Learn More About the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Philippines Through #VaccineAlamin : TikTok partners with the Manila City Government on this important COVID-19 vaccine education campaign

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The COVID-19 vaccine is gradually becoming available around the world, and in the Philippines, preparations are underway for a vaccination program roll-out in the coming months. Vaccination plays a key role in ending the COVID-19 pandemic by preparing a person's immune system to fight the virus, should you be exposed. This potentially helps to reduce its spread within entire communities. 

At present, the majority of Filipinos are still unwilling to receive the vaccine due to concerns over its safety, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey. This poses a challenge to the implementation plans of both local and national government units. To address this, the City Government of Manila has partnered with TikTok for #VaccineAlamin, a COVID-19 vaccine education campaign. #VaccineAlamin aims to boost awareness on the health benefits of immunization, and spread accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine to the public.

The #VaccineAlamin Campaign was launched via TikTok Live last February 22. During the event, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno provided an overview of what local government units are doing to support the nationwide vaccination program. According to him, their goal is not to force people to get vaccinated but instead encourage and help educate them, to enable more Filipinos to make informed decisions once the vaccination program is underway. 

Mayor Isko identified fear and misinformation as two of the biggest barriers that need to be broken down. He said,

"Kaya nagkaroon ng doubt ang ating mga kababayan, dahil dun sa nangyaring isang bakuna na medyo nagkaroon ng masamang impresyon ang mga mamamayan. Pangalawa, 'yung mga misinformation about existing vaccines all over the world."

The mayor also stressed the importance of communication, adding that the most effective strategy is to engage people, and make sure that they have access to factual information. He said,

"I think it's more on talking to the people, kaya kami nagpapasalamat sa TikTok, because this is a set of audience, because of its demographics, if we can use this type of outlet, malaking bagay kasi 'yung tao directly makatatanong samin."

He adds,

"Having TikTok nowadays, helps us. People are into it, so why not use it as a form of communication. Sa dami nang binabasa ng mga tao ngayon, sa dami ng pumapasok na impormasyon sa tao ngayon, kailangan maging catchy."

Manila City Health Officer, Dr. Arnold Pangan, also spoke at the launch event. He explained some important things that people need to know about the vaccine. Dr. Pangan clarified that, while the vaccine protects you from suffering from a serious form of COVID-19, it is still possible to get the disease after being vaccinated against it. This is why it is important to still take precautions such as physical distancing and mask-wearing. 

According to Dr. Pangan, "You may still be infected with the COVID-19 virus, tuloy-tuloy pa rin dapat ang ating pag-iingat kahit social distancing, kahit wearing of mask, kasi it's not a guarantee. Pag nabakunahan ka na, ang maganda doon, you will be protected from having a severe form of COVID-19 infection."

Members of the TikTok community can show their support for the #VaccineAlamin Campaign by using the hashtag, and sharing creative content filled with factual information about the virus and the vaccine to boost awareness. Whether it is a skit, a song, or a dance video, as long as it helps spread #VaccineAlamin's message, it is sure to make a difference. Mayor Isko himself issued a challenge to TikTok creators to join the hashtag challenge in order to amplify the campaign. He said, "Create a video that will help inform others about #VaccineAlamin Campaign, i will copy it and tag you!"

TikTok values the safety of the entire community, and the #VaccineAlamin campaign is a great example for how the platform can be used to do good. Through its dynamic features like TikTok Live and hashtags, information dissemination becomes easy, enjoyable, and relatable, while still being meaningful and impactful.

As CNN Philippines News Anchor, James Deakin, who hosted the launch event, said, "It's such a pleasure to use this platform in a way that I never foresaw, but it is very effective. We just want to be able to reach out to as many people as possible. We'd like to thank TikTok for making this possible, for inviting us over here to share this information. As we keep saying, I hope it doesn't sound cliché, we're all in this together."

Learn more about #VaccineAlamin on TikTok, and help spread the word about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Download the app on your iOS and Android devices today to get started.

Catch the Shopee 8.8 Play & Win TV Special on Wowowin and Win a Total of ₱1.2 Million Worth of Prizes

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Tune in on August 8 and stand a chance to be one of the lucky winners. 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is inviting everyone to tune in to Wowowin on August 8 to stand a chance to win a total of ₱1.2 million worth of prizes. From 5:30 PM to 6:10 PM, the audience can anticipate fun games, non-stop prizes and giveaways, 8-peso deals, and up to 90% off on leading brands. 

Joining Wowowin’s main host Willie Revillame are Kapuso stars Sanya Lopez and Andrea Torres as co-host and performer. 

Key highlights of Shopee 8.8 Fashion Sale: 

On August 8, viewers can look forward to fun Shopee games, low-priced deals, and big cash prizes. Key highlights include: 

● Shopee Shake: One player can win ₱300,000 on Shopee Shake. They should tune in to Wowowin at 5:45 PM for a chance to play and win. 

● Watch & Win: Four viewers can each win ₱80,000 cash prize plus ₱10,000 worth of groceries. To join, users should pre-register on the Watch & Win microsite and tune in to Wowowin. Registration is from August 1, 12 midnight to August 8, 12 noon.

● Shopee Catch: One viewer can win ₱500,000 cash on Shopee Catch. Viewers have to catch items with a box or a bag, and the player with the most items is the winner. 

● ₱8 deals: On August 8, viewers can score ₱8-deals such as an eco-friendly t-shirt, a Nintendo Switch Labo, and a Platinum KS-10 Plus Junior 2 Karaoke Player. 

● Exclusive promos from leading brands: Users can also enjoy exclusive offers and discounts of up to 30% off on leading brands such as Silver Kingdom, Hanford, Maybelline, Primer Group, Penshoppe, and iTrends. Shoppers can also avail of fantastic deals on jewelry, electronics, and eyewear on Shopee’s TV Special on Wowowin.

To find out more about the Shopee 8.8 Fashion Sale, head over to https://shopee.ph/m/double-double. 

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

Globe extends free unli WIFI services to more hospitals nationwide

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Globe extends free and unlimited internet connection via its GoWiFi services to more hospitals nationwide as more COVID-19 cases are being confirmed in areas outside Metro Manila. This is to augment the efforts of more medical frontliners, and help patients and their loved ones to stay connected and informed in the country's fight against the pandemic.

GoWiFi is available in the following medical institutions from March 16 until April 15, 2020:

Agusan del NorteMJ Santos Hospital
Holy Child Colleges of Butuan Hospital

BataanBataan St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center Corp.

Batangas

Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center
Lipa City District Hospital
Lipa Medix Medical Center
Mary Mediatrix Medical Center
San Antonio Medical Center

Bohol

Ramiro Community Hospital

BenguetBenguet General Hospital

BulacanMendoza General Hospital
QualiMed Hospital Altaraza
Rugay General Hospital

Camarines SurNICC Doctors Hospital

CapizCapiz Emmanuel Hospital

CaviteEmilio Aguinaldo College Medical Center - Cavite

CebuCebu Community Hospital
Cebu Doctors Hospital

Davao del SurDavao Doctors Hospital
Davao Limso Hospital
Davao Medical Center (Southern Philippines Medical Center)
Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc.
San Pedro Hospital

Ilocos NorteGov. Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital

Ilocos SurGabriela Silang General Hospital

Iloilo

West Visayas State University Medical Center

Medicus Medical Center

The Medical City Iloilo

QualiMed Hospital Iloilo

Isabela

Isabela United Doctors Med Center

La UnionLa Union Medical Diagnostic Center and Hospital Inc.

LagunaHealthServ Los Banos Medical Center
San Pablo Medical Center
The Medical City South Luzon
QualiMed Hospital Nuvali

Misamis OccidentalMedina Medical Center

Misamis Oriental

Polymedic Velez

Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital Inc.

Negros Occidental

The Doctor's Hospital - Visayas

Caritas Health Shield Inc.

Negros OrientalHoly Child Hospital

Pampanga

The Medical City Clark

PangasinanPangasinan Doctors Hospital

South CotabatoSocsargen County Hospital

ZambalesJames L. Gordon Hospital
Our Lady of Lourdes International Medical Center

Zamboanga del SurDoctors Hospital
West Metro Medical Center

GoWiFi services have also been available since March 13 in select public and private hospitals in Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Taguig and other areas in Metro Manila as support to the national government’s call for community quarantine in the region. This brings to a total of 68 hospitals being supported by Globe.

Globe and TM customers who subscribed to telehealth provider KonsultaMD may also consult with a doctor via the 79880 telehealth hotline without incurring mobile call charges. This is to help decongest physical consultations at hospitals and mitigate the risks of patient exposure to the virus.

Manila Doctors Hospital Holds New Tower Lobby Blessing

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(L-R) Dr. Antonio S. Abacan Jr., Chairman and Acting President of Manila Medical Services Incorporated; Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Dr. George S.K. Ty, Group Chairman of Metrobank Group of Companies; and Augusto Palisoc Jr., President and CEO of the Metro Pacific hospital group, grace the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the MDH New Tower Grand Lobby. 

Gearing towards major expansion, Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) formally introduced the new medical tower named after the father of MDHs benefactor Dr. George S.K. Ty, with Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada leading the ribbon-cutting and blessing on December 8.

Located along T.M. Kalaw Street and overlooking Rizal Park, Norberto Ty Medical Tower will function as the new home of more specialty centers, patient rooms and clinics.

The formal blessing for the grand lobby was succeeded by the unveiling of Don Norberto Ty’s bust. Mayor Estrada praised the Hospital's record of service under the stewardship of philanthropist-tycoon Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty. He also stressed his advocacy in innovating health systems to provide quality health assistance to the marginalized sector.

Present during the ceremony with Dr. Ty’s family were MDH administrators led by Board Chairman and Acting President Dr. Antonio S. Abacan, Jr., and Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. President and Chief and Executive Officer Augusto P. Palisoc Jr.

The new building is expected to increase MDH’s capacity from 300 to 500 beds and will add 160 parking slots. It will also house an additional 64 doctors’ clinics, offices, and more medical, diagnostic services and specialty centers. With the completion of 18-storey medical tower, targeted in 2016, the hospital is poised to become one of leading provider of advanced but affordable healthcare services. 

Manila Doctors Hospital, one of the leading centers of health and wellness in the Philippines, is a private tertiary hospital which is currently expanding its services with the construction of its new medical tower. Owned by Manila Medical Services Inc., MDH is the healthcare affiliate of Metrobank Foundation Inc, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. MDH is an ISO 9001-2008 accredited institution and is recognized by Accreditation Canada International and is a reporting member of the United Nations Global Compact.

7 ‘Foodventures' to take outside Metro Manila

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People are always going out for adventures and food tripping! Check this out and enjoy your 'foodventures'. MyProperty.ph lists seven locales beyond Metro Manila that have made major contributions to the country’s rich culinary culture.

As varied and trendy as restaurants are that pop up almost every day in Metro Manila, there’s nothing quite like going back to homegrown meals you’ll find at their place of origin. Every Philippine province and region has a signature dish they’re proud to call their own, making the task of sampling the best they have to offer an adventure in itself.

Here’s MyProperty.ph’s list of seven places outside Metro Manila that are known not just for their history and practices, but also for their trademark gastronomic delights.

Pampanga

Recognized as the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga is a melting pot of local and international culture when it comes to food. During the Spanish times, colonizers taught the locals the basics of Spanish cooking, which influenced many of the province’s dishes. Some of their more mainstream offerings include the world-famous sisig, lechon kawali, and the cured sweet meats tocino and longganisa. If you’re up for a little adventure, some exotic dishes you might want to sample are adobung kamaru (mole crickets cooked in garlic and vinegar), betute tugak (stuffed frogs), and calderetang barag (a spicy stew of monitor lizard).

Ilocos Region

Have you ever heard of poqui-poqui, kabatiti, and utong? These terms might bring to mind less-than-kid- friendly images, but seemingly funny names are just one of the things that set Ilocano dishes apart from the rest. These are actually dishes made of various vegetables, much like the more PG-13 pinakbet, dinengdeng, and dinoydoy also from Ilocos. But while veggie concoctions seem to be the province’s specialty, one can’t take three steps within the area without stumbling upon other equally famous meat- based foods like Vigan longganisa, Ilocos empanada, and bagnet.

Rizal

When it comes to rice cakes, you can’t beat Rizal. Their recipes and methods of cooking these sweet delicacies were influenced by various cultures, and remain the same to this day. Cainta put their city on the map by baking the biggest rice cake ever, subsequently earning the moniker “Bibingka Capital of the Philippines.” After paying homage to the Virgin of Antipolo, patrons indulge in the city’s version of suman, a glutinous rice treat cooked in pre-made tubes of young palm leaves.

Bicol Region

If you’re a glutton for punishment, heaven for you would be Bicol Region, where some of the country’s spiciest dishes originated. Coconut milk and chilies go hand-in-hand in many of the region’s best grub, such as Bicol express, a pork dish named after a train that travels from Manila to the Bicol region; kinunot, an appetizer made of malunggay and stingray meat; and laing, a vegetable and meat dish composed mainly of gabi leaves.

Roxas City, Capiz

The “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” has an economy that thrives on aquaculture due to the plethora of marine life in the area, which is why their local dishes celebrate the diversity and flavors of their most abundant yield. Angel wing clams (locally known as diwal), crabs, scallops, oysters, and shrimp are often simply steamed so one can enjoy them in their fresh form; however, many locals have learned to kick their preparation up a notch with fusion cooking.

Cebu

Who can forget when world-renowned chef and food critic Anthony Bourdain went to Cebu and declared the province’s version of lechon (roast pig) “best pig ever”? Whether in belly form or in its whole skewered glory, what distinguishes Cebu lechon is the combination of herbs like lemongrass and leeks that give it its unique flavor as it roasts. Cebu’s suckling pig is so acclaimed, in fact, that you can buy them at airports in boxes to bring back home. Apart from Cebu lechon, a few common local favorites when it’s time for dessert are otap, caramel tarts, and dried mangoes.

Sulu and Tawi-Tawi

As a location unaffected by Hispanicization, foods in these areas are not influenced by Spanish cooking, but their techniques are more closely related to nearby Malaysia. One standout trait of foods in the region is the use of spices not common in the country, such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin. The satti—a local version of Malaysian satay—is skewered and grilled meat usually served in a bowl of sauce. Rendang, which traces its roots to Indonesia, is a dish composed of beef, lamb, or goat and various spices and is typically served during ceremonies such as weddings and Eid al-Fitr.

LG Electronics Philippines joins Metro Manila Shake Drill

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LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH) has provided mobile communications technology to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Digital team for use in the recently held Meto Manila Shake Drill. In photo during the turnover of the LG smartphones at the MMDA headquarters are LGEPH Corporate Marketing Head Ana Salapantan (second from right) and officers and members of the MMDA digital team.

With data powered by Globe SIM cards, the MMDA digital team utilized the LG smartphones to deliver real-time updates during the metro-wide Earthquake Drill.

SM conducts 'Shake Drill' dry run across all malls

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​SM Supermalls, the country's biggest mall network, shows its full support to the July 30 metro-wide earthquake preparedness drill dubbed as the "Metro Manila Shake Drill" by conducting its own simultaneous dry run earthquake and evacuation drill across all participating malls in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The dry run aimed to simulate the coordinated commencing of the drill, test devices and utilities that will be used to train and familiarize all mall personnel; and address concerns that may be encountered on the actual day of the drill.

Valuing the safety and welfare of all SM Supermalls customers and the communities where its malls operate, SM went on a full campaign to raise awareness for the upcoming Metro-wide Shake Drill. In-mall public announcements and mall collateral materials are strategically in place to ensure that the public is made aware and well-prepared for the drill.

An Emergency Response Group has already been activated to ensure the smooth implementation of the dry run across the malls. The importance of disaster preparedness is key across SM’s operations, from its management down to the employees and mall frontliners.

The Metro Manila Shake Drill, scheduled on July 30, is spearheaded by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in partnership with DOST-PHIVOLCS. It aims to prepare various agencies and the general public for a potential major earthquake scenario. 

The exercise will be held simultaneously from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM across Metro Manila. A separate night time drill will be conducted in the Ortigas Business District in Pasig City from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

For more details about SM Supermalls' Shake Drill participation, visit SM Supermalls' official website www.smsupermalls.com.

8 Must-Try Hummus Places in Metro Manila

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For foodies looking to try hummus for the first time, check out these eight halal restaurants located right in your neighborhood.

Eid al-Fitr signals the breaking of the fast in Islam, people are feeling inspired to celebrate the event with the Muslim community by feasting on food influenced by their religious traditions. But while the typical Filipino would cite “shawarma” as their top- of-mind choice for Middle Eastern food, one appetizer is currently climbing the ranks to give it a run for its money: the humble hummus. 

Once a mere appetizer, hummus is currently becoming a favorite among frequenters of restaurants that offer Middle Eastern cuisine.

For the unoriented, hummus is made by combining mashed chickpeas or garbanzos with tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. It’s normally eaten by dunking flatbread into it or by pairing it with grilled meat or vegetables, but true-blue lovers find it just as satisfying on its own.

If you’re looking to experience the dish for the first time, check out MyProperty.ph’s eight picks of great halal restaurants in Metro Manila that offer hummus to suit all budgets and ambiance preferences.

Ziggurat

Those who wish to try Ziggurat’s dishes will have to head to its only branch in Sunette Tower in Poblacion, Makati. The place—which offers a combination of Indian, Pakistani, Mediterranean, and African cuisines—has a very extensive menu that’s in the middle of the affordable-to-expensive scale, Ziggurat’s hummus is actually the most affordable in this list at Php75 per serving. And good news: Ziggurat is open 24 hours, so you can get your fix any time of the day.

Berhouz Persian Cuisine

Another favorite go-to place of bargain-hunting foodies is Berhouz, with branches for shoppers at Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, live music lovers at Pasig’s Metrowalk, as well as foodies in Parañaque’s BF Homes and Quezon City’s Tomas Morato area. A serving of plain hummus here, which they prepare with yogurt, costs Php80.

Mister Kabab

Starting out as one of the midnight haunts of foodies in the West Avenue area, Mister Kabab now also serves the mall goers of Fisher Mall and Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City, residents and visitors of Mezza Residences in Santa Mesa, and employees of the UP-Ayala Technohub. Here, a serving of hummus costs Php120.

Persia Grill

Persia Grill is the restaurant in this list with the most number of branches: four in Makati, two in Pasay, and one each in Taft Avenue in Manila, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, and Pasig’s Kapitolyo, plus a soon-to-open branch in BF Homes, Parañaque. Their version of hummus comes with garlic and is sold at Php120 a serving.

Shawarma Snack Center

Shawarma Snack Center (SSC) has a stall open for patrons of Waltermart in Chino Roces, Makati, as well as people strolling around Ermita (Robinsons Manila and along M. H. del Pilar Street) and BF Parañaque. Hummus in SSC is slightly more expensive at Php135.

Hossein’s Restaurant

Hossein’s has been offering a combination of Iranian, Arabian, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes since 1985. The restaurant currently has over four branches in the country, including those found in BGC’s Serendra and Makati’s Bel-Air Village, while a Hossein’s restaurant called Gilak is in Greenbelt 3, Makati. If you enjoy having your meals served and eaten in grand style, Hossein’s is the place, but the experience will come at a hefty cost: a single order of hummus comes at Php150, while a serving for sharing costs Php250.

Kashmir

Kashmir is said to be the oldest Middle Eastern restaurant chain in the country, offering Indian dishes since the early 1970s. One branch is located along Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, while the other three are in Makati, with a bonus regular appearance at the Salcedo Saturday Market. Being a fine dining restaurant, their hummus is understandably a little more costly at about Php150 a serving.

Arya Persian Restaurant

Lucky for those who often embark on retail expeditions and crave Persian cuisine afterwards, all branches of Arya are located inside malls: Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City, Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, and Robinsons Place Manila. Plain hummus at Arya is priced over Php150 per serving, but if you’re up for a more filling variety of the appetizer, try the pricier Shahi hummus that comes at around Php260 and is topped with chunks of meat.

MYPROPERTY.PH 

Established in July 2010, MyProperty.ph is a leading Philippine real estate online and print brand that brings property buyers and sellers together. The website’s main offerings are listings of pre-selling properties and properties for sale and for rent. Both website and magazine also provide relevant and updated industry news and information for its clients and consumers.

Visit MyProperty.ph on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram

Discover Fresh Fare and Dining Delights at Farmers Market

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There is nothing quite like a delectable dish made out of the freshest, locally-grown produce that one can find at the one and only Farmers Market. A recognized landmark in the heart of the Araneta Center, Farmers Market retains its 40 year distinction as an undisputed benchmark and source for fresh seafood, best cooking ingredients and food choices in the metro.

Truly a market like no other in the world, Farmers Market will hold its first FARMERS MARKET DAY TOUR. This is in participation to the month-long gastronomic feast "Flavors of the Philippines" by the Department of Tourism. The tour around the world-class market will be Araneta Center’s contribution to the festival of food-related events and activities which aims to introduce the Philippines as the gourmet capital in Asia.

Farmers Market will also be hosting the market day tour on April 23 for the elite chefs featured on Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 -- the most anticipated gastronomic event will bring together renowned culinary experts from Spain and the Philippines sharing history and culture in a single culinary stage. Members of international media will be present to cover the Chefs’ Market Day Tour.

Farmers Market will be the apt venue for these events as it gives premium to the quality and variety of goods and products. It boasts of the widest array of seafood available, flown in daily from various fish ports in the Philippines. 

The live seafood section at Farmers Market elevates the experience of shopping for sea produce due to the fresh choices available, plus one can glimpse through the giant aquariums of Fishmoko and choose from the freshest catch of the day varying from live fish, crabs, shellfish and other products from the country’s bountiful sea.

At the organic section, one can pick ingredients from the wide assortment of fruits and vegetables grown chemical-free and pesticide-free to prepare healthy meals for the whole family. Aside from fresh farm produce, items such as specialty and gourmet coffee, local delicacies, and native products are also available in the dry goods section of the market. Along its arcade, customers can choose from the tempting display of pastry products and other gastronomical treats while browsing through a wonderful array of essential cooking implements sold at bargain prices. For those craving to get a taste of healthy Asian fare, Alex Sea Delicatessen offers customers fresh sushi and rolls, while unique Korean and Japanese goodies are available at the Masan Grocery.

Market goers can also enjoy their purchases right away at the Dampa - a food court inside Farmers Market where one can have their fresh market goods prepared, choosing from the endless culinary possibilities that will satisfy their cravings.

Farmers Market has earned recognition for its cleanliness and world-class standards which professional chefs, home cooks, culinary aficionados, and certified foodies will surely discover as they stroll down its spacious aisles. True to its commitment to promoting the highest culinary standards, Farmers Market is also home to the Center for Culinary Arts and has helped budding chefs learn modern techniques in creating culinary masterpieces. While modern conveniences such as pushcarts are innovations unique to the market, one can still also practice traditional bargaining techniques with market vendors for quality goods at reasonable prices.

For a more convenient experience, join the Instagram promo from April 17 to 30 to get a free market survival kit. This will include market shopping essentials such as fan, notebook, pen, canvas bag, and a bottle of drinking water.

Daily market goers can also do their own FARMERS MARKET DAY TOUR simply by downloading or grabbing a copy of the market day tour map.

Download the 'Market Day Tours' Map here

For more information, visit www.aranetacenter.net and www.facebook.com/aranetacenter.

Most popular neighborhoods in Metro Manila

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Global real estate portal Lamudi ranks Metro Manila’s most popular residential enclaves.

Looking for a vibrant neighborhood for your first-home investment or planning for a weekender city escapade? It is time to rediscover the most happening communities in Metro Manila: from the busy Makati central business district to the food-frenzied and laid-back street of Maginhawa, global real estate portal Lamudi has ranked the five most popular enclaves in Metro Manila to help you find your lifestyle-centric future home.

Makati Central Business District

A mixed-used, fully developed enclave where towering condos, myriad dining options, and the trendiest commercial centers are all in one place. Work, dine and cap off the night in a trendy bar without driving, as all of your needs and more are just a few steps away.

BF Homes, Sucat, Parañaque City

Considered one of the gateways to the south with good access to three cities— Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa—BF Homes currently has one of the trendiest food scenes anywhere in Metro Manila. Numerous establishments, specialty shops, and exciting eateries dot its streets, securing a unique and complete lifestyle for its laid-back residents.

San Juan

Located at the heart of Metro Manila and accessible from Quezon City, Makati, and Manila, this small city is considered a thriving residential and leisure spot in the metro. Exclusive residential villages, a wide array of shops for everyday convenience, and plenty of delectable Chinese restaurants to boot make San Juan one of the most liveable cities in Metro Manila.

UP Village, Quezon City

UP Village’s Maginhawa Street is enjoying immense popularity nowadays because of its many restaurants. Residents living close to this community need not go far to sample Middle Eastern, Thai, or even Vietnamese cuisine. A certified neighborhood hangout, UP Village has come a long way from being a quiet residential enclave to a booming leisure spot.

Loyola Heights, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

This quiet residential enclave is surrounded by Quezon City’s top schools such as UP Diliman, Ateneo de Manila, and Miriam College, yet it also has plenty of restaurants, especially the areas along Katipunan Avenue, making it a trendy place to dine out. This community is best for parents who prefer to live right beside their children's learning places.

ABOUT LAMUDI 

Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 32 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 900,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online. For more information, please visit http://www.lamudi.com.ph

Visit Lamudi Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to the Philippines - Message of President Aquino on the preparations for the visit of Pope Francis

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The country prepares and getting ready for Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to the Philippines on January 15 to 19, 2015.

President Aquino will meet His Holiness upon arrival and during a welcome ceremony at Malacañan Palace. On Saturday, Pope Francis will travel to Tacloban City, where he will meet with Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

In view of the visit of the Pope, the Head of State of the Vatican City, President Benigno S. Aquino III appeal to the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure His Holiness’ safety.

Yesterday, President Aquino addressed the nation regarding the government's preparations for the visit of Pope Francis.

Mensahe ng Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III Pangulo ng Pilipinas Hinggil sa pagbisita ng Santo Papa 

[Inihayag noong ika-12 ng Enero 2015]

Mga Boss, malaking karangalan po ang pagbisita ng Santo Papa sa ating bansa; kaakibat nito, humaharap din po tayo sa isang malaking hamon. Tingnan na lang po ninyo noong 1995 nang idinaos ang World Youth Day sa ating bansa, na pinamunuan ni Pope John Paul II. Punong-puno ang Luneta at dikit-dikit ang mga tao. Dagdag ko lang po: ganito na kapuno noon nang 68 million ang populasyon natin; ngayong 100 milyon na tayo, gaano karami pa kaya ang darating sa misa ni Pope Francis sa Luneta?

Siyempre po, lahat ng tao, gustong makita nang personal ang Santo Papa. Nariyan ang libo-libong mag-aabang sa convoy ng Santo Papa, at ang milyon-milyon na lalahok sa Luneta. Ang pagsisiksikan at pagkagigil na makalapit sa Santo Papa, maaaring maging mitsa para magkagulo. Isipin na lang po ninyo: Kapag maraming tao ang kumilos nang kahit isang pulgada paharap, malaking espasyo ang masasakop. Kung wala nang lugar na gagalawan, malamang ay may maiipit sa mga barikada. Nagsimula lang po ang lahat ng iyan sa kagustuhang makalapit sa Santo Papa.

Paano pa kaya kung magkahabulan dahil sa may mandurukot? O kaya may isang walang magawa at biglang magpaputok ng labintador? Pihadong magtatakbuhan at magkakatulakan, at nariyan ang potensiyal na marami ang masaktan.

Pansinin din po ninyo: disiplinado ang tao noong wala ang convoy; nang dumating po ang convoy, kanya-kanya na. Kung nagtagumpay ang mga nakaharang na makalapit sa Santo Papa, at tumigil ang convoy, ang dating moving target naging stationary target na. Isipin ninyo kung may nadaganan pa, o kaya naapakan dahil sa pag-uunahan. Di naman kailangang may mapahamak na sinuman.

Tingnan na rin po ninyo ang video na ito: inatake si Pope John Paul II sa loob mismo ng Vatican. Nariyan din ang insidente nang magmimisa si Pope Benedict XVI, nang sunggaban siya sa loob ng katedral; pati na rin ang paglundag ng mga tao patungo sa kanyang pope mobile.

Tandaan po natin: Pastoral visit ito, at layon ng Santo Papa na makahalubilo ang pinakamarami sa ating mga kababayan. Ang bawat pagtatagpo ay nagdadala ng panganib. Ang gusto natin: Bawasan ang mga panganib sa buhay ng Santo Papa, at balansehin ang seguridad ni Pope Francis at ang kanyang hangarin.

Walang duda na sa malaking pagtitipon tulad nito, posible ang gulo. Maski walang banta ng terorismo, at lalo na kung may planong magpasimula ng gulo, nagbabadya ang peligro na magdadala ng pinsala sa napakaraming lalahok.

Kaya naman, para maging makabuluhan ang pagdalaw ng Santo Papa, kailangan natin ng pagdadamayan at pagbabayanihan. Malinaw na napakalaki ng hamong dala ng pagbisita ni Pope Francis sa ating bansa; nakataya rito ang kaligtasan niya, ng nakaparaming dadalo sa kanyang mga gawain at mag-aabang sa kanya. Ang mismong karangalan ng ating bansa, malalagay sa alanganin. Ang tanong ko nga po: Gusto ba nating matala sa kasaysayan na nangyari sa Pilipinas ang isang trahedya na may kinalaman sa Santo Papa?

Obligasyon ng gobyerno ang inyong kaligtasan, at para magampanan ang tungkuling ito ay may obligasyon din kayo. Sa mga darating na araw, maglalabas ng mga paaalala hinggil sa patakarang panseguridad sina Secretary Mar Roxas at Undersecretary Manuel Bautista. Ang panawagan po namin: Makinig po tayo, at makiisa sa pagbabahagi ng impormasyon.

Pihado po: Malalaktawan natin ang napakalaking hamon na ito sa inyong pakikisama at pagbabayanihan.

Ipakita po natin ang pakikisama at pagtutulungan, nang matiyak nating magiging mataimtim at mapayapa ang pagbisita ni Pope Francis sa ating bansa.

Magandang gabi po, maraming salamat, at inaasahan ko ang pakikiisa ninyo.