Health Comes First on World Health Day and Beyond

Like any other mothers I strive to keep my family healthy by practicing basic health measures and by continuously staying updated on current healthcare issues. However, the fact remains that there is still so much more that can be done to improve the health of every family and the nation.

Good thing, we have the World Health Day to celebrate yearly and to remind us that health should always come first. And, in celebration to this years World Health Day which was last April 7, 2016, Safeguard launched "Health Watch", a lecture series aimed to equip Filipino moms with the information and the skills that they need to continue to keep their family healthy.

I'm with my 2 year old Brianna because before the Health Watch lecture, we attended the Superdudes meet and greet event which I blogged about here 

It was a privilege to be one of the mommy bloggers who get to attend the first Health Watch lecture held last April 6, 2016 in Makati City. UNICEF shared with us figures about the State of Filipino Children’s Health. According to a report entitled “A Decade of Tracking Progress for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Survival” conducted in 2015, sad to say that Philippines is among 26 countries which has contributed to 80% of global deaths of children under 5 years old.

Another report by A Promise Renewed cited that 3 out of 100 children under 5 years old in the Philippines die due to:

• neonatal health conditions (45%), 
• pneumonia (18%), and 
• diarrhea (7%).

But did you know that some of these deadly diseases are easily prevented through the simple act of handwashing? Handwashing with soap and water helps reduce the incidence of diarrhea among children by up to 50% and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia by up to 25%. Among infants, handwashing has also helped reduce infections, which constitute 16% of neonatal conditions.

To address this problem, Procter & Gamble, through Safeguard, partnered with UNICEF in implementing its Water Sanitation and Health (WASH) Program, which includes health and hygiene education among children. I remember last month my son Tristan who is in Kindergarten went home from school with a bottle of safeguard hand soap and a Clean Hands, Healthy Kids activity book. According to him, someone went to their school and taught them to always wash their hands to fight germs and sickness. It made an impact on my son, he likes washing his hands now more than ever, thanks to the WASH Program, I find it highly effective. 

However, beyond this program to help reduce the incidences of deadly diseases, Safeguard also recognizes the importance of health in the context of everyday activities at home. So on World Health Day, Safeguard emphasized that proper hygiene every day also plays an important role in keeping families healthy.

Actual demo of proper hand washing

At the first Health Watch lecture, Safeguard taught us about First Aid basics, including proper wound care, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). According to the PRC, the simple act of washing a wound with soap has been beneficial in reducing infections among children, infections which could eventually develop to more serious diseases. Wounds are often the primary entry point of germs and bacteria, thus, wound care is considered a crucial step in disease prevention.

But before treating our children’s minor burns and wounds, proper sanitation is equally important among us mommies. As the First Aiders, Parents must be aware that the first important step is washing our hands before treating our children. Washing the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes also greatly reduces the chance of infection, tetanus, scarring, and tattooing of the skin from dirt left in the wound.

We were also taught the proper use of bandage

So mommies, whether it’s a serious disease like diarrhea or everyday complaint like a new wound from playing outdoors, we should always be alert in keeping our family protected.

We learned a lot from the lecture thanks to Safeguard and their partners from DOH, UNICEF and PRC for a successful Health Watch Lecture

And, with the slogan "Family Germ Protection" the trusted name Safeguard continues to be committed and consistent in promoting health and hygiene for 50 years now. There's nothing more reassuring than knowing that we have partners in health, right mommies?

So beyond just World Health Day, Safeguard reminds us to put our family’s health first!

A Super Afternoon with Superdudes at Century City Mall

Superdudes children’s book creator Stevie Nicholson held a meet and greet and a book signing event with the media and mommy bloggers last April 6 3PM at the Century City Mall Event Center. 

Superdudes is a funny and quirky children’s book created by Stevie Nicholson, a member of the well-loved Australian children’s musical group Hi-5. My 3 kids are huge fans of Hi-5 that's why I was so thrilled to be one of the Mommy Bloggers who got  invited to the event. I get to bring Brianna with me and it surely made Tristan and Athena jealous seeing our photos together with Stevie and the other Superdudes, but they do understand that they can't come because they have a summer workshop that day. Though of course they are asking me if I can take them to the next Superdudes event. haha!

The Superdudes book, with illustrations by Nick Rudich, focuses on capturing the imagination of children in a playful and engaging way and is based on the philosophy that absolutely anyone and anything can be Super!

The event started with a short but entertaining performance from the Superdudes then everyone were given the chance to ask them questions. Tristan also got some questions for the Superdudes but since he wasn't able to come, he just threw all his questions at me hahaha!

After the question and answer portion, the most awaited part of the event followed, the book signing and photo session. Yey! 

My Princess Brianna together with the Superdudes!

The kid in me has got to have a picture with at least 2 of the SuperDudes , Pencil Pirate and Bubble Trouble! too bad I didn't get to have a photo taken with Stevie, maybe next time haha! 

With 3 kids, watching kids TV show is a normal thing in the house so I myself knows almost all the cartoon there is. And with hi-5 as one of their favorites I know all their songs already making me a fan too, so it was really great seeing Stevie in person together with his new group, the Superdudes! I also admire Stevie's move in creating his own book as it encourages kids to read!

After the event with the media and the mommy bloggers 2 more shows followed with a different set of audience.

If you missed it, then fret no more because on April 16 at 1:30PM, 3:30PM and 5:30PM, you can still enjoy the ultimate Superdudes experience with a Show and VIP Workshop featuring Stevie Nicholson and the Superdudes in a fun-filled stage show! A ticket of Php1,500 admits 1 child and 1 adult, and comes with a free Php1,500 worth of Century City Mall Gift Certificates! 

It’s truly a super summer for kids and kids at heart as Century City Mall hosts Superdudes, live. So come along on an adventure and meet Stevie together with Pencil Pirate, Flutterby and Bubble Trouble!

Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph. The Concierge booth at the ground level of Century City Mall will also offer tickets starting April 4. For further inquiries call the Century City Mall Concierge at 705-6200 loc. 111/112.

A Night of Glitz and Glamour: Century Tuna Superbods Nation 2016 Finals

The the sexiest, most awaited health and fitness event of the decade, the Century Tuna Superbods Nation 2016  is about to happen on April 10, 2016 at the Palace Pool Club. It's going to be the glitziest and most glamorous night as some of the country’s hottest stars, celebrities, and past Superbods winners will come together. 

With the ultimate Superbods herself Anne Curtis together with Derek Ramsey, Century Tuna’s past and present celebrity endorsers Gerald Anderson, Isabelle Daza, KC Concepcion, Aljur Abrenica, Phil Younghusband, Xian Lim, Paulo Avelino and Solenn Heussaff will walk the runway in a grand reunion event, that celebrates 10 glorious years of the Superbods competition. 

At the same time, the fiery competition between the Superbod hopefuls—each one pushing themselves to be the best they can be—reaches its climax.

As the appointed date draws ever closer, the finalists—Olivia Medina, Carmela Fernandez, Ambra Gutierrez, Nancy Leonard, Chet Abella, Maria Martinez, Cassie Umali, Mirtle Gimenez, Kaara Tan, Carla Meneses, Anja Peter, Natalia Lalonde and Tanya Hyde, Jerome Tan, Ryan Sy, Kel Padilla, Erie Obsena, Jake Khan, Pio Luz, Tom Esconde, Cedric Roxas, Shawn Stansbury, Ali Khatibi, Clint Bondad, Andrew Aurellano and Ameen Sardouk—have been busy raising their game as they prepare to prove themselves worthy at the exclusive Palace Pool Club.

Photo source Century Tuna Superbods FB Page

Stand a chance to win exclusive invites to the finals night, by simply downloading the Superbods App and voting for your favorite contender until the April 9, 2016 deadline. Don't miss it out!

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, 

visit www.smartparenting.com.ph

and follow Smart Parenting on Facebook via facebook.com/smartparenting.ph, and @_smartparenting on Twitter, and @smartparenting on Instagram.

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!

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