Susana's by Pelayo's: Comforting Pasta That Might Change Your Life

Susana's mouthwatering signature Lasagna

Quezon City certainly has some really remarkable food havens and one of them is the Banawe area. There's a multitude number of cuisines, and each street still has some dishes to discover, but this one might change your life (oh yes we love puns!).

For those who are familiar with Pelayo's Cafe + Bistro (and their restaurants across Luzon), they've been in the food industry for a couple of years now. Solidly known for their mouthwatering Crispy Pata and Patatim, they have been able to satisfy countless Filipino homes with their quality cooked dishes and hosted tons of events and gatherings too. With the success of the brand in recent years, they continued to innovate, research and develop recipes for the ones at home, and to be able to make their lives easy in preparing ready to eat meals especially for those who they love.

Native Salad with Poached Egg

My personal favorite, the Patatim

Their well loved Crispy Pata

Beef Sinigang for those rainy days

Bangus Sisig

Hearty and corn lovin Suam

That's the secret ingredient to the food they serve and this month, they're launching Susana's Lasagna, a namesake of the owner's (Rad Pelayo) grandmother. We had a half serving of it on a plate to whet our appetite, and to tell you honestly, their version is a really good one. If you're often being served the tangy Italian versions of it in high end restaurants in Manila, Susana's Lasagna is a lot different because they managed to modify the dish to fit the Filipino palate. It's not too sour, not too sweet, but just right. It's also very cheesy, where one should note that even if they made it affordable, they didn't shortchange in the quality of ingredients. This is something they take pride on.

How This May Change Your Life

Susana's by Pelayos is actually starting to grow their business. This means, that YOU have the opportunity to be part of that by becoming a reseller or a franchise owner. It's the holiday season and Susana's Lasagna knows there's a lot of people who dread cooking for a lot of people during this time.

Conveniently sold frozen, you would just need to have this delivered, thawed (if you need it for other days) and put in the microwave or oven. Their goal is to be able to help other entrepreneurs to start their own business by selling them, or even have it be supplied to restaurants and cafe's as well. This means that as a seller, you don't need to do hard labor cooking. Customers have been loving the pasta like we did and the products can last a few months (best to consume in 2 months) but it could last in the freezer for more than that.

Franchise owners have the option of having time tested products both from the Pelayo's bistro menu and the Susanas by Pelayos line of pastas to sell or enjoy. If you're interested, please get in touch with them via their BANAWE BRANCH at 0917 119 3366 or visit them at 74 P. Florentino st. Sto. Domingo Banawe, Quezon City or their LUBAO BRANCH by calling 0917 144 4628 or their address Purok 3, Lourde Lauc Pao, Lubao, Pampanga.

They have these dishes combined in boxes with drinks and other viands so you can conveniently serve guests during events. The pasta from Susana's are also available in Solo, Sharing and Party Size. I bet there's going to be a lot of people who would order this during Christmas or New Year. Ordering is also easy as referrals will be done with nearby sellers/franchisees once they get in touch with their page Susana's Lasagna on FB.

iStudio Plus Levels Up iPhone 17 Midnight Launch

Had so much fun at iStudio Plus' iPhone 17 Midnight launch at the Bonifacio Highstreet grounds in BGC. Countless folks lined up early to make sure they get the much coveted iPhone 17 and the perks that come with it if you get it from iStudio Plus. 

BGC's B3 area was transformed into an activity center filled with various brands like HAVIT, Insta 360, EcoFlow, Union Bank who partnered with iStudio to make sure everyone gets an experience out of the launch even before the release of iPhone 17 began. Several performers like DJ Nico Yabut, artists Yoki and Kiyo performed on stage to the delight of patrons who stayed and partied for hours, and got prizes from booths inside the activity area. They also had coffee and fruit drinks given for free if you complete the passport and celebrities saying hi too. This includes artist Raki who partnered with iStudio, he certainly had talent and his art work and merch was a hit with everyone at the venue!

Angel Guardian, PBB Celebrity Collab alumnus AZ Martinez, Asian Cutie took their sweet time to participate in booths, and later went with us to unbox their very own iPhone 17. Here's a few videos we took when the clock struck 12!

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Then we also saw the first person in line named Vanessa Marcelo who hails from BGC. She really waited online to sign up for the form and went there as customer number 1 which means aside from owning an iPhone 17, she'll be getting various products and apple services amounting to Php 70k+. This also happened in different tiers with other folks who also spent the day lining up and enjoying the fun party that iStudio Plus had at their BGC branch. 

If you want one, you should definitely follow their social channels to make sure when stocks become available, you can avail it from them. Who knows?! You might get perks like them too!

Level Up Content Creation with AKASO Action Cameras

I've been raring to find something that could up my content creation journey and yes, a 360 degree camera would gladly fit. It's been on my bucket list lately so it wouldn't be just the run of the mill interviews that I'd have but rather a way to show how we'd get there in a fun way. AKASO has got a line of action cameras in their arsenal that would fit any lifestyle that you have and they recently announced their expansion in the Philippines with the help of Siklab Spark Corporation (who's also going to have exclusive rights to distribute it in the country!)

At the event, they had the executives re-introduce the various devices and how it could take videos and content creation to another level plus a few more reasons on why one should consider an AKASO 360 action camera.

Here's what happened on video:

If you are keen to have one, they've got really good promos on TikTok Shop, Shopee and Lazada. It costs Php 12,288 on TikTok, also offered for Php 11,888 on Snopee, and Php 12,188 on Lazada. Make sure to use all the available vouchers to get it. They are also offering the AKASO V50 X for Php 6,988, and have it even lower on the same platform. Same goes with the AKASO EK7000 which you can get less than 4K with available vouchers. I think it's time you consider getting one. If that ain't enough, following them on these platforms would also get you the chance to win on October 22. They'll announce the winners 8pm that day. Make sure you also follow their social channels to know more of these products and future promos they plan to implement, because they've got plans to do so!

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Can't wait to take it out for a spin today! It's time we take our shots to another level!

Will.I.Am and LG Philippines Launch LG XBoom AI Line

The energy was high as LG Philippines welcomed the one and only Will I Am to Manila's shores, a one in a lifetime experience for all the fans of music producer and artist. He's also a stalwart of education for underserved students around the world, now putting his experience to the LG XBOOM AI line.

He started the event by reminiscing how many times he's been in the country for shows, and how the Filipinos have gone to support them during their early years as a group with BEP, and his best friend Apl D Ap. He also mentioned how he has been in the audio business as one of the first few folks who worked in the most popular one years ago, and this came at the most opportune time. See he didn't just use LG when they got connected this year, but it has been a regular household name for him and his family. He's got plenty of home appliances that bear the same name and yes, he wants a cohesive home which this will definitely complete. The LG XBoom Bounce is for those who are always listening to music. It has a nice form and has got 30 hours of playtime, and really good bass if you are the outdoorsy type. The LG XBoom Grab on the other hand  is very light, has over 20 hours of battery and is good for outdoors, you won't get too tired working out or enjoying a day with friends and family. For those who prefer the LG XBoom Stage, it's the perfect karaoke companion of you're into voice performances or busking. It can last 12 hours of battery, you can host shows, entertain guests like there's no tomorrow. I've also been using the new LG XBoom Buds which are so good for listening to music, podcasts and even meetings when I feel like it. 

They also have AI which they plan to go improve in the coming weeks, and Will.I.Am even showed us what it could possibly do in the coming months. He was getting interviewed in English during one part of the program, but then changed it to English without the need for other things to do it. 

Just imagine the things it can do in the future as they develop more things for the devices, speakers and app, the whole LG environment too. Will.I.Am also revealed some back stories for those hit songs you love from the whole Black Eyed Peas and the individual artists that they're with in the group.

Here's the whole conversation we had with him at OKADA. 

If you want to know more about these new speakers from the Will.I.Am LG XBoom AI line, visit their official site or social channels because they'll be putting out content about it there too!

Foundations Pledge 2 Million for FutureSmart Grants for Edukasyon.PH

There exists brain drain and lack of IT professionals in the country. This includes sectors like programming, network engineering, software development, cyber security and more. While the population is available, it is quite expensive to send them to schools, and this is being addressed by private organizations like D!g!P|us and B!ng0P|us Foundation. 

These efforts were solidified by a MOA signing with executives from Edukasyon.PH, There exists brain drain and lack of IT professionals in the country. This includes sectors like programming, network engineering, software development, cyber security and more. While the population is available, it is quite expensive to send them to schools, and this is being addressed by private organizations like Edukasyon.ph, B!ng0P|us Foundation, There exists brain drain and lack of IT professionals in the country. This includes sectors like programming, cloud expertise, network engineering, software development, cyber security and more. While the population is available, it is quite expensive to send them to schools, and this is being addressed by private organizations like Edukasyon.ph, D!g!P|us and B!ng0P|us Foundation, Amazon Web Services Philippines and Greenfield for AWS ASEAN. So just imagine how much they could train for cloud services and tech using this initiative. 

They will begin with the AWS re/start program that runs for 12 weeks, something that could prepare them for cloud studies, then the folks from Edukasyon.ph will work on job placements that would hopefully land them one in 3 months including D!g!P|us and B!ng0P|us,.plus their affiliates. 

This part of their initiatives to increase work for Pinoys in this economy, as it already has changed over 5000 students, teachers through these efforts, and has already gotten them to win a Gold Stevie Award because of their huge social impact, as they plan to expand this to other areas pretty soon. D!g!P|us and B!ng0P|us will completely commit to help even more in the coming years, to hopefully develop more IT and cloud professionals as we get to become a bullish digital behemoth very soon. 

Head on to Edukasyon.ph if you want to become part of the movement or be one of their scholars!

CARITAS MANILA Starts SEGUNDA MANA Grand Bazaar at TRINOMA

Had the chance to visit the Caritas Manila led SEGUNDA MANA Grand Bazaar 2025 at the Ayala Malls Trinoma's 4th Floor in Quezon City. This is the social service arm of the Philippines Catholic church and has been running a couple of years already. 

It was packed but people were eager to help because where else would you be able to purchase really great finds of food and products and in turn help the causes that they support particularly the education of the poor and their livelihood. This was witnessed by leaders of Caritas Manila, our lovely Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, several beauty queens and kings too. 

Rev. Father Anton Pascual the Caritas Manila Executive Director says "For 72 years we have been doing Caritas Manila efforts and there are a lot of people helping us in Segunda Mana. Second Hand Items, new ones, toys, we monetize them for nature and community projects and we hope this would be sustained with your help. This is patterned from the US's goodwill stores and we thank Ayala Trinoma, PMG, Miss Universe PH and Misters Pilipinas, our Mayor Joy Belmonte who has helped social enterprise. We want to thank you, and hope this gets sold in 3 days so we can help the poor. The poor are not lazy, they just need opportunity so they could help themselves. Please spread the good news, may God bless you!"

Mayor Joy Belmonte says "I was lucky to have been able to work after graduation with Caritas Manila. At QC, our values are aligned and have worked to give scholars to lift themselves and not just rely on dole outs. We have 40k now and hopefully have 80k after our term. Thank you to Caritas for doing environmental efforts, textile is another waste we need to address in this economy. Every year we have tons of it in our landfills and in a circular economy we hope to recycle these. I wish people stop a consumerist lifestyle, balance it with new and second hand items to help, declutter and live simple lives to donate in Caritas Manila. We hope to host a lot of social enterprises in the city, it's my dream to do this. Let's all shop for a cause today!"

Miss Eco International 2025 Alexei Brooks says "Coming here I asked what to talk about, but recycling is an important part of it. I am an athlete, and was poor to afford shoes. My grandma went to buy a 500 peso pair which I eventually would win in Palarong Pambansa. I still have it, it's a reminder of who I am, to take care of the environment and climate change is happening. This organization is partnering with international ones and it is a good cause. If you want to achieve great things, please donate so you can make a difference in someone else's life."

PMG GM Agnes Magallanes adds "I rallied our team to donate and went on to do 3 years of helping this cause. We want to be part of the solution, meeting with them, we got to have social engagements and urge corporations to give back. We need to be part of the solution, not just clothes, but plastics, it's part of our sustainable efforts and we thank Caritas Manila for making us part of it. We hope to sell these and have nothing to send back to our warehouse."

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The event will be from today til June 8 so you have about 2 days left to go there and help. Make sure to visit and buy so we can help families send their kids to school through Segunda Mana and other Caritas Manila projects. They also have vendors from communities, as they want them to be self sufficient later on. Hope you can help!

BEN&BEN, CALISTA and John Mark Saga Headline ALON Benefit Concert for Seafarers and their Families

In this day and age, people in the Philippines often do not get work in places across the country. To find a better life for them and their families, Filipinos venture out at sea and become seafarers. It's not easy to be away from family and remain in the deep blue ocean for weeks, months, some even years. Some fall prey to unscrupulous individuals who wouldn't bat an eyelash to not give them what's due them especially if they need government help, or lawyers to protect their rights (maritime or others) even if they are not in the country.

They need help, and this is where GOLD Foundation and maritime organizations come in. They just announced a concert for a cause called ALON Pagibig, Pangarap at Pagasa, slated this June 28th 6pm at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. This is headlined by one of the most popular bands in the country BEN&BEN, talented singer John Mark Saga and lovely female PPOP Group CALISTA. 

Seafarer Cecilia Giron tells us about her experience at work and says "This is a very humbling type of work, I was a bit hesitant at first, but I was able to perform the job. When I went home, I was so thin and didn't encourage me to go back . 13 years in a cruise ship, and a few years more, fooled by our love story, but I didn't want to end my dream. I had to work for my daughter, and later asked to do the same work now. It only took 5 months to finish it."

Jebsen Gamido an awareness advocate in the maritime sector told us about those experiencing not just abuse, but even mental health concerns for those who are working on ships. There are tons of seafarers who are in the same shoes and hopefully it will also be highlighted at the ALON concert.

Cadet Jerimy Orquiza shared how he didn't want to become a seafarer, but since he worked in a maritime school, he was inspired about their stories and got interested with their lives, even if it means being away from their families so they could provide for their loved ones. 

Marville Espagob of ISWAN shared how he had a great career, but it was hard for him mentally. The ALON concert is intended to help folks like him, and he will have a chance to talk about it in the show. They provide free helplines to understand them and their stories."

Ms. Lala Tolentino of The Mission to Seafarers adds "There has been no event that is like this to remind ourselves of love, welfare and hope. We support the family and seafarers around the world, no matter what the nationality, race or trust. We are recognizing them, they carry 90 percent of what you are wearing today. They are hidden workers, unseen, and this will make them be on the spotlight. Because they want to help their families, they set aside personal happiness because no matter what it seems, they deserve our recognition. The benefit concert will go to fund the mission for the seafarers and their families."

Gelo Ruiz who's directing the concert says "ALON will be a tribute born out of love. There are about 3 Million out there, and this is very personal for me because I am a son of a seafarer. This will be about their Stories, their Advocacies, and how we have better lives with their sacrifice. We are making ways to inspire people, and our program contains Ben&Ben, Kelvin Miranda, Calista, and John Mark Saga who will sing for one night. Every artist have their own story, it gives people hope. Calista will also showcase women empowerment with their numbers, and John Mark has real seafarer family members. We hope you get to support us on June 28th!"

Expecting a whopping 7000 attendees, they are still looking for partners, you may reach them on their social channels and email too. Tickets available at ticket2me.net and it will be held at the Ninoy Aquino stadium in Manila. Make sure you bring along your seafarer family members, friends and everyone.

John Mark Saga is a seafarer's son and says even the poster tells a lot about growing up without his father on his side. He got to pursue his dreams because of his father's sacrifice which he wasn't able to do in the past.

Calista says "It's an honor to be part of this big movement about seafarers and their families, it's a responsibility to represent the women and we have been advocating empowerment even those who are on board. With ALON, and our music, we hope it touches hearts for those who work in the industry. We will support them, and their dreams as seafarers too."

Calista had their concert years back to help frontliners and medical professionals, this time they're doing it for seafarers which is a very noble thing to do.

It's an important advocacy, for the seafarers and their families. If you want to do the same, go support them in the concert. Tickets will surely sell out fast because concerts like this cost more on a normal day. They plan to give the proceeds to organizations that help seafarers with legal, medical and mental needs. Get tickets via Ticket2Me.net and watch the event at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium because it's going to be one fun night!

JISULIFE Turns Blue and Opens New Branch at SM City San Lazaro

Spent the afternoon at the SM City San Lazaro for a windy event as popular portable fan brand JISULIFE opened at the 3rd floor Cyberzone in Manila. 

The event was graced by Jisulife Country Manager LA Lucero, Marketing Head Igue Bonifacio and popular radio DJ Kevin Sy. They also introduced a huge sale to coincide with the SM City San Lazaro mallwide sale slated to run from May 17th to 19. Folks who were early got the chance to get the Life5 Plus at 599 instead of the original price of 750++, the same goes with the other fan models that they also lowered prices at this particular branch. They also held games for the public and gave away several Jisulife fans, and lanyards to keep them safe and tight while you carry it around all day. 

They also told us this is one of many Jisulife stores that they plan to put up in the country that is bearing the new BLUE logo (it was previously Orange/Red), and they plan to change the existing kiosks and stores to look like this one too. They also plan to implement this look in the previous collaterals they have built including those inside department stores nationwide!

It's HOT and you know Jisulife can get that heat out of your system. If this branch in Manila is so near your place, go get them because there's a reason why they are number one in the market!

The Runway Atelier Ready for GRAND SANTACRUZAN INTRAMUROS 2025

The walled city of Intramuros in Manila will be the venue for  the Grand Santa ruzan Intramuros 2025. It will take place at the San Agustin Church and the historic and picturesque grounds of the Puerto Real Gardens this coming May 18. It's a celebration of faith, the beauty of a Filipina, a showcase of heritage and pride in the Philippines. It will be a huge procession with Queens, Angels, and several biblical characters; and has been a yearly tradition. 

This has been done by Catholic communities to tell stories, teach the youth about faith, strengthen family bonds, bring self confidence, also teach Filipino values, devotion to the holy family, foster unity and hospitality for other people. There will be several performances and awards to be given. This will also be participated by models, kids and their families. 

This event is sponsored by Kitty Manila, Tiny Pieces, HTP Manila, Enchantrail, Melissa Philippines, Marriott Vacation Club, Savoy Hotel Manila and Camaya Coast. 

They have also partnered with Jelly Bunny Philippines, Nature Republic Philippines, Fjallraven Kanken Philippines, Oreo, Godox, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Elsa Fairy Dresses, and cosmetic brand BELA by Bela Manila. They would like to thank their media partners Studio Onse, Behind the Magic Photography, PH Fashion TV, IBC 13, Bloomberg, PTV4, PR Station Manila, and various individuals and organizations who have helped them mount this event.

If you want to inquire about partnerships, email them via support@therunwayatelier.com or their social channels where available.

A Balanced Lifestyle at Pico Terraces at Hamilo Coast

Maybe, just maybe, you're looking at your next summer home. We're sure you've been dreading Manila weather because it's just too hot out here for most of the day. With 7,100 islands to choose from in the Philippines, SM Prime takes you to Pico Terraces at Hamilo Coast in Batangas.

It's a really quiet refuge from SM Leisure Resort Residences, tower structures that are mid rise development set to be all done in 2027. You can just walk a few minutes to Pico Beach and get access to the Beach and Country Club. It's also available in different floor sizes if you want a one, two or three bedroom layout. It's definitely made for families who would want a different feel from the urban setting. Something that would balance your lifestyle if you want to run here when you need a little more peace and quiet. This is something that isn't too far from Manila either, because a 2 hour drive could get you there according to Ms. Shirley Ong the EVP of SM LRR. They are also keen on keeping much of the land for open spaces, something that you should consider especially if you have a lot of kids, or family members. They also have a lot of amenities, gym, a place for yoga and other activities for the day.

They also have pools that would rival huge resorts, all in the comforts of the cove. If you are also a nature lover, want to trek, they have trails and more to enjoy the outdoors. They also have several places you can hold private events, those special occasions aimed to make memories, you'll love it there! Go find them on socials and their website, I bet those 211 units would run out fast judging from the interest growing with it.

Vista Land Wants You to MOVE Into These Mega Manila and Central Luzon Properties

Filipinos always wish for their own homes and the country's leading developer heard your call. Vista Land just announced their MOVE program, which means Making Ownership at Vista land Easy. As the name says, they've made it extra easy for you to own homes in their various projects located in 47 provinces and almost 150 cities/municipalities.

By streamlining payment plans and design them for both international and local buyers, folks can get to move in by giving 3 percent for their down payments. This would also get them over 30 percent savings if they go through the MOVE program and purchase it cash on the spot.

If you're a professional trying to start a life in one of their locations, or a husband and wife trying to grow your family, this would be a convenient way to invest. Although, this very attractive MOVE program will only be available til the end of the month (March 31st), so the best the time to avail it is NOW!

Vista Land has always been about growing communities. By putting in various house types in these locales, they get to accommodate home dwellers in different price points. Currently, they have Vista Estates, Crown Asia (who's doing different themes by the way!), Camella, Vista Manors and Lumina which they aggressively offer. They make sure these projects always have accompanying businesses, shopping centers, churches and transportation hubs nearby which makes them habitable from the day they enter their homes.  

Central Luzon alone is experiencing rapid growth and several estates in the province of Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan and nearby cities are experiencing progress. Jobs are generated in these communities and folks need not to go far to make a living or enjoy life's pleasures!

OFW's could even have their homes rented out as investments, it's been done quite often and because these homes are secured, have really nice green turfs, and urban planned well, it remains an attractive dwelling for those who prefer renting. This goes the same for those who prefer condominium units in Mega Manila because everything is accessible including local rails and transportation modes in these developments. It'll be so convenient to do business and entertain themselves whenever available.

If you want to know more about their properties, simply visit their official website www.vistaland.com.ph or follow their social channels @VistaLandOfficial and see the reasons why they continue to lead in the market.

Understand the Complex Heart of a Writer in Ricky Lee's "PARA KAY B"

The Ricky Lee masterpiece "PARA KAY B" is doing a run at the Doreen Blackbox Theater in Ateneo (ARETE). We watched their gala performance a couple days ago, done by LA Prod House, Fire and Ice Live! and their partner Tunog at Liwanag Sa Teatro Inc.

 

It's pretty loyal to the literature of our National Artist Ricky Lee (who was there and celebrating his birthday btw!), and I like what they did in modernizing some of the scenes. This made it relatable, current and a heck of a lot entertaining. The story revolved around the life of Bessie, and her love personas that lived in Ester, Sandra, Irene and Erica. Lucas was the writer, making sure he dedicated his time to make Bessie's characters come to life.

I'd say the actors who portrayed them did over and beyond what is expected. If you watch the show, you'll get yourself involved because chances are, you'll see yourself in one or more of these characters. This was crafted in a way that even if you didn't get to read the book, you'll still root for them and their story.

Set design was simple, efficient and used well to tell the story. There wasn't much music (as this isn't a musical), but effects were apt and utilized projectors most of the time. I'd say you would spend a few hours after the show to talk about your favorites, and who you would connect to. You would feel small about your burdens, because some of them here are crazy to think about... but it does happen.

Let's not spoil it for you, because if you are hungry to see a great show... they've got show dates on the 21st at 7PM, 22nd and 23rd at 2:30PM and 7PM, 28th at 7PM and on the 29th and 30th at 2:30PM and 7PM.

See the many ways of how the heart of a writer works. Make sure you get tickets online via Ticket2Me.net and see the show where Ricky Lee's best selling book gets interpreted on stage. 

Congratulations Direk Yong Tapang, and to the cast, you deserve the applause you got from that show!