Got the #ReturnToOffice blues? Treat yourself to some pampering at Nailaholics, SM Marikina

After a year and a half of remote work, many employees are now returning to the office. This transition can be stressful and overwhelming, as workers adjust to new routines and schedules.

If you find yourself among those greeting the prospect or returning to the office setting with a bit of trepidation, you might want to consider treating yourself to a nail care session at Nailaholics. It can provide a much-needed break and a boost of confidence.

Here are some reasons why:

  1. Relaxation

Going back to the office after a long period of remote work can be stressful. Getting a nail care treatment at Nailaholics can be a relaxing and therapeutic experience that can help ease your stress and tension. The cozy and calming beachside atmosphere, along with the soothing music and professional service, can provide a much-needed break from the demands of work.

Nailaholics
Nailaholics
Nailaholics
Nailaholics
  1. Boost of Confidence

Taking care of your appearance can have a positive effect on your confidence and self-esteem. Getting a manicure or pedicure at Nailaholics can make you feel more put-together and presentable, which can help you feel more confident as you return to the office. The professional service and high-quality products used at Nailaholics can ensure that your nails look and feel their best.

Nailaholics
Nailaholics
Nailaholics
Nailaholics
  1. Hygiene

As workers return to the office, hygiene and cleanliness have become a top priority. Taking care of your nails is an important part of maintaining good hygiene, as nails can easily collect dirt and bacteria. A nail care treatment at Nailaholics can help ensure that your nails are clean and well-maintained, reducing the risk of infection or illness.

Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics SM Marikina
  1. Professional Appearance

Returning to the office also means returning to a professional setting. Having well-groomed nails is an important part of a professional appearance, especially if your job requires interacting with clients or customers. Getting a nail care treatment at Nailaholics can help you maintain a polished and professional appearance that can make a positive impression on others.

Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics SM Marikina
  1. Pampering

After a year and a half of remote work, treating yourself to a little pampering can be a much-needed reward. A nail care treatment at Nailaholics can provide a sense of self-care and indulgence that can boost your mood and well-being. Taking a break from the demands of work to focus on yourself can be a valuable way to recharge and refresh.

Nailaholics
Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics SM Marikina
Nailaholics

Returning to the office can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, treating yourself to a nail care treatment at Nailaholics can provide a much-needed break and a boost of confidence. Whether you’re looking to relax, boost your professional appearance, maintain good hygiene, or pamper yourself, Nailaholics can provide a high-quality and professional nail care experience that can leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. So go ahead, treat yourself to a little self-care and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and well-maintained set of nails.

Want to treat yourself to some pampering and get your #ReturnToOffice mode on? Book your appointment now!

Nailaholics prides itself as the country’s pioneer in specialized nail salon and spa boutique. It promises to bring that “getaway experience” to its patrons, that paradise of pampering that comes from professional yet personalized service from highly trained nail technicians and a truly relaxing setting inspired by the chic and luxurious beach life along the Hamptons coast.

This Nailaholics branch is located at the Lower Ground Floor, SM City Marikina, Barangay Calumpit, Marikina City open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Other Nailaholics branches in Metro Manila are located in the following cities:

  • Las Pinas: SM Las Pinas
  • Makati: Ayala Circuit, Gloriata 3, Cash & Carry, San Antonio Plaza Arcade
  • Manila: Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila
  • Marikina: Ayala Malls Feliz
  • Muntinlupa: Festival Mall, SM Muntinlupa
  • Novaliches: SM Novaliches
  • Quezon City: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria
  • Paranaque: SM BF Paranaque, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Ayala Malls Mania=la Bay
  • Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
  • Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Robinsons Metro East, SM Pasig, SM City East Ortigas
  • San Juan: Unimart
  • Taguig: Market! Market!, Uptown Mall
  • Taytay: SM Taytay

Know more about Nailaholics by visiting its website. To stay updated on Nailaholics’ promos and offers, follow it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Nailaholics:

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The importance of gut health: 7 reasons why Erceflora is essential for your child’s well-being

As a mom, there is nothing more important to you than your children’s health and well-being, right? You want to ensure that kiddos grow up strong, healthy, and happy, with a bright future ahead.

One crucial aspect of this, though often overlooked but incredibly important, is gut health. A healthy gut can boost your child’s immunity, improve digestion, and even enhance mental health and brain development. In fact, let me share with you share seven compelling reasons why good gut health is crucial for kids, so that you can make sure your child is getting the best possible start in life.

Erceflore Kiddie
Erceflore Kiddie

1. It boosts immunity.

The gut is home to a large number of beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in strengthening the immune system. Good gut health ensures that your child’s immune system is functioning optimally and can fight off infections and diseases.

2. It helps with digestion.

A healthy gut means better digestion, which means that the little one’s body is better able to absorb nutrients from food which are essential for growth and development. Poor gut health can lead to digestive problems like constipation, bloating, and diarrhea, while a healthy gut ensures that your child is getting the nutrients they need to thrive.

3. It boosts mental health and brain development.

Studies have shown that there is a strong link between gut health and mental health. A healthy gut can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help children deal with stress more effectively. Studies have also shown that gut health plays a crucial role in cognitive development and can even impact a child’s behavior and social skills.

4. It helps to reduce inflammation.

Inflammation in the gut can lead to a host of health problems, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and asthma. A healthy gut can reduce inflammation and prevent these conditions from developing.

5. It helps in maintaining healthy weight.

Poor gut health can lead to weight gain and obesity in children. A healthy gut can help regulate appetite and metabolism, making it easier for children to maintain a healthy weight.

Erceflora Kiddie
Erceflora Kiddie

6. It promotes healthy sleep.

Good gut health can improve sleep quality in children, leading to improved rest as well as better concentration and mood during the day.

7. It helps to prevents chronic diseases and promotes overall well-being

A healthy gut can help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer from developing later in life. By promoting good gut health in during their early years, you can help your kids feel their best and enjoy a happy, healthy childhood while setting them up for a healthier future.

Our partner in promoting our kids’ gut health

Erceflora is a probiotic supplement that can help support gut health in children. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to the digestive system, and can help promote a healthy balance of gut flora. Erceflora contains the probiotic strain Bacillus Clausii, which has been shown to be effective in treating digestive problems in children.

Erceflora Kiddie
Erceflora Kiddie

It comes in a ready to drink vial containing Bacillus clausii spores that help increase the body’s ability to resist attacks from bacteria and viruses in the gut by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic strains, facilitate digestion and restore restore intestinal flora, bringing about relief from tummy troubles. Each dose is gluten-free, lactose-free and sugar-free.

Recommended dosages are:

  • Infants (0-3 years): 1-2 mini bottle per day in regular intervals as directed
  • Children (4-15 years): 1-2 mini bottle per day or 1-2 capsules per day administered in regular intervals as directed
  • Adults (16 years and older): 2-3 mini bottle per day or 2-3 capsules per day as directed

To consume, shake the vial well, twist the top to open and swallow the contents.

Erceflora Kiddie Batang Matatag Campaign

Erceflora recently launched its campaign called Batang Matatag (Resilient Child) to address the misconceptions about hygiene through education on food, gut resilience, and proper hygiene and create community kitchens that can provide regular access to clean water and nutritious food.

Ercelfora Kiddie
Ercelfora Kiddie

It also launched its Todo Tatag Bus, which is is designed to teach kids about the importance of digestive health and how Erceflora can help keep their tummies healthy and happy. The interactive bus features a variety of activities, including games, videos, and quizzes, that help children learn about gut health in a fun and entertaining way, while also providing a platform for parents to learn about the importance of gut health for their children through interactions with the Todo-Tatag staff.

Erceflora Kiddie
Erceflora Kiddie

From March 11 to 12, 2023, Erceflora Kiddie is rolling in the Todo-Tatag Bus to set up the Todo Tatag Playground at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City. Here, kids can hang out and play with various fun and interactive games that also provide learning opportunities on gut health. They could also play with Erceflora mascots Baci and Clau.

Erceflora Kiddie
Erceflora Kiddie

In the main program held on the first day of the activation, renowned pediatrician Dr. Felizardo Gatcheco claricied on various points about children’s gut health, while celebrity moms Cheska Kramer, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, and Andi Manzano all shared their parenting strategies and healthy habits for the family.

Erceflora Kiddie
Erceflora Kiddie

Families can drop by the Todo Tatag Playground at the BGC Amphitheater until March 12, Sunday.

For more information about Erceflora Kiddie, visit its website or follow it on Facebook.

Erceflora Kiddie is available in leading drugstores nationwide and on Lazada and Shopee.

Guilt-free refreshment with Chi Forest sparkling water

If you find your diet goals countered by those sugary and calorie-rich beverages, well, there’s a viable alternative to plain old water: sparkling water!

Also known as carbonated water, soda water, seltzer water, club soda and fizzy water, this refreshing drink is made by infusing water with carbon dioxide gas. Imbibing sparkling water brings the same fizzy sensation as drinking your favorite softdrinks but without the calories and sugar.

Chi Forest
Chi Forest
Chi Forest
Chi Forest

Here are some ways sparkling water is good for you:

  • It can help you keep your winning smile. Softdrinks are sweetened with sugar which cause breaks in tooth enamel, and which – thankfully! – is absent in sparkling water.
  • It can help you lose weight. Aside from having zero calories, sparkling water also makes you feel more full than when you’re drinking regular water. Studies have shown that it also contributes to food staying in your stomach for a longer duration, helping you to retain the feeling of satiety which will reduce your desire to eat.
  • It helps keep you more hydrated. Many people find sparkling water easier to drink and having better taste than regular water, encouraging to you to drink regularly, thereby keeping you hydrated.

And if you need more convincing to switch to sparkling water, you’d be happy to know that thanks to Chi Forest, it is now available in delicious flavors such as:

Chi Forest Calamansi Lime

A zesty and citrusy drink flavored with a combination of lemon, lime and orange with a calamansi fragrance.

Chi Forest
Chi Forest

Chi Forest White Peach

The mild sweetness of fresh peaches combined with a silky and full texture.

Chi Forest
Chi Forest

Chi Forest Lychee Fizzy

Lychee’s sweetness and floral taste accompanied by the aroma of grapes and roses.

Chi Forest
Chi Forest

With such deliciously invigorating true-to-fruit flavors, getting your recommended daily water intake to keep yourself at optimum levels is not just easy, but even more appealing.

So if you’re on the lookout for something new and fresh to take you to a new flavor journey while helping you stay healthy, then grab your cans of Chi Forest sparkling water today!

Chi Forest
Chi Forest
Chi Forest
Chi Forest

Stock up on Chi Forest sparkling water at Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, LCC, Shopee Mall and LazMall and more outlets in the metro.

To stay updated on Chi Forest products and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Time for some pampering at Nailaholics, SM City East Ortigas

The past two years have not given me a lot of opportunities for some pampering.

With the lockdowns and the pausing of operations of non-essential businesses such as nail salons, I’ve had to make do with my good ole’ nail clipper to keep my nails passingly presentable.

Well, with the easing of quarantine restrictions and the prospect of returning to the office in the coming days (which require getting my “porma” on while in a corporate setting), I just knew I needed to level up my nail-care game.

With these considerations in mind, I opted to treat, not just myself, but also my husband and daughter #ExhibitA, to some pampering via manicure/pedicure and foot spa services at the nearby Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa.

Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East

This decision might come across as self-indulgent but this kind of self-care does have some significant health benefits:

  • They help prevent infections. Regular cleaning and clipping prevent ingrown toenails which normally cause infection. Plus, part of the services involve moisturizing your feet and hands which, in turn, minimize dryness that results to skin cracks which may also house infection.
  • They promote healthy blood circulation. Nail technicians also massage your your arms, hands, lower legs and feet during your mani/pedi service, which help to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility and optimal blood circulation.
  • They help improve the appearance of your hands and feet. Aside from the improved blood circulation that improves your skin condition, the resulting clean and well-groomed look of your extremities contribute to an overall improved appearance.

Nailaholics prides itself as the country’s pioneer in specialized nail salon and spa boutique. It promises to bring that “getaway experience” to its patrons, that paradise of pampering that comes from professional yet personalized service from highly trained nail technicians and a truly relaxing setting inspired by the chic and luxurious beach life along the Hamptons coast.

Foot Care

Our pampering started off with a Foot Spa (Php500) that involves foot detoxification, exfoliation and moisturization.

First, our feet were soaked in a warm and scented foot bath which helped to soothe our feet (oftentimes the most neglected part of our body!). These were then massaged and scrubbed to remove dead skin cells and promote a softer feel.

Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East

After the Foot Spa, comes the Pedicure (Php475) which involves toenail shaping, cuticle treatment and (for me and #ExhibitA) application of nail polish.

I’ve been nursing a case of subungal hematoma (also known as “patay na kuko”) on my toes for the past few months which I’ve been feeling very self-conscious about. It wouldn’t be an issue during a work-from-home setting (after all, I don’t display my feet during Zoom meetings, hehehe!) but going back to the office with these unsightly injuries would preclude me from wearing open-toed heels which I usually wear with my office clothes.

Ah, the problems that beset working women!

Well, this problem was solved by covering them up with nail polish. As I would still like my toenail color to be simple and low-maintenance, I opted for a nail polish shade that’s close to my skin tone.

Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East

Hand Care

Simultaneous with our Pedicure, another set of nail technicians are busy with our Manicure (Php450), cleaning and shaping our fingernails as well as carefully providing cuticle treatment.

Since my work involves a lot of typing on computer keyboards, long fingernails is a no-no. I opted for French tipped-nails: closely clipped and square-shaped nails with a clear polish applied at the base and white nail polish applied at the tips. This style has a clean and simple appearance that is so easy to maintain.

Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East

It’s wonderful how this short pampering session got me feeling all refreshed and revved up, ready to return to the office!

Plus, Hubby and #ExhbitA are quite happy with their Nailaholics experience as well!

Want to treat yourself to some pampering too? Book your appointment now!

Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East
Nail-a-holics, SM East

This Nailaholics branch is located at the Second Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Other Nailaholics branches in Metro Manila are located in the following cities:

  • Las Pinas: SM Las Pinas
  • Makati: Ayala Circuit, Gloriata 3, Cash & Carry, San Antonio Plaza Arcade
  • Manila: Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila
  • Marikina: Ayala Malls Feliz, SM Marikina
  • Muntinlupa: Festival Mall, SM Muntinlupa
  • Novaliches: SM Novaliches
  • Quezon City: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria
  • Paranaque: SM BF Paranaque, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Ayala Malls Mania=la Bay
  • Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
  • Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Robinsons Metro East, SM Pasig
  • San Juan: Unimart
  • Taguig: Market! Market!, Uptown Mall
  • Taytay: SM Taytay

Know more about Nailaholics by visiting its website. To stay updated on Nailaholics’ promos and offers, follow it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Nailaholics:

Conquer Fitmas with the best workout companions from OPPO’s IoT collection

It’s never too late to physically and mentally prepare yourself for all the parties and holiday feasts this Christmas. Make it a Fitmas celebration and hype up your workouts while tracking your progress using the OPPO Enco X2 and OPPO Band 2.

Immerse yourself in your workout with the OPPO Enco X2

The OPPO Enco X2 are true wireless earbuds perfect for your sweat sessions for Fitmas. Featuring a new ergonomic design, the earbuds are made to be a comfortable fit for you to wear all day. Easily control your sound with a simple squeeze or slide of your fingers on the stems of the buds to adjust the volume and pause tracks. The overall exterior of the buds is also protected with its IP54 dust and water resistance, so you can exercise without fear of damage from sweat and rain. 

OPPO Fitmas - Enco X2

The best feature of the OPPO Enco X2 is its smart adaptive active noise cancellation which automatically detects your surroundings and adjusts its noise cancellation levels. It blocks out noise from the streets, cars, and even planes while you workout at the gym or outdoors. With this, you can immerse yourself in studio-quality sound and hear your favorite songs clearly while enjoying a rich, deep bass.

Lasting all day, the OPPO Enco X2 lets you enjoy up to 40 hours of listening time with the charging case and 2 hours of music playback on just a 5 minute charge. It also supports wireless charging where you can simply place it on a charging pad or power up by putting it on the back of your OPPO phone. Hype yourself up and go beast mode with your favorite workout playlist using the OPPO Enco X2 for only Php 7,999 online and in-stores.

Better on every move with the OPPO Band 2 

Together with your new earbuds, track your progress with the OPPO Band 2 as your newest fitness partner. With over 100 workout modes packed in a 1.57 inch large screen, you can see more of the data you need in one glance. Included in these workout modes are the new and upgraded professional tennis modes and running modes which can help you better understand your skills, provide professional data, and guide you to make your workouts more effective.

The OPPO Band 2 also goes beyond your sweat sessions with its high-quality sleep and health monitoring capabilities. It can track and analyze sleep cycles, snoring risks, and oxygen levels to give you a full report that lets you know if you are getting proper and sufficient rest when you sleep. It also monitors and assesses your heart rate after running, alerting you of any abnormalities for all-day protection for your heart health. 

OPPO Fitmas - Band2 (2)

The OPPO Band 2 gives you comfortable wear for 14 days straight on a full charge that also supports fast charging. A 5 minute charge can already give you a full day use for a seamless smart experience with a long battery life. The OPPO Band 2 is available for purchase online and in-stores for only Php 3,999.

Reach your fitness goals this Fitmas with the proper gear that will make you look forward to your workouts. For more information on the OPPO Enco X2 and OPPO Band 2, visit https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or check out OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

10 Quick Tips to Help Your Family Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

The holidays are a joyful time when friends and family members tend to spend more time together. It can be a great opportunity to boost current relationships and renew old ones. But it can also be a time when you’re exposed to a lot more germs than usual. To avoid the sniffles and other signs of illness, here are 10 quick tips to help your family stay healthy through the holidays.

Don’t Stress It

Stress is one of the primary culprits behind a weakened immune system. No matter what age you are, too much stress can compromise your body’s immune response and leave you vulnerable to illness. For adults, minimizing stress may require saying “no” to added responsibilities you don’t have time to take on near the holidays. But for children, stress may not be so easy to combat.

In children, stress can result from too much noise, too little sleep and changes in daily routines. Since it can be pretty hard to avoid these things around the holidays, you may want to give your child’s immune system some extra support and attention. If you’re looking for immune support for 1 year old or older, skip the harsh over-the-counter cold supplements and opt for a baby-safe immune support formula.  

Stay Hydrated & Rested

It’s very common for people to become dehydrated during the colder winter months. If you struggle to remember to drink water throughout the day, try setting a reminder on your phone. Set the reminder or alarm to go off every hour or so and take a drink of water when it does.

Another way you can strengthen your body’s immune system is by getting as much rest as possible. When you do experience less sleep than usual, consider taking an elderberry syrup immune support product to give your immune system a little extra support.

Eat as Healthy as Possible

It’s hard to resist pies, cookies and other treats associated with the holidays. The truth is, it’s probably alright to indulge in these types of treats occasionally. But for the most part, eat as healthy as possible throughout the holidays so you can stay as healthy as possible. Sugar and heavily processed foods can weaken your immune response and make it easier for illnesses to overpower you.

If you need ideas for great-tasting plant based food for kids and healthy family-friendly recipes, there are a lot of great tips online. Many experts agree that it’s easier to get kids to like plant-based foods when you sweeten them with fruit or create fun shapes with them. It can also help to let your kids have a say in what plant-based meals you make for them.

Additional Tips for Staying Healthy

In addition to minimizing stress, eating healthy, and staying hydrated and rested, here are 6 more tips for staying healthy during the holidays:

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Stay active every day
  • Eat mindfully and slowly
  • Fill up on healthy foods before indulging in sweets
  • Try meditating
  • Make time for relaxation and self-care

Image by Wiroj Sidhisoradej on Freepik

Ease those pesky aches and pains with Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment

I have accepted it: at this stage in my life, a few ouchies here and there are to be expected.

Being in my forties, I know I’m not as young as I used (or wish) to be and there are limits to what my my body can withstand.

However, with a full plate of roles and responsibilities at home and at work, I simply can’t afford to be bogged down by aches and pains.

Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment

Pain, pain, go away!

No longer am I the koboy girl who gamely powers through those discomforts to get the job done. Nope, I just have to take a pause and do something to ease those pangs and twinges. After all, at this stage in my life, I feel it’s time to stop abusing my body, especially now that I have earned whatever creature comforts I can enjoy, wouldn’t you agree?

One of these comforts is the ability to swiftly and effectively ease those minor aches and pains, the ones that get in the way of accomplishing my tasks or stop me from enjoying a well-deserved rest.

These discomforts include:

  • Stiff neck and shoulder pain. Pain shooting up my neck and shoulders when I try to move my head due to adopting a wrong sleeping position the night before is not the way I want to greet a new day.
  • Joint and muscle pains. Do you know what can derail my efforts to live a healthier and more physically active lifestyle? Those aching joints and sore muscles that come after strenuous activity, that’s what!
  • Back pains. Being female, pain in the lower back caused by hormonal fluctuations is par for the course. Those feminine discomforts used to be dismissed by most but they can range from merely distracting to quite debilitating.
  • Headaches. Having so many roles to play and responsibilities to accomplish can really be stressful. When this happens, those tension headaches and migraines are never too far away.
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment

Given all those physical and psychological toll associated with pain that I have to contend with, you could imagine my relief now that Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir is available on the market!

Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment

This liniment oil is carefully formulated to not only ease those pesky aches and pains, but also bring back my usual equanimity and get me to that place of Zen.

Its active ingredients include:

  • Guduchi Extract which helps reduce pain and inflammation of muscles and joints
  • Magnesium which enhances tissue recovery, reduces pain and eases muscle cramps and spasms by improving tendon and ligament flexibility and breaking down inflammation
  • Menthol which provides a cooling sensation that brings fast relief from pain and inflammation
  • Camphor which helps in treating mild to moderate muscle, nerve and joint pain
  • Rosehip Oil which boosts the skin’s collagen production while keeping it hydrated and moisturized
  • Tea Tree which detoxifies and disinfects the body, soothes inflammation and relieves pain from minor burns, sores, bites and cuts
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment
Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment

When I get an attack of the ouchies, I just clean the affected area and apply a sufficient amount of Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment with gentle massaging motions until the liniment is absorbed into the skin. It is best to apply it three times daily to ensure quick pain relief.

So if you find yourself getting bogged down by aches and pains, reach for Miraclenz Heavenly Elixir Liniment. Grab a 30ml bottle for just Php679 from the Miraclenz Official Store at Shopee.

You can also shop for other self-care essentials such as:

  • Miraclenz Scalp Care Shampoo (Php699) for treatment of psoriasis, dandruff, and itchy scalp
  • Miraclenz Cleansing Bar Soap (Php549) and Miraclenz Cleansing Cream (Php649) for treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
  • Miraclenz Bath Bundle (Php1,249) (Cleansing Bar Soap and Scalp Care Shampoo)
  • Miraclenz Skin Care Bundle (Php1,198) (Cleansing Bar Soap and Cleansing Cream)
  • Miraclenz Soothing Bundle (Php1,897) (Cleansing Bar Soap, Scalp Care Shampoo and Cleansing Cream)

Use my code MIRAGEL10 to get 10% off your purchases storewide!

Know more about Miraclenz by following it on Instagram and TikTok.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided to facilitate this feature.

Exploring grocery and self-care shopping possibilities at Mitsukoshi BGC

‘Tis definitely the season for shopping as Mitsukoshi, the country’s first Japanese mall, finally opened its doors last November 18.

Located in one of the metro’s busiest commercial districts, the four-storey mall offers a much-welcome change of scenery for the people who frequent Bonifacio Global City for work and leisure.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Aside from its distinct Japanese design that melds together traditional and modern sensibilities, this new retail destination also features distinct areas dedicated to worthwhile pursuits for its shoppers and visitors:

  • Fresh produce and imported delicacies in Mitsukoshi’s own-brand supermarket at the basement
  • A self-care and beauty section highlighting natural and organic products at the ground floor
  • Appetizing Japanese and international dining options at the second floor
  • And soon, exciting Japanese entertainment and leisure outlets geared towards wellness and enjoyment at the third floor
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

The mall truly offers a myriad of possibilities to delight any shopper. However, I’d like to fill you in on the first two floors of Mitsukoshi, where its in-house outlets are located.

Check these out!

Mitsukoshi Beauty

Mitsukoshi Beauty, located in the ground floor, seeks to provide the essentials that will help you beauty mavens unleash your inner radiance in time for that holiday glow-up.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

With a wide selection of cosmetics, self-care and wellness products, this new shopping destination is not about changing one’s looks but letting one’s inner glow shine through.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Here, you can indulge yourself with natural and organic products and learn from beauty experts on how to enhance and show off your best features.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

For a well-curated selection of Japanese beauty and self-care products, be sure to drop by the The Apothecary.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Here, you can discover and take your picks from among celebrated Japanese brands, some of which can only be found at Mitsukoshi Beauty.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Sunao. A Kyoto-born skincare brand that uses fine-quality natural materials for products that are easy to integrate into one’s daily life.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
E-Standard. Based on the concept of treating haircare like skincare, E-Standard boasts of hair care products that are not just good for hair, but also for skin and natural environments.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Product. A professional-grade haircare and styling line made with naturally derived ingredients, easy to use and with a gentle feel.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Waphyto. Created by Japan’s leading expert in physiotherapy and natural cosmetics – Atsuko Morita – this brand was developed from the ground-breaking research on plants to support a healthy a beautiful lifestyle.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
La Casta. A salon-quality haircare range created with natural aroma and botanical ingredients as well as natural water from Japan’s alps.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Vintorte. This Kyoto-based mineral-based make-up selection is an answered prayer for many people with sensitive skin.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Pubicare. This brand specializes in feminine care products made with natural and organic ingredients.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
BDA Organic. The first brand in Japan to be certified by ACO – the world’s strictest organic certification – it is committed to manufacturing organic and gentle skincare products.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Made of Organics. Focusing on products that are easily absorbed by the skin, this brand prides itself on being truly safe to use for everyone in the family.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Sholayered. This brand is founded on the art of discovering simplicity through scents. Its fragrances may be worn on their own or layered with others to create one’s own signature scent.
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Sphere. A skin care brand inspired by the sea with products made from natural sea salt which is rich in minerals and has the similar composition to human skin.

So go ahead and discover your natural beauty and inner shine at Mitsukoshi Beauty.

For the latest updates on Mitsukoshi Beauty’s products and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Mitsukoshi Fresh

The mall’s basement is reminiscent of a depachika – a Japanese food hall dedicated to representing the best of Japan’s food culture. It is connected to the mall’s supermarket brand, Mitsukoshi Fresh, which brings a multi-sensory shopping experience to its shoppers, thanks to its carefully curated food products sourced from all over the world, as well as its attractive and interactive displays.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Here, you can take your pick from the fresh produce, meat and seafood available to bring about your own culinary creations.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Want to bring a Japanese dining experience to your home? Be sure to check out its sushi, sashimi and dumpling selections.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Holiday celebrations are sure to be lively and fun, especially with the wide selection of wines, liquors and beverages available here. You can even sample wines by the glass at the wine counter.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss out on the freshly made as well as imported Japanese dessert delicacies on offer, especially the much-awaited Tokyo Banana custard.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Of course, Japan is well-known for packaged food that are anything but generic: these include anything from delectable ramen to flavorful rice bowls and ready-to-cook soups and pastas.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

By the way, Mitsukoshi Fresh also spotlights notable local artisanal brands such as Gourmet Farms and Auro Chocolate.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

If you want to level up on your home cooking with a few Japanese touches and international flair, Mitsukoshi Fresh is the place to be.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

You can even give in to your food cravings while inside the supermarket, thanks to its in-store dining and takeout outlets.

Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC
Mitsukoshi, BGC

Know more about Mitsukoshi Fresh’ offers on Facebook and Instagram.

Want to earn points, get rewards and cool coupons with your purchases at Mitsukoshi? Sign up for Arigato Rewards!

Mitsukoshi BGC is located at The Seasons Residences, 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Mall hours are from 10am to 11pm daily.

Kiehl’s: nature-inspired, scientifically proven skincare since 1851

I always thought that getting into my 40s would present no big adjustments compared to how I lived my life in my 30s.

After all, age is just a number, right? If the adage that “you’re only as old as you feel” is true, then I should be right smack in the middle of my 20s.

However, time does have a way of catching up with all of us, particularly with regards to our skin.

As we get on in our years, hormonal changes are bound to happen. Our bodies produce less estrogen and progesterone slow down significantly, making our skin cells produce less sebum or oil that keep it soft and supple. These hormonal changes also hamper the renewal process of our skin cells, resulting in a less than glowing complexion as well as the appearance of discoloration, enlarged pores and wrinkles.

Kiehl's
Kiehl's
Kiehl's
Kiehl's

What these changes ultimately mean for us is that if we want to come close to looking as young as we actually feel, we should take better care of our skin.

Skincare 101

Fortunately, skin care essentially involves four basic steps that we can easily incorporate into our everyday routine:

  • Cleansing. The pre-requisite to most skin care routines, this step – which should be done twice a day, in the morning and at night – involves gently removing the dirt and pollutants that our skin comes into contact with.
  • Toning. As opposed to the stinging astringents we grew up with, toners are now formulated to balance our skin as well as provide it with additional nutrients and help it absorb those from other products in our skin care regimen.
  • Treating. Some skin problems seem to get worse as we age so we need more efficascent tools in our skincare arsenal to address them such as serums. These are medicinal solutions that contain concentrated doses of active ingredients to address specific issues.
  • Moisturizing. This step basically hydrates and softens skin by helping to prevent water loss and complement the protective oils found in our skin.
Kiehl's
Kiehl's
Kiehl's
Kiehl's

Now, the challenge is where to source the products to use for our skincare regimen.

Would you believe that a brand established in mid-19th century can have skincare solutions that will suit our modern lifestyle?

A heritage of skincare

Kiehl’s started out as an apothecary – the old-timey version of today’s drugstores – situated in New York City in 1851. In the 1920s, the store expanded into a full-service pharmacy stocking tinctures, teas and herbs, started introducing Kiehl’s branded products, along with its signature personalized customer service and implemented generous sampling strategies to induce trial for its products.

While a lot of Kiehl’s best-selling classics such as the Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 and Ultra Facial Moisturizers were introduced in the 1960s, its collection of advanced skincare called Dermatologist Solutions came about in the mid-2000s.

Today, it is one of the most trusted skincare brands, with nature-inspired and scientifically proven formulas to improve overall skin quality for visibly healthy looking skin.

Its product line includes:

Retinol Daily Micro-Dose Serum (Php4,940/50ml | Php3,950/30ml | Php1,500/10ml).

A potent anti-wrinkle serum with a powerful micro dose of pure Retinol, Peptide and Ceramides that help to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm up skin and improves it texture by promoting surface skin turnover.

Kiehl's
Kiehl's

Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (Php4,500/50ml | Php3,500/30ml | Php1,975/10ml)

A targeted dark spot corrector that helps boost radiance and improve skin clarity by diminishing the intensity of dark spots and skin discolorations caused by age and UV exposure, as well as brightening skin over time to achieve an even and radiant skin tone.

Kiehl's
Kiehl's

Creme de Corps (Php3,300/500ml | Php2,175/250ml)

A rich, non-greasy hydrating body cream enriched with Cocoa Butter, Beta-Carotene and Squalene to moisturize dry skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (Php2,100/50ml | Php1,450/28ml)

A shine-reducing, cooling gel moisturizer that has a cooling effect to reinvigorate skin while helping maintain its moisture balance and oil production for skin that’s shine-free, fresh-feeling and healthier-looking all day.

Kiehl's
Kiehl's

Kiehl’s “try before you buy” samples

Kiehl’s pioneered in best practices for health and beauty products such as listing active ingredients and allowing shoppers to try samples of the products prior to purchase. It’s a great way for shoppers to discover new items to incorporate into their skincare routine.

Kiehl's
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. A foaming cleanser infused with Calendula and Glycerin that gently removes impurities and dirt without stripping skin of essential moisture
Kiehl's
Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask. A hydrating and soothing fragrance-free face mask infused with Calendula and Aloe Vera to refresh and revitalize skin
Kiehl's
Calendula Herbal Extract Toner Alcohol Free. A soothing facial toner formulated with Calendula, Burdock Root Extract and Allantoin that gently cleanses and refreshes facial skin.
Kiehl's
Super Multi Corrective Cream. A hydrating 7-in-1 anti-aging hydrating cream formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Jasmonic Acid and Beech Tree Extract that targets key signs of aging.
Kiehl's
Midnight Recovery Concentrate. A nighttime facial oil formulated with Lavender Essential Oil and Evening Primrose Oil to help restore skin while you sleep.

So now, we know that products for an effective skincare routine are not so hard to find.

We can just drop by any of Kiehl’s Metro Manila stores located at:

  • Makati: Powerplant Mall, Ayala Greenbelt 5
  • Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
  • Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
  • Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
  • Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
  • Quezon City: Robinsons Place Magnolia, Trinoma Mall
Kiehl's
Kiehl's
Kiehl's
Kiehl's

Or we can stock up on our skincare products without leaving the comforts of home by shopping at its online store.

Know more about Kiehl’s products by visiting its website or by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Olivia’s Touch: Skincare for a Touch of Confidence

I used to pride myself on being extremely low maintenance; in fact, I considered myself a koboy long before it became trendy.

I was not one to spend hours on a skincare routine, nor one who is constantly on the lookout for new skincare products to try.

Being koboy about skincare was a lot easier back in my teens and twenties when I still had the gift of youth to back me up by forgiving the sins I commit against my skin (oh, those times when I refused to wear sunblock!), as well as the sheer luck of escaping my adolescent years mostly unscathed by teenage acne.

However, as I near the more challenging period of my forties, I do realize that I owe it to myself to give nature a helping hand by taking better care of myself.

Olivia's Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia's Touch

Self-care is becoming even more important as I age, so I’m glad that Olivia’s Touch makes this easy.

Olivia’s Touch is a line of beauty products which are locally made and produced using the finest ingredients. These are dermatologically tested to be perfect for all skin types and were manufactured in cruelty-free conditions to bring about the fuss-free yet luxurious kind of skincare that’s right for me.

Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch

These include:

Signature Minute-White Lotion 250 ml

Now I can welcome the brightest days with much brighter skin, thanks to Olivia’s Touch Signature Minute-White Lotion.

It is enriched with anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients – SPF60 Sun Protect to shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays; Arbutin that evens out your skin tone by lightening dark spots, acne marks and scars; Licorice Extract to reduce wrinkles and fine lines; and Niacinamide to reduce pores and treat hyperpigmentation.

Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia's Touch
Olivia's Touch

After my morning shower and evening bath, I massage this lotion all over my body to enjoy its moisturizing and brightening effects for up 12 hours, giving my skin round-the-clock care.

Niacinamide Serum 20ml

The neglect I subjected my skin to back in my youth does haunt me from time to time in the form of breakouts, hyperpigmentation and (ack!) the beginnings of fine lines.

Olivia’s Touch Niacinamide Serum is formulated to counter these ill effects, thanks to its active ingredient Niacinamide which shields my skin from sun damage, encourages keratin growth to keep my skin firm and healthy and reduces oil production and pore size.

Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia's Touch
Olivia's Touch

As part of my morning skincare routine, I massage this serum on my face and neck using my fingertips.

Sun Gel SPF 50 100ml

I have known for some time now that the sun, though vital to our survival and day-to-day life, does bring with it some harm in the form UV rays.

Olivia’s Touch Sun Gel SPF 50 helps shield my skin from the sun’s ill effects while minimizing pore blockage and other acne-causing substances. It is also infused with Aloe Vera Extract to keep my skin cool and moisturized, even when exposed to direct sunlight.

Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia's Touch
Olivia's Touch

Before going out, I spread a small amount on my face and neck using my fingertips to afford me my much-needed sun protection. Reapplying every two hours is not a problem as it feels lightweight and is non-greasy.

Whipped Scrub 200ml

An integral part of any skincare routine is cleansing but how do I gently scrub away the day’s dirt and grime, as well as dead skin cells to reveal the radiant skin that I know (or hope!) is just waiting to come out?

Well, Olivia’s Touch Whipped Scrub is formulated exactly for this: it contains Dimethicone that softens and moisturizes; Carica Papaya Extract which has anti-aging and antioxidant properties; Aloe Vera Extract which soothes dry, damaged and sensitive skin; Arbutin to help with uneven skin tone; Niacinamide which protects skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, toxins and pollution; and Shea Butter to moisturize skin and also prevent aging.

Olivia’s Touch
Olivia’s Touch
Olivia's Touch
Olivia's Touch

During my evening bath, I gently massage this whipped scrub on my face and neck using circular motions, then leave it on for two minutes (fifteen to twenty minutes for the rest of my body) then rinse off and pat dry before proceeding to my moisturizing routine.

With these initial products, Olivia’s Touch has certainly equipped me with a simple and fuss-free skin care routine – in keeping with my koboy tendencies – but one that that’s all set to protect and maintain my skin so I face growing older with a healthy touch of confidence.

Olivia’s Touch
Olivia's Touch
Olivia's Touch
Olivia's Touch

Want to include Olivia’s Touch beauty products into your skin care routine to help out your skin’s radiance? Simply shop at oliviastouch.com and enjoy 10% off your purchase when you use my code “IGINFRAJ10.”

Olivia's Touch

Be sure to take good care of your Olivia’s Touch products so they can also take good care of you by storing them in a cool, clean and dry area, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

An honest promise to better skin: Celimax

Let’s face it: when you’ve reached the “wrong” side of forty, you have to step up on your skin care routine.

When you get to this stage, the sins of your past tend to catch up with you: the times when you stayed up at all hours, slept with your makeup on, or spent all day in the sun with no sunscreen on will start to leave their marks on your face and skin.

Hopefully, these sins of your youth against your present self are few and far between, and you still have so many years left in which to enjoy the skin that reflects how young and radiant you actually feel.

Personally, having grown up thinking that skincare simply involves washing my face with soap and water right before bedtime, I was dumbfounded to discover that it is actually comprised of several steps (which can be as many as ten!) and involves so many products. I could hardly tell where to start or how to go about my skincare regimen.

Celimax
Celimax
Celimax
Celimax

Fortunately, there are ways to pare down the complex skin care rituals to the most basic – yet essential – steps that still help to achieve to goal of minimizing pores and maintaining a youthful freshness despite the advancing years.

Honestly, I find a simplified routine a lot easier to do – and definitely a lot more sustainable to maintain in the long run.

This routine includes:

Step 1: Cleansing.

My busy days (and the hot and dusty city environment) tend to layer on dirt, oils and makeup residue on my face which may clog my pores, increasing the chances of unsightly breakouts. A skin cleanser should be able to remove the day’s accumulation of dirt while still maintaining my skin’s pH balance.

Step 2: Toning.

A thoroughly, but gently, cleansed skin should also be prepped to absorb moisturizers and other treatments you want to apply.

That’s the job of the skin toner. It also restores the skin’s pH balance and improves the overall skin tone.

Step 3: Treating

Despite a meticulous approach to skin care – or because of our past transgressions towards taking care of our skin during our youth – we may have some problem areas that we would like to address. These may include dull looking skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne breakouts, among others.

Using serums, ampoules, acids or sheet masks with a higher concentration of ingredients to treat these problem areas will help in maintaining your skin’s health.

Step 4: Moisturizing.

Since we are not young as we used to be, moisturizing our skin is the order of the day – any day! How else can we keep our skin from drying out, keeping them nice, supple and young-looking.

To equip our skin care arsenal with the appropriate products to support our skin care goals, we can look to Korean skin care brand Celimax.

This line of beauty and skin care products is focused on transparency: it designs honest, user-friendly products with clean ingredients (allergen-free fragrance and no harsh chemicals) to bring about better skin for people with various skin types and skincare needs.

Among its products are the The Real Cica Calming Ampoule and The Real Cica Soothing Cream. As their names imply, both contain extracts from the cica (Centella Asiatica) plant, well-known for its healing, soothing, antibacterial and inflammatory properties, naturally derived within forty-eight hours of harvest to ensure maximum concentration of active compounds.

The Real Cica Calming Ampoule

This product contains 75% cica extract and an oil-free ultra-concentrated hydration complex to hydrate and soothe irritated skin.

To use, apply two to three drops from the automatic dropper and apply evenly across your face using your fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Use gentle pats to facilitate absorption of the formula.

Celimax
Celimax
Celimax
Celimax

Stock up on The Real Cica Calming Ampoule here.

The Real Cica Soothing Cream

This light-weighted hydrating gel cream is infused with 73% cica extract along with Dermatic AC3 (to manage sebum production and acne care for oily skin) and Niacinamide + Adenosine (to brighten skin and manage the effects of aging).

To apply, squeeze out a pea-sized amount of face cream then apply evenly throughout the face, gently massaging into the skin with small, upward circular motions.

Celimax
Celimax
Celimax
Celimax

Stock up on The Real Cica Soothing Cream here.

I love their light, refreshing and non-sticky feel on my face and the way they work together to quickly and effectively soothe away facial redness and swelling from irritation.

They are also easy and simple to apply, so including them as part of my nightly skin care routine would be no hassle at all.

Celimax
Celimax
Celimax
Celimax

Want to try these cica-based skincare products from Celimax?

While cica extract is usually safe for all skin types, it may aggravate or irritate the skin in certain cases. Also, results may vary from person to person. Be sure to scan the full ingredient list of these products before purchase and conducting a small patch test before the application to ensure your safety.

To know more about honest skincare products, follow Celimax on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Easy and hassle-free online games with Plays.org

Now that the world is opening up again after being put on an extended pause due to the pandemic, we can expect our days to be a lot busier. Already, Zoom meetings take up quite a sizeable chunk of my workday, along with other tasks needed to churn out the outputs need to support my company’s goals. Soon, I might have to return to the harrowing commute from my home to the office and back again. Sigh!

At the same time, the kiddos will also be returning to some form of classroom learning, which means that they will depart from the relatively less-regulated learning environment to a more structured one in school. For the young ‘uns who have grown used to learning from home, going back to school (literally!) will be quite an adjustment.

The reshaping of our lives that this shift to the New Normal requires should not hinder us from taking care of the family’s mental health, though. Now, more than ever, we need to factor in activities in our day that give us a respite from our run-of-the-mill tasks as well as some enjoyable moments that add up to happy memories for ourselves and the family.

Fortunately, these kinds of activities are easy to find at Plays.org!

Plays.org
Plays.org

Who would have thought that, as a Gen X’er who grew up hearing a near-constant admonishment from my folks about playing computer games back in the day, I would be advocating for online games as a form of self-care?

However, we really shouldn’t discount the various benefits that online games bring to the table. Check out these Plays.org games that are big hits with my fam:

Welcome breaks from the daily drudge.

During my well-deserved coffee break, I like to indulge myself in a bit of low-stakes fun with Space Adventure: Pinball while my little ones can let off some steam after school with an exciting beat ‘em game like Adventure Time: Break the Worm.

Opportunities for fun family time.

We discovered the joys of casting our games from our laptop to our large-screen TV so that the family members can all take part in trying to best each other at the Tetris-inspired Tetra Blocks. On the other hand, educational games such as Garfield Sentences provide a fun way to supplement the kiddo’s school learning.

Brain relaxers before sleeping.

For minds that are too wound up to doze off, playing Neon Invaders, a throwback to Space Invaders, or a few rounds of Classic Solitaire would provide a sense of accomplishment that serves to round up the day and get us in the mood to sleep.

Plays.org is a website that houses thousands of free online games. These highly enjoyable pastimes can be accessed any time of the day using our desktop or mobile devices. Plays.org users are not required to register to be able to play, eliminating the need to keep track of yet another set of login credentials. Plus, since the games are web-based, downloading an app is also not required, thereby saving us some more of that precious storage space in our devices.

Another plus factor of Plays.org is that the site does not serve online ads so you won’t have to deal with irritating commercial interruptions nor the risk of exposing the little ones to advertising.

Plays.org
Plays.org

Ready to engage in some fun family playtime at Plays.org? Be sure to check out its newest games. You can also browse through its entire game catalog posted in the site’s footers.

Let me know how it goes!

Protecting children’s lives through vaccines

When the five-month-old son of Marissa Santos had recovered from measles, more commonly known as “tigdas,” Santos thought that that would be her son’s last encounter with the measles virus. Six years later, Santos’ son started to show symptoms of a rare and serious complication caused by measles—subacute sclerosing panencephalitis or SSPE. Santos says she hopes parents can take advantage of vaccination to help prevent measles and SSPE among their children.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral respiratory disease. The symptoms of measles include high-grade fever, rashes, and the three C’s—namely cough, conjunctivitis, and coryza. Measles can result in serious complications even among previously healthy children. The virus that causes measles can mutate and cause fatal complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2018, more than 140,000 people—most of them children under five years old—died of measles. This was despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine against the disease. According to the WHO, before the measles vaccine became widely used, major measles epidemics happened around every two to three years. Measles led to an estimated 2.6 million deaths per year.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) reported in 2020 that about 2.4 million children under the age of five are susceptible to measles. The DOH also reported from 2008 to 2017, that there had been a decline from above 80 percent to below 70 percent in the first dose of measles vaccine in the Philippines. The DOH had declared measles outbreaks in 2014 and 2019. As with the cases of some countries, outbreaks happened despite attempts at wider immunization coverage.

A complication of measles

Baby Come Vaxx online forum
 (L-F) Dr. Anleyn Reyes, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist; Dr. Marissa Lukban, Pediatric Neurologist; Ms. Marissa Santos, Mother & SSPE Advocate and Ms. Diane Medina, Celebrity Mom & Host during the “Baby Come Vax: Mga Bakunang Nalaktawan, Panahon nang Balikan” online forum.

Sharing her story in an online forum, Marissa Santos said that at five months old, her son, Jan, was hospitalized because of severe fever and convulsion following his measles infection. Because Jan was exposed to measles at an early age, Santos received advice from a pediatrician that Jan no longer needed to be vaccinated against measles.

Santos said that Jan had recovered from his episode of measles infection and spent the next five years living a normal life. But at six years old, Jan began having twitches and seizures. At times, Jan would suddenly drop things that he was holding in his hands. His head would suddenly drop or he would be in a daze. Both Jan’s mother and teacher noticed, too, a decline in Jan’s performance in school.

Worried, Marissa brought her son to an expert in pediatric neurology in the country, Dr. Marissa Lukban. In 2002, 7 year-old Jan was diagnosed with stage 2 subacute sclerosing panencephalitis or SSPE, a rare but progressive, disabling, and fatal brain disease.

According to Dr. Lukban, SSPE occurs in 0.5 to five cases per million population worldwide, although these figures depend on vaccination rates.

SSPE may occur when the measles virus mutates, Dr. Lukban said. Unrecognized by the body’s immune system, the virus enters the nerves, reaches the brain of a patient, and remains dormant until several years later when it reactivates.

Symptoms of SSPE include involuntary muscle movements, seizures, and behavioral changes including diminished performance in school. With less than five percent of cases having remission, SSPE patients often eventually become unable to swallow, speak, see, hear, and interact with others. The last stage of SSPE is characterized by coma or long coma.

“’Yung nightmare sa akin no’n, sinasabi ni Dr Lukban, was that there was no cure [The nightmare for me then was when Dr. Lukban said that there was no cure for SSPE],” Santos said.

Marissa and Jan had joined a support group in the hope of finding a cure for the disease. However, after ten years of enduring SSPE, Jan died in 2014 at 25 years old.

Measles vaccine as form of protection against SSPE

While a cure for SSPE has yet to be discovered, the best protection against this disease remains to be vaccination against measles.

Based on the Philippine General Hospital’s experience and citing Dr. Aida Salonga’s (2002) work, Dr. Lukban reported that from 1999 to 2001, there were roughly 18 to 20 Filipino children admitted in PGH with SSPE each year. But increased vaccination efforts since 1998 led to significantly lower measles cases. In 2002 to 2006, Dr. Lukban noted that the number of admitted cases decreased to 10-15 new cases per year and more recently down to 1-2 cases per year.

“Vaccination is a protection against getting measles at ‘pag hindi ka nagka-tigdas, hindi na magkaka-SSPE. Kumpletuhin lang po ang MMR vaccine at dapat po may booster [Vaccination is a protection against getting measles and if you haven’t had measles, you will not have SSPE. Complete the MMR vaccine and there should be a booster],” said Dr. Lukban.

Dr. Lukban also warned that high vaccine coverage needs to be sustained to prevent future measles outbreaks and SSPE cases. In the Philippines, there have been reports of measles outbreaks in 2014 and 2019. There is a likelihood that SSPE cases may increase in the following years.

Nagkaroon tayo ng campaign in 2004 pero bigla nating napansin na umaakyat na naman at nagkaroon ng ilang outbreaks, which only shows na talagang dapat kapag may programa, dire-diretso [We have had a campaign in 2004 but we also noticed that the cases increased and there were outbreaks, which only shows that if there is a program to vaccinate against measles, the program should be consistent and steady,” said Dr. Lukban.

The importance of continuing vaccination amid Covid-19

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents have been fearful of bringing their children outside their homes and have opted to postpone their children’s vaccination. Manpower and resources in public health have also been focused on the COVID-19 vaccination.

Dr. Anelyn Reyes, an infectious disease specialist, estimated that one in two children is not being vaccinated. According to DOH, the national vaccination rate in 2021 was at

48.5 percent. Dr. Reyes also cited a study that indicates three to four Filipino families are hesitant to have their children vaccinated due to misinformation on social media and lack of knowledge about vaccine safety.
The online forum entitled Baby Come Vax: Mga Bakunang Nalaktawan, Panahon nang Balikan is an activity under the Vax My Baby campaign–a vaccine mobilization campaign aimed at improving routine immunization amid the COVID-19 pandemic under the partnership of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, Metro Manila Development Authority, and GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Inc.

Header photo by Meruyert Gonullu on Pexels

High Vaccine Coverage, Vaccine Suitability, crucial to combating Pneumonia in PH, says Vaccine Expert

A VACCINE EXPERT reinforced high vaccine coverage and the suitability of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) as crucial strategies to reducing overall pneumococcal disease burden in the Philippines.

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death of children below five years old in the Philippines. Globally, around 672,000 children die from pneumonia every year. This is equivalent to a child dying every 47 seconds.

Dr. Olakunle Oladehin, a vaccine expert and current Regional Vaccines Medical Lead for GSK, stressed the importance of high vaccine coverage to ensure success of a vaccination program especially in the current context of the pandemic.

[PHOTO 1] Dr-Oladehin-Lecture

“Even if we have the best vaccines, we will not be able to see its full impact if vaccination coverage is low. It is critical that every country strives to revive its vaccination uptake against diseases like pneumonia,” said Dr. Oladehin in a scientific lecture with local healthcare experts last July 7.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), childhood immunization fell to 48.5% in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary focus on COVID-19 vaccination as a response. The DOH has continuously ramped up its routine immunization activities including implementing the Chikiting Bakunation Days from April to June.

“I commend the determination of the Philippine government to bring back its immunization rates coming from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Oladehin.

Meanwhile, Dr. Oladehin also reiterated the importance of ensuring that a given PCV should protect against relevant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Philippines, a type of bacteria that causes pneumonia and other invasive diseases.

“To achieve overall protection, the choice of PCV should address the most prevalent strains in the local landscape,” said the vaccine expert.

In 2020, the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) of DOH reviewed the use of PCVs in the country, coming from a position statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019. The mandate of HTAC is to undertake technology appraisals by determining their clinical and economic values in the Philippine healthcare system.

In its report, HTAC recommended the use of PCVs protecting against 11 important strains which accounted for 48% of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) cases found in the Philippines namely 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F. The recommendation was based on local surveillance data from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) from 2012-2019.

Majority of these strains are highly invasive, and it is imperative that a given PCV should have evidence of being able to protect against them, Dr Oladehin said.

“Invasive pneumococcal strains like 18C and 4 can destroy living tissues or spread to many organs of the body through the blood, increasing likelihood of death,” Dr Oladehin zeroed in during his presentation.

Currently, there are three PCVs pre-qualified by the WHO—PCV13 and 2 kinds of PCV10: PHID-CV and SIIL- PCV. The two PCVs that were reviewed by HTAC—PHID-CV and PCV13—are suitable to address the 11 strains in the country.

Backed by real-world evidence and experience of being used in National Immunization Programs (NIP) across the world, both PHID-CV and PCV13 are included in the Philippine National Formulary (PNF) and can be procured for use under the Philippine’s own NIP.

Details and photo of Dr. Oladehin provided in a recent press release.

Header photo by CDC on Unsplash

Working your way to a better posture is easy with Curble Chair

Back pain does have a way of preventing you from getting up and about, as well as derailing your activities for the day, right?

While back pain my be caused by sports injuries, accidents, hormonal imbalances, or congenital conditions, oftentimes, back pains are the result of our day-to-day actions. Repetitive activities such as sitting all day in front of the computer, slouching as you drive your car and hunching over as you use your mobile phone may produce tightness and tension in your back muscles which result to backaches.

One way to prevent this kind of back pain is to improve your posture, making sure that the bones of your spine are correctly aligned and the spinal curves are balanced as you perform your daily tasks.

Curble Chair
Curble Chair
Curble Chair
Curble Chair

Maintaining a good posture requires less effort from your body than maintaining a bad one but, especially for those working with computers, you might still need some help correcting what years of getting used to the wrong posture has done.

Fortunately, there’s Curble Chair.

Did you know that sitting puts more pressure on our spine than any other action, and having a bad posture further exacerbates this effect?

While ergonomic and posture-correcting furniture have been around for quite some time, they do tend to be pricey, way beyond the means of typical office workers and stufents.

Curble Chair
Curble Chair
Curble Chair
Curble Chair

Not so with Curble Chair. This nifty posture-correcting support helps you maintain correct posture while sitting through the leverage effect of its backrest naturally pushing against your back as your weight pushes its bottom surface downward. Its design helps create a hip rise and distributes the pressure on the waist, thereby preventing strain on the rest of the body. Its air hallway system and fabric pattern also helps to disperse body heat so that you can stay cool as you use it.

Check out various Curble Chair models and see which one suits you best.

Curble Chair
Curble Comfy. Has a flexible backrest and helps lift the tailbone as you sit. Suitable for correcting posture when sitting for long periods.
Curble Chair
Curble Wider. Has a more rigid backrest that supports the waist, and wider chair body and bottom surface that hugs user’s sides and lifts pelvis.
Curble Chair
Curble Grand. Increased support capacity and increased thickness of separated upper and lower cushions for improved dispersion of body pressure and stability while sitting.
Curble Chair
Curble Kids. Posture correcting chair developed for children 12 years old and younger. Recommended for kids who have difficulty concentrating or show growth delay.

Curble Chair is recommended for the following:

  • those with little flexibility due to lack of exercise
  • office workers and students who spend most of their day sitting at a desk with few breaks
  • those who play computer games for long periods of time while in an incorrect posture
  • those who enjoy reading or meditating while sitting
  • patients who need to correct their posture because they are experiencing signs of herniated cervical or lumbar disc
  • those who want to maintain their corrected posture after receiving spinal manipulation
Curble Chair
Curble Chair
Curble Chair
Curble Chair

You will find many uses for your Curble Chair as it’s quite handy and portable so it helps you correct your sitting posture when you are:

  • at your desk, studying, working in front of your computer or doing arts and crafts
  • in the living room, whether you’re on the couch watching TV or on the floor while meditating
  • in your car while driving or riding as a passenger
  • outdoors while camping, watching sports events or on picnics
Curble Chair
Curble Chair

Grab your Curble Chair at its kiosk at 2nd Floor, Main Building, SM North EDSA, North Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City or order online at The Laptop Lifestyle (use my code JELLYB to get 5% off upon checkout).

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature.