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

Online club for chic & hip moms by Bounty Fresh Chicken

It was, as world renowned theater actress Lea Salonga aptly described it, one of the most well attended media events of the year. And coming from a person with that stature & credibility, this statement must really be true.

Truly it was a press event with the capital P. From top TV guns, ABS-CBN & GMA 7 to tabloids like Bandera & People's Tonight, the whole tri-media spectrum was well represented. As if these weren't enough, new and emergent media such as respected, popular bloggers and online journalists were also there like a swarm of ants.



I think this photo is proof that it was one of the most well attended media events of the year as
representatives from TV, radio, print and online media came in full force



So whats all the buzz about? It happens to be the launch of the Chic Moms Club website (www.chicmomsclub.com), an online club for hip & chic moms that dishes out informative articles, instructive household tips, recipes from the best chefs in the land, exclusive events, exciting promos, discounts and contests from the Bounty Fresh Chicken brand. 

The stage for the event

No less than the elegant and classy Salon De Ning in Manila Peninsula was the venue for this glitzy affair. The artsy interiors, memorabilia & cozy lounge concept, which I heard from numerous guests as itself a work of art, lends an air of sophistication to the launch.



Memorabilia adorn the walls of Salon De Ning



Ms. Salonga, Bounty Fresh Chicken’s top endorser and Issa Litton made the night glamorous and celebratory. Ms. Litton handled the hosting chores well while Ms. Salonga captivated the audience when she belted out in almost perfect fashion the classic song ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow” amidst dropped jaws and mesmerized silence.

Internationally-acclaimed & multi-awarded stage actress Lea Salonga,
Bounty Fresh Chicken's Brand Ambassador performed an excellent song number

Lea was mobbed by media & guests alike after the event. She explained in a nutshell the logic behind Chic Moms Club: ““I like reading. In between takes, during travels, I make do of the time surfing the net and reading interesting websites and one of those that I regularly visit is the Chic Moms club site. I feel it is constantly updated and it has interesting tidbits of information that is always relevant for moms like travel, home and health tips and such."

Event host Issa Litton and Bounty Fresh Chicken  Assistant Brand
Manager Kath Gomez were fashionable in red

Kathleen Gomez, Assistant Brand Manager of Bounty Fresh, donned in glamorous red, explains "this event is a celebration of all moms. We understand how moms are generally busy and we know that a one-stop venue such as the www.chicmomsclub.com website helps in their time management, while providing entertainment and information as well.”

Some of the interesting activities in the website include the 10 peso discount on Bounty Fresh chicken bought at Chooks-to-Go outlets, E-recipes from well-known chefs and exclusive invites to Bounty Fresh events.

Top chefs of the land graced the event

Renowned & respected chefs Bruce Lim, Sau Del Rosario, Melissa Sison and David Pardo de Ayala were also presented as endorsers of the brand.

Also highlighted was Bounty Fresh’s partnership with Rags to Riches (RIIR), a worthwhile project to support RIIR in helping conserve the environment while providing sources of income for the makers of RIIR bags.

Top guns led by Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. President Ronald Mascarinas,
Bounty Fresh Chicken's Group Marketing Manager Dondi Alentajan and Kath Gomez

Wrapping up the event, chic moms club members and the media went home with cool prizes while a lucky blogger, Jayson Biadog, snatched a brand new Samsung Galaxy tablet. Chic Moms Club has generated more than 20,000 members since its initial public introduction.

Tennyson Chen, president of Bounty Fresh Foods Inc. and the Philippines' Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 awardee (left) with moi!

This project is the brainchild of Bounty Fresh Chicken, a leading player in the dressed chicken and commercial poultry industry. The brand is synonymous with quality since it won numerous and prestigious awards both here and abroad. Its president and driving force, Tennyson Chen recently won as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2010 and competed recently in its worldwide version.

My biz partner Nico (left) and celebrity Chef Bruce Lim and moi again!

Visit their website at www.bountyfreshchicken.com, www.chicmomsclub.com and their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bounty-Fresh-Chicken/43041273378

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

A Spa Like No Other

The rains were quite strong on a busy Wednesday morning but it didn't stop us from going to long standing wellness haven Bioessence to conduct an interview & try out one of their newest massage services. Upon parking at their branch in West Avenue, QC, I noticed there was nothing special with their signboard. I presumed this could be another one of those mid-class spas I've been to.

I was met by a courteous & gracious staff named Chiez. I was a bit surprised that all of the staff from the massage therapists down to the janitress in the lobby warmly greeted me with welcoming smiles. It impressed me that the owner probably inculcates business-wide courteousness to all it's staff. Chiez offered me a tasty & aromatic complimentary tea while waiting for them to prepare the massage rooms for the pictorial. I'm used to bland, complimentary teas in spas which all tasted the same but this one is quite unique. While being toured in the second floor massage rooms, I was again surprised because all the staff who passed by greeted us with the same courteousness we experienced downstairs.

You see spas will always be spas whether it be massage and services offered. What separates the big boys from the kids lie in the excellent experience & customer service. I would say in all the spas I've been to, and mind you these are a lot, Bioessence gives a whole new meaning to these two key elements. And also the little details add up to the total experience.

The two hour massage called Banana Leaf was according to my partner & guinea pig Karen, very rejuvenating & one of a kind. It consists of a banana leaf being methodically rubbed on your back to remove the so-called 'lamig' or cold muscle knots.

Due to the extensiveness of the massage, we were late for our next meeting hehe...

Anyway, below are the visuals I've created for you dear readers. I believe that visual presentations are more apt for these kinds of review. I hope my article would give you a good option for your wellness and relaxation needs:

Karen, my Guinea Pig for the Banana Leaf massage, sipping her tea in the clean and elegantly designed massage rooms before the massage

The comfy, elegant and relaxing lounge of Bioessence

Bioessence Director for Sales & Marketing Yeng Francisco (left) and the amiable and accommodating Chiez, the spa's beauty consultant (right) with moi. 

Me appreciating the cleanliness of the comfort rooms. I'm no design expert but I personally admire the CR's simple elegance and style

Karen on the jacuzzi inside one of the VIP/executive rooms. She had minor bruises on her back after the banana leaf massage. I was a bit worried but the staff assured me these are normal aftereffects and not harmful

One of the generic massage rooms

One of the exercise gadgets

Karen being briefed by one of their beauty consultants before the treatment. Aside from spa services, Bioessence also offers slimming, skin and wellness services. While this was going on, celebrity singer Jessa Zaragosa & hubby Dingdong Avanzado came in for some treatments. Ms. Zaragosa is their endorser.

Elegant staircase

Karen at the counter

Different view of the elegantly designed waiting lounge

The VIP room

Nice presentation of the massage items

Sipping my Pinacolada

Bioessence has many branches in the metro and also in the provinces. It has been in the business for 15 years already according to Yeng Francisco, Bioessence director for sales & marketing.


This branch is located at 67 West Avenue, Quezon City. You can reach them at Tel: (02)415-0522 /374-6313 local 102. I highly recommend to personally look for Chiez for that special VIP treatment :)

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

For a quick, covenient, soothing & free massage, go to A Tai Chi Wellness Store near you

January and February are commonly two of the coldest months of the year. Succeeding the Christmas season, this cold spell can do a lot of harm to people, especially those who ingested unhealthy stuff like cholesterol, fats and sugar during the holiday revelry. With these elements and lack of exercise, a common occurrence in cold weather, people are prone to colds and various aches and pains caused by what we locally call ‘lamig’.

One known remedy is going to a massage therapist, a spa or massage parlor. I found out that a Tai Chi Wellness Store is the perfect place for a soothing and free massage when I visited their branch at SM North EDSA. Using a herbal and coconut virgin coconut oil (VCO) line of liniments called Tai Chi Liniments and Rubs, the trained massage therapist relaxed my body and soothed away the stress, aches & pains.

A typical Tai Chi Wellness Store in SM

“People who want to try the free massage with the liniment will not worry about the sticky feeling and the strong scent normally attached to a liniment as it is VCO-based. Instead, it will leave your skin moisturized and will leave a subtle and relaxing scent,” says Kirk Chester Dy, marketing head of Rhodesian Distributors which markets Tai Chi and operates the wellness stores when I interviewed him.

VCO is recognized as the “healthiest oil on earth” and is proven by numerous clinical studies as having natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is also proven safe for both external and internal applications and has smoothing and nourishing qualities.

Numerous clinical tests found out that VCO penetrates deeper into the skin as opposed to mineral oil, which just stays on the skin superficially, due to its smaller molecules. This means the potency of the other natural medicinal ingredients contained in Tai Chi variants like Chili and Ginger are increased.

Tai Chi has different variants for different needs. The Chili Liniment has capsaicin, the curative compound in chili peppers that is a deep-heating stimulant, that enhances blood flow and relieves aches and pains. Capsaicin also provides soothing relief for severe arthritis and rheumatism.

The complete line of Tai Chi Liniments and Rubs: (from left to right) Tai Chi VCO with Ginger Extract, Tai Chi VCO with Chili Extract, Tai Chi VCO Ginger Liniment for kids and Tai Chi Ginger Rub.

The Ginger Liniment and Rub has ginger extract, which is scientifically proven to contain anti-bacterial, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, aside from being an insect repellant and a strong circulation stimulant. It also has methyl salicylate and menthol, which reduce inflammation and help dissolve blood clots (vasodilatation), respectively.

The Tai Chi Ginger Liniment for Kids is specially formulated for kids’ sensitive skin type.

Tai Chi products and Tai Chi Wellness Centers are found in popular malls such as in SM North EDSA, SM Valenzuela, SM Taytay, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Otis, Robinsons Imus, Robinsons Dasmarinas, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Cainta, Robinsons Novaliches, Metro Market Market, Sta. Lucia Mall, 168 Mall Cluster 5, 999 Mall, Tutuban Mall, Divisoria Mall, Zabarte Town Center, Malabon Citi Square, Araneta Square, Isetann Recto & opening this February at SM Annex and SM Fairview.

It is also found in major supermarkets & drugstores such as Mercury Drug nationwide. For product info, call its hotline at 367-4494 or (02) 364-9598.

I do love massages and I indulge once in a while. I also have spa clients for PR that's why I'm quite knowledgeable about massage types and techniques. But obviously I don't have much time and I'm always at the malls for meetings and work. Malls are my virtual office next to my actual office.

With Tai Chi Wellness stores in malls, now I know where to go for that quick but thorough massage without breaking the bank.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda