This quarantine has made us moms more prone to dry and dull looking skin. Why?  Staying at home contribute to this.  I won't even start on all the washing, cleaning and sanitizing everything else.  That's because as moms, we want to care for others before us.  But it's also important to take care of ourselves by spending time for a little self-care.

One of  my self-care ideas at home is taking care of my skin.  I try out brands to see what works and what doesn't.  I recently discovered Face Republic.  It's a complete set of effective yet gently skincare product that uses clean and safe ingredients, just what we all need these days right?

For K-beauty fans or skincare enthusiasts like me, I recommend you try these too.  Here's a rundown of the products they have that I've tried and recommend to you as well.

FACE REPUBLIC SKINCARE LINE:

Shopee Link here: AHA/BHA TONER

 2. MILD CLEANSING WATER - is a gentle cleanser formulated clean. This Mild Cleansing Water preps your skin by clearing it of make-up, dirt, and excess oils on your cleaning or double cleansing routine. With Poloxamer 184, a gentle cleansing ingredient that isn’t as tough as it sounds. It removes breakout-causing dirt and oils without irritating your skin and eyes. It has antioxidants like Glycine Soja Extract, Soy Seed Extract and Vitamin E that help protect your skin form free-radicals that get in the way of collagen production. With Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, to moisturize the skin, it draws water in to the skin and while holding onto it. 

 Shopee Link here: MILD CLEANSING WATER

 3. CICA GEL MOISTURIZER - A lightweight gel that helps soothe and ease skin troubles. It has a deeply hydrating formula minus the stickiness.  Ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract and Tea Tree Oil eases skin inflammation while healing small wounds and acne scars. Moisturizing reduces the chances of skin irritation and problems. With Sodium Hyaluronate, the skin absorbs and holds more onto water like a sponge, giving you a healthy and plump skin.  Hydroxyethyl stabilizes oils to form a gel formula giving you that non-sticky and cottony finish. Perfect even on hot and humid days. 

Shopee Link here: CICA GEL MOISTURIZER

 4. PURITY SUN ESSENCE - The Purity Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ is your solution to a clean & mild daily sun protection! Formulated in the purest form, it contains no ingredient that could harm your skin nor the ocean.  Physical Sun Screen with No Whitecast. Has non-nano mineral filter that guarantees a fresh finish and ZERO whitecast.  Extra-Lightweight & Non-sticky.  Clean & Mild formula safe for those with sensitive skin. Ocean-friendly, Fragrance-free. Has an EWG level of 1-3. 

Shopee Link here: PURITY SUN ESSENCE

 5. HYDRO BOOST SOLUTION SERUM  - Hydro Boost Solution Serum is a lightweight Hyaluronic Serum that deeply hydrates and relieves the skin with 7 types of Hyaluronic Acids, leaving a moisturized and plumped skin.  7 types of Hyaluronic Acid that deeply hydrates the skin (Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate)  What I love about this is it's anti-wrinkle. Contains adenosine, which helps maintain firm skin and reduce wrinkles. HA also helps keep the skin smooth and elastic.   All ingredients with green level of EWG.

Shopee Link here: HYDRO BOOST SOLUTION SERUM

 6. FLORAL BREEZE HAND GEL - Dry hands no more from frequent use of alcohol and washing of hands. This gel type sanitizer kills 99.9% of germs while enjoying the following benefits (1) Deep Hydration from Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Camellia Japonica Seeds and Rosemarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract (2) Blooming Floral Fragrance with a rich note of Lavender (3) Safe and reliable for daily use. KFDA tested and approved.  I love its powdery finish and light fragrance

Shopee Link here: FLORAL BREEZE HAND GEL

Get all these amazing Face Republic products and on @shopee_ph. You'll be surprised at how effective yet super affordable their quality skincare products are! Skincare and K-beauty fans, Face Republic's got you!

Unilever is a company that has been around for decades bringing one trusted brand after the other to every Filipino households. These days, especially when the pandemic happened to us all, we cannot stress how important hygiene is and how to take it seriously.  

That's why, Unilever launches their Hygiene 101 Campaign.   It is part of Unilever's commitment to protect communities by educating and encouraging good hygiene habits. While COVID-19 is still here, it's important to stay vigilant and mindful of our actions. Simple habits such as bringing a hand sanitizer when going out, washing clothes worn outside immediately, and disinfecting homes regularly can make a difference in our family's health. Unilever Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Public Health Association, aim to remind Filipinos of the hygiene habits we've built over the year and to incorporate them into our new normal lifestyles. The campaign will highlight 101 Hygiene Hacks, simple tips that one can do to practice good hygiene.

PRACTICAL HYGIENE TIPS TO KEEP FAMILY CLEAN AND PROTECTED

• ALWAYS WASH HANDS -  We all know how washing hands for at least 20 seconds effectively decreases the chance for viruses lurking around to be passed on from one person to another.  For this, you may use Lifebuoy Antibacterial Handwash Total 10 which is available in 450ml bottle.  Be a germ or virus barrier not a carrier.

• IMMEDIATELY TAKE A SHOWER - When coming from outside due to important errands or work, make sure to immediately take a bath before the hugging and kissing of your loved ones.  That has been our number one rule in the house since we're all put in quarantine.  I recommend using Lifebouy Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10 or Lifebuoy Antibacterial Soap Total 10 to ensure that the bacteria or any virus that you brought home be killed and not passed on to your loved ones at home.  Not only you're clean but smell good too!
• BRUSH YOUR TEETH 2X A DAY - They say our mouth is one of the "dirtiest" part of our bodies.  Haha!  That is true because our mouth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.  They even say that there are over 700 types of bacteria in our mouth.  So never ever go to bed without brushing your teeth or gargling with mouthwash.  Take oral hygiene seriously please.  Not only for beautiful pearly whites but also to get rid of bacterial that may cause illnesses such as sore throats, tonsilitis, or cough.  Unilever has a solution for this with Closeup All Around Fresh Cool Mint.

• WASH CLOTHES USED OUTSIDE IMMEDIATELY - Some may say it's an exaggeration to wash clothes you used outside immediately, no it isn't.  Let's take the unseen enemy seriously and do all we can to protect our families by being clean.  Washing clothes periodically and immediately for used clothes outside should be a habit.  Don't just use any detergent powder or fabric conditioner, make sure they have anti-bacterial properties.  Unilever has both Breeze Anti-Bacterial Powder Detergent or Surf Detergent Powder Detergent Antibacterial that give you peace of mind knowing that bacteria are killed as you wash the clothes of your family.  For good-smelling clothes, finish your laundry with Surf Fabric Conditioner Antibacterial with Mint.

Between Mar 27 to 29, Unilever products will be ON SALE on Shopee!  This is going to be an awesome time to stock up on your must-have hygiene products that you could get UP TO 50% OFF!

There will also be discounted bundles, free gifts, discount vouchers and more! 

You could also purchase a UNILEVER HYGEINE 101 KIT on Shopee!  For every purchase, Unilever's partner Philippine Public Health Association communities also receive the same kit.  So let's support this clean effort in making one home a safer place at a time.  Add to cart na! 

March is Women's Month and I felt celebrated when Google hosted a live event on YouTube called  "Digiskarteng Pinay."  It's an online event to demonstrate how women can learn new skills and create livelihood opportunities through YouTube. It highlighted the experiences of successful female YouTube content creators and the stories of inspiring ma-Digiskarteng Pinays who used YouTube to bounce back from the pandemic.

“At a time when women’s resources are being hit the hardest, YouTube remains to be a platform that they can use to their advantage. It allows them to upskill and seize the opportunities of the growing digital economy to augment their lives and those around them,” said Bernadette Nacario, Google Philippines’ Country Head.
 
Digiskarteng Pinay is done in partnership with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and YouTube creators who contribute videos on various topics such as Family Nutrition, Financial Literacy, Beauty and Fashion, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Coding Skills, Technical Skills, Mindset Skills, and Native Arts and Crafts.
 
“Digiskarteng Pinay empowers women to learn and develop skills in their own time and pace so they can take full control of their lives while pursuing growth and entrepreneurial opportunities,” says Google Philippines’ Industry Head Gara Santos-Ontiveros.
 
Striving forward 
 
Madiskarte women Juliette Piquero and working student Dielian Certeza turned to YouTube to start their own businesses when the pandemic hit.
 
After leaving her job as an Accountant, Juliette stayed in the province to take a break but found herself staying far longer than planned due to the lockdowns. Being naturally fond of cooking, she spent her spare time wanting to level-up her skills and learning how to bake. After picking up recipes and tips from local channels like Madiskarteng Nanay, Chef RV Manabat, and Lutong Tinapay, she turned her hobby into an online cake shop called Nenita's CAKES and Pastries.

Digiskarteng Pinay Juliette started baking as a pandemic hobby by watching YouTube tutorials and eventually turned it into a bonafide online business called Nenita's CAKES and Pastries

“YouTube makes it very easy for us to learn new things at our own pace. Because it is accessible anywhere and anytime, I had more opportunities to equip myself with the latest techniques in baking. I used it as my reference for recipes to baking trends, which now translated to sales. It definitely helped me and my family during these challenging times,” Juliette shared.Dielian

For other Pinays who are having second thoughts about pursuing putting up a business, Deilian advises, "YouTube is like a free school. Small-scale entrepreneurs like me who have no formal background in cooking can instantly feel like a chef. Just trust the process, calm your mind and your heart, and find what you are passionate about."
 
Passion for a purpose
For multi-awarded actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, her YouTube channel started like any other—an outlet to share what she loves doing. Now with over 1.5 million subscribers, the actress shared that has seen her channel grow into being a destination for women to learn new skills and even create entrepreneurial opportunities.

Lately, I've been pondering about the situation we're all in.  This pandemic made us all think about our lives' non-negotiables and essentials as well.  Once upon a time, it all created panic in our homes and became overly protective of our families especially when health and wellness are concerned.  Though many have become less strict in the recent months, it's not the case in our household.

We still strictly practice certain health protocols at home.  We sanitize everything that comes from outside like deliveries and groceries, wash hands thoroughly, take an immediate bath if we come from outside to run errands or from work, and we are never without masks, face shields, and alcohol.

Prevention is better than cure.  Whether from Covid-19 virus, to common colds, sore throats, intimate area issues for women (because it's Women's Month), bacteria from the pollution - BETADINE® has a solution for us.

So here are some of BETADINE® products I recommend to help us prevent the unwanted viruses or bacteria that may make us ill.

FOR SORE THROATS:

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray - 

Do you sometimes experience itchy throats like it's going to be an onset of a cough?  I usually feel this whenever I come from outside.  I won't brush this off easily.  I really take action and use Betadine Throat Spray for fast and soothing relief of sore throat.  It's 0.45% oral antiseptic solution, mentholated that kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi in as early as 30 seconds.  It's convenient, on the go, and easy to use.

FOR MOUTH SORES:

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle

Our household is never without  (BETADINE®) Gargle because it's an overall go to oral hygiene solution.  It's 1% antiseptic solution in mint flavor that gives fast and soothing relief for sore throat and mouth sores.  Did you know that the viruses are the leading cause of sore throats and other oral illness?  So if you feel like somethings fishy there, gargle right away.  It kills the viruses lurking around as fast as 30 seconds.

You can even use this as mouthwash especially as oral hygiene of post-operative or bedridden patients.  It is also ideal degerming soak for dentures and toothbrushes, does not stain the teeth.

Be vigilant in protecting your Viral Gates (mouth and throats) with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle and Throat Spray to prevent sore throats leading to other illnesses.

FOR ITCH AND MALODOR:

Betadine® Fresh Bliss®

Still undecided what's the best intimate wash to use?  Don't worry, it's a battle women try to conquer every single day.  I personally use Betadine® Fresh Bliss®, a daily feminine wash with Avena Oats that helps soothe and moisturize your intimate area and Gentle Defense Lactic Acid to help maintain its pH balance and protect you from unpleasant odor,Paraben-free, Clinically tested, pH-balanced.

Even before it was in this improved formula, I already used the old version with which I have to dilute a small amount in water to use it.  I feel clean, protected, and fresh especially during red days.  I know my wellness down there is in the pink of health whenever I use Betadine wash.

For daily protection against viruses and bacteria that may cause illness that we don't want, trust BETADINE® as your ally preventing the worse to happen.  These days, the last thing we want to happen to us and our families, is to compromise our health.

BETADINE® is available on Shopee!  Use these codes to get discounts on selected BETADINE® products:

It's International Women's Day today!  Today, is an important day for us women as we celebrate our beauty, strength, uniqueness, and our contribution to the society we're in.  As somebody who's been championing self-love and self-care, I want to share with some beauty products that I have been using on days when I simply want to indulge in a soulful bath and after-bath routines.

As moms, I know we tend to get busy taking care of the family and as well the household with endless cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, teaching kids their school lessons, and tending to the little ones.  As wives, our duty is to be our husband's helpmate, bestfriend, and of course their partners for life.

But no matter how busy we may be wearing different hats all day, let's not forget ourselves.  Let's set aside time for self-care with products that celebrate us women and our authenticity such as DOVE.  

"But it's impossible to do self-caring throughout my day!"

Nothing's impossible if you really want to do it.  So decide to do it so you can know when to do it.  Let me share how I do it throughout my day.

When To Do Self-Care?

Morning

The moment I wake up, I thank God I'm alive with eyes to see my loved ones, ears to hear them call my name (Mahal or Mommy).  I do my quiet time for my daily devotions.  This way, I feed myself with God's grace and I'm able to start my day right.

Bath and After-Bath Time

Personally, bath time is sacred because it's the only time I get to really take care of myself and feel totally refreshed afterwards.  So I make sure I use  Dove Body Wash Invigorating Ritual Avocado 250ml.  I love its feminine and floral scent that instantly energizes me!  It has Avocado Oil and Calendula extract to make sure I achieve a naturally soft, smooth, revitalized skin with a really healthy glow.  Depending on my mood, I also use Dove Body Wash Glowing Ritual Lotus 250ml which has Lotus flower extract and rice water that has a fresh and invigorating scent that makes me feel special and loved.  It lifts my mood when I bathe with Dove Body Wash because the scents linger longer.  I usually use puff with body washes because it lathers well and it's more practical. 

After-bath

I go a little extra after bathing and make sure I moisturize with daily skin lotion to address dryness and uneven skin tone.  I also make sure I take proper care for my underarms.  I can't trust these with just any brand but Dove.  So I use Dove Ultimate Repair Dark Marks Corrector 150ml.  I've been a Dove deo user for years because with ¼ moisturizing cream and vitamin B3 it helps repair underarm damage and correct dark marks. It also gives you up to 48 hours of antiperspirant protection.  I know you've seen how I am quite conscious about my underarms.  Who isn't?  That's why I take proper care of them. This comes in two scents: Soothing Jasmine or Fresh Lily.   Your scent choice but any for me will do, they both smell fresh and make me feel more beautiful.

Do you know what works for my underarms too?  Dove Deodorant Dry Serum 50ml.  It absorbs quickly and contains serum ingredients that penetrate underarm skin 20 layers deep. Enriched with Collagen and vitamin concentrates, it is clinically proven to accelerate skin renewal and remove and prevent underarm dark marks for naturally beautiful, even-toned underarms within the epidermis.  It has collagen (responsible for renewal of skin), Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, and Omega 6 - which all work together for you to achieve an even, smooth, and whiter underarms.  I know you also have kili-kili goals like me.  So I'm sharing one of my underarm care secrets.

I'm excited to share this good news to you!  PayMaya launches PayMayaMall - a one stop shop for your mobile shopping needs all within your PayMaya app!  Now, Filipinos now have an easier way to shop for their everyday essentials and more and pay cashless for their purchases.

I attended this exciting digital launch and was thrilled to experience browsing and actually shopping on the app!  For its first phase since launch, the present merchants almost covered everything we need such as meal at Jollibee or McDonald's, groceries at Lander's, or shopping for cool new sneakers at Nike.  What made my eye lit up some more was seeing other stores such as Goldilock's, Rustan's, Park Outlet, Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, AllHome, Boozy, and many more!

And because you're transacting with PayMaya's trusted partner merchants, you can rest assured that you're only purchasing from legitimate sellers--whether it's a big lifestyle brand, a multinational merchant, or even local businesses.

“In the past year, PayMaya has enabled millions of Filipinos to utilize safe and convenient contactless payment for their everyday needs as we accelerated our push to build a 'Cashless Philippines'. With the launch of PayMaya Mall today, we’re taking this cashless convenience to the next level by bringing consumers the unique mall experience they have grown to love inside the PayMaya app. Now, on top of settling their bills or sending money to their loved ones, they can also pay for their groceries, order lunch, or shop for beauty products, all in one convenient mobile and cashless shopping experience,” said Mark Jason Dee, Head of Growth Marketing and Partnerships of PayMaya.  

Enjoy the best shopping deals at PayMaya Mall

To kick off your rewarding PayMaya Mall experience, PayMaya is bringing in the good luck this Chinese New Year of the Ox as it offers up to P880 cashback for your purchases inside PayMaya Mall. For a minimum spend of P300 paid using your PayMaya mobile number, you can get a 20% cashback of up to P88 per transaction. You can enjoy this offer up to 10 times until March 15, 2021, or a total of P880 in Balik Bayad savings!

Availing of PayMaya's Balik Bayad offers at the PayMaya Mall is easy, all you have to do is shop at any of the brands featured at this virtual mall, choose the Pay with PayMaya option upon check out and key in your mobile number to complete your contactless payment transaction. 

On top of this Chinese New Year treat, you can also enjoy exclusive deals from your favorite brands at the PayMaya Mall. You can enjoy free delivery on your first Pick.A.Roo order (minimum of P500) just by entering the code PAYMAYAROO upon checkout; enjoy 12% off on your Rustans purchases, perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts; and even score a 5% discount on your Boozy haul for a chill Friday night at home.  

“At PayMaya Mall, we want to make sure that our users get the best cashless shopping experience, and that includes bringing them the best deals from the brands they love. With these exclusive promos and cashback offers, it’s easy to say that whatever you’re planning to buy – be it grocery items or your favorite fastfood meal – talagang mas sulit ‘yan sa PayMaya Mall!” Dee added.

Getting your own PayMaya account and enjoying the convenience of PayMaya Mall is very easy. Just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account using my referral code: 1gs6205 to find out what it’s like to go cashless with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding way to pay for anything online and in stores! Remember, for your everyday needs, don’t pay cash. PayMaya!  

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.   

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

With my Digital Native kids, it's really important to educate them about Internet Safety and Digital Responsibility.  One of the best ways to teach children is through art.  Whether it be visual, auditory, or theatrical, art connects well to our children, and even other adults.

That's why it was indeed a great news when I attended Google's launch of Animation and Poetry in the Philippines to teach about Digital Responsibility.  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. 

The spoken word poetry is written and produced by TiTik Poetry, a youth group from Cavite who strives to use words and art to make a social impact.

“Poetry is powerful and we can use it as a tool to make the internet a safer place. Each of us has a unique talent or skill and if we use it for an important cause like digital responsibility, we can make a positive impact in the community,” said Verlin Santos, founder of Titik Poetry. 

The animated videos were illustrated and animated by Christwin Felix, a volunteer, who has been teaching multimedia arts for more than 10 years. The stories were written by Grace Bufi, a housewife and a passionate storyteller. Grace, along with her husband Rey Bufi, established the Basa Bookstore and The Storytelling Project, a non-profit organization which aims to spark hope, inspiration and imagination through storytelling.

Dingdong Dantes provided a voice over in all the five animated videos playing the role of the “Badge Giver”, a character who explains the moral of the story. Meanwhile, YouTube creator Janina Vela introduces, narrates, and concludes each of the stories to highlight the lessons. 

Believing in the purpose of the campaign, Dingdong shared, “Sa panahon ngayon, napakahalaga ng responsableng paggamit ng internet. Gamit ang aming boses bilang mga miyembro ng entertainment industry, sana’y makatulong kami upang maitaas ang kaalaman ng lahat tungkol sa proper internet etiquette at online safety, lalung lalo na sa mga kabataan.”

Janina Vela underscored the important role of creators: “YouTube creators play an important role in teaching digital responsibility. We can use our voice and platform to raise awareness on how we can all be better stewards of the internet. I hope that beyond Safer Internet Day, we can always practice healthy digital habits online and offline.”

“At Google, we believe in enabling partners, communities and volunteers so we can all build a safer internet. The campaign is a shared effort of individuals from different walks of life to demonstrate that everyone can make a valuable contribution and be a better netizen. Everyone can use their passion, talents, or skills to promote digital responsibility in their own way.” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director of Google Philippines.

On Safer Internet Day of 2019, Google and TPBPM launched a campaign called Cyberpeace to teach at least 10,000 high school students about digital responsibility. Amid the pandemic, with the help of several volunteers, the campaign reached more than 416,000 netizens nationwide through digital means such as social media and webinars.  

Check out the spoken word poetry and animated videos on Google Philippines YouTube Channel. You can also join the conversation online using the hashtag #SaferInternet4Filipinos. 

Community quarantine started March 15 of last year.  Almost a year has passed and we’re still in General Community Quarantine here in Manila.  I could never forget that day because it’s the day my dad turned 80.  We were supposed to plan a grand milestone birthday party for him where his friends from previous work and his new friends he met in AM radio program gatherings, events, and radio station visits. But because the pandemic happened, we had to strictly follow all health guidelines for everyone’s safety.

The first three to four months was the quietest the country had ever been.  I honestly had fears and even experienced anxiety attacks because I didn’t know what will and may happen.  But slowly, health and safety guidelines were set, implemented, and all we just have to do is simply FOLLOW.

Many lost their jobs, their businesses (both big and small companies), experienced deaths in the family, and even had depression.  But from this same season of our lives, rose many food trends, digital content creation ideas, instant celebrities or influencers, and the most important, are realizations of what are truly essential in our lives. 

THE ESSENTIALS.

Health.  We’ve never paid closer attention to our health until the pandemic began. I realized that it’s true that health is wealth.  I make sure our family’s well-being is prioritized.  Simple handwashing and sanitizing are observed.  We wear masks should there’s a need to go out to run errands.  We do social distancing, and avoid letting my dad and the kids go out.  Health supplements are religiously taken for immunity.

Food.  We all went back to the basic necessities especially when it comes to managing finances and expenses.  We all need food.  In fact, there was a rise of food entrepreneurs in the Philippines.  That’s why we are planning to put up ours soon and make sure our kitchen is sanitized and exhausts should be thoroughly clean such as how Express Hoods does it.