Fun-filled Halloween at Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Press release:

Halloween is here once again, and Shangri-La Plaza has lined up thrilling events for mall guests of all ages to enjoy.

Visit the Toy Frenzy with the Boo Crew happening from October 19 to 29 at Level 1, Main Wing. Stock up on board games to play and bond over with the whole family from Hobbes & Landes; choose from a range of child-friendly books from National Bookstore; score educational toys from Build City; get child development tools for your infant or toddler from Ogalala; or simply discover what’s new from other participating merchants.   Young players can visit Alter Ego’s board game events on October 21-22 and 28-29 at Level 5 of the East Wing.

See your favorite characters and superheroes in all their life-sized glory with the Halloween Installations from October 20 to 29 located in different areas of the mall. Pose with The Hulk, Iron Man, and Spiderman; cute characters such as Hello Kitty and the Minions; or the Star Wars iconic Stormtroopers, R2-D2, and C-3PO.

Bring the kids and dress them up in their best costume for the one-day-only mall-wide Trick or Treat on October 29 where little ones can go from store to store to receive sweet treats and surprise goodies.

Then, from October 30 till November 7, mall guests can shop their way into Dino Planet at the IMMRSV Dome located in the Grand Atrium. Enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view of the Earth in the age of triceratops and velociraptors. People of all ages will be awed by the one-of-a-kind experience of exploring the tropical forests and learning about these majestic creatures. 

Enjoy all these Halloween festivities when you come by the Shang this month of October.

For inquiries, call 370-2597/98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Merck Philippines give hope for married couples who want to have a child

Infertility is a condition that affects approximately 1 out of every 6 couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple that has been unsuccessful in efforts to conceive over the course of one full year (adequate cohabitation). When the cause of infertility exists within the female partner, it is referred to as female infertility. Female infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and female infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases.

Among women, below 35 years, conception is achieved in 60% after 6 months and 85% in one year. For women 35 years and above, only 60% in one year and 85% in two years and occurs in about 9% of married couples. 

There are several factors that affects fertility treatment. It includes: age, weight, smoking (lifestyle), and other toxic agents. Purple Plum Fairy along with other selected invited bloggers and other guests recently attended Fertility Awareness event organized by Merck Philippines, held at the Garden Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. 

Blogger and social media influencer Daryll Dial Villena of www.deiville.com makes a peace sign as she watches the video presentation.

The said event kicked off with a short video presentation about infertility. After each viewing, we were asked to answer a Fertility Quiz in an electronic tablet to evaluate our condition which will guide us towards the best fertility method to use. 

The Fertility Quiz on the E-tablet

Female Infertility: Causes, Treatment And Prevention

The most common causes of female infertility include problems with ovulation, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with the cervix. Age can contribute to infertility because as a woman ages, her fertility naturally tends to decrease.

PATAK: A Benefit Show will be launching Patrick Donald Teng Foundation

Press release:

PATAK, a benefit show to launch the Patrick Donald Teng Foundation is slated to happen this Saturday, October 21 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University at 6:00PM

Patrick Donald Teng had an amazing vision in life. He dreamt of becoming a neuro surgeon and took up medicine at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. Not known to his own family, he supported charities while attending college and at the same time, offered much of his time doing volunteer work for different organizations and one of them was Hearts at Play.

Patrick was also an active member of The Company of Ateneo Dancers and was President of the Ateneo Medicine Dance Group. He brought joy to a lot of children through dance and even encouraged many of his group members to offer their time to make these children happy.

Unfortunately, all his amazing efforts had to take a side step when diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a rare type of brain cancer, which ended his dream of being a doctor. Despite his condition, his contagious positive outlook in life remained and Patrick continued his volunteer work even while in a wheelchair. He bravely fought for his recovery, but sadly, time dictated that he had to leave everything behind to join our Creator – gone too soon at the age of 25.

Merck Philippines Campaigns 5th Fertility Awareness via 'Bridging Baby Steps'

This photo does look like Purple Plum Baby, right?

Are you trying to get pregnant but having difficulty? You're not alone, no matter what age you are. Although it's no secret that pregnancy risks do increase as you age, there is still good news for moms looking to conceive. Get the details about infertility at every decade, including the risks to you and your baby, and ways to boost your fertility as Merck Philippines aims to raise awareness against infertility and to continue education on the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods in the Philippines through seminars and lectures. This 2017, Merck Philippines presents the 5th Fertility Awareness Campaign via "Bridging Baby Steps." The said event will be happening on October 21,2017 at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. It is open to the public and registration is FREE. 

Women of all ages know far too well what it's like to hear their biological clock ticking away. It can be stressful knowing there's a time limit to fertility, but as with all health issues, knowledge is power. So we need to take advantage of this opportunity to attend and hear the issues straight from the expert doctors and speakers who's expected to grace the said event. What's more, we might just be given the chance to ask questions too during the event. 

Manila Medical Center’s Campaign against Breast Cancer: Fighting the Big C with Early Detection

Let's all fight against Breast Cancer! Have yourself checked!

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Filipino women, with one in every thirteen women get diagnosed by the time they turn 40. It is also the leading cause of death among women worldwide and is the most prevalent in the Philippines. Statistics reveal that one of every four women diagnosed with breast cancer die within the first five years. 

Despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and management in recent decades, Filipino women are diagnosed each day and more will lose their lives to the said disease in the next couple of years. Raising awareness is an important part of reducing the impact of breast cancer on Filipino women and families. Manila Medical Center (Manila Med) acknowledges the need for early detection because this is the best way we could all fight against breast cancer. 

Unfortunately, like most Filipinos, we're the type who would only bother to visit the hospital and have ourselves checked if and when "may nararamdaman na." But most of the time, most of us would really avoid going to the hospital and seeing a physician. We fear of finding out that we're not in good health as we thought or we fear the expenses of having to undergo treatment. 

This entire month of October, Manila Medical Center invites all Filipino women to take time out to make sure family, friends and loved ones are well informed, and to ensure those affected know they are not alone in their breast cancer journey. Everyone should also take this opportunity to have their breast check-up for their own peace of mind. After all, early detection is the key against the Big C. Breast cancer awareness and early detection give women a higher chance of beating the disease. 

Dr. Dennis Sacdalan, Head Cancer Unit of Manila Medical Center

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a special time to acknowledge and support the many women and families across the country affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month originated in the United States back in the 80’s and the month of October is now internationally recognized for breast cancer awareness.

The pink ribbon connotes Breast Cancer Awareness

Things I've Learned from Attending the International Coastal Cleanup Philippines Environmental Summit 2017

Rubbish stuff you'd normally see when you're at the coastline area

"Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.”

This is the sad reality of life. But if we all try to do something in our own little way about the global garbage cans now, perhaps we can still save some legacy for the future generations. So when Purple Plum Fairy was given the opportunity to cover the recent International Coastal Cleanup Philippines Environmental Summit 2017 in Subic, Zambales, we immediately said yes. 

The distinguished guest speakers for this year's ICC Environmental Summit

The International Coastal Cleanup Philippines Environmental Summit 2017 was an exciting integrated activity done annually that introduces the youngsters to hot-button environmental issues through a series of inspirational talks by prominent experts, social entrepreneurs, educational learning workshops, etc. 

Students learned that our way of living has a great impact on the global environmental issues such as global climate change, food and water sustainability, ubran development and environmental conservation, importance  of the 4 R's "reduce, reuse, recycle and recover." 

The two-day summit gave participants the opportunity to discuss ideas, interact with fellow youths, environmental advocates and experts, as well as other volunteers toward improving their local community. It was fun to help play a part to clear our ocean, lakes, rivers, and sky from the state of 'garbage cans.'

Organized and run by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce with support from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, 11th Squadron, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, The Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation, National Solid Waste Management Council of the Department of Environment and natural Resources and the National Coast Watch Secretariat. 

Now on its third year, the environmental summit focused on environmental awareness that addresses specific topics whilst promoting the overall objective of establishing environmental leadership amongst young people. The two day-forums encouraged all participants to become ecological warriors or simply called as "eco-warriors."

Nailaholics Celebrates the #NationalPamperingDay now on its 2nd Year

Nailaholics welcomes guests to their beach-themed nail salon

Embrace the tranquility of this hidden gem called Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa with exquisite beach-themed nail salon, skillful nail technicians and therapists plus an uplifting ambiance, you will experience a superb luxurious pampering treatment. It's a relaxing "me-time" without having to travel out of town. Once you're finished with your session, you'll be so reluctant to leave! 

Nailaholics has specialized in nails and spa treatments and has gained a large clientele ever since. Allow your stress to melt away, and your muscles to feel relieved, when the professionally trained therapists work their magic on the pressure points on your hands and feet.

The lovely interior of Nailaholics

Purple Plum Fairy recently experienced one of their best treatments called Vitamin Sea which consists of a manicure, pedicure and foot spa services. I noticed that Nailaholics is equipped with comfy chairs to enhance the serenity, with individual basins for feet washing, otoman for the treatment and beach-like ambiance for that chill vibe.

Product Review: How Gemz Lip Balms makes my dry lips moisturized

Ever since a brand of imported lip balms in spherical shape burst onto the scene a few years back, I have been wanting to try one. Intrigued by the shape, the amazing claims of super soft lips from the blends of oils, vitamins and butters I was one eager beaver. But I found it too expensive for my usual ‘beauty budget.’ Fortunately, I stumbled upon another brand called Gemz Lip Balms and it looked exactly as that imported popular one (this is also imported), only this time this is more affordable in terms of price as compared to the first one. It also comes in the same spherical shape with 6 lovely scents/fruity flavours to choose from. They've got Citrine Lemon, Mint Zircon, Emerald Pineapple, Peach Moostone, and Ruby Strawberry. They're packed with antioxidants like Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil. The best part? They are guaranteed to be gluten-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologists tested and are not tested on animals. 

I have been using Gemz Lip Balms everyday so now I'm ready to share with you my thoughts about it. Read on...

I like Gemz Lip Balms. I enjoy the spherical cute packaging which is easy to slip onto your pocket and convenience too. The scent is pleasant and for the amount of the product you get, I think it's a pretty good alternative to the more expensive brand of lip balm of the same shape. Sold at a little less than a hundred bucks (SRP is pegged at Php100-Php120 each) if you purchase an entire box of a dozen gemz, you'll be saving Php20 per lippie. You can resell them or give them away to friends, I'm pretty sure they will also love it!

As the holiday approaches, so does our lip balm addiction. I beat the cold holiday season and habitually dry and chapped lips by constantly re-applying on lip balms. I justify my need of having more than one of these Gemz Lip balms as it contains SPF 15 (sun protection factor) which protects my lips from getting burned. The flavor/scent maybe lemon-y and blueberry but it does not have  sugary sweetness to it although you can tell it's lemon and blueberry scented. 

Gemz Lip Balm's promise (what it says on their packaging): Give your lips a healthy boost with this all-natural, antioxidant-rich lip balm that is filled with refreshing blueberry, mint and lemon flavors.  Gemz lip balms are 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, Gemz lip balm keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth.

Gemz Lip Balm in Citrine Lemon

During the holidays, I cannot let a day go by without moisturizing my skin that includes my lips. My lips tends to chap and crack very easily therefore I need to hoard as many lip balms as I can and if you are like me who has a love for collecting lip balms, you cannot let this little darling of a product slip away. This is a must-have for every collector.

Gemz Lip Balm in Blueberry Amethyst