Novuhair: The Truth Behind Hair Chemicals

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss is made of 19 Natural ingredients which includes herbal components such as 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.

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

LOVE, HOPE, FAITH WATCH: GIVING THE GIFT OF TIME

I have always been fascinated with watches (although not the really expensive ones), I even have a small collection which I use alternatively. If there’s one thing about me, I am someone who can leave the house without makeup on, sometimes even with a messy wet hair—but I can never leave the house without a watch on my wrist. Doing so will make me feel as if I’m in my birthday suit. Not to mention, it’s very rare that I am late for my appointments as I was raised to respect someone else’s time. 

When it comes to new watches, especially from newer brands, they have to do something to set themselves apart from the many brands available in the metro. This may take the form of materials, crazy dial designs, unique case shapes or whatever they could think of. In other words, unless they’re competing on value in a segment, they have to show consumers something that we have not seen before. But in the case of Love Hope Faith watches, it’s their advocacy that sets them apart.

Two weeks ago, I received a package from LOVE, HOPE, FAITH. I immediately opened the box and found a gorgeous black couple watch. Yup, I got a pair of watch, one made for him and for her. This isn’t the first time I have encountered LOVE, HOPE, FAITH watch. I’ve seen them in bazaars before but I had no idea what it is all about then. 

So what makes LOVE, HOPE, FAITH Watches a cut above the rest? It may look like a classic watch but it's got a lot of heart. LOVE, HOPE, FAITH (LHF) is an all-Filipino social enterprise founded as an instrument to provide care and assistance to cancer patients. As the business grew, LHF was able to add non-profit institutions on its list of beneficiaries. For every LHF watch and products purchased, you help provide medications to needy cancer patients. Fifty percent of the net proceeds from the purchases of LHF products are donated straight to its charity causes.

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

Press release:

Herbalife Nutrition, a global nutrition company, has released the findings from its Asia Pacific Millennials At Work Survey¹, which revealed that Filipino millennials are adapting a healthy, active lifestyle, however, most believe their current workplace environment prevents them from doing so.

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

Dr. Ron Samaniego of ActiveLife Chicago Physical Therapy Clinic: A Game Changer in Health and Wellness

Meet the #gamechanger and rockstar doctor himself Dr. Ron Samaniego

I hardly ever write reviews especially health related ones because I know I’m no expert in that field. But I felt the service received by fellow Filipinos from one of the most sought after (and probably the first Doctor of Physical Therapy in the country) good-looking doctor named Dr. Ron Samaniego were so exemplary, it deserved one.

 If you’re into social media and you’ve been using Facebook, then I’m pretty sure you must’ve seen Dr. Ron’s sponsored video ads of his ActiveLife Chicago Physical Therapy Clinic on your news feeds. I had no idea I will be given the chance to meet the #gamechanger on health and physical wellness one day. But I did and I’m here to share with you what I have learned from him.

Purple Plum Fairy listens intently to what Dr.  Roni has been sharing us all.

Dr. Ron is the owner, operator and like I said earlier, he’s probably the first and only Filipino doctor of Physical Therapy in the country today. He came to Chicago, USA after tucking a degree and went on to become the doctor that he is now. The best thing about him is that although his work is more lucrative in Chicago, he had chosen to share his knowledge and expertise among his fellow Filipinos.  

Up close and personal, he could be John Lloyd Cruz' older brother

A dead ringer for actor John Lloyd Cruz, Dr. Ron Samaniego's name may not ring a bell yet for many, but for those people whose lives he was able to improve and had the chance to become his patients, they believe that his name will soon become a household word for everyone. 

ABLE Store: Empowering Teens with Disabilities

If you have no disabilities, you may not have given much thought to the financial, psychological and emotional ramifications of not being able to do things that perfectly healthy people do automatically. If you look physically healthy, you may not have any awareness of the painful discrimination in all areas of life that people with disabilities live with on a daily basis. Imagine yourself in a wheelchair trying to negotiate a steep curb, trying to enter a building or some form of transportation, or attempting to enter a bathroom that fails to accommodate you. Aside from these and countless similar situations being inconvenient, they are very disempowering. They send the message that you’re not a worthy human being. People with intellectual disabilities also suffer similar types of discrimination on a daily basis. Their challenges are different, but they too are treated in ways that are very shaming and disempowering. 

ABLE STORE

I’m one of many people living with hidden disabilities. Because I look perfectly healthy and normal, people sometimes make shaming remarks when I tell them I won’t have the energy to attend their event or party, that I can’t go home and commute alone, that I need someone else to assist me to lift a heavy object, or that I can’t seem to see properly at night.

Wella here u one of the girls working for the ABLE Store.

Helping those with disabilities is one of my many personal advocacies. I was invited recently to the launch and opening of the ABLE Store, I immediately said yes without any hesitation.  ABLE Store is the country’s first and only retail store dedicated to hiring differently-abled teens. It is also the venue where Ablepreneurs (teens with physical and learning disabilities turned entrepreneurs) sell their specialty items crafted with love. Thanks to Quality Life Discoveries (QLD) in partnership with Human Nature, their collaboration is dedicated to empowering people with different types of disabilities, people who in the past times were left behind to waste away are now thankfully given the type of support that can help them live full and productive lives. 

Thanks to this initiative of QLD, the goal of achieving maximum level of sustainable independence will give among those with disabilities the chance and the possibility to live full and productive lives.

Cute little crochet keychains

Consistent quality pays for Mrs. Lam Rice

Press release:

Ask any entrepreneur his secret to success, and he would tell you that it is more than just luck. For Victor and Evelyn Lam, the powerhouse couple behind the Mrs. Lam Rice brand, it was really the four Ps of perseverance, persistence, parental care, and prayers for God’s blessings that guided them throughout the years.

Fact is, the family of Victor Lam has been in the rice business for generations before his generation decided to venture into other careers. He learned much of what he knows about the business from his uncles. That’s why he was confident of going back into rice trading in 2000.

After deciding on naming the business after his wife, he went through the arduous process of finding suppliers and trying out different varieties of rice. Unsteady supply from rice traders meant that quality would vary from one purchase to another, from one harvest to another. There was the also the issue of storage. Being new in the business, they learned that rice mills often did not entertain small orders.

“We could not sell rice without a consistent supplier and quality,” says Mrs. Lam. “We had to build our own brand, and consistent quality would be the key to our success.”

The Lams bit the bullet. They ordered an initial stock of 40 sacks of rice, thinking that what they couldn’t sell, they would just cook and serve on their dinner table. Only then did they learn that you could not keep rice in storage for more than three months, because weevils start to grow.

Door-to-door sales

The Lams started to personally sell their rice door-to-door in villages near their home, distributing flyers themselves, and eventually advertising in village publications. They did the deliveries themselves, using their own car and tapping their family driver. Their cook, whom she discovered had an extensive knowledge on rice varieties, helped out by answering and taking down phone inquiries. 

Their base of loyal clients eventually grew from their relatives and close friends when they started placing their products in supermarkets. When their first big order came in, her parent’s and sister’s households helped in delivering their commitments in time. Mrs. Lam Rice had become a family endeavor.

Getting into supermarkets proved to be a tough task considering there are already a number of brands in the market.

“Honesty is very important when you deal with people,” says Mrs. Lam. “I remember the first clients we had. Initially we were told they don’t have space to display our rice. But after being very truthful in our answers to their queries, we were allowed to sell two varieties, namely Sinandomeng and Dinorado.”

To stand out from the crowd, the Mrs. Lam Rice brand was the first in the market to introduce vacuum-packed rice as a means of prolonging shelf life. From then on, sales started to grow slowly.

“We started getting accepted in various supermarkets, engaging in retail on a per kilo basis, as in wet markets. We kept our margins very low, and delivered best quality and tasting freshly milled rice. Our rice undergoes processing at par with big Thai rice mills,” says Mrs. Lam

Product expansion

Mrs. Lam Rice caters presently to the broad A to E market segment, from the budget-conscious to discriminating ones. Its premium local rice varieties include Dinorado Special, Whole Grain Sinandomeng, Long Grain, Sinandomeng Special, Intan, Sinandomeng, and Laon—palay that has been aged for a year for those who prefer fluffy and non-sticky grains with more yield. Its specialty varieties includes Thai Jasmine Milagrosa, Japanese short grain variety, Sticky or Glutinous (Malagkit), and Thai White Rice.

“When my father was diagnosed with cancer, we searched for an organic rice supplier and found a cooperative in Nueva Ecija to ensure a steady supply of church supervised farming and certified Organic Red and Organic Brown Rice,” says Mrs. Lam.

“Organic Rice is highly recommended for health enthusiasts as it is absolutely free from synthetic pesticides or chemicals,” she explained. “This is important because in semi polished rice, only the husk is removed. There is no polishing. That’s why we are able to avoid residual pesticides when we eat Organic Rice.”

The company also attended international expositions to upgrade its packaging to international standards. It started working from a small storage facility, roughly around 80 square meters, to intentionally limit its stock to just a few days’ supply of freshly milled rice. It counts top Chinese and Thai restaurants in Metro Manila among its loyal clients.

Breaking new grounds

For the past 16 years, Mrs. Lam Rice has relied on word-of-mouth and client recall to promote its products. However, the firm believes it is now time to actively market its inventory of rice varieties. It recently signed up actress and celebrity mom Danica Sotto-Pingris as its brand ambassador.

“Danica is already serving Mrs Lam’s Rice to her family, and they enjoy it. So, she is the perfect brand endorser for us,”Mrs. Lam proudly declares.

The endorsement of Sotto-Pingris of their rice varieties highlight the family orientation Mrs. Lam Rice wanted when the Lams were searching a name for their product.

“When we were deciding what to call it, my husband wanted a name that was more family sounding,” she recalled.

And the rest is now history.

Relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis with Fine Turmeric Extract Powder

Press release: 

As you age, you may not be as energetic as your younger self. Doing your daily routine, more so physical activities, may be a struggle especially if you have developed arthritis. However, aging does not necessarily mean that suffering from muscle pain, stiffness and inflammation due to this condition is normal and acceptable just because you are aging.

Many medicines may relieve you from any pain but may cause side effects in the long run. Since the ancient times, organic plants had been used to treat both severe and mild illnesses. At this day and age, many still believe that going natural is better than choosing synthetic.

Turmeric, a plant known for its antioxidant properties, is commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric helps in preventing and reducing joint inflammation.

It also serves as a detoxifying agent as it cleans the digestive tract, improves bowel movement, and treats diarrhea, intestinal gas and stomach bloating. Headaches, colds, bronchitis, fever, menstrual problems, urinary bladder inflammation and kidney problems can also be treated with this wonder plant.

BETADINE® FRESH BLISS FEMININE WASH: Keeping you fresh down there all day long!

Feminine or vaginal wash is a product specially designed to take care of our private body part from unwanted odor, infections, and to provide extra safe cleansing. Of course, we all want to maintain a good hygiene especially ‘down there.’ Now we got many questions about use and necessity of these feminine wash products like:

• Why should we use feminine wash?
• Should we use feminine wash?
• Is it necessary to use this?
• Is it really safe?
• Should we use this daily?

And we have answered these questions in this post for you. Basically, when we are talking about feminine wash’s necessity we should ask a simple question which can answer the riddle itself. Do we use the same Shampoo used for dandruff to control Oily hair or Hair Loss? Obviously the answer is “NO, we do not use the same shampoo for same here to treat different conditions”. Same logic can be applied here as our female private body parts are so much sensitive and need to be treated like one. We cannot simply use the same cleanser for all body part. We use Face wash and Body wash differently same way we need Feminine wash. I guess the basic is clear now.

Once we decide to use the feminine wash another question pops out “Which one is best?” or “What is the best feminine wash for me?”

FINE Organic Pearl Coix Extract: Discover the Japanese Secret to Radiant Skin

 We all wonder how come Japanese women manage to look younger than they actually are and have a complexion to die for? Most people will say that the reason is due to genetics and although that is true, there is more to their beautiful skin than genes. Aside from leading a healthy lifestyle and probably along with a good diet, we have recently discovered the secret to radiant skin when we were invited to the launch of FINE Japan Co. Ltd’s 100% Organic Pearl Coix. FINE Japan Co. Ltd. is one of Japan’s most trusted nutraceutical companies that has been into innovative research and development on health supplements for more than four decades now. Filipinos need not travel to Japan to experience the wonders and health benefits of Organic Pearl Coix since we will finally have the chance to try the said food supplement.

Like some of our fellow Asians, Japanese women are well known for their fantastic youthful look and supple skin. Apart from investing time on their skin care routine, they also tend to take care of their skin from within. Organic Pearl Coix is proven to reduce acne and naturally gives the skin a healthy pinkish glow. It also claims to visibly whiten the skin in two weeks time. 

FINE Japan Co. Ltd., the makers of HYC 150 are also the same manufacturer behind Organic Pearl Coix. Backed by stringent science and research, it had actually taken five years for this high quality product to develop and it’s made of 100% pure organic pearl coix extract powder so you can be assured that it’s safe and effective. 

100% Organic Pearl Coix is unlike any supplemental drink available in the market today. This ready-to-drink nutraceutical product has many benefits not only in terms of beauty but also in total wellness as well. Organic Pearl Coix gives you healthy, luminous and beautiful skin from. It is highly soluble and easy to digest because of FINE Japan’s patented process that transforms adlay seeds into fine powder-like form that comes conveniently in sachets. So you can take it anywhere with you and mix them with your favourite drink whether you’re a coffee drinker or in your refreshing juice—it doesn’t affect your beverage’s taste. Purple Plum Fairy tried the Organic Pearl Coix during the launch by mixing a sachet into my glass of water. It tasted like brewed corn tea. But when you mix it with any drink, you won’t even noticed its taste at all.

Experience Taiwan’s best brands at Market! Market! on October 21 to 23

Taiwan Excellence, symbolize the superiority of products from Taiwan, will be having more exciting and comprehensive activities on their fourth leg of Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone happening at Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig City on October 21 to 23. The said event give mall goers the chance to personally experience the top-of-the-line products as Taiwan Excellence brings in the best and world class quality products in the expo.

Led by the Bureau of Foreign Trade, under the Taiwanese government, the Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone is an interactive product showcase featuring innovative, reliable, and durable brands that bear the Taiwan Excellence seal, which assures customers of the products’ superior quality.

Featuring over 150 innovative products from 55 Taiwan Excellence-accredited brands, products will be showcased in different categories of information and communication technology, household goods, and sports and leisure. 

Chooks-to-Go gets Bossing Vic Sotto's thumbs up of approval as his favorite take home food

Endorsing products isn’t something new for veteran actor, showbiz comedy icon and TV host/movie producer, Vic Sotto who is also known by his moniker “Bossing” in the entertainment industry. Vic’s natural charm and strong following makes him one of the most sought-after endorsers in the country. But for Vic Sotto, he doesn’t just put his name into a brand. “I would only agree to endorse products I really use and believe in. So when Chooks-to-Go approached me, I readily agreed simply because my wife (actress TV host Pauleen Luna) has introduced me to it long before we got married.  In fact, my wife really got excited when this (endorsement) was offered to me. And I loved Chooks-To-Go’s taste because it’s really good even without the sauce,” enthuses Vic Sotto during the media launch held recently.

Event hosts celebrity moms Camille Prats and Susie Entrata-Abrera

 The veteran comedian was happy to have partnered with Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI), one of the largest poultry integrators in the country as its brand ambassador for its Chooks-To-Go line, the Philippines’ leading oven-roasted chicken with more than a thousand rotisserie stores nationwide and counting. "I'm really glad that despite the number of personalities, they had trusted me," adds Sotto. According to a research made by BAVI, Sotto was the unanimous choice as its endorser because his charismatic appeal from across all ages which makes him as a highly reliable endorser.

Take your #StyleGame to the next level with Banana Peel's Sutton Sandals

Press release: 

The evolution of sandals has come a long way - from being a mere beach accessory to its current standing as a ubiquitous choice for laid back and fashionable footwear. With the right mix of clothes, accessories and sandals, you can always look stylish and comfortable.

Banana Peel knows how to make flip flops and sandals functional, stylish and comfortable. Considered as the country's authority when it comes to all things flip flops, Banana Peel gives us another reason to love the Sutton sandals even more with its new splash of colors.

                                                                    

The Sutton's versatile colors lets you do more #OOTD ‘mix and match.’ It doesn't really matter what look you are aiming for the day, the Sutton works best regardless of your style. 

Some #OOTD ideas to raise your #StyleGame to the next level:

The Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier with Mosquito Catcher: Your Ally Against Zika Virus and Dengue

In a tropical country like the Philippines, mosquitoes are rampant and sadly they often bring harmful diseases to mankind. As moms, we must always be vigilant for any possible dengue outbreaks. The government has so far faced these threats with readiness and practice. Recently though, another vector-borne disease is plaguing and threatening everyone’s safety.

With the recent global onslaught of the Zika virus, a disease carried by the same

mosquito breed (Aedes aegypti) that carries dengue and malaria, there has never been a greater time to truly invest and become knowledgeable on its symptoms and cures.But time spent on learning these things only means  acknowledging the mosquitoes’capabilities of infecting and invading your home.

With such great threats, stocking the right medicines or listing emergency hotline numbers won’t be enough. A better and an even more effective way to fight these diseases is to already defend and protect yourself before it even comes to you. There are many ways how to do it.

Aside from maintaining the cleanliness of your house and keeping pots and containers free of water, remember this “4s” guide from the Department of Health:

1. Search and destroy mosquito breeding places

2. Self-protection measures

3. Seek early consultation for any symptoms

4. Say “no” to indiscriminate fogging

Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier with Mosquito Catcher

In line with this advocacy, and with the aim of keeping Filipino families safe, Sharp brings you the Plasmacluster Air Purifier with Mosquito Catcher. It is equipped with the 5-Step Mosquito Catching Mechanism to help you protect your family right inside your home.

Sarah Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay: My Ear Candling Spa Experience

Sarah Bed and Breakfast (Buck Estate) is a great place to stay when you're in Tagaytay or Alfonso Cavite.

I recently went to Alfonso, Cavite (actually I'm not sure if it's already part of Laurel, Batangas) where I discovered a really awesome place called Sarah Bed and Breakfast, it's the perfect venue to relax, unwind and have that much deserved pampering (because they have their own spa). I will talk about the amazing food at Sarah Bed and Breakfast on my food blog soon but for now, let me share with you my ear candling experience at their in-house spa. Sorry guys but I have yet to experience an overnight stay at Sarah Bed and Breakfast before I can give an honest review. Although I've been able to visit the said place a couple of times, I didn't had the opportunity to sleep for an overnight stay. Maybe, that's something I should try in the future. But judging by the way it looks + the warmth and hospitality I had received from the staff, I bet it would be something nice to really look forward to. Anyway, I'm here about to share with you my first time experience on ear candling treatment. 

The facade of Sarah Bed and Breakfast

First, I should note that I am by no means an ear candling professional. Just an interested and curious woman who is sharing her experience with it here on my blog. Like I have said, I just had the opportunity to try it when we had a video and photo shoot held at the Sarah Bed and Breakfast last time. So what exactly is an ear candling treatment? 

Spa Treatments are also available at Sarah Bed and Breakfast

Ear cand·ling

ˈir ˌkand(ə)liNG/

noun

a form of alternative therapy in which the tapered end of an ear candle is placed in a person's ear while the other end of the candle is lit, in the belief that earwax and other impurities are drawn out of the ear canal by a partial vacuum created by the candle flame.

"the Spa menu usually includes, ear candling performed with an oak-leaf broom"

Ear Candling 101

Here Purple Plum Fairy enjoys the relaxing massage by the therapist.