ROCCO and MELISSA NACINO Launches MAMA LUNA

 

Meet the Nacino's, Actor Rocco and Volleybelle Melissa

 I've been really looking forward seeing Rocco Nacino and his wife Melissa Gohing-Nacino all these months since they've announced that they're having a baby. Recently, they divulged it's going to be a baby boy, and have yet to choose a name and settled for a temporary one called Baby N. Rocco just finished building his dream home, and are making headway finishing the baby room in the next few weeks. He also is a bit busy with a few acting projects and shared an international one which he hopes would bear fruit soon. Aside from that, Rocco and Melissa were busy with this brand they're working on with popular Direct Selling company Orabella. It's a family line called Mama Luna.

Anne Acuna VP for External Marketing of Orabella says "This was developed with Rocco and Melissa, and is part of our Mama Luna series. They have been heavily involved in developing this product. Orabella is one of the fast growing direct selling companies in the Philippines. We made sure this new line called Mama Luna is safe for babies and children. This rejuvenates, moisturize, affordable and is easy to use. Orabella also is in the business of helping others, a brand that you can trust. We've been  producing sustainable products for the whole family."

Melissa and Rocco Nacino says "We are for family care, for mommies, for daddies, it's been hard to keep it a secret but we've gone through a lot launching this product. Thank you to GMA for setting this up especially Sparkle. We got this idea when we got pregnant, we didn't know that there are products that we're not really allowed to use. We need something that would be safe for the family. Orabella has access online and through shopping apps. We experienced that there are products out there, but they're usually too expensive, Filipinos need access to it so we worked with Orabella to make sure Filipino moms are at their best in their pregnancy."

Phytosense Conditioning Shampoo has coconut based ingredients, crecatin, helps hairfall defense, chamomile so we don't get stressed. Melissa had to use it to check the smell, texture, especially at the first trimester. Hair feels either thicker or thinner because of the hormonal changes, and this prolongs the growth of hair.

Phytosense Bath Gel - There are a lot of chemicals that are not good for pregnant women, this is part of Mama Luna line. For those who have skin that tend to dry out right after a shower, this would be good for your skin. If you have dry skin, hypersensitive, and have textural changes, this would take care of you. This has AmiSoft that's got nourishing amino acids that repairs, replenishes and boosts moisture on the skin. This would hasten skin elasticity so you don't have much stretchmarks.

Phytosense Body Lotion is safe to use for pregnant women. This has sunflower oil, vitamins A C and D, Aloe Vera Juice to prevent hyper-pigmentation, and organic Chamomile Essense to reduce redness and relieve inflammation. This is best for body acne so you get less over production of oil, clogged pores. People can now have income selling this, and it is also environmentally friendly. This is very competitive, locally made, very affordable. The wheat straw packaging is renewable, a good alternative to plastic, FDA approved, is hypoallergenic, biodegradable in 3 to 6 months, very recyclable and re-moldable.

Resellers, and dealers especially in Antipolo will be handled personally by the couple. They have partnered with Orabella for this.

 

Rocco mentions "We went with Orabella because of their huge online presence, we were fans of lotions for working out. We were happy customers on day 1. When they do product development, they know how to work with everyone. They are for the people, and they think out of the box. They have expertise in developing products, they are our partners. It was months of planning, lots of yes and no, nights of thinking about it. This is now a fruitful partnership."
 
He adds "It was very exciting for us, but I was in locked in taping. We were trying a lot before that, we went on a vacation, we were relaxed and spent time. Mel knew about it while I was away, she surprised me. I got anxious, I did overthink a lot but we talked to our OB. Being a nurse, I had difficulty talking to people. Mel is blooming, we're officially having a boy!"

Rocco and Melissa are expecting a Boy <3

Melissa says "We tested our relationship early on because we couldn't agree on the name yet. I handle pedia wards and knew what Mommies go through especially with their skin. I went out and asked what their problems were while they are pregnant. It made us stronger, I realized that he's the best partner in any business. I became a lot clingy, I really needed to see him by video calling him every time he had a locked in taping. Adjusting to not being active after being an athlete was really hard, it made me anxious. I'm  thankful that Rocco was there, he's very helpful whenever I'm sad or just at home. I cried once because I was just there, but he took me to IKEA in a wheelchair and that made me happy! Mentally I'm in information overload, but we're going to be in a class for this by the end of the month, we'll attend that physically, but we have already made arrangements online. We have the same mantra, very workaholic, but we support each other. A supportive partner is very important. When we got married, we checked a lot of things in our bucket list first. When we establish these three products, we'll be coming out with more especially the Antipolo franchise to support resellers, distributors of Orabella in our own locale. We want to be a one stop shop for families, they don't have to look anywhere else if they need product for parents."

Rocco told us "I have ventured into businesses before, with restaurants, boxing gyms, and this is our new baby. We know that Moms need these products, Orabella knew how important this is for them. I'm always for experience, and will be dedicating with Mel on this business. I'm taping for another show, this will be multi-tasked. We are preparing the Baby Room, we are watching our weight, the next few months will be busy as we wait for Baby N to come. Every time he kicks, I watch her tummy. He likes rock music and we are excited for him. She is at her third trimester, and it's just gonna be a few weeks more to see him. We have different lifestyles, Mel misses volleyball, I'll be very supportive of her. I wanted to act on things while the idea was fresh, Mel's pregnancy was really attracting brands as an influencer. This is the time to grow with our brand as a family, we saw the demand for products like these and Mel tried all of it. It passed her standards which is why we went for it. These will be accessible through Shopee and Lazada."

This is not just good news for the couple, but for every Filipino Mom, Dad and Baby who's now got choices when it comes to safe products pre and post pregnancy. It doesn't have to be expensive when you're bringing a child into this world, and if you are thinking of gifting someone, this would be a good place to start. Congratulations Rocco and Melissa on your new venture with Orabella! Can't wait to see Baby N soon!

Fun and Gastronomic Adventures at Sheraton Manila

Sheraton Manila Ballroom

It's been a while since we've gone out and attend physical events, but this one was certainly for the books! I've been seeing Sheraton Manila at the front of Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3 for quite some time now, but I haven't been inside the hotel for some weird reason. The property is part of Marriot chain of hotels worldwide, and surely, this Sheraton Manila property was likened to their tagline, and aptly personifying "Where the World Comes Together". 

They prepared a Soiree party for invited guests, had us team up, part ways, to walk into different floors of the hotel to check the rooms and amenities. A program started and had us try hors d'oeuvres were sourced responsibly, prepared meticulously by the hotel's chefs. They also had us converge in a new facility they call "COLLAB" which is a modern industrial co-working space that could hold different events, meetings, gatherings, you name it, it can happen there. There's also a loft and pretty wide rooms you can divide so when there's something else you want to do in the same space, that takes care of it.

Sustainably sourced food in all their restaurants

To see more of the rooms, here's a video tour of Sheraton Manila. Hope you enjoy this bit!

And if you're in the mood for a gastronomic treat, S Kitchen's S Kollaborations is holding "12 Hands" as 6 Chefs James Antolin, Kiko Santiago, Carlos Aluning, Carlo Miguel, Kenneth Cacho and Brando Santos whip up their best international dishes just for this July. Honestly, S Kitchen is one of the best buffets in Manila and these guys make it look like it's easy. Lunch and Dinner costs Php 2,900 (Dinner is Sunday to Thursday) whilst on Fridays and Saturdays, it's a bit special so it'll be around Php 3,200 net. You're getting the work of 12 hands, that's a lot for one day. I'd recommend the steaks if you're a good eater, particularly the Korean Ribs which is so good in my books.

They are friends, and they've planned a great meal for you at S Kitchen's 12 Hands this July

Food selections at S Kitchen is top notch!

Sheraton Manila is located at 80 Andrews Avenue in Pasay City. They have access to NAIA 3 through a bridge so it's a perfect place to stay in before a flight. If you want to have a reservation, call (02) 7902 1800 and they can arrange everything for you. I'd also like to recommend the room with the jacuzzi, it's something dreamy during these rainy days.

I'd like to take this bit to thank the nice people of Sheraton Manila, I got to know what it looks like, had sumptuous food, and had fun during the soiree. Thank you!

Rising by Lifting Others: Pareto Consulting

Just met the wonderful women behind digital marketing and growth firm called Pareto Consulting. Countless businesses in the US and elsewhere in the world are in need of talented individuals like them who provide unique ideas, of something different on the table, with gusto to reach one's company goals. The league of extraordinary women is headed by Bianca Laxamana Ulan, a young lass who's life continue to inspire others.

The business started when a client of hers availed market research and digital marketing services. She did remarkable work and got recommended to other startups and corporations that continuously grew her clientele over the years. She wanted a breed of individuals that have the same culture, and knack for little details. So she sought her team now as tasks come in from different multinational companies and startups. Albeit an accidental business, she believes her years of experience in the industry and Mom's guidance prepared her for what made Pareto Consulting is today.

Bianca says "I think I've been hyped today. They (her peers) are my pillars, they are very important for me. Pareto is an accidental business. I built this with Kaye in the beginning and grew it from scratch. It's been built over time and I just got referred to a lot of people. We cater to companies who need market research, ads, we do that the whole week. We also empower people in our organization. Resiliency and mental fortitude should be something that any successful business person should have. Things can break you especially during these times. You also have to influence your team, without them, you won't be able to do things and inspire them. We do market research and digital marketing, you have to make sure you are picking the right team member as you grow your business." 

She adds "You do usual HR stuff, but what I always look for is their enthusiasm to learn, we have the same values in servicing our clients. As much as possible I have to spot that, and also talent that I can compensate fairly, give them work life balance, and a no OT rule in our company. We are an all female team, the reason is because we are for women empowerment. I know there's a lot of stigma with women as employees, but I prioritize and see they are organized, the type that would be inspired too by women entrepreneur. We offer end to end solutions, if you're a startup and just starting, we offer marketing, branding and execution. It's also low cost, both locally and abroad. I was inspired by my Mom, at work, she's really good at it. She has a strong character, she was able to lead people and I'm very proud of her. Kay and I were college org mates, we made things happen and even then we were very active in organizations and I've been part of a startup and experienced a flat organization. We correct each other and learned modern management early on. I want to be an educator, and I've been doing that in CIIT today. I started when I was 22, I was only a freelancer and did really good work with clients and I got referrals here and there. That's how I started. The only hurdles I encounter now is taxation, and I had to study about it especially in BIR briefings. That's second to hiring talent. The silver lining is coming to realize that I could do it. I had to really work hard, some people would often say I'm too young to grow businesses. When we have the results to show, it's a new perspective and approach. My team is young too and only comprise of Gen Z's and Millenials."

Maxene Malvar the Project Manager of Pareto Consulting says "I do quality assurance, copywriting, proof reading and market research. I also coordinate graphic design, nice to meet you today. I was still a student and applied for the position on whim, when I came to the company and started right away, there were a lot of doubts at first. Bianca was the first to believe in my capability, it was humbling to hear that from her."

Kay Ocampo Senior Partner in Creative Marketing "I design, spearhead ad campaigns, make sure everything we do is aligned to our clients marketing goals. Especially here in Pareto, we're not over worked so I do a lot of things on our free time. We call each other friends, it's why she convinced me to build Pareto Consulting. I resigned from my corporate job to do this, I came here to do this with her. All our efforts have been well worth it."

With their affordable rates, collaborative culture in the work place, plus expertise in providing marketing and digital services, they can help new businesses flourish during these tough times. Their mantra to lift others in order to rise with you is ingenious and admirable. If you would like to seek their help, get in touch through their social channels @ParetoPH on FB and IG, their LinkedIN account at https://ph.linkedin.com/company/pareto-consulting-ph or their official website https://paretoconsulting.xyz/. 

 

They're ready to help you start, launch and grow your business with you.

Neophyte Congressman Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde Files 6 Bills at Terms Start

Our good looking boy Arjo Atayde is now officially Quezon City's 1st District Congressman as he took his oath at the EVM Convention Center at Central in Quezon City. During this momentous event, he was with fellow congressmen, respective city councilors, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and lovely Mayor Joy Belmonte. The inauguration was officiated by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and was witnessed by Arjo's proud father Art Atayde and gorgeous actress Ria Atayde (Arjo's sister). Ria also took Bible Bearer responsibilities for the occasion.

Arjo has garnered over 112,457 votes in Quezon City's 1st District, an overwhelming win that composed almost 67% of total votes from his constituents. Congressman Arjo also has hit the ground running (and working) as he also filed several bills he always talked about even before the campaign trail.

For starters is HB 457 that aims to declare Quezon City asn the Film and TV Arts capital of the country, HB 458 which aims to upgrade existing QC Gen Hospital into a Medical Center, HB 459 which is a bill about occupational safety for artists and workers in the movie and TV sector, HB 460 that is a bill that prohibits discrimination against genders, expressions, and its penalties (SOGIE), HB 461 which is the magna carta for Barangay Health workers, and lastly the HB 462 with the aim of putting up the Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute and appropriate funding for it.

Hopefully, these would all be met, amended, voted on and passed in the congress. He's most probably planing on delivering this fast, and put those which he plans to prioritize this term done not just for his constituents, but the Filipino people. He also met recently with Mayor Joy Belmonte to align with her programs, I bet that's a pretty good start.

Congratulations Congressman Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde! I wonder how this will affect his acting projects and international career, but more excited about how his public service pan out in the next few years.