Therefore, I (still) Blog

     Should I thank Barney because I got the inspiration from one of his songs for the title of this blog or my skin-related concerns for being a lurker in the blogosphere several years ago that decided me to blog? There are so many things to be thankful for to where I am now. It has been x years since I started this humble blog and if my memory serves me right, it all started when I got bored from playing online games and being a silent reader of my favorite bloggers.

     It's from these amazing ladies- writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle topics in their respective blogs where I learned a lot about the basics of blogging. Their product reviews and skincare must-haves had taught me how to choose the right products for my skincare needs. It's from them that I learned how to check the labels and scrutinize the ingredients before buying them. This made me save money from wasting beauty products that will only irritate my sensitive skin. Their hauls were my "what's popping?" in my next beauty purchase list. These ladies kept me updated from the must-haves in the drugstore and high-end brand departments. Because of this, I decided to write my own blog and the rest is history. Sharing some of the things I learned as a blogger and influencer over the past years and what trends to expect in 2022.

Therefore, I (still) Blog

image from pexels.com

PLDT Remains Fastest Network in PH for 4th Consecutive Year

     PLDT remains to be the undisputed fastest fixed network in the Philippines with its four-peat record at the Ookla®Speedtest Awards™. The latest Speedtest Awards™ for Q1-Q2 2021 shows PLDT achieving the fastest download and upload speeds in Makati, Cebu, and Davao, with an overall speed score of 46.25 for the quarter – besting all other major internet providers in the country.

     Ookla noted that the telco giant recorded top download and upload speeds of 113.2 Mbps and 136.61 Mbps, respectively. This was culled from data comparing millions of consumer-initiated tests taken on Speedtest® platforms. These include speed tests using computer devices connected to a fixed network, as well as over a Wi-Fi connection.

PLDT Remains Fastest Network in PH for 4th Consecutive Year

5 Types of Writing You'll Encounter in College

     College is the beginning of a new chapter in a student's life. In order to cope better with the upcoming assignments, everyone would prefer to know in advance what awaits them. This knowledge will help you do the work yourself rather than turning to coursework writing help. We'll tell you about the five most common writing assignments you'll encounter in college.

image from pexels.com

Carrier Explains "The Science of Indoor Living" via "The Invisible Event"

     Did you know that indoors can be 10x more polluted than the outdoors? I was a bit shocked when I heard this last week that's why I got interested to know more about the science of indoor living and am thankful that Carrier Philippines launched this kind of event. I'm glad that I was invited to experience a unique sensory treat last week where I learned more about the Carrier Science Story. 

     Carrier Philippines recently launched its new message “The Science of Indoor Living” at its uniquely curated “Invisible Event” that provided us with a full sensorial experience, underscoring Carrier’s commitment to making life at home healthier, safer, and more comfortable in the new normal. Carrier, the world’s air care expert, demonstrated the power of the invisible--Carrier’s technology and solutions that work in the background to optimize conditions and filter out equally invisible pollutants, allergens and pathogens--through playing on the audience’s senses.

Carrier Explains "The Science of Indoor Living" via "The Invisible Event"

Pay PLDT Home via PayMaya

     PLDT Home subscribers are up for a more rewarding and convenient experience with PayMaya. From October to December 2021, new and existing PLDT Home customers can earn cashback vouchers when they pay their bills directly through the PayMaya app.

     “We want to make it easier and more rewarding for our customers to pay their broadband bills. With the pandemic, digital payments are the way to go because you can do them from the safety and convenience of your home. That’s why we are working closely with PayMaya to encourage more of our PLDT Home customers to shift to digital payments," said Patrick Tang, Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Customer Management.

Pay PLDT Home via PayMaya 

COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits Now Available at Watsons

     Recognizing the importance of widespread testing, Watsons will sell FDA-certified COVID-19 antigen test kits with a price range of P399-P500 at select stores in Metro Manila starting October 25 and will be available in all stores nationwide by November 25. The testing kits are for administering by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and medical technologists and will require medical prescription. 

     The required specifications set by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) are at 80% sensitivity and 97% specificity and these test kits can deliver at least 95% sensitivity and 99.2% specificity. "As more people head out to work, school and gatherings, Watsons knows that antigen test kits are important in helping reduce transmission," said Maita A. Santiago, Watsons Philippines Customer Director.

COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits Now Available at Watsons
image from pexels.com

Four Tips to Help You Decide Whether or Not It's Time to Settle Down

     After spending a lot of time with that special someone, you may be having some thoughts about marrying and settling down with them. But before you do, you need to ask yourself if you’re ready to settle down with this person? Marriage, although an exciting moment in yourself, isn’t as simple and clean as you might think. Here are four tips to help you decide whether or not it’s time to settle down with your significant other.

Four Tips to Help You Decide Whether or Not It's Time to Settle Down
image from pexels.com

Papa Sweet Sarap Banana Ketchup Now Fortified with B-vitamins to Give Kids Energy and Immunity

     Papa Sweet Sarap Banana Ketchup is here to bring an innovative new ketchup formula to the classic sweet sarap taste Filipino kids know and love. The new Papa Sweet Sarap Banana Ketchup contains vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B6 (pyridoxine), part of the B-complex of vitamins that perform vital tasks in the body. B1 helps release energy from the food we eat, making it extremely important for active kids. B2 is also essential in giving the body energy as it converts the food we eat into glucose to give us energy, and B6, a vitamin that is essential for the healthy functioning of the nervous system, boosts kids’ immune systems, protecting them from common childhood ailments and other health issues.

     This is especially important, as some Filipino kids still suffer from malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 – the same vitamins Papa is proud to fortify their new ketchup formula with.

Papa Sweet Sarap Banana Ketchup Now Fortified with B-vitamins to Give Kids Energy and Immunity

Papa Sweet Sarap Banana Ketchup is now fortified with Vitamin B-Complex micronutrients B1, B2, and B6 to keep kids’ energies high and immune systems strong!

Keep Your Beauty Routine Simple on Vacation

     For most people, a vacation means a chance to escape, unwind, and step out of your everyday life in all senses. With that in mind, you don’t want to be spending hours in your room grooming and applying your makeup. Of course, you want to look put-together, but you can do so in a way that is simple and quick and gives you that fresh-faced look that is ideal when on vacation especially in the summer months.

     Here are some simple and easy-to-follow steps that will simplify your beauty routine while on your holidays, which also means you won’t have to pack anywhere near as many items.

Keep Your Beauty Routine Simple on Vacation
image from pexels.com

Nivea Whitening Lotion Philippines

     I'm a sucker for body lotion and if my memory serves me right, the first brand that I've tried was Alyssa Ashley White Musk that was given to my mom by a relative from abroad. I was in elementary back then and I have no idea about body lotions. All I knew was that it has to be applied to the skin after taking a bath. So when I entered junior high school, I've learned that there are different brands of body lotions in the market and it was from Nivea that I first saw a whitening variant. 

     From then on, Nivea has been a household brand and an essential in my skincare regimen. I've tried different variants in their whitening line in the past and was able to make a review of the old formulation, click here. Fast forward today, Nivea is still the number one brand when it comes to whitening lotions. What I noticed is that they made it more affordable to the consumers and offered a wide array of variants that target specific problems in the whitening and anti-aging department. Sharing some of my recent Nivea Whitening Lotion finds here in the Philippines from their official Shopee store below :)

Nivea Whitening Lotion Philippines

Product Review: Mikrozid Surface Wipes

     In this time of uncertainty, it’s comforting to know that there’s one thing you can trust in keeping you safe, anytime, anywhere! Thanks to Mikrozid- the trusted surface wipes used by hospitals worldwide. I'm surprised that it kills Covid 19 virus in just 15 seconds! Yes, you’ve read that right! For a clean freak and OC mom like me, disinfection is an everyday thing even before the pandemic that’s why I have different kinds of wipes at home.

      I’ve tried different brands before and nothing compares to Mikrozid!!! This surface disinfecting wipes is heaven-sent and music to my ears when I saw that it kills coronavirus in just 15 seconds!!! I have to emphasize this because my family’s health is non-negotiable and I have to repeat this over and over again for those who are neglecting the virus. Hear, hear that proper handwashing and effective surface disinfection are a must these days!!! More information about Mikrozid Surface Wipes and my thoughts about this brand after the jump!

Feature: Mikrozid Surface Wipes

Herbalife Virtual Run 2021

     The pandemic and mandatory quarantine have confined us in our homes for more than a year already. Some of us became less productive when it comes to physical activities while others stayed focused on their health and wellness journey. Apart from eating healthily, I always make sure to move my body first thing in the morning. As much as possible, I avoid sitting down unless I'm working on content creation. This kind of physical activity doesn't end there as I also include yoga or weight lifting in my exercise routine five times a week.

     This month, I'm so excited to incorporate another kind of physical activity in the form of running. It's my first time to join a run hosted by Herbalife Philippines called Herbalife Virtual Run that started last October 1 until 31, 2021. Now in its second year, the challenge is part of the premier global nutrition company’s Get Moving With Good Nutrition campaign that seeks to give people the push toward healthy active living. More details and tips on how to prepare for this run below.

Herbalife Virtual Run 2021

K-Drama Heroines on PLDT Home Viu

     Aside from the romantic storylines, there are so many relatable life lessons to dig in Kdramas. No matter how ordinary our lives seem to be, we are the heroines in our own stories. Such is the inspiring narrative written in many K-dramas and perhaps is one of the many reasons for the genre’s enduring popularity. Whether intellectually or emotionally, no matter the age, K-drama fans relate so well with these fierce femmes on their favorite shows.

     With PLDT Home and Viu, Filipino Hallyu fans can connect more with their fave K-drama heroines with no interruptions. PLDT Home offers unlimited access to the best K-drama series and films for a better K-viewing experience Filipinos can all enjoy at home! Need a guide on which K-drama shows have the best plots featuring empowered female characters? Read on!

K-Drama Heroines on PLDT Home Viu

Love at First Sight with the NEW ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425EA (11th Gen Intel)

     My first blogging laptop is ASUS K555L, an entry laptop model that was launched six years ago. I have no regrets about choosing this brand because I've tried and tested its performance and durability for a long time already. Fast forward today, ASUS has launched new laptop models from its ZenBook series. When I first saw this laptop, I said to myself that it's time to upgrade to a more portable one. Don't get me wrong, I still love my ASUS laptop. It's still working fine and can do a lot of things up to this day. I never had problems when it comes to performance or hardware issues. But it's also nice to do an upgrade, especially if buying a new laptop will help me stay motivated and keep my productivity high as I work easy using this baby that's boasting timeless beauty and effortless portability.

     In a world full of uncertainty, there's one thing that's certain when it comes to technology and all things laptop. Say hello to the World's thinnest 14" laptop with QHD Display powered by 11th Gen Intel Core processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics- The all-new ZenBook 14 (UX425EA) – a 14-inch ultraportable laptop now packed with more power and speed, advancing productivity and creativity wherever, whenever. It's love at first sight! ZenBook 14 is so light, compact, and pretty on the outside but it's powerful and incredible on the inside. Read more about my favorite features of this beauty after the jump!

Love at First Sight with the NEW ASUS ZenBook 14 UX425EA (11th Gen Intel)

6 Fun Activities for Children at Home

    Up until lately, there has been a severe bone of contention on when art started. Some art historians argued that the first art pieces’ date back to around 35,000 and 10,000 BCE. However, archaeological investigation in Blombos cave, South Africa, proves otherwise. In truth, the discovery of 70,000 old ochre art pieces indicates that art started way before cave paintings.

     Based on this information, it is evident that art has been an integral part of human life for the longest time. A recent study suggests that exposure to art activities stimulates the brain and helps in self-expression, problem-solving, concentration, and memory.

6 Fun Activities for Children at Home
image from pexels.com

Five Benefits of Healthcare Email Marketing you Must Know

     The way the world operates is being constantly changed by technology. It has helped a lot in making life easier, and less complicated. Nowadays, where there has been a radical increase in the number of people who have access to the internet, the use of technology has become even more powerful. 

     The field of healthcare is one significant industry impacted by technological advancement. The use of healthcare email marketing has been a helpful tool for the healthcare sector. From getting new patients to retaining existing ones, healthcare marketing through email is useful. Below are some of the benefits of healthcare marketing you must know.

Five Benefits of Healthcare Email Marketing you Must Know
image from pexels.com

#StrongerQueenWithin at Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Coronation Night Powered by PLDT Home

     As the official broadband partner of Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2021, PLDT Home reignites its commitment in powering young Filipina queens on their quest to become an inspiration to the world.

     The country’s leading telecommunications and digital services provider joins millions of Filipinos online this September 30 (Thursday), as 28 Miss Universe Philippines candidates get together at the Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol for the Grand Coronation night. What to expect: A showcase of beauty, talent, and heart that will altogether define what it means to be a #StrongerQueenWithin!

#StrongerQueenWithin at Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Coronation Night Powered by PLDT Home

PLDT Home powers Miss Universe Philippines 2021 coronation night. “Together, we continue to inspire and power Filipinas to be a #StrongerQueenWithin,” said Shamcey Supsup-Lee, MUP national director. (Photo credit: Shamcey Supsup-Lee)

These Wifi 6 Routers are the New Work-from-Home Essentials

     Remote work is here to stay and for many, it has become an opportunity to discover better ways to work efficiently or pursue their own passion projects at home. Because of this, people have turned to home improvement projects and transform areas of their houses into ad hoc offices that will be conducive to working. This pivot to work from home has had people re-designing and optimizing their home spaces for work by investing in more technological solutions that help boost their productivity.

     At the frontline of this digital shift for the Filipino workforce, PLDT Home—the country’s fastest home broadband and leading digital services provider—brings families next-level connectivity that’s perfect for work-from-home setup with Wifi 6 solutions.

These Wifi 6 Routers are the New Work-from-Home Essentials

The 5 Best Heatless Hair Tools for Volume

     If you want volume for your hair and it is normally flat then you are going to need a little help to get the look you desire. Fortunately, there are plenty of options when volumizing your hair. One of the best is to use appliances designed specifically for this purpose.

     We’ll take a look in a moment at the best heatless hair tools to use on your hair to get the desired results. However, it is important to note that the right shampoo and other products, such as those from the Kerastase range, can do a lot of the work for you.

The 5 Best Heatless Hair Tools for Volume
image from pexels.com

For the Legaspi Family, Time Stands Still with Luminisce

     We watched them enjoy ice cream in front of the TV as a family, we cried when mom and dad got married in a surprise wedding like no other, and we saw the twins gracefully transform from kids to young adults. The Legaspis—Zoren, Carmina, Mavy, and Cassy—have gone through different milestones in the public eye, and though their special family moments happened through many years, a lot are quick to notice that the Legaspis never seem to age.

     When a photo of theirs went viral a few years back, which showed the entire family dressed in black and looking impeccably beautiful, a number of comments talked about how the Legaspis had “vampire genes,” with their beauty unchanging and seemingly preserved through time.

 For the Legaspi Family, Time Stands Still with Luminisce