocking guitar skills by playing with the guitar on his back.  

RJ playing with Mr. Katsuhisa Yoda

Bloombrothers played until the end of the show

There was a few fireworks but we weren't able to catch them since I was at the tent listening to the Bloombrothers.

Overall, the Honda Scoopy Launch was a success.  The tent was packed with audience until the very end.  A lot of people got interested and inspected the Honda Scoopys displayed all over the place.  Everyone was delighted with their Freebies.


UPDATE: THe Honda Scoopy Photo Contest is now up and running check out Honda Scooter Philippines Fan Page