L-R: Liam James G. Lebron, Ana Sophia R. Valencia, Neo Eliseo O. Linga, Dr. Maria Cristina Ignacio-Alberto; Philippine Pediatrics Society

Watsons, the Philippines' leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, has led the way in discussing a rarely-talked-about health concern among children: Type 1 Diabetes. Through its #Type1Story campaign, which features inspiring testimonials from kids living with T1D, Watsons aims to highlight the importance of early diabetes detection and screenings.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune condition often diagnosed in childhood that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, the natural hormone responsible for turning food into energy and regulating a person's blood sugar level. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, posing risks to the body and causing complications of diabetes. The significant rise indicates an increasing need for awareness and education about early diagnosis and proper management, blood sugar monitoring, balanced nutrition, proper diet and exercise, and emotional support.

Inspiring Stories of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Watsons’ #Type1Story campaign features the journeys of three young Filipinos with T1D: Neo Eliseo Linga, Ana Sophia Valencia, and Liam James Lebron.  These children and their families exemplify courage and resilience in managing T1D; and highlight the importance of recognizing symptoms early and equipping families with the resources to handle the condition effectively.

L-R: Liam James G. Lebron, Ana Sophia R. Valencia, Neo Eliseo O. Linga

Neo Eliseo Linga

Neo, diagnosed at two, has been managing T1D for four years. His mother, Jhen, recounted how his son’s symptoms were initially misdiagnosed. It was not until a second ER visit that the doctor checked his blood sugar, discovering he was in a diabetic coma. This life-changing event ignited her commitment to Neo’s health—their family maintains a strict regimen of consistent blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration, and balanced meals.

Jhen also highlighted the need for action: “I initially felt overwhelmed and disheartened. However,  I quickly realized the importance of taking action and learning as much as possible to support Neo. We had to be resilient and bounce back for him, to keep him alive and healthy.”

Anna Sophia Valencia

Diagnosed at three, Sophia is now a thriving 10-year-old. Her mother, Joanne, recalled her harrowing experience when Sophia was rushed to the ER and went comatose—her daughter could not wake up because of extremely high sugar. After they came home from the hospital, they started throwing sugary drinks and snacks at home and replaced them with healthier choices.

Despite her daughter’s condition, Joanne emphasized balancing health management and parenthood: “As a parent, we want to preserve her quality of life. We want her blood sugar to be as stable as possible so that her organs, like her eyes, kidneys, etc, won’t suffer. At the same time, we also want to give her a normal childhood.”

Liam James Lebron

Diagnosed at four, Liam’s symptoms—frequent urination, excessive thirst, and weight loss—prompted his family to seek medical help. His mother, Majeg, shared that he manages his son's diabetes by setting a meal plan and portioning his food.

Majeg advises other parents: “Listen to your child, be observant, and seek help, especially from the doctors who can understand it most.”

(L-R) Watsons Philippines’ Assistant Marketing Manager Renz Laluz, Senior Category Manager for Trading Health Zesther Rodriguez, Sr. Category Managers for Trading Health Darcy Co and Meiji Yanuario with Liam James G. Lebron, Ana Sophia R. Valencia and Neo Eliseo O. Linga.

Raising Awareness Through Watsons #Type1Story

As the first retailer in the country to actively advocate for diabetes awareness, Watsons commits in helping parents spot the early signs of Type 1 diabetes among their kids through the #Type1Story campaign.

“Diabetes, especially in children, calls for unwavering dedication, love, and resilience. The journey truly takes a village, but a diagnosis is not a limitation. Every challenge is an opportunity to discover strength, foster growth, and embrace courage.  At Watsons, we stand firmly with families on this journey. Through accessible diabetes management products, free health services, and awareness campaigns like #Type1Story, we are dedicated to empowering every child to live their best life and helping families create brighter, healthier futures.", said Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons Philippines.

As part of the campaign, Watsons invited the Type 1 Diabetes Society PH and T1 Diabetes Parents PH to an insightful T1D Care Talk facilitated by Dra. Cristina Alberto, a Diplomate of the Philippine Pediatrics Society. The discussion focused on diabetes care and management for children and their parents, providing valuable information and support. The support of brand partners Abbott Diabetes Care, Roche Diabetes, Exeltis, and Propan TLC further strengthened the event.

To ensure accessibility and convenience, Watsons offers a wide range of diabetes care products in all Watsons stores nationwide and through the Watsons App. Watsons’ O+O (Offline and Online) retail channels bring healthcare closer to every home. Additionally, free clinic check-ups are conducted in select Watsons stores, empowering families to take proactive steps toward better health.

Through the #Type1Story campaign, Watsons hopes to help parents better understand their children's condition, enabling Type 1 diabetes patients to enjoy a more fulfilling and stress-free life—the kind of life every child deserves.

Brand partners from Abbot Diabetes Care, Exeltis, Propan TLC and Roche Diabetes were in attendance to offer free on-the-spot consultations and freebies.

Click the link to watch the video and be part of the #Type1Story movement.

Christmas season is a time for family, celebration, the much-anticipated Noche Buena feast and a lot of get-together parties. This year, why not go beyond the usual dishes and surprise your loved ones by getting creative with some unforgettable recipes?

Mr. Hat Gulaman makes it easy to add a festive twist to your holiday table. With its wide variety of flavors and versatility, it’s a great ingredient for crafting show-stopping dishes that can bring everyone together.

With seven flavored options like mango, strawberry, buko pandan, coffee, grapes, orange and lychee, each brings unique flavors to your recipes. For additional flexibility, the six unflavored variants allow you to create customized dishes tailored to your family’s tastes, making Mr. Hat Gulaman a true all-season kitchen essential.

If you’re going to a potluck or preparing for Noche Buena, why not surprise your family and friends with a unique dessert like Banoffee Jelly Pie. This delightful twist on the classic dessert layers coffee-flavored jelly with a graham crust and slices of fresh bananas, all topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s a harmonious blend of rich coffee notes and natural sweetness that can make the centerpiece of your dessert table interesting.

Another festive option is Christmas Holiday Jelly, a vibrant dish made with layers of red and green gulaman that captures the spirit of the season. Easy to slice and serve, this dessert adds both charm and flavor to your spread. For coffee lovers, the Snowy Coffee Jelly combines the bold taste of coffee-flavored gulaman with a creamy milk layer, creating a sophisticated treat that’s as indulgent as it is comforting.

If you’re looking for something indulgent yet refreshing, Fruit Jelly Cheesecake pairs creamy cheesecake layers with fruity gulaman. This no-bake option is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, especially when topped with seasonal fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or kiwi. For a more playful touch, you can create Merry & Bright Ornaments Jelly using mango and strawberry-flavored gulaman molded into sphere shapes. These decorative jellies bring color and fun to your holiday table, doubling as both a treat and a conversation starter.

For more recipe ideas for your many Christmas meet-ups and noche buena, check out this link: Mr. Hat Gulaman Christmas recipes

Bonding Through Creativity

The joy of Mr. Hat Gulaman isn’t just in the dishes it creates but also in the moments it fosters. Preparing recipes with your family transforms cooking into an opportunity for bonding. Kids will love helping out with simple steps like pouring layers of gulaman or arranging fruit toppings, making them part of the festive fun. The memories made in the kitchen are just as sweet as the desserts themselves.

Why Mr. Hat Gulaman is Ideal for the season

Mr. Hat Gulaman is more than just an ingredient—it’s your secret to elevating any Christmas get-together and noche buena feast. Its affordability ensures you can create premium-looking dishes without straining your holiday budget. Its versatility inspires creativity, whether you’re recreating traditional favorites with a twist or inventing something entirely new. And its time-saving simplicity ensures you have more moments to spend with loved ones instead of being tied to the kitchen.

This Christmas, let Mr. Hat Gulaman be your partner in creating extraordinary desserts that will be remembered for years to come. From colorful gulaman to indulgent desserts, Mr. Hat Gulaman has got you covered to make this season special. So, embrace the magic of the holidays, get creative, and make your Noche Buena unforgettable. Noche Buena recipes? #NasaHatKoYan! 

Follow Mr. Hat Gulaman on Tiktok (@mrhatgulaman) and on Facebook (@mrhatgulaman).

The holidays are here once more, ushering in the joyful season of gift-giving!

Yet, all too often, when selecting gifts for our children, we restrict ourselves to the usual—toys, clothes, gadgets, or even cash. In doing so, we overlook one priceless gift that should be our priority: the gift of knowledge.

Corny? Perhaps. Cliché? Likely.

But the truth remains undeniable. As adults, we carry the important responsibility of imparting knowledge and wisdom to our children, and we must embrace this role with renewed vigor. There are many ways we can accomplish this. We can share invaluable life lessons directly with our kids and become actively engaged in their educational journeys. Alternatively, we can provide them with enriching learning materials, particularly books that will ignite their curiosity and foster a love for learning.

By gifting them with books, we are laying a solid foundation for our children’s lifelong learning at a pivotal time when their minds are most active and inquisitive. Early learning is crucial, with research showing that the scaffolding for complex learning is established during childhood and reinforced as kids grow. Remarkably, up to 90% of a child’s brain growth occurs before they turn five, making early childhood education an essential stepping stone for building knowledge in the years to come.

Educational materials, especially books, are instrumental in shaping our children into lifelong learners. It is our duty as parents, guardians, and teachers, to surround our children with captivating books that they can explore, enabling them to accumulate knowledge and ultimately embark on a lifelong appreciation for learning. Thankfully, there is a wide array of books available, featuring over a hundred exciting titles from the country's leading educational publisher, Rex Education, within its acclaimed Little Explorers series.

Launched in December 2022, the Little Explorers lineup is Rex Education’s dedicated brand of early childhood education resources tailor-made for young learners. Each title under Little Explorers is designed to be age-appropriate and aligned with the six developmental domains established by the Early Childhood Care and Development Council from its National Early Learning Framework. 

These domains are the following:

1. Physical Health, Well-being, and Motor Development: enhancing fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination
2. Social–Emotional Development: fostering empathy, self-awareness, and social interaction
3. Character and Values Development: promoting character-building and values inculcation
4. Cognitive/Intellectual Development: strengthening critical thinking and attention skills
5. Language Development: expanding vocabulary and conversation skills
6. Aesthetic Development: cultivating talent development and creative skills

“As a lifelong learning partner to every Filipino, Rex Education has always believed that investing in early childhood education (ECE) and the foundational development of our children is essential to prepare them for life,” said Don Timothy Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education. “With the introduction of our new brand, we aim to spark discussions on the significance of early childhood care and development (ECCD) in the Philippines and empower parents and learning companions with quality, research-based, and age-appropriate learning solutions to kick-start their children’s education even before formal schooling begins.”

In essence, the titles within Rex Education’s Little Explorers series are crafted specifically for young learners, with the overarching goal of guiding them along the path to lifelong learning. Titles such as Meet My Family, World Around Me, and Me, Myself, and I nurture children’s critical thinking while engaging their cognitive and social-emotional development. They also encourage kids to articulate their feelings and enhance their self-awareness through enjoyable, interactive methods.

“We share the aspirations of our Edukampyon parents and guardians, who desire only the best for their children. Therefore, we believe that the richest learning experiences begin at home. Drawing from REX’s extensive research, experience, and partnerships in lifelong and early childhood education, we meticulously crafted Little Explorers to foster strong foundations and promote holistic development in our children as early as possible,” Buhain added regarding Little Explorers.

Ultimately, we all strive to provide our children with nothing but the very best. Yet, giving them the best does not always translate to toys, clothes, or gadgets. Often, our time with them and preparing them for the future represent an even greater gift—and gifting them books is one powerful way to achieve this.

Discover more about Rex Education’s Little Explorers series and their early childhood education initiatives by visiting rex.com.ph. 

Better yet, go to  https://estore.rex.com.ph/, https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/rex-book-store, https://shopee.ph/rexbookstore and place your orders now, so you can get them just in time for the Holidays!