Manulife today launched a new multi-year collaboration with UpLink, the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum (WEF), aimed at influencing longevity innovation investment and future directions. The biennial Manulife-powered Global Longevity Innovation Challenges, organized by UpLink, will be part of the three-year agreement. Manulife will additionally back WEF’s wider initiatives aimed at tackling the financial and demographic issues associated with the world’s ageing population in order to assist more people live longer, healthier lives.
“Around the world, people are living longer, but not necessarily healthier,” said Roy Gori, President and CEO of Manulife. “One-fifth of an individual’s life, on average, is now expected to be lived with morbidity or in a state of illness. Solving this longevity crisis will require a comprehensive approach to promoting healthier lifestyles, addressing socio-economic inequalities, and investing in new research and technologies. By working across sectors and with partners like the World Economic Forum, we can focus on driving the longevity economy for the future of society’s health and well-being.”
The UpLink challenges, driven by Manulife, will foster an ecosystem of entrepreneurs that can expedite longevity solutions centered around well-being, health, and finances. Significantly, the program will be implemented at Manulife’s worldwide headquarters in Asia, the United States, and Canada as the business strives to use place-based solutions to promote global transformation.
“This collaboration will drive innovation in the retirement ecosystem, offering financial solutions and policy recommendations for a resilient, equitable, and sustainable extended life,” said Olivier Schwab, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “By combining Manulife’s expertise, UpLink’s commitment to elevating early-stage impact entrepreneurs, and the work of the Forum’s Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems, this initiative will play a pivotal role in promoting healthy aging and enhanced living standards throughout the world.”
With the goal of promoting nature-based solutions to climate change in two important areas, Manulife and WEF’s UpLink will collaborate to host innovation challenges in 2023, which will be built upon by this multi-year commitment.
While the second revealed innovations meant to strengthen the link between planetary and human health, the first concentrated on finding novel solutions throughout the whole sustainable forestry value chain. The challenge winners included 21 ecopreneurial start-ups offering creative and scalable models for sustainable forest management, among others, here is further information on the program.
Learn more about Manulife Philippines by visiting their website manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).
In the winter, Japan is a lovely place. Some of the greatest places to visit when the weather cools off are revealed! Despite its reputation for having superb snow, Japan is a place of boundless discovery with a plethora of other things to see and do. Check out some other possibilities for the snow enthusiast who isn’t into skiing or snowboarding if you want to avoid the slopes.
Rejuvenate Your Body In an Onsen
Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Winter is the ideal season to visit onsens, which are open year-round and offer the opportunity to soak in mineral waters that relax muscles and improve blood flow. These onsens are a great spot to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that is only visible in the winter.
Take Hyogo Prefecture’s historic hot spring resort, Kinosaki Onsen. In the winter, the entire town is illuminated. Put on a yukata, explore the town, then stop by one of the seven public bathhouses that are open to tattoo artists.
Kinosaki is on the San’in Main Line on the JR railway and is accessible from Osaka and Kyoto. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Watch The Snow Monkeys Play
Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
When the winter gets cold, even the monkeys hit the onsen! Japanese Macaques or “Snow Monkeys” are a highlight of the Japanese winter season. Watch them bathe and frolic in the snowy forest at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture.
The monkeys visit the park year-round and can be seen soaking in the hot springs in winter. December to March is usually the best time to witness them bathing. To get there, buses run to Kanbayashi Onsen near the trail leading into the park from many popular destinations around the prefecture. From Kanbayashi Onsen, it’s a 25 to 40-minute walk to the Snow Monkey Park. Alternatively, if you’re coming via train or bus, you may also disembark at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop and walk 35 minutes to the park. Be advised that visitors are prohibited from touching or feeding the wildlife.
Check Out The Sapporo Snow Festival
Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
One of the most famous events in Japan is the Sapporo Snow Festival. Every year in early February, about 400 giant ice sculptures draw crowds from all over the world.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and has its own international airport so it’s easy to get to as well as being one of the most popular destinations in Japan. Take in the sights and stunning illuminations while enjoying the local beer! It’s worth a trip.
See The Snow Monsters of Zao
Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Mt. Zao is known for its ski resort but also for the unique formations that turn the mountain trees into “Snow Monsters” or “Juhyo”. In the winter, these fir trees get covered in ice and turn into towering pillars of snow. This phenomenon is rare and Mt. Zao is one of the few places in the world where conditions allow for it.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture and is accessible by bus from Yamagata Station.
Go Ice Fishing on Lake Gando
Nestled in Iwate Prefecture is Lake Gando. It’s called “the coldest place in Honshu”! From mid-January to late March, you can rent some gear and try your hand at ice fishing for smelt. Once you’ve caught enough, you can ask the rest house to fry it up for you tempura style.
The Tohoku Shinkansen runs service between Morioka and Tokyo, so getting to Iwate prefecture is easy. Once you’re there, the lake is about an hour from Morioka Station. You can rent fishing gear at the Gandoko Rest House.
An amazing destination to visit in the winter is Japan. There are tons of interesting activities and experiences that you shouldn’t pass up! It’s fantastic how the many lit-up, picture-perfect cities contrast with the austere beauty of the surrounding countryside! Japan has a plethora of things to explore in the winter. These are only a few suggestions!
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.
TEM collection bins are placed in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias. Here, consumers can drop their empty bottles and cans for recycling.
Almost 2,200 sari-sari establishments and carinderias in Metro Manila now accept empty PET bottles for recycling from customers. In addition to extending the life of these bottles, the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program of Coca-Cola Philippines and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) provides cash incentives for store owners.
Promoting environmental sustainability while earning incentives
How does this operate? Empty bottles and cans can be easily dropped off for recycling at TEM collection boxes, which are placed in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias. PET bottles are weighed at each store after collection, and the results are entered into the store owner’s bXTRA app account. Retailers receive points based on how many bottles they buy in a given month, which they may then redeem for cash back. Customers have the option to cash out their points or use them to purchase Coca-Cola goods and items.
“Malaking tulong sa amin ‘tong programa, kaya salamat talaga sa Coca-Cola. Kumikita na kami, nakatutulong pa kami sa kalikasan (We are grateful to Coca-Cola because this program is a big help to us. We are earning while also helping the environment),” said Carolina Catimbang, a store owner in Brgy. West Bicutan.
Store owner Lolita Repia said Coca-Cola Philippines and BEST’s Tindahan Extra Mile Program has helped her grow her business and increase her income while contributing to the cleanliness of her community.
When asked about her inspiration in joining the TEM Program, Lolita Repia, another store owner, shared, “Ang naging inspirasyon ko sa pagsali sa programa ay ang pag-recycle. Ginagawa ko na ‘yun dati pa, nagbebenta ako ng mga bote sa junk shop (My inspiration for joining the program is recycling. I’ve been doing that for a while; I sell bottles directly to junk shops).
“Pero ngayon, mas excited akong gawin ito dahil alam kong ‘yung mga bote na kinokolekta ko, magiging bote ulit. Masaya akong nakakatulong sa kapaligiran (But now, I’m more excited to do this because I know that the bottles I collect will become bottles again. I am happy to contribute to the environment), she added.
Inspiring collective action toward recycling
“Noong una sinasabihan namin ‘yung mga bumibili dito na kapag bumili sila ng Coke products, itapon nila ‘yung PET bottles sa bins. Ngayon, automatic na, eh (At first, we used to tell our customers that when they buy Coke products, they should throw the PET bottles into the bins. Now, it’s automatic),” shared Catimbang who noticed the easy cooperation of their customers in their recycling efforts.
Carolina Catimbang showing Coca-Cola products sold at her store. The packaging of these products are made from 100% recycled plastic.
“Kahit ‘yung jeepney drivers na customer namin, ‘yung trash nila, minsan sila na rin nagkukusang maglagay sa bins. Kaya minsan nagugulat ako, ang dami na (Even the jeepney drivers, who are our customers, willingly put their trash in the bins. That’s why sometimes I get surprised that our bins are filled with empty bottles),” she added.
For PASCO National President Elilyn Gadia and National Treasurer Emma Alvarez, the TEM Program help adults become better examples to children. “Dapat nakikita ng mga bata sa mga magulang nila ‘yung pag-segregate ng basura at paglilinis ng kapaligiran. Natutuwa kami ‘pag may nakikita silang PET bottle sa daan, pinupulot nila (Children should see their parents segregating waste and cleaning their surroundings. We are happy to see children picking up empty bottles on the road).
Gadia and Alvarez said they are happy to see TEM Program members growing with the help of Coca-Cola Philippines, especially as sari-sari stores and carinderia owners continue to recover from the income loss during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For 2024, Coca-Cola Philippines announces that it is expanding the Tindahan Extra Mile program to 2,400 stores.
“We are one with Coca-Cola Philippines in ensuring that our bottles can have many lives by bringing our collected PET Bottles from Sari-Sari Stores to PETValue Philippines, a first of its kind,” said Jan Vincent Mercado, Senior Vice President for Business Development of BEST. “Our commitment to sustainability and waste innovation comes full circle through this partnership. Indeed, it is refreshing to walk the talk in circularity,” he added.
Members of BEST delivering collected bottles through the Tindahan Extra Mile program to the PETValue facility in Cavite
In September 2023, Coca-Cola Philippines launched its consumer engagement program, ‘May Ikabobote Pa’, to educate, inspire, and engage more consumers to return their empty bottles and cans so they can be recycled and turned into new materials. Through this, the company hopes to inspire behavior change among consumers and empower like-minded organizations and communities to continue working together to prevent plastic waste from ending up in places where they are not supposed to be.
In an effort to promote the circularity of plastic packaging, Coca-Cola Philippines unveiled new PET bottles that are entirely recycled. Wilkins Pure (500ml), Sprite (500ml), and Coca-Cola Original (190ml) are currently carrying this innovative container. Since these bottles may be recycled numerous times, less virgin plastic is produced and utilized overall.
Through the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub, customers can find the closest collection locations and learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling programs.
Leveraging modern technology to empower Filipinos to reach their financial aspirations through insurance and investments
Manulife Philippines is responding to the dynamic movement in Filipino consumer behavior toward digital solutions by speeding up its digitization efforts to fulfill the growing demand for investment and insurance services. According to a recent Manulife study, the Filipino house has developed into a central location for all digital activity. As seen by the fact that 82% of Filipinos polled use finance apps for cashless transactions, investments, and insurance, there is a rising recognition of the security and convenience that digital financial platforms provide.
Simplified and more intuitive insurance processes
Manulife Philippines has unveiled a range of digital services aimed at streamlining the insurance buying and claims handling process for its clientele. The company wants to make insurance more accessible, user-friendly, and relevant for modern Filipinos. It does this by utilizing platforms like Manulife Online, which was voted the top self-service online platform in the insurance industry, and its mobile version, the Manulife Online Mobile app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play; and Manulife Shop, its digital platform that lets Filipinos buy reasonably priced insurance products online at their convenience.
These initiatives support Manulife’s existing efforts to fully digitalize its customer journey, helping them learn about insurance products and customizing them based on their individual goals, so they can understand more complex insurance products and their suitability for personal financial goals.
Ivan Buenaventura
Ivan Buenaventura, Chief Information Officer, Manulife Philippines, shared: “Grounded by our commitment to becoming our industry’s most digital, customer-centric global company, our digital services at Manulife are focused on addressing the most common pain points related to insurance, such as information access, financial literacy, affordability, and ease of use. We believe that with our continuous efforts at digital transformation, we are making insurance more accessible, intuitive, inclusive, and convenient, providing our customers the best experience and guidance they deserve.”
Sound financial planning amid enhanced investment opportunities in the digital age
Paul Lu
According to Paul Lu, Head of Wealth Solutions, Manulife Investment Management Philippines, the company has been attracting a growing number of investors in its diverse range of unit investment trust funds (UITFs), especially among Filipino millennials and Gen Zs. “Since the onset of the pandemic, the total number of our millennial and Gen Z clients has more than doubled, accounting for more than half of our client base. Based on our study, the pandemic fast-tracked their financial transformation, particularly because some of them lost their jobs or experienced reductions in their total family income as a result of the economic disruptions. This caused shifts in their behavior that emphasize the importance of saving, investing, and prioritizing necessities.”
However, Lu is quick to note that first-time investors must start with a sound financial plan with clear investment goals and a thorough assessment of their risk appetite. “It is tempting to jump headfirst into the world of investing, but having a plan that is aligned with your investment goals and risk appetite will help you make more informed investment decisions and enable you to take full advantage of different investment options. This can be done with a trusted financial professional who can personally guide you,” Lu said.
Manulife Investment Management Philippines empowers investors to begin their investment journey by providing them affordable access to its distinctive selection of UITFs via Manulife iFUNDS, its easy-to-use and secure digital investment platform. The company’s certified UITF salespersons can help facilitate investors’ choices considering their unique goals, needs and risk appetites.
Online platforms have been instrumental in broadening financial awareness on reliable investment strategies such as long-term investments and diversification. Against this backdrop, Manulife Investment Management Philippines has made it easy for investors to diversify their investments through its UITFs that invest in both local and global securities. Through Manulife iFUNDS, investors can explore different investment options, schedule regular investments or top-ups via the Regular Savings Plan (RSP), and manage their UITF investments on-the-go with a few taps.
“While there is a perception that young Filipinos are chasing the fastest returns, we are more hopeful on the improving trends seen in investor education. Our study revealed that many Filipino millennials and Gen Zs are keen to learn more about investing, giving us the opportunity to educate them further on the important role that UITFs can serve in creating a sound financial plan even during periods of high market volatility. Although market volatility is an inherent element of financial markets, history shows that investing regularly can potentially reap better results over time. Moreover, there are investment options available for investors who prefer a stable holding facility for their surplus cash while planning for their next move,” Lu added.
Investors can invest in Manulife Investment Management Philippines’ UITFs for as low as PHP1,000 or USD100 via Manulife iFUNDS.
Empowering employees and financial advisors with digital tools
To further empower Manulife’s teams in embracing digital transformation to help achieve its business goals, the company has also continued accelerating its Drive to Cloud initiative, a comprehensive digital transformation project that targets migration of all its corporate technology assets to the cloud by end of 2024. The initiative prioritizes quicker time-to-market, scalability, increased reliability, enhanced performance, and operational cost-efficiency. This will help strengthen the company’s security and possible disruptions, risks, and cyberthreats brought by future innovations by ensuring preparedness and risk mitigation. Integrating AI-powered employee enablement tools in its daily functions, Manulife aims to further explore ways on how to boost efficiency and productivity as well as streamline overall operations.
“We stay at the forefront of technological advancements such as AI, cloud computing, and mobile technologies to enable our distribution teams in their sales activities,” Buenaventura added. “These technologies serve as great partners to equip and empower our agency force to thrive and stay true to our commitment to customers amid a fast-paced business environment and hyper-digitalized market.”
The continuous enhancements of its established platforms like the Electronic Point of Sale System (ePOS), an agent digital portal, a sales performance and activity tracking tool, and customer needs analysis tools also provide its financial advisors with centralized platforms that help them engage with customers better, understand their needs, propose tailor-fit solutions, optimize strategies, and facilitate sales with much ease and convenience.
Manulife Philippines’ cybersecurity staff are taking proactive measures to safeguard customer data by conducting frequent training, security assessments, and application testing in addition to these activities.
Go to https://www.manulife.com.ph/ to find out more about the insurance options offered by Manulife Philippines. Go to https://manulifeim.com.ph to learn more about Manulife Investment Management Philippines’ top investment option for your financial objectives.
In 2022, a family of four cat owners made the decision to create an online platform so that every Filipino home could have access to premium lifestyle, home care, and pet care products. Motivated by their enthusiasm for business and their love for their kitties, the family wanted Mo & Bear PH to be the place where you go to find high-quality goods that support sustainability, wellness, and health.
“We wanted to build a network of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors whose products and services meet our standards of quality, safety and value,” shared Bernard C. Suiza, President of Azius Ventures Corporation, at their brand and product launch held at Yebisu Ramen Daang Hari in Bacoor, Cavite.
Purr Delight, a line of wet cat food manufactured by Mo & Bear PH, is available in two flavors: tuna in jelly and tuna in moringa. This is the first wet cat food with moringa included in the nation.
When compared to other brands on the market, Purr Delight is a healthier choice because it is made with real tuna flakes and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or extenders. It is locally made, responsibly sourced, and has the Bureau of Animal Industry’s certification. Most importantly, though, is that cats have tested and approved this medicine.
Happy Life Organics is another distinctly Filipino brand that is distributed by Mo & Bear PH. Happy Life Waterless Shampoo, Happy Life Hand Gel Sanitizer, Happy Life Shampoo and Conditioner, Happy Life Pet Neem Soap, and many more items are available from Happy Life. Their broad variety of items are all-natural and eco-friendly, making them a fantastic fit for the platform.
Mo & Bear also carries Archies footwear, the world’s “comfiest” flip-flops. Designed by physical therapist Daniel Jones, Archies Arch Support Thongs feature a built-in patented arch support made of a specialized memory foam footbed that cradles and molds to your feet. So now your traditional flip-flops can give you all the benefits of orthotic footwear.
“We are committed to quality and customer satisfaction. Every item is handpicked, tested and vetted to guarantee its quality and reliability,” Bernard Suiza said.
Daughter Trish Suiza emphasized, “All of the products that we put on the platform are products we are excited to use ourselves.”
Schneider Electric hosted a tour in its Cavite Smart Factory to demonstrate its smart manufacturing solutions to its partners from the public sector and other stakeholders. (L-R): Yellapa Thimmanna, Business Finance Senior GM of APC, Schneider Electric’s flagship brand, Ejie Tauto-an, Logistics Director of APC, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Ricardo Domingo Jr., Digital Transformations Leader of Schneider Electric Philippines, and Atty. Norman Roland Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines
Leading company in energy management and digital automation, Schneider Electric, reiterates its goal to support local manufacturing’s digital transformation by 2024
The chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, was recently invited to Schneider Electric’s Cavite Smart Factory. The business showed Senator Win Gatchalian around their cutting edge plant, which is setting the standard for smart manufacturing in the Philippines.
The factory uses its own EcostruxureTM technology to demonstrate its creative end-to-end manufacturing solutions. With the use of the company’s patented technology, enterprises can combine a variety of assets, sensors, and other items into an open IoT architecture and software platform by utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT). Businesses can benefit from improved agility, asset performance management, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency through this. The World Economic Forum has acknowledged Schneider Electric Smart Factories as trailblazers in the transformation of global manufacturing operations towards increased productivity and efficiency through sustainable practices.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian explored Schneider Electric’s Smart Factory in Cavite to look into potential digital solutions that can drive sustainability for the manufacturing sector in the Philippines.
“At Schneider Electric, we remain committed to bringing global solutions to support local industries and manufacturers. Our focus this year is to strengthen our partnerships and harness the power of digitalization and efficiency to build a more sustainable tomorrow for all,” shares Atty. Norman Roland Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs of Schneider Electric Philippines.
Schneider Electric is also stepping up its partnership with PEZA in order to support the corporate sector’s delivery of clever and sustainable solutions. This will assist in elevating the nation to the forefront of innovation and industrial digitization. In November 2023, Schneider Electric and PEZA initiated the Go Ecozone forum series, which aims to inform locators registered with PEZA about the benefits of the green economy. Additionally, it gives the industrial sector a forum to exchange ideas and ask PEZA for assistance in achieving their transformational objectives.
“We will continue to collaborate with the government to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to power up industries and help boost the economy,” Ocana adds.
Be more financially prepared for health emergencies
The latest Manulife Asia Care Survey indicates that young Filipinos are growing increasingly aware of their health span—that is, the amount of time they will have excellent health. While the average Filipino respondent believes that they will be healthy until they are about 62 years old, younger millennials (those born between 1989 and 1996) believe that they won’t be at their best until they are 55 years old.
Because of the pandemic’s unprecedented effects, particularly on people’s health and financial situations, Filipino millennials and Gen Zs are now worried about their financial stability. They came to the realization that, given the following worries, they needed to start investing in life and health insurance or find other ways to increase their savings:
1. Their critical illness risk. Genetics, the environment, the stresses of modern living, and even binge-eating and endless feasts brought by the holidays, may conspire to put everyone at risk for various critical illnesses. Even Gen Z and millennials find that their relatively young age does not guarantee protection. For Filipinos, coronary heart diseases, tumors, and cerebrovascular conditions are the top health and mortality risks, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
2. Their poverty risk. Medical treatments remain costly, and they can be challenging even for the otherwise comfortable middle class. This financial burden is a significant concern for many Filipinos, with almost half or 45% of the national health expense coming from out-of-pocket payments. At least 1.5 million Filipino families are pushed to the poverty line every year due to unexpected health expenses, according to the Insurance Commission.
3. Weakened social safety nets due to economic uncertainties. Most Filipinos rely on health maintenance organization (HMO) plans and government-subsidized health insurance programs for their protection. However, with economic uncertainties causing medical inflation to soar to as high as 12-13%, Filipinos need more resources to cover the rising costs of hospital and medical treatments.
While they realize the importance of bolstering one’s health protection, some millennials and Gen Zs – many of whom are just starting their careers, shifting priorities, or changing life journeys – may feel held back by their limited income.
To address this gap and help make it easier for young Filipinos to boost their health and life protection, Manulife offers HealthFlex and FutureBoost.
HealthFlex, an innovative and flexible life and health insurance plan that protects against up to 112 critical illnesses and guarantees health coverage until age 100. Furthermore, if diagnosed with one of these covered critical illnesses, premiums are automatically waived, allowing them to focus on recovery instead of worrying about their medical bills. They can also customize their plans by adding coverage benefits for early-stage illnesses, second occurrences of cancer, heart attack, or stroke, and hospitalization and recovery assistance.
In the meantime, FutureBoost is a comprehensive plan that combines savings, health, and life insurance. It provides coverage against critical illness up to ten times the face value of the plan, or Php 15 million, and gives access to a variety of investment funds so that Filipinos can increase their savings and enhance their coverage at any time through various add-on benefits like hospital income benefit, which can assist them in covering hospital costs while safeguarding their savings. Young Filipinos can receive early protection from serious illnesses with FutureBoost while they save and get ready for their future.
Manulife aims to create creative ways to make insurance more accessible so that consumers may customize their health coverage and financially safeguard themselves and those they love most. This is because more Filipinos are looking for insurance solutions but are having trouble with budgetary restrictions.
Go to manulife.com.ph to find out more about Manulife’s health and life insurance offerings.
The Rizal Park Hotel is inviting guests to an amazing New Year’s Eve Countdown at its rooftop bar, The Deck, on December 31, 2023, from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Get ready to ring in 2024 with a BANG in the heart of Manila. To guarantee a remarkable start to 2024, the hotel has planned an immersive experience and activities for guests of all ages.
The Upper Deck costs P2,500, while the Lower Deck costs P2,000. Access to the exciting New Year’s Eve celebration and countdown, a welcome drink, lively party favors, free sparklers, a lottery entry for thrilling prizes, and a delicious Media Noche buffet to sate appetites are all included with each ticket.
For P2,000, a child’s ticket gets them entry to the exciting countdown and party, a welcome drink (choice of chocolate, strawberry, or orange juice), and exclusive access to the kids’ area for extra entertainment. They also have the right to a media buffet dinner and raffle entry.
Highlights of the evening’s entertainment include a live band, a countdown, and an amazing fireworks show that features the Manila skyline.
The Rizal Park Hotel is offering a New Year’s Eve room package from December 31, 2023, to January 1, 2024, as the year comes to an end. For P18,000, you may get two tickets to The Deck’s New Year’s Eve Countdown Party, an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, and a New Year’s Brunch buffet for two.
Tickets for the New Year’s Countdown can be obtained by calling or messaging 09276687839. Call 09176571334, for reservations and questions about rooms.
The Rizal Park Hotel cordially welcomes visitors to embrace the spirit of celebration as the holiday season progresses, providing a variety of experiences ranging from delicious dining options to alluring room packages meant to bring happiness and make enduring memories. Families can enjoy the warmth of companionship at the hotel’s holiday Christmas Buffet among the holiday atmosphere. A touch of enchantment is added with the unique presence of the Gingerbread Man and Elves at the P1799 Christmas lunch feast on December 24 and 25. Families can also participate in a fun activity that involves decorating gingerbread cookies. An exquisite way to celebrate 2024 is to check out the Brunch Buffet at P2000, available from 11 AM to 3 PM on New Year’s Day at the Rizal Park Hotel.
The Rizal Park Hotel is pleased to provide its new Take-Out Specials for those who would rather enjoy a meal at home. For P2200, savor baby back ribs together with sides of corn muffins, coleslaw, and baked beans. Peking Duck (P4,388 ++), Suckling Pig (P12,800 ++), Kesong Puti and Itlog na Maalat (P190), Cream Cheese (P170), Ensaymada specialties with unique flavors of Ube and Cheese (P170), and Liver Pate (P350) with Baguette Crisps (P120) are some of the other options.
Guests seeking an extended celebration can opt for the Christmas Family Room Package, valid until December 31, 2023, offering an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast buffet for four at Café Rizal, and a dinner buffet for four at Café Rizal—all for P15,000.
As the year transitions, the New Year’s Eve Room Package, from December 31, 2023, to January 01, 2024, presents an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at The Deck, and a New Year’s Brunch buffet for two, priced at P18,000. Ring in the New Year at The Deck with the New Year’s Countdown event from 9 PM to 1 AM. Options include Upper Deck at P2,500 and Lower Deck at P2,000, both offering access to the party and countdown, one drink, party favors, sparklers, a raffle entry, and a delectable Media Noche buffet. Children can also revel in their own celebration at P2,000 with their own entertainment at the kids corner. For tickets, call or message on Viber at 09276687839.
The Rizal Park Hotel will help you celebrate the holidays in style. Call 09177113926 for takeout specials and buffet bookings. Call 09176571334, for reservations and questions about rooms.
Follow https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/ for more information about the Rizal Park Hotel and its amenities.
The OBRA Design Masterclass Program was introduced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA). Its goal is to give young designers and scholars mentorships and specialized furniture training.
The goal of the OBRA Design Masterclass Program is to develop and support regional talent in the creative and furniture industries. The program’s goal is to raise the bar for Filipino furniture design by skillfully fusing cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly materials, and inventive creative methods.
PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera
“In the OBRA Design Masterclass, there will be training programs from mind setting, design thinking, market-driven designs, creative process, design phase, and prototyping. We will be witnessing the participants’ progress from the raw materials to those worth selling to the international market,” PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera said.
The program also aims to address challenges faced in the industry that affect Filipino furniture makers’ creativity and product development. Dillera cited escalating costs of imported raw materials and the competitive landscape amid rapid development on both local and international fronts.
Moreover, according to Ruby Salutan, Executive Consultant of Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc., a critical challenge the program intends to deal with is the emigration of professionals, including skilled furniture designers, from the country. OBRA Design Masterclass focuses on cultivating a cohort of young designers capable of seamlessly entering and contributing to the industry.
DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba highlighted in her keynote speech the pivotal role of design in shaping a product’s value, influencing consumer perceptions, demand, and market positioning, which generates value in the furniture landscape.
(On screen) DTI-CIG Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, (from L-R) DTI-CIG Director Lilian Salonga, PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera, and PTTC GMEA Planning and Programming Division Chief Ma. Fe Avila
“In an increasingly competitive market environment, design stands as a key differentiator. Beyond keeping pace with design trends, our designs must also align with emerging consumer preferences encompassing eco-friendly materials, digital technology integration, and responsible sourcing,” Aldaba said.
The program sessions will take place simultaneously across three locations: Pampanga, Cebu, and Manila. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their skills and capabilities in crafting designs and prototypes, guided by industry-renowned furniture designers such as multi-awarded industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue and industry partners like the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines, Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc., and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc.
The program is divided into three stages: designing for the market, where participating companies participate in an international event, such as the Philippines International Furniture Show in March 2024; program consultancy, where participating companies plan and execute their product development; and the designer’s phase, where they receive training in planning, execution, evaluation, and tools.
The courses for the OBRA Design Masterclass Program are expected to start in the second week of December 2023. Go to www.pttc.gov.ph or the DTI-PTTC Facebook page for additional details.
