This leg of the Virtual Art Interact focusing on the Visayan region is the third of a series of virtual workshops launched by Shell in line with its 53rd National Students Art Competition (NSAC). Breaking away from the conventional art symposia which had been put on hold by the lockdowns, Virtual Art Interact explores the various communities of artists from diverse Philippine regions, empowering them to narrate their struggles and victories through visual storytelling. Luzon had the spotlight on October 3, while Mindanao followed on October 17. 

Hosted by Fringe Manila’s Creative Director Andrei Paminutan, it also featured a live sketching demonstration by artists and students. Sankie Simbulan, Country Social Performance and Investment Manager of Pilipinas Shell, explained the reason for this journey. She said, “It is important for us to expand outside the local art periphery. Virtual Art Interact was a chance for us to show people that there is so much more to the Philippine creative scene by featuring various artists across the country.” 

As the longest-running student art competition in the Philippines, the NSAC has been cultivating the next generation of Filipino artists, curators, and collectors. By engaging these creatives, it supports and empowers the community to uplift more people through their creative gifts. 

Visayan art has birthed prolific artists such as Cebuano painter Martino Abellana, Boholano mixed media artist Henri Cainglet, and Negrense abstract expressionist artist Alfonso Ossorio, among others. However, despite the exhibits that have made their way in Luzon, there is still much to be discovered as many of these artists still have to reach the radar of a wider audience. 

“Growing up, we didn’t have much access to art references or local libraries that carry art books. I had to learn and take inspiration from my communities and our history,” stated Negros Occidental-based Ginoe, who was one of the featured artists at the recent Virtual Art Interact. Ginoe, who hails from Silay, is a visual artist, programming director, and community manager at the House of Frida, a contemporary art gallery in Bacolod that aims to promote budding artists from the city. 

Though pristine beaches and delectable cuisine may be the first things to come to mind when mentioning Negros, Silay is actually considered the seat of arts, culture, and ecotourism in the island region. Ginoe elaborated, “Silay is a very historic town with so many ancestral houses, featuring pieces from across the world—be it China, Europe, or Japan. It’s an inspiring place for artists because it gives you a taste of early globalization, but there’s enough nature to keep you feeling calm and relaxed.” 

The significance of platforms such as NSAC and Virtual Art Interact has never been more prominent. At a time when the pandemic keeps people at home and limits movement, art is the underlying thread that holds communities together. Bayani Galera, a renowned installation artist and an NSAC alumnus with roots in Bohol, shared, “There are a lot of struggles and stories born out of this pandemic, and creatives have been expressing these feelings through art. [Maraming paghihirap na nagaganap at mga bagong storya ngayong pandemic, at kinekwento ito ng mga artists]” Despite the consequences brought about by COVID-19, there is another silver lining to this period. Galera pointed out, “With everything now online, the pandemic also broke down the four walls of galleries and widened our audience. More people can appreciate art—whether it’s music, paintings, or theater. [Ngayon na online na lahat, binuksan ng pandemic yung four walls ng galleries at lumaki ang audience. Mas marami nang nakaka-appreciate ng art—music, paintings, or theater man yan.]” 

Simbulan affirmed the role of art in these trying times: “There is no other sector that can better inspire and articulate this optimism than artists, and Pilipinas Shell will continue to nurture them so that they may spark the ideas the people need for a brighter future. “ 

At present, the NSAC has received 1,300 entries, and the official awards ceremony is set to take place on November 27. For more information, keep posted on Shell Philippines’ social media accounts. 

Website: www.shell.com.ph

Living in the “next normal” means a drastic change to our everyday. For a parent, this ranges from managing a full household to shifting to homeschooling or distance learning. To add to that, there is also the looming fear of contracting sickness at the most unwelcome time. Needless to say, our current reality comes with even more uncertainties than we could have prepared for. 

With all these challenges, parents are continuously looking for ways to not only strive, but instead, thrive in these trying times. At the top of the list is ensuring their family is strong and healthy, making them better prepared for whatever may come. This is even more crucial for children growing up who need a strong, healthy body today to have a future full of possibles. 

When you cannot watch over your child’s every movement, you are left relying on a strong immune system to keep your child safe from sickness. But first, what is the immune system and how does it help you? The immune system— built and developed from nutrient intake— protects the body from toxins, infections, and microorganisms. Boosting immunity can be done in many ways— from providing proper nutrition through macronutrients and micronutrients, to giving only the best that science has to offer: 

- Optimized protein - An exclusive, optimized protein blend that is high in quality that may support age-appropriate weight gain and development. 

- Bifidus BL Probiotics - Extensive research has proven that a type of live bacteria, specifically known as the probiotic B. Lactis, supports immunity by strengthening the gut and maintaining balance among bacteria.

- Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HM-O) - The third largest solid component in human milk, HM-Os promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, assists gut barrier function, prevents pathogen adhesion in the gut, and directly modulates the immune system. 

With the even more pressing need to strengthen immunity, parents are faced with another challenge of researching what’s best for their children. When the overwhelming amount of information leaves them uncertain, they have to cut through the clutter and only trust what’s credible; choose what’s science-proven. 

Backed by over 150 years of Nestle’s nutrition and scientific expertise, NANKID® OPTIPRO® FOUR’s advanced formulation, guaranteed to be its best formulation yet, is now made even better with HM-O. 

This highly innovative and scientifically designed formula provides children with all they need and more. It is not only packed with optimized protein— a high quality, low quantity protein that is optimal for age-appropriate weight gain and development— but it also contains Probiotics, and is made with zero sucrose. 

 As the only one clinically proven to support optimal growth and immunity, parents can be assured that their children can be ready for a life full of amazing possibles with NANKID® OPTIPRO® FOUR.

Through its first-ever interactive virtual event “The Science of Nourishing Possibles”, NANKID® gave parents a world-class experience to understand how science-proven NANKID® can be every parent’s partner in navigating through these unprecedented times. 

“Raising children in this current environment can be rather daunting for parents who want to protect their kids while also allowing them to develop and grow. This is why Nestlè is proud to launch NANKID® OPTIPRO® FOUR, now with HM-O. Through this advanced formulation, we are confident that we can support parents in their parenting journey by providing them a scientifically-backed powdered milk drink formulated to provide optimal growth and immunity that will help prepare children for a life full of amazing possibles,” said Nestlè Premium Milks Lead Aubrey Iñigo. 

Indeed, the current reality can be overwhelming, but with NANKID® and its clinically proven benefits, parents can be assured that they can continue to nourish their child’s every possible. 

Learn more about NANKID® OPTIPRO® FOUR by visiting http://momandme.nestle.com.ph/nankid.

As part of the “new normal,” people are advised to stay at home, wash the hands frequently using soap and water or sanitizers, and wear protective equipment, facemasks, and face shields, among others, as prescribed by the local authorities.  

 

For Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, however, it also pays to take Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be produced by our body. While it can be found mostly in the food we eat, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi, taking an extra dose of this important nutrient can help our body’s immune functions, as well as other health benefits.    

“Keeping a healthy lifestyle, which starts with eating a well-balanced diet to get the right amounts of important nutrients and vitamins, is important to help maintain a healthy immune system. One of these important nutrients is Vitamin C, which has been featured in supplements due to its promising properties,” Catriona said.   

 As a model, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder, known for her healthy lifestyle choices and as a fitness inspiration for all, Catriona Gray encourages everyone to get that extra dose of Vitamin C as she joins the Santé family as the new brand ambassador of Daily C. 

  

Santé’s Daily C is your go-to Vitamin C supplement for the whole family, as well as young professionals who work all-day or on night shifts. And since it is non-acidic, it is gentler on the stomach and safer for daily consumption.    

This time, Santé Daily C now has an exciting new look and an additional variant. Aside from its Daily C 500mg which has been in the market for over 5 years, Santé also introduces Daily C in 750mg, a bigger serving of the trusted Daily C – ascorbic acid as sodium ascorbate, now in vegetable capsules.    

Daily C provides an extra dose of Vitamin C, which not only aids the immune system but also prevents scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency); an extra level of protection by enhancing the absorption of iron and the formation of collagen in our bodies; as well as an extra aid in speeding the process of wound healing.

“Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to take good care of our health and overall wellbeing. I’m glad that I am able to promote this mindset as the newest brand ambassador for Santé Daily C,” said Catriona.    

Joey Marcelo could not agree more. He said that “amid these uncertain times, we all need to take extra precautions. We are glad that we have our country’s pride, Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, as our new brand ambassador for Daily C as we encourage everyone to keep themselves healthy and strong, especially amid the current global health crisis.”   

Santé Daily C is just one of the many other organic health and wellness products offered by Santé. Known for its flagship, Santé Barley™, the company has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are made with organic barley grass, as certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency.

 

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at santebarley.com.

   My Night Routine:

1. I cleanse my skin
2. Then I apply an ample amount of Intensive Renewal Serum (approx 7 drops/0.5ml)
3. Intensive Hydrating Essence Toner with Hyaluronic Acid is next. As this immediately rehydrates my skin.
4. And speaking of hydration the next step is the Intensive Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. This instant water-burst with Its long-lasting hydrating effect.
5. Next step apply cream/Lotion
6. And don't forget Sunblock