#ThrowbackThursday : Natural Balance - safer way to heal the body and mind

A Filipina woman once believed that simple pains can be cured the natural way and that some of the over-the-counter medicines for pain relief are not that safe to take and may harm us in the long run. Out of the passion to give people an alternative yet effective way to relieve body pains, she created Natural Balance.

Natural Balance is basically pain relievers in the form of a balm. The products are all natural and locally sourced. The balm is best used to massage the affected area - back, muscles, head, legs and foot, hands and arms and chest - to relieve discomfort, fatigue, stress or pain.

This venture which was launched last year started as a home-based business and later on reached out the bigger market by joining bazaars. It started gaining the trust of customers - simple people and celebrities alike. So last September 2, 2017; Natural Balance with its aim to help more people, opened its first store in Century Commercial Complex Salawag Molino - Paliparan Road Dasmariñas Cavite.

The event was graced by Ms. Sheena Halili, one of the stars from GMA network. After the ribbon-cutting and simple mass; guests were treated to a huge spread.

Nature Balance's line of products is now extended to beauty and wellness as they also introduced in the grand opening other new products such as cleansing soap, massage oil, aromatherapy oil, body oil, roll on, and face cream.

Here's a preview of their products that are all natural and safe even for pregnant mothers and babies.

Natural Balance aids not only in curing body pains but also in treating a number of skin diseases and itchiness. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/naturalbalanceofficial/.

Discover EPIC NEW WORLDS with PLAYPARK’S 2022 line-up of new games

Playpark, Inc. a subsidiary of Asiasoft Corporation Public Company Limited, announced the release of their incoming online games, namely Elyon SEA - Ascent Infinite Realm, Dream of a New World SEA, Tera Classic SEA, and Noah's Heart SEA.

To celebrate the upcoming release of these online games, Playpark, Inc. organized an epic on-ground media and press event in the Philippines, entitled Playpark Launchpad 2022 last June 23. This is PlayPark’s first on-ground media event after more than two years due to the global pandemic, and a way to reconnect with their media partners.

The media, press, and invited influencers were treated to fun activities, games, and prizes from brand partners like Klean Kanteen. Questions and updates about the new game release dates were also discussed with the invited guests for this round table event. 

PlayPark Launchpad 2022 is the result of the company’s continued partnerships with well-known game developers and publishers in order to bring great games to a bigger audience. Thanks to continued improvements in game accessibility, be it from game download websites or even physical platforms like smartphones, gamers have enjoyed an unprecedented variety of game titles and genres. 

The MMORPG genre is one of the first truly online gaming experiences for players, and thanks to PlayPark Launchpad 2022, the community can look forward to more titles to try out and enjoy with their friends. From casual and nostalgic to challenging and hardcore, these titles coming from PlayPark will sure to awaken the MMO gamer in you! Here’s a rundown of what to expect from PlayPark:


Elyon SEA - Ascent Infinite Realm

Elyon is a steampunk style MMORPG developed by Krafton. The game focuses on the fight between two kingdoms, Vulpin and Ontari. The two factions fight each other in massive battles thanks to the game’s non-target combat system. Discover the massive realm vs realm battles in Elyon’s epic open world which combine aerial and land based combat. Choose the battlefield and join your allies in the quest for glory.




Dream of a New World SEA

Dream of a New World combines turn-based RPG combat with vibrant graphics powered by Unreal Engine 4 to bring an epic world to life. Capture and evolve pets to gain powerful abilities to help your team, and decorate your home and village with your guildmates! Participate in cross-server PvP battles to prove your skills, and show your power by becoming the king of the hill of your server!.




TERA Classic SEA

TERA Classic is an open world mobile MMORPG based on the popular PC game TERA Online. TERA Classic retains the classic charm of the original game as well, and has been acknowledged as a faithful port of the PC version that retains key highlights of the original game.




Noah’s Heart SEA

Noah's Heart is a mobile game developed using Unreal Engine 4 technology and allows players to freely explore the world. Immerse yourself in the diverse atmosphere, landscapes and locations. Face hundreds of monsters and NPCs, all of which can interact with players, and also summon a sidekick pet Phantom to help fight as well. In addition, Noah's Heart has a dynamic day-night and weather system within the game, giving players a virtual experience to explore the world in a realistic way. Players in Noah's Heart can choose to customize their character's faces, hairstyles, and poses distinctively.


PlayPark was also excited to announce the long-term partnership with PC Express, one of the country’s leading tech and gadget retail brands. Always supportive of gaming, PC Express has been working with brands, companies, streamers, and gamers of all forms to provide them with the latest gadgets, hardware, and peripherals to make sure everyone games at their very best. 

Thanks to this partnership, gamers can expect promotion tie-ups, as well as exclusive gadget and peripheral packages to be announced and launched on PlayPark and PC Express platforms to coincide with the release of the upcoming games.

Be sure to follow the Official PC Express Facebook page and check out their official website for more details on their promotions. Also, check out the official PlayPark Facebook page for the latest news and updates.


PlayPark Strengthens Game Lineup With Updates, Events, And The Ultimate Reunion Party

While PlayPark is preparing to welcome the new games under its banner, the company is also bolstering their current crop of well-loved games with new updates, in-game and community events, as well as a return to on-ground events fans have missed.


Audition Next Level and Club Audition Mobile

Aspiring songwriters, this is your chance for your art to be included in a video game! Audition Next Level presents AudiTunes Season 2, the songwriting contest for the hit rhythm dance on PC and mobile! Get your instruments out, your thinking caps on, and whip up a catchy dance track that celebrates life and fun! You can send your entries starting June 25 until August 2022.

PHP 50,000 and having the winning track appear in Audition Next Level AND Club Audition Mobile await, so be sure to check out the PlayPark website for updates on the official rules and details! This is also Club Audition Mobile’s early anniversary gift to the community, as they will celebrate their birthday on July 22, 2022!


Perfect World

The Monkey King is coming to Perfect World! The June 22 update brings Yao Hou, the titular Monkey King, to the game. Players will be able to immediately unlock this character and bring him along to play in the reworked Territorial Wars. With new gameplay mechanics and rewards, this capture the flag-styled game mode is surely going to get a lot of players interested! 

Finally, the new update introduces the 8th Apex Sky leveling boundary. Players can have their character go through rebirth for the 8th time in order to attain more power when they reach max level again!


RF Online

Protonexus is the third and last installment of the RF Online seasonal servers. Boasting the highest server-wide rates, Protonexus modifiers go as high as x50% on Animus EXP. Veterans and new players trying our the limited-time seasonal servers will also be treated to new limited edition amulets just by playing on the server. Protonexus also introduces the biggest Chipbreaker Challenge prize pool in an RF Online seasonal server: PHP 50,000 and massive bragging rights to the winner!


Flyff

After four years, Flyff is getting a new pair of wings with v22, the latest massive content update for the game. It’s time to fly higher and stronger with an increased level cap of 190 from the previous 170. Flyffers will need it, because this update also introduces the Floating Castle dungeon. New armor sets, gear, and fashion items await brave adventurers but that’s not all.

V22 also welcomes the Shade Server where players can experience the game in its purest form: no modifiers, just pure fun like in the old days. To make the experience more interesting, all current and future Flyff servers will feature all new monsters ranging from level 178 to 188, ready to test anyone who dares to dive into the new content.


CABAL Online and Cabal Mobile

One of the longest running and most popular PC MMORPGs in the Philippines, CABAL Online is celebrating 14 strong years in the Pinoy gaming scene! DOM1N4TION, the 14th CABAL Online Anniversary party, kicks off on June 25, 2022. Join CABAListas both old and new for an online party filled with music, games, and prizes.

To celebrate CABAL Online’s 14th birthday, the PlayPark CABAL team has also released Episode XXIX: Terminus Machina. Featuring an all-new dungeon to explore and enemies to fight, Terminus Machina is a great challenge to newbies and veterans alike and promises great loot for everyone who completes this latest content.

Cabal Mobile is set to celebrate their first birthday on August 26, 2022! Tune in to the official Facebook page of Cabal Mobile to be the first to know about the in-game and community events for this grand celebration!


For more information on each of the games’ latest updates, check out the official PlayPark website and Facebook Page.

Live life to the fullest for less with Abbott Family Bundle from Shopee

Living our life to the fullest means filling our life with things that matter the most, such as happiness, freedom, and health. As they always say, time is too short which is why we would always want to live each day at our best. Being at the pink of our health everyday is one way to enjoy life at its best, and it would be possible if we give the best nutrition not just to ourselves but to our whole family as well. Both young and old members need nutrition boost everyday at different kinds and levels.

After months of staying home most of the time, we slowly gear towards living our life outside again, eagerly looking forward to new experiences. Children start to go back to school  with a limited face-to-face classes. Parents are returning to their offices for work. On site events are also happening and even the grandparents are starting to meet up with old friends. It is really evident that after more than 2 years, we are shifting to living life to the fullest the better way than before.

The first step towards living life to the fullest is by giving ourself and our family the nutrients we need to keep us in shape everyday. Good news, you can avail of health and wellness products to support the family's daily needs for less this Jun 24, with special offers on Abbott's Exclusive Family Bundle only on their Super Brand Day on Shopee.

Here are the featured products :

Glucerna Vanilla 900G For Diabetic Nutrition 

It is low in both saturated fat and cholesterol. It is a complete and balanced nutritional supplement designed to help minimize the blood glucose response of people with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.

Pediasure Plus Vanilla 900G For Kids Above 3 Years Old

It contains an optimal blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats which have been clinically proven to provide children 3 years old and above with complete and balanced nutrition for growth, development, and immunity. Get the bundle with 6 boxes each of 1.8kgs at 32% off.

Ensure Gold HMB Vanilla 850G For Adult Nutrition

It contains high quality proteins, carbohydrates, and essential fats which have been clinically proven to fill in nutritional gaps and improve strength and immunity in adults. Get the bundle with 3 cans of 3.2 kgs each at 32% off.

Similac Gainschool HMO 900G For Kids Above 3 Years Old

It has a unique combination of essential nutrients including DHA, Taurine, Choline, Copper, Iron, and Folic acid which all help optimize brain development and growth in preschool children, three years old and above.

The SBD Exclusive Family Bundle which contains Ensure, Glucerna, Pediasure Plus, and Similac Gainschool is also available at 20% off. the bundle will surely empower parents with the knowledge that they are providing the best health and nutrition for their family.

Mark your calendar this June 24 and protect your family for great days ahead with special offers on Abbott's Super Brand Day on Shopee!


About the Brand

Abbott is committed to help families live life to the fullest. The brand understands that the first step towards this is good health. That’s why they have designed a science-backed nutrition innovations to maintain our family’s health at every stage of life, so everyone can live their best lives.

3 Tips to Find Your Perfect Foundation Online

Let’s face it girls - foundations can make or break your look. And everyone wants to be naturally flawless 24/7…but not OA. However, it’s no easy task to find the right foundation for you. Plus, it’s also a difficult product to shop online!

Here are 3 useful tips to make shopping for foundation online easier:


1. Know Your Skin Needs.

There are thousands of foundations available online and to help narrow down your choices, list down what you need. Do you need a formula with that absorbs oil or one that hydrates dry skin? Do you want sheer or full coverage? Do you want a matte or luminous finish? What you find will help you a lot when you type on that search bar.

2. Do Your Research!

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home just to check if a foundation is good or not. Google reviews. Beauty bloggers and vloggers are your friends. You can easily find out through online reviews if the foundation you want is the texture you’re looking for, if the coverage is good, or if the shade is actually perfect. Sometimes a shade will say, “Golden Goddess” but a vlogger will test it and show that it’s actually brown. 

3. Know Your Skin Tone.Warm or Cool? 

Watch for these words when you’re reading the item description. It can help you find your perfect match.

Try out by looking at your veins. If your veins are blue, your skin tone is cool and your skin usually has a pale, rosy tint. If your veins are green, your skin tone is warm and your skin has a yellowish tone. Another way to determine your skin tone is through the jewelry you wear. If you look best in gold, your skin tone is warm. If silver looks amazing against your skin, then you’re cool-toned. 

You can also visit the Brand Official Stores and look at the Product Description page. The product info will usually say if the shade is “warm” or “cool,” narrowing your choices even further. 

Helpful tip: The lower the number, the lighter the shade; the higher the number the darker the shade. 

Here’s a cheat sheet to finding your perfect foundation:

Oil-Free	Maybelline Fit Me! Matte & Poreless Foundation, P399
Poreless	Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation, P499
Long-Wear	L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation, P700
Full Coverage	L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Liquid Foundation, P700
Skin-Caring	L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, P520

Ring the bell with the best back-to-school deals from Acer

Acer’s got you covered with the best back-to-school deals, including discounts and Adidas vouchers redeemable from participating The SM Stores until August 15, 2022!

This school year marks a new beginning as students gradually return to school to see their classmates, friends, and teachers in person after more than two years. While other schools remain online, one thing stays constant: Whether a student will attend face-to-face classes or learn from home, a desktop or laptop is essential for schoolwork. 

Acer is ready to ring the bell with the best back-to-school deals plus up to 5,000php gift certificates for Adidas products in participating The SM Stores.*

Get up to a P20,000 discount or a gift certificate for Adidas merchandise in participating The SM Stores for every purchase of any qualifying Acer product.

“We are helping students and their parents welcome the new school year with awesome deals in our back-to-school promo. These devices are perfect productivity tools aimed to bring back every student’s excitement for the upcoming school year. The past two years have been tough on students and their families, and this is our way of giving back,” said Acer Philippines General Manager Sue On-Lim.

For participating Acer Aspire 3, Acer Aspire 5, and Acer Aspire 7 models, get up to Php1,000 discount and/or up to Php3,000 Adidas voucher; for participating Acer Swift 3 and Swift 5 models, get up to Php1,000 discount and/or up to Php5,000 Adidas voucher; and for participating Acer Vero models, get up to Php1,000 discount and/or up to Php5,000 Adidas voucher. 

For gaming notebooks, buy the Acer Nitro 5 and Acer Nitro 7 models and get up to Php5,000 discount and/or up to Php5,000 Adidas voucher, and get up to Php10,000 discount for Predator Helios 300 models.

For consumer and gaming desktops, get up to Php20,000 discount when you buy any of the participating Predator Orion 3000 and Predator Orion 5000 models, and up to Php5,000 discount for participating Nitro 50 models.

Get up to Php7,000 discount on participating Acer Aspire All-In-One, Acer Aspire XC and Acer Aspire TC models.

The promo, which runs from June 15 to August 15, 2022, extends to consumer, gaming, and AOpen monitors as well. You can get up to Php4,000 discount for any participating Acer, Predator, and AOpen monitors and up to Php1,500 discount off participating Acer projectors.

For acerpure’s line of air coolers and purifiers, you can get up to Php5,000 discount on acerpure cool, acerpure pro, and acerpure cozy.

Participating stores are Acer Concept Stores, Acer Authorized Resellers, and the Acer Philippines Online Store.

The customer must complete the claiming process to avail of the Adidas voucher and register their product for warranty at https://warranty.acer.com.ph/ within one (1) week of purchase. If the product is eligible for the promo, the warranty site will have a drop-down list of The SM Stores branches and customers must choose their preferred branch redemption site to redeem the voucher. The customer cannot change The SM Store branch redemption site. Once the customer completes all the registration requirements, Acer will validate the credentials within five (5) business days. An electronic voucher will then be sent to the customer’s provided email address after seven (7) business days. For voucher redemption, customers must print the Adidas voucher sent to their email and present it to The SM Store branch of their choice with one (1) government-issued ID. The vouchers are only for Adidas bags and shoes and can be redeemed at participating The SM Stores nationwide. 

Watch more performances of SB19

P-pop sensation and Acer ambassador SB19 was the special guest during the launch of the promotion at the SM Mall of Asia, to the delight of their fans. The boy band performed “Bazinga,” “Mapa,” and Acer’s song, “Live It Up.”

For more information about Acer and the promotion, follow Acer Philippines on its social media platforms: @AcerPH on Facebook, @acerph on Instagram, and @acerphils on Twitter or go to www.acer.com. 

Stevia, a natural alternative to fight the rising cases of Diabetes in Ph

Diabetes is noted as the 4th leading cause of death in the Philippines, with an annual increase of 7.8% among Filipinos based on the 2020 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.  

 

If recent trends on diabetes continue, more and more Filipinos will be afflicted with Diabetes in the coming years. With a significant number of consumers now shifting to healthier alternatives to cut on sugar, sweeteners from Stevia plant is becoming a popular sugar substitute in the market today. 

 

Stevia has been touted as a safe and healthy natural alternative sweetener with proven health benefits including diabetes prevention, decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, among others. Stevia is a natural alternative that can significantly cut sugar in one’s diet.

 

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight and who wants to reduce their sugar intake. Stevia can be used as food enhancers to sweeten beverages, for baking, and for cooking. 

 

Stevia is an herb that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. It is a natural sweetener taken from the leaves of a bushy shrub. Currently, it is produced by lots of countries, with China as the number one exporter. Today, stevia is grown and used as food ingredient in many countries around the world. The Philippines is also catching up on the use of this natural sweetener in various food preparations.

 

In the Philippines, Sweet and Fit Stevia is the first stevia herbal dietary supplement produced in the country that was registered by the Food and Drug Administration.  Produced by Glorious Industrial and Development Corporation (GIDC), Sweet and Fit Stevia has no cholesterol, no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index. Sweet and Fit Stevia is grown and harvested locally in the Philippines. 

 

Stevia was originally utilized for its medicinal purposes such as a treatment for burns and stomach pains, among others. The stevia leaves were also chewed on as a sweet treat. 

 

One of the most important characteristics of stevia is that it is not readily destroyed or deactivated by heat. This makes it suitable for cooking and a viable alternative to sugar in many applications. Stevia is the best organic-based, all-natural sweetener with properties that could be used to substitute to sugar.

 

Sugar is used frequently in many of the foods we eat, but it has gotten a bad reputation because of its association with causing diseases such as obesity and diabetes. That is why sugar alternatives, both organic and artificial, have gained popularity with the public’s growing interest in health and fitness.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended that sugar added to food and beverages should be limited to no more than 10% of the total calories. For the average adult, this is equivalent to around 200 calories or 12 teaspoons of table sugar. 

 

However, the average daily consumption is around 42 teaspoons. For context, regular soft drinks contain approximately 6 to 8 teaspoons of sugar per glass. Once you get a refill, you are close to already consuming the recommended daily amount. Sweet and Fit Stevia has zero calories which means that it helps prevent weight-gain. 

 

For fitness buffs, Stevia has been used as a sugar substitute in workout drinks. In one of the many versatile applications of stevia, workout drinks help provide a boost of energy to increase athletic performance. Workout drinks also help increase endurance, letting your workout for longer. A healthy lifestyle consists of not just a balanced diet, but also regular exercise. Using stevia in workout drinks helps promote both.

 

What’s even better is that you can add Stevia to make healthy desserts which are diabetic and keto friendly. This is great for people who have a sweet tooth but can’t indulge because of health restrictions.

 

For more information on Sweet and Fit Stevia and its health benefits visit, Sweet and Fit Stevia website.

 

Don Cristobal Celebrates 10th Year with PRIDE

The grand event dubbed as Pride: A Decade of Fashion, The Don Cristobal Runway Show 10 at the Grand Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Manila was a resounding success. It was perhaps the biggest physical fashion runway show after the pandemic with featured designers, brands and around 190 models. It was such an amazing sight to behold a kaleidoscope of fashion creations while models sashayed the several meters long runway stretching on two separate ballrooms from the enclosed VIP section up to the general audience and media area.

Fashion Designer, Photographer, Stylist Don Cristobal, the Man and the Visionary behind the Pride fashion extravaganza, celebrated his decade long career together with featured fashion designers Anna Fuentes Ligaya, Cathy Capistrano, Juliedan Vergara, Juvy Fantilanan, Kristoffer Tabili, Mikael Mc Castillo, Patty Valle, Roberth Gallardo, and Shiela Fairytutu all presented a variety awe-inspiring collections. Also featured are the following Brands/Groups: Aphrodite, Bella Don, DAX Apparel, DC Models, Modelo Icon, Shopawhowlique by Adrian Stephen Cabuhat, SunSmart Solar Power Technology Inc., White Lily Team BRB Models.  

Cristobal who presented three collections featured his streetwear for DAX Apparel, woven sack fabric dresses called Estera de Saco as his finale segment , and the sultry Heroes VS. Villains for Sunsmart and Goddesses for Aphrodite . DC Models plus Supermodels Ann Barker, Jasmine Maierhofer, and Rose Joy Pinuela among others wore Cristobal's creations.  

The fashion show also had an in-between awarding segment for Pride Awardees wearing glamorous Don Cristobal Filipinianas. These exemplary individuals who made a mark in fields of fashion, beauty and businesses in attendance were Jennie Lin-Ngai, Jamie Fagyan Santos, Rosalie Ladia, Jenny-Vie Orquiza Amini Tehrani, Shane Cu, Sofia Loreen Cruz, Jessica Clare Tapawan, and Ma. Sabrina Sablan. Cristobal presented their awards together with Crowne Plaza Hotel Executive Assistant Manager Gibeth Gloria, Mplify Marketing CEO Miguel De La Rosa, and SceneZone Magazine Editors Arvin Cruz, U-Ned Algabre, and Jenny King Sibulo. 

Fashionistas among the well-dressed audience that evening also received prizes from Scene Zone and Crowne Plaza Hotel. The stylistic ones who stole the fashion scene were Chiclet Allado , Cathleen Tiamson, Venus Cajucom Bradbury, Michael Roy Soliman, and Frank Castillo.  

The event which was hosted by beauteous Miss Earth 2013 Angelee Delos Reyes and directed by the dynamic Raymond Seranillo and team was made possible by Team DC Manila Productions, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, SunSmart Solar Power Technology Inc., Scene Zone Magazine, Aphrodite Aesthetics Skincare and Medical Clinic, in partnership with: Mplify - Consultancy, Public Relations, & Marketing Services, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, HASH (HIV & AIDS SUPPORT HOUSE), Doc Rob Chiropractic Wellness Clinic, MUM (Make-Up Madness), Grace Flowers Event Stylist, Karisma ni Maria, Bioessence – Caring Beyond Beauty, Anthologie, Ready Set Glow , Nailogy , Lunula , DAX Apparel, Make-Up Reborn, Malaya, VLE (Viva La Events), Orquiza Eye Care Clinic, 7Folds Laundry, Acquasuisse Parfums and Strip It! – Hair Removal Sugaring. The event's official Media Partners were The Manila Times, Daily Tribune, Malaya – Business Insight, IBC 13, GNN (Golden Nation Network), Tsismaxxx, Chinoy TV ,The Village Connect Magazine, Brands Asia Channel, Nuance Magazine, Oxin Films, City Studio, Animal Scene, FAB Manila, Litrato Philippines, DZRJ 810AM Radyo Bandido, Stylish Magazine, QCPC (Quezon City Photo Club), Critical Beauty Philippines, Eventologie, FAB Philippines, Agimat, ENP (Entertainment News Portal), Aspire Magazine Global, Pageantry Fanatics.

Living With It Sweetly: Healthy Ways to Control Your Diabetes

Diabetes has been a bitter pill to swallow, particularly for countries affected by the rising number of cases every year. In 2019, approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years) were living with this chronic metabolic disease, characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels; by 2045, this will rise to 700 million, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

A similar trend is also happening in the Philippines. In 2020, deaths due to Type 2 diabetes mellitus or adult diabetes ranked fourth at 37,265 after heart disease (99,680), cancer (62,289), and cerebrovascular diseases (59,736), as revealed by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

However, having diabetes does not mean you can never have a healthy, everyday life. 

 

Working closely with your doctor can help you manage diabetes, and you can also start focusing on some critical changes in your daily life. Here are some ways to manage your blood sugar levels, as listed by the Department of Health (DOH). 

 

Keep yourself active. Despite being inside your home most of the time due to existing lockdowns and community quarantines, staying active is crucial to help control your blood sugar levels. A little cardio can be a big help, no need to push yourself to do hardcore workouts.

 

Workout at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each session. Not only can it help you bring down your blood sugar levels, but it can also help you lose some extra pounds, increase your endorphins (happy hormones) and ease stress. 

 

Manage your stress. Getting stressed when you have diabetes will do you no good. When you’re stressed, your blood sugar levels go up. That is why it pays to relieve your stress by doing hobbies that relax you and doing some breathing exercises or yoga.

 

Quit Smoking. Smoking is harmful to your health, especially if you have diabetes. In addition, it may trigger other health problems, such as heart disease, eye disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Smoking also can make it harder to exercise. If you’re a smoker, consult with your doctor about the ways to quit.

 

Maintain normal blood pressure. Since hypertension puts a person at high risk of cardiovascular disease, primarily associated with diabetes, reliable blood pressure monitoring and control is highly advised. Seek your doctor’s advice on proper management.

 

Eat healthy. Eating healthy food is crucial when you have diabetes. Do not skip or delay meals since it causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It also pays to eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables and cut down on salt. Drinking alcohol, on the other hand, must be avoided. Dietary guidelines recommend no more than two drinks for men and not more than one drink per day for women.

 

‘Eating Sweets? Still Possible’

When it comes to eating sweets, it is advised to avoid simple sugars like cakes and chocolates. But it does not mean that you can’t let anything sweet pass your lips again. Instead, have complex carbohydrates like rice, pasta, cereals, and fresh fruits. 

 

You can use some alternative sweeteners now available in nearby drugstores nationwide. For instance, Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider,  offers Sweet Via, a sweetener from a natural source with amazing health benefits.

 

Sweet Via is made with stevia, a natural substitute for sugar, derived from the leaves of a small perennial green shrub. Anyone who suffers from blood sugar disorders or who needs to limit their caloric intake should know about the remarkable properties of stevia. It is an accepted sugar substitute that can contribute to weight management and improved caloric control.[1]

 

Aside from stevia, Sweet Via contains Inulin, a natural soluble dietary fiber from a chicory plant that promotes digestive health. It acts as food for good bacteria in the colon. Studies also suggest that Inulin aids in keeping blood sugar levels low.[2]

 

Free from artificial additives, Sweet Via turns sweets into a treat without the guilt. It is also a perfect sweetener for not only for people with diabetes but also perfect for weight watchers and those who want to cut down on their sugar or calorie intake. 

 

Sweet Via is now available in leading drugstores nationwide and online shopping platforms, such as Shopee and Lazada. This product comes in a box containing 10 sachets. Each sachet contains 1g of the sweetener, equivalent to 2 teaspoons of sugar. It instantly sweetens any beverage and food recipe minus the guilt and harmful effects of too much sugar.

 

This product is just one of the many other organic health and wellness products offered by Santé, known for developing a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are designed to improve people’s quality of life so they can live more and do more.

A Unique Concept of New York-Style Pizzas in the South

What are New York Style Pizzas?

These are pizzas made with a characteristically large hand-tossed thin crust, often sold in wide slices to go. The crust is thick and crisp only along its edge, yet soft, thin, and pliable enough beneath its toppings to be folded in half to eat.

Since Pinoys' love for pizza can't be denied, these large pizzas become popular in the country and they are more preferred by customers because each slice can already fill one's craving for pizza.

Just recently, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila introduced a new restaurant concept that gives diners the opportunity to enjoy hearty meals in a setting with plenty of urban flair; the Firehouse Pizza.

There is no moment in life that can't be improved with pizza which is why it makes everyone hungry and excited. Perfect for feeding a crowd, these massive pies are bound to please anyone – and everyone – with an almost endless variety of crust styles and toppings. For those in the southern end of Manila, a new restaurant is firing up its ovens to serve great pizzas and a whole lot more.

Firehouse Pizza Starters

Firehouse Pizza is the latest addition to Crimson Hotel Filinvest City’s excellent dining options. Playing on the classics of the iconic pizzerias of New York, the restaurant officially opened to the public last October and promises to be the perfect gathering place where friends and family can gather over great food in a place that promises a warm welcome and a whole lot of delicious fun. It’s open for diners from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily and bound to become quite a crowd-pleaser for southern folk.

STARTERS

Antipasti Platter
(solo - Php380 / sharing - Php700)

Assorted cheese, mushrooms, olives,  salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, artichoke

Panzanella Salad (Php280)

Tomato, Olives, Cucumber, Onion, Basil Leaves, Bell Pepper, Crispy Bread

Burrata Salad (Php550)

Garden Tomatoes, Burrata Chesse, Mesclun Leaves, Balsamic Olive Oil 

Mini Calzone Salad (Php370)

Baby Spinach, Dried Tomato, Pesto Sauce, Parmesan Cheese

5 choices for Starters

Garlic & Herbs Flatbread with Dip (Pesto, Tomato Concasse Php250) in front

Here, one can order from a savory selection of signature pizzas, each made on a sturdy sourdough base loaded with top quality ingredients ranging from authentic Italian cheeses to fresh produce and excellent meats. Flavors range from the signature Firehouse which pairs prosciutto and arugula with piquant peppers; to the rich-tasting Times Square with its mix of sausage, eggs, and artichokes; to the pure luxury of vodka-cured salmon on the Garish Gravlax. The dough was developed in-house by Crimson Hotel executive chef Del Adora and executive pastry chef Benjamin Bourgeois, while the flavors were developed by Adora and general manager Gerhard Doll.

Bring your appetite as helpings here are on the hefty side: one slice makes for a great meal, while a whole pizza is perfect for feeding a crowd. These are also baked to order in an open fire oven custom-built for Firehouse, so everything comes to the table fresh and piping hot. As each pizza is made with care and the best possible ingredients, every meal here is certainly a fun gustatory experience. More than a pizza joint, Firehouse also offers a delectable selection of starters and salads, as well as fresh ice cream for those with a sweet tooth. Crafted cocktails expertly prepared at the bar are also available for those looking for a nightcap with friends after a hectic day.

Firehouse Burrata Pizza Php700
Prosciutto, Chorizo, Meatballs, Jalapeno, Salami, Rucola, Chili Oil

Time Square Burrata Php680

Meatballs, Eggs, Olives, Artichokes, Mushroom, Thyme

Garish Gravlax Buffalo Mozzarella Php650

Vodka Cured Beetroot Salmon, Capers, Spinach, Succhini

Even the interiors are instrumental to the Firehouse experience. The overall aesthetic plays up a hip, urban vibe with bare brick walls, high ceilings, and a pleasing red-and-white color scheme. Reminiscent of old-school fire stations in big cities like New York and Chicago (both widely considered the home of great Italian-American food), pendant-style lamps illuminate the space, while framed reproductions of old street signs add to the space’s urban appeal. Playful Dalmatian illustrations – a throwback to the days when the spotted pups were the official mascot of many fire departments in the west – add a fun, whimsical touch. Metal chairs further reinforce the industrial look, but wooden tables and shelving are a warm touch that welcomes guests.

It’s definitely a great place to bring a crowd, to sit back, relax, and enjoy great pizzas in a fun new venue.

For more information, please visit the official website at http://www.crimsonhotel.com/manila/ or call (02) 8282 5699.

Zeelool - hip, chic and trendy eyewear online

I remember how we went crazy upon knowing about my child's eye condition. She was diagnosed with astigmatism, a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. She is nearsighted and the physician told us to immediately look for the right eyeglasses for her.

We went around the city and several malls in and outside our area just to find something that fits her well and that looks fashionable as she is already a teener. Truth is, we really find it so hard to provide her the right one. The whole experience was tiring and daunting and of course, it was costly as we have to travel even to the faraway city hoping to find what we need for her.




At last, after almost 3 weeks of searching, we finally found the one for her. That experience left me a realization: that it's not easy to find the right eyeglasses for you, therefore you must really take good care of your eyes and your vision. Thank God at the age of 36 I am still at 20/20 vision.

I know that sooner or later my daughter's current glasses need to be replaced so as early as now, I try to look for another one. Whenever I would pass by a mall or an eyewear store I always try to look for a new one which I think she would love and would look nice on her.

One day, I get to cross Zeelool Prescription Eyeglasses Frames Online. Zeelool is an e-commerce website offering a wide range of high-fashion and high-end eyewear. The platform's homepage is catchy enough to keep me scrolling and clicking for more on the site. They have very chic, unique and trendy eyewear for everyone - men and women.



What caught most of my attention was the cute glasses frames which look so comfy and light-weight. The frames are thin, nothing bulky that's why each looks too neat and clean. The design is nothing complicated but they all look beautiful. I guess this is where I can find the perfect frame for my daughter.


I also enjoyed browsing at the glasses frames for women because most of them come in Pantone color ultraviolet. That is actually my favorite color since I was in elementary and anything in its shade really interests me. These frames for women are so unique in shapes. There are the conventional shapes such as round, oval, square and rectangle and there's also the cateye and the geometric-shaped glasses. It is important that a store offers different shapes of glasses. Different face shapes require different shapes of glasses to enhance someone natural look.

Their products are of different colors, shapes, and designs. Some eyewear looks luxurious for the studs. 

I have actually chosen few frames and consider buying them for my daughter. I saw that they accept different types of payments and that adds up to a hassle-free shopping.

A Beach Wedding to Remember : Starting a New Chapter to Forever (Special Feature)

Beach weddings are endearing for many reasons- it’s the idea of being out in the open, surrounded by nature in a surreal ocean scene with the waves and sea wind stand as witnesses to a jubilant union of hearts. And this is when Ron and Loren exchanges vow in a commitment to love and cherish one another amidst the romantic natural atmosphere and surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Loren loves Ron.

For Loren, Ron has all the good qualities of a gentleman. She describes him as kindhearted, sensitive and caring. He is the best man for her and he is being loved by many because of his good character. Loren has found her forever true love with Ron!

Ron loves Loren.

Loren being a person with a well-rounded personality, she is a happy person with a positive disposition. Ron immediately fell in love with Loren for being sweet and caring but most of all genuine with lots of people loving her too. Ron has all the right reasons to find his forever with Loren at his side! 

Then Ron and Loren decided to tie the knot on a beach…

Both love the idea of having a memorable exchange of vows by the beach. They both dream of having a ‘romantic sunset wedding’ that would provide wonderful memories that will last for a lifetime. They wanted it to be super special, going the extra mile along the shore where happy memories are built. 

Prince Charming and his Princess!!

How about a unique “Prince and Princess’ theme wedding on beach? Why not! For Loren and Ron, the idea came in to conception during the daily video chats and calls when Ron mentioned that when he was a kid he had wish to be born as a royalty and be a prince. Loren, chuckled and slightly grinned then ask him “so you are dreaming to be a prince?” then Ron quickly replied “yes!”.  Loren pondered and realized that Ron told her “having you is a dream come true and if not with you I do not intend to remarry anymore and will remain single for the rest of my life”.  This is Loren’s realization that she wanted to fulfill Ron’s dreams. Now, these dreams are a reality having Loren as his wife and Ron as her prince! 

The dream of becoming a prince is a fulfilled childhood dream of Ron and now a husband “king” to a loving Pinay wifey princess perhaps “queen”, queen of Ron’s heart!

Loren was a 6-year widow and have notion of having a foreign husband who is loving, sensitive and much understanding. Though age difference may seem to be a factor for others, but for the lovebirds it was never an issue. 

Loren loves Ron with all her heart and soul could give which Ron will never find a reason to regret marrying her. It is the best life changing decision for both lovers and their wedding stands testament that true love exist! 

So why have purple as the wedding theme color? No need to explain, it’s Loren’s favorite color! And did you know that the color purple in psychology means whimsical, magical and cheerful? Indeed, a good color motif choice for a dreamlike beach wedding!

The Exchange of Vows

Loren: I am beyond blessed and thankful to God Almighty- He surprised me in His perfect time. This is really an answered prayer!

The moment I met you, I know in my heart you are going to stay forever. Now that we are here, I promise that you will always be my priority in life, before myself. I will try my best everyday to become the woman of your dreams. 

I vow to work with you in all things, I promise you a perfect love, a perfect trust for one lifetime with you and is never enough!

You are my MAN, my LOVE and my LIFE- today and always I love you until the end of time. 

Ron: “Pinaka maganda kong asawa, mahal na mahal kita. Mamahalin kita habang buhay..” (Googled by Ron in Tagalog and the audience and together with the ‘ninongs’ applauded and cheered) in English- To my most beautiful wife, I love you very much! I will love you until my last breath! 

Love,

Ron & Loren