Araneta City Launches ‘Ready, Set, Travel’ summer promo

Are you dreaming of a vacation where you explore the streets of Asia’s most vibrant cities, savor the delicious local cuisine, explore iconic landmarks and sceneries, and immerse yourself in the beauty of their culture?

The City of Firsts is making this dream a reality this summer! So pack your bags and prepare to explore Asia's most exciting destinations FOR FREE with Araneta City’s READY, SET, TRAVEL summer promo!

Prizes up for grabs are four days and three nights trips for two to Taipei, Taiwan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Singapore, and five days and four nights trips for two to Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan. And you don’t need to worry because this trip of a lifetime will be all-expenses-paid by Araneta City!

Joining is easy! Just present a ₱1,000 single or accumulated receipt purchase from any Araneta City establishment, four Gateway Cineplex tickets, or ₱1,000 single-receipt purchase from Novotel Manila Araneta City at any of the designated redemption booths. Fill out the raffle form with your details, and drop your stubs in the designated drop box. It's that simple!

You can visit the Gateway Mall Concierge, Gateway Mall Activity Area, Food Express, Ali Mall Concierge, or Farmers Plaza Concierge to claim your raffle entries.

Promo runs from April 10 to June 30 and the raffle draw will happen on July 3. So, what are you waiting for? Shop and dine at the City of Firsts to get a chance to win an adventure of a lifetime.

For more information about this promo, please visit this link.  

LCF sets out priorities for 2023 CSR Expo

Green light for a greener present and future, the 2023 CSR Expo—the much-anticipated annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) event in the country organized by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), as part of the nationwide commemoration, of which LCF is the lead, of National CSR Week—is all set for July 4 to 7 at the Makati Diamond Residences and the Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City. 

The 21st edition of the CSR Expo aims to bring together companies from various sectors–corporate and private foundations, private sector, non-government organizations, civil society, academe, and government agencies–to expand networks, strengthen collaboration, and learn about the latest models, trends, and best practices in CSR. 

This year’s theme of the CSR Expo, “From Extra to Essential,” acts as a continuation of last year’s theme and is a rallying cry for the business sector to lead and challenge the business sector to fully embody the principles of good corporate citizenship to achieve sustainability through accountable governance and strict compliance with legal requirements. 

“The pandemic has intensified issues of climate change and food security and the need for disaster-resilient communities. Significant future-ready education for Filipino children has also become a more pressing concern today than ever before,” said Sebastian C. Quiniones, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the LCF and Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation.   

“We turn to CSR to help us integrate principles of sustainability and accountability in our everyday work. The 21st CSR Expo is taking last year’s theme forward to emphasize that good and accountable citizenship and environmental stewardship are imperative for organizations to drive change and to achieve long-term sustainability,” added Shem Jose Garcia, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation.

Diverse perspectives 

The 2023 CSR Conference is set from July 4-6 at the Legazpi Ballroom of the Makati Diamond Residences. The Conference will feature a strong speaker panel composed of thought leaders from various industries and sectors to offer diverse perspectives on how to create real value through effective CSR practice and environment, social, and governance (ESG) compliance. 

These include H.E. Juha Markus Pyykko, Ambassador of Finland to the Philippines; Maria Divina De Leon, Principal Technical Expert at Shell International, B.V.; Aleli Arcilla, Vice President and Country Managing Director at Mondelez International; Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, head of the National Economic Development Authority; Ma. Victoria Tan, Chairperson of the Global Compact Network Philippines; and Secretary Rex Gatchalian, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. 

The members of LCF organize themselves into various Committees anchored on knowledge-sharing, partnership building, and resource-leveraging. Each Committee will organize a Session during the Conference that will take the theme forward in its own context and will feature its own set of speakers and unique format specifically chosen to engender audience discussion and thought. Committee Sessions at the 2023 CSR Conference include Enterprise Development: “Responsible Investing: Driving the ESG Agenda in Enterprise Development”; Environment: “Opportunities and Challenges for Nature-Based Solutions”; Education: “Learning for the Future: the Role of ESG in Education”; and Disaster Resilience: “ESG+R: Think Resilience”.

Recognition of CSR excellence

The awarding ceremonies of the 4th CSR Guild Awards will be awarded on July 6. The Award is conferred on organizations that have developed outstanding CSR projects that positively impacted the communities they serve after a rigorous nomination, screening, and judging process by a panel of judges. There will be eight awards to be bestowed under two major categories: seven Program awards (Arts & Culture, Enterprise Development, Environment, Education, Health, Financial Inclusion, and Disaster Resilience) and one Collaboration award that showcases initiatives organized by two or more LCF members or partnerships.

A full-day CSR Exhibit will also be held from July 6-7 at the Glorietta Activity Center, one of the most popular malls in the country, to feature diverse CSR initiatives of various exhibitors, including those organized by LCF non-members, to a large public audience. 

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 CSR Expo is slated for a full in-person event to offer unique experiences that are difficult to replicate virtually.  

Every day is Earth Day at SM Supermalls!

SM Supermalls, in collaboration with its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units, and partner schools and organizations joined the rest of the world in celebrating Earth Day at SM malls nationwide on April 22, 2023.

With the theme "Invest In Our Planet, Invest In Our Youth," SM Supermalls and SM Cares lined up various activities that aimed to raise awareness among children and their families about the importance of coming together across various sectors to take care of the environment. SM malls nationwide simultaneously held relevant and impactful celebrations with activities such as Children’s Storytelling, Coloring, and Sustainability Tours, gathering 1700 children and 350 employee volunteers. These activities aimed to encourage everyone in the family, particularly the young ones, to protect and respect Mother Earth.

Earth Day is an annual celebration led by the Earth Day Network that puts the spotlight on issues that are affecting the environment. First held in 1970, Earth Day was the result of a need for a unified response against various environmental problems like pollution and resource depletion. Today, the event is considered the biggest environmental movement in the world, with millions joining celebrations every year.

“At SM, every day is Earth Day. However, today we are reminded of our responsibility to protect the planet we live in. We believe that we must all come together and take the necessary steps against this climate crisis and accelerate a greener and more equitable future for everyone,” shared Ms. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and SM Cares Program Director for the Environment. 

SM Supermalls featured the art of multi-awarded Filipino artist, sculptor and illustrator, Manuel Baldemor. His works depict the rich cultural aspects of the Philippines and can be found in multiple institutions worldwide. His drawings and Earth Day poem inspired the Earth Day program at SM, reflecting a long-time partnership on SM Cares programs for the environment, starting with his design of SM’s first eco bags in 2007.  

The storytelling activity featured a special Earth Day story based on Baldemor’s artworks. The story reflected simple ways children can participate in living sustainably on their own and with their families. Meanwhile, kids and kids-at-heart were welcomed at the coloring activity section. Participants were given art materials and a selection of Baldemor's drawings to color in. Malls used recycled materials in designing the activity areas. 

And to cap off the celebration, a sustainability tour was held wherein everyone participated in a guided tour to one or more of the mall’s eco-friendly facilities such as the EV charging stations, water recycling treatment plants, waste segregation bins, Plastic Waste Collection booths, E-waste Collection bins, and various bicycle amenities.

To highlight the role of collaborating with the public sector in driving environmental programs forward, SM City Fairview hosted the DENR Gawad Taga-ilog Awards photo exhibit, which recognized winning local government units that are leading in protecting Metro Manila’s waterways. The agency also further provided 800 tree seedlings to participants and customers through a DENR Community Pan-TREE to encourage at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City Marikina, SM City East Ortigas, and SM Southmall.

The Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department also promoted the city’s Trash to Cashback program to encourage its citizens to be Eco Warriors and promote recycling. 

The Earth Day celebration is just one of the numerous ways that SM is promoting sustainable living among Filipinos, and the company has other programs aimed at helping care for the environment. These are the Trash to Cash Recycling Market held every first Friday and Saturday of the month; daily water recycling systems, and environmental campaigns such as the Green Film Festival, Green Retail Agenda, and the International Coastal Cleanup Drive, just to name a few. 

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on the Environment.

To learn more about these, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.  

Five Urban Development Aspirations for Metro Manila

Metro Manila’s forecast of becoming a global power city is challenged by the consequences of rapid urbanization. The UN-Habitat lists the effects of climate change, natural disasters that hamper urban infrastructures and city competitiveness, unequal livability, job creation, and poverty reduction. 

Is there a way out of Metro Manila’s challenges? Architect and urban designer Chintan Raveshia, and urban planner and sustainability consultant Tony Chan of Singapore-based Arup emphasize urban development should also consider people’s aspirations, its changing needs and expectations, and the national identity of the residents.

Finding the identity of the city

Raveshia inspires responsible stakeholders to ask themselves first the most fundamental question: “What’s the identity of the city and how do we make its residents proud?”

He quips, “Singapore, a city that is high on everyone’s liveability list, is also working with citizens and grassroots organizations to inculcate a sense of ‘lovability’ for the city. This helps to strengthen the societal bond, increase equity, improve community safety, and exude pride and a feeling of ownership of the city amongst the residents. The balance of liveability, efficiency, and lovability paves the way for the true success of our cities in this climate emergency era”. 

For his part, Chan believes that successful sustainable urban development goes hand in hand with the capability to enhance people’s quality of life. “We must develop and harness models of development that have low-carbon targets, which are also of a human scale, thriving and inclusive; models that are also just, secured and enhances the quality of life for all its residents. In addition, we should look at creative ways to increase local citizen participation as well as new technologies or products that can support the overarching vision and development objectives”, says Chan. 

Melbourne is considered by many experts as one of the most liveable cities for the past decade.

If Singapore reclaims lands for more affordable housing and increased integrated city developments and Melbourne builds accessible green spaces to promote social interaction, what plans would best fit Metro Manila’s sustainable and livable future while maintaining its identity? Here are five urban development aspirations Filipinos hope for the country’s main political and economic hub. 

1. Accessibility across all social classes

While Metro Manila is the Philippines’ major economic driver – accounting for 32% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) – it’s often challenged in sustaining accessible living conditions for residents across all social classes. UK-based The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Metro Manila 105th out of 139 cities in the Global Liveability Index 2022. The increasing population density in Metro Manila has resulted in some inconveniences in daily conditions like vehicular traffic situations, least green open spaces, high carbon footprint, inaccessibility to affordable housing, and unequal income opportunities.

Urban planners and developers suggest mixed-use planning in the metropolis and coastal developments because they are crucial to achieving the 15-minute concept. Here, residents across all walks of life are encouraged to live a healthy, affordable, and sustainable lifestyle because residential, commercial, and office spaces are integrated within a single development. 

2. Open green spaces for a healthy and sustainable living environment

Despite land scarcity, Singapore manages to be one of the greenest cities in the world with over 400 parks, more than 3,300 hectares of nature reserve, and over 300 kilometers of park connector network.

Studies shows that Metro Manila has only 5 square meters of green space available per person, this number is well below the 9 square meters set by the World Health Organization.COVID-19 had the entire world reassess their health conditions, lifestyle practices, and environmental situations. The impact was even more drastic in Metro Manila due to population density, crowded space, and insufficient parks and open areas. 

Aside from improving air quality and enhancing biodiversity, green spaces also moderate temperatures during the warm season. 

3. Enhancing Human health and wellbeing 

Cities with sufficient healthcare facilities, access to health coverage, and infrastructures that enhance well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle, produce prosperous societies. 

The way cities are planned, designed, and executed has a crucial impact on how people live as it presents opportunities and effects on their lifestyles and overall well-being. While there is evident progress in Metro Manila’s health sector, rapid urbanization continues to pose risks in communities due to challenges in overcrowded neighborhoods, vehicular emissions, heavy traffic, pollution, and flood-prone areas.

4. Resilient community

Resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to adapt, survive, and grow in the face of stress and shocks, and even transform when conditions require it. Relevant dimensions under the City Resilience Index (https://www.cityresilienceindex.org) by the Rockefeller Foundation & Arup, other dimensions include Health & Well Being, Economy & Society, Infrastructure & Environment as well as Leadership & Strategy

As the Philippines and Manila grow, we face a dual challenge of adapting to climate change and the need to alter development strategies that are increasingly contributing to global warming. The Philippines is among the top 10 countries in the world most affected by climate change in the past 20 years, according to the Global Climate Risk Index As an archipelago, impacts resulting from climate change are immense. In addition, metro Manila’s safety and resilience are endangered by various natural disasters. 

Natural disasters persist every season due to our geographical location. 

Well-planned and executed urban designs have the power to build safe and resilient communities in Metro Manila.  Infrastructures like proper bike lanes and walkable streets ensure residents’ safety, accessibility, and comfort, whereas science and technology-based solutions that can build flexible structures, multi-use systems, and technologies can help residents adapt and prepare for changing conditions. 

5. Global and competitive city 

In 2022, Singapore placed 3rd in the World Competitiveness Ranking – the small country out of Asia even placed 1st in 2019 and 2020.

Metro Manila is one of Asia’s premier regions. As the country’s engine growth driver, it has growing investments in infrastructures and multitudes of business investments and developments.

The metropolis’ rising potential can further step up by following global models like Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong which created several integrated cities and coastal developments that ushered in a vibrant economy and paved for a better urban lifestyle. These visions create an avenue to further increase opportunities for jobs, better education, better lifestyle, and bustling economic activities.

These can contribute to the Philippines’ national and local economies by driving tourism and infrastructure development while also creating equitable and inclusive communities. These, in turn, create a wider room of opportunities and, therefore, attracts more talent. 

Building Inclusive and sustainable growth centers

When all stakeholders are listened to and addressed, communities will be energized when introduced to well-designed, master-planned, and implemented developments. This will result to a lasting impact on Metro Manila’s future and its residents because it fosters more inclusive growth and makes the urban landscape an extension of their home.

When a city embraces its history, celebrates its milestones, innovates and adopts for the future, and most importantly, nurtures its residents and responds to their aspirations – it is a city working toward competitiveness and unlocking future potential. 

How about you? What would you aspire your city to be? 

SM Prime, UPLB Team Up for Sustainability Scholarship

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.

Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability. 

The scholarship will be awarded to students from low-income households in Pasay City intended to provide better employment prospects and help reduce poverty and inequality, which are major obstacles to sustainable development. 

Collaboration for innovation and sustainability

In an interview, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr. shared his optimism about the partnership, citing the impact of education, especially sustainability-related fields of studies, in social and economic mobility.

“The scholarship will enable more students to pursue their studies in areas related to sustainability such as environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By investing in education in these areas, we are preparing a new generation of leaders who will have the knowledge and skills to address the complex environmental and social challenges facing our world today,” Dr. Camacho said. 

“It will encourage research and development in areas related to sustainability. By providing support for students to pursue advanced studies, we are creating a pipeline of future researchers and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing environmental and social problems,” he added.

Aside from enabling students to pursue their education without financial burden, the UPLB chancellor believes that the scholarship can produce competent leaders capable of solving complex environmental and social challenges, and create a pipeline of innovative researchers. 

He further stressed how fostering collaborations and innovation in sustainability between the academic community and the private sector can lead to new environmentally and socially responsible products, technologies, and services that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ripples of social good

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo shared that the partnership between SM Prime and UPLB is a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions towards promoting sustainability and creating a better future for the next generation. 

By supporting the education of would-be scholars, SM Prime hopes to create ripples of social good within families and communities, ultimately contributing to the development of a more sustainable and equitable society.

“Improving the well-being of its partner communities and investing in people’s growth have long been among SM Prime’s sustainability pillars woven at the core of its business strategies and operations. As such, SM Prime deems it important to create programs that would provide access to quality education for all, and in the long term, create a pool of proactive human resources who can responsibly carry out and balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of a society’s sustainable development aspirations,” Castillo said.

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service,” she also said.

The SM Prime Sustainability Scholarship is open to students from Pasay City, under UPLB's BSHE and BSF programs with an annual gross family income of not more than PhP150,000.00

For more information, interested applicants may contact the UPLB OSG +63 49 536 3209 or email at osg.uplb@up.edu.ph.. 

Medical Care brought Closer to Low-income Families in Cagayan

While access to quality healthcare continues to be hampered by challenges, medical missions have become an increasingly vital source of support for low-income communities. Through time, they have gone beyond providing medical care and have taken up a new role: transforming the lives of individuals and communities.

The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities. 

Just recently, the medical mission team headed to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Northern Luzon and provided services to thousands of low-income families. Two of them are Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin.  

Strength to do more

Roland has been a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994. But, two years ago, he suddenly felt weak and had to spend money on medical consultations and examinations. 

“Napansin ko na kahit malakas ako kumain, namamayat ako at nanghihina. Nalaman ko na may diabetes na po ako. Pero hindi pwedeng pabayaan ko ang sarili ko. Hindi pwedeng maging tamad ako dahil may sakit ako. Kung tamad po ako mamasada, wala kaming pangaraw-araw at gagastushin pambili ng gamot,” he shared.

Determined to care for his health, he goes to the city health office for his routine checkups. The same drive to boost his health is also what led him to SM group’s medical mission, led by SMFI: “Dahil magastos po magpagamot, kadalasan po akong pumunta sa city health office para sa lahat ng aking checkups. Ngayon, nataon pong nalaman kong mayroon medical mission dito sa SM City Tuguegarao.”

Through the medical mission, he received free consultation, blood tests, x-ray, and medicines–services that would break the bank if he had it done elsewhere. With the assistance extended to him, he had his scheduled checkup without worrying about the finances and even managed to put aside money originally allotted for medicine and laboratory tests.

“Ang kinikita ko sa pamamasada ang ginagamit ko at ng pamilya ko para sa aming pangangailangan. Kaya mahalaga sa akin ang aking kalusugan. Ang magandang pangangatawan ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas para mas lalo pang pagsumikapan ang pamamasada,” he said.

“Pero bilang tricycle driver, hindi namin maiiwasang magkasakit dahil usok ang kasabayan namin sa pamamasada. Kaya malaking tulong ang libreng check-up sa ang libreng gamot mula sa SM Foundation. Malaking tulong ito dahil kahit papaano, hindi ko muna iisipin ang pang gamot ko,” he added. 

Making quality healthcare attainable

Roland’s fellow resident from Cagayan Valley, Angeline Cacanindin, knows full well the need to maintain a healthy body, for this is her tool to fulfill her duty as a house helper. She also believes that this is what her children can rely on as they strive in school.

However, her youngest daughter has been complaining about a toothache, which was already interfering with her nutrition and attendance in school. 

“Butas na po ang mga ngipin niya. Kaya tuwing kumakain po siya, pumapasok ang kanin at nasasaktan siya. Hindi na rin po siya makapag focus sa school dahil sa sakit,” she shared.

“Nito lang po, tumawag po ang teacher niya at sinabing umiiyak po ang anak ko per hindi umiimik. Nung kinausap ko po siya, nalaman kong sobrang sakit na po ng ngipin niya. Umiyak din po ako dahil ramdam ko ‘yung sakit. Hindi ko siya agad madala sa dental clinic dahil nasa trabaho po ako at mahal din po ang magpabunot,” she said.

When she heard about SMFI’s medical mission in SM City Cauayan, she immediately brought her daughter for a checkup. Here, her daughter’s tooth was extracted. She also received free paracetamol, antibiotics, vitamins apt for her child’s age, and dental hygiene tips from volunteer dentists.

“Ang medical mission na ito ay malaking tulong kasi libre po serbisyo pati ang mga gamot. Ngayon po, makakapagsimula muli kaming subaybayan ang kalusugan ng aming anak para maganda po ang kinabukasan niya.” she said.

Through the ongoing medical missions of SMFI, many economically disadvantaged individuals like Roland and Angeline get lifelines–an intervention that provides immediate relief to those in need and a chance to access medical care and resources that are often unavailable or unattainable. 

Kids ‘fly better’ with Emirates New Range of Collectible Toys and Bags

As a family-friendly airline, Emirates values its youngest customers as the passengers of tomorrow and continually invests in their experience on the ground and onboard. Amongst a wide array of products and services specially designed for kids’ comfort – Emirates is launching a new phase of children's amenities that consider the varying needs and preferences of babies and infants, younger kids, and older children up to 12 years.

 Designed from sustainable materials by a creative team of in-house designers, and marketing, and product specialists, the new amenity kits feature global exploration and diversity themes and are available as separate kits for 0-2 years, 3-6 years, and 7-12 years. Each kit is certified for safety by Intertek, in accordance with EN71 and Gulf toy safety standards, and new designs are launched every year for the benefit of frequent travelers and Emirates collectors.

All the essentials for the tiniest travelers

Emirates baby and infant kits contain all the essential items a parent needs onboard for comfort and hygiene- a reusable changing mat, diaper cream, cleansing wipes, a keepsake wipe-clean bib, a soothing vibrating plush toy that can be attached to a seatback, or a stroller, and collectible ‘blanket buddies’, where an Emirates character soft toy representing a pilot or cabin crew is offered alongside a soft blanket to ensure a sweet night’s sleep.

The high-quality and sustainable kit is designed to be reusable, and the colorful bags feature hand-drawn artwork to represent the people, places, and cultures that Emirates airline serves in its global route network of 140 destinations. Quickly becoming collectors’ items among Emirates' global fan base, the unique design features emblems of the iconic city of Dubai, daytime and night-time scenes, the flagship Emirates A380 aircraft, friendly members of the Emirates cabin crew and pilots holding hands with people from all cultures of the world - showcasing diversity through national dress and a range of ethnicities. 

Engaging the little explorers from 3-6 years

Emirates amenity kits for children aged 3-6 years are designed to build memories for the youngest travelers and create excitement about traveling the world. Children in this age group are given a trendy belt bag, larger backpack, or generous duffle bag, designed to be fit for use for multiple events – from traveling to sports or simply transporting toys. Kids even get special headphones for ice inflight entertainment, a soft and comfortable fit on smaller ears. The amenity kit also contains the perfect distractions for an active young child including an engaging ‘Fly with Me’ activity pack with its own pack of non-toxic coloring pencils, featuring kid-friendly world maps, puzzles, drawing tutorials, coloring pages, educational activities about Dubai and protecting the environment.

The kits are manufactured from high-quality responsibly sourced materials, including plastic bottles – up to 4 bottles per bag.

Keeping it cool for 7–12-year-olds

Children between 7 and 12 years old are given high-quality, reusable belt bags, larger backpacks, or generous duffle bags – designed with subtle and cool graphics that appeal to the age group. The unique design features emblems of Dubai, Emirates aircraft, cabin crew, and pilots as well as iconic landmarks from around the world - fostering a love of travel and exploration. The bags are also made from 100% sustainable materials and repurposed plastic – up to 7 bottles are recycled to make each bag. Children aged 7-12 years also get special headphones for the award-winning ice inflight entertainment.

Children fly better with the Emirates

To build unforgettable travel memories, Emirates cabin crew capture special moments onboard with an instant Polaroid camera and present it in a limited-edition photo frame as a souvenir for children.

To allow babies to have their nap time in safety and comfort, there are bookable bassinets for infants under 2 years old onboard Emirates, as well as baby changing tables in all bathrooms. Organic baby food, milk formula, and baby bottles are available onboard for infants if parents or guardians require them during the flight.

For children older than 2 years, kid’s meals are served on almost all routes, excluding some short-haul flights in the GCC. The kids’ meals feature tasty and high-quality choices popular with kids, including favorites like nuggets, pasta, mini burgers, and pizzas, accompanied by both healthy snacks and sweet treats, juice, and water - served on a specially designed colorful meal tray featuring the beloved Emirates crew and pilot Little Travellers.

For children excited to watch movies and kids' TV on their flight, Emirates offers a wide variety of children's programming on the award-winning ice, including the best movies and television from Cartoon Network, CBeebies, and Nickelodeon channels. There are more than 100 kids' movies including Hotel Transylvania: Transformania, The Tiger Rising, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Tad the Lost Explorer, and the Emerald Tablet, a dedicated ‘Wizarding World’ folder that includes 16 Harry Potter titles for a Harry Potter movie marathon, and popular TV shows such as The Amazing World of Gumball, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Lego Jurassic World: Legends of Isla Nublar,  SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Trek: Prodigy, The Adventures of Puss in Boots.

For young music fans, Emirates has hundreds of channels of music, plus up to 100 video games, which can be played by two players in different seats if it’s a multiplayer game.

Memorable travel experiences with the Emirates 

On the ground, Emirates offers priority boarding for families across all international airports. In Dubai Airport, Emirates provides free baby strollers for infants and younger kids, as well as a dedicated family check-in area at Dubai airport, during peak travel periods. In the First and Business Class Lounges in Dubai airport- Concourse A & B, the kids' play areas have arcade-quality games and Sony PlayStation terminals. The First and Business Class Lounges in Dubai Airport are also equipped with mother and baby care rooms, with comfortable feeding areas and baby changing facilities.

DonBelle shares why the Jollibee Chicken Sandwich Supreme is packed with a lot to love

Everyone deserves to get their money’s worth in the food that they order, especially given today’s tightened budgets. Not only should it be hefty to get one through the next meal, but it should also be of great quality to make one happy and satisfied.

Jollibee made sure that its Chicken Sandwich Supreme is packed with a lot to love. Capturing the real goodness of fried chicken in a sandwich, its large chicken fillet extends beyond the buns, guaranteeing crunchiness in every bite and a flavorful and juicy whole muscle chicken fillet.

To highlight this love, Jollibee welcomes Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, fondly known as DonBelle, to its growing family. Their palpable chemistry has captured the hearts of many since their highly successful TV series He’s Into Her from 2021-2022 up until this day. The new gen phenomenal love team shows why Jollibee Chicken Sandwich Supreme is packed with a lot to love in Jollibee’s new ad. Check it out here!

“Donny and Belle are the perfect love team to promote the Chicken Sandwich Supreme. Their effortless, quirky, and heartwarming dynamics made it easy for them to highlight why Jollibee Chicken Sandwich Supreme is packed with a lot to love resulting to sarap in every bite” said (Pam Reyes, Assistant Vice President).

“Everyone deserves a good quality chicken sandwich, and Jollibee’s Chicken Sandwich Supreme is packed with a lot to love that will deliver sarap in every bite.”

The Chicken Sandwich Supreme is available nationwide for PHP 149 (Solo) and PHP 205 (w/ Fries & Drink). Drop by your nearest Jollibee branch and treat yourself to a large, crunchy, and juicy bite via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. You can also opt to have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee delivery app, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda!

For more information and updates on Jollibee’s products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Vista Estates Unveils its Newest Master Planned Development in Tuguegarao: NuCiti

On April 22, 2023, Vista Land, the country’s leading integrated property developer in the country, launched its maiden estate offering in northeastern Luzon, NuCiti by Vista Estates. 

The event took place in Chateau Leonor Resort in Tuguegarao City and was graciously hosted by Julibelle Bulan. Entertaining the audience with contemporary production numbers was the Indak Dance Company.

Aptly entitled “Spring: Life Blooms in the New City,” the momentous occasion celebrated the season of new beginnings, growth, and renewal for the people of Tuguegarao. Spring also signifies the sweeping transformation that the city will experience with the introduction of NuCiti. 

Vista Land COO Jerylle Luz Quismundo led the toast to the successful launch of NuCiti by Vista Estates joined by Vista Estates Division Head for North Luzon, Rochelle Alpasan, Concept Development Officer Ar. Ryan Erese, MRB Project Lead Ar. Benzone, Marketing Head, Michael Reyes, and Roina Aureo.

Welcoming Vista Estates into the city was no other than the honorable Mayor of Tuguegarao, Maila Ting Que. Vista Land Chief Operating Officer, Jerylle Luz Quismundo led the toast to the successful unveiling of Vista Estates newest master-planned development, with Division Head for North Luzon, Rochelle Alpasan. Presenting the grand master plan of NuCiti were Ar. Ryan Erese, Vista Land’s Planning Head, Ar. Ishiel Aniñon, Project Team Lead, and Ar. Benzone Dechavez, MRB Planning Lead. 

Located in Barangay Carig Sur, NuCiti is a sprawling 100-hectare expanse that draws inspiration from the animated ambiance and attractions of Hollywood in California, USA. The life scapes that will soon blossom within this estate development will recreate the look and feel of the state renowned for its vibrant streets, famous landmarks, and stunning sceneries. 

With its vast coverage, NuCiti will be composed of six key areas of development poised to unleash the city’s full potential as an ideal location for a large-scale, well-planned microcity that will offer new prospects for growth and progress. 

The first district, affectionately named, Rosevale, will be NuCiti’s quaint, intimate, and family-oriented locale. Covering 18 hectares of NuCiti’s 100-hectare domain, Rosevale is where tinseltown allure meets tropical charm. It will be composed of a number of commercial and residential establishments cloaked with Spanish eclectic architecture, giving the estate a distinctive character.

Within the area of Rosevale will soon spring a multi-tower, mid-rise vertical residential enclave called Rosevale Towers — located just mere strides from and to any point within Rosevale. The towers will offer top-notch amenities that will make life more comfortable, convenient, and pleasurable for its residents and guests. 

NuCiti by Vista Estates is a 100-hectare master-planned development set to unlock the full potential of Tuguegarao City. Comprising six key areas of development, this microcity is designed to provide new opportunities for growth and progress.

Rosevale Towers’ facilities include a spacious clubhouse and pavilion where people can converge and celebrate significant milestones, a playpark that is advantageous for families with growing kids, and a refreshing swimming pool perfect for those who want to cool down after a day of activities. With these features, Rosevale Towers is set to become a highly desirable residential address in the city of Tuguegarao. 

Vista Land is investing in these master planned developments, making good on its promise to its homebuyers and investors, to continue to create superior offerings, and deliver long-term investment growth.

Ready to aspire for amazing? Explore NuCiti by Vista Estates. Visit vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph and follow us on social media @VistalandAndLifescapesOffical.  

Nokia C12 available for only Php 3,990 (from Php 4,590)

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces the new Nokia C12. Coming with all the C-series family reassurances, it provides a more efficient smartphone experience, making the promises of durability and security more accessible than ever. It brings enhanced imaging, the most recent battery smarts for longer battery life, the latest security and privacy features, and better performance with memory extension. Plus, its resilient build has endured some of the toughest reliability tests around, so you can fully trust that Nokia C12 will stand the test of time.

Vivek Khandelwal, General Manager for Pan-Asia, HMD Global: “What people love about Nokia phones is how extremely resilient they are. The new Nokia C12 brings exactly that, plus improved performance.”

More storage and making the most out of your data

Nokia C-series devices with AndroidTM 12 (Go edition) give you an average of 20% more free storage so you can store up to a thousand more songs or pictures, or even a few hours of HD video. ​

With memory extension giving you 2GB of additional virtual RAM, you can navigate between your favorite apps even faster, whilst ensuring others don’t slow you down.

By cleaning up unnecessary apps running in the background, Nokia C12 ensures no data is wasted. With resources freed up and data saved, your mobile plan will go further.

Faster and more efficient

Enjoy 30% faster app opening times courtesy of AndroidTM 12 (Go edition). Greater memory combined with more advanced octa-core processing gives you an enhanced performance that can keep up with the busiest of lifestyles, while performance optimizer carries out a regular “Spring clean” for a fluid everyday experience.

Always safe and secure

In a world of growing cyber threats, the top-notch security Nokia phones are known for is always working in the background to keep you safe. The C-series family ensures at least two years of regular security patches to keep you shielded from threats.

Stellar shots day or night

Enjoy an enhanced imaging experience and capture memories with confidence in Night and Portrait modes, on both front and rear cameras, and then relive them on a stunning 6.3” HD+ display.

Pricing and availability

Nokia C12 in Charcoal with 5GB of RAM and an octa-core CPU is now even more affordable for only Php 3,990 (from Php 4,590) on their official Shopee and Lazada stores, in all Nokia mobile stores, authorized retail partners, and resellers nationwide.

 

Pickaroo's First Kiddie Summer Shopper Program

Kids are in for a treat this summer as the Philippines’ all-in-one, on-demand, and premium lifestyle delivery app PICK.A.ROO rolls out a special program for the very first time to mark the season—the PICK.A.ROO Kiddie Shopper Summer Program!

Making its debut in select Landmark Supermarkets this May, PICK.A.ROO’s Kiddie Shopper Summer Program allows children ages 4 to 8 to become a PICK.A.ROO Shopper for a day, picking out orders from PICK.A.ROO users and checking them out while being guided and assisted by a PICK.A.ROO Shopper on-duty. Kids who sign up for the program will receive a Shopper Kit containing a shirt, apron, cap, and a bag, all of which they can wear during the activity.

“Traditionally, summer is when parents enroll their children in special classes and programs to help them develop new skills and hone their talents while picking up important values along the way. Through our Kiddie Shopper Summer Program, we are giving parents an avenue to let their kids undergo a ‘summer on-the-job training’ by being a PICK.A.ROO Shopper. We want kids to have fun while also appreciating the hard work our shoppers put into their jobs, and perhaps even learn the values of hard work, teamwork, discipline, responsibility, and friendship,” Eric Bataga, chief executive officer of PICK.A.ROO, says.

Parents interested in enrolling their kids into the Kiddie Shopper Summer Program can get the sign-up links from emails and social media posts from PICK.A.ROO’s official pages. There is no sign-up fee as parents and guardians need only to order via PICK.A.ROO on the day of their respective child’s schedule. Schedules for the Kiddie Shopper Summer Program are on May 6, 13, and 20, 2023 in Landmark Bonifacio Global City, Trinoma, and Alabang. Sessions run for one hour per batch of about five kids, with the first one starting at 9 a.m. 

PICK.A.ROO will accept registrations until May 6 only.

Convenient, flexible app-based shopping in just a few taps

This summer also marks the official launch of PICK.A.ROO’s Pick-Up feature. Using the app, this feature lets users order from the shops, groceries, and restaurants available on PICK.A.ROO, pay for their orders via credit card, and collect them at their chosen time.

“More and more people are continuing to go out these days, whether it’s for work, school, or in-person errands and other leisure activities. Through the Pick-Up feature, we’re giving PICK.A.ROO users more options on how they want to get their orders,” Bataga shares.

The feature offers an easy way for parents who are out with their family during weekends, for example, to order groceries and pick them up on the way home so they can enjoy more time with their loved ones. Those who are reporting in the office can also use this feature to order their meals, and just pick them up during their break time. 

The Pick-Up feature is just among the new things users of the app can enjoy. Last year, PICK.A.ROO rolled out its exclusive Mall-in-One feature, which lets users order from multiple stores in one mall, and then pay and check out everything in a single transaction. It is exactly like how mall shopping is usually done but without traffic jams, unnecessary detours, and unplanned spending. 

There’s also PICK.A.ROO’s pioneering Single Checkout feature, which streamlines the payment and delivery process by letting users make their orders, checkout, and pay them all in one go and in just a few taps, thus saving them time, effort, and additional delivery fees.

Lastly, PICK.A.ROO gives users more reasons to shop with the launch of its Rewards Program, which people can now enjoy via the app. Users receive one (1) stamp per P1,000 spend, which they can exchange for various rewards such as free delivery, free eco bag, gift with purchase, discounts, and more.

Exclusive deals to sweeten the summer

PICK.A.ROO users can avail of the following summer-exclusive discounts and free delivery using the following codes until April 30, 2023 only:

PICK&ROLLGRO

Get P100 OFF for a minimum spend of P2,000 on grocery pick-up orders. Up to 2x use only.

PICK&ROLLFOOD

Get P70 OFF for a minimum spend of P500 on food pick-up orders. Up to 2x use only.

PICK&ROLLSHOPS

Get P100 OFF for a minimum spend of P1,000 on shop pick-up orders. Up to 2x use only.

SUMMERDEL

Get FREE DELIVERY (capped P98) for a minimum spend of P4,444 on grocery orders. Up to 2x use only.

SUMMERMEALS

Get FREE DELIVERY (capped P78) for a minimum spend of P944 on food orders. Up to 2x use only.

SUMMERSHOPS

Get FREE DELIVERY (capped P98) for a minimum spend of P2,444 on shops orders. Up to 2x use only.

Meanwhile, new users can get P200 off for a minimum spend of P1,000 on grocery, food, or shops on their first order when they use the code NEWNICORN upon checking out their first order. This code can be used only once and is valid until December 31, 2023.

Download PICK.A.ROO on Google Play or Apple App Store now to enjoy all these perks and features, and browse through all the hottest offerings available! 

4 Reasons Why ChatGPT is the Ultimate Supplement for Bloggers

If you're thinking about starting a blog, you may be wondering how to create high-quality content that will engage your readers and help you stand out in a crowded online space. One solution is to incorporate ChatGPT into your blogging routine. ChatGPT is an AI language model that is designed to generate natural language responses to any given prompt or question. Here are four reasons why ChatGPT is the best supplement for anyone who wants to start a blog.

Save Time and Effort

As a blogger, you likely spend a significant amount of time researching topics, drafting, and editing content, and optimizing your posts for search engines. ChatGPT can help you save time and effort by generating high-quality content ideas and even writing entire blog posts for you. By using ChatGPT, you can focus your energy on other aspects of your blog, such as promoting your content or engaging with your audience.

Increase Content Quality

One of the challenges of blogging is consistently producing high-quality content that resonates with your audience. With ChatGPT, you can access an endless supply of ideas and insights that can help you create more engaging and informative content. ChatGPT can also help you refine your writing style and improve the overall quality of your blog posts.

Enhance Creativity

As a blogger, it can be challenging to constantly come up with fresh and creative ideas for your content. ChatGPT can help spark your creativity by generating new and innovative ideas based on your topic of interest. By incorporating ChatGPT into your blogging routine, you can expand your horizons and explore new topics that you may not have considered otherwise.

Expand Audience Reach

One of the keys to a successful blog is building a loyal and engaged audience. By using ChatGPT to generate content ideas and improve the quality of your posts, you can attract more readers and keep them coming back for more. Additionally, by leveraging ChatGPT's natural language capabilities, you can create content that is more engaging and relevant to your audience's needs and interests.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to start a blog. By using ChatGPT to generate content ideas, improve content quality, enhance creativity, and expand audience reach, you can create a more successful and sustainable blog. So, whether you're a seasoned blogger or just getting started, consider incorporating ChatGPT into your blogging routine and see the benefits for yourself.

Embrace the Power of ChatGPT: 5 Benefits for Bloggers

As a blogger who has been in the game for 18 years, I have seen many changes in the industry. One of the most recent advancements that have piqued my interest is the development of ChatGPT, an AI language model designed to generate human-like text. While some people may be hesitant to embrace this new technology, I believe that ChatGPT is a tool that can greatly improve the writing process, SEO, and overall content creation.

1. ChatGPT can be used to generate ideas for blog posts. With the help of this AI language model, bloggers can easily generate ideas for their next piece of content by inputting keywords or phrases related to their niche. ChatGPT will then generate a list of potential topics for bloggers to write about. This is especially helpful for those who may be suffering from writer's block or need inspiration for their next post.
2. ChatGPT can be used to improve the SEO of blog posts. By inputting target keywords, ChatGPT can help bloggers create optimized content that is more likely to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is because ChatGPT is able to generate relevant and contextual content that incorporates target keywords in a natural and organic way.
3. ChatGPT can help bloggers save time and effort in the writing process. With the ability to generate entire paragraphs or even full articles, bloggers can use ChatGPT to quickly generate content that can then be edited and tweaked to fit their specific needs. This can be especially helpful for those who are short on time or maybe juggling multiple projects at once.
4. ChatGPT can be used to improve the quality of content. By generating content that is free from spelling and grammatical errors, bloggers can focus more on the substance of their writing rather than nitpicking over small mistakes. Additionally, ChatGPT can help bloggers improve the overall flow and coherence of their writing by generating content that is well-organized and easy to follow.
5. ChatGPT can be used to generate social media posts, email newsletters, and other forms of digital content. By inputting a short message or topic, ChatGPT can generate text that can be used as a starting point for these types of content. This can be especially helpful for those who may struggle with creating engaging social media content or may be short on time when it comes to creating email newsletters.

While ChatGPT is certainly an exciting new tool for bloggers to use, it is important to note that it should not be used as a replacement for human creativity and effort. Instead, ChatGPT should be used as a supplement to the writing process, helping bloggers save time and effort while still maintaining the quality and authenticity of their content.

To use ChatGPT properly, bloggers should start by inputting a few keywords or phrases related to their niche or topic. From there, they can use the generated content as a starting point, adding their own unique voice and perspective to the text. It is important to remember that ChatGPT is not meant to be used as a copy-and-paste tool, but rather as a tool to help generate ideas and improve the overall quality of content.

ChatGPT is not something to be scared of, but rather a powerful tool that can help bloggers improve their writing, SEO, and overall content creation. By using ChatGPT properly and in conjunction with human effort and creativity, bloggers can take their content to the next level and reach even more readers in their niche. 

5 Essential Money Lessons for Kids

As a mom who wasn't financially literate and made a lot of bad decisions when it comes to money handling, I know firsthand how important it is to teach your kids about money management. As parents, we want our children to be equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in life, and financial literacy is definitely one of them. So, here are five financial literacy lessons that I would like to share with my kids and yours:

Save first, spend later

One of the most important lessons I learned is the value of saving. When I was younger, I used to spend my money as soon as I received it, without even thinking about saving a portion of it. I wish I had learned the value of saving early on, and I want my kids to know it's important to save before spending. Encourage your kids to set aside a percentage of their allowance or earnings into a savings account, piggy bank, or investment account.

Budgeting is key

Teach your kids the importance of budgeting by setting up a simple budget plan with them. Help them understand the difference between needs and wants and how to prioritize expenses. Encourage them to create a budget plan for the week or month and track their spending. This way, they can see where their money is going and where they can cut back on expenses.

You can also apply the 50-30-20 rule. 50% for your spending, 30% for your needs, and 20% for savings. 

Delayed gratification

In today's society, we're often bombarded with instant gratification. From online shopping to fast food, it's easy to get what we want right away. However, it's important to teach our kids about delayed gratification. Help them understand the concept of waiting and saving up for something they really want. This way, they'll appreciate it more when they finally get it and learn the value of hard work and patience.

Credit cards and debt

Credit cards can be helpful in emergencies or for building credit, but they can also be dangerous if not used responsibly. Teach your kids about the dangers of credit card debt and how to use them wisely. Encourage them to pay off their balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and fees. Teach them the importance of having good credit and how it can affect their financial future.

Investing in the future

Lastly, it's important to teach your kids about investing for the future. Help them understand the different investment options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Teach them about compound interest and how it can help their money grow over time. Encourage them to start investing early so they can take advantage of the power of compound interest.

Financial literacy is an important life skill that everyone should learn, and it's never too early to start teaching your kids about money management. By following these five financial literacy lessons, you can help your kids become financially responsible adults and avoid the mistakes that I made in the past. Remember, it's not about how much money you have, it's about how you manage it. So, start teaching your kids today and give them the tools they need to succeed. 

From Insomnia to Better Sleep

I used to be an insomniac. In fact, I could sleep for only 3 hours and be totally ready to go and survive for another 24 hours. I used to think that this was a superpower until I hit my 40s. 

And it all started coming back for me. 

Suddenly, I would tire easily. I felt pains in parts of my body that I didn't even know existed. I would feel exhausted like never before. 

It was alarming. 

I realized it was time to make a change. 

For many years, I suffered from insomnia. I would toss and turn in bed, unable to fall asleep, no matter how exhausted I was. As a result, I often felt tired and irritable during the day, and my productivity and overall quality of life suffered. It wasn't until recently that I realized the true value of sleep and made changes to my lifestyle to ensure that I got the restful, restorative sleep that my body needs. In this article, I'll share five tips on how to sleep better and overcome insomnia.

Create a calming bedtime routine

One of the most important things you can do to improve your sleep is to create a calming bedtime routine. This routine should include activities that help you relax and wind down, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing gentle yoga or stretching. You may also want to consider using essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, which are known for their calming and sleep-promoting properties.

Avoid caffeine and other stimulants

Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. It's best to avoid consuming these substances in the hours leading up to bedtime. Additionally, you may want to limit your intake of caffeine throughout the day, as even small amounts can affect your sleep quality.

Keep a consistent sleep schedule

Our bodies thrive on routine, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule is essential for promoting healthy sleep patterns. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle and improve your overall sleep quality.

Create a sleep-friendly environment

Your sleep environment can also have a big impact on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. You may want to invest in blackout curtains or a white noise machine to block out any distractions. Additionally, make sure your bed and pillows are comfortable and supportive.

Manage stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can be major contributors to insomnia. If you find that your mind races at night, try incorporating relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. You may also want to consider talking to a mental health professional, who can help you manage your stress and anxiety in a more structured way.

As someone who has struggled with insomnia, I know firsthand how frustrating and debilitating it can be. However, by making changes to my lifestyle and prioritizing my sleep, I have been able to overcome my insomnia and enjoy better quality sleep. By following these five tips, you can also improve your sleep and enjoy the many benefits that come with it. Remember that quality sleep is essential for your physical and mental health and that it's never too late to make changes to your sleep 

Are you a WAHM?

Being a work-at-home mom (WAHM) is a great way to balance the responsibilities of raising children with earning a living. However, it's not without its challenges. As a WAHM myself, I understand the struggles that come with juggling work and family responsibilities. In this article, I'll share some of the most common struggles that WAHMs face and provide potential solutions to help make life a little easier.

Struggle #1: Balancing work and family responsibilities

One of the biggest challenges of being a WAHM is finding a balance between work and family responsibilities. It can be challenging to switch gears from being a parent to a professional and vice versa.

Set a schedule

To balance work and family responsibilities, it's important to create a schedule that works for both. Set aside specific times for work and family time, and stick to them as much as possible. This can help you stay focused and productive during work hours and present for your family during family time.

Prioritize tasks

Another way to balance work and family responsibilities is to prioritize tasks. Identify the most important tasks that need to be done each day and focus on those first. This can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list.

Delegate tasks

Finally, don't be afraid to delegate tasks. If your children are old enough, give them age-appropriate chores to help out around the house. You can also outsource tasks such as cleaning or meal prep to free up more time for work and family time.

Struggle #2: Avoiding distractions

Working from home can be full of distractions. Whether it's social media, household chores, or family members, there are plenty of things that can take your attention away from work. For me, the main struggle is spending time with Khali and working. 

He's currently at the phase where it's all Mommy, Mommy, Mommy.

Create a dedicated workspace

Creating a dedicated workspace can help minimize distractions. Set up a space in your home that is solely for work, and use it consistently. This can help you mentally separate work and home life, making it easier to stay focused.

Use time-blocking techniques

Time-blocking is a technique where you schedule blocks of time for specific tasks. This can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. During each time block, focus solely on the task at hand and avoid checking email or social media.

Use technology to your advantage

There are many apps and tools available that can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. For example, there are apps that can block access to social media during work hours or limit your time spent on certain websites.

Struggle #3: Staying motivated

Working from home can be isolating, and it can be challenging to stay motivated and productive without the support of coworkers or a boss.

Even for someone like me who has been doing it for over 10 years, it can be hard at times. Worst case scenario, I look at my bills to remind me that I need to work. 

Set goals

Setting clear, measurable goals can help you stay motivated and on track. Break larger goals down into smaller, achievable milestones and celebrate your successes along the way.

Connect with other WAHMs

Connecting with other WAHMs can be a great way to stay motivated and get support. Consider joining online groups or attending local meetups to connect with other like-minded individuals.

Take breaks

Finally, don't forget to take breaks. Taking breaks can help you stay refreshed and avoid burnout. Use your breaks to get some exercise, spend time with your family, or do something else that you enjoy.

Being a WAHM comes with its challenges, but there are solutions to help overcome them. By setting a schedule, prioritizing tasks, creating a dedicated workspace, using time-blocking techniques, setting goals, connecting with other WAHMs, and taking breaks, you can find the balance you need to succeed as a work-at-home mom. 

We can do this WAHMs! 

ASUS Business Launches the First 16-inch OLED ExpertBook Series Laptop

ASUS Philippines expands its ASUS ExpertBook Series with the all-new ExpertBook B5 (B5602C), and ExpertBook B5 Flip (B5602F) laptops. These two new ExpertBook laptops boast a large 16-inch display, 16:10 aspect ratio, and it only weighs 1.4kg despite the device’s large screen. 

With the growing demand for hybrid work setup and business laptops in the Philippines, these new ExpertBook B5 series features up to 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor, with up to Intel Arc™ A350M discrete graphics, dual-fan cooling, AI-powered conferencing technology, and dual-SSD RAID support to meet the needs of the growing modern workflow in the country.

Refined for the Modern Filipino Professional

Weighing only 1.4kg, The ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are crafted with magnesium-aluminum alloy and pure aluminum to create a classy, premium design. The 16-inch display and 16:10 aspect ratio are perfect for multitasking because they will provide users a larger visual workspace as compared to the standard 16:9 screen in the market. 

For users looking for a better display, these two new ExpertBook series laptops have an OLED option, ExpertBook B5 OLED (B5602C OLED) and B5 Flip OLED (B5602F OLED). ASUS OLED laptops let you enjoy an incredible viewing experience at home, work, or traveling. It is also less harmful to the eyes because it produces 70 percent less blue light emissions, perfect for users working for more than 8 hours a day. Lastly, ASUS OLED laptops produce cinema-grade colors perfect for presentations and client meetings.  

The new ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are designed to last a day with their all-day battery life to ensure an efficient and stress-free remote work experience. On-the-go Filipino professionals will no longer worry if there are no available charging stations because of the battery life of this device. The B5 Flip also supports fast-charge technology that will charge the laptop up to 50 percent in just less than an hour. 

As an additional feature, the ASUS ExpertBook B5 Flip has a 360° flippable screen and a garaged stylus for easier and faster content sharing, perfect for users who need to present from time to time. 

No compromise work experience

The new ASUS ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are powered by up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with Intel vPro platform and up to 40 GB of RAM. All these powerful features promise an efficient and powerful workflow to users looking for a device that can run multiple apps simultaneously.

Both laptops also feature up to two SSDs slots to provide a vast 2 TB capacity that supports RAID technology for improved data reliability and faster operation, which means data transfer will no longer be a problem. In addition, the ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are equipped with the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology for ultrafast wireless connectivity and for future-proofing, making the device a good investment. 

For businesses dealing with data security, the ASUS ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip have an Intel® vPro® support, a built-in fingerprint sensor, and TPM 2.0 chip to protect the laptop’s data. It also includes a physical webcam shield for instant privacy and an integrated Kensington Nano lock slot to easily secure the data. 

Lastly, to ensure no workflow hiccups, the ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are equipped with up to Intel Arc A350M discrete graphics that deliver a quiet, cool, and powerful performance that minimizes the noise of the laptop especially when running demanding tasks.

Reliable, dependable, and durable

The Expertbook B5 and B5 Flip underwent a series of industry thresholds, including the ultra-demanding MIL-STD 810H US military standard. This ensures that both ExpertBook laptops are built to survive extreme environments -- from freezing temperatures to the searing heat of desert storms and from high-speed shocks to everyday bumps. It also underwent rigorous in-house testing, including panel pressure, shock, and drop tests for an assurance of serious durability. Even the keyboard is engineered to resist everyday spills and splashes. 

The all-new ExpertBook B5 series laptops are also taking professional conferencing to the next level with ASUS-exclusive AI-powered technologies. Both laptops have a two-way AI-powered noise-canceling technology and an AI-driven camera. The latest enhancement enables users to customize the microphone, allowing the ASUS ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip to adapt however best suits the location. On-the-go professionals will no longer have to worry because joining a video conference in a crowded place will no longer be a nuisance. 

Meanwhile, the AI-powered camera ensures excellent video quality for every virtual meeting. The motion-tracking technology automatically keeps the user’s face centered. It adjusts the focus to their eyes – eliminating the annoyance of adjusting the camera mid-chat. With its ability to automatically enhance image quality and brightness, the AI camera is perfect for working anywhere, anytime.

Availability in the Philippines

The ASUS ExpertBook B5 and ASUS ExpertBook B5 Flip are truly modern business marvels. With its improved and new features, the future of working remotely is promising to every Filipino professional. You can Talk to our Experts here to know more about these new ASUS ExpertBook series laptops.

Coolest Upgrades na ‘to This Summer with Home Credit!

Together with the scorching heat that challenges us every day, we need something to beat it with - whether it be planning a beach getaway, a trip to Baguio, or buying the latest appliances to keep you cool without leaving the house. Home Credit holds the answer to your summer needs this year, from electronics to the newest gadgets that you dasurv, they have it all!

Home Credit Philippines, the shopping partner of every Filipino, is coming in hot with its big summer blowout! Products ranging from gadgets, cooling equipment, and home appliances are now made more accessible at 0% interest rates that will not just keep you cool, but your budget and wallets heat-free, too!

Make this summer the most fantastic and coolest one ever. Who says you have to go far this summer to please yourself, the family, and the barkada? Home Credit lists down some items that you definitely deserve and will bring you a cool vibe this summer. Check these items below now!

Stay cool and hydrated!

Are you going to let the summer heat keep you down? One way to keep cool this summer is to drink the most refreshing drinks. Stock up your Sharp Two-Door J-Tech Inverter Refrigerator with ice-cold beverages that will keep you energized throughout the day! Its No Frost technology automatically adjusts and controls the temperature and humidity level inside the refrigerator, saving you from future frosting stress!

If you cope with the summer heat by eating frozen treats, Toshiba’s Two-Door Inverter Top Mount Refrigerator might become your best friend. Together with a Dual-Cooling Zone, allowing you to cool food items faster and feel the cool, icy breeze when you open it, this refrigerator may be for you.

Beat the heat in seconds!

Is the summer heat taking away the excitement to go out? Everyone deserves their own cool place to hang out and feel refreshed. Haier’s Split-Type Air Conditioner is equipped with a UVC generator module that will keep you safe and cool throughout the day. It also has the ability to self-clean and has a faster and much more powerful cooling performance, saving up to 63% of energy.

Staying indoors is also a trend this season, simply because it’s cooler inside. Together with LG’s Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner, keep the four corners of your home comfy. Enjoy LG's innovative inverter technology that's both powerful and quiet, and saves up to 70% energy when used!

Revolutionize your summer!

Everybody has their own way to keep cool and celebrate summer, whether it’s by buying a new item or chilling in the comfort of their homes. For staycationistas, the LG Smart 4K UHD TV is the right upgrade for you! It easily gives you the power to effortlessly stream movies and TV shows from your favorite entertainment apps in a new standard of high definition using your home wireless network.

For our resident multitaskers who prefer to enjoy the beach and work at the same time, on-the-go gadgets are the right fit for you! Acer comes through with a feature-packed Aspire 5, powered by the latest processors and graphics to give a crisp multitasking performance that will definitely not leave your work and screen frozen.

Hustling work and life during the summer vacation is not an ordinary thing, so make those extraordinary memories last with a mobile phone built for everyday life. Oppo A96 must be your reliable best friend this season because not only has it passed a lot of environmental tests, but this phone is also dust and water-resistant!

So, what’s the hold-up? Be summer ready and get those well-deserved purchases now! Visit the nearest Robinsons Appliances and Savers Appliances and get those summeresque purchases all at affordable costs, low-interest rates, and free last installments through Home Credit because dasurv mo 'to!

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).