Monthly Archives

July 2024

Food, Lifestyle

Foodpanda and Coca-Cola collaborate to refresh Ka-pandas

Coca-Cola Philippines and foodpanda’s grocery delivery division, pandamart, have partnered to provide complimentary refreshments to independent delivery partners. This unique project is timed to coincide with Father’s Day, giving Ka-panDADs—who work tirelessly to make sure that food and grocery orders get to clients on time—a refreshing gift.

All Ka-panda delivery partners with active pandamart orders will receive free bottled drinks starting on June 16. In order to keep Ka-panda delivery partners hydrated and motivated while they go about their regular routes, Ka-panda has created the “Ka-panda Father’s Day Treat.”

The first leg kicked off at the pandamart warehouse in Pasig. Delivery partners expressed their gratitude as they received free drinks, sharing stories of how this simple treat makes a big difference in their delivery routines.

“Talagang doble kayod kami para sa pamilya, kaya nakakatuwang may libreng drinks din kami para ma-refresh naman sa bawat biyahe. Nakakataba ng puso na naaalala rin pala yung hirap naming mga delivery partners sa daan,” shared Ferdinand Cruz, a Ka-panda for four years now.

foodpanda Philippines Head of Category and Commercial Samantha Sy shared that Ka-panda delivery partners from their service provider, Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines, deserve this small token of appreciation for their hard work. “This treat is not only for fathers but also those who serve as breadwinners of their family, working incredibly hard to provide for their needs. This is our way of saying thank you for their dedication and perseverance. We’re also grateful to our reliable partner, Coca-Cola Philippines, for offering their resources to make this happen.”

Coca-Cola also echoed these sentiments. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Ka-panda delivery partners for their relentless dedication and hard work. We hope that by offering these complimentary refreshments, we can make their day a bit easier and show our appreciation for the convenience they bring into our lives,” said a representative from Coca-Cola Philippines.

The cooperation between foodpanda and Coca-Cola highlights the companies’ dedication to the welfare of delivery partners, making sure they understand how vital it is to them to bring groceries and food to clients. It is anticipated that hundreds of delivery partners will gain from the project.

To guarantee that more delivery partners can take advantage of this cool treat, the program will also be extended to other pandamart warehouses in Metro Manila..

For more information, visit www.foodpanda.ph.

How it works:

Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants and shops serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform or via cash-on-delivery The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant or shop, picked up by the foodpanda delivery partner and delivered straight to their doorstep.

Facebook: foodpandaphilippines
Twitter: foodpanda_ph
Instagram: foodpanda_ph

July 5, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food

Everything you need to know about your preferred chicken dish and cooking method in honor of National Fried Chicken Day!

Celebrating Ajinomoto’s Crispy Fry®’s 20th Anniversary

This type of roasted chicken has spread over the globe since it’s a universally cherished “go-to” dish. Fried Chicken is unquestionably a cuisine that everyone is familiar with, from changes in its preparation to the flavorings added to the basic yet quite recognizable dish to the presentation of this meal.

This National Fried Chicken Day offers an excellent chance to learn more about the diverse origins and long history of this beloved meal. The origins of fried chicken can be found in Europe during the Middle Ages, and in the 18th century, Scottish immigrants brought their frying methods to the Americas. Numerous iterations of this recipe have been distributed since then. To improve the flavor of the traditional dish, a range of spices and herbs have been added in addition to just frying the chicken meat.

Fried chicken has also been adapted in various cultures worldwide. The Koreans cook their chicken by double-frying the meat and then later dipping it in sweet and spicy sauces. The Japanese karaage, on the other hand, features marinated chicken pieces covered in potato starch that has light and crispy textures. The style found in Indonesia is fried chicken called ayam goreng, where the chicken is deeply marinated in local spices. Later on, distinct versions were made including the Southern Fried Chicken with its crispy coating and juicy meat marinated in buttermilk and spices. Even fried chicken found its pair, with the dish called chicken & waffles, wherein fried chicken is served with golden waffles with syrup complementing the savory experience.

Fried chicken even became more popular globally with the rise of fast-food chains, having their own take on the comfort-giving dish that truly made everyone find their perfect and favorite fried chicken of choice. Some people even became loyal to one fast food chain because of their version of fried chicken.

This July, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Crispy Fry ́®, and just like the many variations of fried chicken that exists all over the world, APC has made sure that there’s one variant of Crispy Fry ́® fit for everybody’s taste.

Crispy Fry® Garlic is made with a more delicious, special blend of flour, starch, and seasoning, for those who ought to enjoy a more garlic-y flavor to their fried chicken, elevating the experience of having that crispy-sarap fried chicken in every bite. The Crispy Fry® Spicy variation is perfect for those who want that right amount of kick of heat. Truly a spicy-food lovers’ partner, this flavor is indeed fiery in all the right ways. Finally, the Crispy Fry® Original flavor is one that is dear to the Filipino household which you most probably would find in the cupboards of Pinoy home, waiting to be used, on-call, on-standby for all the best reasons. This product could easily make one receive compliments about their cooking; while also maintaining that home-y and original tasting recipe at home you yearn for after a long day at work.

No matter how many different kinds of fried chicken there are in the world, a Filipino household can always tell when fried chicken is made with Crispy Fry® because most of the people who use this product have grown up with it and understand that it’s always best to add Crispy Fry® to fried chicken dishes, especially when you’re cooking for a large group of people or a barkada. Given the continued market support for Crispy Fry®,

APC finds National Fried Chicken Day to be a significant occasion.Somehow, it is general knowledge in the Philippines that by adding this unique ingredient to a fried chicken dish will help everything fall into place, regardless of if you know your ways around the kitchen or not! APC wishes everyone a Happy National Fried Chicken Day! Is that crispy-sarap bite we can smell and hear sizzling in oil the fried chicken we’re about to serve you?

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com .

July 5, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Beauty

Ever Bilena Serum Tinted Lip Gloss combines hydration with high shine

This lip gloss is about more than simply shine (though it has enough of that), it’s about embracing bold but comfortable tones that make you feel effortlessly you, much like the multi-talented Kaila Estrada.

Yes, Ever Bilena’s new muse is the contemporary breakout actress that has been dominating your TikTok FYPs with her excellent acting abilities! This time, she shows off her bright, gorgeous lips in Ever Bilena’s new Tinted Lip Gloss Campaign!

Like Ever Bilena, this lip gloss is all about having fun while also being utilitarian. Denice Sy, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, explains, “We know you’re busy, so we packed it with nourishing serums like Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid to keep your lips kissably soft all day!”

Speaking of shades, EB’s new line has seven juicy options to choose from:

Etheral: The perfect “no-makeup” makeup pink.
Fandango: A rosy mauve for a touch of flirty.
Punch: A true coral pink that packs a punch (of color, that is).
Toast of New York: Feeling bold? This brick red is your jam.
Stunner: Warm, muted pink with a touch of shimmer for extra wow.
Honeymoon Glow (our best-seller!): A toasted papaya with a shimmer that’s perfect for summer nights.
Melon: Craving a nudish peach finish? This is your go-to.

Do you miss the trend of lip gloss? And so are we! This lip gloss isn’t the gooey, sticky stuff from before. The Serum Tinted Lip Gloss by Ever Bilena is the ideal combination of lip care, high-shine color, and comfortable wear. It gives your lips the ideal personality boost!

On June 15, Ever Bilena Serum Tinted Lip Gloss (Php 225) will only be sold on Tiktok. From June 26 onward, it will also be accessible on other e-commerce sites including Shopee and Lazada! This gloss is also available in physical places across the country, including Watsons, SM Beauty Department places, Robinsons Department Stores, and other top department stores!

July 5, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle

Time magazine and Statista have rated Schneider Electric as the world’s most sustainable firm

Schneider Electric, a pioneer in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has been named the “World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2024” by Time magazine and Statista. This distinction highlights Schneider Electric’s aggressive aims for reducing its own emissions, as well as the company’s commitment to assisting its customers in becoming more energy efficient and lowering their emissions.

Time and Statista both emphasized Schneider Electric’s technology expertise as well as the Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) initiative. This transformative program drives and monitors the company’s progress toward global sustainability targets from 2021 to 2025, contributing to six long-term commitments that address all environmental, social, and governance (ESG) elements. Among this success, the company helped clients cut their carbon emissions, saving and avoiding 553 million tonnes of CO2 since 2018. The corporation has also made major strides toward changing its own supply chain. Carbon emissions from Schneider Electric’s top 1,000 suppliers have decreased by 27% since the program’s inception, with 21% of the company’s most strategic supply chain partners meeting Schneider Electric’s decent work requirements.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the world’s most sustainable company,” said Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric. “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, which is embedded in everything we do. We consider the environment, society, and good governance in our decisions and daily operations. That’s why we’re pushing hard to make even more progress on our sustainability goals and ensure everyone contributes to creating a positive and enduring impact”.

Schneider Electric was also recently included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the 13th consecutive year, ranked #1 in its industry and secured its place in the Europe index. This achievement reflects its strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, with sustainability at the core of its strategy.

Time and Statista utilized a comprehensive, multi-stage system to determine the world’s most sustainable firms in 2024. The procedure began with a list of over 5,000 of the world’s biggest and most powerful corporations. Following a four-stage review, the final ranking took into account external sustainability ratings and commitments, company reporting standards, and environmental and social performance indicators. This comprehensive methodology resulted in a ranking of 500 companies from 30+ countries.

July 3, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food

Pop-up café allows you to taste numerous Cream-O delicacies

**Cream-O opens first pop-up event, Cream-O Me Time Cafe, to give Cream-Oholics a cozy space to enjoy various treats from the cookie brand.**

Cafes can be a great place for folks who wish to unwind while eating sweets. Cream-O’s initial pop-up event, the Cream-O Me Time Cafe, aimed to provide customers with all of these experiences.

The cookie brand’s charming pop-up café, which was stationed at the Greenfield District Weekend Market from June 22 to 23, pleased guests with tasty goodies and fun activities. It was an immersive environment in which guests may relax in between errands while eating various Cream-O treats. They also praised the pop-up cafe’s pleasant atmosphere, which included peaceful music, educated e-books, and engaging games.

In case you missed it, look out for the next leg in the coming months. Here’s a closer look at the exciting activities during the pop-up event (plus a sneak peak at the next leg):

Cafe memories

**Content creators Cy Canlas and Emilio Daez enjoying various Cream-O cookies, cakes and drinks**

Social media has become a personal journal for many people, so Cream-Oholics were encouraged to pose with their Cream-O while enjoying the wide variety of cookies, cakes and drinks. Those who posted on social media were given a free Cream-O pack that they could take home. There was also a Freedom Wall where they could spread positivity and share their best me-time tips to other cafe-goers.

A variety of solo and group games

**Guests who played the memory game received Cream-O goodies**

The Cream-O Cafe’s Great Taste Memory Game tested visitors’ mental prowess. They were given 10 chances to match three consecutive logos within one minute. The prize was more snacks, such as Cream-O Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cream-O Brownie, and a twin pack of Great Taste Cream-O coffee.

Cream-Oholics were also free to try out various board games while enjoying their Cream-O snacks and drinks. They chose from traditional games, like chess and checkers, and popular group games. This brought a whole new meaning to bonding over board games.

Cozy time with books and music

**Cream-O Me Time Cafe visitors enjoy a variety of Cream-O products**

A cafe isn’t complete without a spot to read books and a chill playlist. The Cream-O Me Time Cafe offered a cozy space for bookworms to download and read public domain e-books via the Cream-O Library over delectable Cream-O cookies and coffee. Completing the experience was the Cream-Oholics Playlist, which curated visitors’ favorite songs to listen to while spending their me-time.

Overall, the Cream-O Me-Time Cafe provided many people with a place to unwind after a hard week. It not only made them feel calm, but it also provided “choco happiness” to Cream-Oholics seeking a pleasant atmosphere with delectable treats.

Stay tuned for Cream-O Me Time Cafe’s upcoming stops in the coming months. To stay updated on this, simply follow Cream-O’s official Facebook page.

July 3, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

Thousands run for a greener, cleaner, and better future

Vermosa Green Run 2024 takes running to a whole new level

On Sunday, June 30, more than 2,500 people and 300 dogs of various kinds participated in the third edition of The Green Run, an annual multi-category run held inside Vermosa, AyalaLand’s 700-hectare modern suburban development in Imus, Cavite.

The extraordinary turnout for this running event, which offered a variety of distances to meet fitness levels and running goals, underlined the continued popularity of running and the desire to participate in meaningful advocacy for a greener, better future.

***Jodi Santa Maria poses at the Finish Line after finishing the 10K run***

Fun runners, fitness enthusiasts, and aspiring marathoners joined elite competitors on the tracks, lacing up for 21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K distances, while fur parents bonded on the path with their ShihTzus, Poodles, Jack Russells, Huskies, Retrievers, and Aspins in the fan favorite, 1.4K Dog Run.

“We are extremely happy and grateful for the overwhelming support and response of runners in this year’s Green Run. More than just bringing fun and promoting healthy living, we are delighted to also give the running community a worthy cause to support. The Green Run’s main mission is to give back to the community by concretizing our commitment to protect the environment, championing young athletes and promoting animal care,” said Chrissy Roa, AyalaLand Inc. marketing and communications group head.

“This year, we welcomed Takbo Kabitenyo to the growing family of Vermosa. We opened the Ayala Vermosa Sport Hub to youth runners from Cavite who have a strong potential to become national athletes. We are committed to providing them with training support and the use of our state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to producing athletes who will bring pride to our country in the future while providing them with opportunities to have a better quality of life,” Ms. Roa added.

***Takbo Kabitenyo, one of the Green Run 2024 beneficiaries***

Aside from Takbo Kabitenyo, the Green Run continues to support the Haribon Foundation this year, and Pawssion Project was added as a beneficiary to promote animal welfare.

Avida Sentria Storeys, Ayala Malls Vermosa, Kremil-S, Diatabs, Merrell, Pocari Sweat, Park Access, Chris Sports, Fitbar, Naturals, Healthway Medical Network, Fuwa Fuwa, Nutrition Depot, Mogu Mogu, Sante Barley, and Oishi sponsored the Green Run 2024.

July 3, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

2GO Opens Hubs, Expands Forwarding Operations in Mindanao

From left to right: Tina Marie Yu, Senior Assistant Vice President and Head of 2GO Forwarding Operations; Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding; Dr. Mirasol Tiu, Vice President of PSU – Davao Chamber; Mary Antonette Doromal, Secretary General of the Davao Chamber; Elizier Santiago, Assistant Vice President of Operations for 2GO Forwarding; Mary Josephine Baylon, ATS-PPA Davao; Lester Tan, Operations Head at Globalport Terminals, Inc.; and Marceliano Rivera, Philippine Ports Authority Davao.

2GO’s expansion in Mindanao continues with the recent inauguration of shipside services in General Santos City and Davao, the sixth and seventh ports to provide this service, following Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga.

2GO, the nation’s leading end-to-end logistics, transportation, and distribution solutions provider, expands its footprint in Southern Mindanao. 2GO creates logistics centers in the major ports of Davao and General Santos to serve businesses and communities, capitalizing on economic growth prospects.

The shipside service improves the efficiency of the Less Than Container Load (LCL) or shared cargo service by offering shippers with shorter lead periods and the flexibility to accept last-minute commodities up to 18 hours before vessel departure. This service is great for urgent shipments, particularly those including vegetables, fruits, and other fresh food.

“We are excited to expand our shipside services to Davao and General Santos, enhancing our capability to support the local economy and meet the needs of our customers,” said Faye Alonzo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head. “These new hubs will enable MSMEs in Davao, GenSan, and neighboring municipalities to ship their products widely, ensuring that fresh produce and other time-sensitive goods reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently.”

The LCL service offers significant advantages for inter-regional shipments, allowing businesses to ship smaller quantities without the need to fill an entire container. This not only reduces costs but also improves inventory management and supply chain efficiency, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses with diverse shipping needs.

2GO’s extensive shipping routes from Manila to Davao, General Santos City, and Iloilo facilitate both travel and shipment, creating a reliable and efficient logistics network. These routes are particularly advantageous for businesses in Mindanao, providing them with consistent and cost-effective access to major markets, thus supporting their growth and expansion.

Faye Alonzo and Sea Operations Head Elizier Santiago attended the Davao and General Santos opening festivities. Representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority of Davao and General Santos, GlobalPort Terminals, Inc., South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc. (SCIPSI), PHILEXPORT Region 12, various fruit and vegetable traders and shippers, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), and partner agents also attended the events.

The event featured a sample shipment of 65 crates of tomatoes from Davao heading for Iloilo, demonstrating the efficiency and dependability of 2GO’s new shipside service.

For more information on 2GO LCL services, visit www.2go.com.ph.

July 2, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

SB19, a five-member boy band from the Philippines, appears on THE FIRST TAKE!

Special performance of the viral hit song “Gento”

Famous for its impactful dance that gained popularity on TikTok

The most recent episode of YouTube Channel THE FIRST TAKE has been announced.

SB19, a five-member Filipino boy band, makes its debut on THE FIRST TAKE in Episode 449.

SB19 is the first Southeast Asian artist to be nominated for Top Social Artist at the 2021 U.S. Billboard Music Awards, where they will perform their song “GENTO,” which gained popularity on TikTok due to its addictive phrase and innovative dance techniques.

Enjoy the song, which emphasizes the concept that “it is the accumulation of small efforts that leads to success,” in a special rendition created only for THE FIRST TAKE.

“It was a true first take, so we were very nervous and overwhelmed, but it was fun and an amazing experience,” SB19 shares. “Above all, we are grateful for this opportunity and for being able to represent the Philippines by performing our song here. We are honored to showcase our music and culture to the world through THE FIRST TAKE.”

THE FIRST TAKE is a Japanese YouTube channel that has famous singers and performers from around the world performing a song in one take. The First Take videos are shot in a studio and feature the performing artist and a microphone against a white background.

SB19, on the other hand, is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino artist to be welcomed to the influential music media site. Following the first announcement, HALA THE FIRST SB19 rose to No. 1, 2, and 35 on X’s trend list in the Philippines, Japan, and Worldwide, respectively.

Aside from this honor, the Philippines’ five-member boy quintet was just nominated for Favorite Asian Act at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

SB19’s performance will be broadcast today at 9 p.m., Manila time, on THE FIRST TAKE’s YouTube channel. Watch it here.

Follow THE FIRST TAKE on socials:

Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_firsttake

Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake

X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take

THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp

SB19 is self-managed by 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official