by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 9, 2021 | Business
To rebuild public trust and attract hotel guests worried about hygiene, social distancing, and safety at the top of their concerns, Hotel Sogo pioneered anti-covid technologies based on research and benchmarking from best practices around the world.
The worldwide pandemic the country is continuously experiencing resulted in millions of lives lost and massive unemployment. The crisis has likewise destroyed the public’s trust whenever their health safety is at stake.
As quarantine policies restricting movements of the population were lifted, the majority of the people, as well as businesses, started to go back to a sense of normalcy, the people’s continuing distrust, affects various businesses, including the hospitality industry.
Contactless Features
no contact key
To regain the public’s trust, at the top of Hotel Sogo’s priority is reducing touch points and intensifying no-contact fixtures. Based on pre-pandemic research carried out by Hotel Sogo, data shows that guests had a minimum of 59 Touch Points (TPs) during a typical hotel stay. Due to new protocols that include contact-less fixtures, TPs have been reduced by 40.7% to achieve a reduction of 66.1% with more advanced technology centered on cellphone use.
At the onset of the pandemic on March 202, Sogo was the first hotel to use UVC (254nm) to fight Covid-19. Taking the cue from hospitals abroad, remote-controlled carts have been deployed for room disinfection. Compartments for utensils, key cards, and cash were also fitted with UVC LEDs but kept away from personnel since 254 nm UVCs, while great for killing viruses that may harm the skin and eyes.
Airconditioners with automatic UVC disinfection
UVC disinfection in all the rooms
Hotel Sogo also expanded UVC disinfection for its room air conditioning units. All room ACs are fitted with specially manufactured UVC LEDs. The UVC light attacks the DNA/DNR of micro-organisms through germicidal irradiation, killing bacteria and viruses and preventing their spread. As it is turned on with the aircon, room air is always sterilized each time it passes through the unit, ensuring the best possible room air quality for our guests.
FAR UVC disinfection was also extended at elevator lobbies. After extensive research, Sogo has acquired and tested the FAR UVC 222 nm lamps that effectively kill viruses while being harmless to humans. Just recently (2020 Q4) produced commercially, it is quite expensive and is sold by only a few manufacturers abroad. Sogo is the first hotel to install these revolutionary excimer lamps in all its elevator lobbies.
In its lobbies and hallways, ventilation ACR Air Change Rate is doubled. The ACR or the number of times the air is replaced for all general spaces is set at ≥ 4 per hour by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers). Sogo is doubling its current ACRs for intensified inflow of covid-free fresh air to accelerate indoor air replacement.
Automatic doors with temperature screening
Automatic thermal scan controlled entry doors were installed in most branches. Guests on their own, get scanned before entry, and if within the safe temperature limit, main doors will open automatically without the need for any contact.
Each branch has an Anti-Covid Team that regularly swabs high touch point surfaces that pass through ATP Fluorescence Detectors to verify microbial presence and effectivity of the new protocols. Anti-microbial coatings were applied on furnishings, fixtures, and touchpoints. Widely used in hospitals and mass transports in China, Hong Kong, and Japan, these Polymer coatings are formed after spraying millions of nano-capsules with contact killing and anti-adhesion features that last for weeks. It effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including H1N1 and Covid. Sogo applies these overall furnishings and touchpoints.
To further sanitize indoor air, Sogo installed air-purifying equipment having several levels of filters: Pre-filter, Activated Carbon, HEPA (H11), with built-in Cold Catalysts, Ion Generators and UVC lights that eliminate allergens and pollutants such as dust, pollen, odor, bacteria, viruses, and even reduces carbon dioxide levels.
K9 Covid Crew
Covid sniffer dogs are being utilized for regular covid screening of employees. Patterned after Dubai and Helsinki Airports where sniffer dogs screen passengers and report a > 94% accuracy rate with dogs detecting the virus days before symptoms even start. Sogo has tied up with a leading K9 company, to have specially-trained Covid sniffer dogs regularly screen its personnel for Covid.
To date, Hotel Sogo continues to invest and rely heavily on research-proven technologies that alter the spread of Covid-19 to assure the safety of its guests. The hotel also continues to accept frontliners and essential workers across all Hotel Sogo branches, and can also accommodate those who prefer a long-term stay for work purposes.
Hotel Sogo is also ramping up its effort in helping the country’s indigent communities through Sogo Cares, the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. Continuously, Sogo provides basic necessities, such as food and water to indigent communities. Recently, it donated food packs with linens and towels to some fire victims in Manila; essential needs such as bottled waters, linens, pillows, surgical masks, pillowcases, and mattresses to the Philippine General Hospital with the help of AFP and donated in different community-pantries in Bulacan and Quezon City.
For more information about Hotel Sogo, check out https://www.hotelsogo.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 8, 2021 | Awards and Competitions
2020 is a unique year for AYDA as the world was plunged into the COVID-19 pandemic. Our participants were challenged to create designs that address the needs of society and the end-user. Many participated in both Architecture and Interior Design and Paul John Jandoc of the University of Baguio and Margarita Therese “Maita” Hagad of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde bagged the Gold Award in Architecture and Interior Design respectively.
That was in February. Several months pass and in the meantime, our local judges mentored Paul and Maita to prepare them for the regional competition. In previous years our winners traveled to the host country and had the opportunity to interact with their fellow finalists and presented their designs to the judges in person.
Regional presentation and judging
Architecture category
On June 23, 2021, Paul John Jandoc and the 12 other finalists from the participating countries presented their designs to the judges. You can view his presentation in the video below along with the comments of the judges.
I had the opportunity to watch his presentation and he made me feel really proud! I felt that he represented the Philippines really well and his design proposal is buildable and provides a solution to our local needs.
Interior Design category
The following day, June 24, 2021, Maita Hagad, along with 9 other finalists from participating countries presented their designs to the Interior Design judges.
Even during the local competition, Maita’s confidence was apparent and it showed even as she presented her design to the international judges. You can watch her presentation and the comments of the judges below.
AYDA2020 Regional Awarding Ceremony
2018 was the first time that AYDA had an Honorary Mention Award with Prince Lu of UP Mindanao in the Architecture category. AYDA2020 had several honorary mentions in both categories. You can view the highlights of the Awarding Ceremony here:
The Philippines 🇵🇭 wins its first AYDA international award in Interior Design!
Congratulations, Maita! Best Sustainable Award
Maita’s design called Bagasse Mountain Resort earned her the Best Sustainable Design Award at the AYDA2020 Regional Award Ceremony. This is our first award in the competition in the Interior Design category. She received a trophy and a cash prize of US$1,000.
Congratulations, Maita! We are so proud of you!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 6, 2021 | Food & Beverage
Going out on solo trips, dates, or gimmicks may be rare because of community quarantine restrictions. But if there is a chance, why not indulge in some “me time” or spend time with friends over a delicious meal and private tour at Palacio de Memoria, the beautiful, fully restored pre-war mansion located right at the heart of Metro Manila? Now is the perfect time to visit as Palacio de Memoria is offering a special “Tour & Dine” promo.
Chef Margarita Fores
Through the promo, guests will get to enjoy a taste of appetizing Italian cuisine at The Loggia, the new restaurant by Asia’s Best Female Chef by Margarita Forés, after which you can enjoy a tour of The Palacio where you also get to appreciate the arts, religion, and rich history.
Camille Lhuillier-Albani
“While spending time at home has become the new normal for many, we encourage them to try our tour and food at The Loggia. They can dine al fresco and safely and immerse themselves in our rich culture with a private tour of the grounds,” said Camille Lhuillier-Albani, Palacio de Memoria general manager.
Promo packages start at ₱750 and include The Palacio tour, as well as refreshing iced tea and Tramezzini prosciutto with tomato and basil. There are also packages priced at ₱1,000, and ₱1,500 which includes additional dishes from The Loggia. If you’re going with family, friends, or out-of-towners, Palacio is also offering a package for a group of 10 people at ₱10,000.
Located along Roxas Boulevard in Parañaque City, Palacio de Memoria has stood the test of time. The picturesque mansion was restored by the Lhuillier family, who is committed to showcasing the Filipino culture, arts, and history.
The Museum at Palacio de Memoria
Visitors will also get a chance to capture Instagram-worthy moments in amenities such as the Red Room, the Front and Back Garden, and the Mosphil Lounge, a retrofitted plane for events.
If you’re looking for some respite from the pandemic, visit Palacio de Memoria and avail yourself of the “Tour & Dine” promo.
To help ensure the health and safety of everyone, Palacio de Memoria strictly implements safety protocols. For more information, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com or follow @thepalaciodememoria on Facebook and @palacio.de.memoria on Instagram.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 6, 2021 | Business
With the current safety precautions, many Filipinos take in their everyday lives, it’s no surprise that many looks for less direct ways to interact with sellers especially in a pharmacy space. Drugstores may be the best source to purchase all your health needs, but safety is also an aspect many consider before they step out of the comforts of their homes.
Because of this growth habit, GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, has now made over-the-counter Cash In and “Scan to Pay” options available at Southstar Drug, one of the largest drugstore chains in the Philippines with over 559 stores — offering customers convenient and safe payment options when they buy medicine, personal care, and other essential items amid the pandemic.
“With this strategic partnership with Southstar, which has so many branches across the Philippines, now in place, Filipinos have a more convenient and safer way to infuse funds to their GCash accounts,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash. “Making over-the-counter Cash In options available in all Southstar branches is proof that GCash is aggressively pursuing our commitment to make innovative financial services accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life, especially amid the pandemic.”
“Our customers rely on us now more than ever for their health and wellness needs; hence we continue to further innovate and offer services that will support access to these needs. This partnership with GCash will surely help us serve our customers with more ease and confidence. At a time when we need assurance, Southstar Drug will remain to be a partner for a healthy and safe lifestyle that Filipinos can trust,” said Christine Tueres, General Manager of Southstar Drug.
Southstar Drug carries a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, and a variety of food, personal care, and health and wellness items. The health retailer operates stand-alone dedicated pharmacies to stores inside supermarkets and pharmacies with self-service convenience sections.
Customers just need to go to any Southstar Drug outlet and simply inform the cashier that they would like to Cash-In to their GCash wallet. Then, they just need to launch the GCash app, then tap “Cash In” and choose “Southstar Drug.” Next, just tap on the “Generate Barcode” button and show the generated barcode to the cashier. The cashier will then process and confirm the transaction, collect a payment, and print the receipt. A text confirmation will be then sent to the customer’s mobile number upon successful Cash In.
GCash has also made payments via QR Codes available at Southstar. For customers who also wish to buy items using GCash QR Codes, they simply need to log in to their GCash account, choose “Scan to Pay” as the mode of payment, and click on “Pay QR,” then tap “Scan QR Code.” Alternatively, they can also simply tap on the QR button on the navigation bar found at the bottom of the homepage, align their phone’s camera over the cashier’s GCash QR code to scan it, input the amount in the payment screen, tap “Next” and choose whether to pay with GCash or GCredit. After selecting the payment option, an SMS confirmation message will be sent to the customer’s mobile number as the receipt and proof of purchase.
With the availability of the GCash Cash In and QR Code feature at participating Southstar Drug branches, customers can easily load funds in their GCash accounts or pay without the need to carry cash or a credit/ATM card to avail of cashless payment.
“This is the next level of safety, convenience, and security in cashless payments because, with the GCash Cash-In and QR Code, they don’t need to type in the numbers or share their mobile numbers with others. And it’s available to anyone with the GCash app – that’s real financial inclusion for all Filipinos across the country,” said GCash GM for Business Center and Financial Products Gina Salgado.
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.
About GCash
GCash is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. Through the GCash app, customers can easily buy load; pay bills at over 600 partner billers in the app; pay at more than 7,000 online partners; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines; pay using QR codes at over 130,000 partner merchants nationwide; save money while earning interest, and invest money at local and global funds — all through the convenience of their smartphones.
GCash is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly owned by Globe Telecom, Inc. GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 40 million Filipinos in the country today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 22, 2021 | Business
Leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. shared its 2020 contributions to the country’s sustainable development through initiatives that reduced carbons emissions, improved resource efficiency of operations, and uplift communities and business partners.
The company discussed accomplishments in these areas and commitments to further improve until 2030 in its first Integrated Annual Report that follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which sets standards for reporting sustainability performance.
Cara Ramirez, Holcim Philippines Vice President of Communications: “This Integrated Annual Report reflects our company’s commitment to transparency about our sustainability performance, and pledge to be a partner of progress beyond cement. Following the GRI standards helps us to go beyond reportorial requirements of corporate regulators to provide stakeholders a full view of our efforts to deliver business results and positively impact the environment and our communities.”
The company grouped its sustainability targets under four pillars: Climate and Energy, Circular Economy, Environment, and People and Communities. These are aligned with the sustainability priorities of global building solutions leader LafargeHolcim Group and support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Climate and Energy
Under Climate and Energy, Holcim Philippines disclosed that carbon emissions per ton of cement produced are at 608 kilograms in 2020, 22.15% lower versus 1990 levels. This was driven by investments in efficient production technology and a shift towards more blended cement products such as infrastructure cement Holcim Solido, general-purpose cement Holcim Excel and masonry cement Holcim Wallright. The company is looking to further reduce emissions aligned with the LafargeHolcim Group’s target of 475 kilograms CO2 per ton of cement by 2030.
Circular Economy
On Circular Economy, Holcim Philippines aims to significantly increase usage of alternative fuels such as qualified residual wastes through its co-processing technology, and alternative raw materials for its products to require less clinker.
In 2020, the company co-processed 70,680 kilograms of wastes through unit Geocycle to reduce the usage of traditional fuels. These also enable the company to help partners in the public and private sectors divert discarded materials away from landfills.
Environment
Under the Environment pillar, the company reported that it withdrew 290 liters of fresh water per ton of cement produced in 2020. Holcim Philippines aims to lower this further to 262 liters per ton of cement by 2030 through efficiency initiatives and utilization of rainwater.
People and Community
Finally, Holcim Philippines listed programs that uplift communities and partners under the People and Communities pillar.
Among the highlights was the 164,913 people assisted in 2020 through its Holcim HELPS corporate citizenship campaign, which focused on community health and sanitation projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.
With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental, and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.
Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO9001:2008 (Quality Management System), and OHSAS 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).
Holcim Philippines is a member of the Holcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 75,000 employees.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 17, 2021 | Finance Tips
We all have non-negotiable goals in life. These are goals you can’t compromise on, and they may range from tangibles like owning a car or house to non-tangibles like getting a quality education or enjoying a stress-free retirement. Whether big or small, these goals require a lot of work and commitment to achieve. To help you stay on track with your non-negotiable goals, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares some simple tips you can follow:
List down your non-negotiable goals and their target date.
To help you stay on track with your non-negotiable goals, it’s a good idea to write them down. It may seem deceptively simple, but experts have considered this to be very effective in achieving your ambitions. For each goal, be sure to add your reasoning, a game plan, and a timeline of when you want to accomplish them. This will help boost your motivation and help you stay focused. For example, if you’re planning to build a substantial amount for an emergency fund, know how much you want to set aside and for how long in order to reach your desired amount.
Don’t compare your progress to others.
Each person has his or her own unique journey. So when it comes to fulfilling your goals, avoid making comparisons because that might only discourage you, especially when you feel someone has accomplished more. Trust your own pace and strive to stay focused on how you can improve yourself. Also, take valuable lessons from other people’s life experiences, such as TED Talk speakers, and apply them to your own journey if possible.
Follow through.
The highest level of integrity is achieved when you follow through with what you say you’re going to do. This is how successful people attract big opportunities — people trust that they’ll keep their word. But as you follow through on your promise to others, you must also stay true to the commitments you made to yourself. If you’re constantly putting off all your life goals, you’ll never bring them to fruition. Stick to what you say you’re going to do — pursue your goals, dreams, and ideas!
Prioritize well.
Too often, we are quick to abandon our goals and responsibilities to tend to other people’s needs. But remember, your dreams and goals are your own and no one can accomplish them but you. This means setting boundaries and knowing when to say yes and when to say no so you’re not constantly allowing others to lose sight of your own priorities. It’s good to help others, but be sure to put yourself first!
Monitor your progress.
When it comes to monitoring your goals, planning and organizing your time is key. Have a notebook or a planner ready to list down your specific goals and be sure to tick off everything you have achieved so far. Tracking what you have accomplished is a big part of keeping your confidence and motivation high. Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments, too!
AXA Philippines continues to be your partner in helping you stay focused with the Target Date Fund, a Philippine peso-denominated fund that helps manage and grow your investment so you can achieve your long-term goals. With AXA’s expertise in fund management, you’re assured that your funds are taken care of amid changing market conditions.
Customers also have the flexibility to choose the date of their desired investment goal completion (2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045). They can also opt to remain invested in the fund even after reaching their target date as the fund can still provide the capital growth given its remaining allocation growth assets.
Achieve your non-negotiable goals by trying out these tips and with the help of AXA’s Target Date Fund. To know more, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/savings-investment/asset-master.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 15, 2021 | Entertainment
There is a new player in the Philippine music industry called Alibatta. Alibatta is an NFT independent label that takes its name from the word alibata, another word for baybayin, a traditional writing system in the Philippines.
What is NFT?
NFT is an acronym for non-fungible tokens. Fungibility is the ability of a good or asset to be readily interchanged for another of like kind. Like goods and assets that are not interchangeable, such as owned cars and houses, are non-fungible.
NFT is currently a trend amongst creatives, collectors, superfans as it gives the artists the ability to mark a virtual form of art proof-of-ownership.
When music meets technology
Alibatta brings together the creative and technological expertise of three very talented musicians cum tech executives Geoff Mabasa, Adrienne Cajayon, and Charles Gener.
Geoff Mabasa, the President and CEO of Alibatta, brings to the table his marketing experience with Grab, Tiktok, and cryptocurrency exchange platform, Binance. He expressed their desire to “bring local Filipino talent to a global audience by focusing on delivering fresh, danceable, and uplifting Filipino music influenced by western pop music.”
Alibatta leverages innovative tools to distribute music, empowering more musicians to embrace tech and have more ownership and means to monetize the content they produce.
He adds, “Alibatta is a first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It is the only music label pushing NFT-releases for its talents. Our vision is to make sure music is adaptive to both the needs of the artist and their fans who are the foundation of the industry.”
Alibatta pegs itself as an entertainment technology company. It operates as a music label, providing traditional label services like artist management, music production, and marketing. At the same time, it modernizes the way that music reaches people with blockchain technology and immersive experience.
Musicians first
All three founders are graduates of Music Production from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. As musicians themselves, they are familiar with the difficulties encountered by musicians, particularly in terms of marketing, distribution, and profit.
Adrienne Cajayon, Geoff Mabasa, and Charles Gener
“We know how cutthroat the industry is, so we need to utilize new forms of technology to (somehow) level the playing field,” mentioned Adrienne Cajayon, Chief Operating Officer and Compliance Head.
Before focusing on tech, Chief Innovation Officer Charles Gener was a session drummer for local acts Jensen Gomez, Arthur Nery, and Klarisse De Guzman. “Our backgrounds and interests provide the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate and pioneer this space and make history as the label that produced the first NFT-minted record in the Philippines.”
Ali Young joins Alibatta
Philippine artist, Ali Young, signs on with Alibatta as its first artist with its first NFT-minted single to be released on June 25. She made a name for herself by making song covers of artists such as Taylor Swift and Yeng Constantino on YouTube and Soundcloud and amassing millions of views.
Young says, “I’m still overwhelmed and super proud that I signed with Alibatta, I trust in the direction the label is taking, and I think that NFT is the future not just for music, but for other forms of art, too.”
The first of its kind locally
The new normal has forced everyone to find ways to innovate and create experiences that would deliver a sensory experience that social distancing has deprived us of. A virtual reality (VR) concert is in the works. Everyone who purchases a ticket to the event will receive VR goggles as part of the ticket price. This will give them the immersive experience promised.
On June 25, 2021, Alibatta will launch Ali Young’s debut single Craving on major streaming platforms. At the same time, a Record Stor Day limited NFT version will be released through Binance.
“Ali Young is poised to make history as the first Filipino singer with an NFT out, and we are happy to set that trend both locally and internationally. This effort provides an empowering message to our fellow musicians: that music and art can be lucrative not just for the labels, but for the entire creator ecosystem,” says Mabasa.
Stay tuned for more details soon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 11, 2021 | Car care tips
Amid the ‘new normal,’ most car owners use their vehicles less frequently. Except for frontline workers, the public is encouraged to go out only when necessary to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Despite this, Prestone, a proven and trusted quality brand of Auto Care fluids since 1927, reminds motorists to religiously check their vehicles and go for annual preventive maintenance to avoid the hassle of a car breakdown when they return on the road.
According to Prestone Philippines, car owners need to focus on two frequently overlooked fluids—the Automatic Transmission and Power Steering Fluids.
Shifting With Ease
The Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an essential fluid that lubricates the bearings and metal parts inside a car’s automatic gearbox. It also keeps them from grinding down as they move.
Car owners need to regularly maintain their vehicle’s ATF since it not only lubricates the moving parts but also provides hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts work. Transmission fluid in both manual and automatic transmissions also helps to keep the transmission cool. Since most cars today use AT transmissions, keeping tabs on them is vital since it is more expensive to repair than manual transmission cars.
Additionally, Prestone said that using auto transmission fluids provide the necessary power for the demands of the city or highway. Prestone’s Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) helps delay and, at its best, eliminate the need for costly repairs with cracked and dry seals conditioning and its stop leak technology. In addition, its high and low-temperature friction characteristics provide smooth shifting under extreme conditions, meeting the needs of various cars.
Turning With Ease
Meanwhile, Power Steering Fluid (PSF) is a kind of hydraulic fluid transferring power in modern vehicles with power steering. As a vital part of your steering system, power steering fluid allows drivers to turn the steering wheel smoothly. The use of PSF varies depending on the car with some requiring ATF to come along with it.
Unfortunately, topping up PSF is typically not included in regular maintenance but it still needs to be maintained to prevent grit and sludge from accumulating and further getting into the car’s pinion seals and rack, consequently destroying it. Prestone highly recommends that car owners periodically change their car’s PSF, using high-quality fluids and consulting expert mechanics to maintain it.
The Prestone Power Steering Fluid protects pumps against pump breakdown caused by wear, oxidation, and foaming through its stop leak technology. As a result, it lessens pump squealing and aid in smooth power steering operation. It also pours at sub-zero temperatures to help assure cold weather steering performance.
As a final reminder, car owners must stay cautious against counterfeit products sold in the market today, especially Brake Fluid. Using fake products can cause malfunctions or permanently damage various parts of your vehicle, leading to a car breakdown, accidents, or engine replacement.
Watch out for sellers offering products that come from unknown sources and with suspicious prices and discounts. To know its authenticity, check the product’s details, look for imperfections, and ensure it has a PS mark or ICC stickers issued by the Philippine Bureau of Product Standards.
To know more about Prestone Philippines, visit their website at https://www.prestone.com.ph/ and follow their Facebook page, Prestone Philippines. You can also buy authentic Prestone products on their Lazada page, The Clorox Company Flagship Store.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 2, 2021 | Business
Are you excited to visit your favorite hotel restaurant again? Which food station will you be making a beeline for? Which favorite dish will you be asking for first? Well, we have good news for you!
The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang has once again opened its doors to valued clients. The hotel has been responding to queries about the outlet’s reopening. After reviewing the guidelines, as well as heightening health and hygiene protocols, the decision to open Café Ilang-Ilang is an answer to persistent inquiries from its loyal guests and those who have yet to experience it.
Cafe Ilang Ilang’s Atrium with dining dividers
The food stations will once again be teeming with exciting dishes, and the aroma of your favorites will surely call out to you as you approach them. As the world-class chefs are busy behind glass enclosures, diners can go around the restaurant in their face masks and face shields to check various food stations. Because of existing guidelines for dining establishments, Café Ilang-Ilang has implemented the Order & Eat-All-You-Can System, where guests can point to what they want from the spread, and it will be plated for them.
Café Ilang-Ilang serves international selections from Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Korean to everything in between; even Halal. You can get your grilled meats at the popular Churrasco station or the beloved Lechon at the Filipino station. You will surely be spoiled in this gourmand’s haven. See if you can resist the selection of desserts, or the local fave and Halo-Halo — the perfect treat to beat the heat!
A gastronomic feast also awaits guests with an amazing gift voucher deal, giving you more reasons to come and visit us. For just P3,000 net (lunch) and P3,500 net (dinner), diners can indulge in our vast array of culinary creations. These non-expiring dining vouchers for two are available for purchase until June 20, 2021. They can be redeemed anytime at Café Ilang-Ilang but prior reservation is recommended.
Café Ilang-Ilang still implements physical distancing and reduced capacity measures that are compliant with the IATF and DOT guidelines for restaurants, so you can be sure that #YouAreSafeHere when you come and visit.
The outlet opens for lunch at 11:30 am, and dinner at 5:30 pm with the last call for orders at 8 pm. For more information and reservations, please call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912 or email re************@************el.com. You may also book via https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/dining/cafe-ilang-ilang/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 31, 2021 | Business
In a time of great difficulty and challenges not just for the education sector but for the whole country, many schools and educators rose to the task to continue providing holistic and enriching learning for students throughout the country. It’s time for these heroic efforts to take the spotlight and be acknowledged.
The Gawad Edukampyon Awards 2021 was created for this very purpose: to celebrate innovations and excellence by higher education institutions (HEIs) during the most challenging time in recent history, and bring together educators and institutions to create, refine, and implement innovative programs suited to create better and sustainable learning in the 21st century’s new normal of education.
Launched on January 30, 2021, by Rex Education and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Gawad Edukampyon Awards 2021 is driven by CHED’s #WeLearnAsOne Bayanihan efforts and Rex Education’s Edukampyon advocacy.
“I encourage all HEIs to join the Gawad Edukampyon and showcase your innovations. It is during these challenging times that we must empower and inspire each other, draw strength and learn from one another,” said CHED Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” De Vera.
Flexible learning is here to stay
Rex Education has always rallied behind the Edukampyon advocacy, which calls for the whole community’s involvement and all education duty-bearers to ensure all students are Filipino Whole Learners — healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, challenged, and values-oriented inside and outside their learning environments. This has become especially important and relevant given the context and changes in education in the new normal, where flexible learning has become a more viable modality for the years to come.
CHED Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” De Vera
“[There is] no going back to the traditional, full-packed, face-to-face classrooms. The Commission has adopted a policy that flexible learning will continue in the school year 2021 and thereafter,” said De Vera. This statement comes after the release of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 04, series 2020, “Guidelines on the Implementation of Flexible Learning,” which also presents flexible learning as a sustainable system that should be part of every school’s Learning Continuity Plan (LCP).
Given the new investments of many HEIs in technology, teacher training, and retrofitting of facilities to adapt with flexible learning, and with this modality already long-adapted by many universities across the globe, it only makes sense for institutions to embrace the new landscape that flexible learning brings.
This adaptability and learner-centered approach to education has always been at the core of Edukampyon, which — through the many studies and real-world applications it draws from — argues that learning should not just be delivered from the classroom curriculum, but from the whole community and through every possible learning moment.
“The Edukampyon agenda lobbies that as members of the community, everyone is part of this learner-centered solution, and are thus duty bearers morally obliged to support initiatives that will benefit our learners. We acknowledge that the efforts to realize the vision of Edukampyon are continuously growing. We may be at the very first steps of this years-long movement. But taking the first step is always the most crucial moment in every revolution. With the help of every HEI and of everyone, we hope that this first step leads to a march where we create more programs and campaigns that would allow us to be champions for the Whole Filipino Learner. And we hope Gawad Edukampyon Awards 2021 will lead that way,” said Don Timothy Buhain, CEO of Rex Education.
Award categories and prizes
There are four categories under the Gawad Edukampyon Awards. Each category will be awarded to the school that has implemented a project or initiative that best exemplifies excellence in the particular field and has been demonstrated during the pandemic.
The Gawad Edukampyon for Excellence in Flexible and Responsive Management
An award to be given to HEIs who created policies or specific projects and practices that ensured the continuity of education, as well as the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and school community during times of disruption. This includes efforts that set a clear framework and system for the transition and integration of flexible learning approaches, excellent and strategic leadership and management, and innovative management approaches that provided tangible support to the staff and students’ well-being especially during the pandemic.
The Gawad Edukampyon for Excellence in Flexible Teaching and Learning Innovation
An award to be given to HEIs with exemplary innovative and adaptive learning approaches and solutions, including innovative platforms, tools, pedagogies, and appropriate learning assessments; efforts to promote learner-centered teaching; technology-enhanced or arts-based learning; setting up mobile open online courses (MOOCs), or creating significant reforms in the curriculum to accommodate the changes in the delivery of learning.
The Gawad Edukampyon for Responsive Research and Development
An award to be given to HEIs with outstanding research and development of products that significantly contributed to the community through research and materials dissemination to other LGUs or other HEIs, as well as researches that have been used as an input to public policy or adopted into a local community project, and case assessments or action-research that can improve the government’s COVID-19 response.
The Gawad Edukampyon for Public Service and Community Engagement
An award to be given to HEIs with outstanding outreach projects that alleviated challenges experienced by their community because of COVID-19. This includes those that have increased community resilience or improved response to the pandemic and communication campaigns that have engaged the community or resulted in transformative decision-making.
Two winners will be awarded for each category — one from the public sector and another from the private sector. Each award category winner will receive a cash prize and an educational resources package worth P200,000. The narratives of all winners will be featured in the Rex Education-led publication, Padayon.
How to join
All HEIs who wish to participate in the Gawad Edukampyon Awards can now submit their letter of intent (LOI) signed by the HEI head or authorized representative to ed*******************@***il.com with the subject heading “The Screening Committee, Gawad Edukampyon 2021”. The deadline for submission of LOI is on June 4, 2021.
For the full mechanics on how to join and access the forms, application information, and other updates, you may visit Gawad Edukampyon on Facebook and head to the link bit.ly/GawadEdukampyon, or contact the Gawad Edukampyon secretariat at ed*******************@***il.com or 0956-812-3896.
“With this strategic partnership with Southstar, which has so many branches across the Philippines, now in place, Filipinos have a more convenient and safer way to infuse funds to their GCash accounts,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash. “Making over-the-counter Cash In options available in all Southstar branches is proof that GCash is aggressively pursuing our commitment to make innovative financial services accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life, especially amid the pandemic.”
Southstar Drug carries a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, and a variety of food, personal care, and health and wellness items. The health retailer operates stand-alone dedicated pharmacies to stores inside supermarkets and pharmacies with self-service convenience sections.
GCash is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. Through the GCash app, customers can easily buy load; pay bills at over 600 partner billers in the app; pay at more than 7,000 online partners; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines; pay using QR codes at over 130,000 partner merchants nationwide; save money while earning interest, and invest money at local and global funds — all through the convenience of their smartphones.
Under Climate and Energy, Holcim Philippines disclosed that carbon emissions per ton of cement produced are at 608 kilograms in 2020, 22.15% lower versus 1990 levels. This was driven by investments in efficient production technology and a shift towards more blended cement products such as infrastructure cement Holcim Solido, general-purpose cement Holcim Excel and masonry cement Holcim Wallright. The company is looking to further reduce emissions aligned with the LafargeHolcim Group’s target of 475 kilograms CO2 per ton of cement by 2030.
On Circular Economy, Holcim Philippines aims to significantly increase usage of alternative fuels such as qualified residual wastes through its co-processing technology, and alternative raw materials for its products to require less clinker.
Under the Environment pillar, the company reported that it withdrew 290 liters of fresh water per ton of cement produced in 2020. Holcim Philippines aims to lower this further to 262 liters per ton of cement by 2030 through efficiency initiatives and utilization of rainwater.
Finally, Holcim Philippines listed programs that uplift communities and partners under the People and Communities pillar.
Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.
To help you stay on track with your non-negotiable goals, it’s a good idea to write them down. It may seem deceptively simple, but experts have considered this to be very effective in achieving your ambitions. For each goal, be sure to add your reasoning, a game plan, and a timeline of when you want to accomplish them. This will help boost your motivation and help you stay focused. For example, if you’re planning to build a substantial amount for an emergency fund, know how much you want to set aside and for how long in order to reach your desired amount.
Each person has his or her own unique journey. So when it comes to fulfilling your goals, avoid making comparisons because that might only discourage you, especially when you feel someone has accomplished more. Trust your own pace and strive to stay focused on how you can improve yourself. Also, take valuable lessons from other people’s life experiences, such as TED Talk speakers, and apply them to your own journey if possible.
The highest level of integrity is achieved when you follow through with what you say you’re going to do. This is how successful people attract big opportunities — people trust that they’ll keep their word. But as you follow through on your promise to others, you must also stay true to the commitments you made to yourself. If you’re constantly putting off all your life goals, you’ll never bring them to fruition. Stick to what you say you’re going to do — pursue your goals, dreams, and ideas!
Too often, we are quick to abandon our goals and responsibilities to tend to other people’s needs. But remember, your dreams and goals are your own and no one can accomplish them but you. This means setting boundaries and knowing when to say yes and when to say no so you’re not constantly allowing others to lose sight of your own priorities. It’s good to help others, but be sure to put yourself first!
AXA Philippines continues to be your partner in helping you stay focused with the Target Date Fund, a Philippine peso-denominated fund that helps manage and grow your investment so you can achieve your long-term goals. With AXA’s expertise in fund management, you’re assured that your funds are taken care of amid changing market conditions.
Alibatta brings together the creative and technological expertise of three very talented musicians cum tech executives Geoff Mabasa, Adrienne Cajayon, and Charles Gener. 
The Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an essential fluid that lubricates the bearings and metal parts inside a car’s automatic gearbox. It also keeps them from grinding down as they move.
Meanwhile, Power Steering Fluid (PSF) is a kind of hydraulic fluid transferring power in modern vehicles with power steering. As a vital part of your steering system, power steering fluid allows drivers to turn the steering wheel smoothly. The use of PSF varies depending on the car with some requiring ATF to come along with it.
Launched on January 30, 2021, by 
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