Clarity Aesthetic Launches Bloom Campaign

For ladies who are getting married this year or those who simply want to look blooming!

Press Release:

Premium body and facial care provider Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center launched recently its Bloom campaign, which aims to give women the feel of a more beautiful and youthful glow through the “Purity” and “Divine” packages.

The Purity Package includes a session of Laser Hair Removal, Intense Diamond Peel, and Nourishing Facial, while the Divine Package comes with a session of Warts Removal, Spot Whitening, Intense Diamond Peel and Nourishing Facial.

Both the “Purity” and “Divine” are beamed at brides-to be and just about every woman who are after a blooming look with healthier, fairer, and younger-looking skin.

“Being beautiful doesn’t have to be expensive, so we developed the Bloom campaign to make sure that every woman gets the chance to bring out the best in her,” says Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing. “We believe that being beautiful is every person’s right, which is why over and beyond our company’s business goals, we care for our clients by reaching out to their needs.”

These beauty packages are available from June 1 to August 31, 2014, and vouchers may be used until December 31, 2014.

For more information, visit the Clarity Aesthetic and Dental Center at the 5L Wellness Zone, Shangri-La Mall. Call the Customer Care Hotline (02) 638-1294 or visit www.clarity.com.ph. Like Clarity Aesthetic Medical and Dental Center on Facebook.

Win Tickets to Live Viewing Party of Gilas vs. Croatia!

Who wants to catch Gilas Pilipinas' game vs. Croatia? Join this contest and score tickets to the live viewing party!

Press Release:

On August 30, 2014, Gilas Pilipinas will be playing against the Croatian National Team at the FIBA World Cup. This will be the first time that Philippines will be represented in the international league since 1978.

Be part of this exciting event in Philippine basketball history by posting inspiring messages for Gilas Pilipinas on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #PusongPalaban.

The five most inspiring messages on Facebook and Twitter will be given two free passes to join the exclusive live viewing party on August 30, 2014, 5:30PM, Skinny Mike's BGC.

Promo will run until August 25, 2014 and winners will be announced on August 28, 2014 on Facebook/ Twitter.

Vitamins: More Essential to Kids Than Ever During the Rainy Season

Moms and dads! Know more about these products that could help boost your children's immune system!

Press Release:

As the blistering tropical heat changes abruptly to the rainy season, we need to be mindful of illness. Especially true with kids, the rainy season is also accompanied by a drastic shift in daily routines – from vacation mode, kids go back to school.

During the summer break, kids tend to be more sedentary, sleeping late, and waking up late as well. They also eat most, if not all, of their meals in the presence of a supervising adult. However, when school starts, the change is drastic. As they are not used to school schedules, during the first few school weeks, kids will tend to sleep later than they should, and have to be dragged out of bed to spend sleepy days in school. The shift from hot, supervised home cooked meals to unsupervised meals at school that are either cold meals from home or unappetizing cafeteria or concessionaire bought food, means that a lot of kids will be skipping lunch or substituting healthy food for junk food.

In those first few weeks of school, most kids become undernourished, sleep deprived and, to top it off, they can and often do play in the rain. This combination can and does often lead to tired, sleepy kids with somewhat vulnerable immune systems, a great combination for contracting viral or even bacterial infections.

One of the most effective ways to safeguard kids’ health as they troop back to school is to make sure they get the right amounts of vitamins and minerals. The water soluble vitamins (Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C) are of particular importance as these are the ones that are most quickly consumed by active people and active kids. Vitamin B Complex is essential to proper brain function, and in bridging nutrition gaps, while Vitamin C is an unbeatable immune system booster.

“The challenge for parents is actually getting their kids to eat vegetables and fruits that are rich in Vitamins. Even getting kids to take vitamin supplements can be challenging especially those who are more finicky” said Joy Marie Bacay, Nutrilite Brand Manager.

“Nutrilite Kiddie Pack which includes Kids Chewable Multivitamins and Minerals, Active 8 Beverage Crystals, Kids Chewable Concentrated Fruits & Vegetables and Acerola C, makes it easier for parents to ensure that their kids are properly nourished, especially during the abrupt changes brought about by the rainy and back-to-school seasons,” Bacay said.

The supplements are scientifically formulated with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals and other nutrients kids often miss out on due to lifestyle or eating preferences.

Nutrilite Kids Chewable Vitamins and Minerals are tablets that come in fun, soccer ball design. This supplement provides 11 vitamins, beta carotene, and 4 minerals. It also contains phytonutrients from Nutrilite Acerola concentrate and tropical fruit concentrates, for additional nutritional benefits. Acerola cherries are known to be one of the world’s richest sources of Vitamin C and this found in Acerola C.

Nutrilite Kids Chewable Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables are chewable tablets made sweet and tangy – a formula that kids like. One tablet delivers naturally sourced phytonutrients equivalent to five servings of fruits and vegetables. It is also packed with xylitol so it does not promote tooth decay.

Nutrilite Active 8 Beverages Crystals is a mix to replace softdrinks. Each glass provides seven B vitamins plus natural vitamin C.

With Nutrilite products, kids actually look forward to taking their vitamins.

SM Cares Holds Simultaneous Movie Treats for the Deaf and Blind at Various SM Cinemas

Advocating for the welfare of PWDs is very close to my heart. I regret not being able to attend this event but I am glad to know that other families, that also have members with disabilities, were able to see their special loved ones enjoy movies like everyone else does.

Press Release:

In a rare event, persons with visual and hearing impairments were treated to a special movie screening at various SM Cinemas all over the country last Friday, August 15, 2014 at 9 a.m.

The affair, called “Special Movie Screening for the Blind and Deaf”, was spearheaded by SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation, through its Program on Disability Affairs in partnership with SM Cinema, Deaf-Blind Support Philippines, MTRCB and C.A.L.L. (Center for Advocacy, Learning and Livelihood).

In Metro Manila, SM North Edsa became the venue for the special screening in which the movie Hugo was shown. There were simultaneous screenings in other malls namely, SM Baguio which featured the movie Life of Pi; SM Davao which showed Les Miserables, and SM Iloilo which featured the movie Taken 2. The movies all had an audio-description and sub-title to benefit both the visual and hearing impaired audiences.

Bien Mateo, Program Director of Disability Affairs of SM Cares and SM Supermalls VP for North Luzon said the event was also supported by various People with Disability (PWD) Organizations including: AKAP Pinoy, Philippine Blind Union, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD). The Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) expressed strong support to the project.

Mateo said they have done a special screening last year at SM Megamall and due to the positive feedback they got, they are expanding this year’s screening to other malls to accommodate more persons with visual and hearing impairments. They are also planning to make it not only a once a year event but every quarter.

“The PWD sector has accepted this program very positively. The families of the PWDs who experienced the sensory friendly movies in SM Cinemas are very thankful for the experience that they see their children enjoy the cinemas just like anyone else,” Mateo said. Asked on why the program was launched, Mateo noted that this is consistent with the thrust of SM of promoting inclusion rather than segregation.

“It has been part of the corporate social responsibility of SM to make all SM malls a Mall for All, that no one gets left behind, even those members of the family that are physically challenged such as the blind and the deaf. This is one way to integrate them in our society, for them to enjoy the malls and all its offerings just like everyone else,” he stressed.

For inquiries please call Ms. Ardee Tolentino of SM Cares 0917 5525738 or Mr. Bong Garcia of Deaf-Blind Support Philippines 0917 8675885. You may also check their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares.

P1M Up for Grabs in Kaspersky Lab’s Online Contest Global Think Test

This sounds like fun! Who's joining? :)

Press Release:

Think you can outwit the brightest minds in the world and win various prizes including P1 million?

Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solution is inviting Filipino Internet users to take part in the Global Think Test, a series of online brain games, quizzes and puzzles specially designed to help participants sharpen their cognitive skills.

Filipino netizens can visit the Global Think Test website where they could register to unlock hundreds of interactive games, challenge other players around the world and automatically qualify for the biggest competition - the Global Think Test Day.

Set on September 6, the Global Think Test Day will put the brainpower of Filipinos to the ultimate test and go head-to-head with some of the best brains in the planet. During this one-day event, all participants will have 24 hours to battle it out and get the highest score in the shortest time possible.

The one who accomplishes this feat will win the challenge and become the Kaspersky Global Think Test Champion, who will take home the grand prize of US $25,000 - or more than P1 million* - in cash. The name of the winner will be announced on September 7.

To prepare for this big day, Internet users may want first to flex their mental muscles at the Brain Training Zone which features all kinds of games, puzzles and IQ tests that can enhance one's thinking power.

The Brain Training Zone will not only gear the players up for the Global Think Test Day but will also reward them points for every challenge they compete in. The harder the level, the more points a player will earn.

Top scorers will land a place on the Brain Training Leaderboards and get a chance to bag several prizes including a Google Nexus Tablet, an Amazon Kindle and a Playstation 4.

Everyone who takes part in the online competition on September 6 is guaranteed at least one prize – a trial version of the new Kaspersky Internet Security – Multi-Device security solution. This new product is an easy-to-use, one-license, multi-platform solution that protects virtually any combination of PCs, Macs, Android smartphones and Android tablets.

Training minds for cybersecurity

The Global Think Test is not only designed to tickle netizen's neurons, it is a campaign to support the launch of Kaspersky Lab's new creative platform "Think About it. We do." and its consumer multi-platform security protection Kaspersky Internet Security - Multi-Device.

Kaspersky Lab said the Global Think Test was also created to train Internet users' minds so they may quickly identify potential online threats that continue to increase.

"Being alert and focused can help you win computer games, but can also help you keep cybercriminals at bay. We can avoid so many threats by simply being alert," said Eugene Kaspersky, Chairman and CEO of Kaspersky Lab.

"If something is too good to be true, it most probably is. And in most cases there are tell-tale signs that a website is fake. If you’re not distracted by other things and are trained to stay focused, you should be able to spot them," he added.

The unique content for Global Think Test was also created by world-recognized brands such as Mensa, the oldest high IQ society in the world, and Ferrari, which chose Kaspersky Lab as its IT security provider last year.

Mensa accredited and helped design dozens of challenges, brain-teasers and IQ questions while Ferrari prepared Formula One-related content in the form of games, puzzles and video tests.

"The Global Think Test is an innovative way to engage with people who are passionate about solving challenges and think in unconventional ways. Mensa is extremely happy to be involved with this project and hope that many of the participants will discover their potential and consider joining the Society, wherever they are in the world," said Michael Feenan, Mensa International Executive Director.

Neil Martin, Head of Operations Research Department at Scuderia Ferrari, said the Global Think Test is an engaging way in which the Internet users can challenge their brains while learning to protect themselves.

"Much like the unrelenting competition in Formula One, being safe online is an ever changing landscape as the threats become ever more complex. As the percentage of time we spend online continues to increase, we need to be even more alert to the potential threats that this environment lends itself. New skills are needed for this environment in which base human instincts are exploited for criminal gain," Martin said.

All Global Think Test content is in English, but the competition is open to participants all over the world.

Find out more information about the Global Think Test on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and share best moments with the hashtag #GTT.

Up for the challenge? Register now at www.globalthinktest.com and start training to score points and win prizes.

# # #

* Current forex (1 US Dollar= 40 Philippine Pesos). Rates subject to change without prior notice.

TLC August 2014 Programming Highlights

There’s no such thing as ghost month as the season for wedding bells and mouth-watering goodies kicks off mid-August on TLC!

Press Release:

Say “I do” to some of the best bridal shows premiering this month. Get bridal advice from everyone’s favorite bridal fashion director, Randy Renoli, in SAY YES TO THE DRESS: RANDY KNOWS BEST. Get ultimate access to the most high-end weddings with event planner Fete Events on WEDDED TO PERFECTION, and cap off the bridal fever with LITTLE PEOPLE BIG WORLD: WEDDING FARM, as Matt and Amy transform their farm into a wedding business.

Back-to-back baking goodness also await viewers with a sweet tooth.  Watch British brothers Henry and Tom Herbert battle it out in the kitchen on HUNGRY BROTHERS. Tune in to Buddy Valastro as he brings his signature blend of business skills and baking expertise on BAKERY BOSS.

SAY YES TO THE DRESS: RANDY KNOWS BEST

Premieres every Friday at 10:30 p.m. starting August 15. Encores every Monday at 4:30 p.m and Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

In the new eight-part series SAY YES TO THE DRESS: RANDY KNOWS BEST, everyone's favorite bridal fashion director, Randy Fenoli, dishes out his top ten tips on a variety of bridal themes and categories in each half hour episode. Whether it's picking out the perfect dress for your body, choosing a dress to complement your venue or theme, or deciding who and what to bring to your bridal appointment, Randy takes on a number of topics as he shares his bridal expertise, and hands out invaluable advice to viewers.

WEDDED TO PERFECTION

Premieres every Friday at 8:00 p.m., starting August 29. Encores every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

WEDDED TO PERFECTION follows the charismatic owners of Fete Events, spouses Jung Lee and Josh Brooks, as they plan and execute some of the most high-end weddings and special events in New York. Jung is the real force behind the duo and is on the front lines dealing with their demanding clients. With behind-the-scenes action leading up to the "big day," WEDDED TO PERFECTION gives ultimate access to some of most elegant and masterfully-crafted receptions.

LITTLE PEOPLE BIG WORLD: WEDDING FARM


Premieres every Wednesday at 10:00 p.m., starting August 27. Encores every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and Friday at 10:00 a.m.

Matt and Amy's purchase of the farm next door tripled the size of Roloff Farms, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Facing big mortgage payments, they literally bet the farm on starting a wedding business. Amy wants to keep the project simple but Matt’s grand vision for the business spins out of control and the Roloffs find themselves at odds, and in over their heads. A summer packed with demanding brides, rainstorms and logistical nightmares leave Matt and Amy wondering if their marriage can survive a wedding business

HUNGRY BROTHERS

Premieres Wednesday, August 20 at 8:00 p.m. Encores on Thursday, August 21 at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m.

Take two very competitive British brothers – one a butcher, the other a baker – throw them into the deep end of American food culture, and watch as they soak in the different culinary traditions. After sampling every delicious bite, TLC’s Henry and Tom Herbert (THE FABULOUS BAKER BROTHERS) push their cooking skills to the limit as they battle it out in the kitchen creating totally new American classics with their own British twist. Watch as the eager Brits roll up in two Southern states – Tennessee and Kentucky – wide-eyed and empty-bellied, ready to immerse themselves in the fantastic local food scene and subculture in HUNGRY BROTHERS.

BAKERY BOSS

Premieres every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m., starting August 27. Encores every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

All across America, family-run bakeries are fighting to keep their doors open, as they face increased competition and rising costs. Fortunately, Buddy "CAKE BOSS" Valastro is returning with his TLC series BAKERY BOSS bringing his famous blend of business skills and baking expertise to help these struggling businesses. Throughout 13 episodes, the series follows Buddy as he spends time helping families in crisis, both personally and professionally. Together, they'll evaluate every ingredient and technique, as he challenges them to make big changes all in an effort to transform their crumbling dreams into a sweet success.


Shui Mo: A Chinese Painting Workshop for Beginners & Intermediate at the Yuchengco Museum

One of my frustrations growing up was not having the time to properly learn how to paint. This sounds really, really interesting! Some of you may want to enroll in this workshop … I wish I have the time and the budget :/

Press Release:

Traditional Chinese brush painting is one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world, showcasing the harmony between man and nature. "Shui Mo" (water and ink) is a freestyle technique created using a brush dipped in ink and water and onto rice paper. 

Practicing Shui Mo expresses one's creativity and artistry, calms the mind, and gives a better appreciation for the beauty of art and nature. 

Prerequisites 

Students must have prior experience in Western or Chinese painting. 

Class Format 

Workshop students are given photocopies of the lesson for the week. The instructor demonstrates the lesson, describing the steps and the proper handling of tools and materials. Students then work on their own paintings, while the instructor checks on individual progress. Weekly assignments are given, to be submitted the following session. 

Workshop Fee 

Workshop fee is P6,500, which does not yet include materials. Supplies can be purchased from the instructor on the first session.

Date & Time 

10 Sat afternoons: Aug. 23, 30; Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Topics to Cover 

Chinese Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Morning Glory, Tulips, Birds

Instructor 

Pieh Tsai Shiu-Yuin (Arsenia Lim) maintains strong bonds to three places: China, where she traces her ancestral roots; Taiwan, where she received her university education and art training; and the Philippines, her birthplace and family residence. 

Arsenia Lim has been teaching Chinese painting full-time since the mid-1960s, and has been conducting her Shui Mo painting classes at Yuchengco Museum since 2006.

For workshop details, contact: 

Elma Abrina 

Programs Officer 

(632) 889-1234 

abrina_programs@yuchengcomuseum.org

The Philippines Can Host the Largest Solar Rooftop in the World

I am all for harnessing solar energy. If my hubby and I can afford to install solar panels on our own roof, we will! SM's initiative is a good start. Imagine, if all SM malls are fitted with solar panels!

Press Release:

When SM sealed the deal with Solar Philippines to have 1.5MW of solar panels installed on the roof of SM North EDSA’s parking building, the Philippines’ potential of having the world’s biggest host of solar roof panels becomes real.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) – a national trade association based in the US – the highest total solar capacity installed on a commercial rooftop in the US  is that of Walmart’s, which is 65000 kW (65MW). 

The one to be installed on top of SM North Edsa’s parking building is a power station, meaning, its solar panels will be directly connected to a power grid – in this case, Meralco’s – to be distributed later to the power company’s customers. Right now, the largest that serves as a power station should be the one on top of the Toys “R” Us in NJ, which is 5.38MW. 

Considering that SM has 49 malls all over the Philippines, the mall giant then has the potential to become the biggest host of power stations in the world! That means more households will be able to enjoy the benefits of using solar energy as their power source. A 1.5MW solar station like SM’s can serve around 1,200 to 1,400 50-sqm houses. And since the cost of consuming solar energy will eventually decline after a few years, Meralco customers now have something to look forward to.

In the meantime, we shall be content with the fact that SM North Edsa will have the largest commercial solar rooftop project in the country so far. 

Love Big Burgers? Say “Aloha” to Teddy’s!

Who wants to win a 3, 6, or 12 months' supply of Teddy's Burgers? Read! :)

Press Release:

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Hawaii’s number one burger chain, marks its entry into the Philippines with the opening of its first store on August 23, at Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Makati City.

Awarded multiple times as the best burger in Hawaii, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers takes pride in its signature fare: its 100% cornfed ground chuck made-to-order burgers served with a sweet and tangy special sauce; and its super thick milk shakes. 

Established in 1998 by Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula, Teddy’s has 11 locations in Hawaii and recently opened mainland locations in Washington and Iowa, with stores soon to open in California and Texas. The Philippines is Teddy’s 2nd international location, following Japan. 

To celebrate its Philippine debut, Teddy’s will treat its first 100 customers with free Original Teddy’s Burger (5 oz.) on its August 23 opening day.

Early birds will also be rewarded as the first five in line will receive one year supply of burgers (one burger a week, for 52 weeks). The 6th to 10th in line will get six months supply of burgers (one burger a week, for 26 weeks); and 11th to 20th in line will receive three months supply of free burgers (one burger a week for 13 weeks). From the remaining 80 in line, five lucky winners will also win a weekly supply of burgers of one month (one burger a week for 5 weeks), to be drawn via raffle.  Line starts at 7 am in front of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers Store on August 23.

From now until September 3, 2014, mall patrons at the Greenbelt Mall also have the chance to win a free burger from Teddy’s by taking a burger selfie with either the Teddy’s Bigger Burgers store board up or Teddy’s Bigger Burger standees around the mall. Participants must upload their photos on Facebook or Instagram account with the hashtag #teddysburgersph. The first 100 entries will win a free 5oz Original Teddy’s Burger. 

For complete promo mechanics, and more information about Teddy’s Bigger Burgers PH, visit the official Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/TeddysBurgersPH).

The Curtain Rises for The Theatre at Solaire with Chicago the Musical!

OMG! Chicago the Musical is going to be staged in the Philippines!!! Can't wait to catch this!

Press Release:

Solaire Resort and Casino announces the opening of THE THEATRE at Solaire this November; a new state-of-the-art, certified lyric theatre in the heart of Entertainment City. This majestic performance venue boasts of an astronomical line-up of performance artists and events; both local and international, in the months to come.

THE THEATRE at Solaire opens its doors for the holidays with the first International Broadway show CHICAGO from December 2 to 21, 2014. This spectacular opening and amazing entertainment line-up for The Theatre signifies the continuance of Solaire’s contribution to the flourishing arts and performance scene in the Entertainment City.

Make sure to keep updated via @SolaireResort | #SolaireChicago on Twitter and Instagram and Solaire Resort on Facebook. You may also visit solaireresort.com for details.

Fact: 9 out of 10 Filipinos are Plagued With Cavities

Parents, please read! Protect your children from the negative effects that cavities have on their health and overall development!

Press Release:

Filipinos, regardless of age or socio-economic status, have all suffered from a cavity[1]. Figures released by the Department of Health revealed that nine out of ten Filipinos suffer from cavities or tooth decay.[2] Your child could be one of them.

Tooth decay or cavities is the top chronic health concern for children all over the world[3], which, when left untreated, can compromise a child’s eating and sleeping habits, as well as affect their self-confidence. A child suffering from severe cavities may experience difficulty in concentrating on school work, speaking, and even sleeping. Gerlie, a mother of two, shares, “I wasn’t aware that my child was suffering from cavities until one day he cried because of his very painful toothache. He couldn’t move and wasn’t able to do much else until the pain went away. He didn’t even have the appetite to eat or the energy to go to school.”  These result in increasingly escalating detrimental effects on health, school and work performance, and even self-esteem[4]. Aside from compromising a child’s eating habits, severe decay in baby teeth can have serious consequences for a child’s speech and jaw development.[5]

A primary factor in the prevalence of  cavities among Filipinos is a general lack of knowledge on dental health. Since  oral health problems such as cavities are often overlooked, cavities are left untreated until they become emergency medical situations. In addition, unlike other more common  health problems, the definition, symptoms, causes, and effects of cavities are not as commonly understood.

Cavities are commonly viewed by Filipinos as holes in teeth caused by consuming too much sweets. However, according to  Dr. Corazon S. Flores, President of the Philippine Dental Association, “Visible holes on the surface of the teeth indicate that the  problem has progressed beyond the tooth surface. In fact, dental caries or tooth decay begins with invisible acid erosion of the tooth enamel, caused by accumulated food substances left on the teeth. Left unchecked, the tooth area becomes increasingly damaged, progressing from the surface, all the way into the root.”

Cavities have become a fact of life among Filipinos when it really should not be as it is easily preventable, especially with the number of oral care products that are readily available. DepEd has continuously put their efforts to raise awareness on proper oral care in public school children by including it in the curriculum. This way, at an early age they are already made aware of how to easy it is to take care of their teeth.

It is also important to note that proper oral health care starts at home, continues  Dr. Flores, “Being proactive at home is the first step. Filipinos can prevent this by brushing and flossing at least twice a day and regularly visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Parents need to set a good example by instilling good oral care habits in their family, especially their children, so that cavities can finally become a thing of the past.”

[1] http://www.doh.gov.ph/content/oral-health-program.html

[2] http://www.doh.gov.ph/node/1066.html

[3] http://www.cda.org/Portals/0/pdfs/untreated_disease.pdf

[4] http://www.doh.gov.ph/node/1066.html

[5] http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/tooth_decay.html

Seven Easy Ways to Be a Smart Shopper

These are good reminders for every shopper … not just the compulsive ones! Please read!

Press Release:

Is shopping your favorite pastime and “Shop 'til I drop” your mantra in life? If you often find yourself in the mall itching to buy something you don’t really need, use, or want, chances are, you are among the one out of 20 adults who fall into the attractive trap of compulsive buying. 

Compulsive shopping has little to do with grabbing the glitziest or trendiest things out of want, and everything to do with creating emotional safety nets to seek relief from stress or even boredom. We all know that giddy and accomplished feeling that shopping could give, but sometimes, a bit of planning and a lot of self-control can turn a bad habit into a productive hobby. 

Before hitting the malls and the cha-ching sound of the cash register becomes music to your ears, here are seven easy tips that can help you shop wisely:

1.   Look at the price, and then some.  One of the most common mistakes shoppers make is to purchase solely on price, buying the “best” or “lowest” priced products. Before falling victim to the price myth, keep in mind that purchase decisions should always be based on value. Ask yourself these questions: Would I consider paying full price for this item?  How often will I use the product?  For how long will I be able to use this? Once you have answers to these questions, price justification will come easy!

2.   Examine warranty policies before making a purchase. Warranties are important particularly for major items like gadgets. Before going straight to the cashier, know the duration period as well as the coverage of the warranty. These are also good add-ons to your purchase so it pays to consider these before finally deciding which item you will get. Since warranty coverage usually ranges from months to years, filing them together with the receipts can make warranty claims easier.

3.   Don’t shop hungry.  You are likely to buy a lot more than you need if you head to the grocery with a grumbling tummy. Make sure you eat something before you do your grocery so you can focus on what you actually need to buy – and not on your cravings. Struggling to stay within the budget? It actually helps to choose the smallest cart available.

4.   Always compare. Pop into different shops to have an idea of what options are available for you. This not only gives you an idea of the product’s price range but also allows you to see which store offers better value.  When in the supermarket, look at the cost of items by unit pricing, that is by looking at the cost of items by weight and comparing value for money.

5.   Save receipts. These come in handy when you need to return or exchange unused items that you recently purchased. Keeping your receipts, especially when you used a credit card for payment, also allows you to double check your monthly bill and see if it is accurate.

6.   Use a product as soon as you buy it.  If you bought a camera for next month’s road trip, make sure to test it to ensure that it is properly working. If you’re the type who shops early, it’s wise to do the same for gifts that you intend to give at a later date, including making sure all parts are included in the packaging.

7.   Take advantage of your rewards. Loyalty cards, such as SM Advantage Card, give you bigger bang for your buck since you earn points every time you purchase particular items, which you can then use when you go shopping at participating retail outlets.

Earning rewards has become much easier because now, every visit to participating Shell Retail stations all over the country lets cardholders and motorists earn rewards points for their SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige, and BDO Rewards Cards. Through its partnership with SM, the country’s biggest retail network, Shell makes it easy and convenient to collect points, simply by gassing up with Shell Quality Fuels, buying snacks at Shell Select, and even having vehicles serviced at Shell Helix Oil Change+.

Drop by the nearest participating Shell station to start earning points!

The Exquisite Art of Valor Chocolates from Bean to Bar

Exciting news! Spanish chocolate Valor is now in the Philippines! 

Press Release:

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” – CM. Schulz

For most people, chocolate is a guilty pleasure.  From plain milk chocolates to dark, to nuts, with fillings… chocolates have indeed become part of everybody’s food lifestyle.  Nothing beats the pure bliss and delight in every creamy bite of the world’s most popular comfort food.   

With so many products and variations offering the same sweet pleasure, it is truly best to look for a brand that offers authentic chocolate taste made from only the finest quality ingredients.  Discover the exquisite art of chocolates with Valor.  

From the purest ingredients crafted to perfection…  take a trip down memory lane and experience the sweetest history of Spain’s most elaborate chocolate pleasure!  

Valeriano Lopez Lloret, founder of Valor Chocolates, gave a name and personality to what has become the leading company in the Spanish chocolate industry.  Defined by a passion to produce the best chocolate, Lloret together with his family of master chocolatiers, set up factory in 1881.  Since then, five generations have been at the helm of Valor Chocolates and have managed to transform the brand into an international standard.  

From Bean to Bar  

Valor chocolate experts select their cacao beans from three of the world’s finest sources: Ghana for the Forastero variety, an intense cacao that gives depth to flavor; Ecuador for the Guayaquil variety, one of the most aromatic; and Panama for the Trinitario variety that gives a fruity note to the intense aromatic flavor.  These cacao beans travel 12,000 miles to Valor’s central factory in Villajoyosa Spain.  The factory starts its “from bean to bar” manufacturing process by blending these cacao beans into proportions and mixing it with other high quality all natural raw materials to produce the finest chocolates.   

Behind the Pleasure… 

Their spirit of innovation continues to this day, as demonstrated by the launch of their latest sugar-free products which are now sweetened with stevia, a natural sweetener derived from a plant originating in South America that is 15 times sweeter than sugar but with zero glycemic index. Valor sugar-free chocolates are pure guilt-free indulgence.

Over 130 years of passion for chocolates, the best cacao beans in the world, all natural ingredients - these are just a few best-kept secrets behind the boundless pleasure of Valor Chocolates.  Check out Valor’s immense range of flavors from pure chocolate, chocolate with Mediterranean Marcona almonds, chocolate mousse, sugar free hazelnut spread and more!  

So go ahead…  experience the pleasure and have a taste of rich authentic Spanish chocolate goodness!

Valor Chocolates are available in Premium chocolate bars, Sugar Free plain chocolates - Dark, 70%Dark, Milk; Sugar Free chocolates with nuts - Whole Marcona Almonds and Whole Hazelnuts; Creamy sugar free chocolate mousse; and more! Available in leading supermarkets, department stores, drugstores and other retailers nationwide.  For more information, visit Valor’s Official Facebook Fanpage: www.facebook.com/valorchocolatesphilippines.  

Healthway Medical Reaches out to the Global Pinoy Through I-Remit

FYI, here's an easier way for OFWs to take care of their families even if they're far away ...

Press Release:

Healthway Medical, the country’s most-preferred and trusted mall-based clinic expands its reach by catering to global markets through its partnership with I-Remit, the largest Filipino-owned non-bank remittance service provider.

The venture allows Healthway Medical to offer its premium healthcare services to more than 2.2 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos abroad through I-Remit’s iShop. Considered a “One-Stop Shop Delivery Service”, iShop accepts orders and coordinates the delivery of Pinoy gifts and pasalubong from Filipinos abroad to their respective beneficiaries and loved ones back home.

“By making our healthcare services available online, OFWs and foreigners can take care of themselves and their families without having to worry about being far away from home,” says Carmie de Leon, Healthway Medical Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

Healthway Medical will now be offering Health Screening services as well as its premium executive checkup package, HealthCheQ International, to over 1,400 remittance outlets located in 26 countries and territories covered by I-Remit. 

“I-Remit’s presence in twenty-six countries across the world allows us to reward clients with value added service, and that’s where Healthway Medical fits into the picture,” says I-Remit Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing Alejandro Pepino.  “I think one of the main concerns of an OFW is when they send money to the Philippines, they want to have a sense of security that is actually addressing the needs of the family. Our multiple remittance channels let OFWs make purchases in advance for their loved ones in the Philippines, and Healthway Medical is there to provide much-needed preventive care for their families.”

(L-R): Luzviminda Nietes, Healthway Medical Manager for New Business; 
Alejandro Pepino, I-Remit Global Sales and Marketing Vice President; 
Harris Jacildo, I-Remit President and CEO; 
Carmie de Leon, Healthway Medical Vice President for Sales and Marketing; 
Joven Alcala, Healthway Medical Marketing Manager; 
Jennifer Saclolo, Healthway Medical Alternative Distribution Channel Head; 
and Naome Lucernas, Healthway Medical ADC Officer.

Healthway Medical’s Health Screenings provide diagnostic procedures that help determine diseases even before the onset of observable symptoms. This enables Healthway Medical’s healthcare professionals to apply preventive health procedures and easily treat conditions before they get worse. Among the health care packages offered are basic medical exams for male and female, diabetes screening, and dental services such as teeth whitening.

HealthCheQ International, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive medical package that includes laboratory, diagnostic services, imaging studies, and special examinations. Available in transferrable coupons, HealthCheQ International is designed to provide medical and dental services for the entire family. The package also allows patients to choose among tests and procedures that best suit their needs, including cosmetic services such as warts removal and other facial-care procedures.

On top of premium healthcare, Healthway Medical extends its exclusive service with a complete wellness experience by offering an overnight stay at any of Healthway Medical’s partner hotels or resorts for a relaxing getaway.

For more information, visit Healthway Medical clinics at Alabang Town Center, Festival Supermall, Greenbelt 5, Market! Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, Shangri-La Plaza, and SM North Edsa-The Block. Call the Customer Care Hotline (02)751-4929 or visit www.healthway.com.ph. Like Healthway Medical on Facebook.