Technology empowers us to share the love despite the unique challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have gone from regularly eating out with July and friends, buying gifts in stores, and doing surprises in-person to tapping and staring at my screen. To say that we are somewhat crippled by the lockdowns and fear of getting sick seems like an understatement. This holds true especially for someone like me whose giving love languages are quality time, physical touch, and acts of service. But as we adjust to the “new normal”, we learn to adapt and share the love with the help of our gadgets. Here are some ways:

Make time for online dates

While nothing replaces the expression of physical touch (hugs, anyone?), video calls make up for quality time with loved ones. Yes, the text messages don’t count because they lack emotions and (seriously) an effort on anyone’s end.

There are many activities that you can do together depending on your shared interests. Want to do a watch party? A tool called Teleplay allows you to sync shows from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Disney on your Chrome browser. Want to discover a new hobby or talent together? Join a live online painting workshop or cooking class. To save up on cost, you can also buy the ingredients and watch a YouTube tutorial together.

Arrange a surprise or party

If you’re the gift-giving kind, the proliferation of online sellers, shopping apps, and delivery services make our lives easier to show our love. A few taps on our phones is all we need to send gifts anytime and anywhere. My sister, who lives in Bulacan, sent our mom a birthday present (a blood pressure monitor) which she bought from Shopee. We also availed of a hyperlocal bike delivery service in Laguna to buy pizza and cake for my brother’s birthday.

Home party packages that replicate the in-person event are now a thing. You can hire someone who will take care of preparing all food and party favors, sending to your guest in advance, and hosting your video call party with activities, or go on the DIY route for a more hands-on experience.

Always be kind and empathic and look out for their wellbeing

Some people may be too busy juggling home and work life while others might still be finding their footing with a job loss or health issue. Whether a loved one is going through a rough time right now or now, remember that it’s the simple things that make the most impact when it comes to acts of service and giving words of affirmation:

• Check-in on their physical/mental health by sincerely asking how they are doing.
• Be willing to lend a listening ear and an open mind for anyone who needs it.
• Offer help to your kids/younger siblings with their studies.
• Take care of their health by preparing meals or giving them a massage.

Another way to show your loved ones you care by encouraging them to learn more about AIA Philam Life and the different products which can protect them especially during this time of uncertainty. #ShareTheLove today and get a chance to win a Sony PlayStation 4 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Nintendo Switch, and more by referring your friends and family for a free financial consultation.

Share the Love Customer Referral Raffle Promo is open to all Philippine residents and existing customers, aged 18 years old and above, excluding AIA Philam Life Financial Advisors and all marketing, advertising, and event partners and their relatives up to the 2nd degree of consanguinity. The promo will run until November 30, 2020 and no purchase from any Philiam Group product solution is required to participate. The referrer will earn one (1) raffle entry for every confirmed referral.

The schedule of raffle prizes are as follows:

●       Sept 7-13 – Nintendo Switch

●       Sept 14-20 – Samsung Galaxy Note 20

●       Sept 21-27 – Garmin Instinct Solar

●       Sept 28-Oct 4 – Dyson Pure Cool Tower

●       Oct 5-11 – iPad Air

●       Oct 12-18 – SAMSUNG SOUNDBAR HW‐Q60T/XP 5.1Ch, 6.5″wireless subwoofer,  Q Symphony Acoustic Beam 2.0, DTS Virtual: X,  Adaptive Sound

●       Oct 19-25 – Huawei Matebook D15

●       Oct 26 – Nov 1 – Sony Playsation 4 Pro

●       Nov 2-8 – Nintendo Switch

●       Nov 9-15 – Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum

●       Nov 16-22 – iPad Air

●       Nov 23-29 – Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Visit this page for the complete promo mechanics. Good luck!