Project Blue Balloons: An Online Awareness Campaign Against Tuberculosis

Everyone is familiar with Tuberculosis. In fact, this is considered "old" news for developed countries but for countries like the Philippines, this is a stark reality. For a country like ours, a disease like Tuberculosis is not only debilitating but it is also costly to maintain medication. Personally, I think that until this disease is completely eradicated, it should never be "old" news.

There are so many misconceptions about Tuberculosis that timely diagnosis and treatments are not initiated. Did you know that an expectant mother with Active TB can transmit the disease to her unborn child? Or that TB can infect the uterus and cause infertility? Did you know that most children get Tuberculosis from adults around them? I didn't either. Tuberculosis is not just a lung disease. It affects every gender, every age, and every race. And it is our responsibility to understand and prevent this from spreading.

Project Blue Balloons is an online awareness campaign, initiated by UP Open University students, that aims to clear these misconceptions. By collecting credible information about Tuberculosis and informing netizens about the symptoms and treatments available for TB victims, the project hopes to generate awareness among adults who have children of their own, or live with children or work with children. It is important to understand and recognize the symptoms of Tuberculosis and have yourself tested so you can protect your family from getting this disease.

Don't forget to visit their website: www.blueballoons.yolasite.com and sign a (non-monetary) pledge to spread the word about Tuberculosis. With just a few minutes of your time and a few clicks, you can help educate people about TB and how we can help prevent it from spreading.

Love,

Sampaguita Pride

News From Home, The Digital Version

I love digital reading materials. As an online student, I live and breathe "digital" 10 months a year. So it's no surprise that I've developed a liking to ebooks, pdf textbooks, digital comics and mangas... but what I've been craving for is news... not just any news, but the meaty no-nonsense news found in our local newspapers.

Yes, I can read the headlines online for free but it lacks the appeal that traditional newspapers offer. I read the newspaper from front to back and devour every page. I like to look at the headlines, glaze over the business section, look at advertisements, browse the cinema and theater listings, read up on the lifestyle section (my fave), checkout the job market and read the local comic strips.

So you can say that I got really excited when I learned that the Philippine Daily Inquirer is now available through its digital edition. Some people criticized this as ripping readers off because the content was on a subscription basis. But to be honest, I felt that the bad reviews were made by people who didn't actually bother downloading a digital issue. So I decided to give it a try... why not? They had a no obligation 14 day/issue trial offer. What was there to lose?

Your digital news stand

I downloaded the app for my iPad. The Inquirer app is free. I signed up for a free account and tried out their 14 day trial period.  Let's just say that I was blown away! The whole user experience was easy and it didn't take long before I downloaded the Sunday issue. In terms of format, the PDI Digital Edition is similar to the online version of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, which are offered by online bookstores like Barnes&Noble.

The PDI Digital Edition gives you, not just the headlines, but the actual content of the news as they appear in print. If you're like me who appreciates the actual layout of printed newspapers, you'll understand my fascination. It gives you everything they have on the actual paper version of the newspaper. You will get even the local news in the provinces, the editorials, obituaries, the job openings, the cartoons... even the ads!

 

I miss editorial cartoons.

For the business minded

Lifestyle

This is something you don't get for free on other websites. I for one felt nostalgic when I saw the telecom ads and the theater listings....

Updates on local Indie Films

I've been fixating on Anne Hathaway's boots for a few days now. ^_^

You can click on a headline and a reader-friendly version pops up. Forget about cutting up the newspaper to clip articles! With the digital editions, you can email it, link it to twitter and Facebook or Airprint with compatible printers!

Very social network friendly. ^_^

Another reason why I love this is because it's a more earth-friendly way to appreciate newspapers. If you think about it, local prices for a paper-based PDI issue costs 20 pesos. The digital edition, only 10-14 pesos depending on your subscription package. They've already taken out the paper and delivery costs out of the price, reducing their carbon footprint as well. After the trial period, I decided to subscribe for one year. It only costs me about 99 halalas each day. Deal na for all the content I'm getting!

As an expatriate in Riyadh, I don't need to go to Batha to buy our local newspaper anymore. I can just download it on my iPad... less paper waste, less effort. Personally, I find it refreshing not to have old newspapers lying around the house. Let's be honest, I don't sell tinapa and I don't have a dog to paper train, so I don't need a regular supply of old newspapers.

A cup of coffee and my newspaper in a tablet! Geek bliss! ^^,

For a week now, my mornings have been perkier because I look forward to the news that will be delivered via wifi. In a way, it has rekindled a love for newspapers as well as a new found interest in what's happening in our country. I get to read about the good things about our country too, and not just the sensationalized news broadcasted here.

I understand that this is not for everybody. Some people like to collect newspapers and some are not used to reading online. I suppose these are for people who own tablets and are willing to pay for content. People who are used to reading online and don't mind spending money on subscriptions. No one will force you to make the switch. 

But for me, the mere fact that this technology is available now in the Philippines is amazing. I am so happy to know that our country is catching up with the ICT trend in communications and learning. I think this is a wonderful step towards modernity and another way to ease the homesickness. 

Sampaguita Pride

S @ 27!

It's a rat race everyone and today, our ever-loved Sundrenched has reached the 27th-Year mark! It's not yet obvious right? And quite honestly, we're all grappling and steadily inhaling the thought of sliding off our mid-twenties. Beyond that, we're more than happy to celebrate S and to her next year of a life well-lived! Aren't we all thankful she thought of this blog? :) 

We're putting up some of her best shots to commemorate this very, very special day.  

A proud graduate of the University of Santo Tomas.
Magna cum Laude!

Enjoying her morning joe in the office with a personalized mug,
a gift from P.

She's all that. :) And more.

We're not kidding when we tell you that she is truly one-of-a-kind. There is a running joke amongst us that we're "Made in China" and she's "Made in Finland" - since her approach to handling most things/situations are usually unlike what we're used to (in fact, hers makes more sense!). Ergo, we often refer to her as the WOW (Woman of Wisdom). :) Also, we can't repeat this enough, but it's true: She's also an exceptional friend. 

We couldn't imagine having a better Editor-in-Chief for this blog and we wish her all the best, especially in her writing and her future. We love you S! 

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Munch Bunch

At this point, we're no longer looking for new cupcake stores in Riyadh. There's an abundance of it now that shops and their branches are spreading like crazy. We're ready to call Thalateen Street as the cupcake haven because there's Golden Brown, A Cup of Cake, Cakelicious, and a soon-to-open Sugar Sprinkles in that street! Imagine that, all cupcake stores we reviewed in one street! Neat! Only one cupcake reason can make us all giddy and upbeat about cupcakes again... the opening of the cupcake store that launched our cupcake dreams. 

Looking at Munch Bakery's website made us envious of Jeddah. It's been getting good reviews in Jeddahfood.com so how come it hasn't branched out? That was our question years ago. How can we not wish for it to spread their baking goodies to the Kingdom's capital?

And so, another wish granted as Munch Bakery opened its doors for the Riyadh people in Tahlia St, in between Pizza Roma and Cafe Roma. And because we have low emotional quotients (as you know by now), we went on their opening week. We arrived around 5:00 in the afternoon. It was love at first sight. I mean with a store front like this, wouldn't you be enticed too?

Lo and behold.

The window displays are amazing! They're currently showcasing the Smurfs. Cute! Errr yes, we're aware that you're not seeing what we're talking about because the windows are closed. Hahaha. We took this shot as we were leaving the store and they're closing for the 6pm prayer.

You're welcome!

Sweet, and everything nice

The inside counts more than the outside so here's what's in store for you in the store. :)

CUPCAKES!!!

A wide array of it. We got dizzy with the flavors. What did we try? Why, every one of them, of course! :) "Get me one of each, please." I told the server and he wasn't surprised at all. I bought a box of 15 mini cupcakes for SR35. A mini cupcake is SR3 each. (Was the box discounted? Or did I hear them wrong? Hehe, not paying attention kasi!) So anyway, look at the choices:

Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry... choices, choices!

I was adamant to try the Red Velvet, Blue Velvet, and Carrot Cupcakes. They're my go-to flavors and they usually seal the deal for me. If I don't like a store's velvet cupcakes, I won't like it anymore. (Prejudiced much?! Hehe.) So I took one bite at the red velvet (when we were already having an Iftar dinner at Ketchup, which is another story btw) and said, "Hmmmm..." trying to put the taste into words. My vocabulary escaped me. It was delicious but it's not extraordinary. The icing is the one giving it a taste... which is just plain sweet. Where's cream cheese? :P Maybe I should've gobbled everything in one go since it's a small cupcake. The other flavors were nice. The Orange Kiss was a revelation; zesty and sweet at the same time. We like carrot the most. 

Cupcakes, with dollops of cream in between, are also available in glass:

Cupcake in a Glass, SR8 each

Munch doesn't just carry cupcakes. They have cake pops (SR5 each), pies, tarts, and cookies (SR5 each).

BAKED GOODIES!

I like the cheesecake pop. It has a jelly bean on top and the cheesecake is covered with white chocolate. Excuse me, where did my heart go? This is love at first bite. I also like their blue velvet cake pop. It's moist and yummy. The cookies and brownies were alright too.

And the cakes, OMG, the cakes!!! Munch does a very good job designing their cakes. Whatever you want, they'll execute it. The level of creativity and craftmanship eh to the highest level naman talaga! Look!

A huge and tall wedding cake! Cute ng topper!

Smurf cake. Karir!

Smurf tower cake on display

Spongebob! This character is pretty popular with the kids here.

Small round and rectangle cakes with special designs go for SR300 up. I, particularly love the cake with roses. I can make it personal by buying my own fresh roses or they can make roses out of fondant icing. (Ehermn, birthday alert!)

Aside from the baked goodies, Munch also transported a corner of Willy Wonka's chocolate and candy factory inside their store. Eyecandy and I ogled like kids. We went to each display table and oohed and ahhed.

Candy corner

So cutie patootie!

I let out a shriek (barely audible, I promise!) when I saw Jelly Belly (tiny box is SR3 each) and Nerds (SR10). I'm a nerd Nerds fan!

Is this like Harry Potter's Every-Flavor Jelly Beans? Hehe.

Gumballs in every color (SR30)

Mints in sosyal packaging, SR15

They also have their own line of gum, mints, and sour patch. They even have popcorn. A large tin is SR80. Mahalia!

And they carry the following merchandise:

You think they can accommodate THE PINK TARHA and print it in the bags too? :P

Pouches in Saudi riyals design

Heart ceramics... perfect gift to the "sweet heart"

Adorable pouches

See, going to Munch Bakery is not just about the cupcakes. It's also about feeding the inner child in you. Except of course when you're a child then there's no need to feed your inner child because you're still one, wut?! Stuff inside the Munch Bakery really warms your heart and makes you smile. There's a glass panel where you can watch how they bake the cupcakes and decorate the cakes. The servers are also friendly. 

They also have a promo now where you check if there's a sticker hidden in your cupcake box. I found one alright. So see you in Munch Bakery because I'm claiming my prize: a box of 6 cupcakes! Woot!

Munch Bakery

Abdullah Al Hamdan Street, Olaya

Riyadh, KSA

T: 9200150109 

www.munchbakery.com

So, is our search for cupcakes over? Nah..... we have low EQs remember?  

Inside Victoria's Secret

Well, it's a secret no more! The Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories shop in the Kingdom center has opened! Let's walk down the Victoria's Secret ramp shall we? :) 

Welcome!

The Pink Tarha ladies are ecstatic! After the Bath and Body Works opening, we were looking forward to Victoria's Secret. We visited the place last week so we'll let you on the secret too. Here are a few photos of what you can find inside the "secret" care of come-backing Eyecandy's iPhone camera. :)

What do you want to smell today?

The first thing that will greet you are these testers. In front is their new perfume named Bombshell. We like it, in fairness! Testers of their other perfumes are found here too.

Bombshell, the fragrance of the year! You na!

Did we just go to fragrance haven? All the scents are here. Nakakalowkah! In fairness, the store didn't smell like all the fragrances combined so it's still safe to try a few without feeling nauseated. The space of VS is small but the aisles can fit 2 persons looking at adjacent racks. We were the only ones in the store on a Monday night so it wasn't a problem going all over the place. We didn't know what to look at first.

Perfume range

You're probably familiar with the VS Fantasies already. These are the ones sold in most perfume shops in Batha and Manfouha.The names of this line are sexy and seductive. Care for a Love Spell? How about some Pure Seduction, Strawberries and Champagne, Vanilla Lace, Coconut Passion, Pear Glace? These timeless scents are a staple pasalubong! What's your favorite? Prices are a little bit higher in this store. Gift sets go for 75-105SAR.

We forgot to take a photo of the VS Secret Pink line. This is for the more casual, laidback, sporty gal who knows who she is and what she wants exactly. Are you Fresh and Clean? Soft and Dreamy? Pretty and Pure? Sweet and Flirty? There's a little bit of those in us, don't you think?

Beautiful and glam!

The VS Beauty Rush has a rack too but the makeup kits and glosses are lacking. But what can we say, for beauty addicts like us, the gorgeous make-up kits are tempting! It's found in their VS Makeup line.

Lip glosses abound! Again, I really have an issue with the glosses (like B&BW, remember?). Why so expensive?! They are around 52SAR each when their tag clearly states $7. I will understand the additional fee but the price here is more than double the USD prices. I say stay clear of the lippies!

Part of the Beauty Rush line are these sweet and sugary scents.

Sugar rush!

I personally like sweet scents so this array is amazing to my sense of smell. E was smitten with the Plum Drop. Candy Baby was the one that smelt like cough syrup. Lol. The names on this line bring us back to our teenage years... Imagine your Secret Crush, Sweet Tease, and Wild Kiss. Oh the firsts! :)

Of course, we all grew up, became mature and and now, we're into the "Dream Angels" phase. (Really?! We've matured?! Haha.) Capture the radiance, live the dream, love the romance. Who wouldn't be smitten with the VS Dream Angels line?

Simply lovely and elegant

They're available in very sexy and elegant packaging. It's the perfect gift! (Reminds me that I'm celebrating my birthday in two weeks. Hehe.)

Speaking of sexy... fancy lace or cotton? The store carries a few panties from their Body by Victoria. The showstopper panties. They come in must-have colors and prints. Woot!

Wanna be a supermodel? A few simple tank tops with cute designs from their Supermodel Essentials line are available. Pair with denim pants or shorts and voila! Instant hotness! ;)

Wish they bring more of their clothing and lingerie line here in Riyadh.

Fierce!

Cosmetic bags, wallets and passport cases in fierce designs! We're tempted to buy the passport holders because they're so chic but the recessionista in us got the better of us. Why do we need it again?! Uy, may self control na ngayon...

 Eyecandy likes their collection of simple yet fab shades (300SAR up). Gorgeous! Ikaw na ang mukhang artista when you wear this! There are a few bags too.

I wonder if we get every thing from VS, are we going to look like the VS angels na? Kahit konti lang? Haha. Oh well, one can dream! We end our walk down the VS runway here.

Did you get anything from Victoria's Secret lately? :)