Metropost Cover story for the 2nd Quarter edition :)

Phoemela Baranda
Underneath the glam

By Pia Lorraine V. Yater

From different career ventures, frenzied mishaps and sizzling controversies a woman coated with glamour bares it all, exuding grace under pressure even at the most crashing intrigues or heart-pumping stunts.

Host and Model Phoemela Baranda, Glam Goddess to many is not just sugar, spice and everything nice. She’s a gladiator and a goddess rolled into one.

Phem as usually called by her colleagues in the industry is the beautiful face that serves the latest entertainment news every night on TV Patrol and every Sunday afternoon on The Buzz. But before being the mature and focused star news patroller that she is now her world took a complete turn around after stepping down into the modeling pedestal.

Her first walk into the glamorous world of modeling was when she was 13 years old when she was chosen as one of the models for the Pink Soda Club, then the rest is history, there was no stopping Phem in making a name for herself in the modeling industry. She appeared in numerous commercials and endorsed variety of products.

“I’m proud that I was able to crossover from being a model to a showbiz host,” she claimed as she relates her humble beginnings on a totally different field than what she was accustomed since. “From chic clothing and runway stints, I am now being mentored by the best hosts in the industry with the likes of Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda,” shared by Phem.

“It was a tremendous adjustment for me, considering na magkaiba ang discipline ng modeling at hosting. In a business kasi where everybody is talented and everybody is pretty, you have to always come up with something new, rediscover yourself in another light, that’s where I can fuse in what modeling has really taught me, aside from being beautiful you have to show some flair,” she enthused.

Phem is now on her fifth year as a TV host but she refuses to be stereotyped as just the host, she intends to take further studies so she’d be able to write her own stories. “This is still part of my efforts to reinvent myself, acquiring new skills would keep the element of surprise, which is a necessity in this kind of industry,” the supermodel turned host said.

Fear is not a Factor

The sexy and alluring Phem has graced the covers of myriad magazines and billboards. But Phem doesn’t want to be identified as just a mere celebrity she deems that there is more beneath her face and body. Her sugarcoating is not all what you can get. More than being attractive, Phem is also a strong lad eager to flaunt what she got.

Aside from developing new skills and innovating herself, Phem took a major decision that again – surprised everyone. Her glamorous face was unmasked as she billed with other adventure seekers on the pinoy version of Fear Factor.

“I was always boxed as serious, formal, glamorous and mature so I can say that Fear Factor showed the other side of Phem. Hindi naman ako lagi naka make-up, natural beauty is still the best.”

Even though Phem only stayed in Argentina after the third elimination, the stunts she was able to pull through was enough testament than being born with brushes and stilettos doesn’t mean she’s faint-hearted. “Atleast napatunayan kong hindi ako lalamya-lamya,” she shared while laughing heartily.

“Uy Phem matapang ka pala,” she beamed while recounting the reaction that she got from the viewers of the program. “Joining Fear Factor was really the highlight of my 2008,” she added.

The Star Shine Down

Looking back, it was supposedly the height of Phem’s hosting career when she was bombarded with troubles.

Phem bagged the coveted Extra Challenge host against other recognized finalist such as Joanna Pesa, a former beauty queen; Josephine Canonizado, a host and also a former beauty queen; and Ethel Booba, a comedienne. This success is an authentication of her innate hosting prowess but fate turned against her. She suffered intrigues and gossips one after the other that led to her termination as a host at the said program.

“We’ll never know when the storm would hit our direction, but I remained firm and strong, its really how you rise up to the situation,” the words that parted her mouth as she narrate how her life was changed by the incident. “In retrospect, whew! I am just glad I surpassed that crisis,” shared by Phem.

Up and ready for more

“When ABS-CBN gave my career a second chance, I knew what I had to do, I need to be better in my craft and I will not let this opportunity be wasted,” she explained with pride for being a part of the news and current affairs of ABS-CBN.

“Life indeed taught me a lot of valuable lessons and to inspire all the women out there so to speak let me impart these life-saving essentials that I learned along the way, Live a healthy lifestyle, little balance of everything, always discover something new, look and stay good for the right reasons, be happy and reward yourself from time to time,” she stressed.

When asked about her life at the moment all she left was “my heart is happy, my family is blessed and my career is flourishing but still yearning for more improvement, who knows I might be a full time actress next.”

(end)

How to get over your EX in 10 days

Another article published in Metropost Magazine January - March issue

How to get over your EX in 10 days…
by Pia Lorraine V. Yater

The unrelenting cycle of love and pain.

As romantics put it pain is as inevitable as love. We all go through breakups, and they can be rough and tough for some and straightforward for others. But generally heartbreaks are major mood deflators and ego droppers.

Surely heartaches are unavoidable but it’s curable so here’s a ten-day guide of coping up after the break up.

Day 1

Rethink the issues and problems raised only to learn from them. But don’t ever blame yourself. Don’t act like everything was your fault. Just analyze and accept.
Its fair to be angry – you have to release you emotions anyway so why not deal with it in your own way, cry or scream for a day. Set that deadline, follow it and don’t over do it. Just let go of the tension and wash away the sadness it will do you good.

Day 2

Accept the pain. Once you’ve let it all up, its time for acceptance. Think about the times when you still don’t know him or her, this will remind you that you’ve live without him/her then you can certainly continue even without your ex partners presence.

Day 3

Talk to your family and friends. They are a good source of guidance and support. You need people that will remind you that you should love yourself more.

Day 4

Take a moment. Take a moment to unwind and be calm, talk to somebody you trust and feel good about yourself. Its torture to stay in a non-healthy relationship and bear in mind that being with the wrong person is worst than undergoing the pain of breakup.

Day 5

Clean up. Remove all mementos of his/her existence in your life. Keeping the things of your ex will only slow down the healing process. Think in the positive perspective you’ll soon be filling your closet of things from your next partner anyway so make way and be ready.

Day 6

Stay active. It’s scientifically proven that exercise perk up mood. Use this hobby as a diversion to keep your mind off the pain.

Day 7

Find happiness. Indulge in other activities that entertain you or start something new that can lift your mind off your worries and pain. Read a book; learn a new sport or travel and splurge if you must, pampering yourself will keep you moving on. There are many things to explore today so don’t miss out your chance to connect with the world and experience the beauty of life.

Day 8

Look good. Being loveless doesn’t mean you’ll forget about your own looks and appearance. Feel good about yourself and remember there are many fishes in the sea to look forward to.

Day 9

Let go. Accept that it’s pointless to be bitter or regretful. You may had a happy relationship with this past affair but since things didn’t work out good there’s still someone who’s meant for you, waiting to be found.

Day 10

Be optimistic. Now that you’re single, you get to find new people to hang out with. Don’t be afraid to love again, change for the better and always be true to yourself.

Along the way, you’ll also find these helpful hints will make you survive your misery.

Keep your distance – never contact your ex by any means, no emails, no calls, no unexpected visits and never stalk.

Refrain from checking his personal site - e.g. friendster, facebook or myspace if you think you’d be tempted to do so, use firewalls and blocksite that allows you to block the URL to that profile. The lesser you know about him or her the more chance you have for a speedy recovery.

Never take back your decision – On no account will you use your loneliness as a catalyst to take back what’s already said and finalized. If you overly romanticized the good times you shared it will only make you pity yourself for being alone so try not to dwell on these happy but PAST thoughts or memories.

Luscious Holidays

Published In Metropost Magazine Volume 2 (October - December 2008 Issue)

Holiday season is looming and along with the cool breeze and shopping spree fever, taste buds water for sugary pleasures. Aside from the sweet indulgence that engulfs people during the yuletide season, unique and exciting syrupy gift ideas are also lurking around the metro waiting to be discovered.

If you are a certified sweet tooth, here are some sumptuous and delightful desserts available in the market that can satisfy your cravings or even define the meaning of a heavenly after meal treat. These special holiday delicacies will surely make you forget your sugar diet and will make you realize that life is indeed sweet.

Homemade by Roshan

A delight like no other, Homemade by Roshan is a lavish feast on sweets baked at the comforts of Roshan Santani’s home kitchen. Ranging from specialty desserts to chewy and moist cookies that are truly divine, these made to order goodies guarantees freshness and satisfaction in every bite.

In line with the Christmas season, Roshan embellished her packages with Christmas trimmings, perfect as holiday gift ideas to your family and friends. Being fairly priced with a truly spectacular taste, Roshan’s different flavors will surely return you the worth of your money. Serving exquisite gift boxes and baskets filled with sumptuous cakes and pastries, Homemade by Roshan is truly a hit when it comes to spreading a delicious Christmas cheer.

This specialty quiche is just a dial away; contact Roshan at 631-7786 or 09178336286 to have a slice of heaven this Christmas season.

Hungry PAC!

Popularly known for its chocolate crinkles, Hungry Pac is surely a fantastic treat for kids and adults alike. Located in key malls around the metro, Hungry Pac is a luscious excuse to forget your diet and indulge in pastries oozing with flavor. This chocolate confidence is best as giveaways during company parties not only this Christmas season but also any time you feel like distributing love.

Hungry Pac offers the softest and darkest chocolate cake, with its thin layer of dark fudge frosting that’s not too sweet. This chocolaty moist cake is one of their best selling pastry along with the chocolate crinkles. They come in handy with single servings and also perfect for a group feast. Best as party favors or just for your own longing, Hungry Pac is the bakeshop that answers your chocolate cravings.

Hungrypac outlets are located at SM Mall of Asia at the Main Mall 2nd floor, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma Food Choices, SM North Edsa’s The Block 3rd Floor, Glorietta 4 Food Choices, Ash Creek (Madison Street corner Ortigas Ave.). Or call 7360002 and 0917-8360092 and look for Cynthia Ang for orders.

The Sweet life by Ange

Living a sweet life is a divine treat. But baking guru Ange literally made her life sweeter by concocting saccharine delicacies. Ange, at her young age is not only fond of baking but she turned her hobby into a best selling career.

One of her popular offering is the mouth-watering Sweet Surrender, innovating the usual Brazo de Mercedes into a frozen sugary flavor like you’ve never tasted before. The traditional meringue and custard was supplemented by frozen vanilla ice cream and graham cracker crust to create multiple layers of a luxurious after meal feast. As the name suggests sweet surrender will make you succumb to your sweet fantasies.

Life’s just got sweeter and sweeter for Ange, her cupcakes that resembles edible extravagance was and continues to be a best seller in the market. The 17-year old baker tagged her mini cakes as Couture cupcakes that sound and look really luscious. Dig in to her special zest like “Marie Antoinette” vanilla cupcake with tequila rose buttercream; “Chanel” moist chocolate cupcake with valrhona buttercream; “Tres Chic” vanilla cupcakes with valrhona buttercream; “Sugar Daddy” moist chocolate cupcakes with bailey's buttercream; and “Satine” red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. You can have these scrumptious flavors by the dozen.

Ange’s young and playful nature adds sweetness to her mixtures that appeal to the senses with its oozing flavor. Bring sweet cheers to your family and friends this Christmas by introducing them to the secret beneath Ange’s sweet life.

Try her delectable and stylish cupcakes and cakes; place your order at 8150188 or 09158238198. Sweet Life by Ange is beyond doubt a refreshing way to sweeten up the yuletide season.

Quan Bakeshop

Crispy puff pastry with custard filling is what made Quan Bakeshop of Bacolod one of the ultimate favorites when it comes to desserts. Labeled as Napoleones, this sweet pastry topped with powdered sugar glaze is a perfect giveaway now that the season of giving is fast approaching.
Napoleones is one of Bacolod’s raved sweets, perfect for “pasalubong” or even as meal ender while taking pleasure in the sights of Bacolod. You can savor the taste of Napoleones at Quan Bakeshop: #3 La Salle Ave. Capitolville Subdivision, Bacolod City. But sweet lovers in the metro need not to worry you don’t have to travel just to have a taste of this yummy pastry. Thanks to the thoughtful bakers of Quan, you can now enjoy the authentic crispy sweet bite up for grabs at its Makati branch at Pueblo on Dian Street, telephone number 833-5843.
Bon appétit! And enjoy every forkful to the fullest.

California Berry

Who says a delicious but nutritious treat is hard to find? The trend is now focusing on the good stuff so to capture the healthy market an exciting way to yumminess is being introduced to the health conscious.

The nutrition of yogurt plus the goodness of ice cream rolled into one is a healthy dessert alternative. Doing away with the sweet temptations is a tough work but with the California berry blend giving in to a sweet indulgence will not eat your guilt anymore.

California Berry is a frozen yogurt, a healthy dessert alternative. Enjoying a sweet concoction now reaps good benefits as well. It has probiotics that gets rid of bad bacteria in your body and help eases diarrhea and constipation.

Now when you’re up for a cold ice cream but wary of its sickening calorific contents, taste the zest of CaliforniaBerry and indulge your senses in their nutritious yogurt selections – without the guilt and sugar overdose.

Don’t miss the healthy sweet experience visit its spot on the Silver City Mall, Frontera Verde, Julia Vargas, Ortigas Center.