Saturday, August 29, 2015

Bello belles









"Belo belles"
Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 29, 2015

Mother and daughter team Dr. Vicki Belo and Cristalle Belo Henares perfectly complement each other.

Dr. Belo, who is the Belo Medical Group’s founder, admits that between the two of them, it is Cristalle who is more entrepreneurial while she, on the other hand, sticks to the medical side of her practice and business. The 32-year old Cristalle acts as the CEO of Belo Essentials as well as the Managing Director of the Belo Medical Group.

 From a 44-square meter clinic in 1990, the Belo Medical Group now operates eleven state-of-the-art clinics that are strategically located across the Philippines, including its latest clinic in Davao’s Abreeza Mall.

Dr. Belo reveals that “the Belo Medical Group offers a comprehensive range of treatments from skin care to non-invasive, surgical and age-defying solutions. The group’s innovative approach to beauty has pioneered the application of the latest technologies from the US, France, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Brazil, Israel, Japan and Korea”.

“It is what makes us unique. We focus on bringing the latest available technology, medical procedure and products from across the globe to provide the best possible solutions for our patients.  The Belo Medical Group’s 25 years of exceptional expertise in the specialized field of aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery has earned it numerous awards and recognitions”, she adds.

Up close and personal
To highlight its 25th year, the Belo Medical Group brought in the Belo Festivale in Davao, a four-day event showcasing the group’s brand story with various activities wherein patrons can take photos, and avail of Belo products and treatments at the Abreeza Mall. It culminated with a mini show by Club Mwah and ‘Belo baby’, Piolo Pascual.
During the recent exclusive media affair celebrating the Belo Medical Group’s anniversary at Seda Hotel, we spent a few hours getting to know Dr. Belo’s personal journey and the inspiring story of her mega success.
Joining Dr. Belo was her lovely daughter Cristalle as well as celebrity endorsers, 1973 Ms. Universe Margie Moran-Floirendo and multi-awarded actor Piolo Pascual.
There is something so sincere and candid when the charming Dr. Belo starts to talk. She has no qualms in divulging sensitive issues beginning with her life as an adopted child who was bullied at 5 years old in school. “Fat and ugly” were among the mean words uttered to her by mischievous classmates.
Growing up as a teen, she had unsightly pimples which made her a regular patient with a dermatologist. These experiences shaped her passion to specialize in the same field when she took up medicine.
‘Cristalle’ clear
Even if she came from a privileged background, Cristalle knows the value of paying it forward. In 2004, she volunteered as a pre-school worker for 10 months in Bukidnon with only Php3,500.00 as her monthly allowance.
After college, she started working for the Belo Medical Group in 2005. One of her biggest projects was overseeing the construction of the Belo building in Greenhills approving the plans and materials and collaborating with the design team. Dr. Belo confidently delegates these kinds of tasks to Cristalle as she is not fond of the rigors of site inspections and going over the details.

In 2007, the Belos launched their own beauty line, Belo Essentials, which with phenomenal sales is now serving as the retail arm that distributes beauty and personal care products to drugstores, supermarkets, and selected countries.

It is ‘Cristalle’ clear why Dr. Belo is mighty proud of her daughter and why her unica hija is beaming with pride over her mom’s continued success. Together, they commit to fulfill Belo’s vision to “make the Philippines, the most beautiful country in the world, one person at a time”.

So, what’s next for these unstoppable Belo belles? “World domination!”, declares Dr. Belo playfully.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Marvelously Marbled


  






“Marvelously Marbled”
Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 15, 2015

My personal preference when it comes to eating steak is its marbling --- lots of it! And, when it comes to marbling, Wagyu is definitely on top of my list.

Wagyu (pronounced ‘wag-you’) is “a breed of cattle native and unique in their genetics to Japan. ‘Wa’ pertains to Japanese and ‘gyu’ means beef. This beef is highly marbled which means that the muscle is finely interspersed with fat that is an ‘intra-muscular’ deposit of energy. When cooked, the marbling is absorbed into the muscle and gives the beef its “melt in the mouth” moisture and tenderness as well as its intense flavor”, according to an internet source.

The good news is that the marbling in Wagyu is found to contain monounsaturated fats. Research has shown that these fats can actually assist in reducing cholesterol levels in the body.

Highest grade beef

Recently, I was pleased to discover that my elusive bachelor-friend, Glenn Yap, took his passion for steak to the next level by opening Marbled Restaurant and Bar specializing in Wagyu A-5 beef, no less, the highest grade given only to the finest beef.

“I love steak!”, shares Glenn with a twinkle in his eye. “Marbled, a name coined by a witty friend, is three years in the making. I didn’t rush opening this restaurant because I wanted to consider every factor. We wanted our restaurant to be known for its reasonable price and good service”, he continues.

With Chef Richie Mearns, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, as its consultant, Marbled’s menu showcases lip-smacking family-friendly dishes with the Wagyu A-5 beef as its piece de resistance.

“In Manila, most steak houses sell their Wagyu at Php800 to Php1,000 per ounce but here at Marbled, we sell it an affordable Php450 per ounce only”, shares Glenn.

Young restaurateur

Marbled is not Glenn’s first foray in the food industry. He has been a franchisee of the popular Cebu restaurant chain Chikaan at Abreeza Mall Davao for four years and also operates Pollo Porco Cebu Lechon.

“Running a resto is never easy. It is a challenge but it really depends on your mindset. Chikaan has a system we followed which made it easier”, recalls Glenn.

From Chikaan, he learned that to be able to run a great restaurant, good food shouldn’t be profit-based. Instead, the focus should be on the quality of food and service”, explains Glenn.

‘Straightforward’ dishes

That’s why with Marbled, Glenn made sure that they presented value-for-money choices for their clientele. My family and I were pleased with the options they offered --- Japanese, American, and Italian dishes that Glenn describes as ‘straightforward’.

During our family’s first visit, we ordered their delectable French Onion Soup (Php210); Seafood Chowder (Php250) and Spinach Dip (Php140) as our soups and appetizer.

The kids absolutely loved their mouth-watering Spaghetti with Spanish Chorizo (Php250) and Fettuccine with Tomato Cream Sauce and Chicken (Php180). If the pasta tastes a tad familiar, you would be happy to know that it is because Chef Richie owned the former Boyd’s Pizza House of Kidapawan and Davao.

My sister-in-law and I had the Grilled Pork Chop (Php250) and Seared Salmon with Caper Sauce (Php595). They filled our tummies and did not disappoint with their generous servings and side dishes of seared potatoes and vegetables in season.

Marvelously Marbled

Other family members had US Prime Rib-Cowboy Steak (half-inch 500g steak at Php1,350) and US Rib Eye – Choice 320g (Php950). The steaks’ huge portions were more than enough for sharing as I caught my mom discreetly leaving huge cuts of her meat on my plate.

And, finally, the main reason why we were gathered at Marbled --- the Wagyu!

True to its claim, the Wagyu A-5 beef (Sirloin 150g at Php1,900 and Chateaubriand 200g at Php3,200) --- perfectly cooked medium well, and sprinkled with salt; melted in our mouths and boy, was it divine!

Marbled Restaurant and Bar is at JJ Commune, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City with telephone number 2243594. Open Sunday-Thursday from 1030am-10pm and Friday-Saturday from 1030am till late.
            
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Oh my Omni!

“Oh my Omni!”
Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 1, 2015

If you are a practical mom like me, choosing the right household appliances and lights is something one takes seriously to save on rising electricity costs.

After 15 years, our first-ever refrigerator as a married couple conked out which left us with no choice but to switch to a new one. This time, we decided to invest in an inverter-type ref. On the other hand, our trusty air conditioner was also given its due retirement following years of loyal service. These simple changes gave us reasons to smile whenever we received our monthly electric bill for we did experience significant savings. Best of all, our food stays fresh longer and our room cools more efficiently with the upgrades.

When it comes to value-for-money lighting, Filipino households have relied on Omni for generations.

Omni LED bulbs consume 90 percent less energy compared to Omni incandescent bulbs. Even if the bulbs have high luminous efficacy, they are low on energy consumption. Its low heat emission likewise aids in the air conditioner’s electricity costs.

Because of its efficiency, one can actually save an average of Php 1,584.00 on one-year electricity bill by switching just a single halogen bulb to an MR16 Omni LED. Furthermore, Omni LED bulbs can last up to 40 times more than regular incandescent bulbs, so one also saves on operational and maintenance cost.

Recently, Omni launched its first batch of Davao brand ambassadors. Here’s what some have to say regarding the well-loved Filipino brand which they not only use in their homes but in their businesses and professions as well:

“As our athletes work on their fitness, we make sure we work on our lighting. Finding the perfect illumination and temperature mix for our gym in only one brand.”---Trent Pruett and Kevin Cracknell, Coaches of Crossfit DMA.

“My profession calls for the best lighting system. That’s why for me there is only one brand.”---Sofia Sibala – Hair and Make-Up Artist

“I am very particular with my lights. They need to have the best balance of color, luminance and temperature; and I only know of one brand.”---Milvene Mineses, Photographer, WPPI Member, Owner of Simply Gray Studio

“Isa lang ang ilaw ng tahanan ko.” --- Erika Soriano-Mata, Wife and mother of 3, The woman behind HUMABI Bags for a Cause

“Counting, recording and monitoring are only a few of a banker’s endless tasks. This is why we require the best lighting system for the job – the kind of clarity, brightness, coolness and accuracy that only Omni can deliver.” --- Kristianne Jungco, Banker

“I do intensive research both online and on hard copies for my lectures. Cool and steady lights at home and in school make it possible.” --- Jade Solaña, CPA, MBA (CAR), College Instructor II

“I couldn’t have kept up with my studying schedule without dependable lights at home.”--- Gea Sedayao, San Pedro College graduate, incoming St. Luke’s Med student

“Only the best lighting for all our business operations.” ---Jun and Mimi Tupas, Entrepreneurs, One Fab Pooch, Soul Kitchen Co. and Soul Lifestyle

“A teacher’s work doesn’t end in school. Main reason why I only insist for the best brand every time I prepare at home.” ---Lunar Fayloga, Educator

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao@blogspot.com.