From June 2013 to June 2014, green will be the trendy color for interiors for the season, a top European furniture brand says. The shade is expected to eclipse the current season’s delectation for yellow and blue. To contrast with green, the European company declares there will also be a mod for cream lacquer furniture.

“For the past five years, the trend is dark wood like wengue... For the new season, it will be light wood because economies in the US and Europe are down. There are fashion crises so designers have to change for the brighter,” explains Dario Reicherl, Asia Pacific director for Novamobili, which claims to be one of Europe’s top Italian furniture companies with a Philippine flagship store recently opened in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Even before the color green became a trend, the label has been championing green technology. Last year, Reicherl says they obtained the most stringent international certification on chemical emissions, Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certification from USA, which they acquired for their employees’ and clients’ health. They are the only furniture maker in Italy that has this distinction, he notes.
The environment is their number-one priority, he says, because they started as a children’s furniture business 60 years ago and lacquer is not used in children’s furniture. To further help nature, they made it a company tradition to go on their Venetian plant on bike.
“For 15 years, we’ve been a pioneer for water-based painting in Italy, when nobody still knows about it. Because normal painting is bad for the environment and dangerous to health. It releases chemical particles,” explains the company’s president, Mario Battistella, who started working at Novamobili’s forerunner company, founded by his father Alfredo, when he was 10 years old, as an ebanista or woodmaster specializing in handmade Italian furniture and wood craftsmanship. His family’s Battistella Co. still continues to produce children’s furniture while Novamobili, as its literal meaning “new furniture” connotes, manufactures contemporary designs.
“We only work with young, trendy designers, mostly Italians, some from the United Kingdom and other parts of the world for fresher ideas, enthusiasm and positive attitude,” Reicherl assures. “We consider ourselves luxury affordable... Almost 95 percent is made in Italy, even hardware, so it cuts costs. In others, 20 to 30 percent of the retail price goes to the designer. Bigger designers make you confused on who holds the brand.”
In 1963, Battistella is said to be the first company to use laminated plastic in furniture, which is usually used in kitchen doors and more resistant and cheaper than wood. From this, it shifted to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other more durable and affordable materials.
Today, Reicherl says Novamobili uses Italian government-certified recycled wood from old furniture or wood gathered from all over Italy, while its catalogues come either from recycled paper or from properly managed forests, in line with global Forest Stewardship Council standards. Their leather, said to be the best in quality used to make ladies’ bags and sourced from the supplier of Italian luxury brand Prada, comes from cows grown in the Italian Alps so their hides are smooth and easier to maintain than the ordinary, unlike in other brands wherein leather allegedly comes from mosquito-infested sources in Africa.
The company’s water-based lacquering system reportedly reduces atmospheric pollutants by 95 percent. “Water-based lacquer is not for everybody. It’s very expensive; (requires) a big investment on machine and complicated to make,” shares Battistella, adding that their kind of lacquer is dried through oven and ultraviolet rays for a better quality than the usual.
Like Italian fashion, Novamobili is famous for coordination, Reicherl enthuses. From colors to finishes and atmosphere, he avows they pay attention to detail — from pillows and rugs to chair legs and even home scent. Most especially, furniture size is coordinated with space.
“We don’t sell furniture and products, but a mood and style,” he cajoles. “If everything is well-coordinated, you will feel always in a good mood and happy.”
Their signature pieces are products of combined cutting-edge technology and manual processes. James Bond-like mechanisms camouflage as minimalist furniture. Think of sofas convertible into two or more seating positions; beds with spacious cabinets underneath; side tables that extend into family dinner tables; and walk-in closets with levers to easily access elevated hangers.
Jaime Daez, managing director for Novamobili Philippines, says he brought the brand here because he believes Filipinos are ready for such fresh, modern designs.
“Today, everyone is very involved in his own design because of the Internet. Then, people used to rely on designers. They are now actively involved in the creation of their space,” he points out.
He believes the growing expat community in The Fort, in particular, will be interested in European brands like Novamobili.
“The Philippines is booming. With a projected six percent growth, we can go from No. 43 to No. 16 in 2050. It has the highest jump of all countries. We even surpassed England,” he notes.
Novamobili’s showroom, occupying close to 400 square meters in Building 6 in Bonifacio High Street, is the company’s seventh in Asia. It has over 1000 showrooms, mostly in Europe.

Lara Quigaman 

on her best crown yet
Last November, 2005 Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman received the greatest beauty title that she says, “doesn’t compare to winning a beauty pageant.” That honor, of course, is becoming a mom to firstborn Noah Lamar. “I can’t compare the feeling I have whenever I see my baby,” she shares.
But being a mother, she says, is no walk in the park. “We (she and husband Marco Alcaraz) have to do many adjustments for baby. We cannot go out without planning. We have to set a time for us to go out. In everything we do, we have to have the baby in mind.”
Though she did not experience much nausea and cravings during her pregnancy, she had mild depression. “The most difficult part of the pregnancy was keeping it a secret until the big wedding because at work, I had to do scenes like running and crying under the rain.”
She recalls feeling ugly and fat. During her third trimester, it was hard to walk and find a position to sleep. “My neck and armpits darkened. At eight months, I got stretch marks and got more emotional. You worry if your old self will come back.”
She initially planned a normal birth for faster recovery, but after 10 hours of labor, the epidural was not working and her water had ran out, so she had to undergo a caesarian delivery.
“But when baby came out, it was all worth it,” she enthuses. Baby boy Noah, she says, loves to sleep, does not cry much, and is ever-smiling like her.
Her husband’s support helped her get through the ordeal. “I felt more in love with Marco when I was pregnant. He’s the best dad. You’d think he’s easy-go-lucky, but he’s very hands on.”
Like Marco, she advises the husbands of expectant moms to do their research. “Give a lot of patience because they don’t know the hardship. One minute we’re happy, one minute we’re not. Read so you’ll understand what your wife is going through. Moms need to rest as well so dads should be there to pamper moms.”
Now that she is a mom, she got a lot of Twitter followers who are pregnant and moms. “A lot asked about my pregnancy. A lot of new moms and pregnant was able to relate to me,” she says.
To them, she recommends doing a lot of research, downloading helpful mobile applications and regulate their diet by drinking their milk.
“I’m an advocate of milk drinking especially among kids because milk is a complete food. All the nutrients we need we can get from milk. Sometimes, when you can’t eat right, that is compensated through milk,” she attests.
Anmum and Anmum Lacta for breastfeeding moms claim to contain the complete nutrients for baby’s brain development and to meet moms’ 100 percent food requirement. It is said to have prebiotics and probiotics for moms’ better digestive system. It is also touted as the only prenatal milk in the market that comes in three flavors — vanilla, choco and hazelnut — for more options because moms are sensitive when it comes to taste.
Above all these, the former beauty queen reminds those expecting to enjoy their pregnancy. “A lot of my friends worry about every little thing. Because sometimes, if we worry too much, our baby gets affected. Don’t worry too much because everything will eventually fall into place.”
Just like a famous beauty pageant quote, motherhood has become the essence of Lara’s womanhood. “I’m now more fulfilled as a woman,” she remarks. “There’s a joy that God gave me that I don’t feel like I deserve, but there it is so I’m very grateful.”

Dawn Zulueta
on multiple intelligences
Actress and mom Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo believes it is good for her children to have high grades, but it is not enough. “I do not only focus on good school performance,” she says. “It is important to engage kids based on their interests and personalities. I focus not only on academics, but also other stimuli.”
Dawn believes that enhancing multiple intelligences is key to her children’s future success. Doctor Thomas Armstrong, a respected educator and psychologist in the field of multiple intelligence, says that intelligence is much more than IQ (intelligence quotient) because a higher IQ in the absence of productivity does not equate to intelligence.
“We are all born with the capacity for the the seven types of multiple intelligences — self, people, picture, logic, music, body and word, but certain intelligences develop in different ways, and some at certain points of a child’s life,” he explains. “Intelligence is much broader than IQ. Stimulating the different types of intelligences prepares kids for the future.”
According to him, a Harvard University study has found out that test scores went up and drop out rates went down in the United States ever since schools started to tap into students’ multiple intelligences by including musical instruments in the daily lectures, for example.
“Multiple intelligences is about appreciating the wider spectrum of human abilities,” he stresses. “It helps disabled kids because they are being recognized for what they can do. It gives children an opportunity to shine and gives them confidence that result in better academic performance.”
To identify where their children’s intelligences lie, he suggests exposing them to varied experiences like watching the movies or concerts or taking them to the zoo. According to him, parents need to value how interests like music can be used as a way to communicate and share what kids have to the world. “Don’t push or force intelligences if your kids are not yet ready. If you want to teach your kid piano playing, for instance, start with giving him toy pianos and when he is old enough, that is the time to introduce him to piano playing and a piano teacher. If forced on them, they will react by shutting down.”
Technology at an early age should be discouraged, he reiterates. “At two years old, a child has no connection to them at all. But at grade school, there are wonderful apps for all intelligences such as music composition software. But it is also important to open them to nature and social experiences. Honor their time alone.”
He also warns about paralyzing experiences such as criticizing children when they draw in the walls. “Instead of stopping them to draw, make them realize that they are drawing in the wrong place, but there is nothing wrong with their creativity.”
If you want your child to be an artist, start by giving paints. If a musician, simple acoustic instruments. If a doctor, a chemistry set. Combine intelligences directly to everyday concerns and early on, make them think of their role in the world, the doctor prescribes.
“Parents must be in touch with their own childhoods and reflect on what experiences they want for their children,” he notes. “The key word is fun. That’s where the best learning comes from.”
To develop her children’s multiple intelligences, Dawn gives her kids Progress Pre-School Gold, a growing-up milk designed to meet the nutritional needs of children four to seven years of age. The science behind the milk is the Gold Biofactors System; a unique combination of nutrients working together to support the multidimensional areas of a child’s development.

Mikee Jaworski on the diet shift
Mothers are the gatekeepers of the family diet, says nutrition expert Luz Callanta. But oftentimes, mealtimes become a struggle. Some moms resort to bribing just so their children finish a meal. Others become monster moms, while others give in, thinking that eating unhealthy is better than not eating at all. Former actress and mom Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski is no stranger to such dilemma.
“I have three boys, and my youngest, Renzo, is four years old. I noticed that Renzo is starting to prefer unhealthy food staples such as French fries and ice cream. I know people expect me to know how to teach Renzo to eat healthy because I’ve already experienced this with my other two boys. But the truth is, it’s not easy. It’s always a different challenge with each kid when it comes to mealtimes,” she shares.
She notices that sweets and sugar change her children’s behavior. “They are always fighting; they become obnoxious,” she notes.
Renzo is in that phase doctor Bernadette Benitez calls a “diet shift.” A developmental and behavioral pediatrics specialist, Benitez defines diet shift as “a developmental plunge; a downward spiral of weight and growth.” Its first phase starts at two years old, wherein appetite decreases and children started to grow for only two kilograms at three and up. “Language, thinking and having opinions start here. Food preferences start changing because of environment and friends.”
During this time, children are easily tempted to eat unhealthy because for them, unhealthy food is more fun and exciting to eat; and tastes better because of flavors, colors and textures. A child may prefer unhealthy food or food that does not contain the right nutrients to keep their growth and development on track. It heightens at ages four to seven.
The diet shift gets usually resolved on its own, the doctor says. But parents need to fight it early on, she stresses, because it is also during this stage that children need the most macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein and fats for continuous growth and development.
Callanta adds that four to seven year-olds need an utmost supply of vitamin A, iodine, iron, zinc and calcium as doing so will have lifelong consequences. “Malnutrition is a nutritional deficiency that does not only refer to the buto’t balat (skinny and boney) but also to the over-nourished, who will later on suffer his extra weight in the balls of his joints,” she warns. “Fat kids have an ill or wrong balance of nutrients. Being lethargic is a sign of being malnourished. Being healthy-looking does not mean the child is complete inside.”
“If active, alert and socializes with other children, those are the signs of a healthy kid in this phase,” Benitez adds.
To help fight the diet shift, she recommends taking food supplements like Aqiva, which has 25 essential nutrients to help kids combat the diet shift. She also suggests getting rid of mealtime distractions like putting toys on the table and turning on the TV. A child should be exposed to a certain food 10 times before he develops an appetite for it, she says, so do so, parents should make eating fun for their kids.
Some ways to do so is by using food shapers to shape food into toys and concocting healthy but yummy recipes like Very Berry Pops by chef Jackie Laudico. Even a chef like her, she admits, finds it a battlefield to feed her kids. “I always tell them that variety eating is healthy. Sometimes I win, sometimes not,” she enthuses.
But she gets by, she says, by naming a soup after her daughter’s favorite cartoon character and by creating dishes like Very Berry Pops, made of sweet potato cake, which Callanta says is packed with nutrients and rich in fiber. These are dipped in blueberry and strawberry jams, which are full of antioxidants.
“Include your kids in making food. It also encourages kids more to try the food if they see the ingredients grow in their garden,” she says.
Mikee complains that her boy takes too long to eat, which is something that is actually good, says Callanta, because he develops social skills as he interacts more with family members and starts to form good eating habits such as chewing his food properly.

"No mother must die giving life."

Such is the battle cry behind the partnership forged by global pharmaceutical company MSD and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) as they heed the call of the Department of Health (DoH) to help reduce maternal mortality in the country.
According to ZFF's research, a mother's death has a ripple effect on her family and society: her baby is more likely to die before the age of two and her other children are 10 times more likely to leave school, suffer from poor health and die prematurely.
In the Philippines, 11 mothers die of pregnancy and pregnancy-related causes daily. While there is an average of 150 deaths in the rest of Asia Pacific, there are 221 in the Philippines alone. Those who are likely to fall victim do not go to prenatal checkups, give birth at home or go to hospital extremely lack in facilities, says ZFF vice president and project manager Ramon Derige.
Among the other major causes of maternal mortality in the country, he adds, are delayed medical response and the increasing trend in teenage pregnancy among 12 to 14 year-old girls. A 17-year-old reportedly died in Zamboanga after giving birth to her second child. "Young girls have no access to education and no means to be productive so they are vulnerable," he says.
As a response to these, the program MSD for Mothers and ZFF Community Health Partnership: The Joint Development Initiative has been created to implement the Health Change Model, a systematic and systemic approach to enhance health leadership and governance in 21 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in Samar Island in the Eastern Visayas region.
The three-year target, with a budget of P20 million, focuses on Samar as the priority region for Zuellig because it is among the poorest in the Philippines and one of the country's most geographically isolated places composed of isolated highlands and islands far from provincial hospitals, Derige explains.
Among the problems being complained about in this region is the lack of ambulances. River boats are usually used to transport a mother about to deliver to the nearest hospital, but the mother usually dies along the way, Derige reports. Another dilemma is that since moms do not go for checkups, government cannot monitor how many are actually pregnant, and this causes a delay in medical response.
The project, thus, aims to tie up with mayors to make sure these government officials commit money and time to enroll in a governance program and assure they allocate funds for the local health system, Derige says. "Because mayors are so busy with many things, maternal mortality has not been a priority or mindset so we hope to help them innovate their responses by setting up a pregnancy tracking system."
Such initiative has been tested in Zamboanga, he says, and because of ZFF, a mayor in the province allegedly passed an ordinance that all women should deliver at the birthing facility and not at home.
Also included in the program is the capacity-building of barangay health workers and improving the infrastructure of the places they operate in.
"We aim to at least manage the preventable causes. Of course, there are non-preventable ones like hypertension, availability of oxytocin and pre-eclampsia and bleeding, the top two causes of maternal death that also happen due to the inadequacy in the number or in the skills of midwives," Derige expounds.
Since ZFF has started the effort in 2008, by end of last year, the foundation has reportedly reached 97 municipalities and plans to cover 300 more this year and 609 more in the next three years. Its target is to have 90 percent of pregnant women given proper healthcare; 75 percent of deliveries done in health facilities; and 90 percent of deliveries handled by skilled workers.
All these will hopefully lead to the Philippines being able to meet its global commitment of slashing its maternal mortality rate to a third, from 162 to 52 by 2015. Current ZFF statistics shows that the Philippines is lagging behind the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 target with its maternal mortality ratio increasing from 162 to 221 per 100,000 live births.
DoH secretary Enrique Ona welcomes the effort of the private sector in helping reduce maternal mortality in the country. "The problem cannot be solved by one party alone. Thus, in addition to our existing health programs to address the country's problems in maternal health, public-private partnerships like this would enable us to combine our resources and deliver more impact to as many of our countrymen as possible," he says.

For more information, visit www.zuelligfoundation.org.

What is it like to be superstar Anne Curtis’ sister? Little sis and budding actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith admits, “It’s a lot of pressure.”

“Hell, yes! People expect me to be fashionable every single day,” Anne’s younger sister divulges.
From books and music to boys, she says she and Anne are very much alike in spite their nine-year age gap.
“We’re just so similar that it’s hard to stay away from her,” she confesses.
Luckily, she says, there are accessories that help her express herself and individuality. The turquoise pendants that come with the new Golden Silver collection of British charms brand Thomas Sabo remind her of childhood spent in Australia’s beaches. Her usual ensemble of just shirts and jeans comes to life, she says, with the addition of turquoise trinkets.
“I have a laid-back style so accessories will go well to help me dress up. I’m always the beach type of girl so accessories make me look fashionable even when I’m on swimwear.”
Endorsed by British model Poppy Delivigne, the Golden Silver collection is the brand’s spring/summer 2013 highlight, featuring the label’s signature 925 sterling silver plated in 18-karat yellow and rose gold.
Although Jasmine is commonly seen in sweet, feminine dresses that complement her wholesome image, she confesses that deep down, she prefers blacks, greys and relaxed outfits. Thus, she also feels a connection with Thomas Sabo’s new men’s Rebel at Heart collection, whose statement rings in gothic shapes like skulls, snakes and dragons can breathe fire into her wardrobe.
“I don’t go out in many accessories, just rings and bracelets. A ring on any of my fingers makes me happy,” she shares.
Since Jasmine is just starting to grow her accessories collection, she finds it convenient to find a style sister in Anne. Besides Emma Watson, Zooey Deschanel and Rooney Mara, she runs to Anne and to her sister’s fashionable friends Liz Uy and Isabelle Daza for tips and inspiration.
“I never really think of what I wear until I was surrounded by ate’s friends like Belle and Liz,” she remarks. “I don’t have a personal stylist. If I need help, I ask for ate or her friends.”
Among the best pieces of advice she picked up from Anne and buddies are to dress her age — nothing too sexy or revealing since she just turned 18 — and to experiment with all styles.
“I’m big on comfort,” she affirms. “I dress fashionably, but comfortably. I don’t enjoy my outfit if I’m not comfortable in it.”
She also believes that fashion and beauty are about proportion, so she makes sure to keep her balance with carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables; daily workouts and moisturization; regular facials and — take note, guys — three times a week of Muay Thai.
So, who wants to mess up with Anne’s little sis? Her fully-blossomed lifestyle choices prove that she is no longer small, after all.

If summer means beach and beach equals bikini, then body hair is definitely out of the equation. 

Such has been the message sent loud and clear by the local franchise of international waxing salon Strip: Ministry of Waxing as it recently tied up with local swimwear brand I Love Koi for the launch of its new Shanghai Summer Orange wax. The bikini fashion show was held at the Prive Club in Taguig.
Tab Abad-Estacion, managing director of Strip Manila, claimed during a press conference that though their signature treatment has been dubbed “Brazilian wax,” more Filipinos have actually had it done more than Brazilians have. She even met a Brazilian model who had never been waxed.
“Global studies show that more Asians have waxed than Europeans have,” she added.
According to her, this is because Asians, particularly Filipinos, are now more open to waxing for hygiene reasons such as proper public toilet use and preventing infection especially during pregnancy. Strip Mama, a special process performed after the first trimester, is preferred by their pregnant customers who find waxing uncomfortable in a hospital.
A monthly waxing habit, she said, prevents bacteria growth as bacteria breeds on hair during menstruation, and among men, “since they don’t wash, they just shake.”
More men, she revealed, actually go to Strip than females do, so males have their own specialized procedure called Boyzilian. Other than those dared by their girlfriends (Strip Greenbelt has a couple’s room), these guy clients are usually athletes, particularly polo players, the Azkals football team, runners, swimmers and basketball players because hairlessness has been believed to improve aerodynamics.
Others who go there for waxing are those with folliculitis, wherein hair has to be removed regularly as it causes allergy. Because of this condition, a 10-year-old girl has become Strip Manila’s youngest client, said Tab. This only proves, she said, that their treatments are so safe, even 10-year-olds can have them.
“We are so hygienic, you can perform a surgery in our rooms,” enthused Strip Manila sales and marketing manager Monique Jamlang.
Strip takes pride in being the first to introduce the No Double Dipping rule, said Tab. Each customer receives a new individually sealed pouch containing disposable waxing equipment like gloves, face masks, wet wipes and spatulas.
In 2002, when Strip was founded by Singaporean spa entrepreneur Cynthia Chung, waxing studios used to be clinical, generally unhygienic and provide painful procedures that they leave clients unable to walk in a straight line. Strip changed the game, said Tab, with its quirky interiors and by reducing the pain level from 10 to two to three.
Every service is done in as fast as 15 minutes flat by Striperellas or therapists, who, Tab said, are nursing graduates that “bootcamped” in Singapore for two months, and undergo continuous training to provide the best service possible.
Strip is particularly famous for its menu of bio-degradable secret recipe lotions and post-wax products. The waxes, according to Tab, are exclusive to the brand and cannot be found online or in drug stores.
Some salons, she claimed, use waxes that have sugar and honey, which might cause allergic reactions. Others use ones with polymer, the same material used for plastics, thus, their wax is rubbery, sticky and non-biodegradable. Strip, meanwhile, reportedly uses beeswax, which is purer than honey and all organic.
“It’s a simple waxing business, but there is so much science into it,” Tab disclosed.
Besides Shanghai Summer Orange wax, also new at Strip this summer are two tattoo colors and facials for “down there.”

Jojit, a flight attendant; Christian, a nurse; and Phoemela Baranda, a model and TV host, anchor their lives on their legs. As Baranda reveals, legs are some of the most exposed and used parts of her body.

Their jobs demand a lot from this precious body part, like standing and walking for long hours, in tight panty hose for Jojit and Christian, or in three-inch heels in Phoemela and Jojit’s case. These, in addition to shopping, exercising and running for a long time, strain their legs and affect their productivity.
“Filipinos are really active and hardworking. They use their legs all the time,” enthuses Mely Guerrero, group brand manager for pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc.
But globally, one out of four women suffers from leg pain in silence, she says. Though not deadly, leg pain can lead to varicose veins and other vein disorders that can be lifestyle debilitating or disrupt a person’s work and way of life.
More than just for aesthetics, leg health is important for mobility. As Guerrero further explains, “Leg veins play an important role in blood circulation. When we walk, leg muscles squeeze, making it easier for leg veins to pump blood back to the heart.”
When standing, however, leg veins work harder in pumping blood against gravity. Standing causes the highest pressure in veins at 85 mmHG (millimeter of Mercury), as opposed to lying, which is only at 12 to 18 mmHG. The lowest flow rate of blood, at 60 percent, also happens when standing.
“The function of the vein is to bring blood back to the heart, but when standing, the tendency of the blood is to stay down,” clarifies doctor Martin Anthony Villa, Varicose Vein Center head, St. Luke’s Medical Center.
When one is still young, Villa says there are bulbs preventing the blood from going down the veins, except for those with a family history of varicose veins, who have weak vein bulbs. But as one ages, these bulbs become subject to wear and tear, so prolonged standing or sitting, coupled with an inherent defect in the vein wall among those with hereditary varicose veins, can lead to the progressive vein disease chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), an abnormality of the vein function wherein blood goes down instead of going to the heart.
Chronic venous insufficiency, says Villa, is characterized by leg swelling, pain, edema, and worse, leg ulcers or bulging, ugly spider veins that turn blue, green and red. According to the American Heart Association, CVI has a higher prevalence rate than heart disease.
For guys 30 to 40 years old, bulging veins are common and are even regarded as tattoo, unaware that these varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic problem. Villa says employers abroad have reservations about hiring employees with varicose veins.
But CVI, says Villa, affects more women than men because of progesterone and gravitational pressure. He says it occurs in about 25 to 40 percent of women or one in three to four, as opposed to 10 to 15 percent or one in four to five males.
Thus, sales ladies and those who stand or wear stockings for a long time may experience a progressive leg ache, heaviness (ngalay) and nocturnal cramping every two or three months, which disappears on its own. During pregnancy, the mechanical effect of the uterus on the back can also impede blood flow and cause CVI, which disappears after the first pregnancy, but becomes permanent after the third to fourth. Although benign, CVI can cause alligator skin and weakening of the lower leg in the long run.
“I’ve seen patients who can barely walk, dragging their legs. With time, it worsens from leg discomfort with little spider veins to hyperpigmentation or thatching of skin to venous ulcer,” attests Villa.
Venous ulcer is so hard to treat, he warns, so he advises one to see a doctor immediately for a leg screening and not wait until varicose veins get worse.
To manage CVI, he recommends conservative intervention like wearing compression stockings, which has a measured pressure to ease blood flow on legs. Leg elevation or stretching, not too high, for several minutes a day also helps prevent varicose veins.
Lifestyle modification also does wonders. This includes not wearing stockings in hot places and taking short walks after sitting three to four hours a day, and vice versa if standing. Crossing legs, Villa says, should be done sparingly. Pregnant women, in addition, are advised to sleep on their side to not hamper blood circulation. If conservative management fails, interventional management like surgery is suggested, says Villa.
Antistax, said to be the first and only anti-varicose supplement in the Philippines and one of the world’s leading anti-varicose supplements, has been developed to improve blood circulation and significantly reduce leg swelling or edema to help nurture one’s natural mobility, Guerrero shares.
Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc. medical affairs manager Dr. Joy Pabellon says Antistax is made of natural red vine leaf extract, which is known to contain a unique ingredient called bio-active Flaven. Its patented Flaven extraction process reportedly makes a tablet of Antistax as potent as three bottles of red wine in promoting good blood circulation. Pharmacologists found out the Flaven from a special variety of grape leaves are why French wine growers never suffered from leg vein disorders.
According to Christian and Jojit, after taking Antistax, they now experience less leg pain, making their jobs easier and increasing their performance. Phoemela encourages other women like them to stand up for leg health. More so, because she believes, “This is the age of women on the go!”

This Sunday, 30 of the country’s best and most renowned fashion designers will showcase their latest Flores de Mayo designs inspired by the theme Colors of Mindanao, as tribute to their “Il Maestro” Benjamin “Mang Ben” Farrales.

These 30, said Unilever Philippines corporate communications manager Liza Vengco, are among the designers influenced or mentored by Farrales. Because he has been known for supporting young talents, the veteran designer has been dubbed, the “Dean of Philippine Fashion.”
A champion of Filipino Islamic designs, he is credited to have turned the malong into a must-have accessory. His traveling exhibit, Maranaw, made him the first and only Filipino fashion designer to have exhibited in Washington DC’s Kennedy Center.
Since sponsoring the Flores 14 years ago, it is the first time for Unilever to dedicate the theme on Mindanao and on a designer, Vengco explained. The past years had been all about nature inspirations like tropical flowers and the sea.
“It’s our first time to give a tribute to Mang Ben, which is a long overdue credit to him as he has set a lot of trends in fashion. For one, he has helped continue the Flores de Mayo tradition,” she said.
Farrales is the founding chairman of the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Niño Jesus, the parade’s organizer. For 34 years now, the Congregacion has been keeping the Flores tradition alive as one of its activities to honor the Sto. Niño or the Holy Child, who Farrales considers as guide.
He founded the Congregacion together with fellow designers and devotees Nolie Hans, Gang Gomez and Dingdong Bautista. Like their exhibit of 400 Sto. Niños every January, the Flores has become a major tourist attraction in Manila, luring both the religious and the fashion-conscious alike.
Congregacion’s Flores de Mayo or Flowers of May is among the most renowned versions of the iconic Filipino tradition held in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The religious celebration dates back to the 19th century, marked by young ladies parading in lavish gowns; their journey ends with the offering of flowers to their local parish.
In keeping with the tradition, each designer in the Flores will choose his own muse that will represent an incarnation of the Virgin Mary. Competing for the top title of Rosa Mystica or Mystical Rose will be creations from the country’s top designers, including, Ivan de la Cruz, Buddy Reyes, Obet Orajay, Fanny Serrano, Edgar Allan, Pepe Quitco, Jon Fernando, Danilo Franco, Arielle Agasang, Edwin Tan, Johnny Abad, Renee Salud, Ole Morabe, Edwin Uy, Steve de Leon, Christopher Quejano, Richard Papa, Rholand Roxas, Frederick Peralta, Edgar Madamba, Leslie Rivera, Rey Lazaro, Pencil Diestra, Rikko Escaro, Pepsi Herrera, Edgar San Diego, Jontie Martinez, Francis Calaquian, Gener Gozum and Lito Perez. Other awards include Magandang Pilipina, La Flor de Manila and Reina de las Flores.
The Flores is also springboard that helped blossom the careers of its models like Apples Aberin, who is now Unilever’s Public Relations head. Some of the models went on to join prestigious beauty pageants such as Bb. Pilipinas and Ms. Earth, Vengco said.
But the sagala, as the Flores has been alternately called, is not really a competition, she clarified. “It is about continuing to uplift and keeping the tradition and to continue to inspire up and coming designers,” she stressed.
Although steeped in tradition, this year’s Flores, she said, will trek a longer route in SM Mall of Asia (MoA) than run its usual Malate-to-Intramuros course. “We brought it to MoA so more people will see the gowns, giving a twist to the tradition by bringing it to unexpected venues.”
Among its highlights, she noted, is how designers will interpret Mindanao’s vibrant culture, majestic vintas, varied flora and fauna and bejeweled women, in the same way Mang Ben has given over 60 years of his life vouching for the indigenous materials, beadwork and patterns of the marginalized, but richly cultured, South.

From the world's largest shoes and a museum housing former First Lady Imelda Marcos' controversial footwear, Marikina City creates history anew as it has been commissioned by Elle Girl, the ladies' apparel arm of international glossy Elle, to create the lace shoes collection for the global brand's current spring/summer collection.

The pumps and wedges, featuring black floral lace garnished on bright pink suede, had been handmade by the city's artisans as commissioned by the Philippine franchise of Elle Girl, says Joan Ross Yao, executive vice president of the brand's local franchisee International Global Marques Inc.
According to her, the brand has been known for harnessing local talents in creating products unique to the artists' countries of birth. But while Elle Girl's bicycles commissioned in Korea barely park out of the country, Marikina's fashionable steps can also be found in select Elle Girl stores worldwide, she says.
"We have so much talent here so we have to support our own," she enthuses.
There are plans, she says, to continue the partnership with Marikina for more collections for upcoming seasons, as well as cherry-pick Filipino designers for the label's apparel and accessories line.
The Marikina-made shoes belong to the Jardine ("garden" in French) summer collection of the Paris-inspired brand. Motivated by the gardens of France, Jardine features floral, pastel and chiffon dresses and tops, as well as pastel bags with a classic French feel, Yao says.
The brand's second summer collection, Tropical, is charged with the prints and colors of the South Pacific, most preeminently, tangerine and aqua. The third set, Rock Academy, features summer's metallic of choice — silver — paired with purple, suede and studs.
Three major collections will also be released for fall/winter, Yao reveals. The first will highlight more florals, romantic pieces, coppers and royal blue. The second will have preppy campus jackets for a key piece, while the third will uphold bolder, glam rock ensembles bringing to mind rock legends.
Such variety of styles, which is not only limited to sporty and girly, is brought about by Elle's edge of being exposed to a wide array of fashion and having the first hand on "the best picks" from retail, explains International Global Marques Inc. chief operating officer Maye Yao Co Say.
"Elle Girl is a versatile brand," she notes. "There is a need to address the lifestyle of women that is fast, with no time to change, but with the urge to look casual chic all the time."
The Elle girl, she says, is a "lady who loves to travel, loves animals and knows three languages." Thus, Elle Girl, she expounds, has been brought to the Philippines for "the young fashionista who loves branded clothes," "who wants to experiment" and is after "good quality" and "a lot of choices."
"We feel that it is time to bring in more global brands that are outside America because there is already a lot of American brands here," she says on why they launched the label locally last January.
Besides being backed by one of the world's biggest fashion magazines with over 20 million readers and 43 editions in 80 countries, Elle Girl's brand philosophy of making high fashion more accessible and practical, or for bringing runway to retail, is just what young Filipino fashionistas need, Say claims.
"Our aim is for the market (18 to 25 years old) to feel more empowered and matured through fashion," adds Yao.
To appeal to the "global culture of the global child," Say divulges they are thinking of also bringing in cosmetics by Sephora.
For now, the brand's four branches — in SM Mall of Asia, The Block, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and an outlet store in Fairview — carry its special occasion dresses, day-to-night looks, footwear, bags and pillows.
Just as fashion is always in a vacuum, the label's trademark is also its constant evolution. Nowadays, it can be recognized by its pink polka dot skin.

Blisters, dehydration, sun burn and worse, skin cancer, are just some of the sun’s harmful effects about which doctors remind one to put on sunblock and take cover, especially this summer.
But should you forget to take precautions, do not worry. A French apparel brand, best known for sponsoring the world’s cycling Superbowl, Tour de France, has finally arrived in the Philippines, bringing with it its acclaimed Tour de France collectibles and shirts with built-in SPF (sun protection factor).
Even the infamous Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France champion who recently confessed his sins to top talk show host Oprah Winfrey, cannot derail Le Coq Sportif’s 130-year heritage that now continues with the opening of its flagship store at the East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
The brand’s trademark cocorico (cock-a-doodle-do) crows loudly as imprint on a full-range of wardrobe must-haves, including classic tees, polo shirts, jerseys, jackets, trousers, socks, caps, shoes and bags. Cocorico means “song of the cock” in French. The cock is France’s animal symbol, so whenever a French sportsman wins, French reporters would announce, “poussent de grands cocoricos” (grow larger crowing).
Yellows, greens, blues and other summery brights in checks, stripes and other trendy patterns comprise the brand’s spring/summer collection for both men and women, now neatly stacked in the flagship store that boasts of the brand’s original feature, a mosaic-tiled accent wall.
Amid the traditional bricks and wood, the combination of colored tiles and marble stand out and offer an edgy, contemporary feel to the boutique. The store showcases the brand’s lifestyle heritage collection, cycling memorabilia and sporting glory moments on display on the walls, says Pauline de Jesus, assistant brand manager of the Philippine franchise.
She relates that the brand reached the Philippines through its local distributor, Planet Sports, which also cradles the local franchises of K Swiss, New Balance and Nautica, among others. The mother company offered the opportunity for Planet Sports to expand Le Coq Sportif’s presence in Asia as it has already carved a niche among the young preppies of China, Korea and Thailand.
Its fame in Japan and Korea allegedly prompted the company to hire local designers there to complete and adapt the global collection for these countries’ local markets. Recently, Japanese artist Sou was tasked to create handmade shoes and tabi (traditional Japanese socks), while a line of shoes was released in collaboration with Japanese designer Kamishima Chinami.
In the Philippines, French-Filipino TV personality and triathlete Erwan Heussaff is Le Coq Sportif’s poster boy, de Jesus reveals. From outfits for training, the store will soon carry apparel for cycling, following the brand’s revival of its professional cycling line last year. From this line comes the label’s best-selling polo shirts made of a thermodynamic material with SPF 5.
The label started supplying for the Tour de France in 1951. It started in 1882 with the opening of a little hosiery store in Romilly-sur-Seine, in a part of the Champagne region called the Aube. Emile Camuset, the man who opened that store, loved sports with a fierce passion. When he began making sports jersey in his small workshop, he probably never dreamed that, 130 years later, Le Coq Sportif would be renowned for its clothing, footwear and sporting equipment, which all  fuel the brand’s present claim as “the most Gallic of French sports outfitters.”

You might have heard of Ati-Atihan, Sinulog and Masskara. Through the recently concluded Aliwan Fiesta, thousands of Filipinos from all regions and walks of life also got to know about the Ang Tipulo Festival of Rizal; the Dinagsa Festival of Muntinlupa; the Sagayan of Buluan, Maguindanao; the Adivay Festival of Benguet; and the Kalilangan of General Santos City.

Now on its 11th year, Aaliwan gave the public the chance to glimpse the country’s most popular festivals all in one setting, which why it has been dubbed, “the mother of all fiestas.” About 5,000 delegates representing various regions recently gathered in Manila and Pasay to showcase Filipino pomp and pageantry.
According to Ruperto Nicdao III of Manila Broadcasting Co. (MBC), one of the festival’s presenters, Aliwan this year was grander, “more fun,” more extravagant, lavish and exciting because of its partnership with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). He said the parade this year also spanned from Roxas Boulevard to Quirino Grandstand, with million of pesos given away as prizes.
“Aliwan removes the hassle of traveling from island to island, as it gathers the best festivals, dancers and beauties in the Philippines,” he said.
Aliwan, Nicadao added, began in 2003 as a project of MBC. From a commercial endeavor to attract tourists, he said it is now an advocacy that provides a microcosm of life in the Philippines’ 7,107 islands.
“Aliwan’s aim is to showcase what is good in the country to the rest of the world. With tourism fast growing, from 4.3 million last year to five million targeted this year, the event provided the necessary information and values to foreigners to know more about the Filipinos,” said Domingo Enerio III, TPB chief operating officer.
Enerio added that it also provides a chance for smaller communities to showcase themselves in the country’s capital, expecting that it would benefit not only hotels and airlines, but also the marginalized.
During the three-day event, local and foreign tourists basked in a visual extravaganza of regional product bazaars, fashion shows, street parties, band concerts, games and fireworks displays. But the real draw was the street dance competition, wherein provincial contingents presented fabulously choreographed routines in full costumed glory as they highlight the best of the best in a grand showdown. More than just for the million-peso pot money, the contest has elevated street dance into an art form, claimed Nicdao.
Alongside the hall of famers Dinagyang of Iloilo City, Sinulog of Cebu and Panagbenga of Baguio, newcomers like Pakalog of Pasig, Sambali Cagayana of Cagayan and Alikaraw of Leyte were highly anticipated. Besides dance, the festival included visual arts competitions such as a parade of floats, where celebrated artist Rachy Cuna was one of the judges.
The fiesta’s third component, said Nicdao, was the Reyna ng Aliwan or Festival Queen. Some winners of the pageant moved on to win bigger ones like Binibining Pilipinas, if not pursue modeling or showbiz careers. Among them were first runner-up Karla Henry, who eventually became Miss Earth 2008, and 2010 Reyna ng Aliwan Rizzini Gomez who won Miss Tourism International.
“The fiesta is a quintessential Filipino way of celebration, giving a glimpse of the country’s diverse society, cultural heritage and unparalled natural bounties. It is one of the blocks upon which we built our being Filipino,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. says in a statement.
He hopes Aliwan will encourage more tourists to stay longer and excite them to travel outside Manila for a complete, authentic Filipino fiesta experience.