GROHE opens showroom in Makati City

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GROHE unveiled its second showroom in the country at Desigño Atelier, 5F Wilcon IT Hub along Pasong Tamo, Makati City through an event entitled Masterworks.

The GROHE SPA showroom presents GROHE’s stylish design universes for bathrooms and kitchens. The relaxed atmosphere of the showroom encourages visitors not only to obtain information on the global brand’s premium offerings but also to touch and test the faucets and actually experience products in real use.

As you enter the space, you will be able to get a glimpse of GROHE’s glorious history spanning 80 years. Represented in the timeline on the wall are corporate milestones and the GROHE global network of six production plants and presence in 130 countries. 

Aquazones

The showroom is divided into five zones called Aquazones. Aquazones follow the concept of the thousand year-old Japanese bathing culture in which each step of the bathing experience has a dedicated zone. These perfectly designed zones take on different roles and allow the consumer to fully indulge in each ritual, while already looking forward to the next one. GROHE offers technologies in each of the five zones, allowing consumers to enjoy their personal spa time even more. 

The first zone is the Contemplation Zone where you can experience comfort and hygiene from GROHE toilets. 

Next is the Preparation Zone – from washing your face, brushing your teeth, applying makeup or even shaving, the Basin Area is central to the daily cleansing routine.

Third is the Rejuvenation Zone where you can combine one or two head showers, a hand shower, a bank of body showers to experience the utmost showering pleasure limited only by your imagination. 

Fourth is the Relaxation Zone, which features a Free Standing Bath Tub from Jaxson, the creator of luxury bath tubs and also one of the brands owned by LIXIL WATER TECHNOLOGY. Paired with an elegant GROHE Free Standing Tub Filler, you can enjoy a lingering soak at the end of the day.

Last is the Recreation Zone, which is for quiet reflection – to sip tea, enjoy a glass of water or read a book. Featured here is the GROHE BLUE, which delivers filtered, chilled and sparkling water, straight from the faucet. 

Tailor-made Showering

The showroom also features an area that celebrates uniqueness and variety by letting you design your shower according to your own vision of rest, relaxation, regeneration, personal care, design and comfort. 

Using GROHE side showers and steam modules you can create your own footh bath. The strategic placement of side showers delivers water pressure that aid in the stimulation of deeper layers of muscles and tissues in the feet and legs to enhance function, generate healing, decrease muscle reflex activity, as well as promote relaxation and relief.

With the GROHE Aquacloud, you can use side showers and light modules to create a horizontal shower, which delivers pampering rain-like water drops while you comfortably rest on a massage bed. 

Finally, you can use strategically placed shower heads and side showers to release pressure on key stress points like the neck and shoulders for muscle relief and nerve stimulation.

Design Inspirations

GROHE has an award-winning in-house design team led by Paul Flowers. The team is guided by the GROHE design philosophy and signature elements to ensure that products don’t just look good but feel good, too. In the showroom, you will see bathroom designs using three of the GROHE SPA luxury bathroom fittings.

They are the GROHE Grandera Collection which blends square and circular elements into one harmonious shape. Its smooth geometric lines and classic simplicity are created to combine effortlessly with a wide range of bathroom furnishings. 

Next is the GROHE Ondus Collection which offers a dramatic spout that flows out from cylindrical bases. The design is like a crest of a wave and looks ergonomic. 

Third is the GROHE Allure Brilliant Collection that is designed around geometric shapes and crisp contours. This collection features a gem-like faceted body with a cut-away detail, to accentuate the flow of water.

Come and Visit

If you are searching for better ways to enhance your bathroom experience, come and visit the GROHE SPA showroom soon. Get the chance to personally experience the GROHE Live Water where you will be able to see and feel how the GROHE basin mixers, hand showers and head showers work. You may also book an appointment to enjoy a luxurious bath with the GROHE Spa Experience. It features a functional bathroom that allows you to personally experience GROHE Spa products.

Last June 15, 2016, Masterworks featured a 12-minute symphony of live water technology and the arts highlighting GROHE as Masters of Technology, the Philippine Ballet Theater as Masters of Dance, The Manila String Machine as Masters of Music, Jackie Manzano as Master of Oil, and Broadway star Lea Salonga as Master of Song.

Lea Salonga and Tessa Prieto Valdes 

Opt to be active with your dad this Father’s Day - Nestlé Health Science encourages dads to live a full and healthy life

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Our fathers will always hold a special place in our hearts. He is the superhero who fought the bad guys so we could sleep at night, the coach who patiently taught us how to fly a kite and ride a bike, and the best friend who always made us feel special even after a long day at work.

It’s wistful to think that our dads are slowly approaching their twilight years. As adults, we are often so immersed with our own lives that we overlook the fact that our once strong and active dads are ageing. It is now our turn to take care of our fathers and assess if their health and nutrients are still optimized.

Keeping up with grandkids

Every dad dreams of seeing his children have kids of their own. They long for the day when they could give their grandkids piggyback rides, take them to the park, and teach them the things they taught their sons and daughters when they were young.

Although enjoying quality time with their grandchildren is a welcomed activity, tasks like running around and picking up after the kids could be both challenging and physically exhausting.

“When we finished college, some fathers were already in their 60s,” said Dr. Jimmy Bautista, Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead at Nestlé Health Science. “And with today’s fast paced lifestyle, they could be accelerating their body’s decline.”

The mere idea of health problems is something most of us prefer not to entertain. In the Department of Health's list of leading causes for mortality in the Philippines, six of the 10 are non-communicable diseases, which includes cardio vascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

DOH defines non-communicable diseases as lifestyle-related diseases that are linked with smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and stress.

Are your dad’s nutrients optimized?

As we honor our dads this coming Father's Day, let us remember the importance that nutrition plays in the quality of his life.

Helping our dads commit to simple lifestyle changes like choosing healthier options and optimizing nutrient intake can be their body’s best defenses against ageing and lifestyle-related diseases.

“Ageing is an everyday occurrence. As early as now, we need to remind our parents to start thinking about their health and how it affects their loved ones,” said Dr. Bautista. “It is important to incorporate a nutritionally optimized oral supplement into their diets to help enhance immune defenses and regain strength.”

For oral nutritional supplements to be optimized, they should contain high quality whey protein, a heart-friendly fat blend, and moderate levels of carbohydrates, prebiotic fibers, probiotics and high amounts of key micronutrients.

By making proactive choices such as embracing an active lifestyle, keeping a positive outlook, and regularly taking a nutritionally optimized oral supplement, Filipino dads can fully enjoy fatherhood, be their family’s bedrock, and watch their children and grandchildren achieve their dreams.

To know more about Nestlé Health Science’s nutritional therapy and healthy ageing solutions, visitwww.nestlehealthscience.com.

Jodi and Thirdy joins the Jollibee family as the latest Jolly Spaghetti endorsers

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Celebrity mom and certified Jollibee fan proud to share endorsement experience with son

Jollibee recently welcomed Jodi and Thirdy as the newest brand ambassadors for Jolly Spaghetti during the media launch held at the Ortigas Roosevelt branch. Jodi and Thirdy, who stars in the latest TV commercial for Jolly Spaghetti, shared their own personal experiences, from happy memories when she was a kid and to how she now enjoys the same bonding moments with Thirdy. The Jolly Spaghetti Sweet-Sarap Moments event also featured fun games for the media guests and their kids.

Warm welcome. The Jollibee team (L-R) – Regional Business Unit Head for Metro North Mike Castro, AVP for Marketing Kent Mariano (fourth from left, back), PR Director Arline Adeva, Chief Global Marketing Officer for Jollibee Global brand Francis E. Flores (6th from left, back), Assistant Brand Manager for Jolly Spaghetti Luis Berba and Corporate PR and Events Manager Dennis Reyes, gave Jodi and Thirdy a warm and jolly welcome to the Jollibee Family.

Batang Jollibee at heart

Jodi confesses to being a certified Batang Jollibee, even before she got into show business. Her mother worked hard to raise Jodi and her siblings, but made sure to devote her Saturdays to quality time over her children’s favorite Jollibee treats.

“Every Saturday, iti-treat niya kami sa Jollibee sa may Landmark food court,” Jodi recalled. “Talagang masasabi ko na kinalakihan ko si Jollibee. At hindi lang ‘yon, kasi bawat party, bawat celebration, talagang naging part siya ngfamily namin at ng pamilyang Pilipino.”

Growing up, Jodi said she would often order Jolly Spaghetti and Jolly Hotdog, and it became staples in her bonding moments with her mom. Now that she’s a mother herself, she wants to pass on the same joyful experience to Thirdy. The 10-year old loves the cheesy, meaty, and sweet-sarap flavors of Jolly Spaghetti.

“Wala akong nakilalang bata na gusto ng maasim na spaghetti,” the actress remarked candidly. “Especially Filipino children. I believe na nakuha ng Jollibee ‘yung manamis-namis na timpla na hinahanap-hanap ng bawat batang Pilipino.”

Mom first, actress second

Jodi remains simple even with her celebrity status and recent accolades for her stellar TV performances. Despite her busy schedule, she makes sure that spending quality time with Thirdy is her priority, just as her own mother did years ago.

The actress related that she and Thirdy can spend hours upon hours just talking about anything, especially over their favorite Jolly Spaghetti. They often order “C3,” the Jolly Spaghetti and Chickenjoy combo, for delivery or drive-thru.

“Sa hapagkainan, that’s where the bonding happens. Nakakatuwa si Thirdy when you spend time with him. He’s a very opinionated child. Baka pwede siyang maging lawyer,” Jodi proudly added.

Perfect Choice for Jolly Spaghetti

Jollibee likewise is equally happy and excited to welcome Jodi and Thirdy to the family.

“Jodi and Thirdy are the perfect endorsers for Jolly Spaghetti,” said Kent Mariano, Jollibee Assistant Vice President for Marketing. 

Jollibee's AVP for Marketing Kent Mariano

“Despite Jodi’s celebrity status and hectic schedule, she believes in making even the smallest of moments count when it comes to strengthening her bond with Thirdy and her family. Jodi’s own story and personal experiences of bonding with her mom and now with her son is something that many Pinoy families can relate to. We at Jollibee have always proud to be part of such memorable moments.”

The latest TVC features Jodi reminiscing her bonding moments as a kid with her mom, and fast forward to the present, Jodi letting Thirdy experience the same happy moment while enjoying their favorite Jolly Spaghetti.

Digital Dads Share Their Best Parenting Advice for Father’s Day

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News flash!!!  

Digital  netizens fully utilized the power of social media. The most exciting part of the digital day is sharing with the Facebook and digital people all over the world.

The generation that grew up on the buzzing sounds of dial-up internet is now officially grown up and running the world. 

In fact, not a few of them are already full-fledged fathers. So we threw a couple of these digital dads a fun, hypothetical question: If they could go a few years back in time (back when 3G was new and their own fathers weren’t yet on Facebook), what advice would they give to themselves on how to survive being a father?

Here are some inspiring words from super dads these digital days.

Ian Bacungan

theroguewriter.net/ DWDD

Message for his younger self : “Remember, acceptance freed me and helped me survive fatherhood. Honestly, at first, I was so afraid. I am not prepared to be a father. I am afraid that I won’t be able to support the needs of my children. I was also thinking that party days and good times are over."

Ian Bacungan with kids

“Accepting the reality that I will already be a father helped me become a better man and eventually, a better father. Accepting fatherhood gave me a sense of direction and responsibility. Acceptance made me feel a stronger bond between me and my kids. After all, party days are not over, fathers like me should just know out limits and priorities.”

Bacungan is a loving husband and father to two kids. Aside from blogging, he is also a radio anchor and a digital media specialist.

Marco Rafael and family

Marco Rafael

m2comms.com

Message for his younger self: “My best advice would be, to face everything that happens and not worry about it too much. I know there are a lot of worries, fears, and anxieties involved with becoming a father. ‘What if she grows up a misfit?’ ‘What if she doesn't like me as a father?’ ‘What if I don't give her a proper life?’ Well, what if you just shut it, man up, and be a father to your daughter? Don't try to overthink stuff. Be the best dad that you can be. Experience not just the pleasures and joy of being a father but also the pains. How else would you explain to your 4 year-old daughter that her beloved grandfather has passed away?”

Marco Rafael is the creative director of digital agency M2 Communications. 

Eli Villagonzalo and family

Eli Villagonzalo

Elifestylemanila.com

Message for his younger self: “I keep thinking: If I could have strived more during the earlier days, maybe if I tried to work abroad, or climbed the corporate ladder earlier, or been more aggressive at work, or devoted more time and persistence... But honestly, I have no regrets, only that life could have been much better if I had faced the tougher days when I was younger. So that’s what I would tell myself.”

Photography and writing is Villagonzalo’s passion.

Azrael Coladilla

azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com

Azrael Coladilla and son Ashton

Message for his younger self: "Good job for making the best decision for yourself and your family. You might feel like you’re not ready, but you’re going to do great as a young father and husband. Kudos to you, and more power for your future!"

Coladilla is a full-time blogger, freelance photographer, social media manager, co-founder of ToyCon and digital marketing consultant.

Brian Herrera and kids

Brian Herrera

media-meter.net

Message for his younger self: “It won’t be easy, but it will be the best thing that will ever happen to you. In the course of your fatherhood, you will enjoy every single day of being a dad.”

Herrera is the general manager of Media Meter, a real-time, quad-media monitorin g service.

Enzo Luna and son

Enzo Luna

juanmanilaexpress.com

Message for his younger self: “I don't have any regrets having to raise my two kids, and so surviving fatherhood wasn’t a tough job for me. But if I have to go back in time and have a heart-to-heart talk to my young self, I would say to him: ‘Love your kids even more, no matter what they do or what becomes of them. Just keep it cool raising your kids.’ 

Enzo Luna 's daughter

“To date, I don't have big problems with my kids. Their mom and I, we taught them to be responsible and independent at their young age. I'm glad they're growing up well.”

Luna, a former bar promoter, now runs magazine-themed blog Juan Manila Express.

We hope these inspiring words from the top digital dads make you smile as much as they did us.

To all dads out there: If you could travel slightly back in time, what would you tell yourself?

Happy Father’s Day!

Make our Father's Day Delightful with Goldilocks

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Make this Father’s Day the best ever by giving your dad a day that shows him just how important and loved he is.

Make him feel special by telling him how much he means to you—as a partner and as the father to your children. 

One part love, another part fatherly wisdom, add a sprinkling of corny jokes and you have the basic formula for a dad. The equation may be straightforward, but don’t take that to imply simplicity, because as many of us know, raising a child takes a lot of work! 

Father’s Day is time where we strive to show the men who raised us how much we appreciate and love them, because despite their responsibilities and hectic schedules, they have always given their time, love, and support to us.

You don't have to spend a lot of money on extravagant gifts, your gratitude and love are the greatest gifts you can give him this Father's Day.

So what can we do to show the dads of the world how much they mean to us? With every passing year, Father’s Day arrives with the annual panic of trying to find a last minute gift that we desperately hope doesn’t look like a last minute gift.

Thus, instead of a goofy tie, why not indulge your dad’s sweet tooth? Apart from the Chocolate Caramel Decadence – a luscious chocolate fudge cake filled with gooey caramel – Goldilocks Bakeshop also offers a range of gifts that will give any father a perfect end to a work-filled day. Exquisitely delicious, affordable, and true to the Pinoy spirit, there’s truly no better way to fill your dad’s heart with joy. 

It is said that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and the country’s best-loved bakeshop certainly abides by this. Indeed, Goldilocks gifts are a scrumptious way to celebrate a special day, and put a smile on your father’s face. 

For more information on Goldilocks’ delights, or to order something for your loved ones, visit www.goldilocks.com.ph or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter via GoldilocksPH

Over 1M students enrolled in Senior HS

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At past 11am today (June 17), the Department of Education (DepEd) breached the 1 million mark reporting that 1,009,139 Grade 11 learners are now enrolled in Senior High Schools (SHS) nationwide. DepEd is expecting numbers to rise further since as of June 17, DepEd records show that over 1,600 schools are yet to submit and report their SHS enrollment data to DepEd. 

"Napatunayan ng Pilipino na handa tayo sa pagbabago. Nakatawid na tayo sa liwanag. Kaya naman pala ng Pinoy kung ating pagtutulungan," Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said.

Of the over 1M learners, around 691,000 SHS students are enrolled in public schools (DepEd-funded schools and public universities and colleges) and more than 317,000 are in private schools.

Photo : https://www.facebook.com/DepEd.Philippines/

DepEd's real time Learner Information System revealed that some 610,000 chose to take the Academic track; over 394,000 Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track; 2,728 are in Arts and Design track, and 1,537 in Sports track.

Orange Blush Salon Opens Branch in Cubao

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Orange Blush Salon will have its first branch in Metro Manila with the opening of a new salon in Spark Place Cubao in July.

Orange Blush Salon opened its first branch in Nueva Ecija in 2003. 

Joby Linsangan Moreno proprietor Orange Blush Salon

“It was already a small salon by then, owned and operated by a hairstylist and two other junior stylists. It was about to close down due to financial difficulties, and I was at that time, looking for a place already to put up my own small salon since I had always been interested in the beauty business," says Joby Linsangan Moreno, proprietor of Orange Blush Salon.

Joby took pride—and still does—in Orange Blush being a proud and successful probinsyano brand. And she knows deep in her heart, that inevitably, the day would come when she would have to expand the reach of the business outside Nueva Ecija either through franchising or putting up new company-owned branches. 

“The plan was to move to conquer the metro, carrying with us that unique and probinsiyano brand that we represent,” she explains.

Now, they are all set to launch a branch in Spark Place Cubao and even have special promos. These include an opening promo of P20 per haircut if a customer wears orange (this will go on for three days following the opening, she says); anybody who comes in with an Orange Blush salon flyer will get a 25 percent discount in the newly-opened salon; a Loyalty Card that entitles the customer to a free hair treatment on the fourth visit and a free manicure and pedicure on the eighth visit.

“There will also be freebies to be given away during the opening,” says Joby excitedly.

But that’s not all. Joby also shares that the first franchise salon of Orange Blush will open in Bambang, Sta. Cruz, also in July with three more franchises to open soon.

With this move to the big city, Metro Manilans will finally get to experience the kind of impeccable service that Orange Blush has become known for in Central Luzon. 

Joby and her staff are looking forward to welcoming clients and having them try their rebonding services, their manicure and pedicure, hair treatments and hair coloring, and the money-back guarantee.

Orange Blush is one of the very few (if not the only) salon that is so confident about the services it offers that it has a money-back guarantee in case customers are not happy with the service."Sinasabi namin lagi na sa Orange Blush salon, warantisado ang kagandahan. Meron po warranty ang lahat ng customer ng Orange Blush," Joby adds.

DepEd provides 184 SHS with IT equipment to support K to 12 implementation

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to deliver information technology (IT) equipment to stand-alone Senior High Schools (SHS) nationwide to support the implementation of the K to12 Program.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said, “What we need is to bring technology into the classroom and not be fully dependent on a textbook or the teacher. Computers will never replace teachers. Technology should allow teachers to spend more time to those who need it more.”

Each Senior High School will receive an IT equipment package which consists of 7 host personal computers (PCs), 42 terminals, 2 laptops, 2 projectors, 7 uninterruptible power supplies, 7 automatic voltage regulators and other network accessories.

In line with this, DepEd has conducted a demonstration on installation and configuration of the actual IT equipment at Pateros National High School. The event was attended by Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and UNDP Country Director Mr. Titon Mitra.

 

“What you are seeing are digitized modules for grade 11. I’ve always dreamt that our schools should not be textbook dependent,” Luistro added.

DepEd partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to procure and deliver the IT equipment package for the schools. With its global experience and track record in co-implementing programs with governments, including implementation of Government projects using Government funds, UNDP delivers the highest standards of transparency and achieves cost efficiency and timely delivery of project outputs through more flexible procurement procedures. 

“What you’re seeing now is the fastest procurement of IT packages in a government agency. UNDP came to us as an answer to our prayer,” Luistro said.

This partnership enables DepEd to have access to its global network of service providers and experts and use available corporate and regional long-term framework agreements, which can facilitate and shorten the procurement process. 

With just 3 months of procurement, UNDP was able to award contracts for the provision of 184 ICT packages to SHS stand-alone schools within the budget provided by DepEd.

 

DepEd has started the roll out of SHS nationwide beginning with Grade 11 this school year and Grade 12 next year to complete the 12-year basic education cycle under the K to 12 Program.

Some 11, 000 public and private senior high schools nationwide opened their doors to the pioneering batch of Grade 11 students.