I Made "GUINNESS World Records" With HONOR X9c 5G

It must have been a really logistical nightmare for HONOR Philippines to do this in the morning of January 6th in Makati City. With Honor community members, executives, influencers and media, they started to plan and do this world record attempt of having “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously” a reality, not just for the brand, but for the Philippines.

For those who don't know, Guinness is the authority in record breaking facts and achievements. They flew in an actual adjudicator just for this occasion,  to prove that the HONOR X9c 5G would withstand a drop test, but do it with 250 people, doing it at the same time. 

We had runs, but on the actual drop test, we needed to do it right because otherwise, Guinness wouldn't certify it. They were so strict and had people look at us from left to right, front to back. When the attempt was made, they had the adjudication process done, audited everything from the people who successfully did it and those who didn't made the cut, wouldn't be counted at all. 

In the end, the official tally was 265 and was certified by the adjudicator in front of the stage. We now officially hold the record of “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously”, this is for HONOR, for the Philippines and the world!

This is just the start, because to tell you more, the phone we used hasn't been launched yet. Though it will be officially done this coming January 10th (today). Make sure you follow HONOR Philippines channels because it will be grand, and there will be artists performing on stage to celebrate this big win. From Itchyworms, PPOP bands 1st.One and Kaia, plus more later today.

A Real Road Test In the Streets of Manila with the CHUCK II KNIT Sneakers

I'm a shoeholic and I'm currently on a shoe diet now because I probably have 136++ pairs of shoes where I keep it. I pretty much know what looks good or not for me and suffice to say, a good 30% of the shoes I own are actually Converse CHUCKS. Now that tells you how much I do love the brand, and perhaps give you a picture how it is with other people that own shoes like it.

There are a lot of technological advancements now with Converse shoes. First off, they listened to consumers and they have really changed the way we look at the CHUCK II. For me, Chucks has pretty much satisfied me in the comfort department because they made the shoe light and I can walk for hours without feeling hurt at all. Although there are some instances where if the terrain is a little bumpy, you could feel the road on your feet. This is where they employ the Lunarlon technology. You see, this is the cushioning foam that they put in CHUCK II's that basically gets you the support and comfort you need without compromising weight that Chucks are actually known for. It's 30% lighter than the usual phylon insoles you see in rubber shoes and they've made it available in future models. 

Speaking of which, we just got hold of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Knit Collection. This was planned to be released in May, but since we're good boys and girls they went ahead and did it in April (which means it's available now!). Now I know if you're new, you probably aren't going to buy a descent pair of Chucks just by the looks department (although I would on impulse) but if you saw these pairs in real life, you know it's going to last you longer than the usual pair. Why you ask? It's because of it's built, it's got tightly woven knit material which I'm sure would weather the abuse of everyday life. Bumps, scratches, other people who step on it, might only get it a bit dirty but NOT damage it at all. In a normal world, this is already unusual and getting this material in a pair of Chucks Knit II is just amazing. They also had it in different colors, Volt Green, Black, Yellow, Roadtrip Blue, Red, White and Spraypaint Blue. It's high cut but the one I got isn't and I'm glad they have variety. I didn't just take their word for it, we really did a road test in the oldest Chinatown in the world, the Binondo District in old Manila. We got the services of Ivan Man Dy who does Food Wok's (another term for Food Walk) so we could get to know Manila and the Chinoy food culture, an activity that I surely enjoyed. Here's how it went in photos!

We wore our comfy Lunarlon embedded Chuck II Knit Sneakers in the historical Binondo Church. Then we met with Ivan Man Dy who told us to meet several other people, foreigners who joined in the tour that day. I took off my Red All Weather Waterproof Chucks and wore this Roadtrip Blue low cut Chuck II Knit Sneakers!

Ultimate Taste Test 2014 with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews

San Miguel Super Dry, Cerveza Negra and San Miguel Premium All Malt Beer

I've been able to cover the first and second Ultimate Taste Test and was kinda sad I didn't get to do the third one. The stars and the planets aligned this last weekend and got us to attend the greatest foodie event in Metro Manila, Rockwell's 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014. It's where 50 of Manila's greatest home based food businesses and Power Plant's Restaurants converge. Participants become true blue food reviewers for a day to see who fares the best in this year's Ultimate Taste Test 2014. The hits will also be gladly paired with their favorite San Miguel Lifestyle Brews which I saw all over the venue that afternoon which includes even the desserts which I'll let you see in a bit. Let's start the ball rolling shall we?

Fisher Farms Gourmet Baked Rellenong Bangus

I liked the part where it's baked so it's not as oily as your regular Rellenong Bangus. The taste, it was good but it leaned more into the sour side which might be caused by uneven distribution of the ingredient on the slice that I got or, it might be just the way it is. I give credit to the thought of baking this thing rather than deep frying because it presents a more healthier alternative to an already healthy fish. We'll score this 3/5. 

Belly Bob's Boneless Lechon Belly de Cebu paired with San Miguel Super Dry Beer

Belly Bob's Boneless Lechon Belly

Seeing the rolls of Boneless Lechon Belly on the display counter just made my mouth water. I thought it was going to be a hit already because it is after all lechon. The spice was good, the taste of the meat was good, but when I did take a bite on it I felt it wasn't "all that" good. It was a little upset because I had high hopes for it judging from the way it looked. It was good that this is the Ultimate Taste Test so I was with other foodies on the venue and when I asked about it, they had nothing but good things to say about the lechon belly. I got worried, so I went back to the Belly Bob's station and tried to taste it again. That's when I found out that I was tasting something off because the thing they served me the first time was cold. The hot one I got tasted differently and was a whole lot better. The air conditioning in the venue might have been the culprit. This thing should have a warning sign on it that it's best when eaten hot otherwise, they'll have a problem on the ratings later on. I'm giving this 4/5 on the premise that it's hot, when it's cold it would be like a 2. The beer made my life better as it's my favorite beer in the world. San Miguel Super Dry was perfect with the savory lechon, even more if it's ice cold!

Fat Or Obese Is Okay, Exercise Is Medicine

Dr. Mark Stoutenberg and Dr. Rodolfo Florentino

 

I'm not the healthiest guy out there and my idea of "exercise" is just a few kilograms of dumbbells. I thought too that I was already doomed because I know how big I was. Lo and behold Dr. Mark Stoutenberg Ph.D. MSPH brings me good news that clinical studies in the US has proven that there is no clear amount information to claim - that being overweight or obese would mean you''ll die early. Being in that state has no relation whatsoever in the mortality rate. We listened very carefully about the study and the reasons behind it.

 Unbelievable? Well no, because actually it does make sense. It doesn't mean when you are bigger, you would die easily. No matter what shape or size you are, just as long as you keep the activity intense and on a regular basis... then you might just even live longer than naturally thin people. In the US, they have computerized their database and have found out in a couple of questions that there's no clear correlation between having higher weight to having heart attack or death. That was their conclusion after checking their records and seen how the value of involving a healthier lifestyle for someone be a great catalyst to make someone's condition better than when not doing it at all.

"Exercise Is Medicine" or EIM is an international initiative for physical activities whose goal is to ultimately promote the the skill to health professionals and practitioners and make it a vital measure for disease prevention and management. EIM might be new in the Philippines but most do not know how it's been in existence in over 40 countries, 7 Regional Centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Africa and Australia. It's officially their first year in the Philippines and together with their international partners like Coca Cola Philippines, they have been working hard to involve the different groups, professionals that are health care practitioners, some research scientists, to physical fitness experts and make them in touch with the future development and evaluation of EIM in the country.  

Training sessions were also done by EIM Philippines last August 28th and 29 for 12 Doctors and 6 Fitness professionals. The activity would be just a start so people from both industries would meet eye to eye when recommending regimens and exercise programs and know what the others would do in their respective professions. The deal is, they want this to be the possible outcome for every recommendation from Doctors. They also need to include workout regimen and programs that would fit every patient needs without getting conflicting ideas from other fitness professionals, making it safer and better for the end user, YOU.

The possibility of working out at least 150 minutes with moderate intensity and of aerobic nature is achievable for ordinary people, I could use some of that too. Dr. Florentino says it will have a significant impact in someones life. By then, 300 minutes of it would be doubly better and will get you to achieve more. To know more about how EIM can work for you, check out their channels below.

For more information about their organization:

Exercise Is Medicine

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.exerciseismedicine.org/

The Green Baker - The Healthy Indulgence At The 3rd Ultimate Taste Test in Rockwell

The Ultimate Taste Test is happening in Rockwell Tent on September 14, 2013. It's where the country's most promising home entrepreneurs dish out their favorite dishes. I've been able to luckily attend the previous ones; and I've seen a variety of artisan work put out on their recipes to be featured in this once a year "taste" festival unprecedented in the country.

This year's list of UTT confirmed participants (All 50 of them!) looked quite good and they've broken em down into four categories namely Appetizer, Main Dish, Drinks and Dessert. I've been to events like these and you've got to prepare because even if they have small servings you'll really get to have a full tummy at the end of the day. Been helplessly struggling with diets and all but this shouldn't be a reason not to be there. Heck I've even seen something good on the list. Have you heard of The Green Baker?

The Green Baker - The Healthy Indulgence!

The Green Baker is fully owned and operated by So-Made Food Enterprises, brainchild of entrepreneurs Denise and Steph Viña. They've got a stern food sciences background and culinary degrees. They brought this idea to the table to let people have something healthy on the plate when it comes to desserts.

Let's face it. Let's talk sense. You can't really find some desserts equally good when it's using healthy ingredients. It either tastes bland, or it tastes funny. Yet the only thing you want is something good, something to satisfy your cravings; and in a sense still wish you won't gain the weight or fat that comes with it.

The Green Baker realized this when they started. There aren't enough of these delightful desserts out there that could still be so good. Case in point:

Malunggay Cookie Nibblers (Php 105.00) : Sealed fresh and freshly baked, these green munchies is your destiny. For those who don't know, Malunggay increases the natural defenses of the body and provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain. It promotes metabolism, lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines because of anti oxidant properties.It also gives energy and makes the immune system of the body work more efficiently. 

With that alone, these nibblets are worth your money; best of all it tastes GOOD. You can still feel the Malunggay fibers and leaves in each bit. It's wonderful and you've got to get one to experience it. It also has Almond slivers on top so even that can get you protein and fiber you need throughout the day!

Carrot and Squash Cookie Nibblers (P 105.00) - Carrots are wonderful! It improves your vision via the Vitamin A content it has. It's said to prevent cancer, makes skin softer, prevent heart disease and is a powerful antiseptic. Squash on the other hand has almost the same benefits, plus its low in calories and makes your heart, colon, prostate and bones healthier. This is so good in so many levels plus you can still feel the carrot and squash fibers in every bite. You are sure you are getting the real deal unlike other ones that over process food.

These bite size pieces actually disappeared after a few minutes. It's also topped with walnuts which can give you added protein and fiber. It's probably nutmeg I'm tasting on the cookie too so that's way awesome in so many levels. 

Almond Ginger Cookie Nibblers (Php 150.00) - Every Asian probably know the healing benefits of Ginger. It's been in our dishes for years and the certainty of its effectiveness has been proven the world over. It has digestion friendly properties that would be good for any person, any age. It packs a little heat too so if you are more on the oriental spicy flavors, this is the perfect snack for you!

It's not too sweet and the combination of spice and cinnamon was a fresh explosion of flavors. I'd mistake this for a Chinese dessert. The almond on top also breaks the monotony of the cookies, pretty simple but still packs a spicy kick! You'll love this too!

Salt n Pepper Nibblers (Php 125.00) - Salt and Pepper has existed for years. Even before YOU have even existed while reading this piece. It's a combination said to be serendipitous because the former retains water and the latter is diuretic. It's the best thing to have on the table or even in the kitchen. It makes every dish taste whole, fuller, better.

These crunchy pieces are surprisingly good. It's simple but every bit of pepper you get is kind of a spice pop. You get to love this simple snack that you'll probably finish in minutes. Try to get one for your friends and family while you're at it.

Double Choco Orange (regular) (Php 260.00) - How can you not love a Chocolate cookie with Chocolate Chips on it? Add to that some slivers of Orange rind bits on top that will give a few chewy and tangy highlights on your cookie. 

Orange has properties that helps prevent cancer. It also prevents Kidney diseases, lowers bad cholesterol, relieves constipation, regulates high blood pressure and protects your skin. This treat is perfect for me because I need something chocolatey every after meal but this one doesn't quite let you binge. One cookie is enough for a snack and makes us perfectly full. A cup of coffee or tea is the perfect pair to go with this Green Baker masterpiece!

Cheese Mamonitos (Php 220.00/dozen) - A single look at this small window on the box made my mouth water. It was sinful to look at, let alone feel what it was like in my mouth.  As I opened the box, it was like fluffy, cloudy, sweet mamon pieces were about to send me to heaven and back.

It was light and airy. I loved it the moment I set my eyes on it. This is indeed the piece de resistance! No wonder people have been raving about it! If you want these and other "The Green Baker" products, you just gotta visit them when the Ultimate Taste Test happens in Rockwell this September 14, that's a Saturday. The good looking man himself Denise and his team would gladly tell you more about their baked goodies on the spot! If you crave for more and want to order, here's some of the items that they'll bring that weekend. 

Choco Dipped Malunggay Cookie - Php 105.00
Almond Ginger Regular Canister - Php 200.00
Pinatubo Cookie Nibblers - Php 105.00
Lemon Basil - Php 115.00
Seaweed Pistachio Nibblers - Php 265.00
Double Choco Orange Nibblers - Php 105.00
Garlic Cookie Nibblers - Php 140.00
Ampalaya Loaf - Php 235.00
Luyammies 1 Dozen - - Php 180.00
Fruit Bars 1 Dozen - Php 260.00
Banana Choco Chip Loaf - Php 160.00
Coffee Hazelnut Canister - Php 220.00

There are no cheap tricks done to make these wonderful treats. So make sure to be there on Saturday, after all you owe yourself a treat. You've been working hard and you should have a better, healthier alternative to snacks when you want it, where you want it. It's time you make your choice for a more healthy indulgence!

For more information, or bulk orders you may contact Denise Viña at 09164504876, 09177102287, Fax (632) 4333741 or email them at somade.orders@gmail.com.

Follow them on their social media channels

Facebook SomadFoods

Instagram @thegreenbaker 

Twitter @SoMadeBakeshop

 

Project Headshot Clinic: COMMIT - Take the Test! I just did!

There are causes that I believe in and this is one of them. Have you ever got tested for HIV? Do you know people who actually have it? Would you go through all the drama of getting tested? Do you know what AIDS is? How do you get it? Are you REALLY safe? You probably would answer NO to most of these questions and don't even know who has it. Truth is, you will never know who has HIV because you can never tell just by looking at the person.

Stolen shot of Celebrity Photographer cum activist Niccolo Cosme. He and his team has been working so hard with the Government sectors and Non Governmental Organizations to put up things like The Red Whistle Project - Project Headshot Clinic (to use his talent in Photography), to blow harder and get the cause to be known because the HIV/AIDS rate is alarming already in this country.


He told me a couple of months ago that you wouldn't really know about it until one of your closest friends (like he did) actually have it. That IT IS REAL. He COMMITS to wage war against HIV/AIDS now to prevent the spread of the disease and warn everyone who think this is nothing to be worried about.


What if you know someone who has it? What if you had it? Do you even know the risks involved in unprotected S*X? Those are some of the questions I got answered this weekend. You should take an active role in educating yourself and your loved ones about this disease because it is alarming. Did you even know that an average of 8 people everyday are getting it in the Philippines? Yes, just imagine how much people get it in a month, in a year, in a decade. This alarming rate is not a hoax, nor is it just made to scare you. This is the truth. What's worse is that this would even only account those who would only get through registered cases with the government. What about those who chose to stay in anonymity? What about those who don't even know that they have it? Imagine how much more would get it if they continue to do it with other partners, even their loved ones. How can you just stand there and wait for this to spread!? What would you do to help!?

I'm a single guy, but yeah being single doesn't actually exempt me from actually be in danger of acquiring this virus. I date a lot and together with those dates are some things in between if you know what I mean. This includes weather you are the one doing or receiving the act. That means that it's the same with anyone, its the same with YOU too. Even people who are married get this. Unfortunately, even kids can get it. I'm not here to scare you or anything but it can happen to anyone, any place, anytime!

If you have an active S*X life and go through times where you forget to wear a condom and just go commando on anyone; then you are at HIGH RISK of getting HIV. To make the long story short; I didn't know how this test works in order for me to educate people. So I gladly went through the process of doing it for the benefit of those who are afraid to do it. It's actually quite easy but make sure you never skip any details... it can save your life after all.

Education Versus HIV and AIDS

Before we started talking about the stats, most of us guys probably know how to use a condom right? But what about girls? In our society why does it seem to be so taboo to even talk about it. That's the part the I really hate. This should be taught to us by our folks, or maybe anatomy class or maybe catechism. Adults should gauge the right time to discuss the birds and the bees with their children. They educated us the proper way to do it and also got some tips on how to keep the condom stocks replenished/refreshed so you're sure the lubricant's enough, no holes on it either.




For more information about health seminars/Education about fighting HIV/AIDS check out http://www.facebook.com/takethetest. For those who would want to get tested and keep it confidential, you can simply call +639175844878 and +639998844878. Rest assured these people can help you.

Take the Test

Of course I don't just want to tell you these things without going through it myself. Since I have no particular way of knowing how this would go for those who are afraid of taking the test, it would be more educational to actually be involved in it. I know I don't have the virus, well that's what I know. You probably have the same predicament too, but ARE YOU REALLY SURE?!

Briefing

Part of the test is a really thorough briefing. You muse answer a set of questions truthfully and have to go through a series of interviews to be tested. You have to be READY to accept what the results are. Yes, they have actually seen some come out having the virus in random tests. During the Holy Week period in Puerto Galera, out of a 100+ people who went through the simple test, 24 actually came out positive. They referred them to proper hospitals and agencies who can help them live a normal life. Some of them are helping in the cause too. These people are quite noble. They help other people in getting informed about the cause and the virus. Bodily Fluids through intercourse, Blood Transfusion and heredity can get you infected. To be EDUCATED about the infection and KNOWING the ways of preventing it would be a great start to fight this. Taking the Test is next!

Taking The Test!

I just had an executive checkup a couple of days ago (hence the bruise on my arm due to hematoma) so I was a bit hesitant at first to actually get tested. There might be some rules against it or something, I was afraid about too much blood or lard they're getting out of me! Nyahah! But they said it wouldn't be a whole liter that they need to do this so we proceeded to get blood samples. It was about a test tube much like the normal ones they have for blood tests. Then after that they left a few drops and put it on this contraption below.

This is the kit. It's 99.9% accurate. The digital one is 100% accurate. If you see the blood they got from me they got some of it on that small hole on the front. Then it oozed out of the strip. Once it got out there we had to wait for 15 minutes. After that they showed it to me and I saw a red line on the part where it says "C", they said I was "NR" or Non-reactive. It means that I'm 100% free of the virus. Filipinos/Asians if found positive would usually get a line on number 1 which means HIV 1. Some European countries or in the US would get HIV 2. Aside from the fact that I knew I didn't have HIV, I was more glad that I GOT TESTED. Now who says that was hard?! Make sure you call the numbers I posted above and get tested, it's easy fast and kept VERY confidential. Call them, they can help.

It's not about the result, it's about getting tested! Make sure you do your part and take the test!

For those who would like to volunteer and help spreading the information call +639175844878 and +639998844878. They've got certifications for those who would like to do undergo training to educate even more people. You can be part of the third batch on December 4, 2011.

If you've got friends who need help, who needs to get tested make sure you refer them to the numbers I mentioned above. It's one thing to make them realize that there are people out there who would genuinely go all out of their way to help another human being. Thank you so much to the people behind The Red Whistle, Take the Test, Project Headshot Clinic and its sponsors. Without your help this wouldn't have been possible and free!

Take the Test! You owe it to yourself!

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Take The Test Project

The Red Whistle

Project Headshot Clinic