Canva champions diversity in content with Canva Represents

Canva champions diversity in content with Canva Represents

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Inspired by its globally diverse community, Canva unveils Canva Represents which aims to amplify creators and champion diversity in every corner of the globe. With a worldwide community of more than 85 million, Canva is committed to providing a platform that inspires people from all backgrounds. 

As a platform that continues to grow globally, Canva recognizes its responsibility to create, grow and foster a library of diverse, authentic, and representative content. In the last 12 months, Canva had a 129% increase in content that represents people with a disability, a 111% uplift in diverse sexuality content, a 194% uplift in ethnically diverse content, and more than 17 billion diverse content publishes in total.

Canva Represents is designed to seek out, support, and champion talented artists from underrepresented communities around the world, including the Philippines. All of the content created by Canva Represents Artists is made available for free in Canva’. 

“At Canva, we celebrate the unique history, culture, interests, and experiences of our creative community. We believe that everyone should be empowered to express their identity through their designs, and we are so excited to support more Filipino content creators and creatives in their passion to produce authentic and diverse content,” said Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva Philippines Country Manager.

To express your interest in becoming a Canva Represents Artist, visit canva.com/canva-represents/. Applications are assessed based on the artist’s portfolio, alignment with the mission and purpose of the Canva Represents Fund, and other details such as the creative process and personal narrative of the artist. Chosen artists will be paid on a per project basis.

Among the current Canva Represents Artists are Simone Niamani Thompson, editorial and portrait photographer from Los Angeles, California; Snezhana von Büdingen, acclaimed photographer from Cologne, Germany; and Bobbi Lockyer from Western Australia.

Canva remains committed to diversity through long-term initiatives including growing its diverse photography collections, creating a marketplace for global Canva Creators who contribute to its ever-growing template library, and developing a truly local team of designers that produce high-quality, hyper-localized template collections for Philippines and beyond.

To know more about Canva, visit www.canva.com or follow Canva on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. Canva is also available for download on App Store and Play Store.

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Designing a Workplace Culture with Pride

Designing a Workplace Culture with Pride

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Creating an inclusive work environment is more than just lip service. It requires listening, understanding, and constantly evolving a company’s processes to ensure that every employee feels included and understood.

Canva Philippines, with its over 700-strong workforce, celebrates diversity beyond the much-celebrated Pride Month of June. Every day, Canvanauts are encouraged to celebrate and embrace their identity at work and beyond. 

Advocating for equal rights through education

Yuni Lao, a senior brand designer at Canva Philippines, marries her passion for creativity, education, and equality through the different hats she wears. Aside from her work at Canva where she helps conceptualize and bring ideas to life through various design applications, Yuni also advocates for human rights and equality for different gender expressions and identities. She is also a design lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University and a content streamer.

Yuni Lao, Senior Brand Designer at Canva Philippines, champions gender equality through her design craft and passion for teaching.

As a bisexual woman, Yuni realized there’s more she can do to educate others. She lets her advocacy bleed into her work and in her class, “I try to impart to my students that the space I make for them is something they can have even outside the classroom,” Yuni shared. Aside from talking about her sexuality openly to make her class feel more comfortable, she also encourages them to propose topics that they care about through class projects.

Geryl Minguillo, a learning designer in Canva University, also brings his advocacy to work. Canva University is the company’s learning and development unit. “Gender rights, specifically LGBTQIA+, rights, is something I feel extremely passionate about. Growing up as a closeted gay kid, I’ve experienced being teased and bullied about my self-expression,” Geryl said. 

It wasn’t until college when he fully embraced who he is and got exposed to the different realities of LGBTQ+ individuals. He continues to join, advocate, and celebrate at Pride where he meets more people from the community and learns about their experiences. Now, through his work in Canva Philippines, he helps champion this advocacy through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) sessions for newbies and educating fellow Canvanauts from using respectful and nondiscriminatory language and understanding someone’s preferred pronouns to practices that cultivate behaviors of inclusion. 

“In my first week at Canva, one of the first things I shared with everyone, in my newbie intro, was that I’m a gay-mer. 2 facts in 1. And I’ve never felt more welcomed in my life! The level of safety and openness I experienced was inspiring,” he added. 

Geryl Minguillo advocates for diversity through his role as a learning designer in Canva Philippines.

Championing diversity from people to product

Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla-Donato highlights the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to enable employees to do the best work of their lives. “We encourage Canvanauts to bring their whole selves to work and be proud to share them with others. Whether they’re advocating for an organization or want to educate others about gender equality, we aim to provide them with an environment where they feel welcomed and appreciated.”

From hiring to doing the actual work, every Canvanaut gets the support they need through DEI learning sessions, various interest clubs, accessibility features at the office, and even Slack channels dedicated to sharing resources. ​​Hiring is also made inclusive through conducting accessibility and awareness training for the talent acquisition team, organizing a diverse interview panel, and investing in Textio, a tool that assesses the use of inclusive languages for job ads. 

Canva also allows Filipinos to design with pride with its new collection of playful and illustrative Pride templates following a Filipino retro style. From Instagram stories to podcast covers, these templates can be used by anyone who wants to design with pride. 

To know more about Canva, visit www.canva.com or follow Canva on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. Canva is also available for download on App Store and Play Store.

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SM City Taytay Hosts Inter-town Shoe Art Exhibit and Competition

SM City Taytay Hosts Inter-town Shoe Art Exhibit and Competition

Saturday, June 11, 2022

In celebration of the 121st foundation the Rizal and the 124th Philippine Independence Day, SM City Taytay together with World Balance and the Association of Tourism Officers of Rizal showcased the artistry of Rizalenos by hosting an inter-town Shoe Art Exhibit and Competition. The event was participated by artists from Angono, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jala-jala, Morong, Pililla, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay, and Teresa.

World Balance provided the shoes used by the artists as canvas. Designs include tourist spots, products, crafts, and the rich natural resources in the province of Rizal.

Francis Jove dela Cruz representing the municipality of Angono bagged the grand prize and the Sponsors Choice Award at the Inter-town Shoe Art Painting Competition. Mr. Bong Anore of Binangonan was the 2nd Prize winner, and Mr. Ginner Estocapio from Cardona won 3rd place and PERA ASIA INC. Choice Award.

The Inter-town Shoe Art Exhibit will run until June 12, 2022. Visit SM City Taytay and marvel at the world-class artistry of our fellow Rizaleno. Make sure you follow the official FB Page of SM City Taytay for the latest events and deals. 

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PLDT, Smart, Canva Philippines champion mental health and wellness through art

PLDT, Smart, Canva Philippines champion mental health and wellness through art

Thursday, May 26, 2022

As part of a month-long celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, PLDT and Smart empower the youth across the country to champion mental health and wellness through art with its campaign, "The Time Capsule Project”. With support from Canva Philippines, youth participants are encouraged to use art as a form of mental healthcare.

The Time Capsule Project invites the youth to share their stories, by using art in the forms of music, spoken word, photography, and visual arts. The top five participants will get a chance to win a PHP 10,000 worth of connectivity package from PLDT and Smart and a three-month premium subscription from Canva Philippines. They also have an opportunity to donate to their chosen mental health advocacy groups.

“As we hold the second run of The Time Capsule Project, we are very happy and privileged to get support from Canva Philippines as we champion our shared advocacy on mental health and wellness. We are looking forward to the many stories that our participants will share. It is our hope that together we can enable a generation of storytellers and purveyors of truth in the digital space,” said Katherine P. Diaz De Rivera, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Digital Wellness Executive.

“Expressing yourself through design can be powerful and we believe in its power to raise awareness on mental health and wellness. With this initiative, we hope that the participants will find Canva a useful tool in expressing themselves through our mental health-related templates, vast range of elements, audio clips, and even stock photography. Collaborating with PLDT and Smart in this meaningful initiative enables us to be a force of good in the lives of our youth participants as they design better days ahead for themselves and for those around them,” said Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla-Donato.

The Time Capsule Project kicked off with a special masterclass on content and visual creation led by Junior Designer Dre Agar, who is also part of Canva Philippines’ Video Squad. Through the app, anyone can design and use Canva’s features whenever they want, wherever they may be. Users can play with filters, pair fonts, add photos and fun elements, mix and match colors, and use Canva’s vast range of templates for all their design needs. The app is available for download on App Store and Play Store.

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The Beauty and History of Silay Colonial Homes

The Beauty and History of Silay Colonial Homes

Thursday, May 12, 2022

The Old World charm of the Philippines is expressed in varying degrees. Some towns have a spattering of antebellum structures, a building here, a church there, a bridge, and still others have streets. Negros Occidental has an entire city – Silay. 

The number of heritage homes found within the limits of what may be considered its poblacion, or city-center, makes a visit to this community truly enlightening. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines counts over 30 colonial structures. This makes Silay in Negros Occidental visibly extraordinary. Here, no single street can claim monopoly of these head-turning vestiges of a glorious past, colonial homes are practically everywhere. 

In this National Heritage Month of May, Negros Season of Culture trains its lights on this part of Negrense history and heritage, the beauty of Silay’s colonial homes and the sense of history that they impart. 

We begin with the Pink House. After all, this 1908 residence of Bernardino and Ysabel Jalandoni was the first National Historical Landmark of Silay, declared by the National Historical Institute. The preservation of its exterior architecture reflects the upkeep of its interiors. Original furniture pieces and furnishings offer students of design stunning period specimens. The embossed tin tiles on the ceiling have to be unique to the property. The window structures, the ventanillas, the woodwork craftsmanship are all in mint condition.

A great example of a repurposed colonial property in Silay is the 1919 ancestral home of Emilio and Rosario Ledesma. It was the residence of their daughter Adela until 2012. An extensive reconstruction project followed during the pandemic lockdown period, carefully restoring the grandeur of the structure’s exteriors. Reborn to a new name, Balay Puti, today it is home to a fine dining establishment, Stephen’s at Balay Puti, run by Chef Stephen Escalante. The property’s renaissance is truly a remarkable way of preserving heritage for future generations.

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Got any lessons learned from mom? Say it with Canva

Got any lessons learned from mom? Say it with Canva

Friday, May 06, 2022

‘Tama Ka, Ma’ campaign spotlights unique lessons learned from mom

Moms know best, and when it comes to navigating life, they never run out of lessons to teach us. This Mother’s Day, Canva Philippines continues its #SayItSaCanva campaign, this time inspiring us to appreciate our moms who imparted their wisdom and experiences with us by saying 'Tama ka, Ma.'

From simple cooking tips to heartwarming love advice, moms never fail to comfort us and tell us what we need to hear.

“Moms are unsung heroes. They manage the households, look after the family, and some even do it while having a full-time job or running their own business. They’re also our first teachers who equip us with life lessons that will make us thrive in life. What better way to honor them than to let them know that we appreciate and heed the lessons they taught us,” says Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva Philippines’ Country Manager.

To share your own “Tama Ka, Ma” statement, visit the Mother’s Day content hub and choose from the featured templates, elements, and photos. Share your design and story on social media using the hashtags #TamaKaMa and #SayItSaCanva. 

From April 29, the content hub will include a Virtual Hall of Fame featuring select stories from the campaign.

More ways to express love and gratitude for mom using Canva

Aside from sharing your own “Tama Ka, Ma” design, there are other creative ways to show love and appreciation for mom on Mother’s Day using Canva.

Design a touching presentation for Mom using Canva’s free Presentation templates. Upload your favorite photos with her and take a trip down memory lane on her special day.

For those who want to remind mom how amazing she is everyday, print out stickers from Canva’s free photos and graphics made exclusively for Mother’s Day. Whether it’s an uplifting quote or a colorful bouquet, she’ll surely have fun sticking them on her favorite things.

If you have videos of your travels with mom or the days you shared together during the pandemic, pull them together and make a high-quality Mother’s Day video in minutes using Canva’s simple drag-and-drop tools and pre-made video templates.

In celebrating your mom this Mother’s Day, remember that it’s always the thought that counts. Whether it’s for nanay, mama, mommy, or inay, with Canva’s diverse content library, you’ll be able to express your love and gratitude for mom in creative and unique ways. 

To learn more about Canva, visit www.canva.com or follow Canva on Facebook and Instagram. Canva is also available for download on App Store and Play Store.

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Little Mountain teams up with LOCAD to fulfill classic home goals

Little Mountain teams up with LOCAD to fulfill classic home goals

Friday, April 29, 2022

Achieving the ‘aesthetic’ vibe through vintage decor delivered at your doorstep

Apart from grocery and personal items, home furnishings are among the top purchases that shoppers have checked out the most in the last three to six months of 2021. Hence, the rise of trending home themes such as “Team Puti” versus “Team Kahoy” and “Team Classic” versus “Team Modern” in popular online groups like Home Buddies. Members of this page thrive on exchanging home renovation or redecoration tips and tricks. Joining the fray to spice up the homes of vintage piece lovers is the online furniture store Little Mountain, and helping it is LOCAD, an end-to-end fulfillment solution, who brings these items right to customers’ doorsteps, wherever they may be. 

Starting from the foot of the mountain

Finding the best home decor that fits one’s aesthetics and home design goals can be daunting these days, especially for those who are moving homes or are new to the country. This was the case of Nikki Fan, owner of Little Mountain who, at that time, had no choice but to import her furniture from China. This difficulty, however, inspired her to start an e-commerce furniture and décor business of her own, amid the pandemic and despite a lack of prior knowledge of the industry.

Although starting her business was fulfilling, doing it solo became a huge challenge in fulfillment and operations-wise. 

“I’m selling furniture and bulky items which are hard to lift, so before, my friends would sometimes help me pack them because I wouldn’t be able to do it alone,” she says.

She also recalls, “The hiring process for employees was quite complicated.”

Initially, Fan was only in search of a warehouse to store her products. But that need posed yet another difficulty as she first met a fulfillment company that does not store big items similar to what she has. Left with no other option, Fan continued Little Mountain’s in-house fulfillment which only allowed her to pack four to five orders a day.

Fortunately, a friend recommended that she try cloud logistics company LOCAD. Known for offering fast, flexible, and affordable services to simplify logistics and operations, LOCAD combines an integrated technology platform for local and regional e-commerce fulfillment and product warehousing. 

Behind the Little Mountain

Fan immediately noticed LOCAD’s professionalism and capacity to handle her products. Its involvement, including its additional help in monitoring her inventory, allows her to work “more fluidly” than before. With LOCAD’s fulfillment centers, she can store big and bulky items, and she does not have to worry about the complications of hiring locally as a professional team of fulfillment and operations experts are handling her products.

“After working with LOCAD, there is nothing to worry about fulfillment, like the airway bill and the packing. Also, because of the LOCAD Control Tower, I can easily find my inventory, as well as sell data, and follow up on the fulfillment steps. It's very easy to work with,” Fan says.

Her sales have since grown by 10% and Little Mountain’s customer feedback also greatly improved, with customers noting how secure the items were packed upon receipt.

Fan described the turnaround: “Before, I didn’t get that many orders. But since working with LOCAD, my sales have increased, sometimes more than ten orders a day. And when we are doing campaigns like online sale events, it reaches up to 20,” Nikki shares.

Trekking towards the mountain top 

With fulfillment no longer her concern, Fan now has more time to devote to the business’ other facets such as product research. She is particularly mindful of the quality of the items she sells, and she also wants “to test the market in the Philippines” since home décor is trending both among consumers and as the topic of online conversations. 

Fan recognizes that LOCAD’s services are crucial, especially for businesses like hers that sell bulky items like chairs, tables, and carpet products, among others. She is also happy to note LOCAD’s system upgrades which help her in her efforts to “grow with the brand.”

“LOCAD has given me more free time to do promotion and more online campaigns to increase the awareness and appeal of my products to customers,” Fan says. “I no longer worry at all about offline concerns on fulfillment because LOCAD does it very well and professionally.”

No mountain is too high for e-commerce entrepreneurs like Nikki Fan, and with Little Mountain’s growing success, Filipinos who are looking to style their homes are always supported.

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RLC Residences extends eco-friendly home clean up initiative to more properties

RLC Residences extends eco-friendly home clean up initiative to more properties

Monday, April 11, 2022

Cramped home space is one of the common concerns of many, attributed to a lot of factors such as having too much furniture or appliance at home, struggling to let go of sentimental items, or purchasing items in bulk without consideration of storage space. RLC Residences understands this homeowner’s struggle, which is why it opens its passion project “Minimize Waste, Maximize Space” to more developments in the Metro to encourage more residents to declutter responsibly.

After its introduction in 2021, the initiative was initially made available to three RLC Residences properties as a way to advocate eco-friendly home clean-up to its residents. Now, the service is expanded to help Quezon City residents living at Escalades East Tower, Escalades at 20th Avenue, and The Magnolia Residences. 

Availing of the “Minimize Waste, Maximize Space” service is easy and free! Residents can take advantage of this offer by logging in to their myRLC Homeowner’s portal, going to the Humble tab, and booking a pick-up schedule. 

“Our promise to help our residents live their best lives goes beyond the usual services offered to them. We are always on the lookout for more innovative ways to support their home needs while considering our environment as well. We are grateful to finally extend this passion project to more RLC Residences homeowners and allow them to do nature-friendly home clean-up,” says Karen Cesario, RLC Residences Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer.

Soon, the service will be offered to other properties in Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Manila including Gateway Garden Ridge, Robinsons Gateway Residences, The Trion Towers, McKinley Park Residences, and Robinsons Place Residences.

The “Minimize Waste, Maximize Space” project is crafted in partnership with award-winning start-up Humble Sustainability. The first of its kind in the residential industry, this initiative is primarily created to help homeowners with their home clean-up needs. In addition, the project is crafted to provide a better solution to bring back unused items in the circularity instead of simply throwing away home items that are no longer used. 

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity of working with RLC Residences in any way, to now be expanding the partnership is truly a privilege. As a community, we must all work together and practice circular living if we are to get a step closer to achieving sustainability. Collaborations like this are a wonderful example of that,” says Josef Werker, Co-Founder of Humble Sustainability.

Check out the flyers available or go to the Humble tab at the myRLC Homeowners portal to learn more about this program. Homeowners can also approach their respective Property Management Office for more information.

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Achieve clutter-free and more productive spaces with YORI

Achieve clutter-free and more productive spaces with YORI

Friday, April 08, 2022

Having a room without the mess and the right atmosphere for relaxing or working is something we all would love to have. Thanks to quality DIY furniture brand, YORI, we can achieved this. 

YORI is one of the latest brands to offer easy-to-build pieces. They have foldable desks, an assortment of lamps, and other furniture that would help with your room improvement.

Foldable furniture for more versatile spaces

With foldable furniture, you can easily free up space—transform your child’s study station into a play area or your work area into a workout station. 

YORI’s foldable furniture comes in two types: The Oru Desk (PHP 2,995) and the Nijuu Shelf, which comes in both medium (PHP 3,295) and mega (PHP 3,795) sizes. Both are available in two colors: light oak with white frames and dark oak with black frame. They are built with wooden MFC panels and steel frames.

The light oak desk and shelf are perfect for those who prefer Scandinavian-inspired design. Meanwhile, the dark oak desk and shelf suit homes and offices with sleek and modern looks.

Yori’s foldable collection allows you to transform your areas. Once you’re done with work or your child is through with school, you can put your Oru Desk and Nijuu Shelf in a corner—freeing up space in your home.

Good lighting to improve mood and productivity

YORI offers a good selection of lamps for your home—from lamps with shelves to floor lamps. 

If you want a lamp that comes with a shelf for your books and displays, the Hikari Lamp (PHP 3,299) would be the right choice for you. If you want an easy-to-use table lamp, there’s the Karui Table Lamp (PhP599). It can fit any desk and provide you with an extra light source.

But if you prefer a lamp with a sleek and simple design, the Keii Floor Lamp (PhP1,799) is right for you. It can provide your home with the right source of light in a stylish design. 

The Sayaka Floor Lamp (PHP 2,499), meanwhile, can easily blend with any room’s theme. It comes with a 4-way dim touch switch, so you can choose the lighting you want.

YORI is all about making DIY furniture better. Its products are designed for an easy and fun experience for starter homeowners. 

With YORI, you don’t need to be an expert to set up your furniture. Each flatpack furniture includes an easy-to-understand manual and a complete set of tools, too.

YORI is available in SM Home branches nationwide and ShopSM website. You can also order via SM Call to Deliver (#14376) or visit Yori’s official website.

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UnionBank, CANVAS.PH hold 2-day webinar to help artists, collectors partake in growing NFT market

UnionBank, CANVAS.PH hold 2-day webinar to help artists, collectors partake in growing NFT market

Monday, April 04, 2022

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), together with the non-profit Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS.PH), recently held a two-part webinar series centered around digital art in the age of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), to help artists, buyers, and collectors of digital art gain a better understanding of how these tokens work and how they can take part in the NFT art economy.

NFT expert Migui Planas, a member of UnionBank's Digital Asset Markets Unit (DAMU), was the main speaker, sharing valuable bits of knowledge in NFT and his experiences as an NFT art enthusiast. During the panel discussion, he was joined by colleagues Jonathan Roque, Product Manager at the Bank’s Blockchain Center of Excellence (BCOE); Miguel Elbinias, Liquidity Trader at DAMU; and Cathy Casas, Head of Blockchain and API Business Group.

The conversation revolved around topics relevant to NFT artists -- the impact of NFT on the ownership and sale of digital art, how to mint a piece of artwork as an NFT, how to determine the value of their art, and the marketplaces where they can sell their art.

On day 2 of the webinar, the discussion focused on learnings shared by NFT art buyers and collectors -- how they can resell the NFT artwork that they own, how they can ensure a smooth transfer of ownership during purchase, and the various marketplaces where collectors can purchase NFT art.

Artists Jose Antonio Reyes and Ian Victoriano, among those who joined the well-attended webinars, expressed appreciation to the organizers for helping them gain a better understanding of NFTs and blockchain in general, and more importantly, for enabling them to better protect their ownership of their art while expanding their horizons when it comes to sharing them.

"It was very helpful for me as an artist. Learning about an avenue where I can focus on myself as an artist, while being exposed to a global market and seamless royalties is very meaningful. It's the future, and I'm grateful we're being taught how to adapt," Reyes said.

“The talks helped simplify NFT concepts for me. Made me want to explore the possibility of using NFTs to help advance artists’ rights,” Victoriano said.

While still considered highly volatile, the NFT art market has proven to be a very lucrative space, with some artworks selling for thousands and even millions of dollars. In the Hiscox Online Art Trade Report which was released in October last year, it was revealed that NFT art sales in 2021 for the said month reached $3.5 billion in value.

NFTs have forever changed the game for artists and collectors, and many now see them as a staple in digital art moving forward. Being the first Bank in the country to fully embrace NFTs, UnionBank believes that there are more potential use cases for them that are yet to be discovered, which is why the Bank sees the value of knowledge sharing to assist more Filipinos understand the said technology better.

Through forums like this, UnionBank and CANVAS.PH wish that more stakeholders will be encouraged to join similar discussions to educate more people about NFTs and take advantage of the opportunities available in this growing market. UnionBank also hopes to have more banks’ participation in the space to help facilitate smoother transactions, given the important role of cryptocurrency in the sale of NFT art.

"We're really happy to do this as this reinforces the Bank's 'Tech-Up Pilipinas' advocacy," said Casas. "We, at the Blockchain Center of Excellence, want to share our knowledge of blockchain technology, as the team is very much open to imparting what we know and also open to improving that learning by involving other industries in this discussion."

The webinar is just one of the initiatives of partners UnionBank and CANVAS.PH, to support artists and collectors navigate the emerging NFT art space, while boosting CANVAS.PH’s advocacy of promoting children's literacy, exploring national identity, and deepening public appreciation for Philippine art, culture, and the environment.

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Makeover your bedroom with Our Home

Makeover your bedroom with Our Home

Thursday, March 17, 2022

 Most of us design our bedrooms with a good night’s sleep and relaxation in mind. That’s why we have stocked up on soothing essentials – soft sheets, cozy comforters, pretty throw pillows, and cuddly blankets.

Going beyond sweet dreams, “your bedroom is one of the more private areas in your house, so it should be designed with your taste in mind,” says Kelsey Mulvey in an Elle décor article. “But with a little bit of creativity and strategic thinking, your bedroom can be soothing and speak to your personal aesthetic.”

Give your bedroom a refresh with furniture and accessories at Our Home, where you can get great designs at great prices. There are stylish bed frames, comforting mattresses, and luxurious but affordable bed linen. At your bedside, there are accent chairs for reading and relaxing, night tables and lamps, drawers and dressers to keep your room organized.

Refresh your bedroom with Our Home’s Bedroom Furniture and Accessories collection. Visit Our Home stores nationwide at select SM Supermalls. Customers who prefer to shop online can expect the same great shopping experience through www.ourhome.ph. Shop for styles the way you want right in the comfort of your home with Call & Deliver 09178315260.

Great Designs. Great Prices. And Great Service. Only at our Home.

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SM City Masinag celebrates National Arts Month with My City, My SM, My Art Book Exhibit

SM City Masinag celebrates National Arts Month with My City, My SM, My Art Book Exhibit

Monday, February 07, 2022

In celebration of National Arts Month this February, SM celebrates the life and works of some of the country’s most fascinating visual artists at the My City, My SM, My Art book exhibit in SM City Masinag. 

The exhibit features pages from the book, a compilation of the My City, My SM, My Art campaign highlighting the best of Philippine visual arts – painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and filmmaking. During its three-year cultural journey from 2016-2019, My City, My SM, My Art featured masters, modernists, and millennials in a roadshow around the SM Supermalls as far north as the Cordilleras and as far south as General Santos.

At the exhibit, mallgoers catch a rare glimpse of the book at the My Art house, which is inspired Luzon’s Bahay na Bato. The larger-than -life book pages showcase the life and works of National Artist for Painting, Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco; as well as Pinto Art Museum’s Erwin Leaño, Jerson, Pogs and Jaypee Samson, NCCA Ani ng Dangal Awardee Danny Victoriano and select alumni of University of Rizal System Angono College of Fine Arts, who were featured in the My Art Stop at SM City Masinag in June 2017. 

The exhibit also highlights a capsule collection from Carlos “Totong” Francisco II, a full-time visual artist and the grandson of Carlos “Botong” Francisco He is also the estate keeper of the Francisco Family collection and assets. 

My City, My SM, My Art is the latest edition in the My City, My SM series, which celebrates the beauty, culture, traditions and great people in cities around the Philippines where SM has malls. This comes after My City, My SM, which highlights tourism; My City, My SM, My Cuisine, which features heirloom recipes from prominent families around the country, and My City, My SM, My Crafts, a celebration of traditional arts and modern Philippine design.

Get to know more about the campaign, visit https://mystorymysm.com/mycitymysmmyart/ and https://www.youtube.com/MyCityMySMMyArt 

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On achieving work-life balance: Here are easy-to-do ideas to maximize space for a healthier professional and personal life

On achieving work-life balance: Here are easy-to-do ideas to maximize space for a healthier professional and personal life

Friday, February 04, 2022

These days, the term "work-life balance" has become more aspirational, with more people spending time at home—not necessarily to live, but to work. 

"With the increasing shift to the work-from-home setup, many professionals now realize that balancing family responsibilities and work duties in the same place is not easy. We at RLC Residences deeply understand this, which is why we strive to continue shaping spaces that help Filipinos raise, live, and connect in all areas of their lives," said RLC Residences Marketing Head Karen Cesario. 

RLC Residences, an expert in developing spaces, shares tips on how people can make the most out of their home and immediate community to achieve the work-life balance they deserve. 

Take a regular walk around the vicinity 

Tied to a desk for at least eight hours at home can be mentally and emotionally draining. Having a 'walk-break' and stepping away from personal and professional responsibilities for a short while can be refreshing. It can be easily done within the vicinity of your home or nearby gardens and parks. 

An example of ideal 'walk-break' areas are the Flower Garden, Garden Walk, and Outdoor Area at The Radiance Manila Bay in Pasay. It's also a great place to breathe in some fresh air so one can go back to work and family duties with a fresh eye and a rejuvenated spirit. 

Curate an ambiance to connect with family and friends 

All work and no play is no way to achieve a work-life balance. Quality time with loved ones is a must and it can be more exciting when done in a thoughtful ambiance. 

Family time with the kids in a blanket-made bahay-bahayan (house pretend play), for example, can be a memorable experience. However, if time does not permit setting up a play area, going to the nearest playground is always a treat. The Magnolia Residences in Quezon City, for example, conveniently offers a children's playroom, an outdoor playground, and a Tree House.

On the other hand, inviting workmates over for a cozy homemade dinner can lead to stronger bonds and synergy at work. However, for safer get-togethers, it may be best to host it alfresco. Some properties like The Magnolia Residences have barbecue pits and gazebos perfect for casual dates with work BFFs. 

Have a space for hobbies and interests 

A hobby is an awesome avenue to explore creativity without the pressure. It's also a way to gain a different perspective that can be applied in all areas of life. The challenge, however, is sneaking it into one's already busy schedule. A helpful trick would be to have a visual reminder such as placing books-to-read or paintbrushes on the corner of the desk. Even better, have a dedicated space for hobbies for a more uninterrupted "me time." 

Pursuing a hobby presents a multitude of benefits. Fortunately, its importance is getting more recognition so much so that The Trion Towers in BGC allocated a Hobbyists' Nook for homeowners who are into handicrafts; a Gaming Room for individuals who are into video games; as well as a Knowledge Room, a space perfect for catching up on the latest bestsellers.

"Taking a different perspective on what a space can offer is a gateway to achieving life goals. Moreover, living in properties specially designed with a modern lifestyle in mind can truly be a powerful key to a successful career and a thriving family life," said Cesario. 

Built in a strategic location and with amenities to support work-life balance, RLC Residences' The Radiance Manila Bay, The Magnolia Residences, and The Trion Towers can be the perfect home for young professionals and start-up families. Living life to the fullest in these premium residences can start today as the properties are ready-for-occupancy (RFO). A 10% discount on RFO units in The Magnolia Residences and The Trion Towers is up for grabs, while The Radiance Manila Bay offers up to 30% on select units. Terms and conditions apply. 

For more information, interested individuals may connect with a Property Specialist.  Like and follow RLC Residences' official social media accounts for more updates.

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This is what every modern Filipino kitchen must have

This is what every modern Filipino kitchen must have

Saturday, January 29, 2022

More Filipino homeowners are taking extra measures to ensure what they give their loved ones is safe and of high quality. Drinking water is one of these. As families prioritize health and wellness to fight the pandemic, ensuring clean and safe drinking water at home has become more crucial than ever. 

Waterlogic, the global leader in home and workplace hydration solutions, offers Filipino homeowners a revolutionary way to purify and sterilize drinking water at home with the Aqua SmartGuard. The world’s first COVID-19-safe water purification product and recently launched in to the Philippines, the Aqua SmartGuard boasts state-of-the-art Firewall UVC technology and BioCote antimicrobial surface protection to prevent the COVID-19 virus from contaminating the family’s drinking water. 

“The Aqua SmartGuard water unit is an innovative addition to modern and healthy Filipino households. By combining technology expertise and aesthetic craftmanship from our many years in the global water purification industry, we hope to help keep every Filipino home protected with an advanced and well-designed water unit that delivers the safest drinking water from the source to the glass,” said Windy Goffe-Gomez, Aqua SmartGuard Philippines CEO.

A stylish, functional cube to fit your home aesthetic and needs

Aqua SmartGuard comes in a sleek, compact cube design that complements any kitchen aesthetic and can fit even small countertops. But make no mistake because while its stylish metallic silver and black design is a sure standout in any modern kitchen, the Aqua SmartGuard is more than just eye candy. It has a premium build and durable quality that homeowners can trust for long-term use. 

The Aqua SmartGuard offers a wider range of temperature selections. While most water dispensers have only cold and hot options, the Aqua SmartGuard has ambient, cold, hot and extra hot water options. Its maximum volume storage and water capacity for cold and hot water are 1.4 liters and 1.3 liters, respectively. 

The product’s innovative user interface and settings will suit digital-savvy homeowners. The intuitive UI and LCD make for easy use and programming. Customizable settings such as temperature set point optimization, UV timer, filter timer, filter life monitor and energy saving sleep mode ensure smart unit use.

Parents need not worry about their children’s safety when getting water because the unit also has a Child Safeguard selection that ensures the system defaults back to cold water after three seconds of inactivity to prevent accidental dispensing of hot water. The unit also includes a Leak Sensor and Alarm that halt supply to prevent overflow and reduce the risks of accidents.

Transforming drinking water in today’s Filipino homes

Filipino families obtain drinking water from different sources. Many rely on water refilling stations that offer drinking water on a per-gallon container. Others have installed water purifiers at home or buy bottled water. Contamination of jugs or filter replacements remains a concern in the first two cases. As for bottled water, rising prices, delayed deliveries due to lockdown restrictions[1] and concerns about plastic pollution are a deterrent. 

The Aqua SmartGuard addresses home drinking water supply needs and safety concerns with its advanced water purification system that uses a cutting-edge, proprietary purification technology to filter water. The unit’s high-performance carbon filters remove contaminants from the water source while retaining the essential minerals. Made from sustainably sourced coconut shell, the multilayer filter absorbs impurities as small as one micron, including chlorine and other common contaminants, leaving the water free of unpleasant tastes and odors.

Each Aqua SmartGuard unit is equipped with Waterlogic’s patented FirewallTM UVC technology that ensures each drop of water dispensed is purified by precisely targeted UVC light. This guarantees that every glass of water is 99.9999 percent bacteria-free, 99.99 percent virus-free and 99.9 percent cyst-free. The FirewallTM UVC technology is also proven 99.999 percent effective against COVID-19. 

Taking water safety a notch higher, Aqua SmartGuard water purifiers have silver-based BioCote® antimicrobial protection infused into the key surfaces, including the filters, drip tray and dispensing nozzle, which reduces microbes by up to 99.5 percent. 

“The water revolution has started in the Philippines. Our role is to provide homeowners with a reliable purification station at home that ensures safe drinking water and is convenient to set up and use just like the coffee stations families have to make sure they get their favorite morning drink. With the Aqua SmartGuard, more Filipinos can easily access and enjoy the health benefits of the world’s safest purified drinking water,” Goffe-Gomez added. 

Aqua SmartGuard by Waterlogic is trusted by experts in the industry. Aside from successfully meeting the ISO 9001 and Energy Star standards, it has been recognized and certified by international health organizations such as the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS). 

Aqua SmartGuard offers Total Care Service for unit installation, regular replacement of filters and UVC lamps, and maintenance, all included in the accessible monthly price of Php1,490.

Enjoy the purest and safest drinking water at home with the sleek and stylish Aqua SmartGuard purification cube. Visit Aqua SmartGuard physical stores at Trinoma, Greenbelt 1 and SM Megamall, or online at smartguard.ph.

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Creating pet-friendly home to welcome a new pet

Creating pet-friendly home to welcome a new pet

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Being a pet owner is a big responsibility. You don't decide on bringing home a new pet because it's cute or most of your friends have one. It requires commitment. When planning to have a new addition to the family, one of the things pet owners fail to consider is creating a pet-friendly home to welcome a new furbaby. Whether you are looking for a new home or having some improvements in your current abode, here are the things you need to do to prepare your place for a new pet.

Give your pet his own spot

You are definitely excited to bring home your new pet but you must not forget that he will be on the adjustment period to a different environment for a few days. Make him feel at home by ensuring he has his own spot. A warm, comfy bed where he can stay most of the time should already be ready the moment he arrives.

Pet-proof your home furnishing

Your dog or cat will definitely scratch your floor and furniture and end up messing even your most beloved home pieces. A genuine leather couch is more manageable to repair as long as the damage is minor. Microfiber fabric is a better choice than  traditional fabric upholstery. For the floor, ceramic tile is the best flooring for pets since hardwood flooring makes the scratches more visible. If you allow your pet to roam around the house, expect that fur will be all over the place. You don't really need to give up the accent carpet rug you love so much but remember that you have to deal with fur and pet stain. Just make sure that you vacuum and wash your carpet regularly. If you don't have a carpet yet and plan to have one, nylon fiber carpet is more durable and stain-resistant. 

Secure entry and exit points

Your dog or cat can get very curious. One of their favorite room in the house to explore is the bathroom.  Always keep the door close and the toilet bowl cover close because they will definitely try to get a drink. If you will be screening the house, choose a pet-proof screen. Your pet thinks it's a scratch pad and will eventually tear if you are using an ordinary screen. 

Your pet will attempt to leave the house. Ensure that your main door and windows have latches that your pet cannot open on its own. This will also avoid the incidence of your pet getting lost.

Tidy up the entire house

You must get rid of clutter and start organizing your home. Anything that is within your pet's reach could harm him. He might swallow small pieces of items and get choked. Whether indoor or outdoor, you must get rid of unsafe plants that might poison him when ingested. Cleaning products and chemicals must be securely kept in the cabinet. Also, your trash bin must have a lid that your pet could not open.

Organize your electric cables. They could either chew on it or get tangled up. You can use a flexible cable sleeve to hide them. Avoid leaving the cable dangling when the appliance is not in use. A cord binder and cable catcher will keep them in place.

Design a pet-friendly yard

You can't keep your pet locked up inside the house all the time. He needs to spend time outside running and playing. The stunning properties at Banff Homes for sale have large yard for your pet to move around.

First, you must get rid of poisonous plants. If you do not know which plants in your garden are harmful to pets, you can consult a veterinarian or a botanist.

Incorporate in your yard design a pet house. This will also become his own spot when he is done playing. You can also build a yard path where he will naturally walk on. This path will also help set his boundary so he'd know which areas are off-limits. 

Make sure that there is an accessible water for your pet. You could either have a small pet bath pool or a drinking fountain. They need it, especially during summer.

Now that your home is safe and comfortable for a new pet, it's time to bring him home.

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How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Sink for You

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Sink for You

Friday, January 21, 2022

Before you choose a kitchen sink, you must first know what you need to buy. This is to avoid any future regrets.

In this guide, let us share with you the different types of kitchen sinks and whether they suit your kitchen or not.

Self-rimming Kitchen Sink

The most common kitchen sink installation is the self-rimming kitchen sink. That's because you only need to drop the sink into the designated space on the counter. However, you should ensure that the rolled, rimmed edge of the sink is sitting on top of the counter.

Pros:

● It is easy to install. No skills are required.

● It is very affordable.

● It can be used in almost any countertop material.

Cons:

● The sink is separated by the rim, which some homeowners dislike.

● The caulked edge of the rim needs to be cleaned regularly.

● The rim of the sink prevents you from cleaning the water and the debris from the counter.

Most of the self-rimming kitchen sink is made of cast iron and has s-trap pipe like the Executive Self-rimming Kitchen Sink.

Apron-front Kitchen Sink

You can install a farmhouse or apron-front kitchen sink in a few steps. That is if you can buy the right one for you. All you need to do is follow the installation guide in the manual.

Apron-front kitchen sinks are commonly used in rustic or farmhouse kitchens because of their vintage look.

Pros:

● They are easy to clean.

● It is very durable

● Very stylish and aesthetic.

Cons:

● It can get strained and potentially get chipped.

● You might need to adjust your countertop.

● It has the potential to break your dishes more efficiently.

Undermount Kitchen Sink

Undermount kitchen sinks are installed directly under the counter, creating a seamless look.

If you're looking for an under-mount kitchen sink, you may want to check the Poise Undermount Kitchen Sink. It features a stainless steel finish and a medium-to-large bowl.

It also features exceptional sound absorption, decreasing the noise you make when washing the dishes and from the running water.

Pros:

● It's easy to clean since there's no raised edge on top of the counter that collects food and debris.

● This type of kitchen sink is very versatile and customizable. 

● It can give you more counter space.

Cons:

● It isn't straightforward to install.

● Not all countertop works well with this type of sink.

● This type of sink is hard to replace.

Tile-in Kitchen Sink

When installing a tile-in kitchen sink, you need to attach the sink clip at the counter's underside. You can do this by positioning the clip of the head of the machine bolt pointing down.

Next is to screw the upper end of the bolt into the treated insert and then move the outer ends of the clips away from the side of the countertop opening.

As soon as you are done, look for an arrow that points outward. Start working below the countertop and fit the rim against the underside. You can adjust the sink from side to side if necessary, to swivel to each side of the edge. Then tighten the bolts.

Once you're done, align the sink's back and front to the edge of the countertop opening from the top. Lastly, tighten the bolts below the sink clips at each side. You can install additional clips at the remaining threaded inserts, then swivel the clips under the rim and make sure that the bolts are tight.

Pros:

● It's designed for a tiled kitchen countertop.

● It has a square rim with a flat edge with a thickness of a tile.

● It has a clean look like an under-mounted sink.

Cons:

● This can only be installed on ceramic or tile countertops. 

● Challenging to install.

● It doesn't mount on the underside of a counter.

Top-mount Kitchen Sink

Top-mount or drop-in kitchen sinks are so easy to install, you can do it yourself. All it needs is to place the sink in the hole to ensure that everything would fit perfectly.

Remove the sink for a while to put a silicone sealant around the sinkhole, then seal the rim against leaks and moisture. Then put back the sink and firmly press it into the sealant.

Tighten a mounting clip on the sink's underside, then wipe the excess sealant around the rim. Give the silicone sealant at least 24 hours to dry.

Pros:

● It's affordable

● It's easy to install.

● It can work well with any countertop materials.

Cons:

● The gap between the counter and the rim can collect dirt, making it hard to clean.

● The edge can take up the working space on the counter.

● The countertop becomes harder to clean since the edge forms a barrier around the opening of the sink.

If you're looking for a perfect drop-in sink, consider the Kennon All-in-One Single Basin NeorocSink Combo. It has a pull-down faucet with a soap dispenser and a sink strainer. 

Choosing a kitchen sink is one of the essential parts of kitchen remodeling. So, when getting a new sink, you must first know what type of kitchen sink would be perfect for you.

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