Nestle Fitnesse - 14 Days to Show off Your Shape

Ever wanted to raid a certified fashionista’s closet? Or have you ever wanted to strut the streets of Manila wearing a Hermes, Rhett Eala, Michi Calica, Religioso, Kate Torralba,Jun Escario, Chanel, or 7 for All Mankind?



You know you want to and in 14-days, these could all happen to you -- if you win in NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, that is.

Here, fashion and fitness come together to give style mavens a crack at their dream ensemble— handpicked by the country’s top fashion editors no less—while getting in tip-top shape. “This is the first of its kind in the country,” says Myra Garcia, Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestle Fitnesse. “After all, there’s no better motivation than walking the streets of Manila while looking fashionably fit.”

Editors Pick the Ultimate Wardrobe



Dress by Michi Calica

“ For the prizes in NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, we found out what some of the country’s most stylish people want to have in their closets,” shares Myra Garcia, Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestle Fitnesse . “And in doing so, we were able to shortlist what’s arguably the most coveted designer wardrobe to hit Manila.”

Dona Cuna Pita, for example, believes Chanel to be a true fashionista must-have saying that the iconic designer “blazed the trail for all female high-fashion designers.” On the local front, Kate Torralba and Rhett Eala emerged to be among the top favorites. “Her quirky dresses and colorful palettes make you feel like a Barbie doll. I can almost swear they come with invisible heels that make you feel like you’re 5’11,” quips Isabel Roces about designer Kate Torralba. On the other hand, Rissa Mananquil describes Rhett Eala as “fashion’s big innovator, thinker and provocateur.”

Jenni Epperson, Joyce Fernandez, Audrey Carpio, Bianca Consunji and Pauline Juan are the other top mavens that Nestle Fitnesse consulted in assembling the Ultimate Wardrobe.

14 Days to Fitness and Fashion

So what do you have to do to get a crack at Manila’s most coveted designer wardrobe?

Simply form a team of 2-8 members, and using Nestle Fitnesse’s 14-day meal plan, everyone in the team has to lose at least 2 pounds in 2 weeks. “No, 2 pounds is not that daunting, it only needs a few diet tweaks,” quips Myra Garcia. She explains that participants only need to replace breakfast and one of the main meals – either lunch or dinner--for 2 weeks. She adds that to exercise as well as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and low-fat, carbohydrate rich foods is the best way to complement the 14-day regimen.

And as part of the challenge, participants also need to chronicle their 14-day regimen via an online “fitness diary” accessed at www.fitnesse-14days.com . The Top 10 most popular FITNESSE 14-day diaries will make it into finals.

The Nestle Fitnesse 14 Days to Show off Your Shape will kick off on November 14, Saturday, 9am, with the voting period lasting from November 15 to December 3, 2009. And as adjudged by Manila’s top style icons the winners will be announced on December 10, 2009 in a special fashion show.

“People who’ll join this challenge will have nothing to lose but pounds,” jests Myra Garcia. “Not only do they win the fashionista closet of their dreams, but they walk away with health tips, tweaks and tricks during their 14-day challenge and continue on living a healthier, fitter and a more runway-ready lifestyle.”

For more information about Nestle Fitnesse’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, please log on to www.fitnesse-14days.com

The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet

No matter how high or low your stress levels are, a relaxing time at the spa is always a good idea for health and body. And if you want to experience pampering in another level other than just a shower and a full body massage, turn to The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet.


jacuzzi and shared room

It was my first time to try The Spa. One reason being their prices are a bit steeper than the normal spas I frequent. Yet, after walking in and trying most of their facilities - I know I was getting my money's worth. The service I tried is a combination massage which is around Php 820. Once you enter, you will be able to enjoy the following:

1. Jacuzzi
2. Sauna
3. Hot or Cold Shower

Of course they had me at the Jacuzzi which was spacious, filled with fresh water, and the lighting was relaxing already. When using the Jacuzzi, you'll have to take it all off and as courtesy to other users, you must shower before getting in :)

The Spa has lots of fresh warm towels for your use, and you also get complimentary drinks before or after your treatment. I would choose a non-private room which is quiet cheaper than a private one. Ladies and gentlemen have two separate areas so there is no fuss in sharing the massage rooms with ladies. Yet, when I visited The Spa - I had no companions in the shared massage area. I wanted to take photos but for the privacy of other users, taking photos is discouraged especially in the jacuzzi area.


The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet

If you have spare time and cash, The Spa is really quiet an experience. From the ambiance, to the cleanliness of everything - you'll feel you are getting a massage service inside your hotel room. They have everything from hair dryers, lotions, powder, and even the latest copies of your favorite fashion magazines. A must-try for any lady looking to relax and unwind to a whole new level!

Style Scene: Choco Lava Launch

At Kaya Korean Restaurant, I had the first taste of the newest chocolate drink endorsed by John Lloyd - Choco Lava. Surprisingly, the Choco Lava was served cold but it was as creamy as hot chocolate. According to John Lloyd who was across my table, Choco Lava is fat free and can be enjoyed without the guilt. Zero grams of fat and only 80 calories per serving :)


John Lloyd doesn't want to get fat!

“I hardly ever took chocolate beverages because they’re too fattening… but with Choco Lava, I now have a choice. I can enjoy a chocolate drink na hindi ako magsisisi in the end.” I also have to note how fresh John Lloyd looks this time, better than the last time I saw him. Maybe chocolate makes him happy?


Chele and Ginny of Stratworks

Trying out Choco Lava in style are other members of the press, friends from Stratworks, and fans of Mr. Choco Lava himself.


Choco Lava-holics

According to the Choco Lava team, the drink is really meant to be served cold as it can go with anything that way. It's a good treat during lunch breaks or to signal your relaxing me time at home.



Yet, I tried Choco Lava hot and it is just as good. Especially on rainy days, it's a guilt-free chocolatey activity for a happy midnight snack!

Seven Confessions

Dress from Seven Confessions available at The Ramp.

Shiny and metallic are in, with the return of sequined dresses and skirts. For a more subtle and versatile look, be on the look out for semi-silky fabrics. I like fabrics with cottony feel but with a silky look. These fall perfectly on your body giving you a flattering ensemble while leaving you comfortable :)

Jozu Kin - Sushi for the Metro Crowd

In a not so busy circle of Global City at the Fort, Jozu Kin attracts hungry and young sushi lovers looking for a place to chill. Hip music and beats are alive inside Jozu Kin, contrasting with their classy interiors that shed soft lighting, perfect for winding down or a romantic night cap.



The restaurant has two floors, both presenting a comfy laid-back ambiance. Spacious seating were occupied by yuppies matching their favorite sushi with a cold beer, families celebrating, and lovers sharing some exotic dish.


Start fresh with a traditional Kani Salad


Matsusaka Gyu, more delicate than Wagyu

Come as you are at Jozu Kin but when it comes to food, things begin to be Iron Chef serious. Foie Gras, Matsusaka Beef, Salmon topped with Oysters - just a few of Chef Jayme Natividad's (who worked side by side with Mario Batalli) creation at Jozu Kin, Japanese Gold.


Sushi in a Cone overflowing with fresh fish roe


Pan Seared Foie Gras

At Jozu Kin, they are never fully satisfied and every staff is looking to be better. Even when they can already come up with these artful plating of over the top Japanese food.


Fresh, tender and juicy Tempura

All menu items get the special master treatment and at different price points from Php 175 to Php 2,000 (for steak meals), every one is sure to pick, eat, and adore something.


An interesting must try: Ushi Ebi Sunburst

The best way to enjoy food at Jozu Kin is to order interesting menu items to share. Each item is a sure conversation starter from the way they are presented to their unexpected texture and flavors. Jozu Kin's menu pushes you to become more adventurous when it comes to food, after all that would make your night even more memorable than just ordering your usual California roll.


Tartufo Hotate is pan seared scallop with asparagus shitake mushroom and truffled brown butter



Personally, I am dying to come back to Jozu Kin as each menu item looks like a must-try. They have unique stock of fresh seafood and meat waiting to be served and devoured. Weekday or weekend, it's always a great time to experience Jozu Kin at Global City for yourself. Go now go!

Floral on Top

Been watching floral layered skirts sashaying their beauty on the streets. I especially like tiered ones that are available in Mango and Topshop. But how about trying floral on top rather than bottom?


This floral top is vintage and belonged to my sister Joni. During the 90's, she and my mom shopped for her college clothes and this was one of them.

It has the same "fresh" simple effect which is more adorable in loose fabrics rather than fitting ones. You can do black + floral if you don't want to look that jolly. Just can't get enough of black.

Bib Necklaces at The Ramp

Visited the Ramp yesterday for a quickie shopping fix and spotted these:


Embellished humongous bib necklaces at The Ramp

They also have shoulder pins that can be attached to your jackets for a Michael Jackson feel, really!


To die for!

Yet, one can easily create her own bib necklace with materials from fabric stores. The embellishments are also available in sewing supply stores, Divisoria maybe? I am torn between buying or just making but at Php 1,200 - if you have extra money to spare then you can grab any of these bib necklaces.


Dresses on Sale from The Ramp

Wear them with plain colored shirts or dresses. Imagine how many old pieces you can make new with a single piece. Oh how we love fashion! :)

Style Scene: Globe Tattoo's YOUniverse

The party scene inside Globe Tattoo's Micro YOUniverse


rocker boy + party girl

At the Market Market, Globe Tattoo simulated a micro-universe inhabited by four cool looking models. By using Globe Tattoo, everyone could command the models to do anything (anything except nasty)! Simply it showed how one can easily send SMS via laptops using the Globe Tattoo Kit aka the USB modem.


Menxhie and Vanie

Especially now when you load Php 30, you get unlimited texts for the day. I've tried this and it is amazing how you can send and receive texts from friends both via your notebook or mobile phone.


Jet Valle

Trying out the Globe Micro YOUniverse were Globe's head honchos, bloggers, and members of the press.


Last two on the right, Manny and Mari of Globe


Alette, Veca and Me


Gameops People

The activity area also featured tech and gaming booths showcasing the latest games and mobile phones. Including the new Modu phone and the new Modu jackets.



Stay tuned for the next Globe event coming your way :)

Losing Weight with Tuna

First off, a healthy disclaimer - the following are my personal ways of losing weight by consuming a healthy amount of tuna. Before using the information below, seek your doctor's approval :)


The sexiest stays sexy with San Marino Tuna

Tuna is packed with protein, a 150g serving can contain up to 6-9 grams. This is about a cup of tuna which are readily available in can. Protein as a muscle builder, makes it easier to lose weight because more muscles mean more calories burned per activity. Tuna also has less calories at around 60 calories per serving compared to other protein sources like meat. Personally, the more tuna I consume, the less I crave other types of food like sweets or desserts. It satisfies the stomach quickly and is digested periodically by the stomach.

Here are ways to lose weight with tuna:


1. Quick Tuna Sandwich in the morning - if you want to go fast and easy, grab an egg - separate the whites and pour it in a microwave safe bowl. Add your desired amount of tuna, dash a bit of pepper and salt. Pop it in the microwave in low for about a minute. Scrape the egg which would now have the tuna in it in a round shape. Place in between wheat bread and enjoy!

2. Replace rice with tuna - there are tuna variants without any flavor and you can replace rice with a cup of tuna. Consume your viand as usual, as you would with rice. This will lessen your carb intake while increasing your protein sources.

3. Or, eat your rice with tuna - if you simply cannot fathom giving up rice, mixing it with protein such as tuna will already make it healthier. The proper serving of rice is no more than a cup. There are tasty canned tuna that goes well with rice such as the new corned tuna by San Marino. San Marino corned tuna also comes in chili flavor which is more enjoyable to eat than just plain tuna. The Omega 3 content of San Marino corned tuna is 390mg more which will help in preventing heart disease and heart attacks. I find that San Marino tuna also has less oil and simply more tuna in every can.


Stock up and eat straight from the can!

Eat your tuna after a rigorous activity or exercise, your muscles will absorb them even faster for ultimate muscle building and calorie burning power.

Style Scene: Launch of Samsung LED HDTV - WiFi Enabled

If you haven't noticed yet, all televisions in Oakwood Hotel are from Samsung. It's just right for a real top of the line and first-class experience. Inside one of Oakwood's premiere rooms, StyleandRelax.net experienced first hand how the new Samsung LED TVs can give a totally new meaning for personal and family entertainment.




Simulating a normal home, the Samsung LED TVs were positioned in the activity area, bedrooms, and even inside bathrooms! It is very easy to imagine owning an LED TV as technological as this.


Marko's super proud of the Samsung LED TV beside him

The new Samsung LED TV has built in WiFi which means you can enjoy YouTube videos directly on your LED TV. No need to boot up your notebooks or computers, simply lounge around your bed as you enjoy your favorite videos straight from the interwebtubes.


Samsung's Angels: Jene, Amby, and Jan



You can also enjoy movies directly from the USB 2.0 port or load pre-installed contents from the Samsung LED TV. The content library includes fun media such as a digital cookbook (ala cooking mama), games for kids and adults, music, and more. Additional content are free to download from the Samsung website.



The bigger the better! Ask about Samsung's Price Revolution in your favorite appliance center. The world's numebr one is within your reach (with freebies and special promos for every purchase!)

Of course, the world looks different inside the Samsung LED TV with ultra high definition, clear, and smooth motions. It simply gives a totally new experience in gaming and entertainment.