Happiness helps overcome life-long pain

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For Winston Maxino, happiness is a choice. It is never more evident in the fact that the 51-year-old family man has been spreading joy around with his infectious smile and sunny disposition despite continuously suffering from a rare and extremely painful genetic disorder.

In 2000, Maxino was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an incurable debilitating disease that causes swelling in his spine and constant pain in his lower back.Instead of surrendering to depression and dwelling on the negative impact of his illness, he chose to graciously accept his condition and was determined to carry on with everyday life, with the help of pain relievers and a huge dose of happiness.

“No matter what our circumstances in life, we can choose to be happy. It does not mean we should never feel sadness. It just means we don’t stay sad or wallow in misery. We have to rise above the negativity and do what needs to be done to bring out the best in any situation — we get help and we learn to manage the difficulties,” Maxino said.

Laughter is the best medicine

For the 51-year-old chief operating officer of an aluminum manufacturing company, making children laugh with his balloon knotting talents and magic tricks has become sort of a therapy. “I have always believed in joy from the simple things — giving someone a warm hug, cracking a funny joke and laughing out loud, smiling at people, surprising loved ones with small gifts and telling people you love them.” Being profoundly happy, sharing this unconditionally with other people and having a positive outlook in life despite his painful health condition has earned for Maxino the first Search for the Happiest Pinoy award in 2010 and the grand cash prize of P250,000. “Winning the Search for the Happiest Pinoy in 2010 was not only a prestigious honor for me, it has also enriched my life so much because it has given me more opportunities to reach out to, teach, and learn from a wider variety of people in many parts of the globe,” said Maxino.

The Search for the Happiest Pinoy is a flagship campaign of Cebuana Lhuillier which aims to find and recognize the country’s most optimistic and resilient Filipinos despite life’s challenges in the hopes of inspiring other people to do the same. For this year’s edition, 1M pesos grand prize are up for grabs.

Four years since winning the Happiest Pinoy crown, Maxino is still in the habit of inspiring people and making them happy. “My lifelong suffering from an incurable debilitating disease may be hard but it bears good fruits for many people. God indeed has a purpose for each of our problems and when we discover what that purpose is, the problem ceases to be a burden and turns out to be a blessing.”

Nowadays, this father of three girls is just happy and proud to see his children growing up to become responsible young women, with his eldest daughter graduating from college and his youngest graduating from elementary school with first honors. Last year, his second daughter who has Down syndrome, spoke at a White House dinner with President Barack Obama, as a Special Olympics Global Youth Ambassador.

“My daughters’ accomplishments make me feel so fulfilled. They say that I have inspired them, that despite my condition and problems, I strive to be always happy and content with my life.” 

To know more about this year’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy, visit www.happiest-pinoy.com, and like Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/happiestpinoy.

PLDT KaAsenso upgrades services to help family-driven minigosyantes

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PLDT KaAsenso, the telecommunication leader’s micro-entrepreneurship arm, is jumpstarting the year with a clearer vision and a bigger mission for the country’s grassroots entrepreneurs.

“Our vision for Filipino micro-entrepreneurs is to help them grow and succeed in their businesses so that they can also improve the lives of their families,” Ariel P. Fermin, PLDT executive vice president and head of home business, said.

“We understand that many minigosyantes get into business to be able to provide a better life for their families. It’s an aspiration we, as family-oriented Filipinos, all share, and one that PLDT KaAsenso would like to help become a reality. This is why the new PLDT KaAsenso is wider in scope and offers up-to-date tools and technologies for both aspiring and existing minigosyantes.”

According to PLDT Executive Vice President and Head of Home Business Ariel P. Fermin, the new PLDT KaAsenso has upgraded products and services to better support minigosyantes.

Starting with its landline and Internet packages, PLDT KaAsenso has recently introduced its most affordable minigosyo package ever—Plan 1888—which comes with high-speed Internet at up to 3Mbps plus the ever reliable PLDT landline. True to its commitment of making it accessible to more micro-entrepreneurs, all potential subscribers can apply for this plan without shelling out any initial fees.

PLDT KaAsenso has also unveiled value-added services aimed at helping minigosyantes better manage their businesses and improve their bottom line.

Store Watch is a security service that allows minigosyantes to remotely monitor their businesses. For as low as P99 per month on top of the KaAsenso Internet plan, users can view live feeds from anywhere using any device—whether through a PC, a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone, via a security camera with monitoring software.

Also in the portfolio is a WiFi zone service for PLDT KaAsenso subscribers. For only an additional P299 service fee per month, minigosyantes can offer WiFi access as an additional come-on for more customers to visit their stores. Subscribers can also create a customizable log-in page which can help further promote products and services.

Fermin added, “When PLDT KaAsenso was first launched, we focused on the basic technology and communication essentials needed by our minigosyantes. Now, we’ve leveled up our services to address their other minigosyo needs – bringing the minigosyantes and their families closer to success.”

Extra income

PLDT KaAsenso will also continue to promote Cyberya—an all-in-one Internet café package that includes a complete computer set, cabinet, and coin-operated timer, and Internet at up to 2Mbps.

Cyberya is PLDT KaAsenso’s way of supporting entrepreneurial Filipinos who are looking to start their own high-profit, low-maintenance business.

“Internet access is now a basic need, especially in this digital age where almost anything and everything is online,” Fermin said. “PLDT KaAsenso Cyberya has two-pronged objectives: while we help moreminigosyantes to easily set-up their own business, we will also pave the way for the democratization of Internet access.”

For more information about the new PLDT KaAsenso and its upgraded services for minigosyantes, log on to pldtkaasenso.com.

Last Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Open Clinic Feb. 17 in Novaliches

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Regional Selection Camps next in Puerto Princesa, Binan, Iloilo, Baguio, Bacolod, Davao and Manila 

Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska holds its last open clinic of the 2015 season on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Casa Milan Clubhouse, Casa Milan, Novaliches, Quezon City at 10 a.m. to 12 noon and at 2-4 p.m.

The school and open clinics are the first phase of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program designed to familiarize participants with NBA drills, conditioning exercises, skills stations and the all-important Jr. NBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect (S.T.A.R.). 

The Regional Selection Camps -- where outstanding young players in various regions will be chosen for inclusion in the National Training Camp -- is Phase Two of the program and will begin on February 21-22 at Seminario de San Jose in Puerto Princesa. The National Training Camp is the high point of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program where ten Jr. NBA and five Jr. WNBA standouts will be named as the 2015 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA All-Stars and a Coach of the Year will be chosen.

Other selection camps will be held on February 28-March 1 in Biñan, Laguna at Alonte Sports Arena; Iloilo City on March 7-8 at Ateneo de Iloilo; Baguio on March 14-15 at St. Louis University; Bacolod on March 21-22 at St. John’s Institute; Davao on March 28-29 and Manila on April 11-12 at the PICC Forum. Fifty boys and 24 girls will be chosen to participate in the 8th annual Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA National Training Camp in Manila (the third phase of the program) from April 24-26. 

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program is free for boys and girls across all stages – from the school and open clinics, through the Regional Selection Camps, the National Training Camp and the NBA Experience.

Registration is now ongoing through the Jr. NBA/Jr. 

WNBA event website www.jrnba.asia/philippines, where full program terms and conditions can be found. Fans can follow Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines. 

For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/philsnba) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nba_philippines).

Successful Mompreneurs Give Winning Tips at Annual Summit

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The country's successful moms have gathered to inspire and encourage future mompreneurs to create businesses with passion and soul, during the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at the Edades Tower, Rockwell in Makati City.

HyC150, the latest collagen drink from Japan, helped mounted the lively event that provided an outlook into the lives of successful mompreneurs and possibly take a cue from them on how to manage the juggling act. Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a premium blend of natural elements that builds beautiful, flexible skin and joints from within. It replenishes the body with essential nutrients to maintain radiant and youthful skin, strong and healthy bones, joints, muscles, hair and nails. HyC150 is truly an ally of successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

HYC150 JOINS 3RD MOMPRENEUR SUMMIT AT ROCKWELL --- HyC150’s Maru Agustine (left) and host Patricia Bermudez-Hizon join the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Erica Enriquez Valerio, Sales Manager at Bitmarket.ph, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Valerio said: 'I never say die #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

Of course, the highlight of the gathering was the valuable insights and learning provided by the speakers based on business models that could help mompreneurs re-discover a meaningful motivational drive in achieving success. They were Hindy Weber-Tantoco, owner, Holy Carabao Farms and The Fun Farm; financial expert Rose Frees Fausto; AA Patawaran, Manila Bulletin, Lifestyle Editor; Mia Fausto Cruz, Smartparenting Magazine; Eileen Juan, founder, CEO, The Picture Co.; Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, and Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez, co-founders, Happy Skin Cosmetics; Mutya Laxa-Buensuceso, founder, Sprinkie and Country Manager of Luxasia Philippines; and Jill Gerodias-Borja, president and CEO, Manang's Chicken.

We narrowed down the 10 winning tips which could help mompreneurs re-discover their passion on top of being an active mom and successful homemaker:

1) Pay yourself first. It should not be less than one-tenth, no matter how little you earn;

2) Get only in a business you understand. Seek advice from competent people;

3) Make your gold work for you. Make an army of golden slaves before you buy luxury;

4) Manage your time. Schedule meetings so that you can spend quality time with the family. Drop everything for your family;

5) Make financing a family affair. Teach your children how to save money at an early age;

6) Eliminate guilt. Don't feel guilty leaving your kids at home with their yayas. If you do, you will not go anywhere and you will not progress;

7) Get yourself support system. You just cannot do things on your own. When you want to achieve a lot of things, you need the help of other people;

8) Have a work system. Having a schedule and a rhythm will allow you to keep sane despite the craziness, routine, and pressure around;

9) Quality not Quantity. It's not about spending day-in and day-out with your kids. You can tell there's quality time if your kids are really enjoying;

10) Create your own happiness. Discuss or plan new ways with your family that will keep everyone simply happy!

Here are the #SecretWeapon Contest Winners

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner – Joy Mendiola, mom and blogger, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Mendiola said: 'My best weapon to success as a woman, mom, wife and entrepreneur, is that, I embrace both success and failures that come my way. At the end of the day, my#SecretWeapon, I enjoy every moment because we only get one ride in life' #HyC150.’ Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Sheryl Ann De Jesus wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. De Jesus said: 'My best weapon to success is my supportive husband #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Erica Enriquez Valerio, Sales Manager at Bitmarket.ph, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Valerio said: 'I never say die #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

#SecretWeapon Contest Winner. Joy Astilla, businesswoman, wins the #SecretWeapon contest conducted by HyC150, the collagen drink from Japan, at the 3rd Mompreneur Summit held recently at Edades Function Room of Aruga Hotel by Rockwell in Makati City. Astlla said: 'My family is my inspiration #SecretWeapon #HyC150.' Packed with hyaluron, collagen and ubiquinol, HyC150 is a powerful ally of today’s successful mompreneurs in giving their best shot at their chosen careers by keeping them healthy, beautiful and positive aside from being loving moms.

For more information, visit our website at www.HyC150.com; like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HyC150; follow us on Twitter #HyC150 or Instagram @HyC150, or call (02) 5467297, 09177750779. 

HyC150 is available at selected Watsons stores nationwide.

Delectable creations from sweet to savory

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The McVitie’s Digestive is a delicious wheat biscuit made using the traditional recipe since the very first McVitie's Digestive was made in 1892.

How much you love the McVitie's Original Digestive, there are tasty ways to help maintain your digestive system! 

McVitie’s Digestive has always been paired with tea time or enjoyed as a snack item during breaks, especially now that it has come out with more variants for everyone to enjoy. Consumers are also encouraged to be creative with what they can do with the Digestives, particularly the original recipes. 

Some of these most delectable creations can be sweet or savory.

Here are some of the recipes that can be done with everyone’s favorite digestive that highlight the range of flavors to increase your enjoyment of McVitie’s:

Just by using crumbled Original McVitie’s Digestive, you can already make some delicious desserts for serving to your family and friends. One popular use of crumbled digestive is to make it as a base for cheesecakes. You will have one of the sweetest yet healthy cheesecakes because of its crust that is made from McVitie’s Digestive.

The same crumbled original recipe digestive can be used as a main ingredient for pudding. Just by mixing it with cream, butter, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients to highlight a flavor like hazelnuts, then put the mixture in a mold. Bake it in the oven, and McVitie’s pudding comes out afterwards ready to be stuffed in your hungry tummies.

For all those chocolate addicts, McVitie’s perfected the ultimate biscuit; theMcVitie’s Dark Chocolate Digestive. The mouth-watering combination of strong, almost bitter cocoa flavour of dark chocolate with the sweet crumble of the Digestive and the simplicity of the topping makes it an ideal treat.

For chocolate lovers, McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Digestive can also be used as an ingredient for a cream mixture that will be used for stuffing peaches or other stuffed recipes. Original Digestive can also be used as a base to carry the stuffed peach. The sweet treat can be topped or drizzled by other confectionary items to add some accentuated taste.

Crumbled Original and Milk Chocolate Digestive can also be used not only with sweet delectable desserts but also with savory dishes to add some different taste to the food. Crumbled Original Digestive can be used as an ingredient in making a Piadinas. Ingredients like strawberries will create difference with the taste.

Another recipe where you can put McVitie’s is Milanese Risotto. Top the risotto with McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Digestive crumbs, and sweetness is mixed with the savory taste. 

These are just a few of the recipes you can do with McVitie’s Digestive Enjoy the taste more than you would a normal snack.

McVitie’s Digestives are available at leading supermarkets nationwide. It is distributed in the Philippines by Delfi Marketing Inc. 

For more about McVitie’s Digestives, visit www.mcvities.com, or click “Like” on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mcvitiesdigestives.