BDO in collaboration with OWWA honor overseas Filipinos during Migrant Workers’ Day celeb

BDO & SM brought fun & entertainment together with comedians MC & Lassy at the Migrant Workers' Day celebrations of DMW & OWWA recently held at the DMW office EDSA-Ortigas Ave., SM City North Edsa & SM City Bacolod. Aside from games & prizes, BDO shared financial tips to the Overseas Filipinos & responded to their inquiries on remittance services, loans, & insurance products.

BDO Unibank & the SM Supermalls in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) & the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), collaborated once again to honor the Overseas Filipinos.  

Spearheaded by the DMW & OWWA, Migrant Workers’ Day celebrations were held recently at the DMW office in EDSA-Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, SM North EDSA & SM City Bacolod, wherein BDO & SM Supermalls brought fun & laughter to the occasion together with comedians MC & Lassy. 

The migrant workers were treated to various fun & entertaining activities, including games & prizes as well as informative talks on financial education by BDO representatives & how BDO can help them reach their financial goals. 

“We at BDO recognize the important role of Overseas Filipinos–our Kabayans—in providing a better life for their families through the sacrifices they make,” said BDO Remittance SVP & Head Genie T. Gloria. “By ensuring the timely and seamless delivery of remittances to their beneficiaries back home, providing relevant financial solutions suited to their needs, as well as easy access to the other products & services of the bank, we are helping them provide a better future for their families.  BDO has consistently supported the plight of our Kabayans in tandem with the DMW & OWWA.”

For Joaquin San Agustin, SVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls, “The collaboration of BDO & SM Supermalls serves as a tribute to the Overseas Filipinos & their families. As our beloved customers, we would like to make them happy. This is our own way of recognizing the sacrifices of our OFWs. Long live our modern day heroes!”

Aside from the events in DMW office, SM North EDSA & SM City Bacolod, Migrant Workers’ Day celebrations were also held in SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao (Ecoland) & SM City Tuguegarao. Off-mall activities were also held in Clark, Pampanga; Bacoor, Cavite; and Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

ABOUT BDO UNIBANK, INC.

BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail services such as traditional loan and deposit products, treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking and microfinance, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, cash cards, credit cards, and online and non-online brokerage services.  

BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,600 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,600 ATMs nationwide.  It also has 16 international offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

The Bank also offers digital banking solutions to make banking easier, faster, and more secure for its clients.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of December 31, 2022. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph

BDO is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 

www.bsp.gov.ph 

For concerns, please visit any BDO branch nearest you, or contact us thru our 24x7 hotline (+632) 8631-8000 or email us via callcenter@bdo.com.ph.

Conti's presents a Heartwarming Tribute For Dads this Father's Day

Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant unveils a heartwarming tribute for dads this Father's Day

Beloved homegrown restaurant chain Conti's Bakeshop & Restaurant is offering a heartwarming toast to fathers with a duo of delightful treats.  

The first is a feel-good video featuring children and wives reading their heartfelt love letters to their fathers and husbands. They speak of the sacrifices fathers make, the love they give, and the strength they provide.

This video draws a captivating parallel between the extraordinary work that fathers accomplish both at home and in their careers, emphasizing that these are intricately interconnected. The genuine admiration, gratitude, and love captured in their family’s messages beautifully illustrate the unexpressed but deeply felt emotions that fathers evoke.

As a company that cherishes its employees as family, Conti's understands the importance of cultivating a supportive and nurturing environment. The Father's Day video campaign not only aims to celebrate fathers but also to uplift and delight Conti's dedicated dads, who pour their heart and soul into ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the year.

The video has been a hit with viewers and has already been shared multiple times. It's a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference. Click this link to see the video: https://www.facebook.com/contisph/videos/796734695197838

Additionally, to bring even more joy to their valued customers,  Conti's is serving up extra cheers through a special treat for dads with an exclusive pair of delights. 

Cheers to Dad with Cookieccino and Heineken

With every purchase of a regular-size Cookieccino, an indulgent creation featuring layers of coffee chocolate sponge and velvety cream with cookie dough on a butter cookie crust, adorned with Lotus Biscoff, we'll spice up your celebration with two cans of ice-cold Heineken Beer and a specially customized Conti's Dad bag. It's a recipe for a legendary Father's Day experience. 

Family Feast Fit for a King and his Family

For only P2,995, dive into family servings (good for 5-6pax) of Homemade Caesar Salad, Grilled Porkchops, Buttered Corn Rice, and Signature Baked Salmon. With every dine-in purchase of this bundle, you’ll get two free cans of Heineken Beer and a Conti's Dad Bag (until supplies last). We know how to pamper the king of the day! 

Advanced orders for Conti's Father's Day treats are now accepted via www.contis.ph, Conti’s messenger, or phone number 8580-8888. 

To know more about Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant visit www.contis.ph or check out their Facebook (@contispastryshopandrestaurant), Instagram (@contis_ph), and TikTok (@contisph) pages. They are also available on Grab and Foodpanda. 

Other pages bearing the name and images are fake. They do not in any way represent the brand. 

Ayn Bernos: Inspiring Change and Spreading Positivity Through Creativity

Ayn Bernos, former Binibining Pilipinas contestant, and creative online entrepreneur shares her inspiring journey as a creative online entrepreneur in Canva Philippines' "Usapang Canva" YouTube series.

Like many Filipinos who call themselves “raketeros” or “raketeras” (hustlers), Ayn Bernos, a former Binibining Pilipinas contestant considers herself as one, being a content creator, host, podcaster, business owner, or simply, a creative online entrepreneur.

“Social media is the main reason I get to do what I do. I use many platforms for every single endeavor [and] every part of my content creator life,” said Ayn. 

The Creative Force

Ayn’s professional career in the creative industry started when she had internships with digital marketing agencies and magazines. She then had her first career as a social media specialist. After years of building on those experiences, she was inspired to make her path. 

“What pushed me to take the leap outside of working for other people was creative freedom,” said Ayn. 

As someone who was not a designer, creating designs was one of Ayn’s biggest questions. Back when she was a one-woman team, doing all of the work was a challenge until she discovered Canva through her sister. 

“Canva has made a lot of things more accessible. As somebody who is not a designer, how do you create designs? Our team had the opportunity to learn, expand and execute our best ideas,” said Ayn. 

Managing Time, Content, and Team

As someone as busy as Ayn engaging with so many people, attending events and shoots, hosting, and more, planning is an integral part of her day-to-day life. To accomplish her content and many responsibilities, her collaboration and execution with her team is something she looks forward to. 

Whenever she has ideas, Ayn prefers on putting them all together traditionally on a pen and paper to create her skeletal structure which then transfers to her computer so it would be easier for her to show and present to the entire team. 

“I don’t have a 9 to 5 [working hours] as there is a lot where I have to be. When I have the time and I’m on the go, I simply look at the team’s progress in Canva and I see that my team is getting it together,” Ayn explains how collaboration with them works. 

Ayn, showcasing the first shirt printed for the Morena the Label team using their own machine when they started investing on their own equipment.

Empowering Filipinos

When asked what her proudest moments are, Ayn explained that it was the opportunity to create a community for Filipinos to embrace who they are and their own beauty, and this started when she was creating educational content. 

“I always say something about education, which is ‘work in progress’. My philosophy not just as a content creator, but also as an educator, as a student as well is that, you’re always supposed to be learning and there is no shame in that,” explained Ayn when asked what she wants to do in the future. 

“I am not only here because I empower other people but I have been empowered myself. My job as someone in this industry is to always keep the doors open because somebody opened them for me,” she concludes. 

Watch Ayn Bernos’ journey in this’ “Usapang Canva” YouTube video: Ayn Bernos Talks Content Creation | Usapang Canva

About Canva

Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on desktop, web, iOS, and Android.

Perfect Paradise to Celebrate Special Occasions

Paradise Dynasty,  The Podium

Birthdays are best celebrated with our loved ones in a special place where we can eat good food, it'll be like paradise. 

Recently,  we discovered a new place that's right for us - who're picky eaters and are hesitant to try different cuisines – Paradise Dynasty at The Podium.  We celebrated Ysa's birthday there.  Paradise Dynasty is known for its 8- flavored Xiao Long Bao or soup dumplings so we did not miss the chance to order and try these. And those were indeed delicious 👌. The flavors are Signature Original,  Garlic,  Ginseng,  Foie Gras,  Szechuan,  Cheese,  Crab Roe, and Black Truffle. They serve authentic Chinese cuisine and every food is tasty. 

Here's what we had:  

Dynasty Crispy Chicken - P368

La Mian with Braised Pork Belly in Signature Pork Bone Soup- P330

Drunken Chicken - P288

Egg Fried Rice- P288 

Pan Fried Dumpling - P168

Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (XLB)- P488

La Mian served with Double-boiled Chicken soup - P330

Fried Rice in Shanghai Style - P288

Here's what we love about Paradise Dynasty:  

✅ The food is superb but not too pricey and very delicious especially the XLB and their crispy fried chicken 👌

✅ The ambiance is sophisticated and cozy, you will experience an authentic and beautiful Chinese luxury setting

✅ The staff are attentive, almost no waiting time. 

Happiest birthday, our princess Ysabelle!  😘

We are happy to have a new restaurant to go to to satisfy our cravings.

Paradise Dynasty The Legend of Xiao Long Bao is located at:   

📍 S' Maison - 8 8288333

📍 The Podium - 8 6823333

📍SM Aura Premier - 8 4783333

PISO FOR PAWSSION: Conti's Teams Up with NGO to Give Voice to the Voiceless

Conti's Bakeshop and Restaurant with Pawssion Project representatives

Conti's Bakeshop and Restaurant has added a side dish of compassion for our furry friends to the menu of beneficiaries of its outreach program and the food chain’s customers can lend a helping hand too. 

Its latest partnership is with the Pawssion Project Foundation, Inc., a 5-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals in distress. Through the PISO FOR PAWSSION Campaign, Conti’s customers can donate cash through coin banks in select Conti’s stores that will go directly to the foundation in full to support its continuing mission to provide a loving and caring home to more rescued animals.

“As we further expand our network and our number of stores, we thought of expanding our list of partner organizations as well and include not just disadvantaged people in need of help but also a community of cats and dogs who are abandoned, neglected, or unwanted that need shelter and care,” said Patricia Buzon-Chinjen, the restaurant chain’s marketing director. 

The partnership also demonstrates Conti’s commitment to sustainability, as it donates meat scraps from its restaurants to Pawssion. This helps augment the food requirements of the animals under the organization’s care while minimizing waste and promoting a sustainable approach to the food chain’s operations.

“The partnership with Conti’s was such a big help for us. When we have steady suppliers, that means we have more time to focus on all the other projects that we have for our animals,” notes Pawssion Project founder Malou Perez. 

Perez, while explaining the group's vision, urged people to choose kindness towards animals, who offer unconditional love to their caretakers. She said, “Let’s choose to be kind. “These are living beings who give the most genuine love and care.”

Conti’s believes that blessings have a way of coming full circle and that the abundance of blessings leads to a greater inclination towards generosity to those in need including our furry friends.

To support Pawssion Project thru a donation, sponsorship, or adoption, please visit https://pawssionproject.org.ph/ . To know more about Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant, visit their website at http://www.contis.ph/ or check out their Facebook (@contisph) and Instagram (@contis_ph) pages. Other pages bearing our name and images are fake. They do not in any way represent the brand. 

Cervical Cancer: Understanding a Fatal Female Diseases

Leading health and beauty retailer Watsons encourages the public to stay protected against cervical cancer. 

In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among Filipino women, especially those aged 15 to 44 years old. 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly and from that number, 4,052 of them succumb to the disease. What’s more, cervical cancer also puts women at higher risk of miscarriage and infertility. 

Certain strains  of the Human Papillomavirus or HPV are the main cause of cervical cancer. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. Sexually active people, even with just one partner, can get HPV. This can be passed on even when they have no signs or symptoms of the infection.  Fortunately, HPV is a vaccine-preventable disease. 

"Vaccination provides an extra layer of protection. We are working to help build healthier communities by making vaccination more convenient and ensuring that customers always have access to accurate health information," says Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons. 

Symptoms

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix which connects the vagina, the birth canal, to the upper part of the uterus. Commonly known as the womb, the uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, and the risk grows with age as this occurs most often in people aged over 30.

Unfortunately, cervical cancer may not show signs and symptoms in its early stages. More often than not, it's already in the advanced stage when there's bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is abnormal for you, including bleeding after sex.

If you start noticing any of these signs, immediately see your doctor. The symptoms may be caused by something else, but the only way to know you have cervical cancer is to see your doctor.

Prevention

Schedule your regular screening tests with your doctor. The Pap test, commonly known as Pap smear, looks for precancerous cells.

You can also have a regular HPV test since it looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. But the greatest preventive measure against cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine not only protects you against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer but also the types of HPV that cause vaginal and vulvar cancers. This vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years old but can be given at age 9, with your family doctor's go signal.

If you missed the HPV vaccine in your preteen years, you can still get it until 26 years of age. Although it's not recommended for everyone older than 26, you can still talk to your doctor about it and get vaccinated until 45 years old.

Cancer is a life-altering disease that everyone wishes to avoid. To ensure that the women in our lives live long and happy lives, we must encourage them to prioritize their health and choose to be protected against all preventable diseases.

As every Filipino's health partner, Watsons makes it easier for you to have a good quality of life. You can easily schedule your HPV vaccination through the Watsons Health Hub or visit any of the 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide and ask their pharmacists. On your vaccination day, a free doctor’s assessment is included in their service.

Stay Protected

Photo from Watsons

Through Watson’s amazing network, they’re able to provide you with different products and services to ensure that you can look after your overall health and wellness through accessible and affordable means. From June 15 to July 15, 2023, the Watsons Hub in SM North EDSA The Grand will offer free teleconsultation services to Watsons Pharmacy customers.

In partnership with The Medical City, the teleconsultation can provide patients with enhanced remote care through in-depth, physical examinations such as checking the heart rate, lung sounds, throat exam, ear exam, and taking temperature. After getting your diagnosis, you can buy the doctor’s prescription at the Watsons Pharmacy beside the clinic.

Summer Pahabol Ideas but Indoors: Going All-Out with Grab for a bahaycation

And just like that, Summer is almost over. As the monsoon season rears its head, it’s time to end Summer with a climactic bash – indoors! No fussing over the moody weather for the perfect farewell fête to this season. And with the array of adventures made possible by leading superapp Grab, a bahaycation may just be the best Summer hurrah for you and your loved ones. 

Here are some ideas for your pahabol Summer adventures!

Host a laidback indoor foodie party

Summer is all about enjoying the company of loved ones through special moments shared with one another. What better way to bid Summer adieu than just relaxing and unwinding with your favorite persons at home? 

And thanks to reliable online food delivery platforms like GrabFood, you can curate a unique gastronomic experience from a wide range of cuisines with just a few clicks. GrabFood touts a culinary expedition like no other – from its exclusive food merchants on GrabFood Signatures, to its must-try community mom-and-pop shops on IndieEats. 

Embrace the convenience of online delivery and free yourself from the kitchen hassles. Instead, devote your time to connecting with your loved ones while eagerly anticipating the arrival of your favorite dishes. And don’t forget to throw in some exciting activities like boardgames and the quintessential Pinoy part fave – videoke!

Bingewatch with the squad

New movies and series were launching like hotcakes over the Summer, and it's about time you catch up on the latest of silver screen entertainment with your friends! Start fluffing the pillows, set the dramatic lighting, and order the midnight snacks for an all-nighter bingewatch. But by all means, skip the queues and forget the traffic going to the grocery store – just order tubs of ice cream, packs of chips, and other gourmet treats and themed cocktails on GrabMart, Grab’s on-demand essentials delivery service. GrabMart boasts a broad variety of items that can help you create special moments in an instant. 

With the familiar cozy venue, chill ambiance, captivating movie selection, and delectable treats, you're bound to create a great bingewatch session; and not to mention the hours of joint movie review and much-awaited tête-à-tête afterwards! 

Have your much needed alone time

There is no rule saying that Summer can only be great if experienced with someone. If you feel like ending Summer with some alone time, then create that special experience for you! Embrace the tranquility of me-time and enjoy some indoor activities! Settle into a cozy nook with a captivating book or immerse yourself in the world of movies and binge-watch your favorite series. Engage your creative side by exploring arts and crafts, painting, or writing in a personal journal. Take time for self-reflection and mindfulness through meditation or practicing yoga. Or even pamper yourself with self-care rituals like a soothing bubble bath or a DIY spa day. The sky is the limit when it comes to spoiling yourself this Summer. Carve out special moments for yourself and enjoy the journey of self-exploration with activities you yourself can design using the safe, reliable, and convenient services of Grab – from mobility to on-demand delivery. 

If you are culminating your Summer with Grab, you may just be in for a lovely surprise. Capping off Grab’s All Out Summer campaign is its array of amazing prizes. If you enthusiastically embraced Grab for your summer adventures, be on high alert as you might be the fortunate winner of a trip for four to Europe. The lucky draw will take place on June 13, so stay tuned for the announcement of the winner. Other awesome prizes such as iPhone 14 Pro, SEDA Hotel staycations, and gift certificates are also up for grabs! Winners will be notified via email and their Grab app inbox. 

So curate your last Summer hurrah with Grab now. A special prize from the leading superapp may just be the cherry on top of your Summer adventures. 

Health Connect Forum : Championing Maternal Health

Health Connect Forum

Health Connect Forum, Hosted by Cito Beltran along with representatives from various medical societies and government agencies gathered to discuss collective efforts to champion maternal health. 

The Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), and the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (PIDSOG) came together in an online Health Connect Forum to showcase the collective efforts of various sectors to improve maternal health outcomes in the Philippines.

"There is a critical gap in the global vaccine response to the needs of pregnant women and their offspring," Dr. Maria Lorena Santos, President of PIDSOG shared. In a recent report, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines cited that as many as 6 to 7 women die daily due to pregnancy-related complications and childbirth. Furthermore, UNICEF Philippines also reported that over 60,000 children die yearly before their 5th birthday due to complications from premature birth, intrapartum complications, and infectious diseases. 

The Department of Health (DOH) emphasized the importance of monitoring every step of a mother's pregnancy journey, with Dr. Manuel Vallesteros, Chief of the  Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Division expressed, "Getting good care before, during, and after pregnancy delivery is very important for both the mother and child. Our goal is to reduce the maternal mortality ratio to 70 per 100,000 by 2030 and consequently reduce newborn deaths.” Dr. Vallesteros also highlighted two important strategies: maternal health services (including antenatal care, facility-based delivery, and postnatal care) and the DOH Health Sector Strategy 2023-2028 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal commitment for a safer pregnancy and childbirth. 

Dr. Sybil Bravo, Committee Head of Immunization for Women of POGS, cited the increased risks among pregnant women. "Across all ages, the leading causes of morbidity among our women are respiratory infections,” Dr. Bravo said. “Respiratory viruses, like influenza, may lead to severe complications like heart attack or stroke. Pregnant women with the flu are at increased  risk of late pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and low birth weight among newborns.” she noted. POGS recommends both the flu vaccine and Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines during pregnancy.

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) underscored the nationwide goal to reduce maternal mortality, noting RA 11148 to scale up health programs for maternal, neonatal, and child health. "Kung healthy ang ating babies, they will grow up to be healthy as well and that will help our country as well." she stated. The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination also highlighted the importance of vaccination for pregnant mothers. Dr. Lulu Bravo, PFV Executive Director, explained, "We need to empower women, and vaccination empowers women. If they are healthy, then there won't be any economic crises when going to the hospital. So what we need is legislation and health policies to support maternal immunization to improve women’s health and protect their rights." 

The panel continued to urge legislators to strengthen policies supporting vaccination among pregnant women, noting the importance of updating laws such as the reproductive health act, and passing bills such as HB 5684 or the Act Safeguarding the Health of Filipino Mothers at the Time of their childbirth, and HB 2888 or The Bantay Buntis Act. As Dr. Sybil Bravo noted, “​​Women’s health must be a shared agenda for which success requires active engagement by our country’s political and health leadership.” 

The commitment and dedication exhibited by all participating sectors during the Health Connect Forum have set the stage for a brighter future, where every woman can receive the care and support she deserves during and after pregnancy.

Organized by Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association (PHAP), the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), Philippine Medical Association (PMA), and supported by Sanofi Pasteur Inc., the event underscored the importance of the whole-of-society approach in championing maternal health. The media forum, moderated by news anchor Cito Beltran, can be viewed on the Facebook page of PHAP and PMA.