The Girl Behind the Pen

Fusion cuisine is where different culinary traditions, be it spices from across the ocean or cooking techniques from opposite ends of the earth, decide to hold hands and create something entirely new. At Uma Nota, it's not just about throwing random ingredients together, though. It's about finding surprising pairings, bold contrasts, and unexpected flavors that leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. 

Located at Shangri-La the Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Uma Nota’s facade welcomes you with plain elegance but once you enter the restaurant, it’s as if you’re transported to a whole different place. Designed by the renowned Asmaa Said of The Odd Duck Studio, the restaurant gives vibes that will awaken your senses. 

The pièce de résistance of the whole upscale dining area is the Hanging Tree installation that will make you wonder is it really a tree? Come nightfall, the Living Room throws off its daytime pretense, morphing into a playground for the senses. Imagine dim lights igniting your desires, music that sets your heart pounding, and laughter that feels like a secret shared only between you and the night.

Feeling social? The Bar fosters an intimate atmosphere, while Tropicalia pays homage to the 70s Tropicália movement with its lively decor. And for those seeking a touch of history, the Meiji Room, with its Japanese mural, honors the rich heritage of Japanese immigration to São Paulo.

The Uma Nota-ble Food

Uma Nota's menu is a love letter to diverse flavors, where Japanese culinary precision meets the bold and vibrant tastes of São Paulo. 

To me, there is no appetizer more heavenly than croquettes. Ever since I tried croquettes, I made it to the point that I should have one in every restaurant I visit. Of all the places I went to, ANGKLA Beach Club and Boutique Resort in El Nido, Palawan had the best croquettes for me—until I tried Uma Nota’s Coxinhas de Frango (signature chicken and okra croquettes). Theirs appear to be the usual croquettes you’ll find elsewhere but the moment you take a bite, it’s like an explosion of flavors and textures blending perfectly in your mouth. And paired it with their homemade chili sauce? Divine! 

Another Uma Nota-ble starter we had was the Dadinhos de Tapioca. It’s Brazilian tapioca and cheese molded into dice and deep-fried to perfection that gives a crispy outer layer and a melt-in-your-mouth filling. 

Their Avocado Roll and Salmon Roll were something that was expected of a Japanese restaurant with a nice ikura topper. But their Tataki de Carne de Sol (lightly cured beef tenderloin, smoked ponzu, black garlic mayonnaise, crispy shallots) is like heaven in my mouth. 

Now let’s talk about the mains. Their Black Cod was interesting—and buttery. And the A4 Kumo-Oh Japanese Wagyu Striploin gave me premature ventricular contractions a.k.a. it made my heart skip a beat. We had ours well-done, as I always have for steaks, and it was just *chef’s kiss*.

Believe it or not, I’m not a drinker so even I was surprised that I was able to finish two glasses of an alcoholic drink—yes friends, two. We got the Kyoto Sour and Liberdade. Both were refreshing while giving you a slight kick of alcohol. 

No meal is complete without dessert, and Uma Nota doesn't disappoint. We indulged in the Abacaxi Churrasco (roasted pineapple, coconut ice cream, almond coconut crumble, and Japanese whisky caramel sauce). And the showstopper, the Matcha Layered Cake with Hokkaido milk ice cream wrapped in a pink cotton candy cloud. 

The Experience: Beyond the Plate

It wasn’t just Uma Nota’s food that took me by surprise but it's about the entire experience. The friendly and attentive staff will make you feel right at home. They're always happy to recommend dishes or answer any questions you have. And of course, the cool steady atmosphere will leave you wanting to stay long after your meal is over.

So whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a fun night out with friends, or a solo adventure, Uma Nota is the perfect place to be. 

Uma Nota Manila

Address: Shangri-La the Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Contact: 09173072766

Operating hours: 6pm to 12am (Sunday to Tuesday) for dinner; 6pm to 2am (Sunday to Tuesday) and 6pm to 4am (Wednesday to Saturday) for the bar

In a world where discussions about women's health often feel taboo, Bayer Philippines took a bold step to change the narrative. On August 30, 2023, they launched "Bayer For Her: Conversations of Care," an event that aimed to create a safe and empowering space for women to talk openly about their health. Coinciding with PCOS Awareness Month in September, this event was not just about raising awareness; it was about fostering a community of empowered women who are unafraid to share their health experiences.

Real Stories, Real Empowerment

One of the most empowering moments of the event came from three of the most prominent social media personalities in the Philippines: Verniece Enciso-Lim, Say Tioco, and Melissa Gohing-Nacino. 

Former professional volleyball player Melissa Gohing-Nacino opened up about her emotional battle with PCOS and getting pregnant. She credited her husband and OB-GYN for being her rocks through this challenging time. "Our OB-GYN really helped us throughout the process until we found the right treatment and medication to control the symptoms and help with my fertility," she said.

Endometriosis, a painful condition affecting many women, was also discussed. Dr. Margaret Cristi-Limson, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, stressed that early diagnosis is key. She shared, "Endometriosis sometimes takes several years to be diagnosed through laparoscopy. However, medical breakthroughs allow clinical diagnosis, encouraging doctors to start treatment even without surgeries."

Verniece Enciso, a vlogger with endometriosis, spoke about the importance of seeking professional advice, saying, "I couldn't stand the pain, so I finally talked to my doctor and got the diagnosis. He recommended treatment options that suited me, and I'm glad I sought his professional advice." Her story resonated with many women both online and offline who had felt isolated in their struggles. Verniece's message was clear: "You are not alone, and there is help out there."

Content creator and reproductive health advocate Say Tioco emphasized the importance of building a community where women can openly discuss their health concerns and overcome the stigma. "Women tend to hesitate when it comes to discussing contraception because of the persisting myths and stigma," she noted. But she quickly broke the stigma and encouraged women to openly talk about sex, reproductive health, contraceptives, and more taboos. Being educated about those things can go a long way and help save lives. Like what Verniece said, Say highlights that you are not alone.

Bayer's commitment to women's health extends far beyond this event. They collaborate with various organizations to promote rights-based family planning, counseling, and comprehensive reproductive health education. Initiatives like the Women's Health Matters webinars provide a safe space for young women to consult healthcare professionals about their reproductive and sexual health concerns, free from judgment.

Bayer has also introduced Ask Mara, a chatbot where women can ask questions about their reproductive concerns, from contraceptive options to their usage and the pros and cons of each method. This accessible resource empowers women with knowledge and the confidence to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

As we celebrate PCOS Awareness Month this September, let's remember that the conversation about women's health should be ongoing and not just a one month celebration. Bayer For Her: Conversations of Care has lit the spark for change. It's a movement that empowers women to take control of their health, share their stories, and support one another. Let's stop the silence, embrace the power of open dialogue, and create a world where women's health is not just a topic for discussion but a cause for celebration. Together, we can empower one another to make informed choices and break down the barriers that have held us back for too long.

Free Pop-up Consultation Clinics Across the Philippines

To help more women make informed decisions, Bayer for Her is opening free pop-up consultation clinics at selected partner drug stores. This aims to encourage more women to seek expert help on reproductive health. 

September 2023

As someone who works day and night, getting a night of quality sleep can be a struggle. It becomes even more difficult when I am stressed. And when I don't get enough sleep, I'm usually cranky the next day. Let's be real — sleeping dictates our health in general, and the kind of day we will wake up to. 

While the room ambiance and temperature play huge roles, getting quality sleep is typically dependent on the kind of mattress you sleep on. This is why, Uratex is staying true to its mission of providing the best sleep experience through high-quality mattresses, foams, pillows, and other sleeping solutions. 

Their latest innovation? The Senso Memory Frost Collection!

The mattress that keeps you cool all night

The Senso Memory Frost collection is infused with DuoFrost Technology. It consists of Senso Memory foam coated with cooling technology which also adapts to the body’s contour and a cool-to-touch fabric for an instant cooling sensation. This new collection is up to 5 degrees cooler than Uratex’s previous Memory Foam Mattress. It also prevents heat build-up for sustained coolness and thermal comfort.

What you'll love about the Senso Memory Frost collection 

• They are covered with Cool-to-Touch Fabric, a premium knit fabric for an instant cooling sensation. 
• Its Senso Memory Foam is also coated with cooling technology, which also adapts to the body’s contour providing superior comfort and relieving pressure points.
• The products are also sanitized to effectively prevent bacteria, odor, mildew, and dust mites, keeping the mattress clean and hypoallergenic.
• Both Senso Memory Frost Mattress and Topper are Quality-Guaranteed and offer 10 years of warranty.

Have a good night's sleep with Uratex | Enjoy huge discounts!

I know mattresses can be expensive but investing in a good one will do more good than bad! But don't worry! If you want to get a Senso Memory Frost Mattress from Uratex, you can enjoy up to 30% OFF when you purchase here! The promo runs until December 31, 2022 only. You can also get one (1) Senso Frost Pillow with every purchase of Senso Frost Mattress from December 1 to 31.

For more information, follow @UratexPhilippines on Facebook or visit Uratex’s official website and official stores in Shopee and Lazada.

There are many achievements that a person can attain in life may it be big or small wins. Buying a house and lot is one. While it's exciting to dream and realize you're closer to reaching it, home buying process is not always a walk in the park. 

Truth is, purchasing your dream home is more than just browsing house models, making payments, and signing contracts. There are a lot to consider before getting a house and if you're a first-time buyer, you must be extra careful and well-researched to avoid roadblocks along the process. To make it easier for you, I've rounded up the five most important things to consider before you buy your first home:

1. Your long-term plans 

Before you decide to buy what you think could be your dream house, think about your long-term plans. Are you planning on getting married? Having kids? Staying at your current job? Or resigning from your work months from now? These factors will help you decide which type of house you must purchase. Even if you have the means, don't get too carried away without thinking this through. After all, buying a house and lot will be one of your biggest life commitments you'll have to make. 

Read also: It's never too late to invest in your dream house

2. Location

One of the most crucial aspects of getting your first (or even nth) house and lot in the Philippines is considering the location of the property. If you're single and currently living far from your office, you might want to consider buying a home near your workplace. Having home security is also helpful if you're living alone. If you have kids or planning to have one in the future, consider the property's vicinity to schools and universities. These days, more and more real estate developers are building subdivisions in the Philippines near schools, hospitals, markets, malls, etc. so that it will be accessible for homeowners to reach their destinations.

3. Local market indicators

Here's an unfortunate reality — there are things we cannot control and the only thing we can do is go with the flow. One example is the market condition. When buying a house in the Philippines or anywhere, it is important to consider the local market condition because supply and demand dictate real estate property prices. When the demand for house and lots is high but supply is low, you'll have to compete with lots of buyers and prices often go up. But when it's the other way around, it is the sellers who will compete and sometimes offer lower prices. And when the state of the market is worst, buying a property could not even be a practical option.

4. Budget

The most crucial factor you would have to consider when buying a home is your budget. Buy the house that you can afford, not just now, but also in the future. So that, when the economy goes down, or another pandemic hit, you could still pay your monthly mortgage even with less income in pocket.

5. Developer & Realtor

A house and lot is a long-term (or even lifetime) investment so it's important to work with trusted realtors and developers. There are so many real estate developers in the market now, and your job is to identify which one of them offers value-for-money homes. Whether you're looking for a Winston Salem realtor or agents from across the world, it's important that you do your due diligence.

Lumina Homes is one of the most popular and trusted real estate companies in the Philippines because of its topnotch services and affordable properties. This is perfect whether you're buying a home for yourself or for your family. 

Not only do they offer quality affordable house and lots in the Philippines but they also take into consideration the communities of the homeowners. To carry out this commitment, Lumina Homes launched eSpacio, a space where the community can connect and bond together over a cup of coffee, or just a simple walk in the area. eSpacio features several stores for homeowners' needs such as drugstores, water stations, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. 

Lumina Homes Affordable House and Lots

• Anna Rowhouse (24 sqm house on 36 sqm lot with provision for 1 bedroom)
• Angelique Townhouse (35 sqm house on 36 sqm lot with provision for 2 bedrooms and carport)
• Angeli Duplex (42 sqm house on 54 sqm lot with provision for 3 bedrooms and carport)
• Athena Single Firewall (53 sqm house on 63 sqm lot, with provision for 3 bedrooms, family area, and carport)

Lumina Homes is available in more than 50 locations across the Philippines. Check them out on Facebook and their website lumina.com.ph

During COVID-19 pandemic, the world discovered that social media is a great way for us to stay connected even while physically separated. Basically, social media has become our escape from the struggles and stress that the pandemic brought.

There are social media platforms that allow you send connect and reconnect with people; platforms that let you show your creativity through photos and videos. We all do this for fun but what if you earn cash just by posting and engaging with your followers on social media? 

This is what Ohaiii is all about. Ohaiii is the newest social media platform that lets models and influencers create, share and earn from their content.

"The pandemic marked a major turning point of the digital communities worldwide and for our society in general. Along with heightening of uncertainties brought by COVID-19, people's lifestyle, livelihood, and social systems as a whole, underwent major changes. Through these changes, we have appreciated the great power and value of digital technology. These digitally spurred social changes shall be the rock in which Ohaiii was built," says Andrea Delgado, CEO & Founder of Ohaiii. 

How can you earn on Ohaiii?

There are several ways to earn through Ohaiii platform: 

• via subscription  
• via Live Stream 
• via Photo and Video Uploads 
• via Video Request through Direct message

After Lockdown Fashion Show

Another event that took place during the Ohaiii web app launching was the After Lockdown Fashion Show. The show aims to jumpstart the fashion industry through the Philippine Fashion Shift (PFS) which is a sub-branch of Ohaiii. PFS promotes the creations of young local designers. 

Groups of models did their own catwalks at Pasig Revolving Tower wearing the masterpieces of various talented Filipino designers. The designers that have showcased their creations were Paula Villasper, Lyka Ann Chan Racuya, Mercy Asuncion, Franz Uy, Elsie Delos Reyes, Winchelle Castro, Angel Esteban, Chris T Ian, Norman Acuba Designs, and Russ Cuevas.

From the kawaii and colorful anime-like dresses to the classy glamorous gowns fit for balls, Ohaiii presented the designers' works successfully. There were also fashion pieces that promotes the traditional Filipino fabrics and clothing, and some that even featured paintings on dresss similar to Vincent van Gogh's arts. Through the PFS, the budding and known designs were introduced to a larger market. 

If you are a model or an influencer and you are interested in being part of the Ohaiii community, you can send them a message.

Website: ohaiii.com

Email: ohaiiiofficial@gmail.com

Facebook: @ohaiiiofficial Instagram: @ohaiiiofficial

Mobile: 09273059127