Doña Elena brings Origen Flamengco Show to the Philippines

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Doña Elena, the leading brand of Mediterranean products in the Philippines, brings Origen Flamenco Show to the Philippines.

Doña Elena
I've always been a fan of Doña Elena (as I've shared their pasta before). 

Doña Elena
Before the show began, guests enjoyed fine Doña Elena wines as well as tapas with Doña Elena ingredients.

Doña Elena


Doña Elena

Doña Elena

Origen Flamengco Show
origen flamengco show
The Origen Flamengco Show began as scheduled.  The performance was inspired by the music of the legendary Paco de Lucia, a Spanish virtuoso flamenco guitarist, composer and producer.

origen flamengco show
It was unlike anything I have seen before.  You could feel the passion of the Spanish dance group as they tapped into the soulful beats. 

origen flamengco show
Origen harmonizes the old and deep sound of the flamengco guitar by Alberto Marin together with the flamengco singers and the fineness of the flute. 


Watch here for my favorite parts of the show.  Although this is Origen's first time in Manila, the group intends to be back in November.

origen flamengco show
Both Origen and Doña Elena showcases the exquisite Spanish heritage.  Origen as an art and Doña Elena in bringing out quality and healthy Mediterranean food products.

It was a truly unforgettable night of food and art for all.  Thank you for this Doña Elena!

You Are Called to Rescue: Let's Stop Human Trafficking Together!

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A few weeks ago, I was "Called To Rescue".  

called to rescue

The event was organized by Called to Rescue supporters Stephanie Henares, communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia and Boutique Burger Kitchen (BBK), a family-oriented diner from Chef Carlo Miguel of Draft Gastropub

called to rescue


What is Called to Rescue?
Called to Rescue is an international non-profit organization founded in 1988 by Dr. Cyndi Romine, who is one of the leading authorities in the fight against children injustices. 
Called to Rescue combats child trafficking in three ways:
  1. prevention through education and training of youth of all ages and their parents
  2. dedication to the child until he/she has experienced healing
  3. continuation in every aspect of child trafficking awareness.
Called to Rescue Philippines was officially registered as a non-governmental organization
(NGO) in 2009, with Mr. Anthony Pangilinan as its Officer-in- Charge.


called to rescue


What is Human Trafficking?
Actually, the definition of human trafficking varies depending on which law so it makes it difficult for the layman to understand.
Human trafficking is the buying and selling of men, women and children within countries and across borders in order to exploit them for money.  Human trafficking is a large-scale profit scheme which involves syndicates.  It is overtaking arm smuggling and drug trafficking because kids can be used more than 20 times per day.
It is very broad covering many illegal activities such as:
  • Forced labor
  • Debt bondage
  • Trafficking for sexual orientation
  • Child labor
  • Forced begging
  • Trafficking for organ removal
  • Forced marriage (mail order bride)
  • Trafficking in domestic work
  • Child soldiers
  • Rape or Date Rape
Factors Affecting Human Trafficking in the Philippines
  • Lack of awareness 
    •  Did you know that there are more than 500,000 cases of human trafficking in the Philippines last 2016 alone?  And, there are over 30 billion cases worldwide.  I was really surprised by this because most human rights cases in the Philippines focused more on Extra-judicial killings, disappearances and torture and it didn't occur to me even during my human rights violation research as a law student that there is such an issue.  And, this lack of awareness over the issue is what I think is the main factor why it became such a big problem. 
    • It's not as uncommon as we think.  There was even a case where the perpetrator who sold young teens in BGC is a wealthy Filipino-Chinese residing in Corinthian Village who had two rooms just for girls.  And, Tindr was used as a means to lure girls in.
  • Poverty 
  • Philippine as an archipelago
  • Friendly culture
  • Lack of parental oversight 
  • Lack of implementation of laws
    • Corruption
    • Weak judicial system
    • Court congestion
    • Shortage of prosecutors
    • Although laws are continuously being developed:
      • ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons (ratified February 2017)
      • RA 7610 as amended on 2003 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) 
      • RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) 
      • RA 6955 (Mail-order brides)
      • RA 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act)
      • Revised Penal Code
        • Art. 202 (prostitution)
        • Art. 341
      • PD 442: Labor Code of Philippines
      • Philippines Constitution
What Can We Do?
So previously I said I was Called to Rescue.  What do I mean by that?  How can a private person like me take part in such a big issue? Well, we can do A LOT actually. 

called to rescue
  • Parents should oversee their child (Parents better to struggle than worry so don't give up!  Although before 9 out of 10 Filipino kids look up to their parents, now only 4 out of 10 do.)
    • Don't give your kids gadgets; Lend them gadgets so you have degree of control
    • Teach kids to say No
  • Learn self-defense such as shouting and learning Krav Maga
  • Share the awareness
  • Join the community by liking Called to Rescue in Facebook
  • Report trafficking, abuse, and cases of missing children with the Called to Rescue’s local hotline at (0917) 541- 0287, through their facebook fan page or website calledtorescue.com.ph.

FilipinaZ 2017: Jewelry, Fashion and Art Fair Created by Women For Women

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This July 28-30, 2017 at the Penthouse of 8 Rockwell, FilipinaZ 2017 is back. 

filipinaz 2017
Filipinaz is organized by the women of the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs who has long been advocates of uplifting women's lives.

zonta club of makati and environs

Jewelry
filipinaz 2017
There are many merchants showcasing jewelry this year: Alchemista, All That Glitters (handcrafted jewelry with imported previous gems designed by Amanda Luym and her partner Cacay Moras-Server) , Definitive Handcrafted Opulence by Ann Ong, Eccentric Limited (carabao horn jewelry) Kathy & Kathy Bespoke, Kuwintas, Otsirav'e by Carlo Evaristo, Judy Jewels, and Yerovi Jewelry.

For FilipinaZ, Alchemista will unleash its collaborative collection with Kyooreo’s Charming Baldemor-hand-carved minaudières embellished with metals and semi-precious stones.

filipinaz 2017
Yerovi Jewelry.
 filipinaz 2017

filipinaz 2017
Otsirav'e by Carlo Evaristo


Fashion
filipinaz 2017
D'Oro Barandino
D'Oro Barandino will showcase their signature geometric and architectural-shaped minaudières, as well as soft-leather clutches and gold-plated brass jewelry.

kababaihan bags
Kababaihan Bags
Art
filipinaz 2017
For art, there are lots of collections from multi-awarded painter Mario Panis, Ronna Manansala (granddaughter of Philippine National Artist in Visual Arts Vicente Manansala), Boysie Villavicencio, Kyooreo, Rocky David, Boy Sy and Bruno Art to see.

filipinaz 2017

filipinaz 2017
So save the date for FilipinaZ 2017 and own a special piece that is inspired by the strength, beauty, and sophistication of a true Filipina and her potential for doing great things for the benefit of society.

A Square (Formerly St. Augustine Square): Commercial Center in Baliuag Bulacan

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It is my first time in Baliuag Bulacan.  The town is quite progressive.  We stopped by A Square (Formerly St. Augustine Square) - a relatively new commercial center.

a square baliuag bulacan
Aside from the lush greens and wide floor space, it offers free WiFi. 

pagibig a square baliuag bulacan
It is where Pag-Ibig Fund is located so it is a popular public stop.

a square baliuag bulacan
A Square is also a great place to find good bargains since there are some start ups stores that can be found only there.

a square baliuag bulacan
Honey Lyn sells imported affordable hand bags selectively picked by the owners.  This store also gave me an idea to wrap a around the bag handle to make it look stylish.

a square baliuag bulacan
If you're looking for imported shoes that is budget-friendly, Icon Classic Shoes should be one of your considerations.

a square baliuag bulacan
Selling school supplied since 1984, Adriano's Giftshop and School Supplies is there too.

a square baliuag bulacan
Previously, I've shared about Uniqube.   Well, Pick-A-Box has a similar concept but the prices here are way cheaper!  Imagine you can buy a swim wear for only 99 php!

a square baliuag bulacan
There are also sophisticated and specialized shops like Navarro's Furniture.

a square baliuag bulacan
They have furnitures which are older than 100 years old. 

a square baliuag bulacan
Travel agencies like Citigate Travelplus is also stationed here.

a square baliuag bulacan
Cignal which is now the leading premiere DTH satellite provider is also found in A Square.  When you drop in for installation, they can install it within the day!

a square baliuag bulacan
There is also a Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon branch here.

creations by lourd ramos
They offer promo rates on non-peak hours.

nail impressions
Nail Impressions provides nail art, massages and more.

a square baliuag bulacan
For specialty Thai massage, there's Baan Khun Thai.

baan khun thai
I love how serene the interiors are.

a square baliuag bulacan
This place can make you forget your trouble and allow you a relaxing break.

rosemarys kitchen
There are also restaurants. 

rosemarys kitchen
Eat all you can is cheap here.

apag events place
Nearby residents can consider treating friends and family for events at Apag.

apag events place

apag events place


apag events place
Apag's Crispy Liempo is quite popular among diners.

apag events place

apag events place

apag events place
Apag can house over 100 guests.

bavarian coffee
I also loved Bavarian Coffee's cozy interiors.

There will be more stores opening at A Square.  And, soon there will be food markets too.  Check them out!

A Square

Mister Donut Promo Alert: Free Box of Smidgets and More!

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In line with Mister Donut's Unbox the Fun Campaign, there will be a special treat for the weekends of July 2017!

mister donut promo

Craving for Mister Donuts?  Now is the time to give in.  Reward yourself after a week's work,  And, good things are best when shared so this is also the time to give some to your loved ones.  Bring some Mister Donut home.  Share Mister Donut to your friends and neighbors. 

mister donut promo

Your July weekends are not more fun, flavorful and colorful as from Friday to Sunday this July specifically on July 14-16, July 21-23 and July 28-30, you can get a box of smigets for FREE when you buy a dozen donuts.

You can buy any type of donuts you love!  You can even have them in assortment.  Yes, mix in your classic favorites, Bavarians, Filled donuts, Choco cake, Minions and whatever else you like.  In fact with the many selections, you can get some week to week and still have a different kind of fun. 
 
mister donut promo

You're actually getting more than what you bought in bite-size treats.  Because for your 12-donut purchase, you will be getting 15 pcs. of assorted Bavarian and Choco Butternut for FREE! 

So what are you waiting for?  Grab some now!  It's a steal deal!  Mister Donut has always been the affordable donut and now you're getting even more. 

Head over to any Mister Donut branch nationwide.  With hundreds of branches and stalls, there's no reason to hesitate.  Have a happy or shall I say extra happy weekend with Mister Donut's special treat!