Monday, December 5, 2011

A 10-YEAR AFFAIR





Fact: All humans have an innate sense of romanticism. A natural affinity to thrive soul-deep, in being passionately immersed in our deepest emotions and aspirations. Being naturally sentimental, nostalgic, and passionate are major indicators of how we perceive and connect to things that revolve in our everyday dealings-with. We cherish each and every milestone in our lives as we see fit: We treat friends out to dinner and drinks after passing examinations with flying colors (or failing one horridly, all the same). We give thoughtful tokens to dear ones who helped us through certain pivotal points (mind the plural form) in our lives. The mourning of a loss. We share tears (and a bottle of vodka) with a cherished friend who mends a broken heart. We go out and enjoy a day to ourselves as a treat…just because.

Celebrations are – quite undeniably – very much a part of our lives and are well worth welcoming in all its forms: Birthdays, being the most proverbial, of course…and Anniversaries (Heck, even “monthsaries” have been invented!) to celebrate and be grateful for all the blessings that are experienced together in a relationship, come hail or hellfire! Even ancient history and tradition has come up with a table of correspondences to all these years together. There’s gold for 50 years, diamond for 60…the entire drill. Why this has become an age-old tradition is beyond us. But we adopt it all the same. Because. We value. Relationships.

And there is one such love affair that is celebrated right here, right now…

Ten years ago, one woman had a vision. One that she carries with her so fervently to this day; that it manifested into the top-selling, service-oriented company that offers no other else than beauty that is unbound by expense.

Initially intended to be a spa in the lush landscapes of Tagaytay, Flawless Face & Body Clinic opened on December 8, 2001 through the passionate pursuance of company CEO Rubby Coyiuto; realizing the need for high-quality yet affordable skin and body care for the Filipino. Rubby shares, “Back when Flawless began, nobody spoke about their skincare secrets. It was so taboo to discuss (it) in public. Yet we saw Filipinos and Filipinas come to Flawless regardless – they really cared about their appearance.” So, Filipinos broke the mold while Flawless gave them the avenue to do so. Many people ask Rubby why she named her clinic “Flawless” – she explains, “The word “flawless” is synonymous with faultless, unblemished, even perfect – and perfection is the promise that we hold to our patients. Perfection in the products, services, solutions, skincare, customer service – for a perfectly flawless experience.” True to word and through years of perseverance, this credo did not go unnoticed. In 2009, the clinic won the Philippine Retailer Association’s Outstanding Retailer of the Year, following up 2010 with the same award for the second year in a row, guaranteeing Flawless a position in the PRA’s Hall of Fame. 

As a Flawless tradition, National Flawless Day has become a beauty enthusiast’s red-carpet day – the  company’s anniversary, and a way to give back to its loyal patrons by way of splendid, pampering promos. Now on its tenth year, Flawless painted the town pink yet again with ten weeks of fabulous promos for its loyal and diversifying clientele. Each week, clients were treated to special promotions to help them become more radiant, sexier, whiter, younger-looking, and be the best self they want to be. As a glorious culmination, from December 5 to 11, clients will be treated to discounts of up to 40% off on the most favorite Flawless products and services - including the Nano Power Peel, electrocautery warts removal, Laser Hair Removal, the Flawless Nutraceuticals, and Flawless’ revolutionary body slimming technology – the Shape & Sculpt program. To cap the celebration, Flawless  launches  the Forever Gift Set – all carried by Forever, Flawless’ first ever scent. Coming in a delightfully feminine and vibrant scent for women and a sexy, stable and mysterious scent for men, Flawless ushers in its next ten years with this revolutionary product, a first for the clinic. Since Flawless is an aesthetic clinic that promises excellent skincare, the gift set also contains a sheer powder, a lotion, the deCrease line eraser, and a brightening soap.
                
By tradition, the tenth anniversary is symbolized by the daffodil, symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. And by tin - An element that can be bent…but never broken. Through all of its ten-year journey, Flawless is looking forward to 2012 and promises to maintain its fervent vow; and continue to provide excellent, modern skincare at affordable prices.

Here’s to ten Flawless years! A promise, an affair for all to cherish and take to heart. 



Thursday, September 15, 2011



Moonrise


For our beloved Io...


I.
Once upon a dream
You came to me.
Heavens filled your eyes with the stars.
Divine as rain,
 you came.
(Instrumental)

II.
Far beyond the world,
we sailed away.
Cradled me with warmth in your arms.
Against the tide,
we stand.
Far beyond the tide…

Chorus1:Ooh…
The moon smiles tonight
Hearing m pray’r.
Singing in amber light.
Ooh…
My soul takes to flight.
In my heart
You burn, forever bright.


III.
How we used to live
with such love…
How we lived in each moment so right.
Blessed as the sea
with thee.
IV.
Fate must have its way…
And through the night,
I could hear you sigh with the stars.
Just as a dream,
be free.
I could hear you sigh…

Chorus2:Ah…
The moon cries tonight
Hearing my pray’r
Bleeding in amber light.
Ah…
My soul takes to flight
Here in my heart
You shine, forever bright.

Ah…
The moon cries tonight
Hearing my pray’r
Bleeding in amber light.
Ah…
My soul takes to flight
Here in my heart
You shine, forever bright.

Friday, March 18, 2011

SUN SURGES INTO ARIES, FULL MOON IN VIRGO

My mother always told me to follow that inner voice.

Time and again, I've been in situations where I feel that this "inner voice," gut feel, instinct, whatever term works for one, has to be followed. At times, with reluctance, I tried "weighing" things and say to myself perhaps it is just me and I have to go against this bulong from within. It is in those moments that I know I made a wrong turn when repercussions manifest rather immediately after going against my guts. 

Even the stars confirm my mother's counsel. Especially with my sign (I'm a fire-snake Cancerian).

Now comes another fork on the road. The coming week is highly crucial and the inner voice is strongly advising a move yet again.

Alas - with heavy eyelids from a restless night, and a relentlessly strong dose of caffeine - I start the day as I always do...And this is what the stars, the cards, and the guide have to say: 

"March 20 marks the Astrological New Year as the Sun moves into Aries, a transit that always brings an exciting change of pace. But this year, March 19 to 21 are packed with some intense planetary action that will leave you feeling like you're shifting gears in the middle of a high-speed chase!

On March 19, the Sun ends its jaunt through Pisces with a tricky opposition to the full Moon in Virgo. Pisces likes to drift along, while Virgo is all about planning, planning and more planning. When combined, the two can leave you feeling pulled in opposite directions; if you can rise above the push-and-pull, however, you'll manage to find a solution that satisfies both your heart and your mind.

Then, on March 20, the Sun finally surges into Aries, where it will set up shop for the next four weeks. Any sensitivity you've felt recently will suddenly be replaced by a desire for competition and adventure. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries loves to be number one -- and you'll feel the same way!

As if settling into gung-ho Aries wasn't enough, the Sun will pair up with Uranus on March 21. Don't bother trying to compromise right now, because it won't happen. Rather, this is a time for radical change, and whether that change is good or bad will depend on you. If you volunteer yourself for something new and exciting, and you may be pleasantly surprised by what the stars hold for you!"

And so it is.The cards have spoken..

MUST. HONKER. DOWN. TO IT.

SANTIAGO!!! ONE MORE CUP, POR FAVOR.

Ready. Steady. GO!!!!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

THIS YEAR'S PARTICIPANTS @ Printemps des Poètes/Spring of Poets 2011



Printemps des Poètes/Spring of Poets 2011

Featuring

Part 1 

Abdon Balde - Dream of Skycrapers
Francisco Llaguno - Ang kalikasan at ang mga tao

Mikael de Lara Co - Permanence

Joel Salud - Faith

Christine Joy O. Castillo - Les paysages en moi

Beatrix Syjuco - Domino Nation

Asha Macam - Clouds

Jacques Chessex by Markus Ruckstuhl - Je regarde la chaîne des Alpes

Ed Maranan - Sailing on the Fourth of July

Vim Nadera - Epiko ko

Alfred A. Yuson - The beach, plus Pablo

Maxine Syjuco - Weeds and Rags

Ariana Pozzuoli - The joke is on you!


Part 2

 
Jacques Brel by Tata Poblador accompanied by Pr. Lester Demetillo- Ne me quitte pas

 
Mookie Katigbak - As far as Cho-Fu-Sa

 

Cesare A.X. Syjuco - The world turns
 

Yanna Verbo Acosta - Dreamscaping
 

Noel del Prado - Hardin sa Ibawaw ng Davao
 

Gémino H. Abad - Casaroro Falls
 

Marne L. Kilates - Bangaan
 

Victor Peñaranda - At the Buddhist Garden
 

Alma anonas Carpio - Mountain song
 

Virgilio S. Almario by Marivic Rufino & Marne L. Kilates - Halimuyak ng Pulo
 

Johanna Fernandez - Currents
 

Ramon C. Sunico - Mindoro
 

Andrea Levinge - The deepening sea
 

Anne Abad - Fern
 

Gian Paolo Lao - In my country

 



Wednesday, March 9, 2011

NOLI ME TANGERE: THE MUSICAL AUDITIONS EXTENDED!!!

 
Something ROCKIN's brewing between the pages. Soon... You'll be all ears to HISTORY like never before!

NOLI ME TANGERE: THE MUSICAL Auditions is extended! March 18 (fri) 6-10pm bulwagang amado hernandez, ccp to accommodate the growing number of applicants.

Mark your calendars.

Libretto: Bien Lumbera
Music: Ryan Cayabyab
Direction: Audie Gemora
 Call TANGHALANG PILIPINO @ 832 1125 loc 1620 and look for Ms YANNA ACOSTA or LORELEI CELESTINO. 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Printemps des Poètes (Spring of Poets) 2011




It's that time of the year again! 

Alliance Francaise de Manille brings you the Annual Printemps des Poètes (Spring of Poets). 

This year's theme is...

D'INFINIS PAYSAGES – INFINITE LANDSCAPES
"Expressing the deep links that unite man and nature, celebrating or questioning them, is one of the most constant features of universal poetry.
Seas and mountains, islands and shores, forests and rivers, skies, winds, suns, deserts and hills, like a hinterland, most poems carry the memory of landscapes crossed and lived in.
Recognizing oneself as dependent on the infinite faces of the world, this is undoubtedly how Holderlin wanted a poet to live on earth.”

See you all on 17 March 2011, 7pm at Alliance Francaise de Manille, 209 Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo), Makati.

Cheers!