Harden, Gordon with Aspiring Young Basketball Talents at NBA 3X Philippines 2013 Presented by Sprite

 The DUNK : James Harden, The Pacemates, Grizz and NBA Country Manager to the Philippines, Carlo SIngson give perfect scores to a dunk contest participant.

NBA superstars James Harden and Eric Gordon got a taste of Filipino street ball at its finest yesterday (July 28) at the Finals of NBA3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Tent.

From the tip off last Friday until Sunday, NBA players James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Pelicans graced the events and interacted with Pinoy basketball fans together with the Indiana Pacemates and Grizz, the mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies. Harden and Gordon signed giveaways and threw them to the crowd, getting squeals of delight from the basketball-loving Pinoys.

The ultimate competitions of the three-day three-on-three basketball tournament – which drew 60,000 fans over three days at the double venue -- was moved to the PICC from the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall Sunday afternoon on account of the rain.

Little boys not quite five feet who were members of the RP Team Thirteen Under and wowed the NBA stars as they heaved shots from two-point country in the U13 division. The very young players of the RP Team were only good for a runner up finish, but their ease with the basketball impressed the NBA talents and the avid basketball crowd.

James Harden gets up on his feet over the unbelievable shot in the U13 division finals between RP 13 Under and Escuela de Sophia

Games featuring media and entertainment celebrities kicked off the Sunday event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, with SM MOA fans liking the basketball grit and savvy of stars they only see on TV. Team Alcaraz, made up of GMA players Marco Alcaraz, Ervic Vijandre, Jose Sarasola and Jack Corpuz ruled the Celebrity division.

The Women's Under-16 division meanwhile was won by Team CAYS composed of Alexis Aguirre, Leezah Sorallo, Mae Ann Herradura and Jeivie Nama. The National University Lady Bulldogs quartet of Nica Villegas, Jack Danielle Animam, Ana Del Rosario and Kimberly Illut won the U18 division over the JASMS Patriots who failed to show up for the match. The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws -- Mary Angeli Cabochan, Allana May Lim, Marilourd Borja and Karen Columna -- prevailed over Team Mickey, made up mostly of former UP Lady Maroons, in the Girls’ Open, 8-4.

The most exciting game in the Boys' division was the U-13 Finals game won by Escuela de Sophia-1 composed of Saymond Male, Andrei Cariato, Nelle Suminig and Christopher Perio. Their match against RP Thirteen Under went into overtime, as the littlest RP Thirteen Under player connected on a long distance 2-pointer, sending James Harden to his feet due to the excitement.

The Beard loves Pinoy fans.

In the Under-16 division, the triumvirate of former Jr. NBA standout Jan Gabriel Sobrevega, Peter John Rabor and Astrolave Vista of University of Saint La Salle Bacolod dominated the Conquerors, 18-13.

AMA JRS dominated CKSC Blazing Dragons in convincing fashion,  20-7. to take home the Under-18 division crown. The champion team is composed of Clark Quijano, Jayson David, Russel Fuentes and Michael Perez. Besides their prizes for winning the division, the group earned a slot in the Adidas D-Rose Tour series of events on Septmber 15-16 including the D-Rose Tour 3-on-3 Frand Finals. The players will be given Adidas apparel and D-Rose footwear as part of their participation in the D-Rose Tour 3-on-3 Grand Finals.

The Men's Open division finals meanwhile was played between amateur basketball players who were former teammates during their college days. The underdogs EGS Elite pulled a stunner on the favored Blackwater Elite, 21-18. EGS, composed of former NCAA players Rocky Acidre, Mark Doligon and Acidre's younger brother Rutger, overcame Blackwater, the recently crowned champions of the 2013 PBA Developmental League Foundation Cup (D League) composed of Gio Ciriacruz, Robby Celiz, Bacon Austria and Louie Vigil.

NBA 3X 2013 Philippines presented by Sprite was also highlighted by an NBA Cares Activity for Special Olympic Athletes. Eric Gordon, Jr. NBA Head Coach Sefu Bernard and the Indiana Pacemates treated the kids to fun basketball games and drills. Jr. NBA All Stars Alumni dropped by and got the chance to meet Harden and Gordon up close and personal.

High 5's for Eric Gordon

Fan activities at the event like the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest; the Sprite Basketball Clinic; the KFC Bucket 3-point Shootout; the Phoenix Fast Feet Challenge and NBA Half Time enabled fans to join in the fun as well. The PBA’s Tower of Power and only Rookie-MVP Benjie Paras and becoming-just-as-illustrious son Kobe Paras dropped by and caused a happy commotion.

A lucky division champion will win tickets to the 2013 NBA Global Games on October 10, featuring the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers in a preseason match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The identity of the winning division champions will be announced later.

The BPI Philippine SWIM, BIKE, RUN Sale Expo on June 28-30, 2013

Calling all sports enthusiasts! Here are your chance to buy shoes, sports wear and gadgets up to 70% OFF!

Save the date! From June 28 to June 30, 2013 @ 10am - 9pm. SMX Convention Center Hall 4, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City!

Meet and Greet GARFIELD at SM Mall of Asia on December 8-9, 2012

Hello kids!

Tell your Mom and Dad to visit SM Mall of Asia's Main Mall Atrium (SM MOA's Christmas Toy Wonderworld)  and meet us on December 8 at 2pm  and December 9 at 4pm.

There will also be a fashion show tomorrow (Sunday), 4:30PM for the Launch of Garfield Holiday Collection! 

See you all there!

MOCHI SWEETS Products Now in Manila!

Popular MOCHI SWEETS has made its way into the local food scene and is sure to create a mochi craze as seen in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and China. Now it will surely one of the craze products we must  

“Mochi” is a well-loved Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice flour pounded into shape. Mochi Sweets has taken this traditional dessert further by creating small balls of luxurious and flavorful cream and wrapping it in chewy mochi skin.  Think dessert dumplings with frozen cream or mousse in the center and a mochi covering made with just the right thickness, moistness and stickiness. 

Business partners Jason Yap and Samatha Paz chanced upon Mochi Sweets in their trips to Malaysia and Vietnam and saw the store drawing huge crowds. Both only in their early 20s but with entrepreneurial exposure from their parents, they decided to write to J Sweets in Hong Kong and were soon awarded the official franchise for Mochi Sweets in the Philippines. 

Garry Cheng, President of J Sweets was in Manila to grace the unveiling of the first Mochi Sweets store in the SM Mall of Asia. He was very excited for Filipinos to try Mochi Sweets. He says their dessert is superior to other desserts which loosely uses mochi but don’t produce the right texture and experience. Cheng offers a clue on how premium their product and standards are: “We learned from Japan. We had a Japanese chef who creates these delectable concoctions for us and we use only 100% Japanese mochi.” 

Just looking at the cute and colourful balls of Mochi Sweets neatly placed in its classic gift box and you understand why it has earned raves abroad. “First impression counts,” says Jason Yap, president of Mochi Sweets Philippines. “Mochi Sweets first tempts you with how it appeals to the eyes. But the real pleasure is the taste and experience once you bite into it. This is because Mochi Sweets is made from the best ingredients. There is meticulous control to ensure consistency of quality. We do not short-change our customers. We aim to satisfy each customer and make them enjoy life’s simple indulgent treats.”

Hence, the real test is resisting the urge to sink your teeth into these decadent sweets. Mochi Sweets comes frozen and you have to wait 10-15 minutes for it to thaw before you can bite into its gummy goodness. But unlike those with ice cream filling, Mochi Sweets is not prone to messy meltdowns as you eat it. It is also a perfect to-go or bring-home treat since it does not melt all the way through and will be thawed and just-ready by the time you meet your family and friends. 

Jason Yap further shows how Mochi Sweets will be enjoyed: “We are a gifting society. A box of Mochi Sweets has 6 to 12 pieces and will definitely be a fun gift for sharing during those special moments and celebrations. Customers can pick different colors and flavors of Mochi Sweets based on the personality and preference of the lucky recipient and this makes each box of Mochi Sweets special and personal.”

Mochi Sweets indeed has a wide array of flavors – from the classic favorites to inspired special concoctions. Clear winners for chocolate lovers are the wickedly good Chocolate Mousse, Cream Chocolate and Dark Chocolate. Coffee aficionados will find delicious comfort in Caramel Macchiato. Kids and kids-at-heart looking for something wholesome will enjoy the fruity confections: Strawberry Mousse, Mango Yoghurt and Honey Lemon Cream. Those who want something different and exotic can try Sakura (or cherry blossom, which is very popular in Japan), Green Tea and Durian Mousse. Currently, Mochi Sweets offers 17 flavors and will continue to dish out cool and yum variants that will make customers think Mochi Sweets when they crave for desserts and comfort food. 

From the first Mochi Sweets kiosk in SM Mall of Asia (beside the Skating Rink), the team of Jason Yap and Samatha Paz will open three more Mochi Sweets stores this quarter. The next two stores will be at Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood Mall. They promise rapid expansion in 2013 with the biggest Mochi Sweets shop already slated at SM Aura which will open at BGC.

You can check their products and follow them:

Facebook Page:  Mochi Sweets

Twitter:  MochiSweetsPH

RUN UNITED PHILIPPINE MARATHON on October 28, 2012

Running enthusiasts, the  details of Run Unilab Run United Philippine Marathon revealed! Registration is now open!

Unilab Run United Philippine Marathon
October 28, 2012
SM Mall of Asia and BGC
500m/3K/5K/10K/21K/42K
Organizer: RunRio

Registration Fees
500m - P350
3K - P600
5K - P700
10K - P800
21K - P900
42K - P1,300

- 21K/42K includes Finisher's Medal and Finisher's Shirt

Gun Start
500m - 7AM
3K - 6AM
5K - 5:45AM
10K - 5:30AM
21K - 4AM
42K - 3AM

Registration Venues

Online Registration: (September 24 to October 14, 2012)
Online Reg - Click Here

In-Store Registration: (October 8 to 26, 2012)

• RIOVANA BGC - 28th St. cor. 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City - Monday to Sunday from 12nn to 9pm
• RIOVANA Katipunan - 3rd floor Regis Bldg. Katipunan, Quezon City. Across Ateneo and Beside KFC - Tuesday to Sunday, 10AM to 8PM
• TOBY’S SM Mall of Asia - Ground Floor Entertainment Hall - Mon-Sun, 12nn to 8pm
• TOBY’S Trinoma - Mon-Sun, 12nn to 8pm

RACE KIT

The race kit will contain the following: singlet, bib number, and wrist tags for 500m dash participants and will be available upon registration. Online registrants’ kits will be delivered within seven (7) working days after registration.

RUN UNITED PHILIPPINE MARATHON BIB

WRIST TAG for the Ceelin 500meter dash

RUN UNITED PHILIPPINE MARATHON FINISHERS KIT

Run United Philippine Marathon Medal Design

RUN UNITED PHILIPPINE MARATHON SINGLET DESIGN

PRIZE

For the 1st Run United Philippine Marathon, two sets of winners will be awarded for the 42k category: Foreigner and Filipino participants.

What is the eligibility to win for the 2012 Run United Philippine Marathon?

- 500m dash, 5km, 10km, 21km - will be an Open Category, therefore Filipino and foreign participants are entitled to win.

- While the 42k has 2 winners set - Top 3 Filipino and Top 3 Foreigner

- Trophies, medals and sponsors gift packs will be given to all winners

What are the rules on NATIONALITY?

You are a Filipino if:

- You are born in the Philippines (with valid birth certificate from NSO)

- Both parents are Filipino

- You are a foreigner who has adopted Filipino citizenship via naturalization

* Any participant/ winner who does not qualify under any of the above-mentioned qualification are considered a FOREIGN RUNNER.

* FOREIGN RUNNER who is competing for the top 3 spot for any of the race categories is required to present their passport upon registration for verification otherwise his/ her winnings will be forfeited and the next in line runner will be considered as the winner. For FILIPINO RUNNER, a valid ID (SSS, Driver’s License, or NSO Birth Certificate) must be presented upon registration.

For More Information:

Visit :  http://unilabactivehealth.com/

* Photos from RUNRIO

Esprit Gift with Purchase promo until September 30, 2012

Great things come in small packages with Esprit Eyewear!

With a collection that exudes grace and style, you will never go wrong with Esprit eyewear, especially when it maximizes your shopping experience. Esprit eyewear is bundled with a fashionably functional Esprit Laptop Case worth Php 1,995. Get it for free with any purchase of regular Esprit frames and sunglasses worth 3,490 and up. The laptop case also comes in trendy colorswhere you canstash your laptop in a sleek and stylish way.

Promo Details:

Period Covered: July 27 to September 30, 2012

Available in: Selected stores nationwide, among are the following: SM Bacolod, SM Las Pinas/South Mall, SM Markina, KCC Mall of General Santos, Robinsons Dept. Store Ilocos Norte, SM Center point, SM Naga, SM Cagayan, SM Marilao, SM Masinag, SM Cubao, SM Harrison Plaza, SM Olongapo, SM San Pablo, SM Rosario Cavite, SM Lipa, SM Bicutan, Robinsons Dept. Store Iloilo, Robinsons Metro East, SM Clark, SM Sucat, ICM Bohol, Robinsons Dept.  Store Calasiao, SM Consolacion, SM Novaliches.

Per DTI Permit #6312 Series of 2012

Men's Health Philippines Urbanathlon 2012 - October 14, 2012

Men's Health Philippines is once again bringing us the Men's Health Urbanathlon and Festival, happening on October 14, 2012 at the Mall of Asia Grounds and now; all categories have obstacles! Register now!

Men's Health Philippines Urbanathlon 2012
October 14, 2012
SM Mall of Asia
5K/10K/21K


Registration Fee
5K - P750
10K - P750
21K - P850


Note:  All categories includes obstacles


Registration Venues
(August 22 to October 8, 2012)


- 360 Fitness Club Makati
- 360 Fitness Club Ortigas
- Gold's Gym Alabang
- Gold's Gym Katipunan
- R.O.X. BHS


For more information:

facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/menshealthphilippines
twitter:  https://twitter.com/MensHealthPH

Taste of Mother's Crepe and Cafe

Delicious, Sweet Healthy Crepes from Japan; Now a Franchise here in the Philippines! 

Mother's Crepe and Cafe launched last May 2012 in SM Mall of Asia Complex near the scenic view facing seaside that offers crepe with high in dietary fiber and low-fat whip cream! 

Among their Crepes - my favorite is Ice Crepe Strawberry Special (Php 205.00). You can choose your Crepe from Standard, Deluxe , Premium, Ice Crepe and Delica Crepe that will cater your taste-bud wants and also your prefer budget.

They also have Premium Chocolate Crepe in Bitter, Milk, White and Bitter Crepe categories that cater flavor of customer from mild taste, sweet and bitter. 

Aside from Crepe Sundae, Soft Cream, Cream Cheese Crepe, Tea, Milk Tea , Milk / Yogurt, Float, Smoothie, Soda; you can create you own crepe with additional toppings on it with minimal cost!

Try also Filipino Favorites - Strawberry Mango Milk Fresh Cream as one of their best seller product and for sure it will crave you to eat more!

With the owner of Mother's Crepe & Cafe Mrs. Adeline Santiago. 

I will be visiting this place whenever I go to SM Mall of Asia! Love those crepes!

Welcome the School Year with Kroketten, the Healthy Potato Dutch Snack

June is here and aside from beginning of the rainy season, this period is also an exciting month for every diligent student. Of course, school time is so back, together with the thrills and pleasures of learning and discovery-- which includes yummy food trips with the whole gang in between!

Stress and hunger is never a perfect combo to spell a great day, but if the hectic schedule comes your way, Kroketten simply introduces a filling snack that is easy on the pocket. And since we understand that scrimping on good food is undeserving for hardworking students, we make sure these products are both yummy and filling.

Introducing a unique take on potato, croquettes are a homegrown delicious snack of Holland. Fried and made golden brown in corn oil, these tasty and crunchy balls are made healthier too for only P35! The original kroket, an oblong shaped potato filled with tender ground beef, chicken, and cheese is hefty and truly delectable on its own. Another batch of popular alternative is miniballen, the round potato balls with cheese, chicken, beef, bacon, hotdog, longganisa, pork, tuyo, and mango as the filling options. 

From the sweet to savory, they’re injected with the appealing Filipino taste and flavor. To make it an endearing filling meal, on offer is equally affordable melt-in-your-mouth goodness of five pieces of mini ballen (P20) and four pieces mini ballen with 6.5 oz of revitalize 10 or nutri 10 fresh fruit drink (P35). Another signature beverage product called Vers En Snel by Kroketten which means fresh and fast, these thirst quenchers are certified made of pure and all-natural goodness of fruits.

Get to know Nutri 10, a robust combo of mango and guyabano is a favorite pick me upper guaranteed to give the body a refreshing boost. Revita 10 on the other hand, is a certified vitamin booster for a weak and tired body. Made with strawberry and passion fruit boasting potent benefits of antioxidants, it’s well-loved for its loadful of health benefits. Now, it’s great news for both parents and students on a budget who only want the best for their health without compromising taste and quality.

Instead of mascot, they have model (Dutch girl)  in every outlet to offer you their best seller products.

Now located in twelve branches with Mall of Asia as the newest branch and SM Megamall coming up very soon, it’s very accessible to enjoy these newest snack favorite. Another good news is that, we want to bring fun and health to your schools! A big event coming up in your college or university? 

Drop us a message at lekkeretenkroketten@yahoo.com and tell us why we should be part of your big day. When we pick your letter, we shall bring in a sampling booth complete with our products and other exciting perks!

Review: Run United 2 - 2012

Run United 2 this morning of June 17, 2012 is the biggest participants for the half marathon with almost 5,000 runners who joined and almost 13,700 runners who participated overall in 3k,5k, 10k and 21k. This huge number of participants only tell that Run United 2 / RunRio Trilogy is endeed a great run or one of the best race ever!

Even the race started with rain; we didn't stop on it thinking of some slippery road waiting for us ahead!

Stretching time in the starting line

Even it's raining, runners didn't mind it! 

with my group - Barefoot Running Philippines posed at the starting line. Running barefoot throughout the course is not that easy but we did!

the best hydration ever! 

 crossing at Buendia

 look like not tired of running :) - near World Trade Center

plenty supply of bananas! thumbs up :)

choice of water or powerade :)

Coach Roel - as one of the marshall, also cheer us as we going to Luneta Park

 


with some of my running buddies near Manila Bay area

with Coach and Tri-Athlete Michelle Estuar - on her way to the finish line.

set of bananas on our way to the finish line

First aid station, medics are visible in the area
 

Portalets in some area. Thank you!

Announcing of winners / booth of Alaxan in the Active Health Expo

Some booth in Active Health Expo

I'm with my fellow runners and bloggers as well! Congratulation everyone :)

With Coach Rio dela Cruz

 Finished my 2nd 21km barefoot run without injury and blister - only good run!

Kudos everyone who organize this race - Unilab Active Health and RunRio! This is one of the awesome race that I joined so far! Plenty of hydration in every station, bananas, sponges and portalets that are necessary are there. My friends also told me that this run is great - having plenty of giveaways like medals, games , cheering competitions, photo booths and freebies awaits in the finish line. Yes, at this time I got finisher shirt that fits for me; but not for everyone. Some runners argue about their finisher shirt the second time around because some of them are bigger that their preferred size. 

For the next event, I hope you will have people in charge in the Finisher Shirt that will be assign for the fitting ; even in the suppliers so that they will tally ahead of time how many runners will wear the particular size. In over all rating, this race is great! Congratulation for this success. Hope for more development and good news on this coming Run United 3.

For more information about Unilab Active Health, please log on their website:

http://www.unilabactivehealth.com

For more details about RunRio and upcoming run / activities, please view their website:

http://www.runrio.com