Christmas is just around the corner. It’s a season of laughter, cheers, and of course, gifts! Nothing beats the feeling of tearing that nice colored wrapper and peek into the surprise inside. No matter what age or era you are in, the happy feeling of getting a gift is truly astonishing. But wait, while it’s true that the thought that someone took his time to consider giving you something that would hold value for you, you have to remember that in many cultures a gift may mean more than the thought. Here are some gift ideas that you may avoid giving due to the meaning that is attached to them that may send the wrong impression which may lead to complications and defeat your purpose in giving someone a good memory of your gift. 

Towels 

Usually the white ones, towels are often used or given to people in Chinese funerals to wipe away the tears. Giving such presents may appear that you want the recipient to cry over someone dear to them. 

Clock and Shoes 

Similar to towels, a clock and a pair of shoes given as a gift on any occasion are interpreted as a gesture that you want to end your relationship or friendship with the recipient. 

Sharp Objects, Umbrella, White or Black Themed Objects 

Giving them generally means that you want to end the relationship to the recipient or these connote death since most of these objects are associated with funerals. 

Perfume 

It implies a weak relationship or faded feelings towards the person dear to you. This is because a perfume fades as time goes by. It doesn’t last. 

Mirror or Glassware 

Fragile nature of glass is seen as a wish for the person to be broken. 

Whiskey or Alcoholic Beverage 

While in the west, giving or bringing wine when visiting a friend’s house is acceptable, among Asian Muslims these is considered rude because alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited among Muslims. 

Gift Involved in Number Four (4) 

For the Japanese and Chinese, number four (4) means bad luck. 

Even-Numbered Floral Arrangement 

Giving of even-numbered floral arrangement in some countries like Russia is considered rude because it is only used in funerals. 

Yellow Flowers 

Yellow flowers signify break-up. In the Philippines, if a man or woman gives flowers to a special someone, it means that the relationship is intended for pure friendship only. 

Rosary 

In Philippine culture, giving a rosary to someone is a no-no since if it accidentally breaks, it means that the person who has given it to you is bound to die or end his relationship with you. 

Nevertheless, at the end of the day, in giving gifts it’s the thought that counts. But then again, it’s better to be safe just in case.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

As a brand that truly believes in holistic wellness, Jeunesse Anion shares its advocacy of body, soul, and spirit health. Being physically well while struggling with emotional aches, low self-esteem, anxiety, and unexplainable feeling of a gap inside all affect a person’s well-being. Humanity is both physical and spiritual and this is what separates humans from non-humans.

In support of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Jeunesse Anion digs deeper into how this invisible illness will encourage a culture of change beginning with the right mindset and knowledge on mental health.

While both genders are prone to a mental condition, a study at Oxford University discovered that women are 40 percent more likely to develop mental illness than men. Physiological and biological factors are contributory to mental health problems among women. Dramatic hormonal changes during puberty, pre-menstruation, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, premenopause, and menopause cause a roller coaster of emotions. Women find themselves angry, sad, irritable and experiencing crying spells during these times. While these are normal and short-lived for some, others have severe symptoms that disturb their personal lives and relationships. 

The Philippine data on mental health shows that there are 3.3 million Filipinos who suffer from a depressive disorder and 3.1 million are afflicted by anxiety disorders. Of high school students 13 to 15 years of age, 17 percent attempted suicide at least once, 12 percent seriously considered taking their lives, and 11 percent have made plans on how they would commit suicide. Given the numbers, the country has only 60 psychiatric health care facilities and only two mental health workers for every 100,000 population.

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE SPIRIT

Victory Greenhills campus missionary and pastor Dave Estrera said, “In my observation among students, social media primarily affects us in three ways: perception, socialization, and rest. Whether we like it or not, social media has adverse effects on the way we view ourselves because there’s always the temptation to compare. Secondly, it affects the way we socialize, we have the option to project ourselves the way we want to be seen-- being connected yet alone is not helpful in someone going through a hard time.”

As the second country with the largest social media consumption worldwide, it’s not also surprising that restlessness is prevalent and quality sleep is almost unknown. “In my survey among students, 80 percent admitted they have slept less than 5 hours. Now that we have the option to look at something that interests us, our body is restricted to recharge and recover,” Estrera added.

The spiritual aspect is something that we can never neglect either. “It starts with a mindset that God wants peace for us. Through the power of God, we can strengthen our grit and grow in hope. If peace is what God promises, then we can fight and claim it for our lives. When we see that He’s for us, then it gives us the will to keep fighting. We need to see that He providentially uses everything around us (medicine, psychology, medical advancement, support structure, a person’s spirit, and prayers.),” he concludes.

DIET, NUTRITION, AND EXERCISE

Phil.-US registered dietitian-nutritionist Cheshire Que believes that diet, nutrition, exercise, and mental illness are all connected. “Food fuels the brain for it to function optimally. Poor nutrition causes nutrient deficiencies that affect hormonal imbalance and many other factors that influence mood, thought process, and other functions of the brain,” said Que.

Several studies have been said about the gut and brain connection, so understanding how they’re synergistically connected will change the way we view the gut as the body’s second brain. “When a person is diagnosed with a mental condition, one of the first steps to bring back the balance in the body is by applying these 3 Rs of gut-healing: Remove triggers in the form of gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and soy; Repair with fresh produce, functional foods, and supplementations; Lastly, reinoculate probiotics and feed the gut with prebiotics such as honey.”

Chemical messengers serotonin and dopamine affect similar aspects of your health. Dopamine is the chemical that the body releases when we encounter pleasurable experiences from hobbies, eating a favorite meal, to sex. Meanwhile, serotonin which is the body’s anxiety buster is being produced through sunlight, exercise, and eating foods rich in tryptophan. Both chemicals spur the body’s happy hormones.

Understanding that food not only significantly impacts mood along with exercise while making time for the things that keep a person’s sanity in check, will also impact a person’s energy level and countenance. 

LIVING WITH GRIEF IN HER HEART

The Suntay family is a living proof that it’s a disease that knows no age, gender, social class, religion, or background and perspective. “Our family was far from perfect but I’ve always thought that it was a fairy-tale kind of life,” said mompreneur Sheila.

However, 2018 proved to be the most tragic year for the Suntays when Renzo, the eldest son among the brood of 5, took his own life because of depression. She admitted that it was a disease she knew nothing about and that it was a situation that they didn’t see coming. The experience was the turning point for the family, which gave birth to YOLO by Renzo Suntay, a non-profit organization that aims to be the voice for those who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and other conditions. “My role as a founder is to relentlessly share my story and remind these people that they’re not alone in their struggles and that there’s real, tangible hope and healing.”

Beauty titlist, mental health advocate, and Jeunesse Anion brand ambassador Ivanna Pacis encourages individuals and families to discuss more openly the issue on mental health, “Jeunesse Anion looks out not just the physical being of its users but also the mental health of every woman. Mental health is such a sensitive topic but it’s an important issue to discuss and Jeunesse Anion takes part in putting an end to the stigma of mental illness. If you’re a person who suffers from a mental condition, know that your feelings are valid and your situation is not hopeless. Seek out professional help and surround yourself with positive people who look out for your well-being.”

Available in five variants – ultra‐day pad, day pad non‐wing, ultra-night pad, all-night, and panty liner. All variants are a canvass of comfort and freshness for a hassle-free monthly period. You can find them 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 tips, visit www.jeunesseanion.com and follow Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram: Jeunesse Anion. For inquiries, email: wellgoldinternational@gmail.com or call (02) 4701294.

The bloggers behind the mom group BKS Moms were invited to witness the launch of a renowned jewelry brand. Nakae-excite, 'di ba? It was such an honor to be part of this milestone. Unfortunately, due to mom duties, I declined the invite. 

Nevertheless, I would like to share with you what's transpired during the event at happy ako kasi nakarating ang aking friend na si Jhoanna Tacorda of Playful Life with Kids Blog. See was able to try the most expensive ring in the store. Bongga!

The jewelry brand that we are talking about is J’s Diamond. It is a renowned jewelry brand that originated in Hong Kong and has established itself in the Philippines since 2012. J’s Diamond initially started with an exquisite collection of timeless pieces of rings tailored for engagement and wedding occasions. It has been patronized by customers for its specialty in bridal accessories and for the refined and sophisticated craftsmanship of its jewelry pieces.

J’s Diamond’s success has been constant throughout the years and yet again, it has reached a greater height. J’s Diamond opens up a new branch, its fourth boutique in the country. Along with its accompanied success, J’s Diamond has decided to expand its range of products from rings and now to bracelets and necklaces to adapt to the continuously changing consumer behavior.

To celebrate another milestone reached, we are invited to discover its new flagship store that will present a sensational showcase of its latest captivating designs. Its new boutique possesses the unintimidating yet modish atmosphere, emanating the millennial vibe. It is designed to mirror the magnificence of our modern jewelry collection and to shine a light on our flawless creations that are well-crafted by professional artisans. Its stylish and classy jewelry pieces are always fashioned to celebrate the gift of love. Each piece is purposely created to symbolize the different values – a love that lasts for a lifetime, a joy that is profound, an undying devotion, and steadfast loyalty and fidelity.

Find a treasure trove of bedazzling pieces of jewelry that you will forever adore only in J’s Diamond. Visit Js Diamond branches at Lucky Chinatown, SM Dasmarinas, LSM Southmall, and Ayala Malls, Manila Bay. 

I will definitely visit the branch near us soon!

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.

A lip gloss makes a girl’s lips look sexier and fuller while giving them a pretty shine. 

Tinted or colorless, a lip gloss can be intended for other purposes that you can’t imagine. But before trying and testing its versatility, please remember these: 

To lighten or lose the color of your lip gloss, you have to work it out first by getting a small amount and rubbing it with your palms or fingertips to make its color closer to colorless. 

Like putting it on your lips to avoid making it look greasy, don’t overdo it too when using it on other parts of your body. 

Moving on, the versatility of a simple lip gloss makes it one of every girl’s makeup stash. Here's why. 

1. It can be a perfect aid to fix your eyebrows. Just dab it on your eyebrows using your fingertip. Comb your eyebrows to put them into place using an eyebrow or spoolie brush. 

2. It can tame your baby hair, fix fly-away hair, and make your hair well-groomed and shiny. Rub a small amount of lip gloss on the palm of your hands and massage it directly on your hair. Comb and style it as you please. 

3. It can be a perfect eyelid primer. Swipe a thin layer of lip gloss on your eyelids before applying an eyeshadow. It will make your eye makeup last longer while giving it a dewy look. To make your eye makeup shinier, dab lip gloss in the middle of the eyelid. 

4. It can make eyeliner or eye shadow application on your lower lid smooth. Using a cotton applicator or eyeliner brush, line your lower lashes with a thin layer of lip gloss. Let ii dry for a few seconds then apply your favorite eyeliner or eye shadow. Smudge it a little using a cotton applicator or to have a natural finish. 

5. It can be used as a highlighter. If you need a quick fix in an evening event to make your skin look glowing, put a thin layer of “glittery” lip gloss on your brow bone, under eyes, cheeks, chin, neck, legs, or any part of your body that you want to accentuate. 

6. It can erase makeup smudge. If you don’t have a makeup remover on hand, remove the smudge of your mascara or eyeliner using lip gloss on a cotton applicator or tissue paper. 

7. It can make the scent of your perfume last longer. Rub lip gloss on your pulse points before you apply your favorite scent. Lip gloss makes your perfume adhere to your skin for hours. 

8. It can be a perfect substitute for cuticle or hand cream. Rub them against your hands and fingertips. Massage it in a circular motion on your nail and cuticle area to ease the pain of having dry cuticles and hangnails. 

9. It can temporarily moisturize dry elbows and ankles. Apply it as a moisturizing lotion. 

10. It can be a reliable ring remover and fixer of stuck zipper. 

Knowing all these can truly make you inseparable with your good old lip gloss. 

Photo credit: www.pixabay.com

The advent of digital gadgets and the availability of access to the worldwide web have created a revolution in all aspects of society. One of the most challenging and promising effects of this event is the paradigm shift on the way people exchange, process, and view information. Information can now be accessed via any platform as long as there is a connection to the web. But the most appalling effect of this change is the shift in people’s reading habits and perception. The reality that even with the present advancements in technology, the basic skill of reading can never be replaced since all of these data can only become relevant if it is read and digested properly by the reader. 

Here are some ways on how you can develop the love for reading on your kids. 

The best time to develop the habit is when your kids are still young. Make it as a part of your kids’ daily routine. Assign time in a day when you can sit down with them and read together. It can be reading their favorite storybook, the daily paper, and even their textbooks. Start them early. Start them young. 

Your kids’ reading habit can be amplified if they have access to their favorite books and reading materials. You may assign a basket or box situated on a strategic place in the house, probably the living room or their respective bedrooms. If the books are stacked in a shelf, you may leave their books on the lower portion or arranged at their eye level to find their longing to read. 

Your kid’s reading trove should be based on his age, level, and interest. Habit forming is based on repetition of certain action. For kids, repeating a particular action can make them lose interest. Now, to develop their reading habit, reading materials should pique their interest and curiosity. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with reading materials that can fuel their need to know more and develop their interest further. For example, if your kids love Harry Potter books, at some point you may include in their trove readings that fall under the same genre like Percy Jackson series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Geronimo Stilton, to name a few. 

Exposing your kids to interesting reading materials and developing the habit is not enough to fully develop the skill and interest in reading. One of the most crucial things is to allow them to express their thoughts on the things that they have read. This is where probing comes into play. Make it a point to discuss what they have read or should allow them to tell the story in their own words. You may do this over dinner, during casual conversations, or even before sleeping. In this way, your kids can appreciate what they have learned on their own while reading. 

Courtesy: Manila International Book Fair Facebook Page

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.