October 1, 2021

Connectivity Makes SMDC’s Glam Residences an Ideal Investment Today and for Years to Come

For any person looking to make a sound investment in this post-pandemic world, there is a fair amount of caution taken. After last year’s global economic slowdown, people have become guarded when it comes to investing their hard-earned cash.

In terms of the property then, it is only logical that people who are looking to invest in real estate want some reassurance that they are making a sound investment. That is what Glam Residences from SM Development Corporation (SMDC) has to offer.

SMDC’s Glam Residences is an iconic 45-storey, master-planned development
that is set to rise along EDSA in Quezon City

In a report prepared by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) called “The Metro Manila Greenprint 2030: Building a Vision,” a goal cited to help the country leverage investments into positive gains revolved around connectivity. “Build on the potential of Metro Manila’s multi-centered spatial structure to be green and time-saving, by enhancing connectivity among and within urban centers, and by selectively designating new urban centers, as Metro Manila integrates with its peri-urban hinterland,” the report says.

Located right off Quezon City’s rising CBD – the Triangle Park – SMDC’s Glam Residences is in the thick of all commercial activities in northern Metro Manila and offers that critical connectivity that the report states. This integrated development’s location is home to office towers, shopping malls, hotels, renowned medical centers, numerous parks, and strategic transport hubs that offer easy access to vital points of Metro Manila.

The importance of transport hubs in relation to real estate properties is further validated by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) study in 2019, which states that residential parcels within 1km from the MRT 3 line appreciated in value by 223%, 20 years from the commencement of construction of the MRT 3 line. 

Inspired by Hollywood Glamour, the bespoke interiors highlight a mixture of textures like marble and steel, in hues of gold, grey, white, and blue   

That same MRT 3 line, with a station a few steps away from Glam Residences, has just increased its number of operating trains from 15 to 21 while doubling the operating speed of those trains from 30 to 60 kilometers per hour. It’s projected that this will improve waiting times between trains from the current rate of seven to ten minutes going all the way down to just 3.5 minutes.

One of the principles cited by the MMDA report was to focus future large-scale investments in mass rapid transit (e.g. MRT and LRT) and real estate around existing urban nodes. Another of those principles was to enable mixed-use development in the center of these nodes to promote public transport ridership by minimizing the need for long non-commuting trips for shopping, entertainment, schooling, etc. It goes without saying, then, that SMDC’s Glam Residences lives up to these principles.

Glam Residences will also be just one station away from the unified Grand Central Station that will connect the MRT 3, MRT 7, LRT 1, and the Metro Manila Subway lines. This will provide easier access to other CBDs, schools and entertainment districts all over the metro, and to regional and global gateways like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and the international airports in Bulacan and Clark. 

On the top-most floor is a sky lounge that offers panoramic views of the pulsating
Metro Manila skyline

Aside from the impeccable location, SMDC’s Glam Residences is an upscale vertical community that matches the cosmopolitan lifestyles of working millennials. With thoughtfully designed amenities including a lap pool, Jacuzzi, and rooftop lounge and bar, millennials can come home to a rewarding respite after those hectic workdays. Other benefits include an indoor gym, children’s play area, function rooms, and the development’s very own mall at the ground floor.

With the location and amenities combined, and its immediate access to major transport hubs, SMDC’s Glam Residences is certainly a sound investment opportunity today and for years to come.

For more information about SMDC Glam Residences, visit  https://smdc.com/properties/glam-residences/glam-residences/. 

 

DOE, PEIC, ECCP: PH energy sufficiency at 53%, still needs to rise

 Country now in state of climate justice, passing mitigation 

The Philippines’ energy industry has to make and carry out firm decisions to become more independent and resilient as it has now arrived at a state of climate justice, which is well beyond mere mitigation.  Its 53% energy sufficiency level also has to increase and can be strengthened by tapping into renewable energy resources. Government officials and industry leaders from the energy sector reached this conclusion during the recent webinar, “Energy in Sustainability: Renewable Energy Solutions at the Core of Climate Crisis,” conducted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in partnership with the Philippine Energy Independence Council (PEIC).  


PEIC, ECCP, DOE leaders join experts and industry captains on energy sector for

 first 2021 Energy Smart Forum webinar.

L to R:  Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, Department of Energy; Atty. Paola Alvarez ,Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance; Hon. Jesus Tamang Director, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau – Department of Energy; Mr. Gerry Constantino, Director for Projects, Events and Trainings, ECCP; Ms. Ruth Yu-Owen, Chair, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee ECCP; Mr. Don Paulino, President, PEIC; Mr. Eric Francia, President & CEO, AC Energy; Dr. Antonio Gabriel La Viña, Secretary, PEIC; Mr. Joseph Incalcaterra, CFA, Chief ASEAN Economist, HSBC; Ms. Nazrin Castro, Branch Manager, The Climate Reality Project Philippines; Mr. Emmanuel Yu, Executive Director, Ditrolic Solar Philippines Inc.; Ms. Myrna Velasco, International Relations Consultant, PEIC. 



During this session, which is part of the 2021 Energy Smart Forum Series, the delegates investigated requirements for the national energy sustainability framework, presented solutions to enhance power-generation capabilities, and came up with a roadmap towards the use of cleaner energy sources by 2040 to prevent an energy crisis. 


First, the Department of Energy (DOE) Director of the Energy Policy and Planning Bureau Jesus T. Tamang contextualized the current state of renewable energy in the Philippines in the ASEAN. He noted, “Our energy self-sufficiency is about 53%, which represents the share of our region’s energy sources to total. At the level of 34% share of renewable energy in 2020, the Philippines remains to have the highest renewable energy share in total primary energy supply among all the ASEAN countries. This puts us at the forefront of the sustainability game in the region.” 


Then, Eric Francia, President and CEO of AC Energy and PEIC board member, asserted the necessity for the Philippines to be energy-independent, saying, “An opportunity that the country has set is to increase its target renewables output from 21% to 35% by 2030. Renewables definitely have a major, major role to play. Energy independence is a critical imperative in this day and age.” 


PEIC Secretary Dr. Antonio Gabriel La Viña emphasized that the Philippines is in “stage of climate justice and no longer a stage of mitigation. The decision must be done in a just way.”  He also asserted, “We are not ambitious enough to ask for the money that is owed us for climate finance. We can fund big energy projects, big forestry projects, and big agricultural projects if we just think big enough.” 


Don Paulino, President of PEIC, also said that progress can be achieved by an informed collaboration between the government, the private sector, and the general public. He said, “There needs to be an active request and participation by other people in the country. We need to demand from our leaders, whether it’s the public, the government, or the private sector, to think about climate change. You have a voice, by educating yourself, by being a part of the public discourse, and by actively campaigning. We need to make sure that public issues on energy are properly discussed so that by 2040, 2050, we’ll actually be carbon neutral as a country.” 


Attorney Paola Alvarez, Department of Finance Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson expressed the urgency of climate change action, saying, “The Philippines is at the forefront of a global movement seeking climate justice. We look forward to more collaboration with our international partners and the private sector to achieve our climate ambition. We have only one planet and all of us must act decisively today in order to save it.” 


The session, which was hosted by Gerry Constantino, ECCP Director for Projects, Events, and Training, and moderated by energy journalist Myrna Velasco, also reviewed concrete action points, moving forward to achieve the country’s sustainability goals by at least 2030.  


Nazrin Camille Castro, Branch Manager at The Climate Reality Project Philippines, was hopeful about innovation and development in the economy that will continue to support the transition towards clean energy, “The Philippines is now ready to modernize its power system. The need for a clean energy transition in the Philippines is more on the matter of modernizing its economy, delivering affordable power to the Filipino people, and driving energy self-sufficiency.” 


DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella drew focus on the technical developments in the country’s energy sector that help progress the nation towards a more sustainable future, “We have emphasized the competitive renewable energy zones,” he said. “It’s where to put these renewable energy developments that are already easier to connect to the grid so that we can reach our goals, and rolling out the green energy option for the contracting of the smaller plants and partnering them directly to contestable customers.” 


Rising costs are among the many challenges that have arisen in the journey towards sustainability, usually found in erecting the infrastructural support needed to generate and maintain clean energy sources. 


However, Emmanuel Yu, Executive Director of Ditrolic Solar Philippines Inc., pointed out a silver lining, “The renewable sector has been growing by more than 100% since 2017. With the increased capacity, new technology, and better efficiency, the cost of renewable energy has been going down to the point that the Levelized cost of electricity now is lower than the price from the ground energy sector.” 


HSBC Chief ASEAN Economist Joseph Incalcaterra also acknowledged, ““In terms of financing renewables in the Philippines, the cost is large, but with public-private partnership and the right regulations, it will be doable.” 


Ruth Yu-Owen, Chair of the ECCP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, highlighted the importance of the forum series as it explores the future of the nation’s energy, saying, “Energy is interconnected with all aspects of our daily life. To create a safe and secure future for all, we need to ensure that not only the country’s energy demand is met, but that also its environmental and sustainability goals are achieved.” 


PEIC Executive Director Amor Maclang reinforces the urgent call towards Philippine energy security and independence in the face of climate change saying, “We need to intensify our efforts towards indigenous energy explorations within the country's jurisdiction. That will support our road to energy independence. The climate crisis concerns us all, and we should take part in solving it in whatever way we can.” 

 

The Philippine Energy Independence Council consists of energy advocates who, through public discourse and lobbying, aim to secure an energy-independent Philippines. 


For more information on membership and organization activities, please contact PEIC via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/energyindependenceph. 

 

 

 

 

DITO expands presence to 45 new areas this October


DITO Telecommunity, the newest major player in Philippine telecommunication industry, announced its expansion to 45 additional areas on October 1 and October 8. 

The following areas are as follows:

OCTOBER 1, 2021 (17 cities)

1. Samal, Bataan

2. Abucay, Bataan

3. Talisay, Camarines Norte

4. Vinzons, Camarines Norte

5. Noveleta, Cavite

6. Canaman, Camarines Sur

7. Pamplona, Camarines Sur

8. Libmanan, Camarines Sur

9. Sipocot, Camarines Sur

10. Murcia, Negros Occidental

11. Enrique B. Magalona, Negros Occidental

12. Bago City, Negros Occidental

13. City of Tanjay, Negros Oriental

14. Nabas, Aklan

15. Ibajay, Aklan

16. Baloi, Lanao Del Norte

17. City of Iligan, Lanao Del Norte


Mindanao = 2 cities

South Luzon = 22 cities



OCTOBER 8, 2021 (28 Cities)

1. Santa Rita, Pampanga

2. Mayantoc, Tarlac

3. San Clemente, Tarlac

4. Bayambang, Pangasinan

5. Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

6. Candaba Pampanga

7. Daet, Camarines Norte

8. Basud, Camarines Norte

9. Ocampo, Camarines Sur

10. Bombon, Camarines Sur

11. San Jose, Camarines Sur

12. Sagnay, Camarines Sur

13. Naga City, Camarines Sur

14. Pili (Capital), Camarines Sur

15. Bato, Camarines Sur

16. Iriga City, Camarines Sur

17. Baao Camarines Sur

18. Bula, Camarines Sur

19. Malilipot, Albay

20. Legazpi City (Capital), Albay

21. City of Ligao, Albay

22. Daraga (Locsin), Albay

23. Camalig, Albay

24. Oas, Albay

25. Polangui, Albay

26. City of Sorsogon (Capital), Sorsogon

27. Irosin, Sorsogon

28. Bay, Laguna


For more information on the points of sale, data offers, and other details, please visit the official Facebook page of DITO at www.facebook.com/DITOphofficial or the website at www.dito.ph.

Alice Dixson starts making good choices for health; chooses PascualLab's WellGreens

PascualLab Goes Beyond Natural with WellGreens’ New Premium and Certified Organic Products & New Partner in Health

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab), one of the top-of-mind pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines,¹ launches its natural food supplement brand WellGreens’ newest premium and certified organic products in a campaign and with a new partner in health.

Choose Premium and Certified Organic - WellGreens

WellGreens delivers the organic goodness and natural benefits of these premium ingredients in one convenient capsule:
  • Sinta – helps to lower blood sugar2 and relieve symptoms of common cold3
  • Mangosteen + Malunggay – aids in weight management4 and boosting the immune system5 and milk production in lactating women6
  • Lagundi + Cuban Oregano – helps relieve mild to moderate cough7 and for Cuban Oregano,
  • increases expectoration8
  • Turmeric – helps reduce inflammation or relieve the pain caused by osteoarthritis9
  • and alleviate exercise-induced muscle soreness10
  • Ginger – helps ease migraine,11 dysmenorrhea,12 and heavy menstrual bleeding13
  • Malunggay – benefits people with poor nourishment,14 compromised immunity,5 anemia,15 as well as lactating women6
  • Ampalaya – helps reduce blood sugar level and other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as body weight, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels.16

These premium and certified organic WellGreens natural food supplements are made from high-quality and 100% organic ingredients grown and manufactured in one of the largest organic farms in the Philippines, Leonie Agri Corp – a PascualLab subsidiary.

Each WellGreens product is made by LAC using a combination of internationally certified organic methods and adherence to high pharmaceutical standards. LAC is proudly certified organic by the USDA and EU Organic and is also certified by the Department of Agriculture for Good Agricultural Practice, the Food and Drug Authority for Good Manufacturing Practice, and by the Islamic Dawah Council for Halal. These further ensure premium quality in each product.

Alice Dixson Starts Making Good Choices

And in going beyond, WellGreens also takes it further as it welcomes movie and TV actress, and model Alice Dixson, as its newest brand endorser.  Dixson is also a fitspiration so it makes her the natural choice for WellGreens as she walks the talk in terms of her personal journey towards health and wellness.

Dixon says:
“I started as a commercial model and my initial foray has taken me to TV and then to movies.  Just like my work, I’ve also experienced going out of my comfort zone in terms of my health. Years ago, I started working out and eating healthy and I have not looked back since.”  She adds: “Now that I’m a mother, it all the more makes sense to start making good choices for my health. That’s why WellGreens’ offer came at such a right time.”

So whether in life or in health, go beyond natural. Choose the premium and certified organic food supplements of WellGreens.

WellGreens organic natural food supplements are exclusively available in Mercury Drug branches nationwide and at PascualLab’s flagship Lazada and Shopee stores.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sources:

¹IQVIA 2020 Data
² Nizmawardini Y, Endang H, Djunaidi R, et al. The Effect of Andrographis paniculata Extract Capsules on Blood Glucose Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Current Research. 2013; 5(3): 578-581. ISSN: 0975-833X.
3 Gabrielian E, Shukarian A, Goukasova G. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis. Phytomedicine. 2002; 9(7): 589-597. https://doi.org/10.1078/094471102321616391https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304701610
4Watanabe M, Gangitano E, Francomano D, et al. Mangosteen Extract Shows a Potent Insulin Sensitizing Effect in Obese Female Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2018; 10(5): 586. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10050586 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29747432/
5 Kou X, Li B, Olayanju J, et al. Nutraceutical or Pharmacological Potential of Moringa oleifera Lam. Nutrients.2018;10:343. doi:10.3390/nu10030343 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872761
6King J, Raguindin P, Dans L. Moringa oleifera (Malunggay) as a Galactagogue for Breastfeeding Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. The Philippine Journal of Pediatrics. 2013; 61(2): 34-42.
7Lagundi Anti-cough and Anti-asthma Medicine. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development In https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-services/create-article/6560-lagundi-anti-cough-and-anti-asthma-medicine Accessed March 2021
8Cámbara Y, Rodríguez D, Chanfrau J, et al. Efficacy of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng (French oregano) tablets in patients with common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Bionatura. 2016; 1(4). doi:: 10.21931/RB/2016.01.04.4.
9 Daily J, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food. 2016; 19(8): 717-29. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2016.3705
10 Fang W, Nasir Y. The effect of curcumin supplementation on recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage and delayed-onset muscle soreness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2021; 35(4): 1768-1781. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6912
¹¹Martins L., Rodrigues A, Rodrigues D, et al. Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) addition in migraine acute treatment. Cephalalgia. 2019; 39:68–76. doi: 10.1177/0333102418776016.
¹²Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini H, et al. Effect of zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: A placebo randomized trial. BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2012;12:92. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-92.
13 Kashefi F, Khajehei M, Alavinia M, et al. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on heavy menstrual bleeding: a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2015; 29(1): 114-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5235. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25298352/
14 Gopalakrishnan L, Doriya K, Kumar D. Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2016; 5: 49-56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2016.04.001
15 Caraos A, Cortez A. A randomized controlled trial: Comparison of malunggay (moringa oleifera) and ferrous sulfate in preventing anemia in pregnant patients in the out-patient department of a tertiary hospital. Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2017; 41(6): 25-35.
16 Rahman I, Khan R, Rahman K, et al. Lower hypoglycemic but higher antiatherogenic effects of bitter melon than glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients. Nutr J. 2015; (14)13. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-14-13

Managing your child’s school expenses? Here’s how to stay in control

 Stay on top of fees and payments this school year with these tips

For most schools, the year has just begun. And while students have already turned a fresh new page in their academic career, some parents may still be found fretting over how they can afford a whole new year of tuition fees and other school expenses.

The numbers may appear daunting, but there some ways you can stay on top of payments, particularly for your child’s school:

Save a portion of your monthly income for your child’s education. Now that you have an idea of how much you should be shelling out per school year, you can plan how much per month you need to allot from your income and contribute to the school fund.

Negotiate the payment schedule with the school. Talk to the school about paying in installments fitting to your current financial situation. Just be mindful of the interest rates of the school’s payment programs, especially for longer paying terms.

Review the tuition fee inclusions. Tuition fees may already include essentials like books and supplies, which you can purchase outside the school to help reduce the total amount. An example would be secondhand books which can be sourced from mom groups that sell their children’s pre-used books at lower prices.

Partner with a bank that provides installment options at low-interest rates. A bank can become your reliable payment partner for high, long-term dues—and what could be a greater priority than your child’s education, right?

EastWest Credit Card’s Tuition Installment Facility gives cardholders the option to reimburse tuition fee transactions and repay them in fixed monthly installments through their credit card. With a minimum of PHP 10,000.00, the transaction amount can be paid in easy and flexible installment terms of 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months with monthly add-on rates of as low as 1.00%.

“The country’s current situation brings about a lot of financial uncertainty, so it’s vital for us to plan ahead especially for big-ticket expenses such as the tuition fees of our children, EastWest FVP & Head of Credit Cards and Business Governance, Mia Tamayo said. “EastWest helps our customers do just that—stay in control of specific priorities such as their children’s education through our products. Hearing about the positive impact these have made on their lives fuels us to level up our services even more.”

EastWest Credit Card’s Tuition Installment Facility promo will run until December 31, 2021 and is open to all active EastWest credit cardholders in good credit standing. To learn more, visit bit.ly/EWBTIFPR. To apply, call the EastWest 24-hour Customer Service Hotline at +63288881700.

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
enjoying wonderful world