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Lifestyle

Independence Day Special at the Rizal Park Hotel: Stay One Night for 9,000 Pesos and Get a Second Night for Just 125 Pesos

In honor of the Philippines’ 125th Independence Day, Rizal Park Hotel, a renowned historic hotel in Manila, is pleased to offer its special room package. In honor of this important milestone, the Rizal Park Hotel welcomes visitors to enjoy a memorable stay and savor authentic Filipino cuisine at affordable prices.

From June 10 to 12, customers may take advantage of the special room package, which allows them to stay for one night for just 9,000 pesos and another night for just 125 pesos. Both domestic and foreign tourists have the chance to take advantage of this fantastic offer to visit the dynamic metropolis of Manila and fully experience the rich history and culture of the Philippines.

“Our team at Rizal Park Hotel is thrilled to commemorate the 125th Independence Day of the Philippines with our valued guests,” said Ms. Samantha Paz, Managing Director of Rizal Park Hotel. “We believe this special room package will not only provide an extraordinary experience but also allow guests to take part in celebrating our country’s heritage.” In addition to the enticing room package, Rizal Park Hotel is delighted to offer an array of delectable Filipino cuisine offerings for a remarkable price of only 125 pesos per bundle. Guests can savor the flavors of popular Filipino delicacies such as pancit bam-I and sapin-sapin,puto and dinuguan, turo and sago’t gulaman at tusok-tusok of kwek kwek, fish balls and squid balls. This unique culinary experience promises to be a true delight for food enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the traditional tastes of the Philippines.

The Rizal Park Hotel offers quick access to the city’s most important landmarks and tourist attractions thanks to its ideal position in the center of Manila. After a day of touring the city, the hotel’s exquisite and opulent suites provide a magnificent escape, guaranteeing guests a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Please call 09176229280 for further information or to arrange a reservation.

Follow Rizal Park Hotel on Facebook and Instagram at rizalparkhotel1911 for more information about the hotel and its amenities.

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Return of the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale to the Philippines Unlocks Incredible Metrobank Promotions


From (L-R): Big Bad Wolf Local Partner Carol Chuaying, Metrobank Head of Credit Cards Usage, Portfolio Management and Insurance Strategies Miko Beltran, and co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Jacqueline Ng.

It is with great excitement that Big Bad Wolf Book Sale announces its long-awaited return to the Philippines from June 23 to July 3, 2023, at the PICC Forum Tent in Pasay. This literary festival, with the motto “Bad Does Good,” presents a journey full of astonishing savings and exclusive incentives for everyone. I for one am excited for this big return of Big Bad Wolf to the Philippines as I am a huge fan of books and it helps me a lot to get easy access to my favorites. I am also thrilled to know that they partnered with my favorite bank, Metrobank, which for me is such a reliable companion, especially with my banking needs, and I am proud that I am a Metrobank cardholder.

With the
co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Jacqueline Ng

AMAZING Retail Experience

Visitors can find their favorite books for as little as Php20 to provide a unique experience, allowing them to stock up on a wide variety of genres without breaking the bank!

“We are thrilled to be returning to the Philippines after three years with the support of the Intellectual Property of the Philippines,” says Jacqueline Ng, co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Book Sale. “Our return shows the Filipino’s overwhelming support and passion for books. We are bringing an unmatched literary collection at unbelievably affordable prices.” 


Big Bad Wolf Local Partner Carol Chuaying together with Jacqueline Ng, co-founder of Big Bad Wolf.
 
The Big Bad Wolf Team

Exciting Partnerships 

To further enhance the readers’ experience, Big Bad Wolf is proud to announce its partnership with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. as its first and official bank partner. Visitors can expect special offers and discounts when using their Metrobank credit and debit cards, making it even more rewarding to explore the vast collection of books:  

  • Metrobank Exclusive Payment Lanes – enjoy dedicated lanes during the sale; 
  • 0% installment – For a minimum purchase of P3,000, avail of 0% installment for 3 months;  
  • Up to 10% cashback – Purchases of P5,000 with Metrobank credit cards can score up to 10% cashback; and 
  • Metrobank VIP Lounge – Qualified World, Platinum Mastercard and Travel PlatinumVisa cardholders will have exclusive access to a special lounge where they can sit and spend time reading their latest book haul. 

“Metrobank is excited to be part of Big Bad Wolf’s return as its official bank partner. This tie-up allows us to inspire a reading culture among Filipinos that will help shape minds of the future,” said Gail Male, Metrobank Senior Vice President and Cards, Personal Loans, and Digital Channels Head. “Metrobank cardholders are definitely in for a rewarding and seamless book shopping experience filled with discounts, cashback, and special offers.” 

Anyone interested in applying for a Metrobank credit card can do so at the event’s special booth or online at https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/creditcard in advance to potentially take advantage of the card’s distinctive Metrobank features. For specific cards and quantities of accumulated spending, qualified applicants can receive either 120,000 welcome rewards points or no annual fees.

Visit https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/ for more details about Big Bad Wolf Books’ triumphant return to the Philippines.

Lifestyle, News

Pulse oximeters are distributed to partner hospitals and organizations through Smile Train and Lifebox


Left photo: Distribution of Lifebox Pulse Oximeters to the Cranio Facial Foundation of the Philippines
Right photo: Distribution of Lifebox Pulse Oximeters to the Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital


40 pulse oximeters will be distributed to 24 healthcare facilities in the Philippines by Smile Train, the largest cleft organization in the world, and Lifebox, a global nonprofit that saves lives through safer surgery and anesthesia. This will result in 52,000 safer surgeries taking place in the Philippines over the course of the next year.

“Smile Train has worked with Lifebox for over a decade to equip hospitals with essential monitoring tools that are not only necessary for cleft surgery but can be used for other medical procedures and in treating COVID-19. While Smile Train is working toward expanding our reach in more communities, we are also looking for more ways to support and invest in our local healthcare partners,” says Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Vice President, South East Asia.

To assist healthcare practitioners around the world in responding to COVID-19, Smile Train and Lifebox launched the global Smile Train-Lifebox Safe Surgery and Anesthesia Initiative in 2020 and jointly distributed 8,800 pulse oximeters. In order to increase access to anesthetic monitoring and make 14 million surgeries safer, the two organizations introduced the Lifebox-Smile Train Pulse Oximeter in 2022. During anesthesia and in intensive care, pulse oximeters are necessary for monitoring patients since they measure the blood’s oxygen content.

A recent report released by Smile Train and Lifebox, “A Critical Gap: Pulse Oximetry in Low- and Middle-Income Countries,” highlighted that 15% of operating beds in low- and lower-middle-income countries lack a pulse oximeter, with 42% of recovery beds unable to provide vital monitoring after surgery.

In the Philippines, San Fernando Hospital in Pampanga, Allegiant Regional Care Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, and Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City have all received Lifebox-Smile Train Pulse Oximeters. In the upcoming months, more partner hospitals and organizations should start receiving the pulse oximeters. As part of the global Smile Train-Lifebox Safe Surgery and anesthesia Initiative, 1,000 pulse oximeters are now being supplied to Smile Train partner hospitals across the globe for safer anesthesia care.

In 2023, Smile Train Philippines will mark the accomplishment of doing more than 75,000 cleft operations. This incredible achievement is made possible by its committed network of partners, which includes Lifebox. Lifebox helps increase children’s access to surgery and offers countrywide complete care to patients with cleft palates.

“By partnering with Lifebox to support the medical communities that our local partners operate in, Smile Train is ensuring safer surgery for every child with a cleft across the globe,” said Flaviano. Aside from the Philippines, countries including Kenya, Somalia, and Honduras have also received these pulse oximeters.

Beauty, Lifestyle

Paula’s Choice Philippines is hosting an anniversary party for the entire month of June

The official launch of Paula’s Choice in the Philippines thrills the nation’s skin care fans, but it is not the only noteworthy development from the science-backed skin care line. Paula’s Choice Philippines is commemorating their 28th year in business this June 2023 with a month packed with unique promotions, free gifts, and limited-edition Anniversary Kits!

No Fluff, Just Facts. Since 1995, Paula’s Choice has placed a strong priority on using the best ingredients that are very successful in meeting the skin care needs of people of all ages, skin types, and problems. Because Beauty Begins With Truth, the brand always guarantees that its formulae will take excellent care of one’s skin by being non-irritating, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free.

You can purchase their greatest formulas in skillfully curated kits at fantastic savings as part of their 28th Anniversary celebrations and special offers!

Celebrating 28 Years of Results with 25% OFF Exclusive Anniversary Kits:


Glowing Essentials Kit, now ₱4,875 (Retail Price ₱6,500)

Struggling with oily to combination skin? Worry no more because the Glowing Essentials Kit is here! Carefully curated to help target oil secretion, clogged and enlarged pores, this kit will help you uncover your skin’s true glow with their best selling glowing essentials!


Dewy Results Kit, now ₱5,625 (Retail Price ₱7,500)

For those who want to boost their skin’s complexion, the Dewy Results Kit is here to dramatically unlock radiant, plump skin with clinically proven ingredients to give moisture-deprived skin a youthful-looking, revitalized dewy appearance. This trio is packed with AHA, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C to combat skin dryness while refining the appearance of fine lines and skin tone and is suitable for those with normal to dry skin.


Pore Refining Kit, now ₱5,525 (Retail Price ₱7.350)

Meanwhile, for those looking to take on enlarged pores and rough bumps, the Pore Refining Kit harnesses the power of the first-ever 20% concentration of Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and ceramides. This antioxidant-packed kit also helps with fine lines and wrinkles, boosting an overall brighter, younger-looking complexion!


Advance Radiance Kit, now ₱6,650 (Retail Price ₱8,850)

For those looking to level up their anti-aging routine, this Advance Radiance Kit brightens, smooths wrinkles and firms skin with Tranexamic Acid, 15% Vitamin C, Bakuchiol, and Niacinamide. Address all of your dull skin woes while providing daily broad-spectrum sun protection, without the heavy feel.


All Stars Sampler Kit, now ₱2,175 (Retail Price ₱2,900)

Last but not least, the All Stars Sampler Kit puts together 4 of their all-time best sellers in travel sizes. It’s perfect for those who want to dip their toes into trying out skin care by Paula’s Choice without taking the full plunge.  

It’s a Skin Care Party for All your Skin Care Needs!

With more 28th Anniversary Promotions, Paula’s Choice Philippines will have discount parties for different skin types!

Oily to Combination Skin Party from June 6 to 13

  • The best formulas for oily to combination skin types are going on sale for up to 25% off!
  • With a minimum spend of ₱5,000, you can get their Oily Skin Heroes Kit worth ₱2,700 for FREE! It contains the CLEAR Regular Strength Exfoliating Solution 2% BHA (30ML), RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 (15ML), and reusable cascading cotton rounds with a mesh bag

Normal to Dry Skin Party from June 19 to 25

  • The best formulas for normal to dry skin types are going on sale for up to 25% off!
  • You can get a FREE Dry Skin Rescue Kit (worth ₱3,350) with a minimum spend of ₱5,000. The kit contains the C5 Super Boost Moisturizer (15ML), Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster (5ML), and reusable cascading cotton rounds with a mesh bag

On all purchases, you will get 3x Rewards Points plus a free add-on Limited Edition Baseball Cap worth ₱1,500 with a minimum spend of ₱6,500 – perfect for protecting your skin from the Philippines weather!


Oily Skin Heroes Kit, Dry Skin Rescue Kit, Limited Edition Baseball Cap

And because their anniversary is not the only celebration in June, Paula’s Choice Philippines also has a special kit for your special and beloved fathers! From June 14 to 18, you can get a FREE Dad’s Grooming Essentials Kit (worth ₱2,250) with a minimum spend of ₱5,000. This essential kit contains the CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser (30ML), 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (5ML), and CLEAR Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ (15ML)


Dad’s Grooming Essentials Kit

Paula’s Choice is offering a 25% discount sale on its best-selling items from June 26 to June 30 as a parting gift. With a minimum purchase of 5,000, get a FREE Ultimate Must-Have Skin Care Set (value 2,550)! The 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant (15ML), C5 Super Boost Eye Cream (5ML), and the venerable 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (30ML) make up this outstanding trifecta.


Ultimate Skin Care Must-Haves Set

What are you waiting for? Paula’s Choice Philippines is celebrating its 28th anniversary by offering great deals on skin care products! Visit their website right away at https://www.paulaschoice.ph. We Know Skin at Paula’s Choice. No Fluff, Just Facts. Since 1995.

Paula’s Choice Philippines can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

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.