Bring Out the Strongest Version of You with Pantene

On days when life gets in the way, it’s easy to lose track of yourself. Even when it’s frustrating, choosing the easy way out of situations can feel like the best decision when you’re stuck with no options.

But even if life throws you a curveball, you’re still able to get back on track — stronger than before. 

And if you can put your best foot forward again to face the new normal in 2021, your hair definitely can too!

Pantene’s newest digital video https://youtu.be/iG8CDhXWAsY empowers women to toughen up by starting stronger, and get that extra boost of confidence by taking care of themselves. It features a familiar scenario women can definitely relate to — those times when you feel like you’re losing yourself to a point that even your hair looks like it gave up. Split ends start to pop out and damage is apparent, and you’re so tempted to take a literal short cut by chopping off your locks.

Now cutting hair short isn’t the only solution to hair damage, you can look forward to stronger days ahead with the new Pantene Long Hair Solutions Total Damage Care Shampoo. It has Pro V with Japanese Rice Oil Essence, especially created for long hair needs to protect your hair from having split ends and prevent hair damage even before it happens. Rice Oil Essence has 50x Anti Damage Benefit, so you can say goodbye to hair damage and split ends even before it happens.

Pantene’s latest video brings the message of empowerment reaching and encouraging numerous Filipinas to keep growing their hair out, here are some tidbits from Filipinas who are now committed to stop with the short cuts and grow their hair long in 2021. 

Netiquette of an Influencer

I started blogging over a decade ago and at the start, my main focus was writing about family and parenting since I was most comfortable about these topics. With the rise of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as other social media platforms that have become very popular over the years, many people I know became social media influencers and some opted to become video bloggers (or vloggers as the term is more popularly known). I remained being a blogger but also adapting to be an influencer, though from parenting, I eventually expanded my niche into lifestyle blogging. 

As a lifestyle blogger, I am able to share varying topics. I write not only about parenting or family but also about food, travel, hobbies, beauty, fashion, whatever is new in our city and quite any topic that catches my interest. It could be about a day-to-day activity that others might find interesting. Oftentimes, viewers usually give comments, engage me in conversation and even ask for my recommendations.

As time passed, I learned to put my voice into good use because I know that whatever I share in my blogs could influence my viewers. Even when promoting a product or an event, I would make sure to focus more on the positive aspects rather than on the negative. Fact checking a topic is also a must before I publish any article because I want to be very truthful with my audience and not stir up controversy or be the source of fake news. These are the things that have been instilled in my mind when I decided to become a social media influencer.

I have witnessed the rise and fall of many influencers over the years. Some fall perhaps due to the fact that they lacked or probably did not practice proper social media etiquette which is crucial in these digital times. Below are some of the things I have listed that could be helpful to influencers. I based this on my own experience and what I saw in others who were practicing it which created a big effect on the audience:

1. Be responsible. If you are campaigning for a product, make sure to say positive things. Do not destroy their reputation unless you are asked to review and express your opinion. Otherwise, say only good things.

2. Refrain from using words that are hard to comprehend. No matter how simple the things you say, people will still notice it if they are interested with what you are posting or promoting.

3. Using explicit words will lead you nowhere. Remember, many social media platforms have very strict rules. They could disable your website or channel if they find that you violated those rules.

4. Keep on posting even if you thought you have no audience. This is also where I failed most of the time. Although, I am trying my very best to change that by updating my site from time to time.

5. Be truthful. Do not plagiarize if you are told to write an original article just to sound intelligent. Simple writing can work and can sometimes be better! I myself prefer reading articles that are simple and easy to comprehend rather than reading those with overly complicated words.

6. Engage in a positive manner with your audience if you are in a discussion with them. Remember that you have to agree to disagree and be polite in accepting constructive criticisms. Unless of course you are being harassed, then try to report them. Know that you have the option to limit comments especially when using certain platforms such as Instagram or Twitter. Also, never engage in a heated argument. You have the power to IGNORE.

7. Write an article that you are most comfortable with. Not just because it is the fad these days that you immediately joined the bandwagon without even understanding what it is all about.

8. Be transparent. Do not promote a brand while visibly using their competitors. Be sensible and be sensitive in that aspect.

These are just a few of the things I have learned to practice over the years as an influencer. How the people react in both positive and negative manner has been my way of determining how effective the influencer's voice is and how it could affect the many followers. I am also learning from these and trying my best to practice what I preach 😉💜

Wellness Week 2021

My kids had their last day of exams yesterday and I was glad that they could rest and enjoy the weekend. They were enrolled in different schools so they have different schedules and policies in their online learning. My eldest had classes 2-3x a week only and about to graduate in senior high school; while my youngest, who is still in grade school, had classes from Mondays to Fridays but every morning only.

My eldest doesn't need anymore supervision when it comes to studies but my youngest child needs my assistance to be able to review her lessons well and to submit her requirements on time. Otherwise, they do things on their own.

Online learning place a big impact not only for the kids but also for the teachers as well as for the parents.

I was hesitant at first about this concept thinking that it was not suited for my youngest child given her personality. I was even planning of transferring her to another school that will not stress her out and be more flexible in their schedules.

But I decided to let her stay in her old school and crossed my fingers that everything will be fine. That was 6 months ago...

Now, I could say that I did not regret my decision. My youngest daughter adapted so well in what they call - Distance Learning. She's very compliant, cooperative and tried her best to participate. She answered her assignments after class and submit them on time. She even gets very good grades in her subjects. I hope she will maintain this when the time comes that she could finally go back to real school.

Anyways, I am also glad that their school practiced Wellness Week to give the kids a chance to relax from their online class and to enjoy life outside their "virtual school". Right after their exams, they will be given a week or two to rest from their online class.

Image source: https://www.pace.edu/mypace/wellness-week-2021

My eldest child has no problem with her class schedule since they don't virtually meet every day.

But I really think that Wellness Week is not only for the students or teachers but for all of us especially we are dealing almost everything online, at the same time, taking care of our mental health during pandemic.

So, Happy Wellness Week everyone!

Stay in Shape

It is nice to see that women these days empowered other women. Back then, we used to only appreciate beauty and size according to standards, like if you are slim and tall, then you are fit to be a model or a beauty queen but if you are a plus size woman, you stay behind the scene. These perception made other women feel insecure about themselves because of these norms that we used to think was okay. Although it still exist these days, at least it's not as toxic as before and a lot of women now support each other. The views about how the women should look like changed over the years and many women now feel comfortable with their body and size.

For the women who are having trouble about other matters, like trying to hide the tummy fats, this can be easily solved as there are plus size shapewear that can be found at the store and online shops. It is comfortable to wear and could emphasize ones perfect curve. It is also affordable and that makes it more fun! I even purchase one for myself after I gave birth to my second child because I need to attend a party and most of my clothes that time won't fit me. Shapewear saved my dilemma and I was able to wear my favorite dress that day looking fab!

 

If you are also that type of woman who likes going to the gym to shed few pounds or someone outdoorsy to burn some fats by running or just doing some brisk-walking, the latex waist trainer for women is perfect for your workout session. It is adjustable and the material is light that it's hard to notice when you wear a shirt because of its thin fabric. It can also be worn for all body size.

 

If you need to get these things right now but you could hardly go out because of the pandemic that you need to stay at home, you can visit FeelinGirl store because I am sure they have everything you are just looking for. They have many cool collections and they are very, very affordable and others are on sale, too!

 

Hello 2021!

Last December 31, we had dinner at my mom's place together with my brother and sister-in-law. The weather was good and the food was great. However, unlike last year that we stayed until midnight, we went home early this time because we wanted to welcome the New Year in our place. Besides, there might be curfew so better go home earlier than usual.

Celebrating the New Year was different this time. In fact, it was quieter than the previous years. Most people were avoiding big parties to prevent the spread of the virus. At my mom's place, there were only 7 of us yet we still tried our best to always wash our hands, put alcohol from time to time and wore our masks if we were not eating.

It was a quiet but a lovely evening. I still don't know what 2021 would bring us but I hope there's an end to this pandemic...and whatever challenges I will have to face again, I will try to endure it but fight back if possible coz Hey, it's 2021!

Christmas 2020

Wishing everyone a Safe and a Healthy Christmas. Celebrating Christmas this year is quite different because most parties are done virtually, food are ordered online and parties are not held at some hotels or some places coz big gatherings are prohibited. The pandemic we experienced now really changed our lifestyles and directions in life....But really, these changes did not bother me that much maybe because I have long accepted that I am an introvert person and socializing is not my thing these days.

Don't get me wrong, I still love to go out and get dressed once in a while but won't do it every week. I think going out to see nature is much suited for me, inhale fresh air and beautiful views of mountains are the things I'd like to see these days. How about you, what are your plans this Christmas?

The picture I posted in here is a pic of myself (of course) holding a yummy chocolate cake. That's for our virtual Christmas party but my kids consumed half of it after my photo session, ha, ha.

Merry Christmas everyone!🎄🎅

My Daughter Won 1st Place in an Art Contest

Congratulations to my daughter Chloe who won 1st place in DENR's Environmental Art contest for Grades 10-12 in Region 10. The theme was about New Normal Challenge: Sustainable Actions for a Sustainable Future.

The contest this year was a bit different and perhaps quite new for all the contestants. They submitted their entries online that included the story behind their drawings and a video of themselves doing the artwork.

As far as I could remember, my daughter started sketching at the age of 2 and a half. It was Christmas time and we bought her a gift at the mall already but she caught the eye of a MegaSketcher (she called it magic board that time) and she didn't want to leave without it. We never spoil her with material things but it was only at that time in her life that she sat on the floor and didn't leave the mall without getting that thing. We gave in but told her to promise us to never to do it again and she nodded (and she never did👏). As it turned out, the Megasketcher helped her improve her drawings in her growing up years. Later, her sketches were more developed until she finally let her younger sister inherited her 'old toy'.

Now, she's 17 years old, had joined many school competitions on traditional arts (won some, missed some). She started joining digital art only last year and even won a place at her school.

But DENR contest was a big thing for her (and for us as well). It was the first time she won first place in an inter-school competition and with no coach (because of Covid19 pandemic). She joined before but only landed in top 7 or top 10. Anyways, just wanna flex myself for guiding her this time and acted like a 'caoch', hehe.

Actually, I am not good in art and I have no talent like my daughter and the only thing I could be of assistance was to check if her drawing was in line with the theme or if her drawing was able to convey the message in one glance...oh, I took videos of her while sketching but it was she who did the editing then submitted it via email.

Anyways, I also checked the other entries and wow, I was really impressed to see the artworks of those talented kids. They all deserved to be in top 10 with their God-given talents.

So, congrats to all but most especially to my daughter who put much effort in this artwork. I should know coz I saw how passionate she was, how she slept late at night just to finish it but I was also glad that she somehow listened to me when I suggested something what to include and what to exclude :D

Again, congrats Chloe! You deserve it💓

Lamoiyan Corporation Donates 1-M worth of Hygiene Products for DepEd’s Basic Ed Learning Continuity Plan to VisMin

DepEd Region X Northern Mindanao received hygiene products from Lamoiyan

Lamoiyan Corporation, a leading manufacturer of personal hygiene and home care products in the country, has donated over one million worth of Lamoiyan products to Department of Education (DepEd) in Visayas and Mindanao as it celebrates the 5th year of Kilusang Kontra Kuto (Movement Against Head Lice) initiative.

In support of DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan amidst the pandemic, Lamoiyan Corporation distributed packs of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, Hapee Toothpaste, and Dazz Dishwashing Liquid to selected regions for distribution among the students.

Selected regions include Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Davao. Lamoiyan also recently donated hygiene products to Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and National Capital Region.

The total value of donated hygiene products nationwide amounts to over three million pesos.

DepEd Region VII Team accepted the donations from Lamoiyan

Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo initiated Kilusang Kontra Kuto (KKK) in 2016, a coalition that has been battling head lice infestation nationwide for a kuto-free Philippines. The campaign includes yearly nationwide shampoo activity in schools in its commitment to fight head lice infestation or pediculosis and eliminate the social stigma associated with it.

In light of the 5th year of this initiative, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz aimed to support DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan in the time of COVID-19 (BE-LCP). This is the department’s response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 which covers the most essential learning competencies, multiple learning delivery modalities for teachers, required health standards in schools, and more. 

“We are grateful for DepEd for being very supportive of our KKK campaign. With our long-running partnership with them, we were able to visit several schools in Visayas and Mindanao, do shampooing activities among students, and share the correct way of combatting head lice since 2016,” said Lamoiyan Corporation Vice President for Marketing Bing Cavestany.

“Although students now are practicing distance learning and we temporarily cannot do our annual activities due to the COVID-19 crisis, Licealiz would like to consistently promote health and personal hygiene through our humble donation as children or even family members are still susceptible to head lice infestation no matter the circumstances, especially with many staying at home and in close quarters during the pandemic,” she added.

Region XI also received Lamoiyan products

Aside from encouraging good oral hygiene, Lamoiyan is also advocating the correct way of treating head lice infestation, which is considered the second most common health problem of public school children after tooth decay.

Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo effectively kills lice and nits after two weeks of use and prevents lice infestation from recurring. Its active ingredient, pyrethrin, a natural extract from chrysanthemum flowers, is clinically tested and proven safe and successful in killing lice and nits, while its conditioning formula keeps your kid’s hair soft, smooth and fragrant.

For more information on head lice prevention and other Lamoiyan products, log on to www.facebook.com/licealiz or visit www.lamoiyan.com.

Toyota PH Affirms Power To Lead With Unveiling Of New Fortuner

Continuing its streak of digital vehicle launches, leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has started the last quarter of 2020 with a highly-anticipated update on one of the most popular models in its lineup – the Toyota Fortuner. 

The New Fortuner range is headlined by the new LTD variant in 4x4 and 4x2 which comes in an exclusive design, followed by Q and V variants in automatic transmission, and the G variant available in AT and MT. 

Starting at Php 1.63M for the G MT variant, TMP assures Filipinos of great value for money with Toyota’s signature quality, durability, and reliability embedded in the DNA of the country’s best-selling and well-loved Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

During the online launch of the New Fortuner, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto recalled how the Fortuner changed the local automotive landscape at a time when entry level sedans and Asian utility vehicles were the affordable crowd favorite.

“The Fortuner captured the hearts of many Filipinos as proven by strong sales. It has an SUV body perfect for the Philippines’ flood-prone streets, an array of variants including a fuel-efficient diesel engine, a macho look that satisfies desires, and most of all, an affordable price – making it an achievable dream!” said Okamoto.

“The new Fortuner is SMARTER, STRONGER and SAFER than ever! With its refreshed line-up led by the top-of-the-line premium LTD grade, the country’s best-selling SUV just got better!” he added.

Since the Fortuner’s entry in the local market in 2005, TMP has already sold over 220,000 units of this highly-recognized SUV. In 2017, the Fortuner was crowned best-selling vehicle in the country. Just this August, the model dominated the mid-sized SUV category with over 30% market share.

With the 2020 update, the Fortuner gets more confident, prestigious, safe, further proving itself a formidable and reliable SUV, perfect for any city or off-road drive.

Drive in style, drive to lead

The New Fortuner LTD’s look is made more striking and more elegant coming in the 2-tone color black roof color lineup, a bolder and sportier front and rear bumper design, and machine-cut 18” alloy wheels. Split-type LED headlamps and LED front foglamps, sequential turn signal lamps, and the redesigned LED rear combination lamps give the LTD variant a more dynamic design while maintaining visibility on the road. The Q and V variants also get LED foglamps and redesigned LED rear combination lamps, as well as Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED Line Guide - Daytime Running Lights. G variants also now come with Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED DRL.

Confidence, ease, and control

Ingress is smooth and easy with Smart Entry and Push Start System for LTD, Q, and V grades. The LTD variant features an elegant interior in leather with maroon accents, as well as galaxy black trim and interior illumination which adds to the sophisticated interior look of the vehicle. The Q variant also gets the classy black leather interior complemented by a dark wood trim.

The driver gets more control over the ride with various modes: Eco and Sport for LTD and Q variants, Eco and Power for V and G variants, and easy access to switches on the steering wheel and through the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible audio system across all variants. LTD, Q, and V variants feature 8” display audio.

Comfort and entertainment is guaranteed the whole journey for the driver and passengers as LTD and Q variants have 8-Way Power Adjust front seats, and Front Seat Ventilation System for the LTD variant. Never lose power with the wireless charger and rear USB chargers available on LTD, Q, and V grades, and experience premium sound quality over the LTD variants’ 9-speaker JBL sound system. Feel at ease throughout the ride with front and rear automatic control for V grades and up.

Made stronger and more efficient

The New Fortuner LTD and Q variants are powered by the 1GD-FTV engine which gives 201 HP (204 Ps) max output and 500 Nm max torque, while the V and G variants have the 2GD-FTV engine which gives 147 HP (150Ps) max output and 400 Nm max torque.

The 2GD engine is improved for the New Fortuner V and G variants and enjoys 5% improvement in fuel efficiency versus the previous generation Fortuner.

Toyota Safety Sense now available in the New Fortuner

With safety as Toyota’s utmost priority, the New Fortuner is the latest addition to the expanding Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)-equipped models in TMP’s official lineup. Made better and safer than ever, TSS settings previously featured in select Toyota models such as the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control are now available for the Fortuner LTD and Q.

All variants come with SRS airbags (7 for the LTD variants), 3-pt. ELR seatbelts, Anti-Lock Brake System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control. The 4x4 LTD variant also has Downhill Assist Control. 

All variants also come with a total of 6 clearance and back sonars, in addition to the Panoramic View Monitor that comes with the LTD, Q, and V variants or reverse camera for the G variants.

Pricing

The New Fortuner will be available in all of TMP’s 70 dealerships across the country by October 19, 2020. The New Fortuner is also available for safely-distanced viewing in our virtual showroom. Get the full dealership experience online and check out the product highlights, view the interior and exterior in 3D, calculate payments, and submit inquiries direct to any preferred dealer via https://toyota.com.ph/fortuner.

Variant	SRP	Colors Available
2.8L 4x4 LTD AT WP 2-Tone	2,414,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x4 LTD AT 2-Tone	2,404,000	Silver Metallic / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x2 LTD AT WP 2-Tone	2,254,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x2 LTD AT 2-Tone	2,244,000	Silver Metallic / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x2 Q AT Pearl	2,013,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine
2.8L 4x2 Q AT	1,998,000	Attitude Black Mica Gray Metallic Silver Metallic
2.4L 4x2 V AT Pearl	1,842,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine
2.4L 4x2 V AT	1,827,000	Attitude Black Mica Gray Metallic Silver Metallic
2.4L 4x2 G AT	1,723,000	Attitude Black Mica Gray Metallic Silver Metallic Super White II
2.4L 4x2 G MT	1,633,000

For more information on the New Fortuner, visit TMP’s official website at www.toyota.com.ph and follow the official social media pages at ToyotaMotorPhilippines (Facebook and Instagram), @ToyotaMotorPH (Twitter), and Toyota PH (Viber and Telegram).

My Daughter The Artist

I used to post her achievements or upload her activities on YouTube. I used to make a blog about her when she was a kid until time came that she doesn't want me to write or post anything about herself. I dunno if it's just a teenage phase or maybe she's just too embarrass showing off about herself, lol. I stopped doing it also as not to pissed her off. But glad there were times that she would still allow me. But for today, I will not ask permission from her. I got a feeling that she would find out anyways as she often stalk my blog 😃

This is quite late already but I was just proud that she landed 2nd place in their Filipino Digital Poster Making at school last August. She's more on visual arts and just recently joined Digital Arts so placing second was a big boost on her part. She was awarded online early September during their Virtual assembly. 

Just to let you know that my daughter is struggling so hard in Filipino. It's hard for her to speak or write in Tagalog. She speaks English most of the time, or Visayan/Bisaya to some of her friends. And for her to win in one of their Filipino contests at school was a big honor on her part. Sharing to you a picture posted from their school, which I cropped and edited by the way, hehe.