Laundry.  These days I have to do it more often now as before.  I’m sure most of you could relate to this.  Why?  Because I believe all moms are seguristas.  We don’t want newly laundered clothes smelling as if they have been used already.  Kaya minsan inuulit ko.  Hassle diba?  I discovered that bad smelling clothes or amoy kulob is not because of sweat.  Ang bad odor ng clothes are caused by GERMS!  Yes!  That’s true.  Kaya naman my laundry partners play an important role in making sure that my family’s clothes are germ protected.  For this I use Downy Antibac with the power of Safeguard.

As a busy work at home mom of three boys, sa totoo lang, my greatest challenge when it comes to laundry is when they really smell.  Hindi ko ma-take!  I used to repeat washing the clothes that still smell even if I’ve already washed and dried them.  Such a waste of water, time, energy, and resources.  Not practical at all.  Nakaka-disappoint.  When I heard about Downy Antibac, I gave it a try instantly and the results were impressive.

Fresh-smelling clothes.
When clothes smell good, it says a lot about a person’s hygiene right?  That’s what I teach my kids.  This is one area where Downy Antibac helps me.  It makes sure that my family’s clothes smell fresh with every cycle!  Not only that!  Even if it stays long in the closet, the fresh scent lasts for weeks!  Hindi amoy aparador!


More Hugs.
Because clothes not only smell fresh but are soft to touch, my kids always say ang sarap naman i-hug ni Mommy!  Hindi nila alam mas masarap silang i-hug at masarap sa pakiramdam nating mga mommy ang nahu-hug!  Thanks to Downy’s effective fabric softener technology.  I get lots of tight hugs!

More Time.
Because I work at home, time management is really important for me.  It’s really a waste whenever I repeat a chore like laundry just because it wasn’t done well the first time.  Dito ako hindi binigo ni Downy.  With just one cycle, clothes smell really fresh.  The odor caused by germs – gone!  Hindi ko na kailangang umulit ng paglalaba.  This means, more time for other important things such as play time, teaching time, and time for doing online work.


Germ-Protektado.
These days, moms worry a lot about their family’s health and welfare.  We prioritize cleanliness, hygiene, and thus having the power of Safeguard in a fabric conditioner gives me peace of mind.  Knowing that our clothes will get the maximum protection it needs in every wash, ang lakas makapanatag ng loob ko.  When I learned that it kills 99.9% of germs that causes malodor in clothes, I didn’t think twice.  Sabi ko ito na talaga ang choice of fabric conditioner ko for my family.

I want to share with you the product test I did using Downy Antibac with the Power of Safeguard.  Watch til the end to see my usual laundry challenges, how Downy helped me with these, and if it really is effective.
So mga busy and mindful mommies, if you want fresh-smelling clothes, more hugs, more time, and germ-protected clothes for your family, try Downy Antibac with the power of Safeguard.  It’s a practical and highly effective laundry partner that will give you the peace of mind you deserve knowing that it kills 99.9% germs causing malodor in clothes.

Downy Antibac with the power of Safeguard is available online via Lazada, Shopee, also in leading supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.  For more information, follow @DownyPhilippines onFacebook and Instagram.

It's been more than two months since we've been on quarantine and gladly forced to stay home because of the pandemic.  It's normal for many moms to prepare and get worried for the future, the safety and health of her loved ones, and how to keep everyone busy and adapt to the situation.

Since then I noticed that all of us have heavily relied on online learning, online gaming, online entertainment, online teaching, and even I upgrade my skills and do meetings online.  I guess this is the new normal for many - to do a lot of things virtually.  And not to my surprise, it's doable!  But we've got to have a faster and reliable internet connection right mommies?

There are two things that's on top of my worry list: my kids' health (vaccines, what if they get sick or had an accident, etc) and education.  Since we now get many information. entertainment, and inspiration from resources online, I get some peace of mind  knowing there are doctors doing online consultations whether on social media and even through Viber.

For my personal welfare, I do self-caring and I always encourage other moms to do so.  I wrote 100 Things To Do At Home on my blog for moms who get anxious thinking "oh my, what am I going to do next?" I personally also refer to that list, it's like a personal list which I made into a blog post.  I'm also happy I'm part of Mommy Mundo's community that helps me keep my sanity with their weekly themed mindfulness activities and live talks.  They also invite experts to talk about what moms like me worry mostly about, kids and health.  They are coming up with another one which will be helpful in answering most of medical related questions from worried moms.

Mommy Mundo will have an e-health consultation series powered by PLDT Home.  Join the #StayHealthy Moms! Facebook Live on their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/mommymundo.  Here's the schedule:

May 26, Tuesday (11 am - 12nn)
Natural Nutrition vs. Supplements in Boosting a Child's Immune System
Dr. Gellina Maala with Mikaela Lagdameo 

May 28, Thursday (11am - 12nn)
Decoding the Germ Code: Understanding the Difference between viral and bacterial diseases.
Dr. Andrea Carag with Riki Flo

I'm thankful that a lot of organizations, brands, and communities such as Mommy Mundo are offering free webinars, consultations, and talks that make mom lives a little bit easier.  Thanks also to PLDT Home's #StayHomeSeries for understanding us moms and answering to the call for trusted resources that we could all listen to and believe.  Spread the word momma! :)

The coronavirus pandemic is constantly reshaping the world as we know it. Many of us at home are practicing self-isolation and social distancing to flatten the curve; but we’re also looking for other ways to help out frontliners and those affected by the crisis.

With limitations brought about by the enhanced community quarantine, people have turned to social media to proactively look for organizations and support their causes. A group of volunteers saw the need to house all the information in one place and in response, created a microsite to readily connect people at home with those who are on the frontline.


Volunteers behind HFH have expertise in community organizing, operations, government relations, and communications, making the platform a reliable source of information to help mobilize resources in support of COVID19-related projects. To date, HFH has verified more than 100 initiatives since their launch last March 25, 2020. These organizations aim to provide frontliners and families at risk with all forms of support — protective gear, food, transportation, financial aid, and more.
More than just consolidating the efforts of various organizations, the HFH volunteers also employ an extensive verification process to validate and ensure that each organization is legitimate. Part of the requirements which they review include the institution's background, digital assets, fundraising history, and proof of delivery. These details are critical to help website visitors make informed and data-driven decisions about how and where to make donations.

But aside from presenting the supply side, the HFH website also features a real-time and needs-based list and map to showcase the demands needed nationwide.In collaboration with By Implication, Switchboard PH, and Vector, HFH developed a tool that presents hospital needs and how much of these needs have been fulfilled. The list uses color and progress bars, while the map uses both color and the size of the circle to denote quantity needed. This tool can be used by individuals and organizations alike to more strategically provide and distribute supplies. HFH is also currently working on featuring demands from vulnerable sectors, and identifying them by municipality and by barangay.
HFH continues to update its database and system to accommodate a growing list of partner organizations and monitor the status of donation drives as well. The group plans to reach out to more initiatives, communicate efforts being done in far-flung communities, and collaborate with like-minded brands and institutions with shared goals.

The call to help from home continues to inspire action. For more information on supporting frontliners and communities at risk, visit their website https://helpfromhome.ph/ 

I’ll be honest enough to say that this ECQ has not been easy for me and many other moms. In a previous blog post, I shared tips on how to stay positive during quarantine. It is not easy and we struggled a lot. We still are struggling but with the end goal of keeping our immunity strong and our family healthy, the challenges seem to be worth it. Our new normal is one that will probably determine the way we will live forever and I don’t really mind. As we make wellness a new way of life, you can count on Watsons to be with you every step of the way.
Here are a few recommendations from Watsons on keeping your immunity strong and your family healthy.

Tea - great source of antioxidants
We need to make sure our immunity is boosted during these times.  Exercise should be part of your activities as a family.  I've done that a few times and admittedly I should be doing it more often. Exercising literally shakes up things. It makes us happy, it strengthens our immunity and improves the body’s flexibility. If we lose some weight along the way, then that’s a bonus, right?

Healthy foods like vegetables and fruits are the best sources of nutrients.  But, with very limited movements and resources, these aren't always accessible.  But drinking tea could help also as source of antioxidants our bodies need.  I get Nutrabliss by Watsons and drink a cup or two every day.
Multivitamins, Vitamin C, and Supplements 
As a busy mom who sleeps the latest and wakes up early in the morning, sometimes I feel weak and overworked.  Again mommies, sleep is very important in healing our bodies, keeping us alert, and improving our moods.  But for times I lack some sleeping hours, I feel as if I'm going to have flu.  That's why I make sure apart from eating well, my husband and I take multi-vitamins to supplement the amount of nutrients we need each day, which we don't get from food sometimes.  Here are some from Watsons that you may want to also try:

• Watsons Generics Ascorbic Acid which we take every day.  
• Conzace Soft Gel, which is rich in Zinc, Vit. A, C and E to help boost immunity and promotes healthy hair and skin. 
• Myra E 400IU is also rich in Vitamin E that helps fight cell damage. 
• Growee Syrup and Cherifer PGM with Zinc capsules to support height growth and help the body become stronger.
• MET Tathione, NU Essence Collagen and Organique Acai Juice and those that harness the power of natural ingredients such as MX3 capsules and Watsons Generics Malunggay + Mangosteen.  These protect our skin and body from the harmful environmental factors that may cause damage.

Watsons continues to provide your family's health essentials in any of its stores nationwide. You can also order online at watsons.com.ph or call selected branches to have your orders delivered. For contact details of branches near you, you can check out this list: https://bit.ly/2W9oVWi.

When you shop, use your Watsons Card to earn points and get a chance to win a UV Care Deluxe Germ Terminator, Super Power UV Vacuum or Smart Robot UV Vacuum with a minimum purchase of Php500 on select health items. Promo runs until June 24, 2020.

For more updates, you can also follow us on our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram at @watsonsph. Stay safe and healthy!

So mommies, the most important thing is to really just stay home during these days.  Only go out when absolutely needed like replenishing food, groceries, and medicines.  Good thing Watsons products may be ordered online.  Remember to always keep safe and to prioritize your family's health with the help from Watsons.

I am sure you’ve heard about “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”  We hope that we won’t say this in the future with regards to our WATER supply.  One of the easiest solutions to our water situation is – CONSERVE.

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Metro Manila and nearby provinces experienced water shortage beginning last year due to El Nino.  Personally, our barangay experienced daily water interruptions (which I shared in my previous post) beginning 4pm.  This experience taught me and my kids a lot about appreciating water and conserving it. 

I’m sharing some tips which you could also do at home and teach your kids.

1. Check for leaks and have it repaired.  Every drop counts.  Make sure you check your pipes or loose faucets that may contribute to water wastage.  This will also save you heaps of pesos on your water bill.
2. Use dipper when bathing instead of shower.  Using a dipper or “tabo” is a sure way you use just enough water you need.  The sprinkling water coming from shower sometimes isn’t aimed at you, so you end up showering longer, hence wasting more water.  Just in case you have a bathtub at home, it’s best not to use it at the moment.
3. Catch the water you used for rinsing and repurpose it for flushing toilet or cleaning garage.
4. Turn off faucet when not in use (especially in between washing plates, brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.)
• Toothbrushing – Use water for gargling in a glass instead of running water from the faucet.
• Washing hands – Rinse with water in a basin or dipper instead of running water.  Especially during this season when handwashing is very important and should be done more frequently than ever.
• Dishwashing - Instead of using running water to rinse soaped plates and utensils, rinse them in a basin filled with clean water.  You may still repurpose the used water in the basin afterwards for cleaning outdoor surfaces.
5. Schedule your laundry day.  It’s more practical to wash clothes by schedule than daily.

These are some of the basic water conservation tips we usually do at home.  But actually, there are many other ways you could do to repurpose used water in order to conserve it.  This way, we don’t contribute to the continual depletion of clean water supplied by Maynilad which all come from the main source, Angat Dam. 

Always look at the bright side.

The water interruptions we are experiencing may be an inconvenience to many, but personally, it has taught me and my family important things. 

I’ve already shared it in my previous post, I am sharing it again:

• We learned to appreciate our water supply. Thus, we make extra efforts to conserve it. 
• It created good water usage habits - working on a schedule or routine teaches discipline.  Kids ensure their used lunch kits are washed before the water supply gets cut off.  People in the household ensure they do their major water-dependent activities on time. 
• It taught us thoughtfulness and compassion.  Everyone in the family is now more mindful in making sure bins or pails are always filled so there may be clean water for others not yet at home to use even when water supply is already cut.

As I always say, always start and end the day with gratitude.  I am thankful that I was able to join the educational trip to Maynilad’s water facilities and treatment plant.  It made me appreciate our nature, our water supply, and it made me become more mindful in its usage. 

Water conservation starts at home.  Let’s not always put the blame on others.  May we all do our parts as concerned citizens to love, appreciate, and conserve water. 

For more tips, check out Maynilad Water Services on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MayniladWater/

Kamusta mga mommies?  What are you feeling right now?  Bored?  Worried?  Anxious?  Sad?  Confused?  Fearful?  Depressed?  Desperate?

Whatever you are feeling right now, let me assure you that all of your feelings are valid.  It's okay not to be okay.  We are human, we have feelings and we can be weak.  Take time to relax and recognize all your feelings, accept it, and feel it.  But tell yourself that you need to do something about it.

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With the global pandemic and extended enhance community quarantine we have all been either struggling or easing our ways to adapt to the new normal.  Not everyone welcomes this with open arms especially those who are on "No Work. No Pay" status.  It's a difficult time.  This is why we need to really try our best to stay positive during the quarantine period.

WHY?

They say, what we feel, think, affects how our body’s immune system.  Just like food is to the stomach, our thoughts and feelings are to the mind and heart.  You become what you eat, what you think, what you feel.  Feed it well, you’ll be well.  Feed it negatively, you get sick and that's the last thing we want these days right?  Ayaw natin magkasakit.

From the individual recovery sessions I attended in the past, I learned that out of everything that’s happening around us, 90% are uncontrollable (such as Covid-19 outbreak, loss of projects or jobs,  accidents, and even how other people relate to you or treat you).  You can only control 10% of your life which is basically the following:

• How you accept and feel about people and things.
• How you respond to what’s happening around you.

Given this, I believe that you are the master of your thoughts and emotions.  You have the power to succeed or fail, the power to be joyful or grumble, the power to be content or complain, and the power to feel at peace or worry.

Here are some proven and tested things you could do to stay positive during the quarantine

FEED YOURSELF WELL.
Choose healthy food to nourish yourself and help boost immune systems.  This also is applicable to the news and articles you read on your Facebook or IG or Twitter feed.  Learn how to FILTER what you absorb your minds and hearts.  Usually, these don’t help in keeping you calm or stay positive.  You may check in every now and then, but try not to overthink or over-analyze because you’ll only panic, worry, and be anxious.  Feed yourself with positive and inspiring content that will either make you laugh, inspire you to do good things or be busy, and move you care for yourself and your loved ones more.  It helps also if you have something daily to read such a devotion book or app.  I use YouVersion Bible App.

MAKE A THANK YOU LIST.

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Write down all things you are thankful for.  This ECQ made spending more time with our families possible and it’s healing our mother earth from all the pollution we give her.  More than what you wish you have, think about everything that you have right now and write them all down.  Write down what you’re thankful for each day.  Start and end your day with a grateful heart by creating this habit.

BE BUSY.
To keep your minds from wandering and getting too affected due to the number of rising positive COVID-19 cases in ou country and even globally or to simply kill boredom, look for things to do in the house.  This extended ECQ brought anxieties to many, that's why it's important to keep yourselves busy.  Apart from usual chores, you could do activities with kids, finish the scrapbook you started 5 years ago, make a new skincare routine, master the art of lining your eyebrows (because kilay is life!), learn something new, organize your closet, or you can binge watch KDramas.  Do something you love or at least something that interests you.  I’ve written about 100 Things To Do At Home during quarantine.  Check it out.

HELP OTHERS.

I had the opportunity to volunteer to cook for our frontliners through BrandbuzzPH

If you can and able or if you have extra funds or savings, support and help fundraising causes organized by different private sectors.  One example is Brandbuzz Helps.  it's a community of mommy bloggers and social media influencers headed by Gie Ramos, that pools funds and even donations in kinds from individual or group donors and brands, to support as many frontliners as it can.  I donated and also volunteered to cook breakfast for ou frontliners through this wonderful community.  It really felt good and fulfilling to be able to help others.  Science says, doing acts of kindness such as helping others in any way you can, produces Oxytocin.  It is also called the love hormone that helps lower blood pressure and improves heart-health.  Helping others also increases self-esteem and optimism, which are all extra helpful in managing anxiety.


PRAY.
Cast your burdens and worries to our waymaker, miracle worker, promise-keeper and our light in the darkness - our God Almighty!  Let’s recognize that God is in control and that He alone can heal and stop this pandemic.  Sharing with you my favorite Bible verses that comfort me in time of worry.  In Matthew 21: 22 it says “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”  Lastly, He said, “Fear not, I am with you, I am your GOD.  I will strengthen you, and help you, I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. 

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This ECQ has made me realize a lot of things such as what is really important in my life.  That not wealth (which I don't really have), fame (I also don't have), success, achievement, position or profession, and connections could save me should I be infected with the virus.  I will not call upon anything and anyone to protect me and my family or to heal me - but God's name alone.  I will only call upon the Lord to take my wheel and steer it according to His will.

We are not really sure when this will all end.  Not unless a proven and tested vaccine or medicine will be available to everyone globally that we could attain peace of mind that we could all be safe to go back to the "normal" we were used to.  But for now, let's do all we can to abide by our laws.  Let's stay home and pray for our government to make the right decisions for our country.  While our ECQ has been extended and I believe will still be extended until end of the year, let's do our best to stay positive as we all stay home.

I've been on and off social media these days which isn't the case for some moms I know. Why? Maybe because they think there's nothing else better to do.

Wrong.

Being on enhanced community quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic could really make anyone get bored easily.  If I still am an office kind of working mom, I would definitely feel the same way!  It's different when you're used to going out every day for work compared to someone (like me or most work at home moms and stay at home moms) who sees community quarantine quite similar to her daily life (except the freedom of going out anytime).

I've read so many rants or funny comments from moms not knowing what to do for the rest of the quarantine days.  That's why I came up with a list of 100 things you could do during this period.  You may be doing some already, but feel free to read the other things on the list in case you come to a point when you don't know what to do next. 

Here it goes:

1. Start a daily devotion.  I use Simple Joys App (free download on Play Store or App Store).
2. Set a weekly family meeting to ask how they are doing.  Ask the kids what they understand about what's happening to our country and the whole world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This is a teaching moment for parents.
3. Write in your journal daily. 
4. Start an "Answered Prayers" notebook to teach you to be more grateful each day.
5. Start a blog or a vlog sharing what you're passionate about.
6. Read blogs or watch vlogs that inspire you and bring value to your life.  
7. Finish that scrapbook you started 5 (or more) years ago.
8. Organize your family or children's photos on your phone, desktop computer, cloud storage, CDs.  
9. Layout these photos for a nice photo book or print them on large canvass materials (Photobook PH has these!) the printing you may do after the quarantine.
10. Organize your personal files on your laptop or desktop computer.  Want to purge files?  This is the best time.
11. Do some art projects you've been dying to do but have no time such as but not limited to macrame, cross-stitch, painting, and crochet.
12. Read books or finish books you've longed to finish.
13. Cover your books with the leftover plastic covers from last year.
14. Manicure/Pedicure at home.
15. Foot scrub/foot spa yourself.
16. Teach everyone at home how to wash hands properly and thoroughly.
17. Create a Spotify Playlist of all your favorite songs (songs from teenage years, songs that uplift you, Praise and Worship songs)
18. Netflix and chill - I started watching K-dramas/Series and I never went back.  Current loves: Crash Landing On you, Kingdom, Something In The Rain, and Itaewon Class.  Also watch Money Heist, Elite, and other Netflix original movies. :)
19. Edit the travel or milestone videos on your phone or computer.  I use InShot for Android phones.
20. Download educational and entertaining apps for your kids' tablets.  Check each app your child uses and discern if you should uninstall or retain on the gadget.
21. Defrost and clean your refrigerator.
22. Take out all the dinnerwares from your dish drainer and clean it as well.
23. Use those nice plates, and utensils you've kept for special occasions. They are not to be kept anyway.  Life is too short to reserve beautiful things for tomorrow.  
24. Remove the hiding accumulated dirt in your washing machine.  You have to check in between the silicones/rubbers to see the dirt.  Remove and disinfect as well.
25. Konmari your closet.
26. Organize your closet apart from folding your clothes nicely.  Segregate to keep, to give away/donate or for selling.
27. Organize your husband's and kids' closets and rooms too.
28. Revisit your makeup and skincare products' expiration dates and throw the expired.  If you have too much, give it away or use them.
29. Practice putting on make up especially your eyebrows, kilay is life!
30. Start a nightly skincare routine if you have none.  If you do, start using the face masks you got as gifts last Christmas.
31. Satisfy that #PlantTita spirit in you.  Start caring for existing plants at home.  Talk to them, water them, make sure they are given enough sunlight exposure.
32. Grow a sustainable garden.  Easy to plant and grow are: Eggplants, Okra and Saluyot.  You may also try ginger, tomatoes, kangkong, malunggay, and ampalaya.
33. Rewrite your mom's or grandmother's recipes.
34. Revisit your family's financial budget or plans and see if you're on track or deficit.
35. Start populating an expense sheet and a budget tracker.
36. Discuss financial planning with your husband.
37. List down accounts receivables and schedule of remittance or payment.
38. Hang your small children's artworks on a dedicated wall mural.
39. Re-arrange your living area or dining area.  This is applicable to your bedroom and kitchen too.
40. Create a TikTok account and start filming funny videos you, your family and friends could laugh about to take your minds off the pandemic.
41. Share your TikTok funny videos on social media. 
42. Redecorate your room.
43. Redecorate your children's room
44. Call your parents and siblings and ask how their families are doing.
45. Reconnect with old friends.
46. Make new ones.
47. Make amends to those whom you may have hurt in the past.
48. Forgive those who had hurt you even if they didn't ask for it.  You're setting yourself free.
49. Write your husband a love letter.  Rekindle your beautiful love story together.
50. Start a home workout to keep fit, try yoga, weight lifting, and cardio routines.
51. Spread COVID-19 news and words of encouragement.  Please validate and make sure it's not fake news or something that would spread fear, anxiety, and worries.
52. Donate to our frontliners (hospital workers, military and policemen) and the homeless through different and legitimate organizations.  One is Brand Buzz PH.
53. Share on your social media accounts donation or fundraising drives organized by different communities, groups, establishments, companies, etc.
54. Sanitize your house especially frequently held/touched surfaces like doorknobs, staircase railing, switches, ref handle, etc.  I used UV Care, alcohol, bleach, and sanitizer.
55. Change your bedsheets and pillowcases.
56. Change curtains in all rooms.
57. Try baking easy recipes.  You may use your oven toaster or turbo if you don't have an oven.
58. Get some morning sun with the kids, just step out of the house.  This does not necessarily mean you have to go out in your neighborhood.  
59. Prepare your family's Emergency GO Bags in case you haven't done this.
60. Charge all existing powerbanks in the house and all other rechargeable small appliances.  You'll never know when you'll need them.
61. Advance your weekly menu-planning.
62. Cook your husband's and children's favorite meal.
63. Teach your kids how to cook.  Pancakes for little ones and easy viand recipes for older kids.
64. Start using your expensive planner/s (you redeemed for buying all those cups of coffee!).  Sell or give away your extra planners.
65. Calendar all your billing due dates (teleco, electricity, water, internet, insurance, health cards, memorial plans, etc
66. Teach your children some physical games you used to play as a child (that most probably they have no idea how to play it today) such as piko, patintero, tumbang preso, pitik-bulag, luksong-tinik, Chinese garter, chinese jackstones, etc.)
67. Teach boardgames and also card games to your child (Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4, Sungka, Memory Game, Pekwa, Ungguy-Ungguyan, and many more).
68. Learn your kids' games too and even lingos (have you heard of Roblox, Minecraft, Subway Surfer, Uno, etc.?).
69. File your kids' artworks and put their age or date they were made.  Putting them on a clear book is a nice idea.
70. Teach your kids some easy household chores appropriate for their age.  My toddler could throw trash in the garbage and pack away his toys.  My school-aged son can wash the dishes, sweep the floor, and help me with laundry.  My eldest is the official dishwasher, clothes folder, can do the laundry, tidy up his rooms, and run errands for me.
71. Do arts and crafts with the kiddos. There are many free printouts you could find on the internet.
72. Polish your wooden floor and furniture.  This can also be considered a workout for us moms!
73. Polish your jewels.  I use and highly recommend Kurin Water.  
74. Revisit all your PIN numbers/codes of your different accounts.  You may be forgetting some or some of your accounts may be compromised, so for security, change your PIN codes or at least try to remember them.
75. Revisit all the policies you've bought.  Take note of documents needed for claims, write down due dates, list down policy summary, etc.
76. List down important details about yourself and all the important assets you have, should anything happen to you in the future.
77. Wash your make-up brushes and tools.
78. Clean all your bags.
79. Wash or polish all your shoes.
80. Stitch your children's names on their handkerchiefs or towels.
81. Support a friend's business or blog or vlog by visiting and liking their websites or pages.  
82. Take your support a notch higher by purchasing their goods or hiring them for their services.
83. Take your support another step higher by promoting them to your other networks too.
84. Write your own dreams.  It's never too late to dream big and make it happen.  That's what I learned from Robert Kiyosaki.
85. Update your resume or Linked In profile/info.  
86. If you're a blogger/content creator like me, create a media kit.  A media kit contains information about yourself, your brand/blog, your stats, past projects and brand partners, awards, recognitions, and features.  
87. You could also create a rate card.  For all design needs, I use Canva.
88. Enroll in an online course or join an online activity or webinar on topics that interest you.
89. Plot your loved ones' and friends' birthdays on calendar.
90. Create signage at home as visual reminders on the following: Sanitation, Conserving Water, Garbage Segregation, Kids' things to do, etc.
91. Answer fun surveys on IG and share them on your stories.
92. Watch and support live concerts or shows online.
93. If you have talent in singing or playing an instrument, why not perform live too?
94. While you're at it, you could start your own fundraising event online as well.
95. Get a complete 8-hour sleep.
96. Listen to Praise and Worship songs, especially when you feel sad, worried, anxious, uncertain, or confused.
97. Read the Bible and get to know more about Jesus.
98. Memorize some biblical verses.
99. Share inspirational verses to loved ones and friends.
100. PRAY.

I didn't pass this chance when I was invited by Maynilad to join a whole day adult field trip to Angat and Ipo Dams and their La Mesa water treatment facilities. I felt like I have to know the reason myself why we have water shortages in Metro Manila.  I know many of you also experience the same.  Our water supply used to get cut off daily beginning 4pm until 5am the following day.
First stop was the Angat Dam, which is being managed by the Angat Hydropower Corporation, where we had a short discussion on Metro Manila’s Raw Water Source.  I learned that 91% of Maynilad’s raw water supply comes from Angat Dam which is located in Norzagaray Bulacan.  The remaining 9% comes from Laguna Lake.  The Angat Dam serves these main purposes: Power Generation, Irrigation, and Domestic Water Supply through the MWSS.  I also learned that the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) is the government agency responsible for allocation of water supply for consumption and irrigation.  The normal allocation for MWSS is 48 cubic meters per second (cms) and is shared among residents of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan.


Visting Angat Dam and Ipo Dam
We visited Angat Dam following the discussion to see for ourselves the water level as reported in the news.  It’s TRUE, it’s lower than ideal.  I saw that it’s still below expected levels to meet demands of Metro Manila. This is due to scarce rainfall last year, thus NWRB reduced the raw water allocation to 42 cms, from 48cms, for the water concessionaires in Metro Manila, including Maynilad. This is the reason why we experienced daily water service interruptions.  Maynilad was forced to rotate the limited supply allocated by NWRB so that all of its customers will have water, even for just a few hours, daily.
The reduced raw water allocation which was implemented by NWRB is a temporary solution to ensure that there will still be enough water by the time the summer months are here! Basically, they’re trying to preserve the remaining water in the dam until the rains come to replenish it.
We also went to Ipo Dam, which is where the raw water flows downward from Angat Dam and eventually to the Novaliches Portal where the water is divided between Maynilad (West Zone concession) and Manila Water (East Zone concession). 

Ipo Dam played a big role in augmenting the supply shortfall from Angat, allowing Maynilad to suspend the daily water interruptions sometime in August and September 2019.  Although much smaller than Angat Dam and not intended for water storage, the Ipo Dam also receives runoffs from the watersheds. So as long as it is kept full, it can help augment the reduced allocation from Angat Dam.
La Mesa Water Treatment Plant
Maynilad’s water treatment facilities follow very strict standards and continue to operate optimally and efficiently to ensure that we are supplied with clean water every single day.  I appreciated this all the more when we visited the La Mesa Water Treatment Plant 2.
It was discussed to us that the raw water from Angat Dam goes through a multi-stage treatment process that includes the following:

• Screening – water passes through screens to remove foreign objects (leaves, grass for example)
• Rapid Mixing – Chemicals such as chlorine are added to further remove other tiny particles/solids.
• Flocculation – Raw water is stirred so the small clusters of suspended solids will collide and form into large particles called “flocs”
• Sedimentation – Flocs when they get heavier settle at the bottom of the basin.
• Filtration- Water from sedimentation basins is filtered through dual-media filters that trap the flocs as water flows down through them.
• Post Treatment – Chlorine and lime may be added to disinfect water making it safe for consumers and also correcting the pH or acidity levels of the water.

Daily Water Service Interruptions
To look at the brighter side of it, the water service interruptions taught me these things:

• Appreciation of water, thus making efforts to conserve it. 
• Habit-forming for us in the household – working on a schedule or routine teaches discipline.  Kids ensure their used lunch kits are washed before the water supply gets cut off.  People in the household ensure they do their major water-dependent activities on time. 
• Thoughtful gestures – family members now are mindful in making sure bins or pails are always filled so there may be water for others not yet at home when water supply is already cut.  

True it may be not convenient not to have water at certain hours of the day, but limiting usage if it’s for the greater good is better for me – than to totally lose it.  Summer is coming which means water demand and consumption will be greater.


As per Maynilad, as long as the raw water allocation from Angat Dam is below normal, daily service interruptions will be in effect.  In fact, just recently, the NWRB increased allocation to 46 cms—still less than the normal 48 cms, but higher than the previous 42 cms. Maynilad was consequently been able to lift the daily supply interruptions, or isolate it to off-peak hours for some areas. This will be the case until end of March, then the water allocation for succeeding months might be reduced again, depending on how fast the water level in Angat Dam goes down.

Thankfully, Maynilad is doing something to help alleviate the impact of another possible reduced raw water supply allocation:

• Optimizing its Putatan Water Treatment Plant 1 and Commissioning Plant 2, which both get raw water from Laguna Lake
• Reactivating deep wells.
• Sustaining reduction of water losses.
• Purchasing of modular treatment plants that will tap rivers in Cavite.
• Deploying mobile water tankers and stationary water tanks.
• Conducting cloud-seeding operations.

Maynilad also shared that MWSS is currently working on the development of an alternative raw water source to Angat Dam. This is the long-term solution to our water situation.  While this is not yet materializing, as consumers, we are encouraged to use water responsibly.  Simple measures in responsible usage go a long way.
Thank you so much Maynilad for inviting us to visit your water treatment facilities, for bringing us to Angat and Ipo Dams, for patiently educating us about the process of bringing water to our households from its raw sources, and for the solutions you come up in ensuring we will have water to drink, bathe with, and wash and clean things.  The enriching trip definitely made me appreciate water and sparked me to become a lot more mindful than I already am in using and conserving it.  As a responsible mom and citizen, I really will do my part in using water responsibly.

The future of skincare is here!

Say hello to SkinWhite’s newest revolutionary product, the MoistureWhite body lotion. Unlike ordinary whitening lotions in the market, SkinWhite MoistureWhite lotion takes a massive leap towards beautiful skin because it combines a time-proven whitening formula with the breakthrough ingredient Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a moisture booster popularly found in Korean skincare products.
Don’t miss out on the following benefits your skin can gain by using SkinWhite MoistureWhite Lotion!

1. It will help you achieve whiter skin by lavishing it with much-needed moisturization through HA.  SkinWhite MoistureWhite is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid (HA)—a natural ingredient that’s clinically proven to deliver deep moisturization immediately, being able to retain its weight in water up to 1000x. So that when light hits moisturized skin, it will appear even and whiter. HA acts as a magnet that attracts and locks in moisture for a fair and glowing complexion. With HA in every bottle of MoistureWhite Lotion, you’re sure to get moisturized-white skin! 
2. It has the sun protection you need.  SkinWhite MoistureWhite is also equipped with SPF 16. This means aside from shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, it also keeps your skin fairer as it successfully blocks out the darkening effects of sun exposure.
3. SkinWhite Moisture White doesn’t feel sticky on the skin. SkinWhite MoistureWhite lotion is made with a non-sticky formula so you can now have moisturized white skin every day without the sticky feeling you hate! 
4. Comes in soap format, too!  Your skin will feel and look even better when you also use SkinWhite MoistureWhite soap. That’s because HA will not dry out your skin every time you bathe. By using MoistureWhite soap and MoistureWhite lotion daily, your skin will be moisturized-white all day!

SkinWhite combines whitening with the power of HA so you can achieve the skin you so rightfully deserve. SkinWhite MoistureWhite—locks moisture in to get your best white out. Try it now!

They say illness or death makes you change your perspective of things in life.  If you put the thought of death in the equation, the way you behave, the manner you speak, the intentionality to take care of your relationships with your loved ones - ALL change.  I believe this then urges a person to become better, kinder, more forgiving, and more honest. 

I always have that "what-if-I-have-24-hrs-to-live" mentality when making decisions.  If you do, believe me, you'll make wiser and more practical decisions - such as getting yourself and your family a gift of protection. 

FWD Philippines takes care of your family’s future needs so you “KanDuu” all the things you want to do, now!


My very reason for getting myself insured is because I don't want to obligate my kids to take care of me and spend for my hospitalization, medicines, and even memorial services should I arrive there. I want to be financially independent and instill the same values to my kids.  Insuring myself gave me a peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, I am protected. 

So just imagine all the things you can do when you’re confident and secured enough to accomplish them—when you don’t have to worry over your family’s needs should anything happen. As impossible as it seems, you can really, truly, have it all! All it takes is a decision to make it happen and being open to the idea of financial planning.

FWD Life Philippines (FWD PH) KanDuu
Giving Filipinos the confidence to live life to the fullest, FWD Life Philippines (FWD PH), part of pan-Asian insurer FWD Group, recently launched KanDuu, a set of insurance products that covers you from death, critical illness, or accidents so you "Can Do" and pursue all the things you love.

Go ahead and do it!

Whether you’re an avid family traveler, a fitness buff, or a lover of life, there’s a variant that’ll suit you—KanMend, KanLive, and KanGuard. And did we mention that aside from securing you and your family, each comes with really awesome rewards? 


As a mom/parent, we each have different needs or priorities we want an insurance product to meet.  Let me tell you more about what FWD PH KanDuu Can Do for you!

• For Critical Illness - Get KanMend!  Designed with wellness warriors and health buffs in mind, KanMend gives you a cash benefit of Php100,000 once you get diagnosed with any of the 42 covered critical illnesses. Its welcome reward: Six months’ unlimited access to KonsultaMD’s 24/7 telemedicine service. No need to leave the house to consult with licensed Filipino doctors. All you need is to call.  

• For Essential Funds and Protection -  Get KanLive!  It has a cash benefit of Php200,000, in case of death and this reward: One-year unlimited medical consultations at any Aventus Medical clinics, nationwide.

• For Accidental Death or Disability Coverage - Get KanGuard!  Love to travel? Have a thirst for adventure? Want to live life on the edge? KanGuard gives a Php500,000 cash benefit in case of accidental death or disability due to terror attacks, anywhere in the world. Its reward? One-year global emergency services by Assist America for travels. 

Insurance marketplace
Who knew you’d someday shop for insurance online the way you’d shop for gadgets or limited edition bike parts? Who knew getting insured is as fast as picking that shade of red lipstick you don’t already have? True to its vision to change the way people feel about insurance, FWD has now made insurance more accessible, affordable, and covetable to more Filipinos via shop.fwd.com.ph.

If you’re 18 to 50 years old, you can purchase KanDuu online for AS LOW AS PhP1,799/year at shop.fwd.com.ph, FWD PH’s new online insurance marketplace.

HOW TO PURCHASE:

1. Step 1: Visit www.shop.fwd.com.ph
2. Step 2: Choose one Kanduu plan you want to purchase

• KanMend - Protection against 42 critical illnesses | Reward: 6 months’ unli KonsultaMD telemedicine
• KanLive - Essential funds and protection for your family | Reward: 1 year unli medical consults at Aventus clinics
• KanGuard - Payout for accidents or terror attacks, worldwide | Reward: 1 year global emergency services
1. Step 3: Click “Buy Now”
2. Step 4: Fill out the application form and upload one valid ID
3. Step 5: Review application form summary and product summary
4. Step 6: Pay online via debit or credit card
5. Step 7: Expect a welcome email and SMS

And with FWD’s insurance app, Tapp, you can access and manage your insurance and rewards, anytime, anywhere!  I never thought protection for our families could now be this accessible, convenient, and easy to purchase!  This is also a perfect choice for individuals or groups who are quite shy when meeting people.  Online is the newest way to get products and even services! 

Go to bit.ly/MetroManilaLovesShopFWD to purchase your KanDuu insurance now!
Want to know more about FWD Life Philippines, part of the pan-Asian insurer FWD Group? Visit: https://www.fwd.com.ph/en/