Christmas Gift Ideas for all at the 2018 Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone

 

Every year, you promise yourself you won’t wait till the last minute to do your holiday shopping. But once again, Christmas is getting closer and you haven’t even started. Before you enter a crazy shopping frenzy, check out the 2018 Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone. You’ll find everything you need with time to spare, and your gifts will be met with beaming faces.

 

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) celebrates Christmas by bringing top-of-the-line products to our Filipino friends. The Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone will showcase awesome brands and gadgets in time for your Christmas shopping, offering you effortless, first-class shopping for your loved ones.

 

The event is being held at Glorietta 2-Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati, November 30 – December 2, 2018. It will feature four exciting zones including: ICT and Gaming, Smart Mobility, Smart Home, and Health and Leisure. A total of 38 Taiwanese tech companies will present over 90 premium products. With such variety, you won’t run out of gift ideas!

 

The ICT and Gaming booth will showcase everything from rigs, consoles, mainframes, and accessories, serving to boost businesses and provide entertainment. TAITRA will also display cutting-edge devices from tech giant ASUSTeK Computer Inc., offering the ROG Zephyrus M laptop powered by 8th Generation Intel®, the industry’s most advanced processor for computers ensuring fast and seamless laptop performance. In addition, ADATA Technology Co. Ltd. will showcase its HD710 Pro,which takes external hard drive durability to the next level. It’s equipped with a triple-layered protective material to ensure it withstands destructive shocks resulting from falling on the floor.

 

New trends and all-terrain adaptability will take center stage at the smart mobility station. Tern Junni Industries will exhibit military-grade, trailblazing products that are specially designed to conquer rugged conditions, such as the Tern Verge D9.This small-wheeled bike is equipped with a polished quill stem, leather grips, and classic silver crankset that makes it a stylish mobility device. Meanwhile, mall-goers will be able to check out Kymco Philippines Inc.’s Super z 150i’s modern dashboard, hooks, and front and rear box compartments.

 

TAITRA is also redefining the Filipino household through its lineup of Smart Home devices including Tatung Co.’s detachable cook pots, which have ferro-carbon technology that avoids damage from dust, weight, and heat.

 

Lastly, the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone will offer its visitors firsthand experience of Taiwan’s health and leisure products.Johnson Health Tech. Phil. Inc.‘sstylish yet functional treadmills –Citta, Elite, and Elliptical –are thoughtfully designed to provide 19 workout programs that include a half-marathon feature. Additionally, Tokuyo Biotech International Co. Ltd.’ssleek and powerful Fancy 2 massage chairsand Departure International Co. Ltd.’shigh-impact resistant and lightweight multipurpose luggagewill also be on display.

 

In parallel to the Experience Zone, the three-day activity will also feature fashion shows, dance performances, and stage games. Upon entry, guests will be given an opportunity to join a raffle as well as receive a shopping pass with discounts from tech brands such as Tern, Johnson, Kingmax, Saeko, and Tatung.

 

Also, watch out for young artists including Darren Espanto, Julie Ann San Jose, and Inigo Pascual who will join us to entertain our crowds, while performances from chorale groups will welcome the spirit of Christmas.

 

The Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone will celebrate Christmas and provide consumers with a vast array of devices to give their loved ones. Admission is free. For more information, please visit taiwanexcellence.org, or like our Taiwan Excellence Facebook page.

Moved to Margabanaga.com !

Hi Ya’ll I finally made the leap! WIll try to post more consistently on margabanaga.com

LAZY MEAL PREP RECIPE

Meal prepping plays such a big role if you want to live a healthy lifestyle. If you prepare your meals in advance, you are less likely to cheat. For this week I opted to make  simple yet tasty dishes.

I decided to change my recipe a bit from my usual  grilled chicken brown rice combo. Bought Turkey Sausage from SnR and wanted to pair it up with kamote and veggies and honey garlic shrimp with broccoli and brown rice.

Also bought fruits that I had cut and placed in tupperwares so I have snacks for when I’m hungry! You must always prepare snacks as well to avoid binging on bad food.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

– 1/4 cup of Organic  soy sauce
-2 cloves of minced garlic
– 1/3 cup of Honey or Agave Sugar
– 1 teaspoon minced ginger ( optional )
-half a kilo of  uncooked shrimp
– pinch of salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together  the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger  in a bowl.

2. Add shrimp in a ziploc and place half of the marinade in. Refrigerate for an hour to marinate.

3. Add olive oil in skillet. Cook shrimp on one side — for a minute each then flip shrimp over.

4.Add in remaining marinade.

5.Serve shrimp with sauce over brown rice and vegetables on the side.

You can watch the video here:

Tomorrow is NOT guaranteed. Go after what you want right NOW.

I’ve been really depressed and frustrated with myself. Somehow I always end up back  where I started.  Every year,  I gain weight lose weight then gain it back again.  It’s a vicious cycle. A cycle I no longer want to be a part of.

I really really want to pursue fitness and nutrition.  I love the feeling of being able to help and inspire other people to live healthier lives . Friends and even random strangers messaging and sending thank you letters and gifts to me  for helping them out with their own fitness journey.

Last February, I lost about 15 pounds in  8 weeks. I was planning to quit my job that time to pursue my dream. My end goal is to become a registered personal trainer and a nutritionist.  I decided to stay at my job with the promise that I could still pursue what I am most passionate about. After a few weeks though, the workload piled up again and all my time that should have been spent meal prepping, exercising and working towards my goals ended in the opposite direction. I gained all the weight back, even more.

At this point in my life, I  turned into such a negative person. My negativity affecting my relationships with friends, family and loved ones. Not wanting to see anyone as I am not confident with myself. Not being able to look a person in the eye as well. I turned to food for comfort and exercise no longer existed in my daily routine.

Four months ago, I started to notice a bit of discomfort in my chest. I didn’t mind this at first as I thought it was just part of my menstrual cycle. Recently, I noticed a distinct pain in my left chest and felt a lump but I thought nothing of it.  I went to the breast center in Medical City last Saturday to have an ultrasound done. The doctor conducting the test looked  concerned with that specific area and she did verify that there was a mass present in my left breast. I started to cry ( I tried to be as discreet as possible).  Results were to come out in 2 days. Those two days were spent worrying about how my life could change by Monday. I thought of every possibly scenario. “Is this Cancer? Am I going to die? ”  I am diagnosed with Panic Anxiety so you can just imagine what went on in my head.  Luckily my results said probably Benign. I’m okay.

Initially I was planning to leave my job by 2018 and to start working towards my dreams then. Something I realized is this: Tomorrow is NOT guaranteed. Go after what you want right NOW.

Maybe finding that cyst was a sign from God to remind me of what I really wanted to do. I am currently trying to find that balance. If it is important to me I need to make time for it. I’ve decided for the time that I will still be working ( planning to resign by Q4 of this year ) I need to be selfish and make time for myself.  I need to give myself a cut off with work and spend my mornings and after work hours focusing on my goals. No more excuses. And even if this is the nth time I’m starting over again, I’m not giving up!

 

Braving The City: #IAmUrbanBrave

Life was a whole lot simpler when we were younger, don’t you think? We didn’t have to worry about bills, deadlines, and I don’t even remember being bothered by Manila’s traffic when I was a kid. School wasn’t stressful (in fact, it was fun!), and the worst consequence that one may have for being naughty was not being allowed to watch your favorite show on TV.

I spent most of my childhood in Manila, so I guess you can say that I’m an urban girl. I never knew what growing up in the province is like, but speaking for myself, I can say that spending my childhood in the city isn’t so bad either. The city is my own urban jungle. And if there’s one thing that city life has taught me, it’s that in order to face life’s challenges head-on, I have to be BRAVE.

“Braving the city” is something that I do every day. Facing the toughness of morning commute, and braving crowded streets is something that I have learned to accept and embrace. But the challenges don’t end at work – travelling, working-out, or even staying stylish already requires so much effort when you’re an urban girl like me! Living in the city has taught me that in order for you to survive and stand-out in the urban landscape, you have to be equipped with the right gear to help you get through the day.

For my urban must-haves, Urbanize has become my go-to store. They handle different kinds of brands and products designed to provide support for the urban millennial. I’m the kind of person who wears many hats, and I’m glad that Urbanize has something to offer for every role I have!

Marga, the Business Class Urbanite:

If there’s one thing about Urbanize that I truly love, it’s their bags! They offer a lot of upscale brands like Thule, Cabin Zero, and Pacsafe, which are perfect those like me who commute every day. The one that I have and bring with me to work is the Urbanize briefcase. It’s convenient for my everyday work items because it’s spacious, and even has a special place for my laptop!

Pacsafe bags also merit a special mention, because what other bag keeps you confident about not losing your prized possessions in the city? Pacsafe sports anti-theft and even tracking features to their products, so you would have less things to worry about when travelling in the city.

Marga, the Urban Jetsetter

The moment I saw the Cabin Zero backpack, I knew that I must have it for my travels. It’s huge enough for my travel essentials, yet perfectly-sized for carry-on luggage in planes! I’ve also tried it on, and it fits snug and comfy too!

Marga, the Sporty Hipster

If you’ve been a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that I try my best to stay fit and active. I’ve been regularly working out and did a little bit of boxing too – all to meet my desired fitness level one day. Doing all those cardio and intense workout can be tough, so it’s important to stay hydrated. The Artiart Suction Bottle is my work-out buddy. Keeps me hydrated without having to worry about unnecessary spillage!

Marga, the Modern Dapper

Prioritizing function doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice fashion. What I love about Urbanize’ brands is that not only are they functional, they are stylish too! One of my favorite trendy items, is the Tablet Holder by Elecom. It has lots of pockets for my gadgets, yet it has that modern style that won’t ruin your overall OOTD.

If you’re also an Urbanite Millennial like me who bravely takes on the different facets of urban life, then I’m sure you’ll also learn to love Urbanize like I did. But don’t just take my word for it – visit an Urbanize store near you to check their products for yourself!

Urbanize PH

• https://www.urbanize.com.ph/
• https://www.facebook.com/urbanizeph/

My Gamiss.com Top Favorites!

For some reason, I am attracted to floral prints and to bomber jackets.I chanced upon gamiss.com the other day and found a lot of items I wanted to get! Here are my top picks:

1.Velvet Embroidered Bomber Jacket

I love hunting for unique pieces. The Velvet embroidered bomber jacket from Gamiss caught my eye in an instant! You can rock this with a black dress inside or with a top + jean combo! I also love the peacock blue color.

2. Flutter Sleeve Embroidered Patches Romper

 

Rompers are my go-to favorites. For a night out, you can wear this with heels and for a more casual look it would be perfect with sandals.

3. ACTIVE LEGGINGS

Because I workout pretty often, leggings are a must have for me! I go boxing every morning and a variety of leggings are needed. What I love especially about gamiss leggings are the designs are so trendy that they are perfect for athleisure wear.

 

4. Fashionable Halter Voile Spliced Floral Pattern Backless Women’s Swimwear

Another swimsuit that could double as a body suit! I love this!! and it only costs $10 ( 500 pesos )

5. Quilted Bomber Jacket

Bomber Jackets have been an in thing since 2016. Love the color of this quilted bomber jacket!

So what are you waiting for? Check out Gamiss.com for their Gamiss spring 2017 Promotions!

Zaful Wishlist 2017

 

As I’ve previously said, Zaful is a one-stop online shop perfect for all your clothing needs. Their items are trendy and affordable! I happened to stumble across Zaful’s website the other day and saw a lot of things I want to get 😦 Here are my top picks on my wishlist!

 

1. Crossover Back Off The Shoulder Smock Top

   

Don’t you just love these tops? They can be worn casually during the day time with jeans and flats and perfect for the night time with a pair of heels and a skirt or shorts.

2. Off The Shoulder Crossover Back Smock Top

Off the shoulder tops are definitely my thing! I really do love how they can look both formal and casual. These come in 3 different colors: burgundy, black and cadetblue.

3. Crossbar Lens- Gold

Vintage looking glasses are an in thing again. And since I wear glasses,  I would love to wear these everyday! They look really classy.

4. Make Up Brushes Set

This make up sets only costs $14.99! What a Steal!

It comes with the following:

– Powder brush

– Flat brush

-Eye Makeup Brush

-Eyeshadow brush

– Eyebrow brush…)
8 x Floral Print Air puffs（BB Cream Powder Puff）
1 x Chunky Foundation Brush
1 x Goblet Shape Blush Brush

5. Stereo Flower See Thru Swimwear

A stylish swimsuit that could be worn as a bodysuit as well! If I was blessed enough to be sexy I would rock this suit!

These are only a couple of the awesome stuff you can find at Zaful.

Visit www.zaful.com  for more awesome items! Hurry and check out the sale happening now specifically Zaful swim dresses swimsuits 2017 Promotion!

Follow me on:

Instagram: @margabanaga

Twitter: @margabanaga

Facebook.com/margabanaga92

 

MY FAVORITE BAGUIO SPOTS: Night Market, Cafe by the Ruins, Burnham Park

 

 My parents picked us up at around 6:00 am from the condo. Slept the whole car ride because I had no sleep from the night before. It was really traffic! 5 hours later as per my mom’s request, we did a quick visit to Manaoag.

 The Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan is known for being miraculous. People actually make the 5-hour trip to visit this place. There’s an area where you can light a candle for your wishes and at the back of the church you can fall in line in order to touch the back of the miraculous statue.

We then proceeded to Baguio, it took us about two more hours to get there.

CAFE BY THE RUINS

We were starving and decided to drive around Baguio to look for a good place to eat when my brother suggested eating at Cafe by the Ruins.

Cafe by the ruins is located at the heart of the city, right by the city hall. It has been around for almost 25 years! The aroma of freshly baked bread is the first thing you’ll notice when you enter the cafe.

Bagneto Php 320

We ordered the Baguio Bagnet with bagoong and tomato relish. (Php 320) Bagnet is a popular Ilocos dish. This was very delicious! It was crispy and juicy best eaten with red rice. So good we had to order it twice!

Tsokolate with Suma ( Php 180 )

 

Other dishes we tried were the Seafood Sinigang, Chopsuey, Tenderloin Tips and For Dessert, Hot Chocolate and Suman! The other dishes were alright, nothing great really and a bit pricey. But I really enjoyed the suman with the hot chocolate. Mmmmmm.

BURNHAM PARK

We made sure to wake up early the next morning so we could reach the famous strawberry taho!

Strawberry Taho

Found it! A bit pricey at Php 30 a cup, it was worth waking up a bit earlier for it!

Keso Dirty Ice Cream Php 25

I literally ate the world in Baguio. Got my favorite Cheese flavored dirty ice cream in Pan de Sal for 25 pesos!

NIGHT MARKET BY BURNHAM PARK

This is my favorite spot in Baguio! The night market is open from 9:00 pm to 2:00 on the streets of Burnham Park.

There is a wide variety of street food to choose from.

Puto Bumbong Php 30 for 3 pieces

Tapa with rice and egg ( Php 50 )

Chicken and Beef Kebab ( Php45)

Sisig with Rice and Egg (Php50 )

I ordered tapa, lots of puto bumbong, chicken kebab, balut and sisig ( for the family )

The other stretch of the night market is filled with almost over 100 thrift shop (ukay) stalls! The prices were unbelievably cheap! You can get a sweater for as low as Php 20!

Just be careful with your things though! Apparently there are a lot of snatchers in the area.

Here are some of the items I copped:

It was quite a challenge looking through the racks as it was dark so I was set on just getting oversized sweaters that I can wear on lazy work days and for working out. Got each sweater for about 50 pesos a piece!

MINES VIEW PARK/ CAMP JOHN HAY/ GOOD SHEPHERD 

We decided to visit very quickly all the touristy spots starting with mines view park.

Mother dear bought lots of plants, my brother took a photo with the Saint Bernard ( 100 pesos such a rip off ), and I devoured some more strawberry taho.

We walked to Good Shepherd ( I suggest you take your car), enjoyed the scenic view and got more Pasalubong!

We then drove to Camp John Hay to check out the outlet ( we didn’t buy anything there )

AIR BNB!

My brother rented out a house for Php 5,000 a night ( We were there for 2 nights ) as one of his Christmas gifts for our Mother.

The view was beautiful! At night, Christmas lights were kept on and it made the perfect photo shoot background.

We left the morning of 24th so as to make it back to Manila before Christmas Eve. I enjoyed the three days I spent eating the world in Baguio with my family! I do hope to come back again soon to eat more strawberry taho, visit the strawberry farm, conquer the night market!

What are your favorite spots in Baguio? Comment down below so I know what to visit for our next trip!

JBL STORE OPENING IN FESTIVAL MALL

Music really does play an important role in all of our lives. It has the ability to change our mood in an instant. It can be very therapeutic. But how could we improve and enjoy our listening experience even more? I believe the best investment we could make to enjoy music on a different level is by investing in quality speakers and headphones.

I was invited to attend the official grand opening of JBL last Friday, December 16. The new store is very near my house as it is conveniently located at the Upper Ground Floor, New Wing of Festival Supermall Alabang.

The store features award-winning products from Harman’s brands which include a variety of products such as home audio products, loudspeakers and headphones which are perfect for music lovers to style seekers.

We were able to go around and test out JBL and Harman’s best products.  Here are a couple of JBL & Harman Items I like!

 

JBL EVEREST 300 BT

The JBL Everest 300 BT is a wireless headphone that has a couple of interesting features to offer. It is bluetooth 4.1 enabled which means you don’t need to directly connect it to your device to listen to music. It has a built-in microphone which make it easier and improves quality of your voice in calls. It also has a LONG battery life of 20 hours!

HARMAN KARDON SOHO BT

The Harman Kardon Soho BT is my favorite! It is also a wireless headphone. Aside from it’s sleek  and innovative design it produces great sound quality. The Soho are very comfortable on the ears when positioned properly.

JBL Charge 3

The JBL Charge 3 is a fully waterproof portable speaker. This is the best!!  It is the perfect speaker to bring with you to your next beach trip. The 6,000 mAh lithium-ion battery can keep the speaker alive for 12 hours! It comes in five different colors: blue, black, gray, red and teal.

JBL continues to push audio boundaries through constant innovation and personalized sound technology. They continuously improve the sound quality and battery life so you are able to enjoy your listening experience. So if you are looking for the perfect brand to invest in quality speakers, you know where to go!

Go check out and visit http://ph.jbl.com and http://ph.harmankardon.com for more information.

Like them on Facebook: JBL Philippines

Twitter: @JBLPH

Instagram: @jblph

 

 

 

ST. JAMES BAZAAR 2016: The Largest Bazaar in Alabang

Did you know? The Saint James Bazaar has been happing yearly for about 25 years now? YES, TWENTY-FIVE! It is considered the biggest bazaar in the south with around 500 concessionaires in Cuenca Community Park. What makes this bazaar extra special is that all the funds they earn goes to a good cause. Yay!

I have been constantly present at the bazaar for about 10 years now. My Momma Bear has a stall there everywhere so I try to go and support her when I can. This year, I decided to document it via video to show you guys all the cool stuff I found at the bazaar.

We went around for hours and it can get quite hot so be sure to wear something breezy!

Our favorite stall has got to be this alcohol shop that serves unique flavors of lambanog and wine! Got some as pasalubong for Jason’s parents.

More stores can be seen at my video below and check out some of the items I bought! 🙂