Days of Summer: Fun Summer Activities for Your Kids (PART 1)

While it would be easy to simply park your children in front of the TV or their computers for the entire summer, they deserve happier times and so do you! Harness their boundless energy and engage them in activities that will push them to grow, to broaden their minds and possibly, even leave them with lasting memories. Remember, learning is not only done in the classroom, but through play and everyday exploration.

Before they even have the chance to complain, “Mom, I’m bored!”, plan for them an exciting summer of endless fun. Here are a few activities that will be a sure hit.

1.      Life’s a Beach – With beaches a short few hours away, pack your bags, floaters and sunscreen for a fun-filled beach retreat. Drive south to the cool beaches of Puerto Galera and Batangas, or drive north to sink your toes into the sands of Bataan and Subic Bay Beaches. Look for child-friendly resorts, such as Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel in Batangas, who make family travel less stressful by offering a children’s playroom. www.acuaticoresort.com.ph 

2.      Call of the Wild – No matter how many episodes of National Geographic you let your kids watch, nothing compares to seeing the majestic creatures up close and personal. Discover more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife at Avilon Zoo, a 7.5 hectare sanctuary located in Rizal. It’s P600 per adult and P400 for children below 3ft. www.avilonzoo.ph  

3.      Paint Me a Picture – Celebrate your child’s creativity at Sip & Gogh, the first art studio of its kind in the country.  No need to bring paints, brushes or even canvases as all these come with the package. After reserving your slot online, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or shake (for the kids), and painting in guided sessions by a host. Family sessions are held every Tuesday to Saturday at 4p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 4p.m. (Package price: P1000 for every participant). Children 7 years old and above are invited to the kid-friendly sessions every Saturday at 10 p.m. (P900 per child). For the calendar of sessions, visit www.sipandgogh.com. 

4.      Who Let the Dogs Out?– If you’re looking for an afternoon of laidback fun and lots of cuddles, Barkin Blends Dog Cafe in  Loyola Heights, Quezon City, offers playtime with man’s fluffy friends, including Beagles, Siberian huskies, Shih Tzus and Labradors. And when the kids are spent from running around, the family can enjoy a delectable selection of shakes, coffee and cupcakes at the cafe. Enjoy two hours of play time and one drink for P180. For more information, check out their Facebook Page: Barkin' Blends Dog Cafe. 

5.      Minds at Work – It has often been said that we need more scientists in this country, so ignite a child’s wonder in the world at Mind Museum, located in Bonifacio Global City. With over 250 interactive exhibits that are shared through five interconnected stories, the Mind Museum explores every inch of our world, from the minute atom to the grand universe. The exciting science exploration continues outside with Science-in-the-Park and the JY Campos Park. Mind Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Visit www.themindmuseum.org for the promos, fees and time slots. 

6.      Blast from the Past –Take your family to the heart of Manila and show them the grand history of what lies within the Intramuros walls. Retrace Jose Rizal’s final steps from his jail cell to his site of execution in Fort Santiago, or just enjoy the architectural beauty of the San Agustin Church, Barbara’s Cafe and Ilustrado restaurants, and boutiques. Young kids will enjoy the leisurely ride on a kalesa (around P350), while the older children can take the informative and highly entertaining walking tour by Carlos Celdran. For walking tour fees, schedules and reservations, contact  63 920 9092021 (Glenda)  or celdrantours@hotmail.com.

7.      By the Bay –Watch the sun set and the lights of SM Mall of Asia brighten up the Manila Bay skyline aboard Sun Cruises Manila Bay Cruise.  For promo prices of P550 per person (Mon-Thurs) and P650 (Fri-Sun), you can enjoy 90 minutes of cruising time aboard the yacht, inclusive of meals. Reserve tickets at www.smtickets.com.

8.      Kingdon of Wonder – For over two decades, Enchanted Kingdom has served as the country’s local Disneyland. With adrenaline pumping rides and attractions like the Space Shuttle, a day is definitely not enough to experience everything. To enjoy unlimited rides for the day, avail of the weekend/ holiday promo of P600 per person or weekday rate of P500. Junior passes of P320 (weekend/ holiday rate) and P250 (weekday rate) apply to children between 3ft to 3 ft 11’. Children below 2ft 11’ and under may enter free. 

9.      Under the Sea - While they may not find their Disney princess Ariel, your kids can find her friends at Manila Ocean Park (MOP). Take a stroll through the different exhibits to see the exotic fish, penguins, stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and other majestic creatures of the deep.  Your little girls can enjoy being a mermaid for a day too with MOP’s Mermaid Swimming Experience. Wear a mermaid tail and take a swim. Of course, souvenir photo is included. www.manilaoceanpark.com 

10.  Aquatic Adventure – After an exciting day at Manila Ocean Park, the family can enjoy a quiet evening at Hotel H20, which sits on the same property complex. Book a suite at this unique staycation and wake up to colourful tropical fish or jellyfish swimming across your wall.  www.hotelh2o.com 

Architect Carlos Arnaiz of CAZA: The Philosophy of Design

While others look at buildings as their creative visions made real, the charming and bookish architect Carlos Arnaiz – winner of two consecutive Progressive Architecture awards in 2008 and 2009 and the
AIANY building merit award in 2008 – looks at the landscape with a spatial view in mind.



Talking like an engrossed history teacher and looking more like an inspiring professor of Law
rather than your typical architect, 35-year-old Filipino-Colombian architect Carlos Arnaiz of
the Brooklyn-based architectural firm CAZA admits he came into architecture through a very
unusual route. While most architects he knew were artists and had explored their creative side
at a very early age, he on the other hand, was a Philosophy major who hadn’t even the slightest
skill at doodling.

“There’s a branch in philosophy that I got interested in (while in Williams College) called geography. It’s not like the geography we know where you have to know the capital of Afghanistan,” says this self-proclaimed geek. “The branch of philosophy (that I studied) is a discipline that emphasizes
space and spatiality as a way of finding solutions to complex problems.” Carlos likens the discipline to the centuries-old Chinese tradition of feng shui – but without the kooky mysticism. “There’s a whole Chinese tradition of thinking about the importance of space — the economics of space, how we live in space, how we hang things, whether we paint walls this way. (If you may notice) just the organization of your living room space has this emotional, mental and psychological impact on how you live. The fact that there’s such a long tradition is a testament to how space can impact us on a
personal human level. When you zoom out to the macro level, the way you organize and use space
on a wider plane will also have a big impact on the people.”

Though he found geography and philosophy intellectually satisfying (he graduated magna cum laude), he felt frustrated that all his ideas had no real tangibility. ”I was operating on  theoretical level. I was hungry for a tool, an instrument to make my ideas real in the world. And that’s how I stumbled into architecture. Architecture has an intellectual side to it, but it also has a very practical side to it. It has givens like materials, paint, wood, concrete, steel and glass.”

Excited by his newfound calling and direction, Carlos applied for a master’s degree at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design where he met the Dean of the College of Design, Peter Rowe. Together, they collaborated on a number of consulting projects for the city of Barcelona and the Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy. There they were hired by both regions’ respective governments to develop a regional master plan to solve the city’s problems. In 2008, Carlos received the Wheelwright Prize from Harvard University for his work on the Urbanism of the Modern University in four Latin American cities: Mexico, Caracas, Bogotá and Sao Paolo.

After a short stint with several other architects and architecture firms like Office DA, Ruf, Field Operations and Stan Allen Architect in New York, Carlos established his own firm CAZA and has since been traveling the world, working on projects in the Philippines, Colombia, Costa Rica and Taiwan. He recently finished building a chapel, his gift to the Chosen Children Village (a foundation in Silang, Cavite) for physically and mentally challenged children.



“It’s a wonderful story,” shares Carlos. “In 1989, a couple – a Filipina (Maria Angeles ‘Lita’ Peypoch Fullerton) and her American husband – decided to adopt a child with a disability. They instantly fell in love with the child and so they adopted another one, and then another, and then the next thing
they knew they had 200 kids and had to get the house next door. It’s a whole community called the Chosen Children Village and we designed a very simple chapel for their growing family,” Carlos
beams proudly as he himself is a very proud father of two little boys – Lucas (three) and Tomas (six months) with wife Elizabeth Taylor (no relation to the iconic diva).

The chapel, built from humble concrete, is a breathtaking sight with ceilings that rise to a heavenly height. Playing with verticality and sunlight, Carlos used the concrete to shape columns and panels
that allowed natural ventilation and different lights to illumine the sacred space. “There’s skylight up above. There’s light coming through these little panels here. So when you’re inside, you’ll see
that there’s a real play of shadows and a filtering effect of light from all angles — diffuse light, accent light and direct light,” Carlos beams as he animatedly paints a picture of his chapel with his hands.

He would later win a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects and Faith & Form Award for this particular project. One of his other most prized works was the widely acclaimed
High Line project in New York, which he worked on as designer and senior associate. And like the Chosen Children Village, he loved the project because it celebrated a great history.

In the 1920s, elevated steel railroad tracks were built in Manhattan to transport cargo from the northern tip of the New York borough to its southern tip. Thereafter, in the early 1960s the tracks were abandoned and left to rust, causing people to insist that it be torn down by the city because it was an eyesore. However, the clamor to save the community marker, headed by locals and celebrities like Meryl Streep and Robert de Niro who lived in the Tribeca area, led to the idea of rehabilitating the ruins… and thus the High Line design competition was born.

In 2002, Carlos, with a team of five, bested 30 other firms with their thoughtful design. “Basically, what it is is a park. It sounds simple but it’s spectacular when you go up there. You take these stairs and imagine you’re like flying up in the sky almost 30 feet above the street. You can see the water, you can see the mountains, you can see midtown, and you can see the high rises of Manhattan. Here families can have picnics; people sunbathe and watch the sunsets. It’s magnificent.” Not only was Carlos able to do an impressive revamp of the old railroad, he was also able to preserve a piece of the
community that could have been easily lost to history.





Though his style may not be obvious in all of his projects, rest assured that each project is meticulously planned and imprinted with Carlos’ thoughtful touch. “I always say that designing a home for someone is like tailoring a suit. It has to be perfectly made; fit to the shoulders and to the waist; and to the way the person moves. In order to build him a home, you really have to study that person’s life.”

In making a home, accommodating the client’s lifestyle is more important than the architect’s “vision” he says, contrary to the myth presented in Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. “In the novel, one
genius (Howard Roark) supposedly comes up with this concept that solves everything. The fact of the matter is, it’s not true. I say the myth is damaging because I think a lot of young architects study architecture with that dream and they kind of get disillusioned when they realize that architecture is
complicated. It involves a lot of negotiations. Not one idea ever solves everything and we should be humble enough to accept that good ideas can come from anyone on the team.

“And I think as creative people, we are constantly cannibalizing ideas from others. I think it’s impossible to be completely original. You’re always borrowing and quoting, acting and reacting whether you like something or not; even not liking something forces you to take a position.” Though Carlos may not believe in originality, he however believes in true collaboration. “I don’t mind having too many cooks. I’m flexible and I encourage feedback. I believe the perfect project would be when
architects, clients and engineers come together.”

Having said that, Carlos belts a hearty laugh, admitting that he doesn’t know how smoothly that
will work out when he’s to build his own dream house. “I think it would be a nightmare! It would
be the ultimate dream and it would be a true collaboration because my wife is also an architect.
But we would never finish. It would be a perpetual project. And I have no idea how it would look like. ”

But even if he did have a blueprint in mind, Carlos for now would not have the time to build it as this busy bee is currently developing a student center for the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, a house in Costa Rica, a master plan for a coastal resort in the Philippines together with the construction of a prototype house, a cluster of three high-rise housing condominiums in Manila and a new market for vegetable farmers outside Bogota, Colombia. He also manages to squeeze in time to teach a class called “Urban Design Theory” at Pratt Institute.

For Carlos, architecture is not merely adding another building to the already overcrowded landscape. Rather, it is a discipline of design. He studies every aspect of the project, figuring in the sentiments of his clients, studying how to respond to the history of the location and above all, planning how his space will beautifully and seamlessly fit in the whole scheme of the city.

Marina Cruz: Art & Soul

For award-winning visual artist and child adoption advocate Marina Cruz, the unearthing of her mother’s baptismal dress made her reflect on the meaning of having a family. Her reflections gave birth to her own deeply personal art.

It all started in 2001 while Marina, then a second year college student, was rummaging through her mother’s belongings and chanced upon her mother’s baptismal dress. “Imagining my mother as a child seemed so surreal. The dress made me ‘experience’ the childhood she once had. It gave me goose bumps,” shares the cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines-College of Fine Arts.

It was a poignant moment for her because at the time of the discovery, her mother, Elisa, a primary public school teacher in Bulacan, was often sick. “The tattered dress simulated also my mother’s aging. I felt that I needed to preserve that memory. I realized the value of time, the value of life. You really have to savor every moment with your loved ones because you can never go back.” Since 2001, her art — from the embroidered mementos and mixed-media paintings to her famous “fossilized” baby doll dresses — has followed that same thread of nostalgia and appreciation for family.

In the past decade, Marina has held 14 solo exhibitions in the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Australia and Singapore and has garnered praise from prestigious art groups including the Philippine Art Awards where she won grand prize in 2007. She’s also the recipient of the Ateneo Art Award in 2008, which included a fellowship at La Trobe University’s Visual Art Center, Australia. Later that year, she was awarded with the Freeman Fellowship at Vermont Studio Center, Vermont.

Over time, and through much reflection, the concept and definition of family grew to be an essential part of Marina’s art. As a happily married woman, she hoped that she and her husband, fellow artist Rodel Tapaya, would be able to start their own brood soon. But unfortunately, the couple had difficulty conceiving due to Marina’s polycystic ovary syndrome.

“As artists, our creativity comes natural to us. But when it came to procreation, creating a child, starting a family, it wasn’t as easy,” Marina shares during her TEDx talk at her alma mater, University of the Philippines-Diliman. But like a true artist, she was open to God’s inspiration and creativity.

With her husband’s urging, they decided to adopt. And two months after submitting their requirements to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the couple was matched with an 11-month-old baby boy, whom they named Yohan, meaning “Gift of God.”

With a precocious toddler now in their life, their world was turned upside down, so much so that Marina did not notice that she was pregnant a month later with Keon.

“People expected me to have twins; my mother had a twin. They were right,” she chuckles. “Just not biological.” Today, as an advocate of domestic adoption, Marina travels the country sharing her own story, and her art helps in spreading her message. “This is very fulfilling for me, to be able to share my art and advocacy, because I was able to discover a new, beautiful way to form families. Family is not defined by biology alone, but love.”

First published in The Philippine STAR, Allure Section

Photography by RITA MARIE ABIOG • Creative direction by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Styling by DIANE LASAM • Makeup by SARI CAMPOS • Hairstyling by RHOY CERVANTES • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location at  SOLAIRE RESORT & CASINO’s YAKUMI

Madrid Fusion Manila: A World of Food and Flavor Come to Manila

An explosion of bold flavors, exotic ingredients and mouthwatering aromas from the country’s most famed Filipino-Spanish dishes are set to tickle the palate in the most, exciting way – as the main attraction of the first local edition of Madrid Fusion.

For more than 12 years, Madrid Fusion has been the most important international gastronomic event on progressive haute cuisine in Spain. And for the first time in history, it will be held outside Madrid –in no other place than our humble home, The Philippines.

As a significant culinary destination and a well-known melting pot of diverse cultures, the Philippines has proudly nurtured its own culinary traditions, born from its own rich heritage, which takes influences from China, Malay and most especially Spain, with whom we have shared more than 300 years of close ties.   

As the banner project of the “Visit the Philippines” campaign of the Department of Tourism, Madrid Fusion Manila trains the spotlight on the Philippines as an Asian Center of Gastronomy, and aims to promote the country as a top culinary destination for 2015. With Ayala Malls as its partner and official events center, Madrid Fusion Manila brings together an exceptional showcase of music, film, and, of course, the best Filipino-Spanish fare this country has to offer.  

Celebrate food!

Filipino-Spanish fare is brought to new epicurean heights as Ayala Malls celebrates gastronomy through an exciting array of activities, including Menu Degustacio (tasting menus), Cocinas Viajeras  (travelling food trucks), and the Comidas Preferidas (Ayala Mall’s Food Choices buffet trail).

Held April 10 to 26, in select fine dining restaurants of participating Ayala Malls, the Menu Degustacio will give culinary connoisseurs the unique opportunity to feast on specialty dishes that imbibe Madrid Fusion’s spirit of culinary innovation, techniques, and deconstruction. Savor the exquisite flavours of classic dishes, as well as new, mouth-watering culinary creations crafted by the country’s renowned chefs.

Cocinas Viajeras, on the other hand, brings the Spanish-themed dishes to the people, through stylized food trucks and kitchen demos hosted by celebrity chefs, including Chef Gaita Fores, Chef Sau del Rosario and Chef Rob Pengson. Catch the Cocinas Viajeras as they tour Bonifacio Highstreet and Trinoma (April 10-12), Glorietta (April 17-19) and Alabang Town Center (April 24-26).

Adding on to the fun-filled food-centric activities, the Comidas Preferidas (Food Choices buffet trail) will bring the Madrid Fusion Manila experience to the everyday food lover by offering sumptuous merienda at an unbeatable price. The delectable dishes will be served at all merchants of Ayala Malls’ Food Choices on April 13-16 and April 20-23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Relish all the dishes that have been meticulously prepared and seasoned with love.

Fiesta! Food & Music Festival

Food is not simply about satiating appetite, it’s an all sensory experience that excites and inspires. So to truly embrace the essence of Madrid Fusion Manila, Ayala Malls has also cooked up Fiesta!, a food and musical festival that blends the fascinating worlds of gastronomy and music.

Delight in the Festival de la Paella Gigante III at Greebelt 3 Park, where you can partake of giant paella prepared by Chef J Gamboa, Chef Fernando Aracama, Chef Carlo Miguel and Chef Mikkel Arriet on April 18.

Pelikula: Spanish Food Film Festival

Aside from offering a sumptuous feast that fills the tummy, Madrid Fusion Manila will serve up a visual feast with films that center on the art of gastronomy. Ayala Malls, the Embassy of Spain and Instituto Cervantes will kick off the film festival on April 21, 6 p.m. at Greenbelt 5, with the special screening of Mugartiz B.S.O. Catch the slew of other notable films, including 3055 Jean Leon, El Somni del Celler de Can Roca, and Taba. Table Game Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao, which will run until April 26. Tickets are priced at P100 per screening.

Bringing more films to excited audiences, Centrio Mall will host a Spanish Food Film Festival in partnership with Xavier University on April 17, 10 a.m. to 2p.m., and Bonifacio High Street will also screen select movies on April 11 at its activity center.

For your convenience, you can enjoy all of Madrid Fusion Manila’s great gustations and more with the new BPI-Ayala Malls Amore VISA prepaid debit card. Avail of the 20% discount on all Madrid Fusion Manila at Ayala Malls specialty dishes, film screenings, and other activities. Plus, get the chance to win a trip to Madrid. VISA Cardholders can double their chances of winning with every purchase.

Samsung Galaxy S6 + Samsung S6 Edge: Sleek and Sexy

When it comes to cellphones, I'm the type who's happy just being able to text, call and browse with as little effort as possible. What can I say? I'm a low maintenance, no frills kind of gal. I was never drawn to the overly hyped iPhones when they first came out and other phones the were promoted as such.

But eventually I was swayed by Samsung a few years ago when I purchased a Samsung Mega (it wasn't even the newest model to be launched that time). It was practical, sturdy, and I loved the big screen which allowed me to read, watch movies, browse and even edit documents while I'm on the road. (A test of it's durability - it still works today after 3 or so years. And yes, it has been dropped a couple hundred of times.)

Even though I don't have the same comprehensive knowledge and vocabulary when it comes to techie stuff like others, I can say that I do appreciate beautiful products when I see them.

And two such examples are the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung S6 Edge. Their innovative design with the sleek, glass-like metal finish really does look impressive.


Recently, Globe offered us a sneak peak at the units before they're scheduled to be launched across the country on April 18. Platinum and Platinum Elite members of Globe also had the pleasure  to order their units beforehand. (For their convenience, Platinum Relationship Managers, dedicated agents who ensure smooth, hassle free 24 hour service, were free to assist them.) For those who are interested to apply or upgrade their current plans, you can get the Samsung S6 and Samsung S6 Edge phones for free with plans starting at 3799 and 4999.

The plans come with unlimited calls and text, and worry free mobile data of up to 15GB for a month's usage. Platinum plans also extend two free days of unli-data roaming for members who travel a lot. No need to worry about charges when you're abroad.

Highlights of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung S6 Edge

* Both handsets boast an improved design, which uses premium highest grade metal and glass, the same materials used in aerospace industries and premium mountain bikes.
*Boasts a 5.1” OHD Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display.
* Advanced photo technology powered by 16-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front cameras with the quickest launch time.
* Fast-charging battery with wireless charging


*The Samsung S6 Edge is the first in the world to offer a dual edge design. This allows for a more immersive viewing experience.
* The People Edge feature allows you to choose 5 contacts known as "My People" and assign colors for them for quick access The colors will appear on the edge when they call, or text. Without opening the main homescreen, you can send a reply, and accept or decline their call.

As soon as my Samsung Mega retires, you'll know what I'd want to get next. 

 For more information, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/

Skin is In: 8 Must-Have Summer Beauty Essentials

Summer is finally here! So whip out those bikinis and show off your voluptuous curves. Whether by the poolside or wading in the cool, crisp waves of the world’s most exquisite beaches, no day is ever wasted when it’s spent soaking up the sun in complete relaxation.

But while you may feel confident to flaunt your washboard abs and toned physique, summer will throw a lot of obstacles your way to keep you from looking your best- the sweltering heat, scorching sun, skin-damaging UV rays, humidity, and salt water. 

Thankfully, Unilever has everything you need to keep your cool and looking fresh all summer - and it all comes at incredibly affordable prices. From sunscreens to moisturizing skin lotions, refreshing body bars, gentle cleansers and even whitening creams with SPF; all these are expertly crafted, dermatologically-safe formulations meant to nourish, hydrate and pamper your skin from deep within.  They give you that the extra boost of protection that sun glasses, beach hats and umbrellas simply cannot do.

Get that radiant summer glow without sacrificing your skin. Shield yourself and your loved ones from excessive exposure to UV light, which is known to cause age spots, premature skin aging, sunburns, and, in extreme conditions, even skin cancer.

Here are 8 of the most affordable skin care products from Unilever that you shouldn't leave home without. With stunning #SummerReadySkin, get ready to seize the summer.

1. POND’S AGE MIRACLE DAY CREAM

Restore the soft, suppleness of your skin with the intensifying moisture-day rich cream. Formulated with Intelligent Pro-Cell Complex™ and SPF 15 PA++, Pond’s Age Miracle Day Cream protects you against damaging UV rays and aids in the rejuvenation process of skin cells, helping reduce fine lines, wrinkles and age spots over time. Restore your youthful radiance and look 10 years younger in just 7 days. 

2. PONDS’S WHITE BEAUTY DAY CREAM

Keep fresh as a rose even under the harsh summer conditions with Pond’s White Beauty Cream. The breakthrough skin care solution, which harnesses the soothing essences of Korean Ginseng and Saffron, whitens and evens out your skin tone, giving it that rosy white glow in just 7 days. It works by purifying the skin from deep within and bringing out that luminous glow that will have heads turning on the beach. Unlike other creams and moisturizers that are sticky, Pond’s White Beauty comes in a Powder Finish, which leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth in an instant.

3. POND’S ACNE CLEAR WHITE 10-IN-1 FACIAL WASH

Let Pond’s revolutionary Acne Clear White 10-in-1 Facial Wash work overtime, while you relax in the shade. With one easy, gentle cleanse, the multi-tasking formula calms skin, zaps blackheads and whiteheads, smoothens roughness, tightens pores, reduces dullness, controls oil, fights acne, reduces blemishes, calms skin and whitens skin. Say goodbye to acne and oily skin this summer, and hello to brighter, whiter radiance.  

4. POND’S MEN ENERGY CHARGE FACIAL WASH

That same boost of energy that you love getting from your favourite brew can now benefit your skin. Especially made to address men’s skincare needs, Pond’s Men Energy Charge Facial Wash harnesses the power of coffee bean extracts to get that bright, energized skin. The derma-tested safe formula instantly cools and minimizes pores, while removes the dullness and haggardness from your skin. Restore that healthy active glow with Pond’s Men Energy Charge.

5. DOVE BAR

When your skin is sun-parched, especially during the summer, no other beauty bar moisturizes better than Dove. As the most recommended brand by dermatologists, Dove provides your skin the daily pampering it needs. With its ¼ moisturizing cream, Dove deeply nourishes and restores skin. Get smooth, glowing skin in just 7 days with Dove Beauty Bar.

6. ESKINOL FACIAL DEEP CLEANSER

Feel confident with your linis-kinis face this summer thanks to Eskinol Facial Deep Cleanser’s deep cleaning technology. Derma-tested safe for everyday use, Eskinol removes the stubborn pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, which prevent you from feeling your best. Take the cotton ball challenge and see for yourself!

7. VASELINE WATER-BASED SERUM

Make this your best summer ever, and step out into the sun with Vaseline Water-Based Serum. It offers SPF 30 & PA++ for ultimate sun protection, and comes in a water-based, non-sticky formula. What’s more is that it is enhanced with Vitamin B3 that gives you whiter skin. Confidently #SeizeTheSummer with Vaseline Water-Based Serum.

8. VASELINE INSTANT FAIR LOTION

Say goodbye to tan lines with Vaseline Instant Fair Lotion. It has micro-reflectors that make skin 4X fairer instantly, so you don’t have to worry about uneven skin tone. Vaseline Instant Fair Lotion is also infused with Vitamin B3 that gives you fairer skin over time, and triple sunscreen to safeguard you against harmful UV rays. Thanks to Vaseline Instant Fair Lotion, you can achieve that healthy white glow and a fairer, even skin tone in just one application.   

Catch all the celebrity ambassadors: TOni Gonzaga, Xian LIm, Julia Barretto and other this March, until the end of April, as they show off their glowing #SUMMERREADYSKIN in Unilever’s first-ever summer station ID on ABS-CBN.  You can also watch the video in the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZyqYT8KPQ

Watsons Switch & Save: Enjoy more by spending less

Thanks to generations of wise mothers, Filipinos have been raised to become smart, practical shoppers, always in pursuit of the better deal, the bigger discount, the best value. When it comes to following a budget at home, while it is common for many to scrimp on luxuries like eating out and shopping, personal essentials like toiletries, medicine and vitamins should never suffer from the budget cuts.

In order to be a successful budget-saver, heartthrob crooner and new Watsons ambassador Christian Bautista believes that one should recognize the value of true savings. 

There is a clear difference, he insists, between being frugal and being cheap, and a difference between saving and scrimping. While scrimping is getting by (uncomfortably, at that) with barely enough, smart saving is about choosing the better value, getting the most by spending less.

“(In my own definition and understanding), saving is preparing for the future. It is sacrificing just a little bit so that you and your children can enjoy in the future. Scrimping, on the other hand, denotes something more negative. It is an attitude that’s based on fear. I prefer to save so that I can enjoy,” he adds. 

As the new ambassador of Watsons Switch and Save campaign (he joins other ambassadors Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Patty Laurel-Filart and Iya Villania-Arellano), Bautista believes in the commitment of Watsons to make quality products more accessible to the Filipino consumer.

“You shouldn’t feel that you have to spend an arm and a leg for your personal essentials,” he says. “As an artist, I stock up on mouthwash, toothpaste, charcoal toothbrushes and breath strips and other things since I sing. Watsons offers all of these. And these are not just any cheap alternative, they are good quality that can match what’s in the market. Maganda at mas mura (It’s good and cheaper),” he reveals, adding that he’d rather save on toiletries so that he can splurge on his other passion, which is travelling. For his next trip, he hopes to walk the streets of his favorite city again, London. With Watsons, he knows he’ll be one step closer to achieving that dream vacation.

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In fact, by switching to the Watsons Label products, like Bautista, smart shoppers can get anywhere from 30 percent to 80 percent savings. By bringing down prices, Watsons allows consumers to stretch their purchasing power so they can spend more on their other needs, wants and luxuries like a new phone or car, or a much-deserved vacation.

 Branded vs. Generic

Karen Fabres, Watsons senior manager for marketing, recognizes the hesitance of some Filipinos towards buying generic brands. “There’s the misconception that generic brands are inferior, but abroad, especially in the US, the majority buys generics. Unfortunately, in the Philippines, only a small percent do, so they’re missing out on a lot of savings,” she shares.

“Watsons is able to provide them at more affordable prices because we use formulations that are off-patent and which have already been proven effective. When launching new medicine, innovator brands have to raise prices to ensure ROI to cover the expenses of their marketing, research and such. This is not the same situation for generics, which have already been proven and tested safe,” she adds.

“A lot of our customers take maintenance meds. But according to some studies, the average Filipino consumes only around 50 to 70 medicines in a year, where it should be 365 (one for each day). The reason they don’t take their proper dosage is because their budget is limited. Imagine, if they switched to generics, they can save money and be able to take their medicines accordingly, allowing them to live a more fulfilling, quality life,” shares Victoria Encarnacion, marketing director for Watsons Personal Care.  

Despite being a bit wary of generic medicines, Filipinos are still very smart shoppers, with specific wants and standards from their products. Today, they are more discerning when it comes to shopping admits Encarnacion. “They no longer want just generic soaps and lotions; they look for anti-bacterial, moisturizing, whitening, etc. They look for variant products that provide more function.” To address the growing demands of the evolving market, Watsons has diversified and come out with new variants to their current list of products, delighting budget savers everywhere.

Another trend that Encarnacion is seeing is the fact that consumers are gearing towards a more active lifestyle, with Filipinos placing more importance on their health and taking vitamins even before they get sick.

Actress, singer and aspiring athlete Iya Villania is one of those who look to Watsons for help, to support and sustain her new healthy living. “I’ve been a Watsons girl for two years. Prior to becoming an ambassador, suki na ako. I buy a lot of its tissue, makeup stuff, and especially Watsons Foot Ease gel cushions.” With the savings she enjoys, she is able to allot more to her other activities and indulgences like training for marathons, shoe shopping, eating out, and travelling with her husband Drew.

“I’m really not that big of a spender. While others would invest in designer bags, I prefer backpacks.Nakakahiya nga kasi parang ako lang yung actress na hindi nagdedesigner bag. And when it comes to travelling, I won’t travel Business Class. Don’t judge if I’m in Economy!” shares the radiant beauty.

Iya and Christian are only two of the many Watson shoppers who have learned to switch and save for better deals. Even if they’re successful and they have the means to buy the best and the most expensive personal care products in the market, they think about their purchases and know the importance of saving up for what matters most.

Christian puts aptly into words what Watsons and many budget-savers believe and strive for: “Life is short. Balance your life in both work and play. Save and enjoy.” Indeed, with Watsons, you can spend less to enjoy more.

Dove Beauty Summit: Real Women, Real Beauty

At the first Dove Summit, the industry’s beauty leaders, celebrities and bloggers gathered at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Harbor Tent to celebrate real beauty. In crisp white outfits — the style choice we were advised to wear — and fresh, perfectly painted faces, we were ready to parade into the immaculate, white lounge and make merry. But before we could catch up and fully appreciate each other’s Instagram-worthy outfits, a slight change of plans.

“Please return to your rooms and remove all your makeup,” said Lexi Schulze-Berenguer-Testa, our bubbly host. Laughter ensued, smiles broke out. But as the minutes dragged on, a subtle but still palpable nervousness began to set in. “Even mascara? Or lipstick? Everything?” we asked.

Most women seemed game to play along, but there was an undeniable number who seemed hesitant. One divulged that even her husband has never seen her without makeup.  (She would wake up before sunrise just to pretty herself up).

Apples Aberin, the PR head of Unilever, gently urged the rest, as she stood onstage sans makeup. Underneath the bright klieg lights, she wasn’t shy to admit that it took a little bit of will power for her not to reach into her purse and pullout her concealer. “Unmasking is an emotional journey,” admitted Apples. “But you can become comfortable, too. Our wrinkles and laugh lines tell a story.”

If Aberin, a stalwart in Philippine fashion and modeling and one of the most recognized executives in the country, needed the security, the armor of makeup to feel better, what more us regular gals?

In a country where women have been recognized as the most beautiful in every major international beauty pageant, and in the metropolis where thousands of “selfies” are uploaded by the second (enough for Time magazine to proclaim Makati City and Pasig City as the “selfie” capital of the world), one would believe that Filipinas are not only confident, but they should have a better, healthier self-image. But the unfortunate fact is that only seven percent consider themselves beautiful. A shocking statistic, indeed.

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In a global survey conducted by Dove, with the participation of 6,000 women, in 20 countries, including the Philippines, it was found that “two out of three women felt pressured to be beautiful. And one out of two women felt critical of themselves. In the Philippines, 93 percent of Filipinas don’t even like the way they look,” stressed Mian Datu-David, Unilever marketing manager for skin.

Hoping to tip the scales and change the statistics, Dove steps in with its Real Beauty, Real Care campaign. As the leading brand in personal care, Dove believes that real beauty can be found in every person. And through its wide range of personal care products: Dove Skin, Dove Hair and Dove Deo, Filipinas can get the real care that they deserve. “We aim to inspire women to realize their personal potential for beauty. Dove believes that every woman has a potential to be her most beautiful self and that is what real beauty is all about,” Datu-David said.