Celebrity chef Tatung Sarthou to release two new books.

Celebrity chef Tatung Sarthou rings in the holiday season bearing gifts for everyone. The author-restaurateur is releasing not one but two follow-ups to his bestselling Simpol The Cookbook.

First in the back-to-back release is Simpol Kitchen Secrets, a guidebook on cooking skills and techniques. Here, Chef Tatung breaks down the fundamentals of culinary arts for everyone’s easy reference. It is told through over 100 recipes, 200 kitchen tips, and 600 colored photos and artwork.

Two new cookbooks from Chef Tatung!

The second is Baking Simpol, a cookbook with 100 recipes for desserts, breads, and pastries. Chef Tatung, who has earned praises for his innovative takes on dessert classics such as bibingka cheesecake, tsok-Nut cake, and pichi-pichi with torched queso de bola topping, lays down the art, crumb by crumb, to satisfy your sweet tooth any time, any day.

“’Yung culinary knowledge natin it belongs to the people. Kasi hindi naman orihinal na ideya na nanggaling sa akin. Hindi naman siya kaalaman na ako ‘yung nakadiskubre,” says Chef Tatung.

“Kung ako natutunan ko siya dahil may mga taong nagturo sa akin, may mga taong nag-share sa akin, bakit ko ipagkakait sa tao na matuto din?”

So, for those who are looking to elevate their Christmas feast or just searching for the perfect Secret Santa gift, Chef Tatung has you covered just in time.

A perfect gift for loved ones who love to cook, or for yourself!

Simpol Kitchen Secrets will be out by November 30. This shall be followed by Baking Simpol two weeks later. Both books will be available locally and abroad through Lazada, Shopee, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon SG, and eBay.

The two titles shall be published under Vertikal Books, a boutique press specializing in the creative nonfiction genre, specifically culinary content.

Simpol Kitchen Secrets and Baking Simpol shall be the fifth and sixth books penned by Chef Tatung. His previous works have won the prestigious World Gourmand Awards in Paris, France. Last October, two of his bestselling books, Rice to the Occasion: Kanin to Kakanin and Simpol: The Cookbook, were also featured in the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest and oldest trade fairs for books and content in the world.

Healthy, Hassle-Free Holiday Bundles from The Goodwill Market.

Tis the season to show you care by sending healthy goodies from The Goodwill Market to family and friends. The gift baskets have been carefully curated to fit different lifestyles, filled with wholesome products that focus on health and wellbeing. What’s more, they can be delivered safely and conveniently to your loved ones doorstep via orders on The Goodwill Market website. You don’t have to leave the comfort and safety of your home to send out healthy and high-quality gifts this Christmas.

Holiday Gift Bundles from The Goodwill Market.

The Goodwill Market is an online shop owned and operated by Dygen Pharma Distribution Corporation (DPDC), a subsidiary of Dyna Drug Corporation. Its mission is to make premium brands more accessible to Filipino consumers with online orders and fuss-free delivery. “This is a very valuable e-commerce service especially as everyone stays safe inside their homes” says DPDC General Manager May Panganiban. “Our gift packages contain a wide selection of health and wellness products that are sure to add a spark of joy to the holidays.”

Here are some of the gift selections that you can send as corporate giveaways, or as personalized gifts to your loved ones.

Holiday Flavor Pack.

1. The Holiday Flavor Pack delivers goodies that are fit for the season’s feasts. It contains a selection of imported pasta sauces for easy meals made special.

Work from Home.

2. Work from Home (WFH) is a healthy spread of snacks and ingredients that are perfect for who like to bond over good food while working. Wholesome meals and snacks are more accessible with tasty treats and premium ingredients.

3. The Lunch Box Buddies is the perfect gift for parents who shower this kids with love and care. It’s got everything they need to make bath time fun while taking care of baby’s sensitive skin. It’s also got kiddie vitamins for that extra boost of protection.

Make your Christmas list and check it twice. Find out which gift sets from The Goodwill Market will fit your friends and family members best, or check out the other items that are available at www.goodwill.market and its official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram and have these wholesome gift packs delivered directly to your recipient hassle-free. Book your corporate giveaways, customized orders and special requests through customer@goodwillmarket.ph

The Goodwill Market Delivers Perfect Presents This Season of Giving.

Gift-giving is made simpler with the goodies that have been bundled up for easy delivery by The Goodwill Market. Choose from a wide array of wholesome treats that have been packed into perfect presents to fit any lifestyle. Delivery is also hassle-free as your orders can be delivered directly to friends and family, to help you stay safe at home as you shop for the holidays.

The Goodwill Market is an online shop owned and operated by Dygen Pharma Distribution Corporation (DPDC), a subsidiary of Dyna Drug Corporation. Its mission is to make premium brands more accessible to Filipino consumers with online orders and fuss-free delivery. DPDC General Manager May Panganiban says, ““This is a very valuable e-commerce service especially as everyone stays safe inside their homes. We have carefully curated our gift packages, which contain a wide selection of health and wellness products. You can also curate your own gift boxes from our selection of products that are on the website, for your corporate giveaways or for more personalized gifts for your loved ones.”

Check out these premium gift baskets that are made to share joy this season:

Holiday Fitspiration.

1. The Holiday Fitspiration package is for the health-conscious eater who pays special attention to their diet. It’s packed with wholesome snacks that are heart-healthy and guilt free.

Coffee, Tea, and Message from Me.

2. Coffee, Tea, and Message From Me is a sweet way to show you care for their health and wellbeing, with yummy treats that are great for snack time or movie nights.

Find out more about these festive gift packs from The Goodwill Market through their website www.goodwill.market and its official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. Have these wholesome gift packs delivered directly to your recipient hassle-free this holiday. To book your corporate giveaways, customized orders and special requests email customer@goodwillmarket.ph.

Where to Go to Find the Best Live Music.

Most of us haven't seen a live event in so long that even the filthiest black hole of a bathroom sounds appealing right now. During the pandemic, musicians have devised solutions such as livestreams and remote outdoor concerts, but the locations themselves remain crucial. Maybe it's the sense of camaraderie you'll find there, or the booker whose judgement you trust enough to show up without even looking at the schedule. Perhaps it's the flawless live sound, the bartender's strong pour, or the raggedly appealing ambiance that drives less committed customers away.

Your best bet is to start simple and google - live entertainment near me. Most cities feature an online 'What's On' website that lets you know what performers or bands are performing in the near future. It also aids in narrowing your search by identifying which genres are popular in each city. For example, because New Orleans is known for its music, you'll find more live jazz venues there. Whether you want to see Beyonce or an unknown local favorite band, you should be able to find out who is playing in town when you go online.

Brooklyn Steel, New York City

Brooklyn Steel.

The huge facade of Brooklyn Steel, which pays homage to its previous existence as a steel production facility, appears menacing at first glance. The facility, which is located in Brooklyn's Bushwick area, is quickly becoming one of the city's top live music venues. LCD Soundsystem opened Brooklyn Steel with five sold-out nights in 2017, and since then, the Pixies, PJ Harvey, and, most recently, Mitski on her sold-out Be the Cowboy tour have all performed there.

Stubbs, Austin

Stubbs.

No vacation to Texas' capital is complete without a stop at Stubb's, a superb barbecue place on Red River Street with a great stage in the rear. The Waller Creek Amphitheater has a capacity of 2,200 people, but it's a laid-back kind of setting where you may feel like you're hanging out in someone's garden while enjoying a show by one of the world's best bands.

9:30 Club, Washington, DC

9:30 Club.

The 9:30 Club, which has been there since the early 1980s and has been at its current location for nearly 20 years, has long been regarded as one of the country's best indie rock venues. The club, which hosted gigs from famous local bands like Fugazi and Minor Threat during the city's 1980s and 1990s hardcore scene, has been the center of the D.C. music scene for generations. The 1,200-seat theater now hosts a steady stream of major touring groups, as well as a series of secret gigs from bands like Green Day, Radiohead, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers over the years. Gwar, the Roots, and Thievery Corporation are among the artists who have performed at the venue more than 20 times since it opened. When Rolling Stone surveyed musicians and industry experts in 2013 to determine the greatest big-room clubs in the country, the 9:30 Club came in first.

Hollywood Bowl, LA

Hollywood Bowl.

Year after year, artists have made history at the 17,500-person capacity theater, which opened in 1922: The Beatles performed there in 1965 and 1965, and released The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl, a live album based on those performances; the Doors did the same in 1968; Monty Python staged their final full revue there in 1982; Kanye West chose the venue as the perfect place to perform his 808s & Heartbreak album in its entirety in 2015; and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played their final shows together there in 2017 before his death. Ringo Starr once observed of the Beatles' appearances at the Hollywood Bowl, "It was the Hollywood Bowl."

Sea of Smiles as Panasonic Provides nanoe™ X Protection to Help Strengthen Vaccination Efforts for Children in Quezon City

Panasonic, as part of its global campaign in advocating and ensuring cleaner and fresher air for life, most recently partnered with the local government of Quezon City through a donation in the form of nanoe™ X-equipped air purifiers and portable nanoe™ X generators for the city’s use at its vaccination site in Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology Highschool (DARRSTHS), located along Don A. Roces Avenue in Quezon City.

The installation of these products equipped with Panasonic’s groundbreaking nanoe™ X technology, that have been verified to have inhibitory effects on airborne and adhered viruses, including the novel coronavirus* , is part of a bigger program by Panasonic Corporation to provide cleaner and quality air for the community, especially in high-traffic areas that include vaccination sites, hospitals, and most recently, with the news of face-to-face classes soon resuming, schools.

Previous contributions initiated by the Panasonic team include donations to Mandaluyong City, Makati City, Malabon City, Taguig City, and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH); with another donation scheduled to take place at The Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation medical school in Novaliches, Quezon City.

VIPs in attendance at the official turnover of products that took place in Quezon City Hall last November 15 included the Honorable Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte and General Manager of Life Solutions and Panasonic Country Head, Yosuke Tanaka.

“Panasonic is proud and privileged for being able to share our technology with the community during this time,” shared Yosuke Tanaka during the turnover event. “Hopefully this small contribution opens even more doors, in terms of having this COVID-19 inhibiting nanoe™ X technology accessible across the six districts of Quezon City.”

A total of 20 Panasonic nanoe™ X air purifiers and 30 Panasonic Portable nanoe™ X Generators have been installed at Quezon City’s vaccination site located at Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology Highschool (DAARSTHS), in hopes of providing further protection for minors, aged 12-17, receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Members from the Panasonic present at the vaccination site distributed freebies to children, accompanying parents, and even grandparents, in attendance that included nanoe™ X face masks, fans, pillows, tote bags, notepads, and most importantly, supplemental information on Panasonic’s innovative and timely technology.

“Panasonic has leveraged the power of hydroxyl radicals contained in water to purify the air around us,” Francis Serrato, Communications and Product Planning Manager of Panasonic Air Conditioning Philippines (PACPH) shared during his short lecture to parents and children in attendance. “The assurance of breathing in clean air when these products are around is something we, in Panasonic, are glad to share.”

“This makes me feel secure,” shared Maria Adan, who accompanied both her grandchildren to get their vaccinations, when asked about her thoughts on the extra protection provided by Panasonic’s nanoe™ X technology. “It’s nice to know this technology exists to help my grandson and granddaughter not have to go to school crippled by fear of the virus.”

Knowing that the air in this location is free from the virus makes me feel happy,” Nieves Dela Cruz, mother of two, also shared. “Especially now that face-to-face classes are resuming, it’s nice to know my kids can socialize with other kids more freely.”

For more information on Panasonic and its patented technologies, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/ph/nanoe

Packing Tips To Simplify Your Summer Beach Vacation.

Beachfront vacations have always been trending. This type of vacation is an absolute favorite for so many reasons. As a result, planning a beachfront getaway is pretty straightforward. There are also many great beachfront destinations to consider, with some of the best beaches in America, including Cape Cod and Laguna Beach.

It's also pretty straightforward to find accommodation when using a hotel finder platform. Whether you need to find a place to stay in Myrtle Beach, Miami Beach, or anywhere else, these platforms will round up all the options for you and help you locate the most suitable selection.

Myrtle Beach Hotels Oceanfront includes various accommodation options to suit different budgets. You can easily find family-friendly accommodation, affordable per-night stays, and so much more in a few clicks.

But with that said, these practical packing tips will help ensure your beach vacation is absolute bliss.

Prioritize Skincare

Because you'll be visiting the beach and spending so much time in the sun, skincare is imperative to a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, if you skip out on any of your essential skincare products or don't pack in enough sunscreen, you might end up spending the bulk of your vacation battling sunburn or even windburn.

Moon Ga Young in True Beauty (2020).

So, just in case, be sure to pack in enough skincare products and a few skin restoration products such as aloe vera ointments and others.

Pack A Variety Of Garments

Spending time at the beach will prove just how unpredictable and chaotic weather can be; a perfectly sunny day can end with a raging storm, and a gloomy morning can end with a peaceful vibrant evening.

Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho in Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021).

So, while it's wise to pack in mostly breezy clothing and enough swimsuits, you should also pack in various garments to be prepared for changing weather.

Essential Gadgets

Even though you're probably planning on spending the bulk of your time soaking up the sun or participating in various seafront activities, you will also need some gadgets. Your smartphone, laptop, and perhaps your kindle are all items you should bring along.

And while there's no doubt you'll remember to pack in your chargers, you should also bring along a universal adapter, depending on where you will be staying.

Invest In The Right Luggage

The best way to make packing a simple task and avoid forgetting essentials and comfort extras behind is to have the right luggage. If your primary luggage bag is not spacious enough, packing can be an overwhelming mess.

My luggage brand of choice. 

Beyond that, the right luggage will also simplify packing as various separate compartments, waterproofing, and other suitable luggage elements make packing easy.

Look for sturdy luggage with compartments, spacious enough, and comfortable carrying or cart with you. You can also consider adding a GeoTag or security tag to your luggage bag.

While you should also consider things like making the most of your vacation budget, investing time and thought towards planning is fundamental. Fortunately, with all the smart hacks and savvy tips out there, packing for a beach vacation is easier than ever before.

Lumina Homes offers Affordable Deals at ShopeePay Piso Deals.

As we get closer to the Christmas season, Lumina Homes brings the spirit of the festive season alive by offering discount vouchers at ShopeePay Piso Deals from December 6 to 12, 2021!

Buyers can avail themselves of P100 discount voucher for only P1 with no minimum spend. Said discount vouchers are payment vouchers that are purchased in advance on the Shopee app under the “Deals Near Me” or “Flash Deals” section. This can be used for in-store transactions like reservation, monthly down payment, and in-house monthly amortization using ShopeePay’s QR.

How to get your own discount vouchers?

1. Using your Shopee app, follow these easy steps to get your own discount voucher:
2. Tap the “Deals Under Me” section. 
3. Click “See All” and look for Lumina Homes’ “Discount Voucher.” 
4. Read the voucher product details and click “Buy Now.”
5. Using ShopeePay, click “Pay Now” to get your voucher.
6. You can now use or view your Discount Vouchers in the “My Vouchers” wallet.

How to redeem your discount vouchers?

1. Follow these simple steps to apply your discount vouchers for your Lumina Homes transactions:
2. Look for the general scanner from the homepage of Shopee’s app.
3. Scan the ShopeePay QR in the Lumina office.
4. Enter the total amount to be paid in the transaction.
5. In the voucher section, choose the “Lumina Homes: Discount Voucher” then click “Use” to apply the discount.
6. The payment details will show the voucher’s instructions and rewards earned.
7. Click “Pay Now.”

Redeem in any Lumina Homes office, in over 50 key locations nationwide like Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.

Aside from offering discount vouchers, Lumina partnered with Shopee by giving away three brand new Lumina house and lots last Shopee 9.9 and was recently awarded as Shopee's 'Prize Partner of the Year' during their thanksgiving event last November 26.

For more info on Lumina Homes, contact (0917) 629 6523. Visit www.lumina.com.ph or like and follow @luminahomesofficial on Facebook.

Have A Merry GCash: Here are the many reasons why Life is G this Christmas!

Everyone surely longs for the warmth that the holiday season brings, especially in a country known to celebrate Christmas as a tight-knit community. Holiday shopping at bazaars and fairs, Christmas carols around the neighborhood, homecoming reunions, pamamasko and gift-giving may have been reduced to a dose of nostalgia for the past year but this time, GCash shows us that we are headed for brighter days!

This Christmas, GCash, the leading e-wallet platform in the Philippines, is bringing to life these well-loved Filipino Christmas traditions and giving us more reasons to celebrate and be merry. GCash, the undisputed #1 financial app in the country with over 40 million users to date, is inviting everyone to Merry GCash, its biggest and brightest Christmas celebration, with guaranteed daily rewards and a chance to be the first GCash millionaire, digitizing your favorite Filipino Christmas traditions.

Showing that Life Is G during the most awaited season of the year, GCash enables users to share these well-missed holiday experiences with their loved ones, wherever they may be, and delighting them with exciting rewards and deals over the holiday season.

Mag-Enjoy sa Christmas GLife Tiangge

GCash invites users to experience a more rewarding thrill of fulfilling wish lists and Christmas shopping. No more going through the dreaded Christmas rush, as GLife merchants will offer exclusive discounts and promos open for all users to enjoy!

Simply click on GLife on the GCash app, select the MerryG category and shop from featured brands and MSMEs.

● Globe at Home

    ○ Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE advanced modem and get a free TP-link extender

    ○ Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE Black Pink themed modem and get a free TP-link extender

    ○ Get 50% off when you purchase a TP-link extender

● Auntie Anne's

Save as much as P115 when you get the Holiday Bundle, which includes a box of pretzel and 1 liter of lemonade for only P550

Food & Drink: Cafe Calypso, CiderBears, Dream Coffee, Mayani, Taste and Tell MNL

Health & Wellness: EYEPRO, VPharma, Other Options Lifestyle

Home: Shibui, Hamlet Kids Room, Magnificent Marketing, Orion

Retail & Fashion: Aug3 Clothing, Baby Cuddle PH, Bibs Manila, FanLife, Milkwear, Skinni

Mamasko When You Send Love, Send Pamasko

The tradition of aguinaldo will continue to live on even if we can’t physically visit our ninongs, ninangs or inaanaks. With Send Love, Send Pamasko, GCash gives us a convenient and safe way to send love to our loved ones and share blessings with partner charities. Even OFWs who can’t make it home can send their pamasko from anywhere across the globe to anywhere in the country with GCash.

It only takes a few taps to make a difference and make Christmas more meaningful. With Send Pamasko, users can donate in GLife for participating charity partners. Sharing the spirit of goodwill, GCash is partnering with ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Save the Children, OFW Family Club, UNICEF and WWF. To send love to these causes close to your heart, select GLife on the GCash app and click on GCash For Good.

If you are thinking of adding a special Christmas touch to your pamasko for your family and friends, Send Pamasko and Send with a Clip features allow you to use special themes created by partner charities and the GCash Barkada. Simply fill in their GCash number and total amount, add a thoughtful message, select from holiday themes and confirm the transaction to show them how much they mean to you.

Magsaya With A Chance To Win 50 Million Worth of Prizes

Brighten up your holidays with more chances of winning just by using your GCash app. Catch up and connect with your loved ones this holiday season with the Lucky Load promo. For every PHP 50 worth of transaction through Buy Load on your GCash app, you get a Lucky Load ticket. With each ticket, you get to pick 6 out of 30 icons, and when you match at least 3 icons, you get a share of the pot prize of up to PHP 100,000.

GCash brings you traditional Christmas parols that are not only delightful to watch, but also rewarding to light up. With Shake it Up, Light it Up, users can collect as many parols as they can through the GCash app and light them up for daily discounts and prizes!

For a minimum spend of Php 100 using GCash, users earn one unlit parol per feature per day, which will appear the next day on their Merry GCash page on the app. Users can also ramp up their entries when they transact using GCash Padala, GSave, GInvest, GInsure, GLife and GCredit — serving as multipliers to instantly receive two unlit parols with just one transaction. Simply shake these parols to light them up and reveal their prizes. The first parol will give the user a guaranteed merchant voucher while the other parol entitles the user an entry for a chance to be one of 5,000 winners of the Merry GCash raffle.

Aside from giving away different packages, GCash will give away a Sari Sari Store Showcase to 3 GCash users. During the Grand Draw on Dec. 21, one lucky winner will be the first GCash millionaire.

While waiting for the raffle draw, GCash users who participate in the Shake it Up, Light it Up will get daily discounts and prizes from partner merchants.

●     A+ Rewards x foodpanda

60PHP off with a min spend of 300PHP when you order from Jollibee via foodpanda

●      A+ Rewards x foodpanda

FREE DELIVERY with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from foodpanda

●      A+ Rewards x foodpanda

40PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from foodpanda

●      A+ Rewards x SHEIN

15% off when you purchase from SHEIN (no min spend)

●      A+ Rewards x TeraBox

2-week free trial with TeraBox

●      A+ Rewards

10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you spend on Alipay+ Store

●      A+ Rewards x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang In-Game Voucher

30PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you make an in-game purchase on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Available for both Google Play Store & App Store)

●      A+ Rewards x Steam

10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you purchase from Steam

●      DITO

P20 load voucher to buy DITO Regular Load or High Speed Data Promo, Min. Spend P199

While the ways we celebrate Christmas have changed over the years, especially during the pandemic, we all know that the greatest gift we can give is connecting and sharing joy with our family, friends, loved ones, and our kababayan in need of love. This Christmas, GCash is one with Filipinos in keeping the Christmas spirit alive with all the holiday surprises and promos it has to offer. All set to have a #MerryGCash? Click https://go.gcash.com/merrygcash and experience the many reasons why #GPaRinAngPasko with GCash!

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 2.5M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.) since 2015.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 46 million Filipinos in the country today.

Ajinomoto and Municipality of Cainta partner to fight malnutrition with Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! Program

The Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group and the Municipality of Cainta held a hybrid ceremonial contract signing event last December 3, 2021 to mark their commitment to strengthen the Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! (MPPT) program in a bid to address malnutrition in the country. The event was held in Banquet Hall East, Filinvest East, Cainta and broadcasted in a virtual meeting.

MPPT, a program launched by APC Group in 2018, aims to promote the practice of Pinggang Pinoy®, an easy-to-understand healthy food plate guide for Filipinos developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

“This program embodies our Nutrition Commitment towards extending the healthy life expectancy of Filipinos. We also recognize the importance of our collaboration with the local government unit of Cainta. Together, we will create an ecosystem that would make the MPPT program effective and sustainable,” said APC Group President Tsutomu Nara during the event.

The Ajinomoto Group’s Nutrition Commitment is to help extend the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people by 2030 utilizing its expertise in Amino Science. This allows the company to support delicious salt reduction using umami, provide products to contribute to people's wellness and provide health and nutrition improvement information as well as easy recipes/menus.

Joining APC President Nara in representing the company is Mr. Hironori Aoki, Director, Marketing, Sales and Public Relations. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Cainta was represented by Hon. Mayor Johnielle Keith “Kit” Nieto and its Municipal Health Officer Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga. Also in attendance were representatives of MPPT partners and supporters: UPLB-MPPT Project Team led by Dr. Angelina DR. Felix of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food- College of Human Ecology, UPLB; Dr. Pauline Jean Rossel-Ubial, former Secretary of Health; and Ms. Sarah Coe, Redscope Communications CEO.

“Thank you Ajinomoto for this opportunity, for having decided to give back, and for your willingness and your generosity in providing us everything we need. There is actually a lot more to do for us just to make sure that the people are always healthy.” said Hon. Mayor Johnielle Keith “Kit” Nieto in his address to the company and all the people that make MPPT possible.

The APC Group, Cainta, and its MPPT advocates are determined to combat malnutrition especially amid the ongoing pandemic where food systems have been disrupted and have continued to affect vulnerable groups like children. In line with this, the drafted MPPT program in Cainta consists of the following: (1) online capacity building of community health workers, (2) online nutrition education of homemakers, and (3) one-meal dietary supplementation among identified undernourished children for 120 days.

“This is truly one of the most important projects of the APC Group,” said Hironori Aoki, APC Group Director of Marketing, Sales and Public Relations. “Ajinomoto is not only a food company but a solution providing company guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV) with a mission to help resolve emerging social issues such as malnutrition through thoughtful initiatives.”

For more information about the MPPT program, visit ajinomoto.com.ph today.

Filipino Bloggers Network holds 10th Annual Thanksgiving Party.

It was a decade ago when the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the most active Philippine-Based community of bloggers and influencers in the country, held its first-ever Thanksgiving Party in a hotel in Quezon City.

This coming December 12, FBN will hold its 10th Annual Thanksgiving Party virtually to reacquaint with fellow members around the country and reminisce 120 months of challenges and cheers; 3,650 days of networking; countless stories and priceless memories.

Although the gathering will still be online just like last year, FBN members anticipate the annual get-together as an opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old pals they have not seen for a while, not to mention the chance of winning some exciting prizes from the games and raffle draws. Representatives of different PR groups and brands will also grace the event to personally thank members of the online community who have supported them in the past years.

FBN currently has around 2,000 members across the country and abroad and continues to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers to interact with other members, even those based overseas. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from several brands are co-admins Divine Reyes and Richard Mamuyac and Lariza Garcia.

This year’s celebration is supported by the following generous sponsors:

BRANDS

PR PARTNERS

BLOG SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC SERVANTS: 

• Rep. Eric Yap, ACT-CIS partylist 
• Rep. Joey Salceda, 2nd District of Albay 
• Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, 1st District of Samar 
• Rep. Mike Defensor, Anakalusugan partylist 
• General Guillermo Eleazar 
• Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte 
• Deputy Commissioner Randy Escolango, Insurance Commission

With the overflowing support and opportunities that FBN received this year from different companies and even from fellow members this year, the group sees bigger, better and double opportunities and events in 2022! 

Follow Filipino Bloggers Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoBloggersNetwork

REX Education Empowers Barangays Through the Edukampyon Local Governance Webinar Series.

The barangay is the basic level of governance or political unit that exists only in the Philippines. It serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community. Recognizing their role as duty-bearers, Rex Education and the Center for Local Governance and Professional Development, Inc. (CLGPD) created the Edukampyon Local Governance Webinar Series.

With the call, “Alamin. Matuto. Makilahok,” the webinar series focused on helping barangay officials and local government units (LGUs) in deepening their understanding of their roles as public servants.

Edukampyon: Local Governance Webinar Series.

“What we aim for everyone to see is how policies and guidance from the top levels of our government are implemented on the ground with help and assistance from our local governments. What we want to leave behind with everyone is hope, borne of the realization that there are champions of education much closer to your homes, and that you too, can become champions of education,” said REX Education Chief Executive Officer Don Timothy Buhain during his opening message for one of the webinar episodes.

The webinar series is anchored on REX Education’s Edukampyon agenda: to champion education and help create an environment where every lifelong learner is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented. It also values the essential role of duty-bearers from various communities as Edukampyon themselves and contributors to nation-building.

This is where the critical role of the government comes in, as barangays and LGUs share in this task of championing education. As a partner in lifelong learning, REX Education provides platforms like the Edukampyon Local Governance Webinar Series to further push and ignite the passion for service of the nation’s servant-leaders, from the top to the grassroots, so they can serve their communities better.

A 9-Episode Series Seals Rex Education’s Support

This 9-episode series is a campaign to highlight the duties of LGU officials as champions of education. It also serves as an introduction and supporting material to Rex Education’s recent release, the Barangay Handbook on Leadership and Management, which is a set of handbooks covering laws, implementing rules and regulations (IRRs), program activities, and legal opinions for barangay officials to use as references.

The first two episodes tackle policies, programs, and systems of early childhood care and development in the Philippines. Episodes 3 to 9 cover Barangay Governance; Barangay Social Services; Barangay Fiscal Management; Barangay Justice, Security, and Disaster Preparedness; and Barangay Accountability.

Alamin. Matuto. Makilahok.

Each episode features keynote speakers who shared their expert insights on each topic, including Hon. Epimaco Densing III, undersecretary for operations of the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG), who shared his expertise on Barangay Governance and the roles and responsibilities of the barangay officials under the Local Government Code of 1991; Kathrine Joyce Dellosa, medical officer for the Department of Health’s (DOH) Bureau of Local Health Systems and Development, who talked about the barangay framework when it comes to health response; Hon. Tonisito M.C. Umali, undersecretary for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Service, who covered learning continuity initiatives; Brenda Miranda and Mary Ann Rada of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) on fiscal matters and budget management; Cheryl Navarro, disaster risk reduction focal person of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) National Barangay Operations Office; Elenida Del Rosario-Basug, director of the climate change service of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); and Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, Jr., municipal councilor of Baliuag, Bulacan and lecturer at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance.

Each episode also includes experiences and best practices shared by different barangay exemplars, to encourage and inspire other barangays and LGUs.

“Sana po mapalawig natin ang mga impormasyong ito para alam ng ating mga kababayan ang importansiya ng barangay at ng local governance sa pagpapatakbo ng ating gobyerno. At importante, kung gusto talaga natin ng tunay na pagbabago, kailangan makiisa ng lahat sa pagpapatakbo ng gobyerno. Tayo ang pagbabago (We hope can deepen everyone’s understanding about the importance of the barangays and local governance on the success of implementing government policies. If we want change, it’s important that everyone does their part to help the government. We are the change),” said Hon. Epimaco Densing III.

Watch the episodes of Edukampyon Local Governance Webinar Series on the official Facebook page of Rex Education.

The Barangay Handbook on Leadership and Management is available at Rex Bookstore branches nationwide or through orders@rexestore.com.

Panasonic nanoeTM X Technology Helps Parents and Their Children Feel More Protected in Taguig City’s Main Vaccination Site.

Panasonic, as part of its global campaign to spread advocacy for cleaner and fresher air for life, recently partnered with the local government of Taguig City through the provision of nanoeTM X air purifiers and nanoeTM X portable generators at the city’s vaccination site in Bonifacio Global City. The groundbreaking nanoeTM X technology of Panasonic has been verified to have inhibitory effects on airborne and adhered viruses, including the novel coronavirus*.

Members in attendance at the official turnover and donation, which took place in Taguig City Hall last November 11, included Taguig City Mayor Hon. Lito Cayetano and Panasonic Country Head and General Manager of Life Solutions, Yosuke Tanaka.

The main vaccination site in Bonifacio Global City, which recently opened its doors to minors, aged 12-17, to finally receive COVID-19 vaccinations are now protected by a total of 50 Panasonic products equipped with nanoeTM X technology. Parents and their children in attendance were also treated to Panasonic freebies that included nanoeTM X face masks, fans, and pillows, and most importantly, further information on Panasonic’s groundbreaking technology.

When asked about how they felt about the protection provided by Panasonic’s nanoeTM X technology, Aileen Yasay, who accompanied her daughter Lorraine at the site, shared, “It’s a great feeling knowing there is something nearby protecting my family from the virus.” Jaron Amorsolo, Taguig City’s security guard watching over the site, also shared, “This makes me happy, knowing that my own protection from the virus is just as important in keeping the virus away from my family at home.”

Panasonic’s donation to Taguig City is part of a bigger program by Panasonic Corporation to provide cleaner and quality air to strategically selected areas and sites in the National Capital Region in need of Panasonic’s COVID-19 inhibiting nanoeTM X technology. Previous donations were made to Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Quezon City, Makati City and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to provide further protection for medical front liners.

“The global policy of Panasonic is the contribution to society,” Yosuke Tanaka shared. “And I think at this time, the most important assistance we can provide is to make people feel safer and more secure to smile once again. Now that vaccinations are open to children, we hope this is a step in the positive direction in ensuring everyone’s safety, children and parents alike.”

For more information on Panasonic and its patented technologies, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/ph/nanoe

Notes: 

*: based on the Texcell, global contract research organization, verified the inhibitory effect of the nanoe™ X technology with the benefits of hydroxyl radicals on adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) placed in 45L box. Over 99.99% of adhered novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity was inhibited within 2 hours. Note: This verification was designed to generate basic research data on the effects of nanoe™ X on the novel coronavirus in laboratory conditions different from those found in living spaces. It was not designed to evaluate product performance.

Uncomplicated Banking with Sterling Bank of Asia

Sterling Bank of Asia, one of the country's leading thrift banks, offers a more accessible and easy-to-maintain bank account through its Solo Savings Account.

As the Bank continues to enable its current customers to perform banking transactions from the comforts of their homes or offices, interested new customers can also enjoy the same services by opening their own Sterling Bank account through their website.

"We are extending our excellent service to those unbanked, especially during this time, by making it easier and safer for them to open and manage their accounts through our digital facilities,” said Mr. Cecilio San Pedro, Sterling Bank's President and CEO. "Whether they choose to visit our branches or do it via our online channels, they can still experience unparalleled quality service from our team," San Pedro added.

Solo Savings account holders can access their funds, pay bills, and transfer money anywhere anytime. Aside from the opportunity to save while earning interest, they can also enjoy exclusive perks and privileges in over 30 million Visa-affiliated merchants worldwide and 45,000 BancNet-affiliated stores locally using their ShopNPay Visa Card.

Open an account today!

Open your own Solo Savings Account now by clicking https://bit.ly/SterlingSoloOnlineApply.

For more information and updates about Sterling Bank of Asia, visit www.sterlingbankasia.com and download the Sterling Bank Online App to experience secure and convenient banking.

How to Find the Right Tenant for Your Rental.

If you’ve invested in a property and are searching for a tenant, you might be feeling somewhat overwhelmed. It’s certainly a stressful process, as you want to find someone that is reliable and trustworthy. Property managers, like those found at https://aspirepeakproperties.com/, can help you with this process, with years of experience giving them a competitive edge in helping landlords deal with their rentals.

However, if you are set on doing this alone, then there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting a great tenant. You just need to follow a few different tips.

List out your exact expectations.

Before you even start viewing tenant applications, the first thing you need to do is list out your expectations and requirements. This is vital and will create a more specific pool of applicants.

Tenant retention is the best way to make money as a landlord.

When you’re advertising, you want them to know exactly what you are providing and what you expect from them. This includes things such as:

• Whether or not you will allow pets.
• If you are furnishing the property.
• If you will be including utilities in the overall cost.

Follow a good marketing method.

Just like a business, a property requires a good marketing method. This will not only attract suitable people but allows you to reach a specific audience.

Kim Ji Seok in Monthly Magazine Home (2021).

If you don’t think that you can handle it all on your own, look at hiring an external company, like with this Apartment Marketing. They will take care of all of the hard work, so you only have to focus on choosing a tenant.

View their history.

Once you’ve got a few different options, you’ll want to look at any previous rental history. This includes a background check and references they may have provided.

If they have excellent reviews from other honest landlords, it’s a good indicator that they will take care of the property. However, it shouldn’t stop you from digging a little further.

Look at applicants with a stable career.

One of your main concerns may be that your tenant won’t be able to make their payments on time. One easy solution to this is to look for applicants that have a stable career path.

Im Chul Soo in Vincenzo (2021).

Remember, this doesn’t always mean the highest earning career, but someone that has consistently worked in the same field. This information should be included in their application.

Trust your gut.

Finally, as important as it is to follow the above, sometimes it’s just as wise to trust your natural instinct. If you can’t seem to get along with an applicant or just don’t think they will be suitable, they probably aren’t.

Cassano Family/Geumga Plaza tenants in Vincenzo (2021).

Pay attention to what your gut is telling you, and spend more time searching. Trust us when we say you’ll be thankful for it.

Final thoughts.

And that’s it! By following the above, you should be able to find the perfect tenant for your new rental. However, you will need to be patient as the process takes time.

Unfortunately, being a landlord means that there will always be issues you have to deal with.