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Lifestyle

An agreement is signed between Sterling Bank of Asia and Santos Land Development Corporation

In order to increase the home loan options available to its present and potential customers in Davao, Sterling Bank of Asia inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC). The official cooperation between SBA and SLDC was established at the MOA signing at The Ivory Residences.

The deal was negotiated by the Chairman of SLDC, Ms. Nora Morada, and the Chief Finance Officer of SLDC, Ms. Maria Lourdes Estanislao, along with SBA’s First Vice President for Vismin Consumer Lending, Ms. Leila Amante, and Senior Vice President for Consumer Lending Group, Ms. Mary Rose Mendez.

“We are excited about the recent expansion of partnerships in the Davao region,” said Ms. Amante. “ This partnership with SLDC will allow SBA to offer our current and future clients more home ownership options,” she added.

The Ivory Residences is the most recent addition to Sterling Bank of Asia’s current selection of home loans offered for SLDC properties. The 18-story residential condominium is a great option for local professionals, businesspeople, and tourists because it is close to shopping centers, hospitals, schools, and government buildings. A small number of individual homes on the land have some of Davao City’s largest floor designs.

Visit the nearby Sterling Bank of Asia branches or go to www.sterlingbankasia.com for further offers and details on house loans.

Lifestyle

Damosa Land Inc. and Sterling Bank of Asia sign a partnership agreement

One of the top thrift banks in the nation, Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA), joins forces with Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), a company in the ANFLO Group of Companies, to finance buyers of the company’s houses and condos who have good credit.  

“We are happy to partner with the leading and one of the region’s trusted developers, Damosa Land Inc.,” said Leila Amante, SBA’s First Vice President for Vismin Consumer Lending. “We are in one goal with DLI in giving access to eco-friendly housing and support uplifting the lives of our fellow Davaoeños,” Ms. Amante added.

For the Ameria and Seawind Condominium complexes, Sterling Bank of Asia will, in accordance with the MOA, offer home loans to eligible customers through its retail mortgage financing program.  

“At Damosa Land, we have always wanted to give our clients as many options for financing assistance as possible. So we welcome this recent move as an opportunity to help them get their dream home with us,” said Ricardo F. Lagdameo, President of Damosa Land Inc.

The first elite subdivision in Davao del Norte, the DLI Ameria project is an award-winning development. In addition to its advantageous location, it has generous lot sizes and open areas, which inspire potential inhabitants to start farming in their backyards. However, for young families or single professionals who enjoy waking up to a resort-like setting in the center of Davao City’s next boom area, Seawind Condominium is the ideal choice. It features one of the most open living spaces on the real estate market and provides an amazing view of the Davao Gulf.

“We are looking forward to making more strategic partnerships and extending easily accessible, value-adding loan services in the region,” said Ms. Amante.

Visit the local SBA branch in your area or go to www.sterlingbankasia.com to learn more about the most recent products and services offered by Sterling Bank of Asia.

Lifestyle, News

Presenting Binibining Pilipinas 2023 is BingoPlus

By endorsing the 59th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant, scheduled for May 28, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater, BingoPlus once more reaffirmed its commitment to supporting projects and endeavors that highlight Filipino culture, Filipino pastimes, and Filipino spirit.

The first live-streaming bingo in the Philippines is the competition’s presenter, and by including viewers and pageant enthusiasts in the voting process, they have increased the contest’s excitement. The public can vote for their favorite candidates on a voting page that BingoPlus has set up on its official website. The candidate who receives the most votes will immediately go up to the Top 12 of Binibining Pilipinas 2023 and win a P100,000 cash reward from BingoPlus.

Forty lovely ladies from all over the country will vie for the four prestigious titles of Binibining Pilipinas International, Binibining Pilipinas Grand and Binibining Pilipinas Globe at the pageant.

All that beauty contest fans have to do is register and log in on the BingoPlus website (www.bingoplus.com) and cast their votes. When they do, they get the chance to win BingoPlus credits and tickets to witness the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night live. The more votes cast, the more chances of winning in the lucky draw. Voting started April 29 and will run through May 26. Lucky draw winners will be announced every Friday up to May 28.

The Binibining Pilipinas candidates recently visited and toured the newly built and biggest studio of BingoPlus in Quezon City where many of the grand, star-studded BingoPlus Nights are held. The lovely ladies gave a glimpse of what audiences can expect on finals night by putting on a mini show, introducing themselves per province, greeting audiences via livestream and inviting them to cast their votes for their candidates on the BingoPlus website.

Since its debut in January 2022, BingoPlus has been fervently promoting businesses and initiatives that share its goal of giving Filipinos access to high-quality entertainment. In addition to aggressively promoting Filipino festivities including Sinulog in Cebu, Dinagyang and Pintados de Pasi in Iloilo, and MassKara in Bacolod, BingoPlus served as the presenter of Ms. Philippines Earth 2022. Along with sporting leagues, teams, and special events, BingoPlus is a fervent supporter of musical performances and concerts.

“BingoPlus will continue to support activities that showcase our Filipino tradition and culture. As a promoter of leisure and quality entertainment, we will be part of many more initiatives that express our Pinoy love of merriment and recreation,” said Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. President, the company that introduced the BingoPlus brand.

Visit www.bingoplus.com for more details on BingoPlus.

Lifestyle, News

Local farmers in Calabarzon will be trained in cutting-edge farming methods

In furtherance of its goal to improve farmers’ agricultural and entrepreneurial abilities, SM Foundation, Inc. The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) was recently introduced by the organization in several Calabarzon locales.

The initiative was first introduced on April 13, 2023, in Padre Garcia, Batangas, and has since been expanded to Silang, Cavite, Batangas City, San Pablo, Laguna, and Calamba City. In order to assist other recipients in improving their families and communities, SMFI is also planning to offer free agri-skills training to local farmers in other areas of the region.

Empowering local farmers

 
The local farmer-beneficiaries will undergo a two-phased program, spearheaded by its partner school Moca Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.  

 
The said program kicked off with an immersive 14-week training program, designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in agriculture. The modular training curriculum covers topics on the latest agri-technology updates, capacity building, financial literacy, product development, and market opportunities. Through these comprehensive modules, KSK-SAP aims to empower and enhance farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues for sustainable growth.

As a highlight of the program’s first phase, KSK-SAP farmers will join the SM Sunday Market, a collaborative initiative between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls. This platform offers trainees a valuable opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce and gain firsthand experience in institutional selling. Through this market opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their expertise and experience in the sales and marketing aspects of their agri-businesses.


To prepare for the second phase of the program, SMFI will also assist the farmers in formalizing their respective groups. To boost their earning capactiy and contribution to economic growth, the foundation will support them in creating a sustainable and profitable farming community through the assistance of its partner agencies.

Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr., the creator of SMFI, had a goal for KSK-SAP to be a sustainable effort that would improve the farming abilities, food security, and livelihood knowledge of low-income Filipino farmers. The program has grown over time into a thorough training program that creates chances for skill development, employment, and subsistence.

More than 28,000 marginalized farmers from rural and urban areas around the nation have benefited from KSK-SAP since its founding in 2007, enhancing their capacity for farming and entrepreneurship. Some program graduates have consequently evolved into seasonal vendors for the SM group and other neighborhood markets.

KSK-SAP is carried out by the SM Foundation in collaboration with partner agricultural schools, SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA, DSWD, DOST, DTI, and DOT.

Lifestyle, News

Multiple worldwide organizations honor SM Prime’s second annual integrated report

Three international award-giving organizations have recognized SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the top integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, for excellence in transparent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting for its 2021 Annual Integrated Report titled “Together, We Rise.”

Even before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines made sustainability reporting mandatory, SM began publishing its sustainability reports in 2013. By alerting investors and other stakeholders on its ESG performance and impacts, decision-making procedures, and competitive positioning value in the industry, SM Prime further encourages transparency and accountability.

“We are honored to receive these awards as a recognition of our commitment to provide transparent reporting in our sustainable practices. We value all our stakeholders, and we strive to enrich the quality of life of the Filipino people,” SM Prime President Mr. Jeffrey Lim said.

At the summit of international recognitions, SM Prime bagged accolades from the biggest and most coveted awards competition in the business world called Stevie® Awards. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards recognizes business innovation across the entire Asia-Pacific region, whereas IBAs is one of the first and most highly anticipated awards programs of the Stevie Awards that features a wide variety of categories relevant to every facet of the workplace that is open to all kinds and sizes of organizations globally. SM Prime was awarded the Bronze Stevie® Winner at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards program and Silver Stevie® Winner in the 2022 International Business Awards (IBAs).

Additionally, the business received a Silver Rank in the National Center for Sustainability Reporting’s (NCSR) 2022 Asia Sustainability Reporting Rating (ASRRAT), a ranking system for sustainability reports. The GRI Standards compliance, GHG disclosure transparency, alignment with and support of the UN SDGs are just a few of the criteria used in the ASRRAT rating system.

The awards and recognition from other countries are proof of SM Prime’s active engagement in promoting sustainability throughout its activities. SM Prime continues to be a driving force behind economic growth by creating sustainable lifestyle cities that improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Lifestyle, News

The SM Group will construct new school buildings in Laguna, Batangas

SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), in collaboration with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI), and the Department of Education (DepEd), has recently worked to construct two new school buildings in Laguna and Batangas, as part of its commitment to helping upgrade the country’s education system.

Two two-story four-classroom school buildings will be donated to the Laguna Resettlement Community School in San Pedro City, Laguna, and the San Antonio Elementary School in Sto. Tomas City is located in Batangas.

To ensure that children, particularly from low-income neighborhoods, have access to contemporary, secure, and conducive learning environments, each of the school buildings is planned to be furnished with instructional materials, chairs, handwashing facilities, emergency equipment, and PWD-friendly amenities.

At the signing of the memorandum of understanding on April 28, 2023, at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) in Malvar, Batangas, representatives from the SMFI, DepEd, and the local government units of the aforementioned provinces formalized the collaboration.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd in various educational programs. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.

Lifestyle

‘Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon Continuum’ from Rex Education was honored at the UNODC Conference as a model school-community-family program for enhancing drug abuse prevention

Rex Education presented their “Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon (BPE) Continuum” for bolstering drug-abuse prevention at the recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Conference at Novotel Manila, Quezon City.

The UNODC Conference brought together organizations, decision-makers, and those who administer preventative programs for discussions on how to deal with the nation’s drug-related issues. UNODC urged people and organizations to contribute drug-abuse prevention strategies that are health-centered and focused on family intervention under the topic “Prevention Digest: Strengthening the prevention strategy and family-based initiatives in the Philippines”. The healthcare system, evidence-based initiatives, and Philippine family-centered intervention experiences were all on the table.

During the 3rd day of the event, REX was among the government and non-government organizations who shared their experiences with prevention programming, as well as the impact and influence of these initiatives.

Taking a whole school approach to reform initiatives

BPE officially launched during the January 2021 Annual Educators’ Congress, where 400 private and public schools expressed interest and intent in pilot implementing the framework.

In March 2021, pilot implementation for BPE began with 13 schools completing one implementation cycle. These schools were Marantha Christian Academy, St. Edward School, Canossa Academy Calamba, Ednas School, Cherished Moments School, Colegio de Santa Rita de San Carlos, Inc., Cabulay High School, San Andres Elementary School, Divisoria High School, Rosario National High School, Sagana National High School, Patul National High School, and Sinili Integrated School.

REX gave life to the portmanteau ‘Edukampyon’, a combination of the words edukasyon (education) and kampyon (champion) to mean champions of education. The BPE program is grounded in the Edukampyon advocacy: To engage duty-bearers and build their capacities for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling the right to quality education.

Pursuant to BEDP 2030, REX advocates a whole school approach that entails the collaboration of all members in a school community. The whole school approach recognizes that the informal curriculum is just as valuable as the formal one, highlighting the importance of providing learners with inclusive and safe environments beyond the classroom. This framework is meant to advance agendas on global education and reform initiatives such as health awareness, eradication of violence, and drug-abuse prevention.

The whole school approach also comes into play in promoting the six facets of the Filipino whole learner. REX has identified various indicators that should ensure a Filipino learner is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented. Across these indicators, there is a common theme that encourages school culture and leadership to promote learners’ physical and mental health, implement policies relevant to civic participation, and equip students with the essential competencies for lifelong learning. Families and communities are recognized as a major part of this advocacy, as the success of a child’s education largely relies on the effective collaboration of stakeholders advocating every learner’s well-being.

Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon in support of UNODC standards

Based on the standards of UNODC, drug-abuse prevention is a significant motivator for children, young adults, and adults to contribute positively in their families, schools, workplace, and communities. Drug-abuse prevention at the school level focuses on the health and safety of children and youth, in a bid to encourage self-actualization that can lead to the realization of their full potential, prompting them to become productive members of society.

UNODC has found that developing a student’s personal and social skills can prevent drug use and alcohol abuse. For children aged 10 and below, programs centered on improving resistance skills and self-control have been shown to reduce general problem behaviors in and out of the classroom. Several other factors can also influence discouragement of substance abuse, such as students’ academic performance, commitment to school, and social opportunities.

To achieve these benchmarks, REX designed BPE as a three-tier implementation framework that will allow schools to conduct systematic assessments of their progress in the UNODC’s domains. BPE encourages schools to work with their stakeholders, students, parents, and community members in the planning and implementation of activities and interventions that are relevant to UNODC’s standards.

Bawat Paaralan Edukampyon as an exemplary school-community-family program for drug-abuse prevention

The BPE’s pilot implementation allowed learners to learn about drug-abuse prevention through the collaborative efforts of their teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders. In particular, parents reported feeling more engaged and knowledgeable of their children’s school activities and priorities after participating in the BPE process.

The participating schools demonstrated high levels of involvement and support, demonstrating their understanding of the BPE framework. REX wants to use this assistance to improve BPE advocacy, communications, and educational programs for additional schools across the country.

By doing this, REX was able to supplement UNODC’s guidelines for preventing drug use. The three pillars that supported the success of BPE’s first launch—valuing partnerships, highlighting the significance of successful parenting, and disseminating evidence-based preventative strategies—proved to be key. In an effort to make children and youth more resistant to drug use and to make a larger impact on BPE, REX is devoted to doing so.

Food, Lifestyle

This summer, Gatorade No Sugar fuels Filipinos’ progress

Summertime is a time for outdoor activities. Due to the heat, more Filipinos are taking advantage of the beautiful outdoors to relax with friends or pick up new hobbies and sports. But in the blazing heat, the body loses more than just water because essential minerals needed to maintain fundamental functions are depleted more quickly

Health professionals and medical journals caution that summertime increases the risk of dehydration. If dehydration is not treated right away, the consequences could be permanent and call for lifelong care. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges everyone to drink enough water and to monitor their sugar intake throughout the dry season.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, supports this call by encouraging Filipinos to fight dehydration while staying fit and active with Gatorade No Sugar. This electrolyte drink helps recover the body’s lost minerals without the unnecessary calories from sugar.

Electrolytes are key to one’s physical performance and overall well-being, as they help balance the amount of water and nutrients in the body. They regulate nervous, motor, and cardiovascular functions so that mind and body perform as they should.

“We lose more than water when we sweat, and we must take the necessary steps to continue nourishing our bodies to keep healthy. Gatorade No Sugar is packed with electrolytes and essential nutrients to replenish our bodies’ supply especially during the humid Philippine summer,” said PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong.

More Filipinos will be able to enjoy being active this summer without jeopardizing their health thanks to Gatorade No Sugar. It is offered in top supermarkets, medicine stores, and convenience stores around the country.

In addition to producing and distributing popular brands like Gatorade, PCPPI also produces and sells Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier Purified Water. Visit www.pepsiphilippines.com for more details on PCPPI and its products.

Lifestyle, Sports

Vermosa Green Run is back with a stronger dedication to the environment and an additional run for dog

Vermosa Estate’s entertaining and nutritious Green Run will return on June 25 in response to persistent popular demand, this time with more goodies and surprises for both serious and casual runners. “We’re Back And Greener Than Ever” is the theme for this year.

The Run encourages a healthy, active lifestyle while celebrating the splendor of nature. This year, it’s even more enjoyable because dog owners can now run alongside their four-legged children, furry pals, and family members, providing them all a wonderful opportunity to connect, get in shape, and have a memorable experience.

Vermosa Green Run 2023 will also feature four more running competitions for runners of all fitness levels in addition to the 1KM Dog Run. Athletes of all levels can pick from the 21K, 10K, 5K, 3K, or 1K Dog Run at Vermosa, including competitive athletes, athletes in training, weekend runners, fun runners, fitness enthusiasts, family, and friends. At this year’s Green Run, athletes, dog owners, and celebrities are all expected to participate.

Following its success in 2022, Green Run is organized and brought to life by Pinoy Fitness, a running, fitness and multisport event organizer. Proceeds of the Run will go to Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-a-Seedling Program, to build a greener tomorrow. Moreover, runnersand guests can help protect the environment by recycling their plastic bottles at the Sun Life ReCycle PH machine on-site. Every bottle donated can earn participants points which can then be exchanged for prizes.

Green Run’s official non-life insurance partner, FPG Insurance, will also provide free group personal accident insurance to runners who register for the race.

“One of the major enticements to run The Green Run is the breathtaking scenery and the abundant foliage throughout the 750-hectare property. Running in a green, wide open environment is extra motivating and beneficial to physical and mental health,” says Monch Henares, award-winning journalist and motoring/travel blogger.

“Open spaces, wide pedestrian walkways, bicycle and jogging lanes that wind through Vernosa make the running both memorable and inspiring,” says Arabelle Jimenez, lifestyle blogger, travel writer and swimming coach who regularly runs in Vermosa for fitness and fun.

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub General Manager Lani Tan, a sports and fitness enthusiast herself, said holding The Green Run yearly is part of Vermosa’s long-term plan because the Estates actively promotes sports and an active, healthy lifestyle.

“Our Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, a state-of-the-art professionally–managed sports facility that has a FINA-standard Olympic size pool, a warm-up pool, an IAAF-standard 400m track oval, a football pitch, athletes’ lounge and a Sante Fitness Lab, all speak about our commitment to fitness, health and overall wellness as well as the development of Philippine sports,” Tan said.

Vermosa Project Development Manager Moses John Aragones, says “Last year, we encouraged people to re-enjoy the outdoors after years of being cooped up at home due to the pandemic. This year, we want to build on that newfound appreciation by inviting people to develop a habit for fitness and wellness. Physical activities like running really boost our immune system by providing more refreshing experiences that reduce stress. The abundance of wide-open spaces and state-of-the-art sports facilities at the Sports Hub, make The Green Run a once-a-year activity to look forward to as a mental and physical health booster.”

This year, Merrell Shoes, Milo, Fitbar, and Pocari Sweat all support The Green Run.

Those who are interested in participating in The Green Run can sign up at Toby’s or Runnr stores  or online at ayalaland.myruntime.com.

Lifestyle, News

Mark Saberola is appointed editor-in-chief of **NegoSentro Media, and the Kuya Mark Video Podcast debuts

NegoSentro Media has named veteran automotive industry specialist Mark Saberola as the new Editor-in-Chief for its Auto & Tech website, which is an exciting move for the Auto & Tech sector. Additionally, they are launching a brand-new video podcast series in which Saberola will play the role of “Kuya Mark”

Mark Saberola, widely known as “The Talyer Mentor,” brings a remarkable depth of knowledge in the automobile industry to his new position at NegoSentro Media’s Auto & Tech platform. Saberola’s professional history displays a distinctive blend of practical expertise and leadership skills, starting with his early years at Ford Motor Company and ending with the establishment of the lucrative ValuePlus Auto Service franchise. His technological business, AutoServed, which showcases his extensive understanding of innovation and technology within the automotive industry, serves to further support his credentials. The different perspectives and experiences of Saberola are expected to significantly enhance the Auto & Tech platform of NegoSentro Media.

The podcast will include insightful discussions with figures from the auto and IT industries as well as other relevant fields. The mission of Saberola is to build a platform for many viewpoints while fostering innovation, business knowledge, and motivational success stories.

The Kuya Mark video podcast will be a highlight of Saberola’s role at NegoSentro. The twice-monthly podcast will cover a broad spectrum of topics, from insider insights into the auto industry to discussions on tech innovations and beyond. Each episode, lasting approximately 8-10 minutes, will feature Saberola’s engaging style and in-depth knowledge, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Homer Nievera, NegoSentro’s Chief Digipreneur, said, “Mark is the perfect choice for me. Besides being a co-alumnus at the Asian Institute of Management, his years of balanced experience in the motoring industry are commendable. We are thrilled to have Mark spearhead this new initiative. His knack for engaging storytelling, will make ‘Kuya Mark’ a standout addition to our lineup of digital content.”

Saberola expressed his excitement about this new venture: “I’m thrilled to join NegoSentro Media and launch the Kuya Mark podcast. It’s a fantastic platform to share insights, engage with our audience, and discuss anything and everything about cars and the tech space.”

“We have been searching for a year now for an EIC for our motoring niche, and Mark is a perfect fit. As someone who’s well-versed in both motoring and tech, he will drive the publication to new heights,” adds Nievera.

The selection of Saberola by NegoSentro Media and the debut of the Kuya Mark podcast are smart moves to improve their Auto & Tech content, providing a novel and interesting viewpoint to their audience. Keep an eye out for Kuya Mark’s video podcast, which promises a special mix of knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment in its debut episode.


Negosentro Media is a leading digital platform dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and providing resources for business growth and development. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation, Negosentro Media offers relevant news, articles, and insights across various industries, including automotive and technology. Visit www.negosentro.com for more details.

Kuya Mark, also known as Mark Saberola, is a seasoned automotive industry professional who recently joined Negosentro Media as the Editor-in-Chief for their Auto & Tech website. Beyond his editorial role, Mark also serves as the General Manager and Franchisor at ValuePlus Auto Services, the founder of AutoServed, and the inspirational figure behind Talyer Mentor. Known for his unique blend of practical experience and leadership skills, Kuya Mark shares his knowledge and passion for cars and technology through engaging content, including his innovative video podcast series. As a mentor and subject matter expert, Kuya Mark is dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses succeed in the dynamic world of automotive and technology. Visit www.talyermentor.com and www.autoandtech.com for more details.