by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 28, 2021 | Art and Science
Encounters with family and friends, peppered with lovely conversations about everything and nothing, are some of the things we sorely miss in our isolation due to the pandemic. Now that restrictions are beginning to loosen up, and everyone is in the mood to catch up and be in the company of good friends, it would be nice to go back to the old rituals of casual get-togethers where engaging conversations can last up to the wee hours of the night.
Evocative paintings, rare furniture, and art pieces at Casa de Memoria’s Tercero auction make great conversation starters
There is no reason to run out of things to talk about, especially if your home is decorated with art pieces that are sure to catch the eye of raconteurs and amateur critics. At Casa de Memoria’s Tercero auction, ongoing until July 31, bidders can look forward to an amazing selection of paintings, iconic furniture, and art pieces that can serve as conversation starters to get everyone in a jovial mood.
The Lhuillier-managed auction house has once again outdone itself in putting together an exquisite showcase of decorative vintage items that can spark riveting stories and serve their purpose of elevating the overall décor and ambiance of one’s home.
Paintings
Lithography by the renowned artist Fernando Zobel
Untitled hyperrealist empty rocks glass oil painting by Portuguese artist Teresa Dias Coelho
For instance, the untitled hyperrealist oil painting on canvas depicting an empty rocks glass by Portuguese artist Teresa Dias Coelho (Lot 90, starting price ₱80,000) can trigger the discussion: what could have inspired this artist to spend hours recreating an empty glass against a monochrome yellow background? The piece simply screams emptiness and nostalgia – two interesting subjects guests can endlessly discuss.
Another interesting artwork that can spark a lively interaction is a similarly untitled artwork, this time lithography by the renowned artist Fernando Zobel (Lot 52, ₱40,000).
A 20th-century oil-on-canvas depiction of floating lemons by the sea titled “Bodegón Onírico Junto al Mar” by Spanish painter Martin Zerolo
A surrealist still life of lemons floating in mid-air by the sea is likewise an unlikely subject that’s depicted in “Bodegón Onírico Junto al Mar,” a 20th century oil-on-canvas piece by Spanish painter Martin Zerolo (1928-2003).
Furniture
A 19th-century Portuguese mahogany fauteuil in Louis XV style upholstered by stylist Monchet Olives
An early 20th-century Spanish barber’s armchair by Daniel Acha
A mid-20th century European pop “lips” style chair
From paintings, the conversation can easily move on to interesting furniture pieces. And what could be more interesting than a bloody-red lip-shaped chair? Tercero’s mid-20th century European pop “lips” style chair (Lot 61, ₱15,000) is most likely inspired by the inimitable Salvador Dali’s sensational 1938 “Mae West Lips Sofa” and will certainly make guests wonder whether one could/should actually sit on such a fascinating piece of furniture.
The stories can take a “kwentong barbero” turn with a fascinating pair of early 20th century Spanish barber’s armchairs by Daniel Acha (Lot 1, ₱160,000) which feature reclining seats made of cast iron, wood, and white porcelain, with soliya seats and backrests.
Meanwhile, a piece of furniture that guests can ‘critique’ while reposing, perhaps with a drink in hand, is the stylish pair of 19th-century Portuguese mahogany fauteuils in Louis XV style(Lot 63, ₱40,000) upholstered with toile settees by stylist Monchet Olives. This is surely an inviting space for you and your friends to settle in and catch up.
Ceramics
A 20th-century Italian gilt-ceramic lamp with Peony Motif refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano
A 20th-century Italian gilt-ceramic lamp with Oriental Male Figure refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano
A late 20th-century Portuguese porcelain octagonal armorial plates by Vista Alegre Royal Factory
One can literally light up the room with the enchanting 20th-century Italian gilt-ceramic lamps by Artepiu Ceramiche d’Este that have been refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano, such as “Artepiu Este” Gilt Ceramic Lamps with Peony Motif (Lot 34, ₱25,000) and an Oriental Male Figure (Lot 36, ₱20,000). The magical glow cast by these pieces can make for mesmerizing late-night conversations.
Are your guests fans of antique Chinese porcelains, the reign of emperors, and courtly splendors? A pair of late 20th century Portuguese porcelain octagonal armorial plates (Lot 79, ₱40,000) by Vista Alegre Royal Factory will most probably spark their interest. The twin plates, market “Mottahedeh,” depict coats of arms from the Ch’ien Lung period.
There are more fascinating and splendid pieces aside from the above — from chandeliers and porcelains to artworks and antique colorful fabrics — that will be up for auction. The other good news is, if you take home an auction piece from Tercero, you will be supporting a worthwhile cause as Casa de Memoria will donate part of the auction proceeds to a local charitable institution to help those badly affected by the pandemic.
The auction preview is ongoing until July 30, 2021. You may set an appointment to view the items in person at he***@***********ia.com. To explore the auction pieces online, visit bit.ly/CasaDeMemoriaOnline. For more information, visit www.casadememoria.com, call 8253-3994 or e-mail he***@***********ia.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 17, 2021 | Health and Wellness
The sweltering summer days are over as the country’s weather bureau declared the start of the wet season. During this season, we need to keep our guards up because many illnesses emerge. These include diarrhea, caused by viral or bacterial infection; waterborne illnesses like typhoid fever, cholera, and leptospirosis; and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
To avoid contracting these diseases, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) — the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country — reminds the public to keep hydrated, especially that we are in the middle of a global pandemic.
“It is important that we keep our immune system strong. One of the easiest ways to do this is to stay hydrated,” said PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong.
To stay fit and protect yourself from diseases, here are some healthy habits you may do.
Eat healthily
What you consume today will have a huge impact on your health in the future. A good eating habit is one of the most basic practices to have a robust immune system.
Making a well-balanced meal is simple – just add more fruits and vegetables, choose whole grain food, switch to low or zero fat options, and cut back on sugar.
Exercise regularly
Exercising remains one of the most effective methods to strengthen your body during the rainy season. You do not have to buy expensive machines or pay for gym subscriptions. You only need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. To safely exercise at home, you may check various workout videos online. If you opt to do an outdoor walk or run, follow social distancing and other safety protocols.
As part of your workout routine, replenish what you lose in sweat with sports drinks like Gatorade. It contains electrolytes that rehydrate your body to avoid dehydration.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is as important as eating healthy and exercising. A study from the Carnegie Mellon University found that people with poor, short sleep have a greater chance of getting sick.
Quality sleep helps uplift your immune system. To get quality sleep, reduce your blue light exposure at night, avoid caffeinated drinks before bedtime, and reduce daytime naps, among others.
Hydrate
Proper hydration is vital in having a strong immune system. It detoxifies and flushes out waste materials from your body. It also helps transport nutrients to our organ systems.
Taking in safe water is a must to avoid infection from water-borne diseases. To have clean drinking water, you need to boil water for at least three minutes or do water chlorination. Or you can drink purified bottled water, like Aquafina and Premiere.
If you’re moving all day and feel sluggish or tired, that’s because you lose more than just water when you sweat. You lose fluids and electrolytes. With this, it’s important for us to stay healthy and hydrated with an Electrolyte Drink like Gatorade Ion.
“Even during the rainy season, we need to hydrate to arm our body from diseases and keep our immunity in top shape. Over the years, PCPPI has been helping Filipinos achieve that with our hydration drinks,” Ong said.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of well-known beverage brands in the Philippines: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina.
About Pepsi Philippines
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 70 years. PCPPI’s principal stockholders are Lotte Corporation, Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co. Ltd., and Quaker Global Investments B.V. PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known beverage brands: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina. It has established 14 operations 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.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 10, 2021 | Real Estate
Brentville International Community recently celebrated another milestone with the groundbreaking of the second phase of its newest cluster, The Arborage. Developed by Prestige by Filinvest, Brentville International Community is a premium residential enclave that consists of different clusters and diverse living options. Highly accessible from the Mamplasan Exit in Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX), this village offers unique community living like no other with its generous open spaces and well-curated amenities benefitting your family’s lifestyle- all while being secured and safe.
With this recent milestone, Brentville International Community further establishes its commitment to providing its residents and future residents thoughtful Southern living. Gracing the ceremony were Filinvest executives and partners. (L-R) Master planner H1 Architecture principals Arch. Raymond Hernandez and Arch. Juan Seriña, Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) First Vice President and Prestige Brand Head Mr. Eduardo Gonzalez, Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) Vice President, Mr. Michael Edward Gotianun, FAI President and COO Ms. Catherine Ilagan, Contractor REBCOR President Rafael Estanislao, and Construction Manager JERCC Managing Director Jaime Florido.
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.
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“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!
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Alibatta brings together the creative and technological expertise of three very talented musicians cum tech executives Geoff Mabasa, Adrienne Cajayon, and Charles Gener. 
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