BC Magazine Philippines July-August 2012 Denise Laurel by BC Magazine Philippines

115

the bc LIST

Amazing Products, Ideas That Made The Cut for the Best Choices for Your Family

Cleaning Activities That are Safe for Your Little Ones How to Petand Child-Proof Your Home BC Takes A Trip to Neal’s Yard in London “Weight Talk” Strategies for Parents

www.bcmag.ph

P120 Jul-Aug 2012

Hollywood Exclusive: chef antonio frontera

The Chicken Soup for the Soul Author Shares his Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tips

DENISE LAUREL

On how motherhood makes her sexy, breaking the ‘single mom’ stereotype, and her hopes and dreams for her son, Alejandro

Our Premium Grass-fed Organic Steaks, are as tender BUT healthier than ordinary beef. PLUS, they are more affordable––priced around 50% less than steaks from your favorite steakhouses––because they come straight from our farm. Spend less, and eat healthier at The Farm.

Shop Online at thefarm.ph facebook.com/thefarmorganics

Available at The Landmark Supermarket Makati and Trinoma, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s San Antonio Forbes Park, Rustan’s Rockwell, Rustan’s Edsa Shangri-la, Shopwise Libis, Echomarket Contact 0947-939-6598 or 403-9130 for organic beef delivery in Metro Manila

Dear Moms

(who eat Non-Organic Beef),

Organic

Beef comes from free-range cattle that was NOT given antibiotics, has NO added hormones, and eat nothing but organic food. It is a nutrient-dense, health-promoting food which contains more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) which supports the immune system and helps fight cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna feed your kids meat, why not give them the best and healthiest? Think about it... Sincerely, The Farm

The Healthy Meat

INSIDE BC contents 10 5 cleaning tips to impress mom Learn the basics of safe and organic house cleaning and kid-friendly tips 14 a weighty discussion Find out the strategies on how to overcome hesitation and procrastination when discussing health and weight issues with your kids

26 26 match point Quick tips on how to easily and efficiently dress up your little onesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;without the fuss

68 14

On the Cover: denise laurel with son, Alejandro

30 the BC 115 list Check out our highlyregarded products, services, and activities that foster your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and togetherness

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

bcmag.ph

INSIDE BC contents

20 quick, easy ways to pet- and child-proof your home Make your home a safe one for your beloved children and pets with these tips 58 kitchen fun BC’s exclusive on Chef Antonio Frontera as he talks about fun and successful cooking with your kids 68 d&a Inside the life of Denise Laurel’s journey so far—and her dreams for herself and her little one

58 96

82 neal's yard Discover a haven of organic goods through the eyes of a mom exploring a nook in Covent Garden, London

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

10 bcmag.ph

Kariz Tanya Favis Editor-in-Chief Martin Favis Creative Director Valerie Anne del Castillo Senior Editor Mark Cabalang Production Manager & Graphics Artist Jalu Pauline Ramirez Graphic Artist Bridget Denese Bautista Editorial Assistant Contributors Heidi Alletzhauser, Barbara Ambrosio, Brian Cassidy, Nimfa Chua, Sany Chua, Heidi Ganahl, Neil Garguilo, Giles Harrison, Benjamin James, Vanessa Johnson, Mitch Lumanlan, Meeno Peluce, Rosario Santiago, Sarah Stone, Carmel Villongco BCMEDIA INC. Kariz Tanya Favis Chairman & President Martin Favis Vice President & Publisher Victor Aliwalas Group Associate Publisher Charina Mitra Finance Manager Jeyme Azarraga-Morallo Advertising Manager Maricel Bancolita Account Manager

BC Magazine Philippines is published by BCMedia Inc., 28th Floor Ayala Life-FGU Center 6811 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1226 Philippines. Visit us online at bcmag.ph. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. For advertising, subscriptions, back orders or other inquiries, please call 0939.130.0997, 0916.507.3227, 478.4172 or e-mail info@bcmag.ph. Opinions expressed in this publication are that of the writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and are not necessarily endorsed by BCMedia Inc. BC Magazine Philippines is not responsible for unsolicited samples, products, work, and materials, and submissions are non-returnable. If you wish to submit written work, photographs, artwork, products, samples, other services, etc., please accompany with a self-addressed envelope, postage paid, or a prepaid return label.

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

bcmag.ph

editor’s note

Countdown…

on my 2nd trimester of pregnancy, with denise and alejandro; With BC US cover mom, Soleil Moon Frye; Sabina with Chef Antonio Frontera in our CA home

Weeks away from my due date: I’m nesting, dreaming of cuddling my newborn, battling deadlines, having a hard time getting up (literally), quite disoriented and overwhelmed. The baby’s room is nowhere near completion (even though we co-sleep in one room anyway, I find that it will be nice for my son to have his own “den”), work has piled up, my mind is usually blank, and the fatigue has gotten to me. How are you all? This third pregnancy is different. My baby boy is lying transverse (sideways), and my belly feels tender—as if with every touch or accidental contact, it gets bruised. Has this ever happened to you? I’m going on my 4th ultrasound as soon as I reach the 37th week, to know if I’ll be scheduling a C-section this time around due to the positioning. After two normal deliveries with epidural, I am not looking forward to any form of surgery because I like being up and about. For both my daughters, the doctors gave me sleeping pills to take the edge off, but none worked and I didn’t really want to doze away because, yes, I’m paranoid. There will be no babyswitching or incompetent care as long as this momma’s eyes are open. I prefer rooming-in with my child ASAP. Anyway, the reason I mentioned all that is because there is so much drama that goes on during pregnancies and births that I don’t know what I would have done without the presence of my husband and daughters throughout. Granted, we don’t have as big a support group as others do, but having my loving family around me makes it all easier. This is why I have such regard for single moms like our cover model, Denise Laurel, who is raising her son, Alejandro, while pursuing a thriving career. This stunning, young lady came to the photo shoot with her mom, armed with toys and enough arsenal to ensure the day goes smoothly. Denise is one of the easiest people to work with, pleasant and energetic throughout, and we couldn’t have

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

been more proud that she chose BC as the first cover for her and her son to appear in. I hope you find her story as insightful as we do. Another reason I loved working on this issue is compiling our BC 115. Curating these amazing products from all over gives me a renewed interest on what we do and why we do it. I take pride in poring over photographs, inhaling the different sights and scents, testing out what-have-yous (especially for my taste buds’ pleasure)—for the benefit of other parents like myself who want to remain in the know. I hope you enjoy the list as much as I had fun making it. “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Kids in the Kitchen’s” author, Chef Antonio, teaches us one of his easier recipes that we can bake with our bigger kids (I’m thinking 4 is a safe age to be in the kitchen). This was photographed in our former home/studio in Beverly Hills, CA. I must say I miss that spacious cooking area terribly, and the exhaust that rises up from the kitchen island like magic. Our resident holistic pedia, Dr. Barbara Ambrosio, takes us on a trip to London’s Neal’s Yard; we talk about “weightier” issues; discuss dressing your kids from a dad’s viewpoint (loving the fatherly logic here); show party images from BC’s Most Beautiful Moms and Hautest Dads exhibit last June, which thankfully, was a huge success. The next time I write here, our family will have expanded again, but before that, please allow me to send my love and praises to my beautiful, caring, empathic daughter, Maxine, who turns 6 on July 22, and to my darling of a husband, who will be three years to his 40s (ha!) on July 28th. Words fail me each time I try to make out a greeting to my family, so I’ll just say that they are my reason for breathing. I also want to thank my friends and family for showering us with your presence and presents throughout these celebrations.

editor@bcmedia.ph facebook.com/karizfavisofficial twitter.com/karizfavis bcmag.ph

for mo der

ar en

the best

s ce

bc report

“Remember that a clean home not only promotes good health, but also provides an environment conducive for studying, working, and bonding with the family.” p h o t og r ap h b y H e i d i A l l e t z h a u s e r

5 cleaning tips to impress mom

Residential cleaning expert Molly Maid provides childfriendly tips on how kids can help out with chores

+ DISCUSSING HEALTH ISSUES WITH YOUR KIDS…HOW TO APPROACH THE “WEIGHT TALK”...

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

bcmag.ph

bc report

T i dy i n g u p

as the dust settled after that very busy beginning of another school H year? Gear up for spring cleaning and teach the little ones the value of cleanliness with some great tips. Make it a family affair and get your kids to help you tidy up so that the homework doesn’t pile on. Remember that a clean home not only promotes good health, but also provides an

s ou

Window Cleaning with StreakFree Cleaner: Trust your kids with

this streak-free solution. Combine 1 gallon of water to 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol and about 2 squirts of cleaner. Pour into a sprayer bottle, soak windows and wipe away—leaving no streaks or smudges.

Kid-Friendly Toilet Cleaning— No Gloves Needed: For toilet

stains, try a polident dissolving tablet,

environment conducive for studying, working, and bonding with the family. Molly Maid, the U.S.’ leading residential cleaning company, has released a list of the top kid-friendly cleaning tips so that moms like you can already train your little ones. These simple suggestions will also teach your kids a sense of responsibility at a young age.

which cleans porcelain. Your son or daughter can easily drop this into the toilet bowl and let it do its job, then flush. Use a Microfiber Cloth: Give your little one a microfiber cloth that is damp with water. Let them wipe down the coffee table, TV stand, etc. Because there are no chemicals needed, your child can easily achieve perfect cleaning.

Get Rid of Car Odors: Do you complain about your car smelling like sporting equipment or spoiled food? To remove stinky odors from a car, you can place a few briquettes of charcoal underneath the seats. The charcoals absorb the stench and keep your car smelling fresh—just make sure to use charcoal without starting fluid on them or the car will smell like fuel instead! bc

ORGANIC HOUSE CLEANING W O R D S B Y V ALERIE ANNE DEL C ASTILLO

While it’s imperative for all of us to keep our homes 100% germ-free of the time, it’s also important to take a closer look at the cleaning materials we use to disinfect our houses. A host of chemical cleaners are petrochemical-based, meaning they contain substances that have an estrogen-like effect on our body. Having too much estrogen causes hormone imbalances and an array of other health problems. More than just harming our bodies, petrochemical-based ingredients in cleaners also affects our environment. According to the American Cleaning Institute (cleaninginstitute.org), “Negligible quantities of fossil resources are consumed in the production of cleaning product ingredients. Out of the annual worldwide production of crude oil and natural gas, fewer

Plantex All-in-One Solution An all natural plant extract concentrate which exhibits powerful bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and larvacidal action P750 for 1 liter, Sesou Nature Source

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

than four hours are needed to produce a one-year supply of surfactants for cleaning products.” The world’s petroleum reserves are finite, and we must take steps to preserve these resources. By practicing and promoting organic house cleaning, we can not only limit the toxic chemicals in our homes, but also help slow down the consumption of petroleum reserves, thereby helping in the preservation of our natural environment. Using renewable resources such as organic cleaners is a positive step towards maintaining your family’s health and preserving nature. Here are some great ideas for eco-friendly cleaning materials:

Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner This household musthave has a non-toxic, biodegradable formula that is tough on stains, but not on humans. It also does not create harsh fumes P350, Numa The Organic and Eco Baby Store

Human Nature Citronella Bug Spray An all-natural DEET-free formulation infused with organic virgin coconut oil (VCO), organic citronella oil, lemongrass essential oil, rosemary, and lavender essential oils that combat mosquitoes and bugs P99.75, The Farm, San Lorenzo Village, Makati bcmag.ph

bc report IS

a weighty discussion

If your child is overweight, discussing that problem can be one of the most difficult conversations you’ll face as a parent. Here are several reasons why parents are hesitant to have the “weight talk,” and some compelling reasons for overcoming that reluctance

you’re the parent of an overweight child, you probably feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, you know that your child’s health is in jeopardy and that you should take the lead in address-

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

Wo r ds b y S a r a h S t o n e p h o t og r ap h s b y M AR K C A B ALAN G

ing this problem. But on the other hand, bringing up this touchy topic—not to mention figuring out how to make important lifestyle changes—is difficult, uncomfortable, and potentially embarrassing for all involved. If you’re like most parents in this situation,

you probably find yourself putting off the “weight talk” for just a little while longer and a little longer after that. According to Sarah Stone, though, you’re making a big mistake. It’s time to stop stalling and start talking—for the sake of everyone involved. bcmag.ph

i m p o r ta n t c o n v e r s at i o n s “Communication is an essential part of effective parenting—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy or enjoyable,” says Stone. “It certainly doesn’t help that most parents are never trained in this critical skill—especially when our children and sensitive topics are involved. And children’s weight in particular is too often the elephant in the room.” The good news is, as the current director of operations at MindStream Academy, a co-ed health and wellness boarding school for teens who want to get fit, lose weight, build self-esteem, better manage stress, and take control over their health and wellness destinies, Stone can shed some muchneeded light on this tough topic. First, she says, it’s helpful to understand that you’re not alone in feeling reluctant to discuss your child’s weight. In fact, a recent study conducted by FIT, a partnership of WebMD and Sanford Health, showed that about 5 percent of parents struggle when talking to their kids about drugs and alcohol and that 10 percent are uncomfortable talking about sex, but

25 percent are hesitant to discuss their children’s weight issues. In fact, many parents of eight to seventeen year-olds admit to avoiding the weight conversation altogether. “These statistics are not surprising, but they are tragic,” says Stone. “The developing years are when the brain learns habits that will last a lifetime. So right now is when a lasting change can be made relatively easily. Frighteningly though, if parents don’t act, the health habits of today’s children

will only get worse from every conceivable angle—increased disease risk across the spectrum, poorer quality of life, and massive public and private expenditures that will weigh heavily on the economy and on the lifestyle of almost every citizen.” To help you get over your reluctance to have the weight discussion, here are five reasons she says parents are likely to hold back when it comes to talking about their children’s number one health issue.

“when broaching the subject of weight with your child (and in your own life), it’s important to stop talking about weight—and even, to some extent, appearance—and emphasize other characteristics.” They maintain complete radio silence (on parenting issues, anyway).

When your child is small, it goes without saying that you’ll tell her what to do in most areas of her life—or at least make strong suggestions. But as kids grow into their tweens and teens, this autocratic approach often falls by the wayside. Since teens are supposed to start making their own decisions and growing into their independence, some formerly involved moms and dads believe that they can stop being parents and start being friends. “There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to cultivate a fun, positive relationship with your kids, but never forbcmag.ph

get that being your child’s buddy is not your primary function,” Stone insists. “A parent’s job is to provide guidance, love, support, and effective preparation for life, even if that causes temporary resentment. Good parenting means recognizing that children have issues and then guiding them lovingly to effective solutions.” They want to spare their children’s

It’s something of an understatement to say that your child’s wellbeing is important to you. The last thing you want to do is cause him any sort of hurt. For that simple reason—a reluctance to see their children in emotional pain—many parents avoid telling their

feelings.

kids that their weight is unhealthy. “Just as effective parenting isn’t about being a friend, it’s also not about sparing feelings,” asserts Stone. “On some level, parents know that if a child is very sensitive about a subject, that’s exactly why we should be talking to them. Letting children continue to feel shame, humiliation, and embarrassment because they (or you) don’t want to talk is only compounding the problem. In other words, avoidance is a symptom that you don’t want to reinforce.” They know that food isn’t a clear-

“It’s a lot easier to talk about drugs rather than weight because

cut “bad guy.”

{ JUly-august 2012 } b c PHILIPPINES

i m p o r ta n t c o n v e r s at i o n s

bc report IS

there’s a moral structure to the discussion,” points out Stone. “Using illegal drugs is wrong, and therefore the guideline is much more concrete for parents to set forth and enforce. But neither weight nor eating are moral choices; they are a function of everyday decisions. St. Augustine once said that ‘Abstinence is easier than perfect moderation,’ and of course, he was right.” Understandably, many parents are reluctant to broach the subject of their kids being overweight because they simply don’t know what to say to effectively guide their children. After all, with incredibly lucrative industries revolving around health and weight loss, parents (as well as kids) are faced with a massive amount of often-conflicting information about how to best proceed.

They don’t know how to help.

“It’s one thing to address the issue, but being unsure of where it’s going and what advice to give can certainly inhibit the discussion,” admits Stone. “It’s important to understand that in reality, weight management is about many aspects of lifestyle ranging from sleep to stress management, not just food and exercise. Meanwhile, the av-

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

erage parent is still stuck in a ‘fat culture’ that revolves around the concept of diet, rather than understanding that this is about more far-reaching behaviors and the whole person.”

try to avoid those resurrected emotions. Remember, though, while you cannot change the past, you do have the power to create a better future for yourself and for your child.”

They have their own weight issues.

“Once they realize that it’s dangerous to put off the weight talk, many parents believe that they can safely leave the discussion to the family doctor, pediatrician, or other health professional,” adds Stone. “Getting professional input is a great idea, especially if nothing else is working. But know, though, that research suggests that health professionals also have difficulties raising sensitive issues with their teenage patients.

In a culture in which 70 percent of people are overweight if not obese, many parents struggle with the problem of carrying extra pounds themselves. If that’s the case in your family, you—the pot—may be (understandably) reluctant to call the kettle black. Plus, you probably know that the “do as I say, not as I do” strategy doesn’t tend to work over the long term. And, toughest of all to admit, you might realize that doing something about your child’s weight will force you to tackle your own as well. “Parents inevitably bring their own feelings about weight to the table, which can certainly prevent meaningful discussion,” points out Stone. “Often, they too feel helpless and thus not in a position to give advice. Also, raising your own child can elicit emotionally fraught memories from your own childhood. If weight has been a lifelong issue for you, you’ll instinctively

“Ultimately, while others might talk to your children about weight, the most important discussion they can have is with you. That’s because parents control the health environment at home and establish the wellness culture in the family. They are in a position to actually do something about the obstacles their kids are facing. And given that your children’s lives are quite literally on the line, avoiding the subject is a terrible abrogation of parental responsibility.” bc

bcmag.ph

bc report ES

IMPOR T AN T CONVERSA T IONS

Eight Tips for Approaching the “Weight Talk”

S IS

If your child is overweight, deciding to talk about this unhealthy lifestyle is only the first step. It can also be a huge challenge to have a productive, helpful discussion—especially if your child is unwilling to hear what you have to say

Put the focus squarely on health and off weight.

Whether by default or by design, each family has a health and wellness “culture.” This includes the types of food that are kept in the house, how heavily physical activity is emphasized, what sleep patterns are encouraged, how much health information is available, and more. As a parent, you should emphasize each aspect of this health culture, not just your child’s weight.

? Recognize that you spend too much time focusing on weight.

Most people don’t realize how much they use weight as a yardstick to measure their overall quality of life as well as their worth. That’s why, when broaching the subject of weight with your child (and in your own life), it’s important to stop talking about weight— and even, to some extent, appearance—and emphasize other characteristics. For example, talk about how an unhealthy lifestyle influences your child’s self-esteem and thus demeanor, as well as how he expresses himself and the impression he makes on other people.

Observe how your child (and the whole family) uses food.

Your discussion will be better received and more effective if you are well informed, so before instigating “the talk,” observe how your child uses food. If you see that she eats in order to manage her emotions, you’ve gained an important piece of information about a very damaging habit. The truth is, we aren’t always are best observers of ourselves. So if you can determine whether or not your child is using food as a drug to avoid discomfort or as a stress manager, you’re one step closer to attacking the root of the problem.

Don’t be judgmental.

One thing is for sure: nobody is perfect. And another thing is also for sure: if you attack someone, he’ll stop listening to you. Taking those two truths into account, Stone insists that you should avoid blaming your child at all costs. The fact is, we live in a fat culture—so in many ways, your child’s struggle isn’t his fault. However, it is his and your responsibility to do something about it. The focus should always be on how you can help your child move forward from here, expressed as lovingly as possible.

Walk the walk.

Ask your child what

would help. In the end, your example is the Yes, you’re the authority best way to change your child’s figure in this relationship, health behaviors. Stone points but it can be a mistake to out that teens in particular are assume that you know the sensitive to hypocrisy. So if you best way to help your child aren’t ready to make any and become healthier. One of the all of the changes that you’re problems with giving support asking of your child, don’t instigate the weight discussion from a position of experience is that you tend to think in the first place. that your child’s situation is the same as yours, and therefore, the things that worked for you will work for her. That’s not necessarily the case. Instead, it’s always a great idea to ask what your Focus on change, even if child thinks the best course you run into resistance. of action would be. The purpose of any discussion

about losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle is to bring about change. Talking to your teen about his weight angst for an hour might have some value because it allows him to vent, but try not to leave the discussion there. Try to take one step forward too, even if your child is resistant to change. An effective way to overcome resistance (or even cut the conversation short if things are getting heated) is to get a commitment to make just one change in the next week. Stone adds that focusing on one simple change a week seems manageable (as opposed to dropping 30 pounds, which is overwhelming), and is a very constructive way to move the conversation forward without getting too bogged down.

And if you really can’t get through…

Sometimes, despite their best efforts, parents just can’t get a positive response from their children. If this happens in your family, Stone is adamant that someone needs to have the weight discussion with your child. Getting professional help is always a good idea, but there may be siblings, other relatives, friends, or even teachers who might get a more receptive response. And if all else fails? Well, Stone insists, all else can’t be allowed to fail. Your child’s life is too important.

Sarah Stone is co-creator and director of operations for MindStream Academy. Along with Founder Ray Travaglione, she has worked on the MindStream Academy project from its inception. She is an honors graduate of the University of Toledo whose dream was always to work with youth. After her previous work as director of admissions at a teenage recovery management facility, Sarah found a path that led her to her work at MindStream. Her dream has been realized as she takes great pride in helping teens work to heal and nurture what is broken and learn to be tolerant and understanding of themselves.

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

bcmag.ph

Brighten up the Rainy Season with Rain, rain go away—the colors are coming out to play! The Children’s Accessories Department of SM is beating the blues with an awesome collection for boys and girls that will keep everyone’s spirits up this wet season

Chic bracelets, eye-catching handbags and satchels complete the look

Prismatic backpacks, handy bags, and functional sling bags garrison belts are both trendy and practical, making him look preppy and smart

Vibrant cellphone pouches and watches give him an A+ in the school of style

Stylish hair accessories, accessories, multipurpose cords, sassy leather belts are great additions to any outﬁt

EMENT

bc lifestyle R

K EEPING SA F E

P HOME IM

quick, easy ways to pet- and child-proof your home Keeping things in their proper containers, cabinets, and storage goes a long way, especially when it comes to keeping your kids—and furry children—safe inside your home. Here are some guidelines Wo r ds b y K a r i z T a n y a F a v i s a n d H e i d i G a n a h l P H O T O G R A P H B Y K ARIZ TANYA F A V IS

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

dopting pets is sort of like childproofing. To truly pet—and child— proof your home, you should start by getting down on the floor to see the world the way your little ones see it. This is the best way to spot potential hazards.

bcmag.ph

EMENT

bc lifestyle P HOME IM

K EEPING SA F E

“According to the CPSC, the most common tip-over scenarios involve toddlers who have climbed onto, fallen against, or pulled themselves up on furniture. About 70% of children’s fatalities involved falling televisions, and 27% involved only furniture falling.”

Go on all fours:

Active toddlers, puppies, and kittens can easily get into dangerous situations. Consider investing in child-proof locks for cabinets. Use child-safety gates in areas with valuables to prevent your darlings from getting into trouble.

cords, outlet covers in wall sockets and window cord safety locks. Toddlers who enjoy walking around might trip over wires and extensions, so make sure that they are kept away from walkways, corridors, or anywhere near your little ones. Keep Curtains in Check:

Take the Bite Out of the Chew:

Babies will try to stuff everything into their mouths, especially little knick-knacks, since they have no clue as to what is edible or not. Make sure to remove possible choking hazards (if it fits in an empty tube of toilet paper, that’s a good gauge) such as elder siblings’ toys, coins, jewelry, etc. On the other hand, dogs have the tendency to chew on furniture and shoes, so you can spray pet-friendly lemon or bitter apple scents on items to avoid further chewing problems. Magnets Away:

Speaking of choking hazards, remove refrigerator magnets, as they often fall off when the door is slammed. These may be picked up and chewed on by your kids and pets, so better keep them away instead. Drugs are Dangerous—

Even the Prescribed Ones: Keep your OTC’s and medications in a safe, dry place, away from children’s or pets’ reach. Aspirin, ibuprofen, cold or cough medicines, diet pills, and the like are highly dangerous to your dogs and cats, and especially to your kids. Take Caution with Wires:

Kids can easily injure themselves or destroy delicate electronics. Consider installing electric cord shorteners on television, phone, and computer

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

Tie curtains and be wary of blinds—especially Romanstyle shades and roll-up blinds, as they can easily strangle a pet, or your child. Product recalls have happened in the past years after incidents of strangulation from such blinds, which pose a problem due to the space between the fabric and the inner cord. Avoid Household Plants:

Believe it or not, plants can be poisonous for pets. Some species of cats are allergic to lilies. Make sure to keep your child (and pets) away from thorny bushes, flowers, and pots that contain rocks, as this may pose as a choking hazard. If you have a fence in your garden, make sure your child and pets stay away from it as they might get hurt from the ends of the wires. Make sure you use earth-friendly or organic fertilizers. If you can’t avoid using regular chemical-based fertilizers, make sure these are stored away from sunlight and in a properly locked cabinet, away from the little ones. Utilize a Sofa Cover:

To avoid fur on your loveseat, use a seat cover. These also help keep crayon stains from your precious leather and fabric sofas. Hide the Trash Can:

A hyper puppy can easily knock over a trash can and spread garbage and bacteria throughout your home. Likewise for toddlers, his curious hands might play around with

knocked over garbage that may contain opened cans, which are very dangerous. Cover the Toilet:

To your pet, your toilet bowl would look like a super sized drinking bowl. Similarly, your toddler might think it’s a little bathtub where he can toss and play his toy boats in. Make sure to put the lid after using to prevent any mishaps. Be Careful with the Fruit Basket: Even though fruits are an

important part of the human diet, grapes (and raisins) may actually be fatal for dogs. It may also pose as a choking hazard for kids, so make sure that smaller fruits are kept away from them. Have a nanny or relative watch over your child during mealtimes if you are not available, especially when eating fruits with large seeds. Cut fruits into bite sizes and remove the skin and seeds before serving to avoid choking. bc

SAFETY 1ST PERFECT FIT GATE Whether you’re limiting your kids or pets to one section of the house, or keeping toddlers safe from staircases, the child-gate is a great addition to your home. Newer models feature innovative designs and ensure a secure fit in entryways. This particular Safety 1st Perfect Fit Gate includes a unique auto-fit extension on the side of the gate, allowing it to conform to irregular width walls, and a complete-control top handle that lets you lock, release, and adjust as needed. P3,499.75 bcmag.ph

bc contests

SNAPS H O T S

bc online contest

Check out the winners of BC Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online contests. Log on to bcmag.ph to join the fun!

Impromptu Getaway to One Tagaytay

Mildred Lago

Marra Ocuma

Pregnancy and Newborn Contest

Tammy Tancinco

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

Yhanee Mendoza

Marie Grace G. Serra

Mary Jane DionelaQuintana bcmag.ph

otherhood. m f o ift g e h t mbrace

Pro-health. Pro-baby. Pro-mother. That’s what Wyeth ProMama is all about. It is specially formulated for your nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation. It is fortified with Immunity Enhancers such as the anti-oxidant Beta Carotene and Vitamins A, C & E to help you feel healthy from within. Expect you and your baby to be in the pink of health with Bone and Muscle Builders • Calcium and Vitamin D for bone development • Iron for red blood cell formation • Protein for the development of tissues Help your baby achieve developmental milestones with Mental Enhancers • Zinc and DHA to support mental and visual development • Folic Acid for the development of the nervous system Now, that’s giving you every reason to make Wyeth ProMama part of the most exciting journey of your life!

regnancy tips and exclu sive off Want p ers? www.facebook.com/P roMamaP

NUTRITIONAL MILK DRINK

Specially formulated to support women during pregnancy and lactation

Available in Vanilla Delight Flavor ASC Ref. No. W012P010912P

or ur

bc lifestyle

FAMILY

the best

le guide f

y st

match point

A dad teaches us how to successfully dress-up our kids— fast, (nearly) perfect, and without help. Can it be done? P H O T O G R A P H B y M a r t i n Fa v i s W O R D S B y B r i a n C a s s i dy

nlike the television cliché of the befuddled dad, I adapted easily and happily to most of what came with having a baby—the bottles, the diapers, the toys, the lack of sleep. These were fairly straightforward challenges. Baby hungry? Feed. Baby smelly? Change. Baby bored? Play. Unfortunately, however, getting the hang of dressing my daughter took months. Because for me, as I imagine for many men, both the practi-

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

cal issues of dressing (“Which side is the front?”) as well as the more aesthetic ones (“But doesn’t black go with everything?”) proved much more difficult than I anticipated. So now, four years later, with my daughter successfully dressing herself, I’d like to offer a few suggestions in the hope that others might keep themselves and/or their children from fits of getting-dressed tears, and their spouses from fashion-induced sighs of disapproval. bcmag.ph

VIEW

bc lifestyle

IT ALL BEGINS AT THE STORE.

’ S One of the first secrets I learned to D A D D Y dressing my daughter quickly and easily

was choosing the right clothes. Look for items with wide head openings and sleeves. Avoid clothing with too many buttons, snaps, or ties. Choose soft fabrics that stretch and are simple to pull on and off. Think elastic. In other words, before you’ve even begun, don’t make the job harder than it has to be. PUT THE DIAPER ON FIRST.

Let me say that again. Put. The. Diaper. On. First. Don’t go asking for trouble. The socks and shirt can wait, just keep the baby warm. It all can wait—brushing hair, cleaning ears, trimming nails—but a baby’s bladder waits for no man. The bottom you’re covering could be your own. THINK OF IT LIKE A GAME.

Dressing a baby or toddler is a bit like trying to dress your cat. Or a monkey. After all, like an animal, your child does not want to

wear clothes. He or she spent their first nine months naked. To them, clothes are constricting, scratchy, and heavy. This is why children fight getting dressed. But rather than getting frustrated and wishing it were otherwise, I found that it helped to treat my daughter’s resistance as a game or a sport. In how few attempts can I get the shirt over her head? How many points for getting a sock on a foot on the first try? Go ahead, time yourself. Whatever it takes to keep you from losing your cool—because if you lose it, so will the kid. That said, however... BE SAFE.

Get your child dressed some place flat and sound: the bed, a clean floor, or a changing table. Never leave a child unattended. Watch those zippers—pull them up and away from the skin as you raise or lower them. And repeat after me: Bend and stretch the clothes to the baby, not the baby to the clothes. Pay particular attention to fingers which can get caught in sleeves.

5-point guide

1. Don’t tempt fate: put the diaper on first.

2. Have all the clothes laid out ahead of time.

3. Be prepared to keep your child entertained (toy, game, song, etc.). 4. Don’t leave a child unattended. 5. And relax. It’s just clothes.

DRESSING UP preempts conflict. DRESS FOR SUCCESS.

HAVE A PLAN.

Everything you need—diaper, baby oil, undershirt, socks, shoes, whatever is going on your child—should be laid out in advance. Not having to rummage for something means less time for your child to get bored or upset, and less time for something to go wrong. THE GENTLE ART OF DISTRACTION.

Remember, you are dealing with a wild animal. You must tame the savage beast. Keep your child entertained, because when it comes to getting dressed, a happy child is a cooperative child. Play hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo as you go. Have a small toy or two on hand as a distraction. Sing a song (now’s the perfect time to help develop your child’s appreciation of your favorite band). Make eye contact. Or try to get your child involved. Even small children can hold a sock until you need it. And talk as you go along. Describe what you are doing. Engaging your baby even in these small ways can help keep them from fits of flailing and crying. THE APPEARANCE OF CHOICE.

In addition, older toddlers’ resistance to getting dressed often comes from the feeling that they are not in control, in wanting to exert their own will. Giving them a limited say in what they wear (“These socks or these?” or “Do you want the blue or the red pants?”) often bcmag.ph

Take note: getting your child clothed and out the door fast is all well and good, but if you’re out and about with an improperly attired child, you will hear about it. From perfect strangers. Old ladies will accost you about your baby’s lack of mittens. Seen-it-all dads will shake their heads and ask, “Forgot the sun hat, huh?” So for your own sake (if not your child’s), keep these few things in mind. First, dress your son or daughter in layers. This will allow you to adapt to changing conditions and temperatures. Second, your baby or toddler needs about one more layer than you do to stay warm in most weather. But be careful not to overheat your child either. In warmer weather (above 75 or 80 degrees), what you’d wear is usually just fine. And finally, don’t forget the accessories: scarves, gloves, warm hats, sunglasses, raincoats, or whatever the weather might call for.

“Dressing a baby or toddler is a bit like trying to dress your cat. Or a monkey. After all, like an animal, your child does not want to wear clothes.”

BE PREPARED.

Until your child is toilet-trained, it’s an excellent idea to always bring along a full change of clothes wherever you go. My wife and I always kept a set in our car or the diaper bag. Keep in mind that you are never more than one leaky diaper or a messy lunch away from all your careful dressing preparations being for naught. And finally... MATCHING, ETC.

Okay, I still can’t do this well. I see the world in a Crayola box of eight; my wife in the box of sixty-four. I think sneakers go with any outfit; my wife, well, doesn’t. So, instead of buying nothing but Garanimals, I’ve devised a few fashion guidelines that have served me fairly well. Try not to mix patterns, unless you are a semi-vet with combining and matching. Probably best not to mix different shades of the same color either (not all whites are white, after all). One-pieces are your friend. So are dresses (but pay attention to the socks and tights). Buy already-complete outfits. And absent those, notice the ensembles your wife puts together. Repeat as necessary. Heck, take notes if you have to. And just about everything goes with jeans. Oh, and if you have even the slightest doubt about whether an outfit matches, trust me, it doesn’t. bc

“That doesn’t match.” My wife and I are late for a family event. After twenty minutes of wrangling and wrestling, I’ve finally finished dressing our sixmonth old daughter. “What’s to match? White dress, white tights...” My wife sighs and takes Claire from my arms. “The dress is egg-shell. She needs to wear the offwhite tights.” She hurries back upstairs with the baby. Egg-shell?

{ JUly-august 2012 } b c PHILIPPINES

LIST Our meticulously curated best choices for your family

P h o t og r ap h s b y M a r t i n a n d K a r i z T a n y a F a v i s Wo r ds b y K a r i z T a n y a F a v i s A ddi t io n al P h o t og r ap h s b y M a r k C a b a l a n g A ddi t io n al w o r ds b y V a l e r i e A n n e d e l C a s t i l l o

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

SOLEIL MOON FRYE: BC US cover mom, AKA child star Punky Brewster, with her daughters, Poet and Jagger. Photo taken at their Venice Beach home

Staying in Bed with Kids It’s the little things that count—and this simple and cost-free activity is best done when the opportunity arises (rainy days most especially, when everyone’s too lazy to get out of bed). Foster togetherness by cuddling with your kids and reading them a book, or even by just talking, whispering, or listening to your favorite tunes together.

P h o t og r ap h b y M e e n o p e l u c e s t y li n g b y K a r i z T a n y a F a v i s

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

04 Babywearing offers an array of benefits for both us parents and our babies. While it allows moms and dads to move freely while carrying their baby, it keeps our kids close to our heartâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; where literally and figuratively they should belong. Because they are in a state of quiet alertness, in which they absorb the sights and sounds in their environment. Certain baby carriers offer support for your back and neck to prevent aches and pains. Test before you buy, so you can see what carrier best serves your purpose of use. 1 Belt-fit Colan by Aprica, Baby Company stores 2 Nordic by Lille Baby, lillebaby. com 3 2.Go by Cybex, cybex-online.com 4 Baby Carrier in black by ErgoBaby, Baby Company stores

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

1 Hospital/maternity gown (if you want a personal touch during delivery). Also perfect for breastfeeding use, by DEAR JOHNNIES, dearjohnnies.com 2 Soothies Gel Pads by LANSINOH, lansinohprofessional.com 3 Moisturizing Nipple Cream by PHILIPS AVENT 4 Manual Breast Pump by PHILIPS AVENT 5 Sealing Disks by PHILIPS AVENT 6 Milk bottle by MEDELA 7 Milk bottle by AMEDA 8 Folding Drainer for Feeding Bottles by BEABA, beabausa.com 9 Breastmilk Warmer by KIINDE KOZII, kiinde.com 10 Swing Double Electric 2-Phase Breast Pump by MEDELA 11 Purely Yours Breast Pump by AMEDA, ameda.com

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Breastfeeding

6 2 5

9 3 4

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Baby Care 2

7 5 4

1 Foam Shampoo For Newborns by MUSTELA, P660 2 Newborns Soft disposable diapers by DRYPERS, P226 for a pack 3 Stain Soaker for Babies by CYCLES, P179 4 Vapor Soove by HERITAGE, P295, The Farm 5 No Perfume Baby Zinc Cream Zinksalve by URTEKRAM, P595, Mothercare 6 Soothing Comfort Balm by MUSTELA, P620 7 Top-to-Toe Self Foaming Wash by JOHNSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BABY, P414 8 Baby Wipes by PIGEON, P249.75 9 Jar of Hope First Aid Gel by INDIGO BABY, P380, The Farm

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

02 CONSTANCE ZIMMER: BC US cover mom Fall 2012, AKA “Dana Gordon” of the hit HBO testosteroneladen “Entourage,” doing her FaceTime interview from her home in LA with BC’s Kariz Favis at her home in Manila, to talk about motherhood and family

FaceTime/Skype If there’s one thing that technology has afforded us, it’s the ability to bridge divides. No matter the distance, quality virtual (face-to-face) conversations is possible with apps like FaceTime and Skype, which enables you to make video calls for free (with Internet connectivity, of course)—with just the push of a button.

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

Have your steak, and eat it, too. HEALTHY FOOD AND PRODUCTS DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR

thefarm.ph

Nurseries

Call it your little one’s mini abode-within-yourabode—nurseries are a safe and comfortable haven for our growing tykes. Although more families choose to co-sleep in one room, here are some dream sanctuaries and ideas to outfit your child’s fort. Best to do your homework in advance—consider your space, what you’ll use it for, budget, aesthetics, and research on the brand and the materials that go into the crib, beddings, and other accessories.

CONTEMPORARY SO-RO CRADLE IN AMERICAN WALNUT Designed with forward rocking motion, the So-ro cradle provides the type of motion most comfortable for babies that has a soothing effect, helping them fall asleep. so-ro.com

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

A Organic Okoa Seat by HUSHAMOK, hushamok.com B Cohen Glider by OILO, oilostudio.com C Classic Hutch and Classic 4 Drawer by OEUF, oeufnyc.com D Dream Baby Cot by BABYHOME, babyhome.es

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Mommy Time

3 2 4

5 8

9 10

1 Nursing Comfort Balm by MUSTELA, P740 2 Baby Bath Milk by JOHNSON AND JOHNSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S, P41 3 Photoready Perfecting Primer by REVLON, P825 4 Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion by CETAPHIL, P584 5 Sticky Hand Wipes by TINY BUDS, P65 6 All-natural Deodorant by HUMAN NATURE, P84.75 7 Cleanser by PHYSIOGEL, P307.50 8 Nail Enamel by REVLON, P225 9 Total Effects 7 in One Day Cream SPF15 by OLAY, P749 10 Smooth & Silky Hair Conditioner by PANTENE, P104

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

Pets

Having an extended family in our furry friends brings more than just a feeling of delight and special companionship. In fact, a research done by psychologists at Oregon State University in the U.S. revealed that teaching one’s kids to care for a pet actually enhanced their social skills, and increased their cooperativeness and generosity. Moreover, pets provide comfort and encourage nurturing for members of the family. An added bonus for dog owners is that they encourage exercise. Walk the dog with your kids a few times a week and you get an extra workout. Before choosing a pet, however, make sure you consider what animal would best fit your and your family’s lifestyle and home. P h o t og r ap h b y

benjamin james s t y li n g b y K a r i z Ta n ya Fav i s mod e ls d i e t h e r o c a mp o a n d s a b i n a fav i s

bcmag.ph

GOLIATH GAMES DOGGIE DOO If you can't have real pets, here's the best and most fun practice you and your kids can get—the Doggie Doo features a cute Dachshund that makes farting noises when you press the leash, and must be fed and walked. It even poops! doggiedoogame.com JUly-august 2012 philippines

06 Kids’ Fashion

(A) Borgy: Blue shirt with hoodie, P1,849, . Striped shirt, P499 both by MOTHERCARE . Watch by HEY DUDE BY SM CHILDREN’S ACCESSORIES . Black pants by DISNEY, stylist’s own . Black shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS (B) Ziane: Pink shades by SWISH MISS by SM CHILDREN’S ACCESSORIES, P129.75 . Pink and black dress with bow tie by BABY FASHIONISTAS, P1,399 . Black shoes by STRIDE RITE, stylist’s own

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

F (C) KC: White polo by ELLE . Yellow skirt by LITTLE MISS BY SM KIDS’ FASHION, P499.75 . Silver flats by NATURINO, stylist’s own (D) Mairi: Striped sleeveless blouse by LIZZIE BY SM KIDS’ FASHION, P299.75 (comes with shorts, not shown) . Brown braided belt, P99.75, Two toned watch, P199.75, both by SWISH MISS BY SM CHILDREN’S ACCESSORIES . Pink tights by MOTHERCARE, P999 (comes with yellow dress, not shown) . Black shoes by ELLE (E) Borgy: Checkered polo and blue polo shirt by MOTHERCARE, P1,099 . White shorts by MOTHERCARE, P1,849 (comes with shirt and jacket, not shown) . Blue shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS (F) Ziane: Moss green jacket by 77 KIDS, stylist’s own . Cream blouse by LIZZIE by SM KIDS’ FASHION, P249.75 . Denim pants by ZAP’D by SM KIDS’ FASHION, P499.75 . Gray shoes by NATURINO, stylist’s own

P h o t og r ap h s b y

Mark Cabalang

S t y li n g b y V a l e r i e A n n e d e l C a s t i l l o

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Go Exotic/Organic

Going green has never been this easy and convenient, especially when it comes to food. Nowadays, local farms have cropped up, with safer ways of raising produce, cattle, pork, etc. The Farm Organics offers fresh, organic, grass-fed beef that contains no antibiotics, no bovine human growth hormone, or any other harmful chemicals, making it safe for you and your loved ones. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, The Farm now offers online shopping via thefarm.ph, where you can purchase fresh, delectable organic meat (and other healthy offerings) and have it delivered right to your doorstep. Have an adventurous palate and try organic bone marrow on crackers or crunchy bread slices for a delectable appetizer or afternoon treat. Organic bone marrow by THE FARM ORGANICS, thefarm.ph . Organic tomatoes by AMSIS FARMS, facebook.com/amsisfarms

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

3 4

15 toys

1 Dog Storage Box by 3 Sprouts, 3sprouts.com

2 Moose Wall Organizer

by 3 Sprouts, 3sprouts. com 3 SnuggleBuddy by Rashti & Rashti, rashtiandrashti.com 4 iBedoo Rose Snuggly by Sigikids, sigikid-usa.com 5 Johnny 12 inch Soft Doll by StinkyKids, stinkykids. com 6 Jen 12 inch Soft Doll by stinkykids, stinkykids.com 7 Ronronos by les deglingos, deglingos.com 8 Pink Bag by Company Kids, thecompanystore. com 9 Now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Reading Flashcards by Innovative Kids, innovativekids. com 10 Dora: The First Day of School DVD by Nickelodeon, nickjr.com 11 Wikki Stix Activity Set by Wikki Stix, wikkistix. com 12 Pink Locker Rug by Locker Lookz, lockerlookz.com 13 Wild tree, lion, elephant and baboon by anamalz, anamalz.com 14 Light Up Ducks by Elegant Baby, elegantbaby.com 15 Roadtrip: The Fast Family Game of Wacky Words by DADDY-O PRODUCTIONS, daddyogames.com bcmag.ph

10 9

12 14

13 15

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Feeding

14 3 1

1 Nourish Toddler Readyto-serve water in BPA-free container by NOURISH BABY, nourish-inc.com 2 Siliskin Baby Bottle by SILIKIDS, silikids.com 3 3-in-One 7oz Bottle in Swirls & Blueberries by PACIFIC BABY, P1,395 4 Bib’expresso bottle and food warmer in sorbet by BEABA, beabausa.com 5 Extra Durable BPAfree Feeding Bottle 125 ml/4 oz (Newborn Flow Teat) by PHILIPS AVENT, P1,079 6 Baby bottle by TOMMEE TIPPEE, P1,849 for 4 7 Baby bottle by DR. BROWN’S, P549 8 Baby bottle by MOTHERCARE, P599 for 2 9 11oz Infant Bottle in Orange by PURA KIKI, purastainless. com 10 Silicone Teether Dual Pack in Pink and Lilac by LIFEFACTORY, P596, Numa The Organic and Eco Baby Store 11 Sophie Giraffe Teether by Mothercare, P1,080 12 Travel Bib by Zutano, P445, shopfamilia.com.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

11 12

bcmag.ph

Even milk companies agree that breastmilk is best, but sometimes a mother just has to supplement or turn to formula. Nowadays, we can start as early as our pregnancy in trying to provide optimal growth for your little one. For moms, Promama offers Immunity Enhancers, Bone and Muscle Builders, and Mental Enhancers for the development of your baby bear. For bigger kids, Gain School Advance is equipped with a clinically-proven Eye-Q Nutrition System that has the right combination of nutrients to aid in the development of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain.

9 6

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Self-Expression

Art, music, fashion, movement, and play are some of the many ways your child can express him or herself. Through self-expression, your little one is able to demonstrate his or her individuality while gaining selfconfidence. It also enhances their creativity and ability to come up with ideas on their own, while building up their problem solving skills. Self-expression enables your child to communicate through various mediums, while learning things about their environment and about themselves.

JUly-august 2012 philippines

P h o t og r ap h b y H e i d i A l l e t z h a u s e r s t y li n g b y K a r i z T a n y a F a v i s

bcmag.ph

Footwear When shopping for footwear for children, make sure to measure their feetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both feetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to get a good idea on the size. Bring a pair of socks, especially when shopping for school shoes and rubber shoes, so you can get a good estimate on its fit.

(Clockwise from top) Glittered black flats with silver toe by BABY FASHIONISTAS . Silver sneakers by KEDS . Black and pink open-toe shoes by BABY FASHIONISTAS

When shopping for casuals for your little girl, make sure you pick ones that strike a balance between comfort and safety, and those that look good. Durability is also a must, so do some research and check out several brands and their corresponding reviews. For very young children, it is best to purchase shoes that has a wide area for their little toes to wiggle in. Make sure to check and feel the insides of the shoe for any rough or sharp surfaces that may cause callouses or irritation. bcmag.ph

White and gold Mary Janes by FLORSHEIM KIDS . Brown boots by CHICCO . Mustard flats by FLORSHEIM KIDS . Gladiator sandals by STRIDE RITE

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Travel with Kids

They say experience is the best teacher, and travel is the only happiness money can buy. We agree. While traveling with the whole brood can pose as a challenge, nothing parallels the amazement and joy in the eyes of our kids when they discover something new. Rule of thumb is to pack light, but bring the essentials. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re traveling by road, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the car seat and other important paraphernalia for entertainment. A stroller is always a good idea if you have trunk space. t r a v e l P h o t og r ap h s b y M e e n o p e l u c e

5, SILVERCROSS, P12,49 Pop Sport byMo re therca

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

OnBoard 35 Air Infant Car Seat by SAFETY 1ST

Sling bag by LASSIG JUly-august 2012 philippines

17 16

11 Prairie Dusty Trails by lalaloopsy, lalaloopsy.com 12 Building blocks 100 Pieces in Cool Colors by CitiBlocs, citiblocs.com 13 Yeti Bear by Build-A-Bear, buildabear.com 14 Fabric Ball in Rainbow by HABA, habausa.com 15 Musical Zebra by Fisher Price, fisher-price.com 16 Zoo Packs Little Kid Backpacks in Monkey design by Skip Hop, Mothercare 17 Blanket Coverture by JJ Cole Collections, jjcolecollections.com 18 I Can Cook by Alex Jr., alextoys.com 19 Play with Me Toddler Table & Chairs by SVAN, scichild.com

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

19 toys

1 Bunny Pillow by Godeleine de Rosamel, gderosamel.com 2 Waverly The Waterdrop by Idbids, idbids.com 3 Shake Rattle and Teethe by Alex Jr., alextoys.com 4 Science Putty by Science Museum, sciencemuseumshop.co.uk 5 Boggle by Hasbro Games, hasbro.com 6 Soft â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Squishy Bracelet by Sqwishland, sqwishland.com 7 Pinkalicious Tote Doll by Madame Alexander, madamealexander.com 8 Soft Shapes My First Puzzles Nursery Rhymes by Innovative Kids, innovativekids.com 9 My Smart Pal by WinFun, P499.75, Toys R Us 10 Bear & Blanket Set by Soft Hugwear, softhugwear.com

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

Balloons, birthday parties, cakes No celebration is complete without cake, or any sweet treatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially one that is custom-made. You can already stop there, but to emphasize our pointâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;nothing screams posterity than a photo of that delicious sugar-coated goodness topped by a little candle. BC Kidstock Cake and Cupcakes by COCO CAKES, ilovecococakes.com

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

FASHION / DESIGN / FAR-OUT LIFESTYLES Available at your leading magazine stands and bookstores

SPARKMAG.PH

bc delicious

AMILY

the best

Y g u i d e fo

R NA

kitchen fun!

“Chicken Soup for the Soul” Chef Antonio Frontera talks about what he currently has on his plate, and gives advice on cooking with your little gourmand P h o t og r ap h s b y M a r t i n a n d k a r i z TANYA f a v i s S TY L i n g B Y K ARIZ TANYA F A V IS interview by neil garguilo

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

bcmag.ph

B A K ING GOODIES

(This page, top photo, Girl 1) Floral dress by Baby Nay, babynay.com . Orange bag by Diesel Kids, dieselkids.com (Top photo, Girl 2) White jacket with pink piping by Burberry, burberry.com . Blue tropical tank dress by Lemon Loves Lime, everythingbuttheprincess.com (Bottom, left) Retro Dot baby doll top and leggings, all by Anita G., anitag.com

Mix. bcmag.ph

{ JUly-august 2012 } b c PHILIPPINES

b i te s

Grandpa Joe’s Jelly Cookies

bc delicious sw

(Top) White dress by Burberry, burberry.com (Bottom, left) Pink graffitti dot sweater by Little Marc Jacobs, marcjacobs.com . Pink solid pettiskirt by Oopsy Daisy Baby, everythingbuttheprincess.com (Bottom, center) Floral dress by DKNY, dkny.com or Macy’s stores (Bottom, right) Blue dress with white dots by Baby Nay, babynay.com

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

Chef Antonio: “My grandfather created this recipe. He passed it down to my parents, who passed it down to me. It is very special to my family, and these are my favorite cookies ever. Now, I tell my father that I make the best, but he still insists he makes the best!” Ingredients: 1 pound butter 4 oz. margarine 1 ½ cups sugar 5-6 cups all-purpose flour 1 pound grape jelly Tools: Measuring Cups Measuring Spoons 12 x 16 Cookie Sheet Pan Small Dessert Bowl Fork Hands

bcmag.ph

B A K ING GOODIES 1 In a mixing bowl, soften the butter with your hands. Use your hands a lot in this recipe—don’t be shy to! 2 Mix the butter thoroughly with the sugar until smooth.

Roll.

3 Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring with your hands until all is incorporated. Add flour until dough is firm and not sticky. 4 Take ½ of the dough, and pat it smoothly and evenly into a 12 x16-inch cookie sheet pan. 5 In a separate bowl, mix jelly with a fork until smooth. Spread evenly onto cookie dough that’s in the pan. 6 Roll the other ½ of the dough into ropes. Place crisscrossed onto the jelly until you run out of dough. 7 Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown. 8 Cool, and then cut into diamond shapes. Place on plate, then sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.

(Left) Black and white Chevron knit dress by Alice + Olivia, Neiman Marcus stores . Denim shorts by Diesel Kids, dieselkids.com . High chair by Svan, scichild.com or svanusa.com (Right) Pink dress with white dots and reverse print ruffles by Hula Mula, hulamula.com bcmag.ph

{ JUly-august 2012 } b c PHILIPPINES

b i te s

bc delicious sw

Bake.

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

bcmag.ph

B A K ING GOODIES (Bottom) Stars print dress and leggings, all by The Big Citizen, thebigcitizen.com . High chair by Svan, scichild. com or svanusa.com

BC: You operate a 4-star restaurant in New York called Chianti. Why did you decide to make a cookbook for kids, and not some “fancy recipes” book? Chef Antonio: Because my heart goes out to kids.

When I was a kid, the dinner table was for talking, laughing and connecting with the family. It was a fun environment and all children should be able to have that.

BC: How did you come about making a book with the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series authors? CA: I was at a book convention walking around with

my low-carb truffles, and I bumped into Patty Hansen, wife of Mark Hansen. We talked about the idea but nothing had come of it. Then two years later, I got a call from Patty, and it all just came together. BC: They say love for food is in the genes. How much of this passion is in your family? CA: It is. My grandfather was a professional baker,

but it was my grandmother who cooked most of the meals. She didn’t do it professionally, but she had a love for food. At the end of the day, that’s all you need. BC: How much has the Culinary Institute of America trained you as a cook, compared to starting out in your family’s kitchen at age 6? CA: The diploma is the big difference. It helps

[you] get a better job and make more money.

bcmag.ph

{ JUly-august 2012 } b c PHILIPPINES

b i te s

bc delicious sw

(Left) Pink headband with flower by No Slippy Hair Clippy, hairclippy.com . Dress by Buffalo David Bitton, buffalojeans.com (Center) French terry dress in grey yellow floral by Right Bank Babies (rightbankbabies.com)

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

Cooking is not about what you learn in a book; it’s about love for food. It’s about creativity and, of course, you have to have the passion. Don’t get me wrong—I learned a lot though. I still learn every day.

from the book? CA: The Tater

BC: Aside from Grandpa Joe’s Jelly Cookies, what are your favorite recipes

BC: Any other advice for kids and parents who do not know how to cook?

Tot Bake. It’s beef, potato, and other vegetables all in one, cooked for thirty minutes. It’s a great quick casserole. I also love the Vegetable Hamburger Soup.

bcmag.ph

B A K ING GOODIES

CA: Get in there and do it. If it doesn’t work, you can just throw it away and try again. Don’t make it a chore. Make it fun!

“Chicken Soup for the Soul Kids in the Kitchen: Tasty Recipes and Fun Activities for Budding Chefs” is available on amazon.com.

Yum!

bcmag.ph

{ JUly-august 2012 } b c PHILIPPINES

ainment f o

ou rF

bc reviews

AMILY

the best

t er

The Hobbit

Here comes an epic fantasy adventure based in J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” Directed and produced by Peter Jackson, the movie is about curious Bilbo, who journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug. Join Bilbo (Martin Freeman) as he escapes the goblin tunnel and meets the creature that will change his life forever.

must-see big screen attractions

+ feel good tracks... ‘business’ apps...cool viral videos...

Watch out for these upcoming films that will excite the whole family

The Watch

Here is a glimpse of how fathers get together and hang out with their male friends. Starring Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, Will Forte and Billy Crudup, The Watch is a sci-fi comedy about a suburban “neighborhood watch” group. Have a good laugh and be amazed as the group finds itself in over its head when it uncovers a plot to destroy the world.

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

Breaking Dawn Part II

Anchorman: The Legend Continues

As the Twilight saga comes to an end, the newly-married Edward and Bella Cullen’s epic love story illuminates various secrets and mysteries. After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturri. Find out if power of spellbinding romance is enough to overcome the odds that will challenge the Cullen family’s ways.

The fearsome foursome are back! The top-rated newsman will once again attempt to dominate the air. Written and directed by Adam McKay, the film reunites the Channel 4 News Team, played by Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and David Koechner. The film will see the dawn of the 24-hour news cycle and the addition of anchors of different races, all making for a tense workplace for the old crew. bcmag.ph

unwind

iPAD APPS With these free apps, running a virtual business can be a lot of fun!

AUDIO BOX Update your playlist with the latest chart-topping hits

Streetfood Tycoon

Having fun on the street has never been this yummy! Let your child sell various popular street food like french fries and fishballs and take a journey to become the next streetfood tycoon. Hobby Farm

Harvest exotic fruits, manage roaming animals, and operate hand-made machines in this farm. Practice your child’s time management skills by allowing him to help farm owner Jill as she works on her business. Wide Awake by Katy Perry Diner Dash: Grilling Green Deluxe

For an interactive cooking experience, grab this app that will let your child have fun with innovative, multi-touch cooking, featuring the Touch Cooker 3000, an interactive cooking appliance!

Youtube Fun Files Have a good laugh with these quick entertaining clips Hey Jude

Watch as this four-year-old entertains right from his living room with his cover of the Beatles’ song, “Hey Jude.” This video has reached over 33 million views. David After the Dentist

Watch as David recollects his trip to the dentist. He seems a bit disoriented after having a tooth pulled out, but this 2-minute clip of his musings has reached over 100 million views. Christian the Lion

A touching video about how a wild animal became somewhat of a pet to two men and after a year in Africa, still recognized his owners.

bcmag.ph

As her last single from her Teenage Dream re-release, this track fuses Perry’s electronic music and dance-pop sound in a mellow song about being resilient. “Dark Side” by Kelly Clarkson

No one can stop stop American Idol season 1 winner, Kelly Clarkson, from showing her amazing vocal prowess with her new single about self-acceptance, from her fifth album, Stronger. “How Would It Be” by Lene Marlin

Despite its nostalgic yearning for the past, the song utilizes fun guitar strums and a catchy beat that is reminiscent of 90s pop. “Turn the Pages” by Kris Allen

Infused with the perfect combination of pop and rock, this inspiring song from Kris Allen’s Thank you, Camellia is about keeping one’s hopes up despite all odds. “Eyes Open” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift takes a step in a new direction and veers away from her country/pop sound to record “Eyes Open” for the Hunger Games movie soundtrack. “Good Time” by Owl City feat. Carly Rae

A fun track to dance to during exercise or when you want to get everyone’s energies up, this track is another surefire hit from Call Me Maybe singer, Carly Rae. { JUly-august 2012 } b c PHILIPPINES

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

There’s no denying that this little prince is the progeny of the nymph that is Denise Laurel. She arrives at the shoot venue with a big, fervent smile—that familiar, warm grin of hers that’s both charming and captivating. Her posse is composed of none other than her equally stunning mother, Ruby, and adorable then 14-month old son Alejandro, whose gorgeous gray eyes truly identify him as one of the Laurels. Immediately, our attention goes to the cherub in his stroller, wide-eyed and observing his surroundings. While this adorable bundle of energy has given her enough tabloid fodder for the public to feast on,

Denise is far from affected. In fact, she uses this (among all her other experiences) to fuel her desire to succeed and prove people wrong. This admirable strength, she admits, she owes to her parents. Speaking of genetics, having all three generations from the Laurel clan in one room was more than a feast for the mind and senses. Grace, charm, and good nature clearly run in the family, and it is no wonder why the Laurels hold such pride in their name. We pick the mind of Denise, who isn’t one to beat around the bush. She speaks of being a single mother straightforwardly—but is extremely proud of her blessing.

P h o t og r ap h s b y M a r t i n F a v i s S t y li n g b y K a r i z T a n y a F a v i s a n d V a n e s s a J o h n s o n Interview by Valerie Anne del Castillo and Rosario Santiago Wo r ds b y R o s a r i o S a n t i a g o M ak e up b y C a r m e l V i l l o n gc o Hai r b y M i t c h L u m a n l a n o f T h e M a k e Up C l i n i c S p e cial T h a n ks t o M J R i n g o r o f M 2 B u i l d e r s D e s i g n C o n c e p t s

Denise: Green laced dress by CHARINA SARTE, stylist’s own . Necklace by SM ACCESSORIES . Floral wedge shoes by ALDO, P4,295 Alejandro: Checkered polo by BOBINETTE . Blue denim pants by DIESEL, both stylist’s own . White shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS, P1,299 bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

me, or overestimate me, because it’s always a surprise. And I love surprising people,” Denise told us. And surprising people is something she’s apparently been good at since childhood, like when she went along with her grandmother to see her uncle—well-respected veteran of Philippine theater, Cocoy Laurel—and came home already part of the play he was in! “I didn’t know my Tito Cocoy was an actor,” Denise told us. “I just look at him as my Tito Cocoy, and one day, I went to Repertory and I didn’t know what I was doing there. I just knew that my lola dragged me along, and I saw my Tito Cocoy onstage in costume and I was wondering, ‘What is he doing there?’ And then before I knew it, I was a part of the play because my Tito Cocoy asked me to sing for, at that time, Repertory was owned by tita Bibot Amador—Zenaida Amador—and Baby Barredo.”

Checkered polo, P1,999, Denim pants, P999, both by MOTHERCARE . White and blue shoes by CHICCO

hey say good things come in small packages. And most of the time, it’s the unwrapping that brings the most fun. From afar, with little more than her name and heritage to go on, it’s easy to paint a picture of Denise Laurel based solely on presumptions. Her lineage and recent life events offer enough fodder for most of us on the outside looking in. She is descended from a long line of thespians and politicians that reads like a who’s who in both fields. She is sexy, sultry, alluring. She is a single mother to a beautiful young boy of mixed race. And so the pitfall for many is to dismiss her as any one of a number of stereotypes—the little rich girl that got served success on a silver platter; another wannabe cashing in on looks and connections; a snob; a difficult diva; a has-been before her time. Any one of those labels could make a more fragile girl cry, run away, and hide. And given her petite frame and perceived shel-

JUly-august 2012 philippines

tered upbringing, Denise looks just the part. What very few people know however, is how far from the truth all those presuppositions are, and that such perceptions of her are no more real than many of the other roles she plays on the stage and on the screen. To the diminutive lass from Batangas, unkind assumptions are exactly what her ego thrives on. In her own words, they’re “fuel to the fire” that drives her, with that fire being her passion. Sitting on a bed at the breathtaking high-rise location of her BC cover shoot, with her legs propped in front of her as we chatted casually, Denise spoke candidly about everything we could think to fire at her. From her high-profile background, to her personal and career struggles, to plans for the future, nothing was too much for this young lady to handle. “I love it when people underestimate

Again, people might think why she wouldn’t get the part, she’s got clout! But Denise is quick to debunk that notion, explaining to us that whatever breaks she’s gotten, she’s earned on her own merit and talent. “A lot of people think, ‘Ah, the only reason she has shows is because related siya dito, may stocks siya—ganito, ganyan, but I started from the bottom, all the way up.” Denise goes on to tell us how, even as a child of 8 to 10, she would go to her engagements by herself, because she was determined to prove to her parents how dedicated she was to her craft, and that it wasn’t just a fleeting whim or fancy. “I used to take a tricycle to—wala pang MRT noon—I used to take a tricycle to Shangri-la,” Denise recounts. [From] Shangri-la, get a taxi, go to ABS (CBN), and I was 8 years old—all by myself. I once walked from inside AFP to Shangri-la Mall because I went to the wrong location for my dress tech for a musical, and I was I think nine or 10. And so when there was an MRT, I would walk to Shaw station, or [take a] tricycle to the Shaw station if it was summer, and bcmag.ph

Denise: Earrings and black belt by SM ACCESORIES . Peach sleeveless dress by TOPSHOP, stylist’s own Alejandro: Checkered polo by MOTHERCARE, P849 . White pants by BOBINETTE, stylist’s own On background: Beige shoes by FLORSHEIM KIDS, P1,400 . Golfer’s hat by FORE!! AXEL AND HUDSON, stylist’s own bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

I’ll get down in GMA Kamuning, tricycle drive-thru through McDo—‘coz I love McDonald’s (laughs), and then go to ABS.” We sit wide-eyed with our jaws on the floor, amazed at the guts she had even at such a young age, and it is immediately clear to us that strength has always been part of Denise’s character. We ask her about this, and where such courage and independence come from. “My dad and my mom,” Denise answers without hesitation. “My dad and mom got married at the age of 20, I think, or my mom was 19. My dad was still in college and my dad said to my grandfather, ‘You know what—I love that you take care of me but I’m gonna try and do this on my own, since I have a family now and I’m gonna work while in college.’ And when we were younger, every time we wanted something that was not a need, we’d have to save our baon to get it. So I would literally save my baon. And my first ever cellphone—it was half savings, half contribution of my parents also ‘coz it was a prize, like it was my birthday, or I had good grades, or something like that, but it’s never just handed to you. It’s either you have to work for it or you’d really deserve it, so that was a big impact on my life.” Denise also points out how growing up the youngest in the brood has worked to her favor. “There’s a gap between my three siblings and I. They’re all magkakasunod. There’s four years between me and my sister, five between me and my brother, and six between me and my other brother, so I really had to catch up, ‘coz my parents treat us all equally. There’s no favorites; no special treatment; no spoiled brat, which is awesome because if you ask us who’s mama’s boy, who’s mama’s girl—we’re all gonna say, ‘us’ ‘coz we were all equal. So I had to catch up with them being older. I had to mature earlier.” Denise adds that her early experiences in Repertory Philippines also provided her excellent training, not just in acting. “Being in Repertory gave me the discibcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

I used to take a tricycle to Shangri-la. [From] Shangri-la, get a taxi, go to ABS...I was 8 years old, all by myself.

Denise: Black necklace by SM ACCESSORIES . Yellow sleeveless dress by CHARINA SARTE . Belt by BCBG, both stylist’s own Alejandro: Green checkered polo by KNUCKLEHEADS . Beige cargo pants by OILILY, both stylist’s own

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

pline, and being with my parents also gave me the discipline, and then at the same time, the inner fire of wanting to carry on the name in a good way.” We asked Denise how big a pressure it was to live up to, and bring honor to that Laurel name. “I take it as, I’m proud of where I come from, and I’m totally different from them, but everything I am, I owe to them. So, yes, I feel the pressure,” she admits, “but I use it to uplift myself, and I wanna bring honor, not because I fear them, not because I’m scared of their shadow, but because I love them. I really want to see that look in their eyes that says, ‘I’m proud.’ That’s why of course, you know, tackling the baby out of wedlock was a big issue for me. It wasn’t a big issue for them.” Denise confides how it was more of a struggle for her, than it ever was for the rest of her family. “They were excited that I was having a baby. Even my lola was saying, ‘It’s okay, Denise. It’s a blessing.’ ‘Yes, I know, lola, it’s a blessing. It’s just, I had a plan. I had a timeframe.’ But then, again, being humbled by God saying that it’s not about your plan; it’s what I want for you. And I’ve always wanted to have kids, and I would say in four years, in four years, in four years. Ayan tuloy—I was telling God four years, and then He made it early,” Denise says in jest. She is quick to add though, that it was never about not wanting the baby. It was simply the methodical, disciplined woman in her needing to be prepared, in the right frame of mind, and at the right place in her life to raise a family. “It’s not that I didn’t want to be pregnant,” she tells us. “I wanted to save for

bcmag.ph

him. But it’s not about the money. It’s not about the savings. It’s about emotionally and mentally—are you ready to take care of someone? And I was! My family was telling me, ‘Why are you worried? It’s okay!’ I’m like, no, but what about Lolo Jose? ‘They’ll be proud—you’re having a boy, another Batangueño to carry on the name!’ So I was the one giving myself that pressure but then again, it was the hormones,

maybe (laughs). I was just I guess, scared of the stereotype, which is what I wanna break. Because a lot of women feel that—I’m tackling this now; I’m going straight into this (Denise turns very serious and businesslike)—a lot of Filipina women think that once you have a kid, you’re no longer beautiful, you’re no longer sexy. You no longer

have the right to celebrate your womanhood, which is totally wrong.” “Which is what BC is all about—we wanna break that,” we pipe in excitedly. “Yes, and which is what I’m all about,” Denise says in agreement. “You know, I could’ve not gone back to work, but then I was like, I wanna show people how beautiful it can be to be a mother. And they ask me, ‘Why are you even sexier now than before?’ My son makes me sexy,” she says beaming. “Literally! He’s so heavy. He’s so active—all-in-one workout, and the same time, geez, look into those eyes. How can you not feel blooming every day? I wanna remove that whole ‘Ay laspag na yan, may anak na yan eh,’” at which point, Denise once again turns dead serious. “I’m really being frank right now because they really do that. I feel even more fulfilled because this is my purpose as a woman—to bring life into this world, despite the circumstance. You know, it wasn’t in my timing, but it was what I wanted. It’s just a small detail of I wanted to have more savings, but money—you can’t take it with you when you die. Again there goes my being too independent and too strong. My purpose now is to make women feel good about themselves. You don’t have to get plastic surgery. You don’t have to hurry up in losing weight. You can just enjoy the company of your son and that alone will make you lose weight. Breastfeeding makes you lose weight. Just eat right because whatever you’re eating, your son is drinking. I just want them [women] to feel beautiful. I think that’s what my purpose is now—to show women that. Not to get pregnant out of wedlock,” Denise quickly adds jokingly, “but that pregnancy itself is beautiful. And mother-

JUly-august 2012 philippines

I just want [women] to feel beautiful. I think that’s what my purpose is now—to show women that. Not to get pregnant out of wedlock, but that pregnancy itself is beautiful. And motherhood. And having that responsibility drives you in a good way. hood. And having that responsibility drives you in a good way.” All that in one breath—this young lady truly is full of surprises! There is clearly more—much more—to her than what only the eyes would allow one to imagine. Mature and resilient beyond her years, with a stature that belies an inner fortitude and a wellspring of creativity, this scion of the Laurel clan doesn’t mince words when tackling issues and concerns close to her heart, near and dear to her. And hearing her speak so passionately about wanting to eradicate arcane, prejudicial, and destructive notions against and about women, we see glimpses of the true substance beneath this fierce woman of style. Sensing we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg, we asked Denise if there were any other causes she supports. “When I was younger, a couple of years ago, before I got a little bit busy, I was into Gawad Kalinga with my family,” she tells us. “And there was a charity event that I put together in a span of one week, for childhood cancer. I wanna do more of that. For now, what I can do is inspire people, and when I am fully equipped, then I can get more people to help me. I’ve always wanted to build my own hospital in Batangas. Or at least fix up the Jose P. Laurel Hospital, ‘coz even if it’s under our name, it’s not being controlled by us. It’s being controlled by the Batangas government. One day, I’m gonna save enough to buy it. It doesn’t even have an ambulance, for crying out loud. [When I am] fully equipped, [I’ll] get people to sponsor, get people to be a part of [it], because even if it is a province—now a city, they deserve [good facilities]. I mean, you’re getting a heart attack, you’re going to drive two hours all the way to Manila just to get help?” Denise points out em-

JUly-august 2012 philippines

phatically. “So, that’s always been my dream. I remember, I actually walked the whole three districts of Batangas in stiletto heels, visiting people, going into houses—not campaigning. I wanted to get to know what was going on there. And so I walked three districts and I was just, wow, there’s a lot to be done! There are a lot of things that need to be done. This is where I’m from. One day. I can’t say now because you know, [I’m] a lone ranger. When I’m more equipped, I know what my goal is and I’m very bullheaded like my son, so hopefully, God-willing, it will happen.” With single-minded determination such as hers, there is little doubt we’ll see Denise’s wonderful, inspiring plans for the family legacy that is the Jose P. Laurel Hospital become reality in good time. And while she may not followed in the footsteps of her great grandfather, the former Philippine president whose name the hospital bears, nor of his son, her grandfather, former Philippine vice-president Salvador “Doy” Laurel, it is evident that the call to public service is just as strong in Denise. “I guess it’s because [in] our family, we have like an unspoken thing—a bond where you don’t have to have a title to help,” Denise explains. “It’s your responsibility as a human being—social responsibility. We all live in the same world. What goes around comes around. What you ruin—it’s a cause and effect thing.” Denise then proceeds to tell us about her dad, and how his example has also been one of her strongest inspirations in her desire to help people. “My dad is so awesome because he’s, you know, simple guy—sneakers, cargo pants, Green Lantern t-shirt, but this guy,

if I didn’t do any research on him, I wouldn’t have known that he’s done so much for the Philippines, like the Gawad Kalinga villages. He works with the Gawad Kalinga people for Nestle ‘coz he works with Nestle Philippines. The Star Tollway—you know where they put all those coffee plants? I don’t even know the details, but he sends goods from Nestle to children, feeding programs. He also does the CSR of Nestle, where the people make the hairnets, now they’ve branched into making the uniforms. And so they’re one community. It started with one girl making hairnets. She got her amigas to join in. Now they each have their own specialty and they all work for the factories of Nestle, so they became one community all helping each other, all with their own businesses, but teaching other people how to handle money and have their own business. So it became like a chain effect of businesses helping other businesses, but it all roots to Nestle and/or my dad’s mind, and he’s like this guy that’s just in sneakers, cargo pants, and like he’s really cool and still loves cartoons. It’s like another thing to look up to and follow into.” With role models like that, is it any wonder Denise Laurel can’t wait to take on the many different things she’s witnessed first-hand needs tackling, changing, improving. Yet her sense of social responsibility is not reserved for the more lofty and far-reaching goals of public service. It is something innate and conscious for her at all times, even in her simple day-to-day interactions with people she works with or strangers she never meets. “When I was working in Singapore for MTV, I was the youngest in the whole production, and also the most curious,” Denise recalls. “So every week, bcmag.ph

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

I remember I actually walked the whole three districts of Batangas in stiletto heels, visiting people, going into housesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; not campaigning. I wanted to get to know what was going on there. And so I walked three districts and I was just wow, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot to be done!

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

I would choose to do something different. I would join Art Department. I was close to the light men, the gaffers, and I was like this little boyish kid that would run around carrying lights or being the P.A., getting everybody to read their lines. And then when I got back here, I know the directors were like, ‘Oh this kid is so cute, makulit, ganyan. Sige, let’s get her to A.D.’ When I would assistant direct, they would see that I was really precise, although they would laugh at me kasi English daw, ganyan ganyan, but kasi if I translate it to Tagalog, the direct translation might mean something different or masabing mataray and I might not know it, so that’s my way of, just international way of conversing to everyone so that it’s clear.” As further testament to her breeding, she is considerate even of the feelings of total strangers. Mindful of how she might be perceived even during her most candid, unguarded moments, she is careful not to cause any slight to those around her. “You always have to make sure, even if you’re not feeling well—every person around you is also a human being, but you have to make sure that you treat them like one, ‘coz sometimes you may not know it, you might be tired that day and you’re not smiling. Me pa, if I’m not smiling I look mataray, so let’s say I’m looking out the window and I’m staring, and then somebody passes by, you don’t know that you’re affecting someone by not smiling.” Aside from her dreams of someday making a difference in improving the lives of her fellow Batangueñas and Batangueños, we asked Denise what’s next for her in terms of her career. “[When] I was working with direk Peque Gallaga, one of my greatest mentors, I had the privilege to be taught by him in acting,” Denise recalls. “He said, ‘You know what—when you’re old, you let your mind be the director, but when you’re an actor you have to get rid of it. The inner director in you is fighting the actress in you, so you have to separate bcmag.ph

the two,’ and so that’s when I figured, when I’m older, [what] I’m gonna be. I wanna start producing first, and then eventually learn about cinematography, lighting, and then go into being a director. Although I’ve been around it often, there are a lot of details that go into it that are very meticulous and if I wanna BE a director, I wanna really BE one. Not an ‘I’m a director’,” she says in her smallest, ‘tweetums’ voice. I really wanna make the people that taught me along the way, proud, like direk Cathy, direk Rori, direk Peque, Tita Bibot. I have never brought myself to do a play again ever since she passed away ‘coz I just feel like it won’t be the same, but now I’m opening my mind ‘coz I miss it so much.” We asked Denise, if theater, where she started this whole journey into the entertainment business, was her favorite medium. “To the naked eye, I mean, to anyone who doesn’t know the fine details about the three different genres, they’re all so very different,” she tells us. “TV and movies are so different—the way it’s done, very different. Theater—extremely different, and these are all three different mediums. And as an actress, they’re the same because you’re acting, but the scale of how you do it is very different, so I can’t really choose because I love them all.” So we asked her which one she found most challenging. “They’re all challenging,” she says. “For TV, there are close-ups and so sometimes, it’s just your eyes that have to speak, WITHOUT lines, and without one word, just with one look, you have to light up the screen and say a paragraph with just one look and you have (snaps her fingers) less than a minute to do it. How are you gonna do that? In movies, it’s in real film, so sometimes you’re doing the scene [and] you’re only using one camera. So if you’re crying, how many times do you have to do it? You have to do it for the close-up, far shot, total shot, and then certain angles JUly-august 2012 philippines

because angles express certain feelings also. As a viewer, that’s your way of ‘Oh, I’m looking at this.’ The camera’s the window of the audience. And for theater, it’s live. You get an immediate response from the audience, but everything has to be perfect to a ‘T’, spot on, because if you drop the ball, the person that you’re doing it with, will also have. Which is also fun because a lot of actors love to improv, but if it’s written by someone, wouldn’t you want to honor what they’ve written? So this is a medium also that’s different because you’re using extreme energy from head to toe, so it’s also very challenging because your tool is not just your eyes, or not just your head, not just the tears. It’s every muscle and that’s every day, three times a day. It requires a lot of energy and it has to be very precise. I like all three genres so it’s hard to choose and yeah, so I can’t choose,” she ends laughing. “But not a lot of people know that,” Denise continues. “To explain that in a short way, a bird’s eye view so they get na hindi pala madaling maging—

JUly-august 2012 philippines

I don’t like using the word ‘artista’— artist, or actor/actress. Each one has something to fall in love with, something new—a new challenge, you know what I mean? And no project is the same. People think it’s all ‘lights, camera, action,’ you show up there, make-up, whatever, but there are so many elements that go into it—sound, live sound, how somebody…If you’re doing a scene and somebody in the background is looking at the camera, even if they’re kasali in the scene—if they’re an extra or a passers-by, “CUT!” and you have to do it from the top. Full energy, everybody will have to do it again. That’s just a small window into our lives and maybe that’s why they think, o yung mga artista sino lang ganyan ganyan, but really, you have to be intelligent to be an actor. Not booksmart or anything, but like your senses have to be heightened, your subconscious, and you have to do research also. I wanna clear that to everybody who thinks being an actor or an entertainer is easy.” And what about her plans as mother to

a gorgeous, growing boy whose willful determination rivals her own? “I’m excited to see him grow up, and at the same time, also nervous ‘coz the responsibility in how awesome my parents were—I wanna be that, I’m gonna cry,” Denise tells us, filling with emotion. “I wanna be that for him, and those are big shoes to fill.” Big as they are, we’re certain her own small feet will fill them up beautifully and nicely. For Denise Laurel, different though she may be from the rest of her family, carries within her the same intelligence, strength, dedication, commitment, compassion, and integrity her ancestry is known for. Whether at home, onstage, in front of the camera, or on the streets of her beloved Batangas, she is equal to whatever task is at hand, and eager to take it on full speed with everything she is equipped with. She is a force of nature ready and raring to carve her own path into motherhood, career, and public service. She is Denise Laurel—fearless woman and mom of style and substance. bc

bcmag.ph

Even my lola was saying, ‘It’s okay, Denise. It’s a blessing.’ Yes, I know, lola, it’s a blessing. It’s just, I had a plan. I had a timeframe. But then, again, being humbled by God saying that it’s not about your plan; it’s what I want for you.

Denise: Orange halter jersey dress by CHARINA SARTE . Shoes by ALDO, P4,895 bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

exploring nealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yard Discover a haven for organic goods and produce through the eyes of one mom who unearths the goodness of this old world alley in Covent Garden, London W O R D S a n d p h o t og r ap h s B Y B AR B ARA A M B ROSIO

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

hen traveling, I always see to it that I visit health food stores and homeopathic apothecaries just to see what products they have for personal care and most especially, baby care. This time, we were in London and I asked my husband, Job, to take me to at least one store. The train ride was about 45 minutes from where we stayed at Kingston upon Thames. Then there was the walking. It was lunchtime, and I was starving! My husband was holding this city map looking for the place. It seemed like we were in an Amazing Race episode, walking through alleys and cobblestone streets, which was pleasant and enjoyable, so I didn’t mind my grumbling stomach. After a while, we turned to an alley that led to an extremely charming courtyard! This was it—Neal’s Yard. This courtyard was surrounded by very tall buildings which had lovely colorful windows. The shops at the ground floor had equally pretty entrances that it was impossible not go inside every one of them! For a bit of history, Neal’s Yard is named after Thomas Neale who acquired the land in 1690. It used to be a dark, rat infested, abandoned area that contained a few warehouses of fruit and vegetables that were traded during those times. It wasn’t until Nicholas Saunders who started the whole food enterprise that Neal’s Yard became famous. He sold produce such as nuts, honey, vegetable oils, and cider vinegar really cheap. There was a sense of family and community among his workers. According to Mr. Saunders, his old idea of a village community is shown in the form of a community of small businesses, each one individual, and even though the businesses are each independent, everyone who works in them, and many of the regular customers, identify with the place. The Yard, according to him, has developed into a social scene, but still retains an air of distinct community.

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

Neal’s Yard is a quaint, off-the-beatenpath sort of place in Covent Garden. Shops are small and close to each other. The courtyard is dotted with benches and tables and was rather filled with the lunchtime crowd. Although full, it did not feel crowded or suffocating. While waiting for our table, I enjoyed people watching and taking pictures. I also peeped inside some of the shops nearby. There was The Little Shop of Funkiness. The entrance to the store was a bright pink color and this delightful store was filled with colorful items for the home such as storage boxes, bags made from paper, straw or bamboo, ceramic plates, cups and glasses. Further down there is Hair by Fairy, a trendy salon that offers body piercing services. Across it is The Walk-in Back Rub, which offers 10, 20 or 30 minute back rubs (clothed) or full shiatsu massage that will take your tensions away. Towards one end is Slow Food UK, a store that offers different products from all over the world like olive oil, spices

JUly-august 2012 philippines

and cookies. Slow Food (the opposite of Fast Food) is a global movement with members from around the world that connects our enjoyment of food with the community and environment. Taking in the healthy vibe, we had lunch at the Neal’s Yard Salad Bar, a restaurant that served vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian food. We enjoyed the chick-pea soup and Bolinhos de Bacalhau, codfish balls with soyannaise dip. I especially liked the rice flower bruschetta with tomatoes, olives, garlic, and basil. My husband tried the apple, beetroot, carrot, and ginger juice. What a wholesome and nourishing meal indeed! And the sole purpose of this trek, the highlight of the day was visiting Neal’s Yard Remedies, a little Mecca of sorts for organic skin and body care, natural remedies, therapies, and treatments. I find it exhilarating to be able to spend quite a bit of time inside health food

stores. I like skimming through all kinds of organic products like shampoo, lotion, soaps and toothpastes, especially for babies and children. My favorite is to browse through different supplements, healing remedies and creams. Imagine what it felt like when I went inside this store! Neal’s Yard Remedies is a lovely store selling organic cosmetics. They have toners and moisturizers, lotions and serums, lots of things for the skin and body (and soul). The most beautiful thing about it is that all of their products are free from harmful ingredients and chemicals. The staff is very knowledgeable and kind. The saleslady patiently helped me and gave some suggestions for my concerns. I ended up buying Frankincence Nourishing Cream, Arnica Salve, Urtical Cream and Calendula Cream. Filled with joy and with several products in tow, we left Covent Garden to go on a hop-on, hop-off tour of the city. bc

bcmag.ph

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bc events

c e l e b r at i o n s

BC’s MBM & HD Exhibit n June 24, BC Magazine and SM Accessories, in cooperation with Safety 1st and ERGObaby , together with Johnson’s Baby Milk Bath and The Farm Organics, presented the Most Beautiful Moms and Hautest Dads in a five-day exhibit, which kicked off with a cocktail party at SM Mall of Asia. The star-studded event featured a talk on indoor and outdoor safety and choosing the right carrier for baby by Jay de Mesa. Delectable snacks and desserts were provided by Italianni’s, Fish & Co., TGIFriday’s, and Coco Cakes, while guests enjoyed an afternoon of fun and laughter. P h o t og r ap h s b y s a n y a n d n i mf a c h u a

12 14

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

4 8

5 6

7 10

9 11

1 BC’s MBM Annette Gozon-Abrogar with husband, Lito 2 BC’s MBM and expectant mom, Amanda Griffin-Jacob 3 BC’s MBM Patricia Morato-Roa, with husband, RB 4 BC’s MBM Danica Sotto-Pingris, with husband Marc and children, Mic and Caela 5

BC’s Hautest Dad Vince Hizon, and MBM Patricia Hizon 6 Clavel Bendana 7 Nikki Romero 8 BC’s Hautest Dad, San Juan Vice Mayor Francis Zamora and MBM Keri with kids, Rocco, Amanda, and Nikita 9 LJS’ Jenna Sy 10 Martin and Tessie Gomez 11 SM’s Melvi Magnaye and Ninoy Sarcida, OMD’s Aleli Espiritu, and Michelle Chua 12 Gigi Gonzales Uson and Malou Araneta Romero 13 BC’s MBM and June cover mom, Priscilla Estrada 14 Francis Asilo, Jerwin Lim, Irving Chua, Woowee Evangelista, Rom Obligacion 15 BC’s Job Ambrosio, Vivian Ventura, Sheryl Balot, Raqui Chavez, and Roy Santos 16 Jeri Favis 17 Mikey, Alfonso, Jing, Armand, and Randy Favis 18 The Richwell Philippines team

bcmag.ph 17

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bc events Be

1 11

2 13 12

14 24 15 26

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bcmag.ph

4 7

8 18

19 20

22 29

bcmag.ph

21 30

1 BC’s Hautest Dad, Felix Barrientos, with MBM Regina, and sons Diego and Andro 2 BC’s MBM Ingrid Go 3 Pao Barrientos and Grace Feliciano Murillo 4 Lily Misa, Joel and Mateo Vivas, Jaffe Misa, Jetri Misa 5 Monica Vivas 6 BC’s MBM Liz Almoro with her son, Juamee and BC’s Victor Aliwalas 7 BC’s Editor-in-Chief Kariz Tanya Favis and Valerie Anne del Castillo with the Richwell Philippines Team 8 Lily Ann, Boy, Angela, Anina, and Alfonso Favis 9 Wopsy Zamora, Hubert Lim, Agile Zamora, Marvie Young-Lim 10 Maxine and Sabina Favis 11 Jose Mari Misa 12 Alvin Degamo of Red Talent Studio 13 David Bonifacio BC cupcakes from Coco Cakes 14 Belay Lontoc and Luz Cruzin 15 Marco, Laurice, Lucy, and Marc Castro 16 BC’s MBM Michelle Teves 17 Gaby Murillo 18 Terry Lim 19 Gisela, Dot, Victoria, and Marina Velasco 20 Richwell Philippines’ Jay de Mesa 21 Ina Azarcon with son, Ethan 22 Joel Esquila 23 Earl Chua 24 GMA 7’s Micaela Papa 25 Ed Relucio, Barbara and Lucia Ambrosio 26 Jumbo Guillen 27 Andrew Baltazar 28 PEP.ph’s Kathleen Benavidez 29 BC’s Cel Bancolita, Charina Mitra, Cezil Azarcon 30 Roxannne Lee and Ava Samson 31 David Bonifacio

JUly-august 2012 philippines

bc events e

SPECIA L

OCCASSIONS

Revamp Your Style This midyear, score a new look with geometric haircuts (starting at P700) and airbrush makeup courtesy of Jessica Lace Salon and Spa, which features precision haircutting technique. Come out looking fresh with wellshaped, organic, and extremely easy to maintain and manageable â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dos that are sure to fit your facial features. The salon launched their first branch in Timog Avenue, Quezon City in 2007 and another in Bonifacio Global City in January 2011, and since then has gained a following among clients who want stylish and funky hairstyles. Jessica Lace assures their clients of the same quality hairstyling with its fine roster of stylists, who are equally skilled and creative. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, the Salon takes pride in their honesty, and best quality products, thereby providing clients with top value. The Salon is open everyday from 8am to 10pm, but make sure to book a schedule on Fridays and Saturdays, during which more customers come in.

shopping bag

DRYPERS WEE WEE DRY Let your babies enjoy the Breathable Cloth-like cover of Drypers Wee Wee DRY, which keeps baby’s skin cool and fresh. It also features a Stretchable Waist Band that ensures a fit, snug wear, and Leak Guards that hug baby’ legs to prevent leaks. Keep him dry and comfy with Drypers’ new Zip Dry Core. drypers.com.ph

Ace Hardware One of the country’s leading hardware stores offers over 40,000 home improvement solutions, and is your one way ticket for the latest products for building and repairing materials. It has everything you’ll need to make your home better and brighter—from paints and sundries, electrical and plumbing, hardware and power tools and outdoor merchandising. acehardware.ph

APRICA Have fun with the newest and first ever high seat that’s 50cm above the ground to protect your baby from heat, dust and dirt in a dual-facing baby stroller called Soraria. Aprica is designed for happy babies—letting them stay cool, comfortable and away from the harmful UV rays with its sun protection system. aprica.com

JOHNSON’S BABY SKINCARE WIPES Help prevent diaper rash with Johnson’s Baby Skincare Wipes, which coats your child’s skin with baby lotion, leaving it with an extra later of moisturizers while gently cleaning the area. Give your baby’s bottom extra protection with these gentle, yet effective wipes. All leading drugstores and supermarkets

Philips Avent Let your kids have fun and learn while eating. As the leader in parenting and baby products, Philips Avent understands your concerns. They developed a complete range of feeding materials aimed to engage your little ones during mealtimes with fun and educational story-telling designs to keep your little one entertained. philips.com.ph Uratex Experience world class mattresses with Uratex’s Premium Mattress. They’re the largest manufacturer of commercial and automotive polyurethane foam products in the country. Uratex continues to be at the forefront of product innovation and technological advancement, investing in highly advanced machines and building state-of-the-art facilities. uratex.com.ph Cedrix Look good and live happy with the newest slimming center in the Philippines. Experience weight loss and slimming, as well as improved lifestyle with their variety offers, from professional coaching system, personalized customer care, confluence treatments, and body detox system. cedrixslimming.com

Noselift Natural-Looking

Without The Compromise “Nose job” is the most popular aesthetic enhancement among Filipinos. This is not surprising at all considering that we came from the Asian race which is not so blessed with an ideal nasal profile. Like Malaysians, Chinese, Koreans and Indonesians, we are born with wide flat noses. But Koreans seem to be different nowadays, especially the actors and actresses we see on telenovelas. They look so beautiful and noble with their naturallooking high noses that perfectly match their facial features. Could it be because much of the Korean’s population of this generation was born from interracial marriages with the Caucasians? The answer is NO. According to Korean Medical Aesthetic Journal, the secret behind this is the latest material for nasal augmentation known as GORE-TEX – a very soft and biocompatible implant that allows patient to have a natural looking appearance much more a worry-free and rejection-free rhinoplasty. Good news for us aspiring to have this ideal nasal profile without the compromise - GORE-TEX noselift is already available in our country. It was first introduced here in December 2004 by Dr. Levi Lansagan of Shimmian (shim-mi-an) Manila Surgicenter who underwent years of intensive hands-on training in Korea with Asia’s best rhinoplasty surgeons. What prompted him to fly to a place where rhinoplasty technology is most advanced was his conviction for the sound and safe pursuit of beauty through the knife. He believes that beauty can be and has to be achieved without any significant trade-off. His introduction of GORE-TEX noselift in the Philippines became an instant hit among the Korean communities. Ninety percent of his patients here are satisfied Koreans who could do nothing but appreciate the beauty that GORE-TEX surgery has done to them. Gradually it started to gain popularity among Filipinos from the upper social strata where safety is as important as beauty. GORE-TEX which was discovered in 1958 was found to have an important medical purpose with its non-biodegradable property. Studies showed that this material is chemically inert and can last for more than 100 years even when exposed to the elements, without signs of chemical decomposition. In 1975, FDA approved its expanded use as a replacement for human tissue such as heart and pulmonary valve operations.

Nowadays, especially in first world countries, GORETEX is commonly used in augmenting the flat nose. Oftentimes, it is judged as the best implant by many nasal surgery experts. Its soft consistency allows it to blend well to the contours of the nose thus providing a natural-looking noselift as if one is born with it. More important, it is safe with nil case of rejection. The patient usually resumes its normal activities without any worry of the implant as this maintains the flexibility of the nose. Once healed, few months after the operation, the patient can still engage in contact sports such as volleyball, scuba diving, and the likes. Aside from that, the patient doesn’t have to worry of heat exposure since GORE-TEX implant can stand a wide range of temperature. Before

After

Park Ming Hee - Korean Actress

lifestyle by avoiding contact sports and activities that they used to do. Nothing of this kind happens with GORE-TEX Rhinoplasty. With over 700,000 clinical uses, there are no confirmed cases of material rejection with GORE-TEX implant. The material’s softness assures patient comfort. Its suppleness makes it easy for the surgeon to work with it even in difficult reconstructions. These “soft tissue patches” as they are usually called provide the necessary strength, flexibility and thickness for the most demanding surgical repairs. The structure of the material does not fray allowing the surgeon to sew the patch more easily. Moreover, its pore sizes rangA hard silicone implant that ing from 0.5 to 30 microns allow cells such is artificial and prone to nasal as macrophages (blood cells) to penetrate. contraction With this, the material incorporates into the surrounding tissue, and not encapsulated by it. This ability to incorporate may be the reason for a low incidence of infection thus eliminating material rejection. a SOFT FLEXIBLE nasal implant that provides a NATURAL-LOOKING noselift

Berni An Estiandian/Singer

Dr. Lansagan explains that the nose has articulations in the lower and upper lateral cartilages. It has a dynamic structure which conforms to the force exerted by an external pressure up to certain point. Friction is created by a hard implant like silicone once inserted and lies above the soft nasal cartilage. As this happens, the operated nose suffers from day-to-day trauma leading to material rejection. To avoid injury of the nasal area, noselift patients with silicone implant are forced to alter their

OTHER SERVICES SURGICAL SERVICES: Scarless Double eye-lid and Eyewidening Operation ∙ Eyebag Removal ∙ Noble Surgery (Paranasal and Chin Augmentation) Facelift ∙ Minilift ∙ Full Face lift ∙ Mandibular Contouring ∙ Cheek Augmentation ∙ Breast Augmentation and Reduction ∙Breast Lift ∙ Liposuction ∙ Tummy Tuck ∙ Butt Enhancement ∙ APTOS Thread DERMATOLOGICAL SERVICES: Facial Cleaning ∙ Facial Acne Treatment∙ SILKLIGHT LASER Acne Treatment ∙ Intralesional Acne Treatment. ∙ Shimmian Whitening Peel ∙ Painless Laser Mole Removal ∙ Blue Peel ∙ Diamond Peel Gycolic Peel ∙ TCA Deep Peel ∙ Whole Body Peel ∙ Microdermabrasion ∙ Skin Whitening ∙ Mesowhite ∙ Injectable Gluthathione Treatment∙ Painless Wart and Mole Removal ∙ Melasma and Syringoma removal ∙ NON-SURGICAL ENHANCEMENTS REJUVENATION AND SLIMMING TREATMENTS: SILKLIGHT Laser Photorejuvenation for removal of melasma, skin tightening and pore reduction ∙ BOTOX ∙ Dermal Fillers (correction of Scars and Wrinkles and facial contouring) ∙ Scars and Keloid Removal∙ Mesolift ∙ Body Contouring (Mesotheraphy) ∙ CelluliteTreatment Permanent Laser Hair Removal ∙ Laser Vein Treatment (Sclerotheraphy) ∙ Mosaic Fractional Laser for Scar, Wrinkle and Melasma Removal, Pore Reduction and Skin Rejuvenation ∙ Fractional CO2 laser for skin resurfacing. ∙ RF face lift and RF Body Contouring ∙ Cavitalipomelt Body sculpting ∙ Comprehensive Whitening Program. ∙ Comprehensive Slimming and Weight Management Program ∙ Comprehensive Anti-Aging Program and Stem Cell Therapy.

MEDICAL PLAZA ORTIGAS CONNECTICUT, GREENHILLS 910 - 0239 • 637 -2924 725 -3605 • 724-5294

TOMAS MORATO, Q.C 332 - 7639 • 227-4105

Now equipped with 15 years of expertise in crafting the ideal nasal profile, as an advocate of safe worry-free noselift surgery, Dr. Levi John Lansangan and Shimmian Manila Surgicenter in coordination with Shimmian Rhinoplasty Clinics in Korea also conduct lectures and hands-on training on advanced rhinoplasty for medical practitioners here and abroad.

Pioneer in

Goretex Noselift

safe • worr y free • natural-looking

www.shimmianmanila.com www.shimmiandermatology.com

bc directory FASHION (Kids) LIZZIE, ZAP’D, both by SM KIDS’ FASHION, HEY DUDE, SWISH MISS, all by SM children’s ACCESSORIES Available at all SM Department Stores BABY FASHIONISTAS Eastwood Mall, Kids Zone, Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, The Block, SM North EDSA CHICCO SHOES, ELLE Available at all leading department stores nationwide FLORSHEIM KIDS USA Trinoma, Eastwood Mall, Greenbelt 5, Robinson’s Ermita, SM North EDSA The Block, SM Mall of Asia, SM Cebu, SM Pampanga, SM Clark, Marquee Mall Angeles, Rustan’s Department Store, The Landmark STRIDE RITE, KEDS Greenbelt 5, Megamall, Atrium, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, Trinoma (Adults) aldo Greenbelt 5, Bonifactio High Street, SM North Edsa, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, Alabang Town Center SM ACCESSORIES Available at all SM Department Stores

HEALTH AND BEAUTY BC’s cover mom, Daphne Oseña-Paez and her daughter, Lily

Subscribe to BC Philippines the best choices for your family 5 issues for only P480.00 10 issues for only P960.00 Free delivery within Metro Manila

Please make all checks payable to BCMEDIA INC. or deposit to any BDO branch under BCMedia Inc. account number 4128000560 or Sterling Bank branch account no. 1636-000029-89. 0916.507.3227 | 0939.130.0997 | 478.4172 e-mail: info@bcmag.ph | www.bcmag.ph

BC U.S.’s Cover Mom, Kourtney Kardashian with her son, Mason

CETAPHIL Available at Watson’s and Mercury Drug stores nationwide DRYPERS drypers.com.ph; Available at leading drugstores and supermarkets INDIGO BABY The Farm, ECHO Store, Makati Jessica Lace Salon and Spa Timog Avenue Number 66, Quezon City, Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio Global City; jessicalace.net JOHNSON’S BABY skincare wipes, MILK BATH All leading drugstores and supermarkets MUSTELA Alabang Town Center, Ayala Trinoma, Robinson’s Ermita, Pure Beauty, 2nd Level Serendra, Rustan’s Department Stores OLAY Available at Watson’s and Mercury Drug stores nationwide PANTENE PRO-V Available at groceries and supermarkets REVLON Available at SM Department Stores, Rustan’s Department Stores, and Watsons TINY BUDS facebook.com/tinybuds; Available at Shopwise Supercenters URTEKRAM Available at Mothercare stores

LIFESTYLE ACE HARDWARE acehardware.ph; SM North Edsa, 928-4926; SM Megamall; SM Makati AMSIS FARMS facebook.com/amsisfarms APRICA Available at Baby Co. stores; 7139435 to 38; Aprica Products Philippines, Inc. LJS Corporate Center, 550 Magistrado Abad Santos St., Bacood Sta. Mesa, Manila CEDRIX SLIMMING & WELLNESS #63 Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan; 654-5968, 845-5332; cedrixslimming.com DR. BROWN’S, PACIFIC BABY, TOMMEE TIPPEE Available at Mothercare stores ERGOBABY Exclusively available at selected Baby Co. stores; ergobabycarriers. com; Distributed by Richwell Phils. Inc. THE FARM ORGANICS thefarm.ph; 403-9130; Landmark Supermarket Makati and Trinoma, Rustan’s Supermarket Makati, Rockwell, San Antonio Forbes Park, Edsa Shangri-La and Shopwise Libis FIREFLY, STERIPOD Watson’s and SM Department Stores GAIN SCHOOL ADVANCE All leading drugstores and supermarkets ITALIANNI’S RESTAURANT Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Libis, Gateway Araneta, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 2, Greenhills, Lucky Chinatown, Mall of Asia, Robinson’s Midtown, Tomas Morato, Trinoma LASSIG Rustan’s, Babyland, Chicco, Ollie &Co., Baby & Beyond, Toytown, Procreation Crossings LIFEFACTORY Numa The Organic and Eco Baby Store, Re-Use Alabang Town Center MEDELA 0917-5614386; 725-3723, 738-6272, 964-7331; medelamoms@gmail.com MOTHERCARE Greenbelt 5, Shangrila Plaza Mall, Trinoma, Robinson’s Galleria, Abreeza Mall PHILIPS AVENT 667-9000; Rustan’s and Baby Company stores; avent.com PIGEON Available at SM Baby Co. stores; 990-5437; facebook. com/pigeonphilippines; pigeon.com; Distributed by Richwell Phils. Inc. SAFETY 1ST 990-5437; facebook.com/safety1stphilippines; safety1st.com; Distributed by Richwell Phils. Inc. RICHWELL PHILS. INC. The Richwell Center, 102 Timog Ave., Quezon City; 441-1717 SHIMMIAN MANILA SURGICENTER shimmianmanila.com; Medical Plaza Ortigas, 910-0239, 637-2924; Connecticut, Greenhills, 7253605, 724-5294; Tomas Morato, Quezon City, 332-7639, 227-4105 URATEX uratex.com.ph; 888-6800 WYETH PROMAMA Available at leading drugstores and supermarkets; facebook.com/ProMamaPH

For advertising inquiries, please e-mail info@bcmedia.ph or call 478-4172

READY-To-Eat ORGANIC ROAST BEEF with mushroom gravy

Available at The Landmark Supermarket Makati and Trinoma, Echomarket For delivery, contact 836-2021, 0927-741-2660 or 0947-939-6598

BC Classifieds

bc moment O LO

cruise control

Minority Report

BC looks back at one of Hollywood’s most followed celebrity families of the decade

“The important thing with a child is that you love them, you protect them and you help them to grow and find out who they are.”—TOM CRUISE

o one can deny how Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes eventually won the world over with their chemistry and charm— and high profile love story. Their saga continued when their daughter, Suri, was born last April 18, 2006, during which people couldn’t wait to get even the tiniest peek of the little one. At Suri’s “Vanity Fair” cover debut, we were more than delighted to witness one of the most angelic faces we’ve ever seen. We gaze at this happy and candid photo of one of Hollywood’s “royal families,” which gives you an idea that this was once a unit of closeness, joy, and elegance (couldn’t help but notice the triple-matching Giorgio Armani-designed ensembles for their pre-wedding dinner in Rome). It is heartbreaking that this year, the couple have decided to go their separate ways due to undisclosed reasons. Regardless, we still look at TomKat as examples of hard-working parents who only want the best for their kids--just with a million more cameras surrounding them--making the already gargantuan task of parenting even more amplified. bc

W O R D S b y K a r i z Ta n ya Fav i s P h o t og r ap h b y G i l e s H a r r i s o n / Sp l a s h N e w s . c o m

b c PHILIPPINES { JUly-august 2012 }

bcmag.ph