by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 25, 2022 | Book Reviews
If you are a woman or a gay man and you have hot blood running through your veins then you have probably fantasized about any or all of the men from Magic Mike, Thunder from Down Under, or, for the old school … Chippendales! So imagine if you could go home with one, two, three, or even four such gorgeous men?
The story starts with Emma being dumped by her fiance at her bachelorette party. What a jerk, right? One moment she is watching these super hot twin male strippers performing and next, she receives a breakup text. Hmph! When I read that I wanted to swing a machete and cut off his balls and make him a eunuch.
Thank God Emma had four knights in shining armor: The sexy bartender Tonio, the dazzling twins Austin and Denver, and the broody bouncer Knox. They not only gave her a place to stay when she found herself homeless, but they also took care of her.
The pacing of this relationship is just right. Knowing it is a reverse harem story meant that I could anticipate at some point that she would have encounters with each one or they would all get together. However, there was enough substance in this story that by the time it got to that point, it just felt right.
I imagined myself in her shoes and could only imagine how pampered I would be if I had four men who loved me the way these men love Emma.
If you are into reverse harems, I’d recommend this book, for sure. While some of the things they did I can’t imagine doing in real life, it is fun to fantasize about it.
Grab your copy of Snow Balled by Stephanie Brother on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099QYGXLJ
Is there more to this story? Of course! Stephanie Brother loves to give us bonus chapters. Check out what more happens here.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 24, 2022 | Female Empowerment
Manila, Philippines — 1 out of 4 or 25% of Filipinos, aged 15-49, is revealed to have experienced some form of violence during the ongoing health crisis. This includes verbal abuse, which has become a hidden battle faced by most women regularly.
Verbal abuse can often be confusing not just for the survivors but also for the abusers because it manifests differently — gaslighting, judging, blaming, name-calling, condescension, and verbal threats, among others.
According to the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), verbal abuse often contributes to psychological abuse experienced by women and can be penalized as a violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
“Violence in the homes is not ‘away pamilya’ and is everybody’s concern,” says GWAVE Executive Director, Sheema Bajana-Samson. “People should be vigilant and watch out for signs of abuse through what is heard verbally and body language as well.”
GWAVE is one of many non-government organizations and independent agencies that helps rescue survivors by offering legal assistance and rehabilitation.
“We have survivors also accompany their fellow survivors in hearings, and they do home visitations to other survivors as a form of moral support towards each other,” continues Bajana-Samson. “We’re happy to share that we now have many survivors who are emotionally and psychologically ready to become advocates themselves.”
In celebration of International Women’s Month, and the advocacy to build a better world for women, Avon sounds the call to #SpeakOut, take a stand and be more self-aware to help others fight verbal and other forms of abuse.
Based on a global study of more than eight thousand women in eight countries, including the Philippines, found that one in five women are consistently subjected to verbal abuse by an intimate partner. Nearly two in five respondents aged 25-34 are experiencing potential signs of verbal abuse within their relationship – the highest amongst the age groups.
Avon Philippines PR and Communications Head, Marion Limlengco wants to encourage more Filipinos to join dialogues and be more aware of this silent battle that has been affecting more women than actually perceived. “Filipinas are very resilient women, but it turns out, there are some of us who are going through such invisible battles and we don’t even know it. That is why we are tapping a platform where we can freely discuss this issue with no holds barred while still centering on positivity and freedom of expression.”
Avid podcast listeners can also look forward to collaborations with popular podcasts such as:
- Adulting with Joyce Pring, (March 25 via Spotify)
- Camp Confidence Radio Podcast with Ayn Bernos and Rizza Lana-Sebastian, (March 30 via Spotify and YouTube)
- The Eve’s Drop Podcast feat. Delamar Arias, Monica Francesca Tobias, and Gelli Victor with special guest, Ms. Universe 2015 and Avon Intimate Apparel ambassador, Pia Wurtzbach (March 30 via Spotify)
Everyone is also invited to catch Avon’s collaboration with the livestreaming app, Kumu, where viewers can enjoy talks, performances, and fun challenges — all to foster awareness of verbal abuse and raise funds on behalf of Avon’s partner organizations that help abuse survivors. Here’s the full lineup:
- #SpeakOut Dialogues with Women (March 25 via @kumunityheroes)
- #Speakout Kumunity Challenge (March 28 to April 3)
- #SpeakOut Fundraising Livestream (March 30)
- #SpeakOut Dialogues For All (April 4 via @kumunityheroes)
People are also encouraged to support the cause through our fundraising items like the #SpeakOut Avon True Color Lipstick, Women Empowerment Umbrella, Evita Watch (in cream and old rose), and Self-love Accessory set available on avonshop.ph where part of the proceeds will be donated to partner organizations including Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Ing Makababaying Aksyon (IMA) Foundation, and Luna Legal Resources Center for Women and Children.
“Through these fundraising efforts, we hope to spark courage and reinforce a sense of community so that no one could feel alone or neglected in their individual battles. It’s time we shed light on this invisible crisis and we can effectively do that only if and when we #SpeakOut,” concludes Limlengco.
It’s time to redefine a culture where everyone becomes more accountable for the words being said so that no form of abuse — verbal or otherwise — will be tolerated nor pushed against others.
Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on the scheduled dates of all podcasts and Kumu livestreams and join the dialogues against Verbal Abuse. Shop for your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.
About Avon
Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter, and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation, we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group. Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.
Follow Avon on their social media accounts:
- https://www.avon.ph/ph-home
- https://www.facebook.com/AvonPhilippines/
- http://instagram.com/avonph
- http://www.youtube.com/avonphilippines
- https://twitter.com/avonph
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 23, 2022 | Business
Retail clients of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) can now send money from their Peso or US Dollar account to a foreign bank account via BPI Online and BPI Mobile app with BPI Outward Remittance. The product was recently launched to complement bank transfers done in person, giving clients more convenient options to send money to family and friends abroad.
With BPI Outward Remittance, the Bank will enable more clients to fulfill international wire transfers in just a few taps for needs such as educational expenses, medical expenses, foreign travel funds, subscriptions, and insurance payments.
“We at BPI continue to innovate and reinvent our products and services to make everyday banking more convenient for our customers. With the BPI Outward Remittance being available in our digital channels, our customers will be able to enjoy fast and convenient international fund transfers anywhere, anytime,” said Reggie Cariaso, BPI Head of Corporate Banking Strategy, Products, and Support.
BPI Outward Remittance ensures secure fund transfers of up to $10,000 with SWIFT global payment innovations (SWIFT GPI), an advanced payment method using modern digital tools for traceable and swifter cross-border payments. Clients will simply need to fill in their sending details, receiving bank details, and beneficiary details via BPI Online or BPI Mobile app.
The product offers affordable overall charges and competitive foreign exchange rates in multiple currencies including USD, AUD, GBP, EUR, SGD, HKD, and CAD. It also provides a fast and reliable turnaround time of one to three banking days for transactions with no discrepancies.
For more information about BPI Outward Remittance, visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/bank/services/send-money-abroad.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 23, 2022 | Safety tips
Damage caused by fire is insurmountable. It affects the lives and livelihood of many Filipinos, regardless of their economic status in life. Unfortunately, our kababayans in the marginalized sector can experience bigger risks and more profound impacts.
We are dedicated to promoting financial inclusion, ensuring that ordinary Filipinos can access affordable protection and security as part of their financial plans. It’s essential for them to have access to basic security measures that can help mitigate the impact of potential disasters.
CEO & President, Cebuana Lhuillier
In the first two months of 2022, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that fire incidents increased by nearly 13% compared to the same period in the previous year. Furthermore, data from 2020 indicated that the main causes of fire accidents were open flames from torches, unattended cooking, and faulty electrical connections.
Like other threats and risks associated with unfortunate events, such as natural disasters and fire-related negligence, thousands of lives and properties worth millions—if not billions—are lost each year. This highlights the urgent need for financial tools to mitigate the financial impacts of such incidents.
As the country observes the annual Fire Prevention Month, here are some tips from the BFP to make sure that your house is safe from fire:
Unplug appliances when they are not in use.
Unplugging devices when they’re not in use helps reduce electricity consumption and lowers the risk of fire hazards. Excessive electricity flowing through appliances like televisions, computers, and others, or the potential for power surges, can indeed lead to fires.
Always remember to unplug your appliances before leaving the house.
Never leave flames or heated appliances unattended.
Always be cautious with any open flames, such as candles or while cooking. Keep a watchful eye and be prepared to react if something goes wrong. It’s a good idea to install smoke alarms and have fire extinguishers readily available nearby.
Keep flammable items away from things that can be a source of fire.
Proper storage of various items and supplies can help prevent fire incidents. Ensuring that flammable items are stored correctly and kept away from heat sources can save you from potential accidents.
Having too many items stacked in an area can allow a fire to spread more quickly. By decluttering certain spaces in your home, you can reduce the risk of fire spreading, minimize potential losses, and help protect your home in the event of a fire.
Regularly inspect your electrical wiring.
Be vigilant about any visible faulty wiring. This can damage your appliances and potentially lead to a fire.
Always remember that prevention is better than cure. Knowing these fire prevention tips can save you and others from a devastating event.
This Fire Prevention Month, it’s essential to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. In addition to being prepared for fire incidents, it’s crucial that everyday Filipinos have a safety net in place. This is the primary mission of our microinsurance product, ProtectMax. This product offers comprehensive coverage at a more affordable price.
First Vice President and Group Head, Cebuana Lhuillier
To reduce the risk of fire and other natural disasters, Cebuana Lhuillier offers ProtectMAX, an affordable microinsurance product designed for individuals aged 7 to 70 years.
This policy includes benefits such as a Death Benefit, Accident or Sickness Emergency Cash Assistance, Accidental Dismemberment or Disablement coverage, protection against Murder and Unprovoked Assault, and cash assistance for Residential Fire Reconstruction.
For as low as P50, you can obtain coverage valued at up to P61,000. Each certificate is valid for four months from the date of issuance, and an individual can purchase a maximum of five certificates per year.
To learn more about Cebuana Lhuillier ProtectMAX, visit the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch or log on to www.cebuanalhuillier.com. Avail of ProtectMAX now at nearly 3,000 Cebuana Lhuillier branches nationwide.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 19, 2022 | Lifestyle Tips
By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may be facing water shortages. According to World Wildlife Fund Inc., this may get worse considering the current consumption rate worldwide. On World Water Day, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—is urging the public to participate in water conservation efforts to reduce any unnecessary water usage.
Frederick Ong: President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.
“Water is a fundamental right. This is the reason we strictly manage our water consumption and water waste. We need to integrate water conservation methods to improve global water security. We encourage the public to use water responsibly as this is a shared responsibility that we need to take seriously,” said PCPPI president and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frederick D. Ong.
Last year, PCPPI reported a six percent reduction in its 2020 water usage. The company saved around 369,000 cubic meters of water which is equal to more than 147 Olympic-sized swimming pools. From 2019 to 2021, the company has reduced its water use by 11.5%.
To bolster its water stewardship initiatives, PCPPI monitors its water consumption in its operations and has devised ways to improve its water recycling to minimize wastage. It also continues to strengthen its host communities’ involvement by partnering with local government units for its adopt-a-river program.
Everybody can join this water conservation movement, even while at home. Here are some tips on how you can efficiently use water and save money on water bills, too.
Prep your food wisely
Practice rinsing your fruits and vegetables in a basin of water instead of under running water. Do this and save up to 10 to 15 gallons of water every year.
Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator overnight. This is better than placing it under a flowing tap. When boiling vegetables, make sure to use only enough water. This allows you to still get adequate nutrients from them. Use your rice wash to water the plants.
Run full loads of laundry
If you want to wash your laundry with ease, soak your dirty clothes in water for at least 20 minutes to remove the stains. It is also advisable to run a full load of laundry to maximize the water used—it’s energy-efficient, too. You may then recycle the laundry water and use it to clean your garage, pathways, bathroom floors, or your pet’s cage.
Check for leaks
Regularly check for pipe leaks. If you see signs of molds or foul smells, it’s best to ask for help from an experienced plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Leaks occur in toilets, too. Try adding a small drop of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait for a few minutes to test for leaks. If the water in the bowl changes its color even without flushing, then it’s leaking. Getting rid of leaks could save a household 10,000 gallons of water per year.
Shower and brush your teeth responsibly
When washing with soap or shampoo, turn off the faucet to prevent water waste. You can also work on reducing your shower time by finishing your bath routine quickly. If possible, use a bucket and a dipper or get a water-saving showerhead.
It is wise to brush your teeth and rinse using a cup of water. Running the tap while toothbrushing uses up as much as six liters of water every time.
Save water when cleaning outdoors
Use a pail of water and a broom rather than a hose to get rid of stubborn dirt on your sidewalk, driveway, or parking lot. To add, use recycled laundry water. It has the same cleaning effect for outdoor dirty areas as with clean tap water.
Turn off faucets
Need we say more? Turn off all your faucets at home when not in use.
There are still so many ways to conserve water and to ensure global water security. The world is changing and it is only fitting that we change our ways, too, because this fact remains: Water is life.
About Pepsi Philippines
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages & snacks in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 70 years. PCPPI is a listed company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: PIP) with Lotte Corporation which is a holding company of Lotte Chilsung Beverage, one of the biggest beverage companies in South Korea as the lead shareholder co-managing with PepsiCo.
PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known food and beverage brands: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Sips, Milkis, Let’s Be, and Aquafina. It has established 14 manufacturing facilities across the country, serving more than 700,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network.
PCPPI is committed to creating a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.
Avid podcast listeners can also look forward to collaborations with popular podcasts such as:
People are also encouraged to support the cause through our fundraising items like the 
BPI Outward Remittance ensures secure fund transfers of up to $10,000 with SWIFT global payment innovations (SWIFT GPI), an advanced payment method using modern digital tools for traceable and swifter cross-border payments. Clients will simply need to fill in their sending details, receiving bank details, and beneficiary details via BPI Online or BPI Mobile app.
Practice rinsing your fruits and vegetables in a basin of water instead of under running water. Do this and save up to 10 to 15 gallons of water every year.
Use a pail of water and a broom rather than a hose to get rid of stubborn dirt on your sidewalk, driveway, or parking lot. To add, use recycled laundry water. It has the same cleaning effect for outdoor dirty areas as with clean tap water.
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages & snacks in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 70 years. PCPPI is a listed company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: PIP) with Lotte Corporation which is a holding company of Lotte Chilsung Beverage, one of the biggest beverage companies in South Korea as the lead shareholder co-managing with PepsiCo.
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