Five Must-Try Mega Mackerel Recipes

Did you know that mackerel can be used as the main ingredient in your favorite Pinoy dishes like sinigang, paksiw, and sarsiado? With its tender and flavorful meat, mackerel is a kitchen staple that’s both versatile and delicious. And when you choose Mega Mackerel, you're not just cooking—you’re creating a rich, comforting food that will make every family meal even more special.

Here are five easy recipes of favorite Filipino dishes that you probably didn’t know you could make with mackerel:

1. Mackerel Sinigang: This dish is a favorite among Filipinos, and it’s no wonder that pork sinigang is included in TasteAtlas’ “World’s Best Rated Meat Soups.” It’s a classic on every Filipino dining table, but to give it a twist and make it even more exciting, try using two cans of Mega Mackerel in Natural Oil (155g) instead of pork for a flavorful dish. Check out the full recipe here:megaprimefoods.com.ph/mega-mackerel-sinigang/ 

2. Mackerel Bistek. Bistek is the Filipino version of beef steak, featuring thinly sliced sirloin simmered in citrus juice, soy sauce, onions, and garlic. However, beef can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there’s now an affordable alternative using mackerel. Try replacing sirloin with a can of Mega Mackerel in Natural Oil (245g). You can also marinate it in a calamansi mixture for ten minutes, just like you would with beef. For the full recipe, visit: megaprimefoods.com.ph/mega-mackerel-bistek/

3. Mackerel Paksiw. Paksiw is a dish cooked in vinegar. One of the tastiest dishes to make paksiw with is fish. Milkfish or tuna are often used for paksiw, but if you’re looking for a new twist on an ordinary dish, mackerel paksiw is a great choice. Using two cans of Mega Mackerel in Natural Oil, you can create a delicious and meaty dish for the whole family. Find the easy Mega Mackerel Paksiw recipe here: instagram.com/megamackerel/p/C6DMe3eRr36/ 

4. Mackerel Sarciado. Sarciado means that the dish is made flavorful with a sauce made from tomatoes and eggs. This dish is also popular for giving new life to leftover fried fish. So if your previous meal was fried tilapia or dalagang bukid, sarciado is usually the next dish to be served. But aside from fried fish, you can also make sarciado with mackerel, and it’s even easier to prepare using one or two cans of Mega Mackerel in Tomato Sauce. Just follow the usual sarciado cooking method and use Mega Mackerel chunks.

5. Mackerel Gata. Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture that enhances every ingredient. It serves as the base of the sauce, combining sweetness and richness that flavors the whole dish. Coconut milk pairs perfectly with fish like mackerel, balancing out the fishy taste. The process is simple: after draining the Mega Mackerel, simmer it with vinegar, water, onions, ginger, and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Add the coconut milk and stir well, then cook the eggplant and chili. Season with fish sauce and pepper before serving.

“Mackerel is an incredibly versatile ingredient. It’s easy to combine with different spices, so you can use Mega Mackerel in your family’s favorite dishes. Just open one or two cans, and it’s ready to cook, making your everyday meals more flavorful, satisfying, and mouthwatering,” added Camacho.

Discover more favorite dishes that you can #MegaMackerelNa at megaprimefoods.com.ph. Mega Mackerel is a product of Mega Prime Food 

Shopee Unveils Biggest 9.9 Super Shopping Day with Unbeatable Deals and Enhanced Shopping Experience

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is set to deliver its most exciting shopping event of the year with the 9.9 Super Shopping Day. From September 1 to 10, shoppers can look forward to a winning combination of great deals and an enhanced shopping experience that promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Unbeatable Deals and Improved Shopping Experience

Shopee is elevating the online shopping experience with a range of exciting features and promotions:

• On-Time Delivery Guarantee: Shoppers can enjoy fast and reliable delivery with Shopee's On-Time Delivery Guarantee. This assurance ensures that users will receive their orders by the delivery date indicated in the app, or they'll get a free voucher from Shopee.

• Shopee Styles: Fashion enthusiasts can enjoy up to 50% off and more on trendy fashion items from Shopee Styles.

• Free Shipping: A crowd favorite returns - free shipping vouchers will be available with no minimum spend required.

• Mega Brand Deals: Lucky shoppers can enjoy exclusive deals on exciting brand products on Shopee Mall, starting at 12 midnight on September 9. Additionally, all-day deals from favorite brands will be available throughout the event.

• 0% Interest Installments: Exclusively for September 9, shoppers can use SPayLater to purchase all items with 0% interest installments, making it the perfect time to splurge on dream items without breaking the bank.

A Shopping Experience for All

Huiyan Pan, Shopee Regional Marketing Lead, teased the e-commerce platform’s exclusive offers for the 9.9 Super Shopping Day such as 50% off discounts on fashion items from Shopee Styles, On-Time Delivery Guarantee, and free shipping with no minimum spend.

Beyond exciting deals and impressive new features, Shopee is committed to making customer experiences more engaging and rewarding. Huiyan Pan, Regional Marketing Lead at Shopee, expressed excitement about the sale: "We're thrilled to bring our users the biggest and best 9.9 Super Shopping Day yet. We're combining unbeatable deals with an enhanced shopping experience, ensuring that every Shopee user can find exactly what they need with ease and excitement. From our On-Time Delivery Guarantee to the exclusive 0% interest installments via SPayLater, we're committed to making this 9.9 an unforgettable shopping event for all."

Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day is designed to cater to all shoppers, from deal hunters to brand enthusiasts. With a combination of competitive prices, reliable delivery, and an array of payment options, Shopee aims to provide an unparalleled shopping experience for everyone.

To help shoppers remember what's in store for this 9.9, Shopee has released its latest TVC featuring BINI, showcasing the excitement and deals of the upcoming event.

Don’t miss Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day at https://shopee.ph/! 

Canon Rolls Out Back-to-School Promo, College Campus Tour for PIXMA MegaTank Printers

Canon Marketing Philippines launched an exciting promo for students for the back-to-school season during its Ready, Set, Print media event.

The event also featured the latest Canon’s PIXMA G series printer lineup and a talk on creative printing by Tippy Go of The Googly Gooeys.

“This is a great opportunity to spotlight how the PIXMA G series fits into the needs and lifestyles of our customers – highlighting its wide array of capabilities and performance. “For Ready, Set, Print in particular, we also want to offer a value-for-money promotion that rewards student as well as their guardians for their loyalty to the Canon PIXMA brand,” shared Jian Liu, Canon Marketing Philippines director of Consumer Information and Imaging.

Until September 30, 2024, students of any level from any public or private school or their guardian can receive 1,000 Canon Delightful points through the Canon PH Delightful app for every purchase of a Canon PIXMA G, GM, and GX printer in authorized Canon dealers, in-store or online.

The points can be redeemed to purchase from over 450 Giftaway partner merchants on the Canon Delightful App. One Canon Delightful point is equivalent to Php1.00.

To avail of this promo, the purchase must be registered via the Canon PH Delightful App. The student or their guardian must also upload a school ID or proof of enrollment for the current school year when they register the purchase to their account.

Canon also announced the launch of their Canon Campus Tour series, beginning August 29–30, at Adamson University. Other universities are included in the tour from September to early October. 

Additionally, Canon PIXMA products will be exhibited for customers to touch and try at Canon booths at the Gensan Toy Exhibit at SM City General Santos in collaboration with  Starbright Office Depot, Inc. (General Santos City) and Abenson Appliance Fest Caravan 2024 at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf on September 2-8, 2024.

To learn more about Canon PIXMA printers, follow Canon Marketing Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, and visit the Canon Marketing Philippines website.  

Sit, Bank, and Relax: Introducing the EastWest EasyWay App

EastWest Bank officially introduced the new EastWest EasyWay App, a mobile banking platform designed to streamline and elevate the banking experience of today’s Filipinos.

The launch of EasyWay is a major milestone in the build-up to EastWest Bank’s 30th-anniversary celebration, which kicked off this August and will run through July next year. It highlights the bank’s continuous drive for improvement, always striving to exceed the expectations of its valued customers.

EasyWay represents another important step in EastWest’s ongoing efforts to deliver customer-focused and up-to-date banking services. It is part of a broader digital ecosystem that includes EasyBiz, Komo, ESTA, and EastWest Pay, reflecting the bank’s holistic approach to addressing diverse customer needs with advanced solutions.

Jerry Ngo, CEO of EastWest Bank, shared his enthusiasm about the new app, noting that “EasyWay is more than just a banking app; it’s a clear demonstration of our efforts to make banking simpler and more accessible for our customers. As we mark our 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to present this intuitive tool that will redefine how our customers engage with us.”

Transforming Banking for the Modern Generation

The EasyWay App is set to revolutionize how customers manage their finances, offering a user-friendly interface and a suite of easy-to-use features that cater to the demands of today's fast-paced lifestyle. Whether you're navigating your early career, balancing the needs of a growing family, or preparing for retirement, EasyWay adapts to each stage of life, ensuring that banking seamlessly integrates into your daily routine. With EasyWay, banking no longer disrupts one’s busy schedule but complements it, allowing customers to focus on what truly matters in life.

Donny Pangilinan, a popular Filipino actor, singer, and influencer known for his work in television and film, was chosen to be the face of EasyWay because of what he represents. He is part of the Gen Z generation that is hardworking, intentional, and acts with purpose. As an actor and business owner dedicated to his craft and advocacies such as financial literacy, the Bank sees him as a fitting representation of EasyWay to the younger, modern, up-and-coming markets it would like to reach.

As part of the EasyWay launch, EastWest Bank also introduces the tagline "Sit, Bank, and Relax," embodying the essence of what the app offers. This tagline reflects the app’s promise to make banking a seamless, hassle-free experience, allowing customers to manage their finances effortlessly. By integrating advanced digital features with a user-friendly interface, EasyWay ensures that customers can take control of their banking needs without the stress and time-consuming tasks traditionally associated with financial management. Be it paying bills, transferring funds, or managing loans, EasyWay streamlines these tasks, allowing customers to concentrate on what truly matters in their lives—relaxing and enjoying the peace of mind that comes with secure, efficient banking.

“EasyWay represents a new era in banking where convenience and efficiency are paramount,” said Harvey Libarnes, FVP and Chief Digital Products and Channels Officer of EastWest Bank. “We are excited to offer our customers the latest tool that not only meets but exceeds a modern-day customer's expectations in digital banking.”

Key Features of EasyWay

• Seamless Account Management: Access and manage your accounts anytime, anywhere. Monitor your balances, view transaction history, and transfer funds with just a few taps.

• Efficient Bill Payments: Pay your bills effortlessly through the app. Whether it’s utilities, credit cards, or other services, EasyWay streamlines the payment process.

• Secure Transactions: EasyWay employs advanced security measures to ensure all your transactions are safe and secure.

• Loan and Credit Card Management: Manage your credit card and track your repayments with ease, all within the app.

• Customer Support: The app offers 24/7 customer support to assist you with any banking needs.

Upcoming Features

EastWest Bank is also excited to announce several upcoming features for the EasyWay App, designed to further enhance the banking experience:

• Wealth Management Tools: Exclusive Wealth Theme platform tailored for EastWest Priority members, robust Portfolio Management services, seamless eForex capabilities for USD to PHP and PHP to USD transfers within a client’s own accounts, and an intuitive interface for viewing investments.

• Mobile Check Deposit: Simply take a clear photo of the front and back of the check, enter the check amount, confirm the details, and submit. The app processes the deposit, eliminating the need to visit an EW Store, and provides a confirmation of the transaction.

• Credit Card Management: Instantly Lock or Unlock your EastWest credit cards for enhanced security, view real-time Credit Card transactions, and conveniently apply for EastWest Supplementary Cards directly through the app.

• Credit Card and Personal Loan Application: To strengthen new-to-bank and cross-selling initiatives, existing and new customers can conveniently apply for a credit card and personal loan directly through the app.

• QR Fund Transfers and Payments: Easily transfer funds or make payments by scanning a QR code, ensuring accuracy and security for all transactions.

• 

Join Us in the Digital Banking Revolution

Think banking is hard? Think again with the new EastWest EasyWay app!

EastWest Bank invites its clients to experience the convenience and efficiency of the EasyWay App. Download the app today and discover how it can make your banking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

With account management, check deposits, installments, and more right at your fingertips—banking has never been more seamless and convenient.

Like EastWest EasyWay’s newest endorser Donny Pangilinan, just Sit, Bank, and Relax! 

Snag Good Finds Before Big Bad Wolf Wraps Last Manila Stop at Alabang!

Attention, Wolfies from Alabang! Big Bad Wolf is leaving Filinvest, Alabang, soon! It’s the last Big Bad Wolf book sale in Manila, so don’t miss your chance to haul great titles and greater prices. Catch the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at Filinvest Tent, Alabang until September 1. Doors open daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight, leaving guests plenty of time to see what’s in store!

Incredible deals and discounts still await! Metrobank continues to offer credit cardholders an exclusive 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth a minimum of P3,000 at the book sale. That’s not all! Swedish furnishing brand IKEA will still be at the Filinvest Book Sale to treat attendees to a nice, comfy, and perfectly clean set-up perfect for resting, reading, or snacking! Plus, IKEA family members and BBW members can present their memberships at the register to get a free tote bag with their purchases.

Thriller? Romance? Sci-Fi? Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s all at the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale! Explore a collection of over two million books including these titles and more at the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale:

 

Get a chance to meet and greet renowned Filipino author and motivational speaker, Bo Sanchez, as he delivers a short talk about decluttering and simplifying your life on September 1 at 3:00 PM. With a few days left of the Filinvest Book Sale, Big Bad Wolf guarantees that there are more treats up ahead! Follow Big Bad Wolf Philippines’ social media pages to be in the loop with the latest news and updates as more excitement awaits!

Manila bookworms, this is your last chance! Drop the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at Filinvest Tent, Alabang, until September 1, 2024. Doors open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight. Grab a tote and your friends before Big Bad Wolf officially heads out of the city.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)   

Big Bad Wolf Continues Hunt for 1M Readers at First-Ever Filinvest Tent Book Sale

Big news, Wolfies! Big Bad Wolf has officially landed at Alabang for the very first time! In pursuit of its mission to reach 1M new readers in 2024, Big Bad Wolf takes the world’s biggest book sale to the South at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang from August 23 to September 1, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN.

The opening of the book sale attracted a vibrant crowd of book enthusiasts and budding readers alike, all eager to explore the selection of titles available at budget-friendly prices. Metrobank returns, offering credit cardholders an exclusive 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000 at the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale. Swedish furnishing brand IKEA is also heading to Alabang to give Wolfies from the South a special treat!

The Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale is part of Big Bad Wolf’s broader campaign to promote literacy and nurture a love for reading among people of all ages. The Filinvest book sale is the latest in a series of Big Bad Wolf book sales, dedicated to making books more accessible to more people across the country.

“We have always been passionate about igniting a love for reading and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to quality books,” said Big Bad Wolf Books Co-founder Jacqueline Ng who was present at the Big Bad Wolf Filinvest Book Sale VIP Day. 

Ng added, “It’s our first time in Alabang, and this marks another significant step toward our goal of bringing 1 million new readers into the fold. We believe that books can change lives, and we are even more committed to making books available to as many people as possible.”

Big Bad Wolf Books Philippine Managing Partner Carol Chuaying echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Big Bad Wolf’s mission to promote literacy. “We believe literacy is the foundation of learning and personal growth,” said Chuaying. “At every book sale, we are not just selling books. We are opening doors to new opportunities, knowledge, and a brighter future for everyone. We are thrilled to bring the book sale to Alabang and continue expanding our reach to more people.”

Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato' ​​Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, and Filinvest Alabang, Inc. First Vice President Don-Don Mari S. Ubaldo; Filinvest Corporate City Association Inc. General Manager Engr. Kristine P. Triviño; Festival Supermall, Inc. Vice President and Head of Corporate Marketing Denise Rae O. Lagayan; Festival Supermall, Inc. Assistant Vice President and South Cluster General Manager Engr. Christian Wesley D. Villanueva; joined Ng and Chuaying to celebrate the opening of the Big Bad wolf Filinvest Book Sale.

Aside from great deals, discounts, and Big Bad Wolf’ wide collection of over two million books, guests can expect even more excitement as Big Bad Wolf cooks up more surprises for another grand book sale experience that wolfies won’t soon forget. Keep an eye on Big Bad Wolf’s social media pages to stay in the loop and find out more about the sneaky treats that the Wolf has in store.

South wolfies, ready to howl? Visit the Big Bad Wolf Book sale at Filinvest Tent, Alabang, open from August 23 to September 1. Doors open daily at 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN! Grab your pack and get ready for an adventure you definitely shouldn’t miss! We’ll see you there! 

5 Planning and Budgeting Tips for Your Dream Home Build

 Many people nurture the dream of having a home to call their own. There’s nothing quite like a place where you can completely relax and attend to your loved ones, perfectly designed to accommodate your needs and lifestyle. Real estate also remains a great investment across generations, and your dream home can one day become a valuable asset that can be passed down to your children or relatives.

However, buying your dream home is a big financial decision requiring planning and budgeting beforehand. This is an investment that you’ll want to save up seriously for, from the initial land acquisition to the stage in which you roll out your home’s floor plan. Knowing that there are some long-term saving tips that will soon allow your hard work to translate into the home you’ve always wished for:

1) Review Your Current Financial Situation

For most people, buying a house isn’t a one-time expense. Many need to build up years of savings just to afford the down payment, while some inevitably have to take out loans to afford them. Different methods of financing a home can suit different people depending on their income, so it’s up to you to determine how best to fund your future dream home.

To that end, your first step should be to undergo an in-depth review of your current financial situation. Do you have the savings to fund a down payment? Can your income comfortably support paying a monthly mortgage? What will constitute your monthly expenses after you finally become a homeowner? Having a clear view of your income and expenses will help you determine whether you’re financially capable of buying a home at the moment or if you still need time to build up your savings.

If you’re an aspiring homeowner based in the Philippines, you can start saving up for your home with Maya Savings, which allows you to enjoy a base rate of 3.5% interest p.a. that you can still boost up to 15% by simply using your Maya wallet when paying for your day-to-day expenses. A high-interest savings account like this one will not only help you save; it will also allow you to earn more substantially on your savings as you finance your future home.

2) Start Saving Up for the Down Payment

Once you’ve determined that you’re financially ready to buy and plan your home, it will be time to start saving up for a down payment. Remember that as far as down payments go, a smaller amount doesn’t always mean getting a better deal. Aim to put down an amount that’s higher than the minimum so that your monthly mortgage payments will be much more manageable.

If you’re still saving up to make a higher down payment, then try out personal finance solutions like Maya Personal Goals or Time Deposit Plus. Maya Personal Goals will allow you to set up to five sub-accounts that all stand for specific financial goals, and each one will have a designated due date and goal amount. From your Maya Savings account, label a goal “house down payment” and start allotting money from your main account to that sub-account. Your personal goal can earn 4% interest p.a. monthly, thus giving your savings for your home an extra boost.

Meanwhile, opening a Maya Time Deposit Plus account will allow you to benefit from high interest rates for your savings—up to 5.75% interest p.a. monthly if you reach your target amount and date. You can also add to your initial deposit after the term starts and thus earn a bigger amount when the time deposit matures. Simply set your savings term, and then allow the money for your home down payment to keep accruing interest.

3) Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses

To support your goal of buying a house, over the long term, you should implement some lifestyle changes to get rid of unnecessary expenses. This could mean dialing back first on expensive holidays and instead putting the money you could’ve spent into your account for your dream home savings.

See if there are recurring expenses you can lower as well. For example, perhaps there are more affordable alternatives to the usual brands you buy. If quality and effectiveness won’t be compromised, then consider making the switch to add to your savings. Given that you’ll be spending on your dream home long after you’ve acquired it, every little peso put toward the future counts.

4) Look for Ways to Increase Your Income

If it’s viable, you should also look for ways to increase your income so that it won’t take you too long to buy your dream home and everything else that comes with it. This will allow you to be in a better financial position to support the ongoing expenses and make them less heavy on your wallet.

Try out part-time or freelance work to help add to your earnings, or perhaps explore opening a home business and offering your products or services to a certain market. You can also apply for a loan to ease up your cash flow, as long as it won’t be an extra financial burden to make the repayments. 

5) Visit Open Houses

Lastly, so that you can visualize the dream home you want to save up for, consider attending an open house event soon. Open houses are properties that are open for public viewing, essentially allowing potential buyers like you to window shop for homes.

Your attendance at an open house event may give you more ideas on the look and build you may want your future home to have. During the event, you may also get the opportunity to talk to real estate agents regarding prices and financing options. Keep an open mind about what form your dream home could take, and you may find it easier to plan the particulars—especially your budget and requirements.

In a long time it could take between your decision to build your dream home and your first time to step through the doors, you may find it both scary and difficult to maintain your financial discipline. But tips like these should give your plan some structure and make it easier to focus on the bigger goal of living your dream life in your own place.