#AMPRDigitalAppreciationNight at Cuore Bistro and Social Lounge

Last June 23, 2016, Thursday I got the chance to join AMPR's Digital Appreciation Night for food and Mommy bloggers in Cuore Bistro and Social Lounge. AMPR hosted the event for about 30 bloggers to introduce the PR company's services, brands, and clients. The night was a simple celebration for bloggers and AMPR team while enjoying Cuore's artisanal food.

The program started with an overview of AMPR's company and brand. They highlighted on their successes and milestones in different products and brand they have worked with. Some of the popular brands that they work for are Goodah!, Gardenia Bakeries Phil. Inc., Uratex, Acer, Happee among many other. The highlight, however, of the night was the gastronomic adventure offered by Cuore Bistro and Social Lounge.

Cuore pronounced as Kwo-re is italian for heart. Heart being the center of every dish at Cuore. They take pride in providing a complete dining experience. Armed with remarkable service, passionate service, and a home-y feel to their restaurant. The ambiance welcomes and encourages conversations, food conversations, social gatherings and social events. I would consider it for some intimate gatherings like birthday celebration, proposal, and just hanging out with friends. What is also the bistro's signature are their #hugot or love infused menus, which is perfect for everyone whether mending a broken heart or celebrating love.

My foodie-mates Nhessie Agustin, Anne Marie, and Aci

Now to the highlight of the night, the gastronomic adventure provided by Cuore. They serve international cuisines and put in their own personal touches to give it a twist and memorable-factor. All dishes are also beautifully plated and curated with refreshing flavors, that will definitely make one feel oh-so good.

Savory Bites: Spinach and Cream

Childhood Sweetheart: Cuore's 3 Cheese Brick Oven Pizza

All my Love: Cuore's Best-Selling Roasted Chicken with Side Salad

The One Who Got Away: Cuore's Fries Nachos

Appetizer: Where our Eyes Meet. Squid Calamari with Salsa and Mayo dip

Chix n' Chips: sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Cuore's Panna Cotta
Photo courtesy of Dutch Fairy Ph Anne Marie Celso

Cuore's Churros. Super yummy and a perfect combination with vanilla ice cream. It was also served warm and crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. hihi! Sakto din ang tamis so mapapakain ka ng madami!:) 

Summer Camping. Cuore's version of smores. It has a bread pudding at the bottom with marshmallow on top. It will really remind you of your first camping trip or the first time you roasted a marshmallow in the beach. 

Thanks AMPR, Gardenia, and Cuore Manila for the wonderful night. I had fun knowing about AMPR Events and Marketing, Gardenia's new products, and Cuore's delicious treats!

Breast Cancer Awareness: Celebrate with Songs of Hope

It is such an unfortunate thing that more and more people are becoming victims of the big C or Cancer. It is alarming as well that it seems everyone can be hit by this illness. Personally, I have two relatives who had cancer, one of lung cancer and the other of breast cancer. Regardless of the kind of cancer, it is sad that people leave this world because of it. I remember crying over my aunt and uncle, because they were still very young, they have so much more to do in life. 

But in any despair, there is hope. Advanced medical treatments are making it easier for more patients to survive Breast Cancer, but these methods are quite expensive. Because of this, most people cannot afford the procedure. External factors like the present economic state of the nation, the issue of inflation and taxes, or that they are either unemployed or are working for minimum wage or less are not helping things either. It is heartbreaking to know that many individuals choose to ignore Breast Cancer because they would rather use whatever money they have to feed their families or pay the bills.

It is through the efforts of other people who promote and advocate breast cancer awareness that patients and their families tries to get by. If you want to help in your own little way, you can start by supporting a joint project or Resorts World and Lyric Opera of the Philippines. Chino Toledo and the Grupo 20/21 Orchestra will join musical artists like Jose Mari Chan, Anica Ordan, Franco and Ayen Laurel and Ana Feleo in presenting a Christmas-themed concert where proceeds from the ticket sales will fund the chemotherapy for the patients. Each ticket you buy will send one Breast Cancer patient to that much needed medical treatment. The catch is that the project will only push through if at least 1,200 tickets have been sold.

The ticket prices are as follows:

Total Seats - Price

SVIP 267 -PHP 3,000 

VIP 288- PHP 2,800 

GOLD 280 -PHP 2,500 

SILVER 439 -PHP 2,200 

BRONZE 126 -PHP 2,000

Let us help in pushing thru with this concert and assist one Breast cancer another treatment that will give them another to live with their families and loved ones. 

Buy and register your tickets at www.kasuso.org and if you may please use this code: CelebrateHope045 so they would know it is thru my blog that you knew of the event. 

“Celebrate with Songs of Hope: A Christmas Fundraising Concert” will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on December 16, 2015. The event will start at 7:30pm as part of an ongoing campaign to fight Breast Cancer, a disease that has claimed thousands of lives over the years. The organizers aim to educate people about the symptoms of Breast Cancer, and what they can do to survive it. Each ticket you buy will send one Breast Cancer patient to much needed Chemotherapy Treatment.

Blogapalooza: The Second Time Around

Last October 25, bloggers and business came together at One Esplanade to connect, and collaborate together. It was my second time going and I was really looking forward to it. I'd say I was more prepared and equipped this year which made my stay more enjoyable and informative. 

I went to the event this year with my good friend Lally Gonzales of www.lallysreflections.com and with a new found blogger friend Mommy Lei of www.eislei.com. We arrived after lunch as we attended Rackell of www.mylittleworld.com's daughter's baptism. It was a busy Sunday but it was worth it. 

This year's them is about #ResponsibleMedia and how bloggers and brands can be mediums of positive and principled journalism. I know some will not agree that blogging is journalism but I think looking at the blogging world as such makes bloggers become more accountable for their action, words, and blog. It is about time that bloggers use their power to connect, collaborate, and empower each other not only as bloggers but as media persons. I learned alot about responsible media by listening to the talks and how I cam be a promote positive and responsible blogging. 

Anyway, here are some stories on what happened during the event. Upon entering the venue we were welcomed by the I Am cardboard Ph booth. Really had fun trying out their product and I'd actually suggest it to some friends who are getting married. I think it will be such a great souvenir. 

Chips Delight booth was also such a delight to see. They have a christmas themed area where they showcased their products. Got myself some cookies too!;) 

Victoria Court was there and we played games but unfortunately I did not win anything. Haha!;) 

Here are the other booth and companies I got to interact with and played some fun games in. 

Got to take home these freebies too! 

Thank you, Blogapalooza 2015 for having me in your awesome event. Got to learn more about blogging and collaborating with brands that may help me with my mission as a blogger. Thanks also as I have met wonderful bloggers in the event! Till next year!;)

Thomas the Train 70th Birthday Bash!

Last Sunday, September 27, a famous train celebrated another milestone in his life. Fortunately, Enzo and I was guests in his momentous birthday. Thomas the Train celebrated his 70th birthday with a bang and surprised a lot of kids that day. 

We arrived before the program started but the party has already started for most kids. There were a lot of activity area for kids like Coloring area, Facepaint, Film showig, A big Thomas the Train, and a Photo area. We had ample time to take some photos too. 

The registration area. Guests are welcome to join the party with a minimum purchase of any Thomas and friends toy for Php500. 

Happy 70th birthday, Thomas!;) 

Got a lot of coloring papers in the arts table. Even adults had fun coloring too!

Enzo enjoyed playing with some Thomas and Friends toys and tracks available for playing. He also got to play with other kids too!

A film showing of some Thomas and Friends episodes also got Enzo's attention, and sat down with some of the kids there too. 

Father and son riding Thomas the Train! Enzo was delighted to drive and ride Thomas! 

With Ziggy, son of Mommy Janice of www.rollercoastermom.com.

Another photo with thes tar of the day, Thomas!;) 

The program started with the parade of contestants for the costume contest. The costumes were all amazing and the parents are really admirable for the creativity and effort they put on their kids's costumes. Some looked realistic too! 

Then a storytelling session got the kids participating and pretend-play like trains.

After which, the most awaited meet and greet happened as Sir TopHam Hat or the Fat Controller came out and dance for everyone. A photo op session came next and all the children were delighted. 

Before the program ended, the best in costume were announced. The winners were all deserving because of their ingenuity and creativity. Thomas the Train would have been happy if he was able to see it. 

The program ended with a birthday song and blowing of candles. Everyone went home happy and satisfied with all the activities from the event. Enzo went home with his new train toys and fun memories from Thomas the Train's 70th birthday! 

Thank you RichPrime, Toy Kingdom, Moms who Blog Ph, and Ms. Glaiza of  www.moomymusings.com for the invite!Grab your Thomas and Friends trains and collectibles at all toy Kingsom and Toys R Us stores!

3 Valuable Lessons you can Teach your Kids from Disnye Live: Mickey’s Musical Festival

Last Saturday, I was fortunate to have watched Disney Live! Mickey’s Musical Festival at the new Kia Theatre at Araneta Center. Of course, all thanks to my Mommy Bloggers Philippines community for this wonderful opportunity. I literally grasped and could not believe my eyes when I read the email that I have two complimentary tickets to the show. It was just in time for my niece’s birthday, so I had an automatic surprise for her. She loves Disney movies, and cartoons, especially the Princesses.

The show happened in the new Kia Theatre formerly known as the New Frontier Theatre and a classic landmark in the 60’s, it was the country’s premier performing arts venue. It was my first time to visit the theatre, and I was impressed as the Ticket Windows were easy to find, and the staff we’re also very accommodating. I also liked the spacious lobby and the lighting in the venue.

We arrived at the venue early so we had some time to take photos. The little girl was very excited and anxious at the same time as we talked about who we were excited to see in the show. She was very excited to see the princesses and Minnie Mouse too. After thirty minutes, the show started at exactly 2pm and ended around 330. It was an amazing show but I hoped it was longer. Also, I hope to see more Disney characters and especially Princesses. But all in all the show was fun and entertaining for the children and parents too. Kids will definitely have a great time seeing their favorite characters and singing with them their famous songs. I specifically enjoyed Aladdin as I remember my childhood moments through the show. I loved that story and I enjoyed seeing the Genie again. Bettina, enjoyed Little Mermaid especially the “Kiss the Girl” part as it was her favorite song. She loved seeing them perform live and it was priceless hearing her laugh, clap, and sing with the performers. She also danced and responded as Mickey and the rest of the gang asked questions, and invited the audience to participate and dance too.

After the show, I was able to teach some important values to Bettina, that I think is an important part of the experience. I feel it is important that our children processes or reflects about their experiences so the moment because more lasting.

Here are three (3) valuable lessons from Disney Live: Mickey’s Musical Festival

1.       Music brings everyone together.  As Mickey Mouse said, “Whoever you are, and whatever you do, Music brings everyone together”. It was clearly shown in the film that anyone and everyone can sing, dance or just appreciate music. Music speaks to everyone and it is understandable by everyone too. Mickey Mouse and the rest of the gang, performed really well and they welcome everyone with their music. Even crabs, lobster, fishes, sing with them which make it even more wonderful to watch.

2.       Happy Endings. The sweet happy endings by each segment are amazing. It gives hope to little children and even adults like me. There may be failures or challenges but looking forward to happy endings is what motivates us to stand up and try again. This is a value every parent wants for their children right? It’s great that Disney characters promote such. 

3.       Friendship. Lastly, friendship, the characters showed a life full of happiness with friends around. Children should learn the value of friendship. This is what was shown by Mickey Mouse and the gang and the other performers too. 

Disney Live! Mickey’s Musical Festival is worth seeing and looking forward to Disney on Ice this December too. Thank you @mommybloggersph, Kia Theatre, Araneta Center, and TicketNet for the wonderful gift I am able to give to my niece. She had the most wonderful birthday seeing her favorite characters!:)

P.S. Really sorry for the very blurry photos, I was too excited watching the show hihi!:)

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