by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 4, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Many people have a fear of cholesterol, thinking that it is entirely harmful. However, recent studies have revealed that the body actually needs some cholesterol to maintain good health.
According to Dr. Nicky Montoya, president and CEO of MediCard, “People cannot live without cholesterol. Health risks increase when there is more bad cholesterol than good cholesterol in the body.”
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance that is produced by the liver. The body transports cholesterol from the liver by encasing it in a water-soluble “bubble” formed by proteins called lipoproteins.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are responsible for carrying cholesterol to the tissues and are often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDLs are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
In contrast, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) transport excess cholesterol back to the liver for processing and excretion. The higher the levels of HDLs, known as “good” cholesterol, the lower the risk of heart disease.
Do we need cholesterol in our bodies?
Contrary to popular belief, the body requires a significant amount of cholesterol to function properly. The liver produces about 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol each day, which is the amount the body needs.
Cholesterol is crucial for cell structure, healthy brain development, and the production of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones. It also plays a role in metabolism, as cholesterol helps the body produce vitamin D. Additionally, cholesterol produces bile acids that aid in the digestion of fats and the absorption of essential nutrients.
Dr. Montoya states, “A healthy HDL level may protect against heart attacks and strokes. The more HDL you have, the lower your risk of developing heart disease.”
Conversely, excessive levels of LDL can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques that narrow arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High LDL levels can result in atherosclerosis, a dangerous buildup of cholesterol and other substances in the arterial walls, which restricts blood flow. This condition can cause chest pain and heart attacks if it occurs in the heart’s arteries, or strokes if it affects the arteries in the brain.
Low cholesterol levels can also pose health risks. “Some pregnant women with low total cholesterol are more likely to give birth prematurely and have babies with low birth weight. Low total cholesterol levels have also been associated with cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, anxiety, and depression,” Dr. Montoya explains. He recommends maintaining a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), which is approximately the average for adults.
What can you eat to stay healthy?
Keeping cholesterol levels within a normal range is crucial for a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to a longer life. Diets that are high in saturated fats—often found in fatty meats, processed meats, junk foods, and baked goods like cakes, biscuits, and pastries—can raise cholesterol levels.
To improve cholesterol health, it’s recommended to include lean meats and fish in your diet at least twice a week. Additionally, engaging in at least two and a half hours of exercise each week can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels.
Dr. Montoya highlights the importance of avoiding smoking because it damages the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the accumulation of fatty deposits. Additionally, he recommends having regular cholesterol tests to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Regular testing is especially important for individuals who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight, consume alcohol frequently, smoke, or have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or an underactive thyroid. It is advisable to start these tests every five years beginning at age 20.
To help individuals understand their cholesterol levels, MediCard operates clinics in major cities across the country that provide blood cholesterol tests and consultations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check their website, www.medicardphils.com, for further details.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 1, 2017 | Health Tips
Have you ever experienced a day when nothing seems to go well, that no matter how you try to choose the right path, you keep making the wrong turn? Just like having a bad hair day, no matter how many times you comb your hair, it just would not budge.
Life can be challenging at times but there will always be a way to resolve these challenges and come out victorious. Having this in mind will be easy to keep your patience and continue to move forward.
Just like losing strands of your hair due to factors beyond your control, you too can do something.
Eat healthy
Eating the right food can alter your mood. Having low-level of folic acid in your body can cause anxiety, hence, food such as asparagus, avocado, salmon, and almond are recommended to fight stress hormones.
Stay calm
Listen to comforting music and reading feel-good stories can help switch you to a calm mood.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins that can relieve you from stress and anxiety.
Supplement
Taking in Vitamins such as B-complex can alter mood swings.
Don’t let your stress factors contribute to your hair loss. Letting yourself succumb to anxiety will definitely show up to your follicles and this can lead to more hair loss.
Hectic schedules and pressure from work, not to mention the pollution and filth outside easily make you feel unease and, at times, irritable. Slow down a bit, have fun and relax. There’s no better way to begin with your mane.
Hair care tips
Tip 1: The stroke of a comb can give you a soothing feeling while, at the same time, help unleash the natural oil of your hair.
Tip 2: Stay away from getting pigtails, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers, which can pull and stress your hair.
Tip 3: Avoid perming, straightening or coloring because they contain toxic chemicals that could cause damage to your locks.
Tip 4: Choose natural. Use NOVUHAIR topical solution. Apply liberal amount on to your scalp and hair. Massage it gently for -10 minutes to help permeate deeply from root to tip.
NOVUHAIR is packed with 19 natural ingredients that help promote growth, nourishment and rejuvenation of your tress.
NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, please contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575 from Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm or visit www.novuhair.com. You can also purchase it from Lazada.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 31, 2017 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
November 2017 brings a nip to the air … and promo codes for Angkas, Grab, and Uber!
Angkas promo codes
Haven’t tried Angkas yet? If motorcycle rides don’t scare you then it is the perfect time to try this ridesharing service.
LTFRB rears its ugly head once again and commuters using the Angkas service are left wondering when this service will resume service. As of this posting there is no news yet but we are hopeful that the restriction will be lifted soon. #OnewithAngkas
Promo code: AKSHOOKT
- P20 off two (2) rides
- limited offer! 1,000 total redemptions only
Promo code: AKSPOOKY
- P20 off two (2) rides
- valid on October 31, 2017 only
- limited offer! 6,000 total redemptions only
Grab promo codes
Promo code: GRABTONOEL
#NoelBazaar2017
- P50 discount on two (2) on Grabcar and Grabshare rides when travelling to and from the Noel Bazaar 2017
- this promotion is valid on the following dates and places:
- December 14 to 17, 2017, SMX Convention Center, Pasay
- November 30 to December 3, 2017, Filinvest Tent, Alaband
- November 24 to 30, 2017, World Trade Center
- November 16 to 19, 2017, World Trade Center
This is a limited offer and is only valid for up to 1,000 users per venue.
Promo code: POPUP50
- P50 discount on two (2) on Grabcar and Grabshare rides from December 2 to 3, 2017 only
- valid for use with traveling to and from Pop Up Town at Arca South, Taguig
Exclusive promo code for GRABPAY Credits users!
How to avail of this offer:
- Load P500 Grabpay credits from October 30 to November 2, 2017.
- Get your exclusive code via SMS at 10pm on November 3, 2017
- use your exclusive code from November 4 to 10, 2017 only
- receive P40 discount on your Grabcar and Grabshare rides
This offer is only valid for the first 10,000 users, so hurry!
Uber promo codes
No promo codes as of this time.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 28, 2017 | Advocacy
Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF)’s Eye Can Succeed campaign had another successful run at the Higher School ng University of Makati (HSU). During the event, EVF staff examined the eyesight of more than 6,000 HSU students in grades 11 and 12. Prescription glasses were also distributed to those in need.
The event was also made possible with the help of volunteer optometrists and HSU students led by Dean Engr. Estrella Chan (third from left). The advocacy is set to visit other public high schools in Metro Manila and targets to provide free eye check up and prescription glasses to 10,000 Filipino senior high school students so they can pursue higher education and achieve success through better vision.
Also in photo are (L-R) Essilor Philippines optometrists and lens consultants Dr. Donna Acibar, Dr. Jennifer Parmerola and Dr. Jane Radovan; marketing executive JV Velasco; and marketing specialist Renze Sevilla.
For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph/eyecansucceed, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 26, 2017 | Entertainment
Elisse Joson is constantly smiling nowadays. This is despite the fact that she has roles in both The Good Son and Panday, along with the MMFF entry film version of the latter. She’s also gearing up to launch her new album soon.
Here, she talks about all that she’s juggling and how she keeps everything balanced.
On her acting career:
“For The Good Son, I play the character, Sabina, who is an only child. She’s from a well-off family, but not your typical rich girl. For Ang Panday, my character’s name is Wena. She’s the complete opposite of Sabina. Hindi mayaman, kabilang ng isang malaking pamilya.”
On how she prepares for these roles:
“I had to get my background story straight for each of the characters. Kailangan alam ko kung ano ang pinanggalingan nila. I read the script and memorize my lines before I even go on set para ready.”
On her first Metro Manila Film Fest movie:
“I feel very honored to be part of a big film like Ang Panday. And to be part of the MMFF, it is something surreal. I know I’m very blessed.”
On her singing career:
“I’ve always enjoyed singing ever since I was little. But when I was much younger, I was also very shy. Now I’m so happy because I get to do something I love and even record an album. I can’t really talk about it right now since we’re still in the middle of production. But I took a lot of inspiration from mine and Mccoy’s [de Leon] journey as partners. The song ‘If We Fall in Love’ is in the album, and it’s my favorite one so far.”
On what she does when she has time off:
“I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I’m an only child so I really like reaching out to the people I’m close to so we could spend time. But I also like to just relax at home by myself and watch series online, and sometimes play dress up and take photos!”
On advice she would give her younger self:
“Be brave. Stop listening to your fears and doubts. Just step out and do it. Also, don’t fall [in love] too fast!”
On challenges that still excite her:
“I know I’m so blessed to do what I’m doing now. I would like to just keep being given opportunities to share my gifts and eventually really reach out to those who are less fortunate. I really believe in giving back.”
On how she keeps pretty and fresh despite her busy schedule:
“I know it might seem like a small thing, but scents are really important to me. So I’m very happy that Fiona Cologne is with me all the time. I love how I can go for something sweet like Fiona Cologne Rosy Red, and switch it up the next day with something fresh, like I just came out of the shower with Fiona Cologne Pretty Mist. I’m also in love with Raspberry Drops! It smells so yummy. I really have a hard time choosing, to be honest,” Elisse laughingly shares.
A busy schedule filled with shooting and recording days do not seem to faze Elisse. Fiona Cologne, with its charming and attractive scents, brings out the fun and beautiful in everyone and will naturally make its wearer shine in the spotlight. Girls can now be effortlessly confident just like Elisse.
Fiona Cologne is now available in supermarkets, groceries, and drugstores nationwide.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 20, 2017 | Lifestyle
Life offers amazing opportunities and grand adventures, but it can also take a sudden turn and bring unexpected challenges along the way. Such was the story of Lisa (not her real name), 25, when she decided to travel to Nepal to join a humanitarian mission to teach indigenous children.
Lisa was in Kathmandu on the 25th of April 2015 when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, the biggest one to hit the country in over 70 years. Lisa suffered both physical and mental trauma. The fact that she was thousands of miles away from home caused incredible distress to her family, who were desperate to hear news from her.
They sought help from AXA Assistance, and her name was added by the crisis command center to the list of people covered by AXA within the vicinity of the earthquake. An AXA medical professional conducted checks among the injured and found Lisa. He regularly checked on Lisa, gave her a chance to talk to her parents, and arranged for her to return home to fully recover from her injuries. She had surgery, went through physical rehabilitation and attended peer counseling to help her deal with the mental trauma. She was empowered to move forward and fully recover and eventually, Lisa chose to return to her life in Kathmandu.
Rahul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines
Lisa’s story is the powerful backdrop for the new brand campaign of AXA, a global leader in insurance. “This campaign is all about empowerment,” shares AXA Philippines CEO Rahul Hora. “It’s all about helping our customers to live the life they choose, by being prepared for unforeseen events and how AXA can help people pursue their dreams, make a difference, and live the life they choose—with the right plan and partner to guide them in their journey”.
AXA is present in 64 countries and has more than 107 million customers worldwide. It has been recognized as the leading global insurance brand for the past eight consecutive years by Interbrand in their annual Global Best Brands ranking.
Rahul concludes, “With this campaign, we hope to inform more Filipinos of what AXA can do for them, how we can help them manage unexpected events, and empower them to live the life they choose.”
You can know more about Lisa’s story at www.axa.com.ph/livethelifeyouchoose.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 18, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Photo shows French ambassador to the Philippines Christian Hue getting an eye check-up from Essilor Philippines General Manager Dr. Emelita Roleda.
Essilor Vision Foundation and Delfingen Foundation joined hands recently to provide free eye screenings and free prescription glasses for 700 Delfingen employees and their family members.
Held in Delfingen Cebu plant, the event was graced by French ambassador to the Philippines Christian Hue, Delfingen CEO Bernard Streit and Essilor Vision Foundation president Aicha Mokdahi.
This initiative aims not only to provide vision care to Filipinos, but also to raise awareness of the need for adequate eye care and the importance of regular eye checkups. For more information, visit www.essilor.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 16, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Mark this date on your calendar – October 17, 2017 … this is the day when we celebrate National Pampering Day!
You work long hours everyday and often forget about pampering yourself. Well, tomorrow is the day to indulge. From 10am to 1pm get yourself a FREE manicure, or footspa, or foot massage at any Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa branch.
Visit www.nailaholics.com to check their services and find the branch nearest you. Get updates through their Facebook Page Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Twitter @_nailaholics and Instagram @_nailaholics.
Nailaholics is an urban destination that offers its customers an escape from the daily grind through its exceptional interiors and exceptional pampering service.
It currently has more than 50 branches nationwide, including in Gateway Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Cash and Carry Makati, Harbor Point Mall Subic, SM Cebu, SM Bacolod, and SM Lanang. See the map below to guide you to the many branches.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 12, 2017 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
After a long day spent at work or in school, reward yourself with slices of mouthwatering pizza and a box of delicious mojos shared with loved ones. Or how about deep-fried chicken seasoned with secret spices? Better yet, get all these plus an order of pasta and wash these down with refreshing sodas or iced tea.
With your Citi Credit Card and Citi Debit Mastercard, you can indulge your favorite meals at Shakey’s Pizza thanks to an exclusive and generous 30% discount on your food bill of P1,500 or more!
Enjoy Shakey’s popular Chicken ‘n’ Mojos, world-famous original Thin Crust Pizza and a wide variety of hearty menu items using your Citi credit card or Citibank debit Mastercard to avail of the discount. Simply inform any of the restaurant staff that you want to avail of Citi’s special offer.
Shakey’s is the leading pizza parlor operator and one of the fastest growing casual dining restaurants in the Philippines. It offers a diverse menu and high-quality products. With over 40 years of experience in providing great times and memories for Filipinos, Shakey’s provides a welcoming environment to families and friends. The store ambience and location have added value to its brand identity.
“It is very exciting to partner with Shakey’s in providing exclusive offers that will surely benefit our customers,” says Citi Philippines Credit Payments Head David Stoughton. “Many of our cardholders dine at Shakey’s regularly and we wanted to give them an offer that they will sure to welcome, and take advantage of with family and friends.”
Round up the gang and visit any Shakey’s store nationwide. Offer runs from Mondays to Fridays until October 31, 2017 for both dine-in and take-out transactions!
For more information about this exciting offer and to know more about the most delicious rewards exclusive to Citi cardholders, visit www.citibank.com.ph/lovetodine.
Not yet a Citi Card Member yet? Apply now at www.citibank.com.ph/apply.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 11, 2017 | Real Estate
In its bid to further cement its enviable position as a true model green CBD, Filinvest City in Alabang has recently registered with the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED rating system, aiming for the prestigious Gold Certification. Filinvest City has engaged Barone International, a Philippine-based sustainability and LEED consulting firm with offices in Guam and Houston, Texas, as its LEED Accredited Professional.
In line with this vision is Filinvest City’s further enhancement of its future-ready masterplan through the guidance of renowned design firm AECOM Singapore, evident in its introduction of multiple innovative green features.
At the core of this transformation is the “green belt” aptly called the Spectrum Midway Linear Park, a foliage-canopied walkway that spans across the north and south ends of the CBD. Filinvest City also takes pride in its bike lanes, which are purposely built and integrated in the sidewalk. Already in place as well is a thriving bird habitat, a living creek, a bike trail, and tree-canopied road networks.
Filinvest City, with all these advancements, sets out to be the first masterplanned development in the country to pursue the up-to-date and more stringent LEED version four of Neighborhood Development (ND)-Plan certification, with only two other developments in the world – in Japan and Italy – bearing this coveted recognition.
Projects pursuing LEED certification earn points across several areas that address sustainability issues – among them location and transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, and energy and atmosphere – providing independent verification of the green features of a particular building or neighborhood in the key areas of design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
In the LEED ND rating system, the major prerequisites and credits considered are categorized as:
- Smart Location and Linkage (SLL), which considers transit accessibility, ecosystems and open spaces, and jobs and housing proximity;
- Neighborhood Pattern and Design (NPD) which looks into walkable streets, neighborhood connections, parking and transportation demand, among others; and
- Green Infrastructure and Buildings (GIB) that review such characteristics as energy efficiency and conservation, energy production and distribution, water efficiency and conservation, green building process, heat islands, and light pollution.
Filinvest City deliberately takes all these into account as it continuously aims to fuse the needs of the people, nature, and commerce, making it one of the most progressive green neighborhood developments in the metro. According to Dean Barone of Barone International, Filinvest City has embodied the principles of smart growth with walkable streets and an inviting mix of trees and development to foster a sense of community for over twenty years.
Aside from proactively embracing green initiatives, the masterplan for Filinvest City encourages transportation alternatives, and preservation of sensitive lands – all aimed at benefitting the public as a whole. The development emphasizes vibrant, equitable communities that are healthy, walkable and of mixed-use. Moreover, Filinvest City also promotes the construction and design of sustainable, energy, and water efficient structures.
Filinvest City has embodied the principles of smart growth with walkable streets and an inviting mix of trees and development to foster a sense of community for over twenty years.
Simply put, its green features were put in place for the ultimate benefit of residents and locators, all towards the goal of making Filinvest City an ideal community, one that is balanced and eco-sustainable – providing for a meaningful contribution to a greener economy.
Have you ever experienced a day when nothing seems to go well, that no matter how you try to choose the right path, you keep making the wrong turn? Just like having a bad hair day, no matter how many times you comb your hair, it just would not budge.
Eating the right food can alter your mood. Having low-level of folic acid in your body can cause anxiety, hence, food such as asparagus, avocado, salmon, and almond are recommended to fight stress hormones.
Listen to comforting music and reading feel-good stories can help switch you to a calm mood.
Exercise releases endorphins that can relieve you from stress and anxiety.
Taking in Vitamins such as B-complex can alter mood swings.
NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, please contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575 from Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm or visit 
Haven’t tried Angkas yet? If motorcycle rides don’t scare you then it is the perfect time to try this ridesharing service.
No promo codes as of this time.
Elisse Joson is constantly smiling nowadays. This is despite the fact that she has roles in both The Good Son and Panday, along with the MMFF entry film version of the latter. She’s also gearing up to launch her new album soon.
With your Citi Credit Card and Citi Debit Mastercard, you can indulge your favorite meals at Shakey’s Pizza thanks to an exclusive and generous 30% discount on your food bill of P1,500 or more!
“It is very exciting to partner with Shakey’s in providing exclusive offers that will surely benefit our customers,” says Citi Philippines Credit Payments Head David Stoughton. “Many of our cardholders dine at Shakey’s regularly and we wanted to give them an offer that they will sure to welcome, and take advantage of with family and friends.”
For more information about this exciting offer and to know more about the most delicious rewards exclusive to Citi cardholders, visit 
Filinvest City, with all these advancements, sets out to be the first masterplanned development in the country to pursue the up-to-date and more stringent LEED version four of Neighborhood Development (ND)-Plan certification, with only two other developments in the world – in Japan and Italy – bearing this coveted recognition.
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