Sweet Blogapalooza 2013

Blogging is my way of expression; I let all my thoughts, sentiments and ideas come out through writing. I love sharing them with others as well. I even keep a diary before and it has become my must trusted friend where I can share my secrets and won't tell a single soul about it. I started building a blog just to share my experiences as a diabetic athlete in the hope to inspire other people to take on a healthy lifestyle like a did, but I never thought that Blogging has a potential to influence other people and even benefit from it.

Through blogging, I got connected to Social Media people and even corporations who got interested in me and the nature of what I am writing. I have broaden my connections since, and got more readers and followers than what I expected. To be honest, I never thought someone is actually reading my blog, and I never thought that I would get this far by just sharing my thoughts in the whole wide web.

I am aware that some bloggers have become income generators because they get hired by companies to review stuff or other things. I know some who earns much from blogging they get to live without their day jobs. Amazing huh? Well. I'm not that good sad to say. Haha!

Just a few months ago, I got an invite again to join BLOGAPALOOZA (I joined the first one before). It's more like a Lovapalooza thing but it's not about dating. According to the organizers, "Blogapalooza is a community. It’s a link between big and small businesses who have something cool to share and the online community of people who love to share. Blogapalooza is a blogger event on crack! Lots of giveaways for the bloggers and online community and a chance for big and small businesses to present their product / brand / thingamajig to hundreds of influential bloggers and online social media influencers." More details here: http://blogapalooza.wheninmanila.com/what-is-blogapalooza/

The event took place last November 16, 2013 at SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier, Taguig. I am actually hesitant to come because of the jitters I have from the thought of my first cycling race happening the day after, but I decided to come anyway.

I came in at around 1pm. I did not avail of the free GrabTaxi service since I just live near the area and I think it's not right to hire a cab going to the event if you're just 1-2 kilometers away. No sweat in the registration area and in just minutes, I'm in!

I am amazed on what I saw inside, booths from different business waiting for us to drop by and check them out, so I didn't waste any time and visited them one by one.

BOOTH 1: GrabTaxi App

GrabTaxi is the first and largest taxi app in the Philippines that help passengers book a cab with safety, speed, certainty and convenience. Just download them on your Android or iPhone and hire a cab with just P70 booking fee on top of your metered fare. No need to wait for hour just to get a taxi, you'll also feel secured since the Taxi Drivers name and Plate Number is registered you can share them on your Facebook page or to your family and friends to let them know.

While I did not avail of the free ride going to the venue, I availed the waived booking fee from the venue. It was fast, easy and hassle free! Got to my destination and paid lesser than the estimate from the app. Worth the shot!

Check out their facebook page to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/grabtaxi.ph


BOOTH 2: MegaWorld Lifestyle Mall App

From the owners of the elite malls in Metro Manila like Eastwood Mall, Resorts World Newport Mall, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Venice Piazza Mall and Burgos Circle at Forbes Town Center comes an App that can help visitors navigate their way in for convenience and information. Not only that, they also feature freebies and promos for the users of their App.

You can download the App in Android or iPhone and get a chance to win exciting freebies from them!

By the way, I won a limited edition Line Doll from them. I super love it! Thanks so much!

Visit their website for more information: http://megaworldlifestylemalls.com


BOOTH 3: Lulu Nails & Dry Bar

If you happen to be my friend on Facebook, you'll notice that I often post photos of my DIY manicure. I have this fascination in nail arts but I do not avail of services since I can do it on my own. But some challenging nail arts cannot be done on my own, this is where Nail Spa services come in handy.

This is the first time I tried Gel Nail Polish and I so love it! The texture and the shine is just so perfect! I would opt for some hard nail art to challenge their Nail Artist but it'll take too much time so I availed of the simple one.

Lulu Nails & Dry Bar doesn't only offer services for the pedi and mani, they also have massage and spa services that will keep up your well deserved pampering and relaxation.

For more information, just visit their Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/Ilovelulunails


BOOTH 4: NY Theraspine

I got interested in this because this is about Physical Therapy. According to their Clinical Profile, Started September 2011, New York Theraspine – a new and advanced rehabilitation and chiropractic facility, providing western society healthcare and rehabilitation was founded in the country. Located in Dr. Scout Lazcano, Tomas Morato Q.C., the facility is thoroughly prepared and ready to assist you and your company with any and all physical ailments, work related injuries affecting daily work routine and active lifestyle. Our healthcare team is composed of Doctors and Physical Therapists highly trained, licensed and board certified from New York, Missouri, USA and here in the Philippines.

I get to experience their Gyminator. According to the Therapist, this is just a part of their procedure packages for therapy. I tried to hold a squats position for about a minute and it felt like I did 20 x 3 reps of squats with 20lbs weight on my shoulders! Amazing how it targets the legs and glutenous muscles. Also tried the core position and it hits the spot just right. I just hope Gyms would have this kind of machine I swear I'm gonna abuse it!

You can visit their website for more information: https//www.nytheraspine.com


BOOTH 5: Gavino's Japanese Donuts

I am not a fan of donuts because I watch my blood sugar but my hubby and my son loves them so much. When I visited their booth and as I browse on their donut flavors I got so curious. They got Floss, Parmesan, Green Tea, Cheesecake and many others that you won't see on regular donut flavors. These are not just donuts, they are Mochi Donuts. I had a few bites and I must say that it's so chewy, soft and not so sweet. Perfect for cheat days!

I got a box sampler and when I got home and Ethan grabbed it right away. I just love watching him munching and enjoying the donuts for himself. He even keep the box and doesn't want to share. I just told him that we'll buy another box and that's the time he shared it with the people at home. Haha!

Thank you Gavino's Japanes Donuts! My Ethan's new favorite food!

For more information about them, please visit their website: http://www.gavinosdonuts.com/


BOOTH 6: Chooks To Go

While visiting other booths my attention shifted because of the noise I heard from the middle of the venue. People were shouting like cheering for a basketball game so I decided to check it out, then I found that there is a game going on courtesy of Chooks To Go.

Who doesn't know this famous chicken store and their famous tagline "Masarap kahit walang sauce!" which I believe is true. I prefer them over the leading brand because they spice their chicken just right, not too salty, and they are more affordable too!

They have this game called "Kwelavan" which features 3 part challenges that will put you to the test. It is powered by a camera which will detect your movement and pair it to the screen, it's like the technology used on Xbox 360. I took on their challenge and got a perfect score so I got to bring home 1 whole chicken for free! Moreover, I had so much fun playing!

Thanks Chooks To Go for sponsoring my family's dinner for the night!

For more information, please visit their Official website: http://www.chookstogo.com.ph


BOOTH 7: Plato Wraps

Before I went on Paleo Diet (low carb, high protein, high fiber, high fat), this is my favorite snack at work because of its delicious taste and variations of fillings to chose from, especially when they came out with their wheaten bread option. Their wraps are freshly made by them so they guarantee it's new everytime.

I find it very tasty and affordable, it just takes a few minutes to make so I have more time to savor its taste.

This sandwich meal delight costs around 30-50+ pesos per piece and the serving is enough to make a tummy happy. Their store is located on almost every mall I went from.

For more information, please visit their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PlatoWrapsOfficial


BOOTH 8: Enjoy Philippines

Who doesn't like freebies, discounts and promos? Well, this red card will give you what you want.

Enjoy Philippines is a premier loyalty and privilege card for people who wants to save on purchases like dining, shopping, travel, automotive, live & learn and nightlife. It comes with a card that you can flash on their partner establishments to avail of discounts and it also has a voucher that will give you bigger promos that is so irresistible you'll try and redeem them!

Thank you Enjoy Philippines for my complimentary card and voucher! I can't wait to try them out!

For more information, please visit their website: http://enjoythebest.ph


BOOTH 9: View Park Hotel

I am fond of checking out hotels in Tagaytay because I always plan a getaway for me and my husband but it's the first time I heard of this hotel.

As what they have told me, this hotel has been operating for 5 years now. It's not very famous because it is located from the opposite side from which the famous hotels are.

There is an ongoing promo of 3999 pesos for couples who wants a memorable stay in their hotel. Includes Premier Room with breakfast + Romantic set up + Signature Massage. Besides this, for every stay in their hotel, they give a portion of their earnings for the Special Children school in Tagaytay City and because of that kind gesture, I recommend this hotel. More than enjoying your stay, the feeling of being able to take part on a special child's smile is just priceless!

Kindly visit their website to know more: https://www.viewparkhotel.com


BOOTH 10: Nice Day! Coffee

I love Coffee but I seldom drink because it affects my sleep. I also gain weight when I do because once I start drinking, I can't stop. It's like my caffeine tolerance is getting higher and higher.

I tried many coffees but I prefer those that have healthy benefits. Nice Day! Coffee is packed with ingredients that is beneficial for the body.

They have 3 variants, Cleanse - 10 in 1 Coffee Mix, White - 5 in 1 Coffee Mix and Slim - 6 in 1 Coffee Mix that you\ll surely love. The taste is strong but smooth. The White variant is my favorite because it's sugar free, perfect for sugar and calorie watchers.

These perk me up'er are available in major grocery stores nationwide.

For more information, please visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nice-Day-Coffee/494111207272061


BOOTH 11: Easy Pha-Max Wheatgrass

This is not the first time I have tried this product. I have used this before and I love it. Besides the delicious taste, it is a good product to cleanse the body from impurities. I have also taken the blood test from their booth and amazed how this product can purify the blood in just a few servings.

They use organically grown wheatgrass so you can be sure of purity and potency.

It comes in sachets, box and also in ready to drink cans available in grocery and convenience stores.

For more information, please visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/easyphamaxwheatgrass


Overall, I enjoyed this event. It exceeded my expectations from the first one. I just hope there will be more companies that is in line with health and fitness that will join the event and be it more interactive so other bloggers will get to meet one another, especially those who blog with the same theme or interests.

Thank you When In Manila, Our Awesome Planet and Go Negosyo for letting me be a part of this historical event, to all the booths I have visited, for those bloggers whom I exchanged conversations with, especially to Teacher Cheryl and DJ Vince Golangco for considering me even if I do not consider myself as influential as other bloggers that was invited at the event. The event is a huge success! Congratulations!

I am so looking forward to the next Blogapalooza event!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^