Facebook usage declining?

In various legitimate articles & blogs these past few weeks like this http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/advertising-statistics-show-facebook-is-starting-to-lose-friends/story-e6frgakx-1226074759115, statistics indicate that Facebook usage is on the decline especially in countries where it has been adopted early on.

Screenshot of a Facebook traffic stat in the US from January to May of 2011 taken from www.blog.ourchurch.com/2011/06/15/is-facebook-on-the-decline/

But the nagging question is does this really hold water? My personal assessment on this is nada, especially in developing countries like ours where consumption of social media in general is rising faster than you can say 'Twit'. If you will closely analyze the studies, the decline, which to my mind is insignificant, is region centric such as in the US territories, Canada & Great Britain. 

In fact social media consumption was bolstered by:

- growing competition among them Google's social network site Google+

- and major brands' shift towards social media marketing.

The so-called social media has now evolved to be a fully functional, effective & democratic tool for marketing. Just a few years back, Facebook was lightly regarded as a networking site for college students & groupies meant for interaction & sharing of common sentiments. But now it has become the main multi-media, communication platform for most people. Harnessing its tremendous power to reach & influence people from all social classes is a vital & strategic move for most businesses nowadays.

There are a lot of other forms of social media like Twitter, Plurk, Tumblr, Multiply, the new kid on the block Google+ etc. but numerous studies and surveys will show that Facebook is on top of the social media food chain in terms of membership, attention and activity.

Management of social media is a crucial step to effectively market a product service or idea. The strategies employed are unique and tailor-fitted to each client.

So Facebook I think is here to stay and will rule the social media landscape for quite a while.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

Being stylish can now be healthy, Phiten's 'Wear Your Health' concept

I'm definitely a fan of this brand because of their cool and breakthrough designs. I have around four--two bracelets and two necklaces--and wear them alternately 24-7.


The real reason I bought them is not so much because of their health claims but because of their sporty style & catchy color combinations. However, I found out that my overall state of health improved after a few months of wearing them. My stamina increased while playing basketball and I seldom get sick despite my age and carefree lifestyle.


One of my favorite sports and health accessories, well-known and well-loved Phiten recently had a relaunch to cement its reputation as the number one in the industry.

Necklaces & bracelets with the Aquatitan technology are 
some of the most popular items in the Phiten line

With the proliferation of sports accessories claiming dubious health benefits, Phiten hotshots met with members of the media both online and offline in Hyphy’s Ortigas to reintroduce and reaffirm the brand’s commitment to health and fitness.

Ronaldo Colmenar (left), general manager of SEEMI-Phiten, the exclusive distributor 
of Phiten products with a top Phiten official from Japan during their brand talk

Famous among athletes and sports enthusiasts, Phiten is an innovative Japanese brand of aquametal-infused wearable technology in the form of various accessories and apparel.

At the press conference, Phiten demonstrated the products’ benefits for balanced energy flow and blood circulation. They also introduced Coach Jim Saret, an international sports training consultant who gave tips on how to start and maintain an active lifestyle while sustaining a fit mind and body.

International sports training consultant & fitness guru Jim Saret gave an 
interesting & 'active' fitness talk during the event

Phiten was founded in 1982 by its president, Yoshihiro Hirata, an alternative medicine practitioner. “We are helping people enhance their quality of life around the globe, building on our Phiten philosophy of health, energy, and well-being,” said Hirata in Phiten’s Official website.

Now found in countries in Asia, Europe, and in the US,  Phiten continues to create waves in the scientific community.

Latest and popular Phiten accessories were also showcased 
during the event

"Nano-technology is the breaking down of titanium, silver, and gold minerals to nano particles which are then infused in the materials used to make Phiten products,” said Ronaldo Colmenar, general manager of Sports, Entertainment and Events Management, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Phiten in the country.

The technology restores, if not maintains the optimum balance of the body. Phiten, together with a healthy diet, good exercise and sports programs like biking and running, can also help fight chronic stress brought on by a busy lifestyle.

The exciting 21-day Phiten Challenge contest was launched 
during the event

Colmenar added, “Phiten is not a craze or trend. It is a lifestyle brand that promotes health, style and comfort for people-on-the-go and sports enthusiasts who want to be in their best state always.”

The Phiten Rakuwa Necklace X100, one of their top of the line products

Leading media and bloggers actively participated in the exciting  
exercises and activities

To learn more about Phiten's health benefits and to see its wide array of products, log on to www.phitenphil.com or visit any Phiten shop kiosk and consigned stores nationwide. 


Be updated and know more about Phiten’s promos on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/phitenphilippines.


By Paolo Angelo Florenda

5 Simple Steps to Safely & Permanently Get Rid of Head Lice

Head lice infestation has been a perennial problem for most kids especially schoolkids who either get it from their classmates or, for the more affluent, from their Yayas probably.

When I was once a kid, I was also infested numerous times by these harmful pests. I clearly remember my Yaya and sometimes my Tita washing my hair with beer or alternately shaving my head which was then a taboo. My playmates and classmates would  tease me 'kalalabas lang sa preso' (just came out from prison) or 'Bembol Roco', a popular bald actor in my genre.

During my time, there was little info on how to treat it that's why numerous, superstitious treatments abound. But in this day and age of instant communication and the Internet, there is no reason for us to be complacent and uneducated about this dreaded disease.

An illustration of a head lice infection grabbed
from the www.nlm.nih.gov website

 Most anti-lice shampoo treatments in the market today contain harmful, pesticide-based ingredients. These chemicals, being potent toxins, may kill the pests immediately, but can leave harsh side effects on the user. This is why it is advised not to be used too often. But there’s a product called Oilganics Head Lice Treatment Shampoo that is clinically tested safer than the rest.

Being the only herbal-based anti-lice shampoo, Oilganics can be used regularly therefore providing a more consistent protection against these parasites. Although there have been misconceptions on herbal treatments  being not as effective as pesticide based ones, Isabel Ferrer, the brand manager of Rhodesian distributor which distributes the product, clarifies that herbal treatments do not provide instant effect such as that of pesticide-based products.

“But once its effects start to kick in after continued regular use, not only will it remove head lice, it will also provide longer lasting and safer protection against the parasites,” she said.

The complete Oilganics Quassinoids All-Natural
Headlice Treatment hair care line

Ferrer advises to follow these five BFAD recognized steps to a lice-free hair for two or more weeks:

1. Shampoo hair with Oilganics All Natural Kuto

    Treatment Shampoo

2. Leave for 5 – 10 minutes to allow time for the resin

    that attaches the nits (lice eggs) to the hair shaft

    to dissolve

3. Rinse thoroughly to allow lice and nits to fall.

4. Use a fine-toothed comb or “suyod” to remove any

    free hanging nits or lice from hair.

5. Apply Oilganics Leave-on Conditioner for faster

    treatment and prevent re-infestation.

Oilganics head lice shampoo is safe for everyday use, non-toxic, and dermatologically-proven effective. Its active compounds include Quassinoids (Quassia Amara), a natural treatment for head lice; Mediterranean vinegar, the compound that dissolves the resin that attaches nits to the hair; and AHA-Organic Acids which have hair conditioning properties and make the hair soft and manageable.

It is available in all leading drugstores and major groceries nationwide. Visit their Facebook Page: facebook.com/oilganics or call 367-4494, 367-4364 or 0922-8310755 for more info.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

A BUSINESS VENTURE THAT WORKS & A YUMMY COFFEE I DISCOVERED!

Being a coffee lover, I always look forward to a complimentary cup of their 8-in-1 coffee. I'm refering to the office of Unlimited Network of Opportunities International Corporation or simply UNO. Whenever we're there for meetings, the courteous & bubbly lobby staff whose name escapes my mind, never fails to offer us this delicious and aromatic brew branded as 1st Health 8-in-1 coffee.

A closer scrutiny reveals that aside from the usual cream and sugar, this coffee has Agaricus Blazei Murill Mushroom, CoQ10, Ginkgo Biloba, Tongkat Ali and Natural Calcium. So aside from getting your coffee fix, you also get a healthy fix.



An internet photo grab of 1st Health 8-in-1 Coffee



I also discovered that the company presents a viable, money-making business solution. For my readers info, UNO is a fast-rising marketing and distribution company that provides a complete, high-quality line of wellness & health foods and products; and a unique selling method that promises to generate profits.

With me (second from left) are from left my biz partner Nico,
UNO president William Barbo, UNO COO Oliver Chua 
& UNO Vice President Herbie Chua

In light of the skyrocketing costs of goods and creeping poverty, the company offers a legitimate & profitable business venture and welcomes new partners in distributing health enhancing, natural products and services that address the needs of modern living.

From food supplements, cosmetics, toiletries to dishwashing products carried mostly under the 1^st Health brand, UNO’s 300,000-strong nationwide sales force attests to its profitability, which can help an aspiring entrepreneur earn lucratively. Try to visit their website www.uno-corp.com for the complete product line.

Just some of the quality products UNO distributes

UNO distributors Doc Pat Jugueta, Willis Chavez, Warren Trinidad and Mark Dapiton are just some of the thousands who have changed their lives due to the success with this business model.

UNO’s achievements, as proven by its over 100 branches nationwide and three international branches, are a product of hard toil, hits and misses, according to its president William Barbo.

Barbo together with other driving forces of the company, UNO Vice President Herbie Chua and UNO Chief Operations Officer Oliver Chua designed various sure-fire marketing methods through the years to come up with a profitable and uncomplicated distribution system for its numerous members.

“We provide our distributors access to the best products and services that support their entrepreneurial drive, thereby providing avenues for alternative sources of income,” he proudly stated.

The company partners with top calibre professionals and successful marketers which help run the business smoothly.

Barbo assures that UNO is not a pyramiding scheme or a fly-by-night, get-rich-quick venture. Its business model have been evaluated and appraised by DTI and by various, prestigious award-giving bodies such as the Global Excellence Award for being the No. 1 Network Marketing Company from 2009 to 2011. The company is duly registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and have complied with all the business prerequisites required by the Government (FDA, BIR, Local Government, etc.).

To top it off, they are now an ISO 9001-2008 certified company, a first in the industry.

“We want to share the secret to our success that’s why we are now going global. I’m proud to say that we are the first ISO-certified in our industry. We have committed ourselves to deliver the best products and services not only to our kababayans but to other countries as well,” he added.

Hard work and determination are some of the most vital ingredients needed to be successful in business. And with a dependable entrepreneurship program like UNO, can anyone go wrong?

Visit www.uno-corp.com or anyone of their more than 100 branches nationwide for more info on how to reach success.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda