Giselle Banzon

Throughout the week, work has people pushing past stress, gulping down espressos and meeting devilish deadlines. The madness only escalates as the days dissolve into Friday -which serves as a barrier between the workday and the weekend. It’s the time the corporate world shifts gears from office to party mode. After logging off, hectic schedules are cleared and the only agenda is to have some fun!

That’s why more casual ensembles are preferred by employed professionals, who are ready to push past crowds, gulp down shots and meet devilish dates to cap off the work week.

Mel Ledesma - Brand Officer, Marketing Department

Jeans and a pretty black top are a great washday staple for many reasons. First of all, it’s the perfect balance between dressy and casual -making it appropriate for both office and party wear. And, just like her simple gladiator flats, Mel’s attire is both stylish and comfortable. These basics can also be paired with virtually anything, making it a ready canvas for drama or daintiness -depending on how you work it. A touch of glam is added when accessorized with an eye catching gold necklace.

Kevin Bangolan, IT Specialist

Guys can also enjoy the versatile nature of jeans to achieve different looks. Kevin goes for sporty cool, pairing a basic white shirt with a beautiful, rich brown jacket. The bold stripes across his chest and arms further define those features in a very masculine manner. Striking white shoes complete the crisp attire, making Kevin look very put together and ready for a night out with the boys.

Denise Cobatage - Digital Marketing Officer, Marketing Department

The next ensemble is perfect for those who have a preference for girlier fashion trends. Beige gladiator heels are fantastic statement shoes and should be worn with subtle pieces. There is a delicate softness to Denise’s pale pink chiffon top that balances all the elements of her look but still manages to turn heads at the same time. The lined high waist skirt garners the same effect while slimming her already slender figure even more because of the knee length cut. A gold bangle completes the look, adding just the right amount of bling.

TIP: Skin tone shades are great on shoes because they elongate your legs. Get these colors in a heel to create the best illusion of height.

This concludes the third collection of Belo’s Washday Runway.  Subscribe to the site or “Like” the Belo Medical Group on Facebook for future updates.

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Giselle Banzon

Nakedness reveals more than just your physical attributes, it also strips you down of all your defenses.  When you go au natural you become vulnerable in the most primal manner.  This is the time when insecurities come to attack, but you can still fight them off by simply being confident about your body.

BEAT THE BLOAT

Be wary of your salt and soda intake as both can make you retain water.  The body needs sodium to function properly so just be sure to watch how much you’re taking in.  Soft drinks, on the other hand, should be poured down the drain.  It’s full of chemicals and empty calories that’ll only make you feel worse about yourself in the long run.

TIP: Ditch the gum and chew on parsley.  This under appreciated herb can help get rid of bad breath, indigestion and that dreaded bloated feeling.

SCRUB YOURSELF SEXY

It’s important to exfoliate to get rid of all the dirt that builds up during the day in order to insure irresistibly soft and smooth skin.

The Belo Medical Group offers several products and services that address this problem.  Wet and Dry Dermabrashion is held in high regard by Valerie Concepcion, who also notes the procedure’s moisturizing quality.

PROTECT AND HYDRATE

Water washes out toxins from your body and makes you glow with good health.  Unfortunately, your skin is the last part to get any benefits from H2O and the first part to incur sun damage.  That’s why it’s important to use sunblock at all times.

The Belo Essentials product line have soaps and lotions that keep your skin looking it’s best.  Belo Essentials Sun Expert, for example, protects you from UVA and UVB rays at a cellular level.  It is also hypoallergenic and noncosmogenic.

GET A MANICURE AND A PEDICURE

It’s surprising how great a person can feel after getting a mani-pedi.  Clean nails are part of good grooming and subsequently are also part of looking good.

TIP: When it comes to choosing polish on your feet remember that, while red may scream “Va Va Voom!” neutral colors can make your legs look longer and leaner.

FLEX YOUR MUSCLES

Do some leg raises and tricep dips right before showing off your bare essentials.  Working out your muscles, even for a short period of time, can make them look more tight and toned.  A light cardio session can also give you a healthy glow because of improved blood circulation.

Looking for treatments that can give you even more definition?  Try the Biosculpt (a favorite of hunks like Derek Ramsey and Matteo Guidicelli).

PRACTICE PROPER POSTURE

Keep your back straight, chest out, stomach in and head held high and you’ll automatically look at least five pounds slimmer.

DIMINISH CELLULITE AND STRETCH MARKS

The level of fat in the blood is what causes cellulite -reduce this and you’ll be seeing less of those unsightly dimples.  Try to eat add more fish and nuts in your diet because these have Omega 3 fatty acids that help give you a smoother posterior.

Stretch marks happen when the skin doesn’t contract quick enough.  When they’re still red, you can discourage their permanence by religiously rubbing aloe vera on the offending area.   Otherwise, they’ll turn white and you’ll be stuck with them forever.

…at least until you set an appointment with the Belo Medical Group for treatments such as Collagen Induction Therapy or Fraxel.

WEAR PERFUME

Great perfume is the best way to accessorize your birthday suit.  For optimum sex appeal, spritz on a sensual fragrance -like those with animalistic undertones- right before things get hot and heavy.  That way the scent is heated by the warmth of your body and effervesces in aromatic steam.

LOSE THE FUZZ

If body hair is bumming you out, fret not!  There are tons of ways to deal with this issue.  You can shave, wax, tweeze and even electrocute unwanted hair.  But a better and more permanent solution would have to be Belo’s Laser Hair Treatment.  Click the link for more details.

BE CONFIDENT

You can have the perfect abs, thighs and chest but without a good sense of self esteem you’ll never be comfortable with your body.  Be proud of what you’ve got and work it!   Confidence can make anything look sensational.

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Giselle Banzon

The formula for getting rid of extra pounds seems straightforward enough. A person’s caloric expenditure must exceed the amount of calories consumed. It should be a simple process.  But seasoned dieters know that losing weight is more complicated than just moving more and eating less. The sad truth is that it’s hard to manage a weight loss plan. When you’re on a diet it seems as if the whole world is conspiring against you –all in an effort to make you fat. There are many excuses people use to validate a skipped workout session or an unhealthy bingefest; and none of them are any good. Therefore, it is important to keep things in perspective and negate excuses before they counter your weight loss efforts.

THE EXCUSES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS

There’s no time!

Then make time. A busy schedule is no reason to ignore your health. In fact, it should incite more reason to stay active. How can you shoulder your workload when you’re feeling less than fit? Regular exercise should be part of everyone’s weekly routine. Ideally, people ought to get 3-5 thirty minute sessions per week. It’s all just a matter of proper time management.

The Solution: Get up earlier than usual and workout in the morning so you don’t have to worry about it later on. When done right, strength and interval training can also rev up your metabolism for hours after –allowing you to burn more calories in the long run.  Still don’t want to wake up early? Divide your workout into 3 ten minute sessions throughout the day to make sure you’re getting enough exercise.

It’s so inconvenient!

It may seem like it, but really there’s nothing convenient about junk food. The few minutes you save on quick solutions can’t make up for the time you’ll have to spend in the gym or the doctor’s office when obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes set in. Besides, there are tons of recipes available online which are delicious and easy to make.

The Solution: Set aside healthy snacks and pre-made meals. That way, when you’re looking for something to eat you don’t head straight for chips or chocolate. Always have a backup plan in your fridge to heat up or bite into, to discourage over reliance on calorie-dense fast food.

I got dumped!

Emotions have the ability to dictate the severity of a person’s appetite. Stress and sadness can cause you to head straight for the ice cream portion of your freezer. But remember that this is just a passing feeling. Don’t let life’s drama get the best of you or your diet. Crushed by the wheels of the dump truck? Bummed that you lost out on that promotion? Upset by the sudden surge of paperwork? It would be better to vent out in the gym.  This is because exercise makes your body produce endorphins that counteract stress hormones known as cortisol. You’ll feel better in no time.

The Solution: If exercise is not an option, make sure to at least focus on your diet. Find out why it is you’re so upset and talk about it with a friend or write it down in a journal. Just make sure to keep emotional eating at bay or you’ll really have something to cry about.

It’s boring!

Healthy food has the bad reputation of being bland and boring. But there are lots of ways to spice up your diet, literally. Adding spices –like nutmeg, cinnamon, chili pepper, turmeric or cumin can add depth and flavor without stacking on the calories. The key is to be creative with your menu; even salads can be fun if you use your imagination.

The Solution: Search online or in the cooking section of your favorite bookstore for yummy low calorie recipes you can look forward to. In terms of exercise, just look for one that you genuinely enjoy. It could be anything from walking to kite flying, dragon boat rowing to kickboxing. Long, grueling gym sessions need not be a prerequisite for weight loss unless that’s what you’re into.

My friends are making me fat!

Dump your friends, just kidding. In all seriousness, just talk to them about what you’re trying to achieve. The more they understand, the better they can help you. And if they were true friends, they’ll want to support your mission to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The Solution: Form a weight loss group to help you stay motivated without feeling as though you’ve had to sacrifice your social life. Going on hikes, joining a tri-clinic or even playing laser tag are fun and affordable ways to keep in shape with your friends.

I’ve been so good!

Many people make the mistake of using food as a reward for their healthy efforts during the weekdays. They use this consciousness to give themselves the right to binge out over the weekend. However, these cheat days may do more harm than good because it counteracts everything you’ve worked for so far.

The Solution: Find other ways to reward yourself. Why not save up for a new wardrobe for when you hit your target weight? Or get a facial at your nearest Belo Clinic whenever you drop a jean size as a way of keeping you motivated.

I have no will power!

The biggest mistake a dieter can make is to set up too many boundaries. These strict limitations only inspire frustration, which leads the disheartened individual to disregard the diet altogether. Just remember that falling off the wagon for one day won’t make you fat –but make it a habit and you WILL gain weight.

The Solution: It’s simple, don’t deprive yourself! You’re allowed to treat yourself to guilty pleasures every once in a while. But make sure to moderate your consumption of indulgent dishes. Be aware of portion size, and how much you’re really eating.

There will always be excuses to give up. But none of them will get you to where you want or need to go. It seems like the world is against you when you’re trying to lose weight. But really, you’re your own worst enemy. Especially if you keep coming up with reasons why you can’t succeed.

Products and services offered by the Belo Medical Group can also help keep you on the path of health and fitness. Some examples are the Belo Herbal Diet Pill, the Vitamin Injection, Multi-polar and even non-invasive liposuction. For more information, be sure to watch Belo Beauty 101 or check the blog for future updates.

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Giselle Banzon

Many people, especially women, have issues with maintaining unwanted body and even facial hair. Most solutions are cheap and effective but only work for a short amount of time before the hair grows again. Now there is Laser Hair Removal. It is a treatment that gives permanent results and comes with added benefits as well.

RELATIVELY PAIN-FREE

Waxing or sugaring involves pouring a sticky substance in a potentially sensitive area in order to rip the hair from your skin (Ouch!) Laser hair treatment is slightly more forgiving. In an episode of Belo Beauty 101, Anne Curtis describes the process saying “para lang siyang pricking sensation, parang kinakagat ka lang ng langgam. and it helps din na nilalagyan ka naman ng anesthesia before so nakaka-less ng pain”

FEWER SIDE EFFECTS

Shaving, waxing and other popular hair removal methods often lead to skin discoloration because of damage done during the elimination process. Although skin becomes more sensitive and prone to pigmentation after the Laser Hair Removal procedure, the effects wear off after 3-5 days. The Belo Clinic provides you with laser cream as well. This cream is formulated with antibiotics to protect the targeted area/s from infection and to help aid the healing process.

Laser hair treatment also eliminates the possibility of obtaining unsightly ingrown hair and chicken skin as well.

TIME EFFICIENT

Although it takes about an hour or so to allow the anesthesia to settle, the Laser Hair Removal itself only takes a few minutes –depending on the areas being focused on. It is also considered time efficient because, when the recommended number of sessions are completed, hair growth is significantly reduced. This makes the area easier to manage in the future.

LONG LASTING RESULTS

The Laser Hair Removal method is the most convenient way to get rid of unwanted body hair because it provides permanent results. This way, you can get the luxury of carefree, hair-free legs, underarms, bikini lines or whatever else you’ve decided to treat. And while there’s a chance that hair may still grow after the treatment, it’s much finer in texture and sparser in quantity.

CAN TARGET EVERYTHING

Certain methods of hair removal are limited by expense or sanitation issues. Electrolysis is too expensive to be practically applied on anything but small problem areas such as the undesirable female mustache. In contrast, shaving along the bikini line may result in extreme discomfort when the hair grows back. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, can be used on every part of your body. What’s more is that multiple areas can be cleared of unwanted fuzz during the same session.

COST EFFECTIVE

The treatment can seem pretty pricey at first, but when you really think about it you can actually save money in the long run by getting Laser Hair Surgery. Waxing, delapitory creams and even shaving cost money too. They may seem like the cheaper solutions but getting rid of the problem –unwanted hair- will render waxing kits, razors, and the like obsolete.

Laser hair removal gives you the confidence to strut your stuff without having to worry about undesired body hair.  So what are you waiting for?  Set your appointment with the Belo Medical Group today.

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Giselle Banzon

The Belo Medical Group’s recent media launch for Kris Aquino was like the Queen of Media herself – chic, vibrant and, of course, beautiful.

Celebrity cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo is famous for inspiring perfection and for helping others become the best they can be. She is also known for the generosity that she lavishes on those around her. And so, the Queen of Beauty hired professionals who have established themselves as the best in their respective fields to help her welcome Kris Aquino back to Belo – Back with the Best.

The social masterpiece fashioned and organized by topnotch Belo consultant and imaging expert Jojie Dingcong, decorated the posh Red French Restaurant of Makati Shangri-La Hotel with a rich gold and rosette color palette. Robert Blancaflor was tasked to do and implement the “floral” plan.

An array of white roses, stargazers and daylilies, artfully arranged by florist Robert, perfumed every table. Each centerpiece even boasted its own heart-shaped crystal jewelry in understated elegance. The sought-after event stylist even went so far as to couture the Belo name and logo using a considerable amount of white roses.

When Kris and her son Baby James walked through the red-carpet entrance, the media went crazy. Buzzing in excitement, the barrage of cameramen and women swarmed the lady in red. But the guest of honor was more concerned about doting after her Baby James.

The arrival of world-famous beauty surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo and her daughter Cristalle triggered another snap-happy frenzy. Mother and daughter were dressed in pale gold and coral, respectively.

The partnership of Dr. Vicki and Kris Aquino is indeed a real headline grabber. The paparazzi high never seemed to cease as Belo and Aquino’s famous guests streamed in.

Among those present were Kris’ sister Pinky Abellada, whose education advocacy in Bacolod got the support of Belo, Angelica Cruz of Magic 89.9, stage actor Marco Manalac, noted Hollywood stylist Philippe Tordjman, who is Dr. Belo’s latest beauty business partner, Mega World’s big boss Kevin Tan and Tessa Prieto, who came in fashionably late in an ensemble that definitely turned some heads. The statuesque Raya Mananquil was there to host the event.

Dinner consisted of five courses, which featured dishes like smoked chicken and mango avocado salad with pommery mustard dressing and the surf-and-turf main course of wagyu beef with truffled mashed potatoes.

Although the meal and upscale ambience were beyond amazing, the evening was a celebration of beauty. After all, nothing could match the glamour displayed by the doctors, models, VIPs and showbiz stars who graced the party. They all made the night extraordinary.

Young singer-actor Matteo Guidicelli performed two songs in honor of both the Queen of Media and the Queen of Beauty. His rendition of John Legend’s Take It Slow even got Cristalle singing.

An equally entertaining discourse between two of the most famous and influential Filipinas blossomed soon after. They shared their success stories and beauty secrets in a casual and conversational manner, followed by a lively and interesting banter with the press. Later, they raffled off a designer bag and an iPad.

Every aspect of the launch was exquisite and exemplary – the decor, food, venue and the people. As always, Dr. Belo made sure that everyone under her care got only the best.

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