6 Businesses that Need Translation Services.

Many industries are gradually gravitating towards translation services as more businesses are going global. When you operate in foreign lands, you need experts in the native language to convey your message to the target audience and convert them into buyers. Failing to translate messages properly can give the wrong impression of your brand or service to the target audience and damage brand value. Some local businesses dealing with foreign individuals or immigrants also need translation services regularly. Not all businesses require translation services. But it's mandatory for some industries. The following six businesses or industries must hire a translation service if they wish to go global or serve a target market speaking a different language. Check them out to see if your business needs such services.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young Woo (2022).

Legal Services

Whether your business is going global or staying within the borders, you might need translation services to serve some of your customers if you provide legal services. Many immigrants are not proficient in their native language and might have papers that need a translation before use. You might also need an interpreter to communicate with them. If you serve businesses registered in foreign countries with different primary languages, you will need translation services before you can provide consultation to these clients. All contracts, visa applications, educational or marriage certificates, and birth certificates contain sensitive information. Any misinterpretation can land your client in serious legal trouble, so choosing a good translation service is mandatory for your business.

Research

Any research work done on a foreign country or a population from a country where the people speak a different language - requires a translation service. You must convey the intent and instructions of the research work to the population and make information available to them in their own language. The translation service can also help in the research method and data collection. For example, you need a survey in Spanish translation to conduct research on a Spanish-speaking population. Here, you must use a translation service to convert the original survey and the instructions to the desired language for the best outcome.

Hospital Playlist (2022).

Medical Industry

Globalization and a rise in immigration have given more people the chance to make a home in a developed country. These immigrants need healthcare regularly, and some might even speak another language. You must use a translation service when you serve these people. Interpreters can help you communicate with your patients. But if you want to check their medical history, you must hire translation services, especially if the documents are in a foreign language. Similarly, when prescribing medicines or therapy, you must use the translation service to turn the instructions into the patient’s native language so that they can easily follow them. The information is sensitive and hence must be handled with care because bad instructions can put the patient’s health in jeopardy.

Cha Hak Yeon in Familiar Wife (2018).

Financial Services

Every business needs to deal with finances. When you have a business that’s going global, a translation service is mandatory to handle the finances generated from overseas operations. Whether it’s related to transferring money overseas or looking at international laws for income and taxes, you will deal with a lot of documents and paperwork. Having a translation service in the native country and country of operation will make the process hassle-free. The financial statements dictate where the profit will go. To do so, the business must have a translated version of the original registration. A misinterpreted document can get your business into legal problems in foreign lands, and in serious cases, you might even have to wrap up your business. So, having access to a reliable translation service is mandatory in this case.

Entertainment

The entertainment industry is getting bigger, but the need for translation services is not new to this sector. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube are providing access to movies, TV shows, and video content to audiences from around the world. A large portion of these audiences speak various other languages, so if the platforms want the highest viewership, they must translate the content into their native tongue. Similarly, when new movies release in a foreign country, people expect to see them in their native language. Using subtitles or dubbing them in the local language is a common practice in the entertainment industry. The scenario is the same in the case of books, comics, and mangas. To properly convey the message of movies, shows, or books, a business in the entertainment industry needs access to a good translation service. It can also help the firm advertise its content in foreign lands without any chances of misinterpretation.

Bae Suzy in Start Up (2020).

E-commerce and Global Businesses

Ecommerce platforms are selling to customers from all around the world. Supply chains and shipping have become advanced in the last couple of decades, and the widespread use of social media marketing has increased international demand for homegrown goods. As a result, many new businesses have started selling to customers across borders. Having a website is mandatory for these businesses, and selling to customers who speak a different language requires a strong translation service. The website must be available in all local languages of the country the business ships to so that the customers can understand the details well. Similarly, companies with hubs in foreign lands must also use the local language to attract new customers and communicate with them. So, a translation service is a must for them.

If your business deals with clients who speak different languages, you should hire a translation service for superior customer support. It'll also enhance your brand value and reliability. Hiring a full-time interpreter or translator can bump the cost, and it might seem redundant if you don’t serve such clients regularly. In such cases, you can always go for a third-party translation service.

How to Choose the Best School for Your Child.

Where your child goes to school is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Given how their education can impact their future, you might be tempted to take control and decide for them. However, you might be doing more damage than helping them in the long run.

Your job as parents is to support them throughout the process so they can choose their path and find an educational institution that will not only make them happy, but also bring out the best in them as they prepare for real life. Here are helpful ways you can help determine the best school for your child without going overboard:

1. Create a list of school options with your child. If your child doesn’t have a particular dream school, you should help them gauge their choices by brainstorming with them. It’s vital that you take time to listen and understand what your child needs and wants.

For instance, if your child is an independent learner who learns best at his own pace, he might do better in a Montessori school. If your child responds better in a structured teaching style, then a traditional school might be best for him. Keep an open mind and decide on what will give your child what he needs.

2. Visit school campuses with your child. Some academic institutions have impressive websites with carefully curated photos, but in reality, the school leaves much to be desired. Instead of relying on brochures and the internet, take time to visit school campuses with your kid.

Schools are open to tours. You just need to schedule your visit in advance unless you’re an alumnus of that institution and have access to the grounds. You and your child can get a feel of the campus atmosphere to determine if it’s the right fit.

3. Provide guidance and support. While your child should have a say on where they will study, you should give them guidance based on pros and cons, and what you know about the school options. Choosing a school is a big decision and might cause anxiety for your child, so it’s best to be there for them.

The best way to provide emotional support is by actively listening to them. You should make your child feel comfortable about discussing their options and fears. Listen to understand where they’re coming from so you can help them make the right choice.

4. Prepare financially as soon as possible. Tuition fees are very expensive, especially with rising inflation so you need to prepare and be ready to provide for your child’s education. This way, you will be able to provide the best education for them.

Once you have made your choice for your child’s primary education, it is time to think ahead and prepare for the next big educational expense: college. You can save up on your own, or you can get AIA Philippines’ Future Scholar, an insurance product that gives guaranteed cash payouts that can help pay for your child’s tertiary education. Whatever happens, you’re confident your child will be able to get the college education that you envisioned.

Future Scholar doesn’t just help you afford costly school expenses. Aside from guaranteed savings, Future Scholar has an investment component so you can look out for your child financially even after they graduate from college. Moreover, you can choose to build your child’s education funds in five years or until the child reaches the age of 17. Should you decide not to use the funds for educational expenses, it can also be used for other big expenses in the future like buying a car or post graduate studies abroad.

In addition, Future Scholar gives you peace of mind. Whatever happens, your child will have money set aside for his future needs. Aside from that, your child or your chosen beneficiary can also be entitled to an additional lump-sum cash benefit should anything untoward happen to you.

“We know that the pandemic and the volatile economy has made everyone insecure about their savings. As a parent myself, I understand every parent’s desire to ensure that there are guaranteed benefits intended for their child’s future,” said Tennyson Paras, AIA Philippines’ Head of Products. “And this is what we had in mind when our Products Team designed AIA Future Scholar. We wanted to make sure that no matter what happens, a healthier, longer and better life awaits our children.”

If you want to know more about AIA Future Scholar and how it can help you guarantee savings for your child’s future needs, click here.

Why the OPPO A17k is actually every student's best friend.

Global smart device brand OPPO recently introduced the OPPO A17k, perfect for every student looking to ace their classes and make the most of their school days with their friends. Designed to keep up with life in and out of the classroom, the reliable smartphone features the right tools for you to stay top of your class, without breaking the bank. The power-packed device comes with OPPO’s signature features, like a powerful battery, high-powered camera and more, while staying at a friendly price for students on a budget.

Dependable all-day power for your busy school days

Keeping up with your long days in and out of class, the OPPO A17k comes packed with a durable and dependable 5000mAh battery. It’s enough juice to get you through your commute, classes, study groups and downtime with friends, even as you use multiple apps throughout the day.

Barkada memories captured with a reliable camera

Taking photos and videos for assignments or projects, and even for keepsake moments with friends to look back on during reunions is a breeze with the OPPO A17k. The 8MP AI Main Camera delivers incredible image resolution for closeups and scenic views, while the 5MP Front Camera’s Night View Selfie and Portrait Mode guarantee clear portraits of you and your friends hanging out and even celebrating milestones together.

Bigger memory, less lag for more school work storage

Deciding which photos, videos and apps to keep to save space is a thing of the past, as the OPPO A17k’s 64GB internal storage is expandable up to 1TB. That’s more than enough memory to store a handy copy of your class modules, readings and more. The device’s 3GB RAM also comes with a RAM Expansion feature up to 4GB, to ensure your apps run smoothly. No need to worry about videos or calls lagging, thanks to the OPPO A17k!

Zone in on studies and me-time

Catching up on asynchronous classes or even unwinding during your downtime with Youtube or Netflix becomes more enjoyable on the A17k’s 6.56” waterdrop HD+LCD. The display also comes with OPPO’s Color Rich Eye Care to ensure crisp detail on screen, while providing a comfortable viewing experience.

Boost the sound of your favorite study playlist or podcast by switching on Ultra Volume Mode. As it doubles the external volume of your device, you won’t ever miss your alarms, notifications and calls, or your professor’s lectures.

Shortcuts and hacks for every student

With ColorOS 12 powering the A17k, you’re sure to get the most efficient smartphone experience. Quickly translate sentences from websites or even screenshots for your classes with Three-Finger Translate. Multitask in class like a pro with FlexDrop, which allows you to use split-screen views and floating windows to maximize use of your smartphone. Keep your data to yourself and customize the data you share across apps and functions with Five-Grade Access Control.

True value for money

The best part about the OPPO A17k is its price. At just Php5,999, the all-new smartphone, available in Gold and Navy Blue, proves #ItsAllYouNeed.

To know more about theOPPO A17k, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at https://www.oppo.com/ph/. You can also check OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.

Rotary Day 2022 | A Family Day to Remember.

The Rotary of Greenfield District in partnership with the Greenfield District Corporation will be holding the Rotary Family Day on 26 November 2022, Saturday, at the Central Park of Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City, dubbed “A Family Day to Remember!”

The Rotary Family Day will feature fun activities for all members of the Rotary family, a Pet Fashion Show that will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. There will be an E-sports tournament and an auto show in partnership with Mazdatech Philippines.

Surrounding these events are yummy food booths and sellers for unique finds. More importantly, throughout the day, Rotary will showcase the different areas where Rotary makes a difference. There will be a Bloodletting activity as well as Recycling stations. Drop by at the Central Park and experience Rotary!

Rex Education enhances learning resources in Philippine history and social sciences.

Rex Education hosted a memorandum signing with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS), and the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) on September 6, 2022 to seal a fellowship program centered on Philippine history.

The main goal of the program is to develop a compendium on Philippine history that could serve as a reference material for writing and publishing future history-centered textbooks. A careful selection of fellows who are knowledgeable about specific periods in Philippine history would be conducted to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the compendium.

In line with REX’s pledge of providing relevant and timeless learning solutions, the program would ideally improve the content of learning materials in history and social studies.

“This fellowship program brings together the academe, civil society, and private sector toward the common goal of serving Filipino learners,” Don Timothy Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education, said in his welcome remarks. “REX believes that looking back at where we all came from is important in enabling our learners, teachers, and communities.”

For every Filipino learner

PSSC stands as the project’s implementing agency alongside REX. PHA and PNHS, two local and professional historical associations, will collaborate with REX and PSSC to oversee the compendium’s development.

“This wonderful, novel project will benefit all learners. History is not only for the young; it is for learners of all ages,” PSSC Chairperson Dr. Excelsa Tongson shared.

Signatories of the memorandum pose for a photo.
From L-R: Miss Jeanne Marie F. Tordesillas,
Chief Marketing Officer of Rex Education; 
Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson,
Chairperson of Philippine Social Sciences Council;
Don Timothy I. Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education;
Professor Emeritus Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay,
Representative from the Philippine Historical Associaton;
Dr. Marcelino M. Macapinlac, Jr.,
Representative from the Philippine National Historical Society. 

Dr. Bernardita Churchill, president of PNHS and president emeritus of the PSA and MSA, also highlighted the importance of corroborating history in a country as diverse as the Philippines. “The plan is to enhance the study and teaching of Filipino culture, and create an inclusive history that will present the multiethnic history of the Filipino. A serious study of our history and culture would settle doubts and questions about our identity as a nation.”

A worthwhile endeavor for the future of education

REX’s goal for the program is to provide authoritative reference materials in the writing and publishing of history textbooks.

Dr. Marcelino Macapinlac Jr., a representative from PNHS and a professor for over three decades, believes that the references that will be produced by the fellowship will further capacitate authors and those in the academe as they enlighten learners about Philippine history.

The development of well-researched historical resources invites not only educators but also the youth to reflect on our national history and culture. Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay, president of the PHA and professor emeritus, Department of History, UP Diliman, and Dr. Macapinlac noted that the current generation of learners has become more discerning of the sources they consume.

“I find that those who finish the K to 12 program are better prepared and more engaged [in the study of history],” said Dr. Macapinlac. He noted that the last national elections highlighted how his students are now more passionate and engaged, but the bigger challenge lies in maintaining that passion in the long run.

“I hope Filipinos will not consider history just as a classroom or University course, but it should be a lifetime interest—whether Philippine, Southeast Asian, or world history,” Dr. Camagay concluded.

To keep up with news about the program, be sure to follow Rex Education’s Facebook page.

World winning Laguna Liberica Coffee soon to be available at The Giving Café: UPLB!

Residents of Laguna along with tourists will soon get to taste Sta. Maria town’s Liberica Coffee that recently won the Silver award in Signature Coffee Award: Latte at the Global Coffee Championship in Korea. The global winning coffee of farmers from Santa Maria, Laguna will be available at The Giving Café (TGC) in UPLB that opened yesterday. The store is located at the UPLB’s Student Union’s Soda Fountain.

“The Giving Cafe, a Social Enterprise by Henry & Sons, aims to build a beautiful coffee future by helping coffee farmers through its advocacy arm, The Foundation for sustainable coffee excellence (FSCE),” shares Michael Harris Conlin, 2019 PH Barista Champion and President and CEO of Henry and Sons.

Proceeds of TGC: UPLB will support its adopted coffee community, Barangay Juan Santiago, Santa Maria in Laguna. Barangay Juan Santiago coffee farming community is home to 38 families with 85,000 Liberica and Excelsa trees, the largest concentration of Liberica and Excelsa in Laguna and possibly in the entire Calabarzon. The funds raised by TGC: UPLB will be used towards bio-dynamic farming practices, improving harvesting, processing, and the communities much needed coffee drying solutions.

Henry & Sons, in partnership with UPLB leadership, makes what's old new again by bringing back the Student Union's Soda Fountain cafeteria to life with mouthwatering home-cooked meals, ice cream, and coffee. Flank by TGC's iconic cozy antique furniture, lighting, and books, the space is designed to encourage students, faculty, and visitors to strengthen the community around them and encourage to indulge in giving.

The Giving Café, with over 80 food and beverage offerings, is a hybrid restaurant and coffee shop that aims to contribute to the betterment of the local coffee industry and be part of something beyond the business. A place for comfort, The Giving Café is designed to be a safe haven for people looking to indulge in coffee experiences served with both excellence and compassion. The Giving Cafe focuses on bridging the community around it with the farming communities it adopts.

Beyond the advocacy, The Giving Café also offers guests multi-sensory experiences highlighting Henry& Sons' F&B expertise. “We want to everyone to enjoy, eat well and indulge in giving by supporting laguna coffee farmers with every cup of coffee you purchase,” Conlin, adds.

TGC will also be featuring its popular Bloom Coffee collection, which is a unique line of coffees created by Henry & Sons to generate funds that will support the following purposes:

• BEANS FOR THE LITTLE ONES – access to basic health necessities
• BEANS WITHIN REACH – access to programs promoting traceability and accessibility
• COFFEE FOR GREAT MINDS – access to education
• CUP TO SEED – access to livelihood and harvest implements
• THE GIVING WELL – access to clean and potable water.

For more information, visit www.henryandsons.ph and www.thevault.ph.

Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 | Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malabon (PCCI Malabon) is opening the city’s doors and inviting everyone to discover Malabon’s best of the best as it holds the first ever Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. The event is in partnership with the Local Government of Malabon with the support from Honorable Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.

Event starts tomorrow, Friday, November 18 until Saturday November 19 at the Malabon Sports Complex. As you explore the homegrown treasures of the city, you will be surprised to see how Malabon’s food business landscape is thriving - from local delicacies to food products as well as the value chain in the food industry from equipment, tools, packaging, and distribution network in the city.

Through this expo, PCCI Malabon is creating a platform to help push Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow and thrive. This is in line with the organization's vision to be the voice of business owners and entrepreneurs, and its mission to provide technical assistance through job matching, credit access and financial planning, and digital transformation in marketing.

According to PCCI Malabon President Elsie Chua, this expo is a testament to PCCI Malabon’s goal of fostering and positioning Malabon as the Philippines' primary food industry hub and leading supply chain through warehouse and distribution facilities.

“The Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 provides a platform for our Malabon MSMEs to showcase our products and services that are proudly ‘Made in Malabon.’ Being a businesswoman who slowly built Melawares 45 years ago, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring and the right support. Through projects like this expo, we are giving them the chance to grow so they too can thrive together with the homegrown Malabon business big brothers and sisters like Liwanag Candle, Rufina's Patis, Master Sardines, Dolor's Kakanin, Melawares or Remilly's Yema Cake,” Chua said.

The event is free admission to the public --- just present your government issued ID to register.

The two-day expo is filled with fun activities with learning and inspirational sessions. Virtually, you can also join the event through the live and interactive online selling on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCCIMalabonInc.

To maximize the experience,  everyone is encouraged to join the expo onsite. Guests can look forward to various learning experiences such as the food safety program by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the credit access financing program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Francorp Philippines will also be hosting a seminar on how to grow businesses through franchising.

To further ignite the passion from our MSMEs, Philippines esteemed entrepreneurs will share some inspiring talks to be led by Vice President of FFCCCII Cecilio Pedro of Founder and CEO, Lamoiyan Corporation and Mrs Natividad Cheng, Founder and CEO, Uratex and Ms. Tess Ngantian, Owner of Lotsa Pizza and AVP, PCCI National.

Guests can also watch out for a live cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and learn how to create brand marketing from Mr. Ian John White Hyndman, Manager Partner of Dagaz Consultancy from Dubai, UAE.

Plan your itinerary tomorrow and on Saturday, and head over to the Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. Tara na, Masarap sa Malabon!

The expo was made possible by Platinum Sponsors Melawares / Max Ideas and Spring Oil; Gold Sponsors include CDO, Dolores Kakanin, Remilly Cake, Ni Hao Express, Jamicos, Eagle Food, and Fudsource, and; Silver sponsors Pares Ave, Universal Canning, Manila Cocktails, Longlife, and Ideal Spaghetti.

Best Winter Activities To Relieve Anxiety.

It's that time of year again; the short days are here, it's below-freezing outside, and you start to wonder if this winter will ever end. You've got cabin fever, and your anxiety levels are through the roof. What can you do to relieve some of this anxiety and bring back your sense of calm? If you're feeling a little down this winter, there are plenty of activities you can do to boost your mood and relieve your anxiety. There is also safe over the counter anxiety medication available to help.

Morning Journaling

Morning journaling can be an extremely effective way to help reduce anxiety. It allows you to get your thoughts and feelings out in a safe and private space and can help you to better understand your anxiety and how to deal with it.

Na Hee Do's Diary in Twenty Five, Twenty One (2022).

Here are a few tips to help you get started with morning journaling:

• Find a quiet, private place to write. This space can be anywhere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
• Set a timer for 10-15 minutes. This will help you not feel rushed and allow you to write as much or as little as you want.
• Write freely and without judgment. Feel free to express yourself here.
• Keep it regular.

Get Outside and Exercise

One great way to combat anxiety is to get outside and get active. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Even if it's cold outside, bundle up and go for a walk, run, or hike. You can also try other outdoor activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating.

If you don't want to brave the cold, try indoor activities to lift your spirits.

Indoor Yoga

Yoga is a practice for many people looking to improve their physical and mental health. But did you know that indoor yoga can also be an effective way to relieve anxiety? There are many different types of yoga, but the main goal of all yoga practices is to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

Jung So Min in Soul Mechanic (2020).

Indoor yoga can help you to focus on your breath and the present moment, which can help to calm your mind and ease your anxiety. If you're looking for a new way to manage your anxiety, indoor yoga may be worth a try.

Curl Up With a Good Book

Reading a book can be a great way to relieve anxiety. It provides a distraction from the stressors in your life and allows you to focus on something else. When you're done reading, you may find that you have a new perspective on your anxiety and how to deal with it. Also, you can try Brillia for adults to help take the edge off so you can enjoy what you're doing.

Do Something Creative

There is growing evidence that creativity can help reduce anxiety and promote well-being. So if you're feeling anxious, try doing something creative, like painting, writing, or gardening. Cooking is another creative activity that you might enjoy. It doesn't matter if you're not an artist or if you don't think you're creative. Just the act of being creative can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

Choi Siwon doing calligraphy.
Photo credit: @siwonchoi on Twitter

So, next time you are anxious, try these methods to help your symptoms. Also, check out the Brillia reviews and try this safe over-the-counter medication to help get you back on track.

Experts say curbing the spread of seasonal flu virus starts at home.

With this year’s flu season being accompanied by slowly rising COVID-19 cases, experts remind us that staving off the flu virus typically begins with common practices that families can do at home.

“It’s important to ensure that our personal spaces are free of transmissible diseases like the flu. Contrary to popular belief, the flu is caused by a virus different from the common cold so symptoms tend to last longer and are more severe,” says Dr. Gyneth Bibera, Country Medical Director of GSK Philippines. “Patients will experience the typical runny nose, coughing, headaches, fevers, and fatigue, but the severity can often lead to the inability to do daily tasks, the need for doctor consultations, or even hospitalizations,” she adds.

Here are five things you can do to prevent flu:

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Influenza viruses can survive outside the body and generally stay active longer on steel, plastic, and harder surfaces than on fabric and softer materials. They have been known to survive for 24-48 hrs on hard non-porous surfaces, and 8-12 hrs on cloth, paper, and tissues. Regularly disinfecting these surfaces with a household cleaner containing soap or detergent will help stop the spread of the virus, more so if someone is or has been recently infected at home. Focus on areas that are frequently touched, such as door handles, light switches, faucets, stair rails, or tables.

Toss your trash everyday.

Many communities have weekly or biweekly garbage collections, but it’s worth making a point to dispose of trash everyday. Keep a wastebasket outside of the home, in a garage, or by the front gate. This prevents contaminated items and germs that cause respiratory illness, like flu from lingering inside the home.

Launder your linens regularly.

Sheets, blankets, or pillowcases that are used daily may become infected by viruses. This is especially true if an infected member of the household recently used the linens. Changing and washing sheets on a weekly basis with hot water, can kill flu viruses that are present. This is because flu viruses are killed by heat above 75° C.

Practice good hygiene.

Personal hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent the flu. This includes washing hands frequently, particularly after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, before and after handling food, or after coming in contact with someone sick. It also includes not sharing personal items such as pillows, towels, utensils, and the like. Of course, covering the mouth when coughing, taking regular showers, and other basic hygiene practices are also necessary.

Get your flu vaccines.

The World Health Organization recommends that flu shots be administered once every year, which is applicable for both adults and even children when they reach six months old. Getting annual flu vaccines significantly reduces the risk of contracting the flu virus.

Alongside practicing proper measures and being mindful of the environment to protect one’s home from the virus, having updated flu vaccines is the best way to keep oneself safe. “Although flu cases really tend to rise at this time of the year, each individual and communal effort within the household will do a lot to protect the health of the wider community and keep overall flu numbers down,” says Dr. Bibera. “We encourage all Filipinos to talk to their doctors and get their jabs done because it’s us and our own efforts that will help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”

Start building a secured future with a ‘wearable investment’.

For more than centuries, precious stones such as diamonds and jewelry have always been associated with ranks and riches due to its rarity, scarcity, and beauty. However, for others, these precious items meant more than just statement pieces or accessories of clothing. To some, gold jewelry can be a form of “wearable investment” that never loses its value but instead, an asset that grows more value over time which can secure even your financial future.

Start investing now with affordable and authentic jewelry pieces with Cebuana Lhuillier, Just Jewels, and Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium as it stages its much-awaited annual Black Friday Gold Rush Sale from November 11 to 17. Avail 10% off on all items and up to 50% off on selected items in Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 3,000 branches nationwide. You may also visit Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium and Just Jewels branches and get up to 10% discount on selected jewelry items.

Shop online and avail up to 10% discount by simply visiting Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry and Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium website at www.cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com and www.cebuanalhuillierjewelrypremium.com. You can also check-out items from Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium via Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora with 10% discount.

“Jewelry are among the best investments anybody could have. It's a smart purchase since it’s a physical and tangible asset that is readily available, especially during emergencies. Apart from that, gold jewelry can also withstand inflation and a superior performer in times of economic instability,” Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

“We want to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to start investing now and buying gold is one of the many ways they can build a better future. Here in Cebuana Lhuillier, we want our kababayans to have access to affordable and authentic pieces of jewelry. They’re more than just a woman’s best friend, they’re everyone’s best investment,” Lhuillier added.

Take advantage of the nationwide sale and spend your holiday bonuses wisely by securing your future while collecting choice pieces.

To know more about the latest offers and get the best deals for the Black Friday Sale, go to Cebuana Lhuillier, Just Jewels, or Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium Facebook pages.

Balai Palmera pursues passion by helping other businesses.

In 2019, during the height of the restriction caused by the pandemic, Chef Ryan Dimapilis, President of Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, keeps himself busy by thinking of ways to keep his business afloat as well as his employees employed. 

“I’m a firm believer that we, Pinoys, are very resilient and at the same time supportive and loyal in many ways. This was strongly proven during the pandemic when many businesses turn online to sell their products. Most of our clients at first were mostly family and friends, which branched out and reached many more people who find our products worth a try,” he shared.

A Eureka Moment!

Along with his partners and staff, Balai Palmera concocted their version of Calabarzon’s beloved Buko Pie, which has led to a new triumph for the company. Gathering supplies from local suppliers from Laguna and Quezon, Balai Palmera uses all-fresh and no-preservative Buko Pie that instantly gained patrons in Silang and nearby municipalities in Cavite. As soon as restrictions were eased out and news spread out, Balai Palmera’s kitchen became so busy with hundreds of orders of this Buko Pie day after day.

“As much as we want to concentrate on this success, as a businessman, I know that there other smaller businesses that need help to bounce back from the pandemic. So, as soon as we were able to reopen some of our other businesses, we started reaching out to local manufacturers to promote and even sell their products in our Pasalubong Centers,” he added.

From one Pasalubong Center, Balai Palmera recently expanded its footprint by opening one more Pasalubong Center in Silang providing more choices and convenience to its customers. This extensive and expasive center carries other local brands that made their way to the palette of domestic and international guests of the region.

One-Stop Pinoy Favorite Shop

Balai Palmera takes pride in its merchandise for only being 100% Pinoy-made but also being DTI-approved.

"This goes to show that how dedicated we are in making our customers’ visit to our Pasalubong Centers an experience they would love to do again and again. By having DTI-approved products in shops, we are bringing the best of the region within their arms reach,” Dimapilis happily shared.

Aside from Buko Pie, Balai Palmera guests can also enjoy locally produced Pedro’s Kangkong Chips, J. Fernandez’s Chichapop, Nikimat’s Tahong Chips, Binan’s Okoy, Pastillas De Leche, Banana Chips, Mushroom Cracklings, Calamansito, Basimatsi, Coco Jam, Jacobina, Biscocho, Piaya Ube, and R&l Chicharon. 

From healthy snacks to filling and heartwarming pastries and bread, one can also find comfort and enjoyment in Balai Palmera’s version of Chocolate Almond Babka, Raisin Bread as well as Ensyamada which use local ingredients from local manufacturers.

“While we continue to pray for the day to come where we are all safe and free to move around again, we will keep working with various industry leaders to create a collaborative effort that transcends Pinoy pride,” he concluded.

Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center have two branches, first at Tagaytay-Sta. Road Brgy. Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite, and second at Aguinaldo Highway, Bypass Road, San Vicente 2, Silang, Cavite.

For more information, updates, and other news, you may follow them on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Japanese Barista wins 3rd with PH Liberica in the ultra-competitive Japanese Barista Championship.

Once again, the country’s Liberica coffee from Sta. Maria, Laguna captured the hearts and taste preferences of expert baristas and judges around the world as it wins 3rd in another international coffee competition.

Barista Keisuke Honma, representing Saza Coffee, used a blend of Laguna Liberica and a Panamanian Gesha for his Milk Course. Keisuke captured 3rd place during the Japanese Barista championship held Oct 10-13, in Japan.

The Philippine Liberica Coffee is being championed around the world and capturing the hearts and taste preferences of expert baristas and judges around the world by Michael Harris Conlin and Henry and Sons.

Henry and Sons, sourced the Liberica coffee in Laguna, and processed after by applying unique post-harvest methodologies and a proprietary blend of microorganisms that bring out beautiful floral aromas and clean tropical flavor notes from the coffee.

Liberica is a rare and unique species of coffee that is known for its low caffeine content, low bitterness, and high sweetness. Liberica can be considered the future of coffee as it is climate change resistant and has a deep, intricate root system that makes it resistant to storms and drought.

Keisuke Homa’s coffee blend will be available at The Vault starting Nov 8th, 2022, at https://thevault.ph and The Giving Café.

Japanese Barista Championship is a World coffee championship (WCC) sanctioned competition where baristas must create three coffee courses (Espresso, Milk, and Signature) and serve them to an expert panel of judges while delivering a meaningful message that shows their expertise and knowledge in coffee.

Barista Keisuke’s message was about how climate change have reduced the harvest by 70%, and by using exploring biodynamic farming techniques, rare species like the Laguna Liberica may be the answer to ensuring that future generations would still be able to enjoy coffee.

For more information, visit www.henryandsons and www.thevault.ph.