According to Healthline, the following are the benefits of Kojic Acid:

- It lightens visible sun damage, age spots, or scars.

- It has an anti-aging effect on the skin.

- It contains antimicrobial properties that help fight off common types of bacteria even in small amounts or dilutions. 

- It can also treat bacterial acne.

- It may lighten acne scars that haven't faded yet.

- It has antifungal properties that may help in treating athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, and yeast infections.

Since it has a lot of health benefits primarily in preventing both bacterial and fungal infections and has proven to be safe in a small concentration of 1%, it is widely used in cosmetics or personal care products like soaps, lotions, and other beauty products. However, there are reports that it may cause skin irritations and discomforts like contact dermatitis which can be seen and felt as itchiness, rashes, swelling on the skin, and pain. It was reported that contact dermatitis and other skin irritations would occur if a person has used a product with more than 1% of Kojic Acid content.

With all honesty, the tingling sensation, dryness, and itchiness that I felt while using some brands of  Kojic Acid beauty products prompted me to stop. I love the benefits of Kojic Acid but the cons outweigh the pros.

In December 2018, I had a chance to get two bars of  Marvella Piel Kojic Acid Soap because the brand was one of the sponsors of #BKSMomsPasko2018. At first, I was hesitant to use it due to my unpleasant experiences with some Kojic Acid soaps that I tried before. Then one day, I had no soap to use so I had no choice but to cut a small portion of Marvella Piel Kojic Acid Soap (I didn't want to put the whole bar into waste just in case it won't suit me.), and used it as a body soap. What I would usually do was to soap my body then let the suds stay on it for a while before rinsing it off. To my surprise, I didn't feel any irritation or itchiness! Awesome! Then when I rinsed it off already, my skin was soft, smooth, and not dry at all. Due to that amazing feeling, I was never afraid to use it on my face. There was no tingling sensation, pain, or discomfort. I saw a difference in my skin tone just after initial use.  Lumiit din ang pores ko. I felt that my skin was super clean but silky. Since the soap was creamy, it was a wise decision that I cut a small portion so that the whole soap would not melt right away. Although its consistency was quite soft, hindi siya sobrang mabilis maubos. I used it for the whole week then and saw a huge difference in my skin. 

I really enjoy using it until now although I admit that I use it two to three times a week only on my face and body as an alternative to the soap that I use regularly because I am not after its fast whitening effect. When I feel that my skin is dull, then I use it again consistently for a week.

I highly recommend Marvella Piel Kojic Acid Soap. It's available on the following sites:

Marvella Piel Main Page on Facebook

Marvella Piel Online Shop on Shopee

Due to my best experience in using this soap, I am now interested to try Marvella Piel's other products like the Korean Glass Skin Set, 24K Gold Serum with Gold Dust, and Tomato Skin Care Line.

The admiration that I have right now for Dr. Michele Alignay has started when I've read her book award-winning book, "Family Goals, Embracing the Imperfections of Family Life". She is the kind of writer whom I can relate with kasi sakto lahat ng sinasabi niya sa book niya, tipong para siyang kapatid mo or BFF mo na nakikinig sa'yo at sasabihan ka ng mga words na kailangan mong marinig. Kahit gaano kasakit ang katotohanan, she is going to make you feel better after pero naliwanagan ka ng bongga!

That's why when I was invited by her personally to attend her latest book launching, ayayay, may kilig factor talaga, I swear. Saying yes to that invite was one of the best decisions that I made this month and probably for my entire lifetime. 

In the 11th of May this year, the intimate launch of her new book, "The Beauty of 40, Unwrapping the Gift of Midlife" was held in Miriam College. The book would be tackling about clarity, reflection, and sensible response to what is happening within us, tayong mga nasa midlife na (Yes, I am 40 and I am proud of it!) and beyond. The two-hour event was filled with an atmosphere of love, sincerity, friendship, and learning. You may watch the video by Kerygma Books through the link below to know more about the launch and the book itself HERE.

I am currently reading it and soon, I will review it. While waiting for it, you may read first my review about "Family Goals" on this link: Family Goals Embracing the Imperfections of Family by Michele S. Alignay. This book is available in religious and some parish stores nationwide and online at www.kerygmabooks.com for only Php320. Whenever I see this book in book stores, I tell the staff to recommend it.

By the way, Dr. Ichel will be launching her "The Beauty of 40..." book again on Sunday, May 26, at "Infini7e: Feast Marikina Bluewave's 7th Anniversary in Marikina Convention Center from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Don't miss it! If you will not be able to make it, you may purchase the book at www.kerygmabooks.com for Php380 only. Midway pa lang ako pero ang dami ko nang napulot o natutuhan.

The feeling of exhaustion on my part started in November 2018, when I started pursuing further studies. The workload was doable but the adjustment period and wearing so many hats kept my hands tied. What was emotionally draining was sickness afflicted my family members and I. Indeed, I could not serve more than two Gods at the same time. I had to choose between my duties for my family over personal concerns which included blogging. Subconsciously I thought that I would be giving less for my family if I spent my time and effort updating my blog and social media sites. The mere fact that I would open my email, website, and social media sites made me anxious. I told my blogger friends that I would lie low for a while and asked if they could pitch in for my duties in maintaining BKS Moms Facebook Page, a mom page that I co-founded with them. I was so fortunate that they understood that I needed to rest and recover from burn out.

Yes, I was in a state of burn out for the nth time. I would usually be emotionally, psychologically, physically drained towards the end of every year but the kind of burn out that I had recently was so intense that I became confused and lost my sense of purpose. I questioned myself if I was doing the right thing. I doubted myself and felt that blogging wasn't for me anymore. 

Towards the start of 2019, I tried to finish my blogging and writing backlogs. But every time I do so, I would just stare on my laptop for a couple of minutes. Instead of wasting my time waiting for ideas to come out my head, I would just close it and send myself to sleep. I would feel so ashamed because I could not deliver on time. Despite it all, I was still grateful because most of the people concerned were understanding. Completing the tasks and delivering just for the sake of delivering made me survive. Mediocrity when it comes to work was not innate in me and it made me more sad and frustrated. The fear of handling more tasks and commitment made me decline invites and opportunities. I just wallowed. I knew that the reputation that I built would be tainted. I was worried but I was helpless. I was on the verge of depression but I did my best to perform in school and remained faithful in doing my mom and business duties.

I knew my priorities. I continued to be valuable and needed but no matter what I did, I couldn't escape blogging. Attending the "Game Plan for Success Batch 4" in April struck me. If I may say it in Filipino, "Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig at nagising sa pagkakatulog ng mahimbing. Para akong sinampal sa magkabilang pisngi." For this, I would like to thank Viviene Bigornia, founder of The Fulfilled Women, because every time that I would lurk in confusion, sorrow, and sadness, she was one of those few special people who would remember me and pick me up from being down. 

I read her book From Depressed to Determined and attended her Visual Boarding Workshop that helped me to start dreaming again for myself aside from for my family but the Game Plan for Success Batch 4 was the workshop that made me see the path to my goals much clearer. It made me realize the true purpose that I was trying to deny. It helped me see that my purpose was just right in front of me that I should not look far to see it. All I should do is to embrace it fully to reach self-actualization to be truly blissful. 

The workshop was light and straightforward but emotional. The speakers' and participants' sharing of experiences brought me to tears. That was the moment when I realized that all of us have crosses to bear and it is up to us on how to carry our own cross. The speakers reminded me that, "There is always sunshine after the rain."

I will not delve deeper into what we have tackled because I want you to experience it yourself. There is a huge difference when you are present in the workshop than by just reading about it through this blog. The Fulfilled Women Community members are so warm, genuine, and supportive. They will embrace you for who you are and will let you feel that you are valued and purposeful.

That's why I encourage you, my female readers to join Batch 5 of Game Plan for Success this coming June 1 and also don't miss the Vision Boarding Workshop on June 15! I assure you that all your dreams and aspirations will be aligned with what you are intended to do in this world. For more details, you may visit The Fulfilled Women on Facebook.

The rumors are true! Finally, matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz is going back to the limelight after two years of being in hiatus from show business since 2017.

His fans, including yours truly, are excited about his return. A great actor and a very effective endorser like him is definitely an asset in the Philippine cinema and advertising industry. Would you believe that when a teaser video which showed his back shot was posted in the Facebook page of the number one selling shawarma, Turks, a few weeks ago has been viewed 3.2 million times, shared almost 800 times, and gained a huge number of comments? Amazing, isn't it?

Then yesterday morning, Turks finally revealed in the 1 minute and 17-second video of John Lloyd Cruz showing him walking through different destinations, which somehow depicted his stopovers. The video was very simple yet dramatic and in a very subtle shot, he stopped and took a bite of a Turks Pita Doner.

The rugged look of Cruz in the Turks video titled "Ang Nagbabalik" is way too far from his guy-next-door image and a lot of people in the industry are asking if this signals his return to the limelight. His fans are still curious about the life he’s been living since his hiatus.

According to Turks president Gem L. Zenarosa that during the course of his talks with Cruz, they never talked anything about his showbiz career or plans. He added that he got him as the latest ambassador of Turks because of his great confidence working with him. He was grateful that Cruz, a brilliant, talented, and very creative young man trusts Turks.

"Ang Nagbabalik" according to Zenarosa is actually about Turks Small Pita Doner, which will be available again in all its branches.

Zenarosa stressed that Cruz would be the best endorser for this because like him, despite his absence in the show business for a couple of years, the warmth and love of his fans for him never diminishes. With Turks' Small Pita Doner he believes that customers will be happy to know that it is back in its menu.

Just like John Lloyd Cruz who is seen to have a different image since he last appeared in the big screen, a clear indication that the actor is recreating himself and exploring different grounds, Turks is also doing the same thing to keep its customers excited whenever they visit a branch.

In time for the release of Cruz's endorsement video, Turks also released to the market its newest offering --- Turks Rice Bowl, which is a complete meal. You can choose beef or chicken for your rice topping, and it is priced at Php50. The Small Pita Doner, on the other hand, is priced at Php35.

Turks continues to improve its menu and offerings to satisfy the discriminating taste of its loyal patrons according to Zenarosa.

Indeed, John Lloyd Cruz is the right fit for this endorsement. He now joins the roster of endorsers of Turks such as Piolo and Inigo Pascual. 

I invite you to watch the full video of "Ang Nagbabalik".
For more updates and information, you may like Turks Facebook page.

Hindi naman lingid sa ating kaalaman na ang daming scandals na lumalabas ng mga nakaraang araw. Minsan mapapaisip ka na lang na ang social media imbis na maging platform for positivity and inspiration ay nagiging means na ngayon to destroy the reputation of others or spread negativity like violence and sex. Nakalulungkot, 'di ba? It's so stressful to scroll down posts nowadays.

I also had the tendency to rant on social media before but I realized that if I had nothing good to say, I should reflect and keep quiet instead. I believe that what you do or share is a reflection of who you are as a person and not the other party involved.

I have seen so many videos of sex scandals but it's not my habit to share or repost them on social media. I believe that everyone deserves to be respected and not sharing them shows that I respect myself. Everybody commits mistakes. Everybody's not perfect. We should refrain from lifting ourselves by stepping on someone. Kahit saang anggulo tingnan, mali ang iangat ang sarili habang hinihila pababa ang iba, 'di ba? 

As a parent, instead of wasting my time reading comments and opinions about those scandals or joining the forum, I teach my teen-aged son these:

Use the social media responsibly. 

Kapag may nakikita akong posts niya na funny pero nakasasakit sa kapwa, sinasabihan ko talaga siya na i-delete. I always tell him that some memes or posts may be funny to someone but may also be hurtful for others. I also tell him that he should not share videos or photos that can destroy the reputation of others. I always encourage him to choose wisely what to post.

Never engage in conversations that don't conform with his values just to belong or be called "cool". I always tell my son to stick with his values even though he is the only one doing it. 

Never take a video or snapshot of his body or personal affairs just for private consumption. Accidents may happen. In just one click it may spread on social media and can never be retracted or deleted permanently in the internet at maaaring makita pa ng kaapu-apuhan niya sa hinaharap. In just one mistake, his reputation is going to be at stake. Mahirap nang ibalik ang reputasyong nasira.

Be kind, empathic, respectful, and prudent aside from being responsible.

Our world is full of negativity and he must be one of those people who should stop spreading it. I tell him that in every action there is always a consequence so he has to think before he acts. "Makasasakit ba ako ng kapwa kapag pinost ko ito? Ano kaya ang mararamdaman ko kung sa akin gagawin ang gagawin ko?"

Parents, let us teach our kids to be good and concerned with other people's feelings and reputation. Let's teach them to share what is good. Let's make it a point to sit down with them and talk about social media responsibility. Let us protect them from committing the mistakes of others. Let us teach and guide them by example.

Thus, a home must be safe for all family members to give them peace of mind. It should be situated in a well-secured and disciplined community. There should be a nearby police station or barangay hall where proactive and vigilant officials are situated to keep the peace and order situation. It should be accessible to all public utility vehicles for easy commuting in any destination. There should be a good line of utilities and access to different services like markets or malls, drugstores, hospitals, school, banks, and other important establishments that you need to visit often. Having a huge playground or clubhouse where kids can play or residents can commune is a plus factor. The presence of a nearby church where families can enrich their faith in God can be an advantage too.

Like a strong-bonded family who lives together through thick and thin, the best home must be built using the best materials and anchored in a strong foundation to secure the family's safety while uplifting its sense of pride by saying, "We have made the right choice!" 

In line with this, Allwell Homes Realty understands all our needs when it comes to finding the best home for our family. Every residential project that it builds has all the things that we can find in a dream home at a very affordable price. 

Allwell Homes Realty's projects are situated in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan where there is an ongoing development. We may enjoy a serene and tranquil living while living a convenient and modern lifestyle. Surely we will enjoy the best of both worlds while residing there. 

Through the use of timeless vitamin c serum, you can provide your skin with a fully nourished, beautifully replenished look without making it dry out or look older and wrinkled. With regular usage of this serum, you can have that flawless ageless look without having to worry about not being able to have the proper skin care routine you’re in need of.

Are you ready to try out and buy Vitamin C serum for yourself? Make it a part of your everyday skin care routine and make the most of what it is able to provide for your skin.

If you want something that packs a punch, then you can go with a product that is able to do the job for you, like a serum that contains pure hyaluronic acid. With a hyaluronic acid serum, you can rub it on your face, hands and anywhere else that you want to see a lift, tightness and the ability to add precious years to the skin you have, without having to worry about the costs and risks involved in cosmetic surgical procedures. With a serum that is made from pure hyaluronic acid, you are getting the total, extreme effects that come from a pure product that works into the skin and the cells of the skin to replenish, moisturize and then repair the cells so that you have a much younger looking appearance.

Timeless Skin Care product’s main focus is on products for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, scar treatment and acne. Timeless Skin Care believes in better-quality ingredients at a lower price. Containing active ingredients, less fillers and proven results, Timeless Skin Care products target mainly anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, scar treatment, and acne products. These products are all natural and paraben-free too.

I am not a panicky type of person. I always keep calm and cool whenever being subjected to an unpleasant situation and unforeseen circumstance. I believe that in order for me to think properly and find the right solution to a problem, I should keep my composure and believe that every unpleasant situation shall pass.

However, I remember a few years ago when there was an instance that Kuya would religiously go back to the emergency room or being admitted in the hospital twice or thrice a month due to his very sensitive tummy. It was not an exaggeration. If that was not the case, he would still have a visit to his pediatrician for a check-up to get a prescription medication or sadly, being admitted again until he would recover in his acute gastroenteritis.

Until now, when I hear him say that he has a headache and a bad tummy, I have the tendency to worry too much. It is very hard for me to see Kuya suffer due to unbearable tummy pain. Him being sick can disrupt the family routines and my husband's work schedule. We have no one outside of the family to look after our sick member except any of us. We don't have a helper. Sickness, therefore, builds a chain of consequences--- emotional stress and physical strain due to taking care of the sick family member, disruption of the usual family mechanics, financial instability due to buying medicines and other hospital needs, unreliability in performing our work-related tasks, and a lot more.

At this point, Kuya's immune system is stronger but it doesn't mean that he can stay at ease. Acute Gastroenteritis comes unexpectedly most of the time. As a mom, guiding Kuya in making the right food and drink choices, changing his sedentary lifestyle by encouraging him to be active in a sport that he likes best, and taking the best supplements can keep himself from having frequent Gastroenteritis attacks and hopefully, none at all.

In line with this, I am very excited to hear the news that Erceflora, the reputable brand that helped Kuya improve his digestion and other gastrointestinal integrity while he was ill, has now a food supplement version in tablet form called PROBI BEAR.


By just eating one tablet a day, this easy to eat vanilla-flavored probiotic bear-shaped tablet helps in the enhancement of intestinal ecology and lactose malabsorption, improve digestion, and aid to the enhancement of natural resistance to intestinal infections. What makes this tablet safer is the absence of preservatives, gluten, trans fat, and nuts. Of course, this Kosher and Halal Certified brand is a product of Sanofi-Aventis, one of the world's pharmaceutical leaders. I am sure that Kuya and even us adults (My mom had an Acute Gastritis last week. Probi Bears are now part of her daily diet.) can depend on Probi Bears to have a healthier tummy and intestines every day! Iwas sakit, gastos, at alalahanin. Ang galing!

Erceflora Probi Bears are available in all leading drugstores nationwide. Just a tip from Mom, keep the Probi Bear pack refrigerated to make it easier for you to take out the bear tablet quickly from the foil pack.