Monthly Archives: April 2020

Users can buy all their essential and non-essential goods from the safety of their own home

MANILA, April 30, 2020 – Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, announced today that it will resume full operations and fulfillment of all orders nationwide — including non-essential goods like beauty products, fashion, and many more. Cash on Delivery will also be available for all items.

Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines, said: ​“We’re glad to announce that Shopee will be resuming full operations and nationwide fulfillment for all goods and services. Aside from essential goods, our Filipino users can now have access to non-essential goods from different categories like fashion, beauty, and many more. We are also working closely with our brands, sellers, and partners to ensure that we continue to provide our users with greater convenience and value during this period and beyond Covid-19.”

Shopee will also continue to serve its users with their essential needs with the recently launched 5.5 Shopee Mart Sale. Running until May 5, Shopee offers deals as low as ₱5 and a Free Shipping with P0 minimum spend on essential products including food, personal hygiene, health supplies, and many more.

In addition, Shopee will be offering discounts up to 90% off on fashion items with the Shopee Bazaar Sale.

Visit https://shopee.ph/5-5 for more information.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

By Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND, Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition.

While we shelter in place and practice social distancing, many of us may feel wary of the one errand we’ve generally taken for granted– the grocery run.

Now, going to the grocery store takes even more planning as the visits are less frequent and options are more limited. Because of these restrictions, it’s easy to make selections that are not the healthiest or to be tempted by high-calorie comfort foods – which often contain too much fat, salt and sugar.

Now more than ever, our health should be a top priority. This means making choices to nurture our bodies even more so than we did before COVID-19 impacted our lives. When we make poor choices – such as selecting foods that are high in calories but short on important nutrients – we can be overfed and yet undernourished. Starches and sugars may fill our bellies, but we may be lacking many important nutrients that support overall health, including the health of the immune system.

Nutrients We Need More Of

Every few years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases data that reveals the state of the American diet. Reports have previously highlighted that many of us are eating plenty, yet lacking certain nutrients from our meals. In particular, we are losing out on what can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Here are essential nutrients we should pay more attention to:

• Fiber – Best known for helping with regularity, high fiber foods are filling and relatively low in calories, making them one of the best allies when it comes to weight management. Certain fibers can also encourage the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in your digestive tract. These beneficial bacteria help support immunity because they serve as an initial line of defense, by crowding out potentially harmful bacteria that might enter the digestive tract. You can get more fiber by including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Use fruits and veggies as snacks, add them to smoothies, sandwiches, salads, soups and stews, and replace refined grains with whole grains.

• Magnesium – While it’s not a mineral we typically think about, magnesium contributes to hundreds of bodily functions. Magnesium supports the health of your immune and nervous systems, supports muscle function, and assists your cells in producing energy. Magnesium is abundant in plant foods like leafy greens, nuts, beans and whole grains, so try snacking on nuts, or toss some beans into a leafy green salad.

• Vitamin D – Most people associate calcium with healthy bones, but your bones need Vitamin D too, since it helps your body absorb calcium from your diet. Vitamin D is also needed for proper muscle function and supports the activity of the immune system. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include eggs and fortified dairy products; a daily walk outside can help too, since your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight.

• Potassium – This mineral supports the function of nerves and muscles and helps regulate blood pressure. Potassium also supports chemical reactions in the body that generate energy from food. One reason many people don’t get enough potassium is because they don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables – the most abundant sources of this important mineral.

Many women also don’t get enough calcium or iron:

• Calcium – Calcium is critically important for bone health. Adults need at least 1,000 mg of calcium each day, or the amount found in three glasses of milk. However, many women don’t eat enough dairy products, either because they simply choose to avoid them, are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or because they are sensitive to lactose. However, calcium can also be obtained from leafy green vegetables and some fortified foods.

• Iron – One of iron’s key functions is to support the transport of oxygen to cells and tissues. Women who are premenopausal lose iron routinely with their monthly cycle, which is why it is so important to ensure they have adequate intake. Meat is an excellent source of iron, but those on a plant-based diet can obtain iron from beans and fortified cereals.

Eating for Wellness

The great news is that most of these nutrients can be found in foods that are easy to buy in bulk and maintain a long shelf life until your next essential grocery run.

Dry goods like oatmeal, lentils and whole grain pastas and cereals can be great sources of fiber, iron and magnesium, and some cereals are also fortified with Vitamin D. The most important feature is to ensure that you’re buying “whole grain” to get the full benefit, so read labels carefully.

Produce that lasts the longest includes apples, citrus, onions, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and carrots. And keep in mind that frozen fruits and veggies pack the same nutritional punch as their fresh counterparts, so stock up on them when you find them. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber and potassium and a single carrot provides a days’ worth of beta-carotene, which helps protect the health of cells, including cells in the immune system. The body also converts beta-carotene to vitamin A which supports the health of the skin, including the specialized immune cells that reside there. 

Finally, fermented foods are also great options that provide beneficial probiotics (the ‘good bacteria’) to the digestive system. Some fermented foods, like tempeh or Greek yogurt, are also excellent sources of plant-based protein (and yogurt is a great source of calcium) and both foods have relatively long shelf lives. Protein supports immune function in a number of ways – among them, the body uses protein to manufacture antibodies, and protein supports the health of the skin and the cells lining the digestive and respiratory tracts. 

How Supplementation Can Help

A well-balanced diet should provide the essential nutrients to optimize your body’s healthy functions. However, the reality is that even with a balanced diet, no one eats perfectly every day – particularly during these uncertain times when our usual foods may not be as readily available. That said, this is when the right supplementation can really help. For example, if you can’t get the recommended 25 grams of fiber from fruits, veggies and whole grains, or enough calcium from your usual foods, you can work in fiber or calcium supplements. A daily multi-vitamin or the use of fortified foods – like cereals or meal replacement shakes or bars – can be consumed to help supply the vitamins and minerals your body needs to perform at its best.

During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, use it to your advantage to take care of yourself and your body. Plan out your grocery list and stock your freezer, refrigerator and cupboards with healthy staples. Focus on the important nutrients you may need to increase in your diet and choose foods accordingly. It’s a great time to start getting creative in the kitchen–you may even be surprised at what tasty meals you can put together with what’s already in your pantry!

            With most of us homebound these days, it’s the best time to start good health habits by preparing nutritious meals for the family, and creating a wellness based lifestyle whose benefits we will enjoy beyond the quarantine.  It’s also the best time to rediscover the simple joys life and of doing things together.  

 SM Home, the one-stop shop for all of your home essentials, shares with us some healthy home-works from UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization in maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

1.       Prepare a Weekly Meal Plan and make a shopping list of items you need before you go to the store for your routine shopping. Create the list from the meal plan and include back up ingredients on your list in case your first choice is out of stock. Limit the list on buying the essentials.

2.        Stock up on nutrition-packed food such as whole grains, breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables; and staples like sauces, milk, eggs, spices and condiments. Fresh products should be consumed first. Frozen fruits and vegetables as well as canned vegetables and fruits are good alternatives as these have a longer shelf life.

3.        Build up a stock of healthy snacks for your children – yogurt, nuts, cheese, chopped or dried fruits, boiled eggs and more. Stock them up in a stackable glass container to seal freshness and label them.

4.       Continue to practice Food Hygiene and Safety. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and dry it with vegetable spinner; use separate chopping boards for meat and seafood as you prepare the meal; and don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing your meal.

5.       Drink water regularly and stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses a day to boost your immune system.

6.       Make cooking and eating together a family habit. Kids can help wash and sort the ingredients and set the table before the meal. This creates a healthy routine and fun bonding with the whole family. Also practice mindful eating and stay away from processed food.

Enjoy healthy home-works and memorable meals together with home essentials from SM Home. These are available at the smhome.com.ph and shoppers can now place their order online through the thesmtore.com (http://thesmtore.com/) and ShopSM app. For more info and updates, follow them at SM Home at the SM Store in Instagram or visit thesmstore.com website.

With most of the population working from home, the country’s workforce is relying on fast internet connection and efficient productivity tools. That is why fastest growing internet service provider Converge ICT is resuming their operations in Metro Manila and select areas in North Luzon to power hundreds of Filipino households relying on their broadband service.

To protect both their employees and consumers, installer personnel will be covered with protective masks and all paraphernalia and vehicles will be fully sanitized before being taken out for service.

On their part, employees are given temporary lodging near their office, sanitation kits with alcohol, gloves, and masks, and vitamins to boost their immune system. They are also provided with food to minimize their mobility and undergo daily temperature checks.

“We, at Converge, are a firm believer in acting together in these challenging times to provide the best service for Filipinos. As we all adapt into the new normal homes and select businesses should get the extensive resources and support to be online. We will do what we can to provide strong connectivity because more than ever now, we need to stay connected with loved ones, friends and colleagues that we can only see virtually,” said Dennis Uy, Founder of Converge ICT Solutions.

“The health and safety of our people is paramount, so we are implementing necessary measures to keep them from harm’s way. We know that through this we are able to extend outstanding service to our customers too,” he added.

The processing of applications for new users has already resumed and will operate during weekends to fast track the need for Converge’s service. In addition to the installation service, customer service and repair services will also resume. The services may take within 3 to 10 days in compliance with travel restrictions, checkpoints, and essential manpower that may restrict the operations.

As a company resolute in being one with the front-liners, Converge has also previously given more than a thousand units of personal protective equipment to Angeles City Hospital. 

For inquiries and the list of open branches visit https://www.convergeict.com/

            As communities around the world struggle with COVID-19, hand washing is consistently mentioned  – even by World Health Organization  guidelines – as one way to keep ourselves not only clean but safe and healthy.

Constantly washing our hands though comes at a price resulting in dry skin. Excessive washing can strip hands of moisture leaving your skin feeling dry and tight.

The good news is that The Body Shop has a range of moisturizing hand wash is the perfect addition to your bathroom and as protection to harmful bacteria. These 100% vegan hand washes lather up instantly and provide extra moisture whilst keeping hands clean and fresh. Here’s how you can pamper your hands from The Body Shop.

* Drench your hands with the dewy scent of roses with British Rose Hand Wash that leaves your skin feeling fresh and smelling florally fresh infused with the essence of Community Trade handpicked roses from England and Community Trade organic cane sugar from Paraguay. 

* The conditioning and purifying properties of Tea Tree Hand Wash will help hands wash away bacteria and feel squeaky clean. This refreshing hand wash is enriched with Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya.  

* Get an uplifting burst every time you wash your hands with Pink Grapefruit Hand Wash. Wake up your senses with its zesty citrus scent that leaves skin cleansed and smelling irresistible enriched with Community Trade sugar from Paraguay.

 For best results, simply follow along with the 10 steps for washing your hands the right way with The Body Shop’s Hand Wash range:

1.       First, wet your hands with warm water.

2.       Apply 1-2 pumps of soap to cover your hands.

3.       Lather up by rubbing the palms of your hands together.

4.       Use the palm of one hand to rub the back of the other and clean in between the fingers. Repeat on the other hand.

5.       Rub your hands together making sure you clean in between your fingers.

6.       Rub the back of your fingers against your palms on both hand.

7.       Don’t forget your thumbs. Rub each one using your other hand.

8.       Rub the tips of your fingers on the palm of your other hand.

9.       Rinse your hands with running water.

10.   Dry your hands completely with a clean towel.

Join The Body Shop in lathering up to prevent and fight harmful bacteria and viruses. The Body Shop’s Hand Wash collection is available in all The Body Shop stores. The Body Shop now accepts SM Advantage Card for points earning and redemption, SM and Sodexo premium pass in all The Body Shop stores nationwide.

The Body Shop self-care essentials are now available on Lazada, Shopee under The SM Store as well as ShopSM.

MyKuya volunteer runners serve as frontliners at this time by helping run errands for those stuck at home and vulnerable to COVID-19. Photo credit: MyKuya

Manila, Philippines — The impact of COVID-19 left many businesses navigating the digital space. Some are caught off guard while others utilize their expertise in technology. Take it from Filipino startups who have been stepping up to help combat COVID-19 in their own ways. To provide tips on how they’re doing it, startup founders gathered for a QLITAN, a bi-weekly networking event hosted by QBO Philippines since 2016.

But this time, QLITAN was held online. In this virtual event, founders shared how they are responding to the crisis. Headlining the session titled “Startup Survival Guide — Adapting to the New Norm” are Moritz Gastl, vice-president of Growth of First Circle, a startup which provides business financing and access to credit; Shahab Shabibi, co-founder of MyKuya, an app that allows on-demand services such as grocery deliveries; Gabby Dizon, CEO and cofounder of mobile and blockchain game studio Altitude Games; Stefano Fazzini, CEO of online grocery delivery service MetroMart; and Bonnie Factor, founder of Leading with Success.

These startups are now using this opportunity to create a lasting difference — banding together and using technology not only to ease people’s burdens but even potentially save lives.

“Startups are called to do what they do best — they are rising up to this challenge by deploying innovative solutions, moving quickly, and showing us how we can harness the power of technology for the greater good. We are seeing startups from different industries working hard at this time, from logistics to ecommerce to fintech and edutech,” said Katrina Chan, director of QBO.

Startups aiding the government on the battle against COVID-19

Now more than ever, the tech capability of startups can help the government in a number of ways. The Department of Science and Technology with Developers Connect helped launch the RapidPass system where frontliners manning checkpoints can easily inspect vehicles and individuals by scanning QR codes.

Senti, a startup specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, provides the knowledge-base for the chatbots that the Department of Health deploys in different channels to address COVID-19-related inquiries. Local tech company Multisys, on the other hand, developed the online and mobile platform StaySafe.ph which aims to help the government in conducting efficient contact tracing.

To enable faster response from local government units (LGUs) in the fight against COVID-19, Limitless Lab, in partnership with The Asia Foundation, developed LGU vs COVID PH. The platform is an easy-to-use, updated, and reliable dashboard of all COVID-19 related information which LGUs can use and refer to.

Startups offering convenience, on-demand services

Unknown to many, some of the essential needs met at this time are also powered by startups. MetroMart enables people who are stuck at home to have their goods delivered right at their doorstep. To further harness its capability, MetroMart launched MetroMart Cares, a special online store for grocery donations in partnership with World Vision and Gawad Kalinga. Another startup, Zagana, helps bridge the gap for local farmers and consumers in need of fresh fruits and vegetables.

MyKuya also provides convenience during the quarantine by helping run errands for those stuck at home and vulnerable to COVID-19. Some of its services include meal delivery, bills payment, and pharmacy and grocery runs. AIDE, a home healthcare platform, connects patients and medical professionals straight from their smartphones.

Even outside the Metro, startups continue to thrive. Pandalivery, an on-demand food delivery service available in Camarines Sur and Albay, expanded its service by including groceries and medicines to help amidst the quarantine. Streetby, an app that allows different merchants to continue to reach households in areas in Mindanao including Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Davao, General Santos, and Iligan.

Startups connecting the world, bringing communities together

Aside from providing essentials, startups are also mobilizing their resources and skills to aid in addressing challenges brought about by COVID-19. QBO incubatees Container Living and Kumu are harnessing the power of their community.

Container Living, a startup which converts containers to buildings in its effort to lower carbon footprint and costs, saw the opportunity to pivot their innovation to address the overcrowding of medical facilities brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Container Living CEO Mac Evangelista spearheaded Rapid Deployment (RAD) Hospitals alongside its team of local architects, professionals and engineers to build scalable, easy-to-deploy, isolation and intensive care facilities for COVID-19 patients.

Filipino startup Container Living spearheads the creation of Rapid Deployment Hospitals to aid in the overcrowding of medical facilities due to COVID-19. Photo credit: Container Living

Livestreaming app Kumu launched Kumu Lives Streaming Service which conducts private live streams for free in an effort to enable Filipino communities, here and around the world, to hold events and gatherings online amid the quarantine, and Social DistanSING, a livestreaming initiative for a cause which brought together artists and celebrities online to share their talents and help raise funds for families affected by COVID-19. To date, Kumu’s cause has raised an estimate of Php1.2 million pesos for charity.

“At a time when most of us are relying on technology to stay connected and keep working, these startups are showing us how it can be done. They are, in a way, frontliners in their own rights, taking initiative to tackle this crisis by leveraging their strengths in technology to help our country move forward despite the challenges brought by this pandemic,” added Chan. “Our mantra at QBO is ‘Filipino Startups Changing the World’. We have always believed that our homegrown ventures and innovators can make a meaningful contribution to solving critical challenges and create impact. Now, our startups are showing what they’re capable of, and we hope that everyone will take notice, and recognize the crucial role that Filipino startups can play in bringing fresh ideas into action and will continue to support them in future.”

Photo 3 shows startup founders Shahab Shabibi, co-founder of MyKuya; Gabby Dizon, CEO and cofounder of Altitude Games; Moritz Gastl, vice-president of Growth of First Circle; Stefano Fazzini, CEO of MetroMart; and Bonnie Factor, founder of Leading with Success with moderator Rocky Chan and QBO Head of Operations Natasha Bautista and QBO Director Katrina Chan during the first virtual QLITAN session held amidst COVID-19. (Photo credit: QBO Innovation Hub)

For its part, QBO also harnesses the power of tech by continuously providing support and learning opportunities to Filipino startups, making sure they are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to push forward despite the threat of COVID-19. For more information, visit facebook.com/QBOphilippines/ and qbo.com.ph/.

When you hear the song “Don’t Start Now” by English singer/songwriter Dua Lipa, what initially comes to mind? Do you imagine the visually stunning music video tied to it, or is your mind flooded with mental images of a plethora of dance covers on TikTok?

Indeed, TikTok has become a global phenomenon and, lately, has sort of become a therapy for most people especially in light of the community quarantines enforced worldwide. And with millions of active users on the platform, coming up with fresh and unique videos may seem like a daunting task.

Fear not because collecting plenty of views, likes, and followers on this rapidly growing platform is not impossible. Here are 8 tips on how to make Tik-Toks that stand out:

Immerse yourself in the “For You” page

Developing ideas and crafting them into your latest TikTok might be difficult due to the sea of clips already out there. But who says you can’t draw inspiration from these clips? Binge watch videos on the “For You” page to get a sense of what’s hot, what’s not, and what hasn’t been created yet.

Use your own audio clips

While TikTok has a vast library of songs and audio clips, they are only offered in segments lasting no more than a minute. Got a favorite? Why not use a separate device to play audi   o clips of your choice. Be wary of copyright infringement though.

Make every second count

To get a higher viewership count, make sure that the first few seconds of your TikTok has an impact that will easily reel people in. Try baked-in captions or brief and creative intros on your videos to entice viewers to watch your clips entirely.

Showcase your “talent,” but be yourself

TikTok is considered a safe space for people who want to explore and broadcast their skills and talents. Whether it’s dancing, singing, acting, cooking, or showing how talented you are at being talentless–that actually garners a lot of engagement–show the world what makes you, you. Just make sure to maintain authenticity because that is what the audience likes.

Go all out

While you’re at it, make sure to give it your all and showcase the best version of you. Don’t be ashamed of being a bit “extra”. Put on your best outfits, apply makeup, and unleash a burst of energy–it’ll only be a few seconds anyway.

Be relatable

Another way to make your TikToks stand out is to make them as relatable as possible. Try kickstarting ideas with a few unique questions like “How do I react during monumental scenes in a certain renowned movie?” or “How do I look when I wake up on different days of the week?”

Add in multiple hashtags

Maybe you’re thinking: “…but having a ‘gazillion’ hashtags is so 2013.” While that may be true for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, there is certainly zero judgement on the use of hashtags by the TikTok community. In fact, using a ton of hashtags like #fyp and #tiktokph, increases your chances of landing on the “For You” page.

Engage in a “Duet”

Joining forces with fellow “TikTokers” not only allows for wider audience engagement, but ensures a fun and interactive experience. Plus, you get to make new friends in the process.

Bonus tip: Follow influential profiles

Much like in fashion and design, it’s always good to have pegs that are consistent with your style and taste. Follow your favorite TikTokers and celebrities to be in the loop for latest trends. And while you’re at it, follow the brand on TikTok at @vivophilippines to get fresh and creative updates on products and services.

In the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak, we must stay healthy and safe. Shopping at home is the most convenient way to get your daily essential needs, and there’s no better way to get your shopping done from home than with Shopee! Here are some tips to make your #ShopeeAtHome experience easier and help you decide better:

1. Plan ahead and ready your list

Make a list and check it twice. This will give you an overview of what items you really need to buy and help you manage your budget. It will also ensure that you don’t forget essential personal care items like antibacterial soaps and shampoos before hitting the checkout button. Take a look at Shopee’s collection and sale pages to see the variety of great deals that are available. Shopee’s collections also make it easier for you to find the items on your list, and get great deals to boot!

2. Choose healthy

A healthy lifestyle starts with smart choices when buying food. Make sure to fill your pantry with nutrient-packed meals and drinks. Shopee offers a variety of food products packed with essential vitamins and minerals. You can use its search filter function for easy access to its wide range of food and beverage items, health supplements, and more.

3. Order in bulk

Save more money and get additional discounts when you buy in bulk. Find shop vouchers and bundle deals that give you an extra discount when you purchase more items from the same shop. Items marked as Wholesale can also help you save–if you buy the specified number of items, you can get them at a discounted price.

4. Invest in your family’s protection

During this Enhanced Community Quarantine, it may be difficult to find disinfectants and protective gear in local grocery stores. Luckily, Shopee provides a wide range of health products on their Flash Deals and branded collections including face masks, hand sanitizers, alcohol, and anti-bacterial cleaners. Not only is there a lot of variety to choose from, but you’ll also get great discounts.
5. Look for best deals and bargains

Don’t fret! Shopee offers the best deals on all your essential needs with 5.5 Shopee  Mart Sale. Starting from April 22 – May 5, you can now #ShopeeFromHome and get deals as low as ₱5 and a Free Shipping with P0 minimum spend on your favorite essential goods. Score even better deals when you use discount vouchers, cashback vouchers, and Shopee coins. Even more vouchers await you when you shop using ShopeePay. In addition, top brands like P&G, Wyeth, Nestle, Unilever, Enfagrow, and Abbot will be giving discounts at up to 50% off.

Visit https://shopee.ph/5-5 for more information.
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Do you feel like you’re running out of options for your essentials and cravings this enhanced community quarantine (ECQ)? You might be having problems looking for cashless stores to avoid getting the virus through money bills. Or maybe you’re just tired of the same, old online sellers you go to for your quarantine needs.

Whether it be groceries, your skincare needs, or even a good milk tea fix, here are nine online gems which are bound to save you from your quarantine woes. BONUS: They’re all cashless thanks to GCash!

1. Session Groceries.While grocery stores remain open regardless of the ECQ, many people still find it safer to stay at home and have the goods delivered to their doorstep. This option is also convenient in more ways than one since it saves time driving to and from the supermarkets. You can order your weekly groceries through their mobile app which is free and easily accessible. They cater to homes not just in Metro Manila but in nearby provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal as well!

Contact them via their Facebook page or message them at 0917 501 0267.

2. FoodPanda, GrabFood, LalaFood. Everybody’s quarantine best friend. The best thing about these food delivery apps is that it’s essentially the entire world of food packaged in an app. Perfect for those working and studying at home during the ECQ, meals can be delivered to you with just a few taps on your smartphone instead of spending hours in the kitchen which could have been spent being productive instead. It’s perfect for people who miss eating outside as well! To use GCash, you can link your GCash Mastercard to your account under the “My Linked Accounts” tab in the GCash app!

FoodPanda, GrabFood, and LalaFood are available in GooglePlay and the App Store.

3. Beauté Essentials by Beautéderm. Are you panicking over your depleting stock of skincare products? Just because we’re all in quarantine, it doesn’t mean that we can come out of it with bad skin! Keep on doing your skincare routine with products from this online store while staying safe because you can pay via GCash as well!

Contact them via their Facebook Page or message them at 0927 135 6564.

4. Piggy Blinders Cebu. The ECQ isn’t only implemented in Metro Manila, because LGUs outside Luzon also imposed it for their constituents’ safety as well. For those stuck in their homes in Cebu because of COVID-19, Piggy Blinders delivers racks of mouth-watering grilled ribs to ease cravings. Why not have a barbecue party in your backyard?

For orders and reservations message their Facebook page or contact 0995-755-4371.

5. J&E TradingIt’s literally survival of the fittest when it comes to looking for medical supplies nowadays. It’s a rare sight to see face masks on drug store and supermarket shelves because everyone wants to protect themselves and their family from possible infection. If you’re looking for masks, give their store a try by shooting them a message on Facebook.

 For orders, you can message their Facebook page or contact them at 0916 906 2456 or tradingjel@gmail.com.

6. Hebrews Shebrews PH(Cebu). Here’s another one for those in Cebu. When milktea is all you can think about, even in your dreams, then maybe it’s time to get some.  Hebrews Shebrews reopened to satisfy everybody’s sweet tooth through online deliveries and payment through GCash!

Place your orders by messaging their Facebook page or Instagram account (@hebrews_shebrews).

7. Burger Garage.Tired of having the same old, dry fast food burger delivered? Burger Garage is your savior. Made from 100% fresh and pure ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings, you can say goodbye to substandard burgers forever! You can skip ordering through GrabFood or FoodPanda and just message their Facebook page to process your order faster. Plus, you can directly pay through GCash!

Order your burgers now by contacting them at 0916 401 8147 or via GrabFood/FoodPanda.

8. Emilia’s Baking Supplies. Everybody’s social media feed is filled with posts of people whipping something up with the oven nowadays. Banana bread? Cheesecake? Cookies? No sweat! Just make sure you have the right supplies from Emilia’s Baking Supplies. You’ll be an expert baker in no time.

Emilia’s Baking Supplies accepts orders through their Facebook page or text (0998 587 2341).

9. My Own Meatshop. One of the establishments remaining open despite ECQ are wet markets. But if you’re playing the game safe, then you’re probably wondering about online alternatives as well. My Own Meatshop lets you choose fresh cuts from its social media page and delivers produce to your home. They also use GCash, of course!

My Own Meatshop is only accepting orders via this form: http://bit.ly/MyOwnOrderForm.

While thousands more online sellers use GCash as a mode of payment, GCash users can also use the app to pay merchants who only have bank transfer as their checkout option. Through the Bank Transfer feature, GCash users may send money to almost 40 banks quickly and securely.

By leveraging digital technologies and innovative solutions, we can expand our options during this global health crisis.