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.
OPPO is set to launch the much awaited ultimate smartphone videography powerhouse, the OPPO Reno5 4G and Reno5 5G this February 2021.OPPO Reno5’s latest camera technologies will allow you to picture life together better with your family and loved ones.
“We are thrilled to officially introduce the new OPPO Reno5 4G and Reno5 5G in February. With the steady growth of 5G in the country and our cutting-edge camera technologies, we promise to equip young Filipinos with a Reno smartphone that can inspire them more to creatively #PictureLifeTogether with friends and family in this highly digital-driven lifestyle,” said Raymond Xia, OPPO Philippines Marketing Director.
A phone that adapts to your ever-changing lifestyle
In facing the new demands brought by the 5G era, and in keeping with the Reno series’ long-standing pursuit of providing a superior video and photo experience, OPPO has developed a more advanced and more comprehensive imaging system on the new Reno5 4G and Reno5 5G– the OPPO Full Dimension Fusion (FDF) Portrait Video System. Based on top-end imaging hardware, innovative image processing algorithms, and user-centric software, the OPPO FDF
Portrait Video System caters to the diverse video creation needs of users in almost any situation, empowering them to capture the joy of life in every moment with easy-to-create professional-quality video content.
Picture Life Together with Friends
OPPO’s consumer research has shown that the core need for consumers is the ability to capture clear videos in any situation, and in a way that expresses their own unique style. At the same time, they want this process to be simple and easy to use.
OPPO believes the best way to solve this consumer need is through the perfect integration of imaging hardware and software. The all-new OPPO Full Dimension Fusion Portrait Video System works on the basis of top-end imaging hardware in tandem with flexible, intelligent software, together with OPPO’s extensive expertise in portrait scene detection and portrait feature design.
The result is a world-class portrait video experience for users on the new OPPO Reno5 4G and Reno5 5G.
A camera perfect for every moment
The Reno5 4G and Reno5 5G boasts the OPPO FDF Portrait Video System which guarantees clear images in any scenario, whether that be day, night, in strong backlight, while in motion or while standing still. It also ensures the portrait subjects and the background are clearly and naturally defined.
OPPO’s original, industry-leading AI Highlight Video now uses new generation technology which is capable of detecting light levels in a scene, and intelligently and optimally adjusts brightness, color and clarity in videos resulting in smooth video from frame to frame, vibrant colors, and reduces noise. This is the first time OPPO has united Ultra Night Video and Live HDR under one feature, which is available on both the front and rear cameras of both devices.
OPPO has also included a host of features such as AI Color Portrait (except Reno5 5G), Monochrome Video, AI Mixed Portrait (only available on Reno5 4G) and more which gives users the power to create content with deeper and more creative stories. The phone’s FDF Portrait Video System also includes the Portrait Perception Engine to let users shoot in their style.
Other camera features include the Scene Design Manager which analyzes different scenarios to give the user high quality images wherever they are and Portrait Recognition which instantly recognizes the portrait subject in the image and separates them from the image background.
In addition to facial recognition, it can also detect and track moving human bodies within a video and extract these portrait subjects with precision from even the most complex backgrounds so you can still be the highlight of a shot even if you’re in a busy environment.
From beginning to end, the Reno5 4G and Reno5 5G are the new additions to OPPO’s powerful technology to simplify the complicated task of video capture, editing, and sharing off of users’ hands, leaving them with a simple-yet-professional means to record and create their own stories.
For more information about the latest OPPO Reno5 4G, Reno5 5G, and all of OPPO’s exclusive deals, visit the official website at www.oppo.com/ph or via the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.
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
ShopeePay, an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services, launches its first-ever ShopeePay Cashless Festival this January 21-28, 2021. Shoppers who use ShopeePay can enjoy free shipping, coins cashback, a chance to win ₱10,000, and more exclusive rewards during the promo period.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “With the launch of our inaugural ShopeePay Cashless Festival, Shopee encourages more consumers to adopt digital payments for a safer, more rewarding, and seamless shopping experience. Filipinos are slowly embracing a more cashless lifestyle, and Shopee is excited to be at the forefront of this evolution. We remain committed to providing easy access to a wide range of digital payment options such as ShopeePay to cater to Filipinos’ evolving needs.”
Key highlights of the ShopeePay Cashless Festival:From January 21-28, ShopeePay users can redeem these deals and rewards when they activate and top up their e-wallet:
● Free shipping: During the promo period, users who activate their ShopeePay wallets for the first time can enjoy a free shipping voucher with no minimum spend. New free shipping vouchers with a minimum spend of ₱149 will also be released daily.
● Coins cashback from participating shops: Shoppers can look forward to 20% coins cashback on categories such as gadgets, home and living, mom essentials, and sports and motors.
● Bills payment coins cashback: From January 21-27, ShopeePay users get 15% cashback capped at 120 coins when they pay their bills with a minimum spend of ₱800. On January 28, they can get 20% cashback capped at 160 coins with a minimum spend of ₱800.
● Deals Near Me: ShopeePay users get to enjoy ₱1 deals, up to 50% off on e-vouchers, and up to 15% coins cashback capped at 60 coins.
● Flash deals on mobile load and data: Throughout the week, shoppers can buy ₱100 worth of load/data for only ₱90. On January 25 and 28, users should be on the lookout for flash deals such as ₱10 load/data for ₱6, ₱15 load/data for ₱9, and ₱20 load/data for ₱12.
● Grand prize worth ₱10,000: There are two ways to win ₱10,000: users simply have to either top-up at least ₱300, or transfer ₱1. All users can also get rewards in the form of Shopee coins or vouchers.
● Play & Win on Shopee Live: Score up to ₱20,000 worth of ShopeePay credits by joining Play & Win ShopeePay Edition on weekdays, every 5:00-6:30 PM.
● Tutok to Win: All successful callers on Wowowin’s Tutok to Win will receive ShopeePay credits worth ₱5,000 each, on top of the usual cash prize of ₱20,000.
For more information on the ShopeePay Cashless Festival, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay.
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
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.”
Another bestseller is on its way to excite Pinoy food lovers! After launching the US Spicy Chicken Sandwich that sold out just hours after its release, it looks like Popeyes is all set to release another trending food item in its menu.
It’s savory, spicy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious – Popeyes is letting you taste all that lip- smacking Southern goodness in one bite with its latest must-try offering! Give in to your cravings because Popeyes’ new Cajun Rings is finally here to complete your meal and tickle your taste buds.
Every bite of these perfectly crispy fried breaded onion rings with a hint of Cajun spice will leave you wanting more – surely, the perfect add-on to any meal. You can have it ala carte or as a side to your favorite Popeyes signature meals – Popeyes Chicken, Chicken Tenders, and Burgers.
If you want to give it a try, Popeyes is offering a FREE upgrade of Cajun Fries to Cajun Rings when you buy any Popeyes meal! So, hurry up and get first dibs on this special promo.
But it doesn’t stop there. With the inclusion of the Cajun Rings in Popeyes’ menu, there are some things that you have yet to discover. Intrigued? Try saying “Put A Ring On It!” when you order dine-in or takeout for your Popeyes’ burger – U.S. Spicy Chicken Sandwich, the Chicken French Quarter, Fish Burger, Shrimp Burger, and Chicken Burger and you’ll be in for a delightful surprise.
So, what are you waiting for? The new Cajun Rings is now available at Popeyes Arcovia City, Alabang Town Center, NU Mall of Asia, SM San Lazaro, SM Manila, Kroma Tower, SM Southmall, Ali Mall, Eastwood, Robinsons Place Galleria Ortigas, Robinsons Place Manila, Eton Centris, and SM Mall of Asia.
You can also enjoy this special treat at home when you order Cajun Rings for delivery or pick up via www.centraldelivery.ph and GrabFood. You can also get exclusive deals on your Popeyes favorites when you download the Central Delivery and GrabFood app via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
For more information, visit www.popeyes.ph or follow @popeyesph on Facebook and Instagram.
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
At 232MW, the project in Ilocos Norte Province is the largest integrated wind and solar power plant in the Philippines. LONGi was selected as the exclusive module supplier, delivering 100MW high efficiency monocrystalline solar panels.
The project, developed by Qingdao Zhongzi Zhongcheng Group Co., Ltd., started construction in March, 2017. The site is in a primeval forest in the region of Pasuquin. To ensure smooth delivery, Chen Jinliang, LONGi Logistics Manager and Bai Liwen, LONGi Solar Sales Manager visited the area many times to design the optimal transport scheme and build the roads to deliver the modules to the site. LONGi completed the supply of all modules in 2018 as planned.
“The 232MW project is the first large-scale wind and solar power integration project developed by Chinese enterprises in Philippines.” Lu Min, former President of Qingdao Hengshun Zhongsheng Group, said at the ceremony marking the start of construction work in Philippines. “The project is a new start for our group, we are willing to contribute to the national construction of the Philippines through successful overseas development experience.”
According to the news report, this integrated solar and wind project is the first large-scale project in the energy sector of bilateral economic and trade cooperation after President Duterte;s visit to China in December, 2016. It is also a major project by Chinese enterprises to respond to the ;Belt and Road; initiative.
LONGi, headquartered in Xi’an, China, focuses on manufacturing PV products and providing solar power technology solutions. Its product offerings range from wafers, cells, modules and PV solar power equipment to solar power systems. The LONGi Group has evolved into a global company with assets of approximately US$8.38 billion and more than US$4.65 billion in annual revenues in 2019.
