and the most beautiful in the world...is a dog!

as seen here

Filipina title holders the likes of Venus Raj, Janine Tugonon, and Shamcey Supsup may have failed to bag the highly-coveted Miss Universe crown but someone else from the Philippines did it for them.

Enter Philippine-Italian Canton Jet Li, a locally-bred Pomeranian who bested more than 200 other Pomeranians from all over the world and bagged the “Mr. Universe” crown for dogs. And proved once more that the Philippines is not just home to beauty queens but also to the most beautiful canines. Jet Li’s cunning abilities, stance, styles, talents, and tricks have again brought pride to our country in international contests. This also demonstrates the skills of the breeder in producing today’s dog champions.

The recently concluded global dog show competition, American Pomeranian Club (APC) Nationals held in Kentucky, USA last March 10-13, bestowed the championship award to the three-year-old Philippine-bred Pomeranian in the Best of Breed (Best in Specialty Show) category. The dog champion, Philippine Italian Canton Jet Li, bested more than 200 Pomeranians, 50 of which were earlier American Champions.

Hundreds of owners and breeders from all over the world displayed and paraded their charming and pudgy Pomeranians in front of the international judges and Jet Li captured their hearts because he has the closest characteristics in keeping with the global criterion.

The criteria of choice are how closely the specimen comply with the breed standard, which is the breed type (breed bible), sound body and mind (how the dog moves and its temperament) and showmanship (yabang).
The recognition is conferred to the sole dog which, at the end of the all-breed dog show, has successfully defeated the other dogs of all kinds of breeds. The Best of Breed contest evaluates dogs and bitches on how well they conform to their breed type in harmony with the APC standard.

According to the 1997 APC benchmark, the “major faults” of Pomeranians are “round head, domed skull, under-shot and overshot mouth, lack of soundness in hind legs or stifles, and soft or flat coat.” Obviously, Canton Jet Li is nothing but these.

Our very own Champion had experienced setbacks before the competition began. He had just arrived the night before the contest and had no American title to back him up. Before bagging the championship and eventually winning against the 200 Pomeranians, Jet Li had undergone the Open Dog Class competition (a contest for red, orange, sable, and cream Pomeranian breeds). After winning under this title, he had to vie against the Winners Dog before he can become eligible to fight for the ultimate Best of Breed competition. Eventually, he won.

Prior to Jet Li’s winning, the last Pomeranian to win the Breed from the classes was an Open Bitch Cenla Annie Laurie O’ Friday in 1991.  At that time, competition was so much less in numbers.  Accordingly, a win like this at the Nationals from the classes, only happening again after 22 years is indeed historical.  It brings great pride to the Philippines since the winner was a Philippine dog.

Special recognition also goes to the former old time Pomeranian breeder and international judge Jackie Stacy who had the courage to follow her convictions regardless of the psychological pressures to put up the more popular dogs.  Indeed, a non-political win.

This accomplishment serves as an inspiration to other Filipinos that we can!  No matter what we do, whether it is big or small, the pursuit to excellence eventually has its own rewards and recognitions.

Did You Know That...
The most publicized and largest dog show competition is the Westminister New York followed by the Crufts in United Kingdom. However, for breed specialist the most prestigious is the US' Breed Nationals, which is equivalent of the Miss Universe contest.
Pomeranians or Pom Poms are cocky extroverted small dogs that have heavy lion mane-like furs. The fur should be harsh and profuse as they get older. The highly commercialized attractive soft cotton candy may be attractive but discouraged as it is a major fault in dog competitions. Look for harsh textured coats instead because they will get better when Pom Poms grow.
For future Pomeranian owners, stay away from cotton candy-like fur because it is prone to baldness. Look at the puppies' sire (male parents) to see if it still have its coat. Many breeders who use black-skinned dogs as studs will always find an excuse not to show the sire of their puppies.
Pom Poms weigh four to seven pounds and have 12-15 years of life expectancy. They have fox-like expressions and are very competitive because of their natural showmanship. They also come in all colors, patterns, and variations although red and orange are the popular colors.

Found Love in a Hopeful Place

As published here

Valentine's Day isn't exclusive to couples. It is also a celebration of life and its blessings, especially for children with chronic diseases.

Situated inside the East Avanue Medical Center, it is currently the home of indigent children outside the Metro Manila, who has chronic illness such as cancer, congenital heart disease, and blood-related problems.

The child house offers survival and remedial sessions to each children and parents. "Tahan-tahanan" also has arts room, play room, and counseling corner to "help ease the pain" of the child and parents.

"Tahan-Tahanan" is a joint project between the East Avenue Medical Center and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). It was inaugurated by President Aquino on February 14, 2011.

"Children, 19 years old and below, can be confined in our shelter, as long as they are from outside Metro Manila. We give them free food and accommodation and they can stay for as long as their medication demands," says Dr. Marvie Abesamis.

She qualifies though that they "don't admit kids with contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis," which others kids can also contract.

Hopeful, blessed

Mrs. Leticia Celebre, mother of congenital heart disease survivor Khesia, is very happy and thankful to "Tahan-Tahanan" for serving as their second home. They come from Eastern Samar.

1-year-old Khesia was operated last year and is now staying in the child house for recovery and check up that will last for three months.

"Siyempre, mahirap kasi sa probinsiya walang hospital, yung iba iniintay na lang (na mamatay ang bata). Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa tulong nila," Celebre said, teary-eyed.

Khesia is currently just one of the many children that are housed in "Tahan-Tahanan". According to Dr. Abesamis, there is approximately 70% survival among in-house patients. Last year, there were 144 children admitted in Tahan-Tahanan.

Give love on Valentine's (and in any other day)

"Tahan-Tahanan" is open to volunteers who wish to spend time with the children and help them-in his or her own little way.

Thus, comedienne and singer Beverly Salviejo, Manila Bulletin's (MB) Badette Cunanan and Barbie Atienza, actor Alex Medina, and Binibining Pilipinas 2012 2nd-runner up Ali Forbes, BB. Pilipinas 2001 International Maricarl Tolosa, and BB. Pilipinas 2013 hopeful Nicole Donesa, decided to spend their Valentine's Day with the children and felt very at home and welcome. This was "Tahan-Tahanan's" second anniversary.

The children spent the whole afternoon dancing, singing, eating, and enjoying their company. MB mascot Jeffery the Eaglet also danced with the children.

"Madaling sabihin sa inyo na kaya niyo 'yan, kasi hindi naman kami ang may sakit. Pero lahat tayo may kanya kanyang problema. Nanay din ako, so alam ko ang pakiramdam niyo. Kaya narito kami para kahit papano mabigyan kayo ng saya," media personality Bernadette Romulo Puyat says.

"It is fulfilling to spend our day here," host Barbie Atienza shared during the program. "I am once a cancer patient. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and the doctors said I had three to six months."

Owing to his healthy lifestyle and supportive family and friends, he has now recuperated and is very much healthy. His advice to the children, (and anyone who is grief-stricken, broken-hearted, and feeling hopeless): "strengthen your faith in God."

It was a heart-warming experience to spend a day with these children, especially for first-timers. This won't be the first and last visit for some, but will be a yearly celebration. After all, every day should be like Valentine's Day.

Panagb/Ə/nga Festival

As seen here

No, the title is neither misspelled nor altered for aesthetic purposes. This is how the widely-known festival in Baguio City is supposed to be pronounced—in schwa sound.

Apparently, the Kankanaey term that means “season of blooming” has long been mispronounced by tourists, Filipinos from other regions, and to some extent, even the locals. Nonetheless, it conveys the same message of thanksgiving that reflects the history, traditions, and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. The festival was introduced to celebrate how Baguio’s flowers continue to bloom five years after an earthquake hit the city in 1990.

The incorrect enunciation is somehow, forgivable.

Baguio’s Blooming Odyssey

The latest Panagbenga Festival, themed “Blooming Odyssey”, reflects the journey of one of the most prominent and widely celebrated festivals in the country.

“This is our theme because we wanted to celebrate the journey or odyssey of our festival. We had a humble beginning. The much anticipated street dance competition and float parade were not yet part of the festival before,” Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated (BIFF) Chairman Freddie Alquiroz said.

Evidently, the month-long celebration draws the most massive audience during the cultural street dance competition and most often than not, the star-studded float parade festival.  According to the BIFF, the latest Panagbenga installation gathered more than two million tourists—amidst Baguio’s fickle weather condition.

It was raining on the day before the cultural dance competition but the eager audience did not seem to mind. Fortunately, the competition that starred 13 participants from different schools danced the morning away in a partly sunny Session Road. Students in colorful costumes swerved in unison while chanting some indigenous tribal songs. The dance themes ranged from harvest rituals, thanksgiving for fruitful harvest, Bontoc gods, and folktales.

As a seamless transition before each participant swayed his or her hips, drum and lyre organizations from elementary schools and the military played indigenous and modern songs like “Call Me Maybe” and “Gangnam Style”. These songs were so last year but everyone didn’t seem to mind as it was refreshing to see policemen dancing to the beat.

“The dance competition is solely for cultural exchange. If people want to see flowers, they have to attend the second day of the celebration, which is the float parade,” Alquiroz said.

The much-anticipated Float Parade then lit the stretch of Session Road with its colorful flowers customized to form butterflies, wheels, patios, bicycles, and even breakfast meals.

The intermittent and slight drizzle did not scare the locals and foreigners away; instead, it allowed them to witness how the light rain sprinkled the blossoms and made them even fresher. The stretch of the overly-crowded Session Road smelled of flowers in bloom.

Local showbiz artists from television networks often drew large and enthusiastic crowds. The people donned cameras, iPads, and megawatt smiles. Screams of adoration welcomed the floats of GMA-7’s “Indio” led by Bong Revilla, Ehra Madrigal, Rhian Ramos, Vaness del Moral, and Sheena Halili as well as ABS-CBN’s Robin Padilla, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Smokey Manaloto, and Gary Valenciano and TV5’s Daniel Matsunaga.

The float parade ranged from simple to futuristic designs of butterflies, cartoon characters, ships, robots, cars, and Sto. Niños.

Baguio’s sister cities, from Vaughn (Canada), Hanyu (Japan), Guangzhou (China), and Vallejo (California) joined the celebration in their respective costumes. Cosplayers and dragon dancers showcased their talents after the flower float parade.

To cap off the celebration, Baguio’s Session Road will be covered and adorned with flowers dubbed as “Session Road in Bloom,” which will last until today, March 3. The 200 by 100 feet street of the oval field, Athletic Bowl will temporarily be grazed with blossoms in rainbow shades.

Sustaining tourism 

Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan said that the country’s Summer Capital sustains its tourism industry through the collection of business taxes.

“Before the Panagbenga Festival, the city collects 14 to 15 million pesos. Now, we receive more. Last year we had as much as 170 million pesos from the business taxes,” Domogan said.

Booming food, entertainment, hotel and restaurant, and leisure businesses thrive within the city. They lure the tourists as much as the Panagbenga Festival. The City of Pines is widely known for its ube jams, wood carvings, peanut brittles, fresh fruits and vegetables, and walis tambo.

Hence, the importance of keeping this popular yet normally mispronounced festival alive. The city of Baguio has to constantly entice the public that Panagbenga Festival has a lot more to offer than its colorful flowers and star-studded parades. This celebration is an annual reminder of Baguio and the Cordillera’s rich culture and tradition.

As for the thousands of flowers used in the celebration, don’t worry, they are being recycled as compost.

The Manila Bulletin Newpaper Online

Taboan 2013 Writers' Fest Turns Spotlight on Visayan Literature and Laureates

As seen here

Some people seemingly draw a distinction between local and national writers and their works of art. Hence, provincial writers apparently feel ''left out'' and find it hard to reach a wider audience and gain a greater sense of appreciation. Consequently, an extensive issue on the significance of our nationhood comes into the picture.

The Cebu-based historian, critic, and fictionist Resil Mojares pointed out the problems of 'local' writers and academicians in his keynote address, ''The Nation in the Visayan Imagination,'' in the recently concluded fifth Taboan Writers' Festival held in Dumaguete City.

According to him, the literary situation today is that writers and works have to be recognized in Manila for them to acquire the status of 'national'.

Cebuano writers (or any local poets for that matter) who have published vernacular materials in thousands are considered 'local' while authors from Manila with lesser materials are deemed 'national' writers.

The discussion continued on the plenary session (''Your Place at the Writer's Table'') on the importance of having an inclusive 'national' literature-where no one must be consigned to oblivion- amidst the perceived snobbery of established writers on 'local' and younger generation of talents. In addition to this situation, the Philippine writers-creative thinkers, poets, essayists, novelists, scholars, academicians-are constantly fazed with problems rooting from the changing times: the country's diverse language spoken, 'writers' cliques', proliferation of social media, and the youth's inclination toward non-reading habits.

Despite all these, Taboan 2013 finds the reason to recognize and celebrate the icons, focusing on the Visayan laureates, for their contributions to Philippine letters amidst the challenges posted above.

Dumaguete City, dubbed as the country's ''University Town'', seemed to be the most apt location for the festivity. It houses Silliman University, which holds the pioneer and longest-running writing workshop in the country. The National Artist Edith Tiempo and husband Edilberto founded the writing seminar that produced and nourished great literary personalities of today.

The Writers' Festival, furthermore, delved into the works of other Visayas-based writers such as the multi-awarded Ilongga poet, Merlie Alunan (who launched her book ''Pagdakop sa Bulalakaw'' at the event), poet Artemio Tadena, award-winning playwright and short story writer Elsa Victoria Martinez Coscolluela, and Carlos Palanca awardee Bobby Flores Villasis.

The latest Taboan: Philippine Writers' Festival brought together renowned and national artists, budding writers, teachers, students and enthusiasts across the country to discuss important points, trade ideas and stories on issues relevant to literature, culture, and arts. The parallel discussions tackled pertinent issues such as ''Writing Chinoy, Chinoy Writing,'' ''Gender Factor,'' ''Writing for the E-book Market,'' and ''Experimenting with Genres'' where the panelists and the audience-writers, students, and teachers from all over the archipelago-exchange insights and opinions. Taboan, means ''marketplace'' in English.

On ''diseases''

Going back to the issue of our nationhood, National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) Chair Felipe de Leon Jr. highlighted ''three national diseases'' that hinder our literature (including our culture and tradition) into coming full circle:

• ''The Donya Victorina syndrome,'' a character in Jose Rizal's ''Noli Me Tangere,'' who epitomizes the distorted view of one's own identity;

• ''the cult of smallness,'' that always refer to our own literature, culture, arts, and tradition minute and subordinate of the West;

• and ''national mentality as defeated persons'' or the celebration of our inferiority complex.

Aside from these, de Leon said that: ''Filipinos are very oral. Kuwentuhan mo na lang ako kaysa magbasa pa.''

Thus, the importance and objective of this annual Taboan event serves as a souk of ideas-no matter how clashing they may be-to inspire any one to continue writing and sharing his or her creative juices.

In celebration of our National Arts Month, simultaneous workshops, forums, and performances are held in various parts of the country.

Suvey says: humor has it!

As published here

…Another trait that long-lasting marriage partners often share: a sense of humor. Humor is vital, but it is vital to be happy, too. A happy marriage is a marriage between two happy people.” – Frank Pittman

Maybe we should invent stories so we can appear interesting,” businessman Oggie de Guzman encouraged his wife of more than a decade, Joanna. Of course, it was only meant as a joke, an introduction for the interview that nobody knew would be that engaging and revealing—amidst the endless banters of the couple and Oggie’s wacky antics.

Apparently, the couple didn’t need to fabricate tales and used instead their creativity and vivid imaginations on their furniture business. Definitely not on an “intimidating and unexpected interview” as the couple would put it—because they have a story to tell.

 “This is really how he is, he’s really a joker. This trait is what I like best in him,” said Joanna who could not get over his husband’s endless teasing and funny tricks. Maybe this is the secret of their youthful appearance and perhaps their seemingly too-good-to-be-true and worry-free life (and love) story, because they learned to laugh things off.  

From friends to lovers

Just like other romantic relationships, theirs blossomed from friendship.

“Our moms were high school best friends. When they lost communication when they entered college, they decided to have an out of town trip to bond. And they tagged us along so we were there. That was how we met,” Oggie said.

But they didn’t start immediately as friends. Although Ogie is a comic today, apparently he was not when they first met. He was very “snobbish” to acquaintances and people he barely knew, a complete opposite to the people-person Joanna. Until eventually, they became friends.

Joanna and Oggie often went on trips with both families and friends on the guise of family bonding and building camaraderie. But not long ago when their cousins seemingly sensed the chemistry and connection between the two that they started teasing them. “Hindi ba doon naman naguumpisa ‘yun? Sa mga tuksuhan,” the couple said smiling, perhaps reminiscing their kilig moments and first encounters.

“How did our relationship start?” Oggie asked his wife. “Ah, noon bang hindi ako nakatingin tapos bigla mo kong kiniss or nung binigyan mo ako ng anim na beer para lasingin?” the jester with a poker face asked his wife.

As if on cue, laughter echoed in the humble yet artsy fartsy confines of ‘Biara’ store, their furniture business in Makati.  This is also how they are in their home: brimming with giggles and amusement shared with their two kids Danielle Bianca, 17, and Raphael Louise, 13 (hence the name, ‘Biara’.)

Joanna and Oggie affirmed their growing affection on one of their out of town trips with their families and relatives. “It started when we went to Calatagan, Batangas for our Holy Week vacation. Then we became closer and that was it. Every summer, we go out of town with our friends.”

Their growing fondness for each other needed no formal and long courtship. Since actions speak louder than words, “it just happened.”

It may seem though that telling both their parents about their relationship would be a breeze to the new couple who were in their teenage years then; but it was not. Aside from their young age, they were scared of what their parents would think. Their cousins knew their romance but not their mothers and fathers—until Joanna’s dad fetched his daughter from school where Oggie also happened to be there, fetching her too.

 “Sabi ng father ko, ‘boyfriend mo ba ‘yun?’” “And his father of course knew me. So she had no choice but to tell him and the others about our relationship. Good thing, they approved of our relationship since both our families know each other’s background,” the couple said.

Second chances and forevermore

However, it wasn’t smooth sailing for them. They ended their then three-year relationship out of whim, or they ‘cooled off’. “Hindi ba kapag bata ka, ganoon? Konting tampo, ‘ah, wala break na tayo’ agad,” Joanna said.  The couple could not remember the reason for their breakup but they were sure it was something petty. Oggie cracked another gag and resorted to his athlete’s foot for the lack of a fitting reason for their parting. His joke sold us out, again.

Kidding aside, Oggie shared that: “Medyo ako pa kasi ang nagdadala [ng relasyon] kasi bata pa siya noon. Our relationship was typical, I gave her cards, roses and then, telebabad, hindi pa kasi uso ang internet noon... Pero one day, we broke up, wala lang. Sabi ko sa sarili ko hindi ko na babalikan ito (Joanna) kasi nga bata pa kasi.”

Until one fateful event happened.

A heavy downpour left Joanna and her family stranded one weekend night on their way home from a reunion.  The flood was above gutter deep and they were marooned.  They had no choice but to seek refuge in the nearest house, which happened to be that of Oggie’s.

“The next thing I knew, we were knocking on their door. I was thinking to myself ‘what were we doing here?’  It was very awkward,” Joanna shared with giggles.

Right there and then, they patched things up and compromised their differences.  If Joanna’s family was relieved to survive the deluge the morning after, the couple was happier about their unplanned reconciliation.

After all the stops and starts, they came back together, running to each other’s arms again. The universe perhaps connived to help them come to terms because they were really meant for each other. Thus, the next best thing to do was to get married. They decided to tie the knot after eight years of being together. They were each other’s first and last boyfriend and girlfriend.

So happy together

“Bakit naman kasi hinahanapan mo kami? Eh wala nga,” Oggie jokingly blamed the writer for the seemingly absurd questions on their polarities and difficult challenges encountered as a married couple. They stopped and stared at each other, there was a three-minute pause, and apparently the pair didn’t have any answer to the questions.

Joanna and Oggie didn’t have (major) problems with their kids or in their growing furniture business.  ‘Biara’ started from scratch but they eventually learned how to grow and manage it. And then of course, there were a few adjustments on their first year as a married couple, like Joanna’s adjustment regarding living with her in-laws under one roof. Today, they have their own home.  Everything seemed fine for the lovely couple. Perhaps they had learned to hurdle the trying times by laughing them off and practically forgetting about them, because they never go to bed without setting things straight. “Kaya lagi akong puyat eh,” Oggie kidded, pertaining to his wife’s talkative nature.

The couple’s only polarity though can be found in their food choices and wayward waking and sleeping patterns, which they are trying to resolve until today. “I am a morning person while she is a night person. Kapag ako tulog siya gising tapos bukas ‘yung TV and the other way around.” Nonetheless, these are just trivial instances.

Until an aha-moment came and Oggie answered the question posted earlier: “Ah, meron (problems and challenges as married couple) pero ‘wag mo na lang sabihin na nagkaroon kami ng affair ni Angel Locsin.”

Joanna de Guzman appeared to be surprised.

for your eyes (and ears) only

As published here

Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro caters to the nature lovers and adventure seekers. The tourist destination in the south boasts of pristine natures, white beaches, activities such as diving and snorkeling, and tamaraws. Recently, it held a pre-summer getaway celebration to those who wanted to take pleasure on their artistries and music sensibilities, (while flaunting their beach-ready bodies in between) through the annual Malasimbo Music and Arts festival, with its latest installment held recently. 

The Port of Galleons apparently wanted to temporarily veer away from the “standard” local attractions and highlight other must-see and must-hear temptations. With these, the province three hours away from the metro, proudly presented the annual concert, “Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival” that starred local artists and musicians plus international and award-winning names such as the legendary Jimmy Cliff, traditional Filipino singer Grace Nono and Grammy winner Joss Stone. 

The underground concert that has been gaining local and international attentions since it started two years ago is the brainchild of Frenchman Hubert d’ Aboville, who fell in love with the splendor of the province and decided to stay for good. The Malasimbo Fest gathers the nature, culture, arts, and music enthusiasts and lets them experience what Hubert felt when he first set foot on the island. The celebration, according to him, will put the province in the international music, arts, and culture map.

“The Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is a celebration of all art forms. Malasimbo is the first international music and arts festival of its kind in the Asia Pacific,” d’ Aboville says. 

Explorers enjoyed the good vibes and shared their creative energy in the stunning and breathtaking natural amphitheater grounds of Mt. Malasimbo. The festival atop the inactive mountain overlooks the Puerto Galera bay, which is recently voted as one of the most scenic bays in the world. 

The Malasimbo lured the artsy and curious floppy-hatted tourists and locals to its latest installation last March 1-3. A spectrum of eco-cultural activities kept the tourist intrigued that included workshops, organic market, tree planting, sunset yoga and meditation, and cultural features on indigenous tribes. While the party people basked in the energy of soulful and awe-inspiring lineup of acts from night until dawn. 

However, the festival is not just about merry making and frenzied entertainment. Parts of the proceeds from the fiesta will contribute to the reforestation of Mindoro and the proliferation of the indigenous Mangyan written language. 

Apparently, the first Malasimbo concert did not make much money but thanks to the solicited help and seeded money, the celebration was able to put electricity in the Iraya Village in Mindoro. But this time, everyone holds high hopes that the third episode will be much better. 

“Activities like the Malasimbo attract tourists and boost the province as a prime tourism destination in the country. It generates jobs while helping our indigenous tribes,” Puerto Galera Mayor Hubert Dolor says. 

Malasimbo Fest is endorsed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a catalyst for the advancement of the country’s culture and arts. “We reaffirm our continued support and participation as partner of Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2013 as it underscores the importance of promoting eco-cultural tourism and serves as an opportunity for foreign tourists to discover for themselves why ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’. We hope that the Malasimbo Festival will further cement the country into the must-see music festivals catalog of the world,” DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said in a statement.

Beat the Summer Heat with Ice Cream Spa

Published here:

Ice cream saves the sizzling summer season by cooling down our bodies and temporarily quenching our thirst. But the frozen dessert also found its way to chill our blistering bodies through a spa concoction that promises to heal sunburned and dry skin, and uneven skin tone.

These colorful myriad of creams that come in chocolate, Thai tea, coconut, and rose flavors may be edible-looking, however, they are not the “real thing.”

“We cannot make a spa body scrub with the real ice cream dessert because it will be very messy and the ice cream will not moisturize one’s body but (make it) sticky instead,” Devarana Spa manager Sudaporn Prasertsang Chong said.

The Devarana (pronounced Tewaran) Spa in Dusit Thani hotel, offers ice cream-like creations made from the essential base ingredients such as sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and oil as an alternative to the frozen delight.

To achieve the cooling effect of the well-loved dessert, each scoop of ice cream spa scrub is placed in the freezer to chill. The cool sensation from the ice cream exfoliant [frozen at a temperature between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius] will provide the skin inflammatory reduction and muscle soreness relief.

Unlike other spa treatments that use hot water, the Thailand-based spa splashes cold water to one’s body to tighten and ready the skin from the frostiness of the ice cream. Each person gets three scoops of ice cream for an hour of body scrub. Despite the cold water, the experienced massage techniques and extensive body scrub eventually get one into deep slumber.

Chong however said that the ice cream scrub is only beneficial to those with mild sunburned skin, “We cannot scrub the scraping and redish skin of course,” she said.

Devarana offers four exciting flavors fit for the summer season (when most of us will be strutting our beach-ready bodies and ending up with dreaded skin problems).

The Chocolate cream scrub uses the base ingredients mentioned with the addition of chocolate and cinnamon powders to increase skin renewal benefits such as toning and moisturizing the skin, and relieving it from the irritations after sun exposure.

The Coconut recipe meanwhile has dried coconut meat, milk, and lavender oil. The coconut bits make great granules for dry skin while the essential base ingredients provide skin toning and skin calming. The lavender oil helps in relieving sensitive and sunburned skin.

The Chocolate and Coconut ice cream are Devarana’s “best-sellers,” which are perfect for the summer.

But those with ageing skin can also try the Rose flavored ice cream. The rose scrub is a combination of fresh rose petals, geranium rose oil, and the base ingredients. The rose petals control thread veins and induce skin elasticity.

Lastly, the Thai Tea flavored ice cream with the pleasant fragrance of tea is perfect as an antioxidant. The Thai black tea scrub nourishes and improves skin softness. The hint of mint, lemon, and lime oils will leave the skin feeling smooth, moist, and rosy.

After the one-hour session, a home-made lotion is put onto one’s body to seal in the moisture and make the skin smoother and softer.

Devarana is a Thai Sanskrit word that means “garden in heaven.” The ice cream scrub summer promo is first in the Philippines but Thailand has long been practicing this delectable and refreshing body scrub.