Skin Station's diamond peel with mask and red light therapy

Skin Station in the Philippines offers a service called Diamond Peel with Silver Masque and Red Light Therapy. The picture above shows the machine that is used for red light therapy.

Microdermabrasion is a fairly common procedure women undergo to peel a thin layer of skin and to stimulate collagen production.

"Microdermabrasion has gained popularity over the last decade because it’s a simple and cost-effective treatment for the skin with minimal recovery time. It’s important to differentiate microdermabrasion from dermabrasion, which is an invasive procedure that has been used to treat UV damage and skin scarring for decades."

http://theconversation.com/will-microdermabrasion-or-skin-needling-give-me-better-skin-86619

At Skin Station, the therapist first cleans the face then proceeds with the diamond peel procedure with the help of a machine.

She then proceeds to apply what they call the silver masque. In one of Skin Station's promotional stories, a lady had her whole face covered with a silver/gray mask (the kind that you need to wash off). 

In my experience, the therapist placed a leave-on paper mask, like the one typically found in drugstores with a face cutout. She then used a cold hammer to seal the mask on the face. The ice cold feeling was totally relaxing.

Skin Station's CEO Fred Reyes explains what this silver masque is all about.

"Why call it a silver mask? At the heart of the serum formula is the new, patented porous silver that soothes sensitive skin and provides anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial post-treatment protection."

http://skinstationdermax.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-new-complete-silver-masque.html

After immersing the facial skin with all the juice from the mask, the red light machine is then used to help the healing process.

"Red light therapy (RLT) aims to solve skin issues by using low wavelength red light. Many experts believe that it can help with issues such as skin conditions, scarring, and signs of aging -- including wrinkles and age spots." 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325884.php

Medical News Today reported that red light is used even to reduce pain or help bone recovery, although research findings are still preliminary and require more testing.

That being said, an occasional exposure to red light treatment may be worth a try.

The whole treatment lasted for about 45 minutes to an hour. The therapist recommended the use of sunscreen since microdermabrasion can cause a little sensitivity to sun exposure. She also said that it can only be done once a month.

Overall, the experience gave my skin the expected boost. Some people may experience minor skin irritations that should ease up in a day or two. Any prolonged skin issue needs to be discussed with the dermatologist.

Investing your hard-earned cash in mutual funds

The interest rates that you get from your savings, checking or time deposits are guaranteed by the bank.  The bank essentially borrows money from the depositor, at a fixed rate.  Usually, the returns are not very high because of the guaranteed nature of the account.

On the other hand, mutual funds generally offer a greater possibility of higher returns over the long term.  However, the proceeds are not guaranteed and hence, you can also lose money if you don’t know what you’re doing.  There are different funds with various allocations.  Some are heavily invested in stocks while others offer a balanced mix, while others are invested in bonds.  You should take it upon yourself to understand the difference between all these choices.  For your own financial health, read up and learn.

When choosing a mutual fund to invest in, take the time to do research on management and other issues.  It is your personal responsibility to understand the character and professional qualifications of the team handling your money.

The general rule is to buy low and sell high.  This usually happens over a prolonged period and that is the reason why most mutual fund companies require a minimum holding period.  

What happens in many cases is that a newbie investor hears about the amazing returns on mutual funds during a bullish period and gets enticed to put his own money.  Soon after, a tragic news event triggers a massive sell-off that leaves the clueless investor soaking in his self-inflicted financial bloodbath.  Since many people usually hope to get rich quick, they end up selling at a loss and regretting ever entering the money market.  This experience especially holds true with funds that are heavily exposed to equities.

The best way to realize substantial gains in mutual funds would be to think long-term, anywhere from five to ten years time frame.  This simply means that before entering the market, you should already take into consideration that there might be a long wait, especially when you invest in the fund during a bear period.  Downturns usually offer many buying opportunities for those investors who can see beyond the immediate future.  

That being said, carefully evaluate how much of your money you can afford to keep invested for at least five years.  It is hard to predict the actual market cycles and that is why a wide investment leeway is ideal.  Don’t include the cash that you will use to pay for your child’s tuition next semester, for example.  As a general rule, it would not be prudent to aggressively throw in all your money.

In the game of investing, it is important to have what is known as free cash flow.  This is the amount of money that you have on hand that is available to address your current needs.  This will help avoid the unintentional fund withdrawals that are brought about by your liquidity requirements.  Make sure to have enough cash that can pay for your needs in the near term.  Whatever you have in excess of that, can be invested for the long term, keeping in mind your retirement years.  

While you still have the benefit of a steady income, always remember that it is important to prepare for the time when you may be out of the workforce for one reason or another.  Thus, apportioning a percentage of your monthly income specifically for long-term investments in mutual funds, the stock market or a new business venture could spell the difference between a comfortable retirement and an insecure one.

This article was first published in the Working People section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

How secure is your life insurance?

I have written about personal finance for both the Philippine Daily Inquirer and MoneySense Magazine. One of the articles that cropped up lately is titled, "Protect Yourself From Your Insurance Policy." 

https://www.moneysense.com.ph/protect-yourself-from-your-insurance-policy/

I also had a chance to listen to a talk by possibly the youngest insurance company in the Philippines, FWD Insurance. It is a private, Asian-based company that was started in 1993 by Richard Li (son of Li Ka-shing) in Hong Kong through the Pacific Century Group. The Manila office was started in 2014. The company's Chairman is Amb. Jose Cuisia Jr.

As of 2018, they have the highest paid-up capital of P2.3 billion and around P16.19 billion in total assets (unaudited 2019 figures).

FWD Philippines offers an attractive critical illness package called "Set for Health" where an insured person up to 75 years old can claim critical illness insurance three times, among other provisions.

A common question from investors is how secure their life savings are with the insurance company they are investing in.

The answer is usually tied to how financially sound the insurer is since the insurance policies often last for decades.

For banks, one marker or financial ratio that is used to assess solvency is called the Capital Adequacy Ratio. The Philippines adopts the internationally accepted standard:

"The BSP implements new minimum capital ratios of 6.0 percent Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio, 7.5 percent Tier 1 ratio and 10.0 percent Total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). A capital conservation buffer (CCB) of 2.5 percent, comprised of CET1 capital was also prescribed."

http://www.bsp.gov.ph/regulations/implementation.asp

In simpler terms, capital adequacy is calculated by dividing equity over assets. Financial institutions use a more sophisticated formula using Tier 1 and Tier 2 equity numbers, and other variables.

One Filipino finance guru calculated FWD Philippines's capital adequacy ratio at 15 percent. He said it was below his 20 percent benchmark. Not sure where that guideline came from. Perhaps, he was comfortable if the ratio is at least double the minimum requirement.

The Bangko Sentral has a minimum requirement of 10 percent for the Total Capital Adequacy Ratio (see above note).

In any case, I decided to ask a senior credit officer of a leading banking institution of the Philippines. 

She said that FWD Philippines was okay because they are backed by a very strong parent company. She also said that they are monitored by the Insurance Commission.

Thus, I looked further and discovered the Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Ratio that is used by the Insurance industry. The formula is as follows:

RBC Ratio = Total Available Capital divided by RBC Requirement

The minimum RBC ratio requirement is 100 percent. To date, the minimum net worth required for insurance companies is P550 million.

Randy Escolango, Deputy Commissioner for Legal Services of the Insurance Commission, explained the recent requirements in his article "Developments in the regulation of the Philippine insurance industry capital regime" posted on www.ibanet.org:

"Under the Amended Insurance Code, new domestic insurance companies were required to put up paid-up capital of at least Php 1bn. When the Amended Insurance Code was brought into force, existing insurance companies were required to have a minimum net worth of Php250m as of 31 December 2013, Php550m as of 31 December 2016, Php900m as of 31 December 2019, and Php 1.3 bn as of 31 December 2022."

All told, being aware of the above ratios may help a potential investor get an idea on how solvency in the insurance industry, as well as bank institutions, is measured.

Doing some number crunching on your own may prove useful in making the right choice.

Postscript: This article is not a recommendation to buy any insurance product but is for the reader's information only.

Weathering With You Movie Review

If you want to know what some young teeners are watching these days, check out this Japanese anime movie "Weathering With You." 

Compared to the previously well crafted anime movies "In This Corner Of The World" and "A Silent Voice," this new movie "Weathering With You" leaves something to be desired. While the animation of Tokyo was very good, its story line has some loose ends.

The movie is an allegory to climate change and shows that Tokyo is sinking. This is actually based on true to life events. For example, the PBS network featured Tokyo as one of the sinking cities.

The story revolves around a sunshine girl who can stop the rain and let the sun come out at will. However, this special gift comes with consequences. In the end, she is faced with the choice between her teen lover or self-sacrifice.

Anime fans may find the animation interesting as it managed to capture a realistic portait of Tokyo. Probably a movie to watch with a group of friends (called barkada in Filipino).

UN document recommends gendered bathrooms

UN document proposes separate bathrooms, for gender equality

A United Nations Women discussion paper titled “Towards Gender Equality Through Sanitation Access” presents the need to develop adequate sanitation provisions for women in order to achieve gender equality. 

“We recognize that “dignity” is a highly culture and gender-specific term; we therefore argue that sanitation for all – sanitation that serves all genders equally – must be designed and planned explicitly for the unique needs of women and girls."

The paper mentions that women and girls menstruate and that there is a need to manage this natural phenomenon with proper hygiene and dignity.

“In this paper, we argue that sanitation needs are gendered because the differences stem both from biological bodies as well as the norms, expectations and taboos surrounding them.”

It further explains, “Women need more privacy than men when they use the facilities because social norms everywhere demand that they not be seen when relieving themselves. They need to urinate more frequently when they are pregnant. They may need more time in the toilet than men do because they must always sit and squat. They need physical safety when they access outside or public toilets…for some women, public toilets are the primary mode of access.”

In order to achieve gender equality, the paper mentioned the need for toilets that are women-friendly with special consideration for privacy, safety, and convenience. 

It mentioned that in other countries, some women, out of consideration for modesty and privacy, wait until the evening before using the available restroom. So even food and drink is withheld to achieve this goal.

The document concluded that it is necessary to protect personal dignity when providing access to sanitation facilities. 

“Male sanitation needs are different from female sanitation needs in part because of biology and in part because of social expectations. Lack of access to dignified sanitation affects women differently than men because of different requirements for modesty, personal security and the disproportionate burden of unpaid labor. All three needs of women and girls – defacation, urination and menstrual management – should be met with dignity through accessing a latrine that is clean, safe, accessible and affordable.”

To access the full discussion paper, check this link:

https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2016/towards-gender-equality-through-sanitation.pdf?la=en&vs=5952

For a taste of Hong Kong, try Legend Restaurant

With the recent news about the Hong Kong protest, many Filipinos have postponed travel plans to that destination. 

Of course, Hong Kong is known for its Cantonese cuisine. So if you can't fly there, you can try The Legend (Hong Kong) Seafood Restaurant that has its main restaurant in Pasay City and another branch in Vista Mall Sta. Rosa City.

They have a decent dimsum menu that includes pork and shrimp siomai, sharksfin siomai, pork asado siopao, fried prawn dumpling, and fried wonton.

Kids like the pancit canton as well.

This sweet chili jumbo prawn dish is reminiscent of the big sizzling prawns served at American Restaurant (Peking Food) in Wanchai, HK (now closed).

https://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2016/04/american-restaurant-peking-food-at.html

The yang chow fried rice is excellent.

The beef and broccoli dish is popular among Pinoys.

For families, the Legend Fried chicken is a staple.

There are other seafood items like live shark, lapu-lapu, and lobster. This restaurant has managed to attract families and big groups (including corporate events).

John Denver Trending Movie Review

This movie bagged multiple awards during the 2019 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Awards given were Best Film, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Original Musical Score, and Best Actor (Jansen Magpusao).

Set in the Visayan province of Antique, the dialect used was Karay-a that many Filipinos do not speak. Thus, subtitles were a big help.

The story revolves around a boy who was accused of stealing an iPad from a classmate. Someone uploaded an incident on Facebook and it went viral. It portrays the power of social media in modern times.  

The movie highlights the provincial life in Antique. The pacing is a bit slow that seemingly mimics the rural lifestyle. When the movie won awards, the province celebrated the win. 

Jansen Magpusao who won Best Actor was also a new actor chosen from the same town. Even without saying too much, he naturally portrayed his innocence. It was like watching a documentary.

The film was well crafted with the right cinematic tones and interesting cinematography. It was rated PG.

Nevertheless, the movie may need a stronger warning because its theme revolves around minors and suicide. The movie's ending was depressing, not redemptive.

While adults may understand the story's whole context, stressed children or teenagers may get a different signal, through the power of suggestion.

There are news reports where a rise in negative consequences were attributed to watching a TV show. It is important for parents to get into dialogue with their children who are minors.

Thus, stronger caution when presenting these ideas to minors is recommended. The mental health warning at the end of the movie may not be sufficient.

Dora Movie Review

Dora The Explorer is charming even in high school...

For toddlers (and parents) who grew up watching the Latina character Dora on TV, this live action movie is something they may enjoy watching. The character came to life and the overall humor was light and breezy. 

The action and drama were targeted to a young teen audience. There was a light kiss on the lips as well.

It was interesting to see how characters Boots and Swiper were incorporated in the movie. Lines from the old cartoon series were used such as, “Swiper no swiping!” The cartoon added to the movie was another twist to the story.

Dora’s positive demeanor was easy to appreciate, especially as she tried to fit in the high school crowd. She also communicated the importance of being true to oneself. Other themes included friendship and teamwork that are concerns of young adults.

The movie is an adventure story without too much blood and sweat. It plays out like a cartoon albeit with live actors. For parents who remember raising their kids on Dora, there is also a little nostalgia just listening to the dialogue.

Dora portrays a force for the good. Her fans will always love her for that.

Filipina Scholastic author shares her publishing journey

Gail D. Villanueva (holding the microphone) is the first Filipino to write a middle grade novel that was published by Scholastic US. The book "My Fate According To The Butterfly" was launched last 04 August 2019 in the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival held at Raffles Hotel.

Villanueva shared her writing and publishing journey with the audience. After 72 rejections from her first manuscript, she proceeded to write her second book in a period of one and a half months before receiving four offers of representation from various agents.

She said that she found her agent online and cited the website www.querytracker.net as a possible starting point for writers.

She also had writing mentors and went through several manuscript revisions before the final output.



The book is a middle grade contemporary set in Metro Manila amidst Duterte's drug war. Villanueva says that the theme revolves around family. But in the Philippines, that sole topic can become controversial.

For example, the chapter reading mentioned divorce that is currently a hot button issue in the Philippines. Parents are advised to understand the whole context of the book first before giving it to their grade school kids since it goes into controversial topics such as the ones mentioned above.

Villanueva's book launch included a reading of several chapters of the book. The author also signed the books of those who attended the event.

Hello, Love, Goodbye Movie Review

Hello, true love waits...

A sweet romance revolving around young love. The story gives a peek into the lives of Filipino OFWs (overseas foreign workers) that make viewers appreciate the easier or simpler life that (perhaps) they may have. It successfully captures the social effects of migration that usually touches the family unit. It paints a realistic picture of how families eventually break apart (Joy's family) or still find a way to unite (Ethan's family).

It was my first time to watch both Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, and it was interesting to witness their chemistry as a love team. Kathryn's dramatic moments were touching. Her character's desire to find herself was evident in the way she portrayed her role. With his boyish and clean cut looks, Alden did not really look too much of a bad boy. But he supported his leading lady well.

All told, the movie gives meaning to the adage that "If you love someone, set him free. If he comes back, then it's meant to be." 

=====

Postscript: I have on a number of occasions written about the social costs of migration. One of my stories for the Philippine Daily Inquirer that was titled "When a good mother leaves" reported the findings of a UNICEF study. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/119575/when-a-good-mother-leaves

A few years back I also wrote a letter to the editor that was published in Time Magazine, as follows:

"I congratulate Time Asia for highlighting the sad truth about the growing exodus of mothers from the Philippines [Nov. 24]. To many of us, it seems an irreversible phenomenon -- most overseas workers will tell you they had no other choice but to leave and historical data show that the number of Filipino women working overseas surpasses men, pointing to what some have described as a "feminization" of labor. A mother's absence often leads to unspoken psychological consequences that are felt intensely by children. The problem our overseas workers face is a multigenerational one. Life is about making choices, whether you're rich or poor, but it's up to every Filipino -- not just those who are compelled to work abroad -- to think of ways to advance our society and keep our families together."

Shiseido Philippines unveils its Artistry with Ease Club

I have not been writing regularly so this announcement is a little late. A few months ago, Shiseido Philippines offered a one-on-one make-up tutorial series through its Artistry with Ease Club. 

I had the opportunity to sit down with their make-up artist. First of all, the Shiseido counter in Greenbelt Makati is probably one of the cleanest that I have ever seen in that area. I was even provided with a white hairnet and bib, to start the session.

I was asked to choose between three possible make-up looks and I opted for the Single Statement Look with Eye Focus.

The Shiseido foundation applied to my face provided full coverage. It's a bit thicker compared to other foundations I have tried. The make-up artist also gave attention to defining the eyebrows. Overall, the look is probably suitable for evening wear.

I requested to try Shiseido's purple palette. It included both matte and glitter colors. The palette was on the darker side and added depth and dimension to the eyes.

My favorite purple lipstick came from Shiseido. I think it's one of the colors that they do best.

Goryeo Restaurant and the Manila Bay sunset

I have been on a writing hiatus until a visit to Okada's Sakura Garden brought me to another experience of the Manila Bay sunset and the hotel's restaurant called Goryeo.

Last December 8, 2018, the off-Broadway play "The Court Martial of Admiral Montojo" written by Dennis Posadas launched its first production in Manhattan Repertory Theatre, New York. It is an award-winning historical drama that revolves around the Battle of Manila Bay. Broadway World reported that the small theater was packed on performance day. 

Thus, witnessing the Manila Bay sunset always holds special significance, as it serves as a reminder of the events that changed Philippine history.

Of course, Goryeo Restaurant that overlooks Manila Bay was also an interesting discovery. 

Banchan includes small dishes served before the main meal. This alone is enough to make you feel half full as the servers replenish upon request.

Kimbap is the sushi version in Korean cuisine. This one was served without a sauce and tasted a bit bland. So we asked for a little soy sauce to go with it. 

The Seafood Korean Pancake was filling.

This Galbitang had a clean, light broth with a hint of sweetness that was so good. The ribs were tender and could easily be cut with a spoon.

They had two kinds of Bimbimbap - one served on a stone pot and another one on a different dish. The server recommended the stone pot as it keeps the food hotter for a longer period. So we followed her advice.

The Pork Samgyeopsal was grilled at the table. 

The pork pieces and other ingredients are wrapped in lettuce leaf, dipped in sauce, and usually eaten whole in one bite.

The order also came with this salad. The dishes can be shared with family and friends.

We discovered Goryeo Restaurant at dusk and we were seated facing the sunset. As you can probably surmise, it was a memorable dinner.

"It's almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream." -- Bern Williams