Going around the supermarket, one can practically get anything. From makeup of all sorts, different types of soaps for all your personal hygiene preferences, as well as hair care needs, disinfectants, even janitorials are easily accessible. Indeed, most department stores and supermarkets nowadays truly live up to their name “super”. For a stay at home mom, a quick stop at a supermarket almost always solves a quick evening meal, a school requirement for the kids, some refreshing snack, and even medical needs for the sick members of the household. Now as you might wonder, are there items that most supermarkets, department stores, and even sari-sari stores don’t have? Actually there are! Take note of these items that are neglected and unconventional to many people. 

Like women, men are also prone to bacterial and fungal growth due to the nature of their body fluids which is slightly acidic. In line with this, unpleasant odor can easily develop on the genital area aside from armpits due to bacterial growth. Sweat is not the cause of that unpleasant odor because it is odorless. It’s the presence of bacteria on the skin that makes it stink. The irony is that in the present market, very few products cater to this need. 

What can be used as an alternative? 

To eliminate bacterial growth and odor emanating from such an area, one alternative is the use of toothpaste in cleaning and disinfecting it. The best type is plain “white toothpaste”. Please don’t use the one with white crystals because it can cause irritations. You know what I mean!

 

White toothpaste is good at eliminating bacteria on a man’s intimate area since it has been developed to clean teeth, disinfect the entire mouth, and protect the tissues lining it. You can use it directly like soap and rest assured that you can feel refreshed down there. Moreover, since toothpaste is way too expensive than soap, you may wash your genital area with soap and water first then wash it again with toothpaste and rinse it thoroughly with water. 

Men love to use different hair-styling aids like wax, pomade, and gel which are very difficult to remove upon washing. It’s such a waste of resources, money, and time if they wash their hair several times using shampoo or ordinary soap and water. Despite doing it repeatedly, traces of those styling aids remain seeded on the hair strands making men prone to dandruff. Good news is, there is a cheaper and reliable alternative. 

Do you know that Green Papaya Soap can do the job? Yes, you read it right! Green Papaya Soap is made from raw Papaya that has more natural enzymatic qualities compared to the orange variant that is made from ripe Papaya. Papain, the enzyme that is found in Green Papaya or the papaya that is not quite ripe that has been used for thousands of years due to its medicinal properties is also used in cosmetics, toothpastes, and enzymatic soft contact lens cleaners because it’s a good tenderizer and exfoliant. On one hand, these properties of Papain soften the wax and removes dirt. On the other hand, soap is made of saponified fat that aids in binding the wax and taking it off from the hair strands.

 

Aside from its degreasing power, Papaya in general is good for the hair. It’s rich in Vitamin A that promotes the development of Sebum, the body’s natural oil that keeps your hair soft, hydrated, and conditioned. Its Folic Acid content promotes hair growth and improves circulation to the hair follicles while Papaya’s antifungal properties, particularly found on its seeds, help control dandruff formation. 

These are two of the tried and tested male hygiene hacks. There might be more. 

References: 

Find a Vitamin or Supplement Papain. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-69-papain.aspx?activeingredientid=69&activeingredientname=papain 

Choudary, T. (2017). 39 Surprising Benefits Of Papaya (Papita) For Skin, Hair, And Health. Retrieved from http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-papaya-for-skin-and-hair/#StimulatesHairGrowth 

Sinha, S. (2017). Green papaya has many natural benefits. Retrieved from http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Green-papaya-has-many-nutritional-benefits/articleshow/30844139.cms 

What is Papain. Retrieved from http://papayadigestion.com/content/what-papain.html 

Why Is Sweat Salty?. Retrieved from http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-is-sweat-salty 

Trimarchi, M. Why do men smell different from women? Retrieved from http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/sweating-odor/men-smell-different-from-women.htm 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

There are days when you feel that you are at your worst. Your eyes are puffy. Your skin is very dry and pale. Your face seems to have breakouts everywhere. Like you, even famous celebrities, super models, TV personalities, high ranking government officials, and rich people experience a bad day. Fret not because it’s easy to address. The following tips are the best solutions to solve these unwanted situations: 

When your skin is very dry, looks old and less plump, it is an indication of dehydration. Drink plenty of water and eat healthily. Apply a hydrating moisturizer to make it supple, moisturized, silky, and look young. 

Never apply too much makeup to hide your bad day issues. It’s best to skip a full makeup application. Just apply tinted moisturizer on your face, dab concealer on dark spots, put the most flattering blush on your cheeks, and wear your favorite sheer lipstick or lip gloss that matches your lip color. Add a hint of pinkish shade on your cheeks and lips for a younger look. 

Avoid putting too much eye makeup especially dark shades of eyeshadow and eyeliner. These can make your eyes look more tired and dark. Lighter shades applied to your lids are highly recommended. Curl your lashes and apply mascara on the top to open up your eyes. Refrain from putting mascara on your lower lashes. It adds to making your under eyes look darker. 

Pale skin can make you look sick. Apply a light coat of self-tanner or bronzer and top it with a pinkish blush to fake it.

 

If you have a sunburn from head to toe, a cool shower and cold compress can help. A light application of lotion and tinted moisturizer can hide the redness. Never wear a bold lip color like red, hot pink, orange, or violet. Use brown or bronze-base lip color instead. 

Cover dark under eyes, blemish, and even bruises with concealer or foundation. Blend it lightly to avoid a cakey finish. 

A pair of dark eyeglasses is your best friend in hiding your puffy eyes and dark under eyes. Keep it always handy. 

Spritz your favorite refreshing cologne or perfume for a quick “pick-me-up” feeling.

 

Doing these tips can turn your day from bad to good and even best.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

This principle, when applied to your life struggles, may be likened to your body and mind. While it’s true that the strength of the body enables you to achieve manual work, the will that is born on the strength of your mind enables you to push beyond your limits, thread on unexplored territory and eventually reach the pinnacle of your goal. It is very important to think positively than negatively because it can do wonders more than you think it can. 

You alone have the power to change your life. It is unfair to blame your misfortunes to others because you are your greatest enemy and ally.

Are you still the type of person who lurks in misery and wonders why you still can’t achieve your goals despite working too hard to reach them? If yes, maybe your thoughts are not in sync with your wants. I have curated 50 inspirational quotes to help you change the way you see things, stay positive, and be successful. 

1. “Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.” -Shiv Khera

2. “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.” -Willie Nelson 

3. “A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success.” -Joyce Brothers 

4. “I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we're all teachers - if we're willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.” -Marla Gibbs 

5. “When you think positive, good things happen.” -Matt Kemp

6. “You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.” -Ralph Marston 

7. “Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.” -Lou Holtz

8. “Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.” -William James

9. “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.” -Wade Boggs 

10. “No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it and just keep working towards it and you'll find the positive side of things.” -Demi Lovato

11. “My dear friend, clear your mind of can't.” -Samuel Johnson 

12. “Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” -Jack Canfield

13. “Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." - Oprah Winfrey

14. “Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan a takeoff. Don't just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply won't happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you'll love it up here.” -Donald Trump 

15. “It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses, we must plant more roses.” -George Eliot 

16. “The true measure of success is how many times you can bounce back from failure.” - Stephen Richards 

17. “Life is a bowl of cherries. Some cherries are rotten while others are good; its your job to throw out the rotten ones and forget about them while you enjoy eating the ones that are good! There are two kinds of people: those who choose to throw out the good cherries and wallow in all the rotten ones, and those who choose to throw out all the rotten ones and savor all the good ones.” - C. JoyBell C. 

18. “It makes a big difference in your life when you stay positive.” -Ellen DeGeneres

19. “Success will be within your reach only when you start reaching out for it.” - Stephen Richards

20. “Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic. If something is not to your liking, change your liking.” -Rick Steves 

21 “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.” -Walt Disney 

22 "Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.” -Harvey Mackay

23. "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." - Colin Powell 

24. "Attitude is a little thing that  makes a big difference." - Winston Churchill

25. “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so let us all be thankful.” – Buddha 

37. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” -Viktor Frankl 

38. “Staying positive does not mean that things will turn out okay. Rather it is knowing that YOU will be okay no matter how things turn out.” –unknown

39. “Stay positive, all other choices are pointless punishments to your psyche.”-Joe Peterson

40. “A lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can't do. I always look on the positive side of what I can do.” -Chuck Norris 

41. “You cannot change reality, but you can control the manner in which you look at things. Your attitude is under your own control. Weed out the negative and focus on the positive!” -Helen Steiner Rice

42. “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” -Marcus Aurelius 

43. “If you absolutely can't stay positive, don't go negative, just cruise neutral for a while until you can get back up.” -Terri Guillemets 

44. “Believe you can and you're halfway there. “ -Theodore Roosevelt 

45. “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” -Winston Churchill 

46. “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” -Helen Keller

47. “Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life.” -Joel Osteen 

48. “By choosing positivity you become a contender for the human spirit giving hope to those in need.” -Bryant McGill

49. “No matter what you face, don't forget if you're positive, positivity will find you and embrace you.” -Widad Akrawi

50. “Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive, because you become your habits.” -Mahatma Gandhi 

Buddha once said, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” This statement affirms the Law of Attraction that in every action, there is an equal opposite reaction. Be careful with what you think about because your thoughts can lead you to something whether wanted or unwanted. Strive to be optimistic until it becomes a habit. It attracts all things beautiful, wonderful, and favorable. 

References: 

Positive Quotes - BrainyQuote . Retrieved from https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_positive.htm 

Quotes About Positivity. Retrieved fromhttps://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/positivity 

5 Uplifting Quotes for Positive Vibes. Retrieved from http://www.success.com/article/15-uplifting-quotes-for-positive-vibes 

50 Positive Thinking Quotes For More Inner Strength & Growth. Retrieved from https://addicted2success.com/quotes/50-positive-thinking-quotes-for-more-inner-strength-growth/ 

Staying Positive Sayings and Staying Positive Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/staying-positive-quotes/ 

Top 10 Inspirational Law Of Attraction Quotes And Sayings. Retrieved from http://www.thelawofattraction.com/top-10-law-of-attraction-quotes/

Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Dressing-up to suit the occasion is the next thing that you should learn after knowing how to choose appropriate apparel to suit your figure. The way you dress-up speaks so much of your personality. Whether you like it or not, you are being judged by others based on what you wear. You may think that everyone deserves the right to his opinion. If it doesn’t affect you at all, think about it. Impressions of people last even a lifetime. It is a must to always follow the dress code. As the late American actress, Loretta Young said, “Wearing the correct dress for any occasion is a matter of good manners.” 

- First and foremost, know your body type and the apparel that suits it. If you are the kind of person who perspires a lot, include many cotton and other natural fiber garments in your wardrobe. To differentiate pure cotton fabric from non-pure cotton or cotton blend, test it by crumpling it. The former wrinkles easily than the latter. 

- Light-colored cotton clothes especially white are the best apparel for summer to keep your body cool. White reflects the sun’s rays and cotton lets your skin breathe. Avoid wearing dark-colored clothes especially black because they absorb the sun’s rays, keeping your body warm that causes you to sweat a lot. 

- Natural fibers like cotton and wool adjust to allow your body perspiration to evaporate easily and don’t make you chill and feel damp that’s why they keep you warmer in colder days compared to synthetics. 

- Do you know that one-third of your body heat can escape through your head? During cold and windy days, always wear a bonnet, hat, or scarf. Wearing any of them can keep you warm. 

- Make it a point to wear happy or neutral colors in a wedding. If it’s inevitable that you will wear black, you may include any color in your outfit to balance it. 

- When you are invited to an event with a particular dress code indicated, always follow it strictly to avoid being over or underdressed.

 

- Dressing-up and accessorizing conservatively for a job interview is one of the most appropriate things to do. The employer will focus more on your qualifications and not on your fashion sense. A watch is needed for men and women to track time, and small pieces of gold, silver, or pearl accessories for women are highly recommended. 

- Your shoe color must be darker or the same shade as your trousers or skirt to form an illusion of continuity. 

- For men wearing formal or office attire, your sock color should be the same color as your trousers and your legs must not show while you are sitting down. 

- Women must wear neutral stockings while wearing bright colored shoes or slippers to let the focus be on the shoes and not on their legs. I personally love the shoes at Macy's.

- Even if you are only required to wear smart casual clothes in your office, make sure to keep a scarf, coat, or tie in your office locker at all times in case there will be an unexpected lunch or dinner invitation. 

- To save time, choose your outfit for the next day at least the night before to avoid cramming and place them in front of your closet. Finding time to organize an all-purpose outfit complete with accessories can save you in case of emergency for busy mornings. 

- Before packing for a trip, try and check your apparel. The day of a special occasion or business meeting is not the time for you to fix or look for something. 

- Always wear tidy shoes and clean wrinkle-free clothes at all times. 

Wearing the right apparel on the right occasion can surely boost your self-worth and confidence! Go for it!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I believe that most mothers have a recollection of their experiences of having urinary incontinence after giving birth through Normal Spontaneous Delivery (NSD). I know how it feels. I am not an exception to that. It's messy and embarrassing because it would come unexpectedly anywhere, anytime. I would like to share with you two of the most unpleasant situations when I had urinary incontinence. The first one happened when I was grocery shopping with my husband that I had to purchase a new set of underwear because I wasn't able to unzip my pants just in time my urine went out. The second one was the time when I was done closing a business deal that I needed to rush immediately to the washroom but again, I wasn't able to hold my urine until I reached the cubicle. It prompted me to have no choice but to pee on my pants because I could no longer hold my urine. It was so unfortunate that I needed to go home while covering my pants and making sure that a person who knew me would not see me as I rode a cab. How troublesome and humiliating! If only I discovered So Sure earlier, I could skip those two embarrassing moments! 

The makers of So Sure Bladder Control Pad claim that it is designed to keep you dry and worry-free in times when you feel that you need to be protected from leaks and mess due to urinary incontinence.


Each pad has a superior absorbent core or blue acquisition layers that absorb moisture, locks in wetness, and reduces odor (can absorb three times the amount of normal urine level based on June 2018 laboratory test).


It has an easy-stick and wide adhesive that securely and smoothly holds the pad in place and elastic strands that create a discreet, secure, and comfortable fit.


It is breathable and has a cloth-like back sheet for added comfort.


So Sure Bladder Control pad is suitable for men and women.

Courtesy: https://shopee.ph/jeunesse.anionpads

So Sure Bladder Control Pad has two sizes:

So Sure Bladder Control Pads are available in Mercury Drug Stores nationwide or online via Lazada PH and Shopee PH.

I tried using both when I was traveling for hours and staying in school for eight hours. I also used size 340 mm as a substitute for my favorite sanitary pads, Jeunesse, when I had my period.

Well, the claims are true. The leak and odor control, smoothness and cloth-like feel, plus the anti-bacterial properties are considered its best points for me because they promote peace of mind, hygiene, and comfort. 

In line with this, there are three common types of incontinence or bladder leakage that may help you determine the perfect pad for you just in case you want to use So Sure: 

Stress Urinary Incontinence- The involuntary loss of urine that occurs when pressure is suddenly placed on your bladder whether it's cough, laugh, sneeze, exercise, or lifting a heavy item.

Urge Urinary Incontinence- Unexpected contraction or squeezing of the bladder muscles that causes a sudden and involuntary urge to urinate immediately.

Overflow Incontinence- The inability to empty the bladder completely causing urine to overflow and leak without feeling the urge to urinate.

I may say that I am not too vain. I am not very particular with the latest trends in beauty and fashion.  I sport a low maintenance haircut. I am a classic dresser. I am minimal. As long as my body and clothes are clean and descent, I am good to go. I do my own pampering at home as well. I am in my midlife years but I haven't experienced visiting a dermatologist or aesthetic center for facial treatments. It shows that I am comfortable with my own skin although some people may think that I am too lazy. Well, I don't mind at all when people tease me due to my frugal choices. I don't even mind if I have scars and stretch marks on my body because I believe that they are part of living. 

Talking about "physical or body scars" that are visible to the naked eye, I have plenty. I have friends who are conscious of having those that's why they make sure to treat them until they disappear. I haven't thought of doing so until a friend of mine encouraged me to try using Contractubex. She said that I should not be scared of trying the said brand because it works well in removing her scars and it's safe. The notion just slipped my mind until finally, I had the chance to try it myself when Contractubex sent me a gift. Amazing, isn't it?

I have received an ointment and patch version of Contractubex together with the product collaterals, which are very helpful because, of course, who would want to use a product without learning about its properties? I am very particular with the safety of the products that I try and use above all its efficacy and price. These are the things that I've learned that have prompted me to use it with confidence:

1. Contractubex Gel

Active Ingredients:

Cepalin Extract (Onion Base)- 10 grams

Heparin (used to treat and prevent blood clots)- 5000 IU

Allantoin (usually found in cosmetic products; promotes moisture)- 1gram

Presentation:

Gel available in 10 grams (SRP Php600) and 20 grams (SRP Php990) 

Channels Available:

Mercury Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, Southstar Drug, and other drugstores nationwide under OTC (over the counter) status. It can be purchased online through Contractubex Philippines Facebook Page.

How do the active ingredients work on the scars?

When the three active ingredients are combined, they are considered to be the "Tri Total Recovery with Three Hard Workers". They serve as an anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-bacterial, regenerative, promotes wound healing, stimulates keratin production, increases skin permeability, softens collagen structure, inhibits fibroblast proliferation, relieves itching, and moisturizing. 

Where can we use Contractubex Gel?

Contractubex Gel is indicated for hypertrophic scars and keloids, movement restricting and optically disfiguring scars after surgery, amputations, burns or accidents, contractures (shortening of muscles due to excessive fibroblasts), and cicatricial strictures. 

How is Contractubex Gel applied?

It is highly recommended to start treatment as soon as the wound is closed and Contractubex should be applied correctly for best results. For new scars, apply Contractubex two to three times daily for at least three months while for older scars, it should be applied three times daily for at least six months. Using a compression plaster may improve its efficacy.

Steps:

1. Apply only to wounds that are already closed or upon suture removal.

2. Start at the center and work towards the edges, massaging the gel gently into the scar.

3. Continue with a small circular motion until Contractubex is completely absorbed.

The question is, is it effective? The answer is a big YES!

I saw a huge difference in my small old scar (keloid) in my finger in just 5 days! It became thinner and smaller although I guess the scar removal would depend on the size and depth of the scar. In my case, it worked so quickly without feeling any discomfort or itchiness.


It is non-sticky, smells great, has an awesome cooling effect which I really, really like. It may look or sound pricey but a thin film is only needed per application so a small tube would thrive longer. Awesome!

2. Contractubex Overnight Intensive Patch (OIP)

The active ingredients of this product are like its gel counterpart except for Heparin. SRP per patch is Php157 while SRP per pack of 21 patches costs Php3,290. It is available in selected Watsons branches nationwide or online via Contractubex Philippines Facebook Page and Lazada PH. It is under Medical Device Status. 

Presentation:

- Dimension: 12 cm x 3 cm

- Acrylate based adhesive

- Polyolefin packaging foam

- Shelf-life: 36 months

- 21 patches per pack

Where can we use Contractubex Overnight Intensive Patch?

It is recommended for new scars, post-surgery scars, or fresh scars after incisions (post-surgical scarring prevention). It must be applied right after wound closure or after the suture has been removed. It protects the immature, sensitive tissue during the first weeks. It is best used by convenience-oriented patients (once-daily application overnight), where continuation with the patch till the end of treatment is advised (three months or 12 weeks).

How is Contractubex Overnight Intensive Patch applied?

1. Thoroughly wash and dry the scar area. Make sure the wound is completely closed and the skin is intact.

2. Peel off the transparent backing of the adhesive side of the patch.

3. Apply the patch so that the scar is completely covered.

4. For a smaller scar, the patch may be cut to size using a clean pair of scissors. Cut before peeling the transparent backing.

5. For larger scars, apply patches side by side.

6. Keep the patch in place for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 hours overnight.

7. The patch is not reusable.

8. Use daily for three to six months or witch to Contractubex Gel after three months and complete the treatment for six months.

It is easy to apply, waterproof, can be cut into small pieces according to scar size, and clinically tested safe and effective in scar management.

I haven't tried using the OIP yet but I will choose one of most deserving reader to try it together with the Contractubex Gel through a Facebook Giveaway.

Here are the steps to join:

1. Like All-Around Pinay Mama on Facebook.

2. Like Contractubex Philippines on Facebook.

3. Comment on this post by answering the question "Why do you need Contractubex Gel and Overnight Intensive Patch?" plus leave your Facebook Name and URL.

Example: I need Contractubex Gel and Overnight Intensive Patch because...
                Juan De La Cruz
                https://www.facebook.com/juandelacruz

The winner will be chosen and announced on February 14, 2020. 

Yours truly will check if the participants followed all the steps. Only those participants who completed all steps will be eligible or qualified. My son and husband will read the qualified participants' comments and they will choose the best answer. 

This giveaway is open to residents of the Philippines only. The winner will get a 20-gram tube of Contractubex Gel worth Php990 and three Contractubex Overnight Intensive Patch worth Php471 or a total of Php1,461 worth of Contractrubex products. The shipping fee will be shouldered by yours truly.

When all family members are swamped with school and work-related tasks, my husband and I find it difficult to follow our usual dating/parenting routines with each of our kids. It's been ages since my eldest and I had our date together. I miss it. I miss him. I miss our simple routine of catching-up and getting to know each other more while dining together. I miss the times when we watch a movie or a show together and talk about our reviews after. 

The ALL-NEW GRAND CHINA ACROBATIC CIRCUS is a heart-stopping show of daring and thrilling performances guaranteed to be a hit among audiences young and old. It features mind-blowing tricks, death-defying acts, graceful choreography loaded with color and excitement deftly presented by internationally renowned and multi-awarded Chinese acrobats from Beijing, China. The China National Acrobatic Troupe has amazed audiences with feats of strength and daring acts performed cleverly, precisely, and accurately, and the ability of retaining balance in motion. Audiences will marvel at the world-class skills of the acrobats as they perform routines of compelling choreography practiced over centuries, making this a perfect show for families to enjoy.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you so much @mommybloggersphilippines, @aranetacity, and @thearanetacoliseum for the Christmas treat. We enjoyed our date with our kids. 💖 . The All-new Grand China Acrobatic Circus is a must-watch. Pampamilya talaga. We invite you to watch and see it yourself with your family. Light lang siya at mag-e-enjoy ang lahat! Sobrang galing! 🥰🤩😍 . The show will run from December 25, 2019 until January 4, 2020 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. You may buy tickets at www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 8 911-5555. Super sulit. 💖 . #GrandCircusattheBigDome #AranetaCity #CityofFirsts #aapmevents #allaroundpinaymama #mommybloggersph

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez | AAPM 🇵🇭 (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 24, 2019 at 10:10pm PST

I don't want to be a spoiler to those of you who are planning to watch the show so I would like to share with you a few of our most favorite acts.

1. Gorgeous Girls with Diabolo (Chinese Yo-Yo)
 
Starring Peking Opera's Huadan (Heroine) in beautifully choreographed diabolo techniques and dances, performers were dressed up in a splendid fashion that playfully teased the eyes of the audience. This gracefully matched the movements of the performers as they skipped and caught diabolos. It was so spectacular! No wonder it won four awards: a) President Award of the 26th International Circus Festival of Tomorrow in France, b) Golden Clown Award of the 37th International Circus of Monte Carlo; c) Gold Award of the 12th Budapest Festival in Hungary, and c) Gold Award of the 1st International Festival of Circus Art on Fontanka in St. Petersberg.

2. The Ninth Wave (Skills on Poles)

This act was inspired by the famous Russian painter Ivan Aivazovsky and his work depicting soldiers braving the angry ocean. I learned that like the Gorgeous Girls with Diabolo, it was also an award-winning performance: a) Golden Chrysanthemum Award of the 10th Chinese Acrobatic Competition, b) Golden Tiger Award of the 4th China International Circus Art Festival, c) Special Award and Silver Award of 34th International Circus of Monte Carlo. This act was heart-stopping and jaw-dropping!
     

3. Holy Warriors (Stunts through Hoops)

Masterfully tumbling through hoops with a variety of speed, coherence, precision, and dazzling somersaults of actors made the audiences' eyeballs pop! Imagine, the performers defied gravity by tumbling in the tower of hoops as high as three meters! What an outstanding and thrilling performance! It received a Golden Clown Award of the 37th International Circus of Monte Carlo. 

4. Plate Spin

This mesmerizing act composed of singing and dancing of performers while balancing and spinning 10 plates each in their hands. Award received: Golden Lion Award at the 4th China National Acrobatic Festival.

I encourage you to see it yourself with your friends and loved ones to experience the thrill and bliss that Kuya and I felt. Each act may be simple or easy to the eyes but come to think of it, what makes them special and impressive are the discipline, perseverance, tenacity, and hard work that each performer gives from the training up to the day when the troupe performs worldwide.

View this post on Instagram

Kapag ang mga nanay ay naarawan at nakalabas din ng bahay na hindi errands at work ang gagawin, ito ang kalalabasan talaga! 😂 . Thank you so much @mommybloggersphilippines, @aranetacity, and @thearanetacoliseum for the Christmas treat. We enjoyed our date with our kids. 💖 . The All-new Grand China Acrobatic Circus is a must-watch. Pampamilya talaga. We invite you to watch and see it yourself with your family. Light lang siya at mag-e-enjoy ang lahat! Sobrang galing! 🥰🤩😍 . The show will run from December 25, 2019 until January 4, 2020 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. You may buy tickets at www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 8 911-5555. Super sulit. 💖 . #GrandCircusattheBigDome #AranetaCity #CityofFirsts #aapmevents #mommybloggersph . P.S. Salamat sa mga larawan, beshiewaps @madeitthroughmum. Ramdam ninyo na ba ang ang mga sakit sa kasu-kasuan sa pinaggagagawa nating tatlo nina @momiberlin? #titaproblem 😂

A post shared by Gng. SJ Valdez | AAPM 🇵🇭 (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 24, 2019 at 10:03pm PST

I invite you to watch this video for more details and where to get tickets. Enjoy the show with your family and friends like we did! 

Christmas season is getting very exciting through the years due to the festivities, attractions, and performances being showcased in different parts of the country, especially in the metro. In line with this, just recently, I've learned that an award-winning acrobatic troupe from the People's Republic of China is going to perform at the Smart Araneta Coliseum just in time for Christmas and new year! Kuya enjoyed watching Drum Tao with Paps two years ago and I am sure he is going to love this show too. Like me, he loves watching concerts and shows such as this and just because maybe due to his inclination to the performing arts. Tamang-tama, I also heard that this show is affordable kahit award-winning ang performance so pwedeng-pwedeng makapanood ang people from all walks of life especially "budgetarians" like us. Hindi na kailangang magdalawang-isip na bumili ng tickets!  

Here are the details of the show that I am talking about! 

Araneta City's entertainment mecca, the Smart Araneta Coliseum, brings in to the country the multi-awarded performances of the China National Acrobatic Troupe in a Christmas Show titled “The All-new Grand China Acrobatic Circus.”

The Grand China Acrobatic Circus presents the daring, the splendid, the bold and the spectacular. It features mind-blowing tricks, death-defying acts, graceful choreography loaded with color and excitement deftly presented by internationally renowned and multi-awarded Chinese acrobats.

The Circus themed performance is set to give Filipinos personal firsts experience of heart-stopping shows, daring and thrilling performances guaranteed to be a hit among audiences young and old.

One never-to-missed act is the Rose Bud contortionist, a mythical fox in a trance of contortion and coquetry. Another jaw-dropping act is the Peking Opera’s Huadan (heroines) in Diabolo, where performers in majestic suits intrinsically play the Chinese Yo-yo.

The All-new Grand China Acrobatic Circus will run from December 25, 2019 to January 4, 2020 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Enjoy a 25% discount on every purchase of ten (10) tickets by using a Mastercard Debit, Credit, and Prepad card in any Ticketnet outlets. The promo can also be availed via www.ticketnet.com.ph and the Araneta City Mobile app by using the promo code MCARANETA25. 

Interested buyers may also call 8911-5555. 

To give you the glimpse of what to expect, I invite you to watch this:

The Grand China Acrobatic Circus Mastercard Promo runs under DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-21402 Series of 2019.