How busy are you? Would you agree that with our many responsibilities, we tend to forget giving ourselves some much-needed TLC? Unfortunately, by wanting to accomplish as much as possible, we end up spreading ourselves too thin, which takes a toll on our overall wellbeing.

It’s time to revitalize our youthful vigor and bring back the vitality we need to live life to the fullest! To help us get back on track, Watsons launches the Time to Renew campaign so we could more easily restore our beauty and recharge our health.

Ruffa Gutierrez and Iza Calzado

This campaign focuses on three things that people often set aside when running on tight schedules:

• Restore beauty for proper skin care

• Revitalize hair to bring life back to dull tresses

• Recharge health for a more energized and healthier body

In case you still don’t know, busy schedules leading to poor sleeping habits not only affect the mood but also result in dull skin, making it prone to blemishes, dryness, acne, or oiliness. Combat these with helpful products you can find at Watsons: Pond’s, Olay, L’Oreal, Belo, Celeteque, Neutrogena, Snow, St. Ive’s, Suave, Bellic, Glutamax, Shulammite soap, Cosmo Skin, and Nivea Men crème.

More than the skin, however, we also have to protect our hair. Simply shampooing and conditioning are not enough to prevent greasiness/dryness, hair fall, or graying. Hair needs intensive protection from the sun and heat styling products. So, make it a point to revitalize your hair with products like Tresseme, L’Oreal, Dove, and Moringa.

As to recharging health to achieve a 100% you, make sure to mind your eating and exercise habits because skipping them lead to lack of energy and nutrition. Supplement a healthier life and get in tip-top shape with Watson’s healthy solutions such as Cosmo Cee, Poten-Cee, Met Tathione, IVI Collagen, Myra E, Stresstabs, Belo Glutathione, Snow Caps, and Kilo-off.

During the recent campaign launch in Podium, celebrities Iza Calzado, Ruffa Gutierrez, and Alice Dixson shared their beauty secrets using helpful products available at Watsons. Like them, you can restore your beauty and recharge your health while also enjoying big discounts and great deals at Watsons stores and the SM Store Beauty Section. 

In addition, get a chance to win revitalizing packages when you use your SM Advantage Card, BDO Rewards, or PriMo Card when shopping. Every P500 single-receipt purchase of any participating product entitles shoppers to one raffle entry.

There will be 35 winners of Spa Pampering Packages at The Spa; 10 winners of Full-Year Gym memberships at Fitness First, and 10 winners of Overnight Weekend Wellness Packages at The Farm at San Benito resort.

If you’re not yet an SMAC member, make sure to join now because the “Members Get More” program (read my other blog post about it, here) makes shopping more rewarding than ever before. 

Definitely, it’s Time to Renew at Watsons as well as time to get MORE POINTS, MORE SAVINGS, and MORE VALUE! Visit the store nearest you, now!

Billy Joe Crawford stole the hearts of fans when he was first discovered at age three many years ago. The cute and talented little boy swiftly became popular on local TV for his singing and dancing talents. Although he left the Philippines when he was 12 to study in the United States, he continued performing there.

In 1995, the young man appeared with legendary Michael Jackson at the MTV Music Awards. Now known as Billy Crawford, the multi-awarded singer has tracks that topped charts not only in the Philippines but also in countries like France and Switzerland. 

Billy returned to the country in 2008 and has since hosted a string of TV shows. He is currently engaged to young actress Coleen Garcia with whom he has cheesy and kilig stories about.

Speaking of cheese, have you tried the 4 Cheese Whopper yet? It is a huge burger filled to the brim with four kinds of gooey delicious cheesy goodness atop a perfect patty between fresh buns!  

Last April 25th, Burger King held a special event where guests had a beefy and cheesy afternoon filled with delicious flame-grilled whoppers, fun games, and a special performance and interview with Billy who gamely wore a crown.

As the newest member of the Burger King Squad, the multitalented performer is hailed as a new King who perfectly embodies the brand’s Crown Standard. Since 1954, Burger King has been producing flame-grilled burgers that taste like you just had them cooked in the backyard. The patties are 100% beef with no fillers, preservatives, and no nonsense. 

Hosted by Sam YG, the launch transformed Burger King Greenhills into an afternoon backyard cheesy party with seats sporting cheesy lines from romantic comedies, chick flicks, and classic cheesy expressions. 

Burger King is proud to welcome Billy who, like the 4 Cheese Whopper made of the best ingredients, remains one of the best talents in the local showbiz scene today.

Can you compromise quality in favor of savings? This is what many people first think about when faced with the choice of buying a well-known expensive product versus a more affordable one. But, when a person has a tight budget or is conscious about spending, being a wise shopper is essential.

Thankfully, we are no longer forced to choose between quality and savings when Watsons launched its Switch and Save campaign in 2012 that allowed smart shoppers to save on personal care essentials so we can also afford more of the things we want. All one has to do is shift from the leading brand to a Watsons product.

Watsons' Karen Fabres, Danilo Chiong, Jared De Guzman, Viki Encarnacion, and Aida Lapez with Edu Manzano, Lorna Tolentino, Iya Villania, Kylie Padilla, and Christian Bautista

In the past five years, Watsons customers across the Philippines made the switch. They changed their toothbrushes, tissues, lotions, and more for the affordable and yet still high quality Watsons alternatives. With such great momentum behind the movement, the personal care store expanded the campaign to the pharmacy.

In 2014, Watsons Generics was launched to bring the same promise of affordable quality to Filipinos when it comes to medicines. Of course, it's always a huge win when something is done to improve the state of the nation's healthcare.

some of the high quality Watsons Label products

However, despite already having many switchers on board, there are still those who need more convincing because they keep holding on to the notion that anything "cheaper means lower quality." So, the Watsons team came up with a way to prove that the brand's amazing products are comparable to more expensive ones by testing people if they could even feel the difference.

The Switch Test became an in-store activity where shoppers can compare Watsons products to leading counterparts without being able to see the brands. Customers were asked to try out two products -- ranging from body scrubs and lotions to toothbrushes and hair irons -- and choose which they'd rather buy.

get up to 80% savings when you switch to using Watsons!

Results of the Switch Test showed that 8 out of 10 shoppers chose the Watsons Label product over the leading brand counterpart. This is an overwhelming testament to Watsons quality. The surprise didn't end there, though, because upon learning of the big savings they could get with Watsons Label, even shoppers who first chose the leading brands also made the switch.

Next to take the Switch Test challenge were Watsons' celebrity endorsers: Christian Bautista, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Iya Villana, Kylie Padilla, Lorna Tolentino, and Edu Manzano. They were asked, "What's the difference between these two products?" Their verdict -- none! Watch the video below and see that even they were amazed because it was hard to tell any difference in quality. On top of that, switching can give savings of up to 80%!

To kick start 2017, Watsons will also air this video as its new TV commercial to reach and make more people realize why they have to switch and save, too. Catch it and see if you can tell the difference between a Watsons brand and your usual brand. You might just surprise yourself with your answer ;)

Many young people today have become movers and shakers of this world with the ability to influence their peers. To celebrate the youth's power to inspire others wherever in the world they may be, Penshoppe recently introduced its newest group of brand ambassadors composed of dynamic young members from the international fashion brand's various global markets.

This initiative aims to find new faces that will inspire people to see their youth in a different light. Soon, there will also be other groups in different countries to be composed of more young members.

Representing the one in the Philippines are seven fresh faces who are collectively referred to as #ClubPenshoppePH. They paint a picture of the Filipino youth who continues to overcome challenges to become a celebration of acceptance, diversity, and individually. 

Jeff Bascon, Brand Director of Penshoppe, described the young people as "shaped by their diverse backgrounds, personal experiences, and inspiring stories, which show in their unique styles." He pointed out that they're also noticeably multiracial because the Filipino youth is no longer bound to the long-standing typecasts that we should be of a certain shade and have a certain set of characteristics.

"Our youth is global and that's something we all should be proud of," added Bascon who affirmed that Penshoppe is very forward-looking and that "we are here to offer something great. As a Filipino brand, we want to represent the country globally and these kids have good stories that resonate perseverance [resulting to making] a name for his or her own self."

#ClubPenshoppePH is composed of PBB heartthrob Tanner Mata and international model Tyler Mata, Spanish model Emilio Francisco Perez, young actresses Loisa Andalio and Sofia Andres, Brazilian model and former Teen PBB housemate Maria Fabiana, and Hashtag member and actor Ronnie Alonte. Their ages range from 17 to 21.

When asked about their personal styles, Tanner admitted to not having a specific fashion icon as he looks at and tries a variety of styles fit for the Philippine weather. However, he confessed liking Kendall Jenner "because she seems perfect in a sense." 

Emilio, who was voted funniest by the group, pronounced that Penshoppe is amazing and that he likes wearing the brand's shorts. Among the ambassadors, he admits liking Gigi Hadid because "she has a great body but doesn't show too much skin."

"I cried when they told me about being part of Club Penshoppe," revealed Sofia whose favorite summer look is wearing short-shorts. She said she looks up to Shay Mitchell and Kendall in terms of fashion styles.  

"Penshoppe and I have the same energy. We have lots of things in common," claimed Maria who likes the brand's comfortable and light clothes. Apart from loving Kendall's style, she expressed feeling honored to be usually likened to Liza Soberano.

Loisa, who prefers dressing conservatively and wouldn't wear sandos or short-shorts, said she chooses clothes that she feels comfortable in and which pleases her eye. "I am grateful for the opportunity to influence my fellow youth and be a role model to them."

As for Ronnie, "I look up to Justin Bieber's style but also like wearing pullovers and shorts, plus slippers."

Jeff says fans should watch out for Club Penshoppe in their areas as they will be bringing them to different parts of the country. "We can't wait for everyone to get to know them better. Each member of #ClubPenshoppePH is more than just a pretty face," he reiterated. "We don't present them as perfect kids. But each is very driven and hardworking. They all have a story that everyone can relate to and will inspire everyone to go for their dreams and see the good in others."

I have friends who got married and whom one is Filipino and the other is Chinese. I am happy to see them live happy lives and am sure they do so because they have learned to embrace each others cultural values over time. 

Chinese New Year theme for HOOQ Hangouts

It's nice that the Mano Po movie series featured this kind of marriage in MANO PO 7: Chinoy as it gave many of us a peek into the lives of a Chinese-Filipino family and how they cope with their differences in beliefs, values, and traditions. 

Since I wasn't able to catch the movie during the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival (see the list of winners, here) screening, I'm glad HOOQ, Asia's largest video on demand service, chose to screen it at the Globe Iconic Store - BGC Ampitheater in Bonifacio Global City last Saturday. It is a very apt film for welcoming the Year of the Fire Rooster.

Fresh from its theatrical release last December, MANO PO 7: Chinoy features a star-studded ensemble cast led by Richard Yap, Jean Garcia, Eric Quizon, Jessy Mendiola, Enchong Dee, Janella Salvador, Jake Cuenca, Kean Cipriano, and Marlo Mortel. 

Jean Garcia having a light moment with Richard Yap and event host Valerie Tan

HOOQ Hangouts is presented by Globe Live in cooperation with Samsung. It is a series of outdoor screening events that showcases HOOQ’s vast library of carefully curated content. Lead actors Richard and Jean graced the event and posed for photos with some lucky winners from one of HOOQ's promos.  

Jane Cruz-Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ Philippines, explained, "We chose Mano Po 7 for this month’s HOOQ Hangouts not only to celebrate the Chinese New Year but also to emphasize that HOOQ will be the first to have the newest local movies after their theatrical run. Now, movie fans don’t have to wait as long since we will try to make it available on HOOQ as soon as possible." She announced that Mano Po 7 and other 2016 MMFF entries will be on HOOQ starting summer.

FYI, HOOQ subscribers can now enjoy over 1,200 Filipino movies spanning almost five decades of film making, and over 4,000 hours of local television leaving other video-in-demand services way behind in terms of Filipino content. 

Apart from Mano Po 7: Chinoy, other anticipated movies soon to be available only for HOOQ subscribers include Camp Sawi, I Love You To Death, That Thing Called Tanga Na, My Rebound Girl, The Escort, Bakit Lahat ng Guwapo May Boyfriend?, and Working Beks. 

In addition, viewers can also watch catch up episodes of the latest GMA 7 TV series including Alyas Robinhood, Someone To Watch Over Me, Meant To Be, Ika-Anim na Utos, and more in the coming months.

"As the exclusive presenter of the Metro Manila Film Festival, we will soon have the 2016 MMFF top grosser Die Beautiful and the Nora Aunor starrer Kabisera available on HOOQ.  The rest of the entries will also soon find its way onto HOOQ!" added Jeffrey Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content and Programming.

Make HOOQ your prime destination for thousands of foreign and local movies and TV series. It has the largest library of Philippine-made movies amongst any video-on-demand service in the country.

"Pinoy films and TV shows are closest to our hearts because it tells the stories of our lives and we can all relate to them.  That’s why it’s so importantly for us to continuously enrich our growing library with more quality local content from the top Philippine production studios," described Cruz-Walker who also mentioned Erik Matti’s On The Job: The Series, co-produced with Globe Studios. This will be the very first local production to be exclusively shown on a video on demand service. 

For a list of other local films to catch on HOOQ, please read my other post about the #LovePinoy HOOQ Hangouts, here.

HOOQ has over 10,000 movies and TV shows available for streaming or download. Globe At Home customers can get up to 6 months access to HOOQ with plans P1,299 and up, while Globe mobile customers can also get up to 6 months trial on selected prepaid and postpaid plans. You may also visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial.