Want Exclusive Perks and Discounts from Pampers? Join Shopee Mom's Club Now!

For over 60 years, Power Parents have trusted Pampers to help provide care for their babies. The healthy development of your baby is a responsibility that the brand takes to heart. Your baby’s safety also drives us to continue making better products to help keep your baby comfortable, happy, and active. 

Dianne Medina with son Joaquin

Endorsed by The Skin Health Alliance and approved by Smart Parenting Moms worldwide, Pampers keeps your baby protected from the threat of rashes all throughout different seasons. Even on colder months, your baby can still experience kulob due to trapped heat in their diaper. To help ease Power Parents with their baby’s skin health worries, Pampers has released the NEW 2-in-1 Rash Shield earlier this year that has provided long-lasting protection to babies nationwide.

Only Pampers Pants can keep babies all-around protected from rashes, now that the NEW Pampers Rash Shield protection is powered by Lotion with Aloe. This new variant of Pampers Pants with Rash Shield with ALOE has improved leak and skin protection cues, wider diaper perception, and new fresh aloe scent. Happy babies have since danced and moved freely without signs of discomfort with Pampers’ improved protection from rashes and leaks.

To further help you provide your baby the quality care and safety they deserve, Pampers is also offering day and night protection deals for baby’s all-year round through the Shopee Mom’s Club! 

 

Dani Barretto with daughter Millie

 

Join Shopee Mom’s Club Now!

Who doesn’t love great deals, discounts, gifts, and an encouraging community? Now, Power Parents like you can enjoy all of these through the Shopee Mom’s Club! Shopee Mom’s Club is a membership-based one-stop shop for Mom buyers, and mom and child skewed brands where you can enjoy welcome gifts and samples from Pampers through Mom’s Club. On top of this, you can also access exclusive vouchers, deals, and product launches from Pampers. 

Join and be part of the growing community in Shopee Mom’s Club, where everyone can also participate in webinars and livestreams centered on topics for moms, kids and babies. 

Pampers continues to find ways to make better products for your baby while continuing with the promise to also lessen your worries as a Power Parent.

Don’t miss out on the great deals and exclusive perks when you join the Shopee Mom’s Club now where you can purchase Pampers products with discounts! Stay posted for more announcements on exclusive activities and limited deals from Pampers.

Christmas Feast Ideas That You'll Love

There are two traditional feasts that Filipino families often look forward to during Christmastime: the Christmas Eve Noche Buena and the one that follows on the 25th itself, which is often held as part of a festive family reunion. Either way, expect those in charge of preparing the dishes to pull out all the stops to serve the most delectable food on the table for everyone to enjoy. 

And if that happens to be you, chances are high that you already have some recipes in mind to make each of these feasts a gastronomic delight to remember. They might even be all-time family favorites, or even hand-me-downs from your great-great grandparents. Having said that, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to learn a few more recipes just to keep things fresh and put something different on the table for Christmas. Two that are guaranteed to make you look like Master Chef are Meatballs in Black Truffle Sauce and Three-Cheese Truffle Macaroni and Cheese.

The recipes are as follows:

Meatballs in Black Truffle Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 slices white bread crusts removed, broken into pieces

• scant 2/3 cup whole milk

• 2 1/4 cups finely minced ground beef (or a mixture of meats, such as pork, chicken or turkey)

• 1/2 cup meat pâté

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Plain all-purpose flour, for dusting

• Olive oil for frying

FOR THE BLACK TRUFFLE SAUCE

• 1 tablespoon + 2 tsp butter

• A drizzle of olive oil

• 1 bunch spring onions scallions, finely chopped

• 1 carrot finely chopped

• 1 heaped cup button or oyster mushrooms finely chopped

• 3 1/2 tablespoon plain all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup white wine

• 2 cups beef chicken or vegetable stock

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary

• 1/2 cup double heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon Umbria Black Truffle Sauce

Instructions

1. Place the bread in a bowl and pour over the milk. Set aside to soak.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the meat and the pâté. Add the soaked bread and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Form meatballs by rolling walnut-sized pieces of the mixture between your hands. They should be about 1oz each. Dust the meatballs in flour.

3. Heat some oil in a shallow pan over a medium-high heat and fry the meatballs just until they are golden. Do not overcook at this stage as we are going to finish them in the sauce. Set aside.

4. To make the sauce, heat the butter and olive oil in a pan over a medium-low heat and add the finely chopped spring onions, carrot and mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the onion is transparent. Reduce the temperature to low and add the flour to the pan, stirring with a wooden spoon to make a roux. Cook for about 4 minutes and then add the wine, continuing to stir until you get a paste and the alcohol has evaporated, then add the stock with the salt and rosemary. Keep stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens, then add the cream, stirring so that the mixture doesn’t split or curdle. Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes.

5. Put Umbria Black Truffle Sauce into the sauce, mix and fold and serve hot.

Three-Cheese Truffle Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter, divided

1 cup mushroom (75 g), sliced

1 pinch salt

1 pinch pepper

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk (240 mL)

1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (110 g)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)

2 cups shell pasta (400 g), cooked

TOPPINGS

½ teaspoon Umbria truffle oil

1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Preparation

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook until the mushrooms are softened. Remove from the pot.

2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the flour to the pot. Whisk until the flour is toasted, approximately 2 minutes.

3. Add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce is thickened.

4. Whisk in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses and season with salt and pepper.

5. Add the cooked pasta and mushrooms. Mix until the sauce coats the pasta well.

6. Top with Umbria truffle oil, fold and add chives.

Of course, it’s understandable that you’d stop at nothing to make these year’s Christmas celebrations as grand as possible. After all, last year’s Holidays were mostly muted due to the pandemic. Now, the scourge that is COVID-19 is still here, but the country is showing signs of recovery and the quarantine restrictions are easing as a result. 

However, that doesn’t mean you and your family should be letting your guard down. Rather, continue to be vigilant even as you think of ways to gather everyone this Christmastime—ideally, sharing some sumptuous Meatballs in Umbria Black Truffle Sauce and servings of mouthwatering Three-Cheese Umbria White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese.

Merry Christmas!

Ajinomoto and Municipality of Cainta partner to fight malnutrition with Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! Program

The Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group and the Municipality of Cainta held a hybrid ceremonial contract signing event last December 3, 2021 to mark their commitment to  strengthen  the Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! (MPPT) program in a bid to address malnutrition in the country. The event was held in Banquet Hall East, Filinvest East, Cainta and broadcasted in a virtual meeting.

 

MPPT, a program launched by APC Group in 2018, aims to promote the practice of Pinggang Pinoy®, an easy-to-understand healthy food plate guide for Filipinos developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

 

“This program embodies our Nutrition Commitment towards extending the healthy life expectancy of Filipinos. We also recognize the importance of our collaboration with the local government unit of Cainta. Together, we will create an ecosystem that would make the MPPT program effective and sustainable,” said APC Group President Tsutomu Nara during the event.

 

The Ajinomoto Group’s Nutrition Commitment is to help extend the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people by 2030 utilizing its expertise in Amino Science. This allows the company to support delicious salt reduction using umami, provide products to contribute to people's wellness and provide health and nutrition improvement information as well as easy recipes/menus.

 

Joining APC President Nara in representing the company is Mr. Hironori Aoki, Director, Marketing, Sales and Public Relations. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Cainta was represented by Hon. Mayor Johnielle Keith “Kit” Nieto and its Municipal Health Officer Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga. Also in attendance were representatives of MPPT partners and supporters: UPLB-MPPT Project Team led by Dr. Angelina DR. Felix of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food- College of Human Ecology, UPLB; Dr. Pauline Jean Rossel-Ubial, former Secretary of Health; and Ms. Sarah Coe, Redscope Communications CEO.

 

“Thank you Ajinomoto for this opportunity, for having decided to give back, and for your willingness and your generosity in providing us everything we need. There is actually a lot more to do for us just to make sure that the people are always healthy.” said Hon. Mayor Johnielle Keith “Kit” Nieto in his address to the company and all the people that make MPPT possible.

 

The APC Group, Cainta, and its MPPT advocates are determined to combat malnutrition especially amid the ongoing pandemic where food systems have been disrupted and have continued to affect vulnerable groups like children. In line with this, the drafted MPPT program in Cainta consists of the following: (1) online capacity building of community health workers, (2) online nutrition education of homemakers, and (3) one-meal dietary supplementation among identified undernourished children for 120 days.

 

“This is truly one of the most important projects of the APC Group,” said Hironori Aoki, APC Group Director of Marketing, Sales and Public Relations. “Ajinomoto is not only a food company but a solution providing company guided by the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV) with a mission to help resolve emerging social issues such as malnutrition through thoughtful initiatives.”

 

For more information about the MPPT program, visit ajinomoto.com.ph today.

REX Education and PEAC Launch Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan—A Scholarship Program to Champion, Strengthen, and Uplift Teacher Education

“Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions.” Teachers are living vessels of knowledge and of dreams and aspirations of children whose voices fill teachers’ hearts and minds. As such, we recognize that lifelong learners need lifelong teachers—both championing education toward a better future for all.

With the desire to fuel hope and inspire action among Edukampyons, REX Education and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) launched the PEAC–REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan, a scholarship program that aims to champion, strengthen, and advance teacher education by encouraging the best and brightest learners to pursue the teaching profession.

Addressing the Challenges Faced by the Education Sector

According to the 2018 OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, Filipino students ranked the lowest among 79 countries in mathematics, science, and reading, with over 80% of students not reaching the minimum level of proficiency in reading. In a 2019research conducted by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), scores of Filipino students decreased by 61 points in mathematics and by 83 points in science from 2003 to 2019. The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) also found that in 2019, at least 83% of Grade 5 students scored below reading and mathematics standards expected for end of primary schooling.

According to the World Bank Philippines Report 2021: “Improving teacher quality in schools will mean attracting and selecting the best candidates into the teaching profession. To strengthen teacher quality, [we] should begin from selecting the right people into the profession. Policies in teacher recruitment and hiring should be aimed at increasing the attractiveness of the career, such as incentivizing high achievers to pursue teacher training and eventually enter into the profession.”

Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan

The Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan scholarship program rings true to REX Education’s Edukampyon advocacy: to rally every Filipino to champion education so that every learner is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and values-oriented. As Edukampyons, we are duty-bound to uplift the Filipino learners today and in the future—and help make them whole. The time to act is now.

By encouraging the best and the brightest to pursue the teaching profession, we are investing in our learners and in the future of Philippine education. By being partners, we are working together to build and strengthen the path toward a brighter tomorrow for all of us, for our nation. By supporting the program, we are giving back to the teaching profession the highest honor and prestige it deserves.

“Teaching is a profession that has the power and influence to inspire the grooming of the greatest artists, doctors, and innovators. So, it is essential as Edukampyons to look into how we can advance and strengthen the quality of teachers and instructors… from basic education to the tertiary level. We seek for the best and the brightest to work with us, commit to the profession, and start creating a rippled effect as we enhance teachers’ quality today. This small act that we are doing in the present can have a great impact on all of our futures,” said Don Timothy Buhain, chief executive officer of REX Education during the launch of the program on October 5, 2021.

What’s Next?

REX Education and PEAC are here for you. Students can apply for the program through their respective schools; while schools can nominate their top students for the scholarship, to encourage good-standing students to pursue Teacher Education for their tertiary education. 

REX Education and PEAC will also partner with teacher education centers of excellence (COEs) and centers of development (CODs) across the country to grant the scholarships, ensuring quality education and training for future teachers. 

By school year 2022–2023, 50 of the best and brightest freshmen will be selected across four basic education specializations: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Those admitted to the program will not only enjoy living and technology-support allowances; they will also receive the best training from partner COEs and CODs across the country and bear the pride and responsibility to give back and advance the community.

Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan was launched through a virtual event that gathered educators and representatives from PEAC, REX Education, Philippine Business of Education, ASEAN Teacher Education Network, the Department of Education, and the Commission on Higher Education. Apart from launching the initiative, it was also a celebration of teachers across the country in time for World Teachers’ Month.

Those who missed the event can still watch it via REX Education Facebook page.

Kembot Nation: How to Join the Largest Baby Dance Group in the Philippines

Whenever we’re faced with unfamiliar situations, fear and anxiousness can take over us. Much like adults, babies experience feelings of uncertainty too. To build confidence and avoid timidity, we want to encourage Power Parents to let babies try new experiences that can positively impact their developmental growth. Studies have shown that dancing along to music has long-lasting benefits for babies, especially during the most critical period of their development. 

One factor that can affect your baby’s health is diaper rashes. This condition not only affects their skin but also leaves them uncomfortable, keeping them from developmental milestones. But not to worry, Power Parents!

Pampers is dedicated to help Power Parents provide their babies a comfortable, healthy development. The NEW Pampers Rash Shield with Lotion with Aloe helps babies maintain good skin and overall health, so they can be their most active and be comfortable to kembot as much as they please. Pampers Pants provide an all-around protection from rashes because of the elevated skin health proposition, Rash Shield with ALOE ingredient, improved leg leak guard, skin protection cues & wider diaper perception, and new fresh aloe scent. 

With the protection of the new Pampers Rash Shield with Lotion with Aloe, babies have adorably showcased how they kembot the rashes away with Pampers’ newest Kembot Nation jingle. Now, you and your babies can join in on the fun of the largest baby dance group!

Pampers wants to see how adorably cute your babies can kembot the rashes away. Simply go to the official Pampers Philippines TikTok page and record your baby’s kembot using the audio of the latest video. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #PampersPH and tag @PampersPH on TikTok.

Check out some of these amazing kembot moves from babies all over the nation!

 

With the added improved leg leak guard & skin protection cues of Pampers Rash Shield with Lotion with Aloe babies can’t help but to move and groove to the beat of the Kembot Nation jingle. You too can kembot along!

Protect your baby from the threats of rashes with each kembot to Lazada and Shopee! Purchase the NEW Pampers Pants with Rash Shield and Lotion with Aloe and be part of #PampersKembotNation!

PASKONG PINOY AT KULTURA

Santa wearing a barong and a salakot as he comes to town with a lechon . . . amazing foldable Christmas lanterns that bring the spirit of Christmas everywhere . . . translucent capiz shell ornaments in angel, star, and tree designs.

        Kultura’s curated Christmas decors made by local artisan will bring paskong pinoy close to your heart. Have these in your home or send these to your loved ones abroad who long to be home for Christmas, to friends who wish to add a homespun touch to their home office, or to foreign business associates who want to know more about our country.

        In the Philippines, the parol has become an iconic symbol of the Filipino Christmas and is as important to Filipinos as the Christmas tree is to Western cultures.  

        Kultura’s creatively crafted lanterns will light up the Christmas skies at home and abroad. There are foldable fabric parols proudly made by the Kababaihan ng Maynila Foundation, available in red, green and gold; abaca lanterns made by empowered Sorsogon artisans; elegant parols made from capiz shells with a beautiful, soft glow when lit.  

        Even Santa goes homespun dressed in a salakot and barong outfit. These Filipino-themed Santa ornaments carry gifts of Filipino icons such as lechon, sorbetes, bahay kubo and jeepney - bringing nostalgic childhood memories to you.   

        There are also abaca wreaths and ornaments, as well as capiz shell nativity sets and angel candle holders. 

        Now shipping worldwide - check out www.kulturafilipino.com for all things uniquely Filipino holiday decor and have it delivered here and abroad conveniently.   

        Let's Support Local together! Kultura’s Christmas Décor are handcrafted by artisanal communities in the Philippines. Help preserve crafts and traditions and sustain these communities by providing them with opportunities for livelihood. 

        The Christmas Décor Collection is available at Kultura Stores. You can also shop thru Kultura’s Website: http://www.kulturafilipino.com or thru Call to Deliver 0917-5174096 / 0967-6093407. Kultura ships here and abroad.

PCPPI takes concrete action on employees mental well-being

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the daily activities of Filipinos, as well as their mental health. According to a study by mental health firm MindNation, more than half of Filipino workers have experienced mental health challenges this year. Reports from June stated 53% of the 6,000 respondents said they worry about health risks and financial pressures brought about by the pandemic.

Given this challenge, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the countrycontinues to raise awareness and take action on mental health in the work place. They capped the 2021 World Mental Health Day with a mental wellness program aimed at promoting and teaching mindfulness among its employees. 

PCPPI invited Doc. Esteesa Legaspi, a registered guidance counsellor and a resource speaker. She taught various methods to practice Self-compassion, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility as a way to empower ones self to be able to empower others.

The session forms part of PCPPIs Mind Matters Programs which started in 2019 to deliver learning programs to support a mentally healthy working environment. Under this program, the company has offered learning session on reducing stress and building resiliency in the time of pandemic. 

Last year, PCPPI invited Dr. Iris Radev, a medical doctor practicing in Canada, and founder of the Filipino Success Movement, to share her Headspace Mindfulness Techniques. She highlighted the mindfulness approach through discovering intentions, demonstrating mindful acts, and developing consistency, all targeted to create a purposeful work environment in PCPPI. 

PCPPI understands the negative effects of this pandemic on our employees mental health. At this point, mental health awareness needs to be elevated to taking action. That is what we advocate at PCPPI. Through this program, we hope to equip our employees on how they can effectively take care of themselves and their mental health, said PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong. 

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of well-known beverage brands in the Philippines: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina. 

UNBOX THE FUN WITH MINISO BLIND BOX COLLECTION

Japanese lifestyle retailer Miniso creates a new way of unboxing surprises for a more fun and exciting shopping experience with its latest BLIND BOX Collection.

The idea of Blind Box packaging is a trend wherein the unwrapping moment brings layered experiences such as happiness, excitement and fun. This is aligned with Miniso’s belief that “Life is for fun”, and both kids and adults will enjoy opening these limited Miniso Blind Boxes.

What’s inside these boxes? Collections of princesses and villains from Disney, Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears, Budding Pop, and Icarer Family that echo the youth’s passion and hobby for 2D pop culture, and model toy play that are in affordable prices.

Conveniently shop for this limited  Miniso Blind Box Collection in-store or online via shop.minisoph.com. For more updates, follow MinisoPhilippines in Facebook and Miniso PH in Instagram.          

Get a SENDali remittance experience with Smart Padala with these easy-to-follow steps!

Sending and receiving remittances is now more convenient and accessible -especially with trusted Smart Padala agents ready to give you a SENDali padala experience, only 6 minutes away from wherever you are!     

To show just how easy it is to send and receive money through its widest agent network, Smart Padala by PayMaya launched its new SENDali video. This TV commercial features a fun new jingle to the tune of the 2000s hit song, Shalala Lala by the Vengaboys and easy-to-follow dance steps that you’ll surely enjoy! 

   

Send money via your go-to Smart Padala agent  

Take a few steps to your left and a little to your right - that’s how easy it is to find a Smart Padala agent to complete your SENDali transaction! With Smart Padala’s widest network of over 60,000 agent touchpoints nationwide, ​it’s easy to access convenient remittance transactions! Now all that’s left to do is share the name and mobile number of your recipient to send that much-needed padala!    

   

Receive money wherever you are   

 Hold out your hand to the Smart Padala agent and konting kembot lang, you can already receive remittance from your loved ones here and abroad! With Smart Padala’s Claim Anywhere service, you no longer have to provide the 16-digital Smart Padala number to the sender.  All they need is your name and mobile number. Once the padala is sent, SENDali na lang ang pag-claim because you can simply head to a Smart Padala agent just 6 minutes away from you and present your claim reference number.     

   

Send your padalove from the comforts of your home  

Don’t have time to go out? No problem! Within a few taps on your PayMaya app, your padala can already be received at the Smart Padala agent near your recipient! On your PayMaya app homepage, simply tap Send Money, input the 16-digit Smart Padala number of your recipient’s trusted agent, input the amount and hit send! Now all that’s left to do is share the reference number to your recipient so they can easily claim your padala!    

   

A play between the words send and dali - SENDali promises customers a hassle-free remittance experience with Smart Padala. This is made possible by Smart Padala’s widest and most accessible network of over 60,000 agent touchpoints nationwide – present within 6 minutes away from you.  

   

Apart from a convenient SENDali remittance experience, Smart Padala also offers exclusive rewards for its customers. From November 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022, Smart Padala is giving away P3,000,000 worth of prizes where two (2) lucky winners will take home a grand prize of P1,000,000 ​each, nine (9) winners will enjoy a P50,000 prize ​each, and sixty (60) winners will take home P10,000 each! To earn a raffle entry, simply send or claim at least P500 worth of padala at your trusted Smart Padala agent. You can even earn two (2) raffle entries for your transaction if you send or claim over P2,000.    

   

Smart Padala agents are present in 92% of the cities and municipalities across the country and are accessible within minutes in your barangay. With this, it's now easier than ever to send money to your friends and family, and make them feel your love, even miles away from home.     

   

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government.     

   

It provides more than 41 million Filipinos with access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.       

   

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more details on Smart Padala, visit https://smartpadala.ph/.  

A delightful and techy Holiday experience at SM ChristmaSaya Village

The season of joy is near! With the number of COVID cases going down, we can all look forward to Christmas with newfound excitement and giddy anticipation! Of course, we should still celebrate with caution, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a great time with our loved ones. With fun tech like augmented reality, we can rediscover our favorite SM mall, meet friends, shop to our heart’s delight, and play games with loved ones without leaving our homes! 

How? SM Supermalls has come up with the awesome virtual ChristmaSaya Village to bring everyone together. Read on and find out all the fun things you can enjoy in this delightful tech experience. 

Reimagined Christmas shopping and dining. Imagine that you can shop and visualize products in real-time from the comfort of your own home. Sounds awesome, right? You can do just that with SM ChristmaSaya Village! First, register online at smchristmasayavillage.ph to join this awesome augmented reality shopping experience from November 22 – December 25. You can create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games.  SM’s ChristmaSaya Village lets you immerse in virtual Christmas zones — from dining to shopping!

Festive Christmas centerpieces and a fun play area. Even when you’re staying at home, you can still enjoy SM Supermalls’ merry and bright Christmas centerpieces at the virtual ChristmaSaya Village. But of course, nothing beats seeing the real thing -- the sparkle, the colorful lights, and the dazzling size of these centerpieces! So, if you’re going to be shopping at SM, be sure to stop by and see them in person and take photos with family and friends to capture the joyous moment. Be enthralled by the 32-feet Christmas tree centerpiece at SM City Clark Pampanga, be giddy with excitement over SM Aura’s romance-themed centerpiece featuring regal swans and gorgeous red trees and be spellbound by the magical Christmas garden with a 45-foot Christmas tree surrounded by multi-colored butterflies at SM Megamall. 

Exciting prizes, deals, and discounts. While exploring key areas, shoppers can find and collect coins in random gift boxes, which they can use to redeem vouchers based on the equivalent value of your coins. Use these vouchers for your Christmas shopping, have fun, and win more – the sky’s the limit!

The pandemic may have changed the way we traditionally celebrate Christmas but with innovations like ChristmaSaya Village from SM, there are now so many fun things we can do with friends and families even we’re not physically together! We may be apart, but let’s find ways to come together and bask in hope, joy, and love during this most wonderful time of the year! 

SM implements strict #SafeMallingAtSM protocols nationwide and offers an equally convenient online shopping option with the SM Malls Online app on Google Play or App Store. For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

KIDDIE CREW WORKSHOP OF MCDONALD’S PHILIPPINES RETURNS…….ONLINE!

Time to bond with your kids as McDonald’s Philippines is bringing the first-ever all-digital Kiddie Crew Online Workshop to your homes. Better to expose to everything that sparks their interest, you can encourage them to bring their curiosity to life and keep them active. Even outside the virtual classroom, it is important that they are able to continue learning and explore their creativity. McDonald’s Philippines is once again bringing back the workshop in an exciting digital set-up. Spanning the weekends of November 20 to December 29, each McDonald’s Kiddie Crew online Workshop will be a 2-day session, each lasting 90 minutes in the afternoon.

In a first for McDonald’s Philippines, kids can look forward to having fun-filled afternoons with the return of the Kiddie Crew Workshop – now serving smiles and learnings online! Exciting games and lesson-filled activities await; experience fun and play with McDonald’s through the first-ever online Kiddie Crew Workshop! A well-beloved event of McDonald’s spanning over 29 years, kids and parents alike have looked forward to the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew every year, providing them with not only fun activities that impart values such as discipline and teamwork, but also precious bonding time together.

Housed through a website, children will be guided as they go through a virtual McDonald’s store. Various points in the digital area will let children hop from one activity to another – from dancing, to singing, to playing fun games where they can learn more about the different Kiddie Crew values of discipline, hard work, teamwork, sharing & responsibility, and active play! Even better, attendees will also be accompanied by Ronald and the Gang throughout, making their online workshop experience even more exciting!

For a registration fee of only P499, customers will not only get access to the 2-day online workshop, but also a 1-day Workshop Meal (Happy Meal 1-pc. Chicken McDo with drink) and their very own Workshop Kit (Chef’s Hat, Apron, Bag, and Cap) with a FREE Kiddie Crew T-Shirt and Lanyard!

“Since its launch in 1991, McDonald’s Kiddie Crew has become a well-loved and iconic summer workshop for kids all over the Philippines. With its virtual comeback, we’re happy to share this new— and first of its kind— experience where McDonald’s helps kids stay active, learn values, and build skills despite the online setup,” said Oliver Rabatan, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Channels.

Now ongoing online the registration for the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop. Just visit www.mcdokiddiecrew.com to sign up your kid/s for a slot, view more information on the workshop, and even to purchase more goodies for you and your kids through the Kiddie Crew Shop.

SHARE- A- TOY AT THE SM STORE

SM shoppers can play Santa to less fortunate kids this Christmas in The SM Store and Toy Kingdom’s Share a Toy project, from November 1 to December 31, 2021.

Sharing toys is sharing joys. All glammed with their adorable face paints, these girls happily display their pastel colored plush toys from The SM Store during the Share A Toy campaign.

Share a Toy booths with bag of toys, play sets, educational board games and novelty will be set up in all The SM Store and Toy Kingdom branches nationwide. Here, shoppers will have the chance to bring and donate pre-loved or brand new toys that they can purchase from The SM Store’s Toy Express and Toy Kingdom.

Little boys from Looc Elementary School in Batangas happily raise their new plush toys from The SM Store during the Share A Toy project.

They will be entitled to a P100 discount coupon for every item donated which can be redeemed on a minimum single-receipt purchase worth P1000. 

 These toys will be donated to thousands of less fortunate children from The SM Store and SM Foundation’s partner organization within the branch vicinities. These include organizations catering to kids 10 years old and below, schools, socio civic and government organizations, and NGOs in a simple turnover ceremony that can be also be done online.

Little girls from Eugenia Ravasco Day Care Center in Paranaque City were some of the recipients during the Share A Toy campaign.

 

 Through the Share A Toy campaign under the SM Share Movement, The SM Store and its loyal customers join together to celebrate this joyous season of giving and hope with a generous heart as a way of bringing smiles to children and sharing the happiness and hope to them even amid pandemic. Other SM Store also campaigns like Donate a Book and Share a Gift have received overwhelming support from customers.

 Share A Toy purchases and donations are also valid in-store and Call To Deliver transactions. For more updates about the SM Share Movement and ways on how you could donate, visit www.thesmstore.com and follow its social media pages @thesmstore on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Live Safe with Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol

With the nationwide vaccination program in full force, Filipinos can slowly enjoy various activities such as more dining options as well as doing physical activities by going to the gym. However, health experts continue to remind everyone to not let their guards down even as we gradually go back to normal. 

As there are reports of new and potentially more contagious variants, everyone must remain vigilant through following established health protocols and getting vaccinated so we can all continue to live safe and prevent the cases from surging again. 

That’s why when we do essential errands such as buying groceries, exercising outdoors, or simply going outside, disinfecting our hands and any surface we interact with goes a long way to ensure living safely for me and my family. 

One way to prevent the spread of the virus is by always carrying a trusted rubbing alcohol brand that contains at least 70& alcohol solution whenever you go outdoors like Defensil.

Do you know that Defensil 70% Solution Isopropyl Alcohol is recommended by the Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM)? It can kill 99.9% of common germs and bacteria starts to kill them on contact so that you can safely do the activities you love wherever you are. Defensil also provides up to 12 hours of protection upon constant use so that you are protected and do activities with ease. 

Skin dryness from too frequent sanitizing will also not be a worry as Defensil has moisturizing properties and is hypoallergenic, giving you one less thing to worry about when going indoors. 

 "We are 100% behind the government in their efforts to prevent further spread of the virus. Defensil encourages everyone to remain vigilant now more than ever and do our part in this fight towards eventually resuming our normal way of life by adhering to social Distancing and sanitation protocols, especially when doing essential errands outdoors," shared Nikko Cruz, Brand Manager of Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol. 

Defensil is available in Robinsons, Puregold and other leading supermarkets.

For more information on how to stay protected, you may visit the Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol’s Facebook page at facebook.com/defensil.philippines.

Feel the ChristmaSaya vibe at SM Lucena

It’s time to indulge in cheerful celebrations, holiday feasts and awesome holiday deals to truly feel that #ChristmaSayaAtSM Lucena!  

Drop by Santa Café at the Mall Atrium as the Christmas crew brews magical cheers and serves warm holiday wishes for everyone! Have your photos taken with the busy elves or even with Santa Claus himself, underneath the glimmering 25-ft Christmas tree and clock tower. Eat, sip and munch as you create happy memories when you #DineAtSM with the whole fam at the Santa Café until January 6, 2022!

Aside from the spectacular Christmas Displays, the malls have prepared fun activities to provide a complete and merry holiday shopping experience. Choose from a wide array of Christmas Feasts prepared by their restaurants, or go on a gastronomic journey through food products from various parts of the country available at their Christmas Markets. Delight in Christmas Shows that are sure to bring fond memories and share the love by donating a bear to charity though the SM Bears of Joy program. 

The most festive holiday season may change with the times, but many beautiful things still remain. Shop, dine and celebrate the real blessings of Christmas - love of friends and family through hard times and adversity – at SM City Lucena. Merry SM Christmas

Diabetes Management: How to Take Control

Diabetes is one of the most leading health concerns in the world that has affected millions of lives. It is a chronic condition due to elevated glucose levels in the blood caused by the lack of insulin production in the body. If not controlled adequately over time, the disease can cause serious health risks like a heart attack or stroke, visual impairment or blindness, and kidney problems. 

 

There are two types of diabetes. When the body has little to no insulin production, it leads to Type 1 diabetes. It usually occurs in childhood. Meanwhile, Type 2 diabetes, often seen in adults, occurs when the body fails to respond to insulin, called insulin resistance.  

 

According to a study published by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 463 million adults aged 20-79 years live with diabetes. These numbers constitute 9.3 percent of the global population in this specific age bracket.  

 

Due to the rising numbers of people with diabetes recorded in the past several years, the General Assembly of the United Nations established November 14 as World Diabetes Day in 2007. It aims to acknowledge the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health and access treatment and healthcare education. It also advocates for the Member States to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment, and care of diabetes in line with the sustainable development of their healthcare systems. 

 

This time, World Diabetes Day 2021-2023 centers on the theme of Access to Diabetes Care. It reminds authorities that even after creating insulin doses 100 years ago, many people experiencing diabetes still do not have continued access to the care they need.  

 

For people with diabetes, leading a healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. While there are many ways to do so, did you know that plant-based food, such as stevia and barley grass, can help control diabetes?  

 

Here are some of the benefits of these healthy foods for people living with diabetes.  

 

Stevia as an alternative Sweetener  

Due to a lack of insulin production, it’s critical for people with diabetes to watch their food intake and limit or avoid sugar consumption to maintain or reduce their blood sugar levels. So, in many instances, some would consume small amounts to satisfy their cravings or add some taste to their food or drinks. Or some would steer clear of it.  

 

However, there are guilt-free natural sweetener alternatives that you can use with your food or beverages with low or zer o calories than the regular table sugar. One of them is stevia.  

 

Suggested by The American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association, and The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), stevia is a natural substitute for sugar. It is obtained from a small perennial shrub’s leaves that originated from North and South America. Its steviol glycoside compounds are 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. But it is safe for people with diabetes because it’s a non-nutritive sweetener, which provides less to no calories. 

 

Meanwhile, several studies have shown that stevia can help reduce blood sugar and increase the body’s insulin production. Also, it assists in decreasing cholesterol to prevent high blood pressure. Aside from the mentioned benefits, stevia has medicinal properties for anti-diarrheal, anti-tumor, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions. 

 

Now, for a perfect guilt-free partner with your food and drinks, Santé, a provider of premier organic health and wellness products and services, developed Sweet Via, a sweetener made of stevia.  

 

“We know that it is hard to stay healthy these days, especially with the influx of sweeteners everywhere. Made from natural ingredients, Santé’s Sweet Via not only sweetens your beverage but also provides benefits to your health. Now, you can treat yourself without the guilt,” said Joey Marcelo, CEO of Santé. 

 

Sweet Via also contains Inulin, an organic soluble dietary fiber from a chicory plant that promotes digestive health. It provides food for the colon’s beneficial bacteria. In addition, according to some studies, Inulin helps ease constipation, is good for weight loss, and aids in controlling blood sugar levels. 

 

The tagline “Treat Without the Guilt” means that Sweet Via can be the perfect partner for your coffee and other treats. Enjoy the delight of sweetness without the worry of getting your health at risk. 

 

Switching to Sweet Via may feel like such a simple step in changing your diet. But it’s usually the small but attainable efforts to change your lifestyle that yield excellent and consistent results. Coupled with good eating habits and ample exercise, choosing Sweet Via can kickstart significant change for your overall health. 

 

Barley Grass, helping to prevent or control Type 2 Diabetes  

Barley grass, on the other hand, comes from the barley plant’s leaves, a cereal-type crop produced worldwide, used in juices or even supplements. 

 

Apart from vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A and vitamin C, it contains insoluble fiber, which doesn’t break down in the water. It can help you decrease or maintain your blood sugar levels or aid to improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin to manage Type 2 diabetes.  

 

Barley grass also helps to lower bad cholesterol levels, which mitigates cardiovascular risks that usually develop if you have Type 2 diabetes and promotes better heart health. In addition, its high fiber promotes weight loss and good bowel movement. 

 

So, if you want to start taking barley grass to stay healthy, try Santé’s Barley Max^NZ, a barley grass gathered at a young age and made into powder and capsule forms. It has pure organic barley grass certified by BioGro, a leading organic produce organization in New Zealand, abundant in vitamins and minerals. It consists of calcium, protein, carotenoids, dietary fibers, chlorophyll, and many more required by the human body for a healthy diet. 

 

It also aids in boosting the immune system and provide a good level of antioxidants. And because Santé’s Barley Max^NZ is sweetened by stevia, it gives a good taste while helping you control blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, Barley Max^NZ‘s capsule form is in vegetable capsules, making it ideal and better to digest. 

 

Barley Max^NZ and Sweet Via are just two of the many other organic health and wellness products offered by Santé, known for developing a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are designed to improve people’s quality of life so they can live more and do more. 

 

Santé’s Barley Max^NZ and Sweet Via are available in leading drugstores, 7/11 stores, and Santé Store (Shopee and Lazada). Get it now and start staying healthy this World Diabetes Day! 

 

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at santebarley.com.