Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

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On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations. 

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue. 

Last September 22, 2018, as part of the worldwide movement, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines, bloggers and volunteers join the Coastal Clean Up to save our oceans one coast at a time.

Warriors of the Waters 

Acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge has a direct effect on the reef, WWF-Philippines and Hamilo Coast continue to implement programs for its Ridge to Reef Management. This includes the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves into Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Pico de Loro and Etayo coves, and Hamilo Coast’s main marine sanctuary, Santelmo Cove, where giant clams are being cultivated and a vibrant marine life thrive. Ongoing projects to protect coastal and terrestrial resources include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring. 

From Solid Waste to Zero Waste 

With efforts to keep the property and surroundings clean and green, WWF-Philippines developed a solid waste management plan for Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, including a vermicomposting site aimed at attaining zero green wastes to be sent to landfill. 

Early this 2018, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel shifted a few of its operations to become more environmental friendly. The use of plastics have been replaced with paper straws and cups, good grade stirrers, and takeaway packs, which will eradicate the dumping of non-biodegradable waste of 180,000 plastic straws and 27,000 plastic stirrers annually. 

The Club and Hotel also partnered with WWF-Philippines in implementing a food waste management system, an initiative aimed at urging staff, members, and guests to be more conscious about food resources and waste. With leftover rice noted as one of the highest food waste contributor in the property, the restaurants’ menus now offer rice separately, also considering diners who are non-rice eaters. A campaign to encourage guests to only get the food they can consume in a buffet was also launched in the middle of the year. 

Keeping a resort development clean involves maximum effort. Water quality is regularly tested and monitored while waste water from the different locators within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast are processed and recycled to keep the lush landscapes clean and green. 

Living in Harmony with Nature 

Green building strategies were carefully considered in Pico de Loro Cove’s latest luxury beach condominium development, Freia. This mid-rise contemporary tropical condominium building, which offers a spectacular panorama of the sea and verdant mountains, takes pride in its features that allow sustainable green living and consider cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural lighting and ventilation was considered in the building design and solar energy will be used for certain common areas. An efficient waste management system will also ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community, thus promising a lifestyle that is not just close to nature but is one with its surrounding environmental bounties. 

Through the years, Hamilo Coast continues to champion sustainable practices through luxury seaside living at par with environmental awareness. Achievements and recognitions, such as its Bronze Benchmark Status from Earth Check in 2015 and 2017, and its exemplary practice on solid waste management given by the Department of Natural Resource’s Annual Environmental Summit in 2017, proves Hamilo Coast is not just a destination, but is also becoming a premier sustainable beach resort community. 

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove is home to the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, an exclusive membership club with a plethora of land- and sea-based recreational facilities, and the Pico Sands Hotel, a seven storey, 154- room hotel offering spacious rooms with modern amenities and captivating views of the lush mountains and tranquil lagoon. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com. 

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has been successfully implementing various conservation projects since 1997 to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. For more information, visit wwf.org.ph. 

Pico de Loro Cove is one of several marine protected areas in Hamilo Coast where marine life is preserved and enhanced in partnership with WWF-Philippines since 2007.

Cebu Pacific expands ‘Change for Good’ initiative to Clark hub

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The Philippines' leading airline, Cebu Pacific  marks the third year of its partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) through the Change for Good initiative with the expansion of the program to all flights in and out of its hub at the Clark International Airport. Beginning September 1, 2018, passengers on all Cebu Pacific domestic and international flights to and from Clark will be able participate and donate loose change, spare foreign currency or whatever amount they can spare to help vulnerable children in the Philippines receive proper nutrition in the first 1,000 days of their lives. 

“We are very grateful to Cebu Pacific for further expanding our Change for Good partnership. Now, passengers boarding Clark flights can join in the fight to ensure that children in the Philippines not only survive but thrive. By donating any amount, you invest in the future of Filipino children,” UNICEF Representative Lotta Sylwander says. 

Change for Good was established by UNICEF in 1987, in alliance with the global airline industry. The alliance is designed to collect spare currency from passengers on board flights of partner airlines with the aim to reach millions of undernourished children in over 150 countries. To date, Change for Good is one of the longest-running efforts of the UN children’s agency. 

A Cebu Pacific flight attendant collects donations for Change For Good.
 ©Cebu Pacific/2017/Arvin Sky Guillermo 

Cebu Pacific is the first and only partner of UNICEF for the Change for Good initiative in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. To date, CEB is also the only local airline partner who raises funds to benefit children in its home country. All funds donated by passengers aboard Cebu Pacific flights for the Change for Good initiative benefit children in marginalized communities in the Philippines. 

“We are immensely thankful to all our passengers who have donated to Change for Good for the past two years. The program is a practical way to put spare foreign currency or loose change to good use, rather than letting these become clutter in our homes. As we roll-out to more flights, more passengers will have the opportunity to help make a change, and will give hope to more disadvantaged children in the Philippines,” said Atty. JR Mantaring, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of Cebu Pacific. 

According to UNICEF, the first 1,000 days of life have a significant effect on a child’s future. This golden window of opportunity builds the foundation for a child’s ability to grow, learn and earn. Children who get the right health and nutrition in their first 1,000 days are ten times more likely to overcome life-threatening diseases, more likely to complete more grade levels in school, and go on to earn up to 50% more in wages as adults. Sadly, around 3.4 million Filipino children who are stunted may never reach their full potential due to poor nutrition. The collections from Change for Good supports UNICEF Philippines’ program on ensuring optimal health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a Filipino child -- from conception to the child’s second year of life. 

About Cebu Air Inc. 

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline. 

CEB and subsidiary Cebgo fly to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, with over 108 routes spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA. The CEB network operates flights out of seven strategically placed hubs in the Philippines: Clark, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo and Manila. 

CEB boasts of one of the youngest fleets in the world, with a total of 67 aircraft with an average age of 4.8 years. The CEB fleet is comprised of 36 Airbus A320, five Airbus A321CEO (Current Engine Option), and eight Airbus A330; while the Cebgo fleet is composed of eight ATR 72-500, and ten ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of two more A321 CEO,six ATR 72-600, and 32 Airbus A321NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft. 

For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632) 7020-888 or (+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/cebupacificair) pages. 

Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play. 

About UNICEF 

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph

Get free Globe home WiFi with every purchase of selected Lenovo devices

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As we gear up for the holidays, leading PC developer Lenovo and Globe Telecom team up for an always-connected “Ber” season in a promo.

Customers now purchasing selected Lenovo products (YOGA, IdeaCentre, IdeaPad, and Legion) will receive a free Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi kit worth P1999. Each WiFi kit also comes, with 7 days data out-of-the box.

Purchase of selected Lenovo products with Intel® Core™ i3 processors will get a Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi with free 7 days data, while purchases with Intel® Core™ i5 processors will get an additional Homesurf Php 349 for extra 10 GB data valid for 10 days. Meanwhile, purchase of products with Intel® Core™ i7 processors will get an additional Homesurf Php599 for extra 15 GB data valid for 30 days.

“With this new promotion, everyone can stay connected especially this coming holiday season. Globe’s reliable Internet connection will surely elevate their Lenovo experience,” said Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan.

A cost-effective plug-in LTE WiFi solution, Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi is two times faster, with 50% stronger coverage, compared to regular pocket WiFi devices.

Customers who buy qualifying products can claim the Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi upon purchase, in-store. Customers who buy Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 products can claim their free data add-ons through the promo’s website by providing their invoice number and the product’s serial number.

Each customer may only have a maximum of five (5) selected products per transaction, and purchases must be made at engaged retailers only. The promo is until September 30, 2018 only.

For the full list of selected Lenovo products and the engaged retailers, please visit https://www.lenovoredemptions.com/.

Mr. Pure Energy Gives Back

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With a renewed zest for life and music, Gary Valenciano gears up for ‘Gary V, Mr. Pure Energy on XS,’ a fund-raising concert for the benefit of Xavier School charities.

Just three months after his double health scare, Gary Valenciano is back to doing what he loves best: performing for the people.

It’s his way of giving thanks for receiving a second lease on life, so to speak. Mr. Pure Energy, despite of all that he has gone through the past several years, has so much to thank for.

• One, Gary V survived an emergency heart bypass surgery due to blockage of his left anterior descending artery caused by his type 1 diabetes, which he has been battling for almost 40 years.

• Two, the veteran artist has successfully beat cancer of the kidney. 

Through his strong faith and the unwavering support of his loved ones, the good news that Gary V was praying for came sooner than later. “Nakatanggap ako ng message galing sa doktor ko na [I’m] cancer-free and no need for chemotherapy, radio therapy, wala talaga. It’s really, really good news. It’s gone.”

• And three, the 54-year-old OPM icon has been blessed with a great family. He’s got a very supportive wife, Angeli, and equally talented kids Paolo, Gabriel, and Kiana, who would always be by his side no matter what. 

With all the blessings and the miracles that he has received, the multi-awarded artist feels that it is time for him to give back.

Mr. Pure Energy will be staging “Gary V, Mr. Pure Energy in XS” a fund-raising concert on October 13, 2018 at the Xavier Sports Center in Greenhills, San Juan. Proceeds from this concert will go to the Xavier School charities. 

“Gary V, Mr. Pure Energy in XS” will be an event to remember. Not only will this concert mark Gary V’s return to the performing stage after being away from the spotlight for months, it will also be extra special as his daughter Kiana Valenciano will be joining him on stage as his special guest.

For ticket inquiries, call 911-5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph

Max’s Restaurant welcomes the holiday season with two spiced up treats to make every day celebrations extra special—or should we say extra spicy?

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Do you like it Hot and Spicy ?

Here's one spiced up treat to make everyday celebrations extra spicy special!

This holiday season, the new Max’s Spicy Chicken makes its debut as the latest addition to the award-winning Filipino restaurant’s list of must-try dishes. 

This sumptuous offering puts an exciting twist to the well-loved Max’s Fried Chicken, as it is tossed in a special chili pepper seasoning that will leave you craving for more. Best paired with Max’s house blend banana ketchup, enjoy bite after bite of juicy chicken with just the right balance of sweet and spicy.

“Customers can now enjoy a spicy, Sarap To The Bones™ Fried Chicken with the new Max’s Spicy Chicken. Head to your nearest Max’s Restaurant, try our new Max’s Spicy Chicken, and have a great dining experience!” said Max’s Restaurant National Business Unit Head Paolo Serrano.

Max’s Restaurant is offering the Spicy Chicken Family Platter at only PHP529. For those who wish to have a spicy feast with friends or family, there is also the Spicy Chicken Platter Bundle which includes the Max’s Spicy Chicken together with a choice of one bestselling soup, large plain rice, four glasses of iced tea, four Caramel Bar Ice Cream, and one plush toy all for PHP1,399.

The love for spicy does not stop there with Max’s Restaurant’s Honey Glazed Chili Cripsy Pata. Premium pork knuckle made extra special by stir frying in garlic and ginger, and then lathered with local honey and served with Max’s pata sauce, there is no reason why the Honey Glazed Chili Crispy Pata should not be included in one’s next order at Max’s Restaurant together with the new Max’s Spicy Chicken.

The addition of the Max’s Spicy Chicken and Honey Gazed Chili Crispy Pata to the Max’s Restaurant menu is further proof of the social media awardee on 2018 People’s Choice’s commitment to cater to the changing demands of its customers. With more people becoming more adventurous in their food choices, the Max’s Spicy Chicken and Honey Glazed Chili Crispy Pata are welcome treats for you.

Your Max’s favorites are just a click, chat or call away. 

Visit www.maxschicken.com to order through the Max’s Restaurant website, leave a message with Max’s Restaurant’s Facebook Messenger chat bot, or dial 7-9000 to order via landline or mobile!