Wonder kid writes for a cause

“Wonder kid writes for a cause”

Sun. Star Davao, Feb. 18, 2012

At thirteen year of age, Scott Lee Chua is such an admirable model kid.

A Grade Seven student at Xavier School in Greenhills (Manila), Scott is a consistent first honor student who loves a cornucopia of subjects from math, science, literature, arts, history, music, travel and even magic.

Like his multi-hyphenated mom, Dr. Queena Lee-Chua who is an award-winning author, Phil. Daily Inquirer columnist, psychologist, and Ateneo de Manila Ph.D. professor, Scott is fascinated with complicated mathematical concepts and has the extraordinary ability to explain them in simpler and more understandable terms.

Because of this amazing gift, Scott has been invited to do Math Magic shows and Math Singapore model approach lectures for students, parents and teachers and has represented his school in national and international math competitions, reaping various awards and medals.

Not only does Scott adore numbers, he is a voracious reader and gifted writer as well whose latest achievement is being one of the two youngest winners in the history of the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

Junior adventurer

Scott’s passion for writing started when he was in Prep. The professed Dr. Seuss fan would creatively draw and write his own superhero comic books, which his proud parents would print and give to close friends and relatives as personalized Christmas gifts. By Grade 1, his poem, “Freedom”, was published in the “Junior Inquirer”. His travel articles have also appeared in the “Philippine Daily Inquirer” and “Working Mom” magazine.

His innate writing ability did not go unnoticed by Karina Bolasco, the head of Anvil Publishing. In 2006, Karina asked Scott to do children’s books after seeing his travel diaries. He was invited repeatedly to write for the respected publishing house in 2007 and 2008.

But, it was only in 2009, at the time that his grandfather, Dr. William Lee, passed away, that Scott decided to accept the offer. In 2010, he launched his children’s travels books, “Top Ten Travels in Tokyo; Kuala Lumpur; and New Zealand” in honor of his beloved grandfather.

In his book, he writes, “I started traveling when I was six years old, and I have not stopped since. Mom and Dad love to visit spots and learn about other cultures, and I have inherited this from them”.

However, Scott and his parents do not travel the way other people do. They refrain from joining package tours unless necessary, because they dislike hurrying through wonderful places.

“We want to set our own pace, and linger in spots that we love. We also don’t like to shop, because we prefer to eat new foods, learn new skills, and try out new activities. These are what make travels memorable”, Scott enthuses.

Top Ten Pinoy Travels

“My travel books on Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and New Zealand inspired many kids to visit these thrilling destinations”, the young writer shares.

Despite his foreign travels, Scott heartily shares that he believes that the Philippines is still one of the most beautiful countries with numerous sites waiting for him to tell the whole world. So, for his next writing project, he decided to focus on travels in his homeland. Thus, the “Top Ten Pinoy Travels” featuring Davao, Cebu and Manila was launched in September 2011.

Scott and his supportive parents have a special and soft spot for Davao. Dr. Queena’s best friend since grade school, Julie Tiu (who also happens to be Scott’s godmother) married a Dabawenyo and is currently based here.

With the same enjoyable format as his previous travel series, Scott’s new set of books is perfect for junior adventurers. The amusing and easy-to-read descriptions (both in English and Filipino) highlight the author’s recommended must-see local places. It is also colorfully presented with playful illustrations by graphic artist Rommel “Omeng” Estanislao. Oftentimes, Scott is portrayed in the artwork with his signature blue umbrella.

Writing for a cause

During Scott’s talk and book signing with mom, Dr. Queena, recently at the National Book Store Abreeza, he discussed the topic, “How I Wrote a Book: If I Could Do It, So Could You!”. His mom, on the other hand, engaged the audience with her extensive knowledge on “How to Raise Star Students”.

The day before, Scott was also invited by the Davao Christian High School (DCHS) to give a talk on “Writing for Life” to selected students.

He encouraged the DCHS students to keep on reading. “Read lots of books of all sorts, especially award-winning books. They are only boring if you don’t understand them”, the only child explains.

In the same manner, Scott advises budding writers to “write as much as you can”. He reminds them not to be afraid to be cold as ice towards their story. Learn how to “edit, edit, edit!”.

Scott emphasizes that the youth has a powerful voice; and that they can effectively express themselves by being “entertaining, humorous and witty”. This was how he wrote his piece, “Of Pixels and Power”, which won 2^nd place in the Kabataan Essay Division of the Palanca Awards.

This early, Scott utilizes his voice for a worthy purpose opting to donate both his P5,000 Palanca prize money and proceeds of his published books to the Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Technical and Vocational High School. It is a Manila-based school for disadvantaged youth which Xavier School adopted two years ago. His generous donation will help the needy students to purchase food, supplies and other necessities.

A wonder kid with a big heart, Scott indeed lives by his favorite line from the Spiderman movie, “With great power comes great responsibility”.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

(Photo of Scott in Grade 1 courtesy of Xavier School's website)

7 reasons why you should read the label

“7 reasons why you should Read the Label”

Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 25, 2011

Remember the popular TV commercial of a leading germicidal soap many years ago where the mom had a “talk–with-my-conscience” moment which ended with her choosing the right soap brand at the grocery?

Just like in real life, the responsibility of choosing what is best and safe for the family usually rests on a discerning mom’s shoulders. But, how do we determine if the products we use are ideal?

With unfamiliar and hard-to-recognize ingredients such as phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, parabens, methylparaben, propylparaben, among others, contained in our cosmetics, do we have the proper knowledge to safeguard our family from potentially harmful products?

To address this concern, Human Nature, the Philippines’ largest brand of genuinely natural personal care and cosmetic products, recently launched its “Read the Label” campaign to “educate consumers about which beauty ingredients are safe and which may be risky for their health”.

Founded in November 2008 by Anna Meloto-Wilk and Camille Meloto, daughters of Gawad Kalinga (GK) founder Tony Meloto, Human Nature is 100% made in the Philippines and 100% free from harmful chemicals. It is a social enterprise that is proudly “pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment”.

In its very informative press kit, Human Nature gives 7 reasons why consumers should “Read the Label”:

1. 60% of what you apply ON your skin goes INTO your body.

Not only that, but you can also be exposed to harmful chemicals by breathing in sprays and powders and swallowing ingredients that you apply on your lips.

Biomonitoring studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, Environmental Working Group (EWG), and various scientists, have found cosmetics ingredients—like phthalate plasticizers, paraben preservatives, the pesticide triclosan, synthetic musks, and sunscreens—inside the bodily fluids of men, women and children and even the cord blood of newborn babies. Many of these chemicals are potential hormone disruptors that may increase cancer risk.

2. Just because products are for sale at a supermarket, drugstore, or department store cosmetics counter doesn’t automatically mean that they’ve been tested for safety.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to assess ingredients or products for safety. FDA does not review the safety of the vast majority of cosmetic products or ingredients before they go on the market.

According to EWG, more than 500 products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada or the European Union.

Locally, our own FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn’t review each individual ingredient used in personal care products for safety either.

3. Think about this: How many personal care products do you use and how often and how long do you use them? Small exposures add up to harm, and your exposure to them is prolonged. Their effects are cumulative.

Some companies say that the amount of toxic chemicals in their products is too small to matter, but small exposures add up the harm.

In his book Healthy Beauty (2010), Dr. Samuel Epstein, one of the world’s foremost experts on cancer and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, explains that exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetics is usually prolonged—when you apply lotion on your body or put moisturizer on your face, their ingredients persist on your skin for extended periods. Your multiple everyday exposures to harmful ingredients produce unpredictable cumulative effects.

4. The word “natural” on a product label doesn’t guarantee that it’s safe–or natural.

Because there’s no law regulating the use of the word “natural,” your favorite shampoo or moisturizer could just be 0.01% natural and 99.99% synthetic chemicals! Don’t be fooled – READ THE LABEL (and use Human Nature’s app to find out what it means. Find out more on #6, below).

5. Personal care product safety is not just a concern for women. Men, children, and even babies use them too.

Surveys conducted by EWG show that on a daily average, women use 12 products containing 168 ingredients, men use 6 products with 85 ingredients, and children are exposed to an average of 61 ingredients.

6. Toxic chemicals are still in many commercial personal care products. You can find most (but not all) of them listed on the label, but unfortunately, it’s not that easy to identify, among thousands of personal care ingredients, the ones which are safe from the ones which are toxic.

With this in mind, Human Nature created “Read the Label”, a handy dictionary-type app for iPhone, iTouch, iPad and Android, which was developed to educate everyone about greener and safer options while shopping for cosmetics and personal care products.

With over 26,000 ingredients in its database, it instantly shows how safe or toxic each ingredient may be (safe, low risk, medium risk, high risk), and gives you links to more information on the ingredient, courtesy of EWG’s cosmetic ingredient database (www.ewg.org/skindeep).

Best of all, the app is available FREE on both the Apple app store and Android Market. You can also use your desktop computer to read more details at www.readthelabel.ph.

7. The good news is that some companies are already making safer products without using chemicals that can cause cancer, hormone disruption, or other health problems. You’ll get to know these products too if you read the label!

Human Nature uses 100% no harmful chemicals, and all of its products are at least 95% natural (and in most cases, are actually 100% natural).

***

Get a chance to win an Eco Trip for 2 to El Nido, Palawan for 3 days/2 nights plus an Eco Party (eat-all-you-can organic buffet) for you and 100 of your friends by downloading the “Read the Label” app.

Aside from this fabulous holiday and party, there are more than 1,000 other prizes up for grabs such as an Eco Adventure Trip for 2 for 3 days/2 nights worth Php 45,000 to Caramoan, a year’s supply of Human Nature products, and special Human Nature gift packs! The promo runs until December 31, 2012.

To learn more about Human Nature products and its advocacy or to learn how to be a dealer, visit www.humanheartnature.com or the Human Nature Davao Branch in Unit 10, Plaza del Carmen, A. Loyola Street, Obrero, or call us at (082) 2952976 or 09233739104. You may also visit Robinsons Department Store and Beauty Bar for a select line of Human Nature products.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Build your home with Trust

“Build your home with TRUST”

Sun.Star Davao, Oct. 1, 2011

Since 1979, the family-run Trust Hardware has proven to be one of the most reliable sources of hardware materials for wholesalers and end‐users in Davao City.

True to its name, it has continued to uphold its core values of trust, integrity and sincerity in service as proven by their roster of loyal clients and the unwavering support of their suppliers.

Always attuned to the ever‐changing and progressive needs of their consumers, Trust is pleased to welcome the newest addition to their family ‐ Trust Home Depot.

Fresh fusion

With a total floor area of more than 3,000 square meters, this super hardware is designed to meet the construction requirements of their clientele from start to finish in a more modern and efficient setup.

Recognizing the modern shoppers’ need for convenience and thoroughness, Trust has set up a 2‐storey complex outside of their do‐it‐yourself hardware section that will house premier companies and brands associated with construction and finishing.

This innovative setup, the first in Davao, includes 30 rentable slots for offices, showrooms and retail spaces. To complete the shoppers’ experience, Trust Home Depot has amenities such as RJ Homes, The Appliance Plaza and soon, a convenience store and coffee shop.

Greenovation

Trust believes that green is the new black.

Utilizing the latest in eco‐saving technology, Trust Home Depot is powered by solar tubes and long‐life induction lighting which not only aim to protect the environment through sustainable energy sources but beautify it as well.

Charming arrays of flora line the parking area and other portions of the building and aim to curb pollution and enhance the surroundings.

Family‐Friendly

At Trust Home Depot, they put great value on home and family so much that they created a cozy children’s nook for children to catch up on their reading, tinker with play tools and cook up a feast in their mini kitchen while waiting for mom and dad.

Moreover, older kids can browse the school/office supplies section and stock up on their requirements and maybe even grab a new set of coloring pens for their journals and scrapbooks.

For couples who want to spruce up their space, Trust Home Depot has Nest: A Home and Lifestyle Gallery on the mezzanine where a versatile selection of finely crafted furniture, contemporary accessories and chic accent pieces are carefully exhibited simulating real home experience.

With Trust Home Depot, hardware shopping becomes a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the whole family. So, come and build your home with TRUST!

Trust Home Depot is located along Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland Drive (the old Task Force Davao). You may call 29TRUST (298‐7878), 2840073 or telefax 2953588/cellphone number 0916.301.3722. E-mail: trusthardware.ph@gmail.com for comments and inquiries.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Human Nature Davao's fitting green home

“Human Nature Davao’s fitting green home”

Sun.Star Davao, August 6, 2011

Human Nature, a world class Philippine brand of personal care products with 100% no harmful chemicals, recently inaugurated its new showroom and store at Plaza del Carmen.

The formal opening began with blessing rites officiated by Monsignor Paul Cuison, attended by the owners of Greenkreations, Inc., official distributor of Human Nature products in Davao, with their family and close friends.

Greenkreations, Inc. is owned and operated by Gawad Kalinga advocates and good friends: Architects Rene and Sylvia Rieta; Joey and Joy Mempin; and Richard and Monique Villanueva.

Leading the opening prayer was businessman Joey Mempin. This was followed by the welcome remarks of Greenkreations, Inc. president, Architect Sylvia Puyod-Rieta, who candidly recounted how after two years of operating in a makeshift office space, Human Nature Davao has finally found a fitting and wonderful home at Plaza del Carmen.

On the other hand, Toffee Tionko, manager and son of Josie Carriedo-Tionko, owner of Plaza del Carmen, narrated to the guests how their family conceptualized the commercial complex as a “peaceful, secure and green location for businesses that offer unique and high quality products and services to the residents of Davao”.

To give the guests an idea of what Human Nature is – the business and the advocacy, Joanna Gilladoga, sales and marketing director of Gandang Kalikasan, Inc., showed a brief PowerPoint presentation.

For many of the guests, it was their first time to hear that, unlike traditional businesses, Human Nature is a social enterprise that operates primarily to improve the lives of its stakeholders – its farming community suppliers, its dealers and customers, as well as its employees.

Human Nature’s heartwarming story started with “a cosmetic junkie, a radical Englishman, a harassed new mom and a baby”. Its maker, Gandang Kalikasan Inc., was the brainchild of Gawad Kalinga (GK) volunteers Camille Meloto, Dylan Wilk and his wife Anna Meloto-Wilk.

The dynamic Meloto sisters whose father is GK founder Tony Meloto, and Dylan are passionate GK volunteers who were “exposed early on to the harsh realities of poverty in the Philippines and now burned with the desire to do more for the country”.

After the orientation on Human Nature, Camille Meloto, creator of the Human Nature Love Minerals Make-up Collection presented the current and upcoming products in the cosmetic line. She also answered questions from the audience on make-up tips and beauty secrets.

The “formal” portion of the opening ended with Monique T. Villanueva, corporate secretary of Greenkreations, Inc., inviting all the guests to cocktails and to enjoy the new shopping experience at the showroom.

Superb emcees of the affair were Architect Mike Dakudao, Human Nature dealer and advocate, and Ms. Villanueva.

Human Nature boasts of an exciting range of 100% organic, 100% Philippine-grown and 100% chemical-free personal care products for the whole family at a very affordable cost.

To know more about Human Nature, visit its official website at www.humanheartnature.com.

Human Nature Davao is located at Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.