Lifestyle

As the Rizal Park Hotel reopens its ballroom doors on April 9 to commemorate a Feaster: A Fantastic Easter at Rizal Park Hotel, get ready for an enjoyable Easter. Kids and kids at heart can participate in a day of fun activities other than the traditional easter egg search for just P800. The ticket includes entry to the program from 2 PM until 6 PM, a lootbag, and coverage for one child (ages 0–12) and one adult companion. Easter-themed games galore, a magic show, bubble show, ventriloquism, face painting, picture booth, and kid-safe inflatables are all to be expected.

Naturally, an Easter event would not be complete without an egg search, and to add to the enjoyment, participants are given the opportunity to enter the “Golden Easter Egg Hunt” for a chance to win an overnight stay with breakfast.

Together with the Feaster event, the Rizal Park Hotel is also running a tempting room promotion. Enjoy an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room (Queen, King, or Twin) with buffet breakfast for (2) two, a choice of buffet lunch or supper for (2) two at Café Rizal, plus one (1) pass to the Feaster event, from April 6 to 10, for just PHP 8,000.

The interior design of the rooms and suites at the Rizal Park Hotel is classic with contemporary conveniences. Each room has a neutral color scheme of gray, beige, and off-white with yellow hues that evoke cozy sensations of home. A nod to style from the Army Navy Club’s heyday is provided with Machuca tiles, traditional woodwork, and crystal chandeliers.

Both the hotel’s Main and Club wings provide rooms and suites that offer stunning views of the city, the park, or the renowned Manila Bay. The suites have their own living spaces and a bathtub as well as other bathroom amenities.

Text or call +639276687839 / +639091431591 for Feaster tickets. Text or call (+63) 9177013817 / (+63) 9176571334, or send an email to [email protected], for hotel enquiries and reservations. Follow Rizal Park Hotel on Facebook. and Rizal Park Hotel 1911 on Instagram.

In order to further its commitment to improving healthcare in the Philippines, Fujifilm Philippines, one of the most reputable leaders in imaging solutions, runs health outreach programs throughout the nation.

According to Masahiro Uehara, president of Fujifilm Philippines, the Japanese corporation would collaborate with local government agencies to offer communities free medical consultations and diagnostic tests utilizing its cutting-edge medical technology. They include the X-ray and TB screening FDR nano and FDR GO Plus.

“As part of our corporate social responsibility and commitment to adapting to the changing times, Fujifilm Philippines is taking action by implementing social initiatives to aid Filipinos and local government units. Through these outreach programs, we want to show our dedication toward the betterment of communities,” he said.

Uehara noted that Fujifilm Philippines will first go to Majayjay, Laguna to kick off the outreach program and provide medical assistance to around 300 individuals.

“Majayjay is committed in providing quality healthcare to its citizens and its commitment makes it an ideal site to launch our health outreach program,” he explained.

During the event, Fujifilm Philippines will also turn over medical kits, including sphygmomanometers and thermometers, to the local government of Majayjay to augment the local health centers’ medical instruments.

“We are committed to providing medical assistance to communities in need. At the same time, we look forward to launching more programs that will benefit more Filipinos,” Uehara added.

Pivoting to healthcare

Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products starting from the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers and X-ray Imaging Films. Introduction of these products paved the way to establish Fujifilm Brand.

In 2013, the business expanded to include Ultrasound Systems, Dry Chemistry, Digital Flat Panel Detectors, Endoscopy Systems and Digital Mammography Systems. Fujifilm then become one of the most competitive brands in the market as it continuously increase its installation around the Philippines.

Moreover, with FUJIFILM Corporation latest acquisition of Diagnostic Imaging-related Business of Hitachi, Ltd in 2021. Fujifilm Philippinesnow offers a comprehensive product lineup covering CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems Pictures Archiving and Communications System (PACS).

At the height of the pandemic, Fujifilm Philippines helped healthcare workers identify and monitor COVID-19 patients through a mobile X-ray system called the FDR Go PLUS.

Another innovative medical instrument is the FDR nano, a mobile device for high-quality X-ray imaging. Unlike the traditional mobile X-ray, which is around 500 kilograms, the FDR nano only weighs 90 kilograms. Its compact design makes it easy to use and ideal for confined spaces.

Uehara said Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to developing new technologies to produce exceptional products and facilitate the treatment of patients.

‘Never stop’ campaign

Besides health outreach programs, Fujifilm Philippines will also conduct basic photography training for young adults highlighting Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras and Instax. The training will be facilitated by Ms. Jam Ramos, instructor at Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) and a part-time multimedia teacher.

In 2020, Fujifilm Philippines launched the Fujifilm Online Academy, where professionals provide free training on photography, videography, and vlogging. Fujifilm will also put on display its various camera products including mirrorless cameras and Instax to provide a hands-on experience for the participants.

A wide range of goods and services are available from Fujifilm as part of its “Never Stop” global brand campaign, including those in the fields of Healthcare (medical devices and pharmaceuticals), Materials (data storage media, electronic materials, sensor films for touch panels, film for LCD monitors, inkjets, and graphic systems), Business Innovation (office printers, digital production printers, and business solutions), and Imaging (instant photography/instax and sophisticated digital cameras).

Fujifilm Philippines was founded in 2012 as a sales division of Fujifilm’s Asia Pacific regional headquarters. Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to advancing sustainability and tackling social challenges via the development of cutting-edge goods, services, and technology.

Visit www.fujifilm.com/ph for more information on Fujifilm Philippines.

There aren’t many experiences that compare to having sex with your spouse when it’s done well and with caution. Yet, due to the many myths and inaccuracies surrounding the subject, many couples have a tendency to be cautious in their approach, which probably lowers the quality of their sex life.

For starters, many people are too hesitant or self-conscious to engage in more daring activities with their partner because they are unsure of what constitutes “too much” or “safe enough.”

Are dotted or glow-in-the-dark condoms safe to use? When is it okay to add sex toys and devices into the mix? Will your partner welcome the idea of using a lubricant? These are examples of often-unanswered questions that can lead to more inhibitions, which in turn cause you to play it safe for the sake of, well, being safe.

When it comes to safe sex, there’s no such thing as too safe. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make room for new ideas and experiences that can help invigorate your sex life. Here are some things you can do to switch it up in bed without crossing any lines:

Begin your list of “yeses”, “noes”, and “maybes”.

The first step to spicing things up is to identify the factors that will help pique your partner’s interest. Separately, write down two things: What you want to change and retain about your sex life, and what you’re willing and unwilling to do in bed. Use your respective lists as an opportunity to meet in the middle and decide on items that match up.

Create a joint fantasy with your partner.

Build anticipation by creating a sexual fantasy that you and your partner can get on board with. Incorporate details that will serve your needs and wants, but be receptive to their ideas as well. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown scenario; a joint fantasy can start with something as simple as agreeing on where to do it or adding something minute to an otherwise established routine.

Add or remove sensory experiences.
Sometimes, merely pleasuring the senses makes all the difference in bed. Other than giving your partner what they want to see and hear, give their sense of touch (fabrics like silk and leather), smell (aromatic scents from candles and oils), and taste (fruit-flavored condoms) a treat as well.

Explore products that can make sex more exciting.

Safe sex doesn’t mean you’re limited to what you can do during sex. In fact, there are now contraceptives that can even help heighten the pleasure a couple feels during lovemaking. PREMIERE Condoms, for one, offer different variants that can certainly elevate the experience. Here are some examples:

• Ultra Thin
  An ultra thin condom for a more sensitive feel.

• Dotted
  Condoms with raised pleasure dots that provide an intense experience.

• Air
  Soft, smooth, and super thin condoms that imitate a bare-skin contact.

• Nice & Tight
  Lubricated with SENSITIGHT^R that helps create a tightening effect on women.

• Cruise Control
  Condoms with a special additive to help prolong performance.

• Glow
  Glow-in-the-dark condoms to light up your night.

• Earthquake
  Features a vibrating O-ring for an “earth-shattering” experience.

• Cool Watermelon
  Condoms that give a fresh watermelon taste

A product like EZ Lubricating Jelly, a water-based, condom-friendly lubricant that imparts the sensation of natural lubrication, is another suggestion that may be made. You can also browse for intimacy-related toys, gadgets, and other items that will go well with your shared desires.

Whatever you two decide to do, put safety and enjoyment first. It only takes one conversation to decide how you want the situation to develop from here. You might even share this information with your partner!

Teaching is more than just a job or a career; it is also a vocation and a life purpose.

Millions of Filipino instructors who act as pupils’ second mothers are proof of this day and night. Rosalie Macaspac, a former SM scholar who decided to work in special education, is one of them (SPED).

Life’s work

It’s a less common path to choose to become a teacher, and especially to take SPED. Only 4,000 of the more than 800,000 public school teachers are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who chose the path. The SM scholar alumna has made it her life’s work to instruct SPED pupils for the past 21 years. She spoke out for the rights of deaf students because she wanted to empower and give special kids a voice.

She obtained doctoral degrees in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively, with a great deal of commitment and drive to have the necessary skills for her students.

She is currently a teacher at the only government-run school for the deaf in the nation, the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay. She oversaw the deaf students’ training program for numeracy skills here.

Embedding grit, greatness

Her journey to becoming an educator was not easy. Her parents separated when she was three years old, and her mother became the breadwinner.

“In the early years of my life as a three year old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing clothes of our neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on and promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman,” she said.

The weight on their shoulder became heavier when her mother became bedridden for half a year. Instead of slowing her down, it did the opposite. She continued her studies with much determination. With the help of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold, they could get by.

She finished primary school with good grades, and was a consistent honor student in high school, despite having one centavo allowance and rice and coffee as meals. With good standing, she had her mind set on her next goal: going to college.

“Giving up or surrendering wasn’t in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on to me as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in,” she stressed.

“When I was in fourth year high school, I was deep in thought of what to do to support my college education.  Then, God in all His goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office in our school announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew at that very moment that He was with me. All I had to do is to apply for the scholarship,” she recalled.

She vividly remembers sending her SM College Scholarship program application at the Customer Service of the SM in Quiapo and how she learned on May 9, 1995 that she would be interviewed for the scholarship in room 214 of the MSE Bldg. The three-digit number has since become unforgettable for her. By June 1995, Macaspac was among the SM scholars who had started their college education under the scholarship program.

According to her, the scholarship helped her become a well-rounded individual. It was the key to the realization of her dreams and paved the way to success. The activities provided by SM Foundation, such as the scholars’ assembly, the orientation, leadership training, sports fest and annual retreat, were very memorable for her.

“Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted my self-esteem and opened my world to service,” she said.

Before teaching, she first worked as a Merchandise and Planning Control-Clerk at the SM Head Office, which was then located in Calle Echague, Manila. She was hired immediately after college.

Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today: “Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students.” 

“I am not ashamed to tell my colleagues that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry “Tatang” Sy, SM Foundation, Ma’am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially, my mother. They are all the instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.”

The basis of a life well lived is stability. People may grow, explore other areas of life, and contribute to the well-being of the community when their basic needs are met.

Young people who want to succeed seize the opportunity to stand on firm ground, especially those from low-income households. They use it as a place where they can plant the seeds of their hopes and dreams.

Jonnah Jane Sacamay, a former SM scholar who grew in an environment where stability seemed to be unknown territory, is one example of this. Back in the day, flower cultivation was the main source of income for Jonnah’s family. This forced them to tread carefully because the market for flowers fluctuate seasonally, and they were often impacted by unusual weather changes.

But while they had journeyed through life with uncertainty, they had always planted in her mind the power of education.

“Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside from augmenting our daily needs, we also had to ensure that my education is secured,” Jonnah recalled. 

Holding on to the power of education

And so, to help her family, she studied hard in grade school as soon as she learned about others who had the opportunity to pursue college through the SM College Scholarship Program. With her whole heart dedicated to learning and her eyes set on the SM scholarship, she finished high school as the class valedictorian. Once the forms were available, she immediately processed her application at the SM Store in Cebu.

“I was informed that I got accepted as an SM Scholar. From then on, a huge weight was lifted off my parents’ shoulders. I could pursue my chosen degree in my chosen university,” she added.

Through the scholarship offered by the SM group through SM Foundation, she was able to focus on the development of her skills and knowledge not only in accountancy but especially in life. She became a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.

“The SM Scholarship helped me reach my dream of becoming a CPA, and this opened doors for me, enabling me to land a job that empowered me to help my family,” she said. 

“My experience in retail has given me wide knowledge in different areas. With this, I always make sure that my family makes informed decisions in all aspects of life. One thing that has become a tradition among SM Cebu scholars during my time was to have an outreach program. In our own way, we were able to pay forward the help that we received from SM. It was a fulfilling experience that we could share our blessings in our own little way,” she added.

Jonnah currently serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store, Cebu. Aside from financial security, she currently takes care of her parents’ medical expenses and lets them enjoy vibrant life experiences after retiring as flower farmers.

“Having a degree enabled me and my family to experience more in life. It paved the way for me to secure a stable job, which allowed me to travel, treat my family to a nice meal, take them shopping on special occasions, and most importantly, support my parents and their medical expenses. Aside from providing me with a scholarship grant, working in SM has provided a sense of security for me and my family,” she shared.

Opening doors to more

SM Foundation made it its goal to help create an environment where low-income families can thrive and achieve stability, just like how the SM College Scholarship Program paved ways for Jonnah and her family.[

The application period is open from February 1 to March 31, 2023, for the academic year 2023–2024. The chosen scholars may choose to focus on accounting, information technology, engineering, or education, and they will receive a monthly stipend that includes enrichment activities in addition to their full tuition.

Visit https://www.sm-foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program for additional details on the SM College Scholarship program.