What Smartphone Should I Get This Christmas?

In less than 30 days, it's Christmas again. Aside from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas meant family reunions, parties, exchange gifts and creating a personal wishlist. I grew up writing letters to Santa Claus, leaving it on our Christmas tree and praying I would be considered as nice and not naughty. 

Christmas mornings has always been amazing and wonderful. 

As an adult, Val and I continued this tradition of creating a personal wishlist but no longer writing to Santa Claus. We just buy ourselves one thing we really like to sum up the blessings for the year. 

This Christmas 2016, I am getting myself a new smartphone and I just know what smartphone to get. A phone redefining camera + music - Vivo V5 is the best choice this Christmas. 

The Vivo V5 smartphone boasts #PerfectSelfie capabilities with its high-quality front-facing camera, fast performance, and upgraded features that ensure great experiences for its users. When I say, it's high-quality front-facing camera, it's the first and highest in the market with a 20-megapixel camera featuring a 1/2.78 Sony IMX376 camera coupled with a 5P lens system and an aperture of f/2.0. It also comes with a soft-light flash that helps illuminate its subject whenever they take a selfie. 

Another reason why I am getting the Vivo V5 is its music/ sound capabilities. It is equipped with a 32-bit AK4376 digital to analog converter Hi-Fi chip, as well a new iteration of its properietary operating system, Funtouch OS 2.6.

Plus my favorite feature of the Vivo V5 is the ability to multitask because I don't like being interrupted when someone messages me in facebook while watching a video in youtube. I would need to close it in order to use another application. But with the Vivo V5, it has the Smart Split 2.0 (just like your smart tv's picture-in-picture feature). This allows users to view two apps side by side. 

Other specs of the Vivo V5 include: 

• 5.5 inch 1280 x 720 HD display clad in 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass
• MediaTek MT6750 octa-core processor running at 1.5 GHz
• 4GB of RAM
• 32GB of internal storage expandable via micro SF up to 128GB
• Front facing fast fingerprint scanner capable of unlocking the smartphone in as fast as 0.2 seconds. 
• Fast charging technology 
• 3,000 mAh built-in battery. 

For more details, visit Vivo's website.

Vivo cares about our health too. Vivo V5 features an Eye Protection Mode, which filters blue light from the screen to protect its user's eyesights. 

Experiencing this first-hand during the Vivo Philippines grand launch last November 23, 2016 made me want and decide that this is the perfect phone to get this Christmas. According to Vivo Philippines Vice President Hazel Bascon, "The V5 embodies Vivo's relentless pursuit of innovation, with technologies and functions that our consumers look for in their device. With the V5 and its industry leading features, we continue to push the boundaries of a premium mid-range smartphone as we highlight Vivo's high standards in smartphone design and feature." 

Vivo entered the Philippine local market in 2016 and shows a very promising future in the industry. It is also the Top 5 Global Smartphone brand in the IDC Q2 2016 report. 

Price? The Vivo V5 only costs Php 12,990. You may get your Vivo V5 now at your local retailers plus exclusive freebies including Vivo speakers, Vivo branded phone stent and Vivo selfie stick.

For more information and updates, Like Vivo Philippines on Facebook.

Every Driver Must Have This Or Perhaps We Should All Own One?

With the Anti-distracted Driving Act being implemented earlier this year, we can expect most motorist to be fully focused in their driving without neglecting their own safety and the safety of others.

Though, I fully understand its importance and need, I believe that we can still be productive while driving especially if you are caught in a heavy traffic for hours. Good thing there is a work around that is legal. Very timely since Metro Manila drivers should braces themselves for heavier traffic this Christmas season. 

CD-R King your one-stop media provider brings more affordable Bluetooth headset available to the general public to assuage this problem. Bluetooth headset allows you to use both of your hands at all times giving you the freedom to attend to calls while on mobile and still be able to focus on driving.

This gadget is also beneficial to working parents who have to juggle work and home errands as it will be easier to move around while on the phone or listening to audio. Bluetooth headsets allows flexibility and productivity to consumers.

Gym buffs greatly benefits from this gadget as well, they are free to choose whichever music they want to listen to minus the wires and cables of a regular headset. This allows uninterrupted exercise activities for a more conducive workout.

Students can also benefit from Bluetooth headset whenever they’re using audio help in memorizing. A study shows that listening to music or listening to audio materials can help students do better in memorization.

Bluetooth headsets are compatible with most gadgets including home pc and audio devices other than your mobile phones thus, giving you a wider range of connectivity. It can be used up to 30ft range.

With prices as low as Php280, this will also be a great gift idea across all genre and market segment as anybody can put this gadget to a good use and can complement whatever activity they please.

Visit CD-R King branches near you to check on their wide range of Bluetooth headset and other tech gadget that suits your lifestyle. Follow them on FB: https://www.facebook.com/cdkingph for more updates and promos.

Novuhair head bags Agora Award

President and CEO Wins in the Individual Category of the 37^th Agora Awards

Nutramedica, Inc. President and CEO Sheila Mae Velilla bagged the Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Medium Scale at the recently concluded 37^th Agora Awards.  Nutramedica is a homegrown 100% wholly-owned Filipino enterprise that manufactures and distributes Novuhair, an acclaimed line of products that addresses hair loss.

Held last October 26 at PICC, CCP Complex, the Agora Awards recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional marketing skills and strategies.  It is touted to be the premier marketing awards body in the country and sets the high standards of excellence in the industry.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO BIG WINNER

Moving in an industry dominated by giant multinational pharmaceutical companies, Nutramedica’s tenacious rise from its humble beginnings as a microenterprise is one for the books.  Thanks largely to its creativity and innovation, it has become a major player with a well-established niche in the industry.

Founded in 2004 by Velilla, Nutramedica develops beauty and healthcare products out of natural and mostly indigenous ingredients.  It is one of the pioneers in the commercialization of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and gained wide success with its slogan “healthiest oil on earth,” which led to its acquisition by a big company. 

It continued to create more VCO-based skin care products and hit the jackpot with its latest, and now banner, product – Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss.  This breakthrough solution is made of 19 herbal ingredients and comes in topical scalp lotion, herbal shampoo, and herbal conditioner that effectively battles the effects of hair loss and helps enhance and restore one’s crowning glory.

Launched in 2009, Novuhair enjoys tremendous success until today.  It is widely accepted not only here in the Philippines, but also in other countries.  It is set to enter the international market, starting with the United States (US), in December of this year.  Such bold, yet timely, move of the company to export Novuhair to the US and eventually the Middle East also opens the opportunity for proudly-made local products to penetrate the global arena.

Novuhair’s popularity and market leadership may be attributed to the company’s initial market study coupled with the right timing, as well as smart use of resources by coming up with an effective tri-media campaign best described as low-budget yet high-impact marketing.

Leveraging on its organic growth from a microenterprise to medium scale with over 30 employees in a span of 12 years, Nutramedica continues to further develop, market and distribute high-quality goods that could bring honor to the country.

The firm raises the bar in entrepreneurship with its faithful adherence to best business practices, such as provision of high quality products and excellent services, adaptability to market trends, constant innovation, diversification of trade, and giving back to society.

 “Great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people”, Velilla quotes Steve Jobs when asked what’s her secret to success in this competitive business of beauty and healthcare. 

“We at Nutramedica also adhere to our core values of integrity, trust, fairness, discipline, humility, leadership, teamwork and faith in God.  That’s our winning formula,” Velilla further adds.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

The Real Score about Working from Home

Working from home is very common nowadays. With an opportunity to earn a decent pay without living the comforts of your home, it is indeed a very attractive option. 

As a virtual assistant since 2014, I am very happy and content with my career decision. Saying goodbye to the corporate world has like the best thing since it provided me more time to pursue my personal goals and passion. Working from home meant that I do not have to worry about travel time to and from the office. In return, it has allowed me to have time to blog as well as put up several online shops. 

I must admit that starting out was a bit of a challenge since I really do not know where to begin looking or even how to land my first client. Though there were a lot of online communities or Facebook groups about working from home, it is very unfortunate that there are scammers all around. Sadly, you can even read reports about "networking" disguised as an online job that gave out disappointment to hopeful individuals. 

No offense to those in the networking business, it is a real business model but there is no need to offer it as something else so that people would attend or show up during presentations. 

So, if you are wondering what is working-from-home all about? Let me share some learnings and realizations based on my personal experience. 

1. You do not need to pay to start working. 

Yes, working from home should NOT entail registration fees. I have never paid anything to my clients for them to give me a job. Every job seeker wants a job to get paid and not the other way around. 

If they insist that they are legitimate but requires payment, please go and find another one. There are thousands of online jobs for you without you paying them. 

2. Stop looking for easy jobs. 

Think of yourself as a professional who is privileged not to report the office but the expectations regarding your quality of work and output is totally the same. If you want to get a decent pay, then make sure your job or responsibilities is worth your pay. 

If you want to succeed in this industry, go beyond data entry jobs. The opportunities are endless. 

3. If it's too good to be true, it's not true. 

Have you ever read a post about getting paid in dollars for simply watching videos or earn $25 to answer one survey? If you come to think of it, who would spend money that big for that? What's in it for the business that can afford to give you the high payout? 

On the other hand, I will tell you that there are survey sites who are legitimate, however, please do not make this as your main source of income. On an average, you can earn Php 250 pesos (in cash or gift certificates) in 2-3 months. If you are interested, you can send me a PM on facebook so I can give you more details. 

4. Working from Home is not for everyone. 

I believe that working from home is not for everyone. Working at home entails a lifestyle change and proper mindset. Successful work at home professionals are self-motivated. It does not have the usual fun office atmosphere. Only a few companies have Christmas parties or get-togethers since workers come from different locations.

However, if you choose this career route, I guarantee that it's life-changing and 100% worth your time. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to follow, The Purple Secretary in Facebook for tips and updates. 

It's more than just dry skin. It's something else.

I have always envied women with perfect smooth skin and have been thinking what is their secret behind it. For years, I have been in search of my perfect skin regimen which they say is really subject to trial and error. It has always been a challenge to find the product that I am really "hiyang. "

Aside from my "unblemish-free" face, I am also have annoying flakes on my scalp. For how many years, I thought it was because of my shampoo and conditioner so I kept on trying different brands and hair products. Thinking that it was dandruff, I would have to order Selsun Blue from my brother based in Riyadh since Selsun Blue is not available in the Philippines. 

My nightmare hit its worst last September when I was confined in the hospital due to dengue. My face was beyond I could imagine. Everything was so dry, red and started to be a bit painful like its burning. Thus, we were alarmed and decided to seek professional help. 

I was diagnosed with Seborrheic Dermatitis. 

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis? 

According to mayoclinic.org, it is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back. Seborrheic dermatitis doesn't affect your overall health, but it can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment. It isn't contagious, and it's not a sign of poor personal hygiene.

It is triggered by stress, low immune system and because of living in a cold and dry climate. Please take note it is not an allergy. So, no need to take anti-histamines. 

There is really no cure for it but instead we can just help manage the symptoms. After finding out what wrong with me, I was advised to continue using Selsun Blue or any available dandruff shampoo at least every 1-2 days and a regular shampoo in between. 

For my face, after trying a lot of moisturizers and day cream, it is only the original Nivea Creme (the one in the blue tin can) that was able to help improve my condition.

This is not a sponsored post. But if you're interested to buy, it's available on sale at 50% off at Lazada's Online Revolution.

Also, I was advised to keep my immune system strong thus, a multi-vitamins/ vitamin C, healthier food choices and fruits would definitely be helpful. 

Top Deals Today at the Lazada Online Revolution - Part 2

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