Domex and its 1 Million Clean Toilets

Toilet sanitation: A major health hurdle in the Philippines

If having a clean toilet is a sign of a progressive country, we have some serious cleaning up to do. In other countries, that I have been to, I always ended up to some pristine clean white comfort rooms, not to mention that they smelled divine too, and that is a public toilet for you. In here, in order to access clean toilet with some tissue, hand lotion, rubbing alcohol and a hand sanitizer you have to shell out php10 or php20 to do your deed. Who would have to use a stinky toilet, its a breeding ground for bacteria and diseases like diarrhea, influenza, hepatitis A and even STD's.

The best thing that we can do is always bring a packet of wet wipes and a hand sanitizer in going to the public comfort room. In lieu with this, Domex has partnered with UNICEF and the Philippine Public Health Association (PPHA) to advocate the 1 Million Clean Toilets Movement, a campaign that educates the public on the health impacts of germ-free toilets and secures one million pledges from households, government agencies and private corporations to conscientiously maintain clean, safe, and hygienic bathrooms.

L-R: Ms. Malou Orezca (Board of Director-Phil. Public Health), Dr.Mike Gnilo (UNICEF’S Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Specialist), Mr. Chito Macapagal (Vice President for Corp. Affairs), and Mr. Jay Go (Marketing Director for UNILEVER Home Care)

A joint monitoring report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization reveals that 26% of Filipino households do not have toilets. UNICEF WASH Specialist Dr. Mike Gnilo said it is imperative to address the country’s lack of clean toilets. “More than 8% of these households practice open defecation which threatens water resources. In some communities, toilets are also shared by more than a dozen families which make them harder to maintain.”

To compound the problem, over 90% of households do not practice proper toilet hygiene and sanitation. Many residents and sanitation managers clean toilets using only detergents and thin bleaches which do not kill disease-spreading germs.

“A number of the country’s public toilets are in need of cleaning and maintenance. These include inaccessible restrooms in parks, museums, commercial centers and tourist destinations,” said PPHA Director Maluh Orezca during a Bulong Pulungan media forum at Hotel Sofitel in Pasay City.

“We at Domex believe that prompt action against diarrheal diseases, unclean toilets and unsanitary toilet practices can significantly decrease health risks and improve lives,” said Jay Go, marketing director for Unilever Home Care, noting that in the Philippines, more than 2,000 children under five die annually from diarrhea as a result of germ-infested toilets that contaminate water resources.

To raise awareness on diarrheal diseases and their prevention, Domex will conduct activities throughout the year to educate and train households on proper toilet sanitation. These will also show the advantages of using a dedicated toilet-cleaning agent such as Domex in disinfecting the toilet and preventing the spread of disease-causing germs.

Full force against diarrheal diseases
In line with the objectives of its 1 Million Clean Toilets Movement, Domex partners with establishments for massive cleanup and information drives. Kicking off the campaign is a series of restroom cleanup activities at Shell NLEX/SLEX stations throughout the Holy Week and summer months, a tie-up with major hospitals such as Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital for information dissemination and other activities, as well as partnerships with dining establishments to further reinforce their commitment to public health through proper toilet sanitation.

Along with the cleanup rounds, Domex will educate the public on ways to clean their household toilet properly through various media platforms. These will serve as references for those who are interested to learn about the fight against diarrheal diseases.

These activities will culminate with the World Toilet Day celebrations in November where Domex hopes to garner 1 million clean toilet pledges from households, government agencies and private institutions. Unilever Philippines hopes to add this number to their envisioned 1 Billion Better Lives by 2020, in their thrust to create improved, sustainable living around the globe.

If you want to take part on DOMEX’s pledge on Facebook, every click DOMEX will donate P5.00 contribution to UNICEF’S sanitation program.

Filipino Figure Skater Michael Christian Martinez Wins Gold in Slovenia

Homegrown Olympian Bags Gold in Slovenia Tourney

Michael Christian Martinez (center) (Photo from Martinez’s Facebook Page)

Homegrown Olympian Michael Christian Martinez bagged the gold in the recently held Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Jesenice, Slovenia. The 18-year old Martinez finished the free skate finals in the Senior Men’s category with a score of 195.13 points, besting Japan, United Kingdom, Korea, Austria and Norway.

“I thank God for this blessing, another gold medal in the senior event. I’m very happy I made it to first place,” Martinez said on his Facebook page.
With the Triglav Trophy, Martinez now has three gold medals in the senior level which includes the recent Skate Helena in Serbia and the Crystal Skate in 2012 in Romania.

Filipino American Samantha Cabiles finished 6th in the Junior Ladies’ category out of 21 skaters with a score of 100.04 points.
The Philippine Skating Union (PhSU), which is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU) named  Martinez and Cabiles as the country’s representatives to the Triglav Trophy.

Every year since 1992, the Triglav Trophy gathers over 100 of the best young figure skaters from all over the world. The competition is hosted in Jesenice ice hall Podmežakla and has its roots in 1992.
Martinez took up figure skating when he was eight, inspired by skaters spinning and jumping while shopping with his mother at SM Southmall. He began training in 2010 in the United States and since then his lifelong dream has been to win an Olympic medal. Martinez has garnered over 190 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions.

Samantha Cabiles  (Photo from Cabiles' Facebook Page)

Cabiles, who was born in Hawaii and is now based in Michigan started skating since she was 11. Of Filipino decent, Cabiles also competes in the Philippine Nationals and recently ranked second in the 2013 Philippine National Figure Skating Championships held at SM Mall of Asia every year. Cabiles also placed 10th in the Junior category of the recent Dragon Trophy competition in Ljubjana, Slovenia in February 2014. She trains in Toronto, Canada.  Due to her high and powerful jumps, she earned the moniker, “The Skating Gazelle”.

SM has been the primary supporter of the PhSU since the latter was established in 2005. SM also provides a venue for the events of PhSU for the promotion of ice skating in the Philippines. PhSU received accreditation from the ISU in 2006, coinciding with the opening of the SM Mall of Asia skating rink that year.  In turn, PhSU, as the sole governing body for Figure and Speed Skating provides SM and its ice skating rinks with marketing tools such as local and international skating events and its network of skating athletes.

Through the years, SM and the PhSU have conducted several figure skating competitions that have given birth to international champions such as Martinez.
The PhSU is the governing body in the country for figure skating and speed skating. It is a member of the ISU which is the exclusive international sports federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The ISU administers speed and figure skating throughout the world. It is composed of a number of national organizations called ISU members who administer ISU sports at the national level.

The excellence demonstrated by skaters especially during competitions is a mark of quality that the SM Skating Rink can provide with its world-class venue and facilities. Property conglomerate SM Prime Holdings, Inc. operates skating rinks through SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, and SM Southmall in Las Pinas.

File your Income Tax Returns On or Before April 15

BIR Keeps April 15 Deadline, urges taxpayers to file early to avoid long lines 

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares reminds all Filipinos that the BIR is keeping its April 15 deadline for filing their income tax returns (ITR) despite falling within the Holy Week.

Failure to submit their ITRs, Henares says will result in a penalty of 25 percent and 20 percent interest per annum.

Income tax is a portion of the gross income that is taxed by the government. The ITR breaks down the respective deductions from the gross income to arrive at the income tax that must be paid.
The BIR chief hopes that with its reinforced campaign against tax cheats, taxpayers would file and pay their correct taxes this time.

“We’ve been very consistent with the actions that we’re taking, it’s not just a flash in the pan. Hopefully people would take that very seriously,” Henares said in a news report.
It is the duty of all income earning Filipino citizens—including employees, self-employed and big business—to settle their tax obligations, which account for the bulk of government revenues.
The basic obligation of everyone is to pay taxes and the orderly way of paying taxes is through the filing of tax returns.

The BIR is tasked to collect a record P176.51 billion in taxes next month, higher by 18 percent compared with its above-target P148.99-billion revenues in the same month last year.
With its reinforced drive Henares, meanwhile, is hopeful BIR could again exceed the year’s largest monthly collection goal in April, where also deadline for filing ITRs falls.
Last April 2013, the BIR surpassed its target by 4.4 percent and registered a 28 percent year-on-year growth. This year, the BIR is tasked to collect another record P1.456 trillion in taxes, higher by 19 percent compared with its actual revenue take last year.

Learn more about Taxation with this FAQ from GMA NEWS ONLINE 

1. What constitutes taxable income?
According to the amended Tax Code, or the National Internal Revenue Code, taxable income refers to the items of gross income without the personal exemptions and other forms of deductions. (See No. 2)
Gross income includes compensation for services, such as fees, salaries and commissions; income   from business, trade or exercise of profession; interests; rent; royalties; and prizes.
Not included in gross income are life insurance, compensation for illness or sickness, and retirement benefits.
The basic categories of taxable income are compensation income (payments for  employer-employee relationship in the form of wages and salaries), business, trade and professional income (outside the employer-employee relationship), and passive income (interests from foreign and local currency bank deposits, royalties, prizes, dividends, and capital gains from shares of stock.)
Incentives—such as 13th month pay, bonuses, and other benefits—are not taxed separately from the gross income.

2. What are gross income deductions?
Only premium payments for health and hospitalization are excluded from the gross compensation income of individuals.
Deducted from the gross business and professional income are expenses paid for business or trade, including wages, salaries, and benefits of employees. Also deducted are interest on debt, taxes paid—except income tax—losses from transactions in shares of stock, depreciation or wear and tear of property, and charitable contributions.
No deductions are made under passive income.

By law employees, businesses and professionals are entitled to personal and additional exemptions.

Singles and married couples as well as those who are single or legally separated but supporting others under 21 years old or those physically or mentally challenged are entitled to a personal exemption valued at P50,000.

Individuals may also get a P25,000 additional exemption for each legitimate, illegitimate or legally adopted child as long as number of dependents do not exceed four.

3. Where can employees get a refund for excess payment of income tax?
Tax refunds must be coordinated with employers and not with the BIR.
Taxpayers may use that refund to pay their next income tax, or they may not pursue the refund so it could be used as additional government fund.

4. Who may file their income tax returns?
Resident or non-resident citizens as well as expatriates who receive income from sources in the Philippines are required to submit their ITR.
Domestic corporations which generate income within and outside the Philippines, as well as foreign firms earning within the country, are also required by law to file an ITR.

5.  Who are not required to file their ITRs?
Exempted from filing ITRs are minimum wage earners, an individual whose gross income is not more than his or her total personal and additional exemptions, those whose income has been subjected to a final withholding tax, and those qualified under “substituted filing.”
A withholding tax is “prescribed on certain income payments and is not creditable against the income tax due of the payee on other income subject to regular rates of tax for the taxable year,” according to the bureau.
Overseas Filipino workers do not earn their income within the country and are thus exempted from filing an ITR.
For more detailed explanations check out http://www.bir.gov.ph/taxinfo/tax_income.htm

Experience Magnum: The Pleasure Maker

INDULGE AT MAGNUM MANILA

The first thing that comes to mind when you say Magnum is the creamiest, "chocolate-iest" ice cream that is well loved all over the world.

Since it launched 2 years ago , everyone has been talking about Magnum as if you have never taste ice cream until you have tasted one of Magnum's several variants. So imagine my surprise when I found out that Magnum will be opening its own first Pleasure Store in the Philippines.

A pleasure store redefines the Magnum experience by allowing its guests to create their own custom magnum bars. The Magnum Pleasure Stores have since been executed in world class cities including London, Paris, Shanghai, Mexico City, Hamburg, Milan, Jakarta and now in the Philippines. Picture all the toppings that you have in mind, starting from nuts, fruits, gold nuggets, sea salt to chili flakes for the adventurous taste buds. Go and prepare to meet the pleasure maker at the Magnum Cafe. Share your experience this summer.

If there’s anything we’ve learned about Magnum thus far, it’s that it never fails to impress. Since its launch in Manila two years ago, Magnum has become the name (and ice cream) on everybody’s lips – and rightly so. The luxurious taste of velvety ice cream and real Belgian chocolate put together in one smooth, decadent bar is enough to keep any Magnum fan clamoring for more. This year, the Golden age of Magnum not only excites everybody with a massive launch of the Magnum Gold, but also gives its fans the ultimate brand experience by taking them into what they call Magnum Manila.

In premium locations all over the world, special pop-up stores called Magnum Pleasure Stores have been the most awaited ice cream experience worldwide. With its unique design and its wide array of tasty dishes, Magnum Pleasure Stores have become a go-to hotspot in its respective host cities – from Milan and Cannes to New York and London. Finally, it’s our turn to hold that golden ticket, as Magnum announces the arrival of our own pleasure store, Magnum Manila.

Why “Pleasure Store”? Because that is exactly what it is. Though each store varies in size, shape, and design, what binds them together is the most exciting part of all. Magnum Manila will afford customers the chance to create their very own Magnum bar. Indulge in the ultimate Magnum Experience through Make your own Magnum which grants you the luxury of tailoring your Magnum to best satisfy your sweet desires. Have your say by selecting from the most varied and sophisticated toppings you’ll come across which include the Magnum classics like almonds & crushed chocolate chip cookies as well special choices like freeze dried raspberries or gold nuggets not to mention experimental toppings, like chili flakes or sea salt, for those craving a bit more adventure. However way you want it, this is the place to indulge.

Now open at Aura’s SkyPark Dining, Magnum Manila delivers its own special take on the Pleasure Store, featuring the sleek, modern architecture of Ed Calma. As for the man behind the savory dishes on the Magnum Manila menu, Magnum is proud to announce the collaboration with executive chef of Chef Cuisine catering and owner of Nomama, Chef Him Uy de Baron. As well as the man who created all the dessert dishes, Chef Miko Aspiras who is an award winning pastry Chef in global competitions and is one of the pastry chefs of a premier hotel in the country. With these names behind the project, Magnum Manila is an exhibition of no less than Manila’s greatest talents.

 Carrying on the success of Pleasure Stores around the world, Magnum Manila is sure to be the next big thing to look out for in the Metro. With each visit a unique experience is made. As summer rolls in, what could be more perfect than indulging in a cold, luxurious Belgian chocolate bar of Magnum made with the finest and most premium ingredients, just the way you like it? With Magnum Manila underway, we’re in for a real treat.

Magnum Manila website: www.magnum.com.ph & www.makemymagnum.com

Jack Bauer Returns to 24: Live Another Day

JACK BAUER IS COMING BACK ON PHILIPPINE TELEVISION VIA JACKCITY

The Emmy Award-winning franchise 24 returns to Philippine television’s this May 6 on JackCITY with 24:Live Another Day. Following the mission of agent Jack Bauer as played by Kiefer Sutherland, this thrilling 12-episode event series restarts the ticking clock and continues the high-octane saga on location in London.

Airing the same day as the U.S., Filipino 24 fans will not be left behind on the action with JackCITY airing 24:Live Another Day exclusively via satellite starting May 6 at 1PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM.

Over the course of its run 24 has been nominated for a total of 73 Emmy Awards. In 2006 the series won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, and Sutherland collected the award for Outstanding Lead Actor – Drama Series.  Originally premiering back in 2001, the show has garnered 12 Golden Globe Award nominations, winning for Best Television Series – Drama in 2004, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama (Sutherland) in 2002.

By the time its eighth season concluded in 2010, 24 had become the longest-running espionage-themed television drama ever.

As it returns to television this 2014, 24:Live Another Day looks to be another suspense-filled, pulse-pounding, fast-paced addition to the franchise with split screens and interweaving storylines. Set several years after the events of the previous season, 24:Live Another Day follows Jack Bauer, now an exile, as he once again puts his life on the line to thwart an unthinkable terrorist attack that could change the world forever.

24:Live Another Day premieres exclusively via satellite starting May 6 at 1PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM on JackCITY

Contours deal with real clients who want real results

Dr. Claudine Roura

Everyone wants to lose weight, look and feel good inside and out. Looking good brings out the confidence in you. With the slimming salons, sprouting out in the metro.  You have to check what deliver good results for your money. If you want to lose weight on the waist, thighs, abdomen, tummy, buttocks, and simply want to get rid of the unwanted fats.  Its time to visit  Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute.


Dr. Claudine Roura, managing director of Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute and Zerona Laser Slimming and Aesthetics, defies the usual celebrity-endorser strategy to popularize her clinics. Instead, she relies on the power of word-of-mouth endorsements and the Internet’s massive reach.

“Setting up the business is easy, especially if you have the capital. The hardest part is making it run,” Roura said. She opened the Contours clinic in November 2008 after a short stint at Las Piñas Hospital in Metro Manila. Before venturing into this business, Roura said, it was foremost in her mind that hers should be “unique.”

Being totally different from the rest of celebrity-powered competition was not an option because, according to her, “We are not being endorsed by major artista [actors and actresses]. We have no fancy gimmicks. We deal more with real clients who want real results.”

Roura is a cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist based in Manila. She is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and the Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery, with a medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and dermatology residency training at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila.

Roura’s training included one on cosmetic surgery under distinguished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Raul Guanzon, a fellow of the Philippine Society for Cosmetic Surgery. She also underwent further training in dermatologic surgery under a training program of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery with Dr. Sorin Eremia in Riverside, California, in July 2003.

Having a keen interest in phlebology, Roura was awarded the 2005 Walter de Groot Phlebology Fellowship. She finished her fellowship under renowned dermatologic surgeon and phlebologist Dr. Robert Weiss at the Maryland Laser, Skin and Vein Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, in October 2005.

Roura’s clinics have the regular menu of services for face and body enhancement. What apparently makes her practice stand out from the rest is her mastery of the art of body contouring. Her clientele, which includes foreigners, want to look “perfectly contoured.”

Herself sporting a svelte, to-die-for figure, her clinics use Vaser High-Definition Liposculpture (Vaser Hi-Def), an advanced contouring technique, performed with ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technology (Liposelection, Vaser). Since high-definition liposculpture is designed to be a sculpting procedure rather than a debulking technique, the appropriate candidate is the person who has good muscle tone without excessive amounts of fat or lax skin. Vaser Hi-Def is most effective for those who are already physically fit, and seek to add an even greater, more chiseled and sculpted look.

Laserfit is a holistic approach to weight loss and body contouring.  This is a combination of non invasive full body cold laser exposure to melt fat, 10 minute interval training workout to burn fats, and proper nutritional recommendations

Cold laser (Zerona) exposure releases fat from the body for 3 days.  Daily 10 minute workouts are recommended to  burn fats, trim down and lose weight.

You will begin to see improvement after the second session, you will notice your clothes getting lose,  this is an indicator of fat loss.  Results may vary depending on weight and fat conditions

PROTOCOL
40 minute Zerona 2-3x a week
10 minute interval training workout
10 minute vibrafit exercises
Daily 10 minute workouts at home
7 inch diet plate recommendations or structured meal plan 5 day slimming
Behavioral modification techniques

The target of Laserfit is Fat loss, This s evident in your clothing getting lose or your clothes being 1-2 sizes down.

We recommend at least 8-9 sessions of laserfit,  within 1 month we can shrink you down 1-2 sizes.
Focus is fat loss,  weight ;loss is a bonus. With regular excecises you only start to see improvement usually after 6 weeks with noticeable results in 3 months. With Laserfit see results as early as the second week.

Visit Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute at SM Megamall Bldg. A Branch, 5th Level, SM Megamall Bldg. A, SM Megamall EDSA corner Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong, MM.
Phone Number :  (+63 2) 635-4984

Godzilla's Monstrous Spine and Tail

NEW ARTWORKS FOCUS ON “GODZILLA'S” SPINE, TAIL

Three, new marketing artworks for the upcoming spectacular adventure “Godzilla” have just been revealed online by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. The materials showcase Godzilla's monstrous spine and tail, plus a banner that spells out the title in bold, picture-letters. Check them out here!

An epic rebirth to Toho's iconic Godzilla, the film pits the world's most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Gareth Edwards directs “Godzilla,” which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson (“Kick-Ass”), Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (“The Last Samurai,” “Inception”), Elizabeth Olsen (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”), Oscar winner Juliette Binoche (“The English Patient”), and Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), with Oscar nominee David Strathairn (“The Bourne Legacy”) and Bryan Cranston (“Argo,” TV’s “Breaking Bad”).

Edwards directs from a screenplay by Max Borenstein and Oscar nominee Frank Darabont (“The Green Mile”), story by David Callaham and Max Borenstein, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO CO., LTD. Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni are producing with Mary Parent and Brian Rogers. Patricia Whitcher and Alex Garcia are serving as executive producers, alongside Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira.

Slated to open across the Philippines on May 15, 2014, the film is expected to be presented in 3D, 2D and IMAX in select theatres and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd.
Legendary Pictures is a division of Legendary Entertainment.

Neurobion Raises Awareness on Neuropathy

Louie Roxas GM for Consumer Health Merck, Debbie Go Head of Commercial Mktg Merck, Loy Dy-Buncio Brand Mgr of Neurobion, Art Dapasen Sales Manager and Dr. Gio Baranga, Medical Director Merck 2.

The symptoms of Neuropathy include pangangawit, pamamanhid and tusok-tusok in the hands, arms and legs. The discomfort is often felt in the morning, making it hard to get out of bed. If you have felt one of these symptoms, then you must be afflicted of Neuropathy which was sometimes misdiagnosed. You can take multivitamins to prevent the  above discomfort but the best vitamins to target the nerves to take the pain away and most prescribed vitamins by doctors for years now is Neurobion, I can attest to this having worked in  hospital wards.

Neurobion is a Vitamin B-Complex with Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 that helps maintain healthy nerves, promote efficient nerve function, and reduce pain in the arms and hands caused by Neuropathy.

sexbomb dancers

 The dance generation of the 90s, UMD, Manoeuvres and Sexbomb reunited on March 31, 2014 for neuropathy campaign. They danced, gyrated, played games and proven that neuropathy is not a hindrance to what they do best, when Neurobion is around.

With each tablet, it is clinically proven that Neurobion balanced formulation of nerve nourishing vitamins acts at the root of these problems.

Who would forget Wowie Cruz and James Salas of Universal Motion Dancers.

Oh well the most loved Manoeuvres led by Joshua Zamora and Jon Supan.

Sexbomb Dancers dancing to their famous Sexbomb led by Jopay Paguia.

With the incidence of Neuropathy increasing among Filipinos, the Neuropathy Awareness Movement, spearheaded by Neurobion®, aims to raise awareness on the symptoms and effects of nerve damage. Pangangawit, pamamanhid and tusok-tusok may make it difficult to move, but now you can take action. With clinically proven Neurobion®, you can help prevent these symptoms so you can move freely, perform at your best, and feel the joy of living again.

Protect your Lives with Pureit Excella

Whenever I visit my parent’s house, the first thing that always catches my eye is their humongous and primitive looking water purifier with a bunch of stones the size of my fist that are supposed to filter water. ,

It’s actually the second water purifier they bought upon the “suggestion” of my father’s physician, saying you can never be too sure about the quality of the water being sold at those water purifying stations.

It also scared me a bit because when I saw it a couple of months back, it actually looks like there’s already a pond (complete with living organisms) inside as some of the grey stones already turned brown, which is perhaps an indication that it’s time to replace them after giving them clean water for the past five years.

Now they have no choice but to buy from those stations as getting a new purifier can be quite expensive and they couldn’t find an authorized service center to get replacement parts.

Since then I’ve been on the lookout for a new water purifier that can easily be maintained by my senior-aged parents and doesn’t look as intimidating as their older ones.

Fortunately, I got invited to the launch of Unilever’s Pureit Excella, a safe and easier way to purify water, without the menacing look of older purifier models.

Unilever’s Pureit is actually is the largest selling brand of in-home water purifiers in the world, and after years of just reading about it, the brand is finally available in the Philippines!

Safe drinking water: a global concern

Despite the advancements in technology, it’s a sad fact that in developing countries, over 884 million people, including 16 million Filipinos, have no access to clean and safe drinking water, what’s even scarier is that around 80 percent of diseases are water borne.

In 2010, the United Nations declared that “access to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life” and one of the Millennium Development Goals is to halve, by 2015, the proportion of population without sustainable access to safe drinking water—but that is much easier said than done.

Accepting that global challenge, Unilever’s technical experts across global research centers in the United Kingdom and India worked with technology partners, government bodies, and scientific and public health institutions to develop Pureit - an effective and affordable solution that provides access to safe, clean drinking water.

Today, Pureit helps protect more than 45 million lives, and is the world’s largest selling in-home water purifier brand, creating a global footprint across 13 countries including India, Brazil, Mexico, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Nigeria and Kenya.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health revealed that waterborne diseases remain a severe public health concern with about 4,200 deaths and 770,000 cases of illness each year from water borne diseases since only one in every five households in 24 provinces gets water from unsafe and questionable sources.

This explains why most Filipino households, including my family, do not trust tap water for drinking, forcing us to rely on those expensive drinking water from water refilling stations, which we don’t even know where they are getting as well. Roughly 20% of urban households boil water taken from the tap, which is however an even more expensive and riskier practice.

“Central to Unilever’s mission to make sustainable living common place all over the world, we are launching Pureit to provide Filipino families with access to guaranteed clean and safe drinking water, as certified by both international and local health institutions like the Department of Health and the Philippine Public Health Association,” said Brian Duruin, Pureit brand manager.

How does Pureit work?

Pureit Excella converts potentially dangerous tap water into drinking water—that includes rain water, water from deep wells as well as tap water--by purifying water twice, giving users complete germ protection.

The first level of purification consists of three simple yet valuable layers of protection where water initially passes through the Germkill Processor that disinfects the water of almost all bacteria, viruses and germs. Next, it passes through the Advanced Microfiber Mesh that filters out precipitates such as visible and invisible dust and dirt particles, as well as metallic impurities. Lastly, the Carbon Polisher removes pesticides, chlorine, and odor from the water, before it goes to the second level of purification.

The second level purification is performed by the Micro-charged Membrane, which further purifies the water by removing any remaining parasites or bacteria—assuring families of protection against diseases. The end product is clear, fresh, and natural-tasting water that’s free from harmful agents.

As a tabletop device, using Pureit Excella also eliminates the hassle of buying expensive water from water refilling stations and the associated risk of contamination through unclean containers or storage rooms.

But perhaps the most impressive part of Excella is that it is actually the only non-electric water purifier that meets the microbiological safety norms criteria of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the regulatory body with the most stringent standards for safe drinking water all over the world.

Oh and did I mention that it only costs less than the price of other bulkier water purifiers out there? Purchasing a Germkill Kit (which is only the part you need to replace) costs just P1,000 and is already good for P1,500 liters of water.

I’ve been using a Pureit Excella for a few weeks and I could say I’ve never appreciated the simplicity of just pouring tap water into my Excella, instead of having to call the nearest refilling station, waiting for half an hour, and lifting that heavy 5 gallon container just to enjoy a glass of water.

Just a quick note though, don’t be alarmed by the faint plastic-like or chlorine-like smell of the water the first few times you use it as the scent goes away after a few water cycles. Just do the initial water cycle five times before using the Excella.

The Unilever PureIt Excella costs P5,000 and now available at Abenson. For more information about Unilever PureIt, log on to http://www.pureitwater.com/PH/.

Sprinto your Summer Accessory

Sprinto’s Countdown to Summer

With summer fast approaching, people all over the country are gearing up for the hottest season in style and sport.

Fashion barometers and gurus have already given their cues; iridescence, mesh and the terms “power pretty” and “fashion is my art” are at the forefront of summer 2014’s trends.

Fashion forward or not, summer is the perfect way for people to change their wardrobe.  While entire wardrobe changes can be costly per season, accessories provide a great way to add a little bit of summer to your attire.

Summer also beckons the sweaty athlete in everyone, making it the perfect season for sport and fashion to merge.

That’s why this summer, Sprinto is claiming the season as the accessory to grab with their newest brand ambassadors’ world class athlete Phil Younghusband and America’s Top Model Allison Harvard, being respective symbols of impeccable fashion  and stylish athleticism.

Both were present at the Sprinto’s Countdown to Summer at SM North The Block where Sprinto held a meet and greet for both young celebs.

Other activities of Sprinto’s Countdown to Summer included the launch of the Sprinto kiosk at SM North, the launch of the Sprinto “Color Clash” summer campaign and a “swap your sunnies” area where mall goers could exchange any pair of shades they owned for a pair of Sprintos for free.

Sprinto also showed off some of their latest collections for summer, including the York, Maine and Oga.

Aside from those, Sprinto’s styles are wide ranging, catering to different tastes and personalities. Named after cities, some of the most popular styles include the Hawaii, Perth, Prague, Venice, Manila and the pure wood Wayfarer, Foshan.

Phil Younghusband said of the brand, “It’s great to be part of the Sprinto family.  Their styles definitely stand out and I can’t wait to try all their styles”

While Allison Harvard, arguably one of the most successful models to come from “America’s Next Top Model” shared “My eyes are a little sensitive to the sun which is why I love and adore eyewear so much. Becoming an Ambassador for Sprinto is the perfect partnership for me.”

Pawlo Misolas, Marketing Director for Sprinto shared about the brand, “We’re so excited to be bringing in Phil and Allison into the Sprinto family.  Their dedication to their respective fields and their common passion for style are what made them perfect for the brand.”

Sprinto’s styles are wide ranging, catering to different tastes and personalities.  Named after cities, some of the most popular styles include the Hanoi, Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka and Manila.  The designs are literally world class, inspired by different fashion cultures across the globe.

All of Sprinto’s shades come with high quality Polycarbonate frames and contain iDefine Polarized lenses (anti-glare) which cut glare and haze allowing for greater comfort and visibility.



About Sprinto

What started as a watch brand in Hong Kong has since established itself as an expert in creating fashionable quality eye wears since launching in Manila in 2002


Sprinto offers not only top of the line quality, but beauty and practical functionality as well. Sprinto believes in bringing utmost comfort and safety to all its customers, sparing nothing less than the best colors, design and quality, while still making it unbelievably affordable.

Presently, Sprinto eye wears are available in major fashion hubs such as Manila, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Optica International Trading Corporation profile

For over 33 years, Optica International Trading Corporation has been a leader in the low-range and mid-range sunglasses industry. Countless years have been spent to deliver only the finest sunglasses in the market.

It all comes down to what our company stands for – intelligence, awareness and style. Intelligence in the way we build our sunglasses; with only the finest, durable frame material and highest quality lenses. Awareness in the way we run our company and being socially responsible with our non-profit projects. And for style, we like to let our products speak for itself.


Resources:
www.sprintoworld.com                        
www.facebook.com/sprintoworld

"Blended" Rolls Out Wacky Teaser Posters

“BLENDED” ROLLS OUT WACKY TEASER POSTERS

The teaser posters for Warner Bros. Pictures' new romantic comedy “Blended” starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are now out. The humor-filled one-sheets individually feature Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in acts of wackiness. His has the tagline “Single Dad, No Clue” while hers “Single Mom, Flying Solo.”

“Blended” marks the third comedy collaboration between Sandler and Barrymore, following their successful onscreen pairings in the hit romantic comedies “50 First Dates” and “The Wedding Singer.”
In the film, after a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren (Barrymore) and Jim (Sandler) agree on only one thing: they never want to see each other again. But when they each sign up separately for a fabulous family vacation with their kids, they are all stuck sharing a suite at a luxurious African safari resort for a week.

“Blended” also stars Joel McHale (NBC’s “Community”) as Lauren’s ex-husband, Mark, and Wendi McLendon-Covey (“Bridesmaids”) as her best friend, Jen; Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”) and Jessica Lowe (funnyordie’s “RobotDown”) as an overly romantic couple also vacationing at the resort; and Terry Crews (“The Expendables 2”) as the resort’s singing host.

Opening across the Philippines on June 11, 2014, “Blended” is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation of a Gulfstream Pictures/Happy Madison Production and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.