Women Breadwinners: When You Make More Money Than Him

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

MOD August 2010

“MORE and more families think out of the box, or in a non-traditional way. It is acceptable that roles can be interchanged because of the realities of financial woes,” says Dr. Edgardo Juan Tolentino, head of the psychiatry department at the Makati Medical Center.

Today’s mothers seem to be top executives. More and more women are becoming breadwinners of their household, while the husbands play the role of caregivers to their children. “In the Philippines, to a certain extent, our society is matriarchal. That we have had two female presidents speaks of our acceptance of the woman being empowered,” Tolentino says.

Society views may have changed, but how does that affect your relationship with your man when you earn more money than him? “Always look at the value of what the other person contributes,” Dr. Tolentino advises. “To put it at a smarter perspective, money is important, but look at what both spouses contribute. Even though he (the husband) doesn’t give in as much money, he also shares something else.”

MOD COLLECTION

Factors that may have brought upon this type of relationship:

1. Changes in social standard. “There is a change in tradition,” says Dr. Tolentino. “We are now open to a different perspective as we are highly influenced by the Internet. We are able to see other models of relationships, not just the traditional.” We see marriages such as that of Julia Roberts and cameraman Danny Moder which makes us open to a type of relationship where the woman earns more.

2. Personality. “If the man is highly secure with himself and he sees the need to earn, his self esteem is not related to his earnings,” he says.

3. Migration. “The women have greater opportunities to work in other countries as nurses, or domestic helpers. That’s another factor why they have greater earning capacity than the males,” he says.

4. Intermarriages. According to Dr. Tolentino, the Spanish and American colonization and Chinese culture greatly influenced our own. Filipinos have a lot of models of different relationships to choose from.

Advantages of wives as breadwinners

1. Acceptance of switch of roles. “Roles can be interchanged. The man, as long as he is secure with himself, can be highly important even though he is not working. He can take the househusband role, managing the household chores, helping the children with their homework and driving them to school,” explains Dr. Tolentino.

2. Allows for a greater breath of expressing roles. “There is not much pressure as long as both of you and your man are secure that each one is fulfilling an important role,” Dr. Tolentino says. “If you stick to the traditional roles, the doors for cash opportunities might close.”

3. Balance of power. “In any relationship, you will always expect a power balance. Society has put too much value on who holds the purse or who holds the power. But power is something to be shared,” he says. “Even though the man is working, it is expected that he gives the money to the woman. So when there is a reversal of roles, she also gets to budget. It’s not untraditional. It is always the woman who budgets and decides on how to spend it. But today, there are some models, in which the woman shares with the househusband the budgeting. She has the option to modify the expenditures.”

Disadvantages of wives as breadwinners

1. External pressure. “This could be because of the cultural and traditional values of the family,” he says. The man may feel powerless because he is earning less.

2. Internal Pressure “If there are personality problems, like the man is insecure or the woman is domineering, the wife may ask questions like, ‘Why am I the one working? Why am I the one bringing home the bacon?’” he explains.

Angel Locsin: Where She’s Putting Her Money

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Angel Locsin: Where She’s Putting Her Money

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA PUBLISHED MOD August 2010
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ANGEL Locsin has already proven herself well in showbiz so she endeavors on a new enterprise where she is putting her well earned money. And she is taking with her the things she learned from the entertainment industry as she fulfills a new role of an entrepreneur.

The actress recently ventured into the food industry by opening her own bar and KTV in Quezon City, which is called Fuel Up. “It’s my first time to do this, to engage in a business, specifically a bar. Lately I’ve been going out a lot because I really don’t know what the people are looking for. The crowd in Makati is different from the crowd in Quezon City, right?”

It is not only research that Angel is doing, as when it comes to her business, she is hands-on. “There are times that I go to the bar and oversee things. I even mix drinks. Of course it’s just a new business. I really have to assist my staff and we need to work hand in hand. We are like one big family there,” she says.

She fondly recalls one incident when she gladly helped out. “There was one time we were shorthanded, and our bartender needed assistance. Our customers wanted some drinks and to take pictures with me. Then, I thought, hmm… why don’t I help out? I asked them, ano gusto n’yo? Our sales went double that night. Every time someone would take a picture they would need to drink beer or take a shot first. It was fun, tapos na-enjoy naman nila, kasi ako ‘ yung nagmi-mix talaga,” she says.

Of course like any regular establishment, Fuel Up also encounters some dilemmas. She shares, “One time, there was a group who went on a field trip in our bar. We didn’t know what to do. Kasi ‘di ba, why would you have field trip in a bar? They were all minors. If we turned them away, they would be offended. Also, our regulars and walk-in customers were there. Even though they were so many-- a bus full! --they weren’t really ordering much. Probably because they were still minors. So we just talked to them and stated our rules. Of course some were offended. But we really needed to do that.”

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“Success is not all luck. There are certain opportunities that pass us by, may mga tsamba, but then you also have to prove yourself,” Angel says. Of course we know that Angel proved herself well by not passing by opportunities such as the youth show Click, and in the fantasy series Mulawin where she played Alwina. Even more, she proved her acting prowess via an Emmy nomination for her role as she-wolf in the teleserye Lobo.

Up next for Angel is a movie with Aga Muhlach, tentatively titled Huling Sayaw, where she plays the role of a pole dancer ."When I was offered the role, my reaction was, ‘Are you sure that it is me you want to cast?’ In this movie, I had to do everything that I didn’t want to do, as in lahat.” Angel says. To prep up for the role, she had to take up pole dancing lessons.

“You wouldn’t be able to last in the entertainment industry if you don’t have the talent, proper attitude, and if you don’t work your fingers to the bone,” Angel says.

With this kind of outlook, it is no wonder why she has many projects and endorsements, among them top retail brand Folded and Hung and canned goods giant Century Tuna.

“Some think that showbiz is all glitz and glamour,” she says. “No, it’s not just that. There are days when you don't feel the emotion the director calls for, but you just have to emote it. That’s how draining the work is.”

Problems such as having minors in a bar you own or being cast in a challenging role may be a regular rough patch on the road, but this girl can seem to solve them well, with a dose of talent and a shot of perseverance. “It just takes hard work for you to do your job well. Research, be on time, and be professional,” she says.

Angel Talks Fitness and Money
What’s your daily diet like?
I have to have a cheat day, where in I eat whatever I want. Before, I chow down on a lot of junk food, but now, I don’t eat as much anymore. I stopped eating junk food this year.
Do you have a sports regimen?
I do biking and belly dancing.
How about your exercise regimen?
I jog. I work out. There’s a video called Insanity. You should watch it. The workout is super intense. It is not that new, but it is slowly gaining a following.
How do you budget your money?
I have an accountant who helps me with my budget. I don’t spend that much. I only treat myself with food actually and, oh yeah, shoes. If I don’t need something then I won’t buy it. I keep my payments in the bank and withdraw cash only if needed.
What is one thing that you are saving for?
I already have a house, so I’d like to have more investments.
Define Wealth
I am rich in family and friends. I consider myself blessed for having that kind of family who supports me. At the same time, they don’t tolerate the bad things that I do. They treat you as a normal person and not as a celebrity

Skin Assets

Skin Assets

BY ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

PUBLISHED MOD AUGUST 2010

“MOST of us have insecurities. Sometimes an insecurity is not that even big a thing, like having a chicken pox mark. It may be small, but then it’s a kilometer scar on the heart because it affects your life. It affects how you feel about yourself, your self-confidence,” says Dra. Vicki Belo.

These insecurities hinder us from showing a side of the cheek when smiling in a picture, donning sleeveless blouses, or wearing pencil cut skirts. This is probably why one of the best investments today is having good skin as it also boosts one’s self confidence. “Having a good skin is important. It is routinary for people go to beauty institutions every month to make sure that they don’t have whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples.” she says. “I think people should pay more attention to skin care especially because we put so many products on our face like makeup and lotion.”

“The universal features that I consider beautiful are beautiful hair and clear skin,” says Dra. Belo. “Other people have different taste and requirement. For example, the Americans like us for our flat nose. They find it beautiful. Some people like chinita eyes, some like deep-set eyes. But the one thing that everybody agrees on is beautiful hair and clear skin.”

Dr. Belo helps us achieve that clear, flawless skin with these treatments that her clinic offers. Be advised that these treatments are case-to-case basis, and that good skin can never be achieved without follow-up and maintenance.

Glycopeel Cleaning

A skin treatment which makes use of different concentrations of fruit acids and glyocolic acid, it extracts pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, and exfoliates dead skin cells. Best for oily and acne-prone skin.

Time Needed: Treatment takes 30-45 minutes, and regular cleaning can be done once a week.

Power Peel

Power peel or microdermabrasion makes use of corundum oxide crystals to gently remove dead skin and vacuum deeper layers. This is recommended for acne scars and fine lines. This can be used to improve marks and is best for teenagers and those in their early 20s.

Time Needed: Treatment takes around 20 minutes. Regular cleaning can be done once a week

Botox

Botox is used widely for the elimination of wrinkles which can be found between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines, and smile lines around the eyes. It relaxes the muscles around the area where the botox was injected. Fine lines are not guaranteed to be removed with this treatment. The patient can see the effect after a week’s time, and usually lasts for three to six months, depending on maintenance.

Time Needed: Treatment may be done two to four times a year

Thermage

This is a one-time treatment which makes use of radio frequency technology which has been clinically proven to tighten ad gently lift the skin to smooth out the wrinkles and renew facial contours. It has been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs for the non-invasive treatment of facial wrinkles. Full results may be seen after three to six months and can last up to two years depending on maintenance.

Time Needed: May be repeated after six months

Fraxel

Fraxel laser treatment is a new technology which exfoliates and improves scars. It is a nonsurgical procedure used for the treatment of the acne scars. An erbium glass laser is used for fractional resurfacing procedure to stimulate the scar. Patients have the option of procedure to be done with either a cream anesthesia or a sedative for those sensitive to pain,

Time Needed: 20 minutes each treatment, 5 to 6 sessions from two to four weeks

VBeam

A versatile pulsed dye laser that treats a wide range of vascular tension such as facial veins, facial, neck, and chest redness, blue spots on lips, leg veins, warts, scars, and stretch marks, the VBeam has a unique Dynamic Cooling Device which sprays cryogen into the epidermis for a quick and effective cooling and protective effect.

Time: Two to four treatments performed six weeks apart.

Body Scrub with Bleach

The body scrub exfoliates the skin, making it supple and smooth. Most of the patients who go for a body scrub also opt for body bleaching. Sea salt and honey almond scrub are used to gently remove dead dry, rough skin, while grapeseed extract, AHA, and licorice are used to whiten the skin. This procedure can be followed up with whitening creams and lotions that patients may apply at home.

Time: The procedure takes about 45 minutes and can be done one to three times a week for 10 to 12 sessions

Kc concepcion sings

Walk your butt off

By Ana Valenzuela

Published Gablifestyle July 13, 2010

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates once said that walking is man’s best medicine. Recent studies have confirmed this to be true: walking as exercise benefits the brain, heart and bones. Furthermore, it also helps prevents a number of diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer and colon cancer.

In today’s world where physical activity is beginning to be taken for granted and health standards are constantly falling, spending hours in the gym under a strenuous workout plan seems inefficient. Meanwhile, walking is now picking up popularity as a gentle, effective, convenient, and cheaper workout option. Ultimately, walking has been the unparalleled vote of many, due to its greater assurance of safety, and higher levels of health and fitness, minus the shelling out of cash and rigorous training.

Though it is pretty much a win-win situation for anyone who decides to engage in it, before you even plan your regimen, here are a few important reminders that you might want to consider:

more here: gablifestyle.com

Review: The Last Airbender

Coming from an avid viewer of the cartoon series Avatar: the legend of Aang, the last airbender, I am not pleased with the movie. But, I already knew that I'd be disappointed with the film adaptation, because of the casting and of course how limiting two hours can be as compared to a whole season.

I really have a big problem with the casting. Dev Patel as the Fire nation's Zuko, he's indian, the cartoon clearly draws him as Chinese. Couldn't they have just find a Chinese, Japanese or even Korean actor ro play Aang's arch enemy (that's all, I'm going to say first cause a line in the movie "we could be friends you know," Aang to Zuko is a dead giveaway of what's going to happen in the sequel.) They could have cast Korean-Actor Rain, who I believe already made a hollywood action film. Zuko is older than Aang. Plus, if they really wanted Dev Patel, he could have been perfect for the role of Sokka. Sokka in the cartoons is drawn similar to Dev's features. In defense of Jackson Rathbone (Twilight), i liked his performance, especially during the first parts when they were out hunting, I got some hints of Sokka's kookiness.

Another problem that I had with the movie was that the characters weren't given much personalities. I do remember that episode of when Katara was teaching Aang, but it didn't really show in the movie that she was jealous of him because he was learning faster than her, instead Aang pretended to not learn and was practicing only in night time. I wonder how they are going to make Aang like Katara, because he has a crush on her, but it was not an issue in the movie. Aang's pets, Appa and Momo did not have much parts in the movie, but at least they were brillaintly done and could very much compare to the original, "yip, yip!"



Plus , the Avatar state was tinkered with. The Avatar state is when Aang is most powerful and all elements---earth, air, water and fire are with him, this only happens when he is most angry, and when he is in the avatar state, he becomes helpless afterwards. In the movie, Aang was in the Avatar state when he was controlling the ocean trying to defeat the Fire Nation, and after he did so, he was okay.

Apart from that, i also have a problem with the execution as not much special effects and new tactics nad martial arts skills were used. I was watching in 3D,. DUH? What more it was all eery and dark, yes i know I was in the cinema, but then even the day scenes have a glint of being dark, I guess that must have been the director's signature? I would have really wanted the movie to be written by the original creators and not by the director, M. Night, but hey, that's just me, right?

Although, I am disappointed, i will still watch part two, book 2: earth, where another of my favorite character Toph, a 12 year old blind girl who is also Aang's Earth bending teacher will appear. oh yeah King Bumi, Aang's friend is awesome too.

Review: Avon's Skin So Soft Lotion

My skin has been dry, all my life. Truth be told, back in high school, our school doctor even prescribed me a moisturizing soap for me to use.

Then, when college came I stopped using it and drank lots of water instead. But, my skin has never been smooth.

After trying out Avon's skin So soft lotion, i have been a convert, i now am a an avid lotion user. There are more lotions at home for me to try, but really this one is the best, as it not only feels good,it also smells good.

'A positive attitude makes a woman beautiful'

Sister speak with Carla abellana:
'A positive attitude makes a woman beautiful'
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA MOD
July 2010

WITH her skin's pinkish, white glow, Carla Abellana could have easily bagged her dream gig during her pre-showbiz, modeling days: to appear in a Pond's television commercial. According to the actress, she always wanted to appear in an ad for the beauty product. She even tried her luck in three VTRs. But Carla's dream never came to be. Little did she know that she would be in for a much bigger break: the lead role—the title role, if we may add--in a prime time television series. That, as most teleserye fans know, was Rosalinda, a local adaptation of a Mexican telenovela. And the bonus part? She did get the commercial of her dreams as she's now the newest endorser of Pond's.

Now, as one of the most recognizable faces on TV, Carla makes a conscious effort not only to look good but be good in her craft. Here, the star of Basahang Ginto spills some other beauty and career secrets.

Away with negativity. “Confidence and attitude is what makes a woman beautiful. Kahit sino ka pa, kahit hindi maganda ang skin mo or what, basta masayahin kang tao at positive ka, that’s what will make you beautiful. Although there are low days, I manage naman to maintain that positive attitude. Importante 'yan to keep me going. At sa trabaho ko hindi naman puwedeng nakasimangot at nagsusungit ka.”

Her happy pill. “Happiness is just a matter of counting your blessings, and seeing what matters to you. Kahit anong problema ang ibigay sa 'yo alam mong nandiyan 'yung family and friends mo. That's what makes me happy always--family and friends talaga, plus I have a good career and that I’m given so many opportunities and blessings.”

Taking the challenge head-on. “I think the toughest challenge that I have faced in show business was the adjustment phase, and that I had to start from scratch. Nandoon 'yung ‘O sino siya? Sa'n siya galing?' Kasi normally ang artista, tini-train 'yan, bini-build up, nag-iipon siya ng experience. Ako wala akong ganyan, wala akong bala. Right away, I was given a lead role in my own show. Ang daming expectations from the network pa lang, all the more from the public. So I had to maintain an image. I had to really learn to sing, dance, act...everything. In such a short span of time, kinailangan kong humabol sa ibang artista and deal with the pressure, the schedule, and everything else. So nung umpisa nangangapa pa ako.”

One step at a time. “I told myself na kakayanin ko with the blessing and the support of my family, and that I’ll take it one day at a time--'yung kailangan kong gawin today, 'yun lang muna. Hindi ko na masyado inisip ang future. Sucessfully, thankfully, nagawa ko 'yun. I was given enough time to prepare, so I’d like to believe that I was able that to prove something in that one year I was in showbiz. Acting has helped me a lot. Doon ko nadaan ang emotions ko.” Newbie forever. “It’s been a year since I entered showbiz and I can say that I've adjusted. Hindi nga ako makapaniwalang its been a year, eh. I’ve learned to really enjoy my job now and madami na akong ka-close sa industriya. Dati kasi syempre nandoon 'yung pressure kasi baguhan ka. But I will always see myself as a newcomer and that will always make me humble--kung paano ako nag-umpisa, saan ako nag-umpisa, at kung ano ako dati. What’s important is nalampasan ko na yung stage na 'yun--'yung puno ng anxieties, kaba, pressure, and stress.”

The backup plan . “I have a degree already, so no matter what happens with my showbiz career, I have a job pa rin, may fallback ako. I can go back to teaching, or to the corporate world.”

Derek Ramsay: Dodging Rumors

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
MOD JULY 2010

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A STAR’s popularity can be measured by the number of rumors floating around him. Derek Ramsay isn’t an exception, as he is hounded by rumors left and right.

“May issue na peke ang katawan ko, may issue din daw na may gay sex video ako,” says the Century endorser, used to all this brouhaha. “Wala akong tinatagong asawa sa ibang bansa, wala akong tinatagong anak that I know of, at wala din akong gay sex video.”

He adds, “’Yung pinaka-nakakatawa ay ‘yung peke daw yung katawan ko,” he says. Can’t blame him. After all, he worked out for his body? More than eating the right kind of food, he works on his physique through his passion for sports like ultimate Frisbee, and now mixed martial arts (MMA) in preparation for his role in the teleserye Magkaribal which started airing recently. "Nag-training kami sa URCC (Universal Reality Combat Championships). I had some good trainers sa Mojo Gym who helped me out. Parang crash course in MMA, which I really, really enjoyed. So when I get back from South Africa, I might step away from Frisbee for a while and strengthen my body through MMA. Parang wrestling, boxing, and ju-jitsu caught my interest," he says.

Derek’s calm approach to intrigues, however, stops once his family gets involved. And actress Angelica Panganiban, his longtime girlfriend, always seems to be dangled along, with some rumormongers insinuating she doesn’t get along with his family. According to Derek, not only him, but also his family, like the Rubi star.

“We’re not just partners, we’re also friends,” Derek says on what keeps his relationship with Angelica strong. “We help each other grow in our careers, given na ‘yun na you’re supposed to trust each other. Anyone can say that, but in our relationship, we let ourselves grow. I don’t set rules for Angel when she became my girlfriend, or when I became her boyfriend. I’m not going to set rules, if she wants to change for me, or if I want to change for her, we do that by ourselves. We don’t impose on each other. She’s growing as a person, as an actress. I’m growing as a person, I think. That’s the reason why happy ‘yung relationship namin.”

Sally Hansen now available in the Philippines

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