Must-have products for fresh ‘back-to-school’ look

Just like huge transitions in life, the start of a new school year can be nerve-racking. Of course, first day jitters are common, but don’t let it get the best of you!

Boost your confidence by feeling, looking and smelling good with the help of Blackwater, the cologne line of the country’s leading cosmetics brand Ever Bilena.

Blackwater offers fragrance variants to suit different personalities to match your back-to-school look:

Dark Pleasure. Turn heads on your first day by wearing Blackwater Deo Spray in Dark Pleasure. For just Php 168, this aroma expertly blends together sweet and juicy grapefruit, marine accord, and woody-herbal scents to come up with a refreshing fragrance that's difficult not to notice!

Grey Marble. Thinking about trying out for the varsity team but scared of smelling like sweat? Then Blackwater Deo Mist in Grey Marble is perfect for you. The very masculine scent consists of citrus, wood and herbal musk. For Php 120, Grey Marble will make you feel confident throughout the day, even after an intense athletic activity.

Desire. Get a tap on the shoulder from someone who admires your baby powder fresh scent with hints of orange, lily and rose when you use Blackwater Women Deo Spray in Desire. This, indeed, is what a successful first day smells like. Get it for only Php168.

Berries and Cream. No one can resist lush notes of plum and berries with a hint of vanilla. For Php 120, show off the sweet girl that you are with Blackwater Women Deo Mist in Berries and Cream. Wear this throughout the new school year and you’ll surely make a great first impression.

Have fond memories this school year by wearing the right scent. Wear your favorite Blackwater fragrance to look good, feel good and smell good. All are available in leading supermarkets, department stores, and drugstores nationwide.

To know more about Blackwater and their products, visit http://blackwater.com.ph/ and follow www.facebook.com/BlackwaterForMen/?fref=ts

Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition Region I winner

Xavier Mercado from La Union emerged as the winner in the Region I competition leg of Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition — a nationwide cooking contest which aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs.

Mercado’s winning dish was Igadobas ti La Union, a famous Ilocano stew made of liver and pork tenderloin, braised in soy sauce-vinegar mixture as well as other spices such as garlic, onions and bay leaves.

He also infused his dish with local fruits such as guava and grapes. Mercado will have the chance to qualify for the national competition round with P100,000 cash prize and a culinary trip to Japan at stake.

Learn to Swim with Bert Lozada Swim School!

People usually go to beaches and pools especially during summer time to beat the heat. But everytime we go there, there's also a risk of drowning! The question is, do you know how to swim? How about your kids? Me personally, I just know how to float but I really don't know how to swim andI have a phobia to go on a deep side of the pool where I can't reach the floor.

I have heard lots of incidents about child drowning that causes death so It's very important to let our kids enroll in a school like Bert Lozada Swim School. BLSS was founded since 1956 and has a pool of competent coaches and teachers, some of whom are members of the United States Swim School Association (USSSA) and certified by the Australian Council for the Teaching of Water Safety and Swimming (AUSTSWIM), World Swimming Coaches Association (WSCA), International Triathlon Union (ITU) and Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI). As part of their commitment to provide high quality instructions to their students, they continuously update their technical expertise by participating in seminars/trainings both here and abroad.

Last June 13, 2019, I was invited to join the Mommy and Baby Swim Date with Bert Lozada Swim School. The event was held at Ace Water Spa, Pasig. Me and my baby really enjoyed the swimming lesson and the rest of the mommy bloggers and their kids! Students below 4 years old taught not only to swim because they include singing, games like sorting out toys and color identification. It's like a pre-school in the water and It was sooo fun!

Swimming is a life skill and It could save life. It also has a lot of benefits to our body like lowering stress levels, relaxes our body and burns calories. We can enjoy the water more when we how to swim! That's why we're definitely going to enroll at BLSS! What are you waiting for? Enroll now at Bert Lozada Swim School!

Here's more about BLSS:

Bert Lozada Swim School Programs

1. BABIES

My Baby and Me Program

6 months to 3 years old

An aquatic program designed to teach parents and children to be familiar with the water.

Parents are taught how to help their child to be confident and happy in the water, and encourage learning through fun activities.

This program will prepare your infant/toddler physically, psychologically and socially for more structured
swimming lessons later in life.

LEVEL 1: Starfish
(Water Explorer) Age 6 - 12 months

A pre-swimming class with the parent in the water.

LEVEL 2: Puffers
(Water Familiar) Age 1 - 2.5 years

For children who are eager to participate with parent in the water.

LEVEL 3: GUPPIES
(Water Safety) Age 2.6 - 4 years

Teaches children to perform basic water safety.

LEVEL 4: Penguins
(Water Confident) Age 2.6 - 4 years

For children who are eager to participate with or without
parent in the water.

LEVEL 5: Seals
(Water Independent) Age 2.6 - 4 years

For children who are independent from parents and have more confidence in the water.

2. KIDS

4 years old and above

Our comprehensive program can teach an absolute beginner both survival skills and sound swimming skills in the four main swimming strokes.

This program graduates into 6 levels as the swimmer develops his/her skills and begin to enjoy the sport more competitively

LEVEL 1: Snapper 1
Age 4 years old and above

For children who are afraid of the water or little or no swimming experience.

LEVEL 2: Snapper 2

Age 4 to 6 years old

For children ready to work without the parent or caregiver and are developing 10m Survival Swim and 10m Dog Paddle.

LEVEL 3: JAMMER 1
Age 7 years old and above

For children who are developing 15m Survival Swim and 15m Basic Freestyle

LEVEL 4: JAMMER 2
Age 7 years old and above

For children who are developing 15m Backstroke and 15m Butterfly

LEVEL 5: JAMMER 3
Age 7 years old and above
For children who are developing 15m Breast Stroke and Advance freestyle mechanic

3. SWIM SQUAD

Age 5 years old and above

A pre-competitive swim program with supervised coaching, open to individuals who can swim all four strokes (freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke).

4. ADULTS

16 to 85 years old

Proper breathing techniques and stroke correction for adults with or without any background in swimming.

INTRO TO SWIM

Teaches comfort in the water, confidence, and being in control: the ability to be yourself in water,
whether it's shallow or deep, pool, lake, or ocean. Being able to rely on yourself—not on the bottom
or the side of the pool—for your safety. shallow or deep, pool, lake, or ocean. If you’re afraid or not
comfortable in the water, this is the perfect program for you!

BASIC

Teaches fundamental skills like floating, arm & leg action and breathing in a stress-free,
encouraging atmosphere.  Focuses on survival stroke and freestyle.

ADVANCE 1

Stroke drills and expert coaching allow you to develop perfect technique in breaststroke and backstroke.

ADVANCE 2

Stroke drills and expert coaching allow you to develop perfect technique in advance freestyle and butterfly.

POWER SWIM    

Teaches racing technique and preparation to athletes of all levels. Through specially designed
workouts and proper stroke management, students will be able to swim faster with efficient
technique. The program’s goal is to help you achieve a lifetime of swimming improvement.

POWER TRI

This program is made for triathletes, starting or developing, to help them start, enjoy and finish
their race. Program includes proper techniques in running, cycling, swimming, transitions, race
strategies and nutrition.

WHY BLSS?

Bert Lozada Swim School Facts

1. Tried and Tested since 1956
2. Fun and Safe Swimming

• FUN Swimming activities using SAFE swim gear/equipment /paraphernalia

3. BLSS Awards

• 1st Place Best Swim School Picture 2009 by United States Swim School Conference
• 2005 Best Swim School by Philippine Marketing Association

4 Swimming is close to you

• BLSS has over 70 venues natinonwide

5. Learning requires no age

• With program from all ages
• Swim as early as 6 months old - 85 years old

6. Highly Skilled Coaches

• Our Master Coaches under comprehensive formal training courses and seminars abroad. These acquired techniques are constantly updated, adapted and passed on to the entire BLSS Member-Coaches

7. International Affiliates

• United States Swim School Association
• World Swimming Coaches Association
• World Aquatic Babies and Children Network
• World Aquatic Babies Congress
• Aquatic Achievers Swim Schools
• Miracle Swimming for Adults

8. Local Affiliates

• Philippine Medical Association
• Triathlon Association of the Philippines

9. BLSS Offers PE/Varsity

• BLSS can provide amd implement to all grade/year levels a curriculum for PE or Varsity Sports Program that integrate effective traditional insights with the latest sports science.

10.BLSS Produces, trains and mentors powerful Swim Teams

• Who compete in local, regional, national and international swim competitions, sanctioned by Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) and whose swim standings are recognized by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA)

11. BLSS Breeds Champions

More photos during the event:

Thank you so much, Bert Lozada Swim School for having us! Thank you also to ACE Water Spa,

Speedo and Toy Kingdom for sponsoring this event!

DISCLAIMER: Cameras and Smartphones are not allowed in the shower/pool area of Ace Water Spa, except for this special blogging event.

GAOC attends prestigious 2019 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration

As part of its thrust towards the continuous training and development of its expert dental team, the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), one of the best dental clinics in Southeast Asia, attended the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) held last March 13 to 19 in Washington DC.

With its theme ‘Current Factors in Clinical Excellence,’ world-renowned international speakers, specialists, leading general practitioners, lab technicians and dental hygienists enjoyed seven productive and fruitful days of knowledge sharing and learning, picking-up the latest information on the expanding field of osseointegration Photo shows (L-R) Dr. Daisy Jane Cabatit, Dr. Ana Beatriz Robles, Dr. Marc Quirynen, Dr. Maria Abbigail Asis, Dr. Janice Florian German, and Dr. Rowena Sanz.

Start Strong with Cheez Whiz!

Cheez Whiz is your kid's breakfast partner to prepare for anything!

Child's play is getting more challenging - kids nowadays are more active than ever, taking on challeges in the classroom, at home and beyond. Kids need all the nourishment they can get to fuel them not only for their day, but for also for a stronger future.

A great day starts with a great breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day for a reason: kids need the right vitamins and nutrients to do their best in school, have the most fun at playtime and be productive even at home.

Nutrition Counselling 

Ms. Hanz Danielle Lao

(Brand Manager of Cheez Whiz) 

Ms. Bettinna Carlos

(Event's host) 

As parents, we can help our children stay strong throughout the day, most especially through the food that we set on the breakfast table. For over 50 years, Cheez Whiz has been kids' breakfast and merienda favorite. With its strength building nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphorus, Cheez Whiz is not only delicious but its nutrients can help prepare kids for the moments where they will need strength.

Spread Cheez Whiz on just about anything your kids want to eat for the first meal of the day, no matter what activities they have to face. A grueling P. E. class? A mind-bending quiz bee? An action-packed field trip? Cheez Whiz can definitely help kids Start Strong. Now, your child can be ready for anything.

On June 5, Cheez Whiz will hold a Strength Builders Camp at the SM Megamall Activity Area. Children 6 years old and above will get to enjoy fun physical activities that will showcase their strength, powered by a Cheez Whiz breakfast. Open from 4pm onwards, the Strength Builders Camp will be home to four (4) interactive zones and five (5) active zones where they will get to complete exciting physical activities.

To join the camp, Moms and their kids should purchase one (1)Cheez Whiz jar or SUP of any variant. They will be able to access both active and interactive stations together.

Available at all groceries and supermarkets, Cheez Whiz comes in different variants, Original, Pimiento and Mild, and in different sizes and prices: 450g Jar (P156), 220g Jar (79.25), SUP 220g (P72), SUP 115g (P39.25), SUP 62g (P25) and 24g Sachet (P10).

To know more, like CHEEZ WHIZ on Facebook and Instagram at @CheezWhizPH.

Starting your dream diamond collection

Diamond set of rings in white gold

The diamond, in its rarity and beauty, radiates timeless glamour and is the epitome of elegance. But more than that, it has been known since antiquity as a “Stone of Invincibility”, bringing fortitude and strength.

W. Without a doubt, diamonds are synonymous with value –nothing is more special than passing on a diamond from one generation to the next. There’s definitely something sentimental about pieces that had once been owned by close relatives, and have a long family history attached to them. After all, you can’t put a price on family bonds that diamond jewelry creates.

To get you started on building the collection that you will forever treasure, trusted jewelry brand My Diamond is here to guide you through your journey with its Dream Collection. From stunning stud earrings, to lovely necklaces, to sparkly rings, My Diamond only offers quality pieces, handmade by internationally-trained craftsmen –perfect for your first fine jewelry pieces.

Diamond studded earrings and diamond pendant set in radiant 14K white gold chain necklace 

Simple yet timeless –this is what it means to have ‘true style.’ The trusted jewelry brand suggests taking a look at diamond studded earrings as they add a touch of class to any look. Match it with a striking illusion diamond pendant set in radiant 14K white gold chain necklace, which will accentuate the natural inclines of your neck. Lastly, petite diamond rings will tastefully complete your collection. The set of rings in white gold can give you a dynamic look that won't overpower the rest of your ensemble.

With the help of My Diamond’s expertise, putting together your dream diamond collection will be a memorable and priceless experience that will last for generations. For more information, like My Diamond on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyDiamondPH or visit any My Diamond concept store at Ayala Center Cebu, Festival Supermall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Lanang Premier Davao,  SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Megamall.

Maxicare forges ties with Lalamove

Maxicare, the country’s leading healthcare provider, recently partnered with Lalamove, the leading delivery app, to make quality healthcare more accessible to Lalamove partner drivers. Through the partnership, over 25,000 Lalamove partner drivers can avail of discounted healthcare cards such as MyMaxicare Lite, Maxicare PRIMA, and Maxicare E-Ready. Partner drivers may avail of discounted Maxicare healthcare cards at Lalamove offices in Makati, Alabang, Quezon City, and Cebu. Photo shows (L-R) Lalamove strategic partnerships manager Akiko Sumulong, managing director Dannah Majarocon, together with Maxicare president and CEO Christian Argos, and chief consumer officer Rodelee Uy.

For more information, visit www.maxicare.com.ph.

Havas Group Reimagines PR Group with Launch of Red Havas

In line with its global rebranding, Havas PR Philippines becomes part of the Merged Media micro-network

Photo 1: The passionate and incredible REDsters of Red Havas Philippines (L-R): Marco Grajo, Account Manager; Jookie Radoc, Media Relations Manager; Charisse Vilchez, Business Unit Director; Janessa Tek-ing, Senior Account Manager and Cid Santillan, Account Director.

As creative and media agencies face a near-daily redefinition of their identities and scopes of work in the modern media landscape, public relations agencies in particular are being completely reconstructed. How can PR companies adopt at the pace of today’s lighting-speed multimedia landscape?

Havas Group, with its shared Merged Media strategy, announced that it has rebranded a number of its award-winning PR and social agencies including its Manila office under a new name, Red Havas. Through Merged Media, the micro-network reimagines the way it does PR and drives its agencies to new heights by blending traditional and digital publishing, content, social media, and data in a way that defines the future of PR as a category.

Photo 2: The passionate and incredible REDsters of Red Havas Philippines (L-R): Marion Esquillo, Havas Group Associate Creative Director; Marco Grajo, Account Manager; Charisse Vilchez, Business Unit Director; Jookie Radoc, Media Relations Manager; Janessa Tek-ing, Senior Account Manager and Cid Santillan, Account Director.

Red Havas’ office in Manila, Philippines is part of leading fully-integrated media and creative agency, Havas Ortega (HVO). Under the tutelage of Business Director Charisse Vilchez, Havas PR Manila will now be Red Havas Philippines, along with other Asia Pacific-based Red Agency networks in Australia, Singapore and Havas PR North America with offices in New York City, New England, Phoenix and Pittsburgh. In addition, Red Havas has rebranded its Havas PR offices in Vietnam and Jakarta, Manchester, Edinburgh and opened a new office in London. The new brand has expansion plans to Japan and South America within 18-24 months.

“Havas Ortega welcomes the rebranding of our PR team to Red Havas. The current team is more than ready to take on the challenge and bring PR to the next level. Red Havas Philippines, together with its passionate and incredible REDsters, will help create our clients’ brand stories through Merged Media,” said HVO Chief Executive Officer Jos Ortega. “I am confident that with Char’s experience working in two strong online brands OLX and Agoda and her training at Red Havas in Australia, we will be able to live up to our ambition of owning Merged Media in the local scene.”

The rebranding coincides with global-led investments into data, content and bespoke insight tools, which will include listening and predictive analytics platforms that will layer in a foretelling media capability not seen before within the industry.

“The guiding light of PR has always been to integrate brands or organizations stories into the daily conversations of the media ecosystem,” said James Wright, global chairman of the Havas PR Collective and global CEO of Red Havas. “PR is one of the most powerful tools that brands can use to connect to audiences, but it’s essential that it integrates seamlessly across content types and sources and operates at the pace, and in the ways, of today’s consumer. With content, social and predictive data at the core, we’ve built a model that merges all of the various media sources and essentially redefines the PR capability entirely.”

Commenting on the global rebranding, Yannick Bollore, CEO and chairman of Havas Group, said: “Red Havas is a new, transformational and unmatched micro agency network that will help redefine PR and its value to clients. Along with the power of Havas Group and the world-class entertainment capabilities we have within Vivendi, the proposition of merged media becomes very interesting. We have big ambitions to develop and invest in this further.”

Red Havas is part of the Havas PR Global Collective, the PR and communications arm of the Havas Group that comprises approximately 40 agencies around the world and more than 1,300 employees. At this stage, there are no plans to rebrand other Havas-owned PR agencies.

# # #

About Red Havas

Red Havas is part of the Global Havas PR Global Collective and has offices in Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney), Philippines (Manila), Singapore, United Kingdom (London and Manchester) and the United States (Pittsburgh, Phoenix, New England and New York City).  

For further information, please visit: www.redhavas.com.   

About Havas Group

Havas is one of the world’s largest global communications groups. Founded in 1835 in Paris, the Group employs 20,000 people in more than 100 countries. Havas Group is committed to being the world’s best company at creating meaningful differences between people and brands through creativity, media and innovation. Based on a client-centric model across media and creative, Havas Group is the most integrated company in its sector. They operate with three business units (creative, media and healthcare & wellness) within the  Havas Villages all over the world where teams share the same premises, ensuring agility and a seamless experience for clients. #makingbrandsmeaningful

Further information about Havas Group is available on the company’s website: havasgroup.com

SM and Bureau of Fire Protection join hands to foster resilient communities

(L-R): Fire Director Leonard R. Bañago, Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection; Epimaco V. Densing III, Undersecretary for Operations, DILG; and Steven Tan, Chief Operating Officer, SM Supermalls during the Fire Prevention Month Culminating Activity at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Memorandum of Agreement signed to strengthen partnership

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) partnered with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., to promote community preparedness and resiliency against fire incidents.  

To seal the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between SM Supermalls’ chief operating officer Steven T. Tan (representing SM Prime), and Fire Director Leonard R. Bañago during the BFP’s Fire Prevention Month culminating activity at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Under the agreement, BFP and SM Prime will collaborate in the promotion, information dissemination, and managing of fire safety protection and preparedness-related activities. SM has agreed to host several of BFP’s activities that are geared towards educating the public about fire safety, by means of mall events and information and education campaigns. Meanwhile, BFP committed to provide the necessary expertise to train and equip the employees, agency personnel, and tenants of the more than 70 SM Supermalls on fire safety and disaster resiliency.

“As a member of the community, and a responsible mall developer, SM supports initiatives for a public-private partnership such as this one. We are humbled to be BFP’s partner in promoting fire safety, and in helping build disaster-resilient communities. Through this partnership, we hope to teach our customers, as wells as communities where our malls are present, the importance of safety and resilience,” said Steven Tan.

During his speech, Undersecretary for operations of the Department of Interior and Local Government Epimaco V. Densing III said, “The partnership is very critical to us because this is one way for the Bureau of Fire Protection to reach out to the people. SM is now giving us the venue for the agency to be much closer to the people, and this is what we call the participatory governance side so that there can be a partnership between the ordinary people, the Filipino business community and that of the government agencies such as BFP.”

Fire Director, Chief BFP Leonard R. Bañago, added; “Ang fire prevention ay hindi lamang role ng BFP, kundi role natin itong lahat. Kailangan mag participate ang community and private sector sa isinasagawang fire prevention campaigns. Hinihikayat natin ang lahat ng stakeholders na mag participate para maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng mapinsalang sunog.”(“Fire prevention is not just the role of BFP, but is everybody’s role. The community and the private sector should participate in fire prevention campaigns. We encourage all stakeholders to participate, to prevent fire incidents.”)

“We encourage the people, now that the Bureau of Fire Protection will be present in many of the SM Supermalls, to please interact with them. There is what we call the “Fire Square” – it is one way for the people to experience what they should be doing during fire incidents, and participate in lectures and interactive trainings for them to know strategies for fire prevention and safety,” Densing III added.

The BFP also gave due recognition to Local Chief Executives and other partners from both government and private sector for their continuing support to the efforts of the BFP.