Yolanda's First Year

A year ago today, Supertyphoon “Yolanda” made landfall at 4:40 a.m. in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Yolanda left a near-apocalyptic landscape: about 600 towns and 57 cities in 44 provinces flattened or damaged, more than 28,000 people injured and some 3 million affected in one way or another. The government stopped counting the dead—the corpses littered the coasts and countryside for weeks and sometimes months after the typhoon—at 6,293 last April, despite some 1,800 more persons reported missing. No one is sure of the exact number at this point.

It’s too bad that our public officials can’t set aside politics even temporarily for a tragedy of immense magnitude like Super Typhoon Yolanda. Not that you can blame President Aquino for skipping Tacloban City, Ground Zero of the monster howler, and skipping the date itself of the first anniversary, opting instead to fly to Guiuan, Eastern Samar last Friday.

President Aquino  is no statesman, and as we have seen, he doesn’t take criticism well. The people of Tacloban, led by Imelda Marcos’ relative Alfred Romualdez, were not expected to roll out the red carpet for the President. P-Noy faced street protests – not the best image to be sent out to the world by all the foreign journalists who went to Eastern Visayas for the Yolanda  Victims  anniversary. And horrors, Congresswoman Imeldific was invited to the event!

So P-Noy, who has enough problems on his plate, picked friendlier ground and went to Guiuan. There he was shown knocking on the wooden frame of a hut that looked flimsy enough to be toppled by a native pig fleeing the butcher.

Although Pnoy is the President and as such should exercise utmost statesmanship by doing the popular choice of going to Tacloban instead of Guiuan, I could understand his aversion towards sharing the same space and time with Mayor Romualdez who has time and again criticized the government's handling of recovery efforts in Tacloban. What is important is the assistance that has so far been delivered and future 

efforts to bring the city back to normalcy.

I wonder what yardstick he is using to measure the recovery efforts. He should understand that there other towns and provinces equally needing help and the government is no miracle worker to attend to the needs of people all at the same time. There are priorities and schedules to be observed vis-a-vis resources.

In the same vein, somebody should also question what Mayor Romualdez has done so far. To think this is the mayor who ignored the warning of PAGASA and didn't bother to ask the meaning of storm surge. This ignorance and inaction resulted to a lack of preparedness by his people when Yolanda slammed Tacloban's shores.

He was found out to be spending time with his family in a near-by resort. All the time he deflected criticism of his behaviour by attacking the very entity, the central government, which has the wherewithal to help him and his people. By alienating Malacanang he may have effectively denied his people the full support of the national government. Be that as it may, the government made sure that Tacloban got its fair share of relief funds and assistance.

Calling on Ping Lacson to itemize the assistance given with the amount, date and projects and  relief and rehabilitation efforts  and programs so that the people may know, and there upon ignore Romualdezes' whining and politicking.

\Is there a way of some sort of administrative sanction that could be meted on a lying, whining, and uncooperative local executives  who need to own up to their mistakes and National Government deficiencies?

Hair Rebond That Last

When a lady gets a rebond, it means she went through a lot of serious thinking just to be absolutely sure that she’s ready to make that commitment. At the end of the day, a rebond is a commitment that should really last.

Imagine the indignation when a lady gets a bad rebond or a rebond that lasts only a month. Remember that rebonding is a chemical, thermal, and mechanical process that is sure to have side effects and adverse reactions. That is why getting good quality rebonds using the right products with the best hairstylist is of great importance.

Most people who get rebonds do not know how to properly take care and maintain their rebonded hair for the long term. Sometimes even the hairstylist is at a complete lost when a customer asks how they can make their rebonds last. Anyone would have second thoughts about getting a rebond in the first place if even the hairstylist does not know how to maintain.

The good thing about rebonds is it’s really not that complicated to care for. With the right product in very capable hands of really good hairstylist and your stanch commitment to maintain it in the long term, a rebond can last for close to a year!

This is why the hair and beauty experts of Ahglow created Kerafix.“Ahglow provides the answer when it formulated Kerafix, which is designed specifically for daily care and maintenance of rebounded hair,” said John Lansang, one of the founders and creator of Ahglow.

The chemicals used in hair rebonding and the high heat from the straightening iron can leave hair dull, dry, and damaged, which doesn’t bode well for hair especially in the long term. The products you use for shampooing, conditioning, protection, and keratin replacement are important.

After a rebond, a good hairstylist will tell you not to wet or shampoo your hair, wear clips, hairbands, hats, or any other headgears, tuck your hair behind your ear, ponytail it, or use any styling products two to three days after the treatment lest you lose all effort that was put into making your hair beautifully rebounded. Make the mistake and you’ll live with the marked consequences in the long term.

A good hairstylist will also tell you to commit maintaining your hair and to use products that are up to his standards. For the daily treatment and maintenance of rebonded hair, you need shampoo, whole-day conditioning and shine, keratin replacement, and hair protection. Ahglow’s Kerafix just fits the bill. Here are reasons why:

1.    Rebonded hair tends to be dry and dull. Shampooingthat moisturize hair is just the thing to keep rebonded hair last long term. Shampoo should be formulated with keratin-protein as the active ingredient followed by a conditioner that supports the shampoo’s benefit. Just for that, Ahglow’s Kerafix offers the Deep Moisturizing Treatment Shampoo and Deep Moisturizing Treatment Conditioner.

2.    Aside from keeping hair from dying or becoming dull, you must also do whole day conditioning and shine. Hair will become soft, smooth and shiny the whole day if you use a leave-on conditioner with a gloss component like the Kerafix Leave-On Conditioning HairShine.

3.    When hair goes through heat and chemical treatment, it loses the keratin that keeps it health. Keratin-protein replacement must be done to return the proteins you lost to keep it health. The Kerafix rebonded maintenance products are ingeniously formulated with keratin to reinvigorate hair and give back the healthy aspect it lost.

4.    Ironing and blow-drying hair at home tends to make hair damaged; don’t ‘fry’ your hair at home. Protect hair from the damage brought by extreme heat. Use Kerafix Heat Protection Treatment, which can really shield hair from the extreme heat of iron and blow-dry while you enjoy the benefits of ironing and blow-drying.

At the end of the day, long-term maintenance also relies on the quality of the rebond that you got. Choose the right rebond by choosing Ahglow products. The Ahglow Rebonding System uses a five step system that ensures hair is healthy and beautiful even after the chemical, thermal, and mechanical treatments that when used with low-quality products can surely make hair terrible.

Other rebonding products use only two steps, which neglects the need to replenish the hair’s health. Ahglow’s five step system begins with the Straightening Cream, followed by the Keratin Hair Protek, the Neutralizer Cream, the Keratin Conditioner, and the HairKote.

Another great thing about Ahglow’s rebonding products is its use of a special ingredient imported all the way from Germany to ensure the quality of the rebond. The ingredient other products just didn’t make the cut for the experts of Ahglow. Ahglow also stands out because it doesn’t smell bad unlike other rebonding products. In fact, it smells pretty pleasant.

Of course, making sure the ingredients used were of top quality was not enough to make Ahglow just the best. Ahglow also made sure that it’s convenient and affordable so any Filipina can enjoy being beautiful with rebonded hair. They made the Stand-Up Pouches, which contain 165g each of Straightening Cream (No. 1) and Neutralizer Cream (No. 2) - great for single use.

To ensure that your daily maintenance and styling is also of top quality, Ahglow also came out with their Gold Titanium Straightening Iron that doesn’t snag or pull the hair. It even has a warranty to make sure that customers get the hair care that they want. Ahglow also offerskeratin based conditioners for hair repair and cuticle treatment products formulated for rebounded, relaxed, and even color-treated hair like the original Keratin Reconstructor Conditioner, Avocado Treatment Wax, and the Henna Treatment Wax.

You see, the misconception that hair rebonds last only three months is just that – a misconception. A good rebond can last a really long time if you use the right products and if you commit to maintaining rebonded hair in the long term using great products like Ahglow’s Kerafix. 

Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike

The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike  is a proposed expressway that will start from the coastal area of Laguna de Bay from Taguig in Metro Manila toCalamba and Los Baños in Laguna.

The  Laguna Dike in partnership with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project will involve the construction of a 47-kilometre-long (29 mi), six-lane dike including bridges, pumping stations and ancillary flood gates.

This was also mentioned by President Benigno Aquino III during his State of the Nation Address (SONA)

The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike will cost an estimated PHP36.74 billion or US$854.42 million.When constructed, it is expected to ease traffic congestion along Muntinlupa andCalamba area, and to serve as flood control measure for communities on the western shore of Laguna de Bay.

The route alignment starts from Bicutan, Taguig connecting to the proposed C-6 Expressway Road Project. It traverses southwards passing the city boundaries of Taguig, Parañaque and Muntinlupa in the southern part of Metro Manila and then continues further south passing the cities of San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba and ends up at Los Baños in Laguna, near its boundary with Bay.

The construction of the expressway dike is proposed to involve two sections:

1. from Bicutan to Calamba; and
2. from Calamba to Los Baños.

The project details for the Expressway Dike as of October 2013 indicated plans for a 41.54-kilometre-long (25.81 mi), four-lane dike,^[1] but the official announcement of the approved project in June 2014 indicated that it would be 47-kilometre-long (29 mi), and have six-lanes.

I am concerned about this project because is this the viable long-term solution? Will this not end up like the so-called Camanava flood control project, which, from the look of things, has not changed much for the said area when continuous heavy downpour occurs along with high tide? How much will this cost and how long will this be finished. The most important question is how much will we have to spend for this?

My SONA 2014 Grade

I  just had the time to read the full text of  President Benigno S. Aquino's Station of the Nation Address .In my opinion if you are running your own business in fairness the report on Economy; "nagkamit tayo ng investment grade status", is true, institutional investors as to where I'm at now in this part of the country .

I'm pretty much convinced that our economy is okay with relatively low risk on trading & agriculture. I know I gave him scathing reviews but if you read his checklist last year. In fairness to him he already achieved some of his goals.

I gave him an Overall, a B+.

Amongst other things, the SONA:

  * Lists solid accomplishments in disaster management, the economy, healthcare, education, unemployment rate, transport infrastructure, tourism volume, and tree planting
   * Outlines that seeds planted in agriculture – rice, coconut - will soon bear fruition, indeed, declares self-sufficiency in rice may soon be a reality
   * Promises complete implementation of agrarian
reform (This alone will mark PNoy as a great president.)
  * Sheds light in the energy sector and in numerous
barrios
  * Claims reduction in crime rate and illegal logging
  * Seeks to win the peace via modernization of the
armed forces
  * Extends support of the ARMM
  * Pushes Sin Tax Bill and RH (?)
  * Addresses implementation of government programs that take care of people from the womb to retirement
  * Details plan for performance-based bonuses for
government employees.  (Will this positive step end the petty corruption in public service?)
   * Promotes a strategy of forbearance with China without ceding territory
   * Cites equal application of justice to the rich and powerful and the poor

Missing are:
   * Mention of Freedom of Information Bill
   * How to address the Power Situation in Mindanao

What is remarkable is the mindset:

  * The palpable overarching goal to do good
  * The positive attitude that says “Nothing is impossible” – and proves it
  * The establishment of norms by which to measure performance
  * The recognition that the accomplishments are not the work of one man but belong to the team
  * The show of confidence combined with humility - and an absence of hubris
  * The continued attention to spirituality (in spite of negative Church meddling)
  * The gratitude to the people – the Bosses – that they are the true agents of change

The overall mood is upbeat. Let us see whether an A- can be given in the next SONA

  * The palpable overarching goal to do good
  * The positive attitude that says “Nothing is impossible” – and proves it
  * The establishment of norms by which to measure performance
  * The recognition that the accomplishments are not the work of one man but belong to the team
  * The show of confidence combined with humility - and an absence of hubris
  * The continued attention to spirituality (in spite of negative Church meddling)
  * The gratitude to the people – the Bosses – that they are the true agents of change

The overall mood is upbeat. Let us see whether an A- can be given in the next SONA

Overall, a B+.

Amongst other things, the SONA:

  * Lists solid accomplishments in disaster management, the economy, healthcare, education, unemployment rate, transport infrastructure, tourism volume, and tree planting
   * Outlines that seeds planted in agriculture – rice, coconut - will soon bear fruition, indeed, declares self-sufficiency in rice may soon be a reality
   * Promises complete implementation of agrarian
reform (This alone will mark PNoy as a great president.)
  * Sheds light in the energy sector and in numerous
barrios
  * Claims reduction in crime rate and illegal logging
  * Seeks to win the peace via modernization of the
armed forces
  * Extends support of the ARMM
  * Pushes Sin Tax Bill and RH (?)
  * Addresses implementation of government programs that take care of people from the womb to retirement
  * Details plan for performance-based bonuses for
government employees.  (Will this positive step end the petty corruption in public service?)
   * Promotes a strategy of forbearance with China without ceding territory
   * Cites equal application of justice to the rich and powerful and the poor

Missing are:
   * Mention of FOI
  * ???

What is remarkable is the mindset:

  * The palpable overarching goal to do good
  * The positive attitude that says “Nothing is impossible” – and proves it
  * The establishment of norms by which to measure performance
  * The recognition that the accomplishments are not the work of one man but belong to the team
  * The show of confidence combined with humility - and an absence of hubris
  * The continued attention to spirituality (in spite of negative Church meddling)
  * The gratitude to the people – the Bosses – that they are the true agents of change

The overall mood is upbeat. Let us see whether an A- can be given in the next SONA

10 Questions For PNOY

So there it is. The President violated the Constitution, he violated the General Appropriations Act, he “castrated” Congress of its powers said SC Justice Antonio Carpio, yet he did nothing illegal. Heck he did nothing wrong at all. And we’re not even talking here about how the DAP was used to… uh… persuade congressmen and senators about the need to impeach former Chief Justice Renato Corona. Or how DAP eventually enriched Jenny Napoles and her gang.

Here are  questions Pres. Noynoy Aquino should answer about the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the pork barrel.

1. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled the key elements of your Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional, do you still insist that you did not do anything wrong or illegal?

2. Is it true that Secretary Manuel Roxas II got 10 Billion from DAP for DILG Projects?

3. What was your criteria in approving projects, activities and programs funded by DAP? Why spend P2 billion, for example, for infrastructure projects in your home province of Tarlac? Or P5.4 billion for landowners’ compensation that would partly go to the compensation of your family’s Hacienda Luisita?

4. If you truly believed in the need to adjust the national budget or fund items not contemplated under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), why did you not ask for a supplemental budget from Congress instead of coursing it through a legally tenuous mechanism like the DAP?

5. Why were DAP allocations of anywhere from P50 million to P100 million given only to senators who voted to impeach former Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012? Similarly, why were DAP allocations of at least P10 million each given only to congressmen who voted to impeach Corona? Don’t you consider this bribery?

6 Considering that during the Arroyo administration, you riled against and even filed a bill to curb the President’s powers to impound and realign funds appropriated by Congress, what made you change your mind such that when it was your turn to be president, you created a mechanism that would surpass what your predecessor did?

7. As the approving authority for the release of funds under DAP, don’t you think you are also accountable if said funds end up in the pockets of corrupt public officials and private persons?

8. Why does your office refuse to release the full details of the PAPs funded by DAP?

9. In the spirit of accountability and “daang matuwid,” shouldn’t you, Mar Roxas and , Budget Secretary Butch Abad, resign from your posts?#

PNOY Should Submit to Supreme Court

As President of the Philippines,  President Aquino should serve as the exemplar of subjection to the rule of Law. And the Sereno Court err Supreme Court has the final word when it comes to interpreting that law. Aquino knows that perfectly well. He wouldn’t have spent megabucks to fund the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012 if he did not recognise the power wielded by a judge’s words and the finality the bang of a gavel puts in these.


Unfortunately, the message he brought across in his address to the public was tantamount to an insult on the Filipinos’ intelligence and a flick of the bird to the Supreme Court  He even repeated the same flawed take on the fiscal position of the Philippines he articulated in his first State of the Nation Address in 2010.

So there it is. The Aquino administration violated the Constitution, he violated the General Appropriations Act, he “castrated” Congress of its powers said SC Justice Antonio Carpio, yet he did nothing illegal. Heck he did nothing wrong at all. The Palace line was clear enough: Disbursement Acceleration Program,(DAP) may be unconstitutional but the Palace acted in good faith, thus did no wrong.

The problem with Sec. Butch Abad, and President Aquino is that they are in denial of the SC decision. Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma during a press conference in  Malacañang, said it bluntly when it was his time to face the pres “Pag sinabing magso-sorry, may ginawa kang kasalanan. Wala po kaming ginawang kasalanan hinggil dito.”

It is said that Ninoy Aquino’s favorite song was “The Impossible Dream.” The song sings about righting the unrightable, bearing the unberable, reaching the unreachable. Perhaps he thought it included defending the indefensible.#

The Beauty Junkee's Giveaway

The Beauty Junkee is celebrating her 5th year and she's celebrating in a major way. Join her contest and see for yourself. She's giving away 100,000 worth of prizes. So what are you waiting for join the fun visit her site.  http://thebeautyjunkee.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-beauty-junkees-5th-anniversary.html

Zumbathon by Pure Jus

Here's how to Join:

1.) Pre-order 6 Pure-Jus Regular Blends from March 13, up until March 30, 2014.
     Orders can be placed by sending an SMS to 0917-8086781. (all orders are subject to availability of flavors)
2.) Wait for an order confirmation and further instructions regarding payment thru e-mail.
3.) Settle your payment as soon as you get confirmation to avoid forfeiting the slot
4.)Send them a copy/ photo of your deposit slip.
5.) You will be given a slot code which you will present upon registration.
6.) Slots are limited so make sure that you secure your slot by ordering/paying early.
7.) Ordered items will be distributed after the Zumba party

LAZADA PH BAGS AWARD AT THE 6TH DIGITALFILIPINO AWARDS

Lazada.com.ph, the Philippines largest online shopping mall, recently emerged among the victors in the 2014 DigitalFilipino Awards held at the Amphitheater of Ateneo Graduate of School of Business, Rockwell Drive in Makati City.
Lazada, which offers fast and convenient online shopping, won the “Retail Store” category award along with the other thirty-nine (39) website winners was selected based on the criteria of search engine competitiveness, website traffic stickiness, technical performance, and social media engagement.

 

Now on its 6^th year, the DigitalFilipino Web Awards recognized the changes with the way web sites are being perceived now and how it’s valued. As Filipinos primary Internet activity today is to search and interact through social networks, high quality websites filled with relevant content and its attractiveness for social media sharing influences, which websites matter more than the rest.

All winners were given 5-minutes presentation discussing their website covering what they did in 2013, lessons learned, and plans for 2014. Lazada Philippines managing director Ruchi Shah and director of supply chain management Dean Krstevski accepted the prestigious award. The DigitalFilipino Web Awards started in 2007 as a DigitalFilipino.com personal project to get their community members in the DigitalFilipino Club involved in discovering new websites and learning collectively on best practices. The website is also an experiment in terms of measuring brand influence and reach through 3rd party data sources.

Tutuban Center pushes for another prosperous 25 years

Tutuban Center is 25 years old, but will certainly push for another 25 more.

But for this year’s celebration, Tutuban Center decided to forego with the usual glitzy celebration by focusing on activities that will help foster a stronger bond with its tenants, suppliers, partners and customers and the community.

Everything was simple, straightforward but with a deeper sense of purpose. This was demonstrated by a blood-letting activity in the morning where many of its employees participated and gamely donated precious blood for the benefit of those in need of it, like those suffering from certain blood-related ailments and other life-threatening diseases.

A Mass was also held in the afternoon in thanksgiving for all the blessings Tutuban Center received the past year.

In the evening, Tutuban Center took its anniversary celebration a notch higher as it held a “fashion-for-a-cause” charity event called “Fashion for Compassion.” The show was in partnership with Mode Elle, a fashion house that holds fashion shows to raise funds for charity, and select Tutuban Center tenants who served as clothing sponsors. The event sought to raise funds for Tahan-Tahanan and Child Haus to help them sustain the care and provision of shelter for cancer-stricken kids and their families from the provinces while seeking treatment in Manila.

A prosperous future is in the eyes of Tutuban Center but definitely, they won’t forget and leave behind those that helped them get to their first 25 years as they chart their course toward the next 25.

Shown in photo are some of the models wearing the dresses provided by select Tutuban Center tenants such as Sohrab Arcega, Eva Miranda, Benita Garcia, Allen James, Nick Riveral, Jimmy and Josephine Raborar, Nedy’s Bridal, Justine Bridal, Jeane Do Oma, Merly, Jocelyn Fabia Boutique, Marilyn Peraje, Tess, and Sarah/Jose Boutique during the “Fashion for Compassion” event.

PEARL: The Patient, The Artist

To date, adequate healthcare delivery among persons with rheumatic diseases has not been fully addressed. Historically, national health programs do not include rheumatic conditions among the priority list of diseases. There is a general lack of public awareness wherein rheumatic diseases are lumped together in one local term merely named “rayuma”.

This compromises the early detection and treatment of the more serious conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases and spondyloarthropathies like psoriatic arthritis. In addition, global and local data places rheumatic diseases as the major cause of loss of productivity and morbidity adding significantly to the total economic burden and impairment of the patient’s quality of life.

The Lupus Inspired Advocacy (LUISA) has been at the forefront of championing the causes of persons afflicted with Lupus or SLE in the Philippines. From inception, its founders headed by Dr. Sandra V. Navarra and Ma. Luisa Cojuangco-Cruz, the organization has made great strides such as successfully earmarking February as Lupus Advocacy month via a presidential proclamation.
People Empowerment for Arthritis and Lupus (PEARL)  is an advocacy led and composed by the concerted efforts of impassioned healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers that is envisioned to be a long standing movement for the betterment of the plight among individual with chronic rheumatic conditions locally with a global perspective. Specific programs have been laid out and initiated namely the Arthritis and lupus Clinics with specialty medical consultations, lectures, and support group activities. The “Living Well” Workshops where patients and caregivers share experiences and meaningful strategies to cope with the illness. The PEARL Forums showcase the artistry of patients despite their debilitating illness and the Indigence Fund providing assistance for medical needs of financially challenged patients.

Most likely, everyone knows someone who is suffering from a chronic debilitating rheumatic disease thus; a call for volunteers and donors is needed and most welcome. Let us look behind their deformity and we should accept them for what they are you would be surprised at how talented they are.

There’s nothing like the real Cohen

Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre, the name behind the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, seeks to get the message across: There is nothing like the real deal!

Addressing the rise of knockoffs spawned by the program’s huge popularity as a rapid weight loss solution, Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre CEO Barbara Young explains, “Success in losing weight can only be achieved through the tried-and-tested scientific, systematic, and sustainable approach of the real Cohen.”

Developed by Dr. Rami Cohen, an international specialist renowned for his research on hormones involved in obesity and weight loss, the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program encourages people battling the bulge to adopt a new lifestyle.

Based on every client’s unique blood profile, the Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre develops a personalized eating plan and teaches clients the right eating and sleeping habits to optimize the performance of the organs vital for metabolic processes. Without requiring exercise, injection, or intake of pills, the program delivers fast results, with clients averaging a loss of up to 8 to 10 lbs a month.

Since it is tailor-fit for an individual based on his kidney and liver profile, it is not as simple as having Cohen food deliveries, copying other people’s programs or attending cooking classes. While there may be initial weight loss, it is not sustainable and could even do more harm than good to the individual’s health.

“Not everyone can undergo the Cohen program. At the Centre, we do a comprehensive medical screening and coordinate with their primary physicians to see if our clients are suitable to do Cohen. Additionally, we monitor our client’s progress and blood parameters monthly so they can be guided accordingly.” explains Ms. Regina Chuavon, director of CLC Philippines.

Lifestyle change
The success of the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program does not stop at promoting weight loss. Even after graduating from the program, many clients have been able to maintain their ideal weight, by continuing to live by the Cohen principles.

Among its satisfied graduates is hair and makeup artist Jamee Padilla, who lost 71 lbs last year: “The Cohen program is different because it’s grounded heavily on the natural way of losing weight. It helps you get to know your body and teaches you to adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

Gerry Francia, a top exec from a petrochemicals company, agrees a lot about the shift, saying, “The program instills lifestyle change, which begins in changing my mindset. It was not food before me anymore, but my medicine.” He lost 75 lbs in 2013.

Meanwhile, Erika Avancena, who lost 104 lbs from her 232 lb figure last year, cites the program’s systematic approach: “There is a guideline to follow and as long as you stick to it, you will lose weight.” 

For her part, businesswoman and socialite Digzy Umali gives praise to Cohen’s sustainability, after losing 65 lbs in 2010 and has kept it off until now: “The Cohen program made sure I had enough energy to function throughout the day without feeling weak or tired.”

She adds, “With Cohen, you are given an option to create your own menu and prepare your own food using a variety of vegetables, fruits, seasonings, and meat listed in the Cohen book. It taught me how to eat healthy and eat right.”

In 1997, Roger Rosales was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to undergo cranial surgery and radiation therapy. “I was given steroids after the surgery to help with the swelling and I gained 30 lbs in two weeks and the weight has been adding on since.” Now he feels healthier than ever after losing 89 lbs from 246 lbs last year. He reveals learning how to look at food in a different way and eat more sensibly, because of the Cohen program.

By embracing a healthy lifestyle even after graduating, the clients will be able to maintain their ideal weight.

This kind of result, Cohen medical director Dr. Angel Bandola explains, can only be achieved through the country’s real Cohen: “With the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, the hormonal imbalance causing the weight gain is addressed scientifically. You don’t get hungry or have cravings, which makes it easier to stick to the program. With the support and monitoring of the Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre, clients are taught the lifestyle to maintain a healthier body, so they continue to look and feel good.”

To learn more about the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, visit http://www.cohenlifestyle.com.ph today.

Cock by Rem Zamora

 What happens when a young gay man falls in love with a woman? That’s the central conceit behind Red Turnip Theater’s second offering, COCK by Mike Bartlett. A sold-out hit when it first premiered in London in 2009 and subsequently during its off-Broadway run a year later, COCK revolves around a gay couple whose rocky relationship derails when one of them sleeps (and falls in love) with a woman. Debates over one’s sexual identity explode when all three decide to sit down and “duke it out” over dinner. Hilarity ensues when another unexpected guest turns up and loyalties are put to the test. As one character puts it, “It’s the ultimate bitch fight”.

The New York Times calls COCK “a terrific, tense little comedy” while The Huffington Post hails it as “a terrific contemporary play that puts much of other theatre to shame”. This critical darling is the perfect bookend to Red Turnip’s maiden season.


Fresh off the success of their critically-acclaimed CLOSER last October at Whitespace, Red Turnip promises another unique, in your face theatrical experience with COCK. The vision of five estab-lished actors (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora), Red Turnip aims to engage theatergoers with the sort of material that seems to be in short supply in the country—the straight play.


Rem Zamora makes his directorial debut with COCK.“We’re excited to be back in Whitespace. A lot of people who came to CLOSER said they enjoyed the intimacy of the experience and the space. That was in Hall B. We’re going even more intimate this time in the smaller Hall A. COCK also plays in the round so it feels like you’re watching a fight in an arena—no frills: just words and pure conflict in the ring, and an intense involvement in the audience.”

Zamora has assembled a tight cast of theatrical heavyweights for COCK’s Manila premier: Topper Fabregas (Boeing Boeing, The Producers), Niccolo Manahan (Next Fall, Doubt), Jenny Jamora (Mind’s Eye, A Little Night Music), Audie Gemora (Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables) Fabregas is John, a young man caught between his gay lover and his growing attraction to an-other woman- W, played by Jamora.
Niccolo Manahan makes a theatrical comeback as M, John’s lover who isn’t about to let him go without a fight. “I feel ‘Cock’ will be a great experiment for me; an experiment in balancing my life with the things I enjoy doing, and an experiment in pushing my range. I don’t know where this ex-periment will lead but its an incredible opportunity that I’m thankful for.”

Rounding off this impressive cast is theatre stalwart Audie Gemora as F, M’s well-meaning father whose sudden appearance at dinner throws everyone for a loop. “The birth of a theater group is always exciting and eventful with fresh artistic vision and passion. I am thrilled to be part of Red Turnips 2nd offering, ‘Cock’. This is Rem Zamora's directorial debut and my first time to be acting opposite brilliant young actors Niccolo Manahan and Jenny Jamora, while Topper Fabregas takes on his most complex character yet. Together we jump into a crackling cock fight of personalities, emotions and words.”

COCK is a comedy… with bite. No props, scenery or furniture. Just actors, sharp dialogue and some clever staging. All essential. Absolutely Red Turnip.

COCK is supported by FILA through the kindness of its President and owner Cris Albert. Supporting the arts has become one of her numerous advocacies, a true testament to her gener-ous spirit and her commitment to giving back to the community.

Direction by Rem Zamora, technical direction and lighting design by John Batalla, set design by Denis Lagdameo and sound design by Jethro Joaquin.

Cock will be staged at Whitespace — 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati — on March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4 (Friday, 9 p.m.); March 8, 15, 29 and April 5 (Saturday, 8 p.m.); April 5, Saturday at 4 p.m.; March 9, 16, 23 and April 6 (Sunday, 4 p.m.) and special closing gala on April 6, Sunday, 8 p.m. Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) Or Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)

Hana: BEAUTY OF NATURE TO HAIR CARE

The city’s busiest people found an oasis at the launch of HANA by leading Japanese beauty brand Shokubutsu. HANA is the newest player in the beauty category. Harnessed from nature by the technology of LION Japan, Hana believes in hair and body care the way nature intended it to be. Hana products are made with 100% natural cleansing and moisturizing ingredients to achieve another kind of beauty called Healthy Beauty.


HANA is about promoting healthy beauty and the beauty of nature. The brand believes that healthy beauty from nature is beautifying, restorative, and continues to take care through time.

Modern day deities flaunted their beauty as they walked the lush Japanese-inspired runway at the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati on February 4. With their crowning glory shining at their brightest, each model gracefully showcased classic collections from famed designers Joey Samson, JC Buendia and Randy Ortiz.

Unlike your usual fashion show, guests were treated to a one-of-a-kind hair show co-produced with 3 of the top fashion and beauty magazines; Preview, Mega and Metro. Their creative direction paired with their dynamic fashion designers made for a truly monumental collaboration. Preview re-envisioned with Joey’s professional line, Mega magnified with JC’s casual collection and Metro dazzled evening wear with Randy’s collection having Hana endorser Olivia Medina close the show.

The highlight of the night was made epic by the diverse display of hair, from loose braids, natural curls and wispy straight. Gone is the constricting, avant-garde styled hair towering over heads of the models. The Hana hair show exemplified that beautiful hair can be achieved the natural way with any hair type with any style.

As hair was made the main focus of the show, each publication injected their own unique signature in displaying the hair for their segment.

Preview opened the segment by celebrating healthy beauty with a no frills minimalistic approach allowing the mane to fall smoothly and naturally.



 Mega took cues from modern oriental influences; letting the hair shine in a voluminous, bouncy and airy way creating ethereal-like hair styles.



Metro modernized vintage 50’s glamour with soft curls and natural waves immortalizing a classic and timeless look. Each publication dramatically portrayed natural beauty while staying true to their inspiration allowing the hair to be the star on stage.

The event also served as the kick-off launch of Hana Shampoo’s latest digital campaign “#NoFilterBeauty”. In this day and age, when almost every photo uploaded is masked with filters and airbrushed to perfection, Hana seeks to change people’s beliefs that looks shouldn’t be altered to be deemed beautiful. The campaign executed by each publication encourages participants to submit “selfies” or photos amidst a natural background without the aided filters to project their most natural self.
Hana encourages women to be beautiful in the most natural way. Like nature taking its course, Hana is focused on finding beauty through a healthy daily routine to achieve long term sustainable beauty.

Get Cashback on Mondays with Lazada

One week after the launch of its mobile application for iPhone and iPad, Lazada launched its ‘Lifestyle Monday With Mastercard’ promotion with MasterCard Philippines today. Through this promotion, MasterCard cardholders in the Philippines will enjoy a 10% additional discount when they shop from the Lifestyle and Fashion categories of Lazada on Mondays.


This discount will be reflected upon checkout and upon entering the credit card details of the cardholder. The ‘Lifestyle Monday With MasterCard’ promotion covers categories such as Fashion, Health & Beauty, Home & Living, Home Appliances and Toys & Babies and will run until 31 December 2014. “Through our relationship with MasterCard and the MasterCard network, we are rewarding our consumers at every step of the shopping process. 

Furthermore, MasterCard is an established brand and the partnership between Lazada and MasterCard gives cardholders enhanced security when they shop online with their MasterCard cards,” said Maximilian Bittner, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada. Lazada, who is currently the number one shopping mall site in the Philippines, is pioneering e-Commerce across Southeast Asia by offering a convenient, fast and secure online shopping environment. Bittner added,

 “Our consumers showed an increased interest in the lifestyle and fashion products and we are excited to expand the range of products offered in these categories. Lazada aims to improve consumers’ shopping experiences online by ensuring exceptional customer service, providing excellent shopping experience and offering a great range of products at all times.” For more information and full terms and conditions, visit http://www.lazada.com.ph/mastercard/. For more updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions,  connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

BALLY UNVEILS SPRING 2014 EYEWEAR COLLECTION

Bally, in collaboration with the international eyewear group TWC L’AMY, recently presented its Spring 2014 Eyewear Collection for men and women. Divided into lines of Formal, Business, Casual and Sport; the new wider range of models captures the essence of the Swiss brand’s world renowned craftsmanship, attention to detail and trademark design.

Showcasing an absolute elegance, it is no surprise that the event was well-attended by some of Manila’s celebrities and personalities like Maggie Wilson-Consunji, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Christine Sandejas, Sara Black and Divine Lee – who all enjoyed trying outpieces from Bally’s wide selection of sophisticated feminine style from the women’s collection.

 Also spotted checking out Bally’s luxury eye-wear collection for men were Anton Del Rosario, Callum David, and Victor Basa. During the launch, welcoming the guests was TWC – L’AMY Group Asia Manager eyewear division Arnaud Dubord. Other guests present were Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Rico Tantoco, Mike Huang, and Mia Tambunting to name a few. Bally’s eye-wear collection have frames for every face that symbolizes quality, elegance, style and luxury.

Acetate and metal frames, crafted from the finest materials - including titanium and carbon fiber - have been precisely engineered to offer the most comfortable and elegant fit. The variety of shapes are customized with high quality polarized lenses and come in a range of colors including dark wood, flannel, toffee, racing red, tortoiseshell and charcoal black.Select styles feature intricate highlights in fine leather celebrating Bally’s status as the leading architect of leather while iconic signifiers such as the Bally Logo, Stripe and Crest are the assurance of Bally’s core principals of elegance and functionality.

Some of the new features for this season men’s styles are directly inspired by the Bally Scribe collection: alaminated beige inner to the frame temple inspired by the traditional lining and soles of these iconic shoes. Men’s models range from contemporary thin, rectangular frames to more vintage shapes such as the aviator.

For select women’s styles Bally’s expertise in leather craftsmanship is highlighted through the use of perforated leather on the temple, mirroring the timeless elegance of the brand’s accessories collection. Women’s models feature oversized shapes including square or rounded, butterfly frames and the cat-eye.

Casual and Sport lines have been designed for a relaxed and versatile style. Sunglasses and eyeglasses for everyday use in a variety of shapes - including round, rectangular and sport inspired - all developed in acetate or stainless steel, which is renowned for its super lightweight strength and functionality.

5 Minutes Matter with Panadol

 

 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global leading healthcare company and maker of Panadol^® announced the brand entry and launch of the new (paracetamol) Panadol^® with Optizorb^® in Philippines today. The world’s trusted pain reliever will be made accessible to consumers at pharmacies across the country starting next month.

1. 

“Pain is one of the greatest personal, social and economic burdens faced by people around the world,” said John Sayers, President Consumer Healthcare, Asia, Pacific and Latin America, GSK. “Panadol has helped people find pain relief across 85 countries for over 50 years and today we are pleased to bring this leading paracetamol brand to Philippines’ consumers. This is a significant milestone for GSK in line with our global commitment to help people do more, feel better and live 
longer.”

The men and woman behind the PH launch of Panadol. GSK released the fastest-acting (5mins!) pain reliever in the market at Manila Peninsula Hotel today. Glad to have witnessed the arrival of a medicine I have come to love and only got to buy in SG or HK previously. Now, each 10's catch cover sells for just P32 SRP! Love it ;) Panadol, beloved in 85 countries p, is finally in the PH market and this iteration is its best one yet

Panadol^® is one of the world’s leading paracetamol-based pain relievers which is sold in more than 85 countries. Last year alone, 15 billion (paracetamol) Panadol^® tablets were sold worldwide.

Panadol 's pitch: It works 5 times faster than the leading paracetamol brand because of the Optizorb technology

“The brand is testament to our customers’ trust and faith in the product which boasts an extensive scientific research breakthrough such as the Optizorb^® technology in our new Panadol^® which is the first and only paracetamol product that contains Optizorb^®,” added Sayers.

Panadol^® with Optizorb^® is the only paracetamol brand with the unique Optizorb^® disintegration system which allows the release of its medicine in as little as five minutes vs. regular paracetamol tablets. Studies conducted by GSK have proven that 75 percent of people who take Panadol with Optizorb^® caplets reach pain relieving levels of paracetamol in the bloodstream significantly faster than those taking other generic pain relieving brands.

LACOSTE CELEBRATES ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY

In celebration of its 80^th Anniversary, LACOSTE unveils an exclusive and unique brand experience roadshow in Manila, which is on display from January 10 to 12 and January 14 to 16 at the Shangri-la Plaza’s East Wing Atrium. Visitors will encounter three cubes filled with moving and still images and objects from the brand archives dating back to the invention of the polo shirt and founding of the brand in 1933 by tennis champion René Lacoste.

EIGHTY YEARS OF REINVENTING THE CODES

The first cube showcases the iconic polo shirt. The walls will feature a carefully curated collection of LACOSTE polos over the years, including the Holiday Collector’s Series, where each year since 2006, the brand features guest artists to re-imagine the classic polo. These include British industrial designer Tom Dixon, British product designer Michael Young, Chinese artist Li Xiaofeng, American designer Jonathan Adler, Brazilian designers the Campana Brothers and American fashion icon Visionaire with singer/photographer Michael Stipe. A screen loops film clips that tell the story of the iconic L.12.12 polo shirt, the brand evolution through the decades, and the Polo of the Future.

EIGHTY YEARS OF NATURAL EVOLUTION

The second cube contains a cabinet of Crocodile Curiosities. Here, visitors will discover the various shapes and sizes, colors and contexts that the LACOSTE crocodile logo has adopted and adapted to over the decades during its natural evolution. Along the walls is a timeline highlighting the important dates and milestones in the brand history. Complementing this is a set of fun facts about the crocodile species at large: Did you know that crocodiles live up to 100 years?

EIGHTY YEARS OF REINVENTING SILHOUETTES IN MOTION

The third cube houses a collection of images from the brand archives. Black and white heritage photos of brand founder René Lacoste, himself a tennis legend, as well as his wife and daughter, both golf champions, are mixed with more recent images of fashion shows, products and other objects that combined, offer a compelling visual narrative of LACOSTE’s development and expansion from a single item –the iconic polo shirt– to a truly global lifestyle brand. Film clips of current Creative Director Felipe Oliveira Baptista and Design Director Christophe Pillet speaking to the inspiration and ideas for their innovative work round out the content of this room. Outside the cube, a window showcases tennis dresses from the 1970’s, the Golden Age of that sport and an important time for the brand as it began seriously producing women’s sportswear.

OPENING OF THE FIRST AGORA STORE CONCEPT IN SHANGRI-LA PLAZA’S EAST WING

The newly opened Lacoste store in Shangri-la Plaza’s East Wing is the first Agora store concept in Manila. Its polished look gives a glimpse of clean lines and a breezy store design. Inside, visitors will be able to touch and try on the special collections featuring the 80th Anniversary logo created by British art director Peter Saville and designed especially for this important birthday of the brand. The capsule collection of the 80^th Anniversary, as well as the brand’s seasonal collections, include apparel, leather goods, footwear, eyewear and other accessories.

In the Philippines, Lacoste is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Shangri-la Plaza East Wing, Greenbelt 3, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Tower Shangri-la Plaza, The Power Plant Mall, Megamall, The Podium, Mall of Asia, Gateway Mall, Trinoma, Eastwood Mall, Newport Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Robinson’s Place Manila, Alabang Town Center - Corte de las Palmas, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Davao, Abreeza Davao, and Veranza KCC Mall. Lacoste Accessories is also exclusively distributed by SSI and is located at Glorietta 4 and Gateway Mall.