Women’s Health brings back Are You Game? in the Philippines

Shape up your best body this year as Women’s Health Philippines brings back its flagship event – “Are You Game?”, an all-day, feel-good festival that features the latest in fitness, nutrition, wellness, beauty and more! Happening on June 1, Saturday (10:00 AM) at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, Are You Game? is sure to encourage today’s active women to take control of their physical and mental being.

Following the success of the first Are You Game? last year, Women’s Health makes it possible for Filipino women to experience more this June through new workouts like SMRT-Core Circuit, a 30-minute class which is designed to lengthen the muscles, strengthen the myofascial lines and slings, and integrate the body for a complete body workout. Les Mills Body Jam™, a signature workout of 360 Fitness Club which is a cardio workout that fuses the latest dance styles and hottest new sounds to put emphasis on having fun while exercising. Beyond Sculpt, a brand new fitness-based approach to yoga that is targeted to strengthen the body using weights. Zumba Toning, a combination of targeted body-sculpting exercises and high-energy cardio work with Latin-infused Zumba moves to create a calorie-burning, strength-training dance fitness-party. Fit Into Your Jeans Workout, a total-body workout that sculpts sexy thighs, legs and butt while working on the upper body and core, and FNR (flexibility Not Required), which is a simple, worry-free introduction to yoga.

Besides trying out the latest in fitness, Are You Game? also provides the best in skin care and wellness through various booth activities like one-on-one skin, nutrition and slimming consultations, massages, nail treatments, and dehydration booths. Plus, participants can try out other fun sports like archery, wall climbing, and dance consoles!

So what are you waiting for? Be healthy, be fun, be game! Don’t forget to bring the May or June issue of Women’s Health to enter. To know how to pre-register, visit www.femalenetwork.com/WHAreYouGame/.

Women’s Health Are You Game? event is brought to you by Century Tuna, Planet Sports and Kojie San. Special thanks to minor sponsor Nische, official venue partner SM Mall of Asia and official media partners Female Network, Wave 89.1 and Magic 89.9

For more of Women’s Health grab a copy of the May issue of Women’s Health with Jodi Sta. Maria on the cover available in all bookstores, magazines stands nationwide. You can also download the May issue of Women’s Health online, visit https://www.summitnewsstand.com.ph/womens-health.

SINGAPORE’S HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL JAVANESE MASSAGE & BEAUTY CARE

Singapore's House of  Traditional Javanese Massage & Beauty Care  officially launched its first branch in the Philippines yesterday after a successful  soft opening last May 1.  The event started by a mass and followed by  ribbon cutting done by   the owner,  Mr. Ahmad  and  Top 6 Winners of  Miss Tourism World Philippines.   Different group of  media  graced and witnessed the event,  the launch of   first authentic Traditional Javanese Massage in the Singapore which started since 1999.

The House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care  has  an area of about 330 square meters.  Its Bali-inspired ambience invites spa-lovers to experience a “resort like” feeling inside this spa.  All materials used during its construction came from Indonesia and Singapore.

And it is true that everyone who enters the spa gets the feeling of being “away from the city”. The front desk consultants wearing the attractive “kebaya” (a traditional blouse-dress combination that originates from Indonesia and worn by women in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Burma, Singapore, southern Thailand, also worn by Singapore Airlines’ flight attendants) will tour you around, making you wonder at how meticulously built the spa was. Try the skilled hands of the therapists well-trained by Indonesian and Singaporean trainers, definitely another edge over competitors.

What’s unique about the House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care is that it offers not only authentic Javanese Massage (Indonesian massage) for the whole family, sportsmen, executives, young and elderly (providing a various selection of Massage Lotion Cream and Traditional Herbal Ointment for individual needs) but also other various traditional treatments:

* Aromatic Javanese Full Body Massage - Indonesian style of body massage using deep pressure with aromatic or essential oils instead of the traditional Javanese oil

*Massage Cupping/Ventosa – Body is massaged using partial vacuum cups created by heat into the acupressure point instead of applying thumb pressure

*Toxin Release - Ginger treatment or wrap using freshly pounded ginger thread and juice wrapped in the body for 30 minutes; good for colds and allergy relief, detoxification and promotes good blood circulation and relaxation

*Traditional Foot Reflexology - Massage from feet to the knee, concentrating on the reflexology points leading to the internal organs and body systems

*Pre-Natal Body Massage - Gentle massage for pregnant women from 4th month onwards (or after the first trimester) lying down sideways, focusing mainly on the legs , upper back and shoulders; relieves stress, muscle pains and cramps; a good form of relaxation for pregnant women

*Post-Natal Body Massage - Traditional Javanese full body massage after birth with application of Indonesian herbs “pillis” for the head , “tepal wangi” for the tummy , “beras kanchur” for arms, shoulders and legs; Helps mothers get back in shape, prevents headaches/migraine, relieves feeling of tiredness, gives warming effect on the body and improves blood circulation. This treatment can be done right after giving birth for normal delivery, and 6 weeks after Caesarian operation

*Princess V - “Fogging” vaginal area using special Indonesian herbs in a sitting position on our Traditional Princess V Chair; Helps contract uterus , reduce excessive white discharge and eliminates unpleasant odor and wetness

*Traditional Boreh Treatment (Herbal Body Mask) - Applying Indonesian “Boreh “ herbs on the whole body for 30 minutes , then Javanese Massage after shower; Helps relieve stress, muscle pain, and headache; Improves blood circulation, removes dead cells and moisturizes the skin

The spa operates from 11am-12am daily. It offers membership packages ranging from P6,000 (for individual), P10,000 (for dual) and P15,000 (for corporate) which already include gift vouchers for Javanese Massage and Intensive Facial - on top of the 20% lifetime discount - valid in Singapore branches. The use of jacuzzi in the Family Room and Couple’s Room is an exclusive privilege extended to its valued members.

It also owns D’ Java Factory (Singapore) with more than 700 different spa products and accessories made of 100% organic products ranging from highly selected herbs and spices.

We are having our pre-opening special promotions until July 31, 2013.  To know more of these promos, please like us on Facebook:  House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care – Manila.


House of Traditional Javanese Massage and Beauty Care is conveniently  located on the 3rd Floor of E. A. Building, 2510 Taft Ave., Malate, Manila (beside DLSU-College of St. Benilde).

For inquiries and reservations, please call (02) 2150986 and 09177153655 or email javanesemassage.manila@gmail.com or visit www.javanesemassage.com.



Celebrate Father’s Day at Boracay Garden Resort

Show Dad how much he means to you this Father’s Day by treating him to a memorable stay at Boracay Garden Resort! Unwind in the island paradise of Boracay for only Php5,471net per person. Based on twin-sharing, the package is inclusive of three days accommodation, buffet breakfast and dinner and roundtrip transfers via Caticlan. Travel period is until July 31, 2013.

For inquiries, call Boracay Garden Resort’s Manila Booking Office at (02) 353-1111 or email manila@boracaygarden.com.ph.

Anawangin and Capones Island Getaway

It is no longer a secret haven because I heard it from friends,  watched on documentary show and  read in travel blogs.  The place I call paradise,  Anawangin Cove and Capones Island.

Summer is almost over  when we finally  decided to spend  our  annual  getaway in Zambales.  I read a lot  from people who  have been there  and witnessed the beauty of nature.   I got amazed when I see the island myself.   Heaven, just heaven! 


We  always spend our annual summer getaway  in Batangas or Laguna hot springs  or just somewhere near around.    Our   kids then  enjoyed  our  vacation  as long as there is water   they never mind if  we chose the same destinations over and over again.  Since they're all grown ups now,  we let them organized and planned the trip and we just followed and agreed  to what they have set in.  Originally,  we rented a coaster van and it could have been more fun together  but the resort owner told us  that it's wasn't  available so  we ended up to  two vans  instead.  Our  driver also served as our tour guide in our  two-day trip.

So there, off we went to Zambales.   We  stayed in one of the dormitory rooms in  Sir William's Cottage with a capacity of 20 pax.  We left Manila at 5am and reached the destination at around 10am.  As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed  by the owner himself,  Mr. William and showed us the room where we would  stay.     The dormitory type room  has 3 double size beds and 2 double size double deck beds with pull-out, split type air-con, cable T.V. and a comfort room.

After we settled ourselves we then asked  the boatmen   for island tour package.  We were given the following options:  P450/head Anawangin Cove, Camara Island, Nagsasa and Capones.   P300/head Anawangin Cove, Capones Island and that  includes entrance fee of P50 to Anawangin Cove.   400/head Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove.   The   rate  depends upon the size of the boat and how many  islands to visit.

Because we only have little time,  we  settled for two islands  and charged us P300/head including the entrance fee  to Anawangin  then off we went  island hopping.    I suggest to waterproof  a gadget especially if  one  is  going to take a small boat.

It took us more or less thirty minutes on the boat to reach  Anawangin  cove.  We rode  a  mega boat   that can accomodate 35 pax. We were only about  20 or less  and the rest were left in the cottage.  I chose to stay up on the deck  and had a smooth sailing all the way to Anawangin.  I captured the  better view from the second deck.   Though  there were some waves,  it was a calm  boat ride  because  our  boat  was big and  didn't easily  sway in.

The view  on our way to Anawangin was just so wonderful.  I  am running out of  words to describe it.  I was quite entertained on the  boat ride  and did not notice the time.  It was the shortest boat ride I've ever had in my life.  I used to be always in panicky state when taking a boat ride,   not this time.   I can't help myself but be amazed  and  behold  of  the beauty of  Anawangin.   Magnificent paradise, wonderful! 

Just perfect.  I took this shot just before we landed the shoreline in Anawangin. We did not  go up  hill but it could be  more breathtaking  to take a photo from  above.  I never knew there is such place in the Philippines like this,  so beautiful.  I hope that this  little piece of paradise be spared  from commercialization  and  stays this way forever.  I've read in some blogs and saw the photos years ago.  If  I may compare, the place is already far different.  It is no longer a secret  paradise and is is being  discovered slowly by many beach goers and campers.

This is Queen  Josephine boat,  owned by Sir William Cottage that we used in island hopping.  A mega boat that  can accommodate 35 pax.

This is mandatory.  Haha.  In all the places we've been, they need to jump shot for me.  Hurrah!

It  was my first time to see Singkamas this white. I  may sound like a fool   because  I even  asked the local what he was selling.   He said that  singkamas is white when freshly harvest and  just  turns brown  when delivered to Manila.

Because it was weekend,  there were a lot of campers as expected. I could imagine a more serene view on a weekday  where  there are  lesser people on the island.

Btw, there are  no faucets,  electricity,  network signal and  hotels here.  When you need to wash the salt and sand from your body,  you need a little effort  to get some water from the  pump.

I took more shots before we left Anawangin Cove with high  hopes that the scene I captured today would still be the same  tomorrow.   It was so beautiful but I wasn't really  convinced with my  photos. I have no view from  top  and panoramic view of Anawangin. The photos here were  captured along the way and  viewed  just  a  few meters from our picnic hut.  I could  have   taken  more beautiful shots if not  because of   hot  temperature  that   added up to my pms-ing mood that day.


See more photos..



The sky was blue and perfect to sail when we went to Capones.   I was glad that   my lens  captured  this beautiful sight.   The  color of the sky reflects in the  sea that turned so blue as we sail the boat.   Just wonderful!


Off  to Capones Island

Capones Island is just about twenty minutes away from the mainland.  I asked the boatmen about the place and   gave me a few information.   The island is owned by the government and maintained by navy forces. There's an old ruin on the western part of the island, unfortunately we did not see it and the abandoned lighthouse.  I  just  took some photos from where I was seated  and did not explore the island anymore  because    I traveled with  a group and I  have to look after my two children and two nieces.   We  just enjoyed the fine white sand and clear blue water at Capones Island.

The view as get closer to the island. Breathtaking!

and more beautiful as we get closer...

There were some foreign and local  tourists  who just set up their tent in the island. There is no entrance fee here.  You just need to find a place and  set yourself where you  want to. We have no tent so we just stayed near the rock that gave us a  temporary shade.

My daughter  was amazed by the fine sand. I put a life vest for my niece just in case a heavy waves sway her in the deep.  She enjoyed the water a lot.

I should  have explored more of the island.  I couldn't believe it that I have no single photo here.  I honestly got overwhelmed with the view.

On the next day, on the shore of Pundaquit,  we spent our remaining hours  doing  other activities like  swimming and playing volleyball. 

I know I missed a lot in this travel like  trekking,  going up hill in Anawangin Cove,  camping out in one of the islands,  exploring Capones,  Nagsasa Cove,  Camara and Magalawa island and more.  There could be other reasons why.   The nature  may  have some explanation for me and so  I'll just   wait  for that answer  to come.  teehee.

I documented the fun and uploaded  the  photos  here.   The rest of the photos are on my  mind stored to last forever,   memories.





How to get to Anawangin Cove

By private vehicle.  Anawangin is located in Pundaquit Zambales. It will take about  three or four hours from Manila. You may opt to stay in a resort in Pundaquit  or just go directly to  Anawangin cove where you can set up a tent.   Head to end of  NLEX  and pass  DAO exit. Follow the signs to SCTEX then   Subic which is heading to the right.  Exit  Subic.  Turn left when you reach Olongapo Public Cemetery.  Towns  to pass by:  Subic Town, Castillejos, the San Marcelino.  There is an intersection at  the public market in  San Marcelino.  Turn left to San Antonio.  Follow the signs to Pundaquit.


By public transportation.   Take Victory Liner  from Pasay or  Cubao Stations  going to San Antonio, Zambales.  From San Antonio, take a tricycle ride  and ask the driver to bring you  to Pundaquit.  From Pundaquit, get a boat that will take you to Anawangin or any islands.  I heard that there is a standard boat fare now  so you wouldn't need a good negotiation skill  to haggle for a lower  price.

Novuhair 3-in-1 Pack - Nature's answer to hair loss

I always have this thinking that celebrities endorse product mainly because they are being paid high or the product they endorse will make them popular. When I was invited yesterday  for the launch of  new and improved Novuhair 3-in-1-Pack,  I thought that I would just cover this event and publish  the press releases in my blog.    But  the launch turned to be my day.  I just found a solution for my damaged hair.   Admittedly I have excessive falling hair due to frequent hair styling and maybe because of aging.  Listening to  Fanny Serrano's  story and testimony about   this  product made me utter these words,  "this is it!"   I just a found a  solution  to bring back my crowning glory.   

Would you believe Fanny Serrano is already  65 years old?  He doesn't look like his age.  Here's what transpired during the press conference.

M:   What hair problems were you experiencing before you discovered Novuhair?

Fanny Serrano:  I had problems with falling hair. It all started when I was 40. As an icon in the industry, it brings a lot of insecurity when you’re balding.

M:   How did these hair problems affect you personally and professionally?

FS:   There’s a fear factor of being bald. It took an hour to fix myself to cover-up my baldness which resulted to my being late in several appointments. I also used a lot of hair products, hats and bandannas to cover-up baldness.

M. Did you undergo surgical treatments and/or take medications to help you with your hair problems? Were these effective?

FS:   I used hair grower capsules, hair grower treatments and special shampoos (local and imported), and even the shampoo for the horse. All weren’t effective.

I have friends who underwent hair transplants but I found it looked unnatural.

M:. How did you find out about NOVUHAIR and how long have you been using the product?

FS:   A friend recommended it to me since I already resolved to wearing wiglets/toppers which are very expensive. After 2 months of use, my falling hair stopped. After which, I called the company to tell them how pleased I am with their product. I’m on my 3rd year now of using Novuhair.

M. How has NOVUHAIR changed your life?

FS:   Security is back. I have great natural hair because of the Novuhair shampoo, topical scalp lotion, and conditioner. My hair now has volume and the texture is thick, soft and shiny. I can say now that my hair is indeed my crowning glory.

People in the industry know  Tita Fanny  to be  direct and frank.    Indeed!  He's  not  just frank because  I could  feel his sincerity.      He said that balding is one of  the major problems,  he  meant  global problem.   He  traveled  around the world  to find a solution for  his  hair  only  to discover   here  in the Philippines   and  that made him become more proud  of  our  country.

Beauty queen, model and host  Gwendoline Ruais also testified how she discovered Novuhair.  She said, as a model,  frequent styling and change of hairstyle damaged her  hair   and scalp.  She experienced dry,  limp hair  and lost its glow.  She discovered Novuhair through Ms. Cory Quirino, an advocate of health and natural remedies.  True enough,  I noticed her glowing hair as she entered the press conference.  Now  I know  her   magic and what  she does to keep her hair glowing. 

Here are some more facts about Novuhair.

Years of research and testing of herbal ingredients culminated to the perfect concoction that finally solves hair loss!

Nutramedica, manufacturer and exclusive distributor of Novuhair, introduces the highly anticipated Novuhair 3-in-1 Pack which now comes with an herbal conditioner to complement the herbal shampoo and topical scalp lotion.

The trio is available in 200mL bottles each, bundled as a set to provide users with Novuhair’s optimum benefits as a hair loss solution.

“We were amazed by the big demand from our customers clamoring for an herbal conditioner. Same as with the shampoo and topical scalp lotion, the conditioner has all-natural active ingredients which include herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients,” said Mae Velilla, Chief Operating Officer of Nutramedica.

The Novuhair brand rejuvenates hair follicles and improves blood circulation to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It also provides optimum nutrition to combat hair loss and hair thinning.

Developed to prepare the scalp for the application of Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Novuhair Herbal Shampoo softens the hair, and nourishes the scalp through pure botanical extracts. The Novuhair Herbal Conditioner, meanwhile, helps moisturize and condition the hair, giving it a shinier look, making it suppler, and nourishing its overall health while being gentle for everyday use.

“When used in combination, Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Novuhair Herbal Shampoo and Novuhair Conditioner deliver greater effectiveness and significantly better results than when used individually,” added Velilla.

A clinical trial conducted last year by renowned hair and scalp expert Dr. Rica Mallari showed a 100% success rate among the volunteers. All subjects experienced no progression of hair loss and a decrease in hair shedding. More importantly, no side effects were experienced by the subjects.

An adult normally sheds 100 to 150 strands a day. Factors such as hereditary disorder, underlying medical illness, major surgery, hormonal problems, childbirth, stress, air pollutants, exposure to sunlight, medications and infections may cause excessive hair loss.

Moringaoleifera or malunggay is one ingredient that helps restore the skin’s condition and prevent falling hair. Sweet almond oil, another ingredient, is a moisture-rich oil that contains vitamins A, B1, B6 and E, as well as minerals such as magnesium and iron. Scientifically known as prunusamygdalus, sweet almond oil easily penetrates the hair shaft and follicles, relieving hair dryness and itching and providing nourishment to the hair to promote hair growth.

Other ingredients include panax ginseng, which improves blood circulation to the scalp, as well as ginger, which is also a hair bulb nutrient and stimulant. Together with aloe, they become an effective agent for hair growth and the prevention of falling hair.

Lavender helps relieve itching, and like rosemary, another ingredient, it contains properties that help combat dandruff and disinfects the scalp. Lemongrass helps clean the scalp’s pores, while peppermint is known to slow the growth of bacteria and fungi, aside from having a relaxing effect on the muscles.

Novuhair Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner may be used during bathing, to be followed by the Scalp Lotion. Simply massage a generous amount of the lotion onto the scalp for five to ten minutes, and then rinse off or leave on as a hair-styling agent.

While there are no known contraindications to Novuhair Herbal Conditioner, users are pre-cautioned against use in cases of sensitivity to the ingredients. Novuhair herbal products are only for topical use and may not be ingested.

Dr. Rica Mallari  (Hair and Scalp Expert)   and Dr. Bunny Bernardo (Biochemist)  were also present during the press conference  and  presented a   PowerPoint presentation about hair loss problems and the many facts about  Novuhair.    




The Novuhair 3-in-1 Topical Scalp Lotion, Herbal Shampoo and Herbal Conditioner Pack is available at all Mercury Drug and Watsons stores. Suggested retail price of the Novuhair 3-in1 Pack is  P4,980.

Call 413-6570 or 0922-883-0575 and visit www.novuhair.com for more details. Like us on Facebook: Novuhair Official or follow us on Twitter @NovuhairUpdates.