SISTERS Welcome New Sis MEGAN YOUNG

She's still so beautiful and has a certain glow after giving birth to a baby boy, she's the one and only Miss World 2013 Megan Young. She is the new Sis of popular feminine hygiene brand Sisters manufactured by Megasoft Corporation.

Megan says "If I'm going to be honest, I didn't get to take care of myself after giving birth. Mikael was there when I was getting overwhelmed, and that reassurance from him got all my Mom guilt out of my system. Sometimes you just want to take care of everything but we have to learn to share the responsibilities. Now I get to taking care of myself and my baby. I always say I am a strong follower, but when he got injured I saw how I was able to lead. Sisters is a brand I truly believe in, and use too. We're happy to share this to other folks, my management knows about it."

She adds "My last project was Royal Blood, but I'm excited to take on new projects because now we can do content, a show with all of us together. For now there will be one parent with Leon, we want him to grow extra happy. We're mostly at home taking care of Leon, we have minimal time to go out but plan to travel with everyone soon because my baby already has his passport"

Megan wasn't briefed yet but so eager to be part of the school visits they do to teach those of age about feminine hygiene. She knows through experience how they often are too shy to be seen using pads which is a normal occurrence. This is also part of their efforts on Sister's 25th year anniversary. You will see Megan on activations, posters and commercials on their socials and TV. 

 

Here's the press conference on video:

 

 

 

Congratulations Megan on getting this endorsement and for baby Leon! 

Abhorred, Avoided and Unpopular: Affordable Divorce in the Philippines by KATE COSETENG

Admitting the causes she's supporting as "Unpopular", Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Kate Coseteng is not about to let down what she sees as necessary for women in the Philippines. She is the first representative of Kababaihan PartyList which aims to be the voice of women in congress to enact laws that would benefit the public. Their Second Nominee Ria Romualdo is a registered nurse, and has sternly supported their causes in childrens health and welfare, based in Mindanao.

 Kate is no stranger in creating laws as she's been a Quezon City Councilor for 3 terms, has done the same in Valenzuela City. She pushed for the creation of Quezon City University, dialysis centers, PWD concerns, and benefits for solo parents (something she is pretty well known for). She uttered unpopular because these are certain things that people don't accept, especially matters that concern divorce. She lengthily discussed this with us because of the things that women go through. 

If set in an abusive marriage, it may also be physical, emotional and economical. She's optimistic it will get passed if it doesn't contain certain conditions such as "irreconcilable differences" as it is too broad to define and be accepted by lawmakers. I saw how practical she was and deal it without emotions, much like business and a numbers game rather than having just a feisty disposition. She focusing on going into it with pride, curiosity, knowledge that the causes are important. If you don't know, it is extremely expensive to get an annulment in the Philippines and it is extremely an anti poor legislation. The plan is, to have divorce be afforded by folks of any stature. She mentioned it being paid for as much as 5,000 pesos, all in. This could definitely be a game changer for a lot of women who couldn't afford the annulment process if they are abused. 

The KABABAIHAN PartyList is also very aware of current issues, and would want to address working conditions for women who work at odd hours. Call Center agents, BPO, Nurses, Bartenders, Security Guards, and the likes, they feel should have a place to safely leave their kids while they are working to make a living. They want a Night Care Center to do this to also be a place for refuge for women who are victims of abuse, to also have them train for livelihood and business, also get legal and psychological help if needed. They also want to help create laws that would provide micro finance so women could put up small businesses to provide for their families. This includes financial literacy, for obvious reasons. They also want to push for reforms regarding the LGBTQIA+ sector, to provide a more general view of the equality they've been longing for. Something that they want to do with reforms, even if it means they would have to start from scratch. 

Kate says "If you see the things we have on our platform are severely unpopular. It's a bit heavy to digest, but these are legitimate issues in our society. For example divorce, since we are a very Catholic nation, it's super difficult to pass laws like it. We already have passed a version in congress, but it met its demise in the senate. This goes the same with the SOGIE Bill that has already spent 24 years since its inception. Senator Miriam Santiago first did this in the early 2000's, and when asked what I could help with their cause, they answered just "respect", so we made efforts to make it less polarizing when it is sent to the Senate. This would be more like an anti discrimination act that would be applicable for all including the LGBTQIA+ community. Baby steps, we can't just promise platforms and not have progress." 

Here's her talk if you want a more detailed understanding of it:

Unpopular, yes, but it feels so necessary for a LOT of people. It was super nice to hear all these from her and how passionate she wants it all to happen. Women remains a sector that is heavily under represented to this day. I know so many folks who would greatly benefit from the laws she mentioned especially with divorce for abused women.

Do you agree with her?

Personal Collection Continues Championing Women

A huge chunk of businesses in the Philippines is still comprised of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It's a driving force, a significant amount of which are owned by women. This goes the same with Personal Collection, where dealers are mostly women that are empowered by the brand's accessible, low cost but quality merchandise. They contribute a lot to society.

Personal Collection recognizes this and has continued to help women in their direct selling business by having them own their individual enterprise as dealers, all providing a community that supports in their goals to succeed in life. They remain affordable to make sure they would be able to start their journey and grow their businesses.

Their growth is seen as a catalyst to improve the lives of their families, then continue to inspire others as they do other things so they could put food on the table and have their children go to school and make their dreams come true. Personal Collection is also very flexible, knowing mothers have other responsibilities too, they can earn on their own time and continue to contribute to the country's economy as part of MSME's. Go to personalcollection.com.ph if you want to be part of the movement.

Celebrating Women's Month with Mary Rose Marbil: A Story of Love, Compassion, Family and Service

She was all smiles when she went in. Donned in a white crisp top, hair tucked back and a presence I couldn't put to words. She has this presence signifying power, poise, posture that make known strictness. But once she uttered words, it felt like we were welcomed home, like no strangers... getting a warm hug. 

She's the beautiful Ms. Mary Rose Marbil, loving wife to PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and caring mother to recently engaged Robyn Marie Marbil. She's also the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. (previously Officer's Ladies Club) Adviser, an honor she doesn't treat as an obligation, but an opportunity to help through charitable causes, now geared to help PNP Personnel and their families. This is also something that she is passionate about. 

Photo from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Facebook Page

 

This strong disposition must have come from somewhere, so I asked about who she gets the inspiration from. She immediately answered her Mom. She says "The woman who made a big impact is my Mom. Not just because she is my Mom, but because of how she is, and how she handled things. She's always objective about things. When we got married, we stayed with her for 3 years. She didn't want me to stay in PSG quarters because there would be a lot of chismis there. It might have been difficult to have 2 queens in one castle, but it wasn't with her. If there are conflicts, she never asked why, but just be present and be there for me. Even with the siblings, she's the most level headed. That's my Mom."

With the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc., she was involved in spearheading their ongoing project called LAB Virus (which they coined from Love and Blessings). She usually goes with the PNP Chief in various locations in the country but didn't participate much in efforts. With the project, she was able to start helping PNP personnel and their beneficiaries. With the foundation, she didn't have to wait for a regional visit to help people. It also rarely happens, and this was able to put them in a more pro-active state. 

The foundation sought help from health services to identify over 500 individuals that are critically ill. This was a huge number, even the Chief PNP was surprised. Much of them were suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease and needs lengthy dialysis treatments in their respective regions. They provided them needed financial assistance that would help for medical bills and for their daily spend. 

While it was a huge help, they wanted their actions to also be more sustainable. One of the regional leaders in Cebu was teaching life skills in making soap. It's a business they could easily teach PNP personnel and their beneficiaries, so they could fend for themselves, and put food on the table after getting help from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Very soon, they will also be teaching and giving away business kits to street sweepers in Camp Crame. They are excited to do this in Manila/Laguna too.

 Here's our interview with Ms. Mary Rose a few days ago:

Spreading love with every touch, the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. is continuously going around regions including BARMM. With help from private individuals who signified support through their organization, they would be able to lend a hand to more people especially PNP personnel and their families.

Recently, they also had a concert with singing PNP personnel to raise funds for the foundation. They also get help from individuals, other foundations (and the public) so they could come to the aid of more people in times of need. Her experience in the corporate world has helped her organize a structured operation to cater the underprivileged. They now have officers that will be able to continue efforts and ensure it would be addressed after her term. This is such a selfless and noble task, but she finds insurmountable fulfillment doing this.  

Her message to women out there, "There's always something you can do. You're not just a wife, let's not limit ourselves to what people think you can do. We are limitless, especially as women. It shouldn't be a hindrance, I even think there's more power in that. We have our charm, use it to move and make things happen. With our talents, we can use it for the welfare of the people around us. Do what you need to do!" Her story of love, compassion, her family and the service the foundation does for others is so inspiring.

Thank you for sharing your time Ms. Rose, it was certainly a pleasure getting to know you!

Redefining Holiday Colors and Fits: BUM Black Army and BUM G

It's the holidays and for sure you're looking for a nice outfit to wear that exactly matches your personality. Urban streetwear brand BUM Black Army and their new sister corp BUM G just came out with their holiday collection called "I Found the Perfect Gift" which embodies more colors, the now in fashion, being creative, playful, and having lots of versatility. 

This season wouldn't be just for red and green, they want you in different colors that would look good in Tactical Pants, with fun prints in Graphic Tees, sporty Baseball Shirts, and tons of Caps, Bags and other accessories. Imagine the things you can do to spruce up your looks without going too clunky or feel hot in this kind of weather. 

Over at BUM G, the ladies won't be bored at all because of the colors available for the new line. They've got Denim Jumpers, Denim Skirts, Soft and Elegant Blouses (which you can use for classy days or fun times with friends and family). Aside from that, they've got Cropped Tees which you can put inside layered ensembles like Varsity Jackets and more. 

If you are shopping inside boutiques, there exists a Spin and Style wheel which you can use to plan your outfits with especially with a busy schedule like yours, right?

Now if you're getting your whole wardrobe replaced, and spend 2000 pesos or more, you'll get a quilted Moon Bag, or other merch if you qualify for it. You may also get these items in various online platforms like Shopee, Lazada and Tiktok, so really, there's no excuse in copping that outfit that brings out his/her personality. 

Visit BUM Black Army stores nationwide or their kiosks around leading malls today because I'm sure, some of the specials and promos would run out fast!

35 Strong Years of Celebrating EVERY WOMAN: Philippine WACOAL Corporation

35 strong years of celebrating EVERY WOMAN, this is the journey of Philippine Wacoal Corporation.

Having been able to support and dress the Filipina intimately in the Philippines, this retail brand showcased their latest products through a fashion show in Okada's Grand Ballroom last June 20. Their executives including Philippine Wacoal Corporation President Ms. Ann Christine Palisoc, award winning celebrities Janice de Belen, Gelli de Belen, comedienne Candy Pangilinan, actress Natalie hart, Trina Candaza, Arlene Muhlach, legendary Eva Darren and several Sparkle stars during that evening. 

They also had Ms. Karen Davila as guest speaker, and recognized 4 icons Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Ms. Glenda Garcia , the gorgeous Ms. Glenda Dela Cruz and the heavenly Jamie Rivera. Power belter Ms. Sheryn Regis and a few acts also graced the show and performed for the audience including the fashion show depicting empowered women in 4 acts.

Here's the whole show on video, please enjoy!

They called it HER (for Ms. Glenda), HEALING (for Ms. Glenda Garcia), ARMOR (for Ms. Lorna Tolentino), and TRANSFORMATION (for Ms. Jamie Rivera). They named it after their personal experiences, the battles they've fought, and the things it represents.

They also made sure we felt how WACOAL has encompassed the matters of race, body type and the importance of how women should always exude confidence. This show didn't just celebrate their anniversary, but WOMEN. WACOAL also isn't stopping there, because they now have a huge sale in their stores, boutiques, and online via their website wacoal.ph.

Here's hoping for another year, more milestones and even more empowered women in the country!

PS. The fashion show and program was also organized by V-Works Events Management. They handled it quite well and did put up a great show. Congratulations on that!

KIM CHIU Gets Renewed with SISTERS

I guess it's true for Kim Chiu to say that when it rains, it pours! She's unstoppable as she gets another feather to her hat as she gets renewed with Megasoft Hygienic Products Incorporated's brand Sisters Napkins and Pantyliner. 

This coincides with Megasoft's 24th Anniversary. Aside from the endorsements, they have spruced up the packaging on the premiere product line. The event was also attended by Megasoft Vice President Ms. Aileen Choi Go whom we've seen a couple of times during events from their brand.

She laments "Kim has the same values as us at Megasoft. You've seen her doubly work hard in the different projects she's in including shows like her recent hit series Linlang and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. During out small talk while shooting the material for Sisters, you could feel her enery and how she lights up the set whenever she's there. She's very fun to be with, and still stays quite humble, and always takes good care of herself. Needless to say, she's admired by countless people who know her across the country!"

Kim was ecstatic and said "I am so thankful, honored, that Megasoft trusted and believed in me eversince. Being part of their brand and their advocacy of empowering women across the country, I'm excited on what we could do more this year. It's another partnership with Sisters!"

Kim will be part of Sisters efforts as they take their different roadshows and events in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They continue to educate women about hygeine. All of these are very meaningful initiatives which they will also talk about on Kim Chiu's vlog. They will also make sure that their products will be affordable, but still maintain quality at the forefront. This is just the beginning of another fruitful year!

Congratulations Kim!

foodpanda's Looking for 6 Beneficiaries of "Ka-Panda BIZ Women on Wheels"

Do you know that there are a lot of women foodpanda riders in the Philippines? Well foodpanda made sure that they do something special for them this Women's Day as they give BIGGER opportunities through their "Ka-panda BIZ Women on Wheels" program. This was witnessed by foodpanda Philippines executives, their partner organizations as they make sure that equality becomes a norm especially amongst women riders who are also part of their business.

Jerome Mangahas, foodpanda's Head of Communications and Public Affairs asserts this is the day to acknowledge women in the workforce and how they have been instrumental in the success of foodpanda, their community and their families. Last year, they only had 3 who were able to participate in the program but is now 6, which is welcome news.

Philippine Commission on Women OIC Atty Khay says "This year we challenge the stereotypes, the strength of their potential, the tough, independent, sociable, entrepreneur and woman. We believe every woman has the ability to choose, it's not a limitation, it's a source of strength. From the assumption that they are less capable, it hinders their choices. This also can be breeding a ground for violence. Women, your dreams, stories, it's all yours to claim. Our focus should remain steadfast, no matter how painful numbers are, women should remain equals. We should break down barriers and should do gender mainstreaming. The magna carta for women is turning 15 this year, this continues to promote equality. The law against violence to women and children on the other hand is on its 20th year. To make the most of it, we should assess and do proper targeting, increase women's specific needs. We need to continue to support GAD programs and advocate budget for it. We provide women the tools to take their families out of poverty. This national women's month, we must be united and put life in existing laws. We must pave ways for our partner organizations and it's beneficiaries."

Here's our video coverage which happened this morning.

Congratulations to Foodpanda, Foodpanda Logistics, Happinoy and the Philippine Commission on Women for being part of this!

Celebrating International Women's Month with TaskUs

Just got off the International Women's Month event of TaskUs. I could have entitled this artilcle "of TaskUs", but I felt I was part of the celebrations hence the change. I felt I was talking among peers rather than guests.

Their thrust this month is "Breaking the Bias", Ms. Victoria Alchachupas the Division VP of Integrated Marketing at TaskUs says "We need to admit that there is bias, I'm proud to be part of an organization that is part of the solution. We focus on talent and skills, the more diverse, the better. 49 percent of leaders at TaskUs are women, and our commitment to provide the best employee experience makes us ridiculously different. It's a conscious balance in internal promotion and hiring to do that, we look at the capabilities and background regardless of gender."

Vina Paglicawan the Director for Wellness at TaskUs says "Working Filipinas are burnt out with intensified challenges brought by the pandemic. We saw the same happen with mothers, balancing work and home responsibilities. TaskUs has been relentless in providing tools and support to create healhty workplace for its employees so as to improve any feelings of stress, anxiety or burnout. Currently, the company has Employee Assistance Programs, 100+ Mental Health Professionals, Outreach Activities, did flexible parenting workshops, and put up a Solo Parents Group. Our employees always have a high satisfaction rating, 94% and they appreciate, acknowledge that they are being taken cared of."

Regina Aguila says "Women think they have fewer career advancement opportunities than men, organizations need to proactively support their employees growth. TaskUs has been pro women, pro family and inclusive for all. We have scholarship programs, expanded maternity leaves, 24 leaves policy including a birthday leave, HMO, on site day care and lactation rooms. TaskUS advocates recognizing top talents, have internal job promotion opportunities, tuition fee and professional development programs, employee resource groups, bias detection and allyship leadership training, everyone is allowed to speak up."  

Hearing that from the people at TaskUs felt sincere, it felt good hearing that they've not been discriminated by their gender, role or ethnicity. They also have seen opportunities of advocating for others, women, coach them, make them aware about not taking biases. Their goal is equality, and it is evident that they are doing good. Hope this gets replicated elsewhere. It is their culture to be inclusive, encourage everyone to participate and I think that's a good thing.

DS Loren Legarda's Message on International Women's Day

Former Senator and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda recently released her message for International Women's Day. In it, she gave importance to empowering women and giving opportunities for those who are talented and skilled.

DS Loren Legarda says "Cheers! Happy Women's Month and Happy International Women's Day to women here and around the country!"

She adds "Women are naturally gifted, full of dedication and effort, of which rightfully deserve our support to further enhance their skills and talent, as part of nation building."

"We have been steadfastly supporting efforts to give more opportunities of livelihood, provide jobs and put importance in improving their lives with their own skills and talent. Long live the Filipina wherever they are in the world!"

Birthday Cheers for Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda!

I've been watching her for years on ABSCBN, and in different shows. She's a very good broadcast journalist. Her work in the Senate and Congress formulating laws that help different sectors like education, the environment, women , youth, history and culture has always been there, consistent and has been lauded by many.

Til now, she's been steadfastly moving to generate jobs for indigenous folks, mothers and artisans in her lone district of Antique and in many places across the country, some of which have also weathered the pandemic and changed the lives of many in her own little ways. She's a leader, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. She's also celebrating her birthday today.

 

 

Happy happy birthday Deputy Seaker Loren Legarda! Cheers to more years of serving the people in this blessed country of ours!

Start the Year Healthy with the Quaker Strong Bootcamp

The new year comes so fresh, a time to start over and put your diet and fitness goals on track. Thing is, Quaker Oats is going to be there to help you achieve them. To start off things, they're holding the Quaker Strong Bootcamp Challenge st on January 31st to February 6, 2022.

These are various classes and sessions from local fitness studios to jumpstart physical activities and each day, they'll be holding free classes via Zoom sessions. There's Ride the Beat with Rid Revolution on the 31st, February 5 and 6. You can also participate in TMS on February 2. There's some sessions from Saddle Row on February 3 plus a Flyweight Boxing session on February 4th.

 

 

All you need to do is register via https://bit.ly/QuakerStrongBootcamp before February 5 and early birds will get to receive their own Quaker Strong pack that includes healthy snacks which you can consume prior or after your workout sessions. Aside from that, first 100 to complete the Quaker Strong Bootcamp Bingo Challenge will get the chance to get Quaker merch, pretty good stuff!

 

 

Quaker has been my buddy for years and it's got 7x more fiber, 1.7 times more protein which helps in digestion and muscle growth. It also has Beta Glucan which would promote a healthy heart. Follow QuakerOatsPhilippines on FB and they've got lots of information about this on their social channels.

100% Organic Supplements by PascualLab's WellGreens

Our lifestyle is certainly different and these days, getting the right amount of nutrition is a little difficult especially if we're busy and not plan meals. We don't really think about what we take in and for that, we take supplements.

Our friends from PascualLab (who's celebrating their 75th year by the way) recently launched WellGreens, a new premium and organic line of products aimed to be your partner in good health. It is in capsule form made with different ingredients like Sinta (which helps lower blood sugar) Mangosteen+Malunggay (for weight management, lactation and better immune system), Lagundi+Cuban Oregano (for moderate cough), Turmeric (to reduce inflammation, lessen muscle sores and pain from osteoarthritis), Ginger (To ease migraine, dysmenorrhea/heavy menstrual bleeding), and Ampalaya (to lessen blood sugar levels and risks of cardiovascular disease). These are made by Leonie Agri Corp which is a PascualLab subsidiary. It is also made with 100% organic ingredients which are grown in the largest organic farms in the country. Leonie Agri Corp has been certified organic by USDA and EU Organic. Locally, they have been certified by the Department of Agriculture (for good agricultural practice), the FDA (for good manufacturing practice) and the Islamic Dawah Council for Halal which ensures you're getting a product with high quality standards. 

 

 

WellGreens is also being endorsed by well known actress Alice Dixson whom we all know takes her healthy lifestyle seriously. She says "If you've followed my career, I've been in commercials before I landed roles on TV and movies. I have always given importance in working out and eating healthy. I'm a mother now and I still make good choices when it comes to my health, WellGreens came to me at the right time!"

If you want to make the right choice, go check out WellGreens at PascualLab's official Shopee and Lazada stores. Start here! https://shp.ee/nhj7jcthttps://shp.ee/nhj7jcthttps://shp.ee/nhj7jct

Tidy Up with Organized Chicas Lifestyle

Tidy bags, tidy life - and staying stylish is a plus. A new brand called Organized Chicas Lifestyle is Shaina Magdayao's first venture into retail together with her life long friend Nikki Medina. Her aesthetic, was simple clean lines, mostly fancied things like cotton or linen. They made a line of bags and accessories with a purpose of organizing your essentials to remain clutter free, practical, simple and stylish. She felt during this time, it is paramount to have things that have fabric sewn strong, washable, absorbent but still carries a certain chic that people would certainly appreciate. 

We talked to her while she was in The Farm at San Benito last week, she says "In the middle of pandemic, we thought of helping people, my partner and I are admittedly OC and when we started taping for Probinsyano we had to fix our own things. When it was all organized, I thought why not get this off the market and bring opportunities to the people who create these products. My blazer and tops are all Organized Chicas, all made of canvass, cotton, linen, not just bags now, but even clothes. I'm into classic but quality pieces, we made our own brand. This business has always been a dream and we've been very grateful for the support of everyone even in the middle of the pandemic. You need something practical, sustainable, thing that you can re-wash but go and use again. I'm grateful that my partner does really good quality control, the stitching, things like that always have been checked before we approve the product. The day to day management is difficult because I'm also taping episodes, but I'm grateful that this business is growing and is expanding. With God's grace we're still here. This is all about functionality, before we started, are the bags that I personally use in taping. The pockets outside, it can fit face shields, I always wanted things to be tidy and together with the bag, we also have inserts/organizers, it's our way to make sure you too can have that convenience. Very practical, so we didn't have much challenges in making these products. Nikki and I have been friends since high school, she's a professional makeup artist and we're kinda in the same business. We didn't see this coming that we would eventually become business partners, she's very hands on and I'm doing marketing for it. We complement each other and I guess it is our strengths. We're blessed that everything has been smooth sailing. We're being given something exciting, I hope we get to see this grow even more in the next few months. Even before we became business partners, having her around was like having people that I can trust. It's an advantage that we decide on things, and she's not just a partner, she's my friend."

Shaina then showed us a few pieces from their collection. They also sent us samples so we could see how the product looks like in real life. (Follow my stories @kumagcow on IG). Judging from the looks of it, the fabric is made of thicker material, but overall, it still feels that you can carry it around and never feel hot when it touches your skin. It's stitching is commendable, someone placed a real value on quality control and I didn't even see a fiber stick out on all corners.  

 

 

To budding entrepreneurs, Shaina reiterates "You have to be hands on.  With whatever that you're doing, you always have to remember to do what you love. Quality wise, I know we've got the best products compared to what's out there in the market. I personally used this and initially I just had a couple pieces customized with my initials, it has become instrumental on how I got into this business. I had to adjust my lifestyle because of the pandemic, I don't need the expensive ones because this can be washed easily and keep us safe. I felt that I had to open up myself more because this is how I am, I developed my sense of style, I'm not trendy, I choose things that are right and feel good. With my sisters business, I saw how you have to really manage it, do marketing, because we know showbiz isn't really forever, so you have to make sure you're wise with my investments. So far, I think I'm doing good."

She also had future plans and some answered wishes from current customers. Shaina says "We all started with all original canvass, but people have been requesting for colors and starting today we're offering black, army green, and perhaps blue ones after this launch. We're also launching clothes soon, so stay tuned for that!"

If you want to see what Organized Chicas Lifestyle has to offer, follow their IG account @organizedchicas and order through there. This is a cause that will help a lot of people. Stay chic!

UNIQLO Works with Aussie Print Designer Cassie Byrnes

Oz Oz Oz! Oi Oi Oi! This is one way they say it in Australia but this time, they're taking it to clothing as fashion brand UNIQLO will launch a new collection as they work with Aussie print genius Cassie Byrnes. Known for her bold prints and superb colorful work inspired by Australia's flora and fauna.

All of these are prints that have been made especially designed for Uniqlo and they've really made good decisions to put it all on shirts and shorts. It's her first time to work with the global brand and she says "These designs are very personal to me and it has been something that I've represented with different times in my life. I've been in the design practice for over 6 years and was inspired by the prehistoric landscape of Australia, particularly the age of Gondwana which happened millions of years ago." This collection includes Sugarbush, Mesozoic Garden, Souvenir print, Lotte print, and the same ones in girls dresses. Sickening no?

I could see how this would work with Moms and daughters who would love to either pair up, or mix and match with Byrnes work. It's vivid, bold and definitely something attractive to wear on a summer day! Catch these items in all Uniqlo stores starting June 7, 2021.

Protect Your Skin with Sunplay

It's so hot outside you could fry an egg on top of cars these days. Now wait a minute, wait a minute! Before you do forget things, what about your skin? You're indoors you say? Nope, that's not enough. Did you know that you are still getting harmful UVA/UVB rays? That reflection, that light seeping in your window (when all you wanted was a blackout curtain lol), that's still harmful for you and you're still getting it.

Now don't downplay these UV rays as it can actually cause more wrinkles and get it deep in your skin. I'm sure you've already been reminded by your folks, by your friends that you need to wear sunscreen. Products like Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Watery Gel and Sunplay Skin Aqua Sarafit Tinted Base has SPF50, PA+++ and blue light protection. You get what you need to get protected from the harmful things you can get from extreme harmful ultraviolet exposure. Aside from that, they're also affordable and even went the length of putting it on sale this May 10 to 16. You can get it 30% cheaper and even get Php 200 off on select Sunplay Skin Aqua and Sunblock products in Watsons branches nationwide.

If you fancy one of these things, start getting them on online stores like Lazada or Shoppe (which you can get here). Now honestly, you've got to start protecting yourself early, not when you're already burnt and have it irreversible. You know, we don't want to regret it.

Unfiltered Skin Essentials

The woman behind Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, producer Rina Navarro

We wanted to know more about the brand but aside from that, we got to know more about the person behind it. As a person who religiously does routines for skin care, Unfiltered Skin Essentials sounds so great for me as they promise to have what I need to care for my skin and make it affordable. With premium ingredients that have been sourced in Europe, certified by FDA and countless individuals who have swore of its effects, one asks, how do they do it? Let's get into it!

 

Who is Rina Navarro?

She's a mother of 4, a former Viva Entertainment boss and a movie producer. She also started the "I AM HOPE" organization (NGO) with beautiful actress Bea Alonzo. She's worn so many hats, but now, she's the CEO/Founder of Unfiltered Skin Essentials, she's Ms. Rina Navarro.

"Unfiltered Skin Essentials is in the skin care and wellness industry since last year. This is a partnership with other ladies, and we have skin care products manufactured and designed for Filipinos across the country. We have the "No Filter kit", a complete set of products that can address a lot of skin issues - but we have made it affordable, less complicated - and this set will do that. The pandemic is still here, but currently, we now have partners in different places like Mindanao, Leyte, QC, Taytay, Laguna, Subic, Tagaytay and Fairview +more, we also have one in Singapore. Of course, we also have our existing official sales channels on Instagram, Viber and Facebook."

She adds "I have made sure it's simple. In the past, I actually had to go to HK or elsewhere to buy stuff for my skin. But now, this one is available in the Philippines and I made sure the product of this quality, stays where people can afford it . The serum has niacinamide that protects us from bad blue light, it's like sunblock indoors (for gadgets, computers) which we have had repeat orders of. It is effective and has proven by our patrons."

"This drastically changes the look of your skin, it's better skin that remains uncomplicated. Queen of Soul Jaya started as a user and initially had lots of complaints about her skin, but now she sells it, to the point that she even now, she invested in Unfiltered Skin Essentials."

"Unfiltered Skin Essentials isn't anti filter on social media, but it's a character, it's something inside of you, the confidence that you gain and build when you use our products with or without makeup. It's not just about the name, but the mind, to embrace imperfection, it doesn't need to be perfect, or white, you embrace yourself. You can be an unfiltered woman or man, you have to take care of your skin. These have really good ingredients, safe to use, anyone can use it. The business is also run by women, lgbt, and it has been awesome so far."

She also shared some things she did in the past telling us "I started selling soap when I was in college, I got pregnant early and being a single mom, it was hard. The laboratory that I buy from then of which I get products from is the same one that produces it today. I had to make ends meet. This is my dream and I didn't want to have "what ifs" so I did what I had to do and build this brand. Unfiltered was something I wanted to do for people I know, the business helps a lot people too." 

About her achievements, she simply says "I think just to be able to raise 4 kids is already an achievement!"

About Unfiltered Skin Essentials

Current partners of this skin care and wellness brand include Ms. Luna Garcia an RN and wellness doctor who has a passion in skin care. Also, Shyr Valdez, who is an actress/artist from GMA. The pandemic was a huge challenge for the business as they just recently set up base in Mckinley (in Taguig). They had to also work from home at times and was not able to do things in the office. Operational costs also went up since they also had to spend a lot for PCR tests before work. They knew they need to keep not just themselves safe, but their workers who built this brand from ground up.

 

 

Their products:

UCLEANSE REVITALIZING FACIAL SOAP is used to clean your skin. Some suggest you use it also for your body as it will have the same results.

URENEW PORE MINIMIZING TONER Exfoliates, brightens and helps removes whiteheads, blackheads, fine lines and age spots.

UGLOW LUMINESCENCE SERUM Refines pores and lightens skin discoloration. It also help maintain collagen levels.

UREPAIR WHITENING DAY CREAM promotes the rebuilding of healthy cells and protect the skin by UV Rays and harmful blue light.

URECOVER is a night cream which micropeels so you can restore, regenerate your skin.

I asked her about its viability for men to use it for their skin. She might not be marketing it for men per se, but she says they have lots of users and clients from London, LA and other cities who are men and use it - and it is effective. In a way, one way to also measure its efficacy is feedback, which totally makes sense. She highly suggests that you all get the kit so as to get the formulas full effect. Currently, people get obsessed with the serum which has lead in sales with all their products. The No Filter Kit costs 2550 and the UCleanse soap costs 350.

I also asked about how they keep the prices down and they said, they cut costs in operations and keep packaging minimal plus collaborate with friends as suppliers so they can save a lot. I'm quite interested with the Day Cream they developed called UREPAIR to use in the morning. I think it's best to use in the tropical weather like in the Philippines. It also protects from rays, whitens skin and is anti aging. Their business model is also a direct selling business which means YOU can have the opportunity to also work with them. 

 

 

About their NGO, she says "I AM HOPE Organization is what Bea Alonzo and I started together. We had a lot of plans in business, but when we forged our friendship, lockdowns happened and we both had our marketing budget and asked her if we could use it to help fronliners. She immediately said yes and in a few months, we were able to raise 13 Million in cash and kind. That's how we got to start to help others as well."

"We are all sincere in what we do. we don't lie about it, we talk, we are guided by our heart and not just to make money, a reputable one with integrity. We want to be known for that. If we work hard, maintain and give jobs around me, they have lots of families to feed, we're okay with that. I can say when we started this, we use our heads for math, but we run it with heart as we have very qualified people making things run in the company. They are so good at what they do, and I look after them like family, like what they also do with me. It's a fun office, very fun, and we don't have to do it the corporate way. People die left and right, we don't have to be strict all the time. We also let them enjoy what they do so we can give our best for each other and the company."

It was nice to see how they have succeeded growing their business. It's also inspiring to see the process how they do things. Although I'm not familiar about how they walk in their shoes, I could see where their passion lies and how in the short span of time they've grown, they've also helped tons of people during the pandemic. Remember, and may I quote "Part of being a person is about helping others." which remains true to this day.

P.S. They will have body soap and body serum that will be launched soon. I guess it's time you try it out, go to IG account at instagram.com/unfilteredskin_main or through text/viber 09563010059 or their Facebook page at unfilteredskininc.