Taylor Dayne & Edwin McCain Live In Manila: Our Experience at SM Arena

Last week, we got to watch Taylor Dayne & Edwin McCain Live In Manila courtesy of Ferds.  Despite being a rainy night, we were all hyped up for it.  It was our first time to watch at SM Arena too.  

We were seated at the front center lower box so we had a really nice view.  The show time was supposed to be 8 p.m. but it started at 9 p.m.  SM Arena doesn't allow food and drinks from the outside so we bought at the Snack Centers inside.  A lot of people assumed wrongly that they'd be allowed to bring in the Starbucks drinks they bought form the Starbucks along the SM Arena so the baggage counter was filled with a lot of them.

Watch Edwin McCain Shooting Stars

The show begun with songs from Edwin McCain: Shooting Stars, I'll Be, Couldn't Ask For More, Walk With You, Beautiful Life and more!

After the intermission, the King of RnB Jay-R sang a few Filipino songs.

Then the show went lively as Taylor Dayne performed her famous disco songs.  They were some heartbreaking pop songs too like Love Will Lead You Back, I'll Always Love You, Can't Get Enough Of You Love, Prove Your Love and Tell It To My Heart.

The concert is a clash of two genres and from artists from a different musical era.  But somehow it worked.  We had fun! =D

Cleverbuy Closed: Beware of the Clever Scam

Deal sites have gained popularity as consumers as an offer to save seem irresistible.  One of the bigger group buying sites is Cleverbuy.  They have simultaneous deal offerings everyday.  Last February, they even emailed me an invite that their Affiliate Marketing Program at 7th High Bonifacio High Street.  It was party I didn't go to because I don't drink but I heard it overflowed with food, drinks and they even raffled of f travel packages

So when I saw that they had an offering for Paul Calvin's Deli, I took the bait and bought six vouchers for the family.  We were planning to use it this June since the deal is valid until June 30, 2012.  But, when we called Paul Calvin's Deli, we were informed that they are no longer honoring Cleverbuy vouchers since Cleverbuy failed to reimburse them for the previous ones they accepted too.

We were surprised as we watch the news at ABS-CBN that there is a wide-scale fraud going on.  Up to date, there are over 100 consumers filing a complaint to the DTI.

And sadly, there are also many who are unaware of their schemes as their site is still up and running with consumers availing of their deals.

Of course, I want to be compensated so I did my best to investigate about this issue.  First, I checked their Facebook page and they were so many comments worried clients like me.  

Here are some relevant information I've gathered:

                                                  See Chris Aranyez and David Stautigel Here

• Chriz Arañez (09175143733) was the former country manager of Cleverbuy.  During his management, Cleverbuy executed a travel deal from TripToe (managed by Ms. Leah Ramos) which had many consumer complaints since last March, 2012.  Chriz Arañez forwarded advance payment to TripToe who they failed to execute their part of the bargain.  
• TripToe Travel and  Cashmere Travel and Tours both based in Iligan are owned by Amielyn Madale Limbona who is currently facing an estafa case
• Edgardo Garcia replaced Chris Arañez as country manager and he is expected to appear on June 8.
• David Stautigel is the general manager of Cleverbuy and representative of the owner Christian Bayer who is now in Germany. He is also the Czech Republic's Country Manager.
• Ronald Rodriguez and Marissa Topacio are the  Sales Manager and Channel Sales Manager respectively.
• Cleverbuy and J2 Travel and Tours are sister companies.  Both  are closed since May 29, 2012
• Cleverbuy is part of Webix Business Solutions Inc., which develops websites (dating sites, porn sites...) for European clients which are legal in Europe.
• Yesterday (June 5, 2012), Cleverbuy closed its China Bank account.  Thereby making all their checks bounce (criminally liable for B.P. 22)

So what to do now?

The only we can do is file a complaint and hope for the slim chance of being reimbursed or getting our moneyback.

Join other consumers in reporting them!

• What to bring: 
• formal complaint detailing the transaction
• attach all evidence or proofs of transaction
• affidavit
• How to write affidavit 
• demand letters 
• How to write demand letters
• Where to go: NBI Anti-fraud Division, 5th floor, NBI Taft Avenue, Manila on June 8, 2012 2 P.M. to file a complaint along with other victims
• Wear at least smart casual

You can also file a complaint through DTI.

Korean Drama Review: The Greatest Love also known as Best Love

There seems to be a lot of Korean dramas that involves Korea's Entertainment Industry.  Following the trend is a recent Korean comedy and drama called  "The Greatest Love" a.k.a "Best Love".  However, what sets it apart from other dramas is that the stars are middle-aged.  Do you think they pulled it off?

The love team is composed of Goo Ae Jung played by Gong Hyo Jin and Dokko Jin by Cha Seung Won.  The main casts had a great chemistry together.  The acting is superb too.  Together with Kang Se Ri casted by Yoo In Na and  Yoon Pil Joo casted by Yoon Kye Sang, every episode of "The Greatest Love" is entertaining.  Well, the last episodes seems a bit dragging but it was still okay.  The humor and drama felt natural and moving.  This is a feel good drama that anyone can enjoy.

A once famous female singer and a super popular actor falls in love with each other.  Will their love prevail over their careers?

Watch The Greatest Love !!!

Fuelling Your Body for Cycling

Keeping your body in optimal shape is essential to perform at your best as a cyclist. Exercising regularly, weight training and building up endurance is necessary for every cyclist. Improving your nutrition, however, is just as important. There are many foods that will help you stay in shape and keep your body operating at its best.

Green or Black Tea

Scientists have discovered that the extract from black and green tea leaves help alleviate soreness in athletes and helps speed muscular recovery. If you are cycling in intervals, drink unsweetened black or green tea just before a ride to lessen the pain and soreness that many cyclists feel after a ride.

Add Carbs for Energy

While many cyclists load up on carbs for energy before a race, nutritionists suggest against a binge on carbs in the hours leading up to a racing event. They suggest increasing carbohydrates in the days before the event for the maximum impact. Besides the carbohydrate favorites such as pasta, cyclists can enjoy high carbohydrate foods such as fruit, yogurt and chocolate milk.

Salmon and Tuna

Salmon and tuna are not only great for energy, but they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which aid in muscle building. Omega 3 fatty acids have been known to increase blood flow, which helps to remove toxins from the body. Canned tuna in water is also a great source of energy that will fuel your cycling workout. Avoid meats with high fat content that will slow you down and make you sluggish during your rides.

Eat Small and Often

Sports physiologists recommend eating small meals often to keep energy levels high and to stave off hunger. Cycling requires a lot of energy from the body. If you go too long between meals, you will be tempted to eat larger portions of unhealthy foods. Eating a small meal just before and after a ride causes your body to use the food instead of your muscles for energy.

Berries and Cherries

These antioxidant foods are essential for rebuilding muscles and repairing small muscle tears after a workout. Berries are naturally low in fat and calories and provide you with energy without compromising your waistline. Berry juices like Acai berry have been known to aid in digestion and flush toxins from the system. Add berries to cereal, smoothies and yogurt for a healthy treat.

Colour Your Plate

Experts advise cyclists to aim for a rainbow when planning their meals. Red and pink foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon contain compounds that protect the skin against sun and cellular damage. Green foods like spinach, kale and broccoli are high in folic acid that protects the joints and spine. Orange and yellow foods such as carrots, squash, bananas and sweet potatoes boost the immune system, allowing you to fight off illness that will keep you from cycling. Improving your diet for cycling requires knowledge of how the body functions and what foods keep it at its peak. By adding in healthy foods, you will enjoy optimal nutrition to fuel your rides.

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Darren is a Professional Cyclist and Manager of one of the best bicycle shops in Melbourne, Australia. Being a professional cyclist, he knows the importance of getting your diet right for cycling.

African Mango Diet

According to Dr Oz,  Irvingia Gabonensis also known as wild mango, bush mango or pure African mango is a super-potent fiber.  The high fiber content from the fruit extract helps to suppress the appetite. It is shown to be one of the best leptin regulator in keeping leptin levels at the right mark thereby reducing hunger pangs and cravings.  It can also lower blood sugar levels because it contains substances like adiponectin, which increase insulin sensitivity of the body cells that allows greater fat tissue breakdown. In addition, it can also lessen the conditions of inflammation and it also contains potential anti-cancer agents.

Thanks to our science and technology, we don't need to go to Africa to gain access to African Mango.  We can now purchase pills online easily at our own convenience.  In pills form, intake is simple and hassle-free.  You can enjoy an African Mango Diet anytime you wish.  The effects are fast too.  Try it out and see for yourself.

The best part of having a natural diet like the  African Mango Diet is that they have no negative side effects.  We all know that fruits are natural sources of vitamins and minerals.  It is a gift of nature wherein our bodies are made to respond too.  So why go through the risk of trying artificial and chemically formulated diet pills when you can go through a safe and natural way through  African Mango Diet?

Movie Review: Snow White and the Huntsman

With a known producer Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland) and Sam Mercer (Sixth Sense) plus a great cast and marketing, I'm sure a lot of audience have put Snow White and the Huntsman in their must watch list.  Is it?  We were so glad to watch it in an advance screening courtesy of Star World Philippines, Surf, STI, Oishi and Goldilocks.  

The story sets in medieval times where witches, trolls, fairies and kings existed.  The plot is basically the infamous fairy tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves with an added twist such as a handsome and hunk huntsman casted by Chris Hemsworth, mixture of familiar sound effects (see if you can recognize some) and more.  Yet I find the mix bag insufficient to sustain my full attention.  I found some of the scenes too dragging and boring.  The movie begins in a narration and in the end becomes an action film similar to Joan of Arc but in short length.

Ravenna starred by Charlize Theron and Finn casted by Sam Spruell were great!  The roles were played well as the duo drew the attention and emotions of the audience.  The huntsman played a weird role in the movie.  Up until the end, I'm still wondering what he was there for.  But, Chris Hemsworth played well especially in the action scenes.  Kristen Stewart as Snow White failed to prove herself as the fairest of the all throughout the movie.

Overall, the movie is watchable but my expectation were clearly not met.  This is just another movie.

Watch Snow White and the Huntsman!