BRIA Homes releases “Upa,” a film that gives ordinary Filipinos a wake-up call

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If you live in a tiny rented room, put up with nosey and noisy neighbors, or worry about your family’s safety in a congested neighborhood, you know how it is to be an ordinary Filipino. Yes, the hapless Filipino wage earner whose dream to own a home is often quashed by the daunting task of paying for food, utiities, and life’s other obligations.

This is the scenario that tugs at your heart as “Upa,” a film released by BRIA Homes, depicts the story of a small Filipino family as they deal with the manifold problems of living in a rented room. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig, with Lyka Bernal and Juan Carlo Tarobal as lead stars, “Upa” wields an important lesson as the couple’s troubles come to a head: sometimes, the hard knocks are life’s ‘wake up’ call.

Indeed, losing their rent money to theft and their dinner to freeloading kapitbahays are just two of the eye-openers that finally rouse the couple into action. Seeing their dear friend happily settled down in a beautiful BRIA home, husband and wife check out a family-friendly BRIA community—and like what they see: well-designed homes in a wholesome and secure environment that boasts modern amenities and facilities designed for its residents’ enjoyment. 

The production team of “Upa” includes Lorraine Shaira Mae Intes for screenplay; Noel Teehankee for cinematography; Henry Ramirez for offline editing; Kenneth Amparo for online editing; Richard Gonzales for scoring; Joe-Nico Ebora for coloring; and Kat Salinas for sound design. 

The ‘wake up call’ in “Upa” comes when the wife discovers the joys of living in a BRIA community through a friend, a BRIA homeowner who pushes her to take the first step towardsmoving to one.

The film was shot at BRIA Homes in San Pablo City, Laguna, showcasing an airy BRIA Homewith sleek interiors and the different perks of living in a wholesome community such as its recreational and security amenities (basketball court, an eco-friendly park, CCTV cameras, guarded entrance and exits, and perimeter fences). 

Other key features of BRIA developments are also highlighted in the film, like its proximity to schools, hospitals, churches, retail establishments, public transport options, and major roads and highways.

More importantly, BRIA’s winning formula—Affordability (Mura) + Quality (Dekalidad) = a Beautiful BRIA Home for Every Filipino—proves to viewers that ordinary Filipinos can purchase a home for as low as Php1,897 per month, through bank financing and Pag-IBIG funding.

“Upa” affirms the lesson: why rent a tiny dwelling when, like the characters in the film, the family that moves into a beautiful BRIA home can be you?

BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN BRIA Holdings, Inc., considered the third largest real estate company in terms of market capitalization valued at more than P200B. The fastest-growing mass housing developer in the Philippines, BRIA Homes is primed to bring affordable house-and-lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into Bria’s homes. 

To know more about BRIA Homes, call (0966) 277 5944, like “Bria Official” on Facebook, and follow “@TheBriaOfficial” on Twitter and Instagram. 

Shopee breaks all records with over 80 million visits and 80 million items sold for its Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale u

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Over 180,000 hours recorded on Shopee Live throughout the entire event period

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, achieves another record-breaking performance with 80 million items sold at its Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Over 80 million visits were recorded in 24 hours as users from across the region shopped from millions of deals on December 12.

Martin Yu, Associate Director at Shopee Philippines said, “The strong results from our 12.12 Big Christmas Sale shows that people from all walks of life trust Shopee to deliver the best online shopping experience. Year after year, we continue to see more users from both big and small cities buying and selling a wide variety of items. Shopee has become the go-to, everyday shopping app for everyone in the region, and we are committed to making e-commerce simple and accessible for all.”

E-commerce is fast becoming a daily norm in users’ live

Shopee is fast becoming the go-to online shopping platform for users in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. According to iPrice’s Q3 2019 e-commerce report, Shopee is the most visited e-commerce website on desktop and mobile web across the region. It is also the top-ranking app in the Shopping category by average monthly active users across Southeast Asia. 

Users are also increasingly relying on Shopee to purchase their everyday products. Daily essentials such as power banks, wet wipes, and makeup foundation emerged as some of the top-selling products in the Philippines on December 12. 

In addition, users are becoming more resourceful in obtaining information before making a purchase. A total of 180,000 hours were clocked across Shopee Live streams over the entire event period, as users engaged with their favorite brands and sellers in real-time to get information on the latest hot-selling products. 

Across the region on December 12:

● The total number of diapers sold on December 12 can last a baby for 12,002 years

● The total number of smartphones sold can cover 3 football fields

Success of Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale signals growing trust and participation in online shopping

The success of the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale also showcases increasing confidence in online shopping in the region. Users outside capital cities are also increasingly going online to sell or buy products they previously never had access to. In the Philippines, areas such as South Luzon and North Luzon experienced the highest shopping activity. Some of the top-selling local products include makeup pouches, iPhone cases, and stainless metal straw sets. 

Yu closed, “The Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale marks the end of an outstanding 2019. We have achieved so much in the past year but what stands out the most is the unwavering support we’ve received from our users, sellers, brands, and partners. As we look ahead to 2020, we will continuously elevate the Shopeeexperience and unlock the full potential of e-commerce for all.” 

Philippine volleyball teams make their mark in the 2019 SEA Games

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Year-long droughts were ended in this year’s volleyball tournament in Manila

The Philippines’ finest athletes in volleyball fought as sambansa and made a mark in the 30th SEA Games.

After years of lackluster finishes in the Southeast Asian Games, Philippine volleyball showed resurgence this year with strong performances and podium finishes all throughout against the rest of the region’s powerhouses.

Congratulations to the men’s indoor volleyball team, led by captain John Vic de Guzman, which ended the tournament powerfully with a silver finish, breaking a drought of almost 15 years. The men’s team last earned the bronze in the 2005 SEA Games also in Manila, making this achievement particularly more impressive!

Congratulations are also due to the beach volleyball teams, which both earned the bronze in their maiden outing! Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton defeated Singapore to secure the bronze, while Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dzi Gervacio, and Dij Rodriguez of the women’s team locked it down after big wins against the Singapore women’s team.

The women’s indoor volleyball team fell shy of a podium finish this year. Their play, hard work, and heart do not go unnoticed, however, as they also deserve congratulations and thanks for giving it all they’ve got.

Rebisco would like to thank all of the players of thePhilippine indoor and beach volleyball teams forrepresenting the country with pride and honor, and all the hard work they’ve put in fighting hard in the SEA Games. We are proud of you, and we will always support you!

For more info and updates, don’t forget to follow RebiscoPilipinas social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/ on Facebook, and @rebiscosambansa on Twitter and Instagram.

Shopee and Jose Mari Chan Spread Christmas Joy with the Children of Bahay Aruga

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Shopee treats pediatric cancer patients to a fun-filled afternoon with games and gifts

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, warmed up for its 12.12 Christmas Sale with a meaningful Christmas Party for pediatric cancer patients at Bahay Arugahalfway home. In line with the season of giving, Father of Philippine Christmas Music Jose Mari Chan made a special guest appearance to spread fun and kindness with Shopee.

The patients and their parents forged fond memories with their loved ones as Jose Mari Chan performed his iconic songs “Christmas in our Hearts” and “Please Be Careful With My Heart”. In addition, beneficiaries also took part in exciting games and activities to win a variety of prizes including Shopee vouchers.

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee believes in giving back to our community, especially as the season of giving draws nearer. We would like to thank Bahay Aruga for the warm welcome and for giving us the opportunity to join in their joy and laughter.”

Rounding off a meaningful afternoon, each family received a Christmas gift basket filled with grocery items which they can use to cook a delicious Noche Buena meal. The children also received toys and school supplies from Shopee brands and sellers, including Dong-A, AnimePH, and Starwooden.

Bahay Aruga is a free halfway home for pediatric cancer patients. It currently shelters 38 children and their parents. They benefit from the close proximity to the Philippine General Hospital, where the children receive regular treatment.

Jose Mari Chan said, “I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to get up close with the beneficiaries of Bahay Aruga. To meet these brave Children, stricken with cancer, and the people running this Home, is a humbling experience. How wonderful that i was living the spirit of Christmas itself : giving and sharing.”

Greenwich Unveils New Learning Center

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Greenwich, the number one pizza and pasta brand in the Philippines, recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art training facility located in the heart of Kapitolyo in Pasig. 

Inspired by the youthful dynamism of the brand’s market and its team members, the Barkada Campus is a testament of Greenwich’s commitment in accelerating the capability of its employees to cater to its customers through its over 300 stores nationwide. 

According to Mike V. Castro, General Manager, “The facility, appropriately named Greenwich Barkada Campus, is designed to foster continuous employee learning, engagement, collaboration, and ideation – ultimately helping us deliver our promise to provide the best-tasting pizzas and pasta over a truly enjoyable barkada experience.” 

The 1120-sqm Barkada Campus, composed of multiple classrooms, a computer laboratory, meeting rooms, a store kitchen and a dining set-up, will house learning programs for Operations team and Head Office staff as well as leadership development courses to its Managers.

Securing your family legacy

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AXA Philippines’ Asset Master provides a wealth transfer solution to help secure 

the lifestyle your family deserves for generations to come.

Your family is living a comfortable life with all their needs and wants within their reach. But what will happen if the provider of the family suddenly passes away? How can you make sure your loved ones will continue to live a good life even when you are not around?

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, ensures your family will go on living well with Asset Master. Designed as an insurance-investment plan, Asset Master allows you to build a diversified investment portfolio of local and global investments and provides a wealth transfer solution to help secure the lifestyle your family deserves for generations to come.

“AXA Philippines aims to be your partner in building a solid foundation so you can secure the lifestyle you desire for yourself and your family,” shares AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora. “You can have peace of mind knowing that your legacyis supported by Asset Master.”

AXA Asset Master allows you to grow your estate, preserve it effectively, and also transfer it seamlessly. Your estate can grow immediately by 25% upon claiming of the payout with the guaranteed death benefit feature if no partial withdrawals were made.

The payout of your guaranteed death benefit may be used by the beneficiaries to pay for estate taxes so that they don’t have to worry about sourcing or liquidating assets. Proceeds from the insurance payout for irrevocable beneficiaries are tax-exempt, effectively reducing your taxable estate so your heirs may be able to keep their inheritance intact. 

Through AXA Asset Master, you gain access to a variety of investment opportunities from different markets across the globe via a comprehensive selection of highly curated Philippine and offshore funds.

For a minimum one-time investment of P100,000 or US$2,000, you can enjoy 125% guaranteed life insurance coverage of your one-time payment. And by investing more, you also get reduced fees and higher guaranteed bonuses every 10th and 20th year. 

Start securing your legacy today with AXA Asset Master. To know more, visit https://youtu.be/-Toyb4mmVic or talk to an AXA financial advisor by visiting the nearest Metrobank, PSBank or AXA branch, or email customer.service@axa.com.ph.

Four Easy Holiday Recipes Using the Samsung Smart Oven

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The convenience of quick fixes such as food deliveries and instant dishes has made families choose that over home-cooked meals. It’s tempting to just take the easy route and go for something fast, especially during the holidays when Filipinos are juggling many things at once.

One of the most important parts of Christmas in the Philippines is Noche Buena. Those preparing the Christmas Eve feast will want to prepare special food for their loved ones, but may find the idea of cooking several dishes intimidating.

Samsung developed the Smart Oven for those who want to enjoy healthy and delicious meals, which can be prepared for any type of occasion. Designed as an all-in-one kitchen partner, it works as a convection oven and a microwave that can be used for baking, grilling, slim frying, defrosting, steaming, and even making yogurt. It’s a do-it-all device that can whip up something special for Noche Buena.

Below are some recipes that families can enjoy with the Samsung Smart Oven:

Samsung Smart Oven 35-liter

1. Baked Baby Back Ribs with Coleslaw

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 kg. baby back ribs, cut into 3-rib portions

1 sachet 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pc. small onion, minced

1 pc. small red chili, sliced

1 cup water

2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tbsp. tomato catsup

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. chopped parsley

Slaw:

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup shredded red cabbage

½ cup shredded carrot

½ tsp. fine salt

⅛ tsp. freshly ground pepper

¼ cup Nestle All-Purpose Cream

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

1. Season ribs with Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place meat side down on a deep baking pan.

2. Mix garlic, onion, chili, water, soy sauce, tomato catsup, sugar, and peanut butter. Pour into the pan and mix well with pork.

3. Bake on high rack using Microwave + Grill Mode. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Microwave + Grill. Set at 600W for 60 minutes. After 45 minutes, flip and continue to cook for the remaining 15 minutes.

4. Prepare slaw by mixing cabbage, carrot, salt, pepper, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate.

5. Brush pork with the reduced sauce, transfer on a serving plate and garnish with parsley. Serve with cabbage slaw.

2. Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pc. lemon

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 tbsp. minced parsley

2 tbsp. parmesan cheese

1 tbsp. olive oil

½ bar cream cheese

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream

¼ cup water

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp. sliced spring onion

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

1 ½ sachets 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

½ kg. skinless salmon fillet

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 can corn kernels, drained and rinsed

2 pcs. red and green pepper, diced

Directions:

1. Cut lemon in half lengthwise. Cut half of the lemon into wedges and set aside. Zest and juice the other half of the lemon. Mix lemon zest, breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

2. Combine cream cheese, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, water, garlic, spring onion, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Mix until smooth.

3. Season salmon with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place salmon on a Crusty Plate. Spread ½ cup of the sauce on top. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture. Mix corn and bell peppers and season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Place around the fish.

4. Cook salmon on low rack using the Healthy Cooking Mode.

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking. Set program code to 3-4 (Grilled Salmon Steaks). Select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A9 (Grilled Salmon Fillets) and select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

5. Transfer on a serving plate and serve with the cream sauce and lemon wedges.

3. Chicken Parmigiana with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. boneless and skinless chicken breast

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 pcs. eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. chopped basil

1 cup grated mozzarella

Roasted tomato sauce:

¼ kg. tomatoes, halved lengthwise

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 pc. onion, cut into wedges

½ small can anchovies

2 tbsp. butter, diced

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning

Directions:

1. Season chicken with Maggi Magic Sarap. Coat with flour, dip in egg, and coat well with breadcrumbs. Set aside.

2. Prepare the roasted sauce by spreading tomato, garlic, onion, anchovies, and butter on Crusty Plate. Season with Maggi Magic Sarap, pepper, sugar, and Italian herb seasoning. Cook vegetables on Crusty Plate on high rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Microwave + Grill function. Set at 600W for 10 minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A-13 (Roast Vegetables). Select serving size.

3. Puree vegetables using a blender. Adjust consistency with water. Set aside.

4. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and cook on Crusty Plate on low rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking button. Set program code to 3-1 (Chicken Breasts). Select serving size and set cooking time to nine minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A8 (Grilled Chicken Breasts). Select serving size. Turn over as the beep sounds. Press start to continue.

5. Remove from the oven. Top with tomato sauce, basil, and cheese. Continue to cook chicken using Hot Blast mode.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 200°C for three minutes.

6. Transfer into a serving plate and serve with more tomato sauce.

4. Easy Baked Apple Cobbler

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. gala apples, peeled and sliced

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

⅛ tsp. fine salt

Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. fine salt

¼ cup sugar

6 tbsp. Nestle All-Purpose Cream

1 tbsp. sugar for topping

Whipped Cream (optional):

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream, chilled

⅓ cup condensed milk

 I

Directions:

1. Mix apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, cornstarch, butter, and salt. Divide into 4 ramekins.

2. Bake apples using Hot Blast Mode. Stir the mixture to make sure all apple slices are evenly coated with the sauce. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 180°C for 10 minutes.

3. Whip Nestle All-Purpose Cream until it thickens. Whisk in condensed milk. Refrigerate until use.

4. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Stir in the whipped Nestle All-Purpose Cream. Mix until dough is formed. Divide into 4 portions.

5. Cover each ramekin with dough and sprinkle each with sugar. Bake using respective modes and set aside to cool:

MC32K: Select Hot Blast button. Set to 180°C for 25 minutes.

MC35J: Bake using Convection Mode. Select the Convection button. Set to 180°C for 30 minutes.

6. Top Apple Cobbler with whipped cream if desired.

Note: Recipe includes automatic pre-heating once baking details are entered in the oven.

Pair the Smart Oven with Samsung’s lineup of refrigerators, which are packed with innovative technologies such as SPACEMAX technology that has thinner walls compared to traditional refrigerators, and  FlexZone technology that preserves the optimal freshness of different kinds of food. This makes it the perfect holiday companion to ensure food is properly stored during gatherings and Noche Buena.

French Door No Frost w/ Food Showcase, 3-Door Side by Side No Frost Space Max Interior w/ Flexzone, and Side by Side No Frost Space Max Interior

Get the Do It All Cookbook upon purchase of MC32 and MC35 Samsung Smart Oven. This recipe book is a collection of 35 easy to follow, tasty, and healthy recipes that anyone can do. Offer is valid until December 31, 2019.

Know more details on Samsung’s Smart Oven and newest refrigerator models by liking SamsungPH on Facebook or visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/cooking-appliances/microwave-ovens/ and https://www.samsung.com/ph/refrigerators/

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