All That You Need for an Enjoyable Summer Getaway is in Iloilo City

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Despite the rains, summer is still in full swing, so if you’re looking to explore more of the charm and beauty of the Philippines, then Iloilo City is your best bet for a fun and exciting getaway with its myriad of attractions that will appeal to any kind of traveler!

Isla de Gigantes Tour Guimaras Island Tour

Preparing a trip for your family, friends, or even just for yourself is simple and easy with Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s ILOILO SUMMER GETAWAY PACKAGE which comes complete with all the essentials for a splendid visit to the City of Love. Get luxurious and spacious accommodations in the heart of premier township Iloilo Business Park, and just a few steps away from the modern and trendy Festive Walk Mall. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet of international breakfast favorites at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant,  The Granary, to fuel up your adventure-filled day. Sightsee in comfort and get the most out of your day trips with guided tours you can book through the hotel at 15% discount. 

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s Pool Area

Whether you enjoy the sun and sand, food, history and culture, nature, farms and gardens, religion, and popular tourist attractions, there is a tour for you. Available tours include heritage, pilgrimage, countryside farm, culinary, mystery house, Isla de Gigantes, Sicogon Island, and Guimaras.

Enjoy a splendid summer vacation with all the comforts and conveniences you need

at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo for as low as PhP 5,300 nett.

After a day of exploration, you can relax in the comforts of your room and de-stress with a soothing massage and indulge in some pampering at 15% discount for package takers. If you still can’t get enough of the sun, you can take pleasure in the posh resort-feel of the hotel’s picturesque pool area with its glorious sunset view. Spend the day lounging by the poolside with a refreshing drink in hand, or keeping your cool and making a splash in the water. 

The Iloilo Summer Getaway room package also includes 10% discount on food and beverage orders which can both be availed either at Zabana Bar or BizBar. For those who want to keep the adrenalin rush after an exhilarating tour, the hotel’s Fitness Center gym is available for use 24/7.

Guimaras Island Tour

Jaro Cathedral (Pilgrimage Tour)

Molo-making at Panederia de Molo (Culinary Tour) Jaro Cathedral (Pilgrimage Tour)

The Iloilo Summer Holiday package rates are marked down until June 15, 2023 and start at only PhP 5,300 nett for Sunday to Thursday stays and PhP 5,500 nett for Friday and Saturday stays.

For inquiries and reservations, call Room Reservations at +6333 328-7888 or mobile number 0917-5809642; or email stay@richmondeiloilo.com. To get instant confirmation, book online at www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply to this promotion. Rates are not valid in conjunction with other promotions and discount privileges. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. R6-ILO-04-024, Series of 2023.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s Deluxe Twin Room            

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is the first hotel outside Metro Manila of local real estate giant, Megaworld Corporation. With its strategic location within the modern 72-hectare development of Iloilo Business Park, coupled with its world-class facilities, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo elevated the standards of the hotel industry in Western Visayas when it opened in 2015. Richmonde is among the growing number of homegrown brands under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts group. 

For more information on Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, log on to www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph and for the latest news on the hotel, follow @RichmondeHotelIloilo on Facebook and Instagram.

OPPO Battery Health Engine wins 2023 SEAL Sustainable Product Award in recognition of OPPO’s green innovations

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OPPO’s Battery Health Engine was announced as a winner in the Sustainable Product category at the 2023 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards. Through the award, OPPO joins the likes of General Motors, T-Mobile, and Cisco, in winning the highly prestigious international sustainability accolade.

The SEAL Awards (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership Awards) celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability and develop innovative initiatives that positively impact the environment. The 2023 SEAL Award for the OPPO Battery Health Engine adds to the growing international recognition of OPPO’s efforts to enhance sustainability through technical innovation.

“We are honored to receive the SEAL Sustainable Product Award for the OPPO Battery Health Engine in recognition of our achievements in innovation and sustainability,” said Elvis Zhou, OPPO Overseas CMO. “Through our mission of ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, we are committed to driving sustainability throughout our organization as we work towards our pledge to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050. We believe that all innovations should make a positive impact on people’s lives and the environment, and we will continue to drive sustainable development as we inspire our users and the industry towards a greener future.”

“Every industry has a role to play in addressing our climate crisis. We applaud OPPO's sustainability leadership and innovation,” said Matthew Harney, Founder of SEAL Awards.

The Battery Health Engine is a system-level battery health solution developed by OPPO over a three-year period. By solving battery issues associated with dead lithium, the Battery Health Engine reduces loss in battery capacity over time, helping to extend battery life and reduce electronic waste caused by frequently discarded smartphone batteries. Based on OPPO's customized battery management chip, the Smart Battery Health Algorithm, and Battery Healing Technology, the Battery Health Engine can maintain the battery capacity of OPPO smartphones by as much as 80% of its original value after as many as 1,600 charge-discharge cycles , delivering an effective battery lifespan much longer than the industry standard. Since its first release in 2022, the Battery Health Engine has been featured on more than ten OPPO smartphone products, including the OPPO Find X5 series, where it has provided not only improved user experiences but also driven impact for society through its improved sustainability.

In recognition of the innovations underlying the Battery Health Engine and its ongoing role in leading sustainability within the smartphone industry, OPPO was also named one of the 10 Most Innovative Asia-Pacific Companies in 2023 by influential business media Fast Company.

Sustainability has long been a central component of OPPO’s product design and business operations and the company is constantly exploring new innovations that lead to a greener future. At MWC 2023, OPPO unveiled the brand-new Zero-power Tag — a communications device that harvests energy from the environment and can operate without the need for batteries. The company also adopts a scientific and environmentally friendly approach to all product lifecycle management. This not only includes following the 3R+1D international green packaging principles to reduce its use of natural resources, but also increasing product life cycles through Battery Health Engine and product trade-in services to minimize electronic waste. OPPO’s innovation-driven production and global operations are also leading to reduced environmental impact across all levels of the company. These include energy-saving upgrades at its manufacturing facilities and the building of a green data center, OPPO AndesBrain IDC.

OPPO will continue to explore more ways to drive sustainability across its operations, using the latest green technology to deliver smarter and more environmentally friendly technologies and products to its global users as it leads the industry towards a green future.

It’s “Time to Stand Out” with Samsung and Lazada’s Super Brand Day 2023

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Prepare for Samsung’s massive sale on 24 May as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd partners with Lazada, Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform, for the sixth edition of Samsung’s LazMall Super Brand Day in the Philippines. 

Titled ‘Time to Stand Out’, this year’s campaign is set to return with outstanding deals and offers on Samsung’s latest innovations, and a more engaging shopping experience to encourage consumers across Southeast Asia to stand out and push the boundaries of what’s possible with their dream Samsung products.

Consumers looking to embrace connected lifestyles and simplify their lives with customized, automated routines will be excited by attractive deals which will be rolled out across a whole range of latest Samsung products. This includes newly-launched smartphones such as the Galaxy S series and Galaxy A series, to best-selling QLED and lifestyle TVs, smart monitors and home appliances.

For those who love real-time bargains, attractive giveaways await at the livestream sessions in the Samsung LazLive account. Apart from exciting unboxing content of the latest Samsung products, there will also be livestream-exclusive gifts, special discount vouchers, as well as flash sales for shoppers to grab the best deals. Samsung is also collaborating with brands, such as Adidas and Kiehl’s, to reward its shoppers with surprise boxes containing mystery gifts at super value prices.

Shawn Kwon, Vice President and Head of Regional Online Business for Samsung Electronics, Southeast Asia and Oceania said, “We are always on the lookout for new ways to engage our customers and enhance their shopping experience. Even as economies open up and with brick-and-mortar shops aplenty, many consumers continue to shop online due to the convenience, range of products available and varied experiences provided. We are excited to partner with Lazada once again, to co-create more value and choices for consumers seeking smart electronic solutions on online platforms. This year’s LazMall Super Brand Day theme aims to spur consumers to ‘stand out’ through Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and devices, as they enjoy Samsung’s latest online offerings at the best deals.”

“We are delighted that Lazada’s partnership with Samsung has grown from strength-to-strength in the last six years. The sixth Samsung x LazMall Super Brand Day is testament to that – this time with a call-to-action for consumers in Southeast Asia to ‘stand out’ with Samsung’s suite of quality and innovative electronic products, enabled by Lazada’s engagement mechanics such as Daily Rewards, special bundles, Brand Membership Programme and more, for a fun and engaging online shopping experience,” added Pierre Beckers, Executive Vice President, Regional Strategic Accounts, Lazada Group.

Highlights of Samsung’s LazMall Super Brand Day in Philippines include:

●       Get up to 50% off on Galaxy Watch 4 and up to 40% off on Galaxy A13 and Galaxy Z Flip 3.

●       Exciting deals bundles with the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 with a Free Battery Pack, Clear Case, Travel Adapter  and Exclusive Kiehl’s skincare bundle worth Php1,900 with every purchase of the Galaxy A34 or A54. The freebies include a Kiehl's Calendula Toner 40ml; a Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foam Wash 30ml; and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream 14ml. These devices feature an all-new awesome design with a premium look, awesome camera for Nightography, and awesome performance with its fast processor long-lasting battery.      

●       A free AquaFlask (22 oz.) worth Php700 with every purchase of the new Galaxy A24. Get an AquaFlask Mint Gelato AquaFlask freebie with Galaxy A24 (lime) or a Space Black AquaFlask freebie with A24 (graphite).

●       Get a free Adidas bag with every purchase of any Galaxy S23.

●       Save up to 36% off on Neo QLED Smart TVs, up to 41% off on the Crystal UHD TVs, up to 24% off on Lifestyle TVs, up to 36% off on sound towers, and sound bars. Get up to 25% off on the Odyssey G7 Smart Gaming Monitor and ViewFinity S5 Ultra-WQHD High-Resolution Monitors.

●       Enjoy up to 18% off on refrigerators, up to 29% off on washer-dryers, up to 20% off on cooking appliances. Avail of FREE shipping plus additional discount vouchers when you buy select products at the Samsung Consumer Electronics store on Lazada.

●       The Lazada Lucky Draw on May 24 where Samsung Super Brand Day shoppers will have a chance to win a Galaxy A13, Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Galaxy Watch4, and 2 winners of Galaxy Buds2. Participants for the draw must have at least Php20,000 worth of mobile products to qualify.

●       Join the Samsung LazLive on May 24, 11a.m. and get a chance to win exclusive deals such as a Galaxy Watch4 Classic with every purchase of a Galaxy S23, and Lazada discount vouchers during the live.

Find out more about the Samsung’s LazMall Super Brand Day at the Samsung Official Store on LazMall. Download the Lazada app on the Google Play Store or App Store to visit the Samsung official LazMall Flagship Store today!

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-165494 Series of 2023

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-164743 Series of 2023

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-165484 Series of 2023

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-164648 Series of 2023

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-162709 Series of 2023

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-165489 Series of 2023

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-165858 Series of 2023

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-166160 Series of 2023

8 Health Essentials That You Need To Have This Summer

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Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to make plans with loved ones to enjoy the great outdoors. A day spent outside the home is fun, but the intense heat can affect anyone’s health.

Image by tirachardz on Freepik

Watsons encourages families to stock up on health essentials that can help combat the harmful effects of sun exposure and high temperatures. With over 60 million people affected by El Niño[1], there is a high chance of disease outbreaks. This also causes heat stress and respiratory diseases, among a wide range of health problems.[2]

Since prevention is better than cure, here are the must-haves that the leading health and beauty retailer recommends:

Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects the skin and helps prevent sunburn and premature aging, and more alarming conditions like skin cancer.

When looking for sunscreen, it’s important to choose broad spectrum products that protect the skin from both the Ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays of the sun. Another consideration is the sun protection factor or SPF. This is a number that tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays will turn the skin red after applying sunscreen. Minimal exposure to the sun needs an SPF of 15 or higher, while longer time spent outdoors needs at least 30. It is recommended to use sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors and to reapply every two hours.[3]

Facial mist

Complement sunscreen with a generous spritz of facial mist. This product serves a dual purpose: it hydrates the skin and helps it absorb other products like serums and moisturizers. Facial mists have other benefits depending on the ingredients. Some have essential oils for aromatherapy, while others have antioxidants.[4]

Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals that damage the cells. It also controls infections and heals wounds.[5] The vitamin plays an important role this summer: when used as a serum, it can hydrate and brighten the skin, protect against sun damage, and promote collagen production to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.[6]

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that reduces damage caused by free radicals. It’s also an essential vitamin during the summer because it cares for the skin and hair. Vitamin E creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture. Additionally, it supports the scalp and adds shine to hair.[7]

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that helps make the heart, bones, muscles, and nerves operate at their best.[8] It even regulates body temperature. Thankfully, the mineral is available as a supplement that can be easily bought at health stores.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that helps the immune system. It aids in wound healing, blood clotting, and the optimal functioning of the thyroid. A shortage of zinc may lead to pneumonia, skin changes,[9] and even hair loss.[10] The heat can damage hair so a zinc supplement may help address that.[11]

Collagen

Collagen is a type of protein that helps cells grow, provides a protective layer for organs, and gives elasticity to the skin.[12] It’s also available as oral and topical products that help with signs of aging such as wrinkles and dehydration. These can be caused by the summer heat so it’s advisable to take collagen this summer.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant that fights off oxidative stress, which may lead to diseases like diabetes and cancer.[13] Its oral and topical supplements may help lighten dark spots and free radical damage to the skin caused by the sun.[14]

All these health essentials are available at Watsons. The global brand in health and beauty retail offers a complete and wide range of vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter or prescription medicines, personal care products, and other essentials in its network of 1,000+ stores in the Philippines.

Watsons makes the shopping experience more convenient with its added services. Customers can choose Click & Collect Express, where they can purchase online and pick up their orders from their selected store in 30 minutes or less. They may also try the Home Delivery Express, which delivers orders right to their doorstep within three hours.

“Filipinos are making the most out of the summer by spending more time outdoors or traveling. The right health products can help them ease their worries so they can focus on celebrating and enjoying the season. Let Watsons remove the burden of shopping by visiting our wide network of stores and availing of Click & Collect Express and Home Delivery Express,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Customer Director.

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About Watsons

Watsons is part of the Health and Beauty Store chain of A.S Watson, the largest health, beauty, cosmetics, and perfumery retailer in the world. Today, Watsons H&B Asia is the leading health and beauty chain in the continent with successful operations in 13 markets. In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines' leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas).

Today, Watsons operates 1000+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 250,000 customers per day. Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1,000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.

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^[1] El Niño Affects More Than 60 Million People. (2016, April). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/el-ni%C3%B1o-affects-more-than-60-million-people. Accessed 11 May 2023.

^[2] El Niño Affects More Than 60 Million People. (2016, April). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/el-ni%C3%B1o-affects-more-than-60-million-people. Accessed 11 May 2023.

^[3] All About Sunscreen. (Last updated 2022, Jul). Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

^[4] The 16 Best Facial Mists for Every Skin Type. (Last updated 2022, Sep 26). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-facial-mist. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[5] Vitamin C. (Last reviewed 2023, Mar). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[6]  11 Reasons to Add Vitamin C Serum to Your Skin Care Routine. (Last updated 2023, Feb 3). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[7] How Vitamin E Can Benefit Your Hair. (Updated 2019, Mar 8). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-e-for-hair. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[8] ​​Magnesium. (Last reviewed 2023, Mar). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/magnesium/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

^[9]  Zinc and your health. (Last reviewed 2021, Mar). Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/zinc. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[10]  The 8 Best Supplements for Hair Growth, According to a Dietitian. (Last reviewed 2023, Feb 23). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamins-hair-growth. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[11] The 8 Best Supplements for Hair Growth, According to a Dietitian. (Last reviewed 2023, Feb 23). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamins-hair-growth. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[12]  Collagen. (Last reviewed 2022, May 23). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen. Accessed 5 May 2023.

^[13]  Glutathione Benefits. (Updated 2023, Apr 18). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/glutathione-benefits. Accessed 5 May 2023.

^[14] Benefits and Side Effects of Glutathione in Skincare. (2023, Apr 4). Healthnews. https://healthnews.com/beauty/skin-care/glutathione-for-skincare/. Accessed 5 May 2023.

Disney’s only licensed Filipino artist stages one-man show in Manila

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The Fine Art of Rodel Gonzalez, a Manila Art Show grand exhibition for the first and only Filipino artist officially licensed to paint Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars artworks, finally lands in the Philippines. The exhibition will be held at COLLAB Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts on June 3, 2023 at 5pm. Gonzalez’ grand exhibition follows a string of international sold out shows in the US and Japan. Manila Art Show presents opportunities for the Filipino public, art collectors, and the media to appreciate these works of art up close or even bring home a piece from the collection.

The Manila Art Show of Rodel Gonzalez is presented by Newport World Resorts and Sheraton Manila Hotel. The collection is curated and organized by Kartini Asia Gallery with special participation of Uniquecorn Strategies.

“It is high time that an international Filipino artist, at the caliber of Rodel Gonzalez, becomes well known in this country”, quips Newport World Resorts President and CEO Kingson Sian.

Gonzalez was first accredited by Disney 15 years ago in 2008 to reproduce the media giant’s iconic characters and scenarios through his paintings. Known for his dry-brush technique and having a keen eye for color, form, and composition, his detailed artworks have been sold across Disney Theme Parks, Cruise Lines, and art galleries in Japan, North America, and Europe.

“We are proud that the works of Rodel Gonzalez have found a home within Newport World Resorts,” Sian adds. As a premier lifestyle and entertainment destination, Newport World Resorts champions Filipino artists and the performing arts through various initiatives including the long-running, all-Filipino hit musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo”, a brainchild of Sian’s.

The Manila Art Show will display and auction off over a hundred art pieces featuring popular Star Wars characters Yoda, the Stormtroopers, Darth Vader; Marvel Cinematic Universe fan favorites: Iron Man and Spiderman; and Disney princesses Elsa, Cinderella, and many others. The paintings are done in varying sizes and mediums, such as Acrylic on Black Paper, Acrylic on Canvas, Acrylic on Gesso Board, Oil on Canvas, Oil on Gesso Board, Oil on Aluminum, and Giclee on Canvas.

For inquiries, please contact Ria Malvar at riamalvar@yahoo.com or 09266899014 or 8771717 and Kathryn Joy Jeruta kathryn.jeruta@newportworldresorts.com or 09178728586.

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ABOUT RODEL GONZALEZ

Rodel Gonzalez is born into a family of artists, which catalyzed his early exposure to many forms of art through the teachings of his father, Rick Gonzalez, and grandfather, Felix Gonzalez, then both painters. At the age of nine, Gonzalez’s passion for arts began to flourish as he delved into learning its elements and principles. Gonzalez academically reinforced his knowledge of art as he majored in painting at the University of Sto Tomas and earned a degree in Interior Design from the Philippines School of Interior Design.

The artistry he’s been enriching at a young age found its favor in the field of music. In 1985, Gonzalez co-founded the premiere OPM band, Side A, that amassed various hit songs and brought the band to its icon status today. For decades, Gonzalez wielded his creative skills in music as a songwriter and former lead vocalist of the band.

With enthusiasm to establish a more profound way to express art, in 2002 Gonzalez pursued Fine Arts that later put him in an exclusive and international position as a licensed Disney and Lucas Films artist in 2008.

The Manila Art Show of Rodel Gonzalez is presented by Newport World Resorts at COLLAB 2F Sheraton Manila Hotel. The collection is curated and organized by Nina Malvar, President and CEO of Kartini Asia Gallery with special participation of Uniquecorn Strategies. Kartini Asia Gallery is located at the Palms Country Club in Alabang.