Super Brands for Super Deals

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 5, 2017 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways

Attention all shoppers! From July 11-16, Lazada will be celebrating its Super Brands Week. That means you can get your favorite local and international super brands for super deal prices!

Enjoy up to 80% off on best-selling names such as Olay, Maybelline, L’Oreal, Samsung, Canon, Imarflex, Bosch, and MamyPoko.

Browse through the selection of newly onboarded brands, such as Fila, Speedo, Pedigree and Purina, EQ, Canadian, NYX, and Ever Bilena. And stay logged onto the Lazada site for some special promos, flash deals, and raffle prizes to be won throughout the 6-day event!

To make the most out of your Super Brands Week experience, make sure to keep an eye out for these show-stopping super deals in 4 Lazada categories:

Electronics

For those looking for a new laptop, there’s the Lenovo Ideapad 310 Intel Skylake. At the sale price of Php 29,899.00, this deal is 19% cheaper than regular store price.

For those more inclined towards tablets rather than laptops, there’s the Acer Iconia Talk 7, a wifi-ready cellular tablet for only Php 4,499.00

Fashion

Get a whole new wardrobe with some storewide sales for the following Lazada fashion brands: Sebago, Bobson, and Wrangler, all at up to 30% off. Freego at up to 50% off, and Peneshoppe at up to 55% off!

Home & Living

For those with a knack for tinkering in the kitchen, there’s the Pyrex 8” easy grab baking dish for only Php 599.00. Pair this up with the Imarflex over toaster for only Php 700.00 and you’re sure to cook up a storm!

Sports & Travel

Travel in style with Delsey! Get an iconic Helium Hard Case luggage trolley for only Php 7,250.00 – up to 55% off from the standard retail price. For short-term business trips, keep your laptop safe and sound in a Delsey Spacieux Laptop Backpack for only Php 2,400.00.

Baby & Toys

For new parents, get a classic Fisher-Price rocker for only Php 1,709, up to 57% lower than standard retail price. And don’t forget to stock up on your Huggies Dry Pants diaper supply, with prices as low as Php 576 for 60 pieces.

Last but not least, stay tuned to Lazada’s Facebook page at 12 noon from July 11-16. At noontime throughout all days of Super Brands Week, Lazada’s Facebook Live sessions will bring you celebrity guests, mystery Lazada boxes up for grabs, and special games to be played with Lazada Facebook fans.

Follow Lazada Philippines on Facebook to get the latest updates. See you at Super Brands Week!

About Lazada Group

Lazada is the number one online shopping & selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Lazada helps more than 80,000 local and international sellers, as well as 2,500 brands, serve the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions.

Lazada offers an excellent customer experience through a wide network of logistics partners and its own first- and last-mile delivery arm.

Brook Lopez graces AXA PH-NBA partnership launch

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 5, 2017 | Business

NBA star Brook Lopez, the Brookyln Nets’ all-time scoring leader, was the guest of honor during the official launch of the partnership between AXA Philippines, the number one global insurance firm for eight consecutive years now, and the National Basketball Association (NBA), the world’s most popular league, held at the Hard Rock Café in Makati last May 2017 as I posted recently.

Shown in photo are (L-R) Carlo Singson, NBA Philippines Managing Director, Brook Lopez, and Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and CEO

As part of the partnership, AXA Philippines will serve as the Presenting Partner of NBA 3X Philippines, a 3-on-3 tournament featuring men’s and women’s teams from all over the country and authentic NBA entertainment.

AXA Philippines will also support the Jr. NBA Philippines, the league’s youth basketball program for boys and girls, by providing travel insurance for participants embarking on an overseas NBA experience trip later this year.

Ridesharing promo codes for July 2017

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 1, 2017 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways

Why ride a broom when you can ride in comfort this rainy month of July by taking Angkas, Grab, and Uber rides instead.

Can’t decide which ridesharing app to use? Let Google maps help you decide. Below are some promo codes to make our commute more affordable.

Uber promo codes

Good things come to those who wait. Here are the promo codes currently available for Uber riders.

Promo code: 280JULYWEEKEND

P70 discount
valid for four (4) rides from July 29 to 30, 2017 only
use with all types of UBER rides: UBERPOOL, UBER-X, UBERXL, and UBER BLACK
valid for both cash and credit/debit card transactions

Promo code: STAYDRYCEB

This promo code is for new Uber users located in Cebu only

P100 discount
valid for first four (4) rides from July 10 to 16, 2017 only
use with all types of UBER rides: UBERPOOL, UBER-X, UBERXL, and UBER BLACK
valid for both cash and credit/debit card transactions

Promo code: RIDEJULY200

P40 discount
valid for four (4) rides from July 03 to 09, 2017 only
use with all types of UBER rides: UBERPOOL, UBER-X, UBERXL, and UBER BLACK
valid for both cash and credit/debit card transactions

Angkas promo codes

Haven’t tried Angkas yet? If motorcycle rides don’t scare you then it is the perfect time to try this ridesharing service.

Promo code: AK450

P45 off 10 rides valid from July 31 to August 3, 2017 only

Promo code: ANGKASCEBU

Angkas is now in Cebu! I-level up ang habal habal with Angkas.

P20 off 1st ride valid from July 24 to August 4, 2017 only
for first time users in Cebu

Promo code: MANILA

For pickups and drop-offs within Manila City

P35 off five (5) rides
valid from July 24 to 30, 2017 from 4pm to 12 midnight only

Promo code: UNLI35

ALL DAY unlirides valid for the first 10,000 rides per day

P35 off ALL rides valid from July 20 to 23, 2017 only

Promo code: ANGKAS450

P45 off 10 rides valid from July 17 to 19, 2017 only
P30 off 15 rides valid from July 5 to 9, 2017 only

Promo code: WEEKEND400

P40 off 10 rides valid from July 15 to 16, 2017 only

Promo code: UNLIANGKAS

Unlirides within the 10am to 4pm window for the first 3,000 rides of the day.

P30 on first 3,000 rides of the day from 10am to 4pm
- valid from July 12 to 16, 2017 only
- valid from July 4 to 9, 2017 only

Promo code: MIDNIGHT

Book a ride from 12am (midnight) to 5am

P30 discount on three (3) rides valid from June 27 to July 2, 2017 only

Promo code: ANGKAS70

P70 discount on two (2) rides valid from June 27 to July 2, 2017 only

Promo code: ANGKAS

Free up to P80 off for first time users.

Grab promo codes

Did you know that you get double GrabRewards points when you pay using GRABPAY instead of cash? It’s true!

Level up faster when you use your Debit or Credit card or Grab Credits to pay for your booking. I am just a few rides away from GOLD myself which means:

priority access to new features
preferential pricing for ride rewards
access to exclusive rewards from partners

Whether you need a private car or are willing to share your ride, Grab has promo codes guaranteed to perk you up.

Promo code: GCPAMPANGA

Grab is now servicing Pampanga as well! That makes 4 areas – Metro Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, and Pampanga. Here’s a promo for FIRST TIME USERS in PAMPANGA

P50 discount on first five (5) GRABCAR rides
valid for new users for the first 6,000 rides only from July 30 to August 31, 2017
available in Angeles City, San Fernando, Clark, and Mabalacat

Promo code: 40SHARE

Use this promo code between 4am to 4pm only. Limited daily redemptions!

P40 discount
valid for two (2) rides from July 24 to 28, 2017 only
use with GRABCAR, GRABCAR PREMIUM, and GRABCAR 6-SEATER rides
valid for credit card, debit card, and Grabpay credits transactions only

Promo code: MIDDAY

P40 discount
valid for one (1) ride ON July 17, 2017 up to 5pm only
use with GRABCAR, GRABCAR PREMIUM, and GRABCAR 6-SEATER rides
valid for credit card, debit card, and Grabpay credits transactions only

Promo code: WALTERMARTGC

Use this promo code when going to Waltermart North EDSA, Makati, Bicutan, and Sucat

P50 discount
valid for one (1) ride from July 14 to 16, 2017 only
use with GRABCAR, GRABCAR PREMIUM, and GRABCAR 6-SEATER rides
valid for credit card, debit card, and Grabpay credits transactions only

Promo code: LEGALLYGRAB

This promo is limited to the first 10,000 redemptions per day.

P50 discount
valid for one (1) ride from July 13 to 14, 2017 only
use with GRABSHARE, GRABCAR, GRABCAR PREMIUM, and GRABCAR 6-SEATER rides
valid for credit card, debit card, and Grabpay credits transactions only

Promo code: GRABTRAVELOKA

A post shared by Grab Philippines (@grab_ph) on Jun 29, 2017 at 4:18am PDT

Get the chance to win P100,000 Traveloka credits with this promo code

50% discount up to P100
promo runs from June 7 to July 7, 2017 only
promo is available at the following areas: Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Pampanga area
use with GRABSHARE, GRABCAR, GRABCAR PREMIUM, and GRABCAR 6-SEATER rides
valid for credit card, debit card, and Grabpay credits transactions only

Citi Global Community Day 2017

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 18, 2017 | Business

Citi celebrated its 12^th annual Global Community Day on June 10, with more than 4,600 Citi volunteers in the Philippines joining the efforts of nearly 100,000 of their colleagues, family and friends in 500 cities in 91 countries and territories to engage in service activities in their local communities.

In the days leading up to and including Global Community Day, Citi volunteers participated in more than 1,500 service projects ranging from urban revitalization to mentorship and job skills training, literacy and education, environmental conservation and disaster relief.

Global Community Day offers a wide range of opportunities to work alongside community and non-profit partners to help improve our cities and neighborhoods.

Michael Corbat, Citi CEO

“Citi’s annual Global Community Day is an important event for our firm and one I always look forward to,” said Citi CEO Michael Corbat.

“It provides an opportunity to deepen our relationships with communities we serve, which is absolutely vital to our business success. And it shows the impact we can have when our people show up in force — nearly 100,000 strong this year.”

Aftad Ahmed, Citi Philippines CEO

Leading by example, CEO for Citi Philippines Aftab Ahmed volunteered on back-to-back weekends starting June 3. Together with hundreds of volunteers, they helped Upper Bicutan National High School get ready for opening of classes by cleaning classrooms, painting chairs, and covering textbooks with plastic to be good as new.

On June 10, he showed support for persons with disabilities by joining their Freedom Walk in Quezon City Circle with nearly 300 volunteers.

“I am heartened to see the strong interest and enthusiasm among our employees, allowing us to set record participation year after year. I know that Citi employees make a difference every day in the communities where we live and work. However, with Global Community Day, we are able to unite across businesses and across the world and really demonstrate the difference a global bank can make,” said Ahmed.

Since the inaugural Global Community Day in 2006, Citi volunteers have contributed more than three million hours of service to Global Community Day projects in hundreds of cities. This year, Citi volunteers led hundreds of community projects across the world, some of which included:

Asia Pacific

Across Asia Pacific, there were more than 250 volunteer activities including:

In Australia, volunteers led workshops for young people from the Brotherhood of St. Laurence’s “Creating Futures for Youth” program to help improve their employability.
In China, Citi participated in events that delivered financial education through fun games to children and senior citizens.
In Japan, volunteers were participating in events to improve the environment, brighten the lives of children with serious illnesses and raise awareness to promote diversity and workplace equality.

Latin America and Mexico

Across Latin America and Mexico, there are more than 100 volunteer activities including:

In Mexico, volunteers engaged in a range of activities from donating, packing and serving meals to delivering financial education. Citi’s CEO Mike Corbat volunteered at the Emiliano Zapata primary school helping to revitalize learning spaces and joined volunteers at the Food Bank Association to help distribute nutritional food to families in need.
Citi Venezuela is celebrating 100 years in the country, and as part of Global Community Day, volunteers revitalized the green spaces of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Together with the Red Cross and the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, Citi volunteers in Haiti were contributing to the reforestation of Canaan in Croix-des-Bouquets by planting 3,000 trees and facilitating an environmental awareness session at a local school on the importance of preserving the environment and

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Across Europe, Middle East and Africa, there were nearly 500 volunteer activities including:

Across the United Kingdom, Citi volunteers participated in sustainability-related efforts, helping deliver career ready programming for young people, and redecorated a primary school to improve the learning environment.
In Greece, volunteers revitalized a children’s summer camp to ensure children have a safe and clean place to play.
Volunteers in Romania beautified the green area of Fundeni Hospital by clearing trash and putting up a playground, a small greenhouse and a picnic area for hospitalized children.

North America

Across the United States and Canada, there were nearly 700 volunteer activities including:

At Citi’s global headquarters in New York City, Citi teamed up with Feeding Children Everywhere to assemble over 200,000 healthy meals to help combat hunger, beautified and cleaned up green spaces along the Hudson River, assembled and distributed bicycles for low-income youth, and wrote ‘Thank You’ letters and packing hygiene kits for veterans.
In New Jersey, Citi volunteers created costumes for children in local hospitals, made a difference for young people and veterans by conducting mock interviews for professional IT jobs, and planted at the Wagner Farm Arboretum, a farm that helps increase environmental awareness.
In Canada, Citi volunteers hosted mock interviews to help youth increase their employability, cleaned the parkland behind Hershey Centre, built a home with Habitat for Humanity and prepared and served meals for those in need.

To learn more about Citi’s citizenship efforts across the globe and to review the 2016 Global Citizenship Report, visit http://citizenship.citigroup.com.

Novuhair honors our father, dad, papa, ama, tatay

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 18, 2017 | Health and Wellness

In a traditional family the father is the head of the family, the pillars of our home. He works hard all day to provide for us and

Imagine working in a world where time seems to just past by and where almost everything changes instantly. Think of having to keep up with an environment where it costs a lot to stop or even slow down for a while. Sound taxing, right? What more of prioritizing the welfare of everybody in the household on top of it all.

But every head of the family doesn’t mind about it. Fathers are said to be the pillars of our homes. They toil sun up to sun down to give our needs and desires.

Some of them go abroad with tears in their eyes because they will be physically separated from their families. However, there is a certain joy in their hearts knowing that they will be able to provide for their loved ones back home.

To honor these gallant paternal men and let them feel how extraordinary they are and important their sacrifices are for their families, Father’s Day has been a yearly universal event. As we mark again this special occasion on Sunday, June 18, 2017, our applause and recognition will never be enough to show them how grateful we are to have them in our lives.

Our dads, together with our moms, take good care of us the moment we’re born. They are the ones who provide everything we need for our everyday lives. From infancy up to adulthood, they feed and clothe us.

As we take our initial baby steps, our patriarchs guide and lead us in the right direction. When we stumble and fall, they assist us to rise and move on. In times of danger or any threat, they shield us from any harm.

All of these, they do out of unconditional love. Their selflessness, though, has its own toll. Working tirelessly could lead to high levels of stress constantly and problems not only mentally, but physically, too. So better watch out for the signs.

Has tatay been constantly complaining about losing strands and strands of his hair every day? Or maybe has he been searching for a way on how to get them to grow back?

According to the hair loss statistics conducted by Statistic Brain in the year 2016, 40 percent of men experience noticeable mane vanishing as early as age 35. And as per the American Hair Loss Association, there are a couple of different factors that cause excessive hair fall, one being extreme degree of stress.

Nutramedica Inc. introduced a revolutionary product that aims to address this problem: NOVUHAIR, nature’s answer to hair loss. Being the only topical scalp lotion in the country that is made from 19 natural herbs, essential oils and co-factor nutrients all working synergistically, it’s perfect for all the heads of the family out there, be they biological or not.

NOVUHAIR is proven effective and safe to help prevent and stop the progression of hair loss and, at the same time, help promote locks’ growth. Simply spray a liberal amount of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion onto the scalp and massage for 5-10 minutes. Voila, it penetrates deeply into the roots, which helps rejuvenate, nourish, and maintain the natural moisture of the hair.

Still have no idea on what to give him on his big day? Well, NOVUHAIR might not be the most expensive gift to impress him, but the most valuable present he could ever have. This nature’s answer to hair loss provides him the chance to be ahead already in preventing his “crowning glory” from receding in the near future.

So, head on to all leading stores nationwide and get a dose of this breakthrough product. NOVUHAIR is also available in shampoo and conditioner formats to further complement the benefits of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion. NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. You may also order NOVUHAIR online at www.lazada.com.ph. For inquiries, you may call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575, and visit www.novuhair.com.

Lazada: Turning Sellers into Super Sellers

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 16, 2017 | Lifestyle

Super Seller image credit to http://www.energysuccessteam.com

While the dawn of e-commerce has opened up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners, it has also raised the bar in terms of competition. In many ways, sellers face large challenges when it comes to gaining attention, attracting customers, and most importantly, closing sales.

From June 19 to 22, Lazada will be launching a sale campaign that features top sellers that have made it big on the online platform.

By providing smaller overhead costs, nationwide capacity for logistics, and thousands of potential customers a day, Lazada has turned these sellers into Super Sellers.

Here are some of the deals that you will find during the Super Sellers Sale:

Neo Shift N81 8.9″ Intel Quad Core 2GB Dual OS Windows 10 Laptop, from the standard retail price of Php 11,999 down to Php 6,599.
Vertigo Hyperion Men’s Sneakers from Php 1,950 to Php 975
Portable Bluetooth Dual Speakers with Ultra Bass. Original price at Php 1,100 to the sale price of Php 390.
Six Pack ABS Builder, a slimming machine at the sale price of Php 1,799 from SRP Php 4,200.
Cardinal Compact Nebulizer with complete accessories, for only Php 512.

The Super Sellers Sale paves the way for Lazada’s July campaign, called the Super Brands Sale. With a focus on international brands, the Super Brands Sale will take place from July 11 – 16, 2017.

About Lazada

Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.

Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns.

Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

Ever Bilena’s Makeup Mania

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 15, 2017 | Awards and Competitions, Beauty

Buy more and win big as Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, invites you to join Makeup Mania – a raffle contest open to all Ever Bilena customers and ongoing exclusively at all Watsons Stores nationwide.

How to join

Ever Bilena makeup

Joining is easy! Simply purchase two items or more from any of the following participating Ever Bilena products:

Ever Bilena Matte Two Way Cake
Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer
Ever Bilena Eyebrow Palette Pink and Brown
Ever Bilena Matic Brow and Eyeliner
Ever Bilena Matte Lipsticks
Ever Bilena Lip and Cheek Stain in Splash Red
EB Kleopatra Magic Lipstick
Evera Face Powder
Ever Bilena Luxe Lipstick, and
EB Blend Me Sponge.

Be sure to place all purchases in a single receipt.

Make sure to “like” Ever Bilena’s official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics, and send them a personal message with a photo of your proof of purchase. Include your name, address, contact number, and Facebook account with the photo. Proof of purchase should be readable and clear.

Once sent, you will receive a notification from an Ever Bilena representative indicating that your entry is valid. The more entries you submit, the more chances you have of winning.

Makeup Mania Prizes

One (1) lucky winner will take home:

a total of P60,000 worth Ever Bilena products
two (2) nights hotel accommodation at Luxent Hotel, and
two (2) domestic roundtrip tickets from Air Asia.

Two (2) winners will receive:

P20,000 worth of Ever Bilena products with
two buffet dinner at Luxent Hotel and
shopping spree from Jewels.

Ten (10) winners will win P3,000 worth of Ever Bilena products.

Entries will only be accepted until July 31, 2017, so start shopping for your favorite Ever Bilena make-up today!

To learn more, visit www.everbilena.com.ph and follow www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics today.

Tom Rodriguez and Crizal Prevencia

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 9, 2017 | Health and Wellness

Tom Rodriguez showing off his Crizal® Prevencia™ and Crizal Transitions lenses. #ProtectYourEyeswithCrizalPrevencia #EssilorPH #TomRodriguez

A post shared by FuentesManila Public Relations (@fuentesmanila) on Jun 8, 2017 at 6:03am PDT

I had the privilege of attending the launch of the Crizal® Prevencia™ with Essilor’s new endorser, Tom Rodriguez.

Two things made me curious enough to attend – first, that Tom was going to be there, hehehe, and second, I was curious to see what the fuss was all about and what was so special about Crizal Prevencia.

From the time I was in high school I have been wearing glasses. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I’ve stopped doing so because, miraculously, my eyesight just improved to the point where I thought I didn’t need them.

While it is true that I may no longer need prescription glasses (for now) it doesn’t mean that I have no need for glasses at all, especially if those glasses are fitted with Crizal Prevencia lenses.

Just like Tom I, too was sceptical about all the things that Crizal Prevencia claims to be able to do. And even as Tom enthuses on its virtues and we even got to see the TVC I was still thinking, “this is all just hype, right?”

Crizal Prevencia protection

They told us that Crizal Prevencia lenses are:

reflection proof
scratch proof
smudge proof
dustproof
waterproof
glareproof
protection from UV rays
protection from harmful blue light emitted by gadgets and screens

Of all the things listed above the one I wanted to find out about was the last item – protection from harmful blue light emitted by gadgets and screens. Nowadays I seem to find myself looking at or in front of a screen – phone, tablet, laptop, the TV. According to Essilor and Tom these devices emit a blue light that is harmful to our eyes. How harmful is this blue light? I had no idea and I frankly, didn’t feel any harm coming to my eyes.

Crizal Prevencia is also supposed to protect our eyes from UV rays and I was thinking, “well, I have shades, those are sufficient, right?”

Here are my discoveries about Crizal Prevencia lenses.

Crizal Prevencia glasses

As soon as I received my glasses (non-prescription) I decided to try wearing them as I drove home. In my mind I was thinking, “these lenses are supposed to be glare proof, right? So let’s test how they stand up to glare.” Oftentimes I avoid driving at night because the glare from the taillights of cars in front of me and headlights from oncoming cars always gave me eyestrain and a headache.

Upon wearing these glasses I immediately noticed a difference which I tested by occasionally lifting up and putting them back on to compare. The lights didn’t hurt my eyes so much and when I got home … no headache!

The next day I tried again, this time I drove out at noon and wore the glasses instead of shades. Surprisingly, they worked better than shades!

I usually wear shades to block the glare that hits my eyes and with these glasses I was protected from glare and UV rays. In most cases the dark tint of should do the trick but these glasses had no tint so it had me thinking again, “clear lenses that are able to protect my eyes from UV rays and glare? This is just revolutionary!” Since then I’ve been using these glasses every time I drive.

And now that I am catching up with grades I use the glasses all day as I stare at my computer screen. I can now last longer and my eyes don’t tire so easily anymore. Yey!

I am awed, flabbergasted, amazed! Where has Crizal Prevencia been all my life! 😀 One thing is for sure, once I get my eyes checked and if the optometrist/opthalmologist tells me I need glasses I will definitely have my frames fitted with Crizal Prevencia.

Let’s see what Tom Rodriguez – actor, model, and latest endorser of Crizal Prevencia – has to say about it. Below is the press release for these amazing lenses.

– 0 – 0 –

Tom Rodriguez is the latest endorser of Essilor Philippines for the Crizal Prevencia

Everyone can’t help but fall in love with celebrated actor and certified heartthrob, Tom Rodriguez. With his tantalizing brown eyes, he sure can captivate anyone.

But for Tom, his eyes are not only assets for good looks. Unknown to many, the top actor is also a prolific digital artist. As such, Tom gives due importance to eye protection as he teams up with Essilor, the world leader in corrective ophthalmic lenses to take care of their eyes against harmful blue light with Crizal® Prevencia™.

As the newest brand ambassador for the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Tom appears in the new TVC for Essilor’s most technologically advanced protective lenses yet.

Crizal® Prevencia™ is the only clear lens in the market to effectively filter harmful blue light from the sun and digital devices while maximizing essential blue light for healthier vision.

Essilor general manager Dr. Emelita Roleda says, “With Tom as our newest ambassador, we hope to raise more awareness on the harmful effects of over-exposure to blue light and promote healthy vision in the country.”

“By aligning him with Crizal® Prevencia™, we hope to convince more Filipinos to use protective lenses in their daily activities.”

Crizal Prevencia TVC featuring Tom Rodriguez

In the new TVC, Tom is seen going through his everyday routine. Like many of us, who are also easily exposed to harmful blue light – whether we are in front of our laptops and computers doing work, commuting, or checking messages and schedules on our phones.

Some color and mood studies from reference for a western cartoon I’m working on while waiting here on the set of #mulawinvsravena2017

A post shared by Tom Rodriguez (@akosimangtomas) on Apr 26, 2017 at 3:21am PDT

Tom’s ardent passion in digital art is evident in many of his Instagram posts. Many of his artworks comprise of creatures from Philippine folklore, plus superheroes and characters from anime, games and comics. He sketches and sculpts in between takes during drama filming or photo shoots.

He is also an aspiring app designer. With all these taking up his non-acting time, Tom can’t help but be exposed to harmful blue light and he admits that this has affected his vision.

“Belonging to a technically-savvy generation and with my love of creating digital art, I cannot do without my phone and digital devices. What’s more, my active lifestyle also keeps me under the sun a lot,” shares the 29-year old actor.

“It’s quite alarming to know how being exposed to UV rays and blue light can cause long-term damage. With Crizal® Prevencia™, I can protect my vision, and also prevent blue light from harming my eyes.”

Crizal® Prevencia™ uses E-SPF® and Lightscan™ Technology which offers complete front and back protection and selective filtering of harmful blue light from devices and the sun that can cause long-term damage, such as cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). At the same time, it lets in good light that regulates sleep and mood and boosts brain activity. It also provides complete protection from glare, scratches, smudges, dust, water, UV rays and harmful blue light.

Tom Rodriguez further encourages the public to take care of their eyes by getting a comprehensive eye exam and taking preventive measures against irreversible eye conditions. He remarks, “Exposure to harmful blue light may be inevitable, but we can minimize the risk by doing our part. By choosing Crizal® Prevencia™, we can protect our eyes on a daily basis and maintain a healthy vision.”

Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia™ by visiting your preferred eye care professional or leading optical shop, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.

Philippine Commerce Through the Years

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 9, 2017 | Business

While commerce has remained a core function in society, the process and nature of the way people do trade have changed greatly throughout the centuries.

The History of Philippine Trade

In the Philippines, it all started with what we know as barter – a manual exchange of “item for item”, oftentimes without the use of money. Neighboring tribes in the country would use barter to trade items or services of equal value, such as 3 hours of labor for a meal.

Chinese merchants

This changed in the 2nd Century AD, upon the arrival of the Chinese as the first foreign traders in the country. Local products were exchanged for corals, gold, cotton, and pearls, some of which can be considered early forms of currency.

The Arrival of the Spaniards

In 1565, the Spaniards marked their first settlement in Cebu when they sought to acquire a share in the lucrative spice trade. It was during this same period that the Royal Company of the Philippines was abolished, making Manila an open port for global traders. This welcomed business from all corners of the world, dubbing the Philippines as the center for commerce in the East.

Americans land on Leyte

During the American period, a distinct advantage that Filipinos gained was access to education. No longer reserved for the privileged, education and a grasp of the English language propelled even the average Filipino further forward into the trade market, allowing him to sell local crops and goods to foreign bodies.

The Millenial Filipino

photo credit to Philstar.com

Through years of exposure to both local and foreign trade, the modern-day Filipino was born with an entrepreneurial spirit; according to research, millennial entrepreneurs have launched at least twice as many businesses compared to their Baby Booming predecessors.

In fact, 55% of millennials in a local study indicated owning a successful business and reaching financial independence as an important value in their lives. Luckily for this generation, they are equipped with a highly distinct tool that allows them to fulfill their entrepreneurial aspirations – the internet.

The internet has changed the way people live, think, and do business. With the emergence of e-commerce, international trade became possible on an individual level. The definition of a free market has found itself in its truest form, with sellers at liberty to position their own products and pricing, and consumers at free reign to choose what they buy.

Lazada opens in the Philippines

In 2012, e-commerce was made known to the Philippine landscape through the entry of a company named Lazada. In the beginning, Lazada sold goods to Filipinos from its own warehouses. After just a year of operations, however, the business model evolved into a marketplace, inviting third-party brands, retailers, and individuals to sell on the site. Today, the e-commerce giant enjoys market leadership in Philippine e-commerce, with a significant portion of its sales brought in by marketplace deals.

Inanc Balci

A key factor that has allowed Lazada to maintain its position as the market leader is the convenience it provides not just to buyers, but also sellers. It is a one-stop shopping and selling destination that makes it easy for Filipinos to trade across cities, across the archipelago, and even across the globe, all with a few simple clicks. Through this, it may be said that Lazada has paved the way for many Filipinos to fulfill their dreams of entrepreneurship, and reach financial independence.

While competition in the e-commerce playing field is tough, Philippines’ CEO Inanc Balci remains confident of the future. In an interview with Anthony Pangilinan of The Boardroom, Balci states “Lazada will continue evolving. We went from being an e-commerce site, to now an m-commerce (mobile-commerce) site. We will increase the social aspects of it, the assortment, the service, etc.”

“In every way possible, we will continue to evolve the company and be the market leader for years to come. It is one of my life goals to make the Philippines a top e-commerce company in the world”.

About Lazada

Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is the Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient, and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets, and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion, and sports equipment.

Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments, and free returns.

Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone, and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests, and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

Be a brilliantly shining bride with MyDiamond

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 9, 2017 | Lifestyle

When I was a bride I didn’t receive any diamonds. Cash was tight and while I understood, I have always dreamed of receiving one – a ring, earrings, a single drop necklace, it didn’t matter which one. I always wondered, why do diamonds have to be so expensive?

Is it because diamonds bespoke elegance or is it the belief that diamonds represent a love that lasts forever?

This coming wedding season, MyDiamond offers 45% discount on all bridal jewelry for brilliantly shining brides-to-be.

Choose from a beautiful collection of engagement rings, wedding rings, and bridal jewelry that will surely bedazzle guests and family. MyDiamond will make it even more special as they can customize and modify the design of an existing ready-to-wear item to a different size or color of stone.

As an added service, MyDiamond in-house workshop also accepts made-to-order designs, specific to every customer’s needs and requests. Complete with in-house certificates, rest assured of the authenticity of MyDiamond products.

Be a bride who chooses not only a partner for a lifetime but also diamonds which last forever.

To all the grooms out there, make your bride or bride-to-be feel special. Get her a diamond from MyDiamond. That would be a decision that would last a lifetime.

To know more, visit MyDiamond concept stores at: