Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month this May

     One of the many things I'm thankful for despite the challenging times brought about by the pandemic is the time I'm spending with my family. Because we are always at home, I've seen the good and the bad every single day. It's an opportunity to know them better and learn from them. Time spent with the family is the heart of the message that Jollibee wants to convey as it launches the Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month celebration this May.

     Through the Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month, the country’s number one fast-food chain aims to start a new tradition to enjoin everyone to openly and actively express their gratitude towards their family and loved ones. I was invited to the launch via a virtual presscon last April 29, headlined by its long-time Jollibee endorser Anne Curtis who was officially introduced as the campaign’s ambassador. More stories about this after the jump!

Jollibee Family Thanksgiving Month this May

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy the Herbalife Way!

     Our brain, like the rest of our body, needs to be checked regularly. When I say check, it's like evaluating if one or all of the key components of mind health is present like strong memory, ability to think and reason, steady mood, and agreeable personality. With the recent events and the uncertainties happening, our mental health may not be in good shape. I presume that some of you have experienced signs of stress, anxiety attacks, and sleep disturbances because of our current situation. 

     It is very timely that Dr. Small, who is a member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, talked about “Healthy Aging: Brain Fitness for Healthy Adults” at the most recent Virtual Wellness Tour hosted by Herbalife Nutrition Philippines. As part of the discussion, he shared his views on effective ways to improve memory and help maintain cognitive functions. He also provided relevant information on how balanced nutrition, sustained physical activity, and sound lifestyle practices will safeguard our ability to perform mental processes. Sharing the highlights of this online event below :)

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy the Herbalife Way!

Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines

     It has been two years since the day that I decided to commit to a healthy lifestyle and to be able to do this, there are so many factors that I needed to consider. One of the most important things is to have a healthy relationship with food. I believe in the saying that "You are what you eat" and in order for me to stay on what is considered a healthy, proper, and nutritious diet, I have to lessen or drop one thing- SUGAR!!!

     It's really, genuinely so hard especially for someone who has been indulging in cakes, pastries, chocolates, coffees, milk teas, and other treats loaded with sugar since the time of his or her existence. Another reason why sugar is a big part of my diet because we are a family of bakers. I was born and raised by bakery owners. From the time I opened my eyes, all the yummy and sweet treats were already in sight. Who can say no to the smell of freshly baked bread from day until night?! So yes, growing up eating slices of bread, cakes, pastries, and other foods with sugar or high sugar content is really hard to avoid. Too much sugar in my diet has negative effects so finding an alternative or a substitute is a must and this is where I discovered STEVIA. Know more about Stevia and the brands you can find in Philippine supermarkets and groceries after the jump.

Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines

Good Food and Bonding with Purefoods Slow-cooked Spaghetti Sauce w/ the #1 TJ Hotdog

     Staying at home for nine months made me a better person and a skilled mom. I learned how to manage my time and unlocked a new skill called multitasking. It may sound shallow for some, but for a mom like me who has relatively short experience in motherhood, time management, and multitasking between a home-based job and being a hands-on mom is something I can be proud of. Some find it hard to juggle parenting and career at the same time so it's a bonus for me because I can squeeze in both every single day. 

     Many moms like me take time to read through the different experiences of their fellow moms to learn the do's and dont's with their family, especially kids. I belong to a community of moms who shares their experiences, especially on child-rearing and managing the household. I followed their advice like learning new tips, tricks, and life hacks on cleaning the house, cooking, and all things home. Speaking of cooking, life became easier when I discovered ready to eat meals while browsing in e-commerce stores. One of my discoveries is the Purefoods Slow-cooked Spaghetti Sauce w/ the #1 TJ Hotdog that is ready to serve in 10 just minutes! Sharing more of my experience with this new discovery that I'm sure the kids will truly love below :)

Purefoods Slow-cooked Spaghetti Sauce w/ the #1 TJ Hotdog

Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

     I was browsing the Instagram explore feed when I stumbled upon a banana bread recipe. I love bananas and bread that's why I decided to click on the photo and check the recipe. To my surprise, it's not the regular banana bread that's perfect for afternoon tea or coffee. It's vegan! Have you tried this kind of food yet? According to healthline.com, Veganism is currently defined as a way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, be it from food, clothing, or any other purpose. 

     Therefore, the simplest explanation is that vegan food simply equates to plant-based. In order for you to cook vegan food, all the ingredients must be animal-free, and using plants like fruits, vegetables including nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans to name a few is what all you need. This vegan banana bread is so easy to make and made up of five ingredients. It's filling because of the whole grains used instead of the usual bread flour. So without further ado, here's my version of Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe, read more below.

Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe 

Beef with Mushrooms for Media Noche with the help of PayMaya

     In just a few days, we will be saying goodbye to 2020. What a year it has been! A lot has happened and we are all hoping for a better year ahead of us. But before we write our resolutions, let's make the last day count by preparing a memorable feast at home on New Year's Eve. Not sure what to serve for Media Noche? Check out this simple recipe that you can serve during special occasions at home. It only needs a few ingredients plus it's so easy to make. This is one of our favorite Media Noche food recipes that I'm sure your family will truly enjoy. 

     It consists of less than 10 ingredients that are easy to find in the supermarket. But before we go into the details, did you know that there are exclusive deals that you can get when you pay with PayMaya for your Media Noche groceries? Yes, that's why using your PayMaya account to purchase ingredients for this and other recipes are the most convenient and rewarding way. Let me share the recipe and some tips for a safe and hassle-free Media Noche Celebration to welcome 2021 below!

Beef with Mushrooms for Media Noche

Virginia Festive Hams #TuloyPaRinAngPasko

     2020 is not yet cancelledt as what many of us would call or describe a year that has a series of unfortunate events. We experienced fear, anxiety, pain, heartbreaks, or loss but there are so many things to be thankful for. I will never forget this year because so many things happened in the past twelve months in our family and in our country as well.

     This may not be the best year for all of us but one thing is for sure- we are thankful. We are thankful that we are healthy, we are grateful that we still have jobs, and we are lucky because our family is complete. Days from now, we are going to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, and there's a reason to celebrate despite these trying times- to give joy, love, and hope to others. We may not celebrate it the way it used to be but with Virginia Festive Hams and Virginia Noche Buena Treats, the celebration still continues. This year, let's be reminded that "Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko, kasama si Virginia." Sharing simple tips on how to celebrate the holiday season with Virginia Festive Hams and Noche Buena Treats after the jump!

Virginia Festive Hams #TuloyPaRinAngPasko

Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 Winners

    One brand proved Robert Schuller's quote that tough times never last, but tough people do in the recently concluded Century Everybod Superbod 2020. The most anticipated health and fitness event of the year was also a momentous occasion as it set the standards for future online events in the new normal. This year's winners are a nursing student and ESL instructor Samantha Ashley Lo and fitness coach and professional model Sam Ajdani made a strong and successful finish amid the pandemic 

     Held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City, the finals event followed strict adherence to the FDCP-DOH-DOLE safety protocols for film and audio-visual shoots. Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon said that they needed to rise up to the challenge. They knew it was going to be tough but they stayed focused and if they're able to pull this off successfully then at least they were able to provide a template for the industry to learn from and use. He also added that “It’s important to stage the event to provide inspiration and a good benchmark for the country to put health, wellness and fitness as the top priority.” Sharing highlights of Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 after the jump!

Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 Winners

High Protein Low-Calorie Milk Brands in the Philippines

     Milk is one of my favorite drinks. It's packed with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium, vitamin D, and an excellent source of protein. ⁣Drinking milk and dairy products may prevent bone fractures, osteoporosis, and even help you maintain a healthy weight.⁣

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     I usually combine a glass of milk to my Herbalife Formula 1 Shake for added creaminess and protein. In order for me to achieve the required protein amount based on my macronutrient count or macros, (protein is very hard for me to achieve with just eating alone) I incorporate this muscle gainer daily in my drinks too. Can you guess my top 2 fave milk brands in the photo below? Sharing a short feature and review of the milk brands that I highly recommend if you're into weight loss and building muscle after the jump!

High Protein Low-Calorie Milk Brands in the Philippines

Covid-19 and Immune System

     We are still battling with the unseen enemy, COVID-19 and you may have heard from the very start of the pandemic that a healthy body is one of our weapons against this viral infection. It's mandatory to strengthen the immune system and there are micronutrients that we need in order to 

     The world as we know it has changed due to the sudden onslaught of a viral infection, with the COVID-19 pandemic bringing economies to a standstill and keeping us in our homes for an unprecedented period. This new reality we are facing has made us more conscious of our habits, and it is crucial now more than ever to be diligent with proactive efforts on health and safety.

Covid-19 and Immune System
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