Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos recognize 10 Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors

One defends the country, the other maintains peace and order, and another ensures a better educated nation.

Being a soldier, a policeman or a teacher is among the most noblest professions. It entails more than just dedication but also a lot of sacrifice sometimes even at the cost of their lives.

Yet oftentimes, they don’t receive the recognition or the  respect they rightfully deserve just because of some bad news and the negative reputation caused by a few of their colleagues.

It is for this reason that The Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Filipinos was created and is now considered the most prestigious career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors.

It is a career-service award; meaning, it looks into the entire professional career of the person—all their accomplishments and services rendered, whether big or small, done while in the line of duty and even beyond, from the moment they started working up to the present time.

Each year, The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos recognize 10 Filipino exemplars composed of 4 teachers, 3 soldiers, and 3 police officers.

A Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino award is conferred for being an exemplary public servant—but more importantly, an Outstanding Filipino is worthy of such recognition because he/she is an active agent of positive change and influence in their communities.

This year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos have been revealed during a press conference held on August 9 in Quezon City. As a career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors—ten (10) Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos were presented, consisting of 4 teachers, 3 soldiers, and 3 police officers to the members of the media. Each awardee will receive a cash prize of PhP 1 million each (net of tax), a gold medallion, and a trophy.

Guided by the theme of “Beyond Excellence”, a Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino is recognized for rendering service above and beyond his/her call of duty. His/her accomplishments must have inspired and influenced their peers as well as the people in their respective communities. Their works must have transformed a community with a lasting positive impact on people and to the country.

For the award for teachers: (1) Mary Jane S. Ramo, Master Teacher II, Tonggo Elementary School (Tudela, Misamis Occidental); (2) Alma S. Janagap Ed.D., Master Teacher II, Pavia National High School (Pavia, Iloilo); (3) Aimee Marie C. Gragasin, Ph.D., Special Science Teacher V, Philippine Science High School-Cagayan Valley Campus (Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya); (4) Carla B. Dimalanta, Ph.D., Professor X, University of the Philippines Diliman (Quezon City).

For the award for soldiers: (5) Major Francis Señoron PA, Assistant Division Chief, Logistics  Management Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, OJ4, Armed Forces of the Philippines (Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City); (6) Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Facundo PN(M), Director, Mobile Training and Exercise Unit, Marine Corps Force Development Center (Philippine Marine Corps, Taguig City); (7) Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ryan R. Seguin PA, Squadron Commander, 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 5th Fighter Wing, Basa Air Base Philippine Air Force (Floridablanca, Pampanga).  

And for the award for police officers: (8) Senior Police Officer 1 Aida Awitin, Assistant Police Community Relations Police Non-Commissioned Officer, Davao Occidental Police Provincial Office (Malita, Davao Occidental); (9) Police Senior Inspector Dennis Ebsolo, Ph.D., Chief of Police, Villanueva Municipal Police Station (Villanueva, Misamis Oriental); and (10) Police Senior Superintendent Pascual Muñoz, Ph.D., Chief, Supply Chain Management Division, Directorate for Logistics of the Philippine National Police (Camp Crame, Quezon City).   

“We again present 10 Outstanding Filipinos who embody the best in our people and are recognized for their steadfast commitment to inspire change for others to emulate,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña. “Their stories of triumph and resilience inspire us, as individuals and as a community, to strengthen our commitment to building a better future for our nation. It is our privilege to let their light shine so that many more may benefit from their example,” he continued.

The awardees underwent a rigorous selection process and were selected from hundreds of nominations. A Board of Assessors, composed of members from the government, academe, military, and media sectors, pre-determined the semi-finalists through document review. The accomplishments of the semi-finalists were field validated by third-party organizations, the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC) and the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).  The field validation determined 19 finalists whose work has inspired and influenced their peers as well as the larger community with a lasting positive impact.

The 19 finalists were interviewed by a multi-sectoral Final Board of Judges chaired by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and co-chaired by Supreme Court of the Philippines associate justice Noel Tijam. The other members include: Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Menardo Guevarra; Makati City mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay-Campos; De La Salle Philippines president Br. Armin Luistro; Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) chairman Manuel Pangilinan; Rockwell Land, Inc. president and chief executive officer Nestor Padilla; and veteran journalist Ma. Teresa Vitug.

Joining the ranks of 655 outstanding public servants recognized by MBFI since 1985, the awardees will be honored during the formal conferment ceremonies on September 7, 2018 at the Metrobank Plaza, Makati City as part of Metrobank’s 56th anniversary celebration.

Starbucks Philippines supports Teach for the Philippines (TFP) with Renovate to Educate (rED) program

Starbucks, Teach for the Philippines improve students’ lives, one classroom at a time





For many Filipinos, education plays a vital role in improving the quality of life. Despite this, many children struggle with their studies as they find themselves in tightly-packed, poorly-ventilated classrooms with dilapidated tables and chairs.

The Department of Education (DepEd) estimates around 29 million students are attending classes this school year, an increase from the 27 million enrollees last year. As the student population continues to grow because of the K-12 program, the classroom shortage and inadequacy of school facilities has become an urgent issue that the country faces.



Among other factors, a school environment can affect a child’s learning. Comfort and safety are basic considerations for a conducive learning environment, while stimulating surroundings with colors and creativity is also said to improve attendance, concentration and motivation.

Teach for the Philippines (TFP), a non-profit organization that provides Filipino children with access to quality education by providing teacher support and development, has been helping address classroom shortage and inadequacy with the help of their Renovate to Educate (rED) program. This enables TFP to connect education champions with public schools who need help in classroom and facility rehabilitation.

“Helping improve their learning environment is just one of the ways in which we hope students will be excited to go to school and learn,” said Clarissa Delgado, TFP co-founder and CEO. “Quality education is what will propel our children to succeed in life; and it’s when we work with like-minded partners like Starbucks that we can make this possible.”

Starbucks Philippines, a TFP corporate partner, recently helped refurbish the facilities of Pateros National High School in Metro Manila and Col. E. De Leon Elementary School in Parañaque City. The volunteer Starbucks partners (employees) were tasked to rebuild classroom chairs and tables, repair classroom doors, repaint comfort rooms and even fabricate blackboards and book shelves.



“We recognize the importance of education in our country and we see an opportunity to support this through Teach for the Philippines,” said Noey Lopez, Starbucks Philippines president.



For the past four years, Starbucks Philippines has been supporting TFP through various initiatives, including the yearly Starbucks Planner promotion. Through their partnership, fourteen (14) public schools from Manila, Laguna, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro City have been renovated and rehabilitated, with the help of more than 800 Starbucks partners (employees).

“It has always been a passion of mine to help people especially those who are in need. Fortunately, Starbucks is able to connect us with our community through Teach for the Philippines and Renovate to Educate. Through each build activity, I feel that I have made a difference by creating a better environment for the future generation”, said Ana Mendoza, store manager, Starbucks Reserve 14 Jupiter.

Now, more and more Starbucks partners look forward to rED events as they deepen their commitment to help grow communities and improve lives.

Aside from rED events, Starbucks Philippines also supports TFP’s Fellowship Program wherein young leaders are enlisted as Teacher Fellows to teach in public schools for two years; as well as Flipped, a program wherein public school students are brought on educational trips.



With Renovate to Educate, Starbucks Philippines and Teach for the Philippines remind us that “education is everyone’s responsibility” and that we should all be doing our part in making a positive impact.

ORLY celebrates “Strength in Color” campaign with ExtraORLYnary women

I first fell in love with Orly the moment I tried Ancient Jade,  a pretty mint green polish in a creme finish. Im a fan of anything mint and dark blue polishes like La Playa . Its the only one that matches my nail and skin color,  it lasts longer and adheres fast.  The good thing is all Orly nail polishes are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP, toluene. Less chemical, less worry for me. That's why Orly tops my list. 

ORLY is also halal certified and its Builder in a Bottle is the new innovation in hard gels and extensions. 

International nail care brand ORLY recently held a colorful boho-themed grand launch to celebrate its “Strength in Color” campaign and to recognize ExtraORLYnary women who embody individuality, style, and talent in their respective fields. 

The event, which was held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Pasig City last August 8, was attended by ORLY’s international representative and executives who led a toast to ORLY’s brilliant and colorful years of setting the professional standard in nail care worldwide. 

SprintAsia is the exclusive official distributor of ORLY in the Philippines. Whether you are into mattes, gel or classic nail lacquer, ORLY has you covered. From the concept of classic and elegant nail aesthetics to what’s next in nail art technology, ORLY is always at the frontline in the field of nail care and nail enhancements. This international nail care brand offers a breathable nail polish as a 1-step system (no base on top) and a 13-free formula.

Paul Yap, SprintAsia President

Since 1975, ORLY has been the leading maker of professional and retail standard nail color and care. Through the years, ORLY has created trendy nail lacquer shades that are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful ingredients. Color and Care are ORLY’s heart, soul, and the reflection of the brand’s multi-faceted personality. 

To represent ORLY’s vast array of colors, six extraORLYnary women showcased their talent and individuality during the grand launch. Tim Yap moderated a panel discussion with Abbey Sy (arts), Soleil Ignacio (design), Georginna Desuasido (beauty), Sanya Smith (music), Ornusa Cadness (music), and Shaira Luna (photography) -- all trailblazing women who often use their hands in their work. 

ORLY is perfect for empowered women who combine talent and style. It has become the everyday choice of nail polish lovers for all of their daily activities.

Amy Oung, ORLY Intl Brand Ambassador

With ORLY’s continuing innovations in nail care technology, there’s little wonder why this leading breathable nail polish brand makes every woman feel truly ExtraORLYnary. # Orly Products are available at Pure Beauty branches, ZALORA, Watsons, Landmark, Robinsons, Cash & Carry, ICM, PCX, Lazada and BeautyMNL.

Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes are back together in reunion concert “Twofus…Reunion of Friends”

                     

It will be the 70’s all over again on September 1, 2018, 8 pm at the Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino when Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes get together for a one-night rare reunion in “Twofus…Reunion of Friends.”

Today’s audiences instantly recognize Ronnie Henares as a mainstay in the popular comedy series “Pepito Manaloto” where he surprised people with his comic flair. Ronnie is also widely recognized as the manager in tandem with wife Ida, responsible for transforming steel-throated “Ang Bagong Kampeon” champ Chona Velasquez into the classy musical superstar Regine Velasquez. Others developed under their Primeline Management & Production, Inc., were Lani Misalucha, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nanette Inventor, Tux, Gino Padilla and the list goes on.

Jojit, on the other hand, has since opted for a quieter life in the States.

But in the 70’s, Ronnie and Jojit were the musical heartthrobs of the day. They were, in a manner of speaking, the equivalent of Leif Garrett and Rex Smith in the Philippines, with throngs of screaming and swooning fans.

How it started

Close buddies from their La Salle grade school days, Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes together with Jim Paredes became lead vocalists of “Les Violents,” a high school band formed by the Paredes cousins.  The band was formed to enter a "Battle of the Bands" competition sponsored by De La Salle High School. They won Second Prize. “The high school band was the start of my musical partnership with Ronnie,” recalls Jojit. “We were invited to perform at all sorts of parties and gatherings.”

One of those gatherings was a weekend at the Laurel beach house in Matabungkay, Batangas upon the invitation of Lynnie Laurel. In the midst of the merriment, Ronnie and Jojit grabbed their acoustic guitars and started singing for the guests who were impressed by the two’s harmonious vocal blending.

The Twofus (pronounced as “Two of Us”) was born. 

With boyish good looks and (social) class-transcending appeal, the Twofus would become a big hit among college and university campuses, the invites coming initially from exclusive private schools and later from public schools as well.

Soon, Ronnie and Jojit would invade radio, print, and television. They shuttled back and forth gigs on prime time TV, musicals, live shows, road tours, concerts, and radio shows. When the Twofus was introduced to Tower Productions, they turned composers for the first time, writing the movie theme for the fan flick starring Tina Revilla “Funny Girl.” 


Ronnie and Jojit then became part of the highest rating prime time show that time, “D’ Sensations” which featured Vilma Santos and Boboy Mortiz. “One afternoon after a radio interview at the program of Ike Lozada in ABS-CBN, he brought us to meet Tony Santos, the famous director of the ‘D’ Sensations,’ the no. 1 primetime TV show at that time,” remembers Jojit. “Direk Tony Santos asked us if we could do an impromptu song and he’d put us on live. We took a deep breath and went for it. At first the audience fell silent as acoustic guitars were not yet amplified and the boom mike was picking up peripheral noise. When we finished the song, the audience went wild demanding more.”

For a couple of years, Sunday evenings televiewers were enthralled by the Twofus. In record time, Ronnie and Jojit cemented their status as national teen idols.

But the time to pursue different paths eventually came. Ronnie Henares went into hosting, singing, dancing, acting, directing, producing, and managing the careers of future superstars. Jojit Paredes enjoyed a solo caeer as an actor, singer, and recording arist until he decide to explore new adventures in America. 

The road back

Some good teams, however, never lose their appeal.

Ronnie and Jojit got together last year and recalled how successful the US reunion of Twofus was. “It was heartwarming seeing familiar faces that we haven't seen in ages plus fans from our youth that packed the afternoon matinee and evening shows, and how much fun we had performing for them and watching them participate in the show,” says Ronnie who suggested that he and Jojit reunite in Manila with their artist friends and the Manila crowd that loves 70's music.

“These days we need a dose of yesteryears when love songs were tender, lengthy laugh trips were highly contagious and dancing expressed the soul’s joy and rhythm...more importantly when friendships lasted lifetimes,” adds Ronnie wistfully.

Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes will prove just that in their reunion concert on September 1, 2018, 8 pm at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino. “Music lovers are going to love this concert,” Ronnie and Jojit or the Twofus, say in chorus, “The audience can expect to hear the hits of the times which aren't performed anymore in any of the entertainment venues in the country.”

Take a wonderful trip down memory lane with Ronnie and Jojit to an era when love songs were beautiful, tender, and had well thought-out lyrics and upbeat tunes made it impossible for you not to groove to the music.

The Twofus will captivate old and new audiences alike with hits from Chad and Jeremy, Mamas and the Papas, Everly Brothers, Beatles, Lettermen, Lovin Spoonfuls, Cascades and more.

Joining in on the fun are long time friends of Ronnie and Jojit like music icons Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo of the APO Hiking Society, funny lady Mitch Valdes, and the 70’s top dancing duo, the AldeguerSisters. “No stone is being left unturned to ensure we give the audience a fun-filled night of music, laughter and dance while celebrating long lasting friendship and the good old days,” says Ida R. Henares of Primeline Management & Production, Inc.



"Twofus…Reunion of Friends” gathered together the best production team that includes director and writer Floy Quintos, musical director Roy del Valle, art director Christian Henares, the team of Sisa Hernandez Kalson for production, Francis Libiran for the wardrobe, and the very best session back up singers and musicians.

Making this major throwback party for friends and music lovers of the 70’s possible are presenters Solaire Resort & Casino, PrimelineManagement & Production, Inc., and University of Perpetual Help, sponsors KARADA, PLDT 90 and Smart, M&Co cosmetics, donor HCB Institute, and media partners RJ FM 100.3, 91.5 WIN Radio, and The Philippine STAR.

Relive the good old days with friends and family at “Twofus…Reunion of Friends.”

How to get FREE lifetime gas with SEAOIL

What is the cost of owning a car nowadays? with maintenance, repairs, insurance and car registration? Not to mention the gas? Its not cheap to own a car these days. We all know that, while we are trying to adopt  more cost-saving measures
to save on car expenses, the price on fuel is increasing every week. That's why SEAOIL is back to their promo of LIFETIME FREE GAS!

If you're a Filipino resident, 18 years old and above and have a valid driver's license. Here is your chance to have a lifetime free gas , yes, you hear it right. The SEAOIL promo is back again this year!

SEAOIL, the largest independent fuel provider in the Philippines, will award another four lucky motorists with a lifetime supply of free gas. The “Lifetime Free Gas, Oh My Gas!” promo, still the only one of its kind in the world, has kicked off for the second year in a row.

“Last year’s ‘Lifetime Free Gas’ promo was so successful, and was received so well that we decided to run it again this year. This is not just to thank our loyal customers, but also to celebrate the successes of SEAOIL over the past years,” said SEAOIL CEO Glenn Yu. SEAOIL is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Aside from a lifetime supply of gas, SEAOIL customers can expect to win over 100,000 instant prizes through peel-off cards. Thirty (30) P10,000 worth of SEAOIL gift cards will also be raffled off in the monthly draws.

To qualify, a customer must gas up at least P500 worth of Extreme 97, Extreme 95, Extreme U, Extreme Diesel fuels and/or SEAOIL Lubricants at any SEAOIL station nationwide. Customers can double their chances of winning if they register at www.lifetimefreegas.com.

This year, the company also announced new brand influencers, true SEAOIL believers who bring credibility and recall to the brand. They are international car racer Marlon Stockinger, TV host and radio DJ Joyce Pring, and Atoy Llave, founder and owner of A-Toy Customs, the leading car customizer in the Philippines.

SEAOIL has also forged a strategic partnership with independent fuel company, Caltex Australia (CAL). The partnership will support the company’s plans for growth in the next five years. CAL is a 100% publicly-owned company in Australia and does not share any ownership with the local Caltex.

The “Oh My Gas” promo runs from August 18 to November 18, 2018. Winners of this year’s promo will be determined via three monthly draws on September 19, October 19 and November 29.

#JonChelle stars in their first romance-drama "Dito Lang Ako" on Aug 8

Prepare to fall in love in a period movie  "Dito Lang Ako" set in the 70s. Its about the role of Delfin and Nelia ( Jon Lucas and Michelle Vito), the young lovers whose resolve and affection have been tested by time and circumstances.

How long will you be willing to wait for the person you love? Can love really transcend time and a failing memory?

Star Magic’s Michelle Vito and Jon Lucas’ fresh tandem is ready to make hearts melt with their first-ever big screen pairing in the romance-drama film “Dito Lang Ako” starting August 8.



The story centers on how Nelia waits for Delfin--a man that she lost 40 years ago--to comeback. Unwilling to forget the romance that she spent with him, she recalls their tale set amid the timeless beauty of Quezon City.

As Nelia and Delfin's story unfolds, “Dito Lang Ako” becomes more than just a recollection of a past romance, it is an achingly compassionate story of heartfelt passion, tender moments and most of all, unselfish love.

Leading the film are Jon and Michelle, who are both very much grateful to have finally fulfilled their dream of having their first headlining role in “Dito Lang Ako.

“Siyempre lahat kami, siguro lahat ng na sa showbiz, lahat ng artista gusto maging leading man, leading lady, so finally parang, parang achieved na siya para sa akin. And, parang iba yung sa pakiramdamn na oh naging leading lady na ako,” said Michelle. 

While he admits to being pressured at first since he doesn’t have any “hugot” yet, Jon eventually enjoyed the fact that he had a chance to work with Michelle and as her leading man at that.

“Nung nalaman ko nga po na si Michelle Vito ang makaka-partner ko, natuwa ako ng sobra kasi magkaibigan kami ni Michelle tapos inexpect ko agad  na magiging maagaan sa set,” said Jon. “Tapos magaling pa si Michelle, nakakadala.”

The entire journey of creating the film has been nothing short of enjoyable for Michelle and Jon as the’ve gotten closer to each other. Not too long, they’ve also forged a new friendship with their co-stars, including their characters’ third party named Victor, played by Akihiro Blanco.

But with joy comes certain challenges, JonChelle also had their fair share of them while creating the film last year.

While she also enjoyed the flashback moments of their film, Michelle singled out that it has been particularly challenging because it involved so many other aspects, aside from acting.

Amid the expectations and pressure, Michelle and Jon take comfort over the fact that they’ve given their best on their film. And for them, that reflects the value that they have given the opportunities that they received.

As for the moviegoers, Jon hopes that they feel the same kind of passionate love that Nelia and Delfin have for each other.

“Hindi dahilan ang mga pagsubok sa mga magkakarelasyon para i-give up agad ang love. Kailangan parin na ipaglaban hanggang sa huli,” he said.

Directed by Roderick Lindayag and produced by Blade Entertainment, “Dito Lang Ako” is written by Harvey C. Aquino and Fanny P. Dychiao.


Catch Jon Lucas, Michelle Vito, Akihiro Blanco, Boots Anson-Roa, Freddie Webb, Rey ‘PJ’ Abellana, DJ Durano, James Deakin, Garie Concepcion, Senpai Kazu and Roadfill of Moymoy Palaboy in cinemas nationwide starting August 8, 2018.

Create your very own glow with JLOXINGLOT collection

I discovered Inglot cosmetics back in 2013 when I was in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I love their lipsticks. It lasts longer and never gives me that dry peeling after hours of wearing. As I tend to have dry lips with other high end lippies. I am wearing an organic lip primer as base.  Matte is a no-no for me. But when I tried Inglot, it softens and never cracks at the end of the day.  So, 5 thumbs for that. I learned later that they are paraben-free, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested.

Inglot has that smooth and creamy formulation that stays longer and never feathers or crack after eating/drinking. Inglot is my next-to-go lipstick and my perfect partner to my lip primer.

Cosmetic Brand lnglot collaborates with JLo and launches 70-piece Jennifer Lopez collection with eyeshadows, bronzers, lipsticks, blushes, mascaras, and powders. The entire collection is done in shades of nude, gold, and shimmer to  achieve that classic JLO glow. Of course, Im talking about her bronzers. I would also love to try her pressed powder as well.

You also have the freedom to customize your own palette and create your unique look with her Freedom palettes.

The much talked about 70-piece cosmetic collection of Hollywood A-Lister Jennifer Lopez is now in the Philippines!

Global European brand lnglot launched the JLO collection that includes powders to lipsticks. shadows to eyelashes, bronzers and highlighters done in full collaboration with Jennifer Lopez. in an exclusive media and by invitation event held at the Fashion Hall of SM MEGAMALL last July 25.

Inglot was named after its creator, Polish entrepreneurial chemist Wojciech lnglot who started with a small pharmacy during the communist era. After the fall of communism in Poland, he bought his own chemical equipment and embarked on the formulation of breathable nail polish. 

Inglot’s breathable nail polish project led him to discover the world of cosmetics. His interest in shifting his attention to the manufacture of makeup was further bolstered in his visit to the US where he saw how big cosmetics business was. 

Today, lnglot stands as one of the most successful makeup companies in the wortd and made even bigger with its exclusive collaboration with JLo. . 

For the very tirst time in her glittering showbiz career, JLo stepped behind the scenes to collaborate with lnglot. The result is the limited edition of JLo collection that showcased a shared vision of strong femininity to life and offers women diverse ways to express themselves through beauty. The JLo collection hopes to make the authentic JLo Glow accessible to any woman. 

Inglot is brought to the Philippines by the Laverne Luxe Group composed of sisters Michelle Laverne Lim-Gankee, Hazel Laverne Lim-Lee Hok, and Pauline Laverne Lim. 

“The Jennifer Lopez capsule collection is filled with JLo’s go-to beauty products in her favorite colors. It also includes the Inglot signature “Freedom System Palette" which allows women to create their own personalized makeup combination," said the Laverne sisters.

Jlo Inglot Lipstick Php 1,195

Apart from “Freedom System", which allows you to choose your own palette and color. Inglot introduced inspiring celebrity moms, Andi Egenmann and Sarah Lahbati, as the women of lnglot Philippines.

The Inglot JLo line is cheaper compares to KKW Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics.

Here are the pricelist of Inglot JLo sans the Freedom palette

JLo Inglot Makeup Sculpting Powder Php 850
JLo Inglot Makeup Pressed Powder Php Php 1050
JLo Inglot Freedom System Face Blush Php 850
JLo Inglot Pure Pigment Eye Shadow Php 1,195
JLo Inglot Freedom System Eye Shadow Php 575
Jlo Inglot Viva Las Lashes Mascara  Php 1,395
JLo Inglot Lipglossy Lip Gloss Php 1,395

I will review the JLo Lipstick in Besame later.

Visit www.inglotphilippines.com for more details

Depression is Real: How some celebrities dealt with depression in BRATS 2

It can be hard to tell sadness and depression apart when you are in the middle of a very sad time in your life. After listening to these celebrities, I have come to a realization that sadness differs from depression.


Dealing with depression requires action, but taking action when you’re depressed can be hard. I guess the best thing to do when you know someone who suffers from it, is to talk with him/her and listen. Listen very closely and be a friend.


The Boy R. Abunda Talk Series (BRATS) finished another round of talk and sharing on the topic Mental Health a few weeks ago.

2016 Miss International Kylie Versoza, motivational speaker Quennie Maravillas, former varsity player Nykko Bautista, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Bela Padilla willingly shared and revealed their bouts with depression in the past.

Kylie was diagnosed as clinically depressed four years ago. She was in denial and ashamed to talk about it because people expect her to be “perfect.” She thought of herself as "ugly, stupid, worthless, not good, smart and pretty enough."



Kylie advised people suffering from depression not to be afraid to speak the truth and not to be shy to speak to a loved one." She went the natural way ( of healing) by having to exercise a lot, do yoga and being around people who are ready to listen. She feels lucky she has a good support system around her.

Nykko's depression started two years ago, when his friends noticed something was off about him. He couldn’t sleep well and had difficulty functioning. He thought it was normal until he started going downhill and everything was in disarray. He took sleeping pills to sleep better. He felt useless and thought of suicide. But Nikko had a change of heart. He realized suicide was not the answer. He also did not want his parents to suffer the pain. Nykko said he knew he’ is okay by recognizing what the five senses can do.

Quennie attempted to commit suicide five times. Everybody thought she was doing fine because she was a motivational speaker. Deep inside, her world was crumbling.  She wanted to become a teacher but she lost it. She wanted to become a politician and again, she lost it. She wanted to be with someone but failed. She lost everything that she wanted.

But Queenie had to be strong. Today, she can now talk about her past openly.

Bela suffered from depression. She said that she is  easily affected by the characters she portrays and finds it difficult detaching herself from them. Like her role in Probinsyano where it took her time to process that she was just playing a character and nothing bad happened to her.

 Jasmine's depression started during her younger years with her experiences as a kid. She said that she was not able to talk about it to people who could have enlightened her. "Sometimes, you just need someone to listen and accept you without judgment. I have an avenue now and my next step is to go back again to a mental health professional because I know I can’t solve this with just a friend and family members only.”

(BRATS 2: Mental Health was made possible with the support of GSIS PGM Atty. Jesus Clint Aranas, BEAUTeDERM, M.E Sicat Construction, Orange Blush Salon, BARLICO - The Healthy Brew and Great Image)