Build Hope this Christmas with Habitat’s “Pamaskong Handog”

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This Christmas, thousands of families will be celebrating in evacuation sites and temporary shelters because of recent calamities that struck the country. Amidst the busyness of the holiday season, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat) is committed to building their homes and bringing hope in disaster affected communities.

Habitat’s annual Christmas program “Pamaskong Handog” (Christmas offering) inspires the public to give back to our fellow Filipinos in need during this season of giving. Companies and organizations can set aside some funds from their Christmas party budget, or gather voluntary contribution among members which will help ongoing rehabilitation efforts in various areas nationwide. In appreciation of their generosity, Habitat will match every P1000 donation with a Noche Buena pack to be shared with its assisted family under the donor’s name.

“This season is the best opportunity to show that a little help goes a long way for a family who would like Christmas a bit more special.” Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat explains. 

More than just giving Noche Buena packs, Pamaskong Handog is really about rekindling hope among numerous families’ who slowly rebuild and improve their lives when they move to their new home. 

“Like Jesus Christ who was born in a humble shelter, he was able to inspire hope to a vast majority of people. Together with our donors, would also like to lead by example and demonstrate the love of Christ through this program”, Ayco adds. 

For more information on how to partner, kindly contact our Mass Marketing Unit at 846-2177 or email donorservices@habitat.org.ph. 

You may also visit www. www.give2habitat.org/philippines/pamaskonghandog and learn more about the on-going program.

How Cebuana Lhuillier helps micro entrepreneurs grow

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Most Filipinos dream of becoming an entrepreneur someday and they start early – the student who sells candies or pad paper to his classmates, or the girl who sells stationery paper to her peers. Then the entrepreneurial dream grows bigger to include home-baked goodies, a sari-sari store or small grocery, a fleet of tricycles, and other small-scale businesses.

The country’s leading microfinancial institution, Cebuana Lhuillier, recognizes this potential and aims to help strengthen the chances of Filipinos succeeding in entrepreneurship through a financial literacy campaign that showcases the available support for micro entrepreneurs today.

There are Cebuana Lhuillier products that provide for the needs and protect the resources of micro entrepreneurs – from micro insurance products to immediate financial assistance.

Keeping small businesses safe

One of Cebuana Lhuillier’s micro insurance products is the Alagang Cebuana Plus which offers affordable personal accident and fire insurance. For only P25, the holder is covered from accidental death, dismemberment, and disablement for P20,000, with an additional P5,000 coverage from fire. The coverage is valid for four (4) months.

There are other Cebuana Lhuillier micro insurance products that help micro entrepreneurs protect their investments and resources against various risks.

Banking without the bank

Nowadays, payment options available for businesses, no matter how small, include transactions that do not go through the banks. Social networking platforms have become the new marketplace that offers products ranging from home-baked goodies, imported candies and chocolates, second hand clothes and bags, and almost anything under the sun.

Micro entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this to grow and reach a wider market. With the help of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 24/7 Pera Padala nationwide operations, they are able to receive payments sent from across the country, in real time, hassle-free and without the need to open an account.

Easy-Access Funds

No matter how small the business, it is integral to have easy access to funds in the course of the operations. Cebuana Lhuillier offers a nationwide pawning service that can address the need for funds for sudden business expenses. Its high appraisal rates, low interest rates, flexible terms, hassle-free transactions and 24/7 operations for select branches, make Cebuana Lhuillier’s pawning services the perfect partner for micro entrepreneurs.

Becoming an entrepreneur can be a challenging task, but with the right support from microfinance institutions like Cebuana Lhuillier, it can be a sweet success.

Watch the ‘Epson Spectacular Christmas 3D Projection Mapping Show’, join the #Selfietacular Contest and win an Epson home projector

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Leading digital imaging company Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) invites the public to watch the ‘Epson Spectacular Christmas 3D Projection Mapping Show’, join the "Selfietacular Contest and win an Epson 3D home projector.

Ed Bonoan, Epson’s Head of Marketing Division shared that “since this is the first Christmas 3D projection mapping show in the country, we want as many people as possible to experience it – and to remember it.

People who watched the show can take a photo of themselves with the show in the background, post it on their Facebook, use the hashtags #selfietacular and #epsongivesback, and tag the Epson Philippines FB page to get a chance to win an Epson EH-TW570 home projector.” 

The Epson EH-TW570 is a highly affordable 3D home theatre projector that delivers quality entertainment and immersive gaming experience. Through Epson’s bright 480Hz drive technology, a stunning level of 3D brightness is made possible. The 480Hz drive technology minimizes the “blackout time” of the projector when 3D images are transitioning from frame to frame, giving viewers the smoothest 3D movie or gaming experience.

Epson’s Spectacular Christmas 3D Projection Mapping Show was made possible in partnership with Ortigas & Company. The show is held from 7pm to 12 midnight at the Capitol Commons Park in Ortigas Center, Pasig every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 11, 2015 until January 3, 2016.

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in printing, visual communications, quality of life and manufacturing. Epson’s lineup ranges from inkjet printers, printing systems and 3LCD projectors to industrial robots, smart glasses and sensing systems and is based on original compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies.

If it's Noche Buena preparation time, try more hassle-free with GLAD

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When I think of Noche Buena, it’s always a feast, a buffet table filled with special food and super yummy treats that is shared with family and friends.

Noche Buena is a tradition that families all around the world enjoy and look forward to during the Yuletide season.

Preparing for Noche Buena and thinking of gifts for your loved ones this coming holiday season can be a very daunting task, indeed. But more than the stress of finding the best Christmas present, homemakers often become hard pressed to find the perfect recipes fit to be called “a meal-to-remember” during the Christmas Eve celebration. Noche Buena gatherings often stand out more than the others because the menu details have been well thought out.

For moms who don’t want to spend more than their budget would allow and also for those who don’t like eating out in crowded dining places during this busy season, now will be a good time to put their creativity to the test -- in the kitchen.

To help you accomplish this, GLAD, a trusted brand in food protection and kitchen management, has come up with the following hassle-free Noche Buena recipes developed by chef and food stylist Eugene Raymundo.

The first dish is a very easy and no-fail recipe for a meat loaf that doesn’t take long to prepare, while the second recipe is a fudge treat for dessert that uses walnuts and maraschino cherries. To prepare these meals, all you need are essential kitchen partners such as Glad Non-Stick Aluminum Foil, which has a special coating that ensures food does not stick to the foil and makes dishes look more presentable and enticing. Then there’s also GLAD Cook ‘n’ Bake paper whose special non-stick coating eliminates the need for fats and oil. It is also economical because you can use it up to 5 times for simple baking! 

Try these simple recipes and make this Christmas extra special for your loved ones with these holiday treats.

Madman Meatloaf

Madman Meatloaf


Ingredients:

500 gms ground pork

500 gms ground beef

½ cup chopped carrots

½ cup chopped green bell pepper

½ cup chopped red bell pepper

2/3 cup chopped mushrooms

1 tbsp minced garlic

2/3 cup minced onions

250 gms chopped ham

100 gms chopped pepperoni

100 gms chopped bacon

½ cup dried cranberries

100 gms diced cheese

½ tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp dried rosemary

½ tsp dried sage

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbsp Tabasco

1/8 tsp pepper

1 egg

2 egg yolks

2 tbsp flour

Procedure:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350oF.

2. Place all ingredients in a large GLAD FREEZER ZIPPER BAG.

3. Seal and massage ingredients to blend well.

4. Place mixture in a GLAD OVENWARE 9 x 12.

5. Cover with GLAD NON-STICK ALUMINUM FOIL.

6. Bake for 35 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.

8. Let cool before slicing.

Chunky Cherry-Walnut Fudge

Chunky Cherry-Walnut Fudge

Ingredients:

¾ cup butter

1 ½ cups sugar

¾ cup cocoa powder

4 eggs

½ tsp salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup chopped dark chocolate

1 cup maraschino cherries, quartered

½ cup chopped walnuts

Procedure:

1. Pre-heat oven to 325oF.

2. Line an 8”x 8” brownie pan with GLAD COOK ‘n’ BAKE.

3. Melt margarine over medium heat in a saucepan.

4. Add in cocoa powder and sugar and cook until cocoa powder is dissolved.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, salt, and flour until well blended.

6. Fold in half of cherries, chocolate and nuts.

7. Pour into prepared pan.

8. Top with remaining add-ons and bake for 45 minutes.

9. Let cool and chill before slicing.

Paseo Verde at Real holds Topping Off Ceremony

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First Units Almost Ready For Occupancy

LEED Inc’s Paseo Verde at Real, the developer’s first green community project in Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Pinas, enters a new phase in their development as they top off the first tower of the three-building development.

Reggie Dela Cruz, Project Director of Paseo Verde

“The topping off ceremony is symbolic of our promise to deliver the new homes of our clients. We promised them that they will have their units in two years’ time, and this signifies the fruition of that promise,” said Reggie Dela Cruz, Project Director of LEED.

With the topping off event, this means that clients who were the first to buy units of Paseo Verde, will be able to move in their new units early or mid next year. 

The ceremony, which was witnessed by partner realtors and Paseo Verde homeowners, was celebrated with various activities to make the event more unforgettable. 

Additional Floors

The topping off ceremony wasn’t the only milestone being celebrated. LEED Inc. also got approval to add another floor onto their three towers. This means new owners will be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Makati and Alabang Skyline, with picturesque vista of Laguna De Bay. 

The approval came from HLURB after LEED Inc., was able to pass the stringent test of the government’s housing arm. 

Online presence

Aside from these, Mr. Dela Cruz also shared that they have recently become active in promoting their presence online, partnering with realtors via the internet to further reach out to more people who wants to have a home they can call their own. 

This means that LEED Inc., has also considered partnering with reputable Real Estate groups who would be able to offer the valuable product of Paseo Verde, especially to OFWs.

About Paseo Verde

Paseo Verde at Real is a 1.1 Hectare mid-rise condominium development which boasts to set a green standard of living for its owners. It offers 12 exceptional Green Features that define the whole project. These are amenities that focus on their groundbreaking green architecture and puts emphasis to the company’s three environment focus: Climate Change, the Clean Air Act, and the Safety and Health of its Residents.

Part of these features include a rain cistern which was conceptualized to catch rain water to be used for ground upkeep of the whole community. The most unique feature of Paseo Verde at Real is the bike facilities that will be made available upon construction. Aside from bike lanes, there will be permanent bike racks where lovers of the activity can park their equipment safely.

Biking will definitely be promoted by the project as they also put charging stations for e-bikes – a mode of transportation that will be encouraged for older residents.

Also at the groundbreaking site are Paseo Verde’s model units for viewing: 24.70sqm and 29.5sqm studio units; 38.25 one-bedroom; 51.13 two-bedroom, and a 66.55 three-bedroom, all of which depict an eco-friendly way of life for its future residents.

Paseo Verde at Real is accredited by the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) and a member of the Philippine Green Building Council for its steps towards promoting a sustainable community. The first tower turnover is scheduled in October, 2016. 

For more information, please call 854-1652.