Lifestyle

The Round One Platform was formally launched in the Philippines

On Wednesday, October 12, at the Solaire Resort and Casino Manila, Round One, the nation’s first equity crowdfunding platform, was formally unveiled. After the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published its crowdfunding laws and regulations a few months earlier, conceptualization of the platform started toward the end of 2019. As a result, Round One received permission to start doing business on February 23 of this year.

Through the platform, business owners seeking funding can start annual public securities sales campaigns for up to 50 million pesos. Round One does in-depth due diligence on investors and business owners (sometimes referred to as “issuers”) on the platform. Issuers must upload investment offering materials and specify all pertinent information about their fundraising objective, including the share price and the conditions of the securities being issued, in order to maintain transparency.

On the other hand, only registered and verified investors may commit to campaigns. All monetary transactions are safekept by Round One’s partner banks and financial institutions through the duration of a campaign to ensure the proper handling of investor cash.

“Round One shall provide a good holistic solution for entrepreneurs not just as a fundraising avenue, but also in attracting experts from all sectors to mentor them to grow and improve.” said Ms. Marian Peña, Chairman and President of Eastern Securities Development Corporation (ESDC), the stock brokerage that manages and operates Round One.

IN PHOTO (L-R): Ms. Charmaine Co, Marketing Head of Round One; Mr. Brandon Leong, Business Unit Lead of Round One; Ms. Marian Peña, Chairman and President of ESDC; Commissioner Kelvin Lee of the SEC; and Mr. Willy Ocier, Director of ESDC.

Present during the launch was SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lee, who delivered the keynote address and lauded Round One for making a “bold move in a new and fast-moving industry.”

IN PHOTO (L-R): Ms. Charmaine Co; Ms. Christina Leong, VP for Research of ESDC; Mr. Brandon Leong; Ms. Marian Peña; Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Honorary Chair & Treasurer and Director of Trade Facilitation & CSR of PCCI; and Mr. Willy Ocier.

In addition, Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Honorary Chair & Treasurer and Director of Trade Facilitation & CSR, and Ms. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, the Board of Investment’s Executive Director of Industry Development Services offered messages of support. Mr. Winston Damarillo, CEO and founder of Talino Labs Ventures, spoke to issuers on his own experience of crowdfunding abroad.

Also in attendance were SEC Director Vicente Graciano P. Felizmenio, Jr. of the Markets and Securities Regulation Dept.; Ms. Alegria Limjoco, Founder and Chairperson of the Philippine Franchise Association; Atty. Marion Ivy Decena, Director of the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute; Mr. Pierangelo A. Dominguez, Head of the Quezon City Local Economic Investment Promotions Office; and various members of startup and SME enablers, private equity investors, entrepreneurs, and association and institution partners.

IN PHOTO: The Round One team with the first cohort of issuers and representatives from QBO Innovation Hub.

Among Round One’s first cohort of committed issuers are Alaga Health Inc., Burket.PH Inc., Cocotel International Inc., IOL Inc., LGUSuite Inc., Raven Global Inc., Filipay (Service Economy Applications Inc.), Tipaklong Sustainable Mobility Corp., and UNAWA. The cohort was presented during the launch through a panel discussion, where they discussed their forthcoming fundraising campaigns on the platform and engaged the audience’s questions.

“Our goal as a platform is quite simple: for Round One be an avenue for every entrepreneur, startup, and SME to access every kind of support they need on their journey,” shared Mr. Brandon Leong, Business Unit Lead of Round One. “We’re excited to officially go live so that all these issuers can finally launch their campaigns and get themselves out there.”

Round One is a division of Eastern Securities Development Corporation (ESDC), a stock brokerage with the proper registration and a longstanding participant in the Philippine Stock Exchange. The platform, which is governed by the SEC, acts as a financial middleman between startups, SMEs, and potential investors.

The goal of Round One is to enable Filipinos to make investments in one another. Visit www.roundone.ph for additional information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 25, 2022 by
Health and Wellness

Why it’s crucial to have a dependable everyday ally in your health

Being alive now is great since the economy is recovering and The Filipino people is lively. Face-to-face communication is resurfacing and becoming more and more commonplace. Although this is fantastic news for the nation, we still need to take care of our health and cleanliness.

Filipinos must continue the precautionary behaviors they have developed over the course of the pandemic to stay safe and healthy. The most crucial of these is constantly washing your hands with good soap to shield yourself from germs and aid in the suppression of infection.

Lifebuoy is your best daily hygiene ally in the battle to maintain your health when it comes to efficiently washing your hands. It has great antibacterial effects that keep you secure from infections and germs. Lifebuoy features an exclusive and effective germ-fighting component called Activ Silver+ Formula that kills 99.9% of germs and keeps consumers safe and secure.

As we celebrate Handwashing Month this October, Lifebuoy is advocating for more awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing with the right soap to protect yourself. To raise awareness and understanding of good handwashing habits among Filipinos, especially the youth, it is launching fun activities promoting handwashing on the metaverse!

Participate in all the engaging activities in U-COINVille, Unilever Philippines’ first metaverse environment which offers an immersive experience of learning and fun with your favorite Unilever products. Here, you can go through everyday situations and be reminded to do regular and proper handwashing before doing any activity within the game.

Check out the U-ditorium, explore the U-Marketplace, check out the Baby Dove Real Moms Village Baby Care Center, visit Taste Town’s Food Plaza, or wander about Pond’s Summer Escape. Look for 5 Lifebuoy Ambassadors to win U-COIN points redeemable for real-world perks and raffle tickets! To play, just follow these steps:

  1. Visit ucoinville.com.ph
  2. Register with your mobile number or if you’re an existing U-COIN user, you can log in with your account.
  3. Start exploring to learn and earn rewards!

Sign up to become a Lifebuoy Ambassador if you want to encourage other Filipinos to practice healthy behaviors like handwashing. Each of the 5 lucky winners will receive 10,000 U-COIN points!

On or around the first of December, the raffle ends..

Keep in mind to regularly wash your hands and maintain decent hygiene. Let’s #DoTheLifebuoy together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 25, 2022 by
Lifestyle

Dreams being planted in Benguet with the “Grow Trees Community”

John Dizon, Jr. of Benguet-based environmental conservation group NAMALISA plants trees in support of SM Foundation’s and Fast Retailing Foundation’s Grow Trees Community project.

John Dizon, Jr. and his family have long been responsible custodians of the protected trees in the Tuba, Benguet village. He gladly accepted the responsibility when the time came to do so in order to preserve his father’s legacy. “My father passed away in 2012. It was then that we found out that the area he is managing in collaboration with the government was part of a community-based forest management program,” said Mr. Dizon.

Following a year, Mr. Dizon, who is currently the leader of the environmental protection organization Nagawa, Manganese, Liw-Liw, Sadle Agroforestry Assoc. Inc. (NAMALISA), to continue his father’s cause, began cooperating closely with the SM Foundation for a first tree-planting initiative back in 2013.

With the impact of climate change more felt in recent years, Mr. Dizon shared the importance of planting more trees in communities to thin out air pollutants in keeping the air fresh and people healthier. The trees which his father planted also helped prevent soil erosion and landslides caused by earthquakes.

He nurtures a dream that some of his children will take after him to help protect the environment. Getting closer to that dream, one of his sons is eyeing a career in forestry, a nod to his father’s chosen field.

To further this advocacy, Mr. Dizon supports the reforestation initiative of SM Foundation, Inc., the social good arm of SM and the Fast Retailing Foundation (FR Foundation), a general incorporated foundation in Japan through the Grow Trees Community campaign.

The project aims to plant and grow forest trees such as the Benguet pine, Alnus or Calliandra and Coffee trees to also help create livelihood opportunities for the community by working closely with People’s Organizations such as NAMALISA in Tuba, Benguet.

People’s Organization NAMALISA plant trees at the launch of Grow Trees Community in Tuba, Benguet

The proponents teamed up with SM Supermalls and government partners such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police, Philippine Information Agency and the local government of Tuba.

Grow Trees Community was previously launched in Nasugbu, Batangas and Macabebe, Pampanga.  Across the three locations, the project aims to plant over 200,000 seedlings and propagules.

It is in support of the SM Green Movement, which aims to improve community quality of life by promoting a greener world, greener way of life, and a greener culture.

The FR Foundation prioritizes advancing research aimed at improving the world, advancing technological advancement, developing human resources, and aiding those who are socially vulnerable.

It belongs to Fast Retailing Company. Ltd., a top Japanese retailer and owner of the beloved casual wear label Uniqlo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 24, 2022 by
Lifestyle, News

Better, greener offices are constructed by SM Prime

E-com Centers at the Mall of Asia Complex

During the two years that the COVID-19 epidemic had an influence on the world, many individuals became more conscious of the necessity of sustainability in daily life. Through actions like going paperless, using less plastic, and planting more trees, environmental consciousness has gained ground. Participating in this movement for real estate developers entails making the switch to green construction and development.

This is the case with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) that is dedicated to developing cutting-edge and sustainable lifestyle communities. In accordance with comprehensive sustainability goals spanning from energy to ecology, SM Prime is future-proofing its developments to be more sensitive and adaptable to community requirements and the effects of climate change.

Over the years, SM Prime has continued to elevate its approach to building and development of community spaces.  All these green initiatives have been recognized by reputable and well-known organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) which awarded Conrad Hotel Manila and SM Aura Premier the Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

“When we build, we build with the community in mind. This is why it is important to integrate sustainability in our developments and operations. We remain committed as an environmentally-conscious and responsible integrated property developer ready to serve the ever-changing needs and aspirations of our communities and stakeholders,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim.

Building green office spaces

SM’s Commercial Property Group is renowned for balancing green design features with operational and practical considerations, enabling more companies and locators to enjoy environmentally sound commercial developments.

The CPG’s flagship properties are its five E-com Centers – all future-forward buildings catering mainly to technological, business process outsourcing, and Fortune 500 companies. All five E-com Centers are located in the MOA Complex. Each building has a proportionate amount of green open spaces and communal areas where workers can socialize and decompress from work.

CPG further promotes sustainable practices with its LEED gold-certified office buildings, solidifying its foothold and commitment to building green offices and commercial developments.  These certifications are a testament to SM Prime’s dedication to reducing its contribution to global climate change—all while enhancing the quality of life within its communities.

The ThreeE-com Center boasts architectural wonders and green features that eventually earned its LEED Gold certification. These include water recycling for landscape and non-potable use. The building is fitted with glass windows that minimizes heat from entering the building, allowing tenants to use less air conditioning. This 15-storey, semi-circular twin-tower office building features function and aesthetic complemented with state-of-the-art facilities.  While it was the first office building in the Mall of Asia Complex to receive such an honor, the new FourE-com Center also recently achieved the same certification—designed with its tenants’ needs in mind, improving work-life balance and office culture accordingly.

Both designed by globally renowned firm, Arquitectonica, the Three and Four E-coms are unique amongst business centers. “We designed the E-coms to functionally meet the BPO industry’s need for large, continuous floorplates, but also sculpted them in interesting ways so as to allow views and airflows between the buildings, while also, of course, giving them interesting architectural identities. At the same time, their landscaped podium decks create attractive communal green spaces for the tenants; they are envisaged to be interconnected via landscaped skybridges in the future. The combination of all these factors, architectural design and green spaces, have made the E-coms highly attractive to multinational companies and brands,” said David Zaballero, Arquitectonica Director.

SM Mega Tower

Meanwhile, SM Prime’s tallest skyscraper located along EDSA will also join the company’s growing roster of LEED-certified green buildings. Called Mega Tower, the 50-story office building is future-ready as it provides spaces that respect both its tenants and nature itself.

Strategically located in the busy Ortigas Centre, the 50-storey LEED registered skyscraper is flexibly designed to meet the requirements of both corporate and BPO tenants. Though its design is highly sculptural, each floorplate remains efficiently planned – combining functionality and iconic identity.

“Incorporating sustainability in property development means having the whole life cycle of a building in mind. We invest a tenth of our capital expenditure to ensure that sustainability is integrated into our properties as we carefully plan our developments for our communities, the environment, and future generations ,” SM Prime’s Mr. Lim said.

The CPG’s multi-segment or mixed-use approach enhances the socio-economic potential of its buildings and developments in close cooperation with the SM Group’s other business divisions. As a result, our apartments, malls, parks, and public areas are all connected to SM’s business enterprises. Notably, they are all conveniently located near transportation hubs to ensure the mobility of commuters and pedestrians. In addition to each property’s green and safety features, this interconnection helps the corporation lessen its carbon footprint, draw in more renters and locators, and boost employee productivity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 24, 2022 by
Lifestyle, News

Merry Christmas from SM Supermalls!

A spectacular Christmas event at SM North Edsa is part of the mall’s ongoing effort to spread happiness.

Every Filipino’s Christmas will be made happier and brighter by SM Supermalls, which brings back the thrill in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience.

Your enchanted northern vacation has arrived. At the Magical Northern Holidays at the SM North Edsa on October 21, SM will continue the holiday season with a magnificent display of lights and a joyous celebration.

A 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, a multi-sensory show of Aurora trails, and cute reindeer welcome you at the festive Aurora playpark. It will be a happy celebration till January 8, 2023.

There are still other ways to enjoy the joys of the holidays if you weren’t able to attend the Christmas event at SM North Edsa. For you and your loved ones, SM Supermalls has planned thrilling and festive activities! See the information below:

More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall!

Apart from SM North Edsa, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 60-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments:

  • SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, The Podium – October 22
  • SM Southmall and SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premier – October 23
  • S Maison – October 25

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark

Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays

Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best.

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights

SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!

Turn Christmas AReality at SM

Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!

Check out the Happiness Stations

SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love

Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village

SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Quezon City Vice Mayor, Gian Carlo G. Sotto and President of SM Supermalls, Steven T. Tan.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs

Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

“This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

As SM Supermalls generate more enchanted moments and possibilities to make a difference in other people’s lives throughout this holiday season, a new light of experiences will bring happiness and goodwill to every Filipino. To keep up with the many holiday festivities, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms

 

 

 

 

October 24, 2022 by
Food

Chicken Mala Sub from Subway will make you furious!

The much-discussed secret recipe sub from Subway has finally been made public. The precise balance of spice and tang in Subway’s Chicken Mala Sub has ignited our world with a flaming introduction!

As discussed in “Lecheng Pag-ibig To!,” a podcast hosted by Sam YG and DJ Chacha. Trying out new experiences together is one method to keep the spark of relationships alive, according to “, a podcast on love, relationships, and everything in between. A certain method to maintain your enjoyment of eating is to experiment with new flavors!

The new ingredient’s secret ingredient is mala, which was created with a fiery passion that is undeniably tasted in every bite. The mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns are combined with chili peppers, aromatics, and spices like ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom to create one of the most popular flavors in China and many other Asian countries.

Subway’s Chicken Mala sub is available for a limited time and will be made available ‘til 31st of  December 2022 or until supply lasts. Chicken Mala is available in 6-inch & footlong subs, wrap, and salad.

In-restaurant prices for Chicken Mala:

  • Ala Carte – P135 (6-inch sub)
  • P260 (footlong sub)
  • P145 (wrap)
  • P215 (salad)
  • Regular Meal (w/ 22oz drink + 2pcs cookies) – P220 (6-inch sub), P345 (footlong sub), P230 (wrap), P300 (salad)

Valid for dine-in and takeout transactions.

Please like Subway’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SubwayPhilippines for more interesting news.

 

 

October 24, 2022 by
Food, Lifestyle

McDonald’s Philippines receives the Future Enterprise Awards 2022’s Digital Resiliency Award

Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines) has won the Digital Resiliency award for the Future of Enterprise Awards (FEA) 2022 Philippines, according to a recent announcement from International Data Corporation (IDC) Philippines.

McDonald’s created a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) with concurrent workstreams to address urgent business demands and plan for the future when the pandemic struck in 2020. These cross-functional teams put into practice digital and technological solutions that improved operational effectiveness, productivity, user experience, safety, and the welfare of workers and underserved communities.

McDonald’s categorized its measures into 1) Response/Recovery, covering daily operations, and 2) Rebound/Renewal, for business continuity and sustained growth within 2021, McDonald’s pivoted from BCP to digital transformation, growing their digital maturity. By the end of the year, McDonald’s exceeded their system-wide sales target, and achieved 80% of pre-pandemic sales level across all channels.

As early as 2009, McDonald’s already embarked on its digital transformation journey with the launch of McDelivery.com.ph, followed by social media presence in 2011, and launch of the McDelivery app in 2014. In 2018, McDonald’s NXTGEN stores were opened and scaled to elevate the in-store customer experience with self-order kiosks and cashless payment. Digital solutions for delivery and drive-thru businesses continued to be updated and implemented for a seamless omni-channel experience.

As the country winner for Digital Resiliency, McDonald’s Philippines will compete against other winners in the same category for the Asia/Pacific winners which will be announced at the IDC DX Summit Asia/Pacific in Singapore on the 26th of October 2022.

The Future Enterprise Awards, now in their sixth year, continue to honor businesses for their tech-enabled resiliency as they face obstacles and upheavals in a quick-paced, more digital environment. The information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets are served best by The International Data Corporation (IDC), a leading global source of industry knowledge, advisory services, and events.

The Future Enterprise Awards by IDC use a two-stage process to choose national and regional winners. IDC’s country and regional analysts review each nomination using a common assessment framework based on IDC’s Future Enterprise taxonomy. All national winners will be eligible for the regional competition, which will be chosen by an international jury of judges made up of IDC analysts, business professionals, thought leaders, and academics.

 

 

 

October 21, 2022 by
Health and Wellness

Avon’s fight against breast cancer enters its 30th year with the #NormalForMe campaign

In a woman’s lifetime, breast cancer will affect 1 in 8 of them. In 2019, Filipina women are even more at risk because the Philippines is thought to have the ninth-highest global prevalence of the disease and the Philippines has the highest prevalence of the disease in Asia. Breast cancer continued to rank among the top 2 most common among Filipino women the following year, with the majority of cases being discovered at an advanced stage.

Low health literacy and gendered sociocultural factors, such as the absence of formalized national screening programs, are the most likely causes of this alarming prevalence. Fortunately, patients have a 90% chance of survival because to early recognition of symptoms and prompt treatment and medicines.

This is why every year during October, the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage more people to know more about this indiscriminate disease and be more proactive in regular self-checks that can help detect preliminary symptoms.

Global beauty brand Avon has been one of the most prominent brands who supports this cause, now marking three decades of being at the forefront on the fight against the disease since launching the Breast Cancer Crusade in UK in 1992.

Through the support of over five million Representatives worldwide, associates, customers and the Avon Foundation for Women, the beauty brand has donated more than US$947 million to breast cancer-related causes, educated over 180 million people about the disease, and funded screenings for approximately 16.6 million women over the last three decades.

NORMAL FOR ME

This year, Avon continues this worthy cause with a global campaign encouraging everyone to discover what’s #NormalForMe by asking themselves: what three words best describe their boobs?

The campaign invites women to know their normal by coming up with three words according to how their breasts usually look and feel and share those three words and the initiative to inspire others to also regularly check themselves. Knowing one’s normal can prevent potentially life-threatening changes that can lead to Breast Cancer.

In partnership with Philippine Cancer Society and to make sure this advocacy is internally practiced, Avon encourages their local Avon Representatives to avail the free clinical breast examinations at select branches—October 17 at Taft/San Fernando, October 21 at Shaw Blvd and Batangas, and October 31 at Cebu and Davao. Associates are also motivated to get free breast checkups at the Avon Head Office at Makati on October 19 and 20.

Finally, Avon extends this advocacy to a larger network and invites everyone to pink it up by supporting products and services from Avon and partner brands to raise awareness and raise funds on behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society.

Save lives by shopping dedicated fundraising products like the Self-Check Watch, Mariposa 2-in-1 Accessory Giftset, Avon Empower Non-Wire Mastectomy Bra, and the Avon Empower Bra Prosthesis. Purchase these items via avonshop.ph or contact an Avon Representative.

The public may also donate any amount directly via GCash by scanning the QR.

Interested parties can also participate in the fundraiser through various partners:

“For the last 30 years, we’ve committed to this cause to raise funds and awareness to help more women to join the initiative to battle Breast Cancer not just for themselves, but also for their loved ones,” shares Avon Head of Communications for Philippines & APAC, Marion Limlengco. “This is why we’ll always push for everyone to know the signs, know the risks, and know how to take action because early detection will help save lives.”

The Philippine Cancer Society, Avon’s partner charity, will receive all proceeds and will also provide consultation services should you find a lump or require more assistance when screening your breasts and pecs.

Visit bit.ly/avonbreastcancerpromise for more details about Avon’s #NormalForMe initiative. Shop your preferred Avon goods at www.avonshop.ph or get in touch with your neighborhood Avon Representative. Like Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

 

 

 

October 21, 2022 by
Food, Health and Wellness

Scarcity of sugar? Use Stevia to sweeten your life!

For the past few months, there has been a shortage of sugar throughout the nation, driving up sugar prices. The increase in price of this household item has a negative impact on the purchasing power of Filipinos, who already struggle to keep up with inflation. Given that most foods contain sugar as a primary element, many people have fought to make their lives and food sweeter.

Fortunately, there is a nutritious substitute that might help Filipinos overcome their sugar problems. The leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant are used to make stevia, a natural sweetener. Despite having zero calories and being 300 times sweeter than sugar, it does not raise blood sugar levels. Because it has no aftertaste or potential health hazards, it is preferable than chemical-based artificial sweeteners.

With the help of this magical plant, you may enrich food while cooking, sweeten hot and cold beverages guilt-free, and bake. The beautiful thing about Stevia is that it naturally sweetens food and beverages, unlike sugar, which has been linked to diabetes and obesity. Additionally, Stevia is regarded as nonglycemic, which means it has no impact on blood pressure levels.

Given these health benefits, swapping Stevia with refined sugar can be a complete game changer for people who want to make healthier food and beverage choices and maintain a healthy weight range.

Understanding Stevia’s potential to address Filipinos’ sugary dilemma, Glorious Industrial & Development Corporation (GIDC), also known as the Stevia Company, launched a lineup of naturally-sweetened and healthy beverages. GIDC, the Stevia Company’s line-up of products under its Glorious brand, includes the Glorious 3in1 Premium Coffee and Glorious Iced Tea Mixes and the Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea.

“We understand how important sweetness is to Filipinos’ taste palette,” said Ms. Au De Leon, president, and CEO of GIDC, The Stevia Company. “By making Glorious available nationwide, we want to empower more Filipinos to discover a healthier way to make their lives sweeter.”

The company’s latest products are not only good for one’s body, but they taste great too. Hence, people don’t need to sacrifice flavor to care for their health. All Glorious beverages are sweetened with Stevia, and every teaspoon of Stevia is equivalent to three teaspoons of refined sugar.

Glorious Premium 3in1 Coffee Mix is a delicious coffee blend sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. It is recommended for people with sugar-related concerns, weight watchers, and other health-conscious individuals. Sweet & Fit Stevia has zero calories, zero fat, zero sodium, zero carbohydrates, and zero cholesterol.

With Glorious Iced Tea Mixes, people who want to limit their intake of sugar may now make their favorite fruit teas and lives sweeter. Red Berries, Lemon, and Cucumber are the three flavors offered for this product. For a healthy little pick-me-up, Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea can be combined with non-dairy milk or fresh fruits to make different hot or cold beverages.

Visit www.sweetandfitstevia.com and www.glorious.com.ph for more details on stevia.

October 20, 2022 by
Food

GRAND OPENING OF THE 66TH MERZCI BLUMENTRITT BRANCH IN MANILA

The tastiest culinary pasalubong from Bacolod are finally available in Manila, the country’s capital city, thanks to Merzci Bread & Pastries! On Friday, October 14, 2022, Merzci Pasalubong celebrated the official launch of its very first branch in the City of Manila. The said occasion was attended by Jonathan Manuel T. Lo, president and CEO of CM & Sons, and his family. I was so excited as this store is now open and can be easily accessible to the people here in Manila. As I attended the opening ceremony last Friday it is such a glorious event as we can now taste their scrumptious delicacies and acquire knowledge from their different products.

 

In Manila, Philippines, the store is advantageously situated along Blumentritt Road, a busy street. It extends from Rizal Avenue in the Santa Cruz district to G, cutting along the border between the cities of Manila and Quezon City. Tuazon Street in Sampaloc neighborhood to reach more Filipinos in the Luzon regions with the yummiest and tastiest goods.

Since the business’s founding in 1995, 66 branches have been opened, including this location. The business wants to grow and attract more customers in Luzon, Mindanao, Panay, Negros, and now, even in Cebu. Where it has been getting a lot of requests for the best-tasting Filipino treats the country has to offer.

Fans of Merzci Pasalubong Treats in Manila will undoubtedly like its best-selling items, which include the famous hot-off-the-grill piaya as well as exceptional biscocho, butterscotch with cashews on top, exquisite piaya, crispy barquillos, and different mouth-watering tarts.

The location of Merzci’s most recent branch is 1637–1639 Blumentritt, Corner Oroquieta Streets, Sta. Manila Cruz.

This department is also designed to serve distributors and dealers who want to work with the business to distribute scrumptious Merzci goods around the nation. Contact information for interested sellers can be found at the branch or by calling 0917.708.8783 or 0917.700.7747.

For more details you can visit their official social media accounts,

Facebook: @MerzciPasalubongPH https://www.facebook.com/MerzciPasalubongPH and

Instagram: @merzcipasalubongph https://www.instagram.com/merzcipasalubongph/

 

MERZCI BLUMENTRITT BRANCH

1637-1639 Blumentritt Road – Oroquieta Road

Santa Cruz, Manila, Metro Manila 1014

Mobile: 0917.708.8783 / 0917.700.7747

 

Operating Hours:

Weekdays: 6am – 10pm

Weekend: 6 am – 9pm

About Merzci Pasalubong
MERZCI is the trade name of CM & SONS FOOD PRODUCTS, INC. It is the leading bread and food pasalubong producer in Bacolod City and the island of Negros. It carries a wide array of product lines, namely; BAKESHOP, FAST FOOD, PASALUBONG, and PURIFIED WATER.

The company maintains optimum standards in its manufacturing processes and is constantly updating and improving its product lines. Along with its constant improvements, it strives to deliver customer satisfaction by bringing the highest “Value for Money” to its customers.

As of October 2022, the company is manned by a 2000-strong workforce more or less, with each department effectively working together to produce and maintain quality products for its customers.

 

October 18, 2022 by