Starting Up a Pandemic-Proof Business

Amid the new normal, some say that putting up a new business sounds quite impossible and too risky. But for others, starting your own business now might be a good option, especially if you have the right mindset and a business partner to guide you throughout your journey. 

Take it from Jobiegaile Jun and Stephane Mae Aquino, a couple currently based in Doha, Qatar, as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Santé Business Owners. They braved through the new normal by starting up a business that they describe as pandemic proof.



Taking Chances Abroad

Jobigaile Jun Aquino has been working as an OFW for almost 12 years. He was born and raised by his parents, both teachers, in Tacloban City in Leyte. Eventually, he moved to Metro Manila to start his career as an accountant in Ortigas, Pasig City. After six years, he decided to look for a greener pasture abroad to continue providing for his family.

“I came from a big family. At that time, I was helping my parents provide for the needs of my nine other siblings. That is why when I got the opportunity to work abroad, I grabbed it so that I can continue providing for my family,” Jobigaile said.

He spent the next seven years as a Senior Accountant for a steel company and then transferred to a Canadian company based in Doha as a Finance Manager. As his career progressed, he did not forget to go to his church to serve the Lord—this is where he met Stephane, a Filipina nurse, originally from Davao, but now, her family lives in North Cotabato. As a couple, they are now married for about five years.

“I also went abroad to look for greener pastures. I used to work in the Philippines as a nurse but, I was not earning enough for my family. Fortunately, I got the opportunity to work here in the Middle East. I have been an OFW for about ten years already and, currently, I work here as a school nurse,” said Stephane.



Starting a business amid a pandemic

Having been OFWs for more than a decade, Jobigaile and Stephane have already created great careers in their own respective fields. But just like everyone around the world, they were also affected by the changes brought by the pandemic.

“No one was able to prepare for the pandemic. When the authorities here imposed the lockdowns last March 2020, it greatly affected our jobs. We needed to stay at home, not knowing when everything will go back to normal. We lost almost half of our income,” Jobigaile narrated.

At that time, Jobigaile already knew about Santé, a provider of premier natural and organic health and wellness products and services. He is among those who are avid users of Santé products.

He said that a friend introduced him to Santé, and ever since, he has been consuming Santé Barley products because of its health benefits. He even became a Santé Member, primarily to avail discounts.

“But when the pandemic started last year, it became a turning point for us. We lost some of our income, so we needed to look for other ways to earn while isolating ourselves at home. I am thrilled that I already know about Santé,” Jobigaile said.

He added that “at that time, some of my officemates just learned about these amazing products. They liked it. As days went by, I received many orders from my friends and colleagues—this was when I decided to dedicate more time to this business. I even decided to invest and become a Santé Business Owner.”

Working Hard to Achieve Success 

Jobigaile noted, however, that it is still hard work and the willingness to take risks that can lead a starting entrepreneur to success. During the strict lockdowns in Doha, Jobigaile studied how to run his online business by attending webinars, training sessions, and product orientations provided by Santé through its Santé Engage.  

This platform offers all business owners the essential educational programs to help them grow their businesses, improve leadership skills, and even develop personal growth. 

Santé also came up with strategies to help business owners, like Jobigaile, adapt to the ever-changing world. For example, the Santé Mobile App will help them have easy business management, and a user-friendly website for hassle-free and convenient shopping. 

On the other hand, Stephane also became much more involved in their Santé business as they received orders from their fellow Filipinos in Doha. She also became a Santé Member and eventually also decided to start her own Santé business. 

“What’s good about this business is that you can manage it whenever and wherever you are because it is e-commerce ready. While Jun delivers the products to our customers, mostly our neighbours and friends, I will answer all the inquiries we receive in our online store. And then, eventually, I decided also to become a Santé Business Owner. It was our Santé business that filled our lost income during these trying times,” Steph said. 



A Pandemic-proof Business 

When asked about their reasons for choosing Santé as their business partner, the couple said that it is really because the company shares the same values and mindset as them. 

“As a company, Santé wants to help people live better lives. This mindset solidifies our belief that we found the right business to partner with. As Santé Business Owners, we are glad that we can help our customers maintain their healthy lifestyles with the natural and organic health and wellness that we offer, particularly during this global health crisis,” Stephane said. 

Since Santé is the top producer of barley grass products in the Philippines and soon worldwide, its business partners have a business model that revolve around the certified organic Santé Barley™ grass grown in Canterbury, New Zealand. This Biogro and Halal certified organic barley grass can be found in all Santé product offerings, such as nutraceutical vitamins, health beverages, health, and wellness, among others. 

Santé products also contain natural ingredients filled with a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, essential in strengthening the immune system up to the smallest cellular level. 

For Jobigaile, the idea of helping others achieve their dreams through their Santé business is, by far, his greatest success. “I am grateful to all our mentors for guiding us to become great leaders and business owners. Through this business, we are also helping other people have other sources of income. This is important because we are all greatly affected by the pandemic. Some even lost their livelihoods,” he said. 

The couple added that all these factors, particularly its products, core values, and willingness to help its distributors through trainings, webinars, and e-commerce readiness, make Santé a pandemic-proof business. 

Santé also cherishes its business partners’ role for the organization. Through its compensation plan, it provides incentives like bonuses in repeat purchases, infinity bonus, free gadgets, and a car and house incentive with free down payments and monthly amortization. 

More than a year after they started their online business, Steph and Jobigaile achieved a lot from being Santé Business Owners. They are now Executive and Platinum Executive Directors, respectively, and among the leading Santé distributors in Doha, Qatar. Their families in Leyte and North Cotabato have also recently started their own Santé Business.  


Founded by leaders with more than 70 years of combined Direct Selling and Marketing experience, Santé is now one of the fastest-growing distribution and direct selling companies globally. Aside from New Zealand and the Philippines, Santé is present in key cities such as Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Abuja, Lagos, and Cyprus. 

Level Up Your Shopee Loyalty Tier and Enjoy Perks

Gold and Platinum members of the Shopee Loyalty Program can avail exclusive benefits that will make shopping experience more rewarding!

Are you a true Shopee-holic? If you’re waiting for a sign to check out those items in your cart, look no further as Gold and Platinum Shopee Loyalty Tier members can avail more Free Shipping vouchers. Make it a habit to claim those hard-earned vouchers, because you definitely deserve it! 

Shopee Loyalty is an in-app program where shoppers can claim exciting rewards every month. The membership is free and consists of four levels: Classic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum -- each with its own minimum order requirement and corresponding set of exclusive vouchers, discounts, and perks. You can access Shopee Loyalty with a single tap on the Shopee home page and do the following:

• Track your Shopee Loyalty tier progress 
• Discover various tier milestones and rewards available 
• Redeem eligible vouchers that are refreshed monthly, including free shipping vouchers, exclusive brand and partner vouchers and special birthday vouchers 

Shoppers can unlock higher tiers and maintain their current standing by completing a certain number of orders every six months before progress is refreshed. Remember, the higher your Shopee Loyalty tier, the bigger the rewards.


Already a Gold or Platinum member? Here’s how to claim your free shipping vouchers:

• Claiming via the Shopee Loyalty Page
• Enter the Shopee Loyalty Page through the “Me” Tab. 
• Click on the Tier Member badge or “Shopee Loyalty” button. 
• All Gold & Platinum members can find the free shipping vouchers under “Voucher Benefits” and claim them weekly after each refresh. 

Claiming via the Homesquare Page

• Enter the Loyalty Educational Page through the Shopee Loyalty button. 
• All Gold & Platinum members can find the free shipping vouchers and claim them weeklyafter each refresh. 

Here’s a pro-tip on how to reach Gold and Platinum tiers in no time. Activate your ShopeePay account to enjoy more rewarding shopping perks. Consumers are in for a treat every PayDay Sale with free shipping vouchers from your favorite brands. During month-end blowout, it’s your chance to level up your loyalty tier and unlock more rewards. Take advantage of ShopeePay’s free transfers feature when sending money to any bank and any Shopee user. 

Look forward to more promos from ShopeePay such as 50% off on load across all networks, cashback on bills, and more!

Iconic Paris Fashion Week-Inspired Looks you can find at Shopee

Since Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter is fast approaching, we’ve been seeing head-turning and jaw-dropping fashion ensembles trending online and we can’t help but copy the style inspiration! From designer outfits to custom-made ensembles, these celebrities will surely come prepared to put on a good red carpet show once more. 

A little trivia about the Paris Fashion Week which is happening on February 28, 2022 until March 8,2022 :

The Paris Fashion Week was organized by the French Fashion Federation. Inaugurated in October 1 - 9, 1973, it is held semi-annually in Paris, France with spring/summer and autumn/winter events held each year. In the most recently held Paris Fashion week, Naomi Campbell, Julia Fox, Kanye West, and Cara Delevingne were some of the prominent names from the fashion and entertainment industry who graced the event.

Keeping up with the latest trends doesn’t have to be expensive so we’ve selected the best deals on Paris Fashion Week-inspired looks from the event held last January 2022, to help you keep in style for any occasion. Check them out on Shopee.


Spice up your work wardrobe

Celebrities took smart casual to a different level during Paris Fashion Week. Riverdale Star, Madeline Petsh rocked a green patterned blazer ensemble, while Cara Delavingne pulled out a black and white ensemble paired with loafers. You too can show off this style with a pair of these Sperry Penny Loafers which comes in a natural color to compliment any outfit. Maximalism is back on trend this year, so make a statement with this head-turning Geometric Printed Sleeveless Dress (on sale at 50% off Feb. 23). Oversized blazers are all the rage now, and you can polish your look with this blazer suit jacket, which comes in various colors like black, apricot, and white.



Closet staples for a lazy dress-up day

The Paris Fashion Week definitely gave us some tips on how to dress down with style. We’ve seen Naomi Campbell and Julia Fox celebrities flaunt these looks and we’re obsessed! Get comfy and breezy with these wide-leg pants. They’re versatile enough to go well with any top, from relaxed tees to dressy blouses. Elevate your outfit with a pair of these high leather boots, available in black or white, which goes perfectly with jeans and a white, crisp blouse for that casual, alta look for less. Top it off with these trendy designer-inspired (yes, the one that recently took the internet by storm!) shades for a striking retro-chic look. 


Turn heads during parties with a glam evening look

PFW served a ton of head-turning looks perfect for your next evening gathering. Make sure your closet is ready with a line pleated skirt (now at 50% off Feb. 23) that will never go out of style. Pair it with this elegant wrap top for that effortlessly elegant Audrey Hepburn look. Add a finishing touch with this saddle-inspired handbag ( now at 50% off Feb 23) for keeping your everyday essentials on-hand.

Snag these budget-friendly fashion looks and more only at Shopee! Enjoy free Shipping ₱0 min. spend, 10% Off Vouchers, and 50% Bills Cashback on your purchases during payday and monthly sale!

Tips for aspiring health and fitness influencers

On Instagram, #Fitness has 400.4 million posts, #Health has 119 million, #Fitnessmotivation has 85.9, #Getfit has 33 million and #Fitspiration has 18.6 million, and these are only some of the top hashtags related to health and fitness.

On #Fitness alone, nearly 180 million accounts use it on their posts. The fact is, you can't scroll through your feed without seeing at least one fitness or health-related post.

These numbers are proof that a lot of people on social media follow posts that are related to health and fitness. More and more people are getting aware of the importance of fitness and health especially nowadays that a lot of threats from bacteria, viruses and diseases affect our daily lives.

People want to get fit and healthy to improve their quality of life. They engage in physical activity or exercise to reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. They arm themselves with a lot of knowledge that is related to being fit and healthy the natural way.

Nowadays, people give much emphasis on the importance of fitness and health, and they reflect this value on social media for awareness.

Health and fitness, therefore, is a good niche for social media influencers.

Anyone can be a health and fitness influencer but how can you stand out from the rest? Is it enough that you have a toned body, abs, and big muscles to flex?

Here are some tips for aspiring health and fitness influencers.

Decide what kind of content about health and fitness you want to focus on.

• Inspirational Content

These contents are based on your own fitness journey that motivates others in theirs and simply inspires them. If you’re a person with a drive to change lives, this is the type of content you have to consider.

What you need to post on social media to attract followers and engagements? First, high-quality photos with elaborate and motivational captions, vlogs of you doing exercise or physical activities and videos of you motivating, inspiring your audience to reach their fitness and health goals.

• Educational Content

This type of content delivers the most value. However, only educated, knowledgeable individuals are capable of creating educational content. They are mostly fitness and health experts, mostly professionals in the field. 

Educational infographics and vlogs providing health and fitness advice are some of the ideas you can create for educational content on health and fitness.

• Entertaining Content

Do you love making people laugh? Are you naturally funny? Then this is the content that you should post on social media. This should be very easy if you really have that entertainment factor as you simply have to be creative on how to do a humorous content. This type of content goes viral so easily because people engage in posts that can entertain them and make them forget or escape the sad realities in the world even for a while.

What you can post? Maybe a video of you being humorous or doing something dope and a photo with a unique, witty, or funny caption.

This type of content might be easy but make sure to always be sensitive with your jokes or humor because not all people can relate to what you are posting.

Whatever type of content you want to post as a health and fitness influencer, always remember to create high-quality, relatable, and authentic posts. Don't forget to engage with your audience too, to build a lasting relationship with them. Remember that in influencer marketing, brands also measure the rate of engagements not just the number of followers and the quality of your posts.

Ensure Safety With Style And Comfort

Riders would understand the glory of riding a bike and the satisfaction they achieve by the same. No matter how rich one is and the number of cars one owns, having a bike is something every man dreams of. Not only boys but even girls these days are looking forward towards bike riding by breaking the stereotype. It is an extreme privilege to see women breaking the rules and learning to handle heavy vehicles like a pro.

There are some important factors that one needs to ensure before riding a bike that includes proper maintenance of the bike one owns, time to time greasing of the essential controls and preparing one- self for the ride with proper clothing and precautions. Helmet is one of the most commonly used safety measure that bikers take. No matter if a biker is at the starting level of bike riding or is a pro, every rider deserves to put the helmet on.

The type of helmet may vary from bike to bike and person to person but putting the helmet on is a must. BikeBandit provides its customers with the ample collection of helmets. The site contains over thousand designs and keeps updating almost every day with new items on the wall. Various types of cheap motorcycle helmets are available on the official web site and each of them belongs to famous brands that are trustworthy.

Integrity of the web site bikebandit.com can be believed with closed eyes as it has been serving a large group of audience for years. Purchasing a helmet can be tough if one is not sure about what exactly one needs to buy. There are some features that describe a helmet and each feature has different types. One must look forward towards getting to know about the features and its variations and then purchasing the cheap motorcycle helmets can get easy.

First and for most a person must purchase a helmet depending upon the type of bike one owns and the level of riding as well. Then arises the factor that distinguishes between the types of helmets available that includes a full face helmet, dual support helmet, open faced ones, modular helmets or half shell protective helmets. The choice of the type depends upon the riders comfort zone and the area where one would be riding the bike. Helmets differ in construction, weights and technology.

An extremely fat person of a person with a big face cannot wear the normal sized helmet and hence one should search for the big motorcycle helmets to get the right size that fits completely without making one uncomfortable with the tight fitting. An underweight person must go for the light weighted helmets and a person who suffers from respiratory issues must avail the open faced helmets to avoid suffocation issues while riding the bike. Bikebandit.com has the bet collection for big motorcycle helmets and cheap motorcycle helmets and one can easily navigate through the web site to see what it has to offer to its customers.

Understanding the label: A closer look at your child’s milk

Aside from a well-balanced, nutritious diet, giving your child a glass of milk has been shown to help support your child’s well-being. Aside from being a source of calcium, a glass of milk can also provide essential and important nutrients for growth and mental development.

As parents, however, it is important to take a closer look—beyond the promises—at the nutritional values, ingredients, calorie counts, and even the sugar content of your child’s milk to better understand how it factors into his or her nutrition. One way of doing so is by getting accustomed to reading the labels. 

According to Food Scientist Dr. Lotis Francisco, milk labels provide the necessary information that would allow you to check and balance the ingredients and other nutritional facts of the milk.

“By taking time in reading and understanding the label, it helps you make smart choices in identifying the best milk for your child,” added Dr. Francisco.


What’s on milk labels?

Dr. Francisco said that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires labels on all prepackaged food, like milk. These labels must provide a complete list of ingredients, as well as its nutrition information in readable type. Usually, these are located at the back or side of the packaging under the “Ingredients” and “Nutrition Facts” headings.

When reading the Ingredients label, you must take note that the items listed are in descending order of proportion: from most to least. This means that the first ingredient in the list is also the main component of the milk.

For instance, some formula milk, like PROMIL® Four, have non-fat milk as their first listed ingredient, and thus is their first component. Dr. Francisco noted that this component is preferred for children over 3 years old since it eliminated unnecessary fatty acids and kept the other milk components like lactose.

Other milk brands, meanwhile, use other key ingredients like hydrolyzed cornstarch that serves as an agent to retain milk’s sensory properties, and functions as a source of carbohydrates with also its sucrose content. With these ingredients, your child’s milk would look and feel like that of a regular one when consumed, and is much sweeter than the recommended.

How do you read the Nutritional Facts?

The Nutritional Facts label, on the other hand, appears in a tabulated form that declares the protein, carbohydrates (including dietary fibers and sugars), fats (including saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol), sodium, as well as the caloric content of the milk. Added Vitamin A, Iron, and Iodine, as well as other vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are also included in the tabulation.

“All of these nutrients are expressed through the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI) of children, based on the guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI),” explained Dr. Francisco. “So, if the Protein Content in the milk indicates 30 percent, then, your child needs 70 percent more from other food sources to meet his or her daily RENI.

How do you know the sugar content?

When it comes to formula milk’s sugar levels, most parents may find it confusing, especially that the Nutritional Facts label only indicates an aggregated sugar content. That is why high sugar levels do not necessarily imply poor quality.

Among the types of sugar added in formula milk include sucrose, also referred to as table sugar and starches. These are added to replace some or all of the lactose naturally found in milk. Given the case, Dr. Francisco noted that it is still better to check the type of sugar used in your child’s milk. For your child’s proper growth and mental development, PROMIL® Four is predominantly lactose with its non-fat milk as the main ingredient.



What other nutrients should you look out for?

To ensure that your child gets the essential and important nutrients for proper growth and mental development, it pays off to check if milk’s macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—are at the right level for children over 3 years old.

Based on FNRI’s Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes, your child’s milk per serving should have Protein within 6-15% of total energy, Fat within 15-30% of total energy, and Carbohydrates within 55-79% of total energy to be within the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR).

Below recommended range may stunt child’s growth and drain energy, while above may cause the risk of obesity. To support proper growth and mental development, it is preferred for these nutrients to be within range. For PROMIL® FOUR, it gives 15% total energy from its protein content, 30% total energy from fats, and 55% total energy from carbohydrates.

PROMIL® FOUR is also the only formula milk with NUTRISSENTIALS®. It contains DHA, AA, Lutein, Iodine, and Iron to help support brain and visual development. It also has Vitamin A, which supports healthy eye development; Zinc for normal growth and maintaining a healthy immune system; Niacin, which aids in metabolism; Biotin, which enhances energy for physical development; and Potassium, which promotes healthy muscles.

“In some cases, it’s easy to identify the right formula milk for your child if you take time to read and understand the labels. It might seem complicated at first but, it can help you make good choices for your child’s growth and development,” said Dr. Francisco.

For many years, PROMIL® FOUR has helped parents nurture the gift through proper care, parenting, and nutrition.

To learn more about PROMIL® Four, visit their website at www.promilnurturethegift.com.ph. 

How to be a Social Media Influencer?

What is an INFLUENCER?

It's someone who has the influence, the authority over or trust of, a certain group of people. In marketing parlance, an influencer is someone who causes others to make a specific consumer decision.

On the other hand, a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media is called a Social Media Influencer.

Even before this pandemic hits the world, influencers have been considered the new celebrities, and influencer marketing is already a billion-dollar industry.

In the new normal setting, a lot of workload in the office or inside the plant was converted to be done at home. Hence, the work-from-home setting has been the trend, so everyone can still earn while securing their safety from the invisible threat of COVID19.

Apart from online jobs, a lot of people are shifting to becoming influencers as they know that brands collaborate with influencers and pay them in cash or in kind.


How do you start becoming a social media influencer?

Fist, you have to have accounts on different social media platforms. Basic but famous platforms that most brands require every influencer to have is Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and Tiktok. But if you want you may also add Pinterest, Linkedin, Reddit, Twitch, and more. These social media platforms are being used by brands to reach out to potential customers through the help of influencers.


Second, you have to have a good number of following and engagement.

What is a good number of following mean? The following or fan base is the number of people who can see what you post and/or react to your posts. The minimum number of following to be considered an influencer is at least 1000.

What about the engagement?
Social media engagement measures the public shares, likes, and comments for a social media post - video, photos, articles, etc. Engagement, although it doesn't necessarily translate to sales; has been a common metric for evaluating social media performance. 

The higher the number of following and the more likes, reactions, and comments on posts - the better because that would mean greater opportunities online.


Third you have to have a good content. We have seen a lot of viral photos and videos on social media. They made it to the top list because they are unique, witty, relatable and relevant. You don't just post anything and everything. Remember that an influencer, affects someone's decision and you don't want to be labeld as a bad influecncer. Remember - CONTENT IS KING.


COVID19 might have affected all of us whether small or big business, whether emerging or established enterprises and the influencer marketing status seems to slow down because brands are cutting budget for marketing and advertisement. But this industry will never die and will still be one of the most promising as the whole world shifts to the new normal. This industry can easily bounce back in this trying time, as social media is no longer just a platform but a way of life.

4 ways CBD treats stress

Dealing with stress is a never-ending struggle. Whether you’re struggling momentarily with an increased workload or sudden life change or you suffer from a persistent anxiety disorder, feeling stressed out is nothing to be ashamed of. The modern world seems tailor-made to put as much pressure on you as possible at all times.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can arm yourself against the relentless assault. Some of us find that creating art a good option for working out negative emotions, while others find peace through meditation. Some people exercise, engage in hobbies, or prefer solitude.

Whatever you do, though, there’s no changing the fact that both chronic and acute anxiety are affected by body chemistry. That’s where cannabidiol, or CBD, comes in. An effective treatment for stress and depression, CBD is gaining users every year. 

Here’s why:

It stimulates C1 & C2 receptors

The thing that gives CBD its therapeutic power are the chemicals it contains called cannabinoids. If you’ve ever studied biochemistry, you may have heard of the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that help regulate the human body’s homeostasis. In other words, the endocannabinoid system makes sure your body’s natural chemicals are working as they should be.

If you picked up on the similarity of the words “cannabinoid” and “endocannabinoid,” that should tip you off to the fact that CBD and the human body go together like peanut butter and jelly. When CBD is introduced into the bloodstream, it has the effect of stimulating the endocannabinoid system’s C1 and C2 receptors, which are connected to the brain and immune system. This stimulation offers a number of health-boosting benefits, including improved mood.

It boosts your serotonin levels

Also playing a big role in regulating mood is serotonin, otherwise known as the “happy chemical.” As that nickname implies, it’s one of the things that allows your brain to experience pleasure. Unfortunately, the human body is an imperfect machine and sometimes serotonin production is blocked. Many types of antidepressant medication exist specifically to unblock it. Recent studies have shown, however, that CBD is just as useful in unblocking serotonin production as most antidepressants, but with fewer side effects.

It allows for more restful sleep

One side effect CBD use does commonly result in is drowsiness. While this can be less than ideal in the middle of a work day or while driving in your car, for those who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders, cannabidiol is a minor godsend. And since poor sleep habits are a major contributing factor to high stress levels, CBD users gain twice the benefit.

It soothes many aches & pains

While most stress is caused by either mental health conditions or external life events, it should come as no surprise that all kinds of injuries and inflammations can exacerbate anxiety, reduce concentration, and just generally make life harder to deal with. Luckily, cannabidiol is also effective for treating many physical ailments, from something as simple as nausea all the way up to certain kinds of seizures and even cancer.

CBD dabs are especially helpful in all these cases, as they provide a purer, more intense concentration of cannabidiol and are designed to be absorbed into the bloodstream faster than other delivery methods. Likewise, topical ointments can target localized pains, such as sore muscles and arthritic joints. And with researchers discovering new implementations for CBD every day, it seems the compound’s stress-busting potential is always expanding.

Primaduck, a better alternative for pork and chicken

What's your favorite food made from duck or duckling meat? Mine is Foie Gras of course! Not just because it sounds "alta" but because it is a speacilty food, a very rare and delicious delicacy.

Not until I get to try Prima Duck ham in 2019 in one of the Christmas party I attended in BGC. You know, I haven't always liked duck meat because of the smell and the aftertaste, but that whole duck ham from Prima Duck was really delicious, it has no unusual taste and odor. It is as good as the usual hams we spread on our table every Yuletide season.

And now, thay are not only offering whole duck ham but other types of ham, tapa, longganisa, bacon and a lot more food products that can be enjoyed from sun up to sun down.

Business Profile, EDL Group

Prima Duck is a duck business by the Lorenzo family of the EDL Group, a group of companies focusing on Agro-Industrial, Hospitality, Human Health, and Animal Health.

The CEO and Chairman, Dr. Eulalio D. Lorenzo, is a leader and a strong visionary that formulated and created many veterinary products that are leading in the industry today. He is also currently the head of Freemason Shriners of the Philippines, an organization that helps many children all over the world with their health needs. As of today, the #1 poultry antibiotic exists because of Dr. Lorenzo, from his humble beginnings more than 30 years ago.

Mr. Eulo Lorenzo, his eldest son, is the VP for Marketing and Operations of The EDL Group, who is now helping drive the growth for Primaduck, a brand under a company EDL Agritourism. Primaduck core products are the Peking Duck Pinoy Favorites and Fresh Peking Duck that are being distributed to many restaurants and hotels in Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon.

Primaduck Peking Duck Tapa 250g / P70.00

Primaduck is being produced locally in Capas Tarlac, it sits on a 33-hectare facility, with 4 SMART housing facilities, that are all very strict in biosecurity and quality. Hence, farm-fresh, locally-produced, and world-class. Even Michellin star restos approve of their products.

Primaduck Pekin Duck White Sausage 500 g / P155.00

To make their products more accessible, Dr Lorenzo established Yong-A and Roasted Duck Express, managed by his daughter, Ms. Catherine Ann Lorenzo. It is located in the Greenhills area and soon in NAIA3. The Roasted ducks and other food offerings are well-loved by customers, not just the Chinese community but the locals as well. EDL's adavantage is that they breed and produce the ducks themselves and cook them too. Also, their Chefs are all trained from a Chinese Roast Duck Expert.

Primaduck Pekin Duck Smoked Longganisa 250 g / P95.00

Dr. Lorenzo ventured into the duck industry 4 years ago and has invested in the business quite heavily that generated many jobs in Tarlac, San Mateo, and Metro Manila. They are considered to be one of the very few facilities, if not, the only one who has Hitech facilities in the country, consultants and breeders are from France and Belgium. 

Duck meat is white meat, which means it has lesser fat content than most red meats. If you want to eat healthy but can't live without meat, Primaduck is a better choice.

Fun Things To Do At Home With Your Kids While On Lockdown

The lockdown has forced a lot of families to stay at home. Most outdoor activities that families do aren’t possible anymore. While some fun stuff can’t be done for the time being, you can still do a lot of alternatives at home. You can enjoy a time to play with your kids even when you’re in your humble abode. 

Bond with your kids while on a lockdown. Check out these five fun things to do at home.

Get them cooking

Cooking is a hard task for kidstask for kids. Often, it can also be dangerous as it deals with sharp objects, fire, and gas. One mistake can lead to deadly consequences for the whole household. Luckily, you’re there to guide them along the way as you’re also at home. It’s time to teach them to handle these hazardous objects, and how to use them properly.

Hone their creativity

Do your kids have talents for writing or visual arts? Since they’re likely to stay at home, hone their creativity even further! If you’re also staying at home while on lockdown, support them! Learn these art forms alongside them. It’s a great way to bond with your kids and learn a new skill as well. 

Share your talents

Do you know a thing or two about chess, music, computer, or Rubix cube? Share them with your kids while you’re still at home. It’s a great way to form a bond with your children. Plus, it can refresh your skills too! Sharing your talents can help your kids know and understand you better as a parent.

Teach them to clean

Kids can be quite messy, and it can be difficult to clean them up all by yourself. As they stay at home during quarantine, it’s the perfect time to teach them clean! They may not listen at first, but be persistent! You may also clean alongside them. This gives them a perfect example of how to fix their stuff properly.

Start exercising

Just because they’re kids doesn’t mean they can slack off! Encourage them to start exercising. It’s also best to exercise together. This makes your whole family fit and healthy. It’s a great practice to keep tabs on everyone’s physical and mental health. Plus, this keeps them away from too much exposure to electronics.

Have fun while on lockdown in a home you can call your own. Secure an affordable and strategically-located home with BellaVita. Sakto sa Location, Sakto Sa Bulsa! 

For more inquiries about BellaVita homes and location, visit BellaVita, or send a message through Facebook.

Tips for smokers to easily quit smoking

Cigarette smoking harms almost every organ of the body. Its smoke is dangerous and it leads to serious illnesses such as cancer, stroke, heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and other disabilities. It also increases the risk of tuberculosis, eye diseases, and problems of the immune system.

Secondhand smoke, which is the smoke that has been exhaled by the smoker is even more harmful to the people around. It does not only affect adults, but it increases the risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, and slowed lung growth; among children.

More and more smokers are realizing these negative effects of smoking which is why they want to quit. But quitting isn't that easy, so let me share you a few tips :


Find Your Reason
Motivation is the key to get anything started. A powerful personal reason is needed so you could quit smoking. You just have to think of the benefits to you and your family. Quitting means protecting your family from secondhand smoke and lowering your chance of getting sick. Health is wealth and that is a strong reason to outweigh the urge to light up.


Have a strong support system
You need to tell your friends, family, and other people you’re close to that you’re trying to quit. They are the ones who will encourage you to keep going, especially when you’re tempted to light up. Joining a support group can offer you emotional comfort and moral support as they share the same experience as yours. Having a counselor, whom you can talk to openly and share about your feelings honestly is also a very good option.


Seek professional help
Smoking is an addiction that hooks the brain on nicotine. Without it, you’ll go through withdrawal which may affect your mood, deplete your energy or give you headaches. The craving for “just one drag” is tough, but nicotine replacement therapy can curb these urges. Nicotine Replacement Therapy which might include using smoking alternatives such as chewing gums improves your chances of success to stop smoking.

Nicorette gum, a product of Johnson&Johnson can actively fight back against nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms to help you quit for good. It comes In 2mg Medicated Chewing Gum. Its nicotine is absorbed quickly through the lining of your mouth. Chewing on the other hand, can help with other withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and stress. It is recommended to people who smoke 20 or less a day.

These are only a few tips that might help you stop smoking. Remember each time you would light up a stick, that it is not only your body that is ruined but the whole community and you would not want to be the reason for someone's misery. 

Why and how to protect your baby’s skin, according to Pediatricians and Dermatologists

Did you know that your baby’s skin is his first line of defense for the body? More than ever, parents need to know how they can keep their baby’s skin healthy and protected. However, in a time when access to hospitals, doctors, and the specialists we rely on is limited, it’s easy for moms to feel uncertain about where to get the right information and services to ensure the safety of their little ones. That is why JOHNSON’S®, a leader in healthcare for over 126 years, partners with doctors, midwives, parenting and birthing experts to help moms provide gentle protection for their babies.

Babies have a weaker skin barrier and therefore have a higher exposure to irritants, allergen penetration, and infection. This skin barrier is still developing and can be very sensitive to change. As a result, some ingredients that work well for adults are too harsh for babies’ skin. “Delicate baby’s skin needs extra special care. That is why for the first year of an infant’s life, it is important to choose gentle products that have been carefully formulated to support a healthy skin barrier and protect babies from common skin conditions,” recommends Dr. Marivi Dizon, a Pediatric Dermatologist.

“Moms should look for gentle products that do not simply cleanse and moisturize but have the ability to protect babies’ skin against harsh things in the outside world that can harm them. I invite moms to look for products that are doctor-recommended and are clinically tested for safety,” shares Dr. Robert Kwon, Johnson & Johnson Associate Director for Scientific Engagement for Research and Development. 

When it comes to a brand recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists, JOHNSON’S® baby wash and lotion are clinically proven to be gentle and mild that they can be used from the first moments of life and shown not to disrupt a baby’s naturally developing skin barrier. JOHNSON’S® bath and lotion, when used as a regular regimen, provides100% Gentle Skin Protection against dryness, redness, irritation, germs, and pollution.

“We are living in unprecedented times, and we at JOHNSON’S® understand the anxiety, fear, and confusion that a lot of parents are feeling right now. But with JOHNSON’S®, moms do not have to feel alone. Together with JOHNSON’S®, a brand recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists, moms today can find a trusted and reassuring partner in keeping their babies’ skin healthy and protected at all times,” says JOHNSON’S® Baby South East Asia Marketing Director Maimai Punzalan.

To help moms navigate in this new normal, JOHNSON’S® launched the School of Gentle, a series of informative Facebook lives in partnership with healthcare and parenting specialists. The JOHNSON’S® School of Gentle aims to bring doctors and other baby experts closer to moms, and equip them with the right information to provide the best care and protection for their babies especially during this time of uncertainty.To know more about the JOHNSON’S® School of Gentle, visit www.facebook.com/JohnsonsBabyPhilippines/.

On my beauty stash : Artista Scent and Magical Posh Cosmetics

Perfume and cosmetics such as facial creams, face powder, and lipstick are one of a girl's must-haves especially of those who are always on the go, meeting different people at a time. For a cosmopolitan girl, these beauty products are very basic things inside their bag or their vanity kit.

Being always on events, of course I make sure to look, feel and smell good. I am one of those girls who always carry a big kit for beauty products. I have actually more than 5 brands inside my bag, each has its own purpose.

Every now and then, I search for new beauty products that I can add to my collection. I continuously search because I know beauty products innovate from time to time and those that I am using now might be obsolete and there might be new products that could do magic to my looks at an instant.

One of my requirements when I am shopping for beauty products is that they should be locally made. I prefer local brands, I believe that in supporting our local businesses, it strengthens the economy and it helps more MSMEs succeed in the industry. I believe MSMEs are the backbone of the economy and if they succeed, we succeed as a nation.

Which is why I did not forget to visit the Franchise Asia Philippines 2019 a week ago. Fortunately, I easily find a local brand selling both perfumes and cosmetics - Magical Posh Cosmetics and Artista Scent. Both brands are under a group of company owned by a very passionate and empowered woman.

Artista Scent is a collection of 4 different scents (for now) - Moira and Sarah for women and Matteo and Tom for men. Moira has a classic scent, perfect for those who prefer the smell of old rose while Sarah smells contemporary, fit for modern women of today. Matteo and Tom both has a fresh scent for men.

Magical Posh Cosmetics, on the other hand, features products such as liquid and matte lipsticks, contouring sticks, serums and face powders.

I haven't tried liquid lipsticks as I find it hard to apply since I am not really a make-up person. I am just forced to put on make up because I need to look presentable at all times, I don't want to look pale, zombie-looking. But their line of liquid lippies are so adorable. 

There are a lot of shades to choose from and I first tried the Lady Danger which is a dark shade of red in matte liquid lippie. I tested it on my wrist and tried to test how transfer-resistant it is. Proven, it's long-wearing, and when I applied it on my lips, wow it feels so cool, it is mentholated. Since that day, the Lady Danger has been my favorite and I wear it on events because I hate retouching, I am really lazy on that part.

I have yet to try other products such as the serum. I love serums because they are lighter than creams but the effect on the skin is the same. The serum I have used before is not locally made, so now I am planning to shift with the Serum Fond, just waiting for my BB cream to run out.

Pricewise, both the Artista Scent and Magical Posh Cosmetics are competitive, not affordable but reasonable. Qualitywise, they are better than their competitors; even the perfume scent lasts long on fabric and lingers on the skin.

Of course when choosing beauty products, you're only not after the quality or after the price only. There are cheap, affordable products but fail on quality test. There are quality products but fail on price comparison.

Artista Scent and Magical Posh Cosmetics, on the other hand, offer both a good quality and a good price that you will not regret spending your hard-earned money on them.

Skin White Solutions 3-step Skincare to be #BrighterThanEver

Skin White Solutions believes that every Filipino deserves to have a #BrighterThanEver skin that radiates confidence - enough to take on the world.

Established in 2012, this Filipina-led skincare brand was the product of a young housewife's ambition and desire to help provide for her loving family while achieving her dream of having a glowing skin. Together with a bright and brilliant team and her 10-year experience in the skin care industry, they embark on another journey to produce new and improved beauty products that will help more (men) and women become even more confident and beautiful in their bright and glowing skin!

Part of the relaunch is the introduction of three brand new and improved products with a modern look :Wonder Wash, Talented Toner, and Happy Crush - all made with the finest ingredients from Japan, Korea, and Thailand.

Step 1 - WONDER WASH, ₱149.00

This high-performing cleanser removes dirt while protecting the skin's natural moisture barrier. Good for all skin types, it is very gentle on the skin, non-irritating, and has the right pH level preventing skin damage and dirt causing acne. It is best used for acne prone skin, dull skin, and skin that has lost its radiance. 

With the key active ingredient La flora Ec-12 , a lactic acid bacteria that works to support the skin’s natural flora balance, Wonder Wash keeps the skin moisturized naturally. It has no parabens, alcohol, and silicon while being cruelty-free and SLS-Free.

Here's how to use :

Wet your face with water then apply Wonder Wash using your fingertips. Massage your face gently in a circular motion, avoiding the eye area. Finally, rinse your face with water and gently pat dry with a towel. 


Step 2 - TALENTED TONER, ₱199.00 

The talented toner removes impurities, hydrates and soothes the skin, and helps prevent signs of aging. This product is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic.

With the key active ingredients - Fermented Yeast Extract, Neem Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica - this product is good for all skin types and is best for skin that shows multiple signs of aging, lines & wrinkles, and gloomy dry skin.

Here's how to use:

Get a clean cotton pad or cotton ball and soak it with the Talented Toner. Then, gently wipe it around your face, avoiding the eye area. 

Step 3 - HAPPY CRUSH, ₱119.00

This unique cooling ice gel improves and soothes facial puffiness, eye bags, as well as dry, dehydrated, and sunburnt skin. It also slims and brightens the face and can be used as a moisturizer, mask, and after-sun treatment. This product contains no harmful ingredients. It is paraben-free and cruelty-free and is good for all skin types.

The key ingredients Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Jeju Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel Extract, Collagen + another slimming active made this product to work best for puffy face (chubby cheeks), dehydrated skin, or sun burnt skin.

Here's how to use:

Stir the gel mix inside the container with a spoon until it starts looking like crushed ice. Then, scoop out the preferred amount and apply it to the desired area while avoiding the eye.

These exciting new products are made for all skin types to ensure that every Filipino gets a chance to flaunt his or her own unique glow. Guaranteed, each product is made with love and has been carefully crafted to bring your dream skin to life! 

Results of using these products may vary upon the person’s skin type. It is recommended that people with sensitive skin perform a patch test first to ensure that there is no reaction and discontinue use if irritation occurs. For pregnant women, please consult with your Dermatologist or Doctor before use. Consult with a healthcare professional if a sudden reaction occurs after using the products. If any negative side effects are experienced, please message : 0998 840 6759.

Do you want to embark on the journey to getting the better and brighter version of yourself? Visit their Shopee page here to learn more! Be part of the growing community of #GlowDiggers.