Air Fryers and More Go on Sale on Hanabishi ShopeeMall this August 2

Hanabishi Appliances will hold a one day-only sale this coming August 2 in its official store in Shopee Mall. The “August-2 Ko” sale will include the brand’s most popular products at up to 30 percent discount.

These include the Hanabishi Air Fryer (HAFRYER70), Desk Fan The Wind (12T TW12T), Slow Juicer (HSJ1500).

The Hanabishi Air Fryer (HAFRYER70) has a seven-liter capacity, with 1 to 30 minutes cooking time setting. It also has an easy-to-use temperature control, a non-slip base, and comes with a frying basket and cabinet.

If you’re looking for a new fan, there’s the Hanabishi Desk Fan The Wind (12T TW12T). It is a good addition to your living room, dining room, bedroom, and any area in your home that needs a little bit of cooling during hot days.

For those who practice a healthy lifestyle, the Hanabishi Slow Juicer (HSJ1500) is a great product to help you achieve your health goals. It has an 800-milliliter juice cup and rubbish jar and comes in a stainless steel housing.

More Discounts

Other Hanabishi products are also available at discounted prices. Don’t miss the Flash Sale, which will offer up to 25 percent discount on select items.

A P50 discount voucher can be applied to all items, and a shipping voucher of P50 can also be used for a minimum spend of P500. Buy two products, and enjoy an additional P30 off on select items.

Start adding to your cart now, and don’t forget to mark your calendars on August 2.

Follow Hanabishi Appliances on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about its latest promotions and new products. You can also visit its website, www.myhanabishi.com, to see more of its appliances.

For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and  like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/.

  

 

About Hanabishi: 

Sa Bahay at sa Business Mo, Hanabishi!

Hanabishi is a Filipino household name for appliances for over 35 years. It is a brand engineered to fit the lifestyle of the Filipino both for homes and businesses.  Hardworking, durable and resilient, are the attributes that personify Hanabishi making it the brand of choice of every Filipino mom and businessman when it comes to value and practicality. Hanabishi is the mark of quality that grows with you through the years.  Built with passion and an impeccable desire to uphold the quality of life in every Filipino home, Hanabishi will remain to be the PRACTICAL choice and KAPARTNER, today and for the many years to come.

Jericho Rosales makes moms and netizens feel the Kilig-Linis with a dishwashing duet

Our dream guy Jericho Rosales made moms and netizens feel the Kilig-linis with his newest discovery – Joy Expert Kalamansi! 

Dubbing himself as the passionate dishwasher, Echo was seen singing and dancing in one of his videos while he effortlessly cleans up a pile of dishes, thanks to his new dishwashing partner Joy Expert Kalamansi! Of course netizens were quick to join him in the nakakakilig duet on Tiktok, and didn't pass up the opportunity to do a duet with him. To name a few were celebrity moms Iya Villania-Arellano and Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and Tiktok Influencers Sassa Gurl and Pipay Kipay.

In case you missed it, Jericho Rosales was the talk of the town early this year because of a viral video he posted wherein he was washing the dishes, which left netizens in awe (and kilig) of the humble hunk. And now, he comes back with another one! Only this time, he is more confident to the point where he is able to perform a song number while doing the daily chore. Singing while washing the dishes? Believe it or not, that’s exactly what Joy Expert Kalamansi has gotten Echo to do.

 

Using Joy Expert Kalamansi with the power of Safeguard, Echo’s new video captures him singing with gusto and not breaking a sweat as he effortlessly cleans up a pile of dishes. Who would have thought that dishwashing can be such a kilig moment?

Joy Expert Kilig Linis - Iya Villania-Arellano

Joy Expert Kilig Linis - Melai Cantiveros-Francisco

Of course netizens were quick to join him in the nakakakilig duet on Tiktok. Even celebrity moms Iya Villania-Arellano and Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and Tiktok Influencers Sassa Gurl and Pipay Kipay didn’t pass up the opportunity to do a duet with Filipino celeb hunk. Let’s be honest, we would gladly wash the dishes if we get to do it alongside THE Jericho Rosales.

Joy Expert Kilig Linis - Sassa Gurl

Joy Expert Kilig Linis - Pipay Kipay

But what really makes Jericho and these other celebs sing and feel the kilig, is the new Joy Expert Kalamansi with the power of Safeguard that can effortlessly remove tough grease and 99.9% of germs and viruses even on your greasiest dishware! No need to worry about leftover grease or food residue on your dishes. No matter how greasy your kitchen wares are, you’ll have no trouble getting your cleaning chores done. Joy Expert Kalamansi guarantees you’ll feel the KILIG LINIS vibes just by seeing how clean your dishes are– and because of the power of Safeguard, you’re sure that they are 99.9% germ & virus free!

Joy Expert Kalamansi

You too can feel that Kilig Linis! Dahil sa Joy Expert Kalamansi with the Power of Safeguard, isang hugas lang, tanggal sebo na–pati 99.9% germs at viruses ay tanggal rin! Let’s bring the KILIG into dishwashing. For that expert kilig-linis that you and your family deserve, trust only Joy Expert Kalamansi with the Power of Safeguard!

Joy Expert Kalamansi

You can also check out Joy Expert Kalamansi on Shopee and Lazada. Visit the Joy Philippines official Facebook and Tiktok pages to know more. 

BPI partners with Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) for a donation drive to promote arts and culture in the country

“We invite our generous BPI Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cardholders to participate in this effort while deepening their knowledge of the local art scene. This is as the Bank continues to aspire to be at the forefront in championing Philippine art through various initiatives for better arts awareness and appreciation.” ~Jenelyn Z. Lacerna, SVP and Unsecured Lending and Cards, Products and Sales Head, BPI

(L-R):  Ayala Foundation Senior Director of Arts & Culture Ma. Elizabeth “Mariles” L. Gustilo; Bank of the Philippine Islands SVP and Unsecured Lending and Cards, Products and Sales Head Jenelyn Z. Lacerna; and Ayala Foundation Chief Finance Officer Rosallie “Challie” Abela - Dimaano.

As one of the leading private museums in the country, the Ayala Museum makes Philippine history, art, and culture accessible to the public through engaging exhibitions and exciting cultural programs. The Ayala Museum uses both traditional and non-traditional platforms to present our country’s rich heritage in fresh, engaging, and innovative ways. 

The two institutions signed their partnership for this donation campaign in a ceremonial signing held on July 20 at the Ayala Museum. 

Promo rewards also await BPI Cardholders participating in the donor drive. Starting July 27, 2022, BPI Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cardholders can participate by donating to Ayala Foundation’s Education Program. Every P1,000 or greater donation using a BPI Credit, Debit or Prepaid Card will contribute to funding children’s education. As a token of gratitude, every donation comes with a free ticket to the Ayala Museum.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) partners with Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), the social responsibility arm of the Ayala Group of Companies, for a donation drive that aims to encourage BPI cardholders to donate to Ayala Foundation to promote arts and culture in the country.

“Our collection has delighted the arts and culture enthusiasts among the BPI Cardholders. We welcome those who have not joined in this effort yet as we invite them for a very enriching experience at Ayala Museum, as part of our mission to build and nurture partnerships to achieve impact, scale, and sustainability for everyone involved.” ~Ma. Elizabeth “Mariles” L. Gustilo, Senior Director of Arts & Culture, Ayala Foundation

As one of the leading private museums in the country, the Ayala Museum makes Philippine history, art, and culture accessible to the public through engaging exhibitions and exciting cultural programs. 

The Ayala Museum uses both traditional and non-traditional platforms to present our country’s rich heritage in fresh, engaging, and innovative ways.

#BrigadangAyala distributes 1,000 food packs in Banaue

"Kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa tulong na naipadala niyo ngayong araw. 'Yung mga food packs relief na puwede namin ipamigay sa mga affected barangays at mga residente na naapektuhan ng flash floods at ng calamity na ito." ~Banaue Mayor Joel Bungallon

Members of the 54th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with the Makati Development Corporation, joined Ayala Foundation during the Banaue relief efforts.

#BrigadangAyala once again came together to provide food assistance to the residents of Banaue, Ifugao affected by landslides and flooding.

With Ayala Foundation serving as the lead, the Ayala Group visited nine barangays in Banaue, Ifugao, distributing food packs for as many as 1,000 families. Each food pack contained rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, and face masks.

The relief operation was conducted in partnership with the local government of Banaue, Makati Development , Ayala Land's construction arm and the 54th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

#BrigadangAyala is the Ayala group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. It now serves as the umbrella campaign for various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the group—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others. 

#BrigadangAyala distributed 1,000 food packs for families in nine barangays of Banaue affected by the recent flooding.

#BrigadangAyala is the Ayala group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. Initially a groupwide volunteerism program for the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program, #BrigadangAyala now serves as the umbrella campaign for various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the group—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others. #BrigadangAyala is one of the expressions of the Ayala group’s continuing commitment to the greater good.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) is one of the programs under Ayala Foundation’s initiatives to foster Love of Country. Through programs as diverse as DRRM, community leadership efforts under Leadership Communities, and the arts and culture initiatives of the Ayala Museum and Filipinas Heritage Library, Ayala Foundation’s initiatives under Love of Country promotes active citizenship, forming and solidifying a movement that upholds the courage and dignity—the kagitingan—of every Filipino. 

You can be part of Ayala Foundation’s relief and rehabilitation efforts for disaster-stricken areas by donating to donate.ayalafoundation.org.

About Ayala Foundation

As the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation is committed to community development, working closely with communities in identifying compelling developmental needs and providing suitable solutions with measurable outcomes. It implements programs under the following themes: Education, Sustainable Livelihood, and Love of Country. 

Emirates and Air Canada Form Strategic Partnership

“This is a significant partnership that will enable our customers access to even more destinations in Canada and the Americas, via our Toronto and US gateways. It also opens up many new route combinations for travelers across Emirates’ and Air Canada’s extensive networks in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. We are pleased to partner with Air Canada, one of North America’s most established airlines and Canada’s flag carrier and we look forward to jointly progressing on various areas to provide even better customer flight choices and experiences.” ~Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline

Emirates and Air Canada announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement that will create more options for customers when traveling on the carriers’ networks while also enhancing the customer experience throughout the journey.

Emirates and Air Canada intend to establish a codeshare relationship later in 2022 that will offer enhanced consumer travel choices for Air Canada customers to travel to the United Arab Emirates and to destinations beyond Dubai. Emirates customers will also enjoy an enhanced travel experience when travelling to Toronto or to key destinations across the Air Canada network. Customers will have the ability to book connecting travel between both airlines’ networks with the ease of a single ticket, seamless connectivity at the carriers’ respective global hubs and baggage transfers to their final destinations. 

"As we continue pursuing our strategy of expanding our global reach in response to growing opportunities in VFR markets (Visit Friends and Relatives) that serve Canada’s large multicultural communities, we are very pleased to form a strategic partnership with Emirates, a highly respected flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates with a hub in the vibrant city of Dubai. This strategic agreement will create network synergies, and Air Canada customers will have additional, convenient options when traveling between Canada and the United Arab Emirates as well as destinations beyond Dubai. We look forward to introducing Air Canada codeshare service on key Emirates flights, as well as adding the EK code on select Air Canada flights, and welcoming Emirates customers on our services later this year." ~Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada

To further enhance the customer experience, the carriers will also establish reciprocal frequent flyer benefits and reciprocal lounge access for qualifying customers. Further details of the partnership and specific codeshare routes will be announced when finalized and will be subject to regulatory approvals and final documentation.

Air Canada Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Air Canada's public communications may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements may involve, but are not limited to, comments relating to guidance, strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions, are subject to important risks and uncertainties and cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including the factors identified in this news release and in Air Canada's public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

About Emirates

Emirates is the award-winning global airline that serves over 130 cities on six continents through its efficient hub in Dubai. It operates the world’s largest fleet of modern wide-body Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft that are fitted out with the latest comforts in the sky. Emirates has won numerous accolades for excellence across its operations, including being named World Class Airline at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards, which stands at the pinnacle of all APEX Passenger Choice awards, and being rated Five Star Airline by APEX.

For more information visit: www.emirates.com  

About Air Canada 

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 51 airports in Canada, 51 in the United States and 86 internationally. It is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, which in 2021 gave Air Canada awards for the Best Airline Staff in North America, Best Airline Staff in Canada, Best Business Class Lounge in North America, and an excellence award for managing COVID-19. Through its leading travel loyalty Aeroplan program, Air Canada offers the ability to earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300 freighters. Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. 

Bb. Pilipinas revamps theme song, PPOP-style

“Bb. Pilipinas has always been on a mission to empower Filipinos across the international stage, and one of our great qualities as a Filipino is our talent in creating art, such as music. We recognize the importance of featuring our local talents, such as SB19, that is why we hope that with this collaboration, we can show the world that not only are Filipinos intelligent, passionate, and driven, we are also immensely talented.” ~Irene Jose, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. trustee

Today, original pinoy music or OPM has produced diverse sounds, yielding a new type of tune, Pinoy Pop or PPOP for short. Consistent to its cause of shining a light on the beauty and diversity of Filipino culture, Binibining Pilipinas recognizes how impactful music can be, and has endeavored to banner Pinoy talent in any way that it can. That is why for this year, the prestigious pageant’s official theme song was given the PPOP revamp with the help of the country’s latest music pride – SB19.

SB19’s modern pop rendition of the classic Bb. Pilipinas theme song entitled “Win Your Heart” encapsulates the spirit of the pageant. With its beat and lyrics, it proudly communicates the uniqueness of the Filipina – one who exudes beauty, intelligence, grace and strength.

SB19 brings a fresh twist to this year’s pageant theme song. With the ever changing times, music has also evolved in different forms to cater to the taste of the modern generation. Today, original pinoy music or OPM has produced diverse sounds, yielding a new type of tune, Pinoy Pop or PPOP for short. 

Consistent to its cause of shining a light on the beauty and diversity of Filipino culture, Binibining Pilipinas recognizes how impactful music can be, and has endeavored to banner Pinoy talent in any way that it can. That is why for this year, the prestigious pageant’s official theme song was given the PPOP revamp with the help of the country’s latest music pride – SB19.

SB19’s modern pop rendition of the classic Bb. Pilipinas theme song entitled “Win Your Heart” encapsulates the spirit of the pageant. With its beat and lyrics, it proudly communicates the uniqueness of the Filipina – one who exudes beauty, intelligence, grace and strength. 

SB19 will serenade the Bb. Pilipinas stage as the main performers of the pageant’s Grand Coronation Night. But, SB19 isn’t be the only PPOP act to take part in the slew of Bb. Pilipinas activities. Other rising PPOP groups such as DIONE, First.One, 4th Impact, and ALAMAT   made their presence felt with their energetic performances at the Talent Competition, Press Presentation, and the glamorous Fashion Show.  

To watch the Lyric video of ‘Win Your Heart,’ please click this link: https://youtu.be/ofeFrctMJeM. The official music video of the said theme song will also be uploaded on the Bb. Pilipinas YouTube page soon, so stay tuned!

For more information about Binibining Pilipinas, visit https://www.bbpilipinas.com/. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to Bb. Pilipinas on YouTube. 

SMDC: Redefining Vertical Living Experience

"I've read stories about SMDC being home to entrepreneurs. And since then, I've always looked up to SMDC, seeing it as not just a developer but a company that helps Filipinos achieve their dream of having their own home. I am very grateful and excited to finally be coming home to a community of Good Guys. I look forward to exploring more opportunities and growing in this new community." ~Phoebe Real, CEO of Organono, an online furniture store that sells DIY, eco-friendly, and affordable furniture made from non-toxic materials

SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the leading real estate developer in the country, has made it possible for more Filipinos to grow in an atmosphere that promotes good well-being and respect.

As you aspire to achieve your dreams for yourself and your family, you must find the right address that promotes a sustainable living environment and encourages you to thrive and flourish. At the end of the day, your home directly impacts and influences your life and success, hence, choose to surround yourself and live with the best.

SMDC allows you to be part of a community that puts balance with sustainability, elegance, and functionality and champions comfort, safety, relaxation, and enjoyment to create a memorable living experience.

Premium Home for Thriving Entrepreneurs

Phoebe Real, CEO of Organono, an online furniture store that sells DIY, eco-friendly, and affordable furniture made from non-toxic materials, has found a home that meets her need for an encouraging neighborhood and a business-friendly climate in SMDC.

An ideal nest for a mompreneur like her, Phoebe cannot contain her excitement and enthusiasm to be part of SMDC’s Trees Residences in Quezon City and to indulge in the five-star lifestyle that the property developer is known for.

Resident-entrepreneurs like Phoebe can make use of the expansive lobby of SMDC properties, whether for personal engagement or business-related matters. The well-curated design finish of SMDC lobbies evokes a sense of calmness and sophistication that captures a collective experience and also provides sufficient privacy, perfect for business ideation and meetings.

With exceptional amenities right at their doorstep, SMDC resident-entrepreneurs can easily take some time to unwind and relax without needing to leave their homes. Echoing a hotel-like ambiance, SMDC properties have exclusive facilities such as swimming pools, open areas, and green spaces designed to bring comfort and leisure.

Perfect Community to Grow a Family

"SMDC's Trees Residences has everything we need. From a set of good neighbors, the availability of commercial establishments, proximity to transportation, down to its professional management services. We felt welcomed here. The community is just the right size for us, and we know almost all of our neighbors." ~Randy Lladones

Just like Phoebe, Randy Lladones has also found an exemplary abode for his family in SMDC.

Staying in SMDC’s Trees Residences for years now, Randy shared that choosing to live in an SMDC development has been one of their best decisions.

Putting community living experience at its core, SMDC allows its residents to enjoy an integrated lifestyle, as it is strategically located near lifestyle establishments, major road networks, business districts, and transportation hubs, thus, providing the utmost convenience and unparalleled connectivity to everything that matters.

Apart from its prime location and the available amenities, Randy and his wife, Lani, also noted the sense of belonging that they experience in SMDC.

“The community here is tightly knit. We are more than happy to be here. Living here exceeded our expectations because we were able to meet new people and make friends with them.” ~Lani Lladones

Having supportive and caring neighbors, Randy said that SMDC has given him peace of mind knowing that his family is in a comfortable and safe place. Also contributing to this are the professional property management services of SMDC that ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the property and provide adequate security.

Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival 2022 Announcement & 5th Consecutive World's Number 1 Rum Award

“We are excited to work with the new Bacolod City Government in bringing attention to the important role of Negros Occidental’s sugarcane economy in the steady growth of Tanduay overseas and the international awards it has received.” ~Lucio Tan III, President and COO of Tanduay Distillers, Inc. and Vice Chairman of the Lucio Tan Group (LTG)

(L-R): Kyle Tan, Executive Vice President, Tanduay Distillers, Inc.; Lucio Tan III, President and COO, Tanduay Distillers, Inc.; Hon. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, Mayor of Bacolod City; and Atty. Carlu Fernandez, General Counsel, Philippine Airlines

The City of Smiles and the World’s Number 1 Rum have joined forces again to host the country’s Rum Festival. In a press conference, the Bacolod City Government and Tanduay announced their partnership in staging the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival from August 12-20.

In a joint press conference today, Tanduay and the Bacolod City Government have announced their partnership in staging the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival 2022 from August 12 to 20. The event once again pays tribute to Negros Occidental's sugarcane industry and aims to reinvigorate the tourism economy of the province.

Also recently, the company has been declared the World’s Number 1 Rum brand by Drinks International Magazine for the 5th consecutive year. Tanduay was able to achieve this feat despite the challenges of the global pandemic and the more competitive spirits industry.

Hon. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez, of Bacolod City (standing) welcomes Lucio Tan III, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer and other guests during the press launch of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival 2022. This is the second time that the City of Smiles will host the rum fest.

Lucio Tan III, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer (standing) with Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez during the press launch of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival 2022, to be held from August 12 to 20

Bacolod and Tanduay first staged the festival in 2019 to pay homage to the province’s sugarcane industry. It was called off in 2020 and 2021 because of the global pandemic. This 2022, Tanduay saw it fit to hold the Rum Festival again to bring attention back to the sugarcane industry and refuel the city’s tourism economy.

 

Tanduay has been on a winning streak in the most recent years. Recently, the company has been declared the World’s Number 1 Rum brand by Drinks International Magazine for five consecutive years. It has also received the Brand of the Year Award from the London-based World Branding Awards for seven straight years.

(L-R): Atty. Carlu Fernandez, General Counsel, Philippine Airlines; Kyle Tan, Executive Vice President, Tanduay Distillers, Inc.; Lucio Tan III, President and COO, Tanduay Distillers, Inc.; Hon. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, Mayor of Bacolod City; and Hon. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez, Mayor of Victorias City

A Prelude to the Masskara Festival

 

The Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival will be a fitting prelude to the Masskara Festival, which we will be staged again in October. 

Since his election to office, Mayor Benitez has been drumming up investor confidence in the City. Tanduay is one of the first companies that has responded by initiating the Rum Festival to help boost tourism and drive businesses' return to normalcy. 

Lucio Tan III, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer (left) and Hon. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez of Bacolod City answer questions from the members of the media during the press launch of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival 2022 at the New Government Center (NGC)

Bringing Out the Best of Bacolod

 

To be held from August 12-20, the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival will also showcase the craftsmanship, skill, and artistry of Bacolodnons through various events such as the Barrel Art, Bottle Design, and Street Art Competitions.

  

Bacolod’s famed culinary culture will also be under the spotlight through the highly-anticipated Culinaria Competition. Throughout the festival, there will be a food park for visitors to enjoy various dishes. An exciting Flairtending and Mixology contest will likewise take place. 

 

The highlight of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival will close with music and dancing at the NGC Complex. There will be a Street Dance Fusion and Float Competition and a rock concert to be headlined by a surprise list of guest artists from Manila.

 

To learn more about the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival, follow its official Facebook account.

Partnership between GCash and BPI offers BPI #MySaveUp

"The goal of GSave Marketplace is to provide savings account options that would best fit their needs. The collaboration with BPI allows GCash users to enjoy the bank's wide reach and services nationwide. BPI #MySaveUp gives the underbanked and unbanked Filipinos access to formal banking through the GCash app.” ~Winsley Bangit, Chief Customer officer at GCash

GCash, BPI seek to reach unbanked with BPI #MySaveUp easily open a BPI savings account via GCash. Did you know that 53 million Filipinos have no bank accounts? That is a staggering 69% percent of the country’s population from BSP’s Q3 2021 study.

The problem? Access. Many of them lack the documents required to open bank accounts. They opt to just keep their cash at home for easy access in case of emergency.

To encourage more Filipinos to go into formal banking, GCash, the country's leading e-wallet, recently partnered with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to reach unbanked Filipinos, particularly working millennials.

This is part of the top mobile wallet’s continuing innovation to empower Filipinos and find  solutions to digitalize their financial transactions, including paying for their purchases and bills, sending money to their loved ones, and building up their savings so they can have greater financial security and freedom in life. 

The partnership between GCash and BPI offers BPI #MySaveUp, an in-app feature in the GSave marketplace. 

Helping further scale up financial inclusion, BPI #MySaveUp paves the way for unbanked Filipinos to easily apply for and own a formal and all-digital account sans the long application process, allowing them to start their saving journey and achieve their financial goals while earning higher interest rates. 

Through this partnership, doing financial transactions and managing an account become plain sailing thru their GCash account or BPI mobile app. This new feature also offers free fund transfer from a user’s BPI #MySaveUp account to his GCash wallet and vice versa.

Users also have an option to get a BPI Debit Mastercard in any BPI branch for only P150 so they can access their account and withdraw from thousands of BancNet and Mastercard ATMs worldwide. 

"We, at BPI, are committed to realizing our vision of building a better Philippines. We are committed to continuously pursue financial inclusion programs in support of the BSP's goal for 70% of adult Filipinos to have formal financial accounts by 2023. This partnership with GCash brings us closer to this target as we provide more Filipinos a path towards financial wellness." ~Maria Cristina L. Go, Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Banking at BPI

BPI #MySaveUp users can also win monthly prizes. Every Php 10,000 saved by the end of the month or have at least Php 3,000 worth of valid transactions within the month earns them 1 #Coin which they can use to buy a game card to win electronic GCs or eGCs from BPI. 

Applicants can open their BPI #MySaveUp account on their GCash app. They simply need to click the GSave icon then choose BPI #MySaveUp. Once in, they can open a savings account and proceed with using their GCash profile. After receiving the email confirmation from BPI, they can then finally start accessing BPI #MySaveUp. 

For non-GCash users, they just need to download the app, upload one valid ID and wait to be verified. Once done, they can enjoy all the products and services of GCash. 

Operation Smile Philippines scales up investments to better serve more Filipinos in need of cleft care

“As Operation Smile enters a new era as a global network driving access to high-quality healthcare, this milestone is the perfect time to reiterate our commitment to provide holistic care for children and their communities for the next 40 years and beyond.” ~Donald Lim, Operation Smile Philippines President

Operation Smile Philippines scales up investments to better serve more Filipinos in need of cleft care. Operation Smile reaffirms commitment to transform 1 million lives across the world,  with a focus on transforming local health systems.

“Through our medical expertise, partnerships and stakeholder activations, we are taking steps towards a future to change not only how surgeries are delivered across the country, but also to empower local health systems to provide even better care for the communities they serve.” ~Emiliano Romano, Executive Director of Operation Smile Philippines

In its 40th year, Operation Smile, a non-profit medical services organization, entered a commitment to increase access to care for 1 million patients in need of cleft care and other essential surgeries. Building on decades of learning and success, Operation Smile has provided free, life-changing surgical and dental care to patients in need across the world. 

In the Philippines, one in every 500 children is born with cleft lip or palate conditions.

• Up for the challenge of addressing cleft conditions in the country

While significant strides have been made to address cleft conditions in the Philippines, access to quality healthcare remains a challenge – especially for communities residing in far-flung areas. Without access to surgery, cleft patients may struggle to eat, breathe, and speak, and deal with potential self-esteem issues.

In 1982, Operation Smile was born from a medical mission conducted by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee to repair children’s cleft lips and palates in Naga City, Philippines. Since then, Operation Smile Philippines has impacted a total of 88 cities and municipalities, conducted 338 surgical programs, and successfully treated over 32,925 patients around the country. 

• A comprehensive approach to cleft care

In treating patients with cleft conditions across the country, Operation Smile Philippines employs a holistic approach to delivering comprehensive cleft care – providing nutrition education, cleft surgery, speech therapy, and psychosocial care. This approach has led to the development of comprehensive care centers in Manila, Pampanga, and Davao. By establishing these centers close to communities, Operation Smile is primed to deliver timely service and safe surgery where its needed most. 

To facilitate even greater access to quality cleft care, Operation Smile Philippines is establishing a new comprehensive care center in Cebu. Approximately 2000sqm, this center will be the organization’s largest and aims to cater to 10,000 patients within the next 3-5 years.  

Alongside the creation of comprehensive care centers across the country, Operation Smile Philippines has continued investments in local district hospitals to enhance the delivery of surgical care and positively impact public health. 

Recent initiatives include the renovation of the surgical unit of the Santa Ana Hospital with the goal to provide 1000 new surgeries a year. In partnership with the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Operation Smile Philippines also aims to develop the first registry to record cleft births for faster intervention, as well as training programs to educate both medical professionals and mothers on cleft conditions and life-saving skills to reduce maternal and newborn mortality.

• Strength in numbers

These achievements and ongoing initiatives are the product of an expanded network of key partnerships forged under the common goal of increasing access to oral care. 

Alongside partner hospitals that aid in the creation of cleft care centers and the hosting of surgical programs, donors such as Watson’s Philippines have been instrumental in making treatments possible. Beyond the provision of care, partners such as the Philippine National Police and AirAsia have greatly improved patient recruitment, including case-finding and transportation. To improve the quality of cleft care, since 1997, Johnson & Johnson Philippines Inc. has funded the training and development of experts in plastic surgery, dentistry, speech therapy and other fields to drive wider access to quality treatment and patient support.

For more information about Operation Smile Philippines follow their social media accounts at Instagram: https://instagram.com/osstudproph, Facebook: https://facebook.com/osstudproPH, and Email: osp.clc@gmail.com.