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Friday, September 29, 2017

Simplay3 Trike Giveaway

Hosted by: MamatheFox.com

Sponsored by: Simplay3

Enter for your chance to win: (1) Simplay3 Super Coupe Pedal Trike

Open to US only

Simplay3 is a newer company in the toy and home plastic industry. However, the brains behind this company are far from newbies. Tom Murdough, the founder of Little Tikes and Step2, created Simplay3 after deciding to come out of retirement. He assembled a leadership and design team of experienced and talented employees that continue to stretch and redesign innovative and high quality products. Simplay3 is excited to meet the needs and wants of consumers and offer products directly from the manufacturer. They are certainly a company to keep an eye on, as they are continuing to design and sell new and iconic products.

Read more about this trike here


Find the Simplay3 Super Coupe Pedal Trike on Amazon for only $95!


MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligation.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

What is the Best Pasalubong from Bacolod? No, It's not Piaya.



Bacolod has always been my favorite summer destination. We loved the city so much that we decided to move here for good. 



The first time I was able to visit this beautiful city was around 20 years ago and I have very significant memories that made me come back here often. One is the old "pala-pala" or market along San Juan St. corner North Capitol Road. It is like "Dampa" in Metro Manila and they serve the best garlic and butter shrimps I have ever tasted. Second is the flat piaya that has been a popular sweet treat from the city of smiles. 




For years, I have always thought that Piaya which was either in original flavor or ube is the "best" pasalubong that you can bring from Bacolod. However, after moving here in 2015, I was surprised to discover that there is another delicacy which is really good and is actually the BEST PASALUBONG THAT YOU SHOULD BRING FROM BACOLOD CITY. 

It is called NAPOLEONESIt is a layered puff pastry filled with custard cream and glazed with white sugar on top. There are several pasalubong centers making this thus, we decided to conduct the ultimate test to find out which one is the best. After comparing the 5 different napoleones we tasted, we can say that MERZCI makes the Best Napoleones here in the city of smiles. 


Box of 16 - Php 135

Thus, if you are visiting Bacolod especially this Masskara Festival, you might want to bring this piece of Bacolod with you as pasalubong to your family and friends. MERZCI has a total of 50 branches in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Panay. They also have branches at the Bacolod - Silay Airport and Bredco Port in case you don't have the time to buy. 

Aside from Napoleones, we also recommend these MERZCI pasalubong treats. I can guarantee #TananManamit. (Everything is delicious.) 








About Merzci

It is a family business that started in 1995 and a market brand of CM & Sons Food Products, Inc. It began as a small bakery supplying bread to single stores in Libertad Market in Bacolod City and soon evolved to produce pasalubong products, water, and fast food serving delicious and affordable food. 

You may visit their website for more details. 


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Now, here is the best part! Since I want you to try these delicious treats from Bacolod City, we're running a giveaway where you can get the chance to win goodies from MERCZI. The mechanics are very simple and it's open to anyone who has a Philippine address.  


Will announce the winner on October 21st in time for the celebration of the Masskara Festival here. Goodluck! 

Congratulations, Bernard! Kindly message us on Facebook with your name, shipping address and contact number. 

Simple and Reliable US Online Shopping Service Now Available in the Philippines



With Christmas lurking around the corner, it is never too early to start shopping or looking for Christmas presents. I started window shopping early this month and as usual finding a perfect Christmas gift for Val is the hardest that I have turned to the internet for help. 


Indeed, looking for ideas and finding the perfect gift online is the fast and easy. However, buying online much more placing an international order is another story. Well, this time I found really good deals on Amazon but I am not sure how to order it and have it shipped here in the Philippines.

As I was checking for options on how to go about my Amazon order, I found a personal shopping service named GMET Trading, a team of personal shoppers based in the Philippines dedicated to giving personalized service where they can order on your behalf any item from any US shopping website. This includes Amazon, eBay, BestBuy, Macy's. Walmart, Target and a whole lot more. 



How does this work?

The process is very easy. No need for credit cards. 

1. Choose the item/s you want to order from any US website. 
2. Contact GMET Trading via email - gmet.trading@gmail.com or using the contact form the website. Send your name, address, contact number and the URL of the items you want to order. Please don't forget to specify size, color, and other needed information.
3. Wait for quotation from your personal shopper. They will also be giving you tips or recommendations on where to find the best deals or other options. 
4. Once all details are finalized, confirm your order by paying the deposit/ downpayment through bank deposit. 
5. Wait for your order. Pay for the balance once your items arrive in the Philippines. 
6. You can pick up your order in any of their pick-up outlets or have been shipped through a local courier like LBC, Xend, and JRS. Pick-up Outlets are located in Makati, Mandaluyong and Pasay City. 



So, what are you waiting for? Finally, we can now shop in any US website hassle-free and without using our own credit card. For more details, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and TwitterYou can also contact them at (02) 624 0342, 09178565455 and 09209145455

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Sports Barbers SM Mall of Asia: A Stylish Destination for the Male Grooming Generation

Men and women greatly differ in their choice of pampering sessions. Val was contented with his favorite barber inside our village while I would go out of my way to visit my favorite salon and spa even if it's 30 kilometers away. Val believes that a haircut is just a haircut and there is really no big difference not until he was able to try Sports Barbers Barbershop. 



With pompadours on the rise, man-buns making its way on the street, perfectly trimmed beards and facial hair making an appearance, it’s safe to say that male grooming is finally getting the attention it deserves. 

Val has always been specific on how he wants his haircut is done which prompts him to demand the simplicity and straightforwardness of his traditional barbershop.


However, do you think it would be ideal to get this simplicity and straightforwardness of the usual barbershops but not at the expense of style? This is what Sports Barbers Barbershop is all about.



It delivers the kind of service that one can expect; something that essentially gives a modern take on an old classic. Its ambiance and service, strongly anchored on its team’s ability to provide everything from on-trend cuts to classic styles, is a compelling reminder of inherent masculine values—adventure, straightforwardness, humor and at the end of the day, natural good looks.

With this, there is no doubt that Val has found a new favorite barbershop in town. According to Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head of Sports Barbers Barbershop, “The idea is to create a go-to destination for men where they can expect the reliable, time-honoured techniques of traditional barbering and yet know they are in the hands of people who will be able to tell the difference between a short sides with brush top versus buzz crop or a pompadour versus a slick back,”

Sports Barbers has 13 branches all over the country, a recreation of the traditional concept of your go-to neighborhood barbershop and offers a destination that is modern and stylish yet stays true to what men have been used to. You can find them at UP Town Center, Ayala Fairview Terraces, SM Clark, SM Southmall, SM Bacoor, SM Bicutan, SM Cebu, SM Bacolod and its newest brand SM Mall of Asia.
To get updates and promotions, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For appointments, you may call 0915-5067655.

All about Love, Sugar and Waxing

If you have been following me, you might have read about my newest love. When I say love, I refer to something painful but worth it. Well, it's not about relationships but rather I am talking about my waxing sessions. It is painful but worth it. No matter how much I get hurt, I still keep on coming back. 

I usually wear a dress when I go out or when I have speaking engagements thus, the need to maintain skin that’s smooth no matter what season. This can certainly be sorted out by an appointment to my reliable waxing salon.

Hey Sugar Waxing Salon makes all-natural and 100% Sugar grooming options accessible to clients of all shapes and sizes. They use 100% naturally hypoallergenic sugar wax that minimizes side effects such as allergic reactions and chemical irritations caused by traditional wax—a gentler but no less effective way to keep your skin smooth and hair-free. 


Here are 3 things I love about Hey Sugar:

1. Great Ambiance and Interiors - Hey Sugar's interiors are renowned for being warm, inviting and discreet. Clients can walk in and expect a clean and sterilized environment ideal for the sensitive beauty routines that they are about to undergo, while still feel like they are about to get pampered and taken care of.


2. Expert and Friendly Aestheticians - I get the peace of mind that I under the care of expert aestheticians who were trained to deliver only the best results. For newbies, this means you can easily ask your aesthetician any question about the process and advantages of sugar waxing and get a clear answer; for veterans, you know you will walk out of your appointment knowing there’s no other destination that can give you the same results using all-organic hair-removal methods.



3. Accessible - Hey Sugar has very convenient locations all over the country. With a total of 25 locations nationwide, you can find them at UP Town Center, Festival Supermall, SM Bicutan, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Bacolod, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Calamba, Unimart Greenhills and their newest branch Hey Sugar SM Marikina.

Their commitment to bringing reliable and fast services while connecting with their customer is the main reason why Hey Sugar is the top waxing destination. Expect quality service, superior treatments, and affordable prices but not at the expense of a warm and comfortable environment.


At the end of the day, everyone deserves some sugar…and there’s no better place to get it than by heading to the nearest Hey Sugar branch near you. For readers from East Manila, visit their newest branch at SM Marikina.

To know more about Hey Sugar, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. facebook.com/HeySugarWaxingPh, Twitter.com/HeySugarPhilsFor bookings, you my contact 0956-8462352.

October 17, 2017 is #NationalPamperingDay

Last October 17, 2016, Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa started the celebration of the National Pampering Day where customers were treated to a Free Manicure with Stress Relieving Hand Massage. It was a definite way to destress and feel loved. 

This year, Nailaholics is doing it again with an amplified nationwide celebration of relaxation that everyone should look forward to this October 17, 2017.


Here are the top 5 reasons why you should not miss the #NationalPamperingDay!

1. Choices of Services

You can now choose your preferred pampering treatment. Enjoy a free relaxing manicure, calming foot spa or a relaxing foot massage. (Personally, I am looking forward to getting myself a foot massage.)




2. Longer Hours 

In partnership with the number one salon brand and most beloved nail lacquer brand in the world, O.P.I., National Pampering Day 2017 will accommodate more guests with the extension of pampering time until 1PM. This means more people can join.

3. Supports Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), World Vision and Save Philippine Seas

Just by attending this event, you will be able to support Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), World Vision and Save Philippine Seas. 




4. Skilled Nail Technicians

Let Nailaholics’ skilled nail technicians take care of you for a little while and walk out of this Hamptons-inspired nail salon feeling refreshed and ready to bring it on again. Grab this once-a-year treat only at the country’s top destination for relaxation and real pampering.

5. You Deserve It! 


According to Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head of Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, “Filipinos are very hardworking in any given aspect of our lives and a nation of energetic and industrious people best deserves real pampering once in a while. This year, as Nailaholics celebrates the 2nd National Pampering Day, we go deeper and dedicate this to everyone and remind them to take it slow, take it easy, zone out and relax for a while."
So, save the date and get ready to park away from any thoughts of work because the only responsibility you have is to loosen up. Wind down and head down to the nearest Nailaholics branch in your area.
Visit www.nailaholics.com to check their services and find the branch nearest you. Get updates and promotions by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Nailaholics is an urban destination that offers its customers an escape from the daily grind through its exceptional interiors and exceptional pampering service. It currently has more than 50 branches nationwide, including in Gateway Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Cash and Carry Makati, Harbor Point Mall Subic, SM Cebu, SM Bacolod, and SM Lanang.

P.S. Check out their Facebook page and find out how you can score advance tickets to the National Pampering Day.

French Tips Eco-chic Nail Salon opens at Estancia

Are you having a stressful week?

Between work, traffic, and everyday grind, most of us are eagerly looking forward to getting a break this weekend. Though an international trip to Paris may be great, unfortunately, it may not be possible for most of us. Thus, French Tips Nail Parlour is the next best thing.


It’s a nail salon unlike any other, mostly because of the way it combines eco-chic pampering experience with a one-of-a-kind French themed ideal. And from the moment you step in, you’ll be ushered into a luxe escape from the daily grind.


To sneak in a luxurious and eco-friendly treat at French Tips is to be catered to for a few hours. Here, you become a woman of leisure and nature that is doted on and attended to, where you can choose to zone out or chatter idly, depending on your mood and pamper
without putting your health at risk.

If you are like me who loves the scent lavender, then this will make you fall in love with French Tips. Start your
luxurious, eco-chic journey, where you will be asked how you want a healthy French Tips to experience using toxic-free nail polishes, beginning with a luxurious hand or foot washing using all-natural soaks (all of which are designed to whisk you away and take you to a lazy sunny day spent in the quaint orchards of the French countryside using Formaldehyde free and Paraben free materials.

The interiors certainly lend itself to the vibe. Impeccably designed to reflect the quiet luxury of France, each element inside French Tips Nail Parlour lets you bask in the elegance that the country is known for—from the high back armchairs that invite you sink yourself in to the intricate details that pepper the salon interiors like the faux grass and white reindeer heads that adore its walls. The team, all expertly trained to provide the best possible eco-friendly service, are attentive and accommodating—all intent on providing you with a few hours to escape and enjoy this rare, but much-deserved opportunity to indulge in a salon which never uses animal-derived ingredients in any of their products.
Here, the ideals of the country that inspired its aesthetic and brand of service are evident. Nothing feels rushed and anyone is welcome to pamper themselves for as long as they want in the capable hands of their technicians.

Once you’re done, the experience is certainly enough to make you want to wish you could stay for the entire weekend…but rest assured, you can always come back for more.
French Tips has 6 branches nationwide: SM Megamall, Nuvali Solenad, Ayala Terraces, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura and recently opened branch in Estancia. For more information, check out www.frenchtips.com, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Why is Online Marketing Important?

Online Marketing is defined as advertising or marketing efforts that use the web, social media platforms, and emails to drive sales or leads via electronic commerce.

In today's market, online marketing is considered to be a must for businesses no matter how big or small. It has proven to be crucial to the success and survival of one's company or brand. 



Here are some reasons why online marketing should be a key priority for businesses: 

1. Customers prefer to research or search online for products and services before making a decision. The internet is now the primary source for individuals to discover what to do, where to go and buy. 

2. Having an online identity adds credibility to the brand and company. Whether you create a website or a Facebook account, being visible online provides the customer with the confidence that one is real and current. 

3. Online channels help provide a better customer experience. It provides faster and more convenient transactions. It also helps customers stay connected with the brand. 

4. Due to the pandemic, more than 70% of the transactions are done online so, it's no longer practical to stick with the traditional brick and mortar stores. 

Sunday, September 17, 2017

What is your Love Language?

Love is something that is so broad that it's subject to multiple interpretations, definitions, and manifestations. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, people speak and understand emotional love in different ways. 



One is through verbal compliments, appreciation, and affirmation such as saying "I love you" or "You are beautiful." Others express their love through visible symbols of love such as gift giving where people manifest thoughtfulness through material things.  

Some express their love through acts of service like cooking a meal or preparing their loved one's needs. This may be considered a role or a chore but if done wholeheartedly and in a positive mindset, these are indeed expressions of love.

Physical intimacy or touch is also a way communicating affection. For married couples, holding hands, kissing, and embracing are very common love languages. 

Lastly, spending quality time is another great way to express love. However, this love language has been commonly taken for granted given that we have our fast-paced lives. 

This is something that Val and I realized when we were still in Metro Manila. We were so preoccupied with work and everyday stress such as traffic and chores that we stopped spending quality time with each other. 

Since then, we started having pampering sessions together. Here are some ideas that you might want to consider: 

Enjoy SPA services together

Pampering sessions are not just for women. Instead, couples can enjoy these together like getting their nails done. 




If you don't feel like getting your nails done, you can opt for a spot spa or massage treatments. 

Feel Good and Be Beautiful Dates. 

I have been telling Val that he is my reflection and I am his. As partners, we must look out for each other's welfare. We have to remind each other to never forget taking care of ourselves. Thus, some of our quality time together is spent when we either get a haircut or perhaps a waxing session. 





How about you what is your love language? Keep in mind that regardless of our choice, what's important is that we are able to give and feel love. 





Thursday, September 7, 2017

Last Chance to Raise the Bar of Home Entertainment with Soundbar Festival Nationwide Promo

Imagine going home where your family is all set for another binge-watching night. You have agreed on what food to order. The playlist is ready. Your pillows are waiting to be cuddled during those heart-stopping scenes. While this seems exciting, you should know by now that a sub-standard entertainment system simply will not do.



Get the ultimate home entertainment package by taking home your very own Samsung Soundbar through their Nationwide Promo until September 17. You have a few days left to complement what you see on screen with outstanding audio quality while saving big time.  Samsung is offering discounts of as much as 40% on its premium-grade soundbars to bring cinema perfection closer to your home.

On top of the huge markdowns, Samsung's Soundbar with Dolby ATMOS (HW-K950) comes with free items such as the Wireless Audio 360 speaker and a Blu-Ray player. Meanwhile, get free wireless rear speakers when you purchase select soundbar models HW-MS751, HW-MS650, HW-M4501, and HW-M550.

Being number 1 in global sales year on year, Samsung Soundbars promise to raise the bar of your home entertainment as you watch your favorite films, stream music, or play a video game. Its multiple built-in speakers, each with dedicated amplifiers, are crafted to make stunningly realistic multi-dimensional audio achieving theatre quality in the comfort of your own home. It also delivers the right level of bass so that whatever you hear through the soundbar is exactly how the artists and filmmakers intended it to be. Lastly, with the consumers in mind, the Samsung soundbars champion wireless connectivity to freely connect your TV and smartphone conveniently via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Grab your chance to experience sound like never before! Get to know more about how to raise the bar of your home entertainment system by checking out the lineup of high-quality Samsung soundbars when you visit the Samsung Facebook page or samsung.com/ph/offers/.

Saturday, September 2, 2017

My Job Kept Me From Visiting Coffee Shops

Freelancing or working at home has a lot of perks and advantages. These include more time to spend with the family, no more daily commute, and traffic as well as more flexibility on what to wear, schedule and tasks. 



As perfect as it may sound, working at home also has its disadvantages. This includes instability of work, lesser employee benefits, and perks (most of the time you have to shoulder it personally) and less social interaction. 

For me, working at home meant limited time to go out and do errands. Since I am not "out of the house" most of the time just like office-based workers. I could not do errands or drop by my favorite shop or restaurant on my way home. I would have to plan it out and do everything in one go. I remember when I was still working in Makati, my friends and I would drop by our favorite coffee shop after work to chill out and enjoy my favorite iced coffee. This is actually one of the many things I miss from corporate work.



Since freelancers are known to be creative, I discovered a way to enjoy my favorite iced coffee at home. Maskape Coffee Brown and Creamy makes a delicious iced coffee for only Php 5.00. Yes, that cheap but it tastes like coffee ice cream.



Maskape can also make a good cold brew or smoothie. I was even thinking that perhaps I can even use it as an ingredient for Tiramisu or Mocha Cake. (Will find time to bake and let you know)

What makes Maskape Coffee special? 
Maskape is made of robusta coffee beans which are low in acidity and is known to have more antioxidants. This helps reduce the risk of some health problems including diabetes and liver cirrhosis. 

Source: www.masfoods.com.ph
Maskape has other variants: White and Creamy, Strong and Rich, Original and Barako Gold. It is available in supermarkets nationwide for only Php 5.00 (SRP) and in all 7-eleven stores for only 10.00 for TwinPacks. 

Source: www.masfoods.com.ph

It is proudly Philippine-made by Mighty and Strong (MAS) Food Corporation. So, try Maskape today. It is about time we show our love and #supportlocal. To learn more about Maskape, you may visit their website www.masfoods.com.ph  you can also check for updates through their social media page https://www.facebook.com/Maskape3in1/

Friday, September 1, 2017

The Dangers of Side Effects Presented as Main Effects

In the medical world, proper use of words is highly called for because a simple mistake could complicate things usually unwanted for the patients. Because this field has full of jargons that are mostly too technical to not easily be sifted and digested by the general public, putting them in a layman’s term is indeed helpful.

A good example of which are the words “side effect” and “main effect”. These, are more often than not, interchanged or used instead of the other. Doing so is not just wrong but also dangerous to the people’s health.



A side effect of any substance pertains to the result beyond the main or primary action that is intended by the physician giving drug prescription. The doctor, likewise, foresees this extra consequence.

For instance, the patient might not be conscious of the side effect of unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body while using vasodilator drug called Minoxidil to treat hypertension. The physician, nevertheless, is very well aware of it, as well as other implications, such as burning or irritation of the eye, itching, and redness or irritation at the treated area. By and large, doctors suggest that patients should ignore the side effects unless serious and often alert the sick persons about their likelihood.

But not all the side effects are boon. They are bane, too, hence, they are often used as a therapeutic benefit in the pharmaceutical industry. Like the Minoxidil which, initially was developed to treat high blood pressure. People taking it reported an unusual side effect: Hair began to grow on various parts of their bodies. In this case, the downside of the drug is controlled and employed for a beneficial and therapeutic effect judiciously. It is noted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription of two percent (2%) Minoxidil topical solution for hair loss in men in 1988 and for women in 1992.

An adverse effect, on the other hand, is identified as an outcome wherein the reaction occurs over and beyond the main and wanted action of a medicine. Both the physician and the patient don’t know about it as a consequence of taking such treatment. It can happen simply due to incorrect dosage. Undesirably, this is very harmful as it can exacerbate the prognosis of the disease. Occasionally, if the adverse effect is too serious, there might be a need for hospitalization.

Just like the Sildenafil Citrate— a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness, and rash. Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts over four hours. Patients should stop Sildenafil Citrate and seek medical care if a sudden decrease or loss of hearing and also that of vision in one or both eyes.

Since side effects paired with adverse effects can be fatal and need to be reversed or given antidote immediately, a very extra cautious effort not to interchange them with the main effects in the prescription process must be always observed. After all, it’s the lives of patients at stake here.

It’s ironic to note that people who seek treatments for their ailments or to prolong their lives become sicker or morbidly end up six feet underground simply because of such medical error. So, it’s still best to deal with health conditions like hair loss the natural way, especially with NOVUHAIR that offers the safe and natural effects.  

With 19 natural ingredients—mostly standardized herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients—it does not only help prevent the hair loss malady, but also aid in stimulating growth of the “crowning glory.” Set aside those chemical-based topical scalp solutions out there. Choose natural, choose NOVUHAR!

Join NOVUHAIR’s survey and win tickets to the musical SOUND OF MUSIC staging at The Theatre Solaire from September 27 to October 22. For more information, visit Novuhair’s Facebook page: Novuhair Official.

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page, Novuhair Official, and follow on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call NOVUHAIR hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575.