Today is Tuesday, February 22, 2022 which is simply written as 2/22/22 or 2.22.22 or 22222. The date is called as palindrome. A Palindrome is a number, word or sentence that can be read the same way forwards and backwards just like this date 2/22/222 can be read and written the same way forward or backward!
What more exciting about this day is that since it falls on Tuesday, they called it as Twos Day or 2s Day!
According to the National Weather Service, a“Twosday” like this won't happen again until 2422 — 400 years from now. It's true the number pattern stands out, impossible to miss. But does it mean anything? “Twosday” carries absolutely no historical significance or any cosmic message.
More over, the next five palindromic dates are the following:
13/02/2031
23/02/2032
04/02/2040
14/02/2041
24/02/2042
According to the Farmer's Almanac, some cultures believe palindrome dates are lucky. That's why many couples choose them for their wedding celebrations. In Las Vegas, a particularly popular spot for nuptials, wedding ceremonies have always proven popular on palindrome dates.
Seeing palindrome numbers is said to remind one to go back to the beginning, in order to move forward. Hence, you are called to reset your life by revisiting your core motivations ~~from “before” or from your beginning. In the beginning was Source or One Unity Consciousness Divine Love.
Aside from this 2.22.22 date format / number, other examples of palindrome words are the following:
Bib. B-I-B.
Nun. N-U-N.
Madam. M-A-D-A-M.
Racecar. R-A-C-E-C-A-R.
Civic. C-I-V-I-C.
Deified. D-E-I-F-I-E-D.
Hannah. H-A-N-N-A-H
Level. L-E-V-E-L.
Meanwhile, the longest palindrome defined in the OED is 'tattarrattat', meaning 'a knock at the door'. It was used by James Joyce in 'Ulysses'
What other things about palindrome and 2/22/22 can you add? Feel free to share it with us! 2/22/22 (Bits of Rocks)
If there’s one thing that’s constant about life and careers, it’s that everything changes. If you want to reach your full potential while enjoying your work along the way, one of the best things you can do is to learn to adapt to changes and better yourself to become more flexible at work and in life, no matter the circumstance.
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offers these tips on how to be flexible so you can have a great career and life:
Accept what you can’t change. Change is inevitable and it’s something that is outside of our control. Holding on to a false sense of control can cause a lot of stress. It’s better to accept your limited ability to change a person or situation, so you can let go of unnecessary anxieties and frustrations. If you sometimes find yourself doubting whether you can handle a new life choice or career change, keep in mind that you're stronger than you think. There may be vulnerability in uncertainty, but there is also serenity and freedom from accepting things as they are and learning how to adapt to change.
Develop your skill set. Let’s say you’re aiming for a job promotion, or perhaps you just want to take on a new career path, then developing your skills and making an effort to learn new ones is important to help you be equipped and deal with challenges at work and hopefully, in life as well. Keep an eye out for relevant podcasts, short courses, or online webinars, where your career heroes will speak. Also, stay curious and keep up-to-date with industry trends to help ensure that your knowledge and skillset remain relevant.
Be willing to compromise. Sometimes, when working on a group project at work, your ideas and strategies don’t align with your colleagues. Same goes with collaborative efforts at home. But, agreeing to compromise, listening to the group, and spending some time to discuss the planning process are great practices in flexibility. As a group, you can also use techniques such as mind mapping to explore the ideas of all the team members. This will make it easier for you to adapt if you find yourself in a similar situation where you have to follow someone else's lead. The compromise will also make for a better working relationship with others — and may make it easier to complete projects successfully. Making a little effort to compromise can go a long way, making you a lot more flexible in both work and life.
Have a strong support network. Having a supportive and stable network of people around you is essential. You can divide up tasks and give each other feedback and emotional support. That will not only boost collaboration and optimism among your colleagues, but it can also be vital for helping fellow employees get through stressful or tough times, whether in their professional or personal lives. Surrounding yourself with people who you can bounce ideas off and get constructive feedback from can greatly enhance your chance of success. This teaches you the value of teamwork and flexibility when dealing with different personalities and with people from all walks of life.
Step out of your comfort zone. If you want to further improve flexibility at work and in life, coming out of your shell and thinking outside the box can be a good start. Getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things at work and in life is a proactive way to become more adaptable. This may include looking out for tasks or projects that require you to work independently or are outside your area of expertise, by taking the initiative to incorporate something new into your daily routine, you're preparing yourself for the inevitable moment when there may be changes that are out of your control while expanding your horizons at the same time.
Plan ahead. When you're figuring out your life plan, it helps to know what you want to change and what you want to achieve. For most people, that could mean their job, health, finances, or goals. To help you assess how those areas of life are currently working for you, think about what are your values and what truly matters in life.
Moreover, even if you can't predict exactly what will happen, you can still plan for the unexpected. One way of doing so is by looking for a trusted and flexible insurance plan, like AXA MyLifeChoice, which you can adjust based on your budget, protection coverage and preferred payment term. With AXA MyLifeChoice, you can be prepared for any financial setback while you work your way up to manifest your goals.
The more attention and efforts we channel on improving our flexibility in work and life, the more likely we are to do everything we put our minds to and expand our capabilities exponentially. For more information on AXA MyLifeChoice, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/mylifechoice. 12/27/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
Plastic pollution in the Philippines has already reached an alarming rate and continues to be one of the top environmental challenges for the country and the rest of the globe.
According to a report released by WWF-Philippines in 2020, Filipinos consume a yearly average of 20kg of plastics, from which 15.43kg/cap/year becomes waste. Insufficient recycling capacities for high value recyclables (i.e. PET, PP, HDPE) and the high volume of low value plastics (including sachets) are some factors that affect the country’s low plastic recycling rate, at 9%. The report further estimates that the Philippines leaks about 35% of plastic wastes into the environment.
With the economy slowly opening, WWF-Philippines encourages businesses to integrate plastic pollution-free practices to fight plastic pollution. Here are some useful tips for business owners on how they can participate in creating a plastic pollution-free Christmas this 2021.
Take Accountability
Businesses should acknowledge that they are accountable to the plastic pollution problem. We want businesses to assume full responsibility for products they bring to the market. It is with accepting this that taking actions comes in from reduction goal setting, adopting circular solutions, and contributing in stopping plastic waste leakage.
Provide plastic-free options to consumers
We encourage businesses to offer plastic-free options to consumers through “bring your own” scheme and having the option to refuse unnecessary plastic items. Some major fast food restaurants are already doing this and we encourage other businesses to do so. We wish that businesses be at the forefront to consumers about reducing plastic consumption.
Segregate and divert recyclable wastes
For necessary plastics, we wish businesses to segregate and divert through partnering with recyclers and social enterprises. It can sometimes get complicated with the plastic types but it is important to start using the numbers in the plastic products to help facilitate its recycling. You can partner with a local junk shop to help identify items that they can buy. There are also a number of social enterprises like Trash Panda, Plastics by Manila Automat, Plastic Flamingo, and Green Antz, among others that offer collection partnerships. You can also work with your city/ municipality to work on models to improve the current waste management system.
Share best practices and collaborate with other businesses
Collaboration is important in working towards sustainability. It is with conversing with other businesses that are doing their fair share in reducing plastic pollution that we learn which to adopt and what to improve on in our operations. We wish businesses to work together within the industry and with other industries so we all learn how to improve our current system.
Support the EPR Scheme in the Philippines
WWF-Philippines is pushing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy approach introduced in the 1990s for accelerating the transition to sustainable waste management and a circular economy. We wish businesses to take responsibility and push for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in the country.
EPR relies on two factors - improvement of product design and recyclability and improvement of waste management systems - and businesses here in the Philippines have stepped up to the challenge, taking sustainability seriously, by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis.
More and more businesses worldwide have gotten on board with EPR, and several businesses in the Philippines have also adopted the policy by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis. With enough support, EPR can be a solid foundation for other businesses and even the government to adopt. It is currently gaining traction among legislators in Congress with House Bill 9147 or The Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act and Senate Bill 2425 or the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2021 which both seek to enact mandatory EPR.
As we enter the holiday season, we wish for businesses to take part in our journey towards a vision of no plastics in nature by 2030. 12/23/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in nearly 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
WWF-Philippines has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997 and implements various conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. WWF-Philippines works to improve Filipino lives by crafting solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving the country’s richest marine and land habitats.
To learn more about WWF-Philippines and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), please visit www.wwf.org.ph.
After over a year of lockdowns, vaccinated Pinoy families are looking forward to having safe get-togethers with their friends and loved ones. However, as the pandemic still hangs over the holidays, it's still important to plan ahead and think about how we can celebrate safely and stay healthy. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offers some tips to help you celebrate a healthy and safe Christmas season.
Plan your Christmas activities thoroughly. Given how much there is to do during the holidays – from shopping to meal planning to decorating – planning strategically is key to celebrating a hassle-free holiday season. It pays to put careful thought into every detail of your holiday plans. For example, if you plan to host an intimate gathering, be sure to consider your party’s location, the duration, the number of guests, safety protocols, and if your guests are vaccinated already. These considerations will help you and your guests feel safer during your time together, and will help all of you become more relaxed and ready to enjoy the festivities.
Travel safely. After being cooped up for so long, you probably can’t wait to pack your bags and plan a trip to visit your loved ones. But as you make plans, book your flights, or hit the road, you want to make sure that you’ll be safe on your trip. Before traveling, it’s better to get vaccinated first and check the travel restrictions and safety protocols of the place you’re planning to visit. Most importantly, be prepared for any emergency that might happen on your trip. The Emma by AXA app provides safety and peace of mind for Filipinos with its Rescue Line feature, which offers free 24/7 access to police, ambulance, fire, and roadside assistance. With the app, you’ll be automatically connected to a Rescue Line operator who will help you with your emergency. You can also immediately notify your loved ones through SMS in case of an emergency with the emergency contact alerts feature. The Rescue Line feature can be used by anyone, not just for AXA policyholders.
Rid yourself of financial stress. Don’t have an emergency fund? Not sure how you’ll pay for all your essentials and holiday shopping? A lack of basic financial security can make it much harder to feel happy and can add stress to your life. However, the challenge usually lies is not knowing how to start. Gift yourself with essential life skills via AXA’s What’s Your Game Plan FinLit activities, where you can learn helpful financial tactics from experts, including budgeting, saving, and investmenting. Follow AXA Philippines’ Facebook page to see when the next What’s Your Game Plan webinar will be.
Have your future insured and planned out. The gift of health, safety, and security can be one of the most special gifts we can give to ourselves and to our loved ones. To help ensure that Filipinos can welcome the holidays and the upcoming new year with health and security in mind, AXA Philippines offers Health Care Access, a comprehensive and affordable health care plan for hospitalization and medical needs. This package also offers a Critical Illness Booster for additional cash benefit for the treatment of 56 critical illnesses, a Longevity Fund that you can tap for medical needs at age 76 and up, as well as life and accident coverage up to P500,000. Depending on your chosen plan, outpatient care, optical care, or dental care benefits are also included or can be added.
With these tips from AXA Philippines, you can celebrate the holidays, knowing that you and your loved ones can be healthy, safe, and ready for the year ahead. To know more about AXA’s offerings for every need, visit axa.com.ph. 12/13/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
The coronavirus may be the main concern of many people right now, but it’s still important to be wary of the other diseases you can get during this time. With the rainy season, the damp and humid weather can lead to an increase of several viruses, most especially the flu.
A contagious illness and a serious public health concern, the flu can be severe and deadly. In some cases, complications may lead to viral or bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and ear and sinus infections, especially in children. It may also cause central nervous system and heart problems and inflammation of the heart and of the sac around it. Moreover, a more severe flu infection may worsen long-term medical conditions, like congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
The World Health Organization stated that the flu is linked to three to five million cases of severe illness and approximately 290,000 to 650,000 deaths worldwide each year. With these risks, it is a must for us to protect ourselves against this infection, especially during this season.
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offers some tips to stave off the flu and its complications and stay healthy.
Avoid large crowds. The flu is contagious and is usually transmitted by droplets when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, or talks. Since the flu virus spreads quickly in crowded and confined spaces, it’s best to stay at home and follow current quarantine protocols. However, when you really have to go outside to work or get your essentials, make sure to wear a mask and observe proper social distancing.
Clean your home. It’s best to clean and disinfect your home regularly since the flu virus can live on hard surfaces. Make sure to disinfect high-contact objects in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, tables, and countertops, among others. Also, stock up on hand soaps and sanitizers so others in your home can clean their hands whenever they come in contact with these surfaces.
Boost your immune system. Having a strong immune system is your first line of defense against the flu as it can help your body fight off infections, decrease the severity of your illness and help you recover faster. Strengthen your immune system by having a healthy, nutrient-rich diet with fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, avoiding smoking and drinking, reducing your stress levels, and getting enough sleep.
Get a flu shot. Get in touch with your doctor for getting an annual flu vaccination. This is important to get every year because flu viruses evolve quickly and they adjust the vaccine accordingly each time. Having a flu shot not only protects you but helps protect others who are vulnerable to the flu.
Since the flu can be hard on your body, and serious complications may arise, it’s best to always be prepared. For medical concerns and expenses due to unexpected health setbacks, getting health insurance coverage can also be a big help. For instance, there’s AXA MyLifeChoice, a protection and investment plan that can be personalized into a health plan that prepares you for health setbacks with critical illness coverage for 57 critical illnesses, including heart attack, stroke, and cancer. MyLifeChoice gives you the freedom to personalize your plan according to your unique needs, budget, and more.
For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph/mylifechoice/health. 08/29/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
How are you today? Are you still doing fine? It's already more than one year now that we are staying at home, wearing face mask and face shield, and having our alcohols as our 'bestfriend' taking them in our bags whenever we go. Yeah, I write you this letter to formally and personally congratulate you for surviving and reigning triumphant in these trying times!
Covid-19 conquers the whole world, but you never let it conquer you! Thank you God for never letting me alone in fighting this crisis therefore until now, I'm still here strong and fighting writing this letter with full of will and inspirations!
Today, I want to enumerate in this simple letter what pandemic brought me... those great things to be thankful for, and the changes making my life better and grateful making me as an Ultimate Survivor in these trying times!
So without further ado, let's start counting our blessings!
1. Learning New Things Specially Cooking!
I really love to eat! We even tried different dishes and delicacies from different restos before pandemic. But did you know that this pandemic brought me more to kitchen not to eat but do most of the cooking?! Yes, I learn to cook during this period! And I already cooked most of my favorite foods such as sinigang, dinengdeng, tinola, adobo (with a twist), goto, and more variations of my favorite seafood!
Since I'm staying at home most of the time, I've learned the art of cooking! And I'm proud to say that my output tastes one of the best (even surpassed the taste of the foods we often ask to be delivered). In fact, I already did my cooking vlogs sharing my very own "How To Cook Recipe" to my viewers on my YouTube channel. And here are two of my cooking videos:
Well if you have time to visit my place, I'll let you taste some of my cooking! :))
2. Turning Officially As a "Plantito" Making My Roof Top as a Sky Garden!
Many people turning to a plantito or plantita is not anymore a new story to most of us during pandemic. But what my story makes unique with the others is that, I was able to transform my roof top into an all-green 'Sky Garden'with a newly installed artificial grass!
So without further talks, I'll tour you then to my gardening accomplishment. Here they go:
Stay tune 'cause I'll be raising more new plants on the coming days! :))
3. Discovering My Talent in Singing!
Yeah, I am a shy type of person. I can't dance or sing in public. But this pandemic gave me more 'kapal ng mukha' in Social Media! I've discovered that I have a talent in singing... that I can sing actually!
While everyone got crazy over TikTok, I built my career in the WeSing app. I did my own covers of many of the hit songs. And these are some the samples:
Sorry if I made your ears burst! Will train and perform more next time! :))
4. Getting Hooked with Thai Series and Movie!
While everyone is on KDramas, I'm on Thai dramas! This pandemic brought my heart to Thailand! I got hooked with different Thai series and Thai movies! I became a huge fan boy of many Thai actors. In fact, I already know more about Thai actors rather than KPop artists. And yes, I am more updated with Thai actors that with our own local showbiz!
My YouTube vlog then was re-tagged as "Bringing Thailand Closer to You Heart" as I gave more updates about Thai artists than with the local Pinoy celebrities. These videos were some of the proofs:
If you want to know more about Thai series, movies, or even their actors, don't hesitate to ask me and I'm glad to share you more!
5. Got New Sets of Collection . . . Got Addicted to Thai Merch!
Sawadee Khap! This pandemic truly converted my heart into Thai! Aside from getting hooked with the Thai series and Thai celebrities, I also got addicted buying different Thai Merch straight from Thailand! These add to the wide range of my collections!
I'm not yet done with my unboxing of my lovely Thai merchs, but here are photo glimpse of some of those new collections:
Once I've unboxed them all, I'll share them with you!
6. More Exciting Celebrity Virtual Interviews!
Pandemic didn't prohibited me to do my passion - to interview different celebrities and attend more events!
Even I'm staying at home for more than one year now, I'm still able to attend events and interview different personalities virtually! Here are some of my recent virtual interviews making me more in-demand as a blogger / vlogger and online worthy:
If you want to ask your favorite local celebrities, well, don't hesitate to approach me and I'll ask them for your during my exclusive interviews! :))
7. Getting Trusted by More Brands and PRs, Able to Review More Products!
Staying at home also gave me more opportunities to review and unbox more products! Different brands and PRs also sent me more gifts gaining their trust.
Let these some of the photos speak:
And of course, here are some of my unboxing and review vlogs:
These are some of the great things pandemic had brought me. Instead of making myself bored or problematic because of the crisis happening all over the world, I made myself more worthy and productive discovering different new things! And with that, I can proudly say that I am an Ultimate Survivor... still living and kicking!!!
Congrats Rocky! I'm so proud of you! I didn't only write this letter to appreciate your fighting spirit but to give an inspiration and spread good vibes to everyone! "Su Su Na Krub"(means "Keep on Fighting" in Thai)!
Sincerely Yours,
Rocky Batara aka Runner Rocky
This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.
Thank you and hope I inspire you with this letter! 07/10/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
The fight against the COVID-19 virus continues even today. While the world embarks on a global search for a vaccine to contain the pandemic, the first line of defense in protecting ourselves and our loved ones is good personal hygiene.
Proper bathroom hygiene is essential, and especially important when we are spending more time together at home. By sharing 7 simple habits, the new HygieneClean™ campaign by American Standard™ seeks to educate and promote better bathroom hygiene to help us protect what matters most - our loved ones. While hand washing remains the most effective action to reduce the spread of pathogens, good bathroom hygiene habits are also important.
Habit #1: Wash your hands frequently. The number of germs on your hands can double after you use the toilet and can cause serious health problems if they come into contact with your eyes, nose and mouth. By washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, we can prevent the spread of infections including COVID-19. The Signature Collection basin faucet features the ComfortMove™ technology which promises a smooth and precise handling movement for just the right amount of water, every time. The faucet also contains low lead for an additional level of health and safety for you and your family.
Habit #2: Flush the toilet after every use. If you think the toilet bowl is festering with germs, you’re probably right. On average, a toilet bowl is home to 3.2 million bacteria per square inch, which is why flushing after every use is important for the safety of our health.
Featured in the Acacia Evolution Collection, Aqua Ceramic™ harnesses the power of water to penetrate between contaminants and the toilet surface, ensuring that waste is lifted off with every flush. The one-piece toilets are also equipped with the Double Vortex™ flushing system which ensures maximum flushing performance with minimum water usage, saving 22,776 liters of water in a year for a family of 4. Combined with PowerRim™ technology, the rimless design eliminates hard to reach surfaces for effective removal of dirt and stains; while ComfortClean™ technology features an antibacterial glaze that effectively inhibits the growth of E. coli bacteria in the toilet bowl.
Habit #3: Shower frequently. Showering frequently not only keeps grime and germs away, it can also be a great experience with intuitive controls, multiple spray modes and safety with American Standard Safety Lock on the EasySET™ shower products. The EasySET™ Concealed has a preset temperature function which means you no longer waste precious water fiddling with the control for the perfect comfortable water temperature. The Safety Lock ensures that water temperature is kept at a safe level to protect the young ones from scalding incidents.
Habit #4: Clean your toilet thoroughly. A single gram of human feces can actually contain up to one trillion germs. E. coli is one of the many bacteria found in feces (and toilets) that can cause gut-related and respiratory infections. To combat against E. coli, American Standard™ has developed ComfortClean™ technology, part of its HygieneClean™ System to provide long-lasting protection against bacteria and germs. A revolutionary ceramic glaze with zinc oxide effectively inhibits the growth of E-coli inside the toilet bowl, as proven in tests conducted by Industrial Microbiological Services Limited (IMSL). ComfortClean™ can be found in the Signature Collection, where the one-piece toilets are also equipped with SiphonMax™ Flushing System with PowerRim™ to remove both heavy and light waste with minimum effort.
Habit #5: Maintain good personal hygiene when using the toilet. Manual bidets and e-bidets are gaining more popularity as they provide a more sanitary cleanse. Compared to hand-held trigger sprays, manual bidets and e-bidets offer hands-free options for a hygienic cleanse and keep the toilet seat clean and dry. The Slim Smart Washer II, a manual bidet seat and cover that fits easily with elongated toilet bowls, comes with self-cleaning antibacterial dual nozzles to allow for different angles for posterior and feminine cleansing, and effectively minimizing risks of cross contamination.
Habit #6: Make personal cleansing more hygienic. More consumers are making the upgrade to integrated shower toilets for elevated hygiene, comfort and convenience. With an integrated shower toilet like the Aerozen™, the auto-flush feature provides for a germ-free and hands-free experience. Its seat sensor eliminates any accidental flushes and water wastage. It also features dual nozzles that are antibacterial and self-cleaning, so there is little worry about cross contamination among users. Nozzle tips are rinsed with water before and after every use, while a nozzle shutter provides added hygienic protection against potential backsplash. Its quick-detach seat cover allows it to be easily removed for convenient cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
Habit #7: Clean and disinfect high touchpoints regularly: Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces in the bathroom such as sinks, faucets, toilets, door handles and light switches. The sink where we wash our hands harbors over 2,700 bacteria in a square inch. Now the faucet which we turn on with our dirty hands, and then off with clean hands has over 6000 bacteria lurking per square inch! That is probably enough reason (and germs) for us to start wiping down the bathroom regularly!
American Standard™ products continue to be packed with HygieneClean™ technologies to raise hygiene standards globally. The highly dependable offerings of American Standard™ have been providing consumers with inviting bathrooms to relax in. Innovative breakthroughs and technologies have further placed the brand at the forefront as it endeavors to raise the standard of living by delivering bathroom solutions that are beautiful, purposeful and safe for everyone. For more information, visit www.americanstandard-apac.com. 05/13/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
With the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in different parts of the country, many cities and municipalities have already re-imposed stricter community quarantines that may last for a few weeks or longer.
We’ve been in a lockdown for more than a year so we essentially know how to keep ourselves mentally and physically healthy while staying at home, but a few reminders won’t hurt. To help you stay safe and protected during these times, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares these important tips on how to stay healthy at home.
Eat healthy. As you stay safe at home, you can strengthen your body’s immune system by adopting a healthier diet. Be sure to consume more vegetables and fruits for a good dose of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Aside from COVID-19 prevention, this will also do wonders for your body as it can improve digestive health and lower your blood pressure, among many other health benefits.
Exercise at home. With more spare time on your hands, you can take an hour or two every day to do some workouts at home. For starters, you can check out YouTube and just follow simple fitness tutorial videos for beginners. Once you get used to it, this may also be the start of a new active lifestyle – lockdown or no lockdown.
Stock up on essentials. With the increase in COVID-19 cases, it’s best to stay away from crowded places. If you can, get everything you need in one trip when you visit your local supermarket, pharmacy, or convenience store. Better yet, have them delivered to your home. Don’t forget essential items to maintain your overall well-being, such as food, medicine, and hygiene and self-care products.
Wash and sanitize. Ever since the outbreak, medical experts have advised that the proper washing of hands is still the best way to prevent getting COVID-19. So, remember to do so whenever necessary. Also, carry a hand sanitizer or alcohol with you at all times in case there’s limited access to running water while you’re out for necessary commutes. It’s also best to sanitize items that you have delivered or taken home from the outside and other high touch point surfaces in your house, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and faucets and taps.
Take a social media detox. Nowadays, social media can be a source not only of valuable COVID information, but also of negative content such as bad or fake news, chaotic rants, humble brags, and other things that may cause loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This is mentally unhealthy, especially during isolation. Give yourself a bit of inner peace by taking a break. Channel your time and energy toward activities that may be a better use of your time, such as reading books, journaling, taking online classes, or doing short meditations.
Aside from these tips, AXA Philippines also strives to help you stay healthy and protected all year round with its extensive portfolio of health solutions. For example, with AXA Health Start, you and your family can prepare for health setbacks and get coverage for top critical illnesses namely heart attack, stroke, and cancer. The affordable policy covers your family in one plan with built-in coverage for child of insured against child critical conditions, and it covers two lives in the plan: the policyholder and a spouse, parent, or sibling. The plan also has life insurance coverage and flexible payment terms payable in 10 or 20 years.
For more information, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/healthstart and follow @AXA.Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. 04/28/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
We are all familiar with milk teas and fruit teas. Actually they are now dominating the fruit juice market. And yeah, they are all my favorite! But, have you also heard of the Fruit Enzymes?
Well if you haven't know yet about fruit enzymes, feel free to read my blog post about Fruit Enzymes in my blog Runner Rocky.
Fruit enzymes are actually very first in the Philippines. And they were brought to us by True Boss. You may also read about the details of True Boss in my Runner Rocky blog.
So today, let me flex to you five of the flavors of True Boss they have sent to me. These are the following:
The five drinks above are the following:
Fruit Enzyme Plus (fruit enzyme with two fruit add-ons)
1. Peach enzyme with Double Mango toppings
2. Grape enzyme with Strawberry & Mango toppings
Fruit Enzyme drink with basil seeds
3. Apple enzyme base with basil seeds
Fruit Tea with Cheese Milk Foam*
4. Green tea with Mango fruit toppings
Secret Menu*
5. Strawberry Slush
*Does not contain fruit enzyme
Feel free to try these fruit enzymes juices and have a guilt-free drinking because of the various heath benefits they give! Cheers! 04/09/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
With minimal child labor laws during the early days of Hollywood, child stars had it rough. When they misbehaved, studio employees locked them up in windowless sound rooms, giving them only a block of ice to sit on. When Shirley Temple was just 12 years old, an MGM producer threw her out after she giggled when he exposed himself to her. Judy Garland was given amphetamines to keep going as a teenager, which ultimately led to her addiction and early death from an overdose at the age of 47, as an article on the dark origins of Hollywood stardom notes.
Fortunately, things have changed significantly since then. While it still requires hard work, there are laws and rules in place that must be followed by producers and anyone else working with a child actor on the set today. Even child stars who are emancipated minors require following certain rules with California Labor Laws very clear as to how they are treated. They've been put in place to protect the kids as well as the filmmakers and include requirements like half-hour meal breaks and getting at least an hour of recreation time on the set.
While being a child actor can be challenging due to busy schedules, perhaps having to turn down invites to birthday parties and the like, it can also bring many benefits.
Public Speaking Experience
Child actors are practicing public speaking whenever they're standing in front of a casting director auditioning or performing to a sold-out house. That translates to an adult who is comfortable speaking in front of people, which can be a huge benefit personally and professionally in many careers in addition to acting.
Greater Self-Confidence
Confidence is important for school, careers, relationships, and life as a whole. Acting is a great way for young people to understand how to think outside of the box, appraise situations and be more confident when going into unfamiliar situations. They learn to trust in their abilities and their ideas, which can help them go far, even if it's not a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Memory Skills
Memory is a skill that takes a lot of practice, including memorizing lines. The tricks child actors have to use to remember their lines are going to be invaluable when it comes to studying for tests in school or simply remembering the names of people they meet at a business conference as adults.
Communication Skills
Acting is all about communication, bringing the opportunity to improve both verbal and nonverbal communication skills, which benefit young people throughout their lives. It can improve their tone of speech and articulation as well as observation and listening skills.
Strong Work Ethic
Kids in the acting business naturally learn at a much younger age the importance of being on time and prepared for an audition or a booking. If they aren't, they will understand quickly that arriving late on the set or goofing around is something that will get you fired. That's a lesson far better learned early on than as an adult when it can have more serious consequences. 03/31/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it’s to always look after the things that matter the most, including the home that keeps us safe through these challenging times. Even amid a pandemic, fire cases in the country continue to rise, but these can be avoided with proper caution and preparation.
AXA Philippines is here to help you secure your home and your family’s safety with these tips:
Get a smart smoke detector. It's one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your family. A smart smoke detector will give you an instant warning which can greatly reduce fire-related accidents. Another great thing about having smart devices at home is that they allow you to monitor remotely. In case a fire breaks out while you’re not home, your smart smoke detectors can send you an alert on your phone, so you can call the fire department or ask a neighbor to check on your house.
Mind your electricals. A common cause of fires in the country is faulty electrical wiring. Make sure to hire professional help when you smell anything burning or see flickering or dimming lights, as well as discoloration or scorch marks on your outlets. If the members of your household are working or studying from home, make sure to not overload your power outlets. Plug in only the appliances and devices that are necessary and don’t leave anything plugged in overnight. That way, you not only get to keep your house safe but also save money on energy bills.
Keep plants away from fire source. During quarantine, many have tried fostering their green thumb. Always be mindful of where you place your potted plants because they can easily catch fire. It’s also best not to have them in the kitchen. Instead, put them where they will be safe and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, don’t put out cigarette butts in the soil of the plants. Most potting soils contain large volumes of peat moss, shredded wood, bark, and vermiculite – all of which are highly flammable.
Have an immediate emergency contact. Even if you try to be safe, emergencies can still happen anytime. AXA Philippines provides an enhanced emergency response service through Rescue Line, which is available for free for everyone. It’s a special 24/7 service accessible through Emma by AXA mobile app if you need emergency response such as in case of a fire, among other things. Rescue Line has a dedicated command center so you can receive help directly from the nearest fire station, thanks to its nationwide coverage. It also notifies not only the authorities but also your nominated loved ones simultaneously.
With the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply traveling to get to work.
If you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.
Prepare for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.
Always bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a public vehicle.
Check required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate, company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.
Keep yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.
Avoid talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.
Have an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and current location. What's more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.
For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line. 01/15/2021 (Bits of Rocks)
