Flag Collecting

One of the biggest factor in our life is the country where we live.  It is where we grow up, strive, do our duty and fight for our right.  Yet, there are not so many ways to show our patriotism.  Perhaps, you look at your desk right now while reading this and realize you don't even have a flag by it.  A flag is a symbol of our country.  It's a simply item yet with a bigger meaning and value.  It shows you honor and pride that you belong to a strong nation.

While, we may have one or two flags in our offices and homes, I've actually encountered some who have a wide flag collection.  I never thought that flag collecting could be an interesting hobby too.  Why not right?  It seems durable and affordable.  It represents a lot too.  And, there are many varieties that you'll surely won't run out of options.  You'd be surprised that there are many types of materials used for flags.  But, one of the best ones are annin flags.  You can purchase annin flags at FlagStoreUSA.com easily.  You can choose the designs right there and purchase with a click of a button.

Well, whether you decide to collect or not, at least have one at your home or office as a sign or patriotism. 

Black Canyon Coffee Opens at Tuscany Mckinley Hill

After my trusted foodie friend Sumi shared with us about how good her experience was with Black Canyon Coffee at SM Southmall, it made me want to try it but living in Manila made the traffic to the South unbearable.  So when I was invited for the opening of Black Canyon Tuscany Mckinley (just across Venice Piazza), I accepted and came to witness its ribbon cutting.

The first floor is a casual dining area.  But, if you want to chill in a cozy cafe style ambiance, then the second floor is for you.

We were given a background on Black Canyon Coffee and it made me even more excited to try their products!  In has garnered a lot of awards in its country of origin, Thailand such as:

• 2011/2010/2009  National Thailand Barista Championship
• 2011/ 2009/ 2007/ 2006 Thailand Latte Art Championship
• 2011/ 2010 Thailand Tom Yum Championship
• 2010 First Runner Up – Pasta Thailand Championship
• 2009 World Pad Thai Championship
• 2008 First Runner Up – Green Curry  Thailand  Championship

It also has over 200 branches in Thailand alone and the opening of Black Canyon Coffee Tuscany Mckinley Hill marks its 52th international branch.

I was able to try some of their drinks too like their Thai Milk Tea and signature Black Canyon Coffee.  They were really good!

Tom Yum

The Tom Yum is indeed award worthy!  

They have cakes too!  I intend to come back there with the family and try more of their dishes so check out my review at my food blog www.tsinoyfoodies.com for updates.  

Black Canyon Coffee Tuscany Mc Kinley Hill

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Welcoming the Rainy Days

How I loathe the dry humid feeling as wjenever I walk under the scorching heat of the sun during the summer.  I seek refuge to an electric fan or air cooler whenever I am home.  The garden soil were often dry so my siblings and I had to share the burden of watering the plants.  I wished the summer would end...

With the opening of the school days comes the rainy season.  During drizzling days, I am thankful on my of our plants and my laziness.  But when it rains hard, I scorn the feeling of weariness as I arrive late at home due the worsened traffic.  And, if I'm unlucky, I'd have to walk home through flood water up to knee level high. 

Yet, at the end of each day, life goes on.  And the weather like many circumstances in our lives becomes so insignificant because all we really care about is waking up to another day whether it rains or shines.

Green Halo: Best Source of Genuine Crystals Accessories for Its Affordability

History for the longest of time have shown that our ancestors from the ancient ages have been at one with nature by wearing jewelries and accessories that are embedded by previous metals, stones, and natural minerals.  Despite the separation of land masses of the world, you'd find this true in various places and different races such as the Aztecs, Chinese, Egyptians, Mayans and Romans.

Aside from visual appeal with its unique natural designs, patterns and color created by nature and time itself, these crystals and minerals are said to draw other benefits.  I got to know this during my visit at Third Eye Wellness Center and learned the psuedo science of Chakras.  With many believers of crystals, there are a lot of sellers sprouting about selling both fake and genuine ones.  And, if you're no expert like I am, we're an easy victim.

Good thing a friend recommended to me Green Halo.  They sell genuine natural crystal accessories sourced from the United States who can verify its authenticity and process.

I love my birthstone Amethyst and when I read the description of it benefits, I just had to get some.  Aren't they gorgeous?

Amethyst and Magnesite (850 php)

I really love my Amethyst and Magnesite bracelet.  It fits my wrists perfectly and the chevron purple amethyst spheres are smooth finished with beautiful white-layered wavelengths on some of it.  The magnesite stone is dyed slightly pink to match the color of the amethyst.  The metal accents are sophisticated and stylish as well.

I received my bracelets via Xend.  It came with a pouch and a description about the crystal and stone I've chosen.  It's fun to read and know.  I guess aside from color, its nice to use that as a basis on what to wear for the day too.

Amethyst (875 php)

As a gift for my sister, I gave her an Amethyst bracelet too.  This one fits those with larger wrists because its stretchable.  You can request the size of your bracelet so they can adjust it for you.  This has a nice leaves accent which represents nature more.  

 

GREEN HALO (Monica Ocampo)
mobile : (0999) 880-8236
email : green.halo@ymail.com
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Man of Steel: Superman Movie Review

Everyone has a huge expectation for Man of Steel.  I'm sure its one of the must watch movies for 2013 for many.   I've watched every Superman in my lifetime and surely I wouldn't miss this. 

Henry Cavill casts as Clark Kent a.k.a Kal El a.k.a Superman.   In a new rubber-like suit with darker tone that fits like a body glove, his bulk and muscular body is exposed in every detail.  Compared to the previous casts, he looked more rough, rugged and manly which appealed more to the female audience.

Other casts were well-played too.  But, I never imagined Lois Lane would be starred by Amy Adams.  I somehow felt that there are better others would could have soothed the role more.

The story begins in Planet Krypton, his plant of origin, and revolves around it till the very end.  Thus, the movie was highly imaginative and boosted by computer graphics just as the latest alien science fiction movies are.  Although there is a delineation from the comics, I enjoyed the character development in the movie.  It gave a background on his powers, beliefs and values.  I find this Superman more emotional than the rest.  With Zack Snyder as director and Christopher Nolan and David Goyer as writers, I had high hopes that the plot would be deep as the Dark Knight.  Well, it did reveal more about Superman but not enough to make the entire movie interesting. 

 The movie had lots of action... pushing and punching here and there with massive destruction and explosions.  I know it sounds exciting but it gets to a point when you feel like its been dragging too long.  And, then it ends simply just like that which will leave you disappointed. 

Overall, Man of Steel is just another Superman movie that failed to surpass its predecessors despite its technological advantage for sounds and effects.  But, its still a must watch movie since its a "Superman" movie. 

Watch Man of Steel!

The Third Eye Wellness Center: Afternoon of Spiritual Nutrition Starting with Chakra

Life has always been an endless journey of learning.  I've always been curious about myself and everything else around me.  Although I don't fully understand what spirituality is, I've always felt that it is essential to my well-being.  Thus, when I was invited for a talk at Third Eye Wellness Center, I was more than eager to participate.

Third Eye Wellness Center is a mind-body-energy center that provides health and wellness activities and services located at the 6th floor of 20th Drive Corporate Center at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.  Through self-development, health and nutrition, alternative healing and holistic beauty, it focuses on the journey going inward to reflect outward.   According to founder Sanaiyah Keswani-Gurnamal, Third Eye Wellness Center here in Manila is their second outlet.  They opened the first one in Dubai. Third Eye Wellness Center is composed of the Chakra Cafe which offers healthy vegetarian offerings, Transcend Spa & Nails which offers holistic treatments and beauty therapies, The Store which sells books, crystals, gift items and aromatheraphy essentials, Healing Therapies Center which offers sessions for energy healings, personal readings and consultations and lastly,  a Training & Personal Development Center for meditations certified programs in healing modalities, self-empowerment workshops and corporate trainings.  

Sure, I've heard about Chakra before but don't really know what it is.  I got to know that Chakra is the source of energy so you'd be amazed the issue of a person is related to his disease.  The physical is the last manifestation of our emotional problems like how a person with low self-esteem is often inflicted with ulcer. 

The 7 Primary Chakras

• Crown Chakra (white) = I understand - located at the top of the head and represents unity and spirituality.  This is our connection to the divine.  It requires the other chakras to be balanced and cleansing the body through detox, yogas, exposure to good sunlight, moonlight and fresh air.
• Third Eye or Brow Chakra (Purple) = I see - located between the eyebrows and represents intuition, direction and inspiration.   This involves our perception, direction, inspiration, intellectual physique and intuition. 
• Throat Chakra (blue) = I speak - located at the base of the throat.  This represents expression, communication and self-esteem.  
• Heart Chakra (green but can turn red in the center) = I love - located at the center of the chest.  It represents love, acceptance and forgiveness.  
• Solar Plexus Chakra (yellow) = I do - located on the abdomen.  It represents control and power.  
• Sacral Chakra (orange) = I feel -  located between the naval and the pubic bone which is 3 fingers below the belly.  It represents emotions, sex, creativity, abundance and intimacy.
• Root Chakra (red) = I am - located at the base of the spine.  It represents survival, security,stability and grounding.    
  

You Are What You Eat

Depending on the Chakra (except for Crown Chakra) that you want to balance, there are suggested foods for them.  Thus, we should strive for conscious eating and make healthy food choices.

I sure you've come across the current issue on GMO's and how its destroying our environment.  As an advocate of natural and organic produce, I am totally against it.  As stated by Ms. Angela Lichiuco of Rawlicious, there are just so much benefits from:

• Living Foods such as enyzmes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, oxygen and high energy and positive vibrations
• Plant-based diet such as alkaline, non-fat and easier to digest
• Organics such as higher nutrition, free of harmful chemicals and healthy for the planet
• Greens such as enriched with chlorophyll, cell renewal, reduce free radicals, vitamins, minerals, protein, fibers and oxygen

As a foodie, I'll admit that when I review food, I usually critic based on the taste and appearance but often forget that the main purpose of food is to fuel the body.  Through our food intake, we can control our health.  Our relationship should be beyond its taste.  It should be how it nourishes, heals and balances our body, mind and spirit. 

Co-owner Maisha Chulani advises that we should adopt the four practices of conscious eating:

1. Eating food that is real, natural, pure, fresh and organic
2. Consuming more living foods (raw and uncooked items) and whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, greens and legumes and grains
3. Avoiding meat, processed food, preserved food, fast food, artificial seasoning, sodas and sugar.
4. Giving thanks by blessing one's food. 

Remember our thoughts affects our physical bodies.  For those people who can't control their diet or inhibit themselves from addiction, The Third Eye Wellness Center offers healing therapies to help you.

My Personal Account
I've been stressed for the past few years due to my failed relationship.  I just lost my best friend for 10 years and lover of 5 years.  I felt as if all optimism has been drained out from me.  It affected my life plan and my schooling.  To cope with the stress, I ate a pint of ice cream and a pack of pop corn almost everyday.   I got sick often and had back aches too. 

One day, I met with an old friend.  I was amazed at how positive and happy he had been.  He was so cranky at me before! =(  Then, he told me his secret is a healthy diet.  Being as skeptic as I am, I teased him that it was just a psychological effect or something.   But it really made me curious so I kept bugging him with questions to which he replied either with patience or frustration. =p   From then on, he became my personal health coach.  Although I'm still not considered a conscious eater like him, I'm pleased to boast that as a semi-conscious eater for just a few months, I have lost a lot of pounds and have never felt more positive and happy in my life.  I'm not saying that external factors did not help me.  I'm very fortunate to have a supportive family and optimistic friends as well.  But, the biggest change lies within us and that it begins with conscious and healthy eating.

Prior to the talk at the The Third Eye Wellness Center, my friend's advises were actually based on scientific studies and researches.  I'm glad to learn that the spiritual side and science coincides after all.  I guess everything in the universe are really intertwined.  My learning about spiritual nutrition made me want to learn more about my spirituality.  It was mentioned that the Charka of a person can be measured by a pendulum.  The Third Eye Wellness Center offers a Chakra Balancing Session for that.  I'll try that soon because it intrigues me!

The Third Eye Wellness Center600-A, 20th Drive Corporate Center
20th Drive McKinley Business Park
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(02) 808-2984 / (0917) 636-2800
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