Drug for pain relief listed as 'dangerous'

MANILA, Philippines – A synthetic opioid used for pain relief has been added to the list of dangerous drugs based on regulations issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DBB).

According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Undersecretary Jose Gutierrez, the DDB issued last December 16, 2010 Regulation Number 1, series of 2010 that classified Nalbuphine Hydrochloride as a dangerous drug effective January 28, 2011.

PDEA said Nalbuphine Hydrochloride’s analgesic potency and characteristics are similar to that of Morphine, Demerol, Pethidine or Codeine.

PDEA reminded all importers, manufacturers, wholesalers/distributors/traders and retailers of the drug to register and apply for license with the Compliance Service (CS), the regulatory arm of the agency.

Only practitioners with valid S-2 License can prescribe the said pharmaceutical product through DOH-prescribed "yellow prescription" for a maximum of only 40 milligrams per prescription. Importation, likewise, requires an import permit duly approved by the agency.

The PDEA chief said that based on the foregoing DDB Regulations, PDEA, as the lead anti-drug agency in partnership with the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs and other instrumentalities in the field of drug law enforcement, will include this substance in their close monitoring and will apprehend offenders of the law.

'Blogging is beyond tweets, status updates'

MANILA, Philippines - Even with the popularity of "tweets" or updates on Twitter and short status messages on Facebook, long and meaningful blog entries are still very much relevant to Filipinos today.

This is what a group of Filipinos believe, saying that sharing one's life on the web is not just about "bragging" and "no-nonsense status updates," but about content with depth, which can be achieved through well-written blog entries.

Citing Matt Mullenweg, founding developer of popular open-source blogging software WordPress, they said "there's still more that can be said in just 140 characters."

Freelance writers Jude Cartalaba and Lizza Villanueva, book authors Alex Lacson and Aileen Santos, coach Pia Nazareno-Acevedo, fashion designer Ulysses King, food blogger Chun Valencia and photo hobbyist Gerum Quiming have joined forces to teach Filipinos how to write online in a workshop to be held on March 19 and 20 at TheROOM in Quezon City.

Called WWW - What to Write on the Web: A Writing Workshop that Works, the 2-day event will feature a series of talks on how to effectively communicate through blogs as well as the impact of online writing on today's generation and ways to profit from such activity.

Only 30 slots will be allocated for the workshop. For more information, send an e-mail tojudecartalabaonline@gmail.com or contact (63915) 910-9015.

Boy Abunda named Arts Festival envoy

MANILA, Philippines – After being appointed as the ambassador of the Philippine International Arts Festival, multi-awarded television host Boy Abunda came to the defense of President Benigno Aquino III, saying that the President has nothing to do with his appointment.

Abunda clarified this on “Showbiz News Ngayon” Tuesday.

“May mga reporters yata na nagtanong sa Malacañang if I was appointed by the President in this position. Walang kinalaman po dito ang Presidente,” he said.

According to Abunda, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts invited him to be its representative.

“I was invited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to be its arts ambassador or its spokesperson,” said Abunda.

Abunda also shared how much he values this position.

“You know the theater, the cultural community and the arts have been very good to me. Ito’y mahalagang position,” he said.

John Lloyd gives Shaina expensive watch

MANILA, Philippines – Is it true that actor John Lloyd Cruz gave his girlfriend actress Shaina Magdayao an expensive gift?

Following the reports that Cruz gave his girlfriend a luxury bag as a gift for Christmas, speculations now thrive that the actor has given the actress a watch worth half a million pesos.

Talking to “Showbiz News Ngayon” on Tuesday, Cruz said the price of gifts he gives Magdayao does not really matter because it’s always the thought that counts.

“You know hindi na tayo kumportable na dini-disclose ang mga ganyang bagay. Hindi naman dapat nagma-matter [kung ano ang regalo]. No matter how big or small yung amoung ng binibigay mo, it’s really the thought na nagka-count dapat,” he said.

He said he does not have a plan yet on how he and his ladylove will celebrate Valentines day.

“Wala pa. Kung papalarin at bibigyan kami ng pagkakataon na magsama on that day, well and good. Kung hindi mangyari, okay lang din. Trabaho lang muna,” said Cruz.

He was also asked to comment on the budding romance of his former onscreen partner Bea Alonzo with actor Zanjoe Marudo.

“I couldn’t be happier for them. Lagi ko naman sinasabi kung saan ka masaya, mas doble yung saya namin bilang kaibigan mo para sa iyo,” he said.

Pro-poor annulment bill explained

MANILA, Philippines - Rep. Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna party is hoping that House Bill 3952, the annulment bill he filed in Congress this week, will be passed by lawmakers.

In an interview on radio dzMM's "Tambalang Failon at Webb" on Tuesday, Colmenares said he hopes congressmen and senators will vote on the bill based on what the people need.

"Alam mo 'yung bills naman namin, sa tingin namin, pinapasa by the amount of support generated outside Congress. A large part depends on support from outside Congress. Kung merong mga magsabi na dapat talaga i-amend, I hope the Congress will vote according to what the people want rather than on their personal views on the matter," Colmenares said.

Colmenares filed the bill yesterday, January 17, and he said he hopes it will be scheduled for first reading soon.

House Bill 3952 seeks to amend Article 36 of the Family Code, which allows for the annulment of a marriage if one spouse is proven to be psychologically incapacitated to comply with the marital obligation "even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization.”

Expensive annulment

Colmenares noted that while this remedy is available by law, only the rich could avail of it since annulment proceedings can be very costly over time.

"Ang napansin ko kasi, masyadong mahaba at magastos para sa urban poor o mga mahihirap ang proceedings," Colmenares said.

To address this, Colmenares proposed House Bill 3952 which recognizes spousal violence, infidelity, and abandonment as presumptive psychological incapacity, which can be a ground for the annulment of a marriage.

"So ang ginawa ng bill, is may presumption siya--rebuttable presumption, hindi naman conclusive resumption--na 'pag ang cause ng kaso ay infidelity, abandonment at spousal violence, may presumption ng psychological incapacity. At 'pag di ni-rebut ng other party, ng respondent, the petitioner need not present a psychiatrist o psychologist or witnesses to prove na binubugbog na siya o psychologically incapacitated 'yung other spouse para mas mabilis na lang ang proceedings," Colmenares explained.

Psychiatrists, psychologists

He added that during annulment proceedings, judges require testimonies from psychiatrists or psychologists to prove a spouse's psychological incapacity.

This can be expensive as psychiatrists and psychologists need to perform exhaustive examinations. "Medyo mahal," he said.

"Kung hindi naman kinokontest ng asawa mo na binubugbog ka niya every week, bakit ka pa mag-ha-hire ng psychiatrist o psychologist to prove something na totoo naman at hindi contested? 'Yun ang purpose ng bill natin," Colmenares said.

Colmenares added that when Article 36 was passed during the time of President Corazon Aquino, it did not become a big issue. "Kasi may recognition na maraming kasal na, misfortune mo na makasal sa isang psychologically incapacitated spouse," he said.

"So I'm thinking na marami namang kongresista sa ngayon at sana may mga senador din, na mag-take ng bill na ito, na mag-recognize na marami ng may ganung kalagayan ngayon. Ngayon, may batas pero ang nakaka-avail lang as remedy 'yung medyo may pera. They have the capacity to hire a lawyer," Colmenares said.

Financial infidelity may be new normal: poll

NEW YORK - Three in 10 Americans commit "financial infidelity" by lying to their spouses about money, sometimes suffering consequences such as separation or divorce, according to a new survey.

The Harris Interactive online poll of 2,019 adults released Thursday showed 31% of American couples who have combined finances were not truthful about issues such as hiding cash or a bank account or about debt or earnings.

"Financial infidelity may be the new normal," said Forbes.com, which commissioned the survey with the National Endowment for Financial Education.

One-third of respondents also say they have been deceived, and both sexes lie to their partners about money in equal numbers.

"These indiscretions cause significant damage to the relationship," said Ted Beck, chief executive of the National Endowment for Financial Education.

Sixteen percent of couples affected by financial infidelity said the deception led to a divorce and 11% said it caused a separation. Sixty-seven percent said it led to an argument and for 42% it lessened trust in the relationship.

The most common lie, at 58%, was hiding cash, according to Forbes.com. Fifty-four percent of respondents admitted hiding a minor purchase, 30% hid a bill, 16% did not disclose a major purchase and 15% hid a bank account.

Eleven percent lied about debt and an equal number were untruthful about earnings, the survey showed.

5 ways to travel in style

MANILA, Philippines - Headed to places where the weather's wintry cold? Bundle up, and do so in style.

French high street brand Promod gave 5 tips on how to suit up when traveling to cold weather destinations.

It suggested ensembles that include bubble jackets, scarves, coats, turtlenecks, and boots so women can look fashionable as they conquer new horizons.

Style tip #1

Be sure to pack a turtleneck top -- an essential piece that can work with any outfit. Match this with stylish bubble jackets or knit scarves to complete that "model on vacation" look.

Style tip #2

Complement the classy floral top with a gray cardigan, gray beret and a maroon knit scarf to turn heads anywhere in the world.

Style tip #3

A leather jacket can be worn over a cute knit mini-dress and flattering tights for a stunning outfit during balmy weather. Add a red scarf around the neck for instant drama.

Style tip #4

In a sea of fashion-forward locals, stand out with a red pea coat. Complement it with a gray scarf, black gloves, tights and knockout boots.

Style tip #5

Structured gray pieces look extra interesting with walking shorts and a magenta coat. Accentuate legs with high-heeled boots.

What's your sign? Double-check 'new' zodiac before answering

"What's your sign?"

You think it's an easy question to answer, right? However, a story published Sunday by an American news site has netizens scrambling to find if they have the correct answer.

A story by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune published on Sunday quoted Parke Kunkle, a board member of the Minnesota Planetarium Society, saying that the zodiac signs as we know it are off by a month.

It revealed a 13th sign -- Ophiuchus -- representing a man wrestling a serpent.

The sign was discarded by the Babylonians, because "they wanted only 12 signs per year," the Star-Tribune story said.

The slow but continuous movement of Earth and the sun adjusted the alignment of the constellations, thus the 13th sign was born, Kunkle said.

"It is the only sign of the zodiac linked to real men, sharing traits with Imhotep, a 27th century BCE Egyptian doctor, and biblical Joseph," reports TIME magazine.

The "new" zodiac dates are as follows:

Capricorn: Jan. 20 - Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 - May 13
Taurus: May 13 - June 21
Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 - Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 - Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 - Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 - Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20

Kunkle, meanwhile, clarified horoscope readings for each zodiac signs should not be affected by the Earth's new alignment.

Wobbling Earth

However, this "news," which went viral on the web the past week, is not new, and has an actual scientific explanation.

"This story is born periodically as if someone has discovered some truth. It's not news," Jeff Jawer, an astrologer with Tarot.com, told CNN's This Just In blog.

A Live Science article back in October 2007 reported the phenomenon of "precession."

The phenomenon refers to the wobbling of the Earth on its axis in a 25,800-year cycle. The wobbling is caused by the "gravitational attraction of the Moon on Earth's equatorial bulge. "

"Over the past two-and-a-half millennia, this wobble has caused the intersection point between the celestial equator and the ecliptic to move west along the ecliptic by 36 degrees, or almost exactly one-tenth of the way around. This means that the signs have slipped one-tenth—or almost one whole month—of the way around the sky to the west, relative to the stars beyond," the LiveScience article said.

Therefore, the article said, the zodiac signs we all associate our birthdates which are based on the "position of the sun relative to constellations as they appeared 2,200 years ago."

No change

Therefore, are you now officially an Ophiuchus and not a Sagittarius? Not really.

The CNN article explained that if people "adhered to the tropical zodiac - which, if they're a Westerner, they probably did – absolutely nothing has changed for them."

"That's because the tropical zodiac – which is fixed to seasons, and which Western astrology adheres to – differs from the sidereal zodiac – which is fixed to constellations and is followed more in the East, and is the type of zodiac to which the Star Tribune article ultimately refers," the CNN post said.

However, the fact that the sun isn't aligned anymore with the constellations at certain times of the year compared to millennia ago is "irrelevant for the tropical zodiac," which was codified for Western astrology by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, Jawer told CNN.

The article explained that in the tropical zodiac, the start of Aries is fixed to one equinox, and Libra the other.

"When we look at the astrology used in the Western world," Jawer told CNN, "the seasonally based astrology has not changed, was never oriented to the constellations, and stands as … has been stated for two millenniums."

"Astrology is geocentric. It relates life on Earth to the Earth’s environment, and seasons are the most dramatic effect, which is why we use the tropical zodiac," Jawer added.

Sexy redefined

MANILA, Philippines - Anyone can be sexy in his or her own way, but this can't be done overnight.

This is what Michealle Torres, executive editor for Metro magazine, learned as she worked with different celebrities for the magazine's Sexiest People issue this month.

These men and women are not just born sexy, she realized. Getting there entails having a certain kind of discipline that transcends the purpose of looking good in the eyes of other people.

"The new sexy comes in different ways. It does not just come with having a hot body. It comes from being an intellectual. It comes from being a comedian who gives laughter to everyone," Torres said in an interview on Mornings@ANC yesterday.

She continued, "They do it (being sexy) for themselves, for health reasons, for lifestyle changes. That in itself is very interesting."

Gracing the cover of Metro's Sexiest People issue for January is 20-year-old actress Maegan Young. Torres said she is living proof that being sexy doesn't have an age requirement.

"She shed all her inhibitions and shattered the preconceived notion that just because you're young, you can't be sexy," she said.

Torres was also impressed with Carmi Martin, for still "looking fabulous through the years." The comedienne, who is already in her 40s, boasts of a svelte physique and strong sex appeal.

For males, Torres picked actor-dancer Rayver Cruz, who she said is "sexy in the eyes of most women."

"I like Rayver because we've all seen him as this kid who started out dancing and now he's all grown up," she said.

Metro chose a handful of personalities to fit different categories and segments in the country's entertainment industry. Below is the full list of the magazine's sexiest people, as mentioned in its January issue (in no particular order):

1. Maegan Young

2. Lovi Poe, actress

3. Bangs Garcia, actress

4. Tuesday Vargas, comedienne

5. Rafael Rosell, actor

6. Solenn Heusaff, model

7. Rayver Cruz, actor-dancer

8. Bianca Manalo, beauty queen-actress

9. Chris Cayzer, singer

10. Marc Nelson, TV host

11. Carmi Martin, comedienne

12. Xian Lim, actor

Harry Potter plagiarism case dismissed in US

NEW YORK - A US judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit accusing "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling with copying the work of another author when writing "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

The estate of late author Adrian Jacobs had said that the plot of the book, the fourth of 7 in the wildly successful series that has been turned into a multi-billion-dollar film franchise, copied parts of the plot of his book "Willy the Wizard," including a wizard contest, and that Rowling borrowed the idea of wizards traveling on trains.

Scholastic Corp, the US publisher of the books, welcomed the move by judge Shira Scheindlin, quoting the judge as saying "...the contrast between the total concept and feel of the works is so stark that any serious comparison of the 2 strains credulity."

"The Court's swift dismissal supports our position that the case was completely without merit and that comparing Willy the Wizard to the Harry Potter series was absurd," the firm said in a statement.

In October, a judge overseeing a similar plagiarism case at London's High Court said that the claims made by Paul Allen, trustee of Jacobs's estate, were "improbable," though he turned down an application by lawyers for Rowling and her British publisher for an immediate judgment dismissing the case.

According to his estate Jacobs, who wrote "The Adventures of Willy the Wizard -- No 1 Livid Land" in 1987, had at one point sought the services of literary agent Christopher Little, who later became Rowling's agent. It added that Jacobs died "penniless" in a London hospice in 1997.

Bloomsbury said Rowling had never heard of Jacobs's book before the copyright claim was first made in 2004, almost 7 years after the publication of the first book in the highly publicized Harry Potter series.

No refund yet for Power Balance bracelets in PH

MANILA, Philippines - The Power Balance bracelet is making more noise nowadays.

The maker of the performance accessory worn by well-known athletes was greeted with not-so-welcome news in 2011 as the Australian government compelled Power Balance to admit that there is no reasonable basis for its claims.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), in a statement, said the company's claims that the silicone bracelet can improve one's balance, strength and flexibility can "mislead consumers into believing that Power Balance products have benefits that they do not have."

"Power Balance has admitted that there is no credible scientific basis for the claims and therefore no reasonable grounds for making representations about the benefits of the product," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.

Power Balance reportedly had a record $35 million in sales last year, a far cry from the $5 million it recorded in 2009. Among its endorsers are NBA Superstar Shaquille O'Neal, who swears by the benefits of the silicone bracelet.

As a result of the incident, the company is offering a refund for customers who feel that they have been misled by the Power Balance Bracelet.

"It's up to our consumers to decide if they feel it works for them or not. In the US, we've always had a 30-day money back, no questions asked guarantee. But less than 1% of returns so far," the company told CNBC, which reported that Power Balance has also been fined by the Italian and Spanish governments.

In the Philippines, the Power Balance bracelet is distributed by Health and Beyond, a company owned by Miguel Garcia.

According to Garcia's office, their US principals have instructed them not to give any media statements for now.

They added that no order was given yet regarding a recall or refund of their products.

The Bureau of Health Devices Technology of the Health Department, meanwhile, said the product is in a grey area between a health product and a consumer product.

The agency will be discussing with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on how to handle the situation. In the meantime, it is calling on consumers to not believe claims without scientific evidence.

‘Social Network' spells Hammer time for actor Armie

LOS ANGELES– They look so much alike in Oscar-hopeful film "The Social Network," they could be one man, and in fact, they are. But what the Winklevoss twins share with the actor who plays them has less to do with looks and more with their privileged background.

The actor, 24 year-old Armie Hammer, is the great grandson of oil tycoon and philanthropist Armand Hammer. He was blessed with good looks and a prominent family tree, like the Winklevoss'. But the similarities seem to stop there.

While the Winkelvoss twins, as portrayed in the movie, stuck to family traditions, attended Harvard University and became Olympic rowers. Hammer quit school, said hello to Hollywood and angered his family -- if only temporarily.

"I dropped out of high school and I dropped out of college because the movie industry was the only thing I wanted to be in," Hammer told Reuters.

"I definitely got a speech that said, 'You will be the first Hammer man to not graduate college, to not get a degree,'" he said. "But I didn't have any interest in that."

Hammer's passion for acting has clearly come through in "Social Network," because amid all the awards and box office buzz for the movie that traces the origins of Facebook, one consistent message circulating among Hollywood insiders is that Hammer is enjoying a breakthrough performance.

Industry players, the media, and audiences have been scratching their heads at just how one man played the two roles of Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who claimed Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg stole their idea when he founded the website and, in the process, became a billionaire.

Hammer said a typical day would involve him shooting a scene playing Cameron Winklevoss with a body double, Josh Pence, standing-in as Tyler.

After director David Fincher was satisfied with the main scene, Hammer would change costume, hairstyles and makeup and be transformed into Tyler to perform the scene again, alone. This time, the camera focused only on his face and in editing, his head would be digitally superimposed on Pence's body.

Overcoming tradition

In the movie, Cameron is portrayed as initially not wanting to press a legal claim against Zuckerberg out of deference to Harvard tradition, while Tyler is less enamored of that notion. They argue, but eventually Tyler sides with Cameron. Of the twins, Hammer's favorite to play was Cameron.

"I appreciated Cameron's sense of chivalry and that he wanted to be a gentleman," Hammer said. "I think that's becoming more obsolete in the 21st century. But it was fun to play Tyler and fly off the handle."

Hammer said he was so involved in his dual roles that he truly believed Zuckerberg "stole from us," but now that he has distanced himself, he believes all the key players in real life probably did wrong things and no one person is to blame.

Time, distance and success also have given Hammer and his parents a different perspective on his decision to become an actor. While he spent his first year in Hollywood without landing any work, his next few years brought guest roles on shows like "Veronica Mars" and "Desperate Housewives."

In 2007, he earned a big break when he was cast as crime fighting superhero Batman in the DC Comic book adaptation, "Justice League," but before the movie began filming, it was halted due to Hollywood's screenwriter strike.

But Hammer believes "everything happens for a reason," and he may be right. Soon after that job ended, he won the role of evangelist Billy Graham in the 2008 independent film "Billy: The Early Years," and only four weeks before shooting began on "Social Network" he got a call from Fincher.

The director, it seemed, could not find a pair of tall, identical twins for the Winklevoss roles. So, he began looking for a technology fix and opened auditions to individuals.

Now, Hammer is better known in Hollywood for "Social Network" than his family's name. He married TV journalist Elizabeth Chambers this year, and is planning their future.

"I'm very proud of my heritage but I would like to establish my own family, my own kids and my own legacy," he said. "I hope it has nothing to do with a last name but everything to do with the person."

Stars celebrate New Year in Bora

MANILA, Philippines – It has already been an annual tradition for a number of celebrities to stay in the beautiful island of Boracay during the Yuletide season.

Several celebrities who chose to welcome the New Year on the island.

“Sports Unlimited” host Mark Nelson revealed that he has been celebrating the occasion in Boracay for 9 consecutive years already.

“I think it's probably my 8th or 9th new years in Bora so yeah it’s been a tradition,” he said.

Veteran director Jose Javier Reyes, meanwhile, said that for him, it would be best to welcome 2011 with a “bang” and Boracay was a perfect place for it.

“You end the year with a bang and you open the year with a louder bang,” he stated.

Meantime, 1973 Miss Universe Margie Moran didn’t mind the large number of people who gathered on the island to welcome 2011.

“Plenty of people but masaya. And ‘yong fireworks, it’s one of the best that you will see,” said Moran.

It was also the 2nd time for the Gutierrez family to be in Boracay in time for the New Year countdown. “It’s good. It’s always fun to be with family and friends in the beach,” actor Richard Gutierrez said.

Away from all the intrigues in Manila, also spotted in Boracay were Anne Curtis and non-showbiz boyfriend Erwann Heussaff, partners Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho, and the soon to be married couple John Estrada and Priscilla Mereilles.

Fashion 2010: In hindsight

MANILA, Philippines - The year 2010 was a brave and exciting year for fashion. Fashion experts say we went with the whimsy of the 1950's: cinched waists, big skirts, feminine looks, platform wedges. In terms of colors, neutral, beige and pink made it big. In terms of material, tulle and ruffles went right along with the feminine trend of the `50s.

In the latter part of 2010, tribal prints and dark colors also went in style.

Tribal, animal prints

"Sex in the City" was a big inspiration too because they combined some trends like the tribal. You don't see a lot of the ethnic pieces there but the strong colors and bold detailing highlight the tribal part that was strong in the middle to latter part of 2010," said Metro Magazine Associate Editor Bianca Consunji.

But Consunji suggested going easy on animal prints next year, and wait for colder weather.

"Hold off on that and switch to something more organic, more pastels or florals and nothing as attention-catching as animal prints for the meantime," she said.

Metro Magazine Features Editor Geolette Esguerra agreed, saying she expects less structure and a more loose version of 2010's ladylike silhouette in clothes.

"You'll still have tribal pieces and accessories and you can wear them with some of the trends like loose skirts and pants," Esguerra said.

Neutral colors, pastels

As opposed to brooding blacks, Consunji said there could very well be a resurgence of more neutral colors specially at the start of the year for a feeling of lightness.

"Around February or March of 2011, we're going for softer pastels, like the floral skirt in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' I'd advise people to ditch their darker clothes because it's going to be a little heavy for the start of the year, and move on to fresher, more cottony linen," Consunji added.

She said a softer creamy palette will be in season, citing how big names in fashion like Louis Vuitton and Prada forecast butter yellow and pinks as colors for 2011.

Models wear creations by Rosanna Ocampo and Michelline Syjuco

"We're going to see more neutrals at the start of the year but it's going to be more like '70s silhouettes like 'Charlie's Angels'. Last year there were wide-legged pants, darker ones. It should be more free-flowing linens for the next season," Consunji added, saying fashion is taking inspiration from the minimalism of the '70s and '90s.

"Be a little more minimalist with elephant pants: pair off wide-legged pants with a tank top or an off-shoulder instead of with a top blazer to avoid looking like the '90s," she added.

Tips on keeping relationships harmonious

MANILA, Philippines – Every person in the world aspires to have the best relationship with the people he/she is living with. But times cannot be avoided that there are challenges that have to be faced in order to keep these relationships harmonious.

Talking to ANC’s “Shoptalk” on Tuesday, Francis Kong, president of Success Options Publishing Co., shared what are the possible things one can do to improve and to keep one’s affiliations.

It has been a custom among people to reflect on the things that they have done in the past year and to commit to do changes whenever a new year is about to start. But for Kong, one does not need to wait for a new year in order to “resolve.”

“Instead of saying a New Year's resolve, why not change it to daily resolve, something to stir us and spur us to change every single day of our lives,” Kong posted.

Kong said one has to always carry a spirit of determination and an insistence of wanting to do something to be able to accomplish something.

He emphasized that people need to “understand that we are on a constant journey of self improvement” thus, it all begins in oneself for various relationships to be resolved.

Relationship within the family

Speaking about keeping a pleasant family relationship, Kong highlighted that little things within the family must never be taken for granted. “It's those little things that matter much,” he said.

Giving out some tips, Kong advised to always give importance to your partner and your kids. He reminded people to constantly be expressive with their love through hugs, kisses and embraces.

Quality time together should also be a priority. “Plan that important family vacation that you've always planned to do but couldn't get to do. Make it your priority,” he said.

Also, Kong said that it is important to immediately patch up any conflicts within the family. Lastly, he reminded people, especially the parents, to not regret sacrificing a little social life and spend it with the family members.

Relationship within the office

Meanwhile, relationships with one’s officemates are also as valueable since one practically spend more time in the office than at home.

In keeping a healthy office relationship, Kong pointed out 3 points.

For bosses or employers, they should stop playing titles and be interested in the welfare of the people and build a team. “Leadership starts with you but it’s not you,” Kong said.

For employees, they should maintain respect for their bosses. He also said that one must always strive to expand his/her own skills. Moreover, they should never backstab their co-employees for them to create a great team.

“Don’t compete with your peers. You compete against the image you find in the mirror everyday. You compete against yourself but you complete your co-workers in achieving goals. That way, people will recognize your value as a team player,” he said.