What to do, What to do: Life during the Enhanced Community Quarantine

Plans have been laid out, deadlines are all marked on the calendar. Like everyone else, One Valenzuela has been running the rat race early this 2020. Hay, those were the days when you would wish for a long weekend to come to finally have some rest. Or at least, have more time to deal with the pending tasks.

Then all of a sudden, the Taal eruption happened. Then the news on Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread like wildfire on television and in the newspapers. To control the situation, we are made to stay at home and limit our movements in public - specifically avoiding mass gatherings. Only the most essential establishments remained open such as drugstores, groceries, banks, and hospitals. Social distancing and people wearing masks have been the norm. 

The community quarantine placed life on pause. That's wish granted for some relaxed days - but, to be honest, this is really a very long pause.

Or rather: Ano ang pampa-good vibes na ginagawa ninyo ngayong community quarantine?

So, how are you riding the situation? Here are a few things that One Valenzuela has done to keep the boat sailing:

Be updated with the situation. Stay informed with the latest news by following official sources of information (i.e. TV telecasts, official Facebook pages of your local government unit like the Valenzuela City FB page and national departments like DOH). Avoid sending unconfirmed information and forwarding unverified images and chain letters which may cause panic and anxiety to others.

Clean the house. Time to finally help your Nanay do the cleaning. And we mean, General Cleaning - BIG time! 

Cook. One Valenzuela loves cooking - a lot! Since there is so much time available to prepare meals nowadays, it would be great to cook that food which you miss dearly during your toxic workdays. For example, One Valenzuela baked batches of peach mango pie to her heart's content. And if you still do not know how to cook, well it's high time you learn this skill. But to make sure that no precious food ingredient is wasted, it would be better to have a "knowledgeable other" like your Nanay or Tita in the kitchen to help you out. You know what I mean. 

In Photo: Lucky Me Pancit Canton na ni-level up!

Start that passion project. With so much time in your hands, why not start that long overdue passion project? 

Begin reading. By now you have probably read somewhere on Facebook or Twitter that Valenzuela City is mistakenly identified as the country Venezuela and it was really quite amusing to see the reactions of several people (Read More on Inquirer: Valenzuela mayor: ‘Di ko alam ako na din pala ang pinuno ng Venezuela’). With this, it is highly recommended that you try leisurely reading again (in between movie watching), hoping to keep our reading comprehension at par. 

Some of the books that One Valenzuela is reading. These are from Big Bad Wolf 2020.

Connect and have some quality time with your loved ones. The current scenario can cause anxiety for many and so talking with friends and family will help ease the tension and stress. One Valenzuela would check on her family via Facebook messenger since her sister is also a frontliner. Thank God for video calls!  

Attend online seminars and workshops. There are a lot of online workshops which are offered nowadays and you will find a number of them for free! There's photography, drawing, and cooking! Many of the workshops are conducted via Facebook live or via Zoom.

Time out for a movie marathon or Kdramas. No need to elaborate. Netflix has a P149/month plan. Any film recommendations?

Completed: Run with the Wind. Being a running enthusiast, One Valenzuela just loves watching this. 

Take a bath. Ligo check! Taking a good bath will help you relax and have better sleep. 

Open a Gcash or Paymaya account. Yes, Gcash and Paymaya are two popular e-wallet apps that are very handy during these trying times. Rather than lining up to the bank, learn more about these apps to pay for your bills or to send cash to relatives.

Exercise. Magkaka-abs na yata ako sa pisngi kakakain! Yes, we're developing some mean abs on our cheeks as we kept on overstaying in the kitchen and munching on food. Kidding aside, do not forget to do some cardio and stretching exercises to burn some of those calories.

Do home exercises, para galaw-galaw rin pag may time!

Participate in Online Challenges. TikTok has taken over the Facebook feed and many of One Valenzuela's friends have posted their cute acting and dancing videos. If you are not into it, participate in online challenges which will make you exercise (I challenge ___ to do 20 push-ups until April 30!) or post something creative (Like the #LutongBahayChallenge in the One Valenzuela Facebook page. Thank you to all participants in the Breakfast and Merienda challenges!)

 

The winners of the two #LutongBahayChallenge: Jenna Lhuillier (Sopas) and Toti (Mais Con Yelo)

Listen to music. Relaxing - into Ben and Ben lately. Or ... why not compose a song?

Travel tayo ... using Google Street View. Nakaka-miss gumala! We all have that feels. For people who like to go visit places, One Valenzuela is highly recommending Google Street View. The Google Arts and Culture Facebook page shows a number of great places to visit like museums and other interesting spots all over the world.

Stop and smell the roses. Tend your garden. It is therapeutic to talk to plants. One Valenzuela has been into urban gardening for quite a while now and producing some leafy vegetables and tea leaves for home consumption is very rewarding. Nowadays, she has been into carnivorous plants like Venus Flytraps and Pitcher Plants which are now part of her small scale urban garden.

One Valenzuela was able to get some wild bittergourd fruits (also known as Ampalayang Ligaw) along NLEX Maysan after a running session. She planted it in February 2020 and now it is ready to produce fruits. Grow your own food!

Check out TESDA's online courses. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) reported that almost 20,000 individuals enrolled for free online courses in the last half of March 2020. Registering for online courses makes us more productive while mobility is limited. 

Stargazing. The skies are clear during the summertime. Do you have a balcony? If yes, why not lay out a mat and look for constellations?

Spend some time with your pets. Just recently, One Valenzuela was able to get a betta fish from a pet shop near Malinta Market and having the fish during the ECQ was really engaging. Who would have known that bettas can be trained? Her name is Fishball, by the way. For furparents, it's time to groom, feed, play, and goof around with your furballs!

Be there for others. It is truly heartwarming to see a number of Valenzuelanos preparing food and gathering donations for our fellow Valenzuelanos - specifically our frontliners and the needy. Valenzuelano para sa Valenzuelano. There are many ways to help out. Staying at home is already a good start since you are already making our frontliners' jobs easier.

A post from Twitter where fellow Valenzuelanos help out medical frontliners. Maraming salamat po!

Pray. Do. Wait. And trust. 

One Valenzuela asked friends and they answered these.

Ikaw, what do you plan to do until April 30?

Keep Calm and Eat Sisig: Uncle John's Sizzling House ng Barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela City

Malaki ang tsansa na lahat tayo ay may isa o dalawang tiyuhin na magaling magluto - mayroong ang specialty ay crispy pata, barbecue, o di kaya ay chicharong bulaklak. Alam mo na yun! Ito yung mga tipo ng pagkain na gusto mong lantakan kapag matatapos na ang mahabang linggo ng pag-aaral o pagtatrabaho. Gaya ngayon. Biyernes na!

Usapang tito na rin lang naman, eh alamin na natin kung sino si Uncle John ng sizzling house na ito sa Karuhatan. Ang kainang ito ay may dalawang 'John' - ang tatay ng may-ari at ang kanyang business partner na si Reynon. Na pwedeng-pwede mo rin namang tawaging uncle kapag kakain ka sa kanila. 

Uncle John's Sizzling House ng Barangay Karuhatan

"Nagugulat kami na may nangangatok na ng 11:00 ng umaga kahit na 12:00 pa ng tanghali ang bukas namin," sabi ni Jofi, ang isa sa may-ari ng kainan. Sila ni Reynon ay matagal nang nasa food service industry kung kaya't alam nila ang pisil ng masa. "Nung minsan naman, buong pamilya ang pumunta kahit magsasara na kami ng hatinggabi. Mula pa sa Canumay West," dagdag pa niya. Madalas rin daw na punuan sila kapag tanghalian at hapunan.

Family Rule Number 1: Be happy!

Anong meron sa kainang ito? Bestsellers nila ang sizzling plates na may UNLI RICE at UNLI GRAVY. Yes, you've heard it right, UNLI. At natikman ni One Valenzuela dito ang dalawang panalong sizzling plates nila: ang Sisig (P99.00) at T-Bone Steak (P149.00). 

Matutuwa kayo sa sisig nila dito. Tulad ng sisig na natikman ni One Valenzuela sa isang sikat na kainan sa Pampanga, hindi gumagamit ng mayonnaise ang Uncle John's. Wala ring MSG. Malasang-malasa at may crunch ang sisig ng Uncle John's. Solid, ika nga. 

Gravy pa lang, ulam na!

Ito naman ang T-Bone Steak. Malambot ang karne at masarap lagyan ng maraaaming gravy. 

Off the Menu: Laing Pasta. Inaabangan ng marami ang pagpopost ng Uncle John's Sizzling House sa Facebook kung mayroong Laing Pasta na available. Wala ito sa regular menu, ha. Para sa mga mahilig sa laing, you should not miss this. 

At dahil feel na feel na natin ang Friday, punta tayo kina Uncle John, our next-door Tito sa Karuhatan. Time to relax na,  just keep calm, and eat sisig. 

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Uncle John's Sizzling House
Location: 1252 Cristobal Street, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City
Sizzling Hours: 12:00nn-12:00mn, daily
Accepts deliveries and advanced orders.
Contact Number: Smart: 0920-4556324 / 0915-7869268
Follow Uncle John's Sizzling House on Facebook here.

Paano Makararating sa Uncle John's Sizzling House:

Mula sa Marulas (BBB McArthur), sumakay ng jeep papuntang Karuhatan. Bumaba sa Karuhatan Jeepney Market at lumakad papasok sa Karuhatan Public Market. Di na kailangang sumakay - maglakad lamang hanggang sa lumagpas ng Jeepney Terminal. Malapit ang Uncle John's Sizzling House sa lumang LTO sa Karuhatan. Ang Cristobal Street ay ang kalye bago mag-barangay hall.

Need to Fuel Your Cravings? Dine at Krave of Brgy. Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City

Craving for something really good to eat? Now, exactly a month old since it opened last July 28, 2019, Krave, a family-owned restaurant, of Brgy. Gen. T. De Leon is quite busy in continuously serving diners with their very own rice meals, pasta, snacks, and sweet treats. 

A part of Krave's dining area. The whole place can be reserved for intimate functions, parties, and gatherings of 20-25 people.

To travel is to love.

Another cozy spot in the restaurant.

 "Lumaki kami sa pamilya na kapag may handaan, lahat ay kasama na mag-prepare ng pagkain. Kaya halos kaming lahat ay inclined sa pagluluto," Cath mentioned. Majority of the dishes on Krave's menu are the crowd favorites during their reunions and gatherings: her ate's carbonara, bunso's embutido, and her partner, Chef Chy's Malunggay Pesto (Admiringly, Chef Chy has won and was awarded a bronze medal in the Chef Wars competition at the World Trade Center back in college for the Filipino Fusion Cuisine category). Meanwhile, the boys of the family were tasked to work on the restaurant's interior. Thus, Krave is the result of everyone's efforts, bringing in their talents on cooking and designing together.

Munch on some crackers while waiting for the food to come.

Or maybe get a basket of nachos for a good start. Krave's nachos can be shared or eaten solo.

Good food is here na. Where na you?

For its rice meal line up, Krave has Breaded Pork, Tapa, Embutido, and Leny's Laing as its bestsellers. The pasta plates are also well received by diners, having adobo flakes, tuna pesto, carbonara, and mac & cheese as their favorites. The chicken wings of Krave is also a crowd drawer which comes in 6-pieces or 12 pieces. To end a good meal, churros, coffee jelly, and waffle may be ordered. "My nieces and nephews love waffles," Cath shared, further explaining that kids will definitely like the mentioned dessert.

Moreover, the meals that are served in Krave are all from scratch so you can be assured that what you are eating are all made with TLC.  For example, their tapa and embutido are all made from raw ingredients, not store-bought.

Leny's Laing is a favorite of One Valenzuela. Mommy Leny, the owners' mother, makes this signature dish out of gabi leaves and coconut milk as its main ingredients.

Adobo Flakes Pasta. An interesting twist where you will enjoy eating Classic Pinoy Adobo served with spaghetti. Adobo is a star among Filipino viands and this fusion dish nailed it so far.

Chicken Wings. The chicken wings come in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Buffalo. The buffalo wings are really good - savory and just a bit spicy. "We adjust the spice level depending on our customer's request," the Krave team mentioned.

Finally ended the meal with a tall glass of Krave's creamy Coffee Jelly.

Look at those coffee jelly cubes! Sarap di ba?

Just like a car which needs some gas after a long drive, dining here will make you happy and all fueled up! So the next time you drop by Gen. T. De Leon, try this new dining spot and fill up that craving tank up to the brim. 

Thank you, Krave! 

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Krave: Fuel Your Cravings

Location: 3004 Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City (Landmark: across San Roque Supermarket)

Open Hours: 12:00nn-9:00pm, daily

Contact Number: 0927-6045165

Like and follow Krave on Facebook here for updates.

How to Go to Krave:

If you are coming from Valenzuela City Hall in Malinta, ride a jeepney (i.e. Monumento/Pier/Divisoria) which will pass by Karuhatan. Go down Karuhatan Jeepney Market and cross the road via bridge. Pass by the Karuhatan Wet and Dry Market. Go to the Jeepney Terminal which will go to Ugong (P9.00 as of this writing). Ask the jeepney driver to drop you near San Roque Supermarket. Krave is just a few meters across the said supermarket.

Eatsploring Malabon without Leaving Valenzuela City

Just last month, One Valenzuela was able to eatsplore a part of Malabon, one of Valenzuela's neighboring cities. It was an unplanned treat of a dear kindred soul (Salamat!) after a very long and hot day at work. The spontaneous trip led the troop to Gov. Pascual Avenue where one may find several go-to places which are very popular among locals and visitors alike.  

Governor Pascual Avenue, Malabon City 

Although Malabon seems so near, being waist-deep in all the daily tasks can make a visit to this city a bit of a challenge. So, is it possible to eatsplore some Malabon food fare without leaving Valenzuela City? Yes! Just in case you are craving for some pancit malabon or a good boodle fight with the barkada, One Valenzuela would like to share to you two Malabon-based food establishments which have branches in Valenzuela City:

Nanay's Pancit Malabon

Moms are the best and when one sees a restaurant or a humble diner with the word Nanay, you would probably feel at home. In 2015, Nanay's Pansit Malabon won the Battle of the Best Pancit Malabon in GMA's Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (You can read more about it in the Certified Foodies blog). 

Nanay's Pancit Malabon along Gov. Pascual Avenue, Malabon City

You will see this bilao-made trophy near the counter.

Solo order of pancit malabon and a quekiam.

Malabon Address: No. 37 Gov. Pascual Avenue, Malabon City (Main)
Open Hours: 8:00am to 6:00pm, daily
Contact Number: (02)281-0449

Where to Find Nanay's Pansit Malabon in Valenzuela:

According to the owner, who is a grandson of Nanay's pioneer, the Valenzuela branch has been serving pansit for about 8 years now.

Nanay's Pansit Malabon along McArthur Highway, Malinta, Valenzuela City

Valenzuela Address: McArthur Highway, Malinta, Valenzuela City (in front of San Isidro Labrador Parish Church)
What to Buy (For Take Out): Bilaos of Pansit Malabon (Php150 to Php1,300, depends on the size); Puto Bilao (Php170); Puto and Pichi-pichi
Open Hours: 9:00am to 6:30pm, daily
Contact Number: (02)225-0722; (02)514-4018; 0923-7473852 (Accepts delivery)
No official Facebook account, but found this one instead.

La Mesa de Mikay Boodle Fight House

This is a well-known dining place for those who would like to eat in groups. Best to use one's bare hands (Sarap magkamay!) to dig the hot garlic rice, boneless fish, as well as some grilled meat and squid. La Mesa de Mikay offers many food sets named after the barangays of Malabon, namely, Catmon, Muzon, Dampalit, Concepcion, Tinajeros, Niugan, and Maysilo.

La Mesa de Mikay at BNR Compound, Malabon City

Brgy. Catmon Boodle Fight Food Set (Php380, good for 2-4 persons). It has garlic rice, liempo, boneless daing (fish), ensaladang talong (eggplant), sibuyas/kamatis (onions/tomatoes), bagoong, itlog na pula (salted egg), and iced tea.

Malabon Address: No. 29-31 BNR Compound, Governor Pascual, Malabon City
Open Hours: 3:00pm to 12:00 midnight, weekdays
                     12:00nn to 12:00 midnight, weekends
Contact Number: (0995)428-4564

Where to Find La Mesa de Mikay in Valenzuela (opening soon!):

La Mesa de Mikay announced on their Facebook page that it will have its second branch at Captains Yard. It will have its soft opening on August 26, 2017 (Saturday). 

Photo Credit: La Mesa de Mikay FB page

Valenzuela Address: Captains Yard, G. Lazaro Street, Barangay Dalandanan, Valenzuela City (near Valenzuela City Astrodome)

What to Buy: Any of their food sets which would fit your budget and your tummy(Php380 to Php820 in their Malabon branch)

Captains Yard Schedule Open Hours: 4:00pm to 12:00midnight 

Like La Mesa de Mikay on Facebook here for updates.

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Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa?
Drop a line below or e-mail: onevalenzuelano@gmail.com. Would love to hear from you!

Shoe Hunting at the World Balance Outlet Store in Valenzuela City

Summer is coming to an end and the traditional black shoe and rubber shoe hunt for schooling is now officially on. One of the places that One Valenzuela visited to shoe hunt is the World Balance Outlet Store in Dalandanan. It is not along McArthur Highway but you can easily spot it by its big and towering signage once you set foot in the said barangay.

You won't miss this signage when you are already traversing McArthur Highway in Barangay Dalandanan. Just look up!

World Balance Outlet Store's front area.

A closer look at what's on sale.

Other than footwear, this outlet store also sells several apparel.

Less 10% on all regular items.

Little One Valenzuela got a pair of EasySoft shoes from World Balance. She says it's comfortable to wear.

This World Balance store is conveniently open daily, even on Sundays. Learning that its products are 10% less than the mall price is also a big plus. You might even score a pair of sandals or two which are on sale when you visit the store.  

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World Balance Store Valenzuela
Address: No. 58 Blanco Street, Dalandanan, Valenzuela City (Landmark: 3S Center Dalandanan)
Open Hours: 10:00am to 8:00pm, Monday to Sunday
Telephone Number: (02)352-7271
Visit World Balance on Facebook here.

World Balance Outlet Store at Barangay Dalandanan, Valenzuela City

Because You Deserve It: SLIAN NAILS at Brgy. Palasan, Valenzuela City

--There's a sweet ending to this blog post. Kindly read on. --

Just recently, One Valenzuela received a message from Lyn, CEO of a newly opened nail salon in Barangay Palasan. Supporting local businesses is in One Valenzuela's  philosophy, thus a visit to SLIAN NAILS was scheduled. 

One Valenzuela met Ms. Jhoanna of SLIAN NAILS upon her arrival. While prepping to have the pedicure, One Valenzuela learned of the hardwork and all the effort that Lyn, Jhoanna, and Gibson (the board of directors) made to put up SLIAN NAILS (Read the story behind the nail salon business at Filipina Expat blog here: Part 1 and Part 2). She also got to know that Lyn is in Dubai while Jhoanna, her sister, is the General Manager of the nail salon. They envision SLIAN NAILS as your go-to nail salon which provides quality nail services without breaking the bank. The residents of Palasan and nearby places are blessed to have primary access to an affordable and relaxing nail salon experience.

Ms. Jhoanna Talag-Castillo of SLIAN NAILS.

"You deserve it" of SLIAN NAILS.

So how was it? One Valenzuela got there on a Friday afternoon, thus, her "happy feet" are no longer that happy anymore. This pedi treatment is just timely! SLIAN NAILS' ambiance looked great with its light pink and gray motif, very easy on the eyes. A well-spaced waiting area with several magazines which you may read can be seen upon entering the nail salon. The selection of polishes is also already available at the lobby. This way, you can already think of the color and the type of polish that you would like to have.

Nail polish selection at the lobby of SLIAN NAILS. The nail salon also has ZOYA Nail Polish which is safe to be used by pregnant women and kids. It was recently recognized by an independent panel in Women's Health Magazine for being the longest wearing natural nail polish. 

Gel nail polishes of SLIAN NAILS. Gel polishes last up to three weeks, thus, it is the perfect treatment before going to those long vacations and trips (say hello to the beaches and pools this summer with pretty nails!)

One Valenzuela 's choice of polish for the day.

Ate Lani, one of the nail technicians, prepared some warm water, foot soap, and flower petals in a bucket for One Valenzuela's tired feet. Calming music shoos away the stress as you sit regally on a queenly/kingly chair. A complimentary glass of iced tea, hot tea, or water to refresh customers is also included when you avail any of their services. It is a multisensory experience which awakens the sense of sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...I find fair ladies, relaxing and all.

Being treated like a queen without breaking the bank. SLIAN NAILS nail salon services start at Php80.00 for the basic manicure and Php150 for both the mani and pedi (Express package- for those people in a hurry). SLIAN NAILS also offers the following: Classic Package (soak, clean, express massage, polish/buff), Lux Nail Spa, (soak, exfoliating scrub, clean, relaxing massage, polish/buff), Little Miss (for 12 years old and below), Paraffin, Gel Polish, Nail Art, and SPArty Packages.

Tired feet + Warm, soapy water + Flower petals + Soulful music +A good drink + Comfy chair = You DESERVE it.

Other than the complimentary iced tea, hot tea, and water, you may also purchase other drinks and Baskin Robbins ice cream at SLIAN NAILS.
The nail salon also has free WiFi so you can still get connected while having your nails done.

Ate Lani here served a princess of Saudi Arabia for 3 years. She said that part of her tasks is the provision of manicure and pedicure to the princess. No wonder One Valenzuela felt like a queen while having the Lux Nail Spa(and Little One Valenzuela as the princess)! The Express foot massage made One Valenzuela want to take a power nap and that's a good thing!

Photo from SLIAN NAILS

SLIAN NAILS Graduation Promo which runs until April 12, 2017.

Other than knowing how much heart is put into this business, people should also know that SLIAN NAILS has good individuals behind it who do not just want to earn money. SLIAN NAILS is sponsoring a child from World Vision Philippines, an NGO which is dedicated to working with children and their education, for each branch that it will open. As a customer, having your nails done in nail salons with such a cause makes you feel even better. 

In the end, SLIAN NAILS made One Valenzuela's "happy feet", well, happier! She's all recharged for the coming week. Thank you for the pampering, SLIAN NAILS!

SLIAN NAILS

Address: No. 35 M.H. Del Pilar St., Barangay Palasan, Valenzuela City
               (Landmark: Producers Bank)
               Free parking is available.
Open Hours:
              Monday-Thursday: 12:00nn-10:00pm
              Friday-Sunday: 11:00am-10:00pm
Telephone Number: (02)282-6315 / Smart/TnT: (0939)521-5265 / Globe/TM: (0956)412-7587
E-mail: info@sliannails.com
Like SLIAN NAILS on Facebook here.
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GIVEAWAY ALERT! (CLOSED)

One (1) winner of a

Classic Mani + Pedi Package for 2

by SLIAN NAILS

There are 2 easy options to earn entries to this giveaway:
Option No. 1: On FACEBOOK: Like the FB post of the Giveaway here, tag a friend in the comment box, and Share the FB post. 
 

Option No. 2: Via RAFFLECOPTER: Visit SLIAN NAILS Facebook page and click Like, visit One Valenzuela's Facebook page and click Like, and answer the question:

With whom will you share the SLIAN NAILS experience?

Here's the Rafflecopter Giveaway tab where you can gain entries:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be contacted via e-mail on Sunday, MARCH 26, 2017 and will be announced in the blog.
Share this post with your friends. Good luck everyone!

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Giveaway Winner Announcement

It has been a week since One Valenzuela supported and launched the giveaway of a SLIAN NAILS Classic Mani + Pedi for 2. First and foremost, she would like to thank everyone who engaged in this activity, taking time to like, tag, and share the post in Facebook as well as those who entered the Rafflecopter. By doing those simple actions, you just helped and supported another local business in Valenzuela City. It is always a good thing to #supportlocal and help the community grow. Maraming salamat po.

Without further ado, One Valenzuela would like to congratulate Ms. Rowena Eduarte!

An e-mail will be sent to you within the day from onevalenzuelano@gmail.com for instructions on how to claim the prize.

Lastly, thank you SLIAN NAILS for sponsoring this giveaway!