Tiendesitas, the New Shopping Haven in Pasig

Tiendesitas reopens in time for holiday shopping

Twice as big with twice as many lifestyle retailers

Manila, Philippines—Ortigas & Co.’s well-loved shopping and family entertainment destination, Tiendesitas reopens its first building this November to offer twice as much space and twice as many dining, retail, and lifestyle picks in time for the holidays.

The undisputed haven for unique Filipino finds has been drawing local and foreign shoppers since 2005, with its 30,000 square meter space dedicated to seven retail categories or “villages” and its unique brand of week-night and weekend entertainment.

“We see the upcoming holidays as an opportune time to reopen and to provide amenities such as wider aisles, elevators, escalators, and additional parking slots. Our shoppers will also be glad to know that we have made the retail area fully air-conditioned. To our shoppers, entering the brand new building promises a more exciting and leisurely shopping experience,” says Cathy Casares-Ko, General Manager of the Shopping Center Division, Ortigas & Co.

The village remodeled

The spanking new Fashion Village, which is the first of three to rise between 2013 to 2016, now stands two floors high, with 12,300 square meters of retail space, 113 additional basement parking slots, and 250 new tenants.

Upon completion of the next two buildings, Tiendesitas would have a total of 35,000 square meters of retail space divided into nine retail categories: food, pet, entertainment, general merchandise, handicrafts, fashion, antiques, novelties, and the people’s village.

In spite of the modern amenities, Tiendesitas maintains its distinct charm through a novel execution of Maranao architectural elements as seen in its pavilion, and matching it with an indoor-outdoor feel through high ceilings and the provision of balconies.

Excitement in every find

“The new tenants that have joined us recently do not disappoint in terms of delivering one of a kind products,” adds Ko.

From an assortment of collectibles at Ram Eisley, quirky items and furniture at The Stockroom, apparel at H&B, Link, and Blusa, up to wellness and cosmetic products at GiGA and Props Tools and Cosmetics, new stores have added zest to an already flavorful mix of old-timers, who have made Tiendesitas the stunning retail stop that it is now.

Tiendesitas is the anchor of the 18.5-hectare interim development Frontera Verde, which also houses SM Hypermarket, Fun Ranch, Ark Avilon, Transcom Center, a Shell Gas Station, and a planned 6-building Knowledge Process Outsourcing Campus Development, Silver City.

Frontera Verde is owned and managed by premier property developer Ortigas & Co.—the same company behind Circulo Verde, Capitol Commons, Greenhills Shopping Center and the Greenhills Subdivisions, Greenmeadows, and Valle Verde.

For more information visit www.Tiendesitas.com.ph.Tiendesitas reopens in time for holiday shopping

Twice as big with twice as many lifestyle retailers

Manila, Philippines—Ortigas & Co.’s well-loved shopping and family entertainment destination, Tiendesitas reopens its first building this November to offer twice as much space and twice as many dining, retail, and lifestyle picks in time for the holidays.

The undisputed haven for unique Filipino finds has been drawing local and foreign shoppers since 2005, with its 30,000 square meter space dedicated to seven retail categories or “villages” and its unique brand of week-night and weekend entertainment.

“We see the upcoming holidays as an opportune time to reopen and to provide amenities such as wider aisles, elevators, escalators, and additional parking slots. Our shoppers will also be glad to know that we have made the retail area fully air-conditioned. To our shoppers, entering the brand new building promises a more exciting and leisurely shopping experience,” says Cathy Casares-Ko, General Manager of the Shopping Center Division, Ortigas & Co.

The village remodeled

The spanking new Fashion Village, which is the first of three to rise between 2013 to 2016, now stands two floors high, with 12,300 square meters of retail space, 113 additional basement parking slots, and 250 new tenants.

Upon completion of the next two buildings, Tiendesitas would have a total of 35,000 square meters of retail space divided into nine retail categories: food, pet, entertainment, general merchandise, handicrafts, fashion, antiques, novelties, and the people’s village.

In spite of the modern amenities, Tiendesitas maintains its distinct charm through a novel execution of Maranao architectural elements as seen in its pavilion, and matching it with an indoor-outdoor feel through high ceilings and the provision of balconies.

Excitement in every find

“The new tenants that have joined us recently do not disappoint in terms of delivering one of a kind products,” adds Ko.

From an assortment of collectibles at Ram Eisley, quirky items and furniture at The Stockroom, apparel at H&B, Link, and Blusa, up to wellness and cosmetic products at GiGA and Props Tools and Cosmetics, new stores have added zest to an already flavorful mix of old-timers, who have made Tiendesitas the stunning retail stop that it is now.

Tiendesitas is the anchor of the 18.5-hectare interim development Frontera Verde, which also houses SM Hypermarket, Fun Ranch, Ark Avilon, Transcom Center, a Shell Gas Station, and a planned 6-building Knowledge Process Outsourcing Campus Development, Silver City.

Frontera Verde is owned and managed by premier property developer Ortigas & Co.—the same company behind Circulo Verde, Capitol Commons, Greenhills Shopping Center and the Greenhills Subdivisions, Greenmeadows, and Valle Verde.

For more information visit www.Tiendesitas.com.ph.

Guerilla Race- Finish the Race or Die Trying!

CONQUER AND OVERCOME THE FIRST TRUENORTH GUERILLA RACE

Step up in the face of adversity and put your strength, stamina, mental spirit, and resilience to the test in the country’s first obstacle-driven TrueNorth Guerilla Race happening this December.

Developed by a Philippines Army scout ranger, the race will push you to the limit and get you out of your comfort zone with a battery of obstacles set in mud, fire and water. Crossing the finish line will be a testament to your personal drive, determination, and will to conquer any challenge that is put in front of you.

On December 15, 2013 at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the gun goes off at 6am on the TrueNorth Guerilla Race, and runners from all walks of life will display their fighting spirit to conquer and endure. Our motto: “Finish the race…or die trying.”

Armed with an arsenal of tough obstacles, there will be water, fire, mud, barbed wire, high walls, pipe crawls and the occasional crazy challenge set to catch runners off guard and leave them dumb-founded. But as with all challenges, a helping hand will be needed. So to overcome 8 foot walls and make your way through underground mud tunnels, camaraderie amongst runners will be the key to success.

For those who will throw their bodies into the progressive trail, 1,000 timing chips will be on hand to record your movement.

So if you like to push yourself to the limit, or feel that you have what it takes to take on the extreme, then the TrueNorth Guerilla Race is for you!

To register, visit ROX located at Bonifacio HighStreet. Or register online via www.guerilla-race.com

For more details visit the Guerilla Race Facebook page, www.facebook.com/GuerillaRace; follow Guerilla Race on Twitter www.twitter.com/guerilla_race; or e-mail us at guerillaracephils@gmail.com

The TrueNorth Guerilla Race is organized by TrueNorth training camps and DSTV.

DSTV is a cable channel of the department of defense.

Standing: Sean Paler of True North Training Camp, Guerilla Race Organizers General Victor Ibrado, Consultant Col Dennis Bumanglag, Gen. Abner Cabalquinto, and DSTV's Norman Castillo.

Caption from left: Guerilla Race Organizers General Victor Ibrado, Sean Paler of True North Training Camp, Gen. Abner Cabalquinto, and DSTV's Norman Castillo.

Guy speaking on the microphone: Guerilla Race Consultant Col Dennis Bumanglag.

ETC MOVES TO SBN-21 STARTING NOVEMBER 30

ETC MOVES TO SBN-21 STARTING NOVEMBER 30
November 21, 2013 - Solar Entertainment Corporation (SEC) announces a new channel assignment for its leading youth channel, ETC.  Starting November 30, 2013 ETC can be seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, and Cable Link Ch. 34.

With the move, SEC has laid down plans to boost the reach of ETC to viewers. According to SEC’s Chief Technology Officer Ralph Joseph S. Roy, by early next year a new state-of-the-art analog/ digital 60KW transmitter will be built for the channel. Running at a higher capacity and with a higher elevation, this looks to boost ETC’s reach to viewers in Mega Manila by 30 percent. For the rest of the country transmitters will go up in key areas such as Bacolod, Cebu, Zamboanga, Davao, and Legazpi.

From Monday to Saturday, ETC offers viewers the hottest and latest shows and episode’s straight from the United States. Stay up to date in the world of entertainment with the channel’s vast lineup of Match-Airing titles that include: award-winning musical Glee, hilarious sitcom’s New Girl and Super Fun Night, supernatural drama’s The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Ravenswood, and Beauty and the Beast, and the colorful 80’s teen drama The Carrie Diaries.

This coming 2014 the channel is working on airing more of its popular series day and date with the U.S. just like the airing of its hit show Glee that ETC airs via satellite.

Adding to ETC’s Match-Airing line-up in January is the return of the mystery-thriller Pretty Little Liars, and the long-running reality singing-competition American Idol.  Also joining the channel in 2014 is the period drama Reign, which follows the early years of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the sci-fi romance drama Star-Crossed that tells the story of a relationship between a human girl and an alien boy. Viewers can look forward to more big movies under the channel’s movie block “ETC Flix” including Bridesmaids, Crazy Stupid Love, and The Devil Wears Prada.

As ETC embarks on a stronger reach on the airwaves, they also look to conquering online too. Fans of the channel can log onto http://www.blink-now.com to watch ETC’s free live streaming on a computer, with mobile services being rolled out in the coming months for even more ways to watch.

Starting November 30, 2013 ETC is seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, Cable Link Ch. 34 and various cable operators nationwide.

Make a HIPP choice, go organic.

Choose Organic

As a parent, there’s nothing you want more than to provide for your child’s health and happiness. Choosing to give your little one the right kind of nutrition early on can go a long way towards giving them a good start in life.

Inspired by the benefits of nature, HiPP Organic Kindermilk is specially formulated using only the finest organic milk. HiPP is one of the leading baby food companies in Europe, with nutrition expertise going back 50 years. They exercise the strictest tests in every stage of production, ensuring that the product remains pure and free from unwanted chemicals. Their special Organic Formula is Certified Organic by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) and by the European Union (EU).

HiPP Organic Kindermilk, which will soon be available in the Philippines, is the ideal complement to a child’s diet from 3 years onwards. It contains natural Omega-3 to promote brain development, calcium and Vitamin D to help strengthen bones, galacto-oligosaccharides to aid digestion, and other vitamins and minerals crucial for the growth and development of your child.

Only the best from nature will do for HiPP, and only the best formula will do for your child. Choose organic.

ITS A ZOMBIELAND OUT THERE AT MAKATI AFTER DARK.

MAKATI AFTER DARK: RUN & SURVIVE HALLOWFEST

Halloween’s Biggest Street Festival

On October 31, Halloween night, hordes of the undead will rise and party with the living as J.R. Usi Presents-- MAKATI AFTER DARK: RUN & SURVIVE HALLOWFEST-- the grandest and most exciting Halloween party of the year.

It is a zombieland out there in Makati, prepare to be chased by zombies and walkers alike as you run after side by side, this is a once in a lifetime event as hordes of  zombies from all walks of life will join you celebrate the holloween.

With 3,000 zombies in a “FANTASY RUN” designed and directed to feel like a movie set, the run promises to give participants the most thrilling experience right at the heart of Makati’s financial business district.

Coinciding with the FANTASY RUN is an ALL-NIGHT STREET FESTIVAL adjacent to the race course featuring several TOP LOCAL BANDS, DJ’s, CAR SHOW, GTMACCON PINOY KOMIKS and COSPLAYERS CONVENTION, MERCATO CENTRALE FOOD FEST, and several other side pocket events to keep you up ‘til sunrise!

The Halloween Fest has already received the endorsement of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay as well as the Makati Tourism Office. “MAKATI AFTER DARK is an event that can greatly help promote Makati as a top events destination that will attract more local and foreign visitors to the city.”

On his part, promoter J.R. Usi said, “Makati, has always been the preferred venue for pioneering events, whether its fashion, food, arts and culture—and even for some advocacy and political rallies—making it the perfect place to launch our “After Dark” series.”

Beyond the festivities, however, the underlying advocacy of Makati After Dark is to gather funds for the displaced families affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol and Cebu. “We’ve all seen the damage and how the calamity has affected its residents, especially the children that is why we will be donating part of the proceeds in the relief efforts, we hope this would greatly help them recover and return to their normal lives,” Usi explained.

CONCERT PERFORMERS

Headlining the bands that will be performing at MAKATI AFTER DARK are CALLALILY, SANDWICH, 6CYCLEMIND, CHICOSCI, GRACENOTE, MOONSTAR 88, and several other surprise guests—each one promising to perform their biggest hits and newest songs.

In addition, a separate DJ setup will also be in place for those who’d rather dance the night away with other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance and join in the festivities.

HALLOWEEN “FIESTAVAL”

Foodies are also in for a treat as MERCATO CENTRALE will be holding one of its biggest Food Bazaars at the venue and will offer party goers a wide array of choices that will satisfy all your cravings.

See coolest and sleekest cars in a special CAR SHOW that will showcase some of the most pimped out rides, exotic cars and numerous high-end custom cars.

Kicking off the festivities will be GTMACCON 3 Pre-Event where Pinoy Komiks artists and Pinoy Komiks Cosplayers can meet and interact with their fans.

Other side events include Zombie Movie Marathons, street performers such magicians, stilt-walkers, mimes, fire breathers, dancers, exciting LAN Games and many more.

Visit www.makatiafterdark.com for more information and sign up either as part of the Human Survivors or be among Zombie Horde. Registration Fee of Php1,000 includes souvenir event shirt, race bib, life belt, swag bag with Halloween treats, event wrist tag, and access to Hallow Fest event grounds. Registration centers are located at TOBYS ARENA GLORIETTA 2, TOBYS ARENA SM MOA, TOBYS SPORTS SHANGRI-LA MALL, and RUNNR TRINOMA. For non-runners entrance to the Festival Grounds, concerts and Hallow Fest is only P500. Tickets are now available at Ticketworld Outlets and at the venue.

Like Facebook.com/makatiafterdark. Follow them on Twitter @makatiafterdark and share your photos on Instagram: makatiafterdark and use the hashtag #makatiafterdark

***

About J.R. Usi Presents

John Richard Usi a.k.a. J.R. Usi is a Filipino-American based in Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California. His vast experience in the U.S. mainstream entertainment industry as a promoter and booking agent has allowed him to establish solid personal relationships with some of the top celebrities and musical performers in Hollywood.

                                                                                                                                      

Makati After Dark is the first in a series of grand outdoor events and street festivals scheduled for the coming year with the goal of bringing iconic musicians and artists who have yet to perform in the Philippines.

Jack TV's Power of Three

Jack TV’s “Playing first” campaign this October will keep Filipinos up-to-date with the latest of The Tomorrow People, Revolution and Arrow television series, showing just days after its initial telecast in the United States.
Different plots that range from a teenager with special abilities, a vigilante fighting to rule his city again, to a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic America—these stories of power struggle is the binding force behind Jack TV’s assembly of new and returning programs.
The Tomorrow People follows the story of Stephen Jameson (Robbie Amell), a student who begins to question his sanity when he starts hearing voices and waking up in strange places. He meets the voices of John (Luke Mitchell), Cara (Peyton List) and Rusell (Aaron Yoo) who explains that they are all part of a genetically advanced race known as The Tomorrow People. Catch Stephen’s story premiering on October 12 at 8 p.m. on Jack TV.

The post-apocalyptic tale of Revolution begins with a group of survivors looking to rebuild society after a mysterious worldwide blackout. After making the treacherous journey to the Tower and turning on the power for four minutes in last season’s finale, this season we learn the mysterious consequences this move has had on everyone. Follow Miles (Billy Burke), Aaron (Zac Orth) and Rachel (Elizabeth Mitchel) in a two-hour premier episode on October 12 at 9 p.m. on Jack TV.

Inspired by DC Comics, Arrow continues the story of Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) who returns to Starling City as a vigilante who is bent on righting the wrongs of injustice. It’s second season opens with Oliver’s allies—Diggle (David Ramsey) and Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) flying to Lian Yu in search of Oliver who left the city after his best friend’s death. The second season of Arrow airs on October 13 at 8 p.m. on Jack TV.
JackTV is seen on SkyCable Channel51, Global Destiny Ch. 30 and Cable Link Ch. 36 and various cable operators nationwide.

ETC’S TRIPLE MATCH-AIRING TREAT COMING ON OCTOBER 8.

ETC’S TRIPLE MATCH-AIRING TREAT COMING ON OCTOBER 8.

This coming  October 8 , 2013,  ETC rolls out new shows and new seasons all on one big night. Adding to its ever-growing line-up of Match-Airing programs is the hilarious sitcom Super Fun Night and supernatural drama The Originals. While returning for its fifth season is the fan favorite vampire drama The Vampire Diaries.

Have a “Super Fun Night” every Tuesday on ETC with Rebel Wilson. Premiering October 8 at 7:30pm, Wilson plays Kimmie Boubier, who for the last 13 years has lived a sheltered life with her two best friends and roommates, Helen-Alice (Liza Lapira) and Marika (Lauren Ash). However, when Kimmie receives a big promotion at the NYC law firm that she works at, she meets British attorney Richard Royce (Kevin Bishop), the son of the firm's senior partner. After mentioning that he likes girls with a “bit of chunk,” Kimmie cannot help but be attracted to the charming and handsome Richard. With Kimmie's life opening up to new possibilities, can she convince her best friends that life isn't just for the pretty and the popular, and that it's time that they started living life to the fullest?

Catch up with the residents of Mystic Falls as a new school year starts in The Vampire Diaries Season 5 starting October 8 at 8PM on ETC. After spending a passion-filled summer with Damon (Ian Somerhalder), Elena (Nina Dobrev) is ready for her first day at Whitmore College. Excited to move in to her dorm with best friends Caroline (Candice Accola) and Bonnie (Kat Graham), unknown to her, Bonnie is in fact dead, having sacrificed her own life to bring back Elena’s Brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen). Meanwhile, a now very human, Katherine (Dobrev) pays an unexpected visit to the Salvatore Mansion, and Silas (Paul Wesley), the doppelganger of Stefan (Wesley), makes a terrifying appearance at the “End of Summer” party.

The Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals premieres October 8, Tuesday at 10PM on ETC (regular timeslot every Saturday at 9PM). The series follows the original vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and his original vampire Brother and Sister Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Rebekah (Claire Holt), as they return to New Orleans, the city their family helped build 300 years ago. However, Klaus is about to learn that this is not the same city that he left behind. His former protégé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) now has total control of the supernatural inhabitants of the city—a city that he once ruled. Meanwhile Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin), a werewolf and Klaus’ onetime flame, also arrives in town but is taken hostage by a powerful witch named Sophie Deveraux (Daniella Pineda). After revealing some life-changing news to Klaus, Sophie bargains with him to do her bidding in return for Hayley’s life. Vowing to reclaim what was once his; Klaus is prepared to fight to take back the power, the city and his family.
ETC is seen on free TV RPN-9, Sky Cable Ch. 14, Destiny Cable Ch. 14, Cable Link Ch. 34 and Cignal Ch. 14, Dream Satellite Ch. 6 in Metro Manila. For subscription please call your local cable provider.
Also check out ETC online at:
www.facebook.com/etctv
www.etc.com.ph

Wine Lab at Magosaburo Wine Lounge.

The story of wines, like human beings, does not begin and end simply with their color. Red, white, and tawny refer to just one aspect of wine, and to limit the dimensions and complexity of this splendid drink to a single facet is irrational.


If anything, wine is best described by the region it hails from: the Bordeauxs, the Ports, the Champagnes, all the great vintages from Napa, the wine country in Australia, and other unique locations across the world. In as much as people are inextricably tied to their country of origin, for instance, so too is a good glass of Syrah.

It takes a truly devoted team of wine lovers – not only sommeliers, connoisseurs, and gourmands, but also everyday aficionados – to establish a true haven that showcases the varied elements of wine. Far beyond an impressive and diverse selection, both art and science must come together in the same way the food perfectly paired with a wine forms an unforgettable taste experience.

This was the unrelenting vision that the people behind Magosaburo shared when they conceived the Mago Wine Lounge. Already renowned for taking high-end Japanese cuisine to the next level, Magosaburo decided to take the same pioneering approach in building what is perhaps the most state-of-the-art destination to serve fine wine.

Abigail Tabuchi-Sumida, President of INSHOCK Philippines — the company behind Magosaburo and the Mago Wine Lounge — noted that “it was quite a challenge when Executive Chef Motomatsu and I brainstormed to create the menu”. Indeed, they found out that wine pairing is an exact discipline, involving a precise blending of tastes, textures, and aromas. The two spent countless hours determining the dynamics between each bottle of wine and dish. “We had several breakthrough moments, that’s for sure,” Sumida enthused. “In the end, when the flavors come together, it is very clear that our efforts paid off,” she continued.

Lending his vast expertise to this venture is internationally renowned wine connoisseur Denny Wang, who serves as executive consultant to the Mago Wine Lounge. “The Mago Wine Lounge is predicated on a single, underlying thought: enhancing a wine lover’s experience by engaging all of the senses,” he said. “As such, the Mago Wine Lounge was built entirely with wine in mind, from the décor, the cuisine, to the lighting. We had to create a space that complemented the superb selection that we individually hand-picked,” he explained further.

Finding an ideal balance between a modern feel and laid-back comfort was likewise a priority for the Mago Wine Lounge. “The technology that we’ve adopted in order to ensure the quality of our wines is truly cutting-edge,” Tabuchi-Sumida pointed out. “Every step from handling, storage, and even serving follows a strict quality control protocol. We are as much a wine lab as we are a wine lounge,” she said with slight amusement.

The Mago Wine Lounge is located on the second floor of Magosaburo, at Fort Pointe 2 (The Fort Strip). For inquiries or reservations, you may contact 856-0795 []

Punk Your Chucks, Bring on the Art and Bling.

Punk Your Chucks, Bring on the Art and Bling.

I have been a loyalist partner to my chucks for decades, as of this writing, and a proud owner of 5 Chuck Taylors in white, black, red, pink and now a newly bought dirty white pair, the sneakers that I love to go through all the facets of my life. I love it dirty, the dirtier the zanier, the fader the color  the better, it gives me that kind of high.   When I discovered that renowned Filipino komik book artists Kajo Baldisimo and Bow Guerrero of Trese and Dark Colony fame, respectively could do their komik wonders to my pair of sneakers by live painting it, then I decided it is time to bring on the art and make my pair a one –of- a -kind chucks that  is exclusively handpainted by the duo.
Converse Philippines recently had a tie-up made under the “Shoes Buy Art, Sneakers Create It” campaign of Converse, at their flagship store in Glorietta on September 21, 2013 to launch their in-store-customization area “Punk Your Chucks” that showcases how sneakers can be a natural medium to create wearable art.
“Converse has always recognized the inherent creativity of our core market,” said Eli Bonsol, Converse Advertising and Marketing Manager. “Our most iconic sneaker, the Chuck Taylor All-Star, has always embodied this aspect of the brand—the fact that it is literally made of canvas makes it perfect backdrop to express your own style.”

For Bow Guerrero, creator and artist of Dark Colony, the bond between Pinoy Komiks and Converse is an intuitive one. “Pinoys love art, and express this love in truly imaginative ways,” he explained. “The timeless, laid-back style of the Converse All-Star really appeals to komiks lovers- not to mention that it is customizable in so many different ways.”
A customization area was set up at the venue, which allowed visitors and Converse enthusiasts to alter their shoes  according to their taste. Markers, pens and even metal studs were on-hand to achieve that perfect punk rock vibe.
Others Converse stores across the nation will soon be having their own “Punk Your Chucks” areas, where you can trick out your Chucks, Cons, or Jack Purcells- or if you don’t have a pair yet you can check out all the designs at the flagship store in Glorietta 2, Makati. You can also check out the punk’d Chucks by the artists of Trese and Dark Colony in the flagship store now. Log on to www.facebook.com/Converse Philippines for updates on the next event.

Watsons Switch and Save values.

Watsons Switch and Save campaign feature new celebrities and real customers

I have always been conscious about two things—health and budget.
Because of this, I have always been on the lookout for “reasonably-priced” vitamins, and since I’ve worked in a hospital in the past, I’m a bit more mindful about potency and quality so I stay away from buying at just any pharmacy.
Two of my more common purchases are vitamin C and Grapeseed vitamins, which I buy from Watsons since I made the “switch” last year.
I’ve also been a very happy shopper as the more I visit Watsons, the more I discover new items that fit my weekly budget. My number 1 favorite is their Cosmo Skin that is now on sale at php500 off.
Last week, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a Watsons event to introduce their new ambassadors for their “Switch and Save” campaign and learn more about their exciting products.
With Watsons Label products, smart shoppers can get much-needed personal care items at a lower cost, allowing for hefty savings without comprising quality.
Watsons offers a bevy of products under its own label, from toothbrushes to tissue paper and everything in between. A partnership with United Laboratories Inc. also allows Asia’s number one drug store to offer top-quality vitamins and medicines at wallet-friendly prices through Watsons Health Packs. Similarly, Watsons Compliance Packs bundle medicines for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and antibiotics up to 80% savings versus leading brands.
Viki Encarnacion, Marketing Director of Watsons Philippines, told us “Watsons recognizes that to be truly beautiful, one must also be healthy. Consistent with Watsons Label products our Health and Compliance Packs offer great quality at affordable prices, giving you fantastic value for money.”
The enormous value gained from Watsons Label products has convinced more than a few people to make the switch and save, including personalities like Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Patty Laurel. While Prieto-Valdes has discovered the efficacy and convenience afforded by Watsons medicines, Laurel finds that the number of trips she’s been going on has steadily increased ever since she made the switch to Watsons Label. This is thanks in large part to the savings she’s made on their wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.


Celebrities make the Switch!
Joining a star-studded line-up composed of Divine Lee, Victor Basa, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, and Patty Laurel, the latest Watsons endorsers look forward to pushing the brand’s present movement to even greater achievement.
Given its February 2012 beginnings, Watsons Switch & Save has exhibited increasing popularity over the past few months. Its escalating success comes from the thrust of helping the average Filipino shopper spend less on daily essentials, to splurge on things they love.

“I switched to Watsons because it is actually a place I often visit for my needs,” says Iya. They provide great quality daily essentials that allow me to save a few pesos here and there, which at the end of the year do all add up.”

Iya sums up her experience perfectly, “It’s always great to have a new family and
stand behind something that you believe in and that’s especially relevant, given today’s economic climate.”

 “I think it’s great to be the face of such a campaign,” says Mikael. “Personally, I've always been value conscious and have always tried to be very efficient. That's similar to what Switch & Save is all about,” he adds.

“In all my shows, I have a clean shaven look, so I shave almost every day. It’s a super essential in my case,” he says.

Real People
Watsons has also changed the perception of many people as more and more shoppers are beginning to appreciate the benefits of the Switch and Save campaign.
Alfonzo Crespo, a Medical Clerk shared, “I’ve never been the type who buys lots of personal care products because most of them are overpriced. Then, I came upon Watsons Label products! The quality is great and they are affordable.”
For student Nicolette Tan; “Watsons Label products are possibly the best bargains I get anywhere. And because of the savings I get to buy other things I like.”
Self-confessed Beauty Junkie Janine Paguasan, adds;  “I never go out without blow-drying my hair. So when my old hair dryer broke, I was devastated. I felt like every day was a bad hair day. That’s why I was overjoyed when I happened upon Watsons’ very affordable and effective hair dryer. Now, my bad hair days are over thanks to Watsons Label products!”


The savings made by switching to Watsons Label products can go up to 70 percent, letting customers save a significant amount of money on their day-to-day goods. Getting that shiny new laptop or gorgeous pair of shoes becomes a lot easier with the bargains made through the Watsons Label.

Bio-Oil the Anti Ageing Miracle Oil.

How Lara got her curves back and "stretchmarks” out.


Back when I used to assist OB-Gyne’s in prepping up patients (both for normal delivery or caesarean section) at a tertiary hospital, a lot of the would-be mothers had three common concerns—deliver a healthy baby, regain their post-maternal figure and how to get rid of stretchmarks.

Those nasty, annoying and dark stretchmarks that accumulate in the nine months of their pregnancy. The most common suggestion was a brand of cocoa butter that came in a small tube but all the raves about cocoa butter stopped because you had to apply it at the start of your pregnancy and not post pregnancy.

Thus, new moms started a seemingly neverending search for a viable and safer alternative with the most frustrated ones even resorting to Tattoos to conceal those stretchmarks.

According to Wikipedia, stretch marks or striae (singular stria), as referred by dermatologists, are a form of scarring on the skin with an off-color hue. Stretch marks formed during pregnancy, usually during the last trimester, and usually on the belly, but also commonly occurring on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks, are known as striae gravidarum.[

And as actress and former Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman confessed, even former beauty queens are not exempted from this problem. After giving birth to her first baby Noah Lamar last November 10, 2012, Precious said besides working out to get her figure back, she was also researching for ways on how to remove her stretch marks.

Thankfully, her search led to her discovery of Bio-Oil.

 “I started using Bio-Oil a few months back and I started to notice changes in just three weeks, and it was even my trainers who pointed it out and they asked me what I was using,” Precious told guests at the launch of Bio Oil held at the Edsa Shang-rila Hotel last September 18, 2013.

Wearing an orange Grecian back-baring gown, Precious was a picture of confidence as she sashayed to the stage flaunting her slimmer and more flawless figure after being introduced as Bio-Oil’s brand ambassador.

Besides Precious, several respectable OB Gynes from different Metro Manila hospitals, served as resource persons to explain how Bio Oil can help effectively lighten stretch marks and that expectant mothers can use it as early as their second trimestral to help prevent those dreaded dark lines.

They also suggested that moms should avoid scratching their stomachs to prevent the striae that look like bands, stripes, or lines for occurring.

Bio-Oil works thanks to its formulation of combined plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base. It contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, which changes the formulation’s overall consistency, making it light and non-greasy. This ensures that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed.  Bio-Oil is also effective against ageing and dehydrated skin.