by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 4, 2020 | Business
Acer Philippines, the country’s leading brand in the PC market, has formalized its partnership with APEC Schools is launching an online enrollment program to foster a safer and more efficient enrollment experience.
Sharing the same initiative to promote innovation in education, APEC Schools has moved to digitize its students’ records by making enrollment available online. This allows students to complete their enrollment process for SY 2020-2021 without visiting any APEC Schools branch.
APEC students using an Acer laptop
“As we prioritize the safety of Filipino students and their families, this partnership allows us to further improve the capacity of the education sector by developing a contactless enrollment solution to ease their worries during this uncertain time,” said Sue Ong-Lim, General Manager of Acer Philippines.
“At the height of the implementation of the Luzon-wide quarantine to contain the spread of COVID-19 infections, parents can harness the use of digital technology. They will no longer have to go through the old tedious enrollment process, and just stay home with their families and be safe,” she added.
APEC Schools announced that the online enrollment will begin in April. Forms such as the online admissions checklist, student questionnaire, and enrollment policies agreement can be easily downloaded from their website.
Students can enroll for junior or senior high school programs using their own tablet, laptop, or mobile phones through APEC Schools’ enrollment panel: http://enroll.apecschools.edu.ph/.
“Having the online enrollment system in place allows us to continue our commitment to parents and students even during this pandemic. A time like this is uncertain and challenging but securing their child’s future doesn’t have to be. This is all possible thanks to our partnership with Acer,” said Joie Lopez, CEO of APEC Schools.
The computer company has been supportive of redefining education through various initiatives that promote technological transformation in the workplace and enhance digital literacy in the academe.
APEC Schools offers the use of Chromebooks, one of Acer’s laptop models, in the classroom as a supplementary tool in education that lets the students learn more and do more. With over 20 branches across Metro Manila and Calabarzon, APEC Schools offers accessible and innovative education from junior to senior high school. The institution prepares college-ready and employment-ready individuals by creating their future #BetterEachDay.
For admission-related inquiries, you may visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/APECSchools, email ad********@*************du.ph, or call 0917-258-7621 and 0998-846-2120.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 3, 2020 | Bon Appetit
One of the best things that came about during the lockdown is the onslaught of online cooking videos found across all social media platforms. More and more people are honing their culinary skills by experimenting and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. While this is great, it’s always good to keep a few important things in mind, most especially conserving energy and avoiding food waste when preparing meals for the family.
Here are some useful tips from Solane, one of the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, on saving energy, time and ingredients in the kitchen:
Get your ingredients ready.
Some people tend to prepare the ingredients in the middle of the cooking session while the cooking gas is on. Not only is this a waste of time but also an unnecessary waste of gas. Be sure to prepare all the ingredients ahead of cooking time and put them within your reach as you cook. That way, you don’t need to run around the kitchen to hunt for ingredients, making your cooking time shorter. This will also help you save cooking gas.
Defrost before cooking.
Some of us are probably using our microwave to defrost our frozen food. Doing this consumes a lot of electricity when our aim is to save money on our bills. Instead of using a microwave, take out frozen ingredients ahead of cooking time, place them on the counter, and thaw at room temperature.
Use low heat as much as possible.
If you’re cooking or tenderizing meat by boiling, make sure to cover the pot with the lid and lower the heat as soon as it starts to boil. Leave it simmering until soft and tender. You are making the most of your cooking fuel by doing this.
Choose your burner.
The bigger the burner, the more energy or cooking gas is used. When you’re using a small pan to cook, use a smaller burner. But If you have only one burner or your burners are of the same size, turn down the flame as soon as food starts to boil to maximize cooking gas.
Keep your LPG well-maintained.
Keep your household safe by turning off the LPG cylinder valves when not in use. Do a regular maintenance check on your stove and LPG tank such as checking if your burners, regulators, and hose are clean and functioning well and that the LPG tank is in good working condition. Regular inspection of your stove and LPG is a good safety and energy-saving practice.
Cooking at home is great but remember to be practical and smart about it. Save your time, money, and maximize your cooking gas by following these easy hacks from Solane. For more information, visit www.solane.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 2, 2020 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Craving for flaky and buttery biscuits? Popeyes Philippines has some delicious news for you!
For every purchase of Popeyes’ Box of 3 Biscuits, get another box of the same variant for free! You can choose between their original box of honey biscuits or the assorted box with white chocolate and hazelnut biscuits.
This special offer from Popeyes Philippines will run until June 5, 2020, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day. Enjoy as many as you want as customers can make multiple orders in one transaction. Multiple transactions are also allowed per customer.
What are you waiting for? Place your orders now at www.centraldelivery.ph for delivery, pick-up, or for takeout at their restaurants.
You can follow @PopeyesPH on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates. For inquiries about the delivery service, you may reach Central Delivery via Facebook Messenger by going to m.me/CentralDeliveryPH.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 28, 2020 | Business
Are you obsessed with TikTok? Have you been following all the viral hashtags and trends on social media? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you may be just what Shopee is looking for!
In this role, you get the chance to create and produce engaging social media content from beginning to end. The best part? Not only will you get paid to do something you really enjoy doing, but you’ll also proudly represent the brand as one of the Faces of Shopee on TikTok!
Shopee wants bold and imaginative people to join their creative think tank. If you love being on camera and have the confidence to back it up, then this job is for you!
Interested candidates can paste a link of their most creative 30-second TikTok video on the comments section of the Shopee Career page. The clip should include why the candidates are the best person for this exciting role. Head over to Shopee Careers for more details.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 27, 2020 | Health and Wellness
While we stay at home to help flatten the curve of this pandemic, we suddenly find ourselves with lots of time in our hands to do the things we could only dream of or used to take for granted. As we wait for the air to clear, we make use of the time we have to learn a new recipe, to work out, to pamper ourselves, or to simply change up our looks. But if you’re too afraid of cutting your hair, why not add a splash of color instead?
Simple acts of care especially during quarantine can make anyone feel better. Why not show your mom or your sister how much they mean to you by spending an afternoon at home giving each other refreshing new hair color? Give them a whole new look that shows off their unique personalities through Kolours.
Kolours
Kolours has been the go-to brand of many Filipinas, and for good reason. Infused with Color Retention Technology, Kolours gives a vibrant precision color that lasts for up to three months. It’s also packed with Vitamins E and B5 to condition the hair while coloring, along with a post-treatment conditioner enriched with Natural Coco Essence to help nourish the hair by keeping it hydrated and moisturized.
The best part is with amazing quality, it’s affordable and retails for only P250 SRP. Kolours comes in 12 variants, and has recently added a line with celebrity Solenn Heussaff!
meadowfoam seed oil
These newest products offer trendy colors and are all infused with Meadowfoam Seed Oil, delivering the Best Ever Damage Defense System.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil repairs the hair making it stronger and also locks in moisture to make hair softer and smoother. With the new shade range, there’s definitely something for everyone!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 27, 2020 | Business
Celebrating life continues during lockdown – this optimistic proposition is what helped this cake business thrive in the tough COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the quarantine, people went on to celebrate special occasions with family, becoming an accidental opportunity for Cardinal Cakes, the offshoot of an events catering company known as Cardinal Cuisine.
“Our business provides catering services for birthdays, weddings, baptisms, and other parties. But with the abrupt ban on mass gatherings, we had to pivot to survive. Truly, necessity is the mother of innovation. We came up with a line of cakes and marketed them to friends and family via social media,” said Eric Bandola, co-owner of Cardinal Cakes.
Prior to ECQ, Cardinal Cuisine made cakes as ordered, and only as part of their catering events. But in the early stage of the lockdown, the big cake companies were closed, creating a void. Cardinal Cuisine was quick to take on this sudden opportunity, quickly mobilizing production and accepting orders for delivery. And that’s when Cardinal Cakes began.
After gaining traction on social media, Cardinal Cakes saw sales jump, and it continues to serve up whole cakes for delivery across Metro Manila. “Last Mother’s Day, we turned over more than 60 cakes for delivery,” shared Bandola. “Around 90% of our customers are from Metro Manila, but we also have regular patrons from the Southern Tagalog Region,” Bandola said.
Made with joy and passion, Cardinal Cakes bestsellers: Dark Chocolate Cake, Naked Red Velvet Cake, Walnut Carrot Cake, and Caramel Cake
Currently, Cardinal Cakes has four regular offerings – the moist and decadent Dark Chocolate Cake; the sublimely luxurious Naked Red Velvet Cake; the satisfyingly delightful Walnut Carrot Cake; and the light and fluffy Caramel Cake – with prices ranging from Php 450 to Php 1,000. The freshly baked cakes are sold immediately, thus turnover is quick, with rarely any inventory staying too long on the cake display. It’s best to order at least 12 hours in advance to make for enough lead time.
Bandola explained that all their cakes are ordered as gifts to celebrate life and rightly so because the cakes are baked with joy and passion. “We make our cakes like how mom makes them: full of love, sprinkled with joy, and carefully baked with tenderness. Good teams make good cakes, and our highly engaged and passionate team bake each cake as a product of that passion, and the desire to be part of our clients’ momentous occasions,” he said.
With a clear path towards business progression, Cardinal Cakes has plans for expansion and digital integration to deliver both happiness and excitement to more households across the country. “We love how our cakes are part of our customers’ celebrations. Celebrations are happy occasions and no lockdown can keep us from celebrating life with our families and loved ones,” Bandola said.
For more information, visit facebook.com/CardinalCuisine. To order, you may contact 0905-420-4030 or 8821-0057. You can also reach Cardinal Cakes via Facebook Messenger at m.me/CardinalCuisine.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 22, 2020 | Health Tips
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) says many companies need to improve their sustainability risk consciousness to come up with better business continuity plans as new risks, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, become more likely possibilities in the future.
Jo Ann Eala, Head of BPI Sustainable Development Finance (SDF), said COVID-19, a rare but high-impact event, has opened the eyes of many, but there are existing, oft-ignored environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks which also require urgent attention.
Jo Ann Eala, Head of BPI Sustainable Development Finance
“Businesses must anticipate, prepare, and quickly adapt to the evolving global landscape. Sustainable and risk-conscious businesses are those that will survive during trying times. Risk consciousness, risk preparedness, and risk mitigation are key to sustainability,” she said.
Ms. Eala explained that BPI’s programs have promoted the inclusion of sustainability as part of clients’ business models, harnessing the Bank’s experience as the sustainability pioneer and leader in the Philippines since 2008. But as the world is hit with a pandemic of this scale, companies must now learn how to make use of risk-mitigating tools such as those used by BPI SDF to adapt, mitigate, and recover amidst the new normal.
“We are navigating unchartered waters as a result of this global pandemic which no one was prepared for. We need to adopt a new mindset that will change the way we do business,” she said.
She added that managing daily operations going forward will likely include the following:
Save on resources and reduce costs
- save electricity and water
- maximize manpower
- shift to less extravagant packaging and advertising
- opt for local vs. imported components of production
- cut non-essentials
- reduce transport and logistics
Choose efficient ways of doing business
- automate and go digital via secure platforms
- adopt technological innovations
- go paperless
- shift to higher efficiency equipment
- choose virtual communications and marketing vs traditional channels
Go back to basics
- focus on simple products that meet basic needs
- go natural
- go local
- drive down your carbon footprint
Manage business risks and build hazard resilience
- know your business risks – natural and man-made
- identify your weaker links
- mitigate organizational risks
- set up business continuity plans
“Remember that environmental and climate risk hazards like earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, and drought will not stop because there is a pandemic outbreak. Natural calamities will not give humans a reprieve, just because we are already suffering. It took COVID-19 for us to realize that risk management is a necessary component of business strategies,” she said.
BPI is offering the SDF program as a risk management tool for its clients and other stakeholders, as the bank helps clients achieve climate resilience and preparedness, noting that most industries are affected by the economic downturn caused by the wide-spread lockdowns across the country and the world. The SDF program allows clients to benefit from experts in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resilience through free technical and financial advice for both large corporates and SMEs.
In the 3rd quarter of 2020, when businesses hopefully get back to some semblance of normalcy, BPI will be offering free webinars for SMEs as well as larger companies to save on electricity, produce renewable energy, shift to green buildings and more resilient climate-controlled animal housing facilities, and implement measures for business continuity should another pandemic hit.
Ms. Eala said BPI has been reporting its sustainable finance initiatives in the Bank’s annual integrated report. Compliance with a Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF) has recently been made a requirement by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, compelling Philippine banks and financial institutions to incorporate ESG and sustainability principles into their corporate strategy, risk management, and bank operations framework.
She said this is a process and the pandemic may serve as the impetus for more businesses to start the journey. By helping clients include sustainability practices in their businesses, BPI is able to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are part of its own goals as a bank.
“Together with our clients and partners, we aim to harness our resources so we can bequeath a more sustainable world to the next generation, a generation that will be more conscious of the fact that good environmental, social and governance practices can no longer be ignored and should always be part of a short and long-term business plan,” she said.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 21, 2020 | Advocacy
AXA Philippines recently partnered with the Manila Doctors Hospital Corporate Social Responsibility Office to help members of the hearing-impaired community understand and disseminate information on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
They teamed up for a special project called Healthcare Equality and Accessibility for the Rights of the Deaf (HEARD), which aims to train the hospital’s healthcare front-liners to be able to independently communicate with deaf patients.
HEARD provided translator assistance to Manila Doctors Hospital’s deaf program through the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Access Team for COVID-19. It is composed of volunteer doctors, healthcare professionals, sign language interpreters, technology professionals in delivering quality healthcare for the deaf.
Rahul Hora, President & CEO of AXA Philippines
“Proper dissemination of information is vital to the management and containment of the ongoing pandemic,” says Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President & CEO.
“While we are getting information from all media platforms, the deaf community does not have easy access. Through our advocacy and with the help of the FSL Access Team, the hearing-impaired will now have a better understanding of the ongoing health crisis.”
Aside from providing translator assistance, AXA Philippines has also donated 100 food packs to deaf patients and has given 19 units of respirators to the hospital which will be donated to public medical centers soon.
AXA Philippines also made a monetary donation to the Philippine Red Cross to procure surgical masks and food packs to all volunteers, which were distributed to 37 hospitals around Metro Manila and Rizal Province.
To know more about AXA Philippines corporate social responsibility efforts, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 19, 2020 | Health and Wellness
Life in lockdown has given us plenty of opportunities to master new skills. If you’re eager to learn but don’t know where to start, why not take a page from Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, and follow their makeup tips and techniques so you can come out looking young and fresh, post lockdown.
Natural flush
While you can’t get that bronzed skin from an excursion to the beach this summer, you can still achieve a natural flush with the EB Blush Rush or the EB Matte Color Sticks. The EB Blush Rush has a watery-gel consistency with roll-on applicator while the EB Matte Color Stick is creamy matte in its consistency, making both products easy to blend on your cheeks, eyes, and lips.
For a sun-kissed glow, strategically apply on points of the face where the sun hits most, such as the cheeks, nose, and a little above the brows. Blend with your ring finger (remember to thoroughly wash your hands regularly/before applying makeup) to sink the product naturally into the skin.
Upgrade the look by adding faux freckles using brown eyeliner. Before doing so, set your tint with powder then dot your nose and cheeks with the eyeliner. With your ring finger, tap over the top to blend and make it look more natural.
Daytime to nighttime makeup with three basic shades
Eye makeup can be intimidating or overwhelming, especially for beginners. But the great thing about makeup is it allows you to have fun and experiment with different looks. A great product to start with is the basic shades of Ever Bilena’s Chocolate Palette. Apply medium shade brown all over the lid and lower lash line. With your pinkie, press into the lightest color in the palette and apply on to the inner corners to open up the eyes. Take your look from daytime to nighttime by patting on the darkest shade of brown on the outer crease of the eyes and then blend.
Ace these simple makeup techniques to make your everyday look flawless, even while at home, using these products available on Ever Bilena’s official page on Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph). Blush Rush and Color Matte Sticks are sold in bundles in all available shades. To know more makeup tips, visit Ever Bilena’s official Facebook page (@everbilenacosmetics) and Instagram (@everbilenaofficial).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 19, 2020 | Health and Wellness
NOVUHAIR®, the leading natural hair loss treatment in the Philippines, partnered with The Fit Filipino (FITFIL) Movement lead by Jim & Toni Saret, the brand’s VIP Fitness Coaches, to a FREE 20-day Facebook Live workout aimed at improving your wellness quotient goals through a “Bulletproof Immune System Activity Booster”.
This workout program is designed to help beginners and complement the workout of those with active exercise routines.
You can still join the program from May 18 until May 29, 2020. Happening every day from Monday to Friday at 4 pm live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fitfilmovement
Learn more at https://www.novuhair.com/novuhair-boosts-optimism-via-free-workout/
Optimism Adds Resilience
Optimism is a crucial factor in how we choose to navigate our journey to success. Businesses, institutions, and various groups have a significant role to play in fostering this especially in times of crisis.
From the start of this pandemic, profuse optimism, coupled with genuine concern among key stakeholders in weathering the storm, is evident in the support and proactive measures of Pascual Total Health Incorporated, the holding company of Bionutra Innovations Inc., the company subsidiary marketing the leading natural hair loss treatment in the Philippines, NOVUHAIR® – nature’s answer to hair loss.
Discover more at https://bit.ly/3bCtLzS
#NovuhairCares #NothingToLoseNovuhair #ChooseNatural #BelieveInYourselfNovuhair #TeamFitFil
Keep your household safe by turning off the LPG cylinder valves when not in use. Do a regular maintenance check on your stove and LPG tank such as checking if your burners, regulators, and hose are clean and functioning well and that the LPG tank is in good working condition. Regular inspection of your stove and LPG is a good safety and energy-saving practice.
Are you obsessed with TikTok? Have you been following all the viral hashtags and trends on social media? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you may be just what Shopee is looking for!
Shopee wants bold and imaginative people to join their creative think tank. If you love being on camera and have the confidence to back it up, then this job is for you!
Kolours has been the go-to brand of many Filipinas, and for good reason. Infused with Color Retention Technology, Kolours gives a vibrant precision color that lasts for up to three months. It’s also packed with Vitamins E and B5 to condition the hair while coloring, along with a post-treatment conditioner enriched with Natural Coco Essence to help nourish the hair by keeping it hydrated and moisturized.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) says many companies need to improve their sustainability risk consciousness to come up with better business continuity plans as new risks, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, become more likely possibilities in the future.
AXA Philippines also made a monetary donation to the Philippine Red Cross to procure surgical masks and food packs to all volunteers, which were distributed to 37 hospitals around Metro Manila and Rizal Province.
While you can’t get that bronzed skin from an excursion to the beach this summer, you can still achieve a natural flush with the EB Blush Rush or the EB Matte Color Sticks. The EB Blush Rush has a watery-gel consistency with roll-on applicator while the EB Matte Color Stick is creamy matte in its consistency, making both products easy to blend on your cheeks, eyes, and lips.
NOVUHAIR®, the leading natural hair loss treatment in the Philippines, partnered with The Fit Filipino (FITFIL) Movement lead by Jim & Toni Saret, the brand’s VIP Fitness Coaches, to a FREE 20-day Facebook Live workout aimed at improving your wellness quotient goals through a “Bulletproof Immune System Activity Booster”.
Optimism is a crucial factor in how we choose to navigate our journey to success. Businesses, institutions, and various groups have a significant role to play in fostering this especially in times of crisis.
You must be logged in to post a comment.