BayaniJuan Caravan: Supporting our local sari-sari stores

To honor the bayanihan spirit of Filipinos and help support sari-sari store owners, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) launched its BayaniJuan Caravan.

URC continues to provide support to local entrepreneurs such as sari-sari store owners through the BayaniJuan Caravan.

Until October 11, 2020, the BayaniJuan Caravan is visiting several barangays in Manila to offer Baker John, Robina Farms products, Great Taste, C2, Payless and other URC products with discounts. 

Sari-sari store owners can save up to Php 77 when buying special bundle packs offered by URC. They also have a chance to take home useful items such as a store protective barrier.

The BayaniJuan Caravan project is running with strict protocols to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the run, such as social distancing, wearing of masks, disinfecting of products, and temperature checks upon entry.

Check out the schedule of BayaniJuan Caravan by visiting URC’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/URCPhilippines.com.

Why Igorots in Metro Manila directly source goods from farmers

Two pesos a kilo for cabbage. Four pesos for cucumber.

After spending to bring their produce to the nearest vegetable trading post in the last week of July, Cordilleran farmers were given a cruel rate, crushing their hope of raising cash to buy seeds for the next harvest.

A Sad Story for New Gen Farmers

Shereen Umayat and Jessica Dapliyan, two young farmers from Sagada, had a cheaper option for their next maturing vegetables- let the plants rot in the farmland to stop having additional expenses.

Asked how much she has spent for her cucumber, Umayat computed it to be at least P40, 000.

While there are active programs like Sustainable Sagada and Rural Rising organized to help ease the situation, not all produce in the remote Mountain Province town can be accommodated.

Dapliyan, a former innkeeper who shifted to farming following travel bans, started giving away her cabbage produce for free in September after unsuccessful attempts to sell what her family has been working since community quarantine restrictions were implemented.

Trying the Metro Manila Market

For generations, farmers in Sagada and other towns of the Cordilleras have been trading in marketplaces within the mountainous region and going to the lowlands is not part of their regular routine. But as they run out of options, they are forced to seek help outside the highlands.

Tapping Metro Manila-based Cordillerans or Igorots was the first move. Upon learning about the crisis, Christian Aligo, a Marketing Communications practitioner living in Quezon City, started the “The Sagada Harvests Project” on Facebook.

With the assistance from Umayat, Menchie Buking of the Department of Agrarian Reform Mt. Province (DAR MP) and other concerned locals, The Sagada Harvests Project is able to sell out about three tons of produce in its first two runs.

Alongside Aligo are other Metro Manila-based Igorots including Luisa Gay Pugong, Jenny Lyn Likigan, Bing Podes Laguipen, and Hector Ngales who transformed themselves into vendors after their day job to help address the crisis.

Joining the force is the couple Atty. Pio and Noemie Jeanet Daoas who now spend their weekends on vegetables. With the help of dedicated riders, the couple deliver the goods within Taguig City at only P20.

A Trade Friendlier to Farmers

As agreed, it is the farmers who set the price of their produce. Currently in marketplaces, it is the multi-level middle men who dictate the price and get a bigger portion of it.

When the rate at the La Trinidad trading post for cabbage was P2 per kilo, The Sagada Harvests Project purchased the vegetable at P20 per kilo-- as dictated by the farmers.

To further assist the Igorot vendors, DAR’s Sagada Linksfarmers Consolidation Center opened its doors to help screen quality produce prior to shipping.

Recently, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also offered transportation assistance to help lower expenses.

Meanwhile, local food producers Gabay Wines and Food Preserves and Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant have been doing experiments for delicate items like wild blueberry, wheat bread, and goat cheese products to check on the shelf-life of the products when offered in places with a warmer climate.

To know more about The Sagada Harvest Project and a list of Igorot vendors who directly source their goods from farmers, contact Aligo at 0956-174-8464 (Globe) or visit www.facebook.com/sagadaharvests now.

New shopping activities under the new normal at SM City Masinag

Physical distancing, wearing of face masks and face shields, regular sanitation, digital contact tracing are the new staples when we visit malls. As we continually adapt into the changing lifestyle, SM City Masinag caters to new shopping activities of today. 

It is said that disinfectant foggers reduce or eliminate microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew. Shoppers can now get their cars safely sanitized while they run errands and do shopping. Shoppers who have a minimum or accumulated receipt purchase of P5,000 from any mall tenant/s of the same day can avail a free anti-bacterial fogging for their car interior.

Plantitos and Plantitas need not to worry on where to find their latest venture with their plant collection as SM City Masinag opens ‘Green Hub’ - a special store for gardening needs. Green Hub offers a hassle-free plant shopping experience. ‘Plantipolo Blooms’, a local gardening shop in Antipolo City sells ornamental plants, herbs and pots. Located at the service lane of SM City Masinag near SM Supermarket, shoppers won’t need to leave the mall to buy plants and other essentials after running other errands.

As the use of bicycles surged in this quarantine period, SM Supermalls installed special racks for shoppers and its employees to park their bicycles. Aside from shoppers’ individual chains and locks, the bike parking, including at SM City Masinag’s Open Parking A, is secured with dedicated security personnel to monitor and guide shoppers on where to park their bikes. A maximum of 72 bicycles can occupy the bike racks at SM City Masinag’s bike parking. 

Stay connected with the latest updates of your favorite shops through official social media accounts of your nearest SM Supermall.

More than just skin-deep: How makeup can boost your mental wellbeing

When one talks about makeup, some people get the notion that it can be superficial. However, to some, makeup is actually a good way to take care of their mental health, allowing them to discover another version of themselves through a fun and creative outlet.

As people spend most of their time indoors, they often find themselves with ample time to learn new habits and skills. This includes picking up one new makeup trick or two, as they do their meditative makeup sessions. By experimenting on different looks, blending, and mixing, they can immerse themselves on a personal creative journey which can help them cope better in overwhelming situations.

With this in mind, Bobbie Cosmetics has rounded up five best ways how makeup can be good for your mental health.

You’re in control of how you look

When dealing with challenges in life, sometimes we feel like we’ve lost dominance on the factors surrounding us. But when engaging in a creative activity as simple as putting makeup on, we regain this sense of control knowing that it is our hands and our brain that get to decide what we want best for ourselves.

It a good expression of self-love

Makeup is a great tool to enhance one’s natural beauty. Instead of having it as something to cover your flaws, it can be a good friend that complements the beauty that you already have. So, just by adding a pop of color on your cheeks to make you look more flushed, or swiping a lipstick that tells your mood for the day, makeup is a good way to boost your self-esteem as you enhance the beauty that already exists in you.

It’s a good break

Even if people are mostly stuck indoors, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have errands to think about. Some may be working from home, and some may be busy pursuing their studies online. That is why doing meditative makeup sessions can help! By dedicating a “makeup me time”, you can pamper yourself to be artistic and playful with different looks. It can be a good time-out from your usual daily routine and is also a great creative exercise for the brain.

It’s a liberating experience

Wearing makeup is more than just a physical experience for many women and other beauty enthusiasts. And, with all the things we need to think about every day, sometimes all you need is to face a mirror, do a little beauty ritual, and immediately, gain an internal sense of accomplishment. We can have a bad day and pull off a great look at night and still, feel a little better about ourselves.

It allows you to thank your skin for what it can do for you

Again, makeup only enhances the beauty that exists in you. And you cannot apply makeup were it not for the skin that allows you to take on this process. Beyond every emotion, makeup, after all, is about feeling comfortable living in your own skin.

So, on your next “me time”, don’t be afraid to do a quick makeup session and discover new ways to look even more beautiful. Bobbie Cosmetics has a wide range of chic and affordable makeup products that one can use as they explore this personal creative journey.

You can practice your contouring skills with the Bobbie Cosmetics Contour and Strobe Palette (P399) and find this collection of versatile shades to be one that can give you defined and flattering features. You can also frame your face glamorously with the Bobbie Cosmetics Retractable Eyebrow Pencil (P165) and fashion a stylish appearance featuring some perfectly shaped brows. To give you a flawless coverage, Bobbie Cosmetics also has a Stippling Brush (P275), which has soft bristles that can make applying foundation, blush, powder, and highlighters so smooth and easy! It also works perfectly for both liquid and cream products to set perfectly on your skin.

Explore new looks with beauty treats from Bobbie Cosmetics. To know more about Bobbie Cosmetics products, visit their Instagram page at @bobbiecosmetics.

NutriAsia wins Bronze Stevie® Award for eco-friendly “Bring Your Own Bote” (BYOB) Campaign

NutriAsia, the leading condiments manufacturer and distributor in the Philippines, was named as a Bronze Stevie® Award winner at the 17th Annual International Business Awards®.

 

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - are eligible to submit nominations. The 2020 IBAs received entries from organizations in 63 nations and territories.

 

More than 3,800 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year, among others.  This year’s competition also featured a number of free-to-enter categories to recognize organizations’ and individuals’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

NutriAsia entered its 2019 “Bring Your Own Bote” (BYOB) Campaign under the competition’s Corporate Responsibility Communications or PR Campaign/Program of the Year category. Launched on July 30, 2019, it pushed the company’s zero-waste advocacy by launching BYOB Stores in Metro Manila.

 

The first store was established at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City. Explicitly designed to be an eco-friendly space, the BYOB Store was half-built with walls made of glass, so the public can see the refill process, while the other half is made out of eco-bricks which include shredded used plastic as a component.

 

Serving as both a refilling and selling station, the BYOB Store encouraged consumers to bring their own reusable containers to stock up on their condiments such as vinegar, soy sauce, catsup, and cooking oil. All products were sold at prices lower than packaged counterparts in the market. BYOB also served as a drop-off point for recyclable plastics, which will be repurposed into school furnishings for its beneficiary school.

 

The first BYOB Store was originally slated to end its operations in September 2019, but due to popular demand, it became a permanent set-up on the location and has since been officially made into the first

 

NutriAsia BYOB branch. Following social distancing protocols for COVID-19 prevention, the NutriAsia BYOB Store in BGC has added new innovations to better serve customers during this time. An online order form via https://cdn.jotfor.ms/nai.byob/orderform as well as cashless payments via GCash and BPI are currently in place to reduce physical contact during transactions.

 

In February 2020, a second branch in Quezon City was set up in partnership with the local government unit (LGU).

 

So far, as of March 2020, the BYOB campaign has already refilled more than 2,000 bottles of condiments and collected 1,000 kilos of plastics for repurposing. NutriAsia says it is receiving more inquiries from other local government units and private entities that want to put up their own BYOB stores.

 

As the ongoing COVID-19 crisis will prevent winners from receiving their awards on stage during a traditional gala IBA banquet, winners will be celebrated instead during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, 1 December.

 

NOVUHAIR® Congratulates ADP Pharma

 ADP Pharma Corporation is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. 

The company established its position in the pharma industry through successful endeavors in all aspects of operations. Its ambition to give Filipinos with the best helped ADP cap off each year with new product developments and partnerships. 

ADP is a team of driven & passionate people, who keep themselves abreast with recent trends in the pharma industry, set with a major advantage in addressing current & future market needs in an era where value-creation for consumers is a must. 

Leading up to where they are now -- Ambition, Drive, and Passion are what makes them and these are what gave them a decade of rewarding their team as they reward the Filipinos with a wealth of health. 

Read more: https://bit.ly/2Hct4DX

5 tips for safe grocery shopping

With this pandemic currently going on, one of the things that is surely on everyone’s mind is staying safe and healthy, especially while doing groceries and getting essentials for the home.

As we all know by now, there’s no harm in taking extra precautions—with these tips, you can minimize the risks you take while shopping for groceries:

1. Wear full protective equipment

While sometimes, wearing a face mask can be enough, you might also want to consider wearing a full set of protective gear. Face shields and gloves can definitely help with reducing the risk of contracting illnesses.

2. Go during off-peak hours and days

If possible, you should try going to the supermarket when there are fewer people around. Try going to the store on weekdays and during early mornings to avoid the rush of shoppers.

3. Keep a list and stick to it

The less time you spend in the actual grocery store, the better. Before going to the supermarket, make a list of all the items you really need so you know where to go and finish shopping quickly. Sticking to your list also helps you in preventing unnecessary purchases.

4. Avoid using cash and disinfect your items

If you’re able to, consider paying for your groceries either with card or other forms of contactless payment. Paper money has a higher risk of carrying viruses and diseases, so the less contact with other people, the better. Don’t forget to disinfect your hands as well as the items you bought with alcohol or disinfectant sprays!

5. Shop for your groceries online

For those who really want to stay the safest while still getting the things they need, online shopping is always an option. Most brands are already available from your favorite online stores. All you need to do is wait for your orders, disinfect the products once they arrive, and they’re ready to use!

One such brand that’s now available online is NutriAsia—with an online store on both Lazada and Shopee, you can now shop for your trusted and beloved Silver Swan, Datu Puti, UFC, Golden Fiesta, Mang Tomas, Locally, Papa, and Jufran food products in the safest way possible!

To start shopping for NutriAsia online, just visit their e-stores on Shopee (https://shopee.ph/nutriasiaofficialstore) and Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/nutriasia/).

Canva for Education announces an exclusive Care Bears™ collection to empower teachers with resources to nurture students through social emotional learning

Global online design platform Canva, in partnership with The Care Bears brand owner Cloudco Entertainment, announces the immediate release of a collection of Care Bears™ templates exclusively for its Canva for Education community; a collection which further encourages and inspires creativity and connection in the classroom - in both a virtual and physical environment.

Online classes will be the major learning delivery method for the majority of academic institutions across the Philippines. With the traditional face-to-face setup pinned to the side, Filipino educators are adapting to new ways of teaching, rethinking how to provide students with meaningful social-emotional learning tools, as well as ways to keep students engaged.

The Care Bears collection, exclusive to the Canva for Education community, includes:

Educational worksheets to enhance engagement in the classroom and reach key learning goals;

Creative and fun ice-breaker activities;

Wellness activities focusing on social-emotional development; plus

Care Bears Classroom kits, providing teachers with a touch of magic to bring any classroom to life.

Carly Daff, Canva for Education’s Director of Product, said collaborating with such a global and nostalgic brand was a coup for the organization’s core education audience, because the Care Bear characters and what they stand for perfectly aligns with Canva’s values.

“So far, 2020 is fast becoming one of the most unsettling years for humanity. Now more than ever, we need to take a proactive stance to ensure our kids are being taught how to recognize and express their emotions, manage stress, as well as learn how to care for themselves and have compassion for others,” explained Daff.

“The loveable Care Bears characters empower teachers to help students address their social and emotional development with characters we all know and love. This all-new collection contains vital resources that can be used in a physical or virtual setting, perfect for encouraging connection and creativity in the classroom,” she further stated.

Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, a registered psychologist with a focus in working with children and families, as well as an ambassador for the Care Bears and Canva for Education partnership, explains the importance of social-emotional learning in schools today.

“Social-emotional learning provides educators with an “open portal” to the heart and mind of a child,” said Dr. Lapointe. “This in turn, gives us the ability to shape the growing brain from within in a more meaningful and effective way; it’s an approach that goes a long way towards helping kids become more available to learning. The Care Bears templates are a fun and engaging way to kick off a meaningful conversation with students - it helps break the ice and can be used again and again to check in with them and gain a better understanding of their current state of mind,” furthered Dr. Lapointe.

“As we continue to prepare for this year’s balik eskwela, we at Canva are excited to share the Care Bear collection to Filipino educators who use Canva for Education in their classes. We hope to spread positivity to young learners, and instill the importance of being in-touch with their emotions and feelings, while also understanding the value of caring for others through a fun learning experience,” said Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva Philippines Country Head.

Kristeen Tibbits, Care Bears’ Head of Marketing, added, “Our desire for positivity fuels today’s focus on personal growth and evolution. We’re craving sunshine and rainbows - even when we’re feeling blue. That’s what the The Care Bears offer. We couldn’t be more excited to bring these messages to children and their education just when they need it most,” concluded Tibbits.

All of these are available for free for the Canva for Education community - http://canva.me/carebear. Register for your free account at: www.canva.com/education. 

Help boost your kid’s immunity with these nutritious, easy-to-make everyday meals

Eating right and healthy is one way that kids can get proper nutrition and build their foundation of strong immunity as they grow. There are many delicious dishes, often made with high-nutrient ingredients, that moms can cook for their kids to ensure they receive the right amount of vitamins and minerals to support their development. 

To get their little ones started on having a balanced diet, moms can get into the habit of letting their children help in preparing meals. Cooking together is a good way to bond in the kitchen and teach them the basics of nutritious food.

Here are some easy-to-cook and nutrient-packed dishes that are best paired with a glass of Vitaminized Lactum 3+ for added benefits of immuno-nutrients Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, and Selenium for their immune system and DHA, Iron, Iodine, Calcium, and Vitamin D to support brain and bone development: 

Perfect for starting the day right

Cloud Eggs

Put an interesting twist to the breakfast staple, scrambled egg or sunny side up, with this simple Cloud Eggs recipe. It only requires three ingredients which can easily be found in the kitchen: eggs, salt, and cheese. The steps are as follows:

1. Separate egg yolk from the white. Add a small pinch of salt to the egg whites and whip it until it forms clouds or stiff peaks.  

2. Put the cheese and fold it in the egg whites. 

3. Transfer on a baking sheet and put in the oven to bake for three minutes. 

4. Add the yolk in the center of the nest and bake it for another three minutes. 

An alternative to this recipe is the Eggs in the Nest which puts the egg on top of a toasted bread. Eggs are a known source of protein and iron which are helpful for bones and brain development. It also contains Vitamins D and E, Zinc, and Selenium to help support a healthy immune system. 

Comfort food in the rainy season

Almondigas (Meatballs and Noodle Soup)

There is no better dish to enjoy during a cold, rainy day than a warm and comforting bowl of soup. Kids will love the classic Almondigas which has savory meatballs paired with thin flour noodles or misua. Prep the necessary ingredients which include ground pork, patola, misua noodles, egg, onion, garlic, fish sauce, beef cube, flour, salt, and pepper. Steps are listed below: 

1. Make the meatballs by mixing the ground pork, onion, egg, salt, pepper and flour in a large bowl. Set it aside. 

2. Sauté the garlic and onions. Add beef cube and fish sauce. 

3. Pour water and let it boil. 

4. Scoop meat and form it into a ball shape then place in the boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes. 

5. Add patola and misua and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy with kids. 

The soup with patola is rich in Vitamin C and iron which support the proper functioning of immune cells to help protect the body from infections, and diseases.

Ginisang Monggo 

It’s often told by grandparents that monggo is best enjoyed on a Friday, but kids love to have this anytime of the week. The recipe of this protein-packed dish has been passed on from generation to generation and it has ampalaya and malunggay leaves for extra nutrition for the kids. Ready the mung beans (monggo), thinly sliced pork, ampalaya or malunggay leaves, garlic, onion, tomato, pepper, beef cube, and fish sauce, and follow the following steps: 

1. Boil water in a pan. Put the mung beans and simmer until soft. 

2. On a separate pan, sauté garlic, onion and tomato, and pork for 5 minutes. 

3. Put beef cube and fish sauce. Let it simmer until the meat is tender.

4. Pour in the cooked mung beans, stir and simmer for 10 minutes. 

5. Add the leaves and sprinkle pepper for taste. Serve hot and enjoy. 

Kids will definitely get a fill of nutrients from this dish as monggo beans are a great source of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, iron, selenium, and zinc, which are helpful in supporting a healthy immune system.

Healthy merienda treats 

Potato Carrot Cheese Balls 

After a day of online classes, kids would want to take a break and indulge in tasty afternoon snacks. Moms can reward their kids with a generous serving of Potato Carrot Cheese Balls which can also come in different creative shapes and sizes. It is also a good food for the brain and body as cheese contains high amounts of Vitami.n A, zinc and potato has potassium and Vitamin C.

Apple Lactum 3+ Milkshake 

Cool down during hot afternoons with an ice-cold refreshing glass of Apple Lactum Milkshake. Paired with three balanced meals per day, this drink is not only tasty with the addition of apple which is high in fiber and Vitamin C, it is also nutritious with Lactum 3+ containing immuno-nutrients: Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc and Selenium that help strengthen your child’s immunity. Beyond immunity, it also has key nutrients DHA, iron and iodine for the brain and calcium and Vitamin D to help in bone development. Moms can use the plain flavor with the shake or liven up the recipe by making it with the yummy Chocolate flavor. 

Enjoyable in plain and delectable Chocolate flavors, the Vitaminized Lactum 3+ is the perfect complement with three balanced meals to help kids meet their daily nutritional needs. Read more about how the Vitaminized Lactum 3+ can support children’s development at home by visiting Lactum’s official website at https://www.lactum3.com/. For more delicious and nutrient-filled recipes, go to https://www.lactum3.com/recipes.