MEGAFIBER, the new standard in food fiber, now back at Mercury Drug stores

PRESS RELEASE:

The new standard in food fiber is back and things just got better for current fiber users and those intent on adopting a healthier lifestyle.  MEGAFIBER, the new barometer for fiber supplement packs the best food fiber in the world with multi-health benefits at prices that give you more fiber for every peso.  Now back at Mercury Drug stores nationwide, MEGAFIBER comes in bigger 7.5g sachets at P10.75 each, travel pack of 30 sachets at P325, and in bigger 300g jars at P430.  It is also offered in half-kilo family size packs at P705 for even greater savings.  MEGAFIBER has also installed customer service hotlines 524-6549, 354-2208 to 09 and 09474890262 to facilitate product inquiry.  Product information may also be obtained at www.megafiber.com.ph, MEGAFIBER facebook page, and thru email info@megafiber.com.ph

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MEGAFIBER promotes digestive health and ensures regular bowel movement.  It fights both constipation and diarrhea, helps regulate blood sugar and uric acid, reduces cholesterol, and assists in weight management.  Taking one tablespoon of MEGAFIBER regularly, mixed in a half glass with your preferred breakfast drink, will result to better health and overall well-being. 

All-natural MEGAFIBER helps regulate the digestive system and ensures regular bowel movement, cleans out the digestive system and eliminates waste from the colon and intestines, providing relief to those suffering from constipation.  When it absorbs liquids, it forms a slippery film and swells by 8 to 14 times its normal weight and forms a soft, bulky mass that passes quickly and easily through the colon and acts like a sponge in the intestinal tract. It also helps stimulate the reflex needed for the bowels to empty.  

Those suffering from diarrhea will also benefit from MEGAFIBER since it does not only absorb water from watery stools, its bulking effect slows down the bowel and reduces bowel movement, reducing the number of times that one must go to the bathroom.  Increased intake of fiber absorbs excess water in stools and consequently allows the intestinal muscles something to hold on to.  Unlike other medication, taking MEGAFIBER to stop diarrhea does not result in constipation.

MEGAFIBER is suitable for children but NOT infants. Parents can simply mix MEGAFIBER with their child’s favorite juice and allow it to gel before spoon feeding the mixture to the youngster.

Because MEGAFIBER binds with cholesterol secreted in bile acids and excretes it before it is absorbed into the blood stream, it helps reduce cholesterol and correspondingly, the risk of heart disease. At the same time, it provides a feeling of fullness which in turn helps reduce hunger pangs, and lessens the tendency to overeat.  This could lead to weight loss as MEGAFIBER also assists in capturing then excreting the fats in our food.

It also promotes better sugar control since it slows down digestion.  It allows food to be digested more slowly, releasing carbohydrates more evenly, thus giving diabetics a better chance to cope with increase in blood sugar after meals.

MEGAFIBER is 100% made from the best food fiber in the world.  It is a natural and safe way to regularly rid the body of wastes that can lead to digestive disorders and serious health conditions.  There are no additives, sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colors or flavoring in MEGAFIBER. It is also cholesterol-free, yeast-free and gluten-free.  (END)

Robinson’s Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run 2014

Robinson’s Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run celebrates seven years of continued commitment for wellness and health. By its signature tradition, Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run promotes wellness with a buddy, because it’s more fun to pursue wellness and healthy lifestyle with a pair.

Last July 6, 2014, my son and I were very fortunate to join this running event for the very first time. We registered to run together in the 10k category. In the previous years, one reason why I was not able to run Robnison's Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run, is because I had difficulty of finding a partner to run with. My son Gab, though he has been running for quite some time, it was only this year he was able to break the 10k distance. 

The Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run offers two distances which are 5k and 10k only. Despite having two categories, this event was able to gather more than 5,000 runners on the race day. I am so glad that my son is getting a hang of running, resulted by my continued encouragement over the years. I remember when he was just starting, keeping a continued pace for 5k was a big challenge. Now, a 10k distance is a breeze for him. I would love to see the day when he can run long distance with me, or maybe even surpass me in the near future. 

After the race we finished together at an easy pace of 1 hour, 6 min. Not my ideal pace, but at least, we finished the race together strong without any injuries. Since its our first time to participate in this fun run, both of us were so surprised of the loot-bags that were given to all finishers. Both of us took home a bag of groceries courtesy of Robinson’s Supermarket. 

I have been to many races in the past and this race is one of the very few who gave runners more than what they have paid for in the registration, Not only that, participating booths were flooded with food that were being distributed to all runners indiscriminately. The assembly area was practically a food festival. My son and I were so happy for our first Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run. Next year, we will definitely register again. Perhaps, other members of my family can register as well. 

More Life Happens at CHILI’S!

Chili’s, a much popular restaurant which started in Dallas, Texas 35 years ago, is conquering the Philippines palate since 1996. With their several branches all over the country, Chili’s is offering more than just the good old American dishes  but also some local favorites with a flavorful twists of the States-side. 

Just over a week ago, I had the most fantabulous time dinning at Chili’s SM Megamall branch. I’ve been hearing about this restaurant for quite some time but, never had the opportunity of trying their dishes before. Whenever we dine-out with my family, my kids and wife would veer away of trying because of the stigma of the assumptions that all dishes are hot and spicy. As much as Chili’s specialties are the hot cuisine, many in their menu offers the not-so-hot foods which are equally very delicious.

The following are just some of their mouth-watering samples that will surely capture everyone’s preference when it comes with western-style grilled dishes. 

Fried Quesadilla Bites, priced a very affordable P375 per serving, is an appetizer nibbles, best taken while waiting for the main course. This empanada-like dish is actually a breaded chicken sprinkled with cilantro and served with a very flavorful chipotle sour cream. 

Bacon and Chedar Steak. You can never have a great American cuisine experience without the steak. But this one is something exceptional because on top of the succulent steak are layered of bacon strips marbled in cheddar cheese. With a tag price of P875 per serving, this one is worth every buck. The mashed Potato and veggies simply go with it so well. 

Parmesan Chicken. Chicken breast fillet cooked with special sauces, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack cheeses. It’s a topping on an equally exceptional fried rice, because it’s Cilantro Rice. The rice itself is flavorful with or without the “ulam”. For the fish lovers, the chicken can be altered to Tilapia. Priced at P395 per serving. 

All of the main courses can be jazzed-up to other choices of side-dishes. This is what they call “Chilis Your Way”. The choices are Corn-cub or fresh veggies. Cilantro Rice can be exchange with Mashed Potato or Steam Rice. 

With all these scrumptious dishes, make sure to leave some space in your tummy for dessert. One of their specialty is the Chili’s Banana Bread Pudding, topped with Vanilla Ice cream. Make sure to eat it before it melts. But as for me, a little sluggish melted ice cream goes well with the bread. 

Chili's Philippines Branches: Greenbelt 5 and the Power Plant Mall in Makati, Greenhills in San Juan, Mega Atrium in SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, and Tomas Morato and Fairview Terraces in Quezon City.

For more information, please log on to www.chilisphilippines.com, like Chili's Philippines on Facebook, follow @Chilis_ph on Twitter, and @chilisphilippines on Instagram. 

WIN A FREE TRIP TO SPAIN TO WATCH GILAS PILIPINAS WITH MASTER GAME FACE PROMO

PRESS RELEASE:

Master, the no. 1 male face care brand for men, is giving lucky Filipino hoops fans a chance to fly to Spain, all-expenses-paid, to watch live the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team put their oil-free game faces on at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“Being a basketball-crazy country, we Filipinos are proud to qualify for the FIBA World Championships. Through Master Goes to Spain Promo, lucky fans will have the chance of their lives to fly to Spain to support our basketball heroes and watch them battle and put their oil-free game faces on against some of the world’s best teams.” said Jonathan Pua, Unilever Male Grooming  brand manager.

Included in the Gilas Team lineup is Master lead endorser Marc Pingris. Other members of the Gilas Team who are vying for basketball glory are Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, Ranidel de Ocampo,  Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo, Beau Belga, Greg Slaughter, Marcio Lassiter, Jared Dillinger, Paul Lee and naturalized player Marcus Douthit. Coach Chot Reyes’ team will be pitting skills against world power houses such as USA, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Russia and other world class basketball teams.

To join the Master Game Face Goes to Spain promo, simply buy a Master Facial Wash or Deep Cleanser with the special promo sticker, scratch the sticker to see the special promo code, text Master<space>SPAIN<space><code> and send to 5656.

Hundreds of instant prizes like tumblers, towels and jerseys are also up for grabs aside from the grand prize all-expense paid trips to Spain for 5 lucky winners.

Putting an Oil-Free, Game Face everywhere with Master

With a complete line of face care products including facial wash, face cleansers and face moisturizers for the highly competitive sportsman, Master takes basketball to a whole new level. Oil can definitely reduce a player’s effectiveness in any game – especially in basketball. This was featured in the latest commercial of Master Facial Wash where both Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris battled it out with their oil-free, game faces on thanks to Master.

Boosting anti-oil protection, Master Oil Control Max Facial Wash has the revolutionary Cooling ZEROIL formula so you can get 8 hours of no oil for that fresh game face look to bring out the best in anyone’s game on and off the court. Get 8 hours of no oil with Master Facial Wash so you can put your game face on! You can also fight deep seated dirt that causes pimples with Master Oil Control Max Deep Cleanser. For more details about Master products and the Master Game Face Goes to Spain promo, visit www.MasterPhilippines.com.ph and facebook.com/MasterPhilippines. Follow Master on Twitter and Instagram @MasterGameFace to find out more.

Soleus Trail Challenge: My First Trail Run for 2014

In almost 5 years of running, there are a handful of running events I joined which I considered epics and very memorable. Among these runs are the trail running races, where I get to run and tour various mountains and nature parks hidden in the outskirts of Metro Manila. For me, trail running is an ideal way to train power-endurance and technical skills that allow me to test my balance in uneven terrains. Trail running, for me, is the best way to train and strengthen the ankles, soles, and calves because they are exposed to various motions from the side lateral movements while running and, in some instances, when jumping a few drops along the way. It’s called technical scrambling, which has a higher risk of injury so you need to take it slow most especially if you're a newbie on the trails.

I was saddened by the news when I heard that the Merrell Adventure Run was postponed. I thought I’m not going to hit the trails this year. But thanks to my friends from Manila Water, I was able to have the opportunity to run in this year’s Soleus Trail Valley Challenge in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. So I still got to run the trails after all!

The race was divided into three categories, 50k, 30k, and 15k. I was offered a 50k race kit and I was so tempted to take it. But since I have not run in the trails for quite a while, I opted to take the 15k distance instead. I have not experienced a DNF in running before, and I certainly didn’t want to have one in this race. We arrived at the venue a bit early when the 30k runners were about to set off. While waiting, I bumped into some long-time friends in the running community and did my customary warm-ups and stretching.  

5:00am was the gun start and at the first two kilometers, we already experienced a bit of confusion in the direction that cost us 5 minutes of time the wandering in the wilderness and getting lost. Since it was still dark, trail signs were not very visible. But it’s all good because things like that happen all the time during trail runs and runners just consider it as part of the adventure.

The hydration, as expected, was very much limited, that is why runners were encouraged to bring personal hydration bottles and supplements along the way. I only brought one water bottle that lasted half way, enough for me to refill and replenish all the energy lost. I already calculated this since I already know the trails of Nuvali from my previous runs. But my long hiatus from trail running took its toll such that exhaustion and fatigue overcame me too soon.

The 10k mark going back was more of a run-walk pace. I was able to catch up with another running friend, Pat Conception, and we paced together for a while. Pat was experiencing muscle fatigue as well and steep descents were a challenge to him, so I went ahead and kept a steady pace to finish the last few remaining kilometers.

At last, the finish line was in sight. Along the way, we passed by the water sprinkle of Manila Water and I can’t wait to go back there to cool down. Crossing the finish line was a relief as well as getting photos from friends and, of course, the finisher’s medal.

One of the best things about this race were the foods that were served. Very rare will you experience to get free breakfast, as in rice and viand after crossing the finish line. It was definitely a very fulfilling trail run and I certainly look forward to joining the Soleus Trail Challenge again next year. Perhaps that 50k will no longer be a scary feat to accomplish by then.  

The Coffee Beanery: For the More Discriminating Coffee Aficionados…

First, don’t be mistaken this cafe for the “other” coffee shop, because the way they brew coffee is really something very exceptional. This café is one of Cravings’ creative extensions of its beverage line. For some who are familiar with TCB well, they are one and the same. But the management would want to place The Coffee Beanery among distinct coffee drinkers who take coffee a little more special than usual. 

Last week, I was fortunate to be invited to attend a special coffee appreciation day at The Coffee Beanery, katipunan. The master baristas immersed us in the different types of how a coffee is prepared and each one captures a different kind of blend, strength and sophistication which only a real coffee drinker can appreciate. The drinking session was more like of a wine appreciation. The Coffee Beanery baristas presented the three kinds of approaches and equipment in making the best coffee. 

POUR-OVER:

The Pour-over approach is one of the most common way of preparing a gourmet coffee, because it’s just like how a simple percolator works. But in this approach, instead of a percolator regulating the hot-pouring of water on the grounded beans, it is the barista who regulates this with correct precision, manually. In this approach, a barista can regulate the amount of water thus controlling the strength of the coffee as preferred by the costumer. In a percolator, often times gets residue of grounded beans in the pot, but through manual pouring, a barista can carefully control its flow. 

AERO-PRESS:

The Aero-press is like a French-press type but this one is more compact. The aero-press is more like an over-sized syringed with an air-tight plunger. This type of coffee maker can squeeze out all the flavors of the beans. But one can regulate this in the earlier part of the preparation which is the stirring. The longer you stir, the stronger the coffee will come out. The barista instructed us to stir only for 10 seconds, any longer will give the coffee a much bolder flavor and body. 

SIPHON:

Among the three, the Siphon style is the most complicated one to prepare. This requires a bit of “Chemistry lab” action where a barista will use a Bunsen burner to heat up the flask. Among the three, this one also is the most tedious one to do. It will take a newbie several tries to get the right boldness and right flavor. But the whole process is so fun and exciting to do. So if you order a coffee via Siphon, you will need a little patience because this will take more time to do. 

After the presentation, the master baritas called for three volunteers to get the chance to experience to try preparing gourmet coffee using the three approaches. I was task to do the Aero-Press style. It was really a challenging experience because everything needs to be precise including the amount of beans and water ratio needed to get the perfect balance of flavor. In the end, my coffee preparation turned out to be okay and passed the standards of the master baristas.  

Sophistication is what defines The Coffee Beanery. Coffee drinking enthusiasts would know better the right type of coffee to be served. Each month, they feature two different kinds of beans and they highlight all the best beans in the world. This month, they offer Argentinian Beans and Kenyan.