Freedom from Fear (Kalayaan sa Takot: Roxas-Robredo Platform)

fear

/ˈfir/

verb

be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening.

synonyms: be afraid of, be fearful of, be scared of, be apprehensive of, dread, live in fear of, be terrified of;

I did not know how far our country fared in terms of its progress (or perhaps I didn’t really cared about it then) until I had the opportunity to travel abroad last year for the first time. In Hong Kong, I have seen a lot of things which I hope the Philippines could also enjoy. For one, they have better and faster mass transportation system, the MTR is interconnected and they even had the fastest train to get you to their international airport in time for your flight. The locals are more disciplined (although I can’t say the same thing from the ones coming from mainland China).

Freedom to Dream (Kalayaan Mangarap-Roxas-Robredo Platform of Governance)

I feel kinda sad whenever I see people hungry and starving. They say, when you dream, dream big. After all, dreaming is free. In doing these, they said your life could at least prosper. I believe that there’s still hope for our country. People just had to believe in themselves. The truth is out there. Do not allow yourselves to believe in the  ‘propaganda’ especially the ones found in social media.

The West Philippine Sea or how corruption pushed us into trouble

One of the most important issues that our country is currently facing is the Chinese incursion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS). It may not be so well-known to many voters but our problems with China all started with a corrupt government.

Back in 2005, then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo entered into an agreement called the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) with China and a very hesitant Vietnam. In the guise of a scientific exploration, the JMSU was everything an agreement should never be; secretive, unconstitutional and gravely discretionary. To make a long story short, China used  this agreement so they can gain access to places like the Recto bank and the other islands in the group to take a peek at the riches they hold, in this case, rich natural gas and oil deposits.

Color Manila Run

6 Reasons To Join Color Manila’s Blacklight Run

You see the same sights, follow a steady pace, and apart from the music blaring in your earphones, you don’t really get a lot of variety—so what’s fun about a run?

How about joining Color Manila’s Blacklight Run to see for yourself?

Color Manila is encouraging everyone to sign up for a one of a kind running experience—one that combines fitness with new and exciting sights, opportunities to bond with family and friends, while still getting all the benefits of exercise.

Here are some of the reasons why you should seriously consider lacing up those running shoes—

Colors

Running can be boring—and once in a while, it helps to add a bit of variety into the mix. For Color Manila, as the name implies, it’s all about the hues. Whether you opt for the 10K, 5K or 3K, you can be sure to enjoy a unique running event amid filled with neon colors.

It’s At Night

Not a morning person? No problem. Since the Blacklight Run is happening at night, you don’t need to worry about waking up early or running under the heat of the sun. Color Manila makes this night run even more spectacular through the colors they’d be using – the colors would glow in the dark, thanks to the blacklight that would illuminate the entire race route.

Go At Your Own Pace

The focus here is fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re a running pro who can easily complete 10K in a blink, or a newbie just dipping your toe in the world of running, it’s the perfect event to get started. Piece of advice – just enjoy the race route.

Get Social

For those who are always on the look out for something new and exciting things to do in the city, the Blacklight Run creates a perfect venue to get into shape, bond with family and friends, and of course, meet new people.

For Fitness

While undeniably fun, you’re still bound to reap the benefits of exercise. Challenge yourself and see if you can beat your time and distance, or choose to take in the colorful sights at a pace you’re comfortable with—either way, you’ll feel better about having joined and finished it.

It’s For A Cause

More than organizing the coolest fun runs in the country, Color Manila sees to it to give back to the community through the Color Manila Foundation (CMF). Inspired by the hues of the rainbow, CMF commits to support the following causes: Medical Missions, Arts and Creativity, Health and Fitness, Mother Nature, Education, Innovation, and Disaster Response. Clearly, Color Manila is an organization with a huge heart.

Amped up for the race yet? Be sure to visit www.colormanilarun.com to sign up and get your race kits before May 28, 2016.

Color Manila Fact Sheet

Who is Color Manila?

·         Established in 2012, Color Manila is a race and events organizer that targets both running enthusiasts/athletes and non-runners, and lets them experience the real fun in fun run through a color festival.

·         Color Manila removes the competition aspect of the race and encourages the participants to just run at their own pace, creating an exciting atmosphere among the participants.

·         Since 2013, Color Manila has been hosting the biggest color fun run in the country.

·         Color Manila, in partnership with Brother International, was one of the finalists of Best Sports Marketing Campaign 2015, the first Sports Industry Awards in South East Asia.

·         Color Manila has been chosen by the Department of Tourism to organize and host the opening event of Visit Philippines 2015 and Visit Philippines Again 2016 – DOT’s hero campaigns.

What are Color Manila’s concept events?

·         Color Manila has launched three concept events so far: Color Manila Run, Color Manila Challenge, and the CM Blacklight Run. They are also launching a new concept run this year – the Color Manila Costume Run, which has never been done before in the country.

Color Manila Run

·         A color powder race with several color stations along the race route. Unlimited fun and happiness await the participants as an after party always follows the Color Manila festival where everyone throws powder into the air while dancing it out to our DJ’s beats.

Color Manila Challenge

·         This is a race route like no other. Participants have to go through obstacles, color stations, and mazes before they can cross the finish line. This route will make the participants crawl, run, skip, and roll – the fun way of course.

Blacklight Run

·         A one-of-a-kind night run, Color Manila Blacklight Run is filled with neon colors that illuminate in blacklight. A race and a party rolled into one, this is definitely one run you don’t want to miss.

What else? Is there more to Color Manila races other than the colors and cool concepts?

·         Of course there’s more. Aside from promoting both fitness and fun at the same time, Color Manila aims to make a difference in other people’s lives through the Color Manila Foundation (CMF). Inspired by the hope and light-hearted feeling invoked by the rainbow, it is CMF’s vision to be regarded as the rainbow bridge of hope for people and our planet, creating life-changing relationships in both the local and international community by bringing color the people’s lives.

Color Manila in Numbers

·         4 key races (Color Manila Run, Color Manila Challenge, Color Manila Blacklight Run, and the upcoming Color Manila Costume Run)

·         8 cities the races have been held in (Manila, Isabela, Dagupan, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, La Union)

·         110,000 runners and counting nationwide (and upcoming runners globally) in almost four years

·         500 kids and counting who were put to smile by the Color Manila Foundation in less 3 months since its launch. A thousand more to come by the end of this year.

Manage your weight the healthy way with BodyKey

Press release: 

Few people at any given time are at their optimal weight. Some are too thin, even more are overweight. Improper weight management can be the root cause of so many serious health issues. If you live a healthy lifestyle, you won’t be either underweight or overweight. It can be just that simple with the BodyKey Weight Management Program. Six factors have been specifically identified by NUTRILITE™ as areas that need to be managed to achieve a healthy lifestyle, and sustainable weight management. 

Volunteerism is Power

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity where an individual or group provides services for no financial gain. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, and is often intended to promote goodness or to improve human quality of life. Volunteering may have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as for the person or community served. For this coming 2016 election, volunteerism is very much alive. 

In an interview with reporters, Liberal Party Vice Presidentiable Leni Robredo said she was counting on the help of volunteers to power her campaign. "Nag-aanchor talaga ako sa volunteers. Pumasok ako sa race na walang-wala akong resources. Wala akong tao, hindi naman ako nakapaghanda so talaga 'yung sa akin, 'yung volunteers talaga 'yung core ng kampanya," she said.

The Rite of Election: A Perspective of a Filipino Catholic Voter

I’ve been raised a Catholic all my life. I studied in parochial school in high school and went to an exclusive Catholic college in Manila. My being Catholic is deeply rooted in my system and it was not something I just learned to embrace with. I’m not claiming to be an expert on my faith. But having taken units in Theology and read Encyclical letters and thoroughly studied Catechism of the Catholic Church for years as a pre-novitiate, I must say I understand the belief well. 

We have read much about the separation of the state and the church. But we need to understand its interconnection as well as the thin line that separates the two. This coming May 9, as we vote for our next President, I firmly believe that as Catholics, we must consider a lot of things before deciding who we should root for.  Bear in mind that whoever you vote firm reflects your own character as a person. 

A Special Mother's Day Treat: Mother's Day Movie + Pampering Giveaway by PoshNails, OctoArts Film and Purple Plum Fairy

 

I have always loved going to Posh Nails. I loved its chic pink and purple color.

With the scorching heat of the summer sun along with the excitement that goes with election fever, the challenge is on to get some much-deserved pampering treatment. And when pampering and relaxation is being mentioned, only one place comes to my mind—Posh Nails!

 

Brace yourself as this summer, Posh Nails SM Mall of Asia opens its doors to the public. And they’re also introducing the latest treatment designed to spoil those hands and feet with the benefits of lemongrass and ginger

The natural essential oils from the invigorating lemongrass contains antioxidants and vitamins that prevents skin aging and pigmentation. Also popular as an antifungal with antibacterial properties, it helps prevent skin conditions. Soothing oils are also used to minimize pores and gives off a moisturizing effect as well. 

Ginger as we all know is often used in cooking. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries now. But unbeknownst to many, ginger has properties that even out skin tones and helps improve the skin’s natural elasticity. It promotes firmer, younger looking skin and not to mention reduces cellulite. 

NOVUHAIR LAUNCHES ENHANCED FORMULATION

Gary Valenciano swears by Novuhair

Press release: Say goodbye to hair loss and scalp problems with the newly-enhanced formulation of Novuhair.  With 19 natural ingredients, the leading medicated topical scalp lotion is now almost 100% natural.

            “The Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion used to only have 12 natural ingredients. Its improved formulation has a much better fragrance and a cool and minty feel. It also has anti-dandruff properties, as well as nourishing and moisturizing effects on the hair and scalp,” said Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO of Nutramedica, developer and distributor of Novuhair.

            Aside from producing a more effective solution for hair growth, the changes were necessary to make the product 100% compliant to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).

            “Nature has provided a safe and effective answer to hair loss and scalp disorders with Novuhair. It is the only topical scalp lotion in the market that has the highest concentration of natural ingredients, FDA-certified and ACD-compliant. Novuhair is a homegrown, proudly Philippine-made product that is globally competitive. ” added Velilla.

 

Made of herbal ingredients that include moringa oleifera, 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.

Nutramedica is going global and will start shipping Novuhair to the USA, Middle East, Europe and Asia. The first batch of shipment to the USA will be available in California by second quarter of 2016. The company has obtained partnership with a distributor in Kuwait, and is currently facilitating product registration in Denmark.

Novuhair has been awarded by Watsons Philippines as the Most Successful New Brand of the Year in 2012 and has been recognized as the leading Medicated Hair Care Brand from 2012 to 2015. Just recently, they introduced Filipino music icon Gary Valenciano as their latest endorser.

Novuhair Topical 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, and follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

Bluewaterday Spa introduces Kim Chiu as the face of their new Traditional Four-Hand Balinese Massage

 

BlueWater Day Spa, a favourite spa among celebrities and loyal spa-fanatics, it offers a holistic approach for both beauty and wellness recently launched their latest brand ambassador and an exciting new service. Held at the posh Luxent Hotel, BlueWater Day Spa welcomed actress/endorser Kim Chiu as its brand ambassador. Her natural girl next door appeal, charm and beauty made BlueWater Day Spa signed her up as their endorser. Kim joins the ranks of other BlueWater Day Spa roster of brand ambassadors such as singer/actress Nikki Gil, Aljur Abrenica, Christian Bautista, Brent Javier, Ervic Vijandre, Mike Tan, Benjamin Alves, Anthony Semerad and beauty queen Bianca Guidotti. 

Kim Chiu

Nikki Gil

Why am I rooting for Mar Roxas? Because there’s definitely more to Mar Roxas than just good looks!

Liberal Party Presidential Candidate Mar Roxas

Have you guys made up your mind regarding who will you vote for the 2016 Presidential elections? I once read a Facebook post on my friend’s FB wall where they have discussed the qualifications of each presidential candidates. Each candidate have been subjected to public scrutiny from the time they had expressed their desire to run for office. Among the ones who usually get flak not because of who he is but because of what he has was none other than Liberal Party standard-bearer, Mar Roxas. 


I would often hear that some people didn’t like Roxas because of his wife, TV personality/news anchor Ms. Korina Sanchez, who people had this notion of being ‘maldita’ because she’s known to be brutally frank on and off camera. But then, it’s not the wife who’s running for presidency, it’s the husband. And when compared to others, Roxas is indeed one of the most credible ones to run for the country’s highest position. Others don’t like Roxas simply because he’s born with the proverbial silver spoon and the masses thought that he doesn’t seem to relate much with them well. 

Roxas is a Wharton Graduate

Philippine Presidential Elections 2016: Why Your Vote Matters?

 



Does my vote really count?
Have you ever asked yourself: "Does my vote really count?" Well, it depends on how you look at it. Some people I know might say, “Here comes another election, but what difference does it make?” Not much, especially if you keep complaining yet you don’t actually do your part by means of casting your own vote during the elections. If only you’d do your share in making our voiced be heard, then soon there might just be big changes. 

 

Whether or not you think your vote counts depends on your perspective.  From a narrow perspective: "It counts as much as it should, very little." From a broader perspective, maybe your vote counts much more than you may first think. What your vote means, therefore, lies between the following extremes: 

Health Watch: Washing Your Hands with Safeguard Protects Against Top Threat Diseases

 

As parents, we all want to give nothing but the best for our family especially when it comes to health. When it concerns our family’s health, in as much as we can, we try to make our household bacteria/virus-free. Of course, these aren’t enough to guarantee that we will be totally disease-free but taking precautions against it is such a good start. 

Recently, Purple Plum Fairy was privileged to be invited to the first ever Health Watch: World Health Day Celebration spearheaded by P&G, Unicef, Philippine National Red Cross and Safeguard. It’s a first of a series of lecture which aims to equip Filipinos with the information and skills needed to keep our families in the pink of health.

Say goodbye to dead skin cells and hello to new white skin with The New Belo Intensive Whitening Bar with Exfoliating Lemon Scrubs

Sarah Geronimo endorses Belo Whitening Bar with Exfoliating Lemon Scrubs

Press Release:

From the Belo Authority comes a strong follow up to the remarkable success of the Belo Intensive Whitening line, the new Belo Intensive Whitening Bar with Exfoliating Lemon Scrubs. With the addition of Lemon Scrubs to its powerful combination of Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid, it takes whitening to a whole new level. The unique combination of Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid in this product is clinically proven to whiten skin 64% better than products that contain Kojic Acid alone.

How to Vote: Election 2016 Guide

My temporary pass to the Smartmatic VCM demo

They say that Election Day is the only day when everyone is truly equal. One vote per person, regardless of social status or intellectual capacity. As the 2016 Presidential Elections approaches, we'd like to know more about the candidates as well as the latest when it comes to automated elections.

The official website of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was recently hacked, more than month before the May polls, raising fears that the voting machines may also be compromised.  But James Jimenez, COMELEC spokesman, assured the public about their fears on the security features of the automated election system (AES), that it is protected despite the hacking incident. In fact, the database leaked on social media by the hackers was actually made available for public use. 

 

Left: The new VCM while the old PCOS machine on the right was the one used during 2013 elections