One day to go and Starbucks is officially releasing their Starbucks Planners 2013 in the Philippines; something much anticipated by coffee lovers and planner aficionados every Christmas season at about this time of the year.
Starbucks Planners 2013
But together with this announcement, it has been Starbucks Philippines‘ custom to launch festive parties in their coffee shops as well. They used to call it ‘Cheer Party‘ in the previous years. This year, they’re calling it the “Christmas 2012 Kick Off Party.“
Happening on November 3, 2012 in the open area fronting Starbucks Bonifacio High Street, you are all invited to this festive celebration from 5pm to 8pm and be ready for treats, activities, and freebies such as the following:
Buy 1 Christmas beverage, get a second one FREE!
30% discount of selected merchandise.
Food tasting and samples of new Christmas beverages
Photo Booth
Live Music Performance
Partners Cup Design Contest
More
NomNom Club Joins Partners Cup Design Contest as Judge
As mentioned above, one of the activities in the Christmas 2012 Kick Off Party is the Partners Cup Design Contest where 23 baristas will turn the Starbucks white cup into a Christmas cup by artistically drawing on it.
NomNom Club is honored to participate in this activity as one of the judges joining Nelz Mali of WeeWillDoodle and Starbucks’ Learning and Development Manager.
Magnolia Cookie Monster was first released in the market a few months ago together with the Magnolia Ice Cream Best of the Philippines collection. It is endorsed by Philippine teen celebrity Elmo Magalona, son of the late Filipino celebrity rapper and music icon Francis Magalona.
A few months after and with an aggressive marketing, Magnolia, through a media event held at Magnolia Flavor House in the new Robinsons Magnolia mall, announced two new flavors or variants of the Magnolia Cookie Monster in addition to the Choco Classic. The two new flavors are Choco Caramel and Choco Hazelnut. A grand fans day for the  followers of Elmo Magalona was also held afterwards.
Magnolia Cookie Monster,Choco Classic
Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Caramel and Choco Hazelnut
Yours truly was invited as a blogger to the launch and was able to try the new products.
The packaging design is generally the same as that of the Magnolia Cookie MonsterChoco Classic but in yellow and red colors for the caramel and hazelnut flavors, respectively.
It’s main thrust is its over-indulgence with chocolate having been made with four different kinds of chocolate from coating to filling. The coating would remind you of the classic Pinipig Crunch because of the rice balls in the coating. I’m not sure if they are also rice crispies (pinipig) and they just changed the name for marketing reasons. You may also be briefly reminded of the Magnum craze, only more conservative (thinner coating).
Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Hazelnut
Moreover, Magnolia Cookie Monster is filled with a fudgy center filling on the inside, surrounded by chocolate ice cream.
As per the taste, I found the caramel variant too sweet and was not even able to finish the whole choco-stick. For an ice cream lover such as I, my friends would be surprised of this rare occurrence.  🙂
Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Caramel
On the other hand, the Choco Hazelnut (Top Photo) gets the thumbs up for it’s interesting twist on the flavor. It’s not common to find a hazelnut flavor in a choco ice cream bar which retails for only P20. However, the Choco Classic retains it’s top spot on my favorites.
Magnolia Cookie Monster TVC
Tomorrow – October 28, 2012 – the Magnolia Cookie Monster television commercial will be released in major television networks (watch the TVC video in advance here).
Elmo Magalona is still it’s endorser effectively catering to the young market, specially the ladies who usually succumbs to the impulse of buying one of the best comfort food known to man – ice cream. 🙂 And also, the play of words with ‘Elmo‘ and ‘Cookie Monster‘…Sesame Street, anyone?
If you haven’t tried the Magnolia Cookie Monster ice cream bars, you can find them in major supermarkets nationwide specially in Rustans Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, and Ministop outlets. Try their new flavors too – the Magnolia Cookie Monster Choco Hazelnut and Choco Caramel and see if my verdicts are right. But of course, don’t miss the Choco Classic which is a NomNomClub.com recommendation for a price-busting P20. Follow Magnolia Ice Cream on Facebook at Best of the Philippines & Magnolia Cookie Monster and Twitter as well at @MagIceCream & @MagCMonster.
Rockeoke Dinner with the Greenwich Barkada and Crispy Chicken
Greenwich Barkada
It was a fun night of music, good food, and bonding. It was my second Rockeoke Night with the Greenwich Barkada a few weeks ago at the Greenwich Katipunan branch in celebration of the successful campaign of the Greenwich Crispy Chicken.
As expected, the program started with hesitant singers who just need some prodding before they gave in. I’m always game for these things but not that night because I think I was about to get the flu. But just  like in high school, we sometimes give in to peer pressure. 🙂 I was actually with my fellow blogger and fiance Marjorie so we gave a duet just like what we did the first time a few months ago, but with a more daring song this time around.
The Greenwich team was also very game as they joined us in taking turns with the microphone. Thanks to “Ang Banda Ngayon” who supported us all through the fun night. The lady DJs also  joined us in the rockeoke.
Greenwich Rockeoke Night @ Katipunan Branch
Congratulations again to Greenwich for their successful Greenwich Crispy Chicken campaign. May Greenwich continue bringing about innovative a great-tasting products for its customers. Check them out at http://www.greenwich.com.ph/ ; Greenwich delivery is 5-5555.
School Spirit Boost with new Jollibee University Floats Flavors
When it comes to displaying school pride, students will go the extra mile to stand out and be creative. This is how Jollibee adds fun to its refreshing twist of the all-new refreshing flavors of Jollibee University Floats.
Jollibee University Floats
DJ Gino Boi
Upon invitation, we had a sort of fun ‘braniac’ trivia game with other blogger teams last week. I was assigned to the green team representing the Green Honeydew Float. The other teams are Blue BerriesFloat, Yellow Pine-Orange, and Red Apple Float. Unfortunately, we lost; nonetheless we had a fun afternoon.
Jollibee Float
The Jollibee University Floats are available for only P28 (regular) or P38 for a giant size. You can also upgrade any regular value meal to Go Float just by adding P21.
As part of its continuous expansion of branches and franchise, Figaro opens yet another branch this time at the Enterprise Building in the Makati Central Business District – Figaro Enterprise.
The launch started with the traditional Catholic blessing  in the morning followed by, of course, a brief food tasting while it’s already open to the public.
Figaro Enterprise Branch Blessing
Figaro Coffee Shop Counter
Figaro Enterprise also serves as the pioneer branch for its updated store interior design incorporating a bar counter and a function table to maximize the space. For the regular Figaro customer, you would also observe that the branch is more lit in contrast to the usual dim setup.
Bar Counter
Figaro Meals
Figaro Pastries & Cakes
Figaro & Starbucks Neighbor
I love the new cushion pillows complimenting the sofa chairs which serves as a good laptop support. I am actually using it while typing this article while inside Figaro Enterprise sipping on a Cappuccino Frost and Smoked Salmon Sandwich.
I asked the franchisee how he considered the competitors literally surrounding the new branch – Starbucks in front, Coffee Republic at the back, Oliver’s Sandwiches across, and Ministop on the side – and he gamely answered that they are all friends.
He was also banking on Figaro’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals which differentiates Figaro from the pack.
Figaro Enterprise Crew
Congratulations to the franchisers and new owners of Figaro Enterprise who are a very young group of friends in their 30s. Kudos on your new business!
Although our editor-in-chief has been to previous UTT, Clasrissa and I were first-timers and excited to be “food critics” for a day in the recent Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2.
The Fruit Garden
Knowing that there would be 40different food stalls to try at the Rockwell Tent, we had to craft a plan so we can try everything just like how our EIC made it in last year’s Ultimate Taste Test. I couldn’t imagine how to go through each and every booth so I told Clariss that we should start with main dishes such as pork, chicken, and other meat down to the desserts and beverages.
Frisch Liquor Ice Cream
We were given a set of food tray, a pen, and a map with a grading sheet with the names of the participating vendors. It’s actually our passport to every food stall. We don’t have to finish all the stalls but it would be an awesome experience if we do!
The Scoring System:
1 – Thanks, but it could be better
2 – It’s Okay
3 – We had a good time!
4 – I love it!
5 – Awesome! I would recommend!
Bayani Brew
The UTT management has made it very comfortable for the “food criticsâ€, there’s enough space, drinking water dispenser and disposable plastic cups.
On my list, I actually had 12 different food stalls with a grade of 5, but will shorten it the Top 10. Let me share our great food finds with a grade of 5 at UTT2.
2. Carlo’s Kitchen
o The crispy, crunchy goodness of Carlos Kitchen pork belly goes very well with a bottle of San Miguel Beer! I got to try it when I visited Mercato Centrale about few months ago. The flavour, which is not too salty, and the crispiness remain the same. Crunchy belly is good for “pulutan†(finger food or appetizer). I almost forgot my favourite Bulacan chicharon!
Carlo’s Kitchen
3. Baked by Anita
o Known for their delicious cupcakes, Baked by Anita surprised us with their newest offering – a flavourful savory pie called the “Wild Mushroom Gruyere & Truffle Oilâ€. The truffle oil made it more appealing to the palate.
Baked by Anita
UTT would not be complete without dessert such as creamy and irresistible ice cream, cakes, pastries and smoothies. Here’s my take on their dessert & beverage section.
4. Blue Togue
o When it comes to desserts, I highly recommend Blue Togue! Initially, I was hesitant to try the cakes and pastries since I had some cheesecake overload the past few days. As of this writing I still have two boxes of Conti’s cakes in my fridge. Nonetheless, their Nutella Mouse Cake looks so divine I can’t resist! And yes, I was bewitched with its moist and creamy chiffon. I highly recommend Blue Togue!
Blue Togue’s Nutella Mouse Cake
5. Matasami Flavoured Shave Ice
o This one is definitely different from other flavoured shave ice I tried in the past. I never thought it would be so smooth, so luscious, so creamy and so delicious! I tried two flavors – the Swiss Cheese and Langka, in favor of the former. The owner was very generous offering us to try other variants but I had to refuse. Perhaps on my next visit, I will try the Hawaiian Shave Ice and their liquor syrups.
o Matasami can be found in: SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta 4 Cinema Level and soon at Robinsons Magnolia.
Matasami
6. Villa Del Conte
o I’m already familiar with Villa del Conte as boyfie once gave me a box of these luscious, rich, premium chocolates.
Villa Del Conte
7. Saint Alps
o They served us their refreshing Blueberry Double Chocolate which was outstanding!
Saint Alps
8. Bayani Brew
o Bayani brew offers interesting and healthy beverages. I tried their Lemongrass Pandan Iced tea and Purple leaf tea Iced tea. Guess what is a purple leaf tea? It’s actually “talbos ng kamote†(kamote tops)! Interestingly, it doesn’t taste like kamote tops. However, the lemongrass pandan is just like a regular brewed iced tea but I liked it nonetheless! Each bottle costs P35.
Bayani Brew
9. Pinkberry – They served us Coconut Pinkberry and made us choose 3 toppings. It had a good balance of tanginess and sweetness to crave for.  Check out my separate post on Pinkberry.
10. Mochi Sweets
o A soft and not-too-sweet mocha dessert goes well with a cup of hot tea. Since we’re already full, I paired it with Nescafe Dolce Gusto Cappuccino.
Mochi Sweets
With a wide variety of food, I never thought I would be spending almost four hours at UTT2.
Other interesting food items are the Hokey Pokey Ice Cream from New Zealand Natural, Frisch Liquor Ice Cream, Maria’s Ilocos Empanada, Chef Anton, Lulu Belle, & the Plaza.
Bake Buddy
The Plaza
Nutella Rocks
On the other hand, there were two food stalls that I had to visit twice because they run out of food – Chief Wings and Chow Fun. The latter offered us their interesting chocolate butchi.
September 7 came when we had to undergo the second blood test and stress test at the Medicard clinic in Makati  The activity intends to measure the results and difference from whence we started to include C-Lium Fibre in our diet as part of the ‘C-Lium  Lose More Live More Journey‘. To get accurate results, we had a light dinner the night before of the Laboratory examination ( 10–12  hours fasting ).
We had a weigh-in followed by a nutrition  assessment and counselling.
Weigh-In
Nutrition Assessment: Lost 2 lbs, lost 2 inches from waist, light diet @ 2200 kcal/day
Regular Exchanges of Food / Day
Treadmill Stress Test
All was going smooth but I was already in a hurry during my Treadmill Stress Test because I had an academic class to catch by noon somewhere in Quezon City. My students were waiting for me as I am also an IT instructor, aside from being a social media consultant and blogger.
The tests were the same as before where the treadmill started at a slow pace whose speed gradually increase in time. The incline also increased as the test progressed while a medical doctor observes on the side. (top photo)
Treadmill Stress Test
Blood Serum
Blood Test Results
A few days later, I got the blood test results.
In summary, the general outcome of my blood test were well within the normal ranges. The highlight of which was that I lost about 2 more pounds from the initial 63.4 kilos a month ago.
Little did they know that I have a belly problem (love handles). It’s getting some mass and I want my 6-packs back! 😛
With my slim built, the others were kidding that they were surprised I actually had something more to loose. 🙂
Blood Test Results (from 1st examination)
I myself was surprised. I thought I might have gained weight since even though I was taking C-Lium in the mornings. I was generally still carefree of what I eat during the day and just a bit conscientious of my carbohydrates intake at night.
To put it visually, here are some of my before and after photos.
‘Before‘  (in Singapore King Crab) and ‘After‘  (in Legoland Malaysia) Photos
As per the insights I have gained in participating in this activity, blood results aside, I can truly say that C-Lium has improved my digestion and daily bowel movement.
With regards to continuing the ‘Lose More, Live More‘ with C-lium, I suggest you continue on this daily morning breakfast routine:
Take one sachet of Clium Fibre Husk daily (best time to take it is 30 minutes before breakfast)
Hydrate! Drink at least 10 glasses of water throughout the day (we are a tropical country, the 6-8 glasses work for the colder countries)
You may mix C-lium Fibre with your preferred beverage (water,juice, coffee etc.) and you should drink it immediately.
C-Lium Fibre Breakfast
Other drugs, medicines or vitamins are preferably taken in separate administration times from Clium Fibre.
Thank you to C-Lium Fibre for accompanying us in this journey and to Medicard for making sure everything was going well from the inside. I hope this series of Live More-Lose More Journey was able to inspire at the very least, some of you, in living the healthier life while enjoying it as well!
Anne Curtis further reaffirms her status today as one of the entertainment industry’s most visible and most successful stars as she becomes San Mig Coffee‘s newest brand ambassador.
“I am a regular coffee drinker and drinking coffee helps me a lot during a very busy day. The good thing about San Mig Coffee Super Packs is that there seems to be a variant for any time of the day…†says top celebrity Anne Curtis Smith.
This latest development form San Mig Super Coffeemix Co. Inc. is a step forward as they introduce new variants in launching the San Mig Coffee Super Packs – its newest line of coffee mixes. With the city’s super busy individuals in mind, the San Mig Coffee Super Packs contain energy-releasing B vitamins such as B1, B2 and B6.
San Miguel Super Coffeemix Co. Inc. General Manager Michael Allan Castro with Anne Curtis
San Mig Coffee Chococino
The four variants are:
San Mig Coffee Super (20g)
San Mig Coffee Brown (25g)
San Mig Coffee White (28g)
San Mig Coffee Chococino (25g)
San Mig Coffee Brown
I’ve tried all four with my breakfast recently and the first one is aptly named “Super” for its strong & bold coffeemix with full-bodied taste. The ‘White‘ one is on the creamy side with a smooth taste while the ‘Chococino‘ is cocoa with a blend of coffee.
But among the four, I liked the ‘Brown‘ most for its rich coffee taste and the distinct taste of brown sugar.
I was not able to realize the intensity of the Crossfit Work Out session care of C-Lium until the big day came when we were actually at the Philippine Army Gym. The Crossfit workout featured the exercises that they adapted in the C-lium Lose More Live Morewebsite.
My shortcoming was I did not do a prior research on what Crossfit was all about and what we were to undergo. I had much confidence that I will be able to do it whaterver it will be.
C-Lium Brand Ambassadors @ Philippine Army Gym
I was both right and wrong. 😛
After a bried lecture from our coach on strength strength & conditioning in contrast to mere bodybuilding, we were oriented on what we are about to do:
7 Wall Balls
7 Push Ups
7 Box Jumps (High/Low)
7 Burpees
10mins AMRAP
Crossfit Gym
Crossfit Program and briefing
They all sound new to me except for the push ups. Even after his demonstrations, they didn’t really looked that hard.
But then he had to give time limits such that we should do each of the above-mentioned exercises for a certain number of repetitions within a limited period of time – that is when things started to get nasty and muscles began to complain. 🙂
In the final round, we had to do all 4 sets as many times as we can within 10 minutes. We had fellow program partners who we counted for and counted for me as well.
Crossfit Workout Participants
Crossfit Push-ups
I was more than satisfied with my performance having finished 4 rounds of the complete 4 sets within 10 minutes. Itwas beyond my expectations; perhaps taking C-Lium everyday was a factor (naks). 🙂 Kidding aside, the better digestion, regular bowel movement, lower cholesterol, and decreased weight, of course, did help in having one’s physical tone prepared; albeit C-Lium is not a strengthening vitamin but a fiber supplement, just to be clear.
Crossfit Aftermath: Food
After the Crossfit work out, we also had lunch at the same time a mini-seminar with a nutritionist who shared how to deliciously combine C-Lium into one’s diet and into good-tasting dishes. One of which was a healthy soya-nacho serving and after-workout juice.
C-Lium and Good-Tasting Food
Soya-Chips / Nachos with C-Lium
Benefits of Crossfit
What was good about this whole basic crossfit workout program was that the 4 sets of exercise targetted different muscle part of the body. The ‘Wall Balls‘ was for the upper arms, the push ups for the chest, the ‘box jumps‘ for the legs and abs, and the ‘burpees‘ for the overall body tone.
Our thanks extend to Crossfit, C-Lium, and our trainer for introducing us to the Crossfit workoutand C-Lium which became a good supplement to their exercise program.
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