Italianni’s New Twists to Old Hits!

Who wants Italian dishes? I think most Filipinos love Italian food and of course our love for pasta.

Italian indulgence might be the reason why people would initially go to Italianni’s.There are a lot of rightful reasons for this. Besides the quality food and family-friendly environment, Italianni’s has proven time and time again how it can reinvent itself.

Italianni’s presents new and improved dishes that are pretty to the eyes and yummier in your tummy. Your much loved house specialties and favorites are improved with the belief that better is always best. Now Italianni’s can really cater to your every mood. Every visit is guaranteed an experience where customers fall in love with Italianni’s now more than ever.

You can start your new and improved Italianni’s experience with either the Crostinis with at least three mouthwatering dips to choose from or the Italian Truffle fries. Italianni’s can assure that this will jumpstart your appetite for a gastronomic experience. You can follow it with a classic Italianni’s Salad and munch on some fresh greens or you can go the exact opposite and go big with the oven-roasted Lamb which is so good, it’s only available at Italianni’s Greenbelt, High Street, and Mall of Asia. Now that’s a lamb you should really follow.

If you’re opting for a little seafood but also craving some pizza, then you’re in for a treat. You can have the Smoked Salmon and Dill pizza made with cream cheese, goat cheese, onion, and gorgonzola dill sauce. To make it the perfect Italian combination, get the Peperoncino and Chorizo pasta and you’ll feel like you’re just in Italy with its fresh spaghetti pasta tossed in olive oil, bacon, shrimp, and olives.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try the ever so delicious Panna Cotta, a freshly made Italian cooked cream served with sauce and topped with caramelized oatmeal. All it’s goodness is presented in a jar that is just as good to go as it is to eat in the restaurant.

If you feel like only having a small snack that is just as filling but not as heavy, you can go for the Light and Easy sandwiches with a choice of salad or soup of the day and sourdough bread. You can choose from Italian Meatballs, Salami and Olives, Smoked Ham and Tomatoes, Shrimp and Dill, Prosciutto, Chicken, and Smoked Salmon. It can even be our little secret if you order all of them just to get a bite of all the goodness in every sandwich. Or you can settle for the tasty complimentary Italian bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and it’s just as good.

Top your new and improved Italianni’s experience with another classic in the form of a strawberry cheesecake and end your meal not only with a fizzle but with a bang.

We don’t even need a celebration to go to Italianni’s anymore. The food is celebration itself.

Check out Italianni’s social media pages:
Facebook: Italianni’s Philippines
Instagram and Twitter: @ItaliannisPh
Join the hashtag: #ItaliannisPh
For more details visit the website: http://italiannis.com.ph

The Philippines Welcome a New Potent Collagen Drink from Japan

Nowadays, we Filipinos have become health-conscious. that is, we now take care of ourselves either the natural way or by taking health supplements. Whatever options we choose, our ultimate objective is not to get sick thus live a longer life and enjoy more our time with family and friends. 

Among most Asians, the Japanese are considered to possess not just flawless and youthful skin, but also live well beyond their years, with a longevity that is probably the envy of others.

It is a good thing that Filipinos can now also enjoy the benefits of not just looking young, feeling young and moving young as these same secrets are brought to the Philippines by FINE Japan Co., Ltd.

Established in 1974, FINE Japan Co., Ltd. is a nutraceutical company with a reputation to manufacture, research and develop excellent beauty and wellness supplement products that help restore youthful glow to their skin. For more than 40 years, FINE Japan Co., Ltd.is also known for its top-notch ISO 9001 certified manufacturing processes of its products, beginning with research, production to inspection that are all done in-house.

Its success was further highlighted during fiscal year 2013 when FINE Japan Co., Ltd. posted annual sales of more than JP¥ 2.6 billion, or around P1.06 billion. Its unprecedented success in the field of beauty and wellness thus prompted company officials to further expand the business.

Among its well-known creations include natural health-food supplements whose ingredients were gathered and extracted from various plant and animal sources. These were then transformed to food products, health-food supplements, even beverages and cosmetics, all discovered using outstanding product research and made by consistently following high manufacturing standards that will help contribute to a better society.

These qualities further enhanced FINE Japan Co., Ltd.’s reputation as a quality manufacturer of health and wellness products that spread throughout the world, in countries such as the USA, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and Vietnam, and now in the Philippines.

And now, added to the products that will further lift the company’s image in the nutraceutical industry is its newest and most innovative product, Premium HyC 150, which possesses some of the most natural elements that will help restore skin’s youthfulness and active glow as we advance in age.

Premium HyC 150 has a unique combination of 150 mg. of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Collagen, and Ubiquinol, three major components especially made potent with the right amount of dosage in one sachet to effectively counter the rapid deterioration of the skin because of aging. It works from within, making it more effective than topical creams and lotions, plus the effects are more sustainable and ever increasing. The product is proven effective and truly safe for use by people who not only want to delay the effects of aging but also improve their health. Attesting to the superior quality of the product, Premium HyC 150 has won the prestigious Monde Selection Gold Award in 2014.

“We want more Filipinos to enjoy their lives longer and healthier, and maintain youthful skin, especially for those advancing in age. With the help of Premium HyC 150 and the expertise of FINE Japan Co., Ltd., consumers can look forward to ‘revealing their new youth’ through beautiful, flawless and youthful skin they can be truly proud of,” explains Imelda ManookTesalona, RPh, President of Fine Nutrition Trading International, the local importer of food supplements by FINE Japan Co., Ltd..

Collagen is a major component of the body that helps keep skin flexible while Hyaluronic Acid, found in the body’s skin tissues, helps hold moisture in the body, reduce skin dryness and at the same time hydrates the joints and connective tissues to prevent problems such as osteoarthritis, and even cataract. Ubiquinol on the other hand is an antioxidant, providing energy and protects skin against free radicals.

Other elements in Premium HyC 150 include Elastin, a protein that allows the skin to “spring back” and keep it resilient and firm. Biotin, on the other hand, helps keep skin, hair and nails healthy, and ease eczema and dermatitis.

The Pearl Coix extract, meanwhile, serves as a detoxificant and promotes clear, fair and luminous skin, while Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, helps repair the body’s natural collagen and maintains the strength of our body’s tissues.

Premium HyC 150 is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by BrightRAY Enterprises, now available in Watsons stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.HyC150.com.

The Tiny Buds Rice Powder: Then and Now

  
My little boy grew up with Tiny Buds. My ever favorite is the Tiny Buds Rice Powder. I am glad as well when he was among those selected as Tiny Buds Baby Ambassador in 2012. Yes! I can honestly say, I am proud this is one product I always recommend to my relatives and friends.

So why the Tiny Buds Rice Powder? I found out about it when I attended an ExpoMom Event some years back. I was really intrigued by it because accordingly it is made from rice, therefore it is organic and that’s what I primarily like about it. It is unlike those baby powder that we can usually buy in the market that are made from talcum and comes in various scents. But this is the kind that I am avoiding ever since my baby was born. According to his pediatrician, my little boy has asthmatic condition thus powder and colognes is a no-no for him. Sighs! Powder and colognes what makes our babies smell nice right? 

 

And it was a real dilemma for me. More so my little boy is real “pawisin” he sweats a lot especially when playing. They say that makes a boy different from a girl, they prefer to play more and likes running around. But nevertheless I always wanted that Ivan will smell nice and clean even after long hours of playing.

Thankfully, I found the answer. When I began using the Tiny Buds Rice Powder, even with excessive sweating it was less worry for me because I just need to rub some on his back, it repels the sweating thus minimize the need for me to change the towel on his back. And with less “pawis” he now smells so good. 

The Tiny Buds Rice Powder is of premium quality baby powder made from 100% real rice grains. This biodegradable and hypoallergenic baby powder is completely free from harmful talc and other chemicals. It repels water which allows sweat to evaporate naturally. This makes the Tiny Buds Rice Powder perfectly unique in keeping baby’s skin healthy, fresh, moisturized and dry from perspiration. Because it is made from natural ingredient that is rice, it is rich in protein and amino acids. Therefore it provides a natural UV protection for the baby’s delicate skin. It is also perfect for our tropical climate and to counter those rashes that usually occur during the summer months. How about that? So its just like natural food and a real protection for our baby’s skin.

Now my baby is all grown-up, I will never get tired of the Tiny Buds Rice Powder. It is my regular companion wherever we go. Its just like having our best friend with us, a friend that I can always trust and rely for my son’s health and skin protection. 

But did you know that the Tiny Buds Rice Powder is not only for our babies? It can also be used by us mommies and everyone in the family. Instead of using face powder on your face, try this one. Hint: use a kabuki brush to dub it all over your face, it will keep you moisturized all day.

Like Tiny Buds on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more information and product updates.

Indigenous Vegetables Used in School Feeding Project

Despite being surrounded by several bodies of water, the Philippines still houses vast land areas for agriculture and forest utilizations. Due to the rich soil, a diversity of indigenous vegetables can be found in most areas of the country. However, the changing food habits and preferences of individuals lead to the underutilization of these indigenous vegetables.

According to the 2008 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), vegetables only comprise 12.8 percent of the total household consumption and only 3.9 percent of this is the consumption of green leafy and yellow vegetables.

Vegetables are valued not only for their contribution to fiber in the diet, but also for nutrient content. Furthermore, green leafy and yellow vegetables are rich in iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and other micronutrients.

The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) revised in 2012 not only recommends eating a variety of foods everyday but also eating more vegetables and fruits daily to get the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for regulation of body processes.

In an attempt to promote proper eating in the school setting, the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2007 provided specific guidelines under DepEd Order No. 8 Series of 2007 on the foods sold in the school canteens.

The DepEd memorandum circular also indicates that the school canteen in both elementary and secondary levels shall only provide or sell nutrient-rich foods such as root crops, noodles, rice and corn products in native preparation, fruits and vegetables in season, and fortified food products labelled rich in protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals.

Also, the memorandum prohibits the sale of carbonated drinks, sugar-based synthetic or artificially flavoured juices, junk foods, and any food product that may be detrimental to a child’s health.

Another program is the production of indigenous vegetables in school and household gardens which is a cheap, sustainable and feasible way to hit two birds with one stone—undernutrition and food insecurity.

In 2009, a project conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) in coordination with the World Vegetable Center, launched the promotion of 10 indigenous Philippine vegetables these include alugbati (Basella alba), ampalaya (bitter gourd) for leaves or bayok-bayok (Momordicacharantia), himbabao (Allaeanthusluzonicus), kulitis (Amaranthus), labong (bamboo shoot), upo or bottle gourd (Lagenariasiceria), malunggay (Moringa), pako (fiddlehead), saluyot (Corchorus), and talinum (Talinumtriangulare).

image from the web

Known as “Promotion of Indigenous Vegetable for Poverty Alleviation and Nutrition Improvement of Rural Households in the Philippines” project, it was implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Nutrition Council (NNC), and local government units (LGUs).

The project proponents advocate aggressive promotion in encouraging Filipinos to produce and consume local vegetables for a sustainable and healthy living.

Likewise, a collaborative project by FNRI-DOST, International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), DepEd, and International Development Research Center (IDRC) entitled Integrated Approach to Address Food and Nutrition Security in the Philippines utilizes indigenous vegetables from the school garden in a supplementary feeding program among school-aged children in two schools in Cavite.

The project integrates Gardening, Nutrition Education and Supplementary Feeding or simply GarNESupp, to alleviate undernutrition in target students in two selected schools.

Sustainable food sources, like gardens, are important especially in times of low food production, while the utilization of indigenous vegetables can provide a variation in the diet of the household that help in forming correct behaviors towards healthy eating among children.

Moreover, the FNRI-DOST developed recipes utilizing indigenous vegetables found in the school garden. These recipes were also used in the supplementary feeding of 160 school-aged children six to eight years old conducted by the FNRI-DOST, IIRR, DepEd and IDRC.

To supplement these two approaches nutrition education sessions were conducted by the DepEd Grades 1 to 3 teachers to parents of participating students and nutrition education were also integrated to the lesson plan. The materials that were used in these sessions like visual aids, were joint effort of all the Grades 1 to 3 teachers of the participating schools at the General Aloña Memorial Elementary School and Felipe Calderon Elementary School.

Physical and behavioral developments of school-aged children are usually targeted in supplementary feeding programs.

The introduction of indigenous vegetables to school children familiarizes them with the local produce rather than solely consuming and opting for high-yielding and foreign crops. Using indigenous vegetables in supplementary feeding programs also decreases the cost of menu and allows for proper knowledge information to ensure continuous consumption of healthy foods among school-aged children.

About the Author:

IMELDA ANGELES-AGDEPPA, Ph.D.

Assistant Scientist

Department of Science and Technology

For more information on food and nutrition, contact:

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana

Director

Food and Nutrition Research Institute

Department of Science and Technology

General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City

Email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph

Telefax: 837-2934/837-3164/837-2071 local 2296

website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph

An Enjoyable Treat or Treat Experience at Nuvali

Trick or treating is an event my little boy always look forward to. Weeks before, we have to discuss what he will wear on that grand day. In the past years, he always opted for some cutie cartoon character costume like that of Mickey Mouse, Spiderman, the Pirate, or Iron Man. This time, he told me he wanted to try being scary, a kid vampire. And since we are on a budget, luckily I chanced upon a vampire cape at a thrift shop for P20.00 only (yeah! it was a great deal). For his tops, a Gap black long sleeve shirt with was a gift from my friend in Brunei. And for his pants, a hand-me down dark colored jogging pants. Anyway, I think it came out fine.

I had an invite from Saddleback Church Manila located in Nuvali Sta. Rosa (Laguna) for their halloween event. Going to Nuvali, we took a van ride at SM Calamba Transport terminal. Before going there, Ivan did some store hopping to collect some treats.

Since it was still early when we arrived at Nuvali, again some store rounds. There were also craft sessions for kids, free twisted balloons and lots and lots of candy treats. Krispy Kreme gave out free doughnut, Ivan liked it and munched it immediately, ha!ha!

Ok, so after all the treating, we headed to Monochrome Nuvali for Blocktober, its a halloween party organized by Saddleback Church Manila. Registration for the event only costs P100.00 (good for 2 persons). Upon signing-up you will be given a passport which is the ticket to avail of the various games, rides and amenities plus a raffle.

My little boy was so amazed with this event and he just wanted to try all the games and rides especially the inflatable slides where he kept on coming back. He also braved the wall climb but midway he stopped. When he got down, I asked him "why did you stop? he replied mommy I am afraid of heights". So funny, I remembered it was a dialogue from Planes movie. They also gave out loot bag containing candies and toy prizes. Best of all was the magic and puppet show by no less than Kuya Ruther Urquia, a grand finalist of Pilipinas Got Talent (a local talent search contest).

with Pastor Narry Santos of Saddleback Church

treats . . . loots . . . candies . . . toys . . . third eye!

It was near dusk when we headed back home. We had a long and truly enjoyable day. I am just so fulfilled when I made my little boy Ivan happy.

The Urban Food Collective Weekend Market goes South

I live a little bit outside Metro Manila, in a city that is semi-province so weekend market is seldom that we experience. What we have here is the usual wet and dry market and the famous ukay-ukays.

Therefore and en event something like this is kinda exciting for me even though I will still have to travel a few minutes of bus ride.

Everyone's invited to not just your ordinary weekend market happening beginning tomorrow October 18, 2014 till December at CommerCenter Alabang. It will be not a not so tedious shopping experience because the venue is airconditioned therefore cozy and you just have to shop till you drop with all the many selections that are available.

There will also be a Market Munch Eating Challenge wherein you and two of your friends can have the chance to win P5,000.00 in cash and Abenson Gift Certificates.

Registration starts at 10am. You may also email castillo.stan@yahoo.com to get a guaranteed slot on the challenge.

You may visit and like TUFC on Facebook and follow them on Twitter on more exciting updates on activities to happen.

October is Italianni’s WINEsday

There’s nothing more relaxing than knowing that at the end of the day, you can kick back and relax with great food with Italianni’s. Just when you think it can’t get any better than this, Italianni’s is extending their September WINESday promo until October but with a twist: your half off on wine is now available all day, everyday including weekends! You can choose over the featured wines including Frontera Sauvignon and Frontera Chardonnay, with the half off price of Php115 from the original price of PHP230 per glass and Php550 from the original Php1,100 per bottle. With prices like these, you can even pair it pasta dishes like Spaghetti and Meatballs or Chicken Italianni’s and steaks like T-Bone end your day in Italian perfection!

Take advantage of this promo now for all Italianni’s Manila stores. Not available for Cebu, CDO, and Davao branches.

You may visit and like Italliani's on Facebook for more promos and events updates.

Gymboree Sta.Rosa’s Pumpkin Patch Party at Greenfield City!

Inviting all mommies from South part of the Metro just like me. This is something interesting activities for you and your kids.

Greenfield City hosts Children’s Pumpkin Patch Craft, Parachute Event and Costume Parade. Featuring prizes for voted best costume!

Prior to its grand launching in November 2014, Gymboree Sta. Rosa will give children 1-5 years old a taste of how fun Gymboree Play & Music is!



On October 26 (Sunday), Gymboree Play & Music will offer a hands-on Pumpkin Patch Halloween project and costume parade for kids and parents at Laguna Central and at Paseo de Sta. Rosa. Guided by Gymboree Play & Music instructors, children will create crafts to take home, as well as sing songs and participate in a fun “Parachute Time activity.” 

Session times are at 3:30 p.m. (Laguna Central Atrium) and at 5 p.m. (Paseo de Sta. Rosa 4). These activities are FREE OF CHARGE, but slots are limited. Space is first come first served, and each child must be accompanied by an adult. 

Prizes will be given for kids with the best costumes! For further information about the event, please visit us online at www.gymboree-ph.com or call (049)576-0595. 

 See you there!!

STARE: The Howie Severino Photo Exhibit at SM City Calamba

I dropped-by at SM City Calamba this afternoon to have a personal glimpse of the Howie Severino Photo Exhibit.

 

  Mr. Howie Severino is a multi-awarded writer and documentarist of I-Witness, a documentary program of GMA Network (a TV network in the Philippines). His journalism career began in 1988 as a newspaper reporter wherein he himself took his own photographs. Later he became a TV journalist and shot his own video.

He is the former editor-in-chief of GMA News Online and presently he is the Vice President for Professional Development of GMA Network.

The photos below really caught my eyes, these are photos taken during the aftermath of the thypoon Yolanda. In one of the photos, it shows the names of three family generations and they were laid down in a single grave. Another was that of a child's grave along with her favorite toys.

STARE is his very first photo exhibit and currently on-going at SM City Calamba until October 19. Last week the exhibit was held at SM Sta Rosa. Next venue will be at SM San Pablo from Ocotober 20 to 26. Lastly at SM Center Muntinlupa from Ocotber 27 to November 2.

Jollibee’s Maaga ang Pasko South Luzon Launch

Jollibee, the Philippine’s leading fast-food chain is celebrating a much jollier and happier early Christmas celebration with the launch of its “Maaga ang Pasko”, annual toy and book drive, now on its 20th year.

The original Jolly Toy Scout Mr. Aga Muhlach, a local celebrity, treated the excited crowds at Jollibee Canlubang with a re-arranged version of the Maaga ang Pasko theme song. The song was made more upbeat and livelier, as he was joined by the Lumen Anima Chorale.

After the joyous caroling, Aga initiated the dropping of the toy and book donations in the Maaga ang Pasko collection box. There were also other Jolly Toy Scout members who went around the area to collect toys and books from customers and guests.

The Maaga ang Pasko donation drive was formally launched at Jollibee Greenmeadows in Quezon City. As an advance thank-you gesture to donors, Jollibee had The Voice Kids winners and new Jollibee Club endorses, Lyca Gairanod, Darlene Vibares and Juan Karlos Labajo, as they wow the crod with their singing prowess. The campaign also kicked-off in North Luzon with teen idol and Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Yum endorser Nadine Lustre.

‘2014 marks the 20th year of our Maaga ang Pasko campaign,” said Jollibee Vice President for Marketing Harvey Ong. “Sa patuloy na suporta n gating mga Jolly Toy Scouts sa lahat ng sulok ng Pilipinas at maging sa ibang bansa, sigurado kaming magiging tunay na pinakamaaga, pinakamahaba at pinakamali ang Pasko ng mas maraming batang Pilipino ngayong taon.”

As shared by Mr. Aga Muhlach, this campaign greatly touched his personal life because what was just a simple dream of sharing the blessings that he is getting,20 years ago, it became one of the longest and biggest advocacy campaign in the Philippines right now. And jokingly, he said maybe even I closed my eyes as I age, it will always remain, my name will remain no matter what because the name “AGA” in “Maaga ang Pasko” will always be there. Hopefully this is a legacy that he can even passed on to his kids, whom he is personally teaching the values of sharing and being humble in everything and about having a simple life. He said, until now my kids don’t have their own iPad, “they can borrow from us, but they don’t own it yet’. 

Personally, I am taking it as a good gesture, considering that they can afford to buy one and yet, they consider it not a necessity.

Marking the campaign’s 20th year, there will be 20 caravans across the country this December who will be distributing the collected toys and books from customers and Jollibee employees. To date, accordingly there are already 1.5 million units of books and toys collected and they are assuming, more and more are coming in.

Make this year’s Christmas season the jolliest ever for children across the nation by donating new or pre-loved toys and books to Maaga ang Pasko boxes which are located in all Jollibee stores nationwide. To make an online donation, visit www.jollibee.com.ph and click on the Maaga ang Pasko microsite.

My little boy Ivan bid good-bye to one of his pre-loved book and donated it, as I explained to him the book is now of less use to him therefore it will be of greater use if he will donate it and let another kid be able to enjoy it.

Superbook Season 2 Premiere

THE STORY OF JONAH FOR SUPERBOOK SEASON 2 PREMIERE

Good news to all Superbook lovers and fans! Finally, the long wait is over!

Superbook Season 2 will air on Philippine TV for the first time in ABS-CBN beginning October 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Packed with 13 all-new and exciting episodes, Superbook Season 2 is definitely the perfect bonding and learning time for the families.

Superbook lovers will surely enjoy watching their favorite Superbook characters Chris, Joy and Gizmo as Superbook surprises them to experience new adventures, meet new friends and new heroes, explore new places and discover new lessons based on the greatest story book ever written -The Bible.

For our first Superbook Season 2 episode, we will meet Jonah, a man who was tasked by God to do a very special mission. Will he do it? Find out this Satuday, October 11, 9:30 on ABS-CBN. Invite the whole family and your friends. Don't miss this amazing trip back in time!

Discover the Klove at Krazy Garlik

September might just be the luckiest month of the year. Aside from the month heralding the start of the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to discover the klove at Krazy Garlik. Debunking the negative connotations of garlic, Krazy Garlik has upgraded the garlic game in the culinary arena. From appetizers to dessert, the restaurant has managed to sneak in garlic and infuse it so well; you don’t even notice that its garlic making the dish oh-so-amazing. With fun and creative interiors themed as Alice in Garlikland, it’s hard not to be tempted to dine in such a cute restaurant with big and bold dishes perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones.

Krazy Garlik is giving one more reason to celebrate this month as they launch their month-long promo Oh My Garlik! (OMG!) Thursdays. Enjoy two Krazy Garlik bestsellers at the price of one every week. Add this to the many reasons to visit the nearest Krazy Garlik near you.

Kick-starting the OMG! Thursdays is the duo of 40 Kloves Chicken and Garlicky Crispy Pata regular for only Php450. The former is a dish filled with chicken thigh and leg quarters marinated in 40 garlic cloves, served on a bed of the original garlic cream sauce, while the latter features a deep-fried crispy pork hock topped with garlic bits and chili served always fresh and crunchy.

Take on the OMG! Thursdays with your friends, family, or just by yourself – all Thursday of September at Krazy Garlik branches, located in Greenhills, Greenbelt 5, Makati, Newport Mall, and Alabang Town Center.

The Attack of Bacteria: What You Need To Know About The Enemy

Good oral hygiene begins and ends with bacteria. Start with a healthy environment for good bacteria to grow, and maintain this regimen by preventing bad bacteria from accumulating and causing plaque, cavities, and bad breath.

Win the fight against the bacteria in your mouth with oral care habits, starting with the food you eat. Avoid sugary and starchy food, consume more vegetables, and drink your eight glasses of water a day. After eating, always brushing your teeth, use oral care products with anti-bacterial features, and clean your tongue with scrapers or your tooth brush. By knowing the enemy of good oral hygiene, you can easily win the fight against it.

What is the Number 1 Cause of Cavities? Find out!

Just like many mommies, cavities had been a major dilemna for me. My little boy's teeth has had become chalky when he was still you and now they are full of cavities. I really wonder why, and lately I've found out the reasons.

Despite continuing education on the importance of good oral care habits to prevent tooth decay, cavities still affect nearly 100% of adults worldwide, and as much as nine out of ten Filipinos. This can be attributed to the lack of awareness on the importance of food in caring for the teeth, which has led the American Dietetic Association to state that, “nutrition is an integral component of oral health.

Dental care habits ingrained from childhood include brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist at least twice a year, and using a fluoride toothpaste. However, the role of individual diets on oral health has not been addressed beyond the usual warning to avoid sweets to prevent tooth decay.

Thought your family is safe from cavities just because they avoid sweets? Think again. While sweets are a major contributor to cavities, all types of food can cause cavities – even healthy options – because of a little-known byproduct of food consumption, sugar acids.

According to Dr. Vicente O. Medina III, Dean of College of Dentistry at the University of the Philippines Manila, sugar acids are created “when common oral bacteria feed on starchy food residue, usually within minutes of a meal. The acid level in the dental plaque rises, enabling sugar acids to attack the teeth.” While most people would be quick to blame sugar, it is actually sugar acids that are number one cause of cavities.

Since sugar acids are byproducts of starchy foods, even daily staples such as rice and bread, fruits and vegetables, and soda and snacks contribute to cavities. In addition, the longer food stays in the mouth, the higher the incidence of trapped food particles, and the higher the risk of tooth decay. Foods perceived as sticky do not stay in the mouth for long while those perceived as non-sticky are actually retained longer. Potato chips stay longer in the mouth compared with milk chocolate and caramels while chocolate and bananas are cleared from the mouth faster than white bread.

What does this mean for families? Most people have grown up with the notion that sweets are either the only or the number one cause of cavities. However, these studies have shown that it is sugar acids from high starch foods that attack teeth and cause tooth decay even with a healthy diet. Even simple eating habits such as snacking and chewing gum can contribute to cavities because they prolong the period in which sugar acids can attack teeth. For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, “acids found in diet and regular soda, energy drinks, juice and wine can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.”

By focusing on a diet healthy not only for the body but also on the teeth everyone can combat sugar acids and prevent cavities even while eating. A balanced diet, along with proper dental care using products that combat sugar acids, and a daily cleaning regimen, a cavity-free future can be within reach.

Breeze ActivBleach calls on moms to join 1Laba Day

There's a special treat for all moms like me.

Breeze ActivBleach is treating mommies across the country to a day off from their laundry chores with the simultaneous nationwide event 1Laba Day happening on August 28. Moms in barangays throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are invited to head to 1Laba Day venues and let Breeze’s revolutionary ActivBleach take care of their stained clothes while they take part in exciting activities Breeze has in store for them to celebrate every mother’s hard work and love for her family.

Breeze ActivBleach, which removes even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Participating moms can enjoy their ultimate laundry day-off as Breeze treats them to various entertainment activities, while the Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, White Westinghouse, Whirpool and LG, will take care of washing their clothes.

Simultaneous 1Laba Day events will happen in Metro Manila (Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasay), North Luzon (Tarlac, Pangasinan), South Luzon (Laguna), Visayas (Cebu), and Mindanao (Davao).

Breeze with ActivBleach is the first and only detergent brand with 4-enzyme technology to remove more types of stains with less effort and time. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment.

With 1 Laba Day, Breeze aims to wash 1 million stains using 

Be a part of the Breeze 1 Laba Day event and see for yourself how Breeze with ActivBleach removes 1 million stains in just one wash. Like the official Breeze Facebook page (@BreezePhilippines) and join the online promos to get the chance to win washing machines from partner brands. Consumers can also get free Breeze gift packs for every purchase of an Electrolux, Whirlpool and LG washing machine.

Cavities and Mommy Woes: Addressing the Dental Habits and Needs of the Family

The latest report by the Philippine Dental Association states that 97% of children under six years of age, in the Philippines have some form of cavities. This statistic is especially worrisome for busy moms who not only have to take care of the dental needs of the children in the family, but also those of the adults as well. With complications ranging from improper nutrition to heart ailments, it’s important that good dental habits are formed from infancy and retained throughout adulthood. Here are mommy-approved tips on making sure everyone in the family gets the chance to have that cavity-free smile worth framing.

Pre- teeth. While infants below six months old have no teeth yet, it’s important to clean their gums especially after they drink milk, since this can be breeding ground for bacteria. Use sterilized, moist gauze pads or wash cloths to wipe the area regularly between feedings to keep the gums healthy even before the first baby teeth erupt. Even this early, it’s important that good dental habits are established, ensuring that teeth have healthy gums once they break out.

Baby teeth. Brushing teeth should be introduced as soon as tooth erupts in the mouth which can begin as early as six months. Caring for baby teeth is important because they affect the health of permanent teeth.

Since toddlers are introduced to soft food such as pureed fruits and vegetables at this time, it is important that they begin to understand that brushing comes right after eating meals. Toddler teeth should be brushed twice a day using a minimal amount of toothpaste. Not only does this introduce a good dental habit early on, it also helps protect their first teeth from early onset of decay.

As soon as they have the appropriate motor skills, encourage brushing by making it fun. Use the right-sized brush for their hands, topped with a pea-sized amount of special kid-friendly toothpaste. To get kids to brush for two full minutes, sing the happy birthday song or other nursery rhymes to establish good memories with brushing their teeth.

Wean toddlers out of bottles and sippy cups early as well, as liquids tend to stay in the mouth longer, which may encourage plaque to grow. Not only will it help make toddlers feel like they are big boys and girls, it will also protect their teeth in the long run.

Permanent teeth. The tooth fairy should be an optional visitor when permanent teeth start growing, usually from age six to thirteen. What’s not optional is a regular dental habit that everyone in the family should practice. Make it a habit to brush and floss at least twice daily. Visit the dentist at twice least twice a year as a family to ensure a positive association with the dental chair.

Good oral habits also extend to mommy-approved meals suitable for caring for teeth. Beyond the usual sweets and candy, limit the intake of high-processed, starchy foods such as rice and white bread. Even fruits and vegetables can contribute to cavities, especially when they are taken as juices. This is because the natural fibers that protect teeth are removed, leaving only sugar. Lastly, avoid soda and encourage drinking water instead.

Permanent teeth cannot be replaced, and once damaged by cavities, require costly repair and maintenance. Poor oral health can also result in difficulty eating and sleeping, which can impair school and work performance. In addition, cavities affect self-esteem because of the effect on outward appearances.

By creating dental habits shared by the entire family, mommies can scratch one more thing off their list of worries – cavities. Picture perfect smiles are a lifetime work in progress, with habits ingrained from childhood carried through adulthood long after they leave home and in turn, start their own families. Make your legacy one that lasts beyond the pictures. Help make generations of a cavity-free family a reality.