Busy executive chills out through laser therapy

Finding time to chill out is a luxury for restaurateur Annabel Tanco of the Bizu Groupe (Bizu Patisserie, Le Petit Bizu, Zigla! and Thaicoon).

As founder, chair and CEO of the group, Annabel, or Annie as she is fondly called by friends, has been overseeing the day-to-day business of the Bizu Groupe restaurants for more than 14 years now.

“I’m on the go all the time,” says Annie, “and sometimes my stress levels are sky high. However I discovered a new treatment here in Manila and I am amazed how it can keep my endorphin high, making me look and feel well despite the many chores I have to do.”

Annie is talking about laser therapy and how her regular one-hour-a-week treatments at Anne Penman Laser Therapy Manila are transforming her life.

“The moment the laser probe is turned on, I fall asleep almost immediately. After a long week’s work, I find complete solace in the cozy room where the treatment is being done,” she says.

She says she gets rested and relaxed as Mack Macasaet-Benauro, her therapist and owner of Anne Penman Laser Therapy Manila, does her trick on her while a low hum of Bossa Nova music and soothing scent of peppermint fill the air.

“For a moment, my world stands still and becomes silent while a soft red beam of light is focused on my ears, nose, arms and legs. As I wake up, I feel totally relaxed and rejuvenated. My busy and confused mind turns into a mind filled with positivity. I am like a chrysalis ready to emerge as a butterfly!”

Not only is the laser therapy treatment working for Annie, she also loves the convenience of it.

“What I love is the fact that I can squeeze my laser therapy session in between schedules,” Annie says.

While she may no longer be dealing with every little detail of the restaurants’ operations, which are now well established, Annie’s schedule remains full as the Bizu Groupe shifts to expansion mode.

Annie is busy in opening new branches. Last Dec. 17, for instance, she opened the 16th Bizu Patisserie branch at the Podium.

She says she finds satisfaction in keeping herself busy with work but she admits she needs to relax and recharge from time to time.

Going to a spa for her is always like a “grand production” that takes most of her time during the day.

“After a massage in a spa, I need to change clothes and I still can’t go anywhere to do business or meetings because my body is covered in oil, I’ll have no make-up and my hair is flat.”

“With APLT, I can have this relaxing treatment any time of the day and go to my next business appointment immediately after the session.”

With more than 30 clinics worldwide, Scotland’s Anne Penman Laser Therapy (APLT – www.annepenman.com) has become the global brand synonymous with high-tech laser treatment for smoking cessation, weight loss and stress management.

Mack Macasaet-Benauro opened APLT Manila [email protected] APLT/0918-893-7878), the first center in Asia Pacific two years ago. The Manila center is part of APLT’s global network dedicated to help people make healthy lifestyle changes.

“Like Ms Annie, most of my clients are top executives, entrepreneurs, OFWs, expats, lawyers and yes, even doctors. They have very stressful lives and the laser undoubtedly helps,” says Macasaet-Benauro.

Macasaet-Benauro says stress affects everybody, regardless of their jobs and it impacts on how people look, feel and relate to others. “Laser is a tool that can help address all these issues.”

The APLT stress management program is a spin-off from the successful smoking cessation program developed by Anne Penman more than 22 years ago, says Macasaet-Benauro.

“Smokers who go for laser treatment immediately experience a deep sense of relaxation, due mainly to the release of endorphins that help significantly reduce, if not completely eliminate, the craving for cigarettes. These endorphins, known as ‘feel-good hormones,’ are the very same hormones involved to combat stress.”

Coupled with person-centered guidance and a dedicated help line, APLT stress management, as well as smoking cessation and weight loss programs use Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), a time-tested, evidence-based technology that is widely recognized in Europe and the United States.

“Natural, safe and pain-free, this form of laser treatment does not cross-react with the medications prescribed by doctors,” she says.

“What is unique with the APLT stress management program is that it is fast-acting yet has a long-lasting effect,” adds Macasaet-Benauro.   “Clients experience the natural release of endorphins almost immediately which is why they often fall asleep during a session. This feel-good sensation can last up to a week and the effectiveness is even more pronounced if clients incorporate healthy lifestyle changes in their daily routine.”

She says that over time, her clients feel better, look better and live healthier lives.

“In this day and age, stress is always present in our lives and it is critical that we manage it well. This is where APLT comes in. The fact that clients keep coming back for treatments proves that they find the sessions life changing,” Macasaet-Benauro says.