Saturday, November 5, 2016

Travel Tips | Explore the Beauty of La Union

Situated on the North West Island of Luzon, with neighbouring provinces of Ilocos Sur, Benguet and Pangasinan and the West Philippine Sea, lies a progressive and developing province of La Union. La Union or “The Union” in Spanish holds a special spot in my heart as it is my hometown and growing up to this province I held witness to its captivating and promising beauty.


Carrying the slogan, “La Union: Where the mountains meet the sea” La Union is predominantly hilly and is surrounded by alluring beaches. Indeed you'll enjoy the best of both worlds. La Union, coined as ElYu (L.U for La Union) is also popularly known as the "Surfing Capital of the North". But more than just surfing and it's alluring beaches, La Union also has beautiful beachfront hotels, guesthouses, and inns, and a whole lot more to offer in its 19 municipalities and 1 city. And now I am very happy to know that its hidden wonders are starting to be discovered thus giving La Union the long overdue attention it deserves. 

Easily accessible, just 5-7 hours drive away from Metro Manila, La Union can be traveled back and forth in just a day for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the Metro. But if you wish to explore more of La Union or just simply relax and unwind, spend at least 2 days or more. Given its booming tourism, a huge array of accommodations are available, ranging from a hostel to luxurious hotels, depending on your budget. It's necessary to book your accommodation ahead of time to save yourself from any hassle, the good thing is, you can do that online.


Planning a vacation to La Union anytime soon? Here are more tips that will surely come in handy for that.


HOW TO GET TO LA UNION

Coming from Manila
Travel time: 5-7 hours
Fare: 400 plus

You can board the bus going to Vigan, Laoag or Abra, as these buses will pass through La Union. There’s also a bus going to San Fernando only. Most of La Union's major municipalities are just along the highway like Rosario, Sto. Tomas, Agoo, Aringay, Caba, Bauang, San Fernando City- it's capital, San Juan, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Sudipen, while other municipalities are accessible through minor roads of other towns like Bagulin, Tubao, Pugo, Burgos, Naguilian, San Gabriel and Luna. You can ask the conductor to drop you off to your destination.

Bus Terminals:
  • Partas Transportation – Cubao
    • 816 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
  • Partas Transportation – Pasay
    • Tramo corner Edang St., San Roque, Pasay City
  • Partas Transportation- Sampaloc
    • 1716 Vicente Cruz St Cor Laon Laan St, Bgy 488, Zone 048 Sampaloc Manila
  • Dominion Bus Lines
    • EDSA corner New York St., Quezon City
  • Viron Transportation Co., Inc.
    • 1209 Dapitan corner Blumentritt Streets, Sampaloc, Manila
GETTING AROUND LA UNION

Tricycles are commonly used to access must-see places within towns. Jeepneys and mini-buses between towns with minimal fare are also common. Car or van rentals are also available.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LA UNION

Surf in San Juan 



Large good quality waves bringing on a good swell, primarily in Urbiztondo, SanJuan isn't called "Surfing Capital of the North" for no reason. It's actually a shame that within 2 decades of living in La Union it was just last Summer of 2015 did I get to experience surfing for the first time. And I can't wait to come back for more!

Surfing lesson with husband last summer 2015
Don't know how to surf? Fret not, surfing lessons are readily available along San Juan beach and it costs around Php400 for an hour, inclusive of board rental and instructor fee. Since its launch in 2006, La Union Surfing Break is now being held every month of October. Surfing break is a festivity that is flocked by tourists for surfing, music, food and entertainment.

Beach Bumming


Sunset at San Francisco beach San Fernando La Union
If you are not into surfing then beach bumming, watching and photographing the sunset in La Union's alluring beaches is definitely a must do.

Trek and Cliff diving at Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel
I honestly haven't been here yet, where was I, 2 decades ago? LOL. But this overlooked but breathtaking attraction is perfect for adrenaline junkies. Get close to nature and enjoy its beauty as you go for an hour of trekking, then soak up in the refreshing water of Baroro river and go cliff diving if you dare!

Get adrenaline rush at Pugad in Pugo
Another one for the adrenaline junkies is the Pugad or Pugo Adventure. Get thrilled with their three ziplines, the longest and highest in Northern Philippines. Enjoy its breathtaking panoramic view of Pugo’s picturesque surroundings. ATV track and atower for rappelling and wall climbing is also available.

Take a dip at Tapuakan River in Pugo
A motorcycle road trip back in 2007 led us to Tapuakan river. Because of its pristine waters flowing from the mountain top towards the river mainstream, Tapuakan River has been awarded the Cleanest Inland River of the North. Along the river mainstream are giant boulders, engulfed into other rock formations. Entrance fee back then was Php10 there are cottages and changing areas available as well. Too bad we weren't able to back up our photos.

Get to know Ilocos heritage at Museo de Iloko in Agoo
Museo de Iloko is the old “presedencia” of Agoo. It houses artifacts and other pieces of cultural importance to the Ilocanos.

Get to know more about La Union at Museo de La Union in San Fernando
The museum showcases archeological finds in La Union which date back to Prehispanic Philippines.

Visit the Baluarte and Noble Stone House or Bahay na Bato in Luna
Luna is known for its beaches, particularly in Nalvo Sur and Darigayos- where our ancestral house is. Luna is also known for its pebbly beach, and along the stretch of pebbles rests the ruins of an old Spanish watch tower, locally named as Balauarte which stands still after more than three centuries. 

Nearby is the Noble Stone House or Bahay na Bato, it's actually a rest-house- turned-tourist-site owned by a Baguio couple. The stone house features several stone sculptures by Korean artist Vong Kim.

Admire Occalong Falls in Luna 
Another hidden beauty, occalong falls isn't that high compared to other falls but surely is worthy of a visit just to disconnect from the city and get close to nature.

Visit the Ma-cho Temple in San Fernando
The majestic Ma-cho Temple is a Taoist temple built by San Fernando City's substantial Chinese community in 1975 and is open to all worshipers and non-worshipers alike. This 11-tiered, multi-hued attraction stands on a more than one hectare of lot 70 feet above sea level and overlooking the sea. Housed in the Ma-cho Temple is Ma-cho's (Goddess of the Sea) 8 inch wooden image who is said to be the same with Our Lady of Caysasay who's wooden image was also found in Taal.

Be at peace with Nature at the hilly Botanical Garden in San Fernando
La Union Botanical Garden is home to a collection of Beautiful plants from the tropical Regions of the world. It showcases different garden themes like the serene Japanese setting, Friendship garden and more. Exotic birds like talking mynas and eagles, monkeys, iguana and other friendly animals are also put on display. 

Chase 4 waterfalls at Arosip Ecotrail in Bacnotan
Located 440 meters above sea-level of barangay Arosip in Bacnotan, Arosip Ecotrail welcomes guests with cool shades of towering trees planted along the road which is equipped with a number of tire-paths, offering a dramatic panoramic view of lowland Bacnotan. Countless springs, looking like miniature waterfalls can be seen as you go on a 45-minute descending trek where 4 waterfalls await; Zim-sim- ug Twin Falls to the east which has an estimated height of 20 feet and a basin deep of eight to nine feet, going down southwest, after a 10-minute walk, lies Pad-tok Falls which has an estimated height of 22 feet and has a shallow basin because of the usually weak flow of water, The combined water of the falls all meet in one main waterfall called Tekdag-aso which is located west of the bedrock. Going down, lays the wide and enchanting secondary basin which is most perfect for swimming. 

Witness Sillag Festival in San Fernando City
If you happen to visit La Union in summer preferably April, don’t miss out Sillag Festival of Lights which is a showcase of dramatic lighting of San Fernando skies. Sillag Festival is named after the Ilocano word “sellag” meaning “moonbeam” and started in year 2012.

La Union is also home to some historic churches:

Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo
Better known as Agoo Basilica, it's dedicated to Our Lady of Charity. It is the seat of the Santa Monica Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Fernando de La Union under the Vicariate of St. Francis Xavier (Vicar Forane Father Raul S. Panay).

Sts. Peter and Paul Church Bauang
It's one of the oldest church in the country which was founded in 1580 and was canonically finished on 25 April 1587 by the Augustinian missionaries.

Pinadangan Ruins in San Fernando
Pindangan in the Ilocano dialect means a place where meat is sun dried with salt for preservation. Here you can see the buttresses and walls of the ruins of one of the oldest church which was built in the year 1764. Behind the ruins is the monastery of the Carmelite Sisters the caretakers of the glorious landmark.

Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in San Fernando 
Also known as the San Fernando Cathedral. It's patron saint is William the Hermit (or William the Great) (died 10 February 1157), the founder of the Catholic congregation of Williamites, a branch of the Hermits of St. Augustine. The town feast is celebrated every February 10.

Namacpacan Church in Luna
Also known as the Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church. Formerly called as Luna Church, The church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.

All these tourist attractions are easily accessible whether you will be staying in San Fernando City or San Juan.

WHERE TO EAT IN LA UNION

Some of La Union's specialty dishes are dinengdeng - a bagoong based vegetable stew, dinakdakan- an Ilokano food containing pork snout, pork ears and pig brain and is similar to sisig, pinapaitan- a soup dish mostly composed of cow or goat innards and a lot more. These are always available in small karinderya in every town of La Union. However, these days, a lot of resorts and restaurants have emerged offering more food choices for everyone. 

Here are some of the must-try restaurants in La Union (particularly in San Fernando and San Juan):

Night Market in San Fernando
Every night some roads along San Fernando dry market are closed for this night market. Here you can see food stalls offering comfort foods and street foods.

Halo-Halo de Iloko


Enjoy rustic, homey ambiance while devouring on their local Ilokano dishes offering with okoy and halo-halo as their specialty. 
Address: Zandueta St, San Fernando, La Union

Cafe Esperanza
Classic Filipino delicacies.
Address: Gen. Luna St, San Fernando, La Union

Midtown Food Palace
Looks like an upscale Karinderya serving decent local Filipino favorites.
Address: Quezon ave, San Fernando, 2500 La Union

Sunset Bay Resort
Good food by the beach.
Address: Canaoay Community School, Airport Rd, San Fernando, La Union

Patio del Sol Seafood Restaurant
Latin-American Seafood beachfront restaurant
Address: 39 San Vicente Road | Brgy Pagudpud, San Fernando La Union

Thunderbird Resort
A piece of Santorini in San Fernando, Thunderbird offers pleasure and luxury. A resort and casino in one with choices of delectable dishes. 

  • Olives Restaurant- serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine
  • Ouzo Restaurant - offers Mediterranean and Asian dishes
  • Pianosa Deli CafĂ©- offers midday or after-meal treat
Address: VOA Compound, Pennsylvania Avenue San Fernando City, La Union

Gefseis Greek Grill
Get a taste of authentic Greek cuisine
Address: Urbiztondo Beach Urbiztondo, San Juan, 2514 La Union

Tagpuan
Affordable restaurant offering classic, comfort Filipino dish.
Address: Manila North Rd., Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union

El Union Coffee
Coffee shop and roaster, serving great coffee in surf town since 2013.
Address: Kilometer 274+600 MacArthur National Highway, Barangay Urbiztondo San Juan, La Union

Mad Monkeys
Serves burgers with a little taste of madness
Address: Urbiztondo Beach San Juan, La Union

Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel
Offers a wide range of international and local cuisine. Open for non-guests.
Address: MacArthur Hwy, San Juan, La Union

Surf Shack
Laid back bar and restaurant 
Address: 239 National Highway, Urbiztondo, 2514 San Juan, La Union 

I'll be honest, some of the places or spots I mentioned above are fairly new to me since I moved to Manila in 2010. And for the past 2 decades of my stay in La Union my life mostly revolved around San Fernando City. Upon writing this, I realized that I missed out on a lot of things back then. So now La Union is definitely on my bucket list. Aside from visiting my parents there, I promised myself that I'll see more of La Union. So this post will be updated as soon as I check off all the things listed here. 

Hope you find this post helpful and if you have any tips you want to add up on the list,please feel free to share.

NOVUHAIR’S INFORMATIVE TRUTH ON HAIR CHEMICALS

We may not be aware that we are unknowingly putting harmful chemicals on our hair thus resulting to general conditions such as migraine, nausea and skin rashes. The symptoms maybe quickly attributed to stress but if you look closer to that hair product you’re using, you’ll be surprise to find the culprit. 

Popularity does not equate to safety, some popular brands sold in the market are loaded with mildly toxic chemicals that may be harmful in prolonged use. 

Novuhair, Nature’s answer to hair loss, gives you the lowdown on these chemicals to help you with your choices.

Myth: Shampoo must produce lots of lather in order to properly clean your hair.

Truth: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a compound that helps shampoo and other cleaning product in producing foam and bubbles. Though it may effectively remove hair build-up, it can also strip off essential oils that is needed to keep your hair healthy.

Myth: Parabens has an anti-bacterial compound benefits that outweighs the harm. 

Truth: Parabens are basically used to prolong the shelf life of hair and cosmetic products mostly for its antibacterial purpose. Symptoms that are related to over exposure to parabens are Atopic Dermatitis and Rosacea. Further studies also show that use of products with parabens accelerate skin damage and aging related to sun exposure.

Myth: My hair smells terrific! I love the perfume scent on my hair product.

Truth: A nice whiff of perfume might not be harmful but the fragrance that is mixed in your hair product might have come from harmful substances from highly toxic ingredients which can lead to Allergic reactions and mood swings. That perfume is better off somewhere else.

Myth: Hair products that promise straightening and smoothening effect use non-toxic Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate as a natural preservative.

Truth: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a substance used in making your hair soft and bouncy, although it is considered natural preservative, also releases formaldehyde which can lead to skin and eye irritations. Prolonged use may also affect your immune system.

Use of some of these chemicals combined may also result to hair loss and other hair problems, thus, it is important to be an informed consumer. A lot of new products have saturated the market hence, read the labels for fine prints before buying.

Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss is made of 19 Natural ingredients which includes herbal components such as moringaoleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint. Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching.

NovuhairTopical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

Friday, November 4, 2016

The New and Improved Powerpuff Girls Relaunch + Unboxing

Our favorite superhero trio drove solid cartoon mania fans last October with their biggest and most anticipated comeback of the year. From the last time we saw them in May, 2016 for the Mamajama's Day Out Event, they are now better, bolder and braver. And last, October 22, 2016 at SM Mall of Asia Atrium, was the grandest up-scale launch of the new and improved Powerpuff Girls!


It was a perfect weekend blowout for the whole family. Everyone got the chance to experience the
world of this favorite childhood characters and witness bubbles, buttercup and blossom live and up close. It was a Saturday of fun and action-filled activities for the kids at heart at the Powerpuff Townville where sugar, spice and everything nice all belongs.

And because of this, cartoon network sent us a little surprise which my 2 girls happily unboxed. I posted the VLOG on my YouTube Channel which I'll be posting below as well.




We got a toy set which includes Bubbles, Brianna's favorite together with Princess Morbucks, villain in the 2016 version of The Powerpuff Girls.

Powerpuff girls is exclusively distributed by Richprime Global Inc. So mommies if you want to get this kind of toy for your kids, you can avail them at the leading toy stores and department stores nationwide, prices start at P 299. Get to know more about their products by visiting their official Facebook, Richwell Club and Website at www.richprime.net.

Herbalife Nutrition At Work Survey: Filipino Millennials Desire Healthy, Active Workplace Environment

According to the Asia Pacific Millennials At Work Survey findings which was released by Herbalife Nutrition, more Filipino millennials are adapting a healthy, active lifestyle, however, most believe their current workplace environment prevents them from doing so. 


Millennials, or people born in between 1980 and 2000, are opting for a workplace that will encourage them to stay active, if only this will be embedded in every company culture. About 83 percent or eight (8) in 10 millennials have agreed that they would like their company workplace to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle.


By year 2020, the millennial generation is expected to make up 50 percent of the global workforce thus ensuring their wellbeing will be important in improving workplace productivity.

There are about 35 million millennials now in the Philippines, which is about one-third of the country’s entire population. Five years from now, millennials will be dominating the labor force. While most millennials want to lead healthy lives, they face real obstacles at work in doing so,” 
 said Rosalio Valenzuela, Herbalife Philippines General Manager. “At Herbalife Nutrition, we provide our employees with nutrition products at work, subsidize gym memberships, hold regular wellness programs related to nutrition and well-being, and encourage participation in outdoor activities and sports competitions.”

Additionally, the survey findings revealed the following: 
  • Seven (7) out of 10 millennials strive to live healthy, active lives 
  • However, the majority of millennials find it challenging to maintain an active lifestyle at work – eight (8) out of 10 millennials spend 6 to 13 hours at their work desk each day, and 64% of millennials get less than 30 minutes of physical activity - including standing, stretching and walking at work on an average work day. 
  • Additionally, 64% of millennials cited the “lack of time” as the key obstacle to engaging in physical activity at work.
Herbalife Nutrition has organized a sixth Asia Pacific Wellness Tour, which builds upon the successes of the past five tours that welcomed over 100, 000 participants. This is to provide tips on how millennials and their employers can integrate positive nutrition and life style habits at their workplaces, 
Five experts from the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB) are scheduled to tour 21 Asian cities from October 7 to 30, to hold a series of talks, workshops and medical symposiaacross the region. 

Through these efforts, we hope to equip organizations and employees with the right tools to collectively build a healthier work environment across Asia Pacific,” said Valenzuela. 

Julian Alvarez Garcia, M.D., Ph.D., a member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, will be visiting Manila for the Asia Pacific Wellness Tour this October. Julian Alvarez Garcia, M.D., Ph.D. will also be sharing expert advice on how millennials can adopt simple positive nutrition and lifestyle habits at work to improve their overall well-being in the long run. 


Some of the tips to help foster a healthier millennial workforce include: 
  • Nutrition 
    • Dedicate a healthy eating day each week and get colleagues involved in making healthy choices for lunch on this day. 
    •  Boost water intake to help the body digest food, rid the body of toxins, and help deliver nutrients to the cells. Drink at least eight (8) glasses or two (2) liters of water a day. 
    • Have a protein shake combined with non-fat milk and healthy fruit for breakfast. With 20-30 grams of protein and low-fat contents, it can provide the body with all the nutrition it needs to power through the day. 
  • Active Living
    • Create a playlist that incorporates upbeat music and play with hourly intervals. 
    • Use Running Apps to keep energized and on-pace during regular runs. 
    • Set a goal to join running competitions to motivate self to sustain an active lifestyle. 
Herbalife’s Millennials At Work Survey was conducted in 2016, with 5,500 respondents aged 18 and above, from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkins and Liners Shares 5 Smart Guidelines for Reproductive Health


It's the last week of breast cancer awareness month, and there’s nothing we ever want in life than keeping ourselves in the pinkest of health whatever our age and life stage is. And because no one is exempted from this disease, the more we shouldn’t brush off the importance of awareness and prevention. So I'm sharing with you five tips on how we, women, can enhance our health and wellness and see how soon you can check off all these smart reproductive health guidelines from Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkins and Liners’ and Dr. Faith Suluen, OB-Gyn.

1. Track Your Menstrual Cycle.

Always record the first up to the last day of your period, bleeding pattern, number of pads you used throughout your menstruation, signs and symptoms such as cramps, dysmenorrhea or any unusual experience worth mentioning to your OB. This habit not only will keep you track of your ovulation history, it will also arm you with period essentials such as medicines, food you should stock up on, plus effectively plan out your activities for the next 3 to 5 days. “Normal menstrual cycle interval is 21 to 35 days, shorter than that can sharply cause anemia while beyond that period could make it harder to conceive at any age,” says Dr. Faith. 

Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin and Liners works wonder for me. Can't wait to share with you all my review soon!
Having your PMS or period during your busiest time of the week is worse enough, but getting caught without your Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin is the worst! Remember that everybody is different, so is your period. Keeping yourself abreast with your cycle will keep your peace when Aunt Flow suddenly shows up.

2. Eat Well and Don’t be a Couch Potato. 

Although there’s no direct link that says diet is the culprit for breast cancer, staying with normal weight range, having regular physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as low saturated fat intake will promote general wellbeing and decrease the risk. “Since most cancers are inflammatory in nature, include omega-9 rich foods that can be found in olive oil, nuts, and fruits like avocado. The nutrients and phytochemicals which are abundant in fresh produce also help combat disease and even play a role in prevention,” adds Cheshire. 

3. Elevate your Hygiene Routine

To keep your intimate area clean and dry, practice front to back wiping whenever you go on a trip to the toilet. Let go of tight-fitting pants, underwear made of silk and ruffles, as these may trap warmth and moisture that may cause irritation and encourage bacterial growth. Change your sanitary pad and panty liner every 4 to 6 hours to keep yourself fresh and odor-free,” reminds Dr. Faith. 

4. Have a Self-Breast Examination but Never Self Medicate. 

Ladies, time to step up your annual health check routine! Don’t scrimp nor make your breast ultrasound (if you’re under 40) or mammogram (for 40 years old and above) check up your least of priority, which are ideally conducted annually. As for the self-breast examination, which should be religiously practiced 7 days after your monthly period. Here’s a simple technique while in the shower: Move around your fingers to the entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center and check the entire breast and armpit area. Be wary of any lump, thickening, and hardened knot. 

5. Schedule Regular Gynecological Exam. 

Once there’s a sexual contact by age 21, you’re automatically recommended to have an annual pap smear check up. However, getting yourself vaccinated while not yet sexually active is highly encouraged as it can decrease your risk of developing cervical cancer,” advises Dr. Faith. And here’s the thing: Whether or not you have a sexual experience but a family history runs in your blood, there’s a chance it could be inherited. That said; make sure to add this to your list of yearly must-do, for the sake of your health and sanity.


Wellgold International Inc. distributes Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin and Liners and currently available at Watsons, selected Mercury Drug and South Star Drug outlets, SM department store’s health and beauty section, Robinson’s Supermarket, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket, Waltermart, Landmark Department store, UP Town Center’s Merkado Department Store, PCX stores, selected Metro Gaisano outlets, selected LCC Malls in Bicol, plus other stores nationwide. You can also purchase online with free delivery via www.lazada.com.ph. For more health tips, visit www.jeunesseanion.com and follow Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Jeunesse Anion. For inquiries, email: wellgoldinternational@gmail.com or call (02) 4701294.