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

Red Ribbon Father's Day 2020: Paul, Doug, and Drew on Fatherhood in Quarantine

     What's common with Red Ribbon dad ambassadors, Doug Kramer, Paul Soriano, and Drew Arellano? fatherhood well spent by giving their time indoors. The quarantine allowed them to cement their position as the steadfast pillars of their families, all while keeping a cheerful and cared-for household.

     We all know that fathers are the foundation of the family and they are also like mothers who support the emotional well-being of their children. Some fathers may be goofy, and some may be quiet, but one thing is for sure – dads have that natural ability to bring out the warmest smiles and unyielding courage in everybody within the family. In this trying time, we see our dads carrying on and exhibiting incomparable strength. While their guidance has allowed everyone to remain safe, their sweetness and lighthearted humor have kept the family hopeful and optimistic. This Father's Day, let me share this heart-warming story and tribute to all the #SweetStrongDads from Red Ribbon.

Red Ribbon Father's Day 2020: Paul, Doug, and Drew on Fatherhood in Quarantine
Red Ribbon Tiramisu Meltdown

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

7 Tips for Job Hunting When You’re Older

     When you’re pushing 50, you will find that simply going to a Philippine job hiring site and leveraging your decades of experience and contacts sometimes won’t be enough to land you your next job, no matter how qualified you are. Unfortunately, age discrimination in the job market is alive and well, and it’s extremely difficult to prove such in many instances. 

     While it’s only natural that organizations take steps to find the best and brightest to fill their ranks, the way some try to do this is not only illogical but unethical and illegal as well. In the Philippines, hiring discrimination based on age is undoubtedly all three, and the existence of R.A. 10911, the “Anti-age Discrimination In Employment Act” theoretically puts the full force of the law in combatting this injustice.

7 Tips for Job Hunting When You’re Older
image from pexels.com

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 

4 Cheap Keratin Conditioners in the Philippines

     Move over, hair conditioner because these babies are making a scene in the hair care department. Half of my life I've been using different brands of conditioner to make my hair shiny, manageable, and frizz-free. I was born with straight but thin and limp hair that's prone to breakage and hair fall. When I started using different hair dyes to sport the shades that I like every three months, my hair started to feel rough and dry. Chemicals in the dye that I've used in the past are already taking its toll on my hair that's why I need an intensive hair treatment every now and then.

     Salon hair treatments are expensive and should be done twice or once a month. The price also depends on the type of treatment and hair length. Speaking of which, Keratin Treatments are the talk of the town when it comes to resurrecting health and shine in a super dry and damaged hair.  Since hair salons will not be opening soon because of the pandemic, a DIY or at-home hair care product is a must. In a random grocery shopping during the enhanced community quarantine period, I discovered hidden gems that function like salon keratin treatment- 1-minute Keratin Conditioners that can be used daily at the comfort of your home. Sharing a short feature of the 4 Cheap Keratin Conditioners I'm using alternately every day.

4 Cheap Keratin Conditioner in the Philippines 

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

Finding the Best Dress for a Filipino Summer

     The idea of dressing up for the summer is always exciting. The season calls for experimentation, allowing you to be adventurous with the clothes and accessories you wear, from your choice of scrunchie, all the way down to your flip-flops. In Western countries, dressing up for the summer means doing away with your chunky sweaters and thick leggings and opting for clothing pieces in brighter colors and fun prints. But in tropical countries like the Philippines, wearing summer-appropriate clothing can be tricky as you have to deal with humid weather. While it's always nice to be as stylish as possible, you also don't want to wear layers to avoid getting uncomfortable.

     So what has one got to do to remain breezy and trendy at the same time? Wearing a dress, of course! Dresses have always been known as one-trick wonders that style themselves. And when it comes to picking dresses best suited for the Philippine weather, you may want to consider a couple of factors. The rise in temperature shouldn't be an excuse to lay low on your sartorial standards, but you also don't want to wear a dress that will put a damper on your comfort. Here is a list of things you may want to consider when shopping for summer dresses.

Finding the Best Dress for a Filipino Summer
image from: https://unsplash.com/photos/p9Ekz8XckR0

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

My Perfume Collection

     Aside from collecting MAC and Chanel lipsticks, I also go gaga over perfumes! I'm a fan of colognes and perfumes since high school and college days. Victoria's Secret is one of the famous brands of U.S. colognes that hit the Philippine shores in the late '90s and early 2000s. Every girl's dream is to have a bottle or two of them. My scents from VS as what we call them before are Passionate Kisses Love Spell and Coconut Passion.

     If my memory serves me right, I finished around six full-sized bottles of Victoria Secret then I switched to perfumes when my mother's cousin who works at Macy's Department in the US sent bottles of Benetton Hot and Cold for as pasalubong. From then on, I became interested to collect one perfume bottle yearly or when the budget permits. Sharing some of the perfumes in my collection that I divided into three categories: everyday scent, special occasion, and boss babe where I will share the latter in a sperate blog post. Scroll down to see my current collection (not in the photo are empty bottles were thrown away).

My Perfume Collection

Feature: Hygienix Germ Kill

     Have you seen the latest video on COVID19 where a US doctor explains about the virus and what we should do to avoid catching them? It’s basic and no need to panic! Frequent handwashing, applying alcohol or sanitizer is your first defense against the deadly disease.

     I’m sure that most of you are staying at home and doing your best to stay clean and healthy. Let me share some tips on how we keep our hands clean and house tidy. Scroll down for more information :)

Feature: Hygienix Germ Kill

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

Boost the Body’s Immunity Through Nutrition

     The 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has taken the world by surprise with its highly infectious nature and mortality rate. What’s most concerning is that while we know that COVID-19 is part of a large family of viruses that include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), there are many traits of this virus that we have yet to uncover, such as the dynamics of transmission. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it could take up to 18 months for the first COVID-19 vaccines to be made publicly available. Only an approved drug can treat or cure, or prevent the transmission of, COVID-19 and other diseases. In the absence of any vaccine to date, we are left with practical prevention measures, such as maintaining proper hygiene, wearing a mask when necessary, or maintaining social distancing. It may also be useful to keep our bodies strong, so that our immune systems function well. 

     After all, our immune system is one of the most effective forms of defense against viral infections. There are two categories of immune functions in everyone’s body – the innate immunity which prevents diseases from entering the body and adaptive immunity which eliminates or prevents the growth of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, in our body. However, increasing the body’s immunity is not as straightforward as it sounds. There remains much about the immune system that researchers are still working to understand, but what we do know is the tangible connection between the immune system and nutrition.

Boost the Body’s Immunity Through Nutrition 
image from pexels.com

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

10 Foods To Eat For Beautiful Skin

     You are what you eat, and that includes your skin too. Adding in a mix of a variety of foods that contain skin-boosting elements on the regular may help your skin look younger, fresher, and healthier. Read on for some of the best healthy skin foods to add to your grocery list this week.

 10 Foods To Eat For Beautiful Skin
image from pexels.com

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

The Top Tips for Sticking with Your Fitness Plan

     It is easy to be dedicated when you first start to work out. You have a specific goal in mind and you feel great about following through on it. After a while, though, your motivation can decline. Then, it can be a short step away from giving up altogether. 

     If you are like most people, then you have gone through these motions. In case you are determined to stick to your exercise routine this time around, though, there is great news for you. It is possible for you to do this. If you want to learn all the tips and tricks of managing this, here you go.

The Top Tips for Sticking with Your Fitness Plan