You Can Never Go Wrong With Sodexo: My Most Rewarding Experience With Sodexo

I have been working in the BPO industry since 2009 and rewards for good performance and targets met are nothing new. Now, printed certificates may be appreciated but the real fun happens when Sodexo Gift Certificates are given! 

I remember, I was just a new graduate back in 2009 and in my first Call Center job, I was given Sodexo certificates from work. During that time (and boy was that a long time ago) I was the family's bread winner. All my take home pay went to house expenses, so having a little extra to buy groceries was really a big deal. 

I always feel this sense of pride whenever I can help my family in any way that I can, especially during the times when we were really in need. I look back at those trying years with a humble reflection and a grateful heart and I would say that using those Sodexo GCs in order to buy groceries for my family was my most rewarding experience with Sodexo. 

Can I also add that receiving Sodexo gift certificates have never been a problem since they have always been and forever will be valid, and that revalidation and replacement of Sodexo GCs are FREE of charge once the validity date is reached! 

Not only can you use your Sodexo GC's for groceries but for a lot of different things as well You can check out their list of merchants here! 

If you are looking to gift Sodexo GCs to your loved ones (especially with the holidays coming) you can purchase them here. You never know that GC may be the key to a sumptuous Noche Buena!  

Cadbury Dairy Milk: #FreeTheJoy Doctor Strange Screening

#FreeTheJoy indeed with these #CadburyChristmas flavors!

This week was a bit tough for me, given that I had four movie screenings for the wee and of course I still had to go to work after. 

So just imagine: 

Monday - "Doctor Strange" premiere at Mall of Asia (review here) then straight to work.  

Tuesday - "The Accountant" premiere at Glorietta, then work. (In case this is your first time reading a blog post, I work the night shift.) Upon getting home in the morning I wrote and published my movie review for "Doctor Strange" then I got a surprise invite to see "Trolls" for Wednesday evening at Robinson's Galleria and since my fellow movie bloggers all had praises for the film-I had to see it too! 

Even if it has been a tiring three days, I was still pumped out for Thursday because Cadbury Dairy Milk and Nuffnang were having a special screening of "Doctor Strange". I know, I know, I've already seen "Doctor Strange" but Paul hasn't and luckily it was his day off then, so we also had #DateNight and as I said in a previous post - I did realize that even if Paul and I are already married I still miss hanging out with him. Especially since we have different work schedules and rest days and as you already know, I had a pretty busy schedule this week. So I was definitely grateful for the opportunity to spend time with him and  get to do the things that we love -watch movies, geek out and enjoy chocolate!

No illusions here. Three screenings for Doctor Strange at Shang Cineplex. 

It was definitely a #FreeTheJoy moment as we got to enjoy the movie with lots of nerd talk between Paul and me since Paul did read some of the comics. 

We're also big fans of Cadbury Dairy Milk and we were also excited for their limited edition Christmas flavors! You can read more here  and of course Cadbury did not disappoint as they gave attendees special Cadbury Dairy Milk gift packs with the limited edition Christmas flavors - 

Black Forest 

French Vanilla

Chocolate Mousse

-it's definitely a #CadburyChristmas indeed! 

Paul had fun taking photos of the chocolate with our "Doctor Strange" poster! I guess you can say that the Doctor has chocolate on his mind! 

Thank you as always Cadbury and Nuffnang!

#FreeTheJoy with Limited Edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Christmas Flavors

Nothing says joy more than a bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk and I should know because we had so much fun the last time we got to try these exclusive and exciting flavors from Cadbury and I'm just glad that they're back - in time for Christmas! 

Of course during "the most wonderful time of the year" 🎶🎤 (yes, you must sing it) it is also the season of giving and sharing, which is why I already have an idea which of my favorite people I'll be sharing these exclusive Cadbury Dairy Milk variants with! 

The husband! 

Of course, the husband gets dibs and "Black Forest" is the perfect chocolate for him! He is a big fan of the flavor and is more adventurous when it comes to food compared to me, which is why he will surely enjoy the red jellies and real chocolate cookies embedded in tasty Cadbury Dairy Milk is perfect for him!

He's always taking note of food textures and what not and he will surely be satisfied with the surprises in Cadbury Dairy Milk's Black Forest. It's going to be an exciting crunch and chewy treat. 

You see? We LOVE Cadbury! And yes, the husband is a bit of a chocolate monster. He will finish one bar after another! 

      

Even if I'm married, my first love will always be my family and which is why I'll definitely share Cadbury Dairy Milk's French Vanilla with them. I got to try it before and I know that they will just love it! The goodness of vanilla inside Cadbury Dairy Milk cannot go wrong! It's soft, creamy and just to die for! 

I instantly thought of my family for the French Vanilla variant because, well, we're all fair like Vanilla. Also, my mom is big fan of French culture, one of her favorite memories was probably her trip to Europe. She has a photo near the Eiffel tower and everything!  so I definitely thought of her with the sophisticated French Vanilla flavor. 

I spend my every weekday and work day with them so definitely the team gets to experience Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Mousse! 

Chocolate Mousse is a fun dessert, which is why I immediately thought of these guys, who always bring the fun at work. We may not always agree on things or see eye-to-eye with work decisions but one thing we can all agree on is - FOOD! And doesn't sharing make chocolate taste better? 

Light and delectable chocolate mousse inside Cadbury is a must! 

• “Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest, Cadbury Dairy Milk French Vanilla, and Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Mousse are available in 180g packs for a suggested retail price of P180.00. Hurry and get all flavors – available until supplies last! #FreeTheJoy this Christmas with Cadbury Dairy Milk! “

I'll definitely keep an eye out for these when they hit the stores! 🍫

Tip. They are also an ideal Christmas treat for you and your loved ones! 🎄🎁

SM Supermalls and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & Coffee are teaming up for the biggest free doughnut treat! 🍩

SM Supermalls is bringing back its “Download & Win” in-app mobile game and sweetening the deal by giving away 3 Original Glazed® Krispy Kreme doughnuts each to 100 unique SM Supermalls mobile app registered users every day from April 30 to June 30, 2016. How’s that for a tasty treat?

Embedded within the SM Supermalls Mobile App, “Download & Win” was the first digital scratch card promotion in the country. Its launch during SM Supermalls’ 30th Anniversary was marked with the giving away of exciting prizes such as free mobile data, free Spotify, Facebook, Games, Unli-Call and Unli Text every day for the entire month of March.

The celebration resumes this month with a shower of doughnuts! And joining can’t be simpler – just download the mobile app and get a chance to win.

Upon signing up in the SM Supermalls mobile app, you will receive a digital scratch card on the app. Scratch off the gray area to find out if you won. Get another shot of winning the next day until the end of the promo period. With some good luck and the daily habit of checking the app, you’ll be closer to sinking your teeth into those craveable doughnut treats for free. 

The SM Supermalls Mobile App is free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It is loaded with other features that let you plan your shopping even before you get to the mall. A unique feature of the app is the Feed section that highlights the latest store offerings, discounts and promos, services, as well as movies and events in SM malls nationwide. It also has the Mall Directory that provides a complete list of establishments in the malls while the Mall Map shows the exact location of all stores and mall facilities. To keep up to date on what’s new, visit SM Supermalls website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Viber Public Chat, and Snapchat.

5 Tips to Boost your Immunity during the Holidays

Going on "Immortal mode" is a term that Paul and I have come up with, ever since going on back-to-back events and gigs, sometimes right after work. There are even days when we go on 24 hours and that is no joke.

December has proven to be extra busy with more clients booking photo shoots and event coverage's on that month as well as more frequent events to cover and bog about, plus the usual Christmas errands to run and Christmas gatherings to attend. December can get pretty crazy.

A lot of people ask how we do it, well here are some tips on how to stray strong and stress free during the Holiday season.

1. Have a Schedule and Stick with it. 

Let's face it, with the many event invites and errands to do, it's almost impossible to do it all.  Well it is actually, and all you have to do is plot is all down on your calendar! Whether it is a planner you can't go on your day without or your handy dandy smart phone, you can easily put down your busy schedule and by having it plotted down, you have an idea what your day or week looks like. If you have more than one event/errand for a day, make sure you also indicate the time and venue, just so you won't forget anything.

2.   Have a to-do list.

I've always felt a sense of satisfaction whenever I would cross our things on my to-do list. Sometimes, I get inspired to keep on working just so I can cross out every item on the list. Having a to-do list keeps you sane during the hectic weeks leading up to Christmas. Whether it is a list of gifts to buy for loved ones or making sure you get everything you need for a party.  Having a to-do list can save you from having a complete meltdown, because I've seen holiday meltdowns and they are not pretty.

3. Be Always Photo Ready! 

Christmas means parties and reunions and that in turn means lots of picture taking and in our social media savvy generation that means everyone gets to see those photos. I believe having a stress-free Christmas means looking stress free as well! If you look it, you will also feel it :)  Make sure you get as much beauty rest as you can, always touch up on your make up before you arrive for a party or gathering.  

4.  Divide and Conquer 

Christmas holidays also means getting together with family and friends and you should take this as an advantage, with your loved ones helping out during parties and events, don't take on everything alone. Even if you have a detailed to-do list, you can always enlist the help of your family and friends to take a few things off your plate. Don't be a hero and try to take on everything on your own. 

5. Take Vitamin C! 

   
I've seen my mom get sick during the holidays, which is why I make sure that we (Paul and I) take Vitamin C, not only during the Christmas season but during hectic weeks. There's nothing worse than falling ill and sick when you have so much to do and missing out on all the parties!

Because sometimes surviving the Christmas Holidays is kind of like
Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse. 

There are many different kinds of Vitamin C available in your drug stores but did you know that there is actually a big difference between them? Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid are types of Vitamin C which are available for purchase over the counter. While both help build resistance and helps strengthen the immune system, Sodium Ascorbate is not acidic and is more soluble than ascorbic acid, which is a piece of information I consider every important since I have hyperacidity and I don't need any additional stomach irritation. Fern-C is an ideal source of Sodium Ascorbate and aside from not causing stomach irritation, it is also an immune-system booster and a potent anti-oxidant. I bet you didn't know of these and just bought any other Vitamin C right? 

Well, now that you know, you can learn more about Fern-C by checking out their website and you can also follow them on their social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

Make sure to stock up on Fern-C for a #StressFreeChristmas and a #HealthyHoliday

#FernCSubokNa

"Tara Kain Tayo" - Made Easier with OpenSnap

Bobby Box in Eastwood Libis (where I work) is a great place to eat for us who work the night shift. They open early (7AM) which is perfect since we get off work at 8AM. The interior is really pretty with brick walls, colorful Bobby Box art on the wall, wood paneled ceilings and even K-Pop music videos playing on a white screen for that contemporary Korean feel. 

Their meals (rice box meals) range from P109.00-P159.00 add about P20.00+ for drinks. Paul is happy that they have beer available. San Mig Light for P55.00 is a great deal! Sometimes we get funny looks when we're ordering beer at 8:00AM but remember since we work the night shift this is our 8:00PM so to speak. 

Bulgogi Box (Spicy) at P159.00 

You can't imagine how much trouble we have when we try to look for a place to eat with our nocturnal schedule. Sometimes my office mates and I would go through hours of arguments of where to eat but thanks to OpenSnap "Tara Kain Tayo" would be so much easier. 

Through OpenSnap you can search for restaurants to try out, you can search through key words like what kind of food you are looking for (pasta, burger, Japanese) or by location. You can also just search for the restaurant you are looking for.

OpenSnap is a perfect app for Foodies aside from discovering great new food finds it also serves as a platform for you to post and share your #foodporn photos! You can also review establishments you've visited to help friends decide whether this place is their next food trip. You can also search for newly opened restaurants in your area as well as what the Editor's picks and recommendations are. For us night owls there is a whole section for which establishments are open 24 Hours! 

It's an easy app to use and navigate through - no more arguing where to eat with OpenSnap  Tara! Kain tayo! 

For more restaurants and food finds, download OpenSnap app from App Store or Google Play.

Dreams Come True In Property 24

Paul and I watch a lot of home improvement shows on cable TV, whether it is buying and selling homes and properties, home improvement shows, fixer uppers, flipping houses, even Tiny House hunting! I guess we're at that age where house improvements become a fun hobby. Dreaming up of remodeling the house has become a pillow conversation and it always gives that positive outlook which actually inspires you to work harder to reach that dream. 

From watching all these home improvement shows on TV, we realized the importance of knowing the market value of houses and properties out there, as well as assessing the value of your own property. 

Which is why it's great that we were able to encounter Property 24. 

Property24.com.ph is the fastest growing property portal in the Philippines.  They provide an effective online platform for leading Real Estate Developers, Agencies and Brokers that allows them to showcase their property listings to a wider audience of qualified prospective Buyers.

Here are some of our dream listings in Property 24.

4-Bedroom House & Lot - Tagaytay City (photo above) 

I've always told myself if we'll have another property it would be out of town, where we can go and bring the family for Weeekend trips and this property in Metrogate Tagaytay near Mahogany is perfect! 

It has 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, a maid's room, Den, storage, utility service area. Lanai, walk in and has a 2 car garage port. It's an ideal getaway with the family especially during the sweltering summers. With a property like this we can easily cool off during summer weekends or just any long weekend :) 

Signa Designer - Condo in Makati 

Another dream property I would have is a condo in the city, with the horrible traffic in the metro it is a big convenience to have a Condominium unit in the heart of the city. This would make things easier when we have events to cover and also a good place to invest in for when we have a child in the future, he/she can stay in the condo unit when he/she reaches college. I know it's still too far ahead in the future but it doesn't hurt to think about these things in the present. 

The Signa Designer units are the first designer residences in the Philippines so you can be sure that the aesthetics are top notch. You will get to enjoy premium amenities and facilities (swimming pool!!!!) in 'an artistic & tropical inspired urban haven in the heart of the Makati Commercial & Business District'. 

Beach Property-Playa Laiya Batangas 

I LOVE THE BEACH!!! So having a dream property by the beach is a must! I want something near the city so Batangas is definitely a no-brainer. Thanks to Property 24 I have an idea of what is available on the market and I'm keeping my eye on this. Playa Laiya is a private and executive seaside residential community. The luxury beach property in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas has a 1.5 kilometer beachfront with pristine white sand. 

The vacation homes feature modern Tropical Asian designs and boasts of world class amenities as well as fun beach activities that residents can enjoy :) 

Commercial Unit - Quezon City 

While we are in the topic of dream properties, one of our ultimate dreams is for Paul's photography to pick up and we would need to get a commercial unit to set up an office :) 

This 400 sqm commercial unit in Quezon City is a good fit. It has 2 floors and 8 parking spaces alloted.

Condo Unit - Bellagio 3 BGC - Taguig City 

It's important to remember that dream properties is not just about living a luxurious life, it's important that you also thinking about making good investments, dream properties can also be a means for you to have additional income. Getting a condominium unit to rent or lease is a good source of income, especially since the demand for condo units is high. :)  

I would love to get to live in any of these listings one day :) 

Property 24 is a good source of information and a great way to keep on dreaming and be inspired. It helps you find a goal for you to work hard on. Cinderella sang: "A Dream is a wish, your heart makes" and she now lives Happily Ever After in a castle. :) 

#PerfectHome #Property24 #Property24PH 

No Limit with Inipit!

I have fond memories of the favorite snacks I used to bring to school as 'baon', one of them was the chocolate Inipit that I used to put in the refrigerator (sometimes) even the freezer because I prefer to eat it as a cold or frozen treat. I don't know how I came about doing that I guess it's just one of those weird things you did as kids and fondly look back on. 

I realized that even as you grow older you can still enjoy your childhood favorite snacks but with an elevated twist which is what we did with our Peanut Butter Cream Inipit! 

Even if I don't eat peanuts, I love anything peanut butter flavored, don't ask me how can that be, it just is, even Paul doesn't get it. Anyways, let me share with you this simple recipe you can do to elevate that Inipit experience. 

Ingredients: 

Chocolate Inipit (cut in two or three pieces) 

Peanut Butter

Butter

Cream 

Confectioner's Sugar

Reese's Chocolate (optional) 

Just mix all the ingredients (except for the Inipit and Reese) in a bowl. You will have to estimate how much of each ingredient you will be using. It would also depend on how many Inipit pieces you will be using. Your Peanut Butter cream (icing) will be creamy after you are satisfied with it's taste. You can easily place it in a plastic (the kind that's used in iced candy or ice). Push the cream all the way to the end of the plastic, cut a small hole and push the icing on the Inipit cake. You can be creative and put different designs on your Inipit cake. Add pieces of the Reese chocolate on top, you can also sprinkle some confectioner's sugar on top. 

Sobrang masarap maging kid with Inipit and now that I'm not a kid per say I'm just happy that I can still enjoy a childhood favorite and share it with my nieces and nephews! :) 

You can try it out too! 

#NoLimitWithInipit 

Pitch Perfect 2 Movie Review

When the first Pitch Perfect movie came out I really didn't think too much of it especially since it really doesn't fit the genres of movies that I usually watch but one afternoon I was at home and the movie came up on HBO and oh boy- did my tummy hurt so much from laughing out loud - think boisterous laughter. Paul always gives me a "don't" look when I'm laughing out loud, I ended up enjoying the music and the movie. 

So when the opportunity to catch Pitch Perfect 2 on it's first day screening came up -ACA-scuse me?! I wasn't going to miss it! Big thanks to Nuffnang and new video messaging app Skype Qik for a fun night of music and crazy sisterhood love and some pretty dope Acapella performances! 

Rare is there a comedy sequel that is actually better predecessor but Pitch Perfect 2 is it! Helmed by first time director Elizabeth Banks, the movie opens with the Bellas, now a 3-time National Champion crash and burn after a disasterous live performance has them stripped of their championship priviledges. Determined to get back on the top; the girls are set to win the World Championships, possibly their last chance at redemption but they have to beat those Germans first. 

In Pitch Perfect 2 the Bellas face an even bigger competition. 

More than just the music and the laughs Pitch Perfect 2 tackles with (SPOILER!) the inevitable reality of life outside of The Bellas. I wasn't in an Acapella group but I was in the College Newspaper though, we also competed in regionals and are pretty much a family (we still see each other every once in a while) so I have an idea what's like to be in that kind of family but come graduation you have to give the reins over to the new generation. Which was ingeniously played into the movie with new comer Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) who becomes part of the Bellas as a legacy to her mom, who once wore the blue and yellow scarf. 

Qik Or It Didn't Happen

The internet and social media has changed the world as we know it, a day will not be complete without checking one's social media sites. It's a great way to keep in touch with friends, family and loved ones and it doesn't matter if you are separated by distance or time zones, because there are many amazing apps out there that shorten the distance.

Skype is one of those apps that even your grandmother's know how to use, I have seen grandmothers and grandfathers baby talk to their grandchildren through Skype, so even babies know how it works.
 I myself have conducted a lot of business such as my freelance writing through this app. It's just one of those apps that makes everyday life much easier and a little better.Well if you thought that things can't get any better or easier- Skype takes the next step with a new video sharing app-Qik (just say 'quick' ^_^)

Share videos with friends so you're always updated! Create groups in your Skype Qik so the whole barkada is updated and having fun  at the same time. Even lolas and titas can stay updated with the cute antics of their apos and pamangkins! 

What are you waiting for? Download Skype Qik on Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Windows Phone Store. Even NamNam is enjoying Qik It! :) 

Team French Vanilla! For Cadbury Sweet Endings

Cadbury has always been one of my favorite chocolates, since I don't eat nuts and fruits with chocolate, Cadbury's creamy chocolate is just perfect! 

Another thing that I love about it is that it's affordable and I can just get it for like p14.00 and I can buy it from any convenient store and since I work the night shift, having this yummy chocolate bar available at any time of the day is a big stress reliever! 

I actually have a funny story about a Cadbury bar which just happened recently, so I bought a bar of Cadbury chocolate and when I went back to the office and my team mates saw me with the Cadbury bar, they collectively thought that I was going to offer them a piece of Cadbury chocolate. They were both surprised and disappointed I guess when I was a bit selfish and finished the entire bar of Cadbury chocolate all by myself. :p They still give me a hard time and make fun of me when they tease me about it. 

Okay - so I kind of feel guilty for not sharing my Cadbury Sweet Ending with my team mates so it's a good thing that Cadbury is coming out with new French inspired flavors to make that Cadbury Sweet Ending extra special! 

I've always admired Japanese culture but there is always something appealing, regal and beautiful with the French culture, most especially their food which has been regarded as the the source of many cooking techniques and this of course means yummy desserts too! 

So I'm more than glad that one of my favorite chocolate bars is incorporating French flavors to it's new line of Chocolate flavors and I'm just excited to share the new French Vanilla Cadbury to my team mates (so they'll forget that I ever was selfish with chocolate :p ) 

That light exquisite taste of Vanilla cream inside the smooth and delicious chocolate of Cadbury is a sure way for my team mates to forgive me :p The exquisite Vanilla taste will surely transport anyone to the beautiful city of Paris and will make you dream of Starry Nights and the beautiful Eifel Tower - now I've never been to Paris but Cadbury French Vanilla will definitely bring me closer to the city of Love and I'll be sure to share this Cadbury Sweet Ending with my Cadbury Barkada! ^_^ 

Let's just say we're a bit excited with Cadbury French Vanilla so we had a little French inspired Photoshoot recently, now I didn't want to just use photoshop and put the Eifel Tower behind us so I thought long and hard and then inspiration struck - why not take a photo in Rue Bourbon?!

Rue Bourbon is Bourbon Street in French, I know this from reading one of the best French novels of all time; Victor Hugo's Les Miserables (which is in my top 10 books). In the novel, the French word "Rue" was used to denote to streets. 

So - hands down this place definitely reminds me a bit of Paris and the French culture; it's a good thing that it's near the office! We even had scarves and a beret to complete our French look! Now to get my teeth into some Cadbury French Vanilla to complete this Cadbury Sweet Ending- French Edition! ^_^

NESCAFÉ Cappuccino is the most indulgent coffee I’ve ever had!

Since being part of the Work Force, I've come to know and understand the value and importance of getting the most out of your money. Life is not as easy as it once was and it seems that every bit of pleasure or indulgence out there costs money - you can blame consumerism for that. 

It's a good thing though that there are still those affordable indulgences that bring simple pleasure in our lives and help make the every day a little bearable.

As someone who works the night shift, I depend on coffee like it is a life force. It's not a joke to be awake while the whole world sleeps (so to speak) and also focus and work at the same time. 

There are those moments when sleep overcomes you - no matter how hard you try to fight it, we are only human after all. Which is why a big thank you goes out to the most indulgent coffee I've ever had - and at an affordable price too! (no need to spend P200.00 just for a cup of coffee) and that is none other than NESCAFÉ Cappuccino! 

I just love how the coffee foam and Choco sprinkles make the experience even more special since it gives that indulgent feeling, especially when the foam kisses your lips. ^_^ I also personally enjoy opening the pack of chocolate sprinkles and adding them on the coffee it just completes that indulgent experience only NESCAFÉ Cappuccino can give! 

Care for a cup of Indulgent Coffee? :)