Saturday, July 15, 2017


Good habits are ones that are formed early in life and make a lasting impact on an individual’s core values.

Such has been the idea behind Dole Philippines’ latest sustainability initiative, the Sunshine Heroes campaign—a CSR and sustainability drive centered on engaging the schoolchildren and instilling within them the passion to embrace sustainability, through recycling, as a lifestyle and a progressive movement.


PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABILITY. The launch of Dole Philippines’ Sunshine Heroes campaign is aimed at we are equipping the youth better to understand the importance of making recycling a life-long habit and advocacy. Gracing the launch of the brand’s CSR campaign last Thursday, July 13, 2017, at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City are: (L-R) Environment and sustainability advocate, Amor Maclang of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, Inc.; Noel Casanova, General Manager, Dole ASEAN Cluster; Ashvin Subramanyam Vice President for Marketing and Innovations for Dole Asia; Engr. Eligio Ildefonso, Officer-in-Charge of the National Solid Waste Management Commission-Secretariat of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; and Ashwin Subramaniam, CEO and Founder of Gone Adventurin’.

"Recycling is a habit that needs to form early. We need to teach kids that all the trash they see laying around our streets and clogging our waterways is because we need more recycling and less trash,” says Ashvin Subramanyam, Vice President for Marketing and Innovations for Dole Asia.

The campaign draws inspiration from the power of the youth to influence their respective households to change behaviors, both as consumers and as sustainability advocates. “We chose to engage the youth because of their role in helping change mindsets about recycling and proper waste management,” explains Subramanyam.



A program spearheaded in partnership with Gone Adventurin’ and Mother Earth Foundation, Dole Philippines’ Sunshine Heroes campaign involves putting up material recovery facilities (MRFs) in selected schools in Metro Manila. Students will be requested to bring household recyclable wastes to the facility. The trash will then be sold to local recyclers once it reaches a certain amount. Money generated from this program will go directly to the school to help fund other school activities.

Making every Filipino a recycling hero


SPREADING THE SUNSHINE. Spearheading the brand’s CSR and sustainability movement are: (L-R) Noel Casanova, General Manager, Dole ASEAN Cluster; Engr. Eligio Ildefonso, Officer-in-Charge of the National Solid Waste Management Commission-Secretariat of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Ashvin Subramanyam Vice President for Marketing and Innovations for Dole Asia; and Ashwin Subramaniam, CEO and Founder of Gone Adventurin’.

With its long-standing commitment to spread the sunshine for generations to come, Dole Philippines’ Sunshine Heroes campaign is reigniting the idea of household recycling by educating the youth and shaping them into future environmental leaders.

The challenge behind the campaign stems from the fact that the current generation of young adults and household decision-makers were not raised in a recycling culture. Changing these habits, based on global experience, takes at least a generation.

Every time you throw away a plastic bottle, a soda can, a tetra pack of fruit juice, or a to-go meal pack from your favorite fast-food restaurant, you need to realize that you are actually losing a lot more than just a handful of trash,” Subramanyam adds. “Through this campaign, we are equipping the youth better to understand the importance of making recycling a life-long habit and advocacy.”

Part of Dole Philippines’ sustainability drive involves conducting a series of recycling workshops and forums aimed at educating kids about the importance of recycling.

Another fun aspect of the campaign will be the introduction of four (4) recycling characters to promote a more engaging way for Filipinos to understand the idea of recycling and sustainability. Each character—inspired by endemic creatures here in the Philippines like the carabao, the Philippine Eagle, the pawikan, and the tarsier—represents a type of ecosystem that forms the core of Dole Philippines’ waste recycling initiative: trees, air, water, and land.

Down the road, we hope that other schools will be able to replicate this sustainability model. Making this model a staple in every school can make a lasting impact in terms of advocating for proper waste management nationwide.”

Why recycling failed in the PH


Here in Southeast Asia, rapid urbanization posed a huge challenge among developing nations in terms of the enabling cities to meet rising demands for urban services, particularly in terms of proper waste management. This was partly the reason why, according to a recent study, a great portion of recyclable packaging materials around the world is used only once, while 95% of its total value (about $80-$120 billion/year) is lost to the economy.

While the commercial community has embraced recycling, it has not caught on in many Filipino households, thus creating big waste disposal problems for the rest of the country.

Household recyclable wastes have been among the biggest economic staples. Despite this, these materials also pose a serious threat to the environment due to the Filipinos’ lack of proper understanding about recycling. This problem may be attributed to the eventual rise of the “throwaway and convenience culture. The clamor for “convenience” among consumers has led to a lot of products being reduced to smaller packs, thus requiring the use of larger amounts of disposable—and recyclable—materials.

In turn, this has resulted to the country ending up producing around 40,000 tons of garbage every day—a figure that easily translates to about 14.6 million tons per year. Experts say that at least 70 percent of these wastes are generated by households, while about 75 percent of this total amount can actually be recycled.

Public awareness and participation are vital keys to successful waste management measures, ends Subramanyam. “For us at Dole Philippines, recycling is all about embracing the idea of sustainability as a way of life and a sustained advocacy. By educating and engaging our youth, we hope that can help us champion recycling and, in the long run, build environmentally-responsible Filipino households.


Do you love K-pop? Can’t get enough of this popular music genre? Get a chance to meet and greet your favorite K-pop stars at the 10th Music Bank World Tour in Singapore on August 4, 2017 simply by downloading the Tribe app at the Google or Apple store.



The lucky winner and a companion will get round-trip tickets to Singapore, seats at the Music Bank, as well as hotel accommodations. That’s three days and two nights at the famous Lion City known for its beautiful man-made gardens, great street food, and colonial architecture.

To join, download the Tribe app at https://goo.gl/4xDPVp, create an account, and watch at least two shows. Confirm your entry at www.tribenow.tv/ph/musicbank. The promo will run until July 20, 2017.

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The Music Bank is a popular weekly musical show of the Korean Broadcasting System. It has staged world tours in Asia, Europe, and Latin America among others.

The 10th World Tour brings the best of K-pop to a global audience. This star-studded concert will be hosted by MCs Park Bo Gum, star of Love in the Moonlight and Reply 1988, and Irene of Red Velvet. It features BTS, SHINee, CNBlue, and Mamamoo.

You can also catch these starts at Tribe Limited, a TV and movie streaming service available in the Philippines and Indonesia. A subsidiary of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad, Tribe delivers highly tailored live and on demand content. It is the home of your favorite Korean TV dramas, Asian movies, anime, and live sports events that you can watch anytime anywhere.

Tribe channels include Aniplus, KBSW, TVN, Kplus, Thrill, KIX, and TruTV. Among its top shows are My Secret Romance at Kplus, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon also at Kplus, and Attack on Titan Season 2 at Aniplus.


For more information and a complete list of channels, visit https://www.tribenow.tv/ph.

Monday, July 10, 2017


Mplify is a marketing company established with a good purpose and powered by great passion to help businesses reach its full potential, amplify their businesses, and to
provide business solutions through various marketing strategies and PR campaigns.

The first Restaurant Engagement Conference is by Mplify on August 12, 2017 at Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas, Manila. It is an event dedicated to F&B Industry to be attended by SMEs, new brands, aspiring restaurateurs, F&B Professionals, and restaurant owners. REC aims to Recreate your brand for today’s new trend, Empower local crafts and businesses, and Capture the right market which will be discussed by our respected speakers in order to utilize strategic marketing tools that will optimize Restaurant business performance in which Customer Engagement is the NEW RULE of the GAME.

Mplify is grateful to its generous Sponsors and Strategic Partners: Maybank, Globe MyBusiness, 7,107 Culture + Cuisine, Agape Pastries & Tartines, Mrs. Fields, Kitchenails, Mode Devi, Leaprenuer, Ink-All-You-Can, Karuva Travel & Tours, Where To Eat Philippines, Nail It!, Color Ads and Digital Services Inc., MAPI, YanYan International, and Derm Care. And to our Media Partners: Manila Standard, manilastandard.net, Global News Network (GNN), Asenso Pinoy, Chinoy TV, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Business World, Inquirer Mobile, Experience Travel and Living, Business Insight, Pilipino Mirror, SMNI, HUE Channel, Entrep TV, Remate Express, The Village Connect, Psst!, Pinas, Peoples Journal, and Women’s Journal

REC is dedicated to support Children’s Hour as its beneficiary to help One Children One Hour at a time.

To register, visit www.mplify-ph.com and follow our social media accounts for REC updates in Facebook page @mplifyph and Instagram @mplify_ph.

For other inquiries, you may reach us thru our mobile numbers: 0998.887.6063 / 0977-3597602 or email us at mktg.mplify@gmail.com.


NBA PH press release



MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, former NBA coach Reggie Theus, and the Laker Girls will attend NBA 3X Philippines presented by AXA from July 22-23 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Registration for NBA 3X Philippines 2017 begins today on a first-come first-serve basis at www.nba3x.com/philippines and runs until July 14 or until all slots are full.






NBA 3X Philippines 2017 will feature a 3-on-3 tournament featuring men’s and women’s teams of all skill levels as well as NBA entertainment throughout the weekend. The 2017 edition of NBA 3X Philippines will begin with a preliminary tournament July 15-16 at Don Bosco Technical Institute Makati that will determine the participants in the finals at the SM Mall of Asia. Additionally, the league will conduct an NBA Cares clinic for 10-14-year-old boys and girls at the indoor court of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Engineering on July 19.  
“I’m looking forward to meeting the Filipino fans and experiencing the country’s vibrant culture,” said Adams. “I’m also excited to work with the talented athletes from across the Philippines at NBA 3X.”
“This will be my first trip to the Philippines, and I can’t wait to see the passion Filipinos have for the game of basketball,” said Theus. “With the inclusion of 3-on-3 basketball in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, NBA 3X is a testament to the growth and popularity of the game internationally.”
“We are excited to partner with NBA 3X Philippines and see this as a platform to elevate 3-on-3 basketball in the country,” said Raul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines. “In the same way that we assist clients in making sound financial decisions, we look forward to seeing boys and girls of all ages showcase their skills, exhibit teamwork, and execute their gameplan to win on and off the court.  With Steven, Reggie, and the Laker Girls in attendance, this event is a great opportunity to provide the NBA experience to fans.”

The competitive 3-on-3 tournament includes divisions for boys (under-13, under-16, under-18, and open category), girls (under-16 and open category), an invitation only Celebrity Division featuring local personalities, as well as a new division exclusive to AXA employees and distributors.


Adams, a 7’0” center from New Zealand, was drafted 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2013 NBA Draft. He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2014.  During the 2016-17 season, Adams averaged 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1 block per game.
Theus was drafted 9th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1978 NBA Draft and selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1979. A two-time NBA All-Star, Theus played 13 seasons in the NBA before playing internationally. He was named head coach of Sacramento Kings during the 2007-08 season before becoming an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2009-2011. He is currently the head coach of Cal State Northridge in the NCAA.



NBA 3X Philippines 2017 is presented by AXA Philippines together with official partners CloudFone, Globe At Home and Globe Prepaid, Panasonic, as well as supporting partners SM Mall of Asia and Spalding. Official NBA broadcasters for the event are ABS-CBN Sports and Action, Basketball TV, and NBA Premium TV.
All participants in NBA 3X Philippines 2017 will receive an NBA 3X jersey with special prizes for the winners of each division. Registration fees for the age divisions run at Php 1,000 per team, while open divisions run at Php 1,600 pesos per team.

For more information on NBA 3X Philippines 2017 and the registration process, log on to www.nba3x.com/philippines and follow www.facebook.com/nba3xasia.  
For more details on AXA Philippines and their product offerings, visit www.axa.com.ph and www.facebook.com/AXA.Philippines.  
For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and follow the league on Facebook at www.facebook.com/philsnba and Twitter at www.twitter.com/nba_philippines.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

(L-R) Homeowners Neil Nepomuceno, Jessica Nomorosa, CDC Holdings COO and EVP for Sales & Marketing Charlene Chua-Sy, CDC Holdings President & CEO Elsie Chua, Homeowner Leonila Ventura, and Singapore-based Foreland Realty president Hirota Keisuke


CDC Holdings, Inc., one of the leading real estate developers in the country, has recently turned over River Green Residences’ new South Tower units to its residents. During the event, a group of families and individuals happily moved into their new homes at the recently completed project in Sta. Ana, Manila.

Elsie Chua, the company’s president and CEO, warmly welcomed the new River Green Residences homeowners to the two-tower, 30-storey development, nestled along the busy and dynamic Pedro Gil Street in Sta. Ana Manila. “Like with all our developments, we strive to deliver a home that you can be proud of,” she said. “In our projects, our vision is not just to deliver four walls, a ceiling, and a floor, but it is our intention to provide you with a dwelling place that provides you a certain lifestyle – one of comfort and ease. But I think in River Green Residences, we outdid ourselves.”

Chua led a ceremonial turnover of keys that was conducted to celebrate the start of the turnover of the units, followed by the blessing of the units. The new residents received a housewarming basket with the traditional tokens such as rice, water, salt, sugar and candles.

The new unit owners will soon be living in beautifully done units that have spectacular view of the city and the historic Pasig River. Young homeowners such as Neil Nepomuceno from Malabon, a bachelor in his late 30s, as well as Leonila Ventura from Sta. Ana, will definitely appreciate the resort-type amenities at the 6th floor with an outdoor pool surrounded by greenery, so they can relax and recharge without leaving the city. A host of modern features, such as a fully equipped gym and wireless internet (Wi-Fi) connectivity at the lounge area, complete the kind of lifestyle that can be enjoyed by single individuals and families alike.

Another new homeowner, Jessica Nomorosa from Pandacan, bought her three children one unit each in River Green Residences, so they can be closer to their office and school. An owner of multiple units in another CDC unit, she finds it convenient that River Green Residences is located within 30 minutes to the central business districts and top schools or universities of Makati, Manila, and Mandaluyong. In terms of ease and comfort, it also doesn’t get any more convenient than to have establishments an elevator ride away, such as Robinsons Supermarket, South Star Drugstore, snacks kiosks like Potato Corner and Nacho King, as well as a BPI branch. Within its immediate vicinity are highly reputable educational institutions, convenience stores, supermarkets, banks, fast food restaurants and the centuries old Sta. Ana Church.

Hirota Keisuke, president of Singapore-based Foreland Realty, represented his company during the turnover ceremony. They also bought a River Green Residences unit, made from high-quality materials such as the quartz counter top and bathroom fixtures. In addition to this, safety inside the gated community was another crucial factor considered by the company. River Green Residences will feel the utmost safety, as CDC Holdings property provides a 24-hour security, closed-circuit TV surveillance in elevators, lobby and amenity floors, as well as a fire protection system includes smoke detectors, annunciator & automatic sprinkler system.

With the recent momentous turnover ceremony, the company is a step closer to fulfilling its commitment in helping families realize their dream of living in their own homes. The new batch of River Green Residences homeowners can now enjoy a smart way of living, with its excellent location, move-in ready units, and superb features and amenities. To know more about River Green Residences and other CDC Holdings projects, call 894-0808 or you may visit www.cdcresidences.com.




Last May 24 to 28, 2017 Puregold had its annual Tindahan Ni Aling Puring Convention (TNAP) at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Permex Producer & Exporter Corporation, maker of KING CUP SARDINES participated in the said convention. Aside from dressing up its booth, King Cup Sardines had a segment in TNAP’s program. King Cup Sardines brought its brand ambassador, Ang Probinsiyano himself, Mr. Coco Martin at the convention. Coco Martin graced the convention last May 28, 2017 by performing three (3) songs in a row. The crowd went wild with the King of Primetime Drama that they even followed him after his performance at the King Cup Sardines booth. Fans as well as Permex officers and staff were able to meet and greet King Cup Sardines’ Brand Ambassador at the booth.

Friday, July 7, 2017


          I chanced upon a spa near my residence during my rare visit back home in Quezon City. It was in Bristol street which is a few blocks away from the entrance of Lagro. Curiosity got the best of me but more than that is my need for a solution to my back pain and tired feet. So much for being on the go almost seven days a week! I heard they have premium service and I did not hesitate because I really need this pampering.









Jasmine Therapeutic Spa is not their first branch according to the owner, they have been in the business for a long time and they surely know their stuff.





It was actually recommended by my friend who happens to be living in Quezon City as well. As they say, word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising.
































The spa is located in front of the AMA building which is exactly where I got off from the PUV I took and it wasn't a hassle to reach. I had to remove my shoes and wear the provided slippers most probably to maintain cleanliness of the place. Upon entering, the attendant greeted me with a warm smile. The waiting area has two green canvass sofas with magazines on the side, the temperature of the room is quite cool and the place looks new judging by the paint of the walls that are painted white and lavender. The rooms are lit with Himalayan salt lamps and the scent of the room was pleasant due to the air humidifier/purifier. They have done a great job maintaining order and tidiness. Plants give a relaxing feel and the attractive, minimal decoration on the walls makes the room classy. It was not noisy at all even though it is located beside the highway since the glass doors eliminate sounds outside. The place itself is not too big but enough for three rooms with a single and couple rooms so partners can still bond while having their relaxation. 








There I was on super comfy reclining leather chair ready to try try something new. I availed of the Foot relexology and back massage. The usual service I get for my feet is gentle and soothing but this was equally satisfying. 











At first I was surprised but then I have adjusted after a few minutes. It started with a foot massage with oil applied and spread on my feet. The pressure of the knuckles applied by the licensed massage therapist will really get to you. I can not help but close my eyes when deep pressure is applied but it was all worth it.

After that, I had a deep pressure massage for my back. It was followed by application of hot moist packs on my arms and back which lasted for about 20 minutes. As a Physical therapist, I am not new to this procedure but honestly, I have never tried it. I never knew how my patients felt back then. The warmth was just right and is similar to the comfort of having a warm bath. At the same time there were electrodes placed at the skin of my back to give some therapeutic Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS or TNS). It is the use of electric current to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes.

















According to www.livestrong.com the benefits of Foot reflexology are as follows:


  • Relaxation
  • Improved circulation (Reflexology can improve blood circulation in the feet and throughout the body. The gentle stroking of the feet and the application of certain hand and finger techniques improves blood flow to vital organs. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to these organs, nourishing body tissues. If a part of the body is injured, foot reflexology can help repair the injured tissue.)
  • Reduction of Pain
  • Regularity (Foot reflexology can bring balance when constipation is an issue. Stimulation of the intestine, colon and other corresponding reflexes can make elimination easier and return it to a normal state.
  • Improved Memory (Because oxygen is required to keep the cells of the body in a healthy state, foot reflexology can help to deliver vital oxygen to brain cells. Stimulation of the brain reflexes on the feet improves circulation of blood to the head. Foot reflexology, when administered routinely, will help improve a forgetful mind.) 
  • Improved Relationship (It can make your relationship stronger. Touching the feet can be sensual and relaxing, and reflexology can put your partner in a state of relaxation that will heighten the lovemaking experience. Giving your partner a reflexology session is a wonderful expression of love and caring.)
Credits: http://www.omfeet.com/

Massage has its advantage too. It actually increases flexibility. Study shows that when a person’s body is massaged with precise pressure applied on their muscles, it helps tone your muscles by stretching them and improving their functioning. Apart from this, massage performed for an extended period of time helps reduce flab and gives your muscles more tone.



Rates for morning is different from the evening. Their current promos are: Avail massage for 9x and get the 10th for free and 10 + 1 free (Swedish massage). Be sure to take advantage of it before it ends. Below is a list of their prices.













Everybody deserves a me-time. You deserve pampering. It was my first time to get Foot refloxogy and for the totally-relaxing feeling from certified and trained massage therapists at a reasonable price, I can say that I will avail it again! Jasmine Therapeutic Spa is located at Bristol street near AMA building and get that long overdue self-reward.

For more updates, follow them on FB https://www.facebook.com/jasminetherapeuticspa/ 
or contact them @ 09166967178. 

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