Music, Milk Tea and Gabbi Garcia at the “Panahon sa Taiwan” Event

Spent quite a few hours at Glorietta 2 Activity Center as the Taiwan Tourism Bureau gave Filipinos a taste of how it feels like in Taiwan these days. The folks treated us to a few song numbers courtesy of artist Unique Salonga in the afternoon while the folks got acquainted with the multitude of airline and tour operators offering the best flight deals, hotel and destination packages right on the spot.

This definitely spurred from the recent developments of giving visa free privileges to Filipinos, making it so easy to go to and from the country formerly known as Formosa. I was certainly even more excited about the street food that they have, the Lantern Festival, the sweet tangy pineapple cakes and one of the most tallest buildings in the world Taipei 101. 

 

They also got us to see Kapuso star and international endorser Gabbi Garcia, the official celebrity endorser who was just in Taiwan to experience Cherry Blossoms, Shopping and just about every food item she loves.

 

Gabbi was just ecstatic telling us about how patient and helpful people were during her trip, that even if you're a first time traveler, it wouldn't be difficult to actually take public transportation (she took the MRT), or eat on the streets, have some wonderful tea amidst the majestic views of the Taiwanese countryside. This is also the second time that they are holding "Panahon sa Taiwan" which was graced by Ambassador Peiyung Hsu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines and Abe Chou Shih Pi who is the Taiwan Tourism Bureau KL Office Director.

Ticket promotions were available for Taiwan's China Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, our very own Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia. Some of the travel operators like Touristique Travel and Tours and Jeron Travel and Tours Corp. offered not just hotel and tour packages, but a meet and greet with Gabbi Garcia in Taiwan on some dates in March.

The event was hosted by Chuckie Dreyfus

Unique Salonga was quite a talented chap!

Here's what happened during the event on video, please enjoy!

 

Gabbi also participated in a DIY Milktea activity where she made her own drink in the venue courtesy of the folks from Tea Melody. They also announced that they will be getting her to appear in a meet and greet in National Taiwan Science Education Center on March 19 at 12PM for the Filipino and Taiwanese community. You may visit eng.taiwan.net.tw for more details about it. Else, you can also check facebook.com/tbrockl for updates since they post regularly there.

I guess it's time we do visit Taiwan! :)

Meet New Rainmaker Games Ambassador BARBIE IMPERIAL

The landscape of gaming has definitely changed in the last few years, and with the introduction of NFT's, blockchain tech and P2E games in the country. I see it still in its infancy and really, see why a lot of Filipinos are engaged in it. You've seen a lot of them on social media either as a flex or genuinely want to help others to take advantage of how to earn while playing.

There are actual FREE P2E platforms now like Rainmaker Games which gives access to hundreds of games of this type. It's certainly a good way to obtain earnings while playing. Rainmaker Games stemmed from a gaming guild, but now they've partnered with huge brands like Polygon Studios. Here, they can switch with different games, manage their finances, chat online and learn the ropes with the same platform. What better way to celebrate this growth but by getting a celebrity ambassador like gamer and actress Barbie Imperial.

She's streamed several games including CODM, ROS, NBA, PUBG and moba Mobile Legends among other things. She's also not a stranger to P2E and the world of cryptocurrency.

Barbie says "If you want someone to teach you how, Rainmaker Games have coaches so you could learn more about it. They also don't hesistate to teach you how to invest your money wisely."

If you want to know more about P2E and their plaform, you can join their community on the Rainmaker Games platform, they also have a Facebook Page at Facebook.com/RainmakerDAO and their discord channel dsc.gg/rainmaker or their telegram account t.me/rainmakergames. You may also visit their official site rmg.io, and as they say there, let's make it rain y'all!

Send Money FREE with GCash Padala

I'm sure a lot of you are using GCash for your transactions during this ECQ. It's convenient, you don't have to go to banks anymore and do it in the palm of your hand with just a few screen presses. Aside from that, it's secure and cheap, costs free most of the time and you get to help a lot of people who are in dire straights during the pandemic.

See, there's a new service in the GCash app called GCash Padala. It's a way for your non e-wallet using friends or family to receive money in an instant that's affordable, fast and easy. They are also waiving Padala fees from August 6 to 20 because it's ECQ. On a normal day, they only charge up to 1% on 500 peso minimum send which is already cheap by any standard. To claim it, they just need 1 valid ID and present it to 2000 GCash Padala partner shops like Posible, Go VIP Center, Tambunting Pawnshops, Panalo Express and tons of other pera outlet and sarisari stores nationwide.

Senders just log in on the GCash app and use the GCash Padala section. You just put in the full name, mobile number and the amount on it. You need to confirm and pay for the fees with the amount you have in your GCash wallet and send it. You'll get a reference number for the transaction together with notifications to both parties real time if it has been done. That's reassuring.

If you wanna know more, visit go.gcash.com/padala or gcash.com/services/padala and see how you can take advantage of it during these times. Quite easy no?

TGI Fridays Gives FREE PIZZA If You Are VACCINATED

Have you had your jab? Yes, the one for COVID-19? If you answered yes, this news is for you.

I've loved going to TGI Fridays in BGC when I have events there but as you may know, we can't go out that much and just start meeting people these days. I'm a bit afraid, and I care more about my family so I don't want to risk the chance and do that. I've got to get jabbed first so I know that I have that extra layer of protection aside from my own health to fight the dreaded virus. 

I got to do that in Quezon City just this weekend and it was a little crazy to book an appointment. I was honestly looking for a specific brand but as medical experts say, the best one is the one on your arm. I'll get my second jab next month. With that, I feel a little confident going out and still follow safety protocols (of course!). Now for those of you who have been able to do the same, TGI Fridays is giving YOU a treat this whole month of JUNE. They aptly call it ARMWARD because YOU made a difference in making sure you and your loved ones are protected and have taken that needed vaccine. What you can get for FREE is one of the most popular items on their menu, the PEPPERONI CRISPS.

If you show the Vaccination Card and a Valid ID, you will get the Pepperoni Crisp Thin Crust Pizza with a minimum purchase of Php 1,000 single receipt purchase. It is valid for dine-in and take out in all TGI Fridays stores in the country. That's practically saving Php 545 which could go to other things you need to buy, or maybe order extra food in the same joint hehe.

Well that's all for now, go get em pizzas eh!

PayMaya Says: Bank Transfer Through InstaPay Stays FREE til October 31st

This is good news for those who were caught off guard with pronouncements by digital wallet providers suddenly charging for Bank transfers and transactions. 

PayMaya is continuing to make sending money from PayMaya accounts to other banks and E-Wallets through InstaPay FREE until October 31st, 2020. They will also be waiving off fees for PayMaya to PayMaya transfers, all free of charge. 

They also want customers to check with their individual banks for any transaction fees as they might charge you upon adding money to their PayMaya account. You can also choose to link your BPI accounts to do it for FREE or do it over the counter with BDO or Ministop branches. There are also Pera Hub branches nationwide that can do it for you instead. This comes as a statement from PayMaya released October 1st.

I really take this as good news. Plan your transactions accordingly so you don't spend too much on fees. Times are rough, and the last thing we want to do is to spend more with these fees. It's where I pay my bills too, these are no chump change to be okay about. I hope everyone else follow suit.

Denny’s Gets You 12 Slams for 12 Months!

Ayala North Exchange is continuing to open restaurants and this time, they’re giving you a treat! Your favorite diner DENNY’s is opening their newest branch and that means, this awesome day should be topped with your favorite comfort food in the morning, pancakes!


First 100 who get to pay 500 pesos on their bill starting August 5 in DENNY’s Ayala North Exchange will get the opportunity to have 12 FREE SLAMS for 12 MONTHS! That’s 2 fluffy buttermilk pancakes, eggs done your way, 2 bacon strips (your choice of doneness) and 2 sausage links, now how’s that for a treat?!


Go to dennys.ph for more info or troop to the store if you’re in the mood for flipping wonders!

HOOQ Does FREE PLAY

There’s so much more with HOOQ as the app makes you choose with a click of a button with Book Free, one month FREE festival until July 21. With some of the best indie and mainstream film makers, you would be able to watch it for the whole month starting tomorrow without the need to register on the platform. This was announced this evening during the FREE PLAY event at the Mac Power Center at Circuit Makati.

Hooq Free is an innovation as they add FREE content in short or long form on the app. This festival is only from June 21 to July 20 and it includes 1000+ movies in it. They want to eliminate too many steps, less privacy concerns too. It’s a taste of what HOOQ is only for this month. The Hooq FREE has short form contents, some originals, tons of content from the Philippines, other Asian countries and even Hollywood. There is a spotlight on some of your favorite movies, pick up and download the app if you’re up to it. They also have an original Margie Holmes show on the platform that would be very educational. Some movies will star your favorite actors and actresses and we saw them during the event live!

They took a lot of learnings from Filipino habits during the 4 years they have been here and they have a network of content creators to bring in content from recent movies, even those in the pipeline.

They are not completely free, just some, but it will give a glimpse of what they offer and if you do via 59 pesos a week, you’ll get even more. Not all are supported by ads even on FREE so you can get something to entertain you, air as is with parental controls of course on some of it because John Wick isn’t for everyone lol.

SEAOIL Lifetime GAS Oh My Gas 2018

It’s SEAOIL’s 40th Anniversary, they have been putting importance on their journey. Francis Yu, the CEO himself worked in a gas station during college. During those years, he saw how it was inefficient it was at work and knew if he had the opportunity to be in the oil industry, he can do a better job. In the past decades, he knew he made some mistakes, but in each situation, he has learned lessons. He implemented it to his company, and has never stopped ever since. 

Now SEAOIL’s special 40th year seal has the sun’s rays, water underneath which symbolises what is right, and the other for innovation. They are the current leading independent fuel company in the country. With 400 retail stations, 10 depots, they make it accessible and easy to reach tested thrice daily and has stp additives. Even if you pay lower, you’re getting better fuel. They will continue to do this expansion in the next 3-5 years, so you will see more of them very soon. 

Aside from that, their excellently accepted LIFETIME FREE GAS Oh My Gas raffle last year is making a comeback. From August 18 to September 18, then October 18, til November 18 (2 winners), which are 3 raffle draws respectively. You just have to be a SEAOIL Believer, purchase 500 pesos to get tickets, be 18 years old and above, and a Filipino citizen. Register through online forms or our dropbox registration. If you do both then you’ll get twice the opportunity to get that Lifetime FREE Gas. So head on to lifetimefreegas.com to do that now.

I am not even joking, go and ask the nearby SEAOil station about last year's winner if you don't believe me!

KUMAGCOW

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FREE Shopee Codes Php 80 OFF On Your First Purchase

If you haven’t downloaded the BEST shopping app yet in the Philippines, well I am telling you that you’re in for a treat. I am now giving you the opportunity get Php 80 OFF your first purchase if you use my code BSUKIKUMAGCOW on the Shopee app.

This is the place where I’ve been able to shop for hard to find items, at super low prices. Take for example the Bluetooth Game Controller, now I can play any funky battle game on iOS or Google Play store without hurting my hands on flat screens. Aside from that, I also bought a 3 Meter iPhone Lightning Cable so I don’t need to get glued on one place if I have to charge my Apple devices specifically my iPhones. There’s also these cool looking ripped pants which I bought quite cheap, you can literally wear one everyday for a week for the price of one designer jean. It prolly even looks better! For those also who are looking for cool earrings that members of popular group EX-O, they’ve got that shipped to you for FREE (if your purchase goes over 500), and if the seller even likes you, you’ll get a freebie too!

I’m addicted to shopping at SHOPEE now so if I were you, go shop with my code BSUKIKUMAGCOW on your first purchase. That discount means more buying power at the SHOPEE app! Go use it now as it only is valid until JULY 31, 2018!

KUMAGCOW

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FREENET Surprises Mall Goers on Valentines Day

Are you single? Double? Triple? Group study? Joke! Well it’s Valentines day and during mall hours earlier today I got the chance to witness a bug surprise by FREENET from Voyager Innovations.

For those who don’t know, FREENET is an app which you can download in the App Store and Google Play so you can access selected websites and apps for FREE even without data on your phone. Well they felt generous that afternoon so they set out models to carry out long stem roses for ladies and chocolates for the men. This is just one of the things they do for the love month. Of course there’s more, they got RnB singer and crooner Michael Pangilinan to serenade mall goers, they got so kilig!

FREENET is accessible with Smart, Sun and TNT subscribers only, so if you would like to access apps, or websites for FREE, where else should you go no? Go ahead and register using your number, start browsing for FREE now!

KUMAGCOW

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Superstar Virgo Takes You to Japan and Taiwan with NO VISA Required!

It was a fine day to set sail, but we do it in style so instead of just riding a run of the mill boat we're so used to in the Philippines, it was my first time to ride in a cruise ship. Yes, there actually exists one which docked at the South Harbor of Manila. Meet Star Cruise's Superstar VIRGO. This almost 76,000 ton ship will now be making Manila as it's home port in March so it could cater to Filipinos, other nationalities who would want to travel to Japan and Taiwan even without a Visa, and we're not even joking!

The promise is to take you on a cruise ship for 6 days and 5 nights so you could go to summer destinations from Manila to Naha and Ishigaki in Okinawa Japan, then Keelung Taiwan starting on March 5, 2018.

Ms. Andre Solis Manzano says “The ship will be back here in March 5, and we are very happy to announce that Star Cruises called Manila home last year together with Hong Kong and Kaoshung with the help of the Department of Tourism. The itinerary will include Manila, Naha Japan, Keelung Taiwan, then back to Manila. We will have 18 sailings, you’ll have 6 meals a day, luxurious accommodations, our swimming pool, gym, entertainment for kids and adults. You’ve seen that a while ago. This would be a perfect way to celebrate your summer with your family, barkadas, office mates, on these unique sailing days. We have theme dates The Greatest Hits from March 5-10, The PBA Legends from March 30-April 4, Labor Day Party Cruise from April 29-May 4 with Patty Tiu and Tom Taus. On May 9-14, we have Mothers Day Cruise with Daryl Ong. We also have PORORO The Little Penguin, which will also be experienced by Filipinos if they choose to go to Star Cruises Superstar Virgo!”

Chef Chong Hooi Chua their Executive Chef says “Normally we serve what we forecast but we know how unpredictable people coming on board. We replenish our supplies in Shanghai and Japan, fresh products included and we chill them according to shelf life, we have facilities here. We don’t run out of them because we stock more than what we need. Every location, we change the menu and I’ve been in the country for a while so in the Philippines it’s mostly western and something to pair with rice. It’s a hard task for doing it for 2000 people, we have 130 chef’s to also work with us and more than 20 kitchens that can produce dishes at the perfect temperature, we also carry small kitchens in some stores. I oversee all food standards, 6 meals a day but we do it right. We have all of them stored in decks, not easy but we do it. We have Filipino Chefs too and they work quite hard. Around 55%”, they are hard working and work hard for their families.”

This is the ship up close. Isn't it huge?

I also saw the one and only minister of defense Jerry Codnieñera who with his PBA compatriots will hold basketball clinics for Dads and their kids as a bonding activity during the Superstar Virgo's themed weeks (probably to celebrate Father's Day!).

The ship was huge, you could tell by this restaurant which has a huge seating capacity. It's got very detailed walls, murals, paintings, all for a fine dining experience while you are on deck. I knew we were going to enjoy the food too!

For starters we had frisee, salmon with caviar and proschiutto wrapped asparagus with shaved cheese and a little truffle oil.

This one is Mushroom Soup done the right way. They also had it on a bowl with baked filo dough, all hand made.

One of the highlights of the cruise for me was the Lobster Thermidore. You see, I'm allergic to shellfish and certain crustaceans, but if it's lobster I'm taking medicine before and after having it LOL. It was darn good and totally worth every morsel. It was warm and creamy.

This was sea bass I think enveloped in rich soy glaze. I chose the steak for the main course (which was super good by the way!) but this was also good according to the people beside me.

The desserts were heavenly. Tons of chocolate pralines, bonbons, ice cream, fruits, that log on top had marshmallows, you'll go to heaven and back to the sea. Now imagine, this is just one of the many restaurants they have on deck (they have 25 I think) so whatever tickles your fancy, you can have it on the ship!

We were then lead to the Zodiac Theater which was also HUGE, they went in and showed us what kind of entertainment we could enjoy while we were there.

Michael Co of Star Cruises says “This is not my first time in the Philippines, I have old friends here and it’s great to be back. The Genting Cruise Line and Star Cruises welcomes you to the Superstar Virgo. This return is like coming home, we are really excited about it. Today we look forward to our engagement here in March. It is our goal to make this our contribution to tourism in the country and we will continue to work closely with the DOT and other local agencies as we bring Superstar Virgo to your shores. This is a fleet of 6 vessels that will now include the country as a destination. From Okinawa Japan, Taiwan, you cam embark on new adventures with no Visa required. Thank you for joining us today and enjoy your day!”

There were European acrobats who showed us a thing or two about flying in the air and how strength plays into it. I mean look at the guys pecs, I don't want to work out anymore after seeing this LOL.

Oh and did I mention that one of the themed cruises will also have PORORO and his friends because it's just gonna be a good time with kids and the whole family in Superstar Virgo, that's crazy but I enjoyed when he came out to the stage hahah!

So in a nutshell, it's going to be a good themed cruise party everytime they set out sail. You just need to do the legwork in finding cool people, good food to be with. Oh wait let me show you the rooms!

The Rooms

They showed us around and got is to decks 7 and 9 so we could take a look at the rooms. On our way there, we saw a couple of restaurants and their central ballroom where most of their events and socials happen. Check this out!

This was the Chinese restaurant, if you want to be more fancy and less people you could dine here instead. There are restaurants that are not part of the package, but you get what you pay for.

Want to shop? Don't worry because their lobbies are filled with small kiosks so in a sense, you've got your own little mall in the ship too.

This is the center of the ship, it's super grand and there's a band who regularly plays here. During our visit they made sure to play Manila sound, of course, they also have very talented Filipino bands to do it too.

I forced them to participate in my Elevator selfie, if you want to get from one deck to the other, this is the way to go. They also have stairs like in Titanic, all wooden and posh. Then we headed on to some of their bars.

I was trying to look for the sign, but found this projected on the red carpet itself. Again, the bar had Filipino musicians in it and they comprise a majority of the workforce, so you'll feel right at home wherever you dock.

For those who didn't bring cash, they also accept Alipay on the ship, so Alibaba fans won't have any issues if they needed a drink or two.

Just right at the right corner of the bar is a Humidor lounge. So if you fancy a cigar or two, you can smoke here.

The seats are all fancy!

This one is a library. Yes it is a functioning one and they've got lots of books which you can borrow while on the ship. They've got lots of seating too so if you want to be a little alone time, this would be a great venue!

They've also got a jacuzzi which are indoors. But check out this deck at the center of the ship. It's like Greece in the middle of the ocean.

They also have a swimming pool, more outdoor jacuzzi's and day beds so you can bask in the heat of the sun and get your tan.

We went a couple floors down to see the suites and cabins where most of the people stay. All 4-5,000 of them!

The Cayman Suite (Executive) is intended for 3 people. It's got good beds, your own private jacuzzi, and a spectacular view on your own balcony.

The hallways are just super long, it's actually tiring to walk from end to end.

The Balcony Cabin on the other hand can fit 4 people, ample room for sleeping and leaving your things. This is the practical choice if you want to just eat and sleep while you have 6 meals everyday inside the ship.

And of course if you dock in Manila, you'll love the sunset which you could only see in Manila Bay. This is the port in the South Pier of Manila located just behind the Manila Hotel.

Thank you to the kind people who served us curry when we passed by this restaurant. They have mediterranean and south asian specialties also served here.

This man was just showing off. He had the teppanyaki table and decided to do a show for us, it's one of the more private restaurants inside the ship.

`

For the rooms, you also have butler services so don't be too worried about not being pampered. Wether you are inside the ship or arranged to have tours in Japan or Taiwan, you will get the same kind of service and even MORE fun at the Superstar Virgo. They currently have sailings to Naha Japan and Keelung Taiwan, while the other is from Ishigaki Japan then Keelung Taiwan.

Their promo fares for cabin categories range from US Dollars 570 - 1365 on low season while mid season ranges from US Dollars 640 - 1607 depending on what cabin you are going to get. These rates are only valid until February 28, 2018. This would be the perfect gift for your whole family. You may call +6328366080 if for reservations and inquiries. You may also email them at salesmanila@gentinghk.com and there are nice people who would be able to answer your inquiries. Hurry because as I said it will only happen from March 5 up until May 29. Don't get left behind!

KUMAGCOW

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