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Vic Vic Bautista

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 Vic Vic Bautista

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 Vic Vic Bautista

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 Vic Vic Bautista

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 Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

Henry Moodie releases new track “Bad Emotions”

**Photo Credit, Katie Silvester –** **DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES HERE**

Henry Moodie, a future worldwide pop sensation, has released his new single ‘bad emotions’ through Robots & Humans (UK), Columbia Records (US), and Sony Music Entertainment. The single is supported by a music video, which is currently online. Henry’s latest single, ‘Bad Emotions’, is taken from his upcoming EP, good old days.

On “bad emotions,” Henry delivers yet another epic ballad, with his wonderful vocals serving as the focal point of the new single, complemented by sublime production that includes exquisite guitars and stunning piano. It is both lovely and engaging, with a strong relatability that fans and new listeners will undoubtedly find appealing. The track is backed by a stunning video created by Joel Barney, and it demonstrates once more why Henry Moodie is regarded as one of the most exciting young UK pop stars on the scene today.

Speaking about ‘bad emotions’, Henry said: “‘bad emotions’ is a song about my journey with my mental health. I remember the day I went to the studio and I was planning to write a different song about my friend, but on the train journey up there I had a panic attack. Songwriting has always been a form of therapy for me and I knew that if I went into the studio that day talking about my mental health, I would feel better when I left. I hope this song helps anyone going through a hard time!”

Announced last week was Henry Moodie’s European and UK tour, coming October and November 2024 and includes a London show at the iconic Roundhouse on Monday 28th October. Full tour dates below and tickets can be purchased HERE.

At the age of 20, Henry Moodie has already racked up over 450 million streams worldwide, ranked in the Top 10 most viewed UK artists on TikTok in 2022, and been named one of Amazon Music’s Artists To Watch in 2023. After completing a songwriting certification at music school BIMM, Henry discovered his voice as a solo musician and songwriter, oozing emotional sensitivity and sweeping, timeless lyricism. In the winter of 2023, Henry published his debut EP, ‘in all of my lonely evenings’. With a total of 450 million plays across tracks like the self-penned and produced ‘you were there for me’, global top 100 smash ‘drunk text’, and the poignant ‘pick up the phone’, which earned 350k streams on its first day alone. Henry’s inaugural headline UK and European tour sold out in days, including a spectacular gig at London’s KOKO, and he will continue to perform at festivals throughout the summer in the UK, Europe, and Asia.

In Southeast Asia, Henry will play at:

Saturday 20th July – We The Fest, Jakarta

Sunday July 21st – Good Vibes Festival, Genting Highlands

Sunday August 25th – Summersonic, Bangkok

**bad emotions’ single artwork –** **DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES HERE**

LISTEN TO ‘bad emotions’ HERE

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘bad emotions’ HERE

DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS HERE

FOLLOW HENRY MOODIE ON SOCIALS

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

June 24, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

The Itchyworms will launch their own brand of craft beer with a special event

The Itchyworms, Filipino pop-rock icons, are hosting a music event to celebrate the release of their own brand of craft brews, which will feature some of their friends and favorite local musicians. As I attended their press conference, it was such a delight to see how they were achieving success. I also find them very funny and witty, which makes it easier for us to converse with them. They also gave their honest reactions and answers during the talk.

Selfie with The Itchyworms during the press launch

The Itchyworms: Beer or Pag-Ibig? Official Launch aims to introduce their refreshing blend of brew varieties to the general public for the first time, while also featuring live performances from Ebe Dancel, Ciudad, Blaster, The Revisors, and The Itchyworms.

The unique celebration will take place at the 123 Block on July 13, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. Aside from performances, co-organizers GNN Entertainment Productions, Flat Foot Brewing Co., and The Itchyworms will have games, booths, and other on-site activities!

The Itchyworms’ entrance into the brewing business is inspired by their song “Beer,” which topped multiple music charts when it was released and has become a drinking anthem among Filipinos. It asks the common question: Bawat Patak. Anong Sarap. Ano ba talaga’ng mas gusto mo?

The two types are BEER, a light and clean-tasting blonde ale with a balance of tropical fruit flavor and the correct amount of maltiness, and PAG-IBIG, a hazy, foggy, and floral beer that is both sweet and bitter.

Admission to the event is PHP 999 for two persons and includes a free six-pack of beer. Early tickets are available at bit.ly/beeropagibig.

June 22, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

Over 10 million members benefit from SM’s revolutionary loyalty program

Enhanced shopping experience awaits members of one of the country’s biggest rewards system

SM demonstrated its dedication to customers by continuously improving SMAC, the company’s loyalty program. Committed to providing a smarter, more rewarding shopping experience for customers, SM is focused on customer-centric innovation through SMAC, which will deliver an array of advantages designed to improve convenience, savings, and overall happiness.

SMAC, the country’s largest retail rewards system, has also expanded its client base, doubling it from 5 million in 2020 to over 10 million members now.

SM’s loyalty program has paved the path for smarter buying across the country. Members can use the SMAC app to track their spending, access their points, which are redeemable for cash, and stay up to speed on exclusive discounts and privileges. Customers can then adjust and tweak their expenditures to fit the lifestyle they choose.

“SMAC is more than just points and exclusive offers. We enable our members to shop smarter. With SMAC, they will have access to information that will equip them to make smarter purchases,” shared Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer, SMAC.

Tracing their history from economic crises, loyalty programs have become a way for companies and the consuming public to strengthen their relationship, going beyond transactions and increasing the value exchange between them.

Smarter retailing and a rewarding lifestyle for SMAC members

Defined as providing customers with tools that allow them to shop faster and smarter, smart retailing has been dominating global retail businesses in the past few years as seen by how customers become more thoughtful in spending their money.

Insights from a loyalty program like SMAC also allow brands to craft a more positive experience for their customers.

“SM takes care of its customers by providing them a tool that enables them to shop smarter and that continuously engages with them. SMAC is a healthy program that its members and partner brands can rely on,” Hartigan-Go further shared.

Launched in 2002, SMAC has offered its loyal members an unparalleled shopping experience by fostering a strong community for more than 20 years. Loyalty goes both ways, and SM’s loyalty program understands this showcased through its strong network of over 4,000 partner stores nationwide.

Now, offering a more comprehensive and rewarding lifestyle for their members is SMAC’s partnerships with other brands including Shell, Mabuhay Miles, Globe Rewards, and PLDT Home Rewards.

As consumer expectations and buying behavior grow, SMAC strives to provide its members with even more possibilities to be rewarded. SMAC has made shopping more rewarding at SM Store, SM Markets, Ace Hardware, SM Appliance Center, Watsons, Toy Kingdom, Pet Express, Uniqlo, The Body Shop, and Sports Central by providing exclusive discounts, prizes, and freebies.

Members receive additional benefits when they reserve their stay at Taal Vista, Pico de Loro, or Pico Sands. Hotels include Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson Hotels.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

June 21, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

Benj Pangilinan and Angela Ken collaborate for the first time on the feel-good track “Nandito Na Ako”

The lilting pop jam was co-written by Benj with multi-awarded singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre and Over October’s Josh Buizon

Filipino singer-songwriters Benj Pangilinan and Angela Ken capture the blissful sense of romantic assurance on their joint tune “Nandito Na Ako,” which was released today by Sony Music Entertainment.

The newly formed team creates a calming track that combines old Pinoy pop music with youthful appeal.

Benj sought assistance from his brother, Donny Pangilinan, on which artist could perform the song as a duet.

“It was in that moment that he recommended Angela Ken,” shares the multi-talented artist. “He made me listen to her songs, and honestly, I was immediately blown away. Seconds later, I sent her a message.”

Angela, on the other hand, felt surprised and excited after receiving the demo from the fast-rising newcomer. Having worked with some of the most interesting personalities and creatives on this side of mainstream and pop music, the young hitmaker immediately said yes to Benj’s pitch, as she finds the song somewhat within her lane, yet captivating enough to draw her into the project.

“My most favorite thing was our recording for this track,” the charming recording star admits. “I saw the passion Benj has for his craft and it was very chill. It’s effortless, but it brims with so much promise.”

It also happens to be Benj Pangilinan’s first foray into writing songs in Filipino, which somehow challenged him as a musician.

Benj explains, “I wrote the song with my Tita Felichi Buizon, my cousin Josh Buizon (frontman of Over October), Angela Ken, and another songwriter friend, Moira. Initially, I wanted to write a happy nostalgic OPM song, but as the project progressed, it naturally evolved to the song we have today.”

He continues: “We really wanted to bring back that nostalgic OPM melody while trying to evolve the music production through my personal influences and honestly what we felt the song needed at the time.”

Benj Pangilinan and Angela Ken’s “Nandito Na Ako” is currently available on all digital music platforms worldwide through Sony Music Entertainment. Watch for the music video to be released soon on Benj Pangilinan’s YouTube page.

June 21, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food

Stories of Fatherhood and Family: Learning Dad’s Secret Recipe Brings the Family Closer

A Father’s Day celebration series on flavorful umami meals with Ajinomoto

This Father’s Day is an excellent opportunity to hear true stories from fathers who have their own fan following at home when it comes to cooking, which is none other than their own family! Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) celebrates Father’s Day by providing dads, papas, and tatays with voices and a platform to share their methods, with the goal of empowering other fathers by allowing them to create and discover new ways to bring their families closer together through food and meals spent well together over good conversations at home.

How mornings could be less of a chore, and more for family quality time

Households with children who go to grade school would understand and relate to those mornings when everybody seems to be rushing. The parents are getting ready for work and some last-minute preparations before they leave. Sometimes, the morning rush can take away precious time from the family, including cooking time, but with AJI-GINISA® Less Sodium Flavor Seasoning Mix, “Mr. Gino’s” Salmon Onigiri, is what the family looks forward to doing altogether. His wife’s task was to make sure all the ingredients were ready and laid on the counter in order, while the children set the table, and Mr. Gino made sure he had the AJI-GINISA® Less Sodium Flavor Seasoning Mix, ready to mix in the morning dish. From the usual manic mornings, breakfast and preparing for it has never been easier, now a bonding experience for the whole family.

Everyone in their own living spaces at home, but the first sign of lunch calls

Ever since the discovery of the work-from-home setup, everyone at home would rather stay inside their rooms, where their home office setup is. With lunch being in between the day, most of us would opt for lunch at our desks, another reason why family time is lessened even when everyone’s at home. Not in Mr. Chris’s home. Preparing lunch is what everyone looks forward to in his hold. The family favorite would be his fried chicken, and everyone at home would know that they only use Crispy Fry® Breading Mix. It’s the smell of fresh oil in a hot pan, waiting to marry chicken cuts coated with Crispy Fry® Breading Mix, and how every bite would just be as good as the laughs and smiles exchanged during lunch. Mr. Chris’s son told him how excited he is to create his own twist on his dad’s fried chicken recipe, but for now, it will be the classic Crispy Fry® Fried Chicken that would be the house’s champion.

Family time after hitting that new personal fitness goal

Mr. Ronny enjoys an evening jog with his family around the neighborhood. It used to be him alone, but he found ways to encourage his family to join. One special way he thought would work was through food. After running, he goes straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner, and rice at Mr. Ronny’s was extraordinary. His Special Fried Rice, a hearty dish that has white rice, onion, garlic, longanisa, sweet ham, eggs, green peas, and the AJIGINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix, is his secret to this all-in-one dish.

The star of family meals, dad’s secret ingredient to hearty meals.

Every dinner prepared with affection is something to look forward to, and the dish is undoubtedly unforgettable. Each family has their own classic recipe that is passed down through generations. As we celebrate Father’s Day, we remember and appreciate not only their culinary skills, but also the time and effort they put in to bring joy to their families and bring them closer together. Fathers from many walks of life have shared their stories, but one thing they have in common is that they all have one reliable cooking friend who never fails them: their AJINOMOTO® goods and the twists they add to their cuisine. Why don’t you go to your kitchen? Your dad might be preparing a feast that you’ll never forget!

Check out these recipes and follow Cookmunity (www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com) by Ajinomoto Philippines for updates, cooking tips, and ideas.

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

June 20, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

Filtr and Sony Music Entertainment celebrate the year’s best summer songs with “Summer POPsicle Szn”

Both entities also mounted a public event that translates the campaign’s sonic vibe into an immersive on-ground experience

Filtr and Sony Music Entertainment recently collaborated on the ‘Summer POPsicle SZN’ playlist, which is a curated blend of chart-topping tunes from some of the biggest international bands.

The playlist included fan favorites including “Greedy” by Tate McRae, “Water” by Tyla, “Saturn” by SZA, “drunk text” by Henry Moodie, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, “double take” by Dhruv, “Stargazing” by Myles Smith, and local classics from BINI and Maki.

This program is part of the’szn’ (seasonal) campaign, which began in October 2023 for Halloween, December 2023 for Christmas, February 2024 for the Grammys, March 2024 for International Women’s Month, and April through June for the warmest summer.

To promote the global music campaign, Filter and Sony Music Entertainment recently mounted a public event that allows fans to experience their favorite pop hits this summer via an on-ground experience.

Both entities created Summer Popsi-Skate, a gathering where music fans get to enjoy a day out at the SM Megamall Skating Rink. Participants received freebies and prizes like premium vinyl, and enjoyed various fun activities set to the soundtrack of this generation’s biggest pop anthems.

Summer Popsi-Skate, a celebration of music, community, and the joy of summer, left everyone hungry for the next part of this great program, with some attendees skating to the rhythm and pulse of their favorite tracks. The rink embodied the joy of summer and provided as an ideal backdrop for selfies and group shots.

Listen to the ‘Summer POPsicle SZN’ playlist on Filtr Asia’s Spotify page. Stay tuned for upcoming szn playlists in 2024.

June 20, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

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