When I resigned from my corporate job in 2018, I took that opportunity to finally ace at my role as a stay-at-home and a more present mom.  We decided to not hire any helper anymore to make this full-time momma dream come true.  I fully embraced and enjoyed it for a while.  But as years went by, I knew I would get tired with all the chores that’s taking too much of my time. I also knew I needed help, but not by getting a kasambahay anymore, but by getting home appliances  that’s smart, highly dependable and works efficiently.

That’s when I started to invest in smart home appliances and my latest helper is a Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite!

You read that correctly, it’s a vacuum and a mop in one!  Amazing isn’t it?  My son even named it RoomVim as if it’s really a part of the family.  After trying it the first few times, it’s as if I have a robo-helper such as the The Jetsons family (an 80s cartoon show for those of you who’s not familiar with it anymore).  

As a mom and homemaker, my ultimate goal is to  ensure our house is clean.  When the house is clean I have some peace of mind that there’s a level of protection from possible illnesses that’s caused by dirt or germs in the house.  That’s why, having a dependable and smart home appliance at home such as Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 2 Lite, is truly a big help to me.

Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop Lite 2 full specifications:

• Product model: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite
• Price: Php 7,999.00
• Where to buy: Xiaomi Official Lazada Store and Authorized Xiaomi Stores nationwide
• Path planning: Visual-aided Inertial Navigation
• Battery capacity: 2600mAh
• Cleaning mode: Sweep&Mop,Mop,Sweep
• Climbling ability: 20mm
• Suction power: 2200Pa
• Auto Recharge and Resume Function
• Storage: 450ml Dustbin, 270ml Water Tank
• Connection: WiFi 2.4GHz
• App: Mi Home
• Dimensions: 353 x 350 x 81 mm 

Other functions:

• Turn on/off, recharge
• Track cleaning progress
• Setting cleaning mode: max, middle, standard, quiet

 Voice Controls:

• Google Assistant
• Alexa

Accessories:

• Main brush
• side brush
• 450ml dust bin
• 270ml water tank

 Inside the box:

• Manual
• Warranty Notice
• Unit
• Dust Compartment
• Filter
• Side Brush
• Main Brush
• Brush Cover
• Brush Cleaning Tool
• Mop Pad
• Water Tank 
• Power Cable 
• Charging Dock

Overall, I am happy with the performance of the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop Lite 2 because it indeed makes my momlife easier and lighter.  Sweeping and mopping takes too much of my time away from my family and also work.  But with this new smart helper, I could allot more time to what matters more.  These days, spending time with my family and pursuing and working on my dreams are some of my priorities in life.  Having a Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop Lite 2 can help make this possible!

Before sweeping, empty bin.

After sweeping, small and big dusts inside!

Before mopping, rough flooring or tiles

After mopping. Clean tiles which can even show reflection!

For more information and updates on products and promos, follow Xiaomi Philippines on Facebook.

Eating healthy is important, especially these days when we need to boost our immunity against sickness.  This is why I make sure to include vegetables in our daily dishes that the whole family will enjoy eating.  When it comes to veggies that kids surely love, it’s got to be potatoes.  I’ve collected a number of recipes using U.S. potatoes that’s perfect for starters, appetizers, main course, snack, and even as dessert. 

Today, I’m sharing with you my German Potato Salad recipe using U.S. Russet potatoes and other simple ingredients you could find at home.

You might think, why potatoes?  Did you know that potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals that help keep us stronger and healthier?

Benefits of Potatoes:

●        It's an excellent source of vitamin C

●        It's a good source of potassium (more than a banana!)

●        It's a good source of vitamin B6

●        Fat-free

●        Sodium-free

●        Cholesterol-free

●        Gluten-free

●        Only 110 calories per serving

I consider potatoes a superfood, they’re great for the body especially these times!  If it says it's an excellent source of Vitamin C, then I'm ALL IN!

German Potato Salad Recipe

German Potato Salad is a tasty and healthy starter or side dish that kids and adults would enjoy at home or during parties.  This recipe is easy to double depending on the number of people you want to serve. 

Ingredients:

●        2 large U.S. Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

●        1/2 cup mayonnaise

●        1 tablespoon mustard

●        1 teaspoon honey

●        salt and pepper to taste

●        1 teaspoon dill or onion leeks (optional)

●        2 slices ham or bacon, cooked

Preparation: 

1. Wash, peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Boil the potatoes for 5 minutes then simmer until tender.
3. Cook the bacon or ham separately. Then cut in small pieces.
4. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, and honey. 
5. Add the potatoes then toss altogether.  Make sure the dressing is just enough to coat the potatoes.
6. Add the bacon or ham bits, then add salt and pepper to taste.

 

Serve to your family with a smile and enjoy your meal!

I love this recipe because it does not require a lot of effort to prepare and cook.  Ingredients are simple and easy to find at home.  It's also economical and best of all – healthy!  The whole family loves it and I love that I’m able to serve them nutritious dishes that they truly enjoy.

Try this healthy potato recipe for yourself!  U.S. potato products are available in supermarkets, baking supply stores, and membership shopping outlets nationwide. For more information, visit www.potatogoodness.ph  or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

It's hard to lose someone to any sickness especially cancer.  I lost my mom to it that's why I  know how devastating that feels.  Cancer comes as a surprise and I still wish that there will be a cure for every cancer there is.  I'm glad to recently stumble upon a biopharmaceutical leader, Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (“Takeda Philippines”) who has launched the “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma” initiative to answer the call of the government’s National Integrated Cancer Control Act for medical stakeholders to come together and work towards a cancer-free Philippines.

The initiative is led by Takeda Philippines and is supported by various organizations including the Philippine Cancer Society, Health Futures Inc., Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, Philippine Society of Pathologists, Carewell Community Foundation and Lymphoma Philippines. “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma” aims to raise awareness about lymphoma and improve access to lymphoma treatments in the Philippines by providing free testing to patients, partnering with relevant organizations and institutions, and sponsoring talks and seminars to educate the public about the disease.

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the world. According to a study by the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), over 600,000 new cases of lymphoma were detected worldwide in 2020, making it the 11th most common cancer in the world.^[1] In the Philippines, there were over 4,000 new patients diagnosed with lymphoma, making it the among the 30 most common cancers in the country.^[2] This might seem like a small fraction of the population, but if left untreated, lymphoma can be deadly for the people who suffer from it, with nearly 300,000 deaths resulting from the disease in 2020 alone,^[3] 2,500 of which were recorded in the Philippines.^[4]

The pandemic has also put those with lymphoma at risk, as patients with the disease were identified to be more susceptible to COVID-19 according to a study published in the World Journal of Virology.^[5] And with the fear of being infected by COVID-19 still looming, it has been more difficult for people experiencing symptoms of the disease to go out and undergo testing for lymphoma.

Lymphoma begins when an infection-fighting white blood cell or lymphocyte mutates, divides and grows out of control, compromising the immune system and lodging itself onto lymph nodes or "kulani" and causing them to swell. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that involves the presence of a specific type of lymphocyte, Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin lymphoma cases comprise one-fifth of all lymphoma cases in the world, making it a rare cancer.

And like any other cancer, detecting the disease in its early stages is essential, as survival rates drop from 90% to 70% in patients with advanced stages of the disease. Even then, relapse is common in advanced stages of the disease, with one-quarter to one-third of patients not achieving long-term remission with standard frontline therapy. However, detecting it is not an easy feat.

Hodgkin lymphoma shares common symptoms with other diseases such as fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. This, coupled with the fact that it is a relatively rare disease, makes it difficult for people to identify it in its early stages. The most telling signs are painless lumps or swelling of lymph nodes or “kulani” in the neck, armpit or groin region, but even then, the only way to get properly diagnosed is through biopsy or CD30 testing, which is not accessible to everyone. It’s also due to its rarity that there is a lack of public awareness about Hodgkin lymphoma, with treatment options and relevant information not readily available to patients.

Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma

As part of this initiative, Takeda Philippines has ongoing partnerships with several organizations to improve access to testing and raise awareness about the disease. One of its recently concluded partnerships is with the Philippine Cancer Society, where Takeda Philippines provided support to patients through free CD30 testing to help detect Hodgkin lymphoma. To date, the partnership has provided free testing to over 60 patients all over the country.

Aside from making testing more accessible, Takeda has also partnered with the Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Philippine Society of Pathology, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion and Health Futures, Inc. for various webinars and talks on Hodgkin lymphoma for medical professionals and patients alike.

“Rare cancers like lymphoma continue to be a problem due to lack of awareness and information available to the public, which is why patients continue to search for treatment options and support in managing their disease. With the ‘Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma’ initiative, we hope to reinforce our commitment in providing access to innovative medicines to lymphoma patients and to address gaps in the areas of screening, diagnosis, treatment and patient support,” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines.

Lymphoma Philippines, one of the partner organizations of Takeda Philippines, shared their support for the newly-launched initiative. “We at Lymphoma Philippines try our best to help every patient that needs support in any way we can, whether by providing information, improving access to treatment or supporting patient advocacy. By joining the ‘Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma’ initiative, we hope to make the general public more aware about lymphoma, the issues that patients face and what they can do to help,” said Jheric Delos Angeles, co-founder of Lymphoma Philippines.

Given the rarity of their condition, Hodgkin lymphoma patients may feel isolated as they are less likely to meet other people with the same form of their disease. With the “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma” campaign, Takeda and its partners hope to raise public awareness, inform the public about treatment options and make information about the disease more readily available.

If you or someone you know has been experiencing any symptoms associated with Hodgkin lymphoma, please consult with your local oncologist or hematologist.

For more information on lymphoma and Takeda’s initiatives, visit www.takeda.com .

Trusted health and wellness partner Watsons continues to provide Filipinos with a wider range of products while staying true to its brand promise of looking good, doing good, and feeling great through its sustainability efforts.

Watsons Sustainable Choices has launched an unprecedented collaboration with Plastic Bank, which is expected to further boost the retailer’s efforts to DO GOOD for the environment.

To date, Watsons’ collaboration with Plastic Bank, which was established in 2021, has resulted in 16,700 kilograms (estimated as 833,000 bottles) of ocean-bound plastics collected and the lives of 163 collectors and their families improved.

Shop for Sustainable Choices products at Watsons and be part of this noble effort to help save the world’s oceans.

There are almost 1,200 Sustainable Choices SKUs now available at Watsons Philippines stores and online channels to help provide customers with better options, including Clean Beauty, the use of Better Ingredients, Better Packaging and Refills. This initiative is part of Watsons’ long-term commitment to protecting the environment anchored on four pillars—Community, People, Customers and Planet.

“Every purchase of a #SustainableChoices product supports the fight against plastic waste while improving the lives of collectors in vulnerable coastal communities, in collaboration with Plastic Bank. We hope that by making it much easier for customers to choose wisely, more people will be motivated to do the right thing, for themselves and for everyone else on the planet. Customers are now very much aware of the impact their choices have on the environment and society as we at Watsons continue to increase our efforts to lessen the impact of our business on the planet. Along with our supplier-partners, this is a three-way partnership toward sustainability,” said Viki Encarnacion, PR & Sustainability Director of Watsons Philippines.

Plastic Bank works around the world to keep plastic out of oceans while building ethical recycling ecosystems for coastal communities. Plastic Bank has established over 65 collection centers comprising 1,990 members across Metro Manila, Naga and General Trias.

“Watsons continues to DO GOOD NOW with its partners because we believe that saving the planet is a shared responsibility. Plastic, for instance, is considered a waste and in the health, wellness and beauty industry, we have a lot of that. The mission of Plastic Bank is aligned with our promise to help preserve and protect the environment,” said Encarnacion.

To shop Watsons Sustainable Choices products, visit https://interactive.watsons.com.ph/sustainablechoices.

 

SANTé International continues to advocate the transformative power of all things natural in improving the lives of countless people as it opens the first quarter of 2022 introducing Dimples Romana as the newest endorser of its Retail and Wholesale division’s flagship brand, Santé Barley Max. 

As the world around us becomes more and more modernized, everything around us becomes more and more artificial, most especially in the food and beverage industry. Now we have brands of fast foods, instant coffee, instant noodles, and junk foods mushrooming one after the other. When consumed regularly, these products will eventually damage our health and cut our lifespans shorter. So now it’s time to tap on the power of natural — it's time to counter the effects of the artificial with the all-natural Santé Barley Max to protect our health, improve the quality of our life for us and for our families.

An all-natural, nutritional powerhouse, and worry-free superfood supplement that is trusted by millions of families and individuals, Santé Barley Max is barley grass harvested at a young age and produced in powder and capsule forms. It uses barley grass powder that is certified organic by BioGro — New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier for organic produce and products that promote the highest levels of organic quality. Being rich in vitamins and minerals for the daily diet needed by the human body, Santé Barley Max helps middle-aged, health-conscious individuals enjoy a good quality of life. It helps in enhancing the immune system and provides protection from illnesses and diseases. Santé Barley Max also contains stevia, which is a natural plant-based sweetener, low in calories and does not raise blood sugar levels.

 

Like all Pinoy moms, Dimples Romana juggles her time as an actress and as a mother while ensuring the safety of her family in these trying times due to the pandemic. 

 

An awarding-winning and internationally acclaimed dramatic actress who has starred in a steady string of blockbuster films and top-rating TV series such as One More Chance, The Mall, The Merrier, Block Z, Bagani, and Kadenang Ginto as well as her current primetime hit Viral Scandal, Dimples is also a mother of two kids whom she considers as her top priorities despite her hectic schedule as one of today’s most in-demand and bankable dramatic actresses in the industry. 

“I am so grateful for being able to work and have endorsement deals because these are really very uncertain times,” says Dimples. “I believe that everything could be balanced with the right blend of time management. Work is essential but my family is the most important in my life. We need to stay healthy and active not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. This is the reason why I am so ecstatic now that I am officially a part of the Santé Barley Max family because the brand is really effective in strengthening the immune system and providing the vitamins and nutrients that our bodies need every day. One sachet per day or a single capsule before a meal of Santé Barley Max really makes a world of difference.”

Santé International, on the other hand, is equally thrilled to have Dimples on board as the brand promotes the healing power of nature this 2022. “We know that Dimples Romana is the perfect artist to represent Santé Barley Max because her values and personality align well with the brand,” says Santé International CEO Joey Marcelo. “Looking at her, you know that she is someone who lives to serve. She’s also very nurturing not only to her family but also to her colleagues, friends, and followers. We also see her as a catalyst who could influence people to change for the better; and people admire her because of her genuine love, care, and sincerity. And that, exactly, is what Santé Barley Max is all about.” 

 

Dimples reveals that through Santé Barley Max, she has discovered the amazing health benefits that nature could do for a person’s body, soul, and mind. “Nature has the ability to do wonders for one’s health and overall wellbeing. So, bring more nature into your home,” says Dimples. “We can now connect to the power of nature with Santé Barley Max which we should take every day for that added protection and vitality that we need.” 

 

Santé Barley Max is available in all leading drugstores, supermarkets, and convenience stores nationwide as well as on @SanteOfficial Shopee and Lazada.  

 

For more information and exciting updates on Santé Barley Max and Dimples Romana, like Barley Max Official on Facebook, follow @santebarleymax on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to Barley Max on YouTube. 

When it comes to fashion or dressing up, I always look for comfort and not only how pretty or nice a piece looks.  This is definitely important for me and many moms like me who run errands for her family.  This includes running to the groceries, walking as form of exercise, pay bills, go to the bank, go to kids' school, and even go to work, events or meetings.

Usually, my feet hurt with all the walking (and sometimes running) I do to get things done. This is where a comfortable pair of shoes come in play.  But for me, it should also be stylish!  ECCO Shoes has got my back when it comes to these "mom needs".

Danish Footwear brand ECCO Shoes is now on Shopee! Enjoy comfortable and stylish footwear with deals up to 40% off at ECCO's Official Store in Shopee Mall, only on February 22. 

Here are the ECCO Shoes that I am eyeing for:

Perfect for Smart Casual Days

ECCO ST.1 LITE W Womens Casual Full Grain Leather Sneaker

Combine comfort, style, and reliability in footwear with ECCO shoes! The ECCO St.1 Lite W Womens Casual Full Grain Leather Sneaker adds a trendy, street style finish to your outfit.  

I can pair this with a smart casual outfit for coffee date with friends or quick informal meeting then end the day with some grocery run.  I could sleep in these shoes! 

• Crafted from a combination of full-grain nappa leather and sporty textile
• Textile lining offers softness and breathability
• Innovative SHOCK THRU point for shock absorption with every step
• Lightweight sole provides cushioning and flexibility
• Sporty textile laces are easily adjusted for a secure fit

Purchase on Shopee here: Ecco St. 1 LITE W Womens Casual Full Grain Leather Sneaker

Perfect for Sunday Family Malling

Perfect for Date Nights or Work and Formal Meetings

Purchase on Shopee here: ECCO Corksphere Sandal Women's Casual Leather Sandal

Great choices of ECCO Shoes for us moms right?  Good news! Enjoy up to 40% off at the ECCO Official Store on Shopee Mall, only on February 22!  When shopping for footwear, don't forget to take comfort in consideration!  And make sure it's durable and value for money!  You'll definitely find all these practical qualities in every ECCO Shoes pair!  

Visit ECCO Shoes official Shopee store here: https://shopee.ph/ecco.officialstore

Happy Shopee-ing!