A Grand New Year’s Welcome at Rizal Park Hotel | PR Post | MarkMyName

Imagine welcoming the New Year from atop one of Manila’s finest hotels, basking in the panorama of Manila Bay fireworks with friends and family, and raising a Champagne toast on December 31. Wouldn’t that be a spectacular way to celebrate the passing of a year?

Rizal Park Hotel is hailing 2023 in style with an array of offers, starting with the New Year Countdown Celebrate 2023 package. For only PhP 1,299 per person, guests will enjoy a festive view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the alfresco Deck Lounge’s signature cocktails, drinks, canapes, and Champagne toast. A live DJ performance will keep the countdown bright and merry all through the night.

For guests looking to unwind, Rizal Park Hotel is offering a 3D2N room package for guests staying between December 31 and January 2. For only Php 11,999, guests can relax inside a Deluxe Room and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast and the Celebrate 2023 countdown festivities at the Deck Lounge on New Year’s Eve. An upgrade of only an additional Php 1,000 will entitle guests of the 3D2N stay to enjoy Rizal Park Hotel’s signature spa for two.

About Rizal Park Hotel

Opened in 2017, Rizal Park Hotel welcomes travelers to the historic boutique property that was once Manila’s social hall, the Army and Navy Club (ANC). Designed by the renowned architect William Parsons and unveiled in 1911, the ANC played host to Filipinos and Americans who relaxed, played sports, and enjoyed the high life within its grounds. Meticulously conserved and restored into a boutique hotel by Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation, Rizal Park Hotel features 107 rooms and an array of sumptuous dining options, such as authentic Chinese restaurant Imperial Court and all-day dining Rizal Cafe. The hotel also offers relaxing fitness and spa amenities and indoor and alfresco event spaces. Its proximity to Luneta, Intramuros, and Manila Ocean Park make it the ideal place to stay and enjoy the city.

For more information and reservations, visit Rizal Park Hotel at South Road, Ermita, Manila. You can call (02) 8804 8700 or email reservations@rizalparkhotelmanila.com

A Grand New Year’s Welcome at Rizal Park Hotel | PR Post | MarkMyName

Imagine welcoming the New Year from atop one of Manila’s finest hotels, basking in the panorama of Manila Bay fireworks with friends and family, and raising a Champagne toast on December 31. Wouldn’t that be a spectacular way to celebrate the passing of a year?

Rizal Park Hotel is hailing 2023 in style with an array of offers, starting with the New Year Countdown Celebrate 2023 package. For only PhP 1,299 per person, guests will enjoy a festive view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the alfresco Deck Lounge’s signature cocktails, drinks, canapes, and Champagne toast. A live DJ performance will keep the countdown bright and merry all through the night.

For guests looking to unwind, Rizal Park Hotel is offering a 3D2N room package for guests staying between December 31 and January 2. For only Php 11,999, guests can relax inside a Deluxe Room and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast and the Celebrate 2023 countdown festivities at the Deck Lounge on New Year’s Eve. An upgrade of only an additional Php 1,000 will entitle guests of the 3D2N stay to enjoy Rizal Park Hotel’s signature spa for two.

About Rizal Park Hotel

Opened in 2017, Rizal Park Hotel welcomes travelers to the historic boutique property that was once Manila’s social hall, the Army and Navy Club (ANC). Designed by the renowned architect William Parsons and unveiled in 1911, the ANC played host to Filipinos and Americans who relaxed, played sports, and enjoyed the high life within its grounds. Meticulously conserved and restored into a boutique hotel by Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation, Rizal Park Hotel features 107 rooms and an array of sumptuous dining options, such as authentic Chinese restaurant Imperial Court and all-day dining Rizal Cafe. The hotel also offers relaxing fitness and spa amenities and indoor and alfresco event spaces. Its proximity to Luneta, Intramuros, and Manila Ocean Park make it the ideal place to stay and enjoy the city.

For more information and reservations, visit Rizal Park Hotel at South Road, Ermita, Manila. You can call (02) 8804 8700 or email reservations@rizalparkhotelmanila.com

Passing The Coffee Passion to the Next Generation | PR Post | MarkMyName

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There's Always a Reason for Cake With Scout Honor's New Mini Roll Cakes

It's always a good time for cake! In fact, Scout's Honor is making it easier to give yourself (or someone special) a sweet treat with their new Mini Roll Cakes.

Scout's Honor has all your cravings covered with six flavors to choose from. Make a chocolate lover's dream come true with the Classic Chocolate Mini Roll (P180), stuffed generously with whipped cream, while the Cafe Latte Mini Roll (P230) with a fluffy mocha chiffon stuffed with a coffee custard filling, is for the caffeine fiends in your life. You can also go simple yet sweet with a Dulce de Leche Mini Roll (P215) with vanilla chiffon stuffed with rich dulce de leche custard.

For those who enjoy Asian-inspired flavors, have a go at the Matcha Strawberry Mini Roll (P295) showcasing a matcha chiffon stuffed with a strawberry cream custard, the Pandan Kaya Jam Mini Roll (P285) with pandan chiffon and a kaya custard filling, or the very Pinoy Ube White Chocolate Mini Roll (P240) with a soft ube chiffon stuffed with be halaya white chocolate custard.

These new mini roll cakes are available for dine-in and takeout at Scout's Honor Ayala

Malls Vertis North, Santolan Town Plaza and our Off-Grid branch at Workshop The Grid Powerplant Mall. You can also order for delivery at tasteless.ph, GrabFood, Foodpanda, Rider Ko, and Pick-a-Roo. Enjoy!

#ScoutsHonorPH #MoreThanJustCookies #SwornToGoodness

Beyond Christmas, Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Unveil Surprises for 2023 | PR Post | MarkMyName

The holiday season is usually the best time for an urban staycation when the roads unclog and most people travel out. Two iconic hotels in Ortigas have offers that will be hard to resist for families looking for a city holiday break this Christmas and New Year.

Holiday Inn Manila Galleria Holiday Package (Room)

At Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, the Holiday Package starts at Php 7,088 nett per room per night. True to Holiday Inn’s promise, kids stay and eat free, too. For a more cosmopolitan vibe, stay at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria where the Holiday Package begins at Php 8,088 nett per room per night.

Both offers include a buffet breakfast, a Christmas welcome amenity, and dining credits (PhP 1,500 for Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and PhP 2,000 for Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria) that can be spent in any of the hotels’ restaurant selections.

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Holiday Package (Room)

The options for a sumptuous Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are simply aplenty, from the international cuisine of Seven Corners to the award-winning authentic Chinese restaurant Xin Tian Di.

At Seven Corners, guests will enjoy many of the signature dishes of the all-day dining restaurant, including Ribeye Steak, savory Roasted Turkey with Bread Stuffing, festive Holiday Ham and a seasoned-to-perfection Salmon Wellington. Guests can delight over these astounding dishes for only Php 3,300 nett per person on Christmas Eve.

Seven Corners all-day dining restaurant

A special spread will also be available for New Year’s Eve at PhP 3,300 nett per person and  media noche at P 2,500 at Seven Corners.

Xin Tian Di authentic Chinese restaurant

Meanwhile, Xin Tian Di has prepared a special set menu for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. For a spectacular value of only Php1,888++ per person, guests can bask on truly authentic Chinese flavors crafted by Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s in-house Chinese executive chef.

Surprises for 2023

Holiday Inn New Lobby Perspective

This Holiday Season, guests will get a glimpse of the remarkable transformation happening at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Both hotels recently unveiled their newly refurbished lobbies – part of a renovation plan that will bring contemporary flair and function to the two iconic hotels of Ortigas.

At Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, newly refreshed hotel rooms will unravel its “New Modern” style that answers the demand of the modern traveler, sparks imagination and the creative mind, and allows guests to re-energize and experience a sense of home. This new approach will emphasize productivity, efficiency, and performance, and at the same time provide comfortable, warm, relaxing, and delightfully inspiring experiences at the hotel.

Meanwhile, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria’s rooms will take guests to a tropical sojourn, featuring a la casa en el Jardin de jazmin theme of fresh color palette and patterns. The hotel’s new theme, where the classic meets the contemporary, envisions to provide a balance of luxury and comfort for every guest staying at the heart of Ortigas.

The first set of rooms featuring these new designs will be unveiled next year.

For reservations and inquiries, call at 02 8790 9400 or email higm.reservations@ihg.com for Holiday Inn Galleria Manila and cpgm.reservations@ihg.com for Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.

To stay updated about the hotels, follow https://www.instagram.com/crowneplazamanilagalleria/ and https://www.instagram.com/holidayinnmanilagalleria/

PASASALAMAT Event: Cebuana Lhuillier Extends Heartfelt Thanks to Loyal Clients for Decades of Trust and Loyalty

For many of Cebuana Lhuillier pawning clients, their jewelries are more than valued accessories. To many, these items were heirloom pieces, fruits of their hard work, or precious investments. During times of need, they also represent a quick solution, an opportunity for a better life, or a fresh restart.

For more than 35 years, Cebuana Lhuillier has known these stories from its clients as they go through its doors during their times of need. More than its high appraisal rates, they comfort their clients by the assistance of well-trained branch personnel and the assurance that their precious pieces are safely and securely taken cared of. This eases the burden of parting with the jewelry for the clients, until the time that they come back to claim their pawned items.

Aware that the value of the items in their care goes beyond their weight in gold, Cebuana Lhuillier thought of a way to further give meaning to the Holiday Season for some of its most loyal clients.

Salamat, Ka-Cebuana

As part of its CSR initiatives, the company has made it its annual tradition to give back to those in need during the Holidays. Usually, these gift-giving activities were held every 6th of December in celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of pawnbrokers and the inspiration behind the legend of Santa Claus.

This year, Cebuana Lhuillier chose the best recipients—its valued clients, many of whom has stayed with the company for years, entrusting some of their most precious items in their times of need. The event, dubbed “Pasasalamat,” gathered more than 200 clients across eight regional locations nationwide in a simultaneous celebration of thanks and love from Cebuana Lhuillier. The gathering proved to be more than a celebration as attendees were feted to a day of fun and prizes, but the end of the program proved to be the most poignant of all when Cebuana Lhuillier, through its operations team, returned all the pawned items of its attendees as a special surprise.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO, shared, “Pasasalamat 2022 is our way of giving thanks to our clients for the trust and partnership we have established in the last 35 years. We’ve known their stories—and were blessed to be with them as they chased their dreams and provided better lives for their loved ones. With “Pasasalamat,” we are returning this trust by gifting them with the items they pawned with us. We hope that through this small gesture, Cebuana Lhuillier is able to give further meaning to this season.”

A Season of Joy, Hope, and Giving Thanks

For many of the attendees of the Pasasalamat celebration, the unexpected blessings were more than expressions of gratitude coming from a long-time ally—it brought hope and joy as precious pieces, family heirlooms, and cherished investments find its way back to them.

For Grecilda Torres, a small business owner and client of Cebuana Lhuilier for 26 years, the unexpected return of her pawned items—all rings—brought to tears. “Nakaka-touch isipin na gumawa ng time si Cebuana Lhuillier na ipakita sa amin na importante kami. I am very much grateful and thankful na—yung 26 years naming magkasama, it keeps going lang. My business and the business of Cebuana Lhuillier, magkasama pa din kami. Nagka-doctor na akong anak, pero still, nandito pa din ako with Cebuana. And for that, I am very thankful,” she shares.

Meanwhile, Remigia Mejia, a 79-year-old cancer survivor and loyal client of Cebuana Lhuillier for 30 years, cannot believe that a pendant which her late husband gifted her before they were married has found its way back to her. She shares, “Hindi ko akalain na babalik yung mga alahas ko since pinag-iipunan ko din na matubos sila. Karamihan sa kanila, matatagal na sa akin, including yung pendant na bigay ng asawa ko and yung singsing ng anak ko which I gave her nung nag-debut siya. As much as possible, ayaw ko silang maremata kasi they are very valuable and sentimental pieces para sa akin. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa Cebuana Lhuillier for this event and for the many years na hindi nya din ako pinabayaan. Nagtra-trabaho pa lang ako, kasama ko na ang Cebuana Lhuillier and even till now, kami pa din ang magkasama.”

For Ana Marie Mendoza Rapido, a teacher from Cavite and a Ka-Cebuana since 2012, Cebuana Lhuillier has been a trusted ally during times of emergencies. Through their jewelries, Ana Marie and her siblings were able to sustain the hospitalization and medication of their mother who have been in-and-out of hospitals in the last ten years. “Ang Cebuana po, trusted na namin at lagi naming taga-sagip sa oras ng kagipitan, lalo na nung panahon ng pandemic,” shared Ana Marie who was in tears when she opened the box and saw her pawned item inside.

Grecilda, Remigia, and Ana Marie were just three of the many loyal clients whose continued trust and loyalty to Cebuana Lhuillier proved to be instrumental in the company’s continued reign as the country’s number one pawnshop.  With Pasasalamat, the decades-old financial institution was able to express and extend its thanks for the many whose continued patronage remains the reason for its longevity and its continuous desire to serve as an ally and a friend to millions of Filipinos and their journey towards a better future.

#NormalForMe Campaign Marks Avon’s 30th Year in Their Crusade Against Breast Cancer | PR Post | MarkMyName

 Here’s how you can participate in this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Avon.

Manila, Philippines – 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

In 2019, Filipina women are even more vulnerable as it was estimated that the Philippines has the highest prevalence of the disease in Asia and the ninth highest in the world. The following year, Breast Cancer, was still one of the top 2 most common among Filipino women with the majority diagnosed at advanced stages. 

This alarming rate is most likely caused by low health literacy and gendered socio-cultural pressures including the absence of organized national screening programs. Fortunately, early detection of symptoms has helped patients with a 90% survival rate through immediate treatment and medication.

This is why every year during October, the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage more people to know more about this indiscriminate disease and be more proactive in regular self-checks that can help detect preliminary symptoms.

Global beauty brand Avon has been one of the most prominent brands that supports this cause, now marking three decades of being at the forefront of the fight against the disease since launching the Breast Cancer Crusade in the UK in 1992.

Through the support of over five million Representatives worldwide, associates, customers, and the Avon Foundation for Women, the beauty brand has donated more than US$947 million to breast cancer-related causes, educated over 180 million people about the disease, and funded screenings for approximately 16.6 million women over the last three decades.

NORMAL FOR ME

This year, Avon continues this worthy cause with a global campaign encouraging everyone to discover what’s #NormalForMe by asking themselves: what three words best describe their boobs?

The campaign invites women to know their normal by coming up with three words according to how their breasts usually look and feel and sharing those three words and the initiative to inspire others to also regularly check themselves. Knowing one’s normal can prevent potentially life-threatening changes that can lead to Breast Cancer.

In partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society and to make sure this advocacy is internally practiced, Avon encourages their local Avon Representatives to avail the free clinical breast examinations at select branches—October 17 at Taft/San Fernando, October 21 at Shaw Blvd and Batangas, and October 31 at Cebu and Davao. Associates are also motivated to get free breast checkups at the Avon Head Office in Makati on October 19 and 20.

Finally, Avon extends this advocacy to a larger network and invites everyone to pink it up by supporting products and services from Avon and partner brands to raise awareness and raise funds on behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society.

Save lives by shopping dedicated fundraising products like the Self-Check Watch, Mariposa 2-in-1 Accessory Giftset, Avon Empower Non-Wire Mastectomy Bra, and the Avon Empower Bra Prosthesis. Purchase these items via avonshop.ph or contact an Avon Representative.

The public may also donate any amount directly via GCash by scanning the QR. Interested parties can also participate in the fundraiser through various partners:

· Food Panda. Use “AVONFP50” to donate and enjoy a discount for every checkout from October 15 to 31.

· Electric Studio. Participate in special fundraising spin classes on October 19, 26, and 29 at select branches (Bonifacio Global City, The Podium, and Molito Alabang) where proceeds will be donated to the cause.

· LiveLoveParty.TV. Join a Self-Check Zumba at SM by The Bay on October 22 with minimum donation of PhP50.

“For the last 30 years, we’ve committed to this cause to raise funds and awareness to help more women to join the initiative to battle Breast Cancer not just for themselves, but also for their loved ones,” shares Avon Head of Communications for Philippines & APAC, Marion Limlengco. “This is why we’ll always push for everyone to know the signs, know the risks, and know how to take action because early detection will help save lives.”

All proceeds will be donated to Avon’s partner beneficiary, the Philippine Cancer Society, who is also offering consultation should you spot a lump or need more help in screening your breasts and pecs.

For more information about Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign please visit bit.ly/avonbreastcancerpromise. Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and shop your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon Representative.  

Federal Land Holds Spooky Halloween Fun at the Bay Area | PR Post | MarkMyName

Are you looking for spooktacular activities for the kids over the weekend? 

Federal Land Inc. is inviting both kids and kids at heart to join the Halloween festivities happening on October 29 and 30 at Metro Park’s Blue Bay Walk and Met Live in Pasay City. 

Candies and treats are up for grabs at Blue Bay Walk and Met Live as different mall establishments swing open their doors for kids to enjoy the spooky season.

“The Bay Area is about to get spirited! We are super thrilled to organize different activities to give kids the most awesome time this Halloween weekend. Admission is free, so be sure to drop by,” said Federal Land Commercial Development Head Mylene del Rosario.

For those who are joining in the fun, you may proceed to The Spine at Blue Bay Walk on Saturday, October 29, and the Atrium of Met Live on Sunday, October 30 to register and get your stamp card to participate in the events.

Various brands will be sponsoring exciting treats that you wouldn’t want to miss. Games, arts and crafts, a KPop-themed photo booth, and a lot more await participants. The Halloween activities for both malls will start at 3PM and until 5PM. 

Everyone is encouraged to be in their best costume for a chance to bring home more goodies. Halloween-themed sling bags will also be given away to the first few kids to finish the trip to all the booths. 

Metro Park is Federal Land’s 36-hectare master-planned community at Pasay City’s Manila Bay Area. It offers resort-style residential condominiums, delectable dining options, chic retail hubs, exciting weekend events, and a convenient office environment against the backdrop of the Manila Bay sunset.

 

Happy World Savings Day from Cebuana Lhuillier | PR Post | MarkMyName

On the first post-pandemic World Savings Day, even more Pinoys recognize the value of saving money.

More than two years after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos raring for a restart actually improved their mindset towards saving money, according to a recent survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

This is a welcome development, considering that 34% of the population lost their source of income during the pandemic years, based on a survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, many have relied entirely on their savings account to survive the last two years.

According to the BSP’s Consumer Expectations Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the percentage of households with savings increased marginally at 31.1 percent from 30.2 percent in Q4 of 2021.Majority of the respondents cited the need for emergencies, health and medical expenses, retirement, education, and business capital and investment as reasons to save their money.

A big help in this increase in mindset and enthusiasm is the availability of more options to save money, aside from traditional banking institutions.

Cebuana Lhuillier makes life easier and dreams come true with Micro Savings.

One of the most innovative means to save is through Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings. Launched in 2019 by Cebuana Lhuillier and its banking arm Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, this product has been in the forefront of bringing easy, accessible, reliable banking to the majority of Filipinos, with close to seven million micro-savings, account holders today.

“Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings empowered millions of Filipinos to embark on their very own financial journeys by giving them a reliable, accessible, and efficient way to save their money, which they can easily withdraw during times of need. The quick adaptation of our kababayans to micro-savings proved that the healthy mindset towards saving has always been there, as long as they are equipped with the right tools,” says Jean Henri Lhuillier, president, and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings—which allows customers to open an account in any of over 3,000 Cebuna Lhuillier branches nationwide for as low as only P50—was introduced as a means to address the barriers to saving, including lack of accessibility, high maintaining balance, and the need for numerous documentary requirements to open an account.

With businesses and the rest of the country slowly getting back to normal, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings remained a go-to product for many of our kababayans ready to resume their lives and dreams following two years of uncertainty.

James Tan, 18 years old, a working student from Laguna, who easily managed to save with Micro Savings to buy his won bike

For James Tan, an 18-year-old working student from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, saving meant enjoying the added mobility, safety, and convenience of having his own bike, a useful tool for his daily commute between work and school.

“Gusto ko kasi magka-bike kasi sapamasahe pa lang, malakinamatitipid ko papuntasa school at satrabaho. So, yungpaunti-untikongpag-iiponsaCebuana, ginamit ko yun para mabiliyungpangarapkong bike. Hindi naako nata-trapik o nale-late satrabahongayon,” he shares.

(“I want to own a bike because I can save so much on fares commuting to school and work. So that’s why I saved to Cebuana enough to buy my bike. Now I don’t get stuck in traffic and come to work late.”)

As a working student helping to support his family, James decided to continue his savings after buying the bike to also help augment the expenses from home.

Royce Jason Velez, a 36-year-old construction worker who saves using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account to provide a better future for his family

The need to provide a better future for their family is also why Royce Jayson Velez, a 36-year-old construction worker, decided to open a Micro Savings account. Earning an average of P400 per day, Royce and his wife needed to be creative in order to stretch his salary to last until the next payday. His micro savings carried the family during difficult times, and are now being allocated for the schooling of his children.

“Sabi ko sasarili ko, ipagpapatuloy ko ang ipon ko para magamit ng mgaanak ko sapag-aaral at balangaraw, magkaroonsila ng magandangtrabaho,” Velez shares.

(“I said to myself that I would continue saving so that I can send my children to school for them have good jobs in the future.”)

A former kasambahay, CarieLabro, 38 years old, was able to put up her own sari-sari store using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings.

For CarieLabro, a 38-year-old former housekeeper, her micro savings paved the way for her micro-entrepreneurship. When her kids started asking for more time to spend with her, Carie decided to take a leap of faith and resign from her post as a housekeeper so she could be more present for her growing kids.

With the PHP10,000 she initially saved in her Micro Savings account, Labroopened a small store which she now maintains as her primary source of income. Like Velez, she has vigilantly kept up with her micro-savings. She now saves part of her earnings in her account as an emergency fund for her and her kids.

Taking advantage of the renewed interest in saving, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank continues to push for accessibility and convenience for their breakthrough product. The two-time Asian Banking & Finance Award winner for Rural Bank of the Year has adopted an innovative approach by adapting more tech features for micro-savings.

“The success of Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings encouraged us to further push the envelope in bringing convenience, accessibility, reliability, and efficient banking to our clients. The change in how people access financial services nowadays served as our push towards digitalization,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Bank President Dennis Valdes.

Aside from Cebuana Lhuillier branches, micro savings accountholders can also withdraw cash anytime, anywhere in over 21,000+ BancNet ATMs nationwide, purchase online thru UnionPay merchants worldwide, enjoy 24/7 unlimited banking access with the eCebuana app, and make cashless payments in over 350,000 UnionPay and BancNet accredited stores nationwide. 

Sugar shortage? Make life sweeter with Stevia! | PR Post | MarkMyName

The country has been undergoing a sugar shortage for the past few months, causing sugar prices to soar. The price surge of this kitchen staple has affected the purchasing power of Filipinos, who are already having difficulty coping with inflation. Given how sugar is a key ingredient in most dishes, many people have struggled to make their lives and dishes sweeter.

Fortunately, there’s a healthy alternative that can help solve Filipinos’ sugar woes. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar but has zero calories and does not cause spikes in blood sugar levels. It is better than chemical-based artificial sweeteners because it does not have any aftertaste or carry potential health risks.

This wonder plant can be used for baking, as a food enhancer for cooking, and to sweeten hot and cold drinks without guilt. What’s great about Stevia is how it sweetens food and beverages naturally, unlike sugar which has been linked to obesity and diabetes. Moreover, Stevia is considered nonglycemic, meaning it does not affect one’s blood pressure levels. 

Given these health benefits, swapping Stevia with refined sugar can be a complete game changer for people who want to make healthier food and beverage choices and maintain a healthy weight range. 

Understanding Stevia’s potential to address Filipinos’ sugary dilemma, Glorious Industrial & Development Corporation (GIDC), also known as the Stevia Company, launched a lineup of naturally-sweetened and healthy beverages. GIDC, the Stevia Company’s line-up of products under its Glorious brand, includes the Glorious 3in1 Premium Coffee and Glorious Iced Tea Mixes and the Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea.

“We understand how important sweetness is to Filipinos’ taste palette,” said Ms. Au De Leon, president, and CEO of GIDC, The Stevia Company. “By making Glorious available nationwide, we want to empower more Filipinos to discover a healthier way to make their lives sweeter.”

The company’s latest products are not only good for one’s body, but they taste great too. Hence, people don’t need to sacrifice flavor to care for their health. All Glorious beverages are sweetened with Stevia, and every teaspoon of Stevia is equivalent to three teaspoons of refined sugar. 

Glorious Premium 3in1 Coffee Mix is a delicious coffee blend sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. It is recommended for people with sugar-related concerns, weight watchers, and other health-conscious individuals. Sweet & Fit Stevia has zero calories, zero fat, zero sodium, zero carbohydrates, and zero cholesterol.

People who want to control their sugar intake can now sweeten up their lives and favorite fruit teas with Glorious Iced Tea Mixes. This product comes in three flavors: Red Berries, Lemon, and Cucumber. Meanwhile, Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea can be used to make other hot or cold beverages together with non-dairy milk or fresh fruits for a healthy little pick-me-up. 

For more information about stevia, visit www.glorious.com.ph and www.sweetandfitstevia.com.

Enjoy Free Concerts at Metro Park’s Blue Bay Walk and Met Live in October | PR Post | MarkMyName

Providing a space for families and friends to enjoy music and entertainment, Metro Park’s Blue Bay Walk and Met Live are set to hold free concerts this October.

Titled “Concert at the Spine,” rising music artist Paul Pablo will hold special performances for guests of all ages at the Blue Bay Walk on October 1, Saturday at 7:30p.m.

Pablo, a Davao City-based singer-songwriter, is the artist behind the hit songs “Bangin,” “Bai,” and “Kalawakan,” all produced by Warner Music Philippines (WMP). He describes his sound as “hugot-tronic,” which is a combination of hugotlyrics and electro-pop sound. Issues on love, identity, and social tension are among the key themes of his music.

“Blue Bay Walk is a place where everyone, regardless of age and gender, can have a great time. Now, with these free concerts, we hope to reignite the excitement that live events give us, offering a time to bond with family and friends as we start living in a post-pandemic world, slowly, safely, and surely,” said Federal Land Commercial Development Head Mylene del Rosario.

Another concert dubbed, “Serenade at the Atrium” featuring Quartet Manila, will also take place at the first floor of Met Live on October 2, Sunday at 5:00p.m.

Quartet Manila started from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. The group performs a full selection of music ranging from the standards of the classical wedding songs to arrangements of OPM, pop, standards, jazz, Broadway, and movie themes, among others.

The members are part of the biggest and most reputable orchestras in the country namely Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Metro Park, is Federal Land’s 36-hectare master planned community at Pasay City’s Manila Bay Area. It offers resort-style residential condominiums, delectable dining options, chic retail hubs, exciting weekend events, and a convenient office environment against the backdrop of the Manila Bay sunset.

Jollibee Buzzes to the Billboard Capital of the World, New York Times Square | PR Post | MarkMyName

 Larger than life Chickenjoy Buckets Bring Joy to the Billboards of New York Times Square as Jollibee continues to expand rapidly in North America.

Homegrown restaurant brand Jollibee joins other global brands in the Billboard Capital of the World, New York Times Square.

TIMES SQUARE, New York. 29 Sept 2022 – After a blockbuster opening at New York Times Square, homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee continues to make waves in the Big Apple with digital billboards now already up at the iconic Times Square in New York, the global epicenter of outdoor advertising.

Three billboards featuring its flagship product–the world-famous Jollibee Chickenjoy fried chicken—are now showing at the heart of Times Square’s famous bowtie. It features two models who, after seeing a piece of the crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy, couldn’t resist a bite and grabbed a piece of the bestselling fried chicken from an adjacent billboard.

In August, Jollibee Chickenjoy was named “the best chain fried chicken in America” by Eater.com. The distinction comes after Jollibee’s Chickenjoy bested over 15 global brands in four rounds of contests across different categories of chicken – from bone-in, to fillets, to nuggets. Earlier in July, Jollibee was also recognized as one of the Hottest Brands in America for 2022 by Ad Age, driven by its power to draw huge queues to its restaurants.

 Today, Jollibee joins other global brands which have made a presence in the Billboard Capital of the World and is one of the few Filipino brands and personalities who have appeared on a Times Square billboard. 

Taste is Timeless. The creative execution of the Times Square Billboard features a model on a billboard adjacent to Jollibee’s Chickenjoy billboard who breaks character and grabs a piece of Chickenjoy fried chicken from its bucket after seeing it.

This comes at the heels of Jollibee’s successful debut in Times Square, with over 2500 locals and tourists queueing up on opening day and consistently outperforming targets. Alongside its bestselling extra crispy, extra tasty, and juicy Chickenjoy fried chicken, Jollibee Times Square also offers other crowd favorites including the hefty Chicken Sandwich, and Peach Mango Pie, which is made of a crispy and flaky shell filled with real mango and peach.

Jollibee has likewise introduced new offerings into its menu, including a new host of all beef burgers, salads, and sides that are exclusive to the Times Square location. A notable standout in the exclusive menu is the Jollibee Double Deluxe Burger, which features two 100% beef patties and double the melted sharp American cheese.

The Jollibee Times Square store is the brand’s fourth location in New York. This milestone opening is part of Jollibee Group’s goal of expanding its presence in the U.S. and Canada, in line with its vision to become one of the top five restaurant companies in the world. To learn more about Jollibee North America, visit www.jollibeefoods.com. To learn more about Jollibee Group, its parent company, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

# # # About Jollibee Group Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. It operates in 34 countries, with over 6,300 stores globally with branches in the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Panama, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Australia.

Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); six franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, PHO24, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines; Dunkin' and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand.

Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that ultimately owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. It also has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Jollibee Group also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. In 2020, Gallup awarded the Jollibee Group with the Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the first Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.

Jollibee Group has grown brands that bring delightful dining experiences to its customers worldwide, thus spreading the joy of eating to everyone.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com 

Make Any Moment Deliciously Memorable With This Coffee Caramel Cake! | PR Post | MarkMyName

 Coffee meets caramel in Goldilocks’ newest premium greeting cake.

Having a slice of cake with your favorite flavors combined is like heaven on earth. Why settle with one flavor when you can treat yourself with the sweet combination of two – Coffee + Caramel -- as Goldilocks presents its newest premium greeting cake!

Perfect for celebrating birthdays or gifting to those who simply love coffee and caramel, the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake offers a luscious fusion of flavors and great value for money. Make it an occasion to remember where everyone gets a filling and satisfying slice of this hefty 9”Rd cake that can serve 12 people for only P649.

Any celebration, big or small, becomes even more enjoyable with the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake. This latest mocha cake creation is set to wow not only the taste buds, for it can wake all your other senses too...wait ‘til you smell its irresistible scent of coffee and caramel.

When it’s time to dig in, share with them the memorable moment of slicing through the rich and thick coating that encases levels of fluffy mocha-flavored layers. In between are delightful creams and filling, while fun and flavorful mocha buttercream icing rounds out the premium greeting cake design.

Remember that choosing the best premium greeting cake does not have to be a choice between one flavor or another. You can always get the best of both worlds from the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake, which is sure to satisfy plenty of your loved ones at an affordable price!

To #CelebrateWithGoldilocks and its new Coffee Caramel Cake, visit a Goldilocks store near you or order online through www.goldilocksldelivery.ph. Follow Goldilocks PH on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Launches a New Line of Brightening Products to Add to your #RadianceRoutine | PR Post | MarkMyName

 With the ever-evolving demands and needs of our skin, one thing remains the same: consistency is key, especially in routines and habits. Being consistent with your #RadianceRoutine and the products and ingredients you use can go a long way in maintaining your skin health. 

It can even transform your skin to make it look even brighter. To mark its 75th year of catering to the needs of sensitive skin, Dermatologist-recommended skincare brand Cetaphil continues to forge its mark on the skincare industry by introducing innovative brightening products with ingredients approved by Dermatologists through its Bright Healthy Radiance line.

Formulated with Gentle Bright Technology - a combination of Sea Daffodil and Niacinamide that visibly corrects dark spots without irritation boosts brightness and evens skin tone - the latest line from Cetaphil introduces more brightening products to the fold that will magnify skin’s brightness now powered by ingredients such as Advanced Peptide and Antioxidant C. 

With these upgraded ingredients combined with the effective GentleBright Technology, the newest products under the Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance line promises to be the gentlest way to brighten skin in just 14 days and lets skinthusiasts continue being #BrightAboutSkin: For CleansingCetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Gentle Renewing CleanserStart your #RadianceRoutine with the new Gentle Renewing Cleanser. This 3-in-1brightening cleanser offers gentle exfoliation using Jojoba beads infused with Vitamin E to remove pollution and impurities, instantly brightening and improving skin texture.

Piracy Is Theft: Rex Education Rallies Consumers, Publishing Industry To Support Its Anti-Piracy Campaign | PR Post | MarkMyName

Piracy is theft: Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign at the MIBF 2022

Piracy is theft; piracy is a crime.

In a bid to encourage consumers to stand against piracy, protect intellectual property, and support the local book publishing industry, Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2022.

“After more than 70 years in the publishing industry, I can say that I am proud of the contribution and impact that every REX book has had in the lives of our learners. And we, at REX, would like to keep serving the Filipino learner through our learning materials—may it be printed, audio, or digital form. Through this anti-piracy campaign, we can keep the book industry flourishing and thriving. We can keep the passing of knowledge a sacred endeavor,” said Atty. Dominador Buhain, chairman of Rex Education.

Piracy is punishable by law

Educational book publishing is protected by Republic Act (RA) 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. Under this law, the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of books, audiobooks, and other printed or digital learning materials is illegal and punishable by imprisonment and fines of up to PHP 1.5 million.

However, piracy remains widespread in the country. According to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), they received a 25% increase in piracy reports from consumers and complaints from rights holders in 2021 compared with reports in 2020. General and educational books and e-books accounted for 49% of reports on piracy, suggesting that many learning materials are still being downloaded and distributed illegally despite the rise of legitimate e-commerce shops and the prevalent availability of e-books and audiobooks.

Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign to continue educating Filipinos about the damaging effects of piracy on authors and publishers. Rex also encourages consumers, who have become ubiquitous keepers of knowledge in this digital age, to help stop the illegal reproduction and distribution of books, e-books, audio books, and all other learning tools and materials.

The movement aims to protect the hard work and talent of creators, and ultimately create a ripple effect in strengthening the respect for published materials to keep the publishing industry thriving.

“Time, effort, money, and hard work go into every book that comes out of REX’s printing house. Hundreds of authors and thousands of employees are sustained by the learning materials we produce. Piracy is a crime. Piracy is disrespectful to authors, editors, artists, and the publishing industry as a whole,” said Jeanne Tordesillas, chief marketing officer of Rex Education.

No to book piracy; respect creativity

MIBF 2022 showed a strong confluence of the book publishing industry, educators, stakeholders from the education sector, creators and authors, consumers, and Filipino learners. Anchoring the movement at one of the biggest and most sought-after book fairs in the country meant bringing it closer to the learners and creators protected by the anti-piracy campaign.

With the call “No to book piracy, protect intellectual property, respect creativity,” REX staged a rally around the venue with placards, t-shirts, and flyers. The staged rally gained instant attention and traction throughout the fair, leading attendees to the REX booth where the launch of the anti-piracy campaign was held.

“We would like to keep providing authors an avenue to share their talents and pass on their knowledge to the next generation. We would like to keep providing jobs to our employees and workers of the publishing industry, most especially during these trying times. We want to teach the culture of discipline and respect to the next generation, so they value what goes into every book that passes through their hands,” said Buhain during the launch. “Today, we invite you to join us. Support the local publishing industry. Say no to piracy.”

Join Rex Education in saying “no” to book piracy and “yes” to protecting creativity and intellectual property. Buy from legitimate sources; buy original. Watch and share the “Proud Ako” anti-piracy campaign video launched at the MIBF 2022, showcasing the hard work that goes behind every published book and learning material produced by REX.

To support Rex Education and its efforts to protect the publishing industry, visit www.rex.com.ph. 

(L-R) Alvin Halcon, Vice President of Philippine Group of Law Librarians (PGLL) and member of the Network of Academic Law Librarians; Alexis Vien Regala, National President of the Association of Law Students of the Philippines (ALSP); Jeanne Marie Tordesillas, Chief Marketing Officer of Rex Education; Atty. Anna Marie Melanie B. Trinidad, Chairperson of the Legal Education Board; Atty. Dominador Buhain, Chairman and President of Rex Group of Companies; Dean Gemy Lito Festin, President of Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS); Danda Crimelada Garcia, Chief External Affairs Officer of Rex Education; Franklin Benedict Guerra, General Manager of Rex Education’s Law Business Unit; and Bernice Mangabat, Treasurer of PGLL

Investors Summit to Promote QC as Top Business Destination | PR Post | MarkMyName

The highly-anticipated “Quezon City Investors Summit: Future Ready” will promote Quezon City as an ideal destination for investors and businesses as they continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The summit will put the spotlight on Quezon City as top business destination for local and international investors. We hope to attract many investors who can help further stimulate the economy and provide employment for QCitizens,” Mayor Belmonte said.

Scheduled on Oct. 7 at Novotel Manila at the Araneta City, the event will engage investors, business leaders, business associations, chambers of commerce, foreign dignitaries, and Quezon City government officials in discussions on key areas for investments, public-private partnerships and opportunities for expansion and growth. 

“Quezon City is future ready, ready for investors, ready to build a better and more prosperous city so that our QCitizens will be able to enjoy the resulting benefits,” said Margarita Santos, head of the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) of Quezon City.

Aside from its strategic location, Quezon City also has the homegrown QC E-Services platform that makes business processes such as permit and license applications easy for investors, according to Santos.

“The LGU has automated and digitized 95 percent of the city’s services through its QC E-Services platform. This means potential investors can apply for business permits online,” said Santos, adding that the “permit will even be delivered to the applicant’s business or home address free of charge.”

As a matter of principle, the Quezon City government constantly consults and coordinates with the business sector, which has enabled both sectors to build a relationship of mutual respect and support. “This continued dialogue with the private sector helps all stakeholders to address various challenges and issues, and to think up ways to create a free, fair and fertile business environment,” Perry Dominguez, head of the Local Economic Investment Promotions Office, points out.

The local government is known as an ardent supporter of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing them with incentives from tax breaks, tax payment extensions to changing the validity of business permits and licenses to help businesses especially during the pandemic.

Soon, Quezon City will launch its Start-Up QC program to further strengthen and develop the city’s start-up business ecosystem. “This program is calibrated to provide financial gains to innovative, creative and promising business models that can help provide solutions and recommendations to social issues and challenges,” Jay Gatmaitan, Investment Affairs Office head, explained.

The city’s commitment to good governance saw results when the Quezon City government received its second straight unqualified opinion from the Commission on Audit for its annual audit report for the year 2021. An unqualified opinion is the highest audit rating that can be rendered by COA to a government agency. 

Recognized for its quality public service, Quezon City has increased its social services budget over the past three years, enabling the local government to provide livelihood opportunities and create more jobs, support education, and provide permanent housing, better healthcare and social safety nets, among others.

Earlier, Margie Santos, head of the summit’s organizing committee, said this gathering of business leaders aims to build investor confidence in Quezon City; generate investments and public-private partnerships and make Quezon City the top of mind preferred investment destination.