Celebrating a family occasion amidst the pandemic

 

It’s been more than a year since the pandemic started. We are still celebrating birthdays, holidays, and other family occasions without the usual things that we love to do. Due to the ongoing restrictions, we may be missing out on dine-ins, out of town vacations, and gatherings among family and friends.

Virtual parties during this pandemic are the current alternatives for special events. But a family celebration can still be special. It's simply a matter of being more creative with what you have.

Make the start of the day special

Begin the day by preparing a superb breakfast. Play some music to make it livelier and more memorable.

Deliver love to your home

This is perfect for those who are away from their families. Let your family feel your presence by surprising them with the delivery of food. For birthday occasions, you can book a delivery for a cake and balloons.

Doing things together at home

The country has eased up restrictions on certain tourist spots. However, activities at home remain to be hassle-free and with fewer worries.

Play board games, watch movies, or do other things with your family at home. Bring the spa experience to the comforts of your own place!

Party virtually!

Who wouldn’t love to catch up with your long-distance relatives and friends? Video conference platforms are available for us to use. Just send them a link and let the party begin - virtually!

The gift of health

For every special occasion, the best gift is good health and safety. Aside from staying at home, you can speak to your family about immunization against COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

There are already approved COVID-19 vaccines here in the Philippines. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for vaccination. Local government units are giving free COVID-19 vaccines.

The pandemic is far from over, but by getting vaccinated, we are moving a step closer to achieving herd immunity. Soon, we may be back to face-to-face reunions and other gatherings! To get the latest updates in immunization, visit Call The Shots PH Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CallTheShotsPH/

Call the Shots PH is an awareness campaign to protect expectant parents and their children from vaccine-preventable diseases. This advocacy is brought to you by MSD in the Philippines.

Wearing facemask is a must. And this time I'm not talking about the beauty mask that we are all used too, because in this pandemic situation that we are all in, wearing face mask -that surgical/ or medical grade one is a new normal and a must-have for all, for us to be protected from the virus among others. Did you know that we tend to use a facemask for hours and sometimes longer that it was really intended to, and the result is having maskne. 

Maskne or Mask Acne are visible skin irritation, pimple breakouts, on the area covered by the mask may it be for improper use of mask or having overly sensitive skin. Now, how are we to deal with maskne? Use Pond’s Anti- Bacterial Facial Foam! This is the vey first step in dealing with maskne so you better include this in your skincare regimen. 

#SkipTheMaskne fight the 99% of maskne causing bacteria with POND's

After a long day of wearing your mask, be sure to dispose it properly, then, start cleansing your face with Pond’s Anti- Bacterial Facial Foam face wash. Formulated with an anti-bacterial ingredient tested by dermatologists, Advance Protect Technology that kills 99% of maskne-causing bacteria, as per lab test. It is also formulated with BHA that removes dead skin cells and excess sebum deep within your pores and Glycerin that allows skin to retain moisture. Much better to wash your face too before putting on a face mask to minimize bacterial growth on skin underneath the facemask.

For best result, complete this kit: Pond’s Anti-Bacterial Facial Foam | Pond’s Anti-Bacterial Face Wipes | Pond’s Anti-Bacterial Face Mist Add to cart na on Shopee and make sure to check it all out on January 24 because you can get up to 30% off on the best Unilever Beauty bundles from Pond's, Dove, Tresemme, and more at Shopee's NEW Brand Spotlight!

Also, watch out for this exclusive: The POND'S Antibacterial Facial Foam will be on an exclusive bundle with the POND'S Antibacterial Cleansing Wipes only at Unilever Beauty Official Store on Shopee on Jan 24! Check it out here!

Did you know that the New Brand Spotlight is Shopee Mall's newest campaign where shoppee shoppers can have access to exclusive daily deals from their favorite brands! These are unique offers such as new product launches, exclusive bundles, and other promos that are only available in Shopee! And to get it all started, let's celebrate the New Year, and new you with your Maybelline faves up to 50% off at Shopee's NEW Brand Spotlight!

Celebrate the New Year with your Maybelline faves up to 50% off at Shopee's NEW Brand Spotlight!

Maybelline Make-up Must-Haves! Maybelline's #1 foundation perfect for oily skin. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation with SPF is a super blendable foundation that mattifies and refines pores and leaves a natural, seamless finish. Definitely a makeup kit must-have!

• Exclusive formula with micro-powders controls shine and blurs pores. 
• Leaves a natural, seamless, and shine-free finish. 
• Non-comedogenic liquid foundation
• Ideal for normal to oily skin.
• Dermatologist tested. 
• Allergy tested.

💄Add to your Shopee cart now!

Maybelline Sensational CUSHION MATTE Lip Tint. Sensational Cushion Matte is the softest matte and moisturizing lip tint enriched with Vitamin E. Sensational Cushion Matte brings high impact pigment in a cushiony soft texture. With a soft focus gel and a smooth butter glide technology, it leaves your lips looking plump. It's a multi-use formula that can also be used for cheeks and eyes. 

💄Add to your Shopee cart now!

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick. Superstay Matte Ink™ City Edition Liquid Lipstick by Maybelline gives you a flawless matte finish in a range of rich tones with up to 16-hour wear. It's ink with NYC attitude! 

• NYC-inspired shades - from saturated reds, burnt siennas, and terracotta hues
• Highly pigmented, matte lipstick finish that lasts up to 16hours.
• Food-proof, fade-proof, transfer-proof!  

💄Add to your Shopee cart now!

Maybelline Bestselling Hypercurl Waterproof Mascara. Get that fresh, natural look every day! Hypercurl mascara makes your eyes come alive. Plus, it's non-irritating and smudge-proof. It's our best-selling mascara straight from New York! This is a makeup kit must-have and an ultimate makeup staple

• Curl-lock formula contains sealing wax to make and keep a fully volumized curl from root to tip
• Non-irritating, contact lens safe, and ophthalmologist-tested
• Smudge-proof and Waterproof Mascara
• Lasts curl up to 36 hours
• Completes your eye makeup!

💄Add to your Shopee cart now!

Happy Shopee'ing!

For more Shopee finds, hauls, and budols? Read more here!

3-Step Guide in Taking Care of Your Kids with a lil help from Uni-Care's Uni-Love brand!

1. Let them explore and enjoy different flavors with fruits and veggies. And see to it to take care of their gums and teeth with heart'sUniLove Probiotic Training Toothpaste
2. Let them play to their hearts' content. Allow them to make a mess and cleaning up shouldn't be a problem with the help of UniLove Unscented Baby Wipes
3. Let them have a good night sleep with UniLove Airpro Baby Diaper

Uni-care is every mom's partner in giving the best for your children. Save on deals with Uni-care's Brand Spotlight on January 25!

Catch Uni-care's Brand Spotlight on January 25 for exclusive deals and score their newest toothpaste and toothbrush on January 25! 

Check these product suggestions now! :)

1. UniLove Airpro Baby Diaper
2. UniLove Unscented Baby Wipes
3. UniLove Rash Cream
4. UniLove Vegan Baby Dusting Powder
5. UniLove Probiotic Training Toothpaste

Get Glowing This 2022 with These Skincare Tips You Shouldn’t Skip On

We’ve finally let 2021 go. But there’s still things we need to keep this new year – our skincare routines!

We’re reminded time and time again to keep ourselves healthy, including our skincare. While it can be overwhelming to work on your new year goals, you can keep your glow this 2022 with these skincare tips you shouldn’t skip on:

1. Score e-comm deals for your skincare haul.

Get bigger discounts for your skincare haul when you check-out around the wee hours of the night. With almost 50% discount in Olay’s e-comm stores, stock up on your skincare essentials and enjoy the freebies for yourself, and or your loved ones! 

2. Reward yourself a skincare upgrade.

For everything that you and your skin have been through this year, your skincare needs an upgrade. Reward yourself this holiday by trying on some of the biggest skincare trends, like retinol and collagen peptide.

Olay Retinol24 Serum

Olay Retinol24 Serum

Welcome the new year with your youthful glow powered by Olay Retinol24 night Serum. Its powerful formulation of retinol is proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fade dark spots, and tighten pores. It delivers anti-aging ingredients deep into your skin's surface for plumper, firmer skin — so you wake up as if the morning after is not a disaster. 

Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide24 Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide24 Moisturizer

If you want to achieve younger-looking skin, one skincare trend  you shouldn’t skip on these holidays is collagen.  collagen, which humans naturally produce, is what helps maintain the firmness and plumpness of  skin. However, collagen production starts to slow down when we enter our 20s. By the time we reach our 40s, collagen production has decreased by 15 to 30%, already being visible through the skin.

While most beauty products claim to be packed with high concentration of collagen, only a few can penetrate the skin well, leaving collagen just at the surface of your face. Olay’s formula of Niacinamide and Collagen Peptide24 in each bottle of the Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptime24 moisturizer stimulates collagen production like how collagen would occur naturally. This helps make skin look firmer and maintain moisture. And with just 2 weeks of use, the skin is visibly tightened, more supple, and firmer than ever.

Olay Super Serum_Hyaluronic, Olay Super Serum_Vitamin C, and Olay Super Serum_Cica

3. Bond with your BFFs over online skincare party!

Catch-up safely with your BFFs  over skincare Zoom party by trying on Olay Super Serums variants. Dealing with uneven skin tone and dark spots? The Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum evens out the skin tone, reduces dark spots, and leaves skin glowing as ever. 

If your skin feels dry or dehydrated from the ever-changing circumstances, the Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Super Serum is right for you. Hyaluronic is a powerful humectant, which attracts and binds water, keeping the skin fully hydrated while looking dewy and bouncy.

For skin that’s looking tired and dull, the Olay White Radiance Niacinamide + Cica Super Serum provides a healthy glow. The combination of Niacinamide and Cica soothes skin damage and leaves it with a much smoother surface. A natural extract known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-yellowness effect, Cica helps to keep your skin looking radiant.

4. Take a glowing portrait to welcome the new year!

Power through the new year with the Olay Power Duo. Giving 40% better hydration, take a portrait of your glowing look with your plump and bouncy skin!

Olay Luminous Light Perfecting Essence: Infused with Pearl Optics Technology, this serum is perfect for you who wants to get that radiant glow!

Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream: This cream is used as the last step in your routine. Designed to deliver moisture 10 layers deep into the skin’s surface, it leaves your skin hydrated and firm. 

Don’t skip on your skincare! Keep that plump and bouncy skin this 2022! Shop Olay’s best-selling skincare products now via via Lazada or Shopee.

Want to know the Ultimate Makeup Hack for girls who are always on the go. Makeup Stamps! And KIMUSE on Shopee Beauty got yah gurl!!!

As always, Shopee Beauty has all your makeup and skincare needs yes, even these makeup stamps! Just like this KIMUSE Eyebrow Stamp Stencil Kit, is a pigmented, water and sweat-resistant eyebrow pomade that helps fill in brows. This blendable, long-lasting formula comes in 5 shades and goes on smoothly, leaving a matte finish. The brow stamp comes with 10 stencil shapes to ensure you can have the perfect brow.

KIMUSE Eyebrow Stamp Stencil Kit Includes:

• 1 Brow Stamp
• 10 Eyebrow Stencils 
• 2 Brow Brushes

KIMUSE Double-ended Eyeliner Pens comes with a wing stamp on one end and a fine liner on the other. The eyeliner stamps are well-inked and well pigmented which makes filling precisely and easily. The formula is long-lasting, waterproof, and smudge-proof. If you have oily or combination skin, use an eye shadow primer before applying eyeliner.

Check it all out at KIMUSE Cosmetics Official Store on Shopee!

#CenturyTunaLoveStrong message serves as an inspiration for Filipinos to stay strong and healthy not just for ourselves but for the people we love.

Century Tuna unveils inspiring new video by top director Antoinette Jadaone

 

Everyone has reasons for staying strong and healthy. And in Century Tuna’s short film entitled ‘Dahilan’ directed by award-winning director Antoinette Jadaone, viewers will get to see the story of a young man and his fitness journey as it unfolds.

If you haven’t seen 'Dahilan’ yet, watch the full video on Century Tuna’s official Facebook page (https://bit.ly/CenturyTunaLoveStrong) before you read this entire article as there are spoilers ahead.

Century Tuna releases first-ever short film entitled ‘Dahilan’ directed by award-winning director Antoinette Jadaone.

 

The two-minute video, starts with a montage of the young man working out with improvised home equipment. It then cuts to him cooking a special meal, which he brings up to the rooftop of his small apartment for a simple but heartfelt ‘date’. It is then revealed that his date is actually his mom with disability, and he has to carry her up to the rooftop. They have been doing the breakfast dates on that same rooftop ever since he was young and he wanted to continue to bring happiness to his mom by doing the same.

“Sa panahon ngayon, we must be strong - not just physically but also mentally, and not just for ourselves but also for the people we love. Humuhugot tayo ng lakas sa isa't isa,” shared Jadaone.

“Dahilan” highlights the importance of living a healthy lifestyle for the people we care about.

 

For Century Tuna, the country’s leading canned tuna, the short film takes on a new definition to health: “Many of our previous campaigns showcased fit and sexy bodies, which can be achieved with the help of Century Tuna. With ‘Dahilan’, we are telling the story of our consumers’ “why” – the reason for wanting to have a strong body to take on challenges. We wanted to highlight the importance of living a healthy lifestyle for the people we care about,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI) VP and GM for Tuna Division Carlo Endaya. 

Thankfully, Jadaone shares the same vision for her first project with Century Tuna, stressing that ‘Dahilan’ focuses more on the story and narrative. “Sa brief pa lang, nakita ko nang it's a different Century Tuna project - hindi naka-focus sa abs, sa katawan, sa muscles. It's about being strong pa rin - pero for the people you love.”

“Sa’yo ako humuhugot ng lakas,” narrated the son in a voice-over. “Kahit ang bigat ng mundo, kinakaya ko. Kasi ‘ma, kinaya mo.”

The voice-over, further complemented by the short film’s original song, was a creative touch by the esteemed director: “My editor Ben Tolentino—who's also my editor in my films like “Fan Girl” and “Never Not Love You”—and I added voice-overs of the son. So aside from the song lyrics, nakasilip tayo sa kung ano ang nararamdaman ni son while he's doing all these for his mom. I'm happy Century Tuna and the agency loved that additional touch.”

As the world continues to face the challenges of the pandemic, the short film’s “Love Strong” message serves as an inspiration for Filipinos to stay strong and healthy for themselves and for the people they love.

Given the meaningful outcome of the video, Carlo Endaya considers Antoinette Jadaone the perfect choice for the “Love Strong” short film. “We’re happy to work with Direk Tonet on this project. Through powerful storytelling, she perfectly captured the message that we wanted to convey: that we stay strong and healthy not just for ourselves but for the people we love as well.”

To know more about Century Tuna, visit and follow Century Tuna’s Facebook page, @centurytuna or Instagram @centurytunasuperbods.  

Arvie de Vera, UnionDigital Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer talked about the Future of Financial Service in the country during the UnionBank’s E-TalkTales year-ender event last December 15, 2021

Achievements, future projects take the spotlight at UnionBank’s E-TalkTales year-ender event

In celebration of its numerous accomplishments and milestones this past year, and to give a small preview of what its customers can expect in 2022, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) held another iteration of its long-running virtual media roundtable series E-TalkTales last December 15.

During the virtual event, UnionBank Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, and Chief Transformation Officer Henry Aguda talked about some of the Bank's achievements for the year, while the Co-Founder and CEO of UnionBank's digital-native banking arm UnionDigital, Arvie de Vera, talked about the role that the newly formed digital bank will play in UnionBank's digital transformation journey going forward.

Aguda began the discussion by recounting how UnionBank's digital transformation journey has enabled it to brave 2020 and the equally challenging 2021. "The pandemic created this shift to digital, which we now refer to as the “new digital normal”. We changed the way we live, the way we travel, the way we interact with one another, and basically we've changed forever in terms of how we transact in the financial sector."

"But even before the pandemic, UnionBank already had this forward-looking view that digital is the way for us to move forward, and when the pandemic hit, not only did we survive, but I'm happy to say that the Bank actually thrived," according to Aguda.

Henry Aguda, UnionBank Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, and Chief Transformation Officer talked about some of the Bank's achievements for the year,

He then highlighted the top 10 most notable achievements of UnionBank in 2021. These include being the only publicly listed Philippine bank to be granted a license to operate a digital-native bank; the successful groundbreaking of the UnionBank Innovation Campus, the country's first-ever learning institution focused on digital innovation; and having 21 patents for its innovative offers already approved and 18 more on the way.

Other notable achievements include the integration of Instapay 2.0 into its digital banking platform; the successful launch of the UnionBank SME Banking App; the launch of wealth management educational campaigns including the NextGen Academy; significant user growths for UBX’s platforms SeekCap, Bux, and Sentro; and the significant increase in its customer base to almost 10 million to date, from just nearly 7 million as of end-2020.

Meanwhile, de Vera provided a quick introduction to UnionDigital. UnionDigital is one of only six financial institutions in the Philippines that have officially been granted digital banking licenses by the Bangko Central ng Pilipinas to date. As UnionBank's digital banking arm, UnionDigital will focus on delivering banking and financial services to underserved sectors which the parent bank is not able to optimally cater to.

"While UnionDigital aims to empower the country's digital economy, we also aim to elevate it by bringing trust and governance into the space. We embrace innovation like a fintech, but offer all the powers, experience, and track record of a fully regulated bank,” de Vera said.

“At the heart of our work will always be the desire to provide our customers with what they want and what they need, while ensuring that they have what they need in terms of security, compliance with regulation, and proper governance," de Vera added.

In terms of what customers can expect from the Bank and its subsidiaries in 2022, some of the things that Aguda and de Vera gave a sneak preview of were the Bank's possible foray into non-fungible tokens (NFTs), several new solutions aimed at helping workers in the thriving gig economy through EON, and participating in the growing interest and opportunities relating to the metaverse, just to name a few.

UnionBank Chief Marketing Officer Albert Cuadrante capped off the event with a promise that the Bank will continue to do even better in 2022 in terms of delivering great customer experience across channels and platforms. He also reiterated that "UnionBank’s goal is not just to help people survive, but to actually enable them to thrive in this new environment through the latest financial technologies; staying true to our commitment to “Tech-up Pilipinas!”

"I hope you are as eager as I am to welcome 2022. What I can promise you is that what you heard today is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more exciting news you can look forward to from UnionBank," Cuadrante concluded.

Who doesn't love wet wipes? As a mom, always present ang wet wipes sa akin bag. And I'm sure most of you can relate no matter how old our kiddies are, wet wipes are still a must! But not all wipes are the same, so better make sure you are buying quality products and mas bongga if affordable din! And in line with that, Kleenfant is a brand that aims to provide quality consumable baby products that are affordable yet the safest it could be! Not just for toddlers but and babies but also for adults

Make the Switch with Kleenfant!

Pedia and Dermatologically approved. Wipes are Made in Korea and with FDA Certification

kleenfant Baby Wipes

Kleenfant Unscented Baby Wipes are made with extensive safety standards  which restricts a range of potential harmful ingredients to ensure our  wipes are gentle on your baby's delicate skin.

kleenfant Anti-Bacterial Baby Laundry Detergent

Kleenfant Antibacterial Laundry Wash provide the most natural and safest detergent that cares for our babies. This prevents rashes and irritation to their most sensitive skin. Effectively removes milk stains and dirt while providing gentleness on Mommies hands. 

kleenfant Extra Care Baby Fabric Softener

Kleenfant Extra Care Fabric Softener is natural fabric softness and let our baby enjoy the fluffy, comfortable feeling with Kleenfant EXTRA CARE Fabric Softener. Specially made with loving NATURAL INGREDIENTS proving it SAFE and GENTLER for our little one's delicate skin 

Check Kleenfant Official Store on Shopee!

Want to Live a Plant-Powered Lifestyle this 2022? Here's an Easy Way to Start 

 

The new year is almost here — a time to reflect and make positive changes to your lifestyle. This is the perfect chance to look back on your wellness, and how your environment highly affects your mood and happiness.

As another year ends, an opportunity to shift your lifestyle unfolds. Why not consider a plant-powered lifestyle? It has a lot of benefits not just for your physical wellbeing but also for your mental health. Apart from the many benefits that you can experience from a sustainable lifestyle, it’s also another way of giving back to Mother Nature especially when you support products that are plant powered.

 If you’re on the lookout for ways to be more eco-conscious and shift to a plant-powered lifestyle this 2022, it’s easy to start with small changes in your everyday life. It can even be as simple as choosing beauty products that not only help you feel good about yourself but is good for the environment as well. Especially since a lot of popular beauty products are already being made with plant-based ingredients.

One trending plant ingredient is Blue Ginger, or Galangal, which has been use for centuries in Asia in cooking and medicine. Blue ginger comes with a wide range of benefits, especially for hair care. It contains properties that help remove impurities from your hair, cleanse, and revitalize strands. But only a few brands have explored this powerful plant. Good thing, this year’s MEGA Beauty Awards eco-friendly winner, Herbal Essences bio:renew already includes a variant with blue ginger among its wide range of plant-powered haircare line so you can actually already try it out.

Herbal Essences bio:renew Revitalising Blue Ginger & Micellar Shampoo 

The Herbal Essences bio:renew Revitalising Blue Ginger & Micellar Shampoo contains real Blue Ginger, as certified by plant experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It’s made to refresh your strands, remove impurities, and make them feel smoother from root to tip, you would want to touch your hair so often you #CantUnfeelIt. You also get to enjoy an amazing plant-powered shower with a scent experience of blue ginger, floral bouquets, and clean musk. Herbal Essences bio:renew Blue Ginger and Micellar Shampoo is paraben-free, silicone-free, and colorant-free. Plus, it’s also color-safe and pH-balanced, crafted to be safe for color-treated hair.

Start your shift to a plant-powered lifestyle by switching to Herbal Essences. Not only will you be giving your hair extra care, but Mother Nature as well. Herbal Essences bio:renew collection are made from real botanicals with 0% parabens, silicones, glutens and colorants. Your hair will feel so healthy, you won’t be able to unfeel it.

Achieve a more sustainable lifestyle this 2022  through small changes and experience good hair days you can’t unfeel when you shop Herbal Essences through Lazada or Shopee.

 

#EatLocal #BuyLocal #GoLokal #SupportFilipinoMSMEs

Paskong Maka-Pilipino

 

Barely 10 days to go before Christmas, and   the malls are starting to bustle with families, including seniors and toddlers now welcome to  share in the holiday fun.

Taking advantage of the more optimistic economic prospects for the most important shopping season, the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) has ramped up its promotional activities for micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

With support from the DTI-Regional Operations Group, about forty MSMEs are showcasing their wares at the last major selling event to close off the year. The Christmas  Grand Fest at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, runs from December 15-19, 2021, and serves as the finale for the Bagsakan special project of DTI-BDTP.

Filipino MSMEs have been among the hardest- hit over the past two years, and they struggled  to sustain their business operations to support their families, employees, and communities.

With the prospect of a brighter Christmas, the DTI is urging everyone to have a more meaningful "Paskong Maka-Pilipino," by  patronizing locally-made products for their holiday feasts and for gift-giving.

Further, all the participating MSMEs have  been carefully curated to ensure that they offer quality products that meet both local ang international standards.

At the Christmas Grand  Fest event, there is a special Halal Corner to promote the domestic halal  industry, with an eye to establishing a presence in the huge international halal  markets.

There will also be coffee exhibitors at the KAPEtirya, spotlighting the resurgence  of Philippine coffee among enthusiasts here and abroad.

Other product offerings include processed food and  beverages, fresh produce and organic products, dried seafood, cooked food, condiments, and other cooking ingredients. There are also garments, footwear, fashion accessories, home decor, and other gift items.

For those who prefer to keep safe and avoid the holiday rush, the DTI has several e-commerce platforms, as follows:

•    NTF (National Trade Fair) Digital Mall — https://ntfdigimall.linker.store

•    NACF (National Arts & Crafts Fair) Artisanal Shop — https://nacf.linker.store

•    NFF (National Food Fair)Digital Mall — https://nff.linker.store

•    Go Lokal Digital Mall - https://golokal.linker. store

•    LazMall Go Lokal @ LazMall — https:// www.lazada.com.ph/shop/go-lokal

•    Go Lokal @ Shopee Mall — https://shopee. ph/golokalphilippines

•    Shopinas — https:// shopinas.com/go- lokal

For more information about the DTI-BDTP and its projects for MSMEs, please follow its social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

Why You Should Raise Your Child to be A Fast-Thinking AlphaKid (And How You Can Start NOW)

How proper nutrition, learning opportunities, and a supportive environment could spell the difference, especially between the ages of three and five

 

We’ve all seen them at one time or another, these AlphaKids: the ones who talk in a way that makes them seem a few years older than their peers, those who walk onto the playground and somehow have other kids trailing them and following their lead a few minutes later, or those who seem at home even among adults who keep asking themselves the question “How did this kid get so smart?” These are the kids that will go on to be natural leaders in school, within their group of friends, and even in the workplace. Even before they step foot in a classroom, you can tell their future is bright, and the reality is if you only start supporting them after age 5, it may actually already be too late.

The AlphaKids’ ability to size up a room, a situation, or even people, and deciding on the appropriate response or approach actually has a lot to do with how fast their brains work, as observing their surroundings and determining how to respond happens in milliseconds. This is why it’s not just how much the child knows that is important, but how fast they can access that information and figure out how to react. This makes brain connections, which develop the most between the ages of three and five, extremely important.

Enter myelination, a process in which the brain produces myelin, a fatty substance that wraps around nerves and makes information travel to and from the brain faster. Majority of myelination and the rest of the brain’s development happens in early childhood, and it’s a little-known fact that by age five, 90% of the brain has already developed. That’s why raising a fast thinker is something that parents should be purposive about, and to get started, here are some tips to maximize what some experts call the golden window of opportunity.

Tips to Maximize the Golden Window of Opportunity

1. Teach your child to read early by reading often and by reading yourself

Reading has many benefits, including priming your child to love learning. Research shows that reading early in life has a positive impact on your child's achievement in later years, including cultivating intelligence and academic success². Reading, however, is a skill that has to be taught, and you cannot just give a child books and expect them to pick them up. You have to sit with them (daily, if possible), do the voices and sound effects needed to make it interesting to them. You also have to show them that you are reading yourself, to establish that it is a fun and worthwhile activity and not a chore that you are forcing on them.

 2. Let them figure things out on their own.

When your child gets frustrated by a puzzle, don't offer your help. Instead, encourage them to try again. These little challenges help build your child's confidence and perseverance—two traits that can help them succeed later in life. The same goes for social interaction. If caught in a disagreement with a sibling or playmate, avoid stepping in and laying down the law; explain the principles of fairness or taking turns, but let them talk and figure it out among themselves. This goes a long way towards helping them navigate disagreements and prepares them for constructive discussions with their teachers and classmates later on.

 

3. Limit screen time and control what's on the screen.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, entertainment screen time should be two hours a day³. It’s important that the kids are aware of the limit and that it is strictly enforced. And even within their allowed screen time, not all content is good. Some shows are simply not worth the time, whether for kids or for adults. Look for content that teaches them what you want them to learn, and when that timer stops, direct them towards toys or activities that further their learning and encourage them to process what they have discovered.

4. Nourish your child's brain with α-Lipids

DHA has been the celebrated nutrient for brain development for many years; however, it may no longer be enough. This is where α-Lipids (Alpha-Lipids) come in. α-Lipids are the latest breakthrough in brain development; they contain the five major phospholipids, critical nutrients for myelination and brain development. Phospholipids are also known as "intelligent fats," and studies have shown that young children's brains rely on these fats to form brain connections and transmit brain messages up to 100 times faster.

Raise an AlphaKid with Promil Gold Four

These tips, together with a daily glass of pediatrician-recommended Promil Gold Four—the only growing-up milk with breakthrough, brain-boosting α-Lipids (Alpha-Lipids) – should help get you started on this journey of raising a fast thinker. With other essential nutrients for brain development, including DHA, AA, Choline, Lutein, Zinc, and Iron, Promil Gold Four helps your child amaze and astonish, with others asking: “How did that child do that?” 

References:

Early childhood brain development has lifelong impact - https://azpbs.org/2017/11/early-childhood-brain-development-lifelong-impact/
Reading with children starting in infancy gives lasting literacy boost - https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/13201?autologincheck=redirected
Kids and screen time: What does the research say? - https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/08/28/343735856/kids-and-screen-time-what-does-the-research-say

 

Shopee rounds off a memorable 12.12 Big Christmas Sale with a

six-time uplift in visits on December 12

Users showed support for MSMEs, with 9 in 10 shoppers buying from a local seller this 12.12

 

MANILA, DECEMBER 13, 2021 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, concluded the region’s most joyful year-end celebration, the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, with visits surging six times on December 12 compared to an average day. Shopee users also enjoyed the best deals and rewards on their holiday shopping, with over 850 million Shopee vouchers claimed on 12.12.

 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are happy to have closed the year on a positive note with a successful 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, the finale of Shopee’s year-end shopping festivals. At this year’s 12.12 celebrations, we were glad to have spread joy to all our users by bringing shoppers the best deals and boosting the visibility of more businesses. 2021 has been a year of accelerated digitalization, and we are thankful for all the support from our users. As we move into 2022, we look forward to helping even more shoppers, businesses, and communities access the benefits of e-commerce.”

 

Catered to all shopping needs in the holiday season

 

Shoppers delighted in hunting for the best gifts for themselves and their loved ones during this holiday season. On December 12, the most popular products in the Philippines were dresses, women’s footwear, and crop tops. Shoppers also turned to ShopeePay as their preferred payment method, with an 11x uplift in the number of orders made via ShopeePay, compared to an average day. On 12.12, ShopeePay recorded over 1.5 million e-wallet top-ups as Filipino users enjoyed a seamless and convenient payments experience.

 

Amidst the 12.12 celebrations, Filipino users came together to enjoy a wide range of entertainment on Shopee. Shoppers connected with their favorite brands and sellers via livestream, with over 150 million views recorded on Shopee Live in the Philippines. At the same time, over 300 million gameplays were recorded on Shopee Prizes, as users enjoyed more fun and rewards during the day. During the 12.12 TV Show, users were treated to an energetic and upbeat performance by Tomorrow X Together on Shopee Live, where they sang hit songs LO$ER=LO♡ER, Anti-Romantic, and CROWN. Up-and-coming local artist geiko also performed her latest single, “Oh no, I’m on Shopee again,” and shared the stage with her longtime idols, Ben & Ben.

 

Accelerated growth for local businesses amidst 12.12 celebrations

 

Shoppers spread the holiday cheer to their favorite local businesses at 12.12, with 9 in 10 users shopping from local sellers. In the Philippines, popular local sellers included ABUBOT_PH, WILLET, and Mi Global Zone.ph, with the top local seller clocking over ₱21 million in sales on  December 12.

 

At the Shopee Celebrates Local contest, users voted for their favorite local businesses with UNIQ.MNL, a shop that offers fashionable women’s clothing, is emerging as the crowd favorite. Shop co-owners and siblings Ireen Araullo and Ira Cruz shared their heartwarming story of providing job opportunities for their community on Shopee Live on December 12. They won users’ hearts, taking home a tablet and smartphone to use for their business.

 

Connected more shoppers to brands

 

In this 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, users soaked up the holiday spirit as they shopped for the best gifts from their favorite brands on Shopee, with orders on Shopee Mall surging 14 times from an average day. At the same time, brands on Shopee Mall connected with new shoppers at 12.12, with 1 in 8 users being first-time Mall shoppers. Filipinos also looked to upgrade their smartphones for Christmas, with electronics brands Poco, realme, and Infinix as the top brands during 12.12.

ShopeePay also enabled more users to connect with offline merchants during the 12.12 period. With over 2 million purchases made through Deals Near Me, Shopee’s location-based online-to-offline feature, offline retailers enjoyed a boost in footfall as users redeemed their payment vouchers in-store.

 

Widened access to more users across the country

 

Across the country, South Luzon saw the biggest uplift in orders on December 12 this year. Meanwhile, Visayan fashionistas are already planning their holiday outfits, with over 100,000 searches for dresses alone. In Mindanao, shoppers in Davao City truly enjoyed all the discounts and deals, spending a whopping ₱100 million on the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale.

 

More sellers and shoppers based in rural areas also joined Shopee this year. Sellers in non-metro cities benefited from the increased visibility at 12.12, seeing a 12-time uplift in orders compared to an average day.

 

Until December 15, shoppers can enjoy more deals and discounts at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale: https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

 

Download Shopee for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.