It’s more fun to eat as SM City Baliwag introduces their newest extended dining space conveniently located at the Mall Expansion.
Adapting to the “new normal”, SM City Baliwag creates an extended dining to provide additional space to accommodate diners. Minimum health protocols are maintained for the safety of customers that includes wearing of face mask and face shield, diagonal or solo seating to observe safe distancing, and avoiding using seats as well as tables with markers. Customers are also encourage to fill out a health checklist provided at the entrances of the Mall establishments.
The new dining area lets shoppers enjoy their meal while creating memories by its interiors designed with royal red accents, surrounded by nostalgic toy soldiers that transports shoppers’ imagination to London’s iconic landmarks. The attraction not only provides space for eating, but also serves as a perfect spot for taking instagrammable photos.
More than its captivating features, customers may scan here QR code conveniently found at the tables that leads to menu guide of all SM City Baliwag restaurants, for a seamless food navigation.
Before hopping in at the extended dining, shoppers may also check on SM City Baliwag’s newest specialty stores such as Japanese food Oishi Maki and Ramen Kuroda and Korea’s Ssamjang Korean Grill Restaurant. There is SALO Filipino food concept and Turks recently opened at the Food court, plus other food tenants that are worth a try.
The designated extended dining areas are part of SM’s continuing effort to promote health and safety and bring back the fun in dining out through its #SafeMallingAtSM campaign. While it is fun to eat, customers are advised to select food choices and stay for a quick bite for added safety. Stay updated as SM City
Baliwag gears up towards new era of level up customer service with many options for easy, safe andefficient shopping. For more information, follow SM City Baliwag on Facebook and Instagram.
During the initial stages of pandemic, people tend to order food through online delivery, drive thru, and take out. And when indoor dining was once again became an option, restaurant owners use wood or plastic barriers and markings to maintain the minimum health standards as precautionary measure against the spread of virus.
To make dining as safe and as relaxing as possible, SM City San Jose del Monte recently introduced the ‘Green Patio by the Lagoon’ where shoppers can have a fresh and safer dining experience while enjoying the outdoors, located at the mall’s view deck and lagoon area.
The rear of the mall overlooks a vibrant landscape. Shoppers can enjoy eating while looking the view of the entire garden, the three level al fresco, the distinctive overlooking bridge, and the clear blue sky above. This area in the mall can really give a relaxing vibe to all the visitors.
Aside from the Green Patio by the Lagoon, there are also other designated dining areas inside the mall where mall goers can eat their take-out food to avoid flock of diners inside enclose spaces – the Greek-inspired designated dining located at the second level of the mall, and inside the Green Hub located at the mall atrium in the lower ground floor where diners are surrounded by ornamental plant bazaar.
With both convenience and safety in mind, SM City San Jose del Monte and its partner stores are strictly implementing the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shields, observe physical distancing, and even encouraging their customers to bring their own handy alcohol or sanitizers.
For more mall updates, like and follow SM City San Jose del Monte’s official Facebook page Facebook at https:www.facebook.com/SMCitySanJoseDelMonte and on Instagram at https://instagram.com/smcitysanjose.
Before pandemic, our homes used to be a place for “part of our lives”. Much of our days were spent at workplace or school. Often, we’d have plans before, after and in between work or school that makes our abode just a place to sleep in and unwind.
Today, our definition of home has changed. The role of our home has evolved as we do everything in our abode.
Home is no longer a sacred space where one simply relaxes. It is now a space that works in a multifunctional way, allowing our whole life to take place within its four walls from working, schooling, socializing, and exercising to even taking vacations. And as we continue to adjust the way we live, we might also want to adjust the spaces we live in.
While the new normal is expected to continue in 2021, SM Bulacan Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag and Pulilan launched an inspirational guide to spark joy in one’s abode with Home Edit Fair.
Shoppers can look forward to a wide selection of quality furniture created by local artisans and a Home Upgrade Sale with exclusive deals from participating stores like Our Home, SM Home and Office Warehouse.
SM’s Home Edit Fair also rounded up some practical home accessories, furnishing essentials, and functional décor that can help manage work and virtual learning from home.
Bringing fun and excitement in Home Edit Fair, shoppers can also get a chance to win exciting prizes from SM through its Design Your Space Challenge. Joining the challenge is easy, shoppers simply need to visit Home Edit Fair and take photos of the furniture pieces you like.
Check out SM Supermall’s Facebook page for the “Room of the Day” and take a screenshot of the Room Template from the post.
Unleash your creativity by designing the room with furniture images you took at the Home Edit Fair of your favorite mall. Comment the photo of your design on the designated post with #HomeEditFairatSM and get a chance to win gift certificates.
So whatever happiness and wellness look like for you this year, SM Bulacan Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag and Pulilan are here to help you get started in 2021. SM got it all for you to start the New Year right!
Home Edit Fair will run until January 30 with one extra day on 31 st at SM City San Jose Del Monte.
Don’t forget to visit SM Bulacan Malls official Facebook Pages for more updates – SM City San Jose del Monte
https:www.facebook.com/SMCitySanJoseDelMonte, SM City Marilao https://www.facebook.com/SMCityMarilao, SM
Center Pulilan https://www.facebook.com/smcenterpulilan and SM City Baliwag https://www.facebook.com/smbaliwag
In the Philippines, around 4.2 million people suffer from osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by joint pain which can limit daily activities like walking. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that primarily affects the cartilage, structures that protect the ends of bones within the joints.
Joint pain and osteoarthritis affect more people, and in more ways, that we might realize. As more and more Filipinos are finding it difficult to seek medical advice during this time of uncertainty, it’s important to educate the public about joint pain and osteoarthritis, as well as the potential consequences of delayed treatment.
Filipinos suffering from joint pain have an average age of 61 years, and 1 out of 4 experience joint pain often, at least once a week, sometimes even daily, especially in the hands and knees. There are different attitudes towards the disease based on age. The elderly who are over 65 seem more resigned and indifferent, while younger sufferers at 50-65 years old are more aware and reactive.
42% of elderly respondents consider joint pain a minor or nonexistent health problem. In contrast, around 6 out of 10 sufferers aged 50 to 64 years old are aware that the condition of their cartilages may worsen with age and believe that joint pain is more than a health problem.
These are the main findings from a national survey conducted in Philippines by IQVIA for Mylan, a Viatris company, to investigate the experiences, perceptions and needs of people with joint pain and osteoarthritis.
The analysis was conducted on 100 patients, men and women, aged 50 years and over, all of whom had to have knee pain. The study provided a clear picture of the condition’s negative impact on quality of life and how treatments can provide relief, allowing them to live healthier with less pain.
THE BURDEN OF DISEASE
In general, about half of the respondents have problems managing the disease emotionally and physically. Sufferers aged 50-65 years old, especially men, feel the emotional burden of the disease more, with almost 4 out of 10 expressing not just feelings of sadness, but also frustration and anxiety. Elderly patients seem to feel the emotional effects of the disease less, with only 2 out of 10 of them expressing sadness.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The survey clearly shows that a large proportion of Filipino respondents never consult a doctor for joint pain. Overall, around 30% of sufferers – 42% among those aged 50-65 years old – say that they have never received a medical diagnosis for their joint related symptoms. In addition, among those who have received a diagnosis, only 1 out of 2 were examined by a specialist, the rest consulted a general practitioner or a pharmacist.
This lack of a relationship with healthcare professionals (HCPs) is also reflected in the types of treatments these patients are undergoing. Over 4 out of 10 of respondents aged 50-65 use therapies that have been recommended to them by a friend or a relative and only 2 out of 10 follow the advice of the family doctor. Most people with joint pain take food/ dietary supplements, especially women and those aged 50-65.
THE NEED FOR MORE INFORMATION
Filipinos lack awareness on osteoarthritis disease and available treatments. Almost 7 out of 10 respondents declare that they wish to know more about it, especially those aged 50-65.
In order to get more information about OA, half of Filipino patients rely on family and friends or on internet, a trend that is growing more and more among the 50 to 65-year-olds – the category most reluctant to see HCPs. in fact, 77% of them uses online search engines as their primary source.
“At Viatris, we find the results of this research to be both insightful and useful. We are committed to providing support to Filipino doctors and other health care professionals in order to find, together, a way not only to better manage osteoarticular disease, but to also spread health information with the goal of improving the public’s awareness.
A need clearly shown in the data presented. We hope that more Filipinos will consult with their HCPs the moment they first feel any symptoms so that they can receive the right treatment early” – declares Viatris Country Manager, Ester C. Tacanay.
Studies have shown that prescription of crystalline glucosamine sulfate has the triple effect of reducing joint pain, improving physical function and delay the progression of osteoarthritis.
Several members of the Health and Dietary Supplement Association of the Philippines (HADSAP) turned over boxes of food, beverages, health supplements, personal care items, and monetary support to frontliners in Novaliches District Hospital. The group also donate supplements and assorted used clothing and toys to Caritas Manila in support of the latter’ Segunda Mana initiative.
“HADSAP wishes to support the health community, especially frontliners who are continuing to risk their lives and safety to help our fellow citizens,” says Shirley Te, head of the HADSAP CSR Committee. “Our donations were carefully selected in order for [the frontliners] to cope with the stress of battling against the spread of COVID-19.”
The association includes some of the top health brands in the country such as Amway Philippines, 4life, Bargn, Synnovate, Unicity, GNC, DXN, and Avail Beauty.
“As part of the health and wellness industry, HADSAP recognizes food supplements as one of the many ways to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet,” says Leni Olmedo, Country Manager of long-time member Amway Philippines. “Good health is everyone’s best defense in a fight like this and we hope to equip them well.”
Representatives from the Novaliches hospital received the boxes of HADSAP donations last November 10. “Sa ngayon, marami pa rin kaming pasyenteng ina-accommodate. Mga nurses namin patuloy parin lumalaban sa panahon ng pandemyang ‘to,” expressed Gina Mallari, Chief Nurse. “[Kaya] malaking bagay ‘to para sa mga nurses namin, midwives, doctors, and attendants.”
(To this day, we’re still tending to countless patients, and our nurses are continuing the fight against this pandemic. So this donation will truly be of much help to our nurses, midwives, doctors, and attendants.)
“We’re doing everything we can to help our frontliners back,” Olmedo shares “They need the right fuel to keep them healthy and empowered – and that’s exactly what we at HADSAP can give them.”
As we welcome the new year—2021, it might do well for us to look back, to take stock of the positive lessons that we can extract from what was an unprecedented year. For sure, numerous take-aways can be gained as we move forward and anticipate a more “mobile” next normal—especially since vaccine trials by leading pharmaceutical companies have been yielding encouraging results.
With that, here are 5 lessons we should remember as we begin again:
Always wash your hands
Perhaps the most frequent reminder worth noting is how the power of proper handwashing has been in full display. It has been proven effective in killing 99.9% of germs and should always be considered a first line of defense against sicknesses and diseases.
Do not take sicknesses lightly
The previous year that was also demonstrated how a virus can easily and quickly transmit from one person to another. With this, one should learn to treat regular coughs, colds, and flu like a very harmful and contagious virus. That means that even if the pandemic eventually ends, it would be wise to isolate one’s self when they feel flu-like symptoms or anything of the sort.
Take care of yourself
But more than the physical and physiological, we also learned to focus on ourselves and safeguard our mental health, a practice which we should continue doing even as we start physically interacting with others—carefully—and as we slowly get back into our fast-paced lives.
Cherish each moment
At some point during the lockdown, there must have been a point where we all realized that we had taken some activities, events, and physical hangouts for granted. So, in heading out again with care, cherish and make the most out of every outdoor moment and create memories that can last lifetimes.
Always be prepared
But in our excitement to resume our normal lifestyle, hang out, and even hook up, it’s important to remember that health safety should always be a priority for us to continue to enjoy the best things life can offer, for a long time.
So always be prepared and bring quality PPEs like alcohol, hand sanitizers, wipes, and even condoms—such as Durex—especially for those who have been craving for intimacy.
To learn more about the best PPEs to use in the next normal and how to stay safe and protected both up there and down there, Durex has launched a series of insightful videos with Boys Night Out which you can catch on Facebook and YouTube.
“I don’t think anyone is prepared for the life that comes with going viral in the internet.”
It’s been 14 years since Mikey Bustos first posted a video on YouTube. It was a video of him performing as a front act for a Pussycat Dolls concert in Manila. And while initially renowned for his career as a singer and performer, it was really the relatable content he has been masterfully crafting and posting online that has captured the hearts and laughs of many.
“It’s been such a learning curve,” said Mikey about his career, despite years of creating countless viral videos such as “Adobo” – a parody of the song Let It Go from Frozen – and “Balikbayan Box” – a parody of the Miley Cyrus Hit “Wrecking Ball”. “You just have to navigate through,” he added.
While having to constantly think of new ideas is already a challenge in itself, having an audience that can directly interact with you via a comments section is another. “Having to deal with bashers is something you never get used to,” he remarked.
Other challenges Mikey mentioned that he has encountered in his career was having to fight through insecurities, second guessing himself, and managing his schedule.
There was even a time when Mikey was juggling multiple YouTube channels all while traveling, performing, and managing his ant business. And while it was a challenge for him to do all these simultaneously, all these “trades” brought about plenty of opportunities.
With these opportunities, however, come crucial choices he needed to make.
On taking risks
“For me, to be successful, you need to take calculated risks,” said Bustos who mentioned that one of the biggest risks he made in his life was moving to the Philippines from Canada.
But this was just one among many risks Mikey had to take in order for his career to flourish further.
“Signing contracts, teaming up with brands, expanding a team, collaborating with other content creators—these are all risks and choices you have to calculate and think about. You can’t just throw all your chips in and wish for the best” he stressed.
On the art of de-stressing
With all these decisions and challenges, not to mention having to sustain his career and business, there is no doubt that stress and risk of burnout frequent Mikey’s life.
To combat these, he turns to exercise and meditation.
“I always try to incorporate exercise into my routine. I go to the gym a few times a week, and now I’ve taken a love for running—making sure I go 10km every day. In terms of mentally staying in shape, I do a lot of meditation and prayer.”
To lessen the risk of burnout, Mikey also makes sure to explore his hobbies, which is sometimes a blurred line for him as his work involves making the most of his interests and sharing it online. He solves this dilemma by exploring his hobbies without feeling the need to bring a camera with him.
On the importance of trust
Another way Mikey reduces the stress brought about by his career and ventures is working with people that he trusts, which for him, is crucial to success.
In the time of the pandemic, Mikey also shared that bringing “trusty” items with him wherever he goes is key to having an extra “peace of mind”.
“Lately, I always bring all sorts of protective gear—masks, alcohol, face shields, and the like. I also make sure to bring a lipbalm because ‘you never know when you’ll be on camera,’” he remarked.
“I also make sure that I bring Diatabs with me wherever I go, especially when I’m running. It helps because I’ve been having ‘banyo-phobia’—When I’m far from the house and I really have to go, it’s hard for me to go use the public toilet because of the fear of acquiring the coronavirus. That’s why it’s always good to have Diatabs around,” he shared.
Diatabs is a product of Unilab, a trusted anti-diarrheal brand in the country, that can easily take care of your upset stomach and give you the peace of mind you need when it comes to bowel trouble. It is available in leading drugstores and pharmacies nationwide. To learn more, visit https://www.unilab.com.ph/products/diatabs
With the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply traveling to get to work.
If you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.
Prepare for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.
Always bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a public vehicle.
Check required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate, company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.
Keep yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.
Avoid talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.
Have an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and current location.
What’s more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.
For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line.
Allianz officially began its eight-year worldwide partnership with the Olympic & Paralympic Movements on Jan. 1, building on a collaboration with the Paralympic Movement since 2006.
“Allianz is proud to be the „Worldwide Insurance Partner” of the Olympic & Paralympic Movements,” said Oliver Bäte, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz SE. “As a supporter of the sports ecosystem and through shared core values of excellence, friendship, inclusion and respect, Allianz and our 148,000 employees and 100,000 agents are excited to care and deliver for athletes, their families and their ambitions.”
Since announcing the partnership in September 2018, the insurer has engaged fans, athletes, teams and employees through health across four pilot markets – Australia, China, France and Spain. Allianz presented the Australian Olympic Committee’s Wellbeing Week to showcase ways to improve mental health. Allianz also worked with the Organizing Committee Olympic Games Paris 2024 to encourage people to walk and run for “Club Paris 2024”, an initiative to move and be part of the Games.
Allianz will expand local initiatives to connect with athletes and fans across the world. To name a few, the global insurer will offer consumers and employees the chance to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay at Beijing 2022 and will engage youth with the spirit & values of the Movements at its Allianz Sports Camps through trying sports, building friendships and learning from athletes. Furthermore, it will support the Movements with tailored insurance solutions and services.
“Having announced this new agreement in 2018, our teams have already been working together in key pilot markets to support athletes and the Olympic Movement,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “As we start this new Olympic year, we are excited to begin in earnest our global collaboration with Allianz.”
“Allianz brings global visibility to the athletes and values of the Paralympic Movement and we look forward to our next phase working together,” added IPC President Andrew Parsons.
The partnership runs from 2021-2028. More details can be found on Allianz’s website .
VS1 and Mototek tapped motoring personalities Zach Lucero and Gaki Azurin, better known as Gaki Girl, to close the 2020 Purposeful Ride campaign with twin year-end celebration rides. The pair rode out for holiday shopping and distributed their loot to families living along the streets of Manila. They then proceeded to Gilmore to buy Christmas parols, which they gifted to their moms.
Both Lucero and Azurin then demonstrated how to condition the motorcycle for its optimum performance before riding, highlighting the two-pronged protection that the motor care line brings. The motorcycle aficionados also shared tips on how they kept their vehicles in tip-top shape despite being dormant in their garage for the months- long quarantine.
“2020 was a bit more restrictive than normal but we wanted to still spread joy with our partners Zach and Gaki, who are solid VS1 and Mototek fans, and their viewers. With one ride, we hoped to bring meaningful connections back with motoring as a way to reach out to those who were hit the worst by the pandemic,” said Assistant Product Manager Alek Barcia.
Earlier in August, Rica “Jet Lee” Cabarrubias and Philip “JT” Elliot took to their wheels to show their support to frontliners. Elliot donated face masks and face shields to Los Baños Doctors Hospital and Medical Center and exchanged quarantine stories with the hospital’s cardio technician, Jena Crisologo, and security guard, Jamal Navarete.
“It’s a very meaningful day, a very meaningful vlog. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam to reach out and makipagkwentuhan sa mga frontliners natin,” shared Elliot. Cabarrubias, for her part, stopped by all the checkpoints in Cebu City to distribute food packs to the enforcers on duty.
The purposeful Christmas ride is an initiative of the Consumer Care Products Incorporated’s motor line to keep the momentum for supporting modern-day heroes, uplift communities, spreading love in the time of the Pandemic. Follow @VS1ProtectorPH on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the latest.
Lucero summarizes the mission of the Purposeful Ride campaign well. “If we have a little more than others, it is our duty to do something for them kahit sa maliit na bagay lang.”
