Aim to dig-up the coolest finds, but low-cut gifts this season? Visit the Novel Discovery Bazaar now. Any budget would fit in with its really cheap and affordable products sold in kiosks, stalls and “tiangges.”

Here are some shopping tips from Ms. Aida Gregorio, the project manager herself:

• Start at the most convenient time possible. You should allow only two hours of shopping hours.
• Wear cool and comfortable clothes as well as limit wearing jewelries or accessories that can add to the hassle of carrying things that you have shopped for from stall to stall.
• Write down everything you want to buy and who will be given the gifts.
• There should be a definite budget for each gift to give.
• Bring shopping bags in reasonable numbers that you can use as well as re-use for shopping at the bazaar.
• Keep the receipt.
• Check what you have shopped for numbers and repairs.
• Take care and look after your personal possessions.

Prices for men and women t-shirts can range from Php 99 up to 150 only. On the other hand, shoes are offered in a buy-one-take one discount promo, which are made in high quality and in lots of sizes. There are also casual or formal blouses offered in 3 for Php 580, really affordable. You just have to buy once for 2 persons.

Store hours are: 11 am to 9 pm during Monday to Thursday and 11am to 10 pm during Friday to Sunday. This year, on its 11th run, there are 23 shopping days to enjoy. Namely they are:

• World Trade Center – November 18 to 27 and December 21 to 23
• PICC Forum – December 9 to 18

The proceeds of the bazaar will go to the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Associate Missionaries of Assumption and Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation. Helping are the hands of GMA Network and the Philippine Daily Inquirer to be able to acquire more buyers and sellers.

Letting go of my old HP printer is hard, do you know why? Read my short post about it.

Some would say that I’m kinda strange that I have an emotional attachment on my HP printer. Well, you may say that it’s just like any other printer wherein you can print, scan and copy. But there’s more behind the story about that. We acquired that printer through the very famous Ador Mawanay. If you don’t know him, just try to Google his name. We were victimized by this very famous scammer/swindler, and the only thing that we got from our PhP75,000 was the HP PSC 750 3-in-1 printer(I think that printer cost around 17k that time).

My old buddy printer

To cut the story short, I was so depressed and got  little consolation on that printer. I have no use of it until my kids started schooling. Projects, pictures,worksheets and reviewers were the main customers, and the cost of cartridges are way too expensive.

I have in the past, heard the marketing scheme of computer shops’ “swap your old printer for the new one.” But, I’m not that convinced since, my printer was in good working condition. Not until one day, I cannot use the scanner, followed by the copier. Finally, it cannot spool papers anymore while printing. That’s when I realized that my printing buddy has to retire.

Fortunately, while we were passing Festival Mall, Alabang, we saw that there’s an exhibit and the Brothers printer were offering to “Swap your old working and non-working printer to a new one”. I said to myself  that it’s a good timing. The printer that they were offering was the multifunction  5-in-1 printer, Wi-Fi ready. To top it all,  they giving it 50% off with 6-months 0% interest. So, I decided to let go of my sentimental feelings for my old HP printer and grab their offer.

When we arrived home, me and my husband immediately checked the features of the WIFI printer. It’s a printer, scanner, copier, fax machine and a fax to PC feature.

My New (Brother) Buddy Printer

Right now I would say, I’m very happy that I swapped my old printer with the WIFI printer. Printing, scanning is never been easy as clicking the “OK” button.

Bye bye to my old printer, bye bye to my memories of Ador Mawanay!

I fancy bags…no I love bags… I can’t help but stare to some girls when I see a nice bag hanging on their shoulders wishing I have that kind also. In the office, when I need to relax, I would surf the net for signature bags like Coach, LV, Fossils, Channel, Prada, Hermes. It’s one of the best ways to relieve stress and treat my anxiety specially whenever there’s a lot of project that needs to be finished on time.

Just some of my personal bag collections

There are some people I know who share the same passion (or habit) as I have. Some of them told me that they can’t help but give in to their habit especially when they see  bag that they really like and dying to get their hands to hold it. They would feel uneasy, sick just thinking of the bag that they want. And there are those who will go the extra mile – resorting to loan money just to be able to buy bags.

Sometimes I would think, am I still normal? My husband sometimes complains about me having too many bags and not using them. He told me he had a small talk with our eldest son the other day about my bags. My 8-year old son told him that I’m spending too much on them already. He even saw me once when I’m reserving a bag online.  Of course my husband defended my actions and explained to him that bags makes me happy, and that I’m working hard. So it’s just a form of small reward my self, according to my husband.

Though our son is still young and might not be able to understand my behavior when it comes to my desire for bags,  I kinda felt some guilt when I heard that story.  I’ve been asking myself and trying to convince that I’m still normal (or so I thought or would like to believe). Am I being a bad example to my kids? I hope not.

Collecting bags, or anything fancy that will make you happy is not bad. Just as long as you know how to be responsible especially with your finances. If this will make you happy and comfort then go.  Controlling the urge to buy the bag that you really want is hard to do.  What I’m trying to say is, talk to yourself, always weigh your decision between needs and wants. Make a bargain to yourself (sound strange but this one is very effective on me). Ask help from your friends.

Have a nice weekend and enjoy your bags!

My youngest son will be having his graduation this coming Saturday. Besides the graduation ceremony, he will also participate in a declamation.

As a parent, we know that a graduation is a big if not, a grandiose event in the lives of our children. It is one of the turning events that we should not miss. Graduation is actually more than just a birthday because it  happens only at least 3-5 times in our lifetime.

With this in mind, I told my husband that we need to capture not only the commencement ceremony but including the declamation as well.  He told me to bring our old Sony camcorder, but I informed him right away that our camcorder is too old already. He replied that I’ll use my mobile phone instead because it has a camera anyway. I retorted that my mobile phone camera is not good since it has low pixel.

Eventually, he agreed that I should buy a new mobile phone instead with a nice video feature.  With this in mind, I’ve set my first priority to have a smartphone with HD quality video capabilities.

And this is where I’ve found Sony Ericsson Xperia arc deals while searching over the net. By the way, I’m a bit biased with any Sony products because most of our gadgets from our LCD TV, DVD Player, and Home Theater speakers are all from Sony. As I’ve mentioned, my number one priority is the video features of the mobile phone and, I was astounded to find out that Sony Ericsson Experia arc uses the Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine, which I think has the same technology with our LCD Sony Bravia.

It’s camera has an 8.1 megapixel  with  face recognition. It has also a zoom of up to 2.46 times, auto focus and a LED flash  which is very handy during the graduation ceremony. But since, I’m going to use it more as a video camera during the ceremony, what I like about the Sony Ericsson arc is it’s Exmor R Technology. This latest technology can offer a better image or video in low light conditions. Actually, based on some reviews that I’ve read, one of the key main selling points of Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc is its strong imaging capabilities.

There’s still a lot of amazing features this mobile phone can offer but I don’t want to bore with the details anymore.  Just read some online reviews about it…and for me, well, I hope I won’t get wrong in choosing this smartphone to record a momentous event for my son’s graduation.

A family friend of ours who is working as a nurse in UK is transferring (again) to another clinic which is far from their current location. By the way, her husband is also working on the same clinic so it means that they won’t be going to their work place at the same time anymore. In order to minimize their transport expenses, they agreed to transfer to another house which is located almost in between their working place.

The house that they’ve found is nice, cozy but a bit old. She said that she saw my status on Facebook and asked me about the details of our planned bathroom renovation. I told her the details like the materials that we are looking into, where to outsource them and even the carpenter that we will hire. She informed that she and her husband doesn’t have enough time to look for a professional to do the renovation for them. I pointed her  to check www.betterbathrooms.com which according I’ve read in the website is UK’s fastest growing online bathroom company. This is good news for them because the BetterBathRooms is not only an online store but has 3 showrooms as well.

And guess what? BetterBathRooms has just opened their latest and largest store to date in Manchester area, exactly where my friend’s new house is located.  Not only they can physically visit the showrooms but can choose the beautiful bathroom suites, enclosures and extensive tiles collection that will match their taste. They can even talk to the store’s expert sales advisors who can guide them about the product they are interested in.

I actually envy my friend because the free standing bath shower tap that I’ve been wanting to buy is not available in any of the stores here in our city. Unlike her, she told me that after checking BetterBathRooms website, all the bath room furniture that she’s looking for are in-stock and can be delivered the next day! Oh how I wish we have the same store here.

My husband is getting irritated every time he sees my hand bags hanging at the back of our door. The door in our room has hooks which we are using to hang our night gowns and night shirts.

Lately, I’m also using the hooks to hang my small handbags. I think it is the most practical location  to hang the bags so I won’t have a hard time to find when I need them (at least for me).

Hand Bag stand that I'm looking for

This makes my husband to be a little bit upset. He told me either to sell my bags or buy a hand bag stand.

I know that men (or guys) don’t understand why we, women, love our hand bags, specially fashion and designer bags.  He always asks me why do  girls need to bring a hand bag every time we leave our house. And every time he ask me that question, I always tell him that it’s the same with men, that they love sports or gadgets.

So my husband is giving me a nice pressure to look for a hand bag stand instead of using the hooks at the back of our door. I smirked when he told me that. It means I have the opportunity to buy for more hand bags. Nice solution isn’t?

The South Supermarket in the city of Sta. Rosa, Laguna opens on November 12. It is located along Sta. Rosa–Tagaytay Road just across Paseo De Sta. Rosa, a now popular strip mall complex developed by GreenField City.

This mall is already an institution here in the South.  I call it South Supermarket 2.0 because it used to be located at Old National Highway in Barangay Macabling, here in Sta. Rosa too until it transfered on it’s new location.

I guess relocating the mall is a good decision by it’s owner because there are already the 2 big malls (SM and Robinson) along the same road where it used to be.

The move will actually make it the most strategically-placed supermarket in the area, perhaps it might even force Rustan Supermaket (which is located inside Laguna Technopark) to close. I heard from some grape vines that Rustan  is relocating too.

Various stores like Chooks To Go, Earl’s Deli and other kiosks are occupying the first floor while the supermarket can be found on the second floor.

You won’t surely miss this new supermarket when you go to Tagaytay.

Unfortunately, the traffic in that area is getting heavy already specially during weekends.

Budol-budol gang, ativan gang, akyat-bahay gang, laglag-barya gang, baraha gang - these are all well-known modus operandi crimes in the metro ( at least in the Philippines).  Specially during this holiday seasons, all of these crimes can strike anywhere at anytime. I just received a forwarded email from my husband and he wants me to share this to all PinayMom’s readers.

“Knowing is half the battle.” Learn how this new ( for me) modus operandi is being executed inside the malls. This story happened inside a very well-known mall in Makati where there is high concentration of people.

Try to remember the lessons given at the end of this post. If you can share some tips on how to avoid any crimes, please do.

Dear Family and Friends,

This happened to me (Jennifer) early this afternoon at Makati SM. Because I wasn’t aware of this new modus operandi, only by the grace of God I did not become another victim!

I was walking along the ground floor between the supermarket and the department store when walking toward me was a rather neat-looking middle aged man, all smiles. When he was in front of me he reached out to shake my hand and at the same time he kissed me on both cheeks! (YAK!) He was carrying a black Missal and a Bible. Taken by surprise and trying to recall who he was (I thought he surely must be a friend I hadn’t seen for a while and had now forgotten. I was embarrassed to ask his name!) He started talking almost without a pause saying he had just came from the Greenbelt Chapel where he had served at their noon Mass. He told me he was now a “full time lay Minister”.

Then he told me “Si Papa may stage 4 cancer” and he wasn’t expected to last through this night; that right now Monsignor Bacani was sitting with him by his hospital bed and tonight they were planning to take him to the Archbishop’s Palace for the wake. (I thought – but he isn’t dead yet!) But they needed money to pay for his final morphine shot and dextrose as he was in much pain.

Could I please lend him P5,000? All this time he was holding my right hand. I said I didn’t have any money on me. He then asked for even a few hundreds just to help. Now finally becoming aware of his intention, I again said I didn’t have money at all. He finally let go of my hand.

My two rings were still on my fingers. They were a bit tight to put on and to remove.

While this man was talking and looking at me, my eyes were wondering as I am wont to do when I am trying to remember something – a habit. I sort of try to push my eyes up into my brains to help me remember.

Later while waiting at the Meralco “Senior Citizens” room I chatted up an elderly lady seated beside me and recounted my experience. She was surprised that I wasn’t aware of this latest scam. Usually the man will stare into his victim’s eyes and manage to hypnotize her to empty her wallet for him. Other instances he makes the hypnotized victim walk to an ATM and withdraw money to hand over to him.

Her aunt had been victimized by what appears to be the same man from our matching descriptions.

He is between 40 and 50 years old, about 5’8″ to 5’10″, neat looking, kayumanggi, carrying a Missal and Bible. He always kisses his victims so people around would not suspect a crime was in progress.

If you are approached (and kissed) please do not look into this man’s eyes when he is telling his story. It’s only my bad habit of “rolling my eyes” when I am in deep thought that saved me.

Please inform family and friends so this modus operandi will come to an end!

Thank You.

Jennifer Don

Chinatrust ( Philippines ) Commercial Bank Corporation
Leviste Branch
Direct Line: (632) 840-2508
Telefax No: (632) 840-2510
Website : www.chinatrust. com.ph

Lessons on this modus operandi inside the mall:

1. Do not talk to strangers and/or people who pretend to know you.
2. If you cannot recall the name of someone who pretends to know you, ask him/her… and ask also where you have met; do not be shy or ashamed as this will help you identify scammers. You may ask him/her also if he/she really knows your full name — there is a big chance he/she does not know it.
3. If you are not sure you know someone who approaches you, just smile and move away quickly. If he/ she follows you, either say you are in a hurry or go to a secure/ safe place, like where there are guards or policemen.
4. If someone who pretends to know you asks for donation or financial help, that’s the surest sign that he/she is just out to dupe or fool you. Disengage quickly and move away fast.
5. If you have time, report the incident to the Mall or Building Management asap.

Let’s all be vigilant. Share this story to other people so they’ll be aware of it.

Let’s all have a happy shopping experience this season!

If you are looking for any for any products and items such as T-Shirts, Wrist and Diver’s watches, Umbrellas, Computer Bags, specially handcrafted Gift Boxes, Ball Pens, Pins and many other articles with yellow ribbon on it, you may now purchase them at Yellow Ribbon Movement eStore.

Yellow Ribbon Shirt Available at YRM eStore

The Yellow Ribbon Movement  (YRM) has set up its Store on the 2^nd floor of Parc House 227 EDSA, Mandaluyong.

The store is open from 8 am to 5 pm Mondays to Fridays and from 8 am to noon on Saturdays.

YRM Store is also participating in the Global Pinoy Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent, Makati from November 6-7, 2010.

Other  items  available for sale are wall clock with Cory Aquino and P-Noy design. You can check their available stocks and make inquiry at Yellow Ribbon Movement eStore.

How teeth whitening products work

Whilst those with only minor surface staining can sometimes achieve the results they’re looking for with a whitening toothpaste, it is more likely that you need to use a stronger substance. In addition to standard toothpaste, there are two main types of tooth whitening kits available – both of which work using carbamide peroxide. The faster kits, however, rely on blue light units to speed up the treatment time. This makes the latter option ideal for those with sensitive teeth, limiting the length of time they are exposed to the gel.

After forming a mould according to the instructions contained within the pack, simply apply the gel to your teeth. This gel will then seep through the natural pores of your tooth enamel to gently bleach away any deep stains. By working with the structure of your teeth, these teeth whitening kits provide safe and effective results.

What are the benefits of using teeth whitening products?

Tooth whitening kits have numerous advantages over equivalent dental treatments. These easy to use packs offer safe and affordable whitening in the comfort of your own home at a fraction of the cost you would pay in the surgery. Not only can you save a great deal of money, but you also save a lot of time by working your treatments into your own schedule. These kits can be stored for long periods of time, allowing you to ‘top up’ your smile whenever red wine, tea and coffee stains begin to build up. This makes the kits an immensely practical addition to any cosmetic routine.

With so many media icons sporting perfect white smiles, heading out into the world without the confidence to show your teeth can be a daunting prospect. Tooth whitening kits can add a much needed boost to your image, helping you to feel better and achieve your full potential. With so many business transactions taking place face to face or through visual media such as conference calls, looking your best can make the difference between closing a deal and missing the mark entirely.