Dermcare Brings Beauty and Care + Bacolod Branch Now Open

Last January 2017, Dermcare has finally opened here in the City of Smiles, Bacolod.  

I can't help get excited that they have finally opened their newest branch at SM Bacolod. Dermcare is known to bring every Filipina beauty and care. After all channeling your beauty to radiate doesn’t come overnight. Your skin requires pampering and care of a professional center that understands your needs. A center that provides all your skin pampering necessities has now come into full bloom as it introduces its new look and logo.

For 2 decades, Dermcare have continuously shared their unfailing love and concern for their customers, delivering utmost satisfaction to your every vanity regardless of gender, age, social standing, and personal preferences.

Dermcare have been like a second home to their clients as the center treats each customer as part of their family. The care that Dermcare delivers manifest through repeat customers that keeps coming back for the very reason that they feel that they belong.

Understandably, you would only want the best for the ones you hold dear to your heart. This is why Dermcare has up the ante, so everyone in your family and social circle can experience the care and passion that only Dermcare can give.

Pag-IBIG Recognizes Dermcare’s contribution to the community

Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card recently awarded Dermcare the “Loyalty Cardholder’s Favorite Partner” which equated to the number of cardholders who had the privilege to enjoy discounts at Dermcare branches nationwide.

Pag-IBIG Fund launched its Pag-IBIG Loyalty card Program in the year 2014. The program aims to extend the benefits given by Pag-ibig Fund to its members not just thru short term and housing loans but also to give them additional privilege in other necessities. Dermcare has been a Partner of Pag-IBIG Loyalty card since then.

Dermcare has served the Pag-IBIG members nationwide thru its more than 80 branches.  In 2016 alone, Dermcare has already extended an accumulated amount of more than P500,000 worth of discounts to around 2,000 Pag-IBIG Loyalty card members  who enjoyed up to 50% discount of Dermcare services and products.

New Logo, New Face

Dermcare's new logo is fused together with the care-centric ideals that they have at present. The flowers represent their growing clientele and how it has captured the hearts and gained the trust of the public.

In line with the new logo, Dermcare also launches the face of Dermcare - Ms. Nina Robertson, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Overseas Communities 2015. Nina embodies all the qualities that represents Dermcare, vibrant and full of energy!

True to its mission, Dermcare desires to foster care to its numerous clients by providing top-quality skin, hair and wellness services, as well as encompass the years of remarkable love and care for their customers.

Visit your nearest Dermcare branch today. For more information, follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i.like.dermcare. 

Is your Child Gifted? Learn more about Giftedness and Twice Exceptionality on February 25

How do parents know if their child is gifted? What are the signs?

Bestselling Author and Inspirational Speaker Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag is organizing a parenting event dubbed as Giftedness101 on February 25, 2017, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Playworks, SM Aura Campus, Taguig City. The talk will help parents learn more about giftedness and twice exceptionality and thus help them find out if their child is gifted and the necessary first steps to support their child’s special needs. 

“When you become a parent, your world expands. When I learned that my eldest child is gifted, I devoured every literature I could find on the topic. I attended whatever seminars, workshops or conventions that fit my already busy schedule. I was eager to learn and I was motivated to learn for the sake of my kids and for my sake,” says Teresa Dumadag.

“This is because I am a parent of gifted children and I need to learn how to support my children’s special needs and to help them reach their full potential,” added Dumadag.

The topics to be covered are the following:

·         Are all children gifted? What does it mean to be gifted?

·         What are the signs of giftedness or twice exceptionality, especially in young children?

·         What are the advantages of finding out if your child is gifted or not?

·         What are the advantages of hands-on parenting to the gifted or twice exceptional child?

·         What should you do when you see signs of giftedness in your child?

·         What are the advantages of homeschooling gifted or twice exceptional kids?

·         How do you homeschool a gifted child?

Aside from learning more about giftedness and twice exceptionality, parents will also have the opportunity to meet other parents of gifted and twice exceptional children and thus find a support group who will understand the same challenges and joys that they experience.

The registration fee is Php 750, inclusive of light snacks and handouts. The Early Bird Rate of Php 650 is available until February 14, 2017. 

As an added treat, the first 20 parents who will register and pay for the GIFTEDNESS 101 talk on February 25 will receive Gift Certificates worth Php 3,000 each from KIDS ACTS PHILIPPINES (KAPI).

For more information and to register, please visit:  http://bit.ly/GiftednessPH101

This event is supported by sponsors: Playworks Early Childhood Center, Kids Acts Philippines, Inc., Filway Marketing Inc., Mom and Milly Educational Toys, Mommy Bakes PH and Sweet Indulgence by Rika.

The event’s media partners include When in Manila.com, Experience of a Super Mommy and The Filipino Homeschooler. 

What to do this Valentine's day weekend in Bacolod if you are single?

It's 10 days before Valentine's Day which means you still have a chance to find a date. However, if you have lost hope and believe it's just going to be just you and yourself on February 14 or this Valentine's weekend. Then check out these Valentine's day activities here in Bacolod recommended specifically for you. 

1. Speed Dating at Tippy's Bistro

Source: Tippy's Bistro

Take the chance of finding someone special fast and easy. According to Tippy's, sometimes all it takes is a "hi" and "hello." This is happening on February 11 (Saturday) 5 PM - 7 PM at Tippy's Bistro, 10th Street, Lacson. 

Registration Fee is Php 200 inclusive of buffet + drinks. 

More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1636097766685536/ 

2. Compatible Valentine's Day Blood Donation Drive

Source: Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental - Bacolod City Chapter‎

No date? No love life? But you can definitely save lives! Donate blood this February 14 at Gaisano City Grand, Araneta. This is blood donation activity is organized by the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental in partnership with ABS-CBN. 

This year's theme: Sa Dugo at Pag-ibig, Dapat #Compatible! Donate na! 

More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1420452861322772 

There are actually more blood donation drives happening in the city on February 14. Another one is at UNO-R from 8AM-4PM. 

Source: Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental - Bacolod City Chapter‎

More details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1151375171648743/ 

3. Get rewarded for being single! 

Leia C Food Sizzlers n Mixes (Restaurant, KTV and Catering) is giving away Php 150 GC for those who are single. Get a chance to get a reward for choosing to wait for God's best. Just visit them on February 14 at GP Building, Circumferential Road. 

P.S. These GCs can be used on your next visit. 

Source: Leia Mae Caliston

More details here: http://bit.ly/LeiaCValentinesPromo

We would continue to look out for other activities this month. After all, Valentine's is no longer just for couples. There are a lot of good things happening. No need to skip this month. (Huwag na maging bitter, mga bes!) 

Stay tuned! 

BACOLOD BLOG SERIES: Where do Locals Eat in Bacolod?

I started the Bacolod Blog Series in 2015 featuring home-grown restaurants and must-visit places as we wish to share with you our new discoveries here in Bacolod. After 1.5 years, Val and I decided to bring it back as we share to you how much we love Bacolod. We will be featuring the delicious and affordable food discoveries and options and you can find out where do locals eat in Bacolod. 

First off, Back Ribs. 

When you visit Bacolod City, you may notice several establishments offering Bacolod's Back Ribs. Though may look almost the same, there is one that truly stands out - Lord Byron's Back Ribs. 

They offer back ribs in generous sizes at a very affordable price. It comes with garlic rice and atchara. 

Back Ribs - Php 159

The sauce is really good and the meat is really tender. No doubt why Papa likes it so much. 

Local's secret tip: You can ask for more sauce and more atchara for FREE. :) 

Aside from Backribs, they also offer freshly prepared potato wedges which are a perfect match to your back ribs. 

Potato Wedges - Php 59

Aside from our 2 favorites, they also serve Cansi Soup (which is popular here in Bacolod), Sizzling Bangus (perfect for the upcoming Lenten season) and Pork Sisig which is also one of their specialties. 

Cansi Soup - Php 159

For your reference, here is a copy of Lord Byron's Back Ribs Menu:

Lord Byron's Menu

How was our experience? 

We visited their newest branch near Riverside College. Val and I were with our friends Jelica and Kat. 

Visiting with friends Jelica (in blue) and Kat

The staff is very nice and helpful. Though they get a lot of customers during rush hour, the tables have ample spaces in between so it wouldn't be so crowded. Since it was Jelica's first time to visit, we decided to try different dishes. 

We had: 

3 orders of Back Ribs

1 order of Sizzling Bangus

1 order of Kansi Soup

1 order of Potato Wedges

Drinks (Soft drinks + Iced Tea) 

Extra Rice 

And our biggest surprise - the bill was less than Php 1,000 That's good for 4 persons. 

So, are we visiting again? Yes

Are you recommending Lord Bryon's Back Ribs to friends? Yes

Just another Local's secret tip: Don't be mistaken with the signs, logos and the name. Lord Byron's has only 3 branches: two in Bacolod and one in Dumaguete. 

You may also follow them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lbsbackribstheoriginal/ for updates, pop-ups and promotions. 

Remember: you've never been to Bacolod if you never tried their back ribs. :) 

Novuhair encourages you to understand your hair

Your hair is not called your crowning glory for no reason at all. After all, it is one of the first things that others notice when they see you. Thus, this is also the very reason is why we should take extra effort in caring for our mane.

The big question is: ARE YOU TAKING CARE OF YOUR HAIR ENOUGH? 

A hair salon is one of the usual places that a person would go to whenever they need to have their hair fixed, this is typical if you just need a relief from a bad hair day or to mend your split ends. What if your hair needs a more extensive solution such as for your hair loss?

Several factors can cause hair loss and understanding your lifestyle pattern may help remedy your condition.

•         Stress is the most common factor in temporary hair loss.
•         Incorrect use of hair products with harmful chemicals
•         Childbirth also causes temporary hair loss
•         Cosmetic procedures such as Rebonding, Perming, Bleaching and Dyeing
•         Autoimmune diseases such as Alopecia.
•         Medical treatment such as chemotherapy and Beta-blockers
•         Medical conditions such as Lupus, Diabetes, Anorexia and Anemia can also cause hair loss

Say goodbye to hair loss and scalp problems with Novuhair, natures answer to hair loss.  Novuhair is made with 19 natural ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint and almost 100% natural.

Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching. It also penetrates deep to rejuvenate the hair follicles, provides optimum nutrition to help combat hair loss and/or thinning of hair, improves blood circulation in the scalp which contributes to the stimulation of hair growth.

This new year, give your hair a resolution and have your hair and scalp analyzed in order to check for problems. Novuhair, is offering a series of free hair and scalp analysis is various locations, check their monthly schedule at www.novuhair.com.

You may also follow their social media accounts in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. twitter. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For online purchases, visit Lazada.com.ph and regaloservice.com.

Celebr888 Chinese New Year with a Samsung TV

This Chinese New Year, Samsung brings in good luck through its “It’s time to Celebr888” promo. From January 23 to February 19, score huge discounts on the following Samsung UHD TV models:

·         Php 7,000 off on Samsung 40-inch UHD TV

·         Php 13,000 off on Samsung 55-inch UHD TV

·         Php 21,000 off on Samsung 65-inch UHD TV

These discounts will let the whole family welcome the Year of the Rooster with a next-level home entertainment from Samsung. The UHD TV’s stunning 4K resolution, which is 4x better than Full HD, provides dramatic details and crisp images. Let the kids enjoy their most favorite shows with Samsung UHD TV’s spectacular picture performance through accurately blending primary and secondary colors. Techies in the family will surely appreciate its Smart TV features, allowing them to access favorite program choices, live TV, video on demand, apps, and social media in one easy-to-browse navigation experience.

Complement the upgraded family’s viewing experience with cinema style sound by adding Samsung Soundbars in your entertainment area. Enjoy up to 40% off on Samsung Soundbars (Flat Soundbar HW-K360, Flat Soundbar HW-K450, and Flat Soundbar HW-K550) when you take home any Samsung TV. With these deals, having a theater experience at home is now possible.

Celebr888 and reconnect with family and friends in style as you welcome a new beginning. Avail of these deals by heading to the nearest Samsung authorized dealer. For more details, visit the Samsung Facebook page or samsung.com/ph/offers.

Why we took the "Big Leap?" - A Story About Freelancing

A lot may have heard stories about people working from home or freelancing nowadays. A few years back, "freelancing" was not really a "positive" thing. It referred to people who did not have a stable job and is just doing any form of "raket" with no structure, no standard pay rate to earn a living. 

Currently, freelancing is now considered a career option. With all the technological advancements and everything going digital. Online freelancing or online work became a big hit that it has inspired professionals and corporate employees take the "big leap." Freelancing took a bigger meaning as it now considered "Working in Freedom."

Freelancers have different reasons why they decided to take on this different career path. Some of which are the following: 

"The convenience of having your own personal freedom, daily expenses and significant cuts on overhead costs are some of the benefits I enjoy when I started working from home - all of these without sacrificing family relationships," says Angel Salamante, an Inside Sales Agent from Bulacan 

According to Jocelyn Medina-Ihalas, a Virtual Assistant and Mom of 3,

"I started working from home due to the flexibility of working hours without neglecting my role as a parent."

"To be more productive and happier in a way that I can do multitasking - doing household chores, working and spending more quality time with my family especially with my kids." added Mylin Soriano, Virtual Assistant - Quality Analyst, Mom of 2.

On the personal note, I choose to start working from home because I can no longer tolerate the stress, traffic, and pollution to commute to and from work everyday. I keep getting sick and had very frequent asthma attacks. However, despite my health condition, I had to do something and need to continue to become productive.

-----------

How to start? Where to begin? Is this even real? These are the questions I had in mind when I started my own freelancing career. Honestly, it was not easy but I was fortunate to meet the right people to guide and inspire me on what to do. The WAHMderful Weekend organized by WAHM Manila has literally changed my life. It is because of them that I realized that having a mentor and a support group is very crucial.

Thus, it has been part of our advocacy under The Purple Secretary to promoting more earning opportunities by empowering individuals from places where there are limited jobs offered as well as to provide support to parents who are not able to work due to family obligations. One of our objectives is to help guide "newbies" in avoiding online scams or being duped by others who present networking as an online job.

Last January 21, The Purple Secretary co-presented by Dojo 8 Coliving Space held the "How to Start Your Home Based Career Seminar." The learning event focused on the basics of starting one's home based career including different work-at-home career options, tips on getting started and information on where and how to apply. We also discussed current trends, pay rates and challenges faced by online workers. 

It was a sold out event and we are very happy with the overwhelming turnout of participants. I realized that there are a lot of individuals in Bacolod who are interested to also take the "big leap." Hearing personal stories from the participants made me realize that this is more than just a learning event. It is about changing other people's lives, improving family relationships and building our own community of freelancers in Bacolod. 

This promising start would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, Nacho King - SM Bacolod, Lord Byron's Back Ribs Bacolod, Flip and Color, My Little Ikbi and Bacolod DIY Party Rentals and media partners When in Manila, Sigrid Says and Mea in Bacolod. 

To all the participants, sponsors and partners - let me take this opportunity to thank you again for supporting the event. #bacolodworkathome 

Is Your Vitamin C Safe?

The New Year gives us another chance at a fresh start. After the unhealthy lifestyle during the holidays, our immune system is just starting to recuperate and get back to normal. One sure way to speed up its recovery is to take optimum levels of Vitamin C.

But did you know, that when taking Vitamin C, we have to be careful of several factors such as the type and quality of Vitamin C because not all vitamin C are the same!

The most common type of Vitamin C is ascorbic acid. This type of vitamin C has been by far, the cheapest form of Vitamin C, but did you know that when taken at higher quantities, ascorbic acid is not exempted from harmful side effects. Diarrhea, Nausea, Stomach Cramps, Headache, Hyperacidity, Hot flushes and Heartburn are just some of the symptoms of taking too much ascorbic acid.

In the recent decade, Sodium Ascorbate has given the public the safest and most effective type of vitamin C. Bewell-C (Sodium Ascorbate) is a non-acidic Vitamin C supplement that is rapidly gaining popularity among the public as a high quality and effective brand. Bewell-C is the next generation vitamin C that provides all the benefits of vitamin C without the risk of hyperacidity.

Doctors recommend that we take 2 capsules per day of Bewell-C. Some people require a higher dose per day if they are experiencing the following:  

Flu:

People suffering from Flu virus are recommended to take 6 capsules of Bewell-C per day and 4 capsules while recovering from flu. Whereas, those who are suffering from colds and cough are recommended to take at least 6 capsules until they have recovered.

Research study also pointed out that most healthy adults get a cold two or three times a year and taking large doses of Vitamin C daily shortens the duration of colds.

Smokers and Alcohol Drinkers

Alcohol, Nicotine and other substance in cigarette causes cell damage and drains vitamins and nutrition from your body.

Smokers and those who often drink alcohol experience lower immune system and are susceptible to various diseases thus, they are required to take at least 4 capsules of Bewell-C to help maintain their health.  

Post-Surgery

People who underwent surgery are recommended to take high doses of Vitamin C as much as 6 capsules Bewell-C daily to hasten wound healing. Vitamin C is essential in the formation of new connective tissue in healing wound.

For those who need both Vitamin C and Calcium, Bewell-C plus calcium is also available in the market. Just like Bewell-C, this product also uses non-acidic vitamin C paired with organic calcium fortified with Vitamin D for stronger bones and teeth.

Bewell-C and Bewell-C Plus Calcium is available in all leading drugstores nationwide and on Lazada.com.ph Online Shopping: http://www.lazada.com.ph/bewell-nutraceuticals-corporation/ 

For more updates, follow their FB: https://www.facebook.com/bewellcsodiumascorbate

THANK YOU (From Someone Who Lost and Found The Christmas Spirit)

Christmas is my favorite time of the year - a time where people are happier, friendlier and more excited. My Christmas has always been magical. I look forward to the great food shared with my family during Noche Buena as well as get excited to wrap and open gifts. I grew up believing in Santa Claus that as early as November we start writing our letters. Christmas mornings had left me breathless as I get my Christmas wish. It was just so wonderful that I was even more excited for Christmas than my own birthday. 

However, life is not perfect. A lot of things happened. At the age of 10, my parents separated. At Age 15, I found out the truth about Santa Claus and at the Age 20, I started living on my own that most of the time I can't go home for Christmas because of work.

Despite everything, I had loved and cherished all my Christmas memories. As a young adult, I was trying so hard to bring back the Christmas joy. I decorated my little apartment by putting up a Christmas tree, dressed my dog in a Santa outfit and prepared the same food that my family usually prepares for Christmas. Unfortunately, it was not the same. 

Later on, Christmas felt more like a chore where we just look forward to 13th month pays and Christmas bonuses. The season's highlights were just about Christmas shopping, company parties, and the dreaded Christmas rush. It is the time of the year where we notice that there is no more Christmas air. December just started to get warmer. Perhaps, I had lost the Christmas Spirit. 

But 2016 is different. This year, I would like to thank my parents for giving me the best Christmas ever. After 22 years, I have finally celebrated Christmas again with my mom and dad. 

We took a break from work and was able to fly home for Christmas. 

We did not have many gifts. I did not write or wait for Santa Claus but I was complete. My parents are not back together and they still have their reasons for the separation but they have opted to spend Christmas because of me. So, Mama and Papa -Thank you for giving me the chance to have this treasured moment. Plus, a family picture that I could keep forever. 

I realized that Christmas is not about material things. It is about being with your loved ones, being nice to others and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. 

If you are just like me who has lost the Christmas spirit, don't lose hope. We all have the chance to find it again by searching for the true meaning of the season. Let us open ourselves to pleasant encounters, thoughtful deeds, and forgiveness. 

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.