Easy ways to make your bathroom look stylish and luxurious

A beautiful bathroom should make you feel relaxed, comfortable and luxurious. Although interior design is one important factor, knowing that your bathroom is absolutely hygienic and spotlessly clean is another key to creating a feeling of utmost comfort and self-indulgence.  

American Standard, the famous, innovative bathroom and kitchen fixture manufacturer, shares tips on how to give your bathroom that pleasurable and luxurious feel:

Tip #1: Utilize your wall.

Don’t limit your bathroom to flat walls! Add a touch of dimension to it by installing functional but decorative shelves to store your towels, extra toilet paper rolls, candles, and other bathroom essentials. 

Tip #2: Use big mirrors.

Big mirrors create an optical illusion of a bigger space. The trick is to strategically place your mirror across from your window. Doing so will make your room visually seem like you have two windows. 

Tip #3: Choose light color palettes

When it comes to bathroom interiors, color schemes can make a difference. Sticking to light color palettes such as white, cream, yellow, and beige can make your bathroom look larger. Add value and depth to your bathroom by adding little accessories in dark hues. 

Tip #4: Allow natural light

The darker a small room, the more confined and uninviting it may look. Small bathrooms will have a roomier and airy ambience when windows are added to allow natural light to come in. 

Tip #5: Invest in innovative and trendy fixtures

To achieve your ideal bathroom, invest in fixtures that are not only innovative and stylish but also ensures your safety. Begin with American Standard’s HygieneClean System delivered by its powerful flushing technologies: Siphonmax, a dynamic vacuum mechanism with side water jets that create a powerful swirl, and a lower jet that removes both heavy and light waste completely; Double Vortex with maximum flushing performance, yet with minimum water usage. It also features the cutting-edge innovation of Aqua Ceramic which prevents dirt and dark ring stains to stick to ceramic surfaces, and Comfort Clean, a revolutionary ceramic glaze with zinc oxide that effectively kills E. coli bacteria inside the toilet bowl for the long term and beyond.

Tip #6: Work with vertical designs

Emphasize on height by accessorizing your bathroom with vertical-striped decorations. This type of pattern makes ceilings appear higher and create a visual impression of more space. 

Having a spacious and stylish bathroom is now made achievable by following these tips from American Standard. 

For more information on HygieneClean, visit your nearest American Standard retailer where brand ambassadors will help you learn more about how it can ensure bathroom safety in your home.

5 things you need to know to protect yourself against breast cancer

Did you know that breast cancer accounted for one-third of new cancer cases for females in the Philippines in 2018? According to The Global Cancer Observatory, the international agency for research on cancer, breast cancer cases amounted to 25,000 out of the almost 80,000 local cancer cases reported last year.

While most experts point out that there is no known cause of breast cancer, most agree that there are ways to reduce the risk.

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance providers in the country, offers various health insurance plans to help you prepare for unexpected health setbacks. Prevention is also important. Dr. Rachael Marie Rosario, executive director of the Philippine Cancer Society, a non-profit organization that seeks to help the Filipino cope with cancer through education, has these tips to help you protect yourself against breast cancer:

Have regular health checkups. "Early detection can save lives. It improves the chances of getting cured," says Dr. Rosario. She adds that when breast cancer is detected early, patients only needed a one-time operation. The American Cancer Society has said that a patient would need several treatments, depending on the stage of the disease, if breast cancer was detected late. Treatments usually include surgery and radiation therapy, often along with chemo or drug therapies before or after surgery. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) is usually a systemic (drug) therapy. Experts advise women to do breast self-examination once in a while and to consult a doctor if they suspect something is wrong. Check out this link for the how-to on the breast self-exam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtJPJrCeKdg

Live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is primary prevention. This means a balanced diet and maintaining an ideal weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, says Dr. Rosario. If you do not have the time to go to the gym, even the simplest physical activities like walking and cleaning the house will help.

Educate yourself. Dr. Rosario says that there is a lack of awareness of breast cancer among Filipinos. Many patients would consult a doctor only when the cancer was in a late stage. She says there were many factors that could increase the risk of having breast cancer such as having no children by the age of 30, a family history of breast cancer, and early menstruation or late menopause. If a woman has one or more of these factors, she should see a doctor regularly.

Avoid vices. Aside from being conscious about what you eat, you should also avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. Medical experts suggest that these habits can increase breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women.

Get critical illness insurance coverage. Many people are intimidated by cancer because they worry about the medical cost. Women avoid screening for breast cancer for fear they will not have enough money and also will no longer be able to work.  AXA Philippines’ Health Start and Health Max offer you and your family protection from life-threatening illnesses at an affordable price. The insurance plan covers critical illnesses, including cancer, stroke, and heart attack. 

For more information on AXA’s health insurance products, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.

10 years of running for children’s literacy: Stripes Run 2019 is back to bring families together to run for reading!

McDonald’s Stripes Run is back on its 10th year! This December 1, 2019 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, join McDonald’s run for reading at Stripes Run 2019! 

For the past 10 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in the Philippines has been the beneficiary of McDonald's Stripes Run. Proceeds of the annual fun run go to the Ronald McDonald Read to Learn - a beginning reading program for Grade 1 and 2 public elementary school students. In partnership with DepEd, it aims to eradicate illiteracy among Filipino children. To date, the Ronald McDonald Read To Learn program has reached over 12 million students, trained over 28 thousand educators, and distributed more than 367 thousand books. 

This year, McDonald's once again invites families and friends to pledge their support for children's literacy at Stripes Run 2019! Registration is quick and easy, with three possible options to choose from:

1. Register and pay online at mcdostripesrun.com.ph. 
2. Download the form on mcdostripesrun.com.ph and pay for the registration fee at select McDonald’s stores.
3. Register and pay at select McDonald’s stores (View list of stores at https://mcdostripesrun.com.ph/how-to-join)

At an affordable price, you get a race kit with a Stripes Run shirt, 1 pair of Stripes Socks, 1 Race Bib, 1 McDonald’s Longgadesal, and 1 Race Map. Exciting game booths and activities also await the entire family and barkada during the run!

Kids and adults alike are welcome to run for reading with the various running categories to choose from:

Kiddie stripes (1K) – 8 years old and below

Young stripes (3K) – 8-15 years old

3K stripes – 16 years old and up

Family stripes (3K) – 2 kids (15 years old and below) and 2 adults (16 years old and up)

5K stripes – 16 years old and up   

Squad stripes (5K) – 4 adults (16 years old and up)

10K stripes – 16 years old and up

Get your family and friends to run with you at Stripes Run 2019! Share your experience by using the hashtag #McDoStripesRun and tagging @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram. For more information on Stripes Run 2019, visit mcdostripesrun.com.ph or follow McDonald's Philippines on Facebook.

Girl with Down Syndrome crowned Miss Possibilities 2019

Miss Possibilities 2019 Cielo Marie Guico with Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2000 Nina Ricci Alagao (left)

and Miss Possibilities Foundation Founder Suzanna Yuzon (right)

A talented 14-year-old girl with Down Syndrome is the titleholder of this year’s Miss Possibilities, a Filipino beauty pageant for young women with special needs. Organized by Miss Possibilities Foundation and supported by SM Cares, the pageant attracted young women with special needs from different parts of the Philippines and even from a province in Thailand who competed during the coronation night which was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Cielo Marie Guico - the youngest of 5 siblings and dubbed as the pageant’s Miss Perfect - brought home the crown with her heartwarming talent in singing. She also impressed the audience during the Q&A portion when asked who her favorite singer was, which she replied with “Ariana Grande”, after which she sang a few lines of the pop star’s song. The Miss Possibilities Pageant aims to celebrate beauty without limits, and to promote a more inclusive society.

The event also gave recognition to private organizations that support the differently-abled such as Accenture Philippines, which encourages PWDs to practice their profession and maximize their skills by employing them; and SM Kids which featured children with special needs as models for one of its campaigns that promote inclusivity.

Aside from Guico, the other 9 participants received special awards: Ms. Charming Lis Alexandra Flores; Ms. Congeniality Tielo Princess Paller; Ms. Inspirational Vell Baria; Ms. Unstoppable Aeryk Eessabelle Perez; Ms. Spirited Benecee Pratharn; Ms. Limitless Angel Mae Sison; Ms. Fashionista Chelsea Joy Disuanco; Ms. Amazing Angela Gayle Angeles; and Ms. Photogenic Darryl Gwen Fernandez.

Another highlight of the event is the inclusive Fashion Show with celebrities that featured prominent media personalities who walked alongside children with special needs. Some of the celebrities present were Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman and husband Marco Alcaraz, Michael Flores, ABS-CBN reporter Jeff Canoy, Denise Laurel, Vicky Morales, Bettina Carlos, Patricia Javier, Pen Medina, and Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo.

Founded in 2015, the beauty pageant aims to convey the message that everything is possible for girls, even those with special needs. This message of social inclusion is aligned with the thrust of SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., that promote a disability-inclusive environment in its malls. Annual activities like Happy Walk for Down Syndrome and Angel’s Walk for Autism are some of the projects that SM Cares supports, in its bid to support communities and promote inclusion.

To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com.

The Volley Hall of Fame

The Philippine National Volleyball training pools are currently working hard to bring their A-game in this year’s Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines this coming November. Whatever the final line-ups will be, the men’s and women’s teams will continue a storied tradition of volleyball excellence when they step on the court to represent our country.

Current volleyball fans may be familiar with today’s collegiate and professional stars, but did you know that the Philippines has produced top players for decades? Philippine volleyball has had quite the glorious history, thanks to the contributions of these five legendary volleybelles:

Nene Ybanez-Chavez

(Photo courtesy of Arvin Lim)

The Philippines has been a superpower in volleyball, especially on the women’s side, ever since it was introduced to the SEA Games in 1977, with the Women’s National Volleyball team ranking second behind Thailand in gold medals won. 

Those powerhouse teams were fronted by the likes of Nene Ybanez-Chavez, the 6’1” legend from Southwestern University in Cebu who helped the Philippines dominate the SEA Games in the early ‘90s. She’s best known for leading the women’s team to its last SEA gold in the 1993 games in Singapore, earning the MVP and Best Spiker honors along the way. Possessing extraordinary endurance in the sport, Ybanez-Chavez played competitively until 2013, and now continues to make her mark in Philippine volleyball by coaching a team in the Philippine Super Liga professional league.

Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena

(Photo courtesy of Mozzy Ravena)

The mother of the famous Ravena phenoms in Philippine basketball is a former volleyball champion in her own right. Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena, the volleyball analyst/sportscaster and University of Santo Tomas alumna, was a two-time UAAP volleyball champion from 1988 to 1992. She also represented the country as a part of the Philippine Youth team in 1988 and the seniors’ team from 1988 to 1989. Today, her legacy lives on through her daughter Dani Ravena, who plays volleyball for the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo

(Photo courtesy of Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo)

Before Philippine volleyball went mainstream via the collegiate scene, there was Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo, holding up the sport in the country. Balse-Pabayo, from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, is another champion UST alumna and one of the players who carried the Philippines to a bronze medal in the 2005 SEA Games. Balse-Pabayo is still going strong today, currently playing for the Philippine Army Lady Troopers in the Philippine Super Liga and also the Premier Volleyball League, where she is a two-time champion.

Tina Salak

(Photo courtesy of Tina Salak)

One of the sport’s most successful players, Tina Salak has a storied career representing the country as part of the national team for many years, with huge wins such as the silver finish in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1995 and bronze in Manila in 2005. She also competed in the 2015 SEA Games held in Singapore.

Salak also has a rich professional career, with 10 seasons logged in the Shakey’s V-League and the Philippine Super Liga, where she won five championships and six medals with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers. She’s since retired, going on to work as a coach in the PSL.

Angeli Tabaquero

(Photo courtesy of Mix Gatpandan)

One of Philippine volleyball’s contemporary stars, Angeli Tabaquero is a renowned collegiate champion, having won titles as part of the UST Golden Tigresses. Tabaquero also represented the country as a member of the Philippine National Team in the 2013 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, and as part of the PLDT Home Tvolution national team in another stint in the 2014 Asian Club Championship. An unfortunate injury forced her to retire in 2016 and become a coach for the Adamson Lady Falcons.

The road to the 2019 SEA Games continues

The Philippine Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Team will compete against the rest of the region from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila. The athletic firepower of current volleyball stars like Alyssa Valdez and Aby Marano brings bright prospects in making the Philippines a regional powerhouse in the international volleyball scene once again. 

With the steadfast support of organizations and companies like Rebisco, the national teams will be looking to bring pride and glory to the Philippines when they give their all on the court. Together, Filipinos will again cheer for the national team fighting as Sambansa – or one nation – under the colors of our flag. 

Rebisco has been a proponent of Philippine volleyball and various organizations and leagues that comprise it. Aside from supporting the Philippine national team in this year’s SEA Games, Rebisco has also backed the Philippine Women’s Volleyball Team in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. The company is also committed to developing the future of the sport with the newly-launched 18-and-under Rebisco Volleyball League.

For more info and updates on the Philippine National Volleyball Team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa. 

Break Down Your 2020 Goals with a Specially Made Viviamo Planner

A new year often marks a new beginning—and with it, a promise of hope, joy, and excitement. Goals are set and calendars are marked, whether it's getting into shape, setting up a new business, or creating a travel destination bucket list.

It can be overwhelming when you're faced with the reality of your decision. It isn't as easy as you thought it would be.

Where do you start to make your dreams for the year come to pass? How do you ensure that you get to follow through on your commitments to yourself? 

How do you get rid of being overwhelmed and stuck, fixing your eyes on the prize?

This October, Viviamo!, Inc., maker of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, is set to release a new line of products for their 2020 collection. Each planner is designed to fit different lifestyles and needs while helping its users achieve their goals for the year ahead.

Discover the Universe Within with the 2020 Belle de Jour Power Planner

Viviamo's flagship offering, the Belle de Jour Power Planner, uses the theme "The Universe is in Me." By discovering the universe within, you are opening up to the endless possibilities within your reach.

It features monthly activities that enable and challenge you to live life to the fullest. Also, weekly spreads provide enough space to write down lists, schedules, and even personal mantras.

The 2020 edition of the Belle de Jour Power Planner includes 2020 Goals Pages to ensure that you would stay focused, motivated, and on the right track. Other special pages include a Dream Board, a gratitude grid, and a daily Law of Attraction schedule. 

The Belle de Jour Power Planner comes in four distinct and beautifully-designed covers.

Find Your Second Home with the Navi 2020 Planner

Built for the adventurer, the Navi 2020 includes stories from 12 travel bloggers who candidly talk about the places they consider their second home. These anecdotes are designed to inspire and invite veteran and newbie travelers to seek out their own adventures.

Navi 2020 includes a bucket list page, itinerary spread, and several checklists to make sure that you have everything you need to explore and discover a new or familiar destination. 

Attract Abundance with the Everything is Possible 2020 Planner

Everything is Possible 2020 is equipped with special pages to help you set your goals, breaking them down into smaller chunks. The planner includes two 2020 Goals spreads, allowing you to list down tangible and actionable steps while setting deadlines for each. 

Its cover features water-like elements, alluding to the ripple effect that one small action makes across a larger body of water. 

Embrace Gratitude with the Focus 2020 Journal

The team at Viviamo believes that gratitude is one of the most important attributes to a life of success. The Focus 2020 Journal achieves just that, with monthly spreads that feature eye-catching and thought-provoking typography. Monthly check-ups allow you the space to reflect on different aspects of life that you're grateful for. The spacious weekly layout is designed to help you maximize the space for schedules and other events.

Zero In on What is Essential with the Essentials Planner

Minimalists will enjoy using Viviamo's Essentials Planner. Its clean and no-nonsense dotted spreads are specially designed for bullet journaling and creative journaling. The planner comes in two covers: classic and pattern. 

Each Viviamo 2020 planner is equipped with a Life Declarations page, with the intention of igniting your goals, dreams, and passions for the year ahead. 

Whatever your goals are for 2020, trust that Viviamo has a planner specially made for you. Get ready to set your goals and have a meaningful year ahead.

Viviamo's 2020 collection is available at our one-stop shop for all things paper—Crazy About Paper. Shop for planners and journals at http://bit.ly/ReadySetGC starting October 12. The planners will also be sold at all major bookstores starting October 2019.

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About Viviamo! Inc.
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Is a creative company that creates product and spaces to help Filipinos explore, discover, design for a meaningful life

Get your affordable todo sarap fill with Jollibee’s Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog!

Have your favorite todo toppings, todo sarap snack anytime for only PHP 50.00!

Picture this: it’s merienda time, your stomach’s rumbling, and you’re craving for a snack that you know will never fail to hit the right spot. With so many options, you’d want to go for something that’s definitely filling and enjoyable.

With only so many choices available, you can’t go wrong when you head to the nearest Jollibee and order the Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog—an all-time todo favorite of Filipinos, no matter where they are.

For the price of only PHP 50.00, the Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog gives you your todo toppings, todo sarap fill in one affordable package. Every bite of its meaty sausage, special dressing, generous sprinkling of grated cheese, and ketchup is sure to give you a todo sarap experience—you know you can keep having it everyday, as much as you like!

If your mouth’s already watering for a taste of the best hotdog sandwich you can get for your money, then what are you waiting for? You can get the Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog for dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru in all Jollibee stores nationwide for only PHP 50.00!

Check out just how todo sarap Jolly Hotdog is in its latest video!

For more updates and info on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

TPB set to accelerate local tourism with PHITEX 2019

Philippine Travel Exchange or PHITEX, the biggest travel trade event in the country, is now set with this year’s theme, Philippine Tourism: Trailblazing Responsible Travel and Inclusive Growth.

To be held from 19 – 28 October 2019 in Metro Manila, PHITEX 2019 will feature business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers and local sellers to encourage an exchange of tourism-related discourse among the participants and open doors for business opportunities. 

Industry leaders will also take part as key resource speakers to discuss new trends in tourism marketing as well as marketing strategies in mature and emerging markets.

PHITEX 2019 will end with post-tours for delegates to introduce the most popular Philippine tourist destinations including the country’s best hotels, accommodations, entertainment venues and business facilities.

Spearheaded by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, PHITEX has been established as the major annual marketing event in the Philippines that further strengthens the country’s brand image and encourages participants to promote affordable and competitive tourism packages. 

Last year’s event was participated by 188 buyers from 29 countries, sellers from 148 companies, and a total of 235 delegates. This year, the TPB is targeting 250 sellers and 250 buyers. 

“PHITEX has always been successful in building bridges to strengthen the country’s relations with the other leaders of the tourism industry,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Tan. “It has also positively affected our image as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the globe.”

For further information, please log on to https://www.phitex.ph/.

Contacts:

Maria Febbie R. Alacapa                    Ma. Patricia Yulo

Media Relations & Communications Div.                Information Officer

Tourism Promotions Board                    Marketing Communications Department

Tel. +639088907366                        Tel. +6325238960

febbie_alacapa@tpb.gov.ph                    patricia_yulo@tpb.gov.ph

Partnership for Build, Build, Build

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and ATN Holdings recently forged a partnership for Quarry Priority Supply Project to North Luzon Expressways (NLEX) projects.

The partnership will ensure steady supply of quality construction aggregates for the following projects: NLEX-Harbour Link, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the NLEX expansion, the Manila-LRT Line 1 Cavite extension, and NLEX-SLEX Connector Road. 

Photo shows MPTC President & CEO Rodrigo E. Franco and ATN Holdings President & CEO Arsenio T. Ng (2nd and 3rd from left) joined by Department of Public Works and Highways chairman of Build, Build, Build  Anna Mae Lamentillo (rightmost) with (from left) MPTC Chief Development Officer Raul Ignacio and ATN Holdings Director Hilario T. Ng  

Color your day with the 2019 McDonald’s Coke Glass Collection!

Get all six colors only at McDonald’s!

Starting October 11, McDonald’s Philippines gives its customers a chance to color their days with the

2019 McDonald’s Coke Glasses! Add fun and color to your day with Coke Glass colors that truly reflect your vibe. The limited edition glasses are a sleek design in six colors: Gray, Purple, Peach, Green, Pink, and Blue.

Start your collection now by just adding P45 per glass for any meal with a Coca-Cola product! Visit any McDonald’s store nationwide! You can purchase the Coke Glasses via dine-in, take-out, or Drive-Thru. 

Color your day with the complete set of the 2019 McDonald’s Coke Glasses! Which color are you eyeing? Share your collection by tagging #McDoCokeGlass2019 and @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram and @McDoPH on Facebook.