#StayStrongStayBeautiful with Watsons

     The new normal has definitely changed the way we live. We are now more conscious of what's happening in and out of our homes, more vigilant of the surroundings, taking extra care and precaution of the things that we do in order for us to stay sane and safe at all times.

     Our lives have changed so much in the past four months. We've hurdled many challenges but we've also learned to be stronger mentally and emotionally. We've strengthened our bodies and built up our immunity. As we continue with our new way of life, Watsons is here by our side. Here are some tips and product recommendations on how we can stay strong, stay beautiful, despite the challenges we continue to face.

#StayStrongStayBeautiful with Watsons

Feature: Mentholatum Lip Pure

     A mask is a must in the new normal so do you still wear lipstick when going out these days? I’m sure your answer is no because it will only fade under a face mask. ⁣In the meantime, I’m ditching some of my lippies because I prefer applying lip balm for a soft and natural look plus it protects my lips from drying especially with a mask on. ⁣

     I've tried different lip balms in the past and only a handful delivers. Some lip balms are either too waxy or greasy and can be troublesome to wear if you have sensitive lips. Just recently, Mentholatum- the global company for non-prescription health care products and maker of my favorite eye drops launched two variants of their lip balms. Introducing the newest and affordable lip balms in town that will give your lips the TLC it needs- Lip Pure!

Feature: Mentholatum Lip Pure

How to Cook Kinamatisang Manok for Your Family

     It has been more than 100 days since quarantine and for us who stayed at home for the longest time (unless we need to go outside for work or essentials), discovering a new hobby or skill became an achievement. I know some are not used to staying at home for three months but those who enjoyed this quarantine made a lot of bonding moments with their loved ones through baking or cooking. As we adapt to the new normal way of living, safety precaution must be observed at all times that's why in order to practice social distancing and minimize contact from the outside world, shopping online is still the best option when buying essentials.

     Did you know that you can purchase groceries via PayMaya online? Yes, that's how convenient to have a PayMaya app installed in your mobile phones especially now that we are avoiding the risk of cash handling. We do our weekly grocery of ingredients like fresh produce, meat, and other food items through online stores and use PayMaya as our payment method. Speaking of cooking, there's one recipe that we enjoyed cooking over and over again because it's made of simple ingredients, easy to cook, and healthy. Sharing the recipe of Kinamatisang Manok after the jump.

How to Cook Kinamatisang Manok for Your Family

5 Safety Tips in The New Normal

     Welcome to the New Normal- the most used and abused word in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to star.com.my, "new normal" means a new way of living and going about our lives, work, and interaction with other people. It's an adjustment that we have to do and follow daily as long as the world has not found a cure or vaccine for COVID-19.

     Basically, this "new normal" is all about safety and how we are going to protect and prevent the spread of the virus inside our homes and in the community as we shift from strict to a more relaxed quarantine here in Metro Manila. We are given a new set of rules, do's and dont's, and protocols that will keep us safe at all times as we go on with our lives starting today until the world declares that we won this war against COVID-19. There's no need to panic because everyone is doing their best to keep themselves and their families safe in these trying times.

5 Safety Tips in The New Normal

5 Dad-Approved Restaurants for a #DontPayCashPayMaya Father's Day Celebration

     Father's Day is just around the corner and you're in for a hassle-free celebration for dad with the help of PayMaya! While the current public health situation means we can’t go out and celebrate as we used to, it won’t stop us from enjoying our family’s company. Today's celebration under the New Normal entails that we have to be more mindful about physical distancing, including staying at home as much as possible. So if you’re in for an awesome celebration at home like family lunch or dinner, treat your dads with great food from his favorite restaurant 

     You can easily organize Father's Day celebrations from the comfort of your own home as most restaurants today already accept online transactions. And with PayMaya, paying for your orders is not only much easier, but it is also more rewarding. Pay for your meals using only the mobile number registered to your PayMaya account for an added layer of convenience and security. With this payment option from PayMaya, paying is much quicker and easier. By paying online, you also avoid the risk caused by cash handling plus you can even enjoy 1%, 10%, or 100% BalikBayad on your order. 

5 Dad-Approved Restaurants for a #DontPayCashPayMaya Father's Day Celebration

World Digestive Health Day 2020

     Did you know that stress has an impact on your digestive health? The digestive system plays a big role in keeping us in good health, both physical and mental. Our gut acts as a “second brain” that’s responsible for balancing our mood, reducing stress away and anxiety, and keeping our overall mental health.

     That's why when you're excited or in a stressful situation, you will feel the saying "butterflies in my stomach or you will feel something unusual with your tummy. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations so coping with the stress and getting used to the “new normal” will surely impact your digestive health and how you feel overall. How to manage the tummy thing in this pandemic and quarantine? Sharing tips and more information about gut health and World Digestive Health Day 2020 Celebration after the jump!

World Digestive Health Day 2020
image from pexels.com

Feature: Sekaya Prescribing Nature

     Going plant-based? I have good news for you! Did you know that using botanicals to improve one’s health is an age-old practice in many parts of the world, including the Philippines? Today, many consumers are going natural and are more conscious about the products they use.

     Not all-natural solutions in the market, however, are backed by science, producing sub-standard products that are ineffective and may be harmful to consumers. This is why for Filipino plant-based brand Sekaya, produced by Unilab’s natural products company Synnovate Pharma Corporation, the only way to create best-in-class natural products is through the convergence of nature and science. I love drinking tea and giddy to find out that SEKAYA banks on science to optimize the earth’s natural ingredients. This Filipino plant-based brand is “Prescribing Nature” by making the most out of tradition and science to produce safe, high-quality natural products. More information about the brand and its exciting product line below.

Feature: Sekaya Prescribing Nature
Drinking Sekaya Botanic Infusion Energy Mix to start my day

Feature: PayMaya Negosyo

     As we enter the 'New Normal', more and more Filipinos are resorting to other means of income. One of the highly recommended is starting your own business at home by selling online. I presume that some of you have experienced shopping online and in times that we are urged to stay at home because of the pandemic, online shopping is the most convenient way to shop for goods and services.

     Do you have an online shop or planning to start an online business but having second thoughts on how to manage your payment system? Here's how you can give your business a much-needed boost in as fast as 24 hours! Introducing PayMaya Negosyo- an app that enables merchants to quickly and easily receive QR and online payments from their customers. This comes in perfect timing, as more customers shift to online payments due to the pandemic. My sister is an online seller and one of her concerns now is how to include contactless mode of payment as most of the customers prefer online fund transfers. Whether you have a physical store or an online shop, PayMaya Negosyo App ang Kasama mo #MagNegosyo! Sharing more information about PayMaya Negosyo and the reasons why you should download the app now :)

Feature: PayMaya Negosyo 

Feature: Hearty Bread Philippines

     In times where health is our number one priority, lifestyle modification is essential. According to nature.com, lifestyle modification involves altering long-term habits, typically of eating or physical activity, and maintaining the new behaviour for months or years. This can be used to treat a range of diseases, including obesity. I'm pretty sure that if there's one thing everyone would like to change or adjust, it is their eating habits especially the staples- rice and bread.

     Cutting on carbs but can’t drop that bread on your diet? If you follow me on Instagram, I’ve said in my previous post that we have a bakery before, and during those times, gluten-free and sugar-free bread has hefty price tags way, way back and the supply is limited. If you’re health-conscious, have diabetes and other medical conditions that require a Gluten-free diet or someone who swears by Keto, luck is on your side because Hearty Bread takes out all the guilt in indulging on your favorite go food. Join me in another healthy food trip as I share more information about Hearty Bread after the jump:)

Feature: Hearty Bread Philippines

6 Tips for Building Immunity

     This year has brought so many twists and turns that it is only May but we already seem to feel exhausted. But if there is one good thing that is the result of all the developments that have taken place, it is that we have chosen to focus on the things that are really important to us, such as our family and good health. As we now turn our attention toward making good health a new way of life, you can count on Watsons to be with you every step of the way.

    In the next few months, there will be changes in the quarantine guidelines. It will be modified, intensified, or reduced depending on the number of COVID-19 cases and the new normal will take place. Wearing a face mask, social distancing, washing, and sanitizing hands frequently are the first line of defense against the virus but there's a lot more to do especially on building your immunity.  Here are a few recommendations from Watsons on what you can do at home to help keep your immunity strong and your family healthy.

6 Tips for Building Immunity

Feature: FarmFetch Same Day Vegetable Delivery

     With the increasing number of Covid 19 cases here in the country, it looks like we are still staying at home in the coming months unless there is a very urgent matter or thing to do outside. This pandemic urges everyone to stay at home, stay healthy by building strong immune system and make frequent handwashing a part of our daily life. Aside from taking Vitamin C, one way of boosting our immune system is eating vegetables every day and we are glad that we don’t need to go outside to replenish our stocks at home because there's FarmFetch.

     FarmFetch is a farm-to-table SAME-DAY DELIVERY service that makes it easy for people to get their vegetable supply in just an hour via GrabMart. There are two options available with 5 kilos each of clean, fresh, and carefully picked vegetables. Sharing more information on how to order your favorite veggies at FarmFetch store below :)

Feature: FarmFetch Same Day Vegetable Delivery

4 Best Things To Do in Singapore (After Pandemic- 18 to 24 months)

     Singapore will always have a special place in my heart. The first country that I've been to thrice in a span of ten years- 2008, 2016, and 2019. I lived there for three months in 2008, joined the Safeguard Science Discovery Tour with my son last 2016, and had a short vacation with my family to celebrate my son's birthday last June. There are so many things to do in Singapore. Shopping at the famous shopping spot- Bugis Shopping Centre, eating and drinking to your heart's content at Hawker Centers, exploring Lion City from day to night to watch different attractions and many more!

     However, all of these will be put on hold if you are planning to travel this year. According to health experts and travel authorities, it would take up to 18 to 24 months for the travel industry to recover, and traveling will never be the same again. There will be a lot of changes- expensive plane tickets, additional requirements aside from passport and visa, long hours from boarding to departure for necessary checks, and the list will go on before reaching your destination. Let's face reality and still hope for the best that this pandemic will be over soon so that we can all travel safely once we are really back to normalcy. Sharing 4 Best Things To Do in Singapore based on what we did last year :)

4 Best Things To Do in Singapore (After Pandemic- 18 to 24 months)
Me and Kenzo serving you some mandatory tourist photo :)

Lactum 3+ Pays Tribute this Mother's Day #SalamatSaAlaga

     “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” —Cardinal Mermillod. It goes without saying that being a mother is no easy feat, especially so amid the ongoing pandemic. There are many strong women - from medical professionals and pharmacists to policewomen, and government and volunteer workers - who have been called to duty to serve the needs of their countrymen in these trying times. 

     Honoring their heroic heart for the nation, Lactum 3+ and 6+ releases a Mother’s Day campaign video that pays tribute to mom frontliners as they continue the fight against the health crisis and share their healing care that is felt at home to every Filipino in need.

Lactum 3+ Pays Tribute this Mother's Day #SalamatSaAlaga

Effectively Disinfect Homes from COVID-19 Virus

     This unseen enemy has been taking lives for more than four months now starting December last year up to the present. It has taken the world by storm with rising death tolls day by day. No vaccine yet as of the moment that's why health care professionals together with world leaders are serious about implementing precautionary measures like staying at home.

     As government authorities and frontline personnel continue to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos are also doing their share to prevent virus spread and infection, including observing proper hand and respiratory hygiene, and social distancing. 

Effectively Disinfect Homes from COVID-19 Virus

Ready, Set, G! Your 2020 Goals with Viviamo Planner

     We are already done with the first quarter of the year 2020 and a lot of not-so-good-things happened already. Looking back, I was one of those who said "Bring it on, 2020!" because another year is coming which means another chance for new beginnings! The chance could excite us but the change might scare us. Taking on another blank canvass might be too daunting or overwhelming, but that shouldn't stop us from pursuing plans, one step at a time. Then comes January, the first month where I said to myself that I will inspire people to find their own clarity by sharing what I do in Yoga class. I want to inspire those who are struggling in their fitness journey that I now call a health and wellness lifestyle. 

     The first three months were tough with all the news and happenings here and abroad plus the passing of my father but those didn't break me from allowing myself to explore, discover, and design the meaningful life that I want for 2020. Last October 2019, Viviamo!, Inc., the maker of Belle de Jour Power Planner released a new line of products for this year's collection. Each planner is designed to fit different lifestyles and needs while helping its users achieve their goals this year. They sent these tools that can help see the future with focus and clarity, open your eyes to purpose and possibilities, rid your life of clutter, zero in on what's essential, and finally make things happen. Sharing the planners, their features and what's in store in case you are considering getting a Belle de Jour Power Planner next year.

Ready, Set, G! Your 2020 Goals with Viviamo Planner

Stay at Home, Stay Safe and Keep Secure Online

     How are you, dearies? We are in the fifth week of Enhanced Community Quarantine and everyone is strictly advised to stay at home and stay safe. As people are required to stay home due to coronavirus, more are turning to the internet for various reasons. These include working and studying, connecting with loved ones, shopping for necessities, and keeping up with the news.

     I presume that everyone is online most of the time and it's keeping us sane these days that's why even at home, safety must be your number one priority. Here are some tips to stay safe, secure, and responsible even on the world wide web. 

Stay at Home, Stay Safe and Keep Secure Online

4 Ways to Get Glowing Skin in Summer

     Summer is here! It's one of the well-loved seasons because of sea, sand, and sun but not all love this hot humid weather because their skin tends to act up. We have different skin types and whether you like it or not, some of the skincare products that we use lose their effectiveness hence a change in your regimen is a must.

  

     Time to take your skincare game to the next level this summer. If you have dull and dry skin, chances are you need to hydrate your skin inside and out. Feeling rough somewhere in your elbows? Then you need to start the gentle scrubbing at the comfort of your home. There are many ways on how to give your skin some TLC this season and to start the long list, let me share 4 ways to get glowing skin in summer after the jump. 

4 Ways to Get Glowing Skin in Summer
image from pexels.com

Great Taste Brown Barako Coffee

     Since winning the title of “Mr. Pogi” in 1996, Jericho Rosales has grown before the eyes of millions of Filipinos. Today, aside from being a full-fledged actor, Echo is also a noted singer, established businessman, and loving husband, among other real-life roles he plays.

     Along with being committed to his craft and personal life, the new Great Taste Brown Barako coffee endorser makes it a point to live a meaningful, well-balanced life. His lengthy showbiz stint has taught him the value of pursuing his career along with other endeavors to keep his passions aflame.

Great Taste Brown Barako Coffee

Jack ‘n Jill Cookies and Treats Plushies at Toys“R”Us

     Who can't say no to these huggable cuties? I bet you're excited to collect them all! Toys“R”Us, in collaboration with Jack ‘n Jill, presents a new line of plush collectibles, this time, featuring well-loved Jack ‘n Jill cookies and treats. These cute pillows are ideal whenever you are lounging on weekends, pulling an all-nighter, or going on a long road trip with friends and family. 

     The latest line of huggables from Toys“R”Us feature some of the Filipinos’ well-loved Jack ‘n Jill snacks: Presto Creams, Magic Flakes Cheese, Cream-O, Nips Milk Chocolate, Nips Chocolate Peanut Deluxe, and Maxx.

New Jack ‘n Jill Plushies at Toys“R”Us

Oilatum ProtectKNOWLogy Bath Time Summit

     The ever-changing weather makes it quite a challenge for us to take care of our little one’s skin. The cold weather makes their skin dry while too much heat causes sun damage. We cannot control the weather, but we can control what we put on our children’s skin. 

     Oilatum, a globally trusted skincare brand, has recently launched ProtectKnowlogy Bath Time Summit to empower mothers to show their love through healthy skin. This summit is part of STADA’s game plan to help improve healthcare in the Philippines by providing quality products to the Filipinos such as Oilatum. 

Oilatum ProtectKNOWLogy Bath Time Summit