NATIONAL BOOK STORE READ OUT LOUD CHALLENGE

"Reading not only is as essential as breathing, but just as I have experienced, it will lead to many exciting passages marked with success." ~Socorro "Nanay Coring" Ramos, Founder of National Book Store and an advocate for literacy

For the past years i grew up sneaking inside National Book Store just to read few pages and had written down some lines and inspirational quotes from different books. I remember during my high school years my favorite National Book Store branch was at Megamall, I could barely stay there the whole free time i got. Well, way back I couldn't afford to buy the books i really wanted to read if i'll only rely on my allowance but as i grew old I came to realize that i got lots of collections of books (from inspirational, entrepreneur, up to the latest pockbooks, etc).

Socorro "Nanay Coring" Ramos

Founder of National Book Store and an advocate for literacy

I am rich with books yes and I am rich with the privilege of reading them. Books have their own unique effect on each individual. When I get to hold books in my hands and flip through its pages, words enchant me, opening my minds to new experiences even if I am just reading it. 

There are books that inform and educate people, from general facts about life to how to cook exotic dishes. There are also books that take you on exciting adventures, scare you through thrilling feats, and of course, books that make you feel all kinds of love – even the unimaginable. 

Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a book and adding it to your bookshelf, knowing that you’ve been changed by what you read. While there may be thousands of books published out there, some just stick with us and are worth sharing with the rest of the world.

Spreading the love for reading among Filipinos is at the core of National Book Store (NBS).  This year, the country’s favorite book store is celebrating 75 years of creating a growing nation of readers and being a strong advocate for education. I just can't imagine it has been 75 years long since National Book Store was established and I am not even born yet not even my parents.

As part of the festivities, National Book Store (NBS) recently launched the Read Out Loud Challenge (ROLC) on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to promote the love of reading among Filipinos while supporting a good cause. The mechanics are simple. Post a video of yourself reading out loud an excerpt from your favorite book and challenge 3 other people to do it. When you upload to either Facebook or Instagram, add the hashtag #ReadOutLoudChallenge and tag National Book Store (@nbsalert).

For every 75 videos posted, the NBS Foundation will set up a library in an public school, complete with Project Aklat racks that consists of DepEd-approved books. Project Aklat is an initiative started back in 2006 by the NBS Foundation, and 400 libraries have been set up since then. Now, with the ongoing ROLC campaign, NBS aims to set up 100 libraries nationwide. 

Benguet Camilo Lucaben

With such a worthy cause, it’s no surprise that celebrities, authors, and social media influencers have taken on the ROLC.  Leading them is no less than the founder of NBS and an advocate for literacy, Mrs. Socorro Ramos or Nanay Coring, as she is fondly called.  

 2015 Project Aral Gen P. Del Rosario

Itbayat Central School Batanes

While the ROLC will promote and support Project Aklat, the NBS Foundation will also launch the 8th year of Project Aral this April 7,2017 in all NBS branches nationwide. Project Aral aims to visit and help over 150 communities who lack basic school necessities. That’s why in this year’s Project Aral, there will be two different kits: The first kit which costs only 25 pesos contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser. The second kit costs 50 pesos and  contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, and a pair of slippers – a great gift for children who currently have to make their way to school barefoot. But whatever kit you purchase will surely bring a smile to many Filipino children. 

These are just a few of the activities in store for Filipinos as part of National Book Store’s 75th anniversary. There will be more to come, but for now, celebrate with NBS by accepting the Read Out Loud Challenge to spread the love for reading and help set up libraries nationwide. Time to bring your favorite lines to life! Shop online at nationalbookstore.com. Visit the NBS Blog (blog.nationalbookstore.com) and follow them on social media (@nbsalert) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. 

"Read a book and you'll find yourself travelling for a lifetime"

LAST HURRAH For The Lazada 5th Birthday Sale!

It's everyones last day to enjoy big discounts and shopping moments at Lazada. So enjoy the big discounts while it last!

Lazada's Birthday Sale is only until today, March 23. And in case you've missed it, March 23, Lazada is offering FREE Delivery in Metro Manila and CALABARZON without any minimum purchase requirement! Nonetheless, Lazada offers CASH ON DELIVERY and FREE DELIVERY NATIONWIDE as well.

More importantly, here is a rundown of DEALS from electronics, health and beauty, fashion, and lifestyle that are just SO GOOD you'll feel bad if you missed it!

TECHIES

• Summer is coming up so you'll be staying more outdoors. While you're on the run, best to keep with you the W8 Ultra HD Sports Action Camera which only costs Php1,199.00. With that low price, you're getting a WI-FI action camera capable of preserving your memories into 4K videos! The JBL Go portable bluetooth speaker is also perfect for you! For only Php988.00, you get to bring music with you whether you're on top of a mountain or enjoying the waves in the beach. It also has a speaker phone function and comes in 8 vibrant colors. Laptops anyone? Lenovo Ideapad 100S-11-IBY, an 11.6-inch laptop running on Windows 10 with a 2GB RAM is available for only Php6,999.00. That's a LENOVO laptop for only Php6,999.00! How about a smartphone? Here's the O+ Crunch for only Php1,495.00. For that low price, you are getting a dual sim smartphone with a 4.5-inch display running on Android 5.1 and with an 8GB storage expandable up to 32GB. Lastly, we're having the Sony PlayStation 4 Slim for only Php13,499.00. You can try going around checking every store but you can't find a PlayStation 4 set (of course it comes with a controller) cheaper than this! 

BEAUTY JUNKIES

• One word - LIPSTICK! It's a lipstick party with amazing offers from L'Oreal ad NYX! L'Oreal Paris just launched their Rouge Magique line of lipsticks and all 15 shades are in Lazada with a 30% discount. For only Php280.00, be one of the first to try out the Rouge Magique which hits offline stores in April for Php400.00. NYX on the other hand offers a BUY 1 TAKE 1 promo for their lipstick and lip cream. Check out  

NYX Corset and Baby Doll Lingerie Lipstick bundle offered at Php490.00 or the NYX Transylvania and Madrid Soft Matte Lip Cream bundle for only Php360.00.

FASHIONISTAS

Daniel Wellington's popularity is on the rise but until tomorrow, Lazada is keeping its prices low. So low you can have your Daniel Wellington Watch for only Php2,799.00! With different variants for men and women, get to choose between classic designs such as Sheffield, Suffolk, St. Mawes, Somerset, Bristol, and St. Andrews. When it comes to backpacks, Jansport is the top of mind and it will not fail your expectations during Lazada's Birthday Sale. Jansport Superbreak backpacks will be on sale for only Php1,555.00 until tomorrow, a 22% discount from its retail price. And for jet-setters who travels in style, Delsey is your genie offering the 55cm Delsey Eole cabin trolley for only Php2,699.00 and if you need a bigger space, the 67cm Delsey 4-wheels Extendo 3 Epansion trolley is on sale for only Php3,709.00, a 70% discount from it's SRP of 12,550!

HOMEBODIES

Summer is coming so escape the summer heat with the Matrix 0.6 HP Window Type Air Conditioner for only Php4,999.00. Also, since it rains less often, it's also the perfect time to do some renovations. The Bosch GSB 550 Impact Drill Electrician's Kit is the electrician's best friend and could be your perfect companion too. Execute your home improvement plans this summer for only Php1,999.00. Make every meal a feast with the Caribbean CTB-2005 Turbo Broiler. For only Php1,199.00, you can start preparing those extra special chicken or turkey dishes! And finally, here's the deal you just can't miss - the Nestle Lazada Anniversary Sale Pack! For only Php555.00, you are getting 1x 1KG Nestle Bear Brand Adult Plus, 24x 25g Nestea Kiwi Lemon Blend Litro Pack, 24x 25g Nesfruta Guyabano Litro, and 6x 200ml Nescafe Caramel Macchiato.

The Lazada Birthday Sale in only until March 23 so avail of these amazing offers before the sale is over. Shop with Lazada and enjoy an effortless shopping experience. Cash on delivery and free delivery is available nationwide and you don't even need to create an account in order to purchase!

HEY SUGAR WAXING SALON VLOG CONTEST

WIN PHP 10,000.00 CASH! 

Just by uploading a video or vlog on youtube!

Promo Mechanics:

1. To join the contest, visit Hey Sugar Waxing Salon branch near you. 
2. Try any of our threading and waxing services and create a Video Blog (Vlog).
3. The participant should take a video of his/ herself while trying out the service. 
4. Registration forms are available in all Hey Sugar branches nationwide. The participant should fill out the registration form with the following complete details: Full name, address, contact number,and e-mail address.
5. Burn your video in a CD, put inside a brown envelope along with your registration sheet. Submit it in a Hey Sugar branch near you. All entries will be delivered to the main office of Hey Sugar (4th Flr, GC Corporate Plaza Legaspi St. Legaspi Village Makati City) on April 10, 2017.
6. Video duration should be minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 3 minutes only. The video should be in mp4/mpeg/mov/avi format.
7. Contest runs from March 18 –April 9, 2017. Deadline for submission of entries is on April 9, 2017; 11:59PM
8. Determination of winners will be held on April 14, 2017; 3pm at Hey Sugar head office, 4/F GC Corporate Plaza, Legazpi St., Legazpi Village, Makati City.  DTI Representative will be present during the judging and determination of winners. Names of the judges are: Arvin Amaro, Marketing Department Head, Glaiza Agbayani, Digital, PR and Events Manager and Giselle Gawaran, Brand Officer.
9. Only (1) one winner will be determined to win P10,000.00 cash prize.
10. The winner will be notified through a call and registered mail for instructions on how they can claim their prize. The winner must present his/her registered notice and at least two (2) valid IDs (SSS, Driver’s License, Passport, TIN ID or Company ID). Winner’s name will also be posted in all of Hey Sugar’s social media accounts.
11. Redemption period is good until 60 days from receipt of notification. Prize can be claimed at your chosen Hey Sugar branch. Unclaimed prize shall be forfeited with prior DTI approval.
12. Employees of Nailaholics, Vivere Salon, French Tips, Sports Barbers, Hey Sugar, Maxwax and Ooh La Lash including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the raffle promo.
13. Participants should agree to be featured in promotion-related publicity.

Criteria For Judging:

Creativity - 40%

• This is the overall concept and story line. 
• Participants must be able to show the
• service performed to them and feature the interiors of the store.

Content    30%

• This is the overall script. The participant should be
• able to describe their experience while trying out
• Hey Sugar’s services.

Editing   30%

• This is how the video is edited. Sequencing,
• background music, sound effects, and cut-to-cut
• editing style.

TOTAL: 100%

LAZADA'S DOLCE GUSTO 5TH BIRTHDAY SALE!

With discounts on products across  all categories, everyone is sure to enjoy browsing their website or mobile app to check out the best offers the Birthday Sale has to offer.

One of the brands which came up with an irresistible offer is Nescafe. Coffee lovers will be delighted to know that during the 3-day sale from March 21 to 23, Nescafe Dolce Gusto will be offering a free coffee machine for a minimum purchase of 8 boxes of coffee capsules. For only P3,400, one can get not only 8 boxes of assorted coffee capsules but also a FREE Nescafe Dolce Gusto Oblo Machine. On the other hand, a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mini-Me Machine will come for free for every purchase of 10 boxes of assorted coffee capsules and a purchase of 12 boxes comes with a free Dolce Gusto Genio 2 Machine. The 10-box assorted coffee capsule package with a free Dolce Gusto Mini-Me Machine is priced at P4,250 while the 12-box coffee capsule pack with a free Dolce Gusto Genio 2 Machine will only cost P5,100.

Lazada affiliate bloggers had the chance to check out the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mini-Me Machine during the unboxing event held on March 16. The compact and automatic coffee machine would look good in any kitchen counter with its modern design. Not only does the machine allow you to choose on whether you want your beverage hot or cold; it also allows the user, through its Play and Select function, to create the perfect coffee for himself.

Operating the machine is very easy. During the unboxing, the machine was tested with the Chococino capsules. Chocochino is prepared with two capsules, one containing pure premium chocolate and the other with whole milk. Simply turn on the machine and once the light indicator turns green, the machine can start its work. The capsule with chocolate was slid in first followed by the capsule containing milk. Each capsule indicates a number of bars which needs to be selected through the Play and Select function. The machine automatically stops at the right moment and an aromatic beverage is ready to be enjoyed!

Making beverages is fun and easy with the Dolce Gusto coffee machines. And with a vast selection of beverages, from Espresso, to Cappuccino, hot chocolate and even teas, each coffee machine will be a good kitchen companion day and night. What are you waiting for? Getting your Dolce Gusto coffee machine can never be more effortless with Lazada offering not only CASH ON DELIVERY but also FREE DELIVERY.  This offer is only available for 3 days so make sure that you grab this limited offer. Lazada's Birthday Sale runs from March 21 to 23 so check out Lazada.com.ph to see thousands of discounted products.

LAZADA'S MOMS AND DADS- NIDO AND MAMYPOKO DEALS 5TH BIRTHDAY SALE!

Lazada's Birthday Sale is not only for  tech enthusiasts and beauty junkies, but for moms and dads as well. Nestle and MamyPoko will both be offering discounts on their products during the Birthday Sale which runs from March 21 to March 23, 2017.

It will all start at midnight of March 21 with Nestle offering a 10% discount on Nestle Nido 3 + Pre-School Powdered Milk Drink With Free Storage Box 1.6kg. From it's original price of P770, it will be priced lower at P693. Another Nestle product which will be having a 10% discount is the the 3-Pack 50g Nestle Cerelac Nutripuffs Banana & Orange which is priced down at P201. Nido FortiChoco and Nido Fortigrow will also both get a 10% price reduction during the 3-day sale. The set of 6 Nido FortiChoco 150g-pack will only cost P679 while the set of 6 Nido Fortigrow 160g-pack will be priced at P757.

MamyPoko will be offering discounts of up to 50% off starting midnight of March 21. At 40% discount, MamyPoko Extra Dry Diaper Newborn, Pack of 28+2 will be priced at P181. MamyPoko Easy to Wear Diaper Panta Medium 20's, Pack of 6, on the other hand, will only cost P507. That's less than P4.25 pesos for every diaper! On top of these flash sale products, MamyPoko will be applying a 30% discount on many of its products for the 3-day sale as well so make sure that you visit the MamyPoko website.

Many more brands for your kids will go on sale during the 3-day Birthday Sale. Philips Avent Baby bottles will go on flash sale at midnight of March 22 with a 38% discount as well as a Chicco Sterilizer  offered at 62% off on March 22. Visit Lazada.com.ph to check out Lazada's amazing deals for all of its product categories. Lazada offers both CASH ON DELIVERY as well as FREE DELIVERY so shopping is effortless especially for parents who have limited time to go shopping outside for their children's needs.

LAZADA'S BEAUTY HAUL 5TH BIRTHDAY SALE!

Beauty junkies will definitely have a feast with amazing offers from L'Oreal, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever. With discounts of up to 70%, everyone is sure to haul amazing products from these brands during the 3-day sale!

L'Oreal will exclusively launch the L'oreal Paris Color Riche Rouge Magique with Lazada on March 21 with an introductory price of P280, 30% off of its retail price of P400 once it hits offline shelves in April. L'Oreal Paris Excellence Fashion Hair Color will be priced 50% less at P199 while the L'Oreal Micellar Water Refreshing at P157, 30% off of its retail price. On the other hand, Maybelline will have all 15 shades of its Maybelline Powder Matte Lipstick at P149 from its original price of P299.

Olay will also be offering up to 41% discount during the 3-day sale. Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment 15ml will go on sale for only P999, a 41% discount from its original price of P1,699. The price of its bestselling Olay Night Ritual will also be reduced by 33% and will go on sale for only P999.

Unilever's Pond's, Dove and Simple will cut its prices by up to 30%. The 200ml Simple Micellar Water which originally costs P499 will be priced down to P349 by midnight of March 21st. Dove Hair Treatment Vitamin Capsules Intense Repair will also go on sale for only P56 from it's retail price of P75. For those who want to get rid of their wrinkles, Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream is the perfect companion and they'd be more delighted to know that it will be priced at only P604 during the 3-day sale instead of it's SRP of P725.

Lastly, Nivea will be offering a crazy discount of 70% on it's shower gels. Originally priced at 224, Nivea Bath's 6 variants will be available through flash sale for only P68 scheduled on Thursday, March 23, 6AM.

What are you waiting for? Mark your calendars because Lazada's Birthday Sale is here! Lazada offers CASH ON DELIVERY and FREE DELIVERY so getting these beauty must-haves to your doorsteps is as effortless as possible! Hurry! The Birthday Sale runs for 3 days from March 21 to 23.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

LAZADA'S BOX OF JOY 5TH BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!

It’s the event that only comes once a year! On MARCH 21 to 23, we can't wait to treat you with a surprise that's better than cake!

The Box of Joy is becoming Lazada's staple treat to its affiliate bloggers during campaign season. It initially started back in 2016 for the yearly Online Revolution and this year's Birthday Sale saw the comeback of the Box of Joy. Previously, the contents of the box are primarily goods from the FMCG sector. While this year's Box of Joy is still dominated by FMCG, we're already seeing new additions from categories such as watches, and electronics accessories.

Colgate and Palmolive have been supporting the Box of Joy since the beginning and this year is no exception. This year's ColPal haul includes Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection Great Regular Flavor Anti-Cavity Family Toothpaste, Plax Ice Infinity, Palmolive Aloe Vera Shampoo & Conditioner, Palmolive Naturals Body Wash, Palmolive Naturals WHITE + MILK soap, Gard Charcoal Shampoo, and Tender Care Talk Pink Soft. Colgate is also launching a scholarship promo starting April 3 for its Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection Great Regular Flavor Anti-Cavity Family Toothpaste and there will be 2,500 winners of scholarships, and other prizes once the promo ends.

From Unilever, Dove's Deeply Nourishing Body Wash and Hair Therapy - Hair Fall Rescue as well as Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner are included in the box. Tresemme Platinum Strength Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Spray Gift Set will go on sale from March 21 to 23 for only P249, a 42% discount from it's price SRP of P429. As for Procter & Gamble, Pantene Hair Fall Control Intensive Conditioner have been shared to affiliate bloggers. P&G will be having a promo price on its bestselling Olay Night Ritual which will go on sale for only P999.

There's also stronger support from merchants selling products from other categories. Merchant Sunsonic Electronic Plaza has given away an Awei Micro USB Cable for Smartphones and merchant Anything Under the  Sun gave away classic and trendy Tempus watches. Hopefully with Lazada's ever-growing partners base, more and more brands and merchants will support the Box of Joy project in the future.

The Lazada Birthday Sale runs from March 21 to 23 with products on flash sale available all throughout the day. Make sure that you visit Lazada.com.ph during the campaign and enjoy these amazing discounts from Lazada and its partners. Remember that Lazada offers CASH ON DELIVERY and FREE DELIVERY to ensure the customers' effortless shopping experience.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

PHILIPPINES NEXT TOP MODEL 2017: A Fiercer Cycle 2

"Wanna be on top?"

I love watching reality shows I had been a fan and follower of "Americas Next Top Model" since Season 1 and up to the present, on which Tyra Banks was the host. So when i get to know that there will be like of it last year i was like OMG.... Now Filipina Women gets a chance to boost and showcase what women of the Philippines are also good at...

Philippines’ Next Top Model is a Filipino reality competition which premiered 13 March 2007. The series was a local version of America's Next Top Model and previously aired by Radio Philippines Network. The show did not continue for a second series.In late 2016, the show confirmed that it would be returning in 2017 on TV5. Format Each episode of PNTM covers weekly events, and features a fashion challenge, photoshoots and judgement panel before elimination of one or more contestants. During the first series, the show introduced "Ruffa-text" instead the usual Mail in ANTM - Tyra Mail, among others. ''Top Model Philippines'' In late 2012, ETC announced a second local Top Model adaptation, called Top Model Philippines. The network announced that model Sarah Meier-Albano would be the host and head judge, model-turned-photographer Sean Armenta would serve as the resident photographer and judge, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo would be the model mentor and would also sit as a judge. Former America's Next Top Model producer Michael Carandang was announced as the Creative Director for photo shoots. The international destination for the first cycle was to be London.However, in June 2013, the management of Solar Entertainment, owner of the ETC channel, announced that the production of the show was suspended citing delays and timing concerns as the primary reason for the cancellation. ''Philippines' Next Top Model: High Street'' In mid-2016, TV5 released promotional campaigns announcing open casting calls for Philippines' Next Top Model: High Street, the third incarnation of the franchise in the Philippines. Castings were held in Baguio, Mandaluyong, Cebu, and Davao in January 2017. Television star and fashion model Maggie Wilson will host the series.

Runways, go-sees, dashing outfits and a little bit of drama are just a few of what’s in store for you as Philippines’ Next Top Model (PNTM) Cycle 2 graces your TV screens. But before making its way into your homes, PNTM rocked its media launch, the only way it should – through a fab fashion show. 

The launch, held at a place brimming with fashion –  Bonifacio High Street – served as a walk-through of what is in-store for the newest season of PNTM: the awesome host, amazing judges, and of course, the fierce contestants.

The launch was graced by none other than PNTM Cycle 2 host Maggie Wilson-Consunji, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas World in the 43rd Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She was the Philippines’ representative to the 57th Miss World pageant. More than just a pretty face, Maggie recently won the Amazing Race Asia, a competition of brains, wit and physical strength, where only the best come out on top. 

This season’s panel of judges which includes: 

PNTM Cycle 2 host Maggie Wilson-Consunji, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas World in the 43rd Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She was the Philippines’ representative to the 57th Miss World pageant. More than just a pretty face, Maggie recently won the Amazing Race Asia, a competition of brains, wit and physical strength, where only the best come out on top.

PMAP President, Rapha Kiefer, who was named Best Model of the World Philippines 2003 and MTV Fashionista-Best Model of the World Philippines 2004.  With a 12-year modeling career in Asia, he surely knows what to look for in a top model and he can bring out the best in the PNTM contestants.

Meg Magazine editor-in-chief, Rain Dagala. Aside from being at the helm of the country’s best fashion magazine, Rain is also a stylist to many of the local celebrities. His unique eye for fashion will surely be a plus as he guides the contestants to top model status.

Miss International titleholder Kylie Verzosa, who serves as the mentor of the contestants. On the show, the model contestants will definitely learn a thing or two from Kylie.  Aside from being a beauty queen, she is also an active member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and has done various fashion and beauty spreads in different publications. She is also an advocate for depression and suicide awareness. Talk about beauty, brains and a golden heart.

Of course, PNTM Cycle 2 is all about the new batch of contestants who are ready to embrace the realness of the modeling world. At their premiere walk as PNTM contestants, they strutted in different ensembles: Swimwear by Wear Sandy Cheeks, ready to wear clothes from Basic Movement by Esme Palaganas, Athleisure by designer Kaye Morales, High Fashion clothes by Pat Santos. Aside from the voguish clothes, the model contestants also had their Oppo Smartphones to complete their fashionable looks. 

After getting a load of gorgeous people and marvelous outfits during the fashion show, guest DJs kicked off the event socials and had everyone partying away! 

About AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company. The executive producers are Ken Mok (“Making the Band”), Tyra Banks, Dana Gabrion, Paul Buscemi and Jaimie Glasson Pergament. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. Currently, “America’s Next Top Model” is under license in over 100 markets around the world and has 20 international versions in production. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are licensed internationally by CBS Studios International.