Monthly Archives

January 2023

Lifestyle, News

Greater and Better for Brighter Smiles: Smile Train Commemorates Decades of Smiling as the Leading Comprehensive Cleft Care Provider in the Philippines

Smile Train has provided comprehensive cleft care and 100% free cleft repair surgery to Filipinos born with cleft lip and palate for over 24 years, making it the largest cleft-focused charity in the world.

Following the successful release of the first speech therapy app in the world in the Filipino language in 2021, Smile Train has since concentrated on growing and extending its Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) locations outside of Metro Manila to serve more Filipinos in need of cleft support.

“Over the years, Smile Train has worked toward providing comprehensive cleft care for Filipinos at zero cost – from surgery to post-surgery care, and other cleft treatment such as speech therapy, orthodontics, and even breast-feeding support for mothers of children with cleft. To continue providing high-quality treatment for the years to come, we have worked toward training more Filipino medical professionals and partnering with more healthcare institutions such as Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital and Allegiant Regional Care Hospitals to launch more CCC centers across the country”, said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia.

Bringing more smiles to Filipinos across the country

In 2022, Smile Train celebrated the first anniversary of its first CCC center in Cebu in partnership with Allegiant Regional Care Hospitals and Mabuhay Deseret Foundation. Since its launch, over a hundred patients have received life-changing cleft surgery and post-surgery care in the Eastern Visayas region.

Smile Train also celebrated its 12-year partnership with Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital with the launch of its CCC Center. The hospital has helped over 5,000 patients with cleft surgery, and other cleft treatment such as orthodontic and dental treatment and speech therapy at no cost. The CCC Center provides free treatment and care all-year for individuals living in Marikina, Rizal, and nearby provinces.

Local partners at the forefront of success

The success of Smile Train’s sustainable model is anchored on partnerships with local medical professionals and hospitals in the country. With this, Smile Train continued its support for local medical professionals through skills enhancement training opportunities.

In 2022, Smile Train, in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS), hosted the PAPRAS – Smile Train Cleft Training Program which trains plastic aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons through a three-month-long observership. Participants are given hands-on training for various types of cleft surgeries, exposure to managing comprehensive cleft care with the help of the program.

Smile Train and Glaxo-Smith Klein (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, one of the world’s leading providers in specialist oral health, also supported a three-day Comprehensive Cleft Care Webinar series. Organized by the Association of Philippine Orthodontists (APO), the webinar series offered highly informative online sessions on various stages of cleft treatment for a child born with a cleft.

Accelerating cleft lip and palate expertise

Another highlight for Smile Train was the introduction of its first and only Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Simulator, the latest addition to its growing series of high-fidelity cleft surgery simulators.  Produced by Simulare Medical, a division of Smile Train, the simulator aims to accelerate learning in cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgical training, ultimately reducing patient risk, lessening training costs, and elevating the competence of surgeons locally and globally.

“Last year, Smile Train celebrated many milestones in the Philippines that helped advance our local expertise in treating cleft and then eventually expanding by launching more comprehensive cleft care centers in farther communities. By investing in our local healthcare professionals and hospitals, we can reach more patients and provide safe, high-quality, and timely treatment for adults and children born with cleft lip and/or palate,” said Flaviano.

Flaviano said that Smile Train Philippines is getting ready to open more Comprehensive Cleft Care facilities in 2023. Visit smiletrain.org to learn more about Smile Train’s global initiatives or to make a donation.

Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to find out more about our regional initiatives in the Philippines.

Lifestyle

Viva Magenta will make your Valentine’s Day even more special

The most recognized authority on color in the world, Pantone, has selected Viva Magenta as the year’s color for 2023. Viva Magenta, a vibrant, throbbing shade in the red color family, inspires feelings of happiness and optimism. Its liveliness makes it ideal for marking accomplishments and exhilaratingly beginning new chapters. The new Floret Valentine special collection 2023, fittingly titled Viva VDAY Magenta, brings all of this into play.

Under Rustan’s Flower Shop, Floret is a locally developed specialty flower shop brand. It provides pre-made and customized floral arrangements that give any event the ideal amount of vivacity. The day of hearts will once again be something to look forward to by lovers, moms, best friends, sisters, and all the self-romantics alike this month thanks to a team of committed florists and designers.

Featuring three stunning magenta flower arrangements that come in colors that epitomize love and romance: Aphrodite (magenta and blush pink flowers), Venus (magenta and reds), and Freya (magenta and whites), this collection encapsulates modern love in one of its oldest expressions. Each design comes in a bouquet and a vase version.

From February 1 to February 9, 2023, Floret will offer a 10% discount on pre-orders made online. For the client’s convenience and special requests, you may have the flower arrangements delivered to a specified address or you may also opt to pick them up in any of the three branches: 1120 House, Rustan’s Makati Marketplace, and Power Plant Mall Marketplace.

May this time of year be marked by a celebration of love everywhere, and may Floret’s 2023 Valentine’s Day Collection VIVA VDAY MAGENTA aid in capturing each feeling of delight and pleasure through lovely floral arrangements.

Place your purchases for Viva VDAY Magenta at https://rustansflowershop.ph/category/viva-vday-collection/ right away!

Lifestyle, News

Masungi Georeserve is visited by Sterling Bank of Asia as part of its environmental initiative

This year, the annual Kind Heart Gives CSR project of Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) incorporates an environmental project at Masungi Georeserve in Bara, Rizal.

The Masungi Landscape in Baras, Rizal, is the focus of the award-winning conservation initiative known as the Masungi Georeserve. The program gave 50 SBA employees the chance to take part in the reserve’s “Nurture-a-Grove” reforestation initiative.

The Sterling Bank of Asia is dedicated to fulfilling its duties to promote social and environmental responsibility.

“Sterling Bank of Asia takes part in saving the denuded forests around the reserve. It is also one of our ways to strengthen our sustainability efforts and to give back to the environment,” said Arlene Siongco, Head of Human Resources Group at Sterling Bank of Asia.

“We’d like to thank Masungi Georeserve for welcoming us. Activities such as these are necessary for the company as it is one of the ways we uphold environmental appreciation and conservation,” said Cecilio Paul San Pedro, SBA’s President and CEO.

The Masungi Georeserve project has received recognition for preserving the more than 400 species of flora and fauna as well as the 60-million-year-old limestone structures in Baras, Rizal.

To know more about this visit their website https://www.sterlingbankasia.com

Entertainment, Lifestyle

‘A COMPLETE SUCCESS’; Face-to-face Dinagyang exceeded expectations

According to Mayor Jerry P. Treas, Dinagyang’s return to the city’s streets exceeded expectations with thousands of domestic and foreign tourists filling various festival activities.

“Everyone wanted a strong comeback…It was a complete success and this showed that Dinagyang and our Sto. Niño are beyond politics,” added Treñas.

The outstanding dancing and eye-catching costumes worn by Dinagyang Festival participants are well-known throughout the world as examples of Ilonggo innovation, craftsmanship, and artistry.

The Dinagyang 2023 organizer, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), as well as the participating tribes and business sponsors, received congratulations from Treas.

“I acknowledge all our sponsors from the private sector for their significant contributions in the success of Dinagyang. Of course, sa inyo tanan, mga pinalangga ko nga Ilonggo. Ang tanan nga ini bangud sa inyo kag para man sa inyo. Your strong support in all our activities played a meaningful role in the overall success of the festival,” said Treñas.

The festival’s top sponsor was SM City Iloilo; it also served as venue for many Dinagyang activities, including the first-ever Dinagyang Ilomination on Jan.21, Batchoy Festival, festival costumes exhibit, and concert of various performing artists including Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto, among others.

The festivities were graced by no less than First Lady of the Philippines Atty. Liza Araneta Marcos and some prominent government officials including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senators Risa Hontiveros, Jinggoy Estrada, Mark Villar, Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla, former senator Franklin Drilon, among others. YouTube sensation Small Laude, broadcast journalist Karen Davila, lifestyle columnist and philanthropist Tessa Prieto Valdez, television presenter and entrepreneur Tim Yap were also there to join the festivities. They were warmly welcomed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. 

Several dignitaries form foreign embassies attended the festivities as well: Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines HE Raduta Dana Matache with Mr. Constantin Matache ;  Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines HE Agus Widjojo and his wife, Mme. Ranny Agus Widjojo; Royal Thai Ambassador to the Philippines HE Tull Traisorat;  Royal Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines HE Christian Halaas Lyster;  Hungary Ambassador to the Philippines HE Titanilla Toth; Embassy of Polland Ambassador to the Philippines HE Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz ; Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Ms. P.G.P. Kaushalya; Consul General of Japan in Cebu  Hideki Yamaji; and Embassy of the United States in the Philippines Chief Consuls Kristofer Graf and Leo Balantac

The festival is Iloilo City’s rendition of the Ati-atihan celebrations, which are extensively observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country. The Hiligaynon word for revelry or “merrymaking” is dinagyang.

Among the numerous foreign dignitaries who attended the festival, two were gushing with appreciation

Lifestyle, News

Toyota Philippines is still leading the charge to become electric

With the first stop of its nationwide “Go Electrifying with Toyota” tour taking place January 19–22 at the Activity Center of Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) gave 2023 off to an electrified start.

Toyota has a large selection of HEVs to choose from and is the nation’s pioneer in electrified transportation. The Camry, Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, and RAV4 are all current models and will all be on display during the “Go Electrified” event.

Visitors to the electrified experiential booth will also have the chance to test drive the featured HEVs and learn more from TMP’s pool of electrified vehicle experts, who are available to respond to any questions or provide clarification to the public regarding various electric car technologies, in addition to viewing the displayed vehicles. For those who actively participate in the numerous learning and immersion activities, prizes are also up for grabs.

With its current portfolio of HEV’s, TMP believes in giving its customers diverse and accessible choices in order to shift electrified vehicles while still addressing their specific mobility needs today. This step is aligned with the principle that electrified vehicles can only make a significant impact to the environment with massive adoption of various carbon-neutral vehicle technologies. Under its multi-path approach to sustainable mobility, Toyota offers various technologies around the world from HEVs to Plug-In Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles, and Fuel Cell and Hydrogen-powered vehicles.

To find out more, go to the Go Electrified with Toyota Tour stop in Metro Manila. Soon, the trip will stop at other cities around the nation to promote carbon-neutral transportation. Visit toyota.com.ph, follow ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, like Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook, and join our Toyota PH Viber community to stay up to date.

Lifestyle

This Chinese New Year, improve your way of life with Home Credit

Happy New Year! As the year progresses, doors of possibilities open, ushering in fresh starts and opportunity for resolutions. With the newest technology, furnishings, and appliances to support your ideal lifestyle in 2023, Home Credit has got your back on your quest to become a better and improved version of yourself.

This Chinese New Year, Home Credit Philippines, the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, is giving customers a good hand blowout. Products like electronics, sporting goods, and household appliances are now more affordable thanks to the lowest interest rates and waived last month’s installment for reliable on-time payers.

If you are looking for a sign to make that dream purchase, well you just got lucky! Home Credit lists down awesome items that can help you upgrade your way of life. Cast your luck and check out these items below.

Start your fitness journey now

Go active! Sports products are now a hit for fitness enthusiasts and even those venturing out for a healthier lifestyle. Start your fitness goals through Home Credit’s featured sports products.

Burn those calories away with the new and upgraded Zeus Spinning Bike. This equipment has an advanced system that can scan time, speed, distance, and calorie count. This can also be a flexible exercise partner which can be used not only in gyms but also at home. It can be purchased at the nearest Metro Gaisano store in your area.

Want an all-in-one fitness machine? Better try Questor’s 3-ways Manual Treadmill. This equipment can be converted into a treadmill, figure twister, and stepper that can give you an intense workout session without the need to hit the gym. Add this to your fitness list now and visit the KCC department store near you.

Never too late to grab the gadgets that you desire

Consider this as a fortune cookie note– learn to reward yourself from time to time. If you’ve been meaning to have a gadget upgrade for yourself or loved one, now is the perfect time!

Check out the Apple iPhone 11 and Apple iPhone XR. These items are top viewed phones in Home Credit’s Marketplace and stand as affordable models that are still at the peak of performance.

The iPhone 11 comes with an ultra-wide camera, a night mode feature, plus a longer battery life perfect for those who are always on the go. While the iPhone XR is ideal for photography enthusiasts and selfie lovers with its high-definition camera and wide screen display. Experience the power of these iPhone series and get yours now at the nearest Aerophone and Silicon Valley stores.

No need to delete last year’s memories just to store new ones, the vivo V25e has the right amount of storage and power for you! This phone comes with 8GB RAM + 256GB internal storage giving users the right amount of space to store their best moments. You can grab this awesome phone at any Home Credit phone merchants in your area.

Calling the class of 2023! If you are looking for the best partner in accomplishing your schoolwork, the HP 15S is the right laptop for you. This device comes with 8GB RAM storage and 512GB SSD the perfect space to store all your files and applications. Get that seamless work experience and grab your HP15s laptop through Home Credit by visiting New Ong To Express Mart.

Manifest the best vibes at home

Calling all titas and home buddies, been wanting a new freezer or perhaps a washing machine? This is your sign to channel positive vibes at home and choose only efficient products for one’s essential household needs.

Make your laundry day as easy as 1,2,3 using a Panasonic washing machine. Its multi stain removal feature and water bazooka component can make your laundry day convenient and faster—certainly Tita friendly! Get your washing machine upgrade and check out this item at the SM Appliance stores in your area.

Looking for a multifunction freezer? The all-new Condura Freezer is ideal for you. This chest freezer is designed for those who would like to store their food and beverages in small spaces and rooms. This is also perfect for those who would like to start a small sari-sari store business. Check out the product in any Abenson stores near you.

Why are you waiting out? Early lifestyle improvement will lead to betterment at home and in one’s own life. Make your Chinese New Year’s resolutions come true by downloading the My Home Credit app, visiting the website, and looking at the nearby retail establishments.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).    have properly licensed and overseen the financing firm Home Credit Philippines (BSP). Visit the Home Credit Philippines website at www.homecredit.ph to find out more about the most recent news. You may also follow the company’s official profiles on FacebookInstagram, and TikTok. Customers are advised to download the My Home Credit app from Google Play in order to learn more about the most recent promotions and discover what has recently appeared in the market.

Lifestyle, News

SM Supermalls is the place to hop your way to luck in 2023!

This 2023, as you celebrate Chinese New Year at your favorite SM malls nationwide, bid farewell to the roaring tiger and welcome the energetic rabbit!

SM Supermalls has planned interesting activities and events for the Year of the Water Rabbit celebrations from January 9 to January 22. Here are some special CNY deals for you to take advantage of if you’re looking for some hopping fun excursions.

Share good fortune while dining at SM

Chinese New Year will always be about gathering with family for meals and other activities. Enjoy this month’s Lucky Feast specials from participating tenants while enjoying a delightful dine-in experience at SM with the whole family.

Have a stroll at the Lucky Park

Don’t miss out on the fun of strolling around SM Supermalls’ Lucky Park. Snap a photo with the whole family at the Bunny Family Photo Spot, or take selfies at the magnificent Money Trees and the lighted rabbits. You can also read through your luck this year with the Zodiac Forecast Panels or put your A-game on at the Lucky Finds Pop-Ups in the area to win CNY exclusive deals.

Witness a Lion and Dragon Dance

Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during the Chinese New Year? At SM, lion and dragon dance performers will go around the mall to get all the lucky hanging hong baos. Catch them perform live from January 13 to 22!

Usher in good fortune this year with tips from a Feng Shui expert!

When it comes to Feng Shui, SM Supermalls knows how you can harness the positive energy that the new year brings. And with the help of Feng Shui expert, Ms. Marites Allen, you’ll surely discover what 2023 has in store for you.

Just present a minimum SM receipt worth Php 1,000 to get a chance to talk to her in person in the following malls:

  • January 14, 2PM – SM City Olongapo Central
  • January 15, 2PM – SM City San Lazaro
  • January 19, 2PM – SM City Fairview
  • January 20, 2PM – SM City Dasmariñas
  • January 20, 5PM – SM City Sta. Rosa
  • January 2 1, 2PM – SM Megamall
  • January 21, 5PM – SM City North EDSA
  • January 22, 2PM – SM City Bacoor
  • January 22, 5PM – SM Mall of Asia

Scan and win amazing prizes in this AR hunt game

Test your luck at the Lucky Rabbit Hunt in SM malls! Join this AR hunt game by opening the app on your mobile device. Hunt for the triggers, scan the area, and catch lucky rabbits all around the mall with your family and friends.

SM Supermalls wishes its customers life, serenity, and prosperity for the coming year of the water rabbit, which is 2023. So, good luck and have fun while securely and conveniently taking part in all these CNY-themed activities at your favorite SM Mall!

Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media for additional updates.

Food, Lifestyle

With a menu of luck, the Rizal Park Hotel celebrates the Lunar New Year with prosperity

The rabbit, the Chinese Zodiac’s auspicious animal, heralds a year of abundance, optimism, and peace.

The historic Rizal Park Hotel welcomes visitors to celebrate the Year of the Water Rabbit by indulging in a decadent, carefully prepared menu of authentic Chinese food at any of the establishments, from Imperial Court to Cafe Rizal.

Families and friends may enjoy the Year of the Rabbit at the iconic Chinese restaurant Imperial Court with menu items created especially for the occasion. Start with the Good Fortune Menu, which costs P28,888 per table (10 people) and includes nine specially selected dishes such fried pigeon, steamed garlic crab, and grilled wagyu beef with honey mustard salad. Two free bottles of white wine are included with the menu.

The Prosperity Menu offers Peking Duck, Stir-Fried Scallops Szechuan Style, and Steamed Lapu-Lapu, along with six other items, for those who are desiring them. The price of the Prosperity Menu, which includes two bottles of white wine or rose, is only P29,888 for a table of ten.

Lunar New Year dinners at Imperial Court will be served from January 21 to February 5, 2023.

On the Lunar New Year’s Day, the hotel is offering an amazing dim sum buffet for just P600 that includes Siomai, Tikoy, Dumplings, Buchi, and other delicacies. The offer also includes a glass of wine, a lion dance, and firecrackers. Additionally, visitors can eat in Cafe Rizal where a buffet of Chinese congee and side dishes is available.

Call (02) 8804-8700 for more information about the Lunar New Year dining specials at the Rizal Park Hotel. Follow RizalParkHotel on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and Instagram, respectively, at https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/.

Health and Wellness

Throzz lozenges let you feel the power of myrrh

With Throzz lozenges, you can now benefit from myrrh’s therapeutic properties! Myrrh has been used historically as an analgesic and an antibacterial. It is one of the gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus at his birth. Throzz has tapped into this knowledge of the ages to ease throat irritation.

Throzz lozenges are your all-natural sore throat remedy because they are made with myrrh oil. Effective anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial effects can be found in this plant extract. Throzz lozenges will give you the much-needed pain relief you require for a sore throat while cleaning your throat of unwanted bacteria and fungi. This helps stop infections from getting worse, which could cause more dangerous illnesses.

Absolutely sugar-free, these great-tasting blackcurrant-flavored lozenges are the best way to relieve pain in the throat and deter more germs from getting into your system. It’s always best to keep a pack of Throzz lozenges at home or in your everyday carry. It’s a very convenient way to combat sore throat at its earliest onset.

Throzz lozenges can be purchased at some Robinsons and Shopwise locations, as well as Mercury Drug and Landers Superstore locations.

Food

Subway bestows on Kimpoy the finest of his B.M.T ™ Moments

At Subway, Kimpoy Feliciano is experiencing his best B.M.T. TM Moments! Every B.M.T TM sandwich that Subway offers is full of fantastic possibilities.

But what  is a B.M.T ™ Moment? A B.M.T ™ Moment happens when life presents you with a host of marvelous choices that deciding which is the best one becomes a challenging task. Sometimes, these moments may even bring about confusion and conflict. But, once you’ve made your decision and discovered that it was, in fact, the ideal one, ta da! There you have it—your very own B.M.T ™ Moment.

The BMT sandwiches from Subway can offer you a fantastic B.M.T. TM Moment! Whether it’s their famous Italian B.M.T TM, the delectable Cheesy B.M.T TM, or their resident heavyweight, the B.M.T TM Plus, their Biggest, Meatiest, and Tastiest sandwiches are tantalizing and intriguing options.

Italian B.M.T ™s are great for your everyday moments—if you want healthy comfort food, this is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a pick-me-up in between the dull moments, choose our Cheesy B.M.T ™s for a little fun to add to your day! And if you’re roaring for adventure, the B.M.T ™ Plus is up for the challenge! These are sure to satisfy thrillseekers everywhere!

This year, you will come across a lot of B.M.T ™ Moments. Welcome them and embrace them! These experiences will hone you and sharpen your wit. You become a better version of yourself with each wise decision you make. Just like Kimpoy Feliciano, his B.M.T ™ moment taught him to choose what is worthy and of value. And when it comes to choosing what to eat, it is always important to Eat Fresh at Subway!

Go to your preferred Subway location right away to make the most of your B.M.T. TM moments. Give them to us! The hashtags #SubwayBMTMoments #SubwayBiggestMeatiestTastiest #SubwayPH #SubwayBMT #EatFresh are appreciated.

B.M.T Sandwiches at Subway cost the following in-store:

  • B.M.T ™ Classic
  • Ala Carte – P185 (6-inch sub); P360 (footlong sub); P195 (wrap)
  • Regular Meal (w/ 22oz drink + 2pcs cookies) – P305 (6-inch sub); P480 (footlong sub); P315 (wrap)
  • B.M.T ™ Double Cheese
  • Ala Carte – P195 (6-inch sub); P380 (footlong sub); P205 (wrap)
  • Regular Meal (w/ 22oz drink + 2pcs cookies) – P315 (6-inch sub); P500 (footlong sub); P325 (wrap)
  • B.M.T ™ Plus
  • Ala Carte – P245 (6-inch sub); P480 (footlong sub); P255 (wrap)
  • Regular Meal (w/ 22oz drink + 2pcs cookies) – P365 (6-inch sub); P600 (footlong sub); P375 (wrap)

To know more you can check the Subway’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SubwayPhilippines for more interesting news.