The Wutz Up in the Philippines!

Actress and television host Kris Aquino has been discharged from a Makati hospital where she was confined over the weekend after suffering a fall in her Taguig residence last Friday.

In a text message to GMA News, Aquino said she is already home and was advised by her physician to rest until Wednesday.

Aquino, the youngest daughter of the late President Corazon Aquino and slain Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., slipped and fell while taking a shower in her condominium unit in Taguig City at about 1:30 a.m. last Friday.

“I took a bad fall, landed on my head early Friday morning,” Aquino said in the text message that was shown in a report aired over GMA News’ “24 Oras.”

She was brought to Makati Medical Center for treatment.

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Arguably, it is easier to be happy when one has many things to be happy about. And a person in the midst of suffering tends to lose faith and give in to sadness.

Winston Abella Maxino, 47, has been, for the longest time, contradicting these statements. Humor and infectious laughter are his best “weapons,” empowering him to rise above the medical challenges in his life.

The eighth of nine children, Winston was born and raised in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. For most of his life, he suffered from severe asthma and allergy attacks. There were times when he had to be brought to the hospital and be confined for half the total number of school days.

The surest way for him to get rid of the physical pain was to make people laugh by cracking jokes and playing tricks on them. He always felt he was on the verge of death and with those simple gestures, he could leave a mark in case he would die soon. People would remember him as the “poor boy” who mastered the art of making people happy.

Even while faced with serious medical conditions, Winston was born to be an achiever. At 11, he became the “Little City Mayor” in Dumaguete City and performed mayoral duties for a week. He got elected as the youngest kagawad representing the youth sector of the city when he was still studying in Silliman University in 1980.

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Has Filipino culture really changed through the years? Latest statistics showed that less Filipinos have been tying the knot while more of them have been ending their marriages.

Dr. Romulo Virola, secretary-general of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), said that in the year 2000, less than half of the country’s population (45.7%) were married. Back in the 80s, he said 50.6% of Filipinos have exchanged “I do’s.”

In 2008, only 50.7% of women aged 15 to 49 were married, down from 54.4% in 1993.

“Has love become more expensive, or is it because Pinoy men of earlier generations had stronger appeal than this Piolo Pascual or Gerald Anderson?” Virola said in his column at the NSCB website.

“Whatever, for those who are looking to tie yourselves with a knot, you know your prospects have gone higher, provided of course, that you are willing to marry anyone who is unmarried,” he added.

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MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine General Hospital on Wednesday said the number of Filipinos infected with HIV rose dramatically in the past 10 months and now includes young urban professionals such as call center agents.

Doctors at the PGH Infectious Disease Treatment Complex said the number of human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) cases in the hospital rose to 100 in the past 10 months.

Records from the Department of Health showed that the number of HIV cases rose to 709 last year, compared to 528 in 2008.

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MANILA, Philippines - Officially, the networth of the Ampatuan clan’s patriarch is P11 million. Unofficially, however, the wealth of embattled Andal Ampatuan Sr., former Maguindanao governor, and his family members, could reach up to at least P1.3 billion.

The official accounting of Ampatuan Sr.’s wealth was based on the 2002 statement of assets, liabilities and networth disclosed by the Maguindanao governor to the government.

Aside from Ampatuan Sr., who has been a politician for decades, other relatives also hold various public positions. Public officials are required to submit an accounting of their wealth for transparency.

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Poking fun at passé and incongruous sensibilities is artist Ramon Manuel ‘RM’ de Leon. The progression of his acrylic works on paper proves that this is what he enjoys and does best. He has, at some point, churned out loaded opuses brimming with grim appropriations and has already produced artworks that defy some of the persisting banalities and quirks in the art scene. But the artist’s high regard for aesthetics and technique resulting in sophisticated pieces seemingly betray the many jarring narratives and hard-hitting commentaries he inculcates in each one.

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These days, it’s not so easy to travel due to the economic crisis. As appetizing as it is to visit Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia and to partake in each country’s respective cuisines, sometimes, the budget just will not permit it.

So what’s a curious foodie-slash-wannabe backpacker to do? Yes, going around Metro Manila to sate one’s craving for multicultural fare is always an option, but it’s not exactly a win-win situation. There’s no pleasure derived from exotic surroundings and there’s certainly no instant gratification. Another, better solution? Makansutra at the Manila Ocean Park.

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WHEN testing a foundation shade on my skin, I choose the pale yellow shades. As light-skinned as I may be, that (pale yellow) has always been my undertone.

The last time though, I was surprised when the sales reps of Lancôme, Shiseido, MAC and Shu Uemura commented that the swatches on my jawline did not blend in. They then tested pink undertones on my skin, which were a better match. It could be called a fluke if it were just one or two brands, but four?

I have come to the conclusion that L’Oreal’s Transparent Rosy Whitening Radiance Boosting Double Essence (P845) and Transparent Rosy Whitening Night Cream (P525) do work as I have been using them for about eight weeks on the face and neck. My exposed arms are still yellow-toned by the way.

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A lot of people who watch their weight swear by food delivery service. What that means is that you receive a day’s supply of five meals — breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner. They come in microwavable containers, which makes it very convenient to bring to the office. The idea is to eat almost every three hours, which takes care of about 12 to 15 of your active hours.

A lot of Hollywood celebrities either have food delivered regularly or have their own chefs whipping up a full day’s meal plan. Those who have tried it locally know that normally, there is a minimum package of 14 days so you have to pay the full package price before the daily deliveries begin.
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MANILA, Philippines - With the rains in full effect that day, it was easy to feel the blues. Good thing SM brought a much-needed dose of bright fashion ideas through its Augustyle Fashion Forum. Hosted by VJ Joey Mead, the forum featured beauty and fashion experts sharing the latest trends.

The Augustyle Fashion Forum also held a mini fashion show that focused on SM’s latest collections. Everyone who attended the event went away armed with helpful tips on sprucing up their wardrobe.

For example, girls’ teens wear need not be drab black-and-white ensembles. By adding a hint of pink or colored details, the outfit becomes unique and more personal.

For those who love their LBDs, why not add frills and textured details for an even more eye-catching affair? Even work wear can spell powerful and fabulous by adding a twist or playing with shapes that flatter the body.

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