Rochelle Rivera

During my spare time (like a serious me time and nothing to do), I go through all of my social media accounts and as I was scanning through some tweets, I came across this very Intriguing tweet about iron deficiencies. At first, I thought it was nothing, but it caught my attention when I noticed that they are replying to several tweets that mentions pagod, hilo and putla, and informing people that those are symptoms of Iron deficiency anemia.

Social media is a really big help to us people today. Because of social media, Merck Consumer Health was able to listen and determine that there are a lot of Filipino, complaining on social media, that are suffering from the symptoms of Iron deficiency anemia, and according to their survey, mostly are from Manila and Quezon City. They have determined that 1 out of 4 women in their reproductive age are most vulnerable to this kind of deficiency.

Merck Consumer Health, through Sangobion brand, came up with the idea to spread the awareness regarding this concern. They launched, Sangobion Symptom Patrol on Twitter (@SymptomPatrol). This twitter account is the one who’s actively replying to the tweets that has the symptoms of Iron deficiency anemia.

Aside from spreading the awareness on social media, Sangobion Symptom Patrol also appeared on selected Mercury Drug Branches around Manila and Quezon City to host a blood check from October 19 to 30. This is to make sure that everyone in the community will be able to know if they have Iron deficiency anemia.

When I heard about the Sangobion blood check, I made sure to drop by at Laong Laan, Sampaloc last October 30. Gladly, I had no iron deficiency anemia! But I made sure that I’ll take in vitamins to avoid the pagod, hilo, and putla.

Personally, I’m glad that Sangobion brand launched this Sangobion Symptom Patrol, this will not just help people with their health but will also be able to help in boosting everyone’s performances at work or school. As a mom, who has a lot of house chores, activities and has boys that are so active, I must keep up with them and avoid pagod, hilo, and putla.

To know more about Sangobion Symptom Patrol, you can check out their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/SangobionPH/

You can also watch the video here:

Last January, I went to Thailand to try out and experience Pulses. If you’re going to ask me what Pulses are. Pulses are a part of the legume family, we are not aware of it, but we are eating these Pulses. Some common Pulses are Dried peas, edible beans, lentils, soybeans, peanuts and chickpeas. At first, I had no idea what Pulses are until we were educated back in Thailand. All I know is that those are called vegetables and they are good for you.

I’m glad that I was able to try out U.S. Pulses again, and that it is starting to be known here in the Philippines, and in this vegetarian month, I’m glad to re-introduce U.S. Pulses to everyone for one more time. To be a part of the Pulses fever together with supporting the vegetarian month, you can either choose to be a “Flexitarian” or go with the “Meatless Monday”, where you will have to remove meat from your meals at least one day from your whole week. As for me, going “Flexitarian” is the best, and this is where Pulses comes in.

“Flexitarian” diet highlights an increased intake of plant-based meals without eliminating meat in our daily meals. The plant-based foods included are lentils, beans, peas, nuts and seeds, all excellent source of protein, and if you can remember, these plant-based foods are what we call Pulses.

Pulses are also called “Superfoods” because they are grain legumes that are very high in protein and fiber, and are low in fat, compared to most other plant foods. Aside from that, they consume less water, so they are environment-friendly, and they help fight obesity and certain diseases, including heart diseases, as these legumes helps reduce high cholesterol. Research also shows that practicing “Flexitarian” diet with healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Pulses or "Superfoods" are the best option if you are planning to be in good shape and be fit. For everyone just like me who always wants to be fit and be healthy, through running or Zumba or going to the gym, Pulses are the best addition to our diet. I know that those who knew me, even back then, also knows how addicted I am to be anything related to fitness and staying in shape. Eating veggies with fewer meat isn't new to me. It's now that hard compared to what you're thinking. I know that some of you might think that veggie intakes and lesser meat is a no! no! because it wouldn't satisfy you're crumbling hungry tummies. To tell you the truth, that's the whole secret of being fit, learning to discipline yourself when it comes to eating. One must know how to control himself/herself when it comes to choosing the healthy snack. If you don't want a sexy-healthy-beach body, go ahead and eat at your own risk. But if you're up for the challenge, then what are you guys waiting for? Enjoy a delicious and at the same time healthy meal.

For more info, you can visit Pulses Asia via their website: http://pulses.asia

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/PulseAssociationOfThePhilippines

https://www.facebook.com/USPulsesThailand

"Make today magical!" And I must say, I really felt the magic when I got my hands on the latest Belle de Jour (BDJ) Power Planner. Viviamo! Inc. never lets us down when it comes to their collection of planners for upcoming years. Each year, they release a collection of different planners following different themes. And recently, they launched their 2019 product line-up. The most-awaited launch was held at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons last October 20-21.

The quoted phrase "Make Today Magical" is the 2019 Belle de Jour theme for their planner and weekend event. I really admire the idea of letting their attendees feel the enchanting world that the planner is promoting. The event place was fantastic and flawless, there were plenty of activities to enjoy, and they even prepared some workshops and talks that really turned the celebration into a whimsical and captivating experience.

During the talk, the founder and president of Viviamo! Inc., Darlyn Sandra Ty. shared this phrase, "We believe that the magic starts from within." and I believed her because I too believe that we create our own magical ways of life. She also added, "Our 2019 theme 'Make Today Magical' reinforced the concept of paradigm shift-the magic in changing the way you think, how you perceive things, and how it can powerfully change the way you live."

If you're new to BDJ planner, let me share to you their latest collection for 2019. There are five 2019 planners where you can choose the perfect one for you, but getting one is boring, you can still get a bunch of planners if you liked them all. You can get one for your home activities, for work, for occasions or even for your extra curricular. The 2019 collection is composed of 2019 Belle de Jour Power Planner, NAVI 2019 Planner, Focus 2019 Journal, Everything is Possible 2019 Planner, and the 2019 Essentials Planner. Lots of options for you to choose for, while as for me, the 2019 Belle de Jour Power Planner is the perfect match for me. It has a cute girly look that I loved so much, the weekly view also gathered plus points because I like how I can see my schedule in just one glance, and you can even experience Augmented or Virtual Reality by using Zappar App on the cover of the planner. Aside from these features, the planner also has special pages like check lists, mood trackers, dream board, and lots more. My favorite special page is the dream board, where everything I write on it really comes true. Speaking of dream board, I joined in the activity that involves the special page, Dream Board, where you were to write what dream you'd wish to come to life.

And guess what I wrote! I wrote there, "Baby girl na! Sana magkatotoo na!" -- aside from wishing, I'm also praying for this. I hope God and dream board can help me with this one wish.

I got the gold ticket pass for free access to different booths and activities such as the Craft Booth, Glambooth, Boomie Booth, Canvas Bag, Stamp Station, the Gratitude Jar, Tarot Card Reading and lots of other fun and exciting activities.

The whole experience is great on its own, but was elevated with a free scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream! Who doesn't love ice cream? It's heaven!

The 2-day weekend event brought by BDJ, allowed the guests to fully uncover their own magic and taught them how to live life to the fullest! As the saying goes, Y-O-L-O! BDJ provided Passion/Purpose talks from various speakers that are mostly women, travel and entrepreneurial organizations that inspires every listener to strive harder in achieving their goals. When it comes to unlocking your inner talent and creativity, BDJ also have other activities where you can explore your artistic side by trying their calligraphy methods which includes Basic Brush Calligraphy, Calligraphy Blends and Shadows, and Calligraphy with Backgrounds and WreathsCalligraphy with Leah Ang of Calligraphy Love MNL; or master the skill of creating double-tap worthy Instagram photos with content creator Kenneth Amparo.

We also got to experience DIY workshops and create things with our own two hands. Some examples are creating DIY beauty and home remedy with the use of virgin coconut oil with Zenutrients, designing cakes with the help of Goldilocks, and learning to put on makeup with Revlon.

If you think that what I've shared above is a lot, then let me stop you there because you're just pass halfway through the entire magical experience. Because aside from those things, there is also a chance where we got to share stories and pour our hearts out in visualizing and designing our best year with Serious Play Workshops—Life Builds session with Lego instructor and life coach Ina Bacud, or Vision board-making with expert and coach Trixie Esguerra. We were also given access to team sharing and mentoring sessions on life and business with successful women entrepreneur and the brainchild of BDJ Power Planner Darlyn Sandra Ty, mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison, MD., and the woman behind the famous Witty Will Save the World Co. journals and notebooks, Chinggay Nuque.

The magical event wouldn't be complete if you're going home empty-handed, right? Well, Viviamo! Inc. prepared a little something to remind every guest of the whimsical journey with Belle de Jour 2019. They gave away freebies and other BDJ products from several craft and brand partners. The whole magical experience was made possible by BDJ’s generous sponsors including Artsy Cassey, Basilur Tea, Baskin-Robbins, Browhaus, BYBA, Canmake, Celeteque, Craft Carrot, Crafted by Sophie, Crazy About Paper, Curves, Fitness Gourmet,Fly Shades, Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings, Goldilocks, Great Joy Crafts, GuavaPass, McDo, Parisian, PlanxCo, Qrated Crates,Revlon, Serenitea, Sip PH, SkinHouse, Soapranos, Sqooid, Strip, StyleGenie, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, The Heart Project PH, Tokyo Finds, Zalora and Zenutrients.Cosmopolitan Philippines and Wheninmanila.com were the official media partners of the Make Today Magical: BDJ 2019 Launch Weekend.

If you're looking forward to the upcoming year, just always keep in mind that the magic lies within you and you have the power to turn your dreams into reality with Belle de Jour Power Planner. Also, if you don't have one right now, you can get your BDJ products at all leading bookstores nationwide and on their official website at ilovebdj.com.

"Where to next?" The question an avid traveler would ask oneself after getting home from a trip. We're lucky to be living in a continent where countries are in close proximity to one another, but luckier that each one holds their own magnificent charm.

The Philippines is a tropical country known for its immaculate beaches and untouched islands. And much like ours, another destination has been attracting tourists with its azure blue waters—the dream island of Bali, Indonesia. Think cozy villas, relaxed surf towns, sprawling fields and rice terraces, and pristine beaches dotting the entire province. A must-visit is their most famous beach, Kuta Beach, known for gentle waves perfect for those learning how to surf. Uluwatu, one of Bali’s iconic sea temples, is perched on a cliff edge and offers visitors the most stunning sunsets. Then, gorge on chicken satay with peanut sauce, a local must-try dish and deliciously addictive little meat skewers. And off the mainland of Bali is Nusa Penida, the biggest of three Nusa Islands, where the Instagram famous and breathtaking coastal cliffscape Kelingking ‘T-Rex’ can be found.

Another trending destination is Taipei, Taiwan. It’s a city bustling with street markets, art, culture, and history. Its most iconic skyscraper, Taipei 101, affords visitors a 360-degree view of the entire cityscape from the 83rd floor observatory. One of the greatest animated films of all time, Spirited Away, took inspiration from Jiufen’s 100-year old famous landmark, A-mei Tea House. This gem of a town is a maze of quaint and charming alleyways where you can release traditional sky lanterns in Pingxi Old Street. Taipei is also famous for their street food at night markets, food stalls and folding tables filled with dozens of tourists all night. Enjoy the taste of the now globally famous, bubble tea, right in its hometown.

K-drama and K-pop lovers will have the time of their lives at Seoul, South Korea by visiting SMTOWN. You can also go crazy shopping for cosmetics and Korean skincare products at lower prices at Myeongdong. Or have a field day at their largest amusement indoor park, Lotte World or promise eternal love to your partner by leaving a love lock at N Seoul Tower. And when you go hungry, indulge in delicious street food including tteokbokki or spicy rice cakes, hotteok or sweet pancakes, and kimbap or seaweed rice rolls! Feel close to your favorite K-pop stars at SMTOWN, promise eternal love to your partner by leaving a love lock at N Seoul Tower, and if you have time to spare, head over to Chuncheon and visit the tiny half-moon island Namiseom or more known as Nami Island.

With so many places to see, deciding where to go can be stressful. So why don’t you let the stars decide for you? Or in this case, your lucky stars.

Join the BIC Amazing Asia Getaway Promo from now until November 20 and get a chance to win free roundtrip tickets for two to Bali, Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Also up for grabs to make your trip memorable are four heavy-duty Samsonite luggage and ten Grab vouchers worth Php5,000 each.

This promo runs nationwide so rush to your nearest 7-Eleven store and stack up on your BIC Lighters, now!

*To join the e-raffle, purchase any two (2) BiC Lighters at any 7-Eleven store and have your CLiQQ Card or App Barcode scanned before payment.

For every 2 pieces bought of the same items, you will earn on (1) or two (2) e-raffle entries.

For inquiries and full promo mechanics, you may contact customercare@7-eleven.com.ph or visit www.facebook.com/BicLighterPhilippines

What are you waiting for? Join the BIC Amazing Asia Getaway now!

Gift giving—in its many, varied forms—is a huge part of the holidays. It’s not about getting gifts or material possessions; it’s a reflection of the season’s underlying values of generosity, thoughtfulness, and love.

The act of getting the perfect gift for your loved ones has its own rewards. The idea of surprising them on Christmas Eve is even more enjoyable. But “fun” becomes stressful when you find yourself in the middle of an overwhelmingly large crowd inside a mall, clueless about what gift to buy for them.

While almost everyone chooses to give impressive and dazzling presents for their loved ones, here are some ideas on what to give every member of your family:

For your little brother or sister

The 8-megapixel Papershoot Wood - TW Cypress Camera Set can be their buddy in capturing family fun at home. It is thin and lightweight, so your younger sibling can bring it anywhere. Moreover, it has three lens modes they can play with: fisheye is best used for dramatic wide shots; wide angle will be great for that formal family picture during Noche Buena, and macro can give you Instagram-worthy shots of gifts, decors, and sumptuous dishes on the table.

This kid-friendly device uses heavy stone paper made from inorganic mineral powder, making it safer for them to use. Despite its light materials, the product is water-resistant and durable.

For Ateand Kuya

Make a joyful Christmas for your siblings by giving them the Acer Predator X27. Equipped with HDR ultra monitor, this high-grade playing rig can provide realistic visuals to make them feel planted on the gaming terrains. This product can help ate and kuya further make their battlestation more immersive.

For Mom

The Tatung 11-Cup Stainless Steel Multi-Functional Cookeris a perfect home partner for your mom to help her prepare warm meals for the family. It has four modes: Braise is ideal for cooking food that only require light frying. If your mom wants to make dumplings or rice cakes for noche buena, she can use put it in Steam. Cooking can handle up to 11 cups of uncooked rice. Lastly, since the weather will be cold, encourage her to make porridge for the family using the Stew mode.

For Dad

And for dad who is always on the go, the latest Asus Zenfone 5 series (5, 5Q, and 5Z) suit him. It can be his companion when working or just unwinding after a tedious day.

These phones have clear cameras that can be used when reporting at work. Equipped with large storage of 64 megabytes, dad can also download games he can play and films he can watch during his breaks.

Getting these for your loved ones can help you score more luck and love this season. If you buy Taiwan Excellence seal items from participating PC Express stores, you stand to win more awesome devices.

From October 22 to December 3, 2018, customers who purchase Taiwan-based products with a

minimum value of Php 2,000.00 from PC Express branches will be given a chance to join the Dice game where you must correctly guess the outcome of the dices to be rolled. Lucky participants can take home Christmas giveaways from Taiwan Excellence.

You will also be given a chance to win premium-grade devices when you join the All Taiwant for Christmas Promo. The raffle draw will be on December 14, 2018, at 4 PM at PC Express, Gilmore Plus, New Manila, Quezon City.

Christmas won’t be the same without the family around. Unwrap bliss and surprises at home this Yuletide Season with these gifts from Taiwan. These are specially tested and evaluated by Taiwan Excellence with guidance from the Bureau of Foreign Trade to promote Taiwan's revolutionary products.

For more information on Taiwan Excellence accredited products, visit taitra.org.tw/ or like Taiwan Excellence on Facebook.

The road to clearer skin is a confusing jumble of cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, and so many more overwhelming terms. Are you oily, dry, sensitive, or all three? Why are you breaking out? In a country where humidity and pollution are your ultimate acne inducers, when do you draw the line between “I need this” and “No, my skin might not be able to handle that”?

The solution might be as simple as an innovative new frontrunner in the beauty and skincare industry—Maxi-Peel ZERO.

Here’s the tea: Maxi-Peel ZERO is the pioneering micro-exfoliantmade up of skin renewal properties that remove dead skin cells and help prevent the development of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. It contains salicylic acid which aids in penetrating the layers of the face, lifting away dirt, oil, and other skin impurities to inhibit your pores from clogging. It also has lactic acid and glycolic acid which act as exfoliators that gently lift away the outer layer of the skin cells, bringing new skin to the surface. And to top it all, these benefits are readily achieved, with zero peeling and zero redness!

Maxi-Peel ZERO is also full of good skin vitamins such as vitamin A to eliminate acne and improve aging skin, vitamin C to protect skin cells from damage, vitamin E to moisturize, ease dryness, and strengthen skin UV-defense, and vitamin B3 to boost hydration and brighten the skin.

Now you might be wondering, “Can’t my regular cleanser do all that?” Most facial cleansers only have two main objectives: removing dirt and reducing acne-causing bacteria. But many, if not all, dermatologists would recommend to use an exfoliator. Why? Because removing dead skin cells is essential to revealing the fresh, new skin beneath.

Here’s where Maxi-Peel ZERO comes in handy. As a micro-exfoliant, Maxi-Peel ZERO is a potent yet gentle solution with quick effects. In fact, it’s safe for daily use and effective in preventing your skin from breaking out while maintaining a radiant glow.

Maxi-Peel ZERO is best for people constantly on the go. With pollution and everyday stress as their main foes, this product gives them the convenience of a simpler skin regimen with even better results than a regular facial cleanser. It also won’t burn holes through their pockets with an SRP of Php75.

It promises anti-acne benefits, smoothening, and skin lightening. Zero breakout, zero hassle!

Lights off, mask on

Everyone has bad days, and sometimes it shows. If it’s not in the tenseness of your shoulders, then it’s in fine lines and a dull complexion on your face. It’s times like these that you know you should step back and treat yourself.

Kiehl’s Product Manager Joan Hwang welcomed guests and introduced them to the new Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask.

For some, the first step to kicking back is a change of scenery. That’s why Kiehl’s whisked guests away on a night of relaxation at Okada Manila to celebrate the launch of its newest product. The leave-on Ginger Leaf and Hibiscus Firming Mask is formulated for all skin types, and is infused with two nature-powered ingredients. Apply it to your face at night, and it provides an immediate firming effect and a smoother, younger-looking complexion by morning—all to help your skin keep up with the stress of everyday life and its changing needs.

Kiehl’s set the scene at the luxurious 420sqm presidential suite of Okada Manila to discover new levels of comfort.

To take indulgence to the next level, guests were treated to relaxing back massages in the suite’s exclusive spa room.

We were pampered with relaxing massages in the suite’s private spa room.

Kiehl’s guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of food from Okada Manila.

The spacious dining area that has a private bar was transformed to a socials area where guests were treated to indulgent food and cocktails exclusively created by the five-star hotel for the event.

An essential oil mixing station was ready for guests to create their own blends of soothing and calming aromas they could take home as room sprays.

An essential oil mixing station was ready for guests to create soothing, calming aromas they could take home with them as room sprays. '

One of the Presidential Suite’s exclusive jet tubs was transformed into a relaxing escape inspired by the nature-powered ingredients of Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask.

Fresh flowers decorated the suite’s two exclusive jet tubs as well as the photo walls.

There are stations highlighting the mask’s sustainably-sourced ginger leaf extract, which is grown and collected by 14 local women in Hoa Binh and in the Bắc Giang province of Vietnam. To complete the experience, guests lounged in the suite’s one king and two queen-sized Terry cotton beds, all with luxurious Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens and feather down pillows.

It’s hard to find time to pamper yourself. But with its velvety texture and instant smoothing properties, Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask is a quick and simple addition to any regimen to unveil a youthful glow. Swap your moisturizer with this overnight mask at Metro Manila’s most plush suites to have complete relaxation only one sleep away. Treating yourself has never been easier.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Formulated for all skin types, the Ginger Leaf and Hibiscus Firming Mask provides an immediate firming effect and a smoother, younger-looking complexion.

Kiehl’s chemists are proud to introduce their latest formulation; Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask, a formula infused with two nature-powered ingredients that provides an immediate firming effect and a smoother-looking skin by morning.

Formulated for all skin types, Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask has an instant firming effect and an indulgent velvety texture upon application- making it a quick and simple addition to any skincare regimen. With continued use, Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask softens the look of fine lines and unveils a younger-looking complexion.

Kiehl’s Customer Representatives were present at the party to provide guests with complimentary skin consultations and product recommendations

It is recommended to use Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask regularly up to 5 times a week after the application of a toner and a serum. Massage the mask onto clean skin at night with an upward motion and feel the formula begin to work instantly. Leave it on overnight and cleanse your skin in the morning to remove it.

Its velvety texture, yet firming and smoothing properties make it beneficial for skin that shows signs of ageing; that is dull and tired. Essential Oils add a soothing, calming aroma to the paraben free formula.

FORMULATED WITH TWO

INGREDIENTS INSPIRED BY NATURE

As one of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Kiehl’s gave back to the women farmers of its Ginger Leaf by providing education and tools to the local community to identify new crops.

Botanical Hibiscus Seed Extract

Cultivated in Southern India, the Hibiscus Seeds are separated from their nutshells before being ground. The active fraction, constituted of Hydrolyzed Proteins, is then extracted from the seeds, purified and filtered to solely keep the efficacious benefits. The Hibiscus Seeds, whose flower is known to close during the night to preserve its nectar, provide the formula with instant and overnight firming benefits.

Ginger Leaf Extract

As one of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Kiehl’s gave back to the women farmers of its Ginger Leaf by providing education and tools to the local community to identify new crops.

Native to Vietnam in tropical Asia, the Ginger Leaf utilized in our formula has been widely employed for its roots in traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine as well as in Southeast Asia as a spice and flavoring agent in the cuisine. Sourced in Hoa Binh and in the Bắc Giang province of Vietnam, and carefully collected by 14 women between March and October, the Ginger Leaves are then ground and their actives extracted before being used in our formula that reduces appearance of fine lines.

Through Vietnamese-inspired design elements and video features, Kiehl’s highlighted its sustainable sourcing of the mask’s Ginger Leaf from local women farmers in the Hoa Binh and Bắc Giang province of Vietnam.

A SUSTAINABLY-SOURCED GINGER LEAF EXTRACT

As one of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Kiehl’s gave back to the women farmers of its Ginger Leaf by providing education and tools to the local community to identify new crops.

While the Ginger Plant is very popular for its roots, its leaves are usually discarded. Kiehl’s chemists however know that the properties of its leaves can be beneficial for skin. Their sustainably-sourced Ginger Leaf extract is grown and collected by 14 local women in Hoa Binh and in the Bắc Giang province of Vietnam. At Kiehl’s, it is in their heritage to give back to the community in which they served their patrons. They provided education on sustainable and environmentally friendly farming techniques to the surrounding local community farmers in Vietnam, contributed to providing women collectors with tools to improve their work conditions and productivity, and helped to identify new crops to diversify/increase their activities and strengthen their revenues.

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