Kwento Ni Toto: updates

Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Political Memes A Double-Edged Sword

Toto 6:50:00 PM

Its the official last day (yesterday) of the campaign period. As each candidates intensely throw their final blow of convincing the public, there are others who make the intensity a little light with the different memes. Yes, people have found their witty and fun side even in the heat of this year's election.

Naturally, we Filipinos are natural comedians and there is that usual phrase "ang taba ng utak" which means a healthy brain, or on a naughtier meaning a fatty, witty brain. We literally make fun of everything, it is not being bullish, but perhaps it is our coping mechanism in making hard work a little lighter. Experience wise having fun at work makes it a lot faster and lighter. But politically, it has two meanings or purposes.

Political memes are double-edged sword, it may sound funny and witty but its true intension is to promote a political candidate or to defame that political aspirant.

From local to national, we find different political memes some of these are created by supporters and some are simply created by individuals who love a good laugh. Even though these memes provide an avenue for the candidates to get the attention they wanted, as most PR people would say, "good or bad publicity is still publicity."

Now, will these political memes be as sharp as swords in slicing through the consciousness of the voters? Perhaps we can only see it after the final canvassing. So, to us, voters, good luck in making our final decision.

updates

Martin Nievera Live Again, at The Theatre at Solaire!

Toto 12:13:00 PM

Interesting news today in the music and performance industry!

After a two-year break from staging some of the most noteworthy shows the country has seen, The Theatre at Solaire is back to bring your favorite artists live again.

Watch the curtains rise on June 25 for the Concert King’s comeback on the stage, “Martin Nievera Live Again!” This one-night concert is a fundraising event to support the Rotary Club of Makati West’s Gift of Life Project. Part of the proceeds of the concert’s ticket sales will fund the heart operations of children in need.

Catch Martin Nievera back on stage for a night filled with exciting and heart-warming music for a special cause.

For more information, visit https://www.solaireresort.com/article/martin-nievera-live-again. As part of Solaire’s continued safety measures, The Theatre requires double-masking and presentation of vaccination cards upon entry.

Buy your tickets to “Martin Nievera Live Again!” by calling Ticketworld at 8891-9999 or via www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Voting

Are You Voting This Coming Election? Here's Our Tip!

Toto 8:18:00 PM

Are you voting this coming election?

If you are that's great because you are exercising your right. We all need to vote, that is our duty as citizens of the country, and because that's the only way that we can help in deciding who will be the next President that will lead the country.

So, in just a few days you'll be going to your respective voting precincts, Here are a few of the tips that we can share for you to make your voting experience a little bit less hassle.

1. If you're a first-time voter check and remember your precinct number. You'll be using that number for the rest of your voting lives. In case you don't remember there's always the online verification of Comelec to check your precinct number. Thank you technology!

2. If first time voter, check where your precinct number is located. It's much easier if you already knew where to go. If in case, you can always check it online or check the bulletin board where you're supposed to vote.

3. Have a list of your candidates or much better memorize your list to avoid bringing unnecessary papers. Less hassle.

4. Always have your pen with you. That's for registering and signing only. They have the special pen for the ballot.

5. If you want to finish early visit your precinct early in the morning. Just make sure that you already know where to go. But if you don't want to join the influx of voters visit your precinct in the afternoon. Based on my experience it's much easier and faster.

6. Check and make sure your name is correct and no signature or any mark on your name on their list.

7. Make sure that the ballot given to you is unmarked.

8. Make sure that they'll put indelible ink on your finger.

9. Lastly, and probably the most important of all bring your alcohol with you and don't forget to wear your face mask. We are still in the pandemic. Keep safe!

We do hope that these few tips can help you with your voting experience.

updates

SM PRIME fronts with Green Buildings for Sustainable Cityscapes

Toto 7:42:00 PM

Cities continue to shape the way we live our lives – from shifting to greener lifestyles choices to reducing overall carbon emissions to help save the planet. The successful shift to greener cityscapes begin with the construction of green buildings, providing smart innovations that work with the environment and promote the well-being of the people who use these spaces on a daily basis.

According to a study made by the US Green Building Council, green buildings can reduce carbon emissions by around 40% on average, water consumption by around 30% and waste generation by around 70%. Beyond the environmental benefits, green buildings also help meet social needs by enhancing spaces, protecting human health, empowering differently-abled members of the community to take active participation and ensuring access to basic services at reasonable rates. Economic benefits can be felt as well with green buildings commanding higher rent potentials, encouraging ‘greenovation’ and promoting cultural and recreational activities without harming the environment.

Committed to making every day living better, SM Prime has taken the lead in incorporating sustainability and resiliency in its designs, making each component work together as a fully-integrated city of the future.

“Constructing greener buildings provides holistic solutions not only reducing emissions but also promoting social well-being.” shares Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee. “We see this in our developments which drives us to build greener and even retrofit our existing malls to meet green standards.”

Among SM’s developments, a number boast of receiving LEED Gold certification while others are in the process of certification such as the SM Baguio expansion, SM North EDSA BPO offices, SM Megamall Mega Tower and SM Retail Corporation, to name a few.

SM Aura

The iconic SM Aura at the Bonifacio Global City is a mixed-use development that incorporates retail, trade halls and a Grade A office tower. The LEED Gold Certified mall promotes resource efficiency, green mobility and green landscapes.

SM Aura Bicycle Racks

Green Mobility. Cycling is encouraged with accessible bicycle storage, cyclists’ shower rooms and convenient access to safe lanes to public transit.

SM Aura Premier Park

Green Landscapes. The SM Aura Premier Park covers over 55% of the building, uses recycled water and provides enough room for plants to grow while protecting the building and people from heat.

SM Aura LEED GOLD Certification

Resource Efficiency. SM Aura uses 16% less than conventional buildings through a high- performance building envelope that reduces solar heat while allowing sufficient sunlight. Through low flow water sensor and metering faucets, it also reduces 1/3rd of its potable water use. Only low emitting materials were used as paint, adhesive sealants and floor materials.

Conrad Manila

Known as a lifestyle center, Conrad Manila is LEED Gold Certified. The hotel is designed with a dramatically-formed angular structure that houses a stylish 347-room hotel, spa and function space while S Maison is home to a swathe of smaller, more bespoke outlets for brands.

Bicycle racks at the Conrad Manila

Luxury Means Green Mobility. Boasting of high-end luxury experience, Conrad Manila remains environmentally friend by providing preferred parking slots for low emitting fuel efficient vehicles, car-sharing vehicles and special parking spaces and facilities for cyclists.

Eco-Friendly Materials. Locally manufactured and recycled materials and products were used whenever possible with more than 80% of the project’s construction waste recycled. Filtration systems maintain a minimum efficiency rating of 90% to eliminate airborne particulates.

Conrad Manila LEED Gold Certification

Resource Efficiency. Conrad Manila is designed to reduce energy around 12% less than American energy standards. Its water heating system recovers heat from the chiller condensers to produce hot water while its ventilation system recovers the coolness from the exhaust air, returning that into the building. The hotel is outfitted with occupancy sensors, tinted with low emissivity insulated glass to keep heat and noise out,

Going beyond the LEED Certification, SM Engineering and Design Development, the mall's design and construction arm has implemented these sustainable design strategies on the following projects:

SM Baguio Sky Garden

SM Baguio brings outdoor and indoor as one space optimizing natural lighting and ventilation with the Sky Garden. It has a green roof system as well as a provision for an underground water reservoir for storage and reuse of rainwater with a capacity of 4,389 cubic meters.

SM Seaside Cebu

SM Seaside Cebu mall goers can enjoy an extensive green area, center courtyard and roof garden. Constructed with low glass and utilizes EchoStop for noise management, the building is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation.

SM Lanang Sky Garden

SM Lanang Premier showcases lush greens, a roof garden and green pavers that encourage filtration and allow stormwater back to the underground soil. It is equipped with a rain water catchment system and a water reservoir with a 546-cubic meter capacity based on 425mm per hour rainfall intensity. It also has a materials recovery facility which receives, segregates and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers.

SM Masinag Holding Tank

SM City Masinag helps communities avoid flood waters through its 15,033 cubic meter water catchment facility. It is designed with green screens to promote vertical plant growth and is constructed with Clerestory windows as a source of natural light.

SM North EDSA Solar Panels

SM North Edsa is one of the pioneers of the use of solar panels. It is also the first to have the Sky Garden and elevated parks.

The Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is uniquely designed with a seawall to avert any damage from potential storm surges or seal level rise. Built on reclaimed land, it used an excavation method providing a greater degree of protection against liquefaction and seismic events. It is also elevated above the required building levels and is equipped with wave return and drainage channel to prevent flooding due to storm surges and high waves.

SM Marikina sits on 246 stilts and is built 20 meters beyond the compliance for safety zone. At 20.5 meters above natural ground level, it serves as a first responder and a place of refuge for the residents of Marikina during times of calamities.

SM Marikina on stilts

Today, real estate investors, both for business and personal use, have grown to prefer spaces that support sustainability agendas of the growing population. Pursuing green building standards support the public’s aspiration for more sustainable communities that are designed for environmental and social well-being. SM Prime believes that it is important for developers to work with communities on addressing climate change and achieving shared aspirations – a greener, more sustainable cityscape for all to enjoy.

“Creating a more sustainable way of life requires a sustainable backdrop that supports the shift. At SM Prime, our passion is to create one that is sustainable and resilient for the life we want for today and the future,” Mr. Sy said.

updates

Celebrate #SuperMoms Day at SM Supermalls!

Toto 7:25:00 PM

An #AweSM day to celebrate and treat your Wonder WoMoms!

If there’s one thing that our #SuperMoms love about Mother’s Day, it’s spending quality time with the whole family. This Sunday, make the day extra special when you celebrate at SM Supermalls!

Got no idea what to do this weekend? Don’t worry because SM Supermalls’ got your back! Get awesome discounts on food, shopping, and pampering for your #SuperMoms at SM!

Cater to her cravings and give her a memorable feast
Treat mom to a scrumptious meal in the mall or at home because SM Supermalls has all the perfect deals for you. From May 1-8, there are a lot of SuperMoms Deals from the participating tenants to choose from! Just check out SM Deals for the full list of exciting deals and promo bundles.

Grab a sweet treat at the SuperMoms Fair
Short on gift ideas for the #SuperMoms on your list? The SuperMoms Fair has all the hearty treats that #SuperMoms will really love. SM tenants will be selling different cakes and flowers so you can indulge your moms, grandmas, titas, sisters, and all other momma figures out there this Mother’s day!

Take her to the cool SuperMom Photo Spots
Moms love looking at pictures and seeing family members with all their happy faces. Take her to the coolest photo spots at SM so she’ll have something to look at while remembering all the good memories you’ve made with her this Mother’s Day.

Give her a treatment fit for a queen
The queens of our household really deserve VIP treatment. Give her convenient and safe ways to get her celebration essentials at SM. There are dedicated exclusive sales, vouchers, and promotions, as well as discounts for advance reservations or online orders just for them!

Arrange a special day for furmoms and their pets
There are different types of moms and this includes furmoms, too! Indulge furmoms and their furbabies in a bonding treat like no other! Pawsome activities await them like the PAW Pageant where they can wear twinning outfits as well as paw-friendly games that both of them can join.

Dedicate some prayer time for the #SuperMoms
Motherhood is not only physically demanding; it can be spiritually demanding, too! So to celebrate this special day, SM Supermalls will be hosting a Mother’s Day Mass at the malls’ event centers or chapels which will also be live-streamed via Facebook. Moms pray for our wellbeing all year round, so this Sunday, make it your time say a prayer for thank you for our #SuperMoms.

“This day, we honor our wonderful SuperMoms who have been there for us all throughout our lives. Their unconditional love and hard work for the family are truly remarkable and incomparable. And as they look forward to celebrating this day with us, it’s our goal to make it even more special as we help you create more memories together here at SM in a safe and fun way,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

No think to overthink this. Plan the best, most convenient, and safest Mother’s Day celebration for your SuperMoms this Sunday at your nearest SM Supermall!

Find out more about the Mother’s Day celebration at SM and visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/super-moms-day-at-sm/?utm_source=media&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SuperMomsDayatSM. For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com.

Friday, May 6, 2022

updates

Puerto Princesa: Paradise Regained

Toto 11:08:00 PM

The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

With safety protocols firmly enforced, Puerto Princesa is poised to again welcome tourists with open arms. In recent years, the highly urbanized city and tourist haven has been paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then pummeled by Typhoon Odette. But it is now on the road to recovery---as spectacularly as its scenic, romantic and gastronomic attractions. “The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads, and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of postcard-perfect Palawan, sprawls across 253,982 hectares of captivating coastlines stretched over 106 kilometers. Due to its strategic geographical location, it has sufficient depth to allow ships of all sizes to anchor, earning a reputation as a “Princess of Ports,” or in Spanish, “Puerto Princesa.” There’s no contention that Puerto Princesa is one of the country’s greatest pleasures. A holiday destination universally beloved by travelers, beach-combers, and trekkers; a bustling business center with a rural allure; a provincial vibe with modern amenities; and a clean and green city recognized for its lush forests, fresh air, and frontier character.

Rising Above Covid-19

The city of Puerto Princesa has been struggling to get to its feet since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020. The lack of tourists, which is the main industry, has forced hundreds of tourism-related businesses to close, leaving thousands of tourism workers unemployed.

“The public-health crisis forced them to find alternative sources of income, which was made more difficult because of the restrictions of movement due to several lockdowns,” Mr. Alvior reveals. “One factor of low tourist arrivals is the fluctuating number of Covid cases, which in turn affects the determination of quarantine requirements and national government intervention policies.” Today, Puerto Princesa is experiencing record lows in terms of economic losses, losing around P5 billion a year for the past two years from potential tourist receipts.

“The City Tourism Department has been strengthening its social media campaigns to encourage local tourists to visit local attractions, in a bid to boost much-needed revenues to the ailing tourism sector,” a cautiously optimistic Mr. Alvior says. “We have one important wish in the City Tourism Department, and that is to prioritize the aids for the Typhoon Odette-affected tourism industry here.” The goal is to regain the city’s glory as an eco-tourism capital. “Our 2022 goals are the full restoration of all the tourist attractions affected by Typhoon Odette such as the completion of the construction of the cruise-ship port and other man-made tourist attractions. There will be wide, extensive, and aggressive promotions of Puerto Princesa to the local and international market.”

The Last Frontier

Puerto Princesa has a plethora of tourist spots. But many tourists who visit the city put the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New7Wonders of Nature, on top of their list. As the jump-off point for exploring the world-famous Tubbataha Reef, the city also hosts a fair share of adventurers.

“Since the Covid-19 outbreak, we have never ceased to hope that the future will be better. This year 2022 is no different. And while what we want is a full recovery, we cannot afford to be careless when taking big steps. As we begin to truly understand the gravity of the situation, we also come to realize that our moves must be consistent with the bigger picture such as the national situation,” Mr. Alvior says.

Since February 10, the city has been happily welcoming more visitors once again, hoping that the arrival numbers will soon be back to pre-pandemic levels. In this initiative, the tourism department shares the privilege with the private sector.

“While the government is the administrator of the State, the private sector is the bloodline. The government and the private sector are two inseparable factors for Puerto Princesa to prosper, and more importantly, to recover,” Mr. Alvior says. “The key to recovery is to enable and support the private sector to keep or resume their business operations. When it comes to the city’s biggest partners, apart from government agencies, it is the collective impact of small-business operations.”

Puerto Princesa may be “The Last Frontier,” but the City Tourism Department is confident that it will always be the first choice of every traveler.

Thursday, May 5, 2022

updates

Add to cart now! Get brand new smart phones, home appliances, travel and everyday essentials on unbelievable deals during the Shopee 5.5

Toto 7:00:00 AM

Brands Festival

Enjoy up to 50% off brand bundle deals, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off vouchers, on top of incredible price markdowns on brand items available this May 5!

MANILA, MAY 4, 2022 - Are you ready to score unbelievable brand deals and surprises all throughout the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival? Available all-day this May 5, enjoy 50% off on brand bundles, 10% off vouchers, and sitewide shipping discount vouchers.

Whether you’ll be in the office, working from home, or out for errands, set your alarms throughout the day so you won’t miss the variety of brand deals for every type of product you’re looking for.

Tech lovers who open their app at exactly 12 midnight will be rewarded with big discounts on appliances and gadgets at the Big Midnight Sale. Upgrade your living room set-up with this ACE 32" Slim HD Smart TV, equipped with wireless connectivity for your Netflix nights. Take your daily selfies and capture office adventures better with this Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and its 48mp triple rear camera! Explore healthier home recipes made easy with a PerySmith 8.5L Dual Speed Air Fryer, that can cook food 30% faster without the added calories.

Start your day right with the great deals available at the Big Morning Sale. Get the Deerma CM800 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, perfect for keeping your bedroom spotless. Become a barista at home with the B Coffee Co. White Cup Bundle Pack that will give you that much-needed energy boost before work. If you've been looking to buy a new phone that won't hurt your pocket, realme narzo 50A Prime is a great all-around smartphone that packs a powerful punch with a 50 MP camera and 5000 mAh massive battery.

While you're on your mid-day break, check out the Big Lunchtime Sale for bigger discounts on brand products that support your hobbies, from baking to going on adventures. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, consider this Home Zania Portable 7 Speed Baking Hand Mixer, with its comfortable ergonomic handle, efficient for whisking and mixing for baking and dessert making. While for avid travelers, this Baseus Laptop Sleeve is a perfect companion with its waterproof and scratch-resistant material to ensure your gadgets are protected. Embrace the comfort and vibrance of the iconic Crocs Classic Solarized Clog that you can wear in all your adventures.

Treat yourself after a long day’s work by shopping in the Big Price Drop Sale. Hop on the smartwatch trend with this water-resistant OPPO Band B1 Bluetooth Watch that allows you to monitor your health and track exercise. Buy the Ensure Gold Strawberry 850g Bundle of 2 for your parents’ and grandparents’ nutritional needs. Let the kids enjoy their vacation while wearing the classic Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, made with two straps and adjustable pin buckles.

Enjoy the thrill of last-minute shopping in the Last 3 Hours Sale. Level up your game with this comfortable, multi-functional Amaia Gaming Chair, complete with removable armrest, backrest extension, and pillow. Surprise a loved one with this classy and versatile Casio Gold Stainless Steel Strap Watch, ideal for everyday wear. Stay hydrated with this trendy Hydro Flask 32 oz Cobalt 2.0 Wide Mouth, that you can take with you wherever you go.

Seize the day by shopping all-day in the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival! Visit https://shopee.ph/m/5-5-opening-sale for more information.

Already feeling the rush? Here are more reasons that will add to your excitement. ShopeePay is giving you a chance to become a millionaire! Join the next run of the ShopeePay Milyonaryo promo from May 6 to 14 and you can win ₱1,000,000 when you send money for free. With ShopeePay, enjoy instant transfers to any bank, e-wallet or Shopee user with no hidden fees. To qualify, simply go to your Shopee App, register via ShopeePay Milyonaryo, and start sending money. During the 5.5 rush, ShopeePay is also giving away free ₱200 when you send money for the first time. Simply register here and send at least P50 to any bank, e-wallet, or Shopee user on May 5. With ShopeePay, you can also look forward to more offers when you buy load and pay bills. Get up to 50% off on load across all networks and up to 100% cashback on your monthly bills from over 60 billers. Activate ShopeePay now for a more rewarding experience.

Monday, May 2, 2022

Vitamin C

Always Game with Your Favorite Candy, MAXX pinalakas with Vitamin C!

Toto 6:52:00 AM

Still, with the pandemic situation, we all need to make our bodies strong and healthy even when we are just enjoying the sweet flavor of our candy. So, whether you’re at home or on the go, you can get an added dose of vitamin C in a new, cool way with Maxx Vitamin C. Your favorite fruity-lamig sarap Maxx candy can now help give you the confidence to do your business in the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

A daily added protection for an affordable price is a definite win! Help yourself keep extra protected para laging game with any activity. MAXX Vitamin C has 75mg of Vitamin C — which is the recommended daily intake for adults. So, you not only get to enjoy its feel good fruity-lamig sarap taste from the perfect combination of Honey Lemon flavor and cooling menthol, but you also get the extra protection of Vitamin C for only PHP2 SRP. What makes MAXX Vitamin C even better is that it bursts with a Vitamin C powder fill for a unique and refreshing experience!

You can enjoy an added boost of Vitamin C even when you’re on-the-go with MAXX Vitamin C -- enjoy 100% MAXXimum Vitamin C that your body needs everyday. It’s available in a 7 pcs daily pack, or a 25 pcs pack. Find it at your nearest sari-sari stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstore. You can also order a pack or two at the official page of URC in both Lazada and Shopee.

With MAXX Vitamin C, you have another convenient way to help keep yourself protected – now you can #EnjoyVitCToTheMAXX everyday!

Make the most out of your day with MAXX Vitamin C – MAXXimum Vitamin C, MAXXimum coolness, and MAXXimum fruity flavor – for extra protection, extra coolness and extra confidence! Don’t forget to take your vitamins everyday with MAXX Vitamin C!

Saturday, April 30, 2022

updates

ANJI TO BRING OUT RELATABLE ‘FEELS’ IN FIRST SOLO CONCERT ON APRIL 30

Toto 9:27:00 AM

Anji Salvacion is beaming with elation and gratitude as her “Feels: The Concert” is finally happening on April 30 (Saturday)—her first solo concert where she hopes to connect with her supporters.

“This is really very special and important to me because first of all I'll be sharing this beautiful moment with my supporters and that’s what I’m really looking forward to as well. I can't wait to share the bond between a performer and an audience,” Anji shared.

Though tight-lipped about the must-see performances she prepared for her digital concert, the former “Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10” celebrity housemate assured that a full-on concert vibe is to be expected as well as lots of relatable ‘feels.’

During the “Feels The Concert” virtual media conference, Anji also shared her dream of incorporating a part of her hometown Siargao into the show.

“Siargao is where I grew up and doon bumuo ng family ‘yung parents ko. I wanted to bring my whole family sa concert ko and I wanted to sing with them all. I want to share it with them para mas special ‘yung moment,” she said.

Anji recently dropped her first self-written single “Dalampasigan,” which symbolizes her memories of spending time at the beach in Siargao as well as the comfort of spending her childhood with her father.

VIP and regular tickets for the ABS-CBN Events-led “Feels: The Concert” are still available for purchase at KTX.ph, which are priced at P399 and P199 respectively. The SVIP tickets, which include a behind-the-scenes documentary of the concert aside from access to a Zoom after-party and main concert link, have already sold out.

Let Anji bring you her sunshine in “Feels: The Concert,” streaming live on April 30 (Saturday), 8PM via KTX.ph. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

updates

Charo Santos-Concio Finds a Partner in Health

Toto 8:52:00 AM

“The whole idea that someone you dearly love is not well at the time of COVID-19 is really scary.” This was what Charo Santos-Concio had to say about her pandemic experience thus far. In the past year, she underwent one of her most trying challenges in her life because her husband, Cesar Rafael Concio, Jr. needed constant medical attention due to an existing health concern.

“I went through a roller coaster ride because my husband’s condition required us to make frequent hospital visits,” she recalls. “You really feel the anxiety, the worry, and the fear that you might get infected. However, it also strengthened my resolve to face these fears because my husband needs me.” Charo further shared that, despite the stresses, it was important to accept the circumstances, remain calm, and keep up with the flow. “Life goes on. We must all learn to adjust to the new normal. We cannot be paralyzed by our fears,” she says. “Kailangan nating harapin ‘yan. Tingnan natin nang mata sa mata. Hindi tayo puwedeng magpatalo.”

The experience also highlighted the importance of securing her and her family’s health. “We must never take health for granted,” Charo reiterates. “We must all live an active life and take very good care of ourselves. It is equally important to look after our mental well-being as part of living healthier.” And there’s also the importance of protecting one’s finances. Charo recognizes the importance of having a health protection plan to be financially secure should an illness strike. “Importante sa akin ang sense of security. Importante sa akin that whatever happens to me, I will not be a burden to my loved ones,” she says.

This was a lesson learned after the demise of her father, where the proceeds from his insurance policy allowed the family to financially cope after his passing. This experience taught her to be pragmatic and to embrace of the value of security and peace of mind that an insurance policy brings to the family. “Ayaw mong iwanan ang mga mahal mo sa buhay with uncertainty about their future,” Charo shares. “As we work hard for ourselves and our loved ones, we should also put our money to good use by investing it in insurance, health protection, and mutual funds.”

Today, Charo looks forward to living a full life with her loved ones. And while she has retired, she continues to take on interesting projects every now and then. With Sun Life as her partner in health, she is assured that no matter what happens, she and her loved ones are financially protected from life’s unexpected twists and turns. “Having a partner in health can indeed help you lead a brighter life,” she muses.

Just like Charo, you too can secure your future and be financially protected should an illness strike. Know more about Sun Life’s Partner in Health campaign by visiting https://sunlife.co/SLPIH.

updates

Score a limited-edition realme phone, the new Colgate electric toothbrush, 50% off on Unilever bundles, 45% off on Dreame vacuum cleaners, and more unbelievable deals from your favorite brands at the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival!

Toto 8:33:00 AM

Looking to upgrade to the latest smartphone, stock up on groceries, or try out highly-reviewed beauty products? You can do all that and more while enjoying greater savings when you shop at Shopee’s 5.5 Brands Festival! Until May 7, gear up for an exciting week full of awesome deals and discounts from your favorite brands, free shipping w/ 0 min. spend, 10% off vouchers daily, and 50% off brand bundles. If that’s not enough to get you excited, Shopee is offering users sitewide free shipping daily with ₱199 min. spend from May 1-5, so you can truly make the most of your shopping.

Exciting offers and exclusive launches from leading brands

The Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival is the perfect place for techies to upgrade their gadgets. Gamers can look forward to the new realme 9 Pro+ Free Fire Edition, which features a sleek design, powerful gaming performance, and freebies guaranteed to satisfy fans of the popular mobile game. Meanwhile, self-care enthusiasts can score the new Colgate Electric Toothbrush for a smart way to personalize their oral hygiene regimen.

Aside from these exclusive product launches, the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival offers a wide assortment of brand deals that value-seekers can take advantage of. With 50% off brand bundles until May 7, big savings await shoppers who stock up on family essentials and skincare staples from leading brands like Unilever Beauty, GSK, innisfree, Belo Essentials, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle, and many more.

Irresistible brand deals at the 5.5 Super Brand Days

Mark your calendars for Shopee's back-to-back Super Brand Days! Enjoy exclusive promos and bigger discounts from your favorite brands from April 29 to May 4: Shopee-exclusive Olay x BT21 freebies when you spend a minimum of ₱1,299 and ₱1,699, Buy 1 Take 1 deals on Belo's best-selling skincare essentials, and deals up to 47% off on must-have tech items from Huawei!

Shoppers can also enjoy up to 83% off from leading brands including: GSK, Nestlé, OPPO, Pampers, P&G Beauty, Unilever Beauty, infinix, Colgate-Palmolive, Abbott, realme Official Store, Ace Hardware, Powerhouse PH, Metrosunnies, DITO and more.

Bigger rewards and seamless shopping experiences for loyal brand shoppers

Want to make the most out of your purchases and avail of special perks from well-loved brands? Sign up for the Brand Membership Program of your choice to enjoy welcome gifts and earn brand loyalty points for every purchase! On May 5 from 6pm-9pm, earn 3x more points when you shop from brands such as L'Oreal Paris, Incerun, Vonda, and Zanzea. Use these points to redeem exclusive vouchers and gifts that let you save more when you buy from your favorite brands.

Maximize your checkout experience when you shop Fulfilled by Shopee products this 5.5. Look for Shopee Mall items from featured brands tagged with “Fulfilled by Shopee” to enjoy discounted group shipping rates, Buy 1 Take 1 deals, and exclusive bundles from Nutricia, Enfagrow, Nivea, Nestle, Lactum, Cerelac, Asia Brewery, Johnson and Johnson, B Coffee, and Kleenfant when you check out this May 5 to May 7. To know more about the 5.5 Brands Festival, participating brands, and deals you can look forward to, check out the 5.5 Brands Festival page.

Win up to ₱1,000,000 and get brand deals for as low as ₱1 with ShopeePay this April 30

To prepare for the 5.5 rush, use ShopeePay for all your transactions and reap the rewards. Join the ShopeePay Milyonaryo promo and get a chance to win ₱1,000,000 by sending money with ShopeePay—enjoy instant transfers to any bank, e-wallet or Shopee user with no hidden fees. To qualify, simply go to your Shopee App, register via ShopeePay Milyonaryo, and start sending money. As an additional perk for new ShopeePay users, you will also receive a P200 bonus when you register here and send at least P50 to any bank, e-wallet, or Shopee user for the first time on April 30.

Get free shipping and cashback vouchers when you use ShopeePay to checkout these unbelievable deals. Be on the lookout for ShopeePay ₱1 Brand Deals on April 30 and score items at ₱1 from brands such as Maybelline, Logitech, Lactum and more when you pay with ShopeePay! On top of these, you can also look forward to more offers when you use ShopeePay for your load and payment needs. Get up to 50% off on load across all networks and up to 100% cashback on your monthly bills from over 60 billers this April 30.

Take advantage of the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival and watch out for the April 30 Payday Sale to get 10% off vouchers daily, free shipping w/ 0 min. spend, and 100% cashback so be sure to shop from your favorite brands. Visit the April 30 Payday Sale page for more info.

Friday, April 29, 2022

updates

SM Malls Online's Super Payday Sale

Toto 7:04:00 AM

Looking for smart and "tipid" shopping this payday weekend? You're in luck! We have a story for you that you'll definitely love. Since sharing is caring read more below and check it out.

SM Malls Online will have its Super Payday Sale of up to 85% OFF starting April 28 until May 1. That is a good deal from clothes to gadgets and even food and essentials. So check out SM Malls Online to know more of what you can buddle for your "tipid" shopping time.

Aside from the 85% discount, here's more "tipid" shopping for you 😉:

1. An EXTRA P150 OFF w/ code SUPERPAYDAY, minimum Spend of P400.
2. Multiple stores - One delivery fee!
3. If you have cravings? They also have 50% OFF when you order from your favorite 2 or more restaurants at SM Malls Online App from 2pm-6pm, use the code PAYDAY2orMORE.

Big discount and big "tipid" shopping! And they are all legit products from your fave SM Malls!

Download and Install SM Malls Online now and get that "tipid" shopping!
https://smmallsonline.onelink.me/DFqS/SMOSuperPaydaySale

Xpress

Shopee extends aid towards Typhoon Agaton Victims together with brand partners and Shopee Xpress

Toto 6:49:00 AM

Last April 24, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, together with its logistics arm Shopee Xpress, teamed up with NORVIC Drugs Corporation and NutriAsia to collect and deliver sanitation kits and refreshments to Visayans affected by Typhoon Agaton. These donations were repacked and distributed by Shopee Xpress volunteers in the area.

For those looking to help victims affected by Typhoon Agaton, Shopee invites users to donate through its partner charities found on the app.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

updates

“THE BROKEN PLAYLIST” TO SHOWCASE “THE BROKEN MARRIAGE VOW’S” MUSIC IN A VIRTUAL CONCERT

Toto 9:08:00 AM

Angeline Quinto, Fana, Gigi De Lana, Jona, Kyla, and Morissette are ready to bring all the heartbreaking emotions of the hit drama series “The Broken Marriage Vow” into a musical extravaganza dubbed “The Broken Playlist,” happening on Friday (April 29) at 8 pm on ktx.ph.

A joint production of Dreamscape Entertainment and ABS-CBN Events, “The Broken Playlist” is a celebration of the most-talked about ABS-CBN Entertainment series—the Philippine remake of “Doctor Foster”—for its riveting story about love, betrayal, and revenge.

Fans can expect to witness the special performances of the show’s official soundtrack, including Angeline’s “Walang Pagsisisi,” Jona’s “Tinatapos Ko Na,” Kyla’s “Init Sa Lamig,” and Morissette’s “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw.” Gigi and Fana are also performing the main and alternate versions of “Sa Dulo,” respectively.

Jona is thankful that her song is part of the concert repertoire. “I’m so grateful because this song ‘Tinatapos Ko Na’ came from Himig Handog 2018 then it became a theme song of the Philippine airing of the ‘The World of A Married Couple.’ And now, it’s part of ‘The Broken Marriage Vow,’ adding to the emotions and ‘gigil’ that the series brings out,” she said.

Meanwhile, “The Broken Marriage Vow” lead stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Sue Ramirez, Zaijian Jaranilla, and Zanjoe Marudo will be joining the concert’s afterparty to finally meet the show’s loyal fans with VIP access.

Aside from great music, Jodi revealed that viewers will get to see exclusive behind-the-scenes footages at the concert. “Not only will they get to see the performances of our singers, they will also get the chance to see never-before-seen footages, and isa pang exciting part is they will get to mingle with the cast and performers at the afterparty,” she said.

Tickets to the concert are still up for grabs on ktx.ph for only P499 for VIP access—with the main concert link and Zoom afterparty exclusive—and P199 for regular access to the concert.

Don’t miss “The Broken Playlist: The Broken Marriage Vow Digital Concert” this Friday (April 29) at 8 pm on ktx.ph.

For other ABS-CBN news, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Saturday, April 23, 2022

updates

SM Supermalls Colors You Happy This Summer!

Toto 6:50:00 PM

Lively and bursting with color as SM Supermalls brights the world of SM shoppers this summer. Starting April, SM Supermalls is giving its shoppers of all ages a spectrum of hope, happiness, and fun with delightful and safe activities that everyone in the family can look forward to when they visit their favorite SM mall.

Snap-worthy rainbow play areas! Multifunctional play pods in all colors of the rainbow await you at the indoor and outdoor play pods that kids and kids-at-heart will love. From rainbow staircases to larger-than-life displays, you’ll have no trouble getting the best and most colorful #POTD entry!

Sizzling hot summer deals! What’s summer without a mall-wide sale? Go on a shopping spree and get all your summer essentials, including must-have toys, at the nearest SM mall. Delight your kids with sporty knick-knacks, inflatables, and bikes to amp up their summer activities even while at home. Visit the pop-up stores in select SM malls for great finds and exclusive deals!

Sweet treats and Summer Eats! Sip, eat, repeat, and satisfy those cravings with a wide array of food and drink choices at SM Summer Eats! A weekend al fresco market awaits you with delicious meals and refreshing drinks all in IG-worthy colorful dining spaces! Watch out for Summer Teas happening on April 16 to 30 where there will be lots of discounts on the best milk teas to quench your thirst too!

Summer fun under the sun! Time to flex that Tiktok talent! Be witty and wacky, colorful and bright, at the SM Summer Tiktok challenge which you can shoot at any of the malls’ colorful outdoor and indoor displays. For pawrents, you can have a furry fun time with your pets when you join the pet olympics, go on a picnic with them, or treat them with a pampering session. For the fitness buff, there’s going to be a 7-day fitness blitz for adults and kids at select SM malls where you can blow off steam and sweat it out. Whatever your passion is, we have lots of summer fun activities lined up for you!

From safe dining to shopping and everything in between, make it a fun and colorful summer to remember at SM Supermalls! Make sure to visit www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms for the latest news, promos, and activities.

updates

SM Supermalls and MPL-PH Partnership Brings the Season 9 Playoffs Watch Party

Toto 12:00:00 PM

Big News for all mobile gamers, enthusiasts, and fans!

SM Supermalls has partnered with none other than Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and is the official venue for the Season 9 Playoffs watch party happening on April 28 to May 1, 2022.

In partnership with SM Cinema, SM Cyberzone, and Smart Communications, Inc., enjoy an immersive viewing experience as you cheer for your favorite teams while watching the matches on the big screen! Select SM Supermalls would include SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Bicutan who will be having their viewing parties on April 28-29, and SM City Taytay, SM City Masinag, SM City Manila, SM City BF Paranaque and SM City Sucat on April 30-May 1, or until the Grand Finals. Tickets are sold at only Php170, inclusive of a tub of popcorn and exclusive freebies from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Fans may purchase tickets from SM Cinema's official website, SM Cinema ticket booths, or via the SM Cinema app.

The MLBB Professional League Watch Party is part of SM Supermalls’ 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮 Campaign –your ultimate hub for aweSM new experiences dedicated for the avid online gamer, music lover, sports enthusiast, and certified social media techie!

updates

HAMILO COAST OF SM PRIME SAFEGUARDS A 20-HECTARE MANGROVE FOREST

Toto 11:28:00 AM

A quick share of the story about SM Prime's environmental protection advocay.

Hamilo Coast through its developer, SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. safeguards a 20-hectare mangrove forest, the largest of its kind in Nasugbu, Batangas. Together with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines), Hamilo Coast continues to preserve over 50,000 mangrove trees to date as it remains committed to its advocacy for environmental and social sustainability.

Sunday, April 10, 2022

updates

The Philippine Style Tech-voc Encourages not only Local but Foreign Students to Enroll in the Philippines.

Toto 8:37:00 AM

Education is always the driving factor of an individual, for individuals who want to be skilled, Tech-Voc education is the answer. That is why in the Philippines, Technical-vocational education is encouraged by private TVET institutions to have it professionally accredited and issue a proper licensing. A call to action to review the trifocal system of education in the country. More importantly, the need for tech-voc instructors with expertise are the ones qualified to train our future skilled professionals making way for the Philippines to be recognized as a globally competitive tech-voc school in Asia.

If our technical-vocational institutes (TVI) are managed and monitored well, they will be able to produce world-class and skilled graduates who can compete strongly against our neighboring countries. Tech-voc graduates fill an important role in different industries in the country and overseas. And if our tech-voc graduates become job-ready and globally competitive, they could contribute a lot to the national income and economy. One industry that is in dire need of skills and various technical knowhow is the service industry, and we are talking worldwide here, what a big void to fill!

Highly-industrialized countries like Japan, Singapore, and Korea have made necessary advancements in their educational system, focusing on academic excellence and technology innovation. These progressive countries teach their citizens to become productive, income-generating and contribute to the national coffers. They put emphasis on the quality of products and service and really invested in technical training. These countries believe in the strength of their manpower and their role in the national economy.

Tony Galvez an expert in the technical and vocational education and training industry in the country once said: “Philippine TVET ang pag-asa para sa kinabukasan ng mamamayan at ng bayan, kung maayos at maganda ang programa.” Noted for his strong advocacy of technical vocational professionalism for global competitiveness in the Philippines, Galvez also said: “Magagawa nating umangat at umasenso ang pamumuhay ng ating mahihirap na kababayan kung mabibigyan natin sila ng kahalagahan at maiaayos ang posisyon ng technical vocational education and training ng bansa. Hindi lang ang hangarin ay upang maging isang simpleng manggagawa. Kung hindi, tulungan natin silang linangin bilang mga tunay na eksperto sa iba’t-ibang larangan ng industriya upang ang lahat ay maging kapaki-pakinabang at mapabilang sa pandaigdigang kompetisyon na makapagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya.”
v It is therefore time to put an end in the fairy tale that a four-year course is the only avenue to attaining a decent lifestyle. The technical field is very, very wide, uncharted and not yet competitive, which is a far cry from the competitive, dog-eat-dog corporate world.

A Need for Framework Revision

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, CEO of Ayala Corporation, one of the country’s top corporations and a staunch advocate for the importance of technical skills in our society, once expressed that a vocational or technical degree should be given a prominent position in our country’s educational framework. The curriculum should be wider and the accreditation status should be improved significantly so that it will produce young graduates with specific skills that match the market needs.

In the Philippines, the two main agencies tasked in providing basic education in the country are DepEd or Department of Education for the academics and TESDA which stands for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, which is mandated to provide direction, policies, programs and standards towards quality technical education and skills development. The two bodies should complement each other so that there will be no overlapping of roles that could create conflicts in the implementation of their programs. However, it seems that the curriculum from these two bodies have created some challenges for both of them. Eversince K-12 curriculum has been implemented, DepEd has gotten some resources from TESDA because the tech-voc curriculum should be handled by experts in the technical field and not by a regular teacher. So this phenomena, which was unseen as the would-be effect of the K-12, needs to be resolved.

During the recent Sonshine Media Network International [SMNI] News presidential debates, University of the Philippines professor, Clarita Carlos remarked: “Education is so pivotal to the life of the nation. Why in heaven’s name did we divide our education system into DepEd, K-12 and ChEd? At kung bobo ka diyan ka na lang sa tech voc. There’s something so brainless about those divisions.”

Even Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu appealed to DepEd and TESDA to focus on their respective mandates. She stated that the Department of Education should focus on basic education and in the students’ academic performances and TESDA can take care of the technical skills.

Give TESDA Free Rein

TESDA should be given complete responsibility by the government for technical and vocational training, a separate agency from DOLE, DTI and DepEd. However, TESDA needs to go beyond providing instructions and training. Skills assessment should be thorough and must meet globally-competitive criteria. And lastly, granting professional license to successful graduates would give them the recognition that would elevate their status from merely a tech-voc graduate into a professional practitioner of their chosen skill. Possessing a license gives graduates a sense of pride and achievement. Licensing should be the goal that each tech-voc graduate must aim for because acquiring a license would give them a right to demand a higher salary and compensation for their services. And most of all, they can be at par with the technical graduates of progressive countries. The licensure tests “is the final ‘quality control’ check before tech-voc graduates are allowed to practice a profession which depends on the lives of people or safety of buildings like carpenters, cosmetology and culinary graduates among many other serviceoriented fields

Licensure examination is but one wheel in the big cog of Philippine Qualifications Framework. The said framework supposedly sets multiple criteria that measures quality assurance principles and standards of the Filipino professional, technician and craftsman.

Performing this mandate would mean for TESDA to do a much needed review of their services and offers. What could TESDA offer to their future enrollees to attract more of them in the future and in order for TESDA to be an effective arm of the government for manpower development?

Reshaping Tech-Voc

It is proposed that the tech-voc curriculum be two tracks: meaning the courses offered will be either service oriented or product oriented. These two classifications will serve different purposes and will be monitored differently as well.

Product-oriented tracks are designed in order to alleviate poverty and provide incomegenerating projects to barangay folks like stay-at-home moms, out-of-school youths, drug dependents, seniors/retirees, jobless folks, and surrenderees. Some of these productoriented tracks are called cottage industries and can be done in the backyard or in a factory for SME. Some of these are:

The training package for this track must include:

Salesmanship/Entrepreneurship, managerial, marketing and bookkeeping. These livelihood trainings are best for barangays and provincial training through Barangay Kasanayan para sa kabuhayan at kapayapaan (BKKK) set by TESDA. TESDA will also provide for the necessary tools and materials as well as equipment for this skill training.

The Service Oriented Sector/Industry are the following:

The above mentioned are all professional tracks and require a high school diploma as a basic requirement. Tech-voc service-oriented profession is not just a simple trade and all service-oriented tracks will be identified by specific specialization based on the industry qualification.

President Rodrigo expressed in one of his speeches, “Kaya ang Build, Build, Build, medyo atrasado ng konti. Walang trabahante. We are lacking in experts like in carpentry, in welding and other technical skills. We have a lot of jobless because they are not qualified even in vocational, especially construction.”

As of now, joblessness and lack of experts in vocational and technical skills is really a big concern, but if TESDA will be given free rein, TESDA can perform its main mandate faster and more efficiently.

In the COVID-19 recovery phase, there are opportunities for smart investment in tech-voc education and training to “build back better” programs and systems. Tech-voc may be able to cater to students who dropped out during school closures and reskilling or upskilling those who have become unemployed. Tech-voc can also facilitate the development of skills necessary for the adjustment to structural changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued focus on ensuring acquisition and development of foundational cognitive and socioemotional skills, such as empathy and resilience, which have become increasingly valued in the current circumstances, will improve employability and other human development outcomes for tech-voc students. Moreover, investment in learning technology and digital skills of tech-voc instructors and students can ensure lifelong access to learning opportunities and future workforce adaptability.

To conclude, if our TVETs follow global standards and are just competitive with that of our Asian neighbors, there will be fewer OFWs because TVET graduates can establish their own businesses and can get better paying jobs locally.

TESDA should be independent from other government agencies in terms of providing technical-vocational training and education. However, other agencies can complement because agencies like DepEd, help in the basic education of children, while DOLE and DTI give assistance in the employment and livelihood programs respectively.

Good, high-paying jobs await qualified tech-voc grads. If only they’re given proper incentives, multisectoral support and a supportive policy environment, the tech-voc track can also be a viable alternative for young Filipinos who wish to lead productive lives.

We may still have a long way toward strengthening our tech-voc ecosystem in the country, but with a little help and support from the government, industry and academe, we are making crucial inroads that lay the foundation for the future. As we promote techvoc to the youth to undergo tech-voc training, we hope that tech-voc professionalism and licensing will soon be implemented as well.

And hopefully in the coming years and decades, the state of tech-voc education in the Philippines would further be improved so that when we ask Filipino children what they want to be when they grow up, we hope many of them will also answer that they would want to take the tech-voc path and become a carpenter, a forklift driver or a farming technician. And by then, these children would no longer be laughed at nor looked down with the career choices they’ve made.