All the years of that beach-less pandemic lull could make stir-crazy vacationers like ourselves easily forget our defenses now we’re almost out at the sea that’s waving at us.

We don’t take off punching the pandemic in the face for standing between us, the beach and a complete nervous breakdown, without suiting up for an entire arsenal of protection at Watsons summer department.

Watsons set up an activation at SM Mall of Asia Atrium on 9 March with household names shoppers get for a fraction of the price, as well as samplings, product demos and gifts with purchase for shoppers.

The activation stayed at MOA until 15 March, before the whole nine yards moved to SM Megamall to be on display until 22 March; SM North, 24 to 29 March; SM Cebu, 18 to 24 April.

Said Jared de Guzman, Watsons customer director: “Watsons partnered with the best health and beauty brands to bring our customers the best products for the season. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the special promos, exclusive discounts and prizes [including an Asian cruise trip and 1,000 Health and Beauty Online vouchers] only available to Watsons Club members.”

Guests during the campaign launch hosted by Issa Litton were Pond’s Bestie Johnrey Almante from Unilever, Yna Ramos from Trizie and registered nutritionist Bea Recuerdo, and Vanessa Samson and Grace Viredo from Nivea.

Brands in “Summer shopping na sa Watsons” are Anessa, Beach Hut, Belo, Biore, Cetaphil, Garnier, Herbal Essences, Kojiesan, L’oreal, Luxe Organix, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Nivea, Oxecure, Pantene, Penshoppe, Ponds, Quick FX, Snail White, Sun Play, Trizie and Vaseline.

Three Watsons club winners can win an Asian Cruise for two with a minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,000.

Elite members get twice the raffle entries.

Watsons is also giving away P2 million Watsons vouchers one can use to shop online.

Join the Watsons Club to enjoy discounts and download the Watsons app (http://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp). Visit any of Watsons’ 1,000-plus stores nationwide and pick up your purchases with Click and Collect Express or have them express at your door.