The holidays mean indulging in good food to celebrate traditions with family and friends. However, having too much rich foods may take a toll on your health. Serving healthy alternatives on your get-togethers can ensure that you are providing nutritious and delicious options that everyone can enjoy without missing out on the festivities.

Mushroom Truffle Paella (Duru Bulgur’s Vegetarian Paella)
Ingredients:
✓2 tbsp. Umbria Original Truffle Sauce
✓1 cup Duru Bulgur coarse
✓A drizzle of Umbria Tartufi White Truffle flavored oil
✓1/2 cup shitake mushrooms fresh
✓1/2 cup shitake mushrooms dried
✓1/2cup white button mushrooms
✓1/2 cup portobello mushrooms
✓1/2 cup arugula
✓1/2 cup olive oil
✓1/2 cup onions
✓2 cups vegetable stock
✓Salt
✓Pepper

The online world showcases a treasure chest of Pinoy talent, creativity, and a sense of community that spring from pursuing shared passions. Not surprising as Filipinos have consistently been named the top social media users in recent years.

Early this year, the Digital 2022 report by We Are Social and Hootsuite recorded about 92.05 million Pinoy social media users who spend more than 10 hours daily connected to the internet. On top of staying connected with friends and family or watching the news, they go online to find information, new ideas, and inspiration. When it comes to the consumption of video content, many follow how-to videos so they can learn, be more productive and have fun at the same time.

As Filipinos maximize their digital lifestyle, fast and seamless internet has become a life necessity alongside affordable ways to stay connected. This is why the newest major telco player, DITO Telecommunity continues to innovate great value offerings that allow Filipinos to enjoy reliable and essential connectivity to pursue their passions.

Enabling Filipinos to do more with the speed of true 5G

True to its #TODONaDITO brand messaging, DITO supports its more than 13 million subscribers to go all out on their online pursuits and multiply their tribes with like-minded go-getters with stronger connectivity and next-generation technology.

One of its product offerings is the DITO Flash 5G Home Wifi, a postpaid broadband subscription that delivers up to 500Mbps+ true 5G-fast internet speeds. For less than P1,000 monthly, subscribers, together with their families and friends can get their digital activities done in a flash. All DITO Flash 5G Home Wifi plans include a 5G modem/router, bonus data for the first 3 months, and a 3-month HBO GO subscription. In addition, Prepaid packages are also available so DITOzens can experience fast and seamless connection without breaking the bank. For as low as P590 a month, DITOzens can enjoy up to 500Mbps download speed for leisure and work-from-home activities. Both postpaid and prepaid packages support DITO rewards and data rollover.

“With our value-for-money products, we want to encourage more Filipinos to engage in activities they are passionate about. As they continuously use productivity and social apps to follow their passions, we want to give them practical options when it comes to leveraging connectivity to level up their digital lifestyle,” said Ms. Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Commercial Officer, DITO Telcommunity.



Giving DITOzens control over their digital lifestyle

Boosting the Todo na DITO digital experience, subscribers can conveniently access DITO’s products and promos through the DITO app. With just a few clicks, they can use the DITO app to manage their accounts, check their balance, monitor data/call/text usage, and receive customer service assistance through app chat.

DITOzens can also learn more about DITO International services, as well as promos including DITO Level-UP Packs, DITO Data Sachets, DITO App Boosters, Auto Pay, and Advance Pay. The app can also be used to conveniently purchase DITO products and exclusive promos using various payment options including local Mastercard or Visa credit, debit cards, GCash, GrabPay, and WeChat Pay.

Whether you’re into vlogging or e-gaming, you’ll surely enjoy a TODO na DITO digital experience with DITO’s wide array of value-for-money products and promos.

Leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, has announced their exciting deals for the much-awaited 12.12 Sale on Lazada and Shopee. 

HONOR fans and enthusiasts alike can treat themselves this holiday with an HONOR device or two, and get up to a PHP 700 voucher with FREE shipping and HONOR Band 6 worth PHP 1,990.

Since Christmas is all about being generous and honoring all our hard work throughout the year, HONOR is having a Flash Sale exclusively on Lazada where you can get additional PHP 50 off on all products and a limited offer of a FREE JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker worth PHP 6,999 when you buy HONOR 70 5G.

Check out Honor’s deals from Lazada and Shopee:

Lazada 12.12 Grand Pamasko Sale

For a limited time offer, you can get a FREE JBL 5 Bluetooth Speaker worth PHP 6,990 for every purchase of HONOR 70 5G, but if you don’t make it, you can still get a FREE HONOR Band 6 worth PHP 1,990. You will also be receiving the HONOR Band 6 when you buy HONOR X8, and a FREE Magic Keyboard worth PHP 5,990 for every purchase of HONOR Pad 8. On top of it all, you may enjoy FREE shipping and an exclusive Lazada voucher for up to PHP 700 off. Plus, you can catch the Flash Sale deal and get an additional PHP 50 off on all products on top of the product vouchers.

Shopee 12.12 Branded Christmas Sale

TAGUIG CITY – Leading e-commerce global delivery service J&T Express is giving away big discounts as an early Christmas gift to their customers nationwide. Get huge savings on shipping fees when you send your parcels via J&T Express this holiday season using its Unlisaya promo with a voucher discount, available on their mobile application.



The promo is offered to all J&T Express customers—especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Customers may pay as low as 39 pesos when they ship via J&T Express using Unlisaya promo with a J&T Express voucher. To avail of the promo, customers, whether walk-in or pick-up, must choose the Unlisaya promo and claim the daily voucher on the J&T Express mobile app.


“It is undeniable that most of us will purchase our Christmas gifts online. With the holiday craze coming, we are offering our lowest shipping fee yet as we hope to help lessen the shipping cost for consumers and to attract more businesses for the MSMEs. This is our early Christmas gift for everyone, whether our regular customers, business owners, or even those who ship via J&T Express for the first time. Now, they may enjoy shopping online for Christmas without worrying about the shipping fee,” says Zoe Chi, Vice President of J&T Express Philippines.


The promo aims to ease the hassle of paying high-shipping costs as Unlisaya offers a pouch-based rate fee, regardless of the weight of the item/s. Together with the Unlisaya promo and the J&T Express voucher discount, customers will save more budget for their Christmas shopping because of the affordable shipping rate.


J&T Express Philippines’ Unlisaya Promo is ongoing throughout the Christmas season, avail yours today!


Visit the nearest J&T Express or book a free pick-up via the mobile application or website to use the promo. To learn more about the services offered by J&T Express, log on to www.jtexpress.ph or visit www.facebook.com/jntexpressphilippines.

Grab the chance to win OPPO gadgets, discount vouchers, and more when you visit OPPO brand stores and the My OPPO App until January 5, 2023

The holiday season is well and truly alive, as more people enjoy reunions, celebrations and shopping this December. Global smart device brand OPPO joins in the festivities and invites users to Choose OPPO, Choose Joy, giving away a total of Php100 million pesos worth of prizes and discounts to make the season merrier. From now until January 5, 2023, Filipinos can get a chance to win special treats, such as OPPO gadgets, vouchers and more, through several ways in-store and online. 

Choose joy with your OPPO purchases this holiday season

Purchase any OPPO phone or OPPO Pad Air through OPPO brand stores and authorized dealers during the promo period, and get one free spin on OPPO’s roulette. This gives you a chance to win exciting prizes, such as a PhP700 discount voucher for any IoT device (except for the OPPO Enco Buds2), a PhP1,000 off voucher for OPPO Enco Buds2, and a 32GB microSD card. 

Additionally, Home Credit users can enjoy lighter spending this holiday season with 18-month installments at 0% interest for their OPPO purchases. 

Double the Joy and Prizes for OPPO users through the My OPPO App 

Throughout the promo period, OPPO users can also play the Double the Joy with My OPPO App raffle game for a chance to win amazing prizes, such as OPPO devices, OPPO Reno6 Series discount vouchers, and more!

Simply register on the My OPPO App on your OPPO device, and try your luck by clicking on the “Double the Joy with My OPPO App” banner under the homepage. Press the “GO” button and discover what prize awaits you. Each user gets three free plays daily, so you can spin for more chances of winning! 

Make sure to play the game every day until December 13, 2022, for a chance to win one of the Regular Prizes. This includes an OPPO Reno6 5G Php1,000 discount voucher, OPPO Reno6 Z 5G Php500 off voucher, OPPO Reno6 5G, OPPO A96, OPPO A16 (3+32GB), OPPO A77s, SJ4000 Air Action Camera, and Caribbean Induction Cooker. You can also have a shot to get a Dowell Oven Toaster, a Nintendo Switch, or OPPO Enco Buds2.

Even more opportunities await as you can win one of the Grand Prizes if you continue playing the game every day from December 14, 2022, to January 5, 2023. The list of prizes includes OPPO Reno6 5G PhP1,000 off voucher, OPPO Reno6 Z 5G PhP500 discount voucher, OPPO Reno6 5G, OPPO Reno8 5G, OPPO A96, OPPO A17, OPPO A77s, OPPO Enco Air2 Pro, Xtreme V Series Smart TV, Nintendo Switch, and Playstation VR Box Beat Master.

Upon winning, you will receive a congratulatory message on the My OPPO App, which indicates your prize. Claim your gift by filling out the contact information form attached to your prize up to three (3) days after receiving the winning notice. For those who score OPPO discount vouchers, the prizes will be automatically credited to your My OPPO account. 

Make each day count this holiday as you #chooseOPPOchooseJOY and Double the Joy with My OPPO App until January 5, 2023. 

To know more about the Choose OPPO, Choose Joy holiday promo, and the Double the Joy promo on the MyOPPO App, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. For more information about the OPPO Care Bundle, check the OPPO Support website at https://support.oppo.com/ph/ or the official OPPO Care Philippines Facebook page. 

Rock the holiday with stylish from OJO eyewear. OJO eyewear is available at SM branches in Marilao and Pulilan as well as in Baliwag.

Japanese global apparel retailer Uniqlo takes shoppers by surprise as it recently opened its first store in Bulacan at the ground level of SM City Baliwag. The store is 829 sq. m in size and is the perfect one-stop shop for families as it carries the complete range of LifeWear for men, women, kids, and babies just in time for the holidays.

Say bon appétit, ready your palate and fall in love with French Baker’s freshly baked breads and goodies. This specialty restaurant the opened in SM City San Jose Del Monte serves baguettes, scones, croissants, Belgian waffles, parisiennes, crepes, bagels, danishes, sourdough bread, and ciabatta and many more. Apart from their quintessential holiday spread, this restaurant also offers fine dining dishes like their best seller Chicken Ala King and Soup on a Bread Bowl that would surely excite every Bulakeños palate.

 

  Say bon appétit, ready your palate and fall in love with French Baker’s freshly baked breads and goodies at SM City San Jose Del Monte

Because we know that the sight of milk tea makes your heart flutter, SM Center Pulilan introduces its newest milk-tea shop from Taiwan. Chaboba is a renowned brand in Taiwan that offers a gamut of authentic tea drinks in different flavors and variations. Guaranteed to give premium delicious beverages, Chaboba uses the finest ingredients and distinctive brewing technique. A quick look at the beverage menu will surely tickle your taste buds. Chaboba’s freshly brewed teas, milky chas and more complete the tasty lineup, with sinkers aplenty to chew on.

 

Heads up milk tea fans! SM Center Pulilan welcomes popular brand Chaboba, an authentic Taiwan milk tea known for its brewed tea and premium flavors. Visit them now at the second level and try on their bestseller—Cheesecake series.

There are countless of ways to spend the holidays at SM. For the whole festive season, participating tenants at SM Malls will also offer festive promos, family bundles, discounts and other surprises. Shoppers can visit their favorite SM malls in Bulacan and capture special Christmas memories. Don’t forget to watch out for the grand opening of Tim Hortons in SM City Marilao that is set to open on the next few days. Shoppers may also check out the unique mall happenings and larger-than-life Christmas displays at SM Malls in Novaliches, Valenzuela, Sangandaan and Grand Central in Caloocan.

Leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, has announced their exciting deals for the much-awaited 12.12 Sale on Lazada and Shopee.

HONOR fans and enthusiasts alike can treat themselves this holiday with an HONOR device or two, and get up to a PHP 700 voucher with FREE shipping and HONOR Band 6 worth PHP 1,990.



Since Christmas is all about being generous and honoring all our hard work throughout the year, HONOR is having a Flash Sale exclusively on Lazada where you can get additional PHP 50 off on all products and a limited offer of a FREE JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker worth PHP 6,999 when you buy HONOR 70 5G.

Check out Honor’s deals from Lazada and Shopee:

Lazada 12.12 Grand Pamasko Sale


For a limited time offer, you can get a FREE JBL 5 Bluetooth Speaker worth PHP 6,990 for every purchase of HONOR 70 5G, but if you don’t make it, you can still get a FREE HONOR Band 6 worth PHP 1,990. You will also be receiving the HONOR Band 6 when you buy HONOR X8, and a FREE Magic Keyboard worth PHP 5,990 for every purchase of HONOR Pad 8. On top of it all, you may enjoy FREE shipping and an exclusive Lazada voucher for up to PHP 700 off. Plus, you can catch the Flash Sale deal and get an additional PHP 50 off on all products on top of the product vouchers.

Shopee 12.12 Branded Christmas Sale

Don’t dare to miss HONOR’s exciting deals on Shopee! For or every purchase of the #BestVloggingPhone HONOR 70 5G and HONOR X8, you will be getting a FREE HONOR Band 6 worth PHP 1,990 and a FREE Magic Keyboard worth PHP 5,990 for every purchase of HONOR Pad 8. Make sure to add to cart now and enjoy a FREE shipping and up to PHP 700 Shop voucher upon checkout on December 12.

Finish your holiday shopping early and get big discounts on the best Huawei gadgets!



The holidays are fast approaching and you still have names to cross off on your Christmas list! Make your loved ones feel special by giving them quality gifts that you can get at discounted prices when you shop during Huawei’s 12.12 sale on Lazada and Shopee.




Give your loved one the upgrade they’ve been wanting with the HUAWEI MateBook D 15 2021. It’s equipped with a 15.6” FullView Display, 10th Gen Intel Core, and our Multi-Screen Collaboration feature for a better and more reliable performance. With a slim and light body at 16.9mm and 1.56kg, the HUAWEI MateBook D 15 2021 is the perfect companion wherever you go. Originally priced at P31,999, you can get this for only P24,998 when you shop on 12.12. Get an additional P1000 voucher from Intel when you purchase your HUAWEI MateBook D 15 2021 on Lazada.




Looking for something even slimmer and lighter? Check out the HUAWEI MateBook D 14 2021 that’s 15.9mm thick and weighs only 1.38kg. This powerful MateBook can get you through anything as it’s equipped with an i5 processor and an 11th Gen Intel Core which accelerates your performance. It has a 14” FullView Display and a Multi-Screen Collaboration feature so you can do and see more at once. This upgrade will only cost you P35,999 instead of P37,999 so get yours as soon as you can.




If it’s a tablet for leisure activities that you’re looking for, then look no further because Huawei has three amazing options you can choose from this 12.12. The HUAWEI MatePad T 10s has a 10.1” screen and a 1920 x 1200 FHD display. It’s also equipped with the Huawei Histen 6.1 Sound Effect that’s tuned by Harman Kardon. The full HD display and loud, clear, surround sound is the perfect combination for an incredible viewing experience which you can get at a discounted price of P9,999. On the other hand, the HUAWEI MatePad T 10 gives you a powerful performance and an immersive sound with the Huawei Histen 6.1 Sound Effect for the low discounted price of P7,990. With its 9.7” HD large screen and dual window feature, you can double your efficiency or give your child a dependable learning companion. If it’s a PC-like experience that you’re after, then the HUAWEI MatePad 10.4-inch 2022 is the one for you. It offers a 2K Huawei FullView Display and lets you multitask with the Multi-Screen Collaboration feature so you can use two devices on one screen or use up to 4 apps at once. You can’t go wrong with a tablet that offers high quality display and immersive stereo sound that you can get at only P11,999 instead of the P18,999 SRP.




It’s high-time you get your sibling the smartphone that they’ve been asking for. This Lazada 12.12, get the HUAWEI nova 8i for P9,990, down from P13,999. While this elegant smartphone boasts of an NCVM Craftsmanship and 4D Curvature and a 6.67” edgeless display, it’s also not running behind in performance. It’s equipped with a 64 MP AI Quad Camera so you can take pictures in high quality regardless of how near or far you are from your subject, and a 128 GB large storage so you don’t have to worry about keeping all the photos you love. Not only is this smartphone perfect for those who enjoy photography, it’s also the best choice for gamers as it offers an immersive gaming experience and has a 66 W SuperCharge feature for an uninterrupted game.




The HUAWEI nova 8 and HUAWEI nova Y70 are also good choices for your loved one who needs a smartphone with a long-lasting battery. The Huawei nova 8 has a 66 W SuperCharge, 90 Hz curved OLED display, and a 64 MP Quad Camera which you can get for P15,998. On the other hand, the Huawei nova Y70 is built with a 6000 mAh battery, 6.75” FullView Display, and a 48 MP triple AI camera that can be yours for only P8,499. Though some features vary, both smartphones are great for keeping you updated and entertained throughout the day.




Living a busy lifestyle can also mean having less time to check your smartphone. Make sure your loved one is always connected with the HUAWEI Band 7 that’s offered this 12.12 at the low price of P1,999. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth with its 2-week battery life and wide range of features available. Whether it’s a handy life assistant or a fitness and health partner that you need, the Huawei Band 7 is able to do it. Check out other wearables available on Lazada this 12.12 like the HUAWEI Band 6 available for P2,090 and the HUAWEI WATCH FIT that’s only P3,690. The WATCH GT Series will also be on sale with prices ranging from P4,690 to P9,890. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e, HUAWEI WATCH GT 2, and HUAWEI WATCH GT 2 Pro will all be available at various discounts, while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 42mm in Leather, Fluoroelastomer Night Black, and Elegant will also have lower prices so you can include them in your gift list.




More discounts on other products will be available this 12.12. Get the HUAWEI Scale 3 for only P999, the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE for only P1,799, and the HUAWEI FreeBuds Lipstick for only P6,998.




Check out the list below for all the exciting discounts you can get this HUAWEI 12.12 Lazada Sale:

Claim your 10% off voucher from Lazada to get a discount of up to P1,000. Get your 15% off voucher from Shopee for a maximum discount of P1,000 when you spend at least P1,000, available only on 12.12. Don’t forget to checkout this 12.12 to avail of the lowest prices via LazFlash Extra and Shopee Flash Sale and get free shipping.




Tap on the link below to check out these amazing deals and promos:

Lazada, Shopee




Visit Huawei Philippines’ official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to stay updated on the latest promos and devices.

With better economic growth forecasts from the World pegged at 7.2 percent at the end of the year, investors may well ride the waves of a recovering tide of investment and consumption.

As startups pop up in different industries, one after the other, so do angel investors. An angel investor is a high net-worth individual who provides capital for startups, usually in exchange for equity in the company.

“Seeing the business take shape and grow into a real revenue contributor, was an exhilarating experience,” Alfonso “Chito” Zulueta, angel investor and chief executive officer of CZ Ventures, a venture capital firm, relates his first attempt in angel investing.

Certainly, angel investing is no easy feat. It is a combination of business acumen, willingness to take risks, and networking.

Fret not, however, because here are four tips to help you start your angel investing journey from certified angel investors:

1. New ideas are worth the bet

A seven-time serial entrepreneur, engineer, architect, and philanthropist, Claus Karthe, chief executive officer and founder of German Entrepreneurship Asia, says “A startup is more likely to achieve success if he/she is willing to listen, learn, adapt, and act on advice from those who have either succeeded or failed in the market they are venturing in.

“Similarly, an angel investor who is open to listening to new ideas and building on them, and at the same time able to manage risks through proper due diligence, has high chances of success.”

Rapid changes in business and technology means that angel investors have to be adaptable and not so ossified with rigid ways of doing business.

2. The business has to make sense to you

With a 25-year career in banking in New York, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Carl Bautista, who has now ventured into specialty coffee and human resource technology, relates that “I choose a business that I can understand, and which I believe I can assist in some form.”

Apart from providing funding for startups, angel investors share their business expertise to contribute to startups’ growth. While new ideas are great, an angel investor has to understand them for them to work.

3. So you understand the startup, can you trust the founders too?

Engaged in the recruitment industry for more than 25 years, Manila-based James Gundry relates that “The most important quality of a successful startup lies in their people. You can have the most groundbreaking idea in the world but without the right people with the right mindset driving the business, they won’t work as planned.”

“Apart from a strong business model, a startup has to have a leadership team who can execute and get things done,” Zulueta said.

The business model is but a machine run by motivated individuals with success as a goal in mind. It is people, in the end, that maintain the business.

“The founding team needs to be good at so many things,” Bautista added.

Adjacent to the founders’ drive for success, Lara Lorenzana with a 20-year experience in investment banking and structured finance in Manila and New York says that “The startup must demonstrate to the investor that the money entrusted to the founder is used wisely and as promised.”

Having a keen eye for people, successful angel investors do not simply look for profitable business models, but people who they can trust with their money.

4. Find your tribe—join an investment network!

A single angel investor can only do so much. There are so many risks involved, especially if you are a neophyte in angel investing.

To mitigate the risks, investors can join an investment network that pools capital together, screens startup applications, and provides investment training and support. Among notable networks in the Philippines is the Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN) a, group of private investors that is actively supporting several startups.

“Angel investing is less daunting when you do it with a group that shares the same due diligence as you,” Karthe said.

Passionate in helping startups grow, Karthe relates that “MAIN has a very experienced group of people as angel investors. I firmly believe that an active angel investor network is necessary for the country to develop its nascent startup ecosystem that is growing rapidly.”

Seeking to bank on the Philippines’ expected growth, Lorenzana said that she and her husband, a seasoned investor from New York, returned home from the United States to invest in what she describes as “Our generation’s land of opportunity. With MAIN as our guide, we hope to apply what we learned and observed in the U.S. to the Philippines.”

“I joined MAIN because of a desire to be close to the startup scene, to listen to new ideas, be around optimists who dream of a better world and are actually doing something about it, and to contribute in whatever way to help them achieve those goals,” Bautista said.

If you want to get to know more about MAIN, Gundry has some advice for you: “Attend MAIN’s pitch night where you can listen to a few startup pitches. Get a sense of what is on offer because startup investing is different from investing in traditional, mature businesses.”

MAIN conducts various activities geared towards promoting knowledge and expertise sharing among angel investors, new and old, and even for startups. For updates on their activities and if you are interested in angel investing, reach out to invest@main.ph and become part of the Philippines’ largest and most active angel network.