The Vape Bill (SB 2239) – A Senate Betrayal of the Filipino People 15

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Sin Tax Coalition, a huge conglomerate of healthcare professional and civil society organizations, condemned in strongest terms the passage of Senate Bill 2239 (SB 2239) on 2nd reading last December 13, 2021. “This was signed behind our backs, while we were focusing on protecting people from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a betrayal of the trust of our people and should be vetoed by President Duterte swiftly and decisively.”

The statement reads “Most of our senators failed to support stricter vape regulation. They must be held accountable for the way they put our young people’s lives in danger by encouraging them to be addicted to vaping. We reiterate our stand that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH) must maintain its mandate to regulate these products and that the existing minimum age allowed to buy and use these products must not be lowered from 21 to 18 years old.”

Based on their votes during the plenary session last December 13, the senators identified by the coalition to be AGAINST stricter vape regulation are Senators Recto, Sotto, Zubiri, Angara, Binay, Drilon, Gatchalian, Gordon, Hontiveros, Lacson, Marcos, Pangilinan, Poe, Revilla, and Tolentino. Senators Pia Cayetano, Bong Go, and Joel Villanueva were the only senators identified to support stricter vape regulation.

The coalition appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to veto SB2239 should the bill be passed with finality by the senate. “This veto should be his final act to fulfill his campaign promise to fight substance abuse.”

The Sin Tax Coalition is an alliance of healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and youth groups who advocate for strict regulation of both traditional and novel tobacco products. It was formed to push for the passage of the Sin Tax Law in 2012 and also supported other tobacco control measures such as the Graphic Health Warning Law and the Executive Order banning the use of cigarettes, e- cigarettes & heated tobacco products in public places.

RESOURCE PERSONS:

• Dr. Maricar Limpin, President, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP)

• Dr. Anthony Leachon, Former President, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP)

• Dr. Antonio Dans, Co-Convenor, Healthcare Professionals Alliance against COVID19 (HPAAC)

• Dr. Corry Avanceña, Head of Task Force Anti-Smoking, Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists and Member, Philippine Pediatric Society Tobacco Control Advocacy Group

La Germania’s Kitchen Cleaning Hacks for a Better Holiday Cooking Experience

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La Germania shares 3 easy-to-follow hacks to take your kitchen cleaning to greater heights


This holiday season, a lot of people will be spending time in the kitchen not only to prepare their delicious Noche Buena dishes but to make mouthwatering treats for everyone. Because of the amount of time you’ll be in the kitchen, it’s important you make sure your kitchen is clean at all times.

By maintaining a clean kitchen this season, you reduce your family’s exposure to indoor pollutants and bacteria. To add to this, it’s so much easier to navigate around and cook in a neat kitchen. That’s why La Germania is sharing kitchen cleaning secrets every Filipino family should take note of.



While You Were Sleeping

Did you know that you can clean your La Germania range oven while snoozing? You don’t even need fancy cleaning equipment to get the job done. Making this homemade cleaning spray will leave your oven squeaky clean and free from bad odor.

Combine 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 cup baking soda into an empty spray bottle.

 
Remove the grates and coats inside your oven. Spray the solution to the insides of your oven. Make sure you avoid the heating elements of your oven as you spray away.
Close the oven door and let the DIY spray do its magic for up to 12 hours.

 
Once you’re up the morning after, clean the oven with soapy water and dry it with a plush cloth.

Rack It Up

Your power detergent isn’t just for your laundry pile. You can bring back the original shine of your La Germania range oven without potentially damaging it by leaving your racks in the bathtub or basin.

What’s great about this particular hack is that you already have everything you need in your house already. You can even opt to leave the racks in the detergent overnight. You just have to make sure the racks are free from soap suds before you start cooking up a storm again.

Pour some washing detergent into a bathtub or large basin.

 
Leave the oven racks in the solution for at least four hours.

 
Rinse the racks with clean water, and wipe dry with a wash cloth before you return them into the oven.

In the Hood

It’s important to keep your La Germania range hood clean so it can remove airborne grease, and clear your kitchen from smoke and other pollutants. To make sure it does its job well, all you need is some hot water and baking soda. Just make sure you wear gloves because the filter will be super hot while you’re in the process of cleaning it.

Remove the dry layer of dust on your range hood with a brush.

 
Boil hot water in a large pot, and gradually add baking soda to the pot. Next, you need to place the filter in the pot to soak. Leave it there for 15-20 minutes. If your pot is not big enough to accommodate the entire filter, you might have to soak each side separately.
Rinse the hood with warm water and let it dry for some time. Wipe it dry with a towel or microfiber cloth.

For you to enjoy your kitchen equipment throughout the holidays and beyond, it’s imperative that you give them the care they need. By applying these cheap and easy kitchen hacks, your holiday cooking will be a much more enjoyable experience.

If you’re looking for kitchen partners that can last you throughout the demands of the Christmas season, it’s imperative you invest in excellent quality kitchen equipment. Built to the highest standards with the most advanced European engineering and design, La Germania has stood the test of time as your trusted kitchen partner in creating perfect dishes with ease and style. Each appliance is imagined, designed, and produced to perform to the highest standards and meet a specific need.

La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. For more information on La Germania and its products, you may follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of the trusted kitchen and appliance brand.


Italian-heritage brand La Germania has been the preferred kitchen companion of Filipino homemakers for 53 years and counting. Its wide array of ovens, cooktops, and stoves is made of high-grade materials and designed to stand the test of time and extensive use. La Germania’s current line of products continues to serve the cooking needs and lifestyle of this generation and the next. To know more about La Germania and its products, visit www.lagermaniaph.com. The trusted kitchen partner of Filipinos also has its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

5 Ways To Have A Stress Free And Joyful Christmas

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Are you excited about Christmas? Is that even a question? It is the favorite holiday season of most people. But some people may feel overwhelmed with the profusion of it. Especially if you are an adult, many people are counting on you. For them, you are Santa Claus. Expectations, pressure, and money issues at this time can affect your health a lot. The tension can cause stress, anxiety, and depression; it can also cause panic attacks. If you leave these issues unaddressed, they can cause crucial damage to your health like heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. We have jotted down a few easy ways to relieve your stress and enjoy your Christmas.

Spend wisely

Financial problems are the top reasons for stress during the holiday season. Gifts for your loved ones, parties, entertainment, food, and travel, burn your pocket fast; we all fall prey to Christmas shopping. No, we are not suggesting that you should stop shopping. But you have to be careful about how much you can afford. Set a budget for all of your expenses. Pay your regular bills like rent, electricity bills, water bills, EMIs first. You can make a list and color code them according to a priority basis.

No one wants to fall short on their regular payments. Then plan your Christmas week with the budget you have left. Include all the possible scenarios. Like if you are likely to throw a party, set a budget for that. Spend less time in shopping places and shopping websites. You can carry cash and leave your credit and debit cards at home to avoid overspending. Make a checklist and keep track of the money from the budget you have left. If you are going through a financially difficult time, ask for help from your family and friends to celebrate Christmas. You do not have to do it alone. Remember, gifts are not the only essential thing about Christmas. Avoid using drugs, alcohol, or smoking to reduce stress. They are not helpful at all. Getting SUD (Substance use disorder) is not going to make your Christmas beautiful.

 

Be realistic:

You may plan a “perfect” Christmas, but you have to keep in mind that no event ever went on as planned. There are always tiny mishaps taking place here and there. And that is what makes it memorable. Yes, we feel bad about it at that moment, but later on, it becomes a great memory to talk about in a gathering. Spilled contaminants on your party dress, a little too much-roasted turkey, or sour lemonade, or a dissymmetric tree cannot ruin your Christmas if you do not let it. So, take a breather and enjoy it. And that goes for the kids in the house too. Let them know they cannot get everything on their list. Make sure they know what acceptable and obtainable gift items are. Christmas is not about luxury and expensive gifts; always keep that in mind.

 

Steer clear of overindulging:

Christmas is the time when we get to enjoy the tastiest foods in the world. From cakes, cookies, turkey, steak to pumpkin-spiced latte and eggnog. Well, it is too delicious to say no. But keep in mind that we do not want to put on unhealthy weight. Building up unhealthy weight over the years can cause health issues like obesity. So, try to maintain a healthy regular diet. Do not skip meals. Eat high-protein foods and shakes, probiotics like yogurt, and healthy smoothies. We do not want you to miss the seasonal treats, enjoy them. Just try to control the portion.

Overindulging one day would not cause much problem. You can have a cheat day. But get back on track ASAP. Try to be active; do some exercises. It will help you avoid unhealthy weight gain and also help you deal with stress. You do not have to go to a gym; you can do a few light stretches or do yoga at home. It will keep your mind clear and get quality sleep at night. You will feel more energetic and productive the next day.

 

CBD can also help:

CBD or cannabidiol is a plant chemical with various therapeutic benefits. People all over the world are in love with its effects. It is non-psychoactive and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depression; it calms your brain and stretches your muscles. It is also helpful in dealing with other stress-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, social anxiety disorder or SUD, etc. If you think a little help will help you enjoy your Christmas better, take CBD. There are several different CBD products available in the market. Like, CBD gummies, oils, tinctures, and capsules. You can check Sunday Scaries CBD.

Be positive. You are strong enough to beat the holiday stress. If you run low on budget, you can always think of heartfelt inexpensive gifts. Like, breakfast in bed or a handmade Christmas card. The people who love you want to see you happy. So, do not overthink or stress about it. Have fun, work together, and stay healthy. And remember, laughter beats stress anytime, any day.

 

Learn to say “no”

A lot of people globally struggle to say “no,” especially introverts. Saying no is not a bad thing; it does not make you weak. If you want to throw a party and only want your family and close friends to attend, only invite them. Hosting a big party can be stressful. Ask for help from friends and family. You do not have to arrange everything alone. Working together will help strengthen your bond. You will also feel less stressed about preparation. If one person is cooking for everyone, that will take them the whole day. No one has to spend their Christmas in the kitchen. With everyone’s help, you can cook a delicious meal for everybody quickly. Taking more responsibilities than you can handle is not fun, and it can make you feel stressed or anxious. Be calm and make your decisions wisely.