Lifestyle

Have you been shopping for your loved ones this holiday season? Good news and this is your sign to do so to get a great savings and best deals up to 70% off your favorite brands on December 3-12, 2021 at the Upper Ground Floor, Carousel Court from 10AM to 9PM. You can also BUY ONE PAIR, GET ONE FREE on selected styles! Participating brands include: Skechers, Sperry, Keds, Polo Ralph Lauren, and No Fear.

To ensure the health and safety of their customers, they make sure to follow the protocols to ensure a safe shopping experience:

• Event entrance is equipped with temperature check.
• Attendees must wear face mask at all times & face shield (optional).
• QR code and health declaration forms are available at the event entrance.
• Observed social distancing.
• Alcohol dispensers are provided at the entrance & inside the activity area.
• Activity Area is cleaned and disinfected prior to opening and throughout mall hours (at least every 3 hours).
• Safety protocol officers are deployed within the activity area to reinforce safety.

Visit Markdown Madness on their official Facebook page and on Instagram @markdownmadness, for more information and updates.

The official maker of PepsiCo products in the Philippines, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), has partnered with Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) to assist employees who want to continue studying and advance their education.

The collaboration includes a tuition price reduction for PCPPI workers who enroll in Southville’s Flexible Higher Education Programs or blended learning courses that are done entirely online. Select courses from SISC and Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign Universities are eligible for the discount (SISFU).

SISFU offers academic programs from foreign countries which are recognized for its high quality and standards. Graduates from these programs will also receive diplomas or certificates from the foreign academic institutions.

“PCPPI believes in developing talents from within. Through our partnership with SISC and SISFU, we want to inspire our employees to continue learning to achieve their personal and career aspirations,” said PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong.

The partnership also targets PCPPI employees who, due to life’s circumstances, were not able to finish their studies to finally get degreed. Since the programs are online, it gives them opportunity to combine education with work.

“This program reinforces our commitment to make PCPPI a great workplace to grow.  We thank SISC, a very reputable educational institution, for this opportunity to forward our people capability agenda and propel our talents’ education,” Ong added.

Apart from the tuition fee discounts, the partnership also comes with discounts on the use of Southville team building, planning, and sports facilities.

PCPPI is the official manufacturer of Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina in the Philippines.

PCPPI is committed to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson wants to alleviate the country’s severe poverty problem by allowing more people to attend school. In his most recent video, the presidential candidate, who has fought government corruption throughout his public service career, emphasizes that many young people are compelled to drop out of school due to the necessity to aid their families and the financial hardship of attending school. As a result, they remain impoverished since their opportunities are limited without a strong education, and they frequently have to settle for low-paying occupations.

He will launch an innovative Edukasyon Plus program if elected President that will provide free education and institute a government internship program. Each family will receive a P5,000 monthly allowance during their family members’ internship. Lacson believes that this arrangement will allow students to focus on their studies as they will not be under pressure to help their families.

“Even if education is free, young people cannot finish their studies because they have to help their families. If this vicious cycle continues, when will they be able to lift themselves from a life of poverty?” he says.

Studies show that among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines have the highest school dropout rate.

Lacson is convinced that education is the only way to give people the chance of a better future and to improve the lives of Filipinos, many, if not most, of whom still live below the poverty line. People remain mired in poverty, unable to get better-paying jobs, for lack of education, he stresses.

With Edukasyon Plus, young people can avail of free education and participate in a government internship program that will pay their families a monthly allowance. “They won’t have to choose anymore between education and work to help their families,” Lacson says. He believes the program will help many people leave behind lives of poverty.

“Edukasyon Plus is the real solution to the problem of poverty,” Lacson adds.

Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, Lacson’s running mate, is campaigning with the slogan “Aayusin ang gobierno, aayusin ang buhay mo” (They will fix the government and put your life in order.) Follow Ping Lacson on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PingLacsonOfficial.

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Guiding Light, a new Philippine imprint introduced by Lampara Books, wants to inspire parents and families to be positive influences on their children’s lives. Through highly enjoyable but life – changing books written and designed by some of the world’s most promising and award-winning writers, illustrators, and personalities, the family-oriented and faith-based imprint focuses on promoting spiritual formation, values education, emotional growth, and community development. It’s refreshing to hear books that aim to help children develop an optimistic outlook in life. In our zoom meeting, Lampara Books launched its new imprints that delighted us. It will significantly help the young ones engage more in reading bible-based stories and actively enjoy it at the same time.

“It has always been our goal to inspire adult readers, most especially parents, to engage with their children on stories of inspiration, joy, and life lessons within a framework of Christ-centered beliefs and teachings,” says Segundo D. Matias Jr., the Chief Publisher of Lampara Books. “Our activity books create bonding moments between mom and dad with their kids through storytelling that put good values at the forefront of its principles, while inspiring everyone to become a better human being.”

For its premiere offering, Guiding Light has recently released its ‘Little Life Lessons on’ series—a collection of fun activity books that parents and their children can color, play around with, and use as a medium for purpose-driven instruction. Written in both English and Filipino, the series is made for childhood care providers and parents to help their kids learn important values in life. The ‘Little Life Lessons on’ catalog contains inspirational stories that depict kindness, obedience, respect, and love, among many others.

The motivational imprint also takes pride of its Family Bible Illustrated edition, which has 365 pages of bible stories, meditations, and prayers for the whole family to reflect on together, and The Comic Book Bible, which offers a treasury of stories, known and loved by generations of readers.

Classic Bible Stories, illustrated for pictures-and-words format by talented young artist Tommaso d’ Incalei, is for readers looking for a new take on a familiar story. This timeless anthology will inspire individuals to uncover the meaning behind God’s teachings in an entertaining and easy-to-read fashion, bringing stories to life for a new generation of readers. The Classic Children’s Bible, which is wonderfully drawn and presented to appeal to a younger readership, is another notable product under its umbrella.

Other titles currently available on the Guiding Light website include Rhona Davies’ The Life Of Christ, a beautifully illustrated book that “explains the Mass by linking the liturgy to scenes from the Gospels,” and Angela M. Burrin’s Welcome To The Mass, a beautifully illustrated book that “explains the Mass by linking the liturgy to scenes from the Gospels.”

The Guiding Light official website, https://www.guidinglight.com.ph, has both old and new titles.

Grab Philippines has designated November as Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, a month-long celebration of the important contributions of Grab drivers and delivery partners that will culminate on November 28th, Sunday.

Grab Philippines has evolved into more than just a source of income for its partners. Grab Philippines has built a stronger relationship with each driver and delivery partner over time by assisting them in being the best at what they do and increasing their competitiveness in a digital-first economy.

Buwan ng Tagapaghatid is part of Grab Philippines’ broader range of programs and initiatives dedicated to its driver and delivery-partners. It highlights, recognizes, and celebrates, the different stories of modern-day heroism of Grab driver- and delivery-partners, while emphasizing their role in society and the economy.

“Mahalaga ang papel ng ating mga Grab driver and delivery-partners nitong pandemya, at mas mahalaga ang kanilang magiging gampanin sa ating economic recovery. Sa pamamagitan ng ating platform, patuloy nilang tinutugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan – ito man ay sa ride-hailing o deliveries; at sa pamamagitan ng ibat-ibang programa at initiative ng Grab, natutugunan natin ang kanilang mga pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan, at natutulungan natin silang paunlarin ang kanilang mga kabuhayan. Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala, dedikasyon, at pakikiisa ng ating mga Ka-Grab, at makakaasa kayo na patuloy na makikinig at aalalay ang Grab sa bawa’t isa sa ating mga partners” says Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

Biggest tribute to modern-day heroes

This year, Grab Philippines is making its Buwan ng Tagapaghatid more exciting and meaningful for its partners.

Renowned photographer Shaira Luna posing together with some of the viral and inspiring Grab driver- and delivery partners after their photoshoot.

• Grab Philippines has launched Kwentong Tagapaghatid, Biyahe Serye Comics, and 5-Star Support Film to highlight the stories of drivers and delivery-partners from the perspective of merchant-partners and consumers.
• Select driver- and delivery-partners were also shot by renowned photographer Shaira Luna, where they are aptly portrayed as modern-day heroes. These images can be seen on LED billboards along major thoroughfares across Metro Manila.
• Driving community-wide participation and recognition for its driver- and delivery-partners in the Philippines, Grab is working together with Mastercard, Jollibee, Caltex, and other key brands and businesses for this year’s Buwan ng Tagapaghatid.
  • On November 28, for every tip made using Mastercard debit or credit card, Mastercard will match the amount – essentially doubling the tips received by the partner on that day;
  • Partners delivering Jollibee orders on November 28-30 will get FREE Jolly spaghetti.

• The month-long celebration is also marked by an online concert and the Grab Papugay Awards, where top-performing drivers are recognized for their hardwork the past year, and they can get the chance to take home exciting prizes such as laptops, flatscreen TVs, and motorcycles.
• Driver and delivery-partners will also receive exclusive promo codes and perks which they can use for meals and other necessities;
• Grab offices were turned into 5-Star Ka-Grab Pitstops where partners can drop by to get freebies from Grab’s brand partners.

GrabExperience: Grab Philippines Leaders become delivery-partners for a day

Despite being one of the biggest tech platforms in the country, Grab continues to keep its ears to the ground to gain unique perspectives from consumers, merchants, and partners. To kick off this year’s Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, leaders from Grab Philippines took a break from their busy routine as they become delivery-partners for a day.

Throughout the journey, each leader was paired with a delivery partner, allowing them to get first-hand on-the-ground knowledge and build bespoke solutions to better serve Grab’s driver communities in their different roles.

(L) Grab Philippines Head of Deliveries Anton Bautista walks around the streets of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig to deliver lunch to consumers; (R) Grab Philippines Country Marketing Head J-Anne Aruta chats with Marvin Ignacio, the delivery-partner behind the viral ‘lugaw’ incident, as they pick up orders in Taguig.

(L) Grab Philippines Public Affairs Head Booey Bonifacio and delivery-partner Michael Olaso prepare the food safely for their consumer; (R) Grab Philippines Country Operations Head RJ Cabaluna and delivery-partner Carlos Cecista Jr with their consumer.

Grab Financial Group and Grab Pay Philippines Head Martha Borja connects with delivery-partner Jonnelle Duran, and tackles how Grab’s financial products and services can better support delivery-partners in their everyday routine and needs; (R) Grab Philippines Head of Driver Services and Support Wayne Jacinto delivers a hearty lunch to his consumer.

L) On a back-to-back delivery run, GrabAds PH Head Wiwa Cajumban delivers lunch to his consumer; (R) Grab Philippines Head of Partner Comms and Training Cons Escamos and delivery-partner Cherrie Concepcion quickly receives their order from a merchant-partner

(L) Grab Philippines Head of People Operations John Calica readily pulls out his consumer’s lunch orders; (R) In between orders, delivery-partner Carlos Cecita, Jr. shares a few delivery pointers to Grab Philippines Legal Counsel Miguel Aguila

Visit https://www.grab.com/ph/driver-featured-blog/buwan-ng-tagapaghatid-2021/ to learn more about the happenings for this year’s Buwan ng Tagapaghatid.

In photo (L-R): Raquel Bumbay, VP-Marketing; Arlene Siongco, VP-Compensation and Benefits, Ethel Peralta, VP-Management Support Services; JO2 Karl Julius C. Leano, BJMP representative; and Dan Guevara, VP-Center for Learning

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has selected San Juan City’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) as one of this year’s beneficiaries of their annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the Kind Heart Gives Campaign.

The BJMP’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) of San Juan City showed their skill in their parol-making initiative, which also serves as a means for them to financially sustain themselves and their families. One of the most famous symbols of Filipino Christmas is the “parol,” which is a common fixture in most homes.

“The parol is a great expression of the Filipinos’ faith and hope,” said Cecilio San Pedro, SBA’s President and CEO. “We’d like to take this opportunity to extend our support to the PDL’s of San Juan City as we move towards a brighter Christmas celebration in these challenging times,” San Pedro added.

During the announcement of the activity, Sterling Bank of Asia employees also ordered their own parols to bring home and hang in their homes.

“It is inspiring to see how our fellow employees happily bought their own parols as a way of helping these persons deprived of liberty,” said Dulce Edillor, SBA’s Human Resources Group Head. “From a company-led initiative, our fellow employees voluntarily involved themselves in the project,” exclaimed Edillor.

Visit www.sterlingbankasia.com to learn more about Sterling Bank of Asia.

Conference this year of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft organization supported the virtual participation of Filipino Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs). New skills as well as given access to new research for continued learning that would allow them to further develop their skills in their respective fields were provided during the three-day convention.

“While it is our goal to provide cleft-affected individuals with comprehensive cleft care, we also want to support our partner SLPs and help them gain more knowledge and expertise in their field. By providing opportunities for learning and development for our partners, Smile Train will also be able to provide better services for our beneficiaries,” said Kimmy C. Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia.

The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) conference is the premier annual professional development event gathering speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists, and professionals from all over the world. Led by ASHA President Lynn Williams, the annual convention offers more than 2,500 sessions (Master Classes and Oral Seminars) eligible for continuing medical education credit covering the latest research, clinical skills, and techniques in communication sciences and disorders.

Smile Train not only supported the participation of the SLPs in the conference, but also their membership to the ASHA.

“We are very grateful to receive support from Smile Train Philippines. As professionals who want to be able to provide the best service to our Filipino patients, support from partner organizations is crucial,” said Speech Language Pathologist and Smile Train Partner, Ms. Veronica S. Yu. “Being able to attend the conference and learn from experts from all over the world allows us to expand our knowledge and better learn how we can help Filipinos in need of comprehensive cleft care in the Philippines.”

Smile Train also supported the participation of Speech Language Pathologists in the Chang Gung Forum 2020, Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshops 2020 and 2021.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, Smile Train continues to deliver comprehensive cleft care. With the launch of the first Filipino mobile Smile Train Speech App and the Virtual Telehealth Program, Smile Train was able to provide Filipinos with access to speech therapy sessions from the safety of their homes. Patients still have access to Smile Train’s services and are able to schedule surgeries in partner hospitals despite lockdown restrictions.

Please visit smiletrain.org., for more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate   To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

Mabel and Family

Mabel Amante-Villena and her husband, Papillon Villena, the Villenas’ aspiring business entrepreneurs, were the first and foremost responsible parents who endeavor to provide the safest environment for their kid. They were conscious of the need to develop a service lacking in Batangas while visiting their home in the Philippines, where they were used to a standardized degree of cleanliness. Mabel’s husband had an allergic reaction to the dust and pollen in the area, which led to the occurrence. Concerned about her family’s safety, she understood that a cleaning business was required to provide professional quality cleaning to the residents. As a result, they established a service unlike any other, one that prioritizes the safety of children and pets, as well as individuals with sensitivities and allergies, while being 100% environmentally friendly. They then found a neem-based cleaning solution, which is known for its antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties.

Cleaning Solutions

Their vision was materialized as what we now know as Cleen and Green, the eco-friendly cleaning service, and which we also love today. Cleen and Green has impressed everyone with their advanced use of plant-based, non-toxic,non-chemical cleaning solutions, modern cleaning technology and very efficient cleaners that can manage from ceiling, wall to floor. They are also known for doing high ceiling cleaning because of their professional cleaners with complete cleaning tools including scaffoldings and high ladders. Cleen and Green has brought great development to the community since its inception and has inspired all with their mission towards greatness. This company has now become a force of nature in the industry pushing beyond expectations and advancing to new territories. Starting out with their home with only three cleaners, now they have grown to a good number of cleaners currently assigned to four different locations (Lipa, Cavite, Laguna and Quezon City) in a span of just one year. Their advancement is clear, as well as their innovative franchise model, actively partnering with overseas Filipinos.  It leads us now to wonder how much bigger will the success be for C&G in the near future.

To know more about the product and service you can visit their website and other accounts, Website: https://cleenandgreen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleenandgreencleaningservices/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleenandgreencleaningservices/