Tuesday, December 27, 2011

And the Winners are...

Thank you, everyone, for joining my giveaways! 

After checking and double checking all entries, here are the winners of The Average Jane's giveaways (as chosen through Random.com)


Monday, December 26, 2011

Ordering through City Delivery

The worst thing about cravings is that they're so darn hard to ignore.  So when the need to munch on a favorite comfort food is just calling to you demanding satisfaction, it's something you oftentimes find needing to take action on.

But what if you're stuck at home or at the office and your fave resto/food place doesn't do deliveries?  Well, lucky us for City Delivery has come to save the day!

City Delivery

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Have Yourself a Politically Correct Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

In this joyous spirit of sharing, I, too would like to share one of my favorite Christmas poems to you all. 


A Personal Christmas Story

My Bro worked part-time at a well-known fast food chain a few years back (waaayyyy back.)  He was saving up for a game console and figured that since he had a lot of time in his hands, getting a short temporary working stint would help him realize his dreams of zapping zombies in his soon-to-be-bought handheld gamer, become a reality sooner.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Ritz Toasted Chips...Yummy!

I try to avoid chips nowadays.  Never have been much of a chip-muncher anyway (started since I entered HS.  Just lost the taste for it I guess.)  But I make an exception with this.

Ritz Toasted Chips

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Mangan: A Portrait of Modern Pinoy Cuisine

One of my mom's and my bonding moments happen over our weekend shopping sprees (we're such girls!  Hehehe!)  After work and graduate school (both for me) the whole week, it was nice to know that we could finally have some relaxation time.

During these trips, lunch was also a special affair.  And although we've tried a number of places in our numerous shopping trips, Mangan is, by far, one of our most fave restaurants to stuff ourselves silly.

Mangan

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Saturday, December 10, 2011

GIVEAWAY ALERT: The Average Jane's Christmas Giveaway! (2 of 2)

And here's part 2 of my Christmas giveaway

Another reader of The Average Jane will also win these...

For the men...

GIVEAWAY ALERT: The Average Jane's Christmas Giveaway! (1 of 2)

It's the season of giving!  And what better way to show my undying gratitude to everyone than by hosting 2 Christmas giveaways for this merry month of December!!!  J

First off, one reader of The Average Jane will win these beauties...

For the ladies...

Friday, December 9, 2011

PR: Avenue of the Arts Welcomes The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®

Having a cup of your favorite drink from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® just got easier as the famed coffee shop opens a new branch right at the heart of Manila.

Hmmmm....

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Did I Learn How to Bake at MICHA's Make, Bake and Decorate your Cake Lifestyle Class?

DISCLAIMER:  I have deferred this entry for a while now in the hopes that I could be more objective in my review.  Please note that these are based on my actual experience at MICHA's Make, Bake and Decorate your Cake lifestyle course (only!) held last October 2011 and is by no means a reflection of their full culinary courses, having met some very distinguished graduates and students of theirs.  J

I've always had a fascination with the oven.  Blame my love of fairy tales (an oven can bake a witch?!  Nightmare city!) or my sweet tooth which constantly demands satisfaction; I kid you not.  But for whatever reason, I just couldn't seem to muster enough courage to learn how to bake.  Temperature dials confuse me.  And how the heck do you pre-heat an oven to just the right temperature.

But being in forced sabbatical does has it's advantages.  One of which I am given the option to attend a number of lifestyle courses and workshops of my choosing, provided they are within budgetary limits.  So when Pakyaw.com.ph offered a 50% off voucher for the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts' (MICHA) Make, Bake and Decorate your Cake lifestyle course, I readily grabbed the chance.

Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

PR: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Gives Joy by the Cupful with the 2012 Giving Journal

The giving season has finally arrived.  And with it The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s 2012 Giving Journal.



Gift Giving the Saizen Way (2 of 2)

WARNING: Picture heavy post

Due to the number of really interesting items at Saizen, I decided to cut the entry in half and showcase the rest of the photos in another post.  Sorry, I go crazy whenever I'm in that shop.  Hehehe!  J

And so as promised, I now bring you some more items from Saizen.



Monday, December 5, 2011

Gift Giving the Saizen Way (1 of 2)

Warning: Picture heavy post J

I love Saizen!  Who wouldn't? 

Selling affordable and unique items, Saizen is every crafter's/cook's/techie's/athlete's/etc. dream come true when it comes to stuff related to their interests and hobbies.  And the beauty of it all?  Items are priced at Php85 only!

This being one of my favorite stores, I just knew I had to feature their items in a blog entry.  So e-mailing their marketing people beforehand, I was thankfully given the go-signal to go photo-crazy at their Robinson's Place Manila branch a few weeks ago.  The timing couldn't have been more perfect as Christmas is but a few days away.

Saizen Robinson's Place Manila
(photo from the Saizen Facebook page)

(NOTE: I'd like to thank Ms. Angela, Ms. Josette, Ms. Anna and the wonderful staff of Saizen Robinson's Place Manila for the allowing me to take a few a lot of photos to share with you.  J)

Sunday, December 4, 2011

PR: OFW Remittances at an All-time High: Social Remittances as New Currency from Global Pinoys

Remittances from Filipinos working overseas are at an all-time high.  And no, it’s not just because they’re sending back US dollars, Saudi Riyals, Euros or Japanese Yen; but because our modern-day heroes are sending back what’s known as social remittances.

The Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Friday, December 2, 2011

See You at CF (Chocolate Fire, That Is)

Finally!  After months of salivating over blog entries I've read about this place, I have finally found myself within the vicinity of Chocolate Fire!

Chocolate Fire

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Commemorating Life's Special Moments with an Angel Cheeks Figurine

I shared a room with my younger bro for 14 long years.  So imagine my excitement when I was finally given one of my very own when our family moved to Rizal (another looong and irrelevant story to the post.  J

One of my most cherished pieces of furniture then was this very simple study table that I personally picked out on the way to our new home.  Many a night and day did I spend writing down my thoughts to paper on that sturdy desk -- whether school-related or otherwise.  It held my precious diary under lock and key.  It even housed my then insignificant, but already growing, book collection.

But the thing I loved most about it was the glass display case at the top where I could place my collection of figurines.  Oh how I loved those small figures.  Porcelein, glass, resin, clay -- I loved them all.  And my relatives and friends knew me all too well that presents of these were what made my birthdays and any memorable celebrations bright.

Fast forward to the present and I find that these little figures I could no longer keep and bring with me to Singapore.  And so bit by bit, I parted ways with them, giving them to a tita who I knew would take loving care of them as much as I had.  A few very precious pieces I did keep, though. 

However, old habits are extremely hard to break.  And more often than not, I find that I still sometimes commemorate very special and important life events with a figurine or 2.

So when the Little One was born recently, I commemorated her birth with this...

Angel Cheeks!  J

Monday, November 28, 2011

PR: Get into the spirit of the holidays, Krispy Kreme style

This year, the world-renowned doughnut brand has added two more exclusive holiday creations to share the holiday spirit.


Made with the same classic yeast-raised dough, this year’s merry assortments include the Snowflakes Doughnut, a delightful chocolate iced doughnut with Kreme filling and dusted with confectioner’s sugar; Holiday Sprinkles, a delicious ring doughnut smothered with white icing and festive white, red and green sprinkles; and the Snowman Doughnut, a snow-white glaze and holly leaf doughnut in the shape of a snowman topped with Krispy Kreme’s flavorful mixes.

Embrace the joyful spirit that the holiday brings by grabbing a box (or two) of these seasonal treats. Available at all Krispy Kreme outlets from November 28 to December 31, 2011 only.


***
 
Krispy Kreme has been making fresh, hot doughnuts of the highest quality since 1937.  Its first branch in the Philippines opened back in 2006 in Bonifacio High Street.  Today, Krispy Kreme has 25 branches nationwide with stores in Greenhills Shopping Center, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma Mall, Festival Supermall, SM Megamall and other top locations including Festival Supermall in Alabang and Marquee Mall in Clark, Pampanga.
To get more information about the brand, you may log on to www.krispykreme.com.ph and become a friend of Krispy Kreme or get to know Chloe at www.facebook.com/ChloeKrispyKremePH.

Humor the LaLaughKa Inc. Way

Being a new parent is never easy.  You battle with the sleepless nights, the constant worrying and the incessant feedings.  Oftentimes, what really keeps me sane is laughter.  And what better way to show off my sense of humor than dressing up the Little One in this...

Need I say more?
Onesie from LaLaughKa Inc.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Reasons for Trying to Catch KLG International in Bazaars

Warning:  Picture heavy post. J

In an earlier entry regarding my Noel Discovery Bazaar 2011 finds (read full post here), I mentioned that our family loves it when KLG International, Inc. / OTSU Retail is a participant in a bazaar we will be going to.  The pictures I've shown in that entry is just but the tip of the iceburg.

So here are more reasons to catch them during this season's bazaars...

KLG International, Inc / OTSU Retail at the Noel Discovery Bazaar 2011

Friday, November 25, 2011

GIVEAWAY ALERT: The 5 Soaps of Miss Kat

Miss Kat Soap is a new entrant into the bath products market.  And boy, do they hold a lot of promise!  J

Miss Kat Soap at the Noel Discovery Bazaar

Thursday, November 24, 2011

GPB11: The Ones that Got Away

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

SunnyToast described it best that tiangges leave you with empty wallets.  And I couldn't agree more.  J

And so as expected, there were a number of things I found really at interesting the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 but was not able to purchase due to financial constraints.

Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011

Savoury Delicacies at Classic Savory

My early childhood birthdays were always filled with chicken.  Fried, battered, roasted; you name it, we've most probably had it.  It may be because although most kids are picky eaters, rarely would you find them turn away anything fowl from their plates.  And to our weary parents, anything to get their child to eat is tops in their book, right?  J

But my childhood was filled, not only with langhap sarap Jollibee chickenjoy, it was also loaded with Classic Savory friend chickens.  Since we lived in such close proximity to their Pasay branch then, it was no wonder that this became a family staple during important occasions

Classic Savory, however, slowly stepped out of the spotlight, for reasons I would never know and much to the dismay of our clan.  And for years, they've kept a very low profile.  But I'm very happy to note, that they're now making their presence felt again!  J

Classic Savory

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

GPB11: Heiress Collections

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

I love unusual accessories, but with the entry of China-made goods in the market, it seems that just about everyone is wearing and using the exact same thing.  Which is why bazaars, like the Global Pinoy Bazaar, make perfect places to scout for unusual finds.  Just like this pair of earrings I got from Heiress Collections.

Bunch of flowers

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

GPB11: Fab Manila

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

I'm one of those people who was such a late bloomer when it came to online shopping for anything fashion-related.  Books were a different matter, since I consider them less complicated than clothing and accessories.  With the former, there was size, fit and a whole lot of things to take into consideration.  You wouldn't want to end up with an online find you won't use since it didn't meet your expectations once it finally arrived, right?

Oh sure, I'd browse through dozens of online shops through the wee hours of the morning, filling my eyes with such cute and drool-wrothy merchandise.  But try as I might, I could never bring myself to purchase any.

I finally mustered up the courage (I'm not particularly sure if this is the correct term  J) to purchase items online before leaving for Singapore late last year.  And it was in Fab Manila that I made my very first fashion-related online purchase.

Fab Manila
(logo taken from the Fab Manila website)

Monday, November 21, 2011

BC Bloggers is Back for a Second Round!

BC Bloggers is back for a second round!

BC_BLOGGERS

If you want to meet other bloggers and exchange links, then this one's for you.  Join BC Bloggers and start building your network now.  J

***

To learn more about BC Bloggers, please read full post here.

GPB11: The Yellow Ribbon Movement

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

Ever notice how there is such a major emergence of "nationalistic" merchandise in the market nowadays?  Rizal wearing shades, Philippine colors on every shirt, etc. 

Don't get me wrong, though.  It's actually quite refreshing to see local varieties instead of those dang fangled "I love insert name of city not in the Philippines" shirts.

And of course you can expect one such organization to join the Global Pinoy Bazaar.

Watch from the Yellow Ribbon Movement

Saturday, November 19, 2011

My Noel Discovery Bazaar 2011 Finds

We interrupt the GPB11 series to bring you a brief preview of the items one may find at the Noel Discovery Bazaar which opened just yesterday, November 18, 2011.

Noel Discovery Bazaar

Friday, November 18, 2011

GPB11: The Reading Room

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

Cubao Expo is one of my dream destinations to visit in the Metro, mainly because I have been hearing a lot of how it's such a great place to find artistic inspiration.  But with me living in the waaaayyyy South -- Cavite to be exact -- I have no other choice but to wait for a convenient date to visit.

As such, it was such a great surprise to find out that The READING ROOM, one of the stores at Cubao Expo, had a space at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

GPB11: Paperpod Seedpaper

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

Ever felt guilty about throwing out even used paper?  I am.  Try as I might, I could never get over the guilt of having used a piece and then throwing it out once utilized.

Which is why I am so lovin' Paperpod Seedpaper.

Paperpod Seedpaper

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

GPB11: Buffala Milk Soap from Kalamilksoap Enterprise

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series isa number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

My very first fashion magazine was a U.S. edition, commemorable 50th Anniververy issue of Seventeen.  A hand-me-down from a US-based tita (aunt) who was an avid subscriber then.  I was only 10 years old that time and I remember loving the pictures and the articles so much that I later on became a fan of it myself.

One of the articles in that particular issue was about how to keep skin healthy and glowing by use of natural ingredients.  And one of the tips mentioned was to add milk in your bath. 

That particular tip stayed on with me for years and you bet a portion of my very first paycheck went to a purchase of Johnson & Johnson milk bath wash.  Cheap I know, but I considered it a luxury back then.  J

I guess I've never really gotten used to liquid soap for I did outgrow my J&J brand, opting instead for the hard feel of its more solid counterpart.  But rarely could I find solid soaps that left me with that smooth, gentle feel as a milk bath wash ever did.

That is until now...

Buffala milk soap from Kalamilksoap Enterprises

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

GPB11: Pretty / Useful

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

I've been trying to look for ways to reduce my carbon footprint.  I believe it's something we must all strive to do since we only have one planet and this one's beat and messed up already.  It's surely a scary thought when you find Mother Nature simply has had enough and we are left with pretty much no other choice but to rot in our own filth, of which we are the main causes of, anyway.  The ultimate revenge, I should say.

Nowadays, I find that there are a lot of people who opt to open businesses with good pro-environmental products.  And the recently concluded Global Pinoy Bazaar had a healthy number of them.  Take for instance, Pretty / Useful which sells a line of reusable writing materials.

Pretty / Useful wipe 'n' write magnets

Monday, November 14, 2011

PR: Krispy Kreme's New Glaze for Caramel Aficionados

Prepare for a different kind of glaze as Krispy Kreme introduces the newest addition to its line of delectable offerings- the new Caramel Glazed Doughnuts.


GPB11: Simply Pie!

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

I've always held onto the addage that one should never shop on an empty stomach.  It makes you crave too much sugar, and as we all know, too much of a good sugary thing is bad for your health.

I had, however, unwittingly broken this golden rule and went to the Global Pinoy Bazaar with tummy rumbling big time.  One of the many things you forget to do in the course of your mommy responsibilities, I guess.  I've been focusing too much on the Little One that I had not enough time to grab a bite to eat before heading out.

But it was because of this jarring mistake that I was able to locate a great foodie find -- a Spinach, Feta and Sundried Tomatoes mini quiche from Simply Pie!

Mini Spinach, Feta and Sundried Tomatoes quiche
(photo taken from the Simply Pie facebook page)

Friday, November 11, 2011

GPB11: Artwine

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

Book lovers are also bookmark aficionadoes.  It simply goes hand-in-hand.  Since a novel has around a hundred to 300 pages on average, sturdy place holder is a must whether one is cozy at home or out and about in the great outdoors.

Going to tiangges, malls or bookstores, my eyes are always peeled open for new and interesting bookmark designs.  You see, the usual paper/cardboard-holder-placed-in-between-pages is so passé.  It gets boring at times.

But lookie at what I discovered at the Global Pinoy Bazaar...an apple elastic bookmark from Artwine!

Apple elastic bookmark from Artwine

Thursday, November 10, 2011

GPB11: Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

I've been dying to try Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates ever since reading about them in Animetric's World.

One of the main reasons for my desire to try them out is that these chocolates are proudly Pinoy-made.  As their tagline states; "The only bean to bar chocolate from the Philippines."  It's something you just don't encounter everyday.

And so, it was with great joy that I was finally able to purchase 2 bars at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011.

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

GPB11: Izzo Shop

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

I suffer, albeit not officially diagnosed, from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  Nothing as bad as Adrian Monk's, mind you, but just enough to be able to live in an above average organized world.  I don't mind it as much as I seem to be able to work better and move faster in this state.

My mild case of OCD also extends to my leisure activities.  Take, for instance, my most recent trip to Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 last Saturday.  In order to keep on budget and to maximize my time, I actually went through the GPB facebook page and located the sites of the merchants so I could list down possible items I wanted to buy.  And that was were I discovered Izzo Shop.

But it wasn't just the funky name that called my attention.  It was also because of this...

The Sam Camera Bag Insert (large)


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

GPB11: Yuki Torre Handmade Creations (Yux)

NOTE:  The Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (GPB11) series is a number of posts regarding merchants and sellers; and their unique and unusual creations, of which I had the utmost pleasure of discovering at Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 (read a short introduction of my bazaar experience here.)  J

I'm a DIY person.  I love working with my hands -- whether it's doing wedding and other event invitations; polymer clay sculpting and design; souvenirs, etc.  It's a relaxing hobby and keeps my sanity in check.

I've mentioned in a previous post (read it here) that the main reason for my love of bazaars and tiangges is because of the unique finds I discover (the human mind is indeed amazing!)  Take for instance, this line of gorgeous exploding memory boxes being offered by Yuki Torre of YUX.

What's inside?

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Average Jane Goes to the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011

I've always been fascinated with unique finds.  Who wouldn't, anyway?  It's fresh.  It's new.  It's something you just don't see everyday.

One eventually gets tired of shopping at malls where the same items are seen and can be purchased day-in and day-out.  The only thing going for them is price.  Don't get me wrong, though.  I love going to SM.  Landmark and Market! Market! are also places I must visit from time to time. 

But what truly keeps my creative juices going and my excitement boiling are trips to tiangges that feature unusual, one-of-a-kind creations.  Thankfully, Yabang Pinoy's Global Pinoy Bazaar is one of them!

Pinoy power!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Wheatgrass Indeed Can!

We've all seen the commercials and ads touting people to adapt a healthy lifestyle by consuming wheatgrass.  No only does it help in proper digestion, it is said to aid in cancer prevention and detoxification of heavy metal compounds we may have accidentally ingested whether through food, drink or products used in our everyday lives.

I have to admit though.  The one major consideration of why I haven't jumped in the bandwagon and joined the millions of wheatgrass-drinking people is the taste.  It is grass, people, and it will have no other flavor.  But Easy Pha-max has me looking at it in a different light.

Get hooked on good grass

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Winner of the Polecats Manila Class

Congratulations, Mia Diola!  You've won the free Polecats Manila class!  Please reply to my e-mail so I could send the prize over.


Thank you all again for supporting the contest.  I'm currently preparing for my Christmas giveaway very soon.  Watch out for it!  =)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Lourd de Veyra's This is a Crazy Planets

Lourd Ernest de Veyra has probably done it all -- singer, poet, radio/television host, weather man. 

And with the release of his This is a Crazy Planets, a compilation of some of his best essays from his SPOT.ph blog of the same name, he can now add published book author to his growing list of achievements.

Crazy cats!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Of Ghouls and Witches and Other Horrible Beasties...

Halloween is finally here!

While most kids associate this spooky holiday with trick-or-treating, I, however, view this as a time to spend with family, sharing ghost stories and of course, watching scary shows on TV!


Friday, October 28, 2011

Dessert Comes First's 1st Food Photography Workshop

I've always had a fascination with photographs.  In just a single click of the camera, a moment, a memory, evidence is captured for all eternity.  I've always believed that no one dies.  With photos, your print is forever etched in history, whether you're a superstar or an ordinary citizen.

Photography is a good, albeit very expensive, hobby, but the rewards, I believe, are well-worth it if it means knowing that the Little One will get to know about my life way before she was born.  Hence, reading photography books and attending seminars have greatly appealed to me if only to further harness my craft and creativity.

Quite recently, I was bowled over by none other than the master of food photography himself, Mr. Mark Floro, when I attended Ms. Lori Baltazar's Dessert Comes First (DCF) Food Photography Workshop.

Photo taken from the Dessert Comes First blog

Thursday, October 27, 2011

PR: Filipino Brands Get Bigger and Better at Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011

Yabang Pinoy—the pioneering Filipino Pride movement known for fun, creative, and contemporary Filipino pride projects and events—constantly strives to convert Filipinos into shouting proud Pinoys.

Now, Yabang Pinoy is out to prove that Filipino brands are getting bigger and better with the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011, a showcase of local products made with 100% Filipino Love and Pride, on November 5-6,2011 at the Rockwell Tent.  The organization encourages everyone to put the Filipino First and patronize home-grown ideas, products, and services.


Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 is zoned into Fashion, Pinoy Art and Design, Music, Tropical, and Home and Travel.

Mark your calendar now for the best Filipino Christmas shopping experience.


***

And here's another treat for all Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 visitors!  Shoppers who will be wearing an all-Pinoy outfit during the bazaar will receive a gift from Yabang Pinoy.



Just look for the fashion police!

***

For more information, visit http://www.yabangpinoy.com/, email them at bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com or call them at mobile # 0927 826-3926.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Sharing: 10 tips to enhance your leadership EQ

Being in the Human Resources profession certainly gives you opportunities to be able to work with people from all walks of life -- from the messengers to the higher-up executives.  And each has their own special needs and require a certain way of dealing with them through everyday interactions and transactions.

As such, I've always believed that the development of one's Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is actually important and necessary for every worker.  My good friend, Yvonne, shared this very interesting article from Ms. Jasbindar Singh which details 10 tips to enhance one's leadership EQ.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Creativoices: The Company that Launched a Thousand Characters

We are a society who loves to be entertained.  Let's face it.  Fantasy TV shows would not be exciting without the special effects.  Dramas would not be as touching without the tear-breaking musical backgrounds.  Puppets and radio shows with high-pitched dialogues are what fascinates us and fuels our imaginations.

You might have probably wondered who these people are.  Those who work behind the lines.  Those who give voice to the commercial puppets and voice-overs.

Well, while at Blogapalooza, we were presented with a special treat by one of the well-known voice companies in the country -- Creativoices!

Pocholo Gonzales of Creativoices

Monday, October 24, 2011

And Then There Was 1: Winner of SM's Plus Size Model Search

Hundreds joined the cause.  Plus-sized women everywhere showed everyone what it took to become very fashionable ladies.  In the middle of the game, 8 deserving finalists were chosen:

The 8 beautiful finalists


The Perils of Blogging

I took up blogging as a form of relaxation.  Being in the Human Resources profession for almost 8 years, I decided I needed something else to occupy my free time aside from work (believe me, our kind of work is never with rest periods as you have to constantly be in touch with your people.)  Don't get me wrong, I love my job.  It's just that I also believe that life needs a balance.

In my dealings with other HR blogging professionals, I've found that they write to let off steam, to convey free HR-related practices and advice to those who do not have the priviledge of an accomodating Human Resources division.

I could have easily taken that path and followed in their footsteps.  God knows I've been in Human Resources for quite a while and have dealt and experienced a lot of different scenarios already.  But instead I chose a different route.  One where I could talk about everything and anything besides work, hence The Average Jane was born.



Saturday, October 22, 2011

Fighting the Good Fight with The Peninsula Manila

NOTE: Picture heavy post.  J

The Peninsula Manila is perhaps best-known for being the music video location of Regine Velasquez's "Written in the Sand", and infamous for the military rebellion led by now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.  Remember the tanks ramming up and destroying the lobby?

Well, it's come a long way since then, baby.  J


SG | An Aerial View of Sentosa Island

Sentosa is a well-known island resort in Singapore. They're quite famous for their expensive luxury landed properties, exquisite hotel...