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