How families take care of each other is magnified during the Christmas season. So much so in these times of the pandemic, we are constantly reminded by our loved ones to take our vitamins, wear our face mask/shield, and keep the habit of self-care.

The close family ties which Filipinos are known for is depicted in the newest “Alagang Silka Papaya” video that you can watch below. It clearly represents how we love to connect to each other and how we value all the holiday traditions. Although this year is tough for everyone, our being mindful or “maalaga” of our family’s well-being shines through. Naiba man ang takbo ng buhay, natural lamang na ipadama sa isa’t-isa ang alaga natin na laging nandyan para sa kanila.

“Magparamdam ka naman” [“Let us know how you’re doing”] captures the Pinoy yearning: we want to reach out and be with the ones we care about. And families have a history of caring for each other, of being together through tough times and through whatever means – a yearning not even a pandemic can diminish.

In the video, a large family is about to come together for Christmas. With a Christmas tree behind him, the Grandfather finishes setting up the dinner table. He calls out to his wife if she’s ready. The Grandmother comes with a bottle of Silka lotion, rubs some on both her hands (to look fresh for the family picture, she says). She wonders out loud if the rest of the family are ready. Cut to the mother in the bedroom rubbing Silka lotion on her leg. She gently hollers the same are-you-ready question. Cut to the bathroom, where Millie, her daughter, hollers back, while applying Silka deodorant on her underarm: “Almost done, Mom”.

The mother then knocks on the bathroom door, and the Dad answers, already feeling refreshed while still showering with Silka soap: “Mabilis na lang.” Cut to a newly-wed couple’s conversation: the husband is all set and gently tells his wife, “Lika, baba na tayo.” She answers while applying Silka Facial Cleanser with a cotton ball, “Patapos na” This must be a big house, the viewer is thinking, because we’re seeing members of a big family getting together on Christmas Day.

The Grandfather takes his seat at the dinner table, and compliments Millie, who turns to face her Lolo. “Kaya paborito ko po kayong Lolo eh,” she says. Then the Grandfather notices that only Anna, a nurse, is missing from, we are led to believe, the dinner table (which is never shown in full). Cut to Anna, who, while washing her hands with Silka soap, says, “Ok, Dad, palabas na.” So, she must be the bunso and has siblings in both of the two couples earlier shown (who should be with the Grandparents by now).

Nurse Anna sits down and says, “Ok, guys, game? 1, 2, 3.” The family picture is “taken” – screenshots of the members of the video conference call are shown, while merry Christmas music plays in the background. Turns out this was indeed a big family, and a gathering still, despite not being face to face. Family alaga knows no distance.

You can watch the full video below:

Like these three generations of families keeping to their habit of self-care (pag-aalaga), Silka has been creating and making available affordable lines of effective products to help Filipino families achieve a glowing complexion and smoother skin. Their skincare line includes soap, lotion, facial cleanser, deodorant, body wash, and pearl creme. Since 2001 (nearly 20 years), Silka has been helping Filipinos achieve the kind of care (alaga) they long for.

There’s an emotional tug to the video: the holidays are when families get together, and that’s made all the more difficult because of the social distancing necessitated by Covid-19 restrictions. But you don’t get the feel that the families are settling for less with a video conference call – in fact they’re still as lively as they would have been had they’d been face to face.

The video’s voice over ending is apt: “Naiba man ang takbo ng buhay, natural lang na ipadama sa isa’t-isa ang alaga nating nandyan para sa kanila. Maalagang pasko mula sa Silka.”

Families take care of each other just as Silka takes care of you. If you want to experience a Maalagang Pasko with Silka, check out their products on Shopee and visit the official Silka Skincare Store on Lazada. Don’t forget to follow @SilkaSkinCare on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.