Soulbgc Aug 080111

AUGUST 2011 No. 3 Vol. 1

Your Guide to the home of Passionate minds

nature and art ConverGe in BGC

PLUS! 15 Ways to Be an eco advocate

Go AU NAtUreL!must-try eco-friendly Products

the City GoeS GreeNBuilding a Community that Cares for mother earth

Artistic Adventures

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2 CALeNdAr What’s happening this August

3 BGC BUzz new BGc-c5 interchange plans Green initiatives in the city

6 iN foCUS Nature-inspired artworks define

BGc’s landscape

9 feAtUre Be an eco advocate with these simple tips

10 fiNdS eco-friendly products for your home

and body

12 BeAUty tALK nail, brow, and wax treatments to try

in serendra

We at soul BGC are not only passionate about our personal interests, we are also passionate about the environment. this month, soul BGC goes green! it’s about time we take a more active participation in caring for mother earth.

read about the different ways the BGC Community helps in promoting a more eco-friendly mindset within the city—from the efficient BGC Bus service to the environmentally-sound design of the mind museum. We also picked some of the best organic and natural home and body products that you can try guilt-free! and for those of you who would like to help in your own little way, we have 15 practical and easy-to-follow tips on how to start going green. our cover story, “art in BGC,” focuses on the 12 masterpieces in Bonifacio Global City that fuse art and nature into a moving and truly awe-inspiring experience.

Being more environmentally responsible need not be a daunting task. We can start from making little changes that leave a big impact on the environment. We hope that through this issue we can encourage you to be more mindful in caring for this home we call earth.

board chairperson alexandra Prieto-romualdez

president & publisher Paul vincent Bermudez

finance advisor & treasurer J. ferdinand de Luzuriaga

legal advisor atty. rudyard arbolado

operations director ma. dolores Bermudez

associate publisher Katrina mae Garcia

senior account executive dior Contiaccount executives Jesse Palomado | vanessa Pinlac | arianne dela Cruz | Kriselle villanueva

sales support shanna maling

sales support assistant angelica dominguez

graphic artist, advertorials Kimberly Bernardo

editorial coordinator, advertorials tricia elamparo marketing assistants Jona atienza | Karen odcenada | dani salazar

marketing art director vanessa Gatongay

distribution supervisor michelle Karen eugenio

key account specialist shy Bergancia

distribution assistant nancy Baybay

subscription assistants Jaja aninacion | angel Covita

merchandisers rosito subang | richard LeyvaCharito Ciriaco

custom publishing associate publisher Lurisa villanueva

custom publishing, account executives

miles agoncillo | Lychelle ang

production supervisor eden Baysic

production assistant maricel Gavino

fa supervisor dennis Cruz

fa assistant Chesca reyes

asst. vp for hr and admin rolando suarez

asst. hr manager thillie dado-Panlilio

admin and hr officer alelie ogayon

hr assistant rachel alvarico

publishing assistant Jaisa Candelaria

it assistant Josiah fagaragan

finance head ma. Cecilia Balitaan

general accountant renato ramirez, Jr.

disbursement analyst maria Leonora masagca

billing analyst marilyn Galvan

accounting assistant Zosimo Lim

office staff englebert Cruz | ramonito dumayaca | rechelle endozo | emilio nicdao | dave salalima | Lito tolentino | anna dumagan

managing editor Ceia Ylaganeditorial assistant Paola Belle eborastaff photographer andrew tadalan

editorial manager Leslie Lee

creative director mikke Gallardo

graphic artist Kristel Balbido

contributors stephanie maureen asi | Cielo anne Calzado | samantha ramos-Zaragoza

aLL Contents CoPYriGht

2011, reserved for hinGe

inQuirer PuBLiCations. no

part of this magazine may be

used or reproduced in whole or in

part, without the express written

permission of hinGe inQuirer

PuBLiCations. the views and opinions

expressed in this magazine are not necessarily

those of hinGe inQuirer PuBLiCations. mail

correspondence to soulbgc, 4/f media resource

Center, mola cor Pasong tirad sts., makati City.

for comments, feedback, and advertising inquiries,

contact: (632) 759-2024 • 813-6848 loc. 815

contents

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the soulBGc team

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for inquiries, please call +63 (2) 818.3601

calendar

BGC events iN AUGUSt

NiKoN CLUB rUN 4.3SStart and end of race at Ninth Ave. corner 28th St. 5:30 a.m.Proceeds of the run will fund the mangrove Planting activity in aurora

rUN UNited 2Start and end of race at Ninth Ave. corner 28th St. 5:30 a.m.mark your calendars and join the 2nd leg of the popular runrio trilogy 2011. register now and get loot bags and the first-ever RunRio Reusable timing chip!

reCyCLABLeS fAireighth Avenue corner 28th Street8 a.m to 3 p.m.an event organized by the Bonifacio estate services Corporation (BesC) to promote recycling and proper waste management in BGC

mommy miLKShAKe mArAthoN 2011Start and end of race at Ninth Ave. corner 28th St. 5:30 a.m.Join this much-awaited family-friendly fun run in celebration of the World Breastfeeding month.

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BGC buzz

to make it a lot easier and faster for motorists going from Bonifacio

Global city to Pasig and Quezon city, the Bases conversion and development Authority (BcdA) and the Fort Bonifacio development corporation (FBdc) has teamed up in a public-private partnership for the construction of the BGc-c-5 interchange: c-5 north entry.

By the first quarter of next year, motorists will be able to use the two-lane, one-way flyover going to Pasig and Quezon city through c-5. it is 0.809 kilometers long, and is part of a series of interchanges for entry and exit to BGc. it will also serve as an alternate route for commuters from the Makati central Business district bound for Pateros, Pasig, and Quezon city. More importantly, it is a form of public service to the community since it allows better mobility and access.

According to FBdc, the flyover begins at the intersections of 32nd street, university Parkway, and McKinley Parkway going eastward to the road segment of c-5 and ends just before the elevated u-turn found before the Kalayaan/c-5 intersection. it will also be aesthetically-pleasing as it will be provided distinct lamp posts together with an under-lighting system.

Motorists can take comfort in the knowledge that the construction won’t mean heavier traffic for those heading out of the city. An MMdA-approved traffic management plan is in place, re-routing schemes have been implemented, and directional signage have been installed, making sure that the traffic flow will not be disrupted.

trAFFic imProvemeNtSBGC improves traffic egress for northbound motorists through BGC-C-5 Interchange

alternate route to C-5

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BGC buzz

G iNG Greenthe BGc community leads the way in creating an earth-friendly city.

by paola belle ebora

Bonifacio Global City does not only take pride in being a premiere business district, developing various residential, office building, and world-class projects, but we at BGC also value the quality of life of our community members. As part of responsible development, BGc continutes to push for greener and more sustainable commmunity. With our passion to protect the environment and our commitment to provide eco-friendly service, BGc makes it easy for people to go green. take a look at these initiatives found all over BGc:

the mind museum’s Green initiativesThe Philippines’ first world-class science museum set for a soft launch this december will delight not only the science geeks but green advocates as well. As much as it is a haven for knowledge in all its 7,000 sqm entirety, it is also a U.S. Green Building council (usGBc)-certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building, just one of the few in the country. the usGBc is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in infrastructure design, built, and operations.

the design of the Mind Museum is sustainable and serves several functions. the placement of the glass fixtures in the building are designed to help lower the building temperature and minimize external heat. its curved roof harvests rainwater for flushing toilets and watering landscape.

the Mind Museum’s parking lot, or solar Park, will be illuminated by Pea Pods. these are solar-powered, Avatar-looking streetlights with cellphone and laptop charges.

For more information, please visit: www.themindmuseum.org.

Led StreetlightsAs we all know, carbon dioxide is the main culprit to the worsening climate change and global warming. realizing this, progressive Bonifacio Global city made use of LED streetlights to light up the streets of BGc center north district, starting from the 32nd and 34th streets, as well as 11th Avenue. The use of 265 LED lights instead of the traditional High

Pressure sodium (HPs) lighting helps the environment by reducing carbon dioxide by as much as 82,000 kilograms.

With the use of LED streetlights, less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. there is also less waste and decreasing carbon footprint, as LED can last for up to 11 years. These LED streetlights will eliminate the need to replace bulbs often.

3,400the number of trees which would have been needed to clean up the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere.

The 265 LED lights in BGC saves up to 150,000 kilowatt-hour annually.

currently, there are 265 LED streetlights in BGC

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the brightly lit streets of 34th and 11th streets on the left are powered by energy-efficient LED lights while the streets on the right are still lit by regular hPs lighting.

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the BGC Busvehicles are among the top contributors to air pollution as their emissions are the main ingredients in the creation of smog. Although having less vehicles on our streets would mean less pollution, it is highly improbable to reduce these modes of transportation, so the next best solution should be sought.

For BGc, the alternative option is to use the BGc Bus (managed by the Bonifacio transport corporation) instead of utilizing regular commuter buses around the city. since 2007, there are 11 environment-friendly Mercedes Benz buses out of 19 buses that have been shuttling

passengers in and out, around and about BGc. these 11 buses are classified EURO II in the European emission standards, which means that the manufacturers have developed greener and efficient engines which produe less toxic gas.

currently, these buses are running on three routes—West, east, and central—and accommodate over 90 passengers in one trip. this number is equivalent to at least 20 car loads, or that of seven commuter vans, and is relatively more than other average commuter buses can accommodate. commuters will be very pleased to know that three more Mercedes Benz buses will be added within the year.

market! market! Green roofA grass roof would have been a great way to help aid the cooling of Market! Market!’s building but instead, the shopping center chose to take a step further by creating an organic vegetable garden on their roof.

The 220-square meter rooftop garden used scrap mall materials such as old tarpaulins, Gi pipes, paint pails, and excavated top soil and sand from previous construction works. What used to be a bare roof deck is now home to a good number of healthy organic vegetables such as okra (lady fingers), eggplant, chinese cabbage, and ampalaya (bitter gourd), to name a few. every month, Market! Market! shares these produce with the boys of the House of sarang, an orphanage for abandoned boys in taguig.

Apart from the green roof project, Market! Market! also ventures

in other green practices such as reusing old tarpaulins, banning of plastic on certain days, and having designated collection bins for plastic and electronic wastes.

currently, the mall no longer uses black garbage bags for their trash cans. instead, old tarpaulins (which can be washed and reused) sewn together to fit the trash bins are used. these same old tarpaulins are transformed into reusable shopping bags through the help of the Gifts and Graces Fair trade Foundation. the functional and fashionable bags are available exclusively in Market! Market! through a mall-wide promo which is now on its fourth year.

every 15th and 30th of the month, together with Metro Gaisano department store and supermarket, Market! Market! has implemented the “no Plastic Bag” day, saving up to 120 kilos of plastic bags per day.

Starbucks 32nd and 7th Ave. drive-thru Storesince its opening in november last year, the starbucks 32nd and 7th Ave. drive-thru store in Bonifacio Global city, has not only been offering a better and faster coffee option for people on-the-go, but is also engaging their customers to partake in their environmental advocacy as well.

Aside from being the first-ever Starbucks Drive-thru, this is also the first retail store in the Philippines to be registered for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The store’s design, build, and operations are set as such to reduce its environmental impact. Locally-sourced reused or recycled materials and furniture adorn the loft-like and light-filled architecture of this branch which reduces its carbon footprint and contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. the structure also minimizes water consumption through their storm-water management system wherein water collected from the rooftop is stored and used for watering the landscaped areas surrounding the store. the building also features dual and low-flush toilets that use a minimal amount of of water for flushing. LED-efficient lighting also reduces energy and mercury consumption, while indoor lighting fixtures are lamps made of rattan and recycled paper.

Aside from these efforts, starbucks also used materials such as non-toxic paint, double-paned windows for better insulation and lower energy consumption, and a carbon dioxide regulator and air-conditioning system.

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commune with art and nature amidst the hustle and bustle of Bonifacio Global cityby cielo anne calzado | photos courtesy of fort bonifacio development corporation

ART in BGC06

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Priding itself as the home of passionate minds, Bonifacio

Global city continues to promote different passions

by letting residents and visitors appreciate art,

likewise providing artists with a venue to exercise their

creativity. under the Public Art Program managed by

the Bonifacio Art Foundation, inc. (BAFi), renowned Filipino

artists add character, pride and prestige to the city by

displaying their masterpieces within the confines of BGC.

to support the endeavors of BAFi to create a unique environment for BGC and its residents, the public art program came up with the “Art Walk” – an unguided tour of BGc and its art pieces. the art walk gives people a sense of exploration and curiosity as they hop from one art piece to another. it gives them the freedom to explore art at their own pace and time.

Adding more flair to the experience is the art walk map available at the BAFI office. The maps give the exact location of each art piece along with short descriptions about each work of art.

twelve art pieces are installed within Bonifacio Global city, all of which are either past BAFi competition winners or pieces specially commissioned to the artists. Five are playfully placed in Bonifacio High street while the remaining seven are located in different BGc keypoints. the art walk journey is a refreshing treat for BGc visitors and residents who are used to the commercial establishments and property developments that abound in the city.

Here is a rundown of the art pieces that are as varied as the inspirations of the artists behind them:

1.SPeCifiC GrAvity By reG yUSoN Specific Gravity is probably the most famous among all art pieces. it is a suspended boulder fountain that defies the natural order of things as it invites the audience to contemplate their relation to the sculpture’s surroundings through their affinity with gravity.

2.tiNStAej #85 By CoNrAdo veLASCo Kids love looking at tinstaej because it resembles a huge teddy bear. tinstaej actually stands for there is no such thing As endless Joy – an on-going art series of conrado velasco. nicknamed as “wee beastie” by the artist himself, tinstaej #85 intimates a pollution-free sky to city dwellers, hence, the color blue.

3.CoNCerto By reG yUSoN The 20 floor-mounted chimes in “platoon formation” refers to Fort Bonifacio’s history as a military facility transformed into present-day BGc. nudging the individual chimes produce sounds that are said to invite good vibes that would resonate throughout the park. it also shows one’s transient presence in relation to space and time.

4.heArSAy By reG yUSoN Hearsay is an installation of twisted pipes connected below the ground which can be utilized as a fun way to communicate. the art piece is said to be a pun on the Filipino’s interest for news heard from the grapevine.

5.BeArABLe LiGhtNeSS By reG yUSoN ANd roNALd AChACoSo A collaboration between Yuson, a sculptor and Achacoso, a painter – this artwork features colorful patters that evoke a state of perpetual lightness. A fine balance of sculpture and painting, Bearable Lightness seem to invite the audience to climb on top of the platform to experience gravity, weightlessness, surface, and depth.

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6. TransformaTion By Lor CALmAA magnificent sculpture of three stacked laminated glasses standing 5 to 10 meters tall, the transformation is a sight to behold during the evening. it is internally lit and set in cascading water from a fountain pool. The use of LED lights in illuminating the art pieces at night is one way that BAFi promotes eco-friendliness within BGc.

7. supremo By BeN-hUr viLLANUevAA tribute to the courageous hero for whom the city is named, supremo is a three-meter tall brass and bronze statue that honors the event in our history when Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros, tore their cedulas which sparked the Philippine revolution. this art piece was chosen among hundreds of entries in a competition held in May 1997.

8. The Trees By reyNAto PAz CoNtrerASAn artwork that exemplifies caring for nature, The trees is a 6.5 meter tall sculpture of trees whose branches are interlocked – creating a dome-like canopy representing the circle of life. As the sculpture is surrounded by all the developments taking place in BGc, the trees serve as a reminder of giving importance to the preservation of Mother earth.

9. pasasalamaT By ferdiNANd r. CACNioApart from showcasing the artist’s passion, Pasasalamat also indicates cacnio’s genius and creativity. the boat on which the two men stand served as a temporary base of another sculpture. using this, cacnio was able to come up with an amazing representation of gratitude to the Almighty for blessings we receive everyday. The art piece depicts two fishermen with a net brimming with their catch, looking up to the heavens in thanksgiving.

10. KasaliKasan By jerry ArAoSKasalikasan is actually a play on the words “kasali ka sa kalikasan,” which means “you are part of nature.” A sprawling 3,556 sqm garden, Kasalikasan serves as a sanctuary for city dwellers who want to take a break from fast-paced city life. the oasis was recently refreshed by the artist to

preserve its beauty and to enable more people to experience the wonders of nature.

11. Balanghai By Leo GerArdo LeoNArdoInspired by the boats that carried the first wave of Malays to the Philippine islands, Balanghai is a kinetic sculpture that moves with the wind. it has three paddles representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, equipped with pivots that allow them to move with the wind.

12. Kasaysayan BawaT oras By jUAN SAjid de LeoN imAoA work of art reinforced with brass and concrete, Kasaysayan Bawat Oras is an interactive sundial which also serves as an educational tool. it is an accurate time guide that casts shadows on seven paper doll-like figures representing the 7,107 islands of the Philippines.

next time you drop by BGc, make sure you pay the art pieces a visit for an enriching experience. You could even complete the tour in one day! Accomplishing the art walk doesn’t just let you appreciate art in its various forms, it also allows you to be one with nature and reconnect with our country’s rich history and culture. expect more worthwhile activities from BAFi that will surely ignite your passions.

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of exploration and curiosity as they hop from one art piece to another. it gives one the freedom to explore art at their own pace and time.

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feature

1use cloth bags and refuse plastic. Make

sure you always bring a bag large enough for multiple purchases.

2 Walk or bike when going to nearby places. not

only will you help the environment, you’ll also get some exercise, too!

3 upgrade your appliances to newer, more energy-

efficient models. Old refrigerators and air conditioners are electricity vampires and carriers of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which deplete the ozone layer.

4 unplug appliances when not in use. Opt to use a

power bar with multiple sockets and individual on-off switches to lessen the hassle of pulling all the plugs.

5 use rechargeable batteries to help lessen battery waste.

When not disposed of properly, batteries cause harm to the environment.

6Go organic. Organic produce are grown with no

pesticides and harmful fertilizers. As a practice, such produce are grown when in season, so plan

your menu around food grown organically and known to be widely available during a certain time.

7 Buy eco-friendly products. there are tons of affordable pro-earth

products that can work just as well, maybe even better, than commercial chemical brands. check out our Finds page for some of our picks.

8 conserve water. turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

Wash your hands in a basin, store the water and use this to flush the toilet. Water your plants with water saved from washing the dishes or your clothes.

9 segregate waste into groups of paper, bottles, and plastic.

Purchase items made from recyclable materials or whose packaging are recyclable.

10 Change old bulbs to LED lights that emit more light

per watt and have a longer life span than regular bulbs. You lower your

15wAyS to GO GREEN

it is not fresh news that Mother nature is crying for help. Mind-boggling environmental crises and even the erratic weather are enough to send us a clear message that we ought to care more for earth, the only place we can call home. thankfully, we do not have to go through extensive lengths just to be earth warriors. Here are some green solutions you can easily do to save the planet.

do your part in saving Mother earth. even a little goes a long way! by samantha ramos-zaragoza

energy consumption with LED lights and you also lessen the need to purchase bulbs that add to waste.

11 Keep your car well-maintained, as

this produces fewer emissions. regularly change your oil and keep your tires properly inflated so that you do not consume too much fuel. if you can, purchase a hybrid vehicle so that you can really be of help to nature.

12 Go paperless. Apply for paperless billing

and pay your bills online. Also try reading the news on the web.

13 Plant a tree in your own

backyard. trees provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, which causes global warming and

the greenhouse effect.

14 decrease cd and dvd wastage by downloading

your music and movies online. Just make sure you are downloading from trusted sites and not promoting piracy.

15 Quit smoking. ending your smoking days will benefit

both your health and the environment. there are several tools that can help you quit, such as nicotine gum or electronic cigarette that emits steam.

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healthy options, B5, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City. Tel. no. 856-3006. Sesou, G/F, Market! Market!, Tel. no. 856-3974. echoStore, G/f serendra, Bonifacio high Street, Bonifacio Global City. Tel. no. 901-3485. Plana forma Studio, 6/F Jecoprime Building, 20th Drive, Mc Kinley Business Park, Fort Bonifacio. Tel. 553-0870

finds

Be oNe WitH nAtureHelp not only Mother nature but yourself as well when you use eco-friendly and organic products

by paola belle ebora

whAt yoU Need to KNowYou’ve been hearing a lot about “eco-friendly” and “organic” products recently as more and more people are moving towards a more environment-friendly lifestyle. But what does it actually mean to be “eco-friendly” and “organic?” What’s the difference?• Eco-friendly is a general term referring to products that benefit the environment. this refers to products made of recycled materials that reduce waste or don’t use harmful chemicals that pollute the environment, among many others.

• Organic means the materials used to make the product are grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers.

for the homedid you know that dishwashing and laundry detergents are some of the main culprits to water pollution? these contain harmful chemicals that are poisonous to marine life. Make use of eco-friendly detergents and cleaning agents containing natural ingredients that don’t pollute the waters and are safe for your family.

1. victoria Natural herbal Laundry Powder, P160, sesou

2. messy Bessy minty orange Surface Cleaner, P245, sesou

3. messy Bessy eucalyptus All Purpose Scrub, P250, sesou

4. home Basics Anti-Bacterial Surface Cleaner, P395, echostore

5. Ultra dishmate Liquid dishwashing Cleaner, P285, Healthy Options

6. ecover ecological fabric Softener, P395, Healthy Options

7. Plantex All in one multipurpose Cleaner (Concentrated),

P605, echostore

reUSe, reCyCLereusing and recycling are two of the best ways to start going green. With the use of recycled materials, you can help save trees and lessen waste.

8. echoStore hot Pad, P85, echostore

9. echoStore waste Bin, P650, echostore

10. echoStore zesto Bag, P550, echostore

ALL-NAtUrAL fiBerSOrganic clothing makes use of all-natural and non-synthetic cotton, hemp, or bamboo which are all chemical-free, thus supporting the organic agricultural movement which aims to lessen air, land, and water pollution. Apart from being more comfortable, they are also breathable.

11. thriv trainer v Neck, P2,350, Plana Forma studio

12. thriv Cape elizabeth racerback, P2,000, Plana Forma studio

13. Precious 100% organic herbal Pillow, P500, echostore

for yoUr BodyOur skin benefits best with the use of natural ingredients as a great number of cosmetics make use of chemicals that can cause skin problems. By using organic and natural skin care products, you lessen the risk of allergies or rashes.

14. indigo Shoo fly don’t Bother me, P195, sesou

15. Plantex Green organic Bath Soap, P75, sesou

16. All organics olive Scrub Soap, P70, sesou

17. All organics Gugo Shampoo, P250, sesou

18. Leyende No rumple Silk Skin Body moisturizer, P380, sesou

19. ilog maria honey Glycerin face Soap, P130, sesou

20. Strip it! hair removal Sugaring, P350, sesou

21. indigo jar of hope first Aid Gel, P390, sesou

22. All organics Lemongrass mouth wash, P200, sesou

23. Leyende face Canvas moisturizer, P550, sesou

24. ilog maria milk and honey moisturizing Soap, P65, sesou

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mULtiSPort 101

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beauty talk

the Power of tHreethree of the best nail, brow and wax treatments to try in BGc

Nailtropics2/F Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global CityTel. no. +63 (2) 856-0468

For the hardworking and the perpetually busy, a good way to unwind is to spend time in a nail salon. not only do you give two of the most hardworking parts of your body—the hands and feet—a welcome treat, you also get to de-stress during the delightful pampering treatments.

if you’re looking to do just that, you should visit nailtropics, a nail specialty shop that provides hand, foot, and nail care. As soon as one enters the quaint Nailtropics branch in serendra, the relaxation begins with a whiff of aromatic fragrance oils that relax the senses. Once you sink into their comfortable, fluffy chairs, you can sit back, relax and let their nail artisans pamper your hands or feet.

nailtropics goes beyond the usual manicure and pedicure. Clients can opt for their Organic Delights Line (P 470) that includes cleaning, exfoliation, mask, massage, and manicure and pedicure. Aside from a 45-minute manicure and pedicure, customers can also choose to indulge in their Manicure spa services that boasts of treatments such as cool cucumber Breeze and Oh So Sweet Scrub.

nailtropics also boast of well-trained nail artisans. they carry out their services with such ease that you don’t need to fret about having your cuticles cut (a big no-no when it comes to manicures and pedicures) or getting your nails cut too short. Moreover, their tools are all sterilized and sanitized before used, thus ensuring proper hygiene.

so the next time you think about rewarding yourself after a hard day at work, visit nailtropics. Your hands and feet will thank you for it. - stephanie maureen asi

Strip Serendra2/F Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global CityTel. no.: +63 (2) 901-0892

With more women wearing bikinis to the beach and more girls becoming more conscious about body hair, it isn’t a wonder that hair removal has become an essential part of the city girl’s grooming habits. Getting a wax, particularly down there, doesn’t have to be a pain these days. this is where strip:

Browhaus2/F Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global CityTel. no.: +63 (2) 856-9140

don’t be fooled by the name because this international franchise from singapore not only does wonders for your brows but it also does a great job in taking care of all your facial hair care grooming needs. since its opening in 2008 in serendra, Browhaus Manila has been the go-to shop for Filipinos—men and women alike—who want the best in facial hair grooming.

Aside from the usual “Brow construction” (P 580) wherein they groom and shape your brows to fit your face, one of its more popular services

is “Browgraphy” (P1280), their signature service wherein in addition to threading and tweezing your brows, they also lighten or darken them with the use of natural vegetable dye. this dye, concocted by Browhaus itself, is suited for the face and doesn’t contain chemicals which may be harmful on your skin. With the right brow color and shape, your face will brighten up and have more definition.

their well-trained staff, backed with two solid months of training before they are allowed to service clients, uses a special thread solely for threading facial hair. their expertise in the industry has gained them a following and they now have branches all over Asia as well as in the united Kingdom and the united states. in Manila, they can be found in serendra and Greenbelt 5. - paola belle ebora

the Ministry of Waxing takes the spotlight. With their reputation for giving the best Brazilian waxes (P1,200) in the city, strip ensures hygiene, speed, and quality.

it helps much that each waxing session takes place in private quarters that are also visually eye-catching as it helps one relax and get ready for the session. each customer is given her own sealed Hygiene Pack which consists of gloves, face mask, wet wipes, cotton buds and swabs, and spatulas. these spatulas are to be used once—and only once!--during the session. There is definitely no double dipping into the deliciously yummy-smelling wild berry and chocolate wax.

First, the striperella (that’s what they call the waxing therapists) preps the skin with a soothing lotion before finally proceeding with the waxing. the best part about strip is that each striperella has gone through “waxing boot camp” which ensures that they can do a Brazilian in 15 minutes flat! After all the hair has been eliminated, the striperella makes sure the waxed area is protected with an antibacterial cream that soothes the skin.

If you’re looking for a quick, hygienic, and surefire way to rid your body of hair, then head off to strip at Serendra. Leave your waxing anxieties at the door and let them do their magic. - ceia ylagan