To many parents all over the world, the name Glenn Doman is synonymous to amazing babies — babies who can read, do math and tons of advanced physical activities

Can a ten-month old baby start learning how to read? According to a study by physical therapist Glenn Doman, they can. His pioneering work with brain-injured children and early development of well children from around the world spawned a series of books which includes How To Teach Your Baby To Read (1964), How To Teach Your Baby Math (1979) and How To Teach Your Baby To Be Physically Superb (1988).

The most famous from the Doman method of teaching is thru the use of Doman’s Flash Cards, available through their website. Such learning tools were developed based on Doman’s belief that the infant brain evolves(as with evolution of the species) through stages of development similar to a fish, a reptile, a mammal and finally a human.(source:Wikipedia).

We all know that toddlers absorb knowledge like a sponge. According to developmental psychologists, a child at 2 to 4 months may have a vocabulary of 10 words. The pace of word learing quickens dramatically between 18 and 24 months, the so called naming explosion,  when tolddlers may add 10 to 20 words a week. At this age,toddlers seem to arrive at the wonderful realization that everything has a name  and they want to learn as many names as they can. Doman says that the younger the child, the easier the learning process. Thru his method, you could flash your baby’s brain and make him learn to read. Visit the  official site of the Glenn Doman Method to read the detail information.

Pureology is pure vegan, zero sulfate shampoos and conditioners that restore vibrancy and health to hair. Designed to gently cleanse without stripping colour, Pureology shampoos include a mild cleansing system derived from coconut, corn and sugar. Perfect for color treated hair because of its AntiFadeComplex.

Essensity by Schwarzkopf International developed products that would cater to damaged or color-treated hair, dry hair, and fine or normal hair.They’re ammonia-free, meaning, there’s no foul smell and the treatment does not cause any allergies, and is safe even for pregnant women. And though the line is proudly made in Germany, Schwarzkopf has tailor- fitted it to suit Asian hair.

Human Heart Nature is a Philippine company that sells organic, 100% Philippine ingredients and 100% chemical-free personal care products. A must try is their Aloe Vera Nourishing shampoo in peppermint or lemongrass extracts for normal finish or citrus mandarin with virgin coco oil for silky smooth hair.

L’Oreal Perfect Slim is a ginko-enriched sculpting gel that firms and tones skin in 8 days and, in 4 weeks, reduces the appearance of cellulite. Apply in the morning and get its fat-busting benefits throughout the day. It is non-greasy, non- sticky and penetrates instantly, allowing you to get dressed immediately after application.

Clarins Super Restorative Redefining Body Care helps slow down the expansion of abdominal adipose tissue and drains away excess fludis in the area so that you can finally have that whistle-bait figure. The acrtie ingredient in this slimming gel is cowberry extract.

Vaseline Firming Lotion is a great everyday lotion that packs dehydrated and ageing skin with moisture so that it can regain its youthful elasticity. Its collagen and elastin peptides makes skin smoother and firmer with daily use.

Nivea My Silhouette is a gel-cream that promises results in 4 weeks. Its bio-slim complex combines the active ingredients white tea and anise extract for a dual action of slimming and reshaping. White tea slims down fat cells and prevents them from growing back while anise extract activates skin’s cell-metabolism which leads to increased collagen production to tone and reshape the skin.

How to fake it

Who doesn’t want sexy summer skin all year round? If you don’t want to bake in the sun for too long to get that sun-kissed look, think bronzers and highlighters. They’re a woman’s best friend when it comes to faking a supermodel-like, toned body. You may not have a great bod but these products give you the illusion of one.

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Tinted Gel give you a bronzed look that lasts for a day. Apply one layer for a sheer look or add more product for a deeper color. Its quick-drying formula can be washed off with soap and water — flirt with the tanned look without committing! 

Model Co. Tan Airbrush In A Can is a light and airy mist self -tanner that is easy to apply. Spray 40cm away from body in a light, even, continual motion and wait 15 minutes before dressing. End result, a fabulous golden brown tan.

Guerlain Terra Cotta Teint Dore is a tinted spray-on liquid lotion that melts into the skin and develops into a glowing tan in minutes.It has a moisturizing formula that nourishes the skin and provides a satiny shimmer to skin 6 hours after application.

Of course, we all know Asians value fair, white, blemish-free skin and hold it in high regard over everything else. No foundation or concealer can ever hide skin imperfections completely, because everything, as they say, starts with the perfect canvass — skin that is healthy, glowing and fair white.

In case you haven’t heard, the current trend among skin whitening products is placental protein, an ingredient that promotes fairer skin and also has antiaging properties that enhance skin elasticity and moisture.

Mosbeau, one of the leading whitening brand in Japan, has placental protein as its main ingredient for its whitening creams and diet supplements. As claimed by Mosbeau, placental protein encourages skin cell renewal at the cellular level,removing dull, dark skin minus the itchiness, dryness and flaking.  A highly recognized whitening agent, placental protein is 50% more effective than glutathione.

After its success in  Japan with its flagship products Mosbeau White and Mosbeau R-Cell 100 Solution Series, Mosbeau is now in the Philippines. In 2009,  the company launched two of its best-selling products: Placenta White Supplement and White Underarm & Inner Thigh Cream and has tapped actress Angel Locsin as its endorser.

I’m always on the lookout for underarm whitening products that I can try and I believe a lot of women share my dilemma: there simply aren’t that many creams that can counteract underarm skin darkening so we resort to acid peeling or once-a-month exfolation via diamond ultrapeel. Mosbeau claims that its Underarm and Inner Thigh Cream gives visible results in 14 days. A 50 gram jar costs Php950 and can be used to whiten not only the underam and inner thighs but also the elbows, knees and aerola. It has other ingredients to whiten skin such as Daisy Flower Extract (cited to be twice more effective than Arbutin) and Vitamin C, along with botanical extracts from  aloe vera, Kudzu root, peony and strawberry begonia to nourish skin and enhance texture.

Placenta White, Mosbeau’s supplement tablets, costs Php2,500 a bottle,good for 30 day use. Along with placental protein, it has natural collagen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, Vitamin C for anti-aging and detoxifying, and asparagus extract, a dietary fiber to help flush out harmful toxins inside the body. The supplement actively inhibits melanin production, rejuvenates skin cells and detoxifies the body to promote glowing, beautiful skin.

I have yet to try the Underarm and Inner Thigh Cream but once I do, I will keep you posted on the results.

If it has SPF, the better. It simplifies your daily beauty regimen because you don’t have to apply a separate product that has sunscreen over your moisturizer. The downside is that because of its sheer coverage, as most tinted moisturizers are made that way, you need to reapply twice, even thrice a day especially when you expose yourself to the sun too often. You may use a translucent powder over to create a luminous effect. Here are a couple o tinted moisturizers in the market today:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

I’ve tried using Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer three years ago but during that time it does not have the added benefit of sunscreen protection. I’m glad to hear that they have recently come up with one that has SPF 20. LM is a sheer,lightweight moisturizer that has a hint of color that one can use in place of foundation. Great as a make up base if you don’t want to use the LM makeup primer.

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

The company that uses recyclable materials for their packaging has come up with its own brand of tinted moisturizer. Enriched with almond oil for skin hydration, Stila is also sheer and lightweight yet still manages to provide long-lasting coverage.

Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15

If you want a natural, clean look then this oil-free moisturizer is for you.  It’s easy to blend in and its powerful antioxidant complex protects and hydrates. Comes in 4 shades.

Philosophy Supernatural Tinted SPF 15

It’s an oil-free, tinted foundation primer that multitasks as a skin perfector and an SPF. Aside from evening out skintone, it greatly reduces the appearance of pores.

Smashbox Sheer Focus SPF 15

It’s lightweight and creamy upon application but stays on longer than other moisturizers because of its mattifying formulation.Contains citrus honey ingredients with the added benefit of Vitamin C and E for protection against free radicals. It also has antiaging peptides to improve skin elasticity.

Make up artist Caroline Barnes teaches you how to get the right color for your skin type and how to blend it in to create a natural finish (see Max Factor Second Skin Foundation tutorial). The trick, she says, is to match the color of your neck to your face. This is really important especially when you wear tops and blouses that expose the neck area during the summer.

Of course, the face always does seem a tad lighter than the neck area since we use products to protect the face. That is why it’s important to never neglect the neck area, especially during the summer. It’s wise to apply moisturizer with SPF on the face and blend it downwards unto the neck at all times.

When you go to the makeup counter, have the saleslady apply two shades on the side of your cheek and choose which color looks best on you. Barnes says the matching of the color of the neck to the face is tricky but she teaches us that this is possible with the right product and the right blending technique. With Max Factor’s Second Skin Foundation you create a flawless finish that she says is virtually undetectable even to professional makeup artists. The secret is in the product’s multi-tonal pigment technology that smooths over and blends flawlessly with your own natural complexion. Pair this off with MF’s Natural Mineral Bronzer and you’re all set to party.

Organized in collaboration with RunRio, the Superbods Run aims to help the public take up an active and healthy lifestyle through running while raising awareness on the issues concerning children’s welfare and the protection of the environment.

Through the event, Century Tuna hopes to raise funds for the benefit of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), a group devoted to the welfare of children and cooperates with the World Health Organization in immunization programs; and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment.

During the event, Century Tuna will hold a raffle-for-cause, where race participants and guests can join by dropping off Century Tuna labels at registration and drop-off venues. Raffle participants will not only have the chance to win exciting prizes, but will also get to help the beneficiaries of the event. For every Century Tuna label dropped, a corresponding donation will go to the Unicef and the WWF. The Superbods Run, dubbed the “run of the century,” will feature four race events: 3km, 5km, 10km and 21km. Male and female top finishers will go home with big cash prizes as well as special prizes from Century Tuna, Nike, Timex and Nature Valley. They will also receive RunRio Finisher’s shirts and medals.

Some of the country’s hottest celebrities are also expected to participate, including Century Corned Tuna endorser Derek Ramsay, Superbods 2009 winners Van Victor Leaño and Theresa Fenger, and Coach Rio de la Cruz of RunRio. Fun activities will also be featured such as capoeira, yoga, and running sessions. Everyone can also enjoy delicious Century Tuna treats and try out Century Corned Tuna, a new and delicious way to enjoy healthy tuna with a delicious corned beefy taste.

 Run for health and for a good cause at the Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010. Registration is still ongoing from Feb. 9 to 15, only at Nike Park Bonifacio High Street and Second Wind Running Store.For questions, call the Century Tuna Superbods Run Secretariat at (02) 703-1736.

Frequent use of nail cosmetics such as polishes, removers, top and base coats, causes nail splitting or brittleness because they contain chemicals that  dry up the nails.Some experience yellowing of the nails.

To keep this from occuring, keep nail paint on for a maximum of 7 days and then remove them to give nails “breathing time.” Also, switch to a polish with a gentle formulation that are made without formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.

I use Elianto base coat before I apply paint on my nails. It keeps nails from yellowing and makes it strong. They have a number of colors and tried a few of them but for wide variety of brilliant colors, try The Face Shop. Both are Korean brands and are gentler on the nails. I sometimes finish off with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails as top coat to keep the color brilliant and help protect the nails from breaking. In case I make a mistake, which I often do when I apply polish on my nails, Sally Hansen Manicure Clean Up Pen comes real handy. Its a felt-tipped marker with built-in acetone that makes manicure clean ups a breeze.

I love long nails and there have been times when I do break my nails when I open soda cans or when they get caught when I zip on my jeans. In case you break a nail and fret about how long it’s gonna grow long again try Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle. The keratin, collagen and multi vitamins in it speeds up nail growth in as little as 5 days plus it has soy proteins to keep in moisture.

Another must try is Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertilizer (available at Nail Spa Shangri-La Plaza). Apply every 7 days to strengthen and repair nails and see results within a month’s time. They also have lacquer paint that are safe even for pregnant women.

Places to get a mani/pedi:

California Nails and Day Spa has always been tops on my list on occasions when I don’t feel like doing my own nails. I go to their GT Tower branch in Makati.

If you’re into nail art, try the Cawaii Nail Art at Appleseed Skin and Nail Spa in SM City San Lazaro in Sta. Cruz. This anime-themed concept spa specializes in nail, spa and skin services and is staffed by Japanese-trained therapists. Most of their fashionable nail art deigns come from Korea.
Their first branch is in Shijuku  district in Japan but the flagship store is here in the Philippines.

The Ixus 200 shares the same features as its predecessor –an impressive wide angle (28mm) 4x optical zoom lens, 12.1 Megapixel resolution and DIGIC 4 processor. It shoots movies at 720p and can be hooked up to an HDTV right away. All the same except for the touch screen that has made it so enticing to gadget freaks, not to mention the 3-inch LCD that’s also widescreen. The menu options, however, is not entirely dependent via touch because the jog dial has been retained.

I had the Ixus 110 in the gold colored version, very sleek and stylish. And one of the features I love about this camera is the 10 second, 3 shot-timer.Most cams would shoot just once, the 110 shoots three consecutively.Tweak it some more and you see that it also has face detection.

There is no doubt as to image capability of the Ixus 200 because, like I said, it shares the same features as the 110 that I use. Images are always bound to impress.

Century Properties, the brains behind the soon-to-rise Gramercy and Knightsbridge in what will be called Century City along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, has just launched another first in Philippine real estate, the Azure Urban Resort Residences, a resort type private community in the very heart of busy south, designed by no less than world-renowned urban masterplanner Jason Pomeroy of Broadway Malyan.

Century Properties has always been ahead in the innovation curve when conceptualizing and bringing to reality real estate communities that are so unusual. It’s not just about owning a home, its also about enjoying a kind of lifestyle one deserves.

Azure will feature mid-rise towers in a sprawling six-hectare lot where approximately 80% will be devoted to open space (water, greenery, roads and amenities). It is packed with a multitude of amenities, including the first large-scale-man-made beach inside a private, gated community complete with pristine white sand, undulating waves, multiple water slides and water cascades. It also has an open park, zen garden, grand fountains with dancing waterworks and lights, multiple playgrounds, an interactive water play area, lap pool, kiddie pool, outdoor picnic grove, centralbar and basketball court.

It also features a modern clubhouse with function rooms, a movie/THX room, two restaurants, barbeque station, electronic play area, game room, a well equipped gym, spa and massage rooms.

 Azure is located beside SM Bicutan, only 8 minutes away from Makati and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

After actor Piolo Pascual for Gramercy Makati and Canyon Ranch in Cavite, Century has tapped another celebrity endorser, Ruffa Gutierez, to launch this very innnovative project.

Prospective homeowners think about owning a home that is not too far from the city because of time spent travelling to and from their place of work. After acquiring such, they then think about owning another property, some place they can hie off to every weekend to unwind and relax.

You can have both with Azure and for the price of Php 11,000 a month (thru Pag-ibig Fund), according to property consultant Mitch Leones (you may contact her at tel. no. 0920-4425631 and +632-7935575, email at mitchleones@hotmail.com) or log on to www.centuryhomesphilippines.com.