Back to my Basic Skin Care

It has been a crazy month of June for me.  My helper went home to the Philippines for her leave, as the same time we were schedule to move house.  Luckily, I was allowed by the office to work from home.  The kids are on school-vacation, as well.  Needless to say, my hands were full.

With all the packing and unpacking that needs to be done, all the outdoor activities of the kids, and the cleaning of the old house and the new flat, I had a terrible case of pimple break-outs.  It's horrible. I never had it since I was in high school.  I had tiny red pimples on my forehead, my cheeks and chin.  And worse, they're itchy!  So itchy that when I wash my face, I'm tempted to scrub them till  the get more reddish hue.

It's gotten so  bad, my kids were wondering, "Mom, what happened to your face?!"  For someone who's adept at skin care and gives friends advice on skin issues, this is downright alarming.  I knew I had to do something before it gets worse.

So here's what are my drastic measures:

1.)  Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!  I literally measured my water intake using a 1-liter Coke container.  I made sure to finish it within the day.

2.)   Catch up on my Zzzzss.   There were so many things that I needed to do in the new flat.  If I don't control myself, I continue working until late at night.  Most of the times, I also go beyond my waking hours reading books. I recently discovered an android app where I can download free ebooks.  As a result, my sleep patter had gone haywire.  I had to literally, set the alarm at 10am, to remind myself that I needed to sleep!!

3.)  Changed my Skin Regimen to a lighter version - my regimen used to be 5-step AgeLOC Transformation Package.  It's one great anti-aging product, but I figured with my current break-outs I have to relax it a bit.  So, I change to the most basic skin care, which was Nu Skin Nutricentials line.

The package contains the following:
 
Pure Cleansing Gel
Deep cleanses and clarifies pores. Made from papaya enzyme. Pure Cleansing Ge's soap-free, foaming formula balances oil without overdrying, leaving skin fresh, clean, and energized.

pH Balance Mattefying Toner
A toner with oil-absorbing mineral powder to give an instant matte finish and control shine.  Made from Strawberry extract, calms the skin and tightens pores, as well.

Celltrex Ultra Recovery Fluid
Made from Olive Oil.  I used it as light moisturizer.  Good alternative if all those anti-aging serums have been clogging your pores.

Moisture Restore Day Protective Mattefying Lotion SPF 15 
My sunblock whenever I had to go out during the day to take the kids to tuition classes.  I alternate this with Tinted Moisturizer, if I needed to put on make-up.

Night Supply Nourishing Cream
My night moisturizer.  Very light.  Not sticky at all.


I have combination to oily skin.  That's why I'm prone to pimples.  However for one or two huge break-outs, I always keep a tube of Clear Action Night Cream.   It's actually part of the Clear Action System.  I apply the cream directly to the pimple.  After 2 -3 days, the pimples dries up and I maintain the cream for a week to completely heal and prevent scarring.

 4.)  Change my diet -  Cooking for my family of 5,  the easiest is fried foods.  Fried chicken, friend beef tapa, fried fish became staple in the household when I took over the kitchen.  It's fast, easy and kids love them.  However, it wrecked havoc on my skin.  I tried going easy on the frying but have more soup-based dishes.   Less frying. More steaming and boiling.

5.)  Hair off the Face - Dirty hair poking into the skin pores is actually one of the cases of pimple break-outs.  So, I try to keep a clean un-obstructive hairstyle by using clamps, hair bands, hair climps.

6.)  Quit touching my face and being anxious about my pimples - hands are dirty and constantly touching the face exacerbates the break-out. Anxiety over what I look like also stresses me out. Stress is a major cause of break-outs!

So far, my face is now slowly returning back to normal.   It helps that my helper has arrived, and the kids are now back to school.  Hopefully, it a few weeks I can return back to my anti-aging regimen!  At my age, my skin calls for more than Basic Skin Care.  However, once in a while, it is good to give our skin a breather.

If  you're interested with the Nutricentials product line, you call drop by Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines with offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines or call 689-NUSKIN.

xoxo,
Ripemango

Wedding Glow -- not for Brides only!

Wedding month of June again!  Even if you are not a blushing bride this season, chances are, you will get invited to one of these lavish weddings of your friends and/or relatives.  Weddings nowadays are such huge events.  Couples take many years, planning, organizing and "staging" their weddings.  It's not just an exchange of vows, or a get-together of families and friends.  It's a project presentation in itself!

 That's why as guests -- we are also "pressured" to look right, dress right for our part.  You wouldn't wanna be caught like the hidden-relatives-from-closets and look like a fish out of the water in your cousin's or friends' wedding, right?  You wanna fit in, and look glamorous like the wedding entourage!

A great dress and carefully applied make-up will work but the best foundation for that Wedding Glow comes from an advance skin care preparation.  By "advance" I mean both Innovative and Early!  A regimen that's sophisticated and must do it before the wedding day itself, to get the maximum effect on that special day!

So, here's my run-down for the best pre-wedding facial preparation-  both for men and women!
 
For Deep Cleansing - (two days before)

Glacial Marine Mud

This unique mud pack draws out impurities, remove dead skin cells, and nurture skin.  It has more than 50 skin beneficial minerals, including zinc and sea botanicals. Legend has it that indigenous peoples may have tried to use this special mud to make pottery. They were unsuccessful because of its fine particle size, but noticed their hands were softer and smoother.   Now, we can have the same indigenous materials in our regimen! You can use both for face and body!

For Gentle Exfoliation - (a day before)

NU SKIN EXFOLIANT SCRUB EXTRA GENTLE

Exfoliant Scrub gently smooths skin's surface by releasing dead cell buildup and pore-blocking impurities. Use twice a week after cleansing for a luminous glow.  Smooth, even skin reflects light more perfectly, to make your glow in-front of video and still cameras!  This is made from natural marine diatoms (fossilized algae), that are also gentle on the skin and not rough, like most scrubs!

For Glow and more Alive Looking Aura (the day itself)


GALVANIC HOME SPA

The secret weapon to have for a quick glow your big day! Small, smart, and powerful, the ageLOC Galvanic Spa features patented self-adjusting currents and interchangeable conductors for the face, scalp, and body. Together with Nu Skin’s specially formulated treatment products, this home-spa gives you an instant lift and brighter aura.  So easy at home.  No need for expense spa treatments.

There you go!  My Top 3 Must-Have for a glowing Bride or Guest on this Wedding month of June!

If you are interested to get these amazing products, you call drop by Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines with offices at 15th Floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines or call 689-NUSKIN.

xoxo,
ripemango

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.

What's your BHAG ?

It's the last quarter of the year and most companies are now sitting-down, planning next year's targets.  Business planning are often stressful, and needs you to imagine more than what you one is capable of doing.  That's why they always do it in nice fancy hotels, with sumptous buffet spread, like the last meal of a doomed man, because the next round of events will probably deprive the managers of life. :))  

My husband just had their own business planning, and came home looking spaced-out.  "Honey, are you ok?"  He just mumbled, "yeah, is it 2013 yet?"

 My favorite company Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines has set an ambitious goal for 2013. That is, a ONE BILLION in total revenue.  It's a Big, Hair, and Audacious Goal...

For those unfamiliar with the term, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) was coined by James Collins and Jerry Porras in 1994, in their book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.  A BHAG (pronounced BEE-hag), is actually a strategic business statement, which allows organisations to focus on one long term audacious goal. A BHAG can be quite ‘out there’; it can seem very questionable, even scary, thus described as a hairy monster, but it is actually not at all impossible.

Nu Skin has been with the Philippines since 1998.  Philippines is their 23rd market in the world.  They have about 20,000 active distributors in the country alone.   Nu Skin Philippines belong to the Southeast Asian market of the company, and the region has always been the jewel of the networking companies like Nu Skin.  They make their money here, more than Europe or North America.

Nu Skin Philippines has doubled their revenue in the last year, and when you do that, it is expected that you always surpass your past performance. I have no doubt, they will do so!  As I observed among the other networking companies out there, Nu Skin has the best and most high-paying compensation plan, and they have an excellent support-system to distributors, in terms of company presence, incentives and bonuses. 

As of this writing, they are rewarding about 40 distributors on a trip to Hawaii for goals achieved. I heard car incentives are also in the pipeline as bonuses.  

And to make sure everyone's on the right mindset for 2013, they have an upcoming goal-setting session on the 16th of November (4pm-8pm) at the SM Megatrade hall.  

Invited speakers are Ardy Abello,  whom I've met before and is one of Philippines'  top-ranking and hi-impact trainer and motivational speaker.   To give a more international business perspective within the Nu Skin world, they also invited James Tu, a Taiwanese and  17-year Team Elite status and 1 Million Dollar Circle Member.

Well, as the saying goes,  "Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."  (Les Brown)  Goal-Setting a BHAG, actually a great idea, not  just for million-dollar companies.  But also for us, ordinary toiling souls. 

It is good to set goals. Goals give us directions in life,  make us more alive and excited to work everyday because we know that something wonderful is about to happen. 

I have a list of my personal BHAG as well.  Things that I've always wanted to do, but don't have the guts, skill and finances to do so.  Others call it Bucket Lists or Dream Boards.  And that, is another story.

xoxo,
ripemango

If you want to be a part of Nu Skin's Goal-Setting Session,  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. 

One Decision that made the Difference

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~ Robert Frost 

For a couple who grew up, met and married in the province of Quezon,  Percy and Venus Lazo's world revolve around farms, small towns, municipalities and occasional visit to the city. 

Percy’s family was into farming.  He grew up in the farm, and literally was tilling the soil, planting trees, root crops, raising animals. Until one tiring day,  he realized that he doesn’t want to become farmer for life.  He dreamt of a good future.   Percy's parents cannot afford to enroll him in a Bachelor’s degree, so he only took a vocational course (Radio Communications).   

Unfortunately, he gained a useless education after college when he realized that the technologies he learned were starting to become obsolete with the advent of more advanced means of communication.  With a limited access to a good corporate career, he found job in a Non-government Organization (NGO) dealing on micro finance. This exposure enabled him to have short term plan of  putting up his own micro-lending company.  

Venus, likewise, grew up in a less privileged family.  Growing up, she never experienced  a normal childhood.  When she was 8, she was already working for a small eatery, which was the family's business.  She remember only having new clothes on Christmas Day.  She never had a toy that was not a hand-me-down. Not a single Barbie doll.

All those hardships and challenges made her nurture bigger dreams and she was committed to do what it takes to become successful. Although her father dabbled in local politics, and she was being groomed to follow in her father's footsteps,  she realized that she cannot achieve the kind of freedom and peace of mind if she pursued politics. She decided to find her luck in Manila.  While in college, she worked part time in different fast food chains to support her education and needs.

When she earned her B.S Electronics and Communications Engineering degree, she got a job in the Semiconductor Industry.  Early on in her career, she realized that working is such a limiting way to achieve their dreams. The goals she set, would require her a six figure income.  When she checked the industry, she found out that it takes  an average 20yrs for a good engineer to reach  top level position and have a 6figure income to enjoy a good life.

As a young couple,  they were open for opportunities to augment the income.  They have big dreams.

Perci, who came from a family of farmers, was determined not to follow the same path.  "I wanted a different life for my family." 

Besides, they have many other relatives they need to help, as well.

 Venus, had just given birth, when she volunteered  to see the business opportunity with a friend. It was just a very casual presentation at a fastfood restaurant, figures and facts written at a tissue paper but she realized that she wanted to give it a try. The information presented was too good to be true but she asked herself,  "What if it is true? Their goals are non-negotiable, they have a deadline and if not Nu Skin, what other opportunity are there to help them achieve their dreams?"

"Upon seeing the potential of the business, I knew I had to be a part of this," recalls Venus.  The next time she met with her friend and she brought along Percy.  Her enthusiasm further intensified when Percy also gave his moral support.  "Both of us saw the vision that Nu Skin can bring to our lives. This is the opportunity that we have been waiting for!"  The most memorable moment is when they had to loan money to buy the initial product package.  They literally had to scrape their savings and knock on friends' doors to enable them to start big.  

"We were very religious in attending all the trainings, we wanted to become Executives right away!  We filed our Letter of  Intent, even without single downline!"  They were so into it, that Percy decided to resign from his job to concentrate on the business.  For someone like Percy, who could not speak straight English and didn’t know anyone in Manila; no Money and no resources. He was more at home in  the farm, making small talks with local farmers but joining an international business and talking to different people, is like a fish taken out of the water.   "I had to learn a lot of things, I made a lot of mistakes, embarrassed myself not a few times, but I always tell myself, this is temporary.  My dreams are bigger than my ego."

 “We made a choice to Be, Do, and Have something different." 

The couple realized that their dreams are not ordinary dreams, therefore, it called for extraordinary efforts.  They were prepared for hardwork.  "We’ve faced a lot of challenges, but we always thought that every ‘No’ will take us closer to a 'Yes'."  We tried and did our best to produce results to show people that this business is possible as long as we are committed to do whatever it takes.”

In less than 6 & a half years in the business, Venus and Percy achieved the title of a Blue Diamond.

*They are also recognized as Nu Skin Philippines'  local Million Circle Members (20Million Mark in total commissions).  They have also been recognized by the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines as Entrepreneur of the Year (2009)

From the boondocks of Quezon to the halls of Nu Skin Enterprises Philippines at 15th Floor Octagon Building in Ortigas, Pasig, Venus and Percy have come a long way.  

They now have the world for their playground...

They qualified twice and enjoyed a glamorous all-expense paid Blue Diamond trip to the United States (LA, Las Vegas and Utah). Year 2009 and 2011.  

They travelled, with their team to Singapore and Malaysia 2007,  Shanghai in 2008, US and Beijing in 2009 and Sydney, Australia 2010 and US again in 2011.  All for Free.

But more than anything else, the can provide the best for their families.

The couple’s priority was sending their siblings to college.  They were able to do that.  Lowell Cleope – (Venus' brother) BS Customs Administration graduate.  Lowell is now a Lapis executive in Nu Skin and will be part of the local millionaire's circle in the next few months.  Venus's niece, Gretchen Las Pinas, a BS HRM graduate, is now a branch manager of Wendy’s Foods Corporation and helps send other sibling  to school.  Reygan Lazo – (Percy’s Nephew) BS Elementary  Education. Now a Teacher-in-Charge in one of the schools in the province and helping his family.  Rogelyn Lazo ( Percy’s Niece) BS HRM – Now 4^th year in college.  "Success is only meaningful when you are able to affect a better change in someone's life."  These are their laurels.

Percy, who grew up in a farmland while Venus’ house was (butas ang bubong at tumutulo pagumuulan) and they both wanted a big home for their children.  They are now proud owners of a beautiful home in Portofino, Alabang.  Along with their children getting excellent education from the best schools.

The couple now pays it forward by helping people discover the Nu Skin business. “We are happy to assist people in discovering their dreams and in making choices that can lead them to the life they desire,” Venus says. “We show people that they are in the number one industry, company, and team, with number one products. Nu Skin is their vehicle in achieving their dreams and that the world’s natural abundance will make it all possible. We often tell them that when people and purpose come together, there’s abundance.”

Truly, this opportunity demonstrated the difference. " When we were still struggling with our finances we always prayed for blessings to pay our bills. But when everything has been provided for us, we always pray that the Lord God lead us to people who would need an opportunity;  that may our story brings an inspiration to a lot of people that even if they are just ordinary if they want an extraordinary life and they are willing to fight for their rights to freedom, then it is achievable. They just have to have CLEAR GOALS, BELIEF that they deserve that great life and willingness to take ACTION and do what it takes to make it happen."

To them, "The most valuable things that we’ve achieved in this business is not just the money and the lifestyle that we have. Most importantly, being SIGNIFICANT to those people who believed in us. Zig Ziglar is really brilliant saying that “ In order for you to get what you want, you must help enough people get what they want”.  As we received our 20 Million mark, we counted the number of Millionaires in our team and it was goose bumps when we found out that there’s already more than 20 millionaires and counting. Imagine how many families we will touched as we continue our journey towards the Million Dollar mark."

Certainly, there is so much to learn from this outstanding couple.  Their tenacity, perseverance and humility is exemplary.  Should you wish to know more about their discipline and work ethics. CLICK HERE.  

*To qualify for any pin level you must meet all requirements of the Sales Compensation Plan, including retail sales. For a complete summary of the Sales Compensation Plan, please contact the company at 8-NUSKIN (868-7546) or go to www.nuskin.com.