Whiten or Brighten? There's a difference!

Philippines recently elected 12 new senators, and one of the interesting new senators is the infamous Nancy Binay.  She's the current daughter of the Vice-President Jejomar Binay.  So much has been said regarding her not so sterling qualification.  Being a former Chief of Staff of her Dad, she has no other qualification, aside from her father's surname.

But I think the worst label that has been thrown on her is regarding the nature of her skin.  Filipinos always have this mentality of looking up at fair-skinned as beautiful.  This despite that we have beauty queens who are on the "dark side" like Venus Raj.  Common Pinoy still think that White means beautiful. Afterall, why do Whitening, Lightening creams sell so much?!

So, even if I did not vote for Nancy Binay.  I feel for her.   It is extremely hurtful to be judged of one's skin color.  But that's Philippine politics for you!  No holds barred. They will throw-in everything to taint the opponents and beat them whether in the publicity and polls.

Speaking of Filipinos and our desire for a whiter and fairer complexion.  I don't think it's a sin to prefer a clearer skin, as long as we don't judge others for being otherwise!  

I was just in the Philippines two weeks ago and I was amazed at the numerous new products on whitening!  Before it was just Likas Papaya, and Block and White that were dominating the shelves and airwaves.  Now, there's Silka, (even an orange and green papaya!), Kojie, even Belo joined in with their mass-appeal Belo Essentials Whitening Line! All of them comes in soaps and lotions!

Going to my neighborhood dermatologist clinic, I saw they also offer Gluthathione injections!  Wow. More intensive! I wonder if those direct infusions to the veins, with the goal of suppressing melanine production would eventually give you a different "race" altogether :)  Let's face it,  our skin color comes with our race!  

But then again,  skin lightening need that be that extreme.  A lot of women I know, even men, use these lightening creams, soaps just to get a more even skin tone.  Regular sun exposure due to our weather, has given their skin dull, and lifeless appearance.  They just wanted to even it out.  They don't aspire a Kabuki, Chinese or even a Caucasian.  They know they are Morena, but they want a more bright, alive and glowing skin.

For folks who are after this "brightening" rather than "whitening" effect on their skin, I think, the most interesting product line to try is the  Nu Skin Tri-Phasic White System.  It's clinically-proven to achieve even-toned and glowing skin.  Just one of the many innovative products of Nu Skin Enterprises.

There are 5 steps to this regimen. 

The Tri-phasic White Cleanser -

• Diminishes the appearance of skin discoloration.
• Cleanses and brightens skin for a fresh, radiant appearance.
• Pearlescent, moisturizing cleanser leaves skin silky-soft while improving skin tone and texture.

The Tri-Phasic White Toner -

• Soothes skin to reduce potential discoloration resulting from irritation.
• Visibly reduces discoloration on the surface of the skin by gently exfoliating skin cells to remove the appearance of accumulated dark spots and discoloration.

The Tri-Phasic White Day Milk Lotion-

• Helps promote bright complexion

• UVA and UVB sunscreens (SPF 15) help prevent ultraviolet rays, the most common cause of uneven skin tone.

The Tri-Phasic Night Cream-

• Features diacetyl boldine to calm and soothe skin.

The Tri-Phasic White Essence-

Inhibits the synthesis of discoloration in the following three ways: 

• Contains antioxidants to help calm free radicals.
• Reduces the appearance of discoloration.
• Promotes a brighter, more brilliant complexion.

The best thing about this product line, it doesn't claim to give you a white Caucasian or Oriental skin as most skin whitening systems do.  This is for people who are proud of their skin color but wants a more polished, illuminating and glowing skin!

If I will suggest the best skin care regimen for Nancy Binay,  it will be Nu Skin's Tri-phasic White System.  There's nothing wrong with her skin color, but her complexion could use more life!

If you are interested to get this amazing Tri-Phasic White you call the company directly at  689-NUSKIN or drop by their offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

More Energy for Active Moms!

I was complaining to my friends two weeks ago --  being a full-time mom to 3 kids, and working part-time, with a total of 2-hour commute daily.....  is sooo exhausting!  More often than not, at the end of the day, when the kids are tucked-in, I just want to hunker down to bed myself.

But then again, I still have to be a wife!  I try to stay up late for my husband who brings work home til about 12pm, when I normally would hit the sack.   I am so tired! 

Is this the sign that I'm getting old?  At 38, I try to eat healthy,  and squeeze some pilates in between fetching the kids from their tuition centers.  But still, I don't feel revived! 

My friends recommended this latest product from Pharmanex, the health supplement brand of Nu Skin Enterprises.  It's called Ageloc R2.  It's another revolutionary product as it's address Aging at the source .. our genes.

There are actually two components that make up this product.  

Taken in the morning, ageLOC R² Day optimises cellular energy production to help you recharge and take control of a new day.

Taken in the evening, ageLOC R² Night optimises each cell’s natural purification process, helping you start each day feeling refreshed and renewed.

So, unlike all the other multi-vitamins and supplements in the market, it's more tailored to give you a boost in the morning, when you need it and allows you a restful sleep at night.

I've been taking Ageloc R2 for a week now, and so far, I've seen improvement in my energy.  I'm more alert as soon as I wake up in the morning.  I don't feel sluggish and there's no dragging of feet like before; and at night, I am more relaxed and my sleep is deep, unlike before when I wake up at the first sound of my maid banging pots and pots in the kitchen.  Less dreams, as well.  I actually hate dreaming at night.  It gets me anxious since my subsconcious is acting overtime.  It's probably the reason I wake up tired before.

If you are interested to get this amazing ageloc R2, costs 8,000 Php for a 30day supply;  you call the company directly at  689-NUSKIN or drop by their offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

This is me --- more energetic and longer stamina to run and play with my growing children!

xoxo,
ripemango

Happy Fifteenth Nu Skin Philippines!

My favorite personal care company, Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines celebrated a milestone this year, their 15^th year anniversary!

Could 15 years go by so fast?  Nu Skin Enterprises opened in 1998, with offices at 15^th Floor, Octagon Building, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.   They distribute the  most technologically advance products in anti-aging.   Nu Skin Enterprises is from Provo, Utah.  Philippines is their 26^th (?) market.

Nu Skin have showcases in Makati, Alabang,  Pampanga, Cebu and Davao City.  These showcases and galleries may not be familiar to you, because Nu Skin products are largely brought to the public by their able network of individual distributors.

These are the men and women who best represent the products and the amazing business opportunity, that continue to improve lives of people.

 

The amazing thing about Nu Skin as a company, they do not rest on their laurels.  They continue to innovate on their product offerings.  I was introduced to Nu Skin by my cousin, when she demonstrated the non-surgical facelift.   My face was literally stretched with its fine albumin-based powder and liquid activator.   After a few minutes of looking like a dried-old prune,  I rinsed out to a  fresh, zero-wrinkled me!  I was sold, and I keep hunting for Nu Skin products, even if my cousin moved to Canada for good.

Right now, the company’s premier anti-aging line that completely  revolutionizes  skin care is the Ageloc Tranformation.  I wrote about it here.  SHOW ME AGELOC

As Nu Skin celebrates it’s 15^th year, we not only give tribute to it’s amazing product but more importantly, to these game-changing network of Philippine distributors who continue to make a difference to people’s lives and continue to demonstrate how excellent networking should be done.

Most of Nu Skin distributors, even prior to even joining Nu Skin, are professionals, corporate mavens and businesspersons who are successful in their own fields.  They believe in the unique Nu Skin opportunity, as a great vehicle to provide time and financial freedom.   Every Nu Skin distributor has a life-changing story to tell.

As Nu Skin enters a new phase of  growth, with their ambitious goal of being a 1 Billion company in the Philippines, we wish them all the best and no doubt, Nu Skin Pilipinas, Sama-sama, Kayang-kaya!

If you want to be a part of Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines.  You may get in-touch with them at telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN (868-7546) Or you  may drop by their office at  15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines. 

Know the Latest Buzz on Weight Management ?

Have you heard about this new weight management program that is buzzing in the Philippines? I call it buzzing because it's hushed-hushed among the beauty, business and corporate communities. It's does not have a noisy "lose weight, ask me how!" campaign that arrest you each time you pee in the public toilets. It is neither the road hazard celebrity endorsements along EDSA. 

It is subdued and reasonable, albeit a bit pricey, weight loss program that simply deliver what it promises.  Just so we are on the same plane, weight management is not just about losing weight fats and getting sexy. That's the usual misconception. 

I have friends who complain that they only have to smell food and they get fat.  In the same vein, some friends complain that they consume bowl fulls of rice like construction workers, yet they are still reed-thin. 

We all have different concepts of our body image.  Some would bemoan of being fat, yet when we look at them. What's the fuss?!  The middle ground (not fat, not thin) is so hard to attain!

I think, the best is to consult someone who is objective and can tell (by scientific method) whether you are healthy or not... Don't you think being healthy is a better goal than getting voluouptous or thin?  Bottom line, health is the most important than anything else.

Going back to this new weight loss program, it is called The Right Approach (TRA) and  the company that offers it is Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines. 

The worth-noting aspect about this program, it is not just pill-taking!  It's a synergistic and wholistic approach that has components of an exercise regimen, healthy diet monitoring and other concerns that are unique to your person (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. etc.) and they also address the after-effects of weight loss e.g. sagging skin, cellulite.

Moreover, they have trained their distributors to be Health Consultants who will hold your hand every step of the program.  They will not leave you on your own after you get into to the program.  They will help you monitor your progress every step of the way.  And believe me, there's nothing like having someone looking over your shoulder to encourage you to continue.  Don't Hollywood artists hire these expensive personal trainers to literally get them off their butts and work-out?  :)

Let me just give you a short description of the products involve in the program.

1 . TRA Complex™ - Controls carbohydrate cravings.

TRA Complex



2. DuoLean™ - Fats & Carbohydrate Blocker

DuoLean

3. Diene-O-Lean - Burns body fats, increases muscle mass & shapes your body

Diene-O-Lean

4. TrimShake™ - Delicious & Nutritious Meal Replacement (Available in both Vanilla and Chocolate Flavor)

TrimShake

5. LifePak® - Increase metabolism and delivers significant amount of vitamins, trace minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

LifePak

5. Dermatic Effects® - Body Contouring Lotion, inhibits the appearance of cellulites



Dermatic Effects

With regards to diet and right nutrition.  A TRA consultant will guide you using the  3-3-3-3 Diet Principle:  take 3 servings of Carbohydrates, 3 servings of Protein, 3 servings of Vegetables and 3 servings of Fruits. They can show you the best combinations for using Pinoy foods.  No need for those expensive meals concoctions/

The best thing about this program, you are not allowed to go hungry!  As a matter of fact, their principle of proper diet can promote fat burning and fat storage in your body!  Ain't that a happy weigh loss program :))  No more feelings of deprivation!  I've tried all shorts of diets, and each time I feel deprived, I try to make myself feel better by cheating, and eating more!  This one won't allow you that mood.

If you want to know about this latest buzz but are too shy to ask your friends.  Just call Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines with telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN (868-7546). You may drop by their office at  15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines.  They can refer you to a discrete Health Consultant who can expound to you this latest buzz.

xoxo,
ripemango 

The Event that Rocked Rockwell!

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about an exciting event at Rockwell Tent in Makati by Nu Skin Philippines.  It's called the Live Young Exposition, a half-day extravaganza showcasing the latest in skin care and anti-aging technology.

Now, I would like to share the write-up and photos from Nu Skin Philippines on the happenings during the event!  From the looks of things,  it was one remarkable affair!

Hosted by their PR and Communications maven,  Ren De la Cruz; and overall direction by Maureen Fernandez, their Sr. Product Trainor ~  the event brought together almost a thousand ant-aging enthusiasts and business people who are banking on the anti-aging industry as the future's no. 1 number 1 business opportunity.  I  don't blame them.  BCC Research in 2009 estimates that the anti-aging industry will reach $274 B US Dollars by 2013 and if you have any business sense, you will ride the wave! BCC Research (www.bccresearch.com) is a leading market research company providing industry reports for categories such as biotech, chemicals, energy, healthcare, information technology, among others) 

One thing about Nu Skin, they don't just espouse anti-aging as lathering on topical creams... it's lifestyle changing.  Anti-Aging Inside and Outside.  Thus, you hear Nu Skin distributors talk about proper diet, nutrition, exercise, health supplementation, on top of the usual ~ daily, weekly skin care regimen.   Living Young, after all, it not just looking young... but feeling young and having an active lifestyle.

If you are interested to know more about the latest anti-aging technology and the business opportunity behind it, you can just get in-touch with  Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines.  Drop by their office at  15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines, with telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN (868-7546).

xoxo,
ripemango

Nourishing Habagat's Victims

Growing up in the province of Masbate, and eventually living in Manila for my college education,  I am used to living with regular visits of strong typhoons.  I grew up knowing that there are about 20 typhoons that visit and devastate our country each year.   Typhoons, used to have women's names, (Reming, Juaning, Neneng) until we ran out of local female names that the weather bureau held a name-that-typhoon contest.  We now have more variety of names to choose from like Falcon, Dodong, Egay, Kabayan etc.

Photo by Annie Maliclic Leonardo

The worst thing, for me, as a kid,  the rainy season coincides with the school year opening.  Most of the times, we haven't started our lessons, and there will be announcements of several days of No Classes.  Sometimes, when they suspend classes late,   I would to school in slippers because I don't want to ruin my new school shoes.  Then, go home again, walking in floods to my thighs.  That's they early 80s in the Chinatown, Manila.  Nowadays, the flooding in Manila is chest-deep!

My hometown in Aroroy, Masbate runs right smack into the typhoon path coming from the Pacific.  We are a mountainous region, there's not much flooding but we would have typhoons that blew rooftops away! 

In my adult life, the most recent worst typhoons was in 2009 (when I just 8months pregnant with my youngest girl),  Typhoon Ondoy (International name : Ketsana) left almost 400 dead, Tyhoon Sendong (International name Washi) left almost 1000 dead.   Recently, there has been an anomaly in nature, we didn't have a typhoon but we had a strong Southeast Monsoon or Habagat.  In fact, we didn't even have a name for it, so we just called it Habagat. 

Photo by Marianne Siason

Habagat devastated Manila and nearby suburbs last August 7-8 with relentless strong torrential rains.  We had more than 10 days of continuous rains. There were flooding all over the city.  People were evacuated into schools for temporarily shelters.

Photo by Mary Martinez

Eventually, various organizations and individuals mobilize themselves to reach-out to the victims of typhoons. Relief packs are distributed by the thousands.  A relief pack usually consist of instant noodles, rice, sardines, corned beef, and used clothing. Filipinos are really good at this!  Even if people say we have crab mentality and all.... the Bayanihan Spirit still reigns.

Photo by Dan Pagulayan

This brings me to my next point.  After all our initial relief efforts,  I hope our organizations would consider a more nourishing sustenance for the children of these calamities. Let's face it, many of our children in the slum areas, and even majority of our public school pupils are malnourished.  Many of them are underweight, easily get sick easily and don't do well in school.

There's this initiative of Nu Skin Enterprises, called Nourish the Children.  It hasn't gotten much publicity because they're not under media spotlight.  They have a product called Vitameal.   This lentil-based food is especially formulated for malnourished children, even senior citizens who need nourishment.   It was formulated by scientists in the US, as a complete meal.  No need for viands, or "ulam."  Their product brochure says, it contains:

• A balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber
• Essential fatty acids required for normal brain development, skin health, and immune defense
• Electrolytes necessary for maintaining normal fluid balance and muscle function
• 25 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A for normal sight and immune functions, as well as nutrients for normal growth and skeletal development*

VitaMeal is vegetarian and non-dairy, and allows for the easy addition of ingredients to fit every taste and culture. It is a meal by itself, but some would cook it with spaghetti (substitute the beef), porridge, sweet snacks with coconut milk, among others.   Each VitaMeal package can be use for 30 child-sized meals, or enough food to provide a child with one nutritious meal each day for a month.

The cost is 1,600 php per bag.  A bit costly, but if you will consider that it's not just a meal, it's a multi-vitamin in itself, it's really worth it. Besides, there's really improvement on the overall health of the child.  This has been tested in feeding programs in Africa and China. 

If you're interested,  you can buy the Vitameal pack for yourself or for your organizations.  Alternatively, you can just sign a donation form and your donation will be given to Feed the Children Philippines.  It's the organization that conducts the feeding all over the country.

You can just talk to the person who sent you this link or  contact directly  Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines with offices at 15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines, with telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN.

"If you can't feed a hundred people, feed just one." - Mother Theresa

xoxo,

ripemango

Exfoliating ~ the next best thing to Molting

One of our often overlooked regimen is exfoliating. Let's face it,  humans are the only species that don't molt as well as the other animals.  Molting is the periodic shedding of hair, skin, shells and even horns of animals. Snakes and lizards are the most prolific when it comes to shedding of old skin.  Twice a year, they literally and beautifully acquire bright clean and shiny skin as if they're re-born.

Humans' skin do shed as well, but not as drastic.  Our skin cells have a lifespan of 35 days. So, technically,  we are shedding off and getting new skin month after month.  But then again, if we don't exfoliate, those dead skin cells will literally stick like stubborn barnacles in body.

Most neglected areas are undersides of the nose, upper forehead,  elbows, ankles, underneath the butt, breasts and those prime real estate that doesn't get sunshine.  (If you know what I mean!)

Two of my super favorite exfoliating medium are from the American  personal care company Nu Skin, with offices at 15th floor Octagon building, San Miguel avenue, Pasig City, Philippines.

For my face, I use Exfoliant Scrub extra gentle.  It's made from marine phytoplankton and aloe vera.  I like it because it's not harsh and doesn't leave my skin feeling scratched.  I have huge pores, and I normally have white heads and black heads if i neglect to exfoliate 3x a week.

Nu Skin Exfoliant Scrub

But then again, I'm careful not to overdo exfoliating because it  also strip  skin's natural moisture and stimulate further oil production.  If you have oily skin, it's a fallacy that you should use face wash with exfoliating beads daily.

Once your skin gets strip of moisture, it sends the signal to the cells to stimulate more oil, thus, your oily skin aggravates.  Just be cool with it.  Use 2-3 weekly or every other day.

Most of the time, when I burn the midnight oil for deadlines, I get dull, dry and flaky skin.  I use this scrub and I unearth my bright skin again.. in an instant!  Luv it!

For my body, I'm absolutely crazy in-love with Nu Skin Liquid Body Lufra.  It's a body scrub made from walnut shells / husks and aloe vera.  I use it 3x a week instead of my bath soap or body wash.  I love how it sloughs off, thick layer of dead skin on my feet, ankles, knees and elbows.  Actually,  I use it all over my body except my neck and face.

Nu Skin Liquid Body Lufra

This body scrub leaves me feeling like a pampered newborn, all the time!  Remember to follow-up with your favorite moisturizers! 

Now, moisturizers are another field of discourse altogether!  I have moisturizers to just feel sexy, moisturizers for dry cold weather, for warm climate, for firming and tightening the skin.  Oh, those moisturizers deserve another fabulous blog entry!  

'til next time!  happy scrubbing!

xoxo,
ripemango

*Should you be interested in any of the mentioned products, Nu Skin has offices at 15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines, with telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN.