Monthly Archives

December 2022

Lifestyle

The BingoPlus Foundation is looking for 10 excellent students to receive Full Scholarship for College

BingoPlus Foundation, the nation’s first live-streaming and digital bingo game provider, plans to invest in the enormous potential of young Filipinos in order to contribute to the creation of a better future for the nation.

The BingoPlus Foundation and iACADEMY, one of the nation’s most cutting-edge and sought-after academic institutions for technology, design, and business, have signed a three-year, six million peso FutureSmart Scholarship Program agreement. Ten exceptional students from deserving families will receive scholarships through the FutureSmart Scholarship program for their studies in BCSC software engineering, BS in entertainment and multimedia computing game development, and BS in information technology with a focus on web development.   

Jasper Vicencio, President of BingoPlus and Trustee of BingoPlus Foundation said, “The FutureSmart Scholarship is our way of investing in the country’s youth as the driver of progress in the future. And we want to give equal opportunities to deserving students with so much potential but lack the necessary resources to continue their education in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations for themselves, their families, and the nation. Indeed, doing something good especially for education is a plus.”

The choice of technology for the program is inspired by BingoPlus. “Economies depend on

digital-savvy individuals who are ready to take the helm of their organization’s digital transformation. BingoPlus itself, like any modern company, runs on the wonders of technology and a solid IT infrastructure. Our mission is not only to provide support for education but also future employment for qualified individuals,” Vincencio added.

iAcademy Chief Operating Officer Raquel Wong meanwhile expressed her utmost gratitude to BingoPlus Foundation for extending its generosity to exemplary students who will not have to worry about finishing the program due to lack of financial resources. 

“What BingoPlus Foundation and iAcademy crafted for the program will definitely help students fulfill their dreams, as well as contribute positive change to our society. The career path in computing is very lucrative and iAcademy has been very consistent because our programs, especially the ones related to computing, delivered 96% placement rate,” she says.

Apply for the scholarship today!

Stringent criteria, requirements and screening process have been set to ensure that only qualified and deserving students are accepted for the program. Students must have good moral character, General Weighted Average (GWA) of not lower than 1.75 and no grade lower than 2.50 and must not have been subjected previously to any disciplinary action by their schools, either academically or administratively.

Additionally, applicants must submit a two-minute video pitch outlining their case for the scholarship and their plans to work with the BingoPlus Foundation once they have completed the program.

Applications may be sent to [email protected] by interested parties. In January 2023, the 10 scholars who have been chosen will be identified.

Fashion, Lifestyle

Watch out, A new Sperry store has opened in Lucky Chinatown

The renowned boat shoe firm debuts a new style with its new location in the center of the city.

The renowned American shoemaker Sperry has opened its newest shop location in Manila’s Lucky Chinatown Mall. This is the first of many new stores that will open with this sleek, contemporary look, and it features a revamped new design that supports water for everyone. I’m so excited about this as they produce great quality shoes, and I’m such a fan of the shoe’s stylish look and fashionable style. It is such a go-to shoe for everyone.

New Look

The location where adventures on the water begin is modernly portrayed in Sperry’s new contemporary store concept. The store itself exudes excitement for your upcoming beach vacation. The first store in the world to feature this new and interesting design is Sperry Lucky Chinatown.

Iconic Classics

Fans of Sperry will be happy to learn that there is a wide variety of boat shoes, sneakers, and sandals available, including the iconic Topsiders. Additionally, the store offers items from their iconic SeaCycled Collection, which was produced using recycled and eco-friendly materials and methods to prioritize sustainability without sacrificing design. To give you a head start on your holiday shopping, Sperry is giving early birds 20% off on their normal Sperry footwear on December 14!

Immersive Experience

Sperry will conduct a special exhibition at the Lucky Chinatown Mall Activity Area from December 11 to December 20 that will showcase the brand’s most recent collections as well as its illustrious history. There are also events to take part in where participants can pick up prizes and buy the newest discounts.

Holiday Escape

An everlasting summer is conjured up by the Holiday Escape collection, which was recently released by the renowned footwear company. Any outfit gets a whimsical touch with cute and thoughtful tropical accents.

Sperry is situated close to the Lucky Chinatown Mall Activity Area on the Ground Floor.

Follow Sperry at

Instagram: @sperryph

Facebook: @sperryph

Twitter: @sperryph

Lifestyle, Tech

Globe and SM Advantage Card (SMAC) team together for the Hapag Movement using the #UniteVsHunger

Shoppers can now support a family in need with every SMAC card purchase and every checkout.

The Hapag Movement, a technology-driven initiative by Globe to fight involuntary hunger, and SM Advantage Card (SMAC), the loyalty card of retail giant SM, have partnered to assist put food on the tables of people in need.

“We are excited to partner with SMAC at the most joyful time of the year so we can bring cheer to our fellow Filipinos who continue to suffer due to involuntary hunger. Now, it’s easier for shoppers to share their blessings to the needy, bring food to the table, and get assistance for decent livelihood as we mark this Christmas season post-pandemic,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.

“Our collaboration with Globe for the Hapag Movement is a pioneering partnership for us as it aligns with the SM brand’s goal of providing support to Filipinos every way we can. This is the time for us to rally behind this cause to help those who continue to reel from the impact of the pandemic and challenges due to rising living costs. Ibalik natin ang sarap ng Pasko,” said Jay Beltran, SMAC SAVP Head of Sales and Marketing.

Through the partnership, P50.00 will be donated to the Hapag Movement and other SM Foundation programs for every purchase of a new SMAC card.

On top of this, SMAC members who will shop select items at the SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi’s, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso will earn up to 1,000 EXTRA SMAC Points, and half of the EXTRA points they earn will be donated to the movement starting December 15, 2022 until January 15, 2023, in time for this season of giving.

“We celebrate the season of giving with our SMAC members with the gift of giving— letting them share blessings with our most vulnerable kababayans,” Beltran said.

Through supplemental meals and livelihood support, Globe’s Hapag Movement works with 100,000 households that are enduring involuntary hunger.

The program was started by Globe to aid Filipinos who had been severely impacted by the pandemic, the repercussions of which are still being felt today. According to a Social Weather Stations Survey, 2.9 million people reported having involuntary hunger as of October this year, essentially constant from the previous quarter.

Visit the Hapag Movement’s official page to learn more. For further information, you can also go to smac.ph or download the SMAC app.

Lifestyle

Grab makes it simpler to give back and donate via GrabExpress, Para sa Paskong Kumpleto

The holiday giving season is here, and despite all of life’s difficulties, Filipinos—some of the world’s most giving people—will always find a way to give back and share their blessings. As a result, the top superapp Grab makes the most of its parcel delivery service, GrabExpress, to make it simpler and less expensive to help out fellow Filipinos.

Grab teamed up with the charities SOS Children’s Villages, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc., and Caritas Manila for their campaign “Paskumpleto Para Sa Lahat: Give Back Through GrabExpress” in an effort to spread holiday cheer and provide a Paskumpletong Pasko to more Filipinos. By offering discounts and benefits to customers who use GrabExpress to send donations to the partner charities, the superapp hopes to leverage its technology for good. As I attended the event held by Grab, I was so touched by the stories shared with us by the people from the charity. The event was made even more meaningful by the presence of PWD attendees. Thanks to Grab and its partners, the event was a ton of fun and learning.

Donating is made easy via GrabExpress by using the promo code PARASALAHAT to get a 25% OFF on your delivery fee. Customers can also choose to send their donations via the new GrabExpress service: Instant – Saver which lines up deliveries in batches of other parcels, giving the same convenience of a regular GrabExpress delivery, but at a cheaper price. 

Learn more about the partner organizations and what they’ll need to help make this year’s celebration Paskumpleto:

Caritas Manila Church of the Poor

With a vision of creating a Spirit-led community free of poverty and committed to love for the common good, Caritas Manila’s programs are geared towards transformation of people from poverty and dependence to self-reliance with dignity. For this Christmas season, GrabExpress will be supporting Cartias Manila’s Segunda Mana— a donation-in-kind program which primarily benefits the Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) and supports the education of more than 5,000 Filipino students.

To help make their celebration a Paskumpleto one, consumers can send via cash or in-kind donations of clothes, bags, shoes, and household items to Caritas Manila or any Segunda Mana Charity Outlet via 09175955083.

Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc.

Founded in 1973, Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc. was established to provide programs, services, and assistance to People With Disabilities (PWDs). Located in Cainta, Rizal, the compound of Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc. serves as a home and workplace to almost a hundred PWDs. And as the name implies, no stairs can be found in its compound— creating a space inclusive and accessible even to wheelchair users. 

Consumers can help give Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc. a Paskumpleto Christmas celebration by sending them Noche Buena packages with pantry staples and hygiene essentials for 270 workers. All donations can be delivered via GrabExpress directly to their office at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc., Cainta Rizal via Carmelita Narciza at 09234536276 or Erika Villaflores at 09637683725. People can also opt to send financial support through the Chief Operations Officer of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan,Inc., Angelita B. Evangelista  via GCash Account No. 09206447789.

SOS Children’s Villages

Because every child deserves to grow up in a loving home, SOS Children’s Villages Philippines provides homes to neglected, abandoned, orphaned, and abused children. Since 1967, this private, non-political, and non-government organization has been providing support and guidance to thousands of Filipinos through their alternative care and family strengthening programs. 

Customers can send Noche Buena packages to approximately 170 children, guardians, and staff members of the SOS Children’s Villages in Alabang to support the celebration of Paskumpleto for the children and families there. Customers can support the company’s programs that promote children’s health and developmental needs by making financial contributions. One child can receive 5 days’ worth of nutritious meals with a donation of P1,000. Contact Kaila Gilo, the corporate relations officer at SOS Children’s Villages, at 0927417907 for coordination and questions concerning donations.

Everyone deserves to celebrate Paskumpleto Christmas, and thanks to Grab’s continuing offer of GrabExpress, it’s now simpler and more accessible than ever to help your fellow Filipinos. On the Grab Facebook Page and through the Grab app, you can learn more about the “Paskumpleto Para Sa Lahat: Give Back Through GrabExpress” program. Download the Grab app at https://www.grab.com/ph/download/ to help others celebrate Paskumpleto by sending your donations to SOS Children’s Villages, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, and Caritas Manila via GrabExpress.

Lifestyle, News

Francis Reyes, an entrepreneur and deaf advocate, is a TOYM finalist

One of the 21 contenders for this year’s The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awards is an entrepreneur who advocates for giving the Philippine Deaf Community equal opportunities and opportunities for professional progress.

The TOYM recipients were revealed at a gala event in Pasay City that was organized by the TOYM Foundation and Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI) Philippines, the award’s sponsors. The TOYM recognized 21 contenders for this year before announcing the 10 recipients, in contrast to other iterations.

One of the finalists in the business, economics and entrepreneurship category was Francis Carl G. Reyes, founder of the Caravan Food Group Inc. (CFGI), a food and beverage company that aims to introduce new food concepts for the Philippine market as he believes that good is only as good as one’s overall experience.

Caravan Food Group carries three brands: Overdoughs, a homegrown pastry shop that offers the best selling OD Mini Chonky Cookies and other pastries like Crinkles and donuts, among others; Elait!, which offers artisanal rolled ice cream and the first rolled yogurt; and RAW Natural Juice Bar, an all natural juice that offers nutritionally designed cold-pressed juices.

Reyes’ advocacy was inspired by his experience when he was young. A deaf person assisted him while he was in a clothing store, and he was amazed by his sincere customer service. From then on, Reyes wanted to incorporate this in his food business.

This deaf inclusive advocacy is made possible through the partnership with orgnizations like De La Salle College of San Benilde – School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies and Hand & Heart.

To date, Reyes has employed 30 deaf partners and counting. The comprise more than 50 percent of the overall employee count. He always believed in their capabilities to help the company improve its service, products and food concepts.

Reyes believes in continually developing his people. Thus CFGI provides skills enhancement and leadership training programs for its employees. Soon he plans to promote his exemplary deaf partners to Team Leaders and Supervisors.

“It was one deaf guy who really showed me the epitome of customer service. I wanted to recreate the experience in this concept so I decided to hire deaf people. I wanted everyone to feel the warmth and realize how capable these deaf people are,” Reyes said.

Health Undersecretary Beverly Lorraine Ho and comics artist Manuel Luis “Manix” Abrera were among the 10 TOYM awardees.

Ho was was named TOYM in the health and medicine category along with fellow physicians Ronnie Baticulon, a pediatric neurosurgeon and Ramon Lorenzo Luis Guinto, a public health advocate.

One of the three TOYM award winners for literature, culture, and the arts was Abrera. Victor Mari Baguilat Jr., a social entrepreneur from the Cordillera, and Kristian Cordero, a writer and filmmaker from Bicol, received further awards.

Joanne Ascension Valdez, a councilor for Candon City, and Shawntel Nicole Nieto, the creator of Sustainability PH, were awarded TOYMs in the area of humanitarian civil society member volunteer leadership. Paul Gideon Lasco, a physician and medical anthropologist, and Rico Ancog, dean of the School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos, completed the list of honors for education and academia.

Lifestyle

PASASALAMAT Event: Cebuana Lhuillier expresses gratitude to devoted customers for their decades of support and patronage

Jewels from Cebuana Lhuillier are more than just pricey accessories for many of their pawning customers. These objects represented the products of their labor, family heirlooms, or priceless investments to many. They also serve as a fast fix, a chance for a better life, or a clean slate in times of need.

Cebuana Lhuillier has been familiar with these tales from its customers for more than 35 years when they enter during their moments of need. More than just offering high appraisal rates, they reassure their clients that their priceless possessions are being cared for properly and securely with the assistance of knowledgeable branch staff. Until the clients return to pick up their pawned pieces, this makes it easier for them to part with the jewels.

Knowing that the objects under their care are worth more than their weight in gold, Cebuana Lhuillier came up with a plan to help some of its most devoted customers find additional significance in the holiday season.

Salamat, Ka-Cebuana

As part of its CSR initiatives, the company has made it its annual tradition to give back to those in need during the Holidays. Usually, these gift-giving activities were held every 6th of December in celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of pawnbrokers and the inspiration behind the legend of Santa Claus.

This year, Cebuana Lhuillier chose the best recipients—its valued clients, many of whom has stayed with the company for years, entrusting some of their most precious items in their times of need. The event, dubbed “Pasasalamat,” gathered more than 200 clients across eight regional locations nationwide in a simultaneous celebration of thanks and love from Cebuana Lhuillier. The gathering proved to be more than a celebration as attendees were feted to a day of fun and prizes, but the end of the program proved to be the most poignant of all when Cebuana Lhuillier, through its operations team, returned all the pawned items of its attendees as a special surprise.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO, shared, “Pasasalamat 2022 is our way of giving thanks to our clients for the trust and partnership we have established in the last 35 years. We’ve known their stories—and were blessed to be with them as they chased their dreams and provided better lives for their loved ones. With “Pasasalamat,” we are returning this trust by gifting them with the items they pawned with us. We hope that through this small gesture, Cebuana Lhuillier is able to give further meaning to this season.”

A Season of Joy, Hope, and Giving Thanks

For many of the attendees of the Pasasalamat celebration, the unexpected blessings were more than expressions of gratitude coming from a long-time ally—it brought hope and joy as precious pieces, family heirlooms, and cherished investments find its way back to them.

For Grecilda Torres, a small business owner and client of Cebuana Lhuilier for 26 years, the unexpected return of her pawned items—all rings—brought to tears. “Nakaka-touch isipin na gumawa ng time si Cebuana Lhuillier na ipakita sa amin na importante kami. I am very much grateful and thankful na—yung 26 years naming magkasama, it keeps going lang. My business and the business of Cebuana Lhuillier, magkasama pa din kami. Nagka-doctor na akong anak, pero still, nandito pa din ako with Cebuana. And for that, I am very thankful,” she shares.

Meanwhile, Remigia Mejia, a 79-year-old cancer survivor and loyal client of Cebuana Lhuillier for 30 years, cannot believe that a pendant which her late husband gifted her before they were married has found its way back to her. She shares, “Hindi ko akalain na babalik yung mga alahas ko since pinag-iipunan ko din na matubos sila. Karamihan sa kanila, matatagal na sa akin, including yung pendant na bigay ng asawa ko and yung singsing ng anak ko which I gave her nung nag-debut siya. As much as possible, ayaw ko silang maremata kasi they are very valuable and sentimental pieces para sa akin. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa Cebuana Lhuillier for this event and for the many years na hindi nya din ako pinabayaan. Nagtra-trabaho pa lang ako, kasama ko na ang Cebuana Lhuillier and even till now, kami pa din ang magkasama.”

For Ana Marie Mendoza Rapido, a teacher from Cavite and a Ka-Cebuana since 2012, Cebuana Lhuillier has been a trusted ally during times of emergencies. Through their jewelries, Ana Marie and her siblings were able to sustain the hospitalization and medication of their mother who have been in-and-out of hospitals in the last ten years. “Ang Cebuana po, trusted na namin at lagi naming taga-sagip sa oras ng kagipitan, lalo na nung panahon ng pandemic,” shared Ana Marie who was in tears when she opened the box and saw her pawned item inside.

Grecilda, Remigia, and Ana Marie were just three of the many devoted customers whose continuing confidence in and loyalty to Cebuana Lhuillier proved to be crucial in the business’s ability to maintain its position as the top pawnshop in the nation. With Pasasalamat, the long-standing financial institution was able to acknowledge and convey its gratitude to the numerous people whose continuing support has allowed it to flourish and continues to fuel its ambition to support millions of Filipinos on their quest for a better future.

Lifestyle, News

BE A RESPONSIBLE BORROWER AND MANAGE YOUR FINANCES WISELY

BENEFITS OF GETTING A LOAN

For many people, getting financing or a loan is mostly perceived as a burden. To us Filipinos, getting a loan is perceived to be “nakakahiya”, keeping it a secret to others.

But in developed nations, obtaining a personal loan is not only for meeting immediate needs; it also helps people build their credit worthiness (that they are able to pay their monthly installments completely and on-time). They build up their “payment history” and reputation as responsible loan borrowers in order to get more funding from more lending institutions.

Also, financing should be perceived as a “resource booster” for your business. With more cash inflow through a loan, you don’t have to dip into your savings for the cash. This enables you to manage your cash outflows through your monthly payments. If you need cash to buy for inventory or a new delivery van, you either get the money from your pocket or, get it through a loan from a financing institution and only pay monthly payments. The second option is better as it will not drastically change your cash position.

Thus, getting a loan for additional cash, working capital, or assets (e.g. vehicle) for personal or business use is not supposed to be “nakakahiya” or a burden. It should be a budget booster so you can provide a better life for your family or grow your business faster and provide better products or services to your clients.

However, you should not get a loan on a whim. Getting a loan just to acquire the latest cellphone or more cellphones, or the latest car model just to satisfy your wants will eventually become a burden if you cannot afford it. Thus, we have some tips for you to become a RESPONSIBLE BORROWER

KNOW WHAT YOUR LOAN IS FOR  

Be sure on your decision to get a loan or financing and stick to it. You need to get a loan to repair or renovate your home to make it safer for your family. You get car financing because your family is getting larger, it is safer or reliable, or is more fuel efficient. You get a loan to buy for a new delivery van because you want to expand your delivery services and save on maintenance costs. Thus, before getting a loan, you have to know why.

Do research on financing institutions. Look into their social media or website and find out how long they have been in the business. You can go to the BSP or SEC websites and find out if these financing institutions are registered. You can go to their branch or offices to inquire more. With all the scams happening now, it is always wise to know more about these institutions and if they are accredited by our government institutions.

Get organized and budget your loan payments. When you get a loan, the monthly payments will eat into your budget. Thus, you have to determine if you can still afford the loan without sacrificing much on the budget for your family’s basic needs. For your business, will this loan help generate more revenues and income for me, making that additional revenue cover for the cost of the monthly payments.

When applying for a loan, financing institutions will often ask for a CO-MAKER (a person who will also share responsibility for the loan payments). A person willing to be your CO-MAKER vouches for your character, that he/she knows you to be a responsible and trustworthy person capable of paying your loan obligations on time. You do not want to disappoint your CO-MAKER by not paying your loans as they will assume that responsibility.

Therefore, do not borrow more than what you need. You may be approved for a higher loan amount than you expected, always stick to the loan amount that you need. Also, do not apply for loan amount that you know is impossible for you to pay. Financing institutions have their credit assessment processes and will know your payment capacity.

Now that you have been approved for a loan, always pay completely and on time. By paying completely and on time, you are building you credibility or “credit-worthiness” in the financing industry. Having a good payment record enables you to gain access to more financing institutions, higher loan amounts, cheaper rates, longer loan terms, and gets you approved faster. Failing to pay for your loan will deny you these advantages and most financing institutions will know through their credit investigation process. Thus, your reputation as good borrower is on the line.

Last but not least, if at all possible, make additional payments. It will help you relieve future payments (lower amount on succeeding monthly payments) or close your loan account ahead of the time (financing institutions may give you discounts for early payments) (financing institutions may give you discounts for early payments). This will not only further improve your reputation as borrower but will also ease your financial responsibility.

To discover more about finance, visit the Radiowealth Finance Company Website, https://rfc.com.ph/ Connect with Len Rodrigo, Regional Sales Manager at [email protected] 09985903274.

Food

Try this nutritious Noche Buena recipe from The Goodwill Market

To celebrate traditions with family and friends over delicious food over the holidays. However, eating a lot of fatty meals might be detrimental to your health. By providing wholesome and delicious alternatives at your gatherings, you can make sure that everyone can partake in the fun without missing out.

The Goodwill Market shares this paella recipe by Chef Joel Tan Navarro that uses Duru Bulgur instead of rice. It packs more than twice the fiber and four times as much folate from bulgur, plus the umami goodness of mushrooms and the heart-healthy properties of olive oil.

Mushroom Truffle Paella (Duru Bulgur’s Vegetarian Paella)

Ingredients:

✓2 tbsp. Umbria Original Truffle Sauce

✓1 cup Duru Bulgur coarse

✓A drizzle of Umbria Tartufi White Truffle flavored oil

✓1/2 cup shitake mushrooms fresh

✓1/2 cup shitake mushrooms dried

✓1/2cup white button mushrooms

✓1/2 cup portobello mushrooms

✓1/2 cup arugula

✓1/2 cup olive oil

✓1/2 cup onions

✓2 cups vegetable stock

✓Salt

✓Pepper

Preparation:

1. Soak dried shitake mushrooms in hot water and let them bloom. Set aside.

2. Prepare, wash and cut other mushrooms and set aside.

3. Cut onions and set aside.

4. Wash the arugula and trim it into small pieces.

Cooking Time:

1. Heat up olive oil in a paella pan

2. Brown fresh shitake mushrooms and set aside. It will be used as a garnish.

3. Add a little bit of olive oil then sauté onions.

4. Add the rest of the mushrooms until brown.

5. Add the truffle salsa.

6. Add Duru Bulgur coarse and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Then add vegetable stock and let it simmer and reduce.

8. When reduced, place the fresh shitake mushrooms as garnish.

9. Cover with foil to continue cooking and adjust the heat to medium low.

10. When the bulgur is cooked, crank up the heat to achieve the socoratt (crispy bottom layer of

bulgur).

11. When done, take it off the heat and garnish with arugula. Serve.

This festive and filling paella, which is created with Duru Bulgur and is easily accessible at The Goodwill Market online store, will shake things up this Noche Buena. By using www.goodwill.market, you can shop wisely and have your fresh, healthy foods delivered right to your door.

Fashion, Lifestyle

5 Essential Campus Shoes That Won’t expense a fortune

The return of face to face class necessitates the purchase of brand-new sneakers to rock around campus. Here are some choices that are both fashionable and reasonably priced that you ought to include in your daily wardrobe.

KEDS’ JUMP KICK RIB KNIT

The crew-neck sweatshirt of sneakers is the Keds Jump Kick Rib Knit Collar. They combine comfort and casualness with a touch of prep school cool. This shoe is perfect for you if you want to channel your inner Riverdale character. Visit any Keds location nationwide or online at www.keds.com.ph to purchase this and the Varsity collection.

SPERRY’S SEACYCLED™ STRIPER II CVO

Simplicity is key with these Striper II sneakers from Sperry. These classic oxford-style kicks go well with almost anything – shorts, jeans, chinos, joggers, and cargos – making them the perfect all-rounder for your closet. Even better, they’re environmentally friendly too – made with recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. Shop the SeaCycled™ collection and more at their official webstore www.sperry.com.ph and Sperry retail stores nationwide.

MERRELL’S HYDRO MOC

If you’re looking for a comfy closed-toe alternative to flip-flops and sandals, Merrell’s Hydro Mocs are your best bet. Style them with or without socks as you please! These easy-on, easy-off water shoes are hardy enough for daily wear and are adaptable to any weather, especially during the rainy season. Check out the full Hydro Moc collection at www.merrell.com.ph, Merrell concept stores, and Complex Lifestyle Stores nationwide.

POLO RALPH LAUREN’S THERON SNEAKERS

Classic white sneakers are a must-have for any closet. They’re a simple, no-fuss piece that pairs well with anything. Polo Ralph Lauren’s Theron sneaker is a classic silhouette  that you can dress up or down as you please. Shop Polo Ralph Lauren at Complex Lifestyle Stores nationwide and online at www.complexlifestylestore.com.

PONY’S SHOOTER HI

If you prefer an attitude-driven style, PONY’s kicks may be exactly up your alley. The Shooter Hi draws its design cues from basketball sneakers from the 1970s, giving the pair a retro vibe. The Atop, on the other hand, has its roots in skate culture and features striking, eye-catching color accents. Visit PONY’s first concept store in TriNoMa, their official website www.pony.com.ph, and department stores all around the country to see these and other items.

Lifestyle

Huge Shipping Discount this Christmas with J&T Express PH

J&T Express, the leading e-commerce global delivery service is giving away big discounts as an early Christmas gift to their customers nationwide. Get huge savings on shipping fees when you send your parcels via J&T Express this holiday season using its Unlisaya promo with a voucher discount, available on their mobile application.

The promo is offered to all J&T Express customers—especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Customers may pay as low as 39 pesos when they ship via J&T Express using Unlisaya promo with a J&T Express voucher. To avail of the promo, customers, whether walk-in or pick-up, must choose the Unlisaya promo and claim the daily voucher on the J&T Express mobile app.

“It is undeniable that most of us will purchase our Christmas gifts online. With the holiday craze coming, we are offering our lowest shipping fee yet as we hope to help lessen the shipping cost for consumers and to attract more businesses for the MSMEs. This is our early Christmas gift for everyone, whether our regular customers, business owners, or even those who ship via J&T Express for the first time. Now, they may enjoy shopping online for Christmas without worrying about the shipping fee,” says Zoe Chi, Vice President of J&T Express Philippines.

The promo aims to ease the hassle of paying high-shipping costs as Unlisaya offers a pouch-based rate fee, regardless of the weight of the item/s. Together with the Unlisaya promo and the J&T Express voucher discount, customers will save more budget for their Christmas shopping because of the affordable shipping rate.

J&T Express Philippines’ Unlisaya Promo is ongoing throughout the Christmas season, avail yours today!

Visit the nearest J&T Express or book a free pick-up via the mobile application or website to use the promo. To learn more about the services offered by J&T Express, log on to www.jtexpress.ph or visit www.facebook.com/jntexpressphilippines.