In honor of the birthday of its much-loved character this month, Enchanted Kingdom, the First and Only World Class Theme Park in the Philippines, has announced two limited-time offers.
Children are taught to uphold the characteristics of kindness, humility, patience, honesty, diligence, generosity, and love of God and family by Eldar the Wizard, a jolly character character in EK.
Eldar’s Birthday Treat Promo – July 16 to August 13
The grand celebration will kick off with the EK online store exclusive Eldar’s Birthday Treat promo of one (1) Regular Day Pass bundled with one (1) Eldar’s hat for a discounted price of 1,200 pesos. Guests can avail this promo exclusively at the EK Online Store until July 30 and experience the enchanting world of Eldar while donning this iconic hat until August 13.
Eldar’s Birthday Bash Promo – July 30, 2023
Meanwhile, EK’s Eldar’s Birthday Bash promo entitles guests with access to Eldar’s Birthday Bash and one (1) EK Regular Day Pass on July 30 at the Enchanting Events Place. Guests will be captivated with the performances by Enchanted Kingdom characters and talented musicians, magicians, and dancers. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy facepainting and other fun and interactive games and activities. Eldar will also treat his guests with scrumptious snacks and give away magical souvenirs.
Guests can purchase tickets from July 16 to July 30 from the EK Online Store, the Front Gate ticket booths, and the Makati Sales Office to attend Eldar’s Birthay Bash celebration on July 30. While EKMC members can purchase this for just 500 pesos, non-members of the organization must spend 1,500.
Guests can go to www.enchantedkingdom.ph or the official EK Facebook Page for further details.
Recently, Luciano Armand Copok made headlines by taking home the bronze medal at the 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad and two golf championships from the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour and the SCJGT Oceanside Invitational, both of which were hosted in the USA.
In all areas, 14-year-old Luciano Armand, a Grade 8 student at the British School of Manila, excels while balancing his schoolwork and training at the same time.
He achieved Bronze in the Grade 7–8 division of the just finished 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad Global Round out of more than 100 finalists from 22 nations, showcasing his intelligence and commitment to the subject. Francis Deinmel Legaspi, a fellow Filipino and winner in his category, was also recognized. children in grades 3 through 12 compete in the Copernicus Olympiad, an international competition that strives to help children reach their full potential by enhancing their logical reasoning skills and fostering global connections with like-minded individuals.
Luciano Armand was also named Champion for two separate US golf tournaments. He first competed in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour for Boys 13-14 Years Old Category last July 8 in Freehold, New York. Then moved and claimed another Championship in Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT last July 18 in Ormond Beach, Florida.
His success is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He has proven that it is possible to excel at two seemingly unrelated activities and that it is possible to achieve success even when it requires juggling two different pursuits.
Ms. Tiffany Chua Copok, Armand’s mother, is appreciative of the help in their son’s competition journey.
The accomplishments of Luciano Armand in both the Math Olympiad and the Golf Tournaments serve as a reminder of the value of perseverance and hard effort as well as proof that success in several other areas is attainable.
Coffee is more than just a classic beverage. For many, it is a pastime, a way of life, or even a culture. Many will concur that, as we continue to ride the great third coffee wave, we are now in the golden age of appreciating and enjoying this drink, despite the fact that many trends have come and gone for everyone’s favorite morning pick-me-up.
To quickly review, the third wave of coffee began in the 1980s when attention turned more to the coffee beans and the roasting techniques used to create the brew. The movement’s straightforward mission was to initiate a whole new level of appreciation for coffee by bringing unusual flavors from well-grown beans. Third wave coffee was a complete 180 degree swing from first wave coffee, which was heavily commercialized for quick consumption with little emphasis on quality (think 3-in-1 and instant packets), and second wave coffee, which saw the development of cafe culture.
Vanessa Caceres, a pro in the field, has this to say to describe the third wave movement: “It represents a shift from the mass production and standardization of coffee to a focus on the unique characteristics of individual beans, cultivation methods, and brewing techniques. Third wave coffee enthusiasts often prioritize direct trade relationships with farmers, sustainable farming practices, and meticulous roasting and brewing methods to highlight the flavors and nuances of the coffee. This movement has led to an increased appreciation for coffee as a craft beverage, similar to the way wine or craft beer are appreciated.”
As third wave coffee continues to evolve, the appreciation for its culture continues to grow.
Unlike the early years when the understanding of third wave coffee was limited to a certain niche, however, access to it has now become more open to everyone. Breville Philippines, the leader in premium lifestyle home and kitchen partners, is one brand that has definitely helped unlock the appreciation for third wave coffee with its top-of-the-line range of espresso machines. For Breville, their mission was simple—give everyone a chance to bring home their love for third wave coffee through their products.
Proof of their dedication to this market promise is their wide range of espresso machines that fit the needs of every kind of coffee lover. Regardless of your love for the drink or your skill in making it, Breville has a kitchen partner that can blend in perfectly with your lifestyle.
The Barista Express is for those who feel more confident of exploring more ways to enjoy their coffee with its features that allow easier customization while the Barista Touch is recommended for coffee lovers who still need help in other aspects of coffee brewing with its auto milk function, user-friendly touch screen for customization and personalized brewing settings.
Patricia Villegas, a third wave coffee enthusiast who considers herself a newbie still when it comes to the culture has this to say about her love for the drink.“The greatest challenge would be not knowing where to begin. I just knew I love coffee and I wanted to deepen my knowledge about it. Thankfully, there is a lot of great content and online groups dedicated to this topic which enabled me to learn more about third-wave coffee one day at a time.”
Vanessa adds to this, saying, “With the third wave coffee, it’s not only about educating the people about the drink, but sharing the story behind the cup. [A big part of it] is all about providing genuine experience for those who want to experience it. From the consumer’s perspective, that means having a good espresso machine they can use. What I like about Breville is that it was able to design models that opened up this possibility for everyone–and without compromising the quality of the drink.”
The emergence of companies like Breville has completely transformed the third wave coffee culture game by opening it up to the public while preserving the “romance” and finesse that go along with it. Regardless of their level of cultural familiarity, all coffee drinkers can anticipate the same high level of quality in terms of taste and experience. Anyone may enhance their present love of coffee with the Breville Barista Line by bringing home kitchen partners that can let them experiment more with their favorite drinks.
It’s good to know that Breville has more interesting things planned for this year that will make the hearts of all caffeine-lovers beat faster for those who want to improve their home coffee experience. By following their Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok profiles, you can stay up to date with brand news and discover how you can #BringBrevilleHome. Visit their website to find out more about their offerings.
RETURN OF NCAP. As we experience pre-pandemic traffic, it is ideal in terms of safety and discipline to lift the TRO of NCAP.
The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) last August 2022 prohibiting the implementation of Metro Manila’s no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) for traffic violators.
NCAP-related programs and ordinances are halted by the TRO, and any arrests made in accordance with the aforementioned policy and regulations “shall be prohibited until further orders from the Court.” The order also prohibited any government agencies, towns, or municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances from receiving motorist information from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and any parties operating on its behalf. However, on June 14, 2023, renewed calls for NCAP to be reinstated gained steam following a deadly accident involving a motorcycle driver and an SUV in the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel. The former was struck by a tanker driver who was traveling in the next lane when both drivers were in the EDSA Carousel Bus Lane.
Because of this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) wasted no time in coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General in the filing of a motion before the Supreme Court to consider lifting the temporary restraining order on the implementation of the NCAP.
It’s sad to know that a gruesome incident had to happen but aside from this, MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said they will use the data they obtained in the past months showing an increase in the number of road accidents and traffic violations after the NCAP was suspended in August last year.
“We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” said Artes. “We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” Artes added.
Aside from MMDA, Metro Manila Council President and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora is also leading the discussion to raise the TRO on NCAP.
According to Zamora, MMDA data shows from August 2022 to May of the present year has already resulted in an average of 25,926 per month as compared to a monthly average of 9,500 before NCAP was suspended.
“This data shows that we have more than a double increase in the number of violations. Having been Mayor of San Juan for the last four years, it is close to impossible to have traffic enforcers all over the city of San Juan, more so all over the entire Metro Manila. Having NCAP deters motorists from committing traffic violations” shared Zamora.
DETERRENT. Metro Manila Mayors believe that the NCAP is an effective deterrent to erring motorists to avoid road accidents.
For those with an interest in road safety, NCAP represents a step forward, in terms of our enforcement of traffic laws.
In the few months it was implemented in San Juan, Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City and Paranaque City, NCAP did bring benefits that some would say were unfairly ignored in the debate.
These cities that have fully implemented NCAP cited decrease in obstructions, choking of traffic from apprehended vehicles, reckless driving, and hazardous motorists’ habits.
It is terrible that we had to wait for a deadly accident before we could appreciate NCAP’s advantages. And aside from this occurrence, most people concur that it is now appropriate to lift the TRO. The handheld gadget for the Single Ticketing System (STS) will undergo a pilot test in July under the direction of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), with NCAP having already addressed many of the public’s concerns.
With the STS in place, the local government entities in Metro Manila would be able to firmly enforce traffic regulations while also harmonizing the current national and local laws on traffic enforcement to create an efficient transport and traffic management system.
The International Basketball Association (FIBA), supported by TV5 Cignal Ultra, and ArenaPlus, a local online sports betting platform, officially announced their collaboration to become the official sportsbook partner for the eagerly awaited World Basketball Cup 2023.
Since Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines will be working together for the first time ever to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023, it will be a really historic event. This momentous occasion is extremely exciting for ArenaPlus as well as the fervent Filipino basketball fans who can’t wait to share world-class basketball memories with FIBA.
“I truly believe that basketball is indeed loved by the Filipinos; hence FIBA alongside with ArenaPlus will surely upgrade your sports appreciation and will give you distinct fun and experience while cheering your team.” said Andy Tsui, President of DigiPlus Interactive Corporation.
This alliance is committed to making sure that every basketball fan in the Philippines has an amazing and enjoyable time at the FIBA World Basketball Cup. ArenaPlus sincerely believes in giving our basketball “kababayans” the top-notch experience they rightfully deserve. Our mission is to provide our kababayan’s with high-caliber basketball entertainment, heightened enthusiasm, and community building while promoting happiness across the country.
Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. President Rafael Jasper Vicencio guarantees the best and quality betting experience. “We assure you that we will add more hype and escalate your FIBA experience. Together with our first athlete endorser, who is present here today, Scottie Thompson, you already know that we only provide quality and best betting entertainment service.”
The FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will be held in August and September 2023, is the brand’s invitation to all basketball aficionados and supporters to join in celebrating the sport’s peak of greatness.
“Together, let’s make history and forge enduring basketball memories that will be treasured by fans for years to come. ArenaPlus, Astig sa Sports!,” added Vicencio.
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.
These delicious blackcurrant-flavored lozenges are the ideal method to soothe throat soreness and prevent further infections from entering your system because they are completely sugar-free. It’s advisable to always have a pack of Throzz lozenges on hand at home or in your daily bag. It’s a really practical technique to treat a sore throat when it first appears.
Throzz lozenges can be purchased at some Robinsons and Shopwise locations, as well as Mercury Drug and Landers Superstore stores.
The Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), after 75 years, is finally crafting and building its forever home in Silang, Cavite, Metro Tagaytay.
AAP was founded as a social group in 1948 by Purita Kalaw Ledesma, and is now the biggest and oldest umbrella national artists organization with 12,000 members. However, for 75 years, the organization had no permanent home.
With Mr. Fidel Sarmiento
Master visual artist Fidel Sarmiento and the current set of AAP officers he is leading, wants to take a step further and find a place where the organization can plant its roots and cultivate more aspiring artists. Together with the AAP officers – Roger Santos (Vice President), Margaret Lim (Secretary), Monette Alvarez (Treasurer), and Lulu Olan (Board Director), and their network of friends, the artists are finally able to paint colors and bring life to their biggest collaborative masterpiece that is AAP’s first ever home.
According to AAP, the Tahanan aims to be a central office for different groups of artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It will also serve as a gallery for out-of-town artists who need to exhibit their works but cannot afford accommodations. The Tahanan will also become an educational center for visual arts, for high school students by conducting regular workshops. Most importantly, AAP Tahanan aims to be the face of Filipino Artists to the world.
With Mr. Ral Arrogante, Artist and officer of the APP
In a press conference held last July 10, Sarmiento said “Sabi namin siguro panahon na para isipin na natin yung ating sarili naman. Pangarapin na natin ang magkaroon ng sariling tahanan.” Also present at the conference was the self-taught metal art sculptor Ral Arrogante, who is also an AAP officer. I was one of the attendees who won and received a masterpiece from Mr. Arrogante. I feel lucky and honored to take home one of his handmade sculptures. The AAP officers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to those who extended their help to them.
Sarmiento was inspired by Artabang 1 and Artabang 2, which was two successful artists co-sponsored auctions/fundraisers for Ondoy and Ormoc victims. Because of this, Artabang 3 was pushed through by Sarmiento where the earnings would be used to fund the AAP Tahanan.
“We asked 80 plus artists to donate their paintings for a one night auction on December 19, 2019, where we raised P4.5 million”, said AAP Secretary and watercolor Hall of Famer Margaret Lim.
AAP found the perfect place for their dream home in Barangay Ulat, Silang, Metro Tagaytay, where they bought a 200sqm lot worth P1.8 million.
Taken during the APP presscon
However, the building process was slowed down due to the COVID pandemic. Expenses piled after the March 2022 groundbreaking, but donations in kind came after. The contractor/engineer, John Morales, is pro bono. Architectural design by Sarmiento, pro bono. The sculptural facade will be pro bono by famed artist Sam Penaso. An artist donated 30 cement bags. In the third quarter of 2022, SM offered the Podium and Aura for artists to put up fundraising exhibits where they generated less than a million pesos. A few students of Sunshine Place in Jupiter, Makati, where Sarmiento teaches painting thrice weekly, donated a couple of millions in cash and kind. Donated materials through Wilcon Home Depot and other generous art patrons also helped with the construction of the AAP Tahanan.
For those willing to help AAP and artists in building their forever home, donations can be forwarded to ART ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (Bank Account#122-124181-2 / CHINABANK).
The recent basketball friendly of PBA Blackwater Bossing and the French Navy’s Destroyer Lorraine was part of the 75th-anniversary celebration of the diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines.
The Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) team, Blackwater Bossing, and the French Navy’s team, Destroyer Lorraine had showcased not only their talents but also their sportsmanship and friendship during the recent friendly basketball game between Philippines and France held at Paco Arena, Manila City.
The event is part of the 75th anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between France and Philippines. French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz said, “I know that this country seriously loves sports, and basketball is almost like a religion to them. So the Destroyer Lorraine came to visit us and wanted to play some sport with one of the best teams in PBA.”
L-R) French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz, Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc (EBCI) CEO and PBA Blackwater Bossing team owner Dioceldo Sy, ALPACI-France Pacific Command’s Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné, and executive officer ALPACI Joint Commander and Captain Jerome Henry.
Likewise, PBA’s Blackwater Bossing team owner Dioceldo Sy said, “This sporting event will not only allow my team to improve their game, but I’m also thrilled to be part of something monumental for our country and for France.” Sy is honored to play a role in strengthening the ties between the two countries through his team.
Likewise, PBA Blackwater Bossing team owner Dioceldo Sy is honored to play a role in strengthening the ties between France and the Philippines through his team. “This sporting event will not only allow my team to improve their game but I’m also thrilled to be part of something monumental for our country and for France,” he said.
(L-R) EBCI chief operating officer and Blackwater Bossing Governor Silliman Sy, Embassy of France to the Philippines counselor for cooperation and cultural affairs Marc Piton, and EBCI business development officer Donway Dioceldo Sy.
Blackwater Bossing Governor Silliman Sy, ALPACI-France Pacific Command’s Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné, and ALPACI Joint Commander and Captain Jerome Henry, Executive Officer – Lorraine were also present to witness the friendly match – where the PBA’s Blackwater Bossing team took home the victory.
To get the latest updates on PBA Blackwater Bossing, follow their Facebook page @BlackwaterBossingPBA and Instagram @BlackwaterBossing.
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Fried Chicken Drumsticks with BBQ Seasoning is definitely #Madalicious, as it offers a “madali” (easy) and delicious delight.
It is an easy-to-cook fried chicken meal that can be served and enjoyed in just a few minutes. Magnolia Chicken Timplados is more than just a dish; it creates experiences that brings joy and connections. The “shake shake” fun experience during preparation makes family bonding more enjoyable.
Ang Magnolia Chicken Timplados maasahan sa kahit anong oras at celebration. Sa agahan, tanghalian, merienda o hapunan, laging nandyan ang #Madalicious nilang fried chicken. Madaling lutuin, masustansya sa protina at masayang ihain sa kahit anong okasyon.
Sa Magnolia Chicken Timplados, iba’t-ibang easy chicken sarap! Ihain na para saýo, sa iyong pamilya, o bisita para matikman nila ang #Madalicious nilang fried chicken.
Why include probiotics in your quest for greater health?
No less than these two United Nations-affiliated organizations gave such a statement on the ability of probiotics to improve people’s health, the The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) define probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”
Leading microbiology researcher and probiotics inventor, Dr. Minoru Shirota is a doctor of medicine at Kyoto University (formerly Kyoto Imperial University) and the creator of Yakult. The hypothesis that “Lactic Acid can Prolong Life”—expressed by Russian Noble Prize winner for Medicine Ilya Metchnikoff—plays a role in the probiotics’ historical development. Additionally, he is recognized for his “Optimistic Studies” on “The Prolongation of Life.”
The Number One requirement for probiotics is that it must reach the intestines alive. And so, for Yakult to be dubbed as one, it must meet such Number One requirement. Yakult does all of 8 billion live Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) microorganisms.
Dr. Minoru Shirota’s long years developing the LcS is either supported or corroborated by research/studies from various institutions: a school of medicine (Juntendo University School of Medicine Department of Immunology), a hospital (Takane Hospital), among these. The Yakult Central Institute for Microbiological Research keeps records of elaborate R&D initiatives.
In 2016, Kazuyoshi Takeda of Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine Biomedical Research Center (Division of Cell Biology) presented his study titled “Role of NK Cells in Immunity: NK Cell Activation by Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS). Time and again, “natural immunity” boosting has been proven to be the choice over expensive and taxing “acquired immunity”.
Different researches and studies related to Yakult and the premises behind its formulation were done and evaluated by a third party in Japan and other countries worldwide. There were in fact, so many studies conducted which proved Yakult efficacy as a probiotic and corroborated the soundness of the foundation upon which Yakult’s R&D initiatives were based. As many as 129 research studies conducted were on Yakult’s “intestinal function, “177 on “immunomodulation,” and 107 on “defense mechanism against infection, “ On top of these, over 1,005 researches on Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) were also done.
Yakult “is a fermented milk drink which provides functional benefits for promoting better health by delivering Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) to the intestines alive” (emphasis on the word “alive” since Yakult’s owes its potency to the dynamic activity of the LcS microorganisms being alive and kicking, so to speak). Yakult ensures that a person’s good bacteria will not be outnumbered by bad bacteria— its live LcS suppressing virulent cells such as cancer cells to keep the intestinal flora and the host healthy.
The five (5) main health advantages of taking in Yakult are as follows: (1) it helps maintain the balance of intestinal flora; (2) it normalizes the peristaltic movement of our intestines; (3) it prevents diarrhea and constipation; (4) it aids in proper food digestion and nutrient absorption; and (5) it strengthens our immune system. These are sufficient justifications in and of themselves to include probiotics in your quest for greater health. Do you not concur? Additionally, the proprietor of this tried-and-true probiotic brand has a great reputation for integrity, and his product is reasonably priced, so there is no reason not to use it if one wants to improve their health. It makes sense that the management of Yakult Philippines has stated that they are unable to fully satisfy the market’s demand for Yakult. But since nothing should prevent more and more individuals from having the opportunity to experience greater health, their manufacturing volume may always be changed to meet the demand.
