Beauty

Avon’s National Sales Convention in 2023 marks a strong fourth quarter


Avon representative awardees for National Sales Convention (NASCON) 2023.

The National Sales Convention (NASCON) 2023 was hosted at the Winford Manila and live streamed to all Avon locations in the nation by Avon, the top direct selling company in the nation. Nearly 4000 Avon Representatives and Sales Leaders joined in the celebration of development and new opportunities under the theme “I’ve Got The Power” during the event.

Gift With Power this Christmas

Every gift is given with affection. Powerful gifts from Avon. The occasion saw the debut of Avon’s 2023 holiday advertising campaign, Gift With Power. The company highlights precisely priced gifts with added power for a period of 12 weeks building up to Christmas. This Christmas, Avon becomes the go-to place for everyone looking for strong and useful gifts, from lipsticks that give a woman the confidence to own a room to scents that offer a woman the courage to speak up.

Sharing the “Boob Love

For over three decades, Avon has empowered women around the world to know the signs, know the risks, and to know how to take action against breast cancer.

To promote how early detection can save lives, Avon Asia Pacific Managing Director and Avon Philippines General Manager Razvan Diratian invited attendees to join Fun Run to Boob Love on October 21, 2023. The event combines a 3/5km run with a fun, community-driven space designed to spread the knowledge, courage, and power to make breast care an essential part of every woman’s self-care journey. Proceeds generated from the run will be donated to the Philippine Cancer Society.

Powerful product launches

More than 20% of each Avon product sold supports female entrepreneurs and helps create better futures for women.

Throughout the event, Avon shared a glimpse of new products across the brand’s fragrance and beauty offerings. Attendees got a firsthand look at Far Away Beyond The Moon which features the scent of Belle de Nuit – a flower that blooms in moonlight – and Imari Queen which sports a burst of juicy blackberries, royal rose accords and a warm anise musk essence.

The introduction of these new fragrances was complemented by a showcase of the brand’s new Hydramatic Lipstick – the world’s first matte lipstick with a hydrating hyaluronic core –  and a fashion show that featured Men’s Club ambassador Enchong Dee and showcased the brand’s latest collection of intimate apparel.  

Bringing out the power in women

In keeping with the promise of supporting women, Avon shared new enrichment programs such as a trip incentive program for Sales Leaders. For their instrumental contributions to the brand’s continued success as leaders in makeup, fragrances, lotion, and intimate apparel,  women leaders stand to win trips to exciting locations such as Taiwan, Korea, and Turkey.

“Our Representatives are the driving force behind our success at Avon,” said Diratian. “It also serves to reaffirm our promise to help empower women with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to enjoy the financial freedom that comes from taking charge of their own Avon businesses.”

Fulfilling our sustainability promise

In line with the company’s commitment to making a good social and environmental effect, Avon reported on its progress toward fulfilling its sustainability pledge to improve the world.

The Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny program, the international benchmark for cruelty-free goods, granted Avon accreditation this year. Avon Products Manufacturing Inc. has cut emissions by 14% in terms of output. More than 80% of the company’s packaging is now recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable, and some locations have started collecting empty bottles to use as building materials that are environmentally beneficial. 

*Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.

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October 6, 2023 by
Lifestyle, News

Dr. Sarah and Kenneth Padron-Lumalang are the newest franchise owners for VPX in Pasig City, transitioning from cruise lines to car lines


Revolutionizing Auto Service in Pasig City: [Seated] Mr. Normann Chiu, President of ValuePlus, and Dr. Mary Sarah Padron finalize their groundbreaking agreement. [Standing, 2nd from Right] John Kenneth Lumalang, alongside ValuePlus executives [Standing] Rem Agustin, Admin Manager, Mark Saberola, General Manager, and Darlyn Valenzona, Repsol Marketing Manager, witness this pivotal moment for VPX Auto Service Franchising.

Dr. Mary Sarah Padron and her husband John Kenneth Lumalang have joined ValuePlus Auto Service Philippines Inc.’s pioneering brand VPX Auto Service Franchising as its newest franchisees. The youthful pair, who reside in the busy city of Pasig, injects a new wave of vitality and innovation into the network.

Dr. Sarah is a practicing physician, and Kenneth has experience working in the food and beverage division of the cruise business. They are both overseas Filipino professionals. The couple balances the joys and difficulties of parenting a family while starting this new chapter with the challenging effort of creating their franchise.

“I’ve always been fascinated by cars and the complexities of auto maintenance.” Channeling this enthusiasm into a VPX franchise is a dream come true. “We strive to deliver exceptional service by combining medical precision with culinary flair,” adds Dr. Sarah.

Kenneth, her husband, adds, “We are thrilled to be a part of a brand that resonates with our values.” VPX is innovative and customer-focused, qualities we want to instill in our own franchise.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Sarah and Kenneth into our VPX family,” says ValuePlus President Normann Chiu. Their particular skill set and enthusiasm for the business make them great franchisees.”

Mr. Mark Saberola, GM of ValuePlus, is equally upbeat, saying, “Dr. Sarah and Kenneth embody the spirit of what VPX aspires to be—versatile, committed, and focused on delivering top-notch service.” Their various backgrounds promise an intriguing dynamic that we can’t wait to experience.


A Journey Fueled by Aspirations and Icing: Dr. Mary Sarah Padron and John Kenneth Lumalang with their one-of-a-kind ‘Opening Soon’ cake, a heartfelt gift from VPX, capturing the promise and excitement of their forthcoming auto service venture in Pasig City.

Dr. Sarah and Kenneth defy the notion that a doctor and a F&B expert entering the vehicle care industry is a reach. Their wide-ranging skill set not only enhances the VPX brand but also disproves the widespread belief that technicians and engineers should only do auto servicing.

The location of the Pasig City branch in Brgy. With the impending opening of Ugong, VPX Auto Service Franchising will have reached another significant milestone in its mission to transform auto care in the Philippines. The inclusion of this brilliant duo on the VPX roster demonstrates the company’s inclusive and progressive philosophy.

Please get in touch with Mark at [email protected] or 0917-637-2085 for VPX Auto Service franchise queries.

October 5, 2023 by
Uncategorized

Launch of ‘Opening Doors to Education’ School Supply Donation by iQor Qares


Kevin Murphy, Vice President of Operations at iQor, shares smiles with the students of Monicayo Elementary School in Mabalacat, Pampanga, as they receive school bags and supplies from the iQor Qares Foundation.

In the Philippines, iQor Qares recently provided school materials and backpacks to primary schools as part of a campaign to empower young people and raise awareness of the value of education. The iQor Qares Philippines Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that helps iQor staff members, their families, and their communities when they require financial support as a result of traumatic or life-altering circumstances.

The steering committee and the board of directors of the iQor Qares Philippines Foundation collaborated to collect employee gifts, and the teams from senior leadership and human resources helped pack the school bags. The following schools received the school supplies from the administrative team, including notebooks, pencils, dictionaries, whiteboards, markers, modeling clay, rulers, and protractors:

• Angeles City, Pampanga – Cutcut Elementary School

• Mabalacat, Pampanga – Monicayo Elementary School

• Santa Rosa City, Laguna – Macabling Elementary School

• Dasmariñas City, Cavite – Paliparan 3 Relocation Site through the Kristong Hari Parish

“It was a wonderful experience having not only our senior leaders from the Philippines take part but also our chief operations officer and the other country leads from Trinidad, Colombia, and India all lend a hand to pack 500 school bags for distribution here,” said Kevin Murphy, vice president of operations. “Seeing the impact iQor Qares has had on so many really puts a smile on my face, and our team values what our organization is doing for employees and our community at the same time.”


iQor employees join iQor Qares Foundation’s “Opening Doors to Education” project school supplies drive in Pampanga, Laguna and Cavite

Since early 2023, iQor Qares has provided financial assistance to iQor employees in the Philippines who have faced life-altering events and hardships. The organization also believes in giving back to the communities in which iQor operates, especially focusing on supporting public elementary school students and addressing the challenges many children face in accessing quality education.

“By rolling up their sleeves and actively engaging in the event, senior leadership exemplified the very essence of being an iQorian by setting a tangible and inspiring example for all employees. Their presence and participation sent a clear message that the company’s values are not just words on paper but deeply ingrained in our actions,” said James Down, senior director of operations.

“The ‘Opening Doors to Education’ project reflects our commitment to making education accessible and inspiring students to prioritize their learning. By offering school supplies, the initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families who struggle to afford basic educational materials. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for students to build their confidence and self-esteem. We hope that this project will inspire more people to contribute and initiate similar projects, ultimately creating a positive impact on education in the regions where iQor operates,” said Fleurette Navarro, chief people officer at iQor and chairperson of iQor Qares Philippines Foundation.

Visit iQorQares.com for further details or to donate. Individuals from all over the world are welcome to make one-time and recurring credit card donations to iQor Qares. Additionally, payroll gifts are an option for iQor staff members in the Philippines and the US. Every donation is warmly welcomed and helps the iQor Qares purpose be accomplished.

The value-driven business process outsourcing company iQor is dedicated to fostering gratifying interactions and interpersonal relationships. Work-at-home and flexible office hours are popular among employees. In the Philippine archipelago, which consists of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, iQor operates 17 contact centers. Candidates should go to https://apply.iqor.com if they are interested.

October 4, 2023 by
Beauty, Sports

Run to raise awareness of breast cancer with Pia Wurtzbach, Enchong Dee, Kyline Alcantara, and a number of celebrities

On October 21 at the CCP Complex in Pasay City, wear your jogging shoes and join the campaign to honor every woman’s breast health journey.

Everyone is invited to join Fun Run to Boob Love by Avon, the nation’s top manufacturer of intimate apparel, and run alongside the 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, actor and model Enchong Dee, Sparkle GMA actress Kyline Alcantara, 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee, 2023 Miss Supranational 1st Runner Up Pauline Amelinckx, and a host of other celebrities from the worlds of fashion, fitness, and wellness.

The celebration of every woman’s breast health journey is organized by the community. Fun race to Boob Love, which consists of a 3KM/5KM race and a fair focused on breast health and education, aims to generate money for the Philippine Cancer Society, a longtime Avon partner organization.

Avon’s dedication to maintaining women’s breast health reaches another milestone with the educational campaign. Avon encourages people to feel the boob love, be aware of the warning signs, understand the risks, and know what they can do to combat breast cancer. This includes promoting the value of self-care practices that save lives.

Visit bit.ly/AvonBoobLove to sign up for the Fun Run to Boob Love if you’re prepared to run for a good cause. Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group. *Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.

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October 4, 2023 by
Health and Wellness

United by Blood: Support One Another and Shine a Light on Blood Cancer Awareness Month

It might be claimed that, similar to the original adage “It takes a village to raise a child,” it takes a village to fight and defeat cancer. Even though just one body is engaged in physical conflict, the encouragement of friends and family matters greatly on the emotional and mental fronts.

This year’s World Lymphoma and Blood Cancer Awareness Month sees the community join together to commemorate the survivors, fighters, and their families.

The most prevalent types of blood cancers include lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. Blood cancers are caused by DNA abnormalities in blood cells. The World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Observatory estimates that every year in the Philippines, 5,000 cases of lymphoma, 6,000 cases of leukemia, and 800 cases of myeloma are diagnosed. That amounts to about 12,000 Filipinos a year receiving a blood cancer diagnosis. It is more than simply a number; it also represents 12,000 affected families, 12,000 interrupted lives, and 12,000 struggles for a better tomorrow.

Unknown to many, Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the immune system’s infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. The lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other areas of the body contain these cells, and Lymphoma leads lymphocytes to change and increase out of control. Common symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, chills, weight loss, fatigue– all of which are more likely to be caused by, or confused with other conditions, which is why getting checked by a doctor is important for proper diagnosis, and education about blood cancers needs to be reinforced. Lymphoma Philippines aims to make this happen.

Lymphoma Philippines is a non-profit organization for Lymphoma patients, survivors, and caregivers aiming to spread awareness and education on Lymphoma, and connect the community through medically-approved Lymphoma-related campaigns in the country. The lack of information is what inspired cancer survivor Jheric Delos Angeles, after his recovery from Stage 4 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, and his wife Anna Tapel-Delos Angeles to create a community of Filipino patients and their family members in order to educate more people and provide much needed support to those in need, including fighting for better healthcare.

As part of these efforts, Jheric and Anna unveil The LymphomaQR Project, an initiative that aims to make information accessible to the general public through an easy-to-use and familiar tool. With the goal of helping Filipinos have access to relevant information all throughout their Lymphoma journey, the LymphomaQR chatbot hopes to lessen the burden that they face. With LymphomaQR, anyone can:

  • Know more about Lymphoma, its symptoms
  • Possible treatment options
  • Available financial assistance programs

“We looked back at our personal journey in the fight against Lymphoma, and saw the gaps to be filled– one of which is quick access to reliable information. With LymphomaQR, we’re simply taking queues from technological trends readily accepted by people to be able to make the experience easier for them, lessening the burden in whatever way we can,” says Lymphoma Philippines co-founder Jheric Delos Angeles.


Jheric and Anna also recognize that there is a bigger battle to be fought and more people willing to support the cause, all united by blood. In line with this, Lymphoma Philippines officially launches the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines this World Lymphoma Awareness Month. Joining forces with EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines, Kanser sa Adolescents and Young Adults Community / KAYA Community, The Carewell Community Foundation, Touched by Max Inc, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, UST Hospital Hematology Department, Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, and Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc., the alliance aims to shed light on the issues faced by Filipino blood cancer patients, increase efficiency to access information and support, and overall improve the experience and outcomes of all those living with blood cancer.

“We can never truly know the gravity of the battle of our survivors, warriors, and their families. Nevertheless, let us continue offering our support even by simply clicking the share button. It only takes a second. A nugget of vital information when shared with many can make a difference. Let’s make it happen with the help of Lymphoma Philippines and the Blood Cancer Alliance of the Philippines,” urges Dr. Clarito Cairo, Department of Health, Disease Prevention and Control Management Bureau, Cancer Control Division, Program Manager. “We at the Department of Health thank you for this, and lend our full support.”

Visit Lymphoma Philippines’ website at lymphomaphilippines.com or its Facebook page at facebook.com/LymphomaPH for additional information.

October 4, 2023 by
Lifestyle, News

Allianz PNB Life Honored For Outstanding Workplace Practices and CSR Initiatives


Allianz PNB Life Chief HR Officer, Kathy Oliva, and Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, Gino Riola (7th and 8th persons from the left), proudly accept two awards at the 2023 HR Excellence Awards ceremony, joined by their colleagues from Human Resources, Protection and Resilience, and Market Management.

The success of an organization depends on its workplace culture, which supports employee engagement, productivity, and performance. Everyone is inspired to work their hardest when there is a strong, supportive culture that upholds the company’s ideals.

Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) has been able to focus on giving its clients the finest financial journey experience possible, which supports its purpose to ensure the future of the Filipino people. This has contributed to its strong year-over-year success. The company’s great performance is visible in both its human resources and financial results.

Making Work-Life Balance Possible

As a testament to its commitment to promote an engaging and positive workplace culture, Allianz PNB Life was recently recognized in several categories of the HR Excellence Awards, which honors the best-in-class HR teams and individuals, for their ground-breaking and impactful work executed across the entire HR function to champion the way forward.

AZPNBL won two Gold Awards at the HR Excellence Awards – Excellence in Workforce Flexibility and Excellence in Workforce Mobility – a recognition of the company’s effective response to harness digital tools and offer streamlined and timely services to its clients and employees. As it is cognizant that work culture and attitude are ever-evolving and that workers’ attitudes and behaviour toward work must be taken into consideration to bring out the best in them, the company was able to match their passions with their responsibilities, to show respect to their right to dignity of work, while maintaining a proper balance of achieving organizational goals and targets through proper and responsible work.

As such, AZPNBL laid the groundwork for its employees to have the choice and be flexible in the manner in which they can do their work. With proper guidance in adhering to pre-pandemic principles from HR and their line managers, employees can choose when, where, and how they can do their work, while maintaining a high quality of output and a results-based measurement system that assures that goals are met.


Allianz RideSafe-Kaagapay Participants joyfully and proudly display their certificates following training with Tambay Cycling Hub, SOS Children’s Village, and Allianz PNB Life.

Enabling empowerment through crisis management

As AZPNBL shifted to hybrid ways of working, it is also important to mitigate and handle risks both in real life and online. The company won a Bronze Award for Excellence in Crisis Management Planning through its Allianz PNB Life Protection and Resilience program, which focuses on building safety and protection of the company’s “software” and “peopleware”.

Communication materials promoted cyber-safety, with regular training and seminars on disaster preparedness for employees and Life Changers. These utilized creative and practical ways of building capacities of AZPNBL employees so that they will be up-to-date on cybersecurity issues, and be equipped with basic knowledge on handling emergency situations during natural disasters.

Building a CSR culture

As the company continues its robust growth in the industry, it also reaches out to communities to promote inclusivity and sustainability with several impactful campaigns through its Corporate Social Responsibility programs. The Ride Safe initiative, which promotes cycling as a mode of transportation in four major cities within Metro Manila, won a Silver recognition from the HR Excellence Awards and Most impactful CSR Initiative at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023.

Aside from helping clients achieve their financial goals, AZPNBL encourages them to build a better tomorrow and secure their future through various sustainability initiatives that are geared not just for its clients, but also its communities.

AZPNBL partnered with public and private organizations to promote biking as a healthy and sustainable form of transport, and to supply biking infrastructure and education. Aside from projects that included installing artful bike racks, a solar-powered cyclist pit stop, and a bike lane along a major thoroughfare, it has expanded to include a livelihood component by offering bike maintenance repair training for SOS Children’s Village Kaagapay program participants from Iloilo, Cebu, and Tacloban.

The Seeds of Tomorrow project, which also won an award at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023 for Most Creative Campaign focused on sustainability and food security. Through this project, Allianz Protect policyholders were given the opportunity to contribute a percentage to the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines’ (WWF-PH) Food Shed Farming Enterprise Project.

Along with its strong performance in the industry, these CSR activities have helped create awareness and build credibility and trust for AZPNBL among Filipinos. Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola says, “Our vision is to Secure the Future of Filipinos not only through our innovative products and services that are designed to meet lifetime financial planning and wealth accumulation, but also through extending our support for Filipino communities through programs that will reach even future generations. This is in keeping with the Allianz Global initiatives to create positive social impact through the way we run our organization and by using our expertise as an insurer, investor, and asset manager.”

As a Great Place to Work from July 2023 to July 2024, the Global Authority on Workplace Culture also recognized AZPNBL. In addition, Insurance Asia News named AZPNBL Life Insurer of the Year among Asian Insurers, and International Business Magazine named AZPNBL Most Outstanding Life Insurance Company-Philippines in 2022.

The accolades, according to Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Joseph Gross, encourage the business to keep providing top-notch goods, services, and solutions as part of its dedication to helping Filipinos. “We are anticipating strengthening our market leadership with our ongoing, pertinent innovation, which includes the digitalization of our insurance policies, along with the know-how, commitment, and Filipino brand of caring from our Life Changers.”

October 4, 2023 by
Lifestyle, News

How to Apply for Canadian Visas Without Being Scammed, According to RCIC Expert Advice

Following comments made by Housing Minister Sean Fraser that capping the number of international student visas is “one of the options” they “ought to consider” in order to address the housing problem in Canada, the Canadian government recently made news.

Kaede Kikumoto, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), stated that he is aware of this persistent problem.

“I must admit na tumaas talaga significantly ang cost ng pagbili at pag-rent ng bahay sa lahat ng parts ng Canada. Madami na rin ang nagiging homeless; humihingi ng tulong sa government at mga non-profit organizations for housing; hindi maka-afford bumili ng bahay dahil sa tuluy-tuloy na pagtaas ng presyo kaya nananatiling nangungupahan,” he said.

Late last year, he had dinner with the consul general of Vancouver and the ambassador of the Philippines to Canada, and they talked about possible causes of the issue. Kaede drew attention to the flaws in the visa processing system by noting a twofold increase in the number of Filipino international students studying in Canada. “Dahil ‘pag nabibigyan ng mga false promises at na-experience na ang realidad sa Canada, sa Consul General at Filipino non-profit organizations na ang lapit, sila din nahihirapan. “Minsan, nasisisi pa if you’re planning to allow ghost consultants or unauthorized representatives in the Philippines,” he remarked.

As Kaede stated, these misleading promises include the ability to become a permanent resident of Canada in a short amount of time and to take their family with them when they move abroad.

Eventually, our kababayans will realize that these things don’t come easy. This is when things start to complicate. He said, “Dito na papasok ‘yung ayaw nilang umuwi kasi nakapangutang na sila o nagbenta o nagsanla para panggastos papunta sa Canada. Ang ending, mag-o-overstay ng walang legal status o mag-cash jobs, which is illegal. ‘Yung iba ay nakikitira sa mga kamag-anak o kaibigan, pero may mga ilan na nagiging homeless o nagkakabaon-baon sa utang.”

Committed to helping our kababayans experience a hassle-free trip, Kaede’s Kikumoto Immigration Firm offers free consultations to guide them on their journey and to avoid getting scammed.

“Tumutulong ang Kikumoto Immigration Firm sa mga kababayan natin na magbigay ng mga tamang impormasyon at walang false promises. Ine-educate namin silang mabuti sa kung anong pwede nilang kaharapin sa Canada,” he said.

Guiding their clients in every step of the way, Kaede also warned people of engaging with illegal representatives.

“Inaalalayan ng Kikumoto Immigration Firm ang mga clients bago sila mag-apply for a visa, bago umalis, pagdating sa Canada at maging sa kanilang pananatili doon. Hindi namin sila iiwan sa ere, hindi gaya ng mga unauthorized representatives na hindi naman talaga legally authorized to represent clients. Hindi nila inaral ang immigration laws ng Canada unlike Kikumoto Immigration Firm na ran and owned by an RCIC,” he added. 

“Sa Kikumoto Immigration Firm, may malasakit sa clients. Kaya naman tuwang tuwa ang mga clients namin dahil kami pa mismo ang nagreremind sa kanila kung pwede na mag-apply ng post graduate work permit, permanent residency o citizenship. Inaalagaan namin ng mabuti ang immigration status nila sa Canada para hindi sila maligaw ng landas,” Kaede concluded.

About Kaede Kikumoto

Kaede Kikumoto, RCIC, MBA, PMP is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and BC Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. Hailing from the city of Vancouver, Canada, Kaede is the Chief Executive Officer of Kikumoto Immigration Firm that has successfully processed over a hundred clients in less than a year.

About Kikumoto Immigration Firm

Established in 2021, Kikumoto Immigration Firm is a Vancouver-based company run by licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kaede Kikumoto.

Kikumoto Immigration Firm commits to offer professional immigration, education, recruitment & employment, business, and legal services to help provide fellow Filipinos the best opportunities and a better life in Canada.

Website: https://www.kikumotoimmigrationfirm.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KikumotoImmigrationFirm/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikumotoimmigrationfirm/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kikumotoimmigrationfirm

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kikumoto.immigrationfirm

October 3, 2023 by
Entertainment

AXEAN Festival 2023 will celebrate the best Southeast Asian food, music, and craft beer


Photo credit: @colossalphotos

The renowned yearly regional music festival AXEAN Festival will be held in Singapore on October 28 and 29 this year. The festival is teaming up with a huge variety of craft beer, food, and art vendors from Southeast Asia to give festival-goers a fully immersive experience and foster a spirit of community and collaboration. Live music performances will be given by well-known and up-and-coming acts from 10 different countries throughout Southeast Asia and the rest of the world. Tickets are available here!

The festival’s emphasis on Asia’s indelible food culture is heightened in this year’s edition, which features innovative dishes inspired by regional flavors and a carefully selected Beer Village with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.

This iteration’s performers include ������ Malaysia’s cultural icons Masdo and Zamaera, renowned lyrical storyteller Taba Chake from ������ India, feel-good alt-rock band Helsinki Lambda Club from ������ Japan, and many more.

The festival is now operating on a pay-cos-you-want system with a 250% tax-deduction for donations over SGD 100 through its charity partner FOUNDATION MUSIC, in the hopes of making the festival accessible to as many people as possible. Donations from the public allow the independent festival to continue its annual efforts to elevate the best music in the ASEAN region, accelerating the artists’ careers and launching them on a global stage.

Music Showcase

Apart from Singapore-based organizations, France will be the first European country invited to present an artist – Sūn Jùn, a young French emerging musician, composer, and producer. The Embassy of France will also run a dedicated activation space to promote French music industry initiatives in Asia, where festival goers will be invited to discover French sounds throughout the broadcasting of What the France music playlists and to meet and exchange with French music experts and companies based in Asia.

Beer Village & Festival Food

AXEAN Festival is teaming up with Beer Village, hosting a range of craft beer and food vendors from Singapore and across the region to satisfy the appetites of festival-goers and artists alike, merging international tastes with local twists. Craft beer aficionados and newcomers can unite in a vibrant celebration of the finest brews from across Southeast Asia in this immersive experience that brings together the best of craft beer, gastronomy, and entertainment.

Craft Beer Vendors include:
Brewlander (Singapore), Burbrit Brewery (Myanmar), Paperkite (Malaysia), Off Day Beer Company (Singapore), Kultural (Indonesia), The 1925 Brewing Co. (Singapore), Lion Brewery Co (Singapore), Samata Brewing (Thailand)

Food vendors include:
Meatsmith SG, The Oyster Cart, Blue Smoke

Get your tickets here to pre-order 2 beers, as well as 20% off all F&B purchases in the festival!

Art Showcase

AXEAN Festival will include a selection of works from GOFY exhibition For Art’s Sake 2023, which brings art into regular commercial spaces and melds the discovery of art with people’s daily rituals. GOFY is an independent Singapore-based creative community that supports artists from Southeast Asia.

A special exhibition that highlights the skills of local urban artists will provide audiences with a chance to enjoy the mix of music and the arts. With narratives that mirror the pulse of the present, the artworks will capture the spirit of Southeast Asia’s young.

The full lineup of artists performing at AXEAN Festival 2023 in alphabetical order is as follows:

Presented by TuneCore:

Awang Samrow – Malaysia

Madd Mark – Philippines

Pink Pitch – Indonesia

Singnoy – Thailand

Presented by Ambassade De France À Singapour:

Sūn Jùn – France

Presented by [-]YPHEN:

Bayangan – Malaysia

Leaism – Malaysia

Masdo – Malaysia

Shelhiel – Malaysia

Zamaera – Malaysia

ABANGSAPAU – Singapore

Alisson Shore – Philippines

BULGOGIDISCO – South Korea

Deer Mx – Hong Kong

DVY – Indonesia

Ena Mori – Philippines

Empty Wallet – Brunei

Flower.far – Thailand

H 3 F – Thailand

Helsinki Lambda Club – Japan

HOME – Japan

inch – Singapore

Jean Seizure – Singapore

Jeslla – Indonesia

KIKI – Thailand

KWAN – Cambodia

Limebócx – Vietnam

LONER – Philippines

Mantra Vutura – Indonesia

MSET075: MCBK & Faz $F – Laos

Minh – Vietnam

Murphy and The Lawyers – Hong Kong

motifs – Singapore

Nick. – Cambodia

Oh, Flamingo! – Philippines

Reality Club – Indonesia

San – Cambodia

Shye – Singapore

Sophia Everest – Myanmar

Taba Chake – India

TANAYU – Indonesia

The Itchyworms – Philippines

Thịnh Suy – Vietnam

Vũ Thanh Vân – Vietnam

Wake Up, Iris! – Indonesia

XTIE – Hong Kong

Zweed n’ Roll – Thailand

Get your tickets here!

Partner benefits:

Hmlet has gladly extended a 10% discount for participants and guests using the promo code AXEANxHABYT. This will be applicable for both Owen House by Hmlet and Hmlet Cantonment. You may send your inquiries and reservations mentioning the promo code to [email protected].

For more information: Secret Signals | AXEAN Festival

Follow AXEAN Festival: Facebook | Website | Instagram | YouTube

Get your tickets here: axeanfestival2023.peatix.com

October 3, 2023 by
Beauty

The Holiday Kits from Paula’s Choice Philippines are here for the Season of Ultimate Glowing Skin!

Seasonal celebrations of all kinds take place during the holidays. There is no better time to invest in self-care and enjoy the gift of gorgeous, glowing skin than when we meet with our loved ones to celebrate the spirit of the season. Paula’s Choice is prepared to celebrate right away with special holiday kits and holiday glow classics that are ideal for gift-giving this season. You can save a lot of money with the bundles, and they give you the tools to improve your skincare routine. These bundles are your ticket to getting the seasonal glow you deserve, whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or a beginner to Paula’s Choice products.

Immerse yourself in a skincare festival that promises nothing but radiance from October 2 to October 10. Discover the enchantment of the Special Holiday Kits, which are currently 20% OFF combined with your favorite Glow products for 15% OFF! A coveted Holiday Radiance Pack worth P2,950 is also yours for the taking when you indulge with a minimum P5,000 spend!

Discover Skincare Transformation with Exclusive Kits


Advanced Pore Perfecting Kit, now P7,520 (Retail Price P9,400)

Clinically proven products designed to rapidly unclog, visibly tighten, and reshape stretched, enlarged pores while smoothing out bumpy, orange peel texture, the Advanced Pore Perfecting Kit includes CLINICAL 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment, 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, and CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment. Plus, it comes in an exclusive Limited Edition Holiday Vanity Mirror Pouch!


Perfect Pair Kit, now P5,480 (Retail Price P6,850)

Revive your skin’s youthful radiance and achieve a firmer-looking complexion! Designed to tackle advanced signs of aging while addressing rough texture, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, this kit includes the potent yet gentle 10% Niacinamide Booster and the CLINICAL 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment, making it an ideal duo for those new to Niacinamide and Retinol. You’ll also receive this powerful pair in an exclusive Limited Edition Holiday Vanity Mirror Pouch!


Pot of Glow, now P6,760 (Retail Price at P8,450)

This expertly curated trio is designed to combat signs of aging and unveil your youthful radiance. This power-packed kit features research-backed formulas that work diligently to shed layers of dull skin, while simultaneously brightening and evening out your skin tone. With the combination of the C15 Super Booster, 10% Niacinamide Booster, and the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, this kit includes top fan favorites suitable for all skin types. Get ready to reveal your natural glow practically overnight with this exceptional trio.


Tighten & Reshape Pores Kit, now P5,760 (Retail Price at P7,200)  

Elevate your skincare routine with this kit that harnesses the multi-faceted power of BHA and features a groundbreaking 20% concentration of Niacinamide. Together, these ingredients work harmoniously to exfoliate pores, unclog and refine them, and balance oily skin to prevent further enlargement of pores. Ideal for those with normal to oily skin and advanced users of Niacinamide, this kit is your solution for addressing issues like orange peel texture and uneven tone.


Advanced Illuminate Kit, now P4,760 (Retail Price at P5,950)

Tackle dark spots and achieve a radiant glow with this kit containing star ingredients like Tranexamic Acid, AHA, and BHA. This kit harnesses the power of multi-acids to transform your skin in just 10 minutes, addressing brown and gray patches, and effectively smoothing your complexion while preventing new discolorations from forming with consistent use. Ideal for those dealing with discoloration and suitable for advanced users of AHA and BHA, this kit includes the CLINICAL Discoloration Repair Serum and the 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel.


Complimentary Holiday Radiance Pack with P5,000 min. spend (Retail Price at P2,950)

Last but not least, with a minimum purchase of P5,000, get a free Holiday Radiance Pack that includes three revitalizing sachets of 25% AHA + 2% BHA Peel, a travel-sized C5 Super Boost Moisturizer, and three azelaic acid booster sachets!

Paula’s Choice is aware of the value of personal grooming and self-care, particularly at this time of year. For you and your loved ones to enjoy this holiday season, they have put together exceptional holiday kits that bundle their top products at a discounted price. Discover the Paula’s Choice Holiday Kits Collection and set out on a quest to celebrate the season with the gift of glowing, lovely skin.

Paula’s Choice Philippines can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

October 3, 2023 by
Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

A Fresh Look for Tired, Aging Eyes with Restylane® Bright Eyes


Photo shows (L-R): Galderma Aesthetics Marketing and CET Manager Christine Legaspi, Galderma Philippines General Manager Ferdinand Roxas, Founder and Medical Director of the Asian Stem Cell Institute, Inc., Ma. Cristina Puyat, MD, FPDS, FPADSFI, World Renowned Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon Jason Li Chien-Nien, MD, Head Dermatologist of Aesthetic Institute of the Philippines Karen Gavino-Dionisio, MD, FPDS, and Galderma Aesthetics Business Unit Head Michelle de Jesus.

Concerns about tired eyes are common and transcend age and gender. Even after a restful night’s sleep, loss of volume and under-eye shadow can create the appearance of ongoing weariness.

Everyone might experience the effects of fatigued eyes, which is why Restylane® Bright Eyes is the solution. Restylane® Bright Eyes is a personalized treatment plan that reduces wrinkles and tears through distortion around the eyes. It is one of the brand’s cutting-edge Holistic personalized Treatment (HITTM) techniques.

For a brighter appearance, Restylane® Bright Eyes HITTM recommends using Restylane in conjunction with Lidocaine and Restylane® VOLYMETM in the periorbital region.

Restylane with Lidocaine emerges as the revolutionary answer to rejuvenate and brighten up those captivating eyes backed by extensive clinical journals. Dark shadows, under-eye hollows, and a fatigued appearance are no longer a challenge thanks to the groundbreaking filler, Restylane with Lidocaine.

Meanwhile, Restylane® VOLYME ™ is an aesthetic innovation that addresses mid-face volume loss, offering a non-surgical solution that restores natural-looking, youthful fullness. Through state-of-the-art technology, Restylane® VOLYME™ empowers individuals to regain their vitality and self-assured glow.

Restylane® Bright Eyes HIT™ emerges as a game-changer in the field of aesthetics, designed to address the concerns of those seeking to brighten up their eyes and achieve a more youthful, vibrant look.

“Restylane® Bright Eyes HIT™ represents a significant advancement in the world of aesthetic enhancements,” says Dr. Jason Li Chien-Nien MD., a renowned expert in dermatology from Taiwan, “Its unique formulation allows for precise and controlled volume restoration, resulting in a balanced appearance. The results are truly remarkable, and I’m thrilled to be part of an era where such innovative solutions are accessible to individuals seeking a refreshed and rejuvenated look”

The effectiveness of Restylane® Bright Eyes HIT™ is underscored by its ability to deliver results that go beyond expectations and its longevity, reducing the need for frequent maintenance sessions.

“Restylane® Bright Eyes HIT™ exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of beauty innovation. We believe that everyone deserves to look and feel their best, with the diverse portfolio of Restylane®, we are providing a transformative solution that empowers individuals to embrace the ageless natural look they deserve,” says Christine Legaspi, Marketing and CET Manager of Galderma.

This extraordinary filler targets the tear trough region, delivering the ideal touch of volume where it counts most thanks to its cutting-edge formulation and professional precision. has been the subject of extensive study and clinical testing, making it a dependable and secure solution for improving the under-eye region.

October 3, 2023 by