How to Brave the Philippine Heat

In other countries, you only have to worry about beating the heat for two to three months of summertime; in the Philippines, we have to brave the sweltering heat all year round.

Side effects of the Philippine heat include: Sweating profusely in a record time of five minutes after leaving the house, discarding OOTD-worthy jackets and hoodies because the weather demands it so, getting sun burns here and there and everywhere, blinding eyes from the harsh rays of sunlight, and getting exhausted as easy as one, two, and three, among others.

The point is, the heat can suck － but you’re in luck! Here are some helpful tips to live by to beat the heat all throughout the year.

Stay hydrated; this is crystal clear.

Drinking water replenishes fluids lost in sweating, brings down body temperature, and makes you feel more refreshed. This is why doctors say we have to drink 6 to 8, or 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Going out, it is easy to forget about hydrating though, so always bring a water bottle or container and schedule water breaks every once in a while.

It is also important to note that chugging down large amounts of water in one go can lead to negative health effects such as hyponatremia or water-toxicity. Thus, drink in moderation, and stick to water. As much as you’d love some alcohol or coffee, these cause dehydration and should be abstained from especially in busy and hot days.

Bring a handkerchief, or towel, or even a wardrobe change if you can.

It can’t be helped, you have to get out of your cool and comfy office or home at least once in some day for travel or leisure or whatever purpose; this is when a handkerchief comes in handy.

A handkerchief or towel aids in dealing with excessive sweating, even more so while commuting or while performing strenuous activities. This also helps keep makeup in place and is a cleaner, more efficient alternative to wiping yourself with your hands or shirt.

Look at hues and fabric for your garments.

Don’t let the heat deter you from looking good and feeling good; a change of clothes can do wonders if you’re prioritizing these factors: hues and fabrics.

In a country with perpetually scorching hot weather, it is vital to pick light-colored clothing such as white, nudes, and pastels as compared to darker colors like black. Light hues reflect light from the sun, but dark shades absorb them and make it hotter for the wearer.

As for fabric, look for cooling and breathable ones like cotton, nylon, polyester, rayon, linen, silk, and jersey. For better ventilation and air flow, get loosely-woven clothes. Crop tops work, too. Being more selective with fabric can really up your OOTDs, you can even whip out your jackets and sweaters as long as they’re made with appropriate fabric. This makes for cool and comfortable days in the sun.

Cover up, but be versatile.

Direct sunlight can be detrimental if you are exposed to it for a long period of time, which is why covering up is a big help. Think umbrellas, sunglasses, caps, or breathable or button down long-sleeves; these items are more versatile as compared to a very thick hoodie which may cause a lot of sweating.

Of course, cover up with sunblock or sunscreen too.