Heads up! Gary V on Novuhair: putting energy into prevention

​Heads Up! The hair is considered to be our crowning glory thus, it should always look proper and nice to look at. Just like Mr. Pure Energy. Nothing describes Gary Valenciano quite like his moniker “Mr. Pure Energy,” He is the very image of youthful vibrance, whether onstage or not. That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he values the way he looks the same way that he values the core of who he is: a prayerful, faithful husband, dependable father, and an outstanding entertainer. 

​Part of what makes Gary stay young looking is his head of hair. What many people don’t know is that, like all other men his age, Gary once worried about hair thinning and hair loss. That’s why, at the first signs of the problem, Gary sought to find ways to prevent it from becoming worse.

​“I first noticed the hair loss in the shower, after I toweled my hair dry. Then one day, my team of hairstylists noticed that my hair was thinning, too. That’s when they told me to look for the product that Fanny Serrano was using, a product called NOVUHAIR,” remarked Gary on his journey to regaining control over his hair loss.

​NOVUHAIR is a topical scalp lotion that is a unique combination of 14 different natural ingredients and essential oils for a healthier hair and scalp. One of the factors of hair loss, according to studies, is stress, something that Gary experiences on almost a daily basis. Other factors include hereditary disorders, a
persistent illness, major surgery, hormonal problems, childbirth & delivery, medications, infections, pollutants, and even excessive exposure to sunlight. And contrary to popular belief, hair loss is as much a problem for women as it is for men. In many cases, hair loss may be prevented or alleviated through early detection. In the case of Gary, his decision to try NOVUHAIR to prevent his symptoms from worsening made a big difference, and within a few months, he saw remarkable results.

​Gary shares his experience with NOVUHAIR as he tells the story of their family hair history: “Hair loss runs in our family, too, even if it sometimes skips a generation. My brother and grandfather both lost their hair, but my dad still has a full head of hair at 87. I just wanted to make sure I take control of my symptoms. Now, I use NOVUHAIR everyday, and I’ve noticed that I don’t shed as much hair as I did before, especially after toweling my hair dry. And my hairstylists noticed it, too. I love using NOVUHAIR because it has this minty, cool effect that makes me feel like my hair is always clean and fresh.”

​“In less than a month and half, I already saw results even if I was told to wait three to four months before I can see a difference. The effects on me were much faster. There were fewer strands on my white towel, which basically was within the normal boundaries of hair loss for an average person. Before using NOVUHAIR, I used to shed more.” This is due to the fact that NOVUHAIR penetrates deep to help rejuvenate, nourish, & maintain moisture in the scalp and hair. By improving the blood circulation in the scalp, NOVUHAIR helps stimulate hair growth and aid in preventing further, excessive hair fall, while also improving the overall appearance of the hair.

​“I never endorse a product that I did not experience first. I have to make sure it is really effective. With Novuhair, I can say that it has really contributed to my peace of mind and overall well-being. And, heads up, as Novuhair is now part of my daily routine, which includes prayer, diet, and medication. God has truly lived up to his promise in my life, and as he says in Psalm 92:14 ‘I will keep you fruitful even in old age. Fresh and green.’ I am very happy now that Novuhair is a part of that.”

NOVUHAIR, Nature’s Answer to Hair Loss is available in all Mercury Drug outlets, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, South Star Drug & Manson Drug, Metro Gaisano Pharmacy, The Landmark (Makati & TriNoma), J Centre Mall (Cebu), KCC Malls (Gen. Santos City & Koronadal City), NCCC Malls (Palawan & Davao), Gaisano Malls (Davao & Gen.Santos City) and online at www.regaloservice.com and www.lazada.com.ph. For inquiries, call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575.

Herbalife Health Poll: 9 in 10 Filipinos ”highly concerned” about the potential diseases that an unhealthy lifestyle can cause

Nine in 10 Filipino consumers surveyed by global nutrition company Herbalife are “highly concerned” about the potential diseases that an unhealthy lifestyle can cause them, with the same number believing that simple lifestyle changes can help improve their overall well-being.

A good number of the respondents expressed willingness to adopt a healthy lifestyle; 79 percent said that they would cut down on unhealthy foods, 78 percent expressed their willingness to exercise more regularly, and 72 percent said they would make better nutrition choices.

“We welcome the results of the survey. It gives an understanding of Filipinos becoming even more health conscious and self-aware that they need to make some lifestyle changes to improve their overall well-being. It also gives Herbalife an idea where we are needed, because as the survey revealed only four out of 10 would spend 10 to 30 minutes a day to make simple lifestyle changes,” said Rosalio Valenzuela, Herbalife Philippines General Manager. The respondents, however, cited the following as the top obstacles to achieving a healthy lifestyle: lack of time for exercise (75 percent), lack of time to make proper nutrition choices (64 percent), and high cost of healthy food (62 percent).

The same health poll likewise showed that the top three aging-related concerns in the country were heart, brain, and eye health.

Better knowledge and understanding 

“The findings from the Herbalife survey clearly show that the majority of people in Asia Pacific that we questioned believe in the value of good nutrition and exercise as contributing to their overall well-being. We aim to play a greater role in providing practical tips and information to people to help them understand that the journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle is not difficult to achieve. With as little as 10 minutes a day, consumers can take positive steps to improve their nutrition and be more active, which will improve their overall well-being,” said William M. Rahn, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife Asia Pacific.

Herbalife conducted the survey in September 2015 in the lead-up to its Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour. It surveyed 1,200 respondents across six countries, including the Philippines, on perceptions towards their health and current lifestyle. Respondents from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand were likewise included in the survey.


Herbalife Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour

Now on its fourth year, the Herbalife Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour aims to deepen people’s practical understanding of the various aspects of living a healthy active lifestyle. Its previous tours in the past three years saw close to 60,000 participants across the region.This year’s Wellness Tour will feature five members of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board simple lifestyle changes that will enhance their well-being.

Herbalife’s NAB experts will likewise share their views on a wide range of health-related topics, including weight management, brain health and aging; heart health; immunology; and skin care at the medical symposia being held in Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Herbalife NAB experts participating in this year’s Wellness Tour include Dr. David Heber, who incidentally will be coming to Manila, is a leading expert in the field of nutrition and named as one of “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds” by Thomson Reuters in 2014 and considered one of “The Best Doctors in America”; Dr. Lou Ignarro, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 for his discovery of nitric oxide’s health benefits; Dr. Gary Small, a specialist in brain health and aging who has authored over 500 scientific works and has received numerous awards and honors, including the “Senior Investigator Award” from the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry; Dr. Marion Fltechner-Mors, a health nutrition specialist who is currently heading the nutrition and obesity research group at Ulm University, Germany; and Dr. Wang Jae Lee, a physician and academic specializing in immunology and a professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine.

Dr. Heber, who is the founding Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles, will be conducting a symposium for free to Filipino medical practitioners on October 23, 9am, at the Manila Hotel. The symposium will gather a group of 100 doctors, nurses, physical therapists and medical practitioners. The title of the symposium is “Obesity: More Than Just Being Overweight and Nutrition Forecast for 2020.” Seminars of Dr. Heber are recognized by US hospitals as part of Continuing Education Studies, which are often required of applicants. The following day, Oct. 24, Dr. Heber will be holding seminars for thousands of Herbalife Independent Members in the same hotel.

This is the first time Dr. Heber, who is also the Chairman of the NAB and the Herbalife Nutrition Institute, to conduct a seminar in Manila since the company was founded in the Philippines 22 years ago. 

About Herbalife

Herbalife is a 35-year-old global nutrition company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in more than 90 countries to and through a network of independent members. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to help bring good nutrition to children. To learn more visit Herbalife.com

World Space Week Philippines

In celebration of the 17th World Space Week, 12 public and private high schools in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal and Laguna participated in the first ever CanSat launch competition which was held at the UPLB-CTTE grounds in Los Baños, Laguna. Annually celebrated every month of October, the World Space Week is commemorated to provide a venue for students and educators to learn more about space science and its benefits to humankind as declared by the UN General Assembly in 1999. This year's celebration follows the theme "Discovery" and will feature deep space exploration such as the discoveries of new galaxies, exoplanets, asteroids and comets.

Launched in August this year, the Can Satellite Competition aims to entice students to go into space science studies by letting them experience actual satellite development process, launching, data collection and transmission, and mission data analysis that will teach them the basics of weather forecasting.

There was also a water rocket competition wherein my little boy Ivan, did not satisfy himself by being a mere observer. He was allowed to try himself to do a water rocket launch with the help of my friendly officemates, Jules and Anton.

He also got amazed by a mini-plane flying demo by some Filipino experts like Dr. Rogel Sese, who is one of the Philippine experts when it comes to space education program.

The week event concluded with Grace Christian High School emerging as the grand winner. Second place is Philippine Science High School (main campus), third Makati Science High School. They will represent the country to this year 's APRSAF Water Rocket Event to be held in Bali, Indonesia. Congratulations to the future space and aero engineers of the Philippines!

Look Young and Say Goodbye to Grey Hair

A breakthrough product that will bring back the natural color of your crowning glory! Grey Away is for people with visible grey hair that brings back the natural color of hair strands and prevents it from turning grey without the risk of the harmful effects of colorants.

For only Php 995.00, Grey Away is available in all leading drugstores, selected supermarkets, and department stores nationwide. For more information like Grey Away’s official facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Grey-Away-101783003500982/timeline/
and follow @greyaway on Instagram.

2015 DOST-SEI Scholars/Qualifiers under RA 10612

In support of the government’s objective to strengthen the quality of education in the country, a total of 1,030 third year college students aced the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) exam administered nationwide on 12 July 2015.

The JLSS is a scholarship program of the DOST-SEI under the Republic Act (RA) No. 10612 titled, “An Act Expanding the Coverage of the Science and Technology (S&T) Scholarship Program and Strengthening the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools.” Otherwise known as the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013”, this law builds on the current S&T scholarships offered by the DOST-SEI as provided for in RA 7687 or the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994.”

The implementation of R.A. 10612 supports the execution of Section 8 of the K to 12 law which urges the hiring of teachers from among the graduates of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.

“I believe that this scholarship program will not only help produce quality teachers right away but will also ensure dynamic and effective science and mathematics teaching in many schools in the country especially now that the K-12 will be implemented,” Dr. Josette T. Biyo, SEI Director, said.

Qualifiers of this scholarship program will get to enjoy a 2-3 year S&T scholarships with privileges following the existing financial assistance of the RA 7687 scholars. They will be entitled to subsidy in tuition fee and other school fees, monthly living allowance, book allowance, among others, in the last 2 or 3 years of their undergraduate studies.

Upon graduation the scholars are required to serve as STEM teachers for a minimum of two years in any public or private high school in the country, preferably in their hometown. They will also be made to undergo teacher training by the Philippine Normal University (PNU). To ensure that graduates under the program would be able to serve, the Department of Education (DepEd) will assist in the job placement and hiring of qualified graduates with a starting salary equivalent to that of the Special Science Teacher 1 position at the Philippine Science High School. Other incentives include relocation allowance if they would be assigned to teach outside their home region or province; and they would be allowed to teach initially without LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) eligibility provided that they take and pass the LET within five years of hiring.

Dr. Biyo believes that by fast-tracking graduates in STEM courses, the RA 10612 will strengthen the country’s science and technology education and hopes to inspire more scholar-graduates to pursue a career path in science teaching.

The new JLSS scholars under RA 10612 will get to enjoy the scholarship effective the First Semester of AY 2015-2016.

First Ph Can Satellite Competition Launched

In an attempt to engage young students in an actual satellite development process aimed at learning space science, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently launched the first ever Can Satellite Competition in the country.

In its Game Reveal, 12 public and private high schools from Region III, Region IV-A and the National Capital Region proudly flashed their can satellites (Can Sat), which they assembled in a five-day development and training workshop held on 24-28 August at the National Institute of Science and Mathematics Education for Development, University of the Philippines Diliman. 

The competition, which is part of the Philippine Space Science Education Program (PSSEP), is patterned after the Can Satellite contests being done in many countries. The Can Sat is a soda can-sized satellite which can gather basic atmospheric data such us temperature, air pressure and Global Positioning System, among others. The activity brings the process of satellite development and its importance closer to younger audiences.

DOST-SEI Director, Dr. Josette Biyo, said the activity aims to make young Filipinos appreciate space science as its current technological applications become more important than ever.

“We want them to appreciate the benefits we derive from space technology so we can invite them to pursue careers in this line of work,” said Biyo.

Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) Executive Director, Dr. Carlos Primo David, who attended the opening program of the training, said that the competition is “a step in the right direction” in terms of government efforts in space science. He said that the government aims to have a Space Agency just like what the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency are to USA and Japan, respectively.

“Right now, we have 10 scholars studying in Japan and their goal is to build our first micro satellite, which we hope to launch in 2016. By 2017, we plan to launch a second micro satellite,” David declared.

PSSEP Focal Person, Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, said the outputs of the students were “better than expected” considering the training workshop only lasted for a week. A normal Can Sat training, according to him, takes several weeks up to one month.

Dr. Sese and his team will conduct visits to the participating schools to further guide the teams in assembling their Can Sats.

The Game Reveal marked the start of the Build Phase where teams are expected to improve on their CanSats that they initially built during the five-day training.

The actual competition will be held on Oct. 5 to 7 in Los Baños, Laguna as part of this year’s World Space Week festivities, which will also be in line with the United Nation’s celebration of the International Year of Light.

With the advent of new technology and modern lifestyle, living life to the full has become much easier yet sometimes confusing.

Envisioned for both local residents and tourists, Go Manila seeks to make life easy in an otherwise complicated Urban Jungle.

In a click of a button, you can have full access to real time Traffic Livestream, locate and contact Emergency Locations and Hotlines and discover the historic capital of the Philippines at the tip of your finger with easy access to popular tourist destinations, restaurants and nightspots.

Features :

· TRAFFIC LIVESTREAM - Get instant and real time access to Manila's major thoroughfares. Livestream will provide a link to the hundreds of high def CCTV's installed in various parts of the Metro. Never get stuck in traffic again as these live feeds will provide you ample time to look for alternative route.

· EMERGENCY LOCATIONS - No GPS and MAPS? No problem. Get the exact locations of Police Stations/Precincts, Hospitals/Clinics, Fire departments and other concerned agencies at the tip of your finger.

· EMERGENCY HOTLINES - No need for complicated and outdated directories. One click and you get to access and call various police precincts, hospitals, fire departments and all other emergency/disaster related concerns.

It’s a virtual tourist guide and a handy companion for commuters and travelers alike. With Go Manila, everything comes easy!

This app is spearheaded by Manila City Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

NOTE: All of the CCTV has a limit range only in the Philippines

Download This App Now!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hs.app.gomanila

Like us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/gomanila

Follow us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/gomanilaph

Website
https://gomanila.ph  

The Work-at-Hope Expo 2015

ManilaWorkshops.com and the WAHMderful Life Community invites you to The Work at Home Expo 2015! The WAH Expo is an annual one-day expo of talks and mini- workshops geared towards the encouragement and empowerment of Filipinos who are working from home or would like to be work from home professionals. This event are for people who are currently working from home as entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, freelancers, and for those who are planning to work from home in the near future. This event will provide attendees knowledge and tips about working from home. It will also be a great event where people can network and meet other people that they can collaborate or work with or for in the future.

Our very first workshop in 2012 resulted in a sold-out event, with over forty work at home professionals and freelancers in attendance, all of whom benefited from a wealth of insights and knowledge from authentic and experienced work from home professionals. We have since held 12 subsequent workshops, and two annual expos, all in-line with “helping individuals find their bliss working from home while making a home.” The Work at Home Expo last year had around 290 participants with almost 50 booths from different players in the industry and from the small business owners, as well.

Program:

Hall B (Main Hall)

Registration will start at 9:00 AM. We will have the booth exhibitors in this area where we can all participate in a booth stamping game! For those who will stay at the main hall to listen to the talks, we will have limited number of chairs in front of the stage so be there early so you can get good seats!

Morning Schedule:
9:30AM – 9:50AM     Welcome remarks and overview of the day; 

                    Opening of the WAHM Support Central section.
9:50AM – 10:10AM    It’s a WAH-nderful Life Video
10:10AM – 10:40AM   Panel of Work at Home Moms
10:40AM – 11:00AM   Raffle Draw
11:00AM – 11:40AM   Panel of Work at Home Singles
11:40AM – 11:45AM   Raffle Draw
11:45AM – 1:00 PM   Lunch Break/Booth Stamping game/

                    Play Video of Sponsors

Afternoon Schedule:
1:00 PM – 1:20 PM   Keynote Speaker
1:25 PM – 1:50 PM   Talk: Balancing Business, Home and Heart 

                          (Marilen Montenegro)
1:50 PM – 2:00 PM   Q&A
2:00 PM – 2:25 PM   Break / Sponsor’s Slot
2:25 PM – 2:30 PM   Introduction of next speaker
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM   Social Entrepreneurship and Foundations
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM   Q&A
3:00 PM – 3:25 PM   Break / Sponsor’s Slot
3:25 PM – 3:30 PM   Introduction of next speaker
3:30 PM – 3:50 PM   Time Management for the Work at Home Parent 

                     (Teresa Dumadag)
3:50 PM – 4:00 PM   Q&A
4:00 PM – 4:05 PM   Introduction of next speaker
4:05 PM – 4:25 PM   Fitness Factors for Work at Homies 

                      (Monica Manzano)
4:25 PM – 4:45 PM   Q&A and Raffle
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM   Closing

MK TAN (SPECIALIZED TALKS)
*Only starts in the afternoon!

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM   Set Yourself Up for Work at Home Wealth 

                    (Lianne Laroya)
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM   Sponsor’s Slot
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM   WAHM Collaboration: 

                    Where it Begins, How to Earn from It 

                    (Martine, Frances, & Ginger)
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM   Raffle and Afternoon break
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM   Best Practices of a Work-at-Homie

                    by Lyle of Raket.ph
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM   Sponsor’s Slot
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM   How to Go Global with Your Expertise 

                    by Anthony and Tippy Pelayo-Go of Googly Gooeys
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM   Q&A and Raffle Draw
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM   Closing

Event Location
Venue: Bayanihan Center
Venue Phone: (02) 858-1979, (02) 858-1985 to 86

Address:8008 Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Metro Manila

HOW DO I LOOK? ASIA ARRIVES ON DIVA TO FIX ASIA’S FASHION FAUX PAS

It’s time to go head over heels for DIVA’s How Do I Look? Asia –the highly anticipated Asian re-imagination of the hit fashion makeover series. Billed as “Asia’s ultimate fashion fix,” How Do I Look? Asia will make its debut on Monday, 31 August at 8PM (SIN/MAL) on DIVA, NBC Universal International Networks’ leading entertainment channel for women in Asia.

The NBC Universal International format, produced by NBC Universal’s Matchbox Asia, follows Malaysian celebrity and style icon Sazzy Falak as she guides eight fashion victims to the path of fashion enlightenment. Jeannie Mai, host of the original U.S. version, and a familiar face to Asian viewers, features in each episode, setting up the fashion challenges each week.

The fashion-challenged victims include onesie-addict/ blogger Apple Allison of Sole Searching Soul (Philippines); indie rock guitarist Ariana (Malaysia); mismatch, mishap/ watercolor artist Choc (Taiwan); sales executive, and literally “plain” Jane (Philippines/Australia); overachieving, yet outdated, Lavinya (Malaysia); rebel teacher Lianni (Philippines); romantically-insecure Maisarah (Singapore); and the uninspiringly-dressed motivational speaker Yessinta (Indonesia).

To achieve a professional look that can be replicated for the everyday, Sazzy will be joined by a guest stylist in each episode: Liz Uy (Filipina celebrity stylist); Zac Wu (Taiwanese celebrity stylist); Andrea Wong(former editor of Elle Malaysia); and Anindita Saryuf (fashion director of Elle Indonesia).

In each episode, Sazzy and an accomplice – a concerned family member, friend or colleague – will help transform the lucky fashion victim into a beacon of style. After having their wardrobe raided, the individual will have their current fashion choices face the “Eww Tube”, one of the iconic features of the original format. The “Eww Tube” is a vacuum cleaner-like machine that literally sucks offending outfits up and away after they have been eliminated by the panel of fashion experts and accomplices.The transformations featured on the series transcend fashion and style.Viewers will also get to witness the complex and emotional backstories of the victims, whose glamorous new looks, and freshly developed sense of style, act as a catalyst for them to adopt a more positive and confident outlook on life.

“How Do I Look? Asia is a testament to DIVA’s position as the leading women’s entertainment channel in Asia. We are confident that this ground-breaking local production,like its original franchise, will strongly resonate with our core female audiences across the region,” said Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Asia Pacific,NBC Universal International Networks. “Using the insights from various in-depth research initiatives on Asian women that NBC Universal has conducted and developed over the recent years, How Do I Look? Asia features many of the elements that we found women loved: fabulous and fun makeovers, the hottest fashion trends tailored to Asian sensibilities,inspiring and heart-warming personal stories, and a positive underlying message that encourages every woman to be her best self.” 

Jeannie and Sazzy will be making live appearances as they tour Singapore,Malaysia and Vietnam later this month on the following dates: Singapore: 20-22 August
                                                                Kuala Lumpur: 23-25 August
                                                                Ho Chi Minh City: 26-27 August

How Do I Look? Asia Season One is presented by regional sponsor Zalora. Tito Costa, Managing Director of ZALORA Group, said, “We’re excited to be working with How Do I Look? Asia’s very first season of fashion makeover series and we’re proud to contribute to the life-changing makeovers featured throughout the show. ZALORA supports Asia's diverse forms of beauty and seeks to empower women through fashion by giving them the confidence to own whatever moment they find themselves in and to encourage them to be the best version of themselves. The show’s goal is aligned with ZALORA’s commitment to provide a carefully-curated range of fashion options as the right tools to create confidence-boosting looks. This is perfectly echoed in the weekly fashion transformations featured throughout the show."

In Malaysia, the series is also presented by Marigold Yogurt Drink and Panasonic Beauty Clozette is the Official Fashion Social Network of the series, which is filmed at an NBC Universal International studio set built in Solaire Resort & Casino, Manila.

For more information on How Do I Look? Asia, including exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, fashion tips, quizzes and personality profiles, visit www.divatv.asia/hdila. Be part of the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #HDILasia

How Do I Look? Asia premieres on 31 August, Mondays at 8PM (SIN/MAL).


About NBC Universal International Networks

NBC Universal International Networks is one of the world’s premier entertainment portfolios, delivering quality content and compelling brands to over 176 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The channel brands in the portfolio include Universal Channel, Syfy, E! Entertainment Television, 13th Street, DIVA, Studio Universal, Telemundo, The Style Network and Golf Channel. These unique brands deliver a full range of entertainment experiences to local audiences across the globe; the portfolio also includes Movies 24 in the UK. Further, NBC Universal News Group, one of the most influential and respected portfolios of on-air and digital news properties in the world, operate CNBC and NBC News internationally.

NBC Universal International Networks is a division of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBC Universal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Matchbox Asia

Matchbox Asia is an extension of Matchbox Pictures, synonymous with international shows such as "The Slap", "Nowhere Boys" and "The Real Housewives of Melbourne". Based in Singapore, Matchbox Asia will develop and produce scripted and non-scripted programs for audiences throughout the Asian region. With a focus on creating original content that compliments its Australian output and can be distributed throughout the world by NBCUniversal.


About Zalora Group

ZALORA Group is Asia Pacific’s leading group of online fashion destinations. Founded in 2012, the company has a presence in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia & Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Taiwan where it operates as ZALORA and in Australia and New Zealand where it operates as THE ICONIC. ZALORA Group’s localised sites offer an extensive collection of top international and local brands and products across apparel, shoes, accessories, and beauty categories for men and women. Offering up to 100-day free returns, speedy deliveries as fast as 3 hours in some markets, free delivery over a certain spend, and multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, ZALORA Group is the online shopping destination with endless fashion possibilities.


About Marigold

Malaysia Milk Sendirian Berhad (MMSB) was incorporated in 1969, and began its own manufacturing operations in Petaling Jaya in 1977. The company markets and distributes brands including MARIGOLD and VITAGEN under its Trading Arm Company, Cotra Enterprises Sdn Bhd. MARIGOLD’s two flagship brands, MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH and MARIGOLD HL Milk, hold the honours of being the No. 1 Pasteurised Fruit Juice and the No.1 Pasteurised Milk brands in Malaysia respectively.

MARIGOLD has set the benchmark for impeccable quality and standard with its pasteurisation process to retain nutritional value and freshness. Other products under the MARIGOLD brand includes: MARIGOLD HL Low Fat Milk, MARIGOLD PEEL FRESH, MARIGOLD Cup Yogurt, MARIGOLD Yogurt Drink, MARIGOLD UHT Asian Drink, MARIGOLD UHT Milk, MARIGOLD UHT Fruit Drink, MARIGOLD 100% Juice, MARIGOLD Sweetened Condensed Filled Milk, MARIGOLD Sweetened Creamer and MARIGOLD Evaporated Milk.

Dance in Fight Against HIV: DOH Asec Eric Tayag and Bernardo Buddies tandem

He never lose his charisma, Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag surprised everyone at an art exhibit last Saturday with a dance performance to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. Joined by Seb Castro of “Bubble Pop” fame and Quezon City’s HIV testing advocates, the Bernardo Buddies, Tayag swayed to Chris Brown’s “Five More Hours.”

The exhibit was the culminating activity of the “You’re Sexy When You Know It” campaign, which was launched on World AIDS Day last year. Jointly organized by the DOH and the Quezon City Government, the campaign makes innovative use of digital tools (social media, blogs, Grindr,Youtube) to encourage males-who-have-sex-with-males MSMs) to sign-up online and set an appointment at Klinika Bernardo, a health facility in Quezon City that provides free HIV counseling,testing, and therapy. 

Disrupting the stigma related to HIV testing, especially among most-at-risk populations, is crucial in the face of the steady increase of HIV incidence in the country. In his opening speech, Tayag talked about the gravity of the current trend, saying: “As of June 2015, there were 772 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals. This was 56% higher compared to the same period last year. This means that every month we’re getting the highest numbers of reported cases since 1984.” 

Aside from awareness campaigns, the government has also been investing in facilities that would help curb the incidence of HIV in the country. Quezon City Councilor Eufemio C. Lagumbay talked about the importance of innovation and underscored Quezon City’s commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS,proudly announcing that “Quezon City has two more social hygiene clinics, aside from Klinika Bernardo, that will help encourage testing and therapy among our MSMs.” Hosted by TV host and socialite Divine Lee, also known as “Mother Beki,” the exhibit featured works by Niccolo Cosme, Angelo Magno, Jason Moss, and Datu Jainal. Proceeds will be donated to Klinika Bernardo.

DOST recognizes 236 scholar graduates

In a bid to celebrate the brilliance of the brightest stars of the science community, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) honored 236 outstanding science scholars who graduated with honors for the school year 2014-2015.

A DOST scholar-graduate in the graduate scholarship program pose for a photo with DOST Usec. Rowena Cristina Guevara, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and SEI Director Josette Biyo

Overall, three summa cum laude, 44 magna cum laude, 134 cum laude, an honorable mention, and four academic distinctions were awarded—both in the undergraduate and graduate levels—during the ceremony. One scholar-graduate was also recognized for completing her degree earlier than the prescribed period.

Ninety six (96) honorees from the national capital region and Region 4A attended the ceremony.

For the undergraduate scholarships, 65 honor graduates under the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship—the agency’s pioneer scholarship program for undergraduates—were recognized which listed three summa cum laude, 16 magna cum laude, 45 cum laude, one honorable mention, and one early-graduate.

Likewise, the Republic Act 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 produced 107 scholar graduates with honors headlined by 25 magna cum laude, 78 cum laude, and four with academic distinction.

As for the graduate scholarships, a total of eight Masters and 38 Doctoral students—with three magna cum laude and 11 cum laude—graduated under the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP). This Program is a unified and innovative human resource development strategy aimed at hastening the production of highly trained scientists by awarding MS and PhD scholarship grants to eligible individuals who will fill in the gaps of identified areas of science and technology. Under the program, nine scholars finished cum laude, and one as an academic excellence awardee.

On the other hand, the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) program—a graduate scholarship program in priority engineering courses and related field—recorded 10 PhD graduates.

One PhD scholar also graduated under the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Scholarship Program.

At the In Touch with Excellence Awarding Ceremony, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo applauded the scholar-graduates for achieving excellence in their respective S&T programs and referred to them as welcome additions to the growing community of scientists, engineers, and innovators whom the country expect to contribute in national development.

“DOST is seeing the gains of supporting the education of deserving and gifted students in S&T that is why we commit to strengthen the impact of the scholarship program by expanding its coverage in the next years,” Montejo remarked.

He later invited the scholar-graduates to be part of the workforce that will “propel the country to greater heights” through science and technology.

SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo also urged the honorees to continue learning and promoted the Institute’s graduate scholarships available in highly specialized fields in the sciences and engineering.

“The world of work would be harder, for sure, but as DOST scholar-graduates you are primed to maintain the excellence you’ve shown for most of your student life. Don’t be scared in going after big things. After all, that’s where DOST scholars are known for,” she added.

In closing, Ernest Nathan Nogales, a BS Chemistry summa cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman urged his co-honorees to embody the phrase “serve the people” in its fullest sense.

“If we think we will serve for just 5 years and (say) “that’s it, I’m free from the bond” (then) we’re completely missing the point,” said Nogales. “Don’t think about the 5 years. Don’t even think about the bond.”

“Let us serve the people, not out of duty, but out of love,” he furthered.

A Great Morning Breakfast with McDonald's all-new Cheesy Eggdesal

What's good about mornings? Coffee and a full hearty breakfast.

 For Filipinos, nothing beats waking up to a good breakfast that is not only delicious and filling, but one that also brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. 

Starting July 24, Pinoys are in for a breakfast solution that will bring customers the familiar feeling of home, allowing them to enjoy relaxed and worry-free mornings. The all-new Cheesy Eggdesal is the perfect combination of fluffy folded egg and melted cheese in between warm pandesal buns. This new McDonald’s offering is sure to make mornings extra awesome, while giving the energy that one needs to face the day’s challenges.

For only P39, the Cheesy Eggdesal is an affordable and convenient breakfast option for working individuals who are always rushing to go to work and complete their tasks. Not only does it give them a delicious home-style breakfast, it does so without having to empty their pockets. 

Along with the Cheesy Eggdesal, customers can also enjoy their mornings with their Hamdesal favorites – Hamdesal Plain, Hamdesal with Cheese, and Hamdesal with Egg, now made with softer and tastier buns.

Whether you’re an early riser or a ‘savor-every-minute-of-sleep’ kind of person, McDonald’s gives you reasons to look forward to every waking moment with its affordable, filling, and delicious breakfast options.

Enjoy the all-new Cheesy Eggdesal and any of your favorite Breakfast Everyday McSavers from 4:00 AM to 10:30 AM in McDonald’s stores nationwide through Dine-In, Take-out, Drive-Thru, and via McDelivery.

Digging the all-new Cheesy Eggdesal? Share your breakfast experience on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/McDo.ph, or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #McDoBreakfast and #CheesyEggdesal.

Philippines now ranks #36 in International Math Olympiad

Two silvers, two bronzes, an honourable mention, and a piece of national history.

This, as the Philippine delegation capped the 56th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), the hardest and most prestigious math competition in the world, with its best performance since it started competing in 1988.

Adrian Reginald Sy of St. Jude Catholic School and Clyde Wesley Ang of Chiang Kai Shek College scored 21 and 19 points, respectively, to nab two silver medals to lead the winningest team that the country has fielded in the competition. The 56th IMO was held from 4-16 July 2015 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Sy, who netted the country’s third silver medal in the competition last year, is now a two-time IMO silver medalist. Ang, meanwhile, a first-timer in the prestigious competition but a veteran in other international math competitions, won the Philippines’ fifth silver medal in its 27-year participation.

Farrell Eldrian Wu of MGC New Life Christian Academy fell just two points shy of the silver medal cutoff of 19 points to win his second bronze medal in a row. Albert John Patupat of Holy Rosary College likewise scored 15 points to secure a bronze medal. Meanwhile, Kyle Patrick Dulay of Philippine Science High School – Main Campus scored 12 to earn an Honourable Mention.

Team Leader Dr. Jose Ernie Lope and Deputy Team Leader Louie John Vallejo, both of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), guided the national contingent that also fielded Raymond Joseph Fadri of Makati Science High School. The team was selected from the 20 National Finalists of the Philippine Mathematical Olympiad that underwent training in April and May through the Math Olympiad Summer Camp organized by the MSP.

With the victory, the Philippine Team got a total score of 87 and ranked 36 among 104 participating countries. Lope reported that the performance brought the country closer to Southeast Asian powerhouses like Hong Kong (rank 28) and Indonesia (rank 29), and higher than top-mainstays such as Belarus (rank 39) and the Netherlands (rank 43).

The IMO is composed of six problems that the participants solve in two days. Questions come from four subject areas namely geometry, algebra, number theory and combinatorics. Each problem is worth seven points.

“The six problems appearing at the IMO are certainly very difficult that even the easiest of these is several times harder than the math problems that are usually encountered by high school students,” described Lope, who served as the Team Leader of the national team in the past three years.

Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Director Dr. Josette Biyo said the historic accomplishment did not come as a shock and was simply “a fair testament to what young Filipino math wizards are capable of achieving internationally.”

“I am not surprised that we won given the credentials of the members of our Philippine team. They’re all proven winners and we’re very happy that they brought home a historic feat for the nation,” said Biyo.

Biyo also commended the MSP for the marked improvements seen in recent years and expressed optimism that winning the first gold medal is “not farfetched.”

“We are getting there and hence the government will continue its support to these types of programs to ensure that we not only produce winners in the competitions but also in the real world where we need more scientists and engineers,” said Biyo.

The Philippine participation to the IMO was made possible with the partnership of the DOST-SEI and MSP together with the Foundation for the Upgrading of Secondary Education, Metrobank Foundation, Inc., University of the Philippines Diliman - Institute of Mathematics, Ateneo de Manila University - Department of Mathematics, Social Security System, Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines, United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corporation, and Holy Rosary College.

National Science and Technology Week 2015

The Department of Science and Technology has organized and held Science and Technology week celebrations since the 1950s. The event was instituted in 1982 through Presidential Proclamation 2214, which was amended through Republic Act 169 in 1993 to set the National Science and Technology Week every third week of July.

The NSTW aims to bring science and technology closer to the people by letting them experience the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in improving the people’s quality of life, protecting the environment, and contributing to national development, particularly in poverty alleviation.

Moreover, the NSTW highlights the capability of local S&T experts and inspire the youth and other sectors in believing that Filipinos can do it and that local technology works.

Its events and exhibits are the perfect venues for technology developers and investors, as well as S&T service providers and clients, to interact and pursue potential opportunities.

Every NSTW celebration is designed to optimize said opportunities and make S&T a way of life for Filipinos.

The National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2015 will be held on July 24 - 28, 2015 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex. Admission is FREE. for more information on event details and program log on to http://nstw.dost.gov.ph.

60 studes, teachers trained in climate science boot camp

Picking up where they left off last year in terms of developing future climate scientists, the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) again amazed 41 students and 19 teachers in what was described by the participants as a “truly awakening” 2015 Climate Science Youth Camp.

Scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) were joined by meteorologists from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and researchers from De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU) in leading this year’s Camp which was held on 13-21 April in Masinloc, Zambales.

Following the theme “The Ocean in a Warming World”, the Camp sought to encourage students to pursue S&T degrees and careers and instill deep appreciation of S&T as a way to address environmental and societal issues. It featured lectures, and hands-on activities about atmosphere, weather, and ocean, and a two-day exposure trip to tackle souring oceans and marine biodiversity led by UP MSI and PAGASA. The participants were also trained in Participatory Action Research (PAR) courtesy of DLSAU as a social science component of the Camp.

SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo said this year’s theme was in support of the global action for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“We very well know that it is important to expose the youth on the science of climate change for you to have better understanding of your role now and what you can do further as you move forward and choose your paths,” she added.

The lectures given by Camp Director Dr. Aletta Yñiguez of UP MSI and Joseph Basconcillo of PAGASA centered on the following subjects about the earth’s atmosphere: temperature, pressure, rainfall, green house gases, weather, hazards, extreme weather conditions, and automatic weather station (AWS) observation. They also tackled oceanic temperature, circulation, chemistry, marine biology, and focused on issues such as ocean warming, sea level rise, ocean acidification and the impacts of coral bleaching.

Campers were taught how to collect seawater sample for plankton and water quality analysis, concepts on souring of oceans, and basics of snorkeling and had exposure trips to the sea grass community, mangrove forest, and coastal reef.

The Campers were also able to visit the community of San Salvador Island where Campers conducted interviews with fisher folks, boatmen, religious groups, local leaders and other residents for their PAR exercise facilitated by Glenn Banaguas of DLSAU and one of the Outstanding Young Scientists of the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Biyo said that the venue served well for the Camp activities and lauded the local government of Masinloc for its coastal resources management efforts.

Masinloc Mayor Hon. Desiree S. Edora meanwhile thanked DOST-SEI for selecting their municipality as the venue for such a “high-impact” project for the youth.

“Our place also faces challenges in water management, drought and floods, and for our youth to be involved in this activity, we are fortunate and blessed,” said Edora.

Finally, Biyo asked the Campers to bring their learning with them as they pick their courses in college and asked teachers to share their experiences with their fellow educators.

“Let’s put to use this experience by considering going to S&T when you choose your paths in college and career. Your training and gifts will be of help to the country,” Biyo disclosed.

A royal performance from the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV in England

The inaugural FIA Formula E Championship concluded in style, with e.dams-Renault clinching the Teams’ title after Race 1 on Saturday, June 27, thanks to the lights-to-flag victory of pole-winner Sébastien Buemi. The Swiss driver’s points haul of 28 points closed the gap to leader Nelson Piquet Jr to just five units ahead of Sunday’s action. That boosted his confidence, which was lifted further when Buemi got a dry qualifying slot (Q2) for Race 2, while title rival Piquet was slowed by a heavy shower during Q3.

For the first time this season, the drivers faced wet conditions but the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV rose to the occasion to provide the necessary grip. “We’ve been waiting for this sort of weather since the beginning on the championship,” says Serge Grisin, manager of Michelin’s Formula E programme. “We designed the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV to be a very versatile tyre and we finally got the opportunity to see how it performed in a wet qualifying session on Sunday. Technically, that was very important because we wanted to collect data and get feedback from all the drivers. Now we know we met our objective because we received positive praise from everyone.”

The wet session shook up the start order for Race 2, with Stéphane Sarrazin (Venturi) claiming pole position and title challengers Buemi and Piquet starting from sixth and 16th places on the grid respectively. Forty minutes later, after one of the season’s most exciting contests, the Swiss driver and the Brazilian collected fifth and seventh places overall. That was enough for Piquet (144 points) to seal the Drivers’ crown by a single point. The race itself was won by Sam Bird (Virgin Racing), ahead of Jérôme D’Ambrosio who claimed his second strong result of the weekend.

“Congratulations to e.dams-Renault and Nelson Piquet Jr on their historic titles, with Michelin,” said Michelin Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon. “It’s been a very positive first season of Formula E, both for the championship and for Michelin. The spectacle that the organisers, teams and drivers and our tyres delivered to the public was of a very high standard. We are very much looking forward to next season when the cars will benefit from significant technological evolutions, especially with regard to their drivetrain. It is through innovation that Formula E will assert itself as a laboratory working for tomorrow’s mobility.”

Nelson Piquet Jr on the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV tyre:

“These Michelin tyres have been amazing all season. The first time I saw them at Donington last summer, I thought they were rain tyres and that they would move around too much because of their tread pattern. When I tested them, I realised that Michelin had come up with something different to what I had ever experienced before. They delivered a very high level of performance and efficiency for these fast, innovative cars despite the weight of the batteries.

“Over the season, we came across all sorts of slippery, inconsistent types of surface but we could always count on our tyres. What surprised me most was that even under heavy braking, even when I locked my wheels, I never felt any vibrations through the steering. Here at Battersea Park, they performed flawlessly despite the huge constraints they had to cope with. The contact patch is very small, so racing drivers need to know they can depend on their tyres. I was certainly able to count on these Formula E Michelins!”

The Minions are Back: Took Over McDonald's

The Minions are back and they have officially taken over McDonald’s!

Literally! After we attended the Sunday Mass, my little boy Ivan asked me if we can go to McDonald's at SMCalamba. And if possible, if he could buy a Happy Meal which I agreed.

Wow! I was so amazed because every customer on the line is ordering a Happy Meal not just 1 but sometimes 4 or 5 orders. Yeah! its because of these adorable little creatures, I think. Ivan was so grateful to me because he now have his very first Minion Happy Meal toy, on top of the fresh and crispy McDonalds fried chicken. 

A full Minions experience awaits, as Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, stars of the Minions Movie, bring us the Minions Banana Festival. Get ready to go bananas every time you enter a McDonald’s store with the new Minions Happy Meal toys —10 Minions collectibles now available in-store— and the Minions Combos featuring an array of Minions-themed desserts.

Pair a classic like McDonald’s World Famous Fries with the all-new Minions-themed desserts and you get the perfect snack combination for you and your friends. Try the new Honey Banana McFloat, a sweet and refreshing banana and honey flavored drink topped with vanilla soft serve, through the Minions Medium Fries ‘N McFloat Combo for only Php65.

In the mood for a McFlurry? Go for the Minions Medium Fries ‘N McFlurry Combo for only Php95. You have a choice between two new and exciting McFlurry flavors. Discover the Banana McFlurry with Oreo where a classic gets a banana-licious twist, as banana flavor is mixed with Oreo bits in vanilla soft serve. You can also have the Banana Crumble McFlurry, made with crushed graham and banana flavor blended in creamy vanilla soft serve.

Just like Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, great things come in threes and so do our Minions Combos. So grab your friends and enjoy the Minions BFF Fries ‘N McFloat Combo (Php165) or the Minions BFF Fries ‘N McFlurry Combo (Php225).

McDonald’s is also introducing the Minions Banana McDip, a delicious vanilla soft serve covered in banana-flavored dip on a blue wafer cone—one of the cutest dessert items you’ll ever see and taste for only Php15.

Head over to McDonald’s to see the Minions Movie come to life! Bring the entire family or barkada and find a Minions treat for everyone. Minions Happy Meal and limited-edition menu offers are all available in McDonald’s stores nationwide.

Share your love for the Minions at McDonald’s via the official Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/mcdo.ph, or by tagging @McDo_PH to your sweet and funny McDo moments on Twitter or Instagram. #MinionsAtMcDo

Revisiting Baguio City: Day 2

The main purpose of our Baguio trip was because my niece Patty will take her Fine Arts talent test at UP Baguio. She just passed UPCAT and she was destined for Baguio although her preference is to forego her UPCAT admission and pursue the Certificate in Fine Arts Program in UP Diliman. According to her, Diliman still is her top choice because here is where are the "true artsy artsy" peeps. But she did not indicate Diliman as a campus choice for better chances of admission (ha!ha! mind busting decisions). Anyway, while awaiting the result of her Diliman talent test, she needs to confirm with the UP Baguio schedule.

We also tagged along "Tatay", despite he has some difficulty walking lately he enjoys going out with us on family trip. My mother prefers to stay home and look after her sari-sari store. Actually, its true that not all of us the whole family members go out on a trip at one-time, just a myth or belief.

Ate Flor and my niece Patty headed to UP Baguio today while we took our time going around the usual tourists spots: Mansion, House, Wright Park, Botanical Garden and the Manor Hotel at Camp John Hay.

 Late afternoon, we visited my friend Queenie her delicious pork BBQ. The whole family like it so much and after the very first time we tasted it, its one of those we've been always looking forward everytime we visit her. And we were all caught up in our endless chats that we forgot to take photos. Never mind, at least we wouldn't know that there'll be differences in our looks years after years.

At night my siblings went to the night market. I was left at home to look after the kids and Tatay.

Yeah! one of the highlights of Baguio trip is endless shopping of delicacies and souvenir items.

Revisiting Baguio City: Day 1

Baguio City is popularly known as the summer capital of the Philippines because this is where locals and tourists alike flocked during hot summer months.

I've been to Baguio for the nth time. It was my usual destination escapade during summer and semestral breaks while studying in UP Los Banos. I have  a friend, in fact considered to be my best friend and "kumare" Queenie Laranang-Ayeras, who is from Baguio. So accomodation had never been a problem.

Today we're off to Baguio City for a family trip. The last time we we're here was seven years ago. It will be the little boys (Ivan - my son, and JM - my nephew) first Baguio trip so they are more than excited just like the rest of us. Its the wee hour of Sunday morning (Pacquiao-Mayweather fight), we left Calamba at 4am and believe it, we are at Balintawak exit at 5am. That's just 1 hour travel for the usual 3- 4 hour time on ordinary days. There is no traffic along South Expressway nor at EDSA. Probably most people are still at the comfort of their beds at home, still sleeping and energizing, and getting ready to watch the biggest boxing fight accordingly.

We reached Baguio at 9:30am. It was a very beautiful Sunday morning, something that brings back all the fond memories I had been here. Although, it was saddening that after several years gone is the city I've known and admired so much. The pace that literally let me experience the pine scent and sight of beautiful flowers and lush greenery. Baguio City now looks like a cramped neighborhood with residential houses and buildings occupying even the very top of the hills and the mountains. What I can see now was the rapid rise of commercialization as they say equates to development. There are many high-rise buildings, a big mall, souvenir shops that are scattered everywhere.

Ivan's first taste of strawberry taho!

We had lunch at a restaurant near Burnham Park (beware: I urge you not to dine at Ganza Restaurant) because the service is very poor. They served the food order so slow, saying their under-manned (ha!ha! blamed it on the huge flock of tourists in the city), and the food suck! We're so excited, we ordered "chopsuey" (to have that taste of real fresh veggies), but we have to return twice the food that was served and requested for exchange because the serving bowl and the veggies (cabbage in particular had a smell and taste and taste of "suds"). When I went to use the toilet, I passed-by their kitchen area and I think the culprit was there. Plates, bowls and utensils are not washed in running water but instead in a big basin, no wonder.

It began to rain and it pours hard the whole afternoon, with matching lightning and thunderstorms. Anyway, we all just tucked ourselves in bed, watched cable TV programs and enjoy the cool weather. Its mid-summer time and most hotels and lodging houses are fully-booked. Too good we're able to get a transient house just walking distance from The Mines View Park at very affordable rate. It has two big rooms, 10 of us (8 adults and 2 kids) perfectly fit, with cushioned beddings; hot shower bath; living room area; dining and kitchen area (with free use of cooking utensils and dinner wares).

Tomorrow, hopefully the sun will shine bright and its time to explore Baguio once again.