DENENES: FAVORITE COLOGNE THEN AND NOW

I was raised in a very traditional Filipino family... where words such as nakasanayan and hiyang were parts of raising children.

Case in point:  Nakasanayan ng paarawan ang bata sa umaga para palakasin ang resistensya.  Hiyang ang anak sa sabon, kaya huwag palitan.

This is the kind of environment where I grew up.  So I am not surprised when it was time for me to raise my kids, I also acquired the mindset.  I guess this rings true for most Filipino mommies.  If a product worked for you as a child, chances are, you will also let your child experience that product.

This is my Denenes story....

TRUE STORY:

Back in high school, I became so extra conscious of how people see me.  That was when I tried experimenting on new hair styles, clothes, shoes, and yes... even cologne.  Putting on the scent that I love made me feel "attractive" to the opposite sex (don't laugh, that was how my brain worked in high school hahaha).  And then I discovered Denenes.  I would save a bit of my allowance to buy one.  I would ask a friend to buy it for me in Greenhills.

Pardon the evolution of highschool hairstyles!   Again, don't laugh! :)

Years later, got married and had my kids.  And because of nakasanayan and hiyang... I ended up using the same trusted brand to my eldest.  I just love its fresh scent that lasts extra long on my child.

So there... mother and daughter ended up using Denenes.

#ForBabesAtAnyAge.  Can you spot the Denenes cologne my baby
(in 2000 was using)

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE DENENES TOO:

Denenes products have gentle formulations with zero colorants and parabens.  They contain ingredients that moisturize and strengthen the skin's defenses.  All their products are dermatologically tested. 

Experience the refreshing scent of
COLONIA SPRAY 200ml at Php380

NENES FELICES AGUA DE COLONIA (glass bottle)  200ml at Php495

COLONIA 600ml at Php560.65 is an ideal Christmas gift for everyone

COLONIA  15ml at Php157.80

Wake up fresh with the Denenes BODY WASH 650ml at Php495

start you baby's day right with the Denenes SHAMPOO 500ml at php375 

Denenes has been in the market since 1955.  It is a tried and tested product. The quality of the product speaks for itself.  While it is perceived to be expensive it is reasonably priced and one truly gets what he pays for.  Besides, the ergonomic and playful plastic bottles of Denenes are really big compared to its market competitors.

Denenes products are available now at:

 

Denenes is really for babies, mommies, daddies... and even the hyperactive millenials. Hence #ForBabesAtAnyAge!  Its your "go-to-cologne" if you need to freshen up anytime of the day!

CONNECT WITH DENENES

https://www.facebook.com/DenenesPhilippines/

https://www.instagram.com/denenesphilippines/

 

5 TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE HAIR LOSS

TRUE STORY:  

In 2010, I had alopecia.  If my husband didn't see it one night, I wouldn't know I had one.  I can remember my shock seeing two bald spots, one on top of my head, the other one at the back of my head.

Being a certified hypochondriac, I googled for possible causes.  One symptom seems to be the culprit.... stress!  Which is kind of hard to resolve. The next thing I did, was to see a dermatologist.  And she prescribed steroid shots on my bald spots.  Aside from the fact that it was expensive, Php1500 per shot, it was also painful.  My 5-peso coin sized bald spots required 1-2 shots. Ouchie!

WHAT CAUSES EXCESSIVE HAIR LOSS:

Aside from stress, I remembered having myself tested for lupus, an autoimmune disease, which thankfully, I was negative of.

The average woman loses 50-100 strands of hair a day. But if you think you are losing hair excessively,  there are many known factors:  hereditary disorders, illness, major surgery, hormonal problems child birth and delivery medications and infections.

Huffingtonpost.com explained some of the reasons why our hair are falling out and the list is one interesting read.

MRS.WISE TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE HAIR LOSS

     1.  EATING HEALTHY CAN HELP

          Food high in iron, zinc and vitamin B12 can rejuvenate thinning hair.  

     2.  BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR HAIRSTYLE

          Stay away from hairstyle that pulls the hairline, such as tight braid and ponytail.  The 

          stress these hairstyles bring onto the scalp maybe too much to handle.

     3.  TOO MUCH HEAT IS BAD

          Do you go to the salon often, and subject your hair and scalp to extreme hot curling 

          iron or drier.  Stop!  The heat causes breakage in hair strands and dryness that 

          eventually leads to hair fall.  It is still best to go au naturel when it comes to drying 

          our hair.  

     4.  BE CAREFUL OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS

          Chemicals used in hair straightening, bleaching and lightening your hair can cause

          excessive damage to the hair shaft.  If you can't avoid these salon treatments, just 

          make sure you give your hair the necessary care it needs -- like a deep conditioning 

          or keratin treatment to prevent further damage.

     5.  USE NATURAL PRODUCTS THAT RESTORE HAIR GROWTH

          You might want to try Novuhair -- nature's answer to hair loss.  Some of the natural 

          ingredients that it contains are:  ginger, aloe vera, ginseng and lemongrass.  

          How do I use it?  I first use the herbal shampoo that prepares my scalp for the 

          application of Novuhair topical solution. After rinsing, I towel dry my hair, and spray 

          on the topical solution. The 5-10 minutes scalp massage is very important in the 

          process.  Scalp massage has been found to improve circulation to the scalp, 

          stimulating hair growth.

   

MRS.WISE NOVUHAIR JOURNEY:  10 DAYS AND COUNTING....

I observed lesser hair fall in my ten days of use.

Will keep you posted as I continue to use this product  :)

FILIPINO FAMILIES FIND HOPE IN LIVER TRANSPLANTATION AT INDRAPRASTHA APOLLO HOSPITALS

For mommies like me... for sure you were heartbroken when you heard about the story of a mother who lost three of his sons to liver cancer.  

THE FACT ABOUT LIVER DISEASE:

According to www.worldlifeexpectancy.com, based on WHO data published in 2014, liver disease is 14^th top cause of death in the Philippines. The National Kidney and Transplant lnstitute (NKTl) data shows that in 2005, Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates reported that  7,477 Filipinos died of liver cancer second to lung cancer (26.7%) with an estimated annual death of 15,881.

According to facts found in the DOH website, there was an estimated 5,249 cases of liver cancer in 1998, with 3,906 cases in males and 1,343 cases in females. About 4,403 deaths are expected to occur every year.

These facts don’t lie. But the sad fact is that the average medical cost of liver-related illness is expensive for the middle class Filipinos. Given the rising cost of medical and health services, and pharmaceutical products in the country as compared to other Asian countries like lndia, Taiwan and Thailand, many Filipino families seeks medical attention abroad

TRUE STORIES:

Kalem Asher Rubio Lizada was born on June 19, 2016 weighing 3.1 kilograms via normal delivery. His newborn screening results found out that he has “Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase” or simply known as “G6PD Deficiency”. He was later diagnosed with "Biliary Cirrhosis",

Jermaine Briseis Belista had choledochal cyst, an illness that can by cured by operation. Unfortunately, just as she was turning 8 months old, Jermaine vomited fresh blood. The doctor immediately advised her parents that an operation is futile and that they need to prepare for liver transplant. Vomiting blood is a complication of liver cirrhosis.

Two weeks after Nathan Almajar's birth, the family noticed that Baby Nathan’s eyes were yellow and his urine were dark yellow. But his mother Mary Grace, said, paarawan ko lang. She did this everyday for one month but nothing has changed. In August 2015. Nathan again brought to the hospital because his fever is on and off again and his stool have a small amount of fresh blood. 

These three children have something in common:  they were plagued with liver problems that can only be solved by LIVER TRANSPLANT. They were all financially challenged to have this very expensive treatment.

Families of these three children have sought help from local and international organizations. They also did fundraising projects in the hope of raising funds for the liver transplant.

5 REASONS TO EXPERIENCE HORTIKULTURA 2018

Last February, I was at the Hortikultura 2017...

And I was so fascinated with what I saw  :)   Plants, fruits bearing trees, pots and many more!

GOT 2 SACKS OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER FOR FREE :)

What I didn't know, I only got to explore two areas of Hortikultura 2017.  Sayang talaga...
For all gardening enthusiasts and urban gardeners like me... read on to find out more what to expect for the upcoming Hortikultura 2018 on February, so you will fully maximize your Hortikultura experience!

WHAT IS PHSI?

Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization of plant lovers interested in spreading their passion and enthusiasm for plants.  It endeavors to be the lead organization in the science and art of growing plants be it for food medicines or aesthetic gratification, in the Philippines.  Through the years, PHSI managed to bring organizations and people together to educate and collaborate on horticultural techniques and practices including traditional farming.

Hmm.... I should apply as a member in PHSI!  I just love urban gardening and sustainable living!

5 EXCITING REASONS TO EXPERIENCE HORTIKULTURA 2018:

WHAT A BEAUTY!  EDIBLE LANDSCAPING
(Photo credit: http://frichettewinery.com/)

1.   On top on my list -- is to learn more about EDIBLE FOOD LANDSCAPE.  The idea of growing my own food in my little garden excites me -- but when you arrange this edible wonders --herbs, veggies and fruits into a creative landscape - oh well, that for me is pure bliss!!!  I call it #GardeningBucketList    :)

MY TOP PICKS AT THE KABUHAYAN NATIONAL LIVELIHOOD AND TRAVEL FAIR

MrsWise was supposed to visit the Home World sale at SM Megamall... but I saw this interesting and colorful exhibit before I reached my destination  :)

The annual Kabuhayan National Livelihood & Travel Fair is organized by the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc.  It features the best products products from across the country.

And here are some that caught MrsWise's fancy:

DARANGEN DOLLS OF MINDANAO

Fashion dolls clad in a traditional Maranao outfit created by Dr. Sainuddin Malawani Moti. Inspired from his colorful roots of origin, a family of Maranao artists. The traditional outfit is described by a malong (a oversized colorful garment in tabular form, a bejeweled long sleeved blouse and a pinalot (hairstyle).  The covering of the hair by a combong add more to the elegance, respect and fabulous culture attire of the Maranaos in the society.

QUEZON PROVINCE:  FLAVORED LAMBANOG and CHITON FTW!

Chiton Chicharon are made from dried Chiton, commonly known as Kibet in Quezon, found in sea rocks. The makers say it is a healthy alternative to pork chicharon because Kibet is a good source of calcium, protein vitamin A and B3 and iron.

SURIGAO DEL SUR'S VINEGAR

NUEVA VIZCAYA'S WOOD PRODUCTS CAN FIT IN MODERN AND TRADITIONAL HOMES

FELL IN LOVE WITH THE COLOR AND PRINTS OF MINDANAO

PINANGAT NA LAING FROM SAMAR

THE NICE SAMARENO WHO TOLD ME I CAN SURVIVE THE PINANGAT'S
SPICY TASTE. HE WAS RIGHT!

PINANGAT NA LAING INGREDIENTS (GATA NOT IN PHOTO)

FROZEN PINANGAT NA LAING. STEAM TO ENJOY

VITRUM UPCYCLED BOTTLES AND CRAFTS

The fair's Pinapangarap Award for Best New product. Loved the fact that the artist is recycling materials.  Really innovative!

Promise to be back next year to see more wonderful Philippine made products.  Let us support the creativity and ingenuity of the Filipino craftsmen  :)

MRS.WISE CELEBRATES #NationalThankYouDay!

With my birthday month fast approaching, I realized that I have so many things to be thankful for.  I may not get every single thing that I aim for... but my buddy up there has showered me with so many wonderful blessings.

One of them... friends that I have made through the years.

Working in TV production, I have met a lot of people. Everyone of them has left me with valuable lessons in life.  

JLB is one of them.  I call her that - Ms. JLB.  

I met Jackie way back in 1999.  I was the writer of the show "Baby's World."  I can still remember how I struggled to write about parenting and motherhood when I was still single that time.  Whatever I wrote, I got it from research.  But Jackie was already a hands on mom at that time.  I remembered her bringing her third child, Arabella to tapings because she was a breastfeeding mom.  I told myself, when I become a mom, I wanted to be like her... hands-on and completely immersed at motherhood.

She brought experience to the show. Sharing lessons for our mommy viewers.

Along the way -- we developed a special relationship, and she taught me lessons along the way.  I still remember what she told me about my husband, when I told her that my dislike him so much.  Ay naku Tina, ayan na yun!  Kasi nararamdaman ng mom mo na siya na ang magiging asawa mo, kaya may galit!  Oh well, 17 years later -- kami pa rin naman, so I guess Jackie was right  :)

When I told her that I was pregnant, she was so happy she gave me several maternity stuffs.  Including beauty products to combat stretch marks hahaha!  But most specially, she agreed to be my daughter's ninang.

But because we ended up in rival networks, we didn't get to see each other that often. Thankfully, last November 11, we reconnected.  I didn't know that she will be the host of the Mcdonald's and SM team up for #NationalThankYouDay.  I was just happy to see her  :)

INDULGE YOURSEVES WITH GELARE AIRLESS ICE CREAM

In 2008, I had a grand time when I visited Australia. 

Aside from sight seeing, nature tripping, shopping, visiting Ikea -- I had a gustatory trip! Take a look at what I ate -- yes, I enjoyed the kangaroo meat hahaha!

ENJOYING AUSTRALIAN DESSERT ONCE MORE!

For now, my next Sydney trip is still on the planning stage.  But it doesn't mean I can't enjoy what this land down under can offer as far as food and drinks are concerned.  Glad to have been invited to Australia's most loved dessert cafe -- GELARE!  

REASONS FOR TREATING YOURSELVES TO GELARE! 

G - ourmet desserts all the way from Australia.  Gelare first opened to the public in 1986 in Fremantle, Western Australia and became famous for its ice cream. Now running for 30 years... it has continued to capture the Australian's penchant for gourmet desserts!  

The owners adored Gelare so much that they had to close the deal with owner Farid Torabi. They also trained in Perth, Australia to operate the all-day breakfast and dessert cafe. Aside from Perth, you can find Gelare in Brisbane, Australia.

E - xciting 24 staple ice cream flavors to choose from.  That's a lot of flavors for all you ice cream lovers!  The first flavor that I tried was Cappuccino. If you are a coffee lover like me, you will love its creamy subtle coffee taste.  Was also a bit adventurous that day, that I also tried, Rum Raisin. Whoa!  The taste of the rum, lingered in my mouth that when it blended with the sweet taste of raisin, it was pure heaven!  Last flavor I sampled, was Strawberry.  I must say, the fruit-based ice creams tasted exactly like the fruit!  

They also have 5 flavors of Vegan and Halal certified ice cream -- Banana Swirl, Lychee Lane Sorbet, Mango Passion Sorbet, Lemon Lime Sorbet and Matcha Green Tea. 

Gelare really take their ice cream seriously, using only the best and freshest ingredients!

RUM RAISIN FTW!

L - ight breakfast menus.  Great thing about Gelare, they also serve all-day breakfast treats!  So when hunger calls, Gelare has the answer!

SLICED BEEF AND GRAVY

EGGS BEN