Maestro Luca, with over thirty years of experience in various artistic fields and a deep appreciation for Filipino culture, continues to innovate and inspire, proving that passion combined with resilience can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Wood, when transformed through the skilled hands of an artisan, transcends its natural state to embody a more vibrant and colorful existence.

Vezzaro’s amalgamation of artistic flair and technical prowess has been instrumental in the creation of Four Legged Tiles‘ distinctive offerings. His fervent passion for wood has propelled the company into realms of innovation previously unimagined, resulting in a diverse array of handmade wooden tiles renowned for their exceptional textures and enchanting colors.

Maestro Luca: Drawing Inspiration

Maestro Luca, drawing inspiration from his familial lineage, has significantly advanced the art of woodworking through innovative practices. A third-generation craftsman from the Venezia region and the visionary behind Four-Legged Tiles, he inherited his passion for woodworking from his predecessors.

Among the myriad of companies, Four-Legged Tiles stands unparalleled in the Philippines for its manual craftsmanship of authentic wooden tiles, blending Italian expertise with Filipino artisanship.

The company utilizes quality wood sourced from sustainably managed forests worldwide, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring ethical procurement practices.

“We acquire wood from FSC-certified sources, thereby avoiding any involvement with illegal logging activities,” Vezzaro asserts.

He reveals that tiles are a staple in interior design but have undergone transformations in terms of materials and finishes. Despite these changes, there is a clear preference for traditional designs enhanced with contemporary touches, distinguished by their unique textures and inherent character. Thus, Vezzaro emphasizes, there is a growing demand for wooden textured tiles.

Resilience and Embracing Challenges

Not all has always been rosy for Maestro Luca. The year 2020 was poised to be a landmark for Four Legged Tiles with its planned debut at the prestigious Philippine International Furniture Show at the SMX Convention Center. However, like a sudden storm, the pandemic arrived, altering plans for industries and individuals alike.

Despite the event’s cancellation just days before its commencement, Luca’s enthusiasm remained undiminished. He had meticulously prepared a series of new, innovative collections featuring handcrafted, hand-carved, and hand-painted wooden tiles destined to transform any space into a work of art.

“The pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns seemed gloomy for the business, but it challenged our creativity and resilience. It was a call to adapt and innovate.” Maestro Luca recalls.

Embracing the challenge, Vezzaro swiftly pivoted to digital platforms to showcase his new creations, believing in the resilience and appeal of his products. This strategic shift not only sustained the business but surprisingly boosted sales during the initial lockdown months. Luca’s foresight in maintaining a substantial inventory of raw materials enabled the team to fulfill new orders seamlessly once operations resumed.

The dedication to his craft and his team was evident as he ensured the well-being of his in-house carpenters, who stayed at the company’s accommodation during the lockdown. They were not only compensated but were also cared for, receiving essentials and means to stay connected with their families.

As the pandemic persisted, Four Legged Tiles adapted to the new normal, replacing physical client interactions with digital engagements. Luca observed how adeptly Filipinos navigated this shift, leveraging social media to engage with brands like never before.

“The unique ability of Filipinos in adapting to new circumstances is truly inspiring,” he notes.

The extended time at home has also shifted consumer behavior, with more people investing in enhancing their personal spaces. Luca’s insights into these changes have spurred him to continuously innovate, ensuring his creations meet the evolving desires of homeowners. “If their home is their sanctuary, our mission is to make it visually stunning,” Vezzaro asserts.

With a profound belief in his mission and a love for his craft, Luca maintains, “Believing strongly in what you do and loving your work unconditionally, assures you of success. In fact, I believe that Four Legged Tiles has elevated wood craftsmanship to a whole new level.”

Elevating Craftsmanship

At the heart of Four Legged Tiles’ enterprise is world class quality kiln-dried wood. The FSC-certified wood undergoes a kiln-drying process to enhance its durability. While Vezzaro’s forebears specialized in traditional furniture, he has expanded the scope of their craftsmanship by experimenting with various unique and innovative finishes and materials.

Maestro Luca elaborates on his unique approach in crafting various designs in his projects. He revealed that not all techniques are the same.

“Our tiles are adorned with accents of melted metal gildings, mother-of-pearl, engraving, glazing, distressed finishes, and designs that mimic gemstones, just to name a few. Each tile is meticulously crafted by hand, ensuring no two pieces are identical,” Vezzaro said.

He is supported by a team of more than 15 well-trained Filipino artisans.

Four-Legged Tiles specializes in producing an array of decorative items including wall décor, wall cladding, sculptures, statement doors, and accent furniture for both private and commercial clientele.

“We cater to clients seeking exclusivity and uniqueness,” Vezzaro notes, sharing an anecdote of a widow who commissioned a seashell-shaped wall décor in memory of her late husband, a Shell executive.

The company also offers custom mosaic tiles, meticulously hand-painted and assembled to create personalized images, including photorealistic mosaics.

One of Vezzaro’s most ambitious projects involved creating an 80-square-meter accent wall for the Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Tugbo, Masbate City, featuring over 90,000 handmade and hand-painted tiles.

For a client in Baguio, Vezzaro crafted an 8-meter wall decoration inspired by the Kalinga tapis, incorporating wooden shells, each intricately made by hand to achieve a unique aesthetic effect complemented by hanging Capiz shells that produce melodious sounds in the breeze.

Mixing Both Italian and Filipino Innovation and Dedication

Maestro Luca narrates that in 2017, he established the company by drawing upon his extensive background in various artistic and manufacturing disciplines spanning over three decades.

Vezzaro’s journey began in 1994 when he moved to the Philippines, following an invitation from a German client. What was intended to be a brief visit transformed into the inception of a business that initially focused on handmade paper products for major retailers in Europe and the United States, including Walmart and Costco.

“I am an Italian with a Filipino heart, proud to have introduced a novel product that was non-existent six years ago,” states the 60-year-old artisan.

In 2017, Maestro Luca returned to his first love, woodworking, and established Four-Legged Tiles, concentrating on furniture accented with wooden tiles. As demand for decorative surfaces grew, he shifted focus to wall décor, setting up a 2,209-square meter manufacturing facility in San Pedro, Laguna.

Today, the business primarily serves the local Philippine market, attracting clients willing to invest in the elegance and uniqueness of their products.

The Road Ahead

Four Legged Tiles distinguishes itself as the sole producer of these artisanal wooden tiles, suitable for a variety of applications including framed wall art, wall claddings, and accents. Vezzaro’s reverence for nature’s bounty is evident in his work; each tile is a testament to the unique beauty and narrative inherent in wood grain, enhanced through modern manufacturing techniques and a broad palette of colors.

Currently, the company boasts an impressive portfolio of over 30 collections, with ongoing research and development efforts aimed at expanding their design repertoire.

“Our philosophy is simple: ‘We transform wood into the products of your dreams. We are committed to customization, striving to exceed our customers’ expectations by bringing their visions to fruition,” Vezzaro remarked.

The Four Legged Tiles factory and showroom, situated in San Pedro Laguna, operates with a dedicated team including Arlie Mae Gomez, co-owner and Vice President of Operations and Maria Monica Briones, Marketing Manager and business partner.

The company goal is to showcase the unparalleled beauty and uniqueness of wood tiles, demonstrating the transformative power of combining natural grain patterns with inventive color schemes.

Vezzaro concludes, “What sets our company apart is our ability to materialize the product of your dreams. We introduce an entirely new concept to the Filipino market, unmatched locally. The creation process is driven by emotion and artistic vision. Our foundational principles are rooted in our knowledge, passion for craftsmanship, and the essence of wood, love, and soul as our core materials.”

Looking forward, Maestro Luca remains optimistic about the resilience of the local furniture industry, bolstered by the talent of Filipino designers and craftsmen. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and passion.

The post Maestro Luca – Italian Wood Artist and Visionary of Four Legged Tiles appeared first on Planaria.

Located in the heart of Quezon City, Le Meur Aesthetics Clinic’s European-style interiors showcase elegance and style, reflective of the luxury treatments that the clinic offers. From their lavish waiting areas and treatment rooms to their state-of-the-art machines and latest innovations in skin care, Le Meur boasts of services that are designed to give the best results possible to their clients. 

Le Meur has started 2024 with a big bang as it recently acquired Ultherapy, the gold standard and United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) cleared non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin and brow and improves lines and wrinkles in the upper chest. 

“Through the ultrasound imaging with Ultherapy, energy is delivered precisely to the place where it will benefit our client most for natural-looking results that improve over time,” said (name of doctor and position) of Le Meur.

In addition to being non-invasive, Ultherapy produces natural results with minimal to no downtime. It is a single procedure that is safe and helps build collagen.

“Some clients see an initial effect right after their treatment. The real results, however, appear over two to three months as new collagen builds, gradually lifting and tightening the skin on the face and neck and smoothing the skin on the chest,” (name of doctor) added. 

For clients are not ready to undergo Ultherapy, can go for facial care and try Le Meur Youth 360 and Curestem Exosomes, both Le Meur’s best-selling treatments that are designed to give clients optimum skin care at competitive prices. The clinic also offers services that target very specific needs for skin and body care and rejuvenation. Some of these popular procedures include Exilis Ultra, Emsculpt Neo and Refrax Laser Pore. 

If you are planning to make this a bonding experience with your partner or friend, Le Meur Aesthetics offers a couple room. Clients may choose to enjoy a full French skin care experience and a wide array of other Le Meur services. These include facials, drips, scrubs, injectables and other advanced treatments for the face and body.

Le Meur also offers online clinic consultations with their in-house board-certified doctors. These reliable and efficient consultations help clients plan out a personalized program to address their concerns and goals. 

Since skin care is a commitment, Le Meur also has its own line of skin care products so clients can continue the Le Meur approach to skin care even when clients are not in the clinic. Their assortment of luxe acne gels, anti-aging sunscreens, face serums and facial cleansers are available in regular and travel sizes.

To cater to more clients, Le Meur Aesthetics is expanding once again, not just in Quezon City which where they champions the most but also in the heart of San Juan. Watch out for their new clinic which is scheduled to open sometime in February 2024 in Greenhills Mall located at Greenhills, San Juan. The new clinic will definitely bring the French skin care experience to more Filipinos with its promise to affordability. 

Ready for your French luxury beauty experience? Visit Le Meur Aesthetics at Steelworld Tower, NS Amoranto corner Biak Na Bato, Quezon City. For more information visit their Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/lemeur.aesthetics/?hl=en

For appointments, you may  call 0917-639-6963 or 0917-160-5523.  

The post Le Meur Redefines Fresh, French Skin Science with a Bang this 2024! appeared first on Planaria.

“We wanted to build a network of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors whose products and services meet our standards of quality, safety, and value,” shared Bernard C. Suiza, President of Azius Ventures Corporation, at their brand and product launch held at Yebisu Ramen Daang Hari in Bacoor, Cavite.

Mo & Bear PH produces its brand, Purr Delight, a wet cat food that comes in two tuna-based flavors: Tuna in Jelly and Tuna in Moringa. It is the country’s first moringa-enhanced wet cat food. 

Made with real tuna flakes and without extenders or artificial flavors, Purr Delight is a healthier option compared with other brands in the market. It is produced locally, sourced sustainably, and certified by the Bureau of Animal Industry. But most importantly, this product is tested and certified to be well-loved by cats.

Mo & Bear PH also distributes another proudly Filipino brand, Happy Life Organics. Happy Life’s products include the Happy Life Hand Gel Sanitizer, Happy Life Waterless Shampoo, Pet Shampoo and Conditioner, Pet Neem Soap, and many more. Their extensive product line is all-natural and eco-friendly, making them a perfect fit for the platform. 

Mo & Bear also carries Archies footwear, the world’s “comfiest” flip-flops. Designed by physical therapist Daniel Jones, Archies Arch Support Thongs feature a built-in patented arch support made of a specialized memory foam footbed that cradles and molds to your feet. So now your traditional flip-flops can give you all the benefits of orthotic footwear.

“We are committed to quality and customer satisfaction. Every item is handpicked, tested, and vetted to guarantee its quality and reliability,” Bernard Suiza said.

Daughter Trish Suiza emphasized, “All of the products we put on the platform are products we are excited to use ourselves.”

Make sure to visit Mo & Bear and follow their Facebook page and Instagram account.

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#MoAndBearPetsCare #HealthyPetFood #NaturalPetCare #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyProducts #HappyPets #QualityPetProducts #CatLovers #DogLovers #PetWellness #PurrDelight #HappyLife #ArchiesFootwear #PetHealthMatters #HomeCareSolutions #OrganicLiving #PetHygiene #PetGrooming #PetSafety #HealthyLifestyle #QualityLiving #SustainableChoices #PetFriendlyHome #MoAndBearFamily #HappyPetsHappyLife #CleanLiving #NaturalWellness #MoAndBear

The post Mo & Bear PH: Bringing Quality Products to Filipino Homes appeared first on Planaria.

Islamic Republic of Iran

His Excellency Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh from the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Philippines met with Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on January 9 at the DOT central office in Makati City. The purpose of Ambassador Esmaeil Zadeh’s visit is to reinforce bilateral relations and review and enhance the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts (MCTH) and the Philippines’ Department of Tourism.

It is noteworthy that diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Islamic Republic of Iran were formally established on January 22, 1964. Subsequently, in December 2001, the two nations initially signed an MOU on Tourism Cooperation. Since then, Iran and the Philippines have consistently engaged in encouraging and promoting individual or group travel, joint promotional initiatives such as a “twinning program,” and active participation in international tourism exhibitions, cultural, sports, scientific events, seminars, conferences, and fairs, among other collaborative activities.

During the meeting, Secretary Frasco reaffirmed the commitment to finalize the enhanced Memorandum of Cooperation between the MCTH and the DOT. She also echoed some of the new MOU’s contents, emphasizing the shared intention of both institutions to adopt best practices, exchange knowledge and expertise among tourism professionals, particularly those in the hotel and hospitality industry, and explore opportunities to expand the potential of medical tourism.

Accompanying Ambassador Esmaeil Zadeh was Mr. Abdolmajid Abolghasemi, the Cultural Counsellor of the Iran Embassy. The Iranian delegation was warmly welcomed by Secretary Frasco and her team, which included Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Ferdinand Jumapao, Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, and OIC-Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso.

Dubai-Based Fashion Designer and Department of Tourism

Esteemed fashion designer Furne One, renowned for his innovative brand Amato Couture based in Dubai, met with Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Tuesday, January 9. Originating from Cebu, Furne One has been a pioneer in the fashion world since launching his label in Dubai in 2002.

During their meeting, Secretary Frasco extended warm congratulations to Furne One for his global accomplishments and for showcasing Filipino creativity and talent on the international stage. She expressed admiration, saying, “We’re very proud of the amazing work you’ve done worldwide.” Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of our President Marcos’ administration, showcasing the strengths of our artisans and makers, celebrating the rich traditions of our arts and crafts.

Furne One discussed potential collaborations with the DOT to bolster the Philippine fashion industry and highlight the country’s extensive weaving and textile history. Secretary Frasco responded positively, recognizing the abundance of talent in the Philippines, particularly in regions with a strong tradition of weaving.

The meeting, attended by Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Ferdinand Jumapao, Myra Abubakar, and Assistant Secretary Gissela Quisumbing, laid the foundation for future initiatives. These initiatives aim to integrate local artistry into the global fashion landscape, marking a significant stride forward for Filipino fashion and culture.

Closer Relations

The Department of Tourism’s dedicated initiatives to forge closer relations with Middle Eastern nations are a big step in the direction of creating a more cohesive and integrated world community. Both sides stand to gain from the shared wisdom and beauty that their different cultures have to offer through people-to-people relationships, economic collaborations, cultural exchange, and sustainable development projects. The cooperation has the potential to build a more promising and cohesive future for all parties concerned as it develops further.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES AND SUPPORT PHILIPPINE TOURISM:

FACEBOOK

Department of Tourism – Philippines

The Philippines

INSTAGRAM

@tourism_phl

TIKTOK

https://www.tiktok.com/@tourismphilippines

YOUTUBE

@TourismPhilippines

X (TWITTER)

@TourismPHL

—

Photo Sources: Facebook Page of DOT

The post DOT Meets with Iranian Envoy and Dubai-based Fashion Icon appeared first on Planaria.

Once you’ve built up your courage, you’ll be able to take charge of your own life. As a result, you’ll learn to politely accept both rewards and criticism. A brave individual will often be willing to own up to their mistakes, take stock of their actions, and figure out how to go on after taking responsibility. Courageous people will not back down when given an opportunity; instead, they will grasp it head-on. A courageous person, on the other hand, will stand back, admit fault, and go on with grace.

A person can learn to relax if they are prepared to put in the effort to enhance their lives. No matter what happens, this individual will keep their cool. For example, even if storms are predicted for the following day, the individual will still be just as enthusiastic about taking part in this trip because they will find something else to do with their time.

You can’t expect to succeed or improve your life unless you learn to trust yourself. When you have faith in yourself, you’ll naturally have faith in other people. We live in a trust-deficient culture, which is unfortunate, but at least you can blame yourself when things go wrong if you trust yourself.

To better your life, you must use your creative and critical thinking skills simultaneously. Achieving your objectives will be much easier if you can generate unique ideas. Lots of options are available to you in this universe, but gathering the information you need to choose is entirely on you.

When we’re living our lives, there will be moments when we feel uneasy. Actually, this is really common. Can you handle the inconveniences that come your way? You may experience some disorientation during the interview. Will you find a way to provide an amazing speech that will wow the interviewer, even though this is an annoyance? On the other hand, are you prepared to lose the job because of how you feel?

Embracing acceptance is the key to unlocking your happiness. When you can find a way to embrace the good and the bad in your life, you’ll be able to live a fuller, happier existence. On the other hand, I recommend reading this material again if you still can’t accept this.

The post Building the Fortitude to Achieve Better Life Conditions appeared first on Planaria.

You will learn to steer your own course in life when you muster the confidence to do so. Gracefully accepting punishment and rewards is a skill you’ll acquire. When faced with adversity, a brave person will often feel compelled to take ownership of their acts, admit fault, and learn from their mistakes. In the face of opportunities, courageous people will charge headfirst rather than cower. A courageous person, on the other hand, will calmly assess the situation and admit when they were wrong.

Anyone serious about making positive changes in their lives will unwind. Even when plans fall through, this person will remain calm. Just because it rained the day after they signed up for this expedition doesn’t mean they won’t find other ways to enjoy themselves.

If you want to improve your life and achieve success, you must learn to trust yourself. When you have faith in yourself, you can trust other people. When you trust yourself, you can’t put the blame on other people when things go wrong—yet, trust is hard to come by in our world.

Using your analytical and creative faculties can help you live a better life. The path to success begins with the ability to generate original ideas. There are a lot of possibilities for you in this world, but you have to dig deep to find them.

We all experience awkward moments from time to time. Quite often, this is the case. Can you handle your annoyances? At an interview, you might feel disoriented. Would you rather put up with this annoyance and figure out how to wow the interviewer with your speech? Another option is to accept that you might lose the job if you let negative energy get the best of you.

The secret to happiness is acceptance. You may improve your life and live happier when you learn to accept the good things together with the negative. Now, if you’re still having trouble accepting, I suggest you read the content again.

The post Getting the Courage to Make Life Better appeared first on Planaria.

Most authorities contend that apparel may definitely make or break an individual. They state that your personality is commonly reflected by how you dress. But it doesn’t inevitably mean that great fashion would utterly mean expensive apparel.

Therefore, you are able to still make a remarkable fashion statement without having to drop 100s or even 1000s of dollars just for your clothes.

Here is a list of a few money-saving hints when buying apparel that would turn others heads but wouldn’t break the bank.

Picking out fashionable apparel may be truly tricky, not unless you know how to do the math! So before you purchase 3 sets of clothes that would cost you 100s of dollars, attempt to go for the budget-friendly dozen items that you are able to mix and match.

The number of expensive items that your revenue may buy is definitely doubled or even tripled when you purchase cheaper ones but can still make a great fashion statement.

Saving money is decidedly based on recognizing what you want whenever you spend your revenue on something. If you understand what you want, this means that you’ve researched the item, have compared them with the other items, you’ll be able to come up with the bottom price for the product. 

Commonly, these “thrift stores” are non-profit organizations. This means that they’re commonly operating for charity. They give their proceeds to a few charitable institutions.  Therefore, the prices of the clothes being sold in the thrift store are cheaper than the ones being sold in the department store. So that would mean a lot of savings for you. Best of all, you don’t only get to save a lot of money; you get to do some charity work too.

The bottom line here is that when shopping for apparel, don’t shop for the brand name, shop for the quality.

Today, you simply have to be practical. Better spend your income on more crucial things than designer apparel.

The post Tips on Saving Money on Apparel appeared first on Planaria.

How work improves personal life:

Working will do a lot for you, it will make you feel like you’re going somewhere in life and that is always a good feeling. Your self-stem is going to soar and that is a good thing. Working is your security blanket. When you work, you feel good, since when the bills come in you will have the cash to pay. The downside is, many people work at jobs they do not enjoy. For this reason, you should consider a job you do not like as temporary and work to achieve the job you will love. 

How do those that can’t work improve their personal life? 

If you are not able to work for some reason, like health issues or whatever reason there is still something that you can do to help. Maybe you can’t get out. You might want to make something for the homeless like a scarf or a blanket. If you can get out maybe you will want to go voluntary your time at your local hospital or maybe the schools in the area, the library is a good place to work. Disability is not a complete wipeout. Rather, people on disability can still work; only they have to lighten the load more so than others 

If you lack skills, education, you may want to attend online schools or a school in your local area. College is one of the best things the world has to offer you. When you attend college, you learn, feel good, acquire skills, etc. College will open many doors for you, including helping you to learn yourself. One of the prime reasons that many people have problems in this life is because they do not know themselves. Online you’ll find a wide array of job services and schools available to you. The sky is the limit nowadays, so take your rocket to reach the sky. 

The post Working To Improve Your Personal Life appeared first on Planaria.

Before you act on your dream, make sure it can be achieved by people. Make sure you have the skills to accomplish it, even if you think it’s within human reach. Reason being: not everyone is born with an equal set of skills. Moreover, you should note the dangers that the objective entails. It is wiser to come up with an alternate plan of action and not pursue the goal if it carries a high degree of risk.

Simplify and shorten your objectives. This will facilitate your success and allow you to zero in on what’s truly important for reaching your objectives.

Before your goal attainment days, talk to the people who will be accompanying you about the steps you intend to take. Get everyone who has a stake in your objective involved and listen to what they have to say.

You must be aware of the rationale behind every objective. This is due to the fact that you will not feel driven to accomplish the objective if you are unaware of its rationale.

Divide your ultimate objective into more manageable, attainable subgoals. Because of this, the procedure will be more equitable, precise, and convenient for you to complete. With these modest objectives, you will achieve a certain result.

Remember to write down your objectives and also keep them in mind. If you merely write your objectives down, you run the risk of forgetting them or losing interest in achieving them. But remembering them will serve as daily inspiration.

Announce your objectives to the world. In this method, you may ensure that your public promises of achieving the goals will be kept. Keep track of your progress efficiently. Since you are the only one who truly knows oneself, you must do this on your own.

As a result, this is how you establish attainable objectives.

The post Methods for Establishing Realistic Objectives appeared first on Planaria.