Vic-Vic Bautista – Page 101 – Manila Lifestyle Blogger

Japan Is A Winter Wonderland: Five Other Places to Go

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

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

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

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.

January 22, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food

The first Jollibee USA location opens in the US state of Michigan

Despite freezing weather, hundreds of Detroiters line up to try Jollibee’s signature Chickenjoy

***FIRST IN MICHIGAN.*** *Despite sub-zero weather in Sterling Heights, Detroiters flocked to witness the opening of Jollibee’s first location in the state of Michigan.*

When they watched the eagerly awaited launch of Jollibee’s first location in Michigan state, in Sterling Heights, Michigan, residents of Detroit seemed unfazed by the snow and the bitter cold.

“We are thrilled to be opening our first store in the state of Michigan, an important milestone in Jollibee’s accelerated North America growth strategy,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, the president and chief executive officer of Jollibee Group. “As the 10^{^th} largest U.S. state in terms of population, there is a huge opportunity for Jollibee to grow and thrive with the local communities in Michigan. We’re excited to introduce the residents of Michigan to Chickenjoy and the Jollibee experience.”

The historic Jollibee store may be found downtown Detroit, Michigan’s first capital city, at 44935 Woodridge Drive, in front of the Lakeside Mall. Hundreds of hungry Detroiters who placed orders through the double-lane drive-thru at Jollibee Sterling Heights helped the restaurant surpass its opening-day sales target, even though it had to cancel dine-in service earlier than anticipated due to inclement weather.

“Despite the intense cold on the day of our opening, local Detroiters still came in droves to have a taste of our Jollibee favorites. We are truly grateful for their love and support,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, the president of Jollibee North America. “We look forward to seeing both familiar faces and first-time customers at our first Michigan location in the close-knit Sterling Heights community, where we can’t wait to create many new joyful moments for those who call the Detroit area home.”

Bestsellers on the first day of business at Jollibee-Sterling Heights include the restaurant’s famous crispy and juicy Chickenjoy fried chicken, regular and spicy chicken sandwiches, and peach mango pie.

A long line of people and cars flocked for the opening of Jollibee’s first location in Michigan state. Despite having to close the store early due to extreme weather conditions, Jollibee Sterling Heights was still able to exceed sales targets.

With its recent aggressive development efforts, Jollibee has officially expanded into 14 states in the United States, with the Great Lakes State being the latest state reached. The Jollibee Group’s overarching goal of ranking among the top 5 restaurant corporations in the world includes Jollibee’s market expansion. Go to www.jollibeegroup.com to learn more about the Jollibee Group.

January 22, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

Producer and singer-songwriter Dhruv just dropped a new song titled “Tragedy.”

The catchy bop serves as the lead single off his debut album, out next

The lead track from his debut album, which is anticipated later this year, “Tragedy,” was released today by singer-songwriter and producer Dhruv. The piano-driven song, which was co-written by Dhruv and produced by JT Daly, captures the depressing sensation of losing a split following an unsuccessful attempt to make amends with an ex. Check out the song’s audio here.

“Writing ‘Tragedy’ was the first time I made something that I feel has my stamp on it,” Dhruv says. “It was the first song we finished for my album, and it became a natural entry point into the world of my upcoming record. ‘Tragedy’ feels like it could be a blueprint for things that I’m going to make in the future. If you read the lyrics, it could seem like a drag. But we spent a lot of time trying to make a song that feels more like a wink, more ironic than depressing or sad. I’m really proud of how I was able to turn an experience that was flat-out miserable into something that’s kind of funny.”

The “Tragedy” music video, which was directed by Dhruv and shot all across London, explores the themes of sadness in the song while also finding comedy in the circumstances. AboveGround directed the video, in which Dhruv plays out his own version of a tragedy while looking for answers but only encountering misfortune at every turn.

Dhruv signed to Little Worry/RCA Records due to his contemplative lyrics and artistic vision, after being praised by NME as an artist producing “vital, anthemic” pop. With over half a billion Spotify plays for the smash song “double take” from his debut EP, the rest of his discography has amassed over a billion streams overall, with 7 million additional streams added to it every week. Dhruv went on to sell out his tour dates in the US and the UK in 2022 and Asia in 2023 after securing supporting roles with singers such as Joji.

Dhruv’s song “Tragedy” is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms globally.

Follow Dhruv:

January 20, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Automotive, News

The Next Stage of the Road to Champion: Honda Acknowledges the Participants in the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup Tryout

Find out who among the young future champs made it.

The top motorcycle manufacturer in the nation, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), acknowledged the gifted racers who emerged from the most recent Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) tryouts. The purpose of the event, which took place on November 18, was to assist HPI in identifying and eventually developing the next wave of motorcycle racing talent.

Eighteen hopeful motorcycle racers took part in this round of tryouts, which was conducted at the Carmona Racing Circuit in Cavite. Each rider demonstrated their abilities on the CBR150R race bikes.

Below are the 12 outstanding riders who made it during the tryout:

All 18 participants were officially recognized at a special ceremony at the Honda Safety Driving School Center in Paranaque. The 12 will then participate in Honda’s “Road to Champion” racing campaign for 2024, where they will take part in upcoming domestic and international races.

***Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup TryOut participants together with HPI Riders, Mr. Alfonsi Daquigan and Mr. Jakob Sablaya.***

HPI President Ms. Sayaka Arai emphasizes that “We will continue to support the dreams of these young riders that one day there will be a Honda Filipino rider who push themselves and accepts the challenges and be the next rider aiming to be on the Road to Champion. Again, to all young riders, make the most of your passion and challenge yourself to achieve your dreams.”

Thanks to HPI’s frequent racing events organized both domestically and overseas, this is made feasible. The corporation found and helped promote talented racers who had shown themselves, including Mr. Jakob Sablaya and Mr. Alfonsi Daquigan, through this domestic competition.

HPI Vice President for MC Office and SCM Division Mr. Jomel Jerezo added that “HPI are overwhelmed that many young Filipino riders are dreaming to become world-class racers. Again, to all young riders, make the most of your passion and challenge yourself to achieve your dreams.”

To learn more, go to www.hondaph.com. Follow Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook (facebook.com/hondaph), Instagram (instagram.com/hondaph_mc/), YouTube (HondaPhilippines_Motorcycle), and Tiktok (tiktok.com/@hondaphilippines) to stay up to date on the company’s newest offerings. You can also reach them by calling (02)-8581-6700 to 6799 and 0917-884-6632.

January 19, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food, News

Ajinomoto encourages the development of food technology and nutrition education, Full scholarship grant for graduate study in Japan

Interested students may apply until March 1, 2024.

The Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship Grant for 2025 is now available to Filipinos who wish to study abroad in Japan. The program’s goal is to assist worthy people who need financial aid in order to continue their postgraduate studies in human nutrition and food technology. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024.

A complete scholarship to study for a master’s degree at any of the following esteemed Japanese universities: Waseda University, Ochanomizu University, Institute of Science Tokyo, University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, and Kagawa Nutrition University.

“The annual scholarship program is Ajinomoto’s way of giving back to empower the future of food technology and nutrition in the Philippines,” says Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) General Manager of Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co.

The candidate’s examination, admission and tuition costs, psychological and medical evaluations, Japanese language instruction, flights, and monthly stipend will all be covered by the scholarship award.

“I am very happy and thankful for this rare opportunity to study with a full scholarship in one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The Ajinomoto Foundation and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has always been consistent in providing me prompt support and guidance. This does not only provide me academic privileges but also allows me to learn new cultures, enjoy good food and make new friends,” shared 2023 awardee Johndel Obra who is currently taking Masters in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tokyo.

As screening process, the grant requires applicants to have excellent academic records – a graduate or expecting to graduate within the top 5% of their class or with a grade point (GPA) of 3.7 or higher. In return, the chosen scholar is sure to gain a lot from the program in terms of academics as well as life experiences.

“When I was awarded with the 2022 Ajinomoto scholarship, I was very excited because Japan was my dream country to visit. Aside from its advanced technology and innovative research, I found a very welcoming and warm country that felt like a second home to me. The scholarship enabled me to be fully equipped in pursuing my current doctoral research program,” shared Ann Elaine Wagan, a BS Nutrition graduate and the 2022 Ajinomoto Scholarship Awardee now taking up PhD on Applied Biosciences at Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University.

One of Ajinomoto’s main initiatives to improve food science education is the annual scholarship program. The company wants to help people all around the world become more healthy. According to Co., “APC hopes to use the grant to further address food and health issues in the Philippines through innovations led by its passionate scholars.”

Visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2025-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/ to learn more about the 2025 Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship grant.

January 19, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Beauty

The ascent of social media physician Doc Roca and her path to a complete makeover

People can now be entertained and influenced thanks to social media. Others, however, have started utilizing social media channels to inform people about particular subjects. Dr. Rocanisah Guro, often known as Doc Roca, advocates for aesthetic medicine on social media.

Doc Roca’s dream was to become a doctor from a young age. She worked as a general physician in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after earning her medical degree. It hurt her to watch people come to her sick or dying while she was a doctor and make money from it.

Saddened, Doc Roca looked back and saw how difficult the scenario was for her. Her career took a significant change at that point. She came to the realization that her profession needed to alter. Returning to the Philippines after her time overseas, she pursued studies and training in aesthetic medicine.

Under the meticulous tutelage of Dr. Sarah Barba Cabodil of Philippine Anti-Aging Medicine and Clinical Aesthetics (PAMCAS), Dr. Roca honed her skills in aesthetic medicine. In 2022, she opened her clinic. There, she found her true mission and calling.

Named RC Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic, Dr. Roca wants to establish her name in the aesthetic field. The proud CEO of RC Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic shares her commitment extends beyond clinical excellence to fostering holistic well-being. She also discovers that being part of the physical transformation of her patients makes her heart full.

The existence of digital media helps Doc Roca fulfill her mission. Doc Roca and her method of educating people, especially on social media, is approachable, funny, and witty. “I embrace the digital age as a social media influencer, leveraging these platforms to share insights, inspire confidence, and celebrate the harmonious blend of science and art in aesthetic practice”, says Doc Roca.

She finds sharing her knowledge on social media as an act of charity. That is why she keeps posting relatable content regarding aesthetic medicine in a witty manner so people can connect to her. She captures the hearts of the people online.

RC Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic believes beauty builds confidence and it should start from within. Doc Roca has been enthusiastic about creating social media content on how to restore your beauty and gain your confidence back through these flagship services – Rejuran, Bio-Microneedling, and Face Nade.

Rejuran is a concentrated injectable polynucleotide (PN) extract from Wild Salmon DNA that is effective in skin rejuvenation. It helps restore skin health by improving skin’s elasticity and repairing skin damage caused by frequent UV exposure or various chemicals as it allows the skin tissue to heal and return to normal.

For individuals with acne scars and those who want to defy aging, Rejuran is your go-to treatment. This non-surgical treatment restores skin’s health and beauty by removing the deep wrinkles on the face, cheek lines, wrinkles around the eyes and lips as well as other areas besides the face that also need improved elasticity.

It also treats dehydrated skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, and dull skin. It eliminates freckles, blemishes, and dark spots. It minimizes acne scars. It tightens pores for a smoother, clearer face. This treatment will help you achieve younger-looking skin and attain that Korean glass skin you ought to have.

Biomicroneedling is a treatment that stimulates the body’s scar-healing response and increases cell renewal. The creation of collagen and elastin is initiated as your skin heals, giving you an almost instant plumping effect. This treatment is best for any type and many skin problems such as acne, scarring, dark spots, sun exposure, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can also treat stretch marks on the body.

Biomicroneedling can also treat multiple skin issues simultaneously. In just five minutes, three (3) million natural microneedles are delivered into the skin’s epidermis and dermis.

This treatment is half the cost of laser resurfacing. Safe and effective, this treatment is suitable for every skin color and type. It nourishes every layer of the skin. It does not need anesthetic. It does not cause bleeding or skin breakage. Moreover, it does not require the use of machines or metal needles. Those who have acne problems, experiencing hyperpigmentation and scarring as well as those who have aging skin can avail themselves of this wonderful treatment.

This treatment is ideal for those who wish to attain a more toned, Barbie-like face. Spain’s Face Nade is a sophisticated facial sculpting device. In order to create smoother facial definition, this expert, cutting-edge mesotherapy treatment for face contouring contains active chemicals that have been extensively investigated. These ingredients help break down facial fat, prevent the creation of new fat, and reinforce skin structure.

Its dual action efficiently reshapes the facial contour by strengthening and firming the skin structure while also promoting waste evacuation. Additionally, this procedure redefines the contours of the face and improves facial harmony and balance.

Check out RC Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic, 12 Bulusan Street, Brgy, for these and other services. Mandaluyong City’s Mauway. Please visit and follow RC Aesthetic & Wellness Clinic on Facebook and @rcestheticandwellness on Instagram ; and Tiktok: @docroca for additional information.

January 17, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food

Four instant remedies to improve your mood on stressful days

On certain days, everything goes according to plan at work or school, while on other days, stress prevents you from being productive. Many people dislike these periods the most since they make it difficult to be in the zone.

Try these easy tricks to improve your mood even on your busiest day to help you get through these days.

Call a friend

An understanding voice and a listening ear from a buddy might sometimes be the salve you need to get through the day. Rely on your network of supporters and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Speak with a friend

Watch cute animal videos

Have you ever watched videos of tiny animals being all cute and silly on your feed? These videos might just melt your heart and make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Turns out, studies prove that watching these videos helps reduce anxiety levels by up to 50%!

Schedule something fun after work hours

Try this no-fail hack on your worst work days. Rally your friends and have an after-work karaoke sesh, game night, dinner, or gig night. Having something to look forward to after the day’s battles can really help manage your stress.

Have a snack break

Snack breaks are the perfect excuse to escape your desk, huddle with your teammates, and vent your stress away. You also get to recharge with delicious snacks, and who doesn’t like that?

Speaking of snacks that help you recharge, have you tasted Kropek ni Mang Juan in Spicy Fried Pusit flavor? It offers a “kakaibang” snacking experience with its light and “crispy sarap” texture, and a “saktong anghang at alat” flavor of fried squid. It’s a one-of-a-kind snack that can satisfy your tastebuds.

Try it on your next snack break! Get Kropek ni Mang Juan in Spicy Fried Pusit flavor from a convenience store near your office and share it with your colleagues. You may just discover your new go-to recharge work snack!

Don’t let a bad mood ruin a work day. Next time you find yourself needing something to lighten up the vibe and help you refocus, try one (or all) of these mood-lifting hacks!

#PushLangWithMangJuan! Learn more about Mang Juan’s light and lutong-sarap good vibes snacks on its Facebook and TikTok pages.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) is the company behind the popular Pinoy snack and beverage brands C2 Cool and Clean, Great Taste Coffee, Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Magic Crackers, Maxx, Cloud 9, and many more. Mang Juan is one of their snack brands. Visit URC’s website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines), and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines) to find out more information.

Savor the delicious Kropek ni Mang Juan Spicy Fried Pusit flavor during your snack breaks.

Kropek ni Mang Juan Spicy Fried Pusit’s “crispy sarap” texture and “saktong anghang at alat” fried squid flavor make for a distinctive snacking experience.

January 17, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food, Lifestyle

Through 2,200 sari-sari shops and carinderias around the NCR, Coca-Cola Philippines is expanding its PET plastic bottle recycling program

**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.

January 17, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food

The First Common Man Coffee Roasters Café in the Philippines Opens by Jollibee Group

Marks the company’s first foray into specialty coffee, all-day brunch

**Ready to cut the ribbon for the launching of the first Common Man Coffee Roasters café in the Philippines.** Photo shows (from left to right): Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Business Development for Foreign Franchised Brands, Ned Bandojo; Jollibee Group’s President and Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, & Foreign Franchised Brands, JJ Alano; Spa Esprit Group’s General Manager for Food Division, Michael Bovell; Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Officer, Joseph Tanbuntiong; Spa Esprit Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Common Man Coffee Roasters, Koon Beng “KB” Chua; Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines, Her Excellency Constance See; Vice Mayor of the City Government of Makati, Honorable Monique Lagdameo; Jollibee Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernesto Tanmantiong; Ayala Malls’ President, Mariana Zobel de Ayala; Jollibee Group’s Chief of Real Estate and Design Officer & Chief Business Support Officer, William Tan Untiong; Ayala Land Estates Inc.’s Group Deputy Head, Chris Maglanoc; and Common Man Coffee Roasters’ Operations Head, Chynna Ramos.

With the launch of the first Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) cafe in the Philippines on January 11, 2024, at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, the Jollibee Group is off to a terrific start in 2024. The Jollibee Group has ambitious expansion plans this year that include this historic opening, all in line with its goal of ranking among the top five restaurant corporations globally.

“We’re excited to bring the Common Man Coffee Roasters in the country and give the community an elevated café experience,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group’s President and CEO.

“Common Man’s consciously sourced coffee and numerous deliciously healthy brunch options contribute to this experience and help fulfill our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone. We invite everyone to come visit our first ever Common Man Coffee Roasters café,” he added.

Championing specialty coffee & brunch

Established in 2013, Common Man Coffee Roasters aims to champion specialty coffee and the best all-day brunch and has expanded from Singapore to Malaysia, and now the Philippines. It also roasts and sells coffee beans and operates the Coffee Barista Academy in Singapore and Malaysia, which provides coffee training to baristas and coffee enthusiasts.

In the Philippines, the breadth of the café’s menu includes different types of specialty coffee, bannered by the Nitro Honey Oat Latte and Filter Brew. Its brunch is thoughtfully crafted, headlined by the Common Man Full Breakfast that has generous servings of sausage, bacon, portobello mushroom, hash browns, house-made baked chorizo beans, and greens along with artisanal sourdough. The crowd favorite Common Man Beef Brisket Benedict packs an indulging punch of savory in its tender braised beef topped by poached eggs and creamy hollandaise.

The first location in the country, which has a modern, casual, “come as you are” ambiance, also features its own roastery.

“Having a roastery on site for us to showcase the roasting method will not only help the customers understand the coffee process better, but it will also offer a unique dining and sensory experience for them,” said Koon Beng Chua, CEO of the Spa Esprit Group, which operates Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore.

Celebrating partnerships

The Jollibee Group announced its joint venture with Food Collective Pte. Ltd. (FCPL) through FCJB Foods Inc. to own and operate Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines in August 2023. The Jollibee Group owns 60 percent in FCJB Foods Inc.

“This is the first café from our partnership with the Spa Esprit Group and we’re looking forward to expanding the Common Man Coffee Roasters experience to more people. The strong collaboration between the two partners is very evident and is greatly rewarded by the enjoyment we see from people upon entering the café and upon tasting our menu selections. We recognize the increasingly discerning palate of Filipinos and we’re here to delight them,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer, during the store’s inauguration and opening.

President of Ayala Malls Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Deputy Head of Ayala Land Estates Group Chris Maglanoc, General Manager Michael Bovell of Spa Esprit Food Group, and Co-Founder of Common Man Coffee Roasters Koon Beng Chua. The Jollibee Group was represented by Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO; William Tan Untiong, Chief Business Support Officer; Joseph Tanbuntiong, Chief Business Officer; JJ Alano, President and Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Foreign Franchised Brands; and Ned Bandojo, AVP and Head of Business Development for Foreign Franchised Brands.

**A toast to the first brew!** The opening of the Common Man Coffee Roasters’ first café in the country brings in consciously sourced coffee and all-day brunch together – aiming to elevate the café experience for Filipinos. Photo shows (counter clockwise): Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Officer, Joseph Tanbuntiong; Spa Esprit Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Common Man Coffee Roasters Co-founder, Koon Beng “KB” Chua; Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines, Her Excellency Constance See; Vice Mayor of the City Government of Makati, Honorable Monique Lagdameo; Ayala Malls’ President, Mariana Zobel de Ayala; Jollibee Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernesto Tanmantiong; Jollibee Group’s Chief of Real Estate and Design Officer & Chief Business Support Officer, William Tan Untiong; Common Man Coffee Roasters’ Operations Head, Chynna Ramos; Jollibee Group’s Marketing for Foreign Franchised Brands, Paolo Aljibe; Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Technical Services Research and Development, Agnes McDonald; ; Jollibee Group’s Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications, Pauline Lao; Ayala Land Estates Inc.’s Group Deputy Head, Chris Maglanoc; Spa Esprit Group’s General Manager for Food Division, Michael Bovell; Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Marketing for Foreign Franchised Brands Philippines, Jia Du; Jollibee Group’s AVP and Head of Business Development for Foreign Franchised Brands, Ned Bandojo; and Jollibee Group’s President and Group Head for Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Foreign Franchised Brands, JJ Alano.

Every Monday through Sunday, from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, is when the Common Man Coffee Roasters in Ayala Triangle are open.

Visit the website of Common Man Coffee Roasters Philippines or give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram to find out more information.

January 16, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

Manulife Uses AI, Cloud, Mobile, and Other Digital Platforms to Drive Digital Transformation

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, 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

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.

January 16, 2024 by Vic Vic Bautista

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