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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • NasoClear Nasal Spray by Unilab Lessens the Occurrence of Allergic Rhinitis

    NasoClear Nasal Spray by Unilab Lessens the Occurrence of Allergic Rhinitis

    For most of my life, I have always suffered from allergic rhinitis—a condition characterized by constant runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness. Trust me, having rhinitis is not as innocent as it seems because colds can make life pretty miserable. In this article, let me share with you how NasoClear Saline Nasal Spray Solution has helped to lessen the occurrence of this allergic reaction in two weeks of regular use and also simple instructions on how to use NasoClear.

    Discovering and Treating Allergic Rhinitis

    Throughout primary school to college, rolls of soft tissue paper, towels and handkerchiefs were my best buddies. Katinko Ointment has as well served many years in reducing earaches, headaches and stuffiness of the nasal passages, helping me save sanity just whenever allergic rhinitis pangs.

    Anxiety ridden, my first checkup with our family doctor (EENT) who diagnosed my case of allergic rhinitis was way back in 1999. The doctor examined the inside of my nose with an instrument called a speculum. A painless examination was conducted for him to check for redness and other signs of inflammation. The findings were that I had swollen mucus membranes in the nose and also swollen nasal polyps.

    He explained that there are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal rhinitis and aperiodic (or perannual) rhinitis. Seasonal rhinitis is triggered by being allergic to pollen, while aperiodic rhinitis is caused by non-seasonal allergens present all year round. These include house dust mites, cockroaches and mold, which flourish in warm, damp conditions, and also animal hair. I had both.

    Some studies suggest that air pollution, such as car engine emissions, and cigarette smoke can aggravate allergic rhinitis. I used to take public transportation every day to and from work. With black smokes coming vividly out of the automobiles’ engines and smokers puffing thick cigarette smokes everywhere in the streets, riding in the jeepney is like embracing the fact that all air to be inhaled is polluted and you’re left with no other choice but breathe it in. These contaminants lead to higher bacterial levels, thereby worsening the allergy.

    Besides air pollutants, studies also suggest that allergic rhinitis has a strong genetic component. I learned that my uncles and some of my cousins have it, too. It was then confirmed that I am one of the unfortunate members in the family to have been caught by the disease. 🙁

    The doctor prescribed me to use nasal spray every day upon waking up and before sleeping at night. I followed his recommendation for about three months until instances when sneezing attacks by allergic rhinitis were diminished to a minimum. However, not long after, the irritating condition came back and it’s even worse after having common colds.

    Then I had this self-discovery: sleeping and/or staying in places without air conditioner on stops the nasal problem. I started to prefer sleeping only with electric fan on and sometimes just keeping the windows open at night to let air in so that I won’t have problems the next morning. I’m not sure if this has any scientific basis, but the scheme has been working pretty well, at least on me. I’m now able to breathe better with warmer air.

    However, since it’s summertime now, temperature in the Philippines becomes too hot to the point that comfort when sleeping is compromised, when it’s only natural air or the electric fan that circulates air in the room. Because of this, we can’t help but turn the air conditioner on. Hence, my nasal passages become vulnerable again to allergic rhinitis. The quick remedy is sleeping with comforter or huge blanket over my head, so cold air would not pass through my nostrils easily.

    NasoClear by Unilab Lessens the Occurrence of Allergic Rhinitis

    Recently, I have encountered a quality product by Unilab called NasoClear. It’s packaged with a pump-mist bottle designed to aid in the relief of irritation caused by pollutants, allergens and germs in the nasal passages.

    I’ve been using NasoClear for about two weeks now. What I feel is that NasoClear Nasal Spray dissolves mucus and helps clean and moisturize nasal passages. It’s a refreshing, preservative-free, hypertonic saline solution that provides relief from nasal congestion.

    NasoClear Nasal Spray makes breathing easier. The medicine contains sodium chloride solution, a salt solution that treats dry or irritated nasal passages. As such, NasoClear 0.65% Saline Solution provides relief for dry, crusted, irritated and inflamed nasal membranes due to colds, allergies, low humidity, heat, environmental factors, air travel, use of steroid nasal spray, overuse of topical nasal decongestants and other nasal solutions, chronic sinusitis or rebound sinus reacting from smog.

    How to Use NasoClear

    1. Tilt your head forward and breathe out. Hold the nozzle between your fingers and squeeze.
    2. Spray the solution into one nostril while covering the other nostril.
    3. Spray two times in each nostril in the morning and at night.

    People who are allergic to sodium chloride and/or benzalkonium chloride should not take NasoClear. Undesirable effects usually do not occurs. However, if the inside of your nose is very dry and irritated, stinging may occur and this may induce also to transient sneezing. Regarding overdosage, there have been no reports of overdose with this product so it may be used as necessary for about three times a day. If your condition persists or worsens, consulting a doctor is a must. Tell the doctor what you are taking especially medicines for cough, cold or allergy.

    It’s best to keep NasoClar out of reach and sight of children. Do not share this product with others because of the possible increased risk of infection. Also, as with any other medicines, do not use it after expiry date on the label.

    NasoClear is manufactured by Hizon Laboratories, Inc. and is distributed by United Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab). To know more about NasoClear and other health products and tips, follow Unilab on Facebook and Twitter. For inquiries, you may drop your email at info@unilab.com.ph.

  • Most Epic Fun Run: Outbreak Mission 2014 (Intramuros, Manila)

    Most Epic Fun Run: Outbreak Mission 2014 (Intramuros, Manila)

    The adrenaline rush was indescribable! Last Saturday, I joined the first wave of Outbreak Missions organized by Runtertainment and held in Intramuros, Manila (The Walled City). Thanks to Franc who invited me to the event, I discovered that I could endure and surpass an awesome challenge: to run a five-kilometer course with zombies chasing us at our back, front and sideways! Yikes. 😆 They were everywhere in the zombie zones, making escaping and surviving such tiring endeavors.

    Honestly, I didn’t train intensively for the run. I believed I was fit enough to not get myself physically injured by strains and body pains because workouts are part of my everyday routine. Still, I worried a lot since I have never attempted to join a marathon before and I was completely clueless about the dynamics of the Outbreak Mission.

    Outbreak Missions: Operation Stronghold

    This most recent Outbreak Mission was the third installment of the first two Outbreak Missions held in October and November 2013 at the Filinvest City. In contrast to regular runs, the Outbreak Mission is not only a run that involved zombies but one that has a dynamic story where runners could choose their own adventure as a group.

    While running, I felt like being in a video game or movie as I programmed the background of the mission on my mind. The ambiance in Intramuros, Manila also provided encouragement in thinking that everything was real.

    Basically, the story circled on the failed experiment of a doctor named Dr. Alfonso Adarna from the Filinvest installment. This time, he headed to Intramuros to continue his research. By sheer bad luck, he was ambushed by the brotherhood upon reaching the site. This so-called “brotherhood” is composed of ruthless people whose plans are more evil than his. The key to this lies in a strain of smallpox dating back to the Spanish occupation, well-preserved and hidden inside Intramuros.

    The runners’ mission was to find and rescue Dr. Adarna from the clutches of the brotherhood. But there’s a twist to it. Along the way, members of the brotherhood led by Dr. Vera were trying to convince runners to take their side and join their army. Their proposition is that the supposed cure for the zombie plague will be able to control the zombies. The catch? There were more obstacles to accomplish to complete the ingredients for the strain and runners must surrender the strain to them instead of giving it to Dr. Alfonso Adarna.

    In between sprinting, we took time and stopped to huddle and decide on the path to take. Conclusively, our team chose to be rebels. We joined the brotherhood instead and we succeeded in “converting” the zombies. 😛

    Next: Both the brotherhood and the rebels have been handed the strain, so no side has the one true advantage. On one end, zombies are being cured; on the other, the Stronghold citizens remain protected. Dr. Alfonso Adarna has gone missing again, taking both cure and control formulas with him. His plans are unknown but his devious hand in this Stronghold situation has been revealed and it will be in the next Outbreak Mission to find out!

    Basic Tips to Accomplish the Outbreak Mission

    A day before the event, I’ve acquired tips from reading blogs and watching videos all pertaining to Outbreak Mission and past experiences of participants. Here’s a consolidation of tips to accomplish the Outbreak Mission and “stay alive” in real life:

    1. Get in the venue early. This is so that you can stretch and perform warm-up exercises, familiarize with the setup and mingle with other runners.

    2. Take care of flags. There are three flags attached to a belt that you wear when running and these flags symbolize your health. When all flags are taken by zombies as you run and do the “patintero” with them, you’re dead. But you can still find life and get back alive, or stay as dead throughout. Either way, you have to run with the group and finish the race.

    3. No weapons are allowed. Whatever is not needed should be left in the baggage area. Bringing heavy materials and weapons (e.g. guns, knives, etc.) is not advisable since they weigh you down and they are prohibited.

    4. Stay hydrated. Water stations are found in every so other kilometer. When you see one, re-hydrating and taking every ounce of water your body needs is key to sustain your energy and catch your breath at the same time. There are no zombies in the water stations; these are “safe zones.”

    5. When all else fail (even when all flags are gone), don’t think. Just run and have fun! Well, you can also walk when there are no zombies. It’s good to rest sometimes or you’ll pass out from over exertion.

    Getting to Know the Zombies

    I had the sweet opportunity to meet some zombies in their make-up room where their faces were being coated, painted and splattered with fake blood, mud and wounds. Their costumes were also creatively done, making them appear sufficiently bloodied and disgusting. These are things I learned about them:

    1. The zombies aren’t real; they’re also humans, FYI. 🙂 But seriously, they looked scary and I was screaming silently at the top of my lungs while running away from them in the Mission.

    2. The zombies auditioned, registered and attended a zombie school. They were not paid to do the job of scaring and chasing survivors, but they actually enrolled themselves to a zombie school where grunting and groaning plus the movements were taught. Tuition costs PHp 1000. Convincing makeup and creepy costumes—all transformation to be zombified—are included.

    3. The zombies cannot harm the runners. While in character, the zombies can shout at runners and perform horrifying actions to add on to the thrill, but they cannot bear-hug, shove or yank people down. They pull flags worn around the runners’ waist.

    4. The zombies are fast runners, too! While some zombies moved laterally and stood only in their position, there are those who ran really fast and came at runners in an aggressive way, thus getting through zombie zones requires a healthy heart. When you think you have passed them, there will be more up ahead!

    5. The zombies are the main attraction in Outbreak Manila, so they must do well. I can imagine that it’s a tough work to run for the flags wave after wave, groups after groups. Being a zombie must be pretty tiring.

    My Key Take-aways from the Outbreak Manila Run

    1. It’s okay to sign up at Outbreak Mission alone. Some people have friends to go with them so they can already form a group of 10-15 members. In my case, I randomly joined a group of friends and was just lucky to find that they’re good people who made sure that everyone in the team was safe and sound. We held hands while walking in the dark and let go when running in zombie zones. So if you don’t have anyone to go with, don’t fret. Eventually, you’ll form friendships in the Outbreak Mission since you don’t have a choice but to stick together to survive.

    2. Dressing like zombies is a good camouflage. Too bad I didn’t prepare a zombie-like costume to wear in the game. Most participants were in sports attire, but a selected few were clad in white with blood stains. I thought they’re cool! They should have applied make-up on their faces, too, so they could more easily pretend that they’re zombies and effectively cut the chase. 🙂

    3. Stay mindful of directions. The map was included in the race kit, and it wasn’t there only as a prop. With tired feet, you would not want to be lost in directions albeit marshalls around the area could be called for help. We maximized the use of the map as a tool to reach the end point faster and to keep track of our current location. Checking the map can also reduce the instances when you verbally ask “Are we there yet?” 😛

    4. The Outbreak Mission was also a mission to preserve history. Aside from bringing to life the participants’ dream of running away from a zombie, they also get to help in preserving The Walled City. Registration fee was PHp 1000 and the proceeds go to Heritage Conservation Society, which is a non-profit organizations that aims to preserve the original structures in our history.

    5. The objective was not to be the first to finish the race but to finish it with whichever path chosen. There’s no need to rush and compete against other racers thus. Survivors (those with at least one red flag) took home a dog tag and bragging rights, while both survivors and non-survivors alike were given loot bags (Outbreak Manila T-shirt and giveaways from sponsors).

    Overall, I had a blast. I hope to join the next Outbreak Mission…maybe as a zombie. Looks fun! 😀

    To know more, check out these Facebook pages: Outbreak Manila Zombies and Outbreak Manila.

  • Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)

    Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)

    Last week, I received a breathless message from The Pickiest Eater in the World, as knowledgeable a food enthusiast as there is here in the metro, and what he said left me in deep excitement: Vikings SM Megamall has opened! I was invited to “conquer” the place and share my experience.

    Well, good God Almighty, I didn’t anymore hesitate and said yes right away. I took a one-day vacation leave from work to have dinner at Vikings SM Megmall last Wednesday. 🙂

    With Marketing Manager, Raquel Bartolome

    In the Philippines, Vikings is one of the most prestigious luxury buffet restaurants, which features over 200 varieties of food abound. While many people already know that, what most might not have observed is that each branch of Vikings has a unique theme that differentiates it to the others. For instance, more than anything, Vikings SM Megamall has an approachable feel, a sense that you aren’t so much in a restaurant as you are in a modern art museum.

    The idea implied is that every dish created by the chefs is a work of art or a masterpiece and that guests can freely “paint their palate” with different “colors” of cuisine on the buffet table. Hmmm…interesting! Now let’s go down to business.

    Review of Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall, Mandaluyong)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Vikings SM Megamall has this unpretentious, unassuming atmosphere filled with artworks everywhere (on the ceiling, wall dividers and fixtures). Colors are vibrant, very kid-friendly and adult-friendly.

    As one who can’t really seem to appreciate art enough, I was stuck at exploring nothing else but food. Anyway, going back to the topic… Like the other Vikings branches in SM North EDSA, SM City Marikina, SM Lanang Premier and SM Mall of Asia By the Bay, this place is very spacious and is able to fit 500+ guests. Seating is plentiful and everything is arranged with care.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Thirty minutes before Vikings SM Megamall allows guests to enter the restaurant for dinner, I stood across the entrance and noticed that there was already a long queue of people waiting to be seated despite that it was a weekday and time was still early for the usual peak of dinner hours. The good thing is that reservations are accepted and walk-in customers can get a number and then wait for it to be displayed on the LED counter while sitting on the couch.

    Customer service in Vikings goes as far as entertaining the guests thoroughly by singing, dancing and throwing out comedic punch lines that are sure to capture the hidden sense of humor in everyone. There are enough walking staffs who are attentive in getting used plates from the tables and following requests of active customers. Attitude-wise, they’re friendly, accommodating and approachable. Filipino hospitality at its best!

    Food: ★★★★★

    As a light eater, it’s impossible for me to taste and eat all the dishes as much as I wanted to. So to maximize my grand dining experience in Vikings, I just took those I haven’t tried yet during my first Vikings encounter (in MOA) and those I really love. Here are my top favorites:

    Japanese sushi, crabs (for the grill) and ebi tempura for me are the perennial must-eats. Everything on the sushi platter looked artful as showpiece and creditable. The tempura was good—moist, crisp, and not greasy. Its batter was pretty thick, not crackly-thin. The crab meat was tender yet the skin retained a nice crunch. Salads which I got from another counter were also properly executed. The magic happened when I dipped the leaves into a brown sauce.

    Next, I had food that were more adventurous than comforting. The freshness of the salmon sashimi cannot be overemphasized; it was not some cheap junk frozen and re-thawed leftover but was the real deal! The baked oysters, which can’t be eaten on a hungry stomach, were a little more down-to-earth and ordinary. The melted cheese on top made the oysters both appetizing and delectable.

    I also motioned to the meat section (steak counter) where Vikings chefs are on standby to cut, grill and cook meat. I had a thin slice of well-done angus beef. It’s a winning choice and pretty filling.

    Moving on to carbs, I requested for black pasta in pesto sauce with pineapples and hotdogs. What’s unique in this branch of Vikings is that they offer homemade pasta on a pasta machine, and customers can choose the ingredients. How cool is that? So not only Vikings has customized Chinese shabu-shabu, Mongolian rice bowl, Japanese ramen, it also has a section for make-your-own pasta and pizza! 😛

    The chocolate fountain and the Filipino native delicacies such as the maja blanca are two desserts I didn’t dare miss. They are pretty conventional but these treats are legitimate; flavors stay bright. The tiny chocolate circles with a cherry on top (pardon me, I didn’t get the name) had a clean, slightly bittersweet chocolate flavor that I’m sure would appeal to all of us who like our chocolate on the 60% cacao and over side. It tasted like high-quality crinkles but softer and tad gooey.

    Ice cream must be the perfect simple desserts anyone could have. Avocado, green tea, coffee, rocky road, mango, bubblegum, sugar-free chocolate cashew and strawberry fields flavors—I had a half scoop of each—because when you commit to ice cream, you might as well go all the way! 🙂

    Actual Food / Plates I Finished 😛

    For the benefit of readers, I’ve created a photo album on Facebook with a “Public” privacy setting so everyone can see the rest of the food pictures in this link.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Across all branches, Vikings is always specific and careful when it comes to its product offerings: fresh quality ingredients, wide choices of international cuisine, high standard of service, food safety and store cleanliness, luxurious ambiance, and security of guests. Places like this remind us that no matter what the concept, it’s the dishes that come out of the kitchen that count. And what comes out of the kitchen at Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant is very good indeed. For that, even if the price places a quite dent in the wallet, I consider Vikings as a great value-for-money eat-all-you-can restaurant.

    Weekday Lunch: Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 188, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 388. Rate for adults is at PHp 688. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount.

    Weekday Dinner: Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 288, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 588. Rate for adults is at PHp 888. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount. 

    Weekend and Holiday Lunch and Dinner: Kids whose height is below 3 feet may eat for free. Those whose height range from 3-4 feet are charged with PHp 388, while those who stand 4-6 feet are charged with PHp 688. Rate for adults is at PHp 1088. Senior citizens (75 years old and above) have 50% discount.

    Vikings reserve a special treat for people celebrating their birthday.     Celebrants may eat for free at Vikings on their actual day of birthday. The catch is that they must be accompanied by one full paying adult and that they must bring with them an original and valid government issued picture ID with birthdate imprinted on it. Also, this promo can’t be used in conjunction with any other in-house discounts or promos.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/vikingssmmegamall” name=”Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant (SM Megamall)” description=”4th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, Bldg. D, SM Megamall, Julio Vargas cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 656-3888, 656-4888, 656-5888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-04-04″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • How to Get Discounts on Best-selling Items Via Lazada-WeChat Partnership

    How to Get Discounts on Best-selling Items Via Lazada-WeChat Partnership

    In every minute and every second of the day, the communications revolution thus far holds a truly higher promise. Hoards of common souls from every country in the world enter public and private chat rooms. With e-commerce booming nowadays, people spend time chatting and sharing about their new sense of enthusiasm and interest on purchasing items posted online.

    Mobile Communication x Online Shopping

    Mobile apps are a great channel that link communication and online shopping together. WeChat happens to be the leading mobile app that realized this innovation. With this application, the chat room becomes an exciting, magical world where users can interact with friends and known contacts, people nearby and also other profiles like brands and companies on a rather more personal level.

    And then, it happened. Brimming with healthy amusements of online shopping, WeChat together with Lazada, the country’s online shopping mall, has teamed up last month. Hundreds of tablets were sold in a couple of hours via the WeChat-Lazada Partnership. Why not? At the discounted promo price of PHp 999, selected users got a tablet and won the best deal out of the cross promotion.

    Lazada’s creative promotional ideas, paired with WeChat’s large number of young users, have received positive feedback particularly for its easy-to-use interface and quick-to-navigate features. For those like me who missed out on the initial hours of the promo, I’ve got good news!

    WeChat and Lazada Partnership Getting Stronger

    This April 2014, Lazada and WeChat bring users an exclusive surprise in line with Lazada’s 2nd anniversary sale. Lazada wants to show their gratitude and appreciation to their loyal customers by rewarding them with substantial discounts on best-selling items.

    The new promotion will give customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite Lazada items through WeChat. This paves way for these two tech giants to develop a digital experience that demonstrably engages end users in a deep way. To get the opportunity to purchase exciting “Best Deals” from Lazada, here’s a tip for you: If you haven’t yet, download WeChat for free, then follow Lazada on WeChat now! Listed below are the steps.

    How to Get Discounts on Best-selling Items Via Lazada-WeChat Partnership

    Steps:

    1. In the search tab, type Lazada_PH.
    2. Follow LazadaPH Official Account.
    3. After following the page, you will receive a message from Lazada_PH.

    4. Click on “View All”, scroll down and click on “Read more”. You will be redirected to Lazada-WeChat tablets page.

    It’s easy to shop at Lazada! You’ll find great prices and even better service.

    About Lazada

    Lazada (http://www.lazada.com.ph/) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns.

    Learn more about Lazada and download the app on iTunes and Google PlayStore.
    Lazada Philippines Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines

    About WeChat

    WeChat envisions and innovates new ways for people to connect, communicate and share. A mobile social communication app designed for smartphone users, WeChat is the world’s fastest growing social app with over 100 million registered accounts internationally.

    WeChat empowers users in fun and dynamic ways by bringing together messaging, social communication and gaming in one seamless, interactive experience, with comprehensive privacy and security settings that can be tailored as needed.

    WeChat is an all-in-one app that enables users to add friends with several innovative features. These include highly convenient and reliable QR code scanning, phonebook and location-based connection services such as “Friend Radar”, “People Nearby” and “Shake.” The platform facilitates social interaction with real-time “Walkie Talkie,” “Voice Call,” and “Video Call.” Supported on data networks and Wi-Fi, WeChat makes it easy to stay connected with friends anywhere, anytime.

    Users can choose to communicate and share photos one-on-one, or within their closed social network through “Moments”. The popular WeChat Sticker Shop has a variety of fun animated emoticons to express any emotion. . Also, with a host of addictive WeChat Games, users can play and challenge their friends on the move, share scores and even find competitors nearby.

    WeChat is available free for download on Nokia X, Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian and Windows operating systems. Learn more about WeChat and download the app at www.wechat.com

  • Review of Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Banzai prides itself as the “biggest teppanyaki buffet restaurant in the world.” Hearing a bold claim like this makes me both skeptical and excited. I knew I gotta check it out! Just in time, together with blogger friends, we had lunch here yesterday.

    Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater in Seaside Boulevard has a colossal area of 1200 square meters and a maximum seating capacity of 300 people. True enough, this place in the vicinity of SM Mall of Asia just beside Buffet 101 is huge! Bringing Little Tokyo in the heart of Metro Manila, Banzai started its course of business last February 2014 and opened two worlds in one go: freshly cooked a la carte and signature Japanese cooking on one hand and unlimited eating on the other. Let’s see how their food has fared on my taste test.

    Review of Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Banzai’s interior design is another one that reminded my sister and me of restaurants we used to design in Restaurant City (Facebook app). If you’re also familiar with the game, you may recall that there are plenty of Japanese-inspired items such as lanterns hanging down from the ceiling, the Japanese room dividers and zen-like plants and indoor decors. Those have great similarity with the items displayed and put together in Banzai Japanese Restaurant.

    Banzai features a modern setup with the following food stations: Teppanyaki, Sushi, Sashimi and Rolls, Pizza, Takoyaki and Kaniyaki, Gohan, Noodles and Ramen, Yakitori and Grill, Tempura and Tonkatsu, Salad, Desserts and Beverages. I liked how organized each is arranged. Each station exuded a unique appeal that separates from the rest. There are some spaces that are intended to be really blank to showcase minimalism.

    There are also functional areas such as the castle, sumo arena, restrooms, cashier, reception, Dotonbori, Nautilus and the trick art gallery where guests can borrow Japanese costumes and pose as a sumo wrestler and/or geisha against the fanciful and playful backdrops.

    Customers may choose where to be seated from the different kinds of seating available across the entire dining room. We preferred seats at the side of energetic walls (lights are turned on at night which give a livelier ambiance).

    Service: ★★★★★

    Banzai prepares food the Japanese way: food are cooked upon request and there’s no warming of dishes. This is not the typical buffet restaurant where food entrees are ready to be taken by the diner from the heated trays. Rather, customers are to select and order food from the selected stations. They may either watch how it’s cooked while engaging with the cooks as they prepare or wait at their table until food is ready to be served.

    If there are way too many people in queue though, I suggest going for the second option. In that case, a number card will be given to the customer, and the staff will deliver the plated food to the table. Cooking time is relatively quick, so there’s no need to worry about long waits.

    I commend the staffs in the stations for being very friendly and accommodating. I’m not speaking for myself alone; as I stood there in the middle of the buffet stations, I also observed how they treated other dining customers. Yup, they’re consistent in giving warm service all throughout.

    What’s even better is that there’s no additional service charge in Banzai. Thumbs up!

    Management Team

    Food: ★★★★★

    Banzai features quite a lot of Japanese food choices. Since I was not able to munch on everything given the time (I had to go back to work immediately for a scheduled meeting) and limited capacity of my digestive system :lol:, I’d just be sharing here a rundown of my favorites.

    First off the bat was the Spicy Tuna Salad. Admittedly, I’m not a salad freak but the combination of salad and tuna plus the mayonnaise in this starter dish tasted like heaven. It can be best compared with the version of Omakase. I declare that this is the Spicy Tuna Salad of my dreams, and maybe of yours as well when you get to try it.

    Next up: okonomiyaki, kaniyaki and takoyaki, which to me pretty much had the same taste, topped with a riot of condiments. Okonomiyaki is like “Japanese pizza,” a thick pancake filled with bits of seafood and vegetables. On the other hand, takoyaki and kaniyaki are made in the form of balls. Still hot from the pan, these balls had me reveling in the fried, battered goodness as they deflated into soft innards, with crabmeat and octopus at the core. The inside remained mostly gooey, while the outside had a little crisp.

    A Japanese restaurant will not be complete without the sushi platter. The sashimi-topped round of rice (tuna and salmon) is quite possibly my single favorite food item in the world, when it comes to Japanese cuisine. And oh yes, I like the tamago sushi as well. The varieties of Banzai’s sushis are nothing special but are also nothing short of savory.

    For teppanyaki, I had ebi, squid and salmon. The freshness and harmony of flavors left me deeply sated. I appreciated the food more as I became witness to the process of preparation. The seafoods’ tastes were amplified with the inclusion of the vinegary, pungent and citrus-flavored ponzu sauce and the chili sauce with sesame edamame. Super yummy!

    Soft drinks, iced tea, juices and iced Milo are available at the Beverages station. Since I dislike soda and synthetic fruit juices, I walked to the coffee machine located at the Desserts section instead and pressed Caramel Macchiato (hot) for a warm coffee boost and a layered taste of deliciousness. The drink was infused with cream, rich caramel and low sugar. I’d like to take this machine home any day. :mrgreen:

    Ah, desserts! Everything was a picture-perfect sight. ♥ The green tea flavor in the Mini Matcha Cake was not too deep or potent. With right amount of bitterness, it played off with the bitter and fruity flavor of the Chocolate Tart which felt light—a reason to follow it up with another…  Much like the green tea cake, the Red Velvet Cake was made with layers divided with lightly sweetened whipped cream. Fluffy and intensely intricate.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    You might not want this for lunch or dinner every day, but as a reasonably priced meal with lots of variety, Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater is one of the best-valued options you can have.

    Lunch rate on a weekday is at PHp 699; dinner rate on a weekday is at PHp 899; and lunch/dinner rate on weekends and public holidays is at PHp 1088. Banzai charges for leftover food though (PHp 1288), so be sure to finish everything you take. Children whose height is below 4.5 feet are charged with PHp 499 each, while those whose height fall below 3.5 feet can enter and eat for free. Birthday celebrants can eat for FREE during their birthday week (3 days before, day of birthday and 3 days after) as long as they’re accompanied by 3 full-paying adults.

    Now, I’m still excited and skeptical—but not anymore on how and why Banzai claims itself as the biggest teppanyaki buffet restaurant in the world, but on how all the food I’ve yet to try (like the various flavors of Japanese ramen and some more teppanyaki) could fit into my stomach in my next visit!

    With hefty, super-filling portion of quality and authentic Japanese food, I can just close my eyes, take a bite and suddenly imagine I’ve made it in Japan. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/BanzaiPH/” name=”Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater” description=”Bldg J, By The bay Leisure Park, Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 09177067328 or 5527368″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-04-01″ user_review=”19″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • How to Get the Best Offer from WeChat and Lazada Philippines

    How to Get the Best Offer from WeChat and Lazada Philippines

    In this generation, the line that separates offline shopping and online shopping begins to blur. The way we communicate and transact sales has dramatically changed. People are more accepting of innovation and change, thanks to the power of e-commerce. Promoting this further, the country’s leading social mobile app, WeChat, ties up with the country’s number one online shopping site, Lazada Philippines, for a great promotion for everyone.

    WeChat & Lazada: A New Way to Connect and Snag a Special Deal

    Lazada Philippines had its 2nd anniversary last March 26, 2014. With this celebratory milestone, the online site wishes to thank its customers for supporting their platform. Straight from their Mobiles & Tablets category, Lazada Philippines is set to roll out discounted Android tablets for 1,000 users who are following their Official Account on WeChat.

    Each chosen user will be able to get hold of the gadget for PHp 999, which is originally priced at PHp 2,499. That’s an incredible deal! Call me a sucker for promotions but I really think that deals like this should not be missed especially if you’re tech junkie. 😛 There are only a few simple steps required. Basically, it’s just to follow Lazada Philippines via their WeChat ID: Lazada_PH and wait for your ID to be selected.

    How to Get the Best Offer from WeChat and Lazada Philippines

    1. In the search tab, type Lazada_PH.

    2. Follow LazadaPH Official Account.

    3. After following the page, you will receive a message from Lazada_PH.

    4. Click on “View All”, scroll down and click on “Read more”. You will be redirected to Lazada-WeChat tablets page.

    Congratulations! You’re done. 🙂

    About WeChat

    WeChat envisions and innovates new ways for people to connect, communicate and share. A mobile social communication app designed for smartphone users, WeChat is the world’s fastest growing social app with over 100 million registered accounts internationally.

    WeChat empowers users in fun and dynamic ways by bringing together messaging, social communication and gaming in one seamless, interactive experience, with comprehensive privacy and security settings that can be tailored as needed.

    WeChat is an all-in-one app that enables users to add friends with several innovative features. These include highly convenient and reliable QR code scanning, phonebook and location-based connection services such as “Hold Together”, “People Nearby” and “Shake.” The platform facilitates social interaction with real-time “Walkie Talkie,” “Voice Call,” and “Video Call.” Supported on data networks and Wi-Fi, WeChat makes it easy to stay connected with friends anywhere, anytime.

    Users can choose to communicate and share photos one-on-one, or within their closed social network through “Moments”. The popular WeChat Sticker Shop has a variety of fun animated emoticons to express any emotion. Also, with a host of addictive WeChat Games, users can play and challenge their friends on the move, share scores and even find competitors nearby.

    WeChat is available free for download on Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian and Windows operating systems.

    Learn more about WeChat and download the app at www.wechat.com
    WeChat Philippines Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/WeChatPH

  • Review of Wham! Burgers (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Review of Wham! Burgers (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    As burger patties slowly crept into the planetary consciousness, everyone wondered whether the meaty slabs of mystical wonderment could sustain a business for long. Plenty of restaurants in Metro Manila answered that question with a resounding, and fatty, yes. Yet those specializing solely on burgers are a counted few. One of them must be Wham! Burgers.

    To give a short background, Wham! Burgers is a gourmet burger restaurant boasting that their burgers are made with only the freshest 1/3 pound PURE BEEF patties. Recently, Wham! Burgers has updated its menu with an explosion of three new burger varieties called the Slider Trio (Cheese Burger, Wham Burger and Bacon Burger) now available in all its branches. We took a taste test last Saturday and saluted the burger-based eatery for the great reinvention.

    Review of Wham! Burgers (SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    Should you find yourself entrenched in SM Mall of Asia feeling hungry at any time, take comfort in knowing that a good burger joint is steps away. Wham! Burgers has a casual and laid-back fastfood ambiance that is ideal for hanging out with friends and just enjoying your own company while passing time.

    The interior design is not overwhelming but rather very neat and simple. Illuminated by lights on the ceiling, this place keeps a bright vibe. The white walls bring some tranquility in contrast to the large WHAM! backdrop. A staircase leads up to the second floor where a small dining area like a loft can also be occupied by customers.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Like any typical fastfood restaurant, customers order and pay at the counter. Orders are delivered on the table with efficient and quick service considering their ground beef cylinders are never frozen and the burger patties are only cooked (with no MSG and complicated ingredients) upon customer order.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    The Slider Trio (Cheese Burger, Wham Burger and Bacon Burger) (PHp 250 for all three) consisted of the same wheel of pure beef patty and burger bun but with different key ingredient such as the bacon and cheese that are fused together in individual burgers. Each of the trio had a beefy, gooey core, hugged by the buns that sop up all the juices. I could not decide which was the best, but I can assure you that the experience of eating any of them would bring a hapless, meaty joy! 🙂 It hits home how good beef does not need condiments. You read it right – catsup, mustard and mayo would feel out of place on this pile.

    Next served was the Whammer (PHp 195), which could just be Wham! Burgers’ trademark burger. It’s a top-rated burger as all the components were perfectly executed, and the burger came out cooked as ordered the first time it came to the table. It was made with 1/3-lb pure beef, charcoal-grilled patty topped with deep fried onion strings, cheese and BLT. The Whammer is one of the tastiest and most creative burgers I’ve encountered. I mean, with this large heap of generous elements in one bite, there’s none that I could ask for.


    If you plan on venturing beyond the patties, Wham! Burgers has a decent selection of sidings. We had the Pepper Poppers (PHp 82), Potato Wedges (PHp 66), French Fries (PHp 73), and Spaghetti Fries (a secret recipe that’s not on the menu but you can order from the counter). The Spaghetti Fries has this sweet Filipino-style spaghetti sauce and also chopped red juicy hotdogs that you’d normally find in spaghetti. The notable difference is that instead of pasta, on top of the sauce, cheese and hotdogs are fries.

    Overall, these four items did not have special taste or texture, but the importance of having good sidings to pair with your burger entree should not be underestimated. Kudos to the golden-brown color, crisp exterior and balanced seasoning.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Aside from the food listed above, we’ve also tried the Brekkie (PHp 200), Kapow (PHp 200) and Bronco (PHp 200) among Wham! Burgers’ featured burger variants. If asked which burger would be worth your hard-earned money, your valuable time, and your true burger devotion, I’d say that whichever you pick lands as perfect answer.

    These burgers have a good price for value since one can fill you up quickly and satisfyingly. If you have a rather small stomach like me, I recommend bringing a friend or someone to share a burger with. The burger size is pretty big and you may not finish it wholly alone. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wham-Burgers/50720010585″ name=”Wham! Burgers” description=”Ground Floor, North Parking Bldg. SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact 556-93-94″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2014-03-26″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

    Other branches:
    #201 Katipunan Ave. Ext. Brgy. Milagrosa, Quezon City | 912-94-26
    SM City North Edsa The Block Level 4 | 422-00-79
    Level-3, Midtown Mall, Robinsons Place Manila | 567-24-23
    Cluster 2, Molito Alabang, Madrigal Ave. cor. Alabang-Zapote Road | 869-89-09

  • Review of 12 Colors Nail Art Polish Varnish Paints Set from Tmart Plus Giveaway!

    Review of 12 Colors Nail Art Polish Varnish Paints Set from Tmart Plus Giveaway!

    Not a day goes by when I don’t see people with cool nails. I really want to try the gel nail polish, but at the same time, I feel apprehensive when it would all go to waste once my nails start to chip. With that said, the best I could try is nail art.

    It was almost a dream come true when I received the 12 Colors Nail Art Polish Varnish Paints Set from Tmart.com. According to the product description, these beautiful polishes are perfect for creating detailed nail art. This kind of nail polish is suitable for professional nail salons and nail art schools. Whoa, I’m not a professional nail art artist but just someone who is open to try new things.

    I followed steps in video tutorials on YouTube, but no matter how clear the instructions were, I still was not able to achieve the perfect stripes, crosses, triangles, polka dots or even the French tip as desired. It was especially hard when using my right hand to apply nail polish on my left hand. After creating smears and smudges, I decided to spend a “little bonding time” with my sister, Leigh. I asked her to apply nail polishes and create nail arts on my nails. In return, I would do the same on her nails, with different designs.

    So, are you ready to see the results of our creativity? 😆 Okay, here you go.

    1. cat; 2. horizontal stripes; 3. chucks; 4. strawberry; 5. random face; 6. panda;
    7. eggplant (our doll named “Talong”); 8. snowy; 9. ladybug; 10. cross

    11. duo; 12. xoxo; 13. cursive “L”; 14. banana face; 15. pirate;
    16. cat; 17. abstract; 18. cherries; 19. fish bone; 20. squeamish smiley

    What do you think? 😛

    By the way, we also used our own (personal) nail polishes at home as base coat:

    Review of 12 Colors Nail Art Polish Varnish Paints Set from Tmart

    The 12 Colors Nail Art Polish Varnish Paints Set, valued at $10.59, includes a glass bottle and a super thin nail art brush, and 12 dazzling colors of shimmering nail polishes (gold, silver, white, black, grey, parrot green, orange, pink, blue, peach, green and baby pink). Net weight per bottle is 10ML and weight is 355g (12.52oz).

    Likes
    1. These polishes give nails a nice subtle burst of glittery effect.
    2. The texture does not make the nail look too plain.
    3. Price is affordable, one that won’t break your beauty budget.

    Dislikes
    1. The nail polishes did not dry up quickly.
    2. The nail polishes have a strong smell that nearly made me hurl. They smell like paint and even if already applied on the nail and I already washed my hands with soap, the smell did not come off easily.
    3. The application was a bit difficult since the polish comes out thick. Too chunky. Too gloppy. We had to be very, very careful.

    Tmart Giveaway

    Tmart.com is a legit online shopping site that sells a variety of products including electronics, computer and networking, cameras an photos, apparel, toys, video games, cell phones and many more. Shipping is fast and free internationally. Customer service is good and communication is efficient.

    Tmart.com guarantees lowest price, safe shopping and free repair warranty. What’s more, if offers 90-day money back guarantee if the product purchased from the site has any problem. In that case, the customer will get a full refund within 24 hours excluding weekends and holidays after confirmation of the issue.

    I’m satisfied with how Tmart shipped the item really fast (like super fast). Plus, shipping is free of charge! So I would like to give everyone the chance to win an item that I like. Hopefully this time, the winner will be pleased with both the product and the service provided by the online shop. The prize for this giveaway is the Women Letter Patter Clutch Bag Messenger Bag Black worth $14.99. It can be used as an exquisite purse or a unique clutch bag to keep your essentials. You can have it for personal use or gift it to a friend.

    This giveaway is open for everyone to join worldwide regardless of nationality. It will run for 20 days, from March 24, 2014 to April 13, 2014. The winner will be contacted via email. If he/she does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected.

    To join, please follow the mechanics on the Rafflecopter below. Note: Follow ALL MANDATORY STEPS to count! 🙂

    a Rafflecopter giveaway