lifeandstyletoday.com

 Caring for the heart goes beyond an annual reminder. While Filipinos recently marked World Heart Day, keeping it healthy is a daily priority. After all, related diseases to it continue to be among the country’s top health concerns and consistent leading cause of death in the Philippines. 

Beyond well-known factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, new research points to less visible risks. A study by NYU Langone Health this year linked chemicals commonly found in plastics, called phthalates, to more than 350,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally. With the Philippines being one of the world’s biggest consumers of single-use plastics, using millions each day, this adds another layer of urgency to protecting cardiovascular wellness.

Everyday Steps to Lower Heart Risks

Maintaining healthy habits is still the most effective way to reduce risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Routine screenings also play a critical role in catching conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol before they progress.

Furthermore, stress management through quality sleep, meditation, and mindfulness, along with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, form the foundation for overall wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular help reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and support circulation, while antioxidants protect against oxidative stress.

For added protection, Filipinos can combine these healthy habits with targeted nutrition like LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10, a premium 2-in-1 supplement designed to help promote heart health and overall vitality.

Each softgel delivers 1355mg of purified fish oil concentrate, providing 949mg of omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic Acid & Docosahexaenoic Acid) that help maintain healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulation, ensuring nutrients and oxygen are efficiently delivered throughout the body. It also contains 100mg of Coenzyme Q-10, a vital nutrient for heart muscle strength and energy production. Since natural CoQ-10 levels decline with age, supplementation helps restore vitality, reduce breathlessness, and keep the heart performing at its peak.

Additionally, LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10 aids brain function, joint flexibility, skin comfort, and mood balance which helps Filipinos stay energized, resilient, and full of vitality at every stage of life. Purified to remove contaminants and enteric-coated to minimize fishy aftertaste, it is also safe for long-term use with just one softgel daily. 

Awareness of both lifestyle and environmental risks, combined with proactive daily habits, is still a key to protecting overall well-being as cardiovascular disease continues to be a major health concern in the country. 

Across Philippine cities, GrabCar driver-partners, MOVE IT rider-partners, and GrabFood delivery-partners are showing how everyday work can power extraordinary progress. That arc — from hustle to upward mobility — takes center stage in a special episode of Paano Ba ’To: The Podcast, where three partners, joined by their families, trace how viable earnings on the road — paired with enabling programs — are helping them pay for school, steady the household, and invest for the long term.

Three families, three paths to progress

Issei Goto — “You don’t win unless you place a bet.”

A former office worker, Issei left salaried life in 2019 to drive with GrabCar. Within months he scaled from one to four vehicles, helped by GrabFinance Cash Loan with flexible terms aligned to his earnings — turning a leap of faith into stable, higher income for a young family. “Hindi ka mananalo kung hindi ka tataya,” he says, reflecting on that choice.

Lilybeth Zerna — Delivering toward bigger dreams.

Lilybeth’s discipline and determination as a GrabFood delivery-partner—through heat, rain, and traffic—funded her children’s schooling and, with GrabFinance Cash Loan, the staged construction of a six-storey apartment that now provides steady rental income. “When you really want something, you learn to sacrifice,” she says.

Marlo Gonzales — A father’s sacrifice, a daughter’s promise.

For MOVE IT rider-partner Marlo, every trip is about his family’s future. His daughter Genille earned a full scholarship through GrabScholar (Wave 3)—covering tuition, supplies, and a monthly allowance—so she can focus fully on school. “Proud po ako sa anak ko,” Marlo shares. Genille adds: “My goal is to give back everything my parents poured into me."

Fueling Hard Work with Opportunity and Support

● Household stability: Consistent, app-based earnings help families weather shocks—while flexible financing prevents debt spirals.

● Mobility through education: Scholarships ease the burden of tuition, letting students—and parents—focus on outcomes, not obstacles.

● Pathways to assets: Sensibly structured loans convert income into productive assets (vehicles, rental units) that build resilience over time.

Asenso Programs Shine Through the Stories of Issei, Lilybeth, and Marlo

● GrabFinance Cash Loan: Flexible, earnings-linked financing that gives driver-partners quick access to the lifelines they need to grow and manage their livelihoods.

● GrabScholar: A full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, school supplies, and a monthly allowance for the deserving dependents of Grab and MOVE IT partners — also open to the public for qualified applicants.

● Ka-Grab / Ka-MOVE IT Rewards: Incentive programs that boost take-home pay and celebrate partners who consistently deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality service.

Listen and watch the full episode on Facebook or Spotify. To learn more about the programs featured, visit Grab Asenso.

 30 September 2025: Philippines: From Instagram-worthy winter wonderlands to cozy family vibes, these collections prove you don’t have to choose between style and budget. SM Home helps create beautiful homes, one meaningful tradition at a time. 

Let’s be real—holiday decorating used to mean one thing: hit up the store, grab whatever red and green stuff was on sale, and call it festive. But if you’re like most millennials, you want your space to actually reflect who you are, even when it’s covered in Christmas decor. The good news? SM Home just dropped six completely different Christmas collections, and honestly, they’re kind of perfect for our generation’s “I want it all” approach to holiday decorating.

Six Vibes, One Mission: Making Your Place Look Amazing

Here’s what we love about SM Home’s approach this year—they get that not everyone wants the same Christmas aesthetic. Whether you’re the friend with the Pinterest-perfect apartment or the one hosting chaotic family dinners, there’s literally a whole collection designed for your exact energy.

Golden Elegance: For When You Want to Look Like You Have Your Life Together

This one’s for all the millennials who love hosting but want their space to look effortlessly sophisticated (even if you bought most of your furniture second-hand). Golden Elegance is all about rich golds and warm browns that somehow make everything look expensive, even if it wasn’t. 

The genius here is that these pieces actually work with the neutral color schemes most of us already have going on. Those cream and gold angel figurines? They’ll look amazing on your shelving unit. The oversized golden ornaments? Perfect for that corner of your living room that never looks quite right but somehow works perfectly during the holidays.

And can we talk about how these pieces are basically designed for your IG? The warm metallic tones catch light beautifully, which means your holiday posts are going to look professional without any extra effort.

Crystal Wonderland: Minimalist Winter Dreams

If your aesthetic is more “Scandinavian hygge meets winter fairy tale,” Crystal Wonderland is about to become your entire personality this season. We’re talking icy blues, pristine whites, and silver accents that make your space look like it belongs in a design magazine. 

This collection is perfect for anyone who’s ever pinned “winter wonderland vibes” boards but never knew how to actually achieve the look in real life. Those crystals, snowflakes, iridescent ornaments in silver and white? They’re the kind of unique details that make your friends ask where you got everything.

Plus, if you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by too much color or visual clutter, this collection creates major impact while keeping things calm and serene. It’s basically the Marie Kondo of Christmas collections.

Enchanted Christmas: Maximum Fairy Tale Energy

Okay, this one is for the millennials who never quite grew out of their fairy tale phase and honestly, we’re here for it. Enchanted Christmas throws traditional Christmas colors out the window and goes full mystical forest with deep purples, burgundies, and emerald greens. 

Those whimsical Santas and fairy tale characters scattered throughout the tree? They’re conversation starters that show your personality and give your space serious storybook vibes. This collection is perfect if you want your Christmas decor to feel more like art installation than decoration.

And let’s be honest—this is the collection that’s going to have everyone asking about your “Christmas aesthetic” because it’s so unexpected and gorgeous. It’s for people who want their holiday decor to be as unique as their playlist.

Beary Merry: Wholesome Family Vibes Without the Cheese

If you’ve got kids or just love things that make you smile, Beary Merry hits that sweet spot between adorable and actually stylish. The teddy bear theme could easily veer into cutesy territory, but somehow these pieces manage to be charming without being childish. 

This collection gets that many of us are trying to create magical holiday memories for our kids while still wanting our homes to look good. The classic red and white color scheme works with literally any existing decor, and those bear ornaments in tiny Santa hats? They’re the kind of details that make Christmas morning feel extra special.

Plus, these are the pieces that become family traditions—the ornaments your kids will ask about every year and eventually want to take to their own homes.

Festive: Classic Christmas, But Make It Current

Sometimes you just want Christmas to look like Christmas, you know? Festive is for anyone who loves the traditional red and green vibe but wants it to feel fresh and intentional rather than like you raided your parents’ bodega. 

What makes this collection work for our generation is the quality and thoughtful details. These aren’t the plastic decorations from your childhood—they’re pieces that actually feel substantial and well-made. The Santa and snowman figurines have personality, and the ornaments mix different textures and finishes in ways that create visual interest.

This is the collection for anyone who wants to honor family traditions while creating their own version of classic holiday style.

Whimsical: For the Creatives and Rule-Breakers

If your decorating philosophy is “why follow rules when you can make your own,” Whimsical is calling your name. This collection embraces unexpected colors and quirky designs that let your personality shine through every ornament.

This is perfect for anyone whose friends describe their style as “eclectic” or “artistic.” It’s for people who want their Christmas decor to spark conversations and reflect their creative side rather than blending into the background. 

The Whimsical collection encourages mixing unexpected elements while maintaining cohesive charm, perfect for artistic personalities who want their Christmas décor to reflect their unique perspective on the season.

Real Talk: How to Actually Style These Collections

Here’s the thing about holiday decorating that no one really talks about—it’s not just about buying pretty things and putting them up. The difference between “cute” and “absolutely stunning” is in how you put it all together.

· Start with your tree, obviously. But here’s the pro tip: choose your tree ornaments first, then build everything else around that vibe. Your tree sets the tone for your entire space, so get that right and everything else falls into place.

· Think in layers, not just placement. Start with your lights (and invest in good ones—seriously, the cheap string lights are not worth it), add your garlands and bigger pieces, then fill in with the smaller details and character pieces.

· Create Instagram moments throughout your space. Don’t just decorate your main living area—create smaller vignettes on side tables, bookshelves, and entryways. These become the perfect backdrops for holiday selfies and create cohesive style throughout your home.

· Mix textures and finishes within your chosen collection. The contrast between matte and shiny, smooth and textured, large and small—that’s what makes everything look intentional and expensive rather than like you just bought everything from the same display.

Making It Work for Your Actual Life

Let’s get practical for a second. Most of us aren’t living in design magazine spreads, and our holiday decorating needs to work with our real lives, budgets, and living situations.

· If you’re in a small space: Focus on your tree and one or two accent areas rather than trying to decorate everything. These collections have enough impact that a little goes a long way.

· If you’re on a budget: You don’t need every single piece from a collection to get the look. Pick a few key pieces that make the biggest impact—usually the tree ornaments and one or two larger accent pieces.

· If you have kids: The Beary Merry and Festive collections are designed with real families in mind. The pieces are durable enough to handle daily life and curious little hands.

· If you love to entertain: Consider how your chosen theme will look in different lighting and how it photographs for social media. Golden Elegance and Crystal Wonderland are particularly stunning in evening lighting.

The Bottom Line: Your Holiday, Your Way

Here’s what to love most about SM Home’s approach this year—they’re not trying to tell you how Christmas “should” look. Instead, they’re giving you the tools to create holidays that feel authentically you, whether that means sophisticated dinner parties, cozy family mornings, or magical fairy tale vibes.

These collections recognize that our generation wants to create meaningful experiences and beautiful spaces, but we also want them to reflect our personalities and work with our actual lifestyles. The collections are hitting SM Home stores now, and honestly, if you want the best selection, don’t wait. These are the kinds of pieces that sell out fast because they’re actually worth having, not just seasonal filler.

Whether you go all-in on one collection or mix pieces from different themes to create something totally unique, the goal is the same: making your space feel like home during the most wonderful time of year. And with options this good, that’s actually achievable without breaking the bank or sacrificing your style.

Ready to level up your holiday game? Check out these collections at SM Home—your Instagram feed (and your family) will thank you.

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Start Building Your Christmas Legacy

The traditions you create this year will shape your celebrations for decades to come. At SM Home, we’ve curated holiday collections designed to grow with you—investments in years of future magic, not just this December.

Give yourself permission to invest in joy. Whether you’re starting with a single statement piece or transforming your entire space, our quality decorations become the foundation for traditions worth keeping.

The SM Home Holiday Collection can be viewed via online catalog, here: https://q.me-qr.com/tmX7w4G8

Crystal Wonderland, Whimsical Holidays, and Enchanted Christmas collections are available in select branches only. Festive Holidays and Golden Elegance available in all SM Home branches nationwide.

Capture the richness of life’s moments with the HUAWEI Pura 80, a smartphone that blends timeless elegance with powerful performance designed just for you. It transforms everyday memories into works of art, capturing every detail in true color with its Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera. Paired with a frosted glass matte skin-friendly design and AI-powered features, the HUAWEI Pura 80 delivers both style and convenience in one device. 

Now available in the Philippines, the HUAWEI Pura 80 comes in Black, Gold, and White at PHP 47,999. The HUAWEI Pura 80 also comes bundled with exclusive freebies worth PHP 22,798, including a HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 worth PHP 12,999, trade-in tokens worth PHP 5,000, and HUAWEI Care+ worth PHP 4,799. The promo will run from September 12 to September 30, 2025.

Turn Landscapes, Portraits, and Greenery into Colorful Masterpieces

Memories deserve to be captured exactly as they are seen, and with its Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera, the HUAWEI Pura 80 preserves every detail in vibrant, true-to-life color.

Backed by 1.5 million multi-spectral channels and pixel-level color calibration, it transforms every scene, from rugged mountain ridges to glowing city skylines at dusk, into a masterpiece of clarity and brilliance.

Landscape shots burst with life through the HUAWEI Pura 80’s Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera, preserving every hue and texture with stunning clarity, whether you’re hiking through untouched terrain or strolling through dense cityscapes. Transforming your adventures into breathtaking, shareable memories that feel as vivid as the moment you saw them, showing the essence of every sweeping vista with unparalleled detail.

Portrait photography shines with unmatched warmth and precision with the HUAWEI Pura 80 for all those cherished personal moments.

Whether you’re capturing lively family gatherings or snapping spontaneous selfies in red-dominated settings like vibrant flower beds or striking red decor under backlit, front-lit, or side-lit conditions, the camera maintains natural skin tones against strong monochrome influences. When taking portraits against vibrant sunset backdrops, the camera maintains vivid skin tones and atmospheric depth with rich color transitions and strong layering. The Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera ensures that every smile and expression is bursting with real-life clarity, turning fleeting moments into timeless keepsakes you’ll treasure.

Floral photography captures nature’s delicate beauty with the HUAWEI Pura 80, turning expansive flower fields or lush greenery into works of art.

Photograph vibrant blooms or rich foliage at 1m–3m distances, where theUltra Chroma XMAGE Camera, highlights vivid colors and intricate textures with stunning authenticity.

Discover Refined Simplicity Through Stylish Durable Design

Embodying elegance in simplicity, the HUAWEI Pura 80 delivers a minimalist design that combines timeless luxury with everyday durability. Its flat-edge 6.6-inch OLED screen is finished with Frosted Glass in Frosted Gold, Black, or White, creating a refined and sophisticated look.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 is built to go anywhere with confidence, strengthened by 2nd-generation Kunlun Glass that provides 20x improved drop resistance. The matte, skin-friendly finish resists smudges and fingerprints while also feeling comfortable in your hand all day. Whether you’re on the go, at work, or relaxing at home, your device stays protected while keeping its refined, elegant look. This is a phone made for those who want enduring resilience with timeless beauty. 

Take On Each Day with Intuitive AI That Empowers You Daily interactions are elevated through the cutting-edge AI features of the HUAWEI Pura 80, designed to deliver a more seamless and secure experience. With AI Remove, you can instantly erase unwanted objects or stray wires from your photos, keeping every shot clean and focused. Capturing group moments also becomes effortless with AI Best Expression, which lets you choose the best version of each person’s face by eliminating closed eyes and awkward expressions for a polished final result.

AI Gesture Control takes convenience further, enabling hands-free navigation with a simple wave from 20cm–40cm away. It also enhances the experience with dynamic lockscreen features such as Emoji Crush and Air Hoops, where interactive 3D models respond in playful and expressive ways.

Privacy and efficiency are reimagined through AI Messaging, which hides notifications when others glance at your screen and delivers real-time updates directly to connected wearables. Clearer communication is ensured with AI Noise Cancellation, cutting through background sounds in busy environments so voices remain crisp and distinct.

Enjoy Best-in-Class Immersive Display and Long-Lasting Power The HUAWEI Pura 80 sets a new standard for everyday viewing with its HUAWEI X-True Display™, delivering retinal-grade visuals at 460ppi. Colors appear richer, details sharper, and brightness stronger, so whether you’re streaming a series, scrolling through photos, or gaming outdoors under bright sunlight, every moment feels immersive and true to life. 

Slim and lightweight, the HUAWEI Pura 80 also comes with a 5170 mAh large-capacity battery that keeps up with your busiest days. When it’s time to recharge, 66 W HUAWEI SuperCharge powers your device to full in minutes, while wireless charging provides 50W of power for fast, cable-free flexibility.

Experience Life in Picture-Perfect Beauty with the HUAWEI Pura 80

With its Ultra Chroma XMAGE Camera that elevates every shot, a vivid HUAWEI X-True Display for viewing in any light, and powerful AI capabilities that make every interaction smarter and more intuitive, the HUAWEI Pura 80 is more than a smartphone, it’s a daily companion that turns your ordinary moments into works of art.

Get the HUAWEI Pura 80 today for PHP 47,999, available at the HUAWEI Online Store, Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.

To learn more about the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

 Etiqa Philippines, a regional leader in both conventional insurance and Takaful solutions, has introduced its newest product, Takaful Personal Accident (PA) — an easy, affordable, and values-driven way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Designed with freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-starters in mind, Takaful PA offers peace of mind so you can focus on your work and your dreams.

For as low as ₱1,400 a year, you can enjoy comprehensive protection in case of accident, injury, or loss of life — ensuring your family’s financial security when it matters most. And because life can be unpredictable, Etiqa makes sure claims are processed quickly, so you can focus on recovery instead of paperwork.

What makes Takaful PA unique is that it is ethical and Shariah-compliant, built on the principles of mutual assistance where members contribute to a pooled fund. This fund supports members in times of need, creating a true community of care. If there’s a surplus at the end of the policy year, it may be shared back with members — a hallmark of surplus sharing, and Etiqa’s way of giving back to the community that looks after one another. 

You can choose from three variants of Takaful PA, all designed to match your lifestyle and budget. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get the same compassionate service Etiqa is known for — a brand trusted in both conventional insurance and Islamic finance, and backed by Maybank Group’s global expertise.

“We are thrilled to introduce our first Takaful offering, the Personal Accident plan, a testament to Etiqa’s unwavering commitment to ethical finance and inclusive protection,” said Anthony Lou Bernabe, President and CEO of Etiqa Philippines. “Filipinos can expect more innovative Takaful solutions ahead — all designed to uplift communities and ensure that every member shares in the security and prosperity they help create.”

Etiqa believes in building products that put people first, uphold fairness, and strengthen communities. At the heart of everything it does is a simple mission: to make the world a better place. Protect your future today — visit www.etiqa.com.ph to buy your Takaful PA plan.

The 9.9 Budol Sale is here with deals up to 40% off, and it’s bringing massive discounts, exclusive vouchers, free shipping, and exciting freebies you won’t want to miss! From September 5 to 9, score your favorite Infinix smartphones and gadgets at unbeatable prices across Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Whether you’re upgrading your daily driver or grabbing your first Infinix device, this is your golden chance to cop the best deals of the season.

The spotlight shines on the Infinix HOT 60 Series, built for users who want power-packed performance without breaking the bank. Designed with content creators and multitaskers in mind, the world’s slimmest 3D-curved AI phone, the HOT 60 Pro+, and HOT 60 Pro deliver smooth gameplay, all-day battery life, and stylish designs that stand out. It’s the perfect blend of performance and value, now made even more irresistible with 9.9 sale prices.

And for those who live life on the go, the HOT 60 Series ensures a seamless experience thanks to its fast charging and reliable connectivity. Whether you’re streaming, working, or leveling up in your favorite games, these devices are built to keep up with your lifestyle, now available at unbeatable prices during the 9.9 Sale.

As an added treat, shoppers can also score big with the NOTE 50 Series, which comes with an exclusive XP06 Magnetic Powerbank worth ₱1,000, making the deal even sweeter during this limited-time sale.

Check out Infinix official stores via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Stay tuned for more updates on Infinix’s official Facebook page.

For more details, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com

 At GROHE, every technological advancement serves a singular purpose: to seamlessly meet users’ needs, elevating their experience and delivering “Pure Fruede an Wasser” or the Pure Joy of Water. By adopting this consumer-centric approach driven by profound insights and experiences, the brand has developed industry-leading innovations and proprietary technologies that are designed to provide tangible human benefits that enhance everyday life and every water experience. These core technologies are called GROHE Aqua Intelligence. 

GROHE Aqua Intelligence is innovation in action, where German engineering precision, award‑winning design and eco‑responsible practices converge seamlessly beneath every interaction. From smooth control and precise temperature to enhanced safety and perfectly balanced spray, each GROHE product is crafted to transform ordinary routines into moments of serenity and luxury—so you can truly “Bask in Your Joy.” See how GROHE Aqua Intelligence brings that promise to life:

GROHE SmartControl

GROHE DreamSpray

GROHE DreamSpray’s advanced shower engine ensures that every nozzle delivers exactly the right amount of water, creating perfectly balanced spray patterns and consistent pressure from start to finish. Whether you need a gentle morning mist to awaken your senses or a powerful evening jet to melt away the day’s stress, DreamSpray turns each droplet into a moment of pure delight.

Experience GROHE Aqua Intelligence in action at your nearest authorized GROHE retailer, and discover how German‑engineered precision and design excellence turn every shower into an oasis where you can truly bask in your joy. To learn more, click here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNht1Ae8ce66l-bFl246usIzoqbxhzA9Q.

To know more about GROHE, visit https://www.grohe.ph/en_ph/ or follow GROHE’s social media pages, Instagram (@grohe_ph) and Facebook (grohephilippines).