Rise and Shine: Valley Farm Launches Breakfast Day Campaign

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It’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a key reminder that should never fall behind your list of priorities. Not only does it provide energy and strength needed to keep you functioning for the rest of the day, breakfast is also the perfect occasion to eat and bond together as a family.

Waking up to a chunky charap breakfast has always been Valley Farm’s goal. Its latest activation, Valley Farm Chunky Charap Breakfast highlights the long-term health benefits of encouraging your kids to have breakfast. It also aims to help moms serve a hearty Valley Farm breakfast using various recipes that they can make with Valley Farm’s quality line of variants: Valley Farm CLASSIC Chunky Pork Luncheon Meat and Valley Farm Tocino Style CHUNKY Pork Luncheon Meat.

Through exciting kiddie activities, prizes, free sandwiches and photo booth activations, the campaign had a successful run last June 20 and 21 at Waltermart North EDSA, followed by another leg last June 27 and 28 at Waltermart Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Valley Farm Chunky Charap Breakfast will continue its relentless efforts of promoting breakfast in other Waltermart branches in Tanauan, Batangas (June 4-5); Dasmarinas, Cavite (June 11-12); Trece Martires, Cavite (July 18- 19); and Gapan, Nueva Ecjia (July 25-26).

“Chunky Charap” Breakfast Campaign is part of Valley Farm’s annual Family Fun Day—an annual event filled with fun activities for kids and their families. It’s an initiative by the brand that started in 2012 where the entire family enjoyed sandwich together while experiencing the rides and attraction at Fun Ranch Tiendesitas. The succeeding years saw Valley Farm collaborating with Waltermart, Ever Commonwealth, and Fishermall on various mall activations all over the country.

Valley Farm is the only luncheon meat that uses real meat chunks. Blended in selected spices, Valley Farm gives kids the best-tasting luncheon meat that they can enjoy in all meals, most especially during breakfasts.

MIIS partners with international organization Junior Achievement (JA) as the first Philippine high school to pilot the Business Skills Pass (BSP) Program

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Multiple Intelligence International School founding directress and Multiple Intelligence framework pioneer Joy Abaquin (2^nd from right) receives the certificate of affiliation from JA executive director Krishna Alejandrino. Flanking them are JA office administrator Mariecor Arato (extreme left) and MIIS upper school principal Selene Sison Olvido.

The true hallmark of a progressive and global-minded learning institution is how it manages to be one step ahead in terms of carefully studying and adapting global trends and directions. 

The Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS) best exemplifies such description. “Our commitment to provide an education that will allow our students to lead globally, requires that we are vision-oriented towards 21st century skills and jobs that their generation will need,” says Joy Abaquin, pioneer of multiple intelligence framework in the Philippines and founding directress of MIIS. 

MIIS has been pioneering entrepreneurship in the Philippines in the basic education level. “Even when it was not yet mandated by the Department of Education, we already had the entrepreneurial track embedded in our curriculum,” says Abaquin. 

Today’s global trend, particularly in light of the Asean Integration, demands that kids be future-ready. Abaquin explains: “With that in mind, when we envisioned looking for partners, what we wanted was to look into a partnership that had a more global outlook in terms of where to take entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial skills.”

Multiple Intelligence International School founding directress and Multiple Intelligence framework pioneer Joy Abaquin (center) and JA executive director Krishna Alejandrino are flanked by MIIS students and MIIS upper school principal Selene Sison Olvido (extreme left).

MIIS has recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines. The Multiple Intelligence International School is the first Philippine high school to partner with the prestigious international organization and the Business Skills Pass™ (BSP) Program. Piloting this year, JA's programs will be integrated into the MI school’s existing entrepreneurship program and into the ABM (Accounting, Business, and Management) program for Grades 11 and 12.

Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines, a non-profit, non-stock international organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs fits the bill. Its parent organization, Junior Achievement Inc. (JA) is the world’s largest and fastest-growing non-profit economic education organization. Founded in 1919 by Theodore Vail, president of American Telephone & Telegraph; Horoce Moses, president of Strathmore Paper Co,; and Senator Murray Crane of Massachusetts, JA was founded with the intent of bringing education to a new level by linking the business and education communities. It was introduced in the Philippines in 1967.

Built around three pillars, namely entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work-preparedness, Abaquin believes that MI students will greatly benefit from the JA Program’s emphasis on the importance of financial knowhow in running and managing an enterprise. “Our kids are very strong innovators and good at thinking of business concepts. It would be good to give them enhanced skills on the knots and bolts of running a business such as licensing and business registration. Managing a business is different from drawing up business concepts.”

Throughout the integrated program, JA executive director Krishna Alejandrino assures that students “will be guided on how to put up their business, from conceptualization to implementation, including how to register with the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).” Abaquin welcomes this input. “It would be a good stretch for our kids’ minds to be given the concept

JA’s vast global network and roster of mentors who are experts from the business community will also enhance the school’s current established program. “Over the years, we’ve really tried to give students through the MI Entrepreneurship Program’s three Es: Experts, Exposure, and Experience. When we looked at what JA would potentially give us, it’s very much aligned with those things,” shares Abaquin. “As an international school, when we think about the skills that our students need, we just don’t think local, we think international. And hopefully, the connections of JA internationally will allow us to do that. Maybe some schools will not be interested in that aspect. But we are since we know what an Entrepreneurship Program looks like. We’ve experienced it.”

Worth noting is how MIIS has pioneered the first Kids Can! Bazaar in the country in 2000. Kids Can! Bazaar is the only one of its kind that is run by kids as social entrepreneurs.

Some of JA Philippines’ partners are some of the top corporations in the country today, which includes Smart, Meralco, General Electric, RFM, Unilab, PLDT, HP, Nestle, Mercedes-Benz, Petron, Security Bank and Oxford Business Group. “The most important part of the JA program is the mentoring,” says Alejandrino. “We have a lot of mentors from leading companies to provide us with the skills that we need to mentor the students. We have partners from the business sector that will impart practical know-how on how to put up and implement businesses.”

JA’s current path is geared towards technology and innovation which sits well with Abaquin’s vision for the MI school to be constantly innovative. “We like to think of ideas ahead of time because I think that’s what gives our kids the edge. If you want to say that the curriculum should be innovative, then you have to give them opportunities that others don’t have or mentors that others don’t have.”

Abaquin sees a partnership that will bring about a generation of young people who value entrepreneurship, understand the dynamics of business and economics and are workforce ready.

“A partnership with JA and their network will allow students the additional networking with potentially like-minded individuals and schools that are serious about developing that kind of minds,” says Abaquin.

It will also open doors to other students from junior high schools who want to go into the MIIS Senior High School ABM program to help them bring out their entrepreneurial mind.

Derek Ramsay , ambassador of Tanduay

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Tanduay launches the all-new premium rum for today’s game-changers

Derek Ramsay, ambassador for Tanduay 

Derek Ramsay, Filipino-British model, actor and host, was recently at the party and media launch of world’s no.1 dark rum Tanduay 's Select, held at the Raven Bar, W Fifth, Bonifacio Global City. During the event, Tanduay SELECT was presented, an all-new premium drink that embodies the success and achievement of today’s young and success-oriented Filipinos.

With a smoother distinct flavor and aroma, Tanduay's Master blender created the new, Tanduay SELECT, a new-age rum that will surely satisfy the discerning taste of today's young drinkers.

“Throughout the years, Tanduay rum has been enjoyed by generations of Filipinos. And now, the brand is giving today’s upwardly mobile individuals a taste of the finest rum with a flavor suited to their unique preference – the drink that every passionate individual truly deserves,” says Tanduay President and Chief Executive Officer Bong Tan.

Each bottle of Tanduay SELECT is a blend of ages of rum matured in oak barrels, a Tanduay tradition that gives its well-rounded and smooth distinct taste.

World-class heritage

Heritage is the foundation on which Tanduay was built and its story is a triumph that deeply inspired a nation. Tracing its humble beginnings from a small distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, the company is now among the leading liquor producers in the world. Buoyed by more than a century and a half of creative innovation and foresight, Tanduay takes pride in being one of the most awarded companies in the spirits industry with over a hundred international quality awards that include 88 golds, 7 International High Quality awards. This 2015, the company was awarded the Crystal Prestige trophy by the Monde Selection International Quality Institute, one of the world's most prestigious and highly esteemed body that recognized wines and liquor products with the highest standards of taste and quality.

Derek Ramsay at his launch as brand ambassador for Tanduay Select, held at the Raven Bar, W Fifth, Bonifacio Global City

Toast to success

Apart from heritage, the success of every Filipino and the entire nation has been the sole inspiration of Tanduay – making the brand a national icon as well. And as the Spirits Drink of Filipinos, it represents the nation’s true characteristics as a people. 

These include the spirit of honor and tradition; the spirit of bravery, resiliency, and dedication; and the core trait of respect for elders and family values. Such characteristics have made Tanduay what it stands for today.

“Tanduay has been with the Filipinos in witnessing several historic moments and recognizing different heroes across all generations. In this modern age, our heroes are the young professionals who are not afraid to step up and achieve their goals, not just for their own fulfilment, but for their family and the society as well,” added Tan. 

Believing that all stories of triumph deserve a celebration – such as the impeccable achievements of today’s young generations – Tanduay once again raises a toast to the success of today’s young Filipinos with the all-new Tanduay SELECT.

OPPO solidifies global presence with FC Barcelona partnership

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The rise of global smartphone brand OPPO has remained under the international radar for much of the company’s 10-year history. However, all is set to change for the emerging mobile phone powerhouse thanks to a new three-year partnership with FC Barcelona, which is sure to increase public awareness and interest and cement OPPO’s status as a true global player.

The partnership, announced on May 31st, will see OPPO serve as Barcelona’s official partner for the mobile phone device category starting from the current season until 2018. The agreement covers a wide range of activities including soccer events, fan activities, TV advertisements and accessories. OPPO’s logo will also be prominently displayed at the Spanish football club’s home stadium, Camp Nou.

With Barcelona’s position as one of the world’s most recognized sports teams, this groundbreaking partnership is set to bring OPPO closer to the legions of fans that follow every move of the football club and its star players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar. Barcelona is the first sports team to amass more than 85 million fans on Facebook, with many of them in countries as diverse as Indonesia, Egypt, Brazil, and Mexico.

FC Barcelona Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Mestre expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, "We are thrilled to team up with OPPO and hope that the partnership will excite fans around the world. As a global leading smartphone brand that values artistry of design and innovation in technology, OPPO is more than at home in Barcelona.” 

Driving expansion forward with cross-brand partnerships and campaigns

This deal with Barcelona comes as the smartphone maker charges forward with a new global expansion strategy that was put in place in 2014, as an integral part of OPPO’s mid to long-term growth strategy. As of April 2015, the brand has been registered in 116 countries worldwide. 

“OPPO has been focusing heavily on overseas expansion in recent years,” says OPPO CEO Tony Chen. “From the very beginning, we have positioned ourselves as a global company and our dynamic expansion strategy fully demonstrates this commitment.”

Founded in 2004, OPPO started its business journey as a global electronics and technology service provider by manufacturing high-quality MP3 and MP4 devices before adding Blu-ray DVD players to its line-up of products, the latter of which continues to do well in the US market. It started its foray into the mobile phone market in 2008 and made its first step overseas the following year, outpacing many of its rivals in terms of global outlook. 

In 2009, OPPO entered its first overseas market, Thailand, with lively campaigns and creative marketing strategies. Today, it is a top smartphone brand in the country. OPPO smartphones are currently available in over 20 global markets as well as being sold online in an additional 50 countries via 3rd party online store OPPOstyle.com. 

OPPO’s global expansion

OPPO made a big splash in 2011 when it enlisted Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio to star in the commercials for its Find smartphone series. In 2014, the company took part in a co-branding campaign with the action movie Transformers 4 for its promotional tour in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This was followed up in the following year by a similar agreement in 10 countries with the blockbuster film The Fast and the Furious 7. This year, has seen OPPO make huge advances into the fashion industry; participating in 2015’s New York Fashion Week, with another major global fashion event this summer. 

Thanks to its highly successful global marketing strategy that has put cross-brand partnerships and entertainment, fashion, and sports campaigns at the forefront, OPPO has seen its profile rise significantly, especially in Southeast Asia and South Asia. In 2014, the smartphone brand achieved registered market shares of 10% in Indonesia, 11% in Vietnam, and 12% in Malaysia, and has even established its first overseas assembly plant in Indonesia to service booming demand in the region. A second assembly plant is set to follow in India this year, as OPPO remains on target to ramp up its sales in the country to match that of the China market within the next five years. 

In another recent global development, this July, saw OPPO enter into a partnership with leading Australian technology retailer Dick Smith to bring the full range of OPPO handsets to its 400+ outlets across the country. 

With a series of diverse and worldwide partnerships in full swing, OPPO is well on track in its quest to establishing itself as a true global brand.

Brother Color Inkjet MFCs: Value and reliability for every printing, imaging need

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The wide variety of printers and multi-function centers in the market today makes it harder for people to choose which ones to buy. It is thus best to know which brands can be trusted and which models best suit one’s needs.

Brother International Philippines Corporation (Brother Philippines), a leading provider of home and business IT peripherals here in the Philippines, is one of Filipinos’ most trusted brands for over a decade now. Throughout the years, Brother has brought to Filipino homes and offices reliable and value-for-money machines with the different printing and imaging needs of consumers in mind. For one, Brother introduced to the Philippine market Color Inkjet Multi-function Centers with a wide range of business features, while at the same time offering users greater versatility.

If you are looking to buy a color inkjet printer for either your home or office, the following key information on Brother’s wide array of Inkjet printers and multi-function centres can serve as your guide.

Super High Yield Inkjet Models

Students and other budget-conscious consumers can print photos or presentation charts in Brother’s Inkjet color printers such as the DCP-J200 which has wireless printing and fax functions.

Brother’s entry-level Inkjet multi-function centres (MFCs) that are perfect for students have super high-yield printing and additional functionalities that students can really make use of to excel in their projects.

This range includes the DCP-J100, the DCP-J105 and the MFC-J200 InkBenefit series models that can be had at affordable costs starting at P4,950. 

MFCs combine the functions of a printer, fax machine, scanner, and copier in one powerful device, thereby enabling users to do away with several bulky machines, and instead have a one-stop shop for their printing and imaging needs. Users will definitely get superb value for their money with these Inkjet models’ low unit costs and 2,400 page yield based on standard ISO print speed. Not to mention additional functionalities such as scanning, copying, and wireless connectivity. Brother Philippines President Glenn P. Hocson said, “Brother offers machines that suit the needs and budgets of our consumers, as we understand that they prefer practical functionality when it comes to printing and imaging solutions.”

Refill Tank System series for high-volume printing

Brother’s Refill Tank System MFCs like the DCP-T700W is ideal for personal users, or business users printing from small office home office (SOHO) who seek bigger savings. The DCP-T700W has an ADF which can scan and copy legal documents.

Brother’s comprehensive line of Inkjet printers and multi-function centers also got a boost with the recent addition of the revolutionary Refill Tank System MFCs.

The Refill Tank System MFCs that include the DCP-T300, DCP-T500W (with wireless networking capability) as well as DCP-T700W (with wireless networking and ADF for legal size documents) and MFC-T800W (with fax, wireless networking and ADF features) models are ideal for personal users, or business users printing from small office home office (SOHO) who seek bigger savings.

The new Brother Refill Tank System series has low-cost ink bottles with 6,000 page-yield (A4) for black ink, and 5,000 page-yield for the three color ink bottles for only P390. Brother Refill Tank System’s fast print speeds of up to 11 monochrome and 6 color images per minute (based on ISO/IEC 24734), is almost double that of competition’s, and is suited for high print volume users who value efficiency.

Moreover, with paper of up to 100-sheet capacity, users avoid consuming additional time in replenishing paper. Brother Refill Tank System’s smart design also takes the hassle out of ink refilling by simplifying the process while minimizing ink wastage. The new range’s built-in refill tank’s see-through cover at the front also makes it easy for users to check how much ink is left, while freeing up precious desktop space. Ink calibration time with the Brother Refill Tank System is also the fastest in the industry at seven minutes.

“We at Brother always try our best to provide our customers quality printing, while keeping running costs low for them,” said Hocson, “Our new series provides our customers with greater value, reliability and convenience that all translate to generous savings for them.”

All these models are available at Brother’s authorized dealers nationwide. What’s more, they come with a one-year standard warranty, plus a one-year extended warranty (or 30,000 pages, whichever comes first, for the Refill Tank System). All machines are supported as well by Brother Philippines’ Customer Service Center located at the ground floor of Marajo Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.