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

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

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

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

4 Mosquito Repellents to Try Here in the Philippines

     PAGASA, the official Meteorological and Hydrological Services agency of the Philippines declared last weekend the start of dry season or summer here in the country. Get ready with your umbrellas, sunglasses, sunscreen and other stuff that protects and prevents you from UV rays. As of this writing, I can really feel the summer vibes- hot humid air and a little sweat on my forehead even if I'm just sitting and scrolling through one of my social network sites.

     Aside from these, I'm adding extra protection and prevention from a dangerous infectious tropical disease that scares me and my family the most. This is no other than Dengue fever! Dengue according to WHO is a mosquito-borne viral infection, if not given proper medical care will lead to death. Scary but true. I myself became a victim not once but twice and I'm lucky because I survived. I don't want that to happen again! I'm always praying that it will not happen to my only son. It's too dangerous for him to have this disease because he has G6PD (click to know more) that's why a mosquito repellent is a MUST for us. Anyhoo, sharing four 4 Mosquito Repellents to Try Here in the Philippines that we are using at home and more information about these products after the jump :)

4 Mosquito Repellents to Try Here in the Philippines

Product Review: Ishigaki Amino Premium White Glutathione (New Packaging, Label and Barcode)

     When a reader who has been using oral glutathione for several months or even years asks me what brand gives a pinkish-white result, without a second thought, my answer is Ishigaki Amino Premium White. This brand has been in the market for 10 years now and the formulation of this once-a-day dose for pinkish white skin tops most of the competitors because of its affordable price and effectiveness.

     Cheska's Store, the trusted online store since time immemorial sent Ishigaki Amino Premium White Glutathione with the new packaging, label, and barcode for me to try and share my thoughts. After using it for one month, I'm still going to recommend this variant to those who like healthy pinkish-white rather than pale white skin. Scroll down to see full details of my review :)

Product Review: Ishigaki Amino Premium White Glutathione (New Packaging, Label and Barcode)

4 Important Facts to Know Before You Select a Pessary

    If you’re a woman who is living with any form of incontinence, one of the resources that you can put to good use is the pessary. While also helpful with conditions like pelvic organ prolapses, this addition to your regimen could be right for you. In fact, many women find that using pessaries makes it much easier to go about the day and feel confident. If your doctor has mentioned this possibility, here are some basics that you should know.

4 Important Facts to Know Before You Select a Pessary
image from pexels.com

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

UNIQLO Sport Utility Wear Collection Launch

     In my recent post, I shared my intentions this 2020 and it focuses on my health and overall well-being. It has been six months since I started eating clean and going to the gym for my Yoga and Pilates classes. I struggled in the first three months, almost gave up but I'm serious about changing unhealthy habits for a healthy lifestyle. What keeps me going? The support from my husband, family, and friends and my workout essentials like a mat, water bottle, and gym clothes.

     Speaking of clothes, wearing proper exercise attire or outfit motivates you to keep going and move without limits. It's an investment that you'll be wearing four to five times a week and will be a part of your wardrobe. Nowadays, sportswear is your best friend if you love to wear comfortable clothes. It can be your outfit going to school, office, or casual and social occasions. Welcome the Athleisure trend and UNIQLO has launched its Sport Utility Wear collection, a lineup that introduces a new type of clothing that can smoothly transition from sports to casual wear, seamlessly integrating sportswear features into everyday apparel.

UNIQLO Sport Utility Wear Collection Launch
Wearing Women’s AIRism UV Cut Mesh Hoodie in Red and Women’s AIRism Soft Leggings in Olive.

Product Review: Ishigaki Amino Classic White Glutathione (New Packaging, Label and Barcode)

    And the consistent effective glutathione brand in the Philippine market award goes to... Ishigaki! Hooray! Yes, this brand that was first introduced 10 years ago is still one of the most affordable and effective brands to date. My first review of Ishigaki Glutathione Whitening Supplement was 2015 and for a span of five years, I have seen how the brand improved its packaging and formulation one after the other. This brand is also a favorite amongst beauty bloggers in the Philippines and Pinay Youtubers are well.

     Ishigaki Glutathione is has been FDA approved since 2017 that's why aside from the certification from FDA, the variants have been repackaged, reformulated, and received a GMP seal. I presume that with all these changes, Ishigaki fans have this burning question if it has the same whitening and glowing effect after finishing one bottle. Will the new variant give the same creamy or almost translucent complexion and faster results in as early as 2 weeks? Cheska's Online Store, the trusted online shop of all things beauty sent me a bottle to try and hopefully answer that question. So here are my thoughts after taking Ishigaki Amino Classic White religiously for a month.

Product Review: Ishigaki Amino Classic White (New Packaging, Label and Barcode)

My Intentions for 2020

     Here comes New Year and all things resolution. I've seen a lot of friends sharing lists, ideas, infographics, essays, and even memes to kick off their 2020. Let's start the year right by changing one habit or attitude at a time. Do you have a New Year's resolution or intentions for 2020?

     I became serious about my health and fitness journey six months ago because of a medical condition that prevents me from having another baby. I said to myself that apart from regular exercise, I will also follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, more sleeping hours, and less stress. All these intentions are focused on the physical aspect or area of life and that includes our health. If you are also focusing on being the best version of yourself this year, sharing tips and my personal views on health and wellness after the jump.

My Intentions for 2020
One of my intentions last year is to be STRONG. Yes for a stronger for 2020!

A Php1,799 Insurance Yearly? Yes, "KanDuu!"

     The past 8 years have been a roller-coaster ride for us because of my father's health condition. He was a diabetic at the age of 35, an end-stage renal disease patient at 50, and was diagnosed with a terminal illness just last month. All these boil down to one important aspect of life- health. My father would always tell me to set him as an example that health is non-negotiable. If he had been considerate and compliant in his early 30's, he is still at the top of his game.

     No thrice a week visits at the dialysis center, no weekly trips to the emergency room, no quarterly staycation at the hospital wards, and no dropping by at the operating room for minor or major surgeries. These series of unfortunate events drained us physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. The worst part? We're not financially stable and don't have life insurance that will somehow ease the burden. I asked my mother why we don't have the insurance in any forms and her answer was the hassle of filling up forms and submitting documents just to get insured. Well, that's a thing of the past because now we "KanDuu" get insurance fast and hassle-free! Scroll down to know more about FWD Life Insurance.

A Php1,799 Insurance Yearly? Yes, "KanDuu!"

My papa at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute after his major colon operation (Sigmoidectomy) last November 2019

Southstar Drug Drop the Prefix Campaign

     What's your ultimate favorite all-around bag? A tote, bucket, satchel, hobo, duffel, messenger, backpack, or minaudiere? Did I miss one? It's so true that one can never have too many bags, so they, right? For some, each bag has a different use— carrying daily essentials or traveling while some loves a sturdy bag for hauling books in school or simply for flaunting it as a style statement. 

     Our bags play an essential role in life these days. Whether you are working or still in school, your bag keeps all the essential things you need for the day. Some bags are made of expensive leather, some are made of sturdy canvas. While most just go for durability and affordability, some still prefer fashion and value. Each bag has a story and a bag can say so many things about its owner, too. But despite the latest style and trend, there are some bags created for a different and a more important purpose.

Southstar Drug Drop the Prefix Campaign

Tiger Balm Plaster now in the Philippines

     Certified Titos and Titas, hear ye, hear ye! One of the trusted institutions for healing and pain relief in the Philippines, Tiger Balm recently launched a cutting-edge plaster that aims to alleviate stress-related muscle injuries and pains that come from a build-up of unaddressed and unrelieved stress.

     Filipinos of all ages and classes endure this kind of stress at all times, often without realizing it – from the soon-to-graduate college student, the mother or father juggling two to three jobs to give the family an enjoyable lifestyle, to the businessman or professional who has a hard time sleeping at night to make sure his or her company earns a significant profit. The accumulation of unspoken and unacknowledged tension and anxiety leads to aching joints, back pains, a stiff neck, or tight shoulder muscles. Sometimes it manifests in unexpected muscular strains on the limbs, like their arms and legs, when they try to release some of that stress through sports, exercise, or any physical activity.

Tiger Balm Plaster

Watsons x PPhA, PCCP in Asthma Educators Program

     According to NCBI, The atmospheric pollen pollution in Quezon City is heavy in November, December and January; in Los Banos during January, February, March, April, June and November; and in Baguio City during February, March, April and May. So yeah, asthma season is here that's why it is important to arm ourselves with factual knowledge that will help individuals who are suffering from this condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For many asthma sufferers, attacks can be debilitating and even potentially fatal. (https://watsonshealth.com.ph/5-important-facts-you-need-to-know-about-asthma/)

     Asia’s No. 1 drugstore Watsons Philippines has partnered with the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA) and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) to empower and improve its pharmacists’ competencies to be able to serve its customers’ health needs better.

Watsons x PPhA, PCCP in Asthma Educators Program 

Win Special Trips from Watsons

     Watsons, one of Asia’s top health and beauty retailers, just gave away a 3-DAY / 2-NIGHT TRIP FOR 2 TO BORACAY to a total of 40 loyal cardmembers! As one of the most exciting highlights of the Share the Sun campaign last March, this promo had the simplest mechanics: all card members had to do was shop for their sun essentials at Watsons. Every P500 single-receipt purchase they made from one of Watsons’ participating products automatically got them e-raffle entries that qualified them for the promo!

     This promo is aligned with Watsons’ effort to reward loyalty card members for trusting the retail chain for their health and beauty needs. Out of thousands of Watsons’ loyalty cardholders, twenty (20) lucky winners were drawn to share the sun with family and friends in no less than Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, one of the most breathtaking getaways in the world. It definitely was a luxurious way to reward shoppers’ loyalty. 

This is how you can win special trips from Watsons

Product Review: Nuwhite S-Acetyl Glutathione

     Ah, glutathione! The most sought-after whitening pill since time immemorial. If my memory serves me right, this skin beautifying supplement has been serving the Philippine market for more than a decade and until now. Filipinas who want to lighten their skin still choose glutathione because of its main function in the body- as a master anti-oxidant. The skin whitening/lightening part is just a bonus but a big factor in giving the user a flawless, smooth and radiant skin.

     I've reviewed a lot of glutathione in the past and over the years, brands are doing their best in reformulating or innovating their product. From the pure form of glutathione to reduced L-glutathione with alpha-lipoic acid, collagen, placenta, and alpha-arbutin combinations, now comes the newest form S-Acetyl Glutathione with the mission of addressing the lower absorption rates of reduced L-Glutathione. Presenting the new version of Nuwhite, the first one to introduce this to the Philippine market in the form of an all-in-one supplement- Nuwhite S-Acetyl Glutathione. More information about the brand and why I highly recommend this brand :)

Product Review: Nuwhite S-Acetyl Glutathione