lifestyle and culture

February 22, 2025

The Ultimate Skincare Boost: How One Facial Transformed My Skin

Taking care of your skin isn’t just for special occasions—it’s a form of self-care that every man should prioritize. Recently, I had the chance to try the "Man of the World" facial treatment at Montesa Medical Group, located in the prestigious Manila Hotel, and let me tell you, it was an experience worth sharing.

One of the best things about this treatment is that it only takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those with busy schedules. In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-care can be a challenge, but Montesa Medical Group offers a quick and effective solution. The "Man of the World" facial is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes Laser Genesis therapy—an innovative, technologically advanced way to promote vibrant and healthy-looking skin in both men and women. This cutting-edge laser technology safely, discretely, and effectively treats fine wrinkles, large pores, uneven skin texture, diffuse redness, and scars.

Upon stepping into Montesa Medical Group's clinic, I was immediately impressed by how clean, well-maintained, and inviting the space was. The atmosphere exuded professionalism and relaxation, setting the perfect tone for my skincare treatment. The staff was warm, welcoming, and attentive, making me feel comfortable right from the start.

One thing that truly stood out was the presence of Dr. Anna Montesa herself. She took the time to explain the entire process in simple, easy-to-understand terms, ensuring that I knew exactly what to expect. Her expertise and reassuring approach made me feel confident that I was in good hands.

The Laser Genesis therapy used in this treatment helps tighten the skin, reduce fine lines, and improve overall facial contouring—all without any downtime. As the laser worked its magic, I felt a warm, soothing sensation, which was quite relaxing. Unlike other facials that involve harsh scrubbing or uncomfortable extractions, this treatment was entirely painless and calming.

What’s even more exciting? The results were immediate. Right after the session, my skin felt tighter, smoother, and noticeably more refreshed. It was like an instant confidence boost—perfect for any man who wants to look and feel his best with minimal effort.

If you’re someone who values efficiency, convenience, and visible results, the "Man of the World" facial at Montesa Medical Group is a must-try. Whether you’re preparing for an important event or simply want to maintain a youthful, healthy appearance, this treatment is a game-changer.

Montesa Medical Group at Manila Hotel delivers not just a treatment but a premium skincare experience. With top-tier technology, a professional and friendly staff, and expert guidance from Dr. Anna Montesa, this facial is a great investment in self-care. In just 30 minutes, I walked out with rejuvenated skin and renewed confidence—a true testament to how effective this treatment is.

So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free yet highly effective skincare solution, I highly recommend booking an appointment and experiencing it for yourself. After all, self-care isn’t just for special occasions—it’s a lifestyle.

Montesa Medical Group offers its services across multiple branches in Metro Manila. Here are their locations and contact details:

1. The Manila Hotel Branch

  • Address: 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 0913 Metro Manila
  • Clinic Phone: 02-8527-0011
  • Mobile (Globe): +63966-7636139
  • Operating Hours: 12:00 NN – 10:00 PM, Monday to Sunday

2. Ayala Mall Circuit Branch

  • Address: 3rd Floor, Ayala Mall Circuit, Makati City, Metro Manila
  • Clinic Phone: 02-8826-7341
  • Mobile (Smart): +63-961-285-4665
  • Operating Hours: 12:00 NN – 9:00 PM, Monday to Sunday

3. Tomas Morato Branch

  • Address: L/G CTTM Square Building, Tomas Morato Corner Timog Ave., Quezon City, 1100
  • Clinic Phone: 02-8332-7639
  • Mobile (Globe): +63-916-457-4059
  • Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday

For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can visit their official website: https://montesamedicalgroup.com/

Share:

February 17, 2025

POTEN-CEE’S 50TH-anniversary Campaign Bags Silver at the 60th Anvil

PascualLab Clinches First Anvil  From the PR Society of the Philippines
As Pascual Laboratories, Inc.’s (PascualLab) flagship brand, Poten-Cee, celebrates over five (5) decades of serving the vitamin C needs of Filipinos, it continues to carve milestones in the health industry. At the 60th Anvil Awards at the Manila Hotel, PascualLab received a Silver Anvil from the prestigious PR Society of the Philippines (PRSP) for Poten-Cee's 50th-anniversary campaign, #FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward.
#FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward celebrates 50 years of Poten-Cee which began as pedia brand Infan-Cee. Originally launched to offer vitamin C supplementation, the brand has since evolved to meet the health requirements of various individuals and has adapted to the Filipinos' diverse health and lifestyle needs, including immunity support as brought to the fore by the recent pandemic. The campaign for internal and external audiences highlighted these innovations across various media platforms, including digital and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
For successfully capturing the milestones and meaningfully engaging stakeholders who helped shape Poten-Cee into the well-loved brand that it is today, the campaign met the award-giving body’s strict criteria.  It was then shortlisted among a record-breaking 586 entries, with only 122 or 20% making the cut, earning PascualLab its first Anvil. 

According to Mickey de Quiros, Anvil Committee Chairman: “While the volume of entries is impressive, we must remember that the Anvil Awards have always stood for one core principle—integrity. The true value of an Anvil lies not in the number of awards given, but in the quality of the work. So, as we honored winners, we are reminded that the recognition is a reflection of the impact they have on the communities and industries they serve. It is about creating meaningful change through well-crafted, thoughtful, and strategic campaigns.” 

This 2025 and forging forward, Poten-Cee affirms its commitment to Filipinos.  

Valerie Anne T. Sison, Group Product Head shared: “Quality and care are at the heart of PascualLab’s service. With Filipinos’ health needs front and center, Poten-Cee, will continue to move forward with health innovations tailor-fit for customers’ needs, offering benefits beyond immunity.  We always go forward, true to our 50th-anniversary mantra.” 

Poten-Cee is available in all leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide and at PascualLab’s official Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok stores.
Share:

February 14, 2025

Shop ‘til You Win at SM City Masinag 3-Day Sale!

SM City Masinag is kicking off 2025 with the hottest shopping event of the season! Get ready to score massive discounts of up to 70% off on incredible finds at the SM City Masinag 3 Day Sale happening on February 14, 15, and 16, 2025. It’s the perfect time to shop, save, and even win big!

Shop and Drive Away in a Brand-New Car!

Every P1,000 purchase earns you an e-raffle entry for a chance to win a Suzuki S-Presso GL AGS. Want to boost your chances? Shop on Saturday and Sunday to get double entries! Plus, create an SM Malls Online Account and enjoy 5 additional raffle entries—the more you shop, the closer you get to driving home that stylish new ride!

Exclusive Perks at The SM Store!

Don’t miss out on these amazing SM Store deals during the 3-Day Sale with up to 50% off on select items:

  • SM Prestige cardholders get an extra 10% off on all purchases on February 14th.
  • SM Prestige and SM Advantage cardholders can also enjoy an extra 10% discount on February 15 and 16.
  • Shop a minimum P3,000 single-receipt purchase and qualify for the What’s in the Bag game! Choose a mystery bag and get a chance to win up to P10,000 worth of shopping money to spend on your favorite SM Store items.

Don’t Miss Out!

Mark your calendars and get ready for three days of unbeatable deals, thrilling games, and amazing prizes at SM City Masinag! Whether you’re shopping for fashion, home essentials, gadgets, or gifts, this is your chance to shop more and win big!

See you at the SM City Masinag 3 Day Sale—where every purchase gets you closer to fantastic finds and fantastic prizes!

Share:

Experience Love in Full Color at SM Supermalls in the East this Valentine's Day!

This Valentine's Day, SM Supermalls in the East is the ultimate destination for celebrating love in all its forms. Whether you're a couple, a family, a group of friends, flying solo, or even furparents we've got something special in store for you at SM City East Ortigas, SM City Taytay, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Angono and SM Center Antipolo Downtown.
Couples: Celebrate love with a special date at SM. Enjoy a romantic dinner with various restos you can choose from, try La Casetta de Britt at SM City Taytay for an Authentic Italian taste while Mary Grace at SM City Marikina, SM City East Ortigas and SM City Masinag gives an intimate ambiance for couples. Catch the latest blockbuster at SM Cinema, and don't forget to capture your sweet moments at the Valentine-themed photo area, serenaded by live music from our talented buskers!
Couples find love and laughter while playing the claw machine at World of Fun SM City Taytay.
Families: Spread the love with the whole family at SM. Enjoy a delicious meal together at Yakimix SM City Masinag, Vikings at SM City Marikina or Botejyu at SM City San Mateo, bond over exciting games at SM City East Ortigas Tom’s World and World of Fun at SM Center Angono, or watch a heartwarming family movie at SM City East Ortigas and SM City Marikina’s Director’s Club.
Have your photo taken with the whole family at the Valentine’s Day photo op area of SM City Taytay
Friends: Celebrate your friendship this Valentine's Day and catch up over coffee at Krispy Kreme SM Center Angono or grab a bite at Pizza Hut SM City Taytay and SM City San Mateo, enjoy blindbox-hunting and unboxing at Fullybooked SM City East Ortigas, or challenge each other to a friendly competition at a game of billiards at the Game Park in SM City East Ortigas. Create new memories and don’t forget to capture it at Life Four Cuts at SM Center Angono, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo and SM City Taytay.
Enjoy sweet Valentine-themed treats with your friends. Get these heart-shaped donuts from Krispy Kreme at SM Center Angono.
Singles: Embrace self-love this Valentine's Day at SM. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at Hey Sugar SM City Taytay, SM Center Angono, SM City San Mateo or SM City Marikina, indulge in your favorite comfort food – Kyukyu Ramen at SM Center Antipolo Downtown and grab yourself a bouquet of flowers from MSME merchants at your favorite SM Malls in the East. Discover new interests at SM City East Ortigas and join Moss Escapes’ workshop on making miniature landscape terrarium or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll around the mall, enjoying the lovely music of our Valentine's Day buskers.
Express your love with chocolates from SM Center Antipolo Downtown and keep things sweet for your Valentine or your Galentine

Get your otter half this Made for Each Otter mugs from Starbucks
Pet Lovers: Show your furry friends some love this Valentine's Day! Look out for pet-friendly activities, photo booths, and even special treats for your beloved companions at Pet Express SM City Masinag, SM City Taytay, SM City East Ortigas and SM City Marikina or simply enjoy play time at Paw Park at SM City East Ortigas, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo and SM City Taytay.

Here's a glimpse of what awaits you at SM Supermalls in the East:
* Dining Deals: Enjoy special Valentine's Day menus and promotions at participating restaurants.
* Cinema Specials: Catch the latest romantic comedies and dramas at SM Cinema.
* Arcade Fun: Challenge your loved ones to exciting games and win amazing prizes.
* Photo Opportunities: Capture your sweet moments at our Valentine's-themed photo booths and photo areas.
* Gift Ideas: Find the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your loved ones at our diverse retail shops.
* Special Events: Look out for special Valentine's Day events and performances happening at our malls, including our pet-friendly celebrations!
* Live Music: Enjoy the romantic and festive atmosphere with live performances from our Valentine's Day buskers.

Visit SM Supermalls in the East this Valentine's Day and experience a celebration of love like no other!
Share:

February 11, 2025

Embrace 2025 with Ease: LG Washers for a Fresh Beginning

Start 2025 effortlessly with LG washers, featuring smart AI, energy efficiency, and spacious capacities for a simpler, more effortless routine

This year is all about embracing fresh starts, and LG Washers are designed to make your everyday tasks smarter and more effortless. Built to adapt and elevate your everyday routines, they’re designed with smart features, energy efficiency, and powerful performance to make your life easier. Whether you're stepping into a new chapter, creating memories with loved ones, or setting up a home that reflects your dreams, LG Washers ensure you have the perfect blend of performance and convenience to embrace 2025 with confidence.

1. For the First Time Solo Dweller
For first-time solo dwellers, the LG 7KG Front Load Washing Machine with Allergy Care offers the perfect balance of performance, style, and efficiency.
Independence comes with the joy of choosing quality that works for you. This washer is the ideal companion for your first home, with a 7kg capacity in a slim chassis for easy integration into smaller spaces, while 6 Motion DD technology and Steam™ care treat your clothes with the utmost care. Plus, the Smart Diagnosis™ app ensures troubleshooting is just a tap away.

A perfect choice for only ₱33,995.00 to those seeking a washer that fits both their space and lifestyle while delivering superior performance.

2. For First-Time Moms
Starting your new family journey? The LG 7.5KG Top Load Washing Machine with Smart Inverter Motor is the perfect fit for new beginnings.
With a compact design, energy-saving features, and powerful cleaning technology like TurboDrum™ and Punch+3, you’ll breeze through laundry day while building your new life together. Its Smart Inverter Motor ensures quiet and reliable performance, providing peace of

mind as you grow your family. Plus, its large-capacity drum means fewer loads and more time for the things that matter most. This washing machine makes it easy to start your family’s journey with convenience and efficiency. Make your new start smooth and simple for ₱19,995.00—where family life and efficiency meet.

3. For Growing Families
As your family grows, so does the laundry. But the 15KG Top Loading Washing Machine, AI Direct Drive Inverter keeps laundry stress-free and manageable.
Balancing family time and responsibilities is easier when laundry takes care of itself. This washer is designed for growing families who need efficiency without sacrificing performance. With Smart Inverter Technology, it saves energy and adjusts to different fabrics with Smart Motion, ensuring a perfect clean every time. The Auto Pre Wash feature handles stubborn stains at the touch of a button, saving you time. Side Waterfall technology ensures detergent is evenly mixed, while LoDecibel™ runs quietly—perfect for keeping the peace in a busy home. Make family life easier with the for ₱45,995.00—tailored for growing families and their big laundry needs.

4. The Washer for Every Generation in Your Home
Living in a multigenerational home means everyone has different needs, and the 14/8KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with AIDD is built to meet them all, keeping laundry day fast and efficient for every member of the family. AI DD™ technology also helps the Washer adapt to the softness of each fabric, providing 18% more protection for clothes.
TurboWash™360˚ cleans clothes in just 39 minutes, using 3D multi-nozzles for a thorough wash that’s gentle on all fabrics. Meanwhile, the ezDispense™ system releases the perfect amount of detergent for up to 35 loads, while LG ThinQ™ lets you manage everything from your phone. 1It runs quietly, so your household can enjoy peace without interruption. Enjoy a cleaner, more organized home for just ₱77,995.00—designed for families who value both efficiency and harmony.

5. For Those Who Appreciate Style
If you’re someone who appreciates both function and flair in your home, the LG 14/10KG Objet WashTower™ All-In-One Stacked Washer Dryer from the Objet Collection is more than just a washing machine—it’s a true statement piece that seamlessly blends style with performance.
Its minimalist design fits beautifully in any home, while its advanced features like the Allergy Care Cycle provide top-notch cleaning performance. The AI Direct Drive motor optimizes wash performance based on fabric type and load size, while the Allergy Care Cycle eliminates 99.9% of live house dust mites. With LG ThinQ™, you can monitor and control the washer remotely, making it a smart and stylish upgrade for your home. Quiet, efficient, and stylish, for only ₱149,995.00, this washer is for those who appreciate the finer things in life and want to elevate their space with a sophisticated touch to their home’s aesthetic.

Let LG take care of the laundry while you take care of what really matters. With the support of smart technology and powerful performance, this is your time to thrive, live with intention, and embrace all the wonderful possibilities that 2025 has in store. Let’s make this year the best one yet—starting with the simple things that make life easier. After all, Life’s Good when everything else falls into place.

1 https://www.lg.com/ph/washer-dryers/front-load-washing-machines/fv1413h2ba/
Share:

February 10, 2025

Valentine’s Day and Special Offers this February at The Manila Hotel

This Valentine’s season, The Manila Hotel invites guests to celebrate love with an array of curated experiences, from indulgent dining to a romantic staycation.

A Cozy and Romantic Staycation
The Manila Hotel offers a Valentine’s Staycation package, inclusive of an overnight stay and an intimate in-room dining experience for two. Guests can choose between a Deluxe Room at Php 12,999 nett or a One-Bedroom Suite at Php 14,344 nett. Both options include breakfast for two, a specially prepared in- room dining set menu, and a complimentary mini bar. The in-room dining set menu features Pacific Rim Caesar Salad with Shrimps, Cream of Pumpkin-Carrot Soup, Fettucine in Cherry Tomato Cream with Fresh Basil, Roast U.S. Beef Tenderloin, Strawberry Eclairs, and Pink French Macarons. This offer is available for booking until February 14, 2025, with a stay period from February 13 to 15, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-21311 Series of 2025.
A Romantic Dining Experience at the Champagne Room
Set against the enchanting ambiance of Manila’s most romantic dining venue, Champagne Room presents a six-course Valentine’s Degustation Dinner. The menu includes Pan-Seared Foie Gras and Prawn on Melon Gazpacho, Cauliflower-Apple Soup with Lump Crab Meat, and Lobster-Ricotta Ravioli in Light Lobster Cream Sauce. Guests can choose between Chilean Sea Bass with Spring Pea Sauce or Beef Tenderloin in Truffle Red Wine Sauce, complemented by a sweet and refreshing Peach-Lemon Sorbet.

The experience concludes with White Chocolate Mousse with Nougat Crisp, Valentine’s Pralines, and coffee or tea. Available on February 13 and 14, 2025, at Php 7,000 nett per person, the dinner includes a complimentary rose for each lady.

Valentine’s Day at Red Jade
Red Jade presents a special menu, meticulously created for a romantic dinner for two. Highlights include a Trio of Dim Sum Delights, Fish Pearl Soup, Stir-Fry Shrimp in Lettuce Cup, Fried Pigeon with Pork Asado, Simmered Beef Brisket with Pistachio and Chinese Buns, and Pit Lobster with Cheese and Efu Noodles. The meal concludes with Taro Swan and Strawberry Coconut Jelly. Available for lunch and dinner from February 13 to 15, 2025, at Php 6,280 nett for two persons.

Lobby Lounge and Tap Room Special Offers
For a charming daytime celebration, The Manila Hotel offers a pink-themed Afternoon Tea that includes Strawberry Bibingka, Puto Bumbong, Strawberry Fruit Tartlet, Raspberry Jam Cookies, Raspberry Macaron, Strawberry Panna Cotta, Tuna Sandwich in Pink Bread, Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwich, and Smoked Salmon Crepe Roll. Served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, with an option to add a glass of sparkling wine for Php 800 nett, this Afternoon Tea is priced at Php 1,299 nett, best shared by two, and is available daily from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm throughout February.
February Afternoon Tea
From February 13 to 15, 2025, a special Valentine’s A La Carte menu will be available from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, featuring Pacific Caesar Salad, Tomato Cream Soup, Seafood Tom Yang Spaghetti, Braised Beef Ribs in Barbecue Sauce, Chicken Valdostana, and Strawberry Panna Cotta.
Valentine ala Carte Menu
For a hearty indulgence, enjoy the Wagyu Burger, featuring a premium chuck eye and Wagyu patty in a charcoal bun, layered with Emmental cheese, crisp green ice lettuce, and Japanese sesame dressing, served with golden potato wedges. This offer is available throughout February.
Wagyu Burger
Raise a toast to romance with these Valentine’s cocktails expertly crafted to delight the senses. Sweet and Sultry is a refreshing blend of Beefeater gin, Rose Monin, and tonic water, elegantly topped with butterfly pea. Sweet Lips is a vibrant mix of Smirnoff vodka, lemon juice, watermelon, and Rothberry, garnished with a cherry for a romantic touch. Priced at Php 350 per glass, these Valentine’s cocktails are available this February.
Valentines cocktails
A Starry-Eyed Dinner at the Sun Deck
Guests can enjoy an alfresco dining experience under the stars with the Sun Deck’s special Valentine’s Day set menu. This romantic feast includes Pomelo Shrimp Salad, Crustacean Bisque, Pan-Seared Scallop, Seafood Medley, and French Macarons, served with coffee or tea. Available from February 13 to 15, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Php 6,950 nett for two persons.

February Treats at the Delicatessen
From handcrafted chocolates to irresistible pastries, the Valentine’s goodie counter at the Delicatessen offers delightful treats to sweeten the season of love. Available daily until February 17, 2025, from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, these indulgent creations make for the perfect Valentine’s gift. Adding to the sweet indulgences, the Delicatessen presents the Frozen Strawberry Parfait Cake in Pistachio Dacquoise, an ideal treat for the season of love, available throughout February.
Frozen Strawberry Parfait Cake
For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527-0011 or +632 5301-5500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.
Share:

Watch the Big Game spot of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Paramount Pictures has unleashed the adrenaline-pumping Big Game Spot for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the latest and most explosive installment in the blockbuster franchise. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt for a final mission where everything he’s fought for—and everyone he’s ever cared about—comes to a reckoning.
From death-defying stunts to high-stakes espionage, this is the Mission: Impossible event audiences have been waiting for. As the line between fate and free will blurs, the choices Ethan Hunt makes will define the fate of the world. Watch the video here:


“Our lives are the sum of our choices.”

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING
A Tom Cruise Production
Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present

Starring:
Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Produced by: Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie
Executive Producers: David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Chris Brock
Based on the Television Series Created by: Bruce Geller

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opens only in cinemas on May 17, 2025. This summer, the impossible mission becomes personal.

Stay tuned for updates and join the global conversation using #MissionImpossible. Don’t forget to tag @paramountpicsph.
Share:

Search This Blog

Intellifluence google page rank

Featured Post

Pilgrim Commute Guide: Jubilee 2025 Churches in the Diocese of Antipolo

The Ordinary Jubilee Year of Hope began this January, and the Catholic Church has invited everyone to visit the designated Jubilee churches...

Archives