TCL Rolls Out TCL Cool Trucks at Select Metro Manila Locations

The Philippines is a tropical country and these days, you can really feel the heat. It seems that air conditioning is becoming a necessity because it's more affordable to have one rather than spending on health emergencies like heat stroke etc. 

Getting one might feel like a chore because sales people usually throw in a number or two for energy efficiency, horsepower and the complicated things that go along with it. Like you, a lot of people would rather try and feel it instead. Do you go and ask them to open up huge boxes for you? Of course not, which is why TCL made the effort to dish out their TCL COOL TRUCK instead so you know how it feels to get cold.

The TCL Cool Truck will be placed in certain locations across Metro Manila so you can simply go inside and experience it. Their first stop will be on May 10th to 17th at the Fort Santiago in Intramuros Manila, and the other one will be at Trinoma Mall on May 18th to 24th at their mall grounds.

TCL air conditioning units are different because it has FreshIN 3.0 technology. It will showcase their very efficient inverter and energy saving technology. The place will also have QuadruPuri Filters so you can have the best quality air possible inside the unit plus wifi so you could lounge around too. It will also contain home decors, seating, imitating your spaces and home environment. This is part of TCL's commitment to smart living, you can use the rooms and see how it feels to have things in a controlled environment. You can only do this with the TCL FreshIn 3.0.

Beat the Summer Heat with Mr. Hat Gulaman!

Things have been on record high temperatures and the Philippines is experiencing El Nino right front and center. Our dreams of just spending summer in the beach may have to take the back seat, or just proceed with caution... perhaps do something else and make it sweet and refreshing!

Your summer should still be colorful, whether it be in a glass full of your favorite Halo-Halo, or a bright Sago't Gulaman, you can only think of one thing in the grocer, and that's Mr. Hat Gulaman!

I've been using this for years now and even got my sibling in Europe some of it so he could remember home. It's a sweet reminder of time with family, with friends, and is a versatile ingredient in various desserts that we often do as sweet tooth's. It comes in different flavors like lychee, orange, strawberry, and I've done so many recipes with this over the years.

It's Local!

For those who don't know, Mr. Hat Gulaman is actually a local product. This is made by Seanluc Inc. known for making quality food and beverages for the Philippine market. It's also au naturelle, as it's from seaweed extract combined with sugar, flavorings and different colors. They also have unflavored Mr. Hat Gulaman so if you plan to make other desserts that require that, there's always options! This comes in 7 flavored and 6 unflavored versions, so if one doesn't fit your recipe, go with a different one. Imagine the things you can do with a pack of Mr. Hat Gulaman!

You can do Mango Tapioca, or Buko Pandan, or do Coffee Jelly on a hot day. If it's a recipe that has been passed on through generations or a new one (because you're a genius!).

Here's a recipe that's been tested great, one that you could try!

Coconut Gulaman Coolers by Mr. Hat Gulaman

The ingredients are a pack of Mr. Hat Gulaman (get the Buko Pandan Flavor). 2 cups of water, a quarter cup sugar, 250ml of Coconut Water, a quarter cup Condensed Milk, a quarter cup of All Purpose Cream and crushed ice.

Dissolve the gulaman pack and sugar in the 2 cups of water you prepared. Turn the stove on low and simmer, then put it on a tray to cool and set. Cut it up to small squares to make it pretty. On a separate bowl, mix the All Purpose Cream, Condensed Milk and Coconut Water. Put the Mr. Hat Gulaman, then crushed ice on a tall wide glass, put in a few of the milk mixture. Use a pandan leaf on the side and serve to your guests, they'll surely love it!

If you want a softer gulaman, just add a bit more water. If you prefer a firmer one, adjust the gulaman powder you put in on boiling water. Mix it thoroughly so you don't get lumps. You can follow @mrhatgulaman on social channels to have more experts help you with your recipes. They also post a lot of content there to beat the summer heat. I've been a solid user of Mr. Hat Gulaman, and have seen my family, my friends enjoy it!

Now it's your turn!

Summer Shots Better with realme C67

Looks like the folks from realme is going to make your chance to own a phone even hotter as they get the realme C67's price drop, a huge summer offer until April 30.

They know you're raring to go to different islands, beaches in the Philippines and taking photos would certainly be something that you would likely do to keep memories. This realme C67 won't be in stores forever, and it has a 108MP camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor, 8GB storage, Dynamic RAM Expansion, so you have a place to put those photos and videos you've been shooting for content creation.

Go see stores where it is available, else, just get them from online shopping platforms where official realme stores are. These handsets are less than 10K, which is a huge deal than in regular priced ones with the same model.

Must Watch at Summer MMFF: Here Comes The Groom

With the summer heat coming in, it's about time that the Sunmer Metro Manila Film Festival start. It will be held on April 8-18, and one of the entries from Quantum Films, CineKo and Brightlight Productions called "HERE COMES THE GROOM" is offering an all star cast plus full blown comedy for this MMFF season.

If you remember Angelica Panganiban, John Lapus, Tuesday Vargas, Jaime Fabregas' previous hit film called "Here Comes the Bride!", this is officially the sequel for it. This stars Enchong Dee, Keempee De Leon, Maris Racal, Gladys Reyes, Awra Briguela, Eugene Domingo, Miles Ocampo, Tony Labrusca, Nico Antonio, Iyah Mina, Fino Herrera, Kim Atienza, plus the special participation of RPDR Philippines Xilhouette and Kaladkaren.

They promise an even funnier one with "Here Comes the Groom" as the sequel has a totally different story line. From a whole family going to a wedding, they suddenly experience a phenomenon during the eclipse which made them swap bodies and personalities with gay pageant regulars, and that's where the fun and crazy antics start. If you're asking if they would be able to go back to normal, that's what the movie will answer if you watch it. "Here Comes the Groom" is written and directed by Chris Martinez and again is the official entry of these three production companies to the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival. 

I watched it this evening, and I can confirm, it's one crazy fun film that would be fit for friends who have humor,  timing and knack for good slapstick and situational comedy.

CROCS Opens Store at B7 Bonifacio High Street

The good looking guy just arrived at the new BGC branch of CROCS, our well loved footwear brand. It's been a while since we've covered an event physically and chances are, we're going to splurge a little bit since it's a great day to start summer festivities in Manila. Their call, is for you to tell your SUMMER STORY and this particular branch has all your unique Crocs Clogs in different colors and styles. The store is also huge you can roam around without bumping into anyone and the center is dedicated to a little treat we call JIBBITZ. They are charms you attach on the holes of your Crocs pairs and I loved every bit of it. I got myself a winter camo (Marble Clogs) colored pair and started picking 90's iconic symbols so I could personalize it.

They encourage this so as to make each pair unique and I love them about that. Loads of celebrities have also gone to the store including Crocs Ambassador AC Bonifacio, Patrick Quiroz, models and influencers from the metro. There are also installations outside the store where you can take photos of you, your friends or family. They are extra colorful too so if you're in the look for a pair, it's time to do it here!

Here's a little tour I made on the new store, enjoy!

Go catch a pair and see why people are loving their CROCS while telling their Summer Story!

UNIQLO 2022 Spring Summer Collection

Took a few hours in the morning for some good UNIQLO time as they showcased their Spring Summer Collection for 2022. With all the pandemic things happening, I could have sworn this wouldn't have happened.

What's good is that in this launch, they delve into what matters most as far as wearing clothes is concerned, they call it "The Joys of Clothing" putting emphasis on the simple pleasures of wearing it. That sounds amazing in my books so I went in with an open mind about the colorful season they showed last Friday.

In it, they discussed Skyline (for a more cosmo urban look), Landscape (off the grid looks), Imagination (vibrant colors), Sun and Seaside (drape, natural textures, linens, comfy wear). They also interviewed a couple of people, I liked some of the things they wore.

Aside from that, I love the UT shirts with classic Mickey Mouse done by artist and fashion mogul Joshua Vides. For the women, make sure you go and seek Hana Tajima and Ines de la Fressange line, the color and style would definitely be femme centric. For those who prefer an outdoorsy work, the JW Anderson line does not disappoint especially those that have rope work and unconventional seaside inspirations this year. All of these are available in store and on the Uniqlo app, go ahead and get them today. You can also see it on the latest edition of Uniqlo Lifewear Magazine which you can pickup in store if you're around a branch. I'm going!

UNIQLO Spring/Summer 2021

This was my first physical event. Pretty nice seeing Uniqlo clothes again, inside the store, actually. Now since it's the launch of their Spring Summer 2021 collection, I am so stoked to see several things especially clothes with materials that are light and airy. Keeping cool during this season is of course, essential especially if we're all in the Philippines where it's sunny almost 90 percent of the year.

 What's good is that they were able to put this event together even if we had to have swab tests an hour before the event and we were separated into groups, into different times so we don't crowd up like in the past. Everyone followed regulations so we're all safe. 

This year, UNIQLO came out with really nice designs for their house collections like Uniqlo U. They've got futuristic workout clothes that are light and breezy, no heavy clumped stuff, so you can still have a good workout inside your homes. Aside from that, they've got wireless bras that have shape lift so women can still feel confident anytime of the day.

 They also have recent collaborations for Uniqlo UT like UNIQLO Hana Tajima (those Japanese prints), UNIQLO Jason Polan UT (the cartoony ones), and the new one with the Louvre Museum called UNIQLO Musee du Louvre. You'll see the Mona Lisa and some iconic pieces that are associated with the museum pieces that will be printed on your favorite UT shirts

The UNIQLO Ines dela Fressange felt so lady like, while the UNIQLO JW Anderson collection have more pieces that are into the great British outdoors, and I look good in them. Well, to get you into that mood, here's a video I made from the time I went to their Glorietta 5 UNIQLO Flagship Store in Makati. Enjoy!

Now all you gotta do is order them via their app, online store, or visit the Uniqlo stores that remain open despite the pandemic. You'll look good, feel good while wearing them even at home. That's good for your mental health too. :)

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo On The Last Episode of The House Arrest of Us

 

It's both a sad and a happy occasion for lovebirds Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla as they are about to have their last episode this Saturday on ktx.ph. The feeling I got during our interview a few days ago was the same because we're surely going to miss them being Q and Corics, but on hindsight, we could be actually seeing them soon in a new series over at A2Z where they are doing shows now since abscbn has been shutdown by some people who we will not mention LOL.

Anyway, during the blogcon, they said a lot of things that they will surely miss about the series. The House Arrest of Us was a chance to work with other artists for the first time.

Kathryn says "More than anything Daniel and I really know that time is really important. We don't know what will happen in the coming months. About his cooking, sometimes it's good especially his Katsudon. We learned a lot from this show, it's about family, both sides, how ready we are before marriage and how you and your partner prepare for it. It's automatic every episode, there is lesson every 20-30mins they spend on it. Sometimes the scenes are actually patterned to us, we were interviewed by them, (the writers) we also needed to eat together (like any Filipino family), so there is a personal touch prior to shooting the show. We believe in having no secrets because the relationship is going to be affected.That's what I learned from Q and Corics. For us, marriage is a lifetime partnership, once you enter that you won't leave each other, you have to be together. We just want to take care of ourselves, our family, that's why we look out for each other."


Daniel says "Grabe, we were just talking a few weeks ago and now we are here in the finale blogcon. About her cooking, I love her pasta, mashed potato, grilled cheese. It's not a joke entering marriage, you have to be fully committed, you have to be ready, it's very exciting to be in that moment but you have to be ready mentally emotionally and physically. It has to be balanced, there ought to be compromise, it's not about egos, about who's wrong or right, you have to help each other, it's not a contest. I wish the project would materialize this year, a lot of people are waiting for that. I hope we get to still give each other patience, I don't focus on myself these days, just health. If we are healthy, we can do so much more."

Check out some good questions I asked them during the blog conference. Including what makes them perfect for each other. These guys also sang my questions hahaha!

 Now if you still haven't seen the show, there's still time to do that over at ktx.ph and see the last episode tomorrow. It's not that expensive either, so go see it if you're truly a #KathNiel fan. These guys are humble, romantic, and amazing on screen! Yes, even in person!

UNIQLO 2020 Spring/Summer Collection

UNIQLO came out with their Spring/Summer Collection today at the atrium of SM Aura in Taguig. Livable Cities is their theme and with that comes sustainable sources of textile and new technologies in manufacturing them. Making them all look good and function efficiently is new, they have made lifewear apt for Outdoors, Work and Craft and Art and Design.

For Outdoors, there are Blocktech parkas, UV Cut Parkas and Long Parkas which would work for the chilly/breezy times. Some breathable ones too as they’ve got Airism perfected and improved every year. They are made like everyday clothes so you can layer them with existing clothes. Even shirts would do and they would still stay stylish.

 

Work and Craft includes clothing that are sourced organically. From Jogger Cargo Pants, Linen Cotton Jackets, which looks like farm to work clothes so you can go wear them in either setup. Bright polo shirts, Denim Jackets, jeans all cut the right way so they wouldn’t look out of style. 

Art and Design talks about different patterns, different cuts, including a little architectural so you can see things happening in the minimalist long lean silhouettes. They have trench coats, sporty shirts, Kando Jackets, blazers in ultra bright colors. All elegant and cool. Here is a peek of the show and a speech by Masayoshi Nakamura COO of Uniqlo PH.

Go rush to UNIQLO stores now and try them on for size. I’ve got to get my hands on that jacket I saw earlier. See you at a branch near you!

Fun Finds at Estancia Summer Toy Fest!

When I found out that a toy fair was happening at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons, I took the road less traveled and tagged along my blogger friends too. I'm up for nostalgia so when I heard they were having some items from my generations sold, I took the chance and found some good deals this side of town.

There were probably a little over thirty merchants and collectors who joined the Summer Toy Fest, they were laid out on the bridge way of the mall and occupied one space on the left side for a full Tamiya Race Track where competitions were held.

This wasn't a small production because they also had Iron Man and Thanos appear for mall goers. They had 50% of the mall audience taking selfies for posterity. Maybe they'll live to see it on social media. Kids had so much fun!

I had a few things in my mind, Dragon Ball Z memorabilia was abound and the Goku, Klilyn and Vegetta Lego pieces were so awesome to see!

Lest we forget the one who started it all, Master Roshi taught Goku and Kililyn martial arts, but had them work for it when they were kids. Naughty but he did good in the recent inter universe tournament eh?

Ms. Kris Aquino should have attended the event because she'll love the Carebear stuff being sold for cheap in one or two stalls.

They also had something good for Hotweels collectors, huge trucks which are not so commonly sold in malls these days.

When I saw this rack in one of the stalls, I knew I had to have em all! Well I could see some MegaMan, Super Mario, Digdug keychains that only cost 50 pesos each, got them and put it on my bag so it wouldn't look boring. It did the job, you'll see later!

Since it is Avengers season, it's the right time to buy DC toys because they will be relatively cheaper, I was looking for unique Batman toys too but most of it was already in my boxes at home. They have the whole Justice League for 500 though. Good deal for collectors.

Nostalgia was provided by Plastic Man, if you don't know what that cartoon is, ask your older parents or friends, they are going to tell you how popular these were in the 80's.

One of my favorite things to see was Slimer, made of retromutagen ooze, he still eats a lot in Ghostbuster movies.

If you're not fond of heroes, you can get Joker or Penguin. Don't worry if they provide nightmares because Batman will surely save you!

I went home with a pretty good set of keychains on my back, too bad not a lot of folks know who or what these characters represent, because if you were a gamer during my time (I felt old saying that lol) you'll love how cute these things are now while hanging on my boring black leather backpack.

Make sure you check out events in Ortigas and Co. malls like Estancia, Robinson's, or Greenhills because as soon as they put out their toys for sale, you're sure to get some pretty good bargains. 

Just look at my haul, you can't find much of that in commercialized events these days! Thanks to Estancia Mall and to the people behind this event, I got my stuff easy!