“Love Yourself” with Watsons and Bioessence this Christma

When it comes to health, wellness, and beauty, no one does it better than Watsons Your Personal Store. As one of the leading beauty retailers in the Philippines, its promise of “looking good, feeling great and having fun” is brought to life by its wide selection of exclusive products.

For the holiday season, Watsons took its Christmas theme of “How Do I Love Me?” one step further through its partnership with Bioessence Serenity Spa, a stalwart player in Manila’s beauty industry with a variety of services that make it a one-stop shop for beauty and wellness needs.

A perfect Christmas pair

This November, Watsons and Bioessence ushers in the holiday season with a very special Christmas offering that combines Watsons’ products with Bioessence’s paraffin wax treatment exclusively for Watsons and Beauty by SM shoppers.

“Watsons’ partnership with Bioessence is something we felt was a perfect fit,” said Vicky Encarnacion, Watsons Department Store Business Unit Head. “This Christmas, Watsons is all about finding ways to ‘love yourself.’ With our product lineup coupled with the paraffin wax treatment of Bioessence, every customer to Watsons and Beauty by SM is sure to have a delightfully indulgent holiday.”

“As an advocate of health, wellness, and beauty, we knew that Watsons was perfectly suited to what Bioessence believes in,” added Yeng Francisco, Marketing Director for Bioessence Serenity Spas. “For the last 14 years, we have grown to 26 outlets nationwide by honing our beauty expertise with beauty products like soaps, anti-ageing, whitening, slimming, essential oils, food supplements and other complementary items. By partnering with Watsons, we are able to go even further with our offerings by crafting a special paraffin wax treatment that customers can avail of. Our paraffin treatment is exclusive to Watsons for the holiday season and is slated to be one of the most unique activities you can do with your girlfriends this Christmas.”


Indulge yourself this Christmas

Along with paraffin wax, indulgence this season comes in the form of Watsons Exfoliating Body Scrub, Spa Essentials Massage Oils, Body Treats Body Care Range (Body Lotions and Body Soaps), and Glamworks Whiteplus Whitening Range.

Available in Cucumber, Strawberry, Grapefruit, and Peach Mango, Watsons Exfoliating Body Scrub kicks off your Christmas beauty by effectively removing dead skin cells and refreshing your skin. After a bath, Body Treats Body Care Range makes Christmas indulgence a sweet-smelling experience with specially formulated Virgin Coco, Green and Orange Papaya, and Calamansi scented Body Lotion and Body Soap, while Glamworks Whiteplus Whitening Range ensures that your Christmas complexion is kept fair and rosy for every party. These beauty and pamper products are exclusively available at Watsons and Beauty by SM stores.

To perfectly round off your Christmas indulgence, shopping for these Watsons’ exclusive products could earn you a FREE hand paraffin treatment plus a 50% discount for any facial at Bioessence Serenity Spa. Complimented by Watsons Exfoliating Body Scrub or Spa Essentials’ specially formulated Massage Oils, your holiday season is set to be your most pampered Christmas yet.

Starting November 27, customers can explore Watsons’ indulgent Christmas offerings at Watsons branches in SM Megamall, Fairview, West Ave, Visayas Ave, Connecticut Greenhills, Greenbelt, Makati Commercial Complex, Binondo, Bellagio Square Malate, Sta. Lucia Cainta, Expressions Building Las Pinas, SM Southmall, SM Bacoor, Lipa Batangas, SM Lucena, SM Marilao, Silayan Center Tarlac, SM Baguio, and Marfori Heights Davao. Free service redemption can also be claimed in participating Beauty by SM Department Stores.

Superb Bite Sandwiches: Bigger in Size, Easy on the pocket

Professionals can now enjoy the goodness of classic sandwiches with Mini Stops’ Superb Bite Sandwiches. The latest all-day delights from the nationwide chain boast of extra filling and flavorful combinations that will satisfy any appetite.

For many busy workers, nothing beats the delicious taste and convenience of their favorite sandwich combination. What more when it’s offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, just a few steps away from the office.

The new sandwiches come in three enjoyable variants and at a price that’s made extra affordable.

The Superb Bite Ham and Egg Croissant lets you bite into the classic texture of croissant, with layers of juicy ham slices, scrambled egg, special dressing, and fresh lettuce in between.

Reinterpreting the traditional corned beef in pan de sal combination is the Superb Bite Corned Beef with Egg Sandwich with its addition of scrambled egg, special dressing, and fresh lettuce.

You can also taste another pan de sal special with the Superb Bite Bacon and Egg Sandwich. Enjoy the same delicious scrambled egg, special dressing, and fresh lettuce, but this time with slices of yummy bacon.

Looking for a superb yet affordable treat? Nothing makes a better reward for hard work than these tasty new treats from Ministop.

The Superb Bite Sandwiches are available for only P39 each in all Ministop stores within Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon...

Big savings and great value with Jollibee Spaghetti and Yum Value Meals now for only P50!

Make your spending count during these trying times with Jollibee’s special price-off on your favorite Yum and Spaghetti value meals!

From November 1 to 30, you can delight in the langhap-sarap goodness of the Jollibee Yum Value Meal and the Jollibee Spaghetti Value Meal for only P50 each from its original price of P57. The price-off promo gives you big savings and great value so you can save your hard-earned peso especially during these challenging times. With the lower prices, Jollibee gives back to its loyal customers who no longer have to scrimp on food as they can continue to enjoy their favorite Jollibee treats!

Burger lovers can delight in the Jollibee Yum that’s made with 100% pure beef patty and is served with Jollibee’s own special dressing all in a soft bun. Fans of Jollibee Spaghetti can continue to savor this flavorful treat with chunky slices of ham, sausages, generous amount of ground beef that are served over premium noodles and topped with lots of cheese. The Yum Value Meal comes with regular Jolly Crispy Fries and regular softdrink, while the Spaghetti Value Meal comes with a regular softdrink.

So dash to your nearest Jollibee store now and load up on the affordable and value-packed Jollibee Yum and Spaghetti Value Meals for more jolly moments with family and friends. This special price-off offer is valid in all Jollibee stores nationwide.

Experience expert skin care from The Skin Specialist

You can be your most beautiful self without breaking the bank. The search for professional dermatology services that won’t bleed your paycheck dry is over with the opening of the Skin Specialist Clinic in Timog, Quezon City.

The Skin Specialist Clinic is a warm, relaxed and well-designed haven where you can experience personalized and professional skin care treatments. It provides a wide range of modern, non-invasive skin services that can be customized based on patient's needs, and of course, at rates that are most reasonable. There is even a toddler room to assure moms undergoing treatments that their kids will be entertained and taken care of as they wait.

Your skin will be in the good hands of Dr. Jean Marquez, a clinical and cosmetic dermatologist known for her compassion, understanding and expertise derived from extensive medical experience and in-depth trainings here and abroad.

Banking on her credentials, Dr. Jean, a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society, earned her degree in medicine from the De La Salle University in 1993 and passed the Philippine Physician Licensure Examination in 1995. She also graduated Chief Resident of the Department of Dermatology at the East Avenue Medical Center and has extensive trainings in clinical, cosmetic and laser dermatology in Mid Valley Dermatology in Sherman Oaks, California, as well as in Advanced Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology in Houston, Texas, USA. And to guarantee premium professional dermatological care, Dr. Jean is backed up by her team of medical experts, making sure that every one gets the professional medical attention their skin deserves.

Dr. Jean and her team offer treatments and services which address various skin concerns such as acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, keloid, excessive sweating, freckles, varicose and spider veins, warts, pigmentation problems, cellulite, skin tags, syringoma, sebaceous hyperplasia and seborrheic kerotoses. Among The Skin Specialist’s exciting banner offerings are:

InfusionTM – a safe and effective needle-free aesthetic procedure that aids in collagen regeneration, skin re-hydration, skin firming and whitening, body toning, and cellulite and stretch marks reduction.

MTS (Micro-needle Therapy System – a procedure that stimulates the skin to produce new collagen formation, thereby reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture, enough to smoothen deep acne scars and chicken pox marks

CICU (C02 Fractional laser System) – a procedure that treats skin concerns like acne scars, large pores and wrinkles; it also aids in skin tightening, tone & texture improvement, and skin resurfacing.

Carboxy Therapy – an effective non-surgical method that dramatically improves the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite by increasing local tissue metabolism and perfusion

Botox (Botulinum Toxin A) – Botox (Botulinum Toxin A) – the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the world, botox lessens the appearances of wrinkles and fine lines and also treats hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of underarms and hands

Cavitation – a non surgical fat-loss and cellulite treatment using the latest in ultrasound technology

Veinlite – a device perfect for locating hard to find veins, it is used for sclerotherapy treatment which eliminates varicose and spider veins

Other sought-after services are facials, diamond peel, Iontophoresis, dermal fillers, laser tattoo removal, anti-aging treatments (with stem cell anti-aging treatment), placenta injection, radiofrequency, IPL rejuvenation, skin and chemical peel, mesolipo, mesowhite, mesolift, glutathione injectables, thermal cautery, mole removal and laser hair removal. There are also effective treatments for keloid, hair loss, skin, hair and nail diseases, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Experience now the beautifying professional care of Dr. Jean Marquez and the rest of The Skin Specialist team and discover that effective and safe skin care need not be expensive.

For more information please call 02-3748087, 02-4077210, and 02-7941317 or log on to www.drjeanskinspecialist.com. For modern and reliable skin care services, visit The Skin Specialist Clinic located at ESNA BLDG. #30 Timog Avenue, Quezon City Philippines.

Philippines in State of Unity

The spirit of Oneness moves the Filipino nation in this time of need. With the aftermath of the recent calamity, the whole country is moved by how Filipinos have been working together towards one goal.

Analog Soul, a Filipino retail clothing line that believes in Filipinos, celebrates the nation’s oneness through the introduction of their new shirt designs called State of Unity. A true believer of this nation’s talents, the brand tapped young Filipino artists to share their interpretation of what is happening in the country after the recent typhoon.

“It’s inspiring how everyone, not only Filipinos, is unified in aiming for one goal, which is to help the calamity victims. We continue to overcome hardships because we are a united people whose hopes and aspirations are one. You will see both young and old, doing their own share to help. Every initiative, every effort counts,” Migs Naguiat, Analog Soul owner, said.

On its part, Analog Soul is using these new shirt designs to continue to inspire and see the positive effects of the calamity, as well as help the victims. Naguiat explained that for every shirt sold, a portion of the proceeds would go to the Citizen Disaster Response Center to help with the relief operations.

The new State of the Unity designs are available in Analog Soul outlets in Trinoma, Megamall, Rockwell, and Glorietta.

Nike Creates Special Edition Tees Celebrating Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao

Design inspired by Manny’s phenomenal athletic journey as he trains for a new title on November 14, 2009

Nike announced the creation of two special edition tees, the Nike MP Team Pacquiao Eagle Tee and the Nike MP Tee, celebrating boxing great Manny Pacquiao’s possible unprecedented seventh world title in seven different weight classes as he goes into the ring on November 14.

Both shirts, available in limited quantities, will bear the Nike Pacquiao identity crest, an iconic symbol which has come to be associated with Manny’s many victories over the past few years. This specially designed crest also reflects Nike’s unwavering commitment towards supporting one of the greatest boxers of all time, Filipino pride Manny Pacquiao.

“We are very proud to support Manny Pacquiao in all his battles and feats. As he once again steps into the ring for what could be a historic first, Nike and the entire Philippines will be supporting him,” said Mae Dichupa, Nike Philippines Country Marketing Manager. “Manny embodies the good sportsmanship and athleticism that Nike athletes possess. We are committed to being a part of his battle - from his rigid training to the actual fight in the ring.”

The Nike MP Team Pacquiao Eagle Tee comes in bold red, showcasing a gold foil outline of the Philippine Eagle head in the center front, with a screenprint of an outlined Eagle wing in the background. The back carries the Team Pacquiao statement in bold letters, with the Nike – Manny Pacquiao logo below it.

The Nike MP Tee comes in black, and showcases the iconic Nike logo on the front, accompanied by Manny Pacquiao’s initials MP in red and blue respectively and a sun to the lower right, reminiscent of the Philippine flag. On the U.S. version of the tee, the back bears the Nike tagline Just Do It in bold letters, with the Nike-Manny Pacquiao crest below it. The localized version of this tee differs in the writing on the reverse side. Instead of Just Do It, the slogan especially for Philippines bears the statement “Lamang Gawin Ito.” The Philippine release will be sold exclusively to the local market.

The Special Edition tees will be available in select Nike stores nationwide including Nike Park The Fort, Trinoma and Glorietta 4 from PHP 1,095 starting November 6th.

Signed Manny Pacquiao merchandise up for auction to benefit GK youth communities

As an added initiative to celebrate Manny and his supporters, signed Manny Pacquiao merchandise will be put up for auction on November 12, and will close on the day of the fight on the 15th.

These items celebrate the journey of Manny Pacquiao’s battles in the boxing ring and the roads he had to take in order for him to make his legacy.

Proceeds from this auction will go to the education of GK youth communities who were victims of typhoon Ondoy and who are slowly putting back the pieces of their life together.

New Faces of Hidden Spring: Isabel Roces and Akihiro Sato

There is one sure and safe way to be truly bold and beautiful: nature's way. Hidden Spring Mineral Water introduces its new Bold and Beautiful Campaign through its newest endorsers – stunning personalities, Isabel Roces and Akihiro Sato.

Top supermodel, health advocate, animal rights activist, and beauty columnist Isabel Roces is a popular face among fashionistas and health buffs everywhere. Isabel maintains her healthy mind and body by regularly doing yoga and living a vegetarian lifestyle. Brazilian-Japanese model-ambassador Akihiro Sato an up-and-coming TV actor is currently one of the contestants in the 3rd season of Celebrity Duets on GMA7. Akihiro complements his healthy and high-protein diet with regular gym workouts, boxing and jiu jitsu.

“Isabel and Akihiro perfectly embody Hidden Spring’s Bold and Beautiful campaign: gorgeous, sexy, dynamic, and most importantly, true advocates of a healthy lifestyle,” said Carlo Blanco, Hidden Spring’s Brand Manager. Both Isabel and Akihiro agree that real boldness and beauty can only come from the natural goodness of pure and clean water. Hidden Spring Mineral Water comes from a naturally occurring and pristine source, undergoes multi-filtration process to rid impurities, and bottled to perfection making it clean and safe. It offers the highest concentration of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonates to help keep our body naturally healthy and beautifully invigorated.

A product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), a trendsetter in the food and beverage industry with its innovative products, Hidden Spring Mineral Water guarantees to quench the thirst and refresh the tired body, for more bold and beautiful days ahead. The refreshing goodness of water the way nature made it is available in supermarkets, groceries and major convenience stores nationwide.

14 Days to Show off Your Shape

Ever wanted to raid a certified fashionista’s closet? Or have you ever wanted to strut the streets of Manila wearing a Hermes, Rhett Eala, Michi Calica, Religioso, Kate Torralba,Jun Escario, Chanel, or 7 for All Mankind?

You know you want to and in 14-days, these could all happen to you -- if you win in NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, that is.

Here, fashion and fitness come together to give style mavens a crack at their dream ensemble— handpicked by the country’s top fashion editors no less—while getting in tip-top shape. “This is the first of its kind in the country,” says Myra Garcia, Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestle Fitnesse. “After all, there’s no better motivation than walking the streets of Manila while looking fashionably fit.”

Editors Pick the Ultimate Wardrobe

“ For the prizes in NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, we found out what some of the country’s most stylish people want to have in their closets,” shares Myra Garcia, Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestle Fitnesse. “And in doing so, we were able to shortlist what’s arguably the most coveted designer wardrobe to hit Manila.”
Donna Cuna Pita, for example, believes Chanel to be a true fashionista must-have saying that the iconic designer “blazed the trail for all female high-fashion designers.” On the local front, Kate Torralba and Rhett Eala emerged to be among the top favorites. “Her quirky dresses and colorful palettes make you feel like a Barbie doll. I can almost swear they come with invisible heels that make you feel like you’re 5’11,” quips Isabel Roces about designer Kate Torralba. On the other hand, Rissa Mananquil describes Rhett Eala as “fashion’s big innovator, thinker and provocateur.”
Jenni Epperson, Joyce Fernandez, Audrey Carpio, Bianca Consunji and Pauline Juan are the other top mavens that Nestle Fitnesse consulted in assembling the Ultimate Wardrobe.

14 Days to Fitness and Fashion

So what do you have to do to get a crack at Manila’s most coveted designer wardrobe?

Simply form a team of 2-8 members, and using Nestle Fitnesse’s 14-day meal plan, everyone in the team has to lose at least 2 pounds in 2 weeks. “No, 2 pounds is not that daunting, it only needs a few diet tweaks,” quips Myra Garcia. She explains that participants only need to replace breakfast and one of the main meals – either lunch or dinner--for 2 weeks. She adds that to exercise as well as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and low-fat, carbohydrate rich foods is the best way to complement the 14-day regimen.

And as part of the challenge, participants also need to chronicle their 14-day regimen via an online “fitness diary” accessed at www.fitnesse-14days.com. The Top 10 most popular FITNESSE 14-day diaries will make it into finals.

The Nestle Fitnesse 14 Days to Show off Your Shape will kick off on November 14, Saturday, 9am at the Greenbelt Park in Makati, with the voting period lasting from November 15 to December 3, 2009. And as adjudged by Manila’s top style icons the winners will be announced on December 10, 2009 in a special fashion show.

“People who’ll join this challenge will have nothing to lose but pounds,” jests Myra Garcia. “Not only do they win the fashionista closet of their dreams, but they walk away with health tips, tweaks and tricks during their 14-day challenge and continue on living a healthier, fitter and a more runway-ready lifestyle.”

For more information about Nestle Fitnesse’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, please log on to www.fitnesse-14days.com.