Flowers, so beautiful—and so deadly?

 

Knowing how to spot a potentially toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic flower or plant and avoiding it is the easiest way to prevent a bad or life-threatening reaction.

Whether you’re gifted with one or a dozen, flowers can’t help but put a smile on your face. Chalk it up to their stunning colors, their heady scent, or what they represent (is it friendship—or love?), flowers have the power to uplift flagging spirits and brighten up a plain room.

And yet, these beautiful, fragrant creations of nature can also be the death of you.

Toxins and fungus

“Certain flowers contain toxic substances, which they use to protect themselves against insects, plant- eating animals, and environmental stress,” explains Fatima Johanna T. Santos-Ocampo, MD, Pediatric Allergology  Immunology Specialist of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Angel’s trumpet and azalea are highly poisonous and can cause illness or death if ingested. Poinsettia and daffodil can result in mild gastrointestinal issues, and poison ivy triggers itchy rashes upon contact.”

Like humans, plants can get sick too. Notice a white dust coating leaves, stems, and even flower petals? That’s powdery mildew, a fungal disease that makes leaves turn yellow then brown before falling off. Black spot, which, true to its name, appears as black markings on the leaves of roses, and gray mold obtains its host’s nutrients by coating it in thick gray fuzz.

“In general, we are not likely to get infected by a plant attacked by a pathogen or a microorganism that brings disease to its host,” says Dr. Santos-Ocampo. “Still, it’s best we avoid them, especially if we’re immunocompromised. Sporotrichosis, a fungus found on the thorns of dead roses, can affect the lungs, eyes, central nervous system, bones, and joints, when it enters the skin from a scratch. Mycotoxin, a type of fungi, produces aflatoxins, which can lead to vomiting, convulsions, cancer, and death.”

Pollen

Then there are flowers with pollen, a fine, powdery substance essential to the reproduction of plants. It’s also a known allergen. When inhaled, “our immune system thinks they are invading our body, much like a virus or bacteria. This leads to the release of histamine, which makes us itch, sniffle, and sneeze,” explains Dr. Santos-Ocampo. “Others experience more distressing symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.”

Flowers known to trigger an allergic reaction include baby’s breath, dahlia, daisy, chamomile,

chrysanthemum, and sunflower.

Treatment and prevention

Knowing how to spot a potentially toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic flower or plant and avoiding it is the easiest way to prevent a bad or life-threatening reaction, says the MakatiMed specialist. “If you notice leaves with telltale signs of a pathogen, pluck them out immediately so they don’t spread to the other leaves,” says Dr. Santos-Ocampo. “Put space between plants to promote good air circulation, and protect them with commercially available garden oils and fungicide sprays.”

As for flowers, play safe and choose from a host of pollen-free varieties or those whose pollen are sticky, heavy or trapped, hence not easily airborne. “Among these are roses, orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, peonies, carnations, irises, begonias, snapdragons, and cactus flowers, which are low in pollen. These are also very lovely to give and receive,” advises Dr. Santos-Ocampo.

“You can also keep allergic reactions at bay by purchasing fresh flowers, which are less likely to release pollen. Flowers with an overpowering fragrance may trigger sneezing because they have volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). In concentrated form, these may trigger coughing,  attack in sensitive individuals. It is safer to choose those with mild scents.”

Over-the-counter medications can ease your symptoms of pollen allergy. Ask your doctor to recommend antihistamines, decongestants, and eye drops for your particular case. “See a healthcare specialist immediately if the symptoms do not subside or progress,” says Dr. Santos-Ocampo.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow MakatiMed’s social media pages for more health-related content and for the latest updates: https://www.makatimed.net.ph/social-media- pages/

The Whisky Bar Opens at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2: Bringing the Happiest Hour, Every Hour to Araneta City

 

Whisky does not always have to be serious, intimidating, or reserved for special occasions. With the grand launch of The Whisky Bar inside World Kitchens on Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City now has a new place where guests can enjoy whisky in a more refreshing, more social and more rewarding way. Created for whisky lovers, casual drinkers, and groups looking for a more elevated place to gather, The Whisky Bar brings together refreshing highballs, premium whisky pours, familiar cocktails, and popular spirits in one vibrant and welcoming space. With its wide drink selection and exciting offers, The Whisky Bar is set to make every visit feel like The Happiest Hour, Every Hour.

At the center of The Whisky Bar experience is its signature highball menu. A highball is whisky served with a refreshing mixer, making it lighter and easier to enjoy. At The Whisky Bar, this popular Japanese whisky serve is given a more flavorful twist through highballs made with Charles & James Whisky and complemented by flavor-forward mixers and ingredients, the highballs go beyond the usual with bright citrus notes, subtle sweetness, and crisp easy-drinking profiles suited to the Filipino palate.

These highballs offer guests a refreshing new way to enjoy whisky. They are smooth, social, and easy to drink, while carrying the depth and character that make whisky one of the world’s most celebrated spirits. Whether enjoyed after work, before a movie, over dinner, or during a night out with friends, The Whisky Bar’s highballs make whisky feel more refreshing, special, and worth coming back for. For those looking to explore whisky further, The Whisky Bar also offers an expansive selection of world-class and sought-after whisky brands, served neat, on the rocks, or through classic whisky cocktails. Guests can discover renowned expressions from celebrated names such as Tamnavulin, Jura, and The Dalmore, featuring a selection of their premium and award-winning releases that give both new and seasoned whisky drinkers more reasons to explore.

Complementing its whisky offerings is a cocktail menu inspired by timeless favorites that have become staples among Filipino drinkers. The menu includes crowd-pleasing classics such as the Mojito, Negroni, and Sangria, made with quality spirits and served with the same elevated touch that makes every round feel more special. While drinks remain at the heart of the experience, The Whisky Bar’s location inside World Kitchens also gives guests access to a wide variety of food choices that complement its drinks. Visitors can pair their drinks with food options that make the experience more complete.

With refreshing highballs, premium whisky selections, classic cocktails, popular spirits, food pairing, and exciting drink offers available every visit, The Whisky Bar at World Kitchens brings together everything guests need for their biggest cheers and happiest hours. At The Whisky Bar, whisky is more refreshing, every round feels more rewarding, and every visit can feel like The Happiest Hour, Every Hour.

Manila Prince Hotel Welcomes July with New Dining Experiences and Seasonal Offers

 

Marcelino Café has transitioned to à la carte dining from 11:00am to 9:30 pm daily, breakfast buffet remains from 6:00 am to 10:00am daily

Manila Prince Hotel welcomes July with a fresh lineup of dining experiences and limited-time offers across its restaurants. From the launch of Marcelino Café’s a la carte menu to afternoon tea, Chinese specialties, and value-packed dining promotions, guests have plenty of reasons to dine at Manila Prince Hotel throughout the month.

A Fresh A La Carte Experience at Marcelino Café

Marcelino Café introduces its new a la carte dining experience, giving guests the freedom to enjoy their favorite dishes at their own pace. Replacing the restaurant’s lunch and dinner buffet, the new menu is available daily from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm and features Filipino specialties, international classics, pastas, sandwiches, desserts, and more, allowing diners to order exactly what suits their appetite. While lunch and dinner now feature a la carte service, Marcelino Café continues to serve its popular breakfast buffet daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Complimentary for in-house guests, the breakfast buffet is also available to walk-in diners at a promotional rate of Php 688 nett per person.

Afternoon Tea and Café Favorites at Lobby Café

Lobby Cafe

For a leisurely afternoon, Lobby Café offers its Royal Tea Afternoon Tea, available daily from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Priced at Php 850 nett per order, the set includes freshly baked scones, savory sandwiches, an assortment of sweet treats, and a selection of premium teas, ideal for catch-ups, casual meetings, or a relaxing afternoon break.

 

Royal Tea Afternoon Tea

Also available at Lobby Café are freshly prepared sandwiches, including the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich (Php 360), Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Php 300), and Egg Sandwich (Php 300). Served throughout the day, these sandwiches are best enjoyed with a freshly brewed coffee, tea, or a refreshing beverage.

Sandwich Craze - Grilled Cheese, Egg, Chicken Parmesan

Chinese Classics and Signature Feasts at Dragon Court

Dragon Court at Manila Prince Hotel

Dragon Court continues to delight lovers of traditional Chinese cuisine with a selection of value-for-money dining offers.

 

Enjoy Unlimited Hot Pot at Dragon Court

Create a personalized hot pot experience with a selection of fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, all ready to be cooked in a flavorful broth of one’s choice. The Unlimited Hot Pot is available in three options: Classic at Php 749 nett per person, Regular at Php 888 nett per person, and Premium at Php 1,088 nett per person.

Dim Sum Basket at Dragon Court

Available daily during lunch, Dragon Court’s Dim Sum Basket is offered at a promotional rate of Php 999 nett per person. The set includes Hakaw, Xiao Long Bao, Shrimp & Pork Siomai with Crab Roe, Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce, and Polonchay Dumplings. Guests may also add unlimited rice or a serving of Hot Almond Cream with Glutinous Rice Ball for only Php 99 nett per person.

 

Dragon Court's Family Feast

Ideal for family gatherings or group celebrations, Family Feast is available daily for lunch and dinner at Php 4,788 net per set. Designed for groups of four persons, the feast includes Prince Hot and Sour Soup, a dim sum medley of Hakaw, Sio Mai, Xiao Long Bao, and Polonchay Dumpling, Deep Fried Prawns with Almond Flakes, Fried Fish Fillet in Sweet and Sour Sauce, Braised Pork Belly, Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli in Oyster Sauce, Kung Pao Chicken, Braised Seafood Birthday Noodles, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Chilled Almond Bean Curd with assorted fruits, Fried Sesame Ball, Hot Almond Cream with Glutinous Rice Ball, and Mango Tapioca Pudding.

Available Across Multiple Dining Outlets

Sisig Taco

The hotel’s Manila Fusion Wraps offer a contemporary take on well-loved Filipino flavors through three satisfying handheld snacks: Longganisa Burrito (Php 300), Sisig Taco (Php 300) and Adobo Quesadilla (Php 280). Guests can enjoy these Filipino-inspired specialties at Marcelino Café, Pool Bar, In-Room Dining, and Hyde Manila.

Manila Fusion Wrap - Longganisa Burrito, Sisig Taco, Adobo Quesadilla

For inquiries and reservations, contact +632 5328 2222, email fnb@manilaprince.com, or visit www.manilaprince.com. 

ABC-MART GRAND STAGE BRINGS THE LATEST FOOTBALL & FIFA WORLD CUP KITS TO MANILA

 

ABC-MART Grand Stage is kicking off the football season with a premier in-store and online collection. Celebrating both local pride and global football culture, the special showcase brings together the fusion of pitch performance and streetwear styles from Puma, Nike, and Adidas.

PUMA | FOR THE LOVE OF THE SHIRT

One look at the kits and you know Portugal is about to make waves. The Home Kit stays true to its roots with a classic red base, green accents, and a wave pattern inspired by the nation’s maritime heritage. The Away carries the same fearless spirit in white and lagoon green – a nod to Portugal’s iconic players and generations who’ve given everything for the badge. When the whole world’s watching, you’ve got to show them what you play for – por amor à camisola.

Technology:

RE:FIBRE: Made of 95% recycled polyester, using polyester textile waste as the primary source of material COMFORT: dryCELL sweat-wicking technology designed to keep you dry and comfortable.

NIKE | RIP THE SCRIPT

“Rip the Script” is Nike’s new football rallying cry that celebrates instinctive, creative, and joyful play over rigid tactics. Designed as an expansive, interactive campaign for the summer tournament, it invites fans and creators into the Nike Football universe through Easter egg packed content and unexpected subplots. The accompanying film features a massive, star-studded cast—blending current icons like Kylian Mbappé and Vini Jr. with legends like Ronaldinho and cultural figures like Travis Scott and Kim Kardashian—to showcase both Nike's deep football roots and the sport's massive influence beyond the pitch.

ADIDAS

Gear up for the world’s biggest stage with the official adidas FIFA World Cup 2026™ federation kits, now available at ABC Mart. These are not just country-inspired lifestyle apparel—they are the authentic, official federation kits worn on the pitch by football’s elite. Discover the collection's standout design details, including Germany’s home jersey featuring clean white tones with dynamic modern lines and national flag accents, Spain’s home kit boasting vibrant red and dark blue punctuated by elegant, yellow vertical pinstripes, and Japan’s striking home kit, which channels the team's calm and focused spirit through a wave-inspired white horizon graphic against deep blue. Every official federation kit is engineered with adidas’ advanced cooling and moisture-wicking technology to offer a streamlined, high-performance fit built to deliver under pressure. Whether you are stepping onto the pitch or cheering from the stands, embrace the true legacy of the game with the official gear of champions.

With football culture dominating both global sports and casual streetwear trends, these new collections give fans access to some of the season's most iconic kits. Each collection is now available at ABC-MART GRAND STAGE and online, with prices ranging from Php 2,000 to Php 10,000.

Store Hours:

Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00

Save the date: Mang Inasal National Pork BBQ Blowout on July 8

 

Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, declares July 8 as the National Mang Inasal Pork BBQ Blowout Day, offering the meal of 2-stick Pork BBQ with rice and spiced vinegar for only P69.

This one-day promo will run in all of Mang Inasal’s over 600 stores nationwide. Customers will enjoy P30 savings per transaction. It will be exclusive for dine in and takeout, with each transaction up to a maximum of three orders.

"We acknowledge the growing number of Mang Inasal customers who go to our stores to enjoy our Pork BBQ because of its Juicy, Lambot-Sarap goodness," said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. "This blowout celebrates this Ihaw-Sarap fave and allows more customers to try the Solb sa Smoky Sweet ulam with rice at specially discounted prices."

Also included in the blowout is Mang Inasal Chicken BBQ in areas where the skewered pork is not available.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit https://manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!