Sibuyan Townsfolk Plead Help as Mining Scuffle Happen in the Island

Sibuyan Island Mining Situation (Photo Credits belong to Cort Catajay as published in Romblon News Network social channels.)

Things have certainly gone pretty violent at Sibuyan Island in Romblon when environmentalists and townsfolk have tried to stop trucks from going out to port and faced personnel who tried to dismantle their barricade. Videos have already been shown in GMA News Online as published last February 3rd and social posts on Twitter when tensions from parties increased.

According to recent reports this February 10th, the Philippine Ports Authority GM Jay Santiago confirmed that they didn't give permits for ports or ship docks to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (supposedly owned by William Gatchalian)  in the said island. This was said during the Dos Por Dos program of Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja. He also had instructed the local Port Management Office in Batangas who has jurisdiction in the province and require no permits be issued until resolution be made with the mining company's operations in Sibuyan Island. It would also require them to get DENR clearance, approval from local government too with regards to its foreshore lease. Santiago also confirmed they had previously applied for it but no requirements have been submitted to this date. Any operation without it will be deemed illegal according to the General Manager as their facilities are unregistered.

A local Barangay official was reported to also be handcuffed during the date of the protest but later released. According to reports, they are part of the residents of the island who have seen nickel being transported from the area - this of which they have heavily resisted since late January 2023. The government should certainly intervene with the situation and see how the resources in the area be not abused, and restraint be exercised for the safety of those who live in the area. Pretty sure they only want flora and fauna be saved for them and their children's children.

Men Should Take Skincare Seriously

Staying indoors these past few years must have been giving everyone an urge to go out in the sun for rest and recreation. Thing is, it's not just vitamin D that you're getting when exposed to the sun. There's Ultraviolet Rays that can cause skin aging, eye damage, sun burns, even skin cancer on worst cases. In the Philippines, there's a macho notion that skincare are for sissies, but once people age and become a prune, it suddenly becomes a huge issue (when it's too late).

Skin care is essential. It doesn't take a genius to know that men have thicker, oilier skin and needs the same attention as women do (or maybe even more). When I started doing grooming sessions, I had three rules to follow. That's to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I slowly discovered other things that would benefit my skin and over the years and started to test with other products. I've learned to use those that are good for my skin type, which I'm sure not a lot of guys have time to do. Grooming and skincare retailers like Doppkit takes the guesswork out of the equation. 

 

Burt Chua, Kenneth Toh and Richmond Chong of Doppkit

Founders Burt Chua, Kenneth Toh and Richmond Chong experienced how difficult it was to get good products and information about skincare in the Philippines. They curated these especially for the busy man to make sure there's something that would take care of the face, products to help for shaving procedures, hair, clean and nourish the body and even fragrances so you stay smelling good all day.

 

The Salt & Stone Sunscreen Lotion has SPF 30. It's not too oily and disappears after a few seconds of application. You don't get that weird ghost look when lathered on skin and get the protection you need from the harmful rays of the sun. It doesn't have a strong scent which is good in my books because I'm a bit sensitive when it comes to some fragrances, and this is au naturelle.

This one is Triumph & Disaster's Ritual Face Cleanser. It's a bit on a watery gel side and smells a bit minty. Safe for use daily, I'd recommend you wash your face with it in the morning before you go out for an event or work. You'll feel fresh without it drying your skin, something that some harsh soaps do. Make sure you rinse thoroughly to make sure you don't have residue on the side of the nose because that has become a problem area for some.

The Groomed Man Co.'s Smooth Operator Face Moisturiser. This is a bit thick for my liking and I'd be more fond of water based ones than this. The weather in Manila is a bit too humid, and this might be a bit too much oily skin. Although it left a matte finish, it was a bit on the sticky side. If you are on the mixed or oily skin type, I wouldn't recommend this. If you have dry skin, this would be apt for that.

The Anthony Facial Scrub was something pretty new to me. With scrubs usually containing something abrasive, this tops the fancy ones as it contains Bora Bora White Sand. It helps remove dead skin cells by exfoliating when you rub it gently on your skin. It smells citrusy, reminds me of oranges and apricots but it has Aloe Vera, Algae and Chamomile. It wasn't floral at all, which is good in my books. It's a bit sweet too, I would recommend this to be used at night when you have to clean up before you sleep.

If I'd have something to hoard from their store, it would be the Salt & Stone Deodorant Naturel. I love the combination of Eucalyptus and Cedar wood. It doesn't sting, very low profile, but so manly smelling. It's woodsy, gives you a boost of morale and confidence that you can take on anything when you're out going to work or for a date.

I've seen the difference of doing it earlier and not when lines, wrinkles, dark spots are already there before we take action. You need a good regimen, and it starts by choosing products that get you the results you need. 

Remember, clean up, moisturize, protect your skin. Get them from doppkit.co as it doesn't take a genius to do it.

Boost Your Immunity with TOLAK ANGIN

We've all been confined in our homes this year, are you taking good care of yourself? Have you had a short bout of upset stomach? Chills? Dry throat or cold symptoms? This is not the time to panic, it's time to boost your immune system and make sure it doesn't happen again. 

I've tried TOLAK ANGIN this week and find it super soothing on the throat. It's an herbal supplement made of 12 natural herbs formulated to rid you of what we in the Philippines call "lamig". It's from Indonesia and it has helped countless individuals "expel the wind" (literal meaning of Tolak Angin). It also is best for motion sickness, fatigue and nausea. I don't usually like things that have ginger on it but this one actually tastes good. It tastes like honey, ginger and mint combined and would rid you of an upset stomach. It's been patronized in Indonesia for over 90 years, a feat that brands would only dream of.

It's au naturelle and safe as it passed several pre-clinical tests in different universities and laboratories in Indonesia. This is founded and formulated by Rachmat Sulistyo who's company now manufactures up to 300 products in the market (worldwide). If you remember, it landed in Philippine shores back in 2018 and got Kris Aquino and Manny Pacquiao to endorse it. Now, they have TOLAK ANGIN CARE which is an essential oil roll on which I find very handy to carry around in trips. I put it on insect bites, on my wrist and smell it if I feel a little woozy at times. Aside from that, they also have TOLAK ANGIN ANAK for kids if they need something to alleviate fever. It's got Cornu Bubali which is natural too, together with the 12 ingredients of the normal TOLAK ANGIN. It boosts your immunity, and promotes better digestive health.

Best of all, these products are not expensive at all. It's also available online in Shopee and Lazada. They also have it in drug stores nationwide. It's only a supplement, it's best to consult your doctor if needed.

The Launch of CAL the Brand

Stepping out of the shadows of proud mom Dimples Romana and dad Boyet Ahmee is daughter Callie as she now embarks on launching a new business venture called CAL THE BRAND.

She's only 17, and yes, she initially had challenges taking this idea off since she had to source materials for it. She built, learned the ropes and did this from the ground up. She burned the midnight oil learning about the business and started quite early with her fascination of Rattan bags. She ultimately wanted to support local artisans who mostly made these pieces by hand. She now wants these to reach a younger audience, who like her, would have love for aesthetic that is same as hers, which is all locally made and sourced.

As a person who has been working in fashion shows, photography stints who has probably seen lots of these, I could say what she's getting out in the market is SUPER nice. Sans her age, maturity, she sees things quite clearly curating each piece from local artisans. I am very impressed about how she was able to put this up in such a short time too.

Callie says "A few years from now, I hope to see more people with products from Cal. I want to see them wearing and using them proudly because they know how good it is, and how it is made proudly local. I hope Cal would make more individuals be inclined to support local artisans and promote them more here and abroad!"

She adds "Thank you for taking time out and joining me in supporting local brands, I hope this influences people and the communities that are being helped, from fashion items, furniture, to support our local artisans. Thank you!"

Here's our talk yesterday

There's a lot to see in her Instagram account where you can also order the items. She's planning a few things after this particular launch, like clothing, furniture, some things she's going to be proudly coming out real soon. Take a breather and look at how good the items are in her store here https://www.instagram.com/calthebrand as CAL The Brand starts their journey.

Natural Bodybuilding Competition Slated October

Had lunch with the people who organised the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation of the Philippines. They did this small luncheon to promote bodybuilding as a sport in the country. I have attended about two of these recently (other competitions) and have seen how remarkably improved our athletes have become. It is true that they spent blood sweat and tears in order to be in their best shape but I guess WNBF Philippines will be making this a whole lot different, a whole lot stricter.

The organization is affiliated with the WNBF which has been around for 30 years and now has about 24 countries competing. They are still growing and to get in alone is a task - because they do polygraph and urine tests as a form of seeing who’s getting illegal substances in their system. The federation also bans athletes who fail these tests for 7 years, so don’t even think about it!

Chris Byrne VP of WNBF Philippines says “People can go to our website and register at wnbfph.com , requirements only include membership in the federation and be an adult (18 and above) and we are expecting around 50 competitors and it depends on how this would run. We would have stricter regulations than the olympics and it levels the playing ground. A lot of people are using illegal substances, this won’t shun them but we really want a platform for those who does it naturally. We will have judges from INB Canada coming in to do this in October. Last June was a test and we plan to do 5-6 competitions a year. It doesn’t much have cash prizes but we have a collectors item medal to give out. We will also be accepting sponsors as long as it’s natural, organic, as we plan to do this in other parts of the country. This is more of a sports competition, after they get the medals the athletes stayed anyway. We’re confident that it will be in Johnny B. Good formerly Hard Rock Cafe Makati, this will be called WNBFPH3 which will be done on the date we mentioned. You can also go to our social media channels and we can get them aboard.”

Last June they held one of these competitions in Johnny B. Good (a local restaurant in Glorietta 3, Makati City) and some athletes from Taiwan, China, Korea, Mongolia and our very own country joined in. They will be doing the same this coming October 27, 2018 so if you’re ready to show your sculptured physique, sign up for it now. There will be international competitors, judges and organisations again in this leg so make sure you represent Philippines well if you plan to join.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Sweetea's by DA.U.DE Opens New Store at SM The Block

I think I've been here quite often this month since there are new stores popping up at the SM City North's The Block. It's a welcome development and I'm so glad there are many choices. This one's got my fancy and it's called Sweetea's. It's a concept built and realized by da.u.de Tea Corporation.

CEO and tea master Ms. Renee Sebastian quips “We are thrilled about providing Filipinos with more access to world-class teas. We are also working with award-winning European Architect Ms. Iris Cantante Duque Simoes to create visual branding inspired from the Banaue Rice Terraces. It our way of continuing the celebration of our ethnicity. We also want to raise awareness for our local artisans who play a big part in our establishment's growth.”

The store was clean, used clean lines to make new age design furniture pieces to function as seating, kitchen and whole local marble as counter-top. It was actually a little bare when we visited, probably would be okay if they got a few more seating options inside and outside the store. It's conducive for chat, for staying long hours which might pose a problem later on as it would have cafe squatters frequent it. They have a lot of signage containing the process of ordering your perfect cup of tea in different forms, whether you like it hot, iced or even in slush form. I wanted something along the floral or fruity alley so when I saw the choices of teas they have inside the store, I was very happy.

They had abour 18 flavors available that day They also say these actually change to what's in season, but ask the barista and they'll recommend more when you wish to have something good that day.

I liked this one in particular because I wanted something fruity and floral. They ran out of this because it was one of their best sellers. I opted for the next one on my list.

The Berry Burst would be really good for the hot one but I was really looking forward to have a slush made, so I ordered it to be that way instead.

The Sweetea is actually their best seller, so if you want the most ordered one in your cup, just ask for it nicely.

If you don't have any idea how to design your teas, they have ready made flavors which you can choose from. Choose the style how it is going to be prepared. If you want it hot, iced, like a slushie, milky, juicy or zesty. Choose add-ons  if you want something else on your drink and just pay for it on the counter. Mind you, these teas are all natural. It's not like those teas in run of the mill tea places which only use one base and have different sugars to make it different. They have researched well I can say before opening the store. With the use of herbs, barks, dried flowers, fruits and spices, they achieved to make these flavors just by using all natural ingredients right on the spot.

 

If you are in a hurry, they've got bottled cold teas already available on the counter. Just ask for it and you'll see the ingredients on the bottle, au naturelle. Then if you're a little hungry, Sweetea's has some food items that you can also try. I did my best to hold back only to be defeated by the scones and Wafingka.

These are Madelines. It's freshly baked the same day. You can have this to go or while you're there in the venue. Small bites dear, we know you're excited!

This is my personal favorite. I love Scones. Theirs is quite good because they've got this version with Bacon on it. I mean who doesn't love bacon right?

This is what they call the Wafingka. It's a cross between the old country waffle and our very own Bibingka. They put in coconut, butter, salted egg inside and it is so good. Make sure you eat it while it's hot!

If I'm recommending something though, it would be the scones. It's flaky, flavorful and after a piece or two, you really would feel full. If you're a light eater you have have this for dinner.

The seating by the way is ingenious. Since it's concept comes from the rice terraces, you can sit anywhere even if there's a stranger beside you. Heck just strike a conversation so you won't be strangers anymore.

The ceiling is lined with these small packets. It contains rice inside and it was something that I marveled upon while on the top of the seats.

The view up there was fun too, if I'd go back I will try to secure the seats there.

And I'll drink my Berry based Slushie the WHOLE day!

For those who have had an affinity with teas after a visit, Sweetea's also has a section on their store that is dedicated to designer tea pots, cups, saucers, and paraphernalia to take home and sit on. You can make your teas at home and practice making more of it like what it is inside the store. They're all natural and I think that's exactly why their business is flourishing. If I'm having iced tea, it's important for me to get it as natural as these because the last thing I want to do is get sick of diabetes because of the sugar based ones we're forced to buy on groceries these days.

I will be back for more Sweetea's. Thank you for putting up your store in SM North Edsa - The Block. We all need new things like you who offer something good inside a mall. I think it's time people know about you, your affordable, and quality teas.  

For more information about their store:

Sweetea's by DA.U.DE

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://lovedaude.com/

Valor: High Quality Spanish Chocolates Now In The Philippines

Valor Dark Chocolate Mousse with Truffle, Valor Milk Chocolate Chocolat Au Lait, and Sugar Free Neopolitans with Stevia

It looks like we're in for a very sweet year as the number 1 chocolate brand from Spain just landed Philippine shores. Valor, a brand coined by its founder Valeriano Lopez Lloret, had his family of master chocolatiers to passionately create the best chocolate products since 1881. It continued to thrive until it's fifth generation today; and now they're gearing up for introducing it to the world by releasing it internationally and still having the same quality as it comes out fresh from bean to bar as guided by the same principles of the Lloret family business.

Valor's chocolatiers import their cacao beans from only three places. It comes from Ghana (Forastero), Ecuador (Guayaquil) and Panama (Trinitario) all of which are world class sources of this fine product. Valor’s central factory is in Villajoyosa Spain, and this is where every bean goes through a process making it the highest quality possible. It's also made of all natural raw materials and used with even natural sweeteners in order to produce the world's finest chocolates. They also released the latest in their line of products, they now Sugar Free choices! They use the plant called Stevia which comes from South America. It is said to be 15 times sweeter than ordinary sugar but its got zero glycemic index, nothing that other sugar free artificial sweeteners can do in this time and age. It's the right time everybody enjoys these guilt free choices, all of which can be bought in leading supermarkets and stores nationwide!

Oh and before I forget, if you haven't found the perfect hazelnut choco spread yet, Valor has 130 years of experience to concoct the best one I've tasted so far. Plus, it's got NO Sugar Added making it au naturelle and so good in each bite. I am just stopping myself from finishing this whole jar because I want to have more in the next few days. I am not joking.... you should go ahead and find this on the counters and treat your family to something really good. It's even good on bananas which I put inside sandwiches at home.

It's so good and I'm going to enjoy the chocolate bars for dessert, hey don't stop me! It's guilt and sugar free remember?! :)

For more information about their products:

Valor Chocolates Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.valorchocolates.ph

Want to know Mylene Dizon's Secret?

You don't have to be a genius to know how acclaimed actress Mylene Dizon still looks stunning after all these years. Would you even believe she's 40 years old? She still brings herself and her board to La Union every now and then to insert physical activity in her daily regimen and enjoys the water with the challenge it brings. Aside from that, she discovered C-Lium and has began using it regularly. Now, there's no more problems down there whenever she feels bloated or have movement issues. It only takes the right diet and the all natural components of C-Lium to fix it.

Now it's even better because it normalizes everything, ups the metabolism and best of all, she believes in the product even then. If you haven't tried it, the only thing you would have to do is go to nearby drugstores and establishments that carry the brand. If you haven't been feeling well and always think you can be more if you have regular digestion done on your body, then take the safest way to do it by getting C-Lium Fibre and take the next step to be fit and healthy. It'll be the best thing you'll ever have to get your blood sugar in control, flush out cholesterol and fat from your body. Feel light again and go further!

For more information about their product:

C-Lium Fibre

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.clium.com.ph