Monthly Archives

March 2023

Lifestyle, News

Gold Awards for Sustainable Real Estate Projects are won by Filinvest Alabang Inc.

At the most recent Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards, which were hosted by the Philippine chapter of the International Real Estate Federation, a Paris-based organization, two projects from Filinvest Alabang Inc (FAI) received gold recognitions (FIABCI). While Filigree’s ultra-luxury condominium, Botanika Nature Residences, won Gold under the Residential Mid-Rise category, Filinvest City, FAI’s flagship township in Alabang, won Gold under the Sustainable Development category.

The awards recognize FAI’s dedication in creating resilient, future-ready, and people-focused communities that can be enjoyed by many generations.  “As we mark our 30th anniversary this year, we continue to be committed to our mission of building communities that are sustainable and people-centric,” shares Catherine Ilagan, FAI President and COO. “Our ultimate goal is to make all of our developments really experiential and engaging, supporting healthier and more fulfilled lifestyles, with Filinvest City and Botanika serving as our flagship projects,” she adds.

The FIABCI gold award further reaffirms Filinvest City’s dedication to sustainability by attesting to its efforts in creating a green central business area in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Other green recognitions include its 3-star Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) Districts Certification by the Philippine Green Building Council, making Filinvest City the first and only Philippine CBD to receive this certification, and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEEDv4 Gold for Neighborhood Development (LEEDv4 ND) certification by the US Green Building Council in 2020. “We have taken the big leap years ago when Filinvest Development Corporation Founder Mr. Andrew L. Gotianun, Sr. envisioned a sustainable and future-ready CBD and established FAI to transform the Alabang stockfarm to what Filinvest City is today. All these awards and certifications prove that we have been doing this right from the start, and that there are alternatives to the accustomed way of building cities in the metro”, Don Ubaldo, FAI First Vice President for townships, says.

The way that Botanika Nature Residences combines aesthetics and functionality while embedding energy efficiency into its design sets it different from other upscale residential buildings. A flagship project of Filigree, FAI’s brand of high-end residential developments, Botanika’s promise to authentic green living is seen beyond its interior as it harmoniously co-exists with its environs. Approximately 70% of its total land area is dedicated to garden and open breathing spaces, while the building itself, covering 30% of the land, was designed to respect and complement its natural surroundings being located at the most exclusive portion of Filinvest City. On top of the FIABCI gold award, Botanika is also a 4-star BERDE certified development, and just last year, was recognized as the first H+W (Health and Well-being – Pilot Version) 3-stars Certified residential building by the Philippine Green Building Council.  “As the post-pandemic world takes shape, there is a growing need for space that keeps people close to the center of activities while also allowing them to retreat to a sanctuary of greenery and clean air at any time to safeguard and promote their health and well-being. Botanika Nature Residences guarantee a stress-free, healthier suburban lifestyle,” says Filigree deputy head and FAI First Vice President Daphne Sanchez.

The company’s efforts to promote an innovative and progressive culture have also been recognized through the honors bestowed upon Filinvest Land Inc. and Filinvest Development Corporation’s president and CEO. Josephine Gotianun-Yap, the CEO. She was named FIABCI’s inaugural Property Woman of the Year and was the first woman to get the Real Estate Personality of the Year award in the Philippines Property Awards by PropertyGuru last year.

Visit filinvestcity.com and filigree.com.ph to learn more about Filinvest City and Botanika Nature Residences.                            

Lifestyle, News

Get the TV of your dreams and the greatest Soundbar to go with it for a pairing unlike any other!

There are always two of everything good. The best things in life come in pairs, whether it’s engaging in a favorite activity while snacking on your favorite foods, getting pampered while doing some online shopping, or watching a wonderful movie on your own TV with a terrific sound system to enhance the viewing experience.  

It’s a terrific idea to pair the TV of your dreams with the best sound system to go along with it. With Samsung’s One True Pair Promo, this brings about the best matching of the season. Take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade your lifestyle by finally purchasing your ideal Lifestyle TV and Soundbar together, saving up to P34,999.

This is your chance to take home the most coveted The Serif or The Frame TV with the ultra-chic and sleek Lifestyle Soundbar, all at a special bundled price when you purchase it via straight card or cash payment at any participating Samsung Authorized Dealer.

Samsung’s One True Pair is the best possible pair. The Q-Symphony feature, which enables the TV and Soundbar speakers to synergistically work together and deliver a larger and more immersive sound experience, makes pairing The Frame or The Serif with the Lifestyle Soundbar effortless and enables you to experience the very best of both products. Each room they are placed in is elevated by the beautiful designs of both objects, producing genuinely exciting spaces. The QLED technology combined with Dolby Atmos will be these two devices’ standout feature, providing you stunning visual quality and outstanding cinematic sound.

Samsung’s One True Pair promotion ends on March 31, 2023, so act fast. Visit www.samsung.com/ph to learn more about Samsung TV promotions, and like and follow Samsung on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.

For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-161267 Series of 2023

Food

Partnering once more to provide jobs for PWDs and senior persons, Jollibee Group and Manila LGU

After renewing its relationship with the Manila municipal government, the Jollibee Group recently announced the restart of its inclusive employment program to hire older citizens and people with disabilities (PWD) in Manila.

The collaboration is in line with Jollibee Group’s mission to offer diverse groups of people fair job opportunities while promoting and upholding inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

From the city’s Public Employment Service Office, Jollibee Group will hire 28 senior citizens and 17 people with disabilities to work in customer relations at its Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King locations in Manila (PESO). Before recommending candidates to the company, Manila PESO will screen and evaluate whether they are qualified. Also, applicants must obtain a medical clearance from the program’s authorized hospital, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center.

“We started this program in 2019 with the Manila LGU. Working on this program in the past few years have allowed us to see how our elderly and differently abled individuals have appreciated the opportunity find gainful employment. The Jollibee Group continues to support this initiative of the Manila LGU, and we have been very fortunate to have a partner that shares the same desire and passion as the company in looking after the interest of our elderly and PWDs,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head for Human Resources-Philippines and Global Organization, Leadership & Culture.

“We look forward to forging more partnerships with other LGUs so we can improve more lives and find reliable staff who can join us in our mission to share the joy of eating with everyone,” Angeles added.

The signing of the new memorandum of agreement held last January 31 was attended by Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, and Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marlon Lacson, as well as officials from Jollibee Group represented by Public Affairs AVP Atty. Raul Academia and Philippine Region Human Resources Director Anna Prado.

The Office of Older Citizen’s Affairs and the Manila Department of Social Welfare are the best places to go for further details on this employment program.

As of 2019, the combined 39 Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, and Greenwich restaurants in Manila employed more than a hundred competent older citizens and people with disabilities. Jollibee Group was the first restaurant chain in the Philippines to do this. In 2019, Jollibee Group collaborated with the local governments of Antipolo and Pasay to launch the same inclusive employment program in addition to Manila.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Entertainment

With American R&B superstar Jordin Sparks, FOR KING + COUNTRY’s “Love Me Like I Am” becomes a multi-format hit

The crossover success of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s latest hit, “Love Me Like I Am,” which features American R&B diva Jordin Sparks, has put the multi-GRAMMY® award-winning team on the map.

The multi-format smash has recently entered Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts at No. 31 and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts at No. 17, becoming one of the biggest songs in the US by an Australian act this year in addition to topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay charts (dated February 25, 2023). The sultry tune has received over 30 million streams on Spotify alone as of this writing.

The Christian pop duo recently performed as the festival’s headliners at Circuit Makati in Manila and stated that they would return to the country in the future.

“You know, we hope to always come back to the places that we’ve been, because every country has its own individual culture—taking part in that was a thrill for us,” says Luke Smallbone, one-half of the award-winning music act. “By visiting different cultures around the world, you can learn something from each of them. We just enjoyed being able to spend time with our Filipino friends.”

Their song “Love Me Like I Am” will be serviced in Philippine radio soon, thanks to its crossover appeal and inspiring universality that resonate to fans all over the world. A soaring pop tune that recognizes the fact that we all make mistakes, “Love Me Like I Am” highlights the importance of seeking and practicing forgiveness.

Luke Smallbone reflects, “I think, sometimes in today’s society, we feel like if we make a mistake, that puts us at odds, and we can’t be loved anymore.  The truth is if we all made mistakes, that means all of us would never be able to accept this wonderful gift called love. I think ‘Love Me Like I Am’ is obviously talking about heavenly love but I think it’s also a challenge for us to love our families that way. The gift of practicing forgiveness is probably the most important attribute of the world. And, I think, for us, that is what this song is talking about. Is love for people, mistakes, and all. And, look, people will live very differently when they recognize how deeply loved they really are.”

The fifth studio album by FOR KING + COUNTRY, What Are We Waiting For?, has the number-one single “Love Me Like I Am,” which features Jordin Sparks. released last year through Curb | Global Entertainment. The album opened at No. 2 on Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US’s Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart before reaching No. 1 on iTunes in a number of different nations.

“Love Me Like I Am,” featuring Jordin Sparks, is part of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s chart-topping fifth studio album, What Are We Waiting For?, released via Curb | World Entertainment last year. The album reached No. 1 on iTunes in multiple countries, and debuted at No. 2 Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart.

Featured on major networks including MTV, BBC2, ABC and more, the global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, R3HAB, Hillary Scott and Timbaland, amongst others. www.curb.com

Lifestyle

For the first time, Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center is offering complimentary skin consultations and treatments

The Beauty Mission Dermatological Care, the clinic’s first-ever medical mission, was successfully carried out on February 8, 2023, in Payatas Bistekville 5Covered Court thanks to a partnership with Radyo Kalusugan, Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center ‘s

GNF and DS made sure to deliver top of the line services   and skin and wellness advice to everyone in attendance with the goal of providing free basic skin treatment and consultation to those who are financially challenged.

 “We would like to provide aesthetic services to communities, with further focus on those who may not have access to these services due to financial difficulties,” Ms. Anne Garalde, Branch Owner and Medical Mission Project Manager, said.

This is also said to be a lot different from other medical missions being conducted in communities. “We know that there are a lot of agencies and companies who conduct medical missions already, we want ours to be different and to focus more on problems that are usually not addressed but definitely something to be discussed and cured,” Ms. Krystal Tecson- Garalde, founder of both brands, said in an interview.

Almost 500 individuals participated in the said medical mission. Each of them received free consultation and brought home free products based on the recommendation of the resident nurse and aestheticians to address specific concerns.

Moreover, participants also had sessions on proper skin care and nutrition-related topics to further promote health and wellness in their community.

“We are providing free skin consultation with the help of our professional aestheticians and registered nurses. We are also offering educational sessions on proper skin care and nutrition because we believe that these are critical components of skincare and wellness,” Ms. Anne Garalde added.

The first and definitely not the last

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Glam and Fab at Dear Self, sa pagpunta po nila sa lugar namin. Kakaibang medical mission po ito, so halos lahat kami dito gusto maexperience, sana po maulit po ulit,” Aling Pinky, one of the event participants, cheerfully responded when asked about  her reaction.

Overall, the event was well-received. Participants were very happy with the personalized attention and care provided by the professionals. Everyone left the medical mission feeling more confident and beautiful which is also one of the objectives of GNF and DS – to uplift everyone’s confidence in themselves through self-care.

“Their participation in this medical mission makes them one notch away from other boutiques and skin clinics,” Mr. Gil Aller, Host of Kalikasan at Kalusugan, Radyo Kalusugan, mentioned in their radio show last February 22, 2023.

In order to give back to the community and assist those in need, Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center participates in medical missions.

In the future, they intend to keep taking part in medical missions and other community service initiatives.

All people should have access to an affordable, effective skincare regimen, according to Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center.

Call 0272543723 for a FREE Consultation.

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Entertainment

With their latest song, “Kalangitan,” the Filipino alt-rock band NOBITA expresses their vulnerable side

With the release of “Kalangitan,” NOBITA reaches a new career high after surpassing worldwide hits with “Ikaw Lang,” the most downloaded song in the Philippines on Spotify in 2022.

The pop-rock ballad reveals the band’s vulnerability while providing a catchy sing-along in a seductively recognizable style. “Kalangitan,” a motivational song about friendship through good times and bad, was written by Jaeson, Mark, and Richmond and co-produced with their dependable partner Isagani Palabyab.

“Just when you think that you have reached rock bottom, remember that there is always someone with you who will help you reach for the heavens,” the band shares in a collective statement. “With an arrangement that stays true to our sound and a melody that transcends emotions, this is the type of material that we’d love to explore over and over. Dredging up emotions to the surface and turning them into a song that everyone loves are both gifts that we’re honored to share with our fans.”

When it comes to honing the art of writing emotive pop tunes, NOBITA never fails to miss the mark. This may be heard in the soaring anthem “Kalangitan,” which takes the word “hugot” in a shockingly familiar direction.

The number-one quintent continues, “We’re simply trying to keep it simple and straightforward, so that it’s palatable to the general audience.”

A John Selirio-directed music video is released along with the song. The music video, which also serves as a critique on bullying and the high school clique structure, features up-and-coming actors Joao Constancia and Queenay Mercado.

Kalangitanby NOBITA is currently available on all digital music services in the world thanks to Sony Music Entertainment.

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Travel

Brand Ambassadors are appointed by Banwa Private Island

Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie have been chosen as Banwa Private Island’s first-ever Brand Ambassadors, the company is thrilled to announce.

Potential guests and business professionals alike will benefit greatly from Ken and Rob’s in-depth knowledge of Banwa Private Island’s exceptional beauty and vulnerable biodiversity. Given that they were present at the beginning of the tropical island’s transformation from a deserted island into the lush garden paradise it is now, both are in a unique position to share firsthand experiences and information.

London-based, Rob Chappelhow first visited the island in 2009 when it was a seldom seen coconut plantation frequented only by Hawksbill Turtles returning to the pristine white sands to lay their eggs. In 2013, Rob became Project Director, overseeing the island’s sustainable development. He says: “By 2019, we were ready to welcome guests to experience Banwa Private Island’s’ concept of informal luxury in a contemporary setting. I am thrilled to bring my experience of its evolution to the Brand Ambassador role. Having watched the native beach forest grow to provide such privacy and tranquility, and witnessed the rejuvenation of the coral reef and the island’s wildlife, it’s an honour to once more be part of the passionate team.”

Ken Beattie, currently based in Taiwan, was also involved in Banwa Private Island’s inception and over recent years has been integral in establishing Aquos Foundation’s CSR programs, reaching out to the local communities to foster positive and sustainable relationships. ‘’There are so many compelling reasons to visit Banwa Private Island including the exceptional personalised service and the numerous land and water-based leisure activities. Having dived every reef in the surrounding Marine Protected Area, I have an intimate understanding of the region’s incredible marine life and the unique experiences available to our guests”, says Ken of his appointment.

The island sanctuary is located in north-eastern Palawan in the Philippines, one of the last remaining areas of natural biodiversity in the world, and it offers beautiful views, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The Aquos Foundation, whose conservation programs maintain, nurture, and safeguard the sensitive ecosystem, marine environment, and local community of Banwa Private Island, will also fly the flag with Rob and Ken. Peter Nilsson, the owner of Banwa Private Island, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie back to the island team. They have a thorough awareness of our distinctive brand of seamless service and sustainable luxury, making them the ideal brand ambassadors for Banwa Private Island.”

Fashion, Lifestyle

These awesome footwear picks are perfect for Women’s Month

In case you didn’t know, March 8 is International Women’s Day. To honor this occasion, we’ve put up a list of shoes that women of all ages and status would find appealing.

Merrell’s Bravada Collection

The Merrell Bravada line of shoes may appear delicate, yet they are just as durable on pavement as they are on trails. The Bravada Backstrap, Bravada Cord Wrap, and Bravada 2 Wrap are essential accessories for active females on the go since they offer a stylish take on the basic outdoor sandal. Up through April 30, purchase any two pairs at any Merrell concept shop and receive a free T-shirt with the Merrell logo. Visit www.merrell.com.ph for the whole collection and more information.

Keds’ New Champion Colors

Keds’ Champion — the very first sneaker for women – now comes in spring-ready colours of Sunny Lime, Light Pink, and Light Blue. The white Champion, made in the distinctive circular vamp oxford style, is a timeless classic that goes with almost anything, and the new vivid hues are no different. Get P500 Discount on a colored Champion pair during this women’s month at any Keds retail location nationwide, including online at www.keds.com.ph.

Sperry’s White Sneakers

Although most people think of Sperry when they think of their iconic boat shoes, did you know that they also make a line of chic and current minimalist sneakers? The most recent designs from Sperry are the ideal fusion of preppy and sporty with understated allusions to its seafaring background (note the barrel knots on the laces). Save P500 off full-priced women’s fashions this March when you spend a minimum of P5000 in a single receipt transaction. This promotion is only accessible at www.sperry.com.ph and retail locations across the country.

Sports

Champions of the 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup are named

In a recent awarding ceremony held in Taguig City, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) officially concluded the 2022 season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Vios Cup.

Ligo Anton of the Toyota North Edsa-Obengers Racing Team was named the overall victor in the Super Sports Class following the completion of three victorious legs of the TGR Vios Cup Circuit Championship. The winners of the Sports and Promotional Classes were Royce Sarmiento of the RMS Cars Racing Team and Jay Lao of the Happy Hotels/OTR Racing Team.

Jules Aquino won the Autocross Challenge’s Advanced Influencer Class trophy, while Miggy Romulo, a rookie, was crowned victorious in the Beginning Influencer Class. Pablo Salapantan won the Beginning Media Class, while Jamil Lacuna was named the overall winner in the Media category for the Advanced Media Class.

TMP held the night to commend and show appreciation to the racers who not only contributed to the success of the 2022 TGR Vios Cup, but also served as ambassadors for TMP and TGR’s goal of promoting motorsports in the country.

“TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup is one of our most celebrated milestones. This would not be possible without you, our racers, and the whole team behind every driver. You gave life to this motorsports program,” TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Danny Cruz said.

Topping off the night’s celebration, the overall Team Award was handed to the Obengers Racing Team. The team’s collective effort and skills on and off tracks made them the best among all the racing teams.

“We contribute to Philippine motorsports by developing more racers,” Obengers Racing Team Co-Principal  Richie Uy said as he received the award on stage with the rest of the Team Obengers racers.

Below is the complete list of the 2022 season’s podium finishers:

When the 2022 TGR Vios Cup comes to an end, TMP keeps its promise to ignite the country’s rising passion for motorsports through its numerous motorsports activities that demonstrate how it pushes the envelope for better. In addition to Petron and Bridgestone, additional sponsors of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup 2022 included Brembo, Denso, OMP, Tuason Racing, AVT, 3M, ROTA, myTOYOTA Wallet, and Kinto One.

Visit toyota.com.ph/gazoo for more information on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and to stay updated, and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH on Facebook and Instagram.

Lifestyle

The Stoveless Kitchen: Modern Responses to Modern Dilemma

Being in charge of your own place may be both rewarding and difficult at times. Finding the ideal balance between making the most of available space and making it practical for daily living can be a real challenge for anyone living in a modern apartment or condo setup where every square foot is valued at its face value.

This necessity is the reason why multi-purpose and space-saving household goods have become so popular in recent years. Nevertheless, how efficient are them in other areas of the house where we often spend a lot of time preparing and conducting manual labor? Take for instance, our kitchens.

Years ago, a regular kitchen was expected to have several appliances to be truly functional. But modern problems require modern solutions, and so a new wave of kitchen partners that can do multiple jobs started taking over households. Think about it: a few years ago, would you have even imagined that you could survive without a stove?

Now you might say, “This isn’t even possible at present” Well, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is here to prove you wrong. The latest model from the premium lifestyle brand’s best-selling line of kitchen partners, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile unit that can do almost anything and everything a home cook needs in their kitchen.

The model’s dedicated air frying setting is just the tip of the iceberg of its note-worthy line of features. With ten cooking functions that include grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, and even a pizza-cooking feature, you can skip having a stove–and a dozen other appliances in your kitchen. Make your favorite roast or whip up your favorite crunchy fries in minutes with its dual-speed convection feature that raises hot air and sinks cold air to reduce the cooking time by 30 percent.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also has an Element IQ System that makes it ideal even for a newbie home cook. The technology is a smart algorithm feature that helps create the perfect cooking environment for different cooking techniques. The advanced sensing and temperature control of this model promises even cooking all the time, eliminating guesswork for its users.

In terms of design, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is crafted for ease of use. It comes with a clear and easy-to-understand LCD Display and an interior oven light that automatically turns on at the end of every cooking cycle. Topping these is its sophisticated and sleek aesthetic which makes it so easy to fit in any modern, classy home.

It’s true that the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer satisfies every requirement a savvy homeowner has for kitchen equipment. Regardless of one’s degree of cooking ability, it is stylish, adaptable, and user-friendly and may enhance anyone’s creativity in the kitchen. Whether you have a little kitchen or not, this model is a must-have for everyone looking for a kitchen partner who can accommodate your contemporary needs.

Are you interested in finding out more details about the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer? For more details, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram right away.