The Super Momma

Anne Curtis’ Guide to Summer Travel Essentials

The Super Momma 2:05 PM press release , 0 Comments

You’ve filed for leave, booked your tickets, reserved the hotel and mapped out your itinerary. Perhaps the only thing you have to do now is pack—arguably the most stressful thing you have to do before you go off your much-awaited summer jaunt.

So take your cue from Anne Curtis, Brand Ambassador of American Tourister Philippines, whose busy lifestyle, wanderlust and love for the season has narrowed it down to the most useful travel must-haves for the season. Between jetting off to Australia to spend time with family, wanting to explore Hamilton Island or the Northern Territory or even checking off Nepal this year on her summer go-to list, here are some of her summer travel essentials.

Sunnies

What would summer be without a nice pair of sunglasses? Whether you’re sunbathing on a sunny coast or touring exotic new locales, nothing says relaxed sophistication than a sun-drenched photo of yourself sporting your favorite pair.

Sunblock

It’s summer after all—so expect the rays to beat down. Be sure to slap on a lot of sunblock to protect yourself as you lounge by the shore or walk the streets of a new a city.

The throw-on dress

Pack one of the most versatile pieces you can possibly bring on any trip—a simple, airy shift dress can be work with comfortable flip-flops or sandals for a leisurely stroll, over swimwear as a cover-up or if accessorized right, becomes a simple, night-out look.

The all-around clutch

Pack your daily essentials into a roomy clutch that can carry your passport, tickets, wallet, cellphone and all your other must-have travel essentials that you want easy access to. Not only will you know where to find everything as you rummage through your carry-all, it can double as a handy little clutch for nights out.

Your cellphone

It has a camera, first of all—so you can easily take memorable snaps from your trip for posterity and doubles as an entertainment source for all your favorite films and music. On a more practical note, it helps to have your phone with you (even when on vacation) just to make sure that you can communicate in the event of an emergency.

A good book

It’s a great way to pass the time while waiting for flights and it’s an absolute essential as you try to soak in the seaside rays.

Your favorite swimwear

The great thing about this season is the sheer variety of swimwear options that you have at your fingertips. A bikini, a one-piece, a tankini, rashguards, board shorts, you name it. They’re pretty lightweight so you can easily pack as many as you want.

Your dependable luggage

Speaking of packing, you’ll need a trusty, dependable yet fashionable suitcase that’s sturdy enough to withstand even the longest of flights and keep your precious travel essentials tucked neatly (and safely) away until they’re ready for use. Choose one in a lively, bright hue, like the limited edition HS MV+ Landmark Prints line from American Tourister, which is available in fun, candy colors, to make it easily recognizable as it emerges from the baggage carousel. And when it comes to the most convenient soft case options, Gelato goes easily on the overhead compartments or as conveniently checked-in while the Buzz backpack line and Jiffy Duffle line comes in stylish, understated hues perfect for sightseeing.

For Anne, American Tourister has always been her go-to pick for all her travel needs—a brand that has been trusted through the years by travellers for its dependability and exceptional style and allows her to check off one less thing on her travel to-do list.

As for Anne’s perfect summer day?

“Lying down on a beautiful beach, getting a tan and reading an awesome book and just eating ice cream,” she shares.

And if you keep her summer travel essentials in mind as you pack for your perfect summer day, all you have to worry about now is choosing your ice cream flavor and finding that perfect Instagram filter to capture the moment.

Available in American Tourister Retail Stores and in leading Landmark, Robinsons, Rustan’s, Metro Gaisano and SM Department Stores nationwide. Follow us on Facebook: AmericanTouristerPh | Instagram: @americantouristerph | Twitter: @amertouristerph

Globally-Renowned Hereditary Cancer Test Makes its Way to the Philippines

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In May 2013, Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie made headlines when she announced that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy. Her controversial decision came after test results showed that she had 87 percent of getting breast and ovarian cancer because of a high-risk gene.

Since then, Jolie’s health issue has brought the issue of hereditary cancer to the fore, encouraging women all over the world to get tested and seek consultations. Dubbed “the Angelina Jolie effect,” researchers found that testing rates increased from about 350 a week prior to Jolie’s news to about 500 a week after her announcement, reflecting a 40 percent increase.

Health experts welcomed this surge in cancer awareness and spur of action, especially since cancer does run in some families. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all cancers develop because a person inherited a genetic mutation in a way that encourages the disease to grow, according to Myriad Genetics. Myriad is the company that offered BRACAnalysis, the test used by Jolie to determine her cancer risk.

As the demand for more comprehensive gene tests soared, Myriad has launched a new multi-hereditary cancer panel, called myRisk Hereditary Cancer. Currently, Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD), the leading diagnostics center in the country, is exclusively providing this globally renowned test in the Philippines.

“Individuals with certain genetic mutations are far more likely to develop cancer, often at a much earlier age than most people. As such, knowing a patient’s genetic makeup can help reduce risks and lead to the correct management of the disease,” said Dr. Karl T. Morales, a Surgical Oncology & General Surgery doctor and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons.

Myriad myRisk is a risk assessment test that detects gene mutations associated with eight major cancers. This includes cancer of the breast, ovarian, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, prostate and endometrial, which can all be associated with a single gene.

“What makes Myriad myRisk different from other tests is that this is the only hereditary cancer test combining your genetic information with your personal and family history, in order to generate guideline-based management options to help you lower cancer risks,” Dr. Morales said.

He clarified that Myriad myRisk does not determine whether one has cancer – rather, the test looks at multiple genes that impact inherited risks for eight important cancers.

Testing multiple genes helps avoid missing a possible cancer-causing mutation. “These test results provide critical information for your healthcare provider to make optimal medical decisions and take action in building a personalized cancer risk-reduction plan,” Ong-Sue added.

If one tests positive in the myRisk test, it means the individual carries a genetic mutation that increases cancer risk. The myRisk report is a helpful tool to understand a patient’s options, leading to management recommendations for specific cancer risks. With these recommendations, the patient and healthcare provider discuss and determine the right course of management, including improved screenings, preventive medication, and risk-reducing procedures.

Considered to be the global benchmark in accuracy and in offering fast turnaround time for panel testing, Myriad myRisk is among the range of special diagnostic tests that HPD offers.

Currently, HPD is one of the widest networks of diagnostics centers in the country. “We want to make the most comprehensive diagnostics services with the latest testing technologies accessible to more Filipinos, because we believe everyone deserves high quality healthcare,” HPD Vice President for Sales and Marketing Melissa OngSue-Lee said.

Known to be a pioneer in the industry, HPD continues to innovate service delivery to its clients. Highly trained, licensed professional medical technologists who conduct integrated and fully automated laboratory, imaging, and special tests, as well as other forms of examinations man its facilities, furnished with state-of-the art equipment and software.

For more information about Hi-Precision Diagnostics, the Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer test, as well as other diagnostic tests, visit www.hi-precision.com.ph or contact their hotlines, (02) 741-7777 or (02) 863-9999.

Kalibrr Recognizes Fresh Grads with Latest Promo

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Graduation maybe over, but job-matching platform, Kalibrr, is putting the spotlight back on to the graduates of 2015 with their latest online promo. ‘Fresh Grad Giveaway’ is an initiative by the tech start-up to encourage those who have just graduated that they can succeed in whatever career they choose, and Kalibrr is ready to back them up.

“Kalibrr is not limited to providing a roster of job matches for our users. We, as a company, are firm believers that there will always be something more in an individual and one is bound to succeed. We want people, fresh grads particularly, to know that.” said Kalibrr COO Dexter Ligot-Gordon.

Mechanics are simple. All it takes for participants to join is to post a photo of themselves in their best work attire on Instagram with an accompanying statement on how they think they can succeed with Kalibrr. The entry must tag @kalibrr and must bear the hashtag, #SucceedWithKalibrr to be valid. To make things more exciting, participants are also required to tag a friend whom they one to share the prize with.

Entries will be judged by three criteria: number of likes (45%), originality and creativity of the photo (35%), and quality of the write-up and description (20%). The owner of the winning entry will receive a P50,000-worth of shopping spree.

Only college students who have graduated or will be graduating in 2015 are allowed to join the promo. A Kalibrr account, created before May 31, 2015, is also required to join the contest.

Kalibrr’s Fresh Grad Giveaway is on-going until May 31, 2015. Announcement of the winner will be on June 3, 2015, through Kalibrr’s social media accounts. For more details, visit the promo’s micro site at https://www.kalibrr.com/fresh. You may also check out their Facebook (www.facebook.com), Twitter (twitter.com/kalibrr), and Instagram (@kalibrr) accounts.