Journey to ‘I Do’: 8 bridal essentials
MANILA, Philippines — Eight, in numerology, means “infinity” and “forever.”
From wedding preparations to honeymoon, here are eight things that every bride and groom might need in their journey to “forever.”
Derma-like beauty
Engaged celebrity couple Kryz Uy and Slater Young. Screenshot from Instagram/Kryz Uy
Every day, you are exposed to various factors that weaken your skin–from environmental elements such as ultraviolet rays exposure and pollution to a newer kind of skin enemy, your lifestyle, whether it’s lack of sleep, stress, or an unbalanced diet. All these factors damage the skin at a deeper level.
“Jet lag has long been a part of my life as a frequent traveler,” shares blogger and bride-to-be Kryz Uy. “I know that lack of sleep could take a toll on my skin, so I’m glad I have this new line from Pond’s to take along with me everywhere I go.”
While your skin naturally has the energy to renew and correct imperfections, it needs to be coupled with a great skin care solution. Featuring the DermPerfect Complex and ingredients, the New Pond’s Flawless Radiance Derma+ aims to work with your skin to boost its cellular energy, so you can unlock your flawless skin quality.
The derma+ ingredients in this new product range claim to work from within the deepest layers of the epidermis to boost skin’s cellular energy, giving your skin spot-less clarity, pore-less texture, and a luminous, even tone. “It is really a practical solution with ingredients that work just as hard, and deliver similar results to many common derma treatments,” added beauty expert Agoo Bengzon. “It’s a great new line you can use alongside going to the derma to maximize the effects of your professionally delivered treatments.”
The range, said to be the brand’s most advanced skincare technology, has Dermperfect Complex, which aims to lighten spots like laser, tightens pores like IPL, and boost skin radiance like glutathione a for spot-less, pore-less and luminous skin.
The product range also contains Glycerin to increase the water content of skin cells. Glycerin gives similar benefits as IPL, which makes the cells more intensive so that pore size is minimized. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Vitamin E Acetate--both antioxidants--are also included in the product to protect skin cells from being damaged. Hexyl Resorcinol, in particular inhibits tyrosinase activity (tyrosinase is an enzyme that is responsible for making melanin production happen) to help prevent melanin formation and skin darkening. Allantoin and Niacinamide target cells with inflammation and cells with over-produced melanin, to reduce hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide also boosts skin’s renewal process to further prevent spots.
“This new breakthrough is for today’s modern Filipina, allowing her to have an accessible skin care solution for some common concerns that would usually require going to the dermatologist,” shared Mario Mangilin, Unilever Philippines R&D Director.
Every day, people are exposed to harmful rays: UV-A, which penetrates into the dermis and leads to premature aging and wrinkling, and UV-B, which reaches the epidermis and causes sunburn, and with constant exposure, skin cancer. This is why the use of sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily skincare routine.
Unlike other sunscreens that are heavy and sticky, the new Pond’s White Beauty Daily Whitening Sun Protect with SPF50 PA+++ also has lightweight formulation. This new formulation tries to do two things at once: protects from sun on the outside and whitens skin on the inside.
“I love taking care of my skin but I don’t like the greasy, sticky feel that most sunscreen products have,” said actress Kathryn Bernardo.
“I’m almost always outdoors, and a high SPF count is important for me to keep my skin protected as I’m always exposed under the sun,” said blogger Laureen Uy.
In the mood for nude
Top model Gigi Hadid wearing a shade from Inti-matte Nudes collection.
Choosing your everyday go-to lipstick shade is not as easy as it sounds. While you may have a ton of shades to choose from, it takes just the right color and finish to make you look effortlessly polished and fresh.
When you select a lip color that is too light, it may not compliment your overall look, while going too dark may throw-off the desired natural look all together.
With the aim to give the right shade and the best finish, Maybelline’s Inti-matte Nudes collection offers pigmented nude shades in matte format that are wearable and flattering. The collection comes from the brand’s power lip franchise, Color Sensational, with a variety of shades coming from ColorSen’s Creamy Mattes line and Powder Mattes collection.
The 16 nude shades with warm golden undertones can power lips from day to night. Every shade promises to deliver the most moisturizing and most lightweight mattes in a variety of warm shades for all types of Filipina skin tones.
Here comes the ‘anti-bride’
Sneakers and flats can be worn even after the wedding.
Wedding day is one of the most important days in a woman’s life and she deserves to be beautiful and relaxed on her special day. After picking out the best gown and matching jewelry, opt for comfortable footwear to wear down the aisle and straight to reception.
Though wearing heels gives the most height, it does not keep the bride comfortable for long, so why not let her have the time of her life from walking down the aisle to dancing the night away effortlessly?
Rather than get blisters wearing high heels, brides these days can wear sneakers under the gown, such as those from Skecher Street collection. If she wants an easy-on/easy-off style with maximum embellishments, the Double-Up Shiny Dancer slip-on are platform sneaks adorned with detailed rows of beads and rhinestones. It has a metallic microfiber faux-suede upper for a rustic and stylish finish. Its Air Cooled Memory Foam insole makes it comfortable from the daytime ceremony all the way to the after-party.
For brides who wish to lace it up when they say “I Do,” they can rock the Moda Bling Bandit sneaker. It features a smooth nude-pink leather upper in a classic street sneaker silhouette with metallic overlays and rhinestone accents on the side panel, and a memory foam insole for all-day comfort.
When fashion meets food
Fashion designers Rajo Laurel (left), Mark Bumgarner and Michael Leyva (top right) and Vania Romoff (bottom right) collaborate for a wedding collection with Bizu.
There are two things that can make or break a wedding - the wedding gown and the catering menu. Ensuring that everything is done with precision and artistry is the icing on the cake.
To kick start the wedding preparations, Bizu Catering Studio will host a lavish dinner for signed clients to meet with fashion designers Mark Bumgarner, Rajo Laurel, Michael Leyva, and Vania Romoff.
The studio collaborates with celebrated haute couture wedding designers through Taste by Design, for the wedding season of June and July. The collection offers refreshments and pampering for the bride, groom, their families and friends.
Starting a ‘curated’ life together
The celebration of a milestone was formally launched through a ceremonial toast led by Citibank Consumer Business Manager for the Philippines Manoj Varma, SSI Group Chairman Zenaida Tantoco, SSI Group, Inc. President Anton Huang, and SSI Group, Inc. Executive Vice President Elizabeth Quiambao.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) Group launches its new campaign, “The Curated Life” that seeks to inspire, enable, indulge, and rally its consumers, including engaged couples and newly weds, to live a life well-lived or a life that is “well curated.”
Besides partnering with Citibank to bring rewarding experiences to shoppers, like exclusive sales and events from July to December, the group will officially launch its website this October. More than a shopping channel, the website features lifestyle articles that incorporate its brands and products while delivering informative and inspiring content. Likewise, the group will launch its My SSI Life App this August, a gateway to lifestyle, passion, and curation, from the latest trends, to promos and perks.
More than just the retail operations arm of the Rustan’s Group, SSI claims to have the biggest portfolio of international merchants in the Asia-Pacific and a network of over 600 stores, ranging from luxury fashion and fast fashion, to home, beauty, and original concepts. It has also expanded its retail format offerings with its entry into e-commerce, unique restaurant concepts such as TWG and SaladStop!, and mall developments such as the premiere lifestyle destination Central Square.
Period-themed banquets
Casa Roces (left) and Coffee Beanery Whiskey and Coffee Series (right).
A favorite culinary abode known for its heirloom recipes, Casa Roces has prepared a special spread for lunch and dinner. Located at J.P. Laurel corner Aguado St., San Miguel, Manila, the restaurant showcases the rich heritage of Filipino and Spanish cuisine in a sophisticated yet casual style. The ancestral home-turned restaurant sits within the quiet neighborhood of San Miguel, Manila and features rare family memorabilia, antiques and paintings that make for a treasured dining experience.
From a luau to a steak feast, The Cravings Group offers a unique opportunity for families to celebrate with an array of gastronomic treats. Epicurious Shangri-La Plaza offers unlimited beer paired with steak, soup, salad and rice. Epicurious Eastwood also offers its own ultimate steak challenge. Likewise, Coffee Beanery offers Whiskey and Coffee Series that includes Whiskey Gelato, Whiskey Coffee and Whiskey Gelato Parfait.
Dream bridal cars
Ford EcoSport (left) and Volkswagen Lamando (right).
A well-balanced life also calls for a reliable car that can take you to places without the hassle of public transportation commute. A compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of an SUV, the Ford EcoSport is a good roadtrip companion. It has accessible compartments including cup holders, side-door pockets, a slide-out drawer under the front seat, and a glove box that can keep your things in their proper place.
This smart car is also fully equipped with SYNC, a technology that allows voice to activate certain features for students who are always on-the-go. It lets you take phone calls, listen to text messages, and play music, audiobooks or podcasts from any media device while keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
With six colors (Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Winning Blue, Candy Red, Mars Red, Frozen White), and four regular variants (Ambiente 1.5L MT, Trend 1.5L MT, Trend 1.5L AT, Titanium 1.5L AT) to choose from, there is one that could fit one’s personality and preference.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen unveils its 2018 new models Santana, Lavida and Tiguan, new models that aim to re-define how the world-renowned German marque in the Philippines will develop and expand its local presence.
Ayala Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala led the unveiling ceremony by driving one of the highlight vehicles onto the stage - the Santana MPI M/T Trendline. Other models introduced were the Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline, the Santana GTS MPI A/T Comfortline, and the Lamando 280TSI DSG Highline.
Three of the five new models— the Santana, the Lavida, and the Tiguan —are available at the entire dealership network starting May 19, while the Santana GTS and the Lamando will be offered in November.
The brand, which according to Shanghai Volkswagen First Vice President David Powels in his welcome remarks, continues to be a strong brand worldwide and even the number one choice for car buyers in many markets, offers these five new models as being “tailor made” for Asian customers. In fact, these five models have had notable successes in China, the world’s biggest and most competitive automotive market.
Safety systems include ISOFIX anchorage points, ESP, ABS, brake assistant, ASR, EDS, EDTC, hill hold control, and rear PDC with acoustic warning signal. Available exterior colors are Polar White, Titanium Beige, Hunting Brown, and Deep Black.
Jet-set to honeymoon in minutes
Cessna Grand Caravan Ex Amphibian can land on water.
In response to a growing need for quicker travel between shorter distances in the country, Filipino company AirTrav Corp. owns and operates air charter services. Traveling daily except on Tuesdays from Manila-Clark-Manila and Manila-Puerto Galera-Manila, the company also offers chartered flights.
The airline allows one to travel from Manila to Clark in 30 minutes and from Manila to Puerto Galera in 40 minutes. The company, which has an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and a non-scheduled domestic carrier certificate from the Civil Aeronautics Board, operates out of its own hangar located at the Manila International Airport in Pasay City, flying the Robinson R-44 Raven II and the Cessna Grand Caravan Ex Amphibian.
The Robinsons R44, which was made in Torrance, United States, can seat up to three passengers comfortably. It can fly up to 300 nautical miles, which means three hours without refueling.
The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is the largest single-engine airplane ever produced by Cessna. It can seat eight passengers comfortably plus their luggage and personal items. It can also safely land on water.
Helicopter pilots undergo factory training directly at Robinson's manufacturing facility in the United States. For the seaplane pilots, they are trained by Flight Safety Australia. Aircrafts and pilots are insured by the premier insurance firm, Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corp., for its airframe, passengers, cargo and crew. — Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
