Google Teaches Digital Responsibility in the Philippines via Poetry and Animation

     Google launches a collection of spoken word poetry and animated videos on its local YouTube channel to teach digital responsibility and help Filipinos be better netizens and stewards of the internet. The content is developed by the youth volunteers of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM), an NGO which aims to build peace online and in vulnerable communities nationwide.

     The themes of the YouTube videos are kindness; the value of strong passwords and online security; critical thinking, oversharing prevention, and courage online. Together with YouTube’s reach of over 40 million Filipinos, digital responsibility can be effectively taught to more people online using videos of creative expression.

Google Teaches Digital Responsibility in the Philippines via Poetry and Animation

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

Making Connections That Matter: Riki Flo on Rediscovering Bonding Time at Home

     Many families are now looking forward to the start of the new year at home. Despite the hardships and challenges that the past months of quarantine have posed, there are still so many things that everyone can be thankful for, especially that staying safe at home has brought everyone closer together.

     When everybody welcomed the new decade full of hopes and excitement, no one could have predicted how a health crisis would put an indefinite pause on their plans and resolutions for the year. However, radio personality and wonder-mom Riki Flo felt blessed to have spent the time in quarantine with the company of her loving family. She says, “I realized that spending time at home with people you love the most is a luxury, and when life got too real, I was reminded of that. And though we may not have had as many adventures outside this year, we made many memories at home and that allowed us to become closer.” 

Making Connections That Matter: Riki Flo on Rediscovering Bonding Time at Home

Kitchen Essentials: Top 5 Items That Should Be In Everyone's Kitchen

     Regardless of the type of home that a person lives in. Whether it is the smallest or the largest, everyone will most likely agree that the kitchen is one of the most important places in every home. No matter how you want your kitchen to look, there are a lot of ways to visualize this efficient room in your home.

     When talking about your kitchen, having equipment and tools that are ready to use in action, these things are essential in maintaining the orderliness and cleanliness of the area. This article will cite a few of the most basic stuff that most people think should be found in every home's kitchen.

 Kitchen Essentials: Top 5 Items That Should Be In Everyone's Kitchen
image from https://pixabay.com/photos/kitchen-decoration-kitchen-equipment-728721/

Feature: Sekaya Organic Moringa

     Mothers are simply extraordinary. We have multiple roles at home, at work, and other tasks in between. We have lots of energy, right?! But sometimes you may ask, from where do we really get all the strength and energy every day. Sometimes we forgot that being busy takes a toll on our emotional and mental wellness.⁣

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     I remember that it's more challenging when I was breastfeeding my son. It lasted only for a month because I can’t produce enough breastmilk to feed my baby. I was frustrated and disappointed during that time. My mother told me that there are ways to enhance the supply of breast milk and one of them is by taking a moringa supplement.⁣ Years ago, only a few brands are available in the market and we are not sure if those non-organic sources came from pure ingredients. Fast forward today, I’m glad to know that there’s a European Union certified organic moringa from Sekaya.⁣ Know more about this brand after the jump!

Feature: Sekaya Organic Moringa

Feature: Tolak Angin for the Modern Filipino Family

     I bet, you've heard "Prevention is better than cure" countless times, and "Health is wealth" since time immemorial. These two popular sayings have been a word of mouth when we talk about one's physical and mental state, including one's social well-being. Health is one of the aspects of life that matters most, the number one priority that is non-negotiable for me, and in this uncertain time, a healthy body is an investment. We can't afford to get sick that's why eating nutritious food, staying active, taking vitamins and supplements, and rest are essential these days. True enough that when you have a healthy body, there will be no hospital trips and the need for medication. 

     But there will be times that you will suddenly feel generally unwell- feeling under the weather or that feeling sick for no reason at all. Maybe you're just too tired from work or from doing house chores, or you have eaten something that made your stomach feel upset. When these situations arise, we always check our first aid kit for quick relief and this is where I can say that motherhood and titahood takes place, reaching for herbal products as instant remedies when in need. "Having that said," I recently discovered an herbal supplement called Tolak Angin. The brand caters to modern solutions to health concerns in light of these challenging times and the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing more information about the latest addition in their product line that I'm sure will be a mainstay in your health care essentials.

Feature: Tolak Angin for the Modern Filipino Family

Lessandra- A Place to Call Your Own

     Having a place to call your own is something that we always dream of. I can still vividly remember the strain of moving from one place to another while growing up and it's not a pleasant experience. It's stressful that's why my parents strove hard to give us a better life and that includes a house that we can call our own. Buying a house and lot is an achievement unlocked especially for the Filipinos as this only proves that their hard-earned money has been well spent.

     Though acquiring a property is fulfilling, some find the process stressful and taxing. I presume you've heard of horror stories and the complicated process of purchasing a house before and those things hold you back from owning your dream home. Today, make the dream of owning a beautiful home into reality through Vista Land's brainchild- Lessandra. Get to know more about Lessandra and why it is the perfect home for everyone below :)

Lessandra- A Place to Call Your Own

New Normal Learning at Home

     Parents know this: we thought we knew what it meant to be academically responsible for our school-age children. This involves regularly coordinating with children’s teachers in school, providing financial support for their academic requirements, and making sure they participate in extra-curricular activities. This was a system a lot of parents have become attuned to until the COVID-19 pandemic happened.

     Since the imposed community quarantine, life at home drastically changed. With the opening of a new school year, parents grapple for ideas on how to systemically operate their households while their children stay at home. As schools send out engaging virtual assignments to students, parents scramble on figuring out how to balance their household chores along with learning how to manage their children’s home-school education. And all these activities entailed embracing a new perspective on active parenting.

New Normal Learning at Home 

V-DOSE Education Guided Singapore Math with Michelle Reyes

     Let's talk about one subject that everyone hates- M.A.T.H. Yes, this subject has been dreaded since time immemorial. Even yours truly is frightened whenever my son tells me that he has homework in Math. I'm not a fan of this subject, in fact, I hate it too or should I say it's my waterloo. Lol! Fast forward today, I was shocked when I discovered that he'll be studying this subject in distance learning using the Singapore Math approach. As a parent who feels uneasy teaching Math, I'm having second thoughts if my son will understand the lesson properly online.

     I believe that in order for the child to understand the lesson, parents must know the lesson. The pandemic has caused anxiety and stress to all and it continues to change states of living across the world. We need to adjust in academics, hygiene, modern workplace, habits and behaviors. In line with these developments, the instructional video platform, V-DOSE Education, was created. In order to enhance learning and satisfy the curiosity of thousands of people experiencing the world through the Internet, V-DOSE Education brings the craft and knowledge of educators across various fields unto a visual storytelling stage. I got relieved when I attended the virtual conference weeks ago because this kind of platform is a big help for parents who are also struggling to teach their child, especially in Mathematics. More information about V-Dose Education after the jump!

V-DOSE Education Guided Singapore Math with Michelle Reyes
image from pexels.com

Feature: Arla Organic Powdered Milk Drink

    Every parent wants the best for their child that's why in the early stage of child development, we give utmost importance to every aspect of their life. We don't stop worrying about different issues that will arise as they grow every single day. From nutrition, education, health, and socialization, we always make sure that these aspects of life are well-taken care of. My family's health is non-negotiable that's why I make sure that my son is eating right. My husband cooks a wide variety of go, grow, and glow foods that are highly recommended for Kenzo's growth and development. 

     Speaking of grow foods, I make sure that he still drinks the daily recommended servings of milk every day and my recent discovery is a promising brand. Arla Foods, one of the world’s leading farmer-owned cooperatives and also known as the world’s largest producer of organic dairy products, marks a significant milestone as it expands its footprint in Asia with its entry in the country.  Now, Filipino families can enjoy the delicious and nutritious taste of Arla Organic Powdered Milk Drink as it hits grocery shelves nationwide.

Feature: Arla Organic Powdered Milk Drink

How to Deal With Nausea Caused By Birth Control

     Birth control pills have been the most popular method of preventing pregnancy in women since they were first adopted in 1960. Many women do not experience any side effects from taking them. However, a large portion will experience bouts of nausea, especially in the first three months of taking the pills. Here are a few tips on how to manage nausea after taking the pills.

How to Deal With Nausea Caused By Birth Control

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

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

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 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

Nexcare: Our First Aid Kit for the Next Adventure

     Kids these days will choose gadgets over playing outside and it’s something to worry about. I miss the old days where kids are physically active like there’s no tomorrow- running here and there, climbing up, sliding down and cycling all around. These activities are good for the body but can be worrisome for moms because little accidents can happen anytime.

     Kenzo loves to ride his bike during playtime and frequently gets a minor scratch. It’s part of biking and I rest assured that it will be taken care of because I have a no-fuss first aid kit from Nexcare- a brand offering complete solutions for household and personal healthcare. I presume that some of you have heard or seen this brand already or have used a product or two. Their first-aid solutions are hospital proven thus prides itself with premium design, superior performance and advanced technology applied in every product. By being the wound care expert, Nexcare is able to provide parents a peace of mind and healthy confidence in their home. More information about Nexcare products after the jump :)

Nexcare: Our First Aid Kit for the Next Adventure

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

Northern Moms Philippines Christmas 2019 at Tinker House

     Last December 10, 2019,  Northern Moms Philippines had an afternoon of learning while having fun at Tinker House SM City Fairview branch with our dear readers and their little kids. We had an afternoon full of arts and crafts activities from Tinker House and the experience is one for the books.

     It's my first time to step inside a playhouse full of art materials, building tools, and science equipment. Their tagline "where curiosity grows" empowers kids to design, build and discover and Tinker House is on a mission to help nurture the next generation of creatives, innovators, scientists, inventors, and artists- one tinker project at a time! The kids were already doing the first activity when I arrived at the venue and the curious cat in me decided to join the fun!

Northern Moms Philippines Christmas 2019
Louisa and yours truly with our dear readers and their awesome kids!