Elements of tiles

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
March 12, 2014

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Renowned Cebu-based architect Buck Sia loves trends with an eclectic flair. His fashion ensemble—Harry Potter eyeglasses, peek-a-boo pink socks, grey shoes with green lining—reflects in the design of his recently opened Architectural & Interior Source (AIS) bathroom ware showroom in Bonifacio Global City: textured and full of character.

Images by Noel Pabalate

Sia himself carefully chose the wide array of tiles in porcelain and ceramic. “They are from Spain. Now, why Spain? Because it is always first in creating global trends and it produces the best ceramic style and quality. As a designer and architect, I can relate to the needs of the field. Each of these items is personally chosen by me, based on trends and forward thinking.”

ARBITER OF STYLE: Different tiles of different styles are showcased in Arhitect Buck Sia’s Architectural & Interior Source showroom.

Hence, the palpable influence of Español aesthetics in the tiles, which either transports you to Spain or reminds you of our local architectural buildings like the defunct Metropolitan Theater in Lawton, Manila. Some tiles are gradient and textured, with swirls and curls. Some, patterned; think chessboard and Chevron. Others  are embossed, glittered even. The “pixtile” mosaic, of patterns like hexagon and lines, are easy on the eyes. The “pixtile” is a new concept that allows endless customization of mosaics with any image, pattern, or artwork. Every tile is anything but austere.  There are even wooden tiles… or not?

“Tiles nowadays are good in mimicking textures like wood, stone, and even wallpapers,” says Sia, the principal architect of Zubu Associations Design Services, who is also named as one of the 20 outstanding young designers under 40 years old last 2013 by BluPrint magazine.

The brands in the showroom like Saloni, Ape, La Platera, Vidrepur, and Saniflo represent different market lifestyles, especially the middle and upper classes. The Saloni collection, for instance, combines elegance and practicality. Sia called it “boring and bleak,” only to correct it and say it is classic and architectural. The Ape collection on the other hand, offers ceramic tiles for walls and floors that are bolder and tasteful in design. Emerging brands such as La Platera and Vidrepur, meanwhile are unique “pixtile” mosaic, which is a great alternative to glass mosaic. Place them in your bathroom, bedroom, or even ceiling and voila! An instant house makeover! Aside from tiles, AIS also carries sanitary ware, bathroom fittings, and accessories.

AIS showroom is located at the second floor of Forum South Global, 7th Ave.cor. Federacion Drive, Bonifacio Global City.

Sexy Solutions

Healthy corset

Behind a women’s curve is a sexy silhouette saver

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
February 25, 2014

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Despite the health and beauty fads that come and go, women of shapes and sizes across eras and nations rely on one indispensable solution for a sexier silhouette: the corset.

Corsets have a long and celebrated history that goes way back to as early as 3,000 and 1,500 B.C. The waist-cinching garment enjoyed popularity in Europe, America, and Asia but with different forms, designs, and structures.

However, unlike in yesteryears when one’s waist is cinched to its smallest size possible—back when the ideal notion of alluring is conical shape—today’s sexy solutions are seamless, friendlier, and healthier. The fabric of today’s undergarments conforms to the body unlike ages ago when women could barely sit and eat.

Benefits of corsets and other shape wear

Generally, these body hugging undergarments are perfect for those who have no time to exercise, want to increase breast size, and lose weight after giving birth. Aside from these, corsets and other shape wears like bra, arms, and thigh enhancers are also perfect for those who want to enhance their posture, self-esteem, and general outlook in life.

Guess what’s behind Anna Poco’s sexy silhouette

Also, did you know that wearing these life savers for more or less eight hours every day, trains your fats to stay where you want them to belong?

“Our body fats are very movable. In fact, you can scoop your back and arm fats toward your bust area, for a fuller breast. Our body fats are sculpted and shifted through time,” Anna Poco, an avid corset user says.

Poco, now in the prime of her age, looks younger and more confident compared to women in their 40s and 50s. Her secret? Her indispensable set of shape wears! But her journey toward a slimmer and healthier silhouette wasn’t easy. Poco used to be obese. Add to this was her battles against cancer and diabetes. Poco has tried a few exercise routines and started healthy eating.  Yet, she still wanted well-defined curves and silhouette. She has found her new best friend: Diamant undergarments infused with tourmaline.

What is tourmaline?

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone known for its ability to increase mental alertness, improve circulation of blood and oxygen, detoxify, and strengthen the immune system.

This colorful gemstone has the capacity to generate its own heat thus, stabilize one’s nerves and eventually make one lose weight. According to Poco, each Diamant undergarment has gone under thermal scanner to see that the blood and oxygen flow have increased. She said that the ability of the tourmaline to produce electrical charge makes it the only mineral that can emit negative ions, which are known to improve the body’s resistance to illnesses.

From Chubbylita to Sexy Mama! Anna Poco (in photo) says exercise, diet, and Diamant undergarment are the answers for sexier curves

Diamant Series

Diamant undergarments come in four pieces: bra, pants, girdle, and arm sculptor. According to Poco here are the benefits of the undergarments she herself has experienced:

• Reshaping Bra

Effects: Improve oxygen and blood circulation, breast firming, bust line enhancement

• Reshaping Girdle

Effects: Improve oxygen and blood circulation, relieve constipation, waistline reduction, posture correction, relieve backache

• Reshaping Pants

Effects: Firm buttocks, thin thighs, regulate menstrual cycle, smoothen hip line

The Easecox Diamant Series is made with precise computer calculations of body shape implemented in conjunction with hand tailoring to create the perfect body contour. Diamant is a Taiwanese product while its materials are made in Japan.

Fly in Style

Fly in style with the best seats in the sky

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
February 23, 2014

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Singapore Airlines (SIA), the five-star full service carrier, is still the best way to fly as it offers exceptional value all-in fare promotions for roundtrip economy class tickets available until February 28 with travel periods until October 31.

The promo includes $150 to Singapore and $888 to 12 cities in Europe. The promo is exclusive to BPI Express Credit cardholders, Globe Platinum Subscribers, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer members, and Greenbelt and Glorietta shoppers. (For more information, you may visit www.singaporeair.com.)

Singapore Airlines New First Class seats, designed by BMW Design Works, have curved side panels to set one’s personal space for added privacy. It is one of the most spacious first class cabins in the world.
(Photos by: Jeffrey C. Lim)

Besides its promo seats, SIA has also officially unveiled and showcased its New Generation Cabins for the local travelers to experience first-hand the innovative designs before they fly. The upgraded cabins promise a homier and comfier traveling experience in the sky.

Passengers who are booked on select flights from Singapore to London on Boeing 777-300ER will be the first to try the innovation come September. The New Generation Cabins feature upgraded and top of the line first, business, and economy class cabin products.

Singapore Airlines New Business Class seats offer two new seating positions: “Lazy Z” and “Sundeck” complemented with an 18-inch LCD screen.

“We’ve brought in the next generation seats for everyone to try before they fly. Singapore Airlines has been flying in the Philippines for 48 years now. Not so long ago, we started our Manila operations with three flights a week and today we are flying four times daily. This growth is a testament of the support that we have received from Filipino travelers and we are very thankful for this,” SIA Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia Philip Goh said.

Approximately half a million Filipino travelers have visited the Lion City while 130,000 Singaporean travelers visited the country last year. Singaporeans are included in the Philippines’ top five foreign visitors and by the end of 2014, the country is hoping to accommodate 200,000 Singaporean visitors, Department of Tourism (DoT) Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said.

The DoT has been stepping up its marketing and promotions by participating in major travel fairs and inviting Singaporean media and travel agents for family tours, Bengzon added.

“There is a huge potential for two-way traffic, meaning in and out bound travels. It is a welcome development which gives tourists more options. It provides a certain market for those who want a luxurious option,” he said.

Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima tries Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) New First Class seats, which boasts of optimal comfort, security, and space. With him are (from left) Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines V.P. Hirubalan, Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr., and SIA Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia Philip Goh.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) unveils its New Generation cabin to the public with Singapore Airlines General Manager Ranjan Jha, Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr., and SIA Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia Philip Goh.

Next Generation Cabins

BMW Group Design Works developed the New First Class seats while James Park Associates styled the New Business Class. The New Generation Cabins give special attention to comfort, details, needs, and lifestyle of its passengers.

The New First Class shows exquisite details and boasts of ensuring optimal personal space and demarcation. They feature a personal 24-inch LCD screen, longer and wider seat, padded headboards, and additional mattress layers. Perfect for the long haul flights are their three lighting systems, which intensify according to the passenger’s needs at varying positions in both seat and bed modes.

Contemporary designs—metallic colors, curved shell for isolation, and extravagant furnishings—meanwhile are found in the New Business Class. It is still the widest in the sky, featuring greater recline with new seating positions and an all-in-one business panel. It also has varying lighting options to match one’s mood.

The New Economy Class meanwhile provides more knee and legroom, movable headrest, cushioned seats with bolstered sides, and in-seat power supply to charge and connect devices.

The KrisWorld Inflight Entertainment System offers everyone across all seat classes with larger and high definition LCD and touch screen handsets.

Back to basics

Home remedies for colds, cough, and flu

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
February 19, 2014

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In preventing and curing colds, cough, and flu, did you know that a whip or two of some basic home ingredients can get you through?  Need not look in a drugstore, but be your own doctor. The answers lie in your own kitchen or in your organic garden. Spend less, or even nothing.  You know we are not bluffing. Here are some easy steps to follow for a healthier, happier tomorrow. 

Garlic

This indispensable cooking ingredient is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties thus, it is an effective solution for fighting colds, cough, and flu. Peel two to three cloves of fresh garlic and gently crush them. Add two cups of boiling water after. Sweetened this drink with raw honey and voila, a calming beverage for you.

Hot water with honey and lemon

Cut two thin slices of lemon (or more if you want) in a cup of warm water and sweetened it with honey. This soothing concoction can temporarily relieve cough. Have it as many times as you want!

Salt solution

Ease your sore throat by making a saltwater gargle. Just mix two teaspoon of salt into warm water. Salt is one of the best natural astringents that helps relieve sore throat and swelling. Meanwhile, to ease your congested nasal, make your own saline drops/spray by adding ¼ teaspoon to 8 ounces of water. Spray or drop the solution into each nostril at least three to four times. Repeat five times a day.

Extra pillow

Have a good night rest by elevating your head with extra pillows. It will relieve your congested nasal passages.

Chicken noodle soup

A healthy and savory soup helps keep the colds away! Did you know that chicken soup contains cysteines, which are known at thinning the mucus? Scientists also believe that the vapor/fume of the soup helps release the mucus and fights against virus. The chicken, vegetables, and noodles also give you energy and nutrients.

Steam

Take a bath in warm shower, close the door, and savor the steam of your own sauna-like bathroom. The vapor helps open up clogged passageways as it also softens thickened mucus in your sinuses. If hot baths are not your thing, pour boiling water in a bowl mixed with ginger and eucalyptus and breathe the fumes of your aromatic steamer.

Lotsa liquids

Drink at least 8 glasses of water to keep your mucous membranes moist and thus easier to expel. It will also relieve your dry eyes and ease your swelling throat.

Lemon

If you don’t like the salt gargle, squeeze lemon to your glass of warm water instead. Bacteria and viruses don’t like the acidity of the lemon.

Art that heals, empowers, celebrates

Philippine Arts Festival 2014: Art that heals, empowers, celebrates

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
February 10, 2014

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Philippine art appears to be on the edge.  It is on the brink of being forgotten with artworks and artists relegated to the peripheries. The artists, meanwhile, are slowly getting trapped by the daily routines of everyday life, their creativity somewhat stifled by mundane concerns. Yet, art strives to bring the artists back to the mainstream.  And in doing so, it challenges and pushes people to step out of their comfort zone to create, innovate, celebrate.

These are the focus and objectives of this year’s celebration of the Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) spearheaded by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA). This year, NCCA takes on the theme, “Art on the Edge: Arts for Healing, Arts for All.” It celebrated its opening last Jan. 30 in Roxas City, Capiz.

But besides being a catalyst for evolution, innovation, creation, and advancement, art is an avenue for healing. Last year was a testament to difficulty and triumph. We were almost knocked out by killer earthquakes and super typhoons;  and yet, while we were shaken, art has helped (and is still helping) people to stand up, rebuild, and heal.

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  Local musicians share their traditional music.

Art as healing

Capiz is the most apt setting for the PAF event as the province is art-friendly and artistic. It is also one of the areas in the Visayas badly beaten by the super typhoon Yolanda. It needs healing through art.

“Art on the Edge means arts for the people in crisis especially in Visayas. We bring them the arts because art heals people,” NCCA Chairman Felipe De Leon Jr. said.

How does art heal people? De Leon explained that art as a form of expression aids in forgetting, expressing, and rebuilding one’s senses. It helps that Filipinos are innately creative, passionate, and expressive.

“Art on the Edge utilizes the Filipinos as resources because we are expressive. We like to express our feelings and our thoughts through the arts. Therefore, we can recover easily from any tragedy, from any calamity, because expression means [getting] out of your system all those pain and traumas caused by the calamities, manmade and natural,” De Leon said.

He added that being expressive also means being sensitive to the misery of the people, the victims on the edge.

Provincial arts

“Another meaning of the Art on the Edge is that we are trying to bring to the mainstream people who are on the periphery, ‘yung mga halos di natin napapansin, the marginalized, the provincial arts. Ang napapansin kasi natin urban arts.  Our goal is to bring them to the mainstream so we can empower,” De Leon said.

Sayaw Pinoy, etc.

Last January 20, LRT passengers were treated to samplings of dances—Filipiniana, hip hop, ballet, contemporary dance—as a prelude to PAF. This year, Sayaw Pinoy lends the stage to local performers from various dance companies. But more than the showcase of talents, the annual dance presentation aims to encourage budding dancers as well as express their emotions through graceful dance moves. Sayaw Pinoy is the longest-running National Arts Month project.

Aside from dance, PAF consists of the other flagship projects of the national committees of the sub-commissions on architecture, cinema, literature, music, theater, and visual arts. The activities will be held nationwide to highlight our innate artistic talents.

For more details on the activities and schedules, contact PAF Media Director and NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) head, Rene Sanchez Napeñas at (632) 527-2192 or at 0928.5081057 or log on to www.ncca.gov.ph.