Monthly Archives

January 2024

Food

The First Common Man Coffee Roasters Café in the Philippines Opens by Jollibee Group

Marks the company’s first foray into specialty coffee, all-day brunch


Ready to cut the ribbon for the launching of the first Common Man Coffee Roasters café in the Philippines. Photo shows (from left to right): Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Business Development for Foreign Franchised Brands, Ned Bandojo; Jollibee Group’s President and Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, & Foreign Franchised Brands, JJ Alano; Spa Esprit Group’s General Manager for Food Division, Michael Bovell; Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Officer, Joseph Tanbuntiong; Spa Esprit Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Common Man Coffee Roasters, Koon Beng “KB” Chua; Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines, Her Excellency Constance See; Vice Mayor of the City Government of Makati, Honorable Monique Lagdameo; Jollibee Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernesto Tanmantiong; Ayala Malls’ President, Mariana Zobel de Ayala; Jollibee Group’s Chief of Real Estate and Design Officer & Chief Business Support Officer, William Tan Untiong; Ayala Land Estates Inc.’s Group Deputy Head, Chris Maglanoc; and Common Man Coffee Roasters’ Operations Head, Chynna Ramos.

With the launch of the first Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) cafe in the Philippines on January 11, 2024, at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, the Jollibee Group is off to a terrific start in 2024. The Jollibee Group has ambitious expansion plans this year that include this historic opening, all in line with its goal of ranking among the top five restaurant corporations globally.


“We’re excited to bring the Common Man Coffee Roasters in the country and give the community an elevated café experience,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group’s President and CEO.


“Common Man’s consciously sourced coffee and numerous deliciously healthy brunch options contribute to this experience and help fulfill our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone. We invite everyone to come visit our first ever Common Man Coffee Roasters café,” he added.

Championing specialty coffee & brunch

Established in 2013, Common Man Coffee Roasters aims to champion specialty coffee and the best all-day brunch and has expanded from Singapore to Malaysia, and now the Philippines. It also roasts and sells coffee beans and operates the Coffee Barista Academy in Singapore and Malaysia, which provides coffee training to baristas and coffee enthusiasts.

In the Philippines, the breadth of the café’s menu includes different types of specialty coffee, bannered by the Nitro Honey Oat Latte and Filter Brew. Its brunch is thoughtfully crafted, headlined by the Common Man Full Breakfast that has generous servings of sausage, bacon, portobello mushroom, hash browns, house-made baked chorizo beans, and greens along with artisanal sourdough. The crowd favorite Common Man Beef Brisket Benedict packs an indulging punch of savory in its tender braised beef topped by poached eggs and creamy hollandaise.  

The first location in the country, which has a modern, casual, “come as you are” ambiance, also features its own roastery.

“Having a roastery on site for us to showcase the roasting method will not only help the customers understand the coffee process better, but it will also offer a unique dining and sensory experience for them,” said Koon Beng Chua, CEO of the Spa Esprit Group, which operates Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore.

Celebrating partnerships

The Jollibee Group announced its joint venture with Food Collective Pte. Ltd. (FCPL) through FCJB Foods Inc. to own and operate Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines in August 2023. The Jollibee Group owns 60 percent in FCJB Foods Inc.

“This is the first café from our partnership with the Spa Esprit Group and we’re looking forward to expanding the Common Man Coffee Roasters experience to more people. The strong collaboration between the two partners is very evident and is greatly rewarded by the enjoyment we see from people upon entering the café and upon tasting our menu selections.  We recognize the increasingly discerning palate of Filipinos and we’re here to delight them,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer, during the store’s inauguration and opening.

President of Ayala Malls Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Deputy Head of Ayala Land Estates Group Chris Maglanoc, General Manager Michael Bovell of Spa Esprit Food Group, and Co-Founder of Common Man Coffee Roasters Koon Beng Chua. The Jollibee Group was represented by Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO; William Tan Untiong, Chief Business Support Officer; Joseph Tanbuntiong, Chief Business Officer; JJ Alano, President and Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Foreign Franchised Brands; and Ned Bandojo, AVP and Head of Business Development for Foreign Franchised Brands.


A toast to the first brew! The opening of the Common Man Coffee Roasters’ first café in the country brings in consciously sourced coffee and all-day brunch together – aiming to elevate the café experience for Filipinos. Photo shows (counter clockwise): Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Officer, Joseph Tanbuntiong; Spa Esprit Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Common Man Coffee Roasters Co-founder, Koon Beng “KB” Chua; Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines, Her Excellency Constance See; Vice Mayor of the City Government of Makati, Honorable Monique Lagdameo; Ayala Malls’ President, Mariana Zobel de Ayala; Jollibee Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernesto Tanmantiong; Jollibee Group’s Chief of Real Estate and Design Officer & Chief Business Support Officer, William Tan Untiong; Common Man Coffee Roasters’ Operations Head, Chynna Ramos; Jollibee Group’s Marketing for Foreign Franchised Brands, Paolo Aljibe; Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Technical Services Research and Development, Agnes McDonald; ; Jollibee Group’s Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications, Pauline Lao; Ayala Land Estates Inc.’s Group Deputy Head, Chris Maglanoc; Spa Esprit Group’s General Manager for Food Division, Michael Bovell; Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Marketing for Foreign Franchised Brands Philippines, Jia Du; Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Business Development for Foreign Franchised Brands, Ned Bandojo; and Jollibee Group’s President and Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Foreign Franchised Brands, JJ Alano.
 

Every Monday through Sunday, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, is when the Common Man Coffee Roasters in Ayala Triangle are open.

Visit the website of Common Man Coffee Roasters Philippines or give them a follow on  Facebook and Instagram to find out more information.

January 16, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

Manulife Uses AI, Cloud, Mobile, and Other Digital Platforms to Drive Digital Transformation

Leveraging modern technology to empower Filipinos to reach their financial aspirations through insurance and investments

Manulife Philippines is responding to the dynamic movement in Filipino consumer behavior toward digital solutions by speeding up its digitization efforts to fulfill the growing demand for investment and insurance services. According to a recent Manulife study, the Filipino house has developed into a central location for all digital activity. As seen by the fact that 82% of Filipinos polled use finance apps for cashless transactions, investments, and insurance, there is a rising recognition of the security and convenience that digital financial platforms provide.

Simplified and more intuitive insurance processes

Manulife Philippines has unveiled a range of digital services aimed at streamlining the insurance buying and claims handling process for its clientele. The company wants to make insurance more accessible, user-friendly, and relevant for modern Filipinos. It does this by utilizing platforms like Manulife Online, which was voted the top self-service online platform in the insurance industry, and its mobile version, the Manulife Online Mobile app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play; and Manulife Shop, its digital platform that lets Filipinos buy reasonably priced insurance products online at their convenience.

These initiatives support Manulife’s existing efforts to fully digitalize its customer journey, helping them learn about insurance products and customizing them based on their individual goals, so they can understand more complex insurance products and their suitability for personal financial goals.

Ivan Buenaventura

Ivan Buenaventura, Chief Information Officer, Manulife Philippines, shared: “Grounded by our commitment to becoming our industry’s most digital, customer-centric global company, our digital services at Manulife are focused on addressing the most common pain points related to insurance, such as information access, financial literacy, affordability, and ease of use. We believe that with our continuous efforts at digital transformation, we are making insurance more accessible, intuitive, inclusive, and convenient, providing our customers the best experience and guidance they deserve.”

Sound financial planning amid enhanced investment opportunities in the digital age

Paul Lu

According to Paul Lu, Head of Wealth Solutions, Manulife Investment Management Philippines, the company has been attracting a growing number of investors in its diverse range of unit investment trust funds (UITFs), especially among Filipino millennials and Gen Zs. “Since the onset of the pandemic, the total number of our millennial and Gen Z clients has more than doubled, accounting for more than half of our client base. Based on our study, the pandemic fast-tracked their financial transformation, particularly because some of them lost their jobs or experienced reductions in their total family income as a result of the economic disruptions. This caused shifts in their behavior that emphasize the importance of saving, investing, and prioritizing necessities.”

However, Lu is quick to note that first-time investors must start with a sound financial plan with clear investment goals and a thorough assessment of their risk appetite. “It is tempting to jump headfirst into the world of investing, but having a plan that is aligned with your investment goals and risk appetite will help you make more informed investment decisions and enable you to take full advantage of different investment options. This can be done with a trusted financial professional who can personally guide you,” Lu said.

Manulife Investment Management Philippines empowers investors to begin their investment journey by providing them affordable access to its distinctive selection of UITFs via Manulife iFUNDS, its easy-to-use and secure digital investment platform. The company’s certified UITF salespersons can help facilitate investors’ choices considering their unique goals, needs and risk appetites.  

Online platforms have been instrumental in broadening financial awareness on reliable investment strategies such as long-term investments and diversification. Against this backdrop, Manulife Investment Management Philippines has made it easy for investors to diversify their investments through its UITFs that invest in both local and global securities.  Through Manulife iFUNDS, investors can explore different investment options, schedule regular investments or top-ups via the Regular Savings Plan (RSP), and manage their UITF investments on-the-go with a few taps.

“While there is a perception that young Filipinos are chasing the fastest returns, we are more hopeful on the improving trends seen in investor education. Our study revealed that many Filipino millennials and Gen Zs are keen to learn more about investing, giving us the opportunity to educate them further on the important role that UITFs can serve in creating a sound financial plan even during periods of high market volatility. Although market volatility is an inherent element of financial markets, history shows that investing regularly can potentially reap better results over time.  Moreover, there are investment options available for investors who prefer a stable holding facility for their surplus cash while planning for their next move,” Lu added.

Investors can invest in Manulife Investment Management Philippines’ UITFs for as low as PHP1,000 or USD100 via Manulife iFUNDS.

Empowering employees and financial advisors with digital tools

To further empower Manulife’s teams in embracing digital transformation to help achieve its business goals, the company has also continued accelerating its Drive to Cloud initiative, a comprehensive digital transformation project that targets migration of all its corporate technology assets to the cloud by end of 2024. The initiative prioritizes quicker time-to-market, scalability, increased reliability, enhanced performance, and operational cost-efficiency. This will help strengthen the company’s security and possible disruptions, risks, and cyberthreats brought by future innovations by ensuring preparedness and risk mitigation. Integrating AI-powered employee enablement tools in its daily functions, Manulife aims to further explore ways on how to boost efficiency and productivity as well as streamline overall operations.

“We stay at the forefront of technological advancements such as AI, cloud computing, and mobile technologies to enable our distribution teams in their sales activities,” Buenaventura added. “These technologies serve as great partners to equip and empower our agency force to thrive and stay true to our commitment to customers amid a fast-paced business environment and hyper-digitalized market.”

The continuous enhancements of its established platforms like the Electronic Point of Sale System (ePOS), an agent digital portal, a sales performance and activity tracking tool, and customer needs analysis tools also provide its financial advisors with centralized platforms that help them engage with customers better, understand their needs, propose tailor-fit solutions, optimize strategies, and facilitate sales with much ease and convenience.

Manulife Philippines’ cybersecurity staff are taking proactive measures to safeguard customer data by conducting frequent training, security assessments, and application testing in addition to these activities.

Go to https://www.manulife.com.ph/ to find out more about the insurance options offered by Manulife Philippines. Go to https://manulifeim.com.ph to learn more about Manulife Investment Management Philippines’ top investment option for your financial objectives.

January 16, 2024 by
Automotive

Toyota is offering fantastic offers to kick off the new year!

Bring home a brand-new Toyota for a year of new journeys

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is ringing in the new year with bargains you wouldn’t want to miss. The top mobility provider is giving consumers affordable monthly plans, trade-in discounts, free routine maintenance for their brand-new vehicle, and more in January!

Pay Low, Pay Light and Savings

Go into new beginnings with the Vios as your dependable companion. The Pay Low option allows for a down payment of PHP 116,100 for the 1.3 XE CVT model. Customers choosing this option can pay with cash out at 60 months without incurring a chattel mortgage, with down payments as little as 15% and free insurance for the first year, three years, and LTO registration.

The Pay Light option gives clients affordable monthly plans with a 50% downpayment at 60 months to pay. The same variant is available for a monthly payment of PHP 8,776.

Make new memories with loved ones this year with the Innova. The 2.8 XE Dsl AT model can be purchased for PHP 15,506 a month with the Pay Light option or PHP 206,250 down payment for the Pay Low option.

Fans of the Corolla Cross are also in for a treat: the 1.8 G CVT can be had for PHP 13,754 a month under the Pay Light option or PHP 196,800 down under the Pay Low option.

Clients who choose to pay with cash also receive significant savings! Depending on the version, receive cash savings of up to PHP 180,000 for the Fortuner or up to PHP 120,000 for the Hilux. The Vios, Wigo, Corolla Altis, Avanza, Veloz, Rush, Raize, Innova, Lite Ace, and Corolla Cross are more models that are eligible for cash savings.

Free Periodic Maintenance Service

Whether traveling to work or for leisure, it’s always important to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition! Bringing in your vehicle for periodic maintenance service (PMS) is one way to ensure that every ride is a safe ride.

All brand-new Corolla Altis, Raize, Veloz, Rush, and select variants of the Vios, Avanza, Innova, Fortuner and Hilux purchased during the promo period are entitled to a free PMS. The free PMS is valid up to the 20,000 KM check-up. Customers may avail of the free PMS within a 24-month period from the release date of the vehicle.

All variants of the Lite Ace sold and released during the promo month is also qualified for a fixed PMS package. Customers will only need to pay PHP 1,999 per PMS until the 40,000 KM check-up.

Trade-in Rebates, Free Insurance

The fun continues with trade-in rebates! Get a PHP 25,000 rebate when you trade-in your Vios for a brand-new Wigo, Innova, or Zenix (Q HEV variant not included) or PHP 15,000 when you upgrade your Innova to a Fortuner or Hilux.

There’s also a PHP 10,000 rebate for those who trade-in their Wigo for a Rush, Raize, Avanza, or Veloz.

The trade-in rebate can be used as cash discount for purchasing the new vehicle during the promo period. It can also be used to buy Toyota Genuine Accessories.

All brand-new Wigo, Hilux, Veloz, Fortuner, and select variants of the Vios, Corolla Altis, Innova, Avanza, and Rush purchased during the promo period also get a free comprehensive one-year insurance provided by Toyota Insure given that the unit is purchased from any authorized Toyota dealership nationwide.

The free one-year insurance covers 24/7 personal accident, passenger auto personal accident, three-year CPTL, own damage (OD), loss/theft, excess bodily injury (EBI), property damage (PD), acts of nature (AON), and includes emergency roadside assistance.

Purchases of brand-new Vios G, E, and XLE vehicles from any authorized Toyota dealership in the country are furthermore eligible for a five-year or one-hundred-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first.

Drive a car that will definitely make the New Year enjoyable! Offer valid only from January 8 through January 31, 2024. Go here to see all the details, deals, and vehicles that are taking part in the New Year Fun promotion from https://toyota.com.ph/promos/NewYearFun 

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-183610 Series of 2024.

To acquire the most recent information about goods, services, and promotions, follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on X, and join ToyotaPH on Viber.

January 15, 2024 by
Entertainment

SB19’s PABLO debuts in 2024 with the genre-bending track “DETERMINADO”

Blending hip-hop with rock music influences, the prolific songwriter/producer teams up with his brother Josue on this astounding new jam

PABLO from SB19 is back with another hit!

The new song “DETERMINADO,” the Filipino singer-songwriter/producer’s first release under Sony Music Entertainment this year, breaks the Sboundaries between hip-hop and rock.

The genre-bending single, which was produced by his brother Josue, maintains the distinctive characteristics of the La Luna act as an artist who is at ease with his own identity and sonic direction while pushing experimentation to the limit.

Speaking highly of his favorite partner, PABLO lauded Josue for bringing innovative ideas to the track during its incubation phase and letting him shine with a strong producing style that isn’t limited by trends.

“We’re a team, we always work hand in hand, always learning from each other, and drawing inspiration back and forth,” said the multi-talented soloist. “We grew up in the same environment so we just vibe and connect easily.”

Integrating dense instrumentation with gloomy synths and booming, confrontational beats, “DETERMINADO” not only impresses listeners with its scale and ambition but also reveals a different side of the SB19 vocalist and main rapper: someone who finds moments of vulnerability and strength in the face of chaos. In the words of PABLO himself, “It’s a realization when we find the courage to actually do what we want, and what kind of artist we aspire to be. We are confronting our fears and roadblocks, but still moving forward.”

Determined to jumpstart a new phase in his career, PABLO is more confident in his undertaking as a musician, going to a sonic space that remains untouched even by his contemporaries and peers.

He adds, “Our music is not just the output; it’s a collective of all the micro-things that happen behind the scenes and all throughout the process. We are more assertive now. Also, this song marks a departure from our previous releases; it’s a blend of hip-hop and rock genres.”

Aside from “DETERMINADO,” PABLO is also gearing up for a more exciting 2024. He’s looking into dropping more solo releases apart from his work with SB19, and possibly a debut album to be released soon.

As the prolific artist puts it, “Again, going back to the song title, we are indeed on this journey. I have so many things planned to do in 2024, and definitely one of those is to release my own album.”

“DETERMINADO” by PABLO is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

January 14, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

Mo & Bear PH: Bringing Quality Products to Filipino Homes

In 2022, a family of four cat owners made the decision to create an online platform so that every Filipino home could have access to premium lifestyle, home care, and pet care products. Motivated by their enthusiasm for business and their love for their kitties, the family wanted Mo & Bear PH to be the place where you go to find high-quality goods that support sustainability, wellness, and health.

“We wanted to build a network of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors whose products and services meet our standards of quality, safety and value,” shared Bernard C. Suiza, President of Azius Ventures Corporation, at their brand and product launch held at Yebisu Ramen Daang Hari in Bacoor, Cavite.

Purr Delight, a line of wet cat food manufactured by Mo & Bear PH, is available in two flavors: tuna in jelly and tuna in moringa. This is the first wet cat food with moringa included in the nation.

When compared to other brands on the market, Purr Delight is a healthier choice because it is made with real tuna flakes and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or extenders. It is locally made, responsibly sourced, and has the Bureau of Animal Industry’s certification. Most importantly, though, is that cats have tested and approved this medicine.

Happy Life Organics is another distinctly Filipino brand that is distributed by Mo & Bear PH. Happy Life Waterless Shampoo, Happy Life Hand Gel Sanitizer, Happy Life Shampoo and Conditioner, Happy Life Pet Neem Soap, and many more items are available from Happy Life. Their broad variety of items are all-natural and eco-friendly, making them a fantastic fit for the platform.

Mo & Bear also carries Archies footwear, the world’s “comfiest” flip-flops. Designed by physical therapist Daniel Jones, Archies Arch Support Thongs feature a built-in patented arch support made of a specialized memory foam footbed that cradles and molds to your feet. So now your traditional flip-flops can give you all the benefits of orthotic footwear.

“We are committed to quality and customer satisfaction. Every item is handpicked, tested and vetted to guarantee its quality and reliability,” Bernard Suiza said.

Daughter Trish Suiza emphasized, “All of the products that we put on the platform are products we are excited to use ourselves.”

Make sure to visit Mo & Bear and follow their Facebook page and Instagram account.

January 14, 2024 by
Beauty

Retinoid Molecule, the Newest Acne Treatment, is Now Available in the Philippines


Galderma Execom (from left to right: Khen Kon- Head of Medical JPAC, Barby Razon-Buenaventura- Brand Manager Philippines, Jade Ponoc, Rajeev Chavda-Head of Global Medical Affairs – Prescription, Luke Lee- JPAC Business Unit Head- Prescription, Ferdinand Roxas- General Manager, Philippines)

You’re not the only one who has ever felt self-conscious about having acne! Did you know that acne is the most frequent skin ailment in the Philippines? Over 17 million people, both young and elderly, are impacted. Acne can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Particularly among teenagers, it can have an effect on relationships, happiness, and self-worth.

According to clinical research, over 50% of individuals with facial acne also had acne on their shoulders, backs, and chest. Patients spend time and money on goods for therapy and good hygiene. The good news is that acne can be resolved with the right care and early intervention.

Patients should consult a board-certified dermatologist for safe and efficient prescription treatments, such as the most recent advancement in retinoid therapy—trifarotene cream.

For acne on the face, shoulders, and back, this novel topical single-agent retinoid cream has been shown to be both safe and effective. The retinoid ingredient found in trifarotene cream helps the skin replace its old skin cells more quickly, thereby removing the old cells and avoiding the formation of new pimples. Trifarotene reduces inflammation and targets the key variables that produce acne by selectively binding to the most common receptor in the skin, the retinoic acid receptor gamma (RAR-y).

Trifarotene is the first new retinoid molecule to receive FDA approval for treating acne in over 25 years. It offers both dermatologists and acne patients a safe and effective prescription acne medication for the face, back, chest, and shoulders. Galderma, a world leader in developing innovative and safe dermatologist-approved skincare solutions, now brings Trifarotene to the Philippines market.  The same company gave the world well-loved brands like Cetaphil, Benzac, and Restylane, among many others. With the addition of Trifarotene to its portfolio, the company further cements its claim as one of the most innovative dermatologist-recommended skincare-focused companies in the world today.

Only properly licensed medical professionals, mostly dermatologists, may prescribe trifarotene, which is advised for patients 12 years of age and above.

For more information, please visit www.galderma.com.

January 12, 2024 by
Health and Wellness

With the KonsultaMD Partnership, Allianz PNB Life Supports Your Health and Wellness Objectives


Allianz PNB Life and Konsulta MD MOA Signing at Allianz PNB Life Head Office in Makati represented by (from left to right): Marjowyn Vito (Head of Business Development, Allianz PNB Life), Leonardo Tan Jr. (Chief Product Provider Officer, Allianz PNB Life), Joseph Gross (President and Chief Executive Officer, Allianz PNB Life),  Cholo Tagaysay (Chief Executive Officer, KonsultaMD),
Dr. Chelsea Elizabeth Samson (Chief Business and Medical Affairs Officer, KonsultaMD)

Maintaining a worry-free, health-conscious lifestyle is still crucial, proving the saying “health is wealth” to be true. Acknowledging this necessity, Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) forged a strategic alliance with KonsultaMD to provide free medical teleconsultations to Filipinos.

Through this collaboration, more Filipinos will have access to the cutting-edge telemedicine service offered by KonsultaMD, which provides professional guidance and diagnosis from recognized medical specialists anytime, anywhere. This innovative healthcare solution is designed to satisfy the changing needs of contemporary consumers.

This ground-breaking partnership demonstrates AZPNBL’s commitment to implementing cutting-edge healthcare solutions for its clients. Their goal is to make Filipinos aware of the importance of health insurance and teleconsultation, as well as the advantages of having access to healthcare for their mental well-being.

“By integrating advanced telemedicine solutions into our programs, Allianz demonstrates a commitment to providing not only financial security but also leveraging technology to enhance the overall well-being of customers. It aligns with the company’s goal of delivering innovative solutions and services that cater to the ever-changing needs of our clients. Through our partnership with KonsultaMD, clients can have access to expert medical care even in the comfort of their homes. With convenient access to healthcare, they will have fewer worries, so they can focus on living their lives to the fullest. With expert advice, they will better manage their lifestyles and practice mindfulness in caring for themselves. This will also help them better plan their future with their families,” says Leo Tan, Jr., Allianz’s Chief Product Provider Officer.

Additionally, KonsultaMD is a component of Allianz Healthbox, a program created especially for AZPNBL clients that fulfills all of their demands in terms of lifestyle, wellness, and healthcare at one convenient location. Customers of Allianz PNB Life are eligible to receive exclusive benefits and freebies from Allianz Healthbox partners. These partners include FREE in-clinic consultations from MyHealth, FREE gym access from Anytime Fitness, FREE nutrition counseling from Daily’s Diet, FREE optical care from Vision Express and Asian Eye Institute, and many more.

Visit www.allianzpnblife.ph/healthbox or get in touch with your Life Changer for additional information about Allianz Healthbox.

Find out more at allianzpnblife.ph or @allianzpnblifeofficial on Facebook.

January 11, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

Schneider Electric fortifies its cooperation with the government to propel digital transformation in the Philippine manufacturing industry


Schneider Electric hosted a tour in its Cavite Smart Factory to demonstrate its smart manufacturing solutions to its partners from the public sector and other stakeholders. (L-R): Yellapa Thimmanna, Business Finance Senior GM of APC, Schneider Electric’s flagship brand,  Ejie Tauto-an, Logistics Director of APC, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Ricardo Domingo Jr., Digital Transformations Leader of Schneider Electric Philippines, and Atty. Norman Roland Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines

Leading company in energy management and digital automation, Schneider Electric, reiterates its goal to support local manufacturing’s digital transformation by 2024

The chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, was recently invited to Schneider Electric’s Cavite Smart Factory. The business showed Senator Win Gatchalian around their cutting edge plant, which is setting the standard for smart manufacturing in the Philippines.

The factory uses its own EcostruxureTM technology to demonstrate its creative end-to-end manufacturing solutions. With the use of the company’s patented technology, enterprises can combine a variety of assets, sensors, and other items into an open IoT architecture and software platform by utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT). Businesses can benefit from improved agility, asset performance management, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency through this. The World Economic Forum has acknowledged Schneider Electric Smart Factories as trailblazers in the transformation of global manufacturing operations towards increased productivity and efficiency through sustainable practices.


Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian explored Schneider Electric’s Smart Factory in Cavite to look into potential digital solutions that can drive sustainability for the manufacturing sector in the Philippines.

“At Schneider Electric, we remain committed to bringing global solutions to support local industries and manufacturers. Our focus this year is to strengthen our partnerships and harness the power of digitalization and efficiency to build a more sustainable tomorrow for all,” shares Atty. Norman Roland Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines.

Schneider Electric is also stepping up its partnership with PEZA in order to support the corporate sector’s delivery of clever and sustainable solutions. This will assist in elevating the nation to the forefront of innovation and industrial digitization. In November 2023, Schneider Electric and PEZA initiated the Go Ecozone forum series, which aims to inform locators registered with PEZA about the benefits of the green economy. Additionally, it gives the industrial sector a forum to exchange ideas and ask PEZA for assistance in achieving their transformational objectives.

“We will continue to collaborate with the government to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to power up industries and help boost the economy,” Ocana adds.

www.se.com  

January 10, 2024 by
Entertainment

The K-Pop boyband TOMORROW x TOGETHER collaborates with renowned Japanese composer SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] on the opening track of SOLO LEVELING, “LEveL.”

Listen here

HIROYUKI SAWANO PHOTO: DOWNLOAD TOMORROW X TOGETHER PHOTO: DOWNLOAD
PLEASE USE CREDIT: (P)&(C) BIGHIT MUSIC

“LEveL,” a new single from renowned composer HIROYUKI SAWANO’s vocal project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] featuring TOMORROW X TOGETHER, a global sensation in K-pop, has been released by SACRA MUSIC.

The opening theme for the recently released TV cartoon SOLO LEVELING is a track by Sawano with a unique rhythm and catchy sound. TOMORROW x TOGETHER provide guest vocals that perfectly compliment the series’ intense, action-packed plot.

Sawano, who is well-known for his musical compositions for several anime series, TV dramas, and motion pictures, such as Attack on Titan, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash, and Promare, was assigned to compose the opening theme for Solo Leveling in addition to the series’ original soundtrack music. The highly anticipated series, which debuted globally this weekend, is based on the internationally successful Korean novel and comic of the same name (Original Work: DUBU (REDICE STUDIO), Chugong, h-goon [D&C Webtoon Biz.]).

“I feel very honored to produce the music for Solo Leveling and also the main theme as SawanoHiroyuki[nZk],” remarks singer-songwriter HIROYUKI SAWANO about the song. Their variety of vocal styles added a groove and edge to the music, and I was able to work feeling their abilities on hand. I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with TOMORROW X TOGETHER. I truly hope that people will like the anime together with my music because it is a work that I am looking forward to viewing as a TV viewer myself.

“LEveL expresses the strength of the main character with its dark and heavy feeling,” TOMORROW X TOGETHER continues. Please listen to our music and the anime repeatedly as it has a unique and enticing beat that really sticks in your head.

WATCH A COMMENT VIDEO FROM HIROYUKI SAWANO HERE 

TOMORROW X TOGETHER add, “LEveL expresses the main character’s strength with its dark and heavy feeling. Its distinctive and addictive rhythm really sticks to your head once you hear it, so please enjoy our song over and over along with the anime.”  

WATCH A COMMENT VIDEO FROM TOMORROW X TOGETHER HERE

Hiroyuki Sawano Official Site

SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] Official Site

SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] YouTube

Hiroyuki Sawano Twitter 

January 9, 2024 by
Food

Using local content creators, Mang Inasal rewrites the story of their brand love

Mang Inasal, the grill expert from the Philippines, has been quite active on digital platforms over the last two years. Its official hashtag, #ILoveMangInasal, has received 315 million views on TikTok and over 128,000 shares on Facebook, and counting!

Was Mang Inasal the one who brought it about, one may wonder? No, not totally.

The beginning of MICC

The Mang Inasal Creators’ Circle (MICC) was established in March of 2022.

MICC was founded to bring together actual brand ambassadors and assist their influencer journey by including them in campaigns that allowed them to enjoy the Unli-Saya experience and Ihaw-Sarap food of Mang Inasal. Its thirty members are foodies and mommy nano-influencers who adore Mang Inasal.

“MICC started as an experiment because we wanted to try out better ways to promote Mang Inasal on social media,” shared Mang Inasal Digital and Public Relations Head, RJ Jabeguero-Rodillo. “Then during the first campaign, we saw that there’s promise in it as the MICCs’ posts looked and sounded so natural that netizens found them authentic and relatable. And the selection was perfect because MICC members are real loyal Mang Inasal patrons.”

IHAWtastic content co-creation

The content creator is given a short brief that allows them to publish about the campaign in any way they see fit. Influencers are the ones who work on the magic of their materials in a way that achieves the goals while being in line with their personalities and lifestyles, in addition to providing important messages, reminders about what to highlight in their photos and videos, and coordination with the stores for the products that Mang Inasal takes care of.

By 2023, the MICC had grown to over 160 members, an exponential growth from its original membership of thirty. The TikTokerists and Gen Zs are a new group of content makers that emerged as a result of this expansion in the community. With more than 30 ads planned for 2023, young people, mothers, and foodies can all easily share with their 29 million followers how much they love Mang Inasal.

In addition to collaborating with some of the largest content creators in the area, such as Simon Javier of Metro Manila, Mommy Hieds and Georgeous George of North Luzon, Mommy Diaries PH of South Luzon, Mortejo Twins, and Zamboanga Guide of Visayas and Mindanao, the community has been able to access a wide variety of content creators as MICC grows.

“We really appreciate how MICC has added a new spark to how we tell our brand story,” said Ed Timbungco, Mang Inasal Public Relations Manager. “It is a mutually beneficial partnership that has allowed Mang Inasal to help expand the followers of its partner content creators, while the MICCs enrich the Brand’s ways to share its campaigns to more people across the country. We are all kindred spirits exchanging stories about Mang Inasal, a brand we all love.” 

Celebration of collaboration

The MICC was just granted the Black Dragon designation in the Best Brand Building/Awareness Campaign category at the esteemed 2023 Dragons of Asia, demonstrating that all of its efforts since its founding have been worthwhile.

“MICC is definitely one of our biggest wins this 2023 because we have connected with different communities of customers through our content partners nationwide,” said Rodillo. “We are thankful to all MICC members for their contribution in bringing all the great Mang Inasal updates to their followers. And the Dragons of Asia win confirms the power of their efforts.”

MICC Meet Ups were held across the country, in Mega Manila, North and South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, to commemorate this recognition. This gave the brand the opportunity to meet the creators face-to-face and learn about each other’s MICC journeys. Additionally, a virtual celebration celebrating the inaugural MICC IHAWtastic Awards brought all members together via Zoom to round out the year.

While MICC is helping Mang Inasal close 2023 with the biggest bang possible, the upcoming year promises bigger and more IHAWtastic initiatives that will undoubtedly give digital video producers more opportunities to enjoy Unli-Saya and Ihaw-Sarap meals wherever and whenever they choose!

January 4, 2024 by