Monday, March 29, 2021

Teaching kids the importance of saving for the future


It is a fact that education is the best legacy parents can leave their children. This doesn’t only mean sending them to the best schools, enrolling them in workshops to hone their God-given talents, but also teaching them the necessary life skills to survive.

Teaching kids the importance of saving for the future

We always remind our kids that they need to learn how to be innovative. Not in the sense of being smart like learned in school. The kind of savvy that will keep you one step ahead in real life. They have to become street smart, be resourceful, know how to put on the moves, learn how to play the game. The truth is we, their parents, won't be around forever. But while we are still here, we need to guide them, make sure they'll make it. How?

Here are some learning tips that both parents and children can do together.

Thinking abundantly. 

Instead of saying you can’t afford something your child wants, sit together and discuss ways to earn the money needed to make the purchase. This creates a mindset of abundance -- instead of being defeated by scarcity, show how hard work and smarts can get us what we want. Money is always there; we just have to figure out a way to earn it.

Business and investment. 

It’s so easy nowadays for young people, even children, to start a business. Many people are now selling food, products, and services online. Take the time to Google ideas for a business that your child can put up. As for investing, there are online resources that can help you teach the basics to your child.

Spend on needs before wants. 

When it comes to their allowance, spending on food, school supplies, and school requirements should take priority over toys, accessories, and other non-essential wants. This basic principle is the foundation for teaching your kids how to create a proper budget.

Savings for your child’s future. 

Explain to your kids the basic reasons for saving regularly and consistently: we save in order to anticipate emergency situations and we save to prepare for a future, essential expense. Give examples that your child can relate to.

Teaching your child the habit of saving money is so much easier when you work with your bank. BDO, for example, has a Junior Savers Account specially designed for kids. With an affordable initial deposit and a low maintaining balance, the Junior Savers Account is easy to open and maintain at any BDO branch. 

Once your kids already have a BDO Junior Savers account, help them grow their funds by scheduling regular deposits using your BDO Digital Banking account. Setting the amount and date of transfer can easily build their savings and teach them more money lessons.

Teaching kids the importance of saving for the future


Learning to save money is the primary step for anyone, even a child, to learn proper money management and, eventually, start building wealth. By taking these first steps with your child, you’ve already given them true riches.

If you’re a parent, making saving a regular part of your child’s routine can lay the foundation for a bright financial future. 

Give your kids a financial head start.

SPREAD ‘EASTER JOY!’ WITH THE MANILA HOTEL’S MYSTERY EGG

 



This is the second year we would celebrate Easter without events featuring fun and games for kids or even their much-awaited Easter egg hunt. While we are all advised to stay at home and keep safe, parents can still bring joy into their homes with their kids' simple activity.  Putting a spin on the popular Mystery Boxes that are being sold online, The Manila Hotel offers the “Easter Joy! Mystery Egg,”—a giant egg hand-made from Belgian chocolates that kids and adults alike can enjoy cracking open to discover what’s inside. The Mystery Egg is the highlight of The Manila Hotel’s “Easter Joy! Raffle,” held on April 5, 2021, at 2 pm via Facebook Live (@TheManilaHotel). 

Every purchase of the Mystery Egg for only P2,500 nett from now to April 4, 2021, gives guests a stub for the raffle, wherein they can win the major prize of a Chromebook laptop—a perfect gadget for online classes and workshops kids can enjoy. They can also win one set of The Manila Hotel Gelatos and The Manila Hotel’s Willy The Bear.

The Manila Hotel also partnered with several groups to help make the Easter celebration a little more special for kids. Mystery Egg buyers also get the chance to win passes to online kiddie workshops from Make Believe Productions, like Superhero Art, Groovebeats Dance Workshop, Imaginart: Drawing and Painting for Kids, and Make Believe N’ Yoga for Kids; Activity Kits for kids from Kits For Kids by RC Lab like My Body Care Lab Kit, 25-in-1 Science Bear Experiment Kit, and Fizzy Easter Activity Kits; and also Introductory Visit to The Little Gym online classes.  The Easter Joy! Mystery Egg is available from now until April 4 (Easter Sunday), 6 pm and may be ordered for pick-up or delivery by calling 85270011 or 0998-9501912. Bulk orders must be done in advance. The Manila Hotel’s Deli sells various Easter-related chocolates and goodies that can be ordered for pickup or delivery. 
 


Friday, March 26, 2021

Your Fave Celebs and Influencers Are Living the Presko Period Life — and We Want In


Do you ever see another girl’s feed and wonder how they can pull off looking fresh and confident as if they don’t experience discomfort during that time of the month? Even your fave K-pop female idols, big-time Hollywood actresses, and all-time hit singer-songwriters go through periods. And with their jam-packed scheds that most likely involve visits to the waxing salon, derma, fittings, and travels, have you ever wondered how they’re able to do all of these tasks and still look fresh and confident on their red days?

We asked some of the hottest trending social media stars that you’re most likely up to date with, and they spilled the tea on just how much they prep when that time of the month comes. And as it turns out, it involves a lot of planning. They’ve scheduled every second of their time up to the T whenever they’re on their periods to avoid sweaty and stuffy napkin mishaps.

And it’s not as easy as they seem to make it. But their recent discovery of the New Whisper Breathable — their new holy grail pad — helped them take a breather, unlike their previous napkins. This Whisper cotton pad variant has thousands of airflow vents that let air pass-through for a light and airy feeling. And if you’re wondering how they’re able to move freely even on their period, the Whisper Breathable has new super soft wings that can help reduce thigh irritation. They even can go through their days without checking for leaks with the new and improved top-sheet with deep anti-tagos channels.

 


Andrea Brillantes shared how a sweat and stuffy napkin hinders her from moving freely on shoots or when she does physical activity. “That's why shoutout to all the girls out there dahil we now have Whisper’s NEW revolutionary pad! Nakakaexcite to share this with you all kasi the NEW Whisper Breathable has thousands of presko air vents that let you breathe down there. Kaya no more sweaty and stuffy feeling!”

Kyline Alcantara gave the New Whisper Breathable pads a try, and least to say that she loved the presko feeling. I get so kilig talaga every time I receive packages. But now, I’m more excited because I just got Whisper’s NEWEST Breathable Cotton Presko kit! I've seen it all over social media —and girls, I finally understand why you all love it!!”

 


And it’s not just them who’ve shared their love for the presko with Whisper experience. Thousands of Filipina girls have switched to the new Whisper Breathables and swore never to go back to their old, stuffy, sweaty napkin. From this day forward, all they want are presko days with Whisper. 

Don’t miss out and give yourself the breather your body deserves when on your period. For a presko period, try the new Whisper Breathable with thousands of airflow vents, available at all leading online stores, drugstores, and supermarkets. Share how the new Whisper Breathable lets you #HingaLangGirl by posting on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok with the hashtag. Visit the Whisper Facebook page for more updates.

 


Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Now more than ever, make bonding moments more sweet-sarap with Jolly Spaghetti

 

Jollibee’s new ad shows how parents can make bonding time with kids more fun!


Even though the pandemic means kids must stay home to be safe, it doesn’t mean that they can’t have any fun! Now that parents are spending more time with their kids, it’s best to make the most out of the situation and foster a joyful and exciting atmosphere at home. 

One great way to keep kids happy despite the current situation is to create new family activities that will make quality time together more memorable!  You can learn how to bake, expand their creativity through DIY arts and crafts or even explore the latest video games or social media trends—then complete your child’s day with a plate of the meatiest, cheesiest, and sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti. 

Watch the video here

The latest commercial from Jollibee encourages exactly this, showing that parents can do a lot of at-home activities for their bonding time. From interactive storytelling through role-playing, teaming up on building giant lego castles, and jamming to the new dance crazes and games together, there is always a way to make your children happy. 

To top it all, the meatiest, cheesiest and sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti is always guaranteed to make these daily bonding moments memorable and sweet-sarap na walang katulad, while being affordable, and easy and convenient to order. 

“Keeping your children happy by spending quality time with them is truly important during these challenging times. We’re glad to contribute to making family bonding moments with the kids sweeter and more fun with their all-time favorite Jolly Spaghetti.” said Jollibee Marketing AVP for Bestsellers Cathleen Capati.

The Jolly Spaghetti is available in all Jollibee stores nationwide for only Php 50 solo, and P200 as a Family Pan good for four to five people. Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Monday, March 22, 2021

Be healthier in 2021 with 100% plant-based meat

  


Aim to live a healthier lifestyle this 2021, and begin with healthy, more sustainable plant-based options


Are you aiming to be healthier this 2021? Your food choices are an excellent place to start! According to studies, what you eat daily has a significant influence on your health and how you feel, look, move, and work. Moreover, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, eating healthy has become even more vital to boost immunity and fight off diseases. 


So if you’re planning to switch to a healthier and cleaner lifestyle, shifting to plant-based meat is a viable option to consider. Just recently, Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF) has unveiled its newest brand, unMEAT, a 100% plant-based meat that looks, feels, and tastes like real meat.


unMEAT is packed with simple ingredients that you can generally find in culinary kitchens, making it affordable, with a price similar to meat price. It is also a good source of fiber and protein. It is cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free. 


Because of its natural and nutritious ingredients, consumers can enjoy their food while taking suitable health measures to lower heart disease risk, diabetes, and cancer. Growing evidence also shows that following a balanced plant-based diet may even manage chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.   


“unMEAT is ideal for flexitarians and consumers who are looking for healthier, more sustainable meat alternatives that look, feel and taste like real meat,” says CNPF EVP and COO Greg Banzon. “unMEAT is also our answer to the growing demand for more affordable nutrition that is tasty and accessible for all.” 


Century Pacific has received several requests from potential retailers and foodservice customers since its intro a few weeks back. As such, UnMEAT has now become available via online shopping platforms and increasingly in supermarkets and specialty stores nationwide. It will also be offered to customers across a network of 80 countries such as the USA, Singapore, China and the Middle East giving consumers in many parts of the world easy access to tasty, healthy, and affordable 100% plant-based meat alternative. 


Aim to live a healthier lifestyle this 2021, and begin with healthy, more sustainable plant-based options like unMEAT. Experience the goodness of unMEAT with our 100% plant-based burger patties, sausages, nuggets, and giniling. It’s unBELIEVABLY Meat-free & unDENIABLY tasty! #MeetunMEAT! 

 

You may avail of unMEAT via Swift Meat E-Tindahan m.me/swiftfoods and through these links: bit.ly/unmeatshopee bit.ly/unmeatlazmall

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Philippine universities get ready to face off at first-ever virtual EU Whiz: Filipino Youth of the fEUture

 



Colleges and universities across the Philippines are set to gear up for the much-anticipated EU Whiz: Filipino Youth of the FEUture—an annual inter-collegiate competition spearheaded by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines

Since 2006, the EU Whiz has been a fun and exciting way for Filipino students to showcase their knowledge and understanding of the EU and EU-Philippine relations. 

The EU and the Philippines have enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial partnership for many years now,” said EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron. “The EU Whiz is a fun and exciting way for a new generation of Filipino youth to rediscover the ties and common history that bind our people together. It also introduces them to the EU, its institutions, and our partnership with the Philippines.”

Apart from the quiz, the EU Whiz: Filipino Youth of the fEUture has been expanded to include two more events—the “My Space, My Rights” video competition, and the “Green ECO I See” digital art competition. This year also marks the first time that all events will be held online as a result of the pandemic.

“The EU has always been passionate about celebrating the inherent talent and creativity of young Filipinos,” said Ambassador Véron. “Given the current restrictions, we have decided to bring the competition to the virtual stage in the hopes of engaging even more students and universities across the country.”

All three competitions are open to bonafide Filipino students currently enrolled in Philippine universities for Academic Year 2021. Interested students must form a group of three members to participate. Cool gadgets and exclusive EU Whiz items await the winning teams. 

Online submission of applications will run from March 17 to May 1, 2021. The competition will culminate in a virtual awarding ceremony to be live-streamed on the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines Facebook page on June 26, 2021. Full mechanics and details for all three competitions are available at https://eeas.europa.eu/philippines or https://euwhizfyf2021.engage.eu/. Competition updates will also be posted on the official social media pages of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines (Facebook: @EUDelegationToThePhilippines, Twitter: @EUinthePH, and Instagram: @euinthephilippines).

As part of the activities, the general public will also be enjoined to participate in The MorEU Know—a weekly social media trivia on general EU facts. 

Starting April 2021, a Question of the Week will be posted on the official Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines Facebook page. Audiences can comment on the posts with the correct responses for a chance to win cool gadgets and accessories courtesy of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

#IntelligentPR gets Comm&Sense nominated for Agency of the Year at Ph Quills

Jaeger L. Tanco, Comm&Sense founder and president


Comm&Sense’s big bet on data-driven communications - or simply, “Intelligent PR” - appears to be a step in the right direction as the agency was nominated for the Agency of the Year award for the second time in a row on the back of its record haul of 15 Philippine Quill Awards from the International Association of Business Communicators - Philippines.

Leading the 15 recognitions is the collaboration between Comm&Sense and leading health maintenance organization (HMO) PhilCare which produced the PhilCare Community Quarantine (CQ) Wellness Index, a study on the state of well-being of Filipinos as they faced the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rolled out in the summer of 2020, the PhilCare CQ Wellness Index looked into the actual state of well-being of Filipinos while in quarantine. The study also examined how various sectors of society across the country responded to the effects of the lockdowns and the pandemic as a whole. 

The PhilCare CQ Wellness Index received two top division award nominations: One for Excellence in Communications Research and the other for COVID Communications, a special division in this year’s Quills dedicated to business communication efforts in response to the pandemic. 

Apart from these, Comm&Sense and its affiliates received awards for its collaborations with clients in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, financial services, and healthcare services. 

A full-service digital PR agency established in 2005, Comm&Sense has since then always believed and practiced #IntelligentPR, which is rooted in data, whether from clients or from research. Data and actionable insights are crucial in each communication plan the agency makes for campaigns to have impact on their respective target audiences.

The data-driven content is then followed by creative execution and smart amplification. Together, the three elements are what clients need to build credibility with their respective customers. 

The relevant insights gathered by PhilCare CQ Wellness Index were then amplified through both traditional and online media and would serve as a springboard for the HMO to come up with the appropriate action given the continuing pandemic.

This win at the Quill Awards just goes to show that our brand of #IntelligentPR just makes sense. For the last 15 years, we at Comm&Sense have made sure that each campaign and communication plan we come up with answers clients’ communication needs and responds well to the needs of their respective audiences. We are truly honored to have pushed the bounds of PR with this feat,” said Comm&Sense founder and president Jaeger L. Tanco.

He added that the agency was honored to be part of the successes of its clients and thankful that they were able to help especially during the pandemic.

Comm&Sense Director Eusebio H. Tanco, for his part, said that the agency’s awards were a validation of its move towards data-driven communications.

Through data, we were able to understand the public more. People want hard proof, especially when making important decisions, whether they be personal or for business. We were able to communicate with them the way they wanted even before this new normal. It has definitely helped Comm&Sense create successful campaigns and we’re proud of that,” EHT said. 

Friday, March 5, 2021

Calling all #Mamazing Moms! Share your special recipes on TV through the I Love Ajinomoto contest



Top entries will be featured on Ajinomoto’s cooking show “Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well” on GMA-7


Moms are certainly #mamazing and most even possess undeniable skills like kitchen wizardry. They are known for making special, healthy, and delicious meals for the family, no matter the budget. Their cooking is so well-loved that many kids grow up comparing dishes to the ones their mothers made.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) is supporting moms everywhere to make more amazing meals with the Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show. Hosted by #mamazing celebrity mom Iya Villania and chef Jose Sarasola, the 10-minute cooking show airs every Friday, at 11:20 am on GMA-7, with episodes also uploaded on the Ajinomoto Cookmunity® Facebook page.

With our newest cooking show, we want to help moms and even any member of the household discover and make better choices for their family through simple yet delicious recipes that anyone can do at home. Through the help of Iya and Chef Jose, our #mamazing moms and homecooks can easily whip up their own nutritious and delicious dishes perfect for the family just by using the AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning or AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix, says Roann Co, APC General Manager Marketing and Public Relations.

The “Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well” cooking show treats viewers into 13 exciting episodes, which feature different recipes fit for every meal and occasion in the household. With every episode, #mamazing moms and homecooks can learn more ways on how to use the versatility of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and  AJI-GINISA® in making healthy, delicious, and even low-sodium dishes. 

Meanwhile, APC also launched the “I Love Ajinomoto” microsite, a virtual cookbook where moms and homecooks can share their recipes and get inspiration from their fellow kitchen wizards. To encourage them to contribute, APC rolled-out the I Love Ajinomoto contest with exciting prizes up for grabs.

To join, interested participants just need to visit iloveajinomoto.ph and share a recipe using AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning or the AJI-GINISA®. Apart from moms, anyone in the family who is at least 18 years old can join in too. Submissions just need to include the complete recipe, a photo of the final product, and a picture of the family doing the heart gesture with the dish. Participants can even submit more than one recipe.

Each week, up to top five recipes will be featured on the Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show on GMA-7Senders whose recipes were shared will also receive a gift certificate and a selection of Ajinomoto products.

We are excited for our #mamazing moms and homecooks to share their recipes and even have it featured on our Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show. We hope that this initiative can inspire Filipino families to serve more delicious and healthy dishes for more enjoyable meal times,” adds Co.

The I Love Ajinomoto contest and Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show are both part of APC’s Eat Well, Live Well promise, which aims to create quality products and services for good food and better health among Filipinos.

Do you have a #mamazing recipe to share? Simply visit iloveajinomoto.ph and your dish might be the next star to be featured on the Eat Well, Live Well. Stay Well cooking show! 

Meanwhile, visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph and follow @mamazingmoms on Instagram for more information.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

How to support a loved one diagnosed with cancer

 

Showing support for people with cancer can make a big difference in their quality of life. 


Learning that your loved one has cancer is difficult news to hear. Suddenly, you have so many questions not just about cancer, but on what to say to comfort your loved one, how to act around him/her, and what you can do to make the situation more bearable. Your loved one may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed, but there are ways to provide help and support to somehow ease the burden of the illness. 

As a partner in helping people through difficulties in life, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offers ways to help families prepare if a loved one is diagnosed with cancer:

Get facts about the cancer diagnosis. Sometimes fear and worry come from uncertainty. During this time, try to obtain as much information about the cancer diagnosis, so you can help your loved one through the decision-making process. Some basic questions you might want to consider are: What is the type and stage of the cancer? What are the treatment options? How will the treatment help him/her? What are the effects of the treatment?

For eligible policyholders, AXA Philippines also offers Preferred Consultation and Care, a value-added service to help patients make informed decisions in case of diagnosis of cancer or heart disease with the expert advice of top U.S. specialists. This service also comes with a Personal Care manager who can help you navigate your treatment journey so you can focus on your recovery. 

Offer practical help. Getting a cancer diagnosis may have drastic physical changes on the person. He/she may lose weight and appetite, experience hair loss, and feel weak or fatigued. Try to anticipate these changes, and do what you can to help, such as running errands, cooking meals, and driving to the hospital, among other things. And if you offer to help, just make sure you’re also ready to follow through for your relative. 

Be the emotional support. Showing support for people with cancer can make a big difference in their quality of life. Let them know that you’re there for them when they need to talk to about their fears and worries regarding their condition. Share a joke or laugh with them, if it seems appropriate, and try to keep your relationship as normal as possible or the way it was before the diagnosis. At the same time, respect them and their boundaries if they ask for privacy and independence.

Being diagnosed with cancer can have a drastic effect on the patient and his/her loved ones. As such, it’s important to stay informed and find support, be it physical, emotional, or financial help. With Preferred Consultation and Care, AXA Philippines can be your partner in this. For more information, talk to an AXA agent via the landline +632 8 5815-292.

Monday, March 1, 2021

unMEAT Nuggets and Kamote Fries


unMEAT Nuggets and Kamote Fries
unMEAT Nuggets and Kamote Fries


INGREDIENTS

4- 6 pcs unMeat Nuggets, fully thawed out 

1 pc medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cut into long strips like a French fry 

1/2- 1 cup oil (optional, may use other methods to cook the kamote fries)  

Optional: dipping of your choice  

PROCEDURES

1. Heat oil in a medium-sized saute pan. Use medium heat.  

2. When the oil is hot enough, carefully drop the nuggets in them to cook for 4-5 minutes. The color should be nice and golden. Fish them out and drain on paper towels. 

3. In the same pan, caref:ully drop your sweet potato fries and cook until the fries are golden brown. Should take no longer than 8-10 minutes (depending on how thinly you have cut your fries). Drain on paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. 

4. Serve the nuggets with cooked fries with an optional dipping sauce on the side.