Friday, April 8, 2016

My First Smart Parenting Baby Shower Event

If you have been following my Instagram account, you probably have seen my post about the Smart Parenting Baby Shower last April, 3 2016 held at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas. I was pretty sure my relatives and friends would question why am I in a Baby Shower event, or "Pearl are you pregnant...again?" lol So I made my caption very clear that "No, I'm not pregnant" haha!

With my 3 pregnancies I never got the chance to attend or have my own baby shower that's why when I got an invite for the Smart Parenting's Annual Baby Shower, I did not think twice. As I said in my caption, it's always a joy being a mom and to celebrate it with other expectant mothers while we are learning at the same time.
A lot of expectant mothers look forward to the Smart Parenting Baby Shower as it has become a venue for interactive and hands-on learning, as well as fruitful dialogues among mothers about the wonderful and exciting journey of 
pregnancy,” said Lei Dimarucut-Sison, Smart Parenting Managing Editor. 
This year, Smart Parenting partnered with Downy Baby Gentle, the latest innovation in fabric conditioner designed to provide gentle softness and long-lasting mild scent for baby's clothes. The Smart Parenting Baby Shower was an informative and fun-filled day as all mom's and expectant mothers engaged in activities and relevant discussions. The event was hosted by the celebrity DJ Delamar Arias.

Smart Parenting experts shared essential information for every mom-to-be as they prepare for the arrival of their new bundle of joy. In line with this, they also revealed a special supplement "All About Babies" which will serve as a guide for mothers fourth trimester.

At the event, mothers were given first-hand information about the importance of choosing baby-friendly products that are tested by dermatologists and certified safe for baby's sensitive skin. An expert from the Philippines Pediatric Society, Dr. Jamie Isip-Cumpas, shared the significance of Gentle Softness on Baby's Skin. 

Betty San Luis was also there to shed some light on the different options of giving birth with Your Birth of Choice: Natural, Medicated, C-Section, or Water Birth. Betty is the main Childbirth Mentor of Birthing is a Blessing. She is a certified Doula with Childbirth International (CBI), a global training organization committed to establishing international standards for childbirth education programs and doula training. She also conducts Childbirth Preparation Classes and nurtures birthing mothers through her Doula Support Service.

To those who doesn't know what Doula is here is a description I got from Wikipedia:
A Doula, provides continuous emotional and practical support, for mothers and couples, through pregnancy, birth and immediately postpartum, also providing flexible practical and emotional support postnatally for new mothers and families in their own homes.
Series of talks were also conducted by Sharon Agoncillo-Galang, an Independent Certified Instructor (ICI) of the Baby Signs® Program and a passionate speaker with 18 years of hands-on experience on the different fields of Early Education, Training and Development, Training Management and Leadership. 

Through her talk we learned the proven benefits of Signing which are the following:

  • Boosts intellectual achievement as measured by IQ at age 8.
  • Decreases frustration and aggression
  • Increases adults' respect for babies abilities
  • Strengthens the parent-child relationship
  • Fosters positive emotional development.
The first thing that went on my mind as she was discussing this topic was the movie "Meet The Fockers" where the baby there was doing baby sign language which was pretty cool!

Another talk tackled was one of my favorites, Breastfeeding! It was discussed by Zenaida Feliciano, an executive turned Breastfeeding Coach who helped set-up the first Prenatal Lactation Clinic in the Philippines at the Asian Hospital. 

I'm an advocate of breastfeeding and I was able to breastfeed my youngest for more than 2 years. Yey!

TV host-author and first-time mother, Bianca Gonzalez-Intal also graced the event. Bianca describes herself as a hands-on mother despite her busy schedule. She shared her experiences as first time mom to her 5-month daughter Lucia Martine. 

Later that day, some of the expectant mothers learned and experienced Pre-natal Yoga with Urban Ashram.

While other mommy guests including me had a fun activity conducted by the Writer, stylist, and travel blogger, Coni Tejada where we designed our own baby bibs. One winner were chosen and won a year supply of Downy Baby Gentle!

Indeed it was a day filled with lots of fun and all the mommies came home not only with useful Downy Baby Gentle Goodies, but also with helpful tips and relevant information they can use once their little ones arrive.
Thanks to Smart Parenting and Downy Baby Gentle for organizing the event and for having me. The Smart Parenting Baby Shower event is being held yearly and if you are planning to have a baby next year I suggest you to also attend their event next year.

For more information about the importance of dermatologist-tested fabric conditioners, as well as Gentle Softness Tips and How-Tos. Visit Downy Philippines' Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DownyPhilippines

Get access to vital parenting information and relevant content 24/7, 
and follow Smart Parenting on Facebook via facebook.com/smartparenting.ph, and @_smartparenting on Twitter, and @smartparenting on Instagram.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Aster Clinic Pioneers Paperless System through its EMR Technology

Just months after it officially launched its Philippine operations, the Aster Medical and Diagnostics Clinic, owned by Aster DM Healthcare, is revolutionizing how medical services is being offered in the country through the introduction of the electronic medical records (EMR) as part of the value-add to its services. All transactions are paperless, from the moment patients sign in at the reception up to their consultations with the doctor, or different doctors at the clinic. 

The goal of EMR is to provide a centralized database that will allow Aster DM Healthcare’s network a seamless delivery of care to its patients. Through the EMR technology, patients are unburdened of the inconvenience of repeating the basic information and details of their concerns over and over again. Their records are inputted in the clinic’s records and will be updated every time they visit or consultations are made, which the doctors in our network can easily refer to for background information. 

Joyce Alumno, president & country manager, Aster DM Healthcare – Philippines stressed that this technology lessens the room for error. With everything documented in one system, patients no longer need to recall past tests or results giving our doctors more accurate background information about their patients. This also eliminates the unnecessary stress of waiting for feedback or doctor’s orders for the reference of the billing section. 

“This technology streamlines the flow of information across our network. Check-ups, as it is, is already stressful and in Aster, we are committed to delivering our promise of treating patients well. From the moment they are welcomed in our reception area and all throughout the process, we want to make it as convenient and stress-free as we possibly can,” Alumno said. 

The EMR technology is one of the standard services in Aster’s network and is proud to bring this technology to the Philippines, which is their first operation in the whole Southeast Asian region. 

“We are proud to pioneer this technology in the Philippines. One at a time, we are bringing in systems and technologies that help transform how we do our medical services today,” she highlighted. 

“What started as a way of giving back to the Filipino community paved the way for an opportunity to see what is missing and where we can provide help in an organized manner. Setting up clinics and hospitals is something that we have been doing in the past 28 years across the GCC region, Middle East, and India, and we are hoping to do the same in the Philippines,” Alumno said.

Aster DM Healthcare is one of the largest healthcare conglomerates in the Gulf Region, Middle East, and India. Founded by Dr. Azad Moopen, the Dubai-based healthcare conglomerate is committed in delivering quality and affordable healthcare in the countries where it is present. It first made it presence in the Philippines through its non-profit arm, Dr. Moopen’s (DM) Foundation, when it launched its “Save the Little Hearts” program that granted surgeries to children with congenital heart defects. 

Aster DM Healthcare, the Dubai-headquartered healthcare conglomerate now operates a network of more than 290 establishments covering an array of healthcare verticals – from hospitals, medical centers, pharmacies, diagnostics and specialty centers, healthcare consultancy service, academics & research to a medical college and an advanced medical city. 

For more information about Aster DM Healthcare and DM Foundation, visit www.asterdmhealthcare.com and www.drmoopensfoundation.org, respectively, or call 53ASTER (27837).

Manny and Pie Calayan: Celebrating Beauty Through The Years

Expect 2016 to be a year of changes and big things for doctors Manny and Pie Calayan, as they are essentially re-defining beauty.

With Dra. Pie's return to Manila after being based in the US for the last  five years and where her daughters are studying she brings news of grand plans for the Calayan Surgicenter, now marking its 21st year in the beauty business.

One of the biggest changes will be to their clinics. They currently have two branches: One along Timog Ave. in Quezon City, and the other in Makati, and they plan to open another one in Alabang before the year ends. There are also plans to expand to locations outside Metro Manila, specifically to Baguio and to Japan.

They want to make the clinics more relaxing so clients don’t feel they’re in a medical or surgical facility. Their goal is to have a major makeover of the clinics and give cliebts a new image and a fresh, modern look.
"So the client will feel very at home pa rin at di nila maramdaman na nasa clinic sila,” says Dra. Pie.
The planned changes will also include a logo re-design and re-branding from Calayan Surgicenter to Drs. Manny and Pie, who are also called “PieMann” for better recall. Along with upgrading the clinics and machines, they are also working on their online presence. Their website, http://www.mannyandpiecalayan.com has all the information one would need about their services and clients, who include celebrities like radio-TV host Sam YG. In his testimonial, Sam said: “Nakakalbo ka na ba sa traffic, stress at love life mo? Buti nalang meron ng #HairMax solution si Papi Doc @mannyandpiecalayan #relax#okidoks — @_samyg. The Hair Max solution is just one of many services the Calayans offer. An improved YouTube channel is also in the offing where Dra. Pie answers all questions on skin and beauty, among others.

But the most important change happening is that the couple plans to make their approach even more personalized.

Dra. Pie is eager and excited over all the big things happening in their group, as she said;
“We are focusing more now on personalized consultation and treatment. Hands-on. Sa ibang clinics kasi, when you go there for a consultation, maraming doctors, may nagko-konsulta sa iyo, tapos may gagawang iba. But with us it’s really personalized. Kami pa rin ni Doc. And we really try to have a personalized relationship with our clients, that if they have questions, madali kaming ma-contact para sumagot. Si Doc ‘yung nag-o-opera, and I do the procedures, especially if the patient wants it that way. But usually, ‘yun nga, lahat ng surgery kay Doc, lahat ng derma sa akin. So that means lahat ng skin-related issues like pigmentation, fine lines, whitening, I take care of those.” 

They really want to take a more personalized approach this year. Dra. Pie is even incorporating her own vegan lifestyle into the advice she dispenses to patients which they call "alternative dermatology".

Health and wellness are now prime concerns. It’s not just about looking good on the outside — the cosmetic aspect of it — but also feeling good on the inside. She explains:
I try to avoid if possible giving drugs to my patients. The products I have are plant-based, like my lifestyle, because I’m vegan. Nakita ko ang benefit sa akin. Pati patients ni Doc, ako na rin nag-co-consult sa kanila on how to maintain their post-lipo figure. I give them what they can do, what food they can eat, kasi ang plants naman are naturally low in calories.”
A holistic approach to beauty, that’s what it’s about. It’s like going back to the basics, but in a more modern setting.
“I treat the patient as a whole, and not just the symptoms. Like with acne for instance, there are a lot of factors why people get acne, so we consider all the factors. We unravel everything that could cause acne, para maiwasan. Gusto ng patients ‘yon, especially teenagers. I don’t introduce chemical or drugs into their bodies.” - Dra. Pie
With this kind of approach, the Calayans are essentially re-defining beauty. But these innovations do not come with an outrageous price tag. As much as possible, says Dra. Pie, they are keeping the prices to a reasonable level.They even introduced promos on special days and holidays, like Valentine’s Day.

They believe beauty is — or should be — for everyone. They want to cater people from all walks of life.

What a beautiful world it is, indeed!

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Zoomanity Group Theme Parks, the happiest places!

Summer is finally here, and summer means fun and excitement!

Who doesn't love FUN and EXCITEMENT? Let Zoomanity Group Theme Parks spell them for you.


Zoobic Safari


Zoobic Safari Tigers. Crocodiles. Snakes. Lizards. Those were just some of the animals you can see in Zoobic Safari. It is one tourist attraction you will find at Subic Bay Freeport’s Forest Adventure. Embracing a fifty hectare land, local and foreign guests can expect an astonishing sight of diverse exotic animals roaming and frolicking in their simulated natural habitat. It features a wide range of habitats present in the forest due to the terrain, presence of streams, and fringing grasslands. These represent the major habitats for varied exotic animals featured in Zoobic  Safari Adventure Park which is the only Tiger Safari in the Philippines with more than 50 tigers. Don't forget also the usual
breed of tigers and lion which is known as Ligers.



Address: Group I, Ilanin Forest Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Ticket rates: Adult – P545.00 Kids ­ P445.00


Paradizoo Theme Farm


Ever want to give your favorite Tita, Tito or Grandparents a tour in a place full of rich gardens and farm animals? Or you just want to enjoy the weekend with your husband and toddler? Your best destination is the Paradizoo Farm in Mendez in Cavite! See the gardens full of vegetables and floral designs. Have a chance to interact with different interesting farm animals like llama, camels, miniature horses, ostriches, greyhounds, labrador retrievers or ride on a cart drawn by an albino carabao.

Address: Km. 63 Panungyan Mendez, Cavite
Ticket rates: Adult – P149.00 Kids ­ P99.00


Residence Inn and Zoori


Exhausted of the city life and you wanted to escape even a day or two? Feel the cold breeze of Tagaytay while enjoying a rush of excitement and a breath­taking view in Residence Inn. It is famous for its Mini Zoo and it’s excellent location overlooking Taal Lake, stuff which will surely be appreciated by all ages. Of course, Tagaytay trip isn't complete without having to try “Bulalo” or “Tawilis" in their restaurant, the Gazebo, which serves those and also the dangerously good “Dynamite” or Chili cheese rolls that will surely complement with the weather. Affordability? Residence Inn is the perfect place to go if you are on a budget and you are looking for a place away from the noisy city. Don't forget to try also the Zipline overlooking Taal volcano.

Address: Km. 65 Barrio Neogan Tagaytay City
Ticket rates: Adult – P249.00 Kids – P199.00


Zoocolate Thrills


 Let's go to the Visayan region! Zoocolate Thrills is the only Adventure Theme Park in Loboc, Bohol managed by Zoomanity Group. This promising tourist destination in Bohol offers captivating attractions for everyone. A river cruise is provided for those who want to explore the Loboc River. This fun zoo has different animal encounters & enrichment such as ostriches, tigers, and bearcats. They also offer tram ride, horse/buffalo ride and zip/zing ride. Isn't that fun and exciting?

Address: Barangay Gotozon, Loboc, Bohol
Ticket rates: Adult – P99.00 Kids – P99.00


Zoocobia Fun Zoo


You want a ZOO­per thrilling experience? Zoocobia is much more than a place to view animals. It is a complete educational and fun experience. Situated in the beautiful, lush, forested foothills of the extended Clark Freeport Zone, Zoocobia is an ecological experience of impressive proportions. It has a gravity car that is patterned after the luge in Sentosa Resort in Singapore—The Zooc. It runs on a 400 meter track with three hairpin curves! Birds. Have a close encounter with colorful birds perched on tree branches. You will delight at their bright colors and melodious chirping.

The PHILIPPINES PRIDE showcases various animals and plants that are endemic to the Philippines – they are indeed the country’s pride.

Be amazed with their Garden Maze that features various animals topiaries. The thrill is when you go through the labyrinth and the challenge is to find yourself out of it.

All roads lead to “The Barn” where many animal­related activities happen. Experience bottle feeding baby farm animal such as goats, sheep and pot bellied pigs.

See a unique collection of stuffed real animals that have been preserved by our taxidermist at the Menagerie.

Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City
Ticket rates: Adult – P295.00 Kids – P295.00

Isn't that fun and exciting? Book now and avail of the 10% when booked online. Click here

Wait there's more!

To all the graduates, grab the chance to experience the Zooperb Blowout! (Zooperb Blowout Poster)


Zoolit Coupons! For only 399 pesos per booklet, you will receive the following coupons that can be use to all 5 theme parks under Zoomanity Group; 6pcs 50% off for entrance 6pcs Buy 1 take 1 for entrance 2 pcs 50% off for hotel accommodation 1 pc 20% off van rentals 1pc 30% off at Resto 1 free photo and more. Savings worth: more than 10k and to order, please call or text 09166299381.

Zoomanity Group, the happiest places!


TAG Media and Public Relations is the marketing & branding arm of Zoomanity Group. 
To know more about the theme parks, please contact us at 09166299381 or send an email to

grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph

John Lloyd Cruz is Western Union’s Global Ambassador for Overseas Filipinos


One of the most acclaimed actors in the Philippines today. Recognized as the Philippine Box Office King for his effective portrayals in many award winning Filipino movies, John Lloyd Cruz managed to stay relevant to his audience and accepted the role of becoming the new face of Western Union, making him the ambassador for all overseas Filipinos around the world who are sending money for better. 

Last Thursday March 31, 2016 at Marriott Hotel's Diplomatic Hall at the Grand Ballroom,
 Western Union launched their campaign with the media as John Lloyd Cruz officially signed the contract on becoming their Global Ambassador for Overseas Filipinos.

Aside from portraying yet another remarkable character in his upcoming Star Cinema movie Just the 3 Of Us, John Lloyd Cruz will also introduce a new wave of Western Union® services as the company takes the lead in reinventing ways to transfer money in a very digital era.

Western Union is working its way to becoming the market leader in the digital money transfer market, considering that the Filipino society is slowly evolving into a digital age.  Globally, Western Union has launched WU Connect, a platform that embeds Western Union’s robust global money transfer through third-party platforms. By tying up with leading chat applications WeChat and Viber, consumers can now send money virtually anywhere in the world. With this new feature, Western Union aims to provide solutions and services that will flawlessly integrate into the consumer’s digital habits and lifestyle.

The global brand campaign will roll out this year in the Philippines and in overseas countries including the United States, Canada, and other countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia where many Filipinos live and work.
“John Lloyd Cruz mirrors Western Union’s strengths of having a long and successful track record. He also relates to Filipinos’ aspirations of having an improved family life. As Western Union’s global ambassador for every overseas Filipino, his new role is to advocate moving money for better to every overseas Filipino,” says Patricia Riingen, Senior Vice President, South East Asia and Oceania.
“I am very honored and excited to take on this new role, this time not on reel but in the real lives of my fellow Filipinos around the world. I am one with Western Union’s purpose and goals as I admire how Filipinos sacrifice every day to build better lives for their loved ones. In representing Western Union, a company that has grown with Filipinos here and abroad, I am challenged to get to know my
kababayans more so that I can effectively do my part in motivating and helping them to uplift their lives, and that of their families.” says John Lloyd Cruz. 
At the launch, John Lloyd Cruz reaches out to overseas Filipinos with his first Facebook Live engagement.