MEANINGFUL A CHIC HOME

FA M I LY T R I PS ON A BUDGET

THE NO.1 FAMILY AND HOME MAGAZINE 1)*-*11*/&4
t
4&15&.#&3


EASY
30-MINUTE
Yo u r f a m i l y ’ s n

MEALS

7 LIPSTICK
SHADES
A N YO N E
CA N W E A R
ew

P. 48
fa

FITTER &
vo

ri B E AT
ST R O N G E R te
P. BACK
IN JUST 17 PA I N
30 DAYS 5 TREATMENTS
P. 31 YOU CAN TRY
P. 38

BUY
YO U R
F I RST
K
HOW TO FINANCE
YOUR DREAM HOME
P. 70
SEPTEMBER 2016

31
14
EASY 30-MINUTE
MEALS
FITTER AND
STRONGER IN JUST
30 DAYS

38
BEAT BACK PAIN:
5 TREATMENTS YOU
CAN TRY

48
7 LIPSTICK SHADES
ANYONE CAN WEAR

70
BUY YOUR FIRST
HOUSE: HOW TO
FINANCE YOUR
DREAM HOME

78
A CHIC HOME
ON A BUDGET

100
MEANINGFUL
FAMILY TRIPS

ON THE COVER
Photograph by
Patrick Martires.
Styling by Kay
Isabedra-Silva of
Craftsmith Living.
Recipe by
Roselle Miranda.
Art direction by
Theodore Cruz.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 1
 70

48

84
LEARN TO
STYLE YOUR
15
COFFEE TABLE

4 From The Editor 38 Back Pain Treatments YOUR HOME

Stronger Than Fear Back In The Game 78 Family Home
8 Get Help From 43 Family Health City Meets Country
Technology The Dangers Of 84 Coffee Table Décor

90
Stream All You Can Dr. Google Center of Attention
10 Ask The Experts 44 Lifestyle Change 86 Ask The Experts
Your Questions How I Finally Embraced Household Help &
Answered My Period Cleaning Tips
YOUR KITCHEN YOUR LOOK REAL LIFE A TRIBUTE
14 Good Food 48 Beauty Tips 90 Grandparents’ Month TO LOLOS
Fast And Easy Meals 7 Days of Lipstick For Lolo & Lola AND LOLAS
22 Dinner In A Flash 54 Beauty News 94 Good Deeds
Weeknight Easy 56 Beauty Finds A Vision Of Hope;
24 Healthy Eats Beauty Sponges 101 There & Back Again
Merienda 58 Office Fashion 98 Life Lessons
26 Guide Workwear Diaries Saving Grace
Supermarket Snacks
YOUR MONEY YOUR LEISURE
YOUR BODY 66 Personal Finance 100 Social Tourism
Expert Advice The Road Less Traveled
28 Health News
70 Housing Loans 106 Me-Time
30 Weight Loss
Financing Your Senior Moments
Drop 5 Lbs
First Home
31 30-Day Workout 108 At My House
74 Money News Isabel Roces-Trebol
Change Your Body &
Your Life In 30 Days 76 Ask The Expert
Money Matters

2 G OO D H O U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 t EDIT R

Tisha Alvar
EDITOR IN CHIEF

M GI IT R Ange Constantino Aquin

A TY EDITOR ElaineNatividad Reye
D EDIT R R s ll Mirand
R T eo ore Cru
Tisha spent one morning at the Nico e Sin iong
GK Enchanted Farm catching and
weighing chickens. OL ISTS oboy Alianan, Vange Alianan-Bautista,
arivic Arambulo, Christine Araneta-Ferreira,
Dr. Rita Angela Bonuan-Salvador, Iv Tablante Darilag, Malou Del
Castillo, Marvin Germo, Atty. Rita Linda Jimen

O TRI UTI WRIT R M De Mesa, Lara Gaspar, Chinggay Labrador,

Dagny Ma am a, Bianca Mascenon, Mariz Men io a-Luis, Amy Sc inger,
Micah Sulit, D an Zarzuel

CO TRI UTI P T R R ouie A uinaldo, Kurt Alvarez, Dakila

nge es, Dairy Dari ag, Mi e Garten, Ejay Leung, Patric Martire

ENT AND C FFI Lisa Y. Gokongwei-Cheng

I na T. Be ez
O EDIT RIAL IRE R Jo-Ann Q. Ma lipo
DIT R L IR M rza C. Siso
anse C. De a Cru
EP TY R PP B I C ristine Ongteco-San eja
I I O I R mina Rill
EAM P I Melody Lalat
EAM A T l Vill ri

Food Editor Roselle and Managing Editor ADMINISTRATIVE

Angel toured the farm with MAD Travel’s A D AD IST IRE T Ma s astro
A IST ER S MA AGE E W [O :] Sh ’ E E T T R sa i Art ta
Tom Graham (center), who left a cushy job A MI IST E ic e e Luma i, Mar yn Migue
to give social entrepreneurship a go.
ADVERTISING
RTISI E R 4 ]`S\QS 5 0WS\dS\W ] ’ DV RTISI E T R- OU T
SUWS Cg ’ AD RTISI A AGER Bim o An ra e, S ie a O ues, Torto C. Can a, Maiza
 ;c ’ U TS E ALI T Joey G. Anciano, Junn T. e as A as, A ex S.
@SdS O` /\\WS A AO\b]a AchSbbS 5 B] S\bW\] ’ OU T M AG R Dianne S. Suegay,
ristine Caritativo, Fait Gazmin, Onnie Y. De Mun o, Ange a Laga i , Kim er y

HAN FEAR
1 ]\U /a Sg 0O O ’ U T MA AGER Romme C. Discipu o, Honey Dayry A esna,
S]`US D 1O\aSQ] 777 9\SZZS @S Sa@]aO`W] 8S`` 1OPOcObO\ 2W\UZOaO\ ’ OU T
M N GER Ma. Leonissa Reyes, Rita M. Bar acena, Denise Dizon KE T
1VW\UUOg ; 1OPWb ;O`WQSZ AO[a]\/RO\WSZ 8SaaO[g\ @]RW\Oa < VOZW WO\O\ ’
AD RTISI T Vani Arenal, Jackelyn Que, Sheena Calricia, Lorena Marfil

MARKETING
TS P T
TI MA AG R @] S` W\ @c W\O 8` ’ R E Dorot y Joy Bu an
NIOR MAR TI ASS CIATE JC Brion, E iza et Acosta
U IOR A TI A O IATE Katrina Cami e Peña, Nei Emerson De Guzman,
’T AFRAID ” ace oo COO at erine Anne Ca eja, Mary Joyce Montino a
TRADE MA K TI D P RT T

Sheryl Sandberg asks in her book . I oste t is uestion on Face oo , an t e TRADE MA K I FF

Hans a ruz
R 8O[W 8 O\ 7a ’ RADE MARK I A O IATE Dary Linco ,
O\\O @] cS ’ TRADE MA K TI Joy yn Guinto, Raven Dora o,
answers ranged from the expected “Go skydiving” to pretty universal “Pack my bags ES\RZ ;O aW\] ’ RADE MARK I PR E T OORDI Emmanu Ta r

and go” to sweet “Fall in love” to deceptively simple “Tell people how I really feel” .
MEDIA RELATIONS
I read somewhere that our choices shouldn’t reflect our fears but our ho es. Too M DI
M D MA AG R Grace Enri uez
IATE Jensine Q. Bo inao, Mi anny V. O o

often, people spend their lives choosin not to o after their dreams because the ’re
CIRCULATION
afraid to step outside their comfort zone. Those at the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Enchanted D P T L IR AG 5 S\ O 5W ’ I L MA AGER-GMA Noreen
S W `] ’ T M AGER F R EXP RT LI E DI TR TION B RIPTIO D I E
Farm in Bulacan, which we visited for this month’s “The Road Less Traveled” by Angel LE C gaaWa 8OdWS` ’ KEY A
DWdWO\ ;O\O O\ ’ KEY A
U TS GROUP HE D-
U TS GROUP HE D-
ERM KET
ERM KET D CO
D CO
IE
IE
T
T
Vivi n
Constantino Aquino , are going the completely opposite route. Dubbed the Silicon Valley O\O O\ ’ KE A OU TS GROUP HE D- B
1 O` ]bbS 0O` Wa ’ I L ER
T ES GAZI E H P
OR ;O` S :S\\ @SgSa ’ K
D GMA I TR B T R
CCOU TS E I LI T

of Social Entrepreneurship, the place is teemin with people who are bravel chasin arjorie Abueme, Harold William Rey, Al redo Toldeo Jr., Jenni er Tolentino, Rejie
O cW ]b ’ U IOR L R PRE E M
`g S 5]\hO Sh ;S `]aS BO[ ]]\U 8c WS 2c\\ 0O\bO\ ’ DI TR T R PE I LI T
after their dreams and, in the process, are helpin make the world a better place. Bee Datin uinoo, Elaine Einosas, Eric Ferdinand Gasatan, Robert Revilla, Michael
W[ AO`[WS\b] /S`]\ <] OaQ] DI TR TIO R U E O` O A]`WO\]
One of the most inspiring conversations I had at the farm was with a young B RIPTIO A O IATE at anie Em ia o Maria G en a Uc i A ertino Ga rie
dS`O ’ B RIPTIO SSOCI TE EM R 8]\ ;Og\O` =`bWh ’ LI TI

Frenchman named Louis, who attended a presti ious business school then left his life o A OCIATE /\\O g\ /`O[ c ]
I ISTR
B RIPTIO A ISTR T C arissa Ma ic em
TS 3 \WS ;O`WS S ]a AO\b]a :WhS Bc[O W
DS ER O 8]S DO Sh ’ T R I TR T RI T D
comfort in Paris to come here and become a chicken farmer. He recounted how, when he LI E O` ;O\W] ’ S COORDI Jenny er Marcelo

irst arrived here, he was taken by GK ounder Tony Meloto to a school or PRODUCTION
PROD TIO MA E 3 Wh @ Wa ’ PROD TIO M E ;O`g 8O\S >c\] ’
un erprivi ege i s, w ere everyone was as e a out is or er ream. Louis ta e PR D TIO COORDI 7`S\S ;Wa O\ ’ AD E TISI G TRAFFI ER E izi R.
S @W] ’ PROD CTIO RTI Dind R lla
a out seeing t e wor ; t e i s ta e a out
HEARST MAGAZINES INTERNATIONAL
than they had, but they had much bigger dreams,” he said. He also talked about listening PR IDE T/C 2c\ O\ 3 eO` a ’ E IOR V PR IDE T/ F A
ENER L M G AW[]\ 6]`\S ’ E IOR V PR IDE RE T
to his heart when, out of all the opportunities available to him, he chose to go to the FL SI G
T R
D BUSI E L
L P BLISHI D E
T 5OcbO[ @O\ ’ E IOR V
R SO\SbbS 1 O\ ’ E IOR
PR IDE T/

Philippines: “It’s a lot like love— ou ust know, no matter what an one else tells ou. ID T/EDITORIAL D E
E T R 9`WabS\ 7\ S`a] ’ EDIT R
R 9W[ Ab OW` 0 \ ’ F SHIO / E T R I M T
ITED TATE 8O\ 4`O\ Wa ’ ITED KI GD
:W\ aOg <WQ ] a]\ ’ O`WO DW\] `O ]dO ’ KA AKH 3 \O ; \W dO ’ D A
What is our heart tellin ou toda ? Ma we all openl listen to what it has to sa ;O\XW`O 2cbbO ’ O TH FR CA Sa y Emer

and ma its voice be louder and more persistent than an o our ears oo House eeping is pu is e y SH Pu ications, Inc. A rig ts reserve .
hilippine Copyright 1998 by SH Publications, Inc. No part of this magazine may
be reproduced in any manner without the permission o the publisher. Opinions
xpressed in this magazine are the writers’ and are not necessaril endorsed b the
pu is er. T e pu is er reserves t e rig t to accept or reject e itoria or a vertising
materia . Unso icite manuscripts, p oto rap s, an artwor wi not e returne
unless accompanied by sel -addressed, stamped envelopes. Publisher assumes no
responsibility for unsolicited material. Address all correspondence and subscription

Alva inquiries to Goo House eeping, 7t F oor Ro insons Cy ergate Center Tower 3,
o insons Pioneer Comp ex, Pioneer St., Man a uyong City, P i ippines.
or orate we site: www.summitme ia.com.
ED R IN H EF or dealership/distributorship inquiry, contact Mr. Joel Valdez
facebook.com/goodhousekeeping.p 632 451-8888 loc. 109

rinte in t e P i i ine

Photograph by Dairy Darilag (Tisha). Makeup by Muriel Vega Perez. Hair by Elaine Ganuelas. Out it rom Miss Sel ridge

4 G OO D HO U EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 201

ADVERTISINGFEATURE

A Definitive Guide of a
Family-Friendly Community
Consider these things to make sure that your family lives within
cozy and convenient surroundings

The majority of people

T
residing in the Metro
have a steady routine to
follow. Probably one’s
day is composed of
coming to work, doing
errands and a huge
amount of time poured into getting stuck
in traffic. Lifestyle becomes practically
on the go and the only thing you’d wish
for is finding comfort and convenience in
just one place. The Grove by Rockwell
answers that need by opening The Grove
Retail Row, a resource place to address
The ideal place for everything you the community’s lifestyle needs.
need within the neighborhood
Have convenient access to the family’s necessities at Rustan’s supermarket.

FILL YOUR HUNGER ANYTIME OF THE DAY

Perfect for client meetings or social gatherings with friends and families,
there’s a place for everyone’s cravings at the Retail Row as they introduced
restaurants with a variety of cuisines to choose from. You certainly can’t miss
their coffee spots, sweets haven and farm to table green eats from restos
promoting healthy eating. Take your pick from Om Indian Kitchen, Asakusa,
Backyard Kitchen + Brew, Precynct, Alley, Burger Pub, Pi Breakfast and Pies,
Hanamaruken, Sunrise Buckets, Starbucks, and The Gardens..

EASY ACCESS TO YOUR NEEDS

Aside from food hubs, The Grove Retail Row has banks readily accessible in Sumptuous delights from world-class cuisines
the area. Money matters and transactions can be done in no time, assured of
well-secured surroundings. A few steps away from the residential area, you can RELAXATION WITHIN REACH
find fresh picks at a reasonable cost at the community’s supermarket. You would want to live in a community that is an
avenue for stress-free living. Re-energize and take your
well-deserved rest at amenities perfect for individuals
or the whole family. Unwind at the lawn, have a
relaxing swim, or break a sweat while you workout at
the fully equipped gym, take your morning jog and
have fun sports activities. Within the vicinity also lies
Aruga Serviced Apartments that cater to travelers and
to those who would like a quick staycation.

The Retail Row was designed to bring in reliable

establishments for different services. As an exclusive
area with premium amenities, you’d be surprised that
these are not limited to Rockwell residents alone, but
they have a welcoming community that makes non-
Let your families abroad experience the Rockwell lifestyle at Aruga, the residents feel at home too.
ideal place to de-stress and find serenity.

Conveniently located in Pasig City, The Grove by Rockwell

keeps up with the growing demand by introducing
modernized living but still clearly taking into account what
the community needs through various finds and services.
See it for yourself and you might just find your next go-to
place in the city that just makes you feel at home.

For more information, please call 571-8151 or

visit www.thegrovebyrockwell.com.
 TECHNOLOGY

STREAM
TV O’Clock
Stay in and chill with our
series recommendations

ALL YOU CAN

for the whole family.

With countless titles from these Internet TV service

providers, staying in has never sounded better.

NETFLIX Starts at P370/month

The local version of Netflix is well-stocked with
Hollywood movies and acclaimed Netflix originals, For the Kids: Dexter’s
such as dramedy Orange Is the New Black, political Laboratory on iFlix
drama House of Cards, sitcom Unbreakable Kimmy Tune in for lots of geeky adventures,
Schmidt,t and superhero noir Daredevil. The whole sibling dynamics, and a nostalgic vibe.
family can share one account, which can be used to
create five customizable user profiles.

IFLIX P129/month
The beauty of iFlix is in its regional and local titles.
Here, you can find K-dramas like Boys Over Flowers,
indie gems such as Magnifico and Engkwentro, and
all the John Lloyd Cruz movies you could possibly
want. iFlix also has a well-curated collection of U.S.
titles, from kid-friendly Adventure Time to crowd
favorite F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and sleeper hit Mr. Robot.

IWANT TV P99/month
No need to rush home after work to catch your
favorite telenovelas. With iWant TV, SKYbroadband
and BayanDSL subscribers can watch the three For Dad: Chef’s Table on Netflix
most recent episodes of current ABS-CBN shows for Every episode has mouthwatering
free. ABS-CBN Mobile users have unlimited access dishes, kitchen drama, and inspiring
to current shows, old favorites like On the Wings of stories all rolled into one show.
Love, as well as exclusive mobile shows.

HOOQ P149/month
If you’re a Filipino film buff, Hooq is
the streaming service for you. It’s a
treasure trove of everything from
destination romantic movies (Milan,
Dubai) to action dramas (On the Job,
Dekada '70). Also worth noting is its
local TV collection, which includes
ABS-CBN’s My Binondo Girl, GMA’s My For Mom: Jane the Virgin on iWant TV
Husband’s Lover and Viva celebrity It’s a tagalized tongue-in-cheek take
specials and live concerts. Hooq also on telenovelas, gorgeous leading
has a collection of English, Korean, men, and relatable mommy struggles.
Indian, Indonesian, and Thai titles.

Text by Dyan Zarzuela. Photographs by iStockphoto (phone), Cartoon Network (Dexter), Netflix (Chef’s Table), and The CW (Jane).
 THE MODERN PINAY’S
ESSENTIAL COMPANION TO
MANAGING VARYING ROLES
IN FAMILY
AND SOCIETY

Download the App now!

*Powered by . You can access using the account

you create for the Good Housekeeping App.
 ask the EXPERTS

YOUR QUESTIONS
your children. Do give accurate

ANSWERED information and use the proper

names of body parts, but do not
give details that are not asked.
As your children approach
puberty and adolescence, they
Parents, along with will need more details. From early
teachers and textbooks, on, if your children sense that you
are a child’s most reliable
sources, especially when it are not open to talking about such
comes to sex education. topics, they will quickly learn to
get the information somewhere
else. Typically, they will get their
information from classmates and
peers, the Internet, and other
people who are willing to share
the information with them. It’s
good if the sources are reliable,
such as teachers and textbooks.
All too often, however, inaccurate
information is received from
equally ignorant peers and the
unguided access to the Internet
(e.g., pornography).
Parents are in the best position
to discuss sex with their children.
This talk (or series of talks) is not
different from any other talk you
would have about any other topic.
You do not have to share your
own personal sexual experiences,
although your child might want to
know if you share the same feelings
they might have.
As your children become
KEEP IT REAL teenagers, you can talk to them
about your experience with your

Q
I get anxious thinking about having to talk to my crushes, even as you caution them
children about the birds and the bees one day. against being impulsive. Be open
At what age should I start talking to them about about how you feel and the values
that you want them to learn.
sex? How do I start the conversation and how Depending on the kind of
much should I tell them? communication you have with
your children, you can tell them
Teaching your children about sex starts from the time they learn about their quite a bit of information. In turn,
bodies and gender roles as toddlers. They begin by learning the parts of your children will feel comfortable
their bodies and how to act like a boy or a girl. As children get older, they enough to ask you questions when
need to learn how to relate to and empathize with other people. Part of sex they are in doubt. Do understand
education is imparting the values we want to teach our children. what information they seek and
Before graduating from primary school, children will study the help them discover the best
reproduction of plants and animals. These lessons typically bring about answers you can find together.
questions about how they were born. This is usually the time to talk —BOBOY ALIANAN AND
about their birth stories, including your pregnancy, labor, and birthing of VANGE ALIANAN-BAUTISTA

Photographs by Dairy Darilag and courtesy of Dr. Maria Rita Angela Bonuan-Salvador (columnists); Getty Images.

10 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

L E G A L M AT T E R S

Q Apart from government officials, who else

qualifies for exemption from the number
coding system? Is there a way for civilians
to be exempted?
The number coding system is a system implemented by the Metro Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) in an effort to decongest traffic, by
banning public and private vehicles from traveling during certain hours
based on the vehicle’s plate number. The only vehicles exempted from the
number coding scheme are the following:
a. Department of Tourism-accredited tourism vehicles marked as such
b. Ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol cars, military vehicles with
permanent marking indicating vehicles as such
c. Vehicles commandeered by the government and directed by a person
in authority or his agent or by a medical practitioner for military relief or
emergency purposes
d. Vehicles carrying person/s needing immediate medical attention
e. Diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates
f. MMDA-accredited tow trucks
g. Government vehicles with government plates or appropriate Land
Transportation Office (LTO) stickers with permanent markings expressly
showing the name of the government agency or office, including those H E A LT H C H E C K
vehicles of Members of Congress with officially issued LTO protocol plates
and being utilized in the performance of their functions
h. Vehicles delivering perishable goods in commercial quantity
Q How often should the
pediatrician see my
Technically, there is a way for civilians to apply for exemption,
but only if the vehicle qualifies under any of the following:
child? After she turned two
a. Duly enfranchised school buses, including school buses with provisional and a half, she had no more
authority by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, regular appointments.
with appropriate LTO stickers and markings
b. Company buses/shuttle services ferrying employees for free and with
appropriate LTO stickers and markings Unless your child has an illness
c. Official media vehicles with corresponding markings showing name/ that warrants a visit to the clinic,
logo of the media firm and duly registered under the said firm it is recommended that a child see
d. Privately owned vehicles being used by media personalities on official her pediatrician at least once a
duties as attested by the concerned editor/publisher/station manager, year for a well-child visit so as to
(with a signboard, indicating the media establishment represented, update the child’s over-all health.
conspicuously displayed on the vehicle) This includes measurements for
e. Vehicles used by medical practitioners in an emergency her height, weight, body mass
f. Vehicles on a mission to carry relief goods to identified calamity or index, and blood pressure; vision
highly depressed areas and hearing screening tests; and
developmental and behavioral
The chairman of the MMDA has the power to grant temporary exemptions assessments.
to private vehicles, but only under highly exceptional circumstances.
—MARIA RITA ANGELA BONUAN-
—ATTY. RITA LINDA V. JIMENO SALVADOR M.D.

T H E E X P E RT S

CAREER COUNSEL HEALTH

H CHECK LEGAL MATTERS KEEP IT REAL
Malou Trenas Del Maria
M Rita Angela Atty. Rita Linda Boboy Alianan
Castillo is a caree
er Bonuan-Salvador
B V. Jimeno is a and Vange
consultant at Lee M.D.
M specializes in managing partner Alianan-Bautista
Hecht Harrison, a Pediatrics.
P at Jimeno Cope practice clinical
career transitionss & David Law psychology at
company. Offices. PsychConsult, Inc.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 11
 Stressed at work? Try to
talk to your boss and
co-workers first before
ask the EXPERTS deciding to quit.

CA R E E R C O U N S E L

Q One month after

being promoted, I
find myself wanting to go
back to my old position.
Is it wise to do so?
A much-awaited promotion may
cause stress and confusion at the
onset. There are new processes,
expectations, and information you
are not familiar with, and this may
lead you to feel uncomfortable,
confused, or lacking in confidence.
Adjustment to a new job,
whether a new position, new
company, or new boss, takes
around six months. Give yourself
some time to learn the ropes, get
friendly with new team members,

Q
and feel comfortable in your new My boss doesn’t have a family and spends more
tasks. Once you feel like you are time at work, and tends to keep us working late too.
sufficiently immersed in the job,
reassess if you are indeed unhappy I have two sons and a husband who is as busy as I
with the promotion, or simply am; hence, I can’t afford to be in the office longer
needed time to get used to it. than required. Should I just take a part-time job?
Note that simply quitting the
new role and going back to Before taking drastic measures, such as resigning, try to set boundaries
the old one may cause tension, between your current job and your personal life first. Your boss may not
negative reactions, and a negative understand the kind of pressure you are under to fulfill your role at work
impression among people while meeting your family’s needs, but she may learn to respect your other
around you. Your supervisors or priorities, if you have gained some credibility at work and fulfill what is
management will need to make expected of you within office hours.
adjustments all over again to If you can safely say that you’ve added value to your employer through
accommodate your decision. your achievements, then it’s time to test if you can set some boundaries
If you’ve gone through several between work and personal time. You can start by trying to steer meeting
months in the promoted job and schedules earlier in the day. You may say, “I need to leave at 6 p.m., to attend
still want to leave the role, don’t to my child’s school-related activities. May we set the meeting at 4 p.m.
just quit, as this may make you instead?” If you consistently try to do this, your boss and coworkers will get
seem impulsive or unprofessional. the message that you are no longer available after 6 p.m. This may work in
Instead, put together a plan for your favor as they learn to respect your personal time.
transitioning out of your promoted Alternately, this may also lead you to miss out on assignments or
role, giving recommendations responsibilities, which your boss may feel you will be unable to fulfill, due to
on how they can manage your your personal limits. However, if you are able to complete all your tasks and
movement out, and being still achieve your deliverables, this should not affect your job evaluation.
available until they find someone On the other hand, if you are unable to meet your deliverables due to your
to take your place. Be prepared personal life, then it’s worth switching to a career that allows you to meet your
that you may miss out on future other priorities. If your children and husband need more time and attention,
promotions as you may be such that you need to give up full-time employment, a part-time job that
deemed not ready or seasoned meets your financial needs may be a temporary solution until you find the right
enough for more senior roles. fit and balance between your personal responsibilities and career.
—MALOU TRENAS DEL CASTILLO —MALOU TRENAS DEL CASTILLO

12 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING

YO U R K I TCH E N
!   ; 7 < C B 3  ; 3 / :  7 2 3 / A  ’  6 3 / :B 6 G  3 /B A  ’  A C > 3 @ ; / @ 9 3 B  A < / 1 9 A

BACON
CHICKEN
& PASTA P.21
Photograph by Patrick Martires. Styling by Kay Isabedra-Silva of Craftsmith Living. Art direction by Theodore Cruz.

Better with Bacon fat is incredibly tasty! Store it in the ref until needed, and use it to make interesting bacon-
flavored desserts, stir fry vegetables, or whip up a salad dressing that a devout meat eater might like.
bacon
 HOMEMADE
MINI SAUSAGE
PATTIES
P.19

FAST AND
EASY MEALS
Whether you need b on ide s or dinner inspir tion
<
B7@3A

these me s c n be re dy in 30 minutes or ess. Plus

you c n prep them the night before st sh them in the
fridge nd cook them whenever you re re dy!
 your KITCH EN | GOOD FOOD

TONKATSU
ONIGIRAZU
P.19

Use your favorite

ulam—ham and
cheese or bacon
and egg—to fill this
sandwich-like rice
packet.
 your KITCH EN | GOOD FOOD

Top with pineapple,

ham, tomatoes, and
onions, or just have
it plain.

MINI
PEPPERONI
PIZZAS
P.19

16 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 CHEESY
CHICKEN
NUGGETS
P.21

Serve
immediately to
get gooey cheese.
INSTANT
CHICKEN
MAMI
P.21

Turn up the heat

by adding one of
these!
 your KITCH EN | GOOD FOOD

PORK TONKATSU
ONIGIRAZU
An onigirazu is an onigiri, or Japanese rice
ball wrapped in nori (seaweed paper),
stuffed and eaten like a sandwich.
B/93A 30 MINUTES
;/93A 4 SERVINGS

 QacaVW`WQS`W\aSR
HOMEMADE aYW\ZSaaPcbbS`TZWSR^]`YQV]^aaS^O`ObSR

MINI SAUSAGE
 QOZZ^c`^]aSTZ]c`
ZO`USSUUaPSObS\

PATTIES Q^O\Y]Q`c[Pa MINI PEPPERONI

The added bacon helps these
"QOPPOUSZSOdSa`W\aSRQ]`Sa`S[]dSR
"\]`WaVSSba
PIZZAS
B]\YObacaOcQSb]aS`dS These mini versions of a fast food favorite
sausages stay moist and become
ASaO[SaSSRR`SaaW\Ub]aS`dS
more flavorful as they cook. are easy to make and will surely have
AOZbO\RU`]c\RPZOQY^S^^S`b]bOabS
=WZT]`T`gW\U
everyone eager for dinner.
B/93A 20 MINUTES PLUS
OVERNIGHT MARINATING B/93A 20 MINUTES
;/93A 12 PATTIES 1 In a rice cooker, cook rice according to ;/93A 6 SERVINGS
instructions. Allow steam to die down
 YUU`]c\R^]`Y before fluffing rice. Cool.  4`S\QVPObO`RZ]OTaZWQSRW\b]
!aZWQSaPOQ]\TW\SZgQV]^^SR  W\QVbVWQYaZWQSa
 ba^U`]c\RaOUS 2 Meanwhile, make incisions between fat Q7bOZWO\a^OUVSbbWaOcQS
[SRWc[`SR]\W]\^SSZSRTW\SZgQV]^^SR and meaty areas of pork to prevent #aZWQSa^S^^S`]\W
"QWQSeObS` curling when frying. Season to taste.  Q[caV`]][aaZWQSR
;Og]\\OWaSb]aS`dS Q[]hhO`SZZOTW\SZgU`ObSR
AOZbO\RU`]c\RPZOQY^S^^S`b]bOabS 3 Bread pork chops: Dredge pork in ba^T`SaV]`SUO\]ZSOdSa
=WZT]`T`gW\U seasoned flour on both sides. Dip in egg,
then cover with panko crumbs. Set aside. 1 Preheat toaster oven.
1 In a large bowl, mix ground pork, bacon,
sage, onion, and ice water. Season with salt 4 Heat about 1 Tbsp. oil in a deep frying 2 Lay bread slices on a cutting board.
and ground black pepper to taste. Test for pan over medium heat. Pour in leftover Spoon spaghetti sauce over each slice,
seasoning by cooking and tasting a small egg mixture, cook until middle is almost spreading sauce toward the edges. Cover
portion then adjust seasoning accordingly. set. Flip; cook until set. Set aside. with slices of pepperoni and mushrooms.
Divide mixture into 12 and form into patties. Cover bread with mozzarella. Top with
5 Add enough oil for deep frying. Deep oregano leaves.
Store with wax paper between each patty.
fry pork chops until cooked through.
Cover with plastic wrap, and let sit 3 Place on a baking tray, and bake until
overnight. 6 ;OYS]\WUW`Ohc(Lay plastic wrap then mozzarella has melted and begun to
a nori sheet, shiny side down, on a brown at the edges. Remove from heat,
2 When ready to cook, heat a cast iron pan
chopping board. Spread a thin layer of and serve immediately.
over medium heat. Lightly brush with oil.
rice on nori, the same size as the pork.
Add patties to the pan, and cook until
Lay pork over rice. Drizzle with tonkatsu ?C719B7>
browned and crisp on both sides. Avoid
sauce. Top with omelet then cabbage, To pack for lunch, wrap in foil after Step 2.
overcrowding the pan.
trimming as needed. Top with another Toast in the office for a freshly cooked
3 Drain on a rack over paper towels, and layer of sticky rice. Fold nori, then plastic pizza slice come lunchtime.
serve with mayonnaise. Pack with steamed wrap over fililng. Repeat with remaining
rice or place in pandesal. pork. Slice in half. Pack with tonkatsu or
sesame seed dressing.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 19
your KITCH EN | GOOD FOOD

LEMON-OLIVE " Q b][Ob] aOcQS

BPa^ dW\SUO`
chopped garlic cloves until both
have turned translucent. Add
remaining garlic, sliced, until
translucent, then add olives.
PENNE WITH  Q U`SS\ O\R]` PZOQY ground pork in a single layer to Add cooked pasta and half
HOMEMADE
]ZWdSa ^WbbSR aZWQSR brown before stirring until the lemon juice and pasta
 BPa^ ZS[]\ XcWQS water. Toss to coat. Season
cooked through. Sprinkle in
CHORIZO >O`[SaO\ QVSSaS U`ObSR
b] aS`dS
paprika, and add tomato sauce. to taste with more lemon
Stir to combine, and let simmer juice, salt, and ground
AOZb O\R U`]c\R PZOQY ^S^^S`
Cooked separately, the b] bOabS until most of the liquid from the pepper. Cook until just
components of this dish easily pork has evaporated. Stir in heated through.
come together in a delicious 1 Bring a pot of water to a vinegar, and season to taste with
boil. Salt water, and add 4 Divide pasta among 4
and tasty bowl. salt and ground pepper. Bring to
pasta. Cook until al dente, bowls, top with chorizo, and
a simmer again, then transfer to a
B/93A 25 MINUTES
about 8 minutes. Drain, then Parmesan cheese
;/93A 4 SERVINGS plate. Set aside.
reserving about 1/2 cup before serving.
pasta water, and keep warm. 3 In the same pan, heat
 ^OQY ! U`O[a
^S\\S `WUObS ^OabO Set aside. remaining olive oil. Cook
" Q ]ZWdS ]WZ RWdWRSR remaining onion, sliced, then
[SRWc[ `SR ]\W]\a 2 Meanwhile, [OYS QV]`Wh]:
^SSZSR In a sauté pan over medium
" QZ]dSa UO`ZWQ ^SSZSR heat, heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil.
" YU U`]c\R ^]`Y Sweat 1 diced onion then 2
 BPa^ A^O\WaV ^O^`WYO
 your KITCH EN | GOOD FOOD

INSTANT
CHICKEN MAMI
Choose your favorite protein—chicken,
pork, beef, squid balls, or steamed BACON CHICKEN
siomai—to customize the flavors of this
DIY instant mami.
& PASTA
Anything wrapped in bacon is bound to
B/93A 10 MINUTES

CHEESY CHICKEN ;/93A 4 SERVINGS be a hit!

NUGGETS
B/93A 30 MINUTES
PZ]QYab]TcVOZdSRV]`Wh]\bOZZg ;/93A 4 SERVINGS
"QVWQYS\P`SOabTWZZSbaaYW\a`S[]dSR
These make the perfect snack or ulam. ^OQY[WYW^O\QWb\]]RZSa`W\aSR  ^OQY   U`O[a a^OUVSbbW
^OQYa\]e^SOaab`W\Ua`S[]dSRaZWQSR " YU QVWQYS\ bS\RS`Z]W\a bS\R]\a `S[]dSR
B/93A 30 MINUTES
a[OZZQO``]b^SSZSRU`ObSR  ^OQY   U`O[a POQ]\ bVOeSR
;/93A 6 SERVINGS
QPSO\a^`]cba`W\aSR BPa^ ]ZWdS ]WZ []`S WT \SSRSR
$BPa^a]c^POaST]`QVWQYS\V]b^]bRWdWRSR # QZ]dSa UO`ZWQ ^SSZSR bVW\Zg aZWQSR
 YUQVWQYS\P`SOabTWZZSbaQV]^^SRa[OZZ
AOZbO\RU`]c\RPZOQY^S^^S`b]bOabS " Q ^O`aZSg TW\SZg QV]^^SR
Q[]hhO`SZZOQVSSaSTW\SZgU`ObSR
6]beObS`b]aS`dS @SR ^S^^S` TZOYSa b] bOabS
QaeSSbYS`\SZQ]`\
=WZT]`RSS^T`gW\U AOZb O\R U`]c\R PZOQY ^S^^S` b] bOabS
ZO`USSUUa
 QOZZ^c`^]aSTZ]c` 1 Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan. 1 Bring a pot of water to a boil. Salt water;
 ZQO\]ZO]WZT]`RSS^T`gW\U
Fry tofu squares until browned on both add pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8
Q[Og]\\OWaST]`aS`dW\U
BPa^^`S^O`SR[cabO`RT]`aS`dW\U
sides. Drain on paper towels. Slice each minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/2 c.
AOZbO\RU`]c\RPZOQY^S^^S`b]bOabS square into 4 smaller squares. Set aside. pasta water, and keep warm. Set aside.

1 In a large bowl, combine chicken, cheese, 2 Meanwhile, season chicken breasts 2 Meanwhile, lightly season chicken
corn, eggs, and flour. Season to taste with with salt and ground black pepper. Place tenders with salt and ground black
salt and ground black pepper. Set aside. in a microwave-proof container, pour in pepper. Slice bacon into 3. Wrap a bacon
about 1/4 c. water, and cover without piece around each chicken tender. Set
2 In a deep sauté pan over medium heat, locking the lid into place. Cook in the aside, seam side down.
heat enough oil for deep frying. Test microwave 5 minutes or until chicken is
seasoning of fritter batter, and adjust. cooked through, checking at the 3 Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
3-minute mark if cooked through. Place chicken, seam side down, and fry
3 Drop the chicken mixture by the heaping until cooked, turning regularly. Transfer to
Remove from microwave. Using 2 forks,
tablespoonful into the hot oil. Avoid a plate, and keep warm.
shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
crowding the pan. Use a slotted spoon to
remove fritters as each floats to the top. 3 To serve, place 1 1/2 Tbsp. soup base in 4 Turn down heat to low. Add olive oil then
Drain on a rack over paper towels. a bowl. Arrange noodles, tofu, chicken, garlic. Cook garlic, stirring until translucent
snow peas, carrots, and bean sprouts in but not browned. Add cooked pasta; toss
4 Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise and mustard to coat. Add reserved pasta water if
the bowl. Pour about 2 c. hot water into
together. Serve fritters immediately with needed. Season with red pepper flakes,
each bowl, stir, and serve immediately.
the mayo-mustard dip or pack together salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Toss
with steamed rice. in parsley before serving with chicken.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 21
 30 - MINUTE MEALS

K I T E SY
Make a fresh and delicious dinner in less time than
you’d need to have takeout delivered.

Photographs by Mike Garten. Food styling by Sherry Rujikarn. Reprinted from U.S. Good Housekeeping.

LINGUINE WITH TUNA AND CHILIS sliced; 227 grams mixed mushrooms, thinly sliced;
Cook 340 grams linguine as label directs, reserving and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes,
1/2 c. cooking water. In 10-inch skillet on medium, stirring. Remove from heat. In pasta pot, toss cooked
heat 3 Tbsp. olive oil; add 3 cloves garlic, finely pasta, zucchini mixture and 1 can (180 grams) tuna
chopped, and 2 small fresh chilis, thinly sliced. Cook packed in oil, drained, adding reserved cooking
2 minutes, stirring. Add 2 medium zucchini, thinly water as needed. SERVES 4.

22 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 your KITCH EN | DIN N ER IN A FL ASH

Q
I don’t use
ginger or
miso often.
Will they keep?
A: Yes! Both can
be stored for
GINGERY CHICKEN about two
AND SPINACH STIR-FRY months (ginger in
the freezer, miso
In a deep 12-inch skillet, heat 2 in the fridge).
Tbsp. canola oil; 2 cloves
garlic, chopped; and 1 Tbsp.
chopped and peeled fresh
ginger on medium 3 minutes,
stirring. Add 1/2 kg. skinless,
boneless chicken thighs,
coarsely chopped, and 1/4 tsp.
each salt and pepper. Cook 4
minutes. In small bowl, whisk 2
Tbsp. yellow or white miso
and 2 Tbsp. water until
smooth; add to skillet along
with 283 grams baby spinach.
Cover and cook 3 minutes or
until spinach begins to wilt,
stirring occasionally. Serve
with cooked brown rice.
SERVES 4.

GRILLED PORK
SCALOPPINE WITH
MANGO SALSA
Grill 2 medium ears corn,
shucked, 8 minutes or until
lightly charred, turning
occasionally; cut kernels off
cobs. Cover each of 4 thin
boneless pork loin chops
(about 142 grams each) with
large sheet plastic wrap; with
meat mallet or rolling pin,
pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
Brush pork all over with 1
Tbsp. olive oil; sprinkle with 1
tsp. chili powder and 1/4 tsp.
salt. Grill pork on medium-
high 2 minutes per side. Toss
together 2 packs (100 grams)
black beans, rinsed and
drained; 1 ripe mango, peeled
and chopped; corn kernels;
and 1/2 tsp. each salt and
pepper. Serve pork over salsa
with lime wedges. SERVES 4.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 23
 your K I T C H E N | H E A LT H Y E AT S

MERIENDA HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE?

Pastrami 1/4 c. mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. prepared
1 carrot, peeled
2 small heads romaine
MIX mayo, mustard,
and lemon juice in a
BRUSH each lettuce
leaf lightly with the

Romaine mustard
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
lettuce, rinsed, leaves
separated
small bowl. Set aside.
ROLL each pastrami
mayo-mustard
mixture. Top with

Salad Cups 6 slices beef

pastrami
1/4 c. Parmesan
cheese, or to taste
slice and cut into thin
strips. Toss pastrami
pastrami then carrot
strips. Sprinkle each

Recipes by Roselle Miranda. Photographs by Patrick Martires. Styling by Kay Isabedra-Silva of Craftsmith Living. Art direction by Theodore Cruz.
to release each strip with Parmesan

8
min.
from its rolled form.
Set aside.
USE a vegetable
peeler to make thin
cheese. Repeat with
remaining
ingredients. Serve
immediately.
Makes 4 servings.
carrot strips. Finely
slice each strip.

24 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 12 Tuna Cucumber
min. Roll-Ups
1 cucumber 1/2 tsp. prepared
1 can (180 grams) tuna mustard
chunks in oil, drained 3 small (6 inches) tortillas
2 Tbsp. pickle relish 6 single slices cheddar
1/4 c. mayonnaise cheese, chilled
1 Tbsp. red onion, finely Salt and ground black
chopped pepper, to taste

USE a vegetable peeler to make about 9 thin

cucumber strips. Place on a paper towel to absorb
excess moisture. Set aside.
MIX tuna, pickle relish, mayonnaise, onion, and
mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and
pepper to taste, and mix again.
LAY a tortilla on a chopping board. Remove
wrapper, and place 2 slices of cheese in the middle
of tortilla. Spread tuna mixture over cheese then
top with cucumber slices. Roll tortilla, and using
toothpicks or barbecue sticks, secure closed. Slice
and serve immediately, or chill before slicing and
serving. Makes 3 servings.

10 Chickpea and
min. Seed Hummus
1/2 c. sunflower or Salt and ground black
pumpkin seed nuts pepper, to taste
1 can (400 grams) 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
chickpeas 3 carrots, peeled, sliced
1/2 c. chickpea water into sticks, for serving
5 cloves garlic, peeled, 1 cucumber, seeds
smashed removed, sliced into
1/2 c. olive oil, divided for sticks, for serving
topping

PLACE nuts, chickpeas, garlic, and chickpea water

in a food processor or blender.
PROCESS until smooth, thinning mixture with olive
oil (reserve 2 Tbsp. for later use), until desired
consistency is reached. Adjust seasoning with salt,
ground pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Transfer
to a container, and cover top with reserved olive
oil. Chill until ready to serve with carrot and
cucumber sticks. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
 your K I T C H E N | GUIDE

SUPERMARKET SNACKS
Eat smarter with a few of our choice picks that are budget-friendly, too.

2
4 5

1
3

11

Text by Roselle Miranda. Photograph by Patrick Martires. Styling by Kay Isabedra-Silva of Craftsmith Living.
7

12

Art direction by Theodore Cruz. Products are available in leading supermarkets unless specified.
9
10

1 Hacienda Macalauan Live Yoghurt Non Fat, P24. Its live culture is good for your digestive system. 2 Dole Mixed Fruit, P25.50. Skip the mess of cutting
up fruit; just grab and go. 3 Healthy You Supreme Mix, P113.25, Robinsons Supermarket. Packed with protein and healthy unsaturated fats, each bite is a
satisfying crunch. 4 Jolly Time Crispy ’n White, P41.50. When the munchies hit, pop this for its natural flavor and airy texture. 5 Navel oranges, P35 each.
Get the fiber and Vitamin C that comes from eating the fruit. Winner! 6 M.Y. San Honey Graham Crackers, 200 grams, P28.50. Whole wheat flour and honey
are the star ingredients. 7 Mission Tortilla Chips Original Flavour, P84.50, SM Supermarket. Corn chips at their tastiest, unadorned form. Best paired with
a flavorful dip. 8 Chips Delight Striped Chocolate Chip Cookies, P55. Yes, you can have your cookie and eat it, too—in moderation. 9 Bravo! Tomato Garlic
Dip, P160. Super addictive, especially when paired with corn chips. 10 Whittaker’s Dark Ghana, P64.50. Go for a dark variant that’s portion-controlled and
pocket-friendly for your chocolate fix. 11 Nestlé Flavored Yogurt, P33. A fruit-flavored option with real fruit bits can satisfy your sweet tooth. 12 Ceres 100%
Juice Apple, P22.50. A delicious drink that doesn’t sacrifice your commitment to eating smart.

26 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING

YOUR BODY
2 @ = >  #  : 0 A  ’  !   2 /G  E = @ 9 = C B  ’  0 / 1 9  >/ 7 <  B @ 3 /B ; 3 < B A
BSfbT`][Redbook>V]b]U`O^VPgWAb]QY^V]b]

Clean up In a recent study, women who were asked to sit in a messy kitchen—you know, papers strewn about,
a little… dishes in the sink—ate twice as many cookies as those in one that was neatly organized. It’s a classic
case of stress eating, says researcher Brian Wansink Ph.D., author of Slim by Design. “But that’s not all.
and trim When things seem out of control, you might think, ‘Why should I have to be in control?’” So when

way down you’ve only got time for one household chore, hide some clutter in a kitchen drawer.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 27
 your B O D Y | H E A LT H N E W S

92
The percentage of
restaurant meals that
contain way too many
calories, according to a
Tufts University study.
How many, exactly?
Try 1,495—the average
found in a plate of
THE GYM American, Chinese, or
Italian food. And just

TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT
think: That’s without
dessert or a glass of
wine or the appetizer
sampler you just had
to have—talk about
EAT LESS, EXERCISE MORE? MAYBE NOT. Hate-sweating through hours of fitness #datenightdisaster.
classes won’t get you any closer to your goals, a study in Current Biology suggests. Consider splitting the
Researchers tracked more than 300 men and women for a week and found that entrée with your guy, at
those who were moderately active—the equivalent of walking a couple of miles a the very least, says study
day—burned as many calories as those who exercised far more, like five times a author Susan B. Roberts
week. Your metabolism may adapt to higher levels of activity. So keep moving, but Ph.D. That’ll be good for
don’t sweat about it. your wallet, too!

DO THIS TO CUT
Text from Redbook. Photographs by Getty Images.

YOUR CANCER RISK

HPV, the sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer,
is tough: It can be transferred without intercourse, and has even been
found on surfaces in doctors’ offices, a new study shows. Fortunately,
you’re tougher. “Don’t panic—even if you are infected, most cases
of HPV resolve on their own,” says Joshua Kesterson M.D., chief of
gynecologic oncology at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
in the U.S. Still, get yourself tested and your kids vaccinated, he says.
There’s a vaccine that prevents cancer. That’s huge!

28 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

your B O DY | WEIG HT LOS S

5 lbs.
TIPS AND TRICKS
TO TRY TODAY

BE A
BETTER WEIGHT LOSS IN A WEEK
GOAL GETTER

Text by Tisha Alvarez (weight loss) and U.S. Good Housekeeping. Photographs
Calorie-controlled meals can now be conveniently brought to your doorstep, but
IF YOU DON’T SCHEME IT,
do they really deliver? We had a tester try The Fit Kitchen PH’s 1,200-calorie-per-
YOU CAN’T ACHIEVE IT.
day plan to see if it really works.
So first things first, set three
specific, measurable goals. THE COME-ON: Healthy meals, totaling 1,200 calories a day and developed by
Make one about your looks a team of chefs and nutritionist-dietitians, are delivered to you every day for five
(I will tone my arms and days. Individual results may vary, but dieters can safely lose two pounds in a week.
feel good going sleeveless),

by iStockphoto; courtesy of The Fit Kitchen PH.

another for your psyche (I THE MEALS: Four meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, plus ready-to-
will reduce stress by saying drink tea) were delivered in bulk to our tester the day before. She reported
“No” more often), and the feeling satisfied with both the taste and the serving sizes. She was especially
last skill-based (I will turn happy to find treats like cookies or suman drizzled with tsokolate as her snack.
my walk into a jog and sign
up for a 5K), says trainer THE RESULT: Coupled with exercise, the 1,200-calorie plan enabled our tester
Tanja Djelevic, creator of to lose three pounds in one week. Because of the intensity of her workouts, she
Bendable Body and Create would sometimes supplement the delivered meals with a glass of milk. “It can be
LifeF rce retreats in the . . tough to stick with it, especially when your co-workers invite you to eat out,” she
says. “But, as with any diet, you just have to be disciplined.”

The 1,200-calorie/day plan costs P2,100 for one week (prices go down if you sign up
for more than a week); 1,500- and 1,800-calorie plans are also available. For more
information, contact The Fit Kitchen PH through (63917) 880-9026 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
daily, email [email protected], or follow fitkitchenPH on Facebook and Instagram.

BEAT BLOAT
Must-try tips from GH Nutrition Director Jaclyn London
M.S., R.D.: Don’t chew gum; lay off processed foods;
choose flat water over fizzy; and load up on produce
high in potassium, such as avocados, tomatoes,
oranges, and mangoes. Another trick: “Add nuts to
your breakfast,” says Jackie. “They’re full of magnesium,
which may also help you deflate.”
 your B O D Y | 3 0 - D AY W O R K O U T

CHANGE YOUR
BODY—AND
YOUR LIFE—IN

30
DAYS
This baby-step, beyond-quick
plan doesn’t require a gym or
any more gear than a set of
dumbbells. Start it, stick with it,
and you’ll be blown away by
how strong you are.

THINK ABOUT THE LAST BIG PROJECT YOU TACKLED. only eight moves total, and starting with fewer
You made a list of things to accomplish, and gleefully reps will help you perfect them.
checked them off one at a time until it was done. Why Since no woman should have to go it alone, the
Text by Amy Schlinger. Reprinted from Redbook. Photographs by Ejay Leung of Midnight Bonkers.

not do that for fitness? “Real, lasting success is created Good Housekeeping Philippines team tried the plan
not in some massive show of effort, but in a series of too, and we’re leaner and stronger for it. But we know
small steps taken every day,” says fitness and nutrition as well as anyone that sometimes that to-do list has
expert Adam Rosante, author of The 30-Second Body. to be pushed off until tomorrow. That’s okay. “If it’s
And we do mean small: Rosante asks you to exercise been less than a week since you last worked out,
for only 45 seconds on the first day of this month-long pick back up where you left off,” Rosante says. “Any
plan. It begins with just jumping jacks (you’re already longer, start from the beginning.” It won’t be longer,
good at those!) and squats, and slowly builds until you though, because once you start this challenge, you
have a 30-minute, full-body, fat-burning workout you won’t want to stop. You’ll be like us: sweaty—and
can definitely do. How can we be so sure? There are dripping with confidence.

I
 your B O D Y | 3 0 - D AY T

JUMPING JACK

DAY 1 DAY 11
You’vve known how to do
this move forever, but
don’t be tempted to sail
45 SECONDS through h the set. Keep your 3 MINUTES, 45 SECONDS
’8C;>7<58/19A kneees aligned with your ’!8C;>7<58/19A
’&A?C/BA toes, y
your arms high, and ’&A?C/BA
your butt tucked. ’&>CA6C>A
TIP SQUAT
’&03<B=D3@@=EA
’&=D3@63/2>@3AA3A
“These times are meant
m Stand with your
y
’ !#A31=<2>:/<9
to be goals. If it ta
akes feet shoulde er-
width apart, toes ’ !#
# 8C;>7<5 8/19A
you longer to complete
a workout, that’s to otally pointed out

DAY 12
slightly; exte
end
fine. Keep working g, and
your arms out in
you’ll get better.” front of you.
—ADAM ROSANNTE, Squat down as far 4M MINUTES, 30 SECONDS
TRAINER as you can ’ !## 8C;>7<58/19A
without losinng the ’ 
 A?C/BA

DAY 2 natural curve in

your lower back.
b
’ 
 >CA6C>A
’ 
 03<B=D3@@=EA
90 SECONDS ’ 
 =D3@63/2>@3AA3A
A
’# 8C;>7<5 8/19A ’ "A31=<2>:/<9
’&A?C/BA ’ " 8C;>7<58/19A
’& >CA6C>A

DAY 8 TIP
DAY 3 3MMINUTES, 45 SECONDS
“If one of the exercises feels
too tough, try breaking it
2 MINUTES ’ # 8C;>7<58/19A
up into smaller sets. Do two
’ 8C;>7<58/19A
9A ’  A?C/BA
presses, for example, then

DAY 6
’&A?C/BA ’  >CA6C>A
rest and repeat.”
’&>CA6C>A ’ 03<B=D3@@=EA
’&03<B=D3@@=EA ’!A31=<2>:/<9 —ROSANTE
2 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS ’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’#8C;>7<58/19A
DAY 13
DAY 4 ’&A?C/BA
’&>CA6C>A DAY 9 6 MINUTES, 15 SECONDS
’&03<B=D3@@=EA
2 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS ’"8C;>7<58/19A
’ A31=<2>:/<9 4 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS
’ #8C;>7<58/19A ’ A?C/BA
’#8C;>7<58/19A ’!8C;>7<58/19A
’&A?C/BA ’ >CA6C>A
’ # A?C/BA
’&>CA6C>A ’ 03<B=D3@@=EA
’&03<B=D3@@=EA TIP ’ # >CA6C>A
’ =D3@63/2>@3AA3A
’ # 03<B=D3@ @=EA
’ A31=<2 >:/<9 “The secret to any kind of ’"#A31=<2>:/<9
’ !#A31=<2 >:/<9
weight lifting: Take one ’"# 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’ ! 8C;>7<5 8/19A

DAY 5 explosive second to lift the

dumbbells, then about four
DAY 14
REST! seconds to lower them.” TIP
—ROSANTE “After just a few days, 6 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS
’"#8C;>7<58/19A
TIP I already felt fitter and
’#A?C/BA

DAY 7
stronger. For these
“I didn’t think I’d be able ’#>CA6C>A
exercises to work, the key
to do the required ’#03<B=D3@@=EA
is to be consistent.”
number of push-ups or 3 MINUTES ’#=D3@63/2>@3AA3A
—ANGEL CONSTANTINO
squats that first week but ’ 8C;>7<5 8/19A AQUINO, ’#A31=<2>:/<9
I did! If you keep at it, by ’A?C/BA MANAGING EDITOR ’#8C;>7<58/19A
Day 7, both exercises will ’>CA6C>A
be a cinch.” ’03<B=D3@@=EA
—ROSELLE MIRANDA,
FOOD EDITOR
’ #A31=<2>:/<9
’ 8C;>7<58/19A
DAY 10 DAY 15
REST! REST!

32 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 D
OVERHEAD
DAY 21 DAY 23
PRESS 12 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS 17 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS
Hold the ’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A ’ $#8C;>7<58/19A
PUSH UP
PUSH-UP dumbbells at ’  A?C/BA ’ #A?C/BA
If you need to at first, lower shoulder height, ’  >CA6C>A ’ #>CA6C>A
your knees to the floor, palms facing in. ’  03<B=D3@ @=EA ’ #03<B=D3@@=EA
cross your ankles,
a and draw Extend your
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A ’ #=D3@63/2>@3AA3A
your heels to
oward your butt. arms overhead d,
’  0713>A 1C@:A ’ #0713>A1C@:A
twisting them so
your palms
palm fac ce ’  A7BC>A ’ #A7BC>A
away from you u. ’ !A31=<2 >:/<9 ’ "A31=<2>:/<9
’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A ’ $#8C;>7<58/19A
BE
ENT-OVER
RO
OW REST 1 MINUTE REST 1 MINUTE
BICEPS CURL ’ EVS\g]c¸dSQOcUVbg]c`
Squeeze yo our ’ When you’ve caught your
H
Hold the breath, repeat the same breath, repeat the same
sho
oulder
dumbbells moves you just did except moves you just did except for
bla
ades
down at your for the first set of jumping the first set of jumping jacks.
tog
gether as
sides, palms jacks.
you pull the
e
fa
acing each
weeights from TIP
DAY 22
other. Twist your
o
rou
ughly you ur
arms forward “Work out in front of
knees up
and raise the
tow
ward your 14 MINUTES a mirror. This made me more
dumbbells up to
hips. conscious of my form, so I was
shoulder height. ’ ## 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’  A?C/BA motivated to do the moves the
’  >CA6C>A right way.” —ELAINE REYES,
BEAUTY EDITOR
’  03<B=D3@ @=EA
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A
DAY 16 ’  0713>A 1C@:A
DAY 24
6 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS
’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A
DAY 18 ’  A7BC>A
’ !#A31=<2 >:/<9 18 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS
;OYSc^Pg;c`WSZDSUO>S`Sh6OW`Pg;OgdSB]`OZPOAbgZW\UPg;O`UOcf@][S`]/ZO[^Og;]RSZ(8O\SS\O1VO\

9 MINUTES ’ ## 8C;>7<5 8/19A ’ % 8C;>7<5 8/19A

’  A?C/BA ’ & A?C/BA
’ $ 8C;>7<5 8/19A REST 1 MINUTE
’  >CA6C>A ’ & >CA6C>A
’ # A?C/BA ’ EVS\ g]c¸dS QOcUVb g]c`
’  03<B=D3@ @=EA ’ & 03<B=D3@ @=EA
’ # >CA6C>A breath, repeat the same
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A ’ & =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A
’ # 03<B=D3@ @=EA moves you just did except for
’  0713>A 1C@:A ’ & 0713>A 1C@:A
’ # =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A the first set of jumping jacks.
’ "A31=<2 >:/<9 ’ & A7BC>A
’ # 0713>A 1C@:A
’  A7BC>A ’ "#A31=<2 >:/<9
’ #A31=<2 >:/<9
’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A ’ % 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’ # A7BC>A TIP
’ $ 8C;>7<5 8/19A
DAY 17
REST 1 MINUTE
“You’ve spent the last few
’ EVS\ g]c¸dS QOcUVb g]c`
weeks laying the foundation—

DAY 19
breath, repeat the same
7 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS now it’s time to challenge moves you just did except for
’ ## 8C;>7<5 8/19A yourself. Doing the circuit a the first set of jumping jacks.
’  A?C/BA 10 MINUTES, 15 SECONDS second time through will build

DAY 25
’  >CA6C>A ’ $# 8C;>7<5 8/19A your endurance.”
’  03<B=D3@ @=EA ’ & A?C/BA —ROSANTE
’ & >CA6C>A
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A REST!
’  0713>A 1C@:A ’ & 03<B=D3@ @=EA
’ "#A31=<2 >:/<9 ’ & =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A
’  A7BC>A ’ & 0713>A 1C@:A
’ ## 8C;>7<5 8/19A ’ ##A31=<2 >:/<9 SIT-UP
S
’ & A7BC>A K
Keep your feet and hips on
’ $# 8C;>7<5 8/19A the floor and your hands
TIP behind
b ehind your head, using
“Don’t think for a second that only your abs to lift your
o
biceps curls are for men, that
they’ll make you look bulky.
DAY 20 back off the ground
b
until you’re sitting
u
REST! PLANK up straight.
u
That’s not true at all: They
5Sb W\ ^ZO\Y^]aWbW]\
actually work to make your with your forearms on the
arms leaner.” floor. Draw your butt
—ROSANTE down and belly in, so
your body is straight and
parallel with the ground.
 your B O D Y | 3 0 - D AY W O R K O U T

DAY 26 TIP
19 MINUTES “Look forward to feeling the
’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A strain in your muscles—that’s
’  A?C/BA how you know the exercises
’  >CA6C>A are working!”
’  03<B=D3@ @=EA —NICOLE SINDIONG,
STAFF WRITER
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A

DAY 28
’  0713>A 1C@:A
’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’  A7BC>A
26 MINUTES
’ !A31=<2 >:/<9
’ $# 8C;>7<5 8/19A
REST 1 MINUTE ’ # A?C/BA
’  A?C/BA ’ # >CA6C>A
’  >CA6C>A ’ # 03<B=D3@ @=EA
’  03<B=D3@ @=EA ’ # =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A ’ # 0713>A 1C@:A
’  0713>A 1C@:A ’ $# 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’  A7BC>A ’ # A7BC>A
’ !A31=<2 >:/<9 ’ "A31=<2 >:/<9
’ # 8C;>7<5 8/19A
REST 1 MINUTE
REST 1 MINUTE ’ # A?C/BA
’ @S^SOb bVS aSQ]\R ’ # >CA6C>A
set of moves. ’ # 03<B=D3@ @=EA

DAY 30
’ # =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A

DAY 27 ’ # 0713>A 1C@:A

’ # A7BC>A
23 MINUTES ’ "A31=<2 >:/<9
’ $# 8C;>7<5 8/19A

YOU MADE IT!

’ ## 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’  A?C/BA REST 1 MINUTE
’  >CA6C>A ’ @S^SOb bVS aSQ]\R
’  03<B=D3@ @=EA set of moves.
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A Your next assignment is to take a week off from

DAY 29
’  0713>A 1C@:A strength training (but keep up your cardio by
’ ## 8C;>7<5 8/19A walking, running, or biking). You’ve earned it, and it’ll
’  A7BC>A
30 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS help your muscles repair and get ready for your next
’ !#A31=<2 >:/<9
’ % 8C;>7<5 8/19A challenge. After all, “this isn’t the end,” says Rosante.
REST 1 MINUTE ’ & A?C/BA You’re fit enough now to do whatever you want.
’  A?C/BA ’ & >CA6C>A Starting this routine over again from the beginning is
’  >CA6C>A ’ & 03<B=D3@ @=EA
one option: If you work to improve your times, you’ll
’  03<B=D3@ @=EA ’ & =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A
get stronger, and the variety built into it will keep
’  =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A ’ & 0713>A 1C@:A
your fitness from plateauing. But why not sign up for
’  0713>A 1C@:A ’ % 8C;>7<5 8/19A
’  A7BC>A ’ & A7BC>A that boxing class you’ve been intimidated by, or tell
’ !#A31=<2 >:/<9 ’ "#A31=<2 >:/<9 your coworker you can join the office football team
’ ## 8C;>7<5 8/19A this year? You’re in a whole new place now—take
REST 1 MINUTE
advantage and amaze yourself.
REST 1 MINUTE ’ & A?C/BA
’ @S^SOb bVS aSQ]\R ’ & >CA6C>A
set of moves. ’ & 03<B=D3@ @=EEA
’ & =D3@63/2 >@3AA3A
TIP ’ & 0713>A 1C@:A
And yeah, you
’ & A7BC>A
“Knowing the workouts were have the right to
’ "#A31=<2 >:/<9
short made it easier for me to lie the heck down.
’ % 8C;>7<5 8/19A
get out of bed and do them.
I even did other exercises on REST 1 MINUTE
some days—and so can you!” ’ @S^SOb bVS aSQ]\R aSb ]T
—TISHA ALVAREZ, moves.
EDITOR IN CHIEF

34 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 your B O D Y | B A C K PA I N T R E AT M E N T S

Don’t ever let an

inexperienced person
perform a massage or
any type of treatment
Those in their 40s may also be
on you as this may experiencing disc problems. Dr. Sta. Ana
worsen your back pain. explains, “They start having degenerative
changes in their spine, so it’s usually the
muscle pain that they feel, but it’s also
caused, or worsened, by the degenerative
changes in their spine as they age.”
While popping a painkiller, like
mefenamic acid, can help, Dr. Sta. Ana
recommends rest more than meds. She also
suggests using a warm compress to relieve
the pain. “You can either use a hot water
bag or those microwavable pillows. I’d
usually tell patients to put it ten to fifteen
minutes a day, three times a day,” she says.
“It helps relax the muscles, and I
accompany this with stretching exercises
that loosen the muscles. Because usually a
muscle strain means that the muscles
become very tight, they get tired easily, and
that’s why they hurt.”
Generally, you shouldn’t be worried if
the pain is characterized by a dull
ache—“nangagalay,” as Dr. Sta. Ana puts
it—and goes away after 24 hours. However,
“once you start feeling like an electric
current is running down your legs, or a

BACK IN
pins-and-needles sensation in your legs, or
numbness—kasi the nerves in the lower
back supply the legs—that’s usually the
time I would recommend that you see
someone. Or if it’s just back pain alone but

THE GAME
lasts more than one to two days straight
without getting relieved by rest, you
should also see someone.”
Judging by the number of treatment
centers and spas offering “therapy,” there
seem to be a good number of people
looking for relief from aches. While Dr. Sta.
Ana herself may send patients to those
Are your backaches keeping you from going about offering alternative treatments (like
your business? We give a rundown of alternative acupuncture and chiropractic), she still
recommends that you see your doctor, first
treatments that can provide relief from the pain. and foremost, if you are looking for relief
from persistent pain. “I think alternative
treatments can be used in conjunction

A
with traditional medicine. I would suggest
sk anyone if he or she would like a of back pain that she’s seen is muscle strain, that, if you want to go through alternative
back rub, and the answer would particularly in the lower back. “It’s called treatments, maybe you can see a
most likely be a resounding yes. lumbosacral muscle strain. Generally, that traditional doctor first, an ortho, just to
“It’s one of the most common complaints happens when patients either move check and make sure everything is okay.
in any population,” says Ana Rosario Sta. wrong—they pick up something heavy, do You can clear it first, and if the doctor says
Ana M.D., a fellow of the Philippine sudden movements—or they tell me that it’s okay, then you can go ahead with it.”
Orthopedic Association and consultant at they spent the entire day sitting without Got persistent pain? Read on for five
the Philippine Orthopedic Institute. “Even moving.” Suddenly picking up a toddler who treatments that might be able to help. See
non-orthopedic doctors see a lot of back demands to be carried, or spending an if there’s anything that suits you, then—as
pain patients at any given point in time.” entire day in front of your computer? Not Dr. Sta. Ana says—make your doctor’s
Dr. Sta. Ana says the most common cause great for your back. office your first stop.

Text by Tisha Alvarez and Nicole Sindiong. Photographs by iStockphoto. This feature is for information purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

38 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 preventive care, and even for conditions a barber crack your neck, cautioning
CHIROPRACTIC like asthma, chronic sinusitis, and high that you should leave any sort of
What it is: Chiropractic is a treatment
blood pressure. manipulation to a trained professional.)
wherein a trained professional
“An initial treatment plan can range The result: “I felt like jell-o afterwards,”
manipulates the spine, mainly by hand.
from one to three sessions weekly says the patient, who notes that she felt
This spine manipulation is called a
for two to four weeks, depending on the strain from her neck and back go
chiropractic adjustment.
severity, followed by a re-evaluation,” away. She adds that she felt very relaxed
Daniel David Palmer of Iowa
says Dr. Alcantara. “As patient and had the urge to take a nap. She was
performed the first chiropractic
symptoms improve, the treatment having trouble sleeping before going
adjustment to relieve a man of
frequency can be gradually reduced and for treatment, but found that she slept
his deafness in 1895. While joint
the introduction of self-help measures soundly for several nights after her visit.
manipulation has been around for
such as heat or ice, or home-based Take note: “Be cautious of those
thousands of years, Palmer “developed
exercises can be made.” claiming to offer chiropractic treatment
the unique theory that these spinal
The process: We sent a tester who felt in the Philippines. There are various
manipulations improved nervous system
a general strain on her back and her individuals, spas, and clinics claiming
function, which in turn had beneficial
neck, with the occasional severe ache to offer chiropractic techniques and
effects on the body as a whole,” says
after carrying her pre-schooler, or after treatment to the public,” warns Dr.
Joe Alcantara D.C. of Alcantara
a particularly intense workout. The Alcantara, who also practices in Canada
Chiropractic Services, founding member
chiropractic session started with the and the U.S. He stresses the importance
of the Association of Professional
tester (or patient) being asked to stand of seeking out someone who has been
Chiropractors of the Philippines.
and perform certain movements, as Dr. properly educated in an accredited
Dr. Alcantara explains how an
Alcantara felt her spine to check for any program. “A genuine chiropractor in the
adjustment relieves back pain: “When
evidence of scoliosis or other conditions. Philippines is certified by the National
an area of your spine is restricted or not
Then, as the patient lay face down, the Certification Committee for Chiropractic
moving properly, it can cause irritation
chiropractor also pressed on certain and registered with the Philippine
to the structures around it, like the joint
spots, asking if she could feel any pain or Institute of Traditional and Alternative
surfaces, the discs, the surrounding
sensitivity. Health Care.” Do your research and
ligaments and muscles and the nerves
Later, again as the patient lay conduct a phone interview with the
as well. The restriction may be from an
face down and then on her side, Dr. chiropractor before scheduling a visit.
accident or a lifting activity, and it can
Alcantara proceeded to manipulate
also be a result of repetitive stresses and Chiropractic rates in Manila, on average, cost P2,500
the patient’s spine and her neck, to P3,000 per session. Alcantara Chiropractic
strains or prolonged awkward positions, Philippines is located at Suite 2615 Medical Plaza
which made “incredibly satisfying
like with poor posture. This can lead, of Ortigas, 25 San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City. To
cracking sounds,” says the patient. (The schedule an appointment, call (632) 624-3340, (63917)
course, to dysfunction and pain.
chiropractor warned against having 301-0828, (63929) 785-1028.
“Understand that pain medication
simply masks the problem. A mechanical
problem requires a mechanical solution.
Chiropractic adjustments reintroduce
motion into restricted spinal joints.”
This adjustment, he says, results in less
stress on the surrounding tissue and
restored movement patterns, promoting
improved function, reduced pain, and
healing.
“Research has shown that manual
therapies used by chiropractors are
effective for the treatment of low back
pain, neck pain, and headaches,” says
Dr. Alcantara. “But chiropractic never
began and didn’t flourish because
we were only treating back pain.
Chiropractic was an approach to health
in general, based on the theory that
chiropractic adjustments improved
nervous system function, which in turn
While chiropractors
had beneficial effects on the body as a may have standard
whole.” He goes on to say that a lot of therapy tools, they
mainly use their hands
people seek treatment for wellness and for adjustments.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 39
 your B O D Y | B A C K PA I N T R E AT M E N T S

muscle lumps in the muscle, you have

HILOT problems in your circulatory system, so
VENTOSA
What it is: A traditional healing What it is: Done in conjunction with hilot,
practice with roots that go way back in we have to decongest those,” explains Dr. Ventosa is a form of dry cupping, wherein
Philippine history, hilot is performed by a Fajardo. a flammable substance (like alcohol) is
manghihilot, an albularyo or a faith healer, The process: The session was conducted placed in a cup and set on fire, before the
with the belief that the body, like Mother by a female manghihilot. It began with a cup is placed on a person’s skin to create
Earth, is made up of four elements, and consultation where she talked to our tester suction. It’s an alternative treatment
body pain is an indicator of an imbalance about her symptoms and assessed which that’s been used as early as 1550 B.C., as
in the interaction of those elements. areas to focus on during the treatment. recorded by the Egyptians.
“Kaming albularyo, hindi kami After this, our tester was asked to strip More than being a medical treatment, it
manggagamot ng sakit. Kami ay down to her undergarments, and then the is touted as something that brings balance
manggagamot ng tao,” says Bibiano Fajardo manghihilot proceeded to massage and back to the body. Says Nol Montalbo
Ph.D. (A.M.), founding president of the manipulate the muscles of her body with M.D., founder and owner of Ginhawa Spa
Association of Traditional Health Aid Givers, the help of coconut oil. The manghihilot & Dining, and Mont Albo Massage Hut,
Inc. (ATHAG) in Pasig City. “Ang albularyo, focused on the lumbar and spine area to “Walang masyadong clear evidence if it’s
itinutuwid yung buhol-buhol na isip at gula- address lower back pain. really contributing to the alleviation of
gulanit na damdamin. Kasi yung buhol-buhol The result: The tester described the overall pain—there’s evidence pero conflicting pa
na isip at gula-gulanit na damdamin, sila ay experience as “masarap.” It also proved to rin. Pero sa amin kasi, we’re into traditional
nagbibigay ng pagka-sabog-sabog nung apat be effective as she says she felt instant relief Filipino healing practices… we believe
na elemento sa katawan.” from her complaint after the session. na kaya tayo nagkakasakit is because of
Using nothing but his bare hands and “There are times when either you or the imbalances—yung lamig. Nagkakaroon ng
special oils and herbs that have been manghihilot will burp or otherwise release mga bukol-bukol sa muscle sa likod. Ang
“used since time immemorial by our gas, and this is normal apparently,” says our Ventosa, ’yun ang ina-address. Sabi nila,
forefathers,” the healer manipulates the tester. “I was told that the manghihilot may nahihigop niya yung negative energy sa
muscles, in a manner similar to a deep absorb any lamig from your body and it is katawan na hindi naman natin nakikita.
tissue massage, to address the root cause released as gas. I likewise experienced gassy Nakakapa natin siya through lamig.”
of illness or pain. “We normally redirect moments during and after the treatment.” Orthopedic surgeon Sta. Ana gives the
nerve conductivity. If something is hot A standard one-hour hilot session in ATHAG costs scientific explanation behind lamig: “Lamig
there, that means there is a congestion of P550. It is located at 63 San Rafael Street, Brgy. is actually part of a muscle spasm. The
Kapitolyo, Pasig City. To schedule an appointment, call
nerve activity. Electricity cannot flow, so (632) 267-4012, (632) 637-5154, (63922) 884-4568; (63905)
muscles, they accumulate lactic acid then
we have to make it flow. Also, you have 359-4569. Visit hilothealing.com for more information. they form nodules—those are the things
that are called lamig—and when you get a
massage, that’s the thing they like to target,
those nodules. It’s part of the muscle
strain, but it’s more of a slow process.
Instead of an acute event where you pick
up something heavy and your back hurts,
this is more of when you sustain the same
posture every day, or you do something
wrong with your back every day that
accumulates and gets to that level.”
Whether you believe they’re negative
energy or a symptom of a muscle spasm,
those nodules are a sign that the body is
not in balance.
The process: Our tester tried Ginhawa
Spa’s Hilot Batangan package. First, she
was advised to take a shower in the bath
area, then she proceeded to the personal
sauna to warm the body. A 45-minute full-
body hilot and eight-cup Ventosa followed
after. “The sauna was meant to relax and
loosen my muscles before the massage.
The Ventosa itself was incorporated
into the massage and lasted only a few
minutes,” says the tester. There was just a
The traditional FIlipino feeling of suction, and marks on the back
massage called hilot that lasted three to four days, but she
aims to heal the body
and relieve pain. notes that there was no pain.

40 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

The result: The tester came in with very
tight shoulder and back muscles, and left
feeling satisfied. She says, “I felt instant
relief. Dr. Montalbo said that hilot/Ventosa
was meant to remove negative energy and
put your body back in balance. Looking
back, I felt relaxed and positive after.”
The tester adds that, more than a lasting
solution to back pain, Ventosa is something
you can do regularly to de-stress.
Take note: Dr. Montalbo cautions against
taking a shower after the treatment. “Bawal
maligo. We’re promoting hilot kasi, we
should follow the principles. As much as
possible, we want to maintain the integrity
nung healing practice. After six hours or,
better, kinabukasan na maligo.” In a Ventosa treatment,
cups are used to restore
The Hilot Batangan package is P950 and also includes
balance to the body.
a four-course meal. Ginhawa Spa & Dining is located at
High Pointe Building, 1184 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati
City. Visit ginhawaspadining.com for more information.

time we address the muscles, not only the to change into a black shirt and pajama
KARADA bones. Usually chiropractors address the bottoms, and then given a glass of warm
What it is: Karada is a form of body bone [issues]; yung sa muscles, iba pa,” water to drink. The actual session began
therapy from Japan that combines the explains Christina D.P. Cañete, a licensed with a consultation where the tester was
techniques of spinal adjustment and massage therapist and branch officer at asked about her lifestyle, habits, and areas
muscle stimulation to address body Karada in Greenbelt 1. of concern. After this, she was instructed
pains by restoring proper movement and The adjustment can be done alone, but to lie down on a bed as the therapist began
improving blood circulation. Hanna recommends complementing it “kneading and pressing” parts of her upper
It was conceptualized and founded by with a Body Treatment (BT), or Karada’s back (Atlas) and her lower back (Pelvis).
Koyasu Yuki, a Japanese national, who version of a deep tissue massage, to relax She was asked to shift positions several
underwent alternative treatments to the muscles. “People have to try this times: face down, face up, sideways, sitting
relieve injuries he sustained from a car because even if a normal person comes in up. The therapist repeated the procedure
accident. Among these treatments, Yuki here, we know for sure that he or she has a for every position.
found that chiropractic therapy was able shorter leg; he or she has stiff muscles; he After attending to the tester’s back, the
to ease some of the pain, although it left or she has an imbalance of the atlas and therapist shifted her focus to the tester’s
him seeking further remedies. “So what he the pelvis,” she says. legs. Upon assessing that the limbs were
did was, he tried other types of massages Karada sessions are performed by not aligned, the therapist stretched and
like Thai, Chinese, and then invented licensed massage therapists trained by a kneaded them before proceeding to
his own technique. That’s when he really Japanese Master, but clients can schedule massage the tester’s shoulders, head, and
felt cured,” says Hanna Stelton, General a session with the Japanese Master Trainer neck. “This is when the neck cracking
Manager of Karada Philippines. himself. However, Stelton says, “you have happened,” says our tester.
This patented technique is called the AP to book in advance because he goes from The first part of the treatment took 20
Balance. The letters AP stand for the two branch to branch.” minutes. And then the tester was led to
bones that are manipulated into alignment Clients can also choose the length of a separate room and asked to stand in
during the procedure: Atlas, the topmost their treatment: 20 minutes (Energizer), 45 front of a mirror with feet apart and hands
cervical bone, which connects your spine minutes (Therapeutic), and 60 minutes (The joined at the back. “She pulled on my
to your skull; and Pelvis, the base of your Bliss). “For first-timers, normally we do a hands downward as a test of my balance,
skeletal system. “If these are not aligned, 60-minute combination of the AP and BT.” and I instantly stumbled backward.” After
signals [in your body] are blocked, which The process: The tester suffered from this, the tester was asked to lie face down
will most likely cause stress, fatigue, and chronic pain in the upper right side of her on a mechanical bed, where the therapist
hormonal imbalance,” states Karada back due to scoliosis that she developed pressed parts of her pelvis and back “as
Philippines’s website. in her teens. This pain, she says, worsened she simultaneously pushed on the bed’s
Because of this spinal re-alignment and spread to her lower back after she pedals, making parts of the bed sink.”
component, Karada is often compared to gave birth over a year ago, and now due The tester was asked to stand in front of
chiropractic. And although Karada was to carrying her baby, and her awkward the mirror again, after the adjustment on
partly inspired by the latter, its proponents sleeping positions at night. “I breastfeed the mechanical bed, to repeat the balance
are quick to point out some differences: while in the side-lying position,” she says. test. “I managed to keep myself from
“We have mobilization, and at the same For the session, the tester was asked stumbling this time,” she says.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 41
 your B O D Y | B A C K PA I N T R E AT M E N T S

Acupuncture needles
are as thin as a hair
strand and made of
sterile surgical-grade
stainless steel.

Sometimes Dr. Sison recommends using

electro-acupuncture, which sends a mild
electric current to the body through the
needles, to “move energy.” Other times, he
adds moxa, an herb which is lit up to “give
up a certain heat” which is supposed “to
add strength [to the chi].”
This alternative treatment has
been recognized by the World Health
Organization as a definitive treatment for
back problems, which can range from plain
discomfort to serious conditions like sciatica.
The process: The tester came in with
soreness in her upper back that she had
been nursing for months. The condition was
constantly aggravated by the way she would
sit at her desk in the office, and the cold
air from the air-conditioning unit directly
above her. “It hits me squarely in the upper
back and shoulder area,” she says.
The session began with a consultation
wherein Dr. Sison asked our tester about
her medical history and habits. Then the
tester was led to a room with a bed, and
asked to lie face up. Dr. Sison proceeded to
insert the needles on each arm and leg, and
added moxa (an herb) to select needles.
The tester was then left alone to rest for
The result: While it was the tester’s first popular—in Traditional Chinese Medicine, about 20 minutes. Afterwards, Dr. Sison
time trying Karada, she was not given with origins that can be traced back to returned to pull out the needles. The tester
the full 60-minute treatment due to her over 2,000 years ago. It is the practice of was asked to lie face down on the bed, and
scoliosis and C-section scar. She wishes inserting needles into select parts of the Dr. Sison then inserted needles into her
the treatment were longer, yet despite body to supposedly stimulate the flow of upper back and shoulder area, on each leg,
the reduced time, she says, “My back, energy, or chi, inside. and added moxa to select needles.
especially my shoulders, felt so much Samuel Benjamin Sison M.D., C.M.A of The tester was left alone again for about
lighter immediately after 30 minutes of the Health and Harmony Acupuncture and 20 minutes. Then the needles were taken
AP Balance, like a weight had been lifted Aesthetic Dermatology in Quezon City out. “There was some pain as the needles
off my shoulders. I felt great that day—no explains how it works: “Imagine a rice field were pushed into my skin and muscles, but
soreness, no dull aches. I started to feel it was very slight and negligible. It felt as Dr.
with irrigation. You have water flowing
a little pain creeping back into my lower Sison described: dull and heavy rather than
through the canals in that rice field. You
back at the end of the day, though. I think sharp,” says the tester.
want that water, which is your chi, to be
this was because the therapist didn’t really The result: The tester did not experience
flowing freely. The water has to be clear,
focus too much on my pelvis area as a instant relief after the treatment, but did
strong. Whenever something happens
precautionary measure. Plus, I went back eventually feel “lighter” and “less strained”
to that flow, for example one part of the in her problem areas a few hours later. The
to my side-lying position come bedtime and
irrigation is blocked, one part of the field pain was back the following day, though.
my lower back pain was back the next day. I
really think you have to couple Karada with becomes dry because water doesn’t get “Dr. Sison said it usually takes six to eight
lifestyle changes for best results.” The tester there, while the other part gets flooded. So, sessions before patients feel significant
was advised to return after six months to get acupuncture will now seek certain points relief,” notes the tester. “He also advised me
the full treatment, and she intends to do so. along this irrigation which will help control to take acupuncture at least once a week to
Karada sessions range between P595 and P3,995.
the flow. We select the appropriate points address my concern. I have a feeling if I do
Visit karada.com.ph for a complete list of so that we can restore the proper flow and follow his advice, this nagging pain could
services, branches, and store hours. energy of your chi. By inserting the needles really, finally go away.”
in certain points along the body, we will Acupuncture ranges between P800 to P1,000 a session.
ACUPUNCTURE influence the flow of chi and hopefully Health and Harmony Acupuncture and Aesthetic
Dermatology is located at Unit 3C Barrington Place, 27
What it is: Acupuncture is one of the restore the proper flow and strength of Congressional Avenue, Quezon City. To schedule an
main forms of treatment—and the most that energy.” appointment, call (632) 456-5627.

42 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 your B O D Y | F A M I LY H E A LT H

The Dangers of

Experts warn against the perils of ch osing the

Internet’s medical advice over the d ctor’s.

IN THIS DAY AND AGE when you can prett much Google anything, it’s
understandable why most people turn to the I ernet for immediate answers to
questions our mothers had to line up at the ctor’s office for: “What does pain
in the right side of the abdomen mean?” “How to treat a diaper rash?” “What
are the symptoms of breast cancer?”
But though the World Wide Web seems to know it all, w you find online
shouldn’t automatically be construed as gospel truth. “Doing so op s up a
whole world of dangers,” cautions Nicco Jake Francis G. Alegro M.D., g eral
physician at Aster Medical Centre in Ortigas. Log out for a minute and read
on the serious consequences of your web-searching habits.
ys Isobel Garcia*, 30. “My doctor was
unavv lable, so I just Googled w t it
YOU RISK MISDIAGNOSING discussed with a physician. Nothing beats
meant. I e ed up reading ab t all sorts
the personal touch and the clinical eye.”
YOURSELF. A U.K. study found of scary heart c ditions!” en the
that one out of four women diagnose day of Isobel’s chec p came, her
YOU MAY END UP TAKING
themselves online, which results in two out doctor said she was fin “ s it turned
of ten wrongly suspecting that they have a THE WRONG MEDS. After out, I was just a little stressed. But not
serious disease at some point. This is also getting advice from a family member dying,” says Isobel, who vowed never to
true locally, with Dr. Alegro saying that who got her own info off the web, Mich Google her medical results again for her
almost half of his patients rely heavily on Lagdameo-Roque, 27, used an antibiotic own sanity.
the Internet. for a skin infection. “It turned out to While easy access to health
Admittedly though, there are advantages be the wrong antibiotic, which only information can empower patients and
to having a wealth of data readily available made things worse!” she says. “A simple improve awareness against diseases,
at your fingertips. Dodjie Angeles M.D., infection could’ve been resolved after the downside is that too much data—
general practitioner and faculty member at one trip to the doctor, but instead I and its misinterpretation—can cause
the University of Santo Tomas, says it helps ended up with sepsis, an emergency anxiety and even paranoia among the
with awareness. “For example, you learn surgery, and months of painful healing.” overthinking types. (Ever heard of
online that having breast cancer in the Simply put, it’s never wise to self- hypochondria?) For your own peace of
family increases your risk of having it, too. medicate, especially with drugs that mind, learn to set your limits. It’s good to
As a result, you become more observant normally require a prescription. Apart be aware, says Dr. Angeles, but draw the
of the signs, and may be able to detect it from causing serious side effects, “there line at irrelevant information that can do
earlier.” On the other hand, consuming too is the danger of developing antibiotic you more harm than good.
much info—and the wrong kind—may make resistance, as well as overdose,” says Dr. And should you need to look up
patients “believe they have a particular Alegre. “Another consequence is [you health info for yourself or your family,
sickness when in fact they don’t,” says may feel an] erroneous sense of healing, turn to reputable resources. “WebMD.
Dr. Alegre. Alternately, you may come to leading to the undetected progression of com and FamilyDoctor.org are both
a conclusion that your symptoms aren’t a disease,” adds Dr. Valdecanas. credible, as well as Medscape.com,” says
significant, when the truth is you need Dr. Alegre. Then again, these sources
medical attention, stat. Either way, you IT CAN CAUSE UNNECESSARY should only be used as guides and
only jeopardize your own health. Benedict ANXIETY. “After getting an ECG should never replace actual medical
Valdecanas M.D., medical director at Aegle (electrocardiogram) for my heart advice. Says Dr. Angeles, “As the line
Medical Wellness in Makati, recommends, palpitations, my result came back with goes: If symptoms persist, consult your
“Any info [found online] should still be the impression ‘borderline abnormal,’” doctor. Not Google.”

Text by Elaine Natividad Reyes. Photograph by iStockphoto. *Name has been changed to protect privacy.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 43
 our B O D Y | PERIOD PRIDE

HOW I FINALLY...

EMBRACED MY PERIOD
This women’s health advocate and yoga teacher discovers the wonders of womanhood,
and sees her message spread across the globe in wider and wider circles.

had asked me ten years

Dona believes that ago about what I’d be doing with
the more women
understand their my life, there would have been no
monthly cycle, the way I would guess I’d be teaching
more empowered
they become.
regla to women,” laughs Dona
Tumacder-Esteban, 40. The vibrant
and spirited teacher has always felt
a deep connection with her body,
being involved in sports, movement,
and dance since her youth.
It was Dona’s experience with
yin yoga and Traditional Chinese
medicine that prompted her to
dip her toes into women’s health.
“I didn’t realize that a lot of the
things I felt when I had my period
were not normal,” she says. “The
moodiness and neediness that
come up are not natural. The
pain I experienced in my lower
abdomen—that bearing down pain
that makes you feel like your uterus
wants to come out of your vagina—
it isn’t natural. And I didn’t realize
that these symptoms weren’t
supposed to be there because
nobody told me otherwise—not
until I started my studies.”

MIND YOUR
MENSTRUATION
The patterns and rhythms Dona
noticed and felt in her own body
began to make sense as she trained
in foundations of Traditional
Chinese medicine and yin yoga with
Singapore-based teacher Victor
Chng. “It was in April 2012 when I
decided to consciously apply what
I learned from Victor in yin yoga, as
a way of dealing with the unnatural
pains and symptoms surrounding
my period. I could tell that there was
something important happening.”
Yin yoga, a practice that is
grounded heavily on Traditional
Chinese medicine beliefs, has you

Text by Chinggay Labrador. Photographs by Kurt Alvarez/ACME Visual Productions. Hair and makeup by Elaine Ganuelas.

44 G O O D HO US EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 focusing on rooting yourself in the their flow. “There’s this perpetuation
earth with poses that have you close to of PMS [pre-menstrual syndrome]

Figure Out the ground. In a nutshell, yin yoga has

you staying still, working inwards, and
holding poses for three to five minutes.
and other symptoms surrounding the
period,” she says. “When we are taught
in school that it’s almost a given that
Your Flow As opposed to yang yoga (ashtanga,
vinyasa, and power yoga are just a few
period comes with pain, how can you
keep your period natural and pain-
Easy ways to start examples) that focuses on building free? And when you do experience
minding your muscle, yin yoga works on your fascia, or pain in your period, what that signifies
menstruation the body’s connective tissue. and what that means is not taught.”
After a short period of time with this Dona has spearheaded The Period
conscious and dedicated practice, Dona Project, which is a practice of self-
began to experience positive changes in work that happens when we track our
TRACK YOUR her flow. “By May, I didn’t feel too much period. “I’m all about contemplation
PERIOD pain anymore. By June, I felt a marked and self-clarification,” she says. Her
Note the dates difference. And by August, something workshops help women understand
of your cycle, happened to me that hadn’t happened to that their flow comes as a blessing
and consider the me in a long time—I got a stain.” The stain and not a curse. It’s a way we can
consistency, color, was a sign that her period had arrived communicate and relate to our bodies,
and amount. Apps without any of the pain or moodiness she our minds, and our emotions—the
like Period Tracker continually experienced before. more we know about our flow and
and Clue are great for “I got my period and it was just an what it tells us about our body’s
hassle-free, detailed ordinary day for me, which was what own rhythms and cycles, the more
tracking. I had been learning about. The period empowered we are because we can
doesn’t have to be dramatic. It’s a part make more informed decisions.
EXAMINE YOUR of our daily lives. It doesn’t have to
EMOTIONS mean bending over in pain or going PASS IT ON
What feelings run into a major rage,” she says. “Diving Dona keeps her eight-year-old
through you as you deeper into it, I realized the psycho- daughter Carmen in the loop when it
go through your emotional aspect of our periods. When comes to the period, what it means,
cycle? This can help we start minding our flow, it becomes an and how it is a natural, beautiful
you understand the awareness practice. And so much healing process that women are fortunate to
hormonal changes can happen on a psycho-emotional level experience. “Carmen is my motivation.
that occur. when we build our awareness.” I want her to live in a world where
women are fully accepted and where
ASSESS STOP THE SHAME women fully accept themselves—and
Everything from your “The period is so associated with shame for me, that begins with the period,”
bowel movement all over the world,” Dona explains. “It’s says Dona. “If we cannot even accept
to your sleep cycle one of the subtlest forms of violence on this very basic part of our lives, our
relates to your flow. women. It’s not just men against women healing cannot be complete.”
Even life changes but women shaming women too. When Today, Dona holds women’s health
such as moving someone says, ‘Ang sungit mo, meron workshops in Manila, Australia, and
houses or traveling ka ano?’—that makes you not want to Europe. As participants write to her to
can affect it. Bringing have your period. When people feel they tell her their own personal anecdotes
all these elements have to whisper about having to change about how their lives have shifted as
together allows for a their napkins, that’s shame. It doesn’t soon as their own perceptions about
better understanding mean you have to announce to the world their periods changed, she realizes that
of your flow and that you’re changing your napkin, but the message she holds close to her
yourself. it doesn’t have to come with drama. It’s heart has grown its own wings.
nothing to be shameful of.” “In the beginning, I felt very daunted
Dona Tumacder-
Esteban is holding a Dona’s personal experiences and because what I was embarking on
Women’s Health the intimate way in which she learned seemed huge,” she says. “But now, the
workshop at Yoga+ about her own body through her yoga women who come to my workshops
Makati from September
practice and further studies, allowed are so empowered that they hold
3 to 4, 2016. Visit
yogaplus.ph for more her not just to transcend the physical their own women’s circles. And it’s
information. and emotional issues the period brings through this that my work multiplies
up, but also connected her to more exponentially—we build wider and
societal issues related to women and wider circles.”

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 45
 GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING

YOUR LO OK
:7>1=:=@AB=B@G’03/CBGA>=<53A’ABG:7A6E=@9E3/@
Text and styling by Elaine Natividad Reyes. Photograph by Louie Aguinaldo.

The Sure, wearing lipstick can be a chore—from choosing the exact shade to carefully outlining your lips and then
constantly re-applying throughout the day. But that’s a small price to pay for the psychological benefits you can
lipstick reap: A 2015 study by Harvard University and a U.S. beauty brand found that women who wore lipstick four or

effect
more days a week have higher confidence levels than those who wear it less often, with red lipstick lovers being
dubbed as the most outgoing. Not convinced? Swipe one on now and feel the difference.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 47
1
SUNDAY
Don’t think you can ever pull
off orange on your lips? Try
its dainty sister, soft coral, a
pinkish orange that can easily
work across skin tones. Go for
a creamy formula with a little
sheen for an ultra casual look.
On Olivia: M.A.C. Cosmetics
Cremesheen Lipstick in Coral
Bliss, P1,050, M.A.C. Cosmetics,
Robinsons Magnolia 1/L

Fair or dark-
skinned ladies
can get away with
a brighter coral.

7 DAYS OF
LIPSTICK
Stuck in a beauty rut? Here’s an easy way to step up your makeup
game: Try a different shade of lipstick every day of the week. We’ve
handpicked seven totally wearable hues that you can swipe on
without fear. Pucker up!
 2
your L O O K | BEAUT Y TIPS

MONDAY
Jumpstart the workweek
with a powerful espresso
shade (think café au lait, not
Americano) to show that you
mean business. This hue
Text and shoot production by Elaine Natividad Reyes. Photographs by Dairy Darilag (model); Louie Aguinaldo and courtesy of the brands (products). Makeup by Ara Fernando. Hair by Toni Santos.

can make you look somber,

though, so don’t forget to
liven up your cheeks with
your fave rosy blush.
On Olivia: Happy Skin Limited
Edition Shut Up and Kiss Me
Moisturizing Lippie in Wonder
Woman, P599, Happy Skin,
Rustan’ss Makati
Rustan

3
Model: Olivia Medina of IM Agency. Tops, dresses, and accessories, all from Forever 21.

TUESDAY
Make a sweet statement
with a grown-up pink a.k.a.
fuchsia, balanced by a
neutral face. A velvet matte
finish gives an added touch
of restraint.
On Olivia: Lancôme Rouge
Définition Lipstick in 388 Le
Magenta, P1,395, Lancôme,
Greenbelt 5 1/L

P E M B ER 201 EEPING 49
your L O O K

4
| BEAUT Y TIPS

A bold color
WEDNESDAY
requires precise It’s often said that the perfect red
application! Use lipstick is the LBD of beauty—
a lip brush to every woman should have one!
define the edges. Zero in on a true red (and not
an orange-red or blue-red),
which looks great on practically
everyone.
On Olivia: Cathy Doll Geisha Hanza
akari
Lip Matte in Red Rose, P399, Watsons, SM
Megamall Bldg.A 2/L

5THURSDAY
If you want to play up your
peepers with shimmer or
dramatic eye shadow, toned
down lips in a warm peachy
nude hue provide the perfect
contrast. Steer clear of shades
that match your skin tone to
avoid looking washed out.
On Olivia: Colourpop Ultra
Satin Liquid Lipstick
i in Echo
Park, P400, instaggram.com
com/
makeupbuffetph h
6
FRIDAY
Who knew lilac lips could
look so classy? A gorgeous
mauve or a pale purple can
easily be your go-to shade
for a casual day or night out.
Lean toward more flattering
pinkish purples instead of
bluish ones.
On Olivia: Snoe Rouge Deluxe
Complete Lip Care X19 in
Mauv
uve Movement,
M P399, Snoe,
Rob
binsons For
Forum 1/L

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 51
your L O O K | BEAUT Y TIPS

7
SATURDAY
Look instantly sexy for date
night with wine on your lips—
the kind that lasts all evening.
When it comes to rocking a
berry pout, the darker your
complexion, the deeper and
richer you can go.
On Olivia: NYX
N XL Liquid Suede
Cream Lip
ipstick in Vintage,
V P460,
NYX, SM Megamall Bldg ldg.A 2/L
 our LOOK | BE AUT Y NEWS

BEAUTY advisory
News flash: There’s real dan

Beauty junkie? sephora.ph, or shop.beautybar.com.ph. Doing

Be extra meticulous so also makes it easier to file a complaint or
when shopping for
your stash online. return a product, versus hunting down an
unregulated online seller who can easily close
shop or hide from you in cyberspace.

ary of bargains. A marked down product

rd to resist, but the first sign a product is
us is if it’s priced much lower—say, over
50% cheaper—than at the brand’s actual store.
(M.A.C. lippies for less than P100? A big no.)
Fakes are also often sold in bulk, so be
cautious of wholesale offers. The same is true
for cosmetics sold in bazaars.

ck the packaging. According to the online

pping manual issued by the country’s
d and Drug Authority (FDA), “cosmetic
products sold in the Philippine market are
required by law to display nine minimum
information” on their packaging, including the
list of ingredients, the manufacturing and
expiry dates, the country where it was
manufactured, and name and address of the
company responsible for placing the product
in the market. (The last one is crucial for
accountability.) Pro makeup artist Muriel Vega
Perez also advises checking for grammatical
Thanks to the Internet, it’s now easier than ever to errors on the label, or discrepancies in the font
get access to the latest imported beauty products or packaging. If it looks weird or even slightly
different, it’s probably a knockoff. For more
through online sellers. But how do you make sure
guidelines, you can download the FDA’s
that what you’re buying is real and not a pimple- consumer manual at fda.gov.ph.
causing—or dangerously toxic—knockoff? Heed
The bottom line: As tempting as it is to buy
these three tips. cheaper cosmetics from online sources, take
from trusted sites. Sure, there are some Instagram resellers note that it’s your face and body you’re
carry authentic wares from abroad, but there are also a lot putting at risk. Many fake makeup products
peddle counterfeit products. Be on the lookout for words have been found to contain toxic chemicals
as “replicas,” “class A,” or “SG (or HK) authentic,” as these such as lead and mercury, which can cause
are simply alternative terms for “fake.” “There’s no such thing as serious skin reactions, allergies, and even
SG authentic,” asserts makeup artist Ara Fernando—and beauty death! If you can’t afford a luxe brand, go for
experts agree. As much as possible, shop from the brand’s drugstore alternatives instead. Trust us; you
official website or legit online stores such as BeautyMNL.com, and your skin will be better off.

Text by Elaine Natividad Reyes. Photograph by Getty Images.

54 G O O D HO US EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 your LOOK | BE AUT Y NEWS

7 YEARS USING FACE OIL ON

OILY SKIN: NO OR GO?
YOUNGER Go! Beauty oils can actually
work on all skin types; it’s just
that the oily types have to be
more careful with usage to
avoid looking like a greasy
mess. A few tips: Once-a-day
application is okay, while those
with dryer complexions can
use it in the a.m. and p.m. It’s
also best to apply at night,
when skin produces less
sebum. Lastly, skip heavy oils
and choose a lightweight,
easily absorbed option. If your
face still feels like an oil slick
after following these, consider
adding a couple of drops to
your moisturizer instead.
WE LOVE: Pixi Skintreats
Rose Oil Blend, P1,280,
glamourbox.ph

NEW ORGANIC
FAVORITE
Once a humble apothecary where Londoners
flocked for homeopathic remedies and natural
potions, family-owned Neal’s Yard Remedies
SELF-HELP FOR has found its way to Manila. The much-lauded
certified organic label boasts handmade

COMPROMISED SKIN products using homegrown, sustainably

sourced organic ingredients—produced under
the strictest standards, too. Visit its counter at
HAVING DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN is a serious Rustan’s The Beauty Source in Rustan’s
double whammy. Using just any moisturizing product can Makati and create your own lotions and bath
trigger irritation, which can then compromise your skin’s oils (starting at P1,050) or take your pick from
barrier, further aggravating dryness—and, consequently, its award-winning anti-aging range featuring
the signs of aging. How to win? Look for products wrinkle-treating frankincense oil.
designed not only to correct skin disorders, but that also
act on skin’s natural processes so it can restore itself. For
moisturizing relief, try the new Hydrabio Serum, P1,508,
Watsons, Greenbelt 1 1/L, from Bioderma. The product’s
patented Aquagenium technology retrains your skin to
activate its built-in hydrating capacities while improving
your skin’s tolerance, helping protect it against irritation.
After cleansing and toning, apply on your face and neck in
the morning and in the evening.
IDEAL FOR those suffering from dry and rough patches,
flaking or scaling, as well as redness, inflammation,
itching, and tightness.

Text by Elaine Natividad Reyes. Photographs by iStockphoto (woman); Louie Aguinaldo (Pixi); courtesy of Bioderma and Neal’s Yard Remedies.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 55
 your LOOK | BE AUT Y FINDS

BEAU
1
Even the most expensive makeup can look
cheap when not applied well. Pick up a good
sponge and get ready to kiss that cakey, 2
heavy, and streaky finish goodbye.

1 CULT FAVORITE 3-in-1 wonder product. Its varying

The holy grail of makeup sponges, surfaces fit the different contours
the beautyblender original, P995, of the face, with the curved cove
Purebeauty, Serendra 2/L, is the fitting snugly over the under-eye
world’s first edgeless sponge area. It’s super soft, letting you thin 3
applicator and is known for making out your products beautifully.
your complexion products look
airbrushed when applied. Wet the 5 DOUBLE-SIDED
sponge with water, squeeze out The M.A.C. Cosmetics Duo-sided
excess, and stipple or bounce (not Sponge, P650, M.A.C. Cosmetics,
drag) your product across your face Robinsons Magnolia 1/L, offers
for a streak-free finish. versatility in application. Apply
your liquid foundation, gels, and 4
2 WEDGE creams using the pink porous side,
Too lazy to wash your sponges? Opt
and use the white puff side to set
for disposable types like the Watsons
your makeup with powder.
Sponge Wedges, P74/set of four,
Watsons, Greenbelt 1 1/L. Use a 6 ELLIPSE TYPE
different surface for each product so
An upgraded version of the flat 5
your formulas won’t mix. The triangle
compact sponge, The Face Shop
shape also allows you to get to hard-

Text and styling by Bianca Mascenon. Photograph by Louie Aguinaldo.

Ellipse Sponge, P95, The Face
to-reach corners with ease.
Shop, Shangri-La Plaza Mall 5/L,
3 COMPACT SPONGE offers better control because
Dirt and bacteria can accumulate of its wider body and slanted
in the sponges you keep inside shape. It’s also extra firm, which
means it absorbs less product.
your compact. Replace them at 6
least once a month with affordable (Less wastage!)
refills like the Bobbie Cosmetics
Round Sponge Refills, P40/set of 7 EASY GRIP
two, Robinsons Department Store, Similar to the beautyblender, the
Robinsons Galleria 1/L. Use wet for teardrop-shaped BYS Precision
moderate to heavy coverage; use Sponge, P299, The SM Store, SM
dry for a sheer finish. Makati 1/L, has a curvy design,
giving you a better grip for easier
7
4 THREE-WAY TOOL application. Use the pointed tip
The Happy Skin Air Touch Sponge, to reach deep corners and the
P499, Power Plant Mall 2/L, is a rounded bottom for wider areas.

56 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 CREATIVE COOL
Go bold with mixed
monotone prints. Find it
tricky? Graphic prints
usually go well together.
Besides, stripes are
practically a neutral.
Trumpet-sleeved top, P1,395,
and striped skirt, P1,495, both
from Details, SM Aura Premier
3/L. Gold wedges, P1,629,
Sfera, SM Megamall Bldg.A
2/L. Necklace, P4,880, Evita
Peroni, Power Plant Mall 2/L.
Leather bag, P3,900, Costal
Bags, (63916) 633-8955;
instagram.com/costal.bags

Text and shoot production by Elaine Natividad Reyes. Art direction by Theodore Cruz. Model: Kara Gozali.
WORKWEAR
DIARIES
Deviate from boring uniforms with these updated takes on the
office dress code, whatever industry you’re in.
Photographs by EJAY LEUNG of Midnight Bonkers
Styling by MARGAUX ROMERO ALAMPAY
Hair and makeup by MURIEL VEGA PEREZ for Clinique
Assisted by MAYVE TORALBA

58 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

y o ur LO O K | O F F I C E FA S H I O N

ON THE GO
Always on the move?
Be fashionably
mobile with comfy
knee-length trousers
and ballet flats.
A softly structured
carryall is both stylish
and functional.
Off-shoulder top, P795,
Details. Culottes, P1,980,
G2000, SM Megamall Mega
Fashion Hall 2/L. Gold flats,
P899, Sfera. Earrings,
P1,380, and scarf (on bag),
P8,580, both from Evita
Peroni. Leather tote,
P3,200, Costal Bags.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 59
 BOSS LADY
Jazz up ho-hum
corporate wear by
pairing your pantsuit
with a bejeweled top.
Opt for fitted slacks for
a sexy silhouette.
Blazer, P5,380, G2000.
Jeweled top, P1,295, Details.
Trousers, P1,795, Dorothy
Perkins, SM Megamall Mega
Fashion Hall 3/L. Pumps,
P3,995, Melissa, SM
Megamall Bldg.A 2/L.

60 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 your LO O K | O F F I C E FA S H I O N

BUSINESS CHIC
Trade the boring collared
outfit for a dressy top-and-
pencil skirt combo that can
also work after-hours. Keep
a blazer handy should you
need to cover up.
Peplum top, P2,199, Sfera. Pencil
skirt,P1,195, Dorothy Perkins.
Heels, P5,999, Melissa. Necklace,
P699, rosette bangle, P349, plain
bangle, P399, all from Sfera.
Leather bag, P3,200, Costal Bags.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 61
 your LO O K | O F F I C E FA S H I O N

GLAMAZON
If fancy events are part of
your everyday sched, go for
a killer dress in a striking
color—just opt for a below-
the-knee hemline to keep
things professional.
Dress, P4,995, Warehouse,
Robinsons Galleria 1/L. Earrings,
P1,480, and bracelet, P11,280, both
from Evita Peroni. Clutch, P1,159,
Sfera.

62 G O O D HO US EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING

YO U R M O N E Y
?FLJ@E>
CF8EJ
›
DFE<P
E<NJ
›
8JB
K?<
<OG<IK
Text by Nicole Sindiong. Photograph by Getty Images. *How to Turn Your Passion Into Profit is available at National Bookstore.

Passion: There are many benefits to starting a business. At the top of the list: the potential to earn more
than you would at an office job. But if you truly want to succeed as an entrepreneur, “it has to be
the secret to [about] more than just the money,” writes Dean Pax Lapid in the book How to Turn Your Passion
Into Profit*, which he co-authored with Bo Sanchez.
entrepreneurial According to Lapid, there is nothing wrong with wanting to earn, but your reasons for being
success in business need to be “something more personal, something more enduring.” He writes, “An
enormous passion for something within you already makes it half a battle won—meaning you
will fight it out and make it successful in spite of the odds.”

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 65
 our M O N E Y | PERSONAL FINANCE

Can’t figure out how to fix

your finances? A financial
advisor can help you define
your goals and provide a
roadmap to get you there.

EXPERT ADVICE
Blame it on the lack of financial literacy subjects in school, or the fact that money is finite.
The hard truth is, keeping your finances in order is a tough job. But worry not, the pros can help.

SOME PEOPLE MAKE IT LOOK EASY, but for many, managing finances tends to WHAT IS A
be tricky. Sure, it usually boils down to some basic concepts: budgeting, saving, investing, FINANCIAL ADVISOR?
and paying off debt on time. But to do these properly and effectively is a whole other
By definition, a financial advisor is someone
conversation. Add to that the abundance of financial products available today—not to who has been trained and certified to give
mention the accompanying jargon—and it all gets pretty daunting. clients advice on money matters, including
If you’re well versed in these concepts, then you most likely fare better than most in investments and insurance, cash flow
navigating the maze of smart money management. If you’re not, know that you can always planning, retirement planning, and estate
ask for help. Even the best of us need assistance sometimes. As important life matters go, management, among others.
it pays to get an expert’s advice on what to do. And in the world of personal finance, this is These days, such professionals can go by
where financial advisors come in. various other titles like ‘financial planner,’

Text by Nicole Sindiong. Photographs by iStockphoto. This feature is for information purposes only.

66 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

‘financial consultant,’ and ‘wealth advisor,’ you’d likely do well with the help of a fee- Affirming this, Louie Callueng, a
but the job description generally remains based advisor who can design a financial financial advisor at Pru Life U.K., says,
the same: working with clients to come up plan to help keep you on track. “May annual renewal ’yan ng mga license.
with a money strategy, and identify where After discerning what type of help you And then, yung qualification, may mga
to allocate their money to meet specific need, check the credibility and qualifications exams pa kami every year that we have
objectives and maximize benefits. of your potential advisors. While the decision to pass.”
A big differentiating factor among to follow their advice is still up to you, Sometimes, investment and insurance
financial advisors is their terms of entrusting the fate of your hard-earned assets agents enhance their skill sets and
compensation, which also defines their to someone else will naturally compel you to credentials by getting certifications (a
professional affiliations and the scope of be thorough in your search for The One. number of commission-based advisors
services they offer. How do you know they’re legitimate and are also RFPs or RFCs), or taking further
won’t run away with your money? Your training programs to specialize in
COMMISSION-BASED ADVISORS
best bet is to check organizations like the specific fields of personal finance. The
are typically investment and insurance
Registered Financial Planners Philippines Life Underwriters Association of the
agents. As such, they are compensated
(RFP) and International Association of Philippines (LUAP) administers these
through the sales of financial products
Registered Financial Consultants (RFC) programs specifically for insurance agents
like stocks, mutual funds, and insurance
for accredited professionals. When you see and confers certifications like Chartered
policies. All compensation for commission-
advisors or financial planners with these Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP) and
based advisors comes from the companies
titles attached to their names, you can be Chartered Wealth Advisor (CWA).
they represent, so clients don’t need to
fairly certain that they have undergone Says Sarmiento, “Some companies
shell out any amount apart from what
rigorous training and have completed strict encourage their agents to take up
goes into the products they avail of (e.g.,
requirements, and are thus knowledgeable additional learning programs, or
insurance premiums).
on financial matters and capable of giving certifications outside the company, to be
FEE-BASED ADVISORS, on the sound financial advice. more equipped and have a competitive
other hand, are usually independent “These financial planning professionals edge in the market today.”
practitioners. They are compensated comply with a code of ethics which But apart from certifications and titles,
based on a percentage (about 1% to 2%) ensures the standards of their service,” “clients should look at experience,” says
of the total assets they manage, or the net explains certified registered financial Efren Ll. Cruz RFP, founder and chairman
worth of their clients. This fee is usually planner John Patrick Sarmiento RFP. of Personal Finance Advisers Philippines
paid annually, in full or in installments, Meanwhile, for commission-based Corporation (PFA). There’s nothing more
depending on the agreement between financial advisors, you can always go for telling of an advisor’s performance and
the client and the advisor. Rather than a those representing tried-and-tested names effectiveness than track record.
product, what’s being remunerated here is in the investments and insurance industry. Try to read up on a potential advisor’s
the time and expertise these professionals According to Sarmiento, these advisors references, and talk to previous clients
spend on helping a client, with whatever are required to secure a license from the about their experience working with him
financial concern he or she may have. Insurance Commission before they are or her. Better yet, ask peers who have
Fee-based advisors are generally able to allowed to sell their company’s products. sought financial advice for referrals.
assist clients on a broader range of money
matters, though they may also recommend
specific financial products to purchase, if
they deem it beneficial for their clients.

SCOUTING FOR A
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
As with any financial service or product,
finding the ideal advisor greatly depends
on your objectives.
Say you’d like to start investing but are
unsure about which instrument matches
your risk appetite, or maybe you’re
thinking about getting insurance but are
unfamiliar with the types and terms. You’ll
probably work best with a commission-
based advisor who can lead you to the
specific products you need. Alternately, if
Before you hire a financial
you’re looking for guidance when it comes advisor, check his or
to coming up with a plan, and setting clear her background and
financial goals and seeing them through, certifications to make sure
he or she is right for the job.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 67
our M O N E Y | PERSONAL FINANCE

DEBUNKING THE says any individual who has income can

MISCONCEPTIONS seek the advice of a financial advisor or
planner. “The amount of your savings does
Financial planning (or advising) was a not matter. Even those with a negative ne et
relatively new profession with a largely U.S.- worth should seek professional advice. It
based history, as pointed out by Randell would be a great idea to start building yoourr

ADVISORY
Tiongson RFP, director of the Registered wealth with the guidance of a professionaal
Financial Planners Institute in a blog entry who can help you create and implement
in 2012. Because of its newness, it’s common a sound financial plan that matches your
for Filipinos to have reservations about goals, with all the possible options, along
seeking it. While the profession and service with its pros and cons.”
have gained more attention in recent years,
many continue to hold back from giving it a MYTH 3: PROFESSIONAL
try due to wrong or old impressions about it. FINANCIAL SERVICES COST A
LOT. The perception that an advisor or
MYTH 1: THEY ONLY WANT TO a planner’s services cost an arm and a leg
SELL YOU A PRODUCT. This notion could have stemmed from the fact that
may have had some truth to it a decade these professionals are viewed on the same Before choosing a financial
ago when financial agents were mainly level as lawyers, doctors, and engineers, planner, go through this
driven to make a sale in order to earn. what with the special training they
These days, inspired by the advent of
checklist to determine if
undertake and the titles attached to their
the financial planning profession and the names. But if you ask around, you’ll find
he or she is a good fit.
industry’s specialized training programs, that advisors’ rates vary widely, and you can
n
the approach of these financial service
companies has shifted from mere sales
easily find one that suits your budget. 9 CERTIFICATIONS
“Usually, planners charge based on the While track record will speak
to actual collaboration with clients, to capacity and the value they can give to
understand their objectives and provide a client,” says Sarmiento. He adds that
volumes of an advisor’s
solutions. those who have already made a name for competence—and there are
“Aside from being trained and licensed themselves in the field might charge a bit definitely good ones out there
to sell insurance and securities, most higher, but notes, “the value you get from
companies today equip their sales sans the acronyms appended
it will exceed what it cost you.”
agency with programs related to financial “Fees can range from as low as P1,000 to their names—you can’t deny
planning, which focuses on the needs of to as high as P1,000,000, depending the credibility a title adds to
the clients, rather than focusing only on an on the type of plan that is being asked
instrument or product itself,” says financial
his or her practice.
for,” explains Cruz. He advises clients to
planner Sarmiento. “shop around” to see if they are getting
their money’s worth. “Some planners,
9 TERMS OF
MYTH 2: ONLY THE RICH NEED
for example, offer free services after
COMPENSATION
FINANCIAL ADVICE. Some people may
feel they don’t need a financial advisor or consultation.” Knowing this can clue you in
planner because they don’t have much to Ultimately, if you do decide to seek on an advisor’s services, as
work with. But according to the experts, help, what’s important is you get it from well as give you ample time to
this is a misconception in every sense of someone you can trust. Says Sarmiento, “A
the word. “We give advice to people who
prepare your payments.
relationship has to be established before
do not have much assets and who are even acquiring a financial planner’s services.
mired in debt,” says PFA’s Cruz. Sometimes it takes a few meetings to get to
9 SERVICES
Echoing this sentiment, Sarmiento know the planner, and the client as well.” Many advisors today
continue their education
Even the most money-
savvy individual can
or undergo programs to
benefit from the advice specialize in certain fields
of an experienced
financial planner. of personal finance. Find
out if a potential advisor
can assist you with a
specific requirement like
retirement planning or
estate management.
 Buying your dream
home is an exciting but
complicated process.
It’s important to be
informed and get
advice from experts.

FINANCING
YOUR FIRST HOME
Ready to take the leap and become a homeowner? Here’s a guide to the most common financing
options for home buyers, plus expert advice on shopping for your dream house.

PURCHASING A HOUSE or a condo for the first time can be new home, your first step should be a meticulous assessment of your
daunting, to say the least. This will likely be your biggest investment finances. “Be very, very honest about your capacity,” advises Ambas.
to date, with a bill you’ll be shouldering for the next few years or The 2.5 Rule is one way to determine how much you can afford,
even decades. While we can’t do all your homework for you, we’ve says Ambas. Simply take your net annual income (multiply your
rounded up some experts to shed light on your mortgage options monthly income by 12 or even 13, if you are a regular employee
and share their tips for saving a pretty penny on your way to receiving 13th month pay) and multiply it by 2.5. The result is the
becoming a homeowner. approximate cost of a property that your salary can afford if you
plan to take out a loan. If, for example, your monthly income is
BEGIN BY BEING HONEST P50,000, with an annual income of P650,000, then you can afford
“Ang real estate, it’s not as if bibili ka ng sapatos or computer mouse property worth P1.625 million.
online. You’re buying a piece of property that you’re spending your Bear in mind that the property’s selling price is just one of
life savings on,” says Rodel Ambas, head of content and research many expenses to consider. Apart from the down payment and
at Lamudi Philippines, a comprehensive online real estate platform the monthly mortgage payments, you have to weigh the costs of
operating in 32 countries. “You have to think of your purchase very, construction or renovation, monthly association dues, maintenance
very carefully. You don’t want to end up with a problematic house, and utilities, insurance, and government-related fees such as
or something you don’t actually need, or worse, something that you property tax.
cannot afford. It will cause you problems later on.” Remember, too, that your income is not the be-all and end-all of
It’s easy to get caught up in showroom visits, interior design your financial standing. Do you have any outstanding debts? What’s
magazines, and Pinterest boards, but once you decide to purchase a your lifestyle like?

Text by Micah Sulit. Photographs by Getty Images. This feature is for information purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

70 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 our M O N E Y | HOUSING LOANS

“For some people, kahit mataas na yung employment or income. For salaried factors. See “What You Need to Know
income nila, sumasabay yung lifestyle borrowers, some banks require that you about Interest Rates” for more information.)
nila,” says Argel Tiburcio, a financial earn at least P50,000 per month and/or Also consider whether the bank provides
adviser, investment planner, and licensed have been employed by the same company quality service and payment terms that suit
real estate broker. “Dadami ang expenses for at least two years. your needs.
nila, lalakas ang loob nilang mag-loan at Loan terms can be as long as 25 years, You should receive good service and
mag-swipe ng credit card.” Before they and the amount you can borrow depends support while your loan is in process and
know it, Tiburcio says, they’ve already on your income and the appraised value afterwards, says an assistant vice president
spent their future income. of the property. The bank determines and key account manager at another
Be upfront about how you are using the appraised value, which is different reputable local bank, who also asked to
your present cash flow, as well as how you from the market value or the selling price remain anonymous. Your account officer
will spend your future resources. Foresight of the property. On average, banks lend should offer professional advice and explain
is important, says Tiburcio. Some buyers a minimum of around P500,000 and a every detail of the loan process. As for the
are confident about the down payment maximum of 70 or 80% of the property’s payment terms, she advises comparing the
stage, only to be surprised by the higher appraised value. Again, most banks have charges for advance payments should you
mortgage payments down the road. Some mortgage calculators on their websites to decide to terminate the loan, as well as
fail to consider foreseeable expenses such help you determine how much you can penalties for late payments.
as tuition fees when their kids start school. loan and how much you need to pay back Don’t forget to ask about loan charges,
But don’t let the word “mortgage” scare monthly. such as handling and notarial fees. “Banks
you. “There are very few people who can While bank loans are generally the best normally charge a processing fee of around
afford to pay for a property in cash,” says option for mid- to high-income earners, the P5,000 and an appraisal fee of P3,000
Ambas. “Most home buyers need financial downside of bank financing is a stringent
help in the form of a loan.” Before buying approval process involving background
property or taking out a housing loan, checks and requiring you to gather several

LOAN LINGO
you can get an idea of the cost by using documentary requirements (see “Your
banks’ online calculators and your broker’s Requirement Checklist”).
sample computations for the down Ever heard of the Five Cs of Credit?
payment and monthly mortgage payments. These are the factors that lending
As a rule of thumb, mortgage payments You’ll encounter these words
institutions use to evaluate your
should not exceed 30% of your monthly often when shopping around for
creditworthiness: Character, Capacity,
income (or 40% of a couple’s combined Capital (your net worth), Collateral, and a housing loan.
income), which means only a third of your Conditions (external circumstances such as Mortgage A loan that enables
take-home pay should go toward repaying the economic climate).
your loans, including other outstanding
you to buy property, usually by
An assistant vice president in the
debts such as a car loan. Banks will check using real property as security
retail mortgage department of one of the
this debt-to-income ratio when you apply country’s leading banks, who asked not Collaterall Property that you
for a housing loan. to be named, says character is the most pledge as security for your
crucial factor in loan approval. “It refers
YOUR FINANCING mortgage. If you are unable to
to the borrower’s trustworthiness and
repay your housing loan, the
OPTIONS willingness to repay the loan,” she says.
“The borrower’s reputation, credit history, collateral will be forfeited and
The most common financing options for
home buyers in the Philippines are bank and how he managed to pay his previous used to pay your debt.
loans, a Pag-IBIG housing loan, and in- debts are evaluated.”
Principall The amount you
house financing. Capacity, or a borrower’s ability to repay
the loan, is also important. “Banks will borrow from a lending institution,
1 BANK LOANS consider the source of repayment of the excluding the interest
Bank financing is the first choice for most loan, that is, how stable the income or cash Term The duration of the loan
home buyers. “It’s always advisable to apply flow of the borrower is,” she adds.
for a housing loan from a commercial bank Ambas says, “It’s very common for Loan Maturity The end of the
because banks offer more flexible terms applicants to get rejected, so have your loan or the final payment date
and lower interest rates,” says Ambas. A finances sorted out before you apply for a
wide selection of banks and loan products loan.” You should also have enough cash to Amortization A payment
also gives you a lot of options. cover the down payment on the property, scheme in which a borrower pays
Eligibility and requirements vary slightly amounting to about 20% of the selling price. off his debt in regular monthly
across banks, but generally, you are eligible When you’re choosing among banks, the installments
for a home loan if you are a Filipino citizen institution’s reputation and interest rates
above 21 years old (but not more than 65 are obviously essential criteria. (Interest
years old upon loan maturity) with stable rates vary, depending on a number of

SE PTE M B E R 201 6 G O O D H OUS E K E E P I N G 71

 our M O N E Y | HOUSING LOANS

to P5,000, depending on the location of 2 PAG-IBIG HOUSING LOAN get an estimate of your monthly mortgage
property,” she adds. “Also, set aside 2 to The government-mandated Home payments.
2.5% (based on the principal) for bank Development Mutual Fund, also known as To start the application process, submit
charges—for example, P50,000 for a loan of the Pag-IBIG Fund, is the go-to lender for your requirements to Pag-IBIG’s Shaw
P2,000,000. These fees are not part of the low-income earners and borrowers who Boulevard, Kamias, or Imus branch for
bank’s income but are mandatory payments were not approved for a bank loan. properties in NCR, or for provincial
to the government.” You qualify for a Pag-IBIG housing loan properties, the Pag-IBIG office closest to
Banks require you to get Mortgage if you have been a member for at least two the property.
Redemption Insurance (MRI), which will years and have paid at least 24 monthly
contributions. You should be less than
3 IN-HOUSE FINANCING
pay for the loan in full in case the borrower
Property developers provide “in-house
dies, but you don’t have to get your housing 65 years old (but not more than 70 upon
financing,” which isn’t really a loan but an
loan and your MRI from the same bank, loan maturity), and with no outstanding
extended payment period. Third-party
says financial adviser Tiburcio, warning Pag-IBIG housing loan. Note that if you are
institutions are eliminated since you are
that some banks will lead you to believe self-employed, unemployed, or an OFW,
paying the developer directly.
otherwise. If you have a personal life you can still join the Pag-IBIG fund as a
In-house financing has a less rigorous
insurance policy and your loan amount is voluntary contributor.
approval process and minimal documentary
less than the policy’s face amount, you can Pag-IBIG is actually an attractive option
requirements. However, it’s more
because of its flexibility. The bank assistant
temporarily assign the bank as the recipient expensive, with interest rates of around 12%
vice president points out that the agency
so you don’t have to pay extra for an MRI. or higher, which are usually fixed. Terms
is “more lax” regarding minimum loan
Talk to a few banks before taking out a are also shorter; some developers only
amounts, while Ambas highlights the option
mortgage. “Don’t settle for the first bank allow a maximum of five years.
for up to three members who are first- or
that will offer you a loan,” recommends If you don’t have an approved loan by
second-degree relatives to avail of the same
Lamudi’s Ambas. “You can shop around for the start of your amortized payments, you
housing loan, using the same collateral. You might get automatically assigned to in-
better rates and better payment terms.” can also prepay your loan either partially or
Tiburcio adds that a good agent or broker house financing, says Tiburcio.
in full without penalty; advance payments
can give sound advice regarding your are deducted from the principal, which
financing options because he or she would WHAT YOU NEED
translates to savings on interest.
know the requirements of different lending On the flip side, Pag-IBIG only lends a TO KNOW ABOUT
institutions. Some developers also have maximum of P6 million and the interest INTEREST RATES
preferred or partner banks. rates are higher than those offered by The bank offering the lowest interest
The loan application process can take up banks. Currently, Pag-IBIG’s interest rates rate isn’t automatically the best option.
to three months, so if you’re shelling out a range from 6.5% for a three-year fixing “An interest rate is good if it is low but in
down payment over a one-year period, you period to 10% for a 30-year fixing period. totality, you have to compare re-pricing
should apply for a housing loan by the ninth Use the amortization calculator on Pag- rates, charges, insurances, and termination
or tenth month, says Tiburcio. IBIG’s website (pagibigfund.gov.ph) to fees,” says the bank key accounts manager.
There are two types of interest rates:
fixed interest rates and flexible (also called
Aside from paying for the variable) interest rates. Fixed rates remain
mortgage, you also need to the same for the entire loan term, while
consider the cost of insurance,
association dues, and utilities.
flexible rates can be renegotiated or re-
priced at set intervals. Different banks offer
different payment terms for flexible-rate
loans. Some loans re-price the interest rate
yearly, while others have a fixed interest
rate over a period of time called the “fixing
period.” Say you opt for a loan with an
interest rate of 7% for a five-year fixing
period—after five years, the rate will be re-
priced. Depending on the bank’s flexibility,
you can renegotiate for another fixed term
or switch to yearly re-pricing.
“Most banks market their flexible loans
with yearly re-pricing because those have
the lowest interest rates,” says Tiburcio. The
interest rate changes annually depending
on economic conditions, so there’s a risk
that the rate will increase every year.
“Fixed interest rates are normally

72 G O OD HO US EK EEP I N G SEPT EM BER 2016

 slightly higher, pero hindi sila magbaba
during the fixing period,” says Ambas, o
d

YOUR REQUIREMENT kaapag nagkaroon ng economic crisis at

taalagang tumaas yung interest rates set

CHECKLIST by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BS ,

makakatulog ka nang mahimbing know
m
thhat hindi magbabago yung babayaran mo m
monthly. The drawback is, if the econom
m my
This list of documents is meant
performs really well and the BSP sets an n
to be a guide. Check with your evven lower interest rate, you can’t take
lending institution for complete ad dvantage of the lower rate.”
and specific requirements. The longer the fixing period is, the hig er
“ Housing Loan Application Form thhe interest rate. (For example, one bank
“ Copies of one or two valid IDs offers a 5.5% interest rate for a fixing per d
of one year, 6.25% for three years, and
“ Marriage Contract, if applicable 100.5% for 11 to 15 years.) Consult your loann
“ Mortgage Redemption officer and weigh the risks against your
Insurance (MRI) Application Form financial capacity. One factor to consider
purchase property because the real estate
“ Membership Status iss whether you intend to make lump
payments or prepay the loan in full before e
market is “very healthy,” according to
Verification Slip (for Pag-IBIG) Ambas. “We are not seeing a crisis similar
it matures, says the bank assistant vice
to the A
Asian
i fi financial crisis in 1997, na
Income Documents: president. In that case, you should not have
maraming developers na nagsara, maraming
yo our interest rate fixed for the entire term
Locally Employed pre-selling projects na hindi natuloy, and
ass that rate would be higher.
“ Certificate of Employment “Ngayon yung isa sa mga best times to
then interest rates shot up. We’re not seeing
any risks on the horizon when it comes to
“ Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) taake out a loan if talagang ready na sila,
kaasi sobrang competitive ng mga rates,”
the real estate industry.”
“ Pay slips or bank statements saays Tiburcio. “Pababa nang pababa yung
On the whole, says Ambas, “the best time
to buy a property is when you are financially
innterest rates natin dahil ang daming
Self-Employed and emotionally ready. If you are financially
caash reserves na available.” He adds
“ Business name and company thhat it’s currently a good idea to go for
capable, if you have enough cash for the
down payment and extra cash for the taxes
profile ye early re-pricing and take advantage of
and registration fees, then go for it.”
“ DTI Registration and Mayor’s th
yo
he lowest rates available. Just make sure
ou know the bank’s payment terms: Is
However, he cautions, “You have to be
Permit/Business Permit responsible and mature enough to take on
“ Articles of Incorporation and
thhe rate automatically renewed without
negotiations? Can you opt for a fixing
a long-term commitment. A housing loan is
By-Laws with SEC Registration a debt that will take 10, 15, even 20 years
period at any point during the loan?
to pay.” That’s why it’s important to buy a
Certificate The bank key accounts manager also
home that you can honestly afford, he says.
“ Copy of Audited Financial reecommends asking banks about their
“Do not aspire for properties na hindi mo
Statements historical re-pricing rates. For example, a
naman kailangan.”
“ Latest ITR with Statement of
bank may offer the lowest interest rate in
thhe market at 4.99%, but this can be re-
Finally, don’t do it all on your own. Work
Assets and Liabilities with a loan officer or a financial adviser
priced at 7% on the second year.
to determine your financial capacity, and
Overseas Filipino Workers find a licensed broker who will walk you
“ Crew Contract, Employment BUYING VS. RENTING
B through the buying process. A licensed
Contract, or Certificate of A
Ambas says renting is your best bet if broker can also check the veracity of the
Employment with salary yoou have pending applications to migrate property’s papers, help you or a lawyer
“ Pay slips or proof of
abbroad. If you purchase a home and have
plans to relocate, you might have to sell it
draft the contract to sell and the deed
of sale, and assist you with government-
remittances att a lower price when the time comes for related transactions such as registration
Collateral Documents: yoou to leave and you wish to dispose of fees, property tax, and transfer of title.
“ Copy of Transfer Certificate th
he property. “Property is highly illiquid.
You cannot dispose of it very quickly,” says
Y
Verify your broker’s license through the
Professional Regulation Commission’s
of Title (TCT) or Condominium Ambas. “Otherwise, it will be like a fire
A website to avoid bogus agents who are only
Certificate of Title (CCT) saale—lugi ka kapag masyadong minamadali.” after your down payment.
“ Copy of Tax Declaration and If you plan to settle down in the same “Home-buying is a very complicated
Tax Receipts ciity for a long time and if you’re prepared process that you should undertake with
to
o bear the costs, buying property is a good great caution,” says Ambas. “That’s why it’s
id
dea. Economy-wise, it’s a good time to advisable to get as much help as you can.”

SE PTE M B E R 201 6 G O O D H OUS E K E E P I N G 73

 our MONEY | NEWS

More than just saving,

you must keep your

WHEN IT’S
expenses in check if you
want your golden years
to truly be golden.

OKAY TO SPEND
YOUR SAVINGS
WHEN IT COMES
TO SAVING, people
generally stash their
money in the bank and
leave it there so it can
grow. While sticking with
this practice may be
good for your finances,
you can also jeopardize
your overall financial well-
being if you’re too strict
about it. A 2015 study
published in the Journal
of Marketing Research
reports that people, when
faced with an emergency,
often choose to borrow
on credit rather than
sacrifice their savings
to cover the expenses.

THE KEY TO A
Respondents of the
study deemed this the
more “responsible” thing

SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT
to do. But remember:
Interest compounds
over time, which is why
it may be prudent to just
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT. While you’re
spend what you already

Text by Nicole Sindiong. Photographs by Getty Images and iStockphoto (piggy bank).
at it, here’s another valuable piece of advice: Pay extra attention to your spending
have in such situations.
habits when you get there. You can compute and set aside as much money as
“Maintaining savings is
you believe you’ll need to live comfortably after employment, but that may not be
an important financial
enough if you don’t modify your expenses.
goal. Yet, there are times
Noting that spending patterns determine success in retirement as much as saving,
when savings should be
the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) in the U.S. analyzed the spending
spent; for example, when
habits of a group of households up to six years after retirement. The findings,
people face unavoidable
published in 2015, reveal that while average spending dropped by 5.5% in the first
costs, and spending
two years, and by 12.5% by the third or fourth year, this decline in spending slowed
savings means avoiding
down after the fourth year of retirement. Furthermore, while 54.1% did cut back on
high-interest rate debt,”
spending after retiring, 45.9% of the households actually spent more than they did
the study notes.
before retirement in the first two years. This number went down to 33.4% by the
sixth year of retirement.
“A possible explanation for this could be that people may want to splurge as
they enter retirement by traveling or spending on their hobbies,” notes Sudipto
Banerjee Ph.D., researcher at EBRI. “Spending is one of the crucial economic factors
in retirement, so it is very important to understand the spending patterns of retired
households and the causes that drive their spending behavior. Understanding
spending patterns will not only help current retirees succeed, but also help
policymakers, employers, financial firms, and advisors assist current workers to have
a successful retirement.”

74 G O O D HO US EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 askk t EXPERT

MONEY

MATTERS
Expert advice on how to manage your finances—NOW

If you’re a new investor,

go with an online
brokerage firm that
Other tips to consider:
will charge you the 1 Pick brokers for convenience.
lowest commission rate
possible. For me, it makes sense to go
to a broker who is attached
to my bank as it allows me to
easily transfer money in and out
without any extra cost. It goes
back to your goal of saving in the
long-term, but apart from that, it
also affords you the convenience
and ease of moving money.

2 Go for stability. Choose

companies that have been
around for a long period of
time. These are companies that
can withstand recessions and
downturns. Knowing that those
brokers will still be there no
matter how bad the situation
becomes will help you sleep
soundly at night.

3 Pick brokers that give you

great research. In investing, your
biggest weapon is information
and how you process that so

Q
you can make sound decisions.

Photographs by Getty Images; courtesy of Marvin Germo (profile photo).

I’m a newbie investor. What are your tips I would go for brokers who give
enough research so I can make
for selecting a broker for my investments?  informed decisions when it
comes to my investments.
I assume you are talking about stockbrokers and the things you need to
consider before opening an account with one. You do not need to go through
a brokerage firm if you are opening a unit investment trust fund (UITF), a
mutual fund, or an insurance account.
If you are new to stock investing, you have to understand that stock Maarvin Germo is
thee bestselling
brokerage firms are the middlemen between you—the investor—and the author of the
stock market. You cannot come in and buy and sell shares in the stock market Stoock Smarts
without a broker. Think of them as bank tellers, in that, if you would like to boook series, a
peersonal finance
deposit money in the bank, you have to go through a teller to transact. A consultant, an
teller is to a bank as a stockbroker is to the Philippine Stock Exchange. intternational
keynote speaker,
Now, since everything is online, I would suggest that you select among online and a stock
brokerage firms. Why? Online brokerage firms have the lowest commissions. ma arket trader
You have to understand that every time you make a transaction, you pay a and investor. He has around d nine years
of experience
i financial
commission. One of the best ways for you to save in the long-term is to pick industry. He also recently published his
brokerage companies that charge you the lowest commission rates possible. latest book Where Should You Invest?.

76 G O O D HO US EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING

YOUR HOME
'" . * -:
) 0 . &
t
) 0 6 4 &
6 1 , & & 1
t
) 0 8
5 0
4 5 : - &
"
$ 0 ' ' & &
5" # - &
Text by Tisha Alvarez. Photographs by Dairy Darilag. Styling by Beam Mariano. Art direction by Theodore Cruz.

Kiddie Here’s a cute way to display your kid’s projects and masterpieces: Stretch string or twine across
hooks, and use clips or pins (available in scrapbooking stores and book stores) to hang choice works
gallery of art. This is especially ideal for rented homes whose walls can’t be drilled or for surfaces that can’t
support heavy frames.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 77
 City Meets
COUNTRY

Rustic elegance
beautifully mixes
with industrial
elements in this
family’s charming
townhouse.
 y
your H O M E | F A M I LY H O M E

m r s rm
L y A a
e y n r a .

LIVING AREA
The couple decided to keep the cement
floor instead of installing tiles. Kara patiently
waited for stores to go on sale, and bought
the large sectional for a steal from Our
Home (ourhome.ph). The black chandelier is
from "4 -BNQT (Ortigas Home Depot,
Ortigas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue,
Pasig City). The console table was
custom-made in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Kara just
painted it herself. She also painted the gray
and white stripes on the wall.

llesteros was growing up, she would Kara, a visual merchandiser. The color scheme unites
ernoons watching Rachel Ashwell’s all the elements, from the massive couch (big enough
n TV. Her love for the interior style is for Ace, who is over six feet tall) to the customized
three-bedroom townhouse she now console table to the whimsical accessories found
er husband, Ace, and their daughter, throughout the home (owl figurines, a spraypainted
ead of sporting a purely vintage- dinosaur, a unicorn head).
etic, the home also has industrial While the home exudes casual elegance, the look
eutral colors to keep it from looking surprisingly didn’t come at a hefty price: Most of the
overly frilly and feminine. pieces are budget finds or a result of Kara’s handiwork.
“Naging consistent na lang ako sa color palette na It’s proof of what a clear vision, an innate sense of
gray, white, black, and gold para hindi magulo,” says style, and a little help from Pinterest can achieve.

SE PTE M B E R 201 6 G O O D H OUS E K E E P I N G 79

 your H O M E | F A M I LY H O M E

n ee menus
n eminders.

K I TC H E N
The stainless steel counter is from
"DF
)BSEXBSF (acehardware.com),
while the stools are from )BOEZNBO
(handyman.com.ph). A lot of the
accessories in the kitchen were
inherited from Kara’s grandparents.

80 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 M A ST E R B E D R O O M
Ace’s only request was for the
bedroom not to be too girly. He
conceded to having sheets in a
subdued floral print. Kara would
next like to add an upholstered
headboard, and paint the lyrics
of their wedding song on the
blank wall.

This dresser is dual-

purpose: The cabinet
underneath serves as
shoe storage.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 81
your H O M E | F A M I LY H O M E

A S H I A’ S R O O M
Most kids’ furniture and
storage are colorful, so
Kara retained a neutral
color palette when it came
to the room’s walls and
beddings. Ashia’s bed is
made of pure narra and was
previously owned by Kara’s
dad. The polka dot wall
decals are from Cotton On
Kids (SM Megamall Atrium,
Mandaluyong City). Ashia’s
bags are hung on hooks
installed on the side of her
cabinet.
 /…ˆÃ"V̜LiÀ]`œ˜½Ì“ˆÃÃ̅iV…>˜Vi
̜}iÌÃÌޏiˆ˜Ã«ˆÀ>̈œ˜vœÀޜÕÀ
…œ“ivÀœ“£ÎÌ>i˜Ìi``iÈ}˜iÀÃ
>˜`>ÀV…ˆÌiVÌÃ>Ì̅i

realliving
Free
Admission SPACE
A T T h e S a p p h i r e B l o c

->ÌÕÀ`>Þ]"V̜LiÀ£]E
-՘`>Þ]"V̜LiÀÓ]Óä£È
£ä>“̜È«“
6JG5CRRJKTG$NQE
7iÃÌE œÀ̅/œÜiÀÃ]->««…ˆÀi,`°
"À̈}>Ã
i˜ÌiÀ]*>È}]iÌÀœ>˜ˆ>

Draw inspiration from Ƃve sleek and stylish spaces,

designed by a talented 4GCN.KXKPI team that
includes Kristine Neri-Magturo, Pai Edles & Misty
Floro of Morfosis Design, and Wilmer Lopez.

Get exclusive discounts on the hottest home

products on the market.

Speak with seasoned designers and 4GCN.KXKPI

editors about your own design concerns.

Take part in fun DIY and home

improvement workshops.

Attend a special trade fair and meet

with brand representatives.

Reserve a unit at The Sapphire Bloc

and get a special offer.

Be entered for a chance to win rafƃe prizes

and giveaways throughout the weekend!

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS ON THIS CAN’T-MISS EVENT,

YLVLWZZZUHDOOLYLQJFRPSKUOVSDFH

Presented By:

Official Sponsors:
 your H O M E | C O F F E E TA B L E D É C O R

CENTER OF ATTENTION Learn to style a coffee table like a pro!

KID-FRIENDLY
e f
e e g l
u so

l em a a l.
chic setup without worrying
about your child’s safety.

THE TABLE: Glass and metal are

practically landmines for active
kids, so opt for a fully
upholstered table instead. Have
it customized by your
neighborhood upholsterer, use a

Text and styling by Dagny Madamba. Photographs by Kurt Alvarez/ACME Visual Productions.
long ottoman seat, or combine
two ottomans. Not only will you
have a sophisticated, baby-proof
center table, you’ll also have
additional seating.

THE DÉCOR: Go for wood or

solid resin, as these are not
easily breakable, and avoid
ceramics and glass, as well as
sharp objects. Use a tray to
corral tabletop items. Still too
much space on your table’s
surface? Add a table runner or
throw, which could come in
handy these cooler months.
Sparrow three-seater sofa, P68,000;
Madeline side table, P13,300; ottoman
coffee table, P27,600; accent mirror,
P20,100; all from Home Matters, 222
Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City;
(632) 234-0784; homematters.ph. All
other items, stylist’s own.

QUICK TIP!
A tray can make a large table feel less
massive, and can also be used as a
catch-all for items that often go missing
(hello, remote controls!).

84 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 MINIMALIST
CHIC
If you’re a believer in “less is
more,” then this style is for you.
It’s also great for those who love
to entertain, as there is enough
room on the table to serve
coffee, tea, and nibbles.

THE TABLE: Choose one with clean

lines and slender legs, so you won’t
add visual bulk. This is ideal for
small places.

THE DÉCOR: If you have a

rectangular table, display round
objects to add contrast and to soften
the look. While you can never go
wrong with neutral shades in
minimalist vignettes, add flair with a
bit of color or some metallic elements.
Since there are only a few pieces on
the table, be sure to use items of
different heights, but keep an eye on
proportions—too-tall elements may
block your view of the TV or disrupt
conversations with your guests.

QUICK TIP!
Eric sofa (part of a set), P16,000; Wetland rug, P7,450; coffee table, P4,100; round tray, P620;
faux plant, P170; diamond-pattern vase, P1,100; iron candle holder with votive, P365; Aztec-
Not sure where to start? A foolproof
print throw pillow, P550; black and white pillow, P320; circle-print cushion, P305; gray pillow, formula for tabletop vignettes: a stack of
P435; zigzag-print pillow, P360; long plate, P660; all from Mandaue Foam, mandauefoam.ph. books + floral arrangement + a tray.

FUSS-FREE & CASUAL

Ideal for busy families, this style has a
light and airy feel, and is easy to maintain.

THE TABLE: Choose a light-colored coffee

table. On a tight budget? Have your current
one repainted!

THE DÉCOR: For small coffee tables, avoid

anything bulky. Use potted plants and air plants
to inject freshness. Throw in items your kids will
appreciate, like storybooks, coloring books, and
a container of coloring pencils.
Lindsay sofa (part of a set), P32,000; rug, P10,200; coffee table,
P4,000; teardrop glass hanging plants, P310 each; candleholder
(set of three), P980; yellow mug, P55; throw pillow with leaf print,
P350; throw pillow with embroidery, P375; Tropical Leaves canvas
art, P950, all from Mandaue Foam. Colored pencils, P66, Japan
Home Centre, japanhome.com.ph.

QUICK TIP!
Items on the coffee table often reflect the homeowner’s
personality. Before you buy, try to “shop” around the house
first—you may already have what you’re looking for.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 85
 ask the EXPERTS

HOUSEHOLD HELP &

CLEANING TIPS
Lay down some
newspapers in an area
where your pets can
Q Help! My white
canvas shoes
relieve themselves
to prevent stains
turned yellow after
and bad odors from
sticking to your floor.
washing. Can I salvage
them?
The washing probably released
some chemicals from the
material that turned them
yellow. Your best bet is to take
them to a professional shoe
cleaner who can advise you
if they can still be salvaged.
The cleaner may be able to do
a better job of restoring the
shoes’ original white color.
—MARIVIC ARAMBULO

Q My son’s bedroom
walls have marks
from where he used to
stick posters with tape.

Photographs by Getty Images (dog) and iStockphoto; courtesy of columnists (profile photos).
How can I remove them
without having to
repaint the walls?
There is a product formulated
K E E P I NG I T C L E A N to remove sticky residue, such
as remnants of tape or stickers,

Q
Our dog relieves himself in our garage and even if we scuff marks on floors, or gum.
clean up after him every time, the smell lingers. How There are different brands,
such as Goo Gone, Glu Gone,
do I get rid of this foul odor for good? and Sticky Out, available in
hardware stores and some
Bleach is the most common solution for removing odors as well as disinfecting book stores. I use it to remove
the affected area. However, I do not recommend using bleach as it is harmful stubborn price labels on
and can lead to medical issues when used over time. Instead, try a basic vinegar newly bought products, or on
and baking soda solution: Pour some distilled white vinegar, which acts as a product labels of bottles that
neutralizer, on the affected area. Pour about half a cup of baking soda over I want to recycle. Just put a
the area. (You’ll see it fizzle.) Aside from removing the odor, this solution will little bit of the product on a
also wash away the odor-causing bacteria. The smell of vinegar will disappear cotton ball and rub it on the
soon enough. If the dog pees on the same spot, it would be wise to lay some sticky area. It will remove the
newspapers where he can relieve himself. That way, you can just pick up the sticky marks without harming
soiled newspaper after it’s been peed on, and the garage floor remains odor-free. the paint.
—MARIVIC ARAMBULO —MARIVIC ARAMBULO

86 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

K E E P I NG I T C L E A N HOME DÉCOR

Q What are your top five

recommended non-toxic
home cleaning products?
Q We’re planning to remodel
our house. Where do we begin?
In any remodeling or renovation project, start by identifying areas you
Most cleaning products in the want to work on. Make sure you have complete renovation drawings
market contain harmful ingredients (floor plans, elevations, sections, details, and perspectives), signed and
that are not good for our health. sealed by a duly licensed architect before starting work.
However, we are so drawn to their It is a requisite of the National Building Code to apply for a permit
labels that promise to remove 99% before engaging in any renovation or remodeling work. This is to ensure
of germs without realizing that these that the planned renovation will not affect the home’s structural integrity,
ingredients are so strong and toxic, or compromise public safety.
they can lead to different kinds of Ideally, for practical and safety reasons, a house to be renovated should
illnesses, especially for children be vacated entirely. If you do not intend to vacate your home while the
whose immune systems are still renovation is underway, strategically prioritize which spaces or rooms to
developing. remodel first so your daily routine isn’t disturbed by factors such as dust,
That being said, I prefer non-toxic noise, and ingress and egress of materials. There really is no rule of thumb
products for my cleaning solutions. when trying to determine which area to renovate first—this will always
The following are my top five depend on the homeowner’s preference and daily routine.
recommendations: white vinegar —IVY TABLANTE DARILAG M.ARCH
(great for removing odors), baking
soda (can be used as a mild scrub
for surfaces), essential oils (for grimy

Q We’d like to make use of our outdoor space.

windows), lemons (try nuking it with
water to clean the inside of your
microwave), and hydrogen peroxide Can you recommend some affordable but
(for disinfecting). These five products durable materials for patio furniture?
can be used for a variety of cleaning
issues. They are more natural than Any furniture piece made of water-resistant, easily cleanable materials
chemically formulated cleaners, and may be used in the patio. These materials are most likely able to withstand
safe for children and pets. prolonged exposure to the elements (rain, sun, dirt). Examples are PVC,
—MARIVIC ARAMBULO teak wood, water-resistant fabric, aluminum, and stone.
—IVY TABLANTE DARILAG M.ARCH

Q I’d like to incorporate pastel colors into my

home interiors but I’m worried they will make
the space look juvenile. What can I mix with
pastels to pull off this color scheme?
Gray is a great neutralizer. Match gray shades with any pastel color to
create a subdued, calming contrast in any given space.
—IVY TABLANTE DARILAG M.ARCH

ante
Ivy Tabla C
Christine Marivic Arambulo

THE
Darilag M.Arch
M Araneta-Ferreira
A Owner of The Cleaning
Principa Architect, Management consultantt
M Diva, which provides
a Archite
Structura ects and facilitator; conductss housekeeping

EXPERTS workshops on managing

w
household staff
h
g services to residences,
offices, and other
establishments

SE PTE M B E R 201 6 G O O D H OUS E K E E P I N G 87

 ask the EXPERTS

It may be wise to
M A I D M AT T E R S be friends with your
household helpers on

Q
social media so that you
can monitor their posts.

We increased the salary

of one of our maids
based on the sense of
trust she has built with
our family. The other
has a heavier workload,
but her salary remains
the same. Are we
correct in determining
who gets a raise based
on performance versus
workload?
Trust is subjective. The maid
with the heavier load will
wonder why she is not getting
an increase in salary. If she has
a heavier workload, why not
give her an increase as well?
This will keep the peace among
your staff and no jealousy
will be present. I usually give
an increase once a year and
if one doesn’t get the same
percentage, I explain to them
why and how they can improve
Q My son’s yaya wants to be my friend
on social media. Should I accept?
The advantage of having your yaya as your social media friend is that you can
their performance. see what she’s posting. It’s also a way to see what she does on her days off.
—CHRISTINE ARANETA-FERREIRA
When my maids post pictures of my house or my children on their pages, I
remind them not to do so for security purposes. You may limit her access to
some of your information.
—CHRISTINE ARANETA-FERREIRA

Q Help! I heard my son call his

yaya “mama.” What should I do?
Your son may not realize what he is saying and simply considers his yaya his
mama with no ill intentions of hurting your feelings. Talk to your yaya and ask her
to correct your son every time he calls her “mama” and to remind him to call her
“yaya.” Your child will eventually get it. You may also want to start spending more
quality time with your child and reinforce that you’re called “mama.”
—CHRISTINE ARANETA-FERREIRA

88 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING

REAL LIFE
K I @ 9 L K <
KF
> I 8 E ; G8 I < E KJ
›
> F F ;
; < < ;J
›
C @ = <
C < JJ F E J
Text by Elaine Natividad Reyes. Photograph by

Grand Parents, we ought to be more grateful to see our children growing up close to their lolos and lolas.
Previous research, like that from the University of Oxford, has shown that a high level of grandparental
benefits
iStockphoto.

involvement leads to fewer emotional and behavioral problems in kids, improving their overall well-
being. On the flipside, babysitting their apos helps seniors stay mentally sharp and reduces their risk for
depression, says another study. Earn brownie points—and some alone time—by penciling extra bonding
time for them this Grandparents’ month.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 89
 real L I F E | G R A N D PA R E N T S ’ M O N T H

FOR W hen I was growing up, my dad used

LOLO
to say that I was Grandma’s favorite
because I’m the first apo who happens to
be a girl. She used to buy me cute girly
clothes and lovely shoes to wear during

LOLA
Sunday mass. She also loved to tie my hair
in different styles—never once did I go to
school without fancy braids or hair clips.
But beyond the material stuff, she taught
me to work hard and do my best no matter
rate this month dedicated to what. There are still days when I think about
rents, GH asked people of all ages how things would have been if she were still
to share the most memorable stories they around. But knowing that she’s watching
have of their lolos and lolas—from funny from above fuels my passion to become an
anecdotes to the sweetest things that left a even better version of myself.
mark on their lives (and hearts!). —Cielo Anne, 29, on her Lola Adelaida

Text compiled by MM de Mesa and Angel C. Aquino. Photographs by Getty Images (grandfather and girl); iStockphoto (lipstick, boy); courtesy of featured women.

90 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 Lola used to take me and my siblings to school and
ke care of us whenever we were sick. She was one
tak h my lolo was
hen
of m
eve
my dad’s yayas, and she’s been with our family
er since my dad was 14. Lola told me that just
fore my real grandmother died, she made her
W sttill alive, he
would greet me
w
with “Good morning,
promise to
t never leavve my father. After more than 40 years, at 81 years
Miss Beautiful,” every
old, she still lives by her promise. She raised all of us and continues to
single day. It didn’t
bless us with her love. —Cris, 31, on her Lola Catalina (pictured)
matter if I responded
or acknowledged his
When Grandma celebrated her 90th birthday, I was fre h greeting—he’d still say it
out of college and had just started a new job. As a gift, I the following morning,
bought her a pair of cheap pearl earrings. I was very shy y without fail. It’s one of
when I gave them to her on the night of her big party. She e those small things that I
said she loved them! She took off the gold earrings she terribly miss about him.
was wearing and wore my gift for the rest of the eveni g. —Marilyn, 27 on her
It definitely did not match the rest of her expensive Lolo Bert
jewelry. —Ro-Am, 27, on her Lola Odine (pictured)

M y lola made me realize

that being balbon is
perfectly fine and that
I shouldn’t be ashamed of it.
T d
here w
altar i
h
M y son, Andre, would
rather go to the
mall with his lolo,
would make it a point to because, in his words, “You
She also told me never to leave always don’t have money.”
light a candle at the altar
the house without lipstick on. I Personally, I think it’s because
every time she prayed the
admire the way she selects the his lolo always makes it a
rosary. One time, I lit one
perfect shade of red lipstick— point to accompany him to the
of the candles and left the
I’d like to think that was what arcade! —Munch, 28, on her
room. Minutes later, we found
got me into wearing red lipstick son’s Lolo Abet
out that the room’s ceiling
all the time! —Monik, 29, on her
was on fire! While the fire
Lola Consorsia
I caused was extinguished
q
quickly, that did not spare me
ffrom punishment. After the
w
waterworks, my grandparents
ttook me to a fast food chain,
w
where they treated me to my
ffavorite meal. You could say I
was still spoiled that way.
w
—Jo-anne, 29, on her Lolo Jose
—
a
and Lola Amparo

SE PTE M B E R 201 6 G O O D H OUS E K E E P I N G 91

 W
h I was in high
hen
sschool, my mom
didn’t allow me to
d
date. But Nanay Francing
told my mom that I had
every right to date since
I was doing well in school.
She is always supportive
of everything I do.
I have to ride a habal-habal to visit my lola at —Rhea, 22, on her Nanay
her far-flung farm. To make the most of the longg Francing
journey, I would spend an hour or two with he er
to catch up. One time, when it was time for nce, Inang and
me to go home, my lola didn’t want to let go off
me—she was hugging me tightly and in tears. I assure edd
her that I would be back for a visit when she suddenly asked,
O I headed to the
cemetery ahead
of everyone else, and
“When will you get married? You’re getting old, I still want to see we just stayed there,
my apo!” —Alpha, 27, on her Lola Shirley (pictured) chatting and eating
lanzones. I was beyond
thrilled when she

M
recalled that memory
y mom doesn’t always buy me the things I want. Once, when we last talked,
when we were with my grandparents, I wanted this toy despite the fact that
badly and my mom wouldn’t buy it. I asked my lolo if he could get she was already having
it for me. He said no because to him, it was my mom’s decision. problems recalling a lot
I begged nonstop until I blurted out, “You don’t have to follow of things. —Joys Camille,
Mommy because you are the parent! She has to follow you!” We all 30, on her Inang
laughed and I went home with the toy I wanted. —Andy, 12, on her
Lolo Joe

I sspent 26 years of my life with my grandparents

un
ntil their deaths. They were basically my parents.
But our most memorable moment would be my
graduation day. After the ceremony, I went up to my
granndfather and put my medal around his neck. No
rds were expressed but the loving and grateful look
he ggave me was more than enough to make me feel that I made him
h
proud. —Angela, 28, on her Lolo Eugenio (pictured) and Lola Salvacion

Photographs by iStockphoto (hands, books, toy).

92 G O O D HO US EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 real L I F E | G R A N D PA R E N T S ’ M O N T H

M y lola was my number one supporter back when I was still selling
handcrafted accessories. Whenever we met, she would always
ask me if I made some for her. When she passed away, my mom
found a small box in my lola’s cabinet containing all the accessories I
made and gave to her as a gift. —Ana, 30, on her Lola Matilde

Ass the eldest grandchild on my father’s side, I have

alw
ways been very close to my grandparents. I reaally look
up to them, and since they both went to the Univversity
of th
he Philippines (UP), I wanted to go to school there as
well.. I knew that studying there would make them m proud.
When I didn’t pass the UPCAT (UP College Admissions
I as devastated, and I felt that I had somehow disappointed them.
However, I was wrong. My grandfather, in his kind and encouraaging
tone told me, “Failing the UPCAT won’t make you a lesser person n. You
are still the same granddaughter that we love.” He talked to me ab bout his
failures as a student, which changed my perspective. He made me e believe
that anything is possible. His encouragement pushed me to get baack on
my feet and to move forward. I was inspired to work hard toward my goal,
and after spending a year in another school, I was able to transferr to UP.
—Alyanna, 21, on her Papa Nony (pictured) and Mamita Tess

My son, Izel, once asked me if we could sleep downstairs

instead of our bedroom because his “Wowo” (lolo) was
T omass, my then-
three
e-year-old
son, was watching
a documentary about
alone. We slept in our living room, which was right across dinosaurs with my mom.
d
Wowo’s door. —Kristia, 27, on her son’s Lolo Ronnie (pictured)
d))
He kept asking about a
H
particular dinosaur. My
p

I remember dating a boy back in high school, and hi his parents

were concerned about his dwindling grades. His parents
asked to meet with mine, and after the “counseling,” my lola asked my
t
mommy had no idea so
m
she said, “Dikoalamus,”
(meaning “I don’t know”)
so that Tomas would
parents what happened. I wasn’t around but my mom told me that my
stop asking her. The
grandmother said, “It’s not Toni’s fault that the boy can’t match up. How
dare they come over, acting as if she is to blame! They can’t take her
dinosaur that caught his
talent against her, even if it highlights that the boy pales in comparison.” attention was actually a
My lola isn’t around anymore and we didn’t get to spend as much time Parasaurolophus, but now,
as I would have wanted, but she has instilled in me a determination whenever Tomas sees a
and thirst for life. She was a power woman who knew what she wanted Parasaurolophus, he calls
and went for it. I miss her all the time and I’d give anything to spend it a “Dikoalamus”!
time with her again now that I’m older. When life gets tough, I could use —Precious, 25, on her
someone with a whole lot of graceful grit. —Toni, 26, on her Lola Maria son’s Lola Lulu

SE PTE M B E R 201 6 G O O D H OUS E K E E P I N G 93

 real L I F E | GOOD DEEDS

Resources for the

Blind, Inc. has a Braille thrust is to serve blind people all over the
production facility, Philippines. RBI referred Joyce’s parents
which allows regular
books to be converted
to a school that was more accessible to the
into Braille books. family’s home, which enabled Joyce to have
a formal education without her parents
making any drastic changes.
“My parents kept on coming back to RBI
kasi dito pa namin pinu-purchase yung
mga school supplies na kailangan ko po,
like Braille materials and books,” says
Joyce. RBI could also turn Joyce’s regular
textbooks into Braille books. “Elementary
pa lang, malaki na yung contribution ng
RBI sa pag-aaral ko.”
This help extended to her high school
days, when RBI helped Joyce develop
other aspects—“social, emotional, physical,
spiritual”—through a summer camp, and
her college days, when she became a
scholar at one of RBI’s partner schools.
“Tapos it is through them also kung bakit
ako nagkaroon ng background sa paggamit
ng computer,” she says, demonstrating how
to use the special equipment hooked up to
a regular computer for visually impaired
users. As a college senior, Joyce worked as
an intern at RBI before being hired as a full-
time employee. She currently handles the

A VISION
organization’s Christian Growth Ministries
Department.
RBI began when Dr. Arthur Lown, who
was blind since childhood and who had

OF HOPE
moved from the U.S. to the Philippines to
serve as the administrator of the Summer
Institute of Linguistics in Manila, decided
to produce a Braille version of the Filipino
bible. One thing led to another, and soon
he was producing cassette tapes and
Resources for the Blind, Inc. helps visually impaired large-print versions of the bible, which he
individuals become productive members of society distributed for free to those who needed
and gives them a chance at a brighter future. them. With over half a million visually
impaired people in the Philippines, Dr.
Lown was soon inundated with requests
for all kinds of assistance. Thus, in 1988, he
FE
8
I<>LC8I
NFIB;8P#
D8I@8
parents, particularly when she started founded RBI.
AFP:<
CFG<Q
>F<J
KF
?<I
F==@:<
going to school. From employing a staff of eight, RBI now
@E
:L98F#
HL<QFE
:@KP#
where she Joyce recalls, “Yung una pong school has about 50 people working full time in its
spends the day working in front of her na nalaman nila ay doon sa Philippine offices in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Aside
computer, conducting training seminars, National School for the Blind in Pasay. from Braille production and Christian
planning events, and performing other And since we’re living po in Sampaloc, growth ministries, the organization offers a
tasks that her job requires. It sounds like a [Manila] parang two, three days lang yata number of other services such as education
typical 30-year-old working girl’s day, with ako nakaka-attend doon kasi ang layo. (there is an in-house preschool, as well as
one difference: Joyce is completely blind. Nandu’n na yung parents ko sa point na referral services, as in Joyce’s case), and
Born at just seven months, Joyce had nagpaplano na sila, isa sa kanila magre- training and rehabilitation.
retinopathy of prematurity, a disorder resign just for them to be able to support Mayette Regala, who has been with RBI
wherein the retina—the part of the eye yung studies ko.” since it started and who is currently in
responsible for sight—detaches from That is, until her parents found out charge of accessible digital production,
the eye, causing visual impairment. Her about Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI), says that the help they offer varies from
condition became a challenge for her a non-government organization whose case to case: “Like, if a parent brings in

Text by Tisha Alvarez (A Vision of Hope), Lara Gaspar (There and Back Again). Photographs by Kurt Alvarez/ACME Visual Productions.

94 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

a blind child, we have a rehab specialist because of the fulfillment their work brings. projects have been very beneficial from
assess kung ano yung need nung family “It’s the joy of seeing mga clients namin the start, sa ’kin po personally. So, parang
for the child. And it depends upon the find hope doon sa anak nila, especially the gusto ko na mas madami pa yung maka-
assessment, kung kailangan ipasok sa parents na initially parang having a blind benefit sa RBI.”
preschool, i-orient yung parents, give them child is a burden, and when they come in, Mayette adds, “RBI exists because of
the necessary skills para i-bring up yung makikita nila na their child is special and people who are willing to help the blind,
kanilang blind child—early intervention. the Lord has a purpose,” she says. especially those who are hopeless, to have
And then if a newly blind person comes in, Since RBI is funded purely by donations hope in their life. It’s because of their help
that calls for counseling. Or, kung working and grants, the programs only run for as that we are also able to help the blind. We
age, we’ll find work for him. Depende din long as there are people who are willing to cannot help without their help.”
kung nag-graduate. And then if the person help. Joyce can attest to how valuable RBI If you need more information or would like
is a blind parent, counseling paminsan with is to the visually impaired, saying, “We to make a donation, visit RBI at 4/L COTI
the family, to be supportive.” are always getting support from others. Building, 623 Edsa, Cubao, Quezon City, or
Mayette and many other long-time Sabi namin, sana hindi mahinto ’yun para call (632) 726-3021 to 24, email [email protected].
employees have stayed all these years ma-continue yung projects po. Kasi the ph, or visit blind.org.ph.

THERE AND
BACK AGAIN
A group of college students visits a community of
Dumagats in a remote village and unexpectedly
gets so much in return.

KF ><K KF J@K@F D8JC8# ><E<I8C the students wanted to give a little bit more.
E8B8I# HL<QFE =IFD D8E@C8# Mark John “MJ” Pamintuan, the
one has to go on a six-hour road trip, then President of the PSTA, says that there were
ride a jeepney for two hours through previous attempts to conduct an outreach
rough terrain, and cross 12 streams in good program for the Dumagats, but the PSTA
weather (20 in bad). On May 19, 2016, 13 didn’t push through with them because of
students from the Lyceum of the Philippines a lack of manpower and funds. In March
University-Manila (LPU), five students from of this year, they were finally able to pool
the Gyeongju University of South Korea, and together enough resources. “There was a
a few other volunteers made this journey so donation from Gyeongju University, there
that they could bring supplies and a bit of were funds from a PSTA activity, and then
good will to the Dumagats, the indigenous there were also donations from the student
people of Sitio Masla. teachers, from our own salary,” he says.
The volunteers were mainly members The student teachers listed down things
of LPU’s Professional Student Teachers they could bring with them—clothes, gifts,
Association (PSTA), made up of English and the food they would be eating and
tutors who provide language education to sharing with the community. They also
international students at LPU. The Korean thought of the games and other activities
volunteers were some of their students. they would conduct, and sent word to the
“The university is already helping the Dumagats that they were coming. Says
Dumagats,” explains Alfredo Diamante, the Diamante, “Since March, we informed them
Director of the International Affairs Office already that we will be coming, and the
of LPU, which oversees the PSTA. “It’s not children were already excited. The children
only my office helping them. I think all were always asking, ‘Where are they?’”
offices, all colleges are one in helping our “They became even more excited when
Dumagat brothers and sisters.” LPU has, they knew there would be Koreans!” adds
(Top) Joyce Lopez can use the special
computers at RBI; (above) optometrists in fact, already built a school, an ecolodge, MJ, explaining that the children had never
undergo special training conducted by RBI. and a greenhouse for the community, but met anyone from Korea.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 95
 real L I F E | GOOD DEEDS

(Clockwise from right) Alfredo Diamante

(seated, third from left) with the PSTA officers;
the ecolodge built by LPU at Sitio Masla;
Korean students play with the Dumagat kids.

On the day of the trip, the Dumagat The volunteers were touched by the that there is more joy in giving than in
children eagerly met the volunteers as their Dumagats’ sincere show of gratitude, both receiving anything.”
jeepney pulled in. And although the Korean for the material gifts and, on a deeper level, Diamante noted that many of the
students struggled throughout the grueling the gift of life. Diamante reflects, “Sa mga Dumagat children seemed small for their
land trip, they proved to be crowd favorites elders, alam mo, kung makikita mo sila, age, and that their teeth needed attention,
at Sitio Masla. “Makikita mo na lang, yung parang kahit kamote lang ang kinakain so the plan is for their next outreach
isang Korean student, nakahiga do’n, may nila, parang wala silang problema. Doon project to be a medical mission. “Ang
mga limang Dumagat na kalaro,” says MJ. ko na-realize na dito sa Manila, people are plano, sa next na pagpunta namin doon,
“It’s really heartwarming because we never insatiable, talagang ang dami nating gusto. dadalhin ko naman yung mga doctors at
expected that these students would be like ‘I want this! I want this!’ Pero sila, you can saka yung dentist. Kasi parang nakikita
that to this community. Medyo maingat see the satisfaction already, kahit wala ko na ’yun ang kakulangan nila—yung
kami kasi baka ma-culture shock sila doon. silang trabaho, kahit wala silang kinikita nutrition, education din siguro ng mga
Pero hindi, sila pa yung nauuna mag- monthly, na kahit ganito lang kasimple parents [regarding their children’s health].
approach sa Dumagats, nakikipaglaro, mas yung buhay nila, they are satisfied.” I will be inviting parents para at least
maraming nahahakot na mga bata kaysa The volunteers stayed overnight, and the yung mga doctor sasabihin sa kanila kung
sa amin.” next day, the Korean students planted a ano yung mga kailangan. Or makapag-
The volunteers played games, shared tree before they all headed back to Manila, donate ng vitamins para sa mga kids. I’m
meals, and distributed supplies and gifts taking the experience with them. PSTA’s Vice coordinating now with the associations and
to the 60 families in the community. President for Internal Affairs Bea Leosala organizations na makakapag-donate sa
“In the evening, we had an event called says, “We may have given them food and amin ng mga toothbrush, toothpaste.”
Kapihan. It’s like a fellowship night, with some things that they may use for just MJ adds in jest, “Probably the next
the elders naman. We had coffee and hot a short period of time, but the lessons,
problem we’ll encounter is yung paano
chocolate with them,” says MJ. “What’s everything they taught us is something that
hindi matakot yung mga bata sa dentist!”
really heartwarming is that, when they I will treasure all my life.”
got coffee, they were really thankful. Kasi The Korean students likewise count the The PSTA and International Affairs Office
kung kami, iisipin namin na kape lang outreach program as a very memorable of the Lyceum of the Philippines University-
naman ’yon, but they were really thankful. experience. Says MJ, “We also had tours Manila welcome donations of any kind. You
And after, they sang, they offered their in Puerto Galera and Sagada as part of may contact Angel Moral, Vice President for
Dumagat song. Kumanta sila para sa their cultural immersion. According to our External Affairs, through (63915) 413-2260, or
amin, and even the kids joined, kahit gabi students, pinaka nagustuhan nila yung Jean Aubrey Prejido, Public Relations Officer,
na noon.” pagpunta nila sa Dumagat. It really proves through (63916) 731-6167.

Photographs courtesy of PSTA.

96 G O O D HO U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 real LIFE | LIFE LESSONS

Mariz was 35, and

her son Mateo, 5,
when they lost Chris
Jesus.” I was afraid of how he would react,
to an accident. He but he surprised me by saying, “Daddy is
was 38. riding the nicest bike in heaven.”
With my dear husband dead and my
son’s heart broken, I was going through
unimaginable pain. But every time I’d feel
weak and vulnerable, God would lift me
up. He’d ask, “Mariz, will you still love me
despite all this?” And I’d always answer
with a resounding, “YES!” because He is
my only hope; His love completes me.
It did not end there. God asked me a
second question, “Mariz, will you forgive
the driver who caused this to happen?”
You see, my husband was not on the
road biking when the accident happened.
Witnesses said he was holding his bike
while standing on an island, waiting for
his turn to cross the road, when a vehicle
hit him from behind. They had to wait
for a wrecker to lift the SUV to get my
husband’s poor, lifeless body out from
underneath the vehicle.
It was only through God’s grace that
I could forgive the driver. I entered the
police station where they detained him.
His wife was with him. As soon as I saw

SAVING GRACE
them, I walked toward them, extended my
arms, and embraced them.
What a precious gift it is from God
to be free from bitterness, anger, and
resentment. Imagine what kind of person
I’d be otherwise: a walking time bomb
ready to explode any minute. I wouldn’t
One year after losing her husband to a tragic road accident, want that; my son wouldn’t want a mom
Mariz Mendiola-Luis looks back on how faith helped her like that. Forgiveness allowed me and my
overcome the heartache and carry on. family to move forward and heal.
On the way home from Chris’s burial,
it hit me that I am a single parent. I’m
thankful that Mateo is a very loving and
ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 23, injuries as he was hit by an SUV. I’m so understanding boy, and that I have very
2015, I got a call from the hospital telling sorry, he did not make it.” Upon hearing supportive parents and siblings who go to
me that my husband, Chris, was in the those words, I did not go hysterical; I felt our house every day to be with us.
emergency room and that I needed to get at peace. Indeed, God was holding my This month marks a year since the
there ASAP. He had gotten into an accident hand through it.

Text by, and photographs courtesy of, Mariz Mendiola-Luis.

accident. I can’t believe it has been that
on his way to work on his bike. When I looked at my husband’s lifeless long. Every day I still ask myself if I am
“Ma’am, we are reviving him,” said the body lying on the bed—my other half, my just dreaming. The pain feels as fresh as
voice on the other end of that dreadful partner, the love of my life, now gone—the day one, but I feel so much stronger and
phone call. In that moment, I cried out to tears started to fall. I couldn’t stop crying wiser than I was before. All of these I
God, “Is this going to be my biggest test as I recalled our last kiss, hug, and laugh attribute to a powerful and merciful God.
yet? Walk with me through this, Lord.” just a few hours before.
I drove from my office in Alabang to the I had to think about how to break the
hospital in Pasay so I could clear my mind news to Chris’s family and to our son.
and talk to Jesus on the way. I could not do I couldn’t imagine the heartbreak they
Mariz Mendiola-
it on my own; I needed Him to give me the would feel. My son would surely miss Luis is a group
strength to face whatever was in store for his daddy: Chris was a very loving and product manager
me and my then-five-year-old son, Mateo. hands-on father. They were best friends, for a manufacturing
company and a
The moment I stepped inside the ER, playmates, and partners in crime. new blogger. Follow
I saw my mom crying uncontrollably on When my son arrived at the hospital, I her stories at
mommyandbubba.
the floor. The doctor broke the news to me, told him how much his daddy loved him. wordpress.com.
“Your husband suffered traumatic head “Mateo, your dad is now in heaven, with

98 G O O D HO US EKEEP I NG SEPTEMBER 2016

 GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING

YOUR LEISURE
KF L I @ J D
N @ K ?
8
: 8 L J <
›
8
G C 8: <
= F I
J < E @ F I J
›
8K
D P
? F L J <
Photograph by Dakila Angeles.
Text by Angel C. Aquino.

A day at The Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm sits on 38 hectares of lush, verdant land in Angat, Bulacan.
The farm teems with life, from fruit-bearing trees and vegetable gardens, to an assortment of farm
the farm animals like chickens, goats, ducks, and turkeys. But what makes this place unique are the social
enterprises that create world-class products. It’s a place where people from all over the world
gather together to learn, share ideas, and discover the true beauty of the Philippines.

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 99
your LEISU RE | SOCIAL TOU RISM

THE ROAD
LESS TRAVELED
On your next vacation, choose a destination where you can not only immerse
yourself in the local culture, but also make a difference in the community.
N@K?
FM<I
.#'''
@JC8E;J#
the Philippines is home to out the local economy? Sure, you can visit that beach or
a multitude of beautiful travel destinations. Whether stay at a luxurious hotel, but what if you could go to a
you’re looking to swim in turquoise waters down south place where your presence will truly be appreciated?
or breathe in the cool mountain air up north, you’ll never We talked to three tour operators in the Philippines
run out of places to see and explore. It also gives you an who are passionate about creating a meaningful travel
excuse to take unlimited selfies and post your photos experience, showcasing the country’s little-known sights
online for all your friends to see. and cultures, and bringing you to places off the beaten
But what if traveling could mean so much more than path. If you join them on a journey, they promise that
just seeing the sights? What if you could go somewhere, aside from a bag of souvenirs and a camera full of
meet and interact with the locals, and even help the Instagram-worthy photos, you’ll go home with
community by keeping their culture alive, and helping unforgettable memories and a heart that’s full.

Text by Angel Constantino Aquino. Photographs by Dakila Angeles (1); courtesy of

MAD Travel (this page), Culture Shock PH (2,4), and Kawil Tours (3).
1 2

3 4

(Opposite page) Travelers trek

through rugged terrain to reach
the Aetas in Zambales. 1 Old
bottles are turned into cute
planters at the GK Enchanted
Farm. 2 T’boli weavers in Lake
Sebu are happy to share their
culture. 3 Catch your own fish
near Culion island. 4 Learn the
art of soil painting with the
Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon.
 2

your LEISU RE | SOCIAL TOU RISM

1 The Aetas teach visitors to hunt with a bow and arrow.

2 Volunteers in Zambales plant bamboo to reforest the
land. 3 Enjoy views of neighboring areas at the GK
Enchanted Farm. 4 Ride the T’boli’s native boat in Lake
Sebu. 5 The Talaandigs use the soil to create art.
6 Bond with the GK community in Maribojoc, Bohol.

MAD (MAKE A so that other people can visit and

experience the genius of Filipino
including an infinity pool and a spa.
The farm houses a variety of
DIFFERENCE) TRAVEL communities for themselves. homegrown businesses that help
Four years ago, MAD Travel’s British “Tourism can be a powerful way poor communities, and create
co-founder Tom Graham was of getting people out of their products, like toys and food items,
traveling the world and writing comfort zone and into a new that boast international standards.
business reports. He only expected environment,” says Tom. “We’re “This place is the Silicon Valley for
to stay a few months in the creating a space where people feel social entrepreneurs,” shares Tom.
Philippines, when a meeting with comfortable and excited to come, “It’s a place for everyone to learn
Gawad Kalinga (GK) founder Tony and in the process, they get and discover the potential of the

Photographs courtesy of MAD Travel (1,2,3,6), Culture Shock PH (4,5).

Meloto changed his life forever. “A inspired.” Philippines. This is not a slum tour
thirty-minute interview turned into a Take your family to MAD’s where you see poverty as
three-hour discussion on meaning, featured destinations and get ready something so depressing. You see
purpose, and the immense potential to make a difference. it for what it is, but you also see a
of the Filipino,” shares Tom. “Before possible solution.”
we were done, Tito Tony urged me Be inspired to change the Every month, MAD also hosts
to ditch the shirt and tie I was world at GK Enchanted several events. Mom and Dad will
wearing and to discover the ‘genius’ =Xid#
9lcXZXe% Just a two-hour enjoy the Good Weekend Escape
of the Filipino poor.” drive from Manila, the GK Enchanted (September 17 to 18, P3,500/head),
Inspired by Meloto’s vision to Farm in Angat, Bulacan has plenty of where they can relish two days of
help end poverty in the Philippines activities for the whole family. For good food and good conversations
by 2024, Tom quit his job, spent only P970 per person for a full-day at the farm. Meanwhile, kids aged
one year traveling to Gawad tour, you and your kids can go seven to 11 can join the Kids Camp
Kalinga communities all over the around the farm, meet (September 10 to 11, P3,900),
country, and chronicled his entrepreneurs and volunteers from where they can try farming and
experiences in his book, The Genius all over the world, and enjoy feeding the animals. The little ones
of the Poor. delicious farm-grown food. You can will also enjoy learning to make
After his life-changing journey, also opt to stay overnight so you can their own toys, peanut butter, and
Tom decided to create MAD Travel enjoy the farm’s other amenities, cupcakes.

102 G OO D H O U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 3 5

Jli]#
_`b\#
Xe[
d\\k
k_\
try your hand at surfing, or simply CULTURE SHOCK PH

8\kXj
`e
JXe
=\c`g\#
relax and enjoy a bonfire by the
QXdYXc\j% Zambales is known beach. (Prices start at P1,000/ Culture Shock PH co-founder and
as a great surfing destination, but head.) tour pilot Osep Reyes was already
aside from catching a wave, you part of the hiking and outdoor tour
can also meet the Aeta (Yangil) 9fe[
n`k_
\Xik_hlXb\
agency, Trail Adventours, when the
community and get to know their jlim`mfij
`e
DXi`YfafZ#
idea for Culture Shock came to him.
culture and way of life. From San Bohol If you’ve been to Bohol, Through a seminar, he learned
Felipe, get ready to take a chances are, you’ve hit some of the about the different kinds of tourism,
45-minute walk across a vast terrain usual tourist spots such as the and was particularly struck by the
of sand, streams, and rocks. “It’s set Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier concepts of culinary and social
in the middle of a valley. It’s actually Sanctuary. This time, visit the GK tourism. After going on a few
stunning,” says Tom. “The Aetas’ eco-farming community in informal trips with friends in 2012,
livelihood was destroyed by the Maribojoc, and see how the Culture Shock has since grown to
eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1992 residents have rebuilt their homes become a tour company that
and they were cut off from the main since the devastating earthquake “draws stories from the deep well of
road.” He warns that the weather that hit their town in 2013. culture, heritage, and history” of the
can get quite hot so it’s best to be You can opt to stay with one of Philippines.
prepared. the families where you can learn to “As much as possible in all our
Once you get there, you can have cook some of the local dishes in the tours, whether it’s a food trip, an art
lunch with the Aetas, volunteer to morning, chillax at the beach in the tour, or an immersion tour, we
teach the kids in the community, afternoon, and go firefly-watching always try to go behind the scenes,”
and even learn to use a bow and in the evening. (Prices vary explains Osep. “Kung pwede, yung
arrow, the Aetas’ traditional hunting depending on the activities.) local partners namin yung mismong
tools. You can also help to reforest nagco-conduct ng activities, sila
To book a trip with MAD Travel, contact
the area by planting bamboo trees. (63917) 885-2995; madtravel.org; yung nagde-deliver ng information.
After your immersion with the facebook.com/MakeADifferenceTravel; The Culture Shock guides are just
Aetas, you can go island-hopping, [email protected]. there to coordinate and facilitate.”

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 103

 your LEISU RE | SOCIAL TOU RISM

1 2

Culture Shock is known for its home without learning their native
sumptuous food tours, where you dances and showcasing what you
can eat local food from different learned at the Cultural Night. (Price activities. Airfare and zipline not
towns and cities such as Makati and starts at P6,800/head for 3 days/2 included.)
San Juan, as well as its art and nights, inclusive of airport transfers,
To book a trip with Culture Shock PH,
history tours, which give you a meals, accommodations, and contact (63917) 714-6737;
glimpse into a place’s past. But its activities. Airfare not included.) cultureshockph.com; facebook.com/
most unique tours include an CultureShockPH; [email protected].
immersion in communities of the Jg\e[
k`d\
n`k_
k_\
KËYfc`

Talaandig tribe and the T’boli ;i\Xdn\Xm\ij
`e
CXb\
KAWIL TOURS
Dreamweavers. Osep recommends J\Yl#
Jflk_
:fkXYXkf%
They
these tours for adventurous families say that if you really want to get to The island of Culion is an hour-and-a-
who are willing to sacrifice some know a particular culture, you need half boat ride from Coron in Northern
comforts for a fulfilling experience. to stay with the locals. There’s no Palawan. Kawil Tours co-founder Jun
better place to do this than in the Tibi first saw the tourism potential of
@dd\ij\
pflij\c]
`e
traditional native homes of the Culion in 2009, when his Jesuit

Photographs courtesy of Culture Shock PH (1), and Kawil Tours.

KXcXXe[`^
Xik
Xe[
Zlckli\
T’boli tribe. While you’re there, you economics professor invited him to
`e
Dk%
B`kXe^cX[#
can learn the intricate art of T’nalak do a volunteer job in the town. While
9lb`[efe%
Learn more about the weaving, make brass jewelry by tourists would flock to Coron, they
world of the Talaandig, a group of hand, and learn their native dances. would often ignore the town of
indigenous people who take pride Another highlight of the trip is Culion, a former leper colony that
in their culture and work hard to canoeing in Lake Sebu, the biggest had been isolated for years.
keep their traditions alive. Upon of three lakes in the town. “When we started the business,
your arrival, the Talaandig Tribe’s If you and the kids are up for an people couldn’t believe that we
Elders will perform a welcoming adventure, you can take the wanted to operate a tour based in
ritual and introduce you to their way optional tour to see the seven Culion,” shares Jun. “Even the locals
of life. Known for their love of music majestic waterfalls. Some of the falls doubted that their place held
and the arts, the members of the are accessible through a short trek, potential in tourism.”
community will then teach you how but the best way to see all seven of Today, however, the local
to create your own soil painting and them is through the zipline! (Price community is at the center of all the
make your own bamboo flute. Leave starts at P5,000/head for 3 days/2 tours. Kawil’s mission is to highlight
your inhibitions at the door because nights, inclusive of airport transfers, the historical legacy of Culion and
you definitely won’t be able to go meals, accommodations, and boost the local economy. “Our tour

104 G OO D H O U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

1 The Talaandig elders perform a ritual to welcome visitors to the 5
community. 2 Divers can explore the Crowning Glory Reef of Culion.
3 Swim in the secluded beach of Malcapuya Island. 4 Volunteers plant
mangroves around Culion. 5 Front view of La Inmaculada Concepcion
Church in Culion. 6 Guests can go camping in the islands of Palawan.

guides are descendants of former Kawil’s packages are ideal for Another unique offering is a
lepers, and the type of service they families, even those with young 6-day/5-night expedition trip
provide is very genuine and children. Since these are private called Kawil Voyages, where you
personal,” he says. “I attribute it to tours, you can handpick which get to spend your nights in vacant
the fact that Culion was isolated for activities you’d like to do depending beaches around Culion or with
over a century, and they feel on your needs and interests. (Prices fisherfolk communities. “Instead of
appreciated whenever there are start at P9,000/head for 4 days/3 just spending money in Culion town
people visiting their place. When nights, inclusive of airport transfers, proper, we spend the money in
they tour people around, it meals, accommodations, private other places in Culion to help the
becomes a personal experience.” boat, and selected activities. Airfare community somehow,” explains
not included.) Jun. “By going around the entire
;`jZfm\i
k_\
kfneËj

_`jkfip
Xe[
jg\e[
k`d\
island, mas napapakalat yung flow
n`k_
k_\
cfZXcj
`e
:lc`fe%
Spend the night in ng money. It creates the kind of
Instead of learning about Culion’s
DXcZXglpX
@jcXe[
Xe[
experience where you get to
history in the town museum, local
other pristine, mingle with the locals and stay in
tour guides share their personal le`e_XY`k\[
`jcXe[j%
If you their place.”
stories as they walk you through the want to take your experience to the Depending on the season,
different spots in town. After a day next level, why not try camping? “If tourists can also participate in
of island hopping, snorkeling, and we have guests who are very used coastal or sea cleanup activities,
diving, spend the night in Hotel to the outdoors, we spend the coral gardening, and mangrove
Maya, which sits on top of a cliff and night at a random beach and we go planting. (Prices vary depending
offers a stunning view of Culion Bay fishing for our food,” says Jun. “We on the activities and duration of
and the surrounding islands. The also offer trips that give travelers a your stay.)
community operates the hotel and chance to interact with locals,
To book a tour with Kawil Tours, log on
part of their income is used to especially indigenous communities to kawiltours.com; facebook.com/
support the Loyola College of Culion. like the Tagbanua.” KawilTours; [email protected].

SE PTE M B E R 2016 G O O D H OU S E K E E P I N G 105

 your L E I S U R E | M E -T I M E

SENIOR MOMENTS
Senior members can
Members and their
learn the gentle art
guests join the first
of Thai Chi every
Bingo social held at
Wednesday and
Sunshine Place
Saturday.

Ikebana, or flower
ccompany your mom and dad arranging, classes
to Sunshine Place, an exclusive produce stunning
pieces like this.
recreational center just for
senior citizens. For a
able monthly fee of P3,000,
rs can participate in the facility’s
many activities. They can socialize with
their peers at a cozy lounge and roof
deck, or get moving at a gym that
conducts health and wellness sessions
specifically designed for their capacity
to move. Sunshine Place can be their
den away from home.
Gather your mother’s amigas for an
afternoon of mahjong or flower arranging,
or invite your father’s kumpares to fight
night at the home theater area. If they
have an appreciation for art, let them Any interest your folks may
create their own masterpieces in have—art, music, religion, health and
Sunshine’s art classes. If dancing is their wellness, or socialization—can be
passion, enroll them in one of many nurtured and grown with a little help Melissa Gonzalez
classes, including flamenco or the highly from their friends at Sunshine Place. created this acrylic
popular Yeba, a Filipino dance program 56 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City; (632) painting called
Sunflower Field.
that has participants grooving to OPM 856-4144, (632) 856-4162 or (63917) 515-5656,
facebook.com/SunshinePlace56Jupiter, or
and learning cultural folk dances. e-mail [email protected]

Text by Roselle Miranda. Photographs courtesy of Sunshine Place.

106 G OO D H O U S EKEEP I NG SEPTEM BER 2016

 reader’sresource
ADVERTISINGFEATURE

TOP PICS FOR YOUR HOMES AND FAMILIES FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

Noodle for All Seasons Tough Kitchen Essential The Trendy App
Diverse noodle recipes have been a When it comes to your family’s cravings, Discover your life’s passions with the Orange
staple food in every Filipino family there’s no other kitchen appliance that World app by FWD Life. Be in the know on
gathering. Turn your next meal you can depend on but Tough Mama’s the latest trends in travel, food, fitness, and
into a sumptuous feast with the Convection Rotisserie Oven! This kitchen the arts and get exciting freebies and perks
premium noodle of Sapporo Long must-have is equipped with a convection from select partner merchants of FWD Life.
Kow Vermicelli - the perfect choice function perfect for baking pies and Earn “passion points” that you can redeem by
for delectable noodle delights. pastries or roasting meat and chicken. Cook simply logging in, reading, sharing, or liking
your family’s favorites with Tough Mama content and rewards without any purchase or
For more information, visit us at
Convection and Rotisserie Oven. membership required. Download your Orange
sapporoproducts.com.ph.
World app now!
Tough Mama Home and Kitchen Appliances
is available in all leading department stores The Orange World App is available in Apple
and appliance centers nationwide. App Store and Google Play.
 celebs B E H I N D THE SCENES

MY

Profession:
Model and columnist
Lives with: HOUSEHOLD CHORE I ACTUALLY ENJOY:
Husband Fean,
daughter Alaia, and
pet dog Gus
Instagram and
Twitter:
@isabelroces23

MY FAVORITE ROOM IN THE HOUSE:

MY NO. 1 HOUSE RULE:

WHEN I’M AT HOME, I’M USUALLY:

FIRST THING I DO IN THE MORNING: WHAT’S ALWAYS IN MY FRIDGE:

FAVORITE FAMILY RITUAL:

RECIPE I’M SCARED TO TRY:

IF I HAD AN EXTRA HOUR IN

MY DAY I WOULD:
FAVORITE BOARD E:

Photograph courtesy of Isabel Roces-Trebol.

108 G OO D H O US EKEEP ING SEPTEM BER 2016