Romantic Mornings with Dentiste

Did you know most regular toothpastes are not specially formulated to guard against night time bacteria?

That is mainly the reason why even if you brush and use mouthwash before going to bed, you still wake up with well, morning breath.

That's where Dentiste Nighttime Toothpaste comes to the rescue. It is the only herbal toothpaste made with advanced dental technologies and powered with 14 Natural Extracts, such as Xylitol and  Vitamin C, which are specially formulated to inhibit nighttime oral bacteria that are the major cause of bad morning breath and cavities. It is also proven effective against gingivitis and mouth ulcers.

It is not only a toothpaste, it's a mood enhancer. Imagine waking up with sweet breath each day. Now imagine waking up to your partner's sweet breath. Hahaha!

Dentiste is recommended not only for couples, but also to those with allergies to synthetic-based toothpastes, those with thyroid problems, pregnant women, diabetics, smokers, caffeine drinkers, people with sensitive teeth and those who wear braces and dentures.

More than just toothpaste, Dentiste also makes mouth wash, breath spray, dental floss. Just about everything to guarantee you fresh breath not just during night time but 24/7.

If you've read far enough down here, well, lucky you! Here's a flash giveaway! I'll announce the winner on the eve of February 17!

Here's how to join:

1) Like Dentiste PH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistetoothpastephilippines.

2) Leave a comment on this blog post and share your idea on how to spend a perfect romantic morning.

You  may also join via my Instagram post here. If you join via Instagram, don't forget to Follow @dentistekiss on IG.

I will only be choosing one winner, whether you join through here or on Instagram. Make sure I have a way of contacting you, either by leaving your Instagram or Twitter account on your comment in this blog post if you do not want to leave an email address. The prize will be shipped by the folks at Dentiste directly to the winner. 

Happy Holidays from Physiogel!

In this season of giving, I am giving some of my friends Physiogel gift packs, to help them and their family members be able to say, "I am Free in My Skin!" ;) Because diba, who wouldn't want the gift of smooth, supple skin? I know I would!

Of course, I am spreading the love online too, right here in my blog. Because I am giving away 5 Physiogel gift packs to five of my readers.

Each gift pack contains: 1 Physiogel cleanser 300 ml, 2 Physiogel Lotion 200 ml and 2 Physiogel Cream 75 ml.

That's almost like a full year's supply, so you remember me and Physiogel the whole year round. Heehee.

Joining is easy, simply join by using the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Contest ends on December 19, 2014 and winners will be announced on December 20. Prizes will be sent out via courier, hopefully in time for the winners to enjoy your Physiogel goodies this Christmas! ;)

A Lysol Giveaway

Would you like to try Lysol's new Disinfectant Spray for Baby's Room? We'll throw in Lysol's new liquid anti-bacterial hand soap too! Simply join by using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will choose one winner and Lysol will take care of shipping the winner's prize! Entries accepted until July 3, 2014!

UPDATE: Lysol can only ship within Metro Manila because of the aerosol spray can. Winners who live outside of Metro Manila must be able to provide a Metro Manila address.

Re-discovering United Colors of Benetton + Win an Outfit from UCB!

Back in the early 90s, Benetton jeans were the hottest things to have, along with their colorful sweatshirts. It's fair to say that Benetton started my denim obsession actually.

It was probably the J Brand/Mother Denim/Current Elliott of my high school years, before Girbaud and Armani Jeans made us pay Php4,000 for denims, and way before a plethora of cult denim labels like Seven for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity changed our jeanetic makeup and made us think nothing about dropping hundreds of dollars on a pair of denims.

The last time I bought something from Benetton, I was in college. 

I remember it was a pair of light blue skinny printed trousers and a cotton t-shirt from the Benetton store on Kensington High Street in London.

After that however, I had moved on from the classics and explored more trendy high street brands like Topshop, Miss Selfridge and H&M (which was called Hennes & Mauritz then). I started buying denims from Replay and Diesel then.

So it was with a bit of nostalgia when I stepped into the United Colors of Benetton store on Bonifacio High Street again. It had been years since I last went inside, after over a decade of associating it with my teenage years.

It was a pleasant surprise to see that the brand had grown up with me. Especially since I find that as I get older, all the more that I am drawn back to classic pieces.

Clothes that transcend seasons and are meant to be worn season after season. There was no semblance to the logo tees and denims of my youth.

It was like Benetton had graduated, gone to college and started a career along with us.

Take this jacket for instance. It's feminine and yet it says, "I'm responsible" heehee.

Love this figure flattering shift dress.

Light, airy tops that can be worn underneath a blazer or paired with a cardigan and pencil skirt.

Structured bags for work.

The only things trendy and playful were the shoes, such as these neon cut-out flats...

These polka dot and camo flats...

And these fun, summer-y fold-over clutches that are a steal at less than Php2,000 each.

It was the men's section that were a complete throwback to the Benetton I knew 20 plus years ago. They still had the classic polo shirts, jackets, caps and denims that I remember teenage boys were wearing during my time.

These camo sneakers for guys are very "now" though! We had none of these growing up, heehee.

My favorite finds from my recent visit to UCB? 

Thermal underwear! If you've been looking for thermals to take on a trip to some place cold, UCB has it in all the colors you'll need - nude, grey and white!

And these sandals that are still made in Italy, but retail for only Php2,250 O.M.G.

I really do have a soft spot for shoes still made in Italy. Heehee.

I just had to try it on, and they were love. Love. LOVE.

As for you my dears, 2 of you get a chance to win an ENTIRE OUTFIT (top & bottom + accessories) from United Colors of Benetton! All you have to do is:

1. Go to your nearest United Colors of Benetton store and take a photo of your favorite piece/s from the store. Better yet, take a photo of yourself wearing the entire outfit you want to win!

2. To send an entry, you have the option of 

- emailing it to me, manilafashionobserver(at)gmail(dot)com and or

- posting it on your Instagram account sharing which items you like, with the hashtag #MFOxUCB and tagging me @christinedychiao

3. Leave a comment here so I can look for your entry!

Two winners will be announced by April 30, 2013 - so join join join!

Anti-Pawis Protection this Summer with Lactacyd Toddler Tubs + A Giveaway!

For a time, I associated Lactacyd with feminine hygiene, so when I first spotted Lactacyd Toddler Tubs in Mercury Drug, I couldn't reconcile it with kids and bath time. 

But when my friend Gretch of Modern Mama, the chicest mom & baby store in Cebu, told me that Lactacyd Toddler Tubs keeps her sons smelling fresh all day, and Xavi was beginning to smell more like an active toddler and less like a baby, I bought a bottle for Xavi and I have been hooked ever since.

It really does take out my little boy's amoy pawis smell and keeps him amoy pawis-free hours after. Not just during summer, but the whole year round!

Dermatologically-tested and made from hypoallergenic ingredients, Lactacyd Toddler Tubs helps fight odor-causing bacteria with Lactoserum and Lactic Acid.  It has gentle moisturizers and is trusted by pediatricians nationwide. Plenty of reason to love, and all the more because they've also started the Mums and Tubs Club on Facebook, a community of moms where we can all learn about the science of baby care, together! Like it too, and see you there!

And now, if you haven't been initiated into the world of Lactacyd Toddler Tubs yet, or you're already a huge fan and would love to have a fresh supply to keep on hand, especially this hot, scorching summer, join our giveaway!

Lactacyd Toddler Tubs & yours truly are giving away 3 Lactacyd gift packs, just like this one, woohoo!

Rafflecopted is down as of this writing, so just join by:

1) Liking Mums & Tubs Club and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

2) Following @mumsandtubsclub and @cd_mfo on Twitter

  

3) Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you love/want to try Lactacyd Toddler Tubs this summer. Don't forget to leave your Facebook name and Twitter ID so I know how to reach you!

Entries are accepted until March 30, 2014 and three winners will be announced on March 31, 2014. 

Fashion Forum Instagram Contest

Want to win a pair of Jeffrey Campbell sandals or booties?

 Jeffrey Campbell Puffer at the Ladies shoe section of SM Department Store

Or maybe a Maggy London shift dress, or a party dress from David Meister?

 Tita K with a fabulous flapper style dress from Fashion Forum

Well, it's as easy as taking a photo and sharing it on Instagram, just like I did above! Head to your favorite Fashion Forum boutique inside SM Department Store and shoot and snap away at your must have piece. NO PURCHASE REQUIRED!

Here are the details:

This is your chance to get that one thing you've always wanted at Fashion Forum, without having to shell out your precious pesoses! Enjoy! 

Visit Fashion Forum inside the SM Department Store in Megamall, Makati, North EDSA, MOA, Bacolod, Cebu and SM Lanang.

Panopio x Zalora Blog Raffle!

I have this delicate "C' pendant necklace from Panopio for Zalora that has become my everyday accessory. Unobtrusive as it looks, it still never fails to catch attention, and I just love how it is so simple and so elegant. 

This is the handiwork of Vicky and Bea Panopio, New York schooled sisters and the design-duo behind PANOPIO. They work with precious metals, diamonds, and colored stones to create exquisite pieces such as these:

They work out of their shop in The Manila Peninsula, and recently came out with an exclusive line with Zalora – Panopio for Zalora. My necklace, the Edwardian Script Initial Pendant, is the first of this line.

I am often asked if it is made from real gold. Actually, this is silver dipped in gold, and is really quite affordable at Php1,880 for the chain and pendant together. Panopio for Zalora pieces also come with a lifetime warranty on the color and shine (provided they are reasonably cared for by the owner of course), so no worries there if you are afraid that it will eventually tarnish. I often end up sleeping with my necklace on, and showering the next day with it, and so far, it hasn't lost its luster. It's really well made.

A Block Letter font will be released soon, as well as scripts with diamonds. And I can imagine these will all be as equally pretty as their debut product. 

Of course, I have got to share this great find with you. Panopio for Zalora is giving away 1 customized Edwardian Script Necklace to one lucky reader (meaning, choose your own initial hee!). Here's how:

1. The contest is open to all readers of MANILA FASHION OBSERVER with a local/Philippine address.

2. Contest period is from June 29 to July 13. Winner will be chosen via random pick and announced on July 15, 2012.

3. Join via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: Participants MUST be a registered member of ZALORA. To register:

Step 1: Log on to www.ZALORA.com.ph

Step 2: On the upper right hand corner of the Home Page, Click on “Account” then Select “New Customer”.

Step 3: Fill in your Account information.

Step 4: Press Submit!

Bonus Step: Don’t forget you can get a free P250 Voucher when you sign up for the newsletter.

Want to shop for Panopio Jewelry now? Click HERE!

L'Occitane Angelica Giveaway

To celebrate L'Occitane Angelica line's first year anniversary here in the Philippines, there's a fun guessing game over at the Rustan's Facebook Page! Participants who guess correctly will stand a chance to win a prize - The Angelica Face Mist from L'Occitane and Rustan's! 

Join L'Occitane's FACEBOOK QUIZ by clicking on this LINK!

PLEASE NOTE: Your answers should be posted as a comment on the Facebook game page.

Entries are accepted until July 19, 2012. I will be choosing one winner who is able to guess correctly. Winner will be announced on July 20, 2012 and may claim the prize at the L'Occitane boutique in Rustans Makati.

Enjoy and Happy Guessing!

Join Luminox Photo in Action!

Founded in 1989, Luminox specialises in Swiss-made watches that are easy to read in low-light situations, thanks to their innovative self-powered illumination technology. Worn by US Navy SEALS SWAT Teams, and USAF Stealth jet pilots, Luminox combines cutting edge technology, forward-thinking design and extreme performance in both everyday and extreme conditions.

For those who have already discovered Luminox, here's your chance to win Php20,000 worth of Luminox gift cards, to get yourself another watch to add to your collection, or to share Luminox with a loved one:

Simply take a photo of yourself wearing your Luminox watch and just follow the mechanics! Contest begins today, and submission of photos are accepted until April 15, 2012.

MECHANICS/HOW TO JOIN:

1. Like Luminox Philippines’ official Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/LuminoxPH

2. Send your best photo-in-action wearing any Luminox watches to Luminox Philippines’ official email address: luminoxphilippines@gmail.com

3. An entry will be valid only if the photo comes with your full contact details (full name and email address/facebook name—this will be used to tag you your picture)

5. One photo entry per person only.

6. Promo period is from March 15, 2012 to April 15, 2012 only

7. Deadline of submission is April 15, 2012

8. Determination of winner: We will screen all photos sent to our email address, once approved, we will upload it on our official Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/luminoxphilippines. The best photo will be announced on April 16, 2012 through our facebook fan page and notify the winner through email. Winner should claim his prize at Luminox Podium (4th Floor Podium Mall Ortigas Center, Pasig City) on April 16, 2012 6:00 PM. Winner should present 2 valid ID’s for identification purposes.

9. Photos will be screened by Luminox representatives according to the criteria for judging:

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

35% ORIGINALITY The image should be original and should not be taken from the internet, magazines, and the like. The person in the picture should be the person who submitted the entry.

35% CREATIVITY Since the photo should be a "photo-in-action", it should be creatively done. (ex. A person diving wearing a Luminox watch). The photo should be in action and not just a still photo.

25% BRAND VISIBILITY The Luminox watch used in the photo must clearly be visible or there should be an emphasis on the watch used.

5% AUDIENCE IMPACT This would be determined through the number of people liking the photo through comments or "likes" in Facebook.

10. The winner will win PHP 20,000 worth of Luminox giftcards.

Christmas Comes Early

...with Bridetastic.com.ph!

15 winners stand to win any of the 6 prizes:

First Prize – one 13" Cambridge Satchel. A classic satchel design handmade in the UK using the finest quality English leather.

Second Prize – a Php3000 gift certificate for a pair of Michael Antonio shoes. Michael Antonio is the brand of affordable, fast-fashion footwear that offers the ultimate shoe value for fashion-conscious women around the world. Frequently worn by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and featured on runways at New York, Miami, and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks, and in the pages of Elle, Glamour, Lucky, and Essence, Michael Antonio's sexy, modern, and edgy designs are a fashion favorite.

Third Prize – SSI Purple Card. Shop at any of Store Specialists specialty boutiques, ranging from Anne Klein to Zara.

http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2007/12/14/the-color-of-the-perfect-gift-purple-card/

Fourth Prize – The Spa Gift Certificate. Get a luxurious spa treatment in any one of the convenient The Spa locations.

Fifth Prize – Nail Spa Gift Certificate

10 Consolation Prizes – 250 peso Starbucks gift certificates

In an effort to grow the community and help future brides make informed decisions when it comes to vendor selection, Bridetastic is running "Share to Win", and will be giving away fun prizes which makes it all the more fun to collect quality reviews from former brides.

Here's how to join:

•Create an account with Bridetastic and write at least 2 vendor reviews. Remember, you can use your Facebook login credentials to create an account. If you cannot find your vendor in our directory, simply add them by going to http://www.bridetastic.com.ph/vendors/add_vendor

•Like Bridetastic on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bridetastic.phils

•Go to the Bridetastic Vendors page (http://www.bridetastic.com.ph/vendors) and click on the Like button or Tweet button.

If you clicked on the Facebook like button, write the following comment and share the link on Bridetastic's wall so we know: " To my friends who are planning to get married, check out reviews of my wedding vendors. I'm 'username'! ”

If you clicked on the Tweet button, write the following: "To my friends who are planning to get married, check out reviews of my wedding vendors. I'm 'username'! Follow @Bridetastic_PH too. ”

Contest will start on 10/25 and end of 11/25. Winners will be announced on 11/28.

The top 15 reviews will be selected by the Bridetastic Team. The selection will be determined by the quality of reviews.

The more reviews you enter, the more chances of winning! Remember, you can win more than 1 prize!

* Maximum of 2 prizes per reviewer.

For more details, check out Bridetastic.com.ph's Contest Page! For updates, LIKE Bridetastic Philippines on Facebook.

And The Winner of The Cole Vintage Giveaway is....

CARMELA M! She writes,

"I've fallen in love with Cole Vintage late last year when I purchased a pair of tan caged heels. Since then, I never leave TriNoma without checking out the new items from Cole Vintage. I love their shoes (They have the best tan oxfords!) and it's what I usually buy from the store. I'm also planning to buy a teal satchel 'cos aside from its chic design, it is also very affordable!"

Please expect an email from me Carmela so we can coordinate on how you may claim your prize!

Thanks again to everyone who joined our styling contest and thanks to Cole Vintage for sponsoring this giveaway! Enjoy your new outfit Carmela! =)

Blog Giveaway: Satin Butterfly Twists CLOSED

Butterfly Twists and yours truly are giving away 1 pair of satin ballerinas to one lucky reader! 

This time, it's a game of probabilities. You can do one or all of the below, to increase your chances of winning:

1- Like Butterfly Twists Philippines on Facebook

2- Leave a comment on their Facebook Wall by answering either (choose one question only):

Where will you wear the shoes? OR Why do you want to have a pair?

3- Follow @cleversoles on Twitter

4- Tweet about the promo - Say anything you want! Just do it once!

5- Blog about it on your site! Then share it on Butterfly Twists PH's Facebook wall so we know

Basically, the more you do, the more chances you have of winning. Each task is one entry.

The prize will be raffled off in two weeks, so join in on the fun by October 28, 2011! Winner will be announced in a week or so!

The Winner of the Shanghai Surprize is...

Ghoent Rodriguez!

We loved your rational, interesting and crazy categories for your answer to the question why Shanghai Pythons are mismatched! As Karrots says, you get an "A for effort"! Because you really thought things through! ;)

We'll send you an email so we can coordinate on how your new Shanghais will get to you! CONGRATULATIONS!

And to everyone who participated, thanks for joining! There are more fun giveaways to come!

Cole Vintage Blog Giveaway

Want to win a complete outfit from Cole Vintage? Get a chance to bring home this right on trend colorblock Christiana dress and these classically neutral Asti Boat shoes simply by doing ALL of the ff steps:

1. Follow Cole Vintage on Facebook and @ColeVintagePh on Twitter

2. TWEET THIS: Win items from @ColeVintagePh by joining @cd_mfo's Blog Giveaway! See details here: http://www.manilafashionobserver.com/2011/10/cole-vintage-blog-giveaway.html

3. Create a look via Polyvore, PowerPoint or Paint using any item from Cole Vintage and email it to colevintagemarketing@gmail.com and manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: COLE VINTAGE x MFO GIVEAWAY

Make sure to include your full name, Twitter account and contact number.

4. Don't forget to answer this question: WHAT DO YOU USUALLY BUY FROM COLE VINTAGE?

Last day for entries is on October 18, 2011 and we will choose one winner by the third week of October!

Jockey Giveaway Winners

And the winners are...

 Congratulations, ladies!!!

Please wait for the email from Jockey Philippines, so you'll know when to pick up your prize. Enjoy shopping for your Jockeys!

Blog Giveaway: Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Salt from Truffles & More

If you have always wanted a little something extra in your every day dishes, all it takes is a pinch of truffle salt to make it more decadent.

What's better than indulging in a bit of luxury, is getting your hands on your very own bottle of Sabatino Tartufi truffle salt from Truffles & More and MFO!

We will be raffling off one bottle of Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Salt, to stock in your pantry. How to get it there? Here's how:

1. Like the Truffles & More Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/trufflesandmore

2. Follow @Truffles_Manila on Twitter

3. Leave a comment or email me at manilafashionobserver@gmail.com and tell me where you want to use your bottle of truffle salt (Subject: Truffles & More Giveaway). Make sure to leave your contact info!

So easy! Last day for entries is on October 4, 2011. Winner will be announced within the 1st week of October.