Set to Conquer the World Stage: The Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team

I've never seen so much passion in the sport of cycling than during the thanksgiving event of the Victoria Sports Pro Cycling team (VSPC). I've seen them don podiums in different events, and didn't know how close they were. We found out today that their office is at Quezon City. 

These guys have been working so hard doing races locally and recent ones in Europe, trying their best in international racing circuits, making us all proud, all hoping to bring pride and honor for the Philippines.

For those who don't know, one of their members Ean Cajucom took home the championship for the Ramos Cycling Race (based in PH). At the General Classification and 2nd Stage of Oman's Tour of Salalah, their team member Nicolas Sessler copped these posts. Then Jeroen Meijer took 3rd spot on Stage 4 of the multi day road cycling race in that country. The VSPC team also took home 5th Place overall at the Trans-Himalayan Cycling Race in China versus some of the world's best too. In the land of the rising sun's OITA Urban Classic, Meijers took first place at the Road Race, while Cajucom took second spot. They also did good at the Tour de Kyushu races, much of which they consistently placed as part of the team.  

Here's our interview with them a few days ago:

You could feel their eagerness to improve their skills even at this stage. When they are doing rigorous training in Europe, they said they loved it because they get to concentrate on cycling and the sport. No question about their love for the Philippines, but they said they needed to look out for themselves here because of the traffic, buses, trucks, other motorists that become their number one concern when training. The only drawback is being away from family, friends, and loved ones. The senior members really felt like family because the little things like problems at home do become a normal occurrence in managing their members.

Former QC Mayor and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte was also there to support the cause! It was a pleasure meeting you sir!

The training they receive in EU also gets them to adapt the time tested system of training they do in that side of the world which more or less, doesn't exist in the region we belong. They will also be scouting in different weekly and monthly cycling events to seek Filipino talent that they could further develop like the champions they have in the roster. These 15 members are making the country proud, and in 2025 they promise to do even more to make sure that we as a nation achieve greater heights just like recent champions, Olympians, who have inspired the youth, and even more people to take up the sport. 

They have been fixing their calendar to participate in local tourneys plus a few more in United Arab Emirates (Dubai and elsewhere). They also have some in Spain, and other countries in Europe. This is just the start of hopefully more wins in the world stage, and we hope that more brands, corporations would continue to support their cause and bring the Philippines more wins in the professional cycling sport. 

Congratulations to the whole Victoria Sports Pro Cycling (VSPC) team which includes Carlos Francisco Ochoa, Marcelo Felipe, Ean Cajucom, Alexis Pagara, Nicolas Sessier, Ismael Grospe Jr., Daniel Ven Carino, Edson Carbadora, Miguel Andrei Obmerga, Nichol Pareja, Kenneth Maramba, Jeroen Meijers, Edgar Nieto and more, please continue to do the Philippines and your pro team proud!

Congratulations VSPC! Here's to more victories for the country soon!

Sendwave Taps OGIE ALCASID: An Affordable Way to Send Money Home

The Philippines is home to 2.16 Million OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers according to latest statistics), and in so many instances, they need to send money home to help with family, friends, and other reasons. Going through banks and other entities cost so high, and of course, every cent counts with your hard earned money. International Money Transfer service provider Sendwave presents a very affordable option. If you are in one of the countries they serve, sending money to your loved ones will become simple, secured, and fast. This is something that is needed, an essential for family or OFW's so when they wanted someone to represent them in the country and the community, they tapped the good looking singer, songwriter, OPM icon, OGIE ALCASID. They introduced him to the press, and told us the reasons why he was the perfect person to send what they want to communicate:

Ogie says "It's important for Filipinos to send money home that's simple, affordable and without transfer fees. You know, the values of this company and mine as a father, husband is the same. We wake every day for our families, and they take care of hard earned money from abroad to the Philippines with ease, with trust that it will reach the person intended to, it is our connection to our family. We do concerts in other parts of the world and OFW's are an integral part of it. I hope in some way, we could get the message across that there is a way to save while sending money home."

Ms. Janice, the Global Brand Lead for Sendwave says "We are an online money remittance app, designed for OFW's and we champion them. We focus on simple, easy and convenient ways to send money from abroad to the Philippines (or any participating country) and made it affordable. Sendwave has no transfer fees, we stretch the value of the money that they send to their families here at home. We are present in the US, Canada, UK and parts of Europe. If you have OFW friends or family, please tell them to download the app and use the service. Try Sendwave!".

 

Ogie was so happy and honored to be able to represent them. Being part of the Sendwave family he deems is important because OFW's spend years in other countries, but want to make sure they stay connected and felt when help is needed in the Philippines. He also knows how hard it was to work abroad because he's been able to talk to them in performances abroad. They need to make sure that the money they send would be secured, easy to do and affordable.  .

Ogie adds "Why do we work? What are the reasons to wake up in the morning? The reasons to send money home is a lot, this app assures your savings would get to the recipient. As a singer, I've entertained them through concerts in different countries. When I talk to people, they are mostly OFW's, it's not easy to market something like this, but it is important. I just signed with them, and perhaps soon, there will be Sendwave in Australia and I'd get to send money to Regine if needed."

They now have bonus additional money to give out too when you first try the service (10 dollars) aside from the amount you send. There are no transfer fees, so that is free. They just want you to experience it. It's not intended for receivers, but designed from senders from abroad. You don't need to be a member here in the Philippines to receive the money, they just tie up their cards and send it to whatever bank or GCash account the recipient has and get it, it's that easy!

There are limits, dependent on banks abroad and the receiving bank/app in the country because some of them have limits too. It already is being used by 2 Million users, and the plan is to include more people to benefit from it. They have plans to take Ogie to other countries where Filipinos are. Although Ogie already is doing that, he says "The fact that I'd be reaching a lot of audiences this year and next year, we have a lot of people to help. It's most welcome, to be able to sing and help our kababayans. We are partners with TFC, and events may be through that. It's part of their future plans. I'm excited, when I learned about this, at the shoot, it was happy there. It's not easy to do but I'm excited and happy with what we made in just a few days. When you do it with fun, with excited people, it's a breeze. You will receive the amount automatically converted to peso and what you see with the conversion is what they person will get in full."

The company earns through foreign exchange and if you see that their rates are better, you should use Sendwave. Congratulations to Sir Ogie Alcasid, it's so refreshing to see you excited to help more people with this recent partnership. If you can send money home for free, you should take advantage!

HONOR Comes Back with Dual Flagship Plans in EU and PH Regions

Their testing lab, devices, Tony Rahn (left) and CEO George Zhao

Looks like smartphone brand HONOR is making a huge comeback in the Philippines. 

In previous weeks, they announced 2 devices at IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) which is EU's largest tech event. During the brand's keynote speech, CEO George Zhao puts importance on device interoperability. If you're using a smartphone, tablet, PC or wearables, you'll get a solution from them which includes HONOR Smart Life products too.

He says "Honor is committed to have products that are designed to empower you, and go beyond your potential and give you the freedom to do more."

Recent information states they will have dual flagship devices, but what was released is the Honor 70, Honor Pad 8, MagicBook 14.

They also reiterated plans in the near future for the Philippines, the EU region and how they will do a connected future during the IFA 2022. These are exciting times especially for those expecting handsets that are capable of having Google Play services, something they couldn't do with their mother brand.

There's Special Deals with Beko Appliances at Anson's!

It looks like you're in luck today as Beko and leading appliance center Anson's partner up and give you special deals.

You need laundy and cooking products these days because you're going to be confined most at home because of the weather and the pandemic. Now aside from the live selling event hosted by Will Devaughn a few days ago at ansons.ph/beko-live, they're bringing a few appliances prices down as well. They will also be givng away free small appliances with it, excited?

Let's start with the WCV10746M. It's a front load washing machine that's got a 10kg capacity. The Maximum Spin gets to 1400 rpm and uses a ProSmart Inverter Motor. From Php 49,990, they are now selling it for Php 37,491. You'll also get a free VCO42702AD bagless vacuum cleaner that is worth Php 5,990 on a regular day. Other items included in the promo and have free stuff with them are listed on the Beko website and social channels. But just to give you an idea, it includes the WDB7425R2W 7kg capacity front load washer and 4kg dryer, machine, the DH10444RX0 Heat Pump Dryer that can carry 10kg capacity, The FSM66100GX multi function freestanding cooker, and the GG12116GX gas oven and electric grill. There's more displayed in Anson's so I do think it would be nice to give them a visit.

If you're looking for Beko appliances, they're available in All Home, Savers, Gidi Distribution, Asian Home Appliance Center in Cebu, then online in Lazada and hat.com.ph. Check them out yeah?!

Optimism Seen in the Future of Philippine Fabric and Weaving

Dropped by the talk about Philippine fabrics yesterday hosted by Humboldt University in Berlin wherein Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda was guest speaker along with Ms. Analyn Salvador-Amores from UP Baguio. It was entitled "Habi: Weaving Philippine Textiles Future" and it was quite a nice discussion on how those who care are strengthening their efforts to keep the weaving culture alive, learn more about regional designs, documenting it, reviving designs from museum archives (yes a long time ago), and perhaps where to see the industry flourish in the next couple of years.

Professor Dr. Vincent Houben from Humboldt University in Berlin says "I'm very happy to have this happen, to put in place this program to advance Philippine studies. The PH and Germany are close and very intertwined. Rizal spent quite some time here and we have lots of information about that. We're thinking in some scales we can focus with the Philippines and see in a context where there is a weaving connection. The Philippine culture needs to be seen in a broader sense. Through the program over the past couple of years, we're grateful that we have a lot who have done their studies about the country, welcome from Europe."

Analyn Salvador Amores the project leader of Cordillera Textiles Project UP Baguio says "Weaving communities in the Cordillera region exist and empower communities. Cordillera region is in North Luzon from the ranges in Apayao to the more central Nueva Vizcaya, an Igorot domain. Through trade, inter-marriage, weaving patterns have similarities in this study. These communities have a long history of weaving, you can see this in the tribal photos from various photos archived in the US, Russia and other countries. Textile are produced through natural fibers, and cotton, manually weaved with sticks passed on from generation to generation. Lowland Ilocanos introduced new ways through export and trade. Fabric was traded for goods, food, poultry and farm products. There is a decline in weaving in the region because of an aging population, decrease in master weavers, lesser interest in generations thereafter. The government has taken steps like endorsing acts for the use of Philippine tropical fabrics for uniforms of public officials, employees and festivals. They also enacted resolutions for research, put up school for living traditions that promote indigenous weaving but met challenges as it has been not sustainable, and has lesser funding access. In the recent years, there is a resurgence in textile weaving including geographical sourced Cordillera textiles identified with certain communities. The CordiTex currently is doing multi disciplinary research and vigorously documenting textiles. Now local weavers get to access records, learn and re-learn weavings as we continue to do anthropological fieldwork in the Cordillera."

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda concentrated more on the resurgence on the demand for the more intricate production of Piña Seda (silk) fiber and says "We started in the school of oriental studies 5 years ago. There's so much I have to say about Pina Seda Weaving and Embroidery in the Philippines. It is not just done in my province of Aklan, but in different regions in the country. Traditional textiles are ties that bind, it links the past to the present and brings together cultures no matter how diverse it is. It's a synergy between workers and artisans, several hands are needed to make one fabric alone, not to mention the designer and embroidery of which women would hand make it from farm to shop. Since 1998 we have worked to enact this into law to not just protect but help the industry. The pineapple plant is not indigenous to the Philippines but we have made way to produce the red variety of fibers from it. It is laborious to produce it and the influx of imported fabric and fashion trends made it dwindle. With government efforts, provinces have been tapped to produce this including Aklan, the Bicol region, Cavite, Davao, Misamis Oriental, Laguna, Cagayan, Saranggani has been tapped to produce it. Mulberry farms are needed to produce silk in the Philippines, and demand has remained high for it. In a bid to produce more Pineapple fiber, machinery has been provided to farmer cooperatives in plantations so they can increase production  of pineapple fiber. There's a need for convergence of government agencies, so they can continue building capacity, promote domestic trade and do a systemic development in marketing the fabric. All of these are necessary to produce products to respond to immediate needs of the public. The DA should assure steady supply, DTI can help promote these fabrics through trade fairs both locally and abroad. TESDA can also do skills training for weavers and embroiderers and have a nurturing environment for this industry. It is one way of showcasing our traditional textiles in the hopes to further promote it in different markets. It takes support from legislation to make things happen, soon we will have more galleries in different parts of the country. We plan to put up documentation centers, conservation agencies, to help farmers, weavers, local textile manufacturers and establish centers where they can get services in processing. If there's a desire, there's a need, and we need to support them. It will also provide jobs for the countryside, the Philippine Piña Seda is a prized fabric and it is truly world class. I wish to go back in time and tell you that the task before us is to help our people value and continue our heritage, we must open doors of opportunities for weaving communities and promote greater support for our cultural enterprises."

Honestly, it was like a breather to hear them be optimistic about Philippine fabrics and with a good amount of systems in place, plus continuous efforts in policies and funding, the future looks bright for the weaving industry. It's definitely a pillar for the fashion industry and without the raw materials, how can one create? I feel as the economy is slowly going back to normal, this deserves the attention it should get. It's part of culture, and without it, we would cease to exist as Filipinos because it makes us who we are as a nation.

BEKO Initiatives for Climate Change

In a product showcase done this evening, European brand BEKO told us how it is possible to use recycled materials, bio composites and detergent saving technologies on appliances. It is their company's contribution in order to rid of climate crisis, something we all can start at home.

Present during the occasion was Arcelik's CEO Hakan Bulgurlu and their CMO Zeynep Yalim Uzun. They also had their CCo Ragip Balcioglu discuss how it became their mission to do sustainability efforts in manufacturing their line of products in order to have a positive impact on the world we live in.

Arcelik's CEO Hakan Bulgurlu says "COVID has changed our lives in the past two years, but with science, we have been able to see the end of the tunnel. We have been doing a lot of work with our product range. By coming together, we are defeating COVID by science. The climate crisis also is a concern, so with this, we are also addressing it with science as well. The climate crisis is man made, we can overcome this too. We have reduced emissions, but we have to do more. Unless we do the necessary, we are not going to be in the right track. Respecting the world, respecting worldwide is our slogan. We want to reduce emissions by 30%. Products that consumers buy as it goes into homes also are included. Today, Arcelik will work tirelessly and stretch our goals over the coming months. Hopefully we can do this in all our value chain. We commit to have fuel, plastic, waste, water, become reduced as part of our goals. The green wave is coming, it's here and here to stay. It makes good business sense that you can do the right thing without costing much. We are doing this because we believe it brings us an opportunity for our business to create a new brand, especially when you want to be different compared to your competitors. I believe when we do this, we'll get ahead. It makes business sustainable. Appliances should use less energy, and be built with quality recycled materials. We have products that reflect this principle. We will apply this across the board including packaging, in almost all areas of our business, it's a long journey but we have to lead by example. We need to continue, so others will follow, so we can fight this challenge in climate crisis. The urgency is real, we need to act together. Every decision we make, this will be in our attention."

Brendan Edgerton the Director of World Business Council for Sustainable Development adds "Everything is connected, COVID is seen as a restart for all of us."

Ragip Balcioglu the CCO of Arcelik says "Regardless of how business starts, there is one thing consumers want. They want CHANGE. Everyone changed shopping habits during the pandemic. Arcelik has always been doing sustainability efforts for a number of years now. We are a leader in our industry, working with a vision to an entire ecosystem."

Zeynep Yalim Uzun the CMO of Arcelik says "We are aligned with our consumers sustainability goals. We have been developing products that make healthy living possible. We are commited in recycling, have energy efficient products that support sustainable living. This is what the consumer wants. It's great to see we are in the same page as this. Working towards a healthier planet, we need technologies that  lower carbon footprint. It's a great push for us, but we encourage other manufacturers to follow suit as well. We utilize AI, did videos that reached millions of people so more people can join our journey."

From washing machines, dryers, these things can use recyclable materials in order to create these appliances. They also do fishnets on plastic parts, including industrial threads waste and integrate it to plastic parts in the last two years. The company also use environmentally friendly materials in their Bio Cycle Refrigerators. They use bio plastics, with egg trays made from soybean oil, egg shells and other materials.

They have several campaigns that address obesity in the past like "Eat Like a Pro", and now evolved it to something that is more shifted to the attention to the community, and the world. They do "Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet". And I think that's a good thing to address.

No Rome Comes Out with New Single SPINNING featuring Charli XCX and The 1975

My kind of music is getting good attention, thanks to NO ROME,  a London based Filipino artist. I have long had his hit song "5 Ways to Bleach Your Hair" on my workout and shower playlist because I have long adored things that I could connect to on a personal level. It hits close to home.

His talent, has been given the nod from producers in New York, Los Angeles, but he's pretty much living it up in London with Dirty Hit Records. This new single is called "Spinning" which he did together with artists singer, songwriter Charli XCX and English pop rock band The 1975. You may purchase the track now here : https://norome.ffm.to/spinning

These artwork was made for No Rome, Charli XCX, Matty Healy and George Daniel by Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess-Johnson. Unbelievable!

As if the music and lyrics weren't already sick, he goes on and collaborated with Japanese artist Hideyuki Tanaka and designer Samuel Burgess - Johnson so they could create a visual world around the release of this single, I must say, my eyes and brain exploded from all these chibi/pop/anime art. Each of the artist included in this song had their own character venturing into a psychedelic dream sequence after falling into a pit.  These works of art were later on sent to NFT platform Foundation to benefit 3 different charities where he sent his part to Right Start (care for poor/abandoned children), Charli to Girls Make Beats (for female musicians, producers) and Matty to One Tree Planted (tree planting charity). Great artists that also help? Yeap, that's them!

Here's a treat, check out the super cute video released a few hours ago!

No Rome is also set to release an album later this year, and we're all excited for that! Go stream them on platforms and get those views up to support this Fillipino artist. He's undoubtedly good!

Beko Now Available Countrywide

You've heard of them, now you'll be seeing them present in almost all leading appliance stores nationwide. Europe's number one appliance brand is now in the Philippines and prepared a lot to get their best ones out in the market. During the pandemic, contrary to what is supposed to be the norm, people have been doing lots of house repairs and re-decorating and that's exactly where Beko can come in.

Beko has really good refrigerators, washers, cookers and range hoods. They also have ovens and vacuum cleaners. They have heavily invested in technologies that would make sure your consumables stay fresh, your house clean and kept well. Beko had their appliances equipped with HarvestFresh, EverFresh, NeoFrost Dual Cooling, SteamCure, AquaIntense, Steam Cooking Solutions and PowerClean. They've been in the country since last year but this year, they've made sure they have done the legwork to have their products available in major appliance retail stores in all regions of the country, and online as well.

For now, they have these products in All Home, Ansons, Asian Home, Great World Appliances, Robinsons Appliances, Savers Appliances, and SM Appliance Stores, and online via Household Appliance Trading's website (hat.com.ph) and Beko’s Lazada official store. They still continue to bring the best of what Europe can offer in Filipino homes and I think that's a good thing. If you fancy getting them, you've got these options and that's a safe way to actually do it especially if you're buying them online. 

Beko made that happen.

Beko Announces Fun Holiday Promo

The pandemic has brought upon us a lot of hardships, being away from family and friends, difficulty to do work, and an economy that is struggling. Although we're experiencing a lot these days, we still have that hope that the Christmas season in the Philippines will still prosper. It's a grand time to reconnect, no matter how we do it, as it is a good holiday to find reason to come together and show love just like we used to. May it be online, from a distance, thinking about our very own safety while still remembering the reason for the season and our own family.

Beko Pilipinas feels a little bit generous this season and what good way to show their support to Filipinos but by giving them a chance to send gifts to their loved ones, sounds nice eh? They call it “Beko Sends Love This Christmas” wherein Beko stands to give away several of their appliances to lucky patrons every Friday from November 6 up until January 4, 2021. This includes a Grand Prize of Php 120,000 worth of appliances that would be a dream for those who would win it. This includes a refrigerator, a washing machine, a cooker, a dryer and a range hood for your home.

 

This is Beko's way of celebrating with the Filipino family. If you choose to join, you would to purchase appliances worth Php 10,000 and up in a single receipt from October 31st to December 31. This can be only done on select partner stores like SM Appliances, All Home, Ansons, Robinsons, Great World, Asian Home, Manila Imperial, Savers, shopping app Lazada and Household Appliances Trading to name a few. If you get Php 10,000 to Php 19,000 worth of appliances, you get one raffle ticket. If you purchase more from Php 20,000 - Php 39,999, you get two raffle tickets. If you purchase Php 40,000-Php 59,999, then you get three. If you purchase Php 60,000 and above, you get 4 raffle tickets for it. You simply must register your purchases via www.bekopromos.ph, then nominate your loved one so they could be one of the 37 lucky winners weekly and have a chance to win the grand prize which will be known in January. Minor prizes include Beko Vacuum cleaners while the grand prize can be chosen from the Beko 50cm freestanding cooker, Beko 8KG automatic topload washing machine or a 7.1 cu.ft. Beko Refrigerator. It will be drawn on January 4, 2021 and will involve the grand prize of an appliance showcase containing a Beko 15.5cu.ft Refrigerator, a Beko 7kg Inverter Frontload Washing Machine, a Beko 7KG dryer, a Beko 60cm hood and a Beko 60cm freestanding cooker.

To know more about the actual promo, make sure you visit the Beko Philippines’ official Facebook page seen at facebook.com/bekoph because it's all there!

Dining Down South at AKROTIRI Modern Eurasian Cuisine

Alabang is so far from my place that I'd feel overly burdened to go there if it's not worth it. Work for most of the time made me travel there - and before I do go home, I'd plan ahead and make sure I discover something different, something that would impress my friends, my workmates, my family and my own taste buds. That's not hard to do mind you, but I guess there's an underlying notion of it being "worth it" before I do actually enjoy it this time because I traveled far for it. This is one of them, it's called AKROTIRI which serves modern Eurasian cuisine.

Set at the sprawling Filinvest business district at Commercenter in Alabang, this place is known for a small mall (by Philippine standards) and the neighboring food establishments. I have frequented this place in the past as I was staying in nearby hotels, so do expect people from neighboring towns, tourists and expats as well. 

Akrotori is a cozy little place that could sit 50-60 people. It's got fancy - proper seating, a huge bar and a small function room upstairs for private parties. It's perfect for small events and you can even fit a stage inside since it's got pretty high ceilings. They didn't shortchange in design because the whole place wreaks of a modern bistro - added with a look of an English pub you would often see in that region. Ahh I can still remember the few drinks I had there, I was in tipsy heaven!

The Food

The food is exquisite, albeit being a little pricey, you would see their servings are actually large. They use the freshest ingredients - and quality wise, it's worth it! I would never hesitate to take a few family members here to enjoy the food. It's fusion so I think it's easy to adapt with flavors that are used in the west, a hodgepodge of taste and cooking techniques that are familiar in Europe - all here in Manila.   

The Grilled Squid stuffed with Feta Foam and Black Ink Risotto was a good starter. It's slightly fishy because of obvious reasons, soft and the risotto was comforting. Make sure you have this while it's hot.

Converse 1 Star World Tour

We hung around ETON Centris tonight with skatera, other media outlets to see the premier of #1StarWorldTour, a project by #ConversePH. It's a movie showing the skate culture as seen in different parts of the world. They got world class skate champs and walk the talk in different countries as they show around worthy tricks so they could learn and about how it is in their culture. Oh we've seen a lot!

They did Europe (I guess Spain?), Latin America (perhaps Mexico), Asia (of which I think had Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan?) of which got Converse on all of them. I'm sure these things were pretty dangerous stuff, but even if they don't know the language... The tricks and skate culture were enough to get to understand each other. That was cool. This was filmed by Richard Quintero and Ben Chadourne. This was done in 4 weeks in 4 regions, unbelievable! They gave away posters of Converse Ambassadors Don Nguyen, Bobby De Keyser,Sage Elsesser, Andrew Brophy, Jerome Campbell, Carlos Cardenosa, David Stenstrom and Remy Taveira. They also include professionals Zered Basset, Jason Jessee, Ben Raemers, Aaron Herrington,Louie Lopez, Kenny Anderson,Frank Gerwer, Sammy Baca, Eli Reed, Sean Pablo, Mike Anderson , Jake Johnson, Al Davis and Tom Remillard. The short documentary will be available February 4 on the brand's Youtube channel. Watch it!

To know more about it, go to Facebook.com/ConversePH. 

Happy Socks Now In The Philippines

We've covered the launch of Happy Socks a few days ago at Staple and Perk Bakery in Makati. The Swedish brand is just starting to get its feet wet into the Philippine market as they have only been available in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, South Korea, Sweden, UK, USA, Japan, India, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan.

Two sisters shopped for it too much in Hong Kong and felt that they should bring the brand to Philippine shores after they got fed up of the boring socks choices in the saturated Philippine market. I should know too because I'm pretty fond of these things that I only got to source them in one or two stores locally. Happy Socks also makes this different too because their main goal is to make everyday items like socks, boxers, underpants into colorful things that could spread happiness. 

They also got us involved in spreading happiness too by enjoining us in #100HappyActs which is their cause that makes us attendees be like individual ambassadors of happiness through those small boxes you see on the left. Those boxes contain around 3 of their products which we had to give to different people to ultimately make them happy too. I already gave the baby tights to my favorite 2yo nephew who frequently visits me in the house. It fits him perfectly and the colors are just so bright that all my relatives fancied him even more when they saw him wearing it for the first time. There are actually two more socks left on the box that I plan to give to special people in my life. I'd like to share the happiness too you know.

The socks are very comfy too you know and it doesn't feel restricting at all. It was like freedom for the feet and I super love the available colors that they had. I was even drooling over the cases they had on display because I even wanted that for myself too, really really bad!

Now you don't have to go to other countries to get these sweet colorful socks, boxers, tights and other products from Happy Socks. They're available in all Urban Athletics stores nationwide, Urban Superior Store in Cebu, or www.dreamlablifestyle.com. This is definitely a necessity for every redefined man, I'd like to have more of this gawd!

For more information about their products:

Happy Socks PH

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.dreamlablifestyle.com/

Bucket List: To See Spain!

As you can probably tell by my name, I have Spanish lineage. I've attempted to trace our family tree and the last bit I got is that we hail from Valencia. It's a long story. Valencia is the third largest city after Madrid and Barcelona. A few days ago, we were invited to a dinner party over at Manila Peninsula and see product updates about Spain. I didn't know countries could come like a product but when I listened to their people a couple of nights ago, it all made sense. I've got to go to España!

Arturo Ortiz, Director of Spain Tourism Board side by side with Ms. Vien Cortes, Market Analyst from the Spain Tourism Board.

The National Tourism Office of Spain and Embassy representatives provided information that would highlight the best from their country. It all boils down to our affinity to culture and our historical ties. We could not just throw away what's common between the Philippines and Spain so they are really banking on that. 

Spain's aggressive stance in the tourism industry didn't just come overnight, because as of now their yearly tourist arrivals amount to around 58 million. It definitely provides a chunk of their economic and business activities and since there are untapped Asian cities like Manila plus our other neighbors, we would be something that they have found interest especially in the religious - pilgrimage tour sector since our countries ties involve Catholicism. Their churches and real deal saintly locations doesn't only provide sustenance to the spirit, but even awe struck you with architecture spanning ages you weren't born or thought about yet, that long. Aside from that, they've also got one of the most modern art, architecture and engineering centers in the world! I was pretty close to booking a ticket when they showed Madrid. Then when we were also told about other regions in the country, I envied the lady who spoke about the Andalusian region where she showed some parts of Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, Málaga and Seville. She hasn't even started yet because as she was telling us about the places, she went in and dosed us with Spanish Gastronomy!

 

This is my kind of Paella! =)

There must be a hundred of these concoctions that are similarly called in Filipino and Spanish cooking but yes, Spain does have their own gustatory pleasures in and around Madrid. Their Paella no matter what way or form it goes just looks so good. Each region much like ours have their own version. Meaning that goes the same with Ensaymada, Adobo, etc. I also envy their wine and olive oil sources especially when they treat EVOO with such regalness since they never would want to put it elsewhere (not even on a pan) but on a plate!

Ms. Lisa Dinh, Business Development Manager for International Marketing & Tourism, 

El Corte Ingles

Then this gorgeous lady right here also told us something husbands would never appreciate. Spain is actually lethal for shopaholics! They've got hundreds of shopping malls and arcades in Spain that would be the perfect venue to swipe your cards. They've got one of the biggest tax exempted shopping venues in the world. They've got a system to get refunds for most retail shops and all you have to do is fill up the appropriate forms for it. If you're looking for original labeled bags, they bet you can even get it cheaper in Spain than in other European countries since it is duty free! Now that's a shopping haven you wouldn't want to miss!

The Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq

Ambassador Jorge Domecq proudly says that there are around 54,000 Filipinos who visited Spain last year and they are gunning to increase that this 2014. Spain has it all and all you have to do is take a look at this bright spot in Europe once more. I've always wanted to go and see if there's a Bueno clan in that part of the world, who know's I might just get the chance to do that this year!

 Since we needed to immerse ourselves further with what Spain has to offer, we got our dancing shoes ready for a spirited Flamenco dance!

I did actually get to experience Flamenco when I was a kid (I kid you not!) and it's one of the most exhilarating dances I've ever done. If you wish to see more of Spain, watch this!

 

Viva España!

P.S. Oh if you're looking for flights, go with Qatar Airways. I've seen their lounges and it's like a five star hotel. You've got to stay there a bit if I were you! LOL 

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