Start Strong: Make Your Health a Priority This Year

Every new year, we hear it time and again: This year will be different.

It’s a chance to quit those bad habits, tackle long-standing goals, and build a healthier future. With each January, we’re inspired by the promise of a fresh start—an ideal time to stop smoking, adopt cleaner habits, and finally prioritize well-being.

Yet, more often than not, these resolutions fizzle out. Plans that feel achievable in the moment tend to fade, proving unsustainable or simply out of reach. The truth is, waiting for the perfect time often leads to wasted opportunities.

That’s why investing in your health now is the best course of action. Seize this moment to make lasting changes, because the future you’re working toward deserves more than a fleeting resolution. It's about building the foundation for a healthier, stronger life—not just for this year, but for all the years to come.

Here’s how you can do it:

●      Get screened for preventable diseases like the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases

●      Drink more water daily

●      Incorporate short walks into your routine

●      Get quality sleep

●      Be mindful of what you eat

●      Consult your doctor about vaccination

 

Drink more water daily

Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, from digestion to joint health. Try carrying a reusable water bottle with you, and aim for small sips throughout the day. Gradually work up to drinking about four to six cups daily, adjusting based on your body’s needs and activity level.

Incorporate short walks into your routine

Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise. Try a two-minute walk after meals; it aids digestion, lowers blood pressure, and even helps regulate your blood sugar. Over time, you might find yourself gradually increasing your walking time as it becomes a natural part of your routine.

Get quality sleep

If you feel irritated or can’t think properly, there’s a chance that you may not be getting a restful sleep. Try setting a consistent bedtime and winding down with a relaxing routine. Limiting screen time and caffeine before bed can also help you fall asleep more easily.

Be mindful of what you eat

A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins like vitamin C, D, B6, B12, Omega-3, calcium, and iron supports everything from immunity to hormones. Start by adding more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, into your meals. These nutrient-dense foods help fuel your body with what it needs for optimal function.

Additionally, be conscious of your sugar intake; you can gradually cut down by swapping one sugary drink or snack each day with a healthier option, like herbal tea or a piece of fruit.

Get screened for preventable diseases

Regular screenings, like those for HPV, diabetes, or cholesterol levels, are essential. Catching potential issues early means they can often be managed or treated effectively before they become serious. Make it a priority to schedule these screenings annually or as recommended by your doctor.

Consult your doctor about vaccination

Vaccines prevent serious health issues, especially for HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases such as anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and genital warts.

Vaccination can significantly reduce your risk of developing HPV-related diseases. This simple step can help remove HPV from your list of potential health concerns, empowering you to focus on other aspects of wellness. Consult your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine.

Starting with these small, sustainable changes can lead to significant improvements in your health over time. By investing in your well-being today, you’re laying the foundation for a healthier, stronger future. Learn more on how to invest in your health at https://guardagainsthpv.ph/. 

This is an educational message provided by MSD Philippines.

Auntie Anne's Opens Larger Location at SM City Marilao

The legendary pretzel loved by many is now baking in a much bigger space at SM City Marilao.

Hand-rolled with love, Auntie Anne’s offers a variety of flavors such as Almond Nuggets, Cheese Pretzel Dog, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel, Cream Cheese Stix, Choco Chip Cream Cheese Stix, and Original Pretzel, among others. For added twist, you may also try other exciting treats like the newest Passion Fruit Cream Cheese Pocket.

Perfectly pair your favorite Auntie Anne’s baked pretzel with their signature freshly squeezed Lemonade Mixers available in four flavors—cucumber, blueberry, tamarind, and tropical punch. Handcrafted brews featuring espresso-based drinks are likewise offered, such as Americano, Cappuccino, Cafe Latte, Caramel Macchiato, Mocha and White Chocolate Mocha in hot and cold options.

For the ultimate pretzel experience, Auntie Anne’s offers Fresh Combos that let you choose your preferred pretzel, nuggets, stix, and savory variant partnered with a drink. They also have Pretzel Takeaway—a pretzel box you may create together with your favorite variants: Fresh Box—choice of any 2 Pretzels and 2 Stix; Stix Box - Choice of any 4 Stix; Pretzel Box - Choice of any 6 Pretzels; and Mix of Six – Choice of any 6 Pretzel/Stix/Nuggets.

Make sure to grab the world's most loved pretzels on your next visit and drop by Auntie Anne’s, located at the ground level of SM City Marilao. For updates on all things exciting in 2025, visit the mall’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SMCityMarilao.

Converge and Caritas Manila's Unang Yakap: Building Healthier Communities in 2024

Converge and Caritas Manila worked together to build an Unang Yakap community in Baseco, Tondo, Manila. Using the funds generated from the company’s silent auction, Converge has taken 14 pregnant and breastfeeding moms under its care to help provide their nutritional and medical needs in the next 1000 days.

Beyond empowering the country through fiber broadband services, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has also been bringing new life into communities in line with its commitments in the name of sustainability.

With one of its pledges anchored on creating positive community impact, Converge collaborates with organizations in different sectors, leveraging its capabilities, to create more opportunities for Filipinos to thrive.

The welfare and development arm of the country’s Catholic Church, Caritas Manila, bears witness to the company’s efforts in this regard. Since 2023, they have worked with Converge to lend helping hands to underprivileged mothers under its program called Unang Yakap. 

The initiative was established to provide nutritional assistance to pregnant and breastfeeding moms, as well as their infants, from birth through the next 1000 days – a critical period for a child’s growth and development. 

Participating in this initiative contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), ensuring a healthier and hunger-free world for all.

Converge leaders and employees worked together to prepare meals for the beneficiaries during the launch of the Unang Yakap community in Baseco.

Establishing an Unang Yakap Community

Taking its Unang Yakap efforts further, Converge completed a series of initiatives to continue supporting the program throughout 2024. Taking off from the celebration of Mother’s Day last year, Converge hosted a fundraiser with the help from the senior leaders under its women mentorship program, Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE. 

Several leaders, led by Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Uy, donated pre-loved items which were sold in a silent auction within the company. Nearly 100 high-grade, secondhand goods were collected and auctioned off, which generated over P100,000 worth of donations by the end of the exhibition sale. 

The funds raised allowed Converge to formally sponsor 14 women in Baseco, Tondo, and assist Caritas Manila to officially establish an Unang Yakap community in the area.

As a benefactor of these women, Converge supports the continuity of their nutritional and medical needs. Every day, Caritas Manila organizes feeding programs in the community, providing these women with nutritious meals and vitamins. They also receive regular check-ups and free laboratory tests and are engaged in various educational seminars such as proper taking care of their babies. 

“Sobrang nakakatulong sa amin lalo na walang trabaho ‘yung mister ko. Nakakatulong po ‘yung feeding sa amin sa araw-araw lalo na sa mga bata. Pagdating sa kalusugan, nakakapagpa-konsulta kami sa doktor at may mga laboratory test din na libre,” said Michelle, one of the beneficiaries of the program.

Additionally, Converge introduced new income streams for these mothers, as it also previously conducted training on social media and sales. Through its prepaid broadband brand Surf2Sawa (S2S), Converge explained how they could earn extra income as sales agents or resellers of top-up load to subscribers. 

Sharing Warmth through Giving

Converge made sure to spread joy and love with the community. They invited all the volunteers, recipients, and their children for a fun-filled gift-giving event last December. 

During the recent holiday season, Converge also didn't fail to spread some joy and love to the members of the community. Inviting all the volunteers, recipients, and their kids to a day of celebration, Converge hosted a fun-filled, gift-giving activity for them.

A handful of mentors and mentees from MentorSHE joined in the fun, getting together with the mothers and their little ones through dance, games, and raffle prizes. No one went home empty-handed as everyone received Noche Buena packages from the company.

Michelle and Joan, Unang Yakap beneficiaries of Converge in Baseco, Tondo.

“Masaya kami kasi may natanggap kaming biyaya at may nag-share ng blessings sa amin,” shared Joan, one of Baseco’s Unang Yakap beneficiaries. 

 “Natutuwa kami na bilang lider sa Converge, nakakatulong din kami sa kababaihan sa Baseco lalo na sa pag-nourish sa kanilang mga anak. Tuloy-tuloy ang programa na ito at sana marami pa kaming matulungang mga nanay sa Tondo,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado, who is also takes part in MentorSHE as a mentor.

With renewed hope and a stronger sense of community, the mothers left the celebration not only with gifts but also with the hope of a better future, knowing that despite financial barriers, good health and well-being is within reach with the aid of organizations that truly care.

New Year, New Bod: 5 Tips for Your Fitness Journey with Century Tuna

The New Year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and recharge your health goals. As the ultimate partner for a healthy lifestyle, Century Tuna is here to help you jumpstart your 2025 fitness journey with simple yet effective tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your progress, Century Tuna has your back every step of the way.

Here are five practical fitness tips from Mauro Lumba, the Century Tuna Superbod 2014 champion and personal fitness coach to Century Tuna brand ambassadors Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez, to guide you to the best you: 

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent

Big goals are achieved through small, consistent steps. Begin with manageable changes, like adding a 15-minute walk to your daily routine or swapping unhealthy snacks for nourishing options like Century Tuna Flakes in Oil. These small efforts compound into significant results over time. 

2. Plan Balanced, Nutritious Meals

Your fitness goals are fueled by what’s on your plate. Incorporate protein-rich foods like Century Tuna into your meals to support muscle recovery and boost energy. With a variety of flavors, including Herbs and Paella, Century Tuna makes eating healthy both easy and delicious.

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and fitness. Carry a water bottle wherever you go and stay hydrated to maintain energy levels, aid digestion, and improve your workout performance.

4. Move More, Every Day

You don’t need a gym to stay active. Find an activity you love—dancing, biking, or yoga—and make it part of your routine. Take inspiration from Century Tuna ambassadors Richard Gomez and Aga Muhlach, who began their fitness journeys 10 months ago and have been consistently incorporating exercise into their busy lifestyles ever since.

5. Keep Your Goals Realistic and Track Progress

Set realistic goals and celebrate your milestones along the way. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Keep a journal or use a fitness app to track your achievements and keep yourself motivated.

#TheBestYouStartsNow, and the New Year is the best time to take that first step on your #JourneytoSuperbod. With Century Tuna by your side, becoming the best you has never been more attainable.

For more information, please visit [Century Tuna Website] or follow Century Tuna on Facebook at [Century Tuna Facebook Page] or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

Converge Plants 600+ Endangered Trees, Exceeds Sustainability Goals

Converge engaged its supplier in Batangas, Ambtel Corporation, to join in the year-end tree-planting activity. 

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. rang in the holidays in 2024 by giving back to nature, partnering with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to plant around 600 seeds of the critically endangered Philippine teak in Lobo, Batangas, ensuring the sustainability of the province’s flora and fauna. 

Considered as the company’s gift  to the forest community in Lobo, Batangas - particularly the 200-hectare conservation site of the Philippine teak -  as well as ensuring furtherance of its environmental protection agenda, the tree-planting activity of Converge gathered 53 individuals including suppliers last December 2024.  

Lobo, Batangas is one of only two sites in the Philippines where the endangered Philippine teak can grow, the other one being Mindoro. 

“Through this partnership with Binhi, we are hitting UN Sustainable Development Goals No., 13, 15, and 1. This also allows us to give back to the planet and create positive community impact. We all know that our carbon footprint is particularly high during the holidays so we wanted to do our part to buck the trend and help in reducing it. Incidentally, this activity also helps us to engage our employees and provide a venue for them to appreciate our sustainability commitments,” said Jennifer Ambanta-Realubit, Converge Community Relations Manager. 

“We are your partners in promoting good environmental stewardship as the Converge headquarters in Pasig is powered by our geothermal plant; this is a natural and logical partnership between two environmentally-responsible companies,” noted Soleil Acu, Partnership Officer.

Converge employees planted around 600 seeds of the critically endangered Philippine teak in Lobo, Batangas. Binhi of the Energy Development Corporation closely coordinates with the forest community to ensure the seedlings will thrive. 

EDC’s Binhi program, now in its 15th year, is the biggest private sector-led forest restoration initiative in the country, and as of this year, counts 222 organizations as its partners in restoring denuded forests and rescuing threatened species of trees. 

Converge, in fulfilling its Sustainability Pillar of Giving Back to the Planet, targeted to plant 4,000 trees by end-2024. It has met and exceeded this goal, starting with the Sapang Bato, Pampanga tree planting in 2021, and culminating with this activity in Batangas. 

Converge employees and suppliers went on a 1-kilometer hike to the forest community where the seedlings of the Philippine teak are to be planted.

To solidify their partnership and significantly, pave the way for more forest restoration collaborations, Converge and EDC are eyeing to sign a Memorandum of Agreement in Q1 2025. 

“We aim to sustain this partnership as Converge, and companies everywhere adapt to the shift to a lower-carbon economy. We hope to pursue more projects in forest preservation next year and of course, we are keen to participate in other environmental causes,” noted Jay-Anne Encarnado, VP and Corporate Communications and Public Relations Head.

Pinakamasarap na JOY ng Pamilya: Jollibee's Chickenjoy Still the Best Joy for Every Filipino Family

At the heart of every Filipino family gathering, one source of joy consistently brings everyone together— Jollibee's Chickenjoy. Celebrated for its crispylicious, juicylicious, and best-tasting fried chicken, now at its biggest, Chickenjoy transforms any meal into a joyful experience that families eagerly look forward to when bonding. 

Standing the test of time, the Chickenjoyest experience has truly solidified its place as the ultimate symbol of Filipino family bonding, where each bite brings out the biggest smiles, the loudest laughter, and the warmest most heartfelt connections.

Even amidst life's challenges and the hustle of daily routines, sharing Chickenjoy with loved ones continues to rekindle that unique sense of joy among those you cherish most. 

Moving into 2025, Jollibee seeks to spread even more joy across households, as Chickenjoy not only satisfies cravings with its unparalleled taste, but also elevates family moments to unforgettable experiences and memories. 

“Every heartwarming memory created around the Chickenjoyest family-bonding reaffirms Jollibee as the family's choice, making each meal special with our superior taste, value, and the irreplaceable joy that only Chickenjoy can deliver,” said Luis V. Berba, Marketing Director for Masterbrand and Chicken. "We are deeply grateful and honored to be a major part of countless family gatherings in the Philippines, and even around the world, bringing joy and creating lasting memories with every serving. Every family’s joy is our own joy."

As Jollibee continues to serve more and more customers, Chickenjoy remains a classic staple, proving once again why Jollibee is the most beloved fried chicken brand in the Philippines.

Jollibee invites all families to come together and celebrate life and love by visiting their nearest Jollibee store. 

Experience the best-tasting and biggest Chickenjoy now, as the Chickenjoyest is also available for delivery via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda, as well as in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

ComClark Awarded for Streamlining SEC Corporate Reporting

Benedicto Bulatao, ComClark Chief Operations Officer 

ComClark Network and Technology Corp. (ComClark), parent company of Converge ICT Solutions, received an award from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its digital solution.  This system, the Company Investments and Financial Statistics System (CiFSS), processes data for over 500,000 Philippine corporations.  

Developed initially to mitigate pandemic-related contact, CiFSS now serves as the SEC's primary system for accepting corporate filings, including General Information Sheets (GIS) and financial statements (GFFS and SFFS).  ComClark Chief Operations Officer Benedicto Bulatao expressed satisfaction with the SEC's recognition, highlighting CiFSS's contribution to efficient government-private sector interactions.  

"We are pleased to be recognized by the SEC in addressing ease of doing business in government transactions with our deployed system for online submission of documents. This was borne out of necessity during the height of the pandemic, to limit contact between people, but as we’ve seen, it has proved useful and relevant post-pandemic and has set the standard for facilitating online transactions between government and the private sector,” said ComClark Chief Operations Officer Benedicto Bulatao

Developed in collaboration with Fortis Technologies Corporation, CiFSS is a key element of the SEC’s digitalization strategy, improving efficiency and transparency.  ComClark continues to provide innovative ICT solutions tailored to industry needs.