ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser Review

It has been a long time since I reviewed a tech-gadget that I really like. In 2012, I was able to acquire a high-end phablet which, at the time, was among one the first smartphones with a 13MP camera and an Intel chipset. Intel, noted for its very reliable processing speed when it comes to desktops and laptops didn’t quite follow through when they put it in smartphones like my old one. Somehow, overheating was an issue. Luckily, my phone still lasted for three years because I am a fairly careful user. I think that is already a long time for a smartphone’s life span.

However, my old phone’s android version was so outdated, it was time for a replacement. Among the numerous Android phones available today, I really wanted to have something that gives value for money. I am so glad to have found the ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser. Its predecessor, the Zenfone 5, actually already has exciting features but the ASUS Zenfone 2 is a much, much better version. 

Not only has it an improved internal memory capacity of up to 16GB, it is moreover expandable to 128GB. This smartphone also has enhanced camera features with manual operation, much like what a DSLR Camera can do. Aside from these, there are cool features that allow you to preview the enhanced look of a particular picture using sample guides to choose from. 

Nuvali Dirt Weekend’s top finishers to enter 2016 World Mountain Bike Championship

Last week, the Philippines hosted a venue for the qualifying race for 2016 World Mountain Bike Championship that will be held at Laisssac, France. This qualifying race was held at Nuvali’s Dirt Weekend and it was a sanctioned to be an official qualifier by the Union Cyclist Internationale (UIC). 

Dirt Weekend 2015 media launch at Mind Museum, BGC, Taguig...

In the previous week, the Dirt Weekend organizers held an event launch at the Mind Museum, BGC Taguig. In the launch, the executives of Nuvali were proud to present this year’s Dirt Weekend as the qualifying event for the world championship and it was even acknowledged by the UCI Race Director Geoff Kronenburg who checked the routes, difficulties and distance to make sure that the biking event is at par with world standards. 

Geoff Kronenberg, UCI Director...

Mango Habanero is the Newest Flavorful Experience at Wingstop

A friend who is an avid fan of Philippines History, once told me that the early inhabitants of Texas, were actually Filipinos, and the famous Buffalo Chicken Wings of Texas were actually of Filipino Cuisine origin! That make sense because Filipinos are noted for its spicy and hot dishes many foodies are craving about. 

Wing Stop, the newest and the hottest chicken wing hub in the metro today is currently serving more than ten unique chicken wing flavors that are quite distinct from each other. Now, another flavor is added in their menu and about to be served that will certainly capture the equally distinct taste preference of many Filipino foodies today. It’s called the Mango Habanero, the newest flavor from Wing Stop.

Global toilet sanitation problem leads to 443 million missed school days

 PRESS RELEASE:

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), children around the world miss an estimated 443 million school days each year because of diseases caused by poor sanitation and hygiene practices, including using unsanitary toilets. Simply put, this number of sick days is equivalent to all grade school and high school classrooms in the Philippines being empty for one month. This sanitation-related concern hinders the children’s learning and significantly reduces their quality of life.

Illnesses due to poor toilet sanitation include diarrhea disease and parasitic worm infections which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, physical and mental stunting, and death. Every day, millions of children in rural communities and urban households nationwide are exposed to these health problems by using dirty toilets populated by disease-carrying germs.

According to Dr. Luisa Efren of the Philippine Public Health Association (PPHA), the simple act of proper toilet sanitation can help prevent the spread of these germs. However, children continue to be at risk from these deadly diseases because many households still use ordinary laundry bleach to clean their toilet bowls, which is not enough to kill all toilet germs.

“A toilet that looks clean to the naked eye may not necessarily be free from germs and bacteria. So, it is very important to properly sanitize all surfaces using a germ-kill expert with proven efficacy in eliminating bacteria, and not just any ordinary laundry bleach,” Dr. Efren warned.

For the past three years, Unilever Philippines through its germ-kill expert brand Domex, has been working with UNICEF and PPHA to champion the One Million Clean Toilets Movement. This advocacy program aims to educate Filipinos on proper toilet hygiene and the need for sanitized household toilets to keep their families safe against disease-causing germs.

On November 13, World Toilet Day, join the One Million Clean Toilets Movement in the fight against disease causing germs to save lives, one clean toilet at a time. To learn more about Domex and how you can stay safe from disease with a germ-free home, visit Domex Philippines on Facebook. 

You can also help the 1 Million Clean Toilets Movement fight against disease by spreading awareness on the sanitation issue caused unsanitary toilets. Watch and share the “Sick Days” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypMNHyUwQOQ) to help keep your family and friends germ-free.

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REFERENCES:
 http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/wsh0404.pdf
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs330/en/
https://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/the-sustainable-living-plan/improving-health-and-well-being/health-and-hygiene/toilets-of-tomorrow/

#CherryChristmas promo for OFWs

PRESS RELEASE:
 

Connecting families and helping bridge distances since 2009, Cherry Mobile has always put to heart the needs of the Filipino, especially OFWs. This season, through the #CherryChristmas promo, Cherry Mobile rewards the hard work and sacrifices of our unsung heroes – the OFWs.

 

This season can be the loneliest for OFWs spending the holidays away from their loved ones. That’s why Cherry Mobile wants to fulfill the deepest wishes of OFWs and reunite them with their loved ones for a truly #CherryChristmas!

The #CherryChristmas promo invites participants to share how their loved ones make their Christmas a merry one through a short video. Tell us your story and we’ll bring them home to you!

Deadline of submission of entries is on November 14, 2015.
There’s a few more days left so check out the mechanics on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cherrymobile/?sk=app_208195102528120
or visit their website at http://www.cherrymobile.com.ph/cherry-christmas-ofw-campaign

Have a Cherry Christmas!

Live Healthy and get rewarded with Philam Vitality

It is so disheartening to know that according to statistics, more than 80% of Filipinos place health as a prime priority in their lives but sadly, more than 60% of these Pinoys are not doing anything to improve healthy living. According to surveys, around 60% of deaths worldwide are caused by four epidemic chronic diseases: Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, and some cancers. And in order to prevent premature death and incapacity due to these diseases we must be able to address three major risks factors: tobacco consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity. 

Philam Life Vitality Team with Brand Partners...

Fortunately, it’s not too late for the Filipinos. There are evidences that many people are starting to fix their ways and beginning to live healthier lives as the running community in our country continues to grow in numbers. We still have a long way to go to change the sedentary culture but everything starts in small steps. 

PhilAm Life, the premier life insurance company have come up with a program that allows a member to be rewarded as one continues to live healthy life. It’s called PhilAm Vitality Program. This new innovation from PhilAm keeps track of a member’s health status through an App that can be downloaded in your laptop, tablet or even smartphones.
 

Mr. Axel Bromley, CEO of PhilAm Life

If a member wishes to have a check-up, the PhilAm Vitality Program have forged a partnership with several health institutions such as Makati Medical Center, Precision Diagnostics and GAOC (Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center). These institutions offer service like comprehensive medical check-up and vaccinations, comprehensive blood test and over-all work up and state-of-the-art dental services. 

Mr. Jaime Jose D. Javier, Jr. PhilAm Life Chief Marketing Officer

As you undergo these check-ups, a member will automatically get rich discounts from the services and the health status and official diagnosis will be downloaded to the Vitality App that brings a member’s Vitality Status from Bronze to silver then Gold to Platinum. As your vitality goes higher, more perks and discounts a member gets. 

Philam Life Vitality Program Executives

Benefits and discounts await for members who consistently on the path towards fitness and healthy living. PhilAm also partners with gyms and shops like Gold’s Gym and Toby’s that offer more discounts when you purchase brands that supports you in your fitness lifestyle and discounts when you join gym membership. Gold and Platinum vitality status will earn a member special points that allows you to get higher perks like heavily discounted rates at Marriott Hotel and Seda Hotel staycations.  

Start your fitness journey with a healthy diet...

These partners are just a few of other partners that will board in soon. But on top of this, PhilAm offers discount on premiums on selected insurance plans and get more discounts in the succeeding years as they improve their health. 

 Grilled Norwegian Salmon on Brown Rice...

To know more about how you can live a healthier lifestyle, visit philamvitality.com or email ask@philamvitality.com or call 528-2000.

About PhilAm Life:

The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company (Philam Life) is the country’s premier life insurance company. Established on June 24, 1947, Philam Life has earned the trust of costumers for its financial strength, strong brand name and ability to deliver its promise.

Quezon City Celebrates 75th Founding Anniversary

Last October 11, 2015, the city government of Quezon and its constituents culminated its week-long celebration of its 75th Anniversary. The celebration was held at the Quezon Memorial Circle with a parade of various floats from different districts of Quezon City.

These mobile floats were made by creative talents from each district. The mobile floats paraded through the key streets of Kalayaan and V. Luna then, Maginahawa Street then went back again to the Quezon Memorial Circle. As they enter near the stage, each one is presented to the audience by some celebrities who are also Quezon City residents. 

 The celebration was hosted by two very energetic emcees with Mr. Daniel Matsunaga who presented the first mobile float to arrive. As much as he struggles with  his Tagalog, he did pretty well in presenting the float. 

The first one to arrived is the float from Mabuhay Rotonda. Formerly know as Welcome Rotonda. for the information of everybody, Mabuhay Rotonda marks as the boundary of City of Manila and Quezon City. It has been has been a significant landmark because of the hundreds of demonstration and rallies that were held in that place during the Marcos regime. 

 The next one to arrive was the float of the Quezon Memorial Tower. This monument holds the remains of the Philippines' great leader, Common Wealth President Manuel L. Quezon and his wife Aurora Quezon. MLQ envisioned it to be as the Government capital that holds the main offices of government agencies. 

This float is the replica of Bantayog ng mga Bayani. The monument represents the fallen heroes who fought injustices by the Marcos Regime. It is made of brass hand crafted by our very own artist/sculpture Ed Castrillio. Mr. Castrillio is a well known for his public art and nationalistic artworks. The monument is mounted along Quezon Avenue, near Philippine Heart Center. 

Another Ed Castrillio's masterpiece is the People Power Monument located near Camp Aguinaldo along EDSA. This monument represents the historical event happened in our country where the people fought the Marcos dictatorship on the streets of EDSA in a bloodless revolution. The revolt was triggered by the unjustly murder of Sen. Ninoy Aquino in 1983 that ignited a people power revolution in 1986.

Another iconic figure that can be found in Quezon City is the Oblation of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. The original statue of this replica can be found inside the main library of the university. This work of art is a masterpiece of a renowned Filipino artist Guelliermo Tolentino. Tolentino was commissioned by then UP president Rafael Palma. The statue is made of concrete and it depicts a man facing upwards with stretched open arms, symbolizing the selfless offering of oneself to his country. 

 This float is a replica of the Tandang Sora shrine located at Banlat Road, Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The original statue was sculpted by Toym Imao in honor of the life and service of Melchora Aquino, also known as Tandang Sora. Tandang Sora is known for her selfless service in taking care of many wounded katipuneros during the Spanish colonial revolution. 

One of Quezon City's iconic food destination is the Laloma lechon. Lechon is the traditional roasted pig that is quite famous in every Filipino festivity. The District of Laloma is located north-west of Quezon city and this district is known to be visited by people from all over to experience their famous lechon. 

This is the replica of the iconic artwork in front of the Philippines Heart Center. It is a sculpture of a coronary artery of the heart - PUSO. The original art work is currently mounted at the Philippine Heart Center. It is created by an artist who happens to be a renowned cardiologist as well and he is Dr. William T. Chua. 

This float is a creative representation of Payatas. Payatas used to hold all the garbage of Metro Manila. The land is now a thriving low-cost housing development for the employees of Quezon City government known as Bistek-Vill. This housing development is an initiative of the city government of Quezon City for retiring city government employees who do not have a decent place to live. The development is in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. 

The last float is the replica of the Quezon City Hall. The 14 story building was constructed by the initiative of then President Ramon Magsaysay and he commissioned Mayor Norberto Amoranto to build the new City Hall in a 12 hectare of land at the elliptical road. The new cornerstone for the new City Hall was laid in 1962 but the construction began in 1964. 

After the Grand Parade of Lights, the celebration continued with the performances of some of the most sought after bands which includes some rising talented bands, RockSteady, Parokya Ni Edgar and many more. The celebration concludes with a colorful display of FireWorks that filled the Quezon City sky.  

Pioneer Your Insurance: Live Your Life’s Adventures

A very popular proverb that says; “If you didn’t take risks even once in your life, then you have never lived at all”.

I have an adventure-filled life. It is actually what made me create this blog site – Trails Unlimited. With all the outdoor adventures I engage in, I wouldn’t want to keep all those wild memories for myself. For me, living a life on the “edge” with some few elements of danger present once in a while, is what makes life more exciting and beautiful. 

Last October 24, 2015, Pioneer Insurance invited me and other lifestyle bloggers for a taste of fun and adventure at Kampo Trexo in Alfonso, Cavite. The place is an adventure resort where people can have an escape from the busy urban life to a nature trip full of rugged activities that will test your wits and physical stamina. 

Our exposure to this kind of adventure was set in a fun and friendly competition. The groups were given a series of teambuilding tasks that ranged from wall climbing and obstacle courses to and zip-line activities. The team who had the fastest time, wins. Unfortunately, our team came in last but all of us had a very exciting time together. 

Pioneer Insurance organized the event to allow us to experience a glimpse of living life on the edge. Despite the safety features of the activities, Pioneer Insurance gave us an insurance package especially designed for people who love going on adventures. It’s called the Travel Buddy Adventure Insurance package. 

For as little as P200, this insurance for adventure seekers covers expenses that may arise in case accidents happen while doing risky activities such as ATV riding, Bungee Jumping, Diving, Kiteboarding, or even skate boarding. One suggested product you may want to add is the MediCash Dengue Insurance, which provides one year coverage worth of P10,000 cash assistance upon diagnosis of Dengue for individuals 1 to 70 years of age. This will only cost P350 per person. 

Our short stint of adventure in kampo Trexo was definitely a fun time for me because this is practically my life. For the others, many of the activities were their first time to try and it was a self-discovery for them. Good thing that we were all covered with Pioneer’s Travel Buddy Adventure Insurance that made our day more enjoyable, knowing that our backs are covered. 

After our exciting activities in the morning, the teams were treated to a sumptuous “Boodle Fight” lunch where all the food were prepared along the length of the table on top of banana leaves to serve as plates as we ate with our hands. The feast was very satisfying and revived everyone’s energy for another set of adventures to conquer. 

The last set of activities was a short trek inside the thick jungle of Kampo Trexo and a technical rope obstacle mounted high above the coconut trees. After which, all of us returned to the camp site on a zip line which culminated our adventures for the day. All of us headed home to Manila with sore muscles and aching joints that were all superseded with wonderful fun memories with friends. 

About Pioneer Insurance:
Aside from being the trusted local insurance company in the Philippines, Pioneer is also one of the top five companies that offer non-life insurance coverage. Pioneer has been in the business for over half a century and has helped millions of Filipinos become financially prepared for the unexpected.

Find out more about InsureShop and its products at www.shop.pioneer.com.ph.

Converse Launches DC-Inspired Designs

Converse sneakers as it is, is already a statement. For decades, it never fails to excite generation after every generation of its unique designs that describe natural beauty and honesty. I remember when I had my first Converse Chuck Taylor way back in the eighties. While the majority of my peers were sunk into the more trendy footwear for everyday use such as Top Siders and Tretorn white sneakers, I chose to wear my Converse Chuck Taylor, which I always paired with Levi’s 501 Jeans. Very few appreciated it, but I was so comfortable wearing that getup. Somehow, it kept me grounded and made the impression of a “non-conformist” attitude that makes for a simple but steadfast profile.  

Converse Concept Store at Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong

Later on, as the popular 80’s footwear fashion outgrew many teens’ feet and shoes became faded and stored away deep in our closets, the Converse Chuck Taylor never lost its classic glory. As the years went by, many brands have tried to copy and replicate its spirit to heed consumers’ never ending search for fresh looks and styles but none really got close to the original. Thanks to genius designers such as Jack Purcel and John Varvatos, the classic Converse was even brought to new heights of transformation. Now, three of my sons have also become Converse converts who share and take turns wearing pairs in my Converse shoes collection (3 Jack Purcells, 1 John Varvatos, and 2 Chuck Taylors) since we all have the same shoe sizes.

Classic Chuck Taylor on a leather version

The John Varvatos designs are a work of genius

 
Just recently, Converse released a new set of DC-inspired Chucks that are truly awesome! I was so fortunate to be invited to preview these shoes in their Shangri-La Mall branch in Mandaluyong City. I felt really fortunate to be given a pair from this “eye-candy” collection. During the media launch, I was able to try the cool designs with Superman, Batman, and the rest of Justice League while my wife tried on the Wonder Woman design. They are all look so awesome. It was like wearing a comic book for everyone to feast their eyes on. Too bad I was not allowed to take all of them but was surely grateful Converse allowed me to choose one pair to take home.

The DC collections come in four designs...

With all the awesome designs available, choosing the right one for me took a long time. Finally, I chose the Batman design because, among the DC Super heroes, he (and a few others) is purely human, which makes him more remarkable as a character. In the same way, I see my classic Converse Chuck Taylor to be pure and honest, having no fancy sole gel or air technology, just layers of rubber and canvas in-sole in zero-drop heel differential.

My personal fave... The Dark Knight in Black

The new Converse DC Collection is available only in high-cut versions with interchangeable shoe laces that you can switch anytime you feel like it. Sometimes, I’d pair it with my khaki slim pants, sometimes with the blue one. But I find these shoes to make the coolest pairing with my good old fashioned jeans, just like the one I used to wear back in the ‘80s.

The Man of Steel design really looks great in white and blue combo...

I’m glad to see how my Converse collection has a new addition and I’m sure it won’t be long before I’d see one of my sons wearing the DC-inspired design to complete his outfit of the day.

Combining the two is another cool way of watching the upcoming movie Batman vs. Superman...

The Converse DC Collection is available for P3,510 in sizes 7 to 11 for men. As to women, the wonder woman is available in sizes 5 to 8. You can check out these cool sneakers in all converse stores in the Metro.

My wife Ruth looks so cute in this Wonder Woman design

Gatorade White Lightning Launch

Finally! The missing white variant energy drink everyone is looking for in Gatorade is here! and its called the Whitelightining.

 

Among the energy drink available in the market I had a strong preference on Pocari Sweat and Poweraid which are white. I believe these two are the only sports drink available in this type of variant, until Gatorade have finally came up with its own kind. 

Last October, Gatorade invited members of the media to try the awesomeness taste of this new white lightning and how it affects the body in a day’s work out. The event is a fitness challenge where every participant will be part of a team. The fitness challenge is a five-station Circuit Training work out and the shortest time to finish the training in the given time wins. 

The media where divided into three teams and I was ask to join the Myka Reyes Team. Myka is one of Gatorade’s brand ambassador which is currently the star player of DLSU Women’s Volleyball Team, while the other teams were Team Alyssa and Team Banchero. Alyssa Valdez is the Star Player of Ateneo Volleyball Team while Chris Banchero plays professional basketball and plays for Alaska Aces. 

After the short briefing, the hosts prompted the first team to execute their rounds of Circuit Training. Two participants are allowed to complete a station within a 30 second time-clock. The most number of executions done in 30 seconds gains accumulated points. 

Our team went next to complete the Circuit Trainings and our fist station is the Burpee where I and my partner needs to do a Burpee as many repetition as we can within 30 seconds. Since burpees is one of my favorite among circuit training, I believe I topped the most number of burpees in that comp. The next one was the gym ball tossing which was quite hard to sustain within a given time. 

The next station was the ladder steps, an exercise that trains your equilibrium and balance. The task is to step on the space of the ladder as fast as you can without touching the steps. After which, our team went through the kettle ball swing which was a little easier to do. The Final task was the rope swing. This exercise is for the core-training and also good for the arms.
 

After all the teams were done, it’s time for the moment of truth. After all the scores have been tabulated, our team won over-all garnering the highest score of 113 points! Congratulations to our team for doing a job well done. And of course, all hard work comes with a prize in which all of us shared the bounty. And part of our participation, Gatorade was so generous to give us a one year supply of Gatorade energy drink! Now, how cool is that!

We were all tired from the challenge but I can’t wait for my next work out with my new Gatorade White Lightning to freshen me up. 