Whenever I visit Araneta Center-Cubao, I always drop by Shopwise. Why? Because there are products that I need that I can only find there. Like for instance, my mom would always ask me to to go there to buy her Aveeno Soap which I couldn't find in common supermarkets. Shopwise is the only supermarket that offers more stocks of that hard-to-find Aveeno Soap. When I go there, I usually buy in bulk because I am not sure when I can come back. There are also Human Nature products readily available in Shopwise that are normally available online or can be bought via the company's official distributors. It saves me additional fees intended for shipping. What a nice way to save money!

Aside from the different beauty and hygiene products, Shopwise is the best place to shop for its exclusive food, janitorial, and pet items because it offers a wide range of high quality local/homegrown and international brands available at low, low prices. 

That's why just recently, Shopwise The Big Cook-Off, an event to showcase its exclusive products through a cooking contest between bloggers and culinary students kicked-started last weekend.

I, together with my friends from BKS Moms, were blessed to witness its second leg that was held yesterday, July 20, 2018, through the initiative of Mommy Bloggers Philippines.

Heavy rains didn't stop Shopwise's 2nd leg of The Big Cook-Off to push through which had "Asian Fusion" as its theme. The competitors were composed of three culinary students from Apicius and three respectable Food Pinoy bloggers. The aim of this event was for us to witness the amazing showdown of cooking skills using world-class ingredients from Shopwise. It was hosted by the dynamic and good-looking chef, Steven Silva. The judges were headed by celebrity chef, JP Anglo.

Miss Meg of Shopwise was confident as she discussed that the company could offer "Best Value" products outsourced from different parts of the world. Those best quality products were made affordable for all. 

Moreover, we've learned that Shopwise has 30 exclusive brands that are reasonably priced, even up to 20 to 30% off. Shopwise also has weekly promos where we can get a lot of freebies and discounts. 

Now let's move to the contestants and contest proper.

The APICIUS CHEFS (SCHOOLERS) were composed of the following talented student chefs:

Jobert Diaz is s a 22-year-old guy who loves to eat and cook adobo.

Winning Dish: Stuffed Salmon and Prawns with Teriyaki Sauce

Arlujan Sansano is 19 years old. He joined this cooking contest for the very first time and promised to do his best to share his abilities.

Dish: Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Star Anise Sauce

Arvin Fernandez is a 21-year-old guy who idolizes the first chef who has taught him how to cook, Chef Calvin Ayagan.

Winning Dish: Pan Shred Honey Lemon Chicken Combination with Assorted Vegetables

Those three talented young gentlemen are from Mondragon, Northern Samar.

The Apicius Chefs' FOODIE BLOGGER contenders were the following:

40-year-old Lea Domingo a.k.a. Mommy Lelei specializes in Filipino dishes. She is not really a blogger but a constant user of Instagram and Facebook. It was her first time to join a cooking competition.

Dish: Tuna Meatball Sliders with Asian Jam

Nathaniel Uy a.k.a. Thehungrychef.ph is one of the famous food bloggers in the Philippines with 15,700 followers on Instagram. 

Winning Dish: Prawn Halang-Halang Ramen

Jinkee Umali is a lifestyle and IT consultant by profession who loves cooking to relieve her stress from work. She blogs to de-stress. She always thinks of her kids and husband when she cooks.

Winning Dish: Thai Bagoong Rice

The criteria for judging were the following:

25 %- Utilization of Shopwise products

25%-  Taste

25%-  Originality and Creativity

15%-  Presentation

10%-  Audience Impact

A total of 100%

Two winners came from the Apicius Group and another two winners from the Food Blogger Group. Winners will join The Grand Big Cook-Off on August.

Among the dishes, I only tasted the ones cooked by bloggers Jinkee Uy and Lea Domingo. Both tasted really, really good. I didn't have the chance to taste the other dishes but one thing's for sure--- all the contestants were able to utilize all Shopwise products efficiently. How creative!

In my opinion, all the dishes were cooked with love and utmost dedication. I saw clearly the difference between how culinary students and bloggers executed their cooking prowess. The students where more technical and strict with their standards while the bloggers were obviously cooked the "home" way.  Despite the difference in execution, all contestants cooked with their hearts' delight. Furthermore, the judges chose the winners not just for the foods' taste or "what's on the plate" alone as Chef JP mentioned but also based on the above-mentioned criteria and of course, following the theme "Asian Fusion". Indeed, following the rules and instructions was very, very important. The stories behind the winning dishes also added an impact on the judges' decision. Like for instance, Miss Jinkee Umali was thinking of her kids while cooking her Thai Bagoong Rice. Every component of her dish was tailored fit for each of her kid's favorite. It was prepared with love which coincided with one of the benefits of cooking- altruism.  She was filled with bliss while doing the endeavor, making it more fruitful and meaningful because of the fact that she was doing it for someone dear to her.

The cook-off was not only intended to know the best of the best but also it became the venue to commit mistakes and learn from them. This statement of Chef JP struck me the most while he was telling it to Arlujan Sansano, "Joining a contest like this is a venue for you to learn. You committed mistakes now but it should not be the reason for you to stop. As you go on, you'll commit so many mistakes. Like me, I committed a million mistakes in the past which made me worthy to sit here right in front of you. Keep it up and we expect to see more from you."

A world-class venue for a world-class learning event utilizing affordable world-class products, that is Shopwise! In Shopwise, you can have a good life that you can afford! In Shopwise The Big Cook-Off, practical life lessons can be learned!

To know more about the next Shopwise The Big Cook-Off and what Shopwise Supercenters offer, you may like Shopwise on Facebook. 

At this point, I can say that I have found the best and trustworthy people for keeps. Habang tumatagal, masaya ako at nadaragdagan pa sila. 

Be honest and sincere.

Fewer words, fewer mistakes

Always look at the best of every individual.

Pray for guidance and a long-lasting relationship.

I always admit that I am too lazy when it comes to skincare that's why I find ways to get the effects that I want without spending so much time or resources. Just recently, I've started sharing my tried and tested skincare products that really work but don't break the bank and most of them are made in Korea. I haven't shared yet my fixation with using face masks whenever I feel so tired or when my facial skin needs to get rejuvenated. 

I am a fan of a wash-off mask because of the fact that I can apply and leave it on my face while I'm asleep then wash it off upon waking up. This is the type of mask that I use often. I also use a peel-off mask when I feel the need of making my face more moisturized and soft especially during special occasions when I have to apply makeup. Honestly, face masks are not on top of my list because the first face mask that I used made my face very oily and itchy. Not until a blogger friend, Momi Berlin, gave me a green tea mask from a popular Korean beauty brand that changed the way I looked at face masks. The one that she gave me was a bit pricey that prompted me to look for a cheaper alternative but could give the same best results. Then I found one. 

That cheaper brand is the one that I am still using today. Of course, I am fixated on that "green tea mask" that I don't want to try another variant or brand anymore. I'm kinda loyal when it comes to brands that I use especially when they give me the benefits that I really, really need. But I can't hide the fact that I am interested to try a face mask brand that I hear raves on. It is highly effective and of course, fit on a frugal girl's budget, according to the reviews that I've read.

Is it worth trying? Will I be satisfied when I try it? Well, after using the two face masks of that brand for four consecutive days, my answer is yes, yes, yes! Those two face masks, in my opinion, maybe at par with expensive brands and each cost Php45 only!

These are the face masks that I am talking about:

NOVELINA DEEP SEA COLLAGEN MASK WITH PURE SQUALENE

Novelina claims that this face mask is made with natural extracts that moisturize and hydrate skin for a radiant and youthful glow. The natural extract that piqued my curiosity was the fish scale collagen. According to www.renewalliance.com, "Fish collagen is made of Type I collagen, which is the building block for strong, flexible, and durable connective tissues, bones, and skin. It helps improve sagging skin by promoting and supporting natural collagen production in the skin, minimizing the loss of elasticity and helping the skin look smoother, suppler and more hydrated. The result is a reduction in the look of sagging skin and younger-looking skin overall." So obviously, this is the ingredient that made my facial skin supple and soft after initial use! Amazing! It could definitely bring back moisture to my very tired skin!

Aside from the fish scale collagen, it contains Aqua, Squalene, Glycerin, Algae Extract, DMDM Hydantoin, Allantoin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer 940, Triethanolamine, and Fragrance.

NOVELINA COENZYME ANTI-AGING & AGE-DEFYING FACE MASK

This face mask has almost the same ingredients as the one mentioned above but what makes it unique is the CoQ10 content also known as Coenzyme Q or Ubiquinone. According to www.perriconemd.com, this coenzyme is present naturally in every cell and tissue of the human body. It is involved in numerous biological functions like helping to produce energy, neutralizing free radicals, and keeping cells both inside the body and skin healthy. When the body is still young, it can produce as much CoQ10 as it needs. However, as the body ages and as it is exposed to stress, it can cause the lowering down of CoQ10 levels thus the inability of cells to regenerate and withstand stress declines.  The lack of CoQ10 results in the inability of the body to produce collagen and elastin which makes the skin firmer and flexible. Without these two, the skin sags and wrinkles. 

Due to the presence of Co-Q10 in Novelina Coenzyme Anti-Aging & Age-Defying Face Mask, it can serve as the source of an antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals that cause aging and help create collagen and elastin to defy aging, minimize pores, and even out skin tone. This face mask fits those women who are in their 30's and up! Shhh... That age group includes me! LOL! 

Aside from the unique ingredients found in both Novelina Face Masks, these are the reasons why I love them!

- The masks can be easily unfolded and put into place.

- They are super moist. I can even leave them on my face not just within 20 minutes but even longer because they have so much to be absorbed by the skin and they don't get easily removed.

- The contents penetrate quickly providing my skin with an immediate surge of active moisture to soothe dryness without leaving a greasy feel.

- They help my skin replenish its own essential fluids so it becomes softer, smoother, and more supple.

- They don't cause any irritations. They are ideal for my skin that is sensitive to some cosmetic ingredients.

- My skin becomes hydrated, healthier, smoother, youthful, and radiant.

- They are formulated in Japan, the country that is popular for its awesome beauty products.

- They are dermatologist-tested and paraben-free.

I've searched on Google that Novelina is available in the following stores: Waltermart, Emmaflor, NCCC, Gaisano, Makati Supermarket, South Supermarket, Cash & Carry Supermarket and Department Store, LCC Department Store, AFP Commissary & Exchange Services, Cebu Demelle Enterprises, Citimart Supermarket, South Seas Mall, Unimart Supermarket, Mart ne Supermarket, and Unitop.

Novelina Face Masks and other must-try Novelina products can also be bought online at 

https://tackthis.co/shop/novelina or Lazada PH.

Novelina Deep Sea Collagen with Pure Squalene and Coenzyme Anti-Aging & Age-Defying Face Masks are safe, effective, affordable, and can be easily bought! I love them!

References:

What is Marine Collagen and Why It Is Most Effective for Skin Rejuvenation. Retrieved from                              https://www.renewalliance.com/blogs/taut-collagen/marine-collagen-for-skin-rejuvenation

What is CoQ10? The Benefits to Skin & Weight Loss. Retrieved from                                                                          https://www.perriconemd.com/anti-aging-resources/what-is-coq10.html

I am sporting my very short hair for almost a year because my lifestyle can't maintain a long hair anymore. I have a very fine hair but it's unruly and imperfectly straight. Those are the reasons why despite having a super short hair, I still use a molding clay to style it after washing it with my favorite shampoo. I just go to my stylist for a monthly trim.

I am not a fan of salon hair treatments that may cause hair damage but there are days when I feel that my hair is very dry and lifeless maybe due to daily usage of molding clay. Environmental factors like the sudden shift in weather conditions, sun exposure, and pollution may add to my hair's dullness. Stress can also do harm, that's for sure! Whenever I feel the need to pamper my hair, I don't go to the salon anymore because I find it time-consuming and costly. I am using a particular brand of "keratin hair spa" and I must say, I love what it does to my hair. Unfortunately, I know that it happens that sometimes the product that we use may not work for us anymore at the moment. 'Yong tipong hindi na hiyang at dapat nang ipahinga muna. That's why it's timely that I've got the chance to try Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream.

I used Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream every other day for a total of seven days after I took a bath at night. I just applied it liberally on my clean wet hair, left it for 5-10 minutes, and rinsed it afterward. Ganyan lang siya kasimpleng gamitin kaya hindi ako na-stress. The experience was great because it brought back life to my limp hair! It became shinier and softer without causing hair fall!

With all honesty, I felt the effect after initial use. It instantly rejuvenated my dry and lifeless hair making it moist but not oily. Maybe it was due to the presence of the hydrating blend of emollients that could increase moisture retention. What makes this hair treatment special for me is that now I can feel that my hair is stronger and thicker. 

The formulation of this hair and scalp treatment cream has a very light fragrance and consistency. It 's not also very hard to rinse. 

If this product did those improvements on my hair, how much more to those who regularly go to the salon and have their hair treated with color, straightening solution, or heat? I have no scalp problems but the good condition of my hair now may attest to how it makes my scalp healthier. I encourage you to try this. For only Php455 at 500 grams, you can have a luxurious yet affordable hair and scalp treatment several times a week without going to the salon!

Now I have a new reliable aid in my hair pampering session in the comfort of our home. I love Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream! 

I've searched on Google that Novelina is available in the following stores: Waltermart, Emmaflor, NCCC, Gaisano, Makati Supermarket, South Supermarket, Cash & Carry Supermarket and Department Store, LCC Department Store, AFP Commissary & Exchange Services, Cebu Demelle Enterprises, Citimart Supermarket, South Seas Mall, Unimart Supermarket, Mart One Supermarket, and Unitop.

Novelina Professional Hair and Scalp Treatment Cream and other must-try Novelina products can also be bought online at https://tackthis.co/shop/novelina or Lazada PH.

September 9, 2016--- How would I forget this date? This marked my first day as one of the Make It Blissful Instagram photo curators also known as #makeitblissful_mods. As a follower of Make It Blissful for years due to the positivity and joy that it brings to my life, being one of the few who was selected was such a wonderful blessing and privilege for me.

Make It Blissful is one of the most popular lifestyle websites in the country, created, owned, and edited by blogging coach and award-winning blogger, Miss Martine de Luna. It's all about finding beauty and happiness in everything that has made me really motivated to be part of it. The idea of spreading bliss fueled me and made me look forward to doing the task every single week. 

The love for looking at beautiful photos and putting them all together to form a story gave me a feeling of contentment and bliss. What made the endeavor more exciting was the fact that I was able to communicate with other "blissmakers" who generously shared their amazing photos using the hashtags #makeitblissful. Asking permission from photo owners may be too taxing but I didn't find it difficult at all. The challenging part was how to be able to connect the photographs together to form a theme or story plus the idea of being rejected by those who weren't ready for their photos to be shared in the account itself. 

There were plenty of individuals who were willing to participate. That was a relief, actually! That indeed was the beauty of Make It Blissful community, everyone has an inspirational story to share with the world.

In Make It Blissful, we respected the owners of the photos. We asked permission from them one by one and we wouldn't share their photographs without their go signal. The joy of posting the curated collage or photos becomes more enjoyable when comments and likes come in.

It has been a year since Make It Blissful changed its direction but still it delivers what it's intended to do--- to inspire others to live happily focusing on health and wellness, goal-setting, career fulfillment, success in any endeavor, and more than just by focusing on all things adorable and nice. Make It Blissful is adding more spice and substance to its purpose and that's what we should watch out for.

These are my simple yet useful tips on curating photos:

Simple Yet Useful Tips on Curating Photos (Photo Credit: Pixabay)

1. Browse on the photos with a particular hashtag that you want. You may have an idea in mind before browsing or you may come up with one while looking at the photos. 

2. Ask yourself the following questions: "What story do I want to convey? What elements do I want to focus on? Is it color, scenery, food, mood, etc.?"

3. After choosing the right photos, ask permission from the owners via comment, email, or private message. Always have backup choices just in case some photo owners won't give you their consent. 

4. After the photo owners gave you the go signal to use their photos, make a photo collage. There is a rule in positioning the photos within the photo collage. I learned from a workshop in UP NISMED that when the main subject of the photo is positioned on the right side of the frame or when it's like going towards the left side, place the photo on the right side of the photo collage. You do the opposite when the main subject is positioned on the left side or going towards the right side. It's also the case in portrait placement. When the person on the photo is facing or looking on the left side, place the photo on the right side of the photo collage or vice versa. When the main subject is in the center, place the photo in the center of the photo collage. You could see how I did it on my sample photo collages below.

5. Upload the photo collage and compose a catchy caption. They should tell a captivating story.

6. Never forget to thank and tag the photo owners for acknowledgment and use appropriate hashtags. By doing it, your collage can reach more people and encourage them to join your community.

Remember that you may use only one photo instead of a photo collage to tell a story. 

The following are the sample photos that I curated for Make It Blissful:

To motivate...

The month of April is World Autism Awareness Month. We post this curated blue photos to show our love, respect, and support to all individuals with autism, their families, and autism advocates. 💙 . Thank you to all Blissmakers who have shared these beautiful #blue snapshots. Tap the grid to know them. . Have a great Thursday, Loves! Let's see people with autism beyond their diagnosis. Yes, they are different from us in a special way because they see the world beautifully in a different perspective. They show the world that there is always beauty in everything and in every situation. 💙 SJ @allaroundpinaymama, proud #autismmom for #makeitblissful and #makeitblissful_mods

A post shared by Make it Blissful (@makeitblissful) on Apr 19, 2017 at 7:20pm PDT

"That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest." ~ Henry David Thoreau . The best things in life that can make us happy are not always expensive. We just have to appreciate the simple things that we see, feel, do, or possess. Happiness is a choice and it's for free. Happy Thursday! 💜💙💚❤💛 Love, SJ @allaroundpinaymama, for #makeitblissful and #makeitblissful_mods . Thanks to the owners of these vibrant snaphots that tickle our senses. Tap the grid to see them. 😍

A post shared by Make it Blissful (@makeitblissful) on Mar 23, 2017 at 12:06am PDT

Let's live each day as if it is our last by taking each moment perfectly and making it worth remembering. Have a happy Thursday, blissmakers! Thanks to the amazing people who always inspire us with their beautiful snapshots. Tap the grid to see them. 💚 SJ @allaroundpinaymama, for #makeitblissful and #makeitblissful_mods

A post shared by Make it Blissful (@makeitblissful) on Mar 15, 2017 at 9:29pm PDT

Well, that's it! Curating and sharing photos are so fun and fulfilling, aren't they? 

Hello, Mars at Pards! Dahil na-share ko na sa inyo ang recipe ng The Maya Kitchen's Peanut Butter & Choco Chip Cupcakes ise-share ko naman sa inyo ang isa pang masarap na cupcake recipe na natutuhan namin ni Kuya from The Maya Kitchen Mommy and Kid Baking Workshop. Heto na...

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM CUPCAKES

Cupcakes

1 1/4 cups Maya All-Purpose Flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup strawberry jam

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Strawberry Whipped Cream

1/3 cup strawberry jam

1 cup whipping cream

strawberry jam, as needed for filling

Procedure

Prepare cupcakes. preheat oven to 350F/177C. Line a 12-hole muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.

In a bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Set aside. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and beat well. Add the dry ingredients and milk. Blend well. Stir in strawberry jam and lemon juice and mix until well combines. Pour batter into the prepared pan, up to 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. Allow cooling.

Prepare whipped cream. Stir strawberry jam to soften. In a mixer bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff. Fold in strawberry jam.

To assemble, make a small hole at the center of the cupcakes and will with strawberry jam. Pipe strawberry whipped cream on top.

Yield: 10 cupcakes

Happy baking! 

I already miss baking with my boys. Baking with them is so much fun and has a lot of benefits.

- It teaches kids Math skills like measurement, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, estimation, and time from start to finish. 

- Kids learn Science concepts like Chemical Reaction, Mixtures, Solute, Solvent, and Senses.

- Kids develop values like patience and perseverance.

- Kids' fine at gross motor skills can be practiced by choosing and mixing the ingredients.

- Kids can create fun memories with their parents that can be added to their memory.

That's why Kuya and I enjoyed The Maya Kitchen's Mommy and Kid Baking Workshop. On the following day of the said workshop, we taught Bunso and Kuya what we learned. We enjoyed the activity very much! 

Here's one of the two recipes that we've learned:

PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCO CHIP CUPCAKES

Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups Maya Cake Flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Chocolate Buttercream:

1/2 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup milk

3 tablespoons whipping cream

PREPARE CUPCAKES. Preheat oven to 350 F/177 C. Line two 3-oz. 12-hole muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, ending with the dry mixture and beating well after each addition. Pour batter into prepared pans until 3/4 full. Bake for 25 minutes or until done. Cool completely before frosting.

PREPARE CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM. Using a mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and cocoa powder at low speed. Add milk and beat at medium speed. Lastly, add the whipping cream and beat until light and fluffy. Pipe or spread on top of cool cupcakes.

YIELD: 14-15 cupcakes

You may eat the cupcakes without frosting and still tastes good. :)

Enjoy your weekend! I encourage you to bake with your family. It's so much fun! Here's the link to our The Maya Kitchen baking experience: 

A Day to Remember: Mommy Bloggers Philippines and The Maya Kitchen Mommy and Kid  Cupcake Baking Workshop