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.

There was one day or two, oh I think lately because of the holiday season (busiest work month of the year for me) it's been happening more frequently - that I forget to cook lunch or dinner for the family.  I've been too busy working at home that I don't notice time pass by. Next thing I know, it's already 1PM or 7PM and realize that I haven't cooked anything.

HANGRY.

That's how everyone would end up feeling when my mombrain (the side that is forgetful) is activated.  I usually rely on having fast food delivery or still cook (for at least 30 mins), but this option makes them even HANGRIER.  I know these band-aid solutions aren't healthy but I had to resort to them to feed my hungry favorite people.  I feel bad about this, but fed is best.

I'm so happy about this new discovery because:

• It's so easy to cook!  Just boil your spaghetti noodles and heat your thawed Purefoods TJ Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce.  This means even if there may be times that I get too preoccupied with work, I can still serve heart-warming home-cooked meal that's delicious too!

• It only takes 10 MINUTES Amazing, right?  I also can't believe that I don't need to spend extra minutes to chop anything like garlic or onions.  But it's true, when I tried it, easy peasy cooking!  Super convenient, super fast!  Saves me a lot of time.

• Its ingredients are complete starring the #1TJHotdog we all love, other meats, spices, and the yummy Pinoy- Style sauce.  No need to stress out looking for other ingredients or the chopping part, because the ingredients are complete!  

• It can be a bonding activity with the kids!  Because it's easy to cook, even kids can join you in cooking without any fuss!  cooking with them makes it a perfect bonding or teaching activity.

• I can do more with less!  I can do more of my duties as a wife, a mom, and a working mama with less cooking time!  With Purefoods TJ Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce, I can do more with less.  Having said that, it's indeed a practical solution for me on days when I get too busy to cook meals for my kids.

More than a decade ago, I almost accepted a job I was offered in Canada.  The job opportunity just came to me and my then-boyfriend-now-husband.  We didn’t really apply for it.  I’ve always believed that some opportunities knock just once, that’s why we grabbed it right away without any second thoughts.

We were supposed to migrate here - Edmonton, Alberta, CA

It just sank in to me a few days after submitting the required documents to our employer that this decision would also mean leaving everyone and everything behind.  Back then our eldest was just two years old and I couldn’t bring him with me.  I suddenly doubted my decision.

Part of me wanted to pursue that dream of finally being able to give our family a better future.  But the larger part of me didn’t want to leave my son.  The contract with our supposed employer stated that we’d have free board and lodging, and meals for the two-years we’ll be working for them.  But that we cannot bring the rest of the family just yet.

To cut the long story short, maybe also due to some divine intervention, we didn’t leave for Canada because of employer-related issues with some of the applicants in the batch we were supposed to leave with that year.  I may doubt my decision, but never the plans of God for me.  I knew it wasn’t for us.  We were able to let go of it without a heavy heart.  But there were some what ifs. 

Should everything had ran smoothly before:

I must now be a mortgage professional.  We were supposed to be hired for a mortgage company because of my past working experience in this field before.  I had little but for sure I’ll learn fast, like I always do.  And as long as there are CRM tools such as Blumortgage.ca that’ll make data entries easier, schedules, and tasks easier, I’d be able to ace this job.

My husband must now be a top commercial agent.  I must’ve shared about our dream house many times in this blog.  And a huge part of the planning and knowing what’s a good deal or not because my husband has a huge interest in residential and commercial real estates.  Finding a job opportunity in this field wouldn’t be hard especially if one has an experience and as long as there’s a site such as Truvizo that bridges buyers or leasers to commercial agents.

Our kids’ health care and education are guaranteed free.  This was one of the most important considerations we were weighing on before.  But I just couldn’t leave my toddler back then, I. Just. Can’t.  If there’s one regret, maybe it would be this.

We’d be eating healthier.  I know so because my relatives would always share how important food safety and high-quality food is brought to the tables in every home is in Canada because of regulations set by their Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada.  We are what we eat so we want to always eat healthy, to be healthy. 

We must be vaccinated by now.  Canada being one of the advanced and first world countries has better and faster access to health improvements, treatments, or prevention such as vaccines. 

We almost left for Canada, but didn’t.  Maybe it wasn’t really meant for us, but who knows maybe when all of these are over, we’ll pay a visit to our relatives and my best friend in Vancouver.   

“After the storm is gone” is a phrase I frequently say to family and friends whom I haven’t seen for so long due to the global situation we are all enduring.  We all wish for this pandemic to be over and we always think of things to do, well, after the storm is gone.

I like saying those words because for me, it’s like saying there’s HOPE.  Hoping for something good to happen after an unpleasant experience is a sign that we still believe there will always be a brighter tomorrow.  Afterall, the sun always appears after the storm.  I look forward to that day.

I am sure you are too.  I am also sure, you have a list of people to visit, places to go, and things to do when it’s safer to do so.  Let me share with you mine.

After the storm is gone…

• Health Check for Dad - I will bring my senior citizen dad to a clinic for his annual executive check-up.  He hasn’t been going out since the lockdown.  We don’t want to risk bringing him out without the vaccine yet.  Better safe than sorry. 

• House Tripping – Apart from getting inspirations from websites like my favorite, Pinterest, we want to finally take the house tripping we initially booked with a real estate company.  There’s a row of luxury houses we’ve been wanting to visit to add inspiration as we plan for our own house.  The houses look like those in Sanmiguelsothebysrealty.com – beautiful and posh!

• Go to Boracay – There was an online travel fair last December when flights and hotel accommodations were on SALE!  Travel period is for quarter 3 and 4 of 2021.  I already booked flights for the family to celebrate the birthdays of my sons in Boracay.   Going to Boracay to celebrate a special occasion has been our family tradition.  I can’t wait for all these to be over so we could go back to the normal we all know. 

• Travel to Japan or Korea – I am a self-confessed KDrama addict especially since the pandemic happened and we’re all advised to stay home for safety.   And I’ve always told my husband that I want to go to Korea to actually experience the culture, food, and places featured in the TV series I watch.  I also want to see, touch, and form angel wings on snow and I can do this in Japan or Korea during winter.  I can’t wait for travel bans to be lifted soon.

• Second Honeymoon – My husband and I both agree that we need a break soon, well after the storm Is totally gone!  A much-needed break where it’s just the two of us.  Ever since we had kids, we’ve been too occupied with our roles as provider, nurturer, and teacher, that we rarely have time alone with each other.  The kids are less clingy and more independent so a 7-day cruise would be okay.  We could even extend and visit his favorite aunt in Orlando and finally book a stay at Orlando Resorts Rental.  His aunt has been bugging him about it and said that she’ll take care of the expenses!  No-brainer of course it’s a YES to that invitation.

But all these after the storm is gone.