Game, Stories, Freebies and More: Hosting the Friso Fun Raiders at the Shangrila Plaza

Raiders, Unite! It was another fun-filled and memorable Saturday as adorable little Friso Fun Raiders gathered at the EDSA Shangrila Event Atrium for learning and excitement with Alaska Milk Corporation and Royal Friesland Campina, makers of Friso Four! 

Photo above: Voyage Captain Maryndiana Jones, at your service! Each and everyone of the Friso Fun Raiders were also given their medals right after they completed the four expeditions! Below, I was with Doctor-Captain Jack "Sparrow" Herrin for some action (and education) as he gave swashbuckling tips to the mums and dads! It's not just about fun; it's about fulfilment too! 

And we also got to meet the awesome JOOMAJAM Crew over at the Music Island! We loved and APP-lauded for their awesome new surprise, the Joomajam learning App. I cannot wait to download it for my son soon as they have it for iOS. But for now those with Android phones, download this now for the most APP-mazing music and learning experience for your li'l ones! Glad to have met the super specta-COOL-ar musical star and coach and owner of Joomajam, Vin Dancel, who was so kind to let me son have first dibs with the app. Visit their JAM-azing website: www.joomajam.com

For me, hosting is not just about having fun, getting awesome extra cash or having an excuse to wear nice dresses, hair extensions and cake my face up with makeup and false eyelashes. It's about Experiencing more together with my son, and with the new friends I meet in every event! I am just so thankful for this FRISO-tacular opporunity to be an events emcee every weekend! 

The events I love most are the ones where my little boy is involved; I lead such a busy life that the chance to bond with him at work is priceless! Here he is using his imagination and creativity, checking me out with his telescope made out of a pirate treasure map sprinkled with stardust, the elixir of youth, swords, magical memories, unicorns, cotton candy, superhero capes, whimsical dreams and love... He is the greatest of my many blessings!

But while I am a proud mom, a busy busy manager on weekdays and an events host on weekends, I still have my eyes set on greater things... someday, with every small effort I take today, I will get there someday, In God's wonderful Time and only through His magnificent Grace... 

Apart from the fun games and surprises we also saw to the launch of the Friso Moms Rewards program which many of the delighted parents availed of. Thank you so much to those who joined us and those who are now reading my blog. See you again soon; but for now it's time to give my little boy a warm bath, dance with him (can you believe we dance the Whip Nae Nae) and whisper words of love and encouragement to him, every chance that I get... 

Marylaine Viernes, Events Host (Click Here for my Portfolio)

Mad about Max: Mary's Movie Review

I loved everything about Warner Brothers Philippines’ latest blockbuster hit, MAX. The movie tugs at your heart the way your sweet puppy dog tugs on your pants to ask you to play or cuddle. It had all of the quintessential elements in a movie that the entire family could enjoy: tear-jerking patriotic scenes, traditional family moments, heart-pumping unlikely-hero action and the excitement of young love. 
Thank you very much Mr. Francis Soliven (President of Warner Brothers) for the premier night passes, and the bowwowriffic sweet treats like this doggy-treat-shaped cookie:

True to its title, it was about this smart and adorable war dog, Max, a Malinois Shepherd who helped the U.S Marines in Afghanistan. Max and his handler, Kyle Wincott (Robbie Amell) had a tight relationship and it was Max who knew first that Kyle’s death was no accident when they were ambushed; he died in the hands of a traitor – his own best friend who was actually involved in smuggling of arms. Reluctantly, the bereaved Wincott family took Max home with them not knowing that this is the start of thrilling adventures between Max and his new master, Justin (Josh Wiggins), the younger brother of Kyle.

The movie dealt with issues about trust, family bond and true friendship. I loved how tight the Wincott family was, and by family, this includes Max. How they loved, protected and put their trust in each other’s hands. That even in the face of peril, they knew that they could rely on each other. I especially loved how these values were played out with the youthful action scenes by Justin and his friends – taking down the weapon syndicate and the corrupt police officials, with nothing but their study bikes, hearts full of grit and goodness, and of course, a U.S. Marines trained dog!

Everything was just so heart-warming, as I write this now and relived the scenes; I am still gripped by the breathtaking stunts as Justin and his friends moved to save his father, and also the struggle of Max as he battled two other vicious dogs and those vile gunmen with his wit and heart, and of course interminable loyalty to the Wincott family. Most of all, the movie spoke about how the truth eventually comes out and favors the faithful, and how there will always be struggle, but our values and family will always help us through. It is a splendid ride – love, values and excitement that you and your family must not miss!

Photo below is our own little MAX... Her name is Sasha, a sweet mini pinscher who may not be able to fight the bad guys, but she can certainly fight our blues away...  

- Marylaine Louise Viernes