By Leony Garcia | Montesa branch at The Manila Hotel When you know you look good, you feel good and confident to face the world, right? And that confidence often translates into better performance - - in many aspects of life - - whether it’s excelling in your profession or just feeling more comfortable in your own skin and appearance. But more than aesthetic, looking good means self-care - - a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. By all means, self-care is no longer a luxury and not even a trend. Over the years, it has become an important part of our life for managing stress, preventing burnout, and replenishing our mental, physical, and emotional energy - - to make us more resilient to life’s demands.   Proactive self-care is important I have always known this but the demand for work and family life made a simple "me" time or a visit to the spa for a massage or mani/pedi a rarity. Sometimes even the simple beauty routine like putting on lotion, moisturizer, or a ...

Elevate your evenings  at the Edge Pool Bar.    It's the perfect spot to hang out, sip on amazing cocktails, and catch breathtaking views of Manila Bay! Say hello to Edge Pool Bar—a rooftop escape on the 11th floor of Lanson Place Mall of Asia. Whether you’re in for daytime lounging or chasing that picture-perfect sunset vibe, Edge Pool Bar is where it’s at! Eats, Drinks & All the Good Vibes With just PHP 1,000 net per person, dive into a menu packed with crave-worthy bites and drinks. Think fresh salads, bold pastas, stacked sandwiches, and next-level desserts—all made to pair perfectly with your mood. Thirsty? We’ve got you covered with classic faves, toast-worthy wines, and our own signature cocktails—crafted to surprise, delight, and keep the good times rolling. Don’t Miss: Pint and Pals Swing by daily from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for our 2+1 promotion on Beer of the Day and Cocktails. It’s happy hour done right, with drinks in hand and the sun dipping low over the bay...

PRESS RELEASE Celebratory toast in honor of SMX Convention Center Bacolod’s 10th Anniversary, from left: Walid Wafik - SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.’s Senior VP for Operations - Convention Centers; Cathy Nepomuceno - SMHCC Senior VP for Operations - Hotels; Teresa Manalili - Chief City Tourism Officer of Bacolod City; Hon. Em Ang - City Councilor of Bacolod CIty; Kalaw Puentevella - City Councilor; Michael Albaña - VP & GM of SMX Convention Center; Agnes Pacis -  SMHCC  VP - Commercial; Deborah Haines - Senior Director for Operations for Southeast Asia Pacific Region - Radisson Hotel Group; Sherwin Lucas - Area GM for Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Iloilo; and Gian Carlo Luna - Hotel Manager, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo. SMX Bacolod and Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod joined forces to commemorate a decade of excellence with Salamat Guid: A Festival of Milestones in the City of Smiles. This collaborative celebration not only marked SMX Bacolod’s 10th anniversary but also o...

  Bea Alonzo enjoys her “me” time, welcomes new role as brand ambassador By Leony R. Garcia |   An icon in the Philippine entertainment industry, and admired for her grace, talent, and passion, Bea Alonzo is simply perfect to be the brand ambassador for My Diamond. For nearly three decades, the brand’s commitment to excellence, authenticity and highest standards in diamond grading, has made it to the forefront of the Philippine jewelry industry. As the newest brand ambassador, after equally iconic Anne Curtis and Heart Evangelista, Bea will be featured in various campaigns that highlight the My Diamond’s diverse collections, from the delicate and personal Dream Collection to the bold and empowering Signature Collection.   "Joining My Diamond is truly a dream come true for me. Diamonds represent something eternal, something that withstands the test of time. I feel so proud to be part of a brand that not only offers such beautiful pieces but also has a deep co...

 | The most widely distributed and translated book worldwide,  Rhapsody of Realities, gets further boost on Reachout World Day 2024 By Leony R. Garcia Print copies of Rhapsody of Realities (above) and  Tap2Read bracelets (below)  Rhapsody of Realities is a Christian daily devotional publication by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of The Christ Embassy. It was first published January 2001 in English and by August 2022, it was reported to have been published in over 7,000 languages, making it the most widely distributed and translated book worldwide. A study guide for Christian living, it’s also a foremost evangelical tool that has been adopted by individuals, churches, and organizations around the world for effective soul winning. Through the devotional, the Lord has opened up the nations to the Gospel, with millions receiving salvation upon contact with its divine message A publication of LoveWorld Publishing Ltd, many Christians considered the devotional material to be a cl...

Produced by Sylvia Sanchez’s Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Raven Banner Entertainment, Topakk has already made waves at international film festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival in Italy, the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, and the Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, USA. By Leony R. Garcia | A former special forces operative, struggles with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) after a distressing mission. This makes him highly vulnerable to physical or emotional attack. His life becomes more challenging when he crosses paths with a brother and sister who are being relentlessly pursued by a dangerous criminal syndicate. What happens next is a series of action-filled and death defying scenes that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Directed by Richard V. Somes and produced by Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Strawdogs, Topakk is set to bring its captivating blend of action and psychological drama to local audiences starting Christmas Day, December 25. With an international t...

  Disability-inclusion experts Randy Calseña, Carmen Zubiaga, Linartes Viloria, Atty. Judith Dongallo-Chicano, and    Chairmaine Adonis discussed current trends and actual experiences to explore how workplaces can achieve the 1% inclusion mandate. By Leony R. Garcia |   In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) on December 3, 2024, Project Inclusion Network (PIN) and leading financial services firm JPMorganChase hosted a year-end gathering called, 'Empowered Summit: Making a Difference with 1%.' Annually observed on December 3, the IDPWD aims to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and to take action for their inclusion in all aspects of society and development (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs). The celebration showcased meaningful dialogues and success stories of persons with disabilities in the workplace. The afternoon panel discussion focused on Republic Act No. 10524, the law m...