idiosyncratic

Wearing Helmets: A Safety Reminder for Motorcyclists

2010-03-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

The soaring price of oil worldwide is one reality we all have to accept. And as we all continue to face the many challenges in the workplace in order to live comfortably, one key factor is the transport system. Commuting is now considered a way of life and the clamor for a more cost-efficient mode of transportation has paved the way for the motorcycle. To date, the number of motorcycle commuters continues to rise all over the country.

Driving a motorcycle involves skill, presence of mind, and safety. And one very important rule is to "always wear a helmet" just like "wearing a seatbelt" is synonymous to driving a car. Helmets of all shapes, sizes and brands are now available in the market. But how safe are you with your helmet? Will it actually protect your brain if you meet an accident? Statistics reveal that an increase in level of road accidents usually involves motorcycles.

Before you take the road with your new motorcycle, here are some helpful tips to remember about helmets as shared by Spyder.

1. Safety Standards

Always make sure to check that your helmet has passed at least one of the safety standards from the following: DOT (USA standard) European standard (or ECE; accepted by more than 50 countries and the MOTO GP), BSI (UK), and Snell (the most highly regarded standard used in the U.S.).

2. Helmet Components

A motorcycle helmet has two major parts: the outer shell and the energy-absorbing inner liner.

Outer shells for good quality helmets come in either a resin/fiber composite like fiberglass (Spyder's Cranium and Panther helmet models), molded thermoplastic such as ABS (Spyder's Sphinx, Sabre, and Enduro models) as well as other less commonly used materials such as carbon fiber and Kevlar.

Economical Driving with Fuel Saving Practices

2010-03-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

As a motorist, have you wished that you can still extend your car's fuel mileage even further? Sure, you have applied economical driving techniques, drove as smooth and as consistent as possible, and kept your speed at par or below speed limits. But it doesn't stop there. You also have to start learning fuel saving habits and practice them. In this time of utmost fuel economy awareness, you can definitely contribute your own little part to conserve fuel even more.

Here are some helpful tips to further increase your fuel mileage:

Play your trips. Accomplish everything in one swoop. To keep you on track, maintain a list of tasks that you need to do each time you go out. For example, when planning a trip to the mall, be sure to bring with you a checklist of all the things you need to buy, and a task list of everything that you need to do, like paying your utilities or credit card bills. By being organized, you will save not only on fuel but also on time and effort.

Lighten your load. Are you one of those motorists that bring all their things everyday, whether you need it for that day or otherwise? Before you leave the house, check the contents of your trunk and leave the things that you won't need for the day, like golf clubs, gym stuff, etc. Doing so will make your car run lighter, thereby consuming lesser fuel.

Plan your route carefully. Plan your route around roads with lesser obstructions, intersections, and traffic lights. This may be a longer one than your original route, but the former may be a more fuel efficient route provided it has fewer stops and obstructions than the latter. Also, as far as traffic volume is concerned, pick the route that has a more predictable increase and decrease of volume, depending on the time of day.

Avoid braking whenever possible. Braking wastes fuel, as propelling the vehicle again from a deceleration or a stop will need fuel. You can lessen the need to brake by maintaining a safe and steady speed. Be mindful of your distance from the car in front. If the need to step on the brakes is inevitable, depress the brake pedal as gradual and as smooth as possible. If a complete stop is not needed, let go of the brakes and apply gentle dabs on the accelerator pedal to bring the car up to speed again. If the engine speed is not too low and the vehicle speed is matched to the current gear, then there is no need to downshift, for it can still take up the drive.

Check your engine. The time to check your car's engine doesn't only pertain to the time when your car's check engine light is on; periodically check your oil, fuel filter, air filter, and other wear and tear parts that your engine may need. If left unchecked, a dirty fuel filter may hamper the smooth flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion chamber, resulting in significant power loss. The same is also true for a dirty air filter, as air flow will be restricted if the air filter is dirty. To adjust for different fuel grades and quality, give your car a tune up as often as possible.

Avoid unnecessary idling. In this time of frugality, an engine left idling for extended periods of time is a mortal sin. As the car is not going anywhere, mileage for this will be 0 km/l. If the car will be idle for more than three minutes it is a good practice to park, turn off the engine, get out of the car, and wait outside. Not only will you save up on fuel by doing this; waiting outside your car is also a security precaution, as most car theft victims nowadays are those waiting inside their vehicles.

Avoid unnecessary wind drag. When traveling at highway speeds of 60 kph upwards, to avoid unnecessary wind drag, keep your windows closed. Drag is another resistance that your car needs to overcome. Between the use of your car's air-conditioning and keeping your windows closed, the former will be more fuel efficient at highway speeds.

Use the correct motor oil. Again, your car's manual is your friend. Follow the correct oil viscosity for your car as stated in its manual, as well as the oil change schedule. Using the wrong oil will not only make your car's engine inefficient, but may induce premature wear and tear, resulting in unplanned vehicle repair costs.

Switch to a new, fuel efficient vehicle. Let's face it, even with proper maintenance, cars, as machines, will be less efficient and consume more fuel over time. If you have the means to do so, you can plan to purchase a newer and fuel efficient vehicle to replace your existing one. You can have it financed through the auto lending industry leader -- BPI Family Savings Bank's Drive your Dream Auto Loan. It offers low interest rates and flexible payment terms. Buyers can own a brand new car worth Php 600,000 for only Php 9,220/month, at 20% down payment and light payment-term of six years. Just visit any of the 800 BPI, BPI Family Savings Bank branches or Express Banking Centers or call Auto Loans Direct Marketing at 845-6777 or 89-100. They can also text AUTO GO PSTAR name landline number city or province and send to 0918-89-10000 or 0917-89-10000, or logon to www.bpiexpressonline.com.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Tala-arawan ng Isang Dating Child Actress

2010-03-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

Ni Victoria Haynes

Mayroon akong iba't ibang alaala noong bata pa ako. Ang mga sticker na "Jesus Loves You" na nakapaskil sa dingding na nakatapat sa aking kama, ang iba't ibang comics at childrens' books na kinalakihan ko, ang mga kaibigan na kahit medyo mahirap nang maalala ay mahal ko pa rin, ang mga taong nakapag-udyok ng pagbabago sa aking buhay, lalo na ang mga taong may mga mahahalagang itinuro sa akin.

Hindi maiiwasan sa buhay ang masaktan dahil bahagi rin iyan ng paglaki. Maaaring hindi masayang alalahanin, pero katotohanan siyang nararanasan nating lahat. Pero higit sa mga ito ang pag-ibig. Alalahanin mo ang pinakamasakit na leksyon na iyong natutunan, isipin mo ang mga pangyayari kung paano mo natutunan ito. In retrospect, makirot sa puso, pero ngayong nakaraos ka na at tapos na ang lahat, maginhawa na ang iyong pakiramdam. Hindi mo maide-deny na ikaw rin ang nakinabang. Ikaw ang natuto at ikaw rin ang magtatagumpay sa bawat anumang hirap na na naranasan mo.

Sa mata ng isang bata na walang kamuwang-muwang, maganda ang mundo, masaya, makulay at walang kakulangan. Ang lahat ng tao ay may pangarap, hindi ang isang bata lamang. Maraming taong may gustong gawin sa buhay pero hindi magawa-gawa dahil sa negativity ng mga tao na pumipigil sa kanila at pati na rin ang mga kalagayan na humahadlang sa kanila. Minsan, pati na rin ang pagtingin nila sa kanilang sarili ang pumipigil sa kanilang pag-unlad. Pero tao lang tayong lahat, nagtatrabaho, nakararamdam, nagtitiis at nagmamahal.

Kadalasan, ugali ng mga tao na ilagay ang mga artista sa pedestal, at sa totoo, maraming mahuhusay na aktor at aktres sa Pilipinas. Pero minsan nakakaligtaan rin nilang tingnan ang mga paghihirap at mga pagsisikap na kailangan ng mga artista upang marating ang kanilang kinaroroonan. Matinding pagsisikap at sakripisyo ang kailangan para maging 'role model' at upang manatiling ganap na walang kapintasan. Higit pa sa mga intriga at tsismis ng buhay. Nakatutuwang malaman ang mga pangyayari sa entertainment industry, pero sayang na marami ang nadadala sa pagsubaybay sa kanilang mga idolo na hindi na nila masyadong napapahalagahan ang kanilang sarili. Iyon bang sa lahat na lang ng bagay ikukumpara nila ang sarili nila sa ibang tao, kasama na rin doon ang mga idolo nila. "Kailangan mas payat ako" o kaya naman "dapat mahabang kaaya-aya at makintab ang buhok ko" at piliing maghirap at maabala para lang matulad sa kanyang idol. Ang hindi lang nila alam, araw-araw na nagda-diet at labis din ang pag-aalaga ng mga artista sa kanilang buhok, balat at ngipin.

Ok na may talent, na may sariling galing sa paglikha ng kanilang sining. Pero maaari rin tayong matuto sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral at pagsumikapan ng ating mga gusto at hilig. Simula pa lang sa pagkabata, may angking galing na sila sa mga bagay na gusto nilang gawin. Pero hindi lamang ito ang dahilan sa pag-unlad ng tao. Nilikha tayo ng Diyos para magsilbi at kagalakan Niya. Hindi puwedeng hanggang doon lang ang gagawin natin.

Kailangang linangin ang mga talento at kahusayang ipinagkaloob sa atin. Isa ito sa maraming konsepto na natutunan ko kay Joachim Antonio, isa kong kaibigang propesor sa isang unibersidad dito sa Manila. Nanalo na siya ng tatlong Palanca Award para sa kanyang mga dula. Sa totoo lang, siya ang nagturo sa akin kung paano magsulat. Mayroon siyang writing seminar ngayon sa Fully Booked, ang "Inkblot."

Kung estudyante ka, mag-aaral ka. Kung athlete ka, pupunta ka sa gym araw-araw para ma-develop ang muscles. At kung nakapagbuhat ka na ng dumbbell, alam mong hindi lalaki ang iyong mga muscles sa isang iglap. Buwan ang kailangan para magpalaki ng katawan at ilang on and off seasons ang pinagdaraanan ng bodybuilders para marating nila ang kanilang kasalukuyang kalagayan. Kailangan ng sapat na oras at pagsisikap ang anumang tagumpay.

Ilang oras ang ginugugol ng mga pintor para matuto ng sketching at shading. Simula pa lang ito: ilang oras pang mag-eeksperimento, maghalo-halo ng kulay. Higit sa lahat, kailangan ring gugulan ng oras ang mismong pagpipinta.

Kung gusto mong maging mahusay sa pag-arte, kailangang matuto kang magmasid ng mga tao at tauhan. Sa "666," ang pelikula kung saan ako gaganap, pinayuhan ako ni Direk Celso Ad Castillo na pag-aralan ang "The Exorcism of Emily Rose." Pinanood ko ang pelikulang ito ng mga anim na sunud-sunod na beses sa loob ng tatlong araw. Noong sumunod na linggo, pinanood ko ang lahat ng mga exorcist films na nahanap ko.

Malaking sakripisyo ito para sa akin. Hindi ako mahilig sa nakatatakot. Romantic comedies, fantasy films, at indies ang hilig ko. Kaya, malaking tiyaga ang kinailangan ko sa panonood ng mga tungkol sa possessions, demonyo at multo, pero sabi nga nila, "the show must go on" at totoo ito.

Sa awarding ceremony ng FAMAS ngayong taon, napanood ko si Imelda Papin at napakagaling niya! Kahit noong sa pangalawang bahagi ng kanyang performance ay nasa back stage na ako na naghahanda para sa pag-present ng susunod na award, dinig ko pa rin ang kanyang pagkanta at nadala ako sa kanyang tindig sa entablado. Kahit alam kong malabo, masaya sana kung makakanta rin akong tulad niya. Alam kong mahirap maabot ang kanyang kalibre. Napakaraming oras ng ensayo ang kailangan para marating ang kanyang kalagayan.

Ang punto ko lang dito, hindi ipinanganak ang mga tao na ganap ang kanilang husay. Lahat tayo ay nagsisikap upang makamit ang ating mga pangarap. Araw-araw, gumagawa tayo ng mga desisyon at lalo nating nakikilala ang ating sarili. Kung anuman ang pinaggugugulan natin ng panahon, marahil ibig natin, dahil hindi na natin mababawi ang panahong lumipas na.

Ang nakaraan, para man sa mabuti o masama, ang bumubuo sa atin. Puno ang buhay natin ng mga taong may ibinahaging leksiyon, mga taong minahal, mga taong nakasakit, mga taong wala na at mga taong nandito pa rin ngayon. Ang lahat na daranasing sakit, pagtitiis at paghihirap ay nagpapalakas at nagtuturo sa atin. Mayroon tayong iba't ibang taong nakikilala at makikilala na mag-iiwan ng marka.

Noong maliit pa ako, ginampanan ko ang papel ni Terya, anak nina Babalu at Kris Aquino sa sitcom na "Home Along da Riles." Kasama ko rin doon sina Dolphy, Nova Villa, Carding Castro, at iba pa. Hanggang ngayon, malinaw pa ang mga alaala ko kay Tito Babalu at nami-miss ko siya. Naalala ko siya minsan bilang kalaro, minsan guro sa pag-ensayo ng mga linya para sa mga eksena naming dalawa. Parati siyang kasama na may maraming kuwento at mapagpasensya sa makukulit na batang katulad ko. Malaki ang lungkot ko noong pumanaw siya. Masaya kasi talaga siyang kasama. Naaalala ko pa rin ang ngiti niya, ang boses niya, at ang candy na lagi niyang dala sa bulsa.

Maliban kay Tito Babalu, mayroon din akong ibang mga kaibigan na nasa mas mabuting lugar na ngayon. Iba-iba ang natutunan ko sa lahat ng aking nakilala. Paniniwala ko talaga na mahalaga ang patuloy na pagkatuto ng isang tao. Lahat ng makikilala natin, makakausap, o makakasama man lang ay may epekto sa buhay natin. Minsan, baka tayo pala ang may malaking epekto sa buhay nila at hindi lang natin alam.

Kaya nagsusulat ako ngayon, dahil alam kong maraming tao ang may pangarap, pero nahihiya o nagdududa sa kanilang sarili. Mga nanghihinang-loob na subukin ang kanilang mga kaya, o minsan, hindi makasulong dahil sa isang trauma na hindi mabitiwan.

Para sa inyo ko isinusulat ang mga ito. Hindi n'yo kailangang mahiya o ma-insecure, dahil lahat ng bagay ay kayang gawin. Sa mga pinagdaanan mo, hindi mo ba minsan napapansin na sa simula, akala mo hindi mo kaya pero sa huli kaya mo naman pala? At sa katagalan, hindi lang kaya, kundi napakadali rin pala? Sa makipot na daan ng tadhana, ang nakaraan ay pinagtatawanan na lang.

Nagsisikap ang mga taong magagaling, kahit likas na sa kanila ang talento. Pinaghihirapan at pinag-aaralan pa rin nila ang kanilang sining. Walang sikat na banda o mang-aawit ang hindi nag-eensayo; walang artistang hindi pinag-aaralan ang script at role na gagampanan nila. Natatago sa kinang ng showbiz ang ilang oras, gabi, at linggo at minsan pati na rin taon ng pag-aaral, pag-eensayo at pagpapawis. At iyon ang showmanship. Kung may pangarap ka, huwag kang magpahadlang -- kahit sa sarili mo. Kung nakayanan ko, kakayanin n'yo rin...

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

If Looks Could Kill...

2010-03-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

By Andy Leuterio

... then you'd be twice dead if you ever saw the Nitro in your rear-view mirror. This is because like any good Dodge, the midsize-SUV sports extraverted, sh*t-eating styling that does not care one whit about what its detractors think. Never mind that it shamelessly apes the hiphop culture popularized by 50 Cent and P Diddy and scores of other curiously named, overpaid rappers who wear tons of platinum bling on a daily basis and are seemingly just seconds away from a major felony. The Nitro does not care.

For that matter, whoever will buy one does not care either, because it's the type of SUV that thumbs its nose at convention, beginning with the signature Dodge crosshair grille to its exaggerated fenders to the chromed 20-inch wheels. And why not? In a market full of two-box SUVs that look like they were penned by designers during their coffee break, the Nitro's audacious styling will strike up conversations in your neighborhood and send your valets in a tizzy.

In this new age of high fuel prices, the Nitro keeps rolling with a 3.7-liter SOHC V6, an engine that won't elicit hosannas at the gas pump but nonetheless puts out a gratifying 205 HP and 235 lb-ft of torque through a 4-speed automatic. A part-time four-wheel drive system is electronically controlled by a switch in the center console. The Nitro features a coil-spring independent front suspension and a five-link, coil-spring rear, but if you must have more, a performance suspension features a revised sway bar, springs, shocks, and bushings.

Image aside, the Nitro does have a very accommodating interior because even the most unabashed SUV buyer will look for a ride that will earn its keep. To that end, the front passenger and second row seats can fold flat, while the "Load 'N Go" cargo floor (rated up to 400 pounds) slides 18 inches rearward to make loading and unloading of cargo easier. Unfortunately, there is no third row seat in the Nitro. For the lucky five who will fit inside, the Nitro's American-sized seats ensure that even the most oversized Pinoy homey will fit comfortably.

Up front, the Nitro's chuckily-designed cockpit will give one the feeling of being at the helm of a tank. The instrument panel features independent pods for each meter cluster, while the square-edged center stack and oversized shifter have that sort of upsized, extra-durable feel.

Despite the larger-than-life ambience, the Nitro's cabin is still well equipped with most of the features expected of a midsize SUV. Leather adorns the steering wheel and bucket seats, the driver's seat is 6-way power adjustable, and the airconditioning has automatic temperature control. The stereo should please any audiophile and budding homeboy: it's an 8-speaker Infinity system with a 6-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 capability, and a subwoofer that will bring the house down.

Standard safety features will also help to keep you from crunching your Nitro while cruising in the 'hood: front and side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Stability Program, back-up sensors, tire pressure monitoring display,and a UConnect Hands-Free Communication system. With an SRP of P1.980M, the Dodge Nitro packs a styling punch that will please the extroverts, while ensuring it still has the goods to keep itt useful for families everywhere, bling or no bling.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Under My Umbrella

2010-03-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

The rainy season is not just about unflattering windbreakers and jackets. The fashion-conscious can still go out in style even as the season threatens to literally rain on their parade.

Herbench, Human and Kashieca have teamed up to provide foolproof and rain-proof fashion all season long. All one has to do is mix and match Herbench's signature casual chic pieces; Human's fashionably adventurous ensembles; and Kashieca's ultra-feminine clothes.

Stay stylishly dry with Herbench jackets, and accesorize with the perfect colorful umbrella, too. Bench umbrellas come in polka dots and psychedelic prints. Cover up in Kashieca's most comfortable yet extremely chic light jackets and cardigans. And for days when you need to hit the gym or get into your favorite sport, Human offers the hippest hoodies.

Singer Rachelle Ann Go mixes and matches these brands for all her fashion needs.

Available at Herbench, Human, and Kashieca outlets nationwide.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Malling In Love

2010-03-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Another tourism program Malaysia is proud of is the Homestay Program. For RM50 a night (about P700), students can learn the culture by living with a Malaysian family, eating with them and even seeing them at work.

However, the main attraction for most Pinoys is still shopping. Kuala Lumpur alone has a wide range of cheap-to-luxe shopping establishments, and here is a quick survey of the best:

Petaling Jaya - Petaling Street market is made for bargaining, and its night market is famous with locals. Though the usual bags, watches, clothes, shoes and fakes are on offer, you can also find Chinese artifacts, gold jewelry, gems, home décor, traditional herbal remedies, fresh flowers and textiles.

Central Market is where you can score ethnic souvenirs. This souk-style indoor bazaar is where local artists hawk wares like batik, labu sayong (the gourd-shaped carafe Malays use to keep water cool), Sarawak pottery, and traditional Malaysian kites to fly or just hang on your wall. Non-shoppers can sit and have their portrait sketched or sip a white coffee at one of the quaint cafés.

Mid Valley Megamall - This was the mall connected to our four-star digs, the Boulevard Hotel. Popular brands like Topshop, Zara and Mango compete with local labels like Vincci, Seed and Philosophy. Anchors include Jusco, Carrefour and Metrojaya, plus there's a one-stop IT center, Pet Wonderland, large MPH bookstore and feng shui outlet. Mid Valley connects via bridgeway to...

The Gardens Mall - Anchored by Japan's Isetan and Singapore's Robinsons, this high-end mall -- connected to the brand-new, five-star Gardens Hotel -- features designer brands like Coach and Ted Baker. Concept store M houses labels from Tom Ford to Alexander McQueen's McQ. Local designers show their stuff at 2201 Fashion Avenue, where you can shop for batik resortwear, edgy streetwear and funky jewelry.

Sunway Pyramid - Malaysia meets Vegas in this hotel, leisure and shopping complex housed under an Egyptian sphinx and pyramid. Sunway's 700 shops include fast-fashion and high-street stores such as Miss Selfridge and Diva accessories. For men there's Camel Active, Timberland and Valentino Creations; kids have Sesame Street.

Starhill Gallery - Home to Louis Vuitton, this sleek mall has seven themed floors. For example, "Indulge" boasts luxury fashion brands, "Adorn" has collectible watches and accessories, "Pamper" offers wellness and beauty, and "Feast Village" emphasizes civilized dining.

Did I also mention KL has its own IKEA? With our hectic schedule, however, there was no time to even locate it.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Ang Pasko... Ayon Sa Mga Stars

2010-03-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

Ni Joey Sarmiento

Akala ng iba, porke't nasa showbiz ang mga artista, e, wala na silang pakialam sa mas malalim na depinisyon ng Pasko sa kanilang buhay. Puro kasiyahan, porma at gastos lang daw kasi ang nakikita ng ilan sa mga showbiz celebrities pero ang totoo, kapag wala na sa limelight ang ating mga taartits, e, malalim rin ang kanilang pakahulugan kung Pasko ang pag-uusapan, lalo na't ngayong inulan ng trahedya ang ating bansa.

Kaya para mapatunayan sa ating mga loyal readers na ang ating mga celebrities, e, parang ordinaryong tao rin na may puso't damdamin, isa-isa namin silang tinanong at narito naman ang kanilang mga sagot.

Ano ang kahulugan ng Pasko sa gitna ng trahedyang naranasan ng ating bansa nitong nakaraang mga buwan?

DINGDONG DANTES

"Kahit na ano pa ang nangyayari sa bansa natin ngayon, we should always think on a positive side. And this coming Christmas, for me, I want to help those people na affected ng mga tragedies na nangyari to turn the negative into positive. Maybe, these are all lessons para matuto tayo and become stronger."

SUNSHINE DIZON

"Tama na muna ang mga intriga at hindi magagandang issues ngayong pasko. We should concentrate on giving and sharing para sa mga less fortunate na kababayan natin."

CESAR MONTANO

"Kapayapaan. Kailangan natin ng kapayapaan at katahimikan ngayong Pasko para sa ating lahat."

PAULEEN LUNA

"We should grab this opportunity para mag-reflect at mag-isip kung bakit nangyayari sa atin ang ganitong tragedies and at the same time, kailangan nating mag-pray and makipag-communicate sa Itaas and do our own share of responsibility para mapangalagaan natin ang ating kapaligiran."

AUBREY MILES

"For me, Christmas is the best day. I believe in Christmas. I believe in Santa Claus. It's about love, giving and receiving."

Gary and Angeli Valenciano

"Christmas is a time of reflection and giving, not anymore expectant of gifts but to think of the reason for the reason, why Jesus was born for salvation."

Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres

"This is the season of sharing and giving lalo na ngayong panahon na ito. Kung may ibibigay ka naman, you might as well share it nang bukal sa puso mo at ganu'n naman dapat ang gawin natin kahit na hindi Pasko."

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Giselle Sanchez

2010-03-12T23:18:00.001-08:00

Hindi talaga namin kinaya ang lumabas na litrato ng magaling na komedyanteng si Giselle Sanchez sa October 22, 2009 issue. Sa 'katamaran' ni Giselle na umikot sa parking area kung saan naroon ang studio entrance ng Eat... Bulaga! sa Broadway Centrum, hala... talagang nag-ober da bakod ang lola n'yo! Keber talaga siya kung mawala man ang poise!

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Gina Alajar

2010-03-12T22:24:00.000-08:00

Lumabas noong November 2, 2009 issue ang mga litratong ito ng nadadawit sa kontrobersiya nina Manny Pacquiao at Krista Ranillo -- walang iba kundi ang magaling na direktor/aktres na si Gina Alajar. Nagpapraktis si Gina ng kanyang piyesa para sa Celebrity Duets ala Cyndi Lauper! Well... girl just wanna have fun!

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Iza, Bistado!

2010-03-12T02:37:00.000-08:00

Unang naispatan ng ating kamerang-gala ang magandang aktres na si Iza Calzado ka-holding hands ang rumored boyfriend nito ngayon na umano'y 'King' ang pangalan, sa concert ng Nine-Inch Nails sa Araneta Coliseum, last August 5. Nang mapansin nga niyang kinukuhanan siya ng litrato, agad na humiwalay si Iza sa kanyang ka-date, at hiwalay rin silang pumasok sa loob ng concert venue. Isa raw band member ang guwapong dine-date ngayon ni Iza.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Ang Bagong Papa Ni Eula?

2010-03-12T02:17:00.000-08:00

Ngayong tapos na ang "rocky marriage" ni Eula Valdes sa ngayon ay EX n'yang si Richard Litonja, usap-usapan naman ang relasyon n'ya with her new papa named Rocky Salumbides na isang ramp model.

Chika ni Eula, distansiya raw ang dahilan kung bakit nagkahiwalay sila ng kanyang asawa. At ito ngang si Rocky ay kontrobersiyal ngayon sa Bahay ni Kuya dahil sa diskriminasyon umano nito sa special housemate na si Rica.

And yes! Sa bahay mismo ni Kuya, inamin ni Rocky sa kanyang housemates na may relasyon nga sila ni Amor Powers! O, maitatanggi pa ba?

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Malu Barry, Bagong Babae Ni Jomari?

2010-03-12T01:56:00.000-08:00

Huling-huli ng ating kamerang gala ang mga sweet-sweet-an moments nina Jomari Yllana at Malu Barry sa birthday party ni Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes. Matagal nang natsitsismis na nag-move on na nga raw itong si Jomari sa bitter-sweet hiwalayan nila ni Pops at may bago na nga raw itong pinopormahan. Ang 80's star na si Malu Barry na kaya ito? Kayo na lang ang humusga!

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Roxanne Guinoo And Non-Showbiz Boyfriend!

2010-03-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

Huling-huli ng ating kamerang-gala si Roxanne Guinoo sa premiere night ng pelikulang Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie na may ka-holding hands na guwapong lalaki. Ito umano ang misteryosong non-showbiz boyfriend ng dalaga? Hmmm... mukhang papable nga si Papa!

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Vicki At Hayden, Nakitang Magkasama!

2010-03-11T04:39:00.000-08:00

Bagama't patuloy na sinasabi noon ni Dra. Vicki Belo na 'friends' na lang ang relasyon nila ang kontrobersiyal na si Hayden Kho -- matapos ngang sumambulat sa publiko ang pinagpistahang sex video scandal ni Hayden -- madalas pa ring napagkikitang nagde-date ang dalawa. Kahit pa nga itinatanggi rin ni Vicki na nagkikita pa sila ni Hayden, at sa cellphone na nga lang daw ang kanilang komunikasyon.

Gaya nga nitong inilabas namin na nahuling magkasamang nanood ng isang show sa Teatrino sa Greenhills noong August 13 sina Vicki at Hayden.

Pero nitong nakaraang Star Awards for TV, hindi si Hayden ang date ni Vicki, kundi isang non-showbiz guy. Out na ba talaga si Hayden sa puso ni Vicki, kung paanong out na nga rin sa kanyang pagka-doktor matapos na tanggalan ng lisensiya? Hmmm...

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Carla Abellana At Jc Intal, Gimik Lang Ang Hiwalayan?

2010-03-06T19:19:00.001-08:00

Ipinadala sa e-mail ng Pinoy Parazzi ang mga litrato ni Carla Abellana kasama ang kanyang boyfriend na basketball player na si JC Intal. Ang mga ito umano ang katibayan na hindi pa break si Rosalinda sa kanyang BF, dahil siya mismo raw ang nag-post ng mga litrato sa isang networking site account ni JC, ayon sa nagpadala sa amin ng mga litrato.

Pero, itinanggi rin ni Carla ang chikka, at sinabing lumang litrato ang mga lumabas sa Internet. Sa katunayan nga raw, matagal na niyang pinatatanggal ang mga iyon sa Facebook account ng BF. Nang inilabas namin ang istoryang sinulat ni Lolit Solis, two months na raw hiwalay sina Carla at JC.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Ang Babaeng Idinenay ni Aljur!

2010-03-06T19:07:00.001-08:00

Naging malaking isyu rin ang paglalabas namin ng litrato ng isang babae na naghahabol umano kay Aljur Abrenica. Siya ang idinenay umano ni Aljur na naka-date sa Puerto Galera noong nakaraang summer. Ang very intriguing sa kuwento, minolestiya umano ni Aljur ang girl na lumalabas na isa palang menor de edad! Ang lahat naman ng kuwento ng babae ay marring pinabulaanan ng kampo ni Aljur.

Malayo na ang itinakbo ng usaping ito. Nasa korte na ang kasong isinampa ng girl laban kay Aljur, at nagbigay na rin ng counter affidavit ang kampo ni Aljur. Patuloy pa rin tayong susubaybay sa magiging takbo ng usaping ito.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Wendy Valdez: Imoral Na, Sinungaling Pa?!

2010-03-06T18:49:00.001-08:00

Hindi na nakapag-sinungaling pa si Wendy Valdez nang isa-isa naming inilabas sa Pinoy Parazzi ang mga katibayan ng kasal nila ni Bruce Quebral. Matagal nang usap-usapan ang sikretong pagpapakasal ng dalawang ex-PBB housemates, pero lagi't lagi ittong idinedenay ni Wendy. Pero wala na nga siyang nagawa kundi aminin na rin dahil buking na nga, at sinabi na lang na kaya nila hindi inaamin ang isyu ay sa dahilang against daw ang pareho nilang parents sa pagpapakasal nila, komo't pareho silang breadwinner.

Pero ang hindi pa rin nasagot ni Wendy ay ang tungkol sa kanila ni Will Devaughn, na siyang dahilan ng paghihiwalay din nila ni Bruce, wala pang isang taon mula nang ikasal sila.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Ruffa At John Lloyd, Magkasamang Nag-Check-In!

2010-03-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

Isa sa pinakamainit na showbiz intriga ang kinasangkutan nina Ruffa Gutierrez at John Lloyd Cruz. Laman ng mga usap-usapan sa apat na sulok ng mundo ng entertainment ang relasyon umano ng dalawa. Pero nabigla ang lahat ng lumabas ang 'ebidensya' ng kanila umanong relasyon -- ang litratong unang inilabas ng Pinoy Parazzi -- kung saan nakunang magkasamang papasok sina Ruffa at Lloydie sa SLS Beverly Hills Hotel sa California, last June 22. Nagkaroon na nga ng mukha at katawan ang sinasabing 'imaginary friend' ni Ruffing.

Ang ending, bagama't inamin ni Ruffa na silang dalawa nga ni John Lloyd ang nasa litrato, itinanggi naman niyang nag-check-in silang dalawa sa nabanggit na hotel. Sinamahan lang daw niya si John Lloyd doon. At kapwa pa rin nilang itinanggi na may relasyon nga silang dalawa, aside from being 'friends'.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Hayaan Niyo Na Si Manny Pacquiao

2010-03-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

By Raffy Tulfo

Kahit pa mambabae si Manny Pacquiao ng sandaang beses ay wala tayong pakialam dahil sariling pera naman niya ang kanyang ginagastos sa kanyang pambababae.

Ang dapat pinapakialaman ay mga babaerong opisyal ng gobyerno na pera mula sa kaban ng bayan ang ipinantutustos sa kanilang bisyo. Tulad na lang nitong isang government official na binubuhusan niya ng gastos ngayon ang girlfriend niya na isa sa mga host ng isang sikat na noontime TV show. Kamakailan, binilhan ni government official ng condo sa isang mamahaling subdivision sa San Juan ang kanyang nasabing GF.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Autistic Daw Ba Si Noynoy Aquino?

2010-03-05T03:37:00.000-08:00

By Raffy Tulfo

Sa segment na Juan on 1 ng TV Patrol World sa ABS-CBN noong November 27, kinunan ng reaksiyon ni Ted Failon si Sen. Noynoy Aquino, isa sa mga presidentiable para sa 2010 elections, tungkol sa mga taong nagsasabing autistic daw ang senador.

Bagamat, kung tutuusin, nakapipikon ang nasabing tanong, walang nakitang bakas ng pagkapikon sa mukha ni Noynoy nang sagutin niya ang tanong. Maganda ang kanyang naging sagot at pinatunayan niyang isa siyang normal at intelihenteng tao.

Naniniwala ang SHOOTING RANGE na ang mga katunggali ni Noynoy sa pulitika ang pasimuno sa pagpapakalat sa paninira na siya's isang autistic. Naniniwala rin ang SHOOTING RANGE na may sapat na kakayahan si Noynoy -- physically, mentally at emotionally -- na maging pangulo ng ating bansa.

Pero kundi mamasamain ni Noynoy, isang unsolicited advice ang nais iparating sa kanya ng SHOOTING RANGE. Dapat maging conscious siya palagi sa porma ng kanyang bibig lalo pa kapag siya'y nasa publiko at maraming nakatutok na camera.

Madalas mapitikan si Noynoy ng video sa mga pagtitipun-tipon na nakanganga. Kung minsan pa, malayo ang kanyang tingin at mistulang tulala. Dito marahil nagsimula ang paninira sa kanya ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika na siya'y hindi normal.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

John Regala, Nagwala!

2010-03-05T02:17:00.000-08:00

By Raffy Tulfo

Isang empleyado sa isang sangay ng Standard Insurance company sa Maynila ang nagsumbong sa SHOOTING RANGE kamakailan.

Ayon sa nasabing empleyado, nagmistulang eksena raw sa isang pelikula ang pagwawala ni John Regala sa kanilang opisina ilang buwan na ang nakakaraan.

Bago sa nasabing insidente, nabundol daw ng isang provincial passenger bus -- na insured ng Standard -- ang SUV ng aktor. Pagkatapos maipa-estimate ni Regala sa isang kakilalang talyer ang halaga ng repair, iprinisinta niya ito sa Standard.

Pumalag ang adjuster nang makita niya ang halaga ng estimate dahil sa sobrang taas nito. Ipinaliwanag ng naturang adjuster sa aktor na ang computation nila ay mababa lang dahil galing Subic ang kanyang SUV.

Sumiklab daw agad sa galit si Regala at pinagbubulyawan niya ang nasabing adjuster at sinabihan pang "Magkano ka ba, 'di mo ba alam kung magkano ang halaga ng pera ko sa bangko? Kaya kong bayaran ang buhay mo!"

'Di raw nakapalag ang adjuster at natameme na lang lalo pa nang makita niya ang dalawang mukhang butangerong bodyguards ni Regala na nakapaligid sa kanya. Humupa na lamang daw ang tensiyon nang makialam ang isang supervisor at inamo-amo si Regala. Sa bandang huli, napagbigyan din daw ang kagustuhan ng kontrabidang aktor.

Taken from Pinoy Parazzi

Malaysia: The Next Shopping Paradise?

2010-03-05T01:07:00.000-08:00

By Therese Jamora-Garceau

Pinoys are indisputably champion shoppers. It's the kind of skill that wins prizes, as I learned during a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, where a group of us Filipinos displayed not only world-class brand consciousness and mall-navigation radar, but also the ability to sniff out bargains from over 100 meters away.

The event was the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival. Launched July 5 and ongoing till Sept. 1, this nationwide sale offers discounts of up to 70 percent on both local and foreign brands (take note: electronic goods are duty-free all year round). Following the lead of countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, Malaysia created its own "shopping season" eight years ago to lure more visitors to the country. At present the Mega Sale Carnival takes place three times a year: in March, July, and the year-end sale in December.

No doubt Malaysia first entered the pop consciousness with the movie Entrapment, where Catherine Zeta-Jones slithered her way to the top of the Petronas Towers, KL's most recognizable landmark. Then Michelle Yeoh surprised viewers by becoming the face of Malaysia's "Truly Asia" campaign -- and letting the world know that she wasn't just Chinese but Malaysian-Chinese.

Fashion insiders are most familiar with Malaysia's inexpensive yet ultra-stylish homegrown brands: Vincci for shoes, Bonia for bags, Eclipse for mass fashion, and Zang Toi for high fashion.

We started our Malaysian discovery tour on the flight to KL. The easiest way to get there is through their national carrier, Malaysia Airlines (MH), with its daily afternoon flight from Manila, and two flights a week from Cebu. After operating at a loss in the beginning, the airline turned its fortunes around in two years and is currently updating its fleet of Airbus 330s and Boeing 734s. During the three-and-a-half-hour flight, it was the cabin service that stood out most. They dispensed hot towels in economy, and every time my seatmate leaned on the call button by mistake, an attendant would come running. Sure enough, I find out later that MH has been awarded Best Cabin Staff for over four years now.

Upon landing, KL's abundance of trees and orderly surroundings echo Singapore's "everything works" veneer, but Filipinos will feel right at home because of the prevailing mall culture, not to mention the all-day traffic snarls.

We were told in Manila that we were going on a "Shopping Safari," so we assumed we would be taken to a number of shopping areas and report on the bargains we found there. Little did we know we would end up participating in an Amazing Race-type challenge that would test our endurance and innate love of window shopping.

The competition -- in which media from 17 countries as far away as South Africa and the United States participated -- was a "treasure hunt" encompassing four malls in KL's downtown Bukit Bintang area. Two-person teams from each country would receive a set of 20 questions at each mall, which we'd have to answer and submit before getting the next set of questions at the succeeding mall. This meant we couldn't spend more than 40 minutes dalying at each stop, because we had to complete the entire task within three and a half hours or be disqualified.

Waning to do the Philippines proud, my teammate (Judith Juntilla of Business World) and I began the Safari at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a glorious new mall boasting seven floors of almost any brand you can think of, from Forever 21 to Club Monaco to Hermés. After receiving our first batch of questions, we were reduced to wandering the mall's fifth and sixth levels trying to answer head-scratchers like "Color in disguise" (makeup shop The Natural Source was promoting a Camouflage Color line) and "This brand has been around for 80 years" (Speedo). The rules stated that we didn't need to go into the outlets to find the answers (oh, but we wanted to); rather, we had to look at signage and shop windows. Oh, well...

After we were done at Pavilion, we hurried down Jalan Bukit Bintang, fondly known to locals as BB Street, KL's equivalent to Singapore's Orchard Road. We crossed half of BB's stretch to receive our second questionnaire, only to be sent back the way we came. Unexpectedly BB was an additional stop on our safari, and we had to scur both sides of the street for answers.

Malaysia's Mega Sale Carnival, with discounts up to 70 percent off at Kuala Lumpur's premier malls, gives Pinoys a license to shop.

No trip to KL is complete without visiting BB, with its row of malls, restaurants, pubs, hotels and neon-lit nightspots. Malaysia's enviable 20.1 million tourists per year is increasing thanks to a fresh infusion of visitors from the Middle East, according to our Tourism Malaysia guide, Viji Arunasalam. Though KL's malls are usually open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Arab tourists, and now the Mega Sale Carnival, are keeping the shops and eateries hopping until midnight.

Sweating profusely after our humid exertions on BB, our third stop was Low Yat Plaza, a computer and tech mall that looks exactly like Greenhills in its labyrinthine layout of tiny stalls. Obviously this is the place to go for the duty-free electronics I mentioned earlier, but we were too busy surveying signs to really hunt for bargains.

After Low Yat we were so fatigued it took sheer will to proceed to the fourth stop, Sungei Wang Plaza. Our status as under-exercised journalists who report on events -- rather than actually participating ourselves -- was becoming depressingly apparent. But Viji, our extremely helpful, capable, optimistic guide, wouldn't let us give up. He practically dragged us to Sungei Wang, where I had enough wits left to register that it was full of edgy fashion boutiques by young Malaysian designers, including Zang Toi, the first Malaysian fashion designer to break through on the global scene. Toi even had an inviting café in front of his boutique that sold boxed pastries.

After Sungei Wang, there was just enough time to collect the last questionnaire, trek to final stop Berjaya Times Square and submit it blank, because we didn't have time to check out anything) before the contest ended at 6:30 p.m. Berjaya is notable for being Malaysia's largest shopping mall with over 3.4 million square feet of retail, entertainment and dining space. It also houses Malaysia's largest indoor family theme park, two Imax theaters and Borders Books and Music, one retailer among Berjaya's 1,000.

In Malaysia's campaign to woo shoppers, not only are all electronic goods duty-free, you also get an exemption on imported goods costing over 200 Malaysian ringgit (around P2,600). Other ways to get discounts are the Tourist Privilege Cards distributed at the airport, hotels and malls, and a tie-up with MasterCard, the Mega Sale Carnival's official credit card. Each transaction you make at a participating shop, eatery or spa with your MasterCard entitles you to an automatic entry and a chance to win RM100,000 worth of cash prizes.

As it turns out, I got my own modest taste of that. At dinner that night they announced the winners of the Shopping Safari, and while Viji thought our chances were good, we weren't so sure because of that blank questionnaire. Then, before we had made up our minds to slink out the door, officials from the Shopping Malaysia Secretariat announced that the Philippine team composed of Erica Paredes and Kat Cruz won a consolation prize of RM300.

Amid the euphoria and high-fiving, I couldn't believe it when they called my team number as well -- Judith and I had won the second prize of RM 1,000! All the prize amounts were in gift certificates to Parksons, Malaysia's most popular department store.

With our own money, we treated our abused feet to a celebratory half hour of reflexology afterwards (RM25, or P350). Then we had to excuse ourselves. Prize GCs in hand, we finally had our chance to go and shop.

Taken from The Philippine Star

The Answer To Unwanted Hair

2010-03-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

Shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, tweezing -- these are the typical tools used by most women to remove unwanted hair. While these methods are readily available and seem practical, in the long run they can become expensive, inconvenient and tedious. Compare a lifetime of constantly removing unwanted hair to an average of six to eight sessions to permanently remove them. This is now possible with LaserLight hair removal, which has become the norm for thousands of women since its introduction in 2000.

LaserLight uses an FDA-approved diode laser that emits pulses of light energy that are absorbed by the pigment or melanin of the hair follicle. A unique ChillTip hand piece cools on contact, protecting the skin while directing the laser energy to the hair follicle. This targets the hair root and disables it from growing new hair. Different body areas are treated such as the underarms, legs, bikini line and upper lip. More than one treatment is necessary because hair grows in different stages. While some may be in the active growth phase (anagen) during treatment, other hair may be in the regression (catagen) or resting (telogen) phases. Only hair that is actively growing may be treated by LaserLight. Eventually, the hair resting during the previous treatment will begin to grow and when there is sufficicent growth, the client can come in again for the next treatment.

Clients will only feel a stinging sensation during the treatment and a topical anesthetic may also be used to further alleviate any discomfort. An average of six to eight sessions are required to permanently remove all unwanted hair. Aside from hair removal, underarm skin also becomes smoother and lighter because there is no trauma from conventional hair-removal methods. That means no more chicken skin, dark underarms, rashes, ingrown hair and stubble.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Marian Rivera's Secrets To Getting Sexy & Smooth

2010-03-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

Before you're quick to dismiss Marian Rivera as just another pretty young actress, you might want to take a closer look. The latest poster child for popular telenovelas and a growing list of endorsements might conjure up images of being a prima donna, a stereotype that Marian herself likes to mock while she's on the set working. But the reality is, this big star is more level-headed than you would expect. Do not, however, equate her modesty with being quiet and reserved, as this girl is an outspoken ball of energy, capable of throwing quick one-liners and witty comebacks before you can see them coming.

"Palaban ako," she'll say one minute, with an air of apparent confidence, then laugh the next at a random joke she herself cracked. Only after taking a closer look will you realize it: there's a mixture of a warm, childlike innocence and a feisty, strong-willed attitude in this bubbly, 5'4" package.

One thing that keeps this 23-year-old humble and grounded is the doting maternal grandmother who raised her. A self-confessed "lola's girl," she proudly claims it was her grandmother's guidance that helped her successfully graduate from college (with a degree in AB Psychology from De La Salle University Dasmariñas) before she could even consider a career in show business. After some modeling projects and small breaks on TV, she was eventually catapulted into stardom, quickly becoming a household name.

Now she is the newest endorser of Facial Care Centre's LaserLight hair removal, and could very well be their walking testimonial. Not only does she personify LaserLight's promise of perrmanently removing unwanted hair, but also the carefree, confident attitude that comes with it. She began getting LaserLight treatments way before her roles in MariMar and Dyesebel came, something she admits was (and still is) a key advantage during shooting those TV shows as the characters she portrayed always had to don revealing outfits.

"My tapings would last 24 hours a day, tuloy-tuloy yon so wala na rin akong time to wax or shave, and if ever, mag-aantay pa ako ng re-growth bago mag-hair removal uli. At least sa LaserLight, wala na akong pinoproblema. Big convenience talaga," Marian says.

She recalls her past hair-removal methods of waxing and shaving were a big hassle and caused delays. Being of Filipino-Spanish descentt (her father is pure Spanish), she inherited not only a pair of doll-like eyes and an hourglass figure but the trait of being balbon as well. "Balbon talaga ako, dati ang dami kong hair sa legs," she recalls.

After her first attempt at hair removal through shaving, the re-growth came in coarser and thicker, much to her dismay. Waxing, on the other hand, was painful and time-consuming. So the discovery of LaserLight hair removal excited her enough to want to try it immediately. After experiencing it firsthand, she had nothing but raves and praise for the treatment. Marian happily relates that it not only got rid of the hair on her legs, it also made the skin on her legs much smoother because ingrown hair never became a problem. She's had LaserLight done on her underarms as well, which now look smooth and flawless. LaserLight also prevents the darkening of the skin on the underarms that often results from the trauma of various irritating hari removal methods (like waxing or harsh creams).

Marian says that LaserLight has definitely boosted her self-esteem, considering she is now less conscious (if at all) of her unwanted hair, a problem many women have. Marian proves that being hair-free and sexy is a definite guarantee with LaserLight hair removal.

LaserLight hair removal is available at Facial Care Centre.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Go With The Flawless

2010-03-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

Flawless, a leading chain of dermatology and cosmetic care products, has launched a new product and service line called The Real Gentleman (RG) collection with young heartthrob Richard Gutierrez as its latest image model.

Richard shows that only a real gentleman can wear pink in the Flawless campaign.

The RG line is a combination of products and services designed to answer the needs of men who are concerned about the health of their skin.

RG soap contains salicylic acid and refined coconut oil suitable for acne-prone and oily skin. The RG toner contains witchazel and azelog to remove deep-seated dirt on the face and neck, and restore the skin's natural pH balance. The RG cream has vitamins C and E as well as aloe vera and pineapple extract to soothe and moisturize. The RG facial uses a reaffirming mask made of active vegetal charcoal that absorbs impurities and improves the skin's hydration.

Flawless clinics now include branches at Robinsons Ermita, Greenhills Shopping Center, and in Olongapo City.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Pamper Your Hands With New Nivea Liquid Handwash

2010-03-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

Give your hands the care they need with the new Nivea Liquid Handwash, which gently cleanses while protecting your hands against dryness. Choose from two variants: Nivea Liquid Handwash Creme Soft, with rich almond oil; and Nivea Liquid Handwash Apricot Creme with nourishing apricot seed and natural milk extracts for a noticeably soft and supple skin every day.

Nivea Liquid Handwash is now available in major supermarkets, selected department stores, and personal care stores.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Sarah Geronimo Reveals Her Beauty Secret

2010-03-03T03:02:00.001-08:00

Young singer-actress Sarah Geronimo adds another record to her already impressive resume. With her noticeable radiant and glowing skin, Sarah has been tapped to endorse the fastest-selling whitening line on the market today -- Belo Essentials.

"Belo Essentials definitely stands for quality," says Cristalle Belo-Henares, managing director of Intelligent Skin Care Inc. "If there's one youthful person who stands for that as well, it would definitely be Sarah Geronimo."

Sarah acknowledges the opportunity for Belo Essentials to reach out to her mainstream audience. This coincides with Dr Vicki Belo's dream to "make the Philippines the most beautiful country, one person at a time."

A dazzling young lady, Sarah now joins the ranks of three beauteous celebrities who are also endorsing the same product -- Regine Velasquez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Lucy Torres-Gomez.

All Belo Essentials products are available in groceries, supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. For more information, call Intelligent Skin Care's hotline number 889-ISCI (4724).

Taken from The Philippine Star

At Long Lash, A Moisturizing Mascara From Ever Bilena

2010-03-03T02:10:00.001-08:00

Ever Bilena has introduced its Volume Exact mascara, that instantly magnifies lashes for a thicker, fuller, incredibly dramatic look. Its unique moisturizing complex forms a protective barrier that helps prevent breakage. With just a stroke of a base coat for greater definition and a top coat for constructing volume, eyelashes instantly get a cool, chic look.

Ever Bilena products are available at Watsons and leading department stores.

Taken from The Philippine Star

These Shoes Are Made For Walking

2010-03-02T20:20:00.001-08:00

By Tingting Cojuangco
Lucy Torres-Gomez
Rissa M. Mananquil

DEAR RISSA,

I'm a college student and since our campus is big, we always have to walk from building to building. The rainy season has started and my favorite pair of shoes (leather ballet flats) has been getting wet from the rain. This pair was a birthday gift from my parents and is a bit pricey. But I love wearing them every day to school because they're super comfy and versatile. How do I care for my shoes when they get wet?

JAJA

I know how you feel! When I was in college, it was no fun walking from building to building during rainy days and going home with damp feet (and dirty, ruined shoes!). When my shoes would get wet, I just let my damp shoes dry naturally. Avoid putting them near sources of heat because this can damage the leather and later cause it to crack. You can stuff them with old crumpled newspaper to help draw out the moisture and odor. This will also help maintain the shoe's shape. A shoe horn is a good investment especially for closed-back leather shoes because this helps keep the back from breaking down. No matter what pair of shoes I use, I always make it a habit to clean them as soon as possible after use. A soft cloth can be used to remove dirt and dust. If my shoes are a bit muddy, I allow the mud to dry first, then use an old toothbrush to remove the mud. I know you love your leather ballet flats but try to rotate the shoes you use. Try not to wear shoes for two days in a row. No matter what time of the year it is, the feet sweat a lot and your shoes need sufficient time to air out. To keep your shoes in top form, it's worth investing in a good shoe shining kit (with appropriate brushes and polishing cloths). The kit will last a lifetime -- and your shoes will last longer, too! Have you heard of Melissa shoes? Made by Brazil's fashionable footwear giant Grendene SA, they're a great re-invention of the much-loved jelly shoes. I think they're a great alternative to your favorite leather pair -- especially during this rainy season! They have so many fashionable styles and colors to choose from, be it flats, wedges or stilettos. My first pair of Melissa shoes was pointy flats and they felt heavenly on my feet! My next pair was a wedge style. From runway shoes to a night out, Melissa shoes are a wonderful and fashionable treat for my feet! I look forward to slipping my feet into them every day. I wear them even when it isn't raining because they're just so comfortable and fashionable! You can find Melissa shoes at Anthem in Power Plant Mall and Shangri-La Mall, Mia Bella in Serendra, Culte Femme in Rustan's, and Mixedenim in Greenbelt 3, Makati. Hope you find a new pair to call your favorite!

RISSA

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RX FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN AND SWEATY UNDERARMS

DEAR LUCY,

I cannot afford to go to the dermatologist on a regular basis so I am writing to ask you about effective over-the-counter products that I can use on my acne-prone skin. Please, please help me!

Also, I have sweaty underarms. I wear a lot of dark tailored shirts and my sweating really gives an ugly stain. What deodorant can I use?

DESPERATE CALL CENTER GIRL

I think you will benefit a lot from a soap-free cleanser and an acne treatment. If you already have an acne astringent that you can use in between the two, then so much the better. From Stiefel comes this product called PanOxyl, a soap-free cleanser that effectively works on pimple-prone and oily skin. It cleanses the skin thoroughly. I also came across this product called Duac (still from Stiefel) and it is a very effective topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. Its active ingredients are clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide.

Stiefel is available at Mercury Drug and leading drugstores nationwide.

For very sweaty underarms, you need nothing else but Driclor. Excessive sweating is also known as hyperhidrosis. This uncomfortable, excessive outflow of secretions from the sweat glands are prompted by emotions and/or heat stimulation. This condition can happen in the underarms, hands and feet. When left untreated, it can cause body odor. Driclor is a clear, colorless solution that is different from other deos because it is really formulated with aluminum chloride hexahydrate. It forms a gel matrix in the affected sweat glands, thus reducing and eventually regulating the flow of sweat.

Driclor is available at Mercury Drug and leading drugstores nationwide.

LUCY

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FROM BAGGY TO SNAZZY

DEAR MS. TINGTING,

What can I do with the baggy bum and knees in my old leather pants? I want to keep it in style instead of putting it away because it's very costly.

LIZ

Leather pants are sexy but a baggy butt isn't. To fix a stretched-out-of-shape bum, ask a good tailor to take in the excess at the back of the waist. Baggy knees are hard to fix because stretching around this area is vertical rather than horizontal. Taking in the seams won't help. To reduce stretching, try pulling the legs of your pants up as you sit down or put a garter at the bottom of the two sides of your pants and slip on the garter at the heel of your feet to give you a skinny silhouette.

TINGTING

Taken from The Philippine Star

Beauty Classics

2010-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Find out the beauty basics you need to pull off that "naturally beautiful look" for real. When you have skin that looks fresh, taut and rosy, you'll be the center of attention ²⁴⁄₇!

ADVANCED LASERTONE - brings back the texture of the skin you had when you were younger by stimulating collagen and elastin production that decreases with age, making skin softer and firmer.

SKIN TONE RE-ENERGIZER - keeps skin firm and toned and smoothens out crow's feet and fine lines that make you older than you are! It also stimulates facial muscles to lift sagging skin.

FIRMING FACIAL - delivers more than the average facial and goes beyond basic cleansing by purifying stubborn dirt and impurities that clog skin pores, while the firming mask refines skin texture (it's anti-aging too!).

DIAMOND PEEL - removes accumulated surface dirt and dead skin cells through a diamond dust-coated wand and stimulates a fresh new layer of baby-smooth, flawless skin cleared of dark spots and blemishes.

Uncover your true, healthy skin! With Facial Care's Beauty Basics, you'll love flaunting your natural beauty.

892-SKIN (7546)

MAKATI ORTIGAS TOMAS MORATO BINONDO ALABANG SHAW CONGRESSIONAL PAMPANGA (961-3404) CEBU (233-7631)

Check out their website: Facial Care Centre

Taken from The Philippine Star

Energy Savings Tips

2010-03-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

Laundry Appliances

Avoid washing partial loads. Wait until you meet machine capacity.

Pre-soak dirty clothes, probably the night before. Avoid having to run the washing machine twice.

Wash heavy and light weight laundry separately. Heavy laundry requires different setting.

Electric clothes drier uses large amount of energy to dry clothes. Practice using the old-fashioned clothes line. Clothes get a fresh sunshine smell in fine weather.

Iron clothes during off-peak hours (before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.). This helps lessen the demand for electricity during peak hours.

Do all the ironing at one time, say once or twice a week.

Dampen clothes moderately. Excessive moistened clothes take longer to iron.

Turn off flat iron shortly before ironing the last piece. It will stay hot just enough to finish the job.

Aircon

If you leave the room for a long time, turn off your air conditioner. It uses less current to bring the temperature down again when you return, than if you left it running.

Turn off unused lights and other appliances that give off heat. Lighting alone accounts for as much as one half of the load of their air conditioning unit. Use low wattage but efficient lamps.

Change incandescent to fluorescent. An incandescent bulb is much better a heater than a light source. Almost 80% of the electricity used to light it up is converted into heat.

Use a small electric fan to spread cooled air around your room. This prevents the cooled air from "layering" and settling to the floor.

Choose an air conditioning unit with high "Energy Efficiency Ratio" (EER). High EER has a more efficient motor than the one with lower EER, and consumes less electricity.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Defrost refs and freezers regularly. More than ¼-inch ice build up of frost puts up an extra load on the compressor motor.

Check refrigerator if it is not losing its cool because of a leaking gasket. Test the gasket by closing the door on a peso bill. If the bill slips out when you pull on it, either the gasket needs a replacement or the door needs adjusting.

Frequent opening and closing of refs contributes to frost or ice build-up and causes compressor motor to work overtime. As much as possible, keep door closed.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Compact Fluorescent Lamps In Focus

2010-03-02T05:45:00.000-08:00

Energy savings

CFLs use 70 to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. The typical incandescent lamp wastes 90 percent of the energy it uses since it produces heat rather than light. A 100-watt incandescent lamp may be replaced with a 20 to 23-watt CFL. Although CFLs may appear different than the common incandescent bulbs, CFLs fit most standard fixtures found in homes today. The screw-in base is the same for both lamps.

Long Life

CFLs last approximately 6,000 tto 10,000 hours. This is 8 to 13 times longer than the life of an incandescent lamp with an expected life of 750 to 1,000 hours.

Warm Light

Most CFLs have improved color rendition. The light is of a warm tone that is almost identical to that of an incandescent lamp. Most people can't tell the difference.

Savings chart - Quality CFL vs. quality incandescent bulb

Taken from The Philippine Star

CFL - A More Efficient Alternative

2010-03-02T04:52:00.000-08:00

The old adage "you can pay now or will pay later" is true when it comes to lighting. Incandescent lamps have dominated the residential lighting market for years and still do today. Why? Because they are cheaper to purchase and up until a few years ago provided an unmatched quality of light.

A new and advanced lighting technology called the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is more efficient alternative to incandescent lamp. It offers the potential for sinificant economic and environmental savings. A versatile range of different lamp-ballast configurations is available that can provide a comfortable, productive, and well-illuminated space if properly used.

They also have a much longer life -- usually 6000-10,000 hours compared to 750 to 1000 hours for a standard incandescent bulb.

A compact fluorescent lamp will initially cost more than an incandescent bulb, but because it lasts longer and costs so much less to run, it will prove to be a better bargain over time. Just keep in mind that light bulbs cost much more to run than to buy in the first place.

When should you not use a CFL? The relatively high purchase price is least justified where energy savings are small - in fixtures that are rarely used. Focus your investments on the heavily used fixtures instead, such as where the lamp will be on for an average of at least 3 hours each day. CFLs are not intended to be used with vertical base-up position and not with electronic timers or photocell sensors, and using them with such devices can significantly reduce their life span and cause other problems.

Taken from The Philippine Star

French Dressing For The Pinoy

2010-03-02T03:58:00.001-08:00

They say everything French is chic: Paris is considered a major fashion capital and the French have the most effortless and enviable sense of style. It's no wonder then that most fashion labels have roots in France, including the one-stop shop for men's fashion: Celio.

Founded by brothers Marc and Laurent Grosman, Celio began in France in 1985. After 23 years of high-fashion and high-quality pieces, it has now gained recognition for its accessible, relaxed and stylish masculine fashion. Celio perfectly marries style and substance. With its sportswear, casual and business collections, Celio provides males with fashionable choices that are practical, sensible and easy to wear.

With 600 stores in nearly 40 countries, Celio has nine branches in the Philippines since its entry seven years ago: Greenbelt 3, Shangri-La Plaza, Power Plant Mall, TriNoma Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center and Ayala Center Cebu. Suyen Corporation, the same force behind local retail powerhouses like Bench and Human, was awarded a franchise for the French male brand -- Celio's first franchisee outside Europe.

True to its French roots, Celio keeps up with the latest fashion trends, while retaining a classic and defined elegance. Celio's cuts, colors and materials are timeless -- staples in any male closet -- yet they're also fashion-forward, with trends incorporated in the details of key pieces. Celio divides its collections according to trends in four key markets.

Essential Sportswear is the true core business of the brands: jeans, linen trousers and T-shirts for the perenially laid-back dude who wants his style sense to come trouble-free and relaxed. Contemporary Casual is for the urban chic who are not afaid to test the style waters and experiment with new looks -- distressed denims with printed polo, perhaps? These style-setters are always on the hunt for new fashion thrills and are only too willing to try them all.

The young businessmen and yuppies also have a home at Celio. Authentic Business combines style, charm and seduction -- suits, shirts, and ties that mean business but also show a powerful style. And present in all these sections are the Celio accessories, with bags, belts, caps and underwear to add up.

French chic has never come easy for the Pinoy. Visit a Celio branch today for the crème de la crème of male fashion.

Taken from The Philippine Star

All Do, No Talk

2010-03-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

By Cecile Lopez Lilles

There are very few things more agonizing than having to endure the company of a man who talks too much. Economy of words, I believe, is hard-wired into the male psyche, which makes the male motormouth a mutant -- an abomination of the natural scheme of things. Unkind words, you think? Sorry, can't help it.

If a man isn't a lawyer arguing a case in court, or a preacher delivering a sermon, or a Kristo in a cockpit for a Sunday derby, a jeepney or bus conductor hailing commuters over, or an auctioneer with gavel in hand, he should be sparing in his words. The genius in the architecture of a man's mind gives him the ability to condense his speech into only what is absolutely necessary, not a syllable more. If he spews them out at the rate of a couple of thousand per minute, something is awry. I have carried this bias for most of my life and have been fortunate enough to steer clear of such men until it finally backfired on me recently at the gym on a cruise ship where there were 1,800 passengers from 34 different countries.

I was running on a treadmill -- it actually appeared more like I was running after my breath -- huffing and puffing, battling against my cardio endurance, against all the unwanted weight I had to carry with each step, against my perseverance, and against my weakening will. I was soaked in sweat; my hair plastered firmly onto my forehead. There was a mirror some 20 feet behind me and I had a clear visual of my bottom bouncing away and swinging from left to right in perfect synchrony with my swishing ponytail as I struggled along. Eeew! Gross! But I couldn't have walked out on my own body, could I? So I bobbed and heaved, grinned and bore it, and soldiered on. I then noticed a young man lifting free weights behind me, facing my bottom squarely. Poor thing, I though to myself, considering the sight he had to endure.

Beside me, running on the next treadmill, was another woman, Caucasian, 50-ish, maybe 60, with a full head of gray hair, but she looked like she was ready to take on the New York Marathon. She cantered on, in perfect form and poise, blowing air out of her mouth at calculated intervals. I looked back at the mirror to check out her bottom, hoping that it it would at least look her age so that I could feel a little better, but boy, I couldn't have been more mistaken! She had a perfect little tush that sprouted lean, long legs -- the faster to propel her along that treadmill with. I knew then that I was going to have what I call a "loser day" -- when nothing seems to go right.

She was actually nice; I was the evil one -- checking out her bum and wishing her to stumble on the treadmill simply because she was 100 times more physically fit than me. She made small talk and offered pointers on how I could maximize my oxygen consumption.

If he just came up, got it over with, and spoke to me, I could tell him that I'm a mother of six and I definitely ain't buying what he's selling.

"Focus on something," she urged me.

"I can't," I said. "The sight of my bum in that mirror hanging behind me is much too distracting."

She broke into a giggle and gave me a thumbs-up for having a sense of humor. She then added, "Think good thoughts or home in on a single spot so you can concentrate, then be aware of your breathing. You want even inhalations and exhalations."

Just then, a young man, the same one I spotted lifting weights earlier, positioned himself right in front of both of us, just several feet from our treadmills. He was Chinese, I'm quite certain. First, he did some deep stretches, glancing at me every once in a while, prompting me to think that, hey, this guy probably knows me. But I couldn't place him; I had no recollection of his face and he couldn't have been my daughters' friend -- I know each and every one of them. The lady next to me asked, "You know the young fellow?" I knew then that she was at least 60 because only 60-year-olds use the word "fellow" to mean "man."

"No, in fact, I don't," I answered.

We couldn't help but watch him as he lunged very close to the ground, did full back bends until his feet faced one way and his face, upside down, faced the other way. He also did front and side splits spreading his legs apart, completely perpendicular to his body, making me flinch and wonder if he had any groin at all. He did all these while casting glances my way, more often now and for longer periods this time. S***! I was in complete awe of how much control he had over his body.

"Perhaps he fancies you," the lady running beside me joked.

I didn't think it was funny at all; in fact, I was a bit offended. "I don't think so," I shot back, although her broaching the subject started to make sense. The young man/contortionist was almost facing me this time, like the whole performance was specifically meant for me.

The lady just smiled and ran on along. Meanwhile, the young man, finished with stretching, started a series of crisp, precise moves strung together into a routine. It was clearly some sort of martial art and there was no doubt that he was excellent at it except that he had no opponent against whom he had to defend himself, so my judgment of his skill could have been totally wrong.

Anyway, the woman turned to me again and said, "You know what I said earlier about this man showing off to you as a joke? Well, I'm not joking anymore, he's deliberately catching your attention. Say something already, the poor thing! How much longer can he hold out, you think? One can only do so much stretching; he might dismantle his whole body!"

I thought that she was quite forthcoming but North Americans are no-nonsense in their dealings so I knew where she was coming from. I told her off as the young man continued prancing about -- this time flashing me toothy, come-hither smiles: "Here's the deal: I'm probably twice his age and I have six children, two of which are right around his age."

She did a double-take and blurted, "I'll say!" It distracted me from the matter at hand momentarily because nobody ever says "I'll say" anymore -- she was most definitely over 60!

I told her, "He's been at it for about 20 minutes now. If he would only talk, he could spare himself all the effort, all the trouble of performing for my sake. If he just came up, got it over with, and spoke to me, I could tell him that I'm a mother of six and I definitely ain't buying what he's selling, although it's an adrenalin shot to the middle-aged ego, thank you very much."

She said, "Then just tell him, for Pete's sake!" (There it was again; who says "For Pete's sake" anymore?)

"I can't!" I protested. "He might think me presumptuous. What if he were simply practicing his routine? It's going to be so embarrassing."

"Oh, we weren't born yesterday. Between both of us, there's probably more than a century of living. Of course we know what he's doing!" She broadcasted the age thing a little too loudly for my taste. "The poor boy," she continued. "If you don't tell him, I will."

And so she did! He stopped right in his tracks -- in mid-step if I remember right, on one leg, arms stretched toward the ceiling, palms clasping one another. Then, he jerked upright, looked at me... and scampered away. I felt so bad for him. I had intended to say, "I have two daughters, 24 and 22; you might want to meet them someday," but he vanished faster than I coould say "Abracadabra."

The lady asked me after the young man had left: "Was I mean?"

"Not really," I replied. "You simply divulged my demographic: age, marital status, number of children. You might as well have spilled my weight and waistline measurement. What could be so mean about that?"

Then we both broke into laughter.

Okay, now I have to alter my contention. Unless a man has funny speech patterns, an irregular, squeaky voice, or an incredibly thick accent like David Beckham, Rafael Nadal or Steve Buscemi he better stand up and be heard to save himself time and effort in gaining something or someone he desires. The concept of manna from heaven is a superstition; good fortune doesn't fall from the sky, one must earn it. Contrary to Philippine folklore, the guava never falls from the tree, one must flex his muscles and pick it.

So to all the gentlemen out there, don't talk too much -- but for heaven's sake, say something!

Taken from The Philippine Star

Too Nude To Be Crude

2010-02-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

By RJ Ledesma

There were two naked people in the middle of the room. And one of them was, unfortunately, male.

I have to say, when I arrived at UP's "100 Nudes, 100 Years" nude sketching session, I felt gypped. I was ready to be overwhelmed by 100 Rubenesque bodies splayed all over the exhibition hall of Mandarin Oriental Suites in Gateway Mall publicly displaying their privates. Alas, the models did not make the quota. Damn. Another adolescent fantasy remains unfulfilled.

Not only did I feel gypped, but I also felt quite uncomfortable because I wasn't sure what constituted appropriate behavior at a nude sketching session. Although my wife thoughtfully etched a couple of reminders onto my forehead on how she thought I should conduct myself during the session: first, do not stare at any R-rated body parts for more than three seconds. Second, do not hyperventilate. And, third and most important, do not touch. Yourself or the model.

So in-between those three-second intervals that I took staring at the nude model (the female one, okay? The female one), I recall my mom telling me that good behavior suggests that you make the people you are with feel more at ease in your presence. And since the models looked a bit tense onstage (it's a bit more obvious that you are tense when you are naked), I though it would be polite to also remove my clothes and make them feel more at ease. However, I also realized that not everybody would be comfortable with my nudity. So I kept my fig leaf on, just in case.

While the female model was being captured in all her Rubenesque-ness, I spoke with nude sketching event organizer and artist Romy Carlos. Tito Romy is a landscape and portraiture artist who has the uncanny, eunuch-like ability to stare at a naked woman without reaction, without hesitation and without his wife present. I swore to myself that, before this session was over, I would find out how he keeps his composure during nude sketching sessions, how I could get him to invite me to future nude painting sessions without fear of reprisal, and how come he wanted me to put my clothes back on.

NUDERED

RJ LEDESMA (a.k.a. Wanna-be Nude): Tito Romy, are you a normal man? Allow me to elaborate on this question before you stab me with your paintbrush. Normal men will find it very difficult to stare at a naked woman without having a physiological reaction that your life would like to beat out of you. So how do you do it? Is it medication? Stapler and rubber bands? Fear of the Lord?

ROMY CARLOS (a.k.a. Nude is Never Enough): For artists, I guess it's different. Basically, you'd like to finish your artwork. But surely, like any other human being, you feel also a sensation before the session starts.

Ah, so you get the sensation before the session starts?

Of course, just like any normal male.

Is it the same sort of sensation that you get when you have a urinary tract infection?

Ahem. But the moment the nude sketching session starts, you can see that everyone is so quiet and focused. You want to finish your work and do a good job.

Tito Romy, aren't you afraid that if you stare at her too long that your eyes might melt? That's what my yaya says.

You don't look at the model continuously anyway. The only time that you really spend looking at the model is at the start of the session because you'd like to choose the angle and lighting of the model that will be best-suited to your sketch.

I discovered that the best way to stare at naked women is by pressing the pause button.

Most of the time, you are looking at your canvas and not at the model. You only glance at her from time to time.

What do you look for when you request a model for a nude sketch? Do you say, 'I'd like a size 36C cup, please'?

Actually, that's a misconception.

A misconception? Why? Is it a D cup? Wow, you artists are demanding.

Normally, when you are looking for a model, the manager often asks you, 'Do you want a beautiful woman?' Actually, we don't. What is important is that the model knows how to pose. And that she is also patient. In fact, the great models are the ones who are already kulubot na. Because they have character lines.

Kulubot na? O, yaya pwede ka pa palang mag-model.

YAYA: Ulol.

We aren't looking for a Miss Universe, you know. What is more important is the interpretation by the artist of the nude model on the canvas. During Renaissance times, the ideal form of beauty was voluptuous. The emphasis was on the breasts. So the breasts had to be full. However, standards of beauty change through the ages.

Tito Romy, I think we should emphasize that some standards should never change.

For me, I like our model over there. Not too fat, not too skinny. She's just right.

The Goldilocks philosophy works well for me, too, Tito Romy.

NEVER TOO NUDE

Which nude is easier to draw? The female nude or the -- God help me -- male nude?

I guess it's easier to draw the male model. Primarily because I am a male.

So that means you know where all the body parts belong.

But for the female, there are a lot of nuances. There is a bit of subconscious that enters the drawing. Because, let's face it, not all the models are generously endowed. Maliit ang kuwan ng model.

Ah, yes, the non-Renaissance kuwan.

Kapag kinopya mo yung kuwan, somehow you feel that something is missing. So usually, you add a little something, to make it more... proportional.

Sigh... If only we could use our subconscious to make things more proportional. So, Tito Romy, let us talk like real men who do not live in fear of their wives. Staring at the nude model doesn't do anything for you at all? It doesn't make you frustrated? Excited? Temporarily insane?

Personally, it does nothing for me. All you want to do while sketching is to capture the essence of the model.

That is also what many D.O.M.s want to capture as well.

Carnal desire just doesn't enter the body somehow. But as the model takes off her clothes, siyempre nakakuwan yung senses mo eh.

Ah, so even the kuwan does something for you pala?

Pero, it's another thing altogether when a model takes off her clothes on stage in a beerhouse. But the be-all and end-all of the nude sketching session is that you are able to complete your work.

Tito Romy, I don't really know what its like for a model to take off her clothes in a beerhouse. I have never been to one before.

YAYA: Ulol.

So do you usually sketch the whole body of the nude, or do you leave some parts for the imagination to prevent domestic warfare?

It depends on your mood and on the time available. Normally, if you are pressed for time, then you just choose certain parts of the anatomy.

I often choose certain parts of the anatomy when I have limited time to look at nudes as well.

Tito, there is a question my three female readers have been too sober to ask: What exactly is that fine line between nudity in art and just plain pornography?

Pornography caters to the more primeval sensations of a human being. Pornography arouses your basic instincts. But in art, there is a more sublime reason behind it. In each creation that you make, you always leave a little something of yourself in that particular artwork. That is not only your time, but also your emotional and spiritual self as well.

I see. So I should always leave a little something of myself after I look at nudes. Speaking of which, just how many nudes have you painted in your lifetime?

Um, not very many, actually. About 30, I'd say.

Well, that's 30 more than I'll ever paint. After your 30 nude drawings, can you say what would make a good candidate for a nude model?

There is no hard and fast rule. Whatever model is presented to me, I guess I won't mind. As long as the model is pleasant enough to pose and as long as the proper facilities are available, like the lighting and the background music. Then that's all right with me. I'm not too particular about the looks of the model.

Fantastic! There is still hope for me then. So, please make me happy, Tito Romy: Would I make a good nude model? I took some pictures of myself in the banyo this morning just in case.

Why not? In fact one of our male models was a UP student before. He had no previous experience but he had a fair complexion, just like you.

It's not me, Tito. It's the Glutathione. I've been jockeying for an endorsement, but damn that Gabby Concepcion and his Dorian Gray good looks.

The model adjusted very well. There were first-time jitters. It took him quite a while befoore he could come out of the room and pose. But after coaching him a bit, he finally came out. All's end that ends well, I say.

And I hope that all of his is still well.

«««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««««

But of course, this little tête-à-tête with Master kuwan Romy Carlos was merely a prologue to the moment that all the No Girlfriends Since Birth (NGSB), Quezon City chapter, have been waiting for: The no-holds and no-clothes-barred interview with the nude model. So, after checking my blood pressure, binding my hands with barbed wire, and placing me behind a wall crowned by broken soft-drink bottles, the interview with our nude female model began under heavy surveillance.

HETO NA, HETO NA, HETO NAAAAHHAAAAA!!!!

RJ (a.k.a. Hubo't Hubad Lumilipad): So, do you, um, come here often?

HUBAD (a.k.a. Hubad): Well, it's my first time here, but I've been modeling for some time already.

What kind of modeling have you been doing?

Ayan. Nude.

Well, yes. I could see that.

Sometimes there are pictorials. But more often they are for nude paintings.

So, how exactly do you become a nude model? There are many ways I can think of how you became one, but they are all illegal.

Actually, I was just recruited.

Oh, that being the case, can we have the number of that recruitment agency, please?

I had a friend who was posing for nude paintings, then she dragged me along to a session one time. Then her manager, Kuya Jonski, liked me. So that's how it all started.

Who is this charismatic Kuya Jonski? Can I meet him personally and give him a certificate of recognition? And how did he know you would be an ideal model for nude modeling? Was he Kryptonian? Did he have X-ray vision?

It was like an audition. There was a pictorial, and if Kuya Jonski liked your body, he would show these pictures to clients. If the cliens like your body, then they will request a session.

Do you check if any of these clients have a record with the NBI? Um, scratch that. (RJ mumbles: "Yaya, inayos mo na ba yung sa NBI?") Let's get back to the interview: How many years have you been nude modeling?

Almost three years now.

Three years!? May I ask how old you are?

I'm turning 20.

Wow. I would like to explore this topic more but I am afraid that the authorities are monitoring this interview. And what exactly are the benefits that you get out nude modeling? Is it the love of art? The exhilaration of being captured on canvas? The recognition you get from being drawn by the country's foremost artists?

Money.

Ah, that is a very rewarding benefit. How much of that rewarding benefit do you get for nude modeling?

It's different. But the compensation is much better during pictorials. The hourly rate there is... ay basta! Secret.

Yes, please do keep it a secret. I could hear some D.O.M.s writing out blank checks.

Taken from The Philippine Star

WANTED: FOR INCOHERENCE

2010-02-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

By Scott R. Garceau

There's a hypothetical question posed monthly by Britain's Uncut magazine to its musical interviewees: "A briefcase containing £75 million is placed on a table in a room, and you can walk away with it, under the condition that a man in Peking will fall off his bicycle and die at the same moment. Do you take the briefcase?"

A similar butterfly-effect question lurks behind Wanted, Russian director Timur Bekmambetov's American debut, as it concerns a secret society of assassins called The Fraternity which receives its kill assignments from a bizarre source: secret binary code woven into ancient fabric.

But this all makes it sound more sensible than it really is. Wanted stars James McAvoy (Atonement) as Wesley Gibson, an office nebbish who suffers what he thinks are panic attacks, but which really mask a genetic ability to accelerate his metabolism to to 400 heartbeats per minute. This is a useful skill for assassins, you see. It allows them to run really fast, grab quick-moving items, and -- don't ask how -- curve the path of bullets.

The first inkling of incoherence arises with the bullet thingy. The idea is that the assassin cah whip his pistol arm out, and mentally "fling" the bullet along whatever path he or she wills. But if your metabolism is that fast, why not wait in a café for your victim, run up and garrot him at blinding speed so no one can spot you, then sit back down and finish your cappuccino?

Such questions troubled me while watching Wanted, which has the gonzo spirit of last year's over-the-top action movie, Shoot 'Em Up, yet lacks the coolness factor of that film's Clive Owen. Thus you're left with McAvoy, who, though a fine actor, is a bit of a runt, and his rubbery face caught in bullet-time contortions is not exactly chick bait.

Still, there's another thing wrong when you cast Angelina Jolie as a mentor assassin called Fox -- and she's no longer that foxy. It seems the director thought the very idea of Jolie playing yet another assassin was finger-scorchingly hot enough. But no one reckoned on Jolie's skeletal frame, which reminds one of starving children of Darfur and lacks the appeal of her earlier Mr. And Mrs. Smith voluptuousness. Tattoos and raccoon eye makeup aside, she is cool as a no-B.S. killer who trains Gibson in the ways of The Fraternity. These episodes include hopping on elevated city trains, playing with knives, getting beaten up repeatedly and swerving bullets around hunks of pork.

But she's also a blank cipher, aside from her exposition on why she became a killer. It seems that her family was murdered by a guy who, it turns out, was scheduled to get assassinated, but the Fraternity killer chickened out.

And here's the whole "£75 million in a briefcase" question plays a role. Gibson's dad, we are led to believe, was killed by a renegade Fraternity member named Cross (Thomas Kretschmann), and Gibson's genetic skills are what's needed to hunt him down. This seems to be the motivation driving most of the Fraternity members: revenge. They're not in it for the money, though they have sizeable bank accounts. More puzzling, they never seem to question that their assignments are handed down by Sloan (Morgan Freeman), an avuncular older assassin who reads woven fabric the way fortunetellers read tea leaves.

You see, The Fraternity is a 1,000-year-old organization that was created to rid the world of evil men, and their front is a textile factory with old-fashioned looms manned by -- you guessed it -- weavers by day, killers by night.

Oh, what a tangled web this plot does weave! You just start to settle in and enjoy the hyperkinetic chase scenes and even the blood-frozen-in-bullet-time hit jobs -- wherein live rounds are shown barreling through various surprised skulls in slow motion -- when the scriptwriters throw in yet another angle, each one more curved than a cylinder from Gibson's gun.

Perhaps most logic-challenged of all is a subplot involving rats made to swallow C4-laced peanut butter. The rats are then strapped with explosion-triggering wristwatches and set loose on The Fraternity's headquarters. It's obvious the director couldn't resist the filmic spectacle of exploding hundreds of rats simultaneously, but since the suicide-bomb rodents do little more than create a diversion before Gibson strides in, guns a-blazing, it all just seems a bit... silly. And yes: O.T.T.

Over the top as well are the self-conscious nods to Fight Club by the Russian director (that plodding voiceover narration, the slow-mo shots of faces reduced to moosh by fists), though none of that movie's control or wit; and the shot-by-shot recreation of the car-chasing-a-train scene from French Connection. If nothing else, Bekmambetov does enjoy delivering his action scenes and movie references.

Of course, no one's really what they seem in Wanted, a curveball also served up in Shoot 'Em Up, though again that movie refused to take itself too seriously, so it was easier to succumb to the dumbness; this one has pretensions of seriousness, metaphysical questions touched on but never really embraced, buried in a hale of bullets and CGI head blasts.

It's curious that none of these skilled assassins ever question that only certain people are allowed to "decipher" the kill assignments contained in the ancient loom cloth. But more to the point, what kind of whacked-out belief system is this? Really, now: "We take our orders from stitches in the cloth." What if the weaver had a bad day? What if she (or he) dropped a few stitches? You could easily end up whacking the wrong dude.

But Wanted takes its convoluted assassin concept from a comic book (naturally), and probably all seems a bit more plausible on the inked page. On film, it's all about gawking at the slowed-down assassinations, blood explosions and iconic gun poses like a 15-year-old playing a video game.

And this, indeed, is probably Bekmambetov's targeted audience: male teen gamers, who probably have more patience for beyond-physics camera moves and ear-crushing explosions of glass, metal and munitions than we seasoned moviegoing geezers do. In short, part of me enjoyed Wanted, but the sheer ridiculousness of the concept stopped me short of taking the full plunge. Maybe it was the part of me that expects movies to make more sense than a Looney Tunes cartoon that had a problem.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Wrist Candies

2010-02-28T02:45:00.000-08:00

Spending hours gazing at these latest wrist candies is time well spent. The "pop" watches come in cool hues and designs perfect for cheerful, vibrant and design-savvy men and women.

ALESSI KAJ

The KAJ series of Alessi features watches for him and her with acrylic crystal and one-piece polyurethane casing that extends to the straps. Designed by Karim Rashid, the KAJ watch is perfect for the cool and stylish. Available in pink, black, gray, orange, red and brown.

ANDY WARHOL'S DANCESTEP

The Dancestep watch is the most successful series of Warhol watches to date. The featured artwork inspires and captures the imagination of people the world over. Available at MYTYM Watch Hub, Rustan's, and leading department stores.

APPETIME LOLLIPOP

The Appetime Lollipop watches look like candies in shining aluminum colors. Available in five designs and sweet colors such as strawberry yogurt and citrus cool. Check out MYTYM Watch Hub, Rustan's, and all leading department stores.

ELLESSE SKI

The colorful Ellesse watches in silicon straps set the feel of skiing down a snowy mountain hill. The stainless steel case and buckle give added strength to these chronograph watches in orange, white and blue faces. Available in MYTYM Glorietta and all NoCurfew Watch Stores nationwide.

EVERLAST

Strong yet vibrant, Everlast Timing shows how to draw power from colors! These timepieces in rectangular stainless steel case and bracelet are further toughened with sporty indexes and chronograph function. Available in all NoCurfew Watch Stores and leading department stores nationwide.

FOCE

These elegant timepieces are perfect for a walk in the park, a day in the mall, a night at the movies, or a dinner by candle light. Its elegant features exude femininity at its best. Available in MYTYM Glorietta, NoCurfew Watch Stores and leading department stores.

STORM

The highly sculptural Storm watches offer a range of styles from funky edginess to sleek sophistication. Available in MYTYM Watch Hub, Rustan's and all leading department stores.

WIZE & OPE

Customize your watch according to your mood with Wize & Ope. The collection comes in analog and digital. The straps and slides are sold separately. Available in MYTYM Watch Hub, Rustan's, and all leading department stores.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

2010-02-28T01:13:00.000-08:00

Sleep in style with fun and fab sleepwear from SM.

Beyond basic pajamas or over the top boudoir pieces, today's sleepwear takes off from current fashion trends. They're also great for lounging, snuggling up, or taking it easy with your favorite book or video.

The collection features capri-length pajamas matched with statement tees, pretty night shirts with stripes and ruffles, snappy short sets, light and breezy night dresses in cool prints and candy hues.

The collection is available at the ladies wear department of all SM stores.

Taken from The Philippine Star

The World According to Ma Boyle

2010-02-27T23:56:00.000-08:00

On the best thing she learned from her parents:

"(It would be) survival. Sometimes you have a bad day, but there's a good day coming too. You shouldn't delve on 'I should have done this or I should have done that.' You can't do that. You just have to look to the next day. If you didn't do a good job today then you should just do a better job tomorrow because yesterday is never going to come around again."

On her role in product development:

"I probably criticize more than I create. When people ask me what I do, I say, 'Well, I verbally abuse as many people as I can every day.' We pay people a lot of money to go out and come up with new ideas and know what's 'in.'"

On the outdoors:

"The outdoors is wonderful. You shouldn't stay indoors; it makes you a very boring person. The outdoors does you a lot of good. I'm 84 years old and I'm probably in better health than most people. I do water aerobics thrice a week and I try to stay active by chasing after my grandkids."

On raising her kids:

"When my kids were growing up, we didn't have any money. You learn to cook hamburger 10,000 different ways. You learn about leftovers. And I can open up a mean can of tuna."

On the youth:

"It takes young people to come up with innovative ideas. They say inventors are mostly 30 and under."

On growing her business as a woman in a male-dominated industry:

"As long as you have a big mouth... It's become more acceptable for women now but back then, it wasn't. I remember one time, a guy called up and said, 'I want to speak to the president of the company' and I said, 'Speaking.' And he said, 'But you're a woman.' So I just said, 'You know, when I got up this morning, I noticed that.' Women aren't supposed to know anything but then I tell people, 'Who raised you, your father or your mother?'

"I never thought that, just because you were a woman, you shouldn't be given a chance."

Taken from The Philippine Star

LIFESTYLE REPORT FROM OREGON: One Tough Brand

2010-02-27T05:37:00.000-08:00

By Ana G. Kalaw

It was sunny the whole time we were in Portland, Oregon. The skies were clear; the weather, calm. It stayed like this the whole four days we were there, partly to enjoy Oregon's verdant greenery and nature appeal, but mostly to see and experience for ourselves how a small hat company back in the late '30s grew into the billion-dollar outer-wear-providing company that it is now.

It should have been the rain and muggy weather, not the sun, welcoming us -- a small group of local lifestyle press -- to Portland, Oregon, birthplace of outdoor apparel provider Columbia Sportswear Company. After all, it rains nine months out of the year in this coastal state. Though its inhabitants enjoy a warm, dry spell now and then, most of them have gotten used to the damp, cool weather, and have, in fact, built businesses out of it. Columbia, for one, partly credits the rain for its success. Aside from the volume of rain jackets it sells each year, Columbia believes that, without the showers, Oregon wouldn't have all the lush, green flora and thriving ecosystem its residents so enjoy, a landscape and system that, consequentially, has birthed one of the most successful outdoor industries in the United States.

The people of Oregon love to hike their mountains, fish their rivers and ski their snow-capped peaks during the winter, and for more than 60 years, Columbia Sportswear Company, has provided the proper equipment and apparel that each of these outdoor enthusiasts need. And since the appeals of Oregon can also be seen and experienced in other places where nature has a strong presence, Columbia's reputation has grown far beyond Mt. Hood, the snow-capped mountain that towers over Oregon and the Columbia River, the river that borders Oregon on one side and for which the company was named.

I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR

At the helm of this internationally renowned outerwear brands is 84-year-old Gertrude Boyle, better known as Gert or Ma Boyle, who now stands as chair of the board. Still sprightly and sharp-witted despite her senior years, Gert, with her full head of white hair and menacing stare, commands attention as soon as she enters a room. Her brisk, no-nonsense manner offers a clue as to how she was able to turn a budding apparel company back in the '60s into the international brand it is now.

Despite her father, Paul Lanfrom (a German man who fled his country, along with his family, in the early stages of World War II), having founded Columbia as a hat company in 1938 in Portland, Gert wasn't exactly groomed to run the family business; it was actually her husband Neal who took over from Lanfrom during the '50s. By this time, Columbia had transferred its interests from hats to manufacturing its own outerwear products, fishing vests and shirts. While Neal ran Columbia, Gert stayed home taking care of their three children -- her input into the company consisted of sewing up prototypes of new and innovative styles for their fishing vests and jackets.

However, Neal died suddenly in 1970, leaving behind an expanding company dependent on bank loans and a widow with close to zero business experience. Neal died on a Friday in December of 1970; by the following Monday, three days after Neal's passing and a day after his funeral, Gert, along with her son Tim, was at the Columbia headquarters trying to assure all of the company's 40 employees that everything was going to be all right.

In the next few years, mother and son had to overcome many hurdles: gender prejudice (back then, many of their suppliers didn't want to put their trust in a woman boss), worried bank managers, preying employees, preying buyers (one local businessman offered to buy Columbia for $1,400 after "newly-discovered objections" to which Gert replied, "For $1,400, I would just as soon as run this business into the ground myself!") and just plain inexperience. Says Gert, "Truth be known, I really didn't know anything. I got thrown into this business only because I had the right genes."

Soon enough, with the help of some sympathetic bankers and advice from local businessmen, and by trimming their inventory and agreeing to manufacture products for other brands, Gert, Tim and the company were able to post a profit and were finally able to say that Columbia Sportswear Company was staying open. In 1977, company's sales were approaching $1.5 million and Columbia was no longer in debt.

Columbia Sportswear's all-weather garments nurtured by one tough mother now get younger and high-tech.

It was in the '80s, however, when Columbia's sales began to skyrocket, due, largely, to a jacket with a funny-sounding name and an unconventional advertising strategy that turned Gert into an instant celebrity. In 1983, Columbia repackaged their innovative Interchange hunting jacket -- a piece that featured a weatherproof outer shell and an insulating inner jacket that could be worn together or separately, so that each parka was really three or four garments in one -- by producing it in brighter color, angling it as a ski parka and naming it Bugaboo after the mountains in British Columbia. Both the jacket and the name were instant hits. Says Gert, "The Bugaboo is my favorite. It put me on the map." But it was something else that made sure she stayed on it. A year later, sales and brand awareness rose even more dramatically when Columbia first came out with its "tough mother" campaign.

A MOTHER'S 'TOUGH' LOVE

Mothers definitely know best and Columbia's ad agency, Borders Perrin Norrander, wanted to capitalize on this bit of wisdom by putting Gert's face and motherly principles on print. Recalls Gert in her autobiography One Tough Mother, "I would be portrayed as the world's most exacting boss -- a tough mother -- who demanded and expected nothing less than the best out of my son and my company, personally inspecting each and every product we manufactured." Despite Gert's apprehensions that their largely male consumer base wouldn't respond to a figure that wasn't exactly supermodel material, the campaign was an instant hit. People loved the ads that featured Gert's raised brow expression alongside Tim's childhood recollections of how it was growing up with a "tough mother." These print ads were quickly followed by video campaigns, which showed mother nonsensically dragging her son through every single weather condition just to test their products. (In one TV spot, Tim, clad in an all-weather parka, is strapped onto the roof of an SUV, while Ma Boyle, at the wheel, drives through rough terrain in gusty winds, pelting rain and snow. In another video, Gert tranquilizes Tim, in the middle of a boardroom meeting, with an aboriginal dart pipe; when he comes to, he realizes that she is about to leave him in the middle of the desert armed with nothing but their Omni-Shade, UPF-enhanced apparel.

These campaigns would run for the next 20-plus years and would even be translated into different languages; the latest one, featuring the summer '08 collection (shot in California's Death Valley and involving a "Range Rover that had a beard, it was so old") was launched just recently. The message is clear and can be understood by everyone across the globe: even if she's a bit brazen about it, mom -- particularly this tough mom -- is looking out for you.

COLUMBIA ACROSS THE GLOBE

For their next collection, however (fall-winter 2008), despite the two-decade success of Ma Boyle's constant marketing involvement, Columbia Sportswear is leaving behind the "tough mother" campaign and moving into a new direction. Mark Shea, the brand's international marketing manager, stresses that Columbia is now targeting a younger mindset and, because of its huge presence across the globe, is now aiming for a campaign that is "universally acceptable" and can cut across different cultures and climate settings. Aside from changing the logo colors from a neutral brown to a more lively cool blue, Columbia has switched ad agencies and is introducing a new video campaign that effectively illustrates how the brand's products can be worn in all outdoor settings all across the globe. The new video, a montage of stirring images, portrays the brand as exactly what it is: one that is committed to providing apparel and footwear in different aspects of the outdoors, from the playground to the campfire to the hiking trail, all the way up Mt. Everest.

This new marketing slant also allows the brand to show off its expertise in each of the patented technologies they have infused into their products. From the start, Columbia has tried to produce apparel that makes life ultimately easier and more comfortable for the outdoor sports enthusiast. There was the fishing jacket back in the '60s (the prototype was sewed by Gert herself) that had magnets for attaching flies and lures, and a hook that would hold the fishing rod. There were those Interchange parkas that allowed skiers to go from cold weather to toasty ski lodge fireplace atmosphere with just one unzip.

These days, Columbia's apparels are described in more technically impressive terms: Omni-Dry, Omni-Tech, Techlite and more recently, Omni-Shade.

Omni-Dry is what Columbia calls its moisture-wicking technology. Columbia apparel featuring this product technology can mop up sweat, moisture and liquid like a sponge. This patented wicking/evaporating technology keeps every hiker or trail walker cool and his clothing dry.

Omni-Tech is an advanced technology used in outerwear and footwear that has waterproof qualities and a durable water-resistant finish. Despite these proofing layers, fabric is still extremely breathable and comfortable.

Techlite is a lightweight cushioning technology reserved for Columbia's footwear, be it hiking boot or casual sandal. Aside from being extremely comfortable, these shoes provide support with an injection-molded sole and also have anti-microbial features.

Columbia's latest innovation is Omni-Shade, a technology that infuses clothing and headwear with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ranging from 15 to 50 (think clothing with built-in sunblock but without the sticky feeling). These clothing are "specifically designed and tested to be comfortable while offering protection from the sun in the hottest conditions." What makes them UPF? A tight weave, for one, blocks damaging UV rays from passing through the fabric (the UPF feature even gets better with every wash as threads tighten up). Omni-Shade clothing also has UV reflectors to reflect the sun's rays from the skin. This innovative technology has earned the brand an endorsement and a seal of recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Anna Sanford, who handles Columbia PR, says that about 140 styles from the recent spring-summer collection bear the seal of recommendation. By next summer, Columbia is hoping that 330 styles, about 80 percent of their inventory, will pass the standard.

Omni-Shade technology is particularly important these days and is being stressed as a year-round necessity rather than just a summer luxury -- not too many people realize that the sun's rays can still reach and damage even when the sky is overcast. UPF is especially important for kids, who spend a lot of time playing outdoors unprotected from the sun. In some of America's southern states and in some parts of Australia, the government has actually mandated parents to dress their kids in UPF clothing when outdoors. In the Philippines, the need for UPF is still a growing awareness and is something that the local Columbia distributors hope to permeate. Omni-Shade for men and women are now available in the local stores but, according to Columbia Philippines brand manager Dino de Leon, Columbia's local distributors are hoping to bring in Columbia for kids by the end of this year.

FASHION VS. FASHIONABLE

When you look at Columbia's pieces, trendy is not something that would come to mind. Comfortable, practical and classic would be more apt. "We are not a fashion brand," says Shea, "but we are fashionable." Though Columbia prioritizes aesthetic appeal only second to comfort, technology and functionality, the brand still manages to inject a bit of the recent trend into their products. We were given a sneak peek of the summer collection for 2009, a set that collectively raised excitement amongst the Philippine press present. For women, Columbia plans to serve up a bevy of prints for their activewear, from bright florals to exotic batik. They're also channeling the stylish traveler by offering crease-resistant, lounge-friendly clothing made of ultra-soft cotton and in the most sophisticated neutral shades (black, white, dove grays). Designers are also injecting a bit of tailoring into peacoat-style jackets and outerwear. Expect cowl-neck details, water-resistant shorts that can double as surf shorts (especially in our beach-loving culture) and lovely sheer rain jackets as well. Needless to say, Omni-Shade, Omni-Tech and Omni-Dry technologies are all present in these pieces.

To further promote the rugged appeal of the brand, Columbia's menswear is going with the now-popular "organic" look. A lot of distressed, "sun-washed" finishes will be seen on brand's summer '09 men's collection, just to give off the "lived-in outdoor appeal." New takes on plaid and the colors blue and orange are also to be expected.

Columbia is also in the process of going full-force with their golf collection, coinciding with their heavy promotion of Omni-Shade. Pieces in this collection include waterproof and breathable, yet lightweight, jackets and shirts with venting systems in the back to allow for a more flexible, and dryer, swing.

Ma Boyle sat with us during the entire presentation, also viewing next summer's collection for the first time. For two hours, she was constantly shooting questions, giving approval and generally providing encouragement to her team of designers and merchandisers. By the latter's response to Gert, you can see that, as far as the Columbia employees are concerned and despite her "tough" exterior, this extraordinary octogenarian is the real sunshine amidst all of Oregon's rain.

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Columbia is distributed in the Philippines by Primer Intl. and has stores in Mall of Asia, Megamall and TriNoma.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Get Rid Of Fat Without Surgery

2010-02-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

Dr. Vicki Belo, a.k.a. "the Fat Buster" in social circles, has a brand-new weapon in her fight against fat. Brought over all the way from Switzerland, this new technology has the ability to emit sound waves that resonate perfectly with fat cells, causing them to alternately compress and expand until they implode and then burst. The fat is then excreted by the body as waste over the next few days, with no suction required.

Dr. Belo, who is known best for her expertise in liposuction, has for years been looking for an effective, non-surgical alternative to remove fat. This new procedure, called the BeloShape, is the perfect solution to banish those unwanted bulges instantly, without surgery!

Tintin Bersola, who has had a difficult time losing her post-pregnancy bulges since she gave birth to Antonia, swears to the amazing effects of BeloShape. "Three years after giving birth, I got my old figure back! Right after my first BeloShape session, my waist area became more shapely -- even better than when I was in high school! I'm so happy now because for the first time in my life, I am able to wear a bikini. It's amazing that I even have a better body now than before. And BeloShape is just the perfect treatment for women like me who are not yet ready for invasive procedures."

Actress Bea Alonzo, an endorser for BeloShape, underwent procedure and loved it. In only one session done to her abdominal area, she lost four inches. "I'm really happy I tried it. When Dr. Vicki told me it's non-surgical, I was immediately convinced. And four inches in one session -- it was unbelievable. But it sure worked! They also did BeloShape on my arms and now I'm also having my thighs done. And another thing I like about BeloShape is that it's painless, and it didn't interfere with my schedule at all. I was up and about right after the session."

The procedure takes about three hours, and it may be performed on practically any part of your body. Since BeloShape is non-surgical, there is no downtime and patients may go back to work immediately. The patient has to wear a girdle after the procedure, and will experience minor bruising for the first week. Final results become obvious after three weeks. Most patients undergo two to three sessions, spaced three weeks apart.

The BeloShape treatment has been designed to help average to overweight men and women achieve an improved body contour -- without surgery, and without downtime. Only Belo Medical Group has this technology in the Philippines and BeloShape is exclusively available at their clinic at Medical Plaza Makati. Contact Belo Medical Group at 844-2939.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Greek and Romans

2010-02-26T23:45:00.001-08:00

A Greek and an Italian were arguing over who had the superior culture.

The Greek says, "We have the Parthenon."

Arching his eyebrows, the Italian replies, "We have the Coliseum."

The Greek retorts, "We Greeks gave birth to advanced mathematics"

The Italian, nodding agreement, says, "But we built the Roman Empire."

And so on and so on until the Greek comes up with what he thinks will end the discussion. With a flourish of finality he says, "We invented sex!"

The Italian replies, "That is true, but it was the Italians who introduced it to women."

Taken from The Philippine Star

Hyundai + "proper fuel diet" = healthy motoring lifestyle

2010-02-26T20:19:00.000-08:00

There are so many weight management programs to choose from, each promising that you'll be able to get into shape within a given period of time. But we're not here to talk about some new diet strategy for the body; we're talking about a different kind of diet--the fuel management kind--that will benefit your car and your pocket. So this is one diet proposition you might want to strongly consider or face the consequences of bulging fuel expenses amid the fuel crisis.

Fuel Costs: On the Heavy Side

You've read the headlines. You've seen the numbers on the digital price boards of gas stations. Oil prices are skyrocketing at such an alarming rate, that they have registered record-breaking highs since the start of the year, even soaring outrageously to $130 to $140 per barrel. With the tremendous increase in world oil prices, local oil prices followed suit as well, bringing staple fuel choices like unleaded gasoline way up the charts at P55 to P60 per liter. Experts warn that this scenario may just be a dry run of things to come; sooner or later, they predict, we might have to deal with the possibility of $200 per barrel of oil and P65 per liter of fuel.

The lean, mean diesel machine

Yes, high fuel costs are here to stay--for how long is still a million-dollar question. But instead of agonizing over this looming adversity, why not try going on a diet from fuel expenses that burn really large holes on your pocket? We don't mean totally giving up driving; we mean wising up in terms of your choices of automobiles. Go for leaner choices, like cars that run on less costly fuel but let you cover miles without scrimping on power, even at just-right consumption. Simply put, go for diesel-powered automobiles, like Hyundai with CRDi VGT.

Could it be possible to have a diesel engine that incorporates the important qualities that make for a satisfying drive, like power, environmentally-sound operation, and most importantly, fuel-efficiency? Well, Hyundai answered that a long time ago, with a resounding yes, when it introduced the breakthrough CRDi, or Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine technology. That answer remains unchanged today, with Hyundai's introduction of the CRDi with VGT.

VGT, or Variable Geometry Turbocharger, reinforces the best qualities delivered by the CRDi by optimizing air intake to yield better combustion for enhanced power delivery and engine efficiency.

By employing variable vanes to direct exhaust flow into the turbo-charger turbine, VGT maximizes the use of exhaust gas by contacting vanes at the right angle, thereby optimizing their position to suit a particular engine condition. At low rpm, the VGT's vane geometry is slightly closed to increase exhaust velocity, which imparts maximum energy in the turbine. This action causes the turbocharger to spin faster, forcing air into the combustion chamber to provide a quick spool up of power, thus, providing better acceleration even at low rpm. While at high speeds, the variable vanes of the VGT become fully open to regulate exhaust velocity, unleashing the engine's maximum power for demanding road conditions.

With the VGT, the CRDi makes full use of the fuel injected into the engine, resulting to optimal engine performance throughout the rp, range at lesser fuel consumption. And because CRDi VGT runs on diesel, a less costly alternative, you're rewarded with better mileage in your journeys. So you can save up more money to burn for more important purchases in these hard times.

Particulate emissions and toxic or NOX (nitrogen oxides) emissions are also reduced in a CRDi VGT operation due to better combustion of fuel supported by optimum air intake, making the car cleaner on the inside and safer for the environment outside. No wonder Hyundai defines VGT as Very Green Technology too!

Among Hyundai's vehicles equipped with the CRDi VGT technology are the Grand Starex 2.5-liter DOHC 16V, Santa Fe 2.2-liter in 2WD or 4WD versions, Getz 1.5-liter, Accent 1.5-liter, and Veracruz 3.0-liter. Another reliably fuel-efficient road companion is Hyundai's flagship SUV, the CRDi-equipped Tucson 2.0-liter, with Wastegate Turbo-charger technology. Each is definitive of Hyundai's brand of engineering integrity to power whatever lifestyle you lead.

Save up, shape up!

And speaking of lifestyle, here are more helpful tips on how to manage that "proper diet" in fuel consumption and keep your motoring life in great shape:

1) Anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking. Ease up on gas pedal when approaching the stop sign.

2) Avoid unnecessary high speeds during idling and in motion during shifting.

3) Ensure the vehicle is well maintained with regular servicing in accordance with manufacturer's specifications to keep your car's peak efficiency.

4) Ensure your air filters are clean. Dirty air filters restrict the flow of air into the engine and therefore impede your vehicle's performance and economy.

5) Use only genuine parts for your car, like Hyundai's. Genuine Hyundai Parts are specifically designed for each Hyundai vehicle to provide original quality for your car every time. Choose genuine for your peace of mind; not only will you be able to save in the long run, but you can feel secure knowing that your safety, as well as your loved-ones', will not be compromised.

6) Do not modify engine specification by yourself. Only allow authorized centers to check and adjust system.

7) Do not increase the size of Mag wheels against those specified by the manufacturer; this contributes to the weight factor. Also, wider wheels than the size of your stock tires create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy.

8) If you have two or more cars, select the most fuel efficient car for the intended purpose. Say for example, you're planning to go on a long trip. Would you go for a luxurious car loaded with all the comforts and conveniences but would entail relatively bigger fuel consumption, or would you rather go for a car that may not be as excessive in terms of luxury or convenience but is still able to deliver and at a more cost-efficient performance at that? Whichever you choose, just remember, in these trying times, a little sacrifice may help you save more in the long run.

9) Check the condition of your old vehicle versus the new one. It might be better to use the new vehicle since it is equipped with the latest technology, maximizing engine performance.

10) Last but not the least, get yourself a fuel-efficient car, if you don't own one yet.

High fuel costs weighing you down? Better avoid cars that go on a frequent fuel binge. Choose cars powered with fuel that's light on the budget and equipped with an engine that helps you save those extra pesos. Lighten up with Hyundai, powered with the latest equation in optimal performance and fuel efficiency--CRDi VGT.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Another Honor for Paeng

2010-02-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

By Joaquin M. Henson

Six-time world champion Paeng Nepomuceno continues to mercilessly assault the record books and at the age of 51, the Philippines' most decorated athlete remains an active competitor in the international bowling circuit.

Nepomuceno has been cited thrice by the Guinness Book of World Records with the latest recognition his collection of 118 bowling titles in a career that began when he was only 12.

Last September, the left-handed kegler garnered his 118th championship, topping Australia's most prestigious individual tournament -- the South Pacific Classic in Melbourne. He beat last year's World Tenpin Masters champion Jason Belmonte, 23, for the crown.

No other bowler in history has ever been honored for three world records. And what makes Nepomuceno's feat even more remarkable is his three records are intact, withstanding the test of time. That's a tribute to Nepomuceno's unparalleled brilliance.

It's no wonder there's a more-than-life-sized, seven-foot image of Nepomuceno greeting visitors at the entrance of the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. No one has come close to even duplicating Nepomuceno's achievements.

In the 288-page edition of the Guinness World Records 2008, Nepomuceno is mentioned under "Tenpin Bowling" in the "target sports" section on the chapter on sports.

Here's what it said:

"The tenpin-bowling World Cup (instituted in 1965) is contested annually by the national champions of the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ). The most wins of the tenpin-bowling World Cup is four by Paeng Nepomuceno (Philippines) in 1976, 1980, 1992 and 1996.

"Three bowlers share the record for most World Cup tenpin-bowling titles won by a woman, with two wins each. They are Jeanette Baker (Australia) in 1982 and 1983, Pauline Smith (UK) in 1981 and 1993 and Shannon Pluhowsky (USA) in 2002 and 2004."

No male or female champion has been able to bag titles in a period of time longer than Nepomuceno's 20-year stretch from his first crown in 1976 to his fourth in 1996. The woman with the longest wait of 12 years in between two championships was Smith.

Nepomuceno gained his first Guinness certificate for winning four World Cup titles in three different decades - the 70s, 80s and 90s. He's still hoping to reset the record to five crowns in a fourth decade.

The second Guinness recognition was for Nepomuceno being the youngest at 19 to win the World Cup in Tehran in 1976.

The third citation for most career championships was the icing on the cake.

"This is a great honor and I'd like to share it with all my countrymen," said Nepomuceno. "Whenever i compete, my countrymen always give me great inspiration to always do my best."

The latest Guinness certificate honoring Nepomuceno stated: "The record for the most tenpin-bowling titles in a career is 118 and was achieved by Paeng Nepomuceno (Philippines) on 18 September 2007."

Nepomuceno was congratulated by the Guinness World Records management team, headed by Marco Frigatti, and welcomed to the elite club of World Record Holders in an accompanying letter.

It was the second award received by Nepomuceno for winning the South Pacific Classic. Last January, President Arroyo conferred on Nepomuceno the Order of Lakandula with the Special Class of Champion for Life in recognition of his Melbourne victory.

The Guinness World Records management team should also consider citing Nepomuceno for other accomplishments such as being the only bowler to be given the International Olympic Committee President's Trophy - the highest award for sports - in 1999 despite bowling's absence in the Olympic calendar, the only man to be named by the World FIQ as the Bowling Athlete of the Millenium, the only athlete to be recognized by the Bowler's Journal International as the greatest international bowler of all-time in 2003 and the only bowler to win world titles in five continents - the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Nepomuceno, who was named as the greatest Filipino athlete of the century by Congress and the Senate, makes every Filipino proud. Soft-spoken and humble, he credits hard work, an uncompromising discipline, self-sacrifice, his father Angel's coaching, his mother Baby's guidance, his wife Pinky's support and his three children's inspiration (Rafael Jose, 22, Saira Margarita Paz, 18 and Isabel Angela, 12) as the factors that led to his success at the lanes.

Taken from The Philippine Star

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

2010-02-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

ON HIS FIRST DAY OF VACATION, A MAN SPENDS $10 IN THE MORNING, THEN SPENDS HALF HIS REMAINING MONEY DURING THE DAY, AND FINALLY SPENDS ANOTHER $10 IN THE EVENING. IF HE REPEATS THIS PATTERN FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS AND SPENDS HIS LAST $10 ON THE EVENING OF DAY 3, HOW MUCH MONEY DID HE START WITH?

THE TOURIST STARTED WITH $210!
DAY1 : (210)-10=200-100-10
DAY 2: (90)-10=80-40-10
DAY 3: (30)-10=20-10-10 = 0

HEDVIGA GOLIK of Zagreb, Croatia, DIED IN BED IN THE EARLY 1970S AND REMAINED THERE UNTIL SOMEONE DISCOVERED HER BODY IN MAY 2008!

THE ATLANTIC ENTRANCE TO THE PANAMA CANAL ACTUALLY LIES TO THE WEST OF THE PACIFIC ENTRANCE!

Taken from The Philippine Star

Wiping Off Ignorance: Filipino Version

2010-02-26T06:30:00.001-08:00

Anu-ano kaya ang mga bagay na laman ng isip ng isang karaniwang manggagawa sa buong maghapon? Naitanong namin ito sapagkat sa hinaba-haba ng panahong nakikihalubilo kami sa mga manggagawa sa ating kapuluan, ay may napupuna kami: maliit ang daigdig ng karaniwang manggagawang Pilipino.

May iilang mga bagay lamang ang nangunguna at nangingibabaw sa kanyang isipan sa araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos, at ang mga bagay na ito ay may kinalaman sa kanyang pamilya, mga pag-aari at mga pinagnanasaan niyang maangkin. Tanungin mo siya ng anuman sa labas ng mga bagay na ito at kadalasan, ang kanyang maisasagot sa iyo ay isang sulyap na nagtataka, o isang titig na walang nilalaman. Tanungin mo siya tungkol sa quality o uri sa paggawa o paglilingkod, at kukunot ang noo niya pagkat hindi niya mauunawaan ang iyong tinutukoy.

Tanungin mo kung gaano ang nalalaman niya tungkol sa Pilipinas; malamang na halos ay wala siyang masasabing may laman. Lalo nang wala siyang nalalaman tungkol sa iba't ibang bansa sa mundo--para sa kanya, ang abroad ay Amerika at Saudi lamang; at huwag ka nang magtaka kung hindi rin niya kilala ang mga bansang kabilang sa ASEAN.

Wala rin siyang gasinong masasabi tungkol sa pagmamalasakit sa kapaligiran (environment) at sa recycling o ang paggamit muli ng mga bagay na patapon na sapagkat "dayuhan" sa kanyang isip ang mga ideyang ito. Hindi man lamang niya nalalaman kung anu-ano ang kanyang mga karapatan bilang isang manggagawa sa ating lipunan; papaano pa kaya siya magkakaroon ng interes sa iba pang mga bagay sa labas ng kanyang maliit na mundo?

Ano kaya ang dahilan kung bakit ganitong kaliit ang daigdig ng manggagawang Pilipino? Kakulangan ng wastong pagtuturo sa paaralan, sa pagawaan, sa lipunan? Kakulangan ng malasakit mula sa kanyang kapwa? Likas kaya siyang makitid at mababaw?

Tulungan natin ang hamak na manggagawang mapalawak ang kanyang kaalaman at pananaw, nang sa gayon ay matutunan niyang yapusin ang sangkatauhan at daigdig sa labas ng kanyang pamilya't mga pangangailangan.

Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!

You can read the English version of this article here.

Taken from Blue Collar magazine

Wiping Off Ignorance

2010-02-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

What concerns occupy the average worker's mind throughout the day? We're asking this question because we've noticed something through all these years of hobnobbing with workers from different parts of our archipelago: small is the world of the ordinary Filipino worker.

There are but a few things that occupy his mind day in and day out, and these usually have something to do with his family, his possessions and the things he wants to acquire. Ask him anything outside of these concerns and perhaps the answer you'll get is a bewildered glance or a blank stare. Ask him about quality at work and he'll most probably frown because he wouldn't know what you're referring to.

Ask him what he knows about the Philippines; he probably won't say anything substantial. He knows much less about other countries--for him, "abroad" means only the United States and Saudi Arabia--and don't wonder if he doesn't even know the ASEAN member states.

He doesn't have much to say either about environmental concern and recycling for these ideas are alien to his mind. He's not even aware of his rights as a worker; how would he be interested at all in anything outside of his little world?

What are the reasons the ordinary Filipino worker's world is so small? Inadequate education in school, at the workplace, in society? A lack of concern from his fellowmen? Is he by nature narrow and shallow?

Let us help the humble worker broaden his knowledge and his horizon, so that he may learn to include in his embrace mankind and the world outside of his family and his needs.

Long Live the Filipino worker!

You can read the Filipino version of this article here.

Taken from Blue Collar magazine

Milestones

2010-02-25T05:46:00.000-08:00

Written and Researched by Julian Mauricio

From Kaming Mga Ulila to Ploning, from Ula, Ang Batang Gubat to Mag-ingat Ka sa Kulam, here's a sentimental look back at all the achievements that have made Judy Ann Santos a true superstar of her generation.

1986 Judai was discovered at age eight when she successfully auditioned for a role in what was originally supposed to be a Viva Films movie. Unfortunately, it never materialized; it became a TV series on GMA-7 titled Kaming Mga Ulila instead.

1988 Judai did several movies that year, including Sa Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas and Nasaan Ka Inay?, both of which were produced by Regal Films and directed by Artemio Marquez. But perhaps her most notable achievements in 1988 were bagging the lead role in Silang Mga Sisiw Sa Lansangan--her first as a child actress--and being nominated for a FAMAS award for her performance in The Lost Command. She also did a movie with Nora Aunor, in which she played the younger self of Lotlot de Leon's character. That movie was Sana Mahalin Mo Ako and it was also produced by Regal.

It was also in 1988 that Judai began appearing on IBC-13 as the titular character in Ula, Ang Batang Gubat. The show ran for two years.

1989 Two movies, both under Regal Films: Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang (Judai's first with Maricel Soriano, Gloria Romero and Eddie Garcia) and Regal Shocker: The Movie. (She appeared in the Ang Aparador episode.)

1990 Two movies, Dyesebel and Wanted: Pamilya Banal. The latter was her first with the late Fernando Poe, Jr. Unfortunately, they didn't have scenes together.

1991 Two movies, Sa Puso Ko Hahalik Ang Mundo and Impaktita. The latter was her first with Nida Blanca. Judai played the younger self of Jean Garcia's character--the title role of Impaktita.

1992 Two words: Mara Clara. Perhaps Judai's best-known and most well-loved soap to date, it ran for five years. For the first few years it had an afternoon timeslot, but it was moved to primetime when the Marimar craze was at its peak. She also did a movie titled Manila Boy in this year--her first with Robin Padilla and her first under Viva Films.

1993 A movie titled Madonna, Ang Babaing Ahas.

1994 She did her first movie with Comedy King Dolphy under his RVZ productions. Father en Son was a milestone in Judai's career because it was her first filmfest entry.

1995 During the time when Mara Clara's popularity was at its peak, Judai landed a role in an action movie titled Dog Tag: Katarungan Sa Aking Kamay--and she was billed as Judy Ann "Mara" Santos. In this year, she also did Bawal na Gamot 2.

1996 The year before Mara Clara bid farewell, Judai added another feather to her cap when she became the featured star in the defunct drama anthology Star Drama Presents.

She played several different characters in several episodes. Judai's SDP stint was notable because at the time she was the youngest star to appear on the show--and thrice at that. She also had a short-lived stint on the youth-oriented show Gimik acting opposite the late Rico Yan.

In movies, she did Sana Naman (her first headlining role), Kung Alam Mo Lang and Mara Clara:The Movie.

1997 Judai's stint on Gimik was short-lived because she decided to focus on Esperanza, her follow-up teleserye to Mara Clara, instead. That decision turned out to be a good one, as one of the show's episodes became the highest-rated episode of a Philippine-produced series with a 67% rating. Esperanza aired its finale in 1999. She also did several movies this year. Ako Ba Ang Nasa Puso Mo? with Mark Anthony Fernandez, Kulayan Natin Ang Bukas, Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita?, Paano Ang Puso Ko (her first with the late Rico Yan), Wow Multo and Sanggano (her first with Cesar Montano).

However, her most notable movies in this year are probably Babae and Nasaan Ang Puso? She earned a double nomination as Best Supporting Actress in the MMFF for her performance in both. She also earned her first FAMAS and FAP nominations for her performance in the latter. Not bad for her first film with Christopher de Leon and Gina Pareño, right?

1998 This was a good year for Judai's movie career. She did Babangon Ang Huling Patak Ng Dugo, Muling Ibalik Ang Tamis Ng Pag-Ibig and I'm Sorry My Love. That she also did a movie titled Kasal-kasalan...Sakalan in this year is interesting, considering...do we really need to spell it out for you? It was an entry to the MMFF, for which she earned her first nomination in the Lead Actress category. She also did Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay for Star Cinema, which earned her a Lead Actress nomination in the FAMAS race.

1999 She started work on the Judy Ann Drama Special for TV. Its first and last episodes co-starred Piolo Pascual. Her movie career flourished with My Pledge Of Love, Gimik: The Reunion (her last film with the late Rico Yan), Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko, Dito Sa Puso Ko and Esperanza: The Movie. The last three are notable because Isusumbong was the first Philippine-produced movie to rake in more than P100 million; Dito was the first Filipino movie to feature scenes shot in the United States; and Esperanza's film version was the first movie of Judai's in which she shared screen time with Charo Santos-Concio, who is now the president of ABS-CBN.

Speaking of Charo Santos-Concio, Judai's first Maalaala Mo Kaya appearance was in this year, when she acted opposite Rico Yan in an episode titled Agua Bendita.

2000 She did more movies: Pera O Bayong, Minsan Ko Lang Sasabihin (her first with Bong Revilla, Jr.), and Kahit Isang Saglit (her first that was feted with an international Premiere in Guam)

She also made her second Maalaala Mo Kaya appearance in this year, in the episode Karnabal.

2001 Judai returned to teleseryes in this year by playing a married woman on TV for the first time in Sa Puso Ko, Iingatan Ka. Her leading man was Piolo Pascual. She also returned to Maalaala Mo Kaya in the Basket episode. As for movies, she did Luv Text: Typ Mo? Txt Mo (with Wowie De Guzman and Nida Blanca), Mahal Kita, Kahit Sino Ka Pa and Bakit 'Di Totohanin.

2002 More movies: Walang Iwanan, Peksman; May Pag-Ibig Pa Kaya?, Magkapatid (her first movie with Sharon Cuneta, which earned for Judai many nominations, including her first Gawad Urian and PMPC Star Awards for Movies noms in the Supporting Actress Category), Pakisabi Na Lang... Mahal Ko Siya, Jologs and Jeannie, Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? Oh, and an MMK appearance: the Pier 39 episode in which she shared screen time with Piolo Pascual.

She also celebrated her 24th birthday with a TV special directed by All Quinn.

2003 Judai appeared in Basta't Kasama Kita with Robin Padilla, which was the first-ever action-adventure teleserye on Philippine TV. It earned lots of awards, especially from the ENPRESS, but Basta't Kasama Kita is most notable for being the first show to have its finale aired live from the Luneta Park grounds. She also did two movies, Till There Was You and Mano Po 2: My Home. The former is notable for being the first movie in which Judai filmed a love scene.

2004 Judai began work on Krystala and appeared in I Will Survive, Sabel and Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita.

2005 Krystala's final episode aired on April 15. She also returned to Maalaala Mo Kaya after a three-year absence, acting opposite Piolo Pascual in the episode Rosaryo.

2006 Movies galore. She filmed Don't Give Up On Us with Piolo Pascual, an indie film called Miss Pinoy which was shot and released only in Hong Kong; Umaaraw, Umuulan; and most notably Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, for which she picked up a slew of acting awards. In February, she made her teleserye comeback via Sa Piling Mo, in which she shared stellar billing with Albert Martinez, Piolo Pascual and Rica Peralejo. It was her first teleserye that was made available on DVD soon after it ended.

She also starred in four Komiks episodes--one, titled Super Gee, remains unaired to this day--and one MMK episode opposite young actor Jason Abalos, titled Swing.

2007 Her real-life passion for cooking inspired the teleserye Ysabella, the second of her TV shows that was made available on DVD. She also did two movies, Ouija (her first with GMA Films, which earned her a Best Actress award in the horror genre from PASADO) and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo (the sequel to 2006's KKK, which was shot partly in Spain). Bida Ng Buhay Ko, her 20th anniversary celebration, was also filmed in this year at the Araneta Coliseum.

2008 She did an indie film called Ploning with her best friend, Dante Nico "Ga" Garcia and a horror film called Mag-ingat Ka... Sa Kulam.

Taken from StarStudio Magazine: Judy Ann Santos Special Edition

Altar-bound

2010-02-25T04:14:00.000-08:00

By Tinna Santos Bonifacio

We revisit the Judy Ann - Ryan romance as the countdown to the year's most-awaited wedding begins.

Things have a strange way of happening when you least expect them to. When Judy Ann Santos met Ryan Agoncillo, she wasn't prepared to fall in love. When they were paired up in Krystala, she wasn't even that excited. She was not expecting anything from the show, much less to find someone, or fall in love. Judy Ann wasn't even that hot on the idea of putting on a superhero costume at her age. "Sabi ko nga, imagine, 26 years old na ako noon, tapos mag-su-superhero pa ako!" she laughs, recalling how she felt when the idea was pitched to her. "At saka sobrang haggard ako n'on, kasi sabay mag-e-ending ang Basta't Kasama Kita (her series opposite Robin Padilla) sa pilot ng Krystala." She was shuttling from one set in Tanay, Rizal to the other, which was in Zambales, and didn't have time for romance.

Although Ryan was not her type -- "Inglisero kasi; eh ayoko ng inglisero" -- Judy Ann became intrigued by his demeanor and the fact that during the taping of Krystala, this upper-class, Catholic school-educated boy would disappear from the set, only to be found off to one corner, enjoying isaw. After a few taping days, she realized he was not what he seemed. Rather, he was "jologs but cool". In Judy Ann's book, that was a virtual stamp of approval.

But Ryan had a girlfriend. Still, Judy Ann kept up the friendship. When Ryan and his girlfriend broke up, the two had the opportunity to take their friendship to the next level. True enough, it began to deepen. Through subsequent projects--like a three-hour interview for Cinema One where he was the interviewer and she, the willing subject--Judy Ann and Ryan got to know each other and fell in love.

Being with Ryan taught her one valuable lesson. "To trust...to trust and to show everything...to be very honest. Kasi I must admit, di ako masyadong honest. Lahat tayo, one way or another, may iniiwan pa ring privacy for ourselves. But I realized that when you finally decide to give your life to someone, you have to be very honest, masakit man o hindi. Ibigay mo na agad. That's how you grow as a couple and individual."

Over the years, their relationship would be tested in the most severe ways. But through it all--the quarrel with Piolo and Direk Joyce, the BIR issue, the Meralco issue and the stress of getting Ploning to the Oscars (and being there for her when it didn't make it)--Ryan stuck by her. Last June, after three years of being a couple, he proposed. And now, here they are, on the brink of what is probably the most anticipated showbiz wedding of the year.

The wedding will be typically Judy Ann Santos. It won't be a big celebrity event. She wants everything simple--or a better way of putting it might be to use the phrase 'non-traditional'--from the gown to the little touches that make every wedding special to the woman who will be at the center of it.

Oh, but you can see her excitement. Her eyes shine whenever we ask questions about the wedding. Still, that doesn't stop her from seeing the humor in it. It must be her way of dealing with pre-wedding jitters. "Masakit pala sa ulo [ang preparations]!" she laughs.

Is planning a wedding expensive? "I guess," comes the quick reply.

Do you have any fears?

"None."

Concerns about in-laws?

"Wala."

Her own family and friends? "Ngayon lang nila ako nakita na ganito kasaya," says Judy Ann, her mood suddenly reflective.

Definitely, they intend to start a family after the wedding. Judy Ann hopes it will be within a year of getting married, and that their first child will be a boy. "Actually, kung kailan ibigay, okay lang. Basta, gusto ko ng anak para din may kalaro si Yohan."

How soon do they intend to have another child? Turns out, she wouldn't want to wait that long. "Kapag naka-recover na ako at naibalik ko na ang katawan ko. Pero depende sa experience sa una! Kapag masakit, baka isa na lang!" she laughs.

Taken from StarStudio Magazine: Judy Ann Santos Special Edition

Zygote

2010-02-24T04:09:00.000-08:00

the cell produced by the fusion of male and female germ cells (GAMETES) during the initial stage of FERTILIZATION. The zygote is a DIPLOID cell, formed by the fusion of the haploid male gamete and the haploid female gamete.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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A zygote (from Greek ζυγωτός zygōtos "joined" or "yoked", from ζυγοῦν zygoun "to join" or "to yoke"), or zygocyte, is the initial cell formed when a new organism is produced by means of sexual reproduction. A zygote is synthesized from the union of two gametes, and constitutes the first stage in a unique organism's development. Zygotes are usually produced by a fertilization event between two haploid cells — an ovum from a female and a sperm cell from a male — which combine to form the single diploid cell. Such zygotes contain DNA derived from both the mother and the father, and this provides all the genetic information necessary to form a new individual. The term zygote is also used more loosely to refer to the group of cells formed by the first few cell divisions, although this is properly referred to as a morula.

In mammalian reproduction, after fertilization has taken place the zygote travels down the fallopian tube, while dividing to form more cells without the zygote actually increasing in size. This cell division is mitotic, and is known as cleavage. All mammals go through the zygote stage of life. Zygotes eventually develop into an embryo, and then a fetus. A human zygote exists for about four days, and becomes a blastocyst on the fifth day.

Taken from Wikipedia

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

2010-02-24T03:18:00.000-08:00

(or XRF spectrometry) an analytical method in geology for determination of a wide range of elements in bulk rock specimens. Rock samples are prepared as ground powder compressed into flat cylinders or fused into coin-like flat discs and then excited with X-ray radiation. The radiation causes the removal of an ELECTRON from an ORBITAL, and when it is replaced, the surplus energy is emitted as a characteristic, secondary, X-ray. The X-ray is measured by the spectrometer and the intensity of the radiation compared to a standard to enable concentrations to be calculated. The technique is widely used in analysing rock samples both for major elements and certain TRACE ELEMENTS. Concentrations of trace elements as low as 1 to 10 parts per million can be detected although, in many instances, the quantities are higher.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of characteristic "secondary" (or fluorescent) X-rays from a material that has been excited by bombarding with high-energy X-rays or gamma rays. The phenomenon is widely used for elemental analysis and chemical analysis, particularly in the investigation of metals, glass, ceramics and building materials, and for research in geochemistry, forensic science and archaeology.

Taken from Wikipedia

Wavelength

2010-02-24T01:57:00.000-08:00

(λ) the distance between two similar and consecutive points on a wave, which have exactly the same displacement value from the rest position (that is, the same amplitude). An example would be the distance between two crests (maximum displacement) or two troughs (maximum displacement). Wavelength is a measure of distance and hence has units of metres (m).

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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In physics, the wavelength of a sinusoidal wave is the spatial period of the wave – the distance over which the wave's shape repeats. It is usually determined by considering the distance between consecutive corresponding points of the same phase, such as crests, troughs, or zero crossings, and is a characteristic of both traveling waves and standing waves, as well as other spatial wave patterns. Wavelength is commonly designated by the Greek letter lambda (λ). The concept can also be applied to periodic waves of non-sinusoidal shape. The term wavelength is also sometimes applied to modulated waves, and to the sinusoidal envelopes of modulated waves or waves formed by interference of several sinusoids.

Assuming a sinusoidal wave moving at a fixed wave speed, wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency: waves with higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, and lower frequencies have longer wavelengths.

Examples of wave-like phenomena are sound waves, light, and water waves. A sound wave is a periodic variation in air pressure, while in light and other electromagnetic radiation the strength of the electric and the magnetic field vary. Water waves are periodic variations in the height of a body of water. In a crystal lattice vibration, atomic positions vary periodically in both lattice position and time.

Wavelength is a measure of the distance between repetitions of a shape feature such as peaks, valleys, or zero-crossings, not a measure of how far any given particle moves. For example, in waves over deep water a particle in the water moves in a circle of the same diameter as the wave height, unrelated to wavelength.

Taken from Wikipedia

Valve

2010-02-24T01:32:00.000-08:00

in biology a piece of tissue attached to the wall of a tube that ensures the flow of blood is in one direction. The most important valves are the ones found in the HEART and VEINS, which prevent a backflow of blood. In engineering, valves are used in a similar way, to control the flow of fluids through pipes.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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A valve is a device that regulates the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically pipe fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category. In an open valve, fluid flows in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure.

Valves are also found in the human body. For example, there are several heart valves which control the flow of blood in the chambers of the heart and maintain the correct pumping action.

Valves are used in a variety of contexts, including industrial, military, commercial, residential, and transportation.

The industries in which the majority of valves are used are oil and gas, power generation, mining, water reticulation, sewerage and chemical manufacturing.

Plumbing valves, such as taps for hot and cold tap water are the most noticeable types of valves. Other valves encountered on a daily basis include gas control valves on cookers, small valves fitted to washing machines and dishwashers, and safety devices fitted to hot water systems.

Valves may be operated manually, either by a hand wheel, lever or pedal. Valves may also be automatic, driven by changes in pressure, temperature, or flow. These changes may act upon a diaphragm or a piston which in turn activates the valve, examples of this type of valve found commonly are safety valves fitted to hot water systems or boilers.

More complex control systems using valves requiring automatic control based on an external input (i.e., regulating flow through a pipe to a changing set point) require an actuator. An actuator will stroke the valve depending on its input and set-up, allowing the valve to be positioned accurately, and allowing control over a variety of requirements.

Valves are also found in the Otto cycle (internal combustion) engines driven by a camshaft, tappets or push rods where they play a major role in engine cycle control.

Taken from Wikipedia

Paying It Forward

2010-02-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

By Bernie Franco

Judy Ann gives back when and where it counts.

Judy Ann's other passion is charity work. She recently founded the Touch A Heart Foundation, where she fostered a group of Aetas in a Bataan community to provide educational, medical and agricultural assistance. She also has a housing project intended to help the so-called 'little people' in the industry.

Judy Ann just doesn't talk about it much. Like other celebrities who help out certain charities and charitable institutions, she feels uncomfortable talking about it. "It's payback time, and also, it's paying it forward," she says. "Kumbaga, kung ano 'yung maliliit na bagay na puwede kong maibigay, paunti-unti binibigay ko."

This desire to pay it forward is Judy Ann's way of thanking God for the opportunity to fulfill her dreams. Now that she's in a position to do so, she sees this as her turn to help fulfill the dreams of others.

Judy Ann has always had a soft spot for the little people in showbiz. Remember, this was the little girl who grew up finding father figure from among her directors, cameramen and utility men on the set of Kaming Mga Ulila, Ula, Ang Batang Gubat and Mara Clara. She had always felt a kinship, a special bond with them. Even when she started becoming a bigger star--and as the demands on her got heavier--she still kept the welfare of the 'little people' in mind. Even when the work got difficult, she learned not to complain because if she did, it would affect people who depend on her for their livelihood.

"Pinapahalagahan ko yung mga tao sa likod ng camera, mula sa utility, hanggang sa mga drivers. Hindi ako mareklamo, kasi kung may mga taong dapat magreklamo, sila 'yon. I rest whenever I want. Sila, they don't have any choice. What right do I have na magreklamo? Nakakahiya kay Lord kung magrereklamo ako. Na hindi ko i-consider yung fact na mas higit pa yung nararamdaman ko na comfort. Kaya kahit may sakit ako, nahihiya ako mag-pack up ng taping, dahil may mga tao na di susuweldo."

Taken from StarStudio Magazine: Judy Ann Santos Special Edition

Unconformity

2010-02-20T03:40:00.002-08:00

a break in the deposition of sedimentary rocks, allowing erosion of previously formed rock before eventual deposition of further sediments. It is usually represented by an obvious difference in the attitude of the rocks on either side of the unconformity, with the upper lying unconformably on the lower.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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An unconformity is a buried erosion surface separating two rock masses or strata of different ages, indicating that sediment deposition was not continuous. In general, the older layer was exposed to erosion for an interval of time before deposition of the younger, but the term is used to describe any break in the sedimentary geologic record. The phenomenon of angular unconformity (see below) was discovered by James Hutton, who found examples at Jedburgh in 1787 and at Siccar Point in 1788.

The rocks above an unconformity are younger than the rocks beneath (unless the sequence has been overturned). An unconformity represents time during which no sediments were preserved in a region. The local record for that time interval is missing and geologists must use other clues to discover that part of the geologic history of that area. The interval of geologic time not represented is called a hiatus.

Taken from Wikipedia