Monthly Archives

May 2020

Lifestyle

7 Ways to Make Mother’s Day So Much More Special

How will you celebrate Mother’s Day this year? I’ve been telling in my other blog that celebrating Mother’s Day will be a little different this year since we’re all locked up at home. Although we can still express our love for our mom even while staying home and we will make as meaningful as ever because we’re paying tribute to the most special woman in our lives—our moms.

As we celebrate this special day at home, we can still make Mama’s special day remarkable by adding a dash of creativity and resourcefulness to the mix. From serving up the ultimate breakfast in bed to turning your bathroom into a day spa for some much-deserved ‘me’ time for mom.

Here are seven ways to make Mother’s Day so much more unforgettable even while in quarantine:

Start her day with beakfast in bed                                                                                                                                                                   Show up in her bedroom carrying a tray full of her breakfast favorites.  But before you do that, make sure you’ve got everything– bread, eggs, coffee, and some flowers on the side! Luckily, SMDC residents are just an elevator away from supermarkets so whipping up some of her morning favorites is so easy.

She binge-watches, you clean                                                                                                                                                                                      Let mom binge-watch the latest Netflix shows with her favorite snacks on the side while you clean the house. Make up for those times that she cleaned up after you. After all, helping do the chores is counted as a gift, right?

DIY a sundae bar                                                                                                                                                                                                            These past few days have been extremely hot so why not hold an ice cream party for your mom? Residents across SMDC residences don’t need to worry about their ice cream melting on their way home as convenience stores such as Alfamart are just a few minutes away from their units. So stock up on candies, toppings, and of course, mom’s favorite ice cream flavor, and create a sundae for her.

Do the laundry                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Moms usually do the laundry for us. Give her time off from the washing machine by taking on the task! But you don’t know how to do the laundry, you say? Take it to the laundromat! For SMDC residents, doing the laundry is easy as they can bring their laundry to the laundromat downstairs and spend more time with mom!

Cook her favorite dish                                                                                                                                                                                                      Unleash your inner cooking diva as you create mom’s favorite dish for lunch. Get the freshest produce from the nearest supermarket, or, if you live in an SMDC property in the MOA complex, through The Good Guys Market. Check out SMDC’s Facebook page for easy-to-prepare dishes that you can whip up for your mom.

Have a cake delivered to her                                                                                                                                                                                    Whether you are with your mom or not, you can have a cake delivered to her on her special day. With bakeshops open around SMDC residences, getting a box of Black Forest or Sansrival delivered to her is a piece of cake!

Pamper her in your home spa                                                                                                                                                                                      Our moms are in desperate need of quality R&R so consider creating a DIY spa at home for her to relax after a long day. Draw her a detoxifying bath infused with sea salt, lavender, and chamomile and let her soak away the stress. After her relaxing bath, she can take care of her peepers with hydrating eye masks. Then you can cap it by touching up her nails and giving her a hand massage using a moisturizing hand cream. Fortunately for SMDC residents, they can get these materials in no time as personal care stores such as Watsons remain open in their vicinity.

Whatever you choose to do for your mom on Mother’s Day, she will surely be happy with it. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you showed your appreciation, gratitude, and love to her.

Lifestyle, News

New mobile app of Red Cross143 for contact tracing of COVID-19 cases

Philippine Red Cross has launched a new mobile application called RC143 and Smart provide assistance for free download, access and usage of the said app for Smart, Sun and TNT subscribers. The said new application will enable contact tracing using the geo-location and sensory capabilities of smartphones.  The app will also enable its users to get information on their likely levels of exposure to the virus.

With the user’s consent, the PRC app will track his movements using the location facility of his mobile phone. This information will go to a data base through which the PRC will be able to determine which individuals have come into contact with COVID-positive cases.

“The app will be a great force-multiplier for the Philippine Red Cross’s first responders in our active monitoring and efforts to assist affected persons and many more people and communities at risk,” said Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla.

“Data is an important weapon in the fight against COVID-19.   RC143 can gather information that will help individuals protect themselves and also help health authorities take more effective action to control and defeat this pandemic.  This is why we at PLDT and Smart are supporting the Philippine Red Cross in this initiative,”  said  Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of Smart Communications and Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT.

An SMS broadcasting service has also been provided for free to the Philippine Red Cross in their information dissemination programs to fight the pandemic. This Smart Messaging Suite, powered by Soprano, will provide Red Cross 100,000 free text messages per month to strengthen their messaging capabilities to their constituents and other organizations to augment their communications efforts.

KirtUgas, Soprano Business Development Manager for The Philippines, said, “We are pleased to be able to provide enterprise messaging services to support PLDT and Smart in their Covid-19 response efforts. The current situation is unprecedented, and we applaud the incredible efforts of all frontline responders, who are going above and beyond to fight this pandemic. With more than 100 million mobile phone subscribers, SMS is still used as the primary mobile service in The Philippines. We are aware of the role technology players like us play in the current situation, and hope our messaging services will help alleviate some of the pressures on their communications efforts.”

“We have high hopes for RC143, in the hands of many Filipinos, not only to contain the spread of the virus but to actually safeguard us in our certain but slow and cautious return to normal social and economic activity,” said Zavalla.

This service is another addition to the collective bayanihan efforts of the PLDT group and the MVP Group of companies in assisting government agencies and non-governmental organizations in their efforts to control the spread of the virus and assist the general public amid the ECQ challenges.

The RC143 app can be download from  bit.ly/RC143-Android

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray Joins Online Speech Therapy Sessions for Cleft Patients

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray joins the organization’s online Speech Therapy session to reach and educate more patients with cleft lip and palate amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The world’s leading cleft organization, Smile Train Philippines recently held a virtual speech therapy session with its Global Ambassador, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, in an effort to reach and continue educating more patients with a cleft lip and/or palate amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Smile Train recently launched virtual speech therapy sessions with its volunteer Ms. Veronica Yu CSP-PASP, a Speech Language Pathologist and a faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences. She led the discussion on the effects of cleft disability on speech and the impact of feeding difficulties on the physical well-being of children. Ms. Yu also demonstrated her patients’ progress on proper pronunciation, which they were able to accomplish during the separate one-on-one online therapy sessions.

Smile Train Volunteer Ms. Veronica Yu, CSP-PASP, a Speech Language Pathologist, faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences, explored topics about the effects of cleft on speech and its impacts on the physical well-being of children.

The session also allowed viewers to ask questions about their family members experiencing difficulties with their conditions. Numerous viewers had inquiries about how many speech therapy sessions are required and what other procedures patients need to undergo if they have cleft lip and/or palate.

In her welcome message, Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray acknowledged the efforts of the organization to continue providing free comprehensive cleft care including speech therapy, while free surgeries and physical therapy sessions are on hold. She plans to support Smile Train’s upcoming initiatives during the ECQ.

“I was able to work closely with Smile Train for the first time during my reign as Miss Universe and it inspired me to help the organization change the lives of many people around the world. Now as the newest global ambassador, I am committed to supporting its patients in the Philippines during this pandemic through the organization’s online speech therapy classes,” said Gray.

With the support and collaboration of its donors, partners, and ambassadors around the world, Smile Train is able to transform the lives of patients with cleft and help improve their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Even during the ECQ, Smile Train continues to find sustainable solutions such as social media to help their beneficiaries.

“Smile Train has always been committed to exploring various avenues and utilizing technology to reach more patients and communities in the Philippines, especially during this ECQ. With the support of Catriona, we hope to reach more patients and families so that we can continue to provide them with the care that they need, even during a pandemic,” said Smile Train South East Asia Director Kimmy Flaviano.

Smile Train plans to hold more sessions in the coming weeks to address concerns of patients or parents about receiving cleft treatment during this time and talking about staying positive and productive during the ECQ.

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

 

 

Lifestyle

Yorme Mother’s Day Message to the Real VIP’s

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mayor Francisco Domagoso or simply YORME, shares his heartwarming Mother’s Day message to a great woman behind his great success and to all the Filipino MOMS – the Real VIPs! As the old adage goes, “Behind every great man there’s a great woman.”  He never wavered amidst adversities hurled at him for taking several steps in making a better version of the city he fondly calls his home and crowning glory.

Watch the full video:

On this special occasion, Yorme encourages all Filipino moms to be stronger for their families while consciously maintaining a healthy work-life balance and to continue their selfless dedication amidst the uncertainties of this pandemic war – “Believe in yourself! You’ve got nothing to lose.”

How about making your mom feel that she’s the real VIP today?Discover a natural female hair loss treatment at https://bit.ly/2SjZ9wc

Formulated with 19 of nature’s finest ingredients, NOVUHAIR® offers a natural hair loss solution that helps address the early warning signs especially for those in search of a natural alopecia treatment – nothing doubtful compared to home remedies for hair loss, nothing worrisome versus chemical-based treatments and nothing disadvantageous unlike most instant fiber hair loss solutions that provide temporary baldness cures. Find out more at www.novuhair.com

Food

Make Mother’s Day truly special with Taco Bell and Dairy Queen

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and now’s the perfect time to start planning a sweet and memorable surprise for the most special women in our lives. Good thing Taco Bell and Dairy Queen have new offerings that will surely make Mother’s Day unforgettable at home!

Share a sumptuous Mexican-inspired meal with Taco Bell’s Mother’s Day bundles that can be delivered straight to your home through Grabfood or Foodpanda.

Taco Bell’s Grabfood bundle is perfect for families of four with its four Gordita Supreme, one Cheese Quesadilla, two Nacho Sprinkles, and four 16oz. Soda. For families of three, order our Foodpanda bundle that comes with three Gordita Supreme, one Cheese Quesadilla, two Nacho Sprinkles, and three 16oz. Soda. Taco Bell’s Mother’s Day bundles start at ₱599. This promo is valid until May 31 and deliveries are limited to areas near Taco Bell Cyberpark Tower 1 in Araneta City.

To complete your Mother’s Day surprise, order a Sunflower Blizzard Cake from Dairy Queen! This 8-inch, 100% ice cream cake comes with a limited-edition sunflower design that will surely brighten Mama’s special day.

DQ Mother’s Day Cake

The Sunflower Blizzard Cake will be available until May 17 and available for delivery through Grabfood and Foodpanda. For take-out orders, you may visit the following Dairy Queen branches: Alphaland Makati, Cherry Congressional, Cyberpark Tower 1, Portal, Robinsons Lipa, SM Baguio, SM East Ortigas, SM Light, SM Manila, SM Novaliches, SM Sangandaan, SM Sucat, SM Valenzuela, and Waltermart Muñoz.

For more exciting news and updates from Taco Bell Philippines, visit their official website (https://www.tacobell.com.ph/) and follow them on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/tacobellPHL) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tacobellphl/).

For more exciting news and updates from Dairy Queen Philippines, visit their official website (https://www.dairyqueen.com.ph/) and follow them on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/dairyqueenphilippines) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dairyqueenphils/).

 

 

 

 

 

 

News

How 488EX Is Giving Bitcoin Trading A New Approach

WhatsApp Image 2020-04-16

Bitcoin is a digital currency that has a corresponding value just like your cash on hand. The difference is that it’s not tangible. You can’t hold or touch it physically. But you can use it to make transactions, whether you’re into buying or selling products and even services.

Now with heightened awareness on hygiene and security brought about by the current situation of Covid-19, Filipino consumers are continuously looking for ways to pay for their transactions the safest way possible — one of which is through cashless payments like online banking and cryptocurrency.

It is for this reason that 488EX has launched its trading platform recently in Brazil and in the Philippines,to provide an investment platform for both Brazilians and Filipinos that is carefully developed for beginners and professionals, with all the important tools, that are all optimized and functional, making life easier for those who want to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

488EX is designed for customers, who require extremely fast execution, reliable digital wallets and industry-leading security practices. Plus, it is completely safe, audited and with an anti-fraud system.

So if you are looking to save and invest on bitcoins during this time of the pandemic, 488EX has made bitcoin trading easy with their simple interface. Their trading platform is convenient for beginners and professionals for a fully functional trading experience.At 488Ex, you can easily buy, sell, trade and manage orders and funds on just a simple click of a button.

If you need to know more, you can check out their website at https://488ex.com/en/

You can also begin investing and trading bitcoins today for as low as 50 Brazilian Reals or 500 Philippine Pesos by going to this link.

Food, Lifestyle

Latest McDonald’s Mother’s Day Video, “Na-Lockdown Tayo, Ma” 

We are in a hard time situation now that we locked up at home during this ECQ but if you look at the positive way, it has given us the opportunity to spend more time with our families. During these moments together there’s much more to discover about each other to our family, especially our mothers.

We celebrate Mother’s Day this year with quirky and unique things that set our mothers apart. As we get to know more about them over shared moments at home, and as we discover that there are always more reasons to love them and to say #LoveKitaMa

Na-lockdown tayo, Ma. McDonald’s Mother’s Day video this year opens our eyes to the often unseen side of our mothers, which many of us are getting to know with the almost 24-hour confinement brought about by the current situation. For many, it’s a pleasant surprise to realize the stark realization of our mothers leading their own lives—beyond what they do for the family. Now is the time to pay even closer attention to them, and to put in that extra effort of appreciating them for all that they do.

“We sometimes forget that mothers also have other personal interests, hobbies, or roles aside from being ‘mom’. They can be gamers, tech experts, artists, movie buffs, Kdrama addicts— we don’t really know because how caught up we are on our own daily lives. Here at McDonald’s, we hope for families to bond even more, embracing every moment as an opportunity to appreciate our mothers – quirks and all,”  shares Ollie Rabatan, Marketing Head of McDonald’s Philippines.

Don’t miss and checked out the video, head on to McDonald’s Philippines’ YouTube Page or click this link here: https://bit.ly/NaLockdownTayoMa

 

 

Lifestyle, News

Mother’s Day celebration with Ortigas Malls under ECQ

Different Mother’s Day celebration this year since we are experiencing COVID-19 pandemic so almost everyone is confined to their homes, limiting the options of people to celebrate the most important women in their lives. Compared before we celebrate it by eat dinner in our favorite restaurants, out of town trips, or special activities. With this in mind, Ortigas Malls finds a way to celebrate Mother’s Day through a series of engaging online sessions that our beloved moms will surely find enjoyable.

From making DIY beauty essentials to preparing sweet treats and learning the basics of urban gardening – Ortigas Malls makes sure that moms are entertained at home with these online workshops on May 10 from 2PM to 5PM at Greenhills’, Tiendesitas’ and Estancia’s Facebook pages.

See full schedule below:

Aside from the workshops, Ortigas Malls is also giving away a bouquet of flowers on Mother’s Day to three lucky moms through an online contest. Winners will be announced on May 8, 2020.

Mechanics are as follows:

STEP 1: Change your Profile Photo with our Say it at Home Frame

STEP 2: LIKE Greenhills Mall, Estancia at Capitol Commons, Tiendesitas on Facebook

STEP 3: Comment #OMSayItAtHome down below

STEP 4: SHARE this post to your timeline in PUBLIC status, a message to your mom & HASHTAG #StaySafe #OMSayItAtHome

To complete the celebration, Ortigas Malls makes it even easier to order from your favorite restaurants through their Click & Collect program, available in Estancia, Tiendesitas, and Greenhills from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

  1. Check the Ortigas Malls Viber Group (http://tiny.cc/OrtigasMallsViber) to see which merchants offer pick-up services.
  2. Contact merchants, place orders, pay, & agree on pickup schedule.
  3. Drive to the designated C&C pick-up area to collect your order.

For more information, you may visit their official Facebook pages – Estancia, Tiendesitas, and Greenhills Mall.

 

Lifestyle, News

PLDT continue providing Philippine Army with free connectivity

PH Army

To support the country’s response to COVID-19 Pandemic, PLDT Enterprise has deployed business-grade fiber internet to quarantine areas manned by the Philippine Army. Among them are, Philippine Army Wellness Center, Gate 5 Barracks, SOQ TRADOC Building, and Libingan ng mga Bayani. The fiber-grade connectivity will allow the army personnel to remain informed of the latest news about the coronavirus, and likewise will enable COVID-19 patients in the quarantine areas to keep in touch with their loved ones.

All quarantine areas manned by uniformed personnel in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila for COVID-19 patients now have business-grade fiber internet which leverages on PLDT Group’s most expansive fiber optic network in the country.

“We at PLDT Enterprise extend support to the Philippine Army in order to strengthen their capabilities in responding to the battle against COVID-19. This service enables health professionals deployed at COVID-19 treatment facilities to be informed of the latest information and stay connected to their families,” said JovyI. Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

The initiative is just one of PLDT’s endeavors to enable uniformed personnel with connectivity support. The group’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications recently provided 540 smartphones loaded with voice, SMS and data packages for the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel at lockdown checkpoints.

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for the services the PLDT Group has extended to the Philippine Army in line with our efforts to address the threats of COVID-19. We salute you for not hesitating to provide the services to the Philippine Army. We hope and pray that we can overcome this crisis at the soonest time possible” said Philippine Army Colonel (SC) MNSA PA Mark Edwin B. Moro.

PLDT Enterprise also recently deployed free connectivity to other COVID-19 facilities in Luzon such as World Trade Center and Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

 

 

 

Entertainment

Bacardi’s first-of-its-kind virtual music experience at the comfort of your own home

Bacardi, the world’s number one premium rum, aims to bring a sense of comfort in the midst of these challenging times with #PassTheBeat. Bacardi will unite through virtual party the artists and performers from the Philippines, India, and South Africa for a night of heart pumping, energizing beats guaranteed to enthrall music lovers and inspire them to continue to do what moves them even in the face of adversity. Also aimed to inspire the world and bring people together in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

Hosted by travel & lifestyle vlogger Wil Dasovich, #PassTheBeat will kick off in the Philippines on Sunday, May 3, with each artist hosting a live DJ set on their page before they #PassTheBeat to the next party starter. The beat will start at 6:30PM in the Philippines with rapper Alisson Shore and move over to fellow musicians Rjay Tyat6:55 PM and Curtis Smith at 7:20 PM. The event will also feature two of Manila’s most sought after DJs, Ace Ramosat 7:55 PM and Patty Tiu at 8:25 PM. For the final Philippine act, rapper Al James will perform at 9:00 PM with his crowd drawing rhythm and prose before passing the beat over to some of the best DJs in India and South Africa.

Adding zest is hot topic DJ Loonyo’s signature dance covers in support of the Pinoy musicians! Philippines, it’s time to get on your feet in your best Team Bahay outfits to #DoWhatMovesYou. Tell your friends, join the party, and let’s #PassTheBeat on to keep us connected in high spirits.

BACARDÍ rum is made in Puerto Rico and Mexico where it is crafted to ensure the taste remains the same as it did when it was first blended in 1862. www.bacardi.com and Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.www.BacardiLimited.com

LIVE PASSIONATELY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. BACARDÍ, AND THE BAT DEVICE ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF BACARDÍ & COMPANY LIMITED. BACARDÍ, THE BAT DEVICE AND OTHER MARKS RELATED TO BACARDI GROUP PRODUCTS QUOTED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE ARE TRADEMARKS OF BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED OR OF OTHER SUBSIDIARIES OF BACARDI LIMITED. SUBSIDIARIES OF BACARDI LIMITED.