by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 21, 2018 | Advocacy
The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) kicks off the 76th anniversary of the Bataan Death March commemoration with the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail (Freedom Trail) event on March 24 to 25, 2018.
The two-day, three provinces wide event, which aims to instill the values of Bravery, Sacrifice and Love for Country, will be highlighted by a retracing of the actual Death March 160km route by AFP Reservists and Personnel, 160KM Run Relay, Motorbike Tour, March, Float Parade, and Poster-Making contest awarding.
World War 2 veterans Florentino Platero, 88yo from Orani, Bataan and Caesar Aguirre 90yo from Pilar l, Bataan. Both their fathers were killed by the Japanese during World War 2.
Veterans Bank’s Freedom Trail likewise honors Filipino World War II heroes and survivors by involving the public in this solemn remembrance of heroism.
Organizers have prepared different categories to accommodate civilian, military and police units by running, walking or riding in two wheels while retracing the steps of our fallen heroes during the Bataan Death March.
“It is our generation’s responsibility to commemorate and honor the bravery and heroism of our veterans during the war. It will be a sin to forget how valiantly they fought and how they looked out for their fellow soldiers amid torture, injury, and starvation. History will hold us accountable if the next generations forget the Bataan Death March,” said Mike Villareal, Head of Veterans Bank’s Corporate and Consumer Relations Division.
Bob Hudson, son of an American Bataan Death March survivor pays respect to Pinoy veterans, Florentino Platero and Caesar Aguirre at KM30 stop of 2018 Freedom Trail.
The Death March, considered as one of the darkest days in Philippine History, is the forcible transfer of 60,000–80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war (POW) from Mariveles and Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan to Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. The prisoners were loaded onto trains in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The march began sometime on April 11, 1942, and left thousands dead and seriously wounded after enduring torture under the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army.
The Death March route stretches from Mariveles in Bataan to Capas, Tarlac via San Fernando, Pampanga via the old roads.
Simultaneous Activities
The Freedom Trail will have three event categories:
- a competitive 160KM team relay;
- the Ride for Valor for big bikes; and
- the Freedom March.
160km team relay
The 160KM Team Relay is open to all. There is a registration fee of 1,500 pesos per team. Teams are composed of eight riders, with a minimum of two female riders. All teams must provide their own support vehicle, headlamps, and food. There will be checkpoints at every 10km. Fastest top three teams to reach Capas National Shrine in Tarlac will win a trophy and cash prize. Assembly is 5:00 am, March 24, 2018, at KM Zero, Mariveles, Bataan. The race starts at 6:00 am.
Ride for valor
The Ride for Valor is a non-competitive event for big bikers. Registration fee is 1,500 pesos. Participants will receive an exclusive commemorative patch for the event. Only motorbikes with engines 400cc and larger are allowed. The Ride for Valor will trace the route from KM Zero in Mariveles, Bataan to the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac. There will be historical stops along the way with a short program and performance from the tour guides. Participants are reminded to wear safety gear at all times. There will be a boodle fight at the end of the Ride. The Ride starts at 6:00 am on March 25, 2018, at KM Zero, Mariveles, Bataan.
Freedom march
Marchers from KM Zero in Mariveles, Bataan.
The Freedom March will be a torch-passing relay for AFP Personnel & Reservists and youth groups. Participation is free. Participants can join at any point of the course. Special performances will be done by re-enactors at different points along the route.
The march will start at 6:00 am on March 24, 2018, at KM Zero, Mariveles, Bataan and expected to end at 5:00 pm on March 25, 2018, at the Capas National Shrine in Capas, Tarlac.
The Freedom Memorial Trail also recognizes the importance of the ROTC Unit for their efforts and service during the war. It shall be a rallying point for ROTC cadet officers, NSTP Students, ROTC Alumni members, and Army Reservists.
This year’s event also includes events for the general public, including a short program to be performed at the historical sites highlighting its importance to our history. There will also be a poster-making competition among the different barangays along the trail from Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. This shall raise public awareness at the barangay level prior to the celebration of the Freedom Trail. All winning posters shall be exhibited at the Capas National Shrine during the Veterans Week Celebration.
Since 2014, the Philippine Veterans Bank, with PVAO and the Provincial Government of Bataan along with other partners, have held the Bataan Freedom Run in honor of WWII veterans who endured the death march in 1942.
To register and find out more about the Bataan Freedom Run and the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail, visit http://www.bataanfreedomrun.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 20, 2018 | Health and Wellness
Women today are empowered … they are more than just “Susie Homemakers” who spend all day cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her family.
Women, in general, are no longer oppressed by a male chauvinistic society where men dictate what a woman would say, think, or do.
Women are free to be who they want to be and do what they want to do — police officers, fire fighters, managers in companies, lawyers, accountants, models, chefs, photographers, writers, musicians … and the list just goes on!
Women are superheroes!
Women have very hectic (and active!) schedules everyday. Oftentimes they are both queen of the household and boardroom rockstar (for example). Imagine, if you will, how much strength women must have to deal with the stress and pressure of the daily grind fulfilling all the things they are expected to accomplish and still have enough energy to prepare dinner, tutor the kids, etc. before she could lie down at the end of the day and sleep.
Even fictional female superheroes like Wonder Woman and Darna would get tired from doing their jobs as superheroes and their jobs as ordinary humans. At the end of the day, they took a breather, too, from being super.
March is International Women’s Month. It is, thus, the best time to celebrate a woman’s power and influence with the gift of beauty and wellness that they truly deserve. What better way to start than with bouncy, shiny hair.
Hair care
Our mane, our luscious locks, our crowning glory … this is the first thing a person often sees (or focuses on). Because of this most people make a conscious effort to make sure they don’t leave the house with bad hair. In case of a bad hair day, what do most women do? Wear a hat or scarf? Tie their hair up in a messy bun?
Solution 1: Regular/commercial hair products
The quick and easy solution for most people — commercial bottled shampoo and conditioner plus treatment. More often than not these products cause more harm than good. Using harsh/harmful chemicals on our hair causes breakage and makes our hair strands weak and elastic. For some, these chemicals cause an allergic reaction and scalp irritation. This needs immediate attention and an urgent solution and may need medical attention.
Solution 2: Get pampered at a hair salon
We’ve tried everything on our own but it is time to go to the salon and get pampered. Then before going home we might opt to avail of their formulated solution hair products for upkeep. For optimum results it is best to combine it with NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack to promote robust locks and scalp.
NOVUHAIR: The best solution
-
natural vs. chemical
NOVUHAIR is the only hair growth product in the market that contains 19 natural herbs, essential oils, and co-factor nutrients that work in synergy to help in remedying hair problems such as hair loss or slow hair growth.
- It deeply penetrates to help rejuvenate, nourish, maintain moisture in the scalp and hair, and improve the overall appearance of your hair.
- Lastly, it’s an effective and safe solution to arrest hair loss.
So come and celebrate womanhood with a hair spa or treatment at your favorite salon anytime this month with your sisters, your friends, or fly solo. Give your hair the pampering it deserves.
To feel even more empowered, order NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack online and get one (1) box of NOVUSKIN LIFT with 30 anti-aging tablets worth P2,970 for FREE at Lazada.com.ph. Click on the ad or the link to be brought directly to the product page.
For further inquiries, call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575, visit NOVUHAIR Facebook Page (Novuhair Official) or website at www.novuhair.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 20, 2018 | Awards and Competitions
Excitement and anticipation were high as 40 fit, sexy and healthy finalists of Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 surpassed the Ultimate Challenge of the year! Held at the Inflatable Island in Subic, Asia’s biggest floating playground which offers 3, 400 sqm of inflatable activities floating on water, the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 Ultimate Challenge tested the finalists’ mental and physical fitness.
The challenge was divided into two different categories:
- the Superbods category, which consists of 20 finalists ages 18 to 37
- the Superbods Ageless category, which consists of 20 finalists ages 38 to 50
The finalists faced five different challenges: Inflatable Relay, Battle of the Generations, Island Cooking Dash, Hakot Cans and Selfie Challenge.
Challenge 1: Inflatable Relay
The first challenge tested the finalists’ agility and endurance. It featured an obstacle relay course consisted of the trampoline, monkey vines, donut tires, wobbly bridges, high balance and Tarzan swing for the Superbods; and wobbly bridges, monkey vines, jungle bars, happy swing and rock climbing for the Superbods Ageless.
Challenge 2: Battle of the Generations
The second challenge was the battle between two generations where Superbods and Ageless finalists competed against each other in answering trivia questions. It tested their quick wit and teamwork.
Challenge 3: Island Cooking Dash
Each successful pair then proceeded to the third challenge dubbed as the ‘Island Cooking Dash’ where they were asked to prepare a special Century Tuna dish. This aimed to test their creativity and resourcefulness. Below are some samples:
Challenge 4: Hakot Cans
The next challenge was the ‘Hakot Cans,’ a test to their critical thinking by strategizing in collecting the most number of Century Tuna cans in 90 seconds.
Challenge 5: Selfie Challenge
And finally, for the social media challenge, the finalists needed to take a photo that answers the question, “WHY AM I THE NEXT CENTURY TUNA SUPERBODS/AGELESS?” Photos will be uploaded to the official account of Century Tuna Superbods.
This highly-anticipated event was hosted by two of the country’s hottest, fittest and most multi-faceted personalities, Sam YG and Amanda Fernandez.
Aside from the Ultimate Challenge, Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 will also host series of exciting events which includes:
- a fashion show by Zalora that will feature the finalists on April 7 at Glorietta 3 Activity Center;
- the fun Underpants Run at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa in the morning of April 8 and
- the Electric Spinning Party in BGC Amphitheater in the afternoon.
On April 12, 2018, the much-awaited grand Finals Night will be held at the Cove, Okada Manila.
The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods 2018 will each receive:
- P500,000 in cash plus a 1-year supply of Century Tuna Products;
- an appliance showcase worth P250,000 from Indesit, Mabe, and Philips;
- limited edition special gift pack from Tanduay;
- an editorial campaign contract from Zalora;
- a training contract from Star Magic;
- a 1-year unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym;
- a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature;
- P5,000 worth of Vansydical Sportswear; and
- P15,000 worth of salon services from Sir George Salon.
Cove Manila Ambassadors
Cove Manila will also select its Cove Manila Ambassadors who will receive one VIP package to Diplo’s concert on May 11 worth Php 200,000.
Included in this package is a VIP table for 10 with Php 100,000 consumable and a special meet-and-greet with DJ and Grammy Award-winning producer Diplo himself.
The Cove will also give an official Cove Manila Gold Card engraved with the winners’ names. This will entitle them to a VIP lifetime entry privilege (plus one guest) to any Cove Manila event.
One lucky Superbods finalist will take home a brand-new Chevrolet Trax! The winner will be selected based on the transformation videos of each candidate’s journey towards becoming a Superbod.
Special awards will also be given during the finals night:
- Superbod Beachbod,
- Superbod of the Night (Best in Runway),
- Superbods Challenge winners,
- People’s Choice,
- Photogenic Award and
- Best in Congeniality.
Event Sponsors
Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 is made possible with the support of Cove Manila, the official venue partner of Century Tuna Superbods Ageless Finals Night with major sponsors from Indesit, Mabe and Philips Domestic Appliances, minor sponsors from Tanduay Distillers; Inc., Zalora; Chevrolet; Gold’s Gym; Star Magic; and Creamsilk.
Other participating sponsors are Vita Coco; Shakey’s; Quorn; Gardenia; Vansydical; Sir George Salon; Rebisco Fudgy Bar 100 Calorie pack; Belo Sun Expert; iDentista Asia; and Propan Fit.
For more details and updates on events, visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook: www.facebook.com/centurytuna.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 17, 2018 | Business
The Philippines’ inflation rate has risen to 4% year on year in February, a three-year high, from an average of 2.9% in 2017 (using the new 2012 Consumer Price Index base year). While bond yields have risen in 2017, policy rates have yet to increase.
This was among the topics discussed in the recent Citigold 2018 Annual Market Outlook Briefing, “Navigating A Maturing Bull Market” attended by more than 600 Citi customers in the cities of Taguig, Mandaluyong and Cebu.
Also on the agenda was the United States economy. The briefing heard that the United States is showing early signs of inflation that may have implications for both Asia and Europe. However, the good news from the speakers was that they expect no serious financial consequences and remained bullish on Philippine and select global financial markets as these continue to present potential investment opportunities.
Ramon Melchor Tejero, Investment Product Head of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines Inc., said, “We believe that the recent decline in markets was caused by the sudden change in sentiment among investors related to inflation and rising interest rates.”
Aftab Ahmed, Citi Philippines Chief Executive Officer said, “This is Citi’s 116th year of serving the Philippines and we owe our continued leadership in the country’s banking sector, to the loyal support of our valued clients. Our wealth managers are committed to guiding our clients make sound investment decisions.”
“We are also enhancing our digital capabilities to make our services more accessible to everyone who banks with us. Our priority remains to be the best through the eyes of our clients. Our goal remains one of delivering a strong value proposition.”
Manoj Varma, Citibank Consumer Business Manager, shared Ahmed’s optimism “because of the opportunities and growth I see in the Philippines.” Varma said, “The Philippines remains as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The demographics are supportive of growth. The population is young, productive, and growing. The financial industry still sees a lot of opportunities.”
The Philippine economy remains robust with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.7% in 2017. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to 6.9% this year because of the government’s infrastructure spending and higher private sector consumption both supported by the recent tax reform law. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) revenues and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remittances are both expected to continue to grow steadily especially with the recent strengthening of the U.S. Dollar.
With the latest market forecasts, Tejero suggested that, overall, the current environment calls for staying diversified, riding the structural trends like Asian growth and the technology sector, positioning for higher interest rates, and coping with an eventual weaker U.S. Dollar.
Varma said Citigold is constantly innovating to serve clients better. “Citigold has and will continue to invest in digital and mobile capabilities that will allow our clients to manage all their investments in one place,” he said. “Citi has also partnered with the Wharton Business School to help train our people and make them even better in relationship management. The recent market leading product launches will continue and this is something that we are passionately pursuing for our clients.”
You can start your Citigold relationship today and get up to two roundtrip tickets to Japan plus up to PHP77,000 in cash credits. Visit www.citibank.com.ph for more details.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 16, 2018 | Awards and Competitions
The 40 gorgeous, fit and sexy finalists were presented to the media during the VIP Night at Maybank Performing Arts Theatre in Taguig City.
The Superbods Finalists
The Superbods male and female finalists are Jules Aquino, Angelo Cacciatore, Elcid Camacho, Tony De Oteyza, Denver Hernandez, Farzam Nazirian, Luiji Panoso, Sandro Roman, Tommy Tiangco, Anthony Wahl, Christine Balaguer, Faith Garcia, Weizel Gulfan, Maureen Montagne, Mariah Nilo, Queenie Rehman, Joanna Toledo, Amanda Villanueva, Kim Ross Williams, and Bella Ysmael.
The Superbods Female Finalists
Here’s a closer look at the 10 finalists for the Superbods Female category. Mouseover each pic to see each name and age:
The Superbods Male Finalists
Here’s a closer look at the 10 finalists for the Superbods Male category. Mouseover each pic to see each name and age:
The Superbods Ageless Finalists
The Superbods Ageless male and female finalists are Albert Adrales, Manny Apilado, Marc Dungo, Rob Geronimo, Grech Go, Johann Ludovica, Manu Reyes, Jerome Salvado, Ari Simangan, Jude Yap, Glenda Bayona, Elisse Camarillo, Anna Cope, Maricel Cruz, Mica Fuentes, Michelle Garcia, Lois Hunter, Angel Jones, Margaret Chua Lao, and Romela Nacar.
The Superbods Ageless Female Finalists
Here’s a closer look at the 10 finalists for the Superbods Ageless Female category. Mouseover each pic to see each name and age:
The Superbods Ageless Male Finalists
Here’s a closer look at the 10 finalists for the Superbods Ageless Male category, Mouseover each pic to see each name and age:
Gelli Victor and Raymond Gutierrez
Hosted by Raymond Gutierrez and Gelli Victor, the VIP Night Presentation featured the breathtaking finalist reveal, self-introductions, a hot runway presentation, the Superbods Ageless 2018 journey video that gave a behind-the-scene look at the search process, and the sensational mini fashion show presented by Zalora, with the fit and fab men and women finalists strutting their stuff and showing everyone what they’ve got!
Capping off the night was the announcement of the male and female Darling of the Press. The winners were chosen from a live poll conducted among the members of the media who were present at the event.
The winners were … Ari Simangan and Christine Balaguer. Awards were given by Brand Ambassadors Matteo Guidicelli, Gerald Anderson, and Ina Raymundo.
Activities to look forward to
The finalists will participate in an exciting lineup of activities throughout the summer.
- The Ultimate Challenge at the Inflatable Island in Subic will put the finalists’ mental and physical abilities to the test. Sam YG and Amanda Fernandez will host the event.
- The Superbods Weekend will include a Zalora fashion show on April 7 featuring the finalists.
- The fun Underpants Run in the morning of April 8 at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
- And the Electric Spinning Party in the afternoon at BGC Amphitheater.
Prizes for the winners
On April 12, 2018, the much-awaited Finals Night will be held at the Cove, Okada Manila. The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods 2018 will each receive P500,000 in cash. They will also each receive:
- an appliance showcase worth P250,000 from Indesit, Mabe, and Philips;
- an editorial campaign contract from Zalora; a training contract from Star Magic;
- a 1-year unlimited elite membership at Gold’s Gym;
- a May 2018 Mega Magazine supplement feature;
- P5,000 worth of Vansydical Sportswear; and
- a special prize from Cove.
Chevrolet Trax 2018
One lucky Superbods finalist will take home a brand-new Chevrolet Trax! The winner will be selected based on the transformation videos of each candidate’s journey towards becoming a Superbod.
Special awards will also be given:
- Superbod Beachbod
- Superbod of the Night (Best in Runway)
- Superbods Challenge winners
- People’s Choice
- Photogenic Award
- Best in Congeniality
Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 is made possible with the support of Cove Manila, the official venue partner of Century Tuna Superbods Ageless Finals Night.
Major sponsors are Indesit, Mabe and Philips Domestic Appliances.
Minor sponsors are Tanduay Distillers, Inc., Zalora, Chevrolet, Gold’s Gym and Star Magic.
Participating sponsors are Shakey’s, Quorn, Gardenia, Vansydical, Sir George Salon and Fudgy Bar 100-Calorie Pack.
For more details and updates on events, visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook: www.facebook.com/centurytuna.
Women today are empowered … they are more than just “Susie Homemakers” who spend all day cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her family.
Even fictional female superheroes like Wonder Woman and Darna would get tired from doing their jobs as superheroes and their jobs as ordinary humans. At the end of the day, they took a breather, too, from being super.
We’ve tried everything on our own but it is time to go to the salon and get pampered. Then before going home we might opt to avail of their formulated solution hair products for upkeep. For optimum results it is best to combine it with NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack to promote robust locks and scalp.
The four winners of Century Tuna Superbods 2018 will each receive:
Cove Manila will also select its Cove Manila Ambassadors who will receive one VIP package to Diplo’s concert on May 11 worth Php 200,000.
Ramon Melchor Tejero, Investment Product Head of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines Inc., said, “We believe that the recent decline in markets was caused by the sudden change in sentiment among investors related to inflation and rising interest rates.”
Aftab Ahmed, Citi Philippines Chief Executive Officer said, “This is Citi’s 116th year of serving the Philippines and we owe our continued leadership in the country’s banking sector, to the loyal support of our valued clients. Our wealth managers are committed to guiding our clients make sound investment decisions.” 
Manoj Varma, Citibank Consumer Business Manager, shared Ahmed’s optimism “because of the opportunities and growth I see in the Philippines.” Varma said, “The Philippines remains as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The demographics are supportive of growth. The population is young, productive, and growing. The financial industry still sees a lot of opportunities.”
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