WAXCUVADO: A Relaxing Pampering Session + Unlimited Chocolates in Bacolod

Who wants some pampering session and unlimited chocolates?

I have finally found my new favorite "ME time" spot here in #Bacolod. This is not my first time to visit but found really good reasons to come back.

Here's why you should visit Waxcovado at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod

• They sterilize their tools. (Very Important!)
• Comfortable seats
• Friendly staff
• Affordable rates and prices. Pedicure starts at Php 149 for local nail polishes and Php 249 for imported nail polishes.
• Lots of choices at The Nail Bar
• 20% Senior Citizen discount (My mom loves this perk!)
• UNLIMITED CHOCOLATE. (Yes, they give out free chocolates to their customers)

This Bacolod-based spa also offers other services such as waxing using local muscovado.

Aria Teak Rocker + Win One For Yourself

 

You spend a lot of your life sitting, so why not do it in style and comfort?! That is exactly what you can do with the Aria Teak Rocker from Westminster Teak. This stylish rocker is designed to maximize comfort, and it looks great while doing it. 

Enter to win one (valued at $1720!!) for yourself and you can relax and be comfortable with this new rocker. I can imagine myself sitting on this beautiful Aria Teak Rocker on the front porch while enjoying the summer breeze with a good book. 

Well, this reminds me too to share my latest book finds and update my reading list. 

The Aria Teak Rocker

Defined by its sensuous curves and sweeping fluid lines, the Aria Teak Rocker is bound to be the conversational piece in any room or space. The Aria rocking chair is ergonomically designed with a contoured backrest and seat to maximize hours of comfortable seating, even without cushions. The extended rocking-arc and slightly tilted stance of the chair provides a pleasurable and gentle rocking motion.

 

The Neckroll and optional cushions made with Quick Dry Foam® core and 100% solution-dyed Sunbrella fabrics. Built with 100% Premium Teak harvested from sustainable plantations in Indonesia. Every piece is precision manufactured to standard specifications for commercial and residential use.

About Westminster Teak

Westminster Teak specializes in high-end teak furniture and their steamer chair was rated “Best Overall” by the Wall Street Journal. The company offers a lifetime guarantee on all teak furniture, as well as a money-back guarantee that includes free shipping if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. Westminster only uses teak from certified renewable plantations. For more on the perfect outdoor living check out what Westminster Teak has to offer today via their website as well as Facebook and Instagram. 

Enter to win an Aria Teak Rocker valued at $1720 using the Giveaway Tools form below. GOOD LUCK! Click here to join: Entry-Form

The Difference Between Glasses & Goggles

The eternal question for most motorcycle and MX riders is goggles or glasses? Protective motorcycle glasses and goggles offer different advantages both in functionality and style. While some riders prefer the visibility eyeglasses offer, others want more full-face protection. Though much of this comes down to personal taste, here is a quick comparison between the benefits of motorcycle glasses and goggles.

Seeing Is Believing

Eyeglasses offer a multitude of benefits for riders at all times of the day. Lenses can have different tints, polarizations, photochromic coatings, and prescriptions, all of which offer a better vision in a variety of light conditions. Additionally, photochromic transition lenses can adjust to changing light levels as you ride. Finally, like your favorite motorcycle jackets, riding sunglasses add undeniable flair to your look. Yet, most eyeglasses do not protect the sides of your eyes. For better coverage, you need full-face goggles.

Protection From the Elements

Unlike glasses, motorcycle goggles provided full coverage, preventing wind and dust from getting into your eyes. Using foam padding and a wide lens, goggles create a seal over your eyes, block wind and debris. To reduce glare, many goggles also use UV polarized and tinted lenses, much to the same effect as eyeglasses. However, you can’t insert prescription lenses to improve vision.

The Best of Both Worlds

Source: https://www.bikebandit.com/

Many riders, especially off-roaders, opt to use a combination of both glasses and goggles. Over-the-helmet goggles leave enough space to fit eyeglasses underneath. This gives the rider the chance for better glare resistance and prescription vision with the protective qualities of goggles. Bear in mind that you need goggles designed to fit frames underneath. Both should fit snug without rocking or sliding in use. 

Eyewear is one of the most important pieces of safety gear for any rider. Order a new pair of goggles or glasses that maximize visibility and protection against high winds and dust.

#WHERETONEXT : SADDLEBACK HAVEN

Summer has officially started. It simply means packing our bags, getting out of the house and enjoying a much-deserved vacation.

With the right research and timing, no one has a concrete excuse of not being able to afford a vacation. We have so many options nowadays including the free seats offered by airlines and no more fuel surcharge.

I have always dreamed of spending one summer vacation is a mountain haven but I do not have the courage to go mountain climbing. I want to be close to nature yet keeping the luxuries. Something cozy, inspiring and perfect. 

So, do you have any guesses about our #WHERETONEXT destination? 

Well, it's part of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines and it's going to be at the SADDLEBACK HAVEN.

SADDLEBACK HAVEN is a villa 2,800 feet above sea level. It is a 45-minute drive from Davao City. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

It features cool climate, fresh air, and lush greenery. The view at night is also breathtaking. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

The rooms are carefully designed to ensure that you'll have a good night sleep and prepare you for a day full of activities. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

Since part of our plan is to be close to nature, we are very excited to take a short hike nearby. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

If you are brave enough to face the cool weather, you can even take a dip in the nearby river. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

Horseback riding is also available but I am still undecided about it. I am only certain that I will be bringing lots of marshmallows because I am looking forward to spending the night underneath the stars and enjoy the bonfire. 

Photo Credit: Saddleback Haven/ AIRBNB

So, go ahead and have the vacation you have always dreamed of and feel at home with your #WhereToNext destination. It's about time you pack your bags and enjoy the world.

Eco-Friendly Underwear?

Yes!!! It exists. Bench's ENVI line is made of bamboo fabric. It's considered to biodegradable, sustainable and eco-friendly while providing a smooth and comfortable feel.

Bamboo is proclaimed as the world's most renewable material: it's naturally pest-resistant, grows incredibly fast and can actually help rebuild eroded soil. It takes just three or four years to go from seed to harvest and because the root network is so big, you don't even need to replant - it just shoots right back up again. Bamboo, therefore, can be grown without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Interested to get one? These Bench ENVI Low-rise boyshorts are currently ON SALE at Bench Ayala Malls Capitol Central for only Php 100 (Original Price is Php 179.75)

** The packaging is made of plastic but it's reusable. This resealable plastic can be used to keep your valuables or documents. For me, we use it as money envelopes for budgeting.

Bacolod-based Artisan Makes Unique and Thoughtful Gift Items

Shopping for gifts is fun but challenging if the person you're gifting can afford or has everything she wants. This is one of the reasons why I love the handcrafted pieces from this Bacolod-based Artisan, Happy Crafter Ph. It makes gifting easier and more thoughtful.

Every piece is unique and there will never be other pieces the same as the one you have. This is the beauty of having artisan pieces. It is made with love and each piece is special, thus making every piece art in itself.

How it is made?

• For nature collections, plants are made to dry anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
• Each piece is designed by hand and cured with resin for 24 hrs. Other items may be made from other materials such as clay, acrylic, etc.
• Then once set, it is sand, grind, and polished, before putting it together with the chain and locks.

Thus, if you are looking for a rare piece for yourself or for someone special this #ValentinesDay, a handcrafted piece will always be a special present.

P.S. These handcrafted pieces are very affordable and come in a really nice box. You may visit their page for more designs. 

https://www.facebook.com/happycrafter.ph/

Bacolod's Freelancers Hub: Dojo 8 Coliving Space

Coworking spaces are very important to freelancers like me. If you are not so sure what I am talking about, a coworking space is a place with a shared working environment like an office or something like a study area at home. The only difference is that the people using it are usually not employed by the same company or organization. 

Though there are a lot of variations in terms of the ambiance or atmosphere, a strong and fast internet connection, as well as a reliable generator (in case of power outages), are constant in coworking spaces.

I was still in Manila when I started using coworking spaces. There is no doubt that the availability of these work areas has saved me every time there are power outages or internet failure and I cannot afford to miss work. Thus, when we moved to Bacolod, it was one of the things I looked for ASAP. 

Luckily, we were able to find Dojo 8 Coworking Spaces. It is located at Lacson Street, Bacolod near Starbucks Lacson. The place is very accessible and rates are really cheap. Not to mention they offer unlimited coffee. Then earlier this year, they opened their second branch at the back of Bar 21 named Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces.  By the way, this is not a sponsored post.

Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces is not your typical coworking space. So, let me share with you the top 5 things why it is so popular among freelancers and students. 

1. Overnight Accommodation - Dojo 8 have rooms available in case you need to stay overnight. They are very spacious, clean and affordable. It is also very ideal for travelers who still need to work and can't really rely on their hotel's wifi service. My friends from Dumaguete stayed at Dojo 8 for quite a number of times and they love it. 

2. Location - They are located in the heart of Bacolod City. As mentioned, they are at the back of Bar 21, a restaurant that provides a fusion of Filipino delicacies combined with Italian and American favorites (You can read about our Bar 21 Review here) and Bob's Cafe just across the street. There is also a Japanese restaurant a few steps away. 

3. Recreational  Facilities and Fun Environment - Dojo 8 provides ping pong tables and other outdoor games. They also have the garden area and some chairs outside which means that you have options on where you want to stay. You're not just limited to an air-conditioned room sitting on a chair. 

4. Pet-Friendly - As a fur parent, this meant a lot to me. At Dojo 8, you can work while your dogs play on the lawn. No need to leave our furbabies alone at home. Thus, I am looking forward to bring Crumpy, Cheesecake, and Cinderella soon. (I am thinking if we would be allowed to visit together or there is a limit on the number of dogs one can bring.) 

5. Events - Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces is now central to freelancer events here in Bacolod. They hold both free and paid seminars and workshops. Last January 2016, they had the HOW TO START A HOME-BASED CAREER SEMINAR organized by The Purple Secretary and last May 12, the Freelancer Meet-up organized by the Digital Career Advocates of the Philippines. 

And aside from all of these, I love working at Dojo 8 because you get to be surrounded by like-minded people who want to be productive.

So, don't forget to follow Dojo 8 Coliving Spaces on Facebook for event updates and promotions. How about you? Do you have your own favorite freelancer spot? 

Why Do We Need to Take a Break and Recharge?

This is one of my favorite quotes from Anne Lamott. Whether we are living a fast-paced life or a routinary and boring one, it is very important that we get out of the circle and take a break. Everyone is believed to function and perform better after getting a recharge. 

Thus, here are some simple tips on how we can recharge our energy and improve our personal well-being: 

1. Be Active and Exercise

When you exercise, happy chemicals called Dopamine are released into our brain. It is a neurotransmitter in the brain that's necessary for feelings of pleasure and happiness making one feel good. It is also known to help one feel less stressed. So, sweat all your worries out of your system. 

2. Be with Nature

Whether you opt for the mountains and lush greenery or the beach, spending time in nature is an effective way to de-stress. Take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings, enjoy the fresh air and listen to the calming sound of the waves or the chirping of the birds. 

3. Go Offline

This is actually a bit of a challenge for online workers like me. It is hard since most of us are so used to checking our mobile devices out of a habit. However, according to studies, one can find himself more productive after taking an offline break. It is suggested to set our phone on airplane mode so that we can still use its other functions like the camera. 

4. Get Pampered 

A simple manicure, foot massage or a trip to the spa can make a huge difference. This is the main reason why Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa celebrates the National Pampering Day annually where customers were treated to a FREE manicure, foot spa or foot massage. 

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."

Luckily, Val and I were able to join this year's celebration since there was no work due to the transport strike. Val opted to get a foot massage while I opted for a manicure. It was indeed a good way to recharge under the care of Nailaholic's friendly nail technicians.

In case you are wondering, Nailaholics is located at the 3rd Floor, SM City Bacolod Northwing. For the complete list of their branches, click here.

How about you? Were you able to join the National Pampering Day celebration?

Trying to Conceive? A Woman's Overall Well-Being is the Key.

If you are following our story, you would know that Val and I have been trying to conceive for the past four years. With various treatments, medications and different doctors consulted, we have learned this lesson the hard way -- a woman's overall well-being is a key to a successful pregnancy. 

Women have the tendency to shrug off minor health problems and just see a medical practitioner when things go bad. We should stop doing this and instead we make sure that we are taken cared of. Keep in mind that prevention will always be better than cure. It is very important that our health should be a top priority and that women need superior medical service. 

Thus, we are happy to share that ManilaMed's Center for Women’s Health champions this advocacy where every women’s health issues are not left behind. As one of the institution’s Center of Excellence, it provides top medical offerings from experienced medical professionals to cater women in all their life stages---from child-bearing age, pregnancy, and to adulthood possessing any health-related concerns.

The center has five major units to make patients feel better about being a woman; the OB-GYN Ultrasound and Maternal and Fetal Medicine units are aimed to care for pregnant women and their newborns while the Breast Diagnostic Center and Colposcopy and Cryotherapy Center are for patients to safeguard their health from common illnesses among women.

Staying true to the commitment of holistic care, the center also offers other innovative surgeries and procedures such as Routine Pap Smear, Acupuncture for Infertility, Reproductive Urology, Pediatric Cardiology, Breast Surgery, and even Cosmetic Surgery.

In addition, the center knows the true essence of motherhood with its Fertility Enhancement unit that gives medical attention for women who would like to have higher chances of conception. 

Thus, if you are trying to conceive, visit the Center for Women’s Health every Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. For more details, you may contact (02) 523 8131 loc 3100 /3101 or (+63)917 831 4892 or visit the website for more details.

ManilaMed is located at ​850 United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Click here to view map. 

4 Ways to Build Customer Relationships with Email

Last December 8, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop organized by the Negros Online Workers (NOW) about Business Development and Digital Marketing. One of the main points discussed was email marketing and how it can help businesses grow. The speaker mentioned that email marketing still the most effective strategy wherein one can use it to create influence, relationship, and rapport among subscribers and followers. Once this is established, sales and marketing will be easier. 

I have been following global speakers, authors, and coaches such as Tony Robbins, Sha Nacino, James Taylor and Brian Tracy. I have noticed that all of them are using email marketing to reach out their target audiences. What I like about the emails that they send is that these are not direct sales emails wherein they simply ask us to purchase a product or a service but instead, they are focused on sharing their stories, tips, and experiences.

Reading their emails seems personal as if it was sent by a friend or someone you really know and not just from a random digital marketer. Thus, it was no surprise that the conversion rate and sales derived from their email marketing is higher compared to all other marketing channels. 

Thus, if you are also into email marketing, here are the 4 Ways to Build Customer Relationships with Email (Original article published at My Emma)

1. Set goals and map your customer journey.

Consider each decision your potential customer will face on their way to the action you want them to take. 

For example, if you work for a university, your target audience, potential students and their parents, will have several questions to ask before choosing which school to enroll in. Think of it as a choose your own adventure that begins with questions like “Do I want to go to college?” and “How much will it cost?”, “What programs does this school offer?” and “What’s the food like?”. The more you can answer these questions on the front end, the easier your customer’s decision will be. 

2. Make the connection. 

Let’s say someone new signs up to receive your emails. Great! But your work here isn’t done — in fact, it’s just getting started. You want to make them feel at home with your brand and explain the value to them as a subscriber. One of the best ways to do that is with an automated welcome email. 

A welcome email tells your brand story and introduces them to who you are and what you do. A welcome email is the best way to start your customer relationship strong. Not only that, it has 4X the open rate and 5X the click rate of other bulk emails. 

3. Nurture and provide value.

Every good relationship needs nurturing. You set up coffee dates to catch up with friends and call those that live far away, so why wouldn’t you do the same for your invested customers? The best way to maintain a strong relationship is to create an ongoing, customized experience for each subscriber. Email service providers give you the customer insight and tools you need to group them by interest, create content they’ll love, and test the messages that resonate most. 

Customized experiences go beyond the “hard sell” of cold calling and focus on the long-term goal of converting subscribers into lifelong brand advocates. Let’s say your customers signed up for a newsletter about pets. First, you’d start by addressing your subscriber by name and then you’d continue to “wow” them with selections based on their previous preferences. 

This ensures your email is full of customized content that’ll feel more like a letter from a friend instead of just another business ad. 

4. Listen and learn.

The definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” so let’s stay away from that in your email campaign. Instead of ignoring subscribers who opt out of your messages, be willing to find out why they unsubscribed. Take it as a challenge to re-engage inactive subscribers and customers who haven’t opened your emails in a while and spend time learning what type of content they’d like to receive. 

Create effective tests to understand what’s working, and pinpoint the methods and messages that could use improvement. This will help you scale your efforts and success over time.

By the way, the team at Emma is willing to help you send better emails, they created a video series to equip you with all the knowledge you need to send messages your customers will want to open. In the video, Caroline Matis shares their proven blueprint for strong email strategy. Click this link to watch the video.

Home based career seminars for Negros Online Workers happening this December 2018

The Negros Online Workers, together with Dojo 8 Coliving Space is holding a series of workshops and talks in Bacolod City this December 2018. JUMPSTART 2019 is a 4-part series of learning events that will help freelancers and aspiring individuals become successful in their online careers. Beginners will learn the basics on how to start their home-based career including basic digital skills while experienced freelancers will have up skill learning sessions.

“This is in line with our advocacy in promoting more earning opportunities in places where there are limited jobs offered as well as to provide support to parents especially women who are not able to work due to family obligations,” says, Ma. Clarice Lao, Founder of Negros Online Workers.

Participants will learn the different work-at-home career options, tips on getting started, and information on where and how to apply. “We would also discuss current trends, pay rates and challenges faced by online workers,” added Lao.

To address the current demand for this new skillset, Karlo De Leon, a Biz Systems Consultant and Messenger Marketing Funnel Expert will conduct the Basic Automation and Chatbot Workshop for experienced freelancers. The workshop will also include bonus topics on Business Development.

Aside from the learning sessions, NOW Talks will be the main highlight of JUMPSTART 2019. Freelancers and aspiring individuals are invited to join on December 16, 2018 to meet the freelancing community here in Negros. It is an afternoon full of inspiration, fun and opportunity to expand your network.  Participants will also have the chance to enjoy goodies from JJC Nutri Treats, and get signed copies of the book, Thank Goodness I Got Lost by Jostine Bulan, freebies from Flip and Color and other exciting raffle prizes from our event sponsors.

For more details about Jumpstart 2019, you may visit: www.facebook.com/negrosworkshops 

This event is supported by media partners:  When in Manila.com, Sigrid Says, The Blue Ink, Mea in Bacolod and My Metro Lifestyle and sponsored by: Payoneer, JJC Nutri Treats, Flip & Color, Project Ushered and Bacolod DIY Party Rentals. 

Kids Can Watch Movies For FREE at SM Cinema

Family bonding has never been better. Kids can now watch movies for FREE in SM Cinemas nationwide. 

Get a complimentary movie pass for every movie ticket purchase. Kids 4 feet and below in height can avail of the free ticket. No need for IDs or birth certificates as long as your child can meet the minimum age requirement. 

Here's the list of the remaining movie schedule for the year. Promo is valid until December 4, 2018. 

November 7: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

November 7: Luis and the Aliens

November 14: Marnie's World


November 28: Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2

So, what are you waiting for? Head now to the nearest SM Cinema in your area. For more details, just check out this link.

REX Book Store now globally recognized as official Philippine partner of ASCD

One of the many reasons why we implemented the Digital and Online Tech Advocates Program for Senior High School students is the reality that a lot of school materials and the current curriculum are outdated. There is a huge gap between what is taught in school and what is needed by the industry. 

Thus, we are very happy to know that REX Book Store, a premier learning solutions provider partnered with a global non-profit organization to foster new developments in educational transformation. We believe that learning constitutes many things and an enduring commitment to transforming and innovating on what it means to learn and teach in the 21st century. Gladly, this is something that the country's foremost learning solutions provider is trying to do.

Here's a little background on the recent developments: 

Late last year, REX Book Store was announced as the preferred distributor of publications and services by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving how learning and teaching approaches are implemented to help ensure the success of every child through innovative ways of education that challenge, support, and engage them as whole persons in a safe and healthy learning environment.

This year, REX is now recognized by ASCD as its official Philippine partner, providing Filipino educators with a firm and reliable access to award-winning and research-backed professional learning materials and programs which would help them shape today's learners into the Whole Child. REX's campaign for the Whole Child is based on ASCD's research and practices which have gained traction in other developed countries' educational systems, with integrations to curriculums and programs merging and transforming the landscape of education for the 21st century.

In what began as a resource partnership way back in 2010, ASCD has been providing REX with some of the industry's most trusted resource speakers for their internal professional development, fusing new insights and research into REX's publishing practices and holistic education campaigns. From 2015 onward, coinciding with REX's 65th anniversary, the premier learning solutions provider began gradually adopting ASCD's whole child approach into its core philosophy, incorporating the approach's vision with its own mission of providing 21st-century learning tools and solutions that reflects what its maxim "tayong lahat, kapit bisig, para sa bata, para sa bayan" means: a village, a community, helping each other nurture, sustain, and secure the success of children as future professionals who would, in turn, help transform the country into a globally competitive nation.

REX's full-fledged adoption, support, and practice of ASCD's Whole Child initiative and other innovative approaches to 21st century learning has now developed into a deeper, joint commitment to uphold the concepts of holistic education in light of the Philippine government's own campaign to bring its educational system to the next level with the K-12 program. These efforts are part of REX's vision to help produce young learners today who may lead us into the future, equipped with the critical skills they need to contribute a positive impact to society towards global progress.

With over 115,000 members from 128 countries, REX Bookstore now joins the ASCD community in helping transform the world of education by assisting teachers and learning stakeholders, and helping secure the success of each child through progressive values and holistic development. 

Congratulations, REX Bookstore and we look forward to a brighter future because of this initiative.