Sarah Geronimo shares positivity and happiness in challenging times

Sarah Geronimo shares positivity and happiness in challenging times

Thursday, April 2

Here's another reason for Sarah Geronimo to be happy. She is now a TNT Ka-Tropa.

TNT, the Filipino people’s brand, is welcoming the country’s Popstar Royalty into its family. Sarah has also joined TNT to help in its goal to provide relief and optimism in these particularly trying times — not only to her millions of Popsters, but also to every Filipino doing his or her best to make it through these challenges.

“Ako po ay masaya at bahagi na ako ng TNT Family. Maraming salamat po sa pagkakataon na maging bahagi ng isang misyon to keep Filipinos connected and entertained all the time,” said Sarah.

“We welcome Sarah Geronimo to the TNT family, and with her, we hope to continue uplifting Filipinos through our services. Sarah is also the personification of TNT in the sense that she grew up entertaining the public and kept her fans connected because of her songs and movies," said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head for Consumer Individual Wireless Business of Smart.

Geronimo also understands that Filipinos need more encouragement at this time, which is why she plans to use her new status as a TNT endorser to be an inspiring figure, doing what she can to help Filipinos cope with the current situation.

“Sa panahon ngayon, importante po na meron pa rin tayong kaunting tawanan, kantahan, sayawan para po mas mapagaan ang pagdala ng ating buhay sa araw-araw,” she says in a teaser video addressed to TNT subscribers. “Ako po at ang TNT ay may solusyon para diyan para bigyan po kayo ng saya kahit kailan kahit saan abangan po ninyo.”

Enjoy TikTok with TNT Giga Stories 50

Amid these uncertain times, TNT subscribers can get a dose of happiness and entertainment every day through TikTok, the latest social media app that’s got everybody — from your friends and family to all your favorite celebrities, influencers, and online personalities — sharing their dance covers, dubs, and more, just being fun online.

Watch everyone’s TikTok videos and upload your own as much as you want when you subscribe to TNT’s GIGA Stories promo for as low as P50 for 1 GB per day of TikTok, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram, valid for three days. To register, simply dial *123#.

You can experience great entertainment anytime, anywhere on your phone with TNT’s mobile internet, which is powered by Smart LTE, the country's fastest mobile network, as certified by global internet testing firms Ookla and Opensignal.

For more info and updates on TNT and its promos, follow TNT on Facebook at fb.com/TNTph, at @tntph on Twitter and Instagram, or visit tntph.com.

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Legánde, Inc welcomes 2020 with new logo and products

Legánde, Inc welcomes 2020 with new logo and products

Thursday, January 23

New year is the best time to introduce something new. Legánde, Inc, a company offering a lucrative business solution and health-beneficial products that suits everyone's personal strength, style and preferences, welcomes 2020 with the unveiling of a brand new logo and products that meet the needs of clients who are now more conscious in achieving a healthy lifestyle. 

The event was held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. The logo unveiling as well as the launch of the new products were witnessed by Legánde, Inc.'s brand partners, entrepreneurs, media, family members and friends.

“Where infinite possibilities live”

Legánde, Inc. is consists of two companies, Multipure Philippines and Pillars 5. Multipure Philippines is the authorized distributor of Multipure water systems in the country.  Multipure is the premier manufacturer of high-quality drinking water systems in the United States of America and have been in business for 50 years. The company is the original developer of solid carbon block technology. 

Legánde Health and Wellness Products

I used to be not conscious with how I look. I don't even have a skincare regimen. But when I reached the age of 40, I started noticing the changes in my skin and suddenly I felt alarmed. I did some research and learned about argan oil.  Legánde is offering this in 3 forms: Hair, Body, and Face. With it’s high Vitamin E and fatty acid content, argan oil is the ideal product to give skin a natural boost. It is easily absorbed because it is non-greasy and non-irritating, making it a natural moisturizer.

I'm on and off with my diet. I know I've been eating too much carbohydrates and it's not doing any good for my body. I'm now on Day 22 of LCIF or low carbohydrates intermittent fasting way of eating. I'm missing out on some fruits and vegetables because my diet is very specific on the food I can eat. Legánde’s Life Enzyme contains 150 all natural whole fruits and vegetables as well as medicinal fungi and ancient Chinese herbs which underwent 1 year fermentation process. This slows down ageing and aids in the relief of digestive disorders and boosts energy. 

Essential oils became very popular a couple of years ago. I've got friends who are so into it and I was lucky enough to receive eo blends from them. Essential oils are another addition to Legánde’s growing roster of products. This is an absolutely perfect addition because Legánde wants to provide its customers with a more positive lifestyle. Legánde’s essential oils come in three types: Mood Lifter, Stress and Pain Buster, and last but not least the Energy Booster.

Mood Lifter contains Lemongrass, Grapefruit, and Frankincense. Stress and Pain Buster includes Tea Tree, Lavender, and Lemon. Energy Booster includes Rosemary, Peppermint, and Orange. Legánde’s essential oils can be used both topically and aromatically. It also comes in a sampler kit which comes with three 5ml bottles while the regular essential oils come in 15ml bottles.

I'm not a coffee drinker. If I want a hot drink for breakfast or while I'm working, I always have tea. I prefer black tea and green tea. The gourmet teas being offered by Legánde is not just any tea. These teas are what purists call as the real thing. Legánde Inc. offers green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and a fusion of green tea and jasmine flowers tea. These are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant which is a shrub native to China and India. This contains unique antioxidants called polyphenols.

Are you spending too much on bottled water? We all know that it's not safe to drink tap water. Under the home essentials products of  Legánde include the Multipure Water Filtration Systems, the AquaDOME, AquaVERSA, and AquaMINI, that is backed by three certifications (ANSI 42 - Aesthetic effects; ANSI 53 - Health effects, and ANSI 401 - emerging compounds and incidental contaminants) from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) which users can upgrade with a Legánde Pre-filter. Under the same category is the Multipure Aqua Shower that is marked by a Water Quality Seal.

Earning Opportunity

Legánde, Inc wants you to be healthy and wealthy. The Legánde Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program, a.k.a. LEAP, provides a wide range of income generating opportunities and gives a straight-forward approach to reward your efforts of sharing the great benefits of Legande's health products. To know more, visit https://www.legande.com/membership

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Get organized, reach your goals with a specially made 2020 Viviamo Planner

Get organized, reach your goals with a specially made 2020 Viviamo Planner

Tuesday, October 15

I've been a Viviamo Planner user for 5 years and my life has become more organized than ever. I always look forward to an exciting and eventful new year and the promise of a new beginning when goals are set and calendars are marked. Whether it's getting into shape, setting up a new business, or creating a travel destination bucket list, my Viviamo planner makes it easy for me.

It can be overwhelming when you're faced with the reality of your decision. It isn't as easy as you thought it would be.

Where do you start to make your dreams for the year come to pass? How do you ensure that you get to follow through on your commitments to yourself?

How do you get rid of being overwhelmed and stuck, fixing your eyes on the prize?

This October, Viviamo!, Inc., maker of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, is set to release a new line of products for their 2020 collection. Each planner is designed to fit different lifestyles and needs while helping its users achieve their goals for the year ahead.

Discover the Universe Within with the 2020 Belle de Jour Power Planner

Viviamo's flagship offering, the Belle de Jour Power Planner, uses the theme "The Universe is in Me." By discovering the universe within, you are opening up to the endless possibilities within your reach.

It features monthly activities that enable and challenge you to live life to the fullest. Also, weekly spreads provide enough space to write down lists, schedules, and even personal mantras.

The 2020 edition of the Belle de Jour Power Planner includes 2020 Goals Pages to ensure that you would stay focused, motivated, and on the right track. Other special pages include a Dream Board, a gratitude grid, and a daily Law of Attraction schedule.

The Belle de Jour Power Planner comes in four distinct and beautifully-designed covers.

Find Your Second Home with the Navi 2020 Planner

Built for the adventurer, the Navi 2020 includes stories from 12 travel bloggers who candidly talk about the places they consider their second home. These anecdotes are designed to inspire and invite veteran and newbie travelers to seek out their own adventures.

Navi 2020 includes a bucket list page, itinerary spread, and several checklists to make sure that you have everything you need to explore and discover a new or familiar destination.

Attract Abundance with the Everything is Possible 2020 Planner

Everything is Possible 2020 is equipped with special pages to help you set your goals, breaking them down into smaller chunks. The planner includes two 2020 Goals spreads, allowing you to list down tangible and actionable steps while setting deadlines for each.

Its cover features water-like elements, alluding to the ripple effect that one small action makes across a larger body of water.

Embrace Gratitude with the Focus 2020 Journal

The team at Viviamo believes that gratitude is one of the most important attributes to a life of success. The Focus 2020 Journal achieves just that, with monthly spreads that feature eye-catching and thought-provoking typography. Monthly check-ups allow you the space to reflect on different aspects of life that you're grateful for. The spacious weekly layout is designed to help you maximize the space for schedules and other events.

Zero In on What is Essential with the Essentials Planner

Minimalists will enjoy using Viviamo's Essentials Planner. Its clean and no-nonsense dotted spreads are specially designed for bullet journaling and creative journaling. The planner comes in two covers: classic and pattern.

Each Viviamo 2020 planner is equipped with a Life Declarations page, with the intention of igniting your goals, dreams, and passions for the year ahead.

Whatever your goals are for 2020, trust that Viviamo has a planner specially made for you. Get ready to set your goals and have a meaningful year ahead. Viviamo's 2020 collection is available at our one-stop shop for all things paper—Crazy About Paper. Shop for planners and journals at http://bit.ly/ReadySetGC starting October 12. The planners will also be sold at all major bookstores starting October 2019.

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3 Secrets to Level Up Sarap Revealed

3 Secrets to Level Up Sarap Revealed

Tuesday, February 26

Filipinos love to cook as much as we love to eat. Every household boasts of lola's special dish or mom's best version of adobo. Through the years, Lee Kum Kee has become an international household name. With a glorious history of over 130 years, it is a symbol of quality and trust and has been spicing up the kitchen of every Filipino with its sauces and condiments.

Secret no more

Lee Kum Kee's newest ambassador, Ms. Karla Estrada, expresses her love for her family through cooking. She revealed that aside from making sure she uses the best ingredients, the three secret products that she uses to level up the sarap of the dishes she prepares are Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce, Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce, and Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil.

"Filipinos have an innate love for cooking, whether it is trying out a new fusion restaurant or cooking up traditional, well-loved dishes at home," said Mr. Ryan Esguerra Cruz, Business Manager of Lee Kum Kee Philippines. "We believe that Ms. Karla Estrada perfectly embodies this love for cooking, especially as a mom who whips up dishes for her family everyday and bond over sumptuous food."

Pancit Canton using the three secret sauces of Lee Kum Kee

Ms. Estrada shared her cooking secrets at the campaign launch held at Seafood City in Venice Grand Mall, Taguig. Together with acclaimed Chef John Flores, they leveled up the traditional Pancit Canton into something more flavorful using the 3 secret sauces of Lee Kum Kee.

Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce is the world's number one oyster sauce brand for 11 consecutive years. It is an all purpose seasoning sauce, perfect for dipping, marinating, stir-frying, or as a sauce base. Using selected fresh oyster extracts, the Oyster Sauce adds a flavorful taste to every day Filipino dishes.

Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce is made from premium non-GMO whole soybeans and wheat flour naturally brewed using traditional methods. It has a rich flavor, color and aroma that will delicately enhance any dish by giving its natural umami taste.

Chicken and Pork Adobo

Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil is carefully processed to retain the strong sesame flavor and aroma. As the country's number 1 sesame oil for 2018 in terms of volume according to a study by Nielsen, Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil easily accentuates any food's overall taste by just adding a few dashes.

Salt and Pepper Scallops

Lee Kum Kee products are widely available in leading supermarkets, grocery stores, and sari-sari stores nationwide.

Follow Lee Kum Kee on Facebook and Instagram (@LeeKumKeeGlobal) to know more about the products and to try the recipes. For more details, visit www.LKK.com

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HMR Partners with Portwest To Promote Workplace Safety

HMR Partners with Portwest To Promote Workplace Safety

Friday, January 18

Every company should have safety standards to ensure that the employees are working in a safe environment. Unsafe conditions especially in a work environment where there is a high risk of accidents such as construction and those using machinery must have safety guidelines and policies. One of the most important thing to do is to wear the proper and correct safety clothing and equipment. 

HMR Trading Haus has partnered with global brand Portwest to bring premium quality and highly durable workwear in the Philippines. Portwest is regarded as the leading safety clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufacturer in the world. Originating from Ireland, it is changing the game on how Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards Compliance is upheld in the country.

"We are very happy to have partnered with HMR Philippines in making Portwest products available here. With 2 showrooms and every branch as an ordering hub, distribution at key industrial areas is priority," says Nigel Player-Bishop, Portwest Regional Sales Manager for Middle East and Africa. "At a perfect timing too! Philippines' big infrastructure plans are under way; and everyone taking part in these grand-scale industrial projects should be equipped with the right tools to help ensure efficiency and more importantly, safety of all workers involved."

Portwest has over than 110 years of experience and has become the world leader in manufacturing high quality workwear and PPE that meets international standards. "Our team of world class product designers and specialists continue to innovate and develop products to meet workers' changing needs, and continuously improve our core product ranges with strict quality assurance and compliance to global standards", added Bishop. He further reiterated the importance of OSH standards compliance as key to success of Philippines' infrastructure developments.

Portwest safety clothing range include high-visibility workwear, flame resistant and anti-static workwear, safety footwear, and PPE. These are all available for pre-order exclusively at over 25 branches of HMR Trading Haus. The merchandise showroom s are located at HMR Pioneer and HMR Sucat. 

For more information and product inquiry, call (02) 548-6999 or visit www.hmr.ph

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Aquaman Design in the New Limited Edition Piattos Spicy Seafood

Aquaman Design in the New Limited Edition Piattos Spicy Seafood

Saturday, December 15

Have you watched the highly-anticipated DC Aquaman movie?

Enjoy the stunning action battles in the ocean while munching the new limited edition Jack 'n Jill Piattos Spicy Seafood variant featuring Aquaman Jason Momoa and Mera Amber Heard. Your favorite hexagonal potato crisps has the savory taste of seafood with just the right kick of spice.

Whether you plan to Netflix-all-you-can or just hang out with friends, make it a #PiattosTime by having this new treat from your well-loved snack brand. I love my Jack 'n Jill Piattos Spicy Seafood paired with ice cold soda.

Grab the limited edition Jack 'n Jill Piattos Spicy Seafood Aquaman pack in leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

For the latest news and updates, follow Jack 'n Jill Piattos official Facebook page @PiattosTime

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Celebrities Share their Christmas Gift Ideas from Philips

Celebrities Share their Christmas Gift Ideas from Philips

Sunday, December 9

Are you done with your Christmas gift shopping?

With only two more weeks before Christmas, if you are like me who hasn't bought a single gift yet, I know it's time to panic. Are you still thinking about what unique gifts to give your loved ones this year?

Thankfully Kris Aquino, Camille Prats, Martin Jickain, beauty blogger Liz Lanuzo and YouTube star Wil Dasovich are here to share their most loved Philips tools – giving us the perfect ideas for Christmas!

Kris Aquino, our Queen of All Media, loved the intelligent cooking system of the Philips Viva Collection All-in-One cooker when preparing her mom’s Callos recipe in an episode of Kitchen Love. With functions for slow cooking, pressure cooking and multi-cooking, this multitasker is safe to use and a perfect gift for someone who loves to cook!

Martin Jickain enjoys trying new recipes with the Philips Avance Noodle Maker because it allows him to “enjoy fresh and tasty noodles in just 10 minutes with many different flavor options”. These options include adding nutritious ingredients like egg, spinach and carrot juice for healthy and worry-free homemade noodles. 

Camille Prats uses the Philips EasyTouch Plus garment steamer to make sure she never leaves the house with creased clothes. With its wide range of essential steaming solutions for different fabrics, it is the perfect tool for any fashionista who needs to make quick touch-ups and smooth crinkly clothes.

Liz Lanuzo was amazed by the Philips ProCare Airstyler during her Facebook Live session as it “allows her to dry and style her hair at the same time”. With five styling attachments including a 38mm thermo brush to smoothen hair and a retractable bristle brush for easy curling, it is a great gift for anyone wanting to achieve different styles without damaging their hair.

Mention well-groomed and Wil Dasovich instantly comes to mind. He achieves his look with maximum comfort using the waterproof Philips 9-in-1 Face and Body Hair Trimmer. Its DualCut Technology offers maximum precision with 2x more blades. This multigroomer has nine tools to trim and style your face and hair with self-sharpening blades and a battery life of up to 70 minutes. 

What else can you add to your Christmas wish list this holiday? 

Fry, bake, roast and grill tasty and healthy meals for Noche Buena with the Philips Avance AirFryer. It uses 75% less oil without sacrificing taste and texture, is easy to clean, safe, and economical for your daily use.

Creating silky smoothies and fine sauces for the holiday feast is easier than ever with the Avance Collection Blender. It handles more than just fruits, it can puree cooked ingredients and even crush ice for cocktails! 

To create a mood-boosting fresh juice, just drop your fresh vegetables and fruit into the Philips Avance Collection Juicer, press the switch and the juice is ready to drink in no time! Perfect choice for fitness buffs and the health conscious. 

This Philips PerfectCare uses OptimalTEMP technology to keep your fabrics safe from burn marks without having to change the setting. Be it delicate silk to sturdy jeans, you are guaranteed the perfect combination of temperature and steam for professional ironing results. 

With Philips’ extensive line of kitchen appliances, personal and garment care products, you will never run out of gift ideas this holiday season, especially with the Christmas promos now available in all leading appliance stores nationwide. You can also shop for Philips products at https://www.lazada.com.ph/philips.

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Filipinos Make Smarter Food Choices

Filipinos Make Smarter Food Choices

Monday, December 3

When the chocolate spreads became popular a few years ago, I was among those who got curious as to how delicious the imported brands and if the taste justifies the price. I find them expensive and not practical but for the sake of satisfying my curiosity, I bought a jar. Yes, the brand I chose was good but I was on a hunt for a least expensive alternative.

And then I was introduced to Goya's Double Hazelnut Spread. It was a great discovery. I'm glad that local brands, like Goya, step up by serving world-class quality chocolate spreads that won’t break the bank.

Being a smart shopper is a part of the Pinoy consumer’s DNA. Yes, we love good food, but if there is one thing that the rising prices of goods have taught us then and now, it is how to be discerning of what we put in our grocery baskets.

A study conducted by Kantar Worldpanel shows that there has been a shift in our shopping priorities in 2017. According to the results, the rising prices of goods have caused Pinoys to shift their choices of goods to fit their financial stability. A Nielsen report supports this saying that Filipino buyers are among the most socially conscious shoppers in the world--meaning we don’t just grab the first thing we see on the shelves and do actual research on our choice of brands.

Fortunately, with Pinoys being Pinoys, soaring price tags are not enough to shake our loyalty to enjoying good food that we stock on our pantry. Resourceful as we are, we always find ways to get the best--and thanks to brands like Goya, it has become easier for us to get access to quality treats without breaking the bank.

The local brand has built a reputation for itself in creating chocolate products that are affordable, yet can match up with international sweets. Always the innovator, their latest product, the Double Hazelnut spread, promises to provide double the enjoyment for those who love indulgent hazelnut spreads.

With double the amount of rich hazelnut goodness, this Germany-made goodness is a true salvation to chocolate lovers. Spread it on your waffle, use it as a regular spread, or eat it straight out of the bottle. With its friendly price point, even the most discerning and price-conscious consumers surely won’t feel guilty enjoying this treat.

Smart shoppers need smart choices, and Goya has definitely provided it with its range of products. Once again, the brand has proven that you can enjoy the food lifestyle that you want--double of it even!--without going out of your budget. The Goya Double Hazelnut Spread, which only retails for P154 SRP for a 350g is a whopping half the price of other popular spread brand in the market.  It is sure to become a practical favorite of kids, mothers, cooks, and even the regular, chocolate-loving Pinoy. It’s also available in 750g for only P297 SRP.

Other Goya chocolate spreads variants are Choco Hazelnut, Choco Hazelnut and Milk and Rich Choco which are available in 400g at P139 SRP. Make sure to get yours now in the nearest supermarket, or convenience store near you.

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Jack Daniel's Holiday Barrel Tree in BGC

Jack Daniel's Holiday Barrel Tree in BGC

Sunday, December 2

Jack Daniel's iconic Holiday Barrel Tree has found its way at High Street Central Square in Bonifacio Global City and is now lighted to kick off the Yuletide tradition.

The Holiday Barrel Tree is made from Jack Daniel's very own oak barrels. One hundred twenty two barrels were repurposed into this special structure bearing one message that speaks to the brand's mantra: "It's not what's under the tree that matters, it's who's around it."

It was in 2014 when the Holiday Barrel Tree made its debut in the Philippines. There were two structures set up, one was erected at Fuerte Circle in Eastwood City and the other was at The Fort Plaza in BGC. They were also the first Holiday Barrel Trees in Southeast Asia.

I feel privileged to be invited to attend the lighting ceremony and the launch of Bar No. 7, Jack Daniel's fist pop-up bar in Metro Manila that serves gourmet holiday drinks created by Curator's senior bartender and mixologist Giann Divino.

Gather your family and friends this holiday season. Have your photos taken at the Holiday Barrel Tree and then spend quality time while enjoying the Jack Daniel's gourmet holiday drinks.

Gather merrily. Drink responsibly.

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Asia CEO Awards Names Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. Most Innovative Company of the Year

Asia CEO Awards Names Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. Most Innovative Company of the Year

Thursday, November 29

Who loves Chooks-to-Go? I honestly want eat chicken with a dipping sauce and only Chooks-to-Go can make me enjoy it kahit walang sauce.

Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI), operator of the country’s largest rotisserie chicken chain, has been recognized as the Most Innovative Company of the Year during the Asia CEO Awards 2018, held recently at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

As the grand winner in the category, BAVI was cited for its efforts in innovating both the quality and variety in the way its chicken products are roasted and presented to the Filipino market. 

In 2017, BAVI became the country’s first and only poultry integrator to introduce an all-natural, antibiotics-free chicken through its pioneering No Antibiotics Ever system. This eliminates the use of any antibiotics throughout the entire poultry production to ensure chickens are naturally healthy and safer to eat.

It was also through innovation that BAVI was able to expand its customer base, becoming the dominant market leader in the roasted chicken industry with more than 1,200 rotisserie stores nationwide.

In 2009, BAVI ventured into the food retail industry through its Chooks-to-Go oven-roasted chicken. With the brand promise of litson manok na ‘masarap kahit walang sauce’, the company introduced a new way to enjoy cooked chicken without the traditional sauce or gravy.

BAVI also introduced Uling Roasters Litson Manok, a fresh take on traditional charcoal-roasted chicken in 2013. This was followed by the launch of Reyal Litson Manok which boasts of unique butterfly-cut chickens and flavorful sweet-spicy sauces.

“We are honored with this prestigious recognition especially since innovation has always been at the heart of BAVI operations ever since we started as a poultry integrator company in Cebu and Davao. Like in most markets, our leadership in the local poultry industry relies mostly on how we innovate our manufacturing and operations systems and how we present our products to consumers. More importantly, innovation has been our way of ensuring that more Filipinos will enjoy our quality, healthy and affordable chicken products,” said Ronald Mascariñas, BAVI president and general manager.

The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, representing the grandest alliance of local and international business people ever created to promote the Philippines and recognize business achievers on the world stage.

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Pantene Stronger Now: The Girl Named Kevin

Pantene Stronger Now: The Girl Named Kevin

It's a tough world and it's tougher for the members of the LGBTQ. 

For many members of the LGBTQ community, pain is a constant companion in their life journey. As they battle uncertainty and confusion, they would also encounter individuals whose only intent is to offend them. Transgenders in the Philippines have to face incredible scrutiny not only from society, but also from members of their family, leaving them no option but to strengthen themselves inside.

Recognizing the struggles of the LGBTQ community, Pantene Philippines is showing its solidarity with the community and is making known its support through the story of Kevin Balot, the first ever transgender beauty queen and the first ever transgender hair care ambassador in the Philippines. As the world observes Transgender Awareness Week, Pantene is also launching a heart-stirring video to celebrate those who have triumphed over their internal struggles and to encourage LGBTQ members to be #StrongerNow.

The #StrongerNow campaign aims to inspire Filipinas to celebrate every scar, every sweat, every struggle that made them the kind of strong they are now. It is a collection of stories of struggles and triumphs of Filipinas from all walks of life—from the celebrities we have grown to love to the everyday women we see on our daily commute. It tells stories of real Filipinas whose strength and resilience allow their inner beauty to shine brighter.

Truly, the girl named Kevin is a perfect face for this movement. Even as a child, Kevin knew rejection from her father who had other expectations from his only son. But Kevin had other plans for herself. Her journey of being accepted by the family and accepting herself was not an easy process. Growing up, Kevin went through a lot of pain and hardships, but she channeled her energy by focusing on beauty pageants, growing strong in the process. Even her triumph as Miss International Queen was a struggle in itself, but she was able to lift herself up and bring herself to where she is today. 

The film highlights Kevin’s struggles, which serve as a message of hope to others dealing with the same feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Its message is uplifting, telling a “young boy, who is sure she is a girl,” not be scared. “When you think it’s the end, it’s not. When people don’t seem to understand, there will be others who do. Find them.”

Just as Pantene strengthens hair by nourishing it from the inside, so can young people focus on working on what is inside them. As Kevin says, “strength comes from the inside – where it counts. Instead, Kevin tells the young child in the film to “do good, be grateful, find the wins in every day. Remember, you are strong and beautiful, you deserve to be heard. Accepted. Loved.” 

In launching the film, Pantene Philippines has become the first ever hair care brand in the Philippines to cast a transgender not only as the star of its video, but also as the face of the brand—smashing barriers in giving the role to someone from the LGBTQ community. In doing so, it is showing that it is #StrongerNow.

Join Pantene as they support the LGBTQ community and join the fight in inclusivity around the country. Watch the video and be inspired to be yourself, to grow and be #StrongerNow. Visit Pantene’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PantenePhilippines/videos/305481486722713/

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Rebisco Brings Filipino Delights to Global Market

Rebisco Brings Filipino Delights to Global Market

Whenever I go on a short vacation abroad, I miss Filipino food usually on the 3rd day. I can't imagine the longing for the familiar Filipino favorites of our kababayan who have been out of the country for months (or years!).

For millions of Filipinos living or working all across the globe, a familiar flavor or a well-loved taste can instantly bring back fond memories and rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort.

 

While most Filipino dishes can be recreated in any kitchen, some Pinoy staples require a bit more effort to find.

 

This is where Rebisco comes in.

 

The snack food giant has been doubling down on its international business, ‘invading’ key markets armed with delightful sweets and treats.

 

“Wherever there are Filipinos, we have a market for Rebisco products because our snacks represent a piece of home,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “At the same time, the shared love for food is a universal language that transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. While we bring our diverse portfolio of products to a wider market, we also want to put the Philippines on the global map as a maker of world-class snacks.”

 

Spreading the love for Filipino-made snacks

 Rebisco has been in the export business since early 2000, with key markets including China, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Myanmar. Among their top export brands are local favorites like Ding Dong, Hansel, Fudgee Barr, Rebisco Sandwich, Doowee Donut, Cupp Keyk and Choco Mucho.

 

According to Rebisco International Business Group Head Jonnel Mangubat, main consumers vary per export market. “For countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, USA, and Taiwan the main consumers are our overseas Filipinos as these countries are top OFW and Filipino migrant destinations,” he said. “As for China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Myanmar, we primarily cater to the mainstream aka local consumers. Thus, our products could be found in their supermarkets and wholesalers where local consumers go to.”

 

Winning over local snack lovers

Marketing strategy varies, depending on the market. “We localize our portfolio and promotions based on the unique consumer needs per country,” Mangubat explained. “While some distributors directly approach us due to our company’s popularity, we mainly enter new markets through participation in international trade missions and food exhibits. As soon as we see market potential and product acceptance, as indicated primarily by consistent orders, we follow through with significant investment in sales and marketing initiatives in order to maximize the business potential.”

 

Manufacturing is a key success factor for Rebisco’s international business. In 2015, the legacy snack maker opened its Vietnam manufacturing facility, complete with a sales and marketing force. Mangubat added, “Vietnam’s strategic location in the region makes it an ideal manufacturing hub for businesses that want to penetrate the ASEAN markets. Its free trade agreements also make the country more attractive to investors because of the fewer tariffs and restrictions.”

 

The Vietnam plant produces cakes, biscuits, wafer and cream paste, for domestic and top export markets like China and Myanmar. Rebisco Vietnam has also recently begun export shipments to Hong Kong and Singapore. Mangubat noted that the total operations in Vietnam have steadily doubled its sales in the past five years, with the top-selling brands including Doowee, Krim Stix and Rebisco Extreme.

 

More reasons to celebrate

 As Rebisco celebrates its 55^th anniversary this year, the homegrown manufacturer of snack time favorites sees a bright future ahead for its international business.

 

Ng noted, “We’re optimistic about the sustained growth of our international operations. We continue to evolve with the changing needs of the market—both locally and globally. Good food never goes out of style. Regardless of where you’re from, there’s always a good reason to sit down and enjoy a snack.”

 

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beep™ Card Concludes a Successful 2018

beep™ Card Concludes a Successful 2018

Do you own a beep card?

I find it very convenient (I actually have two cards: one for my lrt/mrt fare and the other one for bgc/p2p bus) and I'm always excited for the upcoming partnerships it will have. I'm dreaming of being able to use it someday in grab car and uv express.

beep™ card, AF Payments Inc.’s tap-and-go payment system,  marks the end of  2018 on a high note having completed a series of partnerships and improved services, to make payments more convenient to the commuting public.

beep™ is widely used today to pay for transport services. It can be used in point-to-point (P2P) buses plying key cities in the metro, and recently, in public utility vehicles such as modern jeepneys and, e-trikes deployed in the walled city of Intramuros. The beep system has recently been introduced in Mindanao via Husky Tours, which operates a fleet of buses between General Santos and Cotabato.

It was also this year, at 8-8-18 (August 8, 2018), when beep card hit its 1 billionth transaction in the light rail network (LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3) since inception in 2015, which demonstrated the reliability and robustness of the system.

“Transportation has been and will continue to be our core strength. The government’s focus on developing the industry for the benefit of commuters nationwide encourages us to to work harder to support Filipino commuters and transport operators.” said Peter Maher, president and CEO of AF Payments Inc.

In the world of retail, beep™ is now accepted at establishments such as Auntie Anne’s, Wendy’s, Binalot, Worship Generation and retail kiosks in train stations like Siomai House and Mr. Donut.

In a bid to develop cashless communities, beep™ collaborated with Property Company of Friends (PRO-FRIENDS) to offer beep™-enabled resident identification cards for access to transportation to and from and within its masterplanned communities in Cavite — Lancaster New City and Bellefort Estates — and entry to their key facilities. In 2018, St. Jude Catholic School became the first beep-integrated educational institution with beep-enabled ID cards that allow their students to purchase cash-free from merchants inside the campus and avail of Student discounts when they ride public buses and PUVs with beep acceptance.

To support this growing network and make reloading more convenient, beep™ card partnered with Coins.ph and EON by Unionbank to offer mobile app & Over-the-air (OTA) reloading, and China Bank for the first ever ATM reloading service.

This year also saw the launch of the beep™ app, which allows cardholders to track their transactions and check load balance, a feature that has been requested by digital savvy users.

“2018 has been a productive year for beep™ as it allowed us to form strategic alliances and establish more innovative ways to extend our service to a wider public. We look forward to to expanding our network through 2019,” Maher said.

Over 5 million beep cards are currently in the market. These cards are used to pay for fare at elevated trains and select transportation, toll fees, as well as for purchases at select retail outlets. More information about beep™ is available at its website and official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

*image courtesy of Adventures of Diva Princess

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