self-care – Jellybeans in the City

Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio is your tranquil escape in Quezon City

In the bustling heart of Quezon City, Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio welcomes beauty enthusiasts to a sanctuary of tranquility. The grand opening of its premier branch marks an exciting milestone for those seeking a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation.

A Haven of Relaxation and Revitalization

The founders of Serenease express their excitement in bringing a touch of tranquility to the city, emphasizing that the spa isn’t merely a place, but an encompassing experience aimed at revitalizing the body, mind, and spirit. Their goal is to offer a range of treatments designed to enhance both inner and outer beauty, inviting everyone to embark on a journey of ultimate relaxation and self-care.

Serenease: Where Serenity Meets Luxury

The studio prides itself on being a destination for a serene escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Its diverse offerings include spa massages, eyelash and nail enhancements, and other beauty and wellness treatments, all provided in an atmosphere meticulously designed for relaxation. Notably, it prioritizes affordability without compromising on the luxury and quality of its services, ensuring accessibility to all while fostering lasting relationships with its clients through exceptional customer service.

Extraordinary Services Tailored for You

From head spa treatments to indulgent massages, nail and eyelash enhancements, as well as waxing/threading services, Serenease offers a range of luxurious treatments curated to pamper the senses. Its team of highly skilled therapists and technicians deliver personalized and nurturing care, leveraging their expertise in the art of wellness. Clients are invited to immerse themselves in a tranquil oasis adorned with calming interiors, ambient lighting, and nature-inspired hues, creating the perfect setting for relaxation.

Celebratory Offer and Contact Details

To celebrate its grand opening, Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio is extending a special offer: the first twenty guests will receive a complimentary membership. Located at #60 Sct. Chuatoco cor. Champaca St. Brgy. Roxas, Quezon City, individuals can reach out to Serenease at (02) 8522 9185 or through email at care@sereneaseph.com. For more information and updates on promotions, the studio’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer a gateway to stay connected with ongoing discounts and upcoming events.

Serenease Aesthetic and Wellness Studio, with its fusion of tranquility and luxury, invites everyone to unwind and indulge in a range of rejuvenating experiences, promising a haven for both the body and soul amidst the vibrant city life.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Self-care for busy entrepreneurs: Nurturing your vital asset

In the relentless world of entrepreneurship, where time is a prized asset, it’s easy for health to take a back seat. The relentless pursuit of business success often leaves small business owners grappling with burnout and neglecting their well-being. However, in the grand scheme of business triumphs, a healthy mind and body are indispensable.

Meal Planning: Fuel Your Venture

Ensuring your body gets the right fuel is non-negotiable. Meal planning might seem like an extra chore, but it’s an investment in your productivity. Busy entrepreneurs can benefit from meal prepping during weekends, portioning out ready-to-reheat servings for the week.

Creative Exercise: Moving Amidst the Hustle

Finding time for exercise can be a challenge, but creativity can solve this. Incorporate light exercises into your work routine. Standing desks and walking pads can help you stay active while tending to business tasks.

Caring for Your Vision: A Bright Outlook

Long hours in front of screens can strain your eyes. Prioritize eye health by taking short breaks, adjusting screen brightness to match the environment, and avoiding excessively bright screens in dimly lit spaces.

Stress Management: Breathe and Unwind

Stress is an inevitable companion on the entrepreneurial journey. Combat it with mindfulness techniques like yoga, meditation, and tai chi. These practices not only promote mental clarity but also enhance heart health and overall well-being.

Collaboration and Delegation: A Key to Success

No business leader can operate in isolation. Entrepreneurs must delegate tasks to ensure no aspect of the business is overlooked. Outsourcing services and surrounding yourself with a capable team can help.

Employee Health: A Cornerstone of Success

Your employees are the backbone of your business. Ensuring their well-being is paramount. Providing employee benefits like health insurance not only fosters a sense of security but also enhances productivity and morale within the team.

Sun Life Grepa’s Health Protection Plans

Sun Life Grepa understands the unique needs of small business owners and their employees. They offer tailored health protection plans under their MSME MyBiz program:

Sun Life Grepa Accident ProSafe: Comprehensive group insurance designed for SMEs, covering accidents comprehensively.
Sun Life Grepa Smart Care Plus: Offering health and protection coverage for employees against major uncertainties like death, disability, accidents, and critical illness.
Sun Life Grepa HIPSTER: An affordable insurance solution providing life, accident, disability, and medical benefits for MSME employees.

Investing in your health and the well-being of your employees is an investment in your business success. Sun Life Grepa’s health protection plans provide a safety net for both entrepreneurs and their teams, ensuring a thriving venture while putting health at the forefront. To find the plan that suits your business, connect with a Sun Life Grepa advisor, visit its branches or Facebook page. After all, a healthy venture is a thriving venture!

Header image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

Details provided in a recent press release.

From financial tips to entertainment: the importance of content creators during a recession

The global recession has had a significant impact on people worldwide, affecting their jobs, finances, and overall well-being. During such challenging times, people turn to different sources for information, entertainment, and inspiration. Content creators can play a crucial role in addressing people’s needs and providing valuable content that meets their need.

One of the most significant effects of the recession is financial insecurity. Many people have lost their jobs or have reduced income, leading to stress and anxiety about their financial future. As a result, they may be looking for information and tips on how to manage their finances effectively, save money, and find new income streams. As a content creator, you can provide valuable information and advice on personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship, helping people navigate through challenging economic times.

Another effect of the recession is a shift in people’s entertainment preferences. As people spend more time at home due to lockdowns and restrictions, they are turning to digital entertainment for comfort and distraction. You can create entertaining and engaging content, such as podcasts, videos, social media posts, that bring a bit of happiness to an otherwise dreary day. You can also create content that addresses the current situation, such as comedy sketches that poke fun at the challenges of working from home or educational videos that teach people new skills to try while stuck at home.

Lastly, the global recession has caused people to rethink their priorities and values, leading to a greater demand for content that speaks to their personal beliefs and interests such as social issues, mental health and self-care. By providing content that is authentic, empathetic, and addresses people’s values and concerns,can build loyal audiences and make a positive impact on their lives.

5 ways content producers can contribute in a downturn

It is evident that as a content creator, you have a unique role to play during these times. While economic downturns can impact various industries, you have the flexibility and creativity to adapt to changing circumstances and continue to thrive.

Here are five key ways you can play a vital role during a recession:

Providing Entertainment and Escapism. During times of economic uncertainty, people often turn to entertainment and escapism as a way to cope with stress and anxiety. Valuable and uplifting content can bring joy and distraction to audiences, helping them forget about their financial worries for a while.
Sharing Practical Tips and Advice. During a recession, people are often looking for guides on how to navigate through challenging economic times. By offerin valuable insights and guidance on how to save money, budget effectively, find affordable resources, or create new streams of income, you can empower your audiences with practical knowledge and tools to manage their finances during tough economic conditions.
Creating Educational and Skill-Building Content. When faced with a recession, individuals may look to improve their skills or learn new ones to increase their employability or explore alternative career options. You can create educational content, such as tutorials, courses, and workshops, that teach valuable skills in various fields, from cooking and crafting to coding and entrepreneurship. By providing educational content, content creators can help your audiences enhance their skills and increase their chances of success in a challenging job market.
Collaborating with Brands and Businesses. You can play a pivotal role during a recession by collaborating with brands and businesses. As businesses may face budget constraints, you can offer cost-effective advertising solutions by partnering with brands to create sponsored content or promotional campaigns. This mutually beneficial partnership can help content creators generate income while providing brands with a less costly way to reach their target audiences. Additionally, you can also collaborate with local businesses and support your communities by promoting local products and services, which can help stimulate the local economy.
Providing Authentic and Empathetic Content. During a recession, people often crave authenticity and empathy. By crafting relatable and authentic content, and showing vulnerability and empathy towards your audience’s struggles, you can build a loyal and engaged community that seeks comfort and connection in your content. Authenticity and empathy can foster trust and loyalty, and you can play a crucial role in providing a safe space for your audiences during a recession.

While a recession can be a challenging time for many industries, content creators have the flexibility and adaptability to thrive. By understanding people’s information and entertainment needs during a recession, you can create valuable content that meets their audiences’ needs. When you harness your creativity, authenticity, and empathy, you can continue to flourish and make a positive impact on people’s lives, even during the most challenging times.

Additional Resources

Here are five highly recommended books on Amazon.com that can help you develop useful, relevant, and engaging content:

Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger. In this book, Berger explores why certain content goes viral and what makes people share it. By understanding the psychology behind viral content, content creators can create more shareable content that resonates with their audiences.
Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley. Handley offers practical advice on how to create engaging content for different platforms, including social media, email, and blogs. With a focus on clear and concise writing, this book is an excellent resource for content creators looking to improve their writing skills.
The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie Stricchiola. In today’s digital age, search engine optimization (SEO) is critical to driving traffic to your content. This book offers practical advice on how to optimize your content for search engines, ensuring that your content is discovered by your target audience.
Epic Content Marketing: How to Tell a Different Story, Break through the Clutter, and Win More Customers by Marketing Less by Joe Pulizzi. In this book, Pulizzi offers a step-by-step guide to creating content that resonates with your audience and drives business results. With case studies and examples, this book provides practical advice on how to create a content marketing strategy that works.
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller. Miller offers a framework for creating a clear and compelling brand message that resonates with your audience. By understanding the power of storytelling, content creators can create content that connects with their audiences on a deeper level, driving engagement and loyalty.

Shop for these and more resources for budding content creators at my Amazon Storefront!

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Header Image by Ivan Samkov on Pixels

Images by Lifestylememory on Freepik

This post contains affiliate links.

Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing:

Take a sneak peek into the beginnings of your favorite influencers with LikeToKnow.It

How small businesses can tap the power of micro-influencers

From Hobby to Career: 8 factors to consider in making content creation your livelihood

Newbie content creator? Here’s an 8-step guide on how to find your audience

The surprising realities of building a career as a content creator

Got the #ReturnToOffice blues? Treat yourself to some pampering at Nailaholics, SM Marikina

After a year and a half of remote work, many employees are now returning to the office. This transition can be stressful and overwhelming, as workers adjust to new routines and schedules.

If you find yourself among those greeting the prospect or returning to the office setting with a bit of trepidation, you might want to consider treating yourself to a nail care session at Nailaholics. It can provide a much-needed break and a boost of confidence.

Here are some reasons why:

Relaxation

Going back to the office after a long period of remote work can be stressful. Getting a nail care treatment at Nailaholics can be a relaxing and therapeutic experience that can help ease your stress and tension. The cozy and calming beachside atmosphere, along with the soothing music and professional service, can provide a much-needed break from the demands of work.

Boost of Confidence

Taking care of your appearance can have a positive effect on your confidence and self-esteem. Getting a manicure or pedicure at Nailaholics can make you feel more put-together and presentable, which can help you feel more confident as you return to the office. The professional service and high-quality products used at Nailaholics can ensure that your nails look and feel their best.

Hygiene

As workers return to the office, hygiene and cleanliness have become a top priority. Taking care of your nails is an important part of maintaining good hygiene, as nails can easily collect dirt and bacteria. A nail care treatment at Nailaholics can help ensure that your nails are clean and well-maintained, reducing the risk of infection or illness.

Professional Appearance

Returning to the office also means returning to a professional setting. Having well-groomed nails is an important part of a professional appearance, especially if your job requires interacting with clients or customers. Getting a nail care treatment at Nailaholics can help you maintain a polished and professional appearance that can make a positive impression on others.

Pampering

After a year and a half of remote work, treating yourself to a little pampering can be a much-needed reward. A nail care treatment at Nailaholics can provide a sense of self-care and indulgence that can boost your mood and well-being. Taking a break from the demands of work to focus on yourself can be a valuable way to recharge and refresh.

Returning to the office can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, treating yourself to a nail care treatment at Nailaholics can provide a much-needed break and a boost of confidence. Whether you’re looking to relax, boost your professional appearance, maintain good hygiene, or pamper yourself, Nailaholics can provide a high-quality and professional nail care experience that can leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. So go ahead, treat yourself to a little self-care and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and well-maintained set of nails.

Want to treat yourself to some pampering and get your #ReturnToOffice mode on? Book your appointment now!

Nailaholics prides itself as the country’s pioneer in specialized nail salon and spa boutique. It promises to bring that “getaway experience” to its patrons, that paradise of pampering that comes from professional yet personalized service from highly trained nail technicians and a truly relaxing setting inspired by the chic and luxurious beach life along the Hamptons coast.

This Nailaholics branch is located at the Lower Ground Floor, SM City Marikina, Barangay Calumpit, Marikina City open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Other Nailaholics branches in Metro Manila are located in the following cities:

Las Pinas: SM Las Pinas
Makati: Ayala Circuit, Gloriata 3, Cash & Carry, San Antonio Plaza Arcade
Manila: Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila
Marikina: Ayala Malls Feliz
Muntinlupa: Festival Mall, SM Muntinlupa
Novaliches: SM Novaliches
Quezon City: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria
Paranaque: SM BF Paranaque, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Ayala Malls Mania=la Bay
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Robinsons Metro East, SM Pasig, SM City East Ortigas
San Juan: Unimart
Taguig: Market! Market!, Uptown Mall
Taytay: SM Taytay

Know more about Nailaholics by visiting its website. To stay updated on Nailaholics’ promos and offers, follow it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Nailaholics:

Gave my nails a treat at Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Time for some pampering at Nailaholics, SM City East Ortigas

The past two years have not given me a lot of opportunities for some pampering.

With the lockdowns and the pausing of operations of non-essential businesses such as nail salons, I’ve had to make do with my good ole’ nail clipper to keep my nails passingly presentable.

Well, with the easing of quarantine restrictions and the prospect of returning to the office in the coming days (which require getting my “porma” on while in a corporate setting), I just knew I needed to level up my nail-care game.

With these considerations in mind, I opted to treat, not just myself, but also my husband and daughter #ExhibitA, to some pampering via manicure/pedicure and foot spa services at the nearby Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa.

This decision might come across as self-indulgent but this kind of self-care does have some significant health benefits:

They help prevent infections. Regular cleaning and clipping prevent ingrown toenails which normally cause infection. Plus, part of the services involve moisturizing your feet and hands which, in turn, minimize dryness that results to skin cracks which may also house infection.
They promote healthy blood circulation. Nail technicians also massage your your arms, hands, lower legs and feet during your mani/pedi service, which help to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility and optimal blood circulation.
They help improve the appearance of your hands and feet. Aside from the improved blood circulation that improves your skin condition, the resulting clean and well-groomed look of your extremities contribute to an overall improved appearance.

Foot Care

Our pampering started off with a Foot Spa (Php500) that involves foot detoxification, exfoliation and moisturization.

First, our feet were soaked in a warm and scented foot bath which helped to soothe our feet (oftentimes the most neglected part of our body!). These were then massaged and scrubbed to remove dead skin cells and promote a softer feel.

After the Foot Spa, comes the Pedicure (Php475) which involves toenail shaping, cuticle treatment and (for me and #ExhibitA) application of nail polish.

I’ve been nursing a case of subungal hematoma (also known as “patay na kuko”) on my toes for the past few months which I’ve been feeling very self-conscious about. It wouldn’t be an issue during a work-from-home setting (after all, I don’t display my feet during Zoom meetings, hehehe!) but going back to the office with these unsightly injuries would preclude me from wearing open-toed heels which I usually wear with my office clothes.

Ah, the problems that beset working women!

Well, this problem was solved by covering them up with nail polish. As I would still like my toenail color to be simple and low-maintenance, I opted for a nail polish shade that’s close to my skin tone.

Hand Care

Simultaneous with our Pedicure, another set of nail technicians are busy with our Manicure (Php450), cleaning and shaping our fingernails as well as carefully providing cuticle treatment.

Since my work involves a lot of typing on computer keyboards, long fingernails is a no-no. I opted for French tipped-nails: closely clipped and square-shaped nails with a clear polish applied at the base and white nail polish applied at the tips. This style has a clean and simple appearance that is so easy to maintain.

It’s wonderful how this short pampering session got me feeling all refreshed and revved up, ready to return to the office!

Plus, Hubby and #ExhbitA are quite happy with their Nailaholics experience as well!

Want to treat yourself to some pampering too? Book your appointment now!

This Nailaholics branch is located at the Second Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Other Nailaholics branches in Metro Manila are located in the following cities:

Las Pinas: SM Las Pinas
Makati: Ayala Circuit, Gloriata 3, Cash & Carry, San Antonio Plaza Arcade
Manila: Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila
Marikina: Ayala Malls Feliz, SM Marikina
Muntinlupa: Festival Mall, SM Muntinlupa
Novaliches: SM Novaliches
Quezon City: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria
Paranaque: SM BF Paranaque, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Ayala Malls Mania=la Bay
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Robinsons Metro East, SM Pasig
San Juan: Unimart
Taguig: Market! Market!, Uptown Mall
Taytay: SM Taytay

Know more about Nailaholics by visiting its website. To stay updated on Nailaholics’ promos and offers, follow it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Nailaholics:

Gave my nails a treat at Nailaholics, SM Pasig https://flic.kr/p/2oenwsF

Fight the signs of mouth aging with Listerine Total Care

As we age, our bodies undergo a variety of changes. One area that can be particularly affected is our mouth. Mouth aging can lead to a range of dental and oral health issues, as well as aesthetic concerns.

Personally, I’ve become self-conscious over some of these changes which affects both my comfort and confidence.

So don’t we explore some of the most common changes that occur in the mouth as we age, as well as tips for maintaining good oral health throughout the aging process.

Tooth and Gum Changes

One of the most noticeable changes that can occur in the mouth with age is the loss of teeth. This can be due to a variety of factors, including decay, gum disease, or even genetics. Tooth loss can impact our ability to eat and speak, as well as our overall confidence and self-esteem.

However, tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging, and there are steps that can be taken to prevent it. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing daily, can help to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

In addition to tooth loss, we can also experience changes in our gums. Gum tissue can recede, which can lead to sensitivity and increased risk of decay. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is also more common in older adults. This condition is caused by bacteria that infect the gums and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene practices can help to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.

Changes in Taste

Another common change that can occur in the mouth as we grow older is a decrease in taste sensitivity. This can be due to a variety of factors, including changes in the number and function of taste buds. This can make it more difficult to enjoy food (definitely a dire fate for a foodie like me!) and can lead to poor nutrition if our diet becomes limited as a result. To maintain good nutrition and enjoyment of food, it’s important to focus on eating a balanced diet and incorporating a variety of flavors and textures.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is another common issue that comes with age. This condition is caused by a decrease in the production of saliva, which can lead to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including medication use and certain medical conditions. Drinking plenty of water and using sugar-free gum or lozenges can help to stimulate saliva production and alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

Oral Cancer

Finally, older adults are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, as well as exposure to certain viruses. Regular dental check-ups can help to detect and treat oral cancer early, which can improve treatment outcomes.

Maintaining Good Oral Health

Despite the changes that can occur in the mouth as we age, there are steps that can be taken to maintain good oral health. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and a balanced diet can all help to prevent dental and oral health issues. It’s also important to avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use, which can increase the risk of oral cancer and other health issues.

I’ve come to realize that mouth aging is a natural part of the aging process, but it’s important to take steps to maintain good oral health. By practicing proper oral hygiene and working with our dentists, we can enjoy a healthy, happy smile throughout our lives.

Oral care with Listerine Total Care

Listerine Total Care is a popular mouthwash that is designed to provide comprehensive oral care, serving as an all-in-one solution for a range of dental and oral health issues. Some of its key features include:

Antiseptic properties. It contains antiseptic ingredients that can help to kill bacteria in the mouth. This can help to reduce plaque and prevent gum disease.
Fluoride. It contains fluoride, which can help to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Tartar control. Listerine Total Care can help to prevent the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
Fresh breath. Listerine Total Care can help to freshen breath by killing bacteria that cause bad odors.

To get the most out of Listerine Total Care, it’s important to use it correctly, in particular:

Follow the instructions. Listerine Total Care should be used twice a day, after brushing your teeth. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully, and do not swallow the mouthwash.
Rinse for the full 30 seconds. To get the full benefit of Listerine Total Care, it’s important to rinse for the full 30 seconds as directed on the label. This will allow the antiseptic ingredients to work properly and kill bacteria in the mouth.
Use a small amount. You do not need to use a lot of Listerine Total Care to get the benefits. Use the recommended amount, which is about 20 milliliters or 4 teaspoons.
Be patient. It may take a few weeks of using Listerine Total Care regularly to see significant improvements in oral health. Be patient and consistent with your use of this mouthwash.

Mouth aging may be inevitable but we can keep its ill effects by maintaining good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar, having regular dental check-ups and, of course, using Listerine Total Care.

Listerine Total Care is readily available in leading supermarkets and drugstores. You can also buy it from Amazon.com and Lazada.

Product samples were provided for this feature.

Exploring grocery and self-care shopping possibilities at Mitsukoshi BGC

‘Tis definitely the season for shopping as Mitsukoshi, the country’s first Japanese mall, finally opened its doors last November 18.

Located in one of the metro’s busiest commercial districts, the four-storey mall offers a much-welcome change of scenery for the people who frequent Bonifacio Global City for work and leisure.

Aside from its distinct Japanese design that melds together traditional and modern sensibilities, this new retail destination also features distinct areas dedicated to worthwhile pursuits for its shoppers and visitors:

Fresh produce and imported delicacies in Mitsukoshi’s own-brand supermarket at the basement
A self-care and beauty section highlighting natural and organic products at the ground floor
Appetizing Japanese and international dining options at the second floor
And soon, exciting Japanese entertainment and leisure outlets geared towards wellness and enjoyment at the third floor

The mall truly offers a myriad of possibilities to delight any shopper. However, I’d like to fill you in on the first two floors of Mitsukoshi, where its in-house outlets are located.

Check these out!

Mitsukoshi Beauty

Mitsukoshi Beauty, located in the ground floor, seeks to provide the essentials that will help you beauty mavens unleash your inner radiance in time for that holiday glow-up.

With a wide selection of cosmetics, self-care and wellness products, this new shopping destination is not about changing one’s looks but letting one’s inner glow shine through.

Here, you can indulge yourself with natural and organic products and learn from beauty experts on how to enhance and show off your best features.

For a well-curated selection of Japanese beauty and self-care products, be sure to drop by the The Apothecary.

Here, you can discover and take your picks from among celebrated Japanese brands, some of which can only be found at Mitsukoshi Beauty.

So go ahead and discover your natural beauty and inner shine at Mitsukoshi Beauty.

For the latest updates on Mitsukoshi Beauty’s products and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Mitsukoshi Fresh

The mall’s basement is reminiscent of a depachika – a Japanese food hall dedicated to representing the best of Japan’s food culture. It is connected to the mall’s supermarket brand, Mitsukoshi Fresh, which brings a multi-sensory shopping experience to its shoppers, thanks to its carefully curated food products sourced from all over the world, as well as its attractive and interactive displays.

Here, you can take your pick from the fresh produce, meat and seafood available to bring about your own culinary creations.

Want to bring a Japanese dining experience to your home? Be sure to check out its sushi, sashimi and dumpling selections.

Holiday celebrations are sure to be lively and fun, especially with the wide selection of wines, liquors and beverages available here. You can even sample wines by the glass at the wine counter.

Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss out on the freshly made as well as imported Japanese dessert delicacies on offer, especially the much-awaited Tokyo Banana custard.

Of course, Japan is well-known for packaged food that are anything but generic: these include anything from delectable ramen to flavorful rice bowls and ready-to-cook soups and pastas.

By the way, Mitsukoshi Fresh also spotlights notable local artisanal brands such as Gourmet Farms and Auro Chocolate.

If you want to level up on your home cooking with a few Japanese touches and international flair, Mitsukoshi Fresh is the place to be.

You can even give in to your food cravings while inside the supermarket, thanks to its in-store dining and takeout outlets.

Know more about Mitsukoshi Fresh’ offers on Facebook and Instagram.

Want to earn points, get rewards and cool coupons with your purchases at Mitsukoshi? Sign up for Arigato Rewards!

Mitsukoshi BGC is located at The Seasons Residences, 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Mall hours are from 10am to 11pm daily.

An honest promise to better skin: Celimax

Let’s face it: when you’ve reached the “wrong” side of forty, you have to step up on your skin care routine.

When you get to this stage, the sins of your past tend to catch up with you: the times when you stayed up at all hours, slept with your makeup on, or spent all day in the sun with no sunscreen on will start to leave their marks on your face and skin.

Hopefully, these sins of your youth against your present self are few and far between, and you still have so many years left in which to enjoy the skin that reflects how young and radiant you actually feel.

Personally, having grown up thinking that skincare simply involves washing my face with soap and water right before bedtime, I was dumbfounded to discover that it is actually comprised of several steps (which can be as many as ten!) and involves so many products. I could hardly tell where to start or how to go about my skincare regimen.

Fortunately, there are ways to pare down the complex skin care rituals to the most basic – yet essential – steps that still help to achieve to goal of minimizing pores and maintaining a youthful freshness despite the advancing years.

Honestly, I find a simplified routine a lot easier to do – and definitely a lot more sustainable to maintain in the long run.

This routine includes:

Step 1: Cleansing.

My busy days (and the hot and dusty city environment) tend to layer on dirt, oils and makeup residue on my face which may clog my pores, increasing the chances of unsightly breakouts. A skin cleanser should be able to remove the day’s accumulation of dirt while still maintaining my skin’s pH balance.

Step 2: Toning.

A thoroughly, but gently, cleansed skin should also be prepped to absorb moisturizers and other treatments you want to apply.

That’s the job of the skin toner. It also restores the skin’s pH balance and improves the overall skin tone.

Step 3: Treating

Despite a meticulous approach to skin care – or because of our past transgressions towards taking care of our skin during our youth – we may have some problem areas that we would like to address. These may include dull looking skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne breakouts, among others.

Using serums, ampoules, acids or sheet masks with a higher concentration of ingredients to treat these problem areas will help in maintaining your skin’s health.

Step 4: Moisturizing.

Since we are not young as we used to be, moisturizing our skin is the order of the day – any day! How else can we keep our skin from drying out, keeping them nice, supple and young-looking.

To equip our skin care arsenal with the appropriate products to support our skin care goals, we can look to Korean skin care brand Celimax.

This line of beauty and skin care products is focused on transparency: it designs honest, user-friendly products with clean ingredients (allergen-free fragrance and no harsh chemicals) to bring about better skin for people with various skin types and skincare needs.

Among its products are the The Real Cica Calming Ampoule and The Real Cica Soothing Cream. As their names imply, both contain extracts from the cica (Centella Asiatica) plant, well-known for its healing, soothing, antibacterial and inflammatory properties, naturally derived within forty-eight hours of harvest to ensure maximum concentration of active compounds.

The Real Cica Calming Ampoule

This product contains 75% cica extract and an oil-free ultra-concentrated hydration complex to hydrate and soothe irritated skin.

To use, apply two to three drops from the automatic dropper and apply evenly across your face using your fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Use gentle pats to facilitate absorption of the formula.

Stock up on The Real Cica Calming Ampoule here.

The Real Cica Soothing Cream

This light-weighted hydrating gel cream is infused with 73% cica extract along with Dermatic AC3 (to manage sebum production and acne care for oily skin) and Niacinamide + Adenosine (to brighten skin and manage the effects of aging).

To apply, squeeze out a pea-sized amount of face cream then apply evenly throughout the face, gently massaging into the skin with small, upward circular motions.

Stock up on The Real Cica Soothing Cream here.

I love their light, refreshing and non-sticky feel on my face and the way they work together to quickly and effectively soothe away facial redness and swelling from irritation.

They are also easy and simple to apply, so including them as part of my nightly skin care routine would be no hassle at all.

Want to try these cica-based skincare products from Celimax?

While cica extract is usually safe for all skin types, it may aggravate or irritate the skin in certain cases. Also, results may vary from person to person. Be sure to scan the full ingredient list of these products before purchase and conducting a small patch test before the application to ensure your safety.

To know more about honest skincare products, follow Celimax on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Heroes for Children: Step up and deliver hope

UNICEF Philippines partners with RUNRIO Events to bring Filipinos together for a virtual move-a-thon for a cause: “Heroes for Children.”

Amidst a raging pandemic, many Filipinos feel trapped and anxious. This is especially true for children who, because of the nationwide lockdowns, face even greater difficulties in continuing their education and declining access to life-saving immunization and proper health and nutrition services.

Hope is needed now more than ever—and it begins with people who are willing to get up and move to make a difference in this year’s Heroes for Children campaign.

Delivering hope starts with one step

First launched in 2015 by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Anne Curtis, “Heroes for Children” is a fundraising initiative that supports and gives hope to vulnerable Filipino children.

This beloved fundraiser returns this year as a virtual move-a-thon where anyone can bike, run, walk, dance, or exercise at their own pace—and help children in need get a better chance at life.

Everyone is invited to be a hero

“Heroes for Children” is open to all individuals, friends, families, PWDs, and even fur babies here and abroad. It’s a chance for everyone of every fitness level to practice self-care and do good for Filipino children—in the safety of their own homes and communities.

Participants can choose a category and activity, and complete their distance goals within the whole duration of the virtual move-a-thon from October 1 to 31, 2021.

Registration is ongoing! Sign up for yourself, your friends, or family through the Race Roster website or visit bit.ly/UNICEFHeroes2021.

Hope comes in many forms, be part of UNICEF’s 75th anniversary

This year, UNICEF is commemorating its 75th anniversary by inviting everyone to help build a better world for children.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the many issues facing children today that put their rights at risk. This crisis is a pivotal moment to not only respond to most crucial needs of children now, but also to continue building a better world for them.

When you sign up and move through “Heroes for Children,” you contribute to improve vulnerable children’s access to quality education, routine immunization, and health and nutrition services. Every step you make in the virtual move-a-thon is a step towards making this better world a reality for every child.

The Basket of Hope and Heroes for Children virtual move-a-thon are among the many initiatives and projects that enable individuals to help and join UNICEF in its mission to protect children’s rights and ensure a better future for them. With your participation and support, we can make it possible for every child to grow up in a world where they can enjoy all of their rights.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit www.unicef.org

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph. Follow UNICEF Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.