Food

Cookies and coffee? This is a tasty combination of two renowned brands


Here’s a brand collaboration that you wouldn’t want to miss: Great Taste Cream-O, a coffee mix that offers the signature “aromanamnam” goodness of Great Taste coffee and the yummy cookie crumbles of Cream-O
 

Excellent teamwork can result in wonderful things. This has been demonstrated by the collaborative efforts of gifted artists to produce beloved music and films. Within the fashion industry, brands also initiate unforeseen partnerships in an effort to offer consumers something fresh and engaging.

Collaboration is essential for both our work and academic pursuits. When we collaborate, we not only complete tasks more quickly but also inspire one another to think of original ideas. Naturally, you ought to pause between duties as well. Trying a different coffee blend like Great Taste Cream-O is one option to add some enjoyment to your free time during this period.

A delectable partnership between two beloved brands, Great Taste and Cream-O brings their trademark “aromanamnam” taste with actual cookie crumbles to add another dimension of delight. This is a novel blend of coffee and cookies that is perfect for people seeking a tasty beverage to sip on during their break.

For just P15.00 (SRP), you may purchase a small twin sachet pack of Great Taste Cream-O, which allows you to keep one pack on hand and easily prepare a delectable beverage to enjoy during breaks with coworkers or classmates.

University students enjoy breaks with Great Taste Cream-O


Guest social media content creators joined the fun during Great Taste Cream-O’s stop at Mapua University Manila

To give students an enjoyable experience at school, Great Taste shared its newest coffee blend to select universities in Manila. Its first stop was at the Mapua University Manila last January 23, 2024, where Great Taste Cream-O set up an exciting booth with a 360-degree photo and video booth they could visit in between classes, and make memories while enjoying Great Taste Cream-O with their blockmates. Making the moment even more enjoyable for the students, the brand collaborated with one of the University’s dance groups, and a guest influencer, to entertain guests with an energetic dance number.


Students enjoyed fun activities at the Great Taste Cream-O booth in Mapua University Manila

Great Taste Cream-O booth at Mapua University Manila

This is your opportunity to satisfy your craving for Great Taste Cream-O if you’re a student trying to spice up your coffee with flavor and have a more enjoyable break. In the upcoming weeks, keep an eye out for Great Taste’s possible stop at your campus. In order to receive updates and information, be sure to follow Great Taste Coffee on Facebook.

Food, News

Reimagine Recycling Year 5 Recipients from Coca-Cola PH and Save PH Seas present circular economy solutions


 
Organizers and participants of Reimagine Recycling Year 5

The Reimagine Recycling program, a joint venture between Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Philippines, is pleased to announce the awarding of grants totaling PHP 500,000 to five community-based initiatives.

Reimagine Recycling is in its fifth year of supporting organizations that promote solutions for the circular economy, deal with solid waste management, and improve the welfare of the informal waste sector. This year, the campaign also included grassroots efforts and programs to stop waste from leaking into marine and riverine environments.

Through cash grants, mentorship, and capacity-building seminars on stakeholder management and communications, Reimagine Recycling offers crucial reinforcement.

“We have seen how transformative Reimagine Recycling has been for our past grantees. The funding helps them get to the next level in terms of scale and scope, and the networks of Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola Philippines also help create connections with other stakeholders in the waste value chain,” shared Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

Supporting sustainable initiatives

Following a competitive application process that opened in October 2023, the following projects were selected for grant funding from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, which can help expand and build a stronger foundation for their respective initiatives:

  • RezBin is an initiative by siblings with backgrounds in the startup industry. Realizing that poor disposal habits, aside from the lack of recycling facilities, are also the main causes of plastic waste issues in the Philippines, the project aims to make plastic disposal easy and enjoyable, fostering positive and sustainable habits among Filipinos
  • THREADS by PAMMÉ is a training program for informal trash collectors focused on plastic waste recycling. PAMMÉ repurposes plastic waste into sustainable fashion products, contributes to recycling markets, and supports informal livelihoods.
  • Love for Green Universe addresses inadequate access to fresh food in urban areas worsened by environmental concerns faced by farmers. The project empowers farmers by repurposing PET bottles as durable UV sheets for crop protection, providing a sustainable alternative to commercially available sheets susceptible to adverse weather conditions.
  • After conducting surveys in the coastal barangays of Naawan, Misamis Oriental, COAST discovered community concerns such as beach plastic litter, household plastic management, and reliance on single-use plastics. COAST takes action through initiatives like regular coastal clean-ups, public forums, and strategic partnerships to raise awareness, empower communities, and lay the foundation for sustainable practices.
  • Upstyle was founded to transform waste into opportunities for environmental and societal betterment, driven by the escalating waste crisis and economic challenges in certain communities. Their goal is to teach upcycling as a livelihood project, working with dedicated volunteers to create products from waste materials and imparting this skill to communities, providing a sustainable means of earning a living.

Participants of Reimagine Recycling Year 5 discussing solutions to address issues on solid waste management and marine pollution
 

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony Del Rosario expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with Save Philippine Seas in promoting marine conservation. He commended all teams participating in Reimagine Recycling Year 5, saying “Each proposal is truly promising, with a significant impact on the environment and our communities. It was inspiring to connect with brilliant young minds driving change in nation-building through innovative circular economy initiatives.”

Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, also affirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting innovations that empower communities and inspire Filipinos to initiate their waste solution programs. “As advocates for positive change, we firmly believe in the transformative power of collaboration and its ability to create a lasting impact in our communities,” Alcantara said.

The Foundation reports that past winners of Reimagine Recycling continue to scale up, expand, and benefit underprivileged communities.

  • Alon and Araw, which started as a free surfboard borrowing program for local children in exchange for regular participation in weekly beach clean-ups, now work with over 40 underprivileged fisherfolk families vulnerable to threats of climate change. They organize sustainability-related activities for more than 70 children between 5 to 18 years old, whom they call ocean defenders.
  • According to the Philippine Textile Research Institute, the country generates the equivalent of 303 Olympic-size pools of textile waste annually. To help address this problem, Barrio Studios devised an idea to transform textile waste into higher-value goods. Through their efforts, they champion textile recycling in the country, help businesses become more sustainable, and create more green jobs for women.
  • Smart Recycle PH helps users connect with verified collection partners for their recyclable materials and get to know and shop for sustainable products and services. They assist consumers in earning Smart Recycle Points and converting them into trees with RAFI One to Tree. The initiative has recovered more than 350,000 kilograms of recyclables, received 1,000 tree pledges, and increased its partners to 60.

The Coca-Cola Company declared in 2018 that it will work toward a worldwide circular economy in order to help reduce waste by continuing to use packaging as a valuable resource.Coca-Cola Philippines is speeding up additional waste management solutions in addition to the Reimagine Recycling program by launching “May Ikabobote Pa,” a consumer engagement initiative that aims to educate and engage customers about the steps they can take to recycle their empty plastic bottles.

SavePhilippineseas.org has more information about Reimagine Recycling. Visit coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability to learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability-related projects.

Lifestyle, News

The 59th Anvil Awards saw Home Credit Philippines’ Back-to-School Campaign win silver

Home Credit Philippines’ creative “Home Credit is the Key: Back-to-School (BTS) Campaign” won the coveted Silver Anvil in the Marketing and Brand Communication sub-category of the Public Relations Programs category at the 59th Anvil Awards, which celebrated excellence.

Held on January 31, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City, the awards ceremony—known as the ‘Oscars of Public Relations’ in the Philippines—drew attendees from businesses and organizations all around the nation.

Leading consumer credit company Home Credit addressed the difficulties moms in particular experienced during the back-to-school season. In order to manage the growing expenses of education and school supplies, the campaign sought to strengthen moms’ position as the main financial decision-makers and budget managers in their families.

Running from July 1 to September 30, 2023, the “Home Credit is the Key” campaign provided a backup for moms by offering affordable financing options. Home Credit introduced zero-interest payment plans, easing the financial burden on mothers striving to provide their children with the best education. Flexible payment plans were also made available, ensuring that the cost of education could be spread over manageable installments, thus alleviating financial strain.

“We understand the challenges that parents face during the back-to-school season. Our Back-toSchool Campaign aimed to provide not just financial assistance but also peace of mind to mothers who work tirelessly to ensure their children receive a quality education. Winning the Silver Anvil is a testament to the campaign’s impact and the recognition of our Public Relations efforts to support families in this crucial aspect of their lives,” said Ken Lerona, Head of PR, Home Credit Philippines.

The campaign also emphasized maintaining peace of mind for mothers by using Home Credit’s services, allowing them to preserve their savings as a safety net for emergencies or future investments.

The campaign strategically employed public relations and communication tactics to engage and empower its target audience, specifically mothers and their children. Home Credit Philippines collaborated with its agency-on-record, Dugenia, Marayan and Associates Company (DM&A Co.), to implement this compelling initiative.

A key aspect of the campaign’s success was the dissemination of impactful narratives to various media titles, partners, and bloggers. By pitching these powerful stories, the campaign effectively resonated with the intended audience, making their back-to-school shopping experience easier and lighter.

“Working with Home Credit Philippines on this campaign was a rewarding experience. We aimed to not only meet the challenges faced by parents but to exceed expectations in providing practical solutions. The Silver Anvil is a validation of the effectiveness and innovation embedded in our approach,” said Michael Dugenia, Managing Partner of DM&A Co.

Nearly 500 entries were submitted for the Anvil Awards, which are given out by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) from more than 100 organizations, including local government entities. New PR Programs categories, including Best Use of Digital, Best Use of Social Media, and Best PR-led Integrated Campaign, were featured at the 59th Anvil Awards.

The Back-to-School Campaign by Home Credit Philippines was one of the best entries, earning it the Silver Anvil and demonstrating the company’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional community support.

Go to www.homecredit.ph, the official website of Home Credit Philippines, to learn more about the most recent developments. Additionally, you may follow its official profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To find out more about the most recent promotions and to view what’s new in the Marketplace, customers are also advised to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have granted Home Credit Philippines the necessary licenses and supervision.

Food, News

Through co-processing, Jollibee Foods Corporation and Republic Cement Work Together to Recover and Divert Plastic Packaging Wastes


Jollibee Foods Corporation representatives Assistant Vice President and Head of Global Procurement Services Bryan Marc Tividad and Vice President & Head for Network Development Philippines Gerard Paul Filart; together with Republic Cement CEO Roman Menz, Vice President for Manufacturing Lloyd Vicente, and Director of  ecoloop (the resource recovery arm of Republic Cement) Atty. Angela Edralin-Valencia, during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement to support the EPR Law, which will help prevent plastic waste from landfills and from leaking into urban waterways and oceans. 

In order to promote the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), one of the fastest growing restaurant companies in the world, recently signed an agreement with Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc. (“Republic Cement”).

By adding value or purpose through upcycling or recycling, the EPR law seeks to prolong the life of plastics and decrease the amount of plastic waste generated.

JFC intends to recover post-consumer plastic packaging wastes, divert them from landfills and waterways, and transport them to Republic Cement for co-processing as part of its Joy for Tomorrow’s global sustainability goal.

Republic Cement, a leading local cement manufacturer and the pioneer of co-processing in the country, will use the collected post-consumer packaging wastes as alternative fuel in the cement manufacturing process.

During the MOA signing held at the Republic Cement head office in Taguig City, Republic Cement CEO Mr. Roman Menz emphasized the role of the company in supporting organizations like JFC.

“Republic Cement provides a very important solution to fight plastic pollution by diverting wastes away from landfills and waterways, away from areas where it can negatively affect communities. We are happy to see the commitment of the JFC towards doing their part in solving our current plastic pollution crisis. Republic Cement is with JFC in their journey for a greener, more sustainable world.”

Gerard Paul Filart, JFC Vice President for Network Development Group, said that Republic Cement just celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2023, making the relationship significant and appropriate. “We are dedicated to upholding the three primary pillars of our Global Sustainability Agenda: Food, People, and Planet. Through our collaboration with Republic Cement, we are reducing waste and offering a valuable service. We hope that by doing this, we are contributing to more happiness for tomorrow. 

The MOA encompasses Jollibee Foods Corporation’s fully owned brands in the Philippines, which include Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, and Red Ribbon; it also covers JFC’s franchised brands, which are Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Food, News

Pasig LGU and Jollibee Group to Give Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities Jobs


Inclusive Employment Program. The Jollibee Group and the Pasig City Government inked a partnership for the implementation of the company’s inclusive employment program that will provide qualified senior citizens and persons with disability in Pasig with jobs at select stores of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King in the city.

Recently, the Jollibee Group and the city government of Pasig, represented by Mayor Vico Sotto, signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the company’s inclusive employment program, which offers gainful employment to qualified senior citizens and people with disabilities (PWD) in a few Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King locations in Pasig.

Ruth Angeles, vice president of Jollibee Group, head of global organization leadership and culture, and head of human resources Philippines, claims that the company’s commitment to giving all members of society equal employment opportunities while fostering inclusivity and diversity in the workplace is congruent with the Pasig city government’s partnership.

“We are happy to support the local government unit of Pasig in advancing the interests of our elderly and the differently abled. Through this partnership, we recognize their invaluable role, capacity, and desire to work by giving them the opportunity to become productive members of the community,” Angeles added.

Under the agreement, Pasig City’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO) will assist in conducting initial interviews and profiling of the applicants, while the People with Disability Affairs Office and the Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs will provide trainers to assist and instruct qualified applicants prior to deployment.


It’s Time for Pasig. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto personally welcomed the delegation from the Jollibee Group during the MOA Signing ceremonies held at the Pasig City Hall.

In the interim, the City Health Office will act as the authorized medical facility to perform health exams and provide certified “fit to work” certificates to eligible candidates. The chosen candidates will work in customer interactions and other “front of house” tasks.

In order to expand the program’s eligibility for older citizens and those with disabilities, Jollibee Group has partnered with the provincial governments of Rizal, Manila, Antipolo, and Muntinlupa in addition to Pasig City.


Partners for Promoting the Well-Being of Senior Citizens and PWDs. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto is joined by the Jollibee Group delegation that includes operations team from the participating brands Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King.

“We aim to form partnerships with other LGUs in the future so we can help uplift more lives and find qualified and reliable staff who can join us in our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone,” Angeles said.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Entertainment

SB19’s PABLO’s new song, “AKALA,” is another move in the right direction

The sonically captivating track marks another collaboration with his real-life brother Josue of Radkidz, who also co-produced viral hits “Determinado” and “Gento”

With the release of “Determinado” a few weeks ago, SB19’s PABLO championed the rap-rock genre’s comeback. Now, with another hit that sounds different like anything he has published before, PABLO continues to exceed expectations.

The P-Pop sensation delivers a powerful song called “AKALA,” which combines atmospheric production, trap beats, and hip-hop sensibilities. Sonically engaging and deeply emotional, PABLO astonishes listeners almost every time with a song that suggests a new caliber of creative inspiration in terms of both songwriting and production.

The song is the result of yet another partnership between him and his brother Josue of Radkidz, who is also in charge of co-producing his earlier release “Determinado” and SB19’s viral hit “Gento.”

PABLO, on the other hand, brought improvements in structural developments and dynamics and penned the majority of the lyrics. He shares, “I added some singing parts and a hook and gave the song a resolution in terms of musical arrangement. We wanted it to be a song that’s easy to listen to and sing along to, just like how it is when friends gather and sing together.”

According to PABLO, “AKALA” was conceived during the pandemic when Josue had him listen to one of his beats with a partially written verse about finding escape in getting wasted. While both of them have different perspectives about alcohol consumption, the SB19 leader and main rapper found it intriguing and interesting enough to revisit the track and improve some parts of it.

“Even though we have different practices in terms of drinking, we agree on the idea that alcohol is not the answer to problems,” the talented multi-hyphenate explains. “I asked him if I could also write my verse in the song and tweak some parts, and he agreed. I didn’t want the song to just be about getting wasted, so I thought of a way to introduce my perspective through rearranging the letters of ‘alak’ and that’s how ‘Akala’ materialized. My mother also pitched in a line in the song and it made more sense.”

The breakout musician behind La Luna puts it best this way: “Akala’ takes a completely different direction this time around, but everything that I have released so far features intense and heavy instrumentation.” It has a more carefree, dreamlike atmosphere.

AKALA by PABLO is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Beauty, Health and Wellness

Paula’s Choice has fantastic promotions this month that will make you feel good about February!

This February, Paula’s Choice Philippines is here to help you feel great in your own skin with its proven formulas and trusted ingredients


Paula’s Choice Philippines February 2024 Feel Good Event

Several factors can help us feel good about our bodies, including a satisfying night’s sleep, a tasty dinner, a vigorous workout, a nice hair day, fashionable clothing, and more. But wouldn’t it be preferable if our skin served as a physical manifestation of our positive self-esteem?

Feel good with science-backed formulas that work!

The Feel Good Event by Paula’s Choice Philippines will take place from February 13 to February 29, 2024! Get 20% off everything in the store, including best-selling items like the C5 Super Boost Eye Cream, SKIN BALANCING Pore-Reducing Toner, calming body care products, and much more. With these incredible formulas, you may look and feel beautiful since effective skincare makes you smile.


Paula’s Choice Philippines Feel Good Event Products

Get a Feel Good Set worth ₱2,650 for free when you spend a minimum of ₱5,000! Together with travel-sized versions of the 5% Niacinamide Body Serum, Super Hydrate Overnight Mask, and Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, the Feel Good bundle includes three premium samples of the Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA.


FREE Feel Good Set

Don’t pass up the opportunity to get these incredible discounts! This February, the time has come to feel fantastic, and that moment is now.

The aforementioned promos are only available at https://paulaschoice.ph/. Paula’s Choice Philippines is available on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Beauty, Health and Wellness

Aesthetic and Wellness Center Gains Notoriety with Grand Opening of 11th Clinic and First Mall Branch

Passion and dreams fuel endless progress.


Ms. Krystal Tecson- Garalde, Dear Self CEO and Ms. Sai Evangelista, leads the new clinic’s ribbon-cutting event at SM MarketMall Dasmarinas

This dedication is continuously displayed by Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center, which opened its 11th clinic in Dasmarinas, Cavite, and, most significantly, opened its first location inside SM Market Mall.

The Tecson Siblings, the family behind this chain of wellness and aesthetic centers, are excited to open their first clinic and provide affordable, high-quality treatments and services to all Caviteños.

“We are thrilled that the best is yet to come. For we believe that nothing is more surprising than bringing out the best version of ourselves. Join us in this unfolding- to be bold, beautiful and best. Thank you for sharing this momentous event with us,” Krystal Tecson-Garalde, Chief Executive Officer of Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center mentioned in her speech during the ribbon cutting ceremony.


 Family, friends and the brand’s top management attends the opening of the first branch at SM MarketMall

The majority of those in attendance agreed that this historic event on January 13 was a milestone, and it was attended by top brand management, clinic employees, family, and friends.

Ms. Tecson-Garalde emphasized the significance of teamwork, enthusiasm, and commitment in reaching this goal. She also emphasized how crucial it is to establish a secure environment for both customers and staff, as this contributes to Dear Self’s rise to prominence in the metro area as a reliable name in beauty and wellness.

“We also take a beautiful walk through our next pages of success for we see the beauty in helping and making our employees and clients realize the path not only to self-care but also to self-love,” Ms, Tecson-Garalde mentioned.

In the afternoon, the ceremonial ribbon-cutting commenced with a heartfelt prayer. After the top management delivered their meanigful speeches, snacks were served to all attendees.

Unbelievable Journey

Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center is, relatively, one of the newest players in the industry. They will celebrate their fourth year this 2024 but the achievement they constantly get is something incredible to the branch owners and top management.


Mr. Wayne Bramida, Dear Self’s Operations Manager hosts the intimate event at the launch of the newest Dear Aesthetic and Wellnes Center’s branch at SM MarketMall Dasmarinas

They took a major risk when they started running the brand during the pandemic. As the saying goes, only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. What Dear Self has achieved now and continuously attains is definitely the result of them taking the first step during one of the riskiest times to start a business.

Mr. Kenneth Tecson, Chief Marketing Officer of Dear Self, strongly believes that the brand’s business values and the people who started it created a wide chance to achieve this success.

“At the core of Dear Self Aesthetic Center lies a dedication to encouraging self-love, with a firm belief in the unique individuality of each person. Our aim at Dear Self is to instill in all of you the confidence to recognize and appreciate the incredible individuals you are, encouraging the embrace of your beauty from the inside out,” Mr. Kenneth Tecson said.

On the other hand, brand optimization has been part of their brand 2023 that according to Dear Self’s Chief Financial Officer was a really difficult business instance.

“Last year was a difficult one for us. It was two months ago nung inopen ni Dear Self ang next chapter ng journey niya. No one knows kung ano yung ibig sabihin nun that time na nirelaunch natin ang isa sa mga old brands natin. Pero today I am very proud that Dear Self is going inside SM, level up na tayo!” he proudly expressed.

The entire team also discussed the various plans they have for this year and the upcoming years. Among the objectives stated were expanding Visayas, gaining more success through neighboring provinces, and providing new treatments and services using the newest and best equipment.

“New milestones and new successes, these are our continous goals for the brand,” Mr. Christian Tecson ended.

The new Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center branch is located inside the new SM Market Mall, first public-private partnership between a City Government and SM Prime Holdings that features a vertical wet and dry market development complemented by mall facilities.

Visit their social media pages to know more!

https://www.tiktok.com/@dearselfaesthetic.center

https://www.instagram.com/dearselfaesthetic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_PjtJko9-eXk1stBnEpX7g

https://www.facebook.com/dearselfaestheticandwellness

https://www.facebook.com/dearselfcavite

Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

In Calatagan, Batangas, Nawa Wellness Unveils Premier Wellness Sanctuary—Your Path to Wellness Begins Here.

The much awaited wellness resort Nawa Wellness, which draws its inspiration from traditional Filipino wellness knowledge, is happy to announce that it will begin accepting visitors on January 24, 2024. With its remarkable array of amenities and distinctively Filipino rejuvenating experiences, Nawa Wellness, which is tucked away in the picturesque hamlet of Calatagan, Batangas, is poised to completely transform the wellness landscape in the Philippines.

Nestled in the splendor of the natural world, Nawa Wellness provides a comprehensive approach to well-being by merging age-old wisdom with modern amenities. Among the health activities available to visitors is a large pickleball court, which offers the ideal setting for combining exercise, enjoyment, and friendly rivalry.

Designed to inspire tranquility and relaxation, Nawa Wellness presents an array of wellness facilities that are sure to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Guests can bask in the healing properties of the Himalayan Salt Room, where the unique salt-infused air promotes respiratory health and skin rejuvenation. For an authentically Filipino experience, the traditional Kawa Bath is available, offering a therapeutic soak amidst the calming sounds of nature.

As a treat to pioneer guests during this soft opening phase, Nawa Wellness is pleased to offer an introductory rate of up to 30% off on published rates for a limited time. This exclusive offer invites guests to embark on a truly transformative wellness journey at an exceptional value. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an active getaway, Nawa Wellness promises an unforgettable experience tailored to individual needs.

Please visit nawawellness.com to reserve your wellness retreat and for additional information. To receive updates on the newest information, deals, and wellness advice, follow Nawa Wellness on Facebook at facebook.com/nawawellness and Instagram at instagram.com/nawawellness.

The health arm of Araw Hospitality Group, an innovative newcomer to the hospitality sector dedicated to crafting remarkable experiences that captivate and motivate visitors, is called Nawa health. With a diverse portfolio of prosperous hospitality endeavors that includes UNWND Boutique Hotels and Lihim Resorts in El Nido, the firm is always pushing the envelope of what constitutes extraordinary hospitality.

Lifestyle, News

Cebuana Lhuillier: Increasing Filipino Lives for Over 70 Years

The Cebuana Lhuillier corporation, formerly known as Agencia Cebuana, has consistently offered convenience and comfort to Filipinos, particularly with regard to financial accessibility, since its founding in 1953. Over 70 years later, Cebuana Lhuillier is still well-known throughout the nation, having been the primary supplier of microfinancial services and had a significant impact on Filipino culture.

The organization has successfully changed the financial landscape and improved society access to financial products and services in various ways by running close to 3,500 branches around the country.

The organization has transcended conventional corporate limits throughout the years by deliberately positioning itself at the nexus of financial and social impact. A financial institution’s position has been altered as it adopts a multifarious mission that surpasses customary practices. Fundamentally, Cebuana Lhuillier views microfinance as a social purpose as opposed to a numbers-driven enterprise, helping Filipinos at every stage of their journey toward financial wellness.

Moreover, the company has also launched several[KJ5] corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and specialized projects that uplift Filipinos, the company has shown its deepest intentions of helping Filipinos in the many facets of life. Aside from pushing financial wellness, Cebuana Lhuillier also advocates for education and champion sports development.

“We purposely continue to develop new products and services that we know will help uplift lives of Filipinos. We believe that our market is capable of making smart financial decisions if provided access to good products. Aside from that, we also champion education and sports as we believe that these are good tools for people to improve their lives”, says Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier’s President and CEO.

A Proponent of Financial Wellness

According to statistics, the average C and D markets often undergo the different steps of financial wellness journey which starts from bridge financing to saving up, starting a business, getting insured, and learning how to invest. In its more than four decades of operations, Cebuana Lhuillier has evolved and introduced different products that cater to the needs of people in every step of their financial wellness journey.

The first one among these steps is bridge financing, which is something Cebuana Lhuillier has been long addressing through its pawning services. Aside from that, the company also offers loans, as well as money transfer products and services, to help Filipinos get funding that will get them through various scenarios.

The next step of financial wellness highlights the importance of saving up and a chance to safely store money. With this, the company launched the Micro Savings Account through Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, providing Filipinos an affordable and easy way to open an account and save money. Through this, Filipinos may open an account that doesn’t require a maintaining balance for as low as PHP 50 and with just one valid ID.

The next step is to open up a business, which is why Cebuana Lhuillier launched the KaNegosyo Center (KNC) which empowers MSMEs by helping them to start and grow their business. The company also offers Microbiz loans that can serve as capital for budding and existing business ventures.

For people with enough savings and for those who have their own business, there is an important need to be protected. This is where Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers (CLIB) and its products come in. The exceptional insurance products, such as ProtectMax which provides death benefits, accident or sickness emergency cash assistance, accidental dismemberment and/or disablement Benefit, among others for as low as PHP 50. Another remarkable offering is HealthMax[KJ6] , which has affordable offers that allows Filipinos between 15 and 65 years old to receive an annual maximum benefit of PHP 150,000 for emergency care and hospitalization in over 282 accredited hospitals nationwide.

The company also offers the Miners Protect for miners who were once considered uninsurable due to the risks that come with their job.

Lastly, Cebuana Lhuillier has also paved the way for affordable and valuable investment products that people can go for, especially for those who wish to attain a full circle moment in their financial wellness journey. The company has made it possible through the likes of Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry, Cebuana Lhuillier Gold, and even through the Atram partnership through the KNC which enables people to invest in stocks for as low as PHP 50.

Through such offerings, Cebuana Lhuillier has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to financial inclusion.

An Advocate of Education

More than just being an established name in the financial space, Cebuana Lhuillier also highlights the importance of education in Filipino lives. Through the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the company opened almost 150 Alternative Learning System (ALS) Centers nationwide with the goal of helping out-of-school youth and adults to complete their education, thus becoming the foundation’s biggest project.

The foundation achieves its goal by holding classes, workshops, and even symposiums. Cebuana Lhuillier’s program also extends its support to ALS programs of different schools by providing buildings, classrooms, and halls through donations. [KJ7]

What sets the Cebuana Lhuillier ALS program apart is that it secures every facility with the latest equipment. The foundation is also hands-on when it comes to the reproduction of reviewers and modules that their students will need. This makes the students under the Cebuana Lhuillier ALS program better equipped.

Aside from that, Cebuana Lhuillier’s ALS program also provides incentives to teachers, so that they can stay motivated to provide the best education for their students.

Over the years, Cebuana Lhuillier has also empowered dedicated students through its scholarship programs.

A Champion of Sports Development

Cebuana Lhuillier and its President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier has been supporting sports for more than four decades already, as he started with basketball with successful teams in the Metropolitan Basketball Association, Philippine Basketball League, and the PBA D League. Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri were also at the forefront of the gold medal winning teams from 2003 to 2007.

But it is in softball and tennis that JHL has made the most impact on, until now. They are behind the very successful Philippine softball and tennis programs in the country, focusing both on national team support and grassroots development.

In tennis, Jean Henri Lhuillier was also instrumental in bringing top tennis superstars such as Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, among others to the country in 2014 to 2015 as co-owner and team manager of the Manila/Philippine Mavericks. [KJ8]

Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier have been supporting the country’s top players for several years such as Cecil Mamiit, Treat Huey, Eric Taimo, Ruben Gonzales, Katharina Lehnert, and Francis Casey Alcantara among others. They have also organized close to 2000 age group tournaments all over the country for the past two decades. Until now, they are continuing this with Jean Henri as the president of the Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP).

As the eminent president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), Jean Henri and Cebuana Lhuillier have played a pivotal role in guaranteeing triumph in the global softball contests for both the RP Blu Girls and RP Blu Boys. In the last ten years, both teams have placed third on many occasions in Asian softball tournaments and won over ten gold medals in sea games. Their most successful year to date was 2023, when four teams qualified for and participated in the world cup. The Blu Girls and Blu Boys, ranked 14th overall in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) standings, were the highest-ranked Philippine sports teams in the world.

Growing to Be a Recurrent Part of Filipino Life

With its goal of improving the lives of Filipinos, Cebuana Lhuillier solidifies its place at the forefront of businesses who have made a commitment to changing the game. The organization commits to pursuing its goal of inspiring good change by offering a wide range of services, products, education programs, and sports initiatives that are matched with unshakable dedication.

baka almost four decades lang since Cebuana started in 1987 [KJ1]

mention agencia cebuana [KJ2]

financial access [KJ3]

financial wellness [KJ4]

Moreover… [KJ5]

basta emphasize na iba yung CSR initiatives kaysa sa company mission

provide descirptions for each offer [KJ6]

add miners protect for previously uninsured miners

add incentives to teachers for them to stay motivated and give their best for their students [KJ7]

mauna to [KJ8]