Saigosan, A Brand New Take on Japanese Comfort Food and Cult Classics

The Red Crab Group of Restaurants presents the launch of its own take on Japanese cuisine, Saigosan, in BGC, Taguig City.

Saigosan is Chef Chris Oronce's take on an izakaya that serves excellent burgers, chicken, and donburi. The Nobu-trained chef wanted to build a small "eatery" that caters to young families—especially fathers and sons who are fans of everything anime, manga, Japanese inspired tv and movies, old samurai films, or even Mr. Miyagi and the gang. Being a father himself, owner Raymund Magdaluyo aims for Saigosan to be the go-to place for fathers and sons alike.

With its unique design, walking inside the store transports you to a dreamlike Japan set in the middle of a commuter train and a ramen shop. The bright colors and neon lights make the store stand out and immediately catch the attention of passersby. The art inside gives tribute to Japanese cult classics, making the ambiance appeal to different generations.

Saigosan offers Japanese comfort dishes that people know and love. We offer a sashimi platter, ebi tempura, classic gyoza, and spicy salmon roll. However, we also like adding twists to the classics to give them variety. We have our own take on the California roll in the form of our mini volcano rolls. Our truffle wagyu steak macaroni will satisfy parents and children alike, as well as our coffee jelly and matcha panna cotta with jelly.

The grilled teriyaki burger in brioche buns with onion rings is a must-try for burger lovers. The roast beef sukiyaki burger is for the ones who like something unique. But if you’re looking for something you and your kids will love, you can choose either (or both) the tori teri sando and tori katsu sando .

Love chicken? Saigosan offers a variety of dishes with chicken as the star. There are the classic wings and tenders with three different sauces to choose from teriyaki, wasabi mayo, and creamy mushroom. Our gyoza stuffed fried wings is something you can’t go wrong with when deciding what to order from our menu. The fried chicken ramen is a twist on a traditional dish that features a crispy chicken katsu served in miso-paitan broth. If rice is more your speed, we have a chicken katsudon.

Speaking of donburi, our chasu bacon & egg donburi is a crowd favorite. We also offer familiar dishes like the grilled yakiniku donburi with egg and grilled tori teri don, as well as our version of the buta kakuni don. As a bonus, the miso butter lobster will surely hit the spot for seafood lovers.

Our dishes are perfect for the young and the young-at-heart, too! Whether you’re getting a quick meal for lunch or looking for somewhere to unwind after a day at work, Saigosan is the perfect place to go. We aim to be at the top of people’s minds when deciding where to dine at Uptown Mall, and even the whole Bonifacio Global City. Being near the cinema, our meals are suited to satisfy your cravings before or after watching a movie.

Saigosan comes from the same minds that launched brands such as The Red Crab Alimango House, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, and Pier at Clawdaddy’s. With the help of Chef Chris, they were able to create a blend of authentic Japanese dishes and modern favorites.

Saigosan is located on the 3rd Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It is open daily during mall hours from 10AM to 10PM. For inquiries or reservations, contact Saigosan at 0915 812 6855 or email them at saigosan.bgc@gmail.com 

Prominent Business Leaders Come Together for Climate Action at SM Sustainability Forum 2022

WWF-Philippines is enjoining the private sector to work towards convening a Philippine Alliance for Climate Action in the culmination of the UNITED FOR CLIMATE: Sustainability Forum held at the Conrad Manila on November 28, 2022. The forum, hosted by SM Investments Corporation, gathered business owners, partner suppliers, policymakers, and civil society organizations in a multi-sectoral dialogue on climate action.

“Through a Philippine Alliance for Climate Action, companies can work together to create a shared vision and synchronized action plan. We hope this can be a way for the private sector -as the engine of our economy - to accelerate efforts for the single goal of keeping global warming to 1.5C,” WWF-Philippines Executive Director, Katherine 'Trin' Custodio said.

“We hope this forum will launch sector-wide discussions on innovative climate strategies across Philippine industries. The next steps will be to agree on a way forward and a timeline, and how all can progress towards a unified, private sector-led climate action plan that is context-specific, adaptive, and truly Filipino,” said Hans Sy, Jr. of the SM Group who was also one of the forum’s keynote speakers. 

“Together with WWF, we invite you to carry on with the discussions from COP 27 - this time, bringing them closer to home. We urge that we look at our climate agenda through the lens of the Philippines’ agenda and the realities that Filipino businesses and local communities face every day,” SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. Dy Buncio said in his opening remarks during the forum.   

The forum kicked off the joint efforts to fight climate change through a series of “fireside chats” given by business leaders, policymakers, and environment experts from around the region. These discussions allowed participants to share insights, best practices, and other information that could form the foundation of a practical climate action plan.

The panel of experts includes Noel Peters of the Asian Development Bank, Head of Wetlands International Philippines Dr. Annadel Cabanban, and the President of the Center for Conservation Innovations Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari.  

Keynote speakers Sec. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR), Maria Isabel Garcia, Chairperson of WWF Philippines, provided the context for ambitious action, which are the global double emergency of biodiversity loss and climate change, and the delivering the country's climate commitments.

Sustainability is one of the biggest challenges facing the planet. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global emissions need to be reduced by 50 percent by 2030 to avoid significant climate-related catastrophes. The Philippines is one of the signatories of the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change and has committed to reducing the country’s carbon emissions by 75% by 2030. 

The New Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza is Pizza Hut’s cheesiest pizza ever

In one of the opening scenes of the 1991 Christmas comedy classic Home Alone, the protagonist, Kevin, ruins dinner for everyone because nobody left even a single slice of his favorite cheese pizza for him. And you know what? We'd go feral, too, if somebody crossed us like that, even more, if the pizza had not just one but seven types of cheeses!

If you're a lover of everything cheese, then the new Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza from Pizza Hut is the perfect holiday treat for you! As we prepare for Christmas gatherings and endless merriment, enjoy this pizza creation made with seven different slices of cheese—mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, Hokkaido milk cheese, gouda, and Emmental cheese—made more flavorful with creamy sesame sauce. It's made even more fun with Pizza Hut's newest crust, the Melty Cheese Crust, bite-sized pockets filled with Cheese Fondue, making it the cheesiest pizza in the Metro. You can also get the Melty Cheese Crust with your other favorite flavors!

Get Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza for just P549 for Regular and P799 for Large, available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery through the (02) 8-911-1111 hotline, the Pizza Hut website (pizzahut.com.ph), the Pizza Hut app, available for Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pizzahut.ph) and iOS (https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/pizza-hut-philippines/id1527383194) devices, as well as through GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pick.a.roo!

Of course, the most wonderful time of the year is more fun when there's more food to gorge on, which is why Pizza Hut is bringing you seven different Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza Combos! Whether you're home alone or with the fam, there's something for you to love in this selection of irresistibly cheesy offers!

First up: the Ultimate Cheesy 7 Combos, available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery via the 8-911-1111 hotline, the Pizza Hut website, and the Pizza Hut app!

It's time for a pizza date night with yourself (or with your SO I guess) with the Ultimate Cheesy 7 Meal for 2, priced at P679. It comes with 1 Regular Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza, 1 Regular Spaghetti Bolognese, 1 Regular Spaghetti Carbonara, and 2 glasses Pepsi Regular.

Bond with your best buddies with the Ultimate Cheesy 7 Meal for 4, priced at P1,499. It comes with 1 Large Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza, 1 Large serving of the new Roasted Tomato and Sausage Pasta, 5 pieces Wingstreet Garlic Parmesan wings, and 4 glasses Pepsi Regular.

You'll surely please a crowd with the Ultimate Cheesy 7 Triple Pizza Treat, priced at P1,599. It comes with 1 Large Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza, 1 Large Super Supreme Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza, and 1 Large Hawaiian Supreme Pan Pizza.

There's also the Ultimate Cheesy 7 Hot Deals, available exclusively for take-out and delivery via the (02) 8-911-1111 hotline, the Pizza Hut website, and the Pizza Hut mobile app! 

Let the good times roll with the Hot Deals 1+1 Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pair, which comes with 1 Large Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza and 1 Large Hawaiian Panalo Pan Pizza for just P959.

Take it up a notch with the Hot Deals 2+2 Ultimate Cheesy 7 Combo, which comes with 1 Large Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza, 1 Large Pepperoni & Mushroom Panalo Pan Pizza, 1 Large Crispy Fries, and a serving of KitKat Rolls for just P1,189.

Or, pull out all the stops with the Hot Deals 3+3 Ultimate Cheesy 7 Combo, which comes with 1 Large Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza, 1 Large Cheesy Bacon Panalo Pan Pizza, 1 Large Hawaiian Panalo Pan Pizza, 1 Family Spaghetti Carbonara, 5 pieces Wingstreet Honey BBQ wings, and 1 Large Crispy Fries, all for just P1,979.

Last but not least is the Hot Deals Ultimate Cheesy 7 Trio, available exclusively via the Pizza Hut website and Pizza Hut app! Go stuff yourself full like a stocking on Christmas eve with 1 Regular Ultimate Cheesy 7 Pizza, 1 Regular Hawaiian Panalo Pan Pizza, and 1 Regular Pepperoni & Mushroom Panalo Pan Pizza, all for just P789!

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! Order today and indulge in this brand new cheesy innovation! For the latest news and updates, and deals from Pizza Hut, give the brand a like and follow it on Facebook @pizzahutphilippines Instagram, and Twitter @pizzahutphils!

SM provides learners with environment conducive to learning

More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus and are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.

Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program.

Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroots communities with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features into each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water tank and a handwashing facility.

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is SM Prime Holdings (SMPH), one of Southeast Asia's largest integrated property developers. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 were built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.

Infrastructure for calamity-prone areas

SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster-resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.” 

“But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically ready and well-rounded community members,” Buelvo further expressed.

Addressing classroom shortage

The continuous rapid growth of the country’s population is taking a toll on schools—leaving the students, even the teachers, with overcrowded classrooms, which affects learners’ academic performance. 

In 2012, the Banisil National High School (BNHS) in General Santos City received its first SM school building. But being the only secondary school in Barangay Tambler, BNHS records a significant increase in their enrollment per year. With this challenge, SM Foundation decided to provide another edifice of hope for the sub-urban Muslim community in 2021, addressing the growing needs of BNHS learners and teachers.

BNHS then principal Shiela Balbon said, “Yung patuloy na paglobo ng population every year ay talagang naging suliranin namin.”

“Pagpasok ng 2020, nagkaroon ng COVID. So naisip ko baka hindi na matuloy. Pero itong SM Foundation, walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan yung pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante,” she added.

“Our salute to our longtime partners, SM Foundation and SM Prime, for being so generous and proactive in providing us with school buildings conducive to learning. We are so grateful for your extended support to our school amidst the pandemic,” Balbon concluded.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School project. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. 

PLDT Enterprise Showcases the Limitless Potential of Artificial Intelligence at GO CEBU Grand Expo

PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the largest fully integrated telco provider in the country PLDT, partnered with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) to present this year’s Cebu Business Months (CBM) 2022. The CBM 2022 is a year-long series of events and programs that gather stakeholders from the private and public sectors in the areas of Entrepreneurship and ICT-BPM, among others. 

Bannering the keynote panel at the GO CEBU Grand Expo and Exhibit, Vice President & Head of PLDT Enterprise Innovations, Business Development, Consulting & Presales, Melvin Jeffrey Chan, enlightened guests on the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it helps optimize business operations through technology. 

According to Chan, AI benefits organizations with faster, data-driven decision-making, where “AI improves core processes by increasing both the speed and accuracy while providing additional insights for strategic initiatives.” 

Chan adds that AI has already helped transform many industries, without consumers being aware of it, such as aerospace and defense for drone navigation, AI-designed apparel, self-driving vehicles, intelligent robots, and wearables. 

With the limitless potential of AI for businesses, it reduces human errors, increases efficiency in the workflow, and provides safer handling of hazardous tasks. It also lets AI handle mundane tasks, whereas business owners can focus on their strategic business initiatives. 

According to a recent study by GlobalData, AI will have a global market potential of US$135.8 billion and 14% CAGR by 2026. “It will be a catalyst for business and digital transformation, and the possibilities will be boundless,” adds Chan. 

For those who would like to discuss more in the subject matter of AI or are interested in co-developing or co-innovating in the general technology spaces, Chan encouraged them to reach out to PLDT Enterprise. 

This is the 26th CBM celebration hosted by the CCCI. This year’s theme is “GO Cebu!” with the tagline ‘Realign, Reinforce, and Rebuild’ anchored on the vision of generating beneficial results despite challenging times. 

Power Mac Center unwraps ‘Presence and Presents’ holiday campaign

Power Mac Center (PMC) invites everyone to celebrate this holiday season by making time for the people they treasure the most. Because showing up means showing love, the Apple Premium Reseller supports customers by launching its holiday promos and a unique short film competition, wherein it will be giving away a brand-new iPhone 14 and more.

“Presence is the best present this Christmas—perhaps even more than any other occasion. This is when people collectively feel lighter, merrier, and more hopeful about their dreams. And so, we are honoring the best of the season by celebrating the stories of togetherness that are uniquely ours, as well as offering our customers great deals on Apple devices and accessories to gift themselves or their loved ones with,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director of Product Management and Marketing.

With the theme “Presence and Presents,” PMC’s holiday special has three parts: Unwrap Moments holds a short film competition highlighting the power of the iPhone camera; Unwrap Dreams features a unique selection of holiday deals on Apple and non-Apple products, and Unwrap Treats rewards loyal customers via an exclusive agreement for 1 Infinite Access members.

Moments: Capture the joy of togetherness, win an iPhone 14

The short film competition is open to everyone in the Philippines who are at least 18 years old. Participants should use an iPhone to create a short film that captures the joy of togetherness for the holiday season. The entry should be able to answer the question, “Why is presence the best present for Christmas?”

PMC representatives will judge shortlisted entries and two of the most sought-after Filipino filmmakers, Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac. Prizes up for grabs include an iPhone 14 128GB worth P61,990 for the Best Film (Grand Winner); iPad Air 5th gen 64GB worth P41,490 for the Best Film (1st Runner-Up); AirPods 3rd gen worth P12,990 for the Best Film (2nd Runner-Up); P5,000 worth of 1 Infinite Access points for the People’s Choice Special Award winner; and P10,000 worth of products each from partners Adam Elements, Energea, and Logitech for three special awardees. 

Submission of entries is until December 20, 2022, at 11:59 PM. For full details, visit https://bit.ly/PMCUnwrapMoments. 

Dreams: Bring home Apple devices and more

PMC is offering huge deals bundled with your Apple device purchases. Until December 31, 2022, customers can enjoy up to 25% off on select premium iPhone cases and screen protectors when purchased with any participating iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Meanwhile, those buying iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 can score up to P2,000 worth of store credits which can be used to purchase any available Apple or non-Apple accessories at all PMC and The Loop stores, as well as the Viber Store. Hurry, because this offer is good only until supplies last.

PMC’s participating premium partner brands are slashing their prices to a whopping 95% off on chargers, earphones, speakers, storage devices, and more. This offer is available at all PMC and The Loop stores, the Web Store at <https://bit.ly/3gqX6Wu>, Viber Store, and The Loop by Power Mac Center on Shopee.

Treats: Loyalty pays off

Members of PMC’s loyalty program 1 Infinite Access can get an additional 10% off and enjoy up to 95% savings on participating premium accessories at all PMC and The Loop stores.

All offers are valid on purchases paid via non-installment methods: cash, straight credit card, debit card, bank transfer, check, GCash, GrabPay, WeChat, AliPay, Maya, Hello Money, UnionPay, BDO Pay, ShopeePay, QRPH, Power Mac Center eGift Certificate, Home Credit with Interest, UpTrade trade-in value, BillEase, and 1 Infinite Access Points (1 point = P1).

Stay tuned at https://bit.ly/PMCPresenceAndPresents for the entire campaign details. Follow Power Mac Center’s official Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube accounts to be updated on news and promotions.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-154448 Series of 2022 

Galing Pook Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Local Government Programs for 2022

Ten outstanding local governance programs were recognized in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace last Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Galing Pook Foundation, with its co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the DILG-Local Government Academy, sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed named local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that promote innovation and excellence.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top-performing LGUs. He stressed how strong collaboration between the public and private sectors can lead to more meaningful and successful programs that genuinely benefit the Filipino people.

“The recognition you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement, encouraging LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. We must underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country.”

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento expressed his gratitude to all the local executives and LGU teams that participated this year: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay.”

The winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan);

Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province);

Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal);

Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and

Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).

The 10 winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.

Launched on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has recognized 329 LGU programs from 200 LGUs in the country that has been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.

Caption: President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recognizes the 10 winners of the Galing Pook Foundation 2022 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace. He commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top-performing LGUs. With them in the photo are Galing Pook Foundation chairman Mel Sarmiento, Local Government secretary Benjamin Abalos, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.  

Solane offers safe and quality Solane Sakto LPG for budget-conscious consumers

Solane has been a trusted companion of Filipino households in cooking for over 50 years, whether simple #LutongSolane meals at home or grand and festive celebrations and get-togethers. This Christmas, Solane wants to ensure that more Filipinos enjoy their meals and celebrations without breaking the bank, even if they want to enjoy festive meals outside the house.

Solane is unveiling Solane Sakto, its mini-LPG tank holding 1.4 kilograms of kitchen fuel, perfect for budget-conscious households, students, small families, and small businesses. Solane Sakto is also a great addition to cooking equipment for the more adventurous types to bring – no more canned food for camping!

It’s the same safe, sustainable, and quality kitchen fuel Filipinos have known, but in a sakto size! 

“We have long cultivated Filipinos’ passion for cooking and celebration by providing safe and quality kitchen fuel over the decades through Solane LPG,” said Jose Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Isla LPG, the company behind Solane. “Through the ‘tingi’ version of our trusted Solane LPG, we want more Filipinos to have access to affordable and quality kitchen fuel without compromising safety.” 

To show how Solane Sakto is the perfect companion for celebrating food outside the house, Solane hosted the ‘Saktong Salu-salo with Solane’ event. Guests were treated to mouthwatering dishes while enjoying an energetic chitchat with cooking enthusiast and proud long-time Solane user Suzi Entrata-Abrera. 

Chef Mark Joseph Bartolome, known as Chef Marky on Tiktok, demonstrated how to cook simple yet filling chicken fajitas, showing how the Solane Sakto is easy to install on existing LPG or canister-fed cooking stoves.  

BPI AIA introduces affordable insurance for everyone via the Messenger App

BPI AIA (formerly BPI-Philam) introduced “PamilyaProtect,” life insurance protection designed for everyone in mind. Available via Facebook Messenger, PamilyaProtect is a health, life, and accident insurance plan rolled into one to give the whole family the peace of mind they need right now.

“We have always pushed to offer inclusive protection products, allowing people from all walks of life to get it quickly and affordably. More and more people need this protection daily. As our mission states, ‘we make sure that insurance is easy to get and easy to have for every Filipino, no matter what class they belong to.’ With PamilyaProtect, that has become a reality. Now, insurance is for everyone,” said BPI AIA CEO Surendra Menon.

For less than Php 500 per month, a policyholder can already insure themselves for as much as Php 2 million, with a Hospital Income Benefit for the main insured at Php 1,000 per day of confinement due to sickness or accident Accidental Death, Dismemberment, and Disablement Benefit. The coverage can also be extended to loved ones, including parents, a spouse or partner, children, or siblings, making it perfect for singles, couples, single parents, and even overseas Filipinos.

“You don’t need to spend much to show your family that you love them. No matter who you are or where you are in life, there are myriad expressions of love, and one of them is to secure your family’s future and provide them the most basic protection and medical needs so that you are all prepared for whatever happens. At BPI AIA, we continuously evolve to empower our customers and give them the confidence to pursue their dreams and ambitions, all while enjoying the present with their loved ones,” said Menon.

PamilyaProtect is for all BPI credit and debit cardholders—they can be insured in less than 10 minutes by simply using their credit card or EMV-enabled debit card.

PamilyaProtect comes in two variants—Plan P1M and Plan P2M—that customers can choose from based on their budget and protection needs. The principal insured must be a BPI customer and 18-64 years old to be eligible. Meanwhile, eligible adult dependents are 18-64 years old, and minors are 14 days to 21 years old. The plan automatically renews annually.

The launch of PamilyaProtect allows BPI AIA to provide customers an opportunity to secure themselves and their families in a manner and channel familiar to Filipinos from all walks of life. This enables them to start their financial wellness journey at an affordable price and live worry-free toward healthier, longer, and better lives.

BPI AIA has consistently been recognized by the Insurance Commission as a top insurer in the Philippines. It carries over 70 years of local experience, the global strength of AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life), and the 170 years of solid trust and heritage of BPI.

Start securing your future with BPI AIA by visiting the PamilyaProtect Official Facebook Page. 

How to Choose the Best School for Your Child

Where your child goes to school is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Given how their education can impact their future, you might be tempted to take control and decide for them. However, you might be doing more damage than helping them in the long run. 

Your job as parents is to support them throughout the process so they can choose their path and find an educational institution that will make them happy and bring out the best in them as they prepare for real life. Here are helpful ways you can help determine the best school for your child without going overboard:

Create a list of school options with your child. If your child doesn’t have a particular dream school, you should help them gauge their choices by brainstorming. You must take time to listen and understand what your child needs and wants. 

For instance, if your child is an independent learner who learns best at his own pace, he might do better in a Montessori school. If your child responds better to a structured teaching style, then a traditional school might be best for him. Keep an open mind and decide what will give your child what he needs.

Visit school campuses with your child. Some academic institutions have impressive websites with carefully curated photos, but the school leaves much to be desired. Instead of relying on brochures and the internet, visit school campuses with your kid. 

Schools are open to tours. You just need to schedule your visit in advance unless you’re an alumnus of that institution and have access to the grounds. You and your child can get a feel of the campus atmosphere to determine if it’s the right fit. 

Provide guidance and support. While your child should have a say on where they will study, you should give them advice based on the pros and cons and what you know about the school options. Choosing a school is a big decision and might cause anxiety for your child, so it’s best to be there for them. 

The best way to provide emotional support is by actively listening to them. You should make your child feel comfortable about discussing their options and fears. Listen to understand where they’re coming from so you can help them make the right choice. 

Prepare financially as soon as possible. Tuition fees are very expensive, especially with rising inflation, so you must prepare and provide for your child’s education. This way, you can give the best education for them. 

Once you have chosen your child’s primary education, it is time to consider and prepare for the next considerable educational expense: college. You can save up on your own, or you can get AIA Philippines’ Future Scholar, an insurance product that gives guaranteed cash payouts that can help pay for your child’s tertiary education. Whatever happens, you’re confident your child will be able to get the college education that you envisioned. 

Future Scholar doesn’t just help you afford costly school expenses. Aside from guaranteed savings, Future Scholar has an investment component so you can look out for your child financially even after graduating college. Moreover, you can build your child’s education funds in five years or until the child reaches the age of 17. Should you decide not to use the funds for educational expenses, they can also be used for other significant costs in the future, like buying a car or doing post-graduate studies abroad.

In addition, Future Scholar gives you peace of mind. Whatever happens, your child will have money aside for future needs. Aside from that, your child or your chosen beneficiary can also be entitled to an additional lump-sum cash benefit should anything untoward happen to you.

“We know the pandemic and the volatile economy have made everyone insecure about their savings. As a parent myself, I understand every parent’s desire to ensure that there are guaranteed benefits intended for their child’s future,” said Tennyson Paras, AIA Philippines’ Head of Products. “And this is what we had in mind when our Products Team designed AIA Future Scholar. We wanted to make sure that no matter what happens, a healthier, longer, and better life awaits our children.”

If you want to know more about AIA Future Scholar and how it can help you guarantee savings for your child’s future needs, click here. 

MCU through the Times

The Manila Central University, popularly known as MCU and formerly known as the Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila, is a private, non-sectarian institution of primary and higher education with a campus located on EDSA in Caloocan. Dr. Alejandro M. Albert, who also served as its first Director, founded it in 1904. 

In the past 118 years, MCU has continued to innovate because it understands that changing one's perspective can result in discoveries that progress technology and education. By upgrading its systems, processes, and policies, MCU continues to rise to the challenge of being a creative institution in a constantly changing environment.

One of the ways MCU is improving is with the new branding. This will help the community and raise awareness of the MCU brand as we enter a new era. They have introduced additional courses in addition to their well-known medical and health programs and are expanding internationally through alliances and collaborations. The school's choice to hire multi-professional degree holders as faculty members also contribute to its capacity to create Board Topnotchers and good ratings for exam results.

The second innovation is the introduction of the Filemon D. Tanchoco Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award; The Scientific Discoverer Award seeks to recognize and inspire students to do their best work. The pursuit of new information is crucial to the advancement of science as well as the solution to the most significant problems threatening human welfare. Atty. Tanchoco wants to recognize scientists and innovators whose discoveries will help the Filipino people or are incredibly substantial and will advance human well-being.

Lastly, through collaborations with Palafox architects, who has a strategy for campus building restorations, modernity can also be ensured. During the recent tour, where guests from various media outlets were taken around campus, MCU showed the ongoing campus developments and renovations, proving that though they’ve had 118 years of excellency, MCU strives to do more and be more, enabling them to compete with the country’s best of the best universities. 

"Our colleges and universities are called on to face and answer the challenge of excellence. We must produce men and women with highly sophisticated inquiring minds since it is in the minds of our people that we build this dream of greatness. It is in the mind of the young Filipinos where we should plant the seeds of intellectual leadership!" - Dr. Filemon G. Tanchoco Jr.

Believing that values-based education offered salvation from poverty, Filemon Dionisio Tanchoco dedicated his life to making that vision a reality for many young Filipinos and the nation he loved. This is what MCU stands for, what they believe in, and what it will continue to achieve.  

UST’s Henry Sy Sr. Hall to boost health education

Pursuing its objective of driving Philippine social development by fostering the youth and the culture of excellence through education, the Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently inked a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to construct a building that elevates health education in the country.

Named in honor of the late SM Founder, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall of UST will rise on the main campus in Manila to respond to the needs of digital medical education.

The Hall will feature technologically advanced facilities and equipment that complement UST’s teaching, learning, and research practices. Focused on interdisciplinary collaboration in medical studies, it will also house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS).  

Paragons with passion

Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged.

“Your family consists of industry leaders with visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family.

“Your family’s Patriarch, Henry Sy, Sr., had principles in life that we, as an institution, give our best to also follow. We aim to lead as paragons with passion, integrity, far-reaching and optimistic vision, sensible priorities, and discipline. At the core of this is a deep sense of charity for God, the church, and the nation,” Fr. Ang added. 

UST’s future Henry Sy, Sr. Hall

Rising as an intellectual hub for future physicians, the building has a dedicated floor for the Faculties of Medicine and Surgery Research Center and the Medicine and Surgery Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board. Here, medical education research and various medical-related specialty research will be reviewed and conducted. 

The building will include specialized centers, rooms, and laboratories, such as Medical Simulation Centers, Care Ultrasound Institute, and Otorhinolaryngology Laboratory. These will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to develop medical students’ competencies in multiple simulated healthcare settings crossing the human lifespan.

ASUS and ROG Share 2022 Holiday Promo

This holiday season is a #ASUSseasontoSHARE with the most awaited ASUS and ROG Share 2022 Promo! Buyers of selected ASUS, TUF, and ROG computers, mobile phones, and peripherals will have access to limited-time exclusive bundle packages and discounts beginning November 15, 2022, and continuing through December 31, 2022.

That’s not all - ASUS and ROG laptops are also made more affordable with up to 12 months of 0% installment via Home Credit. It’s the perfect time to score your dream creator, productivity, and gaming laptops from ASUS and ROG.

Boost your creativity and productivity anytime and anywhere with ASUS Zenbook and Vivobook laptops

Add innovation to your creative workflow with the Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (UX8402)’s ScreenPad Plus, and Vivobook Pro 16X OLED (N7601)’s ASUS DialPad! For every purchase within the promo period, get a JBL Pulse 4 portable Bluetooth speaker worth PHP 11,999.

Supreme creative power is within your grasp with the ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (M6500). With its powerful Ryzen 5000 series CPU, NVIDIA RTX graphics, and the world’s first 120Hz 2.8K OLED display, your creations have never looked their best. Get a JBL Sound Bar worth PHP 10,999 bundled in for every purchase.

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UM5302), the world's lightest 13.3" 2.8K OLED laptop, is an elegant and powerful companion for your everyday lifestyle. It is packed with advanced technology, allowing you to confidently tackle any work or leisure task, no matter where you are. You can get a JBL Sound Bar worth PHP 10,999 for each ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED purchase.

Show off your unique style with the ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED (K3402), a new geometric chassis design, powerful internals, and extraordinary visuals that make it the go-to choice for today’s can-do generation. Buyers of the ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED get a JBL Flip 5 portable Bluetooth speaker worth PHP 6,999+ bundled for every purchase.

You may view the complete list of participating ASUS creator and productivity laptops here.

Get the best gaming experience with ROG and TUF laptops, with ROG gaming peripherals and accessory bundles! 

Raise your game with the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 2022 (GX650), featuring ROG ScreenPad Plus™ secondary screen that reinvents what’s possible on a gaming laptop. Up to AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX processor with Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal, and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080 Ti Laptop GPU provides more than enough horsepower to maintain high refresh rates in the latest AAA titles. Get the Zephyrus Duo 16 all-in with ROG Chakram X gaming mouse and ROG Claymore II aura RGB gaming keyboard worth PHP 23,000+.

The critically acclaimed ROG Zephyrus G14 2022 (GA402) packs gaming power into a stylish, ultraportable form factor. With up to AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HS processor and up to AMD Radeon™ RX 6800S Mobile GPU, and out-of-this-world visuals with the brand-new up to 120Hz WQXGA Nebula Display. The Zephyrus G14 also features endless customization with AniMe Matrix™. The Zephyrus G14 comes with a JBL Pulse 4 portable Bluetooth speaker worth PHP11,999 for every purchase.

Get your hands on the ASUS TUF Dash and TUF Gaming series, built to provide gamers with fantastic performance without breaking the bank. The 2022 TUF Dash F15 (FX517) features up to an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU with a MUX Switch; this crowd-favorite thin and light gaming machine is exceptionally durable, perfect for the everyday hustle. You can get the 2022 TUF Dash F15 during the Share 2022 promo period with a JBL Flip 5 portable Bluetooth speaker worth PHP 6,999, while the 2021 TUF Dash F15 (FX516) comes with PHP 2,000 worth of Steam Credits.

Level up your mobile gaming experience with the king of gaming smartphones - ROG Phone 6!

Dare to choose the mighty ROG Phone 6 this holiday season and experience the latest incarnation of the world-beating gaming phone series, harnessing the brute gaming power of the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, class-leading GameCool 6 thermal system, and a 165 Hz display for a revolutionary visual experience. The AirTrigger 6 system gives you complete control over your games, and there’s a monster 6000 mAh battery for all-day gaming. Get PHP 3,500 discount for every purchase of ROG Phone 6 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB variants during the promo period.

BingoPlus Foundation’s FutureSmart Scholarship Program 2022 funds 10 IT scholars

BingoPlus Foundation Inc., the corporate arm of leisure entertainment brand BingoPlus, has made education one of its causes to support with a PhP6 million scholarship granted to iACADEMY under its FutureSmart Scholarship 2022 Program.

Officers of the Foundation signed an agreement with representatives of iACADEMY to sponsor ten students last November 2 at the head office of Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) at Tektite Building in Pasig.

With its specialization in the field of information technology, iACADEMY was seen as the perfect partner school for BP Foundation as it aligns well with the Foundation’s vision to create IT-competent professionals in the future. BingoPlus Foundation firmly believes that education and technology are essential components of nation-building and has thus prioritized the FutureSmart Scholarship 2022 Program as one of its top Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of the year.

Through the scholarship, the Foundation aims to address some challenges faced by the education sector to provide more and better educational opportunities to the younger generation and thus leave its footprint in building a better society.

LRWC President Andy Tsui said, “We wish to inspire the younger generation and make their dreams come true.”

“We are truly honored to welcome iACADEMY as a new partner, and we’re grateful to be allowed to contribute to keeping students on the path towards a brighter future,” said Jasper Vicencio, President of BingoPlus and Trustee of BingoPlus Foundation Inc.

The FutureSmart Scholarship 2022 Program will be launched in the current school year of iACADEMY. 

Disney's Frozen the Hit Broadway Musical

Experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen when the much-anticipated hit Broadway musical makes its only stop in South East Asia, here in Singapore, for a strictly limited season.

Following the incredible Singapore success of The Lion King and Aladdin, this brand-new musical, from the same producers and the presenter of the critically acclaimed season of Aladdin in Singapore in 2019, will play at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, from 5 February 2023.

A waitlist to be first in line for tickets is now open at www.frozenthemusical.sg. Those who sign up before 29 September 2022 at SGT 2359 will receive a 10% discount during the public sale beginning on 30 September 2022 at SGT 1200. The 10% discount is valid until 9 October 2022 at SGT 2359.

“We are thrilled that audiences in Singapore, who have so warmly embraced our productions of The Lion King and Aladdin in the past, will now have the chance to enjoy our latest production, Frozen. We are grateful to our partners of Base Entertainment Asia for bringing this glorious production to South East Asia. Frozen is about a return from isolation and community healing. And so, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to present this beautiful show there. We just can’t wait for audiences to experience its remarkable cast, crew, and orchestra on the same stage that has been our home in Singapore for years. We are delighted to be coming back!” said Felipe Gamba, Vice President of International Strategy and Licensed Partnerships Disney Theatrical Productions. 

“After the amazing season of Aladdin in 2019, I am thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Disney and bringing the megahit musical Frozen to the people in Singapore and beyond in South East Asia. For over 12 years now, Base Entertainment Asia has been presenting the 

biggest of titles in live entertainment across the region and knowing the pulse of what audiences want to watch, you will be seeing many more of the best in live entertainment titles heading to our shore,” said Chantal Prudhomme, Chief Executive Officer, Base Entertainment Asia.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (The Lion King, Aladdin, Mary Poppins), Frozen features music and lyrics by Academy Award®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, with a book by Academy Award®-winning writer Jennifer Lee, direction by Tony® Award winner Michael Grandage and choreography by Tony® Award winner Rob Ashford. 

Adapted from the Disney film and original 1844 fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen The Snow Queen, Frozen is brought to fresh theatrical life in this luxurious new musical. 

Frozen’s journey sweeps audiences into its thrilling world of adventure and classic comedy. While it does feature true love, the story has become beloved worldwide for breaking the princess mold of girls needing to be saved by a prince, instead focusing on the bond of two sisters, Elsa and Anna. 

The stage production features a total score, including 12 new songs from the original Academy Award-winning songwriters written primarily for the stage. 

Frozen opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre in March 2018 with the highest box office advance in Broadway history. Frozen was also the highest-grossing new musical of its Broadway season in its first year on Broadway. Its global footprint has expanded to include a North American tour, London’s West End, Japan, and Hamburg, Germany. The Australian production was the first Frozen to open outside New York.

The animated film Frozen was released by Disney on November 19, 2013. It was a critical and box office smash, earning over USD$1.28 billion in worldwide box office revenue and becoming the highest-grossing animated film at the time and the highest-grossing musical film before being surpassed by the remake of The Lion King in 2019. Frozen II had the highest all-time worldwide opening for an animated film and went on to gross USD$1.45 billion worldwide. 

The first film won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song ("Let It Go"), and two Grammy Awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Song Written for Visual Media ("Let It Go").

Frozen is designed by Tony® Award-winning scenic and costume designer Christopher Oram, six-time Tony® winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, Tony® winning video designer Finn Ross, and seven-time Tony® nominated sound designer Peter Hylenski. The production team includes acclaimed puppet designer Michael Curry, special effects designer Jeremy Chernick, hair designer David Brian Brown and makeup designer Anne Ford-Coates. The music team is headed by music supervisor Stephen Oremus and orchestrator Dave Metzger. 

Frozen is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher and presented in Singapore by Base Entertainment Asia under Chantal Prudhomm.