Manila International Book Fair (MIBF)’s co-located comics and pop culture event: Pop Hub: Comics Splash X Fandom Fest is back for a sophomore run this September.

The episode continues as Primetrade Asia, Inc., MIBF and Best of Anime organizer is set to gather once again the comics and pop culture community on September 14 to 15 from 10:00AM to 8:00PM at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. 

This year, comic fans and Fandoms will definitely geek out as your MIBF ticket also entitles you to a free POP HUB entrance! 

Following the success of last year’s POP HUB: Vol. 1 which featured distinguished guest artists and exciting activities such as workshops, cosplay competitions, training sessions, photo ops and fandom activities, Volume 2 is back yet again to showcase local and foreign comics, fandom groups and wide-ranging arts and entertainment. 

Coming back again this year are the country’s notable comics personalities: Pol Medina, creator of popular comic strip, Pugad Baboy, comics superstar, Harvey Tolibao and award-winning comic book and artist, Randy Valiente. Prince of PH Cosplay, Prince De Guzman will also be showcasing anew more of his transformations on POP HUB’s stage. 

Pop Hub rookies to watch out for in this year’s Volume 2 include: Don Suratos, Paramount’s Pet-Sematary illustrator, First Academy of Computer Art’s very own, Nick Trinidad and Ian Velasquez, writer of the new DI-13 komiks and grandson of Komiks pioneer, Damy Velasquez, brother of Kenkoy creator and founding Father of Philippine Komiks, Tony Velasquez. 

Of course, a pop culture event isn’t complete without the participation of fandom groups. Largest Fandoms around the country will be present in the event as well– The 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion, the only Lucasfilm and Disney-recognized worldwide Star Wars costuming groups; FightSaber, Hogwarts Philippines, USS Kalayaan (Star Trek Philippines), Ineffable MNL, Hamilton Philippines, Greasy Snitches, Supernatural PH, Justice PH, Westeros Cosplay PH and more!

 

Brace yourselves as POP HUB unveils more action-packed activities in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for more updates by following their official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @pophubMNL.

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is a bunch of symptoms that even the strongest women would usually face several days before that time of the month. Feeling totally frazzled and waking up with a different kind of fatigue is a reality, a zit on the nose that wasn’t there a night before. And oh, those tender breasts plus the soreness and heaviness. Worst, you can’t stop thinking about that fudgy chocolate cake you saw on Instagram!

According to Anne Price, a Certified Holistic Health Coach, an average woman experiences PMS 450 times in her lifetime. While hormones play a part in these biological changes, there’s a way how to manage it by avoiding these foods that are likely to alleviate the symptoms.

1. Trans fats and hydrogenated fats 

These are the nutritional bad words everyone should be aware of. Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are unhealthy by-products of a chemical process called hydrogenation. Manufacturers alter the fats to solidify liquid oils and lengthen shelf life and flavor of oils and foods that contain them. So, the next time you’re going to pick up margarine, crackers, cookies, and snack foods from the grocery shelves, read the labels and drop everything that says hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated even if the nutritional profile says 0% trans-fat. Go for saturated fats found in coconut or the healthier monounsaturated fats like olive and avocado oil. 

2. Food allergens

Food allergies cause digestive issues and skin breakouts that are obvious signs of a possible hormonal imbalance. But what if you have no idea which food you are allergic to? Either you have yourself checked by a doctor or try an elimination diet. This diet is a three-to-six-week eating plan that eliminates potential food allergens and then reintroduces them one at a time to identify which ones your body does not tolerate well. Top eight foods that belong to the food allergen camp are milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. 

3. High fructose corn syrup and refined sugar

High fructose corn syrup is a chemically produced sugar found in sodas and fruit-flavored drinks, while refined sugar is the ones usually stored in your pantry. It comes from sugar cane, processed to extract sugar used to sweeten cakes, desserts, cookies, coffee, and cereals. The difference between these and the natural sugars found in fruits is that the former have empty calories with no nutritional value while the latter are loaded with fiber and other nutrients that your body needs especially right before the shark week. The absence of fibers makes you digest these artificial sugars rapidly resulting in insulin and blood sugar skyrocket. The result? It fuels mood swings and worsens headaches and difficulty concentrating. That’s the reason as well why you don’t feel full even after giving in to your sweet tooth. But of course, you don’t have to deprive yourself especially when you’re PMSing to the max. Just stick to dark chocolates, dates, raw honey, and reach for stevia or coconut sugar as healthier alternatives!

4. Salt

Ever wonder why you’re bloated or your hands and feet swell during PMS? These symptoms are caused by none other than hormonal changes that cause water retention. And loading up on sodium will just make it worse. Swapping salty food with nuts and loading up on fruits and veggies are good choices to reduce the accumulation of water weight because of a diet that’s high in sodium!

5. Caffeine

PMS is usually associated with fatigue, mental exhaustion, and depression. A lot of women try to counter these by increasing caffeine intake. But because caffeine is a stimulant chemical, it causes increased heart rate and blood pressure. This consequently leads to tension, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and greater exhaustion. Its diuretic nature also increases urine production and triggers dehydration that is home to dysmenorrhea. Try herbal teas and decaffeinated liquids instead while going through PMS. 

6. Alcohol

When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it alters the brain function that produces serotonin. Serotonin is called the “happy hormone” because it contributes to a person’s stability and well-being. It regulates mood, social behavior, appetite, sleep, memory, and sexual desire functions. It is also responsible in mood alterations and disorders. Now imagine, that PMS is at its peak and you decide to wreck them further by drinking your favorite bar drink. Not very helpful, right? And like the previous item, it is also diuretic. It will rob you of your much-needed bodily fluids that will lead to prolonged dysmenorrhea. That said, abstaining from drinking alcohol during this time is strongly encouraged. 

Remember that diet plays a key role in balancing the fluctuating hormones in a woman’s body. But aside from choosing the right food, picking the right sanitary pads will keep you centered. 

Wellgold International Inc. distributes Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin and Liners and currently available at Watsons, selected Mercury Drug and South Star Drug outlets, SM department store’s health and beauty section, Robinson’s Supermarket and selected department stores, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket, Waltermart, Landmark Department Store, PCX stores, selected Metro Gaisano outlets, plus other selected stores in Visayas and Mindanao. For more health tips, visit www.jeunesseanion.com and follow Facebook, YouTube and Instagram: Jeunesse Anion. For inquiries, email: wellgoldinternational@gmail.com or call (02) 4701294.

‘YOLO’ – you have certainly heard it several times or even came across this acronym as a hashtag on a friend’s post on social media. A tickle in your curiosity, have you ever asked yourself what YOLO really means? YOLO is the acronym of ‘You Only Live Once’ which was popularized by a renowned rapper in one of his songs. But there is certainly a more profound meaning in ‘YOLO’.

Given the frailty and brevity of human life, anything can happen to you at any point in your life. Set your mind that every day is a miracle and that you only live once so why not make the most out of it? It is always yes to do the things you most loved and savor each moment like it is the last. Regardless of your age, social status, condition, and circumstances, it is never too late to prepare yourself to live your life only once. To start, you can create your own Bucket List.

Have you ever watched the movie ‘The Bucket List’? Played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, it is about two strangers, one a billionaire and one a mechanic, who were brought with the news that they already reached the terminal stage of their life. Realizing that they had little time left to complete the things they had to do and to be reconciled to the ones they love, they decided to make a Bucket List – it is a list of things that they wanted to do before they die. They eventually set out into the world against their doctor’s medical advice and took on their adventure of a lifetime. This movie provided an accurate mental picture of how short human life could be regardless of your social standing and how you could never be able to turn back the time to change the past.

Since the release of this movie, the term 'Bucket List' is now being generally used by people from all around the world to mean that you only live once so do everything you can possibly do given a limited amount of time. Many people have seriously considered YOLO as a way of living and they even created their own Bucket List. Some have set out for the thrill of an adventure, some have traveled to their dream destination, some have still started school at a later age, some have preferred doing things right the first time every time, some have always chosen to do what they always wanted to regardless of the social stigma and taboos.

Isn't it fulfilling to create a Bucket List and see how each item on your list is progressively being achieved? Have you ever considered creating your own Bucket List because ‘YOLO’? Join the Bucket List Summit, a platform that brings together leaders, speakers, thinkers, and experts who can help you be prepared emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially towards a life well-lived. The summit will be held on October 19 to 20, 2019 at the SMX Aura where renowned speakers will talk about the value and appreciation of life, financial wellness, spiritual enlightenment, physical challenges and its related solutions, psychological interventions, death and life, and more. Everybody deserves a quality life. Participate in this event now and know more about how you can live your life only once but to the fullest. 

For more information, please call Happy Events at (02) 637-9084 or send an email at happyeventsbydeegee@gmail.com.

The rumors are true! Finally, matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz is going back to the limelight after two years of being in hiatus from show business since 2017.

His fans, including yours truly, are excited about his return. A great actor and a very effective endorser like him is definitely an asset in the Philippine cinema and advertising industry. Would you believe that when a teaser video which showed his back shot was posted in the Facebook page of the number one selling shawarma, Turks, a few weeks ago has been viewed 3.2 million times, shared almost 800 times, and gained a huge number of comments? Amazing, isn't it?

Then yesterday morning, Turks finally revealed in the 1 minute and 17-second video of John Lloyd Cruz showing him walking through different destinations, which somehow depicted his stopovers. The video was very simple yet dramatic and in a very subtle shot, he stopped and took a bite of a Turks Pita Doner.

The rugged look of Cruz in the Turks video titled "Ang Nagbabalik" is way too far from his guy-next-door image and a lot of people in the industry are asking if this signals his return to the limelight. His fans are still curious about the life he’s been living since his hiatus.

According to Turks president Gem L. Zenarosa that during the course of his talks with Cruz, they never talked anything about his showbiz career or plans. He added that he got him as the latest ambassador of Turks because of his great confidence working with him. He was grateful that Cruz, a brilliant, talented, and very creative young man trusts Turks.

"Ang Nagbabalik" according to Zenarosa is actually about Turks Small Pita Doner, which will be available again in all its branches.

Zenarosa stressed that Cruz would be the best endorser for this because like him, despite his absence in the show business for a couple of years, the warmth and love of his fans for him never diminishes. With Turks' Small Pita Doner he believes that customers will be happy to know that it is back in its menu.

Just like John Lloyd Cruz who is seen to have a different image since he last appeared in the big screen, a clear indication that the actor is recreating himself and exploring different grounds, Turks is also doing the same thing to keep its customers excited whenever they visit a branch.

In time for the release of Cruz's endorsement video, Turks also released to the market its newest offering --- Turks Rice Bowl, which is a complete meal. You can choose beef or chicken for your rice topping, and it is priced at Php50. The Small Pita Doner, on the other hand, is priced at Php35.

Turks continues to improve its menu and offerings to satisfy the discriminating taste of its loyal patrons according to Zenarosa.

Indeed, John Lloyd Cruz is the right fit for this endorsement. He now joins the roster of endorsers of Turks such as Piolo and Inigo Pascual. 

I invite you to watch the full video of "Ang Nagbabalik".
For more updates and information, you may like Turks Facebook page.

Gone are the days of bulky and monochromatic mobile phones. Compact and sleek phones are now considered the norm, thanks to smartphone brands that design products with the consumers’ need in mind. Aside from a smartphone’s key functions, its appearance attracts customers since they are more mindful of trends and it’s also an avenue to fully express their artistic preferences. Thus, Vivo fused art and technology together in their latest flagship phone through their two trendsetting fusion color selections.

Starry Night

Deep in the night, billions of stars cast luminous, mystifying lights across the sky. This is where V11 drew the inspiration for their new trend-setting fusion color – Starry Night. The mysterious black and striking blue blend together perfectly, invoking the far-flung corners of the universe and exuding premium quality and style. The color selection represents one’s hopes and dreams, an affirmation that anything is within reach. This design is reminiscent of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh’s painting: the “Starry Night Over the Rhone”, as it integrates the night sky, the stars, and the glistening blue water. It conveys that the stars will always guide you home. 

Nebula

The luminescence of glistening stars in distant galaxies make up nebula’s elegant blue and purple hues. V11 has recreated the ethereal beauty on Nebula, putting the wonders of the universe in the palm of your hand. It signifies the sense of adventure and discovery, a yearning for something magical and more. It embodies the celestial tone of the award-winning science fiction film, “Gravity” by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron. Its riveting galactic appeal pulls you to the infinite abyss of everlasting possibilities.

The illuminated color selections of V11 are accompanied by a 6.41-inch Super AMOLED display and Halo Notch Fullview™ Display for clarity and uninterrupted viewing experience. While the 3D curved body and ultra-thin 1.76mm side bezels provide maximum grip and comfort. 

Do you want the universe in the palm of your hands through this state-of-the-art smartphone? You can pre-order the Vivo V11 in two ways: on ground and online. It is available in all participating Vivo concept and multi-brand stores. It will come with exciting freebies—a gift set (bluetooth speaker and earpiece with selfie stick), as well as 6 months extended warranty. Fans may also pre-order the Vivo V11 on shopping websites such as Lazada, Shopee, Argomall, and Akulaku. Freebies such 10,000 mAh game power bank, a gift set (bluetooth speaker and earpiece with selfie stick), as well as 6 months extended warranty, will be included.

Vivo endorsers are dropping hints on the next Vivo flagship smartphone!

Teen King Daniel Padilla posted a photo of himself with a gradient pink and blue background and the

words “Go Beyond,” tagging Vivo Philippines' account.

Other Vivo endorsers Darren Espanto, Julie Anne San Jose, Maymay Entrata, Maris Racal, and Paul Salas also posted the similar photos on their Instagram pages.

TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan, and Iñigo Pascual also posted photos tagging Vivo Philippines on Instagram. This time, their photos showed colorful backgrounds or lighting.

Vivo ladies Kira Balinger, Joyce Pring, Loisa Andalio, Elisse Joson, and Sassa Dagdag posted closeup photos tagging Vivo Philippines, as if to emphasize their makeup.

While parenting is filled with many highs and lows, nothing compares to the insurmountable love and joy it brings. And for moms, they will surely agree that it’s a love affair that knows no age or limits. That’s why this breastfeeding month, we’re taking time to honor all the devoted and passionate moms who make the world a better place to live. Get to know our mom of the month, childbirth educator Thammie Sy as she shares a closer look at pregnancy, childbirth, and how to make motherhood feel less scary.

Four unmedicated and natural childbirths brought Thammie Sy to formalize her passion for helping mothers through birthing, childcare, and parenting. “I want other moms to have beautiful, empowering experiences as well. There is no one way to have a beautiful and empowering birth. One thing we can all have though no matter our birth experience is the right attitude and mindset towards it,” says the US-certified doula and childbirth educator.

“It is my desire to help parents establish the right perspective about birth by giving them a better understanding of what happens during birth so they can make informed choices regarding throughout the process. And by equipping them with skills to help prepare them for labor and birth.”

1. Healthy pregnancy, healthy labor. 

This was one thing I should have taken seriously when I was pregnant. I made progress, in the sense that I became healthier and healthier with each succeeding pregnancy. If I had known then what I know now about the role of nutrition and exercises in preparing my body and in helping increase baby’s likelihood of positioning himself/herself optimally, I would have maintained a healthier diet and I would have done prenatal exercises to condition my body for labor and birth better.

2. Know how to filter what you hear and read. 

With all the information available to us now, we have to know which are reliable sources of information. I remember I used to panic after spending more time than I should have on Google and Facebook. There are many opinions and voices when it comes to your pregnancy and childbirth. Though most do raise valid points in their own right, you have to know which ones are aligned with your values and context, and which ones are not. We also have to understand that our story is unique, and one is not better than the other.

3. Use this time to discuss with your husband/partner how you want your family to be once the baby comes. 

There will be more changes once the baby arrives. Now would be a good time to discuss and have a vision for your family. What is most important to you? What are your negotiables and non-negotiables? How will the baby change the dynamics of your current set of priorities and your schedule? What lifestyle adjustments would you need to start making now before your baby comes?

4. Be wise about where you spend your money. 

There are so many new innovations now that are geared towards helping moms, babies, and even dads enjoy their transition to parenthood and having a newborn. I use the word “enjoy” because most of these products really do give us parents a sense of “wow, this is so nice to have!” But we have to know which ones are must-haves, and which ones are really just nice to have. Invest in a few essential must-haves, and more importantly, invest in building skills and knowledge and in your relationships.

5. Tune in. 

With all the changes in our pregnant bodies plus the necessary preparations we have to think of as our estimated time of giving birth draws near, it is not a surprise for many us to feel overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions. We are concerned with the baby who is still inside the womb, at the same time we are already thinking of how it will be like once he/she finally comes out. We are coping with the changes that pregnancy brings to our bodies, at the same time we are thinking about whether or not we can cope with the coming labor, or how we would be able to cope. Instead of ignoring all these emotions and thoughts, it is good to tune in and take time to explore and evaluate those feelings with your partner/husband, as well as birth professionals such as your care provider (OB or midwife), a doula, or a childbirth educator. Taking time to process your thoughts and emotions will make a huge difference in how you approach your birth and adjust to baby’s arrival.

6. Value having a birth team. 

During the time of our ancestors, giving birth was more than just getting a baby out of one’s womb. They knew that giving birth is like a rite of passage for parents. It is a celebration of life. As such, the mothers were surrounded by a community of people who supported and empowered her--body, mind, and spirit. We need to surround ourselves with a birth team we can trust and whom we know will support us in the same way that previous generations did for their new mothers. Choose care providers (obstetricians or midwives) who support the kind of birth you wish to have and whom you can trust--no matter how your labor progresses and how your birth story plays out. Communicate with your husband/partner and get him involved as much as possible. Your partner plays a key role before, during, and after labor. Consider getting a doula who can provide physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your labor and who can advocate for you and your partner. Connect with like-minded parents whom you can exchange notes with and even those who have more experience and so can encourage you as you go through the challenging moments of birth and parenting.

7. Prepare a birth plan. 

A birth plan is your vision for birth, written out and communicated with your birth team. It is a letter stating your wishes and preferences for birth. There you will describe the kind of management you wish to have, how you desire to cope with your labor, who you want to be involved in your birth, the kind of environment you want to birth in. A birth plan will help you, your partner, and your care provider clarifies and align your goals and beliefs and would help serve as a guide in making decisions during labor itself. A good birth plan will lay out options that would take into consideration variations in labor, should circumstances arise that would require a change of plans.

8. Attend a birth class. 

Ever since I gave birth to my firstborn, I would always tell my pregnant friends to attend a childbirth class. Knowledge is indeed power when it comes to giving birth. And when I talk about knowledge translating to power, I mean it almost in a literal sense. Much of the pain women experience come from their fears and anxieties; and much of their fears and anxieties are influenced by either a lack of knowledge or a lack of skill. I have seen how the atmosphere and calm during labor can potentially affect its progress, and how reduced fear increases a woman’s ability to cope with her labor. Birth classes help you embrace the right mindset, provide you with sufficient knowledge, and equip you with the necessary skills to help prepare you for your labor and birth experience.

As much as we love the role of being a mom, knowledge and proper preparation are crucial to ensure you always have it together from pregnancy to childbirth. That’s why for Thammie, having a reliable sanitary pad product as one of her everyday essentials help her to keep going and to stay on top of her game!

“As a wife, a mom, a homeschool teacher, a speaker, and now a student pursuing another diploma, a childbirth educator, and a doula, I need to manage not just my time, but my energy levels as well. I used to have terrible dysmenorrhea and could not function well on the days leading up to my period, more so during my period,” says Thammie. “Ever since I tried Jeunesse Anion, I have been loyal to it and have been recommending it to my friends. I do not remember the last time I experienced menstrual cramps or the last time I was confined to my bed because of my period. I could not imagine being able to stand for long hours during my classes and provide continuous labor support to parents if I was still experiencing the pain and loss of energy I used to experience before.”

Follow Thammie Sy at @birthingbeginningsph and birthingbeginnigs.com

Jeunesse Anion is available at Watsons, Mercury Drug Stores, and other leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide, Jeunesse Anion also offers ultra day non-wing, ultra day pad, ultra night pad, all-night pad, panty liner to and the all-new singles variant to help every woman to go through their period with ease and comfort. For hassle-free shopping with the convenience of free delivery straight to your doorstep, visit www.lazada.com.ph and www.shopee.ph.

Wellgold International Inc. distributes Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkin and Liners and currently available at Watsons, selected Mercury Drug and South Star Drug outlets, SM department store’s health and beauty section, Robinson’s Supermarket and selected department stores, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket, Waltermart, Landmark Department Store, PCX stores, selected Metro Gaisano outlets, plus other selected stores in Visayas and Mindanao. You can also purchase online with free delivery via www.lazada.com.ph. For more health tips, visit www.jeunesseanion.com and follow YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: Jeunesse Anion. For inquiries, email: wellgoldinternational@gmail.com or call (02) 4701294.


Information and photos brought to us by Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Pads and Liners

Global smartphone brand Vivo has been known for its high-technology innovations that have wowed the world several times over. But it has also been a pioneer of various consumer-centric smartphone designs. 

Starting August 20, the fastest growing smartphone brand has teased tech-savvy followers with a series of mysterious videos posted on its social media pages. The latest was a video of the moon with its shape emphasized by a curved line, a hint of the look of the next flagship smartphone.

“The galaxies coalesced. Prepare for something greater. #GoBeyond,” Vivo wrote in its latest post.

For its latest smartphone releases, Vivo has pushed the boundaries of the screens based on various studies and insights into what its consumers want. 

In 2017, Vivo released the V7+, which has a 5.99-inch AllScreen Display that offers a wider visual experience without compromising a comfortable grip. This gives those on the go a chance to enjoy a bigger screen for gaming, reading, or watching videos. 

Vivo followed up the V7+ with the release of the V9 in 2018. It was their first flagship smartphone for the year with the notch. The V9 features the new 19:9 FullView™ Display that has a massive 90% screen-to-body ratio that gives users a wider look into the digital world. The Vivo V9 may be as compact as the 5.5-inch phone, but it was able to attain a 6.3-inch screen. 

Halfway through the year, Vivo released the Vivo X21, its first X-series smartphone in the Philippines. It still has the iconic 19:9 FullView™ Display. But it has a bigger screen-to-body ratio of 90.3% to provide a more impactful visual experience for gamers and video hoarders.

But Vivo was able to get closer to its target when the Vivo NEX was released in some markets in June. The NEX introduces the Ultra FullView™ Display experience with a whopping 91.24% screen-to-body ratio. Vivo was able to achieve this by pioneering the 8-megapixel Elevating Front Camera that hides in the body when not in use. It also introduces the Screen SoundCasting Technology that replaces the traditional earpiece speaker entirely and cutting the bezel size. 

With these releases, Vivo has proven that the window to the digital world has no limits. What barriers will the brand break next?