The power of time: LG’s smart home technologies help empower women with greater autonomy

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For today’s generation of modern and multi-tasking Filipino women, the most valuable currency is time.

Time, as the adage goes, is gold. Time lost cannot be restored. And time saved enables women, and men alike, to do more—spend longer and better-quality time with loved ones, pursue passions and unlock new opportunities.

Time at home is especially valuable for women who share in the household tasks. Efficiency is the name of the game. After all, time at home is best spent enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

This is where LG’s smart home technologies play an invaluable role. In the daily struggle for efficient use of precious time, the electronics giant’s intuitive and smart technology takes the burden out of household tasks so that they do not take more time, and energy, than is necessary.

Take the LG’s TwinWash, powered by SmartThinQ technology, as an example. It allows users to control and monitor the washer anytime and from anywhere using the LG mobile app. It can also be linked to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa so users can remotely start or pause a load, monitor cycle status and ‘command’ the washer to perform other functions.

The InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator is another case in point. It minimizes loss of cold air, prolongs freshness and saves energy and time, with the simple act of knocking twice. It may seem insignificant but as multi-tasking mothers, wives, sisters, and women know—one less thing to worry or think about is always a relief.

A recent study from the U.S. found that “invisible labor” at home can take a toll on the mental and emotional wellbeing of women who are expected to perform these tasks. Invisible labor refers to household responsibilities that are not physically enforced.

For instance, a working mom can count on her husband and children to take turns in doing the laundry, but she is expected to ensure that the detergent does not run out or that all the dirty clothes are included in the load. This mental burden, on top of physical tasks, work demands, parenting responsibilities and spousal obligations, can leave women feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Thus, the availability of smart home technologies, like LG’s line of powerful, modern and user-friendly home appliances, do more than just make the job easier or faster. More importantly, these technologies empower women to take control of their time at home and enable them to focus on that which nurtures them, whether it’s family or much-needed self-care. 

Celebrating women empowerment

The annual celebration of International Women’s Day(IWD) is a global day that recognizes the “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.”

It embraces the struggles and the evolution of women’s roles at home, in the workplace and in the community. Since the first celebration in 1911, much has been achieved but much more needs to be done, and the home has always been a crucial battleground for these milestones.

As a globally renowned brand that makes an impact on the lives of millions of women daily, LG exemplifies the fundamental purpose of smart home technology solutions—to create transformative experiences that improve the lives of its users, both women and men.

Free Unli Rice during early dinner at all Mang Inasal stores this March

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Mang Inasal is giving all unli-rice lovers a special Early Dinner Treat as part of the brand’s 15th anniversary celebration.

Get free unlimited rice servings on all Paborito Value Meals from March 11 to March 28, Mondays thru Thursdays, from 4 to 6 pm only.

The Early Dinner Treat promo is available at all Mang Inasal stores nationwide and valid for dine-in transactions only.

Come celebrate Mang Inasal’s 15th anniversary with us. Visit any of our over 500 stores nationwide for your Solb sa Sarap, Solb sa Saya Early Dinner Treat with free unli-rice!

Bayambang Celebrates 405th Town Fiesta with Grand Events

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Bayambang, Pangasinan is celebrating its 405th year with grand events happening from April 1 until April 8. Bayambang, located at the southern tip of Pangasinan, was the 5th capital of the Philippines during the 1stPhilippine Republic under the revolutionary government of General Emilio Aguinaldo. The town’s vast territory used to include Bautista town, where the Philippine National Anthem was written by Jose Palma, and Camiling town (now a part of Tarlac), the home of Jose Rizal’s inspiration for Maria Clara, Leonor Rivera, and the birthplace of former UN General Assembly President Carlos P. Romulo.

The town fiesta coincides with the marking of the 400th year foundation of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish (the physical church was built in 1869), and worldwide, the commemoration of the 600th year of the saint’s death. The century-old place of worship enshrines St. Vincent Ferrer, the patron saint of Bayambang, whose feast day is on April 5.

Activities in the past town fiesta/s

In line with this year’s fiesta theme “Bayang Pinagtibay ng Pagkakaisa at Pananampalataya Laban sa Kahirapan: 400 ng Pagpapala ng Parokya ng San Vicente Ferrer”, the municipal government of Bayambang, led by Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, in cooperation with sponsors, organizers and Hermano and Hermana Mayor Dr. Henry Fernandez and wife Julie, prepared different activities meant to entertain local and foreign tourists and at the same time highlight Bayambanguenos’ significant contribution to the town’s progress.

The occasion is a fitting opportunity for Bayambang to invite people to witness the ceremony in its latest attempt to make a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records with their bid as having the tallest statue of St. Vincent Ferrer. In 2014, it won the Guinness World Records for the longest barbecue grill.

The soon-to-be iconic monument will stand imposingly in Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park, the first part of the sprawling 67 hectare new town center of Bayambang.

Bayambang Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao and wife Nina Jose as ninong and ninang to 120 couples in the recent Kasalang Bayan.

It was the idea of Mayor Cezar’s wife, Niña Jose, to create a statue of their patron saint to whom she is a devotee like her husband. “St. Vincent Ferrer is a significant part in the culture and history of our town. We decided to build a statue in his honor as a thanksgiving for everything that he has done for Bayambang in the past 400 years,” the former actress and now Bayambang First Lady shared. The 51-meter tall St. Vincent Ferrer image has a steel frame and bamboo panels as cladding material.

Everyone will surely enjoy the fiesta kickoff on April 1 starting from the Revelry followed by a Thanksgiving Mass, a Grand Parade, and the Opening Program at the town plaza in the morning and by 4 p.m., a Street Dancing Competition on Bayambang National High School grounds. The day ends with an Inter-Faith Thanksgiving for members of the community belonging to other religious groups.

From April 2 to 6, there will be a Barangay Night to fete the town’s barangay officials; a Farmers’ Day in honor of the hardworking food producers; an Educators’ Night for teachers; a Senior Citizens’ Day; TODA Day for motor tricycle operators and drivers, and a Fiesta Negosyante dedicated to public market vendors.

On April 3, dancing enthusiasts take centerstage in ZumBayambang while local officials who displayed exemplary performance will be honored with Matalunggaring Awards. LGU/Cultural Night, on the other hand, takes place in the evening in honor of local government workers and cultural workers. 

Set on April 4 is the Malangsi Cooking Contest to discover budding culinary talents. Also in the line-up are Bayambang Got Talent and Inter-Barangay Sportsfest. Adding color and excitement to the event are Vice Ganda, Kamikazee and December Avenue who are set to perform in the grilling-cum-concert night Kalutan Year 5: Labi’y Liket tan Gayaga on PSU Grounds.

On the Big Day, April 5, the feast day of St. Vincent Ferrer, there will be another Thanksgiving Mass at the church, followed by a traditional Grand Procession with statues of the esteemed patron to be paraded around the town. Then at 6 p.m., the formal opening of the St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park will be held at Barangay Bani. The highlight of the affair is the unveiling of the highly-anticipated statue of St. Vincent Ferrer. Devotees of the saint from all over the world are invited to witness this occasion which has been at least a year in the making. Mayor Cezar once said, “Now we are creating a landmark for people to remember and recognize Bayambang.” 

Another big event to be hosted by Bianca Gonzalez is slated on April 6 with the star-studded beauty pageant, which gathers the town’s beautiful ladies to vie for the much-coveted Binibining Bayambang 2019. Actor Dominic Roque will sit in the jury panel. 

The town’s alumni from various educational institutions will come together on April 7 for the Alumni Motorcade, Recreational Activities and Alumni Night.

The festivities will be capped off on April 8 with a formal dinner and mini-concert via Balikbayan Night and People’s Grand Ball at the town plaza, with K Brosas as special guest performer.

Global Finance names BDO Capital the best in the Philippines

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For the 3rd straight year, BDO Capital and Investment Corporation is awarded the Best Investment Bank in the Philippines by Global Finance during its annual World’s Best Investment Banks. This is the 5th time that BDO Capital has received this award.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, BDO Capital was awarded based on its market share, number and size of deals, service and advice, structuring capabilities, extensive distribution network, efforts to address market conditions, innovation, pricing, after-market performance of underwritings, and market reputation.

“Investment banking plays a key role in moving the global economy forward. Our awards highlight the investment banks that stand out in delivering quality insight and innovative deals that meet their clients rapidly changing needs,” said Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of New York-based magazine Global Finance.

One of the country’s most awarded banks, BDO has received other titles over the years from Global Finance: Best Bank in the Philippines, Best Safest Bank, Best Foreign Exchange Provider, Best Trade Finance Bank, and Best Private Bank (through subsidiary BDO Private Bank).

“Getting consistently recognized alongside some of the best banks in the world is an honor we share with our clients. Their continued trust and loyalty drives us to keep getting better at meeting their banking needs,” said BDO Capital president Eduardo V. Francisco, who is also this year’s chairman of the International Association of Financial Executives Institute (IAFEI).

“We are committed to being our clients’ reliable and trustworthy partner in raising capital to expand their business.”

BDO Capital is a full service investment house that offers securities underwriting and trading, loan syndication, financial advisory, and private placement of debt and equity.

About BDO Unibank, Inc.

BDO Unibank, Inc. is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards and credit card services. 

BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,200 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,000 ATMs nationwide. It also has 24 overseas remittance and representative offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of December 31, 2018. 

For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

A Fresh Look at Mermaid Mythology : Catch Siren SeasoEn 2 and Dive Deeper into The Long-Standing Battle Between Mermaids and Humans

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Humans have long been entranced by the idea of mermaids, from the sailors and fishermen of old to modern-day enthusiasts. In 2018, to the delight of fans everywhere, the producers of Siren declared March 29 as International Mermaid Day! Clearly, people remain fascinated by the very idea that they exist but, as with all fairy tales, there is a much darker story that goes farther back.

The age-old story of human-mermaid interaction is retold in Siren, which takes place in a coastal town called Bristol Cove. According to its lore, it was once home to mermaids and strange newcomer named Ryn triggers a series of events. Befriending marine biologist Ben and girlfriend Maddie, Ryn and her brethren turn the sleepy neighbourhood on its head and bring to light jaw-dropping revelations about Ben’s ancestors and the town’s shameful past.

In the second season, tensions flare as the battle between man and sea continues, confirming some of their more sinister aspects: 

1. Mermaids are superior in strength and ferocity than humans.

Any creature that lives in the depths of the ocean has to be fierce and strong, or they won’t survive. Predatory instincts and tribal loyalty run strong and wild in mermaids as demonstrated by Ryn and her brethren, so it’s no wonder that some of them look at weaker, tail-less humans with disdain.

2. Mermaids are highly intelligent!

Many people equate savagery with brainless brutality but this doesn’t apply to mermaids. On the contrary, they are highly intelligent and have the ability to observe, reason and conspire, as Ryn’s sister Donna demonstrated when she escaped from captivity in Season 1. Coupled with their strength and ferocity, this is bad news for anyone who stands in their way.

3. Mermaids are haunting, ethereal and alluring

This is one point where popular mythology and modern retellings seem to agree – mermaids are irresistible. Traditionally, the song of the siren drove sailors mad and Ryn has this ability too; it’s a powerful addition to her physical strength.

4. Mermaids are skilled at shape-shifting 

Taking human form is another common theme when it comes to tales about mermaids, and what better way to hide among humans than in plain sight? However, every transformation comes at a painful, sometimes fatal, price. In spite of this anguish, Ryn seemed determined to stay and defend her human friends. But now, with her sister gone and her presence endangering her friends, where will she go?

As more mermaids come onto land, it’s no longer just a fight between human and mermaids – It has become a survival of the fittest within their own kind. Tune in to Siren season 2 mid-season catch up that will bring you up to date on all that’s happening in Bristol Cove from episode one to five on Sunday, March 3, from 3:30PM on Blue Ant Entertainmentavailable on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channel 37.

Blue Ant Entertainment

Blue Ant Entertainment is a general entertainment channel with the best mix of reality, drama, comedy, and daily programmes. Featuring hit series such as Siren, Bull; competition series The X Factor UK; dailies airing express and day-and-date with the U.S. and U.K. markets, including: Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden. The channel also airs box office classics and ‘LIVE’ broadcasts some of the biggest award shows in the world, including The Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

Know your pork and how to cook it

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When you’re preparing a pork dish, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat to go with it. Robina Farms Premium Fresh Meat offers a variety of meat cuts to suit your needs. But with so many different cuts available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Robina Farms Premium Fresh Meat offers high quality pork, in a variety of meat cuts, to suit your needs.

To help you choose the right cut of meat for your recipe, here’s a handy guide with a few suggestions to get creative with your pork dish.

Kasim

One of the most common and versatile cuts of pork, kasim has layers of fat and litid, making it ideal for slow cooking and suited for most pork dishes like adobo, menudo, and sinigang. 

Recipe Recs: Get creative with your pork shoulder by roasting it whole on low heat for an extended period of time. With layers of fat keeping it moist, cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to seep in, resulting in the perfect roast for pulled pork.

Tenderloin

From the same area as the pork loin, the tenderloin is the most tender of all cuts of pork meat. It also has the mildest flavor because of how lean it is, and benefits from lots of seasoning. It’s best cooked and treated like steak—grilled or pan-fried.

Recipe Recs: Make an alternative to chicken fingers by breading and frying tenderloin strips and pairing it with honey mustard dip, or use it as a substitute for beef in a garlicy salpicao.

Ribs

The row of bones surrounding the loin, the ribs are located closer to the belly while those closer to the backbone are the more tender baby back ribs. Ribs are very flavorful on their own, and are best enhanced by charred flavors when they are barbecued.

Recipe Recs: Put a unique spin on barbecued ribs by adding coffee grounds into the dry rub

Liempo

A definite crowd-pleaser, the liempo or pork belly is the fattiest and most flavorful cut with alternating layers of meat and fat. It can be used interchangeably with kasim for a more flavorful and fatty pork dish.

Recipe Recs: Level up the classic liempo by rolling a whole pork belly into a log and filling with aromatics to make the Italian roast pork dish porchetta. This distributes the flavors more evenly throughout the meat, and creates a juicy roast with uniform layers of fat and a crispy skin.

Pigue

The pigue is the second most versatile pork cut. It can be used in any of the same dishes as its leaner brother, kasim, and is also best for slow cooking. The pigue is where we get the ham.

Recipe Recs: Put a spin on your basic adoboby adding gata and allowing it to cook down to a thick sauce.

Pata

The underrated pata can be used for a wide variety of dishes that otherwise require general-purpose cuts. While it is not fatty, it gets tons of flavor from the layers of skin and litid surrounding it. It is commonly used for crispy pata, and the braised pata tim.

Recipe Recs: Pata slices can easily substitute cubed meat in pork nilaga or sinigang. When it is deboned and chopped, it can also replace the hard-to-find maskara for sisig.

Now that you know the ideal meat cuts to use for your all-time-favorite pork dishes and how to creatively cook them, it’s time to head to the supermarket. Remember, any dish is best when you use the right cuts of the highest quality meat. Be sure to look for Robina Farms Premium Fresh Meat when you visit any Robinsons Supermarket branch nationwide.

Discover the #3SecretsToLevelUpSarap : Lee Kum Kee Announces Filipina Celebrity Karla Estrada as its New Ambassador

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With a glorious history of over 130 years, Lee Kum Kee has become an international household name and a symbol of quality and trust, spicing up Filipinos’ kitchens with its celebrated sauces and condiments. 

Lee Kum Kee announced celebrity mom Ms. Karla Estrada as its ambassador, and reveals its three secret products - Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce, Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce and Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil - to level up the sarap of Filipino cooking.

(L-R): Lee Kum Kee Panda Mascot, Lee Kum Kee Philippines Business Manager Mr. Ryan Cruz, Sysu International Inc. Managing Director Ms. Jennifer Sy, Lee Kum Kee’s newest brand ambassador Ms. Karla Estrada, and Lee Kum Kee South Asia Managing Director Mr. Leslie Lau

“Filipinos have an innate love for cooking, whether it is trying out a new fusion restaurant or cooking up traditional, well-loved dishes at home,” said Mr. Ryan, Esguerra Cruz, Business Manager of Lee Kum Kee Philippines. “We believe that Ms. Karla Estrada perfectly embodies this love for cooking, especially as a mom who whips up dishes for her family every day and bond over sumptuous food.”

At the campaign launch event at Seafood City, Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig, Ms. Estrada shared the cooking secrets for her loved ones.Together with the acclaimed Chef John Flores, they transformed a traditional Pancit Canton into something more flavorful using the three secret sauces of Lee Kum Kee.

(L-R): Lee Kum Kee International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge 2018 Bronze awardee Chef John Flores, Lee Kum Kee’s newest brand ambassador Ms. Karla Estrada, and Lee Kum Kee’s 3 Secrets To Level Up Sarap event host Mr. Eric Tai.

“I love cooking. It is a way for me to express my love for my family,” said Ms. Estrada. “Whether it is a dish for a special occasion or even for an everyday meal, I make sure to always use the best ingredients for my cooking.”

“Lee Kum Kee is really my secret ingredient to level up the sarap in my cooking. It allows me to bring out those balanced taste and authentic flavors that I want for my dishes. My family loves it so much! And when they are happy with my cooking, I am happy too,” she adds.

Lee Kum Kee’s newest brand ambassador Ms. Karla Estrada

As the world’s number one oyster sauce brand for 11 consecutive years, Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce is an all-purpose seasoning sauce, perfect for dipping, marinating, stir-frying or as a sauce base. Using selected fresh oyster extracts, the Oyster Sauce adds a flavorful taste to every day Filipino dishes.

Made from premium non-GMO whole soybeans and wheat flour naturally brewed using traditional methods, Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce has a rich flavor, color and aroma that will delicately enhance any dish by giving it a natural umami taste.

Prepared using the finest roasted sesame seeds, Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil is carefully processed to retain the strong sesame flavor and aroma. As the country's #1 sesame oil for 2018 in terms of volume according to a study by Nielsen*, Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil easily accentuates any food’s overall taste even by just adding a few dashes.

Lee Kum Kee products are widely available in leading supermarkets, grocery stores and sari-sari stores nationwide.

The 3 Secrets to Level Up Sarap: Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce, Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce, and Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil

*Source: Nielsen FY 2018K

Some #3SecretsToLevelUpSarap great food served to us during the event.

#3SecretsToLevelUpSarap Chicken and Pork Adobo cooked with Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce

#3SecretsToLevelUpSarap Chopsuey cooked with Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce

#3SecretsToLevelUpSarap Special Pancit Canton cooked with Lee Kum Kee Sesame Oil

Lee Kum Kee was established in 1888 when its founder Mr. Lee Kum Sheung invented oyster sauce. With a glorious history of over 130 years, Lee Kum Kee has become a household name of Chinese sauces and condiments, as well as an international brand and a symbol of quality and trust. Lee Kum Kee has straddled three centuries and become a globally renowned Chinese enterprise offering over 200 choices of sauces and condiments to over 100 countries and regions. For more details, please visit www.LKK.com.

Follow Lee Kum Kee on Facebook and Instagram (@LeeKumKeeGlobal) and use the hashtag #LeeKumKee.

Shopee and L'Oréal Celebrate International Women’s Day with Debut Regional Super Brand Day

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L'Oréal x Shopee Super Brand Day ! 

From March 6 to 8, Shopee users can access exclusive deals from leading L'Oréal’s brands, including a limited edition beauty box exclusively available on Shopee.

This International Women’s Day, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners L'Oréal, the world leader in beauty, for Shopee’s first regional Super Brand Day. In celebration of women and sharing beauty for all, Shopee users across seven countries will be treated to an exclusive range of deals from the top three Women’s Internationally Favorite L'Oréal brands from across the world – L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier – that serve the need of female shoppers at every age range and beauty profile. Themed Women's Day, Live Your Beauty, the L'Oréal x Shopee Super Brand Day will run from March 6 to 8, and will feature unbeatable L'Oréal offers, giveaways and a limited edition beauty box exclusively available via the L'Oréal Official Store on Shopee Mall.

Chris Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Shopee, said, “Last year, we launched Super Brand Day as an avenue to recognize our key brand partners, and also to offer our users access to exclusive deals and products from their favorite brands. This collaboration with L'Oréal marks the first regional installment of our Super Brand Day series, and the tie-in to International Women’s Day makes it even more meaningful. We are proud to support L'Oréal’s belief in celebrating women and beauty for everyone, and we are confident that this Super Brand Day will be a great success.”

As an International Women’s Day special, Maybelline New York will also be launching a limited edition Empowered Box exclusively on Shopee, containing the latest shades of Maybelline New York’s best-selling lipstick, the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink. Each limited edition Empowered Box contains two Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink lipsticks and a Maybelline SuperStay Eraser.

The L'Oréal x Shopee Super Brand Day will feature three days of themed beauty deals, with each dedicated to one of three leading L'Oréal brands; L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier. Key highlights include:

L'Oréal Paris: 50% off all Color Riche Matte lipsticks, including highly popular shades Rich Merlot and Hinted Blush; and 50% off Magic Retouch hair root concealer spray in Mahogany Brown.

Maybelline New York: 50% off all Powder Matte and Creamy Matte lipsticks on March 8 during 2 rounds of flash sales at 12MN to 2AM and 12NN to 2PM.

Garnier: Buy 5 Take 2 promotion on all variants of Garnier Serum Masks, and up to 22% off on Garnier Micellar Water.

Shopee users can also stand to win additional discounts and special prizes by taking part in the L'Oréal-themed Beauty Ninja game, and a series of social media giveaways. Users who shop from L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier official stores on Shopee on March 8 also stand a chance to be one of three lucky raffle draw winners of a year’s supply of products from the brands. Finally, Shopee will host a special Facebook Live session on March 8 with Filipino online stars Doll Up Mari; and Kristine Roces, also known as RealAsianBeauty, to give away a wide array of best-selling products from L'Oréal.

All L'Oréal products can be found via the L'Oréal Official Store on Shopee Mall. Products under Shopee Mall come with 7 days return, 100% authentic guarantee, and free shipping.

Shop the L'Oréal x Shopee Super Brand Day: https://shopee.ph/m/super-brand-day.

Download the Shopee app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Cebuana Lhuillier launches easier, more convenient way to save through micro savings product

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Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the country’s leading microfinancial services company, recently unveiled the Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, which will provide Filipinos with a more convenient and affordable means to save their hard-earned money. 

Launch coincides with the introduction of “#KayaNa: Unbanked Filipinos No More Movement” 

Acting as a cash agent of the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB), micro savings is Cebuana Lhuillier’s platform for Filipinos to overcome the barriers to saving. While Filipinos like to save, they opt to keep it at home according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) 

The lukewarm attitude of the masses towards opening a savings account is attributed to the barriers to saving in banks. The lack of access to banks among the country’s many cities and municipalities remains as the top deterrent, according to a BSP study. In fact, only 33% or 551 cities in the Philippines have access to banking institutions. The numerous documentary requirements is a major turn off for many, along with the high cost of initial deposit, high maintaining balance, as well as, high dormancy charges.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings enables every Filipino to break through these barriers. Opening a Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account requires only one valid ID and a minimal Php 50 initial deposit. And because of Cebuana Lhuillier’s wide network of branches comprised of 2,500 retail infrastructures, account holders can deposit and withdraw anywhere at their most convenient hours. 

The product is in line with the Cebuana Lhuillier’s mission of financial inclusion, which has been the thrust of the company for the past 30 years. 

“BSP’s basic deposit framework, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings completes the full roster of our services, all designed and developed with financial inclusion in mind. We’ve come full circle—from offering collateralized loans or pawning, remittance service, micro insurance and now, micro savings—all of these products were designed with Filipinos from all walks of life in mind especially the unbanked and underserved, who would not have access to these financial services given their circumstances in life,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president & CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

To ensure that micro savings account holders can fully maximize the use of their savings account and ensure greater connectivity, Cebuana Lhuillier will also be launching its very own eCebuana app which allows micro savings users to check their balance and send money through remittance, as well as load prepaid credits to their phones, and pay their bills by integrating it to their Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account.

The app is just the first step in a long line of innovations connected to the micro savings product – on top of which is its migration to an EMV-enabled card which can be accessed through ATMs (automated teller machines). It will also carry a debit and credit facility for online and cashless shopping, provide access to auxiliary services and help corporate and MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) clients manage their business through payroll cash management solutions. 

Furthermore, it will progress to provide more value with features like remit-to-and-from savings account; pay and deposit from savings account; and an international remit-to-account feature which will provide convenience to Filipinos abroad in sending money to their families in the Philippines. This innovation will also allow clients to have safe and convenient access to their accounts in all Cebuana Lhuillier branches, Cebuana CARES, agent partners, and all online and mobile channels, as well as, access to all CLRB branches set to establish presence nationwide. For easier access, self-service kiosks in Cebuana Lhuillier branches will also be put in place. 

All these efforts to make savings accessible to every Filipino are part of Cebuana Lhuillier President & CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier’s vision on financial wellness. “Cebuana Lhuillier is also adapting a new philosophy, which is financial wellness. Our goal is not just to provide quick cash to the underbanked and unbanked for their short-term financial needs but to become an enabler for a better future for them. Allowing more and more Filipinos to steer their own direction and be captains of their own ship. We want to help them graduate from being dependent through bridge financing options for them to experience financial freedom,” Lhuillier said. 

The launch of Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings coincides with the launch of the #KayaNa: Unbanked Filipinos No More Movement, which aims to transform the landscape of saving in the Philippines.

In light and in support of the BSP’s call for greater financial inclusion among Filipinos, Cebuana Lhuillier aims to reach more underserved Filipinos and empower them to save for the future through its micro savings product.

Hapee Kiddie together with Renowned Puppeteer Wanlu Teaches Kids on Proper Brushing in School Caravan

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Having dental caries, more commonly known as cavities, is one of the top public health concerns of not just adults, but kids too. According to the Department of Health, 92.4% of Filipinos have them. What is more alarming is that 97% of Filipino children suffer from cavities too. 

Students who suffer from cavities not only experience pain and discomfort but may also perform badly in school. Toothaches, developed because of the buildup of cavities, is the most common cause of absenteeism among schoolchildren. 

Brushing our teeth has become such a usual part of everyone’s daily routine that we often forget the importance of doing it properly. Like most things, it’s better to do them right as young as possible. That is why Hapee Kiddie launched their Choose tobe Hapee with Hapee Kiddie school caravan with the goal of teaching our kids how to properly brush their teeth. With the tour’s unique and informative approach to teaching oral care, it showed the children that brush time need not be as dull.

The students were able to enjoy a special song number by Wanlu and Hapee during the Choose to be Hapee with Hapee Kiddie caravan tour. 

One creative way of educating children about their oral care is through a puppet show, led by renowned ventriloquist, Wanluand his trusty puppets, Nicolo and Hapee, where they further educated the students with their witty yet informative banter. 

“Every moment in the caravan was memorable to me. The kids were even hugging the puppets after the show, especially Hapee. I think puppeteering really is a more creative and effective way of communicating with the children. In fact, you can see in the faces of the children that they really understand what’s happening and what the puppet is talking about because they react to what the puppet tells them,” shared Wanlu, who recently won the Ventriloquist of the Year in Asia awarded by the US-based International Ventriloquist Association.

Popular ventriloquist/puppeteer Wanlubrought out Nicolo, one of his famous puppets, for the Choose to be Hapee with Hapee Kiddie caravan tour.

Using a life-size tooth and toothbrush, kids were able to see firsthand the steps they need to do to make their teeth happy and healthy. 

Kids were taught how to properly brush their teeth through fun demonstrations. Through the Hapee Kiddie Toothy Tale videos, they learned to brush three times a day using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and then brush for two minutes with circular motions.

Schoolchildren participate in the engaging activities of the school caravan by signaling two when asked for how many minutes they should brush their teeth. 

Wanlu is accompanied by Hapee, as they talk about the importance of brushing their teeth. 

They then tested their newly-acquired knowledge with engaging games, where they were able to nab prizes! 

Choose to be Hapee with Hapee Kiddie school caravan tours all across Metro Manila, bringing joy and spreading happiness to nearly 4,000 young kids aged 5 to 7 years old in 15 public and private schools.

To find out more about Hapee Kiddie activities and updates, visit Hapee Kiddie’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HapeeKiddiePH.