I’ve always been an ice cream freak, even if I’m lactose-intolerant. Be it Italian gelato or simple sorbetes peddled by cart, I just love to dig into ice cream.

So, I just had to rush to the double dose of fun and satisfaction that was Baskin-Robbins’ 70th anniversary that coincided with its first year in the Philippines.

 

Bubbly Issa Litton emceed the program that launched the brand’s 31 Smiles Program, which will benefit 31 children through Operation Smile Philippines’ free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities.

 

The CSR campaign was initiated by IceDream Inc., exclusive local licensee of Baskin-Robbins.

 

Guests at the event were delighted to meet some of the young beneficiaries who performed an energetic dance number, rejoicing in their brand new smiles.

 

A highlight was the performance of the Philippine Allstars.

 

Present were IceDream Inc. executives led by its president Michael Dargani and vice president for marketing Nameeta Dargani.

 

Also in attendance were Operation Smile Philippines vice chair Anne Arcenas-Gonzalezand executive director Gian Trebol.

 

Apart from treating us to yummy snacks and new ice cream flavors, Baskin-Robbins unveiled its newest offering, Cookie Sundaes, which pairs premium Baskin-Robbins ice cream with warm, chewy cookies and sundae toppings.

 

My favorite flavors are Love Potion, Blueberry Pana Cotta and Very Berry Strawberry. Ah, they’re to die for, dahlings, believe me.

 

Rush, don’t walk, palangga! You just can’t get enough of Baskin-Robbins ice cream!

 

Iconic Marie France

 

“Iconic Figure” was the apt theme of the 30th anniversary celebration of Marie France, held at the Nobu Garden Patio recently. Marie France is acknowledged as the leading slimming and noninvasive weight-loss center in the country.

 

Welcoming the guests were Marie France president George Siy and his wife Mimi, Jackie Siy-Share, Peter Prestige, Robin Horsman and Angeline Siy-Fiechter.

 

All the guests donned the night’s colors—glam white, bold black and luxe gold, making the affair look picture-perfect from any angle.

 

Marie France ambassadors Issa Litton and Sam Oh were the night’s witty hosts. They proposed sake shots to officially start the party.

 

As the six-course dinner was being served, a string quartet played music.

 

A special video was shown to present a collection of inspiring slimming journeys of Marie France’s endorsers and clients. It was the perfect tribute to Marie France’s 30 years of weight loss that works.

 

An exclusive sneak peek was also presented that highlighted the beautiful partnership between Marie France and three of the top luxury magazines in the Philippines—Town & Country, Metro Society, and Lifestyle Asia.

 

It was the very first time that one brand has been able to gather executives of these three magazines for one anniversary cover, supported with billboards all over the metro.

 

Another highlight was the presentation of ICanServe and Marie France’s joint project which aims to show support and love for women who are battling breast cancer.

 

Notable guests included Philippine Daily Inquirer Lifestyle editor Thelma Sioson-San Juan, Rustan’s Group of Companies’ Donnie and Crickette Tantoco, ICanServe Foundation president Roxanne Singson and chair Elizabeth Virata.

 

Also spotted were ABS-CBN Publishing president and CEO Ernesto Lopez, Philippine Star president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, Summit Media president Lisa Gokongwei, One Mega Group CEO Sari Yap, Yes! Magazine editor in chief Jo-Ann Maglipon, People Asia’s Joanne Rae Ramirez, and restaurateurs Rikki and Beng Dee.

 

The party ended with a congratulatory toast to Marie France’s 30 successful years, with wishes “to more years of friendship and success that will continue to transcend time, limits and expectations.”

 

Pond’s teen formula

 

The teen years are a difficult adjustment period especially for women with skin problems.

 

Thankfully, Pond’s, regarded as the No. 1 face-care brand in the Philippines, offers a solution to those suffering from pimples—Pond’s Acne Clear White Face Scrub with micro scrub beads that work deep within the skin to fight oil and pimples, thus, helping teen girls get what is now the newest Pond’s line—#AcneClearSkin.

 

The new line has the Pond’s Institute’s pimple-fighting salicylic acid that removes 99 percent of acne bacteria. Oil-absorbing herbal clay removes excess oil, redness and blemishes.

 

To spread the word about this teen product, Pond’s launched the #PondsBesties campaign, which aims to educate teens on how to get #AcneClearSkin.

 

Some 200 student ambassadors from top high schools and universities shared their beautiful stories of transformation to inspire millions of teens on how to have good skin.

 

They also got the chance to meet real-life sisters and besties Julia and Claudia Barretto, who recalled stories of their teenage years.

 

Julia, who has been a Pond’s girl for almost three years now, recounted her Pond’s Acne Clear White experience, as she welcomed her sister Claudia to the Pond’s family.

Unilever PR manager Apples Aberin said, “With the Pond’s Acne Clear White’s #PondsBesties campaign, Pond’s is able to reach millions of teens all over the country, allowing them to get #AcneClearSkin, and the confidence they need to live their teen lives to the fullest.”