Monthly Archives

June 2024

Beauty

Jackie “Ate Girl” Gonzaga identifies the “BRIGHTEST FACE” among Brightest Skin Essentials

Jackie contract signing

“I’m in my brightest era” – Jackie “Ate Girl” Gonzaga

Jackie “Ate Girl” Gonzaga, a bubbly rising celebrity, It’s Showtime host, TV and Internet personality, is the new face of Brightest Skin Essentials.

The major reveal took place on June 28, 2024, in a pinkish-themed ballroom of the B Hotel in Quezon City.

Jackie was greeted by none other than the CEO, Ms. Yanna Salonga, and expressed her profound gratitude for being named the “Brightest Angel” of Brightest Skin Essentials.

Me at the press launch

It is indeed a shining and bright day, not just for Jackie “Ate Girl” but also for the Brightest Skin Essentials Family, as they welcome their newest brand ambassador, who really embodies their brand’s mission and vision. I too liked this brand a lot; it really helps my skin to be brighter, and it is FDA-approved. I also liked its texture and smell; it suits my skin well too. What I also like about them is that they offer a wide variety of different products to cater to all our needs. There is still more to go, and I’m excited to see what they have in store for us.

“I am thankful na meron tayong Brightest Skin Family. Maraming, maraming salamat po at grateful po talaga ako and masarap sa puso na pinagkatiwalaan ako na maging face of the brand,” Jackie said.

“I am thankful that we have the Brightest Skin Family. Thank you very much for I am grateful and it feels heartwarming to be trusted as the face of the brand,” Jackie said.

In a media conference, Jackie was asked what her day was like and how she took care of her skin. She revealed that she uses the product and her must skin routine is applying sunblock. “It’s a must for me na gawin, ang mag-sunblock”, Jackie shared.

As the newest endorser of Brightest Skin Essentials, she uttered this important remark. “Kung gusto mong nagniningning ang balat mo, dapat nagniningning din ang kalooban mo”.

If you want to have radiant skin, you should be the brightest within.

In her final message, Jackie shared this manifestation as the newest member of the Brightest Skin Essentials Family. “I am so happy and grateful to be part of the Brightest Skin Essentials Family. Maraming salamat po sa pagwelcome ninyo sa akin dito sa pamilyang ito. I hope and pray, and alam kong mina-manifest natin ito, to more brightest days ahead,” she said.

“I am so happy and grateful to be part of the Brightest Skin Essentials Family. Thank you very much for welcoming me into this family. I hope and pray and I know we are all manifesting this –  to more brightest days ahead,” she said.

Jackie with Brightest Skin Distributors

Prior to the media conference and Jackie Gonzaga’s grand reveal, Brightest Skin Essentials gathered its distributors in all parts of the country in an afternoon affair and had a formal contract signing. Other than the CEO, Ms. Yanna, the Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Bren Medriano was also present to witness the contract signing.

According to Ms. Yanna, she invited all her distributors to be part of this milestone for Brightest Skin as she recognizes her so-called “STARS”, who are there for her at the beginning of Brightest Skin’s journey.

“Gusto ko kasama ko kayo ngayon dito at dahil kasama ko kayo nagsimula, every step of the way na ginagawa sa brand kasama kayo at saksi kayo. Sana ma-appreciate ninyo lahat ng aming ginagawa para sa inyo, para sa ika-tatatag at mas ikagaganda ng ating brand”, Ms. Yanna said.

“I want you to be here today because you have been with me since the start. Every step of the way that we are doing for the brand, you are here and witnessed them. I hope you appreciate all that we do for you, to help our brand become stronger and better,” Ms. Yanna said.

Brightest Skin Essentials is well-known for its renewing set, which includes Intensive Kojie-Carrot Soap, Intensive Toner, Intensive Sunblock SPF 60, and Intensive Night Cream. Also available are Bleaching Bamboo Milk Scrub, Femcare Intimate Wash, Renew and Reveal Peeling Lotion, and Beauty Pads. All of these goods are available online and have FDA-certified product registration. These products are also Halal-certified.

Brightest Skin Essentials aims to produce and continue inventing products while maintaining the highest quality at a reasonable price.

Ms. Yanna hopes that the exciting collaboration between Brightest Skin Essentials and Jackie “Ate Girl” Gonzaga will inspire people to continue shining brightly as they find and use these skincare products.

For more information about Brightest Skin Essentials, please follow them on social media. You may also contact them via email at [email protected].

June 30, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

Since 2019, TETRA PAK has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20% across its value chain

The company’s 25th Sustainability Report details:

  • An action-oriented approach towards food systems transformation, establishing four key pathways with targets, as launched at COP28.
  • Launching an aseptic beverage carton featuring a paper-based barrier with 90% renewable content.
  • A 47% reduction in operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2019.

Tetra Pak has released its 25th Sustainability Report, which chronicles the company’s progress toward its sustainability objectives. It focuses on five interconnected themes: food systems, circularity, climate, nature, and social sustainability.

The company’s Sustainability Report FY23, released on the United Nations’ World Environment Day, indicates a 20% reduction in value chain GHG emissions and a 47% reduction in GHG emissions across its operations from 2019. The latter puts Tetra Pak on schedule to accomplish its 2030 target of net zero GHG emissions in its operations while also supporting the company’s long-term goal of working with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2050.

Another significant milestone saw the launch of an aseptic beverage carton featuring a paper-based barrier, reducing its carbon footprint by a third (33%) and bringing the company a step closer to developing the world’s most sustainable food package. This world-first resulted from a €100 million investment in packaging research and development in 2023, with the same investment planned annually for the next five to ten years.

Adolfo Orive, President & CEO at Tetra Pak, comments, “Collaboration across the food industry is ever more important to feed a growing population sustainably. Our global presence and end-to-end solutions give us daily opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders across the value chain, from farmers and food producers to suppliers, policymakers, consumers, and others. We understand the responsibility that comes with this role. We remain committed to playing our part to transform the world’s food systems to ensure they are more secure, resilient, and sustainable.”

Tetra Pak implements Cartons for Communities (CFC) in the Philippines, a comprehensive initiative to promote carton recycling and sustainability. The program includes education and awareness, collection and infrastructure, and advocacy and policy, enabling Tetra Pak to effectively collaborate with schools, communities, and local governments to promote recycling.

Tetra Pak Philippines’ recycling volume has increased by twice as much as the previous year because to CFC. This increase is part of a long-term increasing trend, with a CAGR of 23% reported since 2020. “Our collaborative activities have spread across the country, involving 15 local government units (LGUs) in Region 4A (Calabarzon) and the city of Baguio. “These partnerships are critical in driving our vision for a greener future as we continue to innovate and invest in sustainable practices,” said Catherine Chua, Tetra Pak’s Sustainability Manager for the Philippines.

Tetra Pak’s FY23 Sustainability Report highlights the company’s successes from the previous year as well as ongoing measures to preserve food, people, and the environment. This includes:

  • Expanding School Feeding Programmes: The company helped 64 million children in 49 countries access milk and other nutritious beverages through School Feeding Programmes.
  • Accelerating Recycling: The amount of carton packages collected and sent for recycling worldwide rose 7% compared to 2022. Additionally, there was a 14% increase in the volume of polyAl sent for recycling.
  • Again, getting recognition for Leadership in Corporate Transparency and Performance: Tetra Pak was included in the CDP Forests ‘A List for the eighth consecutive year. Additionally, the company received an ‘A-‘ rating in Water Security despite its first year of reporting in this area.
  • Actively implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The total FY23 report can be found here.

More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.

  youtube.com/user/tetrapak

 @tetrapak

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tetra-pak/

June 28, 2024 by
Entertainment

Watch SB19 and Apl.de.Ap carry out an amazing house party in the “Ready” music video

SB19 and Apl.de.Ap are having a large house party in the music video for “Ready,” a dance-pop hit published by Sony Music Entertainment.

“The concept of the music video revolves around the guys being away for a while and returning home to mount a party of a lifetime,” Apl.de.Ap explains. “While shot in Manila, it’s designed to be purposely ambiguous in location, and the maximalist design is intentional. It represents the arrival of SB19 as an international act. It’s an honor to be celebrating with the next pride of the Philippines.”

Working with Ben Mor

Ben Mor, an American director who has directed visuals for some of the biggest worldwide pop icons in recent memory, including Katy Perry, Britney Spears, John Legend, NAS, and the Black Eyed Peas, directed the music video. Mor, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Apl.de.Ap, has long been interested in this country’s design language, which he has displayed in numerous videos.

Apl.de.Ap revealed, “We have worked together for years as he has shot many Black Eyed Peas’ videos. The shoot was a bit of logistical madness because immediately after this, he was off to Athens to shoot another cool music video.”

Despite some logistical challenges, the 2 Proud act expressed satisfaction with the final outcome. The Filipino-American rapper also revealed that he wanted to showcase a visually cool part of the Philippines that was different from what people usually see on postcards and in films.

“I believe the house has a real aesthetic and character. But I let the professionals take it from there.”

A fun shoot

SB19’s Pablo admitted that the creative process for the MV was different from anything they’ve done as a group. This time around, they’ve worked with a more Westernized approach, not completely relying on a storyboard.

“Apl.de.Ap was fun to work with and very chill,” he said. “His energy was infectious! Even the dancers and the talents gave their all. There’s never a dull moment in the shoot.”

Justin also raved about the experience of collaborating with Apl.de.Ap’s team. While they’re used to embracing story-driven concepts for an MV, the youngest member of the group shared in a statement that it felt great having fun on the shoot, as if it didn’t feel like work at all.

“Somehow it offered a refreshing reprieve,” he said.

“Ready” is a monumental collaboration between P-Pop royalty SB19 and international hip-hop sensation Apl.de.Ap. The joint song, written by the Black Eyed Peas resident rapper, Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel, is a sparkling club hit that effortlessly captures the sound of summer regardless of the season. SB19’s Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, helped produce the tune, providing finishing touches and minor sonic aspects.

SB19 and Apl.de.Ap’s “Ready” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide through Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

June 28, 2024 by
Food

Jollibee Group enters the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list

Jollibee Group, a homegrown restaurant firm, was one of 38 Philippine companies listed in the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500. Fortune, a multinational multi-platform media business recognized for its Fortune 500 list, has ranked the region’s largest companies based on total revenue for the fiscal year 2023. The Jollibee Group ranked 86th on the overall list, with a sales of USD4,391.1 million and a profit of USD157.7 million. It was also the ninth highest-ranked Philippine firm.

In 2023, Jollibee Group’s overall income increased by 15.2% year on year, reaching an all-time high of Php244.1 billion. The company also achieved a new record operating profit of Php14.4 billion, representing a 45% increase over the whole year 2022.

“Behind our business performance is our passionate commitment to providing truly delicious food coupled with exceptionally caring and warm customer service. Our recent inclusion in Fortune’s inaugural list of Southeast Asia 500 Companies reflects this deep commitment and inspires us to keep dreaming big and exceeding people’s expectations as a restaurant company,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We dedicate this recognition to our teams and partners all over the world who share our passion and dedication to our mission of serving great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone,” Tanmantiong added.

The Jollibee Group has a diverse portfolio of 18 brands with over 6,800 stores across 33 countries. Its brands include Jollibee, its flagship brand for chicken category; The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for coffee and tea; Tim Ho Wan for Chinese cuisine; and Smashburger for better burgers.

The Jollibee Group has set aggressive growth plans this 2024 and beyond, which includes expanding the Jollibee brand internationally, growing its coffee and tea business, exponentially growing its presence in China, and sustaining its robust growth and market leadership in the Philippines.

Inaugural Southeast Asia List

Companies named to the inaugural Southeast Asia 500 join an elite group of businesses recognized by the Fortune 500 franchise, which includes the original Fortune 500, the Fortune Global 500, the Fortune Europe 500, and the Fortune China 500.

“The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 represents a dynamic and rapidly changing region—one whose core economies are developing far faster than those of Europe or the United States. Southeast Asia’s importance in the global economy has grown significantly as a result of shifting supply chains and the region’s rapid economic development,” stated Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Asia.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

June 28, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

The 2024 CSR Conference and Expo in July focuses on innovation and technology in a New and Inclusive Future

Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as transformative forces in the modern business landscape, promising significant benefits for early adopters, but they are not without disruptive consequences, including the possibility of disproportionately affecting more vulnerable members of society.

The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) is organizing the highly anticipated 2024 CSR EXPO to unite CSR practitioners to collaborate and leverage the potential of technology and innovation while mitigating risks. This year’s conference will be held at the Dusit Thani Manila on July 3 and 4, followed by the EXPO on July 4 and 5 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

Aptly themed “Reimagining a New and Inclusive Future”, this year’s Expo will bring together leaders, experts, and representatives of different industries to tackle significant topics ranging from how technology can enhance CSR practice and ESG reporting to AI’s role as a catalyst for innovation and as a source of disruption. It will also feature small-group breakout sessions where attendees can gather new insights and tactics about how AI and other revolutionary technologies can be leveraged across such crucial areas as enterprise development, health, environment, education, disaster resilience, arts and culture, and financial inclusion.

This gathering of CSR experts will showcase the application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting can help mitigate the challenges posed by technology. The sector aims to ensure that these technologies are inclusive and contribute to true societal and national development that benefits the 51% of Filipinos living in poverty.

“Corporates should view these innovations as vital opportunities to take part in, if not lead an all-of-nation implementations of CSR and ESG that maximize these innovations’ potential and promise while offsetting and minimizing their potential ill effects,” said Shem Jose W. Garcia, LCF Vice-Chair and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc. “These approaches must work to ensure that the application of technology is aligned with the fundamental principles of CSR and ESG, and, by doing so, made inclusive and contributes to social sustainability and the common good.”

Esteemed speakers across various spheres

The 2024 CSR EXPO will connect an estimated 200 delegates with industry leaders in CSR, technology and innovation, and other areas, and serve as a venue for dynamic discussions and collaboration.

The speaker lineup includes Keynote Speaker, Dr. David R. Hardoon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aboitiz Data Innovation; Forum Speakers Leo de Velez, co-founder of Frontlearners, Inc.; Sherwin Yap, founder of Kaizen Robotics International; and Sherlo Reyes, Director for the Center for Partnership & Development, School of Deaf Education & Applied Studies at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

For the thematic sessions, speakers include Ted Monroy, country representative, United Nations Industrial Development Organization; Dr. Alvin Marcelo, Philippine Digital Health Strategy Technical Working Group, Department of Health; Dr. Chelsea Elizabeth Samson, head of Strategy & Communications and head of Public Health and Policy, Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc.; James Elrond B. Lagare, Managing Director, Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc.; Prof. Erika Fille T. Legara, Aboitiz chair in Data Science and Associate Professor, Asian Institute of Management; Hon. Nolasco A. Mempin, Undersecretary for Administration, Department of Education; Ms. Aprille P. Tijam, Associate Director and Head of Exhibitions and Collections, Ayala Museum; Engr. Sergio Ramos III, president of PCI Innovations Tech Center; and Esteban Masagca, Executive Director, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network.

For the full list of speakers and sessions, please view the Conference Program at bit.ly/2024CSRExpo 

Recognizing outstanding CSR initiatives

In celebration of National CSR Week, LCF will award noteworthy examples of CSR excellence concurrently with the Expo.

LCF will announce the winners of the 2024 Guild Awards on the evening of July 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. The yearly awards program honors exemplary CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members.

For the first time, the League will also be awarding the CSR Medal of Recognition to non-members to acknowledge the work and effort they provide in their respective communities. The Medal of Recognition celebrates the interventional activities of non-member corporates. This inaugural program will be held on July 5 at the Glorietta.

Upholding CSR and technology to the public

Meanwhile, the Expo at the Glorietta Activity Center, which will be held from July 4 to 5, will showcase technology-themed CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members and non-members alike for the general public.

This year’s exhibitors are Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.; BPI Foundation, Inc.; Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; Metro Pacific Investment Foundation, Inc.; Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc.; Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Manila Water Foundation, Inc.; Power 4 All, Inc.; Lopez Group Foundation, Inc.; Energy Development Corporation; BDO Foundation, Inc.; San Miguel Foundation, Inc.; Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc.; Ayala Foundation, Inc.; Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. Foundation, Inc.; East West Seed Foundation, Inc.; Joy~Nostalg Foundation, Inc.; SM Foundation, Inc.; PCI Innovations Tech Center, Inc.; Frontlearners, Inc.; Rise Against Hunger Philippines; and Animal Empathy Philippines.

The Expo will also serve as a venue for the launch of LIFE, the League of Corporate Foundations’ Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition and Empowerment. LIFE is a  League-wide initiative working to halt stunting, wasting and malnutrition while collaborating with like-minded groups and government agencies.

LCF, founded in 1991, is a network of operational and granting business and family foundations and corporations in the Philippines. The League has been in the forefront of promoting and improving CSR practices among its members and the broader business sector in the country. Go to the LCF homepage at lcf.org.ph and the 2024 Conference and Expo microsite at bit.ly/2024CSRExpo.

The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. and the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. collaborated to organize the 2024 CSR Conference and Expo. It is also sponsored by the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Inc., SM Foundation, Inc., Henry Sy Foundation, Inc., and Felicidad T. Sy Foundation, Inc., as well as the Vivant Foundation.

June 27, 2024 by
Entertainment

Munimuni will mark a new era with a concert at the UP Theater

Munimuni, a Filipino indie-folk ensemble, will perform their third major concert on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the UP Theater in Quezon City, Philippines.

ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert ushers in the band’s new age of music, with new songs from the same-titled sophomore album as well as some old favorites. It also introduces Munimuni’s current lineup of Adj Jiao (guitar, vocals), John Owen Castro (flute, vocals), Jolo Ferrer (bass), Josh Tumaliuan (drums), and Ben Ayes (guitar).

Selfie with the Munimuni during the presscon

Alegorya presents Munimuni’s first full-length concert performance since 2019’s Kulayan Natin at Cine Adarna, UP Film Center, depicting the band’s current musical journey on the huge stage with opulent production elements and innovative storytelling. As we learn more about them, we’re also glad to discover their music. I for one was amazed by this band and how they unveil their music to the people and I really do like their songs and its meaning.

Caleb Vargas, the indie quartet’s manager, recently expressed his excitement for Munimuni’s decision to embark on this incredible feat.  “I have always been proud of these guys, even before I helped as their manager,” Vargas shares. “I’ve been a fan of their deep music that speaks about the realities of life. I hope everyone can be there in the Alegorya Concert to not just hear their music, but alsoexperience it. Also watch out for upcoming activities; you might see us around the metro playing songs from the album or even talking about it.”

Aside from Munimuni, acclaimed singer-songwriters and musicians Barbie Almalbis, Clara Benin, Keiko Necesario, and Sofia Abrogar of Any Names Okay will also be on the roster of guest acts.

“For the guest artists, we chose people who the band has been friends with for a long time and are artists that we look up to in the music scene,” the experimental folk band explains. “Some of them already have collaborations with us, and some are collaborating with us for the first time. We are excited to see how they will be able to give a different color to our songs.”

ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert is sponsored by GNN Entertainment Productions and Munimuni. Tickets are available at bit.ly/alegorya.

Check out the ticket pricing below.

SVIP – ₱2,800 (with Meet and Greet + signed poster + soundcheck access)

VIP – ₱2,500 (with signed poster)

LOWER ORCH – ₱2,000

UPPER ORCH – ₱1,500

LOWER BALC – ₱1,100

UPPER BALC – ₱800

June 26, 2024 by
Health and Wellness

Santé is ahead of the game in the health and wellness scene through acceleration and innovation

Discover the company’s journey to staying at the forefront of empowering people to live more, do more.

As more people prioritize self-care, there is a growing market for health and wellness products. The thriving sector emerged to improve health and serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Santé stands out as one of the world’s fastest-growing distribution and direct-selling firms dedicated to helping people live better lives. They improve people’s lives by providing transformative products and services.

Santé is a major player in the ever-changing health and wellness market, particularly among Filipinos who are putting greater emphasis on their well-being. They are constantly aiming to be the best, which has set new standards and transformed how Filipinos view health care. Santé is now sharing their tale of acceleration and innovation, from grass to glass.

Integrating high-quality processes into barley production. Santé’s success starts with their commitment to high-quality ingredients. They get their barley from New Zealand’s clean fields, where modern technology works alongside traditional farming methods. These fields, located in Canterbury, carry the perfect soil for growing barley.

All Santé’s farms in New Zealand are manned by highly skilled farmers who use top-notch equipment to grow the barley. Even though New Zealand’s climate naturally helps crops grow well, Santé’s farmers carefully check on the barley using advanced tools. This ensures every plant reaches peak freshness before harvest. And because of their careful approach, Santé’s barley has earned a special organic certification from BioGro. This means they don’t use harmful chemicals and follow strict environmental guidelines.

According to Santé New Zealand Managing Director Peter Hope, Santé considers the fusion of high-tech processes with eco-conscious practices pivotal in its mission to achieve acceleration and innovation.

“By prioritizing cleanliness, environmental friendliness, and sustainability, Santé remains steadfast in its pursuit of elevating standards and reaching new heights in the industry,” said Hope.

Driving innovation and acceleration through business programs. More than just its products, Santé is renowned for offering business opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs. The company consistently pushes its boundaries through innovative programs tailored to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.

The Santé business program provides comprehensive education and training for individuals interested in starting their own business ventures. As a direct-selling company, Santé operates with a growth mindset, continuously striving to assist Filipinos in living better lives.

According to Santé CEO Joey Marcelo, innovation is the driving force behind Santé’s relevance in the market, which is a philosophy that extends to their business owners. “This year, one of Santé’s goals is to implement digital transformation across our processes and harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative underscores our commitment to foster not only credibility but also paving the way for a brighter, transformative future in the health and wellness sector,” Marcelo stated.

Presently, Santé actively engages with consumers through various platforms and strategies, with a primary focus on digital connectivity to reach a wider audience, particularly the younger demographic. This initiative is part of their global expansion strategy, as Santé has established its presence in 10 other countries, serving as a testament to their belief that transforming lives transcends geographical boundaries.

Extending health and wellness beyond the “glass”. While Santé Barley remains the company’s flagship product, Santé’s commitment to wellness extends far beyond it. Santé offers a diverse range of health and wellness products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of its customers. From nutritional supplements and drinks enriched with barley such as Santé Barley Capsule, Santé Daily C, Fit N Trim, Fusion Coffee, Choco Barley, and Boost Coffee, to personal care products crafted with natural ingredients like Santé Natureal toothpaste and Moments sanitary napkins, Santé empowers individuals to live better lives.

Moreover, Santé has expanded its offerings beyond health and wellness products by establishing the Santé Leisure Club, Santé Fitness Lab, and they are now venturing into the food and beverage industry.

According to Santé Managing Director for the Philippines and Asia 1, Paul Caluag, Santé is continuously pursuing excellence, with acceleration and innovation at the core of their growth. “By offering holistic solutions that address the mind, body, and spirit, Santé goes beyond the traditional boundaries of wellness, inspiring a movement towards total well-being,” said Caluag.

Santé’s story demonstrates the power of innovation and acceleration in the health and wellness market. Santé’s unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and consumer-centricity has not only altered industry standards, but also reshaped Filipinos’ attitudes toward health. Indeed, Santé continues to lead the way, demonstrating that true acceleration and innovation have no limits.

For more information on Santé and its health and wellness products and services, go to mySanté.com.

June 26, 2024 by
Food

Highlands Coffee Named Vietnam’s Best F&B Brand for Customer Experience


Leading in Customer Experience. Vietnam’s #1 Coffee Chain, Highlands Coffee, has been named as the top F&B brand in customer experience by KPMG. Highlands Coffee is one of the 18 brands under the Jollibee Group, one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies.

Highlands Coffee, Vietnam’s leading coffee chain and one of Jollibee Group’s worldwide restaurant brands, has been named the highest-ranked food and beverage brand in the 2023 Customer Experience Excellence Study (CEE) by KPMG in Vietnam.

The CEE report, commissioned by global consulting firm KPMG, polled Vietnamese consumers in eight categories, including restaurants and fast food, entertainment and leisure, and travel and hotels. Brands were ranked using KPMG’s Six Pillars of Experience approach, which includes Integrity, Empathy, Resolution, Personalization, Expectations, Time, and Effort, providing significant insights for firms looking to improve customer experience strategy.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO of the Jollibee Group, shared: “Highlands Coffee’s recognition affirms Jollibee Group’s efforts to build well-loved brands in their respective markets. We thank our Highlands Coffee team for their passionate commitment to great-tasting products and exceptional customer experiences. We are also grateful to our customers for supporting Highlands Coffee as we accelerate its growth in Vietnam.”

“The voice of our customers is at the heart of everything we do,” shared David Thai, Founder & CEO of Highlands Coffee. “We can fulfill our promise of delivering ‘The Best of Vietnam’ by listening to our guests’ needs and by constantly elevating our product offerings, physical footprint, digital presence, and overall guest experience.”

Key Highlights from the KPMG Study

Highest Ranked Food and Beverage Brand: Highlands Coffee emerged as the highest-ranked F&B brand in the study, surpassing other formidable players in the food and beverage industry. Based on the survey, Highlands Coffee increased its share in the face-to-face channel, with patrons praising the café’s ambiance and diverse drink options. In terms of satisfaction on digital channels, Highlands Coffee excelled across its website, customer inquiries, and online orders, earning the highest satisfaction from multiple age groups .

Climbing 22 Spots: In a notable leap, Highlands Coffee ascended an impressive 22 spots compared to the 2022 study. From the survey, only Highlands Coffee showed an increase in value-for-money score, as other coffee brands experienced a decrease. This trend suggests that even as customers demand greater value from their beverage experiences, Highlands Coffee’s exceptional-tasting beverages rem

Strong Value and Loyalty Scores: Amid market competition, Highlands Coffee maintained robust value and loyalty scores. Survey respondents consistently recognized the brand’s quality, authenticity, and commitment to their well-being. Highlands Coffee also stood out as the only brand with a significant increase in loyalty scores, attributed to its excellence in upgrading coffee spaces and providing a delightful experience with attentive customer service and high-quality products. These have been identified as resonating with customers, instilling in them a strong sense of brand affinity and loyalty.

Highlands Coffee’s Continued Growth

Founded in 1999, Highlands Coffee began with a passion for Vietnam and its rich coffee culture. Today, it not only leads the market but also serves as a community hub across its numerous stores, offering coffee, teas, and food that bring people together.

Highlands Coffee has grown exponentially since the Jollibee Group acquired 50% in 2012, expanding the store network from 56 stores to 723 in Vietnam and 779 globally. With a dominant 35 to 40% market share in Vietnamese coffee, Highlands Coffee stands as the market leader, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community-building. To date, Highlands Coffee’s strategic growth has solidified its presence especially in key urban areas, resonating strongly with both locals and visitors alike.

Highlands Coffee helps with the diversity and expansion of the Jollibee Group’s overseas portfolio. As of March 2024, the Jollibee Group’s large shop network of 6,885 outlets has grown by 4.6% over the same period the previous year. Highlands Coffee is part of the Jollibee Group, which also owns popular brands like Jollibee, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf©, Smashburger, and Tim Ho Wan.

To learn more, go to the Highlands Coffee website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The Jollibee Group’s website is www.jollibeegroup.com.

June 25, 2024 by
Entertainment

Hepmil Philippines builds new production hub to increase content creation skills, revealing the latest ‘We The Future’ show


From L to R: WTF Content Creators Sheanner Navarro, Josef Spartacus Farnacio, Jestoni Rubantes, Jan Ryan Azurin, and  Rian Simon Magtaan
 

Hepmil Philippines, a technology-driven media firm that operates the popular digital entertainment platform PGAG, which engages and entertains over 24 million Millennials and Generation Z’s weekly, has inaugurated its latest production base in Makati City.

The 400-square-meter production hub offers a variety of creative zones, such as huge studios, different workstations, lounges, and a wardrobe department. The areas can be tailored to fulfill a variety of content production requirements, encouraging flexibility and agility in creative processes.

This new production hub addresses the increased demand for virtual production services. According to the 2024 Global Digital Report, 64.5% of consumers do online brand research and are becoming more selective about online content. With its enhanced capabilities, Hepmil Philippines intends to be a leader in innovative content development, guaranteeing that companies can effectively engage their consumers with fascinating and relevant content.

Hepmil Philippines also announced plans to integrate livestreaming capabilities into its new studio setup to enhance audience engagement and broaden the reach of its diverse content offerings.

New Content Lineup


Left to Right – Erwin Razon (General Manager of Hepmil Philippines), Karl Mak (Co Founder & Chief Executive Officer of HEPMIL Media Group), and Jel Directo (Country Manager of Hepmil Creators’ Network)

This hub expansion not only boosts the company’s ability to produce relatable and compelling content for brands but also empowers hundreds of creators within its network.

Adding to the PGAG, Hepmil Philippines launched ‘We The Future,’ a comedic documentary series that delves into the authentic stories and voices of various Filipino communities. The show also highlights the unique experiences and perspectives of its cast, which includes Jan Ryan “Zarckaroo” Azurin, Josef Spartacus “Spart” Farnacio, Jestoni “Guhit Jes” Rubantes, Sheanner Navarro, and Rian Simon “Rianismo” Magtaan.

“What’s unique about ‘We The Future’ is our hands-on approach. We go directly to the grassroots, engaging with real people and sharing authentic stories. We connect with communities and amplify the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard. Through ‘We The Future,’ we bring these stories to light,”  said Erwin Razon, General Manager of Hepmil Philippines.

Razon also gave a sneak peek into their new content pieces, including  ‘Si OA,’ which features a passive-aggressive individual who seeks validation from others who share her controversial views, often disrespecting others with her exaggerated reactions and opinions; ‘Pork Soju,’ follows a character in situations reminiscent of dramatic and twist-filled Korean dramas; and ‘Astrolo-tea,’ offers unserious horoscope readings that provide “tea” for each zodiac sign, meant to give reality checks based on zodiac sign personalities and traits.

These new shows, scheduled for release in the next half of 2024, will further solidify Hepmil Philippines’ commitment to innovative and diverse content, introducing fresh ideas that provide more opportunities for creators to showcase their talents and for audiences to connect with genuine, relatable stories.

“We are going to do reality-based shows where we showcase the characters and the cast and crews based on their personalities. So they actually will be a part of content pieces where they get to showcase their true selves,” said Razon.

Given its growing popularity and monetization prospects, Hepmil launched an incubation program in December to empower its talent and creator network with social commerce capabilities. Hepmil’s network now includes 500 content creators, solidifying the company’s position as a digital media and content development powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

Learn more about HCN and our creators at www.hepmil.com/creators​.

Social Media References:

PGAG FB, TT, IG

We The Future FB, YT, IG

Sheanner Navarro FB

Zarckaroo FB, IG, YT

Spart FB, YT

Guhit Jes FB, IG, YT, TT

Rianismo FB, YT

June 25, 2024 by
Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

Experts indicate RSV may increase threats for seniors


(From Left: Ms. SoYoung Seo, General Manager of GSK Philippines, Dr. Lourdes Dumlao, Geriatrics Expert, Dr. Lenora Fernandez, Pulmonology Expert, Dr. Rontgene Solante, Infectious Disease Expert, Ms. Nanette Inventor, Artist and Educator, Dr. Gio Barangan Country Medical Director of GSK Philippines and Mr. Richard Arboleda, Communications, Government Affairs and Market Access Lead of GSK Philippines

News Highlights

  • Public health experts warn that over 9 million Filipino seniors, especially those with comorbidities, are at high risk for severe RSV infections due to weakened immune systems.
  • RSV easily infects members within households, with symptoms often mistaken for the common flu, leading to potentially fatal complications in seniors.
  • There is no targeted treatment for RSV in adults.
  • Seniors require extensive aftercare post-hospitalization for RSV, with a significant percentage needing professional home care and facing high readmission and mortality rates.
  • RSV is often misperceived as a pediatric illness, but it poses a greater threat to older adults, causing severe complications such as pneumonia, respiratory distress, and exacerbation of pre-existing comorbidities.
  • Preventive measures, including regular medical consultations, hygiene protocols, and healthy lifestyle habits, are crucial for mitigating RSV risks among seniors.

Public health professionals are warning senior folks and Filipinos with comorbidities about the serious hazards connected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country has more than 9 million seniors aged 60 and up. Seniors, particularly those with comorbidities, are more likely to develop severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections due to compromised immune systems.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease expert and President of the Philippine College of Physicians, described RSV as a common but little-known respiratory virus that spreads through inhalation or contact with infected people’s respiratory secretions. Symptoms often include congestion, coughing, wheezing, and a low-grade fever.

Selfie with Ms. Nanette Inventor, one of the speaker. Openly managing Type 2 Diabetes and hypertension, Nanette playfully crowns herself the “queen of maintenance medicines,” inspiring others to prioritize their health.

Hearing this news is so alarming, yet I am glad to be aware of this disease. I’m with my mom, and she’s also a senior citizen. This news has become an eye-opener for me to be more mindful of my surroundings since I’m always going out for work. There are a lot of cases and diseases right now, and being more careful and hygienic can help our children and senior citizens who are just at home.

“Identifying RSV from other respiratory diseases is difficult because of its non-specific symptoms similar to other illnesses. Diagnosis requires testing that is often expensive and not widely accessible. Seniors and individuals with comorbidities may mistake their symptoms for a common cold or flu, not realizing they could be suffering from RSV, which can result in severe long-term damage or even fatal complications. More concerning is that there is no specific treatment for RSV in adults,” says Dr. Solante.

He emphasizes that while RSV can infect individuals at any time of the year, it spreads more intensively during the rainy months from September to February, peaking in the colder months of October and December. This highly contagious virus spreads easily within households, where one infected person typically infects three others, and while most are infectious for 3-8 days, older adults may transmit the virus for extended periods.

“Our seniors are particularly susceptible and vulnerable because, in Philippine culture, they often live with family members who also serve as their caregivers. These family members may unknowingly contract RSV at work or elsewhere and bring it home to their senior relatives. Within the household, symptoms might be dismissed as just the flu, not realizing that what’s circulating is RSV, which can be fatal for seniors.” says Dr. Solante.

RSV imposes a greater burden and necessitates extensive aftercare for seniors

Dr. Lourdes Dumlao, President of the Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine, observes that RSV is often depicted as a pediatric illness on social media because children, like seniors, have weak immune systems, making them vulnerable. However, she emphasizes that RSV presents a greater burden on seniors.

Dr. Dumlao explains, “Studies have shown that the incidence of hospitalizations and mortality due to RSV is substantially higher in seniors than in children.  Seniors with certain underlying conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure (CHF), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at higher risk of hospitalization when infected with RSV. Additionally, RSV can cause various severe respiratory complications in older adults, including arrest and failure, respiratory distress, and emphysema. Further, about 30% of older adults may develop heart complications when hospitalized with RSV.”

Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez, head of Pulmonary Services at Asian Hospital and Medical Center and former President of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, highlights the extensive aftercare needed by RSV patients even after hospital discharge, stressing the burden this imposes not only on the patients themselves but also on their families.

Dr. Fernandez says, “One out of four RSV patients (24.5%) may require professional home care after hospital discharge. Additionally, up to one out of four (26.6%) of these patients are readmitted within three months post-discharge, and even more concerning, three out of ten (33%) may die from complications related to RSV within a year of their initial admission.”

Awareness and Proactive Health Measures to Protect Seniors from RSV

Dr. Solante emphasizes the importance of education in mitigating the health risks of RSV and highlights the need for both seniors and their caregivers to be well-informed.

“RSV is difficult to detect and prone to misinformation so I advise seniors to discuss RSV with their doctors who can guide them on the necessary precautions to reduce their health risk,” he advises.

Dr. Fernandez recommends taking fast action if flu-like symptoms occur in the home. “I recommend that families implement safety and hygiene protocols promptly to protect their seniors, such as isolating symptomatic individuals, wearing face masks, and engaging in frequent handwashing,” she says.

“Seniors must be proactive about their health,” says Dr. Dumlao. “Through regular medical consultations, seniors can ensure they receive the right interventions to mitigate RSV risks, while also adopting healthy habits like maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in regular exercise to boost their immune system.”

About RSV in older adults

RSV is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. Adults can be at increased risk for RSV disease due to comorbidities, immune-compromised status, or advanced age. RSV can exacerbate conditions, including COPD, asthma, and chronic heart failure and can lead to severe outcomes, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. Each year, approximately 177,000 adults 65 years and older are hospitalized in the US due to RSV; an estimated 14,000 cases result in death.

June 24, 2024 by