EVENT | Athena and Brianna Goes To Barbie's You Can Be Anything Day!

Back in the days, I can play freely in and outdoors unlike these days where crimes are happening left and right making me paranoid to even let my kids out. However, some things remain the same, just like the toys and games I've loved as a child and now by my kids especially my 2 girls. Yes, I'm talking about Barbie! When playing with my Barbie dolls, my imagination soars high up to the sky. I get to make my own story and pretend to be anything I want to be. No wonder why Barbie is the planet's favorite lifestyle icon when it comes to exploring different career paths not just by little girls but grown ups too!

In fact, a quick Google search will tell you that she has held over 130 careers in the span of more than 5 illustrious decades. She has been an astronaut, a surgeon, a veterinarian, an athlete, a pop star, even a presidential candidate at least 5 times. To think that doesn't yet include the hundreds of other jobs and identities that millions of creative young girls around the world have imagined and assigned to her in the comfort of their playrooms throughout the years.

This 2016, however, the tables have been turned; the spotlight is now focused on every young girl and their limitless potential with the introduction Barbie’s You Can Be Anything campaign.

Formally launched to Philippine media last April, the You Can Be Anything Campaign is both a celebration of potential and a challenge on the limits of the imagination of young girls. It is a movement to empower little ladies to pursue and live out their dreams, whatever they may be, and for the adults to encourage them on their journey. It is for these young minds to realize that whatever scene that they can conjure and choose to play out inside the four corners of their room can translate into real life; that the glass ceilings they may encounter on their later years are meant to be shattered and that the only thing standing between them and their goals is the limit of their imagination and determination.

To further extend this message, Richprime Global Inc., the exclusive distributor of Barbie in the country, in partnership with The SM Store and Toy Kingdom, turned sparks into candy-colored flames thus they set up the You Can Be Anything Day at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium last May 29, 2016. 

I wouldn't dare to miss this event, so last May 29 we dressed the girls up and went to SM Mall of Asia Atrium for a gateway of imagination. The venue was laden with multiple interactive booths featuring a range of professions young girls freely tried out.

Athena and Brianna experienced creating with their hands at the Doll-icious Bakeshop, where they can design their own cupcake or cookie using the rainbow selection of frosting and toppings available. Afterwards they munched on their own creations with delight! There was also a Barbie Artsy Studio where kids can use their creativity in drawing and coloring. 

All these 2 girls did was pose, smile and run around haha

For the more outgoing and expressive girls, they grabbed the opportunity to be a news anchor doing their prime time spiel at the B-TV News Room. They even got to bring home a copy of their news spiel record as a memento.

And of course, any Barbie event wouldn't be complete if there wasn't anything dedicated to beauty and fashion. The Barbie Pink Salon and Fashion Closet is present to cater to the more kikay (but still equally brilliant) bunch.

For the first time Athena and Brianna got to try face painting, they both chose butterfly!

Athena liked her butterfly face paint a lot!

Other kids got to try wearing make up and outfits then have their photos taken.

A short program and interactive fashion show serves as the cherry on top of the fun. Barbie Brand Ambassador also strut the catwalk with Barbie apparels. Andi Eigenmann and her daughter Ellie also graced the event and they tried different booths too!

Would have loved to let this 2 join the fashion show but they are too shy. This photo was taken after the program. 

"We're looking at this event as a jump-off point to young Filipina girls," explains Ms. Liza Yao, Managing Director of Richprime Global, Inc. "We want to inspire, and have them see that they can be anything they set their mind to and further beyond that, just like Barbie."

It was indeed a fun and interactive day, I'm sure everyone enjoyed it kids and adults alike! I hope kids get inspired to be like Barbie and do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams. Thanks Barbie! 

CAMELLA AWARDED AS READER’S DIGEST MOST TRUSTED BRAND FOR THE 5th TIME

CAMELLA WINS FIFTH READER’S DIGEST MOST TRUSTED BRAND AWARD - Camella, the flagship brand of Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc., has been recognized, for the fifth time, as Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand (Property Developer category). The group received a Gold Award, a distinction signifying that it has excelled significantly higher than its competitors based on the results of the Trusted Brand Survey. Receiving the award from Reader’s Digest Advertising and Retail Sales Director Sheron White (second from left) are: Vista Land Chief Marketing Officer Red Rosales and Camella Managing Directors Mary Lee Sadiasa and Ric Pallesco

Reader’s Digest  recognized Camella, the flagship brand of Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc., as the Most Trusted Brand under the Property Developer Category for the 5th time.

During the awarding ceremony organized by Reader’s Digest Asia-Pacific at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City recently, Camella was handed a Gold Award, a distinction signifying that it has excelled significantly higher than its competitors based on the results of the Trusted Brand Survey conducted by global research company Catalyst.

“Emerging as ‘Most Trusted Brand’ for five years in a row is a validation that Camella is successful in its mission to provide its home buyers not merely residences but upgraded lifestyles in its communities,” said Camella Managing Director Mary Lee Sadiasa, who received the award, together with Vista Land Chief Marketing Officer Red Rosales and Camella Managing Director Ric Pallesco.

“We owe Camella’s success to the trust and loyalty of our stakeholders. Rest assured that we will remain steadfast to our mandate of making quality homes attainable for every Filipino. Camella will continue to innovate to give the best living experience to our homebuyers,” added Camella President Jerylle Luz Quizmundo.

Camella received the ultimate seal of consumer approval after survey participants, composed of Reader’s Digest subscribers, and randomly selected consumers, gave Camella high ratings on six attributes: Trustworthiness, Quality, Value, Understanding of Customer Needs, Innovation and Social Responsibility. The consumer polls, in which 7,500 individuals were selected as participants, were conducted across five markets in Asia, namely, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Camella has redefined home development in the Philippines by creating ‘communicities’, innovative master-planned city developments, where Filipinos can raise and nourish their families and their tomorrows, with vast properties that offer community structures and commercial establishments closer to a city than a mere residential village. It is one of the leading fully integrated property developers in the country that caters to affordable to mid-income segment of the market. To date, the group has built more than 300,000 homes and maintains a powerful presence in Mega Manila and 36 other key provincial destinations and 95 cities and municipalities, indisputably the real estate brand with the widest geographic reach.

For more information about Camella, call their hotline at 02-Camella (226-3552) or 09178576494. Keep up with the latest Camella information, news, events and announcements through www.camella.com.ph. Like “Camella Official” on Facebook and follow “@CamellaOfficial” on Twitter and Instagram.

International Thyroid Awareness Week Celebration + Things To Know About Thyroid Disorders

“Catching Butterflies: Spotting the Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders in Children” is the theme of this years' International Thyroid Awareness Week Celebration which was culminated by Merck Inc. and ETC 2nd Avenue at the Fisher Mall Event center last May 28, 2016. The butterfly theme was chosen to represent the thyroid, which is a butterfly shaped organ found at the base of our necks. 

Little did we know, millions of Filipinos are affected by thyroid disorders, yet very few are aware of them. In a study conducted by the Philippine Society for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism in 2012, it showed that one in 11 Filipino adults has goiter, and around one in 12 Filipino adults suffers from some form of thyroid disease. Around 8 in every 1000 children worldwide are affected by thyroid disease but only a handful get properly diagnosed and treated.

The “Catching Butterflies: Spotting the Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders in Children” event aims to increase the awareness of the thyroid and the disorders that can affect children and adults. This is because if thyroid hormone imbalances are left undiagnosed and untreated, they can have harmful effect on a child’s brain development, growth and physical maturity. The awareness campaign showed that thyroid disorders are treatable with early screening and proper treatment.

During the event, a panel of experts from the Philippines Society for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, the Philippine Thyroid Association, and the Iodine Global Network conducted a talk on how to recognize and treat thyroid disorders. They also conducted a Free Doctor's Consultation and Thyroid Screening.

The event was not only educational but also fun-filled, aside from the beautiful decorations there were also many other activities that both children and parents enjoyed together. 

There was as on-the spot art competition.

Butterfly face painting

 Butterfly Cookie Art. Took home some for the kids and they liked it!

There were also butterfly clay art, dance performances, Hypo- Butterfly and Hyper-Butterfly Mascots and so much more. How I wish I brought the kids along, I'm sure they would have loved it! 

ETC 2nd Avenue also had a booth where attendees took their photos on the photo wall, posted it to their social media accounts using the hashtags #thyroidawareness and #wearebraver, have it printed at the booth and instantly win a prize. I participated and won a Flawless Stem cell Cleanser, yey! 

There are a lot of people who may have thyroid disorders, but aren’t even aware until it is too late. It is important to have one’s thyroid checked as early as possible, especially if there is family history of the disease, or during pregnancy. Prevention, proper information and early detection will always be better than cure that comes too late.

Here are some important things you should know about Thyroid Disorders:

1. What is Thyroid? 

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. The thyroid produces and stores thyroid hormones, which are essential to the normal development of the body, as well as its normal metabolism and function. Thyroid hormones affect practically all systems of the body, from the brain, to the heart, to the stomach, the reproductive system, etc.

2. What are the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

• Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Thus, metabolism is slowed. Patients typically complain of weight gain (even without increasing appetite), cold intolerance, chronic fatigue, sadness/depression, slowed speech patterns, slow heart rate, dry/brittle hair, constipation, and menstrual irregularities.

• Hyperthyroidism is when there is too much thyroid hormone, and Symptoms are typically opposite that of hypothyroidism. Patients will note weight loss, sweating, insomnia and irritability, fast heart rate and palpitations, hair loss, diarrhea, and menstrual irregularities.

 3. How can thyroid disorders be diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by a physician based on the results of blood tests- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and thyroid hormone levels in the blood.

4. How to asses your own Thyroid?

Facing a mirror, lift your chin up and inspect your neck. Swallow, and if you see a mass at the base of the neck moving up and down, you may need to consult your doctor for goiter.

Also be aware of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, so you can consult a doctor when you note you have them.

5. How can hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism be treated?

• Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

• Hyperthyroidism is treated with anti-thyroid drugs, which lower the level of thyroid hormones in the body.

6. Should children be screened for Thyroid problems?

Parents should be aware of the symptoms of thyroid disorders so they can bring their child to the doctor. If they notice mood and behavior changes, difficulty learning, and other signs, consult a doctor.

7. Should pregnant women undergo screening for thyroid problems?

It is recommended that women get screened for thyroid disorders if:

• previous history of thyroid disorders, thyroid surgery
• above 30
• family history of thyroid disorders
• previous history of pregnancy loss or difficulty getting pregnant
• living in iodine deficiency areas

8. How can Thyroid disorders affect pregnant women and the unborn baby?

Thyroid disorders, if untreated, can lead to negative outcomes for the mother and child. Conditions like eclampsia and placenta previa can occur. Furthermore, the child might have developmental abnormalities, especially with mental and cognitive abilities. Children with mothers who are iodine deficient or hypothyroid can have lower IQs.

Ask your doctor about thyroid screening if you are pregnant.

9. What type of foods are good for the Thyroid?

People are encouraged to take iodized salt, to avoid iodine deficiency, the most common cause of goiter.

10. Is Thyroid Disorder hereditary?

There is a hereditary component to thyroid problems. If you have a relative who has thyroid disorders, you should regularly have yourself checked.

The event is organized by Merck Inc. in collaboration with ETC 2nd Avenue for the International Thyroid Awareness Week Celebration

Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company with headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. Merck is a leading science and technology company that works to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.

Taco Bell's Gordita Supreme: A Tasty twist to your favorite taco

Taco Bell puts a tasty twist to our favorite taco! Are you ready to take your taco experience to the next level?

Presenting, Gordita Supreme! A mouth-watering treat that's shaped and stuffed like your favorite taco but it’s not your typical taco. Made with seasoned beef, fresh shredded lettuce, cool sour cream and diced tomatoes all cradled inside a warm pillowy flatbread, Gordita Supreme presents taco lovers with a tasty twist to their everyday favorite.

Last Sunday, Jaear, Athena and I got to try the Gordita Supreme at Taco Bell Alabang center. It is available at P99 a la carte and you can mix it with nachos and a 16oz drink for P149. 

You shouldn't miss this delectable offering, it's available at Taco Bell Alabang Town Center, Trinoma and Gateway Mall. Hurry as Taco Bell’s Gordita Supreme is available until July 11, 2016 only.

Learn more about Taco Bell’s latest offering Gordita Supreme, and try other delectable treats that you’re sure to love only at Taco Bell! Visit the official website at www.tacobell.com.ph, or check out their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tacobellPHL, follow @TacoBellPHL on Twitter and Instagram, and check the official hashtag #TacoBellPHL across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Live Beautifully at any Age with HyC150 + Launching of Ask a Doctor Online

As we age, our skin loses moisture and suppleness, our hair becomes weak and dry, and our muscles become stiff making us less energetic. Thus the search for solution and anti-aging products takes place. But with the many anti-aging products nowadays, it's hard to tell which one really works.

I am not getting any younger and I can't stop the time, days and years from passing by but as they say age is just a number, so there's definitely something I can do on how I choose to age. And, even though I am not a beauty expert, as early as now I try to familiarize myself with things that can help my future self. That's why I was glad to have been invited into a Japanese Springtime Themed event at Oracle Aesthetic Clinic, where experts and specialists revealed the secret on how to live beautifully at any age, with the aid of HyC150. 

What is HyC150?

Premium HyC 150 is supplemental drink manufactured by Fine Japan Co. Ltd., it has a potent combination of natural ingredients to combat signs of aging. Only HyC 150 combines the moisturizing effect of 150mg of Hyaluron, also known as nature’s moisturizer, with collagen and ubiquinol, all natural ingredients known for its anti-aging properties. With HyC 150 food supplement, not only does one’s natural beauty becomes enhanced, but being beautiful also means being healthy too. 

HyC150 was given the Gold Award at the 2015 Monde Selection Awards for Diet and Health products. This international recognition is a testament to the superior quality of HyC 150 compared to all other anti-aging supplements in the market today.

Product Content and Benefits: 

• Hyaluron-  HyC 150 contains 150mg a gel-like substance that moisturizes the body and lubricates the joints and tissues so you can move freely and pain-free. At the same time, the skin is well hydrated to revent wrinkles, while the hair becomes strong and silky.
• Collagen- It also contains 5,250mg of collagen, the lifting supplement that tightens skin. Our body naturally produces collagen but we lose it as we age. By drinking HyC 150, you are supplied with the amount of collagen needed to repair body tissues and form structure in order to prevent sagging.
• Ubiquinol-  HyC 150’s 10mg ubiquinol, helps increase the body’s energy. Aside from being an energy-boosting element, ubiquinol is an antioxidant that protects the body from environmental toxins, strengthens the immune system, and prevents hair loss.

Believing that one has to be beautiful and healthy inside and out, HyC 150 is also fortified with Vitamin C, biotin, elastin and pearl coix, making it a powerful drink that must be added to your daily diet.

• Vitamin C- is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from several cancer types while providing for a stronger immune system.
• Elastin - is a protein found in the body’s connective tissue that helps maintain the skin springiness and elasticity. 
• Biotin - makes hair shiny and scalp healthy.
• Pearl coix - the right dose of pearl coix will whiten skin to remove dark spots, even acne; and bring out that radiant, youthful glow in you.

Hyc150 is available at selected Watsons stores nationwide and online at Lazada, they also recently opened an online store store for convenient, easy access to its products offering free delivery to all customers nationwide. During the event they also launched the Ask a Doctor, an online conversation with medical experts who are practicing aesthetic medicine. Ask a Doctor is a personal way of getting information from medical experts that is best suited for you. 

 (L-R): Dr. Rudy Apostol (Doctor for Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Therapy), Hannah Ruth Sison (former Bb. Pilipinas 1st Runner Up, Hyc150 user), Dra. Em Sevilla (Founder and President of Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics),  Susan Dimacali (Oracle Beauty Clinic owner) and Mr. Antonio Crisanto (General Manager - BrightRay Enterprises)

Now, your questions regarding ingredients found in food supplements or possible side effects, about aging, skin health and moisturization, and other related issues can be answered. All you have to do is visit the website www.hyc150.com and go to the website’s Ask a Doctor page. Fill in the form with your name, email address and your questions. After submitting it, the doctors will receive your questions through email, and will send a reply directly to your email.

HyC 150 is safe to be taken by women or men even in their 20’s. Take one sachet every day at P 125 per sachet and feel younger each day.

For more details and updates “Like” HyC150 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HyC150 Follow them on Twitter (#HyC150) or Instagram (@HyC150), or call (02) 5467297, 0917-7750779 for inquiries.