5 Important Steps in Building an Online Business from Home

     Waiting for the right time to start an online business from home? Now would be a perfect time, with everyone at home, logged onto their social media accounts every single day. With the power of the Internet comes great opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

5 Important Steps in Building an Online Business from Home

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

Why It’s Okay to Take a Break From Social Media During a Pandemic

     We are still facing off against the pandemic, and it’s taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Many of us have mental health problems from anxiety over the virus, or because it has affected us economically. 

     However, there’s one culprit that may be even worse for your health: social media. Social media stress and anxiety are real, and it’s important for you to realize that it’s okay to step back. Here are some reasons why social media can be bad for your mental health.

Why It’s Okay to Take a Break From Social Media During a Pandemic
Photo by mikoto.raw from Pexels

Rediscover Home with Nikki Gil-Albert

     Nikki Gil opens up her home for the first time as she talks about how their life has changed during the pandemic. Not being able to go out to work and socialize, the celebrity-mom shares how she rediscovered her home by turning quarantine time into quality time for her family. Take a closer look and at her home in this exclusive video.

Rediscover Home with Nikki Gil-Albert

Feature: Imagic Cosmetics PH

     Heads up makeup junkies, I got some new babies to play with courtesy of Imagic Cosmetics PH. These makeup products are promising because they’re high quality at practical prices. If you are a beginner and building your makeup arsenal, this brand is for you! I'm not a PRO when it comes to makeup as I still can't get a hang of eyeshadow application but they sent these professional basics like the Flash Palettes, High-Definition Primer, Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, and Lip Kohl. 

     Upon research, All IMAGIC products are safe and cruelty-free! They import cruelty-free raw materials from abroad. The brand refuses to test on animals too, yay! Today, animal testing is no longer needed as they have better methods to determine if a product is dangerous for humans. According to the website, their labs will also continue to experiment with innovation, striving to create natural makeup products. This is good news to those who are supporting socially responsible cosmetics and vegan makeup aficionados. Sharing a short feature of the products they sent and why you should try them now :)

Imagic PROfessional Cosmetics

The Women Champions behind Masungi Georeserve

     Women are changing the landscape. Some, more literal than others. Meet Billie & Ann Dumaliang, the two sisters behind the massively successful initiative to preserve and promote the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal Province. This Women’s Month, PLDT Home tells their empowering story through the #SheConnects video campaign.

     Known to many as an ecotourism site, the real journey of the acclaimed Masungi Georeserve is a story to behold. Billie & Ann grew up loving and enjoying the scenery of their area since they were kids. Before it became a sanctuary, the assault of poachers and landgrabbers caused severe damage to its flora and fauna.

The Women Champions behind Masungi Georeserve

Get these Acer products at 20% off on Shopee 4.4 Mega Shopping Sale

     Mark your calendars for the biggest deals and discounts up to 20% off on selected Acer and Predator models this Shopee 3.3-4.4 Mega Shopping Day on April 4, 2021! Now’s your chance to grab products from Acer's popular Nitro, Aspire, and Swift lines because they are included in the sale! Also, if you are looking to upgrade your gaming setup, selected gaming monitors are also on sale as well as the Acer Travelmate P2!

     "We continue to build on our partnership with Shopee because the market is changing in the sense that there is a segment that now prefers to stay home and shop online," said Acer Philippines General Manager Sue Ong-Lim. 

Get these Acer products at 20% off on Shopee 4.4 Mega Shopping Sale

Get Hada Labo Products at 10% off on Lazada Birthday Sale

     Asian beauty product lovers will agree that the Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion (30ml/Php 195.00 and 170ml/Php 685.00) deserves its status as the No. 1 facial lotion in Japan for 13 consecutive years.

     With four kinds of Hyaluronic Acid, this lotion is a thin, ultra-lightweight liquid that sinks into your skin to deeply moisturize, leaving it plump and dewy, the Japanese beauty ideal known as "mochi skin." Hada Labo Hydrating lotion, face wash, and moisturizer are formulated without any unnecessary alcohol, mineral oil, colorants, and fragrance making it perfect for all skin types, even for the most sensitive!

Gretchen Ho: Connecting Women in Action

     When a woman speaks, she can lead a generation into action. And that’s exactly what TV host, reporter, and all-around woman-in-action Gretchen Ho does. This Women’s Month, the athlete-turned-reporter shares her journey on how having strong women connections helped her become a voice and beacon of her generation.

      “When I envision something, I get into action to achieve it,” says Gretchen Ho. Dubbed as the ‘Woman-in-Action’, she has evolved from being a university athlete, to an events host, a news anchor, and now as a Beacon for other women. She talks about how she believes that success comes from a daily and constant effort, “Work hard. Never forget work ethic, take action day-by-day and keep improving daily. Move forward with consistency”.

Gretchen Ho: Connecting Women in Action

Neucell Essence of Mushroom: Helping You See the Benefits of Yun-zhi

     One of my favorite comfort food is mushrooms. I love it in my soup, together with tasty gravy, or with lots of stir-fried garlic. These fleshy and edible fungi are packed rich in B Vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. The combination is good for cardiovascular health, digestive system and maintaining healthy skin. Several centuries have passed and the mushroom, even up to this day, has become a staple ingredient not just in food but also for treatment due to its renowned medicinal benefits, especially in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

     There were many mushroom varieties that have sprouted, and claims about its wondrous benefits have become legendary. However, it was only probably in the 1970s that mushrooms’ properties were studied up close. Animal testing saw success in slowing down cancer cell growth and improve mortality, but the real test was when it involved humans. During clinical trials, mushroom compounds proved effective in reducing cancer mortality while improving response to cancer treatments. Since its introduction decades ago, mushroom extracts have been used as medicine in Japan and as an adjunct to cancer treatment. Read more about Yun-zhi and its benefits after the jump!

Neucell Essence of Mushroom: Helping You See the Benefits of Yun-zhi

Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy and COVID-19

     The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into the plans of expecting mothers all over the world. The regulations, policies, and approaches surrounding pregnancy significantly changed in a few months, making several would-be mothers feel troubled and confused.

     But don’t worry. There are guidelines in place that will help you manage your pregnancy and ensure that you and your baby are kept safe. If you’re an expecting mother or knows someone who is, here’s a quick rundown of the key things you need to know about pregnancy and COVID-19.

Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy and COVID-19
image from pexels.com

Therapist vs Psychologist

     BetterHelp.com can connect you with a therapist, counselor, or psychologist quickly, but people often wonder what the differences between the three actually are. It is a good idea to know the differences so that you can navigate through all of the mental health professionals and find one that is right for you.

     The differences between the three can actually be somewhat confusing. To understand, it is best to look at what each one is.

Therapist vs Psychologist

Feature: Mamala Thailand

     Filipinos are always curious- we love to try different things that we see on social media, that we hear from our friends, that we read from magazines, or even gave in when a relative or family member recommends something. We have the power to make something a trend especially in food, beauty, and fashion. Once that thing or that brand has reached the mainstream, it may go viral and becomes a crowd favorite.

     For almost a decade of lurking in different online platforms,  I've seen trends in the beauty industry come and go. If my memory serves me right, Japanese brands became famous for their oral beauty supplements then Koreans are known for their meticulous nth step skincare routine (until now), and Thais are giving the best of both worlds when it comes to inner and outer skincare game. Fast forward today, get to know one of the Thai brands that I discovered last year through my cousin- Mamala Thailand. The brand sent their best-selling products namely Mamala M Intense Intimate Cleanser, Mamala White Body Soap, and Mamala 9M.E.D Elixir Deo Cream. Sharing a short feature about these promising personal care products after the jump.

Feature: Mamala Thailand

PLDT turns over Home WiFi Prepaid units to DepEd for teachers’ online classes

     PLDT Home, through the PLDT Smart Foundation (PSF), recently turned over to the Department of Education (DepEd) one thousand units of Home WiFi Prepaid to enable public school teachers to experience a faster and more reliable internet connection as they conduct online classes, part of the DepEd’s blended learning strategy in these pandemic times.

     “We are happy to assist the DepEd and its teachers in conducting online classes and facilitating learning among students amid the restrictions brought about by the current pandemic. Our support to the country’s dedicated and hardworking teachers has always been profound. Our gratitude to them, immeasurable. The PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid will definitely help them manage digital education and reliably connect with their students,” said PSF President Ma. Esther O. Santos.

PLDT turns over Home WiFi Prepaid units to DepEd for teachers’ online classes

Shown in photo during the turn-over of PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid units to the Department of Education are, from left, DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, PLDT-Smart Foundation President Ma. Esther Santos and PLDT Home Product Manager Kristine Rementilla.

PLDT Wifi Mesh System for Better and Safer Online Learning Experience

     It appears that online learning is here to stay, at least until it’s safe once again to conduct face-to-face classroom sessions. Families are thriving with the online learning environment as the new norm and upgrading the home internet set-up has become imperative.

     The last thing you need are dead spots and weak signal areas in certain parts of your house, right? Many people might think their existing WiFi and router set-up is already good enough for their needs. What they don’t know is that equipping their household with a WiFi Mesh system takes their internet experience to a whole new level. As its name suggests, this system boosts internet connectivity and provides wider internet coverage without experiencing any of those troublesome dead spots practically anywhere in the house.

PLDT Wifi Mesh System for Better and Safer Online Learning Experience

Herbalife Nutrition Vitamin Mask

     Premier global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition, unveiled its new Vitamin Mask series in the Philippines last February 09, 2021, through the first-ever Herbalife Nutrition Virtual Spa Experience with Laura Garbato, Director of Worldwide Education and Training and Chairwoman of the Outer Nutrition Advisory Board. She shared her dermatological expertise with us via a discussion on Herbalife Nutrition Skin Care Fundamentals. 

      As a member of Herbalife Philippines for over a year now, I was delighted to know that our company is also on a mission on making the largest part of our body- the skin, healthy and beautiful.  As a new addition to the Company’s outer nutrition range of products, the Herbalife Nutrition Vitamin Mask series was also introduced to us. Sharing more information about these vitamin masks after the jump!

Herbalife Nutrition Vitamin Mask

Love Your Heart: Hope for the Failing Heart

     Hello dearies! How's everyone, how's your heart if I may ask? February is the month where we celebrate Valentine's Day and many of us celebrated the 14th day with love, flowers, and chocolate. We always associate our hearts when we speak of this day because of the emotion or feeling that we feel towards our family, friends, and special someone. But have you ever thought about how your heart health these days?

     A healthy heart is important if you want to live a longer life but there are factors that can lead to heart failure especially if you are living with unhealthy lifestyle. But the good news is that heart failure can be treated and even prevented. To raise conversation and awareness, AstraZeneca Philippines hosted a webinar to discuss the latest developments on heart failure. A panel of experts from the Philippines and around the world discussed how the approval of AstraZeneca’s Dapagliflozin as a treatment option can make a difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos. Know more about this promising brand that "gives hope for the heart" below.

Love Your Heart: Hope for the Failing Heart
image from pexels.com

PayMaya Launches PayMaya Mall

     PayMaya is taking online shopping to the next level as they launched the newest addition to their mobile app feature last week in a short but sweet virtual event. Filipinos now have an easier way to shop for their everyday essentials and more and pay cashless for their purchases with the launch of the PayMaya Mall -- a one-stop-shop for your mobile shopping needs all within your PayMaya app!

     Craving for your favorite meals at Jollibee or McDonald’s? Looking to buy your groceries at Landers? Shopping for cool new sneakers at Nike? Fret not because you can find everything you need and get the best deals at the PayMaya Mall. With your favorite brands housed inside this virtual mall in your PayMaya app, going cashless for your everyday needs is now easier than ever. Sharing below the reasons why you need to download the PayMaya app (if you haven't) or update it asap below :)

PayMaya Launches PayMaya Mall

Product Review: Kabaya Collagen Gummy

     Hello, dearies! I’ve been taking and reviewing collagen supplements for years now and late last year, I discovered a new, fun, and delicious way of taking it through chewing! Collagen gummy supplement is making a name in the anti-aging department these days. According to healthline.com, gummy vitamins per see are chewable vitamins that have a texture and taste similar to gummy candies. It comes in different flavors, colors, and shapes. 

     More popular with adults and kids these days because it's so convenient to take especially for those who are having a hard time ingesting vitamins and supplements because of their size or aftertaste. I can say that it's a great innovation for collagen supplement because, for those who's been taking it, the first thing that will make you cringe is the taste whether it's a flavored powder or liquid form. Anyhoo, it has been three months since I started taking this delicious and collagen packed gummy supplement and saw improvements in my skin already. Sharing a detailed review and why this is my new HG (Holy Grail) collagen supplement after the jump!

Product Review: Kabaya Collagen Gummy

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