Passing the coffee passion to the next generation

The "ber "months have always been Filipinos most favorite time of year. November to January is coffee harvest season, and it's Christmastime!! The season of giving and the happiest time of the year!

Harvest season comes only once a year, starting in November and ending in January so imagine how the coffee farmers feel when the coffees they have nurtured all year round start to ripen and are ready to be picked. 2019 National Barista Champ and President and CEO of Henry & Sons, Michael Harris Conlin, have been in the coffee industry for over two decades, and he found out that working with partner farmers during harvest season is the most enjoyable and satisfying way to enjoy the love for coffee.

This year, Conlin decided to bring his 10 year old son Dylan to learn more about coffee and help around the farm. Since Dylan was a toddler, he has always been fascinated with coffee. There were times when Dylan would take part in his father’s brewing routine. So this year, Conlin wanted to show him how coffee is picked and processed at its origin. He wanted him to appreciate the hard work of the coffee farmers and take part in giving Sitio Hartwell in Itogon Benguet’s 24 children and families, Henry & Sons long-time partner farmers food and treats for Christmas.

Being around the coffee farming community, one can feel the energy and excitement of the farmers. Harvest season is hard work. Farmers worked nonstop processing, cleaning the coffees ready for drying, receiving, grading, and pulping coffee cherries. Coffee on the drying bed must be rolled and moved every three hours to ensure it dries evenly.

Most of this year's Sitio Hartwel harvest has been pre-booked and will be shipped to great coffee roasters in Australia, Canada, UAE, and the UK.

This year Henry & Sons focused on three post-harvest processing techniques: sashed process, the company’s signature CM natural process, and a new experimental process launching in April 2023.

Conlin shared, “We found that by creating customized processing methodologies for Sitio Hartwel, we can bring out the full potential of the coffees and give the coffee farmers more value for their coffees.”

Sitio Hartwel, Itogon Benguet was an old mining community Henry and Sons adopted in 2018. After five years, the town is now a world-renowned, award-winning coffee farming community. The community has over sixty backyard farmers who can produce approximately 2 tons of coffee cherries annually.

For more information on these coffees, visit www.thevault.ph and www.henryandsons.

HONOR Foldable Phone Coming to PH soon?

HONOR unfolds their next-generation foldable flagship HONOR Magic Vs which boasts state-of-the-art design, a revolutionary display, and unparalleled performance setting new benchmarks for foldable phones.

MANILA, Philippines - December 19, 2022 – Leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, announced the launch of the HONOR Magic Vs. This all-new foldable flagship pushes industry benchmarks in design, display, performance and user experience – making it the perfect companion for business and entertainment. Empowering young budding creators to fulfill their creative potential.




“We are thrilled to introduce our next-generation foldable flagship, the HONOR Magic Vs, which packs groundbreaking innovations and exceptional user experience into an elegant and stylish design,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President for Marketing. “The HONOR Magic Vs will be our very first foldable flagship to debut in overseas markets and we are confident that it will deliver huge advancements, transforming how people all around the world use their smartphones.”



An Industry-leading Foldable crafted with a Groundbreaking Hinge Design and Large Dual Display



Exceptionally slim and lightweight, the HONOR Magic Vs is 12.9mm thin when folded and weighs just 261g, making it the industry’s lightest foldable smartphone currently, and a delight to carry around. It also packs with a super-light gearless hinge carefully crafted with a single-piece casting processing technology, which drastically reduces the number of components of supporting structure used in the hinge while maintaining its durability and sturdiness. The HONOR Magic Vs is able to withstand over 400,000 folds, equivalent to more than ten years of use with 100 folds per day, creating a new first in foldable smartphone design.



Outperforming existing foldables that often come with a long and narrow external screen, the HONOR Magic Vs boasts a 6.45-inch display when folded, with a user-friendly 21:9 aspect ratio and a 90% screen-to-body ratio, allowing users to view content and input text with remarkable ease. When unfolded, the HONOR Magic Vs delivers a tablet-like experience with an extra-wide 7.9-inch internal display, perfect for users who seek effortless multi-tasking and more screen real estate to enjoy all their favorite content.

Computational Photography and Unrivaled Day-long Performance

The HONOR Magic Vs features the proprietary AI-enabled HONOR Image Engine and triple-camera system comprising a 54MP IMX800 Main Camera, a 50MP Ultra-Wide & Macro Main Camera, and an 8MP 3X Optical Zoom Camera, allowing users to capture captivating images in stunning detail, delivering a superior photography and videography experience.

HONOR’s new foldable phone delivers flagship performance with Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, and enhanced GPU and CPU performance that enables a faster and smoother user experience. It also supports the 66W Wired HONOR SuperCharge enabling the battery to be fully juiced up to 100 percent within just 46 minutes.

The HONOR Magic Vs comes in stunning colors: Orange, Cyan and Black and is set to be available in the Philippines very soon. For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

 

CDO Bloggers Network: Moving Forward in 2023

Following the Coachella Christmas party, perhaps the last activity for our organization in 2022 is the Year-end gathering which was sponsored by PhilHealth Region 10. Just days apart and here comes CDO Bloggers again, meeting twice on the same month. 

This day is quite productive as aside from the educational talk from officials from PhilHealth, we also had our turn over ceremony as the officers for 2023 finally take their place and 2022 officers exit, as the year does too. 

With the able leadership of the multi-awarded international blogger, Miss Irene Aserios, we look forward to a better and brighter future for the organization. It is timely also because 2023 holds more challenge as it will mark the org's 15 years of existence. I am pretty sure an early start will make 2023 more meaningful as plans have already been etched and implementation is on the way. 

Thank you so mu PhilHealth for always being supportive.

Kudos 2022 officers and Goodluck 2023 officers.. May God bless all our plans and undertakings in the coming year. 

Hot Air Balloon Over Bagan: Slowly a Reality

Today I have sent payment for the tickets I purchased from the Kureels. They bought a Pay Now Fly Later reservation for Balloons over Bagan, but since they are already in Thailand, will not be able to use their tickets. 

I have prayed for this to happen. Thank you Universe. I am even buying the 3 tickets at very minimal cost. I will blog about this when we go to Bagan for the holidays.

 

Coachella Christmas Party

Our blogging organization, CDO Bloggers Network, had our Coachella Christmas yesterday. This was a successful event that made everyone happy, and would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors!
Xavier Sports and Country Club
Universal Robina
A Brown Company Inc.
Seda Centrio, Cagayan de Oro
Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation
EON Group
Bigby's Café & Restaurant
SM City CDO Uptown
Seven Seas Waterpark
Dahilayan Adventure Park
Primer Group of Companies
Mapawa Ranch House
DC Shoes
SLERS Industries, Inc.
XUHS Batch 72
Tia Maria's Restaurant
Cafe Piazza
Mommy Ruby
CDO Lifestyle
PLDT
Smart Communications, Inc.
Oro Teatro Bulawanon
CDO Vibes
Metro Cagayan de Oro
GeiserMaclang
Selrahco
The Lost Bread
Blushing Robin Beauty Lab
Mommy Dharlz
ZoWanderer
Sending a million thanks to each and every one! Thank you for your generosity!
#CBNCoachellaChristmas #CDOBloggers

Anyway, even if Lili and I are far away, we also celebrated with fellow members. We had proxies and even our proxies enjoyed the night. 

Here are the loot courtesy of our sponsors:

The hams and sausages and chicharon from Slers. And snacks from URC.

The MX3 and the purple tee I got as a raffle prize. 

And thank you CDO Bloggers for the Certificate :-)

Merry Christmas.. 

Say Merry Christmas with Seda Centrio's festive offers..

Christmas day is fast approaching. I am sure some of you have started Christmas shopping since September. But for those who haven't done with shopping yet, you can add Christmas cheer with Seda Centrio's festive offers. Why not send Christmas spread instead of things? You'll be doing two things this way. Give love and give your loved ones a relaxed preparation. No need for them to slave themselves in te kitchen. 

This is a good way to make things easy for you, and the recipients will surely live them.

Seda Centrio's festive offers are as follows:

Hamper 1 - Wine Set at Php 2,000 (Anakena Merlot or Chardonnay, Sourdough, Ginger bread cookies and pineapple chutney)

Hamper 2 - Cup of Rich Chocolate Surprise at Php 1,500

Hamper 3 - Christmas Pastry Wreath (Chicken chipolatta wrapped in phyllo pastry) at Php 1,500

Hamper 4 - Holiday Barbeque Set at Php 1,800 (Peruvian Chicken, Smoked USDA Beef short plate, salmon kebab, sous vide corn-on-the-cob, assorted sauces)

Hamper 5 - Festive Ball of Cheese at Php 1,000 (cream cheese with herbs and dried fruit)

Hamper 6 - Humba Lechon Belly at Php 3,000 and Php 2,000  (Prime cut belly in humba sauce)

They also have different packages.

Themed dinners to delights family, friends and their guests.

How about the Christmas eve package?

Or their New Year's Eve Package?

Surely, it will be a stress-free celebration.

And what do you think of these dates?

Now, if you have so many people to give, much better. Volume discount is available.

I am sure by now you too would like to avail them for yourself and not just gift them away.

For reservations, please click  https://bit.ly/book-centrio or call 088 3238888 or email at cdo@sedahotels.com

The View from my kitchen window

We just moved to our new apartment and this morning I had a lovely time while cooking...

Look at that marvelous sky.. I haven't been more happy in ages. I guess I could now go back to regular cooking and baking. I have never felt so inspired to work in my kitchen.. 

Thank you Universe 😊 

ROASTERS FOR ALL :MAGNOLIA CHICKEN TIMPLADOS ROASTERS

Special salu-salo and need mo ba ng easy to whip up dish? Ihain na ang timplang bongga with Magnolia Chicken Timplados Ready-to-Cook Roasters Lemon Herb or Smoked Pepper Roast! Kahit anong occasion, swak na swak sya kasi no need to marinate. #Madalicious ihain each time na may craving for roast chicken ang pamilya. Plus, it’s a great food offering too sa mga upcoming get togethers and handa this holiday season.

Other than eating it as is, ang Magnolia Chicken Timplados Roasters ay perfect din for rice and pasta-based dishes, mga casseroles, filling ng pot pies, pang soups, salads and sandwiches. Daming recipe ideas!

Magnolia Chicken Timplados Roasters is juicy #PambansangManok infused with herbs and fresh flavors, para sa homestyle celebrations ng buong family. Each Magnolia Chicken Timplados Roasters is made from fresh chicken, raised in stress-free environments and packed at its peak of freshness in Selyado Sigurado packs. 'Yan ang Alagang Magnolia!

Kaya ano pa hinihintay niyo? I-level up na ang roast chicken handa with Magnolia Chicken Timplados Roasters. Make it a special salu-salo.

Cooking Instructions:

Thaw chicken overnight. Preheat oven or turbo broiler at 220◦C for 15 minutes. Place chicken breast-side up in a baking tray and cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Available in Magnolia Chicken Stations or shop online via San Miguel Mart.

Be the Best Gift Giver Ever forthe Holidays with this one-stop shopWith Avon, finding the perfect gifts this Holiday season has never been this easy!

Manila, Philippines – With Christmas lists growing longer every year, it’s easier to just buy one generic item in bulk and hope that everyone likes the same thing.

But the most thoughtful gifts are often tailored for the receiver. Fortunately, there’s a shop that can help you pick specific gifts for each person you love! Avonshop.ph offers a wide selection of gifts that you can grab, wrap, and send to just about everyone, from the homebodies to the aesthetic kweens.

Know someone that smells their best wherever they go? Avon has Fragrance Giftsets for Him and for Her like Black Suede and Imari Seduction that reel in the senses. Each kit includes three products for daily use helping them exude confidence with every spray.

If your loved one likes to pamper themselves, the Planet Spa by Avon might just be the perfect gift! The Planet Spa Mediterranean Olive Oil Body Scrub and Body Moisturizer will help them exfoliate and unwind with ease. Add the Planet Spa Hand Cream and Body Balm for good measure and see them light up for the season.

If they’re skin-thusiasts who spend a lot of time on skincare, then the Anew Mini Kits will be a perfect addition to their routine! Give them the glow-up they deserve with the Radiant & Luminous Skin Regimen or the Plumper and Youthful Looking Skin Regimen—each complete with a travel-size Serum and Day and Night creams.

Got a homebody friend who loves turning their space into a sanctuary? Avon Home Scents can definitely add to their home’s tranquility and give a calming scent-sation all day. Choose the Aroma Diffuser with a beautiful color-changing design and soothing fragrance oils or indulge their senses with Reed Diffusers, which also come in a luxurious gift box that matches the equally luxurious scents.

Do they like expressing themselves through the art of makeup? Make this season more colorful for both of you and check out the Power Stay High Voltage Spark Liquid Lip with long-lasting glittery color payoff, perfect for this year’s Holiday parties. But if they want their eyes to do the talking, then the Avon Wonderland Eye Palette offers 9 rich and intense shades that blend seamlessly for an alluring look.

What’s a holiday look if not complete with the right accessories to go with it? With Avon, you can find a variety of jewelry, watches, and other accessories that can complete your loved one’s look in time for the holidays—like the Merrymood Wardrober Set that comes in a whimsical, ready-to-gift box that includes 1 necklace chain, 3 pendants, and 3 pairs of earrings!

Gifting is easy when you shop somewhere that has something for everyone. That is why you can be the Best Gift Giver Ever this season when you go to avonshop.ph and find new products with irresistible deals for 12 weeks, starting from October to December!

“Giving gifts to loved ones should always be thoughtful, personal, and meaningful because that’s what makes the holidays more memorable”, explains Avon Philippines Marketing Director Anna Garces. “With Avon, you can be the best gift giver by finding gorgeous gifts at amazing deals and irresistible prices, so you won’t have to eat up your holiday budget!”

Shop these gorgeous gifts and more at www.avonshop.ph or contact your friendly Avon representative to get personalized suggestions. Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

JOHNDORF VENTURES LAUNCHES TIERRA NAVA OPOL

Veteran property developer Johndorf Ventures Corporation (JVC) proves its leadership in the real estate sector with this month’s launch of its latest project, the exclusive, strategically-set Tierra Nava Opol.

JVC sets the standard for developments in the area with Tierra Nava. It is the first gated community in its vicinity in Barangay Malanang, Opol,Mis. Or. along the CDO-Laguindingan Mountain Diversion Road.

The community is located close to the steadily expanding Cagayan de Oro – Laguindingan Coastal Urban Corridor and a planned industrial technopark within the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor Special Development Project area. It is accessible through the CDO-Laguindingan Mountain Diversion Road and the Butuan – CDO- Iligan Road. Public transport is available in the area and a passenger terminal at the neighboring CitiHomes serves residents.

“Tierra Nava Opol is designed with irresistibly numerous advantages. Its location, however, is its primary attraction. It not only guarantees good returns on our customers’ investments but also affords an easy and convenient lifestyle, close to the manufacturing facilities and commercial establishments rising in this locality,” says JVC Managing Director Abigail Lim.

The landmark development has the high-value proposition of the overwhelmingly successful Tierra Nava brand. Tierra Nava has made its mark in Carcar City, Cebu and is also currently rising in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City.

Tierra Nava is the ideal home for young families, young professionals, overseas Filipino workers and wise investors. It is located in a greenfield area where residents can live close to nature and pursue an active lifestyle.

It is composed of clusters of two-storey townhouses. Every unit is designed with living and dining areas, a carport, kitchen and space for a service area on its ground floor. The second level has sufficient floor space to accommodate two bedrooms.

Residents will be impressed by how the village integrates impressive amenities and engenders a feeling of openness and space with a 14-meter-wide entrance with center isle and interior roads of up to 8 meters in width. It is designed with underground drainage, parks and playgrounds, multi-purpose clubhouse and a basketball court. 

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) recently awarded to JVC (Temporary) License to Sell No. REM-LS-22-034 for the Tierra Nava Opol project. Fast uptake of the Tierra Nava Opol units is expected as would-be residents and investors take notice of its value proposition – ideal location and high-quality design complemented by reasonable pricing and convenient payment options.

Tierra Nava Opol is counted among JVC’s portfolio of high-quality, affordable residential developments in the Visayas and Mindanao. 

JVC has been in the real estate business for the past 36 years. The company continues to expand its footprint with contemporary livable communities catering to the fast-changing needs of Filipino homebuyers and commercial mix-use leasers and investors.

Would-be Tierra Nava Opol residents may access specific information on Tierra Nava Opol and other JVC properties by messaging JVC’s facebook page JohndorfHomes or www.johndorfventures.com. 

Nissan showcases the All-New Livina at the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour 3.0 in Cagayan De Oro

Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines (18 November 2022) — After a successful kick-off in Cebu and second leg in Bacolod, Nissan Philippines is bringing the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour to Cagayan De Oro. The event will frontload the innovation of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies and highlight the all-new Nissan Livina. The all-new Nissan Livina is a reliable vehicle for family-oriented households and first-time car buyers looking for everyday excitement and convenience.

Those who will attend can test drive the all-new Livina to experience its features first-hand. Through this nationwide tour, Nissan Philippines aims to offer its customers a glimpse of the Nissan driving experience, while highlighting the brand’s innovative technologies.

Apart from the all-new Livina, customers may also test drive other Nissan Vehicles like the All-New Nissan Kicks e-POWER, the Nissan Navara, the Nissan Terra, and the Nissan Almera. Customers can also learn more about the Nissan Intelligent Mobility features and the recently introduced e-POWER technology through interactive and immersive augmented reality displays.

"Nissan Philippines aims to give customers the best experience, and our vehicles have always pushed the boundaries with excitement in every drive. Through the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour, we’re able to provide customers a new way to experience our products," says Juan Manuel Hoyos, Nissan Philippines President.

Cagayanos can also get exciting offers only available during the event. Customers who will be visiting the booth can avail the all-new Nissan Livina with a Php 5,000 discount when they test drive the vehicle and an additional discount ranging from Php 10,000 to 100,000 when they make a reservation at the event. They may also avail an additional subsidy of up to Php 30,000 through Nissan Finance. This offer is only available through cash, financing through banks, or Nissan Finance.

The Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour will be held in LimKetKai Mall, Cagayan De Oro from November 18 to 20 and will move to SM Lanang, Davao from November 25 to 27.

Interested customers may visit Nissan Philippines' official Facebook page for more details.

Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best

Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 happens November 18 - 19

With Christmas just around the corner, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malabon (PCCI Malabon) is opening the city’s doors and inviting everyone to discover Malabon’s best of the best as it holds the first ever Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. The event is in partnership with the Local Government of Malabon with the support from Honorable Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.

Event starts tomorrow, Friday, November 18 until Saturday November 19 at the Malabon Sports Complex. Explore the homegrown treasures of the city. You will be surprised to see how Malabon’s food business landscape is thriving from local delicacies to food products as well as the value chain in the food industry from equipment, tools, packaging, and distribution network in the city.

Through this expo, PCCI Malabon is creating a platform to help push Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow and thrive. In line with the organization vision to be  the voice of business owners and entrepreneurs and its mission to provide technical assistance through job matching, credit access and financial planning, and digital transformation in marketing.

The expo is the testament to PCCI Malabon’s goal of fostering and position Malabon as the Philippines primary food industry hub and leading supply chain through warehouse and distribution facilities, according to PCCI Malabon President Elsie Chua.

“The Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 provides a platform for our Malabon MSMEs to showcase our products and services that are proudly ‘Made in Malabon.’ Being a businesswoman who slowly built Melawares 45 years ago, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring and the right support. Through projects like this expo, we are giving them the chance to grow so they too can thrive together with the homegrown Malabon business big brothers and sisters like Liwanag Candle, Rufina's Patis, Master Sardines, Dolor's Kakanin, Melawares or Remilly's Yema Cake,” Chua said.

The event is free admission to the public --- just present your government issued ID to register.

The two-day expo is filled with fun activities with learning and inspirational sessions. If you are online, you can join the event through the live and interactive online selling on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCCIMalabonInc.

To maximize the experience, join the expo onsite. Learn from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) food safety program on how to keep shelf life of food and BIST/ financing support program. From the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) /  Small Business Corporation is about credit access financing program. Also, KMME Program and BMBE Program. Learn from Francorp Philippines on how to grow their business through franchising.

To further ignite the passion from our MSMEs, Philippines esteemed entrepreneurs will share some inspiring talks to be led by Vice President of FFCCCII Cecilio Pedro of Founder and CEO, Lamoiyan Corporation and Mrs Natividad Cheng, Founder and CEO, Uratex and Ms. Tess Ngantian, Owner of Lotsa Pizza and AVP, PCCI National.

Guest can also watch out for the live cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and learn how to create brand marketing from Mr. Ian John White Hyndman, Manager Partner of Dagaz Consultancy from Dubai, UAE.

Plan your itinerary tomorrow and on Saturday and head on to Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. Tara na, Masarap sa Malabon!

The expo was made possible by Platinum Sponsors Melawares / Max Ideas and Spring Oil; Gold Sponsors include CDO, Dolores Kakanin, Remilly Cake, Ni Hao Express, Jamicos, Eagle Food, and Fudsource, and; Silver sponsors Pares Ave, Universal Canning, Manila Cocktails, Longlife, and Ideal Spaghetti.

For the Locals, By the Locals Balai Palmera Pursues Passion by Helping Other Businesses

In 2019, during the height of the restriction caused by the pandemic, Chef Ryan Dimapilis, President of Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, keeps himself busy by thinking of ways to keep his business afloat as well as his employees employed. “I’m a firm believer that we, Pinoys, are very resilient and at the same time supportive and loyal in many ways. This was strongly proven during the pandemic when many businesses turn online to sell their products. Most of our clients at first were mostly family and friends, which branched out and reached many more people who find our products worth a try,” he shared.

A Eureka Moment!

Along with his partners and staff, Balai Palmera concocted their version of Calabarzon’s beloved Buko Pie, which has led to a new triumph for the company. Gathering supplies from local suppliers from Laguna and Quezon, Balai Palmera uses all-fresh and no-preservative Buko Pie that instantly gained patrons in Silang and nearby municipalities in Cavite. As soon as restrictions were eased out and news spread out, Balai Palmera’s kitchen became so busy with hundreds of orders of this Buko Pie day after day.

“As much as we want to concentrate on this success, as a businessman, I know that there other smaller businesses that need help to bounce back from the pandemic. So, as soon as we were able to reopen some of our other businesses, we started reaching out to local manufacturers to promote and even sell their products in our Pasalubong Centers,” he added.

From one Pasalubong Center, Balai Palmera recently expanded its footprint by opening one more Pasalubong Center in Silang providing more choices and convenience to its customers. This extensive and expasive center carries other local brands that made their way to the palette of domestic and international guests of the region.

One-Stop Pinoy Favorite Shop

Balai Palmera takes pride in its merchandise for only being 100% Pinoy-made but also being DTI-approved.

“This goes to show that how dedicated we are in making our customers’ visit to our Pasalubong Centers an experience they would love to do again and again. By having DTI-approved products in shops, we are bringing the best of the region within their arms reach,” Dimapilis happily shared.

Aside from Buko Pie, Balai Palmera guests can also enjoy locally produced Pedro’s Kangkong Chips, J. Fernandez’s Chichapop, Nikimat’s Tahong Chips, Binan’s Okoy, Pastillas De Leche, Banana Chips, Mushroom Cracklings, Calamansito, Basimatsi, Coco Jam, Jacobina, Biscocho, Piaya Ube, and R&l Chicharon.

From healthy snacks to filling and heartwarming pastries and bread, one can also find comfort and enjoyment in Balai Palmera’s version of Chocolate Almond Babka, Raisin Bread as well as Ensyamada which use local ingredients from local manufacturers.

“While we continue to pray for the day to come where we are all safe and free to move around again, we will keep working with various industry leaders to create a collaborative effort that transcends Pinoy pride,” he concluded.

Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center have two branches, first at Tagaytay-Sta. Road Brgy. Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite, and second at Aguinaldo Highway, Bypass Road, San Vicente 2, Silang, Cavite.

For more information, updates, and other news, you may follow them on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

TCL Introduces TCL FreshIN Series Air Conditioner to Offer Healthier and More Comfortable Experience

[Manila, September 2022]: TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand, has introduced the TCL FreshIN Series air conditioners to the Philippine market—the latest premium addition to the TCL Smart home ecosystem, different from conventional AC, which circulates air inside the house. TCL FreshIN Series features an all-around fresh air system that transports the fresh air from the outdoors to the indoors helping increase the oxygen and humidity level to offer users an unprecedented intimate experience of health and care.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tcl.com/ph/en/air-conditioners/tac-chsd-fai

FreshIN Series is available in 1.0HP and 1.5HP models, which can complement any space.

The FreshIN Series includes premium key features, such as its “FreshIN+” that will let you know when the fresh air enters your room with a blue light. The Temperature Balancing feature avoids uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. After the fresh air is drawn in, it will be either cooled down or warmed up to match the level required with ±0.5°C precision control.

FreshIN models feature a high-powered air engine, so you can enjoy up to 60 cubic meters of fresh air per hour, which could easily deliver pure clean air for most indoor spaces.

Air purification has now become a priority for consumers. The FreshIN Series features a highly efficient system using QuadruPuri Filters: the fresh air will pass through 4 different layers (a preliminary filter, a silver ion antibacterial layer, a HEPA high-efficiency filter, and a high-density filter).

TCL FreshIN Series also features Gentle Breeze Mode with more than one thousand micro-holes to create a soft laminar airflow, offering a comfortable breeze without a harsh, direct cold draft.

Connected with the TCL Home App, the FreshIN Series is compatible with Google Assistant, which gives users control of the air conditioner 24/7 with a smartphone or TCL TV with simple voice commands.

Only a clean air conditioner can keep the air in your home fresh. The CleanXpress function reminds you when it’s time to clean and makes it easy to keep it pristine. Controlled through the TCL Home app, the auto clean function is an efficient system that utilizes water molecules in the air to eliminate impurities. And, for effortless manual cleaning, the unit is designed to be taken apart and reassembled quickly.

Key features

FreshIN+

QuadruPuri Filter

Temperature Balancing

Air Engine

Gentle Breeze

Smart Inverter Technology

CleanXpress Innovation

Smart Control (IoT)

Native Style Cooling

360° Airflow

4-Way Airflow

Sleep Mode

Fast Cooling

Deep Clean

Ion Generator

*Product availability, appearance, and functionality may differ between regions. For regional sales information, please consult the TCL representatives in your community.

Shopee sends relief efforts to earthquake victims in Abra

 

MANILA, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 - As part of its mission to better the lives of the underserved through technology, Shopee recently partnered with the Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation, Indoplas, and Metro Bangued Water District to provide aid to those affected by the magnitude 5.2 earthquake which impacted key areas of Abra last 28 August. 

 

Through its logistics arm, Shopee Xpress, Shopee delivered drinking water and donated 10,000 face masks for over 300 families in Barangay Lusuac in the Municipality of Peñarrubia and Barangay Patucannay in the Municipality of Tayum. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations.

 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said “Shopee remains committed to utilizing our platform and resources to benefit local communities   and part of this is providing help where we can, most especially in times of need. We hope for the recovery and continued safety of these affected communities.”

 

With Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective of serving the underserved through technology, by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.

Tougher competition seen as “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 enters the semis

EXCLUSIVE RAFFLE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. 

AFTER weeks of choosing from hundreds of singing hopefuls on who will make it to the next round of virtual singing competition “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2, the dream of becoming the competition’s next grand winner becomes even closer.

The “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 semi-finals stage, however, is no walk in the park so expect the semis stage of the competition to become harder and tougher as the judges choose the best among the best. The grind-out semis will most certainly bring out the finest in each of the hopefuls as they all try to get closer to the pinnacle of the competition: the Grand Finals!

But first, they have to hurdle the semis phase in their respective categories, whether Ballad, Acoustic, or Rock.

The Top 10 Semi-Finalists for “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 under the “Ballad” (#HeartsAtHome) category are:

· EASTER JOY PARSACALA

· MA. NICOLE ANDRAE RAMOS

· RACHELL ALISWAG LAYLO

· JOHN CARLO GUBA

· JOHN PAUL C. LINTAG

· BRYAN D. DOLENDO

· ZILLAH E. CABARLES

· REDEMPTOR J. NUESTRO

· ANGELIQUE A. CRUZ

· ALLAN M. BADILLA JR.

As for the “Acoustic” (#FreshVibes) category, the Top 10 Semi-Finalists are:

· KIRBY CRUZ

· MELINDA TORRE

· MARIE T. DUMADARA

· IZAY BAND

· JULES DUO

· MICHAEL REY REGALADO

· KEL FULGENCIO

· JAWORSKI B. SISON

· GELEEN G. MANIEGO

· ANDREW ESTALILLA

Finally, for the “Rock” (#EpicRock) category, the Top 10 Semis competitors are:

· AIXIA MALLARY

· GENRIEL A. DIAZ

· VIC ROBINSON

· ADRIAN S. CRISANTO

· DREI MADRIÑAN BOLO

· KURT ALVIN PARAS

· ANNE FERRER

· ANGELO NINO VALDEZ GO

· ALJUNE MARK L. BAYLE

· KESSENTH CHENG

So just how tough is the semi-final stage of “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2? Only the Top 3 singers out of the Top 10 semi-finalists in each category will move on to compete during the Grand Finals.

For the semi-finals, the tough criteria for judging is 60 percent of total judges’ scores, with 40 percent coming from online voting.

The #HeartsAtHome semi-finals episode will premiere on September 11, 2022, and the deadline for voting will be on September 16, 2022. The names of the grand finalists for the Ballad category will be announced on September 20, 2022.

This will be followed by the #FreshVibes or Acoustic category semi-finals, happening on September 21, 2022, while deadline for voting is on September 26, 2022. The names of the Top 3 grand finalists will be announced on September 30, 2022.

Finally, the #EpicRock or Rock category semi-finals will be shown on October 1, 2022, with deadline for voting on October 6, 2022. Those who will go to the Grand Finals will be known on October 10, 2022.

And then, the much-awaited Grand Finals for “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 will happen on October 30, 2022. It will be a slam-bang musical fest among the best of Filipino musical talent that everyone should not miss.

A whopping P1,000,000 worth of cash and products combined await winners in all categories, plus, a major recording deal with Ivory Music, one of the biggest independent record labels in the country, to help jumpstart the winners’ recording career.

Voting is easy. Just type the official hashtags for each category, whether #HeartsAtHome for Ballad, #FreshVibes for Acoustic, or #EpicRock for the Rock categories, on the Comments section of the posted episode. Make sure your votes will count by including the “#YourSongOfExcellence2022” hashtag on all comments. If there’s no “#YourSongOfExcellence2022” hashtag, the vote will not be counted, and it would be such a waste for it will hurt your choice’s chances of making it to the Grand Finals.

“Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 is organized by Taiwan Excellence, with premier brands Aromase PH, Asus PH, and Predator Gaming as sponsors, with Ivory Music as music partner and Far Eastern University as performing arts partner.

Major brand partners include Acer Philippines, Annie's Way 安妮絲薇果凍面膜第一品牌, FECA PH, Johnson Fitness Philippines, LUFTQI空氣淨化專家, Transcend Philippines, Zyxel.ph, Dacian, and Tatung.

Don’t forget to like and follow Taiwan Excellence page.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph

Instagram: @taiwanexcellence_ph 

Cetaphil partners with Watsons for the National Healthy Skin Mission

To celebrate 75 years of being the leaders in the sensitive skin space, Cetaphil has partnered with Watsons for this year’s National Healthy Skin Mission.

A brand whose success is built on creating dermatologist-recommended skincare products for every skin story, this year’s National Healthy Skin Mission is an experimental booth located at SM Makati that will serve as a one-stop shop for all skincare needs and will allow customers to learn from trusted dermatologist experts.

The entire roster of Cetaphil products will be sold at the booth. The master brand Cetaphil is comprised of the iconic Gentle Skin Cleanser, the Gentle Moisturising Lotion, and the Gentle Moisturising Cream. All three products have recently been reformulated with glycerin (to help prevent dryness), niacinamide (to strengthen the skin barrier), and panthenol (to soothe and restore dry skin). 

The Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance line is also present at the booth that focuses on brightening skin the healthy way, with products that are effective yet gentle on the skin. With the Bright Healthy Radiance products, you can be sure to target issues like hyperpigmentation, melanogenesis, even skin tone, and dark spot reduction. 

Finally, for baby’s skin, the brand offers the Cetaphil Baby range. It features gentle and tear-free formulations, making bath time with your newborn an enjoyable process. Mommies can also avail of the Cetaphil Baby calendula line, allowing their baby’s to have a healthy start in life. While for those with Atopic Dermatitis, the Cetaphil Pro products are also found at Cetaphil’s National Healthy Skin Mission booth.

Buy any of these products for your sensitive skins (or your baby’s!) and get a chance to spin the wheel to take home more free Cetaphil products. In addition, consumers get a limited Cetaphil tote bag if they buy products worth PHP 1500. You can also bring any empty skincare products, and get free Cetaphil products. Lastly, the brand also offers free Dermatologist consultations. 

Cetaphil and Watsons have a lot more in store for you throughout the National Healthy Skin Mission event. On September 5, Mariel Padilla will help moms, especially first-time moms to navigate the world of parenting, while on September 14, Michelle Dy will host a masterclass on how to achieve healthy radiant skin. 

Learn more about this year’s National Healthy Skin Mission by tuning in to Cetaphil and Watsons' Facebook page.

Wais Moms Ruby Pagobo and Bernadette Aguilar get a fresh start on dreams for their families.

Manila, Philippines – Continuing decades of support for millions of Filipino moms across the country, Surf Philippines, has launched the first ever online entrepreneurship program—Wais University. The program has since gained more than 13,000 enrollees for the program and counting.

Surf envisions the program to be a catalyst for change that will help Wais moms all over the country to be successful in their entrepreneurship journey by promoting confidence to pursue their own business, help better understand the ins and outs of the trade, and give a better chance with any endeavor they want to launch.

Two recent Wais University alumni, Ruby Pagobo and Bernadette Aguilar, share their stories as to how joining Surf’s online business course has provided them enough knowledge and confidence to finally start their own businesses, enabling them to dream bigger for themselves and their families.

Challenges Faced

Ruby, a full-time mom, dreams of one thing: Financial independence.“Gusto ko magakaroon ng financial freedom, yung walang utang kasi siyempre gusto ko ma-secure yung future ng pamilya ko. Yung asawa ko naman OFW, so minsan mahirap talaga.”

Bernadette, who’s also a full-time housewife and mom, is working towards financial stability and is willing to learn more practical skills that can help start her own business. However, it hasn’t been a steady journey as she admits that there are times that her family often has to scrimp so that they can afford daily needs. “Napagkakasya ko ang budget para sa pangangailangan namin sa pamamagitan ng pagtitipid at pag-una ng mahahalagang bagay.”

The pandemic and current inflation also took toll on both families. Bernadette recounts that loss of stable income and rising prices of goods have become one of the greatest challenges they have faced as a family especially when it comes to everyday needs.

New Normal, New Knowledge

Being Wais moms themselves and in hopes to gain more knowledge and opportunities to earn, both Ruby and Bernadette have signed up for the Wais University, a program launched by Surf with the help of the Filipina Homebased Moms (FHMoms) community group on Facebook.

“Yung tingnan ko po yung mga topic na idi-discuss sa webinar, pasok po siya sa negosyo namin na gustong gawin,” Ruby recounts.“May nasimulan na kaming negosyo na online sushi store kaso nagsara noong bagyong Odette. Pero ngayon, sisimulan ulit namin pag uwi ng asawa ko.”

Bernadette quickly became interested since the free virtual format befits her as a stay-at-home mom. “Naging interesado akong matuto ng mga skills na iniisip kong makakatulong sa akin. Lalo na pag may libreng oras ako, may mapaglaanan ako na importante at saka libre naman, nasa bahay lang din ako at may gamit na cellphone.”

Wais Learnings

Both Ruby and Bernadette admit that they enjoyed taking part in the online entrepreneurship program.

For Ruby, the assessment part of the program allows her to test her learnings. She’s now more confident and enthusiastic to work especially because she now knows what permits she needs in establishing both an online and physical store.

“Lahat tayo may pangarap sa buhay, kaya go lang ng go!” encourages Ruby. “Ang mga problema nandiyan talaga yan kaya maghanap tayo ng paraan para magka-business. Sipag at Tiyaga lang talaga.”

Meanwhile, Bernadette is excited for other moms who get to enroll in the future as the course is free and provides resources to help moms be more confident in starting their own business. Bernadette flourishes with her own soap-making business, applying her Wais University learnings.

She encourages other moms to take advantage of this free program, invest in their own learnings and start their own Wais Journey. “Yung may kids na pwede mag invest ng time sa pagsali sa mga grupo na sumusuporta sa mga ina at matuto sa ikauunlad ng sarili para makahanp ng opportunity na kumita nang hindi kailangang gumastos ng malaki. It takes time talaga pero worth it yung learning.”

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Want to gain the confidence in starting and growing your own business like Ruby and Bernadette? Enroll for free Negosyo Courses at www.waisuniversity.com to start your Wais journey to financial independence!

Jollibee Group Foundation reinforces support to smallholder farmers throughagri-technology

Since 2019, the PUM Netherlands Senior Experts have guided farmers in soil testing and given them advice on soil health. They have also been assisting in varietal trials to test for better crop varieties, and introduce mechanization to improve productivity.

Together with local and international experts, Jollibee Group Foundation has been introducing technologically advanced farming techniques and systems to smallholder farmers to empower them to improve their productivity and gain more income.

Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) continues to support smallholder farmers by providing them access to technologically advanced farming techniques for more sustainable agriculture.

“Improving smallholder farmers’ knowledge and capacity for greater productivity and profit will redound to the continued growth of our agricultural sector,” said Gisela Tiongson, JGF Executive Director.

Launched in 2008, JGF’s Farmers Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) empowers and helps smallholder farmers sharpen their technical and business acumen, as well as partnership-building skills. Today, these farmers supply the vegetable requirements used in some Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal favorites.

“By becoming more adept and qualified to participate directly in the value chains of food companies, small producers get assured of a regular market, resulting in their increased and steady income,” Tiongson added. To reinforce support to smallholder farmers, JGF has adopted public-private partnerships to help farmers gain access to agricultural technologies that increase their yield, reduce farming costs, and make them more competitive in the market.

Weather data, farmer efficiency

Since 2020, the Foundation has partnered with IBM’s The Weather Company for a more accurate community-level, 7-day weather forecast. JGF also worked with the Central Luzon State University to interpret the weather data and translate it into the prescribed farm practice for the day. The information is then shared in a private messaging group for faster dissemination among the farmers. The SMS feature of this system is now being developed for easier access.

The Onion and Vegetable Producers Cooperative (OVEPCO) farmers from Barangay Tabulac in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija were among the first to benefit from this system. Through the barangay-level forecasts provided, the farmers can adapt and better decide when to plant, fertilize, and harvest their crops.

“It has been helpful. Now we can prepare for what will happen tomorrow. It has become a guide for our daily farming,” shared Eddie Soriano, OVEPCO Chairman.

This project currently supports 116 farmers in 12 barangays in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija and Alcala, Pangasinan.

Healthy soil, healthy production

In partnership with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management, JGF ventured into studying soil samples and providing practical recommendations to make the soil healthier and more viable for greater yield.

To help farmers improve their crops, JGF worked with the PUM Netherlands Senior Experts, various seed companies, and Jollibee Group’s own Research and Development team to find appropriate onion and bell pepper varieties that will meet the company’s requirement, and which can be more easily produced by the farmers.

Together with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, JGF is also looking into further increasing the productivity of onion farms. Called “Project SAYA” or Strengthening Agricultural Yield of Allium Cepa L. (Onion) in the Philippines, the project aims to help increase onion production by addressing inefficiencies, gaps, and factors affecting the level of production; as well as to identify potential and suitable areas for expansion.

“These agri-technology efforts are creating a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunities among our partner farming communities and institutions. They have reported greater knowledge on farming techniques, increased yield and income, and the confidence to transact with market players,” said Tiongson. “JGF will sustain these efforts so that farmer entrepreneurs can continue to gain greater pride in their profession and to reap the benefits of sustainable agriculture.”

Empowering through Education project to be launched in Cebu

The empowerment of the out-of-school youth in the Philippines got a shot in the arm with the conceptualization of an innovative mobile classroom project in Cebu.

The project called the “Mobile KART Project” and proposed by SEED4COM got a further boost after it was declared as one of the Top Three winners at the “Taiwan Excellence: Sharing is Caring” philanthropic campaign that started last year. Winning the campaign means the opportunity to create more mobile classrooms that will benefit more out-of-school youth in many other areas in Cebu.

The aim was noble: to assist Cebu’s youth, particularly from poor and marginalized families, and provide them with free access to education with diverse and free-of-charge training courses that will hopefully educate them even in the midst of a debilitating pandemic.

The project will be officially inaugurated and launched on October 2022 at several locations in Cebu City such as Lapu-Lapu City, Cordoba, and Olango Island, among others. It would become doubly significant since the launch will coincide with the holding of the annual Taiwan-Philippines Joint Economic Conference.

The innovative and creative Mobile KART is not just any mobile classroom. It comes equipped with solar panels, laptops, an LED TV display, audio system and even routers for mobile internet connectivity, and all are Taiwan Excellence Award-winning products.

The Mobile KART Project offers courses such as “Transformative Educational Access for the Communities and Homes” and also “Technology Vocational Livelihood Skills Training.” These courses are meant to teach the poor youth in Cebu’s poverty-stricken areas with valuable life skills, particularly the benefits of reading. Hopefully, the skills will equip them with knowledge they can use to improve livelihood or pursue higher education when given the opportunity.

The “Mobile KART Project” is a mobile classroom that originated in Cebu and was part of several initiatives related to education by Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities or SEED4COM (https://www.seed4com.org/). The organization was established to help improve human conditions and empowering poverty-stricken areas, rural and last-mile communities in the Philippines.

Truly, the “Mobile KART Project” winning at the “Taiwan Excellence: Sharing is Caring” was a proud moment not just for SEED4COM but also for the country, according to Dann Diez, Executive Director of SEED4COM, considering the huge number of entries.

Organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the vision of “Taiwan Excellence: Sharing is Caring” was to help make society a better place by giving everyone an opportunity to raise ideas about charity and other altruistic activities related to the sustainable development of society and environmental protection by utilizing products of Taiwan Excellence.