5 Tips to Boost Your Immunity during the Holidays

The Christmas season is truly the most awaited and most exciting time of the year.

In the Philippines, the anticipation for the holidays starts on Day 1 of the so called “ber” months. Christmas songs are now being played over the radio, malls and different establishments showcase colorful displays, and everyone are beginning to be generous and starts to make a list and shop for gifts for their friends and loved ones.

In the midst of this festive atmosphere, we can’t deny the fact that we are also bound to experience even worse traffic congestion, longer lines in MRT and LRT stations, and the pressure of finishing all school or office works before the Christmas break is bigger than ever. Thus, everyone is prone to sickness during this time. The unpredictable weather that we experience these days also adds to all the hassles that we face.

To boost your immunity this holiday season, here are five (5) tips you might find useful. To stay healthy this Christmas, just remember FERN-C:

F-ind time to relax. You’ve been very busy all year-long. Don’t you think its time your body takes its much-deserve break? A good resort is just a few hours drive from the chaotic metropolis or you can do a hotel staycation for a day or two. Just make sure that you won’t be bringing any paper work during your vacation, okay?

E-xercise. It’s easier said than done. Can you still remember when was the last time you hit the gym? Or where you placed the abs flexer you bought for yourself last Christmas? Stretch your body or run a few kilometers regularly because it will also make you a more productive employee when you are fit and well. And also, pushing the shopping cart is not considered an exercise.

R-ight diet. I’m sure as early as now you have already received invitations to different Christmas parties and gatherings with friends. You  will feast on very generous dining tables and soon you’ll realize that you have gained weight. If you want to avoid this, choose healthy food, don’t overeat and resist the call of the lechon saying, “Eat me!”
 

N-ot too much alcohol. Over drinking liquor can hurt you in many ways. You can either be involved in a vehicular accident, get headache the morning after you drown in alcohol, or be seriously ill. Know when to say stop. Don’t listen to your friends who teases you to drink more. Follow the "instructions" indicated on the label of your brandy: "Drink moderately".

 C-heer up! Christmas time means happiness. Unless you’re the Grinch, you are excused to frown and hate the holidays. Be merry and create happy memories with your colleagues. Smile, laugh and have fun. Spread good vibes. It will not only make you healthy physically but it also promotes a healthy relationship with others.

To double your tolerance against all sorts of sickness that the busy holiday season brings, be sure to equip yourself with a trusted brand like Fern-C, the leading non-acidic vitamins in the country. It gives three benefits to the body if a dose is taken everyday--- immunity system booster to protect your body from flu, dengue and other illness, anti-oxidant that fights against the effects of free radicals and cancer, and collagen producer to make your skin looking young.

Wishing you all a merry Fern-C Christmas and a healthy new year!

To know more about Fern-C, visit their official website www.fern-c.com, like their official FB fanpage fb.com/ferncofficial and follow @FERNCOnline on Twitter and @fernofficial on Instagram.     

It's #MerrySMChristmas Everyday

My son Charles as Santa's Little Helper at the SM Cubao's holiday display a few years ago.

Thank God for SM!” That’s how my son, who was three-years old then, expressed his happiness when he finally got the toy he describes as something he's “dreaming of all his life.”

It was Charles’ last birthday party and everyone in the family was trying to get her vote: Who had given him the best gift that day? It was quite amusing because, looking at the mountain of presents, gift wrappers with SM logos dominated the landscape. This is understandable because SM Megamall is just a few blocks away from our house.

The winner was Papa Lohel who bought the Dinosaur toy for his very makulit apo. We were thinking of filing a protest because we found out that he secretly asked Charles what he wanted for her birthday when they visited SM a week before the occasion. But we decided not to after he promised to treat us to dinner the following week. As usual, it was at the SM Food Court.

I got served served at Army Navy - SM Megamall

Speaking of Papa Lohel, another funny incident happened on his birthday recently. Knowing that he likes Sahara brand polo shirts, it was a no-brainer that this would be a gift he would surely appreciate. So when he opened his presents, he was amused to find three almost identical shirts — one from his wife Inday, one from daughter Hazel and one from daughter-in-law Minnie. Blame it on SM, they said. Good thing they all had different tastes in color.

Basically, SM has been a part of our family’s everyday life since it opened. From the food we eat, the plates, forks and spoons we buy, our frying pans and stoves, to the clothes we wear — even my boxers come from SM. I am a bargain bin scavenger and I’m not shy to say it: yup, one of my pairs of boxer shorts came from there.

With my boo at SM Cubao Toy Section

No important family occasion passes without a touch of SM. The mall is true to its motto: “We’ve got it all for you.” It’s like a one-stop candy store and we’re like kids excited to buy our stuff, going to one escalator to another.  Look for new appliances? Pick up home improvement tools and materials? Clothes to impress our partners? Where is the best place to buy Christmas gifts?  You can do all these things in one place, at the most reasonable prices, only at SM. And I still haven’t mentioned that we also do our groceries, bill payments and even banking at SM. (I must sound like a hard-sell TV commercial, but I’m sure I am not the only one.)

Rain or shine, I love joining events at the SM Activity Center

Speaking of Christmas, I am so grateful to my favorite mall simply because I have had a lot of great experiences and memories that happened there that can make me feel like it’s the happiest time of the year. My first date as a high school geek was inside SM Megamall. The first thing I bought with my very first paycheck was at the SM Record Bar (it was a cassette tape of the Eraserheads’ “Sticker Happy” album). I bought my first cellphone (a Nokia 5110) at SM City, Sta. Mesa. I could write a book on my life’s firsts and SM would be mentioned in many, many chapters.

It's a wrap! We're ready for the exchange gifts.

Thus, for me a #MerrySMChristmas does not just happen during December. It can happen any time  of the year. That magical feeling that you get when you give your best effort to scan every shirt designs at the SM Teen section to find the gift that can make your younger brother happy. How about the endless window shopping with your best friends and your promise that you will buy them all they want the moment you win the jackpot in lotto? Or buying baby cloths and feeding bottles with your pregnant wife who’s expecting your first baby soon, and moments like you care to share the spirit of Christmas to children of orphanages and charitable institution through the SM Cares Program's Bears of Joy.

Ahhh…  the joy that one can only find in SM. The spirit of giving that we thought can only or should only happen during the holidays is unfolding every day in our favorite shopping mall.

    

Thus, I totally agree with my son, “Thank God for SM!”

It's like a Merry Christmas for Charles in every visit to his favorite section at any SM Mall.

You too can experience a #MerrySMChristmas, visit http://bit.ly/MerrySMChristmas for more details on events of the nearest SM Mall in your place this season. Also, watch this cute video “How #MerrySMChristmas Begins” featuring Cheska and Kendra Kramer. Happy holidays, everyone!

Free Acer Smartphones this Christmas

I am starting to do my Christmas shopping. In the coming weeks, my list of household chores will have a new entry: wrapping gifts for my friends and loved ones.

Year after year, I have a recurring dilemma. Thinking of a gift to that one person I might have neglected the most in years: myself.

While on the lookout for a gift to thy self, I saw this Acer TV commercial aired during last night’s episode of The Voice Philippines. It's the #MerryMe: Acer 'Buy 1 Gift 1' TVC with Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano.

It’s indeed a very merry Christmas as Acer Philippines treats its loyal customers to FREE smartphones this holiday season with the ‘Buy 1 Gift 1’ promo.

The promo was launched last November 15, 2014 and will run until December 31, 2014. Customers who will buy any eligible Windows 8-based, Intel® Core™ -powered Acer laptops and 2-in-1 devices from any of the participating stores within the promo period will receive an Acer Liquid Z200  smartphone for FREE! That’s basically two quality and quality tech products for the prize of one.

 

Claiming of the free smartphone is so easy. Customers just need to fill out a copy of the “Buy 1 Gift 1” promo claim form and submit it along with the original copy of the Official Receipt, a cut-out of the product’s box Serial number, and two valid ID cards at the Acer Philippines, Inc. office.

Their office is located at the 9th floor, Fifth Avenue Building, 32nd Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Redemption is from Monday to Friday (9am – 5pm)

The good people from Acer anticipated queries for other redemption/ availment areas so they have designated the following locations where the smartphones can also be claimed:

1.  Acer Service Centre – Manila, 1651 Paz Guazon Street, Paco, Manila

2.  Acer Service Center – Cebu City at the AMV Brothers Building, 9 F. Cabahug corner Almendras Streets, Mabolo, Cebu City.

3.  Acer Service Centre- Davao City at the Ground Floor of Ateneo De Davao University, 8016 Roxas Avenue, Davao City.

Claiming schedule at these locations are from Monday to Friday(9am – 5pm) and Saturdays (9am – 12nn).

And if you’re really a very busy person like me (say you can’t leave important stuff like playing Clash of Clans, watching your favorite afternoon shows or have some work and school related activities to attend to), the great news is you can also claim your free smartphone via email (if Acer will not get an award for Best Costumer Service for doing this, I don’t know what brand can equal such after extra mile sales service).

Customers only need to submit a clear scanned copy of the required documents and email to promos@acer.com or aphi.promos@acer.com, and follow up via (02) 815-33-88 local 100 and 125. The Acer Liquid Z200 Smartphone will be shipped directly to the registered address indicated in the submitted Buy 1 Gift 1 promo claim form. Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit #4782 Series of 2014.

Visit the Acer Philippines Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AcerPH) or follow Acer via Twitter (twitter.com/acerphils). For more details go to www.acer.com.ph.

Unisex gifts for Christmas, anyone?

Image source: www.qualityimagesearch.com

Hey, it's a few days to go before Christmas and you haven't bought gifts for your love ones and friends.

Uh-oh! Good luck in facing the dreaded Christmas rush. The only thing I can help you with guys is to suggest some unisex items that you can buy in bulk so you don't have to make a list or end up buying again a boxer for your cousin Stella.

Here are my 25 suggestions. Why 25? Go figure.
1. Tattoo shop gift certificates
2. Jacket with a letter L for Lady or Lalaki
3. Headphone
4. USB flash drive
5. Powerbank
6. Mug (make sure it has text like "Loperamide" or "Compliments of Mayor Binay")
7. That big calendar with images of Saints, Anime and LeBrom James where you can personalize by placing the surname of your recipient. Place "Happy Family" instead.
8. A bottle of Vitamin B Complex
9. Stabillo
10. Complete set of DVD of The Walking Dead (original if possible or if if you can find)
11. Movie tickets (Valid at least for a month)
12. Poster of Paul Walker
13. Casio G-Shock or Technomarine if you have money
14. Snakes and Ladders and other game board
15. Handkerchief (safe color)
16. Towel (again safe)
17. Hand soap or shower gel
18. Conditioner (I have yet to see a conditioner for men)
19. Umbrella
20. Wall clock
21. Canned goods
22. Spoon and fork
23. Kikay kit (yes, even men have that nowadays)
24. Toothbrush and toothpaste
25. or this book below (available at all National Bookstore outlets nationwide)

Santa Claus Trivia and a Christmas Giveaway

My Little Charlie with a gang of Santas

I saw Santas!

That was my son who screamed at me while pointing at the life-size Santa Claus statues standing in a display of a mall in Cubao during one of our recent Saturday family date.

This man is a head-turner. Whether you're a kid or an old folk, you can't understand why you feel like approaching him. There's really something special about Santa.

I would like to share some trivia I got from allthingschristmas.com about St. Nick that will make us understand in a way why the world love this man in red.

1. His origins appear to be in the 4th century when Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, in Turkey, was kind to children and legend has it that he threw gifts from a window to poor children.

2. As early as 1773 the name appeared in the American press as “St. A Claus,”, later becoming Santa Claus.

3. The author Washington Irving gave Americans their first detailed description of Saint Nicholas, describing him as “a chubby little man with a jolly smile, drawn by a team of reindeer.”

4. First seen in poetry in 1823, when Clement Clarke Moore made him even more famous with “The Night Before Christmas”, including the names of eight reindeer (not including Rudolf, who was to appear in 1939 as lead reindeer). This is one of the best loved and most re-told Christmas poems.

5. Historical letters from Santa, dating back to 1849, including well kept & interesting copies for the children of JRR Tolkein, are available both online and in print.

6. First pictures & publicity, illustrator Thomas Nast, who depicted a rotund Santa for Christmas issues of Harper’s magazine from the 1860s to the 1880s, including his toy making.

7. “Is there a Santa Claus” was the title of an editorial appearing in the September 21, 1897 edition of the New York Sun, ending up with the much publicised verdict, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”

8. In 1930, an image of Santa was used by a well known drinks company in a Christmas advertising campaign-big, depicting his white beard, black boots and a big red coat. This is the image that we know and love of him today.

9. In 1939 Rudolf, the ninth reindeer, is introduced by writer Robert May. His “very shiny nose” achieves almost instant fame, through songs such as “Rudolf the Red nosed reindeer” and later, TV and movie appearances.

10. In 1999, image recorded by SETI, search for extra terrestrials monitoring, you can actually see an image of the old man himself.

Now, here's one good news to those who wants to be a Santa Claus for a day.  Electrolux Philippines is giving you a chance to win a gift for your loved ones this Christmas!

To join, visit www.electroluxman.com/santaforaday and send a letter to Electrolux containing no less than 500 words that answers the question, “What Electrolux appliance would you like to gift someone special this Christmas and why?” You can accompany your letter with a creative video or a photo. The complete list of appliances you can choose from is found on the contest website and includes a wide range of Electrolux appliances including washing machines, refrigerators, cooking appliances, air conditioners and small appliances.

NOTE: Please don't forget to indicate in the Referred by section the name of this blogger Richard Mamuyac so I can track the status of the entries by my followers.

All qualified entries will be judged and the beneficiaries of the 3 best entries will receive an Electrolux appliance.  The winner with the highest score will be given a chance to be a Santa for a Day as the Electrolux team will accompany him or her to personally deliver the prize to the nominated recipient. Deadline of submission of entries is on December 10. Share the love and make someone happy this Christmas season by nominating them in Electrolux’s Santa for a Day Contest!

To know the full mechanics of the Electrolux Santa for a Day Contest, check out Electrolux’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook. Share more of our thinking at www.electrolux.com.ph, and follow us through twitter.com/ElectroluxPH.

A Good News for SMP Members

"Mr. Suave" Chito Miranda and "Mr. Hotshot" Chris Tiu looks cool with their outfits from Uniqlo

Few days from now, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The "Ber" months are coming and no one can stop them from happening. While others begin to repent and do novenas almost everyday in fear of the end-of-the-world predictions based on the Mayan calendar, some are actually starting to prepare for the cold days ahead.

Radio stations start to play Christmas tune, malls doing mega sales almost every month, and "single" guys and gals making some end-of-the-year moves to try to change their status in Facebook even to "complicated" as long as they can finally graduate from their membership in SMP or Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko.

Taking about cold days ahead, would you like to wear something fashionable during the holidays to finally escape your annual and "default" get-up every December?  Your cardigan from your last visit to Baguio City or your sweat shirt from high school or college (which is obviously five years old already based on the school year printed on the front) need the retirement it deserves for years of service.

Now here's the good news: Japan’s No.1 fashion brand UNIQLO introduces to the country its latest in FASHION INNOVATION, the Ultra Light Down Collection of vests, coats, parkas and jackets, that are sure to become a must-have for frequent travelers as well as street and office fashionistas.

The “warm” fashion statement for this season, UNIQLO Ultra Light Down is an innovation of lightness, weighing in at a surprisingly light 206 grams, or the equivalent of a summer shirt, while providing the ultimate comfort and warm. It is an innovation of material, utilizing super light nylon made from ultra-thin thread while preserving its durability and softness. Lastly, it is an innovation of mobility, as the apparel packs down to the size of a small milk carton allowing one to store it in a bag which makes it perfect for travel or people on the go.

Not to forget about fashion, the Ultra Light Down collection boasts a wide array of silhouettes, colors and prints, all featuring unique ultra lightweight quality. The entire collection of men’s and women’s lines is comprised of more than 100 colors. New designs perfect for our wet season include a casual yet elegant women’s A-line silhouette with a three-quarter sleeve as well as a men’s half-length silhouette, ideal for the commute to work or an evening out with friends and loved ones.

UNIQLO has carefully selected prints featuring easy-to-coordinate patterns such as dots and checks. The protective and comfortable gear are not only great for the outdoors, but the Ultra Light Down tops are so light and sleek they make the perfect underlayer for chilly days ahead. A FASHION INNOVATION that delivers style, comfort and warmth, the Ultra Light Down collection is set to transform the way Pinoys dress going forward.

The UNIQLO Ultra Light Down Vest is now available at the UNIQLO store located at the 2nd floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Other ULD products will be available in December of this year. Store hours are from 10AM to 10PM.

Now that's one Christmas to be excited about!

Mr. Imperfect

While browsing on the updates on my FB home page, I can't help get notice wall posts from some friends and contacts about sentimental thingies (videos, photos, quotes and links) about spending Christmas as a member of the SMP or Samahan ng Malalamig and Pasko.

I can only sigh and say thank you that I have already graduated from that stage since I am just blessed to have a very loving wife and happy kid.  During my SMP days, I even shared my thoughts via Philippine Daily Inquirer's Young Blood section for a couple of times years ago.

Last Tuesday, I was reminded again of my SMP moments when I read contributor Georgina Angsanto's longing for a man she can her own. This 26-year old lady describe herself as someone who writes ads for a living but is really a full-time aunt and “yaya.”

Here's the full text of her heart-felt writing which I'm sure any single lady, beki and even men can relate too. This was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (November 22, 2011 issue).

Mr. Imperfect
By: Georgina Angsanto

One day I hope to meet an imperfect man who will seem perfect to me from time to time.

He will not be the best I have ever met, but he will be great when I need him to be. He will hold my hand when we cross the street and make sure I stay on the safe side of the road. He will kiss me goodnight before I go to sleep, and he will kiss me torridly when I don’t want to sleep. He will wake me up with a pat on my leg and once in a while surprise me with breakfast in bed. He will argue with me, taunt me, frustrate me, but he will also let me win without having to tell me.

He will cradle me when I need to be babied, respect me when I need to feel big, and scold me when I make a big mistake. He will sing to me when quiet makes me lonely, and remain quiet when noise makes me mad. He will not always read me correctly, but he will always make his best guess. His timing will often be off when calculating my moods, but when he does find that perfect moment, he will make it one that I will never forget.

He will touch me when my heart is cold and cool me down when my head is hot. He will see through my Tupperware expressions and detect my tears before they fall. He will understand many things I am saying with my eyes, but sometimes he will pretend he doesn’t see them at all. He will hurt me time and again, but he will ask to be forgiven just as often. He will lose his temper because he is human, but he will always strive to become a better man.

He will falter and fall and make mistakes, but he will also rise above himself. He will hold open a door for me, although sometimes he will forget. He will order me around, but will bow when I resist. He will take me to a bar, dance with me, go wild with me, but he will also escort me to the theater to watch a play he never really wanted to see.

He will go shopping with me, but he will roll his eyes only when I am inside the fitting room, not when I can see him. He will stand by me at the cosmetics corner, and pretend he’s not bothered by the shade of purple I am trying on. He will laugh at me, not just with me, to remind me not to take myself too seriously.

He will tell me the whole truth when I am ready for it, but he will be ready with his half-truths when that’s what I should hear. He will make me realize that I need him, but only up to half as much as he needs me. He will make me admit that I want him, but only after he professes how he feels about me. He will bring out the best and the worst in me, but he will stick with me always.

One day I will meet an imperfect man. He will love me, and I will love him wholeheartedly.

My Christmas Wishlist 2009

I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. I have already wrapped the gifts for my friends and love ones come the 25th. The only person I have yet to buy a gift is myself. So, I made a wishlist for this year and blogged it just in case someone out there is looking for clues of what I want for Christmas:

1. a box of Mongol pencils
2. DVD copy of the complete season of The Wonder Years
3. Eraserheads’ first 3 albums--- Ultralectromagnetic Pop, Circus & Cutterpillow
4. a USB thumb drive
5. an Orocan keepsake box

Some of you might find my list a little odd but it’s actually for someone I love dearly.

I want a box of Mongol pencils since I am having a hard time finding this brand in my favorite supplies shop. I am a fan of Mongol and owe a lot to it since this was my tool when I first drew my first stick figures.

Back in high school, I actually believed that my life story is based in Fred Savage’s hit US TV series “The Wonder Years” because I can relate to every episode--- first crush… first love… first basted! (Yaiks!) *sigh*

When I entered college in 1993, a bunch of young rockers from UP launched their single “Ligaya” from their debut album. It started my love affair with Eraserheads’ music. Though it’s a toss between Circus and Cutterpillow as to what is their best album ever.

With a USB thumb drive, I’ll be able to put there memorable photos, videos and other files that I can safely keep for a special occasion in the future.

All of these items will then be placed inside an Orocan keepsake box. I can’t think of a cheaper time capsule that is as durable and dependable than an Orocan.

As I said, these things are not for me. I’m keeping them for my little Charles who is 8-month old as of this writing. I want him to experience some of the best things I stumbled upon in this journey called life. I just can’t wait for the moment we can talk about his first day in school or sing a duet of “Ang Huling El Bimbo”

If you have a wish list of your own, you might want to share it and join a contest sponsored by NomNomclub.com where you could win a limited edition Starbucks thumb dive.

Merry Christmas everyone!