express, explore, experience: Club exp is here! The online community club for the youth by IKEA

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The first-ever youth community club from IKEA is here! Club exp is an online community launching first here in the Philippines. This free club is open for young teens ages 13-20 years old where they can express, explore and experience IKEA like never before.

IKEA dubs Club exp their ‘gamified loyalty club’ where members are rewarded for completing missions about their home life, school life and social life. After creating a free Club exp online account, members can start completing missions, gain exp keys to level up their tier and interact with other clubmates through forums and Q&As by IKEA.

How to join Club exp:

1. Visit exp.ikea.com.ph to create a FREE account

2. Fill-out the details of you and your parent/guardian

3. Parent/guardian will receive a parental consent notice allowing the teen to join Club exp

4. Once confirmed, fill-out the rest of your details and you’re ready to start completing missions!

Since Club exp is first and foremost a community, think of it as a social media platform. You can post photos and videos that you can share with your clubmates and send questions and reach out to our IKEA community managers directly. You may also interact with your fellow clubmates and share all your interests and passions under the sun. Club exp is a space to be inspired, meet new friends, and share what make's today's youth experiences uniquely theirs.

The current loyalty club of IKEA, IKEA Family, was launched last July 2022 to welcome the many Filipinos to the biggest family in the world. IKEA Family members must be 21 and up to join and get rewards and benefits each time they shop at IKEA.

Now with over 500,000 IKEA Family members in the Philippines, IKEA launches Club exp, an online community club made for teens 13-20 years old.

GCash shares how we can make Christmas more magical for our Lolos and Lolas this season

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Directed by Tonet Jadaone, heart-tugging film featuring Joshua Garcia inspires sharing the gift of magic to the elderly

There are many ways to bring back the magic this holiday season – from honoring traditions in new ways, spending quality time with the people we hold dear to us, and even extending the Christmas cheer to the ones who need it most.

This year, GCash brings back the magic to Christmas for the Lolos, Lolas and the whole family we missed through the short film ‘Akap’, reuniting the start tandem of Writer-Director Antoinette Jadaone, better known as Direk Tonet, and leading man, and new GCash member, Joshua Garcia.

Dedicated to all the elderly who have no family left, confined in homes or living very far away from their loved ones, the film hopes to remind us that while we celebrate the gift of togetherness with our very own family, we could also share the magic of Christmas with every Lolo and Lola who don’t have families to celebrate Christmas with.

As GCash shares in its short film, bringing magic back to the holiday doesn’t end with shopping for or sending gifts to our loved ones.

Through its Scan to Donate initiative, GCash encourages Filipinos to extend their Christmas celebration to the elderly beneficiaries of three non-profit and non-government organizations in the country so they could also feel love and magic this holiday season.

● Caritas Manila

Established in 1953 by Manila Archbishop Rufino Cardinal Santo, Caritas Manila was first known as the social welfare program Catholic Charities. With its four core programs, the non-profit organization now serves as the lead social service and development ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

Caritas Manila leads programs for the elderly in different parishes in Metro Manila such as the Damayan Feeding Program, and the donation of Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kit and Caritas Manna food bag.

● Coalition of Services of the Elderly

The Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) works with older persons to strengthen their organizations, partnership building, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1989, COSE has organized 850 Older Persons Organizations in 21 provinces and cities across the country.

Aside from community organizing, COSE leads advocacies to protect the older people as one of the most at-risk and vulnerable sector, makes studies and advocates for new policies on healthy aging, implements an inclusive community-based Disaster Risk Reduction program for the elderly, and operates a residential care facility for abandoned older women located in San Jose, Del Monte, Bulacan.

● Anawim Lay Missions

Starting as a small facility for poor and abandoned elderly people founded by Catholic lay preacher Bo Sanchez in 1996, Anawim Lay Missions has provided a home and sanctuary to the poor and abandoned elderly who have nowhere else to go.

Anawim provides services for the care and rehabilitation, home life, spiritual life and counseling of rejected and abandoned elders.

To support the programs and advocacies of these organizations for their elderly residents, 

GCash users may donate to them directly by scanning the QR code below:

By spreading cheer to your loved ones and to those in need, having a meaningful and magical Christmas celebration is possible with GCash. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery! Register and get verified today, and discover how you can have a Merry GCash celebration!

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About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 71M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only double unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.

How to Spot a Puregold Panalo Shopper

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Through its 25 years in the retail industry, Puregold has amassed longtime customers that have stayed loyal to this day. These “panalo shoppers” now easily navigate their favorite Puregold store, weaving their carts in and out the aisles to pick the products and goods they need.

Puregold’s “panalo shoppers” know all the ins and outs of any Puregold branch.

Some of them have gone on to be successful small business owners and entrepreneurs—with Puregold as a constant ‘partner’ in their new journey.

 If you want to be a panalo shopper, don’t be afraid to ask for more tips.

It’s easy to spot them. You might be one too without knowing it. Here’s a few telltale signs:

1.   They stay on the lookout for great promos in the store. There’s always a deal to be found at any Puregold branch. Panalo shoppers always check the promo board posted right at the entrance of every branch to see what bargains await inside.

2.  They’re in the right online communities. Puregold has online Viber communities that post consistent updates on deals and discounts. Panalo shoppers are in the Puregold Panalo Community and the Puregold Mobile community on Viber to get real time info.

3.   They follow Puregold’s social media for promos. Puregold’s official Facebook page updates on exciting store deals. That’s why panalo shoppers have liked the page and have it bookmarked for easy reference. They even share posts to inform friends of the latest deals.

4.   They get a headstart at Puregold. If there’s anything our panalo shoppers agree on, it’s hopping over to Puregold before the doors open. Being the first to have a foot in the door gives you time to get a lay of the land and get first dibs at the available promos and fresh produce in stock.

5.   They know to get a deal on the first of the month. Every first of the month, there’s the Puregold Hakot Every 1. Aling Puring and Perks members can avail a 10% discount on featured items and categories monthly.

6.   They follow Puregold on TikTok and YouTube for FREE entertainment. Puregold continues to expand its reach in digital spaces. Part of this is by growing their official TikTok account @puregoldph. Longtime shoppers follow Puregold’s fun TikTok series, and use the Puregold TikTok shop where you can purchase items right from the platform. They subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube to watch digital series and other online shows.

7.   Aling Puring points alert! Small business owners who have signed up for Puregold’s Aling Puring program always keep track of the points they earn from purchases. These accumulated points may be utilized later on.

8.   They use their points for savings at the end of the year. The best time to use Aling Puring rewards point is at the end of the year! That’s why panalo shoppers get the most bang for their buck by letting these build up over the year then unloading during year-end shopping.

9.   They buy in bulk. The more you buy, the more you save! Buying in bulk also keeps households well stocked, and maintains precious inventory for those running their own business.

10. They use ecobags on Mondays and Wednesdays. Panalo shoppers know to participate in #PuregoldWalastikGroceryDay. Not only do they help reduce the use of single use plastics in the store, bringing an ecobag on these days also helps them earn cashback points.

Annie Molata is a business owner and longtime Puregold panalo shopper.

Over 25 years, Puregold has amassed longtime customers that have stayed loyal to this day.

So if you want to be a panalo shopper, don’t be afraid to ask for more tips. When questions arise, ask someone for help! The sales staff at your favorite Puregold branch will be ready to assist in any way they can.

Go ahead and reach out to Puregold panalo shoppers too and ask them for tips. There’s always a new trick to learn. How to recognize those Puregold panalo shoppers? They have a happy smile on their faces!

Saigosan - A Brand New Take on Japanese Comfort Food and Cult Classics

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The Red Crab Group of Restaurants presents the launch of its own take on Japanese cuisine, Saigosan in BGC, Taguig City.

Saigosan is Chef Chris Oronce's take on an izakaya that serves great burgers, chicken, and donburi. The Nobu-trained chef wanted to build a small "eatery" that caters to young families—especially fathers and their sons who are fans of everything anime, manga, Japanese inspired tv and movies, old samurai films or even Mr. Miyagi and the gang. Being a father himself, owner Raymund Magdaluyo aims for Saigosan to be the go-to place for fathers and sons alike.

With its unique design, walking inside the store transports you to a dreamlike Japan set in the middle of a commuter train and a ramen shop. The bright colors and neon lights make the store stand out and immediately catch the attention of passersby. The art inside gives tribute to Japanese cult classics, making the ambiance appeal to different generations.

Sashimi Platter

Saigosan offers Japanese comfort dishes that people know and love. We offer a sashimi platter, ebi tempura, classic gyoza, and spicy salmon roll. However, we also like adding twists to the classics to give them variety. We have our own take on the California roll in the form of our mini volcano rolls. Our truffle wagyu steak macaroni will satisfy both parents and children alike, as well as our coffee jelly and matcha panna cotta with jelly.

Mini Volcano (Saigosan Cali Rolls)

Grilled Teriyaki Burger 

For burger lovers, the grilled teriyaki burger in brioche buns with onion rings is a definite must-try. The roast beef sukiyaki burger is for the ones who like something a little unique. But if you’re looking for something you and your kids will love, you can choose either (or both) the tori teri sando and tori katsu sando.

Fried Chicken Ramen

Love chicken? Saigosan offers a variety of dishes with chicken as the star. There’s the classic wings and tenders with three different sauces to choose from: teriyaki, wasabi mayo, and creamy mushroom. Our gyoza stuffed fried wings is something you can’t go wrong with when choosing what to order from our menu. The fried chicken ramen is a twist on a traditional dish that features a crispy chicken katsu served in miso-paitan broth. If rice is more your speed, we have a chicken katsudon.

Speaking of donburi, our chasu bacon & egg donburi is a crowd favorite. We also offer familiar dishes like the grilled yakiniku donburi with egg and grilled tori teri don, as well as our version of the buta kakuni don. As a bonus, the miso butter lobster will surely hit the spot for seafood lovers.

Buta Kakuni Don

Our dishes are perfect for not just for the young but for the young-at-heart, too! Whether you’re getting a quick meal for lunch or looking for somewhere to unwind after a day at work, Saigosan is the perfect place to go. We aim to be at the top of people’s minds when deciding where to dine at Uptown Mall, and even the whole Bonifacio Global City. Being near the cinema, our meals are suited to satisfy your cravings before or after watching a movie.

Saigosan comes from the same minds that launched brands such as The Red Crab Alimango House, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, and Pier at Clawdaddy’s. With the help of Chef Chris, they were able to create a blend of authentic Japanese dishes and modern favorites.

Saigosan is located at 3^rd Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It is open daily during mall hours from 10AM to 10PM. For inquiries or reservations, contact Saigosan at 0915 812 6855 or email them at saigosan.bgc@gmail.com.

UNIQLO Releases Four New Designs for PEACE FOR ALL Charity T-shirt Project

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New collection from four popular collaborators available from December 16

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the global launch of four new designs for PEACE FOR ALL, the charity T-shirt project from UT (UNIQLO T-shirt). This latest collection features special graphics from collaborators with a close connection to UNIQLO such as Peanuts as well as a design with an original photo taken by the world-renowned film director Wim Wenders.

As with earlier collections, UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing will continue to donate 100% of profits from the sale of the T-shirts (equivalent to 20% of the selling price) to three international aid organizations - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Save the Children, and Plan International - who provide assistance to people impacted by poverty, discrimination, violence and conflict.

UNIQLO first introduced the PEACE FOR ALL project on June 17, 2022, with the concept that a T-shirt can help make the world a better place. As of September, a total of more than 484,000 T-shirts have been sold, raising more than US $1M (calculation period through August 31).

So far, 20 collaborators who support the project’s aim of “praying sincerely for world peace and taking action” have volunteered their time and effort to create one-of-a-kind, original design T-shirts.

The five new UTs will be available for purchase from Friday, December 16^th.

Overview of the New PEACE FOR ALL Designs

Product name	：	PEACE FOR ALL
Launch date	：	Friday, December 16th, 2022
Price	：	Php 790.00
Sizes	：	XS-3XL (Sizes 2XL -3XL available only in Online Store)
Availability	：	UNIQLO stores and online
Special website	：	https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/feature/peace-for-all/

(Per DTI Permit No FTEB-145421 Series of 2022)

PEACE FOR ALL New Collection Collaborator Comments and Profiles

WIM WENDERS (Film Director)

I never saw more horizon in my life than on that day in the West-Australian desert. And at the very end of that road, I was sure, behind the horizon, we could only find a peaceful future.

Wim Wenders is one of the most acclaimed film directors of our time, who won the Palm D’Or for PARIS, TEXAS, and more than 20 awards worldwide for WINGS OF DESIRE. His documentaries have received three Oscar nominations, and he was lately honored with the Praemium Imperiale. His photographs have been exhibited in museums all over the world.

KEITH HARING (Artist)

© Keith Haring Foundation. Licensed by Artestar, New York.

The late Keith Haring created this artwork as a sign of global peace. It was meant to signify people all over the world coming together to stand for peace on earth.

A key figure in New York’s East Village scene toward the end of the 1970s and 80s, the American artist Keith Haring’s artwork populated not only art galleries, but also the city’s subways, streets, and sidewalks. His work often combined an iconographic vocabulary, including hearts, flying saucers, winged figures, and a crawling “radiant baby,” with abstract marks and patterning.

PEANUTS (Comics)

©2023 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

The group of friends who inhabit the world of Peanuts display a wide range of personalities: bold, nervous, romantic, curious, thoughtful, and adventurous. What unites them is their friendships and sense of community. For decades, the characters have resonated with fans for displaying all the elements of humanity. This design captures both the love the characters have for one another and the love that Peanuts inspires around the world.

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the comic strip Peanuts, drew 17,897 strips over the course of half a century from 1950 (the year of the comic’s initial syndication in seven US newspapers) to his death in 2000.

LISA LARSON (Ceramicist)

© LISA LARSON

The picture speaks of unconditional friendship and trust. The vulnerable girl sits on the back of a wild beast. We have to trust in Peace and choose the path of Peace. The lion symbolizes strength, loyalty, and bravery. It takes bravery to turn against violence. To protect the young girl means protecting the future of the human race. Trust is not being afraid. Peace is strength.

Born in 1931 in Härlunda in the province of Småland in the south of Sweden. In 1954, she began working for Gustavsberg porcelain. Later, as the company’s star designer, she became a mainstay of the golden age of Swedish ceramics. In 1980, Larson left the company to work as a freelance designer. In 1992, she co-founded Keramikstudion Gustavsberg. Full of life, Lisa continues to make new designs for production, and unique (one-off) ceramic pieces.

UNIQLO believes that T-shirts have the power to express the ideas of the wearer, as well as elicit empathy and spread messages broadly. To help create a peaceful future, UNIQLO actively engages with individuals who support the PEACE FOR ALL project and dedicates space in its stores around the world to remind customers of all the people who need assistance.

Anyone can join the call for peace by wearing their favorite PEACE FOR ALL UT, and UNIQLO looks forward to a successful continuation of the project.