As a practical mom, I can say that I always find ways to get value for my choices and make things work with what I have.  I guess growing up in a family back in the 80s with limited available resources taught me how to adapt to whatever situation we’re in. This experience had a lot to do with how I value practicality.

Fast forward to today, I live a certain lifestyle that stretches what I have without compromising comfort and quality.  

₱1,000 for groceries? Challenging but doable. 

Electricity bill higher than expected? I look for ways to adjust energy usage to keep it down the following month.

Gas prices go up? Adjust the budget and prioritize trips.

Then there’s the tuition, baon, groceries, transportation, and household bills all coming at once? Kaya ‘yan. Diskarte lang!

Because when you’re managing a family, being practical isn’t just a personality trait, I always say it’s a way of life.  

And honestly, we practice it every single day.

It’s deciding whether to do another load of laundry now or wait until tomorrow. It’s opening the curtains in the morning instead of turning on every light in the house. It’s reminding the kids to switch off lights when not in use. It's telling them to turn off the aircon at a certain hour and let the electric fan do its job in keeping the rooms cool.

It’s using the stove now instead of the electric rice cooker. It’s standing in front of the refrigerator, wondering who opened it and forgot to close it tightly.  It’s down to calling their attention about an empty water pitcher they still returned inside the ref.  

Then the electricity bill arrives—and suddenly all those small reminders make perfect sense.

Now, how can we save more?  Have you also asked that yourself?

This is where clean energy becomes something worth paying attention to. Why? With the rising cost of electricity month after month, I realize how much our family depends so much on it each day. It’s how I keep the house well-lit for family home activities, have a piping hot coffee in the morning, connect to wifi for work or other online stuff, and make sure the house is cool and comfortable to stay in.  

When gas prices increased during the first half of the year, we had to adjust from using three vehicles to just one, at most two.  My college student went back to using public transportation going to and from school. We also adjusted our grocery list and even our daily menu sticking to needs and just a few wants.

But the game changes when clean energy becomes part of the electricity we use and depend on every day.   

Clean Energy: Making The Shift

Shifting to cleaner and more reliable energy makes everyday life at home more sustainable and practical.  It’s a system of making things work without compromising too much on comfort. It’s having dependable electricity that can support our family’s everyday needs.   With clean and reliable energy, we can continue with our work-from-home routines, enjoy our family bonding through weekend movie nights, let the kids use their PCs or gadgets anytime they need them for school or leisure, and also let me bake cookies for my kids as their baon.

Reliable energy gives families and communities room to keep moving, to keep thriving, and to keep living a life that works for them, even a comfortable life.

Clean Energy as a Practical Choice

For every choice or purchase I make, I don't just ask, how much things cost, I also ask, is this value for money? Is it practical? Will it support the quality of life we choose to live each day?  It’s not merely getting the cheapest. It’s making sure we get our money’s worth and achieve quality results at better costs.

With clean energy, I realized that it truly can help make power more affordable and reliable, and may even lessen the “aray” each time I see fuel price hike advisories in the news.  I used to think that it’s just all about installing solar panels or shifting to purchasing solar powered appliances to save on monthly electric costs. But if clean energy becomes part of the electricity we use daily, then our family and many Filipino families could benefit from this and later result in a community that’s empowered and resilient.

Because being a practical Filipino mom isn't simply about finding the cheapest option or infinitely adjusting comfort and living just to stay within a certain budget.  It’s about making smarter choices with what we have, so our families can have more of what they need tomorrow.

I remember how our family had a terrible experience about an unscheduled power outage within our community which affected our productivity.  The kids had to study in the dark and were sweaty.  I had to make sure the meat in the freezer didn't get spoiled.  My husband had trouble with work due to his important online meeting because wifi was unavailable. The outage extended until the next morning which affected my quality of sleep as I had to make sure my kids were comfortable and somehow stay cool through the night. I had to exert muscle effort to keep the pamaypay moving the whole night.  It seemed like a punishment and my husband and I detested the inconvenience it brought.  This is why it’s important to be part of this clean energy conversation because my family, communities, and even businesses are affected.

Having reliable energy and making it part of how we consume it every day, can result in a system the whole family can naturally adapt to.  A reliable energy system means a lot to our family because I don’t always have to look over my shoulder and start to worry about rising electricity and fuel expenses or worry about the next power interruption. A reliable energy also means a better and more practical way of spending and managing household expenses.  This directly affects how I budget and save every peso that can be used for important expenses such as tuition, food, groceries, healthcare, and other priorities at home.  Making every peso work for our family through practical choices such as integrating clean energy into our daily living.

Clean energy is not just about conserving the environment and staying informed about technology, it is about making practical and informed choices to achieve quality of life for our family and not to sacrifice comfort. Having clean energy in our system results in a more sustainable, affordable, and resilient household which ripples to communities for a more secure and reliable way of life.   If this is the future our family and my kids’ future families aspire for, then this is a choice and a conversation we must openly talk about.

Created in partnership with Child Rights Coalition-Asia, Child Rights Network, and Plan International Pilipinas, the guide is designed for Filipino families to start open conversations, build trust, and develop safer digital habits, and is available in-app and for download.

TikTok unveiled the #ThinkTwice Family Guide in the Philippines, developed with Child Rights Coalition-Asia, Child Rights Network, and Plan International Pilipinas to help families build healthier and safer online habits together. From left: Yves Gonzalez, Public Policy Head for the Philippines, TikTok; Amihan Abueva, Regional Executive Director, Child Rights Coalition Asia; Sheila Estabillo, Program Manager, Plan International Pilipinas

V3 Group Limited, the Singapore-based holding company with a diversified portfolio spanning well-being, luxury gourmet, capital markets, real estate, and integrated healthcare services segments, announced today that its health and wellness supplements arm, LAC Global (“LAC”), has completed the acquisition of MASQUELIER’S® French Pine Bark Extract (“MASQUELIER'S®”). By acquiring MASQUELIER'S® patented technology, LAC brings over 70 years of pioneering European nutritional science into its portfolio, combining proven scientific heritage with an Asian platform to build a mass-premium wellness proposition for global consumer.

Rooted in the work of renowned French scientist Professor Jack Masquelier, a pioneer in the research and development of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), MASQUELIER'S® is distinguished by its proprietary fingerprinted  format’s extraction expertise, and decades of scientific research into the antioxidant properties of OPCs, supported by clinical studies.

Ron Sim, Founder and Executive Chairman, V3 Group, said, “Health is becoming one of the defining priorities for consumers globally. People are living longer, but the opportunity is to help them live better. The acquisition of MASQUELIER’S® brings decades of European nutritional science into LAC, strengthening the scientific foundation of our portfolio. Singapore remains our home market, and we are grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us over the years. We remain committed to serving them through our extensive retail presence across Singapore’s malls, even as we take LAC into new markets and pursue our ambition to build a health and wellness brand born in Asia for consumers globally.”

MASQUELIER’S® is also the originator and trademark holder of MASQUELIER’S® Anthogenol, one of the most widely recognised OPC supplement brands across Asia Pacific. LAC’s acquisition extends beyond a single product line to bring the foundational intellectual property and scientific heritage behind an established category into its portfolio. To date, MASQUELIER’S® French Pine Bark Extract has sold over 250 million tablets, making it one of LAC’s most significant and enduring product platforms across its Asian markets.

Accelerating LAC Global’s Regional Expansion

LAC has continued to accelerate its regional expansion since the start of 2026, building on nearly three decades of organic growth across Asia Pacific. Today, LAC operates more than 250 retail stores across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, complemented by franchise operations in Mongolia, India, Indonesia and Thailand. Its physical footprint is supported by a growing e-commerce business, extending access to LAC’s portfolio of health and wellness solutions across the region. Beyond Asia, LAC products are also available in select markets across Africa, the Middle East and South America.

This expansion reflects LAC’s ambition to become Asia’s defining homegrown health and wellness brand. Through its directly owned retail and e-commerce network, supported by continued product innovation, LAC is making science-backed nutrition and supplementation more accessible to consumers across the region. As ageing populations, rising health consciousness and growing wellness expenditure reshape consumer priorities, LAC is well positioned to meet increasing demand for preventive health and everyday wellness solutions.

Looking ahead, LAC will deepen its presence in existing markets while pursuing new growth opportunities across Asia Pacific and internationally. Alongside its geographic expansion, LAC will continue to invest in product innovation and science-backed nutritional solutions, with a focus on preventive health, healthy ageing and the evolving wellness needs of consumers.

As LAC’s parent company, V3 Group will continue to support its growth through strategic capital, operational capabilities and regional connectivity. Across its broader portfolio, V3 Group remains focused on businesses with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential, with the aim of building category-leading brands and platforms from Asia for the world.

 We all have those in-between moments. The few minutes before your next meeting starts, a quick pause after lunch, or that quiet break while waiting for your ride home. It’s not exactly “rest,” but it’s enough to breathe, scroll a bit, and enjoy something small—your own little me time. Those little pauses matter, so stretch those moments by enjoying a delicious treat like Cloud 9 Crunchies.

Make those quick me-time pauses more enjoyable with the satisfying crunch and chocolate goodness of Cloud 9 Crunchies

A familiar favorite, reimagined

Cloud 9 has always been known for its signature chocolate bars made with layers of nuts, nougat, and caramel, all coated in chocolate. It’s a chocolate that’s instantly recognizable and deeply familiar for Filipinos.

This time, the well-loved chocolate brand introduces Cloud 9 Crunchies, an entirely new format that's all about fun textures and satisfying crunch. Instead of nuts and nougat, this bar has nine loaded layers of caramel, crispies, wafer sheets, and chocolate cream filling, wrapped in smooth milk chocolate.

From the first bite, it feels different—in a good way. Lighter, crunchier, and packed with chocolate goodness, Cloud 9 Crunchies can turn snacking into something you actually look forward to.

The wafers deliver that light, crisp crunch, the crispies add texture, the chocolate cream filling brings richness, and the caramel adds just the right touch of sweetness. Together, they create a fully loaded choco-crunchie bite with no filler and no empty moments—just layer after layer of enjoyment.

An affordable treat, a surprisingly big reward

A delicious, loaded bite: Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9 Crunchies has nine loaded layers of caramel, crispies, wafer sheets, and chocolate cream filling, wrapped in smooth milk chocolate

At ₱8.45 SRP, Cloud 9 Crunchies feels like a cheerful little win. It’s affordable, easy to grab, and far more satisfying than you’d expect at that price point. With its nine-loaded layers, it stretches your snack break just a little longer, making those few minutes feel extra enjoyable.

Cloud 9 Crunchies takes a familiar favorite and makes it even more exciting. Crunchy, fun to eat, and seriously satisfying—this is snacking, leveled up!

Sometimes, the best moments are the small ones—and they’re even better when they come with nine delicious layers.

From beach days to long weekend getaways, LAC Philippines shares how proactive wellness can help you stay energized and sun-ready all season.

From March to May, the Philippines experiences its hot, dry season, marked by some of the year’s highest temperatures, heat indices, and UV levels. This year, March has already seen elevated temperatures across several urban areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), with heat index readings reaching the “Extreme Caution” range of 33°C to 41°C. Recognizing the growing health risks associated with extreme heat, government agencies have implemented protective measures, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) reinforced Heat Stroke Break Policy to help safeguard field personnel working outdoors.

Beyond discomfort, prolonged exposure to high heat indices can affect daily functioning and overall health. Heat-related conditions range from mild concerns such as heat rash and muscle cramps to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While minor symptoms may improve with rest, hydration, and cooling measures, more severe cases can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature and may require immediate medical attention if left unmanaged. At the same time, intense sunlight during the summer months means increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as a factor contributing to skin damage and other long-term health effects when exposure is excessive.

Despite these conditions, this season remains one of the most anticipated times of the year. Summer brings opportunities for beach trips, staycations, long-weekend reunions, and outdoor activities, with many Filipinos spending more time under the sun during school breaks and holidays. While these moments create lasting memories, they also increase exposure to heat, UV radiation, and urban pollution: factors that can accelerate oxidative stress, affect skin comfort, and challenge energy and metabolic balance. As a result, proactive care becomes increasingly important, not only to help protect the skin from sun damage but also to support energy, metabolism, and overall wellness throughout the season.

To help Filipinos stay healthy and energized this summer, LAC Philippines offers a range of supplements designed to support both body and skin wellness.  LAC LeanCut® Belli Lean™ combines Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), which are readily converted into energy to reduce fat storage, with a proprietary mix of Corn Silk, Lemon Balm, Red Vine Leaf, Lotus Leaf, and Eucommia Leaf Extracts that support fat metabolism, belly wellness, and relief from water retention. For optimal results, it can be taken one to three sticks daily, on its own or with water, alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Meanwhile, LAC Taut® Sunshield provides internal UV defense with 1,000 mg of Brilliant White Tomato™ (Golden Tomato powder) per dose, enhanced with Vitamin C to help reduce skin sensitivity, support skin resilience, and protect against sun-induced irritation and premature signs of aging. 

When paired with LAC Taut® White, a skin-nourishing supplement formulated with L-Glutathione, Grape Seed Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Vitamin C, and Artichoke Extract, it helps promote antioxidant protection and maintain an even, healthy-looking skin tone. LAC Taut® Sunshield is taken as two capsules daily with food, preferably with the first meal, while LAC Taut® White is taken as two capsules daily after a meal, creating a complementary approach to summer wellness that supports both skin health and overall vitality from within.

As temperatures rise and outdoor activities fill the calendar, taking intentional steps to care for the body becomes essential. By supporting energy, metabolism, and skin resilience from within, proactive wellness habits can help Filipinos stay active, comfortable, and protected, making it easier to enjoy every summer adventure.

This season, Robinsons Department Store invites you to step out of the heat and into a canvas of tranquility. Curated Home officially launches its 2026 summer collection, “A Beautiful Summer,” a thoughtfully designed range that transforms the home into a living gallery of light and ease, 

Inspired by the expressive brushwork and emotive palettes of Vincent van Gogh, the collection moves away from traditional bright tropical aesthetics, favoring soft movement, warm earthen tones, and natural beauty. It celebrates the "art of living,” where every object serves as a reminder to slow down and find inspiration in the everyday.

Artistry in the Details

The "A Beautiful Summer" collection highlights tactile luxury and visual harmony. Delicate vases in organic shapes and glass materials catch the shifting summer light, instantly brightening any room. Elegant cups and saucers are designed to turn a simple coffee break into a quiet moment of reflection.

Add soft layers to living areas with textured throw pillows and handcrafted trays that bring lightness and warmth. Atmospheric accents, like soft candlelight, help set the mood - from a sunny afternoon to a glowing, tranquil evening.

With Curated Home’s “A Beautiful Summer,” you get to appreciate quiet moments and bask in sunlit rooms in a home that’s filled with so much warmth.

Whether you are planning to do a full seasonal refresh or simply introduce a single artful element to your space, Curated Home provides the essentials to create a calm, creative, and profoundly welcoming vibe.

The Curated Home 2026 Summer Collection is available exclusively at Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide, and online via Lazada Mall and Shopee Mall. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/m/CuratedHome

Hi, I'm Mommy Louise, a mom of 3 boys for over 20 years

Children’s sick moments can be stressful, leaving parents to face long nights of worry and care.

My Routine

I’ll preface this by sharing the fact that I have been a Paracetamol (Tempra) believer all my life. Growing up, Paracetamol (Tempra) has always been my family’s go-to when it came to fever.

In moments that call for extra care, Paracetamol (Tempra) helps parents give fever relief with ease and confidence

So naturally, when the time came to be a parent myself, the first time my kid got sick, I turned immediately to what I knew. And I must say, I can really see why my own parents would always look straight to Paracetamol (Tempra) whenever I felt under the weather. To put it simply, it’s easy: Easy to store, easy to take, can be stocked up, my kids love the flavors, and most importantly, it is recommended and trusted by my family doctor and my kids’ pediatricians.

Available in kid-friendly flavors like orange, Paracetamol (Tempra) makes it easier for children to take their medicine.

Paracetamol (Tempra) is also available in strawberry flavor, offering another kid-friendly option for more variety at home.

Hence, my “routine” is nothing really special: Have my child rest, prepare lots of water for them to drink, cook light meals for them, and have them take Paracetamol (Tempra) every 4-6 hours. And while this plan generally works, the stars have to align for this to be 100% foolproof; Fever never comes at a convenient time. Because of this, my “routine” gets thrown out the window very often, so whenever my kids get sick, I improvise. My “routine” isn’t much of a routine, but from my experience, I’ve gained confidence in my on the spot handling, and I’ve learned a few things about Paracetamol (Tempra) itself that allowed me to be so much more flexible in the face of fever.

What I Didn’t Know About Paracetamol (Tempra)

I guess being around it so much all my life, I never really realized that Paracetamol (Tempra) doesn’t need to be shaken. I just knew of the “Fast Take, No Shake” formula from their brand jingle I heard months ago, but I only found out recently how much of a difference that makes. Because it’s a 100% dissolved paracetamol, the dosage is always consistent.

Known for its gentle, “Mabait sa Tummy” formula, Paracetamol (Tempra) gives parents peace of mind during fever care.

I also only found out recently from their most recent TV commercial that this formula Paracetamol (Tempra) is “Mabait sa Tummy.” Now, this is a real game changer for me, since for as long as I can remember, I thought you needed to eat before taking Paracetamol (Tempra). But it turns out, you don’t need to!

Parents turn to Paracetamol (Tempra) for dependable support when caring for their children at home.

Paracetamol (Tempra) is okay to take even on an empty stomach. Which is why during moments when your sick kid has no appetite or fever strikes in odd hours or in the middle of the night, Paracetamol (Tempra)’s still good to give. It’s really the little details like these about Paracetamol (Tempra) that make my family’s lives easier when it comes to fever recovery, regardless of the time, place, and situation.

Two Little Details, One Fresh Outlook

It’s these two things about Paracetamol (Tempra) that has made me a more confident “Lagnat Fighter” myself. Again, it never gets any easier watching your kids get sick, but having Paracetamol (Tempra) by our side at all times has made the whole process of recovery so much smoother and easier, most especially with these new findings of mine. So if you’re not a Tempra Mom just yet, consider stocking up on Paracetamol (Tempra) at the nearest drugstore or pharmacy. It may make things a little easier for the whole family!