The 5 Voices in Your Head That You Immediately Need to Shut Out.

People tend to remember negative words more than their positive counterparts.

From a psychological standpoint, this is referred to as the negative bias – where people gravitate towards negative information even if something positive is equally or more present. Eventually, these words evolve into internal voices that induce doubt, anxiety, panic, and other unpleasant emotions that keep a person from living her most authentic self.

While having negative thoughts circling the mind is natural, it also tends to erode one’s own self-esteem, eventually affecting one’s ability to function properly. Acknowledging them when they surface is an ideal first step towards shutting them down.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, here’s a list of the most common intrusive thoughts that most women deal with:

Photo credit: Artem Kovalev on Unsplash.

1. I don’t fit here!

Growing up has people searching for the best social circle to fit in, but sometimes there are children who seem to have their own personal problems and suddenly decide that other kids are not up to their standards. They end up teasing their peers for their physical characteristics, mannerisms, what they brought to lunch, or whatever minute detail that comes to mind. This social trauma often manifests later in adulthood which makes one avoid meeting new people for fear of being judged or simply not fitting in. This is not your voice; it’s from that childhood bully.

2. I can’t do it!

Remember in your younger years when you wanted to try out for the school varsity, and your guardian immediately said no, because you’re just a girl? That memory may later manifest into hesitation to try out experiences and assert oneself, especially in activities that are traditionally dominated by men. Having the need for validation to do something can pull you from exploring what life has to offer. This is not your voice, it’s from that guardian.

Photo credit: Morgan Petroski on Unsplash.

3. I am not enough!

It’s hard enough to juggle relationships, family, and personal goals, more so if you’re a woman. You encounter voices from all fronts, telling you you’re not enough as a mom, not enough as a wife. This is more prevalent at work, with voices telling you you’re not enough as an employee – pushing you to work harder than your male counterparts. When others disregard your efforts in whatever you do, it lowers your sense of accomplishments, more especially if it’s being done in a team setting. This is not your voice, it’s from those colleagues

4. I’m too fat/too thin!

While some family gatherings present an opportunity to reconnect with relatives, there’s always that one nosy relative who always has an opinion on your personal life—most especially how much weight you have lost or gained. Regardless of whether it is true or not, the tumataba ka comment is something most women dread because it’s pointing out something that a woman already knows but can’t change in a snap. Soon, this turns into an insecurity, affecting how she carries herself. This is not your voice, it’s from that tita.

Photo credit: Aman Upadhyay on Unsplash.

5. I can’t be happy on my own!

Ending a romantic relationship unravels a whole lot of emotions. Sometimes it’s best for both people involved, especially if there are irreconcilable differences. Unfortunately, there are exes who are so full of themselves that they will say you can’t be happy without them; that being alone will get to you eventually. Being single or in a relationship should have nothing to do with a woman’s self-love. And when someone tells you that being alone will damage you more, don’t listen to that. This is not your voice, it’s from that ex.

I Do Me

Whenever these voices cloud your thoughts, it pays to remember that these voices are not yours—they are from those whose opinions should not have any bearing on your worth.

Avon celebrates International Women’s Day by reminding women that they always have the power to silence these intrusive voices and when they do, they can find their own voice – the one that will make her love herself and empower her to achieve greatness.

As the brand that continues to stand for women for over 135 years, Avon encourages women to build their confidence and say “Let me be. You do you and I’ll do me”.

Nothing should hold you back from achieving your full potential—not society, not your social media feed, and most especially not what these voices might say.

Avon as a brand and through its products, encourages women to silence the negativity to grow and flourish. Because women owe it to themselves to bloom where they are planted.

Follow Avon Philippines on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to learn how women are shutting out negative voices as they assert their worth.

Protect Lives and Livelihood with These Easy Fire Prevention Tips and with Cebuana Lhuillier ProtectMax.

In the first two months of 2022 alone, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced that fire incidents have already increased by almost 13% compared to the same period last year. In addition, back in 2020, data from BFP also showed that open flame due to torch, unattended cooking, and electrical connections are the main causes of fire accidents.

Like other threats and risks of loss in any unfortunate events such as natural calamities, impacts due to fire and negligence mishaps, thousands of lives and millions up to billions worth of properties are being lost every year, and the need for a financial tool arises to make financial impacts less severe.

“Damage caused by fire is insurmountable. It affects the lives and livelihood of many Filipinos, regardless of their economic status in life. Unfortunately, our kababayans in the marginalized sector can experience bigger risk and more profound impact. Backed by our commitment for financial inclusion, we also want common Filipinos to be able to afford protection and security as a part of their financial plan. It is crucial that they have access to basic security requirements to cushion the blow of disasters that may happen,” Cebuana Lhuillier CEO and President, Jean Henri Lhuillier said. 

As the country observes the annual Fire Prevention Month, here are some tips from the BFP to make sure that your house is safe from fire:

1. Unplug appliances when they are not in use

Unplugging items when not in use not only reduces your electricity consumption but also cuts down the chances of a fire. Excessive electricity flowing through appliances like TV sets, computers, and a lot more – or a possibility of power surge can be a source of conflagration. Make sure to always unplug your appliances when leaving the house.

2. Never leave flames or heated appliances unattended

Always be cautious of any excessive flames that you may use like lighting candles or cooking. Always keep an eye and one step ahead if anything goes wrong. Much better if you can install fire alarms or have fire extinguishers ready, nearby.

3. Keep flammable items away from things that can be a source of fire

Proper storage of different items and supplies can prevent a fire incident. Ensuring that flammable items are stored in the right place and are far away from a source of heat, can save you from a possible accident.

4. Declutter

Too many things cluttered in an area can give fire plenty of space to spread faster. By decluttering certain areas in your home, you’ll be able to minimize the risk of spreading fire, minimize your loss, and save your home in the event of a fire.

5. Check your electrical wirings regularly

Pay close attention to any visible faulty wirings. This can damage your appliances that can eventually lead to a fire incident.

Always remember that prevention is always better than cure. Knowing these fire prevention tips could save you and others from a devastating event.

“This Fire Prevention Month, it is important to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. Apart from being ready when a fire incident happens, it is also important that common Filipinos have a safety net in case it happened. This is our main mission for our microinsurance product, ProtectMax. This product offers comprehensive coverage at a more reasonable cost,” First Vice President and Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers Inc., Jonathan Batangan mentioned.

To lessen the risk brought by fire and other natural calamities, Cebuana Lhuiller offers ProtectMAX, an affordable microinsurance product designed for individuals aged 7 to 70 years old with Death Benefit, Accident or Sickness Emergency Cash Assistance, Accidental Dismemberment and/or Disablement, Murder, and Unprovoked Assault and Residential Fire Reconstruction cash assistance.

For as low as P50, get a total coverage value of up to P61,000.00. Each certificate is valid for four (4) months from the date of issuance and can be availed up to a maximum of 5 certificates per insured in a year.

To know more about Cebuana Lhuillier ProtectMAX, visit the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch or just log on to www.cebuanalhuillier.com. Avail ProtectMAX now in almost 3,000 branches of Cebuana Lhuillier, nationwide.

Cleene CLIO makes Clean Teeth possible for Families this World Oral Health Day 2022.

As someone who has had problems with her teeth (almost) all her life, I strongly encourage everyone, especially the young ones, to take care of your teeth and pay particular attention to your oral healthcare. And I'm saying this because my teeth and gums have been through a lot - splint, metal braces, retainer, deep scaling, gingivectomy, periodontal surgery, even gingival hyperplasia. Name it, and I most likely have been through it. 

Currently, I'm receiving treatment/therapy to correct my malocclusion (I have a horrendous overbite which causes damage to my gums), and having to wear an EF appliance for six hours a day everyday and overnight while sleeping can be very uncomfortable. Who would have thought that after wearing braces for almost six years, I'd be having issues with my teeth again? 

I certainly wouldn't want my son, or any other child for that matter, to experience these kinds of pain and discomfort, that is why I'm making oral health my new advocacy. As such, I am excited and very much honored to be part of the Mommy Bloggers Philippines community and Cleene Clio's campaign for World Oral Health Day.

On World Oral Health Day, Cleene CLIO invites everyone to celebrate by practicing proper oral healthcare with their families.

A product of proudly Filipino company PHILUSA Corporation, Cleene CLIO has been an ardent supporter of this global oral health initiative, especially with oral care given less priority during the pandemic when accessibility to dentists and visits to oral health facilities were challenging at the height of the lockdowns.

To emphasize the importance of good oral health practices at home, Cleene CLIO has partnered with Manila Water Foundation and Philippine Dental Association to provide oral health kits to various barangays and schools as part of this year’s World Oral Health Day activities. Over 2,000 health kits containing Cleene CLIO toothbrushes and Dental Floss Premium from Cleene CLIO and PHILUSA were distributed to 12 barangays and to the chosen hygiene facility in Dinalaonan Elementary School in Pangasinan.

And as a special treat for World Oral Health Day, selected Cleene CLIO products will be sold at 20% off exclusively in Mercury Drug stores nationwide until April 15, 2022. Cleene CLIO continues to be the partner of every Filipino family in promoting good oral hygiene by offering a wide range of affordable and quality toothbrushes.

Cleene CLIO toothbrushes are made with MicroFine Soft Bristles that help penetrate and clean hard to reach areas for better interdental cleaning and a gentle brushing experience. The tapered bristles penetrate between teeth and gums for thorough cleaning, while the rounded shape of the bristles remove plaque and prevent teeth and gum damage.

There is a Cleene CLIO toothbrush for every member of the family that is affordable and has world-class quality. For those wanting extra care and protection for your teeth, Cleene CLIO offers its Refreshing Green Tea and Ultimax Charcoal under their Special care line. While for those needing specialized care, Cleene CLIO has its Kiddie and Junior as well as 40+ for sensitive gum and teeth. It also has its economy toothbrushes for general oral health care for any age.

Cleene CLIO is available at Mercury Drug, leading supermarkets, drugstores and other retail stores nationwide as well as on all leading ecommerce websites: Shopee, Lazada, and the PHILUSA Online Store.

PCPPI marks World Water Day, urges public to conserve water.

By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may be facing water shortages. According to World Wildlife Fund Inc., this pmay get worse considering the current consumption rate worldwide.

On World Water Day, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—is urging the public to participate in water conservation efforts to reduce any unnecessary water usage.

“Water is a fundamental right. This is the reason we strictly manage our water consumption and water wastes. We need to integrate water conservation methods to improve global water security. We encourage the public to use water responsibly as this is a shared responsibility that we need to take seriously,” said PCPPI president and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frederick D. Ong.

Last year, PCPPI reported a six percent reduction in its 2020 water usage. The company saved around 369,000 cubic meters of water which is equal to more than 147 Olympic-sized swimming pools. From 2019 to 2021, the company has reduced its water use by 11.5%.

To bolster its water stewardship initiatives, PCPPI monitors its water consumption in its operations and has devised ways to improve its water recycling to minimize wastage. It also continues to strengthen its host communities' involvement by partnering with local government units for its adopt-a-river program.

Everybody can join this water conservation movement, even while at home. Here are some tips on how you can efficiently use water and save money on water bills, too.

Prep your food wisely

Practice rinsing your fruits and vegetables in a basin of water instead of under running water. Do this and save up to 10 to 15 gallons of water every year.

Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator overnight. This is better than placing it under flowing tap. When boiling vegetables, make sure to use only enough water. This allows you to still get adequate nutrients from them. Use your rice wash to water the plants.

Run full loads of laundry

If you want to wash your laundry with ease, soak your dirty clothes in water for at least 20 minutes to remove the stains. It is also advisable to run a full load of laundry to maximize the water used—it’s energy-efficient, too. You may then recycle the laundry water and use it to clean your garage, pathways, bathroom floors, or your pet’s cage.

Check for leaks

Regularly check for pipe leaks. If you see signs of molds or foul smells, it’s best to ask for help from an experienced plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Leaks occur in toilets, too. Try adding a small drop of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait for a few minutes to test for leaks. If the water in the bowl changes its color even without flushing, then it's leaking. Getting rid of leaks could save a household 10,000 gallons of water per year.

Shower and brush your teeth responsibly

When washing with soap or shampoo, turn off the faucet to prevent water waste. You can also work on reducing your shower time by finishing your bath routine quickly. If possible, use a bucket and a dipper or get a water-saving showerhead.

It is wise to brush your teeth and rinse using a cup of water. Running the tap while toothbrushing uses up as much as six liters of water every time.

Save water when cleaning outdoors

Use a pail of water and a broom rather than a hose to get rid of stubborn dirt on your sidewalk, driveway, or parking lot. To add, use recycled laundry water. It has the same cleaning effect for outdoor dirty areas as with clean tap water.

Turn off faucets

Need we say more? Turn off all your faucets at home when not in use.

There are still so many ways to conserve water and to ensure global water security. The world is changing and it is only fitting that we change our ways, too, because this fact remains: Water is life.

Top Tips to Prepare for the Perfect Retirement.

Retirement is something that many people dread. They worry about finishing work and entering a different stage in their lives. Although retirement is a significant milestone in your life, it’s not one that should be feared. In fact, the opposite is true! Retirement is something that should fill you up with excitement and anticipation.

No matter what age you aim to retire, proper planning will make your transition into retirement much smoother. It may be a multi-step process that will adapt over time but there are still plenty of ways that you can prepare for this event.

Knowing where to start when it comes to retirement can be difficult. To make things easier for you, we’ve laid out all of the key steps in this article.

Kim Hae Sook in About Time (2018).

Consider the Location of Your Retirement

You might wish to retire in the same location as where you worked. However, if you’re ready for a change and you want to find somewhere more peaceful and relaxing for your retirement, it’s never too early to start searching for the perfect location.

For example, if you live around the South West of the United States, there is a friendly and welcoming retirement community in Arizona that you can join. There will be similar communities across the whole of America and they’re the perfect way to meet like-minded people as you retire.

Kim Hae Sook in Start Up (2020).

Organize Your Finances

Money is a huge part of retirement. Organizing your finances is going to be key to a happy and simple transition into your retired life.

Your financial needs during retirement will largely depend on your personal plans and goals. For instance, you might dream of traveling to far-off destinations or exploring new places you've always wanted to visit. Alternatively, you could be considering moving to an assisted living facility, such as benchmark senior living at shrewsbury crossings, or another community that suits your needs.

Additionally, it's also smart to plan for potential unexpected expenses, such as emergency medical costs, or necessary home repairs and renovations. By carefully evaluating and planning for these various aspects, you can create a financial strategy that supports a fulfilling and worry-free retirement.

A great way to get organized is to identify how much you have in your total retirement fund and allocate a specific amount of money for each month or year. Consider how much you will spend on your daily living activities, your groceries, and your bills.

You can use a spreadsheet or another budgeting method to help you keep track of your money. Make sure to track old pensions, state pensions, and any other benefits that you will receive as this will determine your total income when you retire.

Kim Hae Sook and Kim Kap Soo in Hospital Playlist (2021).

Take Up a New Hobby

When you stop working, it can often feel like you have no purpose anymore. You might feel lost and confused or unsure what to do with your spare time.

Taking up a new hobby is a great way to keep yourself occupied and stimulate your brain during retirement. It’s also the perfect opportunity to meet other people if you join local groups or clubs.

Your retirement hobbies and pastimes may be something that you can do in your home, such as knitting or drawing. If you prefer being outside in the fresh air, gardening or hiking might appeal to you.

Finding active hobbies will help to keep your body physically fit and makes it easier for you to maintain muscle mass as you age. You don’t need to do anything too strenuous. As long you are actively moving each day, you will be able to maximize your health.