Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners with Puregold to offer its customers a safer payment method via ShopeePay, its integrated mobile wallet. Starting today, customers can pay for their groceries using ShopeePay in over 406 Puregold branches nationwide and can enjoy up to 20% cashback starting today until December 31, 2021.

With more Filipinos embracing cashless transactions and digital payment methods gaining traction, Shopee continues to offer a wide range of digital payment options to cater to Filipinos' evolving needs, including ShopeePay, our mobile wallet.

Ferdinand Vincent Co, President at Puregold, said, “Puregold is excited to partner with ShopeePay for this initiative. At Puregold, we want to give our customers only the best kind of service and overall quality shopping experience, and that includes easier and safer payment methods. Through the convenience of digital payments, we aim to increase customer enthusiasm while consumers maintain their purchasing power.”

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are always thrilled to partner with one of the Filipinos’ favorite brands, such as Puregold. Through ShopeePay,  we strive to ensure that users can shop and pay with ease. In addition to the ease of use, ShopeePay offers several benefits to users which include convenience, a seamless user experience, security, and greater cost savings. Shopee will continue to collaborate with more brand partners to make paying for online purchases easier for Filipinos amidst the pandemic and beyond.” 

For shoppers opting to pay via ShopeePay, here are six easy steps to follow:  

1. Inform the cashier you would like to pay via ShopeePay 
2. Go to your ShopeePay wallet action bar and tap “Scan.”
3. Click QR / Barcode
4. Enter your 6-digit ShopeePay PIN
5. Present generated QR code to cashier for scanning 
6. You will receive a confirmation of your payment

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play and pay for groceries via ShopeePay to get 20% cashback on Puregold purchases. 

I couldn't stress how important it is these days to consume healthy and fresh foods like fruits and vegetables to increase wellness and immunity grade of our family.  It's certainly isn't just a trend but a way of life that has got many of us shifted to since the pandemic.

However, did you know that fruits and vegetables start to lose vitamin content from the moment they are harvested up to the time they are consumed?  These vitamins are key for boosting the immune system, promoting a healthier heart, supporting healthy cognitive brain function and providing natural antioxidants to protect the body from disease.

Good thing I learned from a recent online event I attended that there's a new technology that could help fruits and vegetables stored in the refrigerator stay as nutritious as the day we bought them - HarvestFresh in Beko fridges.

Inspired by nature, powered by light, HarvestFresh is the innovative technology developed for Beko fridges. HarvestFresh uses three colors—green, blue and red—to mimic the 24-hour sun cycle and natural sunlight.

"We believe in creating technology that responds to the needs of consumers. With HarvestFresh, we are helping them eat healthy and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables," said Gurhan Gunal, Country Manager of Beko Pilipinas Corporation.

HarvestFresh and Beko's other technologies are consistent with its mission of empowering the new generations to live healthier and providing accessible wellbeing for their consumers.

For more information, visit Beko Philippines’ Facebook page at facebook.com/bekoph.k

Moms take care of so many things in the household.  Apart from the chores, moms take care of their kids', spend time to tutor their online schooling children, perform wife duties, work from home or do their rakets to make a living and help with expenses, and lastly, worry with so many other things.  Top of the list is this pandemic that's been dragging on for too long.  Everyone wants this to end because it has affected the economy, left many jobless, and created too much anxiety leading to headache and other physical pains.  Good thing, for headaches, there's Saridon.

This doesn't only happen to moms, but to politicians, other professionals, and yes, even celebrities as well such as Vice Ganda.  Though they appear to be always glam and beautiful, behind those smiles are of course anxieties and worries that is brought by the pandemic.

Here's a glimpse of the Q&A with Vice Ganda, during the Saridon Triple Action event I recently attended via Zoom:

What is Saridon®?

Saridon is an analgesic or pain killer indicated for the following:

1. Relief of mild to severe headaches,
2. Relief of pains such as headache, toothache, menstrual discomfort, post-operative and rheumatic pain
3. Relief of pain and fever associated with colds and flu

What amazes me is that Saridon has Caffeine!  Saridon is fast and provides better pain relief! That’s the effect of caffeine! Works in as fast as 15 minutes vs. Paracetamol.

To deal with unexpected headaches, you need something you can trust. Try Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon Triple Action). Its caffeine content, when combined with other analgesics like Paracetamol and Propyphenazone, makes it work in as fast as 15 minutes and provide better pain relief vs. 500mg plain Paracetamol.

Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon Triple Action) associate marketing manager Toby Manlapat shares, “This pandemic has been a challenge to all of us who need to relieve headaches fast in order to get back to one’s normal disposition.”

At only Php5/tablet, Saridon will not give you more pain especially when it comes to expenses.  Saridon makes lives of every Filipino an easier one, especially these days.

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

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

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

FACE REPUBLIC SKINCARE LINE:

Shopee Link here: AHA/BHA TONER

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

 Shopee Link here: MILD CLEANSING WATER

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

Shopee Link here: CICA GEL MOISTURIZER

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

Shopee Link here: PURITY SUN ESSENCE

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

Shopee Link here: HYDRO BOOST SOLUTION SERUM

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

Shopee Link here: FLORAL BREEZE HAND GEL

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

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

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

PRACTICAL HYGIENE TIPS TO KEEP FAMILY CLEAN AND PROTECTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR SORE THROATS:

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray - 

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

FOR MOUTH SORES:

Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Gargle

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

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

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

FOR ITCH AND MALODOR:

Betadine® Fresh Bliss®

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When To Do Self-Care?

Morning

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

Bath and After-Bath Time

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

After-bath

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

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