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Oct 9, 2026

Store-in-store targets to revive Marikina shoes one step at a time

Gen X who grew up wearing school shoes made in Marikina will remember how sturdy and seemingly indestructible they were despite the paces students put them through daily. For decades, Marikina Shoe Expo located in Cubao was the place their parents took them for a new pair at the start of the school year. That space has since been converted into a warren of small stores, restaurants and bars collectively known as Cubao Expo (Cubao X). On Sept. 24, a new venue inside Spatio at Opus Mall was launched with the intention of reintroducing shoppers to Marikina-made footwear. Shoe Avenue is a partnership of Spatio with Zapateria and features a curated mix of independent Filipino footwear brands. “We wanted to revive the glory days of Marikina’s shoe industry. We’re working closely with Unyx Sta. Ana of Zapateria on the brands to be featured at Shoe Avenue,” Martin de Leon, deputy general manager of Spatio told The Manila Times. At the moment, Shoe Avenue occupies a sizable corner of the open-floor setup at Spatio. Unlike other department stores, Spatio features local independent brands ranging from bags and apparel to footwear and novelty items. De Leon said that as a fifth-generation member of Zapateria, Sta. Ana already had an idea which Marikina-made footwear brands to tap and could deliver. “I worked with her on the mix but she had a hand in coming up with the best assortment for the launch. There were several things to consider such as the capacity of a brand to produce since some of them are relatively small,” de Leon said. The eight brands now available in store range from tiny Velcro sneakers for pint-sized clients from Wumwum to easy-to-slip-on flats for women from Posh Pocket and formal men’s shoes from Bucroe. Aside from Zapateria which anchors the space, the other brands include Alunsinag, Hayo, Bida Loca and Charis. “Shoe Avenue is our way of honoring what came before us, drawing inspiration from what continues to be made today, and envisioning what Philippine footwear can still become,” Sta. Ana said in a statement. “Together with Spatio, we’re creating a platform where these stories can be experienced by more people.” Jelly for your feet Fun footwear brand Melissa launched two collections of colorful footwear including a new jelly set that pays tribute to the brand’s legacy as the jelly shoe pioneer, and its fall-winter 2026 collection set, Delirium. Since launching its Aranha sandal in 1979, Melissa has transformed the classic fisherman’s sandal into a favorite fashion staple. The new Jelly Collection reworks this legacy with contemporary silhouettes. Each piece is crafted using the brand’s proprietary Melflex, a flexible cruelty-free and 100 percent material. The year-end collection Delirium, meanwhile, is an attempt to push the envelope on where the brand’s signature jelly material can go next. Among the standout styles are the Melissa Aranha 79 II, a revival of one of the brand’s most beloved classics. Other styles include slides, Mary Janes and T-strap sandals now available in store and online.

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Oct 9, 2026

Aveeno launches online community for sensitive skin care

For more than 80 years, Aveeno has been a trusted leader in oat science, helping soothe, relieve and strengthen sensitive skin. Backed by decades of research and dermatologist recommendations, Aveeno’s Skin Relief and Dermexa ranges have become go-to solutions for people managing sensitive skin concerns.  When sensitive skin flares up, many people rely on short-term solutions that address only immediate discomfort. Aveeno goes beyond temporary relief by helping strengthen the skin barrier and support stronger, more resilient skin over time. Rooted in its #YourSkinStronger advocacy, the brand is committed to empowering people with sensitive skin to live more confidently and fully, without being defined or limited by recurring flare-ups. With Aveeno, stronger skin means being ready for what’s next.  As an extension of this commitment, Aveeno is launching the Aveeno Care Club, an online community dedicated to sensitive skin care. The platform provides members with exclusive educational resources, expert skin care advice and a supportive community where they can connect with others who share similar experiences. Members will also get sneak peeks at brand announcements, opportunities to win exclusive giveaways and invitations to members-only events.  A favorite among Filipinos with sensitive skin, Aveeno Skin Relief is specially formulated for very dry, itchy skin. The Skin Relief Wash gently cleanses while helping lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. It is fragrance-free, soap-free, dye-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for both the face and body. Meanwhile, the best-selling Skin Relief Body Lotion helps soothe sensitive skin in as little as 20 seconds and provides up to 72 hours of moisturization with its Triple Oat Complex and shea butter formula.  Aveeno Dermexa is described as the most prescribed brand for dermatitis by dermatologists. It is formulated with Triple Oat Complex and ceramides to help provide immediate relief while strengthening very dry, eczema-prone skin. The range offers products to complete a skin care regimen: Daily Emollient Body Wash, Daily Emollient Cream and Fast & Long-Lasting Balm.  At the heart of these products is Aveeno’s science-backed Triple Oat Complex, which combines oat oil, oat extract and oat flour. Together, these ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier, soothe irritation and support long-lasting hydration for stronger, more resilient sensitive skin.  Move forward with confidence, knowing Aveeno is with you every step of the way. Follow @aveenoph on Instagram and check the link in its bio to join the Aveeno Care Club.

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Oct 9, 2026

Watsons brings Korean and Asian beauty closer to Filipino shoppers

From glass skin and barely-there makeup to rosy cheeks, glossy lips and the perfect aegyo-sal, Korean and Asian beauty trends continue to influence beauty routines. The good news is that shoppers do not have to fly to Seoul or wait for their next online haul to get their hands on popular products. Watsons brings some of the most-loved Asian beauty finds closer to Filipino shoppers, making it easier to discover, try and incorporate them into everyday routines. Whether restocking a holy grail product or exploring the latest item gaining attention on social media, shoppers can find their beauty favorites at Watsons' more than 1,220 stores nationwide or through the Watsons App. From glass skin to an everyday glow Part of K-beauty's appeal lies in its ingredients, which target specific skin concerns. For smoother, clearer-looking skin, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) help exfoliate dead skin cells and clear buildup. Products from Beauty of Joseon and Oxecure offer options for these concerns. Bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient often used as an alternative to retinol, may also help improve the appearance of skin texture and fine lines. Products from Eqqualberry, Some By Mi and Deoproce feature this ingredient. For a hydrated K-beauty glow, hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture and can be found in products from Torriden, ISOI and COSRX. Meanwhile, soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica, commonly known as cica, are featured in products from Dr.G, Round Lab and SKIN1004, making them options for those with sensitive or stressed skin. For those looking to brighten their complexion, vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone. Options are available from Sola, Dear Klairs and iWhite Korea. Another ingredient gaining attention in K-beauty is PDRN, which is featured in products from Biodance, Genabelle and Anua. It is used in formulations marketed toward smoother, revitalized-looking skin. Daily sun protection also remains an essential part of any beauty routine. Shoppers can explore sunscreen options from Bioré and Beauty of Joseon. “K-beauty has changed the way many Filipinos discover and enjoy beauty. It's no longer just about following a trend; it's about finding products and routines that fit naturally into their everyday lives. At Watsons, we want to make that discovery easier by bringing the brands and products our customers are excited about closer to them, whether they're shopping in-store or online,” said Sharon Decapia, senior assistant vice president for marketing communications, public relations and sustainability at Watsons Philippines. Beauty finds, whenever they are needed Discovering a new beauty favorite should be as convenient as incorporating it into an everyday routine. With more than 1,220 stores nationwide, Watsons allows shoppers to browse products in person or shop anytime through its app. For those who need their purchases sooner, customers can order online and pick up their purchases in as fast as 30 minutes through Click & Collect Express. Home Delivery Express also brings beauty and wellness essentials directly to customers' doorsteps. Watsons Club members can enjoy exclusive rewards, member-only offers and other perks when they shop. Beyond Korean and Asian beauty, Watsons continues to support Filipinos' health, wellness and beauty needs by bringing everyday essentials, trending discoveries and new favorites together in one place.

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