UNILAB and Mercury Drug Celebrate 80 Years of Quality and Care with ALAGANG SUKI FEST 2025

8 whole decades is a long time, and that's exactly how long UNILAB and Mercury Drug has been providing quality and care for Filipinos. To celebrate with a bang, they got some of the hottest acts and personalities in the country to headline their show entitled "Alagang Suki Fest 2025". People were just shocked how they were able to combine the Koolpals, Jolina Slaydangal, Robi Domingo, and artist Belle Mariano, world dance champs Legit Status, hot band Mayonnaise, pop prince Darren Espanto, chart topper Maki, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, and the country's PPOP girl group BINI.

The venue was packed and they started the show with a few games with the audience to break the ice. 

Jolina was not just the momshie, but a generation that reminded us of the 90's, and how good it was til it lasted. Same with Robi who taught us how to take care of our tummies. Belle Mariano was the surprise of the evening, she was fun and had folks standing up, and went to the audience area because she really just wanted to have fun during her performance. She was really entertaining!

Belle really knew how to work the crowd, and she sang a few 80's and 90's hits, which really made us sing along with her. Her set was fun!

Legit Status showed us why they are world class. With jumps, tumbles and crump moves, we just watched knowing how difficult it is. That's passion personified.

Mayonnaise sang their hit songs, and thought to surprise us with JOPAY at the end of their set. Folks thought they wouldn't sing it but they did!

Darren and Maki really had the young ones mesmerized by their songs (and dance for Darren). Maki had a different sound, it appeals to a lot of folks. Though I haven't heard some of it, I am impressed. No wonder he's always in the mind of international acts who've heard his songs. He's really good! Darren on the other hand has performed his hits, and some of his newly released singles which were loved by many.

Highlight of the evening was Mr. Gary Valenciano, when folks thought it was going to be ballads, he comes completely bonkers with the Maneuvers. He didn't just wear the Mr. Pure Energy moniker, he became it. With high energy moves, songs, he got everyone off of their seats to dance and sing along with him. He brought us to church, he made us stars in our own seats, and that says a lot for a world class performer like him. Super love the evening because of that!

The nation's PPOP Girl Group, BINI made the crowd crazy. With their hit songs, and surprise number in the end, we were all just thankful how our dreams came true courtesy of UNILAB and Mercury Drug Corporation. Thank you for letting us be part of this wonderful celebration of your 80 years. Here's to more in the next few years because I'm sure you'll try an even bigger one right?!

If you want to watch the concert, head on to my TikTok account @kumagcow because I've managed to take videos of it in several parts. 

Thank you for the quality, for the care and the love you bring for Filipinos!

Facial Care Centre Aims To Get You "Skin You Deserve"

While the industry is still aiming for experience, facial care centre has been at it for 43 years. They've been really taking care of their clients skin that long and this year, they're committing to even better things with their thrust on giving you the "Skin You Deserve". This means planning ahead, making it a sustainable one, doing it long term using their expertise so you would have something tailored, unique to every client that walks through their doors.

They have Ara Davao to represent them saying "At facial care centre, my skin journey was built on trust and expert care. This was where I had a genuine connection with them. They listen and I feel really taken cared of when I visit their clinic. I've experienced results and seen some other clients say the same on socials. They are experts in their field and have a lot less experiments when getting treatments."

Ara also fancies the Oxygen Cell Renewal Therapy and LaserLight which she's done for anti ageing and hair removal. She also does facials plus things to rid of fine lines, pigmentation, acne too. Facial Care Centre also has Exoderm that uses exosome tech and micro needling for skin issues that are also closely monitored by experts so you get the skin you deserve. 

If you want to experience it too, head on to facial care centre branches or get in touch with them via their social channels. They're very eager to help!

Advancing Kidney Care: Conifer Capital and NEPHRO Plus Collaborate for Nephro Care in the Philippines

US based investment firm Confier Capital has brought needed funding to leading dialysis care provider Nephro Plus Consultancy Inc. as part of its efforts to address shortage of dialysis centers in the country.  This was led by Rocket Equities who acted as advisor for this expansion.

Donna Gatus Mangulabanan the founded of Nephro Plus Consultancy says "Being a healthcare professional and Filipino, I have always wished for world class renal care in the Philippines and in every clinic that we open, we are able to serve thousands of patients so they could live healthier lives. This creates a healthier future for all of us!'

She adds "This started as a dream to provide care for an underserved sector. It has been tough, not just operations but for patients to understand their condition. I'd like to extend my gratitude to all the medical staff who have dedicated their lives for the needs of those who undergo kidney dialysis treatment. By combining our expertise, we will expand and empower health care professionals and have Filipinos the care they deserve. Patients are in the heart of everything we do. Let's celebrate this milestone!"

Jimmy Quach the Managing Partner of Conifer Capital says "This is solving a very alarming crisis and our partnership will lead renal care, in an underserved market like the Philippines."

He adds "We at Connifer Capital are entrepreneurs, and every so often we see diamonds and Donna is one of them. This is her gift, and we know her for over a year now. She's a hard worker, and know every little detail. That is the vision that drives this business, you can see how they adore her, even patients are grateful, which is truly amazing. We are 8000 dialysis chair short in this country, and we are here to support you. You can rest and just leave three of your centers but you trusted us to let us in your company and this journey."

The promising partnership will start a billion dollar opportunity in the country where there is high demand because of 7 million patients in need of it (100k in need of immediate care). Philhealth subsidies from dialysis has surged 4 times since 2022. They currently have 3 dialysis centers, but there will be 10 planned this year in other areas like Mindanao,, and other places in the north. They also plan to do 10 more in the next year, and in streamlining the process they can improve more with the quality of the services. They will help her realize the dream. Tall order, but right now, they look optimistic to address it right away. They will train more healthcare workers, reinforce professionals so they could provide for them without going abroad.

They also want to address transportation, as some patients are not able to go to centers. They plan to do Bulacan, Quezon City, CALABARZON region. The others will follow soon. Here's to great renal care in the future!

Facial Care Centre Celebrates Newly Opened West Avenue Branch in Quezon City

Stars, celebrities, skin enthusiasts and executives arrived at the new Facial Care Centre West Avenue Branch in Quezon City. They were there to celebrate the opening of this newly spruced up branch, and by the looks of it, they've made it super nice. It's got clean interiors, pastel colors, ample space for consultations and procedures. It'll be so convenient to take care of yourself when you're here.

Skin you deserve, it is something that they live by. This is their commitment to serve you and give you a more holistic approach to your well being because they believe every individual is beautiful on your own. Their expertise in slimming and skincare procedures is unquestionable. (I heard they've got Exoderm procedures done here!)

Actress Gelli de Belen came recommended by her Aunt and says "It's been so many years and I like the way they take care of my skin. I feel my skin is in good hands. Back then my goal was to become beautiful and take care of skin issues, but now I just want to relax. I want to be rejuvenated whether it be physically, mentally, and emotionally. Here as soon as you step into the door, someone greets you with a big smile, and even the smell gets you into the pampering mood, it's like a spa where you would feel comfortable. That's what we need at Facial Care Centre, and just let them know what your needs and issues are so they could give you the results you need. They'll surely take care of you! I wouldn't be with them til now right?" 

This branch sits at the same floor as Marie France at the 7th Floor of Mpire Center Building. They also had us do a few activities during the launch which I thoroughly enjoyed that afternoon. I also saw several of their clients who's been with them for years, and spent time there talking about how it has changed their skin regimens, to ultimately still maintain young looking profiles to this day.

Congratulations Facial Care Centre!

If that's something that interests you or love the idea of taking care of yourself, head on to Facial Care Centre. I love that it is in Quezon City!

Experts Explain Advancements in Exosome Use: ExoDerm by Facial Care Centre

Mike Lee and Dr. Young Seob Lee explains ExoDerm and advancements in exosome use

It's been a while since I've gone out for a little self care and pampering. But before that, I heard that there's a lot of development about using exosomes for treatments. Initially, I saw them using it at Svenson for NexoHair, a treatment made for hair loss, alopecia and the likes, but this time, they're taking it in even better applications specifically for skin and call it, ExoDerm. This procedure is being done at Facial Care Centre and their branches. We went to the Makati GT Tower branch which is at the corner of Ayala and HV Dela Costa streets. It is highly advised to get an appointment first before going there.

We met Mike Lee, the CEO of PrimaCure and his father Dr. Young Seob Lee, world renowned South Korean Plastic Surgeon and premier expert in this field. They explained to us the applications of exosomes and the things they can do now for the skin. Mike Lee explains "Undergoing this procedure for a regular patient would immediately have all your inflammation and blemishes clear. It can take effect somewhere between 1 to 5 days, and its purpose is to revamp the activity of your cells. When you are younger, you didn't have melasma right? Of course we get that through aging, but at the cellular level we need energy for it. We had anti oxidants to counteract pollution, UV rays, your lifestyle, nutrition and hormonal things. As we age, we're not able to regulate that as well. These stressors will affect the mitochondria, which brings you less energy, less collagen produced, and you'll have laxity and melasma. This happens when machines get old, then it makes it dry, because it falls and can't retain moisture. Like your cellphones, it needs updating, same concept goes with exosomes. It sends growth factors, genetic materials to revamp the skin. It makes your current skin behave younger, like when you're 36, it could act as 28 or even younger."

Dr. Young Seob Lee adds "In our next projects with our research in Europe, we are targeting post menopausal applications of exosomes, to prevent many uncomfortable issues with the female form. Initially we held research about its efficacy, and we have determined it to be quite good. And we might not just be applying this to post menopausal but post partum as well to prevent issues there. In the Philippines, we might have this soon."

The core technology that they are using is now being done for different applications. Their process is different and not derived through stem cells. The vesicle that enables delivery of needed products for skin/hair is the great thing about this and the different things they can do is promising. It's developed enough to do pathways that would benefit different kinds of treatment and it is already proven in the products they've come out with. They've seen it happen to more than a thousand patients in the Philippines alone, and numbers on a global scale would be a lot bigger. The customization they could do would be good for a lot of people.

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Facial Care Centre who does ExoDerm procedures can get your collagen production increase to help you get a clearer, firmer, smoother and younger looking skin. Get exosomes to help your skin regeneration, to heal and lessen imperfections and signs of aging. Go send them a direct message through their social channels and see what it can do to you. In the meantime, here's my Honey Almond Facial treatment which I did after the long day of coverage(s). This was at the Facial Care Centre at GT Tower in Makati.

If you feel this procedure deem fit for what you need to do with your skin, go give the nearest Facial Care Centre a visit.

RABIYA MATEO's Secret to Gorgeous Looking Hair

Filipina beauty queens have always been regarded as the best in the world. They've been feared in major pageants, not just because of their physical attributes, but their wit, intelligence, their capability to exude positivity, empowerment, grace, and heart. It's this whole package that makes them shine.

No doubt, our Filipinas really take care of themselves and in this world where the wind, harmful rays of the sun and everyday elements surely would prove challenging to do that. This is the same with our crowning glory. 2020 Binibining Pilipinas Universe Rabiya Mateo shared her secret on how to make sure you don't overlook details like these. She speaks from experience, and loving her hair came early on even at home.   

She believes in investing in it, like having LifeStrong Marketing Incorporated's Hairfix before she goes out. They have a line of products which you can use to DIY and take care of your hair easily. It does wonders from the roots to the tips. They also have hair color which Rabiya Mateo swears by. She prefers the Silvery Ash since it can give her usually jet black hair a different look. It gives her that EXTRA confidence when going out and yes, even her beauty queen friends do the same.   

Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez uses the Hairfix Professional Line Collagen + Peptide which keeps her hair healthy and strands thick even when she gets it styled quite often. Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2023 Francine   Reyes on the other hand uses Hairfix’s Professional Line Protein + Vitamin C which keeps her hair stright and tangle free. Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo and current Miss Elite 2022 First Runner-Up Shanon Tampon uses the  Hairfix Multiplex Serum which nourishes their hair, and leaves it in great condition everyday.

Rabiya says "Taking care of my hair brings me lots of self confidence. I feel fiercer, bolder and full of pride facing the crowd when I represented the country. Taking care of it makes me feel I am taking care of myself."  

If you want to know more about Hairfix, check out their social channels by searching HairfixPH on IG and X. Visit their official sites Hairfix.com.ph and Lifestrong.com.ph to know more how YOU can be like Rabiya and the ladies.

EFFITIX Now in the Philippines

Pets are all part of the family. They bring so much joy which to me is priceless and can never be replaced. Taking care of them is essential, and these days we can never be too complacent as a simple mosquito bite would carry disease, but now there's something that can prevent that.

Pharma company Virbac knows how the Philippines need solutions for animal health. This is why they are bringing in Effitix, a topical solution for canines so they won't get tick or flea infestations. This also could save them from heartworms as it repels mosquitoes which cause these problems too, and can do it in a span of 4 weeks. 

Dr. Remil Galay a professor of Veterinary Medicine from the UPLB says "Dogs can be sick by pathogens from tick bites. Based in our studies Ehrlichia Canis is the most common detected in the Philippines. A study published last year include Ricketsia, Lice, we need to keep this off our dogs. There are a lot of methods you can employ, like soaps and shampoos, but that doesn't last after washing. The protection doesn't last long. Fipronil remains effective in killing brown dog ticks. There are new drugs combined with it which gives stronger killing effects, additionally prevent resistance to one drug. It is also shown effective in different kind of ticks."

Dr. Sheila Chavez who is the Technical Assistant Manager for Companion Animals from Virbac Philippines showed how to apply the topical solution to pets. She broke off the top, put the liquid and lathered it onto the skin (not the hair).

Journalist Gretchen Malalad wore the fur Mommy hat during the event and talked about how she took care of her fur babies. She rescue cats and dogs, put some of them for adoption. She also neuter and spays them to prevent animal abandonment. Being a dog lover, she had one of her dogs always play and run with her, though one day, the doggie got too tired. She got him to a vet, but when his blood tests came, he had heartworms. It was a long treatment, took 6-8 months and regular checkup. She used Effitx to also rid him of ticks and lice too. She also tried it on her other dogs and saw it was clearly effective. She wanted to have known about it before her doggie got sick, she's glad Effitix is now in the country.

This also kills them within 24 hours and still work even if they take a bath, shampoo, a dip in a pool and usual activities. They come in pipettes so it's easier to apply on our best friends to keep our cute little doggies safe from harmful parasites. It's only for doggos eight weeks old and above and comes in different sizes since dogs don't come in one size. This is good news for those keeping their pets at home, and you can get them starting December 16 via authorized online pet stores and  probably shops and clinics by February next year. You may check pH.virbac.com for more information about the topical solution they offer. You can also follow their social channels @VirbacPH on FB and @virbac_philippines on IG because they update often there.

Effitix costs Php 345 for the 4-10kg size, and for the 10-20kg size costs Php 365. They also have a promo on December giving free brush with shampoo container. (Will be announced on social channels soon) so stay tuned!

Of course, consult your vet at all times. 

All Nurse Cast Intoduced: SIGLO NG KALINGA (The Life of Anastacia Giron Tupas)

Last month, a call for auditions was announced by the production and the Philippine Nurses Association for the film "SIGLO NG KALINGA". This is about the life of Anastacia Giron Tupas set in three acts. In an unconventional move, they wanted to have the cast to be all NURSES. This weekend, they just announced an ensemble cast who would tell the story of the honorable lady.

Dr. Carl Balita was right. If you think about it, casting nurses in the film would entail training them because not all are professional actors. He believes in them that much, with their talent, and proved he could find the right people for the project. With the help of Archie Del Mundo who wrote and is line producing this film, they presented these individuals to the press last week.

Now it can be told, the cast includes Abbey Romero, Denmark Mismanos, Jewell Alano, Lorrich Del Tantoco, Joel Rey Carcasano, Jerico Roque, Dre Canaria, Bambi Rojas, VJ Mendoza, Tads Obach, Ms. Irma Bustamante and Ms. Lydia Palaypay. The title role of Anna Formantes went to Joy Ras who also was extremely emotional that afternoon. She mentions "Nurses are like actors too, we do our jobs everyday and try not to show much emotions especially when we get affected when someone dies, we feel and remember patients when that happens. Our jobs as nurses in a way equate to acting experience."

VJ Mendoza will play Alfred in the film.

 

VJ Mendoza adds "When I saw how they worked in the workshops we had, I saw how intelligent they were picking up advanced acting methods being taught to us by Ms. Angeli Bayani. They follow instructions very well. Imagine, I have been doing acting projects for many years, and they are at par with what I could do!"

To tell you honestly, the line of questions asked by the press was a bit worrisome as it questioned the lack of experienced actors in the list. Dr. Carl Balita took time to explain their goal of giving the roles to equally talented Nurses that would fit what they need to do in the film and how they were able to see what huge potential lies with the new cast. All of them were also eager to showcase the lives of unsung heroes, who got recognized about their work especially during the pandemic. This is a dream for most of them, and being a part of a movement to tell the story of Anastacia Giron Tupas was truly an honor they wouldn't want to pass on.  As Dr. Carl says "They have what it takes to perform the role (the actors that we chose), this is for the love of the nurses whom I want to put on the spot!" and we certainly couldn't agree more.

 

Joy Ras and Tads Obach will play Anna Formantes and Tony, a couple

Aside from the cast, Dr. Carl Balita also told us that he's working on several nurse actors like Rocco Nacino, Kuh Ledesma, Princess Punzalan, Carol Banawa and other artists to become a part of this film (or cameo roles) once the ball starts rolling. The piece will be shown mid next year and they are still finalizing some of the details. I could feel they too were so excited about the possibility of the actors surprising us all with their performances in this project, which they would rather want to do once it shows on theaters.

A lot of people are already eager to see what Director Lemuel Lorca has up his sleeves as this will be part of the award winning work he's already done in the past few years. They have intentions of putting this into international film festivals, and I wouldn't be surprised if it picks up a laurel or more when showcased abroad. 

From what I see, Dr. Carl Balita and the Philippine Nurses Association already has a gem in their hand. If the accolades come and the viewing public gets to see this film, they deserve every bit of praise they would get from SIGLO NG KALINGA. 

Congratulations to everyone who's making this dream a reality!

PIOLO PASCUAL Continues Beautéderm Ties with KOREiSU Oral Care Line

Piolo Pascual has always been the quintessential man to go to if you want a brand to be endorsed. It was a few years back when Beautéderm CEO and President Rhea Anicoche-Tan wished for him to be the face of BEAU, which is a soap with the benefits of Activated Charcoal and part of the Spruce & Dash line of products for men. She knew he was the perfect fit for the brand (to be the first male endorser) and worked hard to make that come true. 

After successfully working with him in recent years, the business has grown exponentially and knew renewing ties with the good looking Filipino singer, model, producer, film and TV actor was the right thing to do. This time, he's introducing the Beautéderm KOREiSU line of oral health products. To put it lightly, he entered the room and had the ladies put on smiles automatically.

 

Ms. Rhea says "Piolo is on a different league as an endorser. He's the kind that you can say is "Totally Worth It" because we didn't have to remind him during our campaigns when working with him with the BEAU products on social media. He even over delivers and does production for his posts. He's part of the success of the Beautéderm family and when you get the message across your platforms, we can help a lot of other people. I just came back from Ilocos where we had 35 new scholars at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. We are also here to celebrate Piolo and Beautéderm as we have not been able to mount an event for him when we signed him three years ago due to pandemic restrictions. He's the most trusted man in the industry, very professional, very down to earth and you can feel the goodness in his heart; and we are so honored to have him in Beautéderm."

 

Piolo says "The ever growing family of Beautéderm deserves much thanksgiving, being their brand ambassador, KOREiSU Family Toothpaste and KOREiSU Whitening Toothpaste brings me my happy, bright and white smile. I'd like to thank Ms. Rhea for the blessing to be part of the Beautéderm family, and for the love you've given us (my peers in the industry). Let's beautify the world one healthy smile at a time!"

Here are highlights from the event on video, enjoy!

Here are some little stories that Ms. Rhea Tan shared to the media about how her experience was working with Piolo Pascual (which she says was very patient and didn't have any out of this world demands). He's charming and very humble. Aside from that, Piolo also talked about his son Inigo who's having a huge career in the US as he becomes part of a Hollywood project. A proud Dad!

As of today, the Beautéderm ambassadors amount to over 80 movie, TV and social media stars. Piolo is of course an A list celebrity that is certainly apt to make people know more about KOREiSU and the reasons they trust the brand. Congratulations to the men and women behind Beautéderm and of course, congratulations Mr. Piolo Pascual, thank you for being so nice to us that afternoon! If you want to know more about KOREiSU, make sure you follow their social channels and check out their Shopee store where you can get these products too. 

 

PS. I suggest you try their other products by purchasing a TRAVEL KIT because it comes with a FREE Delicat Soap and Hydrating Mist to keep yourself fresh. Get it here!

ZEINAB HARAKE Endorses Beautéderm Oral Care Line

After recently garnering a whopping 13 Million subscribers on YouTube, and having a total of 50 Million followers on social media platforms, your favorite girl ZEINAB HARAKE is taking another feather on her hat as the newest endorser of Beautéderm Corporation's Oral Care Line. This includes Koreisu Whitening Toothpaste, Koreisu Family Toothpaste, Etre Claire Mouth Wash and Etre Claire Mouth Spray.

 

Beautéderm  CEO and President Ms. Rei Anicoche Tan says "I remember asking my team of who would be able to do this as I've got celebrities in the Beautéderm brand. She's different as she's an influencer and the task is to communicate the message of our oral care line to an even wider audience. I needed someone young and thought of getting her, I was impressed that in a single live video, they already garnered thousands of views. When I watched her, she's super natural, she's not fake and just do it as a task (because we all know they sometimes are). There really is a clamor for her, a lot of people have asked for her so we did it. Zeinab represents the youth, the Gen Z's, and she is the perfect fit for the brand."

Zeinab says "I am so happy that I get to be one of the babies of Ms. Rei Tan. I've seen how she takes care of the people who endorse Beautéderm and this is such an honor. I promise that I will take care of the trust they've given me and I love you! I'm pretty new in the industry, I make videos, I never imagined that my followers would grow this much, for all the work we do I am happy to be part of Beautéderm." 

She adds "I told Mama Rei my crushes, I love Marian Rivera, she's always been my peg. I would love to be with her and the others who are also part of Beautéderm. I got a little shy when Piolo Pascaul commented on one of my posts and said my signature line "ARAT NA!". I also would like to do events with Dingdong Dantes if possible, because only Beautéderm has made it possible with their endorsers. There's no network wars here."

Here's a portion of the press conference a few days ago

Zeinab Harake will also be appearing in the launch of BEAUTéDERM Ayala Mall Cloverleaf (Sunday 3PM) and will be appearing with Jelai Andres, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, JC Santos and Boobay. There will also be a meet and greet session if you meet the required purchase. So if you're raring to see them in the flesh, the time is now! 

Congratulations to Beautéderm and Ms. Rei Tan. Also to ZEINAB HARAKE for conquering odds and now is reaping the fruits of her labor. She's a very nice lady who deserves the best things in life because she's worked hard for it.