BlueWater Day Spa offers new Manual Lymphatic Drainage [MLD] Massage and Indian Neck and Shoulder Massage

We have often been in search for the kind of massage that will perfectly suit our needs based on our lifestyle. As a content writer and blogger, I am often sitting on my chair as I type my thoughts on my laptop, hence, I am prone to lower backache for lack of support, neck pains and leg cramps. Sometimes I’d also have edema on my feet and some tingling sensations on my wrist and hands especially when I don’t get to move as much. So when I heard about BlueWater Day Spa’s latest massage called Manual Lymphatic Drainage [MLD] massage, I wasn’t just curious, I’m really interested!

I recently went to a blogger event where BlueWater Day Spa introduced two new therapeutic massages that targets different benefits. Let’s first talk about the MLD. They say MLD is both detoxifying and slimming as it helps flushes out toxins from the body and in the process recharges the immune system while it also works to reduce water retention from the body and promotes blood circulation.  MLD won’t take much of your time as each session only lasts for an hour.

As the name implies, MLD opens up the major superficial and deep lymph nodes. MLD stimulates the lymph nodes to flow toward the nodes, it acts like vacuum and sucks up the excess fluids. With the trained therapist, the stretch receptors on your skin are activated to increase flow to the lymph nodes. The excess fluid then goes out of the body via urine. 

 The MLD massage was proven beneficial for preventive maintenance because it helps re-circulate body fluids as well as stimulates functioning and balancing of the immune system. This type of massage is ideal and highly recommended to people who suffer from edema, vertigo, insomnia, those who are pregnant and will soon undergo surgery, as well as those with acne, eczema and allergies.

MLD massage is used by doctors, surgeons, osteopathic physicians, doctors of chiropractic, physical therapists, dentists and massage therapists. For P650 per session, it is ideally done once a week for prevention against illness and diseases. MLD massage is even lighter when it comes to finger pressure, even lighter than Swedish massage because it only concentrates on lymph nodes such as auxiliary and inguinal regions. The MLD massage is very gentle and relaxing.

Relax those tired bodies away with BlueWater Day Spa's therapist's gentle hands.

Learning Authentic French and Mediterranean Cooking for the Filipino Kitchen with Chef Xavier Btesh

Chef Xavier Btesh

Filipinos are more adventurous now more than ever when it comes to food. We all have our favourite international cuisine. As for me, I am partial to French cuisine. I would often imagine myself dining in one of those fancy coffee shops in Paris. Unfortunately, travelling to the City of Lights seems to be a far-fetched dream for someone like me. Hence, the next best thing would either be to dine in hard-to-pronounce French fine dining restaurants or buy a cookbook by Chef Xavier Btesh called “French Kusina: French and Mediterranean Cooking Made Easy for the Filipino Kitchen. If you ask me, I’d certainly go for the latter because it’s the more practical choice.

My mother recently attended the Maya Kitchen Culinary Elite Series on m behalf with none other than Chef Xavier Btesh. Born and raised in Paris, chef Xavier had his career training under the tutelage of renowned chefs before he was able to establish himself as consultant chef  and be able to come up with his own cookbook called Les Petits Diners de Xavier which sold more than 40,000 copies across Europe.

French Kusina by Chef Xavier Btesh

ManilaMed launches new State-of-the-Art Cancer Care Unit

ManilaMed lives up to their tagline: One care makes the difference!

When one member of the family has acquired the Big C, everyone in the family is affected. The mere mention of the word Cancer is enough to scare people. With the crucial times we now have where cancer cells become active more than ever, it’s even scarier to think how much we need to allot as saved money for our hospital confinement if we do not have health insurance. The good news is hope is still within reach. ManilaMed, one of the country’s leading hospitals, recently opened a newly constructed Cancer Care Center. They offer holistic cancer facility with state-of-the-art equipment as well as fresh approach in treating cancer patients. 

Purple Plum Fairy was invited during the press briefing at ManilaMed last month where the expert doctors discussed the future of cancer in the country. They also gave us a glimpse of the procedures for newly diagnosed admitted patients, the benefits of multi-disciplinary team approach for each cancer patient, the advancement and innovative technology for radiotherapy, the side-effects and complications that may arise using their Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Treatment. 

Cancer Care Unit at the ManilaMed

The beds at the Cancer Care Unit

Crave Healthy Snack: The First Fortified Snack for Pregnant Women

Unilab, the leading manufacturer of prescription and consumer health products in the Philippines, is now addressing nutrition deficit in pregnant mothers while at the same time meeting their craving needs with the new Crave Healthy.

Crave Healthy is a corn chip. The company claims it is the ‘first snack product in the Philippines that’s specially developed by doctors and nutritionists for pregnant women.’ It contains iron, calcium and folic acid and is low in sodium.

Crave Healthy are yummy corn chips enriched with essential nutrients like Folic Acid, Calcium, and Iron to support your daily needs, good for both mommy and baby.

First snack product in the Philippines that’s specially developed by doctors and nutritionists for pregnant women.

•      Reduced sodium
•     No trans fat
•    Has just the right amount of calories to give you the extra energy that a pregnant woman  needs daily.

Athena Milk for Women's Optimum Health

Athena is a milk specifically formulated with women in mind. Athena will help you  to meet your special nutritional needs. Women, especially moms are always on the go, tries to juggle between work and personal time to be able to enjoy life to the fullest. That is why you need to stay fit and active, even as we age. And because we’re women we have unique needs that only women can truly understand.

High Calcium essential for optimum bone health. It is also a source of Vitamins D and K, Magnesium and Phosphorus – nutrients to help maintain strong bones.

Low in Fat so you can enjoy this beverage without the risk of high caloric intake.
Source of Anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A & E and Zinc to help maintain healthy skin and promote optimum immune function.

Athena, a delicious beverage made just for you. Drink Athena today!

Athena comes in two flavors – Milk (180 grams – Php 130.00; 400 grams – Php 273.00) and Choco (180 grams – Php 130.00).

 It’s available online at www.athena.com.ph and in-store at Mercury Drugstore, Watsons, and Southstar.

Robinson's Flash Sale at Ayala South Park from July 14 to 16, 2017

Can you think of a shopping experience that you had in the past six months or so that was especially great, in that the experience created delight and surprise for you in any way? I just did today when I visited the Robinson's Flash Sale at the newly opened Ayala South Park mall in Muntinlupa City. 

From someone who's practically from the North, it seems pretty impractical for me to travel all the way from my area in Project 4 [near Cubao] to this Southern part of the metro, right? Never mind if I had to pay my Uber pool driver worth P801 pesos for my Friday morning one-way fare. I also didn't mind the usual hellish Metro Manila traffic. As they say in the vernacular, "Pikit-mata akong nagbayad kay 'Kuya Driver'' because I  had really wanted to check out the Robinson's 3-Day Flash Sale at Ayala South Park mall. It was 'salary day' for most young professionals which makes it all the more difficult to commute from my place to Ayala South Park. But like I had been saying, I really didn't mind at all. Everyone wanted to get their savings on, right? I was lucky enough to have gone early to where shopaholics and bargain hunters should be but sans the huge crowd in some malls that offers sale and discounts.

The sale at the activity center

I have good news too for shoppers who have BPI cards like their AMORE cards, BPI credit cards as well as those who happen to have Robinson's Rewards Cards because they've got perks and freebies for a minimum purchase during the entire flash sale at participating Robinson's owned establishments like Daiso, Toys 'R Us, Robinson's Supermarket, Robinson's Department Store, South Star Drug and Handyman. The flash sale is exclusively for the card holders I've mentioned above. But if you don't have the Robinson's Rewards cards, fret not! You can purchase them for only Php100 on those three-days [from July 14 to 16]. Regular price is at Php150 for the membership card. That means, you get to save Php50 for joining if you avail of the card on those dates. 

Robinson's Rewards Card

SUN LIFE AND MOMMY MUNDO ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Press Release:

Sun life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., the number one life insurance company in the Philippines, and Mommy Mundo, Inc., a community of Moms dedicated to making motherhood easier, happier ang more fulfilling through various avenues and activities, recently inked a partnership that would provide Mommy Mundo members easier access to affordable insurance.

With the said partnership, Mommy Mundo members under the age of 65 can avail of Sun Life’s PA TXT Card, an easy-access to Sun Life’s personal accident insurance that provides Php50,000 worth of insurance protection against loss from accident bodily injury for only Php50.

Nail It Vertis North: Best Nail Salon in the Metro

Nail It Vertis North ribbon cutting

While you can certainly do your own nails at home, visiting a nail salon is still something most people love to do. Sipping tea and reading on the tablet, all while having your nails trimmed, filed, and polished? It’s a luxury. It’s no wonder why there are so many manicure salons in the metro. But with this many choices, which will make the best fit for you? Purple Plum Fairy recently visited Nail It Vertis North for you so you don’t have to do much legwork.

Some of the VIP guests during the Nail It Vertis North blessing with the owner Ms. Jean Uvero

Nail It Vertis North is a winner in its own right. Not only is the nail salon socially-conscious, it is fully committed to giving back to the local community. For the most part, all products used for nail services here are non-toxic, eco-friendly, fair-trade and/or cruelty-free. Also, it is worth a mention that their manicurists at this lifestyle concept salon are local underprivileged women whom they’ve offered vocational training and employment opportunities for!

Nail It Vertis North's Ms. Jean Uvero and Ms. Lot

A priest blesses Nail It Vertis North during its opening

Nestled amongst a slew of establishments on the third level of the new Ayala Mall called Vertis North [strategically located just across another Ayala Mall, Trinoma in Quezon City], Nail It Vertis North have in-house manicurists who are known to create nail art according to your whim and fancy so bring along photos of your inspiration if you want them to recreate any designs that you are dying to put on your nails.

Nail It Vertis North isn't too girly when it comes to their interiors. Your significant other can finally join you in your grooming session without feeling a wee bit awkward, hurray! In fact, it is time that you pamper him with quality massages to help him ease up. (They also have the cosiest-looking space, in our opinion!)

The friendly staff at Nail It Vertis North welcomes each guests

The average price for a nail art gel here is on the pricier side but for the level of professionalism and superb nail jobs, we think it is worth every penny. General sentiments seem positive. Patrons feel that they offer amazing service and creative nail art, coupled with an ultra friendly and experienced manicurist. What more can we ask for? 

Some of the polish available at Nail It Vertis North

My Slim and Miss Earth Philippines partners for beauty and fitness

MySlim recently hosted an event for media featuring the early favorites for this year's Miss Earth Philippines. The event was held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City where 10 our of the 40 official candidates for the said beauty pageant were presented to the media. 

Miss Earth Philippines 2017 candidates

Miss Earth is all about using beauty to raise an awareness on serious environmental issues. Part and parcel of joining a beauty pageant is to possess a slim figure. For most people,being slim is all about looking beautiful. With Vida Nutriscience, the makers of MySlim, beauty achieved by less than healthy isn't worth your time and effort. MySlim is a slimming solution with a purpose. It's made to help you become healthy while achieving your desired or ideal slim yet healthy body. MySlim is probably one of the most appropriate brand partner of the Miss Philippines Earth 2017 pageant because they have so much in common.

Bangkarera 2017 celebrates the value of sustainable Philippine seas

Press release:

The coastal city of Dumaguete was the site of the 2nd Pioneer National Bangkarera, as part of Republic Chemical Industries, Inc. (RCI)’s 60th anniversary celebration. From May 12 to May 14, 2017, thousands gathered along the city’s main thoroughfare, Rizal Boulevard, to catch the action as 40 teams of fishing boats made up of 144 entries from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao braved the challenging waters to register impressive times.  

The competition had four categories: the 16HP (Open Category), 7HP (Open Category), 7HP (Angat Sa Dagat Category) and the Paddle Boat (Open Category).

John Spakowski II, RCI Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said that they were “inspired about helping people with the way they do their living and at the same time use our products to protect and preserve the environment”.

Atienza Naturale is a must-try food supplement for a healthier body

Dr. Reiner Mozo discussed the benefits of Malunggay and Turmeric

I am diabetic. A recent study has confirmed that diabetic patients like me may benefit from regular intake of capsules containing Moringa oleifera (malunggay) leaves. The study says that malunggay not only reduces blood sugar levels, but also lowers the risks of stroke and heart attack.

In the first cohort study of M. oleifera on humans performed by Dr. Rainier Nery Mozo, with Dr. Imelda Caole-Ang as adviser, the leaves of this wispy tree were studied specifically for their properties affecting the hs-CRP (high specific C-reactive protein), a strong predictor of cardiovascular risks and death produced by the liver when there is inflammation, and hemoglobin A1c, the standard test that determines the past three months’ blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

In the first cohort study of M. oleifera on humans performed by Dr. Rainier Nery Mozo, with Dr. Imelda Caole-Ang as adviser, the leaves of this wispy tree were studied specifically for their properties affecting the hs-CRP (high specific C-reactive protein), a strong predictor of cardiovascular risks and death produced by the liver when there is inflammation, and hemoglobin A1c, the standard test that determines the past three months’ blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

The 12-week study, conducted November last year and peer-reviewed by the Philippine Internal Medicine Journal, supervised 52 selected subjects, all diagnosed with diabetes mellitus Type I or II. Patients with existing conditions related to inflammation other than diabetes were excluded.

“According to our study, even with controlled blood sugar levels, our patients still showed inflammation above the normal level. This increases their risk of getting a stroke or heart attack. They rely only on hemoglobin A1c tests. They haven’t had their hs-CRP checked,”

Ms. Angela Lei Atienza-Valdepenas welcomes the guests during the launch

Among diabetes’ deadly comorbidities are hypertension, dysregulation or build-up of cholesterol, and impairment in fibrinolysis that leads to blood thickening.

The study was funded in part by the Philippine College of Physicians-Manila Chapter and Atienza Naturale Malunggay Capsule, which provided the supplements. Mozo also spent his own money on the study.

Why do I think Unionbank Is Still a Safe Place for Your Money?

For many years, keeping money safe seemed like a simple, straightforward matter. Other than during times of recession, confidence in banks remained relatively high. After the recent issue involving a Union Bank employee who was arrested for allegedly stealing P17M from their Pasig City branch. I’m pretty sure a skeptical minority would have preferred to keep their cash hidden at their home rather than risk their savings account in banks. But if you ask me, I’d still rely and trust on banks for both my savings and checking needs. After all, UnionBank was able to learn about the said incident by means of its regular routine checking. The culprit was quickly arrested and was filed with the corresponding charges. Banks are huge, complex and dynamic systems that manage huge volumes of cash in real time. The fact that incidents such as this are not everyday occurrences, is actually a testament to how robust and fault tolerant Unionbank's electronic safeguards are.

Banks will always be the targets of thieves, but I would rather have my money be in a bank than the thieves to have my home as their target.  At least a bank has layers of redundant security, and expertise and then finally insurance.  17 million pesos sitting in a home safe or anywhere other than in a bank would be enough to make anyone lose sleep, worse than that, if it were to somehow be robbed, there would be no getting it back, and people are liable to get hurt or killed when it is taken.

Why do I still trust my bank [Union Bank, in particular]?  First of all, what I had mentioned above wasn’t exactly an isolated case for prior to that two other well-known banks went through scrutiny following a 2-day outage. Importantly, the said incident is not in any way involved with cybercrime or cyber security.  Unionbank on its own conducted a rigorous internal probe to know the extent of the said issue. 

Genki Sushi: Best Sushi Train Restaurant in Manila

If a restaurant features a modernized interactive tablet with touchscreen where you could just drag the items you’d want to order plus it also features a cute motorized mini Shinkansen bullet train that will deliver your food right at your own table, wouldn’t you want to try it? Genki Sushi uses two mini trains [Shinkansen bullet train and Kousoko train] instead of a converyor belt which slowly parading who-knows-hold-old sushi in circles. Here at Genki Sushi, you order the sushi you want from a tablet and it gets delivered to you by a speedy train.

Admittedly, I’m a newbie in this type of restaurant. The last time I had something similar to this was back when I was a kid. Anyone from the 80’s who remembers ‘Choo-choo-junction’ restaurant? [Okay, I know I'm reavealing my age here]. Basically, the experience was some kind of déjà vu. But I’m telling you, I was so clueless the first time I went to Genki Sushi. So allow me to share with you the things I had experienced at Genki Sushi so that when you come and visit, you wouldn’t be as ignorant as I was. 

This is Genki Sushi's Kuosoko Train

Mounted above the seats is a tablet where you can just drag the items that you’d want to order and put them on the ‘train.’ Once you’re done, you can just tap the word go. Yes, use the tablet to navigate through the various sections of the menu and add items to your order. You can order five items at a time. Since what fits on each tray that zooms towards your side, you can order as many as you want. The trains come out so quickly and it buzzes off if you won't press the yellow button for the train to go back to the kitchen. Oh, and don't worry, the train stops right at your table, so you can be assured that it only delivers the things you have ordered.