November 2018

 Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, recently launched the Maxicare HealthHub, a one-stop healthcare hub that utilizes cutting-edge technology to streamline the process of going for a medical consultation, offering a relaxing and convenient way for members to access their benefits. 

A first-of-its-kind in the country, the fully automated hub offers members a convenient and time-saving way of getting their LOA (letter of authorization). It has a fully digitized system to manage patient queuing, and to gather initial vital signs quickly, accurately and hassle free. Photo shows Manila Doctors Hospital president Elizabeth Dantes and Maxicare President & CEO Christian Argos cutting the ceremonial ribbon during the launch.  

The Maxicare HealthHub is located at the 2nd floor of Manila Doctors Hospital, 667 United Nations Ave, Ermita, Manila. Drop by anytime between 8 AM to 5 PM.   For more information, visit www.maxicare.com.ph.

Adamson Baby Falcons

For the past five years, Akari has been supporting Adamson in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Season 81 is no exception as Akari continues to soar with the Falcons.

Akari is once again going all out to support the Adamson Falcons in their bid for a men’s basketball championship. Since taking over the program in 2016, coach Franz Pumaren has steered the team to two consecutive Final Four appearances. This year, the Falcons are touted as strong contenders in the senior men’s basketball division.

Meanwhile, third-year American mentor Airess Padda is training the Lady Falcons to compete at a higher level. As part of their off-season build-up, the volleybelles are joining several leagues ahead of their UAAP season opening in February 2019.

For the program’s continuity, Akari has also included the high school girls’ volleyball team under its management. Early this year, the company held the Akari National High School Volleyball Championships to scout promising players and bring them in to the Adamson junior and senior volleyball programs.

After delivering the university’s first championship in the UAAP Cheer Dance Competition (CDC) last year, Adamson Pep Squad coach Jam Lorenzo and his wards are training harder than ever to defend their crown as the UAAP CDC unfolds in November.

Akari’s unwavering support to the Adamson University for the past five years is just one of the many initiatives under the brand’s youth development and sports program. The company has formalized the Akari Foundation to extend its support to the youth beyond collegiate sports. Akari recently gathered the 2018-2019 Adamson University scholars of the company. In an intimate dinner, Christopher Tiu, Akari chief executive officer, reiterated the lighting and energy company’s commitment to help enlighten the future of the Filipino youth.

“Through the Lim Liok Lim and Carter Tiu scholarships, we aim to give back via tertiary scholarship grants. The immediate family members of our employees, as well as the nearest kin of the athletes of the company-sponsored school teams are our priority. We’re also open to providing scholarship grants to indigent but deserving individuals,” Tiu said.

November 24, 2018 – Quezon City, Philippines – Ragnarok Online players from all over the Philippines gather in the SM North EDSA Skydome to attend Ragnafest 2018, a whole-day celebration of everything that is Ragnarok Online.

Players are able to enjoy a full day of games, amazing prizes, and intense competition, culminating with the much-awaited finals of the Ragnarok Philippine Championships, or RPC. As the day goes on, players can win more prizes and merchandise, such as Ragnarok Online shirts, Angeling plush toys, and of course, in-game rewards.

“Ragnafest 2018 is the biggest event we’ve had in the Philippines so far. We think that such dedicated players deserve a fun event like this! We’re all looking forward to bigger things to come in the years ahead, especially since Electronics Extreme is coming to the Philippines,” said Tun Santianuchit of Electronics Extreme.

Ragnarok Online was the game that started the Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game craze in the Philippines. Launched in 2002, Ragnarok Online, or RO as the players called it, was the first game of its kind in the country, and became a phenomenon. The game had a run of more than a decade before closing its servers in 2015.

When the game was relaunched in 2017 under Thai award-winning publisher Electronics Extreme, Filipino fans once again logged in and dusted off their armor. Players and fans once again made it a craze, and the game was shared with all ages, from millenials, young professionals, and to those families who want to relive their adventures.

Ragnarok Online continues to be a phenomenon to this day, and will continue to be in the hearts of the Filipino gamers for years to come.

Manila, Philippines – There’s nothing like food to make you feel at home.

For millions of Filipinos living or working all across the globe, a familiar flavor or a well-loved taste can instantly bring back fond memories and rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort.

While most Filipino dishes can be recreated in any kitchen, some Pinoy staples require a bit more effort to find.

This is where Rebisco comes in.

The snack food giant has been doubling down on its international business, ‘invading’ key markets armed with delightful sweets and treats.

“Wherever there are Filipinos, we have a market for Rebisco products because our snacks represent a piece of home,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “At the same time, the shared love for food is a universal language that transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. While we bring our diverse portfolio of products to a wider market, we also want to put the Philippines on the global map as a maker of world-class snacks.”

Spreading the love for Filipino-made snacks

Rebisco has been in the export business since early 2000, with key markets including China, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Myanmar. Among their top export brands are local favorites like Ding Dong, Hansel, Fudgee Barr, Rebisco Sandwich, Doowee Donut, Cupp Keyk and Choco Mucho.

According to Rebisco International Business Group Head Jonnel Mangubat, main consumers vary per export market. “For countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, USA, and Taiwan the main consumers are our overseas Filipinos as these countries are top OFW and Filipino migrant destinations,” he said. “As for China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Myanmar, we primarily cater to the mainstream aka local consumers. Thus, our products could be found in their supermarkets and wholesalers where local consumers go to.”

Winning over local snack lovers

Marketing strategy varies, depending on the market. “We localize our portfolio and promotions based on the unique consumer needs per country,” Mangubat explained. “While some distributors directly approach us due to our company’s popularity, we mainly enter new markets through participation in international trade missions and food exhibits. As soon as we see market potential and product acceptance, as indicated primarily by consistent orders, we follow through with significant investment in sales and marketing initiatives in order to maximize the business potential.”

Manufacturing is a key success factor for Rebisco’s international business. In 2015, the legacy snack maker opened its Vietnam manufacturing facility, complete with a sales and marketing force. Mangubat added, “Vietnam’s strategic location in the region makes it an ideal manufacturing hub for businesses that want to penetrate the ASEAN markets. Its free trade agreements also make the country more attractive to investors because of the fewer tariffs and restrictions.”

The Vietnam plant produces cakes, biscuits, wafer and cream paste, for domestic and top export markets like China and Myanmar. Rebisco Vietnam has also recently begun export shipments to Hong Kong and Singapore. Mangubat noted that the total operations in Vietnam have steadily doubled its sales in the past five years, with the top-selling brands including Doowee, Krim Stixand Rebisco Extreme.

More reasons to celebrate

As Rebisco celebrates its 55^th anniversary this year, the homegrown manufacturer of snack time favorites sees a bright future ahead for its international business.

Ng noted, “We’re optimistic about the sustained growth of our international operations. We continue to evolve with the changing needs of the market—both locally and globally. Good food never goes out of style. Regardless of where you’re from, there’s always a good reason to sit down and enjoy a snack.”

Pioneering entertainment platform, Jollibee Studios, raises the bar in digital marketing

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast-food brand, is expanding not only around the world, but also online with the launch of Jollibee Studios.

Jollibee Studios is the first content channel of its kind in Philippine QSR branded entertainment and aims to deliver quality content that is bound to make viewers cry, laugh, fall in love, and more.

“This all-new entertainment channel stems from the wonderful reception towards our latest digital content that we’ve received not only from our fans online but from global industry leaders,” said Arline Adeva, Jollibee AVP for Brand PR, Communications and Digital. “Even in the past, Jollibee has been known to be quite the storyteller, producing many of the country’s most memorable ads. And today, we raise the bar in storytelling and branded entertainment through Jollibee Studios.”

Jollibee Studios was officially launched on November 21, Wednesday in an exclusive event held at Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City. The director and actors from the series unveiled graced the event, along with Jollibee executives, influencers, and media guests.

Jollibee has been dubbed a game-changer and the country’s #1 QSR brand in digital engagement. This is thanks to the slew of heartwarming content that have touched the hearts of viewers in the country and around the world and sparked conversations between the brand and its audience.

A creative digital powerhouse

Jollibee AVP for Brand PR, Communications and Digital Arline Adeva opens the program and officially introduces Jollibee’s own entertainment channel, the Jollibee Studios.

Jollibee Studios brings together a team of creatives, directors, performers, and production professionals to conceptualize and produce compelling stories of Filipinos and with the brand.

Jollibee Studios houses the brand’s digital hits, including the well-loved Kwentong Jollibee videos, two seasons of the quirky, star-studded JolliSavers series 14/29: Petsa de Peligro JolliSery, and the exciting JolliDance Showdowns starring the brand’s most lovable mascot. All of these digital-led projects racked up impressive figures of views, reactions, shares, and comments on Jollibee’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Jollibee Flagship Category AVP Cathleen Capati talks about Jollibee Studios’ fresh content, the latest episode of 14/29: JolliSerye and the new romantic digital series, One True Pairs. 

The latest series to burst forth from the Jollibee Studios stable is Chickenjoy Perfect Pair’s One True Pair, a romance-serye with episodes under the direction of acclaimed hitmakers JP Habac and Antoinette Jadaone. Two episodes—both revolving around love and perfect pairs—will be serving the most relatablekilig starting November 22, 2018.

“By bringing together the creative and entertainment industry’s top talents, viewers can be sure that the content from Jollibee Studios is not only high-quality, but also features stories told in new, innovative ways,” added Adeva.

Award-winning channel

FROM L-R: Jollibee; Jollibee AVP for Brand PR, Communications and Digital Ms. Arline Adeva; Google Philippines Industry Manager Mr. Ashok Patro; Jollibee Philippines President Mr. JJ Alano; Jollibee Flagship Category AVP Cathleen Capati; and YouTube Country Sales Lead Jolly Estaris.  

To date, the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel boasts of over 247,000 subscribers. 

“We earned those figures by ensuring that our content feels authentic, and touch on relatable experiences and situations that illustrate how Jollibee has touched the lives of generations of Filipino diners,” Adeva said.

To recognize this milestone, Google was present during the launch where Jollibee Studios was awarded the Silver Creator Award by YouTube. This is a recognition only given to content creators whose channels have reached the 100,000-subscriber mark.

“Pinoy netizens can expect more exciting, engaging, and heartwarming content to come their way in the very near future, all from Jollibee Studios so we encourage everyone to subscribe and keep watching!” concluded Adeva.

For more information on Jollibee’s latest digital content, products, and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios (youtube.com/JollibeeStudios) on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

From November 26 to December 12, users can shop the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale featuring daily free shipping promotions, deals as low as  ₱12, and exciting activities with Shopee’s Christmas ambassador Jose Mari Chan

Fresh off the excitement from the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, celebrates the final wave of Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Starting November 26, users can shop the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale featuring 16 themed sale days in the lead up to December 12, with daily free shipping promotions, flash sales as low as ₱12, and Shopee Shake worth 12 million. Shopee will also be launching a brand new in-app game, Shopee Quiz.

“The past year has been an exciting one for Shopee not only in the Philippines but also across the region. We have achieved many significant milestones, such as the most recent Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale which broke 11 million orders regionally on November 11. The Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale marks the final leg of the year and we are excited to end it with a bang. We want to thank all our shoppers, sellers, and brands for their unending support on this journey, and will continue to push even more boundaries and drive e-commerce in the region forward,” said Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer at Shopee.

Starting November 26 to December 12, Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale will feature over two weeks of daily promotions at up to 99% off. Leading brands including P&G, Maybelline, Vivo, SM Store, Silverworks, Unilever, Lactum, and Platinum Karaoke will also be joining in the Shopee’s 12.12 Big Christmas sale celebrations with exclusive deals for Shopee users this festive season.

Debut of brand new in-app game, Shopee Quiz

To add to the celebrations, Shopee will also be launching its brand new in-app game, Shopee Quiz, during Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. The interactive live quiz will require users to answer a series of questions in order to win from a prize pool of hundreds of thousands of Shopee Coins. Shopee Quiz sessions will be happening daily at 9 PM from December 4 to December 11, and at 12 noon and 9 PM on December 12.

In addition, Shopee’s trademark in-app game, Shopee Shake, returns for one last run in 2018. Users should watch out for Shopee Shake sessions happening twice daily at 12 noon and 7PM throughout the campaign, and eight times on December 4, 11, and 12.

Shopee presents the Wish Bus Tour with Jose Mari Chan

In partnership with Wish 107.5, Shopee will be holding an exclusive bus tour with Shopee’s Christmas ambassador, Jose Mari Chan. On November 26, the Shopee Wish Bus Tour will make several stops around Metro Manila for live Christmas performances, games and giveaways. The different stops for the tour were determined by users who voted via the Shopee app, with Starmall EDSA, Shaw; Ayala Triangle, Makati; and Market! Market!, Taguig City emerging as the top three voted locations.

On November 26, users can head down to the three locations to meet Jose Mari Chan live in person or tune in to the happenings of the Shopee Wish Bus Tour streamed live on Shopee’s Facebook page. As a treat to users this festive season, users who manage to spot and post a picture of the Shopee Wish Bus on Facebook or Instagram will also be in the running for a special Christmas giveaway. To qualify, users will need to tag and follow @shopeeph on Facebook and Instagram, and include the hashtags, #ShopeeWishBusTour, #ShopeeBigChristmasSale, and #ShopeePH1212.

“The Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale is a way for us to show our appreciation to all our loyal users in the Philippines. As the end of 2018 approaches, we invite all the Filipinos to join us in celebrating another key milestone in our Shopee journey.” Pang closed.

For more information on the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit http://shopee.ph/12-12

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Makati, November 08, 2018 – Eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to boring, bland and complicated. It’s about eating the right amount, right calories without depriving ourselves to enjoy our food. Food must help us feel great, have more energy for the day, to improve our health, to be physically fit and even helping our mood to become happy and healthy all throughout the day!

HealthyMealsPh does just that! We deliver fresh reaching as fas as Caloocan to Quezon City, Pasig , Valenzuela, Makati, Marikina, Navotas and a lot more! For as low as P2,000.00 to P 2,400.00 (depending on the calories) per week, you will enjoy the goodness and freshness of food delivered right in your door step and you can bring with you anywhere you want! We also serve High Protein which gives you the energy to get up and go, Ketogenic Meals which is one of the most popular meals worldwide to shed excess weight and improves health and of course sweet treats that you can indulge in without the guilt feeling!

HealthyMealsPh is highly recommended by a lot of celebrities ,social media influencers, health enthusiasts, athletes, young professionals and business owners who are always on the go everyday! They’ve experienced total transformation in a matter of less than 60 days.

They are very happy that HealthyMealsPh food keep them healthy, young, vibrant and full of energy despite and inspire the hectic schedule. As they say when you’re cutting of unhealthy food in your diet, it’s very important that we replace them with real healthy food and focus on how you feel after eating. You must feel great and this is what HealthyMealsPh is all about!

Rad Pelayo, owner & founder of HealthyMealsPh says “ Healthy Food is meant to be enjoyed by everyone that’s why we do not only deliver, we also open our doors to catering services for parties, special occasions or gathering that will truly enjoy from main course to dessert and soon our first store will be opened to cater to those who are on the go and if you want to have your own business, we are franchising HealthyMealsPh very very soon, we will definitely keep you posted! Eat right and live right, thats our goal for HealthyMealsPh”.

HealthyMealsPh Catering and Stores was officially launched on November 08, 2018 at The Ark by Unionbank in Ayala Avenue, Makati City with special guests celebrity singers Lance Edward and Moira Lacambra who are HealthyMealsPh ambassadors as well.

Rad Pelayo further adds “ We are thrilled to share our mission of promoting a holistic lifestyle by serving complete and balanced meals, prepared fresh daily by our seasoned chefs”

We are happy to announce that we are launching catering services especially now that the Holiday Season is just around the corner, we need to make sure that even if you eat a lot in parties, you are eating healthy food! We are also excited to launch our first HealthyMealsPh Store  April St. Congressional Village in Quezon City.

For more details on food delivery, catering services and store franchising call 09175424015 or message us on Facebook www.fb.com/healthymealsphBRT.

The press launch was organised by PMCM Events Management. Thank you The Ark by Unionbank for the venue!

Hey there home bakers! Is it frustrating when regular markets don’t often have the items you need for baking? Need not to worry because shopping through the aisles of Wonderbake at SM City San Jose del Monte will be your haven.

Wonderbake is now open at the Upper Ground Level of SM City San Jose del Monte!

Wonderbake is a wholesale and retail specialty store carrying local and imported baking and culinary products. Their current line covers a selection of ingredients, raw materials, packaging, bakeware, specialty food wares and supplies. Wonderbake is known for holding quirky packaging items and ingredients for decorating cakes and cupcakes. It was established by co-founders of Chefs & Bakers which opened in 2012.

Wonderbake is constantly striving to bring the best and most sought after products to consumers at a competitive price. They are also looking to have partnerships with local and foreign suppliers to support the growing industry here in the Philippines.

Moreover, the vision is to bring a truly one-stop shop of everything that has to do with baking within customers and their budget’s reach. Their passion is to put excitement and emotion into baking, whether it is for means of income or for hobby.

We know all Filipinos love to eat. We undeniably love cooking and baking. That is Wonderbake is taking it to make baking as sweet as it tastes and sounds.

Are you excited to bake? What are you waiting for? Check out Wonderbake at the Upper Ground Floor of SM City San Jose del Monte, put that apron on and get yourselves sugar-high!

Richard Poon

Christmas comes early at Filinvest Mimosa+ in Clark, Pampanga with a concert on November 24, 2018, 6 p.m. onwards, at the Acacia Park, to kick off the joyous season.

Catch remarkable artists and performers, headed by the Philippines’ premier crooner, Richard Poon, who will sing all-time favorite Christmas tunes! Joining him is Pampanga’s pride, the Holy Angel University Chorale, winner of the Gold Prize Award in the 10th Fukushima Vocal Ensemble Competition held in March 2017. Highlight of the event is the ceremonial lighting of its Christmas installations and decorations, capped by an amazing fireworks display, that will surely delight everyone throughout the holiday season. Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City is an integrated, balanced, and eco-centric township that offers a real work, live, and play environment. With the Stellar Christmas at Mimosa+, families, their loved-ones and friends have an extra special reason to visit the world-class Filinvest Mimosa+ in Clark, which boasts of a championship golf course and superb accommodations, dining facilities and leisure amenities. To know more about the events and activities at Filinvest Mimosa+ this holiday season, visit www.facebook.com/FilinvestMimosaPlus.