Summer Tips and Treats

The days of summer can really get too hot, literally and figuratively. People are looking for a place to chill or do some quick shopping for some summer adventure. Banilad Town Centre (BTC) is such a place.

Here are a few tips and treats for a cool and fab sunny season.

Drink up.

On a sweltering day, sodas or sweetened beverages are often the quick fixes to satiate thirst. Increasing liquid intake is essential to proper hydration, especially during a hot day. Those who prefer flavored beverages may choose from a variety of healthy options.

“A serving of smoothie, fresh juice and tea brewed from natural leaves do not only provide a welcoming respite to the heat but the added nutritional value keeps us functioning and active in hot weather,” shares Jun Angeles of Mooshi Green Bar.

As a triathlete, Angeles makes sure that he gets proper nutrition to keep his body going. He advises mixing leafy green vegetables with fruit smoothies to achieve better results and nutritional value, and get creative juices flowing. “Reinvent the usual fruit smoothie by adding a savory blend of mild-flavored greens such as spinach and lettuce. The whole leafy greens provide antioxidants and high fiber content to prolong energy, while keeping the blood sugar balanced,” he adds.

For those who are not very big fans of the greens, Angeles suggests to introduce vegetables slowly into the diet to build love for veggies. Those coming from a rigorous workout or just want to beat the heat may grab a healthy drink at Mooshi Green Bar at the ground floor of BTC.

Find your center.

The natural heat of the season can be a good detoxifier for those who do just sweat it out. There is probably no better purification than a good amount of sweat release through yoga. Yoga provides therapy and harmony to the mind and body, allowing one to listen to the body and be more aware of posture and alignment.

“Yoga works for everyone,” says Jen Martinez of YogaHub. “A regular yoga practice provides many benefits, making the body more flexible and helping you relax even in stressful environments. And there are a variety of forms to choose from. Five rounds of Sun Salutation are good enough for those who don’t have time to exercise.”

YogaHub offers various types of yoga, like Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, Power Yoga, Deep Stretch, Hot Yoga and Beginners Yoga. The fitness technique can help one achieve that enviable summer bikini body in no time. Refresh your style. With the fashion forecasts as fiery as the weather, adding touch of whimsy to the summer wardrobe is in order. The trendy style staples from Cabana and SOAK Swimwear, located at the BTC ground floor, can help.

On trend this season are summer prints from nautical to florals and coastal patterns – plus quirky styles adding flair to lightweight and breezy ensembles. “Don a vibrant pair of swimwear and throw in a versatile cover-up such as a kimono, robe or tunic then accessorize the look by bedazzling your sun kissed skin in jewelry-inspired designs of metallic temporary tattoos to complete the summer chic vibe,” suggests KD Syiaco, owner of Cabana and Soak Swimwear.

There’s a wide range of swimsuit to flatter the body shape at Soak Swimwear. For the top heavy type, Syiaco recommends minimizing the focus on the chest by wearing maillots with coverage on the bust area or even a maillot with a cutout on the waist. The curvy or apple-shaped may play with color schemes to flatter their shape best. Highlight the curves by color blocking with bolder, brighter colors in one-piece suits or high waists.

The pear-shaped may balance their proportion while flaunting the curves with a swimwear that hugs the body in the right places. The upper body may be highlighted with eye-catching tops more than the bottom. Plunging necklines, fringes, ruffles, and accessories work on top as well.

Those with broad shoulders, narrower hips and muscular legs – the Athletic Type – may focus on feminine cuts and details. The illusion of curves can be created with a monokini or with ruffles and embellishments on the swimwear pieces.

Cabana also offers tunics, caftans, Sunnies Studios, metallic temporary tattoos, wide rimmed beach hats, no peroxide hair highlightener spray, tonic sandals, and Maui island secret browning formula for that perfect tan.

Have it all.

A good way to make the most of the sunny days is by committing to a fabulous and healthier lifestyle. BTC has one-of-a-kind shops to aid those wanting both health and style. And there’s no need to squeeze one’s way through the crowd.

There’s enough space to roam around for finding something to complement every personality and lifestyle – at ALA Boxing, Joan and Klaire, Republik, Urban Superior, Nike Athletic Club, Salon de Rose, Lay Bare, Grand Royal Spa, or Bikecology. For updates and more information, the BTC customer service number is (032) 345 32 60 – 61. The website is at www.baniladtowncentre.com; the Twitter and Instagram accounts are @BTCCebu and Facebook at www.fb.com/BTCCebu.