Why more young women should refuse to normalize period pain

 

“Tiis ganda” has long been worn like a badge of honor—an everyday test of endurance where women are expected to look composed, stay productive, and push through discomfort as if it’s part of the job description. From long days at school or work to back-to-back responsibilities, it’s a quiet culture of kaya pa, even when the body is clearly asking for a pause.

But nowhere does this expectation feel more real than during menstruation. Period pain becomes another layer of “tiis”—the kind that can turn reviewing for an exam, finishing a presentation, or even simply getting out of bed into a full-on challenge.

Yet despite how common it is, menstrual pain is still often brushed off as something to simply endure. Somewhere along the way, women were made to believe that suffering in silence is just part of being capable and productive. But when did pain become part of the honor roll checklist?

The “Tiis Ganda” Culture Around Period Pain

“Tiis ganda” has long been woven into everyday womanhood—not just as a cultural phrase, but as an unspoken standard of strength and self-control. It often gets framed as resilience, yet it can also mean normalizing discomfort that goes unseen, unspoken, and unquestioned.

One of the most common—but least openly discussed—forms of this is period pain, or dysmenorrhea, the medical term for painful menstrual cramps that can seriously disrupt everyday life. For many, it could mean throbbing cramps, lower back pain, nausea, headaches, and energy levels so low that even getting through a one-hour lecture feels like a major achievement.

Still, many young women simply power through. Why? The study by the National Library of Medicine found that period pain has been normalized for so long that it barely gets questioned. Add to that the fear of being labeled “dramatic,” the pressure to stay productive, and the long-standing idea that pain is just part of womanhood—and silence becomes the default response.

The result? A culture of tiis ganda around period pain, where resilience sometimes looks like suffering in silence. But while pushing through may seem admirable, painful periods can quietly take a toll: losing focus during exams, zoning out in class, skipping org activities, feeling drained before the day even starts, or missing out on enriching experiences that are part of student life.

Managing period pain more effectively

The truth is, period pain is common—but it shouldn’t be normalized to the point of neglect.

Health experts emphasize that menstrual discomfort that disrupts daily life deserves attention, not dismissal. It is not something students or women in general should be expected to “just live with” as part of being productive or resilient. For many young women, managing menstrual cramps often means continuing through discomfort that may warrant greater attention and care.

There is growing recognition that enduring pain should not be treated as an expected part of being productive or resilient. Menstrual discomfort, particularly when it interferes with daily activities, should be managed proactively. Measures such as adequate rest, hydration, heat therapy, and light physical activity may help alleviate symptoms. More importantly, seeking appropriate relief and support should be considered a routine part of self-care, not an afterthought.

For women students navigating busy school months, Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol

(Buscopan Venus) helps treat dysmenorrhea at the source, works in as fast as 15 minutes for relief that can last throughout the day, and helps reduce the intensity of future period pain. It can be taken as 1–2 tablets, up to 3 times daily, or as prescribed by a physician.

Ultimately, managing student life should not mean ignoring physical discomfort. Menstrual pain is not a requirement for discipline, achievement, or strength. While resilience remains valuable, it should never come at the cost of unnecessary suffering.

The conversation is evolving—from silent endurance to active care. And in that shift, a clearer message emerges: women and students can pursue their goals fully, without having to “tiis” pain as part of the process. 

If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. 

Mang Inasal brings one-day Pork BBQ Blowout Delivery Edition this July 15

 

Missed the National Mang Inasal Pork BBQ Blowout Day? Don't worry—Mang Inasal is giving you another chance to enjoy its trending smoky-sweet, juicy-lambot Pork BBQ with the PorkBBQ Blowout Delivery Edition happening on July 15.

 

For one day only, you can enjoy exclusive delivery-only discounts on your favorite Ihaw-Sarap meals. The 4-piece Pork BBQ Buddy Size will be available for only Php 169, while the Salo-Sarap Ihaw Duo, featuring two pieces of Chicken Inasal Paa Large and two pieces of Pork BBQ, can be enjoyed for just Php 349.

 

The promo is available exclusively through the Mang Inasal Delivery App, the official Mang Inasal website, GrabFood, and foodpanda. No promo code is required, as the discount is automatically applied upon checkout.

Whether you're satisfying your Filipino grilled-food cravings or sharing a hearty meal with family and friends, the Mang Inasal Pork BBQ Blowout Delivery Edition offers a delicious and affordable way to enjoy the brand's signature Pork BBQ and Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal without leaving home.

Don't miss this one-day-only delivery-exclusive promo on July 15, 2026!

 

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

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.