by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 30, 2017 | Technology
‘Tis the season for gift giving! For those who are wishing for a new smartphone for Christmas, get your loved ones (or yourself) a special deal with LG Mobile Philippines’ (LG) “Holiday Specials” promo. It runs from November 17 to December 31, 2017.
For those who dream of owning LG’s line of big-screen smartphones that comfortably fit in one hand, the quartet from the flagship G and Q series – LG G6+, LG G6, LG Q6, and LG Q6+ – are included in the promo.
LG G6+
Get the latest LG G6+ at SRP Php32,990. The package comes not only with a free B&O earphones, but also with a free 64GB SD card and back case worth Php3,990. Its predecessor, LG G6, can be yours at SRP Php29,990 and it comes with a free 64 GB SD card and back case worth Php3,990.
LGQ6+
The recently launched LG Q6+ is available at SRP Php14,990, and it comes with a free back case worth Php1,500. Meanwhile, the LG Q6 is available at SRP Php12,990, and it comes with a free jelly case worth Php500.
LG K Series
If you’re looking for a smartphone that delivers powerful performance and stylish design at an affordable price, the LG K series is your best bet. Under the Holiday Specials promo, you can get the LG K10 2017 at a discounted price of Php7,990 (from Php8,990). And the LG K7 is available at SRP Php5,490 and comes with a free jelly case and 8GB SD card worth Php1,000.
LG Stylus 3
This year’s highest end budget smartphone, the LG Stylus 3 is available at SRP Php11,990. A free premium case and 16GB SD card worth Php2,500 is included in the package.
You can avail of the Holiday Specials promo at any LG dealer store.
For more information about LG mobile phones, please visit www.lg.com/ph/mobile-phones.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 29, 2017 | Awards and Competitions
Explore your creative side, step into the new wave of glam by creating your own makeup tutorial video and get a chance to win P100,000 in this year’s “Ever Bilena’s Big Beauty Challenge”.
Now on its second year, Ever Bilena encourages vloggers, aspiring and professional makeup artists residing in the Philippines to produce a makeup video using Ever Bilena products and following the specified weekly theme.
The video must run from one to three minutes and must show participants applying makeup on themselves. NO MODELS ALLOWED!
The weekly theme will be posted every Friday on the Ever Bilena Cosmetics Facebook page. Participants have seven days to create their videos. All entries must be uploaded by Thursday 11:59 PM on the participant’s Facebook page with the hashtags #EBBigBeautyChallengeYear2 and #everbilena. Participants can submit as many videos as they wish.
One winner will be chosen every week and will receive P15,000 cash. All weekly winners will compete in the grand finals. The contest will run from December 15 until February 22, 2018. This year’s Big Beauty Challenge winner will receive P70,000 cash and P30,000 worth of Ever Bilena Products.
Criteria for judging are:
- Ever Bilena products used in the video, 20%
- creativity, 40%
- makeup executions and skills, 20%
- and most number of views and shares, 20%
To know more about Ever Bilena and “The BIG Beauty Challenge,” visit www.everbilena.com.ph and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 28, 2017 | Business
Dr. Roberto Macasaet Sr., Maxicare Healthcare Corporation’s Founder and Chairman Emeritus, has been awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship (Large Scale) at the recently concluded Philippine Marketing Association’s 38th Agora Awards. The awards night was held at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel last November 9, 2017.

(From L-R) Mr. Jay Bengzon (representing Dr. Alfredo Bengzon of Medical City) Past Agora Awardee for Large Entrepreneurship, Category Head for Entrepreneurship -Large Scale Faye Arellano- Martinez, 2017 PMA President Arlene Padua-Martinez, Dr. Roberto Macasaet Sr., together with his son and Maxicare Chairman of the Board, Mr. Roberto Macasaet Jr., and Philippine Marketing Association’s representatives, and Agora Director Amrei Dizon.
Now on its 38th year, the Agora Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of marketing in the Philippines. They have been running since 1979, and have been held by the Philippine Marketing Association, who aims to promote the science and ethics of the marketing profession, and uphold corporate social responsibility and corporate citizenship.
Dr. Macasaet has been instrumental in shaping the way the Philippine healthcare industry does business today, through his founding of one of the first Health Maintenance Organizations in the country. He is responsible for introducing healthcare services that have allowed for more flexible options for Filipinos of all income levels and employment. His achievement is truly worthy of recognition, not only showing exemplary business prowess but also a genuine love and concern for the Filipino people’s welfare.
He is also a medical professional by trade, having received his medical degree from the University of the Philippines, and having trained at Fordham University in General Surgery, Urology, and Pathology. He was head of Makati Medical Center’s Department of Urology for three decades, and is currently a member of that hospital’s Advisory Committee. He also serves as chairman of Associated Medical and Clinical Services, and was previously chairman of Fil Hispano Ceramics, Inc.
When Dr. Macasaet founded Maxicare in 1987, the HMO industry was practically nonexistent. Today, it has evolved into the leading HMO in the country, and has the widest network of providers with over 1,000 partner hospitals and clinics, and over 56,000 affiliated physicians nationwide.
Under his guidance and business acumen, Maxicare has introduced such innovative products and services such as: the Maxicare Multifunction Card, the only HMO membership card that also serves as a lifestyle privilege card and EMV-enabled cash card; the EReady and MyMaxicare Lite, the very first prepaid healthcards in the industry; and the 24/7 TeleConsult Service, allowing Maxicare members to contact a doctor anytime, anywhere, without incurring deductions on their benefit limits.
Dr. Macasaet joins prestigious names from different industries such as William Tiu-Lim, CEO of Mega Global Corp, and Dr. Alfredo Bengzon, President and CEO of The Medical City, both of whom previously won the award.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 27, 2017 | Technology
As the world’s Internet penetration rate increases, many doomsday heralds predict the demise of TV. However, fast-forward to 2017, the TV is not only still around, but also better and more high-tech models are being released every year. At this rate, one cannot help but wonder: What gives TV the staying power it is enjoying today?

TV affects society
The original philosophy behind the TV as a medium is to facilitate communication and globalization in the modern world. And as we find ourselves in a brand-new golden age of TV, no other medium does this as beautifully and as covertly as TV.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano
Cultural changes on a global and local scale have been fueled in one way or another by TV shows. Locally, variety shows are consistently influencing the way most Filipinos talk.
And social scientists believe that teleseryes, like FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, effectively preserve and promote Filipino family values and patriotism in a society that’s bombarded by various influences from abroad. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg.
Although some may argue that smartphones, tablets, and laptops are just as good as TVs when it comes to conveying society-altering messages, the clamor for high quality media cannot be ignored.
TV offers immersive viewing experience
While the big screen will always have a special place in the hearts of many cineastes, in front of the silver screen is where many families find themselves bonding over the latest episode of the hottest TV series. This is why more companies, like LG Electronics, deliver products that cater to the need for an immersive at-home viewing experience.
Early this year, LG released its latest OLED TV masterpiece – the 77-inch LG Signature OLED TV – in the local market. It features Active HDR with Dolby VisionTM and Dolby AtmosTM – an explosive combination in the visual and aural sense, significantly elevating the TV experience at home. This immersive entertainment formula is the perfect solution to stay true to the award-winning work many people put in cinematic masterpieces.

Christopher Nolan
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Christopher Nolan said, “Sound is as important as picture. I don’t agree with the idea that you can only achieve clarity through dialogue. Clarity of story, clarity of emotions – I try to achieve that in a very layered way using all the different things at my disposal – picture and mksound,” he said.
This is why LG’s TVs and sound bars come with Dolby Atmos technology to provide immersive audio with three-dimensional, object-based surround sound.

One of the company’s most notable sound bars is the advanced Multi-Dimensional SJ9 Surround Sound Bar. It is equipped with multiple speakers that deliver high-quality audio from every conceivable angle.

LG SJ7 Soundbar
Meanwhile, the Sound Bar Flex SJ7 brings versatility by allowing users to position its two halves anywhere they like.
“We recognize the importance of good quality audio in delivering cinematic masterpieces to more people. We put in equal amount of effort in making our TVs and sound bars; they are designed to deliver excellent musical scores down to its last note,” said Mr. Tony An, LG Philippines Vice President for Home Entertainment.
As long as more people demand for high quality content, TV will still be around, continuously evolving to redefine what it means to achieve a complete viewing experience.

For more information about LG’s TVs and sound bars, please visit www.lg.com/ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 25, 2017 | Real Estate
A life of élan and grace, of chic sophistication is yours at Bristol at Parkway Place.
Another masterpiece envisioned by Filigree, the new symbol of excellence in luxury real estate today, Bristol at Parkway Place is unlike any other premium condominium development. With turnover set for 2018, now is the best time to invest at preselling rates.
As Bristol is located at Filinvest City, Alabang, you can be assured of a continuous and steady increase in land values which has improved by 200% in the past five years and is expected to improve further as independent brokerage firms projected.
Bristol at Parkway Place boasts of unrivaled features and first-class architecture by local firm CASAS + Architects and façade design by California-based Architecture International, with interior design by Hirsch Bedner Associates–Philippines. It is the product of the best minds in property development, design, and construction. With 40 storeys, Bristol is the tallest residential building in Alabang.
Situated at the corner of Corporate Avenue and Parkway Avenue, which is also known as the Millionaire’s Row, Bristol at Parkway Place is at Filinvest City’s most upscale location, like Park Avenue in New York or London’s Hyde Park.
The desirable location only assures residents that the finest establishments and the best services are at their doorstep. Classy restaurants, retail outlets, and other premium offerings may be found at the building’s posh retail promenade. A short walk away is the members-only Palms Country Club and the Festival Mall where a wide array of shopping and options can be found.

Bristol Skygarden
At Bristol at Parkway Place, you have the meditation yoga deck and the calming swimming pools set amid lush gardens. A cozy library is available for those who prefer a quiet place to read a good book or to study; function room for intimate events and parties; and an entertainment center for a delightful day at the movies with friends. The skygarden offers breathtaking and panoramic views of the Alabang City skyline and the Laguna environs and beyond.

Bristol 1BR Living Room
Units in one-, two-, and three-bedrooms are generously-sized and beautifully designed. Choose from a cozy 53-square meter pied-a-terre to as large as a 168-square meter suite perfect for growing families. Each unit utilizes top-of-the-line fixtures with superb craftsmanship and finishes that speak of distinction and attention to detail—hallmarks of every Filigree development.
All these positive attributes are driven by affluent families and expatriates, making Bristol at Parkway Place a true-blue chip condominium investment.
To learn more about Bristol at Parkway Place, visit www.bristol.com.ph or call (02) 809-6517.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 24, 2017 | Lifestyle
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a young professional, the same rule applies when it comes to retirement: It helps to prepare ahead. In fact, the sooner in your life you prepare for it, the more benefits you will reap, and the more you will be able to live what you love when the time for retirement does come.
AXA, global leader in insurance and investment, recently organized a discussion to introduce a new product thataims to help customers live the life they love as they get older – AXA Retire Smart.
The event was attended by award-winning author, newspaper columnist and former advertising executive Barbara Gonzalez; broadcast executive turned entrepreneur Jose Ramon “Monchet” Olives; chef, restaurateur, surfer, and TV host JP Anglo; and erstwhile brand manager and current skincare entrepreneur Jacqueline Yuengtian-Gutierrez, to provide insights on having the right game plan in place to have a good retirement.
Each successful in his/her own right, the four speakers shared the points of view of different generations.
Gonzalez and Olives chose to leave top-level executive posts before reaching their companies’ mandatory retirement ages.
Gonzalez said, growing tired of the pressures of managing a large family-owned advertising agency, she opted for a less stressful but still productive and meaningful life. She conducts writing seminars and makes jewelry. “Do what you want to do and have fun!” she said. Life should not end when retirement age was reached. “It’s just a phase, actually.”
For Olives, a major factor for his early “retirement” was he wanted a change of pace from the pressures of the highly competitive broadcast industry. “I want to pursue a more creative passion and take care of myself moreas life can send you something unexpected. What’s important is to be happy.”
Today, he takes care of the family business of handcrafted fans.
Gutierrez had reached the top of the corporate ladder, but she wanted to spend more time with and focus on her family.
She quit her job in a multinational firm and started her own skin care line after making sure she was financially prepared for the major undertaking. “It is important to save up and set aside funds for future needs,” she said.
Anglo acknowledged that many of his peers hardly thought about retirement. Although his ventures were doing well, Anglo said he was already thinking about his retirement goal, which was “to cook for free and for the ones I love,” and how to accomplish that.
AXA Retire Smart is an investment-linked, regular pay product bundled with life insurance coverage that helps you strategically build a future fund that you can tap when you retire so you can live what you love.
Its savings component gradually builds your future retirement fund with payment schemes that are easy on the pocket, while a portion of your premium is allocated to funds designed to grow your investment.
And because it also is a life insurance product, a lump-sum cash benefit is provided to your family in case of your untimely demise. To learn more about AXA Retire Smart, visit axa.com.ph today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 22, 2017 | Events
Augmented realities and fake news, the politics of relationships, Manila as dystopia. These are some of the themes that will be tackled and presented in ‘To Differ, Digitally; Calls for Change Through New Media’ an exhibit by the College of Saint Benilde’s Center for Campus Art (CCA) in partnership with the New Media Cluster of the School of Design and Arts.
The clamor for change is now played out on the platforms of digital and social media as the tools of every person to differ and speak out. New Media, as this exhibit portrays, are vital means to merge art and design with the independent statements by our educators today.
The production is the first digital exhibit of the CCA and as well, the first one that is headlined exclusively by Benilde faculty, in particular those from the New Media Cluster composed of the Photography, Digital Film, Animation and Multimedia Arts programs.

SDA New Media Cluster artists of the To Differ, Digitally Exhibit
Molly Tamola Velasco-Wansom, Lea Sacdalan Abarentos, Katrina Santiano Juane, Penny Angeles-Tan, Jomel Gregorio, Rafael Liao, Sharon Mapa, Vanju Alvaira, Hannah Sison, Jesse Ray Lazaro, Mito Tubilleja, Mochie Cuyco, Roy Molon, Pepe Manikan, Don Henry Bañaga Bolo, Volty Garcia, Daniel Enriquez, Yolec Homecillo, Love Asis, Leo Santos, Jag Garcia, and Seymour Sanchez will present their statements and calls for change through the use of contemporary tools and platforms.
Curated by Arch. Gerry Torres, Director of the CCA and Karen Ocampo Flores, Benilde faculty and curator, Philippine Women’s University School of Fine Arts and Design (PWU-SFAD) Studio Gallery.
The exhibit will run from November 23, 2017 to January 20, 2018. The opening of the exhibit will be on November 23, 6:00PM at the 12th Floor SDA Gallery, SDA Building.
This is open to the public. See you all there!
For more information about this event please visit the website Be Heard, Benilde! or check out their social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 21, 2017 | Banking and Finance
Citi Philippines recently launched its newest credit card product, dubbed Citi Simplicity+, which is touted as an industry first for the country – offering no annual fee, no late payment fees, and no over limit fees, as well as 10% back on interest charges for on-time payments. The introduction of Citi Simplicity+ responds to the needs of consumers for a card that’s well-suited for busy lifestyles, by providing a remarkable customer experience that’s simple and convenient.

Aftad Ahmed, Citi Philippines CEO
Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed said, “Citi Simplicity+ is an example of Citi’s commitment to putting our clients’ interests first while creating economic value. With Simplicity+, we simplify the client experience and make it more convenient and beneficial for our clients to undertake everyday purchases and transactions.”
Other benefits available to Citi Simplicity+ cardholders include:
- Citi PayLite for easy installment purchases,
- Click for Cash for emergency cash loans,
- Citi One Bill for hassle-free auto-debit payments, and
- a world of special privileges on shopping, travel, and dining.
Says David Stoughton, head of Credit Payment Products at Citi Philippines: “With a growing urban population in the Philippines where people are living in a much more fast-paced environment, Citi Simplicity+ offers consumers peace of mind with its simplified terms and conditions, no annual fee, no late fees, and no over-limit fees. This is extremely convenient for people who are constantly on the go, managing multiple tasks and schedules. Through Citi Simplicity+, we are also showing our appreciation to those who pay on time by giving them 10% back on interest charges.”
The Citi Simplicity brand has been rolled out previously in the US, Australia, UAE, Poland, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
To apply for the Citi Simplicity+ Card, please visit https://www.citibank.com.ph/simplicity.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 21, 2017 | Lifestyle
Upgrade your home with designer furniture at easy-on-the-pocket payment terms with Citi Credit Cards ongoing offer at Pottery Barn and West Elm.

If you love entertaining, chic furniture can turn small spaces into cozy spots with the help of Pottery Barn. Fun furniture, beddings, toys and other child-friendly items to make playtime and sleeping fun for children are available at Pottery Barn Kids.
With Citi PayLite, you can get multi-functional furniture and other houseware items at 15% off at Pottery Barn stores in Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig City, and Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.
If you are opting for a classic, understated look, West Elm is the perfect store for you. It is best known for collaboration: craft communities co-create its home accessories, furniture and décor with independent designers, while its Style + Service lets you work with Home Stylists for free.
Take advantage of the 15% discount offered by its flagship store at Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig City for all purchases made with Citi PayLite payable up to 24 months.
In this latest partnership, Citi PayLite lets you get the highest quality furniture, latest appliances and most attractive accessories at 0% interest and payable up to 24 months. Available exclusively to Citi cardholders, PayLite also gives you exclusive discounts, free gift certificates and other special offers up until January 31, 2018.
“Our homes are our own personal space, a place where we start and end our day. This is why it deserves only the most comfortable furnishing in the most appealing designs,” said Citi Philippines Credit Payment Products Director David Stoughton.
“Citi PayLite provides an opportunity for homeowners to enjoy, be comfortable and have only the best experience at home through partnerships with top-of-the-line brands.”
The time to transform your house into a home with Citi PayLite is now! For more information about this exciting offer and other exclusive rewards from Citi, visit www.citibank.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 20, 2017 | Events, Health and Wellness
Nikka Garcia, LJ Moreno-Alapag and Isabel Oli-Prats have many things in common, among them, being devoted wives and doting mothers to their children. Nikka is married to actor Patrick Garcia and mom to Chelsea and Nicole; and she is also a mommy blogger. LJ is wife to retired PBA player and now Meralco Bolts assistant coach Jimmy Alapag, mother to Keona and Ian, and runs a pastry business, The Lollicake Factory. They are also both expectant mothers. Isabel is married to actor John Prats and mother to Lily Feather.
All ladies have one important thing in common: they are thankful to have been blessed with husbands who are hands-on fathers.

During the Tribute to Moms by Cetaphil held in SM Makati on August 27, they shared how they manage to strike a healthy home-life balance and stay looking and feeling great.
The Balancing Act

LJ Moreno-Alapag and husband, Jimmy Alapag
LJ says that she has learned to maximize her time. “You have to be strict with time management, otherwise, you won’t get things done. I’m lucky because now both [my kids are] in school, so I get some ‘me time’. Lately, what we’ve been doing is [whenever possible], Jimmy and I will drop them off at school, then we have breakfast [together], then go home and he gets ready for his practice and I have my quiet time, and I check on my commissary downstairs. After having kids, my priorities changed.
What I decided to do after I got pregnant was move [the commissary] to the ground floor of the house, good thing we had space. At least I am able to check on the business and be with the kids because they always want to be with me. And if I bring them to the office, I won’t be able to get anything done. Now that it’s at home, they have their playroom upstairs and I can bake downstairs.
Even my workout, I moved to the house because I can’t go to the gym anymore. I compiled Zumba videos and even now [that I’m pregnant], I do prenatal yoga [guided by] videos. You have to manage your time well and be strict with it.”

Husband, John Prats and Isabel Oli-Prats
Isabel says splitting parental duties with her husband is a great help. “My husband is an actor and his schedule is really hectic and there are days when he is not busy. So it is hard to adjust. When my husband is home, he’s very hands-on, so nakakagalaw ako. I can leave the house or I can cook.”

Husband, Patrick Garcia and Nikka Garcia
According to Nikka, she has found that changing her perspective has improved the time she spends with her family. “I’ve learned that I just have to put my heart into what I’m doing at that particular time. When I’m giving my eldest attention, I’m there. Pag lumipat ako sa youngest ko, kumpleto din siya. When I spend time with Pat, kumpleto din siya. I’ve learned to just be in the moment with good time management and focusing my mind and my heart at that particular time. I’ve been able to accomplish more, it’s more than spending time, it’s quality time.”
Getting “Me Time”
The celeb moms agree that being a wife and mother does not mean you have to give up being yourself. According to Isabel, she makes time to work out when Feather is asleep. Nikka treats herself to pampering with an hour in the salon or by having a massage. LJ makes the same concessions. She also added that she wakes up earlier than her two babies so she can have quiet for her prayer time in the morning.
Using the science of gentle
The three mothers have amazingly clear skin — how do they do it? They each confess that their skincare regimen is simple.
“I’m really lazy when it comes to going to the dermatologist. So I just make sure that I really wash my face and moisturize hanggang leeg before going to sleep.” LJ says.
Nikka says that “As much as possible, I don’t apply makeup every day. I use the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser to wash my face and moisturize. It’s so gentle. Especially now that I’m pregnant, your skin dries up. It’s what has worked.”
According to Isabel, “College pa lang, I use Cetaphil talaga. My dermatologist prescribed it for me. Even when I was pregnant, my doctor told me to use it. [As celebrities,] we’re always wearing makeup pag nasa labas, make sure really clean before going to sleep. I use the Cetaphil Lotion also.
Nakakatuwa, my baby has sensitive skin, so sabi din ng doktor, ‘yun yung puwede sa kanya. So I just use Cetaphil Lotion, Cetaphil Massage Oil, Cetaphil Shampoo, Cetaphil Body Wash.”
LJ, Nikka and Isabel are mothers, like many mothers out there. Real women who try to the best of their abilities to strike a healthy balance of being wife and mother without sacrificing time to take care of themselves. They have found an ally in gentle skincare in the full range of Cetaphil products.
Cetaphil is the most prescribed skin care product by dermatologists and pediatricians. Cetaphil is available in department stores, supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide.
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