Body Curves – the easy way!

With all the crunching, flexing and sweating in the gym, you have finally reached your goal – your ideal weight and body fat percentage. But, why is it your body still carries around a belly bulge, saddle bags or flabby arms?

After shedding those extra pounds, our bodies have the tendency to maintain five percent of body fat that is equally distributed all over the body. Those fatty deposits are even made more stubborn with trapped toxins from unhealthy eating habits and exposure to environmental pollution. The answer to this concern: body sculpting or spot reduction program.

Thru the Resonax technology, stored fats in specific parts of the body are dissolved, reabsorbed and eventually, flushed out of the body. Developed in Italy, Resonax uses quantum molecular resonance frequency that delivers controlled, intensified heat. Each session last less than an hour with no downtime at all so you can go and in out of the clinic. Under a weight program and nutritional counseling, results are readily visible after treatments only after a week’s period.

For faster results, this is best combined with a mesotherapy program. And before you know it, you are back sporting those tank tops and skinny jeans.

Tick, tock, what’s on the clock?

Kids live in the moment. With no apprehension to past mistakes and future outcomes, they embrace life as it comes and equally respond with no hesitation. As a result, kids laugh as heartily as they can, cry as loud as they can and love as sweetly as they can. As they grow, kids’ lives are slowly inducted to routine and rigors of daily living. Along with other life’s lessons, it is better to start sooner than later just like in the case of teaching the young ones the value and discipline of time management.

“Parenting experts have said it time and again – childhood is the best time to teach the skill of time management,” points out Kelvin Ngo, operations manager of Kids Watch Central. “Studies tell us that 80 percent of a typical workday is wasted on unimportant tasks and wasted time. A statistic that could have been prevented if only these adults had been disciplined early on.”

Time management is said to be a set of skills for better use of one’s time that incorporates organization and attitude into the equation. At first, parents are usually quite daunted to take the challenge because time is an abstract concept. Jennifer Tan, a teacher from Explorations Pre-School says that “it’s not unusual for children to ask: ‘Mom, what does a minute look like?’ or ‘How do I know if my time is already up?” Thus, this is where tools such as children’s watches come in.

“To make it more ‘real’ especially for children, concrete time telling tools such as a wrist watch can do wonders,” Ngo observes. Apparently, visually-appealing timepieces are of advantage and interesting to kids. “If their favorite character is Spiderman or Barbie is on dial or staps, they are likely look again and again at the wrist watches as opposed to a plain-faced one. It’s about adding the element of ‘fun’ to the visual presentation of time,” Ngo notes. Aside from telling time, wristwatches can also aid children in practicing other mathematical skills like number recognition, counting, grouping numbers and skip counting.

For time management, Ngo shares that “children should be encouraged to categorize their tasks as either ‘important’, ‘urgent’ or ‘both’. Important as the task needs considerable attention to detail or research before completion while urgent means that it is due soon. ‘Both’ deals with a great amount of work necessary to accomplish the task given the short time. This exercise helps children classify, prioritize tasks and delegate their time and effort accordingly.”

More than the technical skills, time management can also develop self-confidence and creativity among kids. Being able to foretell the next activity or task on schedule enables children to be more confident in their choices. Knowing when to end a task or how much time remains gives children leeway to create more. Simply put, maximizing time will have kids maximize fun in the end.

Ultimately, advocates of this skill agree that time management is about self-management whereas decisions should come from the children themselves. “Of course, children should not abandon their sense of fun or spontaneity, however, some basic planning strategies do help a lot. And it is a skill that can go a long way and help them achieve success when they grow up,” adds Ngo

Zits, zits away!

Stop before you think that zits or acne are purely teenagers’ stuff. Actually, acne can occur as early before ten of years until the graceful years of 50! Acne is associated with excessive oil production deep in the follicles of our skin. Once that happens, zits are here to stay. No wonder those ugly bumps and blemishes come up right before an important date or event.

Picking on Acne Myths

Good hygiene can prevent acne.
False. Acne is caused by internal factors deep in our skin and to stop acne, we need to disrupt the cycle of events that leads to this common skin disease.

Chocolate or greasy food can cause acne.
False. According to studies, there is no conclusive evidence that shows the connection between diet and acne.

Oily skin is prone to acne.
False (the third time!). Regardless of skin type, acne will occur when the cycle starts and you have excessive oil trapped in the pores.

The Anatomy of Acne

Many factors have been attributed to cause acne such as hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause), heredity, increased stress, physical stress and irritation.

Our skin produces oil or sebum from the sebaceous glands that are just underneath the skin’s surface. Once oil is produced, it travels up through the pores and lubricates the skin. Dead skin particles usually slough away but with acne-prone skin they get trapped in the pores and lock in the oil. With the continuous oil production, the blockage grows as acne.

There are two simple ways to be free of pimples and pimple blemishes: keep pores from blockage; and reduce excess oil. Dead skin cell normally falls off from the face but with excess oil they accumulate in the pores.

To prevent acne, here are more helpful tips:

Clean your cell phone and desk headset with an antibacterial cleaner daily to avoid dirt and bacteria transferring to your face.

Remove makeup before sleeping. This can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Avoid touching your face throughout the day.

Exercise regularly. This reduces stress and increases oxygen to the skin, which may help reduce acne.

Try to shower as soon as possible after exercise and wear ventilated clothing to help prevent chest and back acne.

Drink several glasses of water every day to flush out toxins in your body and skin.

Do not pick, pop or squeeze. Squeezing blemishes or whiteheads can lead to infection or scarring. This makes the acne worse than ever!

Wash your pillowcase often and always use clean face towels. Dirty towels and pillowcases can harbor bacteria and germs that can make acne worse.

Pull your hair away from your skin when you sleep. Your hair contains oils as well, and can contribute to breakouts.

Clean cosmetic brushes regularly in soapy water and throw out old, contaminated makeup.

Keeping the zits away

Mary Kay Inc. is known to be one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics and their three-way system is highly recommended for acne-prone skin with best results in the least amount of time.

With fast results, the new Mary Kay System for Acne-Prone Skin promises to deliver. This three way system helps the skin to stay clear and acne-free with its 2% salicylic acid formulation that penetrates to the pores to unblock trapped oil and debris. They also contain the botanicals Canadian Willowherb, sea heather and burdock root that soothe your skin.

The Clarifying Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
The lightweight cleanser removes excess oil and dead skin particles without leaving any residue. With a clean and refreshed skin, you are now ready to apply the second step.

The Pore-purifying serum for Acne-Prone Skin
For oil control, apply this silky serum and let your skin absorb this formula. The serum reduces the appearance of large pores and shine of your face.

Spot Solution for Acne-Prone Skin
For spot medication, use this formula to clear-out blemishes and prevent future breakouts. This also gently exfoliates your skin and leaves no residue.

Mary Kay promises that you will see improvement in skin appearance in just three days. Now, that is a good deal! But be mindful that Mary Kay System for Acne-Prone Skin is intended treatment for mild to moderate cases of acne, however, for severe acne, please consult your dermatologists.

Family we once were

One Easter Sunday

One of my happiest memories was when the whole family celebrated Easter Sunday at the seashore. Im not sure what year it was but this occasion I remember well. We usually mark the event by going to church and have a family luncheon at home but not on that day.

We were already up before the sun did. I’m guessing it was about 4 am. With sandwiches, hot drinks and swimming wear in tow, the family started off the long ride on a tricycle. I was quite familiar with the surrounding area but this time I could not tell where we are going because it was quite dark. Swimming at the beach was a common thing for us, since we live just by it, but today I was exceptionally excited. We went to a spot at the beach so remote that only a
handful of nipa huts were there. I almost felt that we had the place for
ourselves.

We were so eager to jump in the water that we quickly changed into our swimming clothes. But, Tatay (father) made us remember the day and the reason why we were there. He pulled us in a circle over our food and stuff and prayed. It was a very long and solemn prayer. I was kind of relieved when it was over. I was excited and happy and, decidedly, would like to celebrate the day like that. Accordingly, my Sunday school teacher taught us that this is one of the happiest days of christendom, the day of the risen Christ.

We swam to our hearts’ content. Once we got hungry, we chowed down sandwiches, hotdogs and hot chocolate. Our chosen spot was extra special since this is where the sea and river meet. We have always wondered where the river would end up and this day gave us the answer. It was very interesting to see two types of water mingle and mix. One was bland and the other was salty. I think it was Kuya (older brother) and Tatay who caught some water beetles. Somebody came up with a tin can and we placed the water bettles inside with a little water. Now, we were told that they can be eaten so we can bring them home. It was the first time I saw such creatures. I was fascinated and at the sometime sorry for them since later, well, they are dinner.

As the sun went up so did the tide. We swam until everybody got tired and hot. Nobody spoke during the ride home and eventually, everybody found their spot at home and spent the afternoon napping. As for our catch of the day, we boiled them with a dash of salt and a piece of ginger and ate them. They were pretty tasty for bugs.

Abuel, Roco shares Lead Role in Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street

Back on stage, veteran actors Tomy Abuel and Bembol Roso will both act as Fidel, one of the lead roles in Benjamin Pimentel’s Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street to be staged by Tanghalang Pilipino this November. Adapted by multi-awarded playwright Rody Vera, the play is about the hurtful and hilarious adventures of the habitués of Powell Street in San Francisco, the WWII Filipino veterans. These valiant grandfathers braved bombs and bullets in a war fought side by side with American soldiers but now the lolos struggle on what may be their last battle for recognition and rewards from the US government.

Veteran actors Abuel and Roco will personify the character of Fidel, a war veteran who shares the dream with fellow compatriots while waiting for the equity rights. “I loved the script right away because it was closer to home. I had an uncle who fought in the war and as a veteran, he went to the States for the same reason but eventually he came home because he could not stand the cold weather and his loneliness,” shares Tomy. Aside from personal reasons, Abuel also believes that the play can translate the plight of our forgotten heroes for today’s audiences. “It is pitiful for something they have to wait for so long. They have a long way to do and I feel sorry for them. They simply do not have the time for the promises made to them and this is the biggest disappointment. We hope the audience would really understand their fight for something that should have been given to them.”

Bembol Roco finds the play – “Funny but at the same time, it could be so serious. The way it was written, the script could be hilarious at times but could easily take on a serious tone because you could easily identify with the characters as a Filipino. I have read so much about our veterans and I think their remunerations are long overdue. Wala rin silang magagawa (They could do nothing) but wait. The said thing is kukunti na ang mga veterans (only a few of them are left).”

Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street is the first novel of Benjamin Pimentel, a writer and journalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He worked for many years as a reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle and now covers the technology industry for MarketWatch. As a reporter, he wrote many stories on Filipino veterans and their struggles to attain equal benefits. Through the novel, he tried to recapture the stories and sacrifices of the Filipino war veterans in a foreign land that have yet to recognize them.

Aside from Abuel and Roco, the life stories of Ruben, Badong, Major Amor and Ciriaco will be interpreted onstage by some of the country’s most respected actors: Lou Veloso, Menggi Cobarubbias, Joe Gruta and Dido dela Paz. Known for his work in mega-hit shows Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah and Insiang, Cris Millado directs the crew. “We bring the dreams of the manongs in this play. They belong to a whole generation of forgotten heroes. It is heartening how they bond, warm themselves with laughter with layers and layers of used, mismatched clothing. They have found ‘bayan’ in that little place at Powell. They are in their advanced years and yet they choose to live in dire conditions away from their families. They are fighting a real war for something more valuable to them than a measly sum of dollars.”
Direk Cris wanted to stay true to the character, even soliciting elderly actor for the roles. “We first bought the script to actors in the 70’s to fit the characters. Some are willing but health concerns fail them to complete the requirements of the role.”

The same challenge also pushed the lead actors, Abuel and Roco, out of their comfort zones. “I have to sing on stage. That alone is very new to me. I first thought, ‘Pwede bang magback-out?’ It was terrifying because I am not a singer. But I knew I can carry a tune, so I started singing mostly when I am alone and driving,” shares Bembol Roco as he chuckles.

“For me, technically, the challenge is the long exposure on stage. The moment my character step on stage, babad siya sa stage, he stays there until the end. That comes with the long lines to memorize. It is good a thing that I’m a former law student so I am used to reading and remembering volumes of material,” reveals Tomy Abuel.

“The production is so timely,” says Fernando Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino’s new artistic director. “These are our heroes,” Josef declares. “We want the Filipino public, especially the youth, to know the dilemma of our veteran soldiers and of course, our elderly.” Mga Gerilya promises to be a sure treat for students, followers of history and anyone who fondly remembers the family’s war tales that connects them to our nation’s heroic past.

Your Second Home in Cebu

Forget all your worries and set your eyes in Cebu this summer! With the opening of Imperial Palace hotel, the newest condominium-hotel on Mactan Island, Cebu, experience a leisurely life with amenities of a 5-star hotel while owning a vacation home that earns for you.

This summer, Philippine BXT Corporation will open their latest addition to their world class hotel chain. The Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa in Maribago, Mactan Island consists of 556 deluxe and suite rooms with 24 pool villas that are fully-equipped with private pools and jacuzzis. In addition to the 180-meter wide beach line, the resort hotel boasts of several themed pools in the very first water park in Cebu.

Imperial Palace hotel guests get to enjoy amenities like the full-service spa and wellness center with massage rooms, sauna and plunge pool. International cuisine, drinks and snacks will be served on several specialty restaurants and bars within the resort. Promenade decks and the private beach provide the relaxing mood in the 7.5 hectare seaside property.

For business and private functions, the Dubhe and Selena convention and banquet halls has the capacity of 800-1,000 people with modern facilities, convenient transportation system and a huge parking lot. Imperial Palace can accommodate small to medium size gatherings with five halls that are perfect for birthday parties, baby christening, engagement parties and family celebrations. The resort is very accessible with just 20 minutes from Mactan International Airport and 30 minutes away from business and leisure center of Cebu City.

First Tourism Ecozone

On January 30, the Philippine BXT Corporation, the Imperial Palace developer, was officially proclaimed as Cebu’s first Tourism Economic Zone by virtue of Proclamation No. 1681 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and PEZA certificate no. EZ 08-47. The commemorative marker was unveiled at the resort together with DOT Secretary Ace Durano, Congresswoman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, Director General Lilia de Lima of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), DOT Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr., department key officials, Imperial Palace management and Phil. BXT team. “The Imperial Palace is one of the international hotels and resorts in the country that tends to improve the Philippine standing in terms of tourism investments and hospitality,” shares DOT Secretary Ace Durano.

Relax and Invest

Accredited under the Dept. of Tourism’s “Live Your Dreams” campaign that encourages foreign visitors to own a second home, the Imperial Palace Hotel in Cebu puts on the market a viable investment package that includes real estate appreciation and a steady income. Under the rental program, condotel unit owners will receive a portion of the total income of the entire hotel minus the expenses. Thus, investors stand to earn even if their respective units are under lease or not.

As a registered owner of a 5-star unit, buyers are entitled to shares from the Golf Course and Country club and enjoy privileges as club members. For 60 days at any time of the year, unit owners can stay in the unit and use the waterpark facilities, fitness club and kids’ land. Discounts of 20-40% are also available on restaurants, spa and wellness salons.

Annually, every unit owner is guaranteed of an 8% return on their investments up to three years. On the fourth year, buyers will have a pro-rata share of the total room revenue less fees, costs and incentive shares. There is also a buy back guarantee at its original contract price after three years from the date of final payment. The reservation fee is P100,000 and is considered as partial payment.

“As a world tourist destination, we saw Cebu’s potential with our investments. The warm weather, hospitality and accommodation made us very happy with our stay,” reveals Park Jong Hwan, the president of Phil. BXT Corp. Imperial Palace Hotel group will be in management of the resort waterpark and spa. This management group has portfolio hotels located in Seoul, South Korea, Fukuoka, Japan and now in Cebu.
Time magazine awarded the Imperial Palace South Korea as Asia’s Best hotel in 2006.

The Growing World of Internet Marketing

The Growing World of Internet Marketing

With nearly 30 million Internet users in the Philippines, the advertising landscape has changed in the sense that marketing products and services are no longer confined to e-mail blasts and banner ads.

Of the 28-million Philippine online community, 83 percent are into social networking, 90 percent produce blogs and 98.6 percent watch videos, Yehey.com CEO Donald Partrick Lim said.

If 1 percent of the 10 million Filipino workers overseas would transact online that would already be a sizeable captured market, he said.

He noted the rise of viewers watching digital televsion not just on normal TV sets but also online on their computers and cell phones that by the end of 2010 he estimated that the 500 million digital ads will grow by 100 percent to 1 billion.

In terms of business models, outsourcing is lucrative when it comes to demand for online delivery of professionsal services.

Outsourcing specialist John Jonas said opportunities could be found on the Internet by linking to sites that advertise jobs overseas, as well as Web hosting, online wholesalers and retailers and marketing write ups.

Pay-per-click marketing or Seach Engine Optimization refers to Web pages that receive high ranking among search engines for maximum visibility and reach for online visitors. “Search engines are keyword driven. Response is immediate with traffic generation that is cost-effective, widely exposed, controlled and measureable,” said Fabian Lim, chief executive of Asia Internet Academy.com.

Liam recommended uploading effective ads with consistent markeing messages and simple page designs. “It is better to create several ads for the split test and tracking of viewers.”

For Singapore’s list building master Jaz Lai, e-mail marketing could be the best tool in expanding the effectiveness of existing database. In the absence of a list, Lai said post a page offering free products and other benefits to be given away after accomplishing the registration form. “This must be equipped with an auto-responder to complete the process.”

Bigger traffic on the page creates a bigger database. A single article can generate attention and traffic when the database can be accessed through sent e-mails, audio files for podcast, video uploaded on YouTube as well as blogs and social networking sites.

Products and services could also generate a great number of responses by writing e-mail messages with a personal and friendly tone of voice. “Instead of thinking how you can earn, think of how the audience can benefit from it,” said Lai.

With the right revenue models, social networking sites could be developed to sell products and services. “You can create online presence by building on social networks,” said Simon Leung, a Google optimization insider. “Blog your way to your own personal branding, put up a fan page, or develop massive exposure using micro-blogs like Tweeter. Encourage a community of loyal followers by sharing videos, your favorite photos, and book-marking your favorite sites.”
FireballOnline.com CEO Ian del Carmen said there is more to the Internet than trading, getting jobs, selling advertising space and being known. Through membership sites, one could earn extra income from member registrations, subsequent visits to the page and use of its contents.

To generate traffic, put up contents like articles, reports, e-books, e-zines, newsletters, or manuals, according to Del Carmen.

When it comes to branding “invest in your Web sites,” said Lloyd Luna of Lloydluna Communications. Your company’s Web site must be sleek, logical, reflecting the image of the company.

You involve your market by askin for recommendations from visitors and having an auto responder. Aside from carrying the domain name, company e-mails should be short, easy to remember, understandable and uniform, Luna said.

Published on Manila Standard Today
April 10, 2010

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