"Ma, gusto ko mag-kape!"
Have you ever wondered how I was coffee-drunk every exam way back college days? Or let us break it into these words, "How coffee-fueled me survive those days?"

This is the real me. Coffee drunk Accountancy-Blogger student paving its way every 5:30 AM just to get into the school bus for a free ride. I can survive a day without a meal. But, I can't function well without a coffee. (Wag gayahin haha)

I believe that I have tasted more than 50 kinds of coffee LOL. And maybe my opinions can be considered as a legit review. If I say, "it's good", "it's okay" and "I'll be back tonight for another cup."I can prove you that I am telling some honest reviews (LOL)
Becoming a mother is my coffee-blood's heartache. Imagine that I have not sipped even just a few milliliters for NINE MONTHS during my pregnancy. I have never wanted a mug of coffee just like how I wanted a few hours after I gave birth to Nana.

A SIP OF BO's COFFEE's HISTORY

( from the left) Mr and Mrs Liu Mr Jose Villa Abrille Llamas and Mr Steve Benitez Benitez

DAVAO's COFFEE BUSINESS BLOOMING 

As I watch this city growing, it has become a melting pot of businesses and investors. And what makes me exciting are the coffee shops making its way to this peaceful urban city.

One of this coffee shops I want to invite you and sit with me is the newest branch of Bo's Coffee.
Located inside one of the city's most popular subdivisions, Bo's Coffee's new baby is strategically located at The Compound, Tulip Drive, Juna Subdivision Davao City.

What makes this branch different and a must-visit shop?

Well... I am giving you some beautiful points to consider chilling and having conversation is best here.

LOOK AT THOSE CEILINGS!

• The interior design is 100% AWESOME. I promise you, ladies and gentlemen. This place is aesthetic and something to be proud of. Why? The ceiling, walls, fixtures, and furniture depict the Davao Region and some of its symbolism.
• Their coffee are produced from different regions here in our country. Coffee tastes like heaven to me, and this cafe gives me Cloud 9. (Oh that is not an exaggeration!)
  
  
  
  
• So, what happens if their coffee beans are sourced out from the localities? This shows the beans are from the local growers, local farmers and they are FILIPINOS!
  
• AND TRIVIA: THEY ARE SERVING YOU DELICIOUS BREAKFAST MEALS! Why not pair your fresh brewed coffee with a platter of eggs, bacon and toasted bread! (I am hungry while writing this hahaha) PLUS PASTA AND MANY MORE!! ( You must Visit!!)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

THE LATEST COFFEE SHOP UNVEILS

Ms Samantha Liu, franchisee of Bo's Coffee

REVIEW: "I'LL BE BACK FOR ANOTHER CUP!"

BOTTOMLINE

All-Natural Korean Skincare brand “So Natural” Launched in the Philippines

BEAUTY INDUSTRY IN PH and So Natural

The beauty industry is thriving this year, most especially in the Philippines. With so many beauty brands coming into the market this year, more and more consumers want something natural and effective. Customers are more specific on what they want and are more knowledgeable about how to maintain their skin. With that, Korean Beauty, more widely known as K-Beauty is very popular in the Philippines as it focuses more on a healthier skin regimen using only ingredients derived from nature.


And this is why natural Korean skincare brand “So Natural” is launching in the Philippines. So Natural was founded in 2007, a beauty company that sells their products exclusively online. So Natural focuses on intensive research and product development as well as providing great and effective products for their customers.

So Natural believes in strengthening the natural properties of our skin, inspired by nature and formulated carefully. So Natural believes in the philosophy of healthy, beautiful skin is best achieved through using products that are gentle to our skin.

So Natural features 4 beauty lines that everyone should look out for.

● So’natural – Highly functional, dermatological based line
● the pure – The purest line in naturalism
● powder 4 room – creative and unique make-up line

As So Natural launches in the Philippines, here are the best-selling products that are definitely recommended for you.

FACIAL DESIGN PINK MUD MASK

Out with the toxins and in with the baby smooth skin finish. Create a fresh and youthful skin with this mud mask. Take out sebum, dirt and toxins in one go. It includes activated volcanic ash and a blend of plant extracts. It detoxifies and cleanses the skin as well as providing hydration and a nutrient boost for a clear and radiant skin.


CENTELLA ASIATICA OINTMENT
It is the highest level of Centella Asiatica 1% that effectively soothes and calms the skin. It also help rejuvenate wounded skin and also serves as powerful micro-thin defense membrane on the skin surface to protect it from external stressors and diminish scars.

ALL KILL BLACKHEAD NOSE STICK

Stop pricking and start swiping away those blackheads with the All Kill Blackhead Nose Stick. It contains charcoal powder and yellow cleansing grains containing silica and vitamins that reduces blackheads and whitehead while making your skin smooth and clear.

ALL DAY TIGHT MAKEUP SETTING FIXER

Stay fresh all day with smooth and smear-free make-up with the All Day Tight Makeup Setting Fixer. It helps makeup stay put on skin and has perfect coverage using a fine mist. It’s also enriched with lemon, tea tree, centella asiatica extract that will help make your makeup look more refreshing and hydrated.

You probably heard how "mean" is a big bad wolf in every fairy tale story. But, this one can be the favorite wolf of them all. And I am very sure you are going to let them in your house!

The first time I heard about this sale was last year. I thought it is just a big library with books inside and a couple of bookworms who just pick and pay the books they love to read at home. 
I actually went to last year's event. I just bought a few books for my daughter who is only two years old then since we came late (a day before the closing!) And what I have witnessed is totally different. 
It is a DOME full of BOOKS!!

The Humble Beginnings

So, this year, I am fortunate to join the Media Conference! It feels like I just hit the combinations in the lottery! (Yes! Exaggerated!)

We met and heard Ms. Jacqueline Ng, the Co-Owner of The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale. She humbly told her story with us. Her small beginnings, how she was inspired by books, and how this initiative came into a reality. Her dedication, and also with his husband's help is uncomparable. She always aims to share knowledge and experience by sharing these books with every people of any age.

Augmented Reality Technology Books for your Kiddos!

“The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale travels globally and has explored four cities in the Philippines so far including Manila, Davao, Cebu and Pampanga. It has been amazing to see droves of people, young and old, come together for the love of books. With last year’s turnout, we’re excited to see more Davaoeños at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale this year and hopefully we are able to continuously instill and create a love for reading. Through the enthusiastic welcome that we have received, it is heartwarming to see that Filipinos are looking forward to attending our Book Sale again in Davao this year,” said Jacqueline Ng, Co-Founder of the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale."

And what are the other reasons that make me love this  #BBWSale more? They partnered with Gawad Kalinga to extend their vision and reach more readers and citizens.

Ms Jacqueline Ng and Mr Harvey Maraguinot

"The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale also advocates a number of charities through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the Red Readerhood (RRH) that enables readers to give the best to the least. In the Philippines, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale works with Gawad Kalinga, as they reach out to communities in the country by giving back and helping to make a difference in every place they visit. Sharing the same advocacy with the Sale, Gawad Kalinga has been working with The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in promoting literacy, reaching out to children and adults, and sharing with them the joys and benefits of reading, as both organizations believe that reading is meant for all. During the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Davao 2018, 2111 books were donated to various villages, home and elementary schools in Patag, Misuhumey, Pegalongan, and Dumalogdog. In 2019, the initiative has continued on by collecting 13, 679 books in Manila, Pampanga and Cebu. This year in Davao, the collected books will be distributed to Sibol Villarica, Sibol Cogon, Sibol San Nicolas, Sibol Mahayag, Sibol Medsa in hopes of spreading knowledge to the children there. To kick start the donations, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale will be pledging 500 books."

Mr. Harvey Maraguinot from Gawad Kalinga joined us last November 7, 2019, for a Media Conference. He was asked how this partnership going and the significance of this to the people of the GK Community. His response is all positive. In fact, we have seen the video on the screen depicting how the community works. The beneficiaries, the livelihood programs they are running, and the children are obviously fueled by books. These books given to the community is not just a small library but a source of literacy, fun, and learnings not only to kids but also to adults!

“Gawad Kalinga partners with institutions or individuals that can inspire the young to dream and build a poverty-free nation. A future full of hope! The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is one of those big businesses with a big heart. They make great books available and accessible to every Filipino especially the poor. This is a cause worth venturing into at a cost that is affordable for everyone,” said Harvey Maraguinot, Movement Building Head of Gawad Kalinga."

What 's New With This Year's #BBWSaleDavao?

 Are you familiar with Augmented Reality books? We actually do have few here as my daughter loves books too!

These books are "magic." I was actually mesmerized the first time I saw how it works! Funny it may seem. But, how can you make those pictures move? How can you make this a reality?

"The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale will once again be bringing the Magical Books with Augmented Reality (AR) technology to the Book Sale. These books aim to assist in a child’s learning and development as they are able to interact, read, play and learn using its cutting-edge technology to revolutionize reading for young ones. Included among this category are classics such as ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and eight new titles such as ‘ABC Fun with Mickey’ and ‘123 Counting Fun with Mickey’.

Me and My 1st Haul! LOL!

Let me give simple instructions to play and read with these AR Books!

1. Download the App (in Google Play or App Store) "Hippo Magic."
2. Just follow the simple instructions on the screen. (Including downloading the stories with the same title of  your AR Books)
3. Scan the hippo! 
4. VOILA! You can now enjoy reading and playing!

AR Demonstration

This works like a breeze! And another idea to bond with your kid! Not all of the pages comes with the hippo icon to scan. Why? It helps you and your kid to interact more. Learning must be two-way! My daughter loves tracing the numbers and letters and tickling the little pig!

And of course, who will forgot the 50%-90% OFF recommended retails price just for you! This event will showcase more than last year's 150,000 books! This year's 11 days of book spree will start this coming November 22 and ends this December 2, 2019, at the Enderun Tent, Azuela Cove, in Davao City!

"Avid readers can expect multiple genres that include fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and premium titles at the Book Sale. Visitors can enjoy browsing through the wide selection of fiction titles, which includes literature, thriller, romance, and young adults. Numerous genres such as music, self-help, architecture, biographies and many more will cater to everyone’s needs and allow people to pick up new books they’ve never tried before. The children’s books, which includes activity books, pop-up books, picture books, coloring books and audio books will leave parents spoilt for choice and encourages them to create a love for reading from a young age."

I can't wait for this year's #BBWSaleDavao! This will be going to be WOLFsome!


PS I noticed that they're running numerous games since their announcement came out! And they are generous enough to share FREE PASSES for November 21! (Premiere Mennnn!!! Hoot hoot!)

Check out their pages here :
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines/
Instagram: @bbwbooksph
Website: https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/