ONE Fighting Championship Stars Open Workout @ Fight Factory BGC - Getting Ready For The Warrior's Way

Mixed Martial Arts fanatics will once again have their fill of intense action as MMA fighters from around Asia, including our homegrown Filipino talent, will once again brawl in the octagon at ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP: WARRIOR'S WAY.

The Official Event Poster

And to prepare for the upcoming event, our Filipino participants first held an open workout session at the Fight Factory, Bonifacio Global City.

Members of the press are eagerly awaiting for the fighters to start their workout.

First to enter the gym is the members of Team Lakay. They include...

• Kevin "The Silencer" Belingon
• Honorio "The Rock" Banario
• Eduard "The Landslide" Folayang

Belingon will face off against Koetsu Okazaki on the Bantamweight division, Banario will take on Herbert Burns on the Featherweight division, and Folayang will go toe-to-toe with Timofey Nastyukhin on the Lightweight division.

Next to enter the ring is former UFC veteran, and one of the well-known MMA heavyweights of today, Brandon Vera. In the event, he will face URCC Heavyweight Champion Igor Subora on the Heavyweight division.

Filipino fans will surely be excited for this fight, because this will not only be Brandon Vera's debut fight in ONE FC, but will also be the first time he will fight on his home country (both his parents are of Filipino blood).

Lastly, Filipina former Women's WBO Super Bantamweight and IBA Super Bantamweight champion Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton will also make his second MMA fight, facing her against Walaa Abbas on the Women's Flyweight division. Her MMA debut was in "ONE FC: Rise of Heroes", in which she defeated Aya-Saeid Saber via TKO.

Catch them, as well as the other Filipino homegrown fighters, on ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP: WARRIOR'S WAY happening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on December 5, 2014, 7:00 P.M. Visit smtickets.com for ticket prices, or you can watch the pay-per-view live streaming at www.onefc.com/livestream.

Special thanks to Ms. Charmaine Cruz for inviting us on this once-in-a-lifetime event, and to my loving nephew Allan Josef G. Gurimbao (picture below with Brandon Vera) for the assist.

My nephew keeps on telling me how excited he is to see Brandon Vera in person. ^_^

MOVIE REVIEW: You're Not You

The people's awareness to the disorder known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has been increasing recently, thanks to social media. And today, the big screen is now playing a part in spreading even more information about it.

YOU'RE NOT YOU is an American drama film which is based on the novel of the same name. It chronicles the story of Kate (Hilary Swank), a classical pianist whose life is turned upside down after being diagnosed with ALS, and Bec (Emmy Rossum), a college student who is hired by Kate's husband Evan (Josh Duhamel), in order to take care of her. Together, Kate and Bec brave on the challenges of the real world, as well as bring out the best in each other while moving along.

While the main idea of the movie is to promote awareness for ALS,it does so effectively. It has a healthy amount of touching moments that will make audiences feel for the entire movie. Hilary Swank's performance as Kate is probably one of the greatest highlights of the movie, in that she projects the condition of an actual ALS patient extremely well.

Overall, the movie succeeds in delivering its message to the audience well, without being too clichéd. It's a compelling tale about the real struggles of ALS patients around who are seeking help from normal people like us. At the same time, it also reminds us how any one person, be it an old or a new friend, can completely change our lives for the better.

You're Not You will open in theaters nationwide on November 26, 2014. If you want to know more about ALS, and how you can help, www.als.net is the place to go.

SPECIAL THANKS: Marcie Linao

Independent Rapper D-COY Talks About New Studio Album

Influential rapper/musician D-COY announced on his recent press conference about his new album.

The press conference, which was held at Steak Plus Grill, Thomas Morato, Quezon City, talks about how enthusiastic D-COY is about the new album, and how he's excited about it after being under the limelight for so long.

Me with D-COY

D-COY has been active in the hip hop industry for over 15 years. He started with his former group, Madd Poets, releasing one album under it. Since going solo, he has enjoyed steady success with two albums, as well as numerous collaborations with several top figures in the music industry. Some of his collaobrations include Jamir (Slapshock), Mally Paraguya (P.O.T.'S Former Bassist), and numerous others.

In the mainstream industry, he's well known for composing "Pambansang Kamao", a song that is dedicated to the People's Champ, Manny Pacquaio. In addition, he's also earned many awards, including Music Video of the Year at PMPC Star Awards for Music (for “Pambansang Kamao”), Best Hip Hop/ Urban Solo at the Asia Voice Independent Music Awards (AVIMA), and others.

He also has his own music label, WIKA Records, which aims to build new rap artists. He also has his own clothing line, WIKA Clothing, in partnership with BLUED.

D-COY with the press in attendance.

Today, he is set to release his third studio album, entitled "Agimat". Due out in December, the album contains two carrier singles, his own rendition of the classic from Asin, "Usok", and an original composition titled "Bebeloves".

D-COY performing a sample of his singles from his new album, "Agimat".

For more information on D-COY'S new album, release dates, as well as schedules of gigs and tours, subscribe to his official social media accounts.

Like on Facebook : Facebook.com/DCoyOfficial
Follow on Twitter: Twitter.com/dcoyofficial
Subscribe to YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/DcoyOfficial

My Leann's Tea House-Korean Casual Dining Experience

 

This is my very first Korean restaurant experience. I haven't really been to one until now. I've been used to eating Italian food, but never Korean because I didn't liked spicy foods before. It's a pleasure to be given the chance to try a different cuisine. I must say Leann's gave me the impression that Koreans are very good in preparing healthy and delicious food. Just like Japanese, they were very particular with the way food are presented in a palatable way.

Leann's Tea House is a newly opened Korean restaurant run by a family of food connoisseurs. It all started when one of the daughters of the Chua family, Jaclyn married Youngbae Park. Not long after they were married, the Chua family visted Korea and tasted the amazing flavors of Korea had to offer.They were amazed as the food served was not only delicious but also healthy. They also got to taste the different kinds of teas in Korea that are not typically found locally. This is when they got the idea of opening up a Korean restaurant/ Tea house in the Philippines. As they were thinking of the concept of opening a resaturant/tea house, Jaclyn Park got pregnant and gave birth to Leann park,  the first baby in both Chua and the Park family. Both families were overjoyed and decided to name their restaurant/tea house after Leann. They opened their restaurant on April 5, 2014, they developed their menu based on the Park's treasured family recipes. Their goal is to serve Korean food and Teas to locals at an affortable price but with great quality.

Leann's Tea House offers a variety of food ranging from grilled meat, Kimbaps ( rice rolls), Ramen to Jjigae( soup). their best seller is their LA Galbias well as the Tonkatsu Kimbap. What makes the Tonkatsu Kimbap unique is that it is not your usual Kimbap, it is wrapped in breaded pork and deep fried to perfection.

We were served withwhat they call banchan--which for the non-Korean food fans are better known as appetizers. These are vegetable side dishes which Koreans are used to before they proceed to eat their main meal. It includes Kimchi (which Koreans have been known for), Lettuce salad, potato salad, bean sprouts.

The set of Korean Banchan-Kimchi, bean sprouts, lettuce salad, and potato salad.

The side dishes enhances the flavor of our main meals. It's basically a treat for vegetarians. I loved the Japchae (glass noodles with mixed veggies). I thought it tasted like Filipino's favorite pancit bihon, but I was wrong. I liked its texture and play of colors and flavors. It tasted sweet and had bits of sesame seeds on it.

Japchae-Korean Glass Noodle in sweet sauce

 Other appetizers served were Ojiinguh Bokkeum (Spicy Squid) and Fried Mandu (Fried Dumplings) which were equally tasty. Even if you're not a fan of spices, I can assure you that you will be enjoying something from Leann's, there will always be something that will capture your fancy.

Spicy Squid

Fried Mandu (fried dumplings)

The fried mandu is similar to Japanese Gyoza. Made from flour based wrapper, it had pork and ginger fillings. I really enjoyed eating them because they are crunchy on the outside yet still moist inside. Leann's best selling dish is called Tonkatsu Kimbap--Deep fried rice roll wrapped in breaded pork. It is served with a rich and sweet sauce. An order consists of ten rolls, good enough to be shared by two people. Seeing this now makes me crave for it. The photo alone makes me hungry. 

Tonkatsu Kimbap-Leann"s all-time best seller

Bibimbap with Gochujang paste (chili soy paste)

For meat lovers or carnivorous, I highly recommend Leann's L.A. Galbi (barbecue high grade beef short ribs)--it's truly a salivator. Spicy Daeji Gui (Spicy Pork Barbecue), Sweet Dak Gui (Sweet Pork Barbecue) are also a must try.

    While you're at Leann's, also try the Samgyeopsal (pork belly), and Woosamyup (Beef Belly). You dare not to miss them because they're made of high grade quality meat.

Spicy Chicken

Samgyupsal and meat grilling

I do not consider myself as a seafood lover but you might want to try Leann's Seafood Doenjang Jjgae- it's made from a variety of sea bounties with soy bean based soup. The marriage of shrimp and crab is so yummy! It tasted so divine that I have asked for a second serving.

Seafood Soup is perfect on a rainy day.

To cap off our meal, Leann's had made us try their assortment of Dessert Tea: Honey jujube tea, Honey Citron tea, and Honey Ginger tea. They are perfect to cleanse your palate. Among those I have tried, I loved their Honey Jujube because it tasted like sweet tea with honey. 

Red Ginseng, Omija, Green Tea and Black Tea.

Come and visit Leann's Tea House located at 105 Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City. You could also follow them on Instagram via @leannsteahouse and Like their Facebook Page.

 

You can find Leann's Tea House at 105-R Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City. You may also contact them through landine at 411-89-02


facebook page: leannsteahouse
Instagram: leannsteahouse
Email address: leansteahouse@gmail.com

My "Me-Time" with Bioessence's Urban Escape Spa Massage

 To start with, this is not my first time in availing services from them.  I went there several times for a facial and Swedish massage, I must say  I'm contented and satisfied with their services. I liked that the staff were friendly (which is very important to me since they are the ones who would literally touch my body) the place is comforting with piped in soothing music.  Music has a significant effect in our minds and physical being, hearing something that matches what you're doing on that moment may or may not affect you bit it does a lot for me. Its one of those things Bioessence knows and were very good in choosing the music to play so the customers can really have a relaxing time.

Going back to my relaxing experience with them, I could honestly say that they are one of the best beauty and wellness  treatment  that I had. First with basic facial, its one hour treatment where in they would remove all the dirt and grime including blackheads with very gentle hands. I love the way they do it, compared to others ( which I won’t mention anymore) you can barely notice that they’re doing “total cleaning” in your face since you can’t feel the pressure, they do it so gentle you just thought  that touching your face seems to lull you to sleep.( nice diba??!!.)Secondly my Swedish experience. I must admit it was the first time I had that treatment. Its a one hour finger pressure to the parts of your body that is susceptible to stress, i.e. shoulders, lower back, hands and feet. Ahhh, the feeling after the treatment was heaven!All the body pains and little aches was gone, I’m definitely satisfied with their services. 

And lastly my Urban Escape Spa Pampering Massage. This treatment was just launched and I was amongst  the lucky ones (from the exclusive bloggers event) to try it. Its an hour and a half treatment where they would pamper you with a luxurious and relaxing massage. To briefly describe the process. First,they would ask you what kind of healing oil would you like them to use, you actually have 3 choices: lavender, peppermint  and orange. I tried the lavender one since its my favourite scent and lavender oils has known for its calming effect. Then they would soak your feet  with lukewarm water and oils. After that process you will be ask if you want to take a sauna bath (and this is of course optional)...and then..the Magic begins..they will start pampering all the parts of your body with your chosen oils. It is actually the same as the Shiatsu massage but the difference is they are going to use basalt or volcanic stone that is known for its natural healing properties. As I was being massaged with the basalt stone, I was a bit disturbed by the burning sensation on my back, I realized that the stone was a bit too hot for my skin. I thought, is it really necessary to tolerate the hot rock stone for soothing and healing of the tired muscles?Anyway, I just bear the heat and prayed at the same time that my skin would not be slightly burned . For someone like me, it's something really something new--I haven't tried basalt stone in my entire life, until this moment. So after a while, my body seemed to get used to the stone's temperature. The thing was I should have been asked first if the heat of the stone is manageable for me( or for the other customers as well).The overall Urban Escape Spa Pampering massage was awesome! For me, it was the best Bioessence massage I've ever had!!! Capping off the said massage was the serving of either a cup of Zen style hot tea or an iced tea... You would really feel so pampered in every little way. Looking forward to have magical massage with them again very soon.....

For more info on Bioessence or any of its treatments, call or text 0918-8-BEAUTY (232889) or call (02) 376.7106 

Follow Bioessence on Twitter @BioessencePH and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BioessenceCorporatePage.

Bioessence West Avenue Branch is located at #68 Carbal Bldg. West Avenue, Q.C.

Bioessence has branches at SM Megamall, Greenhills Shoppesville, Connecticut Greenhills, LPL Condominium Makati, Binondo, SM Fairview, Sta. Lucia Cainta, SM Bacoor, SM Southmall, SM Pampanga, SM Baguio.