Wellness in the city

The Euro Medical Group Clero Clinic, Inc., a Filipino-owned medical consortium, inaugurated the Clero Med Spa and Wellness Center in Makati with noted French cosmetic surgeon Dr. Pierre Clero as consultant. The center is a day clinic for cosmetic surgery that combines the expertise of highly-competent medical and support staff with a relaxing ambience that gives a semblance of exclusivity and privacy to patients.

Clero Med Spa and Wellness Center is offering an array of elective medical procedures, including liposuction, abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, butt-lift, breast enlargement or reduction, facelift, noselift, lips enhancement, scar revision, ear and nose reshaping and eyelid surgery. Its spa services include diamond peel, botox, mesotherapy for cellulite, sclerotherapy for spider veins and acnea scars. In addition to a stress-free cosmetic surgery experience, the center also provides transfer via luxury car to and from airport to foreign clients, plus assistance in booking hotel accommodation and tours of Philippine heritage landmarks.

Dr. Clero, who has been practicing cosmetic surgery in Paris for more than 20 years, was joined by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and former First Lady Imelda Marcos in cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The guests enjoyed a cocktail buffet prepared by Billy King, now the chef behind the Manor in Camp John Hay in Baguio and his own restaurant C’est La Vie in Alabang.

Seven guests were awarded the Wellness Power Icons of the Times: restaurateur Bobong Velez, multi-award-winning actor Ricky Davao, 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year awardee Ricardo Cuna of Fiorgellato ice cream, Mega Publishing editor and creative director Lorraine Belmonte, model Annette Coronel, commercial model Susan Campos and Honorary Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma.

Seen at the event were McDonald’s Philippines chairman George Yang and wife Kristine, surgeon Dr. George Ramos, Maricris Sarino, health and beauty expert Cory Quirino, designer Oskar Peralta, Len Olbes, Fe Dixon, Becky Garcia, Geena Zablan, French Embassy’s Bernard Regnauld-Fabre, Fibrienne Crenn, vacationing from Paris Melissa Lopez, restaurateur Glenda Barretto, Daniela Fenix, Sari Yap, Kaye Cloutman, PLDT’s Cesar Enriquez and Maryann Salcedo.

The Clero Med Spa and Wellness Center is located at 219 Nicanor Garcia (formerly Reposo) St., Bel-Air, Makati. For inquiries, please call 897-4122 to 23.

Isla fiesta in Davao

The Marco Polo Davao has made a mark this summer by featuring hot designers. The hotel also highlighted Havaianas in its desire to celebrate Summer Fashion. They turned their poolside into a colorful summer island.

This party was called Isla Fiesta and showcased Havaianas’ Summer 2006 Collections with Summer creations by Kate Torralba. Directing the show was Dodjie Batu and music was by Spin City’s DJ Jessie Suaco. Host JM Rodriguez did a little raffling off along with Davao hosts Marco Polo’s Karyn Flores and Mau Abella. Others spotted were Cheska Garcia, Celine Gabriel, Havaianas Davao owners Marga Montemayor and Tisha Ang and Havaianas Philippines’ Anne Gonzalez.

The event raffled off many Designer One-of-A-Kind Embellished Havaianas, Limited Edition Styles. Before the party ended, guests Bernard Palanca and Meryll Soriano were awarded the Hombre y Mujer en la Isla Fiesta. Winners got to take home the Special Edition 2006 World Cup gold and silver Havaianas.

Isla Fiesta was set up to help the Just for Kids Foundation, specifically for the Kids with Cancer Foundation in the Davao Medical Center and the Therapy Center for Disabled Children in Tugbok, Davao City.

Military chic meets Western cowboy

Penshoppe sizzled with a breezy, ready-to-wear summer collection that saluted the armed forces and the Western classics during the Philippine Fashion Week.

"The return of military chic coincides with fashion’s general return to the ’80s," explained Penshoppe’s Gigi Tibi. "But this time around, military fashion is quite different. Gone are the extreme camouflage looks – our fashion soldier has moved up the ranks to the officer class."

Penshoppe captured the spirit of the Wild West with its urban cowboy-inspired line. Tibi said: "The urban cowboy trend should be done in moderation – one part western, one part sophisticated. Among the key pieces in this collection are distressed bootcut jeans and the woven polos with yokes."

Following in the footsteps of Penshoppe, Oxygen also made bold summer statement at the Philippine Fashion Week 2006, showcasing leisure tees and polos to distressed jeans, from canvass bags to body sprays. Vibrant tones of sky blue, mint leaf, blush pink, fatigue, and canary yellow are bound to make one stand out from the monotonous crowd.

Are you drinking enough?

Dehydration happens when athletes don’t replace the all-important electrolytes and energy they lose when they sweat. "Sweat Tests" conducted by scientists from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute on PBA team Alaska Aces and UAAP men’s basketball champions, the FEU Tamaraws showed that 41 percent of players across the two teams were dehydrated before they even stepped onto the playing court.

Dr. Xiaocai Shi, principal scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute explains, "Many athletes and ordinary active people mistakenly believe they are drinking enough fluids before they start exercising. When they arrive dehydrated, they are challenged by dehydration to catch up on their fluid intake, and their workout undoubtedly suffers as a result.

Philippine representative on the Gatorade Asia Advisory Board Dr. George Canlas points out, "By staying hydrated when you exercise, you are much better placed to avoid fatigue, muscle cramps and other possible injuries that not only hamper performance but also take a toll on your health."

Gatorade brand manager Steve Romasanta adds, "Hydration affects you in giving your best. Gatorade is backed by over 35 years of research and has been designed to put back the fluids, electrolytes and energy you lose as you work up a sweat."

The Gatorade Sports Science Institute is the world’s largest privately funded sports science research facility focusing on helping athletes optimize their health and performance through research and education in hydration and nutrition science. Gatorade is manufactured by PepsiCo. Beverages International.

(For more information, visit www.gatorade.com)

Tito Nieves venue moved

Experience the music of Tito Nieves by the bay on June 3, Saturday as he performs live in Manila with his 16-piece band.

The venue for Tito Nieves…Live in Manila! has been moved to the Harbor Tent of The Philippine Plaza Hotel. For ticket reservations call TicketWorld Hotlines at 8919999 or visit www.titonieves.com.

(E-mail me at [email protected])