Health and Wellness

Santé has been a trusted industry leader in the Philippines for over a decade, consistently creating and producing outstanding natural and organic health and fitness goods and services. The firm closes up the second quarter of 2021 by announcing Luis Manzano as the official ambassador of SweetVia, a natural sweetener with incredible health advantages.

Luis is well-known in the industry not just because of his craft in hosting but also because of having a well healthy lifestyle. As I attended the zoom meeting I really enjoyed it because of the fun vibe Luis filled during the event and also to all the lessons I acquired coming from the newest endorser. Luis is really that person who had a really funny personality but at the same time he is that kind and loving person not just in the people that are dear to his heart but also to the people whom he is committed to.

During the zoom meeting

SweetVia contains potent natural plant ingredients, such as Chicory Root Fiber Inulin and Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana) – a safe and non-toxic herbal extract that aids in keeping blood sugar low. ¹In both human and animal studies, the addition of inulin has been found to normalize blood lipid and glucose levels (Gibson & Delzenne). Also, it showed a reduction in food intake and decreased body weight. On the other hand, ²Stevia is an accepted sugar substitute that can contribute to weight management and improved caloric control. And unlike other sugary foods, stevia inhibits the formation of cavities and plaque (Elkins, 1997).

A single 1g sachet of SweetVia instantly provides a sweeter taste to any beverage and every food recipe minus the guilt and harmful effects of too much sugar.

As one of the most influential celebrities in the entertainment industry today, Luis Manzano is a multi-hyphenate who is in the prime of his career. He has a highly hectic schedule that consists of several thriving business ventures, multiple brand partnerships, and top-trending TV shows on the Kapamilya Channel. Among his projects is his hosting stint in the recently concluded third season of the singing and impersonation competition, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and his weekly appearances on ASAP Natin ‘To every Sunday afternoons.

Luis is also known as a passionate advocate of wellness who believes that a well-balanced lifestyle which consists of proper time management between work and personal life coupled with regular physical exercise and proper diet are key factors in maintaining a productive life that is absolutely healthy, which is very vital especially now amid the pandemic.

“I just turned 40 this year and what I learned as we grow older is that we must always watch what we eat,” says Luis. “I know a lot of people who got diabetes either genetically or because of their food choices. I’m really into sweets, and there’s always room for so much more desserts in my life. Because of SweetVia, I now have a healthy alternative that enables me to satisfy my cravings without putting myself at risk of diabetes and minus the guilt, as well.”      

Luis also reveals that he is confident, calm, and relaxed with SweetVia, “I could sleep better knowing that my choice to incorporate Sweet Via in my daily diet essentials is both effective and excellent because its ingredients are natural and plant-based. I am assured that I made the right choice with SweetVia.”

“Luis Manzano lives the ideal lifestyle that perfectly represents Sweet Via as he is enjoying a balanced life that is both active and healthy,” says Santé CEO Joey Marcelo. “We are honored to officially welcome Luis to the Santé family, and we are looking forward to all the exciting projects that we will do in collaboration with him in the months to come.”

Luis also expresses how grateful he is to partner with SweetVia, “It’s great to partner with a brand like SweetVia. This is the best alternative every time I want to eat or drink something sweet. Another plus with Sweet Via is the prebiotics that it contains, which takes care of my tummy. SweetVia is so versatile because it could be used not just in drinks and desserts but in every single food recipe imaginable.”        

SweetVia is sold in major Mercury Drug stores, Watsons, The Generics Pharmacy, Puregold, Lawson, The Landmark, and All Day Supermarkets, and can also be ordered online through Lazada and Shopee. Follow @sweetviaofficial on Instagram, like Sweet Via on Facebook, and subscribe to SweetVia on YouTube for more information and exciting news and updates on Luis Manzano and SweetVia.

Many people have had a difficult year adjusting to new habits in order to be healthy and safe, while their relationships have been affected in unimaginable ways. Being with your loved ones 24 hours a day, seven days a week can put a strain on your relationship. 1 Being under one roof with them may appear appealing at first, but that is just until boredom sets in, followed by confrontation. Those who are in an LDR scenario, on the other hand, have little to no assurance that they will be able to see each other. These circumstances might cause stress, which can negatively impact your immune system and blood health.

But all hope is not lost. Whether you spend most of your time with your loved ones or are miles apart, here are four ideas on how to express TLC — because they deserve to feel cared for, especially for their well-being.

1. For those who appreciate words than actions

This gift is maybe for that friend who saves your most meaningful conversations or your parent whose face brightens up when you send them a thank you message. This is for those who think that words speak louder than actions. Writing a heartfelt letter to a loved one who’s fond of affirmation, is already enough for them. But you can always go beyond. Include friends, family, and loved ones to write a short letter for them and compile it as a notecard or as notes in a bottle. This way they are reminded that they are loved even at times that they feel the most need to.

2. When they would rather spend time with you

Not everyone is able to appreciate the usual V-day staple gifts. Sometimes, material things aren’t always ideal for those who just want to spend time with you — all they need is time with you. Your full presence and attention are greatly appreciated by people who enjoy spending quality time. Also, being with your loved one knows no distance. A video call for them matters so much more than you may imagine, especially when you’re miles apart. So, whether if it’s just a movie marathon night, a virtual game night, or a weekend spa day at home, they’ll definitely feel cared for and grateful for your time and attention.

3. Be there when they need your help

Helping your loved ones in need of extra help is also another way of making them feel loved through actions. This is for those who are always swamped with work, chores, and daily tasks that they would feel most taken care of when others are able to notice that they also need help. This can be expressed through doing their chores for them, serving them breakfast in bed in the morning, or running an errand that they may have mentioned before. Doing deeds is how they may show their affection and that’s how they best receive it too.

4. Gift them a healthy blood for strong immunity when they most need it

Attentiveness to your loved ones’ needs is one of the many ways to make them feel special and appreciated. Paying attention to their lifestyle, and health condition should be of top priority given the current situation. When you notice and feel that they’re having little to no sleep, looking paler, and easily gets tired — they might be experiencing Iron deficiency anemia. This occurs when the blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal. Iron deficiency anemia can cause the body to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches. ²

Offer your loved ones the help they need by cooking them nutritious meals, encouraging regular exercise, getting proper sleep, and taking Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) to help maintain their blood health.

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt which allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulphate and manganese sulphate that helps in the metabolic processes of blood cell production.³

Recommended intake is one to two capsules daily, during or after meals, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Love knows no bounds, just as much as stress knows no limits. Keep your loved one’s blood healthy through maintaining a healthy diet, encouraging physical activity, and taking with Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) that treats iron deficiency anemia that can lead to weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to infection.

When you’re at a loss for what to say to someone you care about, try one of these four suggestions. What counts most at these times, magnificent or not, is that your loved ones keep a strong immune system and a healthy blood supply with the support of Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+).

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC REFERENCE CODE: P113P052021SS

Despite over two years of the pandemic, Glorious, the country’s first Stevia company, is optimistic about its prospects. As more people seek healthier options, sales of stevia products continue to rise.

According to agribusiness finance giant Rabobank, Stevia’s sales are expected to hit $700 million worldwide in the next few years. Consumers in the Philippines can now get their calorie-free sugar needs from natural alternatives. Before, stevia was restricted to the health food market without any FDA approval. Recently, it is now widely used as a natural substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products.

“Stevia has been touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute with proven health benefits. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities,” said Maura De Leon, the woman behind Glorious, the country’s first stevia grower and manufacturer.

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight but who want to reduce their sugar intake.

Stevia is an herb that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. It is a small bushy plant that belongs to the sunflower family and grows in Paraguay and Brazil, but it can be quickly grown elsewhere. For centuries, the people of Paraguay add them to their foods as sweeteners, and countries like Korea, Brazil, China, Japan, and South America, have long used stevia.

Stevia products such as teas, juices, healthy coffees, chocolate beverages and natural sweeteners, manufactured by Glorious, are approved safe by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) even for people who have diabetes.

“Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you don’t have to add much. It’s good to note that the Philippines is also catching up on the use of this natural sweetener in various food preparations,” added De Leon.

Stevia is a natural sweetener taken from the leaves of a bushy shrub. The Stevia plant or (Stevia rebaudiana) has 150 species known to have originated from North and South America. Currently, it is produced by lots of countries, with China as the number one exporter of stevia products, and can be purchased at garden centers for home growing.

People who have diabetes can benefit from stevia. Choosing pure stevia extract can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and should be used in moderation. Stevia can also help cut down added sugar consumption, which can be beneficial for children. High sugar intake in children could lead to heart disease due to reconstructing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, contributing to children’s weight gain. Substituting added sugar for stevia can minimize these risks. At the same time, moderate consumption of foods with stevia and other sweeteners can prevent adverse side effects and promote overall health.

What’s even better is that you can add Stevia to make healthy desserts which are diabetic and keto friendly. This is great for people who have a sweet tooth but can’t indulge because of health restrictions.

Stevia, that has no calories, carbs, or glycemic index, is used in all Glorious Blend beverages, including the 3-in-1, 5-in-1, and 7-in-1 mixes. Throughout the day, all of their instant drinks will keep you attentive and energized.

Check out https://gidc.com.ph/, for more information about Glorious, the Stevia Company.

Remaining in one position for an extended period of time is not suitable for social beings such as ourselves, humans. Migrating all of our things that we used to do outside of our home brought even more tension to an already stressful situation. You may have been experiencing fatigue as a result of the new standard way of living.

Fatigue is a persistent feeling of exhaustion, tiredness, or a lack of capacity for physical and/or mental tasks. It’s a symptom brought about by a slew of lifestyle, social, psychological, and overall well-being influences. Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated the department’s concern in a Laging Handa public briefing, “After so many months of being quarantined, people feel restless; people feel anxious; they’re irritable.”  She said that people must build a coping strategy and embrace the fact that everything will not return to normal, and that they must begin to adjust to the new normal.

Changing your current lifestyle may seem more difficult than it is, but these four simple but successful coping mechanisms may be just what you need to maintain a balanced blood and immune system.

1. Taking Short Walks/Light Exercises

It sounds counterintuitive to go on a walk or do light exercises when you’re already feeling tired for most of the day, but mobility is actually an important component in maintaining a healthy wellbeing as an adult.

Scientists found in a study that exercise boosts your energy level, increases strength and endurance. ³ Light exercises and short walks also stimulate the production of endorphins — the chemical that reduces pain and relieves stress. Not only does this improve your mobility, but it also boosts your immunity.

2. Having the Right Amount of Sleep

Practicing a healthy sleeping schedule is vital so the body can recharge. ⁴Your body follows an “internal body clock” known as circadian rhythms which dictate your cycle of sleep, wakefulness, and alertness. This is influenced by external factors like long working hours, shift work, eating habits, and sleep deprivation. ⁵

It’s helpful to establish a bedtime routine to achieve the right amount of sleep. Simple cues like putting on pajamas, brushing your teeth, and reading a book helps the body adjust and learn that it’s time to sleep and drift off. Stimulants like caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and gadgets should be avoided before bedtime. ⁶

1. “Fatigue.” Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003088.htm

2. “DOH cites ways to avoid ‘quarantine fatigue’” Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118873

3. “Effects of chronic exercise on feelings of energy and fatigue: A quantitative synthesis.” Psychological Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.132.6.866

4. “How much sleep do we really need?” Sleep Foundation. sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need.

5. “Circadian Rhythms.” National Institute of General Medical Sciences. https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx

6. “Sleep hygiene tips.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html

The recommended amount of sleep for adults is at least seven hours and no more than eight hours. Try to limit the difference in your sleeping schedule so your body is consistent with its sleep-wake cycle. ⁷Your body is programmed to function through habits. By consistent efforts these can greatly help alleviate the feeling of fatigue.

3. Cutting Down on Caffeine and Alcohol

Alcohol raises the body’s level of epinephrine, a stress hormone that generally stimulates the body, which can keep you up at night even when you’re supposed to rest. Your body might also urinate more than you usually do when you consume alcohol, which can disrupt your sleeping pattern. ⁸ Meanwhile for caffeinated drinks, it’s best to consume those with less to no sugar content. When sugar is processed by the body, it can cause a rapid rise in your blood sugar. The sudden spike and succeeding instant fall can make you feel exhausted and tired.⁹

Dietary changes are a necessary step to address fatigue since your body runs on the energy that you feed it. If you have a habit of consuming caffeinated drinks or alcohol, you might want to slow down to feel less fatigued.

4. Take Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+)Your Health Blood Ally, With Proper Nutrition and Exercise

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in people who are experiencing iron deficiency anemia — which happens when the blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal. Itcauses the body to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches. ¹⁰

When unnoticed, iron deficiency anemia can feel like nothing. But as time progresses, the body becomes more deficient of iron, putting immunity and blood health at stake — which intensifies the symptoms and signs of iron deficiency anemia.

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body for those experiencing iron deficiency anemia. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt which allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulphate and manganese sulphate that helpin the metabolic processes of blood cell production. ¹¹With proper nutrition, ample exercise, and by taking Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+), you can maintain immunity and keep your blood health at its peak.

7. “Sleep deprivation and deficiency.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sdd

8. “Pre-sleep drinking disrupts sleep.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150117104306.htm

9. “The effect of the interaction between glucose tolerance and breakfasts varying in carbohydrate and fibre on mood and cognition.” National Library of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1080/10284150600955099

¹⁰“Iron-Deficiency Anemia.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.

¹¹ “About-Sangobion.” Sangobion, https://www.sangobion.sg/about-sangobion.

Recommended intake is one to two capsules daily, during or after meals, or as prescribed by your doctor.

The new normal has brought endless challenges and difficult hurdles. As advised by the DOH, we have to accept the reality of the new normal and incorporate healthy coping mechanisms for the security of our well being and immunity. Remember to keep your health in check and practice these coping techniques to lessen the possibility of experiencing fatigue. Keep your blood healthy through proper nutrition, exercise and take Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+).

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC REFERENCE CODE: P028P040721SS

Filipinos, especially women, face numerous challenges in the year 2020. Many Filipinas have more on their plates than they can manage as a result of the stress and pressure of moving forward. Amidst this, women have continued to be the primary caregivers for their homes and children while also working full-time.

This begs the question: how do Filipina women keep their bodies in good shape for their families? We asked three Filipinas how they managed to balance their everyday tasks with taking care of their loved ones while also serving as a source of inspiration for other women.

Besides the usual chores and daily tasks, Mommy Jenica shares that she has been busy with her home-based business making cakes and baked goods. With a business that requires her to exert time and attention to detail being loaded with multiple orders, this leaves her exhausted. “’Yung pagod ka na pero mas napagod ka sa ligpitin. But thankfully I have my husband… to help me.” And yet she continues to struggle keeping her health in check since she took on more responsibilities in their household.

Mommy Anne on the other hand, found herself decluttering as her biggest and most fulfilling challenge on top of taking care of her family. She juggles her night shift full-time job and being a full-time mom during the day. “Sleep was something that was so scarce. Still is. And I’m definitely feeling the adverse impact to my health.”

While for Mommy Ria, due to the educational system shifting to homeschooling, she had to take initiative as her child’s teacher. “Preparing lessons and activities took my time and energy on top of the usual household chores and part time work.”

Like many Filipinas, they have a lot of tasks to do on the daily, which leads them to skip meals and overwork. According to Mommy Anne, the past year has led her to closely monitor her health, which many moms can relate to. With their careers and household responsibilities happening all at the same time, it’s easy to lose track of their immunity. How do they maintain their blood healthy? With the help of Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+).

By eating nutritious meals, practicing regular exercise, getting proper sleep, and taking Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) to help maintain their blood health and keep their immunity at its peak. Through these routines they’re able to keep up with their tight schedules and provide the care that their families need.

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt which allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulphate and manganese sulphate that helps in the metabolic processes of blood cell production.1

Recommended intake is one to two capsules daily, during or after meals, or as prescribed by your doctor.

As a blood health ally of many Filipinas, Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) helps to treat iron deficiency anemia that can lead to decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. Iron deficiency anemia happens when the blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal. This can cause the body to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches. 2

As the year 2020 draws to a close, Filipinos look forward to the positive changes that the new year will bring, especially in terms of their family’s health. Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) helps motivated women keep their blood health in order and their immunity at its highest level, so they can continue to provide the treatment that their families need while still completing their daily tasks.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC REFERENCE CODE: P027P040721SS

1) “About-Sangobion.” Sangobion, https://www.sangobion.sg/about-sangobion.

2) “Iron-Deficiency Anemia.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.