Sweet Guys Get AXE Scents Too

You know those graffiti signs in Makati lately? That probably was a sign of sweet things to come because AXE just came out with 2 new scents, Black Vanilla and Cherry Spritz. 

 

 And why not, men after all are sweet right? It's this side that's relatively been repressed, with no reason, not to keep machismo in check, it's 2025 and that way of thinking needs to change.

These new scents are under AXE Fine Fragrance Collection, something that they've been working on in the past year. Using essential oils, they've managed to do this one with the goal of getting over 72 hours of fragrance and deo work, you'll be impressed how it lasts on a normal day.

Black Vanilla is sweet, a little herby and juicy. I like sandalwood, and it seems to have it in there, so I love it. It also got notes of mandarin, banana, lavender, sage, basil, cocoa, vanilla too. Cherry Spritz is a little different. It's got a mix of cherries, red apple, notes of jasmine, amber, nutty praline, something sweet and lasts more than usual.

The murals by the way were made by artists Jappy Agoncillo and AC Bautista who does murals. I like how they connected to Filipino humor, the statements certainly felt personal. It welcomes the new side of men like it should, and does it fare well? Of course! AXE always delivers.

SPARKLE Sweethearts Promise "Kilig" in GMA Shows This 2022

You're surely going to love the new breed of talents coming from SPARKLE, GMA's home grown talents that will surely make your heart flutter. Recently, they just had us talk to the new love teams you should watch out for in GMA programs this 2022.

Taking on the job of making that "kilig" happen this year is Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara (who both starred in I Left My Heart in Sorsogon), Jamir Zabarte and Zonia Mejia (both of which I loved seeing in Heartful Cafe), Abdul Raman and Shayne Sava (who did hit show Legal Wives), Bruce Roeland and Althea Ablan (who you adored in Prima Donnas), and Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo (who are also in the same show!). Dubbed as SPARKLE Sweethearts, they're going to bring love and romance once again on TV shows lined up for them in the Kapuso network.

If you wish to know what they did last February for their respective Valentines day celebrations, here's a video we prepared which was taken during a recent blogcon for the pairs.

To make sure you're updated with the latest news about GMA artists, susbscribe to YouTube.com/kumagcow and GMA's social channels. I'm sure there'll be more of these artists appearing in different shows very soon! Now tell me, who among them looks promising?

LUIS MANZANO for Santé's Sweet Via

The Philippines sweetest host Luis Manzano just became the face for Sante's Sweet Via. For those who don't know, Santé has been known to manufacture products made from pure Barley grass and has diversified in supplements like Vitamin C, healthy beverage and snacks, bath and intimate care products, oral cleaning and skin care products. People have been raving about the quality of their goods and SWEET VIA is a welcome addition to the roster of their health products.

Luis has been in the industry since his Mom and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos introduced him on her show decades ago. Shining in his own right, he's noted for his good work in hosting several game shows, entertainment programs and his amiable knack for comedy. His personality outshines stars of his generation, he's very likeable and is the perfect man for the job when you talk about health too. He works out almost everyday and keeps it a point to eat right especially these days when food is just a button away. He knows the value of keeping his body in check and balances it with fun and activity. Luis says "I've got a sweet tooth and it proved nearly impossible at times to enjoy things at home that are sweet and healthy. Now I prepare my own drinks and make desserts with Sweet Via. I also use this because it's all natural, and contains Stevia which is a natural sweetener and Inulin which is a soluble type of fiber. This boosts the immune system and also takes care of my digestive health as it's got probiotics too."

I loved how Luis also talked about his own experiences and shared details of his lifestyle during the event hosted by FTsukie Gomez  on Zoom a few days ago. His attitude towards health and how to make working out a fun experience was awesome as he shared little moments of his life with us online. He also taught us how he incorporates Sweet Via in drinks and food he consumes, to ultimately, make it part of his healthy lifestyle. He did a lot of small jokes in between, but never forget to inspire us, that's why Santé believes in Luis in the first place.

Sweet Via by Santé is available in leading drug stores, groceries, supermarkets, and online via Lazada and Shopee. I have personally used this for my coffee and tea. It has made me enjoy the things I have been loving even before I had diabetes. It's also a nice to know I could have food prepared with this in lieu of sugar which means I'd have options to go and have a healthier alternative than table sugar. It's also low in calories which makes it perfect for those who are maintaining their weight and watching their calorie count. It doesn't hurt to try something this good.

The Sweetest Thing with Diabetes

Life has changed dramatically when I learned I had diabetes. My family has a long history of having it so I kinda knew it was just going to be a few more years before I would have it. I've seen my family members have tough battles with it. I do know most of them carry around shots of insulin so they could live like a normal joe. If you're in our shoes, it's hard to go out and have fun with family and friends because lack of it would pretty much make you experience fatigue, you would rather just lay around all day in bed than interact with your cute nieces and nephews. Aside from that, you can't travel much because you would often feel the need to urinate even if you don't need to and sometimes, get even more sick internally because you didn't manage your diabetes properly.

Yes, I'm so glad I'm managing mine quite well with the guidance of my endocrinologist who's also busy spreading her expertise here and around the globe. I make sure to watch what I eat (although that burger last night was not counted). I also think of it in a certain way – that if you take in a lot of sugar and it gets into your blood, it will eventually cause problems in different parts of your body. Obviously, it will pass through your heart, kidneys, eyes and your brain. When it damages parts of it, it could cause organ failure which would not be a good thing. I also take time to explain to my younger cousins, my nephews and nieces that this too could happen to them. These days, if I need to eat out or order food, I take time to look at the ingredients closely. I’m also so conscious about the nutrition labels on food when I go and get groceries to replenish our pantry. I also drank a lot of sodas in the past, but now if it’s not 4g or below per serving, I would think twice or just revert to my iced water if I get cravings. I also often drink carbonated water so I get the fizz of regular drinks I get but without the sugar and added ingredients that are bad for me.

The key is in moderation, to regularly see the doctor so they can tell you if your laboratory results are improving. Also, there have been tons of strides made in the development of insulin (second generation) which can have longer durations of action, and insulins that can address a variety of conditions and different types of patients. These products are also available for delivery, which is very convenient during the pandemic. Watsons (also Watsons Delivery that does insulin delivery). In the past, it would have been difficult to acquire it but we’ve seen the importance of insulin to be administered in a timely manner or else, it wouldn’t stabilize glucose levels in the bloodstream and cause hypoglycemia.

I realized how important it is for people to have access to medicine so we could live our lives as normal as possible. Even if we’re in this condition, we have the capability and become the best versions of ourselves out there. As you can see, it takes a whole town to manage what I have and I’m glad people are helping. From family members, to friends who refer you to the best doctors, to the company that produces the insulin and took the extra mile to get it to this patient who only wants to be as normal as possible. They’re in the best position to help, and they’re doing it. I’m just thankful to see they care about me, and my health. It is the sweetest, and for that, I’m grateful!  

For more information on second-generation insulin and diabetes management, you can watch the webisode series for lifestyle diseases, Health Speak, in this link https://www.instagram.com/p/CPaQ6nAhVpT/

Tim Hortons Double Choco Creep Donuts

My family in Manitoba got the shock of their life when they learned that Tim's is actually here in the Philippines. I wouldn't blame them because we are in a tropical climate but since they are a global brand, it wouldn't be a good idea to leave us out on having the great donuts, coffee and just about any of the sweet treats they have off the kitchen. This Halloween isn't going to be a let down as they introduce something good for those who would want a fright.

Tim Hortons just came out with their Double Chocolate Creep donuts. The donut and donut hole combo made to look like spiders is just so good to pair with a cup of coffee, don't pass on the double doubles if the kind counter guy or lady offers you one. 

It's packed and baked fresh every day and by golly this donut I got from them was just absolutely filling and surprisingly not too sweet, perfect for me who is trying to cut down on sugar intake and just wanted to have a piece or two. I am not even joking.

Ooh and yes if you've got kids they won't be jumping around that much because of the sugar high, so good job Tim's! Now make that holiday special by getting these chocolate loving dream donuts that match every arachnophobe's dream. I also saw some really cool stories they have on their Facebook page so they'll take care of you too. Go get creepy with the donuts today please!

I'll have to get my Double double later, I'll take care of this one first. Nomnomnom.

KUMAGCOW

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Short+Sweet Film Festival Manila Extends Deadline

Good news come in huge packages, but this one is Short+Sweet. Imagine your own short film which you initially plan to show for a couple of people in the Philippines suddenly had the chance to be showcased in an international competition in Hollywood, sounds crazy? No.

This is Short+Sweet Film Festival, once an Australian theatrical initiative that has now grown into doing theatre, dance (even cabaret, comedy, burlseque), music and film all in the span of 10 minutes. They’ve got the calendar filled with activities for the arts, and recently called for entries which they (heaven willing) could get to represent the country in the Short+Sweet international competition in Hollywood.

This is in cooperation with their partners RAYA, Pineapple Lab, The Lee Strasberg Theatre abd Film Institute, Casting Networks International and the Australian Embassy in the Philippines. The deadline for entries initially was only until July 26, but they decided to extend it now until August 15, 2018. This means you’ve got a few more days to get your 5-10 minute masterpiece in the contest so they could start butting heads in heats to be viewed and shown at Pineapple Lab in Makati City. We were informed that they’d be choosing two finalists as entry to big one in the US, to ultimately be seen by thousands of people out there, win a few prizes too in the process.

The First Wave Heats have already been chosen and if you want to see those who have joined and successfuly achieved the nods of screeners and judges, take a ride down midgard south in Pineapple Lab Makati, here’s the one showing on August 5!

They will be showing more entries in the consecutive weeks after this so if you haven’t submitted your entries yet, you better do in this once in a year opportunity.

We talked to the main man himself, Mark Cleary who told us of the opportunity of the films to also be shown elsewhere in the world. He also took a bit explaining what Short+Sweet is all about. Awards are also given to Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and People’s Choice. Here’s a short talk we had last week.

Then we also got to ask Festival Director Howard Yambao about how they go about getting people to also join especially the new up and coming creators. We asked who can join this year.

If you wish to do this, do it without hesitations. Log on to upload your entries via https://filmfreeway.com/ShortSweetFilmFestivalManila and also get your tickets on the same site. They also have their contact details listed there if you have further questions. No limits on genre, just the length of the film. Make it Short+Sweet!

Hurry!

KUMAGCOW

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A Day With Mister Potato Purple Sweet Potato Crisps!

I'm starting the day with Purple love as Malaysian brand Mister Potato comes to the Philippines with their flagship product Mister Potato Purple Sweet Potato Crisps. They're already in 90 countries worldwide and this is the first time they're doing it in Manila and they're raring to give us a glimpse on how it feels to enjoy their other flavors that's been fondly loved by patrons at the Trinoma Activity Center today!

The sweet potato natural flavor was the best! I like how crisp and earthy it is plus it's not that salty. It's got a little bit of natural sweetness too, totally different from the potato variant.

The potato variants come in different flavors, this one is my best bet which is Hot and Spicy. If you're out drinking with friends, this would be so good with beer. Don't tell the kids I told you that. 

The Barbecue variant was a little smoky, not that intense which I think would be preferred by most people. I like this one too.

The Original flavor tastes a bit like the competitor but quite less salty. Now that's good news for snack addicts who don't want too much sodium in their diet. 

The Cheese flavor was also super good, I was already licking my fingers to get those cheese flavors that I wanted from it. Maybe you'll find this even better than that other potato chip in a can. 

This was okay, I tasted it but had to go away from it because I'm allergic to this flavor. (Weird I know), but for those who love things with the sour cream and onion taste, you'll get it greatly from here.

They also let us play at the mall's atrium, pretty fun way of getting acquainted with a new brand, that's not as expensive as the other one, but probably even better!

It was a nice purple day indeed! Now where's that can of purple sweet potatoes I was munching on earlier... oh it's already gone. LOL!

KUMAGCOW

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Wingstop’s UAAP Sports Snack Bundles

I'm a Warrior and I've been watching all the games of my alma mater since the start of UAAP Season 78. It's unbelievable because the impossible just became possible as schools who initially had the greatest players, the greatest hopes and reviews on their lineup suddenly became vulnerable by other schools who everybody thought would just lose their games in the first round. My school was part of that roster but look at where we're at now! It's those run and gun games, fantastic plays, the good old school spirit that made the journey so different that in a rookie laden school, we became the great story in every sports related website, TV show and whatnot. It's the heart of the players, the tough battles we've conquered that makes my school the best. I'm sure you've got your UAAP story to tell but after every game, every match and every hymn played in Smart Araneta Coliseum or Mall of Asia Arena, there's nothing but the best thing to do but bond over food and drinks. That's where WING-STOP comes in!

Aside from the 10 lovely, savory, sweet and spicy flavors they have for the Chicken Wings, they're taking it up a notch by offering Wingstop UAAP Bundles. Imagine for Bundle A, you've got 25pcs Wings, 25pcs Boneless Chicken Bites, Texas-Style Fries, Onion Rings, Chipotle Rice and a 1.75 liter Coke in a pitcher.

Bundle B on the other hand has 25pcs of Wings, 12pcs Chicken Tenders, Texas-Style Fries, Onion Rings, Chipotle Rice, and a 1.75 liter Coke served again on a pitcher. Now if they ask you what flavor to order, might I suggest the Garlic Parmesan, the Atomic (for deadly spice lovers), the Mango Habanero and the Teriyaki. It's my personal favorites but you can always order the others. The plain ones are as good too. Now that they've bundled it, you don't have to point fingers anymore who's going to order what, or get them in trouble if you didn't like it. It's that simple, they've actually done everything for you!

Currently, these bundles are all available on their BGC Stopover, Alabang Town Center, UP Town Center, Glorietta 2, Greenhills Promenade, Estancia, Fairview Terraces, Eastwood CityWalk and TriNoma branches. Make sure you get those sour cream dips too because they're too good to pass on when in Wingstop! I ate a ton of these, so make sure you get them before the promo ends soon! Each bundle costs Php 1999.00, totally worth it!

Trust me on the wings!

For more information about their wings:

Wingstop Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.wingstop.com.ph/

Live Blog: Bon Chon Launches New Crunchy Garlic Chicken

It's been a while since I've eaten in Bon Chon Chicken. The reason being because my favorite store in Eastwood is now kinda far from where I live. I used to have lunch there almost everyday and I pace myself so I could take in a couple of wings, thigh and drumsticks before I go back to work. Aside from that, I also love the Japchae but I am trying to refrain from carbs so I'm always concentrating on chicken when in Bon Chon. There's more reason now to do that because they've just launched a brand new flavor today, they're calling it Crunchy Garlic!

I still love my Soy Garlic, the Spicy one and also the Honey Citrus flavors. Filipinos love the thought of having something intensely flavorful. This one's got a sweet, salty and zesty exterior, sprinkled with golden garlic bits and super crunchy outside so you'll still hear that perfect crunch each time you take a bite off of it. I love how it doesn't hold back on the garlic flavor. The smell actually radiates across the room so even as they're cooking it in the kitchen you can feel how good it is right off the bat. You now have another choice to love Bon Chon as they add a new thing on their menu. They continue reinventing what they already have so patrons wouldn't be bored and have something to look forward to each time they go to a Bon Chon branch.

Oh and there's Crunchy Garlic Cream Dory too for those fish lovers out there!

I've already seen a couple of people in my timeline wanting to go to Bon Chon and get one of these new Korean Fried Chicken flavors that only Bon Chon has. There's a lot of brands out there, but it seems that Bon Chon has been able to take the lead since they opened shop 2010 in the Philippines. I remember being there when their first store opened, and honestly the Bon Chon Chicken then still tastes the same as today... and that is a lot to be thankful for!

But really, trust me when I say Bon Chon Chicken is darn good! Call 6331818 now and ask it to be delivered right at your doorstep!

For more information about their products:

Bonchon Chicken Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.bonchon.com.ph/

10 Awesome Years of Gonuts Donuts!

Gonuts Donuts is truly the best locally founded donut company in the Philippines. It was established in 2003. The Trillana - De Ocampo families wanted to franchise Krispy Kreme initially but was denied. They decided to put up their own after 18 months of planning and now it's a huge success. Since then, they have already put up a lot of stores here and abroad and thousands upon thousands were sold more on these joints to the amusement of now their - competitor. This year sparks their 10th Anniversary and they celebrated in a simple way after Typhoon Yolanda hit the country. Simple, yet very irresistible... much like their donuts which was a welcome sight for sweet tooths like me!

10 Years? How about 10 NEW DONUT FLAVORS! 

Here's Green Tea and Smores

I love the Strawberry Sunshine, the White Chocolate Glaze Lite runs a close second.

They don't come as sinful as this. Peanut Butter Caramel and Hazelnut Crunch.

Lemon Lite and Sea Salt Caramel Mmmmm....

Last but definitely not the least... the Chocolate Mint and Mocha Lite Donuts... it just makes your mouth water... arghhh..

But wait, they didn't stop there. There were a few more bottles on the table that looked quite nice. I especially love the Mango... but trust me, everything's really all good!

This one's sweet and full of that Mango goodness!

The Orange Juice is a little tangy, sweet and really refreshing. Love this!

The Iced Tea was good, but if we're to choose something... the Mango is the clear winner. Now, you've got more things to pair up with your favorite donut... and it's all on the same store. Awesome idea than going for colas right?

Thinking of something to take home aside from their donuts? Don't despair! They've got your cookie butter bottled and ready... without breaking the bank!

Bottled in different sizes and made with the freshest ingredients, your bread (or in my case Brown Brittles and Sugar Twists) just won't taste the same way again after a spread or two of this Cookie Butter by Gonuts Donuts/GND. I actually don't have this anymore in the refrigerator because it was gone in like 2 days (courtesy of my Sis, Mom and Dad, they are in jail now LOL). It's lovely crunchy cinamonny aroma will be quite addicting... don't say I didn't warn you!

Oh and if you fancy a crunchy way to end your day, how about these classic ones on their shelves?



Crunchy almost feels like a well done French croissant with toppings and fillings of cream cheese, blueberry, mango, berries or plain sugar raised... they all have that now on Gonuts Donuts stores near you. So, what are you waiting for? Come celebrate with them on their 10th year and give that loved one a special treat by taking home Gonuts Donuts treats now!

For more information about Gonuts Donuts

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GoNutsDonuts

Or visit their website at

www.gonutsdonuts.com