Grocery shopping after all is a task for survival acuity.
O- Olive products (Olive oil for cooking, tinned olives for sandwiches and pastas)
P- Protein Bars
Q- Quick to prepare mixes ( pancake, pizza, canned soups)
R- Razors
S- Sauces and spreads (spices, condiments, dips, dressings)
Below is the complete A-Z grocery list with photos. Scroll down.
You work hard on weekdays. You unwind at one of the city’s entertainment hubs on weekends. A typical “Yuppie” – a young urban professional. Also, you shop your own grocery needs as you listed, as you budgeted, as you scheduled.
Grocery shopping is an “#adulting” agendum. Who is not doing his own grocery shopping as an adult by the way? Your mastery of it reflects how skillful you are in terms of budgeting your fund for food from payday to payday while partaking healthy meals to fuel you in every workday. It is safe to say that a well-experienced grocery shopper is financially and physiologically healthy. You do not agree if you are not. Tell me. Are you?
detergent, exfoliating and bactericidal soaps, hair conditioner
gargling solution and whitening toothpaste
wet wipes, rubbing alcohol (My work requires a lot of hand shakes and loads of talking.)
The 40% is influenced by first, the kind of spread I want in my work sandwich for the next two weeks. Second, the recipes I want to try after from social media food pages or health articles I read weeks before. Lastly, the cravings for Mr Chips or moist chocolate cake or Spam. I set aside PhP 2,000 every two weeks for food.
if you have the opportunity to get something of better quality (imported or local) at more affordable bar codes (S&R member), why not punch it in?!
My list is fun and flexible. I make health-conscious food choices by considering the simple Go-Grow-Glow taxonomy. My grooming list is basic. My sandwich spread recipes are ever changing. There are items in the list which need to be re-supplied every shop. There are also those which can be bought in larger package to hoard. Larger packs help you save both budget and shopping energy.
How I stock supplies and save budget through the S&R Members’ Treat Sale
The S&R Members’ Treat Sale is a grocery sale to look forward twice a year. It happens every March and September (Set a reminder on your smartphone, Yuppie!). This is when quality imported grocery items are priced at 50% less.
What a deal! Eight boxes of Hershey’s Chocolate Soya Milk for PhP 299.
What makes me choose to grocery shop at S&R is beyond the product connotation of “imported”, “stateside”, “pang-mayaman/ pang-dato”. I support local products too (Sukang Pinakurat, Lucky Me Pancit Canton and Holiday Corned Beef join the conversation). Food Regulatory Agencies from other countries though, have stringent and thoughtful criteria on retaining nutrients from their food products. The advanced technology of their food industry is a supplementary factor too. These make the products more ideal for hoarding. Buy it at large portions. Stock it for a month extended supply than usual. The taste is obviously unique too. A two-month taste break from the usual flavors makes your gastronomic routine more appetizing. Finally, if you have the opportunity to get something of better quality (imported or local) at more affordable bar codes (S&R member), why not punch it in?!
S&R holds the Members’ Treat Sale every March and September where members enjoy massive savings on imported items. It has 17 branches in the Philippines as of September 2019.
S&R (Sol and Robert Price) is a membership-shopping club modeled after the warehouse shopping chains introduced in the United States. Most of the imported products offered are in club packs which include fresh produce and fruits, Australian/New Zealand beef, Western grocery brands from cereals to snacks, chocolates, wines and spirits. It also offers consumer electronics and appliances, along with health and beauty products. It is currently the biggest reseller of imported quality products at very competitive prices in the Philippines. (https://www.coscocapital.com/segment.do?category_id=7346)
The list below is comprised with food choices deemed as basic, healthy and easy to prepare for an always on the go Yuppie. It also has essential products for grooming as well as electives for Summer (S&R Members’ Treat Sale – March) and Christmas/ Year-End (S&R Members’ Treat Sale – September).
For as long as we need to earn for our life goals everyday, we also have to eat in every meal. Thus, we also need to shop more budget- and health-consciously,
TIP: Get the items first. While the line at the check out counter is long, check the expiration date of the items.
G- Grains and Seeds
H – Healthy drinks (green tea, fruit juices, milk)
I – Ice Cream. Those flavors with nuts.
J- Junk Chips, Nachos
L- Liquor (for gift, stock for celebrations, for your minibar)
M – Masks (facial masks and wet wipes)
N- Noodles (From Japanese to Korean!)
O- Olive products (Olive oil for cooking, tinned olives for sandwiches and pastas). Olives are very high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. Studies show that they are good for the heart and may protect against osteoporosis and cancer (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/olives)
P- Protein Bars
TIP: Try something new. Wide selection of items are waiting for you.
Q- Quick to prepare mixes ( pancake, pizza, canned soups)
R- Razors
S- Sauces and spreads (spices, condiments, dips, dressings)
I get excited making my own sandwich for work. B for Bread. S for Spread!
T- Tomato ketchup. Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes)
U- Undershirts (S&R has a section for clothing too. I buy bundles of white V-neck undershirts once a year. Durable shirts for daily use so far.)
V- Vitamins and supplements
W- Whitening Toothpaste
X- Xtras (For March: Save on shopping for your Summer essentials. For September: Shop and save on gift items as well as Christmas decorations)
Z- Zen scents (Fumes that help you meditate and relax like spray, diffusers, candles)
HOW TO BE A MEMBER
GOLD MEMBER:
Fill-out the information asked in the Gold Membership Application Form. The form is available at the Membership Counter inside any S&R Club Warehouse.
Present any one (1) of the following valid Identification cards with photo for each card holder: Passport, Driver’s License, SSS/ GSIS Digitized ID, PRC License, Voter’s ID, TIN Card, Postal ID, NBI Clearance. Any individual, 18 years old and above can be a Primary Member. Any immediate family member of a Primary Gold Cardholder, 18 years old and above with valid ID showing the same residence address as the Primary Cardholder, can be a Secondary Member.
Settle the 700 PhP Gold Membership Fee valid at all S&R locations for one (1) year. Extension card for 400 PhP is optional for the Secondary Member.
Gold Membership Enrollment Fee: 700 PhP.
BUSINESS MEMBER
An Owner or Manager of a licensed business qualifies as a Business Member. Fill-out the information asked in the Business Membership Application Form. The form is available at the Membership Counter inside any S&R Club Warehouse.
Present any one (1) of the following valid Identification cards with photo for each card holder: Passport, Driver’s License, SSS/ GSIS Digitized ID, PRC License, Voter’s ID, TIN Card, Postal ID, NBI Clearance.
Submit one (1) of the following supporting documents: FOR SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP: Certificate of Registration of Business Name with DTI, Current Year Mayor’s Permit or VAT Registration Number. FOR PARTNERSHIP AND CORPORATION: SEC Certification of Registration, Current Year Mayor’s Permit, VAT Registration Number or Letter from the Head of the organization authorizing representatives. FOR A DIRECTOR OR MANAGER OF A COOPERATIVE OR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION: SEC/ CDA Certification of Registration, BIR TAX Exempt Status or Letter from the Head of the organization authorizing representatives.
Settle the 900 PhP Business Membership Fee valid at all S&R locations for one (1) year. One (1) add-on card is FREE to yhe Primary Cardholder’s spouse, domestic partner, or any immediate family member over the age of 18 and living in the same household. Primary Member may add up to three (3) add-on cards at 400 PhP each.
TIPS
Eat first, Take you vitamins. It will be a long day. A food cart selling your favorite S&R pizza, burger, salad and drinks roams around the grocery though.
Stick to the budget. Calculate. Compare. Shop with someone and share the price of the buy 1 take 1 items.
Expect it to be crowded. Members can bring 3 more adults and unlimited kids. The queues are well organized though, from the parking outside to the check out counters.
Get the items first. While the line at the check out counter is long, check the expiration date of the items.
Buy the regular/ basic food choices for 2-3 months supply. The S&R Members’ Treat Sales has the best offers for your hoarding goals!
This is also an opportune sale to try something new. Wide selection of items are waiting for you.
While the line is long, go back to those which are empty during your first round. It may got refilled.
Do not bring kids but think of them. Lots of sweets and toys on sale.
Separate a budget for gifts.
Owning the choices of food in your plate is a fortifying task as a person who is now finally in charge of thy self. That you are an adult. You are now earning on your own, eating on your own. Autonomous. Responsible.
Every September, shop and save on corporate gift items as well as Christmas decorations.
Grocery shopping is as fun as it is fortifying too. Imagine! You are not that toddler anymore who needs to do a sales pitch (and say please) to mommy just to “add to cart” that chocolate or junk food on your hand. Freedom is fun (But be smart too).
Grocery shopping after all is a task for survival acuity. It is rewarding throughout your aging work-life “timeline” when you get better and better at doing it. For as long as we need to earn for our life goals everyday, we also have to eat in every meal. Thus, we also need to shop more budget- and health-consciously, as budgeted, as scheduled.
There is more to health than just the absence of disease.
When asked about their medical wellness, Davaoeños said they either did not have enough monetary resources for medical-related expenses or did not have regular check-ups compared to most other Filipinos. Davaoeños scored a “somewhat bad” 4.88 rating compared to the nationwide average of 4.02, which means “neither good nor bad.” MORE FINDINGS BELOW.
Data from the 2019 nationwide study by PhilCare, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) showed that residents of Metro Davao lack preparedness for medical emergencies. A worrisome result considering that most of the survey’s respondents are services and sales employees hired by private companies. It seems that “Health is Wealth” and “Prevention is better than cure” are empty reminders to both capable-to-save hard workers and thoughtful business owners.
“There is more to health than just the absence of disease. Our vision is to help promote a brand of health that is holistic and inclusive. The PhilCare Wellness Index gives us a clear picture on where we are when it comes to wellness and, more importantly, it charts a clear path on how far we can go to promote health among Filipinos,” – Jaeger L. Tanco, PhilCare President and CEO
What should you do?
Numbers do not lie. Whenever you are not one of those who are not prepared when medical needs come, you are smart. But I am sure you have that friend who is not yet passionately informed how “wealthy” it is when he is in his best health. And more importantly, how helpful being cautious for future health emergencies really is. Let him know how smart you are when it comes to your health. Now.
A Responsive Study
PhilCare Wellness Index 2019 lead researcher and University of the Philippines associate professor Dr. Fernando Paragas
First done in 2014, the PhilCare Wellness Index allowed the HMO company to develop affordable and responsive medical insurance plans that provided coverage to thousands of uninsured Filipinos.
PhilCare introduced the very first prepaid health plans in the country. From prepaid to comprehensive coverage, PhilCare’s extensive line of products covers hospitalization, out-patient and emergency healthcare needs across a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and physicians.
The PhilCare Wellness Index is composed of several wellness statements which cover the aspects of psychological, physical, medical, nutritional, and lifestyle. For the 2019 edition, the financial element was added. The index also asked respondents to rate their stress levels and satisfaction from sex, among others.
This year’s respondents included 1,350 Filipinos nationwide – 300 of the respondents came from Mindanao, 150 of which are from Davao City and from Tagum City, Davao Del Norte. Respondents were asked to rate themselves from a seven-point scale, with the score of one as “very good;” two as “good;” three and four as “somewhat good” range; five and six as “somewhat bad;” and a score of seven, which is “very bad.”.
The PhilCare Wellness Index is the only study in the country that measures the level of perceived health and wellness among Filipinos.
PhilCare Wellness Index 2019 – Davao Findings
Overall, Davaoeños rated themselves as better in terms of health and wellness compared to most other Filipinos, with a “good” score of 2.46, compared to the “somewhat good” nationwide self-rating of 2.84.
However, they fared the opposite when it came to their overall composite score for wellness. Davaoeños scored 3.66, which is classified as “neither good nor bad,” compared to the “somewhat good” nationwide rating of 3.24.
The average rating of the respondents’ overall composite score is based on six wellness domains: psychological, physical, lifestyle, financial, medical, and nutritional wellness.
When it came to their rest and relaxation spending, however, Davaoeños spent a lot more than most other Filipinos, shelling out an average of at least Php4,800. That is around 60% higher than the nationwide average of at least Php3,000.
When asked about how well their finances are, Davaoeños said they are in a worse shape compared to most other Filipinos. They scored 4.38, which means “neither good nor bad” on the Wellness Index scale, but means worse compared to the “somewhat good” nationwide score of 3.42.
“PhilCare will also forge partnerships with the government sector so they could use this proprietary study of PhilCare to craft relevant policies. We have findings in this study that may be very useful in the goal of the government to attain truly universal health care,” – Former Health Secretary and Chairman of the 2019 PhilCare Wellness Index, Dr. Enrique T. Ona
This means that Davaoenos said they do not earn that much as others and are in less of a position to save and invest. They are also relatively not comfortable with their debt situation.
Davaoeños also fared worse than most other Filipinos in terms of lifestyle wellness, scoring 3.72, which is classified as “neither good nor bad” compared to the “somewhat good” nationwide average of 3.12.
WELLNESS SUMMARY, Metro Davao
PhilCare Wellness Index 2019 – Mindanao Findings
Mindanaoans, in general, also said that they feel positive about their health despite being financially ill-prepared for medical-related emergencies and not being in a good state of health compared to the rest of the Filipinos.
Our countrymen down south rated themselves as having “good” health, scoring 2.67 compared to 2.84 “somewhat good” nationwide rating. But when it comes to the actual determinants of wellness, Mindanaoans scored 3.66, which may be “neither good nor bad,” but is worse than the “somewhat good” 3.24 nationwide rating.
Mindanaoans also said that they do not have the capability to pay for their medical-related expenses and do not get to have regular check-ups, scoring 4.82, which is “somewhat bad” compared to the 4.02 nationwide score, which is “neither good nor bad.” But when it comes to rest and relaxation, Mindanaoans also spend at least Php4,800, much higher than the Php3,000 national average.
Other key wellness factors wherein Mindanaoans performed worse are financial wellness and lifestyle wellness. For financial wellness, they scored 4.41, which is “neither good nor bad,” but is worse than the 3.42 “somewhat good” nationwide score. For lifestyle wellness, meanwhile, Mindanaoans scored 3.73, which is also “neither good nor bad,” but is also worse than the 3.12 “somewhat good” nationwide rating.
Of the 150 respondents in Metro Davao, 81 are male and 69 are female. Among the 81 male respondents, 65 (or 80%) said they smoke. Among female respondents, only five (or 7%) smoke. On average, male smokers said they consume about ten sticks of cigarettes per day.
Sex Life
More Davaoeños and Mindanaoans, percentage-wise, have sex compared to the rest of the country, both at 77% (116 respondents for Metro Davao, 232 respondents for Mindanao) compared to 61% (821 respondents) nationwide.
Davaoeños and Mindanaoans are also more satisfied with their sex life compared to most Filipinos, rating it as “good” (2.05 for Metro Davao, 2.10 for Mindanao) as against other Filipinos, who describe it as “somewhat good” (2.74).
Also,Davaoeños and Mindanaoans who said they have sex said they do it thrice a week compared to the nationwide average of twice a week.
In Metro Davao, specifically, more males (92.5% or 75 respondents) have said they have sex compared to females (61% or 42 respondents).
Dr. Paragas said this year’s PhilCare Wellness Index involved not just a survey, but also a series of focus group discussions, where participants from different sectors delved on problems and solutions relevant to the goal of inclusive health care.
PhilCare Wellness Index 2019 – Nationwide Results
WELLNESS SUMMARY: Nationwide
Despite Filipinos’ “somewhat good” sense of optimism about their health, they admit lacking the confidence to address their medical needs. About 40% are unsure if they can pay for their medical bills, while 35% are also unsure they could afford regular medical checkups.
The inability to finance their medical needs was also evident in the findings of the survey, which said that more than 60% of respondents have incurred up to P30,000 in medical bills.
About 37% managed to pay their bills using their savings, while 25% ended up seeking help from friends and relatives to pay what they owe. Only 15% were able to settle their bills using health insurance.
Among the respondents that were hospitalized in the previous year, the survey also revealed that only 63% of them managed to use their PhilHealth benefits to ease the burden of their medical expenses.
Apart from the self-evaluations of physical, nutritional, medical, psychological, lifestyle, and financial well-being, the study also measured stress, sex, vices, and health practices.
Dr. Paragas said this year’s PhilCare Wellness Index involved not just a survey, but also a series of focus group discussions, where participants from different sectors delved on problems and solutions relevant to the goal of inclusive health care.
PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco said the results of the survey are very useful in helping the health sector come up with programs that address the needs of Filipinos, helping them attain a better state of wellness.
“There is more to health than just the absence of disease. Our vision is to help promote a brand of health that is holistic and inclusive. The PhilCare Wellness Index gives us a clear picture on where we are when it comes to wellness and, more importantly, it charts a clear path on how far we can go to promote health among Filipinos,” he said.
The study was inspired by wellness and health indices in New Zealand (The Sovereign Wellbeing Index of 2015), Canada (The Canadian Index of Wellbeing), and the United States (The State of American Well-Being of 2017).
PhilhealthCare, Inc. (PhilCare) is among the top two most preferred HMOs in the country today. It distinguishes itself from other health maintenance organizations (HMO) in the Philippines by advocating wellness as a more holistic approach to health.
This is achieved through PhilCare’s sustainable health plans, PhilCare 360, and its technology-enabled customer experience. PhilCare offers a wide range of health care plans to serve the different requirements of individuals, group, and enterprise accounts.
PhilCare pioneered the country’s first Wellness Index in 2014. Based on the findings of that study, PhilCare introduced the very first prepaid health plans in the country. From prepaid to comprehensive coverage, PhilCare’s extensive line of products covers hospitalization, out-patient and emergency healthcare needs across a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and physicians.
PhilCare 360, on the other hand, provides members with updates about health information, preventive measures against diseases and illnesses, and lifestyle trends that promote health and wellness. Meanwhile, PhilCare’s tech-enabled customer service efforts involve their accessible website and e-commerce, their call center that’s available 24/7, and its HeyPhil App where members can ask queries and request for a Letter of Authorization (LOA).
PhilCare’s commitment to promote wellness among Filipinos makes it an essential pillar of Maestro Holdings, a grand concord of four of the biggest and respected financial companies in the Philippines. Under the Maestro’s baton, PhilCare joins four of the most recognizable names in their respective industries: PhilsFirst, the first domestic non-life insurance company in the country; PhilLife, one of the most trusted insurance providers in the Philippines; PhilPlans, one of the leading financial solutions companies providing pension, education, and memorial programs.
JOHNDAPPERCLOSER 