On March 31, the Rizal Park Hotel will host a kid-friendly Easter Egg Hunt, which is one of the most popular events in Manila. Expect an amazing Sunday afternoon filled with magical Easter games, performances, and celebrations.
Kids can search for hidden Easter eggs in the majestic ballroom of the Rizal Park Hotel and experience the excitement of treasure hunting. Families will enjoy even more excitement as a few winners of the yearly Easter egg search will be granted an overnight stay at the hotel.
Not only that, but get ready to be amazed by a variety of acts, such as puppet displays, LED dancers, and acrobat shows.
Various fun and games, from giant inflatables and bubble experiences to photo booths and face paintings, will ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets are available for purchase at P1,200 (one child and an adult) and P1,800 (one child and two adults). Tickets easily run out, and it is recommended to make reservations.
Registration starts at noon and the games at 2 pm.
Head to Cafe Rizal on Easter and dine with the family. Kids eat free when an adult avails the P1,800 buffet.
Stay at Rizal Park Hotel in a deluxe room for just P4,300 at any time between from March 24 to March 31.
Thanks to the kind sponsorship of Ritz Food Product Corporation, Advance Papers, Arce Dairy, and Tiger Sugar, the Easter Egg Hunt is made possible. For Easter tickets, contact (63 927) 693 3729 by text message.
For reservations and inquiries regarding the hotel, send an email to [email protected], give (63 917) 657-1334, or text the number. Keep up with Rizal Park Hotel on Facebook. as well as rizalparkhotel1911 on Instagram
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, led by Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe; and Coca-Cola Philippines, represented by Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Sr. Director Ivanna dela Torre and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara, were among the speakers and panelists at the Sip & Sustain: Water Security forum.
Coca-Cola Philippines and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) gathered stakeholders in honor of World Water Day to talk about the pressing issues pertaining to the country’s water resource management.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and leaders from various industries in the Philippines discussed how multi-stakeholder collaborations can lead to sustainable water management for generations.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David gathered industry leaders, experts, and others for the Sip & Sustain: Water Security for the Philippines event on March 7th to talk about ways to guarantee water security for all Filipinos.
DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David shared efforts by the government to manage and preserve the country’s natural water resources. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, represented by President Cecile Alcantara, helps water-stressed communities have a sustainable safe water supply through watershed conservation and water systems for domestic use.
Participants shared their thoughts on the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for collaborative efforts to tackle water-related challenges effectively. Topics ranging from data collection and planning to governance and accountability were explored, emphasizing the significance of transparent and accountable water management systems.
In addition to fostering dialogue among stakeholders, the event underscored the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and investment in water management initiatives, such as The Coca-Cola Company’s 2030 Global Water Security Strategy, where the company aims to:
Achieve 100% regenerative water use across 175 facilities in different countries identified as facing high levels of water stress by 2030;
Work with partners to help improve the health of 60 watersheds identified as most critical for the system’s operations and agricultural supply chains by 2030; and
Return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally, between 2021–2030.
Please visit www.coca-cola.com.ph or follow @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram for additional information on Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives.
Why not try something different and enjoy the Japanese plum blossoms, or “ume” as the Japanese refer to them, while everyone else is admiring the cherry blossoms? These reddish-pink and white blossoms, which bloom from mid-February to early March, represent perseverance and rejuvenation and mark the arrival of spring. When you travel at this time of year, you can avoid the masses that congregate for the cherry blossom season.
The following are some of the top locations to view the plum blossoms:
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto
Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
The Kitano Tenmangu shrine has been known for its plum blossoms for hundreds of years. There are over 50 varieties of and around 1,500 plum blossom trees planted in the area marking the beginning of spring in Kyoto.. Every year on February 25th, Kitano Tenmangu hosts the “Baikasai” or the Plum Blossom Festival.
The easiest way to get to Kitano Tenmangu is by bus. From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City bus 50 or 101 and get off at the Kitano Tenmangu-mae stop.
Kairakuen, Mito
Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Mito is famous for its plum blooms that there is a festival held from late February to late March at the Kairakuen Garden to celebrate their arrival. People come from all over to see the beautiful landscape light up with pink and white flowers. There are thousands of plum trees in the Kairakuen Garden with over 100 varieties of plum.
To get to Mito, take the JR Joban Line from Shinagawa, Tokyo, or Ueno Station to Mito Station. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk along the edge of Lake Senba to Kairakuen Garden.
Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo
Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
One of Tokyo’s most well-liked late-winter festivities, the 67th Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival) is happening this year from February 8 to March 8. With its 300 plum blossom trees, the Yushima Tenjin Shrine garden is a peaceful haven in the hectic city. There are well-kept gardens, red bridges, and a general feeling of happiness.
The Yushima Tenjin shrine is next to Ueno Park and can be reached by foot in two minutes from Yushima Station’s Exit 3 on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.
A key component of Japanese springtime are the exquisite plum blossom tree blossoms. As the flower of renewal, plum blossoms are cherished for their longevity and beauty in Japan, and seeing one will definitely pique your curiosity about the country!
You can visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC) (http://business.jnto.go.jp/) for more downloadable images and videos of Japan’s stunning and fascinating tourist destinations for use in media.
Visit the adobo SheCreative Conference 2024: Forging A Sustainable Future for Creativity to witness the power of creativity and teamwork. There, “Women Arise” to discuss a sustainable future for the creative industry. As committed to innovation as our speakers and attendees, we have partnered with Future Proof, RMN, Cignal TV, Shangri-La The Fort, PANA, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and Asia Society Philippines to bring you this important event.
Attend the 2024 #adoboSheCreative Conference presented by adobo magazine to find out how we can create a creative future that is sustainable. Women leaders are rising up and reinventing tomorrow in a world where optimism is much needed in our creative sectors.
Happening this March 26, 2024, 2PM at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, learn what these women have said, done, and promised towards forging a more sustainable future for our creative industries. Let them spark those same fires within you. Now, more than ever, the future is female.
With a line up of fabulous speakers, we are thrilled to announce the following women:
Loren Legarda – Keynote Speaker – Senator, Philippines Pro Tempore
Rhea Matute – Executive Director, DTI – Design Center of the Philippines
Lisa Collins – Director of Experience Platform, Accenture
Peachy Pacquing – Managing Director, Hyper Island Asia
Pia Colby – Vice President of Marketing, Globe Telecom
Jane Jimenez-Basas – President and CEO, Cignal TV
Lui Castaneda – PR and Influencer Lead, Unilever Beauty and Wellbeing
Merlee Jayme – Founder and Chairmom, The Misfits Camp
Join together with women who are paving the way for a more promising and sustainable future and benefit from their ideas and leadership. Tickets are available for purchase at https://adoboshecreative.helixpay.ph.
One of the top producers of custom furniture in the nation, Genteel Home is dedicated to promoting the home furnishings sector in the Philippines and highlighting the extraordinary skill and inventiveness of Filipino artisans. They have teamed up with Heart Evangelista, the leading international fashion and style icon in the nation, to set the path.
Founder of Genteel Home, Katrina Blanca de Leon, officially named Heart Evangelista as the brand’s newest ambassador. She views Heart Evangelista as a representation of the development and expansion of their brand. “We’ve been crafting beautiful furniture for over a decade, and now, with Heart on board, we’re blooming like never before,” Katrina stated. She went on to say that Heart Evangelista personifies all that Genteel Home values, including enthusiasm, pride in one’s Filipino heritage, and a commitment to leaving an impact on the world.
Looking ahead, Genteel Home is set on expanding its reach to international markets, showcasing the Philippines’ rich talent in home furnishings. Heart Evangelista’s global recognition, not only for her fashion sense but also her social media influence, makes her an ideal representative for the Genteel Home’s global aspirations. “Heart’s involvement with Genteel Home signifies our readiness to make our mark on the international stage,” Katrina emphasized.
Heart Evangelista, known for her global acclaim in the world of fashion and beauty, affirmed and expressed her admiration for the international quality of Genteel Home pieces, “Genteel Home is super at par with international furniture. Not a lot of people talk about it, that’s why it’s so nice that Kat and Genteel Home are here to show the world what we’ve got. Most furniture suppliers that you see in the global scene are actually from the Philippines. We are world class. It’s important that we’re trying to celebrate that,” she said.
Host Bianca Valerio, Heart Evangelista, Genteel Home’s Katrina Blanca de Leon
Genteel Home’s journey began in 2013, when Katrina received a special commission that ignited her passion for furniture design. Since then, the brand has been dedicated to crafting pieces that inspire beauty and creativity in every home.
Beyond design, Genteel Home is dedicated to community involvement and sustainability. By making an investment in a mahogany farm, they support local communities with employment possibilities and environmental preservation in addition to guaranteeing a consistent supply of materials.
Genteel Home Collection showcase, styled by Robert Blancaflor
Every piece of furniture made for Genteel Home is lovingly and thoughtfully constructed. A bright future is ahead thanks to their partnership with Heart Evangelista, which symbolizes a common dedication to quality, sustainability, and Filipino workmanship.
In a time when customers need immediate, clear information about what they’ve bought, the supply chain sector is going through a radical change. According to 77% of retail workers surveyed in Zebra Technologies’ 2023 Global Shopper Study, consumers today are more aware than ever before, indicating a well-educated and discriminating consumer base.
Businesses are redesigning their goods and supply chains to deliver more transparency, resilience, and sustainability in response to these changing consumer expectations. The survey also shows that 7% of businesses are using business analytics and intelligence now or in the future as part of their supply chain management plans.
Responding to these industry challenges, GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, has announced the start of the adoption of the 2D barcode in the Philippines aimed to further enhance operational efficiency in the supply chain industry and bridge better product engagement between businesses and consumers in the advent of digital labeling.
The 2D barcode, most popularly known as “QR code,” leverages web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan. Through the QR codes, brand owners and retailers can easily interact with consumers and shoppers by providing in-depth information on their physical products. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, buyers can instantly see ingredients, allergens, recipes, rewards, and promotions, as well as brand-authorized details about where the item was manufactured, facts about sustainable sourcing, guidance on recycling, easy ways to re-order and other kinds of information.
The QR code also allows retailers and supermarkets to ensure product safety, guarantee product freshness, and reduce food waste. Additionally, it enables regulators to check a product’s sustainable characteristics.
Moreover, the migration to the 2D barcodes improves operational efficiency in the supply chain industries. In addition to holding GS1’s global trade item number found in the traditional 1D barcodes, the QR codes can now store essential information, such as a product’s batch or lot number, serial number, and expiry date. With access to crucial data, all stakeholders in the supply chain can boost transparency, improve inventory management, enable traceability and sustainability initiatives, and simplify recall and return processes.
“In the face of rapid technological advancements, it’s critical that we adapt to empower the supply chain industry further. The introduction of QR code technology serves as Pandora’s box, opening infinite possibilities for brands and retailers to make their operations more efficient and improve customer engagement. GS1 Philippines members pave the way in this groundbreaking transition to more efficient and robust supply chain operations,” GS1 Philippines President Roberto “Bobby” Claudio said.
The announcement aligns with the global commemoration of GS1 Global’s 50th anniversary of the barcode’s invention, celebrating a legacy of innovation in business solutions through web technologies and GS1 Standards.
By 2027, GS1 Philippines hopes to have industry ready for the switch to 2D barcodes. By then, 2D barcodes enabled by GS1 can be read and processed by every retail point-of-sale scanner in the world, and widespread global brand owner implementation has taken place.
By the end of 2024, GS1 Philippines, which currently serves over 5,000 shops, hopes to have reached 30,000 establishments across the country.
Visit https://www.gs1ph.org/ or their Facebook page to discover the limitless possibilities of a single scan with GS1’s 2D barcode technology.
A pair of initiatives aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment and sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines were on display during the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW), which was held at the UN Headquarters in New York from March 11 to 22. These programs demonstrate Coca-Cola’s dedication to assisting women, giving them access to crucial business knowledge and resources, and fostering cooperative networks.
The Tindahan Extra Mile program (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program, in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), and the digital Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (iSTAR) program in the Philippines, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and six reputable civil society organizations, are two examples of successful partnerships leveraging technology to drive women’s economic empowerment.
CSW is the UN’s largest annual gathering exclusively dedicated to the promotion of women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives around the world, and shaping global commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
This year’s session tackles how the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women can be advanced by addressing poverty, and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. The two-week event will be attended by UN member states, specialized agencies that work with the UN, and accredited non-governmental organizations across the globe.
iSTAR: Helping women entrepreneurs thrive through digital
For over a decade, the STAR program, a joint effort between Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA, focused on providing entrepreneurship training for micro-retailers. In 2020, this initiative transitioned into the iSTAR program, a fully digital learning platform.
Marife Hilario, an iSTAR graduate from Nueva Ecija, has increased her monthly earnings to over Php15,000 with the support of the program
iSTAR aims to address key barriers that hinder the development of women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to training, resources, and mentorship. Through its expanded digital platform, iSTAR has empowered over 150,000 micro-entrepreneurs, surpassing its 2025 target of 100,000 graduates. The program is available and can be accessed for free nationwide.
Implemented in collaboration with six civil society organizations nationwide, the multi-awarded program equips micro-entrepreneurs with essential digital skills to leverage online platforms for business growth and sustainability.
In 2022, a group of entrepreneurs from individual businesses completed the iSTAR program. Using the skills and knowledge they gained, they formed the PASCO Producers Cooperative the following year. Their collaborative effort led to the opening of the Eco-Grocer Store in Muntinlupa City Local Government and their catering business. Since then, each member has been earning at least Php5,000 monthly from their cooperative business, in addition to their income from their own micro-retail stores.
TEM: Enabling micro-retailers for a World Without Waste
Building on the foundation of digitally skilled micro-entrepreneurs, Coca-Cola Philippines extends support through the TEM program by helping increase their income while helping promote environmental stewardship.
TEM collection bins are placed in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias.Here, consumers can drop their empty bottles and cans for recycling.
iSTAR beneficiaries are encouraged to join TEM. Through the program, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners transform their stores into collection points for empty plastic bottles, which supports efforts to help reduce plastic waste and prevent pollution. With increased visibility and proximity to these drop-off bins, consumers are encouraged to dispose of their plastic bottles responsibly. Micro-retailers earn environmental points for collecting bottles, redeemable for cashback and products, strengthening their business. As of March, there are over 2,900 TEM members in the country. Earlier this month, Coca-Cola Philippines, BEST, PASCO, and the City Government of Bacolod launched the TEM program in Bacolod City.
TEM is a component of the “May Ikabobote Pa” consumer engagement campaign by Coca-Cola Philippines, which aims to inform, uplift, and encourage customers to recycle their empty bottles and cans. Customers may find the closest collection locations and learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling programs by visiting the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub.
The global sustainable packaging ambitions of The Coca-Cola Company are being supported by this local endeavor. The company wants to make its major consumer packaging recyclable by 2025, collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells globally by 2030, and utilize 50% or more recycled material in its packaging on average by the same year.
Artwork by Demi Padua, this year’s Art in The Park’s featured artist, for BPI. Artwork will be printed on fans exclusively distributed to BPI clients at the fair.
The highly anticipated yearly art expo, Art in the Park, is returning for its 18th year, offering an eclectic display of Filipino ingenuity and a special chance for art fans to immerse themselves in a lively display of talent. This year’s event, which is organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc., brings together over 60 exhibitors from independent art spaces, galleries, art collectives, and student organizations, providing a vibrant forum for interaction and involvement.
Art in the Park, which will be held on March 17, 2024, at Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village in Makati, provides a wide selection of artworks at a price cap of P70,000, enabling attendees to purchase sought-after pieces at reasonable costs. Through its all-inclusive approach, Art in the Park hopes to promote a closer relationship between artists and the community as well as democratize art appreciation.
One of the featured artists at this year’s event is Demi Padua, a native of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, whose journey in artistry began at a young age. Drawing inspiration from childhood imagination, everyday experiences, and the desire to express his true identity, Demi’s paintings and sculptures captivate viewers with their Trompe L’oeil style, blending theatrical production elements with visual arts.
As part of its commitment to making art accessible to all, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is offering exclusive privileges to its credit cardholders during Art in the Park 2024. BPI Credit Cardholders can enjoy up to 6 months Real 0% Special Installment Plan (SIP) for a minimum purchase of P3,000 at the fair. Additionally, BPI offers a Buy Now Pay 3 months Later option and a 100% Bonus Madness Limit on installment purchases for qualified cardholders, providing a convenient and affordable way to acquire exclusive art pieces.
Art in the Park is another day of celebration for art enthusiasts to foster a deeper appreciation on Filipino’s creativity and continues to be a platform to make art more accessible to the public.
Art enthusiasts of all ages should look forward to an engaging experience from Art in the Park in 2024. Don’t pass up the chance to interact with the dynamic Filipino art scene and discover the variety of talents on display at this year’s festival.
An overseas Filipino worker talked on how tough it is to be far from their loved ones, especially on their birthdays, in a segment of a popular noontime show. Mishearing, show host Anne Curtis exclaimed, “my birthday?Her amusing presumption made a lasting impression on the internet, and the gaffe turned into a global meme that made foreign workers want to return home annually to celebrate Anne’s birthday.
But this year, actor, businesswoman, and brand ambassador for Manulife Philippines Anne Curtis delivers a notable birthday reminder. As Anne approaches another year of life, she feels that the most significant day that everyone should consider is their tomorrow.
“It’s the best gift you can give yourself, ensuring a better tomorrow for yourself and your loved ones. Knowing that you can live confidently in the present because the future is taken care of gives you security and peace of mind. And that’s my biggest birthday wish – that every Filipino can stay healthy and secure better tomorrows, through health and life protection and financial security that comes with a good insurance plan,” said Anne, who has also been a Manulife customer for 14 years. Recently, she also shared three practical tips on how to save smarter for the future.
Manulife Philippines provides FutureBoost Retirement, an affordable life insurance plan that enables you to prepare more wisely for retirement so you can fully enjoy the next chapter of your life’s journey. After all, your life in the future depends on the preparations you make today. In order to help you accumulate wealth and accomplish your objectives, Manulife’s newest retirement plan has a special automatic fund management function that enables users to optimize returns in the early years and reduce risks as retirement age approaches. In addition, FutureBoost Retirement offers incentives and awards for recurring business, timely payments, and higher contributions. FutureBoost Retirement includes life insurance, so you may provide your loved ones additional security. Upgrade your coverage at any time with a variety of add-on benefits, such as riders for critical illness protection, to ensure you are ready for unforeseen events and medical crises.
Go towww.manulife.com.ph.to find out more about how to prepare for the future like Anne.
InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas (4th from left) and InLife Dreamweaver Megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan led guests in exchanging Sheroes bracelets representing the bonds formed these past five years and the promise to stand by each other through thick and thin. With them are (from left) host KaladKaren Davila, Ms. Mitch Valdez, Aryn Cristobal, and Nicki Morena.
In an afternoon event celebrating its accomplishments over the past five years, InLife Sheroes put a spotlight on women under the direction of Executive Chairperson and InLife Sheroes primary mover Nina D. Aguas and InLife Dreamweaver, Megastar Sharon Cuneta.
Other performers were stand-up comedian Nicki Morena, multi-talented performer Aryn Cristobal, and veteran actress, singer, and comedian Mitch Valdez. Ms. Cuneta was not the only one who performed. The event was presented by KaladKaren, a versatile comedian. It was such a spectacular event to witness these powerful women advocating a program with their fellow women. As we commemorate the 5th anniversary of Inlife Sheroes, graced by these amazing women during the event, we are greatly astonished at how Inlife Sheroes has continued their legacy over the years. The event was filled with joy and admiration from all the people that had been there, as they also received their awards, and they all shared what more Inlife Sheroes has in store for all of us.
Ms. Aguas recalled how from a goal of reaching one million Filipino women three years after its inception in 2019, InLife Sheroes, now 5 years old, has reached more than 6.5 million Filipino women through various on-ground and online activities.
“InLife Sheroes will reach out to more Filipino women so that they become empowered through financial education and inclusion. This will be done through various digital/online and on-the-ground initiatives nationwide coupled with partnerships with various like-minded organizations.”
InLife Sheroes, InLife’s flagship program for women empowerment, was established in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. It aims to reach out to the relatively untapped segment of the women in the Philippines, especially women entrepreneurs who need life and health protection as well as financial solutions to expand their businesses. InLife Sheroes’ four focus areas are financial literacy, health and wellness, women-specific solutions, and access to social and business networks.
In order to exemplify these, InLife forged strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations such as the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, the University of the Philippines – Manila’s Mu Sigma Phi, I Can Serve Foundation, Imaginable Impact, For The Women Foundation, Connected Women and major hospitals in the country among others, aside from its bancassurance partner UnionBank of the Philippines, associate Insular Health Care, and social commitment arm Insular Foundation, Inc.
Recently, InLife launched a critical illness life insurance plan called Resilience Female Cancers, aimed at providing coverage for women who would suffer from nine kinds of cancers such as: breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer; uterine sarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, fallopian tube cancer and leiomyosarcomas.
Meanwhile, Ms. Cuneta, a Shero herself, launched a video series on her YouTube channel, with the first episode discussing the importance of choosing a healthier lifestyle and preparing for the financial impact of health emergencies.
InLife also introduced the InLife Sheroes Awards at the anniversary event on March 12 at the Manila Peninsula’s Rigodon Ballroom. The Awards Program will recognize and honor Filipino women who exemplify the four pillars of InLife Sheroes: leaders in business whose goods and services cater to the needs of women, champions of financial education, and advocates for physical and/or mental health and wellness. Nominations must be emailed to [email protected] between March 12 and August 15, 2024, and must include a 500-word summary of the nominee’s efforts and causes on her profile.
