by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 23, 2022 | Business
The holidays are always such a big eating season for everyone. It’s that one time of the year when we feel extra carefree about what we eat because, seriously, have you really enjoyed
But what if we tell you that you do not need to sacrifice healthy eating to enjoy the season? Even more, what if you find out that you can whip up your flavorful recipe in minutes in your own kitchen?
Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer should be on every Christmas wishlist of all home cooks out there. Versatile, easy to use, and very durable, this oven from the premium home brand can give you the best of both worlds in terms of flavor and ease of cooking as you cruise through the holidays.
One of the beauties of the Smart Oven Air Fryer is its ten cooking functions that can let you make to-die-for crispy treats and scrumptious slow-cooked meals. Toast, bake, roast, grill, and, of course, air fry without any fuss while shortening your cooking time. Equipped with dual-speed convection, this kitchen partner speeds up the cooking process by raising hotter air while sinking colder ones. The result: 30 percent reduced cooking time as compared to regular ovens and air fryers!
Richie Zamora, the vlogger behind The Pickiest Eater in the World makes a perfect case for this when he prepared a full spread of TV chow snacks for his family to enjoy in minutes. He shares, “All these amazing snacks were cooked in the air fryer with absolutely no oil. Everything was cooked to a beautiful crisp, but you don’t even realize that they aren’t deep fried.”
Let’s Eat Pare also showed how fast and easy it is to make restaurant-level fried crispy wings with the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. In just 20 minutes, they were able to make a big batch of chicken wings in sour cream flavor! You can check out their recipe here if you want to try their version.
Of course, preparing healthier versions of dishes is another thing that makes this kitchen must-have from Breville essential. Air frying significantly reduces — if not totally removes — the use of oil in cooking, which means that you consume fewer calories and prevent weight gain and obesity when you air-fried food. Fortunately, for the Smart Oven Air Fryer, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing flavors to go the healthier route. Chef Beng proved this when she made a Pinoy-style whole-fried chicken using it.
“Normally, I would have this deep-fried, but using an air fryer is apparently so much better as the chicken is amazingly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Not to mention, this is a way healthier process than deep frying.”
She also shares that she loves the precision with time and temperature that this Air Fryer provides. “Just press a function, and it automatically shows how long and high the cooking process will be.” This is made possible by Breville’s patented Element IQ System, which is a smart algorithm that decides the ideal cooking environment for a range of different cooking techniques.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is definitely the kitchen partner to have this holiday season if you want to enjoy healthy, delicious meals minus the fuss. As Richie, Chef Beng, and Let’s Eat Pare say, respectively:
“The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer proves that cooking doesn’t need to be greasy to be delicious, and preparing food with less guilt doesn’t mean less flavors either.”
“It has ten cooking functions, which make it a value-for-money purchase. I totally love it, and I highly recommend this smart kitchen appliance.”
“It’s the ultimate kitchen tool you need to put on your Christmas shopping list, pare!”
What are you waiting for? Add the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer to your holiday wishlist now. To learn more about the product, visit the Breville website and follow its Facebook and Instagram pages.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 20, 2022 | Business
Alternergy Holdings Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pililla AVPC Corporation, (“PACO is hereafter referred to as Alternergy”) and Shell Overseas Investment B.V. (“Shell”) formally announced the agreements that both parties have recently entered into a partnership to jointly explore the vast offshore wind potential in the Philippines.
Alternergy Chairman and former Energy Secretary Vince Perez (seated 2nd left) and Shell General Manager Offshore Power, Asia-Pacific Joe Nai (seated 2nd right) shake hands during a ceremonial signing of the Alternergy and Shell Joint Partnership for the development of offshore wind power projects in the Philippines. The ceremonial signing, held on 21 November 2022 at the Department of Energy, was witnessed by Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla (standing 6th left) and other DOE officials and officers from Alternergy and Shell.
The partnership of Alternergy and Shell has obtained a Wind Energy Service Contract (WESC) from the Department of Energy (DoE) to assess the feasibility of an offshore wind project in the wind-swept Calavite Passage near Mindoro.
Alternergy chairman and former Energy Secretary Vince Pérez said: “This is a partnership of combined competencies and experiences towards the goal of boosting the Philippines’ renewable energy target.”
“The Philippines’ offshore wind industry is promising and still at its nascent stage. The World Bank estimates that robust development of offshore wind could add 20 GW of installed capacity by 2040, accounting for 14 percent of the Philippines’ electricity needs and some USD 14 billion of value added to the economy. Shell, as our strategic partner with 50 years of deep water offshore and over 20 years of offshore wind development experience, will bring in its global track record, supply chain access, and technical expertise in developing large-scale bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind projects. Alternergy looks forward to working with Shell and jointly shaping with stakeholders the policies for a sustainable offshore wind industry in the Philippines,” Mr. Pérez added.
“The Philippines is moving towards a low-carbon future and offshore wind is well positioned to support this energy transition. As Shell has powered progress for the Philippines for over 100 years, we will continue to support the country by providing more and cleaner energy solutions to meet the needs of our consumers today and in the decades to come,” said Lorelie Q. Osial, Country Chair of the Shell companies in the Philippines.
“Alternergy is a pioneer in renewable energy and has successfully brought onstream the Philippines’ first onshore wind farm even before there was any enabling law. Shell looks forward to this new partnership to jointly explore the feasibility of one of the Philippines’ promising offshore wind projects,” said Sarah Rose Lim, Shell’s Head of Offshore Power for the Philippines.
Aside from the Calavite Passage Wind Power Project, Alternergy and Shell are looking at other offshore wind sites for possible development.
This partnership is an opportunity to provide integrated value to customers through power generation as well as explore synergies with retail electricity supplier Shell Energy Philippines, Inc. and Green Energy Supply Solutions, Inc.
About Alternergy
- Alternergy is a renewable power pioneer with a solid portfolio of project companies engaged in different RE projects, particularly wind, run-of-river hydro, solar farm and commercial rooftop, battery storage, and offshore wind projects.
- With robust expansion plans in the next five years, Alternergy aims to develop up to 1,370 MW of additional wind, offshore wind, solar, and run-of-river hydro projects.
- Alternergy’s management team is comprised of a pioneering group of RE advocates who were also involved in the development of the 33MW Bangui Bay wind farm in Ilocos Norte, the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia at that time.
- Alternergy also developed the 54MW Pililla Wind Farm in Rizal, the first non-recourse project financing for a wind project without corporate guarantee, and was recognized with a Sustainable Finance Award by the International Finance Corporation.
- For additional information, please refer to our website at alternergy.com.
About Shell
- Shell is an international energy company that aims to meet the world’s growing need for more and cleaner energy solutions in ways that are economically, environmentally, and socially responsible.
- Shell’s global reach, combined with 100+ years of global energy market experience and deeply embedded capabilities position it well to offer integrated decarbonization solutions for its customers in progressing through the energy transition.
- Renewable Generation is the driving force behind the development of Shell’s integrated power value chain, developing and deploying onshore and offshore wind, solar, and batteries to produce electricity, which Shell can aggregate, trade and market directly to customers.
- Shell’s strength as a developer, particularly in offshore wind, has been built through practical experience and expertise development, including more than 100 years in global energy markets, 50 years in deep water offshore, and over 20 years in offshore wind development. We complement our experience, technology, and project development capabilities with the acquisition of innovative renewable energy companies that offer unique portfolio positions, talent, and deeper market expertise.
- Today, Shell has more than 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity in operation and under construction, and 9.5 GW in the funnel of potential projects across North America, Europe, the UK, and Asia (Shell equity). Shell’s offshore wind project pipeline ranges from conventional bottom-fixed offshore wind developments to floating wind, and from wind-power to hydrogen developments to multi-technology projects combining offshore wind with floating solar and batteries.
Shell in the Philippines
- Shell companies in the Philippines (SciP) represents various entities operating in the following: (1) Downstream business through Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation or PSPC, (2) Business Operations through our SBO Manila centre, and, more recently, (3) in power trading and marketing through Shell Energy Philippines, Inc.
- Commencing its operations in 1914, SciP has grown to be one of the Philippines’ largest investors, directly employing over 4,000 people nationwide.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 17, 2022 | Education
The country’s pioneering live-streaming and digital bingo game operator BingoPlus through BingoPlus Foundation are set to invest in the vast potential of young Filipinos to help engineer a better future for the country.
BingoPlus Foundation officially inked a 3-year, FutureSmart Scholarship Program worth six million pesos with iACADEMY, one of the most innovative and sought-after technology, design, and business academic institutions in the country. The FutureSmart Scholarship program will provide scholarships in BCSC software engineering, BS in entertainment and multimedia computing game development, and BS in information technology with a specialization in web development to ten outstanding students from deserving families.
iACADEMY Raquel Wong Chief Operating Officer and AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. President and BingoPlus Foundation Trustee Jasper Vicencio
Jasper Vicencio, President of BingoPlus and Trustee of BingoPlus Foundation said, “The FutureSmart Scholarship is our way of investing in the country’s youth as the driver of progress in the future. And we want to give equal opportunities to deserving students with so much potential but who lack the necessary resources to continue their education in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations for themselves, their families, and the nation. Indeed, doing something good, especially for education is a plus.”
The choice of technology for the program is inspired by BingoPlus. “Economies depend on digital-savvy individuals who are ready to take the helm of their organization’s digital transformation. BingoPlus itself, like any modern company, runs on the wonders of technology and a solid IT infrastructure. Our mission is not only to provide support for education but also future employment for qualified individuals,” Vincencio added.
iAcademy Chief Operating Officer Raquel Wong meanwhile expressed her utmost gratitude to BingoPlus Foundation for extending its generosity to exemplary students who will not have to worry about finishing the program due to a lack of financial resources.
“What BingoPlus Foundation and iAcademy crafted for the program will definitely help students fulfill their dreams, as well as contribute positive change to our society. The career path in computing is very lucrative and iAcademy has been very consistent because our programs, especially the ones related to computing, delivered a 96% placement rate,” she says.
Apply for the scholarship today!
Stringent criteria, requirements, and screening processes have been set to ensure that only qualified and deserving students are accepted for the program. Students must have good moral character, a General Weighted Average (GWA) of not lower than 1.75 and no grade lower than 2.50, and must not have been subjected previously to any disciplinary action by their schools, either academically or administratively.
The application also requires a two-minute video pitch explaining why they deserve the scholarship, and how they intend to collaborate with BingoPlus Foundation after finishing the course.
Interested parties may submit their applications at sc*********@**********du.ph. The names of the selected 10 scholars will be announced in January 2023.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 16, 2022 | Events
For many of Cebuana Lhuillier’s pawning clients, their jewelry is more than valued accessories. To many, these items were heirloom pieces, fruits of their hard work, or precious investments. During times of need, they also represent a quick solution, an opportunity for a better life, or a fresh restart.
For more than 35 years, Cebuana Lhuillier has known these stories from its clients as they go through its doors during their times of need. More than its high appraisal rates, they comfort its clients with the assistance of well-trained branch personnel and the assurance that its precious pieces are safely and securely taken care of. This eases the burden of parting with the jewelry for the clients, until the time that they come back to claim their pawned items.
Aware that the value of the items in their care goes beyond their weight in gold, Cebuana Lhuillier thought of a way to further give meaning to the Holiday Season for some of its most loyal clients.
Salamat, Ka-Cebuana
As part of its CSR initiatives, the company has made it its annual tradition to give back to those in need during the Holidays. Usually, these gift-giving activities were held every 6th of December in celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of pawnbrokers and the inspiration behind the legend of Santa Claus.
This year, Cebuana Lhuillier chose the best recipients—its valued clients, many of whom have stayed with the company for years, entrusting some of their most precious items in their times of need. The event, dubbed “Pasasalamat,” gathered more than 200 clients across eight regional locations nationwide in a simultaneous celebration of thanks and love from Cebuana Lhuillier. The gathering proved to be more than a celebration as attendees were feted to a day of fun and prizes, but the end of the program proved to be the most poignant of all when Cebuana Lhuillier, through its operations team, returned all the pawned items of its attendees as a special surprise.
Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO, shared, “Pasasalamat 2022 is our way of giving thanks to our clients for the trust and partnership we have established in the last 35 years. We’ve known their stories—and were blessed to be with them as they chased their dreams and provided better lives for their loved ones. With “Pasasalamat,” we are returning this trust by gifting them the items they pawned with us. We hope that through this small gesture, Cebuana Lhuillier is able to give further meaning to this season.”
A Season of Joy, Hope, and Giving Thanks
For many of the attendees of the Pasasalamat celebration, the unexpected blessings were more than expressions of gratitude coming from a long-time ally—it brought hope and joy as precious pieces, family heirlooms, and cherished investments found their way back to them.
Pasasalamat gathered more than 200 of its most loyal clients in 8 events happening simultaneously in one day
For Grecilda Torres, a small business owner and client of Cebuana Lhuilier for 26 years, the unexpected return of her pawned items—all rings—brought to tears. “Nakaka-touch isipin na gumawa ng time si Cebuana Lhuillier na ipakita sa amin na importante kami. I am very much grateful and thankful na—yung 26 years naming magkasama, it keeps going lang. My business and the business of Cebuana Lhuillier, magkasama pa din kami. Nagka-doctor na akong anak, pero still, nandito pa din ako with Cebuana. And for that, I am very thankful,” she shares.
Meanwhile, Remigia Mejia, a 79-year-old cancer survivor and loyal client of Cebuana Lhuillier for 30 years, cannot believe that a pendant that her late husband gifted her before they were married has found its way back to her.
She shares, “Hindi ko akalain na babalik yung mga alahas ko since pinag-iipunan ko din na matubos sila. Karamihan sa kanila, matatagal na sa akin, including yung pendant na bigay ng asawa ko and yung singsing ng anak ko which I gave her nung nag-debut siya. As much as possible, ayaw ko silang maremata kasi they are very valuable and sentimental pieces para sa akin. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa Cebuana Lhuillier for this event and for the many years na hindi nya din ako pinabayaan. Nagtra-trabaho pa lang ako, kasama ko na ang Cebuana Lhuillier and even till now, kami pa din ang magkasama.”
Ana Marie Mendoza Rapido (center), a public school teacher was overcome with emotion while opening her special surprise gift from Cebuana Lhuillier
For Ana Marie Mendoza Rapido, a teacher from Cavite and a Ka-Cebuana since 2012, Cebuana Lhuillier has been a trusted ally during times of emergencies. Through their jewelry, Ana Marie and her siblings were able to sustain the hospitalization and medication of their mother who has been in and out of hospitals in the last ten years.
“Ang Cebuana po, trusted na namin at lagi naming taga-sagip sa oras ng kagipitan, lalo na nung panahon ng pandemic,” shared Ana Marie who was in tears when she opened the box and saw her pawned item inside.
Grecilda, Remigia, and Ana Marie were just three of the many loyal clients whose continued trust and loyalty to Cebuana Lhuillier proved to be instrumental in the company’s continued reign as the country’s number one pawnshop. With Pasasalamat, the decades-old financial institution was able to express and extend its thanks to the many whose continued patronage remains the reason for its longevity and its continuous desire to serve as an ally and a friend to millions of Filipinos and their journey towards a better future.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 15, 2022 | Advocacy
Leading digital solutions platform Globe and SM Advantage Card (SMAC), the loyalty card of retail giant SM, have come together to help put meals on the table of those in need through the Hapag Movement, Globe’s technology-driven program against involuntary hunger.
With every purchase of a SMAC card and every checkout, shoppers can now help support a family in need.
“We are excited to partner with SMAC at the most joyful time of the year so we can bring cheer to our fellow Filipinos who continue to suffer due to involuntary hunger. Now, it’s easier for shoppers to share their blessings with the needy, bring food to the table, and get assistance for decent livelihood as we mark this Christmas season post-pandemic,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.
“Our collaboration with Globe for the Hapag Movement is a pioneering partnership for us as it aligns with the SM brand’s goal of providing support to Filipinos in every way we can. This is the time for us to rally behind this cause to help those who continue to reel from the impact of the pandemic and challenges due to rising living costs. Ibalik natin ang sarap ng Pasko,” said Jay Beltran, SMAC SAVP Head of Sales and Marketing.
Through the partnership, P50.00 will be donated to the Hapag Movement and other SM Foundation programs for every purchase of a new SMAC card.
On top of this, SMAC members who purchase select items at the SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi’s, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso will earn up to 1,000 EXTRA SMAC Points, and half of the EXTRA points they earn will be donated to the movement starting December 15, 2022, until January 15, 2023, in time for this season of giving.
“We celebrate the season of giving with our SMAC members with the gift of giving— letting them share blessings with our most vulnerable kababayans,” Beltran said.
Globe’s Hapag Movement leverages technology and collaboration to help 100,000 families experiencing involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood support.
Globe initiated the program to help Filipinos severely affected by the pandemic, with its effects still felt today. An estimated 2.9 million individuals reported suffering from involuntary hunger as of October this year, largely unchanged from the quarter before, according to a Social Weather Stations Survey.
To learn more about the Hapag Movement, visit its official page. You may also visit SMAC.PH or download the SMAC app to know more.
Leading digital solutions platform Globe and SM Advantage Card (SMAC), the loyalty card of retail giant SM, have come together to help put meals on the table of those in need through the Hapag Movement, Globe’s technology-driven program against involuntary hunger.
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