Hanabishi Launches “Cheers to HappyMess” Campaign with Online-Exclusive Freebies

“As families prepare for the numerous parties and celebrations in the coming months, we at Hanabishi and our friends from Cheers would like to make it easier for everyone to enjoy their gatherings with family and friends. At Hanabishi, we have always aimed at providing Filipino households with practical and affordable solutions that will help them with their everyday needs. With Cheers, we’ve found a partner that shares our passion for making life in the kitchen simpler, cleaner, and more importantly, a lot more fun especially during the holidays. We encourage everyone to embrace the HappyMess of the holidays.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi Appliances VP for Marketing and Finance

Hanabishi Appliances has teamed up with kitchen and party essentials brand Cheers just in time for the holidays to make cooking more enjoyable and less stressful.  

This festive cooperation between two trusted Filipino companies offers a free Cheers item with every purchase of select Hanabishi items on www.myhanabishi.com, Hanabishi TikTok Shop, and TikTok Live.

Enjoy Convenience and Savings

The appliances and their corresponding freebies are available until supplies last. The bundles include the following:

• Every Hanabishi Electric Oven or Griller purchase comes with a free Cheers Aluminum Foil.
• Every Hanabishi Microwave Oven or Air Fryer purchase comes with a free Cheers Baking Paper.
• Every Hanabishi Professional Stand Mixer or Cooker (Induction/Ceramic) comes with a free Cheers Cling Wrap.
• Every Hanabishi Commercial Blender or Pressure Cooker purchase comes with a Cheers Dishwashing Liquid (lemon or orange).
• Every Hanabishi Juice Blender purchase comes with a free Cheers Scrub Buddies.
• Every Hanabishi Sandwich Maker, Waffle Maker, or Panini Press purchase comes with a free Cheers Snack Bag.
• Every Hanabishi Refrigerator, Food Steamer, Hand Blender, or Toaster purchase comes with free Cheers Zipper Storage Bags.
• Every HASREF18INV Refrigerator purchase comes with a free Cheers Kitchen Towel.

To learn more about Hanabishi Appliances, visit www.myhanabishi.com. Follow Hanabishi and Cheers on their official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Sogo Cares Donates Aircon Units and Linens to Justice Abad Santos Hospital

Sogo Cares continues to support organizations that are essential to public health in keeping with its aim to "Bridge Gaps to Build Better Communities." A significant donation to the Justice Abad Santos General Hospital, which serves thousands of patients from impoverished areas, demonstrated this commitment once more.

In this outreach program, Sogo Cares, together with Mr. Edmundo Las, Board of Director, Ms. Mariel Quinto, Advertising and Promotions Manager, and Hotel Sogo Avenida Branch Manager, Ms. Kithley Esperanzate, delivered over three (3) air-conditioning units and new sets of linens to the hospital.

This donation directly addresses one of the hospital’s major needs: providing a cooler, cleaner, and more healing environment for patients who normally suffer long waiting hours and packed wards. At the same time, it delivers relief and improved working conditions for healthcare workers who diligently serve the community every day.

By filling these resource gaps, Sogo Cares reinforces the heart of its advocacy, helping institutions deliver better care even with limited means.

“Sa bawat proyektong may puso, nandyan ang Sogo Cares.” ~the team shared, underscoring how genuine support, whether big or small, creates meaningful change in people’s lives

This initiative forms part of Hotel Sogo’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program under Sogo Cares, which focuses on projects that promote health, education, and community development across the country

Through efforts like this, Sogo Cares continues to bridge gaps and build better communities by uplifting facilities that serve the Filipino public every day.

For more information, visit any Hotel Sogo branch near your area. With over 50 branches nationwide, Sogo Cares continues to serve communities across the Philippines. You may also follow www.facebook.com/HotelSogoOfficialPage for the latest news, promos, and CSR updates.

Kingston Launches Dual Portable SSD Storage Solution

“More and more consumers are looking to take their data into their own hands. Now with the convenience of Kingston’s Dual Portable SSD, users can do just that and easily transfer, share or backup their important files across a variety of USB-A and USB-C devices.”  ~Kingston

Kingston Technology, a global leader in memory and technology solutions, announced the release of its first cable-free solid-state drive for anyone looking for a portable, durable, and fairly priced option for data backup and transfers.

With the stylish form of a classic flash drive in a compact, solid metal housing, the Dual Portable SSD can quickly transfer files between USB Type-A and USB-C®1 devices such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices and more with USB 3.2 Gen 2 rates up to 1,050MB/s read and 950MB/s write2.   This all-in-one storage and transfer solution will increase productivity and enhance your workflow with capacities up to 2TB for massive files, high-resolution photos, and 4K films.

Dual Portable SSD is available in capacities3 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB and is backed by a limited five-year warranty5, free technical support, and legendary Kingston reliability.

For more information visit kingston.com.

Kingston Dual Portable SSD Features and Specifications:

• Fits your life: All in one, and one for all...of your devices that is. With both USB-A and USB-C connectors, the Dual Portable SSD easily transfers files between your devices: laptops, desktop, mobile and more.
• The speed you need: Amplify your creative productivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 950MB/s write2.
• Ditch the cable: Life is messy enough without the chaos of cable management. Keep it simple and go cable-free. Palm, pocket or purse, this compact and sleek SSD fits virtually anywhere.
• Store more, create more: Get reliable storage for your large files, high-resolution photos and 4K videos up to 2TB3.
• Interface: USB Type-A and USB Type-C®
• Standard/Speed2: USB 3.2 Gen 2; Up to 1,050MB/s read, 950MB/s write
• NAND: 3D
• Capacities3: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Dimensions: 71.85mm x 21.1mm x 8.6mm
• Weight: 13g
• Casing Material: Metal + Plastic
• Operating temperature: 0°C~60°C
• Storage temperature: -20°C~85°C
• Warranty/support4: Limited 5-year warranty with free technical support
• Compatible with5: Windows® 11, macOS® (v. 13.7.6 +), Linux (v. 4.4x +), Chrome OS™, Android™, iOS/iPadOS® (v.13+)

Kingston can be found on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingstonAPAC

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/KingstonAPAC

Happy Skin Makes a Grand Entrance at SM City Grand Central

At SM City Grand Central, Filipinas now have a new cause to smile: soft-focus skin, weightless colors, and that distinct, radiant glow. Happy Skin, a well-known domestic beauty brand that skillfully combines skincare and cosmetics, has officially opened its newest location, bringing its beloved essentials closer to the busy, beauty-loving people of the Northern Metro.

Filipina women have long tried to find affordable skincare products and makeup that improves without causing harm. Happy Skin has been revolutionizing local beauty for more than a decade with products that nourish skin while you use them since they cracked the code in 2013. The brand's newest presence at SM City Grand Central makes it even easier for local beauty enthusiasts to fulfill that promise.

The store itself embodies the brand's unique aesthetic, which is roomy, contemporary, and tidy with subtle pink accents and warm neutrals that create a calm, inviting atmosphere.   The real attraction, though, is the experience: a carefully curated playground of skincare and makeup items from the world's beauty capitals, like Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, all made with skin-loving components suited to the Philippines' environment and the range of Filipina skin tones.

Happy Skin's popular "Eye Am Here to Stay" gel eyeliner and "Shut Up & Kiss Me" lippies, along with its weightless tints and hydrating skincare products, are now for sale.   Every product is created with components that offer basic skin care and attractiveness, making it easier than ever for women to feel and look their best.

The SM City Grand Central launch supports Happy Skin's mission to empower women with products that effortlessly blend style and skincare. Happy Skin's quirky packaging, straightforward formulas, and commitment to cruelty-free, skin-friendly care continue to show that glowing, healthy skin is always in style.

Visit SM City Grand Central and discover the perfect balance of glow and care that your skin will thank you.

Pru Life UK Strengthens Commitment to Inclusive Education with Adopt-a-Madrasah Rollout in CDO

“At Pru Life UK, we firmly believe that education is a powerful driver of change, which is why we, together with our partners, continue to strive to ensure opportunities are available to everyone. Through the expansion of the Adopt-a-Madrasah programme, we hope to broaden our impact by helping equip more Muslim communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to build sustainable futures—and to prove to them that they can count on us anytime.” ~Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Sustainability and Takaful Head

Atty. Mabelle Nebres, Pru Life UK AVP for Sustainability & Takaful (center, holding the microphone), leads a fun and meaningful Takaful Comics presentation and reading session.

Pru Life UK is expanding its Adopt-a-Madrasah program to Cagayan de Oro in an attempt to better support impoverished Muslim communities in Mindanao.

As part of its Takaful journey, Pru Life UK aims to empower more Muslim communities through the Adopt-a-Madrasah program, which highlights the importance of financial security, technical upskilling, and climate and health preparation.   Pru Life UK was granted the first Takaful (Islamic insurance) operator license in the country by the Insurance Commission.

The initiative's year-end culmination is the opening of the Adopt-a-Madrasah in Cagayan de Oro.  The rollout expands on the program's successful execution in Bangkal, Davao City earlier this year, where three community Madaris were also given digital learning tools in partnership with LiteHaus International and Humble Sustainability, two of Pru Life UK's circular economy partners.

Pru Life UK VP for Sustainability and Takaful head Maricel Estavillo (fourth from left) joins Madrasah principals and the Pru Life UK team for the distribution of IT assets to support learning in Muslim communities

In 2024, Pru Life UK staff and agent volunteers performed a creative workshop, distributed school supplies, and provided hygiene kits as part of the Adopt-a-Madrasah program.

These programs are implemented in cooperation with local Muslim community leaders and government partners.   via the program, the company reaffirms its mission to enhance lives via sustainable development, empowerment, and education while acting as a dependable partner and protector for coming generations.

To learn more about Pru Life UK and its sustainability programmes, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph

About Pru Life UK

Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.  

 

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of close to 38,000 licensed agents. 

  

Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.   

Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of Q2 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.   

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 –years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.   

Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: contact.us@prulifeuk.com.ph. 

The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information. 

Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. 

The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information. 

Fusion 2025: The OEd Community Comes Together

There are those rare occasions that spark something, and some get-togethers just happen. For Fusion at The Fifth at Rockwell, the OEd (Online Education) community came together. This evening deftly blended inspirational lectures, stimulating conversations, and a celebration of what modern education can be: accessible, forward-thinking, and deeply human.

From the moment guests entered the room—many of whom were dressed in their best denim as a lighthearted homage to the theme—the atmosphere was unmistakably OEd: welcoming, thrilling, and brimming with a sense of community.   It was the kind of energy that only emerges when educators, leaders, visionaries, and students gather in one location.

A Celebration of Learning That Adapts to Real Life

Fusion has shown why Philippine education is still influenced by OEd (Online Education), which has long been credited for redefining what it means to learn in the digital age.

Fusion dared to deviate from traditional events, which place an emphasis on formality. It was a communal gathering, a learning festival, and a celebration all at once. It captured the essence of OEd's mission, which is to empower every Filipino student through technology, flexibility, and genuine connection.

A Program That Fed Both the Mind and the Spirit

The evening evolved through careful layers, starting with an energetic opening performance by OEd students and the warm, lively hosting of Nicole Hyala, whose charisma instantly warmed the room. Next were Christopher Satulan's remarks, which emphasized community, commitment, and how platforms like OEd continue to change lives one kid at a time. In a speech on behalf of Dr. Amable C. Aguiluz IX, the founder of OEd, Oliver Vergara honored the organization's longstanding heritage of developing an educational system that adapts to students rather than the other way around.

Guests were then treated to a thoughtfully curated lineup of speakers: Ericson Del Castillo, who explored The Future of Work Skills and how learners can stay competitive in a rapidly shifting world; Coach JC Libiran, who emphasized The Importance of Ethical Behavior in the Workplace as a foundation for meaningful, values-based success; and Cleo Viray, who closed the discussions with Re-Charge Mode: Caring for Your Mental Battery, a timely reminder to prioritize mental wellness amid everyday demands.

Warmth and flair were added to the program by intermission performances by soulful Nolo Lopez, known for his passionate, uplifting stage presence, and powerhouse vocalist Sephy Francisco, whose immaculate dual-voice skill never fails to astound. Their performances provided the perfect moments to pause, inhale deeply, and re-establish contact before going back to the revelations of the evening.

A Night That Ended With Community and Celebration

An Acquaintance Party, which brought parents and OEd partners together with SHS, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate students in a joyful blend, marked the end of Fusion. It demonstrated how close-knit and intimate an online academic community can be. Dancing, snapping photos, laughing, and uninhibited delight were all part of the evening.

More Than an Event—A Reminder of Why Education Must Evolve

Fusion was a statement that education needs to keep changing, not just a program.  No matter where they are in their journey, OEd (Online Education) remains dedicated to its mission: education that is flexible, adapts to real life, and empowers Filipinos.

Here’s to more breakthroughs, more collaboration, and more empowered learners. Here’s to OEd—and to the many lives it continues to transform.

Quick Bites, Conti's Delights at SM Bulacan Malls

An OG has come in SM Bulacan malls, and we’re completely here for it.   Presenting Conti's Take Out Nooks, which serves delectable sweets and freshly baked cakes and is presently accessible at SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan.

Now that Conti's Take Out Nooks has finally opened on the ground level of SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan, guests may conveniently take breads, pies, pastries, cookies, frozen ready-to-eat dishes, and, of course, famed cakes.

Whether it's a modest "pick-me-up" moment, a celebration, or a gift, know that Conti's is just a short distance away to make the day. For food alerts and promos, check out https://www.facebook.com/smbaliwag and https://www.facebook.com/smcenterpulilan.