Sibling revelry

An advocacy group that promotes early breast cancer detection through localized, community-based breast cancer screening programs and high-information campaigns, I Can Serve is now 10 years old, and focus the past few years has been on its flagship program — Ating Dibdibin, a barangay-based screening program that partners with local government, as it did with all 16 barangays in Marikina, and in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Being set up in Cebu City as well as you read this, the hope is to bring this Dibdibin program to as many localities as possible. The Anvil Award of Excellence was awarded to I Can Serve’s Ating Dibdibin campaign this year. It’s been a full decade of socially conscious and proactive work, and thanks to the indefatigable efforts of such stalwarts as Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Bettina Osmeña, Bibeth Orteza Siguion-Reyna, et al, they’ve made great strides and yet the work is always far from over. Reality would dictate that charity contribution fatigue can come into play with such a high-profile foundation, and so unique and diverse mechanisms for maintaining awareness, and keeping the inflow of funds steady, are two persistent concerns of the I Can Serve board members.

Hence, it was more than a pleasant surprise to find that not only my elder sister, Lilibeth C. Virata, is an active member of I Can Serve — being a survivor herself; but that also my younger sister, Rose Anne, despite living in Paris with her family, has gotten into the act in her own way. The July issue of the US edition of Town & Country has a regular products page, and there, at the top section of the current layout, with a Michael Kors bag situated below, is Rose Anne’s salmon coral inspired tunic. Working and designing out her sought-after Paris atelier, Rose Anne Cu-Unjieng de Pampelonne has carved a fashion niche for herself; making unique, quality, high-end apparel that fuses strong Asian elements with contemporary designs — she goes to Nepal yearly to consult with her suppliers. In this case, when T&C had approached her to feature one of her blouses, she synergized it with creating awareness in the United States for I Can Serve’s work here in the Philippines, while also helping raise much needed money for the organization.

Given the formidable scope and breadth of its mission, the essence of I Can Serve’s work and success has consistently been founded on strategic partnering on all aspects. In the realm of marketing and promotions, things like Rose Anne initiated with I Can Serve’s collaboration help sustain the efforts of the advocacy group. Was really proud to “discover” that page in T&C: firstly, just to see my sister’s work featured in that publication, and, of course, to find the feature dovetailed with her doing something for I Can Serve — proud to be her brother!

‘Elementary, my dear Watson(s)’

You don’t really need Sherlock Holmes, or much sleuthing, to discover that throughout the world today, when one speaks of health and beauty retail, one of the most trusted and biggest names is Watsons! It may have all started in 1828, when Alexander Skirving Watson opened the Canton Dispensary, and then the Hong Kong Dispensary, attaching his name to the enterprise. In 1963, the Hutchinson Group acquired controlling interest; and today, there’s a retail network of over 7,700 stores, spread over 37 markets worldwide, employing over 98,000 staff. When it comes to health and beauty products, cosmetics and perfumes, grocery, consumer electronics, wine and Duty-Free, Watsons reigns supreme. Here in the Philippines, SM Prime Holdings is its strategic partner.

Being a haven for so many brands and products, it was only a matter of time before Watsons would also develop skin care products that would be exclusive for Watsons. Formulated and manufactured in Korea specifically for the needs of Asian skin, the Pure Beauty product range will be introduced in the Philippine market the first week of August — and first on the pipeline is the Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant skincare range of products. Given the proven high antioxidant properties of Pomegranate, the Pure Beauty line promises to repair the effects of free radicals and prevent further skin cell damage. Full of natural essences, there’s lavender, bergamot, freesia, peppermint and rosemary, combined with the patented Greenol Oriental Herb Complex and pomegranate to all work together, and promote our skin’s elasticity and health. To Detoxify, Neutralize, Energize and Brighten, we have a basic four-step program. First, there’s the two-in-one Foam Cleanser, then the Antioxidant Toner, a choice of Day Gel or Night Cream, and beyond the gentle, Eye Cream, there’s an Antioxidant Essence. Watch out for this high quality, yet super-affordable line.

For us Men; there’s also Watsons Men to combat aging, sun damage, pollution and other environmental factors. And because we guys are so bad in reading product information and the small print, the Watsons Men product lines are color-coded! There’s a Blue Oil Control line, and a Green Hydrating line. Formulated with Bioacne, the Blue line is especially effective as an oil control agent, while the Green line employs its patented Ion-moist 4men, that’s boosted with algae extract, to guarantee deep hydration. These two Watsons Men lines are already available at all Watsons Personal Care Stores and SM Department stores, having been introduced this month of July. While Watsons continues to strive to be that one-stop shop for all your toiletry needs, it doesn’t depend solely on its regular chain of suppliers, it has opted to put its name solidly behind in-house product lines that capture the essence of what Watsons is all about!