Novuhair recognized at Agora awards

Quezon City, Philippines – Nutramedica, Inc. President and CEO Sheila Mae Velilla bagged the Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Medium Scale at the recently concluded 37th Agora Awards. Nutramedica is a homegrown 100% wholly-owned Filipino enterprise that manufactures and distributes Novuhair, an acclaimed line of products that addresses hair loss.

Held last October 26 at PICC, CCP Complex, the Agora Awards recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional marketing skills and strategies. It is touted to be the premier marketing awards body in the country and sets the high standards of excellence in the industry.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO BIG WINNER

Moving in an industry dominated by giant multinational pharmaceutical companies, Nutramedica’s tenacious rise from its humble beginnings as a microenterprise is one for the books. Thanks largely to its creativity and innovation, it has become a major player with a well-established niche in the industry.

Founded in 2004 by Velilla, Nutramedica develops beauty and healthcare products out of natural and mostly indigenous ingredients. It is one of the pioneers in the commercialization of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and gained wide success with its slogan “healthiest oil on earth,” which led to its acquisition by a big company.

It continued to create more VCO-based skin care products and hit the jackpot with its latest, and now banner, product – Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss. This breakthrough solution is made of 19 herbal ingredients and comes in topical scalp lotion, herbal shampoo, and herbal conditioner that effectively battles the effects of hair loss and helps enhance and restore one’s crowning glory.

Launched in 2009, Novuhair enjoys tremendous success until today. It is widely accepted not only here in the Philippines, but also in other countries. It is set to enter the international market, starting with the United States (US), in December of this year. Such bold, yet timely, move of the company to export Novuhair to the US and eventually the Middle East also opens the opportunity for proudly-made local products to penetrate the global arena.

Novuhair’s popularity and market leadership may be attributed to the company’s initial market study coupled with the right timing, as well as smart use of resources by coming up with an effective tri-media campaign best described as low-budget yet high-impact marketing.

Leveraging on its organic growth from a microenterprise to medium scale with over 30 employees in a span of 12 years, Nutramedica continues to further develop, market and distribute high-quality goods that could bring honor to the country.

The firm raises the bar in entrepreneurship with its faithful adherence to best business practices, such as provision of high quality products and excellent services, adaptability to market trends, constant innovation, diversification of trade, and giving back to society.

“Great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people”, Velilla quotes Steve Jobs when asked what’s her secret to success in this competitive business of beauty and healthcare.

“We at Nutramedica also adhere to our core values of integrity, trust, fairness, discipline, humility, leadership, teamwork and faith in God. That’s our winning formula,” Velilla further adds.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

NOVUHAIR's Informative truth on hair chemicals

We may not be aware that we are unknowingly putting harmful chemicals on our hair thus resulting to general conditions such as migraine, nausea and skin rashes. The symptoms may be quickly attributed to stress but if you look closer to that hair product you’re using, you’ll be surprise to find the culprit.

Popularity does not equate to safety, some popular brands sold in the market are loaded with mildly toxic chemicals that may be harmful in prolonged use.

Novuhair, Nature’s answer to hair loss, gives you the lowdown on these chemicals to help you with your choices.

Myth: Shampoo must produce lots of lather in order to properly clean your hair.

Truth: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a compound that helps shampoo and other cleaning product in producing foam and bubbles. Though it may effectively remove hair build-up, it can also strip off essential oils that is needed to keep your hair healthy.

Myth: Parabens has an anti-bacterial compound benefits that outweighs the harm.

Truth: Parabens are basically used to prolong the shelf life of hair and cosmetic products mostly for its antibacterial purpose. Symptoms that are related to over exposure to parabens are Atopic Dermatitis and Rosacea. Further studies also show that use of products with parabens accelerate skin damage and aging related to sun exposure.

Myth: My hair smells terrific! I love the perfume scent on my hair product.

Truth: A nice whiff of perfume might not be harmful but the fragrance that is mixed in your hair product might have come from harmful substances from highly toxic ingredients which can lead to Allergic reactions and mood swings. That perfume is better off somewhere else.

Myth: Hair products that promise straightening and smoothening effect use non-toxic Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate as a natural preservative.

Truth: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a substance used in making your hair soft and bouncy, although it is considered natural preservative, also releases formaldehyde which can lead to skin and eye irritations. Prolonged use may also affect your immune system.

Use of some of these chemicals combined may also result to hair loss and other hair problems, thus, it is important to be an informed consumer. A lot of new products have saturated the market hence, read the labels for fine prints before buying.

Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss is made of 19 Natural ingredients which includes herbal components such as moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint. Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

New Jollibee Chickenjoy TVC brings joy back to the Pinoy table

Today, with the wave of exciting technological innovations and new apps, people are becoming more preoccupied with their gadgets. Whether it means replying to important work emails, keeping attuned to the latest updates on social media, or fighting off and catching virtual monsters, this new normal of being glued to our screens has kept us from experiencing important and joyous face-to-face moments with family members and loved ones.

Bringing joy to the table

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast food brand, recognizes this new reality and is encouraging Filipino families to bring joy back to their tables with the best-tasting crispylicious, juicylicious, and gravylicious Chickenjoy through a new TV commercial entitled “Bunso.”

The TVC gives viewers a glimpse of a typical modern Pinoy family’s day. In the video, the youngest daughter—the adorable bunso—wants to play and spend time with her father and siblings. However, Ate and Kuya are busy updating social media accounts and playing games, while Dad is in the middle of an important work call. Watch the adorable video directly from Jollibee’s Facebook page or below:


Bunso appears to sadly wonder—through a softhearted rendition of the OPM classic “Ewan”—why it is difficult to talk to her family. “Mahirap kausapin at ‘di pa namamansin,” Bunso laments. “’Di mo ba alam, ako’y nasasaktan?”

Just when the bunso was about to feel dismayed, her face lights up as Mom enters with a bucket of Chickenjoy for the family. As soon as Mom and bunso lift the bucket’s lid, the aroma draws the rest of the family to the dining table. Gadgets are temporarily set aside and the whole family gathers around their favorite Jollibee meal for a joyful quality time together.

“Technology has allowed us to stay up-to-date with whatever’s happening all over the world,” said Kent Mariano, Jollibee Philippines AVP for Marketing. “But despite the many benefits of being online all the time, sometimes technology makes us forget the important things that are also right in front of us. That’s why we must also remember to pause once in a while and savor the joy of missing out on gadgets and devices to enjoy personal face-to-face connections with our loved ones. This is the message we hope to share in our newest Chickenjoy TVC.”

“For years, Jollibee and our best-tasting Chickenjoy have remained committed to making family bonding moments more delicious, unforgettable, and joyful,” Mariano added. “There’s no better place to start than at the dining table, the very heart of the Pinoy home.”

For the latest news, products, and promos from the country’s number one fastfood brand, like facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines, follow @Jollibee on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Goodah!!! Introduced Crispy Pata and opens Timog branch

Crispy Pata has always been a favorite when there is something to celebrate with family or friends. And to kick off the party the season for the last quarter of this year, crispy pata will be a special item on Goodah!!!'s menu. The popular all-Filipino food chain, known for being "Open 25 Hours" a day, will be serving a twist on this classic crispy pata dish.

The usual approach in cooking a great tasting cripy pata begins with its preparations, way before putting it in a bath of piping hot oil. Pork legs are boiled in salted water with a dash of Vinegar with some herbs and spices, until the meat and skin are fork-tender. The leg is then transferred to a wok, where it is deep fried to get that crispy skin and juicy meat. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with spiced vinegar mixed with Soy sauce.

This is where GoodAh!!! Crispy Pata will definitely be a mouthwatering treat to crispy pata lovers out there at Goodah!!! The Crispy Pata comes with trio dip: Adobo sauce, classic Soy Vinegar, and Spicy Sweet Chili! The crispy pork trotter is paired with the savory goodness of the store's very own Adobo sauce as a delicious dip for the crispy and juicy favorite. It's a totally unexpected offering! Diners will also be served the original Soy Vinegar mix as a dip and another twist, the sweet chili sauce.


Every crunch from a bite crackles with a slather of aromatic flavors from Adobo sauce, which then oozes with the tender meat to give it the sharp flavor of Soy sauce that is balanced by the sweet-sour taste that most Filipino love. The dish's savory crisp skin and succulent meat pairs well with a big serving of fresh-cooked rice, and that makes it a perfect group meal.

This amazing dish will be the centerpiece offering when GoodAh!!!'s official opens their Timog branch in Quezon city. It will simultaneously be offered in their other 6 branches in the metro. For just Php 599, the whole family or a group of friends can enjoy GoodAh!!!'s unique twist to crispy in Ala Carte. They can also add fried rice and 4 glasses of Orange juice to complete it into meal package, which is very affordable at Php 699. The new Goodah!!! Crispy Pata is the best way to celebrate the opening of the restaurant's seventh branch.

Here is the video of the opening of their Timog branch, and official introduction of their Crispy Pata



For more than 30 years, GoodAh!!! has been serving Filipinos with "Pagkaing Good for Every-All" and they were the ones who first coined acronym dishes Tapsilog, Tosi, Longsi, and many others that has become a ubiquitous part of popular Filipino meals today. And they continue to push culinary boundaries with this new and exciting twist on crispy pata.

Novuhair Supports Alopecia Areata Awareness in Celebrating Inner Strength

September marks the month-long commemoration of Alopecia Areata awareness worldwide. Alopecia areata is a condition when hair loss occur due to faults in the immune system attacking the hair follicles which results in partial or total loss of hair on the head and other parts of the body.

Leading this year’s celebration in the country is Alopecia Philippines, a group founded by singer and songwriter Abby Asistio in 2012. She has been championing the cause of empowering citizens with this condition.

Abby is no stranger to alopecia, having been diagnosed with alopecia areata since she was four years old. Abby’s decision to come out in public with her condition was a major turning point in her life. On September 2012, Abby decided to start an online campaign in time with Alopecia Awareness Month by inviting family and friends to pose with the double “A” (inverted “V”) sign using their fingers on the photo sharing site, Instagram. It quickly caught on and Abby was overwhelmed by the response from netizens, with over a thousand photo contributions to date.



This paved the way for the beginnings of Alopecia Philippines. It aims to raise awareness about alopecia and correct common misconceptions and perceptions about it, provide encouragement to people afflicted with it, and create an online support community for them. Inspired by Abby’s honesty and courage, men and women, kids and teens from different walks of life began sharing their own stories and struggles living with alopecia. What started out as a group of ten is now more than 300 members strong and its Facebook page – Alopecia Areata Awareness, draws followers from all over the world.

Novuhair has been supporting the cause for Alopecia Philippines through Abby Asistio. Abby have been using the brand continuously since March 2013 and she has only praises to share using the product.

Nature has provided a safe and effective answer to hair loss and scalp disorders. Novuhair is the only topical scalp lotion in the market that has the highest concentration of natural ingredients, FDA-certified and ACD-compliant. Novuhair is a homegrown, proudly Philippine-made product that is globally competitive.


Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, Instagram: @NovuhairOfficial and follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

Gardenia officially launched Twiggies

Gardenia Bakeries continue to delight Filipinos with its delectable breads that evoke a distinct taste, softness, aroma, freshness and nutritive value. And now, Gardenia carries on that tradition by introducing more new and delicious breads that people will truly love.

The new Gardenia California Raisin Buns and the latest colourful bunch of your favourite Gardenia Twiggies will surely make your day truly special, whether at home, in school or at work.

Fantastic in its softness and gratifying in taste, Gardenia California Raisins Buns are wonderfully-soft, great-tasting buns studded with succulent California raisins that will surely delight your senses in every bite.

The new Gardenia California Raisin Buns are certified nutritious too. Each raisin bun is packed high with important vitamins like Vitamin (Thiamine) to help prevent fatigue and boost metabolism, plus high levels of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and a good source of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) for improved energy metabolism, and even Calcium to help support the development of strong bones and teeth as they grow up.

Wait, there’s more! Make snacking a colorful and enjoyable experience with the new flavors of Gardenia Twiggies! With the launch of the new exciting variants of Twiggies, Gardenia also communicates the importance of teaching the kids to channel and develop their emotions and characteristics that can help them live life to the fullest with a ‘Color your Day’ campaign. Each colourful and delectable Twiggies represents a feeling or experience.



The Twiggies Yellow cake is a perfect match for you while enjoying and sharing unforgettable moments with kids, as the vibrant color yellow signifies happiness! The new Gardenia Twiggies Yellow Cake is a soft and moist butter flavoured cake for a dose of joy and fun! Plus, it is a source of Iron and packed with Vitamin B1 which helps boost your energy.

Let kids explore places they’ve never been before, and don’t forget to bring the new Gardenia Choco-Brown cake – loaded with chocolatey goodness and packed with Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 that can make you more active for a fun day ahead! It also contains Iron and Vitamin A. The brown color of the Twiggies Choco-Brown cake transcends a strong impression and is associated with being brave.

And to add more color to kids’ daily activities, Gardenia Twiggies Pink Cake is here! It is jam-packed with Tutti Fruity flavor and also a good source of vitamins like Iron and Vitamin B3. Indeed, a perfect token of colorful love as the color pink also means being sweet, nice and playful.

Indulge in the new flavors of Twiggies and grab the newest Gardenia California Raisin Bun at your nearest supermarket, grocery, or convenience store.

For more information about Gardenia California Raisin Bun and Gardenia Twiggies, visit www.gardenia.com.ph

Jollibee introduced Jolly Hotdog and Cheesy Classic and NEW Chili Cheese variants

Jollibee, the country’s largest fast food chain, has beefed up one of its well-loved product lines, the Jolly Hotdog, with the New Chili Cheese variant, an exciting addition to its Cheesy Classic variant.

Always served fresh, the Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog offers over-the-top beefy goodness with its beef hotdog in a warm bun, topped with a slightly tangy special dressing and livened up with grated cheese and tomato catsup.

Just like the Cheesy Classic variant, the New Chili Cheese Jolly Hotdog is a beef hotdog in a delicious bun, but this time topped with a generous serving of mouth-watering meaty chili and cheese sauce.



At the Jolly Hotdog’s core is a beefy, juicy hotdog that makes for a perfect treat you want to savor every bite of. This certified delish snack is packed with over-the-top flavors and textures you’ll never find in plain and boring hotdog sandwiches.

According to Francis E. Flores, Jollibee Chief Global Marketing Officer and Jollibee Philippines Head of Marketing, the New Chili Cheese Jolly Hotdog came at the right time when consumers are more attuned to variety and adventure.

“The more thrilling Chili Cheese variant is for today’s fast food fans who are always looking to explore new flavors. The new tasty topping definitely adds zest and adventure to Jolly Hotdog,” he said. Launched in 1990, Jolly Hotdog has always been an all-time favorite among barkadas, teens, kids and kids at heart as a way to satisfy their hunger with a delicious and reasonably priced snack, or as a comfort food to relish either for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru or delivery.

Come and enjoy Jolly Hotdog in Cheesy Classic and New Chili Cheese variants with your friends, either ala carte or in a combo meal with regular fries and drink. Price starts at P50.

Buffet restaurant in Manila: 7Flavors Buffet Restaurant

At the heart of San Juan City lies 7Flavors Buffet restaurant, one of the sought after restaurant in the metro. 7Flavors was established by the famous Chef Boy Logro, along with his partners, they established an awesome restaurant which everyone can taste the food of the iconic Chef at affordable price.

I had a chance to visit the place and experience the restaurant that's everyone is talking about.



Besides having a good food, what I like is the location. Its far from the busy streets of Ortigas business district or in Mandaluyong city where chaos is high during rush hour.


The food is sumptuous they serve everything under the Sun, from roast beef, to Tonkatsu, you will never regret their food.

The buffet is open every day for lunch 11 AM to 2:30 PM and for dinner 5:30PM to 10PM. From Monday to Thursday lunch time, the buffet is P399.99 while dinner time is P499.99. From Friday to Sunday and holidays, both lunch and dinner buffets are priced at P599.99.

The difference between weekend buffets is the presence of an action station which features something different every week and it has already featured the likes of teppanyaki, tempura, and liempo.



The appetizers section includes macaroni salad, potato croquettes, soup of the day and our best selling tacos. The main courses include a roast beef carving station and the chef’s station where you will find favourites such as Salmon Head in Coconut Milk, Beef Kare Kare, Vegetable Pastel and Yang Chow Fried Rice. There is a smart mix of seafood, vegetables, rice and meat to suit everyone’s tastes. The good news is that the choices differ every two weeks. The dessert section makes sure that you have a sweet ending to your meal as it offers favourites such as Big Scoop ice cream, Mango Tapioca, Maja Blanca and Kalamansi Tart.

But wait, there’s more! Nestea drinks house iced tea and lemonade are also included in the buffet which means it is an eat and drink all you can type of buffet. Most of the recipes of the food in the buffet are conceptualized by Chef Boy Logro himself. If that’s not enough, come to the first floor and try our best-selling ensaymada at only P50 each, it is a combination of ube, bacon and lots of cheese.

Follow them on Instagram: @7flavors.ph
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/7FlavorsBuffet

The Philippine International Convention Center celebrated their 40th year

The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Asia's first international convention center, turned 40 last September 5 with a grand celebration at its Reception Hall.

Just an FYI guys, the formal opening of the historic site was on September 5, 1976, the PICC has stood the test of time to establish itself as one of the premier event venues in Southeast Asia. Witnessing the greatest moments of the past generations and hosting the most important events in Philippine history, the PICC has become more than just a national landmark, but shining gem for arts, culture, history and entertainment.

The celebration looked back at the grandest moments of the PICC. An exhibit displayed photos from select events, the highlight of which was the handwritten message to PICC by Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who was canonized as a Saint by Pope Francis a day before the PICC anniversary celebration.

Over dinner, guests were treated to an entertainment spectacle hosted by the talented Denise Laurel, with performance from Ballet Manila and top balladeer Christian Bautista.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and Chairman of the PICC Board of Directors Amando M. Tantengco Jr. spoke about the PICC's legacy as well as the Center's plan for the future.


PICC's top clients and loyal partners from the private and government sector were recognized for their valuable support for the Center over the years, and PICC employees who have worked at the Center at least twenty years were honored with Service Recognition awards for their hard work, dedication, selfless, and enduring loyalty.


A special award, the PICC Gem, was given to acclaimed singer-actress Lea Salonga, for embodying PICC's ideals of world-class excellence and global reach, and for shadowing the PICC to the world as the country's premier event venue.


She is the first-ever recipient of the award.

Governor Tetangco, Monetary Board Member Armando L. Suratos, and members of the PICC Board of Directors Pacita Rosalinda Y. Aguirre, Gabriel L. Cruz, Raquel D. Garcia, Cristina M. Sarino and Susan S. Villar and PICC General Manager Renato B. Padilla handed out the awards to the honorees. The night ended on a high note, with a toast to the PICC's next "40 years and forward"


With the PICC continuing to evolve, the national gem only shines brighter as it combines its rich heritage with a clear mandate and vision of the future.

Here are some of the highlights of the 40th anniversary of PICC, enjoy!