The goal isn’t to avoid the sun entirely, it’s to survive it without looking (or feeling) like you just ran a marathon.
Manila’s summer is no joke. The sun feels hotter every year, and stepping outside is like walking into a furnace. Heat indices have hit record highs, reaching 44°C in some areas. Staying cool is tougher than ever, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve rounded up some tips (and products!) to help you out.


Wear clothes that breathe. When the heat is this bad, less is more. A good bra top is light and easy to wear. It pairs well with linen pants or your favorite shorts. Uniqlo bra tops keep things simple without feeling too tight or layered. The key is to let your skin breathe.
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Tag Heuer at Vision Express | Photo from @visionexpressph
Shades are a must. The sun is blinding, so a solid pair of shades is a must. They protect your eyes and pull your look together. Some go for sporty frames. Others like bold, oversized styles. Vision Express have options that are stylish without being impractical.


Choose jewelry that can handle the heat. Sweat and humidity ruin most accessories, but not all. Sunspell is a brand to look into. It resists water, sweat, and tarnishing. You can wear it all day without worrying about it fading or turning your skin green. Simple pieces that hold up through the heat are always worth having.
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Make SPF part of your daily routine to avoid burns, dark spots, and long-term damage. | Photo courtesy of Watsons
SPF. SPF. SPF. I don’t think we have to stress this enough but sunscreen is a major must-have. The sun in Manila burns fast. Watsons has plenty of sunscreens to choose from so pick what feels best on your skin. Some are lightweight for everyday wear. Others offer stronger protection for long hours outside. Bottomline, the most important thing is to use sunscreen every single day—even indoors!

Sun exposure leads to stubborn dark spots. A brightening serum and sunscreen combo helps keep skin even and glowing and Janine Gutierrez swears by it! | Photo courtesy of Nivea Philippines
Protect your skin from dark spots. The sun does more than burn. It leaves marks that do not fade easily. NIVEA’s Luminous630 Antispot line helps stop dark spots before they start. It keeps skin even and bright despite the heat. A simple routine with a dark spot serum and sunscreen makes a difference.
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Nothing beats ice-cold water on a scorching day. Carry a reusable tumbler to stay hydrated
wherever you go. | Photo from Owala
Hydration is non-negotiable. The sun drains you faster than you realize, and dehydration creeps up quickly. An Owala tumbler makes it easier to keep water on hand, ensuring you can take a sip whenever you need it. If plain water feels boring, infuse it with lemon, cucumber, or berries for an extra boost. Whatever it takes, drink up.

A portable fan makes commuting in the heat way more bearable. Keep one in your bag for instant relief. | Photo from @jisulifeph
Stay cool. A portable fan is your new BFF. It is small, powerful, and keeps you cool during long commutes or outdoor errands. Whether you are waiting for a ride, walking to work, or running errands, having a fan on hand makes a huge difference. So yes, Jisulife is (really) life.
Summer isn’t going anywhere, and unless you plan to hibernate in a fully air-conditioned bubble, you’re going to need a game plan. The goal isn’t to avoid the sun entirely, it’s to survive it without looking (or feeling) like you just ran a marathon. Stay cool, stay stylish, and most importantly, stay out of the midday sun.