The Time To Quit According to Alfred Vargas

There are still a lot of Filipinos who are still struggling to quit smoking. According to recent statistics (via Euromonitor International), 19.5% of those over the age of 15 are tobacco users. Others include those who induce second hand smoke, and a lot of them suffer health issues (due to tobacco related disease) of a whopping 112,000 deaths a year. Actor, former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas is no stranger to these issues as he was part of the statistic a couple years ago. He shared his story and why he ultimately wanted to quit last 2003 which I think would be something good to share for those who wish to do the same.

Congsi Alfred says "Back in high school, it was peer pressure that got me into trying it. I was curious, always wanted to try new things especially when I was amongst friends, started to go out to events and parties. When I entered showbusiness, I told myself that I wanted to quit it because I wasn't aware of how much it was already being a habit. I've seen my Dad often and he did it for years, I didn't want to be like that because I've always wanted to improve my health. To tell you honestly, it wasn't easy. I really had the worst withdrawal symptoms and it made me sick, hot tempered and also get irritated fast. It was already affecting my work, my capacity to read, so imagine how I'd do scripts and scenes while I was in that stage. I really had to stop going out so I wouldn't see people do it in front of me, I was thinking I had to do it for my long term goal of being healthy. I've heard friends noticing these changes, calling me killjoy for most of the times I couldn't go out with them because I was so serious about it.

He adds "I knew back then, it would result to have a long, healthier and happier life. I wanted to see my kids finish their studies, and be there to see them grow, have families of their own. I also wanted to travel without shortness of breath, and be with my wife and whole family."

For those who don't know, Congsi Alfred Vargas' Mom passed of Cancer. He's also got several relatives who had it so there is medical history. He's afraid to become part of that which is why he chose to live a healthier less stressful life. He also did it cold turkey and still remembers August 23, 2003 so vividly. One of his secrets was staying with those who don't smoke, and also have goals that are the same with you. He also started working out, became a runner, and have lots of sleep. He also was in a  great place mind-wise. He also got into a better mood, so now he's got more energy to spend on with his wife and kids after he decided to quit the habit. It was a challenge, but he's now on his 20th year, and plans to never go back to it anymore.    

Congsi Alfred also says "I'm so lucky I have a wife that takes care of the household even if she's doing bed rest. I also have house help and staff that makes it easier to manage everything at home. I pick up the kids and also spend time with Yasmine at home, with rubs and foot massages. I also love doing groceries, I feel it's therapeutic. I try not to veer away from the allotted budget she puts on paper, otherwise I'm grounded! My kids also help their Mom with chores without us even asking. We really take care of each other. But really, just do anything for your family. The love we get from them is priceless!"

Hope you learn from his experience!

MOIRA Named as Maria Clara Virgin Sangria Brand Ambassador

It looks like a fruitful year for the queen of emotional songs Moira Dela Torre as she becomes the face and brand ambassador for Maria Clara VIRGIN Sangria. This is a new non-alcoholic variant of the well loved Sangria brand from Desteliria Limtuaco & Co. Inc.

At the event, Moira says "I've tried it both and I liked the original one, but when I don't want to drink I love the non alcoholic variant. I love that the campaign because they want you to have it in moderation. It fits my lifestyle as it is mostly when I rest, when I want to celebrate. If could be completely honest, I had to think about it a lot because it's an alcoholic brand, I drink it and in Olongapo we often have this in parties with family. I wanted to make sure it's a brand I wanted to represent. The brand has been a friend, like my music, I don't think I deserve the accolades, I see a lot of people who also work harder than me. I loved it so much already, which is why I said yes."

She adds "This is my band, they can vouch for me because I don't drink much but I do get woozy really early, I remember I only had 3 glasses in the shoot. It was not hard to write the song because in previous years I was already doing jingles, I knew how they wanted to sound like, this was quite different from the things I do. This would be good to listen to while having a glass, I wanted to make the music accompany what they are doing. I don't really drink before I perform, I just really sound like this normally."

Ms. Limpe-ao says "We try to treat it as a healthier alternative, and it's got 7 grams per serving with zero calories. She is a very talented singer and songwriter, she can communicate through music and understand what we are doing, to send the message that you have a friend with Maria Clara, she fits to be the spokesperson for this campaign, aside from being beautiful and talented. She is who we choose as our new endorser."

Ms. Olivia Limpe-ao was also joined by executives from Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. were there to also witness the event and told us how this endorsement came about. The original song was perfect to assure their patrons that "Everything will be alright!'

If you've loved the original Maria Clara Sangria and just refrained from drinking alcohol, this certainly is a treat because of the really sweet and fruity taste this has without the guilt. It's having "choices" that make this a very attractive alternative while you're out with friends, family or plainly in a party. It also has less sugars for those who are watching their intake and yes, 0 percent alcohol.

For those who would want a taste of it, Maria Clara Virgin only costs PHP 192.00 and is now available in leading supermarkets and stores nationwide.

Liza Soberano to do YT Series "Liza In Korea"

Dubbed as one of the prettiest faces in the world, Liza Soberano is set to do a new YouTube series called "Liza in Korea". If you've been following her recent appearances in Korean shows, she's always said how much she adored Korean drama, artists, idols and KPOP music too.   

The series premiere will happen on September 13th at 8PM and the consecutive Wednesdays thereafter in this 15 episode cultural and experiential tour of the land of the morning calm. This will of course be extra sweet because we'll all be seeing it through the eyes of Liza. Also in the show will be several businesses and individuals who's stories will also inspire more people through the digital production.

She will also be doing the actual narration, so you will feel like you're traveling with her and experiencing the things she's just beginning to discover. Liza will also share her experiences about entrepreneurship (with Lacimer) and talk about how it could be a viable way to improve lives in our home soil, which is pretty new to see coming from the beautiful actress.  

The first few episodes will be very exciting as she talks to top Korean content creators, the media, big networks, even a trip to world famous Lotteworld, even learn from top Korean choreographers so Liza can do a few KPOP dance numbers on the YouTube series.

To get you more excited, here's a teaser from the show!

For those who want to see the series when it comes out, go and subscribe via the PHH TV YouTube channel here. You may opt to see it on IG via the Lacimer official account which you can find here. If you're excited about what Liza Soberano is doing in Korea, this certainly will get you acquainted with what she's been up to these past few months. I'm sure just like me, you really miss her!

This is produced by JJ Global Group in Korea.

DOOGEE Launches New Tablets T10, T10S and T30 Pro

Just met the wonderful people behind new player DOOGEE a few days ago. Together with the brand, they launched 3 new tablets made for people who are involved in school or day to day work. They're pretty popular in different parts of the world (especially Europe) and this foray into the Philippine market must have come at an opportune time now that people are going back to school and started working again. That's exactly what I imagined it was for when they allowed us to play with it during the launch. It also was nice to know that they are offering this with the thinking it could be apt for the purpose of entertainment. Just think about the ton of videos you could watch and a few tasks you can do without thinking about being hooked to cables or power.

Meet the DOOGEE T10, the T10S and T30 Pro. This is currently offered by DOOGEE at very attractive prices from September 9 to 13. Think of it like an extended sale from the usual 9.9 sale you experience every year. The T30 Pro has an 11 inch 2.5K display with quad speakers. It also comes with a FREE Folio case just on 9.9 via their sale points like Lazada and TikTok Shop so make sure you find and follow them there. You can multi task in them because of the multiple windows. Yes, you can watch your videos, do Facebook and still work on the same tablet because you can with the T30 Pro. The storage is also expandable, has sim slots (has 2 in fact), and comes in Space Gray and Ice Blue colorways.

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The T10 on the other hand would be good for those who prefer watching a lot of content via its 10.1 inch screen. It also could last long with the 8300mAh battery, expandable storage, and thick build. Aside from Space Gray, there's also a Neptune Blue color of this.

The T10s has the same size, but is much more affordable at Php 7,399. It's got HD resolution, and can be used with a bluetooth keyboard that it comes with. This would be good for students and young working guys/gals who want something dependable in school or at work.

Follow them on their social channels to get leads where to get them. I'm currently playing on a DOOGEE T10S right now and it's quite nice to have something to use while in bed. I get to watch my favorite shows while I charge my phone on the side table, and it's just on a Type C cable which I get to swap around with, very convenient! Planning to get one yeah?!