Property development firm DoubleDragon Properties expects to raise its profile in the industry with the rise of Hotel 101-Fort, which is expected to increase the firm’s total prime leasable space to 1.2 million sqm by 2020.
DoubleDragon chief investment officer Hannah Yulo says the company’s latest development, to be managed by hospitality subsidiary, Hotel of Asia, Inc., occupies a 1,224-square- meter lot and has 28 floors of hotel rooms.
The hotel will have a total of 609 rooms, all offering utmost privacy and security. The property’s five basements have 179 parking slots.
A three-level podium offers commercial areas on the ground and second floors for specialty retail shops and restaurants. On the other hand, the third floor houses well-designed amenities that offers convenience and comfort, such as the gym and pool.
Each room is carefully crafted and planned for efficiency, including maximized ceiling heights, well-distributed light courts, large low-E double glazed windows, hallway clearances and natural ventilation.
Hotel 101-Fort also incorporates barrier-free designs for ramps, handrails and toilets, making it accessible for people with disabilities (PWD).
DoubleDragon intends to increase its total number of hotel rooms to 5,000 by 2020, under the brands Hotel 101 and Jinjiang Inn.
Another DoubleDragon’s target for 2020 is CentralHub Industrial Centers, Inc., an industrial leasing subsidiary offering standardized multi-use warehouses for commissaries, logistics, and cold storage facilities. Through CentralHub, the company is targeting to offer initially 100,000 sqm of industrial space for lease by 2020 – with 30,000 square meters to be located in Tarlac and the rest spread out to other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
For its network of nationwide community malls under the CityMall brand, DoubleDragon expects to build 100 malls in provincial areas with close to 700,000 square meters of leasable space.
DoubleDragon’s Metro Manila office leasing portfolio includes the DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area, the first phase of which is now complete, and the 41-storey Jollibee Tower in Ortigas, set for completion by end of 2018.
For more information, visit www.doubledragon.com.ph.
KTM customers who will buy street-legal motorcycles on May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019 from authorized local distributor Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc. and its growing network of dealers around the country are qualified to avail the nationwide emergency roadside assistance coverage through Ibero Asistencia Philippines, global market pioneer in roadside travel assistance.
Under an agreement signed recently by KTM and Ibero, KTM riders enrolled in the program can contact Ibero’s assistance coordinator through (02) 4594755, a 24/7 call center hotline in 86 areas in Luzon, 17 in Visayas, and 7 in Mindanao if they need motorcycle assistance like engine trouble, towing, removal of damaged unit or delivery of fuel or spare key. In the event that you lose your key, Ibero shall even cover the cost for replacing the key.
The assistance coordinator can also arrange for legal assistance, ambulance service, hospital admission, and accident coordination with relevant government units such as PNP, PNP-HG, MMDA, Skyway Patrol, among others in times of emergencies.
Other services available include lodging and travel expenses coverage of up to two nights at an agreed rate of up to P2,000 per night in case of immobilization, and if the motorcycle’s repair time is longer than 48 hours as established by the repair facility; or the arrangement of an alternate means of transportation to the intended destination; or reimbursement of alternative transportation expenses.
“Our customers deserve nothing less than the best after-sale services because our relationship with them does not end after the purchase,” says Dino Santos, COO, Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc. “With Ibero Asistencia partnership; they get total peace of mind and utmost customer service available across the country.”
KTM is the first motorcycle manufacturer in the country to provide the most comprehensive emergency roadside assistance on all of its street-legal motorcycles.
For more information, visit KTM Philippines official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KTMPHILIPPINES/.
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners with one of the leading global health brands, Abbott, and Mamacademy, a mom learning community, to conduct a special Mother’s Day edition of Shopee University. This initiative aims to empower and encourage more Filipino moms to become successful entrepreneurs, by educating them on how to establish their own online businesses, and providing them tips on how to strike a balance between their career and family.
The exclusive Shopee University session will be held on 19 May at Shopee’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. During the session, Shopee and Mamacademy will educate aspiring mom entrepreneurs on how to start and grow their businesses on Shopee, as well as provide them with a deeper understanding of the online commerce landscape through sharing insights on consumers’ online browsing and purchase behavior. Additionally, Abbott will also be sharing tips on how mom entrepreneurs can find a balance between having a fulfilling career and keeping their family as a priority.
“Mother’s Day is a very special event in the Philippines; a country where family traditionally holds high value and importance. Hence, we wanted to use this occasion as an opportunity to celebrate and empower moms in the Philippines, by providing them a platform to get together and learn more about how they can carve out a career in e-commerce, while balancing time spent with their families,” said Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer, Shopee.
“Abbott has always been committed to the empowerment of working mothers from all across the world. We are very happy to partner Shopee for this meaningful event, and to be able to share our knowledge and insights to mom entrepreneurs, and help them make a difference to both their own and their families’ lives,” said Christian Domingo, Ecommerce Head, Abbott Philippines.
Interested participants may visit mamacademyph.com to register for the session.
Shopee University is a series of in-depth tutorial modules crafted by Shopee to aid local entrepreneurs in setting up their online business and to succeed in an increasingly competitive mobile-centric environment. The first Shopee University class in the Philippines was held in February 2016, and since then, has been attended by over 3,500 participants from over 40 cities across the country.
For more information, visit www.shopee.ph.
Download Shopee app for FREE via App Store or Google Play.
MANILA, Philippines, May 1, 2018 – Allianz has declared May 13 as a Day of Courage, with three events that are designed as a test of mettle and to encourage more Filipinos to live a healthy lifestyle. These three events, the PHA Heart Run Powered By Allianz together with the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) at SM By the Bay; the Allianz Conquer Challenge in Vermosa, Laguna; and the Bayanihan Walk in Singapore, will help bring out the best in the participants as they challenge not only physical limits but also to promote the value of courage.
The PHA Heart Run powered by Allianz, which will be held at the SM By The Bay area gives participants the opportunity to become Heart Warriors and bring awareness to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that are affecting many Filipinos today. Doctors and healthy heart advocates from the PHA will be joined by running coaches Toni and Jim Saret, in a race that will be led by heart condition survivors who will run in the 1k advocacy division in a bid to shine a light on the prevention and primary care of CVDs. Allianz PNB Life President Olaf Kliesow reiterates the need for Filipino families’ to monitor their health conditions and be wary of increasing medical expenses, especially for a great majority whose savings and insurance protection levels are very much wanting.
To make the fun run more exciting, Allianz will be giving out P100,000 worth of personal accident life insurance to all participants, and two lucky 21k and 10K participants will win all-expense paid trips to Thailand, to join the Allianz Ayudhaya World Run!
Those who want to level up their game may register at the Allianz Conquer Challenge, an obstacle course race that tests speed, endurance and strategy. The race is made even more special with the participation of Jamil Faisal Saro Adiong, a recipient of the Sultan Kudarat Award for Peace and Community Development. Marawi City, his home province of Lanao del Sur, was besieged with a very big challenge last year, as it was still reeling from the effects of a tropical storm, it was also battered by a war. Jamil is one of the local heroes who was involved in Marawi’s rehabilitation efforts.
“I am offering my participation in the race to all my fellow Maranaos, in the hope that we may all triumph in our aspirations with mutual respect through harmonious relationships and inclusive economic development as we rise stringer and more resilient than before,” he shares. Joining the obstacle course race is a testament to his own journey and a call to all Filipinos to embrace peace and tolerance amidst diversity. As with the PHA Heart Run, Allianz will be giving out P100,000 worth of personal accident life insurance to all participants of the challenging course race that has divisions for kids, beginners, and pros.
To further amplify their message to dare to take on life’s challenges because Allianz is there to support your family and your life’s dreams, Filipinos in Singapore are invited to join the Allianz PNB Life and Philippine Embassy–supported Bayanihan Walk, which will take place at the Labrador Park. The 3.88km fun walk aims to raise funds to support the Philippine Bayanihan Society Singapore’s charity works and for the maintenance of the Bayanihan Centre.
Rei Abrazaldo, Allianz PNB Life Brand Communications and Digital Director, shares that the company’s mission is to empower Filipinos to face new experiences and daily challenges with courage. “We enable every Filipino the courage to live a healthy lifestyle as embodied in our collaboration with the Philippine Heart Association in the upcoming PHA Heart Run Powered by Allianz. We inspire Filipinos the courage to overcome obstacles as exemplified in our partnership with Conquer Challenge Philippines in the approaching Allianz Conquer Challenge Race, and we empower Filipinos overseas to have the courage to be there for each other in our alliance with the Philippine Bayanihan Society,” Abrazaldo explains.
He further emphasizes that at Allianz they believe that life would be better if people had more courage than fear. “There is no better time to agree that we need more courage, to experience that there is more to life than what we were thought of to just be content and not aspire for something better,” he adds.
Allianz is the Filipinos’ partner in finding that courage, he says. “Our customers and prospects want to have an insurance which supports them, backs them up, which helps them to live their life to the fullest – and does not scare them or stop them from doing what they want to do. Each one of us has the capacity and the capability to explore life. With the coverage that we provide our clients, they do not need to be alone in exploring life.”
GetGo, Cebu Pacific’s most rewarding lifestyle program, gathered its partners for a night of celebrating three years of bringing people to many new destinations and providing unforgettable experiences.
For its third anniversary, GetGo organized A Triple Treat: 3rd Anniversary & Partners Night to honor its partners who make GetGo member’s daily expenses rewarding with the gift of points for free flights. Guests were treated to a sweet and surprising evening full of prizes, fun entertainment and socials that strengthened relationships and reassured closer partnerships to enable more worthwhile travel experiences for Filipinos.
“Three years ago, we set out to create a lifestyle rewards program that would be a first in the Philippines. We started with only 19 employees with a goal of getting 1 million members,” shares Nik Laming, Cebu Pacific’s Loyalty Division General Manager. “Now, we have over 3 million members and 38 lifestyle partners for which we are thankful for.”
Moving forward with the objective to make flying within everyone’s reach, GetGo promises to continuously look for ways for Filipinos to earn points and make the redemption process easier. Plans are also underway for a mobile app that will enable digital-savvy consumers to conveniently collect and gather their rewards points.
“Redemptions are through the roof in the last twelve months because we have been releasing seats at lower prices to people loyal to the program. It is there for a privilege and for a benefit because of all of you,” said Mike Szucs, Cebu Pacific’s Chief Executive Adviser. “From everyday transactions and interactions with the partners, every single point matters and that’s how we are able to make flights available for many people.”
The celebration also recognized the different program partners who have transformed the way Filipinos travel locally and internationally. Special awards were given to the leading banks, online travel agencies, hotels, resorts, services, and retail establishments who made exceptional efforts to enable more people to fly for free.
Making the night more memorable, GetGo gave back to its loyal partners by raffling off exciting items and almost 50,000 GetGo points for round-trip flights.
Indeed, GetGo has inspired many Filipinos to lead a thrilling lifestyle of travel as it has turned everyday spending into a rewarding experience. On its 3rd year, GetGo will continue to push its boundaries to give Filipinos the gift of free flights and life-changing experiences.
For more information on memberships and partners, visit www.getgo.com.ph. Stay updated on the latest promos by liking GetGoPH’s official pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
During times of need, it pays to have a friend to turn to for help. After all, even the best ones fall on hard times and setbacks are inevitable in life. For Gloria Fontanilla of La Union, Betty Mallon Talavera of Iloilo, and Lordini Yupano of Aklan, help came in the form of pawning, a practice that provided assistance all three women greatly needed at several points of their lives. Whether it’s to help finance a livelihood or to afford basic needs, giving up valuables for instant cash has proven to be a worthwhile financing solution for many Filipinos.
Gloria
Although single, Gloria took it upon herself to help her sister’s children finish school. All four of her nephews and nieces were attending college at the same time so the expenses came in lumps and there were times when her budget would fall short. During these instances, she had to pawn her jewelry in order to produce money. For her, it was worth it because she knows the value of education.
“Mahalaga yung mga na-isanla ko pero mas mahalaga yung pag-aaral nila. Ayokong mahinto kaya nagsanla muna ako,” said Gloria about her decision to pawn her items for her loved ones.
Aside from the tuition fees of her nieces and nephews, Gloria also resorted to pawning to fund her businesses. An Agriculture graduate, she maintains a small piggery, which she started in 1985. She is also a seamstress just like her mother.
At 59 years old, Gloria has the choice to support only herself, but she chooses to extend assistance to loved ones instead. When times are tough and she herself needs some assistance, she is glad that she has someone to rely on.
“Nakatulong talaga ang Cebuana. Malaking tulong’ yan sa amin ng mga pamangkin ko. Kung walang Cebuana, wala akong ibang matatakbuhan. Yun lang ang alam ko. Cebuana lang talaga,”she said.
Betty
Betty Mallon Talavera and Family
Meanwhile, in Molo, Iloilo, Betty has her own story of sacrifice. With eight children to support, she cannot emphasize enough the importance of hard work and perseverance. As Betty juggled household chores and her job in a salon, her husband was plying the streets as a jeepney driver to support their family. Both of them had dreams for their children so they did all the hard work that it took to give their children quality education.
Eventually, their sacrifices paid off and all eight of their children finished college and became respectable professionals; a seaman, an engineer, a nurse, an automotive specialist, a call center agent, two managers at the Dubai Duty Free office, while one holds a key position in a local telecommunications company.
For Betty, all the success that their family achieved would not be possible without the help that they were given. When asked what she has learned from all the struggles they went through, she emphasized that God must be the center of the family and that it is important to pay it forward.
“Dapat humble ka at dapat tumutulong ka sa iba. At kahit ano man ang mangyari, kailangan pamilya ang nauuna,” she said.
Aside from relatives and friends, Betty has also sought the assistance of Cebuana Lhuillier when they were in need. She tells that when she was younger, she managed to collect some jewelry which came in handy when she already had her own family. Through pawning, she was able to pay her dues when she was strapped for cash. Now with five grandchildren, she realizes that giving up these items was well worth the rewards.
Lordini
Lordini Yupano
At the young age of 14, Lordini, who hails from Aklan, had to step up and take on the responsibilities of her father when he passed away. As the eldest of a brood of seven, she had to put aside her own studies and prioritize the education and needs of her siblings.
Lordini had to find different ways to make money in order to keep her siblings in school. Although uncertain about her chances of achieving anything, she eventually decided to try her luck in Manila where she worked as a maid, as a saleslady, and a street vendor. No matter how difficult, she was able to sustain the education of her six brothers and sisters until they finished college, not minding that she herself was not able to continue her studies after high school.
Whenever she had enough money, Lordini would reward herself with some jewelry. This was during a time when she was much younger and gold was less expensive. Little did she know that, as she would later become a single mother of two, such acquisitions would help her through some financial difficulties.
“Nakahiligan ko mag-ipon ng alahas na nakatulong talaga noong nagipit ako at nagsanla. Tsaka ko nalaman na sobrang lumaki na pala ang halaga ng mga na-ipundar ko. Kaya noong nalaman ko ang kalakaran sa pagsasanla, ginagawa ko na sya at sa Cebuana ako kumakapit dahil nakagaanan ko na ng loob ang mga tao sa branch at panatag ako na hindi mababawasan ang alahas ko dahil naka-seal sa plastic at pinpipirmahan sa akin kaya safe,” she said.
With her penchant for jewelry and having discovered the benefits of pawning, Lordini became an alajera and now has her own jewelry business, which has been her primary source of income. She still continues to pawn for the needs of her business and for the education of her two children who are in third year college and grade 7th.
Aside from having been able to support the studies of her six siblings, the savvy 39-year old is proud to now have her own home. “Hindi ako nakapagtapos pero proud ako na napagtapos ko ang mga kapatid ko. Tinandaan ko yung bilin ng ama ko na huwag ko pababayaan ang pamilya namin. At meron na rin akong lupa at bahay na na-achieve ko rin dahil na rin sa Cebuana. Sobrang sakripisyo ang dinanas ko para matupad ‘yun. May mga beses na nag-instant noodles ako para lang makatipid. Pero maganda ang naging balik ng lahat ng mga paghihirap ko,” she said.
Three women with three different stories of strength, compassion, and success. Gloria, Betty, and Lordini represent many of the Filipinos have to make countless sacrifices in order to surpass life’s challenges and put other people’s well-being before their own. Success comes in different forms and interpretations, and for these three women, its true essence is being able to share blessings and achievements with others—be it a sibling, a nephew, or a daughter.
Ka-Cebuana Stories is a series of articles featuring Cebuana Lhuillier clients and stakeholders in celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary.
The Visayas region consists of beautifully scattered islands blessed with diverse cultures, majestic beaches and warm people that will keep you coming back. But aside from these, one thing that makes all its islands worth flying for is the glorious food, which is the highlight of—if not the reason for—traveling here. From foods that originally came from the region to the reimagined classics, hopping off from one Visayan island to another offer great experiences for the senses and especially for the stomach!
Are you a foodie traveler? Cross some Visayan food from your bucket list! Here are some Visayan provinces that will give you a taste of an unforgettable vacation:
Bacolod: The Land Origin of Chicken Inasal
The famous Masskara Festival in Bacolod | Photo by Leonardo Villasis
Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, is home to the vivacious Masskara Festival and vast sugar plantations. That is why it’s dubbed as the City of Smiles – a place where festivals are faithfully celebrated and the people are some of the friendliest in the country. Aside from these, Bacolod is famed for its vibrant food scene that the term “great food” is always tagged in this beautiful city. The Bacolod experience is not complete without trying their delicacies!
Let’s be real: what’s a visit to Bacolod without trying the real star of their food scene—chicken inasal? Almost every food stall in the city serves this signature dish, but for a more authentic experience, head to Manokan Country—a strip of food stalls with different takes on the inasal. It’s where you can also find some of the tastiest grilled foods like isaw, atay (liver), isol(chicken butt), and eat them with your bare hands! It’s the Bacolod (a.k.a. the best) way to enjoy your food.
Bacolod is also known as the country’s sugar bowl, so don’t leave without indulging yourself with their sweet treats! Try the mouthwatering specialties of famous pastry shops like Felicia’s Pastry Café and Calea Pastries and Coffee, where you can spoil yourself and even hoard as much treats as you like for pasalubong. You also don’t want to miss the original Negrense favorite—piaya, an unleavened flat bread filled with muscovado sugar. Locals recommend the one from Bailon’s Food, located at San Sebastian Street.
Their in-house restaurant, Weego Bistro, is something you don’t want to miss. It’s hard not to notice its colorful exteriors that showcase the vibrant local art scene, and the interiors will make you want to take photos in every corner. Aside from chicken inasal, included in their menu are some Negrense favorites (batchoy, KBL, kansi), all-day breakfast meals, main meals and flatbread pizzas. It’s the best place to dine and hang out almost any time of the day!
Taste the authentic batchoy in Iloilo
When you’re in the province of Iloilo, the quest for delicious eats is not really a daunting task. In fact, Ilonggo food is popular everywhere in the country, so a lot of people love traveling here to taste the authentic ones. Their cuisine – just like the province itself – is a fusion of different cultures and background, and they’re definitely worth the flight!
La Paz Batchoy: a famous Ilonggo delicacy | Photo by Zarah Mercado
For starters, Iloilo is the birthplace of the famous La Paz Batchoy—a rich-flavored noodle soup that is a favorite among locals dating back to the 1940s. It’s the Philippines answer to Japan’s ramen, suffice to say. You can try the best ones from the stalls at La Paz Market, where it all originated. Among the most popular stalls are Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy and Deco’s Original La Paz Batchoy.
Seafood lovers will also find Ilonggo cuisine a delight since seafood is a very common staple in the whole province. Head to Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant, and taste their crowd favorite dishes like kinilaw na tanigue, baked oysters, and boneless bangus. If you love chicken, try daraag—their wildly popular native chicken that is roasted in charcoal and marinated in vinegar. For your meryenda, a few minutes away from Tatoy’s is Tita Paz: The House Pancit of Molo, which serves another Ilonggo favorite, the pancit molo.
Traveling in large groups? Chika-An Restaurant, their official breakfast provider, is an ideal dining place for families and barkadas. Their extensive menu is very Pinoy, you’ll be enticed to order more than you should. They serve seafood, vegetable, sizzling meals, salad, meat, breakfast food—mostly anything that your taste bud will crave! Customers recommend Chika-an’s crispy pork belly, squid sisig and seafood kare-kare.
Join the coconut milk craze in Tacloban City
Tacloban may not be the number one choice for travel in the region, but the city has a lot to offer than you think. For one, it’s the biggest city in Eastern Visayas where you can find the country’s longest bridge, the San Juanico, and it serves as gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Aside from that, their food is something your taste buds will crave! Going on a food trip in this highly-urbanized city is definitely a must.
Baked scallops from Ocho Seafood and Grill via Instagram: @sabugoesto
Buttered shrimps from Ocho Seafood and Grill via Instagram: @sabugoesto
The Tacloban cuisine is a mix of different Pinoy flavors, but what makes their food so distinct is their delectable use of gata or coconut milk. One of the best places to try their ginataan specialties is Ocho Seafood and Grill where you’ll love their purbidang kangkong and ginataang ganga or spider conch. Their seafoods are also some of the bestsellers, which includes baked scallops, crispy tuna skin, and crispy scallops.
Another traveler’s favorite is Chew Love Tacloban, which features an alfresco dining experience and is most notable for its appealing, Instagram-worthy look. Their quirky menu attracts a lot of customers, with bestsellers including Be Kare-Ful with My Heart (kare-kare), Love at Pork Sight (pork liempo with eggplant salad and rice), and halu-halo which comes in three sizes (Gold Digger, Double Digger and Freaky Digger). Conclude your day by having a glass of the Tacloban classic coconut wine, Vino de Coco, which you can purchase at some supermarkets and re-sellers in the city.
Perk up your morning with the yummy Mexican food offerings from Mex ‘Em Up Grill, Go Hotels Tacloban’s official breakfast provider. They serve most of your morning favorites—from toasted bread to rice and eggs—and some famous Mexican food served with your choice of drink. For those who aren’t fans of breakfast food, their menu also includes angus beef fajita, beef mushroom, buffalo wings, among others. All of these have reasonable prices so don’t fret!
Fall in love with Dumaguete’s chicken inato and seafood offerings
Crystal clear waters of Dumaguete | Photo by Namhwi Kim
Dumaguete is a quiet, little town often overlooked by tourists, but when you discover its hidden gems, a trip to this city is definitely memorable. This place offers the best of both worlds: it’s where you can find big universities where Visayans and Mindanaoans converge, and it’s also a diving haven which houses some of the most beautiful secret beaches in Visayas, and even the Philippines.
Same goes with their food offerings. Their cuisine is a combination of different Pinoy – mostly Visayan – specialties, that is why Dumaguete is one of the best jump-off points to get you started with the Visayan cuisine. If you’re a certified foodie, this is the place to be!
Start off your taste bud adventure with the city’s institution: Jo’s Chicken Inato. You’ll instantly fall in love with chicken inato, their specialty chicken famous for its homestyle cooking. Don’t worry, it’s affordable despite the fame! Their menu also includes other delicious Visayan cuisine like sizzling and seafood, and you can pair them with yummy desserts like the buko halu-halo, one of their bestsellers.
Silvannas from Sans Rival via Instagram: @sansrivalph
To satisfy your seafood cravings, you can find some of the most delicious ones at Lab-As Restaurant. Dining here gives a really calming vibe, since it features al fresco dining beside the sea. They have an extensive menu of your seafood favorites: name it, they have it. End the day by ordering drinks at the Hayahay Treehouse and Viewdeck or try the sushi at TacoSurf Steaks and Sushi Bar—both located beside Lab-As. For the sweet tooth, on the other hand, another food stop that is a certified Dumaguete essential is Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries. It boasts the buttery silvannas and creamy sans rival—perfect for meryenda and/or pasalubong for your loved ones.
Looking for a comfy place for refreshments? Scooby’s, a snack bar just near the hotel is a great place to have a chill afternoon—quite similar to your favorite quaint café in Manila. Students and freelancers frequent here, mostly because of the relaxing environment, stable Wi-Fi and yummy desserts. Try their freak milkshakes (they’re very Instagrammable!) and pair them with pastas, bread or fries.
Traveling to Visayas is a trip that’s worth every penny. While the region is more famous for the island activities and beautiful sights, it is just as much of a paradise for food as it is for the culture, beaches and people. Be sure to get your belly acquainted with the food spots we just mentioned—you’ll miss them when you get home!
Single bedroom at Go Hotels Tacloban
Luckily, there are Go Hotels branches near these food spots, so accommodation is not a hassle. They offer all your essential needs in very affordable rates—that means you can allot more money for food and eat all you want, wherever you want without hurting your wallet. This Visayan experience will definitely make you want to go back.
Jyllene Miller, Concentrix Senior Vice President, Client Engagement Strategy and Marketing, was in Manila as a special speaker for the Network of Women (NOW), a regular forum organized by Concentrix for its women workforce around the world. Miller, the executive sponsor of NOW, shared some of her strategies for success. She also highlighted the importance of building a communication network in promoting employee development while fostering diversity and inclusiveness.
NOW is focused on empowering the women workforce of Concentrix for growth and leadership through development activities that build skills and move their careers forward. The program provides participants with valuable life skills such as financial management, strategies for success, and even self-defense, to better equip them in dealing with life’s various challenges. More importantly, the program promotes gender-inclusiveness by building a support network and giving each participant a voice. Concentrix Philippines is one of the first locations to embrace NOW. Learnings and insights from the successful implementation of the program are being adopted by Concentrix locations across the world.
Every other year since 2004, the Subic Ay Festival has been celebrated and draws thousands of people. It spans a whole week and is lined up with tons of activities. This year’s Subic Ay festival incorporates traditional agro-industrial exhibition.
“The name of the Festival originated from the way Subikenyos speak where sentences ends with the word “Ay” thus the name “Subic Ay” explains Mayor Jefferson Khonghun.
The 30th of April is the first day which comprises the motorcade and religious service followed by Barangay Product Exhibit, Night Market, and Food Festival. The opening day is also when the Ginoo at Binibining Subic 2018 talent and swimsuit competition will commence.
On the second day, May 1, a medical mission will be held as part of Mayor Khonghun’s social service. At night the Barangay and Senior Citizens Night will be held wherein a special few Subikenyos will be recognized and formally rewarded.
Day 3 which falls on May 2 is dedicated to the youngsters. The coronation night for the Ginoo at Binibining Subic 2018 pageant is held at night while a Drum and Lyre competition is staged.
Meanwhile, the 4th day (May 3) is for the farmers and fishermen as the Karakol, Cultural Show and Bangka Race showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through singing and dancing. The atmosphere will be filled by music from a live band show and a battle of the bands and from the loud cheering of the crowd from the Ms Gay Subic 2018 pageant.
The 5th day of the Subic Ay festival pays tribute to the workers and starts with a Job Fair & Multi-Service caravan and at night is a live band show as well as a Mr and Ms Subic Bodies competition followed by a Rave party plus a Fashion show to spice up the evening.
Day 6 which falls on May 5 is all about sports and health. The day starts with a 21k marathon at dawn and a Zumba Hataw Sayaw early in the morning. An entertaining night awaits the residents as famous performers grace the Variety show. To top it all off is a fireworks display at night.
On the last day of the festival, a Thanksgiving Mass, Street Dance Grand parade and Street dance competition are all set to end the week. Subic has definitely taken a big leap and has shown a big development and growth thanks to the cooperation of its people and the administration with the leadership of Mayor Khonghun.
When asked about the major improvements and changes in Subic, Mayor Khonghun replied “Back in 2001 Subic was a third class municipality, which turned into a first class municipality in 2010 after my father finished his term. Next year, Subic will turn from a municipality into a city. During my administration, a facelift took place and Subic is now known to have the cheapest and most modern public market in Region 3 and awarded most modern fishport as well”.
“My drive comes from my aim to make everybody comfortable thru infrastructures and hasten growth and development by focusing on education by providing free college education. Good education means more job opportunities, and as earning capacity increases, spending capacity increases too hence the influx of industries such as Hanjin and Shipyard as well as the malls.”answered Mayor Khonghun when asked about what drives him to make Subic more known.
BE ONE OF THE FIRST 5 SHOPPERS TO SNAG A BOX CONTAINING ALL OF ANNE’S BEST BUYS AT JUST ₱55
If there is one thing Shopee Philippines’ first brand ambassador, Anne Curtis, is known for (aside from being a talented actress), it is her personal sense of style. She knows what she likes, and she’s not afraid to show it. This has made her one of the country’s most influential celebrities with a legion of fans, on top of launching her very own cosmetics brand blk cosmetics.
“I always make sure to follow a style that I am comfortable with. I like to buy things that I like and believe in. When you style yourself with things you love, you’ll be more confident.” says Anne Curtis.
For those who want to channel their inner-Anne Curtis, we have a surprise for you! This May 5, keep a lookout for limited edition surprise boxes worth up to ₱1,500 during the 5.5 Shopee Super Sale, specially curated by Shopee Philippine’s first brand ambassador, Anne Curtis.
For the upcoming biggest mid-year online sale, 5.5 Shopee Super Sale, four different themed boxes, the Beauty Box, K-Box, Mon Amour Box, and the much anticipated blk cosmetics box from Anne’s very own makeup brand, will be exclusively available on Shopee for ₱500.00 each for just 24 hours on 5 May. What’s more, be one of first 5 buyers of any of the 4 boxes and snag it for just ₱55.00.
Anne’s personal style can now be your own with these one-of-a-kind surprise boxes. To fully enjoy this awesome treat, here are some of Anne’s personal tips:
On Beauty
Throughout the years, Anne has gained a reputation for being one of the country’s most beautiful faces. Her secret? Keeping her beauty style her own. Here are some of her beauty rules in maintaining her youthful and vibrant look:
Be daring – Anne likes to play with bold colors. From red to orange lipsticks, she’s not afraid to decorate her lips with bright colors. It not only shows creativity, it also brightens up your face.
Blend your makeup – To achieve the best makeup look, don’t forget to blend. Blending is one of those skills that every woman should learn as it’s a fundamental part of the makeup application process. Blending makes your makeup more natural-looking and effortlessly flawless.
Always clean your makeup brushes – Always clean your brushes at least once a week to protect your face from dirt and bacteria. This keeps the brushes in top condition to seamlessly apply makeup.
On Korean products
It is not a secret that Anne is fascinated with everything Korean. She has professed her love for Korean dramas and pop culture many times, even asking her fans to recommend her new Korean dramas to watch in her free time. So when it comes to Korean products, Anne gleefully shares that she is also a big fan. Here are Anne’s tips on buying Korean products:
Cute but handy- When getting a Korean item, don’t be distracted by how cute and pretty it is. You should make sure that you would actually use it. There are a lot of Korean products in the market that are cute as well as handy like mini hair straighteners and cleansing brushes.
Korean Snacks are the best – Relive your Korean fantasy and imagine yourself watching a movie with your favorite Korean actor while devouring those tasty Korean snacks. Done imagining? Now go get yourself one!
On Love
Anne likes to surprise her husband with gifts. She says that the secret to a happy relationship is to make sure the other person knows he is loved. Here are some of Anne’s gift-giving tips:
Watches are still the perfect gift – Ensure that your loved ones are never late for success. There’s nothing like a simple, sleek, and stylish watch, a gift perfect for a man who’s always on the go.
Get him ready for anything with a shaving set – A clean and precise shave is an achievement on its own. A shaving set is a thoughtful gift that will help your man achieve an impossibly clean-shaven look.
In addition to these boxes, users can also look forward to a mega 24-hour shopping fiesta on May 5. The 5.5 Shopee Super Sale campaign will feature massive promotions including 55 peso deals, in-app vouchers and surprises, as well as discounts up to 90% off across a wide range of categories.
