Coping with pregnancy Anxieties

Pregnancy is a new journey for every woman and whether it is meticulously planned or comes unexpectedly, one thing is definite – a woman’s life will never be the same. It is an experience that will reinvent your world for you.

Like any other journey, you tend to guess what lies ahead. The idea of uncertainty, added responsibility and pressure makes you start to reassess yourself and your competencies. And whether or not you think you are ready for motherhood, you are forced into this new, but wonderful world.

A grand adventure begins

The good thing is, pregnancy is designed to naturally prepare you for motherhood. While it is inevitable that you feel uncomfortable, anxious and scared about what comes next, there are moments you will be filled with joy.

Being apprehensive about the responsibility for another human life is normal, but know that this should not hinder you from enjoying the journey towards motherhood.

Someone once said “Motherhood is the only place where you can experience heaven and hell at the same time,” and so whenever you think of all the challenges of your pregnancy, know that it is worth it.

Redefining a spectrum of Fear

Fear originates from the sense of not being in control. One perspective of fear is life threatening while another spectrum is one that holds you back from living the life that you deserve. It is common to randomly worry about pregnancy and all the other aspects related to it but whenever you feel anxious towards those, its better to try to take control of things you can manage and channel your energy towards something positive. Indulge yourself in self-reflection and positive self-talk. Think of an empowering and convincing statement that will oppose your limiting belief.

The secret to coping with your worries is redefining fear. You can simply look at fear as an opportunity for self-discovery, the gateway from simply wishing and wanting, to doing and being.

Redefining fear with a touch of optimism can be a form of reaffirmation within yourself. ProMama assures you that, yes you can cope with your worries and you can and will become a good mother.

Be fit and fab by taking control

Take control of your pregnancy and do not let your pregnancy take over you. You make a continuous effort to transform fear into power – power to decide on how you will act on your anxieties and live your life the way you’ve pictured it to be. It is a chance for you to know and understand you and your baby more.

Since pregnancy is all about coping with your new role as mother, this is a most opportune time to adjust your lifestyle in a way that you live the life you dream for yourself while ensuring to provide the life you dream for your child as well. Nine months is enough time to form good habits and to prepare yourself for motherhood.

For starters, drink ProMama to help you feel more at ease because only ProMama contains Vitamins C, E and A. It’s coupled with Mental Enhancers like DHA, a nutrient important for a child’s visual and mental development; Folic Acid, which is essential for the development of the nervous system and in preventing neural tube defects; and Zinc, which assists in fetal neurodevelopment. ProMama’s formula also contains Bone and Muscle Builders such as Vitamin D to support an unborn baby’s bone development; Protein, the building block of all tissues; and Calcium, which supports bone development.

With the help of ProMama, you can enjoy your pregnancy, discover the mother in you and marvel at the miracle of your baby.

Remember, when you have worries that haunt you, there is no one formula to be a perfect mother, but there are a million ways to be a good one. By being true to yourself and taking control, you can be the good mom that you hope to be.

Place this in your mind, “Mama yes you can take control. Mama yes you can be fit and fab.” You already know the secret to coping with your anxieties and so do not be afraid, rather, look forward to what comes next.

December Break for Music

December means a busy month for musical concerts and other activities.  Artists geared up for  busy schedules with their  bc rich guitars  and other instruments to give the best  entertainment that will simply disappear all your blues away.   They  do double duty like  making themselves visible to all events  and   make appearances  on TV networks and  channels online  to  take advantage of the season.  People find total   enjoyment when this winter break comes  with  music.  

Young Yasmene Grace P. Arim Is Bonakid Pre-School’s Ready Set Laban Season 2 Grand Winner

When Yasmene Arim decided to take on the challenges in Bonakid Pre-School’s Ready Set Laban Season 2, her mother had very simple but no less relevant words of wisdom for her precocious seven year old daughter: “Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.”

The dance, swimming and taekwondo aficionado sent in their auditions online and actually became the show’s first guests to make it via online auditions.

“Sobrang excited ko (I was so excited),” young Yasmene enthused.

“Pinapainom ko si Yasmene lagi ng gatas at pinapakain ng maraming gulay at fruits. We believe we are strong, we can fight and we can win this competition,” her mother adds.

And they did.

The show is designed to bring out the strength, energy and resilience of children and bring out the Batang May Laban in them by way of traditional Filipino games such as tumbang preso and patintero. The host of Ready Set Laban Season 2 shares how he can describe the show in three words: Ready To Play. “The kids I encountered are so ready to play and face the challenges in the show. It did not feel like I was working. I just had fun and I played a lot with them,” Drew Arellano shares.

For its second season, Bonakid Pre-School Ready Set Laban came back with more exciting challenges and bigger prizes. As for what young Yasmene asked for as a prize? She asked for school bags and supplies for her friends and classmates at school which Bonakid Pre-School Ready Set Laban Season 2 happily provided.

Behold Bohol

Bohol is moving to become the must-go destination in the Philippines as it launches   new and exciting tourist destinations with rock bottom prices for airfares, hotels and resorts during a travel fair to be held in Glorietta Mall on Dec. 8-10.

Bohol provincial governor Edgar Chatto said the province will also formally launch its new branding “Behold...BOHOL,” which positions the province as a destination that exudes a sense of awe in every visitor.



The three-day event is the first time ever that tourism sector in Bohol comes together in a massive campaign to entice tourists to visit. It is part of the Bohol Tourism Action Plan developed through the collaboration of the United States Agency for International Development through its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United Nations-World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO), and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as well as local tourism stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the new branding “Behold...BOHOL” was developed with the help of CNN’s branding expert Anita Mendiratta.  Bohol is the first province that benefited from an outreach program of CNN.

AirAsia, the leading budget airline in the Asian region, is the exclusive airline partner for the campaign and will offer seat sale.  The airline that has been awarded the Skytrax’s World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years is also committed to offer year-round low fares for flights between Manila - Tagbilaran (Bohol) and Manila – Cebu.

At least 50% discount in accommodation, tours and other travel essentials in Bohol will be offered during the three-day travel fair.  Boholano products will likewise be on sale.

The travel fair will open in a grand program featuring the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir. The chorale group will have a nightly concert during the three-day event.

Bohol province is dubbed as the eco-cultural tourism capital with its fascinating  Chocolate Hills, pristine and white sand beaches in Panglao and  Anda.  It is also home to the well-loved Tarsier, considered the smallest and oldest primate in the world.

“We want to develop Bohol as the tourism superpower and a top holiday destination in the Philippines,” said Bohol governor Edgar Chatto.

He said the launch of the 'Behold... BOHOL'  aims to promote the province as a complete tourist destination because every town has a unique tourist attraction to offer to visitors.

Aside from the iconic destinations, the province is surrounded by caves, tranquil rivers, fascinating water falls, marine sanctuaries, mangroves and diving sites.

Chatto said Bohol is now promoting the powdery white sand beaches of Anda, as the next tourist destination.  Road and infrastructure access to Anda are underway through the convergence program of Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that seeks to connect airports to tourist destinations. 

Anda is a must visit in Bohol for its  unique and  wider coastlines making it a perfect destination both for relaxing walk on the beach or water sports activities.

The town is also home to the Lamanok Mystical Island and is fast becoming a popular destinations. Lamanok can be reached within a two-hour drive from the capital, Tagbilaran. The island has a rich lush mangrove protecting the community from flooding, pollution and water surge. It hosts some mystical caves where ancient Boholanons bury their loved ones in jars.

Governor Chatto said Bohol is also home to Asia's largest mangrove forest called Banacon located north of the municipality of Getafe. It has a total of 425 hectares with only 15 hectares dry land and the rest are extensive mangrove plantation.

In a press statement, the Governor credited the strong support and cooperation of  tourism stakeholders in Bohol in promoting the new tourist destinations of the province.

“ The strong partnership between the local government and the private tourism stakeholders, a well equipped manpower with innate hospitality as well as the rich natural, cultural and historical attractions of Bohol are the three main factors why we are confident to become a tourism superpower,” said Chatto.

AirAsia, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier is fully supporting the ‘Behold...BOHOL’  campaign by offering its lowest possible rates for tourists visiting Bohol.

AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline flies three times daily to Bohol

It's Thanksgiving Day!

Two more days to go and it's thanksgiving! It's time to think of all the good and even bad things that happened to you in the past months. All of them were given to you for a reason. Think of all the blessings that poured to you and your family despite of all the difficulties, here you are now, still standing, still fighting and at the end of the day, still alive and well and Happy! Life is good,God is great so give thanks! Celebrate with your love ones on Thanksgiving and savor the blessings right in front of you. Be thankful for everyone in your family and for the food on your table.

 It's going to be my first time to celebrate Thanksgiving with the complete family and I am thankful for that. I'm sure gonna eat a lot that night so I better prepare for some tea like  underberg at smallflower.

Advance HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Philippine SME Business Expo 2014

SME 2014:

With the ASEAN integration just around the corner,the country’s largest business-2-business trade show, conference and networking event for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Philippine SME Business Expo 2014 - “ Boost Your Business”, held its Press Conference on November 18, 2014 at the Lucia Ristorante of Hotel Celeste, Makati City. Now on its 2nd year, Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME) continues to boost small businesses to become BIG and will opens its gate on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 10AM, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City. This 3-day event also serves as a gateway for Filipino companies that like to enter the ASEAN market and vice versa. Over 200 local and international companies are exhibiting and 20,000 people are expected to visit PHILSME 2014 to network and collaborate.

The Press Conference was attended by 30 people from the major newspapers, television and online contributors, as well as by known personalities from the business community, like Henry Ong, President of the Young Entrepreneur Society Philippines (YES) and host of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Philippines; Ria Lu, Co-Founder and CEO of Unlock & Load; Earl Valencia, Founder of IdeaSpace Foundation; Arianne Kader, Regional Operations Manager, of Marketplace of ZALORA Group; Rajan Uttamchandani, Chairman and CEO of Esquire Financing Inc.; Norman Adriano, Secretary General of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP); Engr. Romelen Tresvalles, Head of Planning Unit of the Department of Science & Technology (National Capital Region); Chris Raeuber and Nils Walle of the Combined Logistics Networks.

From November 21-23, visitors will be able to network with over 200 exhibitors from 18 business sectors ranging from direct selling, technology and innovation, agricultural business, fast food and restaurant concepts, beverage and confectionery, to general merchandise and retail, hotels, salons, spas and gyms, malls, office furniture, machineries and supplies, bar, cafe and coffee shops.

“We aim to put together under one roof SME business owners, senior level executives, professionals, government agencies, trade associations from the Philippines and the ASEAN region to collaborate in order to boost businesses and the Philippine economy at large. The ASEAN economic community will become the 7th largest economy in the world with a combined consumer market of over 600 million people and we will do everything we can to help small businesses to get access to this market and become globally competitive,” said David Abrenilla, Founder and Managing Director of Philippine SME Business Expo and CEO of MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS, INC.

Philippine SME Business Expo will provide information on the latest innovations.

You're Not You

Kate is a suave, successful classical pianist just diagnosed with ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrigs Disease). Bec is a brash college student and would-be rock singer who canbarely  keep her  wildly  chaotic  affairs,  romantic  and otherwise,  together.  Yet,  when Bectakes a job assisting Kate, Kate sees something special in the way Bec takes care of her. Kateand Bec find each other’s  strength through their weaknesses. You're Not You explores howtwo  strangers  can  bring  out  the  best  in  each  other  even  in  the  midst  of  trials  andtribulations.  This movie also gives face to the much talked about ALS and will definitelymake people more compassionate with victim of the said disease.Initial release: October 10, 2014 (USA)Director: George C. WolfeRunning time: 103 minutess`Producer: Hilary SwankGenre: DramaHilary Swank, Emmy Rossum and Josh Duhamel



WHAT IS ALS?Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or  Lou Gehrig's disease, and rarely Charcot disease—isa neurodegenerative  disorderwith  various  causes.  The  term motor  neurone  disease (MND)  issometimes used interchangeably with ALS while others use it to refer to a group of similar conditionsthat  include ALS.   ALS is  characterised by  muscle spasticity,  rapidly  progressive weakness dueto muscle wasting. This results in difficulty speaking, swalllowing, and breathing. The disease usually starts around the age of 60, except in cases that are directly  inherited when the usual age of onset isaround 50.

About 5 to 10% of cases are directly inherited from a person's parents.  ALS is the most common of the five types of motor neuron disease.The average survival from onset to death is three to four years.   Only 4% survive longer than 10years, although rare cases survive 50 years or more. Most die from respiratory failure. In much ofthe world rates of ALS are unknown.  In Europe the disease affects about 2.2 people per 100,000per  year. In  the  United  States,  more  than  5,600  are  diagnosed  every  year,  and  up  to  30,000Americans are currently affected. ALS is responsible for 2 deaths per 100,000 people per year.Descriptions  of  the disease date back  to at  least  1824 by Charles  Bell. In  1869 the connectionbetween  the  symptoms and the  underlying  neurological  problems were  first  described by Jean-Martin Charcot who in 1874 began using the term amyotrophic lateral  sclerosis.   It  became wellknown in the United States when it affected a famous baseball player by the name of Lou Gehrig, and later when the ice bucket challenge became popular in 2014.
Source: Wikepedia

Who is Lou Gehrig?

Baseball player1. Henry Louis or Lou; Gehrig was an American baseball first basemanwho played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees.  Usingnumber 4 as his mark, Lou plays First baseman and pinch hitter2. Born: June 19, 1903, Yorkville, New York City, New York, United States3. Died: June  2,  1941, Riverdale,  New  York  City,  New  York,  United  States andburied in Kensico Cemetery, New York.4. Spouse: Eleanor Gehrig (m. 1933–1941)

Silip Bulilit Campaign

 The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO), Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, and WesternUnion.com team-up to reduce the number of blind babies resulting from “Retinopathy of Prematurity” (ROP) in the Philippines. ROP is an eye disease that strikes at least 10% of all premature births in the country. It is potentially blinding but preventable with timely screening and management. During the launch, the three organizations commit to develop information and promotion activities through PAO’s “Silip Bulilit” nationwide advocacy program and Apl.de.Ap Foundation International’s “Campaign for Filipino Children” initiative. These programs help create awareness of the importance of vision screening in children, especially among premature babies. The group will also work to generate resources for ROP screening training and services.

Photo shows (L-R) Vision Center Children’s Hospital director, Dr. Thomas C. Lee; Apl.de.Ap Foundation International executive director, Sonia Delen, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International founder, Apl de Ap; PAO president, Dr. Harvey Uy; PAO-ROP Working Group chairman, Dr. Pearl Tamesis-Villalon; and Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines president, Dr. Milagros Arroyo.

Philippine Academy of Opthalmology and Silip Bulilit

The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) join in observing World Prematurity Day through the roll-out of their nationwide advocacy campaign, “Silip Bulilit”.  The program aims to help reduce the number of blind babies resulting from “Retinopathy of Prematurity” (ROP), a condition that robs premature babies of their vision.

World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17 each year since 2011 to raise awareness of preterm babies and the concerns of premature babies and their families worldwide.  According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in ten of all babies born worldwide.

“ROP is an eye disease that occurs in premature infants,” explains Dr. Havey Uy, president of PAO.  “It is potentially blinding, but preventable with timely screening and management.”  

Not all premature babies will develop ROP. However, a few can deteriorate into the late visually debilitating stages of ROP and will need treatment.

Infants at risk should be referred by the neonatologist and/or pediatrician to ophthalmologist for screening and proper treatment or surgery depending on the ROP stage and situation of the eye. 

Statistics show that 50,000 infants worldwide are blinded by ROP every year.  In the Philippines, ROP strikes at least 10% of all premature births and causes irreversible blindness if untreated.

“The key is early detection,” stresses Dr. Uy.  “We recommend that babies born less than 35 weeks and with birth weight less than 2000 grams should undergo ROP screening.”

As such, PAO recently launched “Silip Bulilit” to help create awareness of ROP and encourage families, health professionals, hospitals, parent groups, and other groups involved in preterm birth and childcare to seek professional assistance from ophthalmologist for sight-saving intervention.

“Since ROP screening is not included in the newborn screening program of the government, we hope ‘Silip Bulilit’ will fill in the gap to ensure the total well-being of every Filipino child.” said Dr. Uy. 

“Silip Bulilit” is in partnership with Filipino-American rapper, Apl de Ap, best known as a member of the Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas.  Through his Campaign for Filipino Children, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International  and WesternUnion.com, a strong collaboration will be forged to develop information and promotion programs that will help create awareness of the importance of vision screening in children especially among premature babies and generate resources for ROP screening.

(Press Release)

Mesoestetic Beauty Elixirs

Last Friday,  at Balboa Restarant in Shangri-La Mall, Mesoesteticc introduced Beauty Elixirs made in Barcelona, Spain
Most beauty products comes in the form of capsule. Mesoestetic Beauty Elixirs is a new nutricosmetic that is drinkaable. In short, Mesoestetic Beauty Elixirs are a great top-up as these are absorbed easily by the body. A daily dose of these nutriceuticals acts as an internal hydrator to help slow down the aging process thereby vanishing wrinkles, erasing age spots and plumping the skin.

Another inspiring movie, LIFE OF PI

We decided to watch "Life of  Pi"  over "Sinister"  movie    because of  the  very good review from different critics.   We first  played  the latter  but at the beginning of the film, it looks thrilling but boring so we stopped.

In  the first twenty minutes of  "Life of Pi",  my two daughters wanted to fast forward the movie where they expect  Pi and the tiger  at the ship wreck  living together.   I kept my eye  focused  from the first minute  to the end.  The movie is simply amazing,  It's not just about survival at sea but  perseverance and  faith in God.

"Life of Pi"  is  movie  based on  Yann Martel's novel of the  same title.  At least thrice in the movie, I've felt my eyes were cloudy.   I couldn't  say a word to describe but  it really affected my whole life emotionally on a higher level.

I like the part when Pi decided to  live in the same boat with Richard Parker, the tiger.  In order to survive, he said   that  they need to learn to communicate with each other and respect each other's territory. 

We can't get over  with the movie and has a been a topic for  the whole day and maybe the whole week.  I can't stop thinking how amazingly the movie is.  How beautiful!  It's still on my mind. 


It could be really fantastic  and  I bet if I were the  interviewer  who'd write the story I would have a second thought  about  the survival story with animals in the same boat.   But as  I've  watched the whole film, it made me believe that nothing is impossible if  you have faith in God and  a strong will to live and one should never give up til the last  step of  the journey.


 “The reason death sticks so closely to life isn't biological necessity; it's envy. Life is so beautiful that death has fallen in love with it, a jealous, possessive love that grabs at what it can.” -Yann Martel, Life of Pi
 
 
I have no doubt  why the movie  had eleven nominations in the 85th Academy Awards.  We regret that we did not watch it at the big screen in 3D.

image source: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse. That bungled goodbye hurts me to this day. I wish so much that I'd had one last look at him in the lifeboat, that I'd provoked him a little, so that I was on his mind. I wish I had said to him then - yes, I know, to a tiger, but still - I wish I had said, "Richard Parker,  it's over. We have survived. Can you believe it? I owe you more gratitude than I can express I couldn't have done it without you. I would like to say it formally: Richard Parker, thank you.- Yann Martel, Life of Pi

Create your own festive floral decorations

The Christmas season is almost upon us once again. Present buying, gift wrapping, menu planning, decorating – with so much to do and to organise it’s no wonder we start our Christmas planning early.

To make your home and table look beautiful, festive and unique this year, why not make your own Christmas Flower arrangements as part of your seasonal decorations?

Whether as a centrepiece for the table or simply to brighten up a room in the house, floral arrangements add colour and vivaciousness wherever they are.

 Interflora Poinsettia plants have been a traditional Christmas flower for centuries are commonly featured on a lot of tables during the Christmas season.

Legend has it that in 16th century Mexico a young girl couldn’t afford gifts to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. Instead, she gathered weeds from the roadside, yet in the midst of these weeds sprang beautiful red flowers, borne of the girl’s love for Jesus, which became poinsettia.

Simple arrangements work best for these vibrant plants – either three or five stems in a wicker basket surrounded by ivy or moss is all you need to make an ideal Christmas decoration.

To give your living room a festive aroma, try using cinnamon sticks in a flower arrangement. Combine them with eucalyptus, holly (including berries), mini pears and pine stems to create a Christmas bouquet that not only looks spectacular but smells deliciously spicy too.

For an additional touch, arrange them in a see-through glass vase and line it with more cinnamon sticks, berries and leaves.

A wreath is a traditional Christmas door decoration and a home-made version will wow your friends and neighbours.

You can combine supple willow branches with wire and jute to create a base, then thread through any combination of flowers, berries, pods and leaves that you wish.

Alternatively, you can purchase a florist’s ring and start from there, but remember to decorate the sides as well as the front.

Songs that Remind you of certain someone

Music plays a big role in my life. I remember people - classmates, friends, former co-workers,  family and friends when hearing a  certain music. For example, It’s Raining Men reminds me of my peer , bm6a because he likes playing this song before we start working. I don’t actually know why he likes this song. I didn’t have the courage to ask him the reason. Eventually, I started liking the song  too, because it lifted my spirit, which made my cranky mood vanished. The result, I worked faster and more efficient.

A good health book!

When Joy handed me this book signed by the author herself, I thought about living in  one hundred  and would  I even reach half of it?  I just made a quick browse and enliven  how the author shared stories  how  to live well at one hundred.

Last year, I underwent a complete blood chem and found out  what causes my  high blood pressure.  I was given  maintenance medications  to keep my  blood pressure  normal. In this book,   the author  gives details and other information about what it really means.

Thank you so much for this book.  It surely will help me to start setting  goals for myself.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. -Irish Proverb

Every Journey Begins with Walking

We came early to school for my daughter's California Standard test (CST). The husband dropped us to school at 7:30am before he went to office which is too early for my daughter's 8:30 scheduled exam. The distance from home to school takes only about 2 mins drive without a traffic and probably about thirty minutes on foot.

The exam started as scheduled. I was advised to pick up my daughter after three hours but I just opted to stay at cafeteria while waiting.  Three  long hours of  waiting just proves how a car  becomes a necessity. If I have my license,  I can  just drive easily and stay home comfortably for the time  being. Okay, I just found a quote that I may consider so I'll be safe on the road.

The pedestrian is all ours. I saw no one walking.  Aside from completing all the IDs in my hand before I start to work, I should have my drivers license too which is also a requirement for employment no matter what nature of  job is.

I wanted to give you the best birthday greeting ever but I guess this is all i could do now.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

Protect Your Liver with Silymarin, Hepamin OD

Silymarin, which is derived from the milk thistle plant renowned for its protective effects on the liver way back during the time of the ancient Greeks, is a powerful antioxidant that gets rid of cell-damaging free radicals.

Liver cells are the only cells that can metabolize alcohol which is why it is the organ that gets overworked with excessive alcohol consumption. The liver normally takes fatty acids as its fuel and sends off the excess to other tissues of the body as triglycerides. But with the presence of alcohol, the liver is forced to metabolize the alcohol first causing fatty acids and other toxins to accumulate, which would eventually lead to the formation of cirrhosis. Silymarin can help reduce fatty infiltrations from toxins and alcohol and it also aids in the regeneration of damaged liver cells.

One such silymarin food supplement available in the Philippine market is the Hepamin OD distributed by Trianon International. Containing 300 mg silimaryn per capsule, it is conveniently taken just once daily for optimal liver protection, unlike most supplements which have to be taken two to three times daily.

Hepamin OD, P24.50/capsule; P735.00/box

Studies have shown that silymarin is effective in improving the survival of patients with severe fatty liver disease and/or liver cirrhosis. One study subjected 170 patients to a thrice a day 140 mg silymarin regimen for 41 months. The study showed that those who received silymarin supplementation had a 58 percent 4-year survival rate while the placebo group only had 39 percent. This improvement in survival rates is even more apparent among those who had alcoholic cirrhosis. Silymarin moreover did not present any form of side effect. This particular study attests to the benefit and safety of the supplement for long-term treatments especially for alcoholic patients.

For more info, visit www.trianon.com.ph

(Press Release)

Funky Fish

Funky Fish bright and colorful shops are the coolest place for girls to meet at the mall. They can try on different looks, change, then change again… and have lots of laughs while doing it. They can be elegant, wild, eccentric, or just plan trendy, but always “in”. They can be Pop - the sweet popular girl, who gets invited to all the parties! They can be Diva - glamorous, shiny, her presence will always be felt… They can be Punky - a bit of a rebel, likes lots of black and metal and really, truly rocks They can be Chic - a hipster, knows how to combine the old and the new and discover the next trend They can be Boho - spiritual and bohemian, comfortable and close to nature.

Funky Fish is in 25 countries, soon in many many more.

Check Funky Fish Philippines on Facebook
http://www.funky-fish.com/funky_5 Funky Fish branches:

Glorietta 4 Ground Floor

SM City Marikina Second Level

Fairview Terraces, Level 1

Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place, Manila.

Brides-to-Be Have One Less Thing to Worry About Colgate Optic White’s Dream Wedding launch

Everyone has a dream wedding in mind, but with that comes wedding worries and mishaps.

Whether it’s tripping while walking down the aisle, saying the wrong name during the exchange of vows, being photographed with lipstick on your teeth, or worse, ending up without any photographs at all – everyone has bouts of disasters running through their heads. With so many things that could go uncontrollably wrong, brides prepare for their big day way ahead of time, seeking the best team that can give them less things to worry about.

For wedding coverage, there are two names that stand out among the crowd – Jason Magbanua and Pat Dy. With more than 10 years in the wedding industry, Jason Magbanua has been called many things, including a genius and a magician. But as far as Jason is concerned, he’s simply a visual storyteller with an eye for capturing perfect wedding moments. Pat Dy, on the other hand, started his editorial career by shooting for top fashion magazines in the country. His fashion approach for capturing real couples got the attention of the wedding industry and has since changed the industry landscape.

When planning a wedding, most brides-to-be have Jason and Pat on their wish list; the two are, after all, the best of the best, and are among the most celebrated names in the world of weddings. Their portfolio of clients read like the who's who of Manila's social scene. Case in point: Maggie Wilson and Victor Consunji's racy and headline-making pre-nup shoot by Jason Magbanua; Pat Dy’s romantic Parisian shots of Stephanie Kienle and Chris Gonzalez; and Cat Arambulo and Carlo Antonio’s intimate weekend nuptials in Bellaroca captured on video and photo by the duo.

Now, future brides can join the ranks of Manila's most beautiful by being part of Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding contest. By uploading a short video of their absolute worst wedding worries on the Colgate Philippines’ Facebook page, one lucky bride will have the chance for her wedding to be captured through the eyes of Pat Dy and Jason Magbanua.

“Everyone wants a ‘white wedding’ – a wedding where everything’s spotless and everything goes according to plan,” says Magbanua.

“In most cases though, something’s bound to go wrong,” shares Solenn Heussaff, face of Colgate Optic White and attendee of countless weddings playing guest, bridesmaid, and make-up artist. “But every bride I’ve seen has been able to glide through their weddings – mishaps and all – with a smile.”

Solenn understands that memories are sustained through one’s photos and wedding video, some of the most precious reminders of a bride’s most thrilling day.

“With Colgate Optic White, there is one wedding woe that you need not worry about: the perfect wedding smile,” says Solenn.

Magbanua and Dy agree. “If there’s something that completes a bride’s look, it’s definitely her perfect white smile,” says Magbanua.

“It’s the one day in your life where literally all eyes will be on you, and it’s a day you’ll want to relive over and over,” says Dy. “I’ve taken hundreds and thousands of photographs, and it’s really the perfect white smile that makes all the difference,” he adds.

“There are certain key moments in a wedding: the unveiling of the bride, the opening of the door, the walk down the aisle, and the first kiss of the bride and the groom,” says Magbanua. “You have one chance to get it right. There’s beauty in the moment, and there’s beauty in the bride. The smile says it all,” adds Magbanua.

A smile can make all the difference during the wedding. It has the power to release stress, calm down nerves, and even instantly brighten the entire wedding’s atmosphere. “Your smile is a significant part of you. Not only does a white smile make you look good, it makes you and others feel good,” adds Dy.

“It’s one of the first things people notice, and having the perfect white smile will definitely boost your confidence to get through any day,” says Solenn. “I’ve used the product long enough to know that you can really rely on Colgate Optic White to give you the perfect smile on your wedding day. And even if I’m not yet getting married, I still want to dazzle my man with my perfect white smile,“ she adds.

“And because Colgate Optic White promises one shade whiter teeth after just one week*, you can be sure to have one less thing to worry about in making your dream wedding a reality.”

Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding runs from September 4 to October 27, 2014 and is open to all wedded-to-be Filipinos in January until June 2015. The 10 most creative submissions will be chosen and voted on by the public.

*Based on Clinical Study, 2009. Use as directed on pack. For extrinsic stains.

Too Good to be True

Yes, it's too good to be true as the page of this book reads.

When I checked the website about this world of music, I thought it wasn't real and I need to  make a purchase before I can have my own playlist. There is some advertisements from time to time but it never gave me a negative impression even if  I need to sign up and provide my  personal details.  Would you go beyond free and pay a certain amount  to get this app or just enjoy your own music with your own composition  using the instrument that  I've found here?

I guess when you crave for more, you'd end up to an upgrade version and  spend a few cents for an exclusive subscription.

Always a Pleasant Suprise!

Such a pleasant surprise waking up on the morning with someone at the gate,  "delivery po, hot pandesal."  And what could be more surprising when a visit is done in the evening when I'm in my pyjamas and  about to sleep?  (no, not about to sleep. I'm a late sleeper and late riser person,  just a dramatic speech)  I hate waking up early  but  as the rules say,  there is always an exemption.. certainly,  you put a smile in my face.  You  always surprise me and I love you to bits.  Mapa-umaga, tanghali at gabi.  This morning is another pandesal-and-coffee day with these beautiful couple who biked their way to my place.  I am amazed with how you spend  and start your day..  a visit and another  way of  sweating out and burning calories.  Such a healthy lifestyle!

Definitely,  another  day to be thankful  for,  having early morning conversation and..


I wish I could join with you  but I am more than happy  that you find time to visit  me  home.   You guys are amazing!


Photo posted here   is recycled.  Today's photo needs some good filter.  :)

Day Trip at Aquaria Calatagan

It's not just our annual family vacation but also a  tradition  that we simply  cannot break.  Since the start of  summer kicked  in,  we already planned to spend at least three nights in Bolinao or  hit  north beaches. With my too many conditions,   Batangas or  Subic  were the only  options left  on their list.  I probably have the last say because  even if I sent links which they may consider, they just let me decide where to spend our summer trip.  They eventually  agreed in Batangas  and  settled to  Aquaria which is just a three-hour travel from Manila.  I've been to Calatagan many years ago when we  conducted an ocular visit to few of  A-Resorts in Batangas for team building venue and company outing.  I am quite familiar with the road  but after almost 17 years I really couldn't remember anything about the place.

We enjoyed the  long  road trip  as it is very scenic and greenery.  We stopped by at a fruit stand and  bought mangoes and jackfruit before proceeding to Calatagan.

I guess I should stop a wordy intro to the beach resort. My photos will just speak as I tour you around inside Aquaria. 

 

Upon checking in, we registered in the reception area and the staff  put us a tag  that serves  as our pass around the resort.

Photo opportunity  under the heat of the sun. Imagine how hot the place is at the peak of summer. We came here in the last few days of May when the rainy season almost started to come in.

Okay, this is my recycled outfit from our last summer's Dive and Trek. :)

Entrance fee at the resort is P400 for adult and P200 for child. You don't need to book a reservation. Playa Calatagan residential owners have special rate. Please check it out in their website.

Which SPF to choose?  Kind of confuse?!   Don't forget to bring SPF lotion to protect your skin.

Getting ready  for selfie. 

We rented a large cabana for P1500 and picnic table and chair for P200. We just squeezed  the food in this  table which is only   good for 4 pax.   Jack fruit became the star of the table as  our  neighboring tent campers  gave us  an odd  look like telling  us why we have such food on the beach.

 

Okay, this is the real food.  What's perfect for beach outing?  Grilled pork marinated overnight. 

 

My daughter and I walked along the stretch of  shoreline.  And ooh, I love the smell of the sea.  We planned to do some water activities late afternoon when the sun was  not too harsh  for our skin.  Unfortunately, when the sun went down,  the water subsided too.  I suggest that you do water activities  in the morning when the water is still in the high tide state. 

Nevertheless, they enjoyed the pool and the giant slide.

Are these hermit crabs?   There are many of these in the shore. 

The obligatory jump shot!

The groupie.

and the shadow selfie!

I didn't realize that we've been here  16 years ago when it's not yet developed. Only then I  figured out  after seeing the rock formations and when the low tide in the afternoon revealed.  Yes, somewhere here.  We've been here before.   How nostalgic.

Let me segue a bit on the road on our way back home. The two motorists  somehow gave us an unusual view.   I hope they still focus on the road and not on the thrill  of being together.

 We were caught  by the traffic  in the middle of the trip.

 We stopped  by to give way to Santacruzan  happening during the  month of  May. 


We  left  Calatagan  at 5:30pm  and arrived home past 9.

We didn't just take home jack fruit and mangoes but sweet pineapple as well.