Bongga maging Pinoy!
August is “Buwan ng Wika,” a month-long celebration of the Filipino language which is also a wonderful opportunity to express our love of all things Filipino araw-araw, dama ko ang lahi ko. Now that we’re starting things off with an ECQ in Metro Manila, working from home and the blurred lines of work and play can’t stop us from celebrating! Here is how I’m finding ways to stay upbeat while supporting Filipino businesses.
If you’re going to shop, make it local
From Aug. 8 to 12, love local favorites like lifestyle brand Bench, athleisure favorite Recess, F-beauty faves Issy & Co and Sunnies, stylish splash kit maker Viajecito, and shoemaker Annie & Lori will be on sale at up to 80 percent off on your Lazada app.
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, the sale also marks the official launch of the Lazada Go Lokal! Concept Store on the app, featuring handcrafted accessories like crochet by Gifts and Graces.
“The pandemic brought on an era where e-commerce has become part of the backbone in driving the resilience and growth of businesses, large and small. For us at Lazada, it has always been our core mission to help Filipino businesses go and grow online. As a result, a big part of what we do has always been to work closely with our industry partners to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities for our MSMEs to digitize their business and to thrive online,” shares Lazada Philippines chief operating officer Carlos Barrera. “The DTI has been a valuable partner for us in ensuring that we reach and equip even more MSMEs with the tools they need to succeed,” he adds.
“Our MSMEs are the lifeblood of the country and through our strong partnership with Lazada Philippines, we are grateful and excited that even more homegrown entrepreneurs are positioned to be discovered, have access to a wider market, and are provided with better economic opportunities,” shares the DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion director Marievic Bonoan. “More importantly, this exclusive partnership equips local sellers with critical business and marketing skills and tools that are invaluable in today and tomorrow’s economic contexts.” At the same time, the National Food Fair also goes online as Lazada carries over 180 food shops and sellers nationwide.
In addition to the ongoing support provided to the sellers, Lazada has been offering access to the capacity-building resources available on the platform, such as onboarding and training sessions for MSMEs, education and guides to e-commerce strategies and tools, design, campaign and marketing support, as well as access to insightful livestream features.
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Download the Lazada app on your smartphone.
Take short breaks and fix yourself a drink
There are three types of breaks: physical, mental and social. Now that we’re working from home and in lockdown again, it’s hard to know when to pause and make time for any of the three. I find that a quick cocktail is the most refreshing way to hold on to my sweet sanity, and now that any hour can be happy hour — as long as everyone’s done with work — I make some for my family, too!
I learned a few recipes from premium single island rum Don Papa’s global campaign “Seasons of Sugarlandia” entitled “An Endless Sugarlandia Summer.” To celebrate its Philippine home in Negros, they released four new concoctions created by Ben Rojo, the brand’s NYC-based brand ambassador.
Manila Vice is a frozen ode to the iconic show of the same title and a fruitful, Thai basil-imbued concoction. In one blender, combine Don Papa, pineapple, coconut milk and coco-muscovado syrup with ice and blend until frothy. In another blender, combine Don Papa 7yo, strawberries, coco-muscovado syrup, and eight leaves of Thai basil with ice and blend until frothy. Pour the pineapple mixture into a glass rimmed with freeze-dried coffee, then pour the strawberry mixture over in a distinct layer using the back of a spoon. Garnish with a fan of pineapple leaves and a wedge of fresh pineapple.
Golden Hour is a sorbet-sweet smooth drink inspired by Don Papa’s collaboration with boozy ice-cream maker Aubi & Ramsa. Combine Don Papa, mango nectar and bitters in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously to incorporate. Strain over ice into a highball glass rimmed with chili powder and sea salt. Add ginger beer, then top with a scoop of mango sorbet. Garnish with toasted black sesame and a bouquet of fresh mint.
Hearts on Fire is a smoky cocktail that is as fiery as it is volcanic. Combine Don Papa, sour cherry juice and quinquina in a rocks glass rimmed with lava salt, add ice and stir until chilled. Garnish with gold leaf and freshly torched rosemary.
Neon Night is a blue-toned elixir that is concocted by combining Don Papa, almond orgeat, yuzu juice and blue curaçao in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously to incorporate. Pour into a glass filled with pebble ice, adding more to create a crown over the glass. Garnish with a wheel of fresh dragon fruit and sprinkle with crushed, freeze-dried raspberry. (Yuzu juice can be replaced with three parts lemon and one part mandarin juice.)
Go screen-safe
If winding down and calling it a day means going from a small- to medium-sized screen (like your smartphone and computer) to a bigger screen (like your television), at least protect your eyes and minimize strain from blue light. The latest frames by Sunnies look like they’re straight out of a vintage shop. Wilmur is a squarish style inspired by your dream vintage pair from the '80s and Bellinda is a wide, chunky cat-eye frame that makes kitsch wearable and fun. The playful yet neutral colorways are glazed brown, pale nude and mosaic tort and their bold shapes are quirky enough to make a statement, and refined enough to make you feel put together. Both styles are made with acetate, durable for lens with high prescriptions.
