In the Philippines, malunggay are staple greens that we often use for cooking. When we lived in Alabang, we had a huge tree beside the house where it's very convenient to cut stalks upon stalks without worrying about running out of leaves.

It was a very different story when we moved to Southern California almost three years ago. When we wanted to cook Tinola, a few stalks of malunggay at the Filipino supermarket would cost the same as, or even more than, two pounds (about a kilo) of chicken. I'm serious! So we'd resort to buying spinach instead because they're cheaper. 

In late November 2017, my mother-in-law bought us a malunggay seedling for $5.00 at a swap meet where some fellow Pinoys were selling plants. By winter, the leaves were all gone and we were left with just a stick in a pot. Because I could still see some green parts on the main stem, I diligently watered the pot every two days. 

Come spring, I was rewarded with tiny buds that eventually grew into branches with leaves. By August 2018 (see topmost photo), we were able to harvest a batch which we happily added to home-cooked Chicken Tinola.    

Fast-forward to my family's move from my sister-in-law's townhouse to our own apartment in November 2018 where we brought the big pot of malunggay with us. Again, it hibernated during the winter but bloomed once more come spring and summer and we were able to harvest two or three times before it stopped growing new leaves in the fall.

It's 2020 now and I'm happy to report that our malunggay tree is still healthy and thriving. We actually had the first harvest recently and the main trunk is slowly recovering to bring out more leaves. Someday, when we finally get to buy a house of our own, I pray that this tree, the very first plant I took care of here in the U.S. would have its own spot in a nice garden and finally planted on the ground :)

Those who have been following this blog and have read my book, Embracing Disability This Ability, already know that James, my son with cerebral palsy, could not talk nor walk and can't even sit up by himself without the seat belts and harnesses on his wheelchair and car seat. But, despite James' limitations, our family continues to find ways in making his life better. We also keep praying and hoping for further signs of development on how he communicates and moves. 

seeing James walk used to be just a dream

Since we moved to California in November 2017, James is still yet to have physical and occupational therapy services due to several factors, one of which is his transition from child to adult under the state's health care services system after he turned 21 last September. While we patiently wait for things to fall into place, I actively seek connections with organizations and caring individuals who have the heart to help the special needs community.  

Last week, Canadian-based Trexo Robotics announced that they will be coming to Los Angeles for two days to allow mobility-challenged kids try their awesome device. I have been following their posts on Instagram for quite a while now and find inspiration in the stories of children who are being helped to walk using Trexo's enabling technology.

Thank you so much, Manmeet, Rahul, and Dina for giving James a chance to try the Trexo!

Without knowing where exactly they will be in LA, I resolved to bring James to them if they could give him a slot for a trial. I reached out to the Trexo team via direct messaging and got a call from COO Dina Nikitina on the phone who asked me a few questions. She then informed me the next day that they can accommodate us for January 24th at 10AM.

Early this morning, my husband, James, and I traveled 34 miles to Hawthorne where NAPA (Neurological and Physical Abilitation) Center is located. There, we met Dina as well as Trexo Robotics founders Manmeet Raggu and Rahul Udasi (read the wonderful story on how they started Trexo, here) who patiently helped James get comfortable in the walker with the robotic attachments before they got him "walking" using controls on a tablet.

For the first time in his life, James was able to move by himself with the help of technology and, while I focused on taking pictures and videos, it took me a lot of effort not to start crying upon seeing my son beaming big smiles while he took 199 steps in less than 10 minutes!

In individuals like James who hadn't experience how to walk independently and whose legs most likely do not know the correct motions needed to do this activity, I believe Trexo's innovative technology would be a big help in training the muscles and the brain to remember stepping movements through practice and repetition.

cherishing this new milestone in #gideonjamesjourney

After this Trexo trial, my husband and I plan to look for ways on how we could lease, if not buy, the device so James could practice walking more until such time he could, hopefully, graduate to a simple walker. We'd sincerely appreciate it if you could help us pray about this. Just like in the very beginning when we started in this special needs parenting journey, my family and I will keep on dreaming more dreams for this young man who never fails to give us immense joy each and every day.

“He will die early,” said the seven-year-old boy solemnly before he walked away. I was left speechless, staring at his retreating figure. I am sharing this several years after the incident when I have finally found the inner peace to write about it.

My family and I were at a party in my sister’s house and the kid was the son of one of their guests. The boy was talking about my then sixteen-year-old son, Gideon James, who looked like he was also only seven years old because he has cerebral palsy.

I don’t know exactly how the child arrived at such a conclusion after asking me questions when he saw me feeding my son blenderized food via a tube embedded in his stomach. But I guess, as many innocent children do, he made his statement based on what he thought was true.

I wasn’t really offended. Just a little bit shocked to hear that sentence spoken aloud. The last time someone had told me, “Your son will most likely die” was when my then barely one-month-old baby was fighting for his life inside an intensive care unit incubator. He proved his neonatologist wrong and continued to defy many other specialists’ prognoses in succeeding years.

My son is a warrior and a minister. He has been fighting obstacles and overcoming them since the day he was born. He may not be able to speak nor sit up by himself but from him, my husband, my three other children, and I acquired so many lessons that we would not otherwise have learned if he had grown up “normal” like his brothers.

Over the years, our home has become a school of sorts for all the members of our family where we were taught much, over and over it seems, about patience, understanding, compassion, empathy, acceptance, faith, and prudence among many other things.

How different life could have been if my son doesn’t have cerebral palsy! And yet, I don’t think our family would have become the strong unit it is now without the trials we went through together because of our special child. 

People usually tell me they can’t imagine what they’ll do if something like this happened to them. And I assure them that they will find the strength they need if that time comes. When we got married, my husband and I never thought that we’d be given the kind of challenge we used to believe was only reserved for parents with unwavering faith and resourcefulness. Yet, we were chosen to be parents of a special child. And, so far, I believe we’ve been coping a lot better than we’d ever thought possible. 

Through James, we’ve met kindred souls who have little angels of their own. And through them all, we’ve been assured that we’re not taking this journey alone. We have a spiritual extended family with members who unselfishly share with us time, knowledge, advice, and even precious resources because they know how hard it is when you try to do it on your own. 

I have long ago relinquished the question “Why me?” because a book, written by a mom who also has a child with special needs, gave me the push to instead ask, “Why not me?” I don’t remember the exact moment, or even if I did have one, when I had that imaginary bulb light up, and I realized that I am stronger emotionally and physically, more patient, and more resourceful than I’ve ever given myself credit for. 

Turning my thoughts away from “what if” to “what now” made me accept the positive possibilities that this kind of parenting continues to teach me and the rest of my family. I’ve come to wake up in the mornings with a big thought bubble that says, “Bring it on! I will overcome anything bad this day will throw at me!”

Still, there are times, when I am far too exhausted and vulnerable, when a niggling guilt would creep up on me and make me question if I had done something in the past that makes me responsible for my child’s condition. I am just thankful that those thoughts don’t come as often as before. In time, I’ve learned to forgive myself for those lapses of self-pity and anguish and instead pat myself on the back for doing my best and managing to survive the never-ending trials I deal with every day.

Special children don’t come with an instruction manual, but their families eventually discover what would work best for them. Ours did and my son gave us that rare chance to see the world through the eyes of someone who is not willing to be defeated by his disabilities. 

The death of one’s child, I believe, is one of many parents’ greatest fears. For moms and dads of kids with special needs, that fear hovers constantly and is difficult to ignore. And yet, it is our very own special children who teach us to forget about being terrified because they are still here with us to provide light and joy in our lives.

As you read this book, whether you have a family member with special needs or not, may our story provide you with inspiration and hope that God is also looking out for you … always.

Embracing Disability This Ability

*Note: This article serves as the introduction section of my book "Embracing Disability This Ability: A Family's Journey with Cerebral Palsy" that will be launched on September 14, 2018 @ 5:30PM at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) by CSM Publishing. Thank you for reading! I pray that you will find encouragement and hope from our story :)  

*Edited 2019: Embracing Disability This Ability is now available in the Philippines at National Book Store, PCBS, and other bookstores nationwide as well as online from Lazada and Shopee. For those in the U.S. who are interested in getting a copy, please send me a private message via the Embracing This Ability Facebook page. By the way, you can now read Chapter 1, here.

I love traveling and exploring new places, especially with my family. But on those instances when I have to travel for work, I always look forward to coming home and once more being with the people I love. 

When my husband Nonoy and I were still a young couple, we decided that working abroad and leaving the other behind to look after our four sons should never be an option. Especially since our third son, James, has special needs and requires the care of both parents, we agreed to face financial challenges together rather than choose to work overseas and earn more, but at the cost of just one parent raising the kids alone. 

We held on to our faith that God will see us through anything. And you know what? The Lord sustained us and provided for our needs, particularly during really trying times! Our prayer continued to be that if it was really God’s plan for one of us to work abroad, please let us go there as a whole family and not leave anyone behind.

In Limbo

Several years ago, we found out that despite the passing of my USAFE (United States Army of the Far East) veteran father-in-law in 1999, the petition he filed in 1993 for my husband and Noy’s sister (my third sister-in-law) was approved. Moreover, the petition could be passed on to a family member who’s willing to continue the sponsorship.

My first sister-in-law, who lives in Guam, asked us if we’d like to pursue the petition. Knowing that the U.S. is a lot more medically and technologically advanced than our home country, Noy and I started dreaming of better opportunities for James, our son with cerebral palsy, and our three other sons. Once more, our prayer remained that, God willing, He would allow all six of us to migrate abroad.

Around 2014, my two US-based sisters-in-law started doing everything they could to process our papers. They consulted an immigration lawyer who facilitated the changing of my husband’s petition category from single to married, and hired another attorney to ensure that our oldest son, who was about to turn 21, would not be denied a visa.

The back and forth submissions and approvals of documents took many, many months. Each time we thought we’d completed everything, we’d be asked to submit a certificate, another file, and another, and another until we were left wondering if that phase of submitting requirements would ever end.

For more than three years, our family felt like we were living in limbo, unable to make long-term plans, uncertain if we could really leave or not. Many times, we had prayer moments where we pleaded with God to just let us receive a yes or no answer from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services so we can be done with the seemingly endless wait and move on with our lives. 

Roller-Coaster Ride

In early May 2017, we finally received our visa interview scheduled for June at the U.S. Embassy. From experience, we anticipated more bumps ahead, but we held on to our faith that God will see us through until the end of the journey.

Unfortunately, two of our sons initially didn’t pass the U.S.-mandated medical exam and had to undergo additional tests. Only four of us went to the June interview where our eldest son, Rey, was almost denied a visa due to the “age-out” issue. Despite our pleas, the consul refused to look over the legal papers drafted by our lawyer proving that Rey was still a minor when the petition was reinstated.

We were all in tears as we approached the releasing section to receive further instructions. Obviously, it was impossible to feel elated about going home with just three visas instead of four. Mercifully, the lady at window scrutinized our documents thoroughly and told us to wait as she consulted her supervisor, who then returned our family’s thick file to the consul.

After what seemed like an eternity, we were called back to the window to be told that Rey would also be issued a visa. As always, God was watching over us!

With plans to travel together, we waited for two months for James’ and Josh’s test results, only to find out that our special child had to undergo another series of medical clearances. Although a difficult decision, we all agreed that my husband and two sons should fly ahead to the U.S. in early September so that Daniel, the youngest, could still make it to senior high school enrollment.

Josh, who was approved for a visa in August, insisted he stay behind to help me take care of James while we waited another couple of months for more of his brother’s additional medical test results. 

The first month away from my husband and two sons was tough. Thankfully, the video calls, often-teary conversations, that we made almost every day helped us to cope. None of us thought things would get more difficult, but they did.

Final hurdles

It was a long and stressful day when Josh and I brought James back to the St. Lukes Extension Clinic the day before my special child’s U.S. visa interview in October. After 13 hours of waiting and lots of hassles in between, he was finally given medical clearance. 

The next day, we encountered another problem with a missing document the consul asked for but which was already submitted during the June interview. So I had to re-submit a copy of the said file via courier a day later, unsure whether James would be issued a visa any time soon, or if they would ask again for additional papers that would further delay the process. 

With Josh’s visa expiring earlier than mine due to the additional medical tests he had to undergo, my second son had to be booked on a solo flight so he would arrive in the U.S. without any problems. This new development left James and me alone for another month.

Those weeks were probably some of the loneliest in our lives, when I realized that homesickness isn’t really tied to a physical place. Rather, it is about separation from desperately missed loved ones. Now I know firsthand that it is possible to be homesick for people, too! Our house in Alabang by then already felt like an empty shell.

As days turned into weeks with no visa in sight and no updates from the U.S. Embassy call center agents I talk to almost everyday, I began to wonder if I’d ever see my family again. Although I kept busy during the day packing and selling what’s left of our stuff, I would feel deep despair at night as I watched James sleep, while longing for my husband and other sons. Once more, faith in God’s plans kept us hoping for the best. 

It felt surreal when James’ visa finally arrived at the house and the mad scramble for last minute packing finally began. Despite my worries of how to survive a 20-hour trip with a wheelchair-bound child in tow plus four big pieces of luggage and another four carry on bags, my determination to do everything I could to be with my family was greater than any other hurdles I may still encounter.

Coming home

I was deeply grateful that my mom, siblings, and nieces arrived the day before our departure to help me clean the house and finalize everything before my son and I left for the airport. Their love and support were such a welcome reprieve from the loneliness of the past weeks. 

The date November 16, 2017 will forever remain in my memory as the day I finally found myself home again when I felt my husband’s arms around me the moment James and I emerged from LAX’s arrival ramp. All the apprehensions and exhaustion instantly faded away with the knowledge that we were, indeed, finally where we were supposed to be.

I’ve read somewhere that we will never know how strong we could be until being strong is the only option we have left. I can attest to that, given everything that we’ve been through since we started our immigration process.

I’m sharing our story to encourage other families to keep holding on to each other and to continue trusting in God’s leading in the midst of challenges and temporary separations. Have faith that He will see you through. Remember, too, that many times, life may take us to unexpected places, but love will always bring us home. 

NOTE: This story was originally published on pp. 17-19 in Family Matters Magazine's June-Aug 2018 issue, the digital copy of which can be found, here.

The months of 2017 seemed to have passed swiftly by, it's a bit surprising to note that Robinsons Supermarket was already launching the fourth leg of its year-long Route to Wellness journey for Filipino families! 

This August, let us continue to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle with Celebrate Wellness. This campaign kicked off at the Eastwood Mall Open Park in Quezon City earlier this month with exciting sports-related and wellness activities from Robinsons Supermarket and its partners. 

Hosted by TV personality Tonipet Gaba, families were treated to a fun afternoon program that showcased an impressive taekwondo demo from students of Diliman Prep School among other exciting features. Of course, we young-at-heart attendees also joined the booth activities and happily claimed our prizes and freebies. 

It's good to know that more Filipino families would be able to experience the same when the Celebrate Wellness caravan visits Robinsons Place Metro East on August 18-20, Robinsons Place Malolos, Bulacan on August 25-27; Robinsons Lipa, Batangas on September 1-3; and Robinsons Ilocos on September 15-17.

You, too, can get a chance at winning prizes when you get your passports completely stamped at the event booths. Get to try out the virtual reality bike marathon, wii sports games, and mini soccer game. Also earn stamps by availing of promos and taking part in games by sponsor brands.

“We at Robinsons Supermarket are committed to giving Filipinos a chance to be fit by offering them healthy choices and encouraging them to be active through fun family activities,” said Jody Gadia, Robinsons Supermarket general manager.

What's more, customers can get a free Robinsons Supersavers hand soap for a minimum single receipt purchase of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating products from Nestle, P&G, Abbott Nutrition, Wyeth, Unilever, and CDO until September 30, 2017.

Learn more about RSC’s year-long Route to Wellness series of promos and activities. Like it on Facebook www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visit its official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph to stay updated on the activities that it has in store. Plus, learn more about the #ILoveWellness campaign by checking out the hashtag on social media sites.

Filipinos love to eat, especially with family and friends. Whether we buy take away food from restaurants or spend hours in the kitchen whipping up heirloom dishes, the end goal for every gathering is to celebrate and have fun together, right?

So, despite our busy lifestyles, many of us make time to “break bread” and share good moments with the people we value. It is, after all, a good reason why we enjoy hosting get-togethers where we swap stories over good food.

Of course, with meals come messes and cleanups. Make that part easier by discovering the value of bringing Cheers into your home!

Cheers is a brand of quality hygienic napkins in various configurations. Aside from kitchen and paper towels, it also carries other party needs like starch-based cutleries and trash bags that are both eco-friendly and biodegradable.

At home, we use different Cheers paper products because using the right napkin sizes helps us avoid paper wastage. This is very important to me as someone who advocates for the protection of our environment. Here’s how we use the following:

• Cheers Kitchen Towel Roll – I keep one handy near the kitchen sink because I normally use a sheet or two to dry my hands with after washing the dishes. And since it is 2-ply, each sheet is strong enough not to tear easily. So I also use a couple to line up serving dishes when I need to drain excess oil from fried food items like chicken, hash browns, or French fries.  

• Cheers Interfolded Paper Towels – This one is stationed on a side table in our dining room because it is so convenient to pull a sheet to instantly wipe off accidental spills. We also use them to dry our place mats after eating. 

• Cheers Table Napkins – These are available in different sizes and are very, very useful during parties. You can wrap sandwiches in the big flat napkins while the dinner napkins can be used when table setting for a sit-down dinner. On the other hand, the small pull napkins are ideal for wiping the sides of the mouth especially when there are kids who usually end up with food smudges on their faces. Likewise, children’s parties are made more colorful with Cheers napkins that have fun print designs!

Aside from the various useful features, I like Cheers products because they are made with 100% Virgin Pulp and have no artificial whiteners and elemental chlorine. As a result, these attributes make them very hygienic to use with food. Moms, after all, take safety in high consideration when it comes to serving meals at home.

With Cheers, parties and get-togethers can be made more special when you don’t have to dread the cleaning up part after a meal is over. And with the various products offered, it’s definitely a plus to be able to bring out a different dimension in every celebration.

So, Cheers to the privilege and joy of being with our loved ones while we all enjoy food, laughter, and making happy memories!

I've been trying to make positive lifestyle changes these past few years and admit I still have some ways to go. Although I now exercise more and opt for healthy food often, I continue to struggle when it comes to totally eliminating other unhealthy habits. But, having started is already a positive step and I look forward to the day when I can finally say I am a true-blue fitness enthusiast. 

Did you know? July is National Wellness Month and Robinsons Supermarket is once more celebrating this with a Wellness Festival, the third leg of its year-long Route to Wellness journey with Filipinos. 

The festival kick-off, hosted by Robi Domingo, started yesterday and will run until tomorrow at Eastwood Central Plaza - Citywalk. The park was transformed into an activity area where guests can try various games and visit booths of Robinsons Supermarket's wellness partners. 

Also present were celebrity fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret who led event participants in a series of four-minute workouts called Metabeats to show that it only takes a few minutes to burn a lot of calories and get started on one's wellness journey. Robinsons Supermarket also took the opportunity to pledge pounds to the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge and encouraged individuals and groups to visit selected branches on a Saturday to also sign up and have their starting weights measured.   

Experience the activities of the wellness caravan, which will also be held in Robinsons Supermarket Tagaytay from July 14 to 16 and at Robinsons Supermarket Antipolo City from July 28 to 30, if you live near these areas.

Love eating nuts? Get a Healthy You Snack Platter when you go grocery shopping for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating products from Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilab, Fonterra, Wyeth Nutrition, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, IPI, Abbott Nutrition, Getz Bros., Ecossential, Foodsphere, and Philusa. 

I regularly buy Healthy You coco sugar and trail mix. This is Robinsons Supermarket's exclusive healthy brand of nuts, juices, oats, brown rice, coffee, and many more that have been evaluated as good for the health by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). Customers will also get an extra 15 Robinsons Rewards Card points for every P500 purchase of Healthy You products. Promo Runs from July 1 to 31, 2017.

This coming July 2, Robinsons Supermarket will also be holding its annual and much anticipated 10th Fit and Fun Buddy Run at Camp Aguinaldo. Please read my past reviews here and here to see why it would be a great and fun venue to start your fitness journey with family and friends.

According to general manager Jody Gadia, "As a growing number of individuals and families lead busy and challenging lives, Robinsons Supermarket and its partners continue to uphold our commitment to lead them to the path of wellness by bringing them closer to more choices and opportunities to get fit and healthy."

Know more about RSC's year-long Route to Wellness series of promos and activities by liking facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visiting www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph. Likewise, stay updated on social media by looking up the hashtags #ILoveWellness and #WeLoveWellness and consider starting your own fitness journey, today! 

Last year, I blogged about the Manuel L. Quezon University's (MLQU) move from Quiapo, Manila to its new location at Victoria Sports Tower, a condominium sports complex in the heart of Quezon City developed by New San Jose Builders, Inc. (NSJBI). 

A first of its kind project, the new high rise sports condo in the Philippines is just a few steps away from the GMA Kamuning MRT station along EDSA. With its commitment to provide Filipinos with affordable homes within Metro Manila and its fast paced urban life, NSJBI is able to offer residential units that are conveniently accessible from some of the city's popular spots and state-of-the-art sports facilities for fitness enthusiasts.

Yesterday, NSJBI held its topping-off ceremony at the 47th floor of Victoria Sports Tower. From the top of the building, we had a beautiful view of Quezon City and could see all the way to Manila Bay! In attendance at the event were EVP Ms. Lorelie A. Urcia, Dr. Isagani Germar, Chairman Dr. Jose L. Acuzar, BDO SAVP Ms. Ana Marie Canasa, BDO First VP Ms. Cerwina Santos, BDO EVP Ms. Jeanette Javellana, BDO First VP Ms. Aurora Zita Panopio, and President Engr. Cesar S. Sanqui, Jr.

Four entire floors of the Victoria Sports Tower are dedicated to state-of-the-art Sports Center that features a 50-meter indoor lap pool and a kiddie pool, six private gyms, and complete wellness facilities. Setting the complex to be the world's largest indoor sports club in a residential setting, Victoria Sports Tower likewise houses two indoor tennis courts, three indoor badminton courts, a squash court, as well as rock climbing and rappelling facilities.

And they're not yet done! Also present is a billiards and darts hall, a bowling alley, a shooting range, and a jogging trail in addition to an in-house spa and indoor basketball court with special laminated floors. 

Because it aims to be a one-stop wellness hub, the tower will also be having a day spa, sports medicine clinic, oral medicine, derma center and cosmetic surgery, clinical laboratory and radiology, and regenerative medicine. 

The 51-storey residential condominium is one of NSJBI's offerings on its 30th year in the industry. Since Filipinos are becoming more health conscious nowadays, Victoria Sports Tower is designed to inspire more people to maintain or start a regular fitness regimen.

Whew! Now I'm wishing I could own a unit there! 

* Victoria Sports Tower is located at 799 EDSA South Triangle in QC. For inquiries, call 442-7777 local 195 or visit www.newsanjosebuilders.com.ph. For updates Like facebook.com/newsanjoseofficial.

My husband and I have been advocating for a healthy lifestyle for years now because we really need to value our personal wellbeing, especially for the sake of our children. After all, loving parents wouldn't want to miss seeing their kids grow up and be successful individuals. This is very much possible if we are mindful of our health so we can stay stronger and live longer.

So it's quite disheartening to find out the results of a research conducted by Watsons Insights on Shoppers Experience (WISE) wherein 66 percent of Filipinos were found to believe they have good knowledge on health. However, 57 percent do not exercise regularly to stay healthy! How's that for irony?!

Yes, majority of Filipinos are INTERESTED about the topic of health. But that is way different from MAKING TIME to be healthy. Excuses range from being too busy or too tired with their hectic work schedules, family duties, household chores, and daily commute in long hours of traffic. The question is, when would you start taking care of yourself? Please, don't wait until you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition like some people I know!

healthy and easy to make mason jar meals

Cheer up and keep on reading! Watsons, the leading health and beauty chain in the country, has just launched its #GetActive campaign to inspire Filipinos to be healthy through small, everyday active changes in their routine to improve their health. Did you know that the pursuit of health does not require major changes and adjustments in our lives? No, you don't need to start training as a tri-athlete, spend two hours in the gym several times a week, buy fancy exercise equipment, spend thousands of pesos on healthy meals, or cook difficult time-consuming healthy recipes! The key to getting healthy is taking one small step and continue adding on to it regularly.

Viki Encarnacion, Watsons Marketing Director, describes the #GetActive campaign as one of their continuous efforts and part of their commitment to improve the lives and health of Filipinos by inspiring everyone to take small steps to improve their health. She suggests taking the following small steps as they often can go a long way for our health:

• drink more water

• take the stairs instead of the elevator

• take deep breaths in between work e-mails

• walk from one building to another instead of riding a car or taxi if it’s just in the same area

• walk your dog during weekends

• smile more often

"The list of small steps which we can do is endless. Our days are full of opportunities to do these and Watsons can be their partner to improve their health," encourages Ms. Viki. In addition, Watsons also recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to health. Aside from a healthy diet and exercise, taking vitamins is also important as the latter bridges the nutrient gap people don't get in their regular diet and lifestyle. Vitamins can also help prevent illnesses.

Pedia-gastroenterologist Dr. Mitzi Reodica explains that in the past, the leading causes of death were infectious diseases caused by invading microorganisms. Now, lifestyle diseases are the culprits of human mortality with leading causes being heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Watsons Vitamins

According to Dr. Mitzi, behaviors that contribute to wellness include:

• being physically active 

• choosing a healthy diet 

• taking vitamins suited for your body's needs

• maintaining a healthy body weight

• managing stress effectively

• avoiding tobacco and drug use 

• protecting oneself against disease and injury 

She also reminds that people are at a higher risk of obesity and diabetes when you spend more time watching TV and a higher risk of lung cancer when you continue smoking. 

Chef Barni demonstrating how to make overnight oats

During the launch, Chef Barni Alejandro of the The Sexy Chef demonstrated how to make a salad and overnight oats in mason jars. Surprisingly, they are very easy to prepare, have healthy ingredients, and are really delicious! From her, I learned that cherry tomatoes have more lycopene than regular tomatoes; violet cabbage has more Vitamin C than oranges; and romaine lettuce has more Vitamin A than carrots! 

At Watsons, there are different brands and products offered to fulfill every individual's nutritional needs depending on age, gender, and preferred form. Choose from Enervon, Conzace, Ceelin, Revicon, Myra E, Centrum, Stresstabs, Berocca, Rogin E, Fern C, and Watsons Generics. 

lots of Vitamins choices at Watsons

To further inspire shoppers, Watsons is offering up to 20 percent off on selected vitamins for a select period of time in stores. Loyal customers, on the other hand, have a chance to win trips to Bali, Guam, or Sydney; or an iPhone 7 or iPad for a minimum P500 single-receipt purchase of select vitamins and health products. Promo runs until June 28, 2017 and is exclusive to SM Advantage, SM Prestige, PRIMO, and BDO Rewards Card holders. This is in partnership with Hutchgo.com and Philippine Airlines.

So, start doing those small changes in your routine! Perhaps on your next meal or next day at work or school? Start to #GetActive and be healthy with Watsons by visiting any of its stores nationwide :)

Having healthy skin is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle. It takes away the worries, stress, and expenses of treating a lot of skin conditions that are easily prevented with proper care. This 2017, Galderma proudly celebrates Cetaphil's 70th year of helping people have healthy skin through its dermatologically formulated skincare range that is clinically proven to strengthen and protect even the most sensitive skin. 

celebratory toast (from left) event host Suzi Abrera, Jade Ponoc, Raghavendra Sadashiva, and Cathy Dilanco

"We are very glad to be one of the biggest names in skin care in the Philippines," said Galderma General Manager Raghavendra Sadashiva during the 70th year celebrations held at Makati Shangri-La. "We are proud to carry the same formula created by a pioneering Texas pharmacist in 1947. Right now, one bottle of Cetaphil is sold every minute across the globe!"

Presently, Cetaphil is available in more than 70 countries worldwide and offers a wide range of everyday products from cleansers, moisturizers, sun protection to baby products and solutions for sensitive skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. Since it is specifically formulated to provide effective skincare for a variety of skin types and conditions, Cetaphil is highly recommended by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals across the world. 

"Maintaining healthy skin completes the healthy lifestyle goals," affirmed Jade Silva-Netto Ponoc, Consumer Business Unit Head, who promised that Galderma is committed to conducting more innovative and groundbreaking research.

Catherine Palma-Dilanco, Cetaphil Senior Brand Manager, described, "Cetaphil has consistently delivered its promise for 70 years. Its cleansers have pH5.5, making them gentler than water, which has pH6-6.5. Cetaphil also has the most powerful moisturizer that provides skin with 24 hours moisturization." Cetaphil Baby, in addition, also provides a tear-free bath time for babies and their mommies.

Cetaphil endorsers, the beautiful family of Edric and Joy Mendoza, acknowledged how they love Cetaphil's products because there are variants for each of their skin needs. "We represent the average family because we're not celebrities, so we're relatable," reasoned Joy. 

If you're wondering about the brand name's origin, 'Cet' comes from cetyl, the fatty alcohol that is used as an emollient, while 'phil' means love. Thus, Cetaphil basically means the love of softening and soothing skin. 

"With its gentle and clinically proven formulas, Cetaphil reinforces and protects the structure of the skin - even in people with the most sensitive and delicate skin," explained Dr. Eszter Baltas, a dermatologist who contributed to developing Cetaphil products and now Associate Professor at the Department of Dermatoloy and Allergology in Szeged, Hungary. "Thanks to its long heritage, based on in-depth understanding of dermatology, Cetaphil offers reliable, scientifically-tested solutions."

Neil Popplewell, Nestle Skin Health's VP for Consumer Business, pointed out that Cetaphil has been used by people with sensitive skin for more than three generations. "Over the last 70 years, we have worked closely with medical experts to better understand people's skin needs. This has allowed us to provide different solutions adapted to these needs, and to make the Cetaphil range what it is today."

He further illustrated that like regular exercise and a well-balanced diet, maintaining healthy skin is essential for one's overall wellbeing thus Cetaphil completes one's health routine. "We will continue to develop the brand and make it more accessible to consumers worldwide. We look forward to the next 70 years."

As Dr. Baltas concluded, "When you choose Cetaphil, you're choosing the best for your skin."