There is no doubt that young Filipinos are dreamers. Taking the word “hataw” (doing your best) by heart, they remain committed to their dreams and life goals despite several roadblocks they experience.
Take the case of 19-year old Raphael Santiago, a multimedia arts student. Together with his friends, they recently founded a clothing brand, ROLEMODEL.
It is the time of a pandemic; a phase in their lives when the world is almost discouraging for the younger generation. Yet, this “boredom” is what drove Santiago to persevere. “I think my boredom is slowly transforming into a career,” he said.
“I realized that life is short. I wanted to start living my life to the fullest by achieving my goals and making my dreams come true. Luckily, my friends also had the idea of starting a clothing brand,” he added.
They pursued their love for style and life through an online business. It does not only serve as a source of income but also a source of inspiration for young Filipinos. ROLEMODEL conveys messages of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement.
Energy for life
As they continue to face the challenges of the new normal and prepare for the future, young Filipinos are determined to be more energetic than ever. To keep them active and focused all throughout the day, they need a drink that is hataw sa energy and hataw sa sarap.
“We recognize the role of the youth in our society and we hope to help them succeed through the energy and delicious taste of Sting. Their determination is truly admirable. It inspires us to continue producing beverages that help Filipinos to be stronger and more energized,” said Frederick D. Ong, president and Chief Executive Officer of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI).
A product of PCPPI, the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, Sting is the perfect partner to sharpen the mind and body of every young Filipino. It is powered with B Vitamins, Taurine, and Ginseng Extract. Sting comes in a strawberry flavor in both 300ml and 330ml PET bottles.
Sting is available in supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, and sari-sari stores nationwide.
PCPPI is also the exclusive manufacturer of well-known beverage brands in the Philippines including Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Mug, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina.
This Valentine’s season, DITO Telecommunity is giving Filipinos more reasons to connect with their loved ones.
From February 14 to 20 only, subscribers get bonus data and 2x DITO Rewards points when they avail DITO’s 99 and DITO 199.
Bonus data makes V-Day extra special!
For every purchase of the DITO 99 pack, subscribers get a bonus of 1GB data valid for 7 days.
Those who will subscribe to DITO 199, will get 3GB bonus data valid for 15 days. The DITO 99 pack includes 10GB high-speed data, unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited on-net calls, 300 minutes off-net calls, and is valid for 30 days. The DITO 199 pack includes 25GB data valid for 30 days, unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited on-net calls, and 300 minutes off-net calls.
2x from DITO Rewards
Subscribers who purchase either of the two promos via from any of DITO Telecommunity’s channels (DITO APP, MyDITO site, DITO Experience Stores, and DITO retail partner stores, etc.) will quality for double points earning.
How many DITO Points will subscribers earn? DITO Subscribers who purchase via the DITO APP or myDITO will earn 6% of the promo amount, or 2% of the promo amount if they purchase via other channels.To read the full mechanics of the promo, visit https://bit.ly/DITOValentinesDayPromo
Customers who avail the data packs via other channels such as DITO Experience Stores and partner retails shops earn 2% of the promo amount.
Subscribers can use their points to redeem a wide array of choices from the DITO Rewards catalogue in the DITO APP.
Have more time to connect with your special someone this season of love, subscribe to DITO’s data promos today. For more details, visit the DITO Telecommunity Facebook Page.
Bulacan Provincial Director Jovencio M. Ferrer Jr. presented the SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Dumagat graduates during the graduation rites held in Sitio Sapangmunti, Brgy San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan. Despite the pandemic, SM Foundation (SMFI), through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture program (KSK SAP), stretches its efforts to reach the marginalized farmers from grassroots communities by bringing advanced and sustainable farming techniques to promote agri-preneurship. SM Foundation was able equipped 25 Dumagat farmers with competitive farming skills that are certified by TESDA. KSK graduation rites was graced by TESDA Regional Director Balmyrson Valdez and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Bulacan Head Regina Panlilio and SM City Marilao’s Mall Manager Emmanuel Gatmaitan and Assistant Mall Manager Janette Aguilera.
Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, 50 farmers completed SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture program (KSK SAP) that was launched last July 14, 2021 in Bulacan.
Farmers-graduates batch 226 were equipped with advanced and sustainable farming techniques for fruits, vegetables as well as high value crops that hopes to create agri-enterprise opportunities in communities. The training which transpired for 14 weeks was conducted on-site and via learning modules that are certified by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Unlike the previous KSK SAP program held in the province, batch 226 was divided to into two groups to enrich the on-site application skillset and to strengthen trainee’s experiential learning. This method enable the program to scale up, reach more people and increase impact of interventions through multi-stakeholder approach.
Beneficiaries of the program include 25 members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and farmers in Barangay Biak na Bato, in San Miguel Bulacan and 25 participants composed of members of the Indigenous Community in Sitio Sapangmunti, Brgy San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Twenty five farmer graduates recently completed SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK)sustainable agriculture training programin San Miguel Bulacan. In cooperation with SM City Baliwag, the partner government agencies as well as TESDA, the program offered technical and hands-on training in farming fruits, vegetables and high value crops, as well as input on how farmer trainees could become entrepreneurs, despite the economic challenges in the midst of pandemic, and changing weather conditions.
“Maraming salamat po sa SM dahil marami kaming natutuhan sa programa (KSK-SAP) para sa aming ikauunlad” shares Sitio Sapangmunti Dumagat Chieftain Mario Cruz.
SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan aims to uplift the lives of farmers and communities in grassroots areas through sustainable agriculture, technology transfer, product development, and farm-market linkage by partnerships with different agencies. Program partners are Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD), St Isidore The Farmer Learning Center Inc. Local Government Units of San Miguel and Norzagaray. The KSK SAP was also made possible through the support of SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag.
“Sana po ma-replicate ito (programang KSK) sa ibang indigenous community” says National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Bulacan Head Regina Panlilio
As the Philippines detected the highly infectious Omicron variant, Filipinos have seen a sudden and tremendous surge in the COVID-19 cases. And while the infections in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces are already starting to decrease, the Department of Health (DOH) still recognizes the country, especially NCR, as high risk for the virus.
For that reason, people must be C-gurado amid these uncertain times. It is essential to always keep our health in check with sufficient vitamins and nutrients for doubled-up protection against the invisible enemy even if we’re wearing masks outside and completely vaccinated, along with a booster shot.
Hygiene and health must start at home. And while no supplements can directly cure COVID-19 and its variants, taking vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and Zinc can help provide adequate nutrition to double up one’s immunity, lessening severe symptoms.
Benefits of Vitamin C and Zinc to help boost one’s immune system
Vitamin C is a well-known vitamin to take in the new normal. Since it provides added protection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), this vitamin is vital to maintaining your health.
Vitamin C also assists a person’s immune system combat sicknesses, making it significant to include in your diet. In addition, a foreign study indicated that regular Vitamin C intake helps reduce the severity of colds.
Other than that, as an essential medicine, it can assist in faster wound healing and minimize the risks of having long-term illnesses like cancer.
Another winning supplement to increase our immune functions is Zinc, a mineral that may have antiviral activity. According to a study, this mineral improves immune cell function that counters viral infections or may reduce the ability of viruses to multiply.
Another study found out that Zinc may not prevent colds, but evidence proves that it plays an essential function in shortening cold symptoms.
No wonder why Vitamin C and Zinc are necessary to be taken this new normal. It’s because of the powerful benefits of these supplements to people’s immune systems.
Doubled-up protection with Santé’s Daily-C Plus
While certain foods can be good sources of these vitamins and minerals, some people have difficulties including them in their daily diet.
That is why Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider, brings you the new and improved Daily-C Plus, helping you get an extra dose of vitamins for doubled-up protection so you can live beyond the limits and confidently care for your family.
“Because of the health scares brought by 2020, everyone must improve their daily health care and lifestyle. The new and improved Daily-C Plus is our way of helping everyone so they can become more C-gurado even amid these uncertain times,” said Joey Marcelo, CEO of Santé.
Daily-C Plus is the doubled-up version of Daily-C, which helps the immune system and decreases Vitamin C deficiency. It also aids in enhancing iron absorption, collagen formation, and wound healing in our bodies.
Packed with non-acidic sodium ascorbate fortified with Zinc, it provides an extra level of protection to you and your family while being gentler on the stomach and safe for daily consumption. It comes in a 500mg natural vegetable capsule, so it’s like eating your greens with just a pill.
“Because of uncertainties at times like this, I always make sure to put effort and work to protect my future, family, and health. And because I’m a certified C-gurista, the best way to guard myself and my loved ones from sickness is with the doubled-up protection of Daily-C Plus,” said Catriona Gray, ambassador of Daily-C Plus.
So, if you are a certified C-gurista, be sure to double up your protection with Santé’s Daily-C Plus and be C-gurado to face each day in this new normal.
Daily-C Plus is at a 20% discount from February 14 to 28! Avail of this limited time offer by visiting mysante.com/shop.
As the digital landscape continues to grow exponentially in the SEA region, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches Shopee Code League (SCL) to help upskill coders through workshops and challenges designed to enhance programming abilities. This initiative is available to tech coders of all levels from across the region.
Shopee Code League is a 2-week league that features a series of exclusive online training sessions organized by Shopee and two rounds of coding competitions that let participants solve algorithmic puzzles designed by the Shopee Engineering team. Attended by over 17,000 participants and 300 partners from eight locations across the region in 2021, the competition initially had three different tracks: Data Science, Data Analytics, and Programming. This year, to cater to the need of more coders keen on learning about algorithms, SCL will focus on offering the following topics: Python Programming, C++, Go, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Dynamic Programming.
Shopee Code League 2022 is open to all interested individuals and top performers can win cash prizes amounting to SGD 25,000 (more than ₱950,000). Participants also stand a chance to join Shopee to grow their careers in the tech landscape.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are excited to support a new generation of tech leaders and enthusiasts who want to learn and improve their skills through Shopee Code League. The initiative proved to be successful each year and we will continue to enhance our programs so that our participants can take full advantage of the opportunities Shopee is offering. We are inviting all tech talents to join and learn how to maximize their potential.”
Registration for the Shopee Code League is ongoing until February 28, 2022. For more information about the Shopee Code League, please visit https://careers.shopee.ph/codeleague/.
Just as K-Drama and K-Pop have surged in the entertainment scene, K-beauty is making inroads in the skincare and cosmetics industry. But is it here to stay? According to the data released by the Korea Customs Service and Korea Cosmetic Association, South Korean South Korean cosmetics exports climbed 16.1% to reach nearly USD7.6 billion in 2020 despite the pandemic.
Watsons, the leading offline and online (O+O) health and beauty retailer in Asia, was quick to recognize that K-Beauty “is highly sought after by our Watsons customers even during the pandemic,” says Susanna Yen, Exclusive Brands Director of Watsons International.
With this, “Watsons has partnered with a number of K-Beauty brands to deliver more choices to beauty lovers across Asia while helping to incubate up and coming brands to expand their penetration.
Mise En Scène and COSRX are two outstanding examples that show how Watsons has helped K-Beauty brands enter new markets and build up a strong market position.
Mise En Scène is a total hair cosmetic brand that offers a diverse range of hair styling products. The brand’s Perfect Serum has been Korea’s #1 for nine consecutive years with its unique intensive care formula featuring seven nature-derived ingredients. This cult-favorite, along with Mise En Scène’s other popular styling products, is exclusively available in Watsons online and select physical stores, promising shoppers smooth, silky, easy to style, and healthy hair.
COSRX, on the other hand, is another K-Beauty brand that has benefited hugely from its exclusive partnership with Watsons. This skincare brand was launched through Watsons in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines exclusively in 2017, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of over 80%.
Watsons also reinforces the demands for their K-beauty products by highlighting K-Beauty as part of their Asian Beauty Campaign.
“The demand of K-Beauty products keeps growing but due to the pandemic, customers are not able to travel to Korea to shop for the hottest K-Beauty products, so we have highlighted Watsons K-Beauty as part of the Asian Beauty Campaign. With over 5,000 products to choose from in-store and online, Watsons K- Beauty land is expected to become the go-to place for all K-Beauty lovers.” Yuen mentioned.
Watsons’ strong O+O capabilities enable customers to enjoy the benefits of convenient shopping either at home or in-store, which effectively helps K-beauty products and many other health and beauty brands to engage and connect with its target customers.
In the Philippines, Mise EnScene, COSREX and other K-beauty brands are available at Watsons stores located in most SM Supermalls nationwide.
Having your life partner by your side through the good times and the bad is one of life’s greatest delights. While many believe that it’s not a good idea to start a business with your partner, the young couple behind the Shopee store BuyMore_Ph proves it can work. Rommel and Ajima’s inspirational love story and Shopee journey are testaments to how teamwork, trust, and communication can lead to success in their personal and professional lives.
Blossoming of the relationship and the beginning of their Shopee journey
Rommel and Ajima started selling on Shopee in 2017 as a newly-engaged couple looking for a side hustle to fund their wedding and honeymoon. In their early days on Shopee, they would sell trendy items such as lip tints and ready-to-wear clothes for men and women.
They admit that it was not easy at first but what helped their business succeed was to tap into the current trends. The couple explained, “sumasabay kami sa uso para maka-attract ng customers at nagiging open kami to more variety sa shop namin para mas marami talaga bumili.” [“We had to ride on the trends during that time to offer customers with a wide variety of items that they would be interested in.”]
The turning point of their business happened in 2018 as their shop continued to perform well and more Filipinos began to embrace e-commerce. Rommel, then an IT specialist, and Ajima, a licensed tax consultant, made the crucial decision to quit their jobs and become full-time Shopee sellers. It was daunting, but the couple remained optimistic. After all, now they have more time together as they run their business. “Parang cheesy siya pero sa totoo lang mas masarap talaga mag work kung may goals kayo hanggang pagtanda,” shared Ajima. [“It’s quite cheesy but honestly it really feels so good to work with your partner when you have shared goals until you grow old together.”]
Growing together as husband and wife and business partners in life
When asked what their secret was, the couple says it’s learning how to manage their emotions, in and out of work. Rommel shares “Natutunan namin ihiwalay ang emotions sa trabaho as much as possible [“we learned to compartmentalize our emotions when it comes to the business], and we’re still learning everyday how to improve that. Hindi namin hinahayaan na mangibabaw ang emotions” [“we don’t let emotions get the best of us”], to which Ajima agreed and said, “More than husband and wife, we’re partners in everything”
Their relationship wasn’t the only thing that grew due to their business. They also grew as individuals, becoming more empathetic and decisive in handling their employees was something new to the both of them. With their success, BuyMore_Ph has been able to grant invaluable opportunities to working students and individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and even some who were unable to finish their studies, especially during these more challenging times.
Rommel, who is more soft-spoken one among the couple, learned to go out of his comfort zone and lead his employees. “Hindi talaga ako masyado makausap sa tao, pero kailangan kong kausapin sila isa-isa para alamin kung ano ang problema.” [I’m not a very talkative and outspoken person but I had to learn how to talk to different kinds of people to resolve issues.]
The couple recognizes the huge role their employees have in the success they’ve achieved. “Super thankful din kami sa kanila kasi nakahanap kami ng tao na may concern din sa kung paano namin pinahalagahan yung business namin,” [“we’re very grateful to have found people who value our business the way we do”] Rommel said.
Inspiring other couples to be persevering and entrepreneurial
The seller couple advises other Shopee sellers to not give up and to trust the process. There may be times when certain strategies don’t always work, but Rommel and Ajima believe that sticking together and enjoying the journey will ultimately reap rewards. Ajima reminds couples who also dream of becoming entrepreneurs to play to each other’s strengths and complement each other’s weaknesses,“kung ano kulang ng isa, napupunan ng isa.” [“whatever one lacks, the other will make up for”]
Rommel and Ajima never expected their once small goal of earning extra income to become a life-changing opportunity for them, their family, and their employees. BuyMore_Ph is now one of the top-selling stores on Shopee with over 1.9M followers. In a few months, Rommel, Ajima, and their almost one-year old baby (who was born during the 5.5 rush of 2021, no less) will move into their dream house. They continue to oversee more than 40 employees and the operations of their warehouse, as they venture into more ways to expand their business this 2022.
Watch the full Valentine’s Day Kwentong Shopee episode of Rommel and Ajima here: https://shp.ee/kfeyhph.
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
Sarap ng home-style goodness with Magnolia Chicken Ready-to-Cook Timplados.
Selyado Sigurado – Packed at Magnolia chicken plants to ensure safety and quality.
High in Protein – To help boost immunity.
Pre-marinated and Ready-to-Cook in less than 30 minutes – Pre-marinated and packed at its peak of freshness, for a delicious and healthy meal in less than 30 minutes.
Delicious Homestyle Goodness – Delicious ready-to-cook homestyle meals that your family will surely enjoy.
Cooking instructions
Thaw chicken in the lowest part of the refrigerator overnight. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
When oil is hot enough, coat chicken with breading and deep-fry for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Drain excess oil on rack or on paper towels.
The long wait is over as one of the most favorite donut brand, J.CO Donuts & Coffee opens at SM City San Jose del Monte!
This premium, Indonesian lifestyle café specializes in creating mouthwatering combinations of toppings to meld with the soft and fluffy donuts. J.CO also offers unique coffee blends from simple espresso to hazelnut latte which perfectly complements the delectable donuts.
Celebrate sweetness with J.CO’s most wanted Alcapone, a top selling soft bite donut covered with Belgian white chocolate and Californian almonds. Their signature Jcocinno donut is the ultimate cappuccino-chocolatey combination that has come to tempt your taste buds.
There are also donuts named after Hollywood celebrities that are likewise flavorful – your heart will go on after a bite of the most eligible bachelor donut in avocado and chocolate crunch, the Avocado Dicaprio; the Berry Spears with glittering taste of strawberry and cream cheese will make you say ‘baby one more time’; Blueberrymore is a delicious act by blueberry and cream cheese every Charlie’s angels will love; and there’s Jacky Chunk, a donut with chunky chunk and chocolate toppings that makes you go Haiyahh!
Also indulge yourself in the robust tastes and aroma of J.CO’s signature drink, Jcoccino coffee. Other drinks vary from iced to hot, and classic to flavored drinks. J.Co also offers a sandwich selection and yogurts.
So the question is, what is your mood today? J.CO has exceptionally handcrafted donuts, premium Arabica coffee, and more crave-inducing treats prepared just for you.
Visit J.CO Donuts & Coffee is located at the upper ground floor of SM City San Jose del Monte.
The long wait is over as one of the most favorite donut brand, J.CO Donuts & Coffee opens at SM City San Jose del Monte!
This premium, Indonesian lifestyle café specializes in creating mouthwatering combinations of toppings to meld with the soft and fluffy donuts. J.CO also offers unique coffee blends from simple espresso to hazelnut latte which perfectly complements the delectable donuts.
Celebrate sweetness with J.CO’s most wanted Alcapone, a top selling soft bite donut covered with Belgian white chocolate and Californian almonds. Their signature Jcocinno donut is the ultimate cappuccino-chocolatey combination that has come to tempt your taste buds.
There are also donuts named after Hollywood celebrities that are likewise flavorful – your heart will go on after a bite of the most eligible bachelor donut in avocado and chocolate crunch, the Avocado Dicaprio; the Berry Spears with glittering taste of strawberry and cream cheese will make you say ‘baby one more time’; Blueberrymore is a delicious act by blueberry and cream cheese every Charlie’s angels will love; and there’s Jacky Chunk, a donut with chunky chunk and chocolate toppings that makes you go Haiyahh!
Also indulge yourself in the robust tastes and aroma of J.CO’s signature drink, Jcoccino coffee. Other drinks vary from iced to hot, and classic to flavored drinks. J.Co also offers a sandwich selection and yogurts.
So the question is, what is your mood today? J.CO has exceptionally handcrafted donuts, premium Arabica coffee, and more crave-inducing treats prepared just for you.
Visit J.CO Donuts & Coffee is located at the upper ground floor of SM City San Jose del Monte.
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