Makati to stage Kasuotang Pilipino 2016 on September 23

The city government of Makati through its Museum and Cultural Affairs Office (MCAO) will be staging this year’s Kasuotang Pilipino fashion show on September 23 at 6pm at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center. 

Makati Mayor Abby Binay expressed full support for the said event, which has become an annual event showcasing the creations of local designers to promote Filipino fashion representing the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 

“We fully support the event as it offers an opportunity for the people, especially the youth, to have a better appreciation of Filipino fashion that denotes our rich cultural heritage. At the same time, it serves as a venue for Makati-based fashion designers to share their ingenuity and distinctive style and receive the recognition they deserve,” Binay said.

Meanwhile, MCAO head May Santillana in a statement said that it has become a tradition in the city to stage the event in line with the nationwide celebration of “Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino”. 

“The staging of Kasuotang Pilipino has become a much-anticipated event in Makati every September. It features the beautiful creations of talented Makati-based designers worn and modeled by city officials, senior citizens, and friends from the international community and the private sector,” Santillana said.

Kasuotang Pilipino 2016 will showcase the creations of 14 designers, all Makati-based. They are Therese Andaya, Albert Andrada, Niño Angeles, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Joel Bautista, Janet Castro, Noel Crisostomo, Frankie de Leon, Luis delos Santos, Albert Figueras, Jinggo Inoncillo, Kaye Morales, Raymund Saul, and Val Taguba. For Luzon, the creations will be modelled by wives of diplomats, namely, Eloisa Klecheski, wife of the deputy chief of mission, United States Embassy; Anjana Hasper, wife of the charge d’affaires, German Embassy; Souddavone Khaykhampithoune, wife of the ambassador, Embassy of Laos; Monthip Upatising, wife of the ambassador, Royal Thai Embassy, Sylvia Tay-Van Remoortele, wife of the ambassador, Royal Belgian Embassy; Dr. Kieu Phung, wife of the ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy; and Wang Qi Jessen, wife of the ambassador, European Union Embassy. 

The other models for Luzon consist of Councilors Virgilio Hilario, Jr. and Concepcion Yabut; Barangay Captains Michael Infante, Fernando Bolo, Restituto Cajes and Martin John Pio Arenas; Joy Gaviola; Dr. Rosario Duque; Dwayne Samarista and Ryan Barcelo. The creations representing Visayas will be modelled by Rose Sibug, Anita Bay, Elizabeth Faculin, Milagros Misa-Gueco, Leilani Canullas, Carmen Hachero, Lourdes Lacson, Zenaida Lumang, Marsha Santos, Ana Montinola, Peachy Sacasas-Alimurong (1981 Bb. Pilipinas International), Simplico Ramon Misa, Ernesto Rodriguez, Ferdinand Quirante, Enrique Villamin, and Pascual Eslava For Mindanao, creations by Ben Farrales will be modelled by Councilor Nemesio Yabut, Jr.; Barangay Captains Benhur Cruz and Jeline Olfato; Kagawads Saira Margarita Nepomuceno and Susannah Patricia Infante; Olive Caray, Geraldine dela Rosa, Dr. Dalisay Brawner, Vissia Marie Aldon, Dr. Amelia Paje, Engr. Reynaldo Paredes, Jimmy Bacamante, and Rolando Medina. 

Kasuotang Pilipino is organized by MCAO, in collaboration with the Liga ng mga Barangay and Ayala Malls. Last year, some 12 Makati-based designers featured their signature styles at Kasuotang Pilipino through traditional costumes in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. In 2000, the first Kasuotang Pilipino Fashion Show was formally staged in Makati City, in line with Proclamation No. 241 that was signed by former president Fidel V. Ramos in 1993 mandating the observance of the “Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino” every September.

Fall in Love With Jolly Cow's New Chocolate Milk

I am a self confessed chocoholic. I crave for chocolates especially during my red days as it never fail to make me feel better. Chocolate bars, candies or drinks you name it!

So chocolate lovers like me rejoiced as Jolly Cow introduces its newest chocolate milk that’s made from 100% Pure Cow’s Milk and real cocoa with less sugar. It's the perfect combination of creamylicious and chocolicious goodness of milk and cocoa in one. What’s more, its chocoholic taste is only the beginning, all Jolly Cow milk only comes from “happy cows” that were raised and bred in cow friendly farms in Europe, so you can look forward to enjoying tastier, healthier, and creamylicious milk quality in every pack.

“The introduction of this new variant of Jolly Cow continues to support the expansion of the product line in the country, and reinforces our commitment to bring the best food and beverages of the world to the Filipinos. Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk is different from other chocolate drinks, as it only uses 100% Pure Cow’s Milk, Cocoa, a little bit of sugar, and no vegetable fat added. It is totally chocolicious! All our consumers will surely love it!” said Fly Ace Corporation General Manager, Ramon Daez.

Conveniently available nationwide in one liter and 200 ml sizes, Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk is best enjoyed chilled or as a delicious ingredient to liven up milkshakes and smoothies. Since it doesn’t use vegetable fats to give it full taste, it is no surprise that both kids and young at hearts find it an irresistible source of their daily calcium and a source of energy. Perfect for dunking with your favorite bread, it is also the ultimate accompaniment for your favorite savory snacks, and is a healthier alternative for the sweet-toothed. Jolly Cow Chocolate Milk tastes so good!

Learn more about Jolly Cow on www.flyacecorp.com or www.facebook.com/JollyCow

Piolo and Crizal® get into life’s moments

What would you do if in the middle of your routine eye check-up, you ended up face-to- face with Philippine leading man Piolo Pascual?

Watch and share the surprised reactions of patients during a vision screening set up by Essilor’s flagship brand Crizal®:

This new video is part of the brand’s campaign to encourage patients and customers alike to stay present in every experience of your life – or, better yet, to create your own precious moments with the clear vision that only Crizal® can provide!

Crizal® lenses are available at leading optical shops and through eye care professionals nationwide. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph.

Fertility Awareness Month 2016 Aims to Give Life to Dreams

In celebration 2016 Fertility Awareness Month, Merck Philippines, the local arm of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, joined forces with St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City for a public information project that promotes awareness on infertility, as well as the different medical solutions that can give life to the dreams of Filipino couples. 

For some Filipino couples, dreams of having and raising a baby together are dashed by fertility issues, which, unknown to many, is actually a disease recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization describes infertility as “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.”

This project coincides with the fifth year of St. Luke’s flagship Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Infertility (CARMI).

“As of a Synovate survey we conducted in 2011, one out of ten Filipinos are suffering from infertility,” said CARMI head Dr. Virgilio M. Novero, Jr. “This condition is related to our socio-cultural practices, including the marrying age, educational status, and professional goals.”

Aside from socio-cultural factors mentioned by Dr. Novero, a couple’s fertility can also be affected by issues in the female and male reproductive systems, as well as various medical conditions that can affect the quality of the egg and sperm cells. 

“Instead of just giving up their dreams of having a child, there are modern and effective ways to address infertility,” explained Dr. Novero. “A couple can come in for a series of basic and ancillary tests to determine the root cause of their fertility issues, and we can help develop a treatment plan that will deliver their desired result: pregnancy.”

The science of ART

One of the medical solutions that childless Filipino couples can explore is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which is an umbrella term that refers to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and its variants. This special fertility treatment procedure stimulates multiple ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the course of treatment, embryos will be formed outside of the female patient’s body—and once the “cultures” have formed successfully, they will be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

ART is recommended for patients suffering from blocked fallopian tubes, severe sperm deficits, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders, among others. 

Though not unheard of for Filipinos, IVF is often seen as risky, needlessly expensive, exclusive to those who can get the procedure done abroad, and worse, ineffective. Dr. Novero explained that ART has made significant improvement in efficiency over the years.

“In the past, doctors can only recommend IVF to a select few,” said D, r. Novero. “But in the recent years, technological advances, including new knowledge in hormonal treatment, improvement in video technology and other medical equipment, has boosted IVF’s efficiency.” 

Dr. Novero mentioned that the success rate of the procedure has also recently seen a significant rise—today, over six million children are born all over the world after their parents have undergone an IVF procedure.

“Our success rates are now at 35 to 50 percent for pregnancy, and 20 to 25 percent for live births,” Dr. Novero said proudly. “The success rates depend on the patient’s profile, the competence of the medical staff, the quality and standards of the IVF lab, and of course the use of cutting-edge technology. At CARMI, our patients can be assured that we have a team of highly trained and experienced medical staff, a state-of- the-art IVF lab, and modern technology that can increase the success rate of pregnancy and live birth.”

“With the help of Filipino doctors and specialty groups, Merck has been able to propagate more information on infertility,” said Dess Cartaño, Senior Product Manager for Fertility, Merck Philippines. “At this point, we want to provide fertility-challenged couples with actual, effective, and efficient solutions that will give life to their dreams of a family once more.”

To know more about infertility and IVF in the Philippines, Merck Philippines will be holding a seminar on the science and possibilities of IVF on September 24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.

#BodyoftheCentury is Nobody else but James Reid

James Reid recently joined the ranks of Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsey as endorser of Century Tuna, the country’s number one tuna. He headlines Century Tuna's latest campaign, where he appears in a series of sizzling television commercials: the first, a TV spot focusing on metamorphosis that sent his fans in a frenzy and created a sensation; the second, which is presently airing, revolves around the idea of commitment and loyalty. 

There’s no denying that James Reid is one of the hottest young actors today. He’s a social media phenomenon—with millions of followers online, not counting the various fan accounts that his devoted followers set up. The highly bankable love team JaDine, in which he is paired with his reel and real life partner Nadine Lustre, has sent their legions of fans in a frenzy, whether in mall tours, concerts, meet and greets, and even online where they are constant trending topics.

There are his chart-topping albums including Reid Alert which hit certified platinum level status last May. Then there are his box-office film successes—the 2014 romantic comedy and his launch movie Diary ng Panget; and Talk Back and You’re Dead, the teen romance flick that followed a year later. No doubt, his biggest hit to date is On the Wings of Love, the top-rating primetime series with Nadine that kept viewers glued to their TV sets until its sensational finale. 

Clearly, James Reid is on a winning streak and his steady career path is one that is marked by a succession of winning moves.

Presently at his fittest—sculpted abs, toned muscles, firm biceps—which can be attributed to a rigorous fitness regimen and a proper diet consisting of good protein that Century Tuna can provide. Becoming part of the Century Tuna family has certainly paid off for the young hunk. 

And last September 6, 2016 at Makati Shangri-La, Century Tuna presented James Reid to the media. James shared his winning moves in his newest television commercial for country's number one tuna.

 Century Tuna couldn’t be happier for having James in its roster of celebrity endorsers. From the very beginning, they already saw a champion in him.

 “His story is truly inspiring. It speaks of transformation, the relentless desire to improve oneself. It’s a winning formula that brings many positive lessons for everyone: perseverance, keeping the faith, while staying humble and true to yourself—qualities that make James a true role model.” said Greg Banzon, Century Tuna General Manager. 

Meanwhile, for James, it’s really all about trust. 

“I liken it to a championship game. If you want to win, you naturally want to surround yourself with a teammate you can put your total faith into. That to me is Century Tuna, and I can’t think of any other name that I’d trust to keep my body fit.” he revealed.

I didn't get the chance to have my photo taken with him so his standee will do. lol Please spare me from bashes haha. 

With bated breath, we all watch as James continues to transform—from a teen heartthrob to a more mature actor with the determination, the attitude and the body to conquer and win in the challenging world of show business.