Drew and Iya Arellano share their lives amid the quarantine and how they protect their kids against sickness

Drew Arellano and Iya Villania are role models for Filipino families. They are especially popular on social media, where millions of followers watch as they raise three adorable children: Primo, Leon, and Alana. 

 

Despite being a celebrity family, they have an aura of approachability that makes them relatable. This became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they were affected by the quarantine restrictions just like everyone else.

“We've been staying home. Each day, it's the same routine. We wake up, have breakfast, we work out and the kids play. I'm just waiting for them to say ‘so when do we mix it up? When do we go outside?’ So far they're still okay. They have each other and that's an important thing,” Drew says.

Iya adds, “We're fortunate to be able to say that we're doing well. More than anything, it's the company and because we keep each other happy, no matter where we are.”

 To adjust, Drew and Iya allowed their children to decide what they will do for the day. The parents ask if they want to cook, read, or work with numbers. Screen time is also welcome since it provides an opportunity for learning. According to Drew, “when you're trying to teach your kids, we have to go with the flow. We just have to regulate it and try as much as possible to inject it with learning.”

 

Iya agrees, saying, “You have to give them options because it gives them a sense of power. It's only natural for every human to want to feel that way. Drew and I are aware of how we felt when we were going to school and we don't want to have to enforce that on our kids.”

 

This unstructured method for learning has proven to be effective. Allowing their children to go at their own pace, when they’re ready to understand and absorb information, made learning faster. Soon, they were surprised when Primo began adding double digits.

Naturally, the Arellanos are considering a combination of homeschooling and unschooling. Unschooling is a form of education where students learn at their own pace, in a supportive setting that encourages curiosity.

The parents are just as decisive about their children’s health. Their approach is a mix of affection and medicine.

“One of my tips would be to give your kids a lot of hugs and kisses. When it needs to be taken to the next level, then that's when you get to something that’s no-fail and that would have to be Calpol for Kids,” says Iya. “Especially kung kaunting fever lang, oh my goodness. Nakakakaba.”

The couple tells a story when Primo, their eldest, had his first sickness. The couple shares, “as first time parents, raising a kid was kind of like walking on eggshells. We weren't sure what to do. It was a good thing we had their grandparents to guide us.”

The parents became more experienced as Primo grew older, which became helpful when Leon and Alana were born. Fortunately, the children are generally healthy. 

 

The family trusts Paracetamol Calpol for Kids, which helps with fever and pain due to toothaches, headaches, migraine, muscle ache, sore throat and musculoskeletal discomfort.

 

Iya shares, “doctors always ask ‘May fever ba?’ I feel like it boils down to a fever, so it's nice that we have Paracetamol Calpol for Kids that we can rely on. That will definitely make them feel good after a dose because it's so fast-acting.”

 

The Arellanos advise parents to always have paracetamol fever and pain relievers at home. Iya says “you don't know when you might need that. You don't want to have to worry and wait until magbukas ‘yung mga stores before you can act on it and get medicine.”

 

Drew agrees, sharing, “You'll have peace of mind knowing that when you have Paracetamol Calpol for Kids, chances are, bababa fever ng anak mo. It's so painful as a parent to see your kids na nanghihina. Sana ako na lang.”

Saving lives with vaccines

For World Immunization Month this August, the Arellanos are reminding parents to get their children vaccinated. When they are inoculated, they build antibodies that protect them from diseases, even if they develop it as adults. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that routine vaccinations during childhood help stop 14 illnesses.

 

One of the common side effects of getting vaccinated is fever. Paracetamol Calpol for Kids can help. It can relieve fever in just 15 minutes while still being gentle on your kids’ tummies. The medicine comes in orange and strawberry flavors, making it easier for parents to give children their doses.

 

The couple says, “trust the science and your pediatrician. They know what's best for your kids.”

 

To know more about Paracetamol Calpol for Kids, visit calpol.com.ph or facebook.com/CalpolPH.

You can also purchase Paracetamol Calpol from the GSK Lazada and GSK Shopee pages.

 

1 The Importance of Childhood Vaccinations

2 Vaccines: Power to Protect

3 Why Childhood Immunizations Are Important

 

Switch and Save at Watson's and get a Switcher's Surprise!

Did you know that you can actually save thousands of pesos in shopping money, simply by studying those labels and taking note of their prices? Unfortunately, doing that requires a lot of time, not to mention a lot of effort in comparing each brand one by one. But hey if you are really eyeing that new phone, or saving up for that overdue vacation, every peso counts right?

Thankfully, I found a better, and easier way to save money and enjoy my shopping at the same time-- and I discovered that during my regular trips to Watsons!


Before, I was just kind of an occassional  "smart shopper". You know, the time you only consider about trying to save as much when you want to buy something? In my case, its always been bags, so whenever I find a bag I really like that is the only time I become very meticulous (translate: kuripot when shopping)

It was about two years ago, when I first started to become a regular at Watsons SM North. During the first few times I just went there to buy a few things like toiletries and some personal care items  But as I began to spend more time in the store, I discovered that they had a lot of equivalent item for the branded ones that i bought.

So how do you save at watsons?  By making the Switch and Save of course!

First, its all about convenience, since Watsons stores are located strategically whether you are commuting to or from work, or even if you are driving your own car, they have almost 400 stores all over the country so its easy to find one near you, so you dont have to make that extra stop or make an effort to find one.

Second,  Watsons Label products takes out the guesswork when finding quality products. With over a hundred years of pharmacy experience and recognized as one of Asia's leading retailer, you are assured that you get quality products just by their brand.

Third, Watsons label products are priced considerably lower, and you can save as much as 60 to even 80 percent on their items as compared to other brands.  Not to mention their have a lot of buy 1 take one offers.

Last year they even launched their own generics line so I dont need to go to a different pharmacy for my multivitamins and medicines/ antibiotics as well!

This year, Watsons’ further rewards smart shoppers who have made the SWITCH and SAVE with the SWITCHER’S SURPRISE campaign. The Switcher’s Surprise campaign brings to life the idea that by switching to Watsons label, customers are able to save money for things that they really want or that matters the most to them.

Last January 26 and January 28, several shoppers at the SM Mall of Asia had a double surprise waiting for them simply by making the switch and choosing Watsons Label products. These include a wide range of selected products from personal care to generic medicines likeWatsons Glutathione, Watsons Travel Hair Dryer, Watsons Argan Oil Hair Conditioner, Watsons Body Scrub, Watsons Collagen, and Watsons Breath Strips, among others.

During designated hours of the day, shoppers who pick up specially marked Watsons Label products instantly get the chance to win fabulous prizes, such as a flatscreen TV, a Macbook Air, and a trip for 2 to Hong Kong!

The lucky shoppers were guided to a specially designed booth where they get their surprise – a most coveted prize personally handed by celebrity endorsers Lorna Tolentino, Iya Villania, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Patty Laurel-Filart and Christian Bautista!

“On top of the savings they get from purchasing Watsons Label products, our loyal shoppers have also gotten used to receiving cute items and tokens, so this year we decided to raise the stakes and reward them with something truly unforgettable,” says Karen Fabres, Group Marketing Manager of Watsons Philippines

“Could it be a weekend staycation, airline tickets, maybe a shiny new gadget or phone or it could be the luxury item they have long been saving for, that is what makes the Switcher Surprise even more exciting,” adds Fabres.

“Our customers shop at Watsons to save on the things they really want in life, but with the Switcher Surprise promo, they might just bring home that thing they’ve saving up for with but a single purchase!” It’s definitely a lot easier to enjoy what life has to offer when you choose to Switch and Save the Watsons way.”

For Iya and Patty, Watsons has become their go-to place for their beauty and skincare needs as well as toiletries saying they get the same quality as branded ones but at a more affordable price.

Socialite and self-confessed Tessa on the other hand says she realized that she’s saving even more by buying bigger sizes and more quantity, “so the more I shop the more I actually save!”

Even the men are also discovering Watsons as the idea; place to get their personal care needs, just like Christian Bautista, “There’s always a Watsons conveniently located near you and because of its organized store layout you can easily find what you need quicker.”

As the newest addition to the Watson’s family, Lorna advises making the switch to Watsons Generics. “Women at any age need to keep themselves looking and feeling healthy and with Watsons Generics you are guaranteed to get quality medicine and even save as much as 80 percent!”

Watsons Label believes that with more value from hard-earned money spent on quality affordable products, every Filipino gets more savings to enjoy the other important things in life with their loved ones. With a wider variety of products, from personal care items, beauty essentials, and now medicine, Asia’s leading personal care store provides smart shoppers the choice to save as much as 80 percent without compromising on quality.


In addition to Switcher Surprise, Watson also has the ongoing Buy 2 Take 1 Promo on selected Watsons Label Products until March 2016.

Switch & save with the Watsons "Seaprincess" Ms. Tessa Prieto Valdes

Get as much as 80 percent savings when you buy Watsons Label products

Ive been visiting Watsons once a week when there is a need to buy for toiletries, vitamins and wet wipes. Yes,  wet wipes! there are so many available variants and scents and they are always on sale.  I cant leave the house without wipes. I discovered recently that they are selling high end foundations and make ups, and Kanebo Kate line are now on their beauty stands. There is no need to visit Makati or Shangri-la mall for my 2-way foundation.

Everybody knows Socialite, writer, the seaprincess herself,  Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdes, she has been a constant fixture at social networks. Last May 2, Ms. Tessa dropped by Watsons SM Aura premiere and surprised shoppers as she suggested some personal favorites to them. She manned the pharmacy counter and offered the switch and saved Watsons generic vitamins.

She also assisted the shoppers to decide on what to buy and compared prices. She helped me with my loot, I bought 3 Watsons wet wipes which was a good deal, buy two and get one for half a price. I also bought another favorite, the Watsons Argan Oil shampoo, which has a nice scent and is good for my wired hair.


From personal care items, beauty essentials, and even medicine, Asia’s leading personal care store now offers a wider variety of products under its own label, giving shoppers the choice to save as much as 80 percent without compromising on quality.

With such irresistible deals, the campaign has caught the attention of several celebrities  who have made the Switch and Saved including Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Patty Laurel, Iya Villania and the newest addition to group, Christian Bautista.

“A smart shopper knows when she is getting a good deal, that’s why a lot of us are always at here at Watsons, Valdes points out. “You’d be surprised with the savings you get just by choosing Watsons label products!”

To keep her looking picture perfect she chooses Watsons Body Serum Whitening that instantly lightens and reduces dark spots and visible imperfections. There’s also Watsons Body Lotion Whitening Mulberry designed to nourish and helps to provide whitening effects, giving you fairer and radiant skin.

Her bath essentials meanwhile include; Watsons Cream Handsoap Strawberry and Yoghurt that effectively cleanses and protects hands from dryness; Watsons scented cream body wash with goat milk; to gently slough off dead skin cells and helps to hydrate and brighten the skin and Watsons Milk & Salt Scrub Whitening to help enhance the skin, and exfoliate dead skin cells.

To keep her skin looking healthy and protect it from free radical damage, Tessa relies on a couple of products; Watsons Glutathione to lighten skin and prevent skin darkening caused by UV exposure; and Watsons Vitamin E to prevent eye disorders and help her avoid a number of diseases.

Marian Rivera leads the pack of endorsers for Kopiko Cafe Blanca

Kopiko launches its another variant the creamylicious "Kopiko Cafe Blanca" the latest addition to Kopiko’s instant coffee mix brands on July 22, 2014, with its four celebrity endorsers Marian Rivera, Iya Villania, Aljur Abrenica and Christian Bautista at Isabela Ballroom of Makati Shangri-la.

Marian Rivera

With the Kopiko execs Michael Tandas, Christian Bautista, Iya Villania and Marian Rivera

Aljur Abrenica

How do you like your coffee, I like mine smooth and aromatic with the right caffeine kicking in. Filipinos adore coffee so much, that you can find them in every table, in any given day. I have been buying Kopiko sachets eversince the launch of coffee brown found its way in the market. Right now, I made a switch from Kopiko Brown to cafe Blanca. I found that Cafe Blanca has the vanilla smooth flavor that I love, and its the creamiest there is in a sachet plus its affordable.  Its perfect to partner for my slice of cake, biscuits or a home made sandwich.


Derived from the Spanish word ‘blanca’ meaning ‘white’, Kopiko Café Blanca is Kopiko’s version of creamy coffee brought to the next level: a tempting aroma, silky smooth feel, and luscious creamy goodness, all distinctly blended the Kopiko way.

Michael F. Tandas, Marketing Manager of Kopiko in the Philippines, said, “We believe creamy coffee lovers deserve a different level of taste experience, through Kopiko Café Blanca, an ordinary coffee time is transformed into a truly creamylicious moment with its extra-creamy special taste made for discerning consumers”.

The exclusive media-launch also featured the showing of its new TVC and introduction of its four (4) brand ambassadors: Aljur Abrenica, Iya Villania, Christian Bautista, and Marian Rivera. The brand ambassadors revealed their secrets on why they chose Kopiko Café Blanca as their choice of creamy coffee.

Marian Rivera shared, “I have tried a lot of instant coffee variants in the market, Kopiko Café Blanca’s delicious creamy blend is outstanding and amazing! I am sure, you will love it!”

The exclusive media event was graced by executives from PT Torabika Eka Semesta, makers of Kopiko, led by its Group Country Head for Philippines & Indian Sub-Continent, Mr. Mulyono Nurlimo, who shared the rich history and vision of the company for the Philippine market.

“PT Torabika started developing the market in the Philippines since 1994 and in 2006, it marked an aggressive and successful product launches starting with Kopiko Astig 3inOne Black Coffee. In 2009, it launched Kopiko Brown Coffee, in the succeeding years, Kopiko Kopiccino and Kopiko L.A. Coffee followed. PT Torabika also has its nutritious healthy food range such as Energen Cereals and Energen Go Fruit Instant Oats and its confectionery brands like Beng Beng chocolates, Fres Mint Candy and Kopiko Coffee Candy.”

Nurlimo added that PT Torabika is committed in serving quality-tasty food products at an affordable price for Filipino Consumers.

Kopiko Café Blanca is now available in leading supermarkets, groceries and sari-sari stores nationwide for only PhP6 per 30-gram sachet.