Electrolux HUSH Happier at Home

When I was young, I always look forward to having a great weekend with my friends. We start our Saturdays in front of the television for our week’s dose of Saturday Fun Machine. It’s like my generation’s Cartoon Network in a very limited two hours. Our afternoon will divided to playing taguan, tumbang preso, luksong tinik, patintero and other old school games. A replay of the same schedule will happen the following day.

Two decades after, my weekends have become so much different than before. Well, I still get a taste of cartoon programs from time to time and even fantasize playing jolens, sipa or piko but would really look silly so I just keep it to myself. And besides, pain reliever and liniments are not cheap anymore so I do have second thoughts playing another game of luksong baka or play tag.

But I’ll tell you this… I’ve never been this excited about the weekends. Nope, it's not an out of town trip or a bar hopping escapade with friends that makes my excite meter up for my two days off from work. Actually, I usually spend that 48 hours at home for a quiet and relaxing moment with my family.

Thanks to fatherhood ‘coz life has never been this challengingly fun! Five days in front of the PC is not really an ideal job but having the photo of my son Charles as my monitor's wallpaper lessens the ill filling. After all, my little one and my wife are the two main reasons why I work hard and try to survive every workplace hazards like the deadlines, stress, pressures, and the blah blah blahs… you know what I’m talking about.

That is why I cherish every moment of weekends since I only get to spend quality time with my son a few hours on a working day. I am always high and pumped up every time the clock hits 6 pm every Friday. Through the photos below, allow me to share how super my weekends are even if the only happenings in our home are the same hush moments my family does week after week.

Silently, I watched in awe how my 3-year old knows the lyrics and dance steps of every character who perform over the Disney Junior cable channel.

Quietly, we still cheer for our favorite team even though the whole basketball world is already giving up on them after what could have been their worst season for in years.

Calmly, I still manage to find joy in a wet pants and messy shirt after our little boss forgot he's not wearing diapers and the tub his playing with still has ice cream in it.

With little or no sound, my wife and I see it as a challenge to perform our household chores while our son sleeps. This "superhuman" ability earned me a monicker from my wife. I am Captain C, the Champion of Cloth ironing, Cleaning the house and Cooking. Thanks for our favorite brand Electrolux for making my job easier.

And the best thing I love about spending weekend at home, it always feel magic when the most important person in your life softly told me, "I love you, Daddy!" in a middle of his favorite song.

I won't mind spending every moment of my Saturdays and Sundays with my family because I can't think of any other better weekend than to just being with them.

As my family takes our journey towards a better life, we want to make sure that we are equipped with things that will help our everyday adventures fun, unforgettable and relaxing. We started by making sure that we are using the right appliances in our house. One brand that you can find in almost every room is Electrolux--- a flat iron in our bed room, induction cooker and microwave oven in our kitchen and a vacuum cleaner in our living room.

I am pretty sure that Electrolux will continue to be part of our home with the many innovative products that they come up every year. Two new products that caught my attention are the Ultra Silencer Green and Powermix Silent Blender simply because they fit perfectly to the quite and relaxing weekend that I always look forward.

I am satisfied with the Electrolux Dynama vacuum cleaner that we are using in our house but when I found out about the Ultra Silencer Green, I told my self that this is the way to level up. Not only that it's more eco-friendly, it also bring peace and harmony into every home with its revolutionary floor care. It has a minimal noise level of only 68db and cleans exhaust air by more than 99.99%.

Our kitchen will definitely welcome with open arms the Powermix Silent Blender that has a patented Sound Reduction System and Airflow System that promises users to have conversations while creating the perfect blend.

Now, that's what we call Hush Happier at Home! 

To get updates and important information, you may visit Electrolux Philippines Official Website and follow Electrolux Philippines Twitter.

Join the Running Revolution with Adidas Energy Boost

Running. Many consider it to be the second thing mankind ever learned even before we discovered walking.

To those who doesn’t agree, try to imagine yourself living in the prehistoric era, waking up in the morning surrounded by a pack of T-Rex or Giganotosaurus checking which part of you is good for a power breakfast. Instinct, guys. During those times, almost every living thing on Earth grew up on the run.

For the curious souls asking what I think was the first thing humans ever learned to do, I say it’s eating. Remember Adam’s apple, err... Eve’s apple in the Garden of Eatin’, I mean Eden? (I am a catholic, you know).

Eating and running. Two unlikely combination of activities that has been passed on from one generation to another. (Forgive me if I’m beginning to sound like Morgan Freeman. I can’t help it. I’m watching History channel now). That’s why we have this thing called eat and run. Yup, that thing that you did when you attended a Christening party after your high school classmate found you on Facebook and asked to be one of  his seventh child’s godfather. Or in that suppose to be happy family reunion which turned sour when relatives started asking why you are still single. You eat a little then you run as far as you can.

Growing up, running has save me from troubles in a number of times--- away from dog bites, police chasing us after a rally at Mendiola, lunch box-swiping school bullies, etc. And now, we have more hazards to run away from like falling meteorites, mall robbers in costume, and the never-ending David Pomeranz concert series. Running is the best self-defense. That’s the secret  my grandfather told me on how he was able to survived WWII.

Personally, I also associate eating the certain food to improve my running skills--- better stamina and faster legs. That’s why at one point of my life, I became a sucker of food for the runners. I eat pasta because it can provide slow-release energy which what marathon runners require. I gobbled bananas since it’s ideal for refueling rapidly and it comes in biodegradable wrappers. I also feasted in cereals and wheat biscuits for my dose of fiber and protein almost everyday. I even used images of these food as the screensaver of my PC at one point. Well, sort of a motivation that these should only be the food that I will eat for the day. I remember attending an event where I did not eat the food served by the organizer even though the plates were mouth-watering simply because it's not pasta. And beside, I have a pack of biscuits and a couple of banana in my bag.

After half a year, I felt like a horse. Not a thoroughbred but a winded about-to-be-chopped-and-exported-to-Europe horse that is. I was unable to control my intake of those "certain food" that I became a 160 lbs. obese (according to my cardiologist). I guess I got a little over of everything on my diet, especially on pasta. I think I have tried almost every type of spaghetti during that period. As far as i can remember, That was definitely the craziest thing I’ve done to boost my run.

Today, I participate to at least six fun runs a year. One, it is fun and second, I get to prove to myself and others that I can still run even in my thirties and with a Harlem Shakin’ tummy. I am still fond of the “food for runners” but this time I see to it to eat moderately.

I also check online for tips on how to boost my run. Then I stumbled upon a great find. Unmatched energy return, superior cushioning, optimal, fit and temperature independence: Introducing the ENERGY BOOST™ by Adidas, the new running shoe with revolutionary cushioning technology that provides the highest energy return in the industry. And just like that, running will never be the same.

The foundation of the ENERGY BOOST™ innovation is centered on proprietary cushioning material, BOOST™, that allows the runner to feel a continuous energy return. The revolutionary technology allows small energy capsules in the soles to store and unleash energy more efficiently with every stride. The Adidas brand is one of the leading sports brands in the world. The Adidas brand attitude “Impossible is Nothing” drives all brand communication initiatives and helps strengthen the brand’s bond with consumers.

Now, I'm definitely joining the running revolution with this new line of soles from one of the trusted names.

With only 200 pairs of ENERGY BOOST™ available in the Philippines this season, runners will be able to reserve up to 100 pairs before the shoes hit the adidas Bonifacio Global City store on the 27th of February. This can be done via a pre-order mechanism exclusive for South East Asia that opens from 15th until 24th of February. So, be the first to boost your run at adidasboost.com.

So when you think about running, always bear this in mind:  Another Day Is Definitely Another Super (ADIDAS) run.  

Things you should know before watching Les Miserables

Victor Hugo is one of Europe’s most well-known writers in history.  Two of his highly regarded works were The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Miserables (The Miserables/ The Victims) which both have been adapted into films by major Hollywood productions. Between the two masterpieces, the later which the French genius released in 1862 is considered to have been more endeared  by millions of fans worldwide.

To this date, the novel has had theatre productions from Paris to West End and Broadway since 1980, and already have 10 film versions in its resume.  

In 1983, British producer Sir Cameron Anthony Mackintosh weaved wonderful music to the classic tale about a French peasant and his quest for redemption after serving years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread for starving relatives.  Mckintosh’s gave a perfect soundtrack to every journey of Jean Valjean who decided to break his parole and started his life anew despite being relentlessly tracked down by a police inspector named Javert. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists make their last stand at a street barricade. The stage production of the novel harvested a number of Tony Awards during its decades of successful runs.

Who can escape the moving lyrics of “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own” sang by female protagonists Fantine and Eponine?  Incidentally, our very own Le Salonga played both roles when the play was staged in Broadway in 1996.

Talking about the film adaptations, the first one was produced in 1913 staring French actor Henry Krauss as Valjean. The latest version starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood today conquered this year’s Golden Globe Awards as the film won best musical/comedy movie, while Australian actor Hugh Jackman (Valjean) won best actor for his all-singing role, and co-star Anne Hathaway (Fantine) won best supporting actress. Here’s another trivia: Did you know that Hathaway’s mother also played the role of Fantine on Broadway before she quit acting and devoted herself to parenting? This might also explain where Hathaway got her inspiration for her marvellous take on the character.

Prior to the 2012 Les Miserables, the last major film production based on the book was in 1998 with fine actors Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush as Valjean and Javert, respectively.  The film was not well-received by Hugo’s fans because of the number of differences from the novel it presented. Most evident was the conclusion of the film where Valjean walked away smiling from the place where Javert committed suicide. Of course, we all know that he too died in the story.

But with the way Director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) handled the movie, infused the much-discussed live action singing and casted excellent talents led by Jackman, Hathaway, and other award-winning actors like Russell Crowe (Javert), Sacha Baron Cohen (Thenardier) and Helena Bonham Carter (Madame Thenardier), even those not devotes of musical theatre will find themselves emotionally manipulated  by the latest Les Mis.

Even the heart of stone will be softened. Even the firmest wall will be moved from its placed.  If you plan to watch the movie, just a little advise:  Bring a hankie because you might wept  with Fantine, have more patience with your seatmate who might sing along with Cossette or laugh hard with Thenardier’s antics, and most importantly, stop be a miserable film critic for a while. There are some flaws but who cares.  Enjoy and stump your feet if you feel like marching with the spirited mob because this film is a cinematic victory on an epic scale. 

Thanks to SM Cinema for the invitation to the red carpet premiere of Les Miserables which is shown nationwide today.  Movie enthusiasts and fans of the widely acclaimed Broadway musical can expect nothing less but the best movie experience in full digital quality at their favorite SM Cinema. If you want to avoid the expected long lines at the ticket booth, I suggest that you get an SM Cinema e-PLUS card. Check the details HERE on how to get one.

Useless Bossy Facts

After the long holiday break, most of us are either raring or inert to go back to work because of different reasons: backlogs, unfinished year-end report, pending projects and your first meeting with your boss for the year.

To some, their first encounter with the company’s head honcho at the start of a year is a make or break thing. Well it all depends on one’s performance in the previous 12 months. Whether he smiles at you or wears a blank face every time you meet him in the hallway, your boss is someone you’ll be working with all year round, or for as long you intend to stay in his group.    

So before you go to his office anytime soon, why not read some bossy facts that you might want to share to him during your meeting. These will not guarantee a salary raise but they can sure help start a good conversation.      

·         There is such a thing as National Boss Day created in 1958 by Patricia Haroski, a secretary at State Farm Insurance Company. It was said to have started to pay tribute to managers in the company. Its official date (October 16) is Patricia’s father’s birthday.

• There are 6.7 million managers in the US (5% of the US workforce) and 1.6 million managers in Canada (10% of the Canadian workforce)

• “Boss” is the #3714 most common last name in the U.S. with an estimated 7500 persons using it.

• The word “boss” is from the Dutch word “baas” (meaning "a master"), a standard title for a ship’s captain. It was in 1625 that the word was used in English. The popularity of “boss” in American English may be an egalitarian avoidance of master

• In the dictionaries, “boss” was defined as (1) Slang - in the 50’s, ‘boss’ meant great, first-rate or topnotch; (2) Barnyard - 'boss' is another name for a cow or calf; and (3) Medicine - a ‘boss’ is a name for a rounded swelling, protuberance or humpback … so, this sentence is technically feasible: Your boss did a boss job healing the boss’s itchy boss.

• Other boss facts: Bossiest town: Boss, Missouri (population 609); Boss Nicknames: 'The Boss’ – Bruce Springsteen, singer / songwriter; ‘Boss Tweed’ - William Marcy Tweed, infamous corrupt New York politician and ‘The Big Bossman – American pro wrestler; Boss Songs: Big Boss Man (Elvis Priestly) ; I Love My Boss (Moxy Fruvous).

Reference: www.happyworker.com