SMDC: Building Places Filipinos can Call Home

A home, to which one can call their own, is one of the most fundamental human needs for survival. In building one’s family, buying housing or investing in property is often a crucial discussion that takes into consideration price, location, amenities, and even the environment as these all impact the way people and families live and grow and how communities thrive in the long-run.

Recently, the many changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused Filipinos to reassess the way they live, work and reside. The topic on homeownership and residential space has only become much more prominent as its impact on one’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing was emphasized when companies shifted to work-from-home setups and schools introduced blended learning. It has become likely that up-and-coming homeowners are looking for new and affordable housing that responds to the new realities of school and work, as well as a healthier and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

For leading real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings, satisfying personal needs and meeting basic survival for the homeowners of today can be done through meaningful and strategic planning and property development. 

Over the years, SMDC has been continuously redefining residential spaces to bring accessibility, convenience, function, style, and sustainability in the face of evolving trends and lifestyle changes—assuring prospective buyers of the great value that SMDC properties offer.

This means presenting a range of residences located in prime urban and suburban communities, conveniently situated near major road networks and transportation hubs, and designed to reflect SM’s commitment to luxurious urban living. SMDC properties bring commercial retail shops, entertainment venues, banks, and leisure facilities closer to residents against a backdrop of lush and walkable spaces. Such open spaces encourage homeowners to dwell outside and take a break from the isolation that has become a norm lately and allow residents to safely interact with their neighbors. These spaces also provide amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents. 

Across the available properties, prospective homeowners are able to choose their housing type to fit their own or their family’s needs and functions with units ranging from studio rooms to deluxe two-bedroom suites. On top of being able to customize their living spaces, state-of-the-art facilities such as 24-hour security and CCTV system, fire alarm system, numerous WIFI-ready zones, and standby generator set ensures continuous function and prime livability. 

However, SMDC’s promise not only pertains to providing a greater quality of life but to also having its communities take an integral role in their commitment toward sustainability. SMDC aims to promote many green living practices by designing walkable and transport-friendly developments, introducing energy-saving and eco-friendly green buildings, and encouraging effective waste management programs among residents. For the property developer, homes are seen as a legacy for future generations and should be built for sustainability and for ease in future modification.

With developments still ongoing and more projects in the pipeline, SMDC allows homebuyers the opportunity to have the home of their choice. Through its affordable investment and flexible payment options, new families or young millennials will be able to live independently in communities that cater to their specific needs.

With its ability to empathize and understand current housing needs while having the foresight to address evolving requirements, SMDC continues to create sustainable and resilient living spaces for Filipinos to call their own.

Lenovo Combines Style and Wealth with APEX Performance in the Latest Legion Gaming Devices

Lenovo today launched its latest generation of stylish and savage gaming devices in the Philippines, combining a new design language with portable powerhouse performance – opening up a broad range of entertainment and battle-ready attributes while supporting the full span of features that can support users’ personal and professional lives.

Designed with details custom-built for top title performance, gamers can look forward to the new Lenovo Legion Gen 7 lineup featuring: The Legion 5i and 5i Pro, Legion 7i, Legion Slim 7i, Legion Tower 7i, and IdeaPad Gaming 3i.

These new gaming laptops come available with Windows 11 gaming performance that comes with FREE Xbox PC Game Pass, the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors, and up to the latest fully powered NVIDIA GeForce RTX laptop GPUs. Inspired by gamer research, users can also enjoy a top-placed camera bump with eShutter that helps create a more inclusive experience focused on player enjoyment, advanced thermals of next-level Legion Coldfront 4.0, the hair-trigger speeds and improved ergonomics of Legion TrueStrike keyboard, and optimized tuning via Lenovo Vantage for gaming.

Lenovo Legion 5i 

Built for players who want an all-rounder PC to help them excel in their studies, produce high-quality work, stay connected, and have fun without sacrificing performance, the 15-inch Lenovo Legion 5i laptop with up to 12th Gen Intel Core 17-12700H processor strikes a sleek, happy medium. There’s no need to choose between one or another, as it is able to deliver optimal gaming performance while also handling multitasking, productivity, and entertainment needs beautifully. It also comes equipped with up to the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 140W maximum TGP for new levels of gaming excitement.

The Legion 5i offers intense speed for high-performance gaming with flexible display configurations for every gamer, including an up to 15-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS 16:9 display with a super-fast 165Hz refresh rate and full-spectrum visuals with Dolby Vision with 100% sRGB color accuracy.

The laptop is also equipped with an improved stealth cooling system that is thermally more efficient and quieter – offering a 40 percent more powerful fan with a 45% larger exhaust fan area compared to its previous generation.

The Legion 5i is designed to be portable with its all-new metal chassis -- both thinner and lighter than the previous generation for even more mobility. Available in Storm Grey, it comes with a choice of 4-Zone RGB or white backlighting via the new Legion Spectrum RGB Lighting solution built into the Legion TrueStrike keyboard. Don’t miss out and get the Lenovo Legion 5i starting at PHP 89,995.00.

Lenovo Legion 5i Pro

Engineered to handle full-powered graphics and third-party tested for maximum performance, the esports-centric Lenovo Legion 5i Pro is the world’s first 16-inch laptop series with a QHD+ up to 240Hz adaptive refresh rate gaming display to help gamers rise in ranks and gameplay.

The Legion 5i Pro is powered with the 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700H processor and is equipped with up to the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti with 150W maximum TGP. This powerhouse also features a 2960 x 1600 IPS display in 16:10 format with 100% sRGB color gamut and up to 3ms response time. It is supported by Dolby Vision®, which brings crowd's favorite entertainment and games to life with spectacular picture quality and buttery smooth gaming via NVIDIA® G-SYNC® for less screen tearing.

The Legion 5i Pro features expanded bandwidth from 4800Mhz DDR5 memory and up to 1TB PCle SSD (Gen4)​ of storage. Gamers will also experience less lag with the improved Wi-Fi 6E antenna placement and an 80Whr battery capacity with Super Rapid Charge to go from zero to 80 percent battery life in just 30 minutes of charging.

The laptop’s cooling system includes an updated fan system, larger exhaust area, and improved penta heat pipe layout that efficiently ushers air to lower skin temperatures. The Legion Coldfront 4.0 also received an upgrade as it now offers noise suppression thanks to a noise-insulated chassis. 

Available in Storm Grey, the durable body of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro series is thinner than the previous generation. It also features the new Legion Spectrum RGB Lighting. Get the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro starting at PHP 119,995.00. 

Lenovo Legion 7i and Lenovo Legion Slim 7i         

Perfect for the gamers who wish to have thin and lightweight but portable powerhouses, the Lenovo Legion 7i and Legion Slim 7i sit at the apex of gaming performance. Crafted with precision, these gaming laptops showcase breathtaking visuals and feature the world’s first 16” WQHD+ Mini LED display on a gaming laptop.

The new Lenovo Legion 7 series laptops exceed expectations with a number of innovative firsts that adapt to and balance the multi-dimensional needs of modern gamers and professional players. Crafted with a minimalist design, long battery life, and whisper-quiet artificial intelligence (A.I.) tuned thermals are purpose-built for those who want performance and mobility.

The Lenovo Legion 7i laptop is perfect for gamers who demand the highest performance in their gametime. Underneath the laptops’ sleek covers is sheer power. It packs a serious punch with the 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900HX processor. Gamers are also treated with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti that instantly provides a different kind of incredible reality.

The laptop also offers up to 165Hz smooth refresh rates, enabling fast response times and has Tobii Horizon software, which brings a more immersive experience for gamers, as well as Tobii Aware, which uses smart sensor technology to help improve users' security, privacy, and wellbeing. With the Legion 7i, multitasking, streaming, gaming and content creation are made even easier with ample storage of up to 2TB SSD Gen4 and up to 32GB  DDR5 of memory – all tuned for maximum performance via the Lenovo Legion A.I. Engine 2.0. 

The Legion Slim 7i is Lenovo’s thinnest and lightest 16-inch gaming laptop, perfect for powerful gaming and content creation experiences in a polished and minimalist design. It offers users greater freedom to roam, while still retaining the power and performance with the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H processor.

Underneath the sleek exterior, the laptop is packed with a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Graphics to produce a cinema-like feel with best-in-class color accuracy and high dynamic range. It also offers a 165Hz refresh rate, storage of up to 1TB SSD Gen4, and up to 24GB DDR5 of memory.

Accompanied with Dolby Audio, the Legion Slim 7i raises sightlines, strengthens game immersion, and dives deeper into enthralling cinematics. 

Featuring an all-metal exterior and available in sleek Storm Grey, the portable Lenovo Legion 7i is available starting at PHP 179,995.00 and the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i powerhouse in Onyx Grey is available starting at PHP 124,995.00.

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i

Featuring up to the latest powerful performance of the 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900K processor, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is ideal for intense gaming marathons. Paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti LHR for ultrafast frame rates at over 4K resolutions, this powerful gaming tower is optimally built for long hours of system performance at an affordable price point.

Gaming, multitasking, streaming, content creation, and more are made even easier with the Legion Tower 7i. It is also equipped with a storage capacity of up to 2TB SSD Gen 4 with 32GB  DDR5 of memory.

Push beyond the boundaries of smaller rig configurations and don’t miss out on getting the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i starting at PHP 159,995.00

IdeaPad Gaming 3i

Designed to eliminate screen stuttering, slow game loads, and blistering keyboards, the new IdeaPad Gaming 3i now comes in 2 variants, a 15.6-inch model and an all-new 16-inch laptop both sporting a 165Hz refresh rate.

With the option to choose between the 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and i5 H-Series processors, the IdeaPad Gaming 3i guarantees gamers a powerful and immersive gaming experience. The laptop’s speakers are engineered with Dolby Audio that can help you detect your opponent from a mile away. For even more bang for your buck, the IdeaPad Gaming 3i lets you choose from a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or an
NVIDIA GeForce RTX3050Ti for a truly elevated experience.

Available in Onyx Grey, get the IdeaPad Gaming 3i starting at PHP 69,995.00

No matter where you’re at on your gaming journey, Lenovo Legion has something for you. All Legion and IdeaPad Gaming laptops will now come with a Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 Lifetime License for free. Legion Gaming notebooks will now also include Lenovo’s 3-Year Accidental Damage Protection and 3-Year Legion Ultimate Support as a standard warranty, currently the best warranty in the market. Gamers will receive 24/7 accessibility through phone, chat, or email to Lenovo’s expert technicians to offer guidance on hardware optimization and software assistance for the latest AAA game titles. It also offers next business day onsite support and fast repairs for those tricky problems and overall technical support.

All this is part of Lenovo’s brighter vision of creating an ecosystem of smarter Lenovo Legion technology, engaging services, and connected software solutions with competitive gameplay at its heart, because when every second counts, it’s the experience that matters most.

The latest generation of Lenovo Legion devices will be available in all Legion Exclusive Storesas well as Lenovo Experience Stores, and authorized resellers nationwide. You can also shop online via the Legion Flagship Store in Lazada. For more information, follow @lenovolegionph on Facebook and Instagram  or visit legion.lenovo.com  

Use ShopeePay to Send Money to any Bank or e-wallet for Free

We already know how easy it is to send money online—all it takes is a few taps on your phone and you’re done. Convenient and ideal, right? Yes, but only if you’re sending money to someone with the same bank account or e-wallet as yours, or else you need to pay extra fees. That’s not very practical so we’ve got a solution for you. Did you know that ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, actually lets you send money to any bank, e-wallet, or Shopee user for free? Yes, no hidden fees because we want to enable all Filipinos to fully enjoy the benefits of sending money online. 

It’s inconvenient to create and maintain multiple apps just to avoid additional transaction fees. To minimize the hassle, all you need is ShopeePay, which is part of the Shopee app—simply activate and verify your ShopeePay account. With ShopeePay, enjoy free and instant bank transfers with 40+ banks and e-wallet partners, including the country’s major banks like BDO, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metrobank, and Security Bank, UnionBank, and more. With this integrated service, you no longer need to jump from one app to another to make your fund transfers.

Watch this video to know how to send money for free with ShopeePay.

On top of convenience, ShopeePay also makes sending money more fun and exciting through promos where you can qualify to win rewards and cash prizes. Get the chance to be a ShopeePay Milyonaryo—register at this link, send at least P50 to any bank, e-wallet, or Shopee user for a chance to play and win up to P1,000,000 on Shopee Live. In addition, be sure to check in during ShopeePay Happy Hour so you can win up to 100 coins daily when you send at least P50 to any Shopee user. 

Activate ShopeePay now and start enjoying its benefits. To learn more about ShopeePay, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay. Download Shopee for free through the App Store or Google Play. 

Prioritize Protection With LG Commercial Laundry's Hygiene Care System

The secret to a good business is to foresee the needs of your clients even before they know it. Whether it’s extra features or cost-efficiency, providing something new to the table ensures that they’ll value your business and become a repeat customer. Good experiences coupled with value for money equals customer loyalty. 

This holds true for laundry businesses. Customers tend to initially shop around and then stick to one that meets all their needs. During the pandemic, one of the biggest needs of customers is cleanliness and hygiene. One of the most common guidelines at the start was to remove all of your clothing before even stepping foot inside your house. This led to a lot of laundry and a lot of anxiety regarding germs and viruses on clothes. 

Laundry businesses had an ace up their sleeves with the LG Commercial Laundry's Hygiene Care System. It offers a 3 step hygiene care system that cleans clothes and combats germs, viruses, and allergens. The commercial washers sanitize the machines before, during, and after every load. First, the Clean Tub Cycle cleans the tub in just three minutes before use. Next, the Hygiene Cycle can help sanitize fabrics while the last step is an Intensive Tub Cleaning Cycle that can run once the load is done. 

Aside from ensuring safety and cleanliness for your customers, LG commercial washers also help your bottom line. The machines reduce energy and water consumption while increasing efficiency. According to Energy Star standards, LG Commercial Laundry machines save more energy and water than other products in their category. It is also tested by Intertek, one of the worldwide leaders in quality assurance. 

Your investment is safeguarded with its high-quality, durable technology. The Inverter Direct Drive drums on LG commercial laundry machines are directly attached to the motor, making it durable and reliable for years to come. Thanks to a fewer number of parts, these machines also need fewer repairs. Multi Heat Treatment improves durability and resists gradual abrasion. LG washing machines enjoy extended operating life and fewer repairs, helping your business save costs. Premium Powder Coating provides the same durability as car paint, which does not rust easily and extends product's lifetime. The coating also helps resist scratches and contamination that frequently occur in communal washing machines.

Save big on your business while still delivering top-notch performance with LG commercial washers. You can view more details on our website at lg.com/ph/business/commercial-laundry.

LG is a Big Winner at This Year’s Red Dot and CES 2022 Innovation Awards 

LG Electronics has taken home 25 honors from this year’s Red Dot Award, continuing its success in the prestigious annual design awards program. Among the company’s impressive haul were three Best of the Best accolades for the LG washer and dryer with an upgradability option, a new LG lifestyle OLED TV, and the LG DualUp Monitor Ergo.

LG PuriCare AeroTower air purifier and the LG tiiun were recognized in the Innovative Product category. Other LG products honored at this year’s awards include the LG One:Quick Flex all-in-one display solution, LG UltraGearTM gaming laptop, LG OLED evo Gallery Edition, and other OLED evo TV models, all lauded for their aesthetically pleasing and user-centric designs.

The Red Dot Award is one of the most prestigious competitions for product design, communication design, and design concepts, with the distinctive Red Dot winner logo seen as a respected mark of quality around the world. This year, approximately 7,800 products were submitted for the jury’s consideration.

Meanwhile, LG Electronics also swept up a grand collection of CES® awards at the 2022 event across its home appliance, home entertainment, and business solutions categories. In all, LG tallied approximately 150 awards and accolades from various publications covering the first-ever physical/virtual hybrid CES event.

Among the top honors earned were 24 CES Innovation Awards and the 2022 CES Editor’s Choice awards from USA TODAY’s consumer product reviews division, Reviewed. LG was recognized as the most-awarded brand by USA TODAY/Reviewed with LG’s OLED evo C2 Series, PuriCare™ AeroTower, DualUp Monitor, Soundbar S95QR, and Washer and Dryer Pair earning recognition based on four key criteria: innovation, technology, design, and value. 

Cool Things to Do this Summer in Ortigas

With all the hustle and bustle in the Metro, you need to chill out and experience an #AwSMBurstOfSummer with SM Megamall and The Podium! Here’s everything you need to check out this Summertime.

1. Preview of Mega Whale Shark 

The #AweSM3DWhaleShark was first spotted at the SM Megamall LED billboard last April 28, 2022. It is the first-ever 3D immersive experience in Manila and everyone can enjoy this sight daily at 7pm to 9pm every 15 minutes. Stay tuned for a more awesome experience as this is just the first preview and we’ll give you more of the Mega Whale Shark soon!

Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/smmegamall/videos/786805132726449

#First3DPreview #OnlyAtMega

2. Mega Play Park 

Experience the #AweSMBurstOfSummer as SM Megamall brings you a fun and exciting experience at the Mega Play Park located on the Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall. The gigantic dollhouse, funniest games such as golf, and table tennis, and colorful photo spots, are perfect for the young ones and kids at heart. Enjoy this attraction until May 10, 2022.

#OnlyAtMega

3. Summer Coolers and Desserts- Until May 10

The Ultimate Summer Coolers and Desserts surrounding the colorful Mega Play Park are the best, delicious drinks and desserts to beat the summer heat: Yogorino, Serenitea, Gong Cha, Milksha, Tokyo Bubble Tea, The Alley, Cold Stone, and Papermoon. 

4. Mega 5-Day Sale

It’s going to be a summer to remember as SM Megamall gives you the most awaited Mega 5-day sale. Score lots of amazing deals and SMAC exclusive deals from your favorite stores from May 11-15, 2022. #SafeMallingAtSM #Mega5DaySale

5. Pawsome Summer The Podium

Paws up at The Podium Paw Park! Enjoy two whole weekends of dog socializing and fun in PetMe’s activities and daycare service. And shop special accessories and treats from Presidential Paws, BARF Philippines, Petenizer, and more at our Pup-ups! Pawsome Summer happening this April 28-May 1 & May 6-8. Can’t wait to spend this pawsome summer with you!

6. The Podium Alfresco area ADB and Roofdeck

Spend a little more time with friends and family with a little city breeze at The Podium Alfresco. Dine Al fresco at the ground level at ADB or up at The Roofdeck Gardens. Reserve a table through your restaurant of choice or sit & scan the QR to place an order. 

7. The Food Lab and Culinarya Pampanga

Your favorite instagram food brands are making it to The Podium! The Food Lab brings together your instagram cravings in one spot. Order a variety of food and snacks from pop-ups of each of the instagrammable food brands in your feed. Stay tuned for more!

8. Work it, Mom!

It’s a workout party with mom this May! Get dancing, stretching, and boxing with The Podium boutique studios, and get your customized Nike fit for the occasion. Release those endorphins and have a great time with mom this May 15, Sunday. 

So there you have it - a list of the coolest things to do this summer in Ortigas. Dine, shop and strike a pose at SM Megamall and The Podium! Follow @smmegamall and @thepodiummall for more.  

I am Yogost Opens in Alabang Town Center

Hey! I Am Yogost (Yogost), the proud maker of the bestselling classic yogurt and purple rice drink, officially launched its Alabang Town Center (ATC) branch last April 23, 2022.

The launching of the ATC branch is a powerful testament to Yogost’s commitment to providing more delicious and healthy drink options to customers. Now, more people can enjoy specially made selections that can enrich satisfying pauses and meaningful moments with family, friends, and loved ones.

Located on the 2nd level, Expansion Wing of ATC, the new branch is Yogost’s sixth outlet in the Philippines, and it is set to become Yogost’s flagship store in the south metro area. It will be the central hub for the brand’s incredibly yummy drink options that Filipinos have enjoyed and loved over the past years – selections lovingly created to promote healthier and happier lifestyles.

Customers can freely order from the branch via in-store visits, the Yogost website – yogostph.com, or favorite delivery apps like GrabFood, FoodPanda, Pickaroo, and Kraver’s Canteen.

Key leaders and executives of Yogost Philippines hosted the launch, led by Justin Lim, who oversees the brand’s marketing efforts in the country. Representatives from the Ayala Malls group and notable influencer partners also graced the event with their presence, affirming their support for this important milestone.

In his address, Justin Lim said, “We are genuinely thrilled to open the ATC branch and start offering fresh drink experiences that allow our customers to experience the best of both worlds – great taste and good nutrition. Now that we are here, bigger and better, we invite everyone to visit and try out our fantastic selections. These will surely make you fall in love from the first sip!”

The ATC branch launch is only one of several exciting developments this year. Before the event, Yogost launched five new flavors and formally opened its franchising program. Stay tuned for more updates by following Yogost on Facebook and Instagram: @yogostph 

Exclusive Discovery+ Titles and More with 7-Days Free Trial

The definitive destination for real life entertainment, discovery+, gives Filipinos a sweet deal this month with a 7-day free trial available until May 31, 2022. Viewers can dive into an ever-growing library of exclusives, Originals, curated local content and more!

Check out the list below for new discovery+ titles to watch this May. From a high-profile case, a unique dating show to a gripping documentary thriller, there’s something for everyone to stream.

Johnny vs Amber (May 9). Two-part documentary series with explosive evidence, intimate personal archive, and in-depth interviews from both legal teams. Johnny vs. Amber explores the UK High Court libel case and the important and complex issue of domestic abuse.

Love in the Jungle (May 8). Is the key to finding true love mating like animals, rather than dating like humans? In a ground-breaking new series that pushes the dating scene into the world of nature, fourteen unlucky-in-love singles are ready to test that theory as they participate in mating rituals pulled straight from the animal kingdom––and do so with little to no verbal communication. For these singles, it’s the chance to unleash their inner animals and hone their natural instincts in the ultimate pursuit of true love.

Ghost Adventures: House Calls (May 19). Paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley respond to urgent calls for help from desperate homeowners whose lives have been thrust into turmoil from unexplained activity inside their homes. After hearing each family’s haunted account, Bagans sends the crew on a personal house call to get to the bottom of their paranormal emergency. Conducting a thorough investigation, Bagans shares the team’s findings with each homeowner, offering them much-needed advice and resolution.

Man Without A Heart. A gripping and disturbing documentary thriller, Man Without a Heart immerses viewers in one of the most enigmatic unsolved cases of the last decade, taking them on a journey through Sweden, Spain, and England to explore the death of a Spanish man disguised as an impossible suicide. It’s the story of a family willing to fight for the truth no matter its consequences and a puzzle of characters who unravel a mysterious story full of surprises. Now available to stream.

All these plus more

The fun doesn’t stop with discovery+ Originals. Fans can also enjoy popular and exciting reality shows such as Unidentified with Demi Lovato and Whitney Houston: As I Am.

Whitney Houston: As I Am (May 8). Whitney Houston possessed a mezzo-soprano vocal range and was commonly referred to as ‘The Voice’ in reference to her exceptional vocal talent. A voice that only comes around once in a lifetime. Her voice opened doors all over the world for every female artist who came after her.

Her untimely death sent shockwaves around the world. No one could quite believe that America’s sweetheart was gone. She started out as a perfect pop princess and matured into a true soul diva. Whitney’s life was complicated and it ended tragically, but her musical legacy is so much more.

Unidentified with Demi Lovato is an unscripted series that follows Lovato, their skeptical best friend Matthew and their sister Dallas, as they search for the truth about the UFO phenomena. While consulting with leading experts, Demi, Dallas and Matthew will investigate recent eyewitness encounters, uncover secret government reports, and conduct tests at known UFO hot spots. Now available to stream.

No matter one’s interest, there’s sure to be a show for everyone on discovery+.

Download and subscribe to discovery+, available across multiple platforms including connected TVs, web, mobile, and tablets. For the latest updates and promos, follow discovery+ on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

Malayan Colleges Mindanao Engages Parents in Supporting Their Children’s Hybrid Learning

Malayan Colleges Mindanao, A Mapúa School (MCM) launched The Parenting Hour: A Webinar on Positive Effects of Hybrid Flexible Learning on Students and How Parents Can Support Young Learners on May 6, 2022, via Zoom and streamed live on Facebook. The online event is the school’s initiative to effectively engage parents and guardians in tackling the common challenges in relation to students’ welfare amidst the new normal educational landscape.

The event speakers discussed the important role of parents in the educational success of students.

Far Eastern University (FEU) Guidance Director Dr. Sheila Marie G. Hocson emphasized that parents have the most powerful influence on their children and that their behavior greatly affects that of their children. She also motivated parents to constantly communicate with their children.

“[The parents] are the absolute truth of their children. Sana po tayo ay maging magandang ehemplo lalo na po if you are raising zero- to eighteen-year-olds since those are the ages when they develop ethical identity. Importante po na matuto po tayo magkaroon ng frequent communication sa ating mga anak,” Dr. Hocson advised.

Positive Discipline Advocates of the Philippines Founder Ms. Zaida M. Padullo encouraged parents and guardians to build a mutually respectful relationship with their children, and comprehensively communicate their rules, limits, and expectations.

“We encourage our parents and teachers to draw the line kung hanggang saan yung consideration––kung ano yung pwede and hindi. Kailangan po clear yung expectations sa ating mga anak. There has to be clear rules na pinag-a-agree-han ng mga magulang at ng kanyang mga anak. You have to be firm and kind at the same time,” Ms. Padullo urged.

Co-hosted by TV Personality and mom, Ms. Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and MCM’s Guidance Facilitator, Mr. Charlymer C. Dingal, The Parenting Hour was largely attended by parents and guardians of students from Davao City schools.

In its mission of providing quality education, Malayan Colleges Mindanao aims to continuously engage parents and guardians, and provide opportunities for parenting support in helping build a healthy home and school environment for students.

The Parenting Hour may be re-watched here. 

OH MY GULAY with the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg

“I really used to struggle kasi hate na hate talaga ng kids ko dati ang veggies – ayaw nila yung taste. Taste is so important for kids, so I ensure na dapat na-eenjoy nila mga sineserve ko.”

Have you sat with your kids way past mealtime just to make sure they eat their veggies on the plate? How about resorting to bargaining more gadget time for just one more bite of that carrots? Well, you’re definitely not the only momma doing that. Even celebrities like Camille Prats have to do a bit of negotiating just to get her kids to eat their veggies.

Luckily, she shares some handy hacks with Spot.ph to do the trick without the crying, the bargaining, and the unnecessary drama that fills mealtime. 

Here are 3 easy peasy ways to get your kids to eat their veggies according to Camille:

1. Oh My Gulay! May Gulay! – Instead of only serving your kids veggies, partner your kids’ meals with Tang Fruit & Veg. It comes in two flavors: Orange Carrot, which has the Vitamin C from oranges and Vitamin A from carrots, and Dalandan Malunggay, which has the Vitamin C from dalandan and the Iron of malunggay. Tang Fruit & Veg has the delicious taste of fruits AND the nutrition from veggies in a drink that kids love! Camille can vouch this – her kids love its taste so much, they actually ask her for it themselves! Yummy na, masustansya pa! 

2. SmartMom Recipes - No need to work hard, just work smart! Incorporate veggies in delectable recipes that you know your kids will surely love. Your kids won’t notice that veggies are actually the main ingredient because of its delicious taste! 

3. Appearance is key – Kids are very visual so it’s really all about making their plate look fun! Focus on making veggies look appetizing by using creative shapes and brightly colored bowls to increase their appetite. You can even add in their favorite animal or cartoon character for that extra wow factor! You can go as simple as making trees out of broccoli or more complex as making pirates from cucumbers-- the idea stays the same: make it fun!

Oh My Gulay! Shop the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg now to get the yummy taste of fruits with the nutrition benefits of veggies!: http://bit.ly/TangFruitNVeg 

Beauty Meets Power with the New Lenovo Yoga 9i

Everyone loves a good combination of beauty and brains. When shopping for a new device, one can’t deny how its physical features and design are significant factors to consider when deciding on a purchase. While it’s what’s on the inside that matters, there’s no need to sacrifice style with the new Lenovo Yoga 9i. Form and function can still be sleek and stylish, and here’s why the Lenovo Yoga 9i is the perfect example of this. 

Cutting edge design

The Yoga 9i is thin, light, and convertible. Designed for ultimate comfort, the Yoga 9i features a Comfort Edge design with rounded edges and smoother elements. This allows for a more intuitive user experience, making long-term use and mobility come naturally to its users. This upgraded design gives the Yoga 9i a more compact and premium look --making it the perfect accessory for savvy millennials. 

These rounded and sleek edges aren’t just for the aesthetic, as the Yoga 9i can also be used in multiple ways that support and improve day-to-day productivity. With added ports and its 360-degree multi-mode, users can convert the laptop into a tablet that can stand on its own and use the Lenovo Precision Pen 2 for easy notetaking. It also features a one-handed opening, making it always ready to fold and flip to fit your needs. This portable powerhouse is available in a warm Oatmeal hue, serving as the most stylish mobile laptop perfect for any hybrid working environment. 

Entertainment powerhouse

The Yoga series has always delivered top-of-the-line entertainment experiences. Its latest upgrade promises better visuals and more authentic audio to cater to the leisure and play necessary amidst all the hustle and bustle. 

Lenovo introduces PureSight Display, the latest major upgrade to their screens with this recent addition to their Yoga lineup. With a golden aspect ratio of 16:10 and slim bezels all around, the Yoga 9i’s 2.8K 90Hz OLED PureSight Display combined with Dolby Vision® HDR offers a stunning and immersive full view display with true-to-life color accuracy. The TÜV Low Blue Light certification means it’s specially calibrated to help reduce eye strain.

Along with such vibrant visuals comes unparalleled sound. The Yoga 9i’s rotating soundbar and Bowers & Wilkins speakers optimized by Dolby Atmos lets users experience music the way the artist intended. Without any distortion, hear more detail and experience only the best entertainment. 

Upgraded inside and out

A beauty on the outside but also on the inside, the Lenovo Yoga 9i’s modernized interior features an edge-to-edge keyboard and a 45% larger touchpad. With a bigger active touchpad area, enjoy lesser mis-clicks and an integrated fingerprint scanner. 

Going in deeper, the Yoga 9i is powered by a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1260P processor combined with Intel Iris® Xe graphics and an upgraded battery that allows for up to 14-hours of usage. Users can also maximize their productivity with its AI functions such as Smart Note, Smart Power, Smart Voice, and Smart Gesture for seamless work and play, making for a premium user experience.

Premium Care for a Premium Laptop

While the Lenovo Yoga 9i is built to live up to users’ standards of the ultimate dream laptop, one can never predict accidents that may happen. A premium laptop such as the Yoga 9i deserves premium maintenance and care. Luckily for its users, the Yoga 9i comes with 3-year Accidental Damage Protection on top of a straight-to-the-experts 3-Year Premium Care Warranty. Users need not worry about getting anything less than excellent service and expert solutions from Lenovo.  

Despite the Yoga 9i’s sleek and slim exterior, one can’t deny the powerful features hidden inside. Multitaskers and always-on-the-go users now have a stylish new accessory to cart around on trips, and the ultimate productivity tool to cater to all their work and play needs. 

Bring home the ultimate flex, the Lenovo Yoga 9i today, available at Yoga Exclusive Stores in SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA as well as Lenovo Experience Stores and authorized resellers nationwide. For more information, follow Lenovo Philippines on Facebook or visit https://www.lenovo.com/ph/en/yoga 

Wais Negosyo Tips: Four Easy Ways to Level up Your Small Business

Whether you run an SME as a side hustle or full-time, growing a business is not an easy task. In order for your business to thrive, and not just survive, you need a combination of the right strategy and solutions like SME superapp Enstack. 

Enstack’s Single Sign Up feature makes it easy to access all the tools and services you need to take your business to the next level. After submitting an ID, a selfie, and Proof of Billing during signup, you can start offering customers important in app services such as digital payments and on-demand shipping while enjoying low rates. Until the end of May you can also enjoy free shipping and zero transaction fees on orders worth ₱500 and above when you use Enstack integrated couriers and digital payment options.

Maging isang madiskarteng business owner and set yourself up for growth with these four tips from Enstack:

Keep your store open 24/7

Missed out on an order dahil hindi ka nakareply? Ensure you have online sales channels open around the clock that show your products, run promos, and engage and attract new and repeat customers. Take orders via phone or in person with Enstack’s Cashier miniapp or online using Chat Store, which automatically takes orders on Facebook Messenger even while you’re asleep.

Bill your customers right away

Matagal at mabagal ba ang bayaran? Send invoices promptly so can you get paid as soon as possible. Enstack lets you manage, ship, and bill for all orders made on Enstack. Send invoices with links that direct customers to a payment portal, making it easy for your business to get paid. With Enstack, madali na maningil.

Accept that ‘cashless’ will be king

Madami bang nagtatanong kung tumatanggap ka ng GCash? While cash on delivery still rules, cashless payments are now more common post-pandemic. Enstack lets you offer a range of cashless options from mobile wallets like GCash, PayMaya, and GrabPay to online transfers via BPI and UnionBank direct debit while helping you keep track of payments.

Say goodbye to pen and paper

Nauubos ba ang oras mo sa manual na paglilista at pagcocompute? Paper records of sales, expenses, and inventory are prone to errors and can easily be lost. Switch to Enstack’s digital Accounting tool to track your sales and expenses and generate reports quickly. Then, shift to the Inventory mini app which automatically updates stock levels real-time based on orders made across all Enstack channels including the Cashier miniapp Chat Store. Now your records are always accessible through your phone.

Download Enstack for free on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, please visit www.enstack.com 

Mother's Day at Paradise Dynasty

If you're still unsure of where to take your Mom out for lunch or dinner on Sunday, Mother's Day, I strongly recommend bringing her to paradise, Paradise Dynasty that is. For me, it's still one of the best restaurants to eat at regardless if you are celebrating something or just want great food.

I had a lovely lunch with my Ninang Jen and some foodie friends and here are some of the dishes that I would recommend you to order when you dine in. 

This lettuce roll was so refreshing to the taste. Crunchy, tasty, and definitely healthy, this is something that should be on every table when you dine at Paradise Dynasty.

This peanut noodle (I'm sure that's not the name but I couldn't remember what it was for the life of me) is another hit! If you are not allergic to peanuts, then you must go ahead and try this. It was like eating kare kare but in noodle form. A marriage between two worlds that I truly love.

The salted prawn is another hit for me. It was just so good that I wish I could have eaten an entire plate all to myself. It was that good. 

Last, but definitely not least, this 8-flavored Xiao Long Bao needs to be ordered by every member of the family. You need to be able to savor the different flavors that they have to offer. My personal favorite is the original, truffle, and cheese. Mindblowing. 

Paradise Dynasty has branches in S Maison, SM Aura, and Podium. Regardless if you are from the North, East, West, or South, there is a branch near you and so make sure that you bring your Mom to Paradise this Mother's Day. She deserves it. 

Okada Manila Receives 3rd Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award

Ooops they did it again! Okada has once again bagged another Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star for its 2022 Star Award. This is the 3rd year that Okada Manila has received this coveted accolade. 

Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) is the only globally recognized rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. To celebrate this achievement, we were invited by Okada to their newest Filipino restaurant located at the Coral Wing. 

We were initially situated at their brand new lounge which is also located on the 3rd floor of the Coral Wing and it is simply stunning. Pure opulence is how I would describe it but in a good, classy way. 

  

This place is definitely something that I would recommend for business meetings, get-togethers, and intimate parties. 

On the other hand, the yet unnamed Filipino restaurant feels cozy and welcoming which I feel is the perfect ambiance for a Filipino-themed resto. 

I loved that they were playing soft OPM instrumentals as the background music because it completed the feel of the place. Personally, I don't like it when a Korean restaurant plays American songs or a Japanese restaurant plays Filipino songs. I believe that all these elements, music included, complete the overall impact of a place. 

This is a testament to how Okada looks not just at the overall effect of their service but also on the small details that make such a big difference. With over 990 exceptional accommodations, many amazing restaurants, award-winning spas, and various other extraordinary amenities, all complemented by exceptional Pilipino hospitality, it is no mean feat that Okada Manila has achieved the FTG 5-star rating for 3 straight years. 

Okada SVP for Hotel Operations Ivaylo S. Ivanov says, “Our 3T campaign, our industry-leading health and safety protocols lauded by the industry, were embraced by our amazing team members and we were able to provide exceptional service to our guests during the pandemic.” Forbes Travel Guide, a world-renowned authority in genuine Five-Star service, has over 900 stringent items on its list, 75% of which focus on the guest experience and the rest on the facility.

This 5-star rating comes at an opportune time, as the WTTC Global Summit that happened in Manila last week showed the world the Philippines is now open for tourism and it is time to rediscover travel. “Our doors are open, and Okada Manila is fully ready and excited to add to the exciting stories of our tourists, from both near and far,” adds Ivaylo S. Ivanov.

“Travel has come back strongly, and the resilient hospitality industry is creatively rallying to accommodate the increased occupancy demand for most regions,” shares Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “While the industry faces some lingering issues, the 2022 award winners proved ready for those challenges and more, demonstrating the best that luxury hospitality has to offer.”

Looking Through Rose-Colored Glasses with Pinks and Leys’ Owner, Leah Durante

Sometimes, the smallest things have the biggest impact on our lives. This was the case with Leah Durante, founder of Pinks and Leys, an up-and-coming flower shop that is sure to have a flower bouquet for every occasion in your life.  

Leah saw her father give her mother a rose bouquet on Valentine’s Day and the smile she saw on her mother’s face left a big impression on her. She wanted to bring that smile to every person’s face and since she also has a penchant for flower arrangements, she decided that one day, she will open her own flower shop which she did with her sister. 

Leah believes that when you give flower bouquets, you are not just giving flowers. You are giving a life booster. You are sharing a part of yourself with the other person and you have the purest of intentions which is to bring a smile to someone’s face. 

A flower is something that normally brings a smile to someone’s face. It’s nature’s natural happy pill and it symbolizes love. In this day and age where there is so much negativity and hate going around, Leah firmly believes that the need to give flowers matters even more because flowers bring unexplainable joy and kilig to the receiver. 

However, as with any business, there are challenges when it comes to flower shops. The biggest criticism it normally receives is that flowers die too easily and so this is something that Leah is looking into. She wants to learn how to extend the lifespan of a flower to extend the joy it gives as well to the people who receive a bouquet from Pinks and Leys.

The other challenge for Leah is to recommend the right bouquet to a person. You see, different flowers have different general meanings but it can also happen that a rose may mean something different for someone else compared to the general population. It’s a delicate process but luckily, Leah has the graceful touch needed to make magic happen.  

To anyone who wants to become a florist like Leah, her advice is to aim to always give hope and joy, continue to share a piece of nature in every bouquet, and create love with every single creation. Remember that as a florist, you are a child of God, sharing God’s creation with everyone around you. 

Be unique. Be creative. Be like Leah.  

Khali's Many Firsts

Since Khali is a pandemic baby, there are so many ordinary things that he has not tried. Last weekend, we ticked off a lot of these items for him. 

We had dinner at Jollibee and he enjoyed his french fries and spaghetti. Trust me, he ate a lot and he really, really likes his pasta. 

We also went to Kinder City in NoMo in Cavite which was a stone's throw away from our place. Truth be told, Khali had an awesome time while his Dad and I struggled to breathe.

This made M and I realize that we need to exercise more to keep up with our baby. 

Yesterday, we made our way to Tagaytay and Khali had a major blast running around, soaking in the sun and fresh air. He even gamely posed with his Ahia Brent. 

I'm so happy that I was able to experience these many firsts with Khali. When B was born, I was so busy working that I wasn't really able to immerse myself in his firsts. 

I'm also very thankful that B grew up to be such a good person. He loves his little brother and takes really good care of him. 

I am blessed and grateful.