ASCOF’S NEW BRAND AMBASSADORS WINNING MOMS: WINNIE MONSOD AND WINNIE CORDERO

ASCOF Lagundi for all ages and needs.

ASCOF's brand manager, Winnie Monsod, Winnie Cordero, Ms. Mia Pascual-Cenzon, ASCOF's Corporate Communications and host TV and radio personality Ariel Ureta during the launch.

All mothers only want the best for their families. That’s why many moms today are constantly looking for safe, natural and effective ways to care for their loved ones.  As moms, we would often do our own research, we ask friends, go over the Internet for further sources, among many others. More and more Filipino Moms are rediscovering plant-based remedies based on the traditional medicine practices as safer alternative to synthetic chemical based ones.  So it comes as no surprise that ASCOF Lagundi, the number one herbal cough and asthma remedy brand and the most successful phytomedicine (plant-based drug) in the market today. Manufactured by one of the most trusted drug companies in the country, PascualLab, ASCOF is made from 100% natural and all-organic lagundi leaves, grown and nurtured by their company’s award-winning and certified all-organic LAC farm found in Nueva Ecija. 

ASCOF’s Lagundi is the first plant-based medicine registered under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it was developed through years of scientific research and validated by clinical trials. It continues to follow the strict standards of the World Health Organization and the Philippine FDA. 

The three TV personalities surely had fun with Mareng Winnie laughing her heart's out to the silly banters of radio tandem Ariel Ureta and fellow ASCOF ambassador Winnie Cordero. 

ASCOF welcomes its two new brand ambassadors, TV personalities Winnie Monsod and Winnie Cordero. Both women are experts in their fields and are firm believers of the natural healing power of nature.  They both join fellow nurturing mom, Congressional Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, as ASCOF spokespersons and advocates of safe, natural medicine. 

ASCOF's brand manager, Ms. Winnie Monsod, Ms. Winnie Cordero, ASCOF's Mia Pascual-Cenzon, Corporate Cmmunications and Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez

Mia-Pascual-Cenzon, PascualLab’s Director for Corporate Communications, says that the company is honored to have these two exemplary mothers as ASCOF spokespersons. “Because they are natural moms themselves, they represent the ideals of the brand. They can effectively help relay the message to other women that nurturing their families and providing the best in healthcare can be done naturally, such as choosing herbal medicine brand that has no harmful side effects, keeping them safe from possible health risks.” 

During the launch, Winnie Monsod, better known by the public as Mareng Winnie, shared her thoughts on child rearing, “With my firstborn, I wanted to be the best mom. I read all the books, was super strict about doing the right thing. It was exhausting and I probably traumatized my child! By the third child I had relaxed, was more lenient. And you know what? They both turned out fine. Trust your instincts. You know what matters. Enjoy your child.”

Traditional medicines are something Mareng Winnie have always respected because she had experiences that were working very well. “I used to do research on cancer and sometimes I would find that holistic medicines work better. With ACOF backed by clinical trials, you can be assured that it’ll work even better than synthetic chemical based medicines.” Mareng Winnie says she is picky about the products she speaks for. But she didn’t have to think twice for ASCOF because it is made from natural and organically-grown leaves, has passed stringent safety standards and is made by a reputable company which is PascualLab, so she has agreed to do it.

Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez is also firm believer in natural medicines because she grew up in their midst back in Ormoc. “I also basically grew up using natural herbs, like when I would get sick, my yaya (nanny) would make us have sponge bath using boiled water with guava leaves with stampita prayers and everything,” recalls Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez.

ASCOF Lagundi Syrup for KIDs and adults.

For Winnie Cordero, she had learned about natural remedies for different illnesses after she had them featured on a TV program. “I began to know about the wonders of herbal medicines from the research and information of the show. That was when I had learned more about the negative side of using synthetic medicines such as side effects that doctors normally do not say. Then I started using herbal medicines, and when I experienced their benefits, I shared them with family and friends and eventually even co-workers.”

“As a mom, I’ve always been careful about what I give my kids. With ASCOF, I knew it’s clinically safe since it’s all natural and effective, so there’s no fear of any side effect at all!”

“A mother has her own instincts. It is inherent in each woman to be nurturing, so it is also but natural for a mom to protect her child by making sure that everything the child uses is safe.”

With three winning personalities, Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez, Winnie Monsod and Winnie Cordero as ASCOF spokespersons and advocates of safe, natural medicine, they embody the ideals of ASCOF—a product of the highest quality that Filipino families can trust.J

Purple Plum Fairy thanks ASCOF and Mr. Vincent Lantin of Yehey Digital Group for the invite. 

Like Ascof Lagundi on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NaturalMomsbyAscof

Follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NaturalMomsPH

Visit their website at www.pascuallab.com

While you’re at it, please don’t forget to like our Facebook Page Purple Plum Fairy.

How Does One Say Goodbye to Her Baby and accept that he has grown-up?

The author and her nephew Kyle Madrid when he's still a toddler.

I could still recall his boisterous laughter each time I tickle him. He’s such a cute and cuddly toddler with bright eyes, chubby cheeks and naughty smile. Oh, those were the days. I can’t believe he’s now in Grade five and will be turning ten years old by September. He was just around 8 months when I had him.

Cute and angelic Kyle Madrid as a toddler.

Geez, how time flies! I used to cradle him in my arms as I sing lullaby…We used to watch Barney DVDs together and sing his favorite songs. We used to play peek-a-boo and how he got frustrated in trying how to read his books. He didn’t cry during his first day in school and I was such a proud Mom. But I cried when he participated in a production number on stage at school and when he received recognition for the many awards he had amassed from both academics and the art competition.

I saw how he felt disappointed each time he losses in art contests or each time he cannot seem to understand his lessons in school. I was his only witness.

I almost lost him twice after he’s had two consecutive vehicular accidents in one year (2011). And I really felt bad for not being there for him during those times. God knows how much pain it had given me and am really thankful and blessed that I’m given another chance to make it up to you.

 

Kyle Madrid, at age 9 going on 10.

Sometimes I get hurt because you seem not to be listening to me, or that you take me for granted because you were busy doing other things. But my eyes light up each time you hold my hand or talk to me about things I never even know you’ll think about. I love that you know how to handle things on your own, without relying on me as well as I love those times that you ask my own opinion.

In the next couple of years, I am preparing myself—I know you’ll be more into other things. Perhaps I may not even be a part of it. But I want you to know that I will always be here for you. I may not be your biological mom, you may not even see or get to know who your real Dad is in your entire lifetime, but you will always have ME. I may not be enough, but I am all yours my dear Kyle. You, your grandma and I—we are family. 

I may never accept the fact that you’ve grown up and that you’ll soon become a teenager. For in my eyes, you will always be the baby that I had in my arms. I will try my best to let you go and spread your own wings, but Atching (his petname for me), will never leave your side. I’ll be here every step of the way, guiding you to the right path. Making sure that you will never go astray and that in everything you do, you will give glory to God. 

HERO UP AT THE 11TH PHILIPPINE TOYCON 2012

Press Release---It’s official.  People can’t get enough of superheroes.  Just looking at how much money the Avengers movie has raked in at the box-office, you know without a doubt that we are in a new age of superhero love.  All the caped crusaders, cosmic characters and crime fighters we grew up with have taken on new faces and forms, and they are everywhere! In movies, on TV, in video games, theme parks and countless merchandising; the best and the brightest of our childhood memories have been ushered into a new age of Hollywood, and, baby, nothings ever going to be the same again!

The Philippine TOYCON has been the benchmark of all fan gatherings for the past 10 years, exceeding attendance records each year and highlighting the best of all things pop-culture including movies, anime, comics, gaming and of course pop-culture collectibles and memorabilia.

Waiting in the wings of greatness is the final installment of the Batman saga, with Christopher Nolan’s   ultimate chapter in the Dark Knight trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises.  Warner Brothers launches excitement for the movie with an exhibit of original movie props and costumes and DC Comics launches its new line of Dark Knight-related merchandise, apparel and toys.    Other movies like The Bourne Legacy, Flight of the Guardians and The Hobbit will also be featured.  Also in anticipation of the upcoming GI Joe: Retaliation movie and the 30th anniversary of GI Joe action figures, members of the Philippine Toy Soldiers 118 will put together the biggest GI Joe action figure diorama playset in the Megatrade hall 2.

ABS CBN Interactive also brings on the biggest gaming event of the year, Amped Fest 2012.  Amped Fest in ToyCon 2012 will serve as the venue for the launch of the most awaited Relic of Mystra and Version 4 releases of online gaming flagship brands, Shaiya and WarRock.  The new gaming roster for 2012 as well as an Android and java mobile gaming portal will also be unveiled.   GM Barbie Lee and a host of other models will also cosplay favourite Amped characters.  Kapamilya (ABS-CBN Channel 2) celebrities will also make special appearances for the Kapamilya gamers.  Amped Fest will also serve both the culmination of Netopia Cafe Wars and the opening of JBlaze Cup 2012, where winners are sent to Korea to compete with other international online gaming champions.

The convention also brings together the best assembly of local and international artists to exhibit much anticipated work.  Seattle-based Hawaiian designer Arron “Angry Woebots” Martin shows off his brand of pop graffiti and design in an exhibit of his world famous panda art which has graced museum walls, skateboards, vinyl figures and books.  Friends from Komikon will also bring in the best of our very own roster of artists: Heubert Khan Michael, Lui Antonio, Gilbert Monsanto, Lyndon Gregorio, Ariel Atienza, Lei Muncal, Jon Zamar & Sherry Zamar.  The artist panel will be on hand to sign comics, do sketches and fan art and sample the best local indie and mainstream titles.

The biggest crowd drawer for the convention is cosplay, and this year all costumed heroes revolve around the Cosplay Universe.  The Philippine Toycon features a huge space where cosplay fans can enjoy photo-ops in six huge themed exhibit spaces: The Anime Planet, Superhero Stars, Movie Nebula, Toy Supernova, Gaming Galaxy and Kids Constellation, all of which make up the Cosplay Universe.  Aside from being photo backdrops, the Cosplay Universe will also be the biggest Cosplay competition in the country which will feature celebrity guest judges from the international Cosplay circuit and where contestants vie for big prizes in six cosplay categories.

The TOYCON would not be complete without the biggest gallery of toy collections from all over the Philippines which will highlight the best and latest action figure releases and the most amazing customized toys, statues, dolls and high end collectibles.  The TOYCON Gallery will be held inside the Megatrade function rooms which will serve as the museum of the event.

The event’s main draw is the huge dealers’ floor where anything and everything pop-culture can be found and purchased at bargain prices.  Almost 180 booths will be open to sell pop apparel, cosplay accessories, superhero merchandise, fantasy and sci-fi collectibles, comics, cards, and of course, all sorts of toys overflowing from action figures, transformers, diecast cars, robots and high-end statues and 1/6 scale Hot Toys. 

    

Get ready for loads of prizes to be given away on various competitions, games and contests.  There will also be hourly raffles and exclusive giveaways for lucky TOYCON attendees.  Aside from those, the convention will feature surprise guest celebrities from ABS-CBN, band performances, live auctions, film-showings and panel discussions from the best toy collectors   from the local toy groups and customizers.

The 11th Philippine TOYCON 2012 opens its gate on Friday, June 15, with a special Retailers Day were collectors can already start buying their favorite toy collection pieces, and continues on through Father’s Day weekend on June 16 and 17 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm at the Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, 5th level of the SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.  

The 11th Philippine TOYCON is presented by Collectibles Unlimited and co-presented by the Megatrade Hall, SMART, DC Comics, HERO and AMPed.  Major sponsors are Maxi Collector, Toy Kingdom, ABS-CBN Licensing and Publishing, Warner Brothers, and Solar-UIP.  Minor sponsors are Comic Odyssey, Sugar Free and Blue, CIIT, Buhawi Studios, Big Boys Toystore, Great Toys, Psicom and Freshgear.  Media partners are ABS-CBN, Studio 23, 99.5 RT, Magic 89.9, 88db.com and Flipgeeks.  Event partners are Anime Alliance, Komikon and Larc En Ciel Fan Club Philippines.

I LOVE GLOBE

My first Globe SIM Card

My love affair with Globe started around fifteen years ago. I admit that when I started using mobile phone, I used another brand. But I guess I was not shrewd enough and I didn’t know any better to make a good choice back then. So when I was given the chance to ditch my old mobile service provider goodbye—it was good riddance to bad rubbish indeed!

I still keep the Globe Cookie Cravings Tin Can with me.

So, what made me decide to switch? No, I don’t know if you’ll believe me but it’s not really because of the Globe Cookie Cravings promo that Globe Telecom had then. Globe Cookie Cravings promo was a partnership between Globe, Oreo and Chips Ahoy cookies wherein a consumer surrenders his old prepaid SIM card in exchange for a Globe SIM card and as a bonus, he gets a large tin can filled with both Oreo and Chips Ahoy cookies. But it was at this point where I had my old SIM card surrendered and started a great relationship with Globe and I never looked back. 

Here's the side of the tin can with the Globe symbol and Oreo and Chips Ahoy Cookies!

I liked the fact that Globe has a 24/7 Customer Service (both in mobile and landline), which is really a big help for subscribers like me. My old mobile service provider didn’t have the same thing and at oftentimes difficult or unable to reach/contact. With Globe Telecom, I’ve never encountered such. No matter how late I call, or how grouchy I could sometimes be, there will always be someone to answer all my queries and help is always at hand.

Globe has an e-Load and autoload where I can reload whenever, wherever and however I want without having to buy an actual card. I can reload credits using my Globe handyphone, an ATM, even through the Internet.

See my Gentxt Card? It has expired in 2004, but I still keep it.

Plus, as a youngster back then, I remember enjoying the perks of being a Gentxt member. As a Globe subscriber, I was able to avail of special privileges from an expanded lineup of partner establishments, spanning a wide range of interests—from bars and restaurants, to music, fashion and sports. I was also able to access to some events and special gatherings exclusively for Gentxt members. Too bad, Globe no longer had this special membership card for Globe subscribers. 

At a photo booth of a Globe exclusive event, "Oi, May Gimik" (OMG) in September 27,2008 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia 

The signage pin I got during EDSA Dos.

During the People Power Revolution II or EDSA Dos in the late 90’s, I had been part of those people who had ousted former President Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada. At that time, I was a college sophomore and we used text brigade in order to communicate with each other. It was through the power of Globe Telecom that we were able to interact since most of my friends were also Globe subscribers. And it felt so good to not just witness but became a part of the Philippine history! Globe made that all possible for us.

My very own BPI Globe BanKO card that uses G-Cash.

Now as an online publisher/blogger and social media specialist, I am happy that Globe has a G-Cash services and BPI Globe BanKO, a micro savings banking system where the minimum savings is as low as P50. Both services really help me a lot to save money and buy online deals at a cheaper price. I am also satisfied with Globe’s Unlimited Facebook promo where I can always check my messages, upload photos, and update my status on this social network for only P10 a day. It truly fits my budget and I am grateful to Globe for such promos. Globe’s services and promos are really a good value for money.

Through all these years, I’ve been a loyal Globe subscriber. I am now Globe Tattoo powered. Even as I’ve changed numbers and SIM cards because I had no choice (as there were times when my mobile phone no longer reads them), I’ve sticked it out with Globe. And I still see myself doing this in the next years to come, because I am happy and completely satisfied with Globe. For Globe has truly made great things possible for me. J

Breville Philippines' Little Chefs Baking Workshop

My nephew Kyle/adopted son is the type of kid who gets easily bored. He hates being idle, so every summer it had become a challenge for me to find something productive for him to do. Be it an activity that is sports related, an arts and craft workshop or practically whatever it is that I may find which might interest him—I usually ask his thoughts whether he liked a particular activity before I sign him up. 

Kyle Madrid tries his hand with Breville product while Stock brothers Patrick and Kendrick looks on.

As a parent, in as much as I wanted to expose him in different activities, for him to find his niche, or those that he truly enjoyed, I respect his right as a child to choose these activities. I do not want to be pushy, so before I sign him up, he has the option to say yes or no.  Just before the summer ended, Kyle signed up for Breville’s Little Chef Baking workshop for kids with Intercontinental Manila’s Executive Chef Alisdair Bletcher, an Australian but Filipino by heart, Pastry Chef Darmo Guevarra, and Assistant Pastry Chef Eliseo Calbay taught the kids how to create cup cakes and Mango crepes. Junior Master Chef Philippines’ semi-finalists, Louis and Miko, also assisted Bletcher and company.

The Breville Aprons for the kids.

Patrick and Kendrick Stock with Krelian Adam Lim.

This was Kyle’s last summer activity. He loved cooking and baking as much as I do. So when we heard about this event, Kyle immediately signed up for this. He had a lot of fun with the other kids. He said he was surprised to see other young boys in this event. But I told Kyle, “ it’s usually the guys who dominate the kitchen professionally although nowadays there are a few girls. I told him men move faster than women, and they could carry heavier loads too.”

Australian Chef Alisdair Bletcher, Intercontinental Hotel Manila's Executive Chef taught the kids the basic in baking.

Former Junior Master Chef  Philippines Louis helped the kids.

I don’t know if it must be because there is an ongoing hype for kids to know cooking and all those kitchen stuff. Junior Master Chef Philippines sure did a great influence on parents to get their kids to cook and work in the kitchen. Seeing the kids having fun, they looked so cute in little white aprons.

Former Junior Master Chef also lend a hand to the participants.

Kyle Madrid and his friends are busy putting finishing touches to their cupcakes. 

A child participant puts some on the molder.

Mango Crepe making for the boys!

More than anything, these kids apart from knowing how to bake and cook with the recipes given, they learned camaraderie, teamwork and how it is to prepare for their own food. When I asked Kyle if he wanted to learn more, he said he did.

Cupcake Rainbow Sprinkle

Mango Crepe

The entire class of Breville Little Chefs

He said he was glad to make new friends like Patrick and Kendrick Stock (sons of my fellow Mommy blogger) and enjoy the company of old friend Krelian Lim (son of my big boss and fellow blogger). “It was a boys-only group and we had proven that boys can work in the kitchen just as girls can,” says Kyle.

The class with Chef Bletcher and the Junior Master Chef kids.

I wish Breville Philippines would again come up with this kind of activity for kids in the future. Maybe they could also invite bloggers like me so we could work hand-in-hand with our kids.  Fellow blogger Charlene Sy, who was there to cover the said event felt a little envious of the kids.  She jokingly said, “I wanted to help and give the kids a hand, but they wouldn’t let me.”

My beloved Kyle with Chef Bletcher of Hotel Intercon.

In the end, Kyle went home with a certificate of participation and an apron to remember the fun he had cooking with other kids. For those interested to pursue kiddie cooking workshops called Kids’ Culinary Class from the Intercontinental Hotel, you can call the Food and beverage Department at 793-7000 local 272.

Purple Plum fairy thanks Breville Philippines, Intercontinental Hotel Manila, and Rustan’s Makati.