Manila, Philippines – Japan Airlines’ special fares for all Tokyo bound flights comes at the perfect time as travelers prepare for their 2019 trips. With over 10 non-working holidays in the first half of the year, Filipino travelers will be glad to know that they can start filing their leaves to visit Japan either for winter or their famed spring blossom season for discounted fares.

Tickets go on sale from December 11, 2018 until January 10, 2019 with a travel period of December 11, 2018 to July 31, 2019. Prices are as lows as USD 320 for Economy Class, USD 699 for Premium Economy (applicable only to flight JL742/Narita), and USD 1099 for Business Class.

Apart from Narita, the Japanese flag carrier also launched its newest route from Manila to Tokyo via Haneda which is the only flight that allows passengers leaving from Manila to arrive in Japan early in the morning. With JAL’s newest flight route, this allows travelers to make the most of their stay by ensuring they don’t lose a day when travelling effectively.

Japan Airlines Philippines’s General Manager, Mr. Chikara Mochihara expressed his excitement over seeing more Filipino travelers heading over to Japan. “With the Japanese government’s effort to boost repeat visitors in the country, we’ve seen more Filipinos acting on their desire to visit Japan as we welcomed the moe than 400,000 tourists from the Philippines in 2017. As the flag carrier, we are very proud to be part of the Filipino tourist’s journey as we extend the Japanese experience from the moment you step on board to the moment you arrive in Japan.”, said Mochihara.

For more booking and sale guidelines, visit Japan Airlines’ website at
http://www.ph.jal.co.jp/phl/en/mnlhnd/ 

MANILA, Philippines – Business leaders have found key learnings from the local startup industry on how to pivot as technologies and demands evolve continuously.

At the INQBATION Startup Showcase arranged by QBO Innovation Hub (QBO) and hosted by J.P. Morgan at their BGC Taguig office, six high performing local startups presented their business models and plans on how to scale up their operations to corporate partners J.P. Morgan, Smart, PLDT, investors, and other startup stakeholders.

The first three startups that presented were representatives of fellow startup enablers, namely Magpie, Innovantage, and Taxumo, while the last three startups are currently under QBO and J.P. Morgan’s Incubation Program, in which the most promising, innovative and scalable ventures are given the opportunity to develop impactful programs while experiencing dedicated mentorship from some of the country’s top executives.

The incubatees who participated in the showcase presented their business models and growth plans. Said startups are AdMov, an advertising platform that uses location data with facial recognition to generate and deliver personalized content and advertising; Cropital, a crowdfunding platform connecting anyone to help finance our farmers; and Pushkart.ph, an online grocery delivery service.

The INQBATION Startup Showcase also featured an exhibit and business matching area where other startup incubatees and ecosystem stakeholders were able to display their businesses. This includes fellow startup enabler, Launchgarage and other QBO incubatees, namely Exora, an online bidding platform that lets businesses connect with retail electricity suppliers; Senti, a social media monitoring platform that analyzes content including local dialects and colloquial language; MAD Travel, a tourism platform that provides alternative and meaningful experiences to marginalized communities; and OneWatt, a non-invasive predictive motor health monitoring system.

QBO President, Butch Meily passionately shared how important it is that the private and public-sector support startups.

“The economic multiplier effect of startups is indisputable. The largest companies in the world today like Google and Facebook are companies we never heard of a few years ago. With just a relatively small investment, we have created a whole new sector of the economy – one that will foster thousands of jobs. We have created this platform to not only to help promising startups grow but to also aide them as the industries they operate in begin to shift. We will teach them how to survive.”

Companies like J.P. Morgan also acknowledge the potential and impact of tech startups and are invested in helping them scale up.

“The startup industry in the Philippines, while young, shows potential to shape industries of the future. We remain committed to supporting local entrepreneurs as they become engines of job growth and economic vitality across the communities they serve,” said J.P. Morgan’s Managing Director and Senior Country Officer, Roberto L. Panlilio.

The J.P. Morgan Incubation program prioritizes startups who are from or cater to underserved communities. They are exposed to curated workshops, have access to professional services from government agencies, the Philippine Stock Exchange, and major investors, and receive assistance to exiting. The founders are also connected to local and international mentors who are either investors, executives, or successful startup founders.

Last Dec. 15, 2018, a history-making event had four countries in Asia simultaneously holding the SHOWER FOR GOOD benefit sale- racing against the clock to sell 1000 American Standard GENIE hand showers in Manila, Philippines, Mumbai, India, Jakarta, Indonesia and Bangkok, Thailand. But who really won when the regional event reached its satisfying conclusion are the disadvantaged children of the world who no longer have to live without clean water and basic sanitation.

100% of all sales proceeds of Shower for Good will fund the projects of partners LIXIL and UNICEF through its foundation, MAKE A SPLASH, that will change the lives of these children for good.

In Manila, the benefit sale was spurred by the spirit of sharing that pervades the country during the Christmas holidays. As the 1000th Genie hand shower was sold, fireworks greeted a delighted Eastwood Mall Open Park crowd of mall-goers and the invited press who have enjoyed a stirring chorale fest that had 9 top choirs from the country serenading them that afternoon and into the early evening. With the help of student volunteers from various universities, Manila delivered 1000 American Standard GENIE hand showers sold. Joining Manila were Bangkok and Jakarta who also sold 1000 Genies each, while Mumbai brought in 448 units sold. 100% of all sales proceeds were turned over to the attending UNICEF representative in each country. In Manila, the ceremonial turnover was led by Alpha Ang, LIXIL Asia Pacific General Manager, Alen Alban, LIXIL Phils. Country Manager, Joralyn Ong, LIXIL Associate Director- Retail Sales and Trade Marketing, Emily Rose Besavilla, Marketing Manager of LIXIL, Liza Rachel Cancino, Marketing Director, Branding and Communications for Asia for Inax and American Standard, to Marga Uy Baula, Corporate Fundraising Officer of Unicef Philippines.

As Alpha Ang reiterated during the turnover of donation, ” by 2021, LIXIL-UNICEF “Make a Splash” would have helped 250 million people live healthier, better lives with clean water and basic sanitation.” With so much good done that Saturday of December 15, 2018, he announced to all that he is confident that that goal is entirely reachable.

American Standard GENIE hand shower is a Red Dot Design Awardee that utilizes 120 micro sprays that shower its users gently with Petal pressure. For the one-day only sale, it was sold at 30% discount. In the Philippines, it will retail at P850.00 pesos, after the one-day only sale.

Being a celebrity comes with a multitude of “rewards,” including fame, fortune, and countless public milestones. But for celebrity parents Aga and Charlene Muhlach, there’s no greater joy than being able to give their best for the twins, Atasha and Andres.

In a heartwarming new commercial for Jollibee, former beauty queen, and renowned actress-host Charlene professes that her “greatest joy” in life are her twin children, who had grown up relatively away from the limelight.

The ad begins with Charlene getting up very early to get her twins ready for their various extra-curricular activities and continue on with glimpses into her family’s life. She reads a heartfelt message for her children, expressing how she had dreamed of having them in her life and how she and husband Aga have always strived to give them the best.

“I can’t believe how time has just passed so fast, and totoo pala ‘yung sabi nila, that no matter how old you get, you’ll forever be babies in my eyes. I want you to know that we tried every day to give you the best at hindi kami magsasawang alagaan at mahalin kayo.”

The message that Charlene addresses to her children in this newest Jollibee ad is almost verbatim of her Instagram post on the twin’s birthday, which, as of the commercial’s release, garnered over 50,000 likes. As it was written straight from a thoughtful and well-spoken mother’s heart, the message became an instant hit among Filipino netizens who related to the emotions in Charlene’s post.

Aga, well-loved member of the Jollibee family, caps off the ad with another heartwarming sentiment—that we only want to give only the best for the best. The best people in our lives, our families, deserve only the best-tasting crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy. The beloved Jollibee favorite that has captured the hearts and taste buds of Filipinos for generations.

“As the country’s biggest fast-food brand and a proudly homegrown Pinoy company, we at Jollibee have always strived at being the best in every way possible especially for our products,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee AVP for Flagship Category.

“Chickenjoy and the role it plays in bringing Filipino families together, like the Muhlachs having meaningful family bonding moments during mealtimes, has been one of Jollibee’s greatest joys,” Capati said.

Just Like the Muhlachs, ring in 2019 with renewed love for family—with only the best-tasting crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy on the table.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Foundation and Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI) awarded nine outstanding Filipino microentrepreneurs at this year’s 16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA). Winning the national award was (second row, center) Erwin Ramos, owner of Erwin and Lanie’s fishball from Bulacan. The regional winners were (second row, left to right) Rosario Amoroto of Island’s Best Foods for Visayas, Maria Elena Estadola of New Life Crafts – Infinito for Luzon, and Arnold Viado of Bam and Jhon Balut Maker for Mindanao. Mary Grace Bayalas (top row, second from left) of Bayalas Birthing Home and Family Planning won the Youth Microentrepreneurship Award. 

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. was honored as the 2018 Frost & Sullivan Philippines Property Development Growth Excellence Leadership Award at the recent 11th annual Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards banquet held at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore.

Janice Wung, program manager, Energy & Environment, Frost & Sullivan noted that the property development market in the Philippines continues to develop steadily, driven by economic growth, rapid urbanization, and government spending on infrastructure projects.

“Amid this backdrop, SM Prime Holdings Inc. cemented its position as the leading developer in the retail and commercial property market. The company continues to redefine the lifestyle mall concept, achieving higher than average revenue growth, successfully launching 7 new shopping malls, and making headway in China’s real estate market in 2017,” she added.

SM Prime has been recognized to be one of the companies in Asia-Pacific inspired by visionary growth, innovation, and leadership. Their performance has validated its position in the global scene using global benchmarks and best practices, against all other major competitors in the Philippine’s Property Development Industry.

The growth strategy SM Prime employed proved to be the best in delivering revenue growth, market share growth, in acquiring major customers, in demonstrating leadership in new product introduction and innovation, in providing a broad spectrum of products and solutions given their business and market strategies.

“We are proud to be honored with the 2018 Philippines Property Development Growth Excellence Leadership Award. This is truly inspiring and at the same time challenging for us to be always better than ourselves in pursuit of a higher purpose of being a catalyst for economic growth in our country. We will continue to deliver innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that enrich the quality of life of
millions of people while keeping our commitment to our stakeholders as a whole,” said SM Prime president, Jeffrey C. Lim.

Shivaji Das, Partner & Asia-Pacific managing director at Frost & Sullivan noted that the annual awards was held to honor and recognize companies that have pushed the boundaries of excellence in Asia-Pacific.

“We are delighted to highlight best practices and honor companies that have delivered excellence in their respective industries. Through this recognition, Frost & Sullivan hopes that the companies will continue to excel and spur them to further achievements,” he added.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognizes companies’ through a range of regional and global markets for superior leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. The recipients of the Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific Best Practices Awards were identified based on rigorous measurement parameters in each category. The Frost & Sullivan’s industry analyst team benchmarks market participants and measures their performance through independent, primary interviews and secondary industry research in order to evaluate and identify best practices.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, is a global leader that is highly respected in the analyst world. They work in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, they have been developing growth strategies for the global
1000, emerging businesses, the public sector, and the investment community.

It was never too late to spend the holiday with the ones who matter most and with the people who are worth the help as SM Malls in Bulacan stood as one in giving gifts of cheers and love across three children homes in the province.

Dubbed as “ChriSMiles”, volunteers from SM City Baliwag, SM Center Pulilan, SM City San Jose del Monte and SM City Marilao shared their time off from work to spread love and joy through gift giving and a little entertainment to the less fortunate children.

In Baliuag, almost 100 children of Bethlehem House of Bread had a meaningful holiday as they received toys, school supplies, food, footwear, cleaning materials and ‘SM Bears of Joy’ from SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan. Employees also had their share of priceless moments with kids as they accompany them to a breakfast treat as well as parlor games where they played as team.

Meanwhile in San Jose del Monte City, with the collaborative efforts from SM employees, agency personnel, and kindhearted shoppers and mall goers, more than 50 kids from Happy Child Academy and Resources Center Inc. in Diamond Crest Village were able bring out their sweetest smiles as they received bags of chocolates, school supplies, and ‘Bears of Joy’ from SM Cares. They were also treated with breakfast meal and entertainment number from a famous fast food chain mascot.

Furthermore in Guiguinto, SM City Marilao employee volunteers hosted and treated the children of Bethany House, Sto. Niño Orphanage last December 21. The activity was also made possible through their own initiative – a Bazaar for Cause in which they have raised additional funds for the orphaned children.

ChriSMiles is a yearly volunteerism activity of SM Supermalls that aims to make more children smile especially this holiday season. The event is a nationwide employee volunteerism program that brings joy to the chosen beneficiaries of each mall. The initiative started in 2012 that also encourages all SM employees to be more appreciative of their individual blessings by sharing and caring.

Also part of the activity was the distribution of SM ‘Bears of Joy’, a program of SM Cares that encourages the idea of gift giving by purchasing a simple bear from Toy Kingdom that is worth 200 pesos. One bear is for keep and the other one will be donated to the said chosen beneficiaries of each malls.

It was never too late to spend the holiday with the ones who matter most and with the people who are worth the help as SM Malls in Bulacan stood as one in giving gifts of cheers and love across three children homes in the province.

Dubbed as “ChriSMiles”, volunteers from SM City Baliwag, SM Center Pulilan, SM City San Jose del Monte and SM City Marilao shared their time off from work to spread love and joy through gift giving and a little entertainment to the less fortunate children.

In Baliuag, almost 100 children of Bethlehem House of Bread had a meaningful holiday as they received toys, school supplies, food, footwear, cleaning materials and ‘SM Bears of Joy’ from SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan. Employees also had their share of priceless moments with kids as they accompany them to a breakfast treat as well as parlor games where they played as team. 

Meanwhile in San Jose del Monte City, with the collaborative efforts from SM employees, agency personnel, and kindhearted shoppers and mall goers, more than 50 kids from Happy Child Academy and Resources Center Inc. in Diamond Crest Village were able bring out their sweetest smiles as they received bags of chocolates, school supplies, and ‘Bears of Joy’ from SM Cares. They were also treated with breakfast meal and entertainment number from a famous fast food chain mascot.

Furthermore in Guiguinto, SM City Marilao employee volunteers hosted and treated the children of Bethany House, Sto. Niño Orphanage last December 21. The activity was also made possible through their own initiative – a Bazaar for Cause in which they have raised additional funds for the orphaned children.

ChriSMiles is a yearly volunteerism activity of SM Supermalls that aims to make more children smile especially this holiday season. The event is a nationwide employee volunteerism program that brings joy to the chosen beneficiaries of each mall. The initiative started in 2012 that also encourages all SM employees to be more appreciative of their individual blessings by sharing and caring.

Also part of the activity was the distribution of SM ‘Bears of Joy’, a program of SM Cares that encourages the idea of gift giving by purchasing a simple bear from Toy Kingdom that is worth 200 pesos. One bear is for keep and the other one will be donated to the said chosen beneficiaries of each malls.

Start off the New Year on a positive and fun vibe with makeup looks that match your personality and resolutions. Bold and sparkly colors are fail-proof makeup looks that you can try for a more adventurous and glamorous year to come. But if you’re all set on channeling an easygoing and wholesome vibe, you can go for fresh and monochromatic looks this 2019. Let Careline, the Filipina teen’s go-to cosmetic brand under Ever Bilena Cosmetics, guide you:

Fresh

Planning for a new makeup routine for everyday look? Go for a fresh and youthful makeup look using Careline’s Multi Sticks (P205). Start by applying the Blur Stick all over the face to keep it smooth and oil-free. This will also ensure that your makeup stays in place the whole day. Hide blemishes and highlight your facial features with the Brighten Stick. Then, with the Contour Stick, draw a line along your temples, the hollows of your cheeks, jawline and sides of the nose. Tap area of contour color with your fingers. Add a pop of color on the cheeks, lips and even eyes with the Rose and Peach Sticks. Complete the look with a healthy glow using the Strobe Stick, applying on the high points of your cheeks, the inner corners of the eyes, eyebrow bone, and bridge of your nose, Cupid’s bow, and chin.

Monochromatic

The monochromatic look involves keeping your eyes, lips, and cheek within the same makeup shades. Perfect for any occasion, this makeup trend is not only easy to wear but also easy to apply. The trick is to choose a color that complements your skin tone like Careline Multi Sticks in Rose and Peach. You can apply it all over your lids, even dab some on your cheeks and use it on your lips. Voila! You’re good to go.

Bold brows and lips

Bold brows and lips will never go out of style. To achieve this look, be sure your eyebrows are well-groomed so it’s easy to fill them in with your preferred eyebrow product. With the brow comb, brush your eyebrow hairs upward then fill in sparse spots with Careline’s Best Brow Liner (P160) in Taupe or Brunette. Complement your look with bold lips using your preferred shades from Careline’s Metallic Lipstick (P210) or Matte Liquid Lipstick (P210).

Smoky eyes, soft lips

Smokey eyes are perfect during special celebrations or a night out with your friends. It’s easily doable by filling in your whole lids with Careline Color Pencil (P65), which has a creamy texture that can be used as an eyebrow and eyeliner pencil. After application, blend it with a flat eye shadow brush. Of course, smoky eyes aren’t complete without a swipe of Go Big! Mascara (P185) on your lashes and dramatic winged-eyes using Careline’s Liquid Eyeliner (P105). Balance it out with any nude shade of lipstick using Careline Kiss Sticks (P180).

Try these easy to-do makeup looks and you’re sure to look party-ready for the coming holidays.

To know more about Careline, visit https://careline.com.ph/, and follow their social media accounts: www.facebook.com/CarelineCosmetics, www.youtube.com/channel/Careline PH Official, www.instagram.com/CarelinePH

Dentist to the Stars Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Founder and CEO of the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), the undisputed leader among dental clinics in the Philippines and one of the best in Southeast Asia, again, adds to his already impressive roster of achievements as he was awarded in the Outstanding Category, Hall of Fame, of the much coveted Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2018.

The prestigious Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) is a Regional Award Recognition programme recognizing entrepreneurial excellence, honoring business leaders and organizations who have shown outstanding performance and tenacity in developing successful businesses, whilst not neglecting the social responsibilities that come with leadership.

The APEA recognized Dr. Gan’s contributions to the field of dentistry and dental implantology in the Philippines. Specifically, this honor was bestowed on Dr. Gan for his “uniquely personal triumph in search for excellence”; and his “steel-willed determination and vision amid unspeakable challenges.”

Additionally, the GAOC Group of Companies also received the Corporate Excellence Award, in the Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, and Biotechnology category, for “having established a mark for upgrading, humanizing and even glamorizing the practice of dentistry.”

“I’m truly humbled by this recognition,” says Dr. Gan. ”More than anything, it serves as an inspiration for me to strive harder in the advancement not only of GAOC, but of the
whole field of dentistry in the country as well.”

At present, GAOC owns and manages 10 state-of-the art dental clinics and is at the forefront of innovation through the utilization of digital dentistry, the latest global trend in the field today.