Back in the day, I used to line up very early in the morning in the Pasay NSO Office in Macapagal Avenue to request for my Birth Certificate whenever we have a trip abroad, or for school enrollment. It would take up much of my time that sometimes I need to take a leave from school just to get one, or ask my mom to get one for me.
Things got easier, eventually. Malls have offered these services, too. However, you’d have to wait for a bit longer, and there is a bit of additional charge. Still good, compared to a whole day of lining up and picking it up.
The website is clean and easy to navigate. That’s always a plus for me and for most of us, for sure.
Upon clicking the Order Now button on the landing page.
I requested for a Birth Certificate for my daughter.
Enter the requested details and information, and you’ll be led to the payment options.
Conveniently pay using these channels, online and over the counter.
We received the document at home after 4 days. An ID is requested to receive the document.
You can also request for other civil registry documents such as Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate, and CENOMAR.
And there you have it! Hope ALL government agencies get to this point wherein Filipinos get quality service we truly deserve. Request your or your family’s birth certificate now through PSA birth certificate online application.
Oral Health is something my parents paid attention to ever since my sister and I were young children. And I am so grateful for that, because we do the same for our own daughters.
Oral Health is also getting a spotlight, especially this World Oral Health Day 2022. With the different types of food that we take, our teeth surely needs that extra TLC.
A health care company led an initiative to reach out to families and promote oral health, especially during this time of pandemic wherein health is of top priority.
#nofilter showing off their healthy smiles.
To emphasize the importance of good oral health practices at home, Cleene CLIO has partnered with Manila Water Foundation and Philippine Dental Association to provide oral health kits to various barangays and schools as part of this year’s World Oral Health Day activities. Over 2,000 health kits containing Cleene CLIO toothbrushes and Dental Floss Premium from Cleene CLIO and PHILUSA were distributed to 12 barangays and to the chosen hygiene facility in Dinalaonan Elementary School in Pangasinan.
And as a special treat for World Oral Health Day, selected Cleene CLIO products will be sold at 20% off exclusively in Mercury Drug stores nationwide until April 15, 2022.
Cleene CLIO continues to be the partner of every Filipino family in promoting good oral hygiene by offering a wide range of affordable and quality toothbrushes.
Cleene CLIO toothbrushes are made with MicroFine Soft Bristles that help penetrate and clean hard to reach areas for better interdental cleaning and a gentle brushing experience. The tapered bristles penetrate between teeth and gums for thorough cleaning, while the rounded shape of the bristles remove plaque and prevent teeth and gum damage.
There is a Cleene CLIO toothbrush for every member of the family that is affordable and has world-class quality. For those wanting extra care and protection for your teeth, Cleene CLIO offers its Refreshing Green Tea and Ultimax Charcoal under their Special care line. While for those needing specialized care, Cleene CLIO has its Kiddie and Junior as well as 40+ for sensitive gum and teeth. It also has its economy toothbrushes for general oral health care for any age.
Cleene CLIO is available at Mercury Drug, leading supermarkets, drugstores and other retail stores nationwide as well as on all leading ecommerce websites: Shopee, Lazada, and the PHILUSA Online Store.
A product of proudly Filipino company PHILUSA Corporation, Cleene CLIO has been an ardent supporter of this global oral health initiative, especially with oral care given less priority during the pandemic when accessibility to dentists and visits to oral health facilities were challenging at the height of the lockdowns.
As the world slowly opens up, despite the pandemic still in full force, moms should also be ready. Armed with the right information and the right “tools,” I am assured that my family is always safe and healthy.
With the nationwide vaccination program in full force, Filipinos can slowly enjoy various activities such as more dining options as well as doing physical activities by going to the gym. However, health experts continue to remind everyone to not let their guards down even as we gradually go back to normal.
As there are reports of new and potentially more contagious variants, everyone must remain vigilant through following established health protocols and getting vaccinated so we can all continue to live safe and prevent the cases from surging again. That’s why when we do essential errands such as buying groceries, exercising outdoors, or simply going outside, disinfecting your hands and any surface you interact with goes a long way to ensure living safely for you and your family.
One way to prevent the spread of the virus is by always carrying a trusted rubbing alcohol brand that contains at least 70& alcohol solution whenever you go outdoors.
With Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol, I am assured that my family is protected faster (kills germs on contact), longer (up to 12 hours) and better (kills 99% of common germs). We are also protected safer (hypoallergenic and moisturizing properties). Defensil is also recommended by the Philippine Society for Microbiology and passed the strictest quality standards of the Philippine Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Skin dryness from too frequent sanitizing will also not be a worry as Defensil has moisturizing properties and is hypoallergenic, giving you one less thing to worry about when going indoors.
“We are 100% behind the government in their efforts to prevent further spread of the virus. Defensil encourages everyone to remain vigilant now more than ever and do our part in this fight towards eventually resuming our normal way of life by adhering to social Distancing and sanitation protocols, especially when doing essential errands outdoors,” shared Nikko Cruz, Brand Manager of Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol.
For more information on how to stay protected, you may visit the Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol’s Facebook page at facebook.com/defensil.philippines.
Following the success of its 2021 opener, “At The Movies”, OperaJuan closes its fourth performance season with yet another special online concert in collaboration with the Manila Pianos Artist Series: The two-part duo recital entitled, “Seeing Double”, will feature beloved solos and duets of the classical and musical theatre genres.
Its first act, “Neri x Michael”, is a presentation of some of the most enthralling art songs in the world of classical vocal music and will be shared by soprano and tenor duo, Nerissa De Juan and Michael Del Rosario. The performance will showcase the perennial compositions of Mendelssohn, Bellini, Elgar, Boulanger, Hahn, Quilter, and more.
Formally closing this back-to-back song recital is the tenor and baritone tandem of Nathan Josiah Sasing and Renz Nathaniel Cruz in “Nathan x Nathan”. Highlighted in the show’s second installment are captivating musical theatre works of the modern era written by acclaimed songwriters Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken, Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens, Marvin Hamlisch, and more.
This exciting event is spearheaded by Manila Pianos Artist Series’ Director, Richard Sy-Facunda, and OperaJuan’s Artistic Director, Renz Nathaniel Cruz. Nerissa De Juan and Aindrielle Madelo serves as the show’s production managers, while Reynaldo “Raki” Gendrano takes on the role of pianist and music director.
“Seeing Double I: Neri x Michael” will premiere on November 14, 2021, Sunday, 8pm, while “Seeing Double II: Nathan x Nathan” will premiere on November 21, 2021, Sunday, 8pm. Both shows will be streamed for free on YouTube.
Follow the official social media accounts of OperaJuan and the Manila Pianos Artist Series for more updates:
Everything now
seems to be easily accessible. Paying bills, online shopping, food delivery,
even medical results can be accessed online. You name it, the internet has it.
Not to be left
behind, our favourite store that’s got it all now has its own online platform!
Just the right timing, as recently, the most accessible branch just folded,
which is like one short walk or a tricycle ride away from home.
Enter ShopSM,
the newest online platform of our much loved The SM Store. Over the holidays, I
got acquainted with this platform, and at the perfect timing: I was not able to
grab Christmas presents for my husband and my daughter!
We had quite a
busy schedule the whole of December, that we went last minute shopping for
gifts for our families and friends. It was not a lot, but still took some of
our time to think, shop, purchase, and pack those Christmas presents.
Unfortunately, we ended December and welcomed the New Year with
Emergency Room trips and medicines. Both my husband and daughter fell ill, and
I unfortunately got the bug few days after.
So, browsing the ShopSM store online became retail therapy
for me, as I chose gifts for my husband and my mini-me.
What I liked about the ShopSM online? Here’s some reasons:
Easy to access website. The interface is easy to understand, and clearly broken down into categories: Women, Men, Kids, Home, Beauty, Sale, and New.
Quick processing of payment and item delivery. I was surprised to received the order on the first Monday of the year! I purchased the Friday before that, and surprised to have received the confirmation emails immediately, and the message from the courier on a Sunday. Quick service there!
Return process is a breeze. I followed the instructions on my account dashboard on the ShopSM website, printed the return request form, brought the item to the nearest SM store’s Customer Service, and the return was easily facilitated. The item I returned was a shirt supposedly for my husband, unfortunately, I got a Teens Size whilst I was ordering. After the return process, I was given a voucher, which I can use until February to purchase another item. I decided to wait for hubby to be available so we could shop for his shirt together.
Easy to navigate website. I am always in it!For my daughter’s ballet class, she needed a new bottle since her previous one got broken.This was the wrong order! I was excitedly looking at another item, which did not say Teens on it. Unfortunately, all We Bare Bears for Men are only for Male Teens.
Some things that can be improved:
The site kept on hanging whenever I reach the payment and delivery options. I chatted with their online chat service, which advised me to clear my browser data and cache. Which I did, and to no avail. Ultimately, I opted for a COD and delivery, which has additional cost. Still better than going out and picking up the item which would cost additional fare also.
The size guide for teens and males are just the same. Here is where I got the mistake of ordering a teen sized shirt, which is also medium sized. Better check the brands and the exact name of the product before adding to your online shopping cart.
Less plastics and paper for delivery of the items. I noticed that there was just too much plastic to wrap the items. I understand this might be needed to secure the flask I purchased for my daughter in SM Kids. There were also lots of excess papers—copies of orders—inside the package, which ended up in the trash. Probably some other way to reduce these excess papers and plastics?
I do hope as well that they would add more choices soon! Shopping is truly a breeze when done in the comfort of your own home, and with ShopSM, it will be easier. There would definitely be a next time, especially that the nearest SM Store now is about 5 kilometers away, which I would only get to visit on weekends or when there are Novena Masses at church.
Have you done some online shopping lately? What items do you
usually shop for online?
Another holiday season has ended. And of course, who says no to food on holidays?
But despite of all the food, do you even mind your teeth and gums? That would probably be last priority, it’s the holidays, anyway!
Good thing, our friends from Oral B sent a package with their latest products, which I got to try while eating all those yummy, sugary, salty, savoury food.
It came in this cute box! My friend thought it to be a graduation cap at first.
And before we fully unbox this, let me also share with you five tips to keep your pearly whites whiter and stronger.
1. Take coloured and acidic drinks like wine or coffee in moderation. Anything in moderation is fine. Just remember that these drinks would most probably stain and destroy your enamel in the long run. Water is still the way to go, and make sure to finish your meal or drinks with water to flush out any dirt immediately away from your teeth.
2. Make sure to brush after eating, and do not consume anything immediately after brushing. Never miss a toothbrush sesh, as it would help take away the smaller food excesses in your mouth.
3. Choose a good toothpaste and toothbrush that can help you clean and keep clean your teeth.
Toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss. Power trio for your dental health.
With the package came Oral B’s Charcoal White toothbrush (which I super like!), and their latest innovation, the Gum and Enamel repair toothpaste.
The NEW Oral-B Gum & Enamel Repair Toothpaste is clinically proven to protect gums and strengthen enamel in 2 weeks. Oral-B’s Gum and Enamel Repair toothpaste has unique ActivRepair™ technology, clinically proven to neutralize bacteria on the gumline, and even keep it away afterwards, too. It also repairs the damage caused to your tooth enamel by everyday wear and tear and continues to protect it afterwards. Not only that, but it also helps do all this in just two weeks.
I saw a significant lightening of my teeth on my first try! Now that’s something I looked forward to each time I brushed, since I have consumed quite an amount of sugary Christmas treats and coffee to keep me awake for the piano playing and singing during Dawn Masses.
4. Don’t forget to floss! This we oftentimes forget, and because we neglect flossing, bacteria buildup is faster. Included in the package is the Oral-B Glide Floss. What I particularly like about this floss is that it does not shred and as the name says, glides in between your teeth really well. I am not a floss user but this one makes me use floss every after toothbrush already.
5. Visit your dentist regularly. Once a year is sometimes all it takes, so that the dentist can assess your dental health. In that one visit he will clean your teeth, which has to be done annually as well, and recommend if you need fillings, among other things.
So, there you have it! Five easy steps for that protected teeth, holidays and beyond. Keep up a habit of better teeth with Oral-B’s line of quality and innovative dental products.
Here’s to healthier pearly whites! And a Happy New Year to all.
Okay, that might not sound right, but am sure you know which Max I am talking about–the restaurant, of course.
And indeed I have. From my parents’ wedding reception, the studio recital of my voice and piano students, my daughter’s baptism, reunions, meetings, or any time of the day eating, these all turn to special when we are at Max’s.
And they want you to experience the same through their special summer treats!
There’s heat quenchers, free food for kids, new products and discounted bread items.
Read more HERE:
Rice bowls: complete meal in one bowl. From Mondays to Thursdays, families craving for a hearty lunch or dinner after a long day at work and school can enjoy Max’s Rice Bowls with a free scoop of Selecta Ice Cream starting only at PHP149.
Rice pa more: unlirice! If you’re more of a Meal Deal type of family, you can also top up with Rice All You Can by adding PHP50 to a Real Deal/Family of 5 meal of PHP100 for a Family of 10 meal.
Halu-halo ALL YOU CAN AND WANT! Looking for a merienda treat to cool you off? Or a place where you can hang out with family, friends, and coworkers while cooling down? From March 23 to 31, customers can get unlimited regular Halo-Halo at Max’s for only PHP 189 every day from 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Kids eat FOR FREE! Make the weekend extra special and troop to Max’s with the family, where kids aged 10 and below can enjoy a free Kiddie Meal, which comes with 1 pc. of Max’s classic Fried Chicken, rice, pasta, sago’t gulaman, and a caramel bar.
Take home treats with a discount. Want to make that weekend feeling last just a little bit longer? Parents looking to take a piece of Max’s home can also enjoy 25% off of Max’s Corner Bakery products from 5:00 p.m. onwards. With a minimum purchase of PHP150, the first 50 customers can avail of the discount on all of Max’s Corner Bakery products.
“Filipinos want to make the most of summer and make it a time to create new memories, so we wanted to make this summer extra special for every Filipino family, every day of the week” said Max’s Restaurant Chief Operating Officer Paolo Serrano. “No matter who you’re with or what day of the week you come in, we’ll make your summer dining experience one to remember with these summer delights.” This summer, fill your family time with care, love, and hearty, comforting food with Max’s summer treats. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant.
Avail one, or all! Visit your nearest branch today. Some offers come for a limited time only, so make sure to catch them, else they’ll soon be gone.
Thanks to Max’s Restaurant and Mommy Bloggers Philippines for inviting us for lunch last week to taste all the new and yummy treats.
(Manila, Philippines) A strong follow up from its 2018 #TouchOfCare video, Vicks once again releases another true-to-life story on the transformative power of care, to celebrate the extraordinary stories of the people who have lived it by their actions. This time, it centers on a child infected with HIV and a woman whose love and care paved way for the transformation of both their lives. This is a powerful story that aims to challenge current beliefs, social norms, definitions, and stereotypes; a bold move aimed to address issues on discrimination.
Vicks, a brand synonymous with Generations of Care globally, continues its mission on transforming people’s lives with the power of care with the belief that it is Care that makes a family, and not the other way around. The brand’s #TouchOfCare campaign brings to the surface societal taboos and sheds light on them to inspire change in perspectives and preconceived biases. It reveals how anybody with a loving touch of care has the capability to transform another person’s life.
“The purpose of the Vicks brand is rooted in care. With our #TouchOfCare
campaign, we aim to share stories where people have transformed lives of others
through their extraordinary acts of care. The story of “Agnes” was one such
story which just needed to be told. We hope the campaign inspires more people
to transform lives and transcend social norms, definitions and stereotypes
through their own acts of care.”
The 4-minute video heroes a child who was born with HIV infection. When his mom died from the disease, the 4-month old was handed by his immediate family to Agnes, his mom’s friend. Captured in the story is how Agnes later on found out about the child’s condition, and instead of turning away from the unexpectedly difficult situation, she committed to raise him and showered him with love and care. It was the start of a beautiful life transformation for the two; revealing how Agnes fought for child’s life against all ridicule and discrimination from the people around them. Today, with Agnes’ unfaltering love and care, the child is 4 years old and his HIV infection lays dormant in his body.
“With
the Touch of Care campaign, we are passionate about telling powerful stories of
love. The story of Agnes just grabbed us from the start and we felt this moving
tale of mother and son, amidst their challenges, was something we want to share
with the world. This is the power of care that Vicks celebrates, for when you
choose it, you have a hand in transforming another person’s life and make it
better.”
Lester
Estrada, P&G Philippines Marketing Director
Vicks believes that sharing Agnes’ story will create a
ripple effect that inspires people to look past the current beliefs, social
norms, definitions, and stereotypes placed on people, and ultimately creates a transformative
power of care. The brand also wants to create societal awareness for children
born with HIV in order to change society’s beliefs and perspectives towards
them. Vicks is committed to amplifying inspiring stories that show the transformation
of human lives when people give a touch of care.
“While
brands have the power to lead conversations and influence culture, it is
ordinary people in their everyday lives who actually inspire these brands to
reflect relevant realities in our advertising. This extraordinary ability of a
person to transcend every imaginable boundary to feel and care for another
life, another human being, continues to be the inspiration for Vicks’
“Touch of Care” campaign across multiple geographies. To celebrate
the lives, amplify the stories and support our everyday heroines and heroes is
a privilege for our brand.”
Ajay
Vikram, Publicis Singapore Chief Creative Officer, Global Clients
Vicks has partnered with Project Red Ribbon (a partner of
Department of Health – National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program and is
associated with the World
Health Organization and UNAIDS). This partnership aims to give the same love
and care seen in the film to the children under the “Duyan Project”. “Duyan”, a
Filipino noun which means “cradle”, aims to provide care and support to children
with HIV in the Philippines. Through the said program, they will be given care,
love and attention, to improve their quality of life until they are once again
healthy and can go back to school.
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest
portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ambi Pur®, Ariel®,
Dawn®, Downy®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Joy®, Olay®, Oral-B®,
Pampers®, Pantene®, Rejoice®, Safeguard®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The
P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.
Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news
and information about P&G and its brands.
As the Christmas season ushers in, music from opera and musical theatre will be featured in a special two-night concert in the second weekend of December.
OperaJuan’s “Of Thrones and Tiaras: An Evening of Opera and Musical Theater Royalty” will feature music from various opera and musical theater masterpieces fit for any king or queen: La Traviata, Le Nozze di Figaro, Die Zauberflöte, Cendrillon, Into The Woods, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, and many more!
Performing these regal works are opera and musical theater singers Kimberly Adam, Mary Louise Alcantara, Aubrey Marie Buenvenida, Allison Rose Cervantes, Renz Nathaniel Cruz, Eden Lorrice Dumlao, Shanna Loise Garcia, Aindrielle Madelo, Lorenz Edward Sarrondo, Tomy Virtucio, and Jane Wee. The show is directed by Renz Nathaniel Cruz, with musical direction by Klyde Ledamo.
Ticket Price: P500
Venue: Manila Pianos, Ronac Lifestyle Center, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City.
For ticket inquiries, you may contact: 09651951007, 09950818296, or 09566757186.
This event is co-presented by our official media partner: 98.7 DZFE-FM | The Master’s Touch
Poster design is by Pao Quiambao Villavicencio
#OfThronesAndTiaras #OperaJuan
OperaJuan is an emerging company of young singers whose aim is to further promote the classical and musical theater genres in the Philippines. This concert will be considered their soft launch.
While formula and follow-on milk formula are enjoying the limelight in the marketing scene, it’s always nice to know that there are still institutions who dared take that road less traveled and support only the best–breastfeeding.
I got a chance to attend a forum on the Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines program of the World Vision and the Department of Health as a mommy blogger. When I read the invite, I immediately asked if there are milk sponsors and gladly there is none, since this is a project of the Department of Health.
What surprised me even more is seeing one of the foremost breastfeeding champs in the country, in the person of a male.
Yes, our breastfeeding face in the DOH is a he! Dr. Anthony Calibo.
Imagine that. A room full of mommy bloggers, nutrition experts, celebrity influencers, a supportive organisation, all in unison for breastfeeding.
The focal point of the event was the phone application they introduced to report milk code violations. I do hope that the response time will be reasonable and adequate, and for the customer to be assured of their safety and confidentiality.
Here’s more about the event:
Breastfeeding may be considered a challenging phase of motherhood but the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies truly make the journey worthwhile. While more and more mothers recognize that breastmilk will always be superior compared to formula milk, there is still a need to spread awareness on its benefits and to encourage people to support breastfeeding.
In response to the global campaign of protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding, World Vision Development Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Health, launched Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines. This two-year project aims to:
1. Support and strengthen the implementation of Executive Order 51 (The Philippine Milk Code of 1986), Republic Act 7600 (The Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992), and Republic Act 10028 (The Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009).
2. Increase awareness and educate health professionals and the public regarding these laws.
3. Encourage people to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding by involving them in monitoring the implementation of breastfeeding laws in the country.
Carleneth F. San Valentin, Health and Nutrition Technical Programme Manager of World Vision Development Foundation, believes that encouraging mothers to nurture their child is a way to empower a mother’s ability to breastfeed and care for their child. “We are here to educate mothers so that they are empowered to make the right choice in nurturing and caring for their child. We want them to realize that if these laws are not implemented, we are impinging on their rights and of their child’s,” she shared.
According to Dr. Anthony P. Calibo of the Department of Health, this responsibility to uphold the breastfeeding rights of mothers is not just the responsibility of concerned organizations and government sectors; it is a responsibility of the general public. “If a mother is investing herself for the betterment of the future of her child, then she is also investing in the betterment of the future of this country,” he emphasized.
To stay true to their mission and vision for this project, the team conducted Mommy Forum: Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines last October 2, 2018 at Little Owl in New Manila. #MBFPH was graced by mom celebrities like Camille Prats Yambao, Jennica Garcia Uytingco and Erika Padilla.
Erika Padilla, World Vision Breastfeeding Ambassador, shared her breastfeeding journey. “It is a huge sacrifice. It is difficult, painful, and a lot of work. But definitely worth every single drop because I see my son getting stronger and healthier every day,” she recalled. Her story encouraged more moms to share and ask for more tips from Erika as well.
Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Development Foundation, reminds long-time moms and new moms the reason behind this gathering: the breastfeeding normalization is still a work in progress and it’s a must to constantly promote and protect breastfeeding to empower moms and to ensure a healthy start for their children.
To know how you can support Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines, log on to https://mbfp.doh.gov.ph/ or download MBF PH via Google Play or Apple Store.
Jun Godornes, Resource Development Director of World Vision Development Foundation, joined Erika Padilla as she officially signs her contract as World Vision Breastfeeding Ambassador.
Dr. Anthony Calibo of the Department of Health; World Vision Breastfeeding Ambassador Erika Padilla, Carleneth F. San Valentin, Health and Nutrition Technical Programme Manager of World Vision Development Foundation; Camille Prats Yambao, Jennica Garcia Uytingco, Event Host Erin Valera, and Jun Godornes, Resource Development Director of World Vision Development Foundation.
As the Christmas season ushers in, music from opera and musical theatre will be featured in a special two-night concert in the second weekend of December.
