Beyond Beauty

Dior Co of www.diorcomakeup.com, discussing life beyond makeup & artistry. (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-91742118-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview');

[diorco]

Shiseido Spa

I don’t know with you, but facials always connotate pain to me. All the pricking and peeling makes it feel more of a task to check off my to-do list. It has always been like this to me until I tried a Japanese facial at Shiseido Spa. You see, japanese facials don’t do painful procedures and rely on their potent products to do the work. Upon inviting me to try their facial at Shiseido Spa, they promised me it would be a pampering session. 

I was booked for a 60 minute Defend & Regenerate Facial Treatment. Shiseido believes that the key to beautiful, vibrant skin is in its own natural defensive and regenerative powers. Through their exclusive skin science research, they’ve developed a holistic approach to channel these powers, for skin that resists problems and improves its own condition for the future. 

There are three kinds of D&R treatments available: Hydration Facial, Whitening Facial and Anti-wrinkle Facial. Since my top concern was dullness and light acne scars, I decided to go for the Whitening facial.

For the highlights of my experience at Shiseido Spa, hop on to my instagram page @diorco or click this link for the full stories: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18008637784260841/

As you’ll witness in my instagram story videos, my face went from dull to bright. I’ve had followers message me that week how amazed they were on how my skin got glowing in just one session. Tiny dots and blackheads were almost nowhere to be seen. See photo of my skin below after my facial session.

The glow lasted for more than a week and my skin texture remained supple for two weeks. I was advised to go back in two or three weeks to maintain my glow. Below is a photo of my face with minimal pressed powder sans the foundation.

The D&R facial is at P1,900 while there are other facials available if you want a more intense treatment. 

Yutaka facial treatment is premium facial designed to lift and sculpt while providing nourishing radiance. It combines Shiseido’s most advanced skincare line, Future Solution LX, with a specialized facial massage by using a tool instead of the fingers. Together, these elements smooth visible signs of aging and stimulates circulation for a more youthful, lifted appearance that lasts. 

Another facial they offer is the Cryo Facial treatment or “freeze therapy”. The procedure allows for more intensive penetration of skin care formulas that stimulate collagen production. It also makes skin more radiant by improving oxygen and nutrient supply. 

All products used are from various Shiseido products from different product lines, depending on your preferred facial variant / service.

Shiseido Spa is available in the following locations:

I had mine done in Greenbelt 5. My beauty therapist was Christine. Do request for her when you book your facial. She has the lightest hand and was professional and helpful with information the entire time. 

Thank you Shiseido for having me! xo

[diorco]

Food Hall You Can at The Alley

An international street-inspired food hall with various food stalls for an all-you-can-eat buffet experience? Yep, you’ve guessed it right. This unique food hall was conceptualized by none other than the award-winning food retailer The Vikings Group. 

Their newest branch in BGC has European-inspired interiors that are instagram-worthy. There are six eating areas, each having their own unique feel.

Last night, The Alley invited us for a unique dining experience where we ordered a la carte dishes from various stations that have their own specialty chefs and kitchens, making each dish served hot and fresh.

Here are some of the food from the 14 stations — you read that right, fourteen! — at The Alley BGC:

Salad bar and cheeses at Antipasto Blvd:

Seafood from O’sean Eleven:

Braised beef and roast turkey, and side dishes from Buono:

Pizzas and pastas from New York Pizza:

Filipino dishes from La Sap and Frituen Batsoy:

Roasts, dimsum and noodle soup from Hao Chi:

Sushi, sashimi, tempura and other Japanese dishes at Yatai:

Other Southeast Asian cuisine at Street Wok:

Sizzling plate dishes and other western food at Lost & Pound and Just Steak A Minute:

Crepes, ice cream, kakanin and other desserts at Hunneycomb:

Everyone’s favorite stall to hang-out in, Kegz for juices, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages:

Street food carts like dirty ice cream, taho, balut roam around for that authentic street food experience:

Bibingka and puto bumbong and fried balls at Ferino’s:

I think I got it all. Whew! How one can try something from all 14 stalls in one night is a wonder to me. Clearly, there’s something for everyone at The Alley. 

As a whole, 70% of the experience felt like an all-you-can-eat food court food. It was fun to stroll around and order food from the stations but it gets quite tiring to go all the way to another area for a different dish the 3rd time around. Taste and quality of food was just okay but The Alley definitely wins the variety category. 

The other 30% goes to premium offerings like baked oysters, sashimi and roasts but quality-wise, it’s also just so-so. The baked oysters were fresh and has no lansa at all, but the cheese just didn’t taste premium. My husband who tried the roast duck said it tasted more like pigeon and that plum sauce wasn’t available. The sashimis and sushis were actually good and can rival the freshness of that offered from hotel buffets. And oh, the truffle pizza was a notable must-try! 

What I particularly enjoyed was the customizable dessert. I had a wonderful time finishing my crepe and ice cream topped with cheesecake whipped cream and popping bobba!

Blogger friends enjoyed their mojitos, margaritas and mugs of beer. Most said this really made The Alley sulit.

At P788 a visit, I think this is something everyone would want to experience.

The Alley by Vikings, BGC is located at C1, Upper Ground Floor, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Central hotline: (02) 8-VIK-INGS (or 8-845-4647)

Facebook : thealleybgc

Instagram : thealleybyvikings

[diorco]

The Authentic La Vita Experience

The well-loved Vikings Group who introduced La Vita to us found a new home for their authentic Italian cuisine. La Vita Ristorante Italiano is now on a soft opening at The Podium Mall. 

I had the privilege to get invited by La Vita last weekend to try their finest antipasti, fresh pastas, and mouthwatering entrees with my husband and relatives, one of whom we thought is perfect for the dining experience as he is pescatarian. We scanned the menu and didn’t feel there’s a limitation on what we can have as there’s a whole lot of variety of delectable cheese dishes, flavorful salads and savory “carbs” for us to enjoy. 

The restaurant prides in sourcing their main ingredients, cheese, pasta and tomatoes, straight from Italy, making sure they serve their customers with 100% authentic Italian dishes. La Vita sources other food components such as seafood locally to guarantee its freshness.

Chef Maurizio Gibillini is the biggest factor, I would say, to keeping the restaurant authentically Italian. He fell in love with the Philippines in the 90′s and decided to stay to offer us a taste of what he had learned from his hometown Milan. He first established a restaurant in Boracay before moving to Manila to head La Vita.

He shared to us techniques on how to choose the right rice for a particular dish, different ways of cooking soup, and what dishes are okay to take home and reheat. His years of culinary experience from France, Germany, Austria and the Arab nations shows as he spoke to us about his passion for gastronomy. He roams around the restaurant, stopping by table to table to check on his guests and chatting with them casually. The stories he shared with us when he stopped by our table were so entertaining to hear, especially with his italian accent!

Here’s a run-down of the dishes we enjoyed for lunch.

Burrata con Pomodori e Arugula

Something so simple can be oh-so divine! It’s the first dish brought to us and little did I know that it’s going to be my favorite amongst everything we tried that day. Burrata, a soft creamy cheese imported straight from Italy, perched alongside leaves of fresh arugula and slices of tomatoes. Drizzled with olive oil, it was served with freshly baked bread that complemented the simple flavors of this dish. 

Caciucco alla Livornese

We ordered spicy tomato soup with seafood and had two orders split into four. This one was so full of flavors despite being a clear-based soup, which I’d say was because of the hefty amount of clams and mussels in our servings. One of our companions Michelle said, “I don’t normally like spicy food but I’m enduring the spiciness of this dish because it’s too good. I can’t stop myself!” And she said that while sniffling -- a testament to how worthy this dish is.

Pizza Quattro Formaggi

With four cheese lovers on the dining table, it was no surprise we chose a 12-inch four-cheese pizza to share. Our eyes lusted and mouths watered as oil dripped when we sliced and took our shares of the brick-oven pie. Pizza can get soggy quickly if you don’t consume it at once. So do as we did -- have it reheated in the brick oven the moment it gets cold to enjoy the warm dough and melted cheese again.

Spaghetti Al Nero di Sepia

Pitch black. That’s how I’d describe the beauty of the thick squid ink sauce on our al dente pasta. This is hands-down the best Al Nero pasta I’ve had, ever. Chef Gibillini didn’t scrimp on any ingredient in preparing this dish. The sun dried tomatoes added a bit of zest to combat “umay” or “suya”, as we’d Filipinos say, while the shrimps added a nice bite to the pasta.

Risotto con Porcini e Formaggio

The carnaroli rice’s texture attested to the kitchen skills of Chef Gibillini. Mixed with dry mushrooms and cheese, this risotto was light and pleasant, which was just what we needed to balance the tastiness of the other four dishes we filled ourselves with.

Since they were on a soft opening, the coffee machine still wasn’t ready so we opted to take our dessert someplace else. I’m kind of sad I didn’t get to try their famous panna cotta, but I thought I’d come back soon enough for that.

Those dishes we consumed was more than enough for four people. It was scrumptious and heavy. Needless to say, we were delighted with our experience at La Vita. My husband and I don’t usually dine in Italian restaurants anymore as it’s a cuisine we’ve learned to be good at cooking on our own. He jokingly (or maybe not) told me, “You better up your game, Dior. You have some serious competition!”

“The only thing that can make the experience more enjoyable would be a bottle of good wine to complement the beautiful flavors of our meal,” commented Brian, a wine connoisseur himself. We should have scheduled our dining for dinner instead of lunch!

In my next visit, I would definitely try their carpaccios, pappardelles and their meat entrees. I’m particularly eyeing the Tagliata Di Manzo Alla Roberspierre!

La Vita is located at the 3rd level of The Podium Mall in Ortigas. For reservations, you may call (02) 8-285-1486. 

Instagram: @lavita.ph | Facebook: @lavitaphilippines

[diorco]

KC x Shiseido

As I mentioned in my previous post, it takes a lot to get me out of the house since I’ve taken a new journey on Mindfulness since the year started. Saying no to brand events that doesn’t align with me has been challenging, but worth the peace and clarity my soul has been longing for.

Now, I’m in a place where I just know which events I’m “meant” to go to, which brands to support and which happenings I allow in my life. 

The moment I received the invitation from Shiseido, I knew this is one of the rare times I’d actually go. Their Synchro Skin foundation technology has been one I’ve tried in my recent trip abroad and I’m so giddy that it has reached Manila. 

Also, they’re to reveal the first ever face of Shiseido Ph, which kept me guessing until they finally unveiled her that day.

So... as always, I’m early at events. Sometimes even before door opens. I like that it’s not yet crowded and I get to take my time in enjoying the cosmetics before everyone arrives and socializing begins.

I needed to arrive bare-faced as I’d be testing Synchro Skin foundation. But, with tinted brows (K-Palette Eyebrow Tint in 02), glossy lips (Dior Lip Glow) and lined eyes (Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Black).

First stop at R2 North of Powerplant mall was the makeup station where Shiseido beauty advisers test our skin with their beauty analysis tool that can check the skin’s current condition. 

The beauty adviser checked the skintone on both the skin on the jaw and neck to find a perfect match. I totally agree with this technique as I also do the same when finding the perfect foundation shade of my clients. 

The red represents the skintone on my face while green represents that of my neck. The point where the two meet is my right shade of foundation. It’s still up to me though which shade I prefer so they gave me three options for my foundation match.

Out of the three, I’ve chosen the lightest shade which is 250 Sand. 

There are 30 shades to choose from but in the Philippines, Shiseido is only carrying 12 shades, considering the tone and temperature of our Asian skin.

Upon application, I can already feel the lightness of Synchro Skin as it melted onto my skin. It didn’t feel sticky or thick.  The formula resists humidity, responds to heat and can even rebound from the multiple facial movement the face makes all day. This liquid product delivers breathable and buildable coverage for a full 24 hours as it’s sweat-proof, water- proof and transfer-proof. As for the match? I can’t even tell there’s foundation on my face. 250 Sand matches me perfectly!

Finally, Shiseido revelead their newest face and first ever brand ambassador.

Finally, KC Concepcion has found her ideal match—in makeup, that is!

“KC personifies the Shiseido woman–a natural beauty who’s smart, confident, and not afraid to go after what she wants,” says Genevieve Yalung, General manager of Shiseido Philippines. “We noticed how KC talked about Shiseido on her social media and it really caught our attention. It’s not usual for someone of her stature to have so much belief and love for a brand so we decided that she would be the perfect fit as the ambassador of our latest make-up launch.”

KC has been a fan of Shiseido for as long as she can remember, and even took to social media a couple of months ago to express her disappointment when she was not able to purchase the brand’s eyelash curler, which is a staple in her beauty kit. “I’ve made emergency lash curler runs to the Shiseido store in the mall right before closing time just because my face doesn’t feel complete with using it. Their lash curler helps open up my eyes and make me look alive,” the actress recounts. “One time, my purchase wasn’t so successful because the store had a private event and the doors were closed. I posted about my night-out without fresh-looking eyes and it caught on. The next day, I was so shocked to see a whole makeup line from Shiseido. I got to try everything and couldn’t help but rave–and post–about the new makeup they’re coming out with.” KC’s posts eventually led to a relationship with Shiseido beyond social media, culminating in an endorsement for the brand she’s learned to love even more.

As for what she thinks about the newest Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation, here’s what she has to say: “People are always shocked when my skin comes out makeup-free. They can’t believe I just wiped off all the foundation because it syncs so well with my skin tone,” she says before adding, “I never break out with it. I can wear it all day, every day, from day to night, without worrying I’ll get bumps or pimples after a day or two. It has skincare in it that gives me the confidence to wear a full face of Shiseido makeup every single day.” The new Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing foundation’s formula is infused with SPF 30, skin-caring antioxidants and light-reflecting pearl powder to protect and enhance the skin’s texture and tone.

Find out more about the makeup products KC loves on Shiseido Philippine’s Facebook page. Shiseido has 16 boutiques nationwide, and is available at leading department stores. 

You may also check out shiseido.com for the latest updates. Sign up to get a free Shiseido deluxe lipstick plus P500 Shiseido currency.

Thanks Shiseido for having me! xo

[diorco]

Esfolio’s Newest for 2019

Oh what a buzzling 2018 it has been. And as the year ended, I’ve yet again reflected on the year that was and celebrated 2019, vibrating how I intend my 2019 is going to be. Every start of the year, it’s my personal tradition to assign an adjective as to how I want the new year to be. Kind of like setting a general intention and vibe. And for 2019, it’s MINDFULNESS. I aspire to be more mindful, to observe how I act and react than ever before, and to do everything with a clear intention. And with that is making sure to know what I allow in my life. That applies also to relationships, hobbies, jobs, and yes, even food and skincare. 

As you may have noticed, I have lessened my blog posts -- well actually, it’s been a rarity for me to post something nowadays. I’m carefully choosing what I write about, only choosing that ones that’s aligned to the life I want to lead. It’s not reason enough to write about products just because a company sends them to me for free. The point is to be authentic and honest as that’s what we bloggers owe our followers. 

One of the few brands I’ve said yes to try late last year was Esfolio. Above all, it that because it’s a brand that continues to work hard to produce and sell quality skincare and cosmetics products that are safe and reliable to customers. All their products are also ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited ensuring all our customers that the products are produced at a high-quality standard. Not only that, it’s one of the few companies that infuses natural ingredients that assures no allergies or harsh reactions. 

I first known Esfolio when I received their best selling Aloe Vera Soothing Gel as a gift. It’s is a staple in my shelf. I use it both on myself and my daughter every time she gets an insect bite, a scratch or a bump. 

They have so many more skincare and bodycare lines, and this 2019, they’d adding exciting ones that makes skincare routines so much more invigorating.

Their soothing deep-cleansing foams (P359.00 for 150g tube) and highly concentrated essence masks (P54.00 per sheet) now come in three new variants!

HERB

Infused with six different herb extracts, which are excellent in calming and comforting stressed skin, this works to soften and smoothen your complexion. The facial foam cleans and refreshes with a nutrient-enriched lather; removes dirt, excess sebum, and skin-clogging impurities; nourishes, hydrates, and soothes with glycerin. On the other hand, the mask works to boost moisture levels and lock it into skin as it deeply nourishes and conditions, banishing dryness and roughness. This is the variant for you if your skin is sensitive and delicate.

CHARCOAL

Promoting clear acne-free skin is what this variant is all about. Enriched with charcoal extracts that help fight acne, this works to remove dirt and excess sebum from deep within pores. The foam cleans and refreshes with a nutrient-enriched lather to remove skin-clogging impurities. The mask is composed of rich mineral deposits that help keep skin healthy, drawing out toxins while adding an extra layer of moisture.

ROSE

Dry and parched skin needs to be revitalized with rich water extracts that helps maintain skin’s optimal moisture content. Both the foam and mask contain rose flower water extracts that help moisturize the skin while simultaneously soothes sensitivity and dryness. The formula is complemented with six different flower extracts to boost moisture in skin.

I’m also very excited about their peeling gels (P369.00 for 150ml tube) that are effective in revealing new skin while still being gentle. The extra-mild peeling gel smoothens as it hydrates skin. The gommage-type formula contains soft cellulose ingredients that removes dead skin cells and pore-clogging dirt for soft, silky and clearer skin. No need for harsh scrubs to exfoliate and renew our skin.

It comes in Aloe Vera and Green Tea. I’d recommend Aloe Vera to those who have really delicate skin and Green Tea to those who needs extra detoxification.

And as we’ve seem to have immersed in a mask-obsessed culture, they’re adding new variants of Bandage masks (P84.00 per sheet) soaked in concentrated solutions.

MOISTURE

This variant protects the skin from harmful substances and retains moisture with ceramides enriched with hyaluornic acid while protects the skin from harmful UVB rays. It increases skin elasticity to reveal a more plump and hydrated skin. 

NUTRITION

The anti-aging solution in this mask strenghtens the skin barrier and elasticity with peptides and lotus placenta. It stimulates the activity of the skin cells and improves circulation to prevent the formation of wrinkles.

RELAXING

This sheet mask is soaked in collagen-boosting solution that enhances the skin barrier with an array of different madecassosides. It contains holy grail ingredient centella asiatica extract to help soothe and calm stressed and angered skin. Using this will improve overall circulation and synthesizes collagen in the body.

WHITENING (P84.00 per sheet)

This antioxidant-rich brightener is an all-in-one performer that moisturizes the skin, controls sebum, increases elasticity and brightens the skin. infused with Epigallocathecin from green tea extracts, it protects the skin from sun damage and reduces skin inflammation.

Esfolio is available in the following online sites and retail stores:

[diorco]

Pampers Baby Marathon

The Asian Games are here, bringing with them a flurry of excitement to fans all over the continent! But while we expect the best athletes to show up, we keep overlooking the most skilled players - our babies.

Elise is at that age where she has become unstoppable at play. The only thing that can hamper her fun: wet, lawlaw diapers. 

To showcase our babies’ prowess, Southeast Asia’s biggest e-commerce portal Lazada and the world’s top selling diaper brand Pampers, are joining hands to produce the first-ever virtual #babymarathon.

This one-of-a-kind feat is part of the Pampers x Lazada Super Brand Day, which will take place on August 29. For one day only, Super Brand Day allows us to discover the best of what a brand offers, which includes exclusive gifts, limited offers and even offline experiences.

The 42-minute #babymarathon video montage, which will be aired on August 29, will feature hundreds of babies and toddlers in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, all “running” in a relay race. In the final video, parents may even find their children racing alongside Seve, son of Filipino celebrity and Pampers ambassador Toni Gonzaga.

All diapering babies aged 5 months and above have join Lazada and Pampers in creating this one-of-a-kind record! The virtual #babymarathon featuring the little athletes who joined across Southeast Asia will be aired on Lazada on Super Brand Day tomorrow.

My daughter Elise and I joined in the fun by joining Pampers professional crew at Gymboree Greenbelt 5 today. Here’s a short clip of my little one in action during the #babymarathon celebration. 

At the event, we also learned the importance of finding your baby’s diaper’s perfect fit to give them the freedom to move from no other than Pampers’ Ambassador Toni Gonzaga and son Seve.

You can still join before the day ends by taking a video of your baby walking, playing or running about in their Pampers diaper and post it with the hashtags #babymarathon and #PampersxLazadaPH.

Not all videos can be featured in the 42-minute video montage. But the most liked videos will win a cash prize of PHP30,000 or 6-month supply of Pampers diapers.

Join a marathon of Pampers Deals on Lazada To help babies enjoy their weekly marathons free from wetness and the discomfort of lawlaw diapers, Pampers has put together a series of exclusive offers on 29th August 2018:

Starting from 12am midnight, there are promotion offers up to 35% off on Pampers Baby Dry Newborn Diapers and PHP100 discount vouchers for minimum PHP3000 purchases, which are limited to a 1000 units only.

Lazada’s Group Chief Business Officer Robin Mah said: “We are proud to be partnering with Pampers, one of the world’s leading diapers brands for Super Brand Day to showcase the unstoppable energy of babies while offering moms exclusive offers and delight. It is also a chance to spotlight their babies through fun experiences. ”

Akhil Meshram, Pampers Philippines Brand Manager said: “Pampers recognizes that one of mom and baby’s biggest frustration are sagging diapers, and how this can affect babies’ ability to move and learn from their surroundings. The #babymarathon is part of our My Baby Can Do That Campaign, where we hope to show how babies can do nakaka-WOW and amazing things when they have the freedom to move, especially in a less lawlaw diaper. Lazada, given its massive footprint across Southeast Asia is the ideal platform to amplify our efforts.”

For more information on Super Brand Day, visit Lazada.com.ph and its social media pages.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines Instagram:https://instagram.com/lazadaph/ Twitter:https://twitter.com/LazadaPH

For more information on Pampers, visit Pampers.ph and its social media pages.

[diorco]

Freedom from Dailies Aqua Comfort

It has been the longest time since I last wore contact lenses. "Style Over Comfort" has been harder to pull off these days since I've added 'mother' to my many hats I wear. I'd sign up right away for anything that is both stylish and comfortable. Case in point, Alcon new's ‘freedom’ contact lenses that launched last week at i-Darts Dash BGC.

Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus contact lenses deliver blink-activated moisture for refreshing comfort throughout the day. It harnesses the power of every blink to boost comfort and dynamically reinfuses the tear film. “A stable tear film is important for good visual acuity, comfort and a successful contact lens-wearing experience,” said Dr. Dichoso. With its multiple moisturizing agents, Alcon Dailies contact lenses provides an initial cushioning effect and enhances comfort throughout the day.

I was able to touch the lens and I can barely feel it in the solution. Imagine how this lightweight lens would feel on your eyes, like nothings in it.

We've heard from their brand ambassadors their testimonials on these new contact lenses.

Fourteen year-old Christiana Amanda Lauren Romano is an outgoing, athletic “tweenager” who is a varsity tennis player of her school. This is despite the fact that Callie (her nickname) has high-degree myopia and wears prescription eyeglasses.

“Having to wear eyeglasses in school, during social activities and while playing sports was really tough for her,” says Callie’s mother, commercial model Dimples Romano. “She felt self-conscious about her movement and had to constantly adjust her eyeglasses when playing tennis.”

Like many parents, Dimples admits having the notion that contact lenses were only for adults. “Fortunately, I heard about the Alcon ‘freedom’ contact lenses and how safe, effective and convenient it is for teenagers to wear. Thanks to Alcon Dailies contact lenses, Callie now has more confidence and more freedom to move, enabling her to reach her full potential as an athlete, student and young woman.”

The UK study compared teenagers who wore Alcon Dailies contact lenses to those that wore eyeglasses. It showed that Alcon Dailies contact lenses were easy for teenagers to learn to use, even if they have not handled contacts before. After wearing Alcon Dailies contact lenses, teenagers felt safe and comfortable wearing it. Also, teenagers wearing Alcon Dailies contact lenses believed that it was a good way to see well. 

“I live my life to the fullest—from tapings, shopping, traveling, and playing sports. Alcon Dailies contact lenses will surprise you at how comfortable, convenient, and affordable contact lenses can be,” said athlete and TV host Gretchen Ho.

Gretchen Ho and Callie Romano are among the more than 1.9 billion members of Generation Z.1 Born between mid/late 90s and today, GenZ are very tech-dependent and have known the Internet their whole life. For GenZ people, it’s all about freedom—freedom to see life more clearly, freedom to experience life without borders, freedom to express their self and connect with others, and freedom to be all that they can be.

“Parents play a big part in teenagers’ move to contact lenses,” said Dr. Jeanette Romualdez, Professional Affairs Consultant, Alcon Vision Care. A survey done in Italy, Spain and Portugal showed that the majority of parents are ready to let their teenaged children wear contact lenses. Seventy-two percent of parents agreed teens should wear contact lenses, 80% of parents who wore contact lenses were willing to say “yes” if their children asked for contact lenses, and 67% of parents expressed a preference for both contact lenses and eyeglasses.

A 30-piece pack of Alcon Dailies retails for only P1,495.00. It comes in colors blue, grey, green and hazel too. But for you my dear readers, you can avail of the Alcon Dailies Summer Promo and enjoy 20% discount on boxes of Alcon Dailies. Just present the voucher below:

Check out Alcon's website www.myalcon.ph and like them on Facebook: Dailies Contacts PH.

[diorco]

Review: Penguin Suction Device

I sometimes look at Elise and wonder why I wanted to grow up so fast back then. Oh to be a baby! You just eat, sleep, play, (poop), repeat! Adulting is such a chore! But it isn’t always easy for them. One thing that breaks my heart is seeing Elise get sick, with her airways blocked, looking helpless as she still doesn’t know how to blow her nose or clear her throat. 

Babies’ nasal passages can become blocked for many reasons including exposure to viruses or irritation from allergens. Clogged nasal passages can interfere with babies’ ability to feed, and in very young newborns, their ability to breathe. (If I can just write a thousand sad faces writing this paragraph.)

As a first time mom, I’ve bought different suction devices to help Elise cope. There’s the nose bulb from the hospital, Pigeon suction tube, Nose Frida, etc. I All these in our shelf and we’re still frustrated.

Still dissatisfied, I continued on my research until I stumbled upon a thread on Glam-O-Mamas page about an effective suction device from Laerdal Medical in the USA. We got one unit immediately, thanks to mommy Princess of Baby Lamb PH who’s distributing it in the country. 

The first time we used the Penguin on Elise, she resisted and kept on crying -- same reaction as when we use all our other suction devices. But this time, we only needed to do it once and it sucked all the mucus out of her small nose. How brutal it is to keep doing this to our babies. I was so glad we were able to successfully do this in just one go by following the directions as stated:

Squeeze the Penguin body and keep it squeezed 

Insert the nozzle into the baby’s nose or mouth 

Release the squeeze slowly to suction 

Extract the Penguin from the baby

(Sorry, I didn’t have the heart to take a photo of our sick Elise and how we used the suction on her.)

The Penguin is made of one piece of translucent silicone making it easy to see how much mucus you’ve gotten. To empty, just squeeze out the contents of the Penguin body into the sink, water container, towel, or similar. Repeat suction as necessary.

Imagine that gunk in your baby’s nose or throat! Poor thing. 

It is also super easy to clean without the need for filters or special cleaning agents. Just bend the Penguin's neck and wash or scrub in soapy water. Flush water through the nozzle and head before boilung in water for minimum 10 minutes. Let the Penguin dry completely before storing.

I suggest all moms to have one unit of Laerdal Penguin in their homes! It’s a game-changer for us and it has given us so much comfort knowing that we can relieve our daughter anytime her airways get blocked. 

To order a unit at P995.00, you may order from Baby Lamb PH or contact Princess Keng at 09178637658. 

[diorco]

W Mall Macapagal Opens Today

I used to not care about grocery shopping until Elise came into our lives. I wasn’t meticulous on the grocery brands I use, and usually just give our ate a list of what I need. But since Elise, I compare each brand’s features or benefits down to the last detail. But because of time restraint, I seldom have the luxury to go to the grocery myself. 

That’s why I was so psyched when W Mall Bay City opened today. The location is so convenient, just along Macapagal road. I pass by it on my way home from our office!

We were fortunate to have been invited to come see the mall for ourselves before it opens to public today at 12:00nn.

Before going around to see what the mall has to offer, we went straight to, of course, Walter Mart Supermarket! 

With the huge crowd, I thought twice if it was a good idea to tag Elise along. But once we were in, despite the many many people, it wasn’t difficult to go around the supermarket at all. Everything was so organized and the aisles were wide enough for everybody.

It even became a teaching opportunity for us as we went from aisle to aisle to let Elise experience the grocery with her five senses. We believe concrete learning is so much more effective than abstract learning.

This is something you don’t see in most supermarkets. A live seafood market! 

Fruits and vegetables. What a fun way to learn about colors and textures.

...and even taste!

It isn’t a grand opening without special deals and big discounts! A lot were on Buy 1 Get 1 and 50% off!

Let’s start with the food section.

Value packs and bundles are also being offered, plus gift with purchases.

Aside from the promos, there’s a huge selection of brands on every food item you can think of, imported and local

There’s also grab and go lunches and dinners when you’re day’s too hectic to have time to prepare food for you and the family.

You may also buy your own herbs to grow in your own homes. 

There’s also various food products offering free taste like biscuits, sandwiches, noodles, juices, etc. 

And now, at my happy place, the non-food section... which means beauty and baby!

Shopping made easier as almost all brands you can think of are carried by Walter Mart. 

And oh, the prices are digitally labelled. I’m impressed!

Some promos you don’t want to miss out on:

It’s like a specialty baby store in here!

There’s even a section that has offerings like those of Daiso and Miniso!

We’ve spent an hour and happy to check out to see more of the mall. The promotions and special deals’ duration is from today, April 26, to April 29. 

And oh! Don’t forget to claim your free P200 gift pass to Kidzoona (at the 4th level) and customized mug when you spend P2,000 on a single receipt.

Aside from the Supermarket, the ground floor houses fastfood such as Mang Inasal, McDonald’s and specialty cafes and beverage stalls such as French Baker and ChaTime. 

There’s Walter Mart Department Store on the second floor plus other shops such as Miniso, Abenson, Abenson Home and more. 

There’s also a food court on the topmost floor together with Kidzoona, a place we’re sure to frequent in now that W Mall is finally open!

Elise was starting to get cranky as it’s almost her nap time. We needed to head home. 

Before I sign off, let me point out some noteworthy new products we took home with us.

Summer essentials you need to pack with you at the beach!

So head on to W Mall Bay City now to take advantage of their super good deals that will only be until April 29! We are clearly going back to see more of the W Mall and enjoy what it has to offer.

I hope to see you this weekend!

A big congratulations to the entire Walter Mart / W Mall Macapagal team for the successful grand opening!

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Zojirushi Relaunches in PH

When it comes to quality, nothing seems to beat the Japanese. Wherever we travel, my mom would always look for and prefer to shop at a Japanese department store like SOGO or Takashimaya. Rarely did she come back empty-handed or without a kitchen tool or appliance in her basket. One of the brands I’ve collected from her pasalubongs is Zojirushi.

Zojirushi is a Japanese brand that manufactures kitchenware like electric appliances (rice cookers, air pots, cooking pans), stainless tumblers and lunch jars. Founded in Osaka in 1918, the company is especially known for their vacuum-insulated technology. They’ve been in the Philippines for five years now and have recently relaunched with the opening of their flagship store in Greenhills Promenade.

Here are some of what you’d like to consider buying during your visit at their store:

Insulated Tumblers

Their practical water tumblers has a narrow design for an easier grip and vacuum insulation that provides excellent heat and cold retention that lasts for 24 hours! The double-walled stainless coating won’t let you feel the temperature of your beverage and also prevents odors, corrosion and stains.

Airpots and Handy Pots

They have both electric and non-electric pots in varying sizes. We have this in our bedroom since the day we got married. It’s very handy everytime we feel like we need to sip tea to neutralize a greasy meal. We cannot imagine life without it!

Induction Rice Cookers

The top-end of their rice cooker line is  Zojirushi’s Induction Heating Rice Cooker. Talk about a rice cooker that does all the work for you! It has settings for all grains of rice and can actually adjust on its own the water requirements it needs to cook the perfect rice everytime. 

Electric Cooking Pans

This large multi-functional electric skillet with adjustable temperature settings can be used three ways. The non-stick pan for grilling and sauteing, the adjustable pan with hole vents for steaming, and the deep dish inner pan for preparing soups and fondues. 

Insulated Lunch Jars

When I was still in gradeschool, my mom prides on the fact that our baon were still as hot as if it was just removed from the pan, thanks to the insulation technology that Japanese lunchboxes have. Zojirushi’s lunch jars are made of vacuum-insulated stainless containers that keeps food hot or cold for up to 12 hours. The microwavable plastic ware inside have dividers that keeps food separated. You may choose which model is right for you as they come in two, three or four compartments. The set includes a pair of chopsticks and a tote bag.

I’ve been a Zojirushi user for God knows how long, and it’s still my go-to brand now that I’m a mom. Elise is only a year old and I’ve already gotten her the insulated lunch jar with four compartments and a tumbler. If the quality of food you serve your family can’t be compromised, it’s a no-brainer to go for Zojirushi.

Zojirushi is running a sale now for up to 25% off. Aside from their Promenade flagship store, you can find their innovative kitchenware at:

SM Home Robinsons Department Store Crate & Barrel Ansons Makati Abensons All Home Fair N Square Rustan’s Dept Store Lazada

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There Are Only Real Moms

I can’t help but look at Elise & be reminded of the year that was especially now that I’m a week away from my 1st anniversary as a mom. 

Nobody feels the pressure to be perfect more than first-time moms. We constantly get it from the media, strangers and even ourselves. After reading every baby book, listening to every advice and obsessing about every small detail, I learned to just trust myself. Seeing how she’s grown healthy and happy despite all my mishaps makes me realize that all my doubts and anxieties didn’t matter.

We all lead vastly different lives and there’s not only one path to become a great parent. At the end of the day, there are no perfect moms, only real ones.

Moving forward, it’s time to be lead by confidence instead of fear in raising this little one! 

I’m glad that Baby Dove’s premium line of baby care products has finally arrived Manila and is now with me in this beautiful journey called motherhood. Join me and Dove as we forgive ourselves for our mistakes and celebrate ourselves for our milestones!

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Vionic: Style Meets Comfort

Wearing heels is the probably my worst habit. Even in my third trimester, I was too stubborn to stop wearing my five-inch pairs. You see, my soles are naturally arched and wearing flats for a long period of time hurt my feet more than strutting sky-high heels. 

So the search for the perfect flats has mostly been unsuccessful and frustrating. And more so now as I’m always carrying a ten kilo baby! 

Recently, I’ve discovered something that gave me a glimmer of hope -- vionic shoes that has street-smart soles! 

I know though what you fashionistas are thinking. Can these chunky shoes be fashionable? I had the same thought when I received my first pair. First thought was, “Oh, these look like FitFlops.” And I’ve never really enjoyed wearing my pairs of FitFlops that I had a decade ago because, uhm, well, they didn’t look too nice on my feet. 

Surprisingly, the pair I got didn’t just hug my fit comfortably, they actually look good! And, easy to pair with my outfits. Case in point below.

As I’ve mentioned, they might look like FitFlops, the brand that’s closely compared to it, but the technology is different. Vionic shoes’ Orthotic technology helps promote alignment from the ground up. It's built into all of their sandals, slippers, active shoes and casual flats. 

As I stepped into my first pair, fist thing that’s instantly noticeable is how I stand with a straight back. I have scoliosis so I have a natural slouch in my posture. While wearing Vionic, I automatically feel more upright, as if it’s corrected my posture. I noticed how it provided stability and support, thanks to the contour of its biomechanical footbed.

I was at one of their boutiques interviewing their sales staff. He shared to me the philosophy behind the brand. “Feet were designed to walk on soft, natural elements like soil and sand, not the hard, flat man-made surfaces that make up so much of our modern world. Our shoes and sandals hug your arches like a natural footprint, giving you all-day support.”

I’m actually super excited to bring this pair to my upcoming beach trip. It would easily match almost all the outfits I’ve prepared to bring. I like how it’s a hybrid of heels and flats, adding just the right amount of height to my petite frame. Plus, it would ease some of the back pain that can accompany carrying Elise during the entire trip.

What I’m wearing is a wedge from their summer collection, Pacific Rio. They also have another model Pacific Naples, that’s perfect for the sunny days ahead.

Try on a pair and feel the difference on your posture. So many styles to choose from than just the two I included in this post. They have boots, slippers, even high heels at their 5 boutiques (Gateway, The 30th, SM Mall of Asia, SM Iloilo, SM Clark, Uptown Bonifacio) and 3 kiosks (TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center). 

Follow them on Instagram @vionicshoesph for real time updates.

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Cups to Keep

Do good and feel good. This was something that I’ve always believed in. It doesn’t have to be a big move, just a single small good deed can change the mood of your day. For instance, what have you done that has positively made an impact in the environment? 

The latest one I’ve made was to switch to reusable cups and my pick was KeepCup. With the mission to encourage the use of reusable cups, KeepCup replicates disposable cups sizes. Whether a coffee addict or tea devotee, KeepCup have a reusable coffee cup solution for anyone who wants to break the habit of using disposable cups.

Why reuse?

Single use items account for over half of plastic used in the world today. Reduction of these goods has a dramatic effect on reducing our environmental footprint. Remember, throwaway items promote a throwaway culture!

What’s in a KeepCup?

It comes in different colors and sizes too.

So before you order your next latte or jasmine, think of the difference you can make by choosing to reuse. Believe you can do better by acting mindfully!

You may purchase your KeepCup at Cupping Initiative. Connect with them at Facebook and Instagram: @CuppingInitiative

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A Piece of Pie For Everyone

A pizza party is one of my favorite kinds to attend or host. It’s casual, laidback and unpretentious. Everybody can just be themselves and have a good time! Though one of the problems we always encounter is having to order so many boxes and serving them in flaps of cartons. The same was the problem of Big Guys Pizza founder when the idea hit him -- why not invent a giant pizza?

Our culture calls us to celebrate different occasions in our lives and we celebrate it by the one thing we love to do the most, eating! And what makes us Filipinos unique is that when we eat, we love to share it with our loved ones! What better way to do that but to ensure everybody gets a piece of the pie! 

Since, 2010, Big Guys Pizza has been making the biggest and most affordable, over-sized Pizza in the Philippines. Not only is it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, parties, but it is also very affordable. Their signature 36-inch pie can feed up to 20 people and have at least 7 slices in it! 

See how excited my nephews and nieces are? We ordered their best-selling Big Guys Specialty that’s composed of 12 flavors divided into one 36″ pie.

Our family of 12 adults and 9 kids finished only a half of the pie! We were even able to share it to our entire household and neighbors.

Isn’t this a perfect addition to this year’s Noche Buena? Just for the holidays, you can enjoy their 36″ pizza P999. For smaller groups, they also offer pies in 10-, 15- and 20-inch diameters.

Big Guys Pizza currently has 14 branches across Metro Manila and will soon expand all over the Philippines.

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Shiseido Launches Waso

A friday night couldn’t have been better spent at the Presidential Suite of Conrad Hotel, with scrumptious selection of cocktails, for the launch of a new skincare line from Shiseido.

Before Shiseido introduced their new product line, Chef JP Anglo conducted a quick demo on the Washoku way of preparing food.

The simplistic way of Washoku is very much like the new and completely distinctive product range of Shiseido that is WASO. It is a range that has been crafted with authenticity at its core. Through WASO, Shiseido is redefining beauty – empowering us to feel beautiful in their own skin whatever their gender, nationality, age or status.

This new skincare range challenges the status quo and changes the conversation about beauty. True beauty defies stereotypes with the power of the individual coupled with the power of nature.

So what does WASO mean? The name WASO is drenched in authentic, Japanese heritage. It originates from a combination of two words, “WA” meaning a Japanese sense of peaceful, harmony, and “SO” meaning inspiration, idea and thought.

I only graced the event briefly as my timeline is still intertwined with my daughter’s bedtime schedule, so Shiseido had me take home a set of the new range to try at home. Here’s what I’ve got to say:

WASO Quick Matte Moisturizer Oil-Free

I’ve been told to ski moisturizers if I want to keep oiliness at bay. But I have to use one now since I’m already in my 30′s but oiliness is still a problem. It was love at first try with this hydrating yet mattifying moisturizer’s satisfying splash of moisture, without the stickiness, greasiness, or residue!

WASO Quick Gentle Cleanser 

This gentle refreshing, alcohol-free, oil-free honey-gel foams without water to remove impurities.This is a good, non-drying, all-in-one face cleanser but not one that will remove your makeup. It’s best to use for days when you just need light cleansing.

WASO Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream

This 24-hour moisturizing clear cream hydrates and helps reduce the look of pores and prevent dryness. It’s more lightweight compared to other creams in the market that you’d barely notice anything on your skin.

WASO Fresh Jelly Lotion

This gel-to-liquid softening lotion a thinner version of the Mega-Hydrating Cream. It’s Alcohol-free and infuses moisture to hydrate the skin.

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Inspired Spaces for Inspiring Moments

Marquis Events Place, an expansive space for elevated functions and events, invited key members of the media and press got their taste of the Marquis experience as the sprawling events space opened their doors for the first time.

For this most-awaited exclusive preview, most of Marquis’ 1,500 square meter area was re-imagined into various event themes, perfectly showcasing the depth and versatility of the venue to hold different events that would last a lifetime. Key corners of the space were transformed into six (6) themed set-ups: 

1. Debut setup - to express the princess fantasies popular in coming-of-age parties

2. Wedding setup - beautifully decorated with the intention to create memories that will never be forgotten

3. Prom setup - done Great Gatsby style, to highlight the frivolous yet formal fun in the inimitable teenage milestone

4. Kiddie party setup - presented the dynamic fun essential in every children’s gathering

5. Conference setup - mimicked high-level corporate events

6. Socials setup - displayed the easy luxury of a cocktail affair

The in-house Marquis Culinary Team provided food for possible event organizers and attendees to sample and enjoy.

In the exclusive preview, we got a special taste of Marquis’ first class-service, modern facilities and luxurious ambiance as we explored each themed space, its action stations, and the different function and event rooms to be enjoyed in Marquis. The event space was designed purposefully, with a defined aesthetic in mind: origami-inspired architectural and interior design, done in with exclusivity and luxury in mind. 

The Marquis space may be expansive—adaptable to fit crowds from 1,500 to 50—but no matter what audience size or demographic, each event held in Marquis is set to be premium, bespoke and imaginative.

Marquis Events Place is situated at the heart of Bonifacio Global City, a commercial and social hub of progressive Metro Manila. Check them out at www.marquis.ph or contact 618-7253, 618-7299, or [email protected] for oculars and event bookings, and follow them on their social media accounts:

Facebook: @MarquisEventsVenue | Instagram: @marquiseventsph

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Customized Solutions for Every Hair

I myself can attest to the power a good hair day holds. Having beautiful hair gives me the confidence to take on whatever the day holds for me. Starting the day with bad hair, on the other hand, just leaves me out of my element. Can anyone relate? 

Yesterday, Cream Silk invited friends from the media and the blogging community for lunch at Manila House for the relaunching of their seven Customized Solutions that cater to different hair problems with their most advanced hair technology yet.

With more than 30 years of hair care expertise, Cream Silk developed its Advanced Hair Reborn Technology that is designed to adapt to what any hair needs. 

When asked what makes Creamsilk different from other conditioners in the market, the Unilever R&D team said that it has revolutionary patented microsheets that coat each hair strand, enabling hair to detangle, align and feel smooth to the touch. This is unique to their formula that can only be used by Creamsilk.

Also, each drop of Cream Silk has double the lysine, a building block of protein known to enhance the natural repair system of fiber, and panthenol (vitamin B5), known to repair damaged hair and impart long-lasting moisturization.

We unboxed our own set to discover the seven Customized Solutions.

Here’s to help you decide which one is for you and the results you can expect from each of them:

I’m a Standout Straight user but I might just try Stunning Shine as my highlights are starting to dull and need a little bit of Shine. Their newest variant, Color Protect, seems like the one that’s gonna be sold-out as hair coloring with vibrant hues has been on trend and you’d want to protect that expensive hair color!

Now every hair problem comes with a Customized Solution. I’m sure you have your own pick by now!