February 2023

With increased support for both artists and art enthusiasts, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will return to Art Fair Philippines in 2023.

BPI, a fervent supporter of Philippine arts, helps visual artists through collaborations and art lovers by granting them more access to artworks at art events like the upcoming third edition of Art Fair Philippines.

“As we appreciate the value of artists and their works, we also see the significance of collecting and keeping great artworks, which is why we at BPI continue to provide our support as well to art lovers who, time and time again, visit Art Fair Philippines and acquire valuable artworks,” said Jenelyn Z. Lacerna, the Group Head of BPI Unsecured Lending and Cards, Product and Sales.

Art Fair Philippines 2023, which is happening on February 17-19 at The Link in Ayala Center in Makati City, will feature over 60 exhibitors from the Philippines and overseas as the art exhibition celebrates its 10^th year. It is co-presented by BPI and Ayala Land, among other corporate supporters.

To promote art appreciation and further boost the local art scene, BPI offers complimentary access to cardholders of BPI Visa Signature, Platinum Rewards Mastercard, Amore Platinum Cashback, and Gold Mastercard.

“At BPI, we consider keepers of valuable art works as art investors, as the works they acquire become part of their investment portfolio,” Lacerna said.

BPI has been the caretaker of more than 1,000 artworks by many prominent Filipino artists, such as Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, and Ben Cabrera. Most of these art pieces are the country’s finest expressions of Philippine culture and are reflective of BPI’s inherent values.

“The kind of support BPI gives to art lovers provides them greater access to exclusive events such as Art Fair Philippines, which continues to showcase the country’s vibrant local art scene and helps Filipino visual artists generate support and reach a wider audience,” Lacerna added.

BPI affirms its commitment to recognize and nurture the country’s artistry and talent through its participation in events like this.

One of the many galleries featured in the art fair is Art Cube, which provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collections. The gallery, which will be located on the 5^th Level, Booth No. 5, will feature the works of father-and-son Renato and Guerrero Habulan, showing a glimpse of ordinary people: iconic images of the masses, their dignity amid hardship, and as an inspiration. Renato, a post-war and contemporary painter, is one of the most influential and award-winning watercolor artists in the country. Guererro, a recipient of the Thirteen Artists Awards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, combines different figurative styles and approaches—from hyperrealism to pop surrealism to the “ready-made” images of silk screen printing.

Also featured in this year’s edition of the art fair includes Celine Lee, who has been recognized for her work, including the Juror’s Choice Award of Merit at the Philippine Art Awards in 2020. She has a diverse portfolio that includes paintings, sculptures, embroidery pieces, and multimedia works that show her innovative use of different materials and media.

A finalist in several competitions in 2018, including the LRT Art Competition, Shell National Student Art Competition, Metrobank Art and Design Excellence Competition, and Regional Winner for Philippine Art Awards, Winna Go’s paintings are also worth checking out for art enthusiasts. She draws inspiration for the majority of her paintings from the history of the Chinese diaspora, the depth of Chinese and Filipino culture, her own identity and place in society, and the splendor of nature.

“We invite the art enthusiasts out there to come and join us at the Art Fair Philippines and discover the country’s artistry and talent. Check out the many participating galleries that showcase Filipino artistry at its best,” Lacerna added.

Visit the Art Fair Philippines website and follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/artfairph) and Instagram (@artfairph) for additional information.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause event on March 5, 2023, organized by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) to generate money for the upkeep of the Bataan Death March memorials and other World War 2 historical sites.

The event, which is sponsored by the Department of National Defense, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the Provincial Government of Bataan, and the Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, according to Mike Villa-Real, PVB’s first vice president for marketing and communications, aims to preserve the legacy of American and Filipino soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.

The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this historic event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March; he said.

The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes.

Villa-Real said the event will start at 6 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.

The non-competitive bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour cut-off during thee vent.

He noted that the event will also implement a ;No Helmet, No Ride; policy to ensure the safety of the participants. Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders; progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.

The registration fee for the Ride for Valor is P1,000, which includes an official event shirt, a race bib, at rucker cap, a loot bag, an e-certificate, and meals.

Interested individuals may register online at bit.ly/rideforvalor2023 until March 1, while groups may email [email protected].

Participants may also register onsite at RD Cycles Libis Branch and RD Cycles Timog Branch.

Those who will join the bike ride must download the Traqs Philippines app to enter the event.

Prior to the bike ride, we will be raffling off an overnight stay for lucky joiners, and on March 5, we will be giving two bikes as well as hotel gift checks and other exciting prizes to our raffle winners,; Villa-Real added.

Organized by Without Limits PH – IGEM, Ride for Valor 2023 is co-presented by Traqs Philippines,

OneLGC, AIR21, Panahon.TV, and the Integrated Waste Management Inc. Sponsors include Neo Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar. The Bataan Death March is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forced to march more than 100 kilometers in grueling conditions by Japanese forces in 1942.

Although many soldiers died from infections, thirst, famine, and the cruelty of their Japanese captives, thousands of men did survive the war. The monuments serve as a remembrance of the sadness and bravery that took place at that time. Veterans and their families from World War 2 own PVB, a private commercial bank. After the Bank’s new Charter was enacted into law, Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees became part of its ownership.

Follow Ride for Valor on Facebook to learn more about the occasion at www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH.

Exciting news for the women of Subic!

Prepare yourself for the inaugural Connected Women Meetup of 2023, which will take place concurrently in several municipalities throughout Zambales and elsewhere. Yours truly, Mitch Carvalho, Lynn Singian, and Jen Cajucom will co-host the Connected Women Subic Meetup. On February 15 at 6 o’clock, it will take place at Kairos House of Blends, which is on the first floor of the Balai Subik building on National Highway, Mangan-Vaca, Subic.

That’s not all, either. With Myra Concepcion hosting Connected Women Castillejos, Melissa Moscoso hosting Connected Women San Felipe, and April Mora hosting Connected Women Olongapo, other municipalities in Zambales will also organize their own events. This will coincide with community-led Connected Women meetups conducted abroad and all throughout the Philippines.

Since 2018, Connected Women meetups in Zambales have been hosted by Jen Cajucom and held as a single meetup for the whole province every 6-weeks. This time around, and as part of Connected Women’s advocacy, we’re bringing the meetups closer to the women of Zambales by having hosts for CW San Felipe, Castillejos, Subic, and Olongapo.

The Connected Women Subic meetup will be a little different from the others. The Connected Women Subic team believes that by really understanding the attendees on a deeper level and by knowing their goals, they can tailor future meetups to meet those needs. So, whether attendees are looking to boost their self-confidence, learn basic digital marketing skills for their businesses, or anything in between, Connected Women Subic will make sure that their journey will be a fruitful and meaningful one.

Come to a fun and educational event hosted by Connected Women Subic where attendees can make connections with other like-minded women, exchange experiences and stories, and gain knowledge from one another. This is a wonderful chance for women in Zambales and everywhere to unite and aid one another in reaching their career and personal objectives. Don’t pass up this inspiring opportunity!

Toyota Motor Philippines is giving specials throughout this love month that give you a mobility partner so you can pursue your passions. You can choose a Toyota model that fits both your short-term and long-term goals thanks to the extensive selection available.

Fall in love with flexible payment options

Organizing the ideal date night with your significant other? With a Vios, you can never go wrong! If you choose the Pay Low option, you can take home the 1.3 XE CVT for just a PHP115,350 down payment and stop stressing about how you’ll go to all the places you want to go!

Customers can purchase a unit through the Pay Low option for as little as 15% downpayment with free insurance for one year, three years of LTO registration, and no chattel mortgage at 60 months to pay via all-in cash out. The Rush is also offered with this option, with a down payment of PHP 176,400 for the 1.5 G GR-S A/T variant.

And while many are meeting other people this love month, it’s also a time to show yourself some love! Go on that solo date with the Wigo 1.0 E M/T, available at only PHP6,347 per month under the Pay Light option. This option offers customers low monthly plans with 50% downpayment at 60 months to pay.

If running a business is your passion, the Lite Ace may just be for you! Under the Pay Light option, the Pickup variant can be yours for only PHP6,371 per month.

You can also get big savings when you pay in cash! PHP50,000 in cash savings await those who will purchase the Corolla Altis V HV and V variants during the promo duration, while those who buy the Innova can get up to PHP20,000 in cash savings, depending on the variant. Now that’s a deal you’re sure to love!

Do more of what you love with a well-maintained car

Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape allows you to worry less about possible breakdowns on the road and focus more on driving to places you love.

During the promo period, all brand-new Corolla Altis, Raize, Veloz, Rush, Fortuner, as well as select variants of the Vios, Avanza, Innova, and Hilux are entitled to a FREE Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS). Customers can avail the free PMS up to their 20,000KMS check-up, as long as it is within the 18 months from the release date of the vehicle.

Toyota continues to spread love to MSME owners with the Lite Ace! All Lite Ace units sold and released during this period will qualify for a fixed 1,000KM-40,000KM PMS. New Lite Ace owners will only need to pay PHP1,999 per PMS until the 40,000KM check-up.

Lots to love when you trade in!

If you currently own a Vios and are thinking of upgrading to an SUV, we reckon you might like the Raize! You’ll get a PHP20,000 rebate when you trade in for the Turbo and E variants, or PHP30,000 for the G CVT variant.

Those who love travelling with their friends or family can trade in their Vios for an Avanza or Veloz and get PHP20,000 in rebate; or the Innova to get a PHP35,000 rebate! The Hilux is also available for those who want to trade in their Fortuner. They’ll also get a PHP20,000 rebate!

The trade-in rebate can be used as cash discount when you purchase the participating model during the promo period. It can also be used to purchase accessories.

Rest easy with insurance and warranty on your vehicle

All brand-new Wigo, Veloz, and select variants of the Vios, Corolla Altis, Innova, Hilux, Avanza, Rush, and Fortuner purchased during the promo duration are covered by a FREE one-year comprehensive insurance provided by Toyota Insure.

The comprehensive insurance covers 24/7 personal accident, passenger auto personal accident, three-year CPTL, own damage (OD), loss/theft, excess bodily injury (EBI), property damage (PD), acts of nature (AON), and includes emergency roadside assistance.

Those who will purchase a brand-new Vios G, E or XLE this month will also enjoy a warranty coverage of five years or 150,000KM, whichever comes first.

Create special moments this February with Toyota! Whether it’s spending quality time with a loved one or doing some much-needed self-loving, go all out! Promo runs from February 4-28, 2023 only. Check out the full mechanics, offers and participating units here: https://toyota.com.ph/promos/GoForLove

For current information on goods and services, dealer operations, announcements, and events, follow Toyota Motor Philippines’ official pages on Facebook, Instagram, toyota.com.ph, Twitter, and Viber.

You can view your desired Toyota model safely from a distance by visiting toyota.com.ph/showroom, where you can also choose your preferred dealership and submit a product question.

For all your Toyota needs, from car selection to auto care, maintenance, and upgrades, download the myTOYOTA PH APP for Android and iOS.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-160522 Series of 2023

This February, Globe’s retail outlet Rappit is showing its patrons a practical form of love with special deals and discounts on their favorite goods. There is something for everyone. Rappit has you covered whether you’re looking for a present for your special someone or want to reward yourself! Here is what to expect.

The Somebunny To Love collection of chocolates from Toblerone, Kisses, Cadbury, and KitKat; the All Things Blush collection of beauty items from Olay, St. Ives, Vaseline, and Aveeno; and the Singles collection of treats from Heineken, M&Ms, Rio Strong, TimTam, San Miguel, Snickers, and Suntory are just a few of the collections that Rappit has put together.

The Date Night Collection, which includes premium meats from Mrs. Garcia’s and Meltique, great wines from Carlo Rossi, Novellino, Yellow Tail, Arbor Mist, and Beringer, and chocolates from Hershey’s, Ferrero Rocher, and Cadbury, is ideal if you’re planning a romantic evening.

Rappit’s Love Yourself collection is perfect for those looking to care for their health, with healthy picks from UnMeat, Quaker Oats, Nestle Yogurt, Kellogg’s Cereals, Kirkland Organic Almond Milk, Del Monte Juices, and Century Tuna.

In addition, Rappit also lined up a special offer for all chocolate lovers out there! Pick your favorite chocolates from the Valentine’s Mix and Match of Toblerone and Cadbury and have a P60 off voucher when you spend P300 on participating items.

And since we love you at Rappit, you get to enjoy free delivery with just a minimum spend of P3,000 on your groceries!

“This Valentine’s Month, we at Rappit want to show our love and appreciation to our customers by offering sweet deals and collections – from treats to health and beauty products, we’ve got something for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other or just looking for ways to pamper yourself, we’re here to make this Love Month extra special,” said Cindy Toh, CEO of Rappit.

What are you still looking out for? Prepare to show plenty of love to those you care about this Valentine’s Day with Rappit. Visit https://rappitph.page.link/BF2023PR to find out more information and to get started purchasing right away!