Starting 'em young: A pageant for Cuties and Teenies

We know we're a beauty-pageant crazy country, with so many beauty titles and competitions happening throughout the year. Lately though, we've been seeing a lot of pageants for little girls and teenagers. 

But, so far, the most prestigious pageants for little girls in the country is Little Miss Solane which is not just a beauty pageant, but one that aims to help them grow into "empowered" ladies. Interesting. This year's competition happened recently, had  24 charming tots and teens competing for the crown,    at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier.

 

Mrs. Philippines-Globe National Pageant Director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo; Isla LPG Corporation CEO Ramon del Rosario and Solane Mother of the Year Jessie Lou Lucero

 Isla Petroleum and Gas CEO Shoichi Watanabe and Isla LPG Corporation CEO Ramon del Rosario welcomed the guests. 

The stellar panel of judges was composed of Solane Promotions and Research Manager Valerimae Batenga, Solane Product and Brand Manager Ernest Loquinario, Solane Mother of the Year 2013 Jessie Lou Lucero, Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 2nd runner up Rachel Ann Felix, Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 Woman of Substance Rizza Singson, theatre actor and singer Al Gatmaitan and former beauty queen and model Patty Betita.

 

Former beauty queen Patty Betita, Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 2nd Runner-Up Rachel Ann Felix

 and Solane Promotions and Research Manager Valeri Batenga

Cebuana girls Marydee Manayaga and Duchess Blythe Uybengkee were crowned as this year's Little Miss Solane Cuties and Teenies.

 

Cuties from left (front row): 1st runner up Steph Netthel Redne Yamut, Little Miss Solane 2014 Marydee Manayaga and 2nd runner up Ashley Kate Arindain; Teenies from left (back row): 1st runner up Ma. Dominique Trillana, Little Miss Solane 2014 Duchess Blythe Uybengkee and 2nd runner up Kyla Angelica Marie De Catalina

Little Miss Solane Cuties 2013 Caryl Codina and Little Miss Solane Teenies 2013 Gabbi Lopez happily passed their crowns to the new winners. Caryl shared that travelling around the country was her memorable part of being a Little Miss Solane, while Gabbi was grateful that the pageant helped her to be confident, eventually taking a spot in the GMA Artist Center as one of its talents.

John Lloyd Cruz, Anne Curtis and being a Superbods

I've always been a fan of John Lloyd Cruz movies. Of course, I've not watched all of his movies but the few ones I've seen - One More Chance, All of My Life - were enough to convince me that if it's a film that stars the matinee idol, it would be worth watching. Like most of his fans, we can easily identify with the down-to-earth characters he's played. Plus, he's relatable, like your good-looking next-door neighbor and to my mind, he's never the hunk. He can be sensitive, temperamental and a bit dramatic but never the hunky fellow girls drool over.

That's why it was such a big and pleasant surprise when Century Tuna revealed a better version of the star in the recent Superbods Super Challenge 2014 in Boracay. It was still John Lloyd but in a whole new light! His arms were toned, his body looked firmer, fitter and healthier. The guy didn't take off his shirt, but it was evident he was a brand-new., better version of himself. 

The event truly sizzled. Before JLC was called onstage, Anne Curtis worked her charm and hyped up the crowd. As a glorious night of fitness and transformation, the event saw the big reveal of John Lloyd Cruz’s leaner body after losing 18 pounds in six weeks!

Of course, the reveal of JLC wasn't the only highlight of the show. The event, hosted by Joey Mead-King in her ethereal orange resort dress drew in VIPs, including the Po Family, Century Tuna Pacific Food, Inc. executives led by its general manager Greg Banzon, and group product manager of Century Tuna Gela Gamboa. Special guests were Superbods 2012 grand winners Monika Sta. Maria and John Spainhour.

There were  20 stunning male and female finalists competing for the Superbods title, and at the end of the show, Sara Polverini and Mauro Lumba were hailed as the Mr. &. Ms. Superbods 2014, followed by Alaiza Malinao and Marneil Lim as first runners-up, while Catherine Almirante and Laurens Tolenaars ranked as second runners-up.

Century Tuna Superbods 2014 grand winners Sara and Mauro (third and fourth from left) were crowned by (from left) Century Pacific Food Inc. general manager Greg Banzon, Century Tuna endorsers Anne and John Lloyd, and Century Tuna group product manager Gela Gamboa.

The finalists in this year's Century Tuna Superbods SuperChallenge

Century Superbods 2014 Mauro Lumba

Century Superbods 2014 Sarah Polverini

Judging them based on body and beauty, mind, and race challenge were Tessa Prieto- Valdes, Tim Yap, Doris Dumlao, Dennis Lustico, Ariel Comia, Patty Betita, and Greg Banzon.

Other special awards include the Superbods Photogenic award won by Alaiza Malinao and Miguel Lasala, Superbods Transformation award won by Darlene Anderson and Miguel Lasala, and People’s Choice award won by Diane Tan and Mauro Lumba.

To celebrate the success of the Superbods Super Challenge 2014, the night capped off with an after party at The District, joined by some of the celebrities like Gretchen Fulido, Antoinette Taus, Tom Taus, Chynna Cojuangco, and Maricel and Anthony Pangilinan.

The Boys Night Out - Slick Rick, Sam YG and Tony Toni

Century Tuna's Greg Banzon and Gela Gamboa

Century Tuna Superbods 2012 John Spainhour and Monika Sta Maria

Karen Pamintuan and Gelli Victor

Patty Betita

Tessa Valdes

Days after the event, a video of JLC, this time without a shirt, was released. Truly impressive!!

Truly, Century Tuna once again raised the standards with the sexiest and hottest summer event, The Superbods Super Challenge 2014. The event was made possible by Air Asia Zest, Carbtrim, Pearl of the Pacific, San Mig Zero, Solaire Resort & Casino, Belo Sun Protect, Gardenia, Medicard, Smart, The District, Zen Wellness Spa, Azur, Bite Me, Gardenia, Black Market, Nereku, Pink Salmon Colthing, SM Supermalls & SM Mall of Asia, Tony Galvez Salon, and Victor Ortega Salon.

A celebration of perfect timing

     

 I've was never  a big fan of watches, until five years ago when we started working with different watch brands. That's when I discovered that in Switzerland where most of the top brands of watches come from, watch-making is a serious business. Calibers, movements are just some of the terms I've encountered and though I never really put so much meaning into these words (I'm a Filipina and admittedly, I do not see much reason why we should fuss about my watch being a minute or so late :-)).  But I do know now that some people -- and companies -- devote an entire lifetime creating timepieces that define what precision in time is all about.   

Breitling is one watch brand known for  its commitment to quality timepieces with revolutionary features.  Founded in 1884, Breitling is the only major watch brand to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements, the ultimate mark of precision.  Moreover, Breitling is one of the few to produce its own in-house movement, entirely developed and manufactured in its own workshops.  Breitling is also one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands.

The Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime 

Recently, the  Swiss watch brand  unveiled exquisite pieces from its Baselworld 2012 Collection.  Flying in from Singapore to grace the event was Tristan Boyer De Bouillane, sales director, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Breitling who delivered a comprehensive presentation of Breitling’s latest collection. 

Tristan Boyer De Bouillane, Breitling sales director for Asia Pacific and Middle East

Welcoming him were Emerson Yao and Ivan Yao, managing directors of Lucerne, the exclusive distributor of Breitling in the Philippines and Mitch del Rosario, brand manager, Breitling.  

Lucerne managing director Emerson Yao

Lending major star wattage to the affair was showbiz heartthrob Dingdong Dantes, who was presented as the Breitling brand ambassador.  Sporting a Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT, Dingdong best personified the brand’s ideals of elegance and sophistication.  

Breitling brand ambassador Dingdong Dantes

Giving off that unmistakable, first-class feeling on the wrist, the Transocean Chronograph Unitime features a “world time” chronograph that is distinguished by its modern, pure lines and the infinite care lavished on the smallest details—such as its dial bearing a globe pattern.  It features two mobile disks: a 24-hour disk and a disk bearing the names of 24 cities representing the world’s 24 time zones.  The Transocean Chronograph Unitime comes in steel or red gold versions with the city bezel available in several languages. 

Another highlight of the collection is the Chronomat 44 GMT.  Available in a new 44 mm diameter, this watch is distinguished by its rotating bezel serving to provide a 24-hour third time zone reading.  The ingenious Breitling Caliber 04 guarantees unprecedented user-friendliness, since the wearer only needs to pull out the crown and turn it forwards or backwards in order to juggle time zones without losing any precision in keeping track of the minutes.

An overload of glam, beauty, fitness and star factor

Holidaymakers in the island paradise of Boracay recently experienced a sensory overload when the sexiest and most gorgeous young men and women, together with some of the country’s hottest celebrities, flew all the way from Manila for the finals night of the Century Tuna Superbods 2012: Salute to Sexy.    

Century Tuna Superbods 2012 Monika Sta. Maria and John Spainhour

Century Tuna endorsers Derek Ramsay and Anne Curtis

Georgina Wilson

Solenn Heussaf and Nicola Bolzico

Century Tuna Healthylicious Hotdog endorser Aljur Abrenica 

It was indeed a weekend of exciting parties, surprises and glamour as 20 hopefuls vied to become the next ambassadors of healthy living for Century Tuna, the country’s number one tuna.  In the end, former US Marines soldier, 24-year-old John Spainhour, and 20-year-old model Monika Sta. Maria bested the other contenders to emerge as the individuals who ideally possess not only healthy bodies but healthy minds as well.  John and Monika each received an exclusive contract with Century Tuna worth half a million pesos.

John and Monika’s hot bodies and impressive wits wowed the elite panel of judges, which comprised some of the biggest names in fashion, print media, advertising and business.  Those who had the difficult task of choosing the Century Tuna Superbods were fashion savants Rajo Laurel, Charina Sarte and Jenni Epperson, Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief Myrza Sison, master photographer Marc Nicdao, PC&V president and chief creative officer Ariel Comia and Century Canning Corp. vice president and general manager Greg Banzon.

Completing the list of winners were June Macasaet and Azel Shane Smith (first runners-up), and JC Rezabek and Janelle Olafson (2^nd runners-up).  Special awards like the People’s Choice Award, Fierce Photo Award and Best in Resort Wear were presented to Janet Emmrich and JP Yap, John Spainhour and Janet Emmrich and AJ Hanson and Monika Sta. Maria, respectively.

 The other male finalists who competed for the highly-coveted title of Century Tuna Superbod 2012 were King Alcarrion, Martin Flores, Kenneth Angelo Loceo, Cris Lomotan and Charlie Sutcliffe.  On the other hand, the other female finalists were Jayanne Aldanese, Princess Armillos, Mary Claire Dodo, Kate Goza, Arianne Real and Ladylyn Riva. 

  The scorching hot event was made even hotter with the presence of Century Tuna endorsers Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay, Aljur Abrenica and Solenn Heusaff.  Giving considerable star power to the evening were celebrities Georgina Wilson, Gretchen Fullido, Slater Young, Raymond Gutierrez, JM Rodriguez, Saab Magalona, Chino Lui Pio and Camille Co.  Century Tuna Superbods 2009 winners Van Victor Leano and Theresa Fenger likewise graced the event.    

         The Century Tuna Superbods 2012: Salute to Sexy was made possible by Gold’s Gym and 7^th High, and supported by Gardenia High Fiber Whole Wheat Bread, Centrum, Belo Men, Belo Essentials SunExpert, Arena, C2, Cebu Pacific, Opus, Creations, Victor Ortega and Majolica Majorca.  Also sponsored by Astoria Boracay, Hacienda Bar, Holiday Gym and Spa, Lightwater, The Strip Manila, District Hotel, Hang Ten and SkyFlakes.

Here's how you can achieve perfection for your salon-straightened hair

Straight hair that’s full-bodied. Frizz-free and soft to the touch. Problem-free when it comes to styling. These are the blessings that salon-straightening treatments promise to deliver -- benefits that you wish would last forever. But after just a few months, you’ll notice your hair slowly reverting to its original, unmanageable condition. So you go back once again to the salon to regain the beauty of your crowning glory, all the time wondering: Is there a way to make the beauty of straightened hair last longer?

Perfection by Cream Silk is the all-new, premium specialist range from the country’s No. 1 conditioner, specifically designed to restore the health and maintain the full-bodied look of salon-straightened hair for a longer period of time.

Now, you can have the power to enjoy the beauty of salon-straightened hair longer. Keeping true to its mission of addressing these ladies’ hair needs, Cream Silk, the No. 1 conditioner that Filipinas trust the most, proudly introduces Perfection by Cream Silk, an all-new, premium specialist range specifically designed to restore the health and maintain the full-bodied look of salon-straightened hair for a longer period of time.

Georgina Wilson is the face of new Perfection by Cream Silk

Perfection by Cream Silk features a superior technology called Keratinology, a breakthrough in hair science that is setting a new standard in hair health. The secret lies in its size: one thousand times smaller than nano technology, it can penetrate up to 3 layers of the hair strand and weave its way into the tiniest of cracks to help restore straightened hair to optimum health, from roots to tips.

The beauty of Perfection by Cream Silk is that it comes in a range of products – Perfection by Cream Silk Full-Bodied Straight Daily Treatment Conditioner, Intensive Treatment Mask, Instant Frizz Control Leave On, and Detangling Spray – that give you the perfect full-bodied straight look that you desire. With Perfection by Cream Silk, you can rejuvenate your salon-touched locks for that naturally full-bodied straight hair, right in the comfort of your own home. Good to use one to help address a specific need, better when you use two, but simply perfect when all four products are used together.

Let the power of Perfection by Cream Silk, with its breakthrough Keratinology formula, work for you. Get instant nourishment inside and out and enjoy the beauty of salon-straightened hair months after your treatment.

Let time be on your side. With Perfection by Cream Silk, the new gold standard in hair-healthy conditioning, the promise of longer, hair-happy days is now at your fingertips.

Dare to wear black

They say black is the new black. Because it really never went out of style. 


But if you're like most women, you'll agree with me that one of the hassles of wearing black are the white stains left by your deodorant that are annoyingly visible, especially when you're wearing sleeveless pieces. 


Well, Rexona claims it has found the solution to this problem with the launch of its newest deo variant -- the Rexona Crystal. The variant  made its debut through a black salon show featuring the creations of top female designers Czarina Villa, Camille Co, Michi Calica and Charina Sarte.  Held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, the show honored the timelessness, versatility and allure of black as the classic fashion staple that complements the many facets of today’s multi-dimensional women. 

Hosted by top model Bianca Valerio, the event dares women to make a statement in black with Rexona Crystal, as it combines anti-white mark technology with superior protection from wetness and odor. Models sashayed down the runway dressed in fabulous black creations created especially for the event.

Paying homage to today’s active women, Czarina Villa presented creations that reflect her passion for an active yet chic lifestyle. Drawing zest from everyday life, Czarina’s creations were designed for the modern woman who wants to look sophisticated while on the go. 

For women who embrace the vibrancy of the night life, Camille Co showcased head-turning club wear.  Inspired by Manila’s chic party setting, her fun and edgy creations will bring out the sexy party animal in every fashionista.

Working women were also feted as Michi Calica showcased “convertible” pieces that effortlessly turn corporate wear to stylish cocktail chic.

Lastly, Charina Sarte channeled the charm of glam in her creations by combining exquisite fabric selections with elegant shapes.  Made ultra feminine and graceful, her designs definitely make each woman feel sexy and comfortable in her own skin. 

Just looking at the creations will make you think that now, you probably don't have to worry about having  unsightly white marks hold you back from being fashionably in black.

The kiwi season is on in Manila!

Are you a kiwi fruit lover? I was never really into this fruit and now I know the reasons why – first was because I didn't really know how to properly select a fully ripe kiwi and second, I didn't realize there were several varieties and sources with varying tastes and quality.

Recently, I got to learn the proper way of selecting and enjoying this refreshing and highly nutritious fruit (did you know that the vitamin C content of one kiwi fruit us equivalent to 2 oranges and one apple?), thanks to Zespri, the brand of the best-tasting kiwifruits from New Zealand.

Dexter Difuntorum, marketing consultant of Fresh Studio Innovations Asia (left) and Steve Bunyan

Flying in from Singapore to formally kick off the Zespri kiwifruit season was Steve Bunyan, Zespri regional market development manager for Southeast and South Asia. "We're excited to bring the delicious and nutritious kiwifruit experience to Filipinos. We encourage everyone to enjoy Zespri kiwifruit anytime, anywhere as it is naturally fresh, full of flavor, safe and good for everyone's health," says Bunyan.

Considered the best in the world, Zespri Kiwifruit comes from Mount Maunganui, which is the heart of New Zealand's kiwifruit industry. Bunyan adds that Zespri offers an innovative range of premium kiwifruit products: Zespri Gold and Zespri Green, to cater to any person's taste preference.

    For a sweet, uniquely tropical taste with a silky and very juicy texture, pick Zespri Gold. This kiwifruit has a smooth, hairless skin that is bronze in color, a golden flesh interior and a white core with black seeds. Zespri Green kiwifruit has a small white core and black seeds that burst with a tangy, sweet sour taste combination of refreshing flavors, leaving your mouth feeling clean. The gold variety is ready to eat when you get it from the supermarket, while the green variety may take as long as 5 days, room temperature to ripen. How do you know if green kiwi fruit is ready to eat? Just press lightly between your finger and if you feel the slightest softness, then it's ripe and ready to eat.

And what's the usual way of enjoying this fruit? Just slice in half and scoop out using a spoon. Or peel with a knife, slice then it's ready to serve!

    But more than their delicious and refreshing taste, Zespri kiwifruit is a nutrition powerhouse, offering more vitamins and minerals per gram and per calorie than most other fruits. When it comes to vitamin C, kiwifruits outshine oranges as these contain twice as much vitamin C, which is very effective in modulating the immune system. In addition to this, kiwifruits are also loaded folic acid to prevent neural defects in babies and potassium, which is beneficial in maintaining blood pressure and a healthy heart.

For those waging a war on aging, kiwifruit is your best ally as it is naturally high in vitamin E and antioxidants like polyphenols, carotenoids and other potentially beneficial phytochemicals that fight damages caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Kiwifruits also contain carotenoid lutein, which helps prevent age-related eyesight deterioration.

    So if you want to get your daily dose of vitamin c and fiber the easy, delicious and refreshing way, just grab a piece of Zespri kiwifruit from your fave supermarket and enjoy!