Look Your Summer Best

Look Your Summer Best Get a head-to-toe makeover with the help of these beauty hotspots in the Metro South

Starting 2012 with the previous year’s stress and worry literally on your head and hair, is not a pretty sight nor an ideal way to begin the year. Allow your tresses time for a breather, and drop by Fab Salon for a full Keratin Miracle Treatment (starts at P1,200). The whole process of the treatment is a relaxing treat in itself as the cream is massaged onto your scalp and hair. This part of the treatment takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the length of your hair. Afterwards, your hair will be placed under a heated device similar to the one used for a hot oil treatment. Then, your hair is rinsed and towel- or hair-dried depending on your preference. Once your hair is dry, you’ll notice that it’s shinier, lighter, and softer. Another must-try hair treatment is the Energizing Treatment (P1,500). This treatment re-energizes your hair by treating any scalp problems you may have. It cleanses and refreshes your scalp from dirt, grime, a product residue and build-up. The result is a a cleaner feeling scalp and healthy-looking hair. If you’re planning to have your hair styled and cut, then it would be best to, at the very least, have an idea of the new hairstyle or cut you envision. It’s standard at Fab Salon though that you consult with the professional and experienced stylist you’re assigned, so that he or she can determine which cut best suits you, your face shape, and your lifestyle. Hair cuts cost P300, while hair styling costs P750. If you wish to color your hair, they offer full-service color (starts at P1,300), gloss color (starts at P1,500), color correction (starts at P1,500), and retouching (starts at P900). Other services like mani-pedis (P450), eyelash extension (P500), and others are also available. – Ruth Kairuz
Fab Salon, G/F, 139 Corporate Center, Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati, +63(2) 478-4122; Resorts World Manila, 4/L, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City, +63(2) 822-0004, Facebook: Fab Salon, info@fabsalon.ph, http://www.fabsalon.ph

Jessica Lace Salon and Spa
If you’re looking to score a new look for a special night out on the town, or you simply think it’s time for a change, then Jessica Lace Salon and Spa will help you do just that. They offer services such as geometric haircuts (starts at P700) and airbrush makeup, for that flawless finish. “Our precision hair cutting technique provides styles that are well-shaped, organic, and extremely easy to maintain. We make sure that the style really fits the person. We really try to suit it to the person’s facial features,” says owner and London-trained airbrush makeup artist Jessica Lace.
Since opening its first branch in Quezon City in 2007, and its second branch in Bonifacio Global City in January 2011, Jessica Lace Salon and Spa has had a following among clients who want stylish and funky hairstyles. With a roster of stylists who are equally skilled and creative, Jessica Lace assures clients of the same quality hair styling no matter who their stylist is. Jessica Lace also takes pride in the honesty of their salon when it comes to the products they use. “We make sure that all products we use are of the best quality. We make sure that we only provide them what they paid for,” says Jessica Lace.
Jessica Lace Salon and Spa can accommodate a total of 10 clients at a time and could get packed specially on Fridays and Saturdays so call ahead of time to make a reservation. For 2012, Jessica Lace recommends bobs and bold colors such as red or copper. “I hope they do try our funky colors. We do it in a very classy way. It’s really good if you want to be noticed,” Jessica Lace suggests. – Paola Ebora
Jessica Lace Salon and Spa, Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio, +63(2) 553-2300, +63(2) 425-1190, +63 (917) 804-5073, info@jessicalace.net, http://www.facebook.com/jessicalacesalon, http://www.jessicalace.net; Open from Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am- 8:00 pm, Sundays are strictly by appointment only.

Sexy Solutions
Some say that reaching your goal weight isn’t the problem, but rather it’s maintaining it. Once you’ve gotten the discipline of working out downpat just to reach your goal weight, finding a new motivation to continue the routine is what many struggle with. What then is the solution? This is where Sexy Solutions By Belo comes in. Offering its clients holistic body-shaping services that were especially conceptualized in order to “break the plateau”. The services they offer will help you lose those stubborn last few inches that never seem to come off no matter what diet or exercise you try. Their treatments include Lipo Cavitation, Multi- Firm, and Body Sculpt. The combination of these treatments help break down fat cells, tighten skin, and reduce the appearance of cellulite.  What’s great and unique about Sexy Solutions is their lifestyle-change approach to weightloss and body-shaping which aids in prolonging the effects of your chosen treatments. In addition to the body-shaping treatments, you’re given proper guidance in terms of the right kind of diet and type of exercise you need to do to maintain your shape. Each client is given the chance to sit down with US certified nutritionist Nadine Tengco, who will then create a proper diet plan to further assist you in your quest to maintaining your shape. The customized diet plans also come with Flush Fat drinks that are made to compliment any and all procedures you go through. This approach will not only allow you the chance to play a more proactive part in keeping your figure, but it also makes you aware of the health benefits and importance of following a proper diet and having an exercise regimen. – Ruth Kairuz
For price inquiries and other information, please visit or contact Sexy Solutions By Belo at Suite 912 Medical Plaza Bldg. Amorsolo St. cor. Dela Rosa St., Makati, +63(2) 840-5588,  +63(2) 810-7399

Summer Fashion

Phil bags 10th goal as Meralco XI wrests lead

PICKING UP from where he left off in the AFC Challenge Cup, national team striker Phil Younghusband notched his United Football League-leading 10th goal of the season to fuel Loyola Meralco’s 5-0 rout of Nomads Auction Manila Sunday night at the University of Makati pitch.

Younghusband, the Golden Boot winner with six goals in the AFC tournament in Nepal last week, struck from close range in the 38th minute as the Sparks climbed to the top, ahead of Global and Kaya on goal difference, with their sixth victory in seven matches.

Later, an improved Green Archers United proved too sharp for struggling Navy Red Juice  with Floriano Pasilan banging in four goals in the 5-0 win to jack up his season tally to six.

Pasilan, the national team left winger from San Carlos City, formed a formidable attacking trio with newcomer Jesus Melliza and ex-national Arnie Pasinabo.

Archers moved up to sixth with their second straight victory for seven points, ahead of Pasargad and Air Force on goal difference, while Navy remained winless in eight matches, where it has already given up 38 goals.

Melliza, the UAAP Season 74 top scorer from Far Eastern U who was picked up during the transfer window, scored on his UFL debut, using his pace to beat two defenders before slotting the ball past Benito Rosalia two minutes into the match.

Another flowing move involving Pasinabo and Melliza ended with Pasilan finding the back of the net to make it 2-0 just 10 minutes into the match, before the fleet-footed striker grabbed his second with a cool finish in the 35th minute.

Pasilan grabbed his hat-trick in the 56th minute, benefiting from Melliza’s work on the right flank, before capping his heroics with a brilliant individual finish two minutes into injury time.

Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto also showed plenty of promise in his UFL debut, coming through with a couple of reflex saves in Green Archers’ first shutout victory of the season.

Heard: Katrina Halili on her baby in womb

Katrina Halili to the baby in her womb (from GMA 7’s “Star Talk”): “Blessing ka and mamahalin kita, and gagawin ko ang lahat para maging maganda ang future mo.”

Text message to Inquirer from the handlers of the baby’s father, Katrina’s long-time friend Kris Lawrence: “Kris has only two things to say: 1) They’re not getting married anytime soon and 2) He will support Katrina and the baby through the full term.”

Katrina Halili Pregnant

Memphis names Philippines ‘honored country’

Good news. The Philippines has been named the “honored country” by Memphis—the largest city in the US southeastern state of Tennessee—in its 2012 Memphis in May International Festival (MIMIF), the US Embassy in Manila announced yesterday.

In a report posted on its website, the embassy quoted Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr.
as having said “the Philippine government and the Filipino people are truly humbled by the privilege bestowed upon the Philippines as the honored country for the 2012 MIMIF, showcasing the best of Philippine culture, cuisine, performances, business practices and Filipino hospitality.”

“This festival will clearly demonstrate that ‘it’s more fun in the Philippines,’” Cuisia said, quoting the new Philippine slogan for promoting tourism.

Aside from building international ties and understanding, the MIMIF also “fosters civic pride and promotes awareness of Memphis heritage,” the  US Embassy said.

This week, at least 30 community and business leaders from Memphis are visiting the Philippines to “explore areas for potential trade and investment,” the embassy said.

“The delegation will be joined by their families and friends and other Memphis cultural enthusiasts,” the embassy said.

In a statement, Holt said he was “thrilled to be leading this trip…I look forward to furthering our relationships with individuals and interests in the Philippines.”

Known as the “River City,” Memphis was founded in 1819. It is the 20th largest city in the United States.

Festival in the Philippines

McDonald’s to give 4,000 poor students jobs this summer

Popular fast-food chain McDonald’s will hire nearly 4,000 poor students for its summer jobs program, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said Wednesday.

Baldoz said in a statement that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and McDonald’s are working through the Special Program of Employment for Students (SPES) to help 3,900 students get summer jobs and support for their studies in the form of education vouchers.

“A total of 3,900 SPES beneficiaries will get a chance to work with the global fast-food chain,” Baldoz said.

Baldoz said she and officials of Golden Arches Development Corp., McDonald’s franchise holder in the Philippines, will sign a memorandum of agreement for the SPES on March 28.

The SPES aims to help poor but deserving students to pursue their education by encouraging employment of all qualified high school, college, vocational or technical students, and out-of-school youth with partner companies, Baldoz said.

Under the agreement with McDonald’s, SPES beneficiaries will be working for a minimum of four hours to a maximum of eight hours a day, six days a week, and receive salaries not less than the prevailing minimum wage in the region where they will be employed.

Sixty percent of their salaries will be paid in cash by McDonald’s and the remaining 40 percent will be in the form of education vouchers issued by the DOLE for the payment of tuition and books in any secondary, tertiary or vocational institutions.

Following the successful pilot-testing of the SPES project in 44 McDonald’s branches in November and December last year, McDonald’s informed Baldoz that the project will be rolled out in all McDonald’s branches nationwide.

Philippine Events

In Bataan, a mountain resort to rest mind, soul

ORANI, Bataan—High up in the mountain ranges of Bataan, a paradise rests on the slopes of Mt. Natib, which showcases the harmony of environmental sensitivity and economic development.

Lawyer Federico Pascual, former president of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and one of the shareholders of Sinagtala Farm Resort and Retreat Park, says the breathtaking views of the plains of Central Luzon offered by Sinagtala to visitors were not immediately obvious to the owners when they acquired the property.

“The land was mostly covered with cogon and many years passed before we really looked at the place and did something about it. Our architect was the one that saw it—if we go to the edge of the property, near the cliff, there is a great view. Why don’t we look at the prospect of making this a tourism area, we thought?” Pascual says.

Now, only two years after starting development, Sinagtala in Orani town is one of the most scenic hideaways in Central Luzon, with an infinity pool overlooking the mountains, a multipurpose hall under construction, a chapel, a wellness facility and housing structures for guests.

Pascual says the 13 shareholders of Sinagtala pooled their money to develop the area. “We paved the road, brought water and electricity to the area, among other improvements. After a while, the beauty of the place became obvious,” he says.

Retreat
He says Sinagtala can rival retreat facilities in Tagaytay, Batangas and Antipolo cities, “so people from Central Luzon won’t have to go there.”

In keeping with the environmental agenda of Sinagtala, its owners have agreed to use only a portion of the lot for building structures.

Felicito Payumo, chair of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and one of the prime movers of Sinagtala’s development, says the resort and farm cover about 50 hectares, but only 25 ha are allotted for structures.

“We’re not touching the rest. It’s beautiful here, it’s a place where you can rest your mind and soul,” he says.

With an elevation of 500 meters above sea level, Sinagtala is on top of one of the “five fingers” of a ravine.

“At night, you can see the stars brightly shining, that’s why the place is called Sinagtala,” Payumo says.

He says the place will offer visitors a place to relax and enjoy nature and an ecotourism area for adventure seekers.

“We’re going to develop an ecotourism area where young folks can enjoy nature and engage in various activities, like hiking, camping, rappelling and such. We’re also going to build a zipline here,” he says.

Architect Nestor David, the chief designer of Sinagtala, says the resort could accommodate mixed-use development, with the theme of environmental protection.

Aside from the allure of nature, David says the area is a farm where about 12,000 coffee and other fruit trees, vegetables and ornamentals grow.

“Consistent with the ecotourism thrust of Sinagtala, even our building technology and materials are environmentally friendly. We use bamboo for our walls, even the roofs are made of bamboo. That’s made of cement bonded board, with bamboo shavings and 50 percent recycled agricultural waste,” he says.

He says the host community would benefit, through livelihood activities, if there is tourism development here. “When people see what we’ve done here, even the locals are surprised. They can’t believe there is something like this in Bataan. Our water comes from the mountains, miles away. We have fire hydrants, using gravity flow,” he says.

David, who is also a pioneer in environmental design and planning in the country, says the group allowed the place to unravel itself.
Places to go in Philippines

Lotto Results Philippines March 19 2012

• Grand Lotto - 6/55
• 21-32-41-10-13-05

• 3/19/2012
• 30,000,000.00
• (0)winners

• Mega Lotto - 6/45
• 45-04-24-05-30-42

• 3/19/2012
• 12,715,893.00
• (0)winners

More Lotto Results Philippines here.

Manny Pacquiao says God told him in a dream to quit boxing

What his mother failed to accomplish, God apparently succeeded with Manny Pacquiao.
It took a divine vision, by way of a dream sometime in January, to make the Filipino ring icon change his ways and mull early retirement.

Pacquiao, widely regarded as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, said that God appeared to him in a dream and asked him to retire soon.

“I will not stay long in boxing because He said: ‘You have done enough. You have made yourself famous but this is harmful,’” Pacquiao told  dzMM radio in Monday’s interview that was also broadcast over the network’s Teleradyo show.

As early as 2009, Aling Dionesia, Pacquiao’s mother, had been badgering her son to hang up his gloves to avoid further harm.

Pacquiao, who has won eight titles in as many weight divisions and has been named Fighter of the Decade, would grudgingly accede—only to have fights lined up for him one after the other by promoter Bob Arum.
On June 9, Pacquiao will again climb the ring and stake his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against American light welterweight challenger Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

And when he does, Pacquiao will be a new man—rid of his vices and preaching the Bible.

Asked if his newfound religious fervor would affect his boxing prowess, Pacquiao replied: “I will do my work inside the ring.”

Meaning, he would still wage war against the unbeaten Bradley, who is undoubtedly in his prime at 28 with a 28-win, 0-loss, 1-draw record.

The 33-year-old Pacquiao, owner o-2 sf a 54-3late, who declined to reveal how many more fights he would have before stepping down, said he believed he had been chosen by God to use his fame to spread the Christian message.

“When I speak, a lot of people listen,” said Pacquiao, who has translated his sports fame into huge riches, a show biz career and election to Congress as representative of Sarangani province.

Gambling, partying
Having given up gambling and late-night partying as part of his covenant with God, Pacquiao said he would make a major announcement on a religious note later this month, or before he plunges into serious training for the pay-per-view fight with Bradley.

And if Pacquiao does choose preaching over fighting, chances of his much-awaited megabuck bout with another unbeaten American, Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0), might go kaput.

Fans have long sought a Pacquiao-Mayweather matchup. The pair were in negotiations for a mega-fight to have been held later this year but talks fell through. Reports from Roy Luarca and AFP

Pacquiao Retire

Is Puerto Princesa’s tourism boom sustainable?

The tourism onslaught on Puerto Princesa is on.
Tourists are everywhere.  One out of every three vehicles on city streets is a van packed with tourists, crawling behind tricycles buzzing around like flies.
Although Puerto Princesa already buzzes with tourists these days, the city is still gearing up for an expected increase in arrivals.
Constructions of new tourist facilities are going on simultaneously all over the city that the dust has no time to settle.  Rapid change is everywhere; the city is aggressively in expansion mode.

Already evident are the traffic, urban congestion and visual chaos that follow the rush to build up a city known to be the greenest in the country.

Puerto Princesa nowadays has that boomtown feel.  The city is changing right before your eyes, and in a year or so it will be practically unrecognizable.

That is true:  Less than a decade since my last visit there, it was difficult for me to find the Puerto Princesa I remembered.

The Puerto Princesa I knew was a quiet city that had so much personality, a welcome and very unique identity distinguishing it from other Philippine cities.  Unlike in other congested cities across the country, in Puerto Princesa fully grown trees shaded its broad main avenues, a perfect green foil to the low-rise structures along the streets.

Those endangered avenues are harder to find now.  New development is homogenizing the look of the city, soon to look like all other newly developed areas in any other Philippine city where one-strip mall after another lines streets with no sidewalks and no trees.

Unless strict planning and zoning controls are instituted, the unique Puerto Princesa identity that sets it apart from any other place in the country and that makes the city a tourist attraction will be gone.
Aside from allowing maximum development to happen in a regulated manner to prevent overdevelopment, zoning and planning measures control traffic, pollution; and while allowing the city to grow, control measures maintain growth at sustainable levels.

Essential

Determining and maintaining sustainable levels to effectively manage tourism growth are essential to keep alive the goose that lays Puerto Princesa’s golden eggs.  The goal is to sustain rather than deplete tourism resources.

Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River, the city’s  prime tourism resource, is already close to becoming a victim of its success.

Reports by the city state that the Subterranean River expects 625,000 visitors in 2012, an increase of 100,000 from 2011 levels; and the projected increase by 2016 is to approach the two-million mark.

The question is, How can the Subterranean River sustain the projected increase in visitor arrivals?
The number of visitors to the Subterranean River is strictly regulated through required bookings, and strict registration procedures document visitors before entry.

To avoid overloading, passenger numbers are strictly regulated in boats ferrying visitors from the pier to the mouth of the Subterranean River, and in the smaller boats to which visitors transfer to enter the river grotto.
Inside the Subterranean River, a constant train of boats goes in either direction.  At the present rate of visitation, it is evident that carrying capacity for the cave is close to maximum and that alternatives are needed if more arrivals are expected.

Human impact
Another question needs answering here:  What is the human impact on the grotto?

How does the increased carbon dioxide from human exhalation impact on the ecosystem balance within the cave?  Already we are told that the number of bats living in the cave have decreased, an indication of a change in the ecosystem balance within the cave.

Humans introduce lint that flies around, attaches to the cave walls, and impedes the natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites.  Think of how much lint an average of 45,000 humans who enter the cave per month can give off.  How do the rock formations combat lint?
These are just a few environmental-and-tourism management issues that should be answered through a comprehensive planning process that gives direction to the growth of Puerto Princesa while sustainably managing its tourism resources.

It being a site inscribed on the prestigious Unesco World Heritage List in 1999, a Management plan to protect and guide all impacts in the entire Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park is what the city  is committed to.

Being inscribed on the World Heritage List requires managing and maintaining the natural equilibrium of the park, assuring its sustainability and its future, while allowing tourists and visitors to enjoy its natural beauty.
The tourist buzz is expected to bring more benefits to the Puerto Princesa community, and it should.

However, unless sustainability guides the tourist boom, in the end the benefits could turn out to be not only short-lived, but also harmful to the city’s tourism assets, providing only temporary relief for the community.
Tourism is normally double-edged:  beneficial when well-managed, and disastrous when tourism assets are exploited.

If not hatched sustainably, those golden eggs may turn out not be golden in the long run.
E-mail feedback to pride.place@gmail.com.
Travel Philippines

Say Hola! to Sun Life’s Shine Big in Barcelona contest

Learn how to tango. Unearth the secrets to a mouth-watering paella. Marvel at the beauty and magnificence of La Sagrada Familia.

This year, Sun Life bgFinancial-Philippines (SLFP) brings together the alluring Catalan culture and the rewarding career of a financial advisor through its “Shine Big in Barcelona” promo.

Digital, shared experience
Shine Big in Barcelona is a digital contest that one may win via Sun Life’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sunlifeph). Simply refer five friends whom you think may be interested in a career with Sun Life, their valid email addresses to earn one raffle entry. The contest runs until March 30, 2012.

The annual Shine Big campaign wants to bring the benefits and opportunities of being a Sun Life financial advisor closer to Filipinos. Last year, one lucky winner was able to enjoy the city that never sleeps – New York – while also getting to know the many possibilities that the profession offers.
Worthwhile, fulfilling career

“Being a Sun Life Financial advisor is a rewarding career in itself — it allows one to help Filipinos achieve financial security,” says Mylene Daez – Lopa, Chief Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines.

“We also reward our advisors with incentives that are experiential, such as trips to exciting destinations, here and abroad. This campaign aims to share with the public what one can get from shining with Sun Life Financial.”

Sun Life financial advisers enjoy the freedom of determining their own work schedules, allowing for family and personal time.

Unlimited earning potential is also possible, as their earnings are commensurate to how hard they work. More than incentives such as trips around the world, being a financial advisor is a noble profession, one that can make a difference in the lives of countless Filipinos.

Fulfill your dreams to see Spain while also reaching for your bigger and brighter goals. Help people plan for their future while also enriching your present. For more information about Shine Big, visit www.sunlife.com.ph or call 8499888.

Travel Philippines

NCCA’s Sayaw marks 10th year with dance tour of Panay

PERFORMERS during curtain call of Sayaw Pinoy in Guimbal, Iloilo

Now on its 10th year, Sayaw Pinoy has become the longest-running festival of the National Arts Month, renamed the Philippine International Arts Festival.

The dance festival has been crisscrossing the Philippine archipelago to bring the gospel of dance—from classical to modern, from indigenous to international and contemporary—for several years now.

For this year, Sayaw Pinoy, led by Shirley Halili-Cruz, head of the National Committee on Dance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, toured the Visayas and Mindanao.

The festival reached Bukidnon, Iloilo, Capiz, Zamboanga del Norte, Ozamis City, Pagadian City, Aurora, Paracale in Bicol, Quezon, Batangas.

On Panay Island, Sayaw Pinoy performed in Guimbal and San Joaquin towns in Iloilo province, at SM Iloilo City, and in Roxas City.

Performing were the Halili-Cruz Ballet Company of Quezon City; Sining Bulakenyo of Malolos, Bulacan; MEV Dance Company of Dumaguete City; and Melengas Dance Ensemble of Mindanao.

In all of the performances, the dancers were met with warm applause.

In Guimbal, for example, the male dancers of the Halili-Cruz Ballet Company became heartthrobs, with the local girls mobbing them after the performances and later lining up for their autographs.

The Halili-Cruz Company showed wide mastery of a gamut of dance forms, from classical ballet to contemporary. They even performed an interpretation of British pop sensation and Grammy winner Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”

Sining Bulakenyo colorfully did Spanish-inspired dances such as Pasadoble, Desposorio and Jota.

The MEV Dance Company also did classical ballet but proved impressive as well in doing jazz and tap dance.

The Melengas Dance Ensemble showed its mastery of Mindanao dance forms such as the Subanen, Kambuyang, Silong sa Ganding and Pangalay. At times, fiercely acrobatic and engagingly graceful, the Mindanao company showed the color and dynamics of Mindanao genres.

Shirley Halili-Cruz said the consistently warm and enthusiastic reception by provincial audiences to Sayaw Pinoy showed that Filipinos took to dance and the performing arts.

“I think that is what sustains Sayaw Pinoy through the years—the passion to promote arts and dance, the passion to share an event that uplifts the spirit,” Cruz said.

“If you hear how the audience appreciates the government effort to reach them through this program, you will forget the fatigue, the inconveniences and the difficulties.”

Festival in the Philippines