by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 12, 2023 | Health and Wellness
Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations, one of the Philippines’ leading dermatology clinics, recently introduced a new advanced laser technology for skin care called Pico Suite, providing a more precise method of addressing Filipino pigmentation problems.
Laser technology has revolutionized the field of dermatology, leading to a host of results that used to be achieved only manually. Current laser technology uses nanotechnology, which fires laser beam energy at skin imperfections in nanoseconds, or a billionth of a second.
Despite nanotechnology lasers being highly effective, patients must go through periods of downtime and problems such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, burns, and blisters. These lasers also tend to be selective with pigments, making some lasers less effective for certain skin tones.
Developed by the U.S.-based aesthetic and medical treatment systems manufacturer Cynosure, the Pico Suite line fires laser beam energy in picoseconds, equivalent to a trillionth of a second. This lessens the risk of laser-related complications and speeds up the visibility of results.
“We are extremely happy to finally offer our patients the Pico Suite solution. With three of the most advanced in-clinic devices, the Pico Suite offers safe procedures and accelerated results on pigmentation problems,” says Dr. Kaycee Reyes, founder of Luminisce.
Because these laser beams are shorter in pulse duration, the photo-thermal effect on the skin is lower and therefore is less damaging to the surrounding skin tissue. Additionally, a picosecond laser breaks pigments into much smaller particles, speeding up results.
The Luminisce Pico Suite
The Luminisce Pico Suite is composed of three world-renowned in-clinic gold-standard devices: PicoMajesty, PicoPlus, and PicoSure Pro.
Of all the Pico Lasers in the market, PicoMajesty has the shortest pulse duration in the aesthetics industry with 250ps at 1064 nm and a peak power of 2GW. PicoMajesty is specifically made to address tattoos and treat other pigment-based skin conditions such as acne and scars. Its high peak power and high laser energy shatter pigments much more easily.
Meanwhile, PicoPlus is one of the most versatile Pico lasers on the market. It has both nano and picosecond pulse duration at 450ps, 2ns with a peak power of 1.8GW. PicoPlus is an ideal option for gentler treatments.
The third of the Pico Suite is PicoSure Pro, which is the second-generation pico laser created by Cynosure. PicoSure Pro has a wavelength of 755nm Alexandrite, 750ps to 650ps pulse duration, the wavelength that’s considered the “sweet spot” for most pigments. PicoSure Pro is versatile for different skin types and aids in skin revitalization. It is the only FDA-cleared picosecond device to treat melasma pigment, Nevus of Ota, and Hori’s Nevus.
Other than pigments, PicoSure Pro also reduces wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and pore size. Its unique fractionated lens redistributes the picosecond energy into low and high intensities to create elegant injury in the superficial skin layer. Called intra-epidermal Laser Induced Optical Breakdowns, these create pressure waves that expand into the dermis and activate the body’s natural healing response to stimulate collagen and elastin production without thermal side effects (e.g. redness and damage on the surrounding tissue or downtime of other lasers).
Book a consultation with a Luminisce dermatologist today by calling 0977-804-4601 to get your own bespoke customized treatment plan for your pigmentation concern.
Luminisce provides a wide range of skincare solutions through its BGC, The Podium, Ortigas, and Molito Alabang branches. To know more, visit Luminisce’s website at https://luminisce.com or follow https://www.instagram.com/luminisce_official.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 11, 2023 | Book Reviews
Have you ever read a story that was so hot it gave you cramps? That’s what I got from reading Sold to the Bikers by Stephanie Brother. I eagerly awaited its release when it was announced that this was the next installment of the Screaming Eagles MC series and it did not disappoint. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series this one will make you want to go back and read the rest.
The Screaming Eagles MC is turning into a reverse harem haven with several of their members ending up with one woman for every group of three (or four)! The same happens here with Quickshot, Badass, and Animal when they meet Natalie. To save her sister Natalie ends up being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Luckily for her, Quickshot, Badass, and Animal were there and decided to buy her to save her.
Natalie is a shy, quiet girl … a virgin to boot. But she was willing to do anything to save her sister, even if it meant having sex with the three men who bought her. While reluctant at first because of her inexperience, she couldn’t deny the fact that she was curious and intrigued and really did find all three men attractive.
Thankfully, for her Quickshot, Badass, and Animal are not degenerates and they sat her down to have her agree to pretend they were having sex for appearance’s sake while they try to figure out what is going on with the Unwanted. Agreement leads to exploration which leads to Natalie’s discovery and sexual awakening. She discovered kinks that she never knew she had.
Sold to the Bikers by Stephanie Brother is sizzling hot so I would caution you about reading it in public. #smutty I swear my eyes were glazed for most of the really hot scenes. Intrigued yet? Check out this book on Amazon for $2.99 and free with Kindle Unlimited! I just finished it but I’m reading it again, tee hee.
Click here to read the bonus chapter.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 11, 2023 | Awards and Competitions
AGC Building, Alabang, Muntinlupa City – John Paul Aclan together with City Police Chief Angel Garcillano led the awarding ceremony of 15 honest and deserving cops of Muntinlupa City with AGC Honest Cop Awards.

The AGC Honest Cop Award aims to give recognition to the hardworking policemen and women who have been deemed exemplary and have given outstanding service with integrity in the community.
Awarded by a private company, Aclan Group of Companies, led by the visionary JP Aclan, Founder, President & CEO of Aclan Group of Companies, this event was established to inspire our brave and selfless police, for them to be encouraged to uphold the rule of law with compassion, integrity, and humility.
“The AGC Honest Cop Award is an initiative by the AGC Group of companies to give recognition to honest cops here in Muntinlupa. In coordination with the leadership of Col. Angel Garcillano of Muntinlupa City Police, we have selected deserving policemen who not only have shown their dedication and commitment to work but more importantly, have been honest and truthful. Nowadays, when unfortunately, we have some uniformed personnel who have issues, it is always a breath of fresh air to know that we have cops that are still honest and can be trusted by our constituents here in Muntinlupa,” said Aclan.

A total of 15 deserving cops were recognized during the AGC Honest Cop Awards. They are: PMAJ John Glenn Siguan, PMAJ Peter C. Aquino, PCPT Michael F. Tilan, PSSg Rodolfo Motio Jr., PSSg Abdul Rahman Atabay, PCpl Melvin Dejan, PCpl Nino Paolo Ganaden, Pat Mark Diloy, PMAJ Eutecio Ona, PCPT Reynaldo Par, PSSg Marlon Argame, PSSg Rolly Boy Antoniega, PCpl Albert Mallete, PCpl Reynaldo Quilala, and Pat Zander Capillo all assigned in the city of Muntinlupa.
During the recognition, each awardee was treated with refreshments and food and each was given a plaque of recognition plus a special ACG Honest Cop Award pin that symbolizes their honesty and integrity in doing their work as uniformed men and women.

“We hope that this simple gesture from AGC Group of Companies can inspire and motivate our hardworking policemen and police women to continue their passion and commitment to serving the people of Muntinlupa in all their honesty and with integrity. We are also looking forward that this event can have a ripple effect of having honest uniformed personnel not only here in Muntinlupa but in all parts of the Philippines as well,” added Aclan.
The Aclan Group of Companies is a true game-changer in the business world. The highly respected and imaginative John Paul Aclan, who is the company’s founder, CEO, and chairman of the board, has led it to enormous growth and success, expanding into a variety of industries and sectors. It is understandable why so many people in the business community have such high regard for the Aclan Group of Companies.
The monthly AGC Honest Cop Awards is just one of the many community projects that were initiated by the company and mainly, this is because of their appreciation for the Muntinlupa City Police for doing a great job of maintaining the city’s peace and order.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 10, 2023 | Health Tips
Oral care is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene not only ensures fresh breath and a beautiful smile, but also plays a critical role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. This is where Luster, the leading teeth whitening kit brand in the Philippines, comes in.

Luster’s teeth whitening kit consists of 4 gel pens that contain carbamide peroxide, which helps produce the chemical that makes teeth whitening possible. The LED mouthpiece further enhances the process by speeding up the whitening process, so you can achieve the best results in as early as 7 days. While teeth whitening is an excellent way to enhance the appearance of your teeth, maintaining healthy oral hygiene is just as important.
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth and gums clean to prevent dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are some tips to maintain healthy oral hygiene:

Brush Twice a Day using Luster Foam Toothpaste
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is crucial for removing plaque and preventing tooth decay. Brush for at least two minutes and use a circular motion to reach all surfaces of your teeth.
Floss Daily using Luster Charcoal Floss
Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Floss daily to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Use Luster PAP+ Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and prevent gum disease. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash and use it after brushing and flossing.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities. Limit your consumption of these foods and drink plenty of water to rinse away any harmful acids.
By incorporating these oral hygiene practices into your daily routine, you can prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy and confident smile. Luster’s teeth whitening kit is an excellent addition to your oral care routine, giving you the extra boost you need for a brighter and more confident smile.
In conclusion, oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Incorporating Luster’s teeth whitening kit into your oral care routine can enhance the appearance of your smile, giving you the confidence to take on the world. Remember to brush, floss, use mouthwash, and limit sugary and acidic foods to maintain healthy oral hygiene. Try Luster’s teeth whitening kit today and achieve a healthy and confident smile!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 9, 2023 | Events
Mariveles, Bataan – Riders and bike enthusiasts from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Manila, and other parts of the country, join today’s Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites. The ride coincides with the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), also known as the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the Death March.
Mike Villa-Real, first vice president for marketing and communications of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), said the event, organized by PVB in partnership with the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.
“The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus riders get to learn more about this historic event as they will be traversing the actual route of the Death March,” he said.
The ride is open only to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said the event starts at 2:30 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac. The non-competitive bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops.

Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour cut-off during the event. He noted that the event implements a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants. Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.
The Bataan Death March is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forced to march more than 100 kilometers in grueling conditions by Japanese forces in 1942. Thousands of soldiers survived but many also died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of Japanese captors.
The markers serve as reminders of the tragedy and heroism that occurred during that period.PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With Its new Charter signed into law, the Bank’s ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.
Ride for Valor 2023 is supported by Without Limits PH, Traqs Philippines, OneLGC, AIR21, Salgado PR, Panahon.TV, and the Integrated Waste Management Inc, Neo Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, The Oriental Hotel-Bataan, AFAB, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar.
For more information about the event, follow Ride for Valor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 5, 2023 | Book Reviews
As romance novels go Claimed by My Brother’s Best Friend by Ella Sloane starts a little differently as our opening perspective is from the POV of Chris, the male lead character. I actually found it a little weird at first because I felt like I was reading from the middle of the story … until I read it as a flashback, then it made sense.
Reading on I was exasperated with Chris (short for Christopher) and Sav (short for Savannah) because it was obvious (to us) that they were totally into each other. Which begs the question … what is getting in the way of their being in a relationship? The obvious answer would be Sean, Sav’s brother and Chris’ best friend. While Sean has not expressed anything against their getting together, they just assumed it would be taboo.
But there is a bigger reason than that which stems from Chris’ past. Poor Sav!
This story is a slow-burn HEA so while their recovering friendship happens within the first few chapters, the romance takes a while to develop and titillating enough to get us hooked to keep reading. Promise, they get there! Another good reason to read Claimed by My Brother’s Best Friend by Ella Sloane … it is only $0.99 on Amazon! If you have Kindle Unlimited, it is free.
If you like a slow-burn HEA, go ahead and pick up a copy of this book. I had fun reading it and, yes, I am a victim of Chris’ smiles.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 3, 2023 | Book Reviews
I have not given up hope on The Revenge of a Rejected Mate by Pure Ink because the story has a lot of potential. However, 48 chapters in, and, as a copy editor, I am getting more and more frustrated as I read on because it does not seem as though the author is keeping track of what he/she/they have previously said. At times, in the middle of the chapter, character names change or the story goes in a different direction.
Sometimes it takes too long to get to a critical point and other times it feels like we are suddenly just there and the journey was skipped and the characters moved forward several chapters without letting us know. In addition, there are just too many antagonists and the characters are weak.
Kaden, the Lycan King, is indecisive when it comes to Audrey and he seems to have difficulty compartmentalizing. Despite being supposedly mated and in love with Audrey, he still has a mistress, Shantel, who he supposedly got pregnant with. He is also constantly seeking advice from his Beta, Adler, about all things, including his love life.
Audrey is an Alpha’s daughter and an Omega who became a slave. For most of the book starting from chapter 1, she has suffered many hardships, both physical and emotional. As we progress we see her manifesting un-wolflike abilities such as telekinesis, prophetic dreams, and her hands glow. Every time something unusual happens to her she runs to Kaden to tell him about it and something unforeseen always happens.
The Revenge of a Rejected Mate by Pure Ink is on Goodnovel so it is pay-per-chapter. I have to ask myself, if I am wasting my money or if I should read on and give this a chance since, with editing, it has the potential to be really good. If the author gets a chance to read this review, I hope they consider asking me to be their copy editor. Together we can make this better.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 2, 2023 | Book Reviews
If watching reality TV shows is one of your guilty pleasures then you will likely enjoy reading Bachelor and the Geek by Sofia Aves. The main characters are contestants in a reality TV show called Geekily Yours where the men are “The Beauties” and the women are “The Geeks”.
Sirius Weston is a retired military man with a business providing security to celebrities, rich folk, and politicians. With a name like Sirius, you can expect a lot of puns that play with his name. Joining the show/competition was not his choice. His brother, Mitch, submitted his entry and then blackmailed coerced him into pushing through with it when he got accepted with the promise of a possible national security contract if he makes it to the end. He is older than the other men in the competition so is often the recipient of the dad/grandpa jokes.
Annie Pillingston is an astrophysicist (you can’t geekier than that!) and spends her days looking at photos of outer space. She is also the daughter of a senator and does not fit into the mold her family wants to put her in. She ended up in this competition because of her boss. She isn’t involved with him so to be honest I’m not sure how he could have forced her to join.
As I was reading, the mechanics of the show was not clear to me. Are they supposed to create a love connection? The show begins with the men being paired with a permanent geek partner and the challenges they work through are not even done together. Meaning the men have challenges and the women have challenges and when they occur, their opposite is just the audience. There are no challenges that require them to work together and it appears that any connection made is organic. At the end of the show, 5 couples will remain and 1 couple will be declared a winner where they win a cash prize and the man gives the girl a ring that implies romance.
But let’s skip past that and focus on Sirius and Annie. Their first meeting was not what they expected! Tiny spoiler, Annie faceplants on Sirius’ crotch while trying to hide from him. What follows is us following their budding attraction and romance that is rife with funny moments and lots of heat!
I almost forgot to tell you about Sirius’ roommate who puts some glitter on this whole thing. Leon is a yummy-looking engineer but also a drag queen. How the production didn’t know that is still a mystery.
Bachelor and the Geek by Sofia Aves is fun to read! You should really check it out. It is available on Amazon for $2.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 30, 2023 | Advocacy

Jollibee Group also released its first-ever global sustainability report which details the progress it has made toward the pursuit of its sustainability pillars of Food, People, and Planet.
The Jollibee Group launched last March 16 its Global Sustainability Agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to further strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices.
While Jollibee Group has made significant strides over its 45-year history in various social and environmental projects, it is now purposely integrating all its sustainability efforts into a more cohesive framework that unites the Jollibee Group community, including employees, business partners, suppliers, vendors, and other stakeholders, toward a set of shared sustainability goals.

Dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, Jollibee Group launched its Global Sustainability Agenda with 10 focus areas, namely Food Safety, Food Quality, Nutrition & Transparency, Employee Welfare, Farmers Livelihood, Community Support, Good Governance, Packaging & Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Energy & Water Efficiency. Each focus area will showcase initiatives and goals that are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
With Joy for Tomorrow, Jollibee Group stays true to its mission of bringing the joy of eating to everyone, acknowledging that this mission extends not only to its customers and stakeholders today, but also to future generations. The company recognizes that it must use its global scale, resources, and expertise to help usher in a more sustainable future for society and the planet.
“Our challenge in Jollibee Group is how to sustain our success while creating a positive impact on our society and planet. As one of the fastest growing restaurant companies in the world, and with our vision to become one of the top companies in our industry, we recognize that we have a significant role and responsibility in impacting positive change,” said Jollibee Group President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong.
The Joy for Tomorrow Sustainability Agenda centers on three pillars namely Food, People, and Planet. These pillars consist of 10 focus areas: Food Safety, Food Quality, Nutrition & Transparency, Employee Welfare, Farmers Livelihood, Community Support, Good Governance, Packaging & Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Energy & Water Efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
According to Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer Pepot Miñana, Joy for Tomorrow is the company’s roadmap for achieving the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. “It’s a call to action for everyone in Jollibee Group, amid pursuing our sustainability pillars of Food, People, and Planet. It is our commitment to future generations to preserve and improve natural resources from which they can benefit,” Miñana said.
Serving food that people trust
Jollibee Group prioritizes food safety and quality to maintain the trust of its customers worldwide.
In 2022, the company conducted over 15,000 Food, Service, and Cleanliness (FSC) Audits across its stores worldwide, while over 125,600 online training hours were devoted to Food, Service, Cleanliness & Condition. Moreover, 100% of its stores, commissaries, and logistics facilities have undergone rigorous Quality Management audits. The group also achieved a global Net Promoter Score of 82, exceeding the industry benchmark of 50, showcasing customer satisfaction and loyalty for the various brands.
Helping make people’s lives better
Jollibee Group recognizes its invaluable role in fostering an inclusive work environment for its employees, partners, farmers, and communities.
In 2022, women made up 59% of management positions and 51% of the total workforce. Through training courses on Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Leadership, and Anti-Discrimination, the company educates its employees on the value and benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace. As a measure of high employee engagement, the group achieved the 70th percentile of Gallup’s Q12 percentile ranking.
Outside of the organization, Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) has enabled over 700 smallholder farmers across the Philippines to deliver their produce directly to Jollibee Group. Today, the white onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, calamansi, ginger, and other vegetables that the company uses in Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal products come from FEP farmers.
Treating the planet responsibly
In terms of environmental sustainability, Jollibee Group focuses on the key areas of packaging and recycling, energy, water, and waste.
By the end of 2022, Jollibee Group manufacturing sites in the Philippines achieved a 21% reduction in energy use ratio, a 23% reduction in water use ratio, and a 38% reduction in waste, with almost 50% of waste now being recycled versus the company’s 2020 benchmarks. On the store level, each solar panel installed reduces about 3-7% of consumption from the grid.
Progress over perfection
“We understand that assessing our impact is a continuous process of ambition and refinement. We will track the success of our strategies over the coming years, and periodically review our material topics and stakeholder engagement process. We will set agile goals and targets to help us significantly impact society and the environment more meaningfully,” Tanmantiong said.
Apart from establishing a unit dedicated to sustainability and the appointment of a Chief Sustainability Officer as part of its Executive Team, Jollibee Group also instituted an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Council to ensure that its business operations are aligned with the sustainability goals.
“Our Global Sustainability Agenda represents our belief system in conducting business more ethically. As a global food company, we are responsible and deliberate with our actions and their impact, and we are making our sustainability measures the way of the future,” added Miñana.
Find out more about Jollibee Group’s Sustainability Agenda by visiting https://jollibeegroup.com/sustainability/
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 30, 2023 | Book Reviews
I’ve read quite a few books written by Nicole Casey and Five Country Singers’ Betrothed is not my favorite. First of all, the title gives away the ending. Second, the five men in the story are actually the five members of a country music band called Amos and the Collectibles and the one who is actually a (famous) country singer is the female lead character, Delilah. In the band, Amos is the lead vocalist and the others occasionally do backup so we can’t really call the band “country singers”.
A good story always has a conflict of some sort and in this story, the conflict is with one of the members of the band, Ryder, who is Delilah’s first love who broke her heart. In the present timeline, Ryder has a girlfriend and their love is unrequited. In the meantime, Delilah finds herself attracted to the other gorgeous men in the band … Amos (lead vocals), Carson (rhythm guitar), Jesse (bassist), and Wyatt (drummer). Thankfully for her, her feelings are returned.
We can more or less know how the story will develop at this point as Nicole Casey’s books are always HEA. You know what they say, though … the journey is more important than the destination. Delilah’s love journey could be more exciting.
As far as the love scenes are concerned, it didn’t seem to matter which man she was with they all had the same pattern that it does not seem like she is with 5 different at all. I would have assumed each one would have even a slightly different approach depending on personal preference. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not expecting acrobatics, but probably a little more creativity in how she could conceivably be with 3, 4, or 5 men at the same time.
The redeeming factor of this book is how it spent a lot of time showing us the creative process of collaborating on a song … music, lyrics, and laying down the tracks. I thought that was a good insight into how the recording industry works that does not focus on the glamour of the job.
Five Country Singers’ Betrothed by Nicole Casey is the 4th book of the Love by Numbers 2 series which you can find on Amazon for $2.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited.
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