My favorite health store has come up with items you can give for Christmas that are both healthy and natural – Healthy Options gift boxes!!!

I’m always at Healthy Options, being a Gold cardholder. We get our supplements from there as well as our regular supply of oats, nuts, superfoods like chia and quinoa, and even snacks sometimes. But recently, I was invited back to be part of a small group of bloggers who got an early look at their different holiday gift boxes. Set in one of their larger branches at Glorietta 2, we spent several hours taste testing some of the items that came with the gift boxes and had a sumptuous and very yummy lunch as well, courtesy of The Sexy Chef.

Each gift box is themed after one of the holiday’s most popular and meaningful customs that have become symbolic of Christmas. For people who hate shopping and just want to go into a store and pick out a gift box that is already prepared, decorated and wrapped, this collection of gift boxes will be perfect.

The Star of Bethlehem Box (PhP 6,995)

When we hear about the star of Bethlehem we are reminded of that big star that led the 3 Wise Men to Bethlehem where the Messiah was born. The Star of Bethlehem gift box is a collection of gourmet selections that can help lead your loved ones to better health. These selections will be perfect for a healthy Noche Buena feast.

One of the items I tried from this collection is the Garden Veggie Chips. On the outside, the chips look like that other brand which I used to buy a lot of but which I’ve stayed away from since I found out it was GMO (genetically modified organism) food.  Crisp and tasty, you could not tell that these chips were made with potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and peas! I’m getting this for my chips-loving kids!

The St. Nicholas Box (PhP 3,995)

Known more as Santa Claus these days, St. Nicholas was known to give presents to the needy in secret. The St. Nicholas holiday collection is bundled with snacks and goodies that will surprise any one you give this to.

The Advent Candle Box (PhP 2,995)

We are nearing Advent and in my home, Advent is always celebrated with a wreath and 4 candles which we light in anticipation of Christmas. The Advent Candle Box is like a wholesome countdown for loved ones filled with organic goodies that families can share and enjoy.

Sparkling, Non-Alcoholic Juices (PhP 295)
Not to be missed in any Noche Buena feast is this line of sparkling, non-alcoholic juices. I actually prefer them now over real wine. Not only are they cheaper but everyone in the family can partake of it, including the children. And I love the bubbly! Best thing? It’s only PhP 295 per bottle so I can easily afford a bottle, or two, or three.

Each gift box above has a bottle of sparkling juice. You can also buy the sparkling juice separately. Variants: Acai, Wildberry, Peach, Grape Juice, Gold Apple, and Rosé.

The Evergreen Fir Box (PhP 2,995)

The leaves of fir trees are always green, even in winter. This is why the evergreen is associated with everlasting life. The Evergreen Fir box sends the same message. It contains a collection of snacks made from all-natural ingredients.

The Christmas Angel Box (PhP 2,995)

The angel that announced the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds was sent by God. This Christmas Angel box will be a godsend as well to whoever receives it. It is filled with treats that are gluten-free — perfect for those with celiac disease, wheat allergy, or gluten sensitivity.

The Poinsettia (PhP 1,095)

Called “The Flower of the Holy Night”, the poinsettia is part of a Mexican legend about how it blossomed from a bouquet of weeds offered by a poor girl to the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. The Poinsettia box comes with different pampering essentials to make the holidays stress-free. The image below shows Nature’s Gate Moisturizing Liquid Soap, Andalou Face Mask, Soothing Touch Body Scrub, Ala Maison Bar Soap. Other variants are also available.

The Mistletoe Box (PhP 595)

The mistletoe is an ancient symbol of love and friendship (it’s not just the kissing, folks!!!). The Mistletoe gift box packs travel-sized essentials that give protection, healing and new life. The image below includes Giovanni Ultra-Moist Travel Size Shampoo, Giovanni Ultra- Moist Travel Size Conditioner, Saavy Green Tea & Lime Bar Soap, Giovanni Invigorating Travel Size Shave Cream. Other variants are available.

Now, if you are the type who loves personalizing gifts, Healthy Options recommends its Top 10 Natural Beauty Picks.

1. Nature’s Gate Biotin Shampoo and Nature’s Gate Biotin Conditioner (PhP 259 each)
2. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner (PhP 399)
3. Homehealth Castor Oil (PhP 435)
4. Alba Acnedote Deep Pore Wash (PhP 359)
5. Aura Cacia Argan Oil Morocco (PhP 995)
6. Andalou Age Defying Scalp Intensive (PhP 879)
7. Jason Organic Tee Tree Oil (PhP 1,025)
8. Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel (PhP 1,095)
9. Aztec Indian Healing Clay (PhP 429)
10. Dr. Woods Skin Lightening Soap (PhP 239)

I will be avoiding the long lines and crowds again this year (I don’t like Christmas shopping!) and Healthy Options will be a definite one-stop shop for me. Whether it is personal care items, snacks, supplements, or a bottle of sparkling juice, I know I’ll be giving gifts of health to the people I love.

Visit Healthy Options to know more about their products.
Website: www.healthyoptions.com.ph
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HealthyOptionsPhilippines

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It was a night of celebration as WWF-Philippines celebrated 20 years of environmental solutions in the Philippines with its Partners’ Night. I am a supporter of environment care, ecotourism, renewable energy and the like. My good friend from decades back, Vince Perez,  was WWF-Philippines’ Chairman for several years and is currently Chair of the WWF-Philippines National Advisory Council.

This extra special Partners’ Night, being WWF-Philippines’ 20th year, was hosted by WWF national ambassadors Marc Nelson and Iza Calzado. It was a time of thanksgiving for all the WWF partners, from the public and private sectors, who had supported and sustained its projects involving the conservation of the country’s natural resources, protecting endangered species, and alleviating poverty.

Some of these WWF projects include partnership efforts to conserve the Philippines’ most significant coral reefs and forests, such as the Tubbataha Reefs of Palawan and the Sierra Madre mountain range covering 10 provinces in Luzon. Also, every last Saturday of March, WWF sponsors the nationwide observance of Earth Hour, the world’s largest mass-action to fight climate change.

A photo exhibit, calendar, newspaper supplement and video series showcasing people whose lives were touched by conservation were unveiled.

One touching highlight for me was the recognition by WWF-Philippines of the heroes of the environment, such as WWF-Philippines founder Dr. Celso Roque, Tubbataha Reefs guardian Angelique Songco, plus slain whale shark guide Joel Briones.

Whale shark guide Joel Briones from Sorsogon was able to send two of his children to college because of the influx of tourists who want to swim with the world’s biggest fish. He passed away in October 2016 and was recognized by WWF as a Hero of the Environment.\

Boat-builder Benjamin Pedrero from Leyte lost 30 members of his family to super-typhoon Haiyan in 2013. “I lost everything. My house. My wife and two children. Even my banca.” Through WWF’s Bancas for the Philippines program, Benjamin and hundreds of fishermen in Palawan and the Visayas were able to build their own fiberglass boats and start anew. Benjamin is among the people featured in a new Primex and WWF 2017 calendar launched this November.

Upland farmer Arsenio Cacliong from Isabela now has 180 mango and 200 citrus trees, which augments his income. He and many farmers have benefited from WWF’s agroforestry program to reforest the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Videos featuring beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed were unveiled at the event.

WWF seeks new partners to help it realize its vision for the Philippines. For those interested, email kkp@wwf.org.ph.

Congratulations, WWF-Philippines! May your tribe increase and your endeavors always be blessed.

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Air Asia Philippines is  celebrating its 15th anniversary and in the season of Christmas, they are also launching a #ThankYou campaign – their way of saying thank you for all the years of memorable journeys and great relationships with its loyal passengers.

David Viray, Philippines AirAsia Brand Manager, told us during the launch with bloggers that this Christmas, they wanted to show their thanks to all their customers and promise to do even better in the coming years by exceeding guest expectations, providing first class service, and all without the first class price tag.

Watch this short video which AirAsia is now showing in cinemas, AirAsia’s YouTube channel, and Facebook advertisements since the first week of December up to the first week of January 2017.

That’s not all! For the blogging community and the riding public, AirAsia is also hosting a writing contest as well as a Grab promo as part of its #ThankYou campaign. Here are the details.

Blogging Contest

What’s up for grabs?

1st prize: Two (2) round trip international tickets and pocket money worth PhP 20,000
2nd prize: One (1) round trip international ticket + one (1) round trip domestic ticket + pocket money worth PhP 10,000
3rd prize: Two (2) round trip domestic tickets + pocket money worth PhP 5,000

Mechanics:

1. The blogging contest is open to all Filipino bloggers, 18 years old and above, residing in the Philippines. The blog has to be at least a year old with a mnimum of 20 posts.

2. Watch the AirAsia #ThankYou campaign video above. It is the same one posted on the AirAsia Philippines Facebook page.

2. Blog your thoughts about the video, who you want to thank this Christmas, and why. Be sure to embed the AirAsia #Thank you campaign video in your blog post.

3. Share the blog entry on your Facebook account and tag the person you are grateful for. If the person has no Facebook account, it is okay just to mention his/her name on your Facebook account. Include the hashtags #ThankYou and #AirAsiaPH in the Facebook post. (Important: Your Facebook post, which includes the link to your blog entry, must be set to PUBLIC so that it is visible to all).

4. Register your blog entry by sending an email to hello@comcoglobal.com with the following information

* Full name

* Email address

* Contact number

* Birth date

* Blog entry title

* Blog entry URL

5. Judging will be based on the following criteria:

Creativity – 60%

Media Use (photos, videos, music, any other kind of artistic expression) – 20%

Popularity (positive comments on post) – 10%

6. Deadline of publishing and submission of entry is December 31, 2016. Winners will be announced January 6, 2017.

Grab Promo

AirAsia Philippines passengers get a treat from Grab the whole month of December 2016. Passengers get PhP 100 off all Grab Car rides. check out the mechanics on the image below.

Learn more about AirAsia Philippines’ #ThankYou campaign for Christmas. Visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/airasiaph

The post AirAsia’s #ThankYou campaign launches with a blog writing contest and a Grab promo appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

2017 is starting out with a bang. The Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day are not far away. Starbucks kicks off  the year with its Starbucks 2017 kickstarters —  eye candy items like new Starbucks cards, merchandise, and delectable new food creations as well as beverages. Read till the end because there is a Valentine’s promo as well.

Starbucks Reserve Card

The very first Starbucks Reserve card to be offered in the Philippines is coming out on January 9 and will be available ONLY at Reserve stores for an initial load of just PhP 300. The card features the Starbucks Reserve logo and wordmark against a sleek black background. CLASSIC! And a sure collectible too!

Visit this link to see the list of Reserve stores: http://www.starbucks.ph/promo/reserve-store

Starbucks Valentine’s Cards

Collect them all! Beginning February 7, 2017, you can get 5 die-cut heart-shaped Starbucks cards, each bearing a sweet love message. Each card is available for an initial load of PhP 1,000. There is a limit of two (2) Valentine’s cards per customer, per day.

Starbucks Espresso Confections (January 9 – February 20, 2017)

Two espresso beverages have been concocted for you as 2017 starters.

The Salted Caramel Mocha Crumble starts with espresso and milk, combined with mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup and topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, Starbucks Sea Salt topping, and chocolate brownie bits.

The Chestnut White Chocolate Truffle starts with Starbucks’ signature espresso and combined with chestnut flavor and white chocolate sauce and finished with whipped cream and chestnut drizzle.

Both espresso confections are available in hot, iced and blended formats.

Starbucks Food Items (January 9 – February 20, 2017)

There are three new core food items being introduced.

The Chicken Hot Pie is a buttery and flaky crust filled with creamy chicken and topped with mashed potato.

The Longganisa Pandesal is a soft and buttery bun with sauteed garlic longganisa filling. Always ask for this to be served to you warm.

The Sausage Roll is Bratwurst sausage layered with cheese sauce and honey Dijon mustard wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry dough.

Returning lunch favorites include Farmer’s Ham and Emmental Cheese on French Baguette (ham, Emmental cheese, and arugula with pickled Dijon on a crusty French Baguette) and Pork Carnitas Wrap (a whole wheat tortilla wrap filled with pork flakes, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and guacamole).

Then there are the dessert items for the sweet tooth-ers.

Starbucks Coffee Rolls are back too in a new tin can! It’s a new take on the crispy wafer rolls…infused with Starbucks Espresso Roast.

New Starbucks Coffee Blends

Try the new Starbucks coffee blends being introduced this year – two Reserve blends and one regular blend.

The beans of the Starbucks Reserve Brazil Sertao Yellow Bourbon come from the Sertao Estate, one of the first farms to produce coffee in Carmo de Minas, an area famous for its Yellow Bourbon variety. This blend features floral aromas with plum and dark chocolate notes and honey sweetness.

The Starbucks Reserve Tanzania Chagga blend comes from coffee beans grown in tiny farms circling Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. These lands have been tilled by the people of the Chagga tribe for hundreds of years, passing it down from one generation to the next. The blend features floral aromas with flavors of citrus peel and warm brown spices.

The beans of the Guatemala Casa Cielo  come from the Antigua region of Guatemala.  Taste the complementary flavors of rich chocolates, nuts, caramel, apples, berry, and lemon.

Valentine’s Day Promo

Make Valentine’s Day even better with Starbucks Valentine’s Day Promo. Here are the mechanics:
• On February 14, 2017, customers who will purchase any Espresso Confections (Salted Caramel Mocha Crumble or Chestnut White Chocolate Truffle beverage) will be given a set of Beverage Cup stickers OR a complimentary upsize on their beverage.
• The complimentary Beverage Cup stickers OR a complimentary upsize on their beverage will be given at the time of purchase.
• Offer cannot be exchanged for cash or credit.
• Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.
• This promotion is valid in all Starbucks Philippines stores.

Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 13154 Series of 2016

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From February 22-24, 2017, the First International Leadership Summit and Seminar in Inclusive Education will happen at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay City.

This international leadership summit, organized by the social enterprise, The Teacher’s Gallery, is spearheading a movement advocating the right of the individual with a disability to be educated in a regular classroom. Their call? #YesToInclusion

For decades now, special children and those persons with disabilities had to go through segregation and discrimination. Mainly because of traditional schools’ difficulty in dealing with children of varying medical and physical conditions, such children were relegated to schools labeled as special needs schools, with Special Education Program (SPED) teachers. I remember years back, Ateneo de Manila University took in Roselle Ambubuyog, a visually impaired student. It was a gamble for the school as they did not normally have visually impaired students before. They provided her with some equipment for visually impaired people so she could take notes. Her exams were printed in Braille. Roselle proved them right. She majored in BS Math and graduated Summa Cum Laude! More and more, people with disabilities (PWDs) are showing that they can cope in schools where students with their full senses study. There is now a growing move for inclusion — allowing PWDs to join students in regular classrooms.

Renowned international experts, Professors Tony Booth from the University of Cambridge and David Hoff of the Boston-based Institute for Community Inclusion will deliver the keynotes. There will be paper presenters on how inclusion works, posing and challenging theories, and conceiving innovative concepts. Further, participants of the 2016 Boston Study Tour will report on benchmarking best practices in the US classrooms.

Expected to take part in the program are Vice-President Leni Robredo, Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely, and UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander. Senator Bam Aquino and Congressman Alfred Vargas will be presenting the joint bill to serve the people with disabilities worked on by the organizing committee led by the Fully Abled Nation.

Schools, parents, service providers and support groups will impart best practices/perspectives on how inclusion works for their children. To explain their support programs are heads of various associations: AD/HD Association, Autism Society, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome Association. They will also be joined by highly respected developmental and behavioral pediatricians namely Dr. Francis Dimalanta and Dr. Stella Manalo and the Harvard graduates from the International Education Policy program. For the local government unit, Mayor Rex Gatchalian will share Valenzuela’s educational programs serving people with disabilities.

Part of the summit will feature extraordinary people and their disability success stories — Sarah Jane Dela Rosa, a 22-year- old student with cerebral palsy fully included in a regular class; Eric Marco Ramos, the first blind person to qualify for the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program administered by the US Fulbright Commission and currently a faculty member at Philippine Normal University; Dr. Rex Bernardo from the University of Sydney, currently a professor of Mabini Colleges; and Joy Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Tahanan ng Walang Hagdan. Finally, Mr. Tony Llanes, the blind founder of ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of Visually Impaired) will be demonstrating digital resources for the blind.

Alongside the talks will be the exhibition of #DrawDisability, a global art campaign launched by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s Global Education First Initiative in partnership with the Global Observatory for Inclusion and the UN Global Education First Initiative Youth Advocacy Group.

During the summit, The Center for Possibilities will also screen “Yakap”, a documentary film about the lives of three families with children with special needs. The screening will be on February 22 at 4pm.

Read: Yakap: A special film about special people

For inquiries and registration, visit www.theteachersgallery.com, www.iamyouinclusion.net or call 02-769- 3013 / 0977-8095110 / 0998-554- 8522.

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The Heart Month of February will see two indulgent beverages from Starbucks, the return of the Starbucks Tribute Blend, and more.

Starting February 21, enjoy the flavors of the Tahitian Vanilla Macchiato and Valencia Orange Cocoa Cappuccino.

Tahitian Vanilla Macchiato offers a twist on the classic pairing of vanilla and coffee. Its floral aroma and mild sweetness pairs perfectly with the roasty coffee and complemented by a layer of velvety steamed milk. It is then topped with Starbucks signature espresso and finished with vanilla bean specks and vanilla drizzle in the classic double crosshatch pattern.

The Valencia Orange Cocoa Cappuccino is perfectly blended for those who prefer a sweet flavor. The Valencia Orange Mocha Sauce is combined with milk and topped with dense and creamy foam. It is then layered with affogato-style signature espresso shots, sweet cocoa powder and tartly-sweet bits of orange peel.

For a limited time, Starbucks is bringing back the Starbucks Tribute Blend created in 2011 to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary. This blend combines the favorite coffees: Ethiopian sun-dried beans with a hint of dark cherry; Aged Sumatra, with a syrupy body and cedary spice notes; juicy, herbal and complex coffees from Papua New Guinea; and Colombia coffee, bright, balanced and nutty. For a quick enjoyment of this same blend, anytime, anywhere, there is the Starbucks VIA Tribute Blend you can take on the go.

Do you love the Starbucks Cold Brew — that slow=steeped and brewed without heat coffee that you enjoyed in Starbucks Reserve stores? Well, it is now available in ALL stores nationwide!

Try them all beginning February 21, 2017!!!

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When you grow up with a popular household brand and it disappears from the market, there is all the more reason to celebrate its comeback. That is what several of us did a few days ago when we came together to celebrate the return to the Philippine market of Eye Mo.

The Eye Mo brand was acquired from GlaxoSmithkline by Pharma Health Care Pte. Ltd (Singapore) in 2016. Pharma Health Care Pte. Ltd is part of the Combiphar Group of Companies, a leading multinational consumer healthcare company based in Indonesia. Established in 1971, Combiphar now manufactures and markets almost 200 prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including Eye Mo. Combiphar is currently building a new sterile facility to further improve its manufacturing facilities.

Nothing has changed. The familiar blue and red bottles are back and ready to combat the five signs of eye irritation with its new campaign aptly called ‘EYERITATION’.

Eye Mo has been around for a long, long time. It has been my family’s go-to eyedrops brand since we were small kids.  Our medicine cabinet at home always had this tiny, iconic bottle. I remember Mom using it on us during times when we would have dust particles in the eyes (I was physically active and dark-skinned then). There was also just one Eye Mo back then — the original blue bottle.

The blue bottle is Eye Mo Moisturizing Formula for dry eyes. This is the one meant for general use because one can use it as needed throughout the day. Its main ingredient, Hypromellose, lubricates and soothes the eyes.  People who stay in airconditioned rooms for hours on end or have fans directed at them will also notice their eyes drying. This is the same with long haul plane trips where the eyes easily dry up because of the airconditioning and air pressure. With the advent of the internet and smartphones, more people look at their gadgets and computer screenes much longer and do not blink that often. Blinking is a way to naturally moisturize one’s eyes so people who play games, for example, are some of the most affected because they do not blink too often, afraid to miss critical parts of the game. Eye Mo Moisturizing Formula is best for such situations.

A second variant was eventually introduced for better and more specialized eye care — Eye Mo Red Eyes Formula. Its main ingredient, Tetrahydrozoline HCl provides quick relief from eye redness and minor discomforts caused by irritants.

Easily distinguishable because of its red bottle, Eye Mo Red Eyes Formula addresses the other four eye conditions:

1. Red Eyes – Commuters deal with pollution and dirt every day during their commute. Riders on motorcycles, bicycles and in non-airconditioned vehicles like jeeps and tricycles deal with smog, smoke, and pollution that can get in the eye and cause irritation.
2. Watery Eyes – Some people suffer from excessive tearing even if they are not crying. This could be indicative of an underlying health condition that an eye doctor should see. Oftentimes, irritation or inflammation on the eye surface is the culprit.
3. Sore Eyes – This does not refer to sore eyes conditions involving a virus. That would require medical attention. This usually refers to eyes that become sore from staring at a computer screen for long periods of time or from too much reading.
4. Itchy Eyes  – Usually, this condition is triggered by allergies. It can also occur when the eyes are exposed to mold or dust.

Here’s a suggested way to apply Eye Mo:

IMPORTANT NOTES

There are a few important things you need to remember when using Eye Mo:

1. Eye Mo cannot be used with contact lenses ON. Take them off before dropping Eye Mo into your eyes.
2. DO NOT apply Eye Mo on children 6 years and below.

Eye Mo is now available in all leading drugstores in the Philippines. I’m just happy to have Eye Mo again in my family medicine cabinet….and in my bag.

The post Eye Mo, my childhood eye care brand, is back! appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

March 25 will be a big switch-off event for Earth Hour 2017, now on its 10th year in the Philippines. Once again, the World Wide Fund (WWF) spearheads the event, with even more partners collaborating to make this a memorable and sustainable endeavor.

From 8:30 to 9:30 PM on March 25, most iconic landmarks all over the world will switch lights off. In the Philippines, the main switch-off event will happen at SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia Complex from 7PM to 10PM on March 25, Saturday night. An Earth Hour Camp starts as early as 4PM featuring interactive climate adaptation and mitigation booths like native tree planting, renewable energy technologies, and disaster go-bag preparation.

Earth Hour involves the simple action of turning off lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message about the need for decisive climate change solutions. From just a symbolic switch-off that began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour has grown into the world’s largest open-sourced environmental campaign with many environmental and social projects with tangible outcomes that has mobilized millions in over 7,000 cities and 176 countries.

The youth will be central to this year’s Earth Hour. The #EarthHourPH2017 campaign will be focused on galvanizing the youth to be climate leaders of tomorrow. Members of the National Youth Council will lead the Earth Hour Camp. WWF-Philippines President and CEO, Joel Palma, felt that while the theme of Earth Hour was Shining a Light on Climate Action, they “took to heart the role of the youth as the key to further propel the country into a climate-resilient one.” Two new WWF Youth Ambassadors will also be introduced along with the official WWF-Philippines song.

WWF National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski hosted the launch of Earth Hour at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center last March 8.

WWF National Youth Council Chairperson Alexa Concio talked about Earth Hour Camp and introduced the other members of their Youth Council.

The Philippines joined Earth Hour in 2008, a year after Sydney began it. It topped global participating records from 2009 to 2012, earning it the title ‘Earth Hour Hero Country’. With the multi-sectoral support of the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Leagues of Municipalities, Cities, and Provinces, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and other government partners, Earth Hour in the Philippines has always been a success.

Partners with WWF this year are SM by the Bay, SM Cares, SM Supermalls, Philips Lighting Electronics Inc., Pure Energy Holdings Corporation, Summit Natural Drinking Water, Energy Development Corporation, Bambikes, Pivot Edutainment, Rock PH, and Discovery Suites. WWF said it welcomes other supporters as well.

People on social media can also support Earth Hour.  Here are ways to help:

1. Share the link to earthhour.org/climateaction where there are different suggestions for social media participation
2. Use the official hashtags — #EarthHourPH2017 and #ChangeClimateChange
3. Upload your best photo(s) of Earth Hour to the official Facebook event page – Earth Hour Philippines 2017

The post Join Earth Hour 2017 on March 25 and celebrate 10 years of Philippine participation appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Summer is a great time to do things at home that you could not do during the school year, especially with small kids around. While it means that the kids will spend more time at home (meaning, someone is always calling Mom), it also frees mommies up from school-related activities. For me, summer is always a time to spring clean, declutter the house, and try to spruce it up. At a recent Make Your Home Summer Ready event with Electrolux, I got really helpful home decor tips as well as a glimpse of the latest Electrolux appliances that make housework even more convenient and simple.

Gracing the event was Amina Aranaz-Alunan — founder, executive director and teacher of SoFA Design Institute, and Creative Director of ARANAZ, a fashion accessories and bag label. Amina showed us different and not-too-difficult ways to make the home look summery. As it turned out, sometimes it just takes a little touch, like huge palm leaves in a glass vase, for a room to brighten up. Here are a few takeaways from Amina’s decoration tips:

• Accessorize your home with accent pieces from the sea or beach
• Add a woven piece like a rattan armchair, native basket or bowl
• Accentuate your chairs with tropical-themed pillows
• Change beddings to tropical themes
• Bring tropical indoor plants into different parts of the home to give it a more homey feel
• Use botanical wallpaper to brighten up a wall and make it summery
• Paint a wall with a bright color

My good friend, Janice Villanueva, known as Mommy Mundo online, also shared her own mommy hacks. Summertime for her means cleaning out her refrigerator, including all compartments and interiors, throwing out expired food, and restocking the ref with fresh food. With the kids hanging around the home during summer, Janice said that she tries to buy healthy, yummy food (after consulting her kids also on their preferential healthy snacks) and that is what she places in the front of the ref, readily accessible to them.

We were introduced to the latest line of Electrolux appliances that would help make every home summer ready.

The Electrolux Vita Inverter Split-Type Air Conditioner

Running on inverter technology, the Electrolux Vita Inverter Split-Type Air Conditioner is perfect not only for cooling homes during this hot summer but also keeps air around your home clean. Its Active Plasma ion helps eliminate viruses and bacteria. The inverter technology, as we all know by now, saves so much more in pesos compared to non-inverter air conditioners. With Meralco warning that electricity bills will be going up this summer, switching to inverter technology is something to seriously consider. This technology also means air conditioners will have lower noise levels and optimal temperature without sudden temperature changes.

The Electrolux UltraFlex Vacuum Cleaner

Unlike my very noisy vacuum cleaner at home (seriously, it is so loud that one would need ear plugs when near it), the Electrolux Ultraflex Vacuum Cleaner is so quiet that I think I could even use it with someone sleeping in the room. It has a Turbo Cyclonic design that efficiently separates the dust. The best features for me? A HEPA13 washable exhaust filter that seals 99% of dust and allergens and an attachment to clean mattresses. My old vacuum cleaner cannot do these! This vacuum cleaner has also received 5 stars on Filtration Efficiency and was awarded the Allergy UK Seal of Approval from the British Allergy Foundation.

The Electrolux UltimateCare Front Load Washing Machine

This washing machine is packed with energy-efficient features (again, this is a must-have feature during these days of rising electricity costs). The UltraMix System ensures that you don’t get those bleach spots on clothes because it pre-mixes the detergent with water, dissolving it before they reach the laundry, and fully activates its cleaning power.

The Electrolux NutriFresh Inverter Refrigerator

Running as well on inverter technology, the NutriFresh Inverter Refrigerator is able to keep food fresh for up to 7 days even in sweltering summer heat. Its FreshShield Crisper comes with a unique tight seal that gives 5x higher humidity and a more stable temperature so that fruits and vegetables stay fresh for a week.

The Electrolux Cooking Range with Induction Cooktop and Electric Oven

For mommies with small, active kids, an Electrolux induction range is the answer! Mommies need not worry anymore about kids burning their fingers on hot burner tops.  I have adult kids already but I still want one, haha! Induction technology makes cooking a lot faster than using ordinary electric burners or gas. The Electrolux Induction Cooktop & Electric Oven comes with Precise Temperature Control. You can go from high heat to low heat instantly so you never under- or overcook meals again.

Electrolux has many more home care and healthy living ideas. Visit them here:

Website: www.electrolux.com.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElectroluxPhilippines
Instagram: @ElectroluxPhilippines
Twitter: @ElectroluxPH

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The practice of yoga and learning more about overall wellness has brought me even greater awareness about the role of comfortable footwear in health. Thinking back to my office days when I had to walk or stand hours on end on tight-fitting pumps, I now know how punishing it must have been to my feet. These days, open-toed, flat to low, and very comfortable footwear are what I look for. But…most of the flipflops and comfortable sandals and shoes I have bought run into several thousands averaging around PhP 4000-5,000 a pair.

Well, let me tell you that I am so happy now to know where to find fashionable, comfy and affordable footwear. At Bata Philippines!

Bata Philippines, a European brand is known globally for being  comfortable and yet, affordable. Partnering up with SM Retail, Bata Philippines’ first home is at the 3/F of SM Megamall Building B, making the Philippines the 76th country where the Bata brand has a presence.

I had a strong feeling that I have already heard about Bata shoes as I was growing up so curious me did some googling and I discovered that indeed, Bata was here in the Philippines many years ago! The website of the Czech Embassy in the Philippines had an article that talked about Bata having a production facility and retail stores here before World War II. The property, however, was destroyed during the Battle of Manila and many of its employees, Czech and Filipino, perished after they volunteered to fight against the Japanese. So hey, they are not here for the first time. They’re balikbayans!

The Megamall launch for bloggers was quite intimate and private. We had so much fun going around, trying different shoes, sandals and flip flops, and really checking out what was available. The celebrities present were doing the same too.

Bata Philippines offers footwear for men, women, and kids, great for formal occasions all the way down to beach wear. Prices start around PhP 1,799 for the non-leather variety and scale up to around PhP 6,000 for the leather ones. Not bad at all, right? I did not check the kids’ section for prices but they could be even lower.

Were they comfortable? YES! And here’s why, I found out. Bata pays a lot of attention to the right kind of padding it puts in every pair.

I purposely wore my Bata black ballet flats to the recent 30th ASEAN Summit knowing I would be on my feet a lot and walking even more. Well, I got through the three most hectic days of the summit without any discomfort so I’m happy! Now I know I can rely on Bata to take care of my feet even if what I do can be gruelling!

By the way, the Bata Philippines store also has a line of bags and belts for those who want to buy accessories to complement their Bata shoes.

Here are more pictures I took of Bata’s line of footwear. Notice how fashionable they have become. Comfy no longer means clunky shoes. Don’t be surprised if I took more pictures of women’s footwear because I really got carried away. So many to choose from on my next purchase.

Talking to Bata’s CEO, Alexis Nasard, I was impressed by what he had to say about Bata’s vision. He said, “Comfy is the new sexy and sexy is the new comfy.” That captures exactly what their footwear lines are all about.

Check out Bata Philippines at the third floor of SM Megamall Bldg. B. I will be going there again very soon. You can also find them on social media.

Global website: www.bata.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BataPhilippines
Instagram: bataphilippines

The post I found fashionable, comfy and affordable footwear at Bata Philippines! appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

You will NEVER hear anyone say that their storage space is enough. Right?

Whether it is for your business or just for your personal space, you can never have enough space. Businesses expand and so does your family. And as they grow, you accumulate more stuff. Some of them you’ll need on a daily basis but some are just seasonal. At times, you want more home decor so you can change around its look once in a while. The ones you don’t need at the moment, you want to store away and out of sight. But where?

Talk to my kids and they will tell you that I have taken over a lot of space at home. They tell me they need more closet space and that my stuff take up too much space. I’m constantly decluttering but I know I still have a lot of stuff around. What to do?

Well, I recently got to tour a new world-class storage facility in Pasig called Loc&Stor 24/7. YES!!! This long-time storage facility service that you find in the U.S. and other First World countries is now in the Philippines!

The concept of self-storage has been around for some time already. Decades ago, when I was studying in the United States, self-storage was already in demand and quite popular, having been around since the 1960s. There are aboutAt a recent event for bloggers, Sam Peterson, Loc&Stor 24/7’s founder, said that he had previously headed part of a global company that managed, designed, and constructed self-storage facilities across the world. That experience made him see that Filipinos were already ready for such world-class storage facilities as well.

Loc&Stor 24/7‘s first facility is located in Bagong Ilog, Pasay City. Coming from Ortigas Avenue, you turn left to Libis.  Loc&Stor 24/7 is very close to that left turn and is located very close to the end of the Ortigas flyover.

Here are some advantages of using Loc&Stor 24/7’s storage facilities:

1. 1. You get your own individual unit and your own padlock – No one else has access to the storage area but you or your representative. Items are never mixed with the stuff of others. Loc&Stor 24/7 has 7 different sizes to choose from and you can always upsize or downsize as you need. Rental prices range from PhP 1,925/month to PhP 15,152/month (rates as of the date of this post).
   2. Loc&Stor 24/7’s facility has cutting-edge security in place – The entire facility is located in a gated compound. You have your very own PIN code which allows you to enter the facility and activate/deactivate the alarm of your unit. Each of your designated representatives also have separate PINs so that the logs will show exactly who accessed your unit. Around the entire facility are 24-hour security guards. Each time your unit is opened, you get an email notification. Unit owners also have the option to take out insurance on their items. The entire facility has an extensive sprinkler system, smoke detectors, CCTV with night vision with full view of all corridors, and fire extinguishers in different areas.
   3. Access is 24/7 – As its name says, Loc&Stor is never closed. You can access your items any hour of the day, any day of the week, even during holidays. And you can just go there without prior notice, permission, or additional fees.
   4. Loc&Stor 24/7 is clean and well maintained – The entire facility is well lit and well ventilated with industrial-sized fans. Regular pest control, cleaning, and maintenance is done throughout the facility.
   5. Loc&Stor 24/7 provides climate-controlled units – For items that are sensitive to humidity in storage like paintings, books, clothing, shoes, and other leather goods, Loc&Stor 24/7 has climate-controlled units. That means insulation and airconditioning. Humidity is managed at a level that will significantly reduce the possibility of mold and mildew growth.
   6. The entire facility is built to strict fire and floor-loading codes – At first, the units’ walls looked like they were made out of empty container vans but I was so totally wrong. The units are fabricated abroad and adhere strictly to code. The lower section of the corner walls have reinforced protection to guard against damaging bumps when carts go by.
   7. Rental periods are flexible – Rental periods go for as short as 1 month to as long as 18 months. At the end of your existing rental period, your agreement will automatically extend month-to-month at the current rate. You can also switch to a shorter or longer period.

We did a tour of Loc&Stor 24/7 and, as they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words” so let me place those photos here so you can see just how secure and convenient this place is.

CCTV and emergency light Sophisticated padlock area Smallest storage size Loading dock can accommodate 40-ft container vans Corridor of units Retardant vents on ceiling Service elevators facilitate transport of items to upper floors Controlled access via PIN code LocnStor reception area

The original Loc&Stor 24/7 facility is one of Southeast Asia’s largest storage facilities. A second facility in Makati will be opening soon and two more (in the North and South) are in the works. When Loc&Stor 24/7 says “We’ve got your EXTRA space“, it is definitely not kidding.

Loc&Stor 24/7 is open for viewing to potential customers so they can view the sizes of the units and check out its security features. Visitors can come any time after office hours or on a holiday even (because they’re open 24/7). Of course, any business transactions would have to be done during office hours (Monday to Saturday, 9AM to 6PM except holidays).

Loc&Stor 24/7 can be found at 54 E. Rodriguez Jr., Pasig City (off C5).  Contact them at telephone no. (02) 570-2561 or (02) 633-9239, mobiles 0916-567-3004 (Globe), 0998-968-9746 (Smart). Email them at <talk2us@locnstor247.com> to book a time to visit the site.

They are also online at:

Website: www.locnstor247.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/locandstor247
Twitter/Instagram/Google+: @locnstor247

The post Loc&Stor 24/7: World-class 24/7 self storage facility is finally here in the Philippines! appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Cetaphil is 70 years old! That means 70 years of Cetaphil skin care for users like me.

One of the first skincare products I used religiously growing up was Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I had a facial soap brand before that but even if it had a moisturizing element, I noticed that my skin still lost some of its moisture. In addition, being a scented soap, it had fragrance ingredients I did not want on my face. Cetaphil was not only fragrance-free but it also removed dirt without removing the natural oils, from my face.

A few years ago, my husband needed a product to take care of his dry skin while he was being treated for a medical condition, I turned to two different variants of Cetaphil that we found very effective in keeping his skin soft and moist  — their moisturizing cream and bar skin cleanser. Even now that he is already well, he uses these two products to clean and moisturize his skin.

It’s been 70 years since a pharmacist from Texas, in 1947, formulated Cetaphil’s first product. Back then it was called Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion, the forerunner of today’s Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.  Fast forward to the present and guess what! They now have so many more products! And that includes a baby line as well as the Restoraderm line – consisting of a body wash and moisturizer — that is great for sensitive skin and restores skin moisture.

Cetaphil’s product lines stay true to its essence. “Cet” comes from the fatty alcohol which is used as an emollient — cetyl alcohol — while “phil” means ‘love’. Together, Cetaphil represents the love of softening and soothing skin.

Trivia…I found out at the event that Cetaphil has a ph level lower than water. So, it is even gentler on skin than plain water. That is comforting!

A long-time endorser-family of Cetaphil products, and friends of mine, is the Mendoza family. The current generation of the Mendoza family, Edric and Joy Mendoza and their 5 children, is preceded by their parents, Eddie and Daisy Mendoza, who were the first brand ambassadors of Cetaphil some years back. It is heartwarming to see a brand that I’ve used for decades being endorsed as well by a family that spans  generations. That’s how it really should be. Good brands should be handed down from one generation to another.

Thanks for inviting me to your 70th anniversary event, Cetaphil. I think I am not only lucky to have relatively problem-free skin but having you as part of my family’s Cetaphil skin care regimen means our face and body continue to get gentle care for many more years to come.

For more about Cetaphil skin care products, visit  www.cetaphil.com.

The post Celebrating 70 years of healthy skin with expanded Cetaphil skin care lines appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

New beverages, food items, Starbucks cards, and a promo await all Starbucks Philippines lovers starting this month.

New Beverages (June 6 to July 24, 2017)

The onset of the rainy season is already here but there are still days when it is H-O-T!!! Starbucks is introducing this month two new beverages — perfect for cooling down.

The Banana Split Mocha Frappuccino is blended with banana puree, layered on top of strawberry whipped cream, and then topped with regular whipped cream, a rich chocolate drizzle and crunchy waffle cone pieces.

You can see the different layers of the Irish Cream Coffee Pudding when it is served to you. It has a coffee pudding base infused with rich Irish Cream flavor, then topped with fluffy espresso whipped cream and finely ground espresso powder.

New Sandwiches and Bagels (starting June 6, 2017)

Two (2) types of bagels and five (5) sandwiches are available starting this month.

New Dessert Items

Five dessert items are being introduced midyear.

These last two dessert items are available only in Metro Manila stores.

New Starbucks Cards

Three Starbucks cards are coming out this month and of course we know that one of them has to be one just for fathers on Father’s Day.

The Father’s Day Starbucks card will be coming out on June 12, 2017. Gift Dad with this for an initial load of only PhP 500.

The Chill Mini Card design is inspired by Starbucks’ iced beverages. It already has a hole punched into one side of the card so you can attach it readily to a keychain. This one is available for an initial load of PhP 500 and is available starting June 6.

The Iced Coffee Card is die-cut to resemble a Starbucks cup with a modern coffee-colored look to it. This one is available for an initial load of PhP 1,000 starting June 6.

All three card designs can be purchased up to two (2) cards of the same design per customer per day.

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Everyone wants to be healthy. Many know what it takes to be healthy. But so much less actually do something about becoming healthier. True?

Busyness and a hectic lifestyle gets to a lot of us and sometimes, activities meant to make us more active and healthy are set aside. In a research conducted by Watsons Insights on Shoppers Experience (WISE), a research division of the A.S. Watson Group, 66% of Filipinos believe they know about health but 57% do not exercise regularly to stay healthy. Reasons could vary from hectic work schedules to family duties,  household chores, and guess what….even traffic!

These were reasons enough for Watsons to launch their #GetActive campaign. The point of this campaign is to get Filipinos active by starting with small lifestyle changes. Many who have failed to maintain an active lifestyle do so because they want to start out big (aim to be a triathlete, work out for hours at a gym, own fancy gym equipment, and similar goals. But people who fail to achieve these goals tend to slack and go back to their sedentary ways.

The easier way to make being active a daily habit is to start with small, easily achievable steps, then build from there. It could be as simple as increasing one’s water intake, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, breathing deeply more often and consciously, and even smiling more often to brighten up one’s disposition and set one’s mood for the day.

The Sexy Chef Barni Alejandro was one of Watsons’ guest speakers. She showed us how to prepare three quick and simple but healthy dishes including her mason jar recipes which are so easy to make and refrigerate for future meals. It actually involves the layering of ingredients around the mason jar in such a way that you get different healthy stuff in it like different colored fruits and vegetables, superfoods like chia seeds, nuts and oats.

Sam Ajdani, a professional model, fitness trainer, and the Philippines’ representative to the grand pageant of Mister World also showed us ordinary stuff we could use when traveling and gyms are not available. He demonstrated how ordinary water bottles could be used instead of weights! In fact, women can also use smaller water bottles as dumbbells. Watch this interesting video.

Dr. Mitzi Reodica also gave us a quick vitamin talk and introduced to us some of the basic vitamins that our body needs like:

• Vitamin A for immunity, vision and healthy skin
• Vitamin B complex for energy production
• Vitamin C for immunity and protection against diseases
• Vitamin E for cell damage repair or prevention and for healthy skin

These vitamins and more are actually available at Watsons, with brands such as Enervon, Conzace, Ceelin, Revicon, Myra E, Centrum, Stresstabs, Berocca, Rogin E, Fern C and Watsons Generics.

There’s more! Check out this June 2017 promo!

To further encourage its shoppers and as part of its #GetActive campaign, Watsons is offering up to 20% off on select vitamins in its stores.  Watsons is offering customers a chance to win trips to Bali, Guam or Sydney, or win an iPhone 7 or iPad for a minimum PhP 500 single-receipt purchase of select vitamins and health products. Promo runs until June 28, 2017 and is exclusive to SM Advantage, SM Prestige, PRiMO and BDO Rewards Card holders. Promo is in partnership with Hutchgo.com and Philippine Airlines. (DOH-FDA-CDRR Permit No. 127 s. 2017)

It’s never too late to start your #GetActive journey. Promise  you will do this for yourself first, your family next.

For more on Watsons, visit www.watsonshealth.com.ph or www.facebook.com/WatsonsPH.

The post Watsons supports your health through its #GetActive campaign appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Great story plots have a way of motivating and moving people to act. And storytelling through short videos can be quite effective because of its ‘hugot’ (heartpulling) effect. Combine this with the viral potential of social media and these digital films can go a long way towards reaching more Filipinos. This is the strategy chosen by Sun Life to spread its financial literacy and inspire more Filipinos to seek financial freedom.

Five years ago, I was present at Sun Life’s event that launched the first generation of Sun Shorts. Recently, Sun Shorts 2 was launched, featuring another three (3) new digital shorts.  Like its predecessor, Sun Shorts 2 focuses on themes that have to do with relationships and how they inspire us to seek financial security for our loved ones.

Each of these Sun Shorts will be released in the succeeding weeks. The first one, “Waves”, is already out and features a story about enduring love that will tug at the heartstrings of millennials. In this film, Marco is a surfing instructor who lives a carefree life until he falls in love with Amanda. The film shows their developing relationship and the challenges that both face with Marco being carefree and Amanda being more business-minded. Will their love endure?  “Waves” by Zig Marasigan gives a peek into the lives and hearts of millennials.

Watch Waves here. It affected even me.

Matteo Guidicelli, a Sun Life ambassador, shared his thoughts about “Waves”. He expressed my very thoughts after seeing the film — is it possible to insure a loved one even if there is no legal relationship between the two? Sun Life’s answer surprised me. One can actually designate a loved one as beneficiary even if there is no legal relationship as long as both present CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) to the Sun Life agent.

The second film has just been released June 14. The last two digital films are film is scheduled for  release on June 14 and June 21 via Sun Life’s Facebook page. I will embed the films here once they are out.

“She Said, She Said”, to be released on June 14, is all about a mother-daughter relationship. Specifically, a single mom struggling to raise her daughter on her own. In this film by Nik Reyes, we get into the heads of both mother and daughter. The mother has questions and doubts as she asks if what she is doing for her child is the right thing while she tries to pursue her own dreams.  As we also get a glimpse of what is going on in her daughter’s head, viewers like me who are Moms will realize that sometimes, we need to see life not only from our eyes but from the eyes of our children.

“Sayaw”, coming out on June 21, is all about love being tested over time. Its director, Mihk Vergara, aims to answer this question which delves into the part of a love story that’s not often explored — what happens when an aging couple grow apart. Will they still be able to recover what had initially brought them together? Will they find their rhythm once more and rediscover the steps to a dance they used to do so well together?

Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual, also Sun Life ambassadors, shared their own thoughts. As a Mom, I tended to relate more closely to this film although the overwhelming number of millennial bloggers thought that Waves resonated more with them. Moms (and Dads) will find “She Said, She Said” very close to our hearts.

Charo Santos-Concio, the fourth Sun Life ambassador and host of the long-running show, Maalaala Mo Kaya, is the older (and wiser) one among the other three ambassadors who also reacted to the three films.

This film made me realize that indeed, what brought two people together and make them decide to get married may be gone as both individuals evolve and grow. Sometimes interests and directions change and couples find that, in their older age, there is little they have in common. But this is when I believe the phrase “Love is a choice, not just a feeling” becomes even more important. A couple that finds the precious common thread that runs through their lives and combines this with their beautiful memories together, love will endure.

Join Sun Life’s June contest and get a chance to visit Japan

For all its Sun Life Facebook page followers, Sun Life is offering a chance to win a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. Here are the mechanics (from their website):

MECHANICS:

From June 7 to 30, all SunLifePH Facebook followers have a chance to win a getaway to the Land of the Rising Sun in 3 easy steps:

1. Log on to your Facebook account
2. Visit Facebook.com/SunlifePH and watch any of the Sunshorts videos
3. Tag a friend and share your insights with him or her about the video in the comments section

One lucky participant will get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Tokyo for 2!
No purchase necessary to qualify for this contest!

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Perla laundry soap is baaaaaack!!!

It just quietly disappeared for some time from grocery shelves some years ago but Perla is really back! We were invited to an intimate lunch by the Perla team. Honestly, I thought it was Procter & Gamble (P&G). What a surprise to find out that Perla’s brand is now under new management – Valiant-McKenzie. Apparently, some years back, P&G decided to realign its brands. It sold off or exited some of these, including overseas labels like Perla, which was sold only in the Philippines. Valiant-McKenzie bought all rights to the brand, as well as its production facilities from P&G. Thank goodness they did!

Perla was our kitchen soap growing up. My Mom always had a bar on a soap dish beside our kitchen sink. Come to think of it, in many houses, including my relatives’ houses, Perla was often the kitchen soap.  I always presumed my Mom was using it because Perla was less expensive than dishwashing liquid but apparently, it was THE dishwashing soap during my generation.

When my four kids were born, they all had very sensitive skin. My yaya always asked me to buy Perla for their clothes because it was the only detergent that their skin could tolerate.I remember buying Perla 6 bars at a time because we were really heavy users. Back then, Perla was sold as a bareta (a long bar consisting of 4 joined bars that you can snap apart). I always wondered why Perla was our labandera’s (laundrywoman’s) preferred soap. I found out the hard way.

Once, I ran out of liquid detergent for my delicates. I hand-washed them with powdered detergent (the one with blue specks in it), and not even a minute later, my hands stung like crazy! Ang hapdi talaga (it really stung!)! No wonder Aling Labandera chose Perla over those powdered brands!

So, I already knew from experience that Perla was very gentle on skin, unlike the powdered ones that must have had harsh chemicals in them. But I never really found out why. Until I learned one very important fact from the Perla team during that lunch. Hint: It’s there in the label on the packaging. COCONUT OIL!

Yes, Perla is 50% coconut oil!!! No wonder! The other 50%, composed of synthetic counterparts, are petroleum-based. Perla does not have the allergy-inducing substances found in many synthetic detergents. I guess that’s why they put a very large “HYPOALLERGENIC” sign on the packaging, something that the original packaging did not have.

Want another shocking trivia? Some celebrities (as well as friends of mine who posted their reactions on my Facebook post about Perla) apparently have been using Perla ON THEIR FACES!  I guess they knew about the coconut oil, haha. Honestly, who would ever think that a laundry soap can double up as a facial soap?

When I got home after our lunch, I knew I actually had to test Perla for myself. I took the Perla bar that came from our lunch table decor, wet it, and worked up a lather.  IT DID NOT FEEL LIKE LAUNDRY SOAP AT ALL! Usually the lather of laundry soap is very bubbly, almost like bubble bath. Perla’s lather and texture was actually closer to that of facial soaps with moisturizers. It was so soft on my hands and did not sting at all. The scent was quite pleasant and not overpowering.

One question I had posed during the lunch was how to use Perla for those with washing machines. I still have a weekly laundrywoman but because I also have a washing machine, I wanted to know how to use Perla for it. I obviously could not throw a bar into the washer. They told me the best way is to grate the bar. Half a bar is good for 2.5 kilos of clothes so one bar is good for 5 kilos of clothes. Not bad! I hope in future, knowing that so many households are already using washing machines, the Perla team will consider offering Perla in powder form.

Here are a few more things about Perla and coconut oil that you may want to know:

• The formulation for Perla will not change. Its current management assured us that they will continue production using its original formulation.
• One of Perla’s ingredients is glycerin, a natural moisturizer. You can actually feel the glycerin when working up a lather because you can feel the slippery, soft texture.
• Perla is very mildly scented with just a hint of lavender — one of the essential oils used.
• Coconut oil contains lauric, a natural cleaning agent. Lauric traps oil and dirt and makes it easy to wash away.
• Coconut oil, based on recent studies, has antibacterial properties and antifungal capabilities
• Synthetic detergents (or syndets) contain substances for more effective cleaning but these are harsh and abrasive on skin. Perla has a much higher PH, is less acidic, and therefore, soft and smooth on the hands.
• The higher PH of Perla causes mercerization — a natural phenomenon that fluffs up the fiber of clothes. It is believed that this mercerization actually makes the fibers in clothes stronger than detergents that do not cause mercerization.
• Perla supports the Philippine Coconut Oil industry. Every bar of Perla supports the livelihood of our local coconut farmers.
• Dermatologists actually recommend Perla!
• Perla is available only in the Philippines (at least for now)

Perla currently comes in 3 variants: Original White (the most popular variant and great for whitening clothes), Original Blue (specializes in whitening clothes against yellowing. It is also used in regions with hard water), and Papaya (great for clothes AND skin).

Perla is now available in all supermarkets nationwide. The price? Just a little over PhP 12 per bar. Compare that with what you would spend on powdered detergent and I think you’ll see a lot of savings! You will also protect your hands more.

The post Perla laundry soap is back and it is as gentle as ever appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Starbucks’ loyalty program celebrates its fourth year in the Philippines this year with a lot of treats for its cardholders. Yay!

As part of the celebration, Starbucks is coming out with its 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card this July 25. I love the design!

The 2017 Pilipinas card features a graceful Filipina dancer in terno. The design evokes the grace and fluid movements typical of our traditional Philippine dances. Keith Cole, head of marketing for Starbucks Philippines, explains the choice of design. “Our culture is very colorful and dynamic, and that’s what we tried to capture with the 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card. It reflects one of the cornerstones of Filipino artistry — folk dance. In it, we see a connection to the fluidity of the aroma of coffee as it wafts through air. We wanted to capture it into something tangible, that’s why we’re bringing you this exclusive Starbucks Card.”

There! Don’t miss this if you want to complete your Pilipinas card collection. So far, I’ve got them all!

2014 – The card was inspired by the colors of our national flag and the Philippine eagle. This edition card celebrates Starbucks Card’s first year in the Philippines

2015 – Fiestas inspired this card’s design as it featured the colors and elements of that count among the more exciting, diverse, and colorful celebrations around the world.

2016 – This year featured two cards: the Manila and Cebu Starbucks cards. The Manila Starbucks Card was inspired by “Summer Night in Manila” and focused on the design of the jeepney traveling the busy city at night. The Cebu Starbucks Card highlighted the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge as viewed from the hilltops of Cebu, decked with Sinulog flowers. The Cebu card was available only in Cebu so I am so happy that my friend Noemi gifted me with this as a birthday present last year when she went on a trip to Cebu at the time of the card’s release.

You can get your 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card starting July 25 for a load amount of PhP 300. But, if you load this card with at least PhP 1,500 between July 28-30, you also get a free Venti handcrafted beverage.

There’s more.

Between July 25-27, Starbucks cardholders earn DOUBLE STARS with every purchase of any featured beverage when they pay in full using their Starbucks Card. Also, by topping up their My Starbucks Rewards account through www.starbucks.ph/card with PhP 1,500 from July 28-30, they get 3 BONUS Beverage Stars.

For more information about the 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card and My Starbucks Rewards, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/.

The post I love the new 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card! appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

Bata shoe lovers, you’ve got a third store to go to. Bata is now open at the second level of SM Makati. They just recently broke ground there with all your favorite shoe lines PLUS a new one – Bata Insolia high-heeled shoes.

I own a pair of Bata flats. It is my only closed, flat pair since I shifted to open-toed and low-heeled shoes. So when I covered the ASEAN activities last April and this month and had to look more formal, I wore this on all days. There were times when we would have to run to catch a shuttle press shuttle or walk some distance to the venue site. My feet never felt tired.

ALSO READ: I found fashionable, comfy and affordable footwear at Bata Philippines!

I told Bata Philippines country manager Rabi Hasnabi about my experience with my Bata flats and he said that they purposely designed Bata shoes not only to be fashionable, but best of all, to be comfortable all day. With humor, he says that there is no need for “tiis ganda” (suffering beauty) – a term used when one has to suffer pain and discomfort just to wear fashionable shoes.

Watch this video from Bata Philippines’ Facebook page showing Mr. Hasnabi addressing the celebrities and bloggers at the launch.

I held a few of the Insolia pairs in my hand and wondered if I could ever dare to walk in them. Haha! I was never one to go for platform shoes in my younger days but I wore pumps a lot when I was still in the corporate world. This black pumps (below) caught my eye right away.

Here’s how it works. Normal high heeled shoes shift our weight to the front and oftentimes, our forefoot bears 75% of our weight the whole day. No wonder we get tired! Bata Insolia shoes are designed so that our weight is evenly distributed between the heels and the forefoot. It reduces forefoot pressure, improves our posture and balance, and extends comfortable wear time.

Watch this video about the Bata Insolia heels.

I definitely need a pair of heeled shoes appropriate for more formal affairs but I can no longer imagine suffering in them all throughout. If my experience with my Bata flats is any gauge, I think I may just take a look once again at the Insolia line on my next visit to the Bata store.

Bata is also found at the 3L SM Megamall Bldg B and 1L SM City Bacoor in Cavite.

Global website: www.bata.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BataPhilippines
Instagram: bataphilippines

The post Bata Philippines opens its 3rd store in SM Makati and launches Bata Insolia heels appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

It was a Filipiniana-inspired night as Electrolux celebrated its 15-year presence in the Philippines with its brand ambassadors, dealers, distributors, and friends. Dubbed ‘Pamana’ (heritage), the evening gala’s guests came dressed in modern Filipiniana attire and to witness the launch of its FashionCare Campaign, a new experience in clothing care.

I still remember the very catchy jingle of Electrolux which I heard as a child growing up…”I’m gonna knock on your door, ring on your bell, tap on your window too. I’m back to give you much more when you open your door. I’m your friendly Electrolux man.” Back then, Electrolux was already known for its wide range of household appliances. Today, those appliances are still around but further improved on and incorporate the latest available technologies, making the Electrolux brand enjoy market leadership in vacuum cleaners and strong positions in No Frost refrigerators and washing machines.

As it celebrates 15 years, Electrolux aims to shape living for the better and improve the everyday lives of Filipinos. Its renewed focus on products and solutions is meant to create better experiences for its customers.

The anniversary celebration was the best time to launch the FashionCare Campaign. Top fashion designer, Rajo Laurel, shared how his Electrolux UltimateCare Washing Machine was the dream appliance that truly took care of delicate fabrics and designer clothes without dry cleaning or handwashing and retained the color and shape of clothes without the usual risks of shrinkage. He recounted how a favorite piece of clothing made of wool was washed in this machine without changing its shape or color.

Electrolux also unveiled its FashionCare Council composed of Rajo Laurel, FashionCare ambassador, and Council members Amina Arañaz-Alunan (founder, executive director and teacher of SoFA Design Institute and Creative Director of fashion bag label ARAÑAZ) and Janice Villanueva (successful mompreneur and founder of Mommy Mundo).

The Electrolux range of UltimateCare washing machines were designed to prevent fading of colors, shrinkage, and misshaping. The UltraMix technology uses a lower and gentler temperature compared to a hot wash but still gives the same results – better stain and dirt removal. Detergent and water are pre-mixed in a special chamber before the start of a cycle to maximize cleaning power at a lower temperature.

Aside from this powerful but gentle cleaning, the UltimateCare washing machine extends the life of clothes with its Vapour Action which softens fabric while reducing allergens by up to 99.9%. In addition, the Woolmark-certified cycle (approved by the Woolmark Company, a global authority on wool), safely launders your wool garments, just as Rajo Laurel recounted.

If you’re wondering if that level of care uses up a lot of electricity, worry not. It comes with an Eco inverter technology and that reduces energy consumption by 75% and saves time by 44%.

Aside from the launch of the UltraMix washing machine, Electrolux’s newest top load washing machines were also unveiled. With its Cyclonic Tub Clean feature, tub and pulsator rotate simultaneously to create a scrubbing action.

The Cyclonic Care Pulsator and Prism Drum, on the other hand, deliver gentle care for clothes. The Cyclonic Care Pulsator generates an upward water flow to help clothes circulate properly and reduce friction. On the other hand, the Prism Drum gently splits the dirt from the clothes just like a prism splits light, resulting in tangle-free wash.

Congratulations, Electrolux, on 15 years of great household innovations in the Philippines. Looking forward to more years ahead.

You can find Electrolux online here:

Facebook: facebook.com/Electrolux Philippines
Twitter: @ElectroluxPH

The post Electrolux celebrates 15 years in the Philippines with the launch of its FashionCare campaign appeared first on The Philippine Beat.

What Christmas gifts have you been giving out these past years? Whatever they were, how about making HEALTH the focus of your Christmas gifts this year? It’s about time that we all help each other make healthy day-to-day lifestyle choices and that includes stuff we use, consume, and apply on ourselves. Your families and friends will definitely appreciate gifts from you that express wishes for their long-term well-being.

Healthy Options has, for the longest time, been my go-to store for all things natural and organic. Last year, I attended their Christmas event where they first introduced their healthy Christmas gift sets and this year, they are doing the same…with MORE! Following their theme, Light Up Your Christmas, shoppers can choose from a wide variety of products (healthy snacks, organic wine, sparkling juices, supplements, and personal care products, among them).

From now till October 22, 2017, early Christmas shoppers who visit Healthy Options stores at Shangri-la Plaza Mall and Glorietta 2 can check out the gift show, pre-order, and get exclusive discounts and privileges valid only during the gift show. Customers who purchase PhP50,000 worth of products or more are entitled to an early bird discount and are eligible to free shipping. Delivery of these pre-ordered gift sets will start on November 21. The gift sets will officially be available for regular selling in all Healthy Options stores starting the second week of November.

Healthy Options also has gift cards in PhP 1000 and PhP 500 denominations that are practical to give out. Their Healthy Options Private label features Healthy Options’ own premium brand of gluten-free grocery items.

Healthy Options prepared several Christmas gift sets with prices that would fit a wide range of budgets.Take a look.

The Sparkle Box (PhP 6,995)

The Sparkle Box is full of select healthy gourmet holiday treats.

Contents of the Sparkle Box:

Alessi Sesame Breadsticks, 479 Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn, Bakery On Main Peanut Butter & Jelly Granola Bar, Bionaturae Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Evolution Salt Himalayan Gourmet Salt Grinder, Explore Cuisine Organic Brown Rice Pad Thai Noodles, Frontier Herbs & Spices Italian Seasoning, Fruitivity Original Apple Chips, Glutino Breadcrumbs, Parm Crisps Basil Pesto Tub, Pacific Pepper & Corn Chowder, Peace Cereal Mango Peach Passion, Santa Cruz Organic Strawberry Fruit Spread, Sustainable Sea Tuna Light In Water, Teeccino Dandelion Caramel Nut, Crunchmaster Multigrain Sea Salt Crackers, Edensoy Organic Extra Original Soymilk, Back To Nature Organic White Rosemary Olive Oil Crackers, Bella Famiglia Red Wine Vinegar, Organicville Organic Portabella Mushroom Pasta Sauce, Mezzetta Artichoke Hearts, Fruit Bliss Turkish Figs, Healthy Options Wildberry Sparkling Juice, Healthy Options Steel Cut Oats

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The Shimmer Box (PhP 3,995)

The items inside the Shimmer Box are sure to remind your gift recipient of everything shimmery about the holidays – love, laughter,  and good food.

Contents of the Shimmer Box:

Bakery On Main Double Chocolate Granola Bar, Dang Coconut Sticky-Rice Chips, Peeled Peas Please Sea Salt, Da Vinci Rigatoni Pasta, Delgrosso Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce, Drew’s Medium Thick Chunky Salsa, Funny Farm Jalapeño White Goat Cheddar, Good Sense Roasted Soy Nuts, Lakewood Pomegranate Lemonade, Love Grown Strawberry Power O’s Cereal, Lucy’s Lemon Goodness Cookies, Mrs. Thinster’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins, Way Better Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips, Edensoy Organic Original Soymilk, Healthy Options Peach Sparkling Juice, Healthy Options Whole Grain Muesli

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The Glow Box (PhP 2,995)

The Glow Box contains quick and easy on-the-go snacks that nourish.

Contents of the Glow Box:

The Good Crisp Company Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips, Annas Ginger Cookie Thins, Dang Sriracha Sticky-Rice Chips, Funny Farm Goat Cheddar Mac & Cheese, La Mere French Sables, Ginnybakes Organic Double Chocolate Cookies, Matcha Love Green Tea Matcha, Mrs. Thinster’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins, Purely Elizabeth Cranberry Pecan Oat Cup, The GFB Peanut Butter & Jelly Gluten-Free Bites, Fruit Bliss Turkish Figs, Healthy Options Gold Apple Sparkling Juice, Healthy Options Quick Oats

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The Twinkle Box (PhP 2,995)

Low-sodium and low-sugar snacks were carefully chosen for the Twinkle Box.

Contents of the Twinkle Box:

Alessi Garlic Breadsticks, Annas Almond Cookie Thins, Dang Original Sticky-Rice Chips, Belvoir Organic Ginger Beer, Peeled Peas Please Southwest Spice, Mrs Thinster’s Brownie Batter Cookie Thins, Peace Cereal Vanilla Almond, Thinkthin Protein & Fiber Oat Cup, Woodstock Sweetened Cranberries, Zevia Raspberry Lime Energy Drink, Edensoy Organic Unsweetened Soymilk, Healthy Options Red Grape Sparkling Juice, Healthy Options Sunflower Seeds

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The Glisten Box (PhP 2,995)

Gift the person/s with sensitivities sand allergies with a specially curated gluten-free set of snacks and beverages. No one gets left behind!

Contents of the Glisten Box:

Annie Chun’s Sesame Seaweed, Belvoir Organic Sparkling Elderflower, Eda-zen Toasta Ma-me Sweet Bbq, Funny Farm White Goat Cheddar Popcorn, Meditalia Sundried Tomato Spread, The Good Crisp Company Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips, Ginnybakes Organic Choco Chip Oatmeal Cookies, Parm Crisps Original Tub, Wholesome Organice Pancake Syrup, Zevia Raspberry Lime Energy Drink, Peeled Peas Please Garden Herb, Healthy Options Rosé Sparkling Juice, Healthy Options Pancake And Waffle Mix

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This year, Healthy Options is going beyond gift sets with grocery items. They now also offer all-natural and organic gift sets for beauty. Check these out.

The Pure Radiance Box (PhP 1,195)

The Andalou Body Care Set pampers the recipient of the Pure Radiance Box. This collection indulges the skin with superfruit antioxidants, rosehip + argan oils, shea + cocoa butters, aloe vera, berry complex and water electrolytes, infused with the alluring scent of mandarin vanilla.

Contents of the Pure Radiance Box: Mandarin Vanilla Shower Gel, Mandarin Vanilla Body Lotion, Clementine Hand Cream

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The Be Dazzling Box (PhP 1,095)

Gift someone with beautiful tresses with the Be Dazzling Box containing all-natural hair care products.

Contents of the Be Dazzling box: Ultra-sleek Shampoo, Ultra-sleek Conditioner, Ultra-sleek Touch-up Hair Towelettes

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The Shine On Collections: Luster  and Glimmer Boxes (PhP 595 each)

Two different sets of personal care products are in these Shine On collections. The Luster Box contains age-defying beauth items while the Glimmer Box has the same type of products but for those who would love moisture-rich beauty.

The Luster Box contents:

Andalou Age-Defying Argan Shampoo, Andalou Age Defying Argan Conditioner, Andalou Body Lotion Soothing, 1000 Roses Complex Color Care Hair Mask

The Glimmer Box contents:

Argan Oil & Shea Moisture Rich Shampoo, Argan Oil & Shea Moisture Rich Conditioner, Argan Oil & Shea Moisture Rich Styling Cream, Exotic Marula Oil Silky Smooth Hair Mask

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For more information on Healthy Options and their exclusive Light Up Your Christmas gift show and holiday selections, visit any Healthy Options store nationwide,  go to www.healthyoptions.com.ph, or email holidays@healthyoptions.com.ph. You can also find them in the following social media sites:

Facebook Page: HealthyOptionsPhilippines
Twitter: _HealthyOptions
Instagram: healthyoptionsph
YouTube: HealthyOptionsPH

Have a healthy shopping time at Healthy Options!

The post Give the gift of health from Healthy Options’ Christmas gift sets appeared first on The Philippine Beat.