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.