Uplyfted eMag September 2021

September 2021
hello!
Welcome to the maiden issue of UpLyfted!
After months of preparation, it is with honor that we finally
present to you a collection of inspiring stories, informative
articles, and almost anything under the sun! It is our mission
to be your monthly source of good vibes, making you see
the finer side of lyf!
We hope you all enjoy reading what we have prepared
especially for all of you the past few months. This is just the
beginning of a wonderful journey that we will take together.
Go on, read, and learn something new, with UpLyfted!

Ma. Tyffanie Anne Short
Founder & CEO
Xy-Zha Cabanlong
Managing Editor
Kai Magsanoc
Sarah Castro-Pineda
Meg Punzalan-Reynon
Janina Sanchez-Ines
Andrea Arcega
Steph Arnaldo
Michael John Realista
Contributing Writers
September 2021
Hello Doctor
Health & Wellness Partner

5 Foods That Heal Acne
Scars
By Hello Doctor
SKIN HEALTH
Getting flawless skin without any acne scars is everyone's
dream. We spend thousands of pesos on those expensive skin
care products to get rid of the annoying acne scars. From
facial wash to moisturizers and over-the-counter
medication to topical creams, there are tons of skin care
products we spend our hard-earned money on to fix the
scars. But what if we tell you that it's not the outer
skin but the inside that needs to be taken care of? There
are certain foods that heal acne scars, and most of them
are readily available in our kitchen. Read to know about
foods that heal acne scars here!
September 2021

FOODS THAT HEAL ACNE SCARS
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice
available in every
household. It is currently
being added to every other
skin care product The spice
is loaded with anti-
inflammatory and
antioxidant properties.
Including turmeric in your
diet is simple. You can add
turmeric powder in your
curries, vegetables, and
soups, or you can just add
turmeric powder in a glass
of warm water and drink it.
Turmeric also does wonders
when applied on the skin.
Applying turmeric on the
face helps prevent acne and
lighten the acne scars. The
anti-inflammatory
properties of turmeric help
to prevent acne breakout.
Making a turmeric face pack
is simple, all you need to
do is take turmeric, honey,
and milk in a bowl. Mix it
SKIN HEALTH
September 2021
well and make it into a fine
paste. Apply the paste on
your face and let it rest on
your face for 15 o 20
minutes. Wash your face with
water and pat dry your skin.
Make a note that turmeric
applied on your skin can
turn it yellow. You do not
need to worry about the
stains as they are
temporary. But if you
experience your skin turning
itchy or red, it might be an
allergic reaction. In such
cases, talk to your doctor.
You can also do a patch test
at the back of your ear
before applying the pack on
your face.
Papaya
Papaya is a fruit rich in
nutrients and loaded with
antibacterial and anti-
fungal properties. It is
rich in vitamins and
minerals, too. The fruit
when consumed helps to get
rid of wrinkles and improve
skin elasticity. You can

Take a raw papaya and
peel it.
Cut it into pieces and
use a blender to extract
the juice.
Apply the juice directly
on your face.
Let it rest for 15 to 20
minutes.
Wash your face with
water and pat your skin
dry.
consume papaya directly or
add it to a fruit salad,
juice, or smoothie.
The fruit contains papain,
a digestive enzyme, which,
when applied to your skin,
helps to hydrate your skin,
fade acne scars, and remove
dead skin cells. Papaya is
rich in vitamin A as well,
which is said to be
beneficial in the treatment
of acne. Raw papaya masks
help to get rid of acne
scars by lowering the
amount of melanin.
To make a raw papaya mask
all you need to do is:
SKIN HEALTH
September 2021
Lemon
Lemon has been traditionally
known as one of the best
foods that heal acne scars.
This acidic fruit has
antibacterial properties and
also helps to increase the
collagen levels. In
addition, lemon has anti-
inflammatory properties that
help to treat acne and fade
acne scars. The citric acid
present in it helps to
reduce the production of
sebum.
You can include lemon in
your diet by simply
squeezing a few drops of it
onto your salad or by
drinking the juice. Drinking
lemon juice has numerous
skin benefits including
reducing wrinkles and
increasing the production of
collagen.
To prevent acne or reduce
acne scars, you can try spot
treatment. All you need to
do is squeeze lemon juice
into a bowl. Using cotton,

apply the juice on acne
scars. Let it rest for a
few minutes and then wash
your face with lukewarm
water. Do not apply lemon
juice on your face more
often. Over application can
cause side effects
including dryness, itching,
burning, or redness.
Important note: More
research is needed to
determine whether drinking
lemon juice can prevent
acne or reduce acne scars.
Quinoa
Quinoa, mostly referred to
as a superfood, is a rich
source of fibre, vitamins,
potassium, magnesium, and
calcium. It's one of the
best foods to heal acne
scars.
The vitamin B present in
quinoa is beneficial to
treat wrinkles and acne
scars. Niacinamide, a
compound present in quinoa,
helps to prevent acne and
SKIN HEALTH
September 2021
heal inflamed skin. The
riboflavin present in the
superfood also helps to
prevent the excess
production of sebum.
Including quinoa in your
diet is simple. You can add
it to your salad or bake
some quinoa cookies.
Quinoa is also rich in fibre
that helps to maintain good
digestive health and prevent
constipation. Good digestive
health helps to flush out
waste products from the body
and achieve healthy-looking
skin. Therefore, quinoa is
potential great food for
acne scars.

Key Takeaway
By practicing good skin hygiene, using chemical-free skin
care products, and consuming healthy foods, you will be
able to get rid of those unpleasant marks on your body.
So, before you spend your hard-earned money on expensive
skin care products, take a look at what you eat. Now, you
are aware of the foods that heal acne scars, so make sure
you include them in your diet to achieve flawless skin.
SKIN HEALTH
September 2021
This story originally appeared on Hello Doctor PH and is
re-used with permission:
https://bit.ly/hello-doctor-ph-foods-heal-acne-scars

Lopsided Vagina: What does
a Normal Vagina look like?
By Hello Doctor
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Women are often scrutinized for many things: how she
dresses, how well she cooks, how fit she is, and the list
goes on and on. Even a lady’s intimate area is not safe
from comments and criticisms. Many women nowadays are
concerned with having a so-called “lopsided vagina.” But
is there really such a thing? Let’s talk about what a
normal vulva looks like.
September 2021

Can Women Have a Lopsided
Vagina?
No part of our bodies are
perfectly symmetrical. This
is true for the eyes on our
face, breasts, and even
genitals. Nowadays, it’s
easier to come across nude
photos and many people have
become more comfortable
talking about their more
private areas. Because of
this, men and women alike
may feel pressured or
insecure about their
bodies. How big? What color
is it? Why does it look
different from this one?
While being more aware of
our bodies is always a good
thing, one of the caveats
is the tendency to compare.
When it comes to any part
of our body, we are all
unique. Even identical
twins can have different-
looking features on
different parts of their
bodies.
With that said, a woman's
WOMEN'S HEALTH
September 2021
vagina can come in various
shapes, colors, and sizes.
Having a “lopsided vagina”
is entirely subjective.
Let’s take a step back and
remember that different can
still mean normal.
What's Normal?
When someone uses the term
lopsided vagina, most likely
they mean the vulva. The
vulva is a collective term
for all the external vaginal
parts. On the other hand,
the vagina is the opening
and canal that connects to
the uterus inside a woman’s
body.
Why do I have "puffy" vulva?
The vulva includes the mons
pubis (or “mound”), labia
majora and minora (the outer
and inner “lips”), clitoris,
and a few other structures.
The mons pubis is the
vaginal part that is seen
from the front. This is a
fatty pad that covers and

and protects the underlying
pelvis bone. It is
typically covered with
hair, although some women
prefer to trim, shave, or
wax it.
The amount of fatty tissue
and skin can affect the
shape of the vulva. Some
are considered “puffy”
while others have less fat,
which reveals more of a
slit.
Why do I have a dark labia?
The labia or lips of the
vagina are another area
that women are often
concerned about. As
mentioned previously, a
“lopsided vagina” typically
refers to the labia. Like
the mons pubis, the outer
labia has hair and fatty
tissue. It also houses
sweat and oil glands within
the skin. In many cases,
the skin color of the labia
differs from other parts of
the body. Darkness here is
normal in people of any
race or skin tone.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
September 2021
On the other hand, the inner
labia are hairless and much
smaller. The color ranges
from pink to red to a
brownish shade, all of which
are normal and may change
depending on arousal due to
increased blood flow. Some
women have thicker labia
majora which covers the
labia minora completely,
while others may have
thinner outer labia or wider
inner labia which can cause
it to be more exposed.
Again, these are all still
normal variations and can
change as we age.
When Should I be Worried?
Some women may feel ashamed
or pressured to change their
bodies, even going so far as
to undergo reconstructive
surgery. While this is
certainly an option,
understanding that there is
no “perfect” or “normal”
vagina or vulva is
empowering.

infection or Injury
It is only considered a
problem when there is an
infection, injury, or
deformation of your vagina
that hinders your normal
functions.
Dry or Wet
A woman’s vagina can be a
window to her reproductive
and overall health. Phases
of dry and wet are normal
throughout a menstrual
cycle and can indicate when
a woman is fertile or not.
Unusual Discharge
Discharge is also normal
throughout the day.
However, the consistency,
color, and odor can be
telling. Infections are
never normal and should be
treated by a doctor.
Watch out for spotting or
bleeding when you are not
expecting your period,
green or yellow discharge,
and pain as these can be
WOMEN'S HEALTH
September 2021
signs of disease.
Key Takeaways
In summary, there is nothing
wrong with being different
especially when it comes to
our private parts. Having a
so-called lopsided vagina is
an inaccurate term that has
no medical bearing. Avoid
exposure to media that tells
you that there is an “ideal”
body type or that your body
parts should look like
someone else’s.
What is more important is
maintaining your health and
practicing good hygiene.
Talk to your doctor or
gynecologist if you have any
questions regarding your
intimate area or have other
health concerns.
This story originally
appeared on Hello Doctor PH
and is re-used with
permission:
https://bit.ly/hello-doctor-
ph-lopsided-vagina

Love is diverse
“If someone is gay and searches for the
Lord and has goodwill, who am I to judge?”
That is what Pope Francis said, July
2013 to the media as they were on
their way back to the Vatican after
attending the World Youth Day in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil.
By Xy-Zha Cabanlong
SHOW YOUR PRIDE
September 2021

Coming from the Roman
Catholic Pontiff himself, it
proves that love is for
everyone, regardless of
which gender preference you
choose. To love and be loved
is as basic as our birth
rights, it does not know
boundaries, knows no
distance or colour, nor
race. Love is absolute. Even
the bible says that love
does not discriminate.
While our society is open to
the idea of our LGBT
community embracing love,
our brothers and sisters
waving the rainbow flag high
and might has nothing but
love but as the society that
we have are not keen on
giving them the kind of
union that they clamor for.
Same-sex union will have to
wait longer for our society
to fully accept even if the
highest leader of the
dominant religion in the
country has already placed
his stand about the
controversial issue.
SHOW YOUR PRIDE
September 2021
Love conquers all - and this
proves to be true for those
same-sex couples who battled
the odds just to be
together. We all heard of
stories of LGBT couples
going against the will of
their families because they
do not approve of the
relationships, but
eventually living their
happily ever after somewhere
else, with the person they
choose to love. We all know
of local and international
celebrities who are very
open to talking about their
union with their partners
and became a keen advocates
of gender equality, saying
that "love is love."
But all the more, let us
look at how Pope Francis led
by example. Not that we
wanted to take the very
religious path in asserting
the diversity of love, but
don't we all find it amazing
that the leader of the Roman
Catholic church himself
accepts the LGBT community?

Doesn't it inspire us all to
embrace our LGBT brothers
and sisters and let them
love freely?
Pope Francis himself knows
that times are changing and
that the religious should
also adapt to it. Not only
he knows that times are
changing but he reaches out
to the community himself,
inviting LGBT leaders for a
dialogue in the Vatican. The
Pontiff extends his respect
by means of opening the
doors of the Vatican to the
LGBT, making them feel
accepted, welcomed, and
loved - something that did
not happen in the previous
years.
Imagine a Pontiff going the
extra mile to lead by
example in showing love for
the community that has been
discriminated against,
hated, abused, and outcasted
for so many years - that
alone is something for us to
ponder on how we could
emulate.
SHOW YOUR PRIDE
September 2021
Let this quote coming from
Pope Francis be a reminder
for our LGBT brothers and
sisters to just love your
heart away, let no one stop
you from expressing what
your heart truly desires:
"Homosexual people have a
right to be in a family.
They are children of God and
have a right to be in a
family. Nobody should be
thrown out or be made
miserable over it."
Feel loved and spread the
love!

Life as an Overseas Filipino
Worker
By Michael John Realista
FROM ACROSS THE MILE
Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) has been one of
the most colourful years of my life, which I truly believe
that God has planned for me.
Not known to many, I have never planned nor dream to work
abroad as I was somehow happy with how my young career was
going in the business district of Makati. As a bachelor, I
was able to sustain my personal needs, wants, as well as
help financially my family in the province with what I was
earning then. In my late 20s, I already had my long-term
plans with regards to my career path and my soon-to-be
family. However, as God's plans are always better than
ours, one opportunity has knocked on my mind for a job in
September 2021

the Middle East through a
former colleague who
recommended me to his boss.
With the blessings from my
family and my fiancee, I
took the leap of faith and
entrust everything to God on
how things will be on the
other side of the world.
During my first year as an
OFW, things were going well.
Though it was a major
adjustment in respect to
lifestyle as I was situated
in a country whose culture
is relatively not like the
Philippines. Thank God, the
Filipino community in my
place was very friendly and
accommodating which was a
big factor in my adjustment
period. Workwise, it was
also a major adjustment as
aside from dealing with
different people from
different cultures, I have
to exhaust my limited
English communication skills
all day.
It was during my second year
as an OFW when I got happily
September 2021
married. Five months after
our wedding, my wife
followed me abroad and life
as an OFW has never been the
same. Living together with
my wife has been a very big
blessing. No more homesick
feeling, I have someone to
vent out my frustration at
work, the house is always
tidy, and most of all, I can
request my favourite food
from the kitchen.
After being together for
more than a year, we were
blessed with a handsome baby
boy. Again, parenthood was
another major adjustment in
our life away from our home
country. No grandparents or
aunts to assist us in case
we want to sleep properly,
change diapers, bathe the
baby, etc. But again, God
did not leave us alone as we
were able to survive early
parenthood. When our
firstborn was almost three
years old, we were blessed
with another adorable baby
boy - our growing family has
never been so fun-filled.

Life abroad is not always a
bed of roses for us, it has
its own challenges workwise,
and personal-wise. Nut no
matter what the challenges
are, my family has always
been the main reason why my
sanity is still intact.
Especially during this time
of the pandemic, they have
been my source of
inspiration, and the reason
why I keep telling myself to
get up every morning and
face the day. It has been
more than eight years now
since I embraced the life of
an overseas worker and if
given the chance to stay
longer here abroad, I will
be more than happy to stay
as long as my family is with
me
To all aspiring OFWs, there
is no guarantee that things
will turn out the way we
expect them from the
beginning. Risk will always
be there as we move out of
our comfort zone. But like
all risks, they can be
avoided with proper
September 2021
management. As such, we just
need to be sincere in our
work commitments, obey the
rules of our host country,
be faithful to our family
back home and fervently ask
guidance from above. With
God's grace, life as an
overseas worker will be a
joyful journey for us.
About the Author:
Michael John Realista, or
John to his friends and
family is a former basketball
varsity player of Letran-
Manila. He was part of the
2003 and 20005 NCAA Champion
teams and graduated with a
Bachelor's Degree in
Accountancy. He decided to
join the corporate world and
hanged his jersey for good.
He is based in KSA with his
wife; Rhoss and kids; Zach
and Zion.

5 Beauty items you need to
perfect that date look
By Stephanie Arnaldo
BEAUTY
Living during the pandemic doesn't mean we have to stop
looking good and feeling great about ourselves. It's
actually the best time to practice self-care and make sure
you're giving yourself the attention you deserve - not
just from yourself, but maybe from that potential suitor,
long-time crush, or your long-time beau!
Whether you're meeting that Tinder match in person, or
celebrating an anniversary date on Zoom, there's always a
foolproof but quick way to look and feel your best, which
is perfecting that easy, date-ready look.
September 2021

Here's how you can
accentuate your natural
beauty for your next
physical or virtual date,
with the help of these 5 no-
fail beauty essentials that
are simple to use but pack a
gorgeous punch!
BEAUTY
Apply a skin serum for
that dewy glow
1.
If it's a "no-makeup makeup
look" that you're trying to
achieve, we all know that it
always starts with great,
healthy-looking, radiant
skin. Let your bare skin do
the talking by amping your
nightly skincare routine
with a gentle but powerful
skin serum.
September 2021
Make sure to choose one that
fits your certain skin type
and specifically targets
your most pressing skin
concerns - if your skin is
dry, dull, patchy, or rough.
You can choose from either
brightening, hydrating, or
collagen serums, among
others.
If your dull skin is in need
of brightening, Answer19+'s
Yuja Bio M Brightening
Ampoule Serum may do the
trick - it's made from
germinated yuzu (citrus
fruit), which can help
whiten uneven skin tones and
lighten any post-acne marks
and blemishes.
Just pat 3-4 drops of the
serum on your face after
cleansing and toning, and
you'll be waking up to soft,
supple, radiant skin in no
time.

BEAUTY
2. Invest in good eyebrow
tools
We all know that a strong
eyebrow game is crucial in
completing one's makeup
look. They do say that one's
eyebrow frame one's face,
and it's true - the key to a
polished look is equally
polished, strong, well-
shaped, and well-tinted
eyebrows.
Before a date, make sure
that your eyebrows are well-
maintained and shaped -
whether you pluck them at
home, or have it waxed by a
professional, or shaved,
it's up to you. Don't forget
to further accentuate your
groomed brows with a trusty
September 2021
eyebrow pencil, powder, or
pen in the right shade to
fill out your brows' shape
and to cover any hairless
spots.
Lastly, keep those hairs in
place by brushing some
eyebrow mascara on them
(either colored or clear is
fine). It takes some time
and practice to perfect your
brows, but you'll get there
in no time. Plus, it's super
worth it!
3. Add some life to your
face with a pop of color
A pop of color, whether on
your cheeks or on your lips,
can definitely add a lot of
life to an otherwise dull,
pale face. This is why a

good blush and a pretty
lipstick rank as many
ladies' top two purse
essentials - just add a
brush of blush or a dab of
lippie wherever you are,
and it can immediately make
a difference.
Invest in shades that
complement your skin tone -
peachy, orangey shades for
morenas, and light pink,
reddish tones for the fair-
skinned - and decide on
what texture you're going
for. For a dewy,
moisturized look, go for
liquid tints, gels, and
creams; for a more
polished, night-ready look,
go for matte lippies and
blush powders.
Generosa Organics has
vegan, cruelty-free line of
lip and cheek tints in both
liquid and matte format,
available in a variety of
colors: from tulip, peony,
fuschia, rose, and many
others.
BEAUTY
September 2021
4. Achieve shiny, luscious
locks with a good hair
product.
What could possibly ruin a
great makeup look? Sadly,
dull, dry, and damaged hair
can. Don't forget to take care
of your tresses by giving it
the nourishment it also
deserves, in the form of
either a hydrating
conditioner, hair serum,
nourishing oil essence, or
treatment cream for colored
hair.
Apothehair has a Signature
Sleeping Hair Mask that is a
no-rinse conditioner treatment
that can detangle, hydrates,
smoothen, repair split-ends,

5. Show off those shiny, pearly whites.
You're truly never dressed without a smile, so make sure
to give those pearly whites a constant TLC, too. Aside
from regularly brushing your teeth and flossing (this
should be a standard procedure), you can also add some
extra shine to your teeth with the help of whitening
pastes, strips, or devices.
---------------------
For the products that were mentioned in this article,
check out finelyf.com and find them under the LyfBeauty
category. Don't forget to register at FineLyf to start
shopping for your home, beauty and other essentials.
and straighten flyaways with the use of herbal oils. Just
massage it through your locks and on your scalp and leave
it overnight!
BEAUTY
September 2021

COVID-19 Pandemic Effects: Hair
Loss due to Stress and Anxiety
By Hello Doctor
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Hair loss is a fairly normal occurrence, with the average
person shedding up to 100 hairs a day. Hair loss due to
stress and anxiety is also common. However, with the
COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that some people experience
hair loss more often than before. Is there a connection
between hair loss and how people experience a pandemic?
What can be done about hair loss due to stress and
anxiety?
September 2021

Weight loss
Change in diet
Hormonal changes during
menopause, childbirth, or
old age.
Medication such as
chemotherapy.
Causes of Hair Loss
85% to 90% of the hairs a
person has on their head are
in the anagen phase, or are
actively growing. The
remaining are in the telogen
or resting phase. After two
to four months in the
telogen phase, the hair
falls out, and is replaced
by another growing hair.
Hair loss can reflect how
the body is responding to a
disease or a deficiency. It
is common to lose hair but
if you lose more than 50% of
what you have, this can be
something you need to worry
about.
here are some causes of hair
loss:
WOMEN'S HEALTH
September 2021
Vitamin or mineral
deficiency
Diseases such as alopecia
areata
Stress
People become anxious about
hair loss as the hair is one
of the first things that
other people may notice
about them. Hair appearance
can leave a good or bad
impression on others and
this may further add to the
stress and anxiety that he
or she is feeling.
Most causes of hair loss can
either be cured or return to
normal after a few months.
Stress management can also
help especially for hair
loss due to stress and
anxiety. It is best to
consult with your doctor or
medical practitioner to know
how to deal with your hair
loss issues.

Hair Loss and the COVID-19
Pandemic
Studies show that stress can
affect hair regeneration in
mice. The test subjects were
given cortisol or stress
hormone within a set period
of time. This hormone
manages the resting phase of
the hair follicles. The
increase in stress mice
slows down hair growth and
even regeneration of new
hair follicles. Given the
same scenario for humans,
the effect might be the
same.
The COVID-19 pandemic has
taken its toll on a lot of
people emotionally,
physically, and financially.
Isolation and quarantine
have changed how we interact
with each other so we may
lose touch with family and
friends.
People are losing their
means of living which adds
more stress to the already
stressed self. This is why
WOMEN'S HEALTH
September 2021
people experience more hair
loss due to stress and
anxiety as the pandemic
progresses.
Hair Loss due to Stress and
Anxiety: Telogen Effluvium
Stress may also cause
telogen effluvium. This
happens when the body
undergoes extreme stress.
This condition makes about
30% of one's hair go into
the telogen phase, before
falling out. You may also
lose up to 300 hairs a day
compared to the regular 100.
Aside from this, studies
show that people who have
had COVID-19 experienced
symptoms such as sleeping
difficulties, loss of smell
and taste, and fatigue. One
of the other outcomes is
hair loss.

Key Takeaway
Hair loss is normal, however it can also be a reaction of
the body to diseases or changes it has undergone. Hair
loss due to stress and anxiety can be one of the effects
that the COVID-19 pandemic has on people. The pandemic
has subjected people to physical, emotional, and
financial stress which may cause hair loss due to stress
and anxiety.
Hair loss is also one of the effects of the disease.
Doctors can help in managing the stress you experience as
well as give advice on how to deal with hair loss.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
September 2021
https://bit.ly/hello-doctor-ph-hair-loss-stress-anxiety

A balanced life - view of a
working mom
By Meg Punzalan-Reynon
PARENTING
A mother's love will always be pure and whole.
That's something that I have learned since becoming a
mother, which I first want to impart to everyone. It took
a 360 degree turn when I had my daughter - from thinking
what is my agenda for today as soon as I wake up because
flying is my life to revolving my daily concern around my
daughter. Did she eat well? Was she able to take her
vitamins? Did she enjoy her day? Did I make an impact on
her today? These are the kind of questions that clouds my
thoughts especially when I am not with her and a thousand
miles away from home.
September 2021

PARENTING
September 2021
They say working moms are
never enough, we got used to
the stigma that a mother's
sole duty is to take good
care of the family,
especially the children.
They even justify that one
can't balance career over
family. They always end up
asking, why don't you just
quit? You lived most of your
life, now is the time to
settle down and take care of
your child.
And I say YES - yes that we
do have our own opinions. As
for me, timing is everything
- scheduling activities,
prioritizing calls, making
sacrifices, and taking into
consideration everything for
your child's sake. It
doesn't matter if it is 3 in
the morning in the country
where I am in, if my
daughter needs to hear my
voice, or see me at least in
video calling, I will do so.
If I'm in the middle of an
important business meeting,
and my daughter needs me, I
make it a point to politely
excuse myself to my business
partner and be with my
daughter. She is in her
formative years, and if she
wants me to be there, I
certainly would. After all,
she is my utmost priority
and I will drop everything
just to be with her.
Just like any mother out
there, my world revolves
around my child.
However, in case that I
really cannot be with her
because I have a duty to
serve and I don't plan on
resting my wings as a flight
attendant any time soon, I
make sure that my husband
and my mother takes care of
the needs of my daughter.
Even when I serve my
flights, as soon as I have
the chance to call or text
back home, the first thing I
ask is how is my daughter
doing.
Though people might think
that a working mom's love is
always divided, let me
assure again that a mother's

PARENTING
love, whether working or
not, is always pure and
whole. We can't choose what
we see, hear, or even
experience but we can always
choose what we plant in our
hearts. No one is perfect,
what is vital is that no
matter what, we choose to
instill love, happiness, and
positivity in our child's
heart.
September 2021
As a parent, we all have our
strengths and weaknesses and
I believe that no mother is
better than the other.
Mothers, whether working or
staying at home has their
unique style of looking
after our children but it
always gears towards one
goal and that is to make
their child feel important
and loved.
So, to all you wonderful
mommas out there, I know
that we face different
challenges every day - never
lose yourself because you
are doing a fantastic job!
Live by the words; my child,
my rules. If you are going
through a rough day, look
into your child's eyes, hug
and kiss them and all those
blues will go away.
Keep going, Mommas!

Top 10 Safe Skin Lightening
Ingredients: Here's What
You Should Know
By Hello Doctor
SKIN HEALTH
Most Filipinos are born with darker skin. However, some
people want their skin color to be a few shades lighter.
Following this, it is important to know which skin
products work to make your skin lighter. Here are the top
10 safe skin lightening ingredients.
September 2021

SKIN HEALTH
Ingredients
There are a lot of skin
lightening ingredients found
in different face creams and
lotions.
Kojic acid
A product made from
different fungi which
reduces hyperpigmentation
and results in lighter skin.
Alpha-arbutin
This is a type of
hydroquinone extracted from
the bearberry plant which
prevents the formation of
melanin.
Vitamin C
Aside from being an
antioxidant that protects
skin from damage, it also
lightens brown spots and
evens skin tone.
September 2021
Glycolic acid
This is one of the alpha-
hydroxy acids used for derm
peels which not only
lightens the skin but also
minimizes wrinkles.
Azelaic acid
This is found in grains such
as wheat and barley and are
known to have a better
effect compared to
hydroquinone.
Linoleic acid
This is a fatty acid that
can be found in sunflower,
corn, and canola oil, and is
used for skin brightening
products.
Niacinamide
This is a form of vitamin B3
used for skin lightening.

SKIN HEALTH
Glutathione
This helps skin to lighten
but it should not be used
through injections or IV
drips.
Licorice extract
Licorice extract disperses
melanin and inhibits melanin
creation in the body.
However more studies are
needed to prove its
whitening effects.
Mulberry extract
Tests using mulberry extract
revealed no significant skin
irritation. However, more
studies regarding its skin
lightening effects are still
needed.
Ingredients: Factors That
Affect Skin Lightening
While these ingredients are
expected to make your skin
lighter, this depends on a
lot of factors. People’s
September 2021
skin are different from each
other. This can affect the
efficacy of the skin
lightening product. Whether
your skin responds properly
or becomes irritated when
using the product depends on
your body.
The formulation and quality
of the products can also
affect how fast your skin
will lighten. There are
products that are formulated
for different types of skin
and even for specific races.
What might work for
Caucasian skin might not
work for Filipino or Asian
skin. Also, there are
certain ingredients to look
out for like mercury and
unnecessary fragrances which
may harm the user.
Proper use of skincare
products can also be a
factor. The top 10 safe skin
lightening ingredients can
help you but if you are
using the wrong amount or
application methods, these
might not serve their

SKIN HEALTH
purpose. Mixing and matching
skin products can also make
skin lightening faster or
can ruin your skin if not
done correctly.
Ingredients: What Next?
As consumers, it is best to
be conscious of the products
that we use. Skin is the
biggest and most exposed
part of the body, which
gives a lasting impression
to other people. Read about
potential skin lightening
products first before buying
or using them. Consulting a
doctor or an expert is also
a good option as they’ll be
able to give advice that
fits your condition.
Light skin is nice to have
but what is better is to
have a healthy and strong
body. Lighter skin
appearance does not
necessarily equate to
health. Learning to
appreciate what you have
also boosts your mental
September 2021
health.
Key Takeaway
Knowing the top 10 safe skin
lightening ingredients helps
consumers know which
products may really help
with skin lightening. Aside
from the ingredients, people
should also know the
formulation of the product,
and how to properly use, and
mix and match it. These
factors affect how fast your
skin lightens apart and how
your body reacts to these
products. Always consult
with your doctor if you need
advice on what to do with
your skin to be on the safe
side.
This story originally
appeared on Hello Doctor PH
and is re-used with
permission:
https://bit.ly/hello-doctor-
ph-safe-skin-lightening-
ingredients

Staying functional and fit
at home
By Coach Andrea Arcega
FITNESS
It has been over a year since the pandemic started. Most
of us have been stuck in our homes to keep ourselves safe
from contracting any illness, but how are we staying
healthy?
One good thing our current situation has made people
realize was the need to boost one's immune system. We just
don't do that with fad diets, but it's equally important
to keep our muscles strong, and we can only do so with
constant movement. That's where exercises come in.
With businesses and gyms closing down, it is
understandable that many would be disheartened and
discouraged to do exercise because they don't have the
September 2021

venue nor the equipment to
use. The good thing is that
you can still do some
working out in the comfort
of your own home, even
without equipment!
Here are some simple full-
body workouts that you can
do on your own to help keep
you functionally fit. Grab a
partner and make it more
fun!
WORKOUT 1: PERFORM 4 ROUNDS
OF 4 MOVEMENTS WITH AN
ASCENDING REP SCHEME.
5-10-15-20
Jump Squats
Sit-Ups
Alternating Lunges
Push-Ups
Jump squats may entail a lot
of leg work, but they will
also test your aerobic
capacity. Start the exercise
going down on a squat, then
springing up to jump, feet
coming off the ground.
Perform 5 reps of this
FITNESS
September 2021
movement, then move on to
doing sit-ups.
With the sit-ups, you start
the movement with your back
pressed on the floor, legs
either folded up together or
in a butterfly position and
then throwing your arms and
body forward until you are
sitting upright. Perform 5
reps of this movement, then
move on to alternating
lunges.

FITNESS
The lunges will only require
you to make a big step
forward, with the trailing
knee touching the ground as
if you're getting on the
kneeling position, then
bringing your forward leg
back to your starting
position, which is standing
straight up. Perform 5 reps
of this movement, then do
the last movement which is
push-ups.
September 2021
With the push-ups, you
start the rep on a high
plank position and then
bring your entire body down
to the ground, with your
chest, hips, and knees
touching the ground and
then pushing your entire
body to go back up to the
plank position. As this
exercise requires great
body and core strength, you
may scale it down to knee
push-ups, or even wall
push-ups if you're much
quite a beginner. Perform 5
reps of this movement, then
start over with the first
movement, increasing the
reps to 10 each movement,
then 15 each, until you
reach 20 reps per movement.

FITNESS
September 2021
WORKOUT 2: TABATA X 2
Tabata is a very fast
workout that requires a lot
of cardio and endurance.
The usual Tabata format is
20/10, which means you
perform a movement for 20
seconds, then you rest for
10 seconds. You may check
out Spotify or YouTube for
Tabata songs you can play
to help give you cues when
to start and when to stop.
One Tabata is 4 minutes
long, and you may choose to
do one movement 8 times, 2
movements 4 times, or 4
movements twice. For this
exercise, perform 4
different movements 4 times
to complete 2 Tabatas.
Jumping Jacks
Inchworms
Mountain Climbers
Burpees
Jumping Jacks is a common
exercise movement we have
been doing since we were
kids. It's a simple cardio
exercise that you can do in
one place. Jump to a
straddle with arms above
the head, then jump back to
a standing position with
arms on your side.
Inchworms are good for
working on your flexibility
and core strength. From a
standing position, reach
for the ground, and let
your hands crawl until you
get to a plank position.
Once on a high plank, let
your hands walk back then
reset to the starting
position.

FITNESS
September 2021
Mountain climbers is
another good core workout,
whilst training your legs
and lungs for endurance. It
is a fast and repetitive
motion that makes you feel
like you're climbing a
mountain, only you're
parallel on the floor.
The burpee is a complete
bodyweight workout on its
own. It's a combination of
3 exercise movements: a
push-up, a squat, and a
jumping jack. A lot of
people hate it, but if you
do it often enough, you'll
learn to love it. Or love
hating it.
WORKOUT 3: ENOM - 16
MINUTES
ENOM stands for Every
Minute On the Minute. It
means that you are to
perform a movement in its
required number of reps or
time within a minute and
perform a different set on
the next. ENOMs are great
for strength training, as
well as setting one's pace
throughout a workout.
AMRAP stands for As Many
Reps As Possible. That
means within the prescribed
time, you are to maximize
your energy in order to
perform at a rate that will
allow you to sustain power
throughout the entire
workout.
For this core burner
workout, you are to perform
4 sets of 3 movements, and
a rest period every 4
minutes.

FITNESS
0: 15 Supermans
1: 30 second Hollow Hold
2: AMRAP Single-Leg V-Ups
3: Rest
Supermans will have you
laying on the ground, with
your chest on the floor,
arms above your head, and
keeping your body stiff and
tight. You will need to lift
your arms and legs at the
same time, until your body
is shaped like a boat (back
arched), then bring your
body back down to the floor.
September 2021
The hollow hold is the
exact opposite of the
Supermans. A prominent
gymnast coach coined it as
"being a banana." You will
lay down on the floor on
your back, hands above the
head, keeping your body
stiff and tight. You will
need to lift your upper
back and legs from the
floor at the same time, and
hold that position for 30
seconds.
The Single-Leg V-Ups is
both a core exercise and a
flexibility exercise.
Starting with your entire
body on the ground, you sit
up and reach for your foot,
one leg at a time with an
alternate arm. Rest on the
4th minute, then repeat the
order of the movements
every minute, on the minute
until 16 minutes is over.

Although we highly encourage everyone to workout and do
some exercising, it is important to understand how your
body works. We all have goals that we want to achieve and
that's great, but we have to be mindful of what kind of
workouts we do. Just because you want to get those abs
doesn't mean you have to kill yourself doing 4 hours of
non-stop working out. You have to be smart. If you have
any medical condition, be sure to seek your doctor's
advice.
Understand that there is no one size fits all kind of
workout. Each person is different. If you have specific
fitness goals, best to get a personal trainer to help and
guide you through your journey.
Otherwise, just keep moving and stay functional.
Consistency is key. If you want results, you have to be
willing to work hard for them.
Start making fitness a habit and make a lifestyle out of
it.
FITNESS
September 2021

Our gut can act as our body's "second brain." But how?
Learn about the brain-gut connection, or how both body
systems affect one another as well as its implications.
Ever experienced that painful pit in your stomach when you
feel anxious? That is probably your gut reacting to your
feelings. The gut is made up of every organ that takes
part in food digestion. However, they can also send
signals to the brain during intense emotions. A healthy,
balanced diet is necessary when you want both your brain
and gut to be in top shape.
Your Gut is your "Second Brain":
The Brain-Gut Connection
By Hello Doctor
HEALTHY EATING
September 2021

The brain-gut connection: How
is the gut connected to the
brain?
The gut is a system in the
body that scientists call the
enteric nervous system (ENS).
This vital system is
comprised of two, thin layers
with an estimated 100 million
nerve cells which line the
whole gastrointestinal tract,
from the esophagus to the
rectum.
The gut may be considered as
a second brain, but it cannot
process thoughts nor think
like the brain and is only
responsible for controlling
digestive processes.
The brain-gut connection is
made possible because of the
gut's ability to operate and
communicate on its own to
your brain. They are
connected both physically and
chemically.
Physical Connection
The direct connection of the
HEALTHY EATING
September 2021
gut to the brain is through
the vagus nerve. This nerve
controls messages not only
from the gut but from the
heart, lungs and other vital
organs as well.
Chemical connection
Both the brain and the gut
are connected through various
chemicals such as hormones
and neurotransmitters, which
are produced to communicate
messages. The reactions
communicated may be
positively or negatively
affected by bacteria,
viruses, and fungi that
reside in your gut.
do the gut and brain affect
one another?
Our gastrointestinal tract is
sensitive to the feelings and
emotions we experience since
the brain has a direct
impression on the stomach.
For example, even if you are
just thinking of eating

delicious food, the stomach
reacts by releasing its
stomach juices even if you
are not eating.
This connection of the brain
and gut can go both ways. An
intestine experiencing
problems can communicate to
the brain which lets you know
that something may be wrong.
Because of this, we can say
that the person's gut can be
the initial cause of stress
and depression since the two
systems are connected closely
to each other.
The brain-gut connection:
Implications
The brain-gut connection
manifests itself in the
symptoms of mental health
issues people experience.
The gut can change its
microbiome during stress
responses such as anxiety and
depression. Symptoms like
heartburn and indigestion are
a few of the many ways the
gut can show its reaction to
intense emotions of anxiety
HEALTHY EATING
September 2021
or dread.
The gut may also trigger
extreme emotional shifts in
people who are experiencing
bowel problems such as
constipation, diarrhea,
bloating, and stomachache.
Researchers have found that
irritation in the
gastrointestinal system
brings about reactions to our
body's central nervous system
which may then triggers mood
changes.
Even mammals other than
humans experience the brain-
gut connection. Scientists
have found that even among
other animals, changes in
their gut microbiome and
inflammation in the gut may
affect the brain.
to take care of your gut
Eating a balanced diet is
important in taking care of
your gut. A nutritious diet
can do wonders to keep your
body healthy. A healthier

Whole grain
Lean meats
Fruits
Vegetables
diet may include the following foods:
Sugary, fried, or processed food should be avoided or be
taken seldomly in order to take proper care of your gut.
Prebiotics are food that can help the good bacteria in
your gut grow. Bananas, onions, garlic are examples of
prebiotics that are also high in fibre.
Key Takeaway
The brain and gut connection communicate with each other
to react to various stimuli. They are connected in two
ways: physically through the vagus nerve, and chemically
through hormones and neurotransmitters. Moreover, the gut
and brain connection are key factors to the stress and
feelings we experience when we are anxious or sad.
Constipation, indigestion, and even bowel problems are
possible issues one can experience when both the brain
and gut react. It is necessary to understand how to take
care of both "brains" in order to avoid any dramatic
emotional shifts.
https://bit.ly/hello-doctor-ph-brain-gut-connection
HEALTHY EATING
September 2021

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from
him." - Psalm 127:3
It all started with Nea Deborah.
Alexis and Sheila Marie deal Cuesta always wanted a son
but a twist of fate happened that the sonogram revealed
they were expecting a daughter about 4 years ago. Just the
same, having a child was worth their 5-year wait.
They named her Nea Deborah; her name, when translated in
Hebrew means God's sanctuary (Nea) and Bee (Deborah).
From their name research, the couple grew curious about
how to connect their daughter with bees that is why before
Nea's first birthday, they went to Bohol, had a tour at a
local bee farm, and ended with a rare photo opportunity
with the bees, plus their daughter adorning a cute bee
A beeautiful encounter
By Xy-Zha Cabanlong
PARTNER MERCHANT STORY
September 2021

bee costume. On the flight
back to Manila, the couple
had a lightbulb moment of
coming up with a bee-themed
birthday party for their
bundle of joy. They learned
so much on their visit to
the bee farm and thought
that it would be nice to
come up with a trivia game
that the parents and the
children would enjoy playing
together at their daughter's
first birthday party.
Alexis and Sheila Marie
devoted themselves to
researching more facts about
bees to support the things
that they have learned in
Bohol, conceptualized
together, and come up with
something that is both
educational and fun.
September 2021
In October 2018, they came up
with a game that is inspired
by Snakes and Ladders and the
card game called Exploding
Kittens. It instantly had a
good reception among their
friends and family,
convincing them to publish
the game and market it as it
is both educational and fun.
By December 2018, the Sting-
A-Win board game was launched
and published. But beyond
coming up with a board game
that gives out facts about
the bees, the Sting-A-Win
game cards also educates its
players that the bible has so
many passages about bees and
how its honey tastes so
sweet.
From the success of Sting-A-
Win, Alexis's fondness for
bees grew that he actually
wanted to learn about bee
farming. He attended a

September 2021
a seminar about it and
thought that maybe, owning a
colony of bees might be
possible in the hustling and
bustling Metropolis.
Many might raise eyebrows
that it is not feasible,
thinking that the bees would
die in the noisy city. But
guess what, Alexis had their
place assessed by the
experts in the bee farming
industry and was told that
it is possible to have a bee
colony in their rooftop
because their location
within the Metro has trees
all over where the bees can
fly and find nectars to feed
on.
By January 2019, Alexis took
home 2 bee colonies and kept
them on their rooftop. Four
months later, he was able to
harvest 23 kilos of honey,
they kept a few for their
personal consumption and
sold most of it. The
following month, he was able
to harvest around 58 kilos
of hones, which was sold out
in a jiffy.
While the honey business is
turning out well, the deal
Cuestas had a blow around
July 2019 as Sheila Marie
suffered a miscarriage. She,
however, channeled her grief
into creating something that
is initially for Nea but
later on turned out to be a
kind of brand that even
grown-ups can enjoy.
"Nea has very sensitive skin
and since she was born,
she's using this brand
that's sold commercially
that's so expensive and then
while my wife is on
Maternity Leave, she saw the
potential of using honey in
skincare," says Alexis on
how the idea of coming up
with the beauty bars made
out of honey came to be.
Sheila Marie attended a
seminar about soap making
but it did not tackle

incorporating honey into it.
So, in turn, she researched
the benefits of honey in the
skin and found that it is
rich in antioxidants, and
from there, she crafted a
formula that incorporated
honey into soaps, shampoo,
and conditioner line that
she's trying to create for
Nea.
"We tested the product on
Nea, and see if it is helpful
for her sensitive skin. We
did stop using the expensive
commercial brand on her
despite not telling her
doctor about it. My wife and
I were glad of the positive
result it made on Nea's
skin."
September 2021
From having only 2 colonies
of bees on their rooftop,
the deal Cuestas now have
about 15 colonies of bees
that are scattered in the
Metro - in the homes of
their parents and some
friends, proving that urban
beekeeping is possible
despite the hustle and
bustle in the city. And
since they do have a lot of
honey to consume and sell,
they also decided to mass-
produce the skin and hair
care line that Sheila Marie
created.
HoNea started mass-
producing in September
2019, and then launched the
brand a month after, just
in time for Nea's birthday.
Friends and family started
ordering the BEEauty Bars
as corporate giveaways and
gifts for the holiday
season.

September 2021
More than the fact that HoNea BEEauty Bars are
handcrafted and made out of organic ingredients, it also
uses packaging that is environment-friendly.
"Our brand is committed not only to using all-natural
ingredients but also in not harming the environment that
is why we use packaging materials that are friendly to
the environment," Alexis said.
HoNea BEEauty Bars are more than just another organic and
handcrafted brand, rather it is a product made out of
love by parents who wanted only what is best for the best
blessing that they could ever receive - their daughter.
"You were handpicked by Almighty God. He saw you, before
you were formed in your mother's womb and place you here
for a reason." - Joel Osteen
-----------------
HoNea BEEauty Bars are available at finelyf.com, go check
their Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap Bars which are sold
at a reasonable price.

Follow your heart.
A popular saying, timely advice for those who seek their
passion or people. As one begins the journey, it may lead
to the most unexpected places and experiences. It can lead
people to highs or lows. It hopes to swim in unchartered
waters. It longs for adventure and pleasure. Jumps into
the uncertainty of what's ahead and makes us too happy to
resist. We believe it's freedom, we believe it's life
until it pulls off and loses its hold. The heart becomes
distracted, unsettled, and dissatisfied.
Dissatisfaction tickles us, lures us, wants to fit us in a
box. It makes us sad, frustrated, and unaccompanied. It's
a cycle of the chase. Breathing to be more, to want more.
Follow or Surrender?
By Sarah Castro-Pineda
THOUGHT BOOK
September 2021

until it pulls off and loses
its hold. The heart becomes
distracted, unsettled, and
dissatisfied.
Dissatisfaction tickles us,
lures us, wants to fit us in
a box. It makes us sad,
frustrated, and
unaccompanied. It's a cycle
of the chase. Breathing to be
more, to want more. Stuck in
the realities of life, we
carry dissatisfaction in a
briefcase, we close it in the
hidden places of our closets,
but the secrecy doesn't work.
When we feel dissatisfied, we
feel the act to chase, to
crave, to be filled.
We don't want to look at our
lives with an empty space.
With a hole. The heart rests
but we know it won't take
long.
So where does our heart
belong? When will it find its
cornerstone? When does
restlessness end?
The life-giver who sustains
understands our hearts. He
THOUGHT BOOK
September 2021
looks at it, examines it,
reaches, and works in it. He
profoundly made it at the
seclusion of the womb. He
never leaves it hanging but
holds it securely in his
hands. He cares for it and
heals the wounds of its past
and the fears of its future.
He never tires in its pursuit
but rejoices in its return.
He amazes it with greater
climbs and takes it to
greater glory. He leaves it
in awe. He wants it still. He
wants it complete and
satisfied.
Follow your heart.
If the heart leads us to
self-indulgence and self-
glory, is it worth following?
If the heart leads us to
serve our own desires, is it
worth following?
If the heart leads to our
true north that only feels
good but never does good, is
it worth following?
Where do our hearts direct

us? When will it move us to
something worth living? When
does restlessness end?
THOUGHT BOOK
The life-giver longs to have
our hearts taught and led. He
wishes to take out the
darkness in exchange for
light. He desires to feed it
with love and wisdom. He
delights in restoring its
ruins and promises new
beginnings. He carries its
burdens and comforts them
with hope. He looks at it
with good plans and patiently
waits for its coming.
A surrendered heart.
Surrender may mean weakness
and loss in the perspective
of this world but not with
the life-giver.
The life-giver. He wants your
September 2021
heart more than anything.He
doesn't desire perfection. He
doesn't desire temporary
offerings. He doesn't want
your heart to be chained in
reckless living. He wants to
consume and free it. He wants
to give it depth and faith.
He wants to lead it in the
way eternal. He wants to save
it.
Will you come to give your
heart a chance to be led?
Will you open it to its true
purpose?
A surrendered heart.
The heart wishes to love but
hardly knows how. The heart
filled with brokenness longs
to be whole again.
It is designed to be led. It
is designed to believe and
surrender to its life-giver.
It is designed to feel
unconditional love from its
maker.
Will you surrender? Will you
give it to the one who knows

how to fix it? Will you?
Follow or surrender?
THOUGHT BOOK
September 2021

Beauty and Goodness:
Carla Abellana is a
woman on a mission
By Kai Magsanoc
COVER STORY/CHANGE-A-LYF
September 2021

"Nothing is more important
than empathy for another
human being's suffering. Not
a career. Not wealth. Not
intelligence. Certainly not
status. We have to feel for
one another if we're going to
survive with dignity." -
Audrey Hepburn
The news of her engagement
with Actor Tom Rodriguez came
to a buzz when the couple
posted it first on social
media which was followed up
by a vlog on her YouTube
channel. The reel-turned
real-life couple has been
together for such a long time
that fans and people in the
showbiz were looking forward
to that milestone. And while
the soon-to-be bride is busy
with all the preparations for
her upcoming wedding, Carla
still makes it a point to
make time for her other
ventures apart from showbiz,
including something that is
innate in her that eventually
led her to become the
Ambassador of Change-A-Lyf.
September 2021
Carla seems to have it all: a
thriving career despite the
pandemic, a relationship that
has grown stronger during the
lockdown, a family that she
can lean on, a network that
supports her, and fans who
love her very much.
But she is not just an
actress, she is also an
advocate: Google her and her
work in animal welfare will
fill your search results. In
August 2020, she became an
Ambassador for Liter of
Light's "Light it Forward"
challenge, which brought
solar-powered lamps to remote
areas of the country that had
no access to electricity.
And she continues to be a
light for others by taking on
the role of Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) head for
finelyf.com, an e-commerce
platform that aims to go
beyond just selling and
making shoppers' lives more
comfortable.
They also aim to make

shopping a meaningful
experience by letting their
customers donate easily to
causes they support.
Giving what she could
Entertainment and the Arts
were the two industries hard
hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many lost jobs or had no
project for an extended
period of time, and Carla was
no exception.
But when people turned to her
for help, instead of keeping
everything she had all to
herself, she did what she
could with hesitation.
"At first, I was all out. You
don't have to wait for a
calamity to help. You always
help out any way you can,"
Carla begins. "You don't have
to have a lot of money. You
can volunteer your time, your
efforts, anything."
But because we were locked in
our homes for most of 2020,
Carla found it difficult to
September 2021
do her usual advocacy and
welfare work without leaving
the house. This was when she
turned to social media to see
how she can extend help to
those who needed it.
"Around summer, I personally
and directly extended
assistance to families who
would reach out to me on
social media," Carla recalls
"They didn't know whom to ask
help from, where to go, what
to do, how to get help. There
was no information out there,
so they used social media to
ask for help."

Carla donated groceries,
medication, and other
essentials as much as she
could until it got to a
point where she realized
that she, too, was without
an active source of income.
"I realized I had to take
care of myself and my
family, too," she admits.
"So I tempered it down to
make sure we also make it
through the pandemic."
For Carla, the lockdown was
an equalizer. "We all needed
help. We all did not have
work. We were all stuck at
home," she posits.
"There are always people who
need help. You don't have to
wait for a pandemic or a
calamity to help regardless
of the situation or what's
going on around the world."
A voice for the voiceless
Carla credits her love for
animals to her family where
every member is an animal
September 2021
lover. "I grew up in a
household full of pets," she
says with a big smile. "We
had all sorts of pets - dogs,
cats, chicken, ducks,
lizards, even rats."
While in seventh grade in OB
Montessori in Greenhills,
Carla saw a booth of the
Philippine Animal Welfare
Society (PAWS) and
immediately signed up as a
volunteer. Although it wasn't
until she was in high school
and college that she began to
participate actively in the
organization's activities.
"It captured my heart and I
really felt that it was my
calling," Carla says. "When
I became an actress in
2009, it was automatic: if

September 2021
I had to have an advocacy,
it was animal welfare."
Carla is still a volunteer
for PAWS but has reached out
to a lot of other
organizations and shelters
like PAWssion Project,
Philippine Animal Rescue
Team (PART), Animal Kingdom
Foundation, Bohol Animal
Rescue and Kindness (BARK),
and Happy Animals Club in
Davao.
"For every time there's an
NGO or animal shelter in
need, I would lend my voice,
my time, my efforts in
sharing with the public what
they need," says Carla.
"During calamities, I would
constantly remind pet owners
to be responsible for their
pets. I also advocate for
spaying and neutering."
Animal welfare is one of the
hardest advocacies to have
because of what it takes out
of the advocate. The work -
and all its ups and downs -
takes so much out of a
rescuer and advocate,
because the fact is, not all
animals who need help can be
saved.
There are just too many.
"When I know that I am
fighting for something
that's right and good, I go
all out. I give, and give,
and give," Carla says
thoughtfully. "But when I
know that I have reached my
limit, I take a step back to
see if there is nothing else
we can do or if we don't
have anything more to
share."
She continues, "I accept the
fact that I have done
everything I could. We have
to remind ourselves that we
are not fully in control.
It's okay to be sad, it's
okay to be tired, but at
least you did your best."
Carla appreciates that when
she lends her voice to the
animals, people would
listen. She hopes this will

be even more helpful in
promoting responsible pet
ownership.
"We are celebrities. We are
influencers. People look up to
us; people watch our every
move," Carla says
passionately. "I might as well
use my name, my voice, for
these animals."
September 2021
"If I don't speak up for them,
who will? We have to because
they don't have a voice."
Change-a-Lyf: A way to help
while you shop
Carla is now the CSR head
of finelyf.com, an e-
commerce platform launched
during the pandemic that
now aims to do more than
the average e-commerce
website. With finelyf.com,
you can shop and be able to
help others through Change-
a-Lyf.
When you click on the
Change-a-Lyf tab in the
finelyf.com menu, you will
see two organizations they
currently support: PAWssion
Project and SOS Children's
Village.
Through finelyf.com, you
can choose to donate as
little as P50 pesos (that
would already make a world
of difference to those who
need help) or choose to
increase the amount. It
then goes to finelyf.com
which will make sure that
the funds go to their
respective organization.

September 2021
just making money. It
should be able to help
people and organizations
with their mission, dreams,
and aspirations, so the
world can hopefully be a
better place for them in
any way, shape, or form.
"I gave Tyff my full trust
because of my belief in
her," says Carla. "I have
met so many businessmen and
women who focus a lot on
profit and monetization.
Tyff always thinks about
purpose and I like that a
lot. It's the first time I
have met a businesswoman
with such a vision."
This 2021, Carla hopes to
add more organizations to
support under Change-a-Lyf.
She also hopes that
finelyf.com will be even
more successful so that
they can make a bigger
impact with their CSR
projects.
"I plan to contribute more
to serve more, to know the
"When I found out about
PAWssion Project and spoke
to Malou Perez (founder), I
thought that the
organization is thriving
while also struggling,"
says Carla. "I see how
aggressive they are and how
passionate they are. They
keep rescuing and they are
responsive to the public."
"Let's help them because
they work fast, they work
well, they work
efficiently."
It is Carla's first time
working with SOS Children's
Village, and she credits
finelyf.com founder
Tyffanie Short for giving
her the idea to work with
the organization. "I had
never worked with an
organization that involves
children, so I thought it
was a good first time for
me," says Carla.
Tyff makes sure everything
she does always has a
purpose that goes beyond

rest of the team better. We hope to add more
organizations to support," Carla says excitedly. "We hope
that the public will know us more so that we'll have more
traffic, more clients, more business partners, and more
causes to support."
-------------------
If you wish to donate at Change-a-Lyf, register at
finelyf.com, click the Change-a-Lyf tab and donate. You
can also shop for items for the organizations they
support and they will deliver them straight to them.
September 2021

Women in Sports: From
behind the spotlight
SPORTS
Filipina women are badass, that's beyond doubt.
We all know that we do have A LOT of women athletes who
are doing their best in their chosen field - however,
most of us do not know that there are equally badass
women who work behind where the action is happening. They
are those women who either ensure that the athletes are
given proper training and nutrition or tell the story of
the athletes in every journey that they take in
representing the flag. All the more, these women are the
epitome of breaking barriers and stereotypes that the
sporting industry is a world limited to men.
There are a lot of women who are also at their A-game the
same way as the athletes do and we are fortunate to be
able to have the chance to talk to three of them:
by Xy-Zha Cabanlong
September 2021

Philippine Olympic Committee
(POC) Deputy Secretary-
General and Pilipinas Sepak
Takraw Association President,
Karen Tanchanco-Caballero;
Sports Broadcaster, Cesca
Litton-Kalaw; and Philippine
Women's National Football
team insider; Mia Montayre.
All three of them are working
behind the scenes and giving
the kind of support to the
athletes more than a fan
does.
KAREN TANCHANCO-CABALLERO;
PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL AND
PRESIDENT, PILIPINAS SEPAK
TAKRAW ASSOCIATION
Karen's influence in sports
started out through her
Father who exposed her to the
industry.
"It was something very
familiar to me as a child
plus I think I have too much
energy. That's why my parents
got me into sports really
early and I found myself
there," she said.
SPORTS
September 2021
Karen started out as an
athlete; she was in fact an
Archer. But after her prime
in representing the country,
she made her way in working
behind the scenes and became
one of the country's female
sports leaders. She has
always been an advocate of
women being involved in
sports, encouraging female
athletes to be involved as
sports leaders after their
prime years in competing for
the country. She has always
believed that no one
understands an athlete better
than a fellow athlete that is
why it had been a battle cry
for her to hone them to not
just stop at being an athlete
but also to learn to become
leaders in their respective
discipline.
While Karen admits that it is
still challenging for women
to be in sports, she also
dismisses the thought that
women cannot equally lead in
the industry - as she is an
epitome of it.

SPORTS
"The minute that we accept
that it is a boys club is the
minute we are defeating our
advocacy. It's hard, di ba
nga naging cliche na yung
breaking the glass ceiling
and until now, it's not even
broken. Even for women in
sports media, we're still
breaking, pinupukpok pa rin
natin. But the minute we
accepts that, "ah, pang boy's
club lang yan!" - it's hard,
it's still challenging for a
lot of us. Not just for the
athletes, the coaches,
leadership, even for women in
sports media. But it is up to
us if we give up. So, for me,
as long as there are emerging
leaders who would listen to
me, leaders would come
around. But it's still hard
breaking the stereotype,
September 2021
when we accept that that it's
the stereotype all the more
that it will happen so, let's
not accept that."
Despite the challenge, Karen
thinks that her job as a
sports leader is also
empowering her as a woman.
Other leaders, especially the
men continue to doubt her
capabilities but the moment
that she's able to earn their
respect, she knows that it is
also empowerment. The fact
that she can assert the
standards that sports leaders
must follow in policy-
building, she knows that it
is another point for women to
excel in this side of the
sports industry. These
notions of empowerment do not
only imply her being a sports
leader, though, as all of
these things also apply in
life in general.
"The moment that I actually
keep on asking questions even
if it makes people
uncomfortable. I always say,

"when in doubt, doubt." So, I
tend to ask a lot of
questions, and I know these
questions sometimes akala
lang nila for the sake of
asking questions. But no, I
keep asking because one,
likely I'm not comfortable;
two, I want to learn. So,
these things, me being
comfortable in my own skin to
ask questions especially if
it doesn't feel right and it
doesn't make me comfortable,
that makes me feel empowered.
Because I think, some women,
pag binigyan na lang tayo,
tatanggapin natin, hindi
dapat! You cannot shove it
down my throat - I will ask
you, why you're asking me to
do it? Maybe if I agree with
you, I'll do it, but if I
don't, I'm not on board. So,
that's empowerment for me -
the power of asking, not just
questions but asking what you
think you deserve. That's
empowerment."
CESCA LITTON-KALAW, SPORTS
BROADCASTER
Cesca is probably one of the
SPORTS
September 2021
popular names in the sports
media industry, who started
out as a Courtside Reporter
for the San Sebastian Stags
in the NCAA in the early
2000s. From then on, she has
covered mostly basketball
events, she had been an
anchor for CNN Philippines
and was also a regular at the
PBA doing the halftime show.
She has had a couple of once-
in-a-lifetime experiences
covering sports events,
including meeting NBA
legends; Larry Bird and
Dennis Rodman, and playing
alongside football legend;
David Beckham to name a few.
Beyond all that, Cesca
started to love sports as a
kid through the influence of
her father, who has been

SPORTS
September 2021
very supportive of her
passion for the outdoors and
fun activities. She started
out taking ballet classes
but later realized that
she's not the ballerina-type
so switched to gymnastics,
then joined the Girl Scouts
and enjoyed camping trips as
a kid. Cesca, later on,
joined the football varsity
team of her school.
"I really can't imagine my
life without doing anything
- my brother used to join
like the summer league
basketball in the village so
I would always watch him
play. That's my introduction
to basketball but all the
technical side, I pretty
much learned all of that
when I was already in
college. I never played the
sport, though. I was
terrible at basketball.
Football, I can play with
you but basketball, no."
Cesca has been in the sports
media industry for about 19
years already and with
almost 2 decades of
experience, she still gets
amazed at the new sports
that she gets to cover. Just
like during the 2019
Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
held here in the Philippines
where she was tasked to
cover events that she has
not covered before.
"Every sport which I was
assigned to cover during the
SEA Games, thankfully we got
a medal. So, that was really
exciting for me. I got to
cover the Ice Skating
competition in Megamall, I
think we got a couple of
silvers in the men's and
women's division and then I
get to cover 3 on 3
(basketball), we won gold in
both men's and women's
division and I also covered
E-Sports Finals. That
finish, I remember being in
Fil-Oil (San Juan Arena)
like 1 or 2 in the morning
because it ended so late -
that was my first coverage
of E-Sports and I have no
idea what I was getting

SPORTS
myself into. I did not
realize how massive the
fanbase was, I was watching
in the giant screen in front
of me and behind me as a sea
of Filipinos just screaming
for the Philippine team and I
was just amazed by that."
More than experiencing the
intensity and the beauty of
those games, Cesca sees the
current dominance of women in
sports as a clear epitome of
dismissing the stereotypes
that sports is merely a man's
world.
"Obviously, there is an
initial hurdle that we
already know that sports are
such a male-dominated
industry but you know, there
is so much space for women
and even for athletes
themselves. Even in
basketball, our women's
basketball team Jack Animam,
Eve Bernardino - these women
are incredible. Hidilyn Diaz,
our weightlifting pride and
joy, I do feel that there is
a shift, somewhat in a
September 2021
positive way and I hope the
shift continues because women
are hopefully no longer put
out there to just cover the
soft pieces. There are so
many incredible talents out
there - on the court, on the
pitch, and off. So hopefully,
we see more women in this
field."
Cesca feels more empowered at
the thought that she was able
to put off every report that
she's asked to do.
"I am my worst critic. I tend
to put myself down a lot when
I know I've had a bad day at
work, when I know that the
report isn't as good as it's
supposed to be, or just
knowing that I could've done
better. But, at the end of
the day, when I see how the
entire production comes
together to bring the best
possible show to the fans, to
the sports fans - because
let's be real here, sports
fans are vicious - they know
their teams, they know their
players, they know their

SPORTS
sports, and sometimes, you
can't make everyone happy.
But if you just know how to
put your heart and soul into
whatever it is that you're
doing and if you know and
you're able to acknowledge
that there is room for
improvement and you actually
work on improving yourself,
then I can at least say that
I left it all out there with
everything that I could. In
my head, there's always a
notion that you're only as
good as your last game,
you're only as good as your
last coverage. Like, if this
is the last report that I
will ever do on-air, is it
good enough? Will people
remember me for this? Did I
tell the right story? Did I
give justice to the hard
work that this particular
athlete has put in, or
coaching staff, or
whatever?"
September 2021
MIA MONTAYRE, PHILIPPINE
WOMEN'S NATIONAL FOOTBALL
TEAM INSIDER
In the Philippine football
scene, there are only a few
women photographers who also
doubles as sportswriters
that are proactive in
covering the games in the
venue and Mia is one of
them. However, she stands
out from everyone because
Mia does not only focus on
men's football, but she is
also an insider for women's
football. She is part of
Pinay Futbol, who is very
active on social media when
it comes to promoting
women's football in the
Philippines and has been an
avenue for many to become
aware of our women's
national team and how they
are faring in the world
rankings (our women's
football team are ranked
higher than their male
counterparts, by the way).
During the course of the
pandemic, Pinay Futbol has
also been the brainchild of

SPORTS
an online show called Grow
Her Game, which are hosted
by two former women's
national team players;
Natasha Alquiros and Belay
Fernando.
Just like most of the
football writers in the
country, Mia also started as
a fan, but she was first
into following the Japanese
women's football team
because of their monumental
feat against the US women's
football team at the Women's
World Cup in Germany. She
also started to grow
curiosity about our very own
women's team because of
that. It tickled her
curiosity all the more about
the local football scene
when the Azkals did their
own giant-slaying feat of
defeating the then-defending
champions; Vietnam in the
Suzuki Cup group stages that
paved the way for what is
now known to be the "Miracle
in Hanoi". Mia was given the
opportunity to meet her
Japanese football idol;
September 2021
Homare Sawa, as she was one
of the Hall of Famer awardee
during the 2014 AFC Awards
held here in Manila, that
was also attended by the
then-FIFA President; Sepp
Blatter and the Asian
Football Confederation (AFC)
President; Sheikh Salman bin
Ebrahim Al-Khalifa.
Just like Karen and Cesca,
Mia has had her humble
beginnings loving sports as
a child. She's always the
sporty one, trying every
sport that she can - from
basketball, futsal, and
football. Not only that; Mia

SPORTS
September 2021
is also an avid fan of
tennis, particularly Roger
Federer. From loving
football, she has also grown
her fondness for photography
that opened doors of
opportunity for her to be in
sports media as a
photographer and a writer.
From merely just a hobby,
Mia turned that passion into
a profession - and in that
profession, she was able to
stand out as an insider for
the Malditas.
She would always claim that
one high point of her career
in sports media is when she
was able to go to
Tajikistan, out of her own
pocket, just to cover the
Malditas in their
competition.
"Muntik pa akong ma-deport
when I was in China because
of visa issued and the train
going to Tajikistan is
leaving in about fifteen
minutes. Grabe yung habol ko
talaga when I was finally
allowed to go through," she
recalls.
Other than the challenge of
going through immigration
for her efforts to cover the
Philippine women's team,
breaking the stigma that
sports are a world that is
not designed for women is
something that Mia also
wants to dismiss. She points
out that there are sports
like Tennis, that regardless
of which gender made an
enormous victory in a
certain competition, is well
celebrated.
"Every now and then, I think
about it as parang stigma.
The best example is tennis,
I mean if they can do it,
why not other sports, right?
With team sports, I think
the closest one to tennis in
regards to fair coverage is
football - because it is the
world's most popular sport
to begin with. The US and
Japanese women's football
teams did so much to promote
women's football through
their feat in the

SPORTS
continental and world
levels. The World cup also
makes things interesting,
too, especially in a fan's
perspective," Mia explains.
"In the media perspective,
we can treat them equally
regardless of the sport that
we cover. I love that some
firms embrace women in
sports media on their pool
and give them equal
opportunity. I believe that
it should be a part of the
objective every media firm
out there, whether sports or
not to give equal
opportunity for both men and
women to excel in this
field."
For Mia, dismissing the
stereotypes in the sports
industry does not only
equate to having equal
opportunities for women but
it also imply empowerment.
She thinks that the moment a
woman excels in her craft in
sports - whether as an
athlete or someone working
behind the scenes, that's
already empowerment.
September 2021
"I think, sa ngayon,
nakaktuwa yung feeling na
you are in a pool of a team
full of men and then you're
the only girl. It feels as
if you do have a
responsibility. It's kike
you're there to conquer your
fears that us, women can't
do more. You feel that you
have to do well to represent
women well and when you
actually do well, that's
where empowerment comes in.
When we do well in our
field, it is an epitome that
us, women can do what men
can do, that we can do just
as good as them."
Karen, Cesca and Mia all
believe that women have so
much space in the sports
industry, not only as an
athlete, but as sports
leaders, broadcasters, and
insiders. There is so much
promise for women in this
industry that those who want
to try and venture into a
career in this field should
just go for it.

SPORTS
"Just do it. You have to
believe in yourself that you
can do it. Find fulfillment
in telling a good story of
an athlete - if I can do it,
so can you. If I can do it,
I know every woman who wants
to be in sports media can do
it," Mia encourages.
"I will be the first to
welcome you in the industry
but if you think that this
is just a space for men,
it's not. I cannot wait for
the day where it's no longer
uncommon to see an all-
female panel - we've done
that in the Pilipinas Super
Liga (PSL) already,
hopefully, someday, we could
see it in other sports. But
yeah, there is a lot of
space for us [here]," Cesca
adds.
In parting, Karen also
reminded women to not only
aim for pursuing their
passion but to also take
good care of themselves
first - a lesson that the
pandemic and a massive
September 2021
typhoon had taught her.
"Nobody takes care of
ourselves but ourselves. We
go back to the basics that
nobody takes care of me but
I and we don't need a Knight
in shining armor. I got it!
We take care of ourselves
first and then, that's the
time we look after other
people. I think we, women
always tend to forget that.
I admit that I forget about
that because women are real
nurturers."
These women definitely know
how to make their parents
proud by setting an example
that women can do what men
can do in an industry that
they obviously dominate.
Karen proved that women can
be sports leaders, while
Cesca and Mia are perfect
examples that women can do
more in sports media.
These are just three of the
many success stories in the
diverse world of sports.
They have been giving the

best that they could from behind what we see in the
games. They too, feel the same (or maybe greater)
pressure as the athletes who are competing. In a way,
these women also raise the flag of our country through
their chosen crafts and they prove to be good at it.
A big, snappy salute goes out to Karen, Mia, Cesca, and
all the wonderful women out there who are showing the
world that we can definitely stand out, stand proud, and
excel in whatever field we choose to be in.
May these stories shared by Karen, Mia, and Cesca be a
source of inspiration, motivation, and empowerment for
all women out there to move away from their comfort
zones, unleash their passion, and be greater than what
they believe that they can!
SPORTS
September 2021

HEALTHY EATING
Eastern Diet vs. Western
Diet: Which is Better?
There are certain differences among the foods from Eastern
cultures, and from Western cultures. But when we consider
an Eastern diet vs. a Western diet, how do these two
compare? Is one really better than the other?
by Hello Doctor
September 2021

HEALTHY EATING
Dairy foods
Cereals
Refined sugars
Refined vegetable oils
Alcohol
High salt content
High starch content
Fatty domestic meats
Eastern diet vs. western
diet: What does a typical
western diet look like?
Sugar, protein, and fat are
abundant in the Western
diet. Fruits, grains, and
vegetables are less common.
This diet is also linked to
a higher intake of
manufactured or processed
foods, which are typically
less expensive and hence
more generally consumed by
low-income people. This has
made the western diet
infamously linked to
hypertension, heart disease,
hypercholesterolemia,
diabetes, obesity, and
colorectal cancer.
The following comprise a
typical western diet:
September 2021
Despite the western diet
being famous all over the
world because of its taste
and relatively cheap price,
some people may look for
better alternatives because
of how it can lead to
chronic obesity,
hypertension, and cancer.
diet: What is an eastern
diet?
A person on an eastern diet
would consume almost three
times the amount of plant-
based foods as meat,
poultry, or seafood. The
eastern diet contains far
less salt, sugar, empty
carbohydrates, and starch
than the western diet.
The disadvantage is that it
is more expensive and may be
more difficult to come by
compared to the western
diet. It is, however,
significantly more effective
at preventing chronic
obesity, hypertension, and
cancer. In fact, recent

HEALTHY EATING
Fish
Shellfish
Chicken and duck
Bean sprouts
Spinach
Eggplant
Bok choy
Cabbage
Kale
Mustard greens
Snow peas
Leeks
Typical fruits such as
mangoes
Nuts
Soy
Tofu
Tempeh
studies have found that
Asian women have a lower
breast cancer incidence and
mortality rate than Non-
Hispanic White (NHW) women,
which is thought to be due
to the eastern diet’s high
soy content.
Specifically, the following
typically comprise the
eastern diet:
September 2021
diet
The eastern and the western
diet look extremely
different from each other at
first glance. However, there
are some similarities
between the two.
Due to the fact that meat is
the primary component of
most western meals, the
western diet has a greater
fat level. However, some
meals in the eastern diet do
contain meat, albeit in
smaller quantities than in
the western diet.
Seasonings and condiments
such as ketchup, mustard,
and gravy are used to dress
up western dishes.
Similarly, the eastern
cuisine includes a variety
of seasonings. However, the
eastern seasonings have a
lower salt level and are
more natural. Basil,
cinnamon, cilantro,
coriander, cloves,
lemongrass, garlic, and
ginger are some common

flavors in an eastern cuisine.
Key takeaway
Although the western diet has a higher chance of causing
chronic obesity and other diseases as compared to the
eastern diet, this does not mean that one should deprive
themselves of western foods.
In the same sense, even though the eastern diet is
healthier compared to the western one, one should not
completely stop eating western food. Eastern and western
diets may also adopt significant aspects of one another’s
food philosophies.
Learning both eastern and western diets can help you get
the most out of both, for the creation of a comprehensive,
systematic, and holistic nutritional approach that will
help you attain optimal health. Therefore, like all things,
too much of a good thing is bad. It is still best to eat
everything in moderation.
https://bit.ly/hello-doctor-ph-eastern-diet-vs-western-diet
HEALTHY EATING
September 2021

TRAVEL
Imagine being with your boo while dipping into your own
hot spring right at the comfort of your own casita
surrounded by nature.
Say no more!
Just one and a half hours away from the city, Lotuspod
Bed and Breakfast offers just that.
Hidden within Brgy. Puypuy, Bay, Laguna lies a respite
for those seeking to relax and share quality time with
their special someone.
What's more, you can be your own influencer because
everything in the property is Instagram-worthy!
The Perfect Hideaway
by Janina Sanchez-Ines
September 2021

Once you enter, you will be
chauffeured on a golf cart
going to your own private
casita.
Social distancing is a given
because Lotuspod only
accepts a limited number of
guests and there are only
eight casitas within the
whole compound.
TRAVEL
September 2021
Each casita has a private
entrance and a small garden
will welcome you as a head
on to your room.
The casita is furnished with
a king-sized bed - perfect
for cuddles!
It also includes an ensuite
bathroom that leads up to
your personal open-air hot
spring dipping tub -
allowing you to enjoy a
nice, warm soak in the
comfort of your casita.
You also have your own
little terrace perfect for
morning coffee or tea (which
are also included) while
enjoying the lush green
property plus an
unobstructed view of Mount
Makiling.
But wait, we are just
getting started.
Aside from your very own
casita, you also gain access
to their other facilities
like the pool complex with a
bar and the hot spring
dipping pools outside the
casitas.
However, the other
facilities in the property
are temporarily unavailable

due to certain government
restrictions.
These facilities are:
The zipline allows you to
have a bird's eye view of
their pond full of beautiful
lotus flowers in full bloom.
The Narra Spa where one can
indulge in their signature
Lotuspod massage or take a
dip at their spa pool which
is exclusive for guests.
TRAVEL
September 2021
As well as the playground,
tree house, and trampoline
for kids.
Lotuspod said guests can
enjoy these amenities again
once the restrictions are
lifted.
To make guests even more
comfortable, each stay
includes breakfast, snack,
and dinner for two.
You may choose from their
selection of Filipino
classics and comfort food.
The food is cooked to order
and made only with the
freshest ingredients - some
even locally grown from
their very own organic farm.

TRAVEL
The lounging area, aptly
named "Hardin ng mga Tala"
is perfect for those who
want to enjoy a romantic
dinner under the stars.
There are canopy gardens for
lazy afternoons - where you
can just lay on their low-
slung bamboo day beds.
The "Molave" also serves as
a good lounging area too as
it sits right on top of the
Lotus pond in perfect view
of the flowers.
September 2021
For those seeking more
adventure, you may also
inquire about day tours from
them to visit some of the
nearby sites like the "Aliw"
and "Majayjay" Falls, Pueblo
El Salvador, and other sites
in the area.
Come visit this hidden gem
in Laguna and keep the
romance alive!
---------------------
Know more about Lotuspod
Bed and Breakfast through
their website:
www.lotuspodbedandbreakfas
t.com
or visit their Facebook
page:
facebook.com/lotuspodbnb

SEXUAL WELLNESS
5 Things to Know About the
Female G-Spot
You might have heard of it before: stimulating the G-spot
might give you a more intense, more pleasurable orgasm.
But the G-spot is still shrouded with mystery - and even
controversy. In fact, many experts don't believe that this
erogenous spot exists. Are you curious about the female G-
spot? Here's what we know so far.
THE FEMALE G-SPOT
1. The idea of the G-spot emerged only decades ago
The idea that women have an extremely sensitive spot
capable of eliciting intense pleasure only in the 1950s
when Ernst Gräfenberg, a German gynecologist, said that
you can find it in the inner upper wall of the vagina.
by Hello Doctor
September 2021

Named after the gynecologist
who first mentioned it, the
G-spot, also called the
Gräfenberg area, has
fascinated health experts and
couples alike.
2. Its existence is debatable
But, here's the catch: the G-
spot's existence is still
controversial.
Some women claim they do
experience immense pleasure
when they sexually stimulate
the supposed G-spot; others,
however, find it frustrating
that they cannot seem to find
it.
One study headed by Adam
Ostrzenski, M.D., Ph.D."
confirmed" the G-spot's
existence after they checked
the cadaver of an 83-year-old
woman. Ostrzenski described
the G-spot as a "sac
structure located at the back
of the perineal membrane, a
few millimeters from the
upper part of the urethral
opening.
SEXUAL WELLNESS
September 2021
But, this particular research
raised many eyebrows;
Ostrzenski only checked one
body and a cadaver at that.
Given that the subject is no
longer living, they could not
confirm if the female G-spot
they found could elicit
immense pleasure or intense
orgasm.
Furthermore, it seems like
Ostrzenski has a vested
interest in proving that the
G-spot is real. According to
reports, Ostrzenski is a
cosmetic gynecologist who
offers services, such as G-
spot augmentation.
Despite the controversy, some
educational references, such
as the Boston University
School of Medicine - Sexual
Medicine, already listed G-
spot as a part of the female
genital anatomy.
The references pointed to the
G-spot as an excited area
"along the length of the
urethra." They likewise said
that stimulation of the

female G-spot can produce
immediate sexual arousal and
even make some women
"ejaculate."
3. Others say it's the female
prostate
Some people believe that the
G-spot is the Skene's glands,
which we sometimes refer to
as the "female prostate." The
glands are located in the
lower end of the urethra,
near the supposed Gräfenberg
area.
Or course, experts still
aren't sure if the Skene's
glands are the female version
of the prostate. Still,
reports say they produce
fluids that lubricate the
urethral opening and might
even have antimicrobial
properties that protect women
from UTIs.
But, like the G-spot, the
exact sexual function of
Skene's glands is still
unexplored.
SEXUAL WELLNESS
September 2021
4. It's quite tricky to find
Because experts are still
unsure whether or not the
female G-spot is real, you
might have difficulty
pinpointing its location.
The best way to hit the spot,
according to experts, is
through patient digital
exploration. You can do it on
your own or ask your partner
to find it for you.
General instructions include
massaging the vaginal opening
first before inserting a
finger and lifting it toward
the belly button in a "come
hither" gesture. Experts also
don't recommend trying to
find a specific spot;
instead, try to find pleasure
in a general region.
5. You can reach orgasm
without touching your G-spot
Finally, do not forget that
women can have immense
pleasure and get an orgasm
without stimulating the

G-spot.
Experts advise that trying too hard to hit the exact spot
could lead to frustrations if you fail to find it. So,
whether you want to achieve sexual pleasure on your own
or want to do it with your partner, don't forget to enjoy
the whole experience.
Key Takeaway
We still need concrete proof that the female G-spot is
real. Experts remind women to enjoy the whole sexual
experience rather than trying to hit a particular spot.
SEXUAL WELLNESS
September 2021
https://bit.ly/hello-doctor-ph-female-g-spot

SELF-HELP
Self-love is the best kind of love, they say.
For some, this thought does not make sense until a major
setback forces them to choose themselves over anything
else that this world can offer. It may be quite a
challenge, in the beginning, leaving you wondering why
this has to happen, why it has to be you.
Fret not, the world is not as harsh as how you think it
is because it also gives you a reason to see how self-
love can be so amazing. In fact, the world even loves you
that much that it has suggestions on how you can enjoy
self-love:
Ways to enjoy Self-Love
By: Xy-Zha Cabanlong
September 2021

SELF-HELP
PLAN A SOLO TRIP TO A PLACE
THAT YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN
BEFORE
One of the best ways to enjoy
self-love is when you travel
to an unfamiliar place where
you get to discover not just
that place but yourself as
well. This sounds quite like
the movie "Eat, Pray, Love"
but it is what it is. Grab
that laptop, search for that
place where you've always
wanted to go, and plan on
that trip. When the travel
restrictions start to ease
up, and the time permits, go
and book that trip!
Once you're there, try their
local dish, learn about their
culture, be in the know-how
September 2021
on their mode of
transportation, and get to
know their locals! It may
also be good to try and learn
a bit of their local dialect
or language (the basic ones,
at least), adapt with the
locals, if you must. Learn
some skill from them, like
how to cook a certain dish
that the place is famous for
or maybe a skill or a craft
that they are known for. In
short, immerse yourself on
that place! In such way,
you're not just learning a
thing or two about that
specific place but you are
learning something for
yourself as well.

SELF-HELP
MEDITATE
"We learn to authentically
love - everyone - including
ourselves," writes an
article in huffpost.com,
published in June 2016,
talking about how
meditation can be good
practice for self-love.
Meditation's benefit is not
just for the body as it
helps you relax, it also
gives you the chance during
your quiet time to learn to
better understand the
situation you are currently
into, to forgive yourself
and the people that
afflicted you, and to help
yourself to look forward to
better things that would
come when you move forward
from whatever caused you
massive pain and tons of
tears.
September 2021
FOCUS ON GETTING FIT (AND
FAB)
Cliche as it may sound but
all those who have been
through a heartbreak result
to working out and getting
themselves fit not only to
maintain an active lifestyle
but also to help make them
feel good about themselves.
Even fitness coaches
themselves could attest to
that - their trainees mostly
involved themselves to
fitness because they want to
get over something that hurt
them in the past.
This is where the saying
"turn your heartache into
something that will make you
stronger" is best applied.
Think of the heartbreak each
time you're asked to do 10

10 deadlifts or each time
you're asked to do 30
burpees so that it can
unleash your inner
strength. Scream at the
top of your lungs when
you're asked to run 5
kilometers without
stopping or walking and it
will make you feel good
after. After all, fitness
and other activities that
involve moving those lazy
bones help release our
body's natural "happy
hormones."
SELF-HELP
LEARN NEW THINGS
Maybe it's high time for
you to work on learning
something new. Remember
that time when you told
yourself
September 2021
that you want to learn a new
language? Or when you told
one of your friends that you
want to try a new sport?
Maybe you were once curious
about learning about how
urban gardening works, or
how to sew or bake and
eventually turn it into a
small business - this is
your chance! Make use of
your time alone to learn
things that will ignite a
new hobby.
Learning something new also
means adding a new skill or
an achievement under your
name, and it could be
another item to add to your
LinkedIn account or on your
CV when you opt for career
advancement. Go ahead,
enroll in that online crash
course that you've always
been aiming to take, learn
to live your life to the
fullest!

SELF-HELP
EXPLORE YOUR SEXUALITY
Being literally "alone" does
not equate to you being
lonely. It does not also
mean that you cannot explore
your own sexuality.
Exploring yourself is not
taboo, it is one of the most
amazing things that you can
to express self-love.
Don't be afraid to prepare
that bubble bath, pour that
wine, and light that soy
candle for your perfect "me
time bath" to get you in the
mood. Self-pleasure may not
sound good to some, but hey,
remember - different strokes
for different folks so do
something that's going to
make you happy! Just like in
keeping yourself fit, self-
pleasure also helps release
your body's happy hormones
September 2021
that can make you feel good
after.
The fact that there are pop-
up adult shops in some areas
in the Metro and that there
are also a handful of adult
toy sellers online only goes
to show that slowly, the
idea of being liberated and
open about your sexuality is
being accepted in this
originally conservative
society. It should no longer
be shameful in this modern
era to walk into an adult
shop and buy that dildo that
you're always curious about.
If you mean to purchase
items that will give you
that extra kink privately,
then the internet is the
solution for you as online
shops are shipping items in
full confidentiality. Do not
hesitate to explore yourself
before someone else does
that for you because it is
always best to know yourself
more than anybody else.
Never let this society
dictate your limit in
exploring yourself. That's

Uplyfted eMag September 2021

Uplyfted eMag September 2021

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