HARNN: The Essence of Asian Heritage

HARNN: The Essence of Asian Heritage

Harnn products were officially launched in the Philippines last November 14, 2013. Harnn is a contemporary luxury Asian inspired lifestyle brand that uses natural active ingredients to restore the natural balance of the body, mind and environment. It tantalizes your five senses with unique Asian holistic approach to total wellness.

HARNN patented natural Rice Bran Oil soap formulation is rich in three natural Vitamin-E: Tocopherol, Tocotrienols and Oryzanol, which are strong natural antioxidants, moisturizers and help protect the skin from the harsh environment. Each soap contains unique botanicals with various dermatological properties and aroma to enrich your bathing experience as well as your senses.

I got so giddy when I saw my favorite fruit Mangosteen as one of the key ingredients of Harnn's soap. Boy, was I impressed! Harnn's Mangoesteen & Bergamot Soap has a mild natural antiseptic from Mangosteen extract complimented with Lemongrass and Bergamot, Orange, Cedar wood and Lavender essential oil for freshness. Its key ingredients are the following:

• rice bran oil
• Palm oil
• Coconut oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Bergamot Fruit Oil
• Orange Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Cedarwood Bark Oil
• Glycerin (palm derived)
• Mangosteen Peel Powder
• Tocopheryl Acetate. 

I really like the various aroma of the Harnn's soap and I could truly say that it is a feast for the senses. How I wish I had come earlier. I could have won a massage using Harnn products that was raffled off that night. Or better yet, a trip to my favorite city- Bangkok so I could visit Harnn's spa!

Oriental Rose Hand Balm With Coenzyme Q10. It has Organic Rose Water, Shea Butter, and Coenzyme Q10 in rich balm formulation keep hand hydrated and softened while strengthening your nails. Cool! I need this! My nails are like that of a baby! I could use this product to strengthen my nails!

Key Ingredients

•Nanosphere Coenzyme Q10 - It is a conditioning agent developed with Nanotechnology in form of Liposome filled with Coenzyme Q10. Its particle is small enough to penetrate into horny layer of epidermis skin layer. This helps moisturize your skin and hair, resulting in healthy and supple skin and hair.

•Nanosal Seaweed and Vitamin E - Developed with Nanotechnology, its structure combines Polysaccharide from 2 genus of algae extract; Rhodymenia Palmate and UlvaLactuca. It acts as a natural moisturizer, anti-inflammatory agent while the particle of Vitamin E will be released when applying on skin and helps protect skin from free radicals.

•Organic Rose Water - The extract of rose from Kerman, Iran derived from rose essential oil extraction is known for its pure and miracle benefits for hair and skin. Its organic being ensures the quality of astringent, toning, moisturizing as well as the sweet scent that helps calm frustrated mind. It is ideal for skin nourishing over years.

•ButyrospermumParkii (Shea) Butter - is known especially for its properties as moisturizer and emollient. It is also known anti-inflammatory agent. Shea butter is effective at treating the following conditions: skin discoloration from scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. It also provides natural ultraviolet sun protection.

Cymbopogon Body Wash

Extra mild body wash (SLES free formulation) helps to firm, soothe, calm irritated skin along with provide strong natural anti-oxidant.

Key Ingredients

•OpuntiaStreptacantha (Cactus) Stem extract –Aquacacteenis an ultra-refined elixir from prickly pear of Cactus which is rich in flavones, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and piscidic acid-an iron chelator. It is known for effective soothing, hydrating and firming properties.

•Camellia Sinensis (White tea) Leaf powder – The extract from White Tea Leaf contains high concentration of polyphenols which give antioxidant property 3 times stronger than Green Tea. It helps promote healthier and brighter skin.

•PinusPinaster (Pine) Bark extract - The maritime pine tree grows for 30 – 50 years in unspoiled environment. It helps improve blood flow to skin, lighten and smoothen skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production from younger looking skin.

Mr. Paul Harn (Vuthichai Harnpanit) is the Director of Harn Products Co.,Ltd and Harnn Concepts Co.,Ltd. (HARNN, Vuudh, Tichaa and JARITT brand)

Architect Paul Harn founder of Harnn with Philippine franchisee Bert Ng.

HARNN Philippines is located at the ground floor of Glorietta 5 Ayala Mall in Makati City. 

For sure all of my friends particularly Joyce, Tita Au, Lane and Brenda would love to try Harnn products soon.

PHILIP K. ABADICIO: Philip the Lifestyle Guy

PHILIP K. ABADICIO: Philip the Lifestyle Guy

Renowned PR practitioner and RPA & Communicate top honcho, Philip K. Abadicio, is the new lifestyle TV show host of Philip the Lifestyle Guy which is shown every Sunday starting 11 a.m. at Channel 5.

According to Philip, his new show is made not only with the nanay (mother) and tatay (father) in mind but also their kids. So, let Philip takes you to the world of real people. Experience various lifestyle genres at the confines of your very own living room.

Its target market are those between 25 to 45-year-old men and women living in the Philippines.

Your Sundays will never be the same again with Philip the Lifestyle Guy.  

In its pilot episode three Sundays ago (last October 27, 2013 to be exact), the show featured not only British Tea and French breads but also a hole in the wall carenderia (eatery) in Project 4, Quezon City called Rose Garden Palabok. It sells affordable palabok for only Php30.00 for dine in and Php35.00 for take out. Masarap na, mura pa! (It's delicious and inexpensive!) You need to taste it to believe!

   

Expect not only Philip the Lifestyle Guy's features on hole in the wall restaurants but also the latest lifestyle stories on fashion finds, food and so much more.

Philip – Lifestyle Guy promises a visually appealing, culturally enriching, and gastronomically appetizing episodes such as Philip’s Finds,

Be enthralled as Philip showcase the hippest trends, newest dining options, chill spots, fitness forays, and other fab finds in the metro. It is more interactive as the host gives the viewers a chance to sample the featured items by simply tweeting, sharing their comments on social media or texting.

Philip – Lifestyle Guy is directed by Dave Hukom and written by Yasmin Coles.

For details, check out its Facebook page Philip Lifestyle Guy and follow@LifestylePhilip on Twitter.

3 AMPHIBIOUS US SHIPS: To Help #TyphoonYolanda Victims

3 AMPHIBIOUS US SHIPS: To Help #TyphoonYolanda Victims

Good News to all of our kababayan (countrymen) who were hard-hit by #TyphoonYolanda. Three(3) US Navy amphibious ships are on their way to the Philippines to help victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan (Typhoon Yolanda). The Pentagon announced last Monday evening that it is dispatching the aircraft carrier George Washington and its accompanying cruisers and destroyers, including its fleet of helicopters and airplanes. The U.S. carrier can produce 1.5 million liters of clean water per day from its distilling plant. It will also be used as a platform for planes (landing and take off). 

The carrier group is due to arrive on Thursday or Friday.

The amphibious ships are uniquely suited for disaster relief efforts. The vessels that are on their way are the following:

•  USS Denver, an amphibious transport dock ship
•  Ashland 
•  Germantown, amphibious warfare ships designed to transport and launch landing craft.

All of them have landing decks that can serve helicopters as well as medical facilities and the capability to produce desalinated water.

Another naval destroyer and a supply ship are also en route to the Philippines.

243 US Marines are now on the ground in hard-hit Tacloban in Leyte to carry out an initial assessment of humanitarian needs.

Hang on. Be strong. Help is on its way. God bless all of you.

TYPHOON YOLANDA: Google Person Finder

TYPHOON YOLANDA: Google Person Finder

Attention: For those who have lost contact with family, or have information about survivors:

#TyphoonYolanda Google Person Finder can now be found at the top left side of my site www.travelonshoestring.com. 

Just click the blue colored label (Typhoon Yolanda Google Person Finder.)

All you have to do is click one of the two (2) options:

• whether you're looking for someone 
• or you have an information about someone.

After you click your choice, just type the name of the missing person/persons. If you happen to have an information about someone, please do submit the information. No Jokes please. #behonest #stopmanipulation

Pray! Be strong. This too shall pass. God bless you.

WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY: 5TH BIRTHDAY

WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY: 5TH BIRTHDAY

The World Pneumonia Day celebration was held in Tagaytay City last November 8, 2013, with around 100 health advocates including doctors and media gathered at the lobby of Summit Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay City to celebrate the 5th year of its successful fight against the killer disease.

Philippines ranks 10th among countries with the most number of pneumonia cases and is one of the fifteen countries that account for 75 percent of childhood pneumonia cases. Pneumonia is fatal. In some cases it is widespread, and dangerous and yet not many people realizes that it is so simple to prevent it. The simple answer is anti-Pneumonia vaccine.

The dance group, ‘The Maneuvers’ led by Josh did the opening number. 
                                        
After which, everyone let their hair down and joined in the fun and dance with Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag to the tune of "Sapul sa Pulmonya." The song “Sapul sa Pulmonya,” embodied the simple message of “Prevent, Protect and Treat,” through breastfeeding, proper nutrition, avoidance of indoor pollution, vaccines and antibiotics.
                                         

The World Pneumonia Campaign celebrates the lives of Filipino children saved by the health department’s anti-Pneumonia campaign and who otherwise would not have seen their 5th Birthday. It was also the fifth year celebration of this campaign against one of the world’s deadliest diseases that have killed millions of young ones already.

How many people, outside of the medical and/or health field, actually know that pneumonia is the number one killer of children below five years old in the world? I bet not a lot of Filipinos know that.

Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo asks help from the media to help them spread the news. Bravo urges mothers to breastfeed their infants for it is the first step in fighting Pneumonia. She also encourages parents to have their kids vaccinated.

Pneumonia accounts for 18% of child deaths and it is preventable. End preventable child deaths. The Government’s aggressive campaign against Pneumonia started in 2008 as it has partnered with the private sector, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV). Since it started five years ago, things have started to get better, says the government’s health department. Health studies reveal that one child dies of pneumonia every 20 seconds, which total to around 4,300 children who die of the disease daily. Around 37 of them are Filipino children under the age of 5.

The kiddo receives his Anti-Pneumonia vaccine during the ceremonial vaccination on Thursday, November 8. 

The parents and the kid-recipients of the anti-Pneumonia vaccine, Jade Irish Lobrino, Naifa Maruhom, Phria Amor Magsino, Cyeamshee Selbannia, and Christian James Tapel with DOH ASec Eric Tayag at the 5th year anniversary of the local anti-Pneumonia campaign.

The 5th Birthday of the Philippines’ anti-Pneumonia campaign was concluded by the blowing of this giant cake while everyone in the room sings ‘Happy Birthday.’ 

Giant Cake Happy 5th Birthday World Pneumonia Day

Every Filipino child deserves a fifth birthday. Ask your health provider about available vaccines against pneumonia.

Happy 5th Birthday World Pneumonia Day!

RED CROSS: Donate Direct

RED CROSS: Donate Direct

Donate directly to Red Cross please. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) could arrange for donation pick-up. 

PRC identifies and directly gives help to those in need without going through government channels or politicians.

Don't just believe anyone trying to solicit for your donations. Choose well. Be wary of wolves in sheeps' clothing. 

It is sad to know that some opportunists will do everything just to get something out of other people's misery. 
 
Why do these cruel people wanted some in-kind donations for themselves? Pagpipipilian muna ang mga donations bago ibigay?

Be on the look out for false good samaritans who come to you in sheeps' clothing but inside they are cruel wolves. They smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity.

Sa kapwa ko Filipino, hang on, help is on the way. God bless us all.

Contiki’s Backstage Pass to Europe in 2014

Contiki’s Backstage Pass to Europe in 2014

Croatia

Live with #NOREGRETS and save up to US$680* off Europe 

Contiki Holidays, a leading tour operator for young travellers aged 18-35, is unveiling its all-new 2014 Europe brochures. Contiki’s signature Backstage Pass is included in every trip. Clients can thus save time and make every moment count by skipping the queues at the Eiffel Tower and the Vatican, for example, and by experiencing other exclusive inclusions.

Santorini

In case you are wondering what "Contiki" stands for in "Contiki Holidays" or "Contiki Tours," here is a bit of history.

In 1961, a young New Zealander named John Anderson arrived in London wanting to travel around Europe. He didn’t want to travel alone and he didn’t have a lot of money. So what he did was to make a deposit for the rental of a minibus and he gathered a group of people to travel with him around Europe for 12 weeks. They had a wonderful time as you can see in their group picture.

Photo from www.contiki.com

In the following year, he again organized not one but two Europe trips. He named his tour business Contiki Holidays. The word "contiki" is derived from 'con' in continental and 'tiki,' a Maori word meaning "friend." In other words, a contiki tour means travelling all over the world with friends. Maori, by the way, are indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. 

Contiki’s tour business continued to grow and ten years later there were over 50 Contiki buses on the roads of Europe. Compare the minibus rented during the first tours of Contiki Holidays to the Contiki buses now and you will be amazed how Contiki grew over the years.

Photo from www.contiki.com

In 1989 John Anderson decided to sell Contiki to Trafalgar Tours. Contiki and Trafalgar Tours are now part of The Travel Corporation, a world wide combination of tour operators, travel and tourism companies that now carry over 1 million people a year. Contiki targets 18-35 travellers while Trafalgar's main demographic are the 55-65 travellers.

London

Head of Sales and Marketing in Contiki Asia, Kevin Khor says Contiki’s Backstage Pass exclusive inclusions and the #NOREGRETS philosophy to travel continue to lead the way into 2014 as they have resonated so strongly with travel agents and the global youth market since being introduced 12 months ago.

“The Backstage Pass has been a hit succinctly describing the exclusive and unmatched value proposition Contiki delivers such as; exclusive inclusions, ME Time for independent discovery or optional activities, exclusive accommodation in some of the best stays in Europe, authentic regional cuisine plus the services of a professional and highly-trained team,” he says.

“The blend of Me Time (free time) and included European Blockbusters and Backstreets show Contiki travellers the real Europe and gives them the ability to customise their trip, making every moment count in line with our #NOREGRETS philosophy.” 

Mykonos

Khor says the value, proposition and service of Contiki in Europe has been built over more than 50 years. Travellers see the benefits across the programme whichever Camping, Concept or Time-Out trip they pick. 

“Whether it’s enjoying a guided tour and priority entrance to the Vatican Museum in Rome; a bike tour in Munich; a wine tasting at our very own Chateau de Cruix; or a cruise and dinner in Budapest Contiki gives 18-35s unrivalled insider access that our 400 team members across Europe deliver,” he says. 

“No other company can give youth travellers better access to Europe – we know the best places to stay and where to get the best regional cuisine.”

Paris

In 2014, there is more free WiFi at Contiki’s chosen accommodation and virtually all Contiki coaches also offer WiFi so young travellers can stay connected and share their travel experiences.

New trips are an 8-day Greek Sailing trip to the Saronic Coast hotspots visiting little known gems like Hydra, Nafplio and Aegina priced from US$1,250 per person; and a 4-day Oktoberfest in Munich festival departure priced from US$289 per person. 

The popular 10-day Mediterranean Trail, priced from US$1,995 per person, now includes two nights in Corfu adding a Greek Island offering to an Italian favourite.

Just last week, Contiki unveiled a new-look website with an all new trade booking engine. Khor says agents can expect 18-35s to be inspired to see Europe the Contiki way in 2014.

New departure dates to Europe during summer 2014 out today and open for booking. *Contiki’s early payment discount offers savings of up to 10% (US$680) for bookings made and paid in full by 12 February, 2014.

For more information, please visit www.contiki.com and don’t forget to follow Contiki on Facebook and on Twitter with its #NOREGRETS hash tag. Use CONTIKICHA To get as much as 10% discount when you book your trip.

Note: All the above photos are from Contiki.

JOLLIBEE: #ChoiceKoYumAwards2013

JOLLIBEE: #ChoiceKoYumAwards2013

Julia Barretto and MYX VJ Chino

The Filipino youth has spoken! 

The Filipino youth cast their votes for their favorite celebrities and personalities who were then honored during the Jollibee #ChoiceKoYumAwards2013 held last November 4, 2013 at Music Museum, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City.  

Alodia Gosiengfiao

Kudos to all the winners as well as to the event organizers, Jollibee Foods Corp. ("Jollibee") and MYX Philippines.

The awarding ceremony was so inspiring that you could see it from the enthusiastic faces of the audience that night. The event was co-hosted by Julia Barreto who happened to be voted as the “Local Choice Female Hearthrob.”

On the other hand, Enrique Gil was voted as the “Local Choice Male Heartthrob."

Mikey Bustos got the “Choice Internet Sensation” award which he says he dedicates to his family in Canada who he misses so much. He was one of the presenters at the Jollibee #ChoiceKoYumAwards2013.

TV host and actress Anne Curtis was chosen by the youth as the “Local Choice Fashion Style Icon” while TV personality and blogger Bianca Gonzales got the “Local Choice Social Media Celebrity” award.

Pop Singer Sarah Geronimo bagged the “Local Choice Performer” award. 

Singer Yeng Constantino’s song “Chinito” won the “Local Choice Music Video” and “Local Choice Song of the Year.”

Callalily was chosen as the “Local Choice Band” while Chico and Delamar got the “Local Choice DJ” award.

Rachel Daquis

Here are other of winners that night in the following categories:

Foreign Entertainment:

Foreign Choice Band: One Direction
Foreign Choice Performer: One Direction
Foreign Choice Female Heartthrob: Selena Gomez
Foreign Choice Male Heartthrob: Zayn Malik
Foreign Choice Song of the year: Best Song Ever
Foreign Choice Music Video: Best Song Ever
Foreign Choice Style Icon: Louis Tomlinson

Youth:

Choice Rising Performer: MAC Dancers (AdU)
Choice Athlete: Rachel Daquis (FEU Alumnus)
Choice Campus Cutie (Female): Kate leong (AdU)
Choice Campus Cutie (Male): Daniel Velasco (ADMU)

Lifestyle:

Choice Super Hero: Ironman
Choice Dance Craze: Gentleman
Choice Teen Beats: Rock
Choice Flick: Romantic Comedy
Choice Social Hashtag: #TBT
Choice Fitness Challenge: Running
Choice Sport: Basketball
Choice Barkada Trip: Palawan
Choice Kilig Date: Weekend Getaway
Choice Fashion: Street Style

Jollibee Choice Ko Yum awards night will be aired on Nov. 21 at MYX TV channel.

The youth from various schools showed their support to the celebrity and personality from where they got inspired the most! Those who voted got to watch the awards night and took home prizes from Jollibee including one (1) year supply of Jollibee Yum Burger!

Choice Ko Yum! Awards 2013 are divided in three categories:

Lifestyle – From fashion to flicks, tunes to travels, sports and social media. These are the picks that define today’s’ generation and their diverse interests.

Youth Personalities - Hard-court heroes and heartthrobs, remarkable role models and thrilling talents. These are the stars of different schools and universities.

Entertainment – Whether in TV, film or music, style or social media, these are the homegrown and international favorites that have captured the hearts of young Pinoys. The dynamic Filipino youth, aged 13 to 35 years old, who voted for their influencers got not only tickets to the exciting awards night but also different prizes such as one (1) year supply of Jollibee Yum Burger!

The youth had made a wonderful choice and pick the local celebrities and personalities that they wanted to see at the Choice Ko Yum! Awards Night!