Three Easy Ways To Score Over ₱2M worth of prizes at the 8.8 ShopeePay Festival

Online transactions are now more rewarding as ShopeePay gives you more reasons to send money, buy load, and shop online! From August 6 to 8, ShopeePay is hosting three days of giveaway with over ₱2M in prizes. Users can further rejoice as exciting prizes and rewards are up for grabs at the 8.8 ShopeePay Festival!

If you’re not yet a ShopeePay user, now’s the perfect time to set up your own account and join the celebration. Here’s what you need to do using Shopee’s mobile wallet to win big this August:

1. Send money for free and you could win up to ₱1 million

It’s not everyday that you get a chance to turn your ₱50 into ₱1 million. ShopeePay is giving away prizes to two raffle winners a day from August 6 to 8, with cash prizes increasing up to ₱1 million each day until 8.8. To qualify, simply send at least ₱50 to any ShopeePay user during the duration of the promo.

To join, follow these steps:

1. Activate and verify your ShopeePay account.
2. From August 6 to 8, send at least ₱50 to any ShopeePay user.
3. Play the lucky draw after sending money to qualify for the raffle draw.

Winners will be announced on social media so make sure to follow ShopeePay’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Just think of how much you can do with ₱1 million pesos: travel fund, tuition fee, household expenses, or perhaps a new car—all it takes is a few taps on your phone and you’re one step closer to being a millionaire. The best thing is that it takes less than a minute to send money with ShopeePay. Plus, there are no hidden fees!

2. Tune in to your TV for a chance to win up to ₱100,000

Spending your days at home while lounging in front of TV isn’t so bad when you’re off to win cash prizes. Sounds exciting? You can be among the lucky winners of ₱100,000 via ShopeePay when you join the Shopee Shake segments at your favorite programs: It’s Showtime on August 6 and 8, All Out Sundays on August 7, and 24 Oras on August 8. Shopee Shake is one of the app’s popular features that allows you to win prizes as you shake your mobile phone.

Set your alarms and catch some of the country’s popular personalities, Iya Villania, Gabbi Garcia, Andre Paras, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, and more, as they hype up the 8.8 ShopeePay Festival. Watch out for the Shopee Shake segment and, when prompted by the TV hosts, log in to your Shopee app, click the blue Shopee Prizes icon on the homepage, and start doing the Shopee Shake to win.

3. Verify your ShopeePay to get free ₱500 and receive exclusive deals

Getting rewards doesn’t get any easier than this. On August 8, receive free ₱500 when you register on the app, verify your ShopeePay account, and send money for the first time. As a verified user, you’ll also gain access to more rewarding perks when you do your transactions. This 8.8, you can get ShopeePay’s 1GB for ₱1 data offer, available for all major networks. Don’t miss deals on Shopee and keep up with the latest trends in fashion, beauty, tech, home & living and more when you check out with free shipping discounts exclusive for ShopeePay users.

Don’t miss these exclusive promos and have a safe and enjoyable online experience this 8.8 ShopeePay Festival. Reach out to Shopee Cares PH for the best customer care on all things Shopee. Follow @ShopeeCaresPH on Twitter and Facebook, where you and the rest of the Shopee Fam can find answers for your concerns and get the support you need.

Show off your best face forward with the O.TWO.O and get up to 80% off

Be ready to show off your best face forward with the O.TWO.O Pick Me! Makeup Clay! If you are not familiar, it is a multi-use tinted balm to highlight your cheeks, lips, and eyes.

The best part? You can get up to 80% off this July 23 only at the O.TWO.O Brand Spotlight on Shopee! 

Here are some items who should miss: 

1. O.TWO.O Pick Me! 3-in-1 Makeup Clay Lipstick & Blush & Eyeshadow 

If there is one word to describe this product, it's definitely "Versatility" because this is what the O.TWO.O Pick Me! Makeup Clay offers to beauty enthusiasts. The O.TWO.O Pick Me! Makeup Clay comes in 8 highly pigmented shades that you can choose from, each having a versatile formula that lets you color your lips, eyelids, and cheeks. The cushiony mousse melts to the touch! Just a few dabs and you're ready to go! 

Click here to check the price

What are they saying about the product? 

• No harsh smell. It actually smells like candy. 
• It blends well even with our without foundation. 10/10 effective. 
• The shades are really nice. Looks fab. Easy to apply.

2. O.TWO.O Brow Soap 

Make your messy brows neat and tidy with the O.TWO.O Brow Soap! The O.TWO.O Brow Soap has a 3D eyebrow soap pigment formula to give you that uniform texture and natural feathery eyebrows. This product is made of soft, all-natural, and organic formula designed specifically for the eyebrows. It won't lather, irritate or leave unwanted residue

O.TWO.O Brow Soap can also be used before using an eyebrow pencil or eyebrow powder to help make your eyebrow makeup last longer. 

Click here to check the price

3. O.TWO.O Natural False Eyelashes

Do you want to make your eyes pop? Then the O.TWO. Natural False Eyelashes is the perfect product for you! These self-adhesive eyelashes DO NOT require glue or eyeliner, which makes them more comfortable to wear. The eyelashes are also reusable, just rinse them with warm water and dry it with your hairdryer. 

Click here to check the price

Enjoy the most exclusive deals up to 80% off, new launches, exciting offers from your most-loved brands, and free shipping. 

Don't forget to visit O.TWO.O's official store via this link: https://shope.ee/4KgPPR8Vzk

By the way, you can also get a FREE Black Heads Remover Deep Cleanser when you join the O.TWO.O membership. Just to this link -> https://shope.ee/4KgPPR8Vzk and make sure to apply the free shipping voucher so, you don't have to pay anything. :) 

The Story of Grace from Both Sides of the Coin

Gratitude and kindness is the most powerful currency in the world. You might have heard stories about some passengers who suddenly get upgraded to business class during their flight. I asked a friend from the airline industry how they choose or identify passengers and she said -- "the customer was kind and grateful." 

Personally, I would be willing to extend an extra mile too for our clients and customers even if that means working late at night or during weekends. I don't even need additional compensation for the time and effort because a simple "thank you" is enough. Knowing that they appreciate what you do makes it all worth it. 

However, it is a totally different story when entitlement wins over gratitude. There are some people who do not know how to appreciate because they feel that they are entitled to 24/7 assistance or they must have 100% satisfaction because they paid. When something goes wrong, these are the type of people who go berserk and get mad because they feel they got shortchanged. They are the type of people who do not want to extend a little grace for people who commit mistakes. They feel that they own you and your soul.  

In reality, no one is perfect and many times, things won't go as planned. However, the world has a lot of more serious problems and a little compassion and grace can go a long way.

Do you remember the 90/10 principle? According to Stephen Covey, the 90–10 principle basically says that our life is 10% made of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it; thus, you have a choice on how you will react when things don't go well. 

Yesterday, I got tested by this principle as well. I made some orders online and arranged delivery via a 3rd party courier. Our house is far and delivery fees are quite expensive. 

Unfortunately, when the order arrived, I received the wrong items. Apparently, the store personnel gave the wrong plastic bag to the delivery rider. So, they are asking me to send back the wrong items and book another pick-up to get my order. This means that I had to spend a two-way booking fee aside from the initial one I paid even if it is NOT my fault. Such a waste of money, right?

However, I opted to extend a little grace and compassion to this store personnel. I know that it is not her intention to mess up. When I talked to her, she was worried. If I don't pay for the fees, this would be charged against her which would cost her more than half of her daily wage.  I am aware that it was not my fault and it is not my responsibility to pay but a little compassion can make a difference for this person. This difference may mean food for her family. I really do not know but I decided to pay for everything. 

I realized that this other person who has feelings is much more important than money. She was very helpful every time I order and I am thankful for her assistance. She may have made a mistake but it is not right that she feels "crucified" for this. I decided to put aside my disappointment. I choose to let it go and find a resolution. 

For someone who has seen both sides of the coin - an individual who had been hurt and "crucified" because of a mistake and as a customer whose order has been messed up, I am reminded of this quote from JoyBell C...

“The kindness that we receive from others in life, is also the kindness that we will want to give. The harshness that we receive from others in life, will also be the harshness that we will give. But true strength lies in seeing the harshness that we have received in life; and living in such a way so that others will never feel the same from us."

May we extend more grace and compassion to others. Let us be kind to one another. 

Thank you for reading! Let's connect via IG.

www.instagram.com/mymetrolifestyle 

Why we can't practice too much distancing?

Last March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the coronavirus outbreak known as COVID-19 as a pandemic. The virus has spread to every continent except Antarctica where confirmed cases are rising daily in Africa, America, Europe and Asia. 

This infectious disease is caused by the recently discovered coronavirus and spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It can also spread when a person touches a surface or thing that has the virus on it, then touches his/her eyes, nose, or mouth. 

As of June 17, 2020, there has been a total of 7,914,404 confirmed cases and 434,796 deaths worldwide. While in the Philippines, there has been a total of 27,238 cases and 1,108 deaths recorded.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for or vaccine against COVID-19. Thus, the Department of Health (DOH) continuously advises the public to frequently clean or wash hands, cover cough with a tissue or the bend of the elbow, practice social distancing and minimize any form of social contact. 

The government also ordered the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine where the movement of people is severely restricted, with most only allowed to leave their homes for essential trips such as to buy food or medicine. Group gatherings were not allowed.  Graduation, weddings, and other social events were canceled as well. 

The key was to stay away from others and observe social distancing from others in order to stop the transmission of the virus.  

In our case, my family and I decided to simply stay at home. Work was not an issue since I had been working from home for the past 5 years. 

We also decided to stop going out even for errands. Thus, all our basic needs such as food, groceries, medicine, water, and other necessities are purchased via home delivery. Bills payment and other bank transactions are also done online. 

To be honest, I have been in home quarantine for 150+ days. I was not able to go out since February but I am willing to make this sacrifice since STAYING AT HOME is our biggest contribution in this fight against COVID-19.

Am I okay with it? Yes, I am okay with it since I made this decision voluntarily even before the government-mandated quarantine. However, it won't change the fact that... 

I miss the outside world. 
I miss going out with friends. 
I miss our coffee dates.
I miss eating out with family.
I miss shopping.
I miss being with other people. 

I realized this is why we can't afford to practice too much distancing. 

Humans are social beings. We have the need to interact with each other.  We love to sing, dance, have fun, and attend social gatherings. We prefer the sense of community than isolation. We enjoy a friendly atmosphere. It brings us joy.

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the third level of human needs is social and it involves the feeling of belongingness. We have a strong need for interpersonal relationships that motivates our behavior. 

Thus, social distancing is impossible no matter what the circumstance is. We can instead practice physical distancing but we can never be socially distant from one another. 

This is the primary reason why my husband and I initiated the A.V.E.N.G.E.R.S. project in Negros Occidental. No, it's not about Iron Man, Captain America or the Hulk. Instead, the project stands for Addressing Various Needs and Establishing Security through Network and Group Building using Emerging and available Technologies as Response to Social and Health Crisis (A.V.E.N.G.E.R.S.)

The initiative aims to create an online community or group in response to the health crisis brought about by coronavirus. 

Inspired with what T’Challa/ Black Panther said “In times of crisis, the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we are one single tribe.”

In our case, we created a community called Bacolod Food Supply and Sources

Today, we have over 7k+ members and through the project, we can look after our fellow Negrense. We share information on where we can source of basic needs. We support local sellers and businesses. We share food ideas and recipes. We give tips and advice that can be helpful in the current times.  We have a sense of community and belongingness. 

Here are some of the feedback from our community members:

This project made me realize that we can still do so much for others even if physically apart. Thus, we also hope to inspire you to explore your creativity on how you can help your own community. YES TO PHYSICAL DISTANCING but no to SOCIAL DISTANCING. 

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This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”. The initiative is a response to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. Igniting and championing the human spirit, “Write to Ignite Blog Project” aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. This project is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, co-presented by Eastern Communications and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet, and Teleperformance.

5 Things To Do and Places to Visit While in Cebu

Cebu known as the "The Queen City of the South" has a balance of urban and historical thrills Every year, my family and I visit Cebu and all I can say is that this city has never failed to give us a memorable experience. 

Let me share with you the top five things to do or places to visit when you are in Cebu. 

1. Sto. Nino Church, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City

I grew up with the belief that whenever we visit a new place, we must make sure to visit the Church first and pay respect. The Sto. Nino Church also known as Minor Basilica of the Holy Child was founded in 1565.

Visitors and devotees line up to see the image of Sto. Nino, the oldest religious relic in the Philippines.  

The Basilica also celebrates mass and it would be great if you schedule your visit during that time. 

2.  Magellan's Cross, Plaza Sugbo, Cebu City

The Magellan's Cross is just a few steps away from the Sto. Nino Church. It houses a replica of the Christian Cross planted by the Spaniards when they arrived in Cebu in 1521. This has been a historical landmark so, you might want to make sure that you have your pictures taken here. 

3. Birhen sa Simala - Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, Sibonga, Cebu. 

The Monastery in Sibonga, Cebu is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Cebu City proper and it is believed to be miraculous. A lot of testimonials and tokens of gratitude for prayers answered can be found all over the monastery. Couples having difficulty in conceiving, and persons with disabilities healed are just a few who became living testimonials of God's grace and love for us.

Inside the monastery, you can find a lot of statues of Mama Mary in different forms. Each statue has a short description of when and where the apparition took place. 

4. Edge Coaster, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Fuente Osmena Blvd., Cebu

Are you looking for an adventure you'll never forget? If yes, then you should not miss the Edge Coaster Experience. The Edge Coaster is taking your adventure to the extreme by going around the edge of the tower on the 38th floor while being locked into a rail seat.

The crazy thing about it is that you have the option to tilt it to 55 degrees and face the streets 130.84 meters above the ground. 

Was it scary? YES
Was it worth it? Of course! 

I was shouting the whole time but it was fun. Though, this is not recommended for the faint-hearted. As a reward, you also get to have a certificate that you survived the adventure. Isn't that cool? 

5. Kartzone, F. Cabahug St., Cebu

Want to drive without traffic and no speed limits? Take time to experience Go-Karting in Cebu.

It is safe since they conduct driver's orientation to make sure that everyone is aware of the rules and regulations while on the track. Definitely, it is a fun way to bond with family and friends.