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! 

Ipanema Hot Sands Collection reinvents summer!

   Fashionistas and shoppers witnessed the launch of Ipanema’s newest line from its Gisele Bündchen collection – the Hot Sands Collection which is inspired by the brilliant visions of Brazilian life: optimism, great joy in living, and a happy eye on the future.   

   The world’s most fashionable Brazilian flipflop brand showcased its latest collection which featured a summery and simply stunning array of nature-themed sandals in a fashion show featuring models wearing fabulous pieces from the collection complemented by  Coco Cabaña’s summerwear pieces.

   The Ipanema Gisele Bündchen Hot Sands Collection features eye-catching sandals with the trademark bow design. It includes a wide selection of versatile, stylish footwear from beautiful platforms to sexy sandals.

Patxi Elizalde, managing director of ELRO Corporation (3rd from left) with models Ornusa Cadness ; Bianca Valerio and Kelly Misa 

   Moreover, Ipanema’s latest collection supports ISA, particularly the Fight Against Climate Change Central Strategy, a program that is optimistic about people's relationship with the planet and proposes that we all think about what we can do right now, in practice, to improve our lives.

   Know more about these fabulous sandals by visiting www.ipanemaphils.com. Ipanema Gisele Bündchen Hot Sands Collection is available at SM Department Stores, Bambu and other leading boutiques and stores nationwide. Ipanema is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by ELRO Corporation.

The jewelry to express individuality

     International jewelry brand PANDORA made a successful debut in the Philippines when it recently opened its first concept store at the second level of the chic Greenbelt 5 in Makati City. The Philippines is the latest market in Asia to welcome PANDORA, which designs, manufactures and markets hand finished and modern jewelry made of genuine materials at affordable prices.

   Flying in from Singapore to celebrate the store opening was Anders Peter Juel Sauerberg, managing director of Norbreeze Group, distributor of PANDORA in the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong. Joining him were Emerson Yao and Ivan Yao, managing directors of Lucerne, the exclusive retail franchise of PANDORA in the Philippines. Adding glamour to the affair were top celebrities Anne Curtis, Liz Uy and Georgina Wilson who were invited to grace the store opening. 

   "I am confident that PANDORA will inspire more Filipinas to express their individuality. Our jewelry pieces are perfect for Filipinas who are family oriented and kind hearted. Their love for keepsakes make PANDORA a perfect partner to cherish any moment," says Sauerberg. 

   Adds Emerson: "Each piece can be customized and tells a story about one's life. We're optimistic that Filipinas everywhere will find a PANDORA jewelry to match their taste, lifestyle and of course, moment." 

    PANDORA is renowned globally for creating genuine, high quality jewelry with a unique threaded system at affordable prices. The successful Danish brand has been making its mark on international jewelry fashion for nearly three decades and has become known for its high standards, craftsmanship, quality and design. PANDORA is sold in more than 50 countries on six continents through approximately 10,000 points of sale, including over 320 PANDORA branded concept stores.