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May 31, 2012

Manila Zoo

Hi readers!

   Why I visited Manila Zoo? I have two reasons: number one because visiting a safari park is part of 2012 BDJ checklist (no.# 91 take a trip to a safari park - I just substitute it over safari park (^_^). Maybe some of you think, why don't you visit Subic Safari instead?! I don't have enough time and budget to visit that place right now, since Manila Zoo is near in our place and the most practical way, I chose it. Second reason, we've seen over the news about an Elephant name Mali, I wonder what the elephant look like today than the day I last visited the zoo and also I'm curious what the zoo really look like right now. I been in Manila Zoo for several times, but the most memorable one was the time during my childhood when my father was still with us. My parents brought us to the Manila Zoo (that was during my grade school days). As I remember the zoo has a lot of animals. I remember I've seen giraffes, hippopotamus, lions, different kind of monkeys, snakes and more. The zoo that time was one of Manila's best attractions. 
   The other time I went there was during my college day, my professor in Biology class gave us an assignment in writing down scientific name of animals (remember this Ria (^_^)?) I also saw other student doing the same assignment. I also saw one student throwing bottle of water in one of crocodile (the crocodile don't move or act like frozen , that student maybe curious if he distract the crocodile will it move). Sadly, what the student did were wrong and maybe throwing things or feeding animals in wrong way might be one of the reason why Manila Zoo was not as attractive anymore, or it may be also the reason why some animal just died. 
  Now let me continue my story. Last May 12, my family visited Manila Zoo. We also brought my 2 years old niece, we want her to see the elephant in real life. The entrance fee cost P40.00 pesos for adult and P20.00 pesos for children. 
Entrance to Manila Zoo
Rules and policies posted on the gate.
You can buy tickets here.
The only elephant in the zoo, Mali. To know more about Mali read it here
The ostrich look like unwell. (Parang may sakit :(
Above photo's: animal I saw, left side is a  Sailfin Water Lizard and right side are brown lambs
Below photo's:  somebody don't have a heart and threw a bottle of water on the crocodile (remember same story I told you above) If people continue throwing trash to the animals, their environment becomes dirty and that will be one factor or cause of their death and no wonder in the future this Zoo will be close. Right photo, this is the only large monkey I saw. I remember when I was young when we visited this zoo I saw different kind of monkeys.
Other problem I've seen:
Information Booth with no personnel.
My mother wanted to know if the zoo still has giraffes (she wanted to show it to my niece). So we look for any information center and we found this information booth but unfortunately  no one man this area :(
(So what is the purpose of this anyway?)
There are a lot of rusty cages that no animal. 
And several damage cages. 
I also notice that there are lots of vendors.
I'm not against to those people who just want to earn money but I observe the zoo has too many vendors, or mas marami pa ang nagtitinda o may pinagkakakitaan kesa sa mga animals.
I saw lot of stalls, I also saw photo booth area where you can have picture with a big snake for P100.00

oh well business anyway. 
The river side was still part of the zoo.  
   I read and heard that PETA (People for the ethical treatment of Animals) wished for closure of Manila Zoo, to be honest I have two sentiments. When I saw the situation of the animals and the zoo itself  I will stand and say 'Yes!' Animal should be in their natural habitat. If you past by in Manila Zoo area you'll notice that around that area was starting to develop and became commercialized, pollution like noise and air pollution can  affect animal's health. My other sentiment is this; the problem in Manila Zoo can still have solution or can still be improve. Renovate the interiors, the facilities, hire more maintenance and professional people like veterinarian who have more knowledge about animals. I think raising zoo entrance fee (but not too high to be question) does not matter, as long as the zoo maintain properly. I also say 'No!' for closure because of my good memories in Manila Zoo with my family during my childhood. I know some of you also have good memories too while visiting this zoo especially when you spend time with your love ones. Just like the photo below:
Family visiting the zoo.
   Manila Zoo is very accessible for those who live in the city. Look at the picture above even the person with disability can visit this place anytime. ManileƱos can enjoy and relax in this place (I saw many senior citizen walking around the zoo). I'm just hoping this place will soon be improve, because if closure of Manila Zoo is the last option then some* children may not able to see what these animals look like in real life, some of them may only see it on photos, television or videos.



Thank you for reading, please visit my blog again (^_^)


* some means for those children whose parents can not afford to spend more money to visit other zoo located in far places. 

May 21, 2012

A-gantea

Hi readers!

  Last May 07, after my assessment in John Robert Power I went to Greenbelt and I saw A-gantea store. Since, I collected reviews of milk teas, I tried it. A-gantea is located in Greenbelt 2, beside National Bookstore and Qoola. I google it, and found out that this was their first branch here in Manila, it was originally from Taiwan. 
  
Agantea, Greenbelt 2

Buzzer or Pager. If order is ready for pick-up,  this pager will buzz and light up.

I order plain milk tea, it cost only P75.00 for medium size
(my stomach was full that time, so I ordered plain milk tea less the pearl or tapioca)
My order
Over-all experienced: 

       The place - I like the location. They offer indoor and outdoor venue. Indoor, you can sit at the second floor and enjoy the view outside while outdoor, you can sit beside the plants and trees and enjoy the cozy environment while mingling with friends. I sat in the outdoor area, since I'm alone that time I enjoyed watching people passing by while sipping my milk tea (^_^). I also like the furniture and interior.

      The milk tea - I like the taste. I tasted different milk tea, this one is much creamier. To taste is to believe (^_^) - you should try this one :)

       The price is affordable. For as low as P75.00 you can enjoy milk tea. If you want Pearl milk tea it cost only 85.00. Price range from 75.00 to 100 pesos only.

       The service is good. They serve my order so quick. The service crew were friendly too.

To know more about A-gantea visit their facebook page here.

A-gantea is available in Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati. 


Thank you for reading! Good day!

May 20, 2012

The Spa Reflexology: Relax. Recharge. Heal.

Hi readers!


   Introducing one of the newest services of the pioneer in the spa industry – The Spa Reflexology. Enjoy the best of both worlds – experience healing and relaxation in your own tranquil sanctuary at The Spa Wellness.

  The Spa Reflexology is a healing massage that focuses on particular “pressure points” of the soles of the feet, where sensory nerves of the internal organs that spread throughout the body are mainly gathered. A different massage experience awaits clients as hands, fingers and a wood stick with cream and oil are used unlike other massages that use thumbs, palms and elbows.

   If healing is all you want, enjoy a no-frills Reflexology Massage in plush customized chair/convertible bed withsoothing ambiance of The Spa Wellness branches – Acropolis,Trinoma and Greenbelt (Trinoma and Greenbelt soon to open). Cozy rooms with multiple chair/convertible beds equipped with LCD TV screens make it perfect for a Reflexology sparty with friends and loved ones. It’s a sit-and-massage service that lets you begin healing instantly, without the hassle of changing into robes. Licensed and highly-trained therapists work with precision onto the foot to soothe pain and stress.

  The Spa Reflexology is a 60-minute service for only P550 per session. The Spa is part of the The Spa Wellness group of brands.

The Benefits of The Spa Reflexology include:
  • Pain and stiffness relief caused by too much exercising or using muscle for too long.
  • Prevention and cure of symptoms such as headache, stress, asthma, constipation, sinusitis and migraine.
  • Boosts blood circulation in the system.

The Spa Reflexology is available in the following branches:
ALABANG
(Deluxe & Executive Rooms)
L/G, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa
(+632) 850-3490, 850-6836 | Sun to Thu 1 – 9 pm / Fri & Sat 1 – 10 pm

ACROPOLIS (LIBIS)
G/F The Spa Building, 80 E. Rodriguez Jr Ave, Bagumbayan, QC
(+632) 655-0766, 655-0783 | Mon to Thu 1:30 – 9:30 pm / Fri to Sun 1 – 9:30 pm

GREENBELT (soon to open)
G/F Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati (drop-off entrance)
(+632) 840-1325, 840-1326 | Mon to Thu 12 – 10 pm / Fri to Sun 12 – 11 pm

TRINOMA (soon to open)
3/F, Wellness Zone, Trinoma Mall, North Ave, QC
 (+632) 900-8809, 900-8818 | Mon to Thu 12 – 10 pm / Fri-Sun 11am – 10 pm

May 9, 2012

Mag-Iloy by Nunelucio Alvarado

Hi readers!

   Iconic Negrenese social realist painter Nunelucio Alvarado (1950) is regarded as one of the most prominent contemporary artists in the Philippines.  He has won numerous international critic acclaim for his powerful works that mostly portrayed the life and struggles of Negros Occidental’s  the working class.
Alvarado’s art is a panorama of Philippine life that ranges  from the decorative aspects of Negros life such as the colorful fruits and vegetables found in the market; or the simple family life that utilizes the bright prints and patterns under the Visayan sun; and on the darker side, the evils of  environmental, social and cultural degradation of which he is known for as a social realist.

   Recognized for his unique and distinct style of bright-eyed squat and squared figures that employ strong vivid colors and dark lines, Alvarado frequently applies powerful psycho-sexual symbols with a touch of the surreal as he depicts the plight of sugarcane workers, fishermen and traders found in his native Negros Occidental.
 
   While the artist portrays the pain of the working class, he also does not miss the strong family bond that exists amidst the struggles and sacrifices of daily life.  Along these lines, the artist has worked on numerous Mother and Child canvasses such as “Mag-Iloy”,  2011, a  60cm X 45.5cm oil on canvas. Here we find a son locked in the embrace of his winged mother, either alluding to the son’s desperate cling to the spirit of a dead mother or the mother is portrayed as angelic in her selfless love.  The work is a warm picture of comfort and protection in typical Alvarado style.

   In 1992 he was among the Thirteen Artist awardees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and twice a recipient of the Philippine Art Awards (Philip Morris Art Awards).  In 2004 he was honored with the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan sa Larangan ng Pintura Award by the CCP.

   Alvarado has had over 50 solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions both here and abroad including the prestigious Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, USA.   His works are also part of the collection of the Singapore Art Museum.

FOR SALE:
Title: Mag-iloy 

Date: 2011

Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: H60cm X W45.5cm
Price: P80,000.00 pesos



Firmoo Wrap Around Sunglasses

Hi readers!

   Common use of sunglasses is to protect our eyes from the bright sunlight; but it can also be use in other factor. In some fashionista aside from wearing jewelries, they found sunglasses as one of important accessories on their face. It can enhance ones look; it can make you look elegant, classy, and sophisticated. I found one on-line shop that offers wide selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses that fit to your lifestyle. Firmoo is a global online optical store that offers wide range of affordable prescription glasses and sunglasses in cheap price yet high quality. Firmoo eyeglasses frames feature different fashion styles, vary from retro eyeglasses frames to fashion ones, from rimless to full-rimmed and lot more. 
   
   Firmoo sent me a sunglasses for review, I like the design it has leopard print frame and with ribbon style that attached on the arm or handle. Here's the complete description of the sunglasses: Women's Full Frame Wrap Around Plastic Sunglasses, #OT02505 frame color: Tortoise (C22). This sunglasses cost $43.00 dollars only. Available in different color like black, grape and tortoise. Check the image below for reference: 
The Firmoo's sunglasses include spectacle cases, sunglasses bag, micro fiber lens clothes, one screwdriver and extra screws.
About wrap around sunglasses:

   Wrap around sunglasses are better than other shades because of their wraparound design. Here are some benefits of using wrap around sunglasses
  • Light-weight and made of high-qualified materials.
  • Provide you full eye protection and make you look fashionable.
  • They will offer better eye protection by preventing UV rays from more than one angle, the front and the sides.
  •  It can shield wind or other fine articles from reaching your eyes. 
  • Hide your dark circles.
  • Wraparound sunglasses will cling firmly to your face, no need to worry if sunglasses falling off. 
  • The skin around our eyes is delicate and likely to get burned by strong UV rays, this sunglasses will protect the skin around your eyes by covering larger parts of your face with their distinct shapes. 
  • Wrap around sunglasses an ideal choice for you to enjoy comfort and fashion at the same time.
With ribbon style that attached on the arm or handle.
OTO Italy Design
heart shape end
Frame is like leopard print style.
 About the design:
   After I open the package and saw the sunglasses, I was really in love with the design (It was like love at first sight (^_^). The fit is perfect, very fashionable, classy and elegant. I can mix and match this with any outfit. 

About Firmoo services:   
   Customer Service:  I like how they response immediately to my e-mail and quiries.
   Shipping:  I like how fast they ship this sunglasses. Unlike other online store that take more than 1 month to ship the product, I got mine less than 2 weeks. 
   Price: They offer eyeglasses as low as $8 dollar, very affordable. They have promo: free shipping worldwide if you buy 2 pair of eyeglasses. 



To know more about Firmoo visit their website here or visit www.firmoo.com. LIKE Firmoo facebook fanpage here.

I'm sure you'll love Firmoo eyeglasses and sunglasses what are you waiting for check their online store now (^_^). 

Thank you for reading!

Fourth Sunday of April

Hi readers!

   This is the continuation of my last post which you can read hereLast Sunday after we had our lunch at Mongkok, Glorietta 5 my mom and I went to Landmark. As usual, the first section I stop by was in cosmetic area; while I check new cosmetics my mom bought some beauty essential. Then we went in the home section, I bought new coffee tumbler (11 oz size, it look like a starbucks tumbler) that cost 50 pesos only and my mom bought a new mug. After that we went to the grocery bought some food and stuff needed in our home. My feet were tired, so after grocery we ate at the food court. I chose Chatime Pearl Milk tea after I saw long line of people in front of their counter, I’m not really hungry I am only thirsty during that time and the milk tea ease my thirst away (^_^).
I used my envelope bag, pretty nu? (^_^)
Chatime Pearl Milk Tea. I'll blog my review soon.
More stories:
   That day also I watched the American Next Top Model: British Invasion and I saw Tyra Banks wearing Rajo Laurel gown check the picture below:


Tyra Bank wearing Rajo Laurel creation.
   Wow congratulation to Rajo Laurel and not only to Rajo but also to Francis Libiran who design Hello Kitty Collection that was also seen in American Next Top Model: British Invasion.

Next to my blog:


   Last April 24, I received package or a blogger’s kit from a Global Online Optical Store. Receiving a package from international optical store made my heart jump for joy, after I received it I immediately try it on. The glasses is really pretty, look classy and fashionable. I paid shipping/postal tax to the courier that cost P40.00 only. I received the item in good condition. I will blog my review about this soon. 


(^_^) Thank you for reading!


May 6, 2012

Sunday at Mongkok, Glorietta 5

Hi Readers!

   Last Sunday my family decided to have our lunch at Mongkok, Glorietta 5. My young brother was not around because he attended a seminar about photography at Techno Hub in Quezon City so only my mother, my sister, Mike and MJ were with me. Mike and I chose eat all you can promo which is cost P298.00/head, my mother chose sweet and sour pork for P145.00 and my sister ate mixed vegetable with rice (I forgot the price). If you notice the picture below, there's no people around yet because we went there before 11:00 a.m. (yes! kami ang nagbukas ng mall (^_^).  

Sharing my experience...
Mongkok Dimsum and Noodles.
Check the buffet set up at the back. 
Eat all you can for P298.00.
On my plate: Beef with Broccoli, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Boneless Chicken with Lemon Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Fish Fillet with Taosi (my favorite (^_^).
Plus soup, bottomless Ice Tea and water (wala lang kailangan ko lang nyan :)
- dahil sa eat all you can promo naka-two plate ako :) glutton!

    I love the food especially Fish Fillet with Taosi and Yang Chow Fried Rice. There's a lot of food to choose but I only chose 6 dishes. I also like the ambience and the service. I'm sure if you visit this resto you'll like it too. 

   You can check their menu here if your interested. Mongkok has other branches, they also have branch in Rockwell but the place was always jam-packed (only sign that this resto offer good food). You can also visit Mongkok Makati Ave. branch, Mall of Asia, Robinson Galleria, SM Southmall and Shangri-la Plaza Mall. 

May 3, 2012

Review: Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub and Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On

Hi readers!

   My FOTD or feature of the day are Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub and Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On. Remember my post when I received Garnier Pure Active products? (you can read it here) After I received these products, I tested it right away and after a few days of using it I was really amazed and impressed with the changes in my skin. Third week of April I got 1 pimple on my forehead and I was happy, yes sounds weird but I think that was the right time to test if these products really work. (I do have photo's but too bad I accidentally deleted it (oh no! clumsy me). Going back to my test, on the first day I washed my face with Garnier Multi-Action Scrub and I also used Anti-imperfection cooling roll-on. The second day I did the same but this time I noticed the pimple became dried, I notice my pimple start to fade - I'll call it as fading stage (^_^). Third day, my pimple was very very small, dry and if you look at it, you'll never notice I had one. Fourth day I was surprised because my pimple was gone and no mark. I was impressed how quickly these products work. 

Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-On and  Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub.
Active ingredients:
   Its active ingredients include Purifying Salicylic Acid with Maximum Concentration at 2% and Natural HerbaRepair. Salicylic Acid is a powerful anti-bacterial ingredient with oil control properties and pore clearing properties, while Natural HerbaRepair is from blueberry extracts, and helps repair and regenerate the skin to prevent scarring.

Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub
According to Garnier this is the first facial scrub that actively fights 6 skin problems like pimples, whiteheads. oiliness, enlarged pores, impurities and unevenness. 
What the packaging says:
   Oily skin, pimples, whiteheads, dirt, enlarged pores and irregular texture? Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub with gentle micro-beads contains purifying salicylic acid, an efficient and anti-bacterial active, combined with regenerating HerbaRepair from blueberry extract to visibly fight 6 signs of acne day after day. 

Usage: Gently massage on wet face, lather instantly. Rinse off with water. Avoid eye area.

Pros (What I like):
  • Effective. As I mention above, I tested this product and I saw the result.
  • I love the scent. It smells like sampaguita flower.
  • Affordable. For 100 ml. tube it cost P150 pesos and for 50 ml. tube it cost P85.00 pesos only.
  • With manufacturing date. Shelf life of facial scrub and roll-on is 1 year once opened and 3 years if unopened. (I got this information through Garnier Philippines Facebook fanpage.Thanks to Garnier Philippines for answering my queries, very professional (^_^)
Cons (What I don't like):
   I can't think of any.

With manufacturing date - see the picture above.
I sent a message to Garnier Philippines regarding the shelf life of their facial scrub and roll-on, they immediately replied me and says: "Hi Glenn! Garnier Pure Active Multi-Action and Anti-Imperfection Roll-On have a shelf life of 1 year once opened and 3 years if unopened. 
White creamy texture with micro-beads contains purifying salicylic  acid.
Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfection Cooling Roll-On  
Dries out imperfections and visibly fades marks
What the packaging says:
   Anti-imperfection action: Concentrated in Purifying Salicylic acid, its fresh non greasy formula quickly dries  out imperfections instantly.
   Anti-marks fading action: Enriched with HerbaRepair, known for its regenerating and repairing properties, it helps to improve skin, minimize redness and fade marks.
   - Dermatologically tested on Asian acne-prone skin -

Usage: Apply directly onto and around imperfections and their marks as soon as they appear. Continue applications until they have cleared. Avoid eye area. If the metal ball is blocked or if a fim appears, clean it before usage.

Pros (What I like): 
  • Effective. Same as the facial scrub I also saw the result after I used it on my pimple.
  • With manufacturing date.
  • I like the roll-on type packaging.
  • I like the cooling effect when you applied it.
  • Very affordable compare to the other anti-pimple product I used before. Pure Active Anti-Imperfection Roll-On cost only P199.00 pesos. 
Cons (What I don't like): 
         After I used it I experienced little itch but bearable. 

With manufacturing date.
Recommendation:
   Yes I recommend these products. After I test it I saw the result and yes its effective. I highly recommend this for those who have oily skin and those who have pimples. 

   Garnier Pure Active products are available in all leading department store, supermarket and drugstore nationwide. 

   For more info about Garnier Pure Active LIKE them on facebook or visit Garnier Philippines or follow them on twitter ( @GarnierPH )



Disclaimer: 
The Gencified blog site has included some product reviews. Reviews are solely based on my experience in using the product. Products that featured in this blog were personally purchased unless stated otherwise. I was not affiliated with any company and not paid for any product reviews nor advertising. In instances that a product sent to me by a company, the review will remain truthful and unbiased. Products that worked for me may not work for you so please use at your own discretion.




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