World Savings Day | More Pinoys recognize the value of saving money.

More than two years after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos raring for a restart actually improved their mindset towards saving money, according to a recent survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

This is a welcome development, considering that 34% of the population lost their source of income during pandemic years, based on a survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, many have relied entirely in their savings account in order to survive the last two years.

According to the BSP’s Consumer Expectations Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the percentage of household with savings increased marginally at 31.1 percent from 30.2 percent in Q4 of 2021.Majority of the respondents cited the need for emergencies, health and medical expenses, retirement, education, and business capital and investment as reasons to save their money.

A big help in this increase in mindset and enthusiasm is the availability of more options to save money, aside from traditional banking institutions.

Cebuana Lhuillier makes life easier and dreams come true with Micro Savings

One of the most innovative means to save is through Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings. Launched in 2019 by Cebuana Lhuillier and its banking arm Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, this product has been in the forefront of bringing easy, accessible, reliable banking to majority of Filipinos, with close to seven million micro savings account holders today.

“Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings empowered millions of Filipinos to embark on their very own financial journeys by giving them a reliable, accessible, and efficient way to save their money, which they can easily withdraw during times of need. The quick adaptation of our kababayans to micro savings proved that the healthy mindset towards saving has always been there, as long as they are equipped with the right tools,” says Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings—which allows customers to open an account in any of over 3,000 Cebuna Lhuillier branches nationwide for as low as only P50—was introduced as a means to address the barriers to saving, including lack of accessibility, high maintaining balance, and the need for numerous documentary requirements to open an account.

With businesses and the rest of the country slowly getting back to normal, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings remained a go-to product for many of our kababayans ready to resume their lives and dreams following two years of uncertainty.

James Tan, 18 years old, a working student from Laguna,
who easily managed to save with Micro Savings to buy his own bike

For James Tan, an 18-year-old working student from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, saving meant enjoying the added mobility, safety, and convenience of having his own bike, a useful tool for his daily commute between work and school.

“Gusto ko kasi magka-bike kasi sapamasahe pa lang, malaki na matitipid ko papunta sa school at sa trabaho. So, yung paunti-unti kong pag-iipon sa Cebuana, ginamit ko yun para mabili yung pangarap kong bike. Hindi na ako nata-trapik o nale-late sa trabaho ngayon,” he shares.

(“I want to own a bike because I can save so much on fares commuting to school and work. So that’s why I saved with Cebuana enough to buy my own bike. Now I don’t get stuck in traffic and come to work late.”)

As a working student helping to support his family, James decided to continue his savings after buying the bike to also help augment the expenses from home.

Royce Jason Velez, a 36-year old construction worker
who saves using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account
to provide a better future for his family

The need to provide a better future for their family is also why Royce Jayson Velez, a 36-year-old construction worker, decided to open a Micro Savings account. Earning an average of P400 per day, Royce and his wife needed to be creative in order to stretch his salary to last until the next payday. His micro savings carried the family during difficult times, and are now being allocated for the schooling of his children.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ipagpapatuloy ko ang ipon ko para magamit ng mga anak ko sa pag-aaral at balang araw, magkaroon sila ng magandang trabaho,”Velez shares.

(“I said to myself that I would continue saving so that I can send my children to school for them have good jobs in the future.”)

A former kasambahay, Carie Labro, 38-years old,
was able to put up her own sari-sari store
using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings

For Carie Labro, a 38-year-old former housekeeper, her micro savings paved the way for her micro entrepreneurship. When her kids started asking for more time to spend with her, Carie decided to take a leap of faith and resign from her post as a housekeeper so she could be more present for her growing kids.

With the PHP10,000 she initially saved in her Micro Savings account, Labro opened a small store which she now maintains as her main source of income. Like Velez, she has vigilantly kept up with her micro savings. She now saves part of her earnings in her account as an emergency fund for her and her kids.

Taking advantage of the renewed interest in saving, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank continues to push for accessibility and convenience for their breakthrough product. The two-time Asian Banking & Finance Award winner for Rural Bank of the Year has adapted an innovative approach by adapting more tech features for micro savings.

“The success of Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings encouraged us to further push the envelope in bringing convenience, accessibility, reliability, and efficient banking to our clients. The change in how people access financial services nowadays served as our push towards digitalization,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Bank President Dennis Valdes.

Aside from Cebuana Lhuillier branches, micro savings accountholders can also withdraw cash anytime, anywhere in over 21,000+ BancNet ATMs nationwide, purchase online thru UnionPay merchants worldwide, enjoy 24/7 unlimited banking access with the eCebuana app, and make cashless payments in over 350,000 UnionPay and BancNet accredited stores nationwide.

Cetaphil Baby promotes the right foundation for baby’s healthy start.

Raising a healthy child is mom’s ultimate achievement. As a mom, you are constantly worried about your baby’s development; you would like them to experience new things, but you are also afraid of what these new things can bring. Thankfully, moms have the healthy pillars to help them as they raise their kids and navigate the world of motherhood. Interconnected with each other, these pillars are integral during the first steps of a baby’s development, making sure that they’re all set as moms nurture them.

Cetaphil Baby advocates the Four Healthy Pillars: Healthy Food, Healthy Play, Healthy Sleep, and Healthy Skin. Each pillar is important for baby's health and development, and skin is such an important part of their overall health, because it will protect them throughout their life.

Cetaphil Baby offers moms the best way to give babies the right foundation for healthy skin by supporting its development as it matures from its earliest stages onward. Moms can find peace and assurance that they can keep their baby’s skin protected now and in the future.

Cetaphil Baby products are clinically proven to respect, maintain & improve the structure of even the most sensitive skin, supporting baby skin’s natural development. It has been tested and approved by experts because of its gentle, hypoallergenic formulation that contains skin-barrier building ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, and other natural ingredients like chamomile, shea butter, almond oil, aloe vera, and calendula to keep baby’s skin soft, smooth and protected.

Cetaphil Baby offers even more gentle products suited for sensitive skin

Cetaphil Baby currently has two ranges: the Classic Line and the newly launched Calendula range. Included in the Classic Line are: the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo, a tear-free 2-in-1 hair and body formula that gently cleanses your baby’s delicate skin and hair, leaving it soft and clean.

For those looking for moisturizing goodness, the Cetaphil Baby Moisturising Bath & Wash is enriched with ⅓ baby lotion to care for even the most delicate skin protecting it against dryness.

The Cetaphil Baby Shampoo is a gentle caring formula enriched with chamomile to restore natural skin protection for a healthy scalp, while the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar is ideal for teaching babies about hygiene as moms give them independence and the responsibility of caring for themselves with simple tasks like handwashing.

The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion is enriched with shea butter that soothes, nourishes, and keeps the baby's skin hydrated for up to 24 hours.

The new Cetaphil Baby range contains calendula extract that has been used for many centuries due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and includes Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo, 2-in-1 formula that smoothens, softens, and improves skin texture. It is specifically designed to be used from head to toe daily.

The Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula is especially helpful for the skin barrier of sensitive skin, providing 24 hours of skin moisturization.

Finally, for babies experiencing rough skin patches in cheeks, knees, elbow areas, or under those chubby folds, the best suited product is the Cetaphil Baby With Organic Calendula Advanced Protection Cream, which helps reduce the feeling of discomfort and irritation and provides long-lasting irritation for up to 24 hours.

To complement the existing lines, Cetaphil Baby also introduced its latest product: the Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes. This new product gently cleanses and moisturizes baby’s delicate skin and is made from 100% plant derived fabric. Made with natural ingredients like aloe vera and Vitamin E it helps prevent baby’s skin from drying out, making Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes ideal for face and body use of baby’s delicate skin.

Best day trips from Victoria Station.

Victoria Station is the gateway to London for millions of visitors every year. With its rail connection to Gatwick International Airport, the station receives close to 75 million passengers each and every year. Opened in 1860, it has been a vital part of the British capital transportation infrastructure ever since.

Photo credit: Lottie Griffiths on Unsplash.

Victoria Station has great connections to London's public transportation infrastructure, including the London Underground. But it's also a major rail station serving numerous cities throughout the UK, especially in the south of England. Plus, with Victoria Coach Station right across the street, it's possible to reach almost anywhere in the UK from this well-used station.

Drop off your bags at a Victoria station luggage storage, and you'll be able to pick from an astonishing range of destinations such as Bordeaux city break in France. The truth is, whatever you like to do on vacation, chances are good you can do it from here.

Photo credit: Peter Mason on Unsplash.

Dover

The first stop on our list of day trips from Victoria Station is the port city of Dover. It's just over an hour away by train, making it a perfect option for those who want to get out of London for the day without having to travel too far.

As the closest point to continental Europe, Dover has been a strategic location since Roman times. Today, it's best known as a gateway to the continent, with regular ferry service across the English Channel to Calais, France.

But there's more to Dover than just its ferries. The city is home to an impressive castle that was once used as a garrison by the famous Duke of Wellington. The castle grounds offer stunning views of the white cliffs for which Dover is famous.

There's also a lovely historic district with cobbled streets and quaint shops. Or you can simply enjoy a pleasant walk along the seafront promenade. Dover is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery in England, and a walk along the white chalk cliffs is an experience you won't soon forget. That makes this a great trip for nature lovers and hikers as well as those with an interest in history or people who just want a day by the sea.

Canterbury

If you're looking for a day trip from Victoria Station with a bit more of a historic bend, then Canterbury is the perfect destination. Just over an hour away by train, this city was once the capital of England and is home to one of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in the world. The Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597 AD and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. It's also a World Heritage Site, and its Gothic architecture is truly stunning.

But there's more to Canterbury than just its cathedral. The city is steeped in history, with Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and picturesque cobbled streets. There's also a lively university town atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, shops, and things to do.

Whether you're interested in history or architecture, or simply want to explore a beautiful and charming English city, Canterbury is well worth a visit.

Photo credit: Orry Verducci on Unsplash.

Brighton

If you're looking for a day trip with a bit of everything, then Brighton is the perfect destination. Just over an hour from Victoria Station by train, this seaside resort town has something for everyone.

Brighton is best known for its lively seaside atmosphere. The beachfront promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops, and there's always something going on. The town also has a large pier with rides and games as well as an aquarium.

The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. There's also a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained into the wee hours.

Whether you're looking to relax by the sea, enjoy some culture, or party the night away, Brighton is the perfect day trip destination from Victoria Station.

Epsom Downs

Fancy day at the races? Then head to Epsom Downs, one of the most popular horse racing venues in the UK. It's just a short train ride from Victoria Station, and there are races almost every day from April to October.

Epsom Downs is best known for the Derby, which is held here every June and is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. But there are also races throughout the year, including the Oaks (held in May), the Fillies' Mile (September), and many more. Even if you're not interested in horse racing, Epsom Downs is worth a visit for its stunning views. The Downs offer panoramic views of London, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor Castle.

Photo credit: Richard Brooker-Protheroe on Unsplash.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a historic city with a strong maritime heritage. It's home to the famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is the largest of its kind in the world. The Dockyard is home to several historic ships, including HMS Victory (the ship that Lord Nelson commanded at the Battle of Trafalgar) and HMS Warrior (the world's first iron-hulled warship).

The Dockyard is just one of the many historic attractions in Portsmouth. The city is also home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. And if you're a fan of shopping, then you'll find plenty of shops to keep you busy.

Portsmouth is also a great place for foodies, with lots of restaurants, cafes, and pubs to choose from. And, of course, no visit to Portsmouth would be complete without a trip to the seaside.

Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or simply want to enjoy a day by the sea, Portsmouth is well worth a visit.

Eastbourne

Eastbourne is a popular seaside resort town located on the south coast of England. It's just over an hour from Victoria Station by train, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a day by the sea.

The town’s charming seafront is fun to walk around and the beach views are lovely. Make sure to check out the 1930’s era bandstand. The town is also home to several museums, including the Towner Art Gallery that showcases modern British pieces. Don’t miss a trip to the Redoubt Fortress nearby. Built during the Napoleonic Wars, this military-themes gallery, museum, and theater has something for everyone.

Conclusion

So there you have it – six of the best day trips from Victoria Station. Whether you're interested in history, the arts, or just want to relax by the sea, there's sure to be something for you. Bon voyage!

#LiveCleanLiveGreen at home for a Cleaner Future.

Kindness is a trait parents always try to instill in their children, kindness to people and animals, and of course, kindness to the environment. While we try to teach our kids the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and more, we also try to find affordable and accessible ways to extend eco-friendly habits to the products we buy.

Unilever, through its beloved homecare brands Breeze and Domex, empowers parents like you to #LiveCleanLiveGreen and pass on green habits to your kids. Under its Linis Pilipinas campaign, the company remains committed to create a Clean Future, by providing shoppers with good quality products that are good for the environment, as well as accessible ways to reduce, upcycle and recycle.

Starting with the large packs of Breeze and Domex, Unilever has started creating bottle packaging made from 100% recycled plastic, saving up to 19,000kg or 342,000 pieces of bottles from going into landfills or oceans that contribute to pollution annually. Moreover, Breeze Powder is formulated with EcoClean technology and does not contain any hard surfactant that can damage the environment.

To strengthen their commitment to reduce plastic waste, Unilever has also partnered with ThePlastic Flamingo (PLAF). A homegrown social enterprise that collects and upcycles plastic waste to create eco-lumbers and eco-boards, PLAF uses these to build furniture and shelters for communities in need. You can join in by dropping off your clean plastics at the Breeze and PLAF's collection point in UP Town Center.

Shoppers can also participate by purchasing the eco-friendly packed Breeze and Domex via the Linis Pilipinas Sale this coming October 22-24. Enjoy exclusive Buy 2-Take 1, eco bag giveaways and other discounts, deals, and gifts via Unilever Homecare’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee, or shop at any Robinsons Supermarkets, Puregold and Waltermart nationwide to take home a free eco bag when purchasing big packs. A portion of the proceeds during this sale period will be donated to PLAF to fund the collection and upcycling of 16,000 kg of plastic waste into eco-friendly furniture which will be donated to a beneficiary public school. Now, you can get huge savings while helping out the environment at the same time.

To learn more about Unilever’s Linis Pilipinas initiative and how you can take part, visit the Unilever Philippines’ Facebook Page.

A Short Review of The Jucy Date App.

The Jucydate app is an excellent way to meet individuals for short-term sexual encounters. After registering, you will be able to choose a profile image for yourself and immediately begin reading the profiles of other users. Because the members use their actual names and the profiles are not altered, what you see is exactly what you get.

Because of this, some users create phony profiles and accounts, such as providing inadequate information on dating websites. You really need to verify their profile settings since they may have changed their name and even added more photographs to their gallery. You may like or despise someone. If you like someone a lot, their profile will rise to a higher position on your homepage.

The creators of the wildly successful Bumble app have created Jucy Date, an international digital dating service. The app is geared toward users who are interested in having casual sexual experiences, and the majority of the app's users are either younger women or single adults who are active users. The reviewers at adult dating patrol have determined single local ladies make up the majority of active users.

Users of Jucydate, just like those of other dating apps, may sign up for an account, fill up a profile, browse for potential matches, and, if they find someone they like, exchange messages with them. Jucydate's swiping approach allows you to sift fake profiles by swiping right to meet and left to pass.

The dating platform known as Jucydate is primarily geared toward bringing together people who have similar passions and interests with other users of the platform. Jucydate is a great option for finding a new member of your book club or a photographer to share your passion with. The Jucy app focuses on casual dating.

I was wondering how Jucydate operated.

The greatest online dating site is called Jucy Date. It is not a fraud; if you want more information, you can read reviews, leave comments, or visit their dating websites, all of which can be done for free and with millions of users. Members have the ability to talk, video chat, see who has seen their profile photographs or images, and be alerted when their favorite users are online. The design is streamlined and straightforward, and members have these capabilities.

The Jucydate app is an excellent tool for interacting with new people. When you join up, in addition to receiving your own profile, you may immediately begin reading the profiles of other users. What you see on the profiles is what you get; they are not changed in any way. You may like or despise someone.

Simply click on the person's name to begin a conversation with them; all you need to do is initiate the conversation. Jucydate provides users with a plethora of options, some of which include video chat, random chat, and live chat rooms. Additionally, the app has a game in which the user selects six preferences and is then presented with a pool of potential matches based on those preferences.

The Workings of Jucydate

How is it possible to communicate?

Like other dating applications, Jucydate lets you send and receive messages with potential matches. However, Jucydate is unique among dating apps in that it enables you to communicate with potential matches without requiring you to pay for the app's in-app messaging function. This feature, which can be rather pricey in some other dating apps, is free to use in Jucydate.

Jucydate is a free online dating service (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_dating_) run by a company called Digital International Inc. It now has more than ten million registered members. The swiping feature of the program does an excellent job of displaying prospective matches, and it does it attractively.

The most frequent users are either adult ladies or young girls; nevertheless, they must be at least 18 years old. The software allows you to send and receive messages, and it also allows you to organize meetings; however, you need to be wary of false chat frauds.

The process of meeting new individuals using Jucydate, whether you do so online or in person, is brisk and uncomplicated. It is now much simpler to contact and engage with actual individuals, as opposed to bogus accounts, since video chat, instant chats, and text messaging have all been incorporated into a single platform.

7 Tips on How to Use a Credit Card Wisely.

Credit cards can be scary for some people. I have friends who have refused credit card offers not because they don't like the credit card per se, but because they're afraid of the debts they may incur, the high interest rates, and the time it will take for them to pay off their balance. 

As someone who has been using credit cards for almost two decades (I got my very first primary credit card when I was 22), I'd usually tell my friends and peers to not be afraid of credit cards and instead think of these microchip-embedded plastic rectangles as their ally, their weapon, and their best friend. That's how I usually think of my credit cards, and over the years I've reaped countless of benefits from being a credit card user - from discounts to cash rebates, to gift certificates, mileage rewards, and restaurant treats... but  the biggest benefit of all would have to be my multiple entry visa to South Korea. 

Of course, these benefits come with responsibilities because just as the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibilities". And with that, here are some tips on how you can maximize your credit card without getting into debt:

Photo credit: Money Digest

Set a budget

Overspending with your credit card is an easy trap to fall into. We've seen this scenario many times over in movies and TV dramas - girl walks into a store and plans to buy just one item, leaves the store with several paper bags in tow and a maxed out credit card.

However, this can be avoided if you set a budget on how much (or how little) you can spend using your credit card. Having a realistic idea of the amount you can spend AND pay off will keep you from swiping nonchalantly and buying things that you don't actually need. 

Monitor your purchases

Once you've calculated the amount that you can afford, the next step is to keep track of your purchases. Make sure not to spend beyond the limit that you've set, and avoid using your credit card until you have paid off your balance. Not only will this kind of mindset keep you out of debt, it can also help you in building a good credit score.

Photo credit: Tara Winstead on Pexels.

Take note of your savings

When using your credit card, you must also be cognizant of your savings and bank account balances. Personally, I wouldn't want to make charges with my credit card if the cash that I have on hand or the funds that I have in my bank account won't be able to cover it when it's time to pay my bill. 

That being said, I make sure to check my bank account balance on a regular basis and set savings goals with the help of this Savings Calculator. Doing so helps me map out my finances better, allows me to make better financial decisions, and prevents me from spending beyond my means.

Be wary of the fees

Aside from the interest rates and the annual fee (which can actually be waived based on certain conditions), you should be aware of other credit card fees and how you can avoid them. For instance, you can avoid late fees if you pay ahead of time. Don't make cash advances to avoid cash advance fees. Most importantly, don't spend beyond your credit limit to avoid over-the-limit fees. 

Reap the rewards

Different credit cards have different benefits. Some credit cards offer cashbacks or rebates with dining transactions, while some have travel rewards. Other cards offer discounts at hotels, waived checked baggage fees, and even insurance for your high-end gadgets. Take note of the benefits that your credit cards have to offer and keep these in mind as you spend using your credit cards. 

Yue with his Nintendo Switch OLED, which I paid for with my credit card. 

Opt for installment

Credit cards can come in handy if you're planning to buy high-ticket items such as electronics and household appliances. Purchasing via a zero interest installment plan allows you to spread your payments, stretch your money, and manage your cash flow better.

Pay in full and on time

This is the golden rule when it comes to credit cards. While credit cards come with rewards and benefits, they also come with interest rates if you don't pay on time. 

Paying only the minimum amount incurs interest to your balance in each month until you have paid in full, and this could be more costly in the long run. To avoid late payment fees, interest charges, and those annoying reminder calls, make sure to pay the full amount on or before your due date.

There's nothing to be afraid of if you know how to use your credit card wisely. With proper understanding on how your credit card works, you'll gain convenience, a smooth cash flow, a solid credit score, and even save money in the long run. 

New AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g in paper packaging!

Seasoning products are essential for making tasty food. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning is well loved by millions of Filipino households and has been a kitchen staple through the years providing deliciousness meals with just a simple Tak Tak Tak.

As a solution-providing company doing its part in shaping a more sustainable future, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) is proud to launch a new milestone – the iconic AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g, seasoning in paper packaging.

This shift to paper packaging provides consumers with an alternative to plastic. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g’s paper packaging is made from a natural and renewable paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted. The paper that the APC Group uses is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a leader in sustainable forestry.

“We, at Ajinomoto, hope that the new paper packaging inspires homemakers and consumers to make everyday lifestyle choices that they and future generations can be proud of. We invite everyone to join us in our journey of taking small steps for sustainability because we believe that working together creates a big difference,” says APC Group Chief Sustainability Officer Ernesto Carlos.

Creating a greener future

The new paper packaging is part of APC Group's roadmap of providing solutions that help address social issues such as environmental sustainability. Its Ajinomoto Global Sustainability Goal has two targets by 2030: to extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and reduce its environmental impact by 50%.

APC Group has a comprehensive sustainability program that includes sustainable procurement of raw and packaging materials, plastic waste reduction - ensuring none are leaked out to landfills, reduction of food loss and waste by means of improving operation efficiencies and converting edible waste to feeds or fertilizer, and reduction of greenhouse gas emission by using solar power energy in the factory.

The launch of AJI-NO-MOTO® 45g paper package is a tangible effort of Ajinomoto’s commitment for zero plastic waste by 2030.

Empowering lifestyle change

AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning brand ambassador Iya Villania – Arellano shared her view as consumer advocating responsible earth-friendly consumption, “We cannot go through a single day without having an impact to the environment. I am glad that other than making delicious and healthy food for my family, I am also contributing to the reduction of plastic waste with the new AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in paper packaging. Let’s be part of the solution by being a responsible consumer. One small step at a time can make a big difference.”

“Using seasoning that is both healthy for the family and for the planet helps in shaping a greener future for generations to come. This is part of the APC Group’s ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ promise, which believes that meaningful and thoughtful initiatives can make an impact on the health and well-being of Filipino families,” ends APC General Manager for Public Relations Roann Co.

For more information about the APC Group’s sustainability initiatives, visit ajinomoto.com.ph. The new paper-packaged AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g is available in the nearest stores and official online shops of APC Group.

Coffee meets caramel in Goldilocks’ newest premium greeting cake.

Having a slice of cake with your favorite flavors combined is like heaven on earth. Why settle with one flavor when you can treat yourself with the sweet combination of two – Coffee + Caramel -- as Goldilocks presents its newest premium greeting cake!

Perfect for celebrating birthdays or gifting to those who simply love coffee and caramel, the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake offers a luscious fusion of flavors and great value for money. Make it an occasion to remember where everyone gets a filling and satisfying slice of this hefty 9”Rd cake that can serve 12 people for only P649.

Any celebration, big or small, becomes even more enjoyable with the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake. This latest mocha cake creation is set to wow not only the taste buds, for it can wake all your other senses too...wait ‘til you smell its irresistible scent of coffee and caramel.

When it’s time to dig in, share with them the memorable moment of slicing through the rich and thick coating that encases levels of fluffy mocha-flavored layers. In between are delightful creams and filling, while fun and flavorful mocha buttercream icing rounds out the premium greeting cake design.

Remember that choosing the best premium greeting cake does not have to be a choice between one flavor or another. You can always get the best of both worlds from the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake, which is sure to satisfy plenty of your loved ones at an affordable price!

To #CelebrateWithGoldilocks and its new Coffee Caramel Cake, visit a Goldilocks store near you or order online through www.goldilocksdelivery.ph. Follow Goldilocks PH on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. 

Jollibee Buzzes to the Billboard Capital of the World, New York Times Square.

After a blockbuster opening at New York Times Square, homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee continues to make waves in the Big Apple with digital billboards now already up at the iconic Times Square in New York, the global epicenter of outdoor advertising.

Three billboards featuring its flagship product–the world-famous Jollibee Chickenjoy fried chicken—are now showing at the heart of Times Square’s famous bowtie. It features two models who, after seeing a piece of the crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy, couldn’t resist a bite and grabbed a piece of the bestselling fried chicken from an adjacent billboard.

Homegrown restaurant brand Jollibee joins other global brands
in the Billboard Capital of the World, New York Times Square.

In August, Jollibee Chickenjoy was named “the best chain fried chicken in America” by Eater.com. The distinction comes after Jollibee’s Chickenjoy bested over 15 global brands in four rounds of contests across different categories of chicken – from bone-in, to fillets, to nuggets. Earlier in July, Jollibee was also recognized as one of the Hottest Brands in America for 2022 by Ad Age, driven by its power to draw huge queues to its restaurants.

Today, Jollibee joins other global brands which have made a presence in the Billboard Capital of the World, and is one of the few Filipino brands and personalities who have appeared on a Times Square billboard. 

Taste is Timeless.
The creative execution of the Times Square Billboard features a model
on a billboard adjacent to Jollibee’s Chickenjoy billboard who breaks character
and grabs a piece of Chickenjoy fried chicken from its bucket after seeing it.

This comes at the heels of Jollibee’s successful debut in Times Square, with over 2500 locals and tourists queueing up on opening day and consistently outperforming targets. Alongside its bestselling extra crispy, extra tasty, and juicy Chickenjoy fried chicken, Jollibee Times Square also offers other crowd favorites including the hefty Chicken Sandwich, and Peach Mango Pie, which is made of a crispy and flaky shell filled with real mango and peach.

Jollibee has likewise introduced new offerings into its menu, including a new host of allbeef burgers, salads, and sides that are exclusive to the Times Square location. A notable standout in the exclusive menu is the Jollibee Double Deluxe Burger, which features two 100% beef patties and double the melted sharp American cheese.

The Jollibee Times Square store is the brand’s fourth location in New York. This milestone opening is part of Jollibee Group’s goal of expanding its presence in the U.S. and Canada, in line with its vision to become one of the top five restaurant companies in the world. To learn more about Jollibee North America, visit www.jollibeefoods.com. To learn more about Jollibee Group, its parent company, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Daily treatment: key to managing asthma, according to new study.

In the Philippines, the National and Health Nutrition Survey states that the overall prevalence of asthma was estimated at 8.7% based on wheezing for the past 12 months. And according to the 2017 WHO data, asthma deaths in the country reached over 13,000.****

According to this research, “New Versus Old: The Impact of Changing Patterns of Inhaled Corticosteroid Prescribing and Dosing Regimens in Asthma Management” by Professor Dave Singh, daily usage of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or maintenance inhalers, addresses both the evident and underlying asthma symptoms that patients experience, decreasing the number and severity of their asthma attacks. This also solves the tendency of patients' over-reliance or under-reliance on their needed medication.*

An additional study shows that nearly 50% of asthma patients in Asia have uncontrolled asthma, despite the same research stating that over 80% of patients consider their asthma to be controlled.**

Consistency over complacency

“When it comes to asthma, poor patient perception is a serious risk. The belief that patients usually have is that their condition is not as serious as it actually is. When in reality, they are already experiencing underlying complications, such as airway inflammation, airway remodeling, decreased lung function, and bronchial hyperreactivity,” says Dr. Gyneth Bibera, Country Medical Director of GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Inc. “The underestimation of their disease's severity often leads to complacency, assuming that they only need treatment to react to symptoms when experienced. What this does is heightens the risk of asthma attacks, emergency hospital visits, a decreased quality of life, or even death.”

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that requires maintenance medication. An effective way to manage it is through a preventive daily treatment using ICS therapies, alongside other prescribed medication that a patient might have. It helps to address the underlying source of the asthma attacks***, as opposed to only using ICS as a reliever once symptoms are already present. By committing to early and consistent treatment, patients can avoid experiencing asthma symptoms and exacerbations.****

“Patients must view their asthma treatments as preventive rather than a reactive measure to control their condition. In partnership with their physicians, it's about maintaining consistency of treatment to provide them the best outcome in managing a chronic condition like asthma.” Dr. Bibera ends.

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*Singh, D. (2022, March). New Versus Old: The Impact of Changing Patterns of Inhaled Corticosteroid Prescribing and Dosing Regimens in Asthma Management. Springer Open Choice, 39(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-022-02092-7. Accessed 13 Sept 2022.

**Price D, et al. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2014 Jun 12;24:14009. Price D, et al. J Asthma Allergy 2015; 8, 93-103. Accessed 13 Sept. 2022.

***Asthma: Treatments for Inflammation. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved September 13, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11871-treating-the-inflammation-of-asthma 

****Philippine Consensus Report on Asthma Diagnosis and Management 2019; Executive Summary; CH1; p7; PCRADM-2019-Exec-Summary-.pdf (philchest.org)

Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Launches a New Line of Brightening Products to add to your #RadianceRoutine.

With the ever-evolving demands and needs of our skin, one thing remains the same: consistency is key, especially in routines and habits. Being consistent with your #RadianceRoutine and the products and ingredients you use can go a long way in maintaining your skin health. It can even transform your skin to make it look even brighter. 

Formulated with GentleBright Technology,  it has a combination of Sea Daffodil and Niacinamide that visibly corrects dark spots without irritation boosts brightness and evens skin tone. The latest line from Cetaphil introduces more brightening products to the fold that will magnify skin’s brightness. It now has powered by ingredients such as Advanced Peptide and Antioxidant C. 

For Cleansing

Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Gentle Renewing Cleanser

Start your #RadianceRoutine with the new Gentle Renewing Cleanser. This 3-in-1 brightening cleanser offers gentle exfoliation using Jojoba beads infused with Vitamin E to remove pollution and impurities, instantly brightening and improving skin texture. 

For Target

Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum

Revitalize skin with the new Perfecting Serum, which offers seven times the power for brighter and more radiant skin in just 14 days. With key ingredients advanced peptide and antioxidant C, the perfecting serum provides all these benefits in one bottle: reduces dark spots, evens skin tone, improves fine lines, boosts radiance, delivers fresh and well-rested skin, improves hydration, and illuminates complexion.

For Moisturizing

Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Instant Radiance Mask

Provide even more moisture for your skin with the new Instant Radiance Mask which offers seven times faster when it comes to results and improves skin luminosity, skin tone evenness, tired skin and texture, and lessens fine lines and pores.

The new Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance is now available in Mercury Drug and Watsons stores, supermarkets nationwide, and the official Cetaphil Philippines stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Skincare Routine: What To Do For Pigmentation Issues.

We all have our own skincare routines, regardless of age and gender. Yet, we cannot fail to mention that women are far more interested in keeping their skin healthy than most men. Well, okay, men are interested in this too. It’s just that women pay more attention to some things and they usually use much more products to try and keep their skin fresh and healthy. The reason I am mentioning these differences between genders in the first place is that hyperpigmentation, further explained here, usually affects women more than men.

If you’ve done any research on skin health previously, then you probably already know what pigmentation issues are. In short, hyperpigmentation refers to those patches of skin that tend to get darker than the surrounding areas. It is generally a harmless condition, but some people are still not happy about it and they want to do something to reduce the problem or possibly get rid of it altogether.

In case you’re now wondering whether this issue can be treated at all, the answer is yes. Of course, if you don’t want to do it, you should know that it doesn’t really require treatment. As I have explained, it is completely harmful. Yet, if you do want to try and resolve this problem, you should at least know how to do it the right way. In other words, you need to know how to create the perfect skincare routine to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

Well, if you are ready to learn about the right routine, you should keep reading. I’ll tell you what you need to know in order to actually create the perfect routine for you. The tips I’ll share will, hopefully, help you understand which steps you should take when aiming at getting rid of hyperpigmentation for good. Here we go.

1. Make Sure To Pick The Right Products

As you probably could have guessed it on your own, it all begins with choosing the right products for pigmentation issues. After all, if you start using some poor-quality products, you are highly unlikely to get the results that you desire. This is why you need to be quite thorough when researching the various products that are sold on the market these days since you don’t want to wind up buying something that is of terrible quality and that could even affect your skin negatively.

The most significant thing to do when trying to find these products is research the actual brands. Check their reputation and have a look at any types of comments that people have left regarding their products. Of course, don’t forget to also check the ingredients, so as to get a better idea about the safety and the quality of the goods that you are considering.

Photo credit: Alena Darmel on Pexels.

2. Start Your Day With A Cleanser

Once you’ve chosen the right products, you’ll be ready to start your routine. When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a cleanser. Sure, you can exfoliate before that if you are used to doing it, but a cleanser is undeniably a must. You should also use it in the evening if you want the routine to be perfect, but it is highly important to start your day with it.

3. Use An Antioxidant

Since your goal here is to prevent UV rays from darkening the spots and to generally reduce sun damage, you should add an antioxidant to your routine. That can be vitamin C or E, or even niacinimide. The bottom line is that an antioxidant will help prevent sun damage, which is certainly extremely important when talking about hyperpigmentation. Get some more recommendations here: https://makeupandbeauty.com/skincare-routine-recommendation-pigmented-skin/

Photo credit: Armin Rimoldi on Pexels.

4. Moisturize

Moisturizing is undeniably an important step of the routine as well. You should use a moisturizer after cleansing and after applying the serum. Make sure to choose the right moisturizer for your specific skin, so that you can be sure that it is protecting you well.

5. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

We cannot talk about sun damage protection without mentioning sunscreen, can we? While some people tend to use those 2 in 1 one products, i.e. a combination of moisturizers and sunscreens, you should actually use separate ones for better protection. A mineral-based sunscreen is always a good option.