Sunday, May 29, 2022

Breville Philippines Upgrades Espresso Machine Collection with the new Barista Touch®



What makes a good coffee experience?   

For caffeine lovers, there is a sense of romanticism that comes with the whole experience of lining up at a cafe and having a pro customize their drinks. After all, is there anything else that can make you feel special other than the knowledge that your morning coffee is in the hands of someone who knows their craft?   

But here’s something to think about. How would it make you feel if you can create your own cup of joe with the same level of precision and perfection as your go-to barista?  

This is exactly what premium home lifestyle brand Breville Philippines offers with the newest and most innovative addition to their collection of top-tier espresso machines. Introducing the Barista Touch®, an intuitive and smart model that simplifies each step of coffee-making while retaining the premium quality of every cup.   

“Helping coffee lovers better understand, appreciate, and create third-wave coffee has always been one of our goals,” Haj Cortez-Flores, F&B Business Unit Manager of Breville Philippines shares. “If you take a look at our collection of espresso machines, everything is aligned with that vision. We have the Barista Express which is more suitable for those who want to create their own drinks at the comforts of their homes and the Dual Boiler which is more suitable for start-up businesses. We have something for every type of coffee enthusiast, which makes it perfect sense for us to launch the new Barista Touch.” 

When asked about the newest model, Flores described it as the glammed-up version of their current best-seller, the Barista Express. “It is the perfect model if you want an entry-level espresso machine that can give you the same quality as store-bought drinks, but it does have features that can be taken to another level.”  

A good example of this, according to Flores is milk texturing. Users can try microfoam milk texturing by hand using the model’s steam wand if they want to create latte art or enhance the flavor of their drink. The challenge is that it can be a little tricky to pull off, especially for beginners.   

This is where the Barista Touch® comes in. Breville Philippines decided to up their game by marrying the best features of their best-selling model with improved user experience. In a nutshell, this model is a simpler and much more intuitive espresso machine that gives coffee lovers the best of both worlds—ease of use and quality cups of joe.  

The Barista Touch still covers the top four elements that Breville believes make up top-tier drinks: dose control grinding, precise espresso extraction, ideal temperature, and milk foam texturing. The model, however, comes with an automatic steam wand that lets you easily adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste, as well as a one-touch coffee grinder with customizable grind size and dosage settings.  

One of the best things about the Barista Touch®, moreover, is its intuitive system. You can easily customize your drink in three easy steps by choosing the right Grind, Brew, and Milk settings, and other aspects of the drink like coffee strength and temperature. To top it all off, you can save up to eight personalized coffee settings so you can easily create your preferred drinks with just a push of a button.  

“The Barista Touch is like the meeting of the best of both worlds. It delivers quality, but it also makes the overall process so much smoother for our users, which I think is very important. If you ask any coffee lover, I’m sure they will agree that experience is a big part of their appreciation and love for coffee. We don’t just want to help them create their own drinks, we now bring the experience right in their very homes by giving them ‘the barista touch,’” Flores finishes.  

The Barista Touch® is available in Breville outlets and select brand carriers. Know more about the newest model by visiting their website at Breville Philippines and following their Facebook page and Instagram account.

Friday, May 27, 2022

4 things to expect at the #PMC2MillionStrong celebration

 

Ain’t no party like a 2-million-strong community party! 

Power Mac Center (PMC) recently hit another milestone after its online community on Facebook reached two million followers. To celebrate, the premier Apple partner is hosting a fun shopping weekend in gratitude to its patrons and loyal Apple enthusiasts in the country.

“The community we’ve built on Facebook has been instrumental in helping Power Mac Center grow into what it is today. With every engagement and interaction that we get on our social media pages, we are inspired to push harder in our mission of bringing world-class technology to Filipinos. This celebration is also our way of letting our patrons know how we’re thankful for our online community, as they help us improve how we serve their Apple needs. We look forward to more years of touching lives, sharing joy, and connecting with more people through technology and innovation,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director of Product Management, Marketing, and Space Planning.

PMC’s Facebook community serves as an avenue to inspire Apple users to showcase their creativity, simply have fun, and also work together for worthy causes. To celebrate its monumental growth, PMC prepared special surprises for customers and lucky fans.

1. …but first, a trip down memory lane

PMC joined Facebook on January 4, 2009. Back then, it was cool to “poke” your friends and status updates can only begin with “is.”

Over the years, it has built a lot of moments that led to the 2-million-strong PMC online community today. Among the most notable memories are the 20th anniversary celebration, which also coincided with the launch of 1 Infinite Access (then 1 Infinite Card) – PMC’s loyalty program; the successful blasting off into cyberspace of the Power Mac Center Web Store in 2019; and the much-anticipated annual launch of the latest iPhone series, particularly the “Journey to iPhone 13” livestream last year – PMC’s first-ever full online iPhone launch event. In all of these initiatives, fans generously shared their thoughts and their time to connect with fellow Apple lovers.

See some of PMC’s monumental Facebook memories at Power Mac Center’s official Facebook page.

2. Let’s take 5 (percent off)

Now, this is the fun part! As a simple treat to all customers and Facebook followers, ALL devices and accessories can be purchased at any Power Mac Center store nationwide at 5% off from May 27 to 29, 2022. Take home the latest iPhone 13 in 256GB for only P56,990.50 from the original price of P59,990, or get as much as P10,000 off on the 16-inch MacBook Pro Apple M1 max chip 1TB Space Gray.

The promotion is valid for cash and straight transactions, including straight credit card, debit card, bank transfer, check, HomeCredit, GCash, GrabPay, WeChat, AliPay, PayMaya, Hello Money, UnionPay, BDO Pay, ShopeePay, QRPH, Power Mac Center gift certificate, and trade-in value. No vaccination card or 1 Infinite Access membership required, but other terms and conditions will apply.

3. That shipping has sailed

Should you prefer to do your shopping online, PMC is also offering FREE shipping nationwide for a minimum purchase worth P2,500 on its official Web Store and Viber Store from May 27 to 29, 2022. Choose from a wide variety of devices and accessories, including iPhone, iPad, Watch, and Mac in a few clicks or taps on your device.

4. Join the fun online!

Stay updated on the latest announcements on deals, discounts, promos, and keep on visiting Power Mac Center’s Facebook page for more surprises in the coming weeks! Invite your family and friends to also like and follow PMC on Facebook so they can join the #PMC2MillionStrong celebration.

Established in 1994, PMC was born at a time when people didn’t think it was wise to invest in the Apple business. PMC’s founders embraced Steve Jobs’ “Think Different” mentality and built today’s largest network of Apple authorized retail stores, repair and service centers, and education resellers in the Philippines. It carries the entire Apple line in its stores, as well as a variety of premium products from partner brands.

Even better, PMC allows payments via installments with zero interest and no down payment to partner major banks and non-credit card installment options such as Home Credit to cater to all customers and enable them to invest in the quality of Apple devices that are easy on the pocket.

Join the growing community and be updated on the latest announcements, deals, and discounts! Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-143655 Series of 2022

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Get the best version of your skin in 7 days!





Unlock this secret now: 7 days is all you need to get the best version of your skin!


Clinical trials reveal 100% proven results

Collagen makes up about 80% of the skin and is a crucial element for building proteins. But by the time one turns 25, the skin begins to lose this key element. As the skin loses more collagen over time, it becomes harder for the skin to stay smooth and plump. 

For decades, global beauty brand Avon has innovated with technology that set the benchmark for skincare. This year, the company’s latest innovation is the breakthrough skin-care product Anew Renewal Serum, which promises healthier and future-proof skin in just 7 days. 

The Anew Renewal Serum harnesses the power of Protinol™️, a world-exclusive formula that works way quicker, gentler, and more effective than retinol, the previous benchmark in the category. 

Protinol™️ is designed to strengthen the skin’s foundation with a unique double collagen boost, restoring two types of collagen—collagen 1 and collagen 3, also known as baby collagen, that allow these small building blocks to bind together more efficiently.

Working together with niacinamide, the Protinol™️ in the Anew Renewal Serum helps restore baby skin in just 7 days, along with 7 powerful skin benefits—fine lines reduced, firmer and smoother-looking skin, more radiant glow, minimized pores, and stronger-feeling and more resilient skin. A clinical efficacy test conducted among women aged 40 to 65 years old reveal 100% proven results showing an improvement in at least one of these benefits after using Anew Renewal Serum.

What you do now affects your future—make preventative measures with Anew Renewal Serum as early as now before lines become visible, helping you future-proof your skin. 

Still don’t believe it? We dare you to put it to the test! Register at bit.ly/FutureproofARS to get a free sample and start your journey to become the next face of Avon Anew. To shop, contact your Avon rep or visit www.avonshop.ph and experience your best skin in just 7 days. 


Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Pru Life UK launches PRUHealth FamLove

PRUHealth FamLove

A first in the market to cover up to four family members in one policy

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK launches PRUHealth FamLove, a protection plan that shares the critical illness coverage to up to four family members in one policy, a first-of-its-kind product in the market. This is available for all Filipino families, including same-sex or common-law partners, parents, and adoptive children.

PRUHealth FamLove is a yearly renewable protection plan that provides long-term coverage until age 85 (applicable when the premium is continuously paid), against high treatment and hospitalization costs due to critical illness. 

According to a 2019 study by Mercer Marsh Benefits*, critical illness cost in the Philippines is the second most expensive in South East Asia. Lung cancer treatment costs can lead up to Php 2.78 million, stroke is for Php 1.8 million, while a heart attack is for Php 980,000**. 

Having critical illness protection is important as costs including long-term medication and care, and even loss of income can be covered by the plan’s critical illness benefits through the System and Organ Function Insurance (SOFI) concept. This feature makes the product unique in the market as it provides coverage should any major organs require surgery, without the need to remember the long list of critical illnesses.

PRUHealth FamLove is flexible and easy to avail as it comes in different packages, with the option to choose how many family members will be covered from one (self) to three – mySelf, myPartner, myChild, myFamily, myParent – depending on what suits the family’s protection needs. 

“Pru Life UK celebrates and nurtures every Filipino family of different types and sizes with PRUHealth FamLove. This protection plan focuses on their ever-changing needs by offering critical illness protection to the whole family,” shared Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Eng Teng Wong.  

“This innovation is a solid testament to our continuing commitment to promote financial inclusion by providing protection coverage to millions of underserved and unserved Filipinos to get the most out of life,” Wong added.  

For more detailed information about PRUHealth FamLove, customers may visit the Pru Life UK website or book an appointment with a Pru Life UK insurance agent.

This is the latest product offering from Pru Life UK, ranked number one by the Insurance Commission in terms of New Business Annual Premium Equivalent in 2021. 

References:

*8 Dec 2020. Philippines' Healthcare Cost Inflation Projected to Hit 10.1% in 2020: Mercer Marsh Benefits Study. https://www.asean.mercer.com/newsroom/philippines-healthcare-cost-inflation-mmb-study.html

** Cost of Critical Illness in the Philippines. https://digitalpinas.com/cost-critical-illness-philippines/

Monday, May 23, 2022

Usapang Canva: Mega Webinar To Empower Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Educators

 

Canva Philippines holds “Usapang Canva” for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and educators 


Canva Philippines will hold its first-ever Communities Mega Webinar, “Usapang Canva”, on May 26, 2022, which aims to educate freelancers, entrepreneurs, and educators on how they can utilize Canva in achieving their goals. The webinar is free and open to all and will be live-streamed on Canva Philippines’ official Facebook page

Canva is an online visual communications platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. With its drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, social media graphics, and posters, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone, including business owners, freelancers, and teachers, is empowered to bring their ideas to life. 

The Mega Webinar will feature demonstrations and learning sessions about Canva’s features including Canva Video Suite, Photo Editor, Smartmockups, and Quick Create, which are valuable for those creating visual content for their businesses, clients, or classes. Participants will also get a chance to take home free 3-month Canva Pro access. With Canva Pro, they can unlock other premium features such as multiple Brand Kits, Background Remover, Magic Resize, and Content Planner.

“We’ve seen how valuable Canva is for Filipinos, especially with the rise of the gig economy, online businesses, and distance learning. While these were all spurred by the pandemic, we believe that upskilling our communities of freelancers, negosyantes, and teachers don’t just stop even after we transition to the “New Normal”. We need to constantly upgrade their design skills so they can make the most of what Canva can offer,” says Maisie Littaua, Canva Philippines Head of Growth.

Canva Philippines harnesses the power of its communities in ensuring that design becomes accessible to all Filipinos. In its online communities Canva for Pinoy Freelancers, Canva for Negosyo, and Canva for Pinoy Teachers, members are empowered to share their ideas and provide design insights to fellow community members. Canva Philippines also hosts a series of interactive events within the communities to ensure that members are collaborating and connecting. 

For updates on the Mega Webinar, check out the “Usapang Canva” event page. To learn more about Canva, visit www.canva.com or follow Canva on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. Canva is also available for download on the App Store and Play Store.

Friday, May 20, 2022

AIA Launches AIA One Billion

 


AIA Launches AIA One Billion To Engage A Billion People To Live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives By 2030


AIA Group Limited (“AIA” or the “Company”; stock code: 1299) today announced the launch of AIA One Billion, a bold ambition to engage a billion people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives by 2030. As the largest pan-Asian life and health insurer, AIA is starting a movement to improve the health and wellness of individuals and help create a more sustainable future in Asia.

Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, said, “For more than a century, AIA has strived to make a significant, positive impact for our customers and communities. Launching AIA One Billion extends our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives far beyond our immediate customer base. AIA One Billion underscores AIA’s commitment to engage, educate and inspire communities across Asia to improve physical, mental and environmental wellness while championing financial inclusion.

The pandemic has increased people’s awareness of the importance of health and wellness. Yet populations in Asia are seeing an increase in lifestyle-related diseases, accounting for more than 70 per cent of all deaths

1 The World Health Organisation has warned that climate change will increase morbidity and mortality, especially in Asia

2. It is critically important for AIA to play a positive role and be at the forefront of helping our communities address these issues.”

Kelvin Ang, AIA Philippines CEO, said, “AIA Philippines is proud to commit to AIA One Billion. Our Save Lives initiative tracks the number of lives saved through our protection products. In addition, our Healthy Outcomes initiative monitors the health improvements of our Vitality members, and our ESG program is leading our transition to sustainable operations. AIA Philippines is joining the journey!”

Through partnerships, events, community programs and campaigns AIA One Billion will encompass all our interactions across our communities to engage and encourage everyone fromall walks of life to lead healthier lifestyles and help secure a healthier planet. As a first step tokick-start AIA One Billion, a regional social media campaign has been launched to invite people to ‘Join the Journey’. AIA ambassadors across the region will also support the initiative and rally communities to take action and drive broad positive behavioural change.

AIA has the ambition to become a global leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). AIA One Billion builds on our long-term strategy to make a difference to the sustainable development of our communities, and setting clear goals in line with our ambition to be a global leader in ESG. As part of its ESG reporting, AIA will track, measure, and report on progress towards the goal to engage one billion people by 2030 to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

Find out more about AIA One Billion: aia.com/aiaonebillion

Mom-fluencers Share Essential Baby Care Practices That They Trust


 

Here are a few tips from some of the internet’s favorite moms!


Every mom has her own methods when it comes to parenting, but one thing they have in common is they all go an extra mile to ensure they could provide the best way to take care of their babies.


Some amassed a following online after gaining the trust of other moms who are looking for more references when it comes to providing the best. Here are some of the most useful ways to give your baby the best care growing up.


  1. Less screen time, more playtime

A quick way for most parents today to keep their babies entertained is to have an animated and sing-a-long video about a family of sharks. While setting a smart device to a particular video is easier, studies have shown that playtime can actually help children in their physical, emotional, and social development.


“I believe that balance can be achieved,” says Danika Nemis (@danikanemis) “My baby can have screen time as long as she also has time for play outdoors. As a parent, it is your role to think of interesting and exciting activities for you and your kids!”


As a surfer mom to her 4-year-old daughter, she explains that these activities are learning experiences. “It is important that she learns from first-hand experience and then we supplement with screen time by showing her surf videos and other content that is aligned with our values and lifestyle."


  1. You can never be too clean

When it comes to keeping babies clean, it’s only natural for mommies to double-time—after all, babies have a very delicate and still-developing immune system. 


For foodie/beauty blogger and mom of 2, Maite Cruz (@mommygives), a clean baby means less worry. “As an OC mom, I make sure that my daughter is kept clean thru proper hygiene, regular washing of the whole body, and the use of necessary baby essentials that help in keeping her clean throughout the day.”


Most moms trust products that are gentle to the skin, naturally formulated, dermatologically tested and paraben-free so that the babies are not only clean but safe from skin damage.


“During the pandemic, with all the activities and games that my child engages in, keeping her clean seemed hard. But with the right baby essential products, keeping her clean the whole day made it easier,” shares Maite.


  1. Take time to prepare your babies’ meals

Some babies can be a bit picky when it comes to the food they’re eating. Most mommies have discovered a way to make eating fun and explore different food combinations. This is also why there are moms who actively shifted to preparing foods with no preservatives and artificial ingredients—which eventually became a movement on its own.


Momprenuer and content creator, Roxanne Montealegre (@roxannemontealegre) shares that she’s excited every time she prepares the food for her babies. “As someone who used to just dine/take out, I also just bought from baby stores online ready to mix or cereals and cookies but when my baby started getting sick, I started to research and learn how to prepare from scratch!” 




  1. Give them enough Zzzz’s

On average, babies need 14-18 hours of sleep every day, which means a sleepless baby often makes a sleepless mommy. Thankfully, a lot of gentle and calming tricks are available to help the little ones catch the uninterrupted and better Zzz’s. Dab cologne or rub a bit of lotion to keep them feeling cool, fresh, and comfortable.


“This has worked for me for years, a simple bedtime routine for Geof,” recounts Kaycee Enerva (@themachomom) when it comes to sleepy time with her son. “I snuggle him in,  I massage his legs and arms with baby lotion (which now he can’t live without!), and then I play ambient music with a matching bedtime story.”


Hindi ko pa tapos yung story I can hear him snoozing na. Then I get to do what I want like read books or binge my favorite series,” chimes Kaycee.

  1. Choose products that other moms trust

With a variety of products to choose from in the market, it might be overwhelming to pick out which are the best ones for your baby. That is why it’s helpful for a lot of parents to take advice from other parents when it comes to which products are actually effective and reliable.


With entrepreneur Tanya Marie Aguila (@tanyamairaaguila), she only trusts proven and tested quality products to provide the best care for her baby, especially as a first-time mom. “I made it a point to seek advice from “seasoned” moms when it comes to choosing products for my baby. I want the very best for my little one so not only do I do my research on ingredients and claims, but I also make sure to listen to real mom feedback so I’m 100% sure it’s a brand I can trust.”



Trusted baby care brands such as Avon Care Baby are suitable even for newborns and offer a wide array of Baby Skin essentials made with everything moms trust to provide gentle care for babies’ sensitive and growing skin—Wash & Shampoo, Lotion, and Cologne—all available in Calming and Gentle variants.


Clinically and dermatologically tested, Avon Care Baby products are free from allergens, alcohol, dye, and parabens and contain natural active ingredients.


So next time, you’re looking for help in taking care of a baby’s skin, look for the one made with everything your fellow moms' trust.


Shop for the Avon Care Baby and more of your favorite Avon Care products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.

Check out Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.


About Avon 

Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis.  Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter, and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation, we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group.  Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.