5 Fun Things To Do At Home

By: Tony Carmona

For some of us, being stuck at home all the time may not be the most fun thing on the planet. You’re usually just glued to your phone endlessly scrolling the social newsfeed, or lying on the couch and watching netflix for hours. 

 

Which is why we’ve curated this list to help you get more inspired and motivated to be productive at home while having fun, whether you’re alone or with your loved ones.

 

Learn How to Cook

Chef Sarrita Pimentel shows off her yummy poke bowl for her Keto diet

 

Cooking is one of our favorite activities because it can be done and learned by anybody, regardless of skill level. And cooking appeals to a wide range of personalities: you can play it safe by sticking to tried-and-true recipes, or you can go all out and experiment with something more gourmet.. Plus, you’re always rewarded with something delicious at the end whether you share it, or eat it alone guilt-free.

 

Treat yourself with a DIY Spa Day

Disenyo Del Sur’s Blank Canvas Beauty Oil is a Bigseed Favorite

 

This isn’t to say you have to make your bathroom into a full-fledged wellness center. A home spa day can be as simple as soothing your muscles by soaking in a warm epsom salt bath to relieve tension from long zoom meetings and putting on your favorite beauty oil on your face and gently massaging it with your favorite gua sha or jade roller. It’s time to prioritize self-care! Take a day to yourself and cancel all of your plans for a staycation

 

Get creative with Crafternoons

Mom and Lifestyle Content Creator, Toni Pino-Oca keeps her cute baby girl busy with this diy “Busy Board”

 

Who says kids are the only ones to have fun with arts and crafts projects? Crafting may be a relaxing way for adults to express their creativity and channel their emotions. Spend your quiet afternoons by producing amazing homemade gifts, clothing, decor, or even useful items at home.

 

Try Meditation

Law Student Mia Adarna doing her meditative pose

 

If you want to reduce stress, increase peace and clarity in your mind, and encourage happiness, learning how to meditate is the activity for you. Meditation has several mental health advantages, including improved focus and attention, increased self-awareness and self-esteem, and reduced stress and anxiety. You can even amp it up with doing Yoga which combines breathing exercises, meditation and poses

 

Play Dress-Up & Have a Fun Shoot!

Fashion Stylist, Vanessa East doing the #GucciModelChallenge

 

Spend a creative day by organizing a fun shoot with your family, boyfriend or girlfriend, your pets, or even alone. Flex your different OOTDs and even come up with fun themes that you can take photos of. The fun part is definitely in dressing up and making yourself look and feel good. Need to update your wardrobe? You can also enjoy guilt-free shopping with the biggest markdowns of up to 50% off from your favorite brands at Rustan’s.    

4 Simple Ways to Make your Home a Happier Place

By: Tony Carmona

This year has made us undoubtedly develop a deeper connection with our homes. The impact of our residence on our emotional, physical, and even spiritual well-being has significantly increased due to the ongoing circumstances. You can promote happiness and positivity at home by making a few simple changes.

 

Deep Clean & Declutter

Toni Pino-Oca sprayed her kitchen sink rose gold and painted the walls white to make her cleaning storage look extra

 

If you’re always feeling gloomy and heavy, one way or another it’ll definitely show in some areas and spots in your homes. Mess & clutter induces stress, and stress is one of the factors that can repress your positive energy. Cleaning makes your house feel calmer and more spacious, and serves the practical purpose of removing items that are no longer required.

 

Illuminate Positivity with Sunshine’s Help

Dawn Sy spends her mornings with a good book.

 

Natural Lighting actually provides a lot of health benefits. Not only will it make a room lighter and clearer, giving the impression of more space, but it can boost your vitamin D, ward off seasonal depression, and reduce the health risks of fluorescent lighting such as eye strains and migraines. So make sure to let the light in by opening your curtains and even windows.

 

Happier with Houseplants

Neil Felipp’s design studio looks more alive with his houseplants

 

The perks of being a plantito or plantita aren’t just about having a beautiful IG feed, there are numerous science-backed benefits of having plants at home. Your quality of air at home may improve, and so will your mental health, and even productivity while you are doing work from home. Whether you’re planning to grow your own, or buy from your local market, plants will definitely be a great addition to your home. Need new gardening tools to get started? Don’t worry, you don’t have to leave your home with Ayala Center Cebu’s ANA, your personal shopping Assistant!

We hope you don’t overwhelm yourself with the process of building a home that you can call a happy place for you and your family. Take baby steps, and have fun!

Relax with Essential Oils

Sam Liao’s various range essential oils makes us want to inhale it all, and exhale bad vibes 

 

Ever noticed how the scent of a place can influence your mood? Essential oils will help you relax, relieve mild aches and pains, and even put you in a good mood. It’s even actually reported that 43% of people with stress and anxiety use some kind of alternative treatment to help them manage their symptoms. We recommend essential oils such as Peppermint to boost energy, Lavender to relieve stress, and Sandalwood to calm your nerves and help with focus. Find our favorite diffuser and oils at our favorite online supermarket, CloudKart, and if you are a mom, they even have this cute owl one with white noise.

 

Getting enough sleep is a luxury these days and an important part of self-care. With increasing demands both at work and home, it has become more essential to keep one’s mind and body sound and healthy. A good quality, comfortable mattress can make all the difference in getting that much-needed relaxation, whether it is in the form of afternoon siestas or a full eight hours of sleep.

 

Sleep Specialist Uratex, the biggest foam and mattress manufacturer in the country, recently opened their 24th facility in the country and 2nd in Cebu at Belmont One Building, Calajo-an, Minglanilla. With over half a century of experience delivering superior comfort and support in improving the Filipinos’ quality of sleep, they share five tips on how to choose the right mattress:

 

Choose the Right Size

Size matters especially when choosing mattresses. Uratex mattresses come in six sizes – single, double, full double, queen, king, and eastern king with customization available.  A useful, full-sized guide in the showroom helps determine the right size for every need.

 

Put comfort first

In buying a new mattress, consider their body type, sleeping position and needs like back support and anti-bacterial technology. Uratex has a selection of mattresses to choose from with varying comfort levels like medium firm, firm, extra firm and plush. They also have mattresses with Orthocare® technology that provide the necessary support and relieve pressure points for maximum comfort. Their permahard mattress from the classic collection is the only foam trusted by the Philippine Orthopedic Association and is perfect for those with back problems. All premium mattresses also use Sanitized® technology to keep one’s bed clean and free from dust, odor and bacteria.

 

Go for cool mattresses

The hot and humid climate can greatly impact sleep quality. Find a mattress with cooling capabilities that provide comfort despite hot summer days and nights. Uratex’s Airlite mattresses are made with Sleep Cool® technology that uses open cell foam to let air flow freely for a more comfortable and refreshing sleep.

 

Invest in quality, long-lasting mattresses

Buying a mattress is a big investment and an important milestone. Make sure to choose one that is durable, made of quality fabric, has no harmful chemicals and can last for many years. Uratex’s wide selection of mattresses from their two main collections –  Classic and Premium – are lifelong investments with up to a 15 year warranty.

 

Test it out

Online shopping may be easy and convenient but nothing beats in-person shopping especially when selecting mattresses. Browse, feel, and test different plush or firm mattress types and the various sizes available. Consult with sleep specialists who are ready to assist and recommend the right mattress to match every need. For a first-hand experience, visit Uratex’s Minglanilla showroom which houses its Sleep Lab, the first and only facility of its kind in Cebu where one can test out their line of premium mattresses. The showroom also has 12 sections that showcase a wide range of products from mattresses, pillows, foldables, sofa beds, monoblock furniture, and more.

 

Uratex was founded in 1968 with the vision of producing high-quality mattresses Filipinos can afford. It has since grown to become the most recognized household name in the bedding industry synonymous with quality, and  the country’s industry leader in manufacturing quality foams and mattresses. They continue to innovate by using the latest technologies to deliver exceptional comfort and support in each mattress.

 

For more information and updates, visit www.uratex.com.ph and follow @UratexCebuShowroom on Facebook and @Uratex_Cebu on Instagram.

 

 

Technology has transformed the way we live, making tasks like shopping and paying bills much easier. For over three years, on-demand delivery platform Lalamove has delivered possibilities to Cebuanos from sending packages to loved ones to operating small businesses from home.

 

More than being the most trusted delivery platform for documents, gifts, food, and dry goods, Lalamove offers other helpful and convenient services that cater to both business and personal needs, along with hassle-free payment options.

 

Fast becoming a byword, here are five things that can be done better and faster when you #JustLalamoveIt:

 

 

Buy Medicines

Order essential supplies like medicines from the  pharmacy of your choice or send them to relatives, officemates, and friends with Lalamove’s Purchase or Pabili Service. You can also send care packages and gifts to friends with its multi-stop feature that can deliver to 20 stops in one booking. Pay in advance or send a Lalamove driver to the pharmacy and avail of the Cash on Delivery option for purchases of up to P2,000.

 

 

Safely deliver cakes and other delicate or fragile items

Lalamove can deliver all types of items including those that need extra care like cakes and glassware. Its newest Sedan Fleet can accommodate deliveries weighing up to 200kg. The highly requested fleet falls between its motorcycles and MPV vehicles that can deliver items weighing up to 20kg and 300kg respectively.

 

 

Contactless Transactions

Lalamove offers cashless payment options through its e-wallet for safer and more convenient transactions. Its cashless payment option is made more available with its partnership with GCash. With just a tap from the Lalamove app, one can top up their e-wallet for as low as P300 through GCash, credit, or debit card.

 

 

Deposit cheques to banks

Skip the lines and waiting times at the bank and have Lalamove do this transaction for you. Its partner drivers securely collect and deposit bills in banks and pay loans in billing centers with its Cash Handling Service. Partner drivers are carefully selected and trained to handle financial transactions may it be through cash or cheque, with real-time location updates available in the app.

 

 

Package assistance

Moving homes, furniture shopping, or transporting bulk orders? The Additional Assistant feature allows an extra pair of hands to carry large and heavy items like boxes and furniture. Tap its Driver Carries Service for MPV and Light Truck deliveries that allows partner drivers to help carry items up to 50 kg.

Download the Lalamove app available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and www.web.lalamove.com for a fast, seamless, and reliable delivery service that fits one’s personal and business needs.

 

Lalamove was established in Hong Kong in December 2013. Today, it operates in 21 cities across Asia and Latin America, including Cebu and Manila in the Philippines. It provides different vehicle options that fit according to the needs of the customer, easy customer transactions, allows flexible schedules, and multiple bookings to help businesses of all sizes grow their reach. For more information, visit www.lalamove.com and like @LalamovePH on Facebook.

 

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The summer weather is the best time to show some skin and bring out colorful, loose, and flowy pieces from the closet. With so many trends to take inspo from this season, Ayala Malls Central Bloc rounds up the hottest summer styles for every kind of trendsetter

Here are five different summer trends for each fashion type from the 12 brands housed at their Trading Bloc on the second floor:

(Photo on the left – Akaw Surf & Co. | Photo on the right – Beast Crew)

Beach Casuals for the Surfers
Heading to the beach and soaking up the sun call for cool and breezy outfits. Cop that surfer look with Akaw & Surf Co’s variety of tank tops and muscle tees for men. For those who prefer versatile looks this summer, Beast Crew offers bright-colored polo shirts in flattering fits and breathable fabrics.

 

 

(Photo from left to right: Francesca, Hip Nomad, Voonga)

Printed and Florals for Ladies who Brunch
Bring vibrant summer cheer for brunch in the city with printed patterns and florals. Meet up with the ladies in sweet lighthearted and whimsy frocks from Francesca. Sip mimosas and catch up with the ladies in printed jumpsuits from Hip Nomad or flirty off-the-shoulder dresses from Voonga.

 

 

(Photo on the right – Little Red Closet | Photo on the left –  Rampa PH)

Warm Summer Hues for Fashion Forward Couples
Warmer tones are a subtle but hot trend to try this summer. Spruce up date night and look cute together in coordinating outfits. Rock monochrome sets from Little Red Closet and match your significant other with printed summer polos from Rampa PH.

 

 

(Photo from left to right: Let’s Stylize, Reblog Shop, Tsuki)

Pretty Pinks for the Island Girl in the City
Pastel tones continue to dominate this year’s trends. Elevate your overall aesthetic in a pink ensemble. Put together an errand day look in pretty coordinates from Let’s Stylize or an easy sweet sundress from Reblog Shop. Replace the usual summer rompers with calf-length flowy skirts from Tsuki for that polished but dreamy look.

 

 

Ocean Blue for the Yuppies

Make weekday office looks effortless, fun, and sleek. Bring out the inner boss babe in a blue button-down dress from Stylings and accessorize with statement earrings. Keep online meetings bright and interesting by sporting a colorful look with a printed polo from MBG.

Keep on top of the trends with Ayala Malls Central Bloc’s Trading Bloc merchants. Shop from home with the help of Ayala Malls Neighborhood Assistant (ANA) through Viber at 0956.426.1692 or Facebook Messenger (@ANACentralBloc) and send them screenshots of the looks here that suit you. Have orders delivered straight to your door or arrange them for curbside pick-up at the DriveBuy station located along Padriga St., near Starbucks Reserve.

For updates, follow @AyalaMallsCentralBloc on Facebook and Instagram, and join the Viber Community for real-time announcements at https://bit.ly/ayalamallscebuviber.

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ABOUT AYALA MALLS CENTRAL BLOC

Ayala Malls Central Bloc is your hip and happening bloc where the balance of work and play thrives. The five-level regional mall is located in the bustling 27-hectare IT Park. It is a project of Central Block Developers Inc. – a subsidiary of Ayala Land Inc.
To know more about AyalaMalls Central Bloc, get the latest updates on their social media pages on Facebook (@AyalaMallsCentralBloc) and on Instagram (@ayalamallscentralbloc).