Pandemic reinforces the need to strengthen family ties

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More than its impact on communities worldwide, COVID-19 has affected even the smallest communities within the four walls of many homes. The resilience of every family is tested by challenges such as the ongoing pandemic.

This was a significant talking point in the latest session of TAYO Naman! (Tulong, Alaga, Yakap at Oras para sa mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyon), a webinar series by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Globe designed to help teachers, non-teaching personnel, and parents learn more about self-care, wellness, and resilience.

 

In the episode entitled “Strengthening Family Relationships Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic” held recently, guest speaker Jing Castañeda, a broadcast journalist and Board Member of the Philippine Mental Health Association, noted how the family unit is being tested to the hilt under current circumstances.

“Marami na pong pag-aaral na nagsasabi na talagang nasusubukan ngayon ang katatagan at mental health ng mga pamilya dahil sa COVID-19. So dalawa yun our individual mental health and the resilience of our family.  We want to emerge stronger so importante na ibangon at mapagtibay ang ating mga pamilya. Build back better. Build back faster,” Castañeda said.

 

She pointed out the vital role parents play in building resilience among their children, especially during the pandemic. “Napakahalaga po na maging magaling—hindi lang po mabuti—na mga magulang dahil tayo po ang mga haligi at pundasyon ng ating pamilya. A resilient family develops resilient children,” she said.

 

Castañeda provided ways to encourage the balance of resilience. This includes:

 

1. Unloading the negative side. Use social media responsibly, stay away from toxic posts, follow health protocols, apply for financial assistance if needed, create routines within the family, and practice self-care. Lessen the things that could feed stress.
2. Loading up on the positive side. Pray more, be a “kasambuhay” use social media responsibly, use technology to reach out, enjoy more family time, and assure children of a stable relationship as a family.
3. Moving the fulcrum. Use social media to retool, learn new skills, and train the brain to plan, focus, juggle multiple tasks, and have self-control.  Use technology to give order and structure.

 

Senator Joel Villanueva also made an appearance during the session. He shared the tragedy that befell his family last year, and gave personal reflections on the value of strong family relationships. His mother, Adoracion Jose Villanueva, and sister, former Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna, passed away just months apart.

 

“Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin maipaliwanag ang sakit na nadarama ko. Subalit ang palaging bumabalik sa isip ko, ‘Sana may isang segundo pa ako para makasama sila.’ Moments like these make us realize all the more what family means in our lives. Puso at sentro pala talaga ng buhay natin ang ating pamilya,” said Villanueva.

 

Villanueva -- author of the work-from-home law passed before the health crisis who helped make the set-up the norm for many businesses -- stressed that family members must never forget to check on one another despite busy schedules. 

 

He offered advice for a closer, happier family:

 

1. Time is a matter of priority. Devote even one second of the day to family not just to ask them ‘Kamusta’ but to say ‘I love you.’
2. Don’t settle for the default settings in life. A strong family relationship does not happen instantaneously. People can make edits and improvements.
3. Create a positive space in life and let the family be a part of it to nurture positive relationships.

 

The episode was spearheaded by the DepEd School Division of Camarines Sur. Panelists were Minnie Talaguit (Public School District Supervisor of the Goa District); Marjorie Gabatin (Master Teacher II of the Sagurong High School); and Antonio Valencia (SHS Teacher II of the Juan F. Triveño Memorial High School).

 

The TAYO Naman webinars is led by the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction Management Services (DepEd-DRRMS) and the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development-Employee Welfare Division (BHROD-EWD) in collaboration with Globe’s Global Filipino Teachers Series on Psychosocial Support Services, Philippine Mental Health Association Inc., and MAGIS Creative Spaces.

 

The webinars are held every Friday from 8:30 to 10:00 am and streamed live on DepEd Philippines, DepEd DRRMS, and  Globe Bridgecom.

 

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

 

To learn more about how to create a #GlobeOfGood, visit: www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html.

 

Organique’s ImmunoStrongPH campaign supports frontliners during pandemic, DOH-PITAHC receives superfood donation to build body's natural strength and resilience

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The Department of Health (DOH) recently received over 5,000 blister packs of superfood ORGANIQUE Acai freeze-dried health supplement capsules to support frontliners and healthcare workers from at least 13 beneficiary institutions amid the prolonged pandemic and emergence of COVID-19 variants in the country. As part of its nationwide Immunostrong campaign, Organique Inc. officially turned over the donation to the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), which the DOH designated for the distribution and delivery of the 5,644 blister packs in time for the 123rd anniversary of DOH.

Marketing Manager for Organique Cristina Go said that the health of medical frontliners and healthcare workers need to be prioritized as they have been selflessly and courageously risking themselves to virus exposure while taking care of patients almost 24/7 since the country declared a state of public health emergency in March 2020. “We are proud to support the DOH in continuously working towards a healthier nation, protecting the community through a stronger immunity. Indeed, the pandemic has revealed the best and the worst in many, and the DOH has proven too, that their profession is not just a job, but a calling that they answer without fail, to the best of their ability,” Go said.

As part of Organique’s Immunostrong PH nationwide health awareness campaign, Organique Inc. Trade Marketing Manager Cristina Go and Digital/Social Media Manager Justin Dela Cruz turned over its donation of Organique Acai freeze-dried health supplement capsules to PITAHC Director General Dr. Anabelle De Guzman for the benefit of medical frontliners and health workers.

She added that food supplements like Organique Acai Berry can help strengthen the immune system by providing essential nutrients to help give the body renewed energy every day. Acai, the main ingredient of the freeze-dried capsules, is hailed worldwide as a superfood packed with really high levels of antioxidants to help counter free radicals in the body. The superior health benefits offered by Organique Acai freeze-dried capsules are what the frontliners, health care workers, and the public need during this pandemic to help fortify their immune system to help them fight diseases and alleviate serious symptoms of illnesses like COVID-19.

Among the beneficiaries referred by DOH and PITAHC include the Philippine Heart Center, East Avenue Medical Center, National Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Reference Laboratory, National Certification Committee on Naturopathy, National Certification Committee on Homeopathy, COA Resident Auditors, PITAHC Board of Trustees and Employees, Herbal Processing Plants, and other frontliners or patients identified by PITAHC.

According to DOH, the pandemic has further aggravated the conditions of an increasing number of Filipinos who had been immuno-compromised by their unhealthy, abusive and sedentary lifestyles, not to mention lack of access to proper nutrition and sleep. Fully aware of the need to heighten public awareness, Organique has tapped award-winning vlogger and health enthusiast Wil Dasovich as Organique’s official brand ambassador, including health advocates and influencers to spread massive awareness on the importance of a strong immune system.

In conclusion, Go also reiterated,

“We are all in this together, together with Organique Acai Berry, working with our modern heroes, the medical frontliners and every single Filipino – as we all need to take care of everyone’s physical, mental, emotional and psychological well-being for an immunostrong future, and an immunostrong Philippines.”

For inquiries, visit www.organique.com.ph; fb: @organiqueinc.

ShopeePay Expands Its Network of Partner Merchants, Now Accepted at Over 50,000 Locations Nationwide

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This 9.9, ShopeePay partners with new merchants Lawson, Lander’s Central, UltraMega Supermarket, and Tiger Sugar

ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet, expands its network of partner merchants. ShopeePay is now accepted at over 50,000 locations nationwide to cater to the evolving needs of the Filipino consumer, allowing users to enjoy a seamless and convenient experience when it comes to cashless payments. With this, ShopeePay adds merchants such as Lawson, Lander’s Central, UltraMega Supermarket, and Tiger Sugar to its roster.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of ShopeePay Online Philippines, said, “We have seen a steady acceleration in the adoption of digital payments as Filipinos fulfil more daily needs online amidst the ongoing pandemic. Through ShopeePay, we strive to ensure that users can shop and pay with ease. Through our partnership with thousands of establishments across the country, Filipinos can incorporate digital payments into their day-to-day lives while enjoying the many benefits ShopeePay has to offer. We will continue to enhance the e-wallet experience through various initiatives and collaborations with more brands in the future.”

More people continue to opt for cashless transactions for their convenience and safety. By 2026, the projected transactional value for digital payments is worth 11.29 trillion US dollars. With many shoppers shifting to digital payment methods, ShopeePay continuously finds ways to make the transition seamless, stress-free, and rewarding. In addition to growing its network of partner merchants, ShopeePay offers convenient digital transactions coupled with exciting discounts and cashback promos.

Pay Bills 

ShopeePay provides users with a safer way to settle various kinds of payables from the convenience of their homes. Users can use ShopeePayto pay bills from the following companies: Meralco, Maynilad, and Manila Water for utilities; PLDT, Globe, Smart, and Converge for mobile, landline, and internet payments; BPI for credit card payments; and DragonLoans, Home Credit, SkyPay, and Cashalo for loan payments.

Scan to Pay

Users can Scan to Pay with the ShopeePay QR code at over 2,500 ShopeePay partner merchants with over 15,000 total branches nationwide. These include new establishments such as Lawson, Lander’s Central, UltraMega Supermarket, HB1 Pharmacy, and Tiger Sugar, on top of existing essential merchants like Puregold and Seaoil. 

Meanwhile, users can also Scan to Pay for their COD orders with their Shopee Xpress rider. This feature is an added layer of security since they can check the parcel first to see if the order is correct and in good condition before paying. In addition, the payment is also contactless - ensuring the safety of both the buyers and riders to reduce potential health risks. 

Users can also purchase ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the Shopee app and apply discount or cashback vouchers when they Scan to Pay with ShopeePay. 

Scan & Donate

The pandemic has further emphasized the need to help each other. With ShopeePay’s Scan & Donate feature, individuals can donate to their preferred charitable organization from the comfort of their own homes. Through ShopeePay, users can donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hope, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, and many more.

Easy Top-Ups 

ShopeePay values the safety of its users which is why it continues to grow its network to expand its services all over the country. With over 38,000 top-up points in big cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao, users can top up at payment and remittance centers such as 7-Eleven CliQQ, Bayad Center, Palawan Pawnshop, and Robinsons Department Store. Users can also enjoy easy and convenient top-ups as well through Online Banking, Debit Card, and Linked BPI Bank Account anytime and anywhere. 

Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day 

Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day is a much-anticipated event with exciting deals and promotions for all shoppers. This 9.9 Super Shopping Day, ShopeePay continues to expand its network of partners and offerings to enable users to do more with just a few taps. Users can buy load and stay connected on a budget with discounted load. Users can also get up to 50% bills cashback or up to ₱100 off on payments when paying for bills with Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, and more. For in-store purchases, ShopeePay users can also buy ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the app to enjoy discounts and cashback when they Scan to Pay at Puregold, Puremart, Ultramega Supermarket, and more. 

As consumer behavior progressively changes, ShopeePay will continue to push for initiatives and tap into essential brands to serve the Filipino community. For more information about ShopeePay, and its perks and benefits, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay. 

Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc. Launches Biodegradable Packaging on Flagship Products

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All-Filipino owned company Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc. (PCDSI) rolls out its flagship products—Tuff TBC (Toilet Bowl Cleanser) and sof & mmmmm….. concentrated fabric conditioner—all in biodegradable packaging. The switch to biodegradable packaging is in line with its commitment to environmental conservation announced last June and reflects the company's core values Malasakit and environmental responsibility. It is also anchored on the company's primary mission to provide the Great Life for every Filipino.

The new packaging is expected to decompose in landfills within approximately 5 to 10 years, which is 100 times faster than the standard plastic bottle that could take up to 1,000 years to disintegrate. Aside from its capacity to be reused and repurposed several times in multiple ways, it also does not change the shelf-life properties of the products. Moreover, it contributes to the creation of biogas, a potential source of sustainable energy that can be used to power vehicles, homes, and businesses.

The pioneer product of Personal Collection, Tuff TBC, has hospital-grade Killer Virex formula that’s tested and proven to kill 99.999% of disease-causing germs, bacteria and the Murine Norovirus, ensuring your family’s protection and health safety at home, in offices, malls and other public places.

Personal Collection’s sof & mmmmm….. is a concentrated fabric conditioner formulated with Perfumed Micro Crystals that remain in the fabric and gradually release the infused fragrance throughout the day, eliminating the cause of odor such as “amoy-pawis, amoy-araw, and amoy kulob”. Moreover, it contains Fibersoft that prevents fabrics from stretching, fading, and wrinkling and comes in four variants: 

• All-Time Fresh which has Germtec Technology that kills 99.99% of bacteria for up to 48 hours, 
• All-Day Radiance, which comes with Opticlite Plus Technology that protects and restores different types of fabrics,
• Eternity which comes with a luxurious fragrance that lasts up to 30 days, and 
• Evermore which has captivating premium vanilla fragrance that can last up to two weeks.

Personal Collection consistently advocates for #GreenLifeGreatLife, which embraces quality of life for all; redefined by adopting responsible choices like using biodegradable solutions and several other eco-friendly habits to help improve the environment as a safer place for today's and future generations. Included in the company’s line-up of activities to show its commitment and Malasakit is to support mangrove planting and reforestation.

Another component of the company’s awareness drive is PC Appre-sea-tion Day to support the well-being and preservation of marine life in Philippine waters. Personal Collection spearheads a nationwide campaign to minimize if not rid our oceans of disposable plastic products that overwhelm the world’s ability to deal with them particularly in Asia and Africa. The campaign tackles the dangers of plastic waste especially on marine life, how shifting to sustainable products as a way of addressing it, and educating the general public on proper waste disposal to ensure appropriate end-of-life for waste in landfills.

With this movement, Personal Collection aims to mobilize its extensive network of dealers, employees, and stakeholders, allowing them to become agents of change in transforming communities to go for the Green Life. Be one with Personal Collection in choosing biodegradable packaging and start living a green life for a great life.

Join the movement! Visit Personal Collection’s official website or get in touch with them on Facebook and Instagram.

Upgrade your kitchen with XTREME Appliances’ newest products

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The kitchen is the center of every Filipino family’s day-to-day living as it is the place for most of our appliances, may it be for cooking, food storage, and dining. Investing in your kitchen to keep it well-equipped, functional, and aesthetically pleasing means you value your family’s health and wellness and the overall warmth of the household.

The country’s leading one-stop appliance brand, XTREME Appliances has released kitchen appliances that fit right into this stay-at-home era. These products are designed to adapt to this new normal world and considerably upgrade our kitchen to be more functional and modern looking.

XTREME Home Double Burner Glass Gas Stove XGS-2BGLASS

Many have transitioned into newer ways of technology in cooking, but if you’re someone who’s still into the old-fashioned set up at the kitchen, look no further because the new XTREME Home Double Burner Glass Gas Stove (P2,499 SRP) is here to save the day. It has 6mm tempered glass that truly elevates its aesthetic from traditional gas stoves in the market. Adding to its modern-looking exterior are the cast iron pan support and the stainless steel burner cover.

More than its impressive exterior, this XTREME Home Double Burner Gas Stove can save you up to 30% of gas consumption and it has automatic ignition for hassle-free cooking.

3.5L XTREME Home Deep Fryer (XH-DFDL35)

Instant food leads to instant satisfaction, and that usually translates into a good mood for the rest of the day! XTREME Appliances knows that most Filipinos have always been fried food lovers thus this latest addition to their XTREME Home category will surely do the job. This 3.5L XTREME Home Deep Fryer (P1,895 SRP) has a large oil capacity and an anti-slip base which makes it safer and hassle-free to use. Not to mention, it has a stainless steel housing and enamel coating oil tank which is easy to clean and maintain.

6.5L XTREME Home Air Fryer (XH-AIRFRYER65L)

Goodbye overheating, hello fast frying! This new 6.5L XTREME Home Air Fryer (P3,895 SRP) sure packs a punch with its roast, bake, broil and dehydrate features.  If you’ve been looking for the best way to eat your favorite food in a healthier and hassle-free way, then this one takes the cake. With its bigger cooking capacity, you don’t have to worry when cooking for the whole family.

45L XTREME Home Electric Oven (XH-SMARTOVEN40L5)

In this time where most of our time is being spent at home, try that famous baking recipe you have found on Tiktok and YouTube. Filipinos can now enjoy an upgraded baking experience with the 45L XTREME Home Electric Oven (P4,695 SRP). This features versatile heating options and four control knobs that will make anyone feel like a professional baker in no time.

7.0 cu.ft. XTREME Cool Double Door Inverter Refrigerator (XCOOL-DD256F07I)

One of our biggest dilemmas is the safe storage of food since we want to limit our grocery trips. Luckily,  the brand new 7.0 cu. ft. XTREME Cool Double Door Inverter Refrigerator (P17,995) can keep your food cool and fresh in style! The best thing is it consumes less energy with its inverter compressor, saving you 60% of your electric consumption.

50cm XTREME Home Gas Range (XGR-503G1E)

Leave all those kitchen-solving problems in the dust while saving gas in the process with the help of our new 50cm XTREME Home Gas Range (12,995 SRP). It has 3 burners and one hot plate for you to choose from depending on your needs. The matte enamel pan supports and the stainless steel exterior make the unit easier to clean. Moreover, aside from the top & bottom oven feature, you can also roast chicken with its rotisserie.

To keep updated on the latest news and happenings of XTREME Appliances, like and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok accounts and join their official online community on Facebook, XTREME Fam. 

For the full list of products and exclusive discounts, please visit XTREME on Website, Lazada, and Shopee e-commerce