Keeping Safe Amidst the Spread of Omicron

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New year, new variant this is how we start our 2022. Due to the highly mutated Omicron variant, coronavirus infection will probably continue rising and will cause another “serious surge”.

As the country faces another variant of concern, it is important to know what Omicron is, how it starts and what are the symptoms of this new COVID-19 variant?

The multiple variations of Omicron may lead to more aggressive resistance to current vaccines. Triple mutations in the strain suggest a stronger immune capacity.

Since the first detection of this strain on November 09, 2021, it has spread to 106 countries and regions as of December 21, 2021.

On December 12, 2021, The WHO said that the Omicron strain is more contagious compared to the Delta strain, as suggested by early data obtained from relevant studies, and that it could undermine the potency of vaccines but cause less severe symptoms.

On December 15, 2021, A report issued by the WHO revealed that the Omicron strain has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and puts exposed individuals at a higher risk of contracting this strain.

On December 31, 2021, The Department of Health detected 10 more Omicron cases - three of which are local cases. According to the DOH, there is already a “high possibility” of local transmission of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the Philippines. Following the detection of the three local Omicron cases, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced last Friday, December 31, 2021, that Metro Manila will be placed under Alert 3 from January 3 to 15, 2022 - cutting short Alert Level 2 in the region.

Fr. Austriaco, a Filipino priest/microbiologist, says that a rapid increase in cases is to be expected. However, he is optimistic that Omicron might actually be a blessing and may signal the end of the pandemic. “We have to realize that Omicron is the beginning of the end of the pandemic because Omicron is going to provide the kind of population immunity that should stabilize our societies and should allow us to reopen,” he said speaking during a GoNegosyo Townhall. He followed saying the surge caused by Omicron will be mild cases with lesser hospitalizations and fatalities. “It’s milder, but if you’re unvaccinated, it’s still harder for you,” he added.

Getting infected by Omicron comes with its own symptoms and to achieve immunity from this strain once infected, recovery is still the goal

To date, the known symptoms of Omicron are as follows:

● Sore Muscles

● Fever

● Dry Cough/Sore Throat

● Extreme Tiredness

Reminders on health protocols

There are many treatments that were not given much stress throughout the pandemic. Physiological, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation treatments also play a big part in battling this virus. In China, there are three Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to treat COVID-19 and we are very lucky to have one of these three TCMs registered and widely distributed in the Philippines - Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.

Of course, getting vaccinated is imperative and recommended for protection against the virus, as is getting a booster shot for more protection.

Following the preventive measures of social distancing, wearing of face mask, frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer alcohol, and keeping healthy by exercising, getting sunshine, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. Early treatment is important. Do not wait until symptoms become worse before taking Lianhua Qingwen. Take it at the onset of symptoms to recover quickly. Remember the importance of the Philippine government’s PDITR +V strategy, which is Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate, and Vaccinate, which is sure to cut off transmission chains. Of course, with the cooperation of all the Filipinos, we can do our share to help control and manage the surge of COVID-19.

Hopefully, all this information will be of good use to the community, companies & organizations, and on a macro scale for local and national governments as the country goes through a “serious surge” of the Omicron Variant. This is a war between an elusive virus and man. If everyone works together, there will surely be success in this war against COVID-19.

Despite its safety, Lianhua Qingwen is currently classified as a prescription drug (Rx)—requiring a doctor’s prescription. Prescription-holding consumers may purchase it in all Mercury Drug Stores, Southstar Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, and TGP nationwide and other pharmacies at a suggested retail price of P288.00/box (24 capsules/box).

For more information on Lianhua Qingwen, visit www.philarchipelago.com or call tel. no. (02) 8361-7491 to 98 loc. 844.

Personal Collection's Recyclable-to-Biodegradable Transition Promotes Sustainable Opportunities in the Philippines

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Moving from recyclable to biodegradable packaging, a pioneer among Filipino companies, Personal Collection takes strides to reshape the future through green initiatives

Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. (PC) has successfully transitioned from recyclable packaging to the newest biodegradable packaging, making it the first company in the Philippines to do so. PC is leading the drive towards ridding the world of plastics that are harmful to the environment by shifting to biodegradable packaging. Its new biodegradable packaging is estimated to decompose in landfills after only five to ten years, while regular plastic packaging may last for at least a thousand years.

The traditional notion that recycling alone could eliminate plastic waste is being questioned by data from the US Environment Protection Agency (FPA) that Americans, for example, recycle only 35 percent of more than 267 million tons of solid waste every year. According to a 2020 study of the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, at the national level, only 40% of packaging waste in the Philippines is collected, and only 9% of the plastic waste is recycled.

Keeping this in mind, PC takes a further step by not just going recyclable but also turning to biodegradable packaging. Through the launch of its “A Green Life is A Great Life” movement last June 2020, PC’s network of sellers has been mobilized to advocate for the advantages of biodegradable packaging as their contribution to helping protect the environment. 

Personal Collection President and CEO Jerome Tuguin said, “We endeavored the shift from recyclable to biodegradable packaging because we believe that this is a sustainable solution that will not only address the major plastic pollution crisis, but will also mitigate many other environmental issues. And we are very enthusiastic to have pioneered this groundbreaking move that also aims to impact the future of every Filipino household.”

PC is also one of the few companies around the world that continues to manufacture the greatest number of biodegradable bottles that are viable for preserving the quality of our environment. Just this December 7, 2021, the company received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, for its invaluable work, strategic measures, and active participation to advocate for environmental protection and sustainability amidst the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jerome Tuguin expressed, “We continue to look into more programs and initiatives to support our #GreenLifeGreatLife movement. Last October, we started our coastal cleanups in some parts of the country, and just recently, we planted more than 70,000 mangroves in over 27.5 hectares of reforestation sites in Pampanga and Bataan.”

DUMAGUETE. Before concluding the cleanup drive, PC employees and dealers from the PC Dumaguete branch invite more volunteers to join PC’s mission.

BAYAWAN, Negros Oriental. PC employees and dealers from the PC Bayawan branch are shown collecting trash and other debris along the shoreline of Villareal Beach.

MACABEBE, Pampanga. Volunteers stand 1 meter apart from each other while planting mangrove propagules.

As part of PC’s primary environmental advocacy, a long-term partnership with Marine Conservation Philippines was made to conduct coastal cleanups in different areas of the country. Last October 26, 2021, PC facilitated its first coastal cleanup at Albiga Beach, Siaton, in Negros Oriental. Subsequently, the Siliman Beach cleanup in Dumaguete on November 16, 2021 took place, followed by the coastal cleanup in Villareal Beach, Bayawan on December 14, 2021. In all these cleanup activities, tons of plastic waste and other toxic materials were collected.

Create a Pine-tastic, worry-free Holidays at home with Pine-Sol Original

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Last year, the pandemic stole our Christmas as if the COVID-19 virus was the Grinch. But this year, due to people’s continued compliance with safety protocols, as well as the ongoing rollout of the nationwide vaccination program, quarantine restrictions have now been less stringent, especially since health authorities record a lower number of COVID-19 cases every day.  

 

While everything is, in a way, now slowly going back to normal, with the holiday season just around the corner, welcoming Christmas guests is inevitable. And yes, it does not mean that we need to let our guards down since the sickness-causing virus still lurks around.  

 

Aside from continuously following health protocols, what more can you do to ensure that your home remains free from the harmful COVID-19? Here are some tips as listed by Pine-Sol, a trusted cleaner for the home since 1929, to keep your home safe and clean so you can have a merry, worry-free, and Pine-tastic Holiday season. 

 

Start to declutter 

Admit it. There’s nothing that feels homier whenever you see your house organized—no dirty dishes in the kitchen, no traces of shoe dirt on your walkway, no dirty laundry on the floor, and no random food wrappers sitting under the sofa.  

 

So, unleash your inner Marie Kondo, and start tidying your space as the first step to make your home clean. Also, be sure to throw away the garbage. Remember, less mess, less stress. 

 

Wipe down your home 

Regularly cleaning your home after welcoming guests reduces the risk of spreading the virus. So, with a mixture of water and Pine-Sol Original, the No.1 pine-scented dilutable cleaner, always remember to clean the places your guests visit at your home.  

 

As it has no rinsing requirement except for rubber or asphalt tile, you can just wipe down your entryway, floors, tables, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, doorknobs, windows, and other high-touch surfaces. And while it powerfully cleans your home and is safe on surfaces, it also deodorizes terrible odors and gives you a fresh and longer-lasting pine fragrance to enjoy this Christmas season.  

 

Always disinfect 

Isn’t cleaning the same as disinfecting? For the books, cleaning uses a mixture of water and soap for surface dirt and impurities, while disinfecting uses products to kill germs and viruses. 

 

We don’t want our home to be the mutation ground of bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases, like the COVID-19 virus. That is why it is also necessary to disinfect your spaces thoroughly by using Pine-Sol Original to kill viruses on high-touch or exposed surfaces. 

 

With the power to kill 99.9% of germs, including the COVID-19 virus, pour a concentrated portion of Pine-Sol Original in a sponge or cloth and wipe it on a wet surface. To effectively disinfect and help control the spread of the coronavirus, let it remain for 10 minutes on hard and nonporous surfaces, such as finished hardwood, cement, ceramic tiles, glass, plastic, carpet, linoleum, and granite, then wash it off.  

 

“This holiday season, we at Clorox want to make sure that everyone is safe from the COVID-19 virus. Even if the country is slowly going back to normal, we must protect our loved ones from sickness. That’s why it’s important always to keep our home safe and clean so everyone can have a merry and worry-free Christmas,” said Monique Gonzalez, Marketing Manager for Clorox Southeast Asia. 

 

To learn more about Pine-Sol Original, visit the website at https://www.pinesol.com/products/original-pine-cleaner/.  

 

Stay Organized this 2022 with 5 Easy Tips and Useful Items from Shopee

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It’s time to declutter and make room for your new goals

Hello, 2022! After taking the time to reflect on the past year, it’s time to get ready for new beginnings. Not sure where to start? For a truly clean slate, your first step should be to clear and rewire your brain. And what better way to do that than with some decluttering and organizing? With a clean, put-together space (and mind!), you can stay focused on your new goals.

Check out five easy tips to help you stay organized throughout 2022. Below, you can also discover product recommendations from Shopee, your go-to source for organization items, essentials, and everything in between at the best prices:

1. Write down your to-do list

If you’ve got a lot on your plate, don’t attempt to keep your to-do list in your brain—this will only overwhelm and stress you out. Instead, stay on track with a planner. This Undated Planner from National Bookstore, perfect for fans of the hit TV show Friends, features undated pages and blank weekly pages on which you can jot down your checklists and more.

2. Set your priorities

Got a long to-do list? Don’t attempt to accomplish everything all at once. Set clear priorities by color-coding your planner. You can process each day’s tasks easily by just glancing at color-coded sticky notes. This set of Sticky Notes includes stationery in different colors and sizes.

3. Manage your workload

 

How often have you taken on extra deliverables or said yes to engagements, only to realize that your calendar is too full? This year, take care of your mental health and say no when you have to. Stay on top of your schedule with a handy pocket-sized Animal Desk Calendar. These colorful calendars, which come in pretty pastel colors, feature monthly views.

4. Keep your workspace tidy

It’s perfectly understandable if you don’t always have the time to keep your workspace spotless when you’re busy, but as much as possible, try to keep everything in its proper place. This Wooden Desk Organizer makes it easier to arrange your documents, notes, pens, and other supplies.

5. Track your finances consistently

 

Spent more than you intended during the holidays? It’s fine to treat yourself, but remember to set some savings aside as well. Get your finances back on track this year with a Budget Planner. Place your budget for each week inside the binder pockets and jot down your expenditures on the colored labels.

If you’re looking to buy these great finds to kick-start your 2022, check out with ShopeePay to avail of daily free shipping and cashback vouchers. With ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet, you can also buy load, pay bills, and scan to pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. Get up to 10% off on load across all networks and up to 25% cashback on your monthly bills from over 60 billers. If you need to stock up on groceries or go on a much-needed food-trip, get big savings when you avail of ₱1 Deals via “ShopeePay Near Me” and redeem your discounts when you pay via ShopeePay at their physical stores.

Enjoy free and real-time transfers with ShopeePay. Cash in and do bank transfers for free via InstaPay; get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee when you cash in. You can also send money for free to any ShopeePay user. To enjoy these exclusive deals and more, activate your ShopeePay now for a rewarding cashless experience.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Achieve your 2022 interior design ideas with these XTREME Appliances

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As Filipinos welcomed 2022, most of us are starting — or even began their annual home improvements — to adapt to the interior design trends of the year. With the past two years of a global pandemic which had been difficult for most of us, it is essential to create a space that is comfortable and effective. Luckily, these 2022 interior design trends resonate with this sentiment in creating a home that is more modern yet sustainable while enabling our personal style to lead the way.

In decorating our homes, one of the common struggles is selecting the right home appliances that reflect our style vision, yet are useful and practical. XTREME Appliances, the country’s leading one-stop-shop appliance brand, is here to help you elevate your home’s overall interior design and functionality.

Multifunctional Spaces

As the global pandemic has normalized the remote work setup, it is really important to put up a multifunctional space where we can work or study. Expect that working from home setup will remain a fixture in most Filipino households, thus multipurpose room is still a must-have for this year.

Two of the most important things to consider in creating this kind of interior setup are practicality and functionality, hence selecting a good set of appliances will help your productivity at a maximum level. Having a comfortable working environment is essential, that’s why investing in premium quality air conditioners should be highly prioritized. XTREME Cool Split Type Inverter Aircon can do its job in providing a pleasant working space while saving electrical consumption of up to 60%.

To achieve a more effective working space, having a 10L XTREME Home Coffee Machine is also highly recommended, especially to caffeine-lovers out there.

Neutral Colors

Sticking to something simple yet classy is a smart choice in solving your interior design dilemmas. If you want to retain your neutral-colored interior, XTREME Appliances offers a wide range of appliances that perfectly complement your vision for each part of your home.

For your kitchen, opt for neutral-friendly appliances such as black, silver, or gray. The 90CM XTREME Home Gas Range boasts a classic aesthetic that fits just right in every design. You can add a 20L XTREME Home Microwave ‘Moon’ Oven and 6.5L XTREME Home Digital Fryer to make your kitchen look attractive while requiring minimal effort.

For your living room, watching your favorite Netflix show on your 65” XTREME Android TV won’t hurt your overall neutral look. In fact, this can add a little accent with its black frameless aesthetic.

Outdoor aesthetics

This year, enhancing your outdoor spaces might be best for you. Living in a global pandemic for nearly two years now is tiring and drowning, that’s why leveraging your outdoor space where you and your family can spend time together is a wise choice. In this way, you can have a view of the outside world yet still be at the comfort of your home — technically.

Portable appliances such as the 10L XTREME Home Air Cooler can be beneficial for your outdoor chitchat since summer is coming in just a couple of months from now. You might want also to consider setting up your laundry space outdoor — just to expand your household’s living and kitchen space. Place your XTREME Cool Front Load Washer and Dryer in an open-air area to achieve an ‘al fresco’ laundry moment — just make sure it is safe from any weather circumstances that may have a direct effect like heavy rain and direct sunlight.

Thematic Styles

One of the most challenging factors to decide upon is the overall theme of your house interior. For an industrial-looking interior, which capitalizes on metal, woods, and pipes, a combination of stainless steel, black or white will work perfectly.

This kind of look is often associated with loft and city apartments, however, you can just get the necessary elements of this style and make it work depending on your personal taste. To match your industrial-looking household, the 1.9L XTREME Home Electric Kettle is a good choice for your kitchen countertop because of its stainless steel body.

If you’re looking for an oven that complements your concrete-filled aesthetics, the 45L XTREME Home Electric Oven is an ideal cherry on top with its black metallic finish.

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.