John & Joyce: Here's Their Paean for Love!

It was just how Joyce & John wanted their wedding at Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Songculan, Dauis to be. Intimate, romantic and solemn.  

  Jubilant newlyweds John & Joyce

Joyce happens to be the Makati & overseas- trained Boholana dermatologist and daughter of Emma & the late Julius Castillo while John, an HNU Medical Center Foundation Inc. staff nurse, is the son of Engr Juanito and Grace Anino.

 Mr. & Mrs. John Anino with their parents

SEEN:  Dr. James Sombrio, Dr. Corazon E. Lim, Atty. Popot Marapao, 

former Miss DWCT Virna Dadang- Albuera & Jahel Diccion  

 With her uber cute & pretty flower girls
Priyanka Heart U. Castillo  &  Bianca M. Tasker

Their modern Filipiniana- themed wedding is still being talked about for being ground- breaking, so to speak, in so many ways. For starters, fresh blooms were conspicuously absent from the event styling to the bride’s bouquet. 

 Bridal Bouquet

For her bouquet, paper roses, peonies, trick carns, mums, with the traditional "gungi" stick decor from the olden times fashioned from coconut midribs and paper, and buri fibers

A Herculean task but the creative duo of Boy Dumadag & Michael Yu of Blue Grass Project, incidentally in Japan right now as RP’s bets to the 2015 International Flower Show, was up to the task.

Finally, the wedding paved the way for labels and dictates on societal norms to be discarded as far as traditional roles in weddings were concerned.  Hats off to the forward- thinking couple

 Last- minute touch- up from designer EJ Relampagos
The bride with her Man of Honor Steve L. De Castro and her bridesmaids

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS were Dr. Ronald L. Ramiro, Dr. Venerando T. Yap, Dr. James G. Sombrio, Dr. Gerito H. Egos, Dr. Theodore A. Dumaluan , Arch. Socrates B. Fucanan, Mr. Casimiro R. Bompat, Jr., Dr. Jane R. Ramiro, Ms. Winefreda C. Gadugdug (represented by Ms Anita Gadugdug , Dr. Imelda G. Jumangit , Dr. Corazon E. Lim , Ms. Arsenia B. Bonite , Dr. Emma F. Cahatol & Dr. Maria Delia R. Maluenda

Congratulations & Best Wishes again to the couple! Cheers!

A million thanks to Ms Gretel Ong of BQ Corporation for making sure that the reception tendered by the newlyweds at Panglao Island Nature Resort’s Garden Square would be perfect. 

Photo Credits: Mark Ramasola & Artline Studio

Marian & Her Miss Talent Presentation

November 5, 2014. It was the eve of Marian Grace Malubay’s first ever trip outside Bohol. Mind you, it’s no ordinary trip. It was to be the culmination of a three- month journey towards the Miss Silka Philippines 2014 crown. 

That evening at the Araoarao- Gabin residence, we had a last- minute critiquing & coaching for Marian’s Miss Silka Philippines’ talent presentation. She was to present a Singkilan dance number, a modified royal dance of the Maranaws from Mindanao.

Marian Grace Malubay with Ma'am Wincie & Fiel Angeli

The said dance solo would be perfect to showcase the natural grace and elegance of Marian who was a former HNU Diwanag Dance Theatre & Cultural Troupe aspirant. Anthony Perigo, a former Diwanag member had been her dance coach for the past few days prior to the last- minute critiquing.  

We (meaning Marian, her make up artist Jean Bulasa & Your Blogger) were in awe the moment we stepped inside Fiel’s abode. Marian was in for a serious session with no less than the legendary Wincie Espejo Araoarao, founder of the famed Bukang Liwayway Dance Troupe of Bohol National High School (BNHS) now DCPNHS. 

On the other hand, Fiel Angeli, Maam Wincie’s daughter and a friend of mine is always sought out by most if not all pageant contenders especially those who compete in regional and national level competitions. We braced ourselves as we were about to meet the formidable duo.

You see, Fiel is a Miss Tagbilaran titleholder and perennial winner & coach of many Miss Talent winners. She won the Miss Talent award during her Miss Tagbilaran 1987 stint with her unforgettable Binasuan folk dance presentation. 

Both mother and daughter even lend dresses, shoes & accessories to pageant girls who need them and Marian was no exception. In between, Marian was coached on poise, how to handle the Q & A and being constantly reminded to be herself. 

Marian with Your Blogger

Fiel's hubby Jerome Gabin and son Renji join us
in a keepsake of the coaching session

Anyway, it was an enriching learning experience.  Marian acknowledged that she benefitted immensely from that brief session. To Maam Wincie and Fiel Angeli, our most sincere thanks!

Marian is Miss Talent- ready!

MISS SILKA BOHOL ALSO SAYS THANK YOU TO: 

We would also like to thank EJ Relampagos, top Boholano designer for lending Bohol’s bet with some cocktail dresses.

Our most sincere thanks to the DermDoc tandem of Boholano dermatologists Dr. Joyce Castillo & Dr. James Sombrio for taking care of the dermatologic needs & skin care regimen of Marian Malubay

Photo Credits: 

Jean Bulasa

Fiel Angeli Araoarao Gabin

FAQ on Diode Laser Hair Removal Treatment: Part 5

Dr. Joyce Castillo is a Makati- based Boholana dermatologist who specializes in clinical and cosmetic dermatology laser and dermatologic surgery. Dr. Castillo is also affiliated with Fort Bonifacio's NU U Asia Center for Dermatology, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery.

She will be tackling the most frequently- asked questions on Diode Laser Hair Removal technology and dark underarm treatment which can be availed of in Derma Doc Clinic at the Ramiro Community Hospital where she alternates with noted Boholano dermatology specialist, Dr. James Sombrio.

This is part five of a seven- part series:

For details & appointments, visit or call Derma Doc Clinic at (038) 412.3515 local 1009 or 0927.5680.079

Please click the link for the previous posts:

Beauty & Wellness Corner

FAQ on Diode Laser Hair Removal Treatment: PART 3

FAQ on Diode Laser Hair Removal Treatment  

DID YOU KNOW THAT a whooping 90% of Filipina women consider dark and unsightly underarms as their biggest source of anxiety and embarrassment?

Aside from the potential humiliation and the discomfort, compounding the underarm anxiety is the chicken skin syndrome, a product of constant tweezing, hair- pulling and shaving.

Finally, the solution to the problem is now here in Bohol.

Dr. Joyce Castillo, a Makati- based Boholana dermatologist who specializes in clinical and cosmetic dermatology laser and dermatologic surgery will be tackling the most frequently- asked questions on Diode Laser Hair Removal technology and dark underarm treatment.

This beauty treatment technology can be availed of at Derma Doc Clinic at the Ramiro Community Hospital where she alternates with noted Boholano dermatology specialist, Dr. James Sombrio. 

 This is part three of a seven- part series 

Q # 5. Does Laser Hair Removal hurt?

The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. 

You will feel a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment, but most people tolerate the procedure well

Topical anesthetic is available to increase your comfort, if you choose.

Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.

Q # 6. Who performs the treatments?

All laser treatments are performed by physicians and technicians who are trained and certified in all aspects of Laser Hair Removal.

For details & appointments, visit Derm Doc Clinic, Ramiro Community Hospital, Tagbilaran City, Bohol:

                               (038) 412.3515 local 1009 or 

                               +63927.5680.079

For the complete series on Laser Hair Removal, here's the Link:

Beauty & Wellness Corner

FAQ on Diode Laser Hair Removal Treatment: Week 3

Dr. Joyce Castillo, a Makati- based Boholana dermatologist who specializes in clinical and cosmetic dermatology laser and dermatologic surgery will be tackling the most frequently- asked questions on Diode Laser Hair Removal technology and dark underarm treatment .

This breakthrough treatment can be availed of in Derma Doc Clinic at the Ramiro Community Hospital

Dr. Castillo alternates with noted Boholano dermatology specialist, Dr. James Sombrio. This is part three of a seven- part series 

Q # 5. Does Laser Hair Removal hurt?

The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. 

You will feel a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment, but most people tolerate the procedure well. 

Topical anesthetic is available to increase your comfort, if you choose. 

Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.

Q # 6. Who performs the treatments?

All laser treatments are performed by physicians and technicians who are trained and certified in all aspects of Laser Hair Removal.

For details & appointments, visit or call Derm Doc Clinic at (038) 412.3515 local 1009 or 0927.5680.079

FAQ on Diode Laser Hair Removal Treatment: PART 2

Dr. Joyce Castillo is a Makati- based Boholana dermatologist who specializes in clinical and cosmetic dermatology laser and dermatologic surgery.

She will be tackling the most frequently- asked questions on Diode Laser Hair Removal technology and dark underarm treatment which can be availed of in Derma Doc Clinic at the Ramiro Community Hospital where she alternates with noted Boholano dermatology specialist, Dr. James Sombrio.

This is part two of a seven- part series 

Q #3. How does the system remove hair?

This laser targets the pigment located in the hair follicle and shaft. 

 The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and this energy is converted to heat which results in damage to the hair follicle. 

 This damage causes delayed re-growth of hair and, in most cases, permanent destruction of many of the hair follicles. 

 Unlike electrolysis, which disables one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time. 

Q #4. Is Laser Hair Removal technology safe?

The system was developed from years of research at one of the world’s leading medical laser research institutions. 

 The laser is pulsed, or “turned on”, for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. 

 A unique component of the system, the actively cooled sapphire hand piece was designed to protect the skin by actively cooling it before, during and after the laser light is transmitted. 

 It also actively draws off heat from the skin surface, which further protects the skin from injury.

For details & appointments, visit or call Derm Doc Clinic:

(038) 412.3515 local 1009

0927.5680.079

For Part 1 of this series on Laser Hair Removal, here's the Link:

Beauty & Wellness Corner

F.A.Q. on Laser Hair Removal

DID YOU KNOW THAT a whooping 90% of Filipina women consider dark and unsightly underarms as their biggest source of anxiety and embarrassment?

Aside from the potential humiliation and the discomfort, compounding the underarm anxiety is the chicken skin syndrome, a product of constant tweezing, hair- pulling and shaving.

Finally, the solution to the problem is now here in Bohol.

Dr. Joyce Castillo, a Makati- based Boholana and Board- certified dermatologist who specializes in clinical and cosmetic dermatology and laser & dermatologic surgery and dedicated to the advancement of evidence-based and ethical medical practice particularly in cosmetic surgery & dermatology, has good news for Boholanas who have underarm anxiety.

Dr. Castillo, who also regularly guests in Radio DZMM’s top- rating “Magandang Gabi Dok” program, revealed that the Diode Laser Hair Removal technology is now available in Derma Doc Clinic at the Ramiro Community Hospital where she alternates with Dr. James Sombrio, noted Boholano dermatology specialist.

In collaboration with Derma Doc Clinic, this blog will have a seven- part weekly series that will address the most frequently- asked questions on Laser Hair Removal Treatment

“The series will happen starting today. For more detailed answers and for clinical appointments, just visit us at Derma Doc Clinic”, Dr. Castillo further intimated

The Most Frequently- Asked Questions on Diode Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Q # 1. Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

There is no laser that has received FDA clearance for a claim of permanent hair removal.

The Diode laser was the first to be cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction that is defined by the FDA as 85% or greater hair reduction.

It is possible that follicles in the treated area, while not being completely destroyed, will be sufficiently disabled to the point where they produce only fine, light hairs that do not respond to further treatment.

This is backed up by extensive clinical studies and you should be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.

Q # 2. Why use the Diode over other hair removal systems?

The laser is specifically designed for hair removal.

We have chosen this laser because of the extensive clinical research that demonstrates its effectiveness for permanent hair reduction.

Other Laser Hair Removal systems that we have investigated cannot make this claim.

We’ve used the Diode for hundreds of thousands of treatments, so we know it works and provides the kind of long term results that our patients have come to expect from us.

Next week, Dr. Castillo will talk on how the system works and will also touch on the safety issue

For details & appointments, visit or call Derm Doc Clinic at (038) 412.3515 local 1009 or 0927.5680.079

FAQ on Laser Hair Removal Part 2