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Charting 4 Days of Fun at Regal Hotels in Hong Kong

Regala Skycity Hotel and Regal Hong Kong Hotel served as home to media guests from the Philippines and celebrity influencer Ashley Ortega, who joined the 4-day, fun-filled tour in Hong Kong organized by VFC Travel and Tours.

 

Hong Kong is an easy place to visit. With just an hour and 45 minutes flight from Manila, many tourists (including us) would frequent here for good reasons – to enjoy its dazzling city views, attractions, dining, night life, arts, culture, and shopping.

A well-planned trip is important to make the most of your stay, thanks to VFC Travel and Tours, who organized our 4-day, fun-filled tour in Hong Kong together with celebrity influencer, Ashley Ortega. VFC is your very first choice and go-to expert for trips to Hong Kong and beyond.

Regala Skycity Hotel and Regal Hong Kong Hotel served as our home for four days complete with superb accommodation and shuttle service. Regala Skycity is located in Lantau Island and is still on its first year of operation. It’s the place to be in the airport area.

Some of its recent awards, include: “Best Airport Hotel” by TTG Asia Travel Awards (2023), “Best New Hotel” by TTG China Travel Awards (2023), Best Hotel Restaurant Interior (Hong Kong) by International Property Media Ltd in 2023 for Vivace.

Regala Skycity Hotel Exterior.

Regala’s strengths are its airport counter (not many hotels have this service), providing free shuttle service to and from the hotel, Tung Chung, Citygate Outlet, and NP360. It’s also one MTR train ride to Disneyland; a short ride to Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge (or 45 minutes bus ride to Macau).

The group at the Regal Hotels airport counter.

Regal is situated in Causeway Bay and is near the MTR station, tram stop, popular shopping malls, and a short walk to restaurants, coffee shops, street food, Japanese specialty stores, and street shopping. These are the reasons that would make Regal the hotel of choice when in Causeway Bay.

Regala Skycity and Regal Hong Kong are part of the Regal Hotels brand known for its international standards of comfort.

We charted the activities that summed up our delightful stay in Hong Kong.

 

DAY 1

The group arrived at Hong Kong International Airport in the morning and headed to Regal Airport Counter B15, Arrival Hall B. We were accorded with free shuttle bus to Regala Skycity from the airport. Then, we checked in and met the hotel staff.

We had an enjoyable lunch at Vivace.

The welcome lunch was held at Vivace, the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant located on the third floor. They served us a Thanksgiving special menu, semi-buffet tapas lunch, anti-salad bar, appetizers, soup, and dessert. We indulged in the delectable cuisine while enjoying the company of Ivan Tso, Assistant Marketing Communication Manager.

After the sumptuous lunch, we started touring the impressive hotel rooms, themed rooms, grand ballroom, and meeting venues, a walk to 11 Skies, and Asia World Expo (AWE).

Modern and vibrant interior design of Vivace.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to meet the hotel’s gracious general manager, Renee Kim, who also hosted dinner for us at the Jade, the fine-dining, Chinese restaurant of the hotel located on the 12th floor. We enjoyed the 7-course Chinese cuisine served to us coupled with an interesting conversation on sundry topics.

From left: Regala Skycity General Manager Renee Kim, Ashley Ortega, and Ivan Tso.

 

Kim shared that they have an Executive Chinese Chef who not only specializes in Cantonese but also many regional Chinese cuisines. “We have dynamic dishes from Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan province, and many more. People like to try food from different parts of the world. Dimsum is a good representation of Hong Kong.”

Kim explained that Regal is the core brand of Regal Hotels International, while Regala is a new brand, which focuses on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability. They’re also planning to re-brand some of the existing hotels. Regal is more conservative, and upscale; Regala is more lifestyle and trendy.

Kim related that it’s challenging to manage a new property, especially after the pandemic. “Overall, there’s a downturn in the economy not just here in Hong Kong but in other countries. Despite the challenges, we have been able to open the hotel. We can’t complain. The business is picking up. Anyone who has tried our product, they loved it.”

Welcome dinner for the group with Ms. Kim and Sir Karl at the Jade restaurant.
Jade restaurant – for your fine dining experience.

With the holiday season fast approaching, she said, that they are promoting Chocolate Christmas to attract more families and pet-friendly promotions.

After that wonderful dinner, we headed back to our assigned room – a comfortable twin bed – where you can immerse yourself in the Regala celebratory lifestyle to unwind your body and mind.

Cabana room – spacious and bright.

It was a sweet welcome, and everyone was excited to enjoy the remaining days of our stay. As they say, “It’s time for a joyous gala!”

 

DAY 2

A buffet breakfast awaited us at Petra, another restaurant of the hotel located on the ground floor, which serves international cuisine.

Breakfast at Petra.
Petra’s color scheme is pleasing to the eyes.

Right after, we were whisked away to experience the Tung Chung adventure and the convenience of staying at Regala. We visited the Citygate Outlet, a train ride to Disneyland, and then a free shuttle back to the hotel.

The writer is in the happiest place on earth!

We tried the mouthwatering dishes for dinner at Petra, which consisted of salad, main course (I settled on salmon, others opted for steak), and dessert. We all enjoyed it!

To digest what we ate, we took a walk outside the hotel, visited the hotel sky deck, and felt the cold weather that night.

 

DAY 3

It was time to check out from Regala and transfer to Regal Hong Kong for an overnight stay. This 5-star hotel provides spacious, full-service accommodations, and a choice of dining venues.

Group photo at the hotel entrance.

The group had the chance to meet the hotel’s general manager, Christo Diamandopoulos, who gladly agreed to a short interview about his work experiences and the room renovation plans. He has been with Regal Hotels for 10 years now. He also holds concurrent positions as general manager of Regal Kowloon Hotel, and vice president – project for Regal Hotels International Limited.

Regal Hong Kong Hotel General Manager Christo Diamondopoulos (center) with Ashley Ortega and Vien Chan of VFC Travel and Tours.

 

He shared that he likes working in Hong Kong because the economy is very aggressive. He also cited that more tourists from the Philippines and Thailand are coming to Hong Kong either for business or leisure. “To all the lovely people in the Philippines, I wish to invite you to come and visit the Regal Hong Kong Hotel and the country of Hong Kong. We are well-prepared with attractive accommodation and services for an enjoyable stay. Hope to see you very soon!”

The Regal management also hosted lunch for us at the Chinese Restaurant, Regal Palace. The food was very satisfying. Soon after, we toured the hotel rooms, gym, and rooftop swimming pool (the only one in the Causeway Bay).

Rooftop swimming pool – overlooking a spectacular Harbour view. Courtesy: Regal Hong Kong Hotel
Topform gymnasium. Courtesy: Regal Hong Kong Hotel

We also rode the Peak Tram, checked out nearby shopping malls, Sogo, Sasa, Times Square, street markets, etc., and uncovered affordable souvenirs to bring home.

The Peak Tram. Courtesy: Regal Hong Kong Hotel

Another delectable meal for dinner was prepared for us, which we paired with red wine to our complete satisfaction.

With the comfortable bed and spacious room, we fell into a good night’s sleep.

 

DAY 4

We felt energized on our last day in the hotel and partook in the buffet breakfast at Cafe Rivoli.

After we checked out from Regal, we visited ArteM, an immersive media art;  Sky100,  a 360-degree indoor observation deck, which offers views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, the Kowloon Peninsula, and Tai Mo Shan; M+ Museum, which featured Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), and Harbour City for some sightseeing until our departure flight to Manila.

The post-pandemic world has certainly ignited our spirit of discovery and the enriching experiences travel brings to life. So, on your next trip, look no further. Make Regal Hotels and VFC Travel and Tours your first choice for seamless travel. For more information, visit https://www.regala-hotels.com/en/regala-skycity-hotel/ and www.regalhotel.com. https://www.vfctravelandtours.com/

 

#RegalaSkycity #RegalaHongKongHotel #VFCTravelandTours #HongKong #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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Okada Manila Ushers in the Yuletide Season with its ‘Harmony of Lights’ Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The magic and celebration of the holiday season officially begins at Okada Manila, Manila’s Grand Icon, with the lighting of its spectacular Christmas Tree, serving as the property’s majestic centerpiece.  All throughout the Fountain foyer and Crystal Corridor is a showcase of a magnificent “Harmony of Lights,” featuring an array of colorful lights and holiday accentuations. The event marked the launch of the festivities across Okada Manila.

Whimsical Wonderland

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony featured a stellar lineup of entertainment, headlined by “Asia’s Limitless Star,” Julie Anne San Jose. The Malabon Concert Singers added to the festive vibe with their repertoire of popular holiday song classics. The Okada Manila Entertainment Group also performed as the opening salvo of the event. The official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was led by Okada Manila’s top executives, including Wendy Ni, Okada Manila’s Vice President for Strategic Marketing, who also gave the welcome remarks.

Okada Manila Top Executives –  Christmas Tree Lighting 2023.

This year’s stunning 30-foot Christmas tree theme was sweetly inspired by a magical Christmas Wonderland. It is adorned with larger than life confectionery-inspired ornaments such as oversized candy canes, ice cream, and cupcakes.

Enchanting Christmas Village

Following the mesmerizing “Harmony of Lights” thematic peg, Okada Manila also opened its much-anticipated Christmas Village dubbed as “Home of Wonder” at the Crystal Pavilion.  The ribbon cutting ceremony marking its official opening was spearheaded by special guest, Department of Tourism’s Regional Director (NCR), Sharlene Batin.

The Christmas Village dazzled with a captivating Lights Show and the Interactive Fairy Baubles, an enchanting experience for the guests to enjoy. The showcase includes various holiday-themed installations, from the whimsical North Pole Suite to the delightful Chocolate PLAY House, among others.

Festive Shopping and Exclusive Offers

For a wonderful Christmas shopping spree, the property features the longest-running Noel Bazaar at the Crystal Pavilion from Nov. 10 to Dec. 17 where guests have a generous and endless array of delightful holiday gifts, delectable treats, and unique goodies. Guests are in for a treat with diverse weekly events, including captivating performances by Kapuso celebrities, the famed “Celebrity Ukay-Ukay,” and new merchants joining the festivities every week.

In the spirit of the holiday season, Okada Manila also presents a variety of holiday retail, hotel, and restaurant seasonal offerings and staycation packages.

For a memorable staycation, Okada Manila offers its Festive Family Getaway package, a relaxing overnight staycation, which includes foot massages for the parents and PLAY vouchers for the kids.  And for a bigger celebration, the Bespoke Celebrations by the Bay package would be ideal where a suite or villa experience await, and comes with a sumptuous family style dinner for 10 to 30 people.

And for decadent treats, the Lobby Lounge offers seasonal cakes like the Gingerbread House and Merry Journey cakes, and Christmas-themed milk chocolate reindeer and snowman.  Kiapo also offers their Festive Platters and classic holiday favorites – Simbang Gabi fare of puto bumbong and bibingka.

A Joyous Holiday Season

Okada Manila’s “Harmony of Lights” has truly set the stage for a joyous holiday season, combining stunning visuals, live entertainment, and heartwarming activities. This celebration promises to bring families and friends together during this wonderful time of the year.

#OkadaManila #HarmonyofLights #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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LifeVantage Celebrates 20th Year with Expansion in PH

New health products to guide Filipinos to wellness and a healthy, vibrant life.

Twenty years ago, LifeVantage opened its business in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., by  offering reliable TrueScience products that aim to activate our body to work better and  create vibrant health. A pioneer in Nutrigenomics – a new science dedicated to cracking  the human aging code – LifeVantage has evolved and helped millions of people around  the globe through its unique blend of sustainably sourced, propriety ingredients making  it one of the most trusted brands around the planet.

In its 20th year, LifeVantage has finally arrived in the Philippines bearing new products  that aim to support Filipino’s healthy lifestyles and journey to looking and feeling young.

“It took us a while to come here to the Philippines, but we’re happy to share that we are  here now with our latest innovations that will benefit more Filipinos. LifeVantage is set to  expand its legacy among Filipino customers who have been wanting to maintain their  natural glow and beauty that are renowned all over the world,” according to LifeVantage Philippines.

 

At the media launch of LifeVantage.

With operations and network in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Austria,  Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and New Zealand, LifeVantage has also reached several other  countries to provide more customers with their wondrous products for personal  consumption only. In addition, the Company sells its products in China through an e commerce business model.

Meet These Products That You’ll Adore

LifeVantage’s diverse products include Health Maintenance, Concentration and Energy,  Collagen, Skin Care, and Personal Care. In the Philippines, LifeVantage is excited to  offer its TrueScience® Liquid Collagen and TrueScience® TrueRenew Daily Firming  Cream.

  • TrueScience® Liquid Collagenis a non-GMO, gluten- and sugar-free product  made of hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides, Appleberry flavor, Vitamin C, red  quinoa, berry, and citrus extracts. Available in 10-ct and 30-ct bottles, this  product is set to bring the delight and glow you deserve every day.
  • TrueScience® TrueRenew Daily Firming Cream is made of Cranberry  Biopeptides, Shrubby Everlasting, Wild Pansy (Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor  Extract), and Nrf2 Blend that Helps combat the visible effects of oxidative stress  and maintain naturally healthy-looking skin. This product is made to tackle 11  visible signs of aging, giving you visible results in just 21 days.

LifeVantage is dedicated to visionary science that aims to transform wellness and anti aging internally and externally with products that dramatically reduce oxidative stress at  the cellular level. A leader in Nrf2 science and the maker of Protandim®, LifeVantage  also aims to support communities across the globe with its My LifeVenture program that  aims to support fellow members to achieve their goals in life. Through its expansive  operations and trusted brand image across the planet, Lifevantage is not just set to  make Filipino lives healthier and better, but also brighter and happier.

LifeVantage Philippines is registered under Protandim Philippines Corporation with a  showroom at 4F NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

To learn more about LifeVantage’s, you may visit their official  website www.lifevantage.com/ph-en. You can also follow them  on Facebook and Instagram for more details and updates on the latest products.

 

#LifeVantage #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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DOOGEE offers great 11.11 deals on high-rated tablets T30 Pro, T20 Mini, and U10 Series

If you’re looking for bang-for-the-buck smart tablets, DOOGEE has a tablet that’s just right for you.

  1. For the ‘Work Hard And Play Hard’ Achievers

We tend to be passionate about achieving lots of things – whether it’s for our academics or even at work. Having a smart tablet makes it easier for us to attain our success goals, and of course, DOOGEE has something for us to make it possible!

The all-around T30 Pro LTE Android tablet has an 11-inch IPS LCD screen with 1600 x 2560 px resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. It is outfitted with quad speakers and Hi-Res audio certification and comes with a Helio G99 chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB expandable storage.

DOOGEE T30 Pro

The T30 Pro LTE, is perfect for university students and young professionals, as it runs on the latest Android 13 software, and the battery is rated at 8,580 mAh which will power you through the day. The T30 Pro is intuitive, faster, and smarter as it can speed up productivity with the tablet’s multi-screen window feature and store your most important files with the 256GB storage on board. The T30 Pro LTE comes in sleek colors. For 11.11 it is priced at P13,699  from P18,999 for savings of P5,300.

  1. For the Productive and Creative Students

Keep the creative juices flowing! Got a fresh idea while strolling outside? The DOOGEE T20 Mini will be your go-to best friend.

With the DOOGEE T20 Mini, small is the new big. This affordable mini tablet is great for students as it fits on-the-go bags thanks to its compact form factor.  If you like watching videos, reading e-books, or scrolling through social media, this is perfect as you can comfortably hold the T20 Mini with one hand.

Do projects and tasks at hand, as the T20 Mini is equipped with LTE so you can access data anytime, anywhere.

DOOGEE T20 Mini

An octa-core processor with 1.6 GHz is at the heart of the performance. The CPU is supported by a trusty 9 GB of RAM (4 GB RAM on-board and another 5 GB can be expanded virtually). The 128 storage can be expanded up to 1 TB via a Micro SD Card.

For 11.11 it is priced at P6,299 from P7,999 for savings of P1,700.

  1. For Parents Who Want To Make The Most Out Of The Learning Experience For Their Kids

Parents always want the best for their children, especially when it comes to education. Make learning and quality time enjoyable with the DOOGEE U10 and U10 Kid!

Both the DOOGEE U10 and U10 kid are equipped with an enormous  10.1” HD IPS display that provides excellent visual quality for the kids. It also has TÜV SÜD blue light certification and Widevine L1 support so kids can also enjoy all kinds of movies in the best conditions. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a Quad-Core processor with up to 9 GB RAM (4GB + 5GB VRAM), and a generous 128 GB storage, that is expandable up to 1 TB via microSD card.  It also has a 5060 mAh battery that can last up to 255 hours (on standby).

DOOGEE U10 Series Promos

Learning can really be fun since the  U10 Kid has a special app called KIDS WORLD. The app houses hundreds of learning activities and games for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) that can help kids explore their knowledge and guide parents in discovering the passions of their children.

For 11.11 the U10 is priced at P4,249 (from P5,499) and the U10 Kid at P5,149 (from P6,499)

Get DOOGEE’s premium tablets for work and play so your life is easier and more enjoyable! Available nationwide via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop!

 

Model Regular Day 11.11 Price Savings Freebies
U10 (9GB + 128GB) P5,499 P4,249 P1,250 Jelly Case
U10 Kid (9GB + 128GB) P6,499 P5,149 P1,350 Special Kids Anti-Bacterial Case
T20 Mini (9GB + 128GB) P7,999 P6,299 P1,700 BT Keyboard
T10S (11GB + 128GB) P9,999 P7,699 P2,300 BT Keyboard
T10 (15GB + 128GB) P11,499 P8,699 P2,800 Folio Case, BT Keyboard
T30 Pro (15GB + 256GB) P18,999 P13,699 P5,300 Folio Case, BT Keyboard, BT Mouse

 

For more information, follow DOOGEE Philippines on their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts (@doogeeph). You may also check them out at

Shopee (https://bit.ly/DOOGEEShopeeMall)

Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/doogee-phones-tablets/)

and Tik Tok shop (@doogeeph).

 

#Doogee #1111 #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Light Up This Christmas With Rustan’s

Find all your festive needs at Rustan’s, featuring the finest offerings that promises no less than a magical Christmas celebration!

 

Year after year, Rustan’s continues to share light and joy among its patrons by cherishing and imparting the values of family, tradition, and togetherness. As the holiday swiftly approaches, the premiere department store echoes–even more fervently–the sentiments of many, specifically the longing for hope and positivity amidst overwhelming changes.

This season, Rustan’s is elevating its commitment with the introduction of “Light Up This Christmas with Rustan’s,” an initiative that focuses on renewal and celebration. For over seven decades, Rustan’s has treasured Christmas as a time of hope, light, love, and peace. This joy–which Rustan’s aims to share not only with shoppers but with every father, mother, adult, and child–is encapsulated and remembered through the sparkle of lights and evergreen trees. It is symbolized by the festive tunes and solemn hymns, as well as the decorations like tinsels, bells, nutcrackers, and snowglobes, along with the reds, greens, and various ornaments. The cheer of the season points to the magnificent hope brought by the humble birth of Jesus Christ.

Rustan’s reminds everyone of the magic of Christmas with a meaningful and lively celebration. From the return of the anticipated Christmas Shop, to a grand day-long festivity packed with activities and interactive attractions, to bedazzling promos and heart-pumping markdowns, there are many to discover, explore, and indulge.

The Christmas Shop Returns

Over the years, Rustan’s has solidified its reputation not only as a beacon of unparalleled service and meticulously curated selections, but also as the ultimate destination for all things Christmas. With the return of Rustan’s Christmas Shop, discover a treasure trove of the finest offerings while taking cues from Rustan’s featured themes, thoughtfully curated to bring out the grandness of the season.

Rustan’s offers a diverse selection of decorations that suit every taste, including the timeless elegance of Chinoiserie, inspired by the fusion of Chinese-European culture.

Step into a whimsical world with Santa’s Candy Land, where oversized candy decorations, candy canes, and gingerbread accents are sure to enchant visitors of all ages. For those who hold tradition dear, the Nutcracker collection boasts an expanded range of designs and colors, making it a collector’s delight.

Step into the enchanting world of Snowman, where cheerful snowman-themed decorations add whimsy to your holiday celebrations. From Frosty the Snowman, to jolly figurines, and snowflake-adorned ornaments, these pieces evoke childlike wonder and festive cheer.

Alternately, intricate miniature scenes in the Christmas Village collection evoke nostalgia and craftsmanship, offering delightful pieces that may become treasured heirlooms.

 Rustan’s Christmas Shop has everything you need to deck your halls bright and jolly! Discover an array of Christmas trees and enhance holiday decor with versatile ribbons, available in velvet, satin, plaid, and jeweled variations, allowing for creative and personalized accents. Don’t forget to explore the selection of Christmas pillows, tree skirts, stockings, and more, offering countless ways to infuse homes with festive flair.

Rustan’s Iconic Christmas Celebration Returns

 This year’s “Light up this Christmas with Rustan’s” campaign took center stage, heralding a post-pandemic rebirth and a celebration of the season’s joy and magic. The windows of Rustan’s came alive with a dazzling spectacle of larger-than-life lights, inspired by the radiant parols of the Philippines, enveloping visitors in a splendid abundance of merriment.

Beyond the windows, the light shone bright within. Notable attendees at Rustan’s Christmas launch included Sofia Andres, Phoemela Baranda, Rachel Peters, Feliz Lucas, Pinky Tobiano, Christalle Belo-Pitt, Vanessa Matsunaga, Cat Arambulo Antonio, LA Aguinaldo, Jeff Ong, GP Reyes and his daughter Olivia, Dani Camcam, Miko Carreon, and more.

Each floor had its own special activity. On the Men’s and Beauty floor at the first level, guests watched musical and dance performances by Ellipsis, Skydance Avenue, Kammerchor Manila, and more. Moreover, Rustan’s The Beauty Source hosted a “Holiday Beauty Hunt,” which challenged guests to find hidden Christmas ornaments in exchange for goodies. Simultaneously, the men’s area offered a plethora of exciting experiences, including a cocktail mixing and tasting session with Jura, a shoe-cleaning activity with Crep Protect, board games with Gaming Library, and instant photo printing and personalized postcards calligraphy at the Montblanc booth. Guests also tried their luck with Euroo’s spin-the-wheel, or tapped into their inner creativity by crafting a one-of-a-kind patchwork tote bag at the Vina Romero booth.

With their favorite wine, beer, or cocktails in hand–thanks to the Philippine Wine Merchants–everyone enjoyed the rest of the night as they explored the various attractions, activities, and displays in the upper levels.

On the Women’s and Fine Jewelry floor at the 2nd level, guests indulged in a variety of immersive activities. From classic games like card memorization and ring toss to a unique jewelry exploration experience, there were plenty to enjoy. There were also many snap-worthy opportunities like the 360 Camera Photo Booth located at The Gallerie, a Mirror Booth at the shoes and bags area, as well as a glam self-shoot experience at the Silver Vault area.

On the Kids floor at the third level, guests discovered a variety of engaging activities for their little ones, such as Jenga by Meet My Feet, 3D Christmas Ornaments Making by MyFirst, Periwinkle’s “Style Me Up,” and educational activities by National Geographic, Learning Resources, and The Learning Journey. They even had a chance to win a prize by taking a photo at The Traveling Mommy Bag corner. Meanwhile, parents rejuvenated at the Key Coffee sampling booth while supervising their little ones, creating a delightful family outing all in one place.

What’s more, Rustan’s Makati’s 3rd floor underwent a magical transformation into a Christmas Wonderland known as “Twinkle Town.” Here, guests could meet and greet Santa Claus, indulge in pastries from Rebel Bakehouse, play around at Elf Academy, and even witness the enchanting spectacle of Elves in Skates.

Finally, on the Home floor at the 4th levels, patrons discovered an abundance of family entertainment including carnival games and a photo booth. Adding to the experience, guests were offered pizza and chocolates at the Breville and Theo & Philo sampling booths respectively. As for lucky shoppers, there were also special raffle prizes for grabs! All this were enjoyed along with wines and spirits from Philippine Wine Merchants.

The launch event signaled the return of the classic Rustan’s Christmas Registry, giving everyone the opportunity to shop at ease for loved ones during the holiday season. Adding another layer to the joyous occasion, Rustan’s is hosting a Charity Registry in partnership with a local welfare program, allowing patrons to extend a warm and generous hand to vulnerable children throughout the season.

Exclusive Promos to Light Up This Christmas

At the grand unveiling of “Light Up This Christmas with Rustan’s” campaign last October 24th, patrons enjoyed a variety of special promos ongoing until the rest of the holiday season:

Plus, with a time-limited 0% bank installment promo, running from October 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024, Rustan’s offers flexible terms like PHP 3,000 for three months, PHP 10,000 for six months, and PHP 20,000 for twelve months.

Rustan’s is also offering the Beauty Addict member-exclusive Yuletide Delight promo which runs from October 24 to 26 at Rustan’s Makati. Beauty Addicts are entitled to a complimentary Round Marble Board from Artesa by Kitchencraft for a minimum purchase of Php 10,000 worth of products and services at Rustan’s The Beauty Source. Furthermore, all beauty shoppers can still avail special offers from iconic skincare and make-up brands including Malin+Goetz, Stila, Acca Kappa, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Sisley, MAC, and many more!

For Men’s, various brands are extending time-limited offers from favorites like Braun, Herschel, American Tourister, Samsonite, Adidas watches, Casio, Cross & Sheaffeur, and more. And from November 19 to 29, shoppers will receive a complimentary Montblanc Glacier Coaster for every purchase of a watch from the Montblanc 1858 collection.

That’s not all! Rustan’s continues to offer big drops and the finest offers all the way until December! From October 25 to November 5, Rustan’s extends x3 FSP Points for a minimum single receipt purchase of PHP 5,000.

A Merry and Bright Christmas Awaits!

Reach for the light that Christmas brings as Rustan’s calls everyone to  Remember the hope that the season is about and spread it to others, like a bright ray shining in the dark.

This year, join us, as we Light Up this Christmas with Rustan’s.

 

Photo Credits:

Hair by Nikko Bruel of Phyto. Bobby Penequito and Alrea Cruz of FaceOne

Make up by Pie Almadin and Roma Acudili of MAC. Lio Javier of FaceOne

Nails by Dashing Diva

—

Use the expert assistance of your favorite Personal Shopper or dial our Personal Shopper On-Call hotline 0917-111-1952 from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Contact your preferred Rustan’s store to request for the personal shopper service, and a Sales Associate will be assigned to assist you with your inquiries, order confirmation and payment transactions. Fulfilled orders can be collected via curbside pick-up or items can be delivered to you for free, for a minimum purchase requirement of P5,000.*

Be the first to know about the latest updates and amazing offers on your favorite brands by joining the Rustan’s LIVE Viber Community http://rstns.shop/RustansViber

Follow RustansPH on Instagram and Facebook, and visit their website on www.Rustans.com.

 

#Rustans #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Uratex Sets a World Record, Gives Back to the Communities

As it celebrates its 55th anniversary, Uratex Philippines continues to help enrich the lives and create meaningful moments for Filipinos. The leading foam company in the country, which offers mattresses and pillows, is a Filipino success story of uplifting comfort with quality and innovation to every Filipino household.

To commemorate this milestone, Uratex reinforces its corporate social responsibility by giving back once again to the communities. Together with the brand’s celebrity endorsers and a select group of social media influencers, Uratex will donate 2,355 mattresses to charity organizations.

Some of the charities that will receive our donations are orphanages and homes for the elderly which provide sanctuary for individuals who have been abandoned by their families. Among the specific beneficiaries are House of Somang (House for the Elderly), Saint Rita Orphanage, Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home, and Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage. These organizations play a vital role in offering care and support to those who need them most.

This unique opportunity allows Uratex to further reach the communities that it serves and makes a positive impact on the lives of its partners and customers.

The external partners of Uratex have helped in choosing the charities in need of mattresses, including shelters or homes for the aged, women, children and adults with special needs and community hospitals from across the region. Uratex prioritizes underfunded charities or those who do not have sufficient financial resources to carry out their missions effectively.

Moreover, Uratex is mindful of its role in protecting the environment.

Uratex is actively supporting different sustainability programs such as tree planting, mangrove planting, and green initiatives towards use of solar panels and electric vehicles. It has recently launched Trill Seave, a product collection with fabrics that are made from upcycled marine plastics. Through this, Uratex aims to help address plastic pollution that damages our ecosystems and threatens the health of several marine species.

World-Class Company Sets a World Record

The 2,355 mattresses, the top-selling Classic Uratex Single (36 x 75), were used in an extraordinary event set to become an iconic undertaking. On October 22 at the SMX Convention Center (Halls 2-4), the world-class Filipino company set the Guinness World Record of the largest Human Mattress Domino.

Uratex Philippines is your trusted leader in mattresses, foams, and sleep products that is consistently recognized by Reader’s Digest with 14 Consecutive Platinum Awards in the Mattress Category.

 Through the years, Uratex is guided by the vision of its founder, Mr. Robert Cheng: “We will not stop until we provide every Filipino with a comfortable and affordable mattress to rest on.”

 As such, Uratex wants to share its mission far and wide as they made the official attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest human mattress domino in celebration of its 55th Anniversary by using a total of 2,355 mattresses.

The initial two numbers, 2 and 3, are derived from the year 2023, while the final two, 5 and 5, were selected to commemorate Uratex’s 55th anniversary in 2023.

The largest human mattress dominoes was previously recorded in Brazil, consisting of 2,019 people. It was achieved by Globo Comunicação e Participações S.A. and Ortobom at Riocentro, in Rio de Janeiro, on August 6, 2019. The attempt lasted 11 minutes and 13 seconds. After which, all the 2,019 mattresses were donated to charities.

The participants were selected from a list of volunteers, which included both Uratex employees and charity representatives. All volunteers who met the height and age criteria specified by Guinness (at least 4’11” in height, aged 16 and above) and were in good physical condition were welcomed to be part of the event.

“Teamwork is what made us last for 55 years, and by collectively striving to set a world record for the largest human mattress dominoes, each individual plays a crucial role in achieving this feat,” Eddie Gallor, Executive Vice President for Automotive. “And because Uratex is dedicated to giving back to various charitable causes. Surpassing a Guinness World Record serves as a meaningful avenue towards making this philanthropic endeavor a reality.”

Icons For an Iconic Brand

The record-setting event was witnessed by Uratex owners and executives led by Mrs. Naty Cheng, the CEO and president; William Lee, executive vice president for furniture and bedding; Eddie Gallor, executive vice president for automotive; Peachy Medina, managing director; and Stephen Cheng-Lee – Sleep Business Unit director.

“As the leading foam manufacturing company in the country, one of the core missions and vision of Uratex is to serve the Filipino community and by beating the record, we bring honor to the Philippines on a global scale,” William Lee, Executive Vice President for furniture and bedding, proudly declares. “Moreover, since it is the Filipino people who support Uratex, we want to give back by making them a part of this historic event.”

Kathryn Bernardo is the blockbuster ambassadress for the Uratex Classic Line.

Fresh from the local and global triumph of her latest film, A Very Good Girl, Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo was in attendance. The box-office queen is the blockbuster ambassadress for the Uratex Classic Line.

“Kathryn is a highly influential and marketable celebrity in the Philippines, particularly among the younger generations (Gens Y and Z). She is well loved by Filipino households and commands a significant presence in the broader mass market, making her the perfect fit to endorse Uratex’s classic foam products,” shares Stephen Cheng-Lee, Sleep Business Unit director.

“Aside from that, we are proud to only get brand ambassadors who are actual Uratex users and Kathryn has been a Uratex user since she was very young. This is also the reason why ‘It’s always been U, Uratex’ is our campaign slogan for our brand ambassadors this year.”

 

#Uratex #55thanniversary #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Rediscover the pop culture enthusiast within you at the Omniverse Museum

Seeking for the next place to heal your inner child? Look no further as the Omniverse museum opens its doors to pop culture and science fiction fans everywhere! From big installations of your favorite movie heroes to actual set props–you can all see them for only P1,499!

Located in Japan Town, Makati, the Omniverse Museum boasts film artifacts from historic franchises like Star Wars, Justice League, Marvel, and Harry Potter. Every movie fan with a passion for the lore, plot and the art of collecting will find their hearts filled and their eyes feasting on over 20 worlds–an experience like no other.

Ryan Sison, a journalist and pop culture collector, brought the Omniverse Museum to life. His passion for blockbuster films added fuel to the majestic collection of movie paraphernalia stored intricately in the 3,500 square foot space. Despite being stereotyped as a museum, there are also interactive displays, fun facts, and various forms of movie magic.

Aside from parading movie trinkets and sets, the Omniverse Museum also urges adults and kids alike to explore the wonders of science fiction. There are also activities and interactive exhibits that explain science, particularly how it transcends from actual scientific experiments to full-blown movie plots.

As you delve deeper into the museum, there are also pieces signed by the world-renowned actors who have played historic roles. Most of the pieces featured in the collection are one-of-a-kind, earning the respect of collectors and fans alike.

The tour wouldn’t be complete without a flurry of photos highlighting these rare artifacts, as well as sitting on the famed Iron Throne or pretend-dining in the Great Hall of the Harry Potter universe! There are also life-sized figures of Iron Man, Yoda, and Spiderman–some of the heroes that shaped fan’s lives in different ways.

It might be a bit disconcerting seeing characters from different timelines sit beside each other–just like Newt Scamander and Voldemort–but intriguing enough to interest someone’s fanfiction fantasy! The worlds, or the sections of the museum, are also built to encapsulate the feeling of being inside the movie’s lore–just like the Bat Cave that’s akin to a prison cell.

Before going home, visitors can also buy film merchandise, from shirts to figurines. If they also need time to rest their feet, there is also a spacious lounge for everyone.

At the end of the museum tour, visitors will have to make a decision that will dictate how they exit. You can either take an Alvin and the Chipmunks themed exit or the thrilling and spine-chilling route, filled with iconic horror film characters such as Annabelle and Ghostface. Who knows what lies on both ends? It’s up to you to see for yourself!

The Omniverse Museum also features function rooms for parties and programs, especially pop culture gatherings. Be sure to reach them through their social media accounts or contact them directly at their email, omniversemuseum@amusements.global for bookings and inquiries!

Contributed by Princess Friel Lontoc

 

#OmniverseMuseum #Makati #Philippines #rubyaspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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From Nanny to Family: The Extraordinary Journey of Luis Manzano and Yaya Cindy

In an era where finding a reliable, dedicated, and responsible kasambahay has become an increasingly complex task, we are reminded of the invaluable role they play in our lives. They are the quiet yet powerful force that enables us to navigate our busy routines and create cherished moments with our loved ones.

Among those who deeply understand the significance of this relationship is Luis Manzano, a multi-talented host, actor, and a prominent figure in the Philippine entertainment industry. Widely celebrated for his charismatic presence and kind-hearted nature, Luis’ genuine compassion extends beyond the screen.

This compassion is prominently showcased in his role as the host of a popular game show, where he extends a helping hand to contestants and provides support to those who may be facing challenges. This profound understanding of care and support is not limited to the world of showbiz for Luis, it’s a value he holds dear in his personal life, exemplified by his enduring bond with his dedicated long-time nanny, Yaya Cindy. She has been an integral part of Luis’ life for 27 years, providing unwavering care and support since he was just 15 years old. Her duties range from preparing his clothes to cooking his meals and favorite food as well as to attending to his other needs, a testament to how much a kasambahay can help make an individual’s life easier and smoother.

Yaya Cindy, who hails from Iloilo City, has a family and a child who live in Batangas. She sees Luis as more than an employer. He’s a caring, generous individual who consistently goes the extra mile. When her brother needed a critical operation, Luis immediately stepped in, covering the expenses without asking for anything in return. This act of kindness strengthened their bond. Instances like this showcase how Luis views Yaya Cindy not only as an employee but also as a valued member of his extended family. Their open communication and shared sense of humor create a warm, familial dynamic in their working relationship.

For nearly three decades, she has diligently sent financial support through Palawan Express Pera Padala and now with PalawanPay. Her remittance covers providing for her family’s essential needs, allowances, and her child’s education. She was able to achieve her dreams when she was able to purchase their own home. Her years of employment were fruitful and valuable not just for her but also for Luis.

In a heartwarming exchange of gratitude, Yaya Cindy extends her heartfelt wishes to Luis and his family, with special thoughts for Peanut, Luis’ cherished daughter. Yaya Cindy fondly describes Luis as, “Si Lucky ay napakabuting tao, maalaga at napakamatulungin” (Lucky is a very kind-hearted, caring, and very helpful person). In turn, Luis responds with,  “I want you to have all the best in life, ‘Gusto ko maging masaya ka every day, sa bawat tulog at paggising mo masaya ka” (I want you to be happy every day, every time you sleep or wake up, you are happy).

Their journey is not just a narrative of an exceptional kasambahay, but also a reflection of an employer who values and treats his nanny as an integral part of the family. This story is one of dedication, trustworthiness, and genuine care, showcasing the profound impact a household helper can have on an individual’s life.

In the spirit of honoring outstanding kasambahays, helpers, caretakers, and drivers, JCI Senate Philippines together with  the Palawan Group of Companies extend an invitation to them to participate, and/or to employers to nominate their household helpers for the Kasambahay Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards 2023. Both organizations’ shared vision and passion led to the creation of this award which recognizes the invaluable contributions of beloved kasambahays and commends their hard work, dedication, and integrity. With the unwavering support of JCI Senate Philippines and Palawan Pawnshop Group, the award continues to flourish in its 8th year.

The Kasambahay Kasambuhay Awards has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of 65 past awardees, enabling them to improve their circumstances and pursue their dreams. This includes sending family members to school, building homes, reuniting with relatives in the province after years apart, and even establishing their own businesses. These awards continue to serve as an ongoing source of inspiration for Kasambahays, encouraging them to maintain their exemplary performance and serve with love and genuine concern in their households.

To participate in the contest or nominate your Kasambahay, please visit their official Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/JCIkasambahay for further information.

#JCIkasambahay #LuisManzano #PalawanPay #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Discover ‘A New Contemporary’: 15 Must-See Highlights at ManilART’23

From October 11 to 15, 2023, the national art fair celebrates its 15th year in grandeur with the theme “A New Contemporary,” which pays homage to the past while propelling the fair into its exciting future. On its fifteenth edition, it bridges past, present, and future – fairgoers can marvel at the works of established artistic forefathers and interact with next-generation immersive exhibits under one roof. As a flagship project of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, ManilART’23 commemorates 15 years of Filipino creative brilliance during Museums and Galleries Month.

Our journey to explore this dynamic artistic landscape begins here. Moving from front to back, here are 15 picks from ManilART’23:

Orlina Art Cars. At the lobby, you will be greeted by Ramon Orlina’s captivating art cars, creations by and collaborations with the celebrated glass sculptor. These painted vintage cars channel the vibrant colors and psychedelic styles of the 1970s, providing a sneak peek into Orlina’s profound passion for vehicles and three-dimensional artistry — offering a preview of what’s to come at the upcoming Orlina Art Car Museum. (Pre-function Lobby/SMX Entrance)

 

Champagne Fountain by Ramon Orlina at The Estate Lounge. Detour to Hall 1. The Ledesma Champagne Fountain graces The Estate Makati Lounge at ManilART’23, serving as the centerpiece of The Wine Room. With its peridot hues designed to enhance the allure of sparkling wine, it adds a multisensorial experience to visual and gustatory appreciation. Partner Novellino Wines, a proud Filipino brand, supplies the fountain with super-chilled, free-flowing Vivace Sparkling White Wine. The Estate Lounge, meantime, gives visitors a sneak peak of the luxury and opulence of their soon-to-stand prime Ayala Avenue address as designed by world-class builders and adorned with the art of Filipino masters. (Hall 1 Lounge)

Ali Alejandro Digital Art (AADA) Installation. Stepping into the future, ManilART features new media, phygital art, and augmented reality, including Ali Alejandro’s Installation Art presented on a large LED screen. Through this new media, digital artists like Alejandro have limitless possibilities to project illusions of reality, utilizing materials that span from projections to sculptural pieces. Alejandro specifically created his digital art installation to celebrate 15 years of ManilART. (Hall 1 Lobby, LED stage)

Ombok Villamor (OMVI) Art Gallery. Inside the main exhibit hall, sculptures by its owner-namesake artist Ombok Villamor resemble tessellations of corals, forming organic shapes that evoke both surreal and contemporary elements. His recent works convey the dynamic energy and beauty of aquatic life, inspired by his surroundings on the shores of Samar in the Philippines. (Booth A1)

Marge Organo and Raisa Luz at Galleria Nicolas. Galleria Nicolas showcases a mother-and-daughter duo of glass sculptors, Marge Organo and Raisa Luz. Organo, a collector favorite at ManilART, creates contemporary abstract works that evoke relatable and intimate

scenes, captivating viewers with her generous use of color. Luz specializes in kiln-formed glass art, producing opalescent and transparent glass pieces that highlight her commitment to the craft and artistic development. (Booth A2)

Romulo Galicano and Portrait Artists Society of the Philippines (PASPI). Galicano, the country’s top figurative realist, delivers another masterpiece in his ongoing Climate Change series that offers social commentary about the spate of catastrophic changes in the world just in the past two decades with his work “The Messengers of Geoengineering”. He leads PASPI, a group dedicated to realist/romantic realist style in painting and portraiture based out of Manila and Cebu. Many notable painters today emerged from the group. (Booth B2)

Artes Orientes highlights the vibrant abstractions of Macoy Coching. Grandson of National Artist for Visual Arts Francisco Coching, the scion, a graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Fine Arts, has since made a name for himself with his distinctive colorist abstractions. In “La Luna Llena”, his signature waves set the stage for Moonscapes– depictions of full moons glowing above serene, iridescent waves. In high contrast are the steampunk works of sculptor Ram Mallari, Jr. Brute force and size grab the viewer’s attention with his statement pieces. Flawless execution of an 8-foot tall Spartan warrior makes Mallari’s mastery of the style and medium evident. (Booth C1)

Junyee, Vinluan and Aviado. The Artologist presents a triumvirate of the country’s most senior artists including Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr., Nestor Vinluan and Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado. Junyee is hailed as the “Father of Installation Art in the Philippines,” celebrated for his lifelong dedication to documenting Filipino life and creatively using indigenous materials. Dean Vinluan’s work, meanwhile, embodies his visual thinking style– works that bring abstraction to a higher, spiritual plane. Pandy Aviado is renowned as the top figure in Philippine printmaking, leaving an indelible legacy in the medium. (Booth A7)

Featured Artists at the Annual Sculpture Review (ASR). The ASR, an annual gathering of Filipino sculptors, which is now on its 19th year, showcases the most innovative works of its collection at the fair. Among the year’s highlights is Roen Capule, known for his surrealist subjects crafted from metal and molded resin. Wood master Agi Pagkatipunan is back with his highly-imaginative functional art that uses only the best local hardwoods. Meanwhile, Jinggoy Salcedo delivers a forest of trees in stainless steel and borosilicate glass. More glass of the highest artistic caliber is delivered from the House of Orlina led by the patriarch Ramon Orlina, with scions Anna Orlina and Michael Orlina, who themselves have created a following for their distinctive work in the medium. (Booth B5)

Espacio Manila has both young and veteran artists side by side. The works of Jerika See and Jean Govinda Marquesto stand side by side with those of Mayi Penaflorida and Roger San Miguel. Penaflorida’s doll-faced characters make intriguing wall mates with See’s top view slice-of-life scenes and contrast with San Miguel’s traditional figurism and Marquesto’s abstraction. (Booth B6)

RDS Gallery. Danny Rayos del Sol’s eponymous RDS Gallery is a mainstay at ManilART and a must-visit. He is an artist known for his prolific ostrich egg art and has ventured into the canvas medium, incorporating fresh techniques that blend figurative painting with collage, interspersing traditional subjects with distinct Filipino weaves. (Booth D3)

Jose Tence Ruiz at Galerie Artes. Bogie Ruiz is back with his acerbic social commentary with the work “Neo-Makapil in Blue Croc” alluding to an icon of shame in Philippine history. He is now clad in Birkins and Louboutins and the visual rant goes on. The multimedia painter, sculptor, illustrator, designer and performance artist never fails to deliver a punch with his strong composition and bold colors. (Booth D6)

Entre Blanc: A Multisensory Exhibit. Entre Blanc returns for its sophomore edition, offering an interactive exhibit that engages viewers through multiple senses. Thirteen visual artists collaborate with a music composer-producer, drawing inspiration from his music to create unique artworks. This immersive experience of sight and sound resonates on multiple levels, exploring inspiration through different senses. (Booth D7)

Adeste Deguilmo at Daloy Likha. Another pride of Cebu, who studied under the Cebuano master Martino Abellana, is international award-winning painter Deguilmo. He brings his figurative canvases portraying traditional subjects in more contemporary style under the banner of gallery and publisher Daloy Likha. (Booth D8)

Invitational Sketching by Masters. An event rather than a permanent booth is the on-the-spot invitational sketching which happens at the Estate Lounge on October 14, Saturday afternoon, with top portraitists including Raul Isidro, Hermes Alegre, Caloy Gabuco, Gig de Pio, Celso Pepito, Al Perez, Cee Cadid, Jun Impas and more. Special sitter will be Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano wearing a Filipiniana dress. (Hall 1 Lounge)

____________

ManilART’23 will be held from October 11-15, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. Call (0977) 807 3369 or visit www.manilartfair.com for details.

 

 #ManilART23 #ANewContemporary #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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ManilART ‘23 celebrates the ‘New Contemporary’

With celebrations tempered by three years of pandemic, ManilART’23 returns as a festival and fellowship of artists, collectors and aficionados with a grand Gala opening night on October 11 at the SMX Convention Center Taguig. This marks a triumphant return to form while integrating exciting new offerings, embodying the fair’s theme of “A New Contemporary.”

Embracing change and honoring legacies have become integral aspects of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the post-pandemic era. The rituals of the invitational opening gala and vernissage stylishly signify our victories hurdling the challenges of prior years, underscoring our resolve to embrace new beginnings. Guests are invited to come in their celebratory attire ready to immerse in art and excellence.

 Selected Fair Highlights

Thirty-two booths open to the public over the five-day run bringing together over two hundred artists. Veteran and renowned names including Junyee, Ramon Orlina, Romulo Galicano, Tiny Nuyda, Jose Tence Ruiz, Pandy Aviado, and Edwin Wilwayco are joined by next-generation stars including Kublai Millan, Marge Organo, Demi Padua, Marco Coching, Ombok Villamor, and Anna Orlina.

The fair is an annual venue to showcase bigger and unusual works as will be seen in the large format pieces of Ram Mallari, Jik Villanueva, Agi Pagkatipunan, Jinggoy Salcedo and more. The fair also continues to make space for new media, with digital and interdisciplinary expressions exhibited alongside more traditional mediums. Art For Space and G9 Online are among the booths that will showcase emerging art forms including Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and digital and video art.

Two special exhibitions will be presented onsite with partner Museo Orlina. The first shall feature art cars designed by Orlina including collaborations with artists Bencab and Marcel Antonio. Meanwhile, a multi-sensorial experience awaits at the Estate Lounge, co-presented with The Estate Makati. The centerpiece of this VIP Lounge is the stunning Ledesma Champagne Fountain designed by the glassmaster. The fountain made of carved glass and  stainless steel shall serve free-flowing Vivace sparkling wine courtesy of sponsor Novellino Wines, a proudly-Filipino brand. The Estate Lounge is a premier joint offering of SMDC and Federal Land that promises to give fairgoers a taste of the quality and opulence offered at their prime property soon to be unveiled in the heart of Makati.

The Estate Lounge shall likewise host an invitational afternoon sketching by master portraitists. Raul Isidro, Gig de Pio, Cee Cadid, Al Perez, Caloy Gabuco, Grandier Bella, and Hermes Alegre are among the names to sketch special guest sitter and host city of Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, who shall wear a dress by a Filipino designer.

Also back are the walking tours which shall be conducted for Taguig public school students as well as, by request, to school and group tours and a limited number of open sign-ups. The full fair calendar shall be made available on ManilART social media pages and home page. Find @manilartfair on Instagram and Facebook.

A new art world of interconnectivity  

Having gone through the crucible of global challenge, ManilART’23 retains the gains of being thrust onto the online sphere and continues to develop its online viewing platform and portals.  These digital spaces allow for simultaneous, multi-location and satellite exhibitions, offering a  larger showcase that brings art to wider audiences, allowing them to engage with art from the  comfort of their own spaces. Satellite exhibitions include projects with Museo Orlina, the Manila Clock Tower, Ap’Laya Art Gallery, Galerie du Soleil, and Viaje 2 at the Carousel de Louvre. The full ManilART exhibition shall be viewable online by 360 walk-through beginning October 12 at www.manilartfair.com.

National Museums and Galleries Month of October

As the flagship project for Museums and Galleries Month of the National Commission on  Culture and the Arts, ManilART’23 continues to abide by its mandate to strengthen the Creative Economy and promote Philippine visual artistry through supporting art galleries, museums, and  associated institutions.

This year’s participating exhibitors are OMVI Art Gallery, Galleria Nicolas, M Gallery MNL, Ysobel Art Gallery, AT Art Gallery, Renaissance Art Gallery, The Artologist Gallery, Art for Space  Gallery PH, Gallery du Soleil MNL, Portrait Artists’ Society of the Philippines, Inc., Galerie  Raphael, Gallery Nine, Annual Sculpture Review, Espacio Manila, Artes Orientes, Historia Arts,  371 Art Space, Village Art Gallery, Drybrush Gallery, Art Circle Gallery, Rayos Del Sol Gallery,  Art/Space* Galeria Bañez, NAMI Art Gallery, Galerie Artes, G9Online, Daloy Likha Art Gallery,  Artalyer Art Gallery, and Visual Central Art Gallery.

ManilART’23 runs from October 11 to 15, 2023 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.

ManilART’23 is supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Museums and  Galleries Month, BAGO, Ladder Events Productions, The Estate Makati, SMDC, SMX  Convention Center Aura, SM Supermalls, Museo Orlina, Novellino Wines, Grentek Solutions  Inc., Vision, Think Big Taguig, I Love Taguig, Future Studios, Phoundry, BDO, Ticketbooth.ph,  Giffard, Via Mare, Sebastiao Cocktails, ANC, Daloy Likha, Inquirer.net, Manila Bulletin,  Preen.ph, Inquirer POP!, Be An Inquirer, Scout, nolisoli.ph, Cebu Daily News, DZAR 1026,  Experience Travel & Living, Frontpage PH, Klik.PH, Metro.Style, People’s Journal, Pilipino  Mirror, SMNI Channel, The Manila Times, and WhenInManila.com.

#ManilART23 #ANewContemporary #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Pro Age Solutions as a Pioneering Filipino Advocacy Brand for Menopausal Women

Why are we so anti-aging when it is a constant part of everyone’s life?

The silent yet growing stigma in maintaining one’s beauty and youthfulness, especially among women, inspired Claudine Viquiera to establish Pro Age Solutions. “What makes the menopausal journey even harder is the fact that there is no community locally that addresses the problem that women encounter,” Claudine Viquiera said. Her goal is to create a community of women in midlife to have a safe space to talk about their experiences while eradicating the taboos and stigma about perimenopause and menopause.

Going Pro Age: Roundtable Discussion

In the recent roundtable discussion held at the Marquis Events Place last August 22, 2023, industry leaders: restorative dermatologist Dra. Jean Marquez, regenerative medicine expert Dr. Joel Lopez, Veil Cosmetics’ research and development manager Mr. Jacob Park,  and the one and only Cory Quirino joined Pro Age Solutions’ Chief Advocate and Founder Claudine Viquiera in a conversation about perimenopause and menopause. The roundtable discussion also started the #OwnYourAge movement which is a call to women to embrace and be proud of their age as it is a natural part of who they are.

 Pro Age Solutions

Pro Age Solutions is a pioneering advocacy brand for perimenopausal and menopausal relief and overall wellness. The brand released its first product line that features skincare products formulated in Korea but are made and tested specifically for Filipino women who are experiencing skin issues due to menopause. Claudine explained that the brand started with skincare products as the skin is the most visible manifestation of the symptoms of menopause.

Pro Age Solutions Community.

Menopause and the Skin

Menopause is a period in which a woman’s periods stop due to the gradual loss of ovarian follicular function and the decline of estrogen levels. Most of the women in this stage experience different symptoms, one of the most prevalent is skin issues. Some of these are dryness and itching, wrinkles, acne, hot flashes, and melasma.

Menopause and Mental Health

Along with the skin issues, the changing hormonal levels also impact women’s mental health. On top of that, changes to their skin and their appearance can be a source of distress and may contribute to a loss of self-esteem and confidence.

The products will be available on Pro Age Solutions’ official website soon! Tune in to their social media at @proagesolutions on both Facebook and Instagram!

Join the conversation today and let’s create an age-inclusive and pro-aging community.

#ProAgeSolutions #menopause #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Inside an Art Collector’s home

The open floor plan is a practical home design for this art collector. “It’s a plan looking into the future preparing for old age when one cannot go up and climb stairs,” she shared.

When designing a home, choosing an open floor plan is a personal decision. “Some just love the home and it happens to come with this kind of combination – kitchen, living, and dining rooms.”

“Others love the idea of having the rooms open to one another as they are great for entertaining,” according to an online source. Moreover, they want to see what’s happening in one glance.

“On the practical side, it’s a plan looking into the future preparing for old age when one cannot go up and climb stairs,” shared the owner of this exquisite residence, who is an art lover and certified art collector.

The kitchen in this open design is just adjacent to the dining and living areas. They share the same hue with the kitchen fixtures, dining table, and living room furniture.

Spacious and looking spruce kitchen area.

The kitchen area looks fresh, upscale, and neat. It has wide spaces to move around when prepping up meals for the household. It has seating areas around the marble island kitchen.

Their well-maintained living room looks great with a contemporary painting by visual artist Nikulas Lebajo. The atmosphere is welcoming, relaxing, and full of warmth. The painting is well harmonized with the interior of the living room. Moreover, a painting is like a mirror to the soul of the owner. One’s taste, character, and story are illustrated by the painting one chooses for the home.

The living room is adorned with a contemporary painting by visual artist Nikulas Lebajo.
The dining area is adjacent to the living room.
The billiard room with perfect lighting.
The bar area inside the billiard room.
A high window with a view.
The collectors’ painting collection of Nikulas Lebajo presently displayed at their residence in White Rock in the Greater Vancouver Area, Canada.

Interesting lighting and coordinated look to the kitchen, living room, billiard room, and master’s bedrooms are interesting touches that create a great ambiance and connected spaces.

#homeandesign #interiordesigninspiration #insideanartcollectorhome #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Make the Best School Year Possible with Home Credit’s Sulit Study Laptops, Tablets

Get these amazing devices for your kids in low installment plans under PhP1,499 or PhP999 per month with 0% interest this back-to-school season!

 

Taguig City, Philippines – With the new school year ahead, parents, especially moms, are taking charge of preparing everything their kids will need to equip them with essential tools this back-to-school season. However, as we embrace the era of modern learning, where technology has taken center stage in driving students’ education, providing them with the right study devices is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Luckily, getting these devices does not require breaking the bank, as Home Credit is the key to availing these gadgets in low monthly installment plans with 0% interest.

From budget-friendly laptops under PhP1,499 per month to ‘sulit’ study tablets for schooling below PhP999 per month, the leading consumer finance company offers a wide range of options you can choose from to provide your kids with an efficient partner this academic year. Some of these options include:

 ASUS Ryzen 3 Laptop: A reliable learning companion

First on the list of value-for-money laptops below PhP1,499 per month is the ASUS Ryzen 3 Laptop. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor complemented by 8GB of RAM, this ASUS laptop can easily handle everything without lags—whether it’s taking notes, conducting research, working on assignments and projects, or accessing learning platforms.

This device also comes packed with 256GB of storage to provide your kids with enough space to save their school files and necessary applications. Additionally, it boasts a 14-inch display and weighs only 1.60kg, making it an excellent choice for students who are always on the go.

 HP 15S i3 Silver Laptop: An efficient partner for school tasks

Another option is the HP 15S i3 Silver Laptop, which you can also get for less than PhP1,499 per month. Powered by an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor supported by 8GB of RAM, this laptop enables your kids to multitask easily, providing them with an efficient learning partner.

 Built with a 512GB capacity for substantial storage and featuring a Windows 11 operating system, this HP laptop allows your kids to navigate it easily thanks to its user-friendly interface. With a 15.6-inch display, this device weighs only 1.7kg, providing a lightweight laptop that your kids can easily take to school.

Acer Aspire 3 i3: The perfect laptop to empower productivity anytime, anywhere

Next on the list of laptops below PhP1,499 per month is the Acer Aspire 3 i3. Packed with an Intel Core i3-1215U processor and partnered with 8GB of RAM, this device can smoothly handle basic school tasks like web browsing, opening documents and files, and much more.

Apart from that, this Acer laptop features a 512GB internal capacity, offering ample storage for your kids throughout the school year. Additionally, the device boasts a 15.6-inch display for comfortable viewing of study materials. With an approximate weight of 1.78kg, it is easy to carry.

Realme Pad 32GB/3GB Tablet: A reliable device to work around daily tasks

If you are looking for more portability for your kids, a tablet is the right fit. For this purpose, Home Credit offers a wide array of tablets to choose from, all below PhP999 per month. One of these options is the Realme Pad 32GB/3GB Tablet.

Built with a Helio G80 processor and 3GB of RAM, this budget-friendly tablet provides efficient performance that your kids can rely on when working on their school tasks. With a 32GB internal capacity, it offers enough storage to keep your kids’ notes, digital materials, and educational apps throughout the academic year.

For a more reliable device, this Realme tablet carries a substantial 7100mAh battery, providing students with enough power every day. It supports an 18W Quick Charge to easily recharge the battery, minimizing downtime for your kids while completing their assignments and projects on time. Sporting a 10.4-inch display and a lightweight design that weighs only 0.44kg, it is highly convenient.

 Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE: The ultimate companion for everyday school activities

Expanding your options for tablets below PhP999 per month is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE. Powered by an Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with 4GB of memory, this Samsung tablet offers exceptional performance for your kids’ day-to-day tasks.

These features are complemented by 128GB of internal storage, expandable with a microSD card of up to 1TB, ensuring that storing large files is never a problem. With a 10.5-inch screen and a 7040mAh battery capacity, this tablet provides your kids with an exceptional learning companion.

Furthermore, it includes a built-in screen recorder, enabling students to record live online classes and review them at their convenience. It also offers safety features like Samsung Kids, which allows your children to explore and connect to the Internet securely.

 Huawei Matepad T10 LTE: The enabler of improved productivity

Another tablet below PhP999 per month, available via Home Credit, is the Huawei Matepad T10 LTE. Equipped with a Huawei Kirin 710A processor, this device delivers seamless multitasking, allowing your kids to switch smoothly from one app to the next without experiencing slow response times. This is supported by 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, contributing to better overall performance.

The Huawei Matepad T10 LTE also boasts a generous 5100mAh battery capacity, providing enough power for your kids to complete their tasks throughout the entire day. The Huawei Matepad also features a 9.7-inch HD screen for incredible viewing and weighs only 450g, ensuring easy portability for your kids.

Empower your children’s school year now with ‘sulit’ study laptops and tablets! Don’t miss out on Home Credit’s back-to-school promotion, offering staggered payment options with 0% interest to provide your kids with the learning partner they deserve!

 To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

 

About Home Credit

Home Credit Philippines is the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, providing access to credit through fast, convenient, and affordable financing in more than 14,000 partner stores nationwide. The brand offers a wide range of products from smartphones and laptops, home appliances and furniture, bicycles and motorcycle accessories to electronics and hardware, sports equipment, and many more – offered at low or 0% interest rates in easy monthly installments.

Nearing its 10th year in the Philippines, Home Credit has served close to 10 million Filipinos. Beyond installment financing and related insurance services, Home Credit also offers cash loans, a virtual spending limit named Qwarta, and a credit card for its existing qualified customers. With the My Home Credit app, Filipino customers are just a click away to get the products they want for an elevated lifestyle. More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph.

More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph.

 

#HomeCreditistheKey! #HomeCreditPhilippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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This New Espresso Machine Gives You Homemade Third-Wave Quality Coffee in Just Minutes

Tell us if this situation sounds familiar: you wake up to your alarm and realize you have just enough time to get prepped for everything you need to do for the day ahead. You are on schedule, but there’s one problem: you cannot accommodate a few extra minutes to make your own coffee. Now this is an absolute emergency because what kind of coffee lover can survive without having a cup (or two) of caffeine to fuel them for the rest of the day, right? Not you.

If you face this kind of dilemma often, you’re probably one of those who always fall back to their favorite commercial coffee chain for their daily fuel. It’s quick and uncomplicated, after all. The taste and quality though? Well, that’s something that might be a hit-and-miss.

Any coffee lover who is serious about their love for the drink often finds themselves torn between their need for a quality cup of joe and the time and knowledge that they have to make one. But what if we tell you that you can now enjoy both? Even better, you can easily experience the best of both worlds in just one premium espresso machine.

(In photo, L-R) Donatella Chua, popularly known as the Croissant Lady, Chad Joseph Datu (Breville Philippines Corporate Chef), Nadine Tan (Catalytx Advertising, Inc. – Head of Public Relations), Chef Philip Golding (CCA Culinary Director and Breville Philippines Ambassador), and Haj Cortez-Flores (Breville Philippines F&B Business Unit Manager) at the Breville B-Fest Event in Borro Manila.

 

Meet the Breville Barista Pro, a new product joining the lineup of the top premium home lifestyle brand Breville Philippines. The espresso machine is a model right out of the dreams of coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy third-wave coffee without fuss by marrying precision with speed. The Barista Pro delivers quality specialty coffee using its four-key formula that combines the ideal dosage, the right temperature, optimal pressure, and sufficient steam for every cup that you make.

The product DNA of this new model was specially made for those who want their coffee good and fast. It is equipped with the Thermojet Heating System that provides optimum extraction temperature in three seconds so you don’t have to wait. With a single touch of a button, this espresso machine also delivers the perfect amount of coffee that is packed with maximum flavor.

Breville Media Day.

Quality-wise, the Barista Pro delivers cups that can rival any cafe. You can expect to enjoy full-bodied sips laced with rich and complex flavors that can only be achieved by having a perfect dose of 18g of freshly ground beans from a professional 54mm stainless steel portafilter. Be ready to experience opulent, creamy, and caramel-colored shots of espresso delivered from low-pressure pre-infusions and a high-pressure 9-bar extraction process from a 15-bar Italian pump. Silky, velvety microfoam milk is created by its powerful steam wand, too.

Quality, convenience, and expertise. These are three things you can expect from the Breville Barista Pro which was made for the no-fuss coffee enthusiast. If you’re ready to experience a new era of coffee enjoyment—one that is on your terms and own timing—then this is the perfect product for you to bring home. The model retails for P79,999 but you can also trade up if you have other Breville models of espresso machines.

To know more about the product, you can visit the official website of Breville here. You can also follow their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels.

 

#BrevilleBaristaPro #Breville #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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DOOGEE announces entry into the Philippines, bringing its affordable and innovative products to Filipinos

DOOGEE, a pioneering global company headquartered in Shenzhen, is now in the Philippines. The brand relaunched for the Philippine market at the Crowne Plaza Galleria last Friday, September 1 with its impressive line of top-notch and professional smart tablets.

The decision to bring DOOGEE’s Android-based gadgets to the Philippines aligns with the brand’s vision for global expansion and its commitment to enriching the lives of individuals worldwide through accessible yet innovative technology. DOOGEE is confident that its partnership with Philippines stakeholders, leading E-commerce platforms, retailers, and consumers will result in long-lasting relationships built on trust, quality, and continuous development.

“We are very happy and excited to embrace the vibrant spirit of the Philippines that fills us with boundless excitement. With DOOGEE, we are passionate in our pursuit of providing products that resonate, products that simplify, and products that amplify the moments that matter most to Filipinos,” said Jack Ji, DOOGEE’s General Manager in the Philippines.

Mr. Jack Ji General Manager DOOGEE Philippines.

DOOGEE’s expansion into the Philippine market also highlights the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction.

The brand showcased its tablets for every need and budget, from the flagship entertainment smart tablet T30 Pro, to the affordable  tablets  T10 and T10S, which are perfect for students and young professionals who’s geared up to start work and another school year.

“We’ve observed  that the market have limited options when it comes to  Android tablets, that’s why we decided to bring in the DOOGEE T Series first in the Philippines. Now, we can provide more viable options to every segment in the market, starting from students to professionals, dreamers, and creators. We can help every Filipino’s passions  come to life without spending too much,” said Mr. Igue Bonifacio, Integrated Marketing Head of DOOGEE Philippines.

DOOGEE Philippines (L-R – Igue Bonifacio – Integrated Marketing Head, Jom Alovera – E-Commerce Manager, Dette Arellano – Sales Division Head, Trina Santos-Choa – Business Unit Head, Jack Ji – General Manager, Philippines, Shiela Nacion, Sales Manager, NCR).

The core of DOOGEE’s product philosophy is the belief that innovative technology should be accessible to all. Therefore, the company endeavors to deliver feature-rich devices at competitive prices, ensuring the Philippines consumers can experience the latest advancements without breaking the bank.

DOOGEE, a pioneering global company in professional outdoor smart consumer electronics, has been registered in Europe since 2013, having a history of 10 years. DOOGEE is mainly engaged in high-end rugged smartphones and tablets, smartphones and smart tablets, portable energy storage, smart wearable devices, among other products, which are exported to the US, Europe, Japan, South America, the Middle East, and other global markets with great success.

DOOGEE TSeries Tablets Is Now In The Philippines.

DOOGEE is optimistic about the brand’s long-term development in the Philippines and how Filipino consumers will discover and enjoy its phones and tablets.

For more information, follow DOOGEE Philippines on their Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok accounts (@doogeeph). You may also check them out at Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/doogee-phones-tablets/)  and Tiktok shop (@doogeeph).

 

#DoogeePhilippines #DoogeePhilippineLaunch #DoogeeEntertainmentTablets #rubyspreciousmoments  #rubyasoyph

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Artifract, fine art NFT pioneer, secures seed investment from tech industry veteran

“Going once, going twice – sold!” exclaims Brian Poe Llamanzares, a founding partner of art dealing company Unit 256 Ventures, as the gavel goes down on yet another successful art auction. The winning bidder: Elmer “Jojo” Malolos, tech veteran and most recent investor in Unit 256’s latest innovation. The lot: a digital collectible from National Artist Vicente Manansala’s very first NFT collection. As with all Unit 256’s auction events to date, the collection sold out.

What began as a shared love for fine art became an obsession with making that art more accessible to the general investing public. Celebrated artists like Juvenal Sanso command dizzyingly high gavel prices on auction – and rightly so, given their incredible artistic and cultural value. And yet, the founders asked themselves, shouldn’t every person have the chance to own and appreciate a part of the greatest works of human creativity?

Democratizing masterpieces

Founded in 2022, Unit 256 Ventures is a leading innovator in the world of asset tokenization. Asset tokenization refers to the process of converting rights to an asset into a digital token on a blockchain. This process makes it possible to divide an asset into smaller, more affordable shares that can be easily and securely bought and sold. The group’s five founders are: Brian (concurrently CEO of Pantheon Holdings), Edison Tsai (President of Seedin Technology), Magellan Fetalino (Entrepreneur-in-Residence of UBX Philippines Corporation), Stephanie Oller (Managing Director of Market Connect, Inc), and Marvin Agustin (CEO of Yummyverse Holdings, Inc).

Leveraging the founders’ strengths in startup ventures and frontier technologies, blockchain became the logical path to democratizing access to fine art masterpieces. Soon, Artifract was born through a partnership between Unit 256 and UBX Philippines Corporation, the fintech company of the Unionbank of the Philippines.

Artifract is a pioneer in Fine Arts NFTs in Asia. Working alongside art estates, museums, private collectors, and artists, the company digitizes fine art masterpieces into NFTs, then fractionalizes them into one-of-a-kind tiles, turning these artworks into limited collections.

This model is built on a concept called fractional ownership, wherein several unrelated parties can share in ownership of a high-value tangible asset, such as real estate or fine art. In this case, it refers to dividing a piece of art into smaller shares – or tiles – that people can buy, thereby owning a “fraction” of the artwork. Regular tiles from these collections are often sold on their website, along with a limited edition giclee (or high quality reproduction), for P30,000 to P50,000 each. Premium tiles, highlighting special details or artist signatures, are auctioned off during events. In one case, a signature tile netted P250,000.

A global movement

Bringing this level of innovation to a traditional art market was no small task. But the Artifract team found ready partners in like-minded, forward-thinking institutions. Since its inception, the company has partnered with leading art estates like Fundacion Sanso representing celebrated national artists such as Juvenal Sanso, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Abdulmari Imao.

And these partnerships aren’t limited to local masters. Today, Artifract is the exclusive Asian partner of Belvedere Museum. One of the leading museums worldwide, Belvedere is home to some of the most celebrated artworks in history, including pieces from Monet, Van Gogh, Rodin, and Gustav Klimt. Through this partnership, Filipino art collectors can log on to the Artifract website and purchase their very own piece of Klimt’s most famous work—The Kiss, as part of Belvedere’s The Kiss NFT initiative.

“It’s a partnership we’re very proud of, and one that we feel really captures the incredible new world we’re hoping to shape,” said Edison, Artifract’s president. “One where anyone, wherever in the world they’re from, can claim a part of the greatest works of human creativity—democratizing access to our shared global cultural heritage.”

A new vision for fine art

It’s precisely this vision that caught the attention of veteran tech investor Jojo Malolos, whose bona fides include being the former CEO of Wing Bank (digital bank in Cambodia), the former CEO of JG Digital Ventures (the venture arm of the Gokongwei Group), the former Chairman of Gotyme Bank (digital bank of the Gokongwei Group), and currently the CEO of payments solution startup Paymongo. Jojo has since joined Artifract as a seed investor, supporting the company as it grows beyond auctions and digital tiles.

Veteran tech investor Jojo Malolos.

“There is definitely something here, and I want to be part of things I know can be big in the future,” Jojo said. “I am also a believer that art should be for everyone.”

Today, Artifract has set its sights on more ways to utilize blockchain technology to democratize access to fine art. While there is much promise in minting and fractionalizing authentic digital versions of masterpieces, the team is now looking for ways to use this model of fractional ownership to allow investors to own portions of the actual physical artworks as well.

“Artifract is set to change the art landscape regionally,” Edison said. “And we are looking for more like minded people to join us and invest in that vision.”

 

#Artifract, #NFTArtCollection #ArtifractPartnerships #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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From 2020 Vision to ‘A New Contemporary’: ManilART’23

The country’s national art fair proudly announces its milestone 15th year with the theme “A New Contemporary.” ManilART’23 will be held from October 11 to 15, 2023 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.

 

This marks the culmination of a series of themes that ManilART explored over the most recent years, emphasizing the legacy and tradition of Philippine art, while embracing new perspectives and the incorporation of new media.

Leading up to this milestone and beyond

In 2020, the art fair faced the year’s unprecedented challenges head-on with the theme 2020 Vision for a Future Reimagined, ready to take on the country’s evolving artistic landscape. In 2021, Continuing Legacies highlighted the art fair’s journey as a platform for the arts, celebrating tried and tested methods and paying homage to the artists behind its success. And in 2022, Forging Futures captured the spirit of progress as the fair began to navigate a post-pandemic world, ushering in a new era of artistic exploration.

This year signals “A New Contemporary” as ManilART continues its commitment to excellence, built upon each iteration of its evolving journey–bridging traditional and contemporary, providing a space for an ever-expanding spectrum of old and new media expression in the visual arts.

From functional to phygital: offerings at ManilART’23

At ManilART’23, there’s surely something for everyone. The art fair shall showcase a diverse range of exhibits, featuring both traditional and interdisciplinary expressions. Attendees can explore captivating canvas-based and sculptural works, as well as delve into the world of functional and technology-based art. The fair also embraces various media, including automotive art and design, digital art, sound art, and emerging forms like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and phygital media.

ManilART also returns as a festival and fellowship for all art lovers via the grand gala opening, as well as VIP vernissage, artist night and various planned social and artistic engagements for collectors, artists and art aficionados. The milestone 15th year also celebrates the fair’s uninterrupted annual staging and having come out more responsive to the times.

A new art world of interconnectivity

Having gone through the crucible of global challenge, ManilART’23 retains the gains of being thrust onto the online sphere and continues to develop its online viewing platform and portals. These digital spaces allow for simultaneous, multi-location and satellite exhibitions, offering a larger showcase that brings art to wider audiences, allowing them to engage with art from the comfort of their own spaces.

ManilART’23 shall continue to partner with satellite exhibitions around the country as well as expand its onsite offering through collaborations. In the lineup include projects with Museo Orlina, The Estate, Silangan Art Fair, Barasoain Church and the Manila Clock Tower.

As the flagship project for Museums and Galleries Month of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, ManilART’23 continues to abide by its mandate to strengthen creative economy and promote Philippine visual artistry through supporting art galleries, museums, and associated institutions.

This year’s participating exhibitors are OMV Art Gallery, Galleria Nicolas, M Gallery MNL, Ysobel Art Gallery, AT Gallery, Renaissance Art Gallery, Artologist, Art for Space, Gallery du Soleil, Portrait Artists’ Society of the Philippines, Inc., Galerie Raphael, Gallery Nine, Annual Sculpture Review, Espacio Manila, Artes Orientes, Historia Arts, 371 Art Space, Village Art Gallery, Drybrush, Art Circle, Rayos Del Sol Gallery, Galerie Banez, NAMI, Galerie Artes, G9Online, Daloy Likha, Artalyer, and VCM.

ManilART’23 is supported by The Estate Makati, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Museums and Galleries Month, BAGO, SMX Convention Center Aura, Ladder Productions, Museo Orlina, Grentek Solutions Inc., Vision, Think Big Taguig, I Love Taguig, SM Aura Premier, Future Studios, Phoundry, BDO Credit Cards, Ticketbooth.ph, Giffard, Via Mare, Sebastiao Cocktails, ANC, Daloy Likha,  Inquirer.net, Cebu Daily News, Preen.ph, Inquirer POP!, Be An Inquirer, Scout, nolisoli.ph, The Manila Times, WhenInManila.com., SMNI News Channel,  DZAR 1026, Metro.Style, People’s Journal, Frontpage PH, Klik.PH, Experience Travel & Living Magazine, and Pilipino Mirror.

__

ManilART’23 is set to run from October 11–15, 2023, at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. Call (0977) 807 3369 or visit www.manilartfair.com for details.

 

#ManilART23 #15thyear #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Fintech Alliance: NEDA PDP Target for Fintechs Achieved Five Years in Advance

Taguig, Metro Manila – During the recent Fintech Alliance PH INDX 3D Summit 2023 held in the Philippines marked a pivotal moment in this ongoing evolution. The event unveiled key insights and strategies that promise to reshape the landscape of financial transactions, inclusion, innovation, and health in the years to come. Dare, drive, defy — the summit’s theme.

Kicking off the summit, Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of FinTech Alliance PH set the stage by announcing a milestone achievement: the release of the long-awaited “Philippines Report 2023.” With excitement, he shared the news that retail financial transactions in the Philippines are slowly embracing digital, reaching an impressive 50% adoption rate. This noteworthy accomplishment was not merely a triumph of technology, but a testament to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the financial ecosystem.

However, this achievement is only the beginning. Anita Lina R. Aquino, Monetary Board Member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) assures that the BSP is working on protecting financial stability. She shares that 65% of the Filipino people now own digital financial accounts. The goal set forth for the 2023-2028 period revolves around a comprehensive plan that is aptly summarized in four key words: Inclusive, Innovative, Healthy, and Financial. The vision is clear – to usher in a new era of financial services that cater to the diverse needs of the population, drive innovation, maintain fiscal wellness, and foster inclusivity.

The heart of the summit was the revelation that the Philippines now boasts a flourishing fintech landscape, with a remarkable 285 fintech companies as of 2023. This growth in the fintech sector signals a resounding validation of the collaborative efforts to embrace digital transformation. The attendees were treated to a deep dive into the multifaceted implications of this proliferation, ranging from enhanced user experiences to streamlined operations and robust cybersecurity measures.

Secretary Benjamin Diokno, emphasized the significance of the INDX 3D Summit. With conviction, he emphasized that the summit wasn’t just a congregation of minds, but a critical catalyst for propelling the digital economy towards unparalleled growth. “The 2023 INDX 3D Summit aims to create a significant impact in realizing this goal by promoting growth, transparency, and innovation,” declared Secretary Diokno, encapsulating his talk. His words are a launchpad for groundbreaking initiatives that promise to elevate the Philippines’ financial sector to unprecedented heights.

The theme of the summit – Dare, Drive, and Defy – permeated every facet of the event. Panel discussions and talks delved into the intricacies of financial inclusion, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence, innovative technologies, safeguarding fiscal health, and fortifying the overall digital financial infrastructure. Attendees were exposed to an eclectic mix of forward-thinking ideas, technological breakthroughs, and collaborative initiatives that illuminated the path toward a more digitally integrated financial landscape. Christopher Monterola, Head, Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship demonstrated and gave attendees a sneak peak of the power of Artificial Intelligence. Using ChatGPT4, he demonstrated live how to make trailers, analyze graphs, and such.

The remarkable strides achieved thus far have set the stage for a transformative period that promises to redefine how financial services are accessed, delivered, and experienced. The collective commitment to driving growth, transparency, and innovation in the financial sector has never been stronger, and the INDX 3D Summit stands as a beacon of hope for a future where digital finance is not just a luxury, but a fundamental right. In conclusion, the Fintech Alliance PH INDX 3D Summit 2023 was a resounding success, charting a course towards a digital financial revolution that promises inclusivity, innovation, and fiscal wellness. The INDX 3D Summit has not only showcased the present achievements but also ignited the spark of possibility for an even more digitally empowered future.

#INDX3DSummit2023 #FintechAlliancePH #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Bring Back the Fun at Hong Kong Disneyland

In these challenging times when everyone is observing social distancing and health protocols, the best we can do is reminisce about the captured moments of our most memorable travels in the past.

 

Bringing back these memorable moments at the happiest place on earth – Hong Kong Disneyland several years back!

Our stay at the park had given us so much joy – with my daughter Beatrice, my BFF Mitch with daughter Jas, and Nanay Remy. It was like we were transported to fantasy land, and had awakened the child in us.

With so many attractions to see and to try, our whole day trip was truly hectic but we had so much fun! We didn’t get tired of taking mementos of our wonderful time at the resort.

At the Toy Storyland 🙂

One shouldn’t miss the Jungle River Cruise, Rafts to Tarzan’s Treehouse, Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad, Toy Storyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Tomorrowland, Cinderella Carousel, Fantasyland Train Station, Fantasy Gardens, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, It’s Small World, and the Golden Mickey’s for fabulous Disney character performances.

Make sure to wear comfortable attire to explore the Disney resort fully. You have to do a lot of walking, transferring from one attraction, and rides to another. Reserve your energy to still enjoy the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Snow White Grotto, Space Mountain, Stitch Encounter, Orbitron, UFO Zone, Autopia, Buzz Lightyear, Astro Blasters, and more.

After the tiring and thrilling rides, you can satisfy your craving for good food at various restaurants located in the resort. The entire experience was completed with the amazing “Disney in the Stars” fireworks at night.

Indeed, the fantasy comes alive at Hong Kong Disneyland! Plan your visit here with your loved ones during safer times in the post-COVID-19 world.

 

#HongKongDisneyland #memorablemoments #throwbacktravel #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Pizza Party: New Yorker Pizza’s Official Launch a Resounding Success Despite Heavy Rains at Food Market BGC

The much-awaited Pizza Party – the Official Launching of Food Market New Yorker Pizza – took place last July 28, 2023, at the Food Market BGC, and it was a night to remember! Despite the challenging weather conditions with heavy rains, pizza enthusiasts, friends from the media, and bloggers showed unwavering support, making the event a resounding success.

The celebration kicked off at 6:00 pm, and attendees were treated to an unforgettable experience of tantalizing flavors and mouthwatering delights. New Yorker Pizza lived up to its promise, presenting its signature 16″ Neapolitan-American style Hand Tossed Pizza, crafted with love and perfection!

Guests had the opportunity to indulge in the authentic taste of New York-Style Pizza, thanks to the hand-stretched Neapolitan pizza dough, San Marzano tomato pizza sauce, and a delightful medley of the finest local and imported ingredients. Each slice captured the essence of New York City, transporting diners to the bustling streets of the Big Apple!

Despite the downpour, the vibrant ambiance at FOOD MARKET BGC and the delicious aroma of freshly baked pizzas created an electric atmosphere that uplifted everyone’s spirits. Attendees savored the large-size pizzas, perfect for sharing with family and friends, serving 6-10 people with 8-10 slices of sheer pizza delight.

The event was graced by members of the media and prominent bloggers who passionately shared their experiences and raved about the exceptional taste of New Yorker Pizza. Amidst the camaraderie and the love for pizza, the weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of everyone present.

Chef Velmor, the President of Food Market, expressed his gratitude and said, “We are overwhelmed by the overwhelming response and support we received from our media friends, bloggers, and all attendees despite the rain. It truly shows the love people have for our handcrafted pizzas, and we are immensely grateful for that.”

The PIZZA PARTY was not just about indulging in delectable pizza but also about creating lasting memories and celebrating the joy of good food and great company.

Food Market extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who braved the weather and joined us for the Official Launching of our signature pizzas. The success of this event would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of every attendee.

For those who missed the PIZZA PARTY, fret not! The Food Market is excited to welcome you to their restaurant to experience the true taste of New York-Style Pizza any day!

For more information and inquiries, +63 917 143 9188 Food market Westgate Alabang/ +63 917 143 4600 Food market commerce BGC.

 

About Food Market Manila:

Nestled in the heart of the bustling city, Food Market Manila has quickly become a culinary haven for food enthusiasts and hungry souls alike. This food haven has gained popularity for its diverse range of offerings and its reputation as a go-to spot where you can find good food anytime.

Food Market Manila has carved a name for itself as a destination where culinary dreams come true. Whether you’re a local seeking familiar flavor or a traveler yearning to explore new tastes, this food haven promises to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

So, the next time you find yourself on the lookout for good food anytime, make your way to Food Market Manila! Discover the delights of the culinary world in one place and create memorable dining experiences that will linger in your heart long after your last bite.

#NewYorkerPizza #FoodMarketManila #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Sharp PH Unleashed True Experience with its newly launched Aquos XLED TV

Muntinlupa, Philippines, August 2023 – Sharp Philippines has officially launched its new Aquos XLED TV, unleashing true experience with its amazing features, providing new standard for entertainment experience.

Sharp has leveled up its game again by providing a game changer entertainment for the Philippine market with its launch of the Sharp Aquos XLED TV. From its standard DK1X Series providing unbeatable experience, followed by its gaming TV, DL1X Series bringing real experience, Sharp has once again leveraged its technology producing the all new XLED TV that offers True to Life Experience.

Offering 65” (4T-C65FV1X) and 75” (4T-C75FV1X) model, this new product sets a new standard as it combines the best part of LCD and OLED TVs. This model is set to define a new generation flagship TV with artistic design, as well as excellent innovations, bringing users a “True to Life” viewing experience reaching new heights. The Aquos XLED 4K TV has proven to be the best TV Sharp has produced in the 4K segment over the years as it delivers exceptional picture and audio quality with its unique True Brightness, True Color, and Immersive Sound. Also, this product has won the 2023 IF Design Award.

“At Sharp, we are committed to make effort to deliver high-quality, value-added products, and excellent after-sales service to Filipino families. We believe that every home deserves the best in entertainment, and our Aquos XLED TV represent this vision,” said Mr. Kazuo Kito, President and General Manager of Sharp Philippines.

Sharp PH launched Aquos XLED TV 1

True Brightness

The SHARP AQUOS XLED 4K TV features Xtreme mini-LED technology, presenting the highest dimming zone in its class for true brightness. With over 2,000 backlight dimming zones, it offers unrivalled dynamic colour contrast that sets it apart from other brands in the market. Moreover, the dramatically increased 88x* backlight LEDs bring 6x* peak brightness compared to conventional displays, creating a dazzling display.

True Colour

Designed with Deep Chroma Quantum Dot technology, the SHARP AQUOS XLED 4K TV displays the highest colour coverage in the history of the AQUOS TVs, with over 20% more colour gamut coverage area compared to conventional displays. This allows the 2023 AQUOS XLED 4K TV to deliver realistic object colours and a true-to-life visual experience.

Immersive Sound

To provide an unparalleled audio experience, the cutting-edge Sharp Aquos XLED boasts Dolby Atmos technology. This innovative feature is enhanced by the inclusion of advanced ARSS+ surround speaker system, featuring a total of 11 speakers perfectly positioned to create a 3D sound field and clear. These speakers excel in delivering exceptional sound quality across all frequencies including high, mid, and low ranges. With the Aquos XLED, be prepared to be fully immersed in a truly captivating audio performance.

Google TV

In addition to elevating the visual and audio experience, the SHARP AQUOS XLED 4K TV is seamlessly integrated with Google TV. Through this, users can say goodbye to the hassle of switching between multiple apps, effortlessly explore a vast library of over 400,000* movies, TV episodes, and live TV channels, conveniently organized according to user’s preferred genres and interests.

 Latest Dolby Technology

 The new model has also the Dolby Vision IQ, which intelligently optimizes your TV for a perfect picture in your room at every moment.  Dolby Atmos immerses you in your favorite entertainment with sound that moves all around you with breathtaking realism.

Unleash True Experience Event

 Along with Sharp’s Aquos XLED Launching Event is its ‘Unleash True Experience’ event, which was held last August 1 – 6, 2023 at Festival Mall, Alabang. Sharp Tekken Tournament and Cosplay Fest were held on the exhibit area which showcased multiple talents from the gaming community and to cosplayers all over the South and nearby cities. All the events portrayed Sharp’s Japan Technology wherein it shows Sharp’s commitment to providing Japan quality products for every Filipino household.

For more updates and information regarding this new product, please visit Sharp Official Website at https://ph.sharp/ and Sharp Facebook Official Page at https://www.facebook.com/SharpPhilippines. You may also visit the leading appliance stores near you to check our introductory price.

 

#SharpPhilippines #AquosXLED #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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INDX3 Summit 2023:  Pioneering the Future of the Digital Economy with FinTech Alliance.PH

MANILA, Philippines – The highly-anticipated INDX3 Summit, an annual gathering of the country’s forward-thinking fintech industry leaders, is set to take place on August 7 to 8, 2023 at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City.

Themed “Creating What’s Next In Digital: Dare-Drive-Defy”, the summit promises to be a monumental convergence of expertise and insights with the digital industry’s shakers and movers including regulators and policymakers, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

The INDX Summit has gained recognition for shedding light on the remarkable growth and progress of the FinTech industry, both in Southeast Asia and globally. The event is in collaboration with esteemed partners, including the Department of Finance, Bangko ng Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission, Insurance Commission, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Credit Information Corporation, National Privacy Commission, and Anti-Money Laundering Council. In addition, global partners such as Mastercard, Singapore Fintech Association, Korea FinTech Industry Association, ASEAN Innovation Business Platform, Gorriceta Law, GCash, Finscore, S&P Global, Brankas, Netcore, and InvestHK are supporting the annual event.

The INDX3 Summit 2023 will focus on fostering the country’s thriving digital economy within the FinTech sector by bridging the gap between customers and advanced technological innovations. It will explore the vital role of emerging discoveries in driving transformative progress in today’s digital economy. Moreover, the summit will delve into the safe, convenient, and efficient utilization of digital innovations and assets by industry players while helping consumers adapt to the rapidly-growing digital transformation era.

Taking the lead in this groundbreaking event is Fintech Alliance. Ph, the country’s largest collaboration of strategic digital finance players and start-ups, is collectively responsible for over 90 percent of fintech-initiated financial transactions volume. Fintech Alliance. Ph aims to reshape the Philippines’ digital economy by building and expanding a sustainable digital financial ecosystem, with a focus on benefiting every Filipino, especially the underprivileged. Recently, Fintech Alliance. Ph launched the country’s first nationwide, multi-stakeholder, industry-led consumer education and cybersecurity awareness campaign in partnership with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, dubbed #WagMagpalokoMagingScamAlerto.

“This highly-awaited gathering of the Philippines’ top visionaries, thought leaders, industry figures, and trailblazers signifies the immense power of collaboration and the historic progress we have made and continue to make in the fintech industry,” said Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of FinTech Alliance PH. He added, “The past three years for the fintech industry have been challenging, but we’ve come out of it stronger, better, and more determined than ever to celebrate our successes and pursue our goals for the digital transformation and betterment of our nation.”

To register for the INDX3 Summit or become a Fintech Alliance member and enjoy exclusive benefits, interested individuals can visit: https://fintechalliance.ph/navigate-the-digital-economy/

 

About Fintech Alliance. PH

 FinTech Alliance.PH, the Philippines’ premier and largest digital and fintech association, is composed of startups and unicorns that account for over 90 percent of digital-initiated transaction volume in the country. It has published the first Taxonomy of FinTech in the Philippines and institutionalized ASEAN’s pioneering industry-led Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.  For more information, visit https://www.fintechalliance.ph/.

 

Featured photo: (Left to right):  Mags Fetalino III Entrepreneur in Residence of UBX Philippines, Edison Tsai Executive Director of SeedIn Technology Inc., Atty. Mark Gorriceta Managing Partner of Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, Zdenek Jankovsky Executive Director of Home Credit, Lito Villanueva Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer for RCBC, Ida Tiongson CEO, Opal Portfolio Investments Inc. and Director of Prulife Uk Ph, Martha Borja Country Head of Grab, Angelo Madrid Maya Bank President, Arianne Ferrer External Affairs Director of Tala Financing.

 

#FintechAlliancePH #INDX3Summit #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Explore Beko’s premium range of energy saving appliances at Anson’s newest branch in BGC

If you live in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) or anywhere else in Taguig, check out the leading global appliance brand Beko at Anson’s, which just opened in BGC recently, and enjoy discounts and freebies on Beko’s premium appliances.

The kitchen is the crowning glory of every home and it’s always good to update your kitchen appliances every few years. If it’s time to change your appliances, Beko has refrigerators, cookers, and hoods that will let you live like a pro. With Beko, timeless elegance meets modern convenience. Its appliances let you lead a healthier life and save you time and effort with technologies that make everything so convenient and economical.

Beko Refrigerators

The Beko RCNT340E50VZP is a 12cu.ft. Two Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator that’s perfect for those living alone in condos. From its SRP of Php 33,990, it’s now being offered at Php 29,391.

The GNO563E55HFXPH is 19.8cu.ft. Side by Side Refrigerator is only at Php 42,891 from its SRP of Php 50,990. It also comes with a free Beko table blender worth Php 3,490.

Boasting a 16.7cu.ft capacity multi-door refrigerator with an energy-saving ProSmart Inverter Compressor, the GNO480E40HFGBPH gives both functionality and efficiency. Plus, its elegant glass black finish adds a modern touch to any space. Grab the opportunity of upgrading your kitchen with this refrigerator at its discount price of Php 51,891 from the original price of Php 60,990.

Unlock a world of culinary possibilities with Beko’s multifunctional freestanding oven, the FSM66100GX is a 60cm Electric Cooking Range with 4 hotplate burners, an electric oven, and a grill for only Php 30,891 from the SRP of Php 35,990.

Meanwhile, The HII64205F2MT is a Built-In Hob (Induction, 60 cm) and has flexible cooking zones that combine to create larger ones, so you can use 4 pans or 2 larger ones saving more of your time for only Php 25,991 from the SRP of Php 32,990.

Also worth checking out are the BDCGC55X (a multi-functional oven with 4 vitroceramic hobs), the BIR35400XMS (a 60 cm, 82 L, multi-functional oven), the HNS91220XH (a standard 90cm hood), the HNS61120BH (a standard 60cm hood), and HNS61120WH (a standard 60cm hood).

Elevate your laundry game even this rainy season with Beko’s WCV10746M, a 10kg front load washing machine that is equipped with Steamcure Hygiene+Technology that ensures your clothes are impeccably clean and sanitized, from Php 49,990, you can enjoy it for only  Php 39,991 with free Beko multicooker worth Php 5,490.

Beko also doesn’t want to dampen your style and health that’s why Beko HTV9743X, a 9kg Front Load Washer and 5kg Dryer is also on sale at Anson’s BGC for only Php 42,491 from the original price of Php 49,990 with free cordless vacuum cleaner worth Php 14,990.

Anson’s BGC, the appliance store chain’s 15th branch, is located on the ground floor of Bonifacio Stopover 2nd corner 31st Street, BGC, Taguig City. You can find other Anson’s branches here: https://ansons.ph/branches/

Beko appliances are also available at Abenson, All Home, Anson’s, Appliance Centrum, Asian Home Appliance, Automatic Centre, BHF, Fair N Square, Gloria Bazar, Great World, J Marketing, Lazada, Magic Appliance, Manhattan Appliance, Manila Imperial, Mike’s Appliances, Our Builders Warehouse Pricewise, Robinsons Appliance, Savers, SVC & Plusign, Shopee, SM Appliance, Solidmark, S&R (Gidi), United Mottoaliance, Western Appliance and 1st Megasaver.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, go to http://beko.ph or visit https://www.facebook.com/bekoph and https://www.instagram.com/bekoph/.

 

#Bekoph #Ansons #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Global Ang Galing Natin! Palawan Express Pera Padala Held its First International Remittance Summit

Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP) International Remittance recently hosted the inaugural Global Ang Galing Natin Summit at their head office in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last June 30 to July 1. The summit brought together key stakeholders in the international remittance industry and showcased the partnership between PEPP and its international remittance partners. It introduced world-class and innovative service offerings aimed at making remittances convenient, fast, and hassle-free.

The summit facilitated proactive discussions among valuable partners, including Ace Forex HK, Al Ansari Exchange LLC, AUB, Bank Of Philippine Islands, BDO Unibank, China Banking Corporation, Continental Exchange Solutions, Inc., EMQ Ltd, Worldremit Ltd., Instant Cash FZE, Japan Remit Finance, LBC Express, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, Pacific Limited, Philippine National Bank, Remitly, TML Remittance Center Sdn Bhd., Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Tranglo, Uniteller Filipino, Universal Storefront Services Corporation, Western Union Processing Services, and Xoom Global Money Transfer. These discussions centered around providing relevant, convenient, and value-added services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families who heavily rely on remittances for their financial well-being.

By placing the customer experience at the forefront and ensuring seamless and efficient transactions, PEPP International Remittance has become the go-to and the most utilized remittance service company in the Philippines.

Palawan Pawnshop Group Founders – Bobby L. Castro, Chief Executive Officer and Angelita M. Castro, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

PEPP’s Founder and President Bobby Castro shared the inspiring story of the company’s humble beginnings in 1985 when he and his wife, Angelita, acquired the Palawan Pawnshop business. Today, PEPP has evolved into a significant player in the money remittance industry, constantly adapting and innovating to meet the evolving needs of its clientele.

“This summit has been a true milestone in our journey, where we have successfully fostered collaboration, shared insights during breakout sessions, and built stronger partnerships. Our company’s history is a testament to our ability to adapt and to innovate, from our humble beginnings to becoming a market leader,” expressed Robert Ben Castro, PEPP’s Business Development and Corporate Services Director during the Global Ang Galing Natin Summit.

PEPP International Remittance is one of the most trusted and preferred cash pick-up network partners of top international remittance companies, renowned for its affordability, speed, and accessibility. With an extensive network of over 6,000 branches nationwide, PEPP International Remittance ensures fast cash disbursement and constant availability of funds for remittance. In the near future, the service will also be accessible through PalawanPay, providing added convenience for OFW families in their financial transactions, including bill payments, QR payments, e-loading, and online fund transfers.

Bernard Kaibigan, Enterprise Marketing Head of Palawan Pawnshop Group.

“We sincerely appreciate the support and collaboration of our esteemed international remittance partners in making PEPP International Remittance the leading and widely used cash pick-up center of international remittance companies in the Philippines. By synergizing our efforts and passion to serve the OFWs, we can truly make a difference in their lives. Together, we will continue to empower and uplift our OFWs worldwide,” said Bernard Kaibigan, Enterprise Marketing Head of Palawan Pawnshop Group.

Through the Global Ang Galing Natin Summit, PEPP International Remittance sets a new standard for the international remittance industry, prioritizing the needs of OFWs and their families, facilitating seamless transactions, and promoting financial stability.

Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, and PalawanPay are supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.

 

#PalawanExpressPeraPadala #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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RCBC powers up digital banking with Pulz app

RCBC Pulz is an all-in-one banking app that ensures a convenient, effortless banking experience.

Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has announced the launch of its cutting-edge digital banking platform, RCBC Pulz, designed to power up users’ financial vitality through its unparalleled features, speed, and efficiency. With state-of-the-art technology and hyper-personalized interactions, RCBC Pulz transcends the boundaries of traditional banking, embodying RCBC’s commitment to meeting the ever-changing preferences of its valued customers.

RCBC Pulz pulsates with the users’ wants and needs, capturing the essence of the dynamic financial space and propelling RCBC customers towards achieving their financial goals.

Designed with contemporary global experiences in mind, the app offers ultra-digital features, supported by an artificial intelligence-based cross-selling and upselling process that prioritizes customer lifecycle value. Embracing the promise of boundless possibilities, the app is set to transform the landscape of Philippine digital banking, providing boundless access, services, opportunities, and experiences – all fortified by comprehensive protection.

RCBC Pulz is an all-in-one banking app that ensures a convenient, effortless banking experience. One of its standout features is its strong focus on security, utilizing advanced technology and multiple security checks for safe financial transactions. RCBC Pulz also allows customers to open an account anytime, anywhere, without a minimum balance requirement. Customers can easily perform various banking tasks, such as depositing or withdrawing money using QR codes or reference numbers, depositing local checks just by taking a photo, and directly transferring funds locally or abroad, with the pioneering digital concierge service.

RCBC Pulz also goes beyond banking by offering lifestyle-enhancing features. Customers can pay bills, convert purchases into installments, load up their telco SIM and gaming wallets, make toll payments effortlessly, buy and sell of up to six foreign currencies in real time such as US Dollars, HongKong Dollars, Euro, British Pounds, Japanese Yen, and Singapore Dollars. The app also has a dedicated section for financial literacy information and on top of it all, Filipinos can now manage or place new investments through the country’s first digital, in-app unit investment trust fund or UITF.

“We are relentless in pioneering and scaling digital solutions to empower more Filipinos. We have developed our most advanced banking app to date. Packed with superior and enhanced features, RCBC’s newest digital banking app is designed to further make banking easier, faster and safer,” said RCBC President and Chief Executive Officer Eugene S. Acevedo.

RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva calls the launch as a pivotal point in the country’ digital journey as customers will enjoy a wide and secure variety of financial solutions that will only be one tap away.

“We’re proud to share with you RCBC Pulz, the fruition of harnessing a transformational mindset and limitless possibilities  Staying true to RCBC’s goal of empowering  Filipinos, we unveil a hyper-personalized digital platform. For what remains a probability for others, we have made it into reality, and its potential is truly boundless,” Villanueva said.

RCBC hosted the launch event on July 18 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City. Themed #Boundless, the event unveiled RCBC’s groundbreaking RCBC Pulz digital banking solution, empowering individuals like never before by providing limitless options as they navigate their personal financial journeys. The event is made possible by the invaluable support of Visa, IDfy, Nextbank, Netcore, Almond Tech, Emudhra, and BlueVoyant, who all share RCBC’s commitment to digital innovation and customer-centric solutions. RCBC Pulz digital banking app will be available for download starting August 8, 2023.

One of the highlights of the event was the “One YGC” segment, a manifestation of support by the Yuchengco Group of Companies led by Helen Yuchengco Dee, Chairperson of RCBC and YGC; Eugene S. Acevedo, President and CEO of RCBC; Paolo Y. Abaya, President and CEO of Malayan Insurance; Richard S. Lim, President and CEO of SunLife Grepa; Arniel Ong, President and CEO of RCBC Credit Cards; Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, President of Mapua University; Lorenzo V. Tan, Vice Chairman of House of Investments. The strong act of solidarity espouses YGC’s overarching goal – the power of synergy and a unified desire to be boundless in being the country’s agents for digital transformation. The conglomerate-wide digital collaboration was established since 2018 with its signed data sharing agreement.

In 2022, RCBC Digital, the predecessor of RCBC Pulz, posted a 60% growth in revenue, 27% increase in account opening, 32% surge in transaction volume, and a 44% jump in transaction value. RCBC is also one of the most awarded banks for its digital innovations,  including a three-peat win as Asiamoney’s Best Bank for Digital. RCBC prides itself to be the only Philippine bank recognized among the three winners in Asia Pacific by the Gartner Eye on Innovation award alongside global giants and innovators in financial services; the first and only Philippine bank to have received YouTube’s Challenger Award; and the Grand Champion for Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion by the Bankers Institute of the Philippines, among more than 80 global and regional accolades during the pandemic period.

With the launch of the new RCBC Pulz, RCBC once again leads the digital banking revolution in the Philippines, cementing its position as the country’s undisputed #1 digital challenger bank. It is now the Philippines’ 5th largest privately-owned universal bank from 8th in 2018 that breached the P1-Trillion asset mark by the end of June 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. RCBC remains steadfast in its pursuit of driving innovation, empowering customers, and spearheading transformative change within the banking industry.

#RCBCPulz #RCBC #digitalbanking #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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#LivetoLove: Genteel Home celebrates a decade of inspired living

Genteel Home, a premier furniture design studio in Angeles, Pampanga, officially opened its doors to its newest furniture atelier at the Podium Mall in Mandaluyong City today, July 13, 2023, as it celebrates 10 years in the Philippine home furnishing industry.

The day started with a holy mass and blessing of the store, followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the force behind Genteel Home, Founder and Principal Designer Katrina de Leon, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and Actress and International Fashion Icon Heart Evangelista. “Our goal is for you to feel seen and understood as if your desires have been brought to life because Genteel Home is an embodiment of all that is personal, touching, and inspiring. This is what we proudly showcase here at our newest Design Atelier. It is an open invitation for anyone to step in and have a piece of furniture uniquely designed for them,” Kat de Leon said.

During the opening of Genteel Home’s furniture atelier, Katrina presented Heart with an iconic chair thoughtfully created especially for the International Fashion Icon, “This is something that I would definitely love to have. Life is too short and you just really want to live your life as fullest as possible. At the end of the day, you want a peaceful home, that feels full of love and your furniture does reflect that. So choose something that would calm your soul,” Heart said.

In the evening, Genteel Home transformed the Bonifacio Hall of Manila House into an enchanting garden as part of its 10th-anniversary celebration and launched five more iconic chairs inspired by five other Filipino icons who made a mark in their respective fields. These include Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz; Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Box-office comedy queen Vice Ganda; award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila; and multi-awarded actor and singer Piolo Pascual.

“I am proud to say that every bespoke masterpiece meticulously crafted by Genteel Home holds a story, a narrative that transcends time and connects generations. It’s a tale of love, joy, and memories, waiting to be shared and treasured by your loved ones in the years to come. We don’t just create furniture; we create milestones and legacies. We believe that the objects we surround ourselves with shape our lives and leave a lasting impact,” Katrina shared.

Dimples Romana, Genteel Home’s brand ambassador, also shared why she fell in love with the brand, “For us women, we just find a mirror and then we look at ourselves and tapos na kasi nagmamadali ka. When it comes to Genteel pieces, you stay there because you just want to look at yourself and empower yourself even more.”

The journey of Genteel Home began in 2013 when Katrina received a special commission to create a unique piece of furniture.  From that moment, Katrina’s passion for the intricate art of furniture making blossomed, transforming living spaces into realms of beauty and inspiration.

Beyond their creative prowess, Genteel Home is a brand with a conscience. Sustainability and community lie at the core of their values. The studio has invested in its own Mahogany farm, ensuring that for every furniture creation, trees are replenished. This not only promotes sustainability but also provides valuable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Genteel Home takes pride in meticulously considering every aspect of its business, always driven by love. The brand’s unwavering commitment to delivering bespoke furniture pieces, promoting sustainability, world-class Filipino craftsmanship, and uplifting communities are testaments to their passion and vision.

 

#GenteelHome #SM Supermalls #HeartEvangelista #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Philippines’ new tourism slogan encourages love for country

The Philippines is ready for a fresh start as the Department of Tourism (DOT) finally unveils the new tourism slogan: “Love The Philippines,” a testament to how this country calls out to anyone who has a thrill for adventure, captivating beauty, and the embrace of a newfound home.

After 11 years of sporting the iconic “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” the new slogan was unveiled at DOT’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Manila Hotel. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasizes that this slogan is also a “call to action” towards Filipinos and international citizens alike to discover and explore the Philippines with the numerous things it has to offer.

Despite being a slogan, this change has brought new heights and challenges for the country’s tourism department. While the country has countless destinations lined up for travelers, there are plenty of places left undiscovered yet well-maintained by the locals. The DOT also hopes that this new slogan will bring attention to other places that are not particularly highlighted in past tourism campaigns.

They also wanted to showcase a more Filipino brand– and the “Love The Philippines” slogan encapsulates what it takes to become a country full of love, natural wonders, an enticing history, and our unique cultural footprint.

In the modern era, travelers have begun to change their preferences and the experiences that they seek whenever they go out of their comfort zone. Most people look for more scenic yet calm destinations while others tend to go to the undiscovered sites and take their exploration to new heights. As these preferences evolve, the DOT also adjusts to recent travel trends.

This branding, if effective, will showcase the Philippines’ hidden beauty and the love within its people. Marie Adriano, the brand and strategic planner from the marketing firm Doyle, Dane, and Bernbach (DDB) Philippines, explained that there is a positive association to travelers when it comes to the word love– a longing and caring feeling, one laced with newfound affection.

However, recent controversies surrounding the usage of stock footage in the slogan’s promotional video campaign drew flak from the netizens. The video contained footage shot from various countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, as per the Agence France-Presse’s fact-checking arm.

The DOT’s creative arm, DBB, has spoken up about the stock footage issue, saying that it is a “standard practice in the industry.” They defended the usage, for the video’s intention is to be a “mood video” to attract and excite internal stakeholders for their tourism campaign. The whole campaign, including the slogan, utilized a ₱49M fund in total. Due to this controversy, the contract between DBB and DOT has been terminated, seeking accountability for the issue.

These developments have drawn mixed reactions from netizens, especially regarding the credibility of the DOT, the authenticity of the slogan, and its effects on the dwindling tourism in the country. This slogan is also created to honor the Filipinos, for their hospitality and love have bound the Philippines and continuously embraced citizens from all over the world with their big hearts. It is only right that its creation should be as genuine as its intention.

Contributed by Princess Friel Lontoc

Featured photo courtesy of PNA

#DOT #newlogo #lovethePhilippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Seek the captivating spots of Bohol Island: The country’s first Global Geopark

Bohol Island is just one of the wonders of the Philippines, and as it is being more recognized in the worldwide scene, it is surely a sign to book your tickets with your loved ones now.

Bohol Island is making waves as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) unveiled it as the Philippines’ first Global Geopark, a real breathtaking gem in our archipelago. Bohol’s lush greenery has been cultivated by “periods of tectonic turbulence” which has made the island rise above the ocean–a unique geological identity like no other!

Underground Adventure at Hinagdanan Cave

If you’re looking for underground adventures, the Hinagdanan Cave is your next stop! It is best known as the mystical underground world deep within an enchanting cavern. Moving forward, onlookers will spot stalactites hanging from the ceiling like shimmering chandeliers, while an emerald-green lagoon glistens below, inviting you for a refreshing dip. The underground cave is home to an emerald-green lagoon that glistens in the dim light within the cavern, giving it a whimsical and mysterious vibe. It’s a surreal experience that will awaken the explorer within you!

Hinagdanan Cave. Photo credits to A Guide to the Philippines

Being one of the country’s most coveted tourist spots, Bohol Island is also home to various places, making it a haven for travelers. With its jaw-dropping sights and fascinating wildlife, it will surely make anyone feel both adventure and home at the same time.

World-famous Chocolate Hills

Starting with the whirlwind of attractions is the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Blessed with a landscape dotted with hundreds of lush, cone-shaped hills as far as the eye can see– it is no wonder that tourists from all races come to see this beauty. During the dry season, these wonders turn a mesmerizing shade of brown, a phenomenon that’s widely viewed and anticipated across nations.

Loboc River cruise

The Loboc River Cruise is also a delightful feast for the senses. This is Bohol’s floating restaurant, gliding along the gentle currents of the river, surrounded by lush greenery and singing birds. They also serve a mouthwatering buffet of local delicacies, all while traditional musicians serenade you with melodies. Watch out, as various species of birds adorn the cruise’s route, perfect for sightseeing and bird watchers. Throughout the journey, talented performers showcase traditional dances, showcasing the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage– giving travelers a slice of Filipino hospitality and rich culture. It’s a symphony of flavors, sights, and sounds that will leave you wanting more!

Tarsiers, the tiny wonders

A trip to Bohol is not complete without seeing the tiny wonders that are tarsiers! These tiny primates, with their big, round eyes and delicate fingers, are native to Bohol Island. The Tarsier Conservation Area houses these adorable creatures and is open to visitors observing them in their natural habitat. Of course, it is important to follow the protocols such as staying quiet and keeping the tourists’ cameras at a reasonable distance.

Photo credits to Bohol Philippines

Unique adventure at Panglao Island

Lastly, Panglao Island beckons with its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This vibrant underwater world is teeming with colorful coral reefs, playful dolphins, and exotic marine life. Panglao Island is frequently visited by snorkelers and scuba divers, eager to explore the vast underwater within. Moreover, the island’s beach bars and restaurants will make people surely appreciate what the real beachfront scene is like, armed with its acoustic live bands, exotic seafood and delicacies, and their live parties. Panglao Island promises a unique adventure you’ll never forget!

Panglao Island. Photo credits to Bohol Beach Club

Bohol Island is just one of the wonders of the Philippines, and as it is being more recognized in the worldwide scene, it is surely a sign to book your tickets with your loved ones. Bohol is waiting for you, eager to share its geological wonders and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this adventure!

 

Contributed by Princess Friel Lontoc

Featured photo courtesy of Inquirer

 

#Bohol #island #FirstGlobalGeopark #Philippines #UNESCO #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Gawad Kalinga and Oh Crop Join Forces to Scale Adlai Production in the PH

In the lush landscapes of the Philippines, where fertile soil and abundant sunshine converge, a remarkable partnership has taken root. Gawad Kalinga, has joined hands with Oh Crop Adlai, the number one brand in the Philippines producing Adlai rice. As Gawad Kalinga empowers communities and Oh Crop Adlai cultivates sustainable practices, their shared vision drives them to scale adlai production, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the agricultural sector. Together, they are fostering empowerment, sustainability, and a prosperous future for Filipino farmers.

Complementing Gawad Kalinga’s vision is Oh Crop Adlai, a champion of sustainable agriculture. “The brand Oh Crop really started with our Filipino farmers in mind. It’s been a dream to be able to help them live better lives. And what an honor to partner with Gawad Kalinga because through this partnership we’re able to grow adlai production at a faster rate and thus help hundreds of Filipino farmers, and hopefully, thousands soon,” said Chari Trinidad-Mendoza, Oh Crop’s CEO.

With an unwavering commitment to the environment, Oh Crop Adlai employs cutting-edge techniques to maximize crop yield while minimizing ecological impact. Their dedication to quality and innovation has propelled them to the forefront of the agricultural sector. By focusing on cultivating adlai, a resilient grain that thrives in the Philippine soil, Oh Crop Adlai has unlocked much of the potential of this underutilized crop. “I’ve been a long-time consumer of Adlai. It’s a superfood with a lot of health benefits that’s why I’ve decided to make the full switch. And while there are several adlai brands in the market, Oh Crop Adlai is a true gamechanger – from managing end-to-end of the value chain down to distribution, you can trust that we give it our best.” shared by Marvin Agustin, Oh Crop Adlai brand ambassador and co-owner.

The collaboration between Gawad Kalinga and Oh Crop Adlai has become a catalyst for scaling adlai production in the Philippines. By combining Gawad Kalinga’s community empowerment model with Oh Crop Adlai’s agricultural expertise, they have successfully transformed adlai cultivation into a thriving enterprise. Through knowledge sharing and training programs, farmers in Gawad Kalinga communities acquire the skills needed to cultivate adlai effectively. Simultaneously, Oh Crop Adlai provides improved seeds, state-of-the-art machinery, and modern farming practices, optimizing productivity and ensuring a sustainable supply chain. This synergistic approach empowers farmers to unlock their full potential and prosper in harmony with the land.

The impact of this partnership extends far beyond individual farmers. By scaling adlai production, Gawad Kalinga and Oh Crop Adlai enhance food security while providing a nutritious alternative to staple grains. The vision of Oh Crop to empower farmers aligns perfectly with Gawad Kalinga’s commitment to holistic community development. As said by Chairman Luis Oquinena of Gawad Kalinga, “It’s a partnership based on the principle of “Preferrential (for the poor) Value Creation.” It is our hope that other enterprises will adopt this way of transforming every hectare of land where small farmers can fulfill their dreams as farmers!”

As this partnership flourishes, the potential for further expansion and diversification in the agricultural sector becomes apparent. Together, their goal is to be a catalyst of change, to ignite a movement amongst the industry players, redefining farming practices, and empowering Filipino farmers to create a sustainable and prosperous future.

#OhCrop #GawadKalinga #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Watsons’ holds First Sustainability Exhibit together with drybrush Gallery showcasing artworks made from Reused materials

Sustainability has always been ingrained in Watsons’ DNA. The leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer is always at the forefront of helping educate and encourage customers do their part in saving the planet and encouraging them to make it a better place to live in for future generations.

Watsons has also integrated sustainability into its corporate strategy with initiatives like Sustainable Choices and encouraging volunteerism among its employees, pushing boundaries to show its customers that it can walk the talk.

As part of its sustainability initiatives and to celebrate Filipino artistry and talent, Watsons, in collaboration with drybrush Gallery, launches “Reuse with Watsons: A Sustainability Art Exhibit” held at drybrush Gallery in SM MOA Square, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Watsons hopes the art exhibit will be an avenue to raise public awareness about the importance of reusing by showcasing art pieces created from discarded materials such as plastic bottles/containers, plastic wrappers and containers, paper/carton boxes/tissue, blister packs, metals, sponges, foam, brushes, and cosmetics) collected from Watsons’ Recycle for Rewards Campaign/ Products found in Watsons Stores.

drybrush Gallery Founder Jojo Liao with Watsons Philippines Executives(L-R) Jowee Liao, Josie Arriola, Viki Encarnacion, Belle Pasayco, Sharon Decapia, Marlon Baguyot and Patrick Yu.

The exhibit also seeks to continuously educate and inspire the public to practice Reusing and the 3RS (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) as these would contribute to the preservation of our planet.

The participating artists were tasked to create art pieces that integrate discarded materials sourced from Watsons Stores and from all the entries, the three outstanding artworks, which best fit with the theme of the exhibit, will be chosen.

The artists that will be featured in the exhibit are Iñigo Acuña, Astrid Anabo, Neptalie unzo, Arnel Borja, Meijan Cabagay, Ape Castillo, Jeff Dahilan, Ronwaldo Dasal, Cesar Dela Torre, Angelo Delola, Daniel Dumaguit, Noli Española, Juno Galang, Esther Garcia, Ann Gatdula, Loise Angelo Go, Edgardo Granada, Anne Labesores, Ronald Limayo, Linggit (Briks Benigno), Ricardo Mallari, Ron Masaga, Luisito “Jon” Paras, Pancho Piano, Isah Rodillo, Roland Rosacay, Ferdinand Sanchez, James Sanorjo Jr., Rinald Sotto, JL Timbreza – Siao, Dominic Urbano and Ariel Villalobos.

Grand Prize Winner Ferdinand Sanchez with his winning piece, Aruga.

The top three artists will be chosen based on Creative Reuse (50%), the extent to which discarded materials are creatively repurposed and transformed into the artwork; Aesthetic Appeal (30%), the visual impact and artistic quality of the artwork, considering elements such as composition, use of color, texture, and overall craftsmanship; and Environmental Message (20%), the artwork’s ability to convey a message of environmental sustainability, raising awareness about the importance of reusing and reducing waste, and inspiring consumers to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

“We are very happy with our collaboration with drybrush Gallery, which helped greatly in making all this possible.  To the participating local artists who have tremendously supported us and have given their whole dedication in creating art pieces using sustainable products from Watsons, we salute your passion and your love for our planet,” said Watsons Sustainability and PR Director Ms. Viki Encarnacion.

To view the Watsons Sustainability Exhibit artworks and learn more about the artists, log on to drybrush Gallery website.

 

#Watsons #drybrushgallery #sustainability #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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TCL: Delivering world-class home theater experiences

TCL, the leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brand, launches their newest range of home entertainment products and smart domestic tech appliances through their Grand Summit held last June 15, 2023 at the Grand Ballroom, Okada Manila.

The Grand Summit was filled with informative sessions spearheaded by TCL’s top key officials providing the latest technology news and innovations on TCL’s products.

Likewise, the event also featured segments and product unveilings highlighted by the presence of their Celebrity Brand Partners namely dance princess and actress Maja Salvador, lifestyle influencer Nico Bolzico, and TCL’s main endorser, top actress Kathryn Bernardo. While the Parokya ni Edgar main man Chito Miranda surprised the crowd with his rock hits.

Through this Grand Summit, TCL reinforces its position in home entertainment and smart domestic tech by launching its new range of TV’s, Soundbars, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators and Washing Machines to audiences in the Philippines by elevating home experiences and inspiring consumers to live more fulfilled lives.

  • New Realms of Entertainment with TCL C Series TVs and Latest Soundbars

A pioneer of display technology and setting the industry benchmark when it comes to Mini LED, TCL is proud to launch the New TCL C845 Mini LED TV: a superior entertainment hub built with the latest generation of TCL Mini LED technology offering an even better visual experience thanks to high and precise contrast, less blooming, peak brightness, and better uniformity.

New Realms of Entertainment with TCL C Series TVs and Latest Soundbars.

TCL is also adding two updates to its QLED range. The TCL QLED 4K TV C745, which combines QLED together with Full Array Local Dimming technology and 144Hz VRR for smooth, sharp, and colorful HDR picture quality. The TCL C745 is now available in 55” and 65’’sizes.

Finally, TCL’s best-in-class QLED TV, the TCL 4K TV C645 combines QLED technology, delivering genuine cinematic colour made from over a billion colours and shades.

TCL is also expanding its TCL XL Collection allowing total cinema-like immersion from the comfort of the living room, without compromising on any loss of detail.

The perfect partner for its TVs, TCL is also introducing the latest soundbars with superior surround-sound capabilities to compliment the TVs’ exceptional picture quality and deliver cinema-worthy audio-visual performance.

  • Enjoy a Healthier and More Comfortable Life with TCL Breath+ Series Air Conditioners

 TCL introduces the TCL Breath+ Series, the upgraded version of the Fresh+ line set to be available soon in the Philippines. With the latest upgrade, the Breath+ will feature a “breathing functionality” which not only allows the AC to inhale fresh air but also exhale used air, ensuring the atmosphere condition is kept fresh and comfortable.

  • Free Build-In and Intelligent FreshPro TCL Refrigerators

 TCL also introduced the latest Free Build-In refrigerator that features three defining features based on TCL’s advanced technology and elevated design. While the TCL’s Intelligent Fresh Series are equipped with smart functions to keep your food chilled at the right temperature and ensure it stays fresher for longer, with the innovative Multi Air flow system, twin eco-inverters, AI radar, and the Automatic Anion-releasing Technology (AAT) .

  • Double-A Class Washing Machines Make Doing Laundry Greener, Healthier and more Convenient

 The new TCL front-load C20 WashPro makes washing clothes such a breeze with its 10.5kg capacity and a drying capacity of 7kg. All together with its notable features namely Honeycomb Crystal Drum, Air Wash, Steam Wash, Fast Washing and Drying Low Temperature, Softly Drying, and Safety Lock.

The P70 Direct Drive Top Loading Washer is equipped with a DD inverter attached directly to the drum, making it more stable, reducing energy and water consumption and noise. Adding to that is the Honeycomb Drum technology that provides less friction on the clothes to give more care to your fabrics.

Discover TCL’s full extensive range of innovative consumer electronics, rolling out to markets in Asia-Pacific in the coming months. Visit the TCL home page at https://www.tcl.com/ph/en.

 

#TCL #MajaSalvador #NicoBolzico #KathrynBernardo #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Breaking Stereotypes: Redefining Fatherhood Through Art

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this transformative exhibition, on display until July 8, 2023, at the Imahica Art Gallery.

 

In a bold and inspiring move, a groundbreaking exhibition is challenging traditional notions of fatherhood and redefining the role of fathers in our society. “Inheritance: Tracing Lineage & Inspiration” is an extraordinary display that seeks to dismantle preconceived notions and celebrate the diversity and depth of the paternal experience through experiencing the artworks of Pandy Aviado, Diana Aviado, Fil Delacruz, Janos Delacruz, Roy Espinosa, Pauline Allison Espinosa, Nikulas Lebajo, Beatrice Lebajo, Fernando Sena, Tintin Sena, and Oddin Sena.

 This thought-provoking event serves as a platform to explore the multifaceted nature of fatherhood. Through diverse artistic expressions, the exhibition showcases the unique journeys, perspectives, and narratives of fathers from all walks of life. It aims to break down stereotypes and highlight fathers’ immense impact on their children’s lives.

Beatrice Lebajo and her artworks

“Inheritance: Tracing Lineage & Inspiration” challenges the traditional image of fathers as sole providers and disciplinarians. Instead, it embraces the complexity of fatherhood by showcasing tender moments of nurturing, emotional vulnerability, and deep connection between fathers and their children. The artworks on display offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of experiences that fathers bring to their roles, dispelling misconceptions and fostering understanding.

Through visual art, this exhibition invites visitors to engage with the stories of fathers who have defied societal norms and forged their own paths. It encourages us to question and reassess our assumptions, celebrating the diversity of fatherhood experiences and the power of acceptance and inclusivity.

“Inheritance: Tracing Lineage & Inspiration” goes beyond celebrating individual fathers; it aims to provoke meaningful conversations and inspire societal change. By challenging traditional roles and expectations, the exhibition invites us to envision a future where fathers are recognized as active participants in their children’s lives, capable of nurturing and emotional support.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this transformative exhibition, on display from June 17 to July 8, 2023, at the Imahica Art Gallery. Step into a world where stereotypes are shattered, and the true essence of fatherhood is celebrated. Join us in embracing the richness and diversity of paternal experiences and championing a more inclusive and progressive society. For more information, please contact 0917 894 5646. Together, let us redefine fatherhood through the power of art.

 

#Inheritance2023  #ImahicaArtGallery #groupexhibit #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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B Hotel Alabang unveils Johnny’s Steak & Grill, delivering an exceptional dining experience

B Hotel Alabang is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated opening of Johnny’s Steak & Grill, a new addition to its renowned culinary offerings. Situated in the heart of Alabang, this boutique hotel is dedicated to providing guests with a truly premium experience through its array of amenities and services.

Johnny’s Steak & Grill has garnered immense popularity since its inception at B Hotel Quezon City. Revered for its delectable dishes and inviting ambiance, Johnny’s Steak & Grill has become a cherished destination for food enthusiasts.

Under the expert guidance of Executive Sous Chef Robert “Bam” Guevarra, Johnny’s Steak & Grill Alabang will tantalize taste buds with the juiciest steaks in town, ensuring a delightful dining experience for the entire family. With prices starting as low as 950 pesos, guests can relish a main course with a choice of two sides and sauce. Noteworthy recommendations from the chef include the famed Johnny’s Steak Ribeye priced at 1,600 pesos and the delectable Seared Tenderloin A la Plancha, available for 1,950 pesos. Additionally, guests can savor a variety of appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts, all priced at no greater than 550 pesos.

B Hotel  Alabang Team with media guests during the exclusive dinner launch of Johnny’s Steak & Grill.

B Hotel Alabang, managed by The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, boasts a prestigious 4-star rating and prides itself on delivering outstanding hospitality. The property offers an array of features, including comfortable accommodations, an outdoor Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation, a well-equipped gym, and a versatile function room ideal for events. Adding to its appeal, B Hotel Alabang is home to the acclaimed Prime Café, renowned for its wide selection of sought-after Filipino dishes and other beloved favorites from around the country, now complemented by the presence of Johnny’s Steak & Grill.

“We take immense pride in providing our guests with high-quality service. That’s why we continuously strive to bring the best to our hotel, such as our elevated casual dining restaurant, Johnny’s Steak & Grill. Our recognition as the number one Tripadvisor hotel in the Alabang area is a testament to the level of hospitality we are committed to delivering,” said Ms. Glennis Narciso, Hotel Manager of B Hotel Alabang.

Johnny’s Steak & Grill Alabang is open every night from 6 PM to 10 PM at B Hotel Alabang. For inquiries and reservations, please contact 0917 579 9431 or (+632) 8828 8181 or visit www.bhotelalabang.com.

 

#JohnnysSteak&GrillAlabang #BHotelAlabang #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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RCBC Moneybela Barangayan Banking Fuels PH’s Financial Inclusion Campaign

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s (RCBC) MoneyBela Barangayan Banking boosted bank onboarding in rural areas by 210%, reached a total of 13,116 barangays or approximately 31% of the 42,000 total barangays nationwide, enabled millions of unbanked and underserved Filipinos to open their first basic deposit accounts, and grew gross transaction volume by 103%. This remarkable feat was accomplished in a record time of only six months since the flagship program was launched in November 2022.

The RCBC MoneyBela Barangayan Banking is a one-of-a-kind campaign and the first in the Philippines that hybridizes physical-digital or phygital banking services serving geographically distant and disadvantaged and conflict areas of the country. It fuses the best features of digital banking and human connection by bringing RCBC’s award-winning and world-renowned digital solutions to marginalized and rural communities, including RCBC DiskarTech and RCBC ATMGo.

The Moneybela campaign also engaged micro, small, and medium enterprises (mSMEs) through the RCBC NegosyanTech program which empowered sari-sari store owners, family-owned establishments, and grassroots businesses to earn additional income and capital by facilitating digital transactions such as cash deposits and withdrawals, bank transfers, bills payments, e-loading, and availing of teleconsultation plans and microinsurance.

As a core component of Moneybela Barangayan Banking, RCBC ATMGo is the country’s first bank-agnostic, last mile, and grassroots-oriented mobile-point-of-service ATM service, to Filipinos in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as Busuanga, Coron, and Cullon in Palawan province, and in armed conflict-prone areas such as Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, and all provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The residents can withdraw government benefits without having to travel far and spend on costly transportation. RCBC ATM Go also provided additional income to small entrepreneurs who became RCBC’s ATM Go partner merchants and helped RCBC serve Filipinos in remote areas.

RCBC is the only private universal bank in the country with the most extensive reach through its RCBC ATM Go network covering all 82 provinces nationwide with over 1,400 terminals deployed at the end of 2022 and is poised to grow to 10,000 units or a projected year-on-year growth of 614%. RCBC ATMGo now has over 1,200 partner merchants. More than 65 percent of ATM Go’s financial transactions are social grants and cash withdrawals by household beneficiaries of the national government in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

 RCBC conceptualized the Moneybela Barangayan Campaign as a response to the call of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to expand financial inclusion and literacy efforts, as well as the concerns of yet-to-be-banked Filipinos that they are not digitally literate and they need assistance in bank onboarding. RCBC had special launches of this initiative during the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City and Masskara Festival in Bacolod City in 2022, and early this year, in the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City and in the Pinya Festival of Calauan, Laguna recently.

Making financial inclusion happen, one barangay at a time. Moneybela Barangayan Banking in action at Cabanatuan City.

Lito Villanueva, RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer, shared that the campaign successfully targeted unbanked Filipinos who were reluctant to embrace digital finance because of a lack of knowledge and underserved Filipinos who lived in areas wherein few or no banks and ATMs are operating to cater to their daily needs.

“By combining the power of revolutionary digital solutions and the impact of meaningful human relationships, RCBC has successfully created a compelling case study of engaging Filipinos in remote, marginalized, distant, and conflict areas and providing them with financial and digital literacy, and access to a wide array of empowering products and services,” said Villanueva.

“The massive growth of our digital products and services can be attributed to our philosophy that Innovations should come with Empathy, and to the diligence and ingenuity of each RCBC employee whose dedication to finding and creating breakthroughs in finance is forever inspiring,” added Villanueva.

RCBC MoneyBela, being the first of its kind, has earned commendations from none other than the Philippines’ finance leaders, BSP Governor and Monetary Board Chairman Felipe Medalla and Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, during its official launch at the RCBC Plaza last year.

“I am really so happy that if there’s any bank that embodies the goal of bringing BSP closer to the people, it is RCBC. You [RCBC] deserve all the honors you are getting for combining old ideas like cash-lite banking,” Gov. Medalla said.

“Beyond bringing more Filipinos into the fold, your latest project [RCBC MoneyBela] shows that the future of banking requires human-centric and empathy-driven design. I am very pleased to see RCBC make significant headway in this area,” Sec. Diokno said.

RCBC is one of the country’s fastest-growing banks, and the most awarded for its banking innovations.  It is now the Philippines’ 5th largest privately-owned universal bank that breached the P1-Trillion asset mark by the end of June 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. RCBC’s continuing digital and business transformation further enhanced its value and reach. With this, RCBC has become the most awarded bank in the Philippines. Among its global and local recognitions include a three-peat award as the Philippines’ Best Bank for Digital by Asiamoney, back-to-back wins for Best Financial Inclusion App by The Asian Banker’s Financial Technology Innovations Awards, and the YouTube challenger award for its viral and out-of-the-box digital ad campaigns generating combined views of over 17 million. Just recently, RCBC was also hailed as the Grand Champion for Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion by the Bankers Institute of the Philippines.

 

#RCBCMoneyBela #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Bank of Botswana Seeks Inspiration from RCBC’s Digital Success

The Bank of Botswana (BoB) plans to create its own version of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s (RCBC) award-winning digital solution – RCBC ATMGo, in their home country. The bank agnostic, grassroots-based, and mobile powered RCBC ATMGo is among the three digital solutions showcased by RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva to BoB Deputy Governor Dr. Tshokologo Alex Kganetsano to help jumpstart the African bank’s digital transformation.

“We are beyond elated for RCBC to be chosen as a benchmark for the Bank of Botswana. By becoming a standard for other countries, RCBC fulfills its mission of redefining inclusive banking through cutting-edge innovations in both the local and international scenes,” Villanueva said.

RCBC ATMGo is the Philippines’ first  community-based,  bank-agnostic, last mile ATM service that uses mobile point-of-scale devices to make bank withdrawals, balance inquiry, bills payments, bank transfers, phone credits loading, and cardless withdrawals available and accessible to people in geographically isolated and displaced areas. It has been the Philippine government’s trusted digital payment disbursement partner even before and at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues until present for the withdrawals of social welfare benefits for Conditional Cash Transfer household recipients under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the national government. Close to 70% of its transactions are cash withdrawals of Pantawid CCT household beneficiaries done in rural areas.

RCBC is the only private universal bank in the country with the most extensive reach through its RCBC ATM Go network covering all 82 provinces nationwide with over 1,400 terminals deployed at the end of 2022 and is poised to grow to 10,000 units or a projected year-on-year growth of 614%. “This is a testament that investing in the rural and remote areas for convenient bank access can be a risky step but can ripple change industry-wide and globally,” Villanueva added. RCBC ATMGo now has over 1,200 partner-merchants.

RCBC hosted the Bank of Botswana delegation in its RCBC CollHub or Collaboration Hub in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Joining the BoB delegation were Ms. Sheila Sealesta, Advisor of Banking Currency and Settlement Department; Mr. Julius Ghanie, Director of Information and Communications Technology Department; Mr. Moeti Modimana, Head of Property Management Procurement and Projects; Ms. Ruth Baltshepi, Coordinator of Digitalization and Innovation Hub; and Mr. Vincent Golebetswe, Banking Manager.

RCBC has been awarded the Philippines’ Best Bank for Digital for three consecutive years given that “when it comes to digital solutions, RCBC remains the bank to beat,” according to Asiamoney.  RCBC rose from eighth in 2018 to fifth in rank by the end of 2022 amongst the Philippines’ largest privately-owned universal banks in terms of assets. With close to 80 regional and global accolades in three years, RCBC was also the first Philippine bank to receive the YouTube Challenger award for its trailblazing and viral digital ad campaign which generated over 14 million views in a few weeks. It was also recognized by the local banking industry as the Grand Champion for Digital Payment and Financial Inclusion by the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAIPHIL).

Featured photo:

From (L-R): Bank of Botswana (BoB) Banking Manager Vincent Golebetswe; Novus Technologies Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Sidath Wijeratne; BoB Head of Property Management Procurement and Projects Moeti Modimana; BoB Advisor Sheila Malebogo Sealetsa; RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva, BoB Coordinator Ruth Baitshepi; BOB Deputy Governor Dr. Tshokologo Alex Kganetsano; BoB Director Julius Ghanie; and Novus Technologies President and Chief Executive Officer Ricardos Khoury.

 

#RCBC #BankofBotswana #digitalsolutions #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Bring out a Happier, Healthier, and More Beautiful You With Watsons

There’s no better place to get your health, wellness, and beauty essentials than Watsons! With over 1,000 stores nationwide, and Watsons also offers different ways to shop such as Express Delivery, which lets you have your products delivered at your doorstep within 3 hours, and Click and Collect Express wherein successfully placed orders are verified and prepared within 24 to 48 hours, after which your order will be delivered to your selected Click & Collect store.

Only Watsons can bring out the Happier, Healthier, and More Beautiful You with a wide selection of health and beauty products, and services and the most experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy pharmacists and beauty advisors to help you make informed choices.

These Watsons health and beauty partners will help you to navigate the world of health, wellness, and beauty by choosing the right products and services for you and your family.

Whether you’re looking for medicines, vitamins and supplements, and beauty products to complete your makeup and skincare regimen, Watsons has got you covered.

For overall health and wellness

We may already be in a post-pandemic era but you still need to keep your immune system strong so that your body will be equipped to ward off illnesses. For the little ones, get Propan TLC Syrup, which has vitamin C (for immunity), lysine and vitamin B (to help boost the appetite), and vitamin D (to boost growth). For the adults, get Conzace Softgel Capsules which have zinc and vitamins A, C, and E to help build your immunity. Redoxon Effervescent Tablets contain ascorbic acid and zinc to sustain good health.

For sustained energy

If you are into sports or work out every day, you need an extra dose of protection! Watsons Brand offers Vitamin B-Complex Tablets which help in the conversion of food to energy and support numerous normal body processes. Neurobion has vitamins B1+B6+B12 to protect and nourish your nerves. Supraneuron also offers nerve protection so that you’re always ready for action and adventure.

For a good night’s sleep

Good sleep helps improve overall wellbeing. Make sure you’re getting 6-8 hours of sleep at night. Getting a good night’s sleep will prevent chronic long-term health problems. For your sleep needs, Melatonin regulates night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. You can also get Puritan’s Pride Melatonin Gummies and Sleepwell Melatonin from Watsons. Nightol also has melatonin to help you get a good night’s sleep.

What are you waiting for? Head to the Watsons app, be a Watsons Club member to enjoy great deals and discounts and start your journey to health and wellness.

Enjoy P100 off when you download the Watsons app through this link http://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileAppTerms and conditions apply.

Visit any of 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide or pick up your orders at your nearest Watsons store in 30 minutes or less via Click & Collect or have them delivered to you in 3 hours through Express Delivery*.

For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

*Available in select cities only. Delivery fee capped at Php 50 or enjoy free delivery for a min. spend P500. Wait for your order confirmation from the app and via SMS to know when your package will be delivered.  Learn more about Click & Collect and Watsons Express Delivery by visitingwww.watsons.com.ph/shipping-delivery

 

#Watsons #WatsonsPH #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Feel Refreshed With Beko Air Conditioners

Say hello to the season of heat — this is the season where we all tend to cool down ourselves, so this is the time we seek ways to keep ourselves cool even with the summer heat.

You can enjoy the heat season without breaking the bank since the global appliance brand Beko offers a wide range of energy-efficient air conditioners to let you escape the summer heat and beat high electricity bills.

Feel refreshed with the Beko BSEOG Split Air Conditioner series! The Beko BSEOG Inverter Premium Series includes features such as the Double Gold Guard. It is an evaporator and condenser coil coated with hydrophilic gold and can improve heating efficiency by accelerating defrosting. This evaporator and condenser can withstand the salty, air, rain, and other corrosive elements and it effectively prevents bacteria build up.

Worry no more about cleaning as it has a Go Clean feature, a frost cleaning system where the evaporator coils blow hot air to defrost the ice and dry it thoroughly.

You might also be moving around your home to do some chores. Just like the Beko BSEOG 120 and BSEOG 121, it’s a great thing that these air conditioners have a Zone Follow feature where you can get more precise and effective temperature control. The remote controller sensor will sense the temperature around the user to ensure an even temperature for user comfort.

Beko air conditioners have 4D Air Outlet technologies that lets you now feel comfortable every inch of your room that lets you focus on your tasks.

Got plans to stay outside? Welcome yourself home with comfort since you can open your Beko air conditioner even when you’re away with HomeWhiz! With this feature, you can control your Beko BSEOG air conditioner from your smartphone by connecting to the internet, even outside. HomeWhiz allows you to keep the ideal conditions for you to feel comfortable until you’re back home.

Worried about the dirt that’s in the air? Worry no more since the BSEOG series also contains a MicroClean filter that captures tiny airborne dust particles that may pollute the air.

With the self-cleaning feature, the air conditioner could provide clean air to the user, preventing bacteria from breeding in the unit. Even when you turn the unit off, it will keep running to ensure the coil surfaces are totally dry, protecting them from getting rusty, before stopping automatically.

So, what are you waiting for? Cool your home and feel comfortable with Beko’s air conditioners this summer!

Beko appliances are available at Abenson, All Home, Anson’s, Appliance Centrum, Asian Home Appliance, Automatic Centre, BHF, Fair N Square, Gloria Bazar, Great World, HAT, J Marketing, Lazada, Magic Appliance, Manhattan Appliance, Manila Imperial, Mike’s Appliances, Our Builders Warehouse Pricewise, Robinsons Appliance, Savers, SVC & Plusign, Shopee, SM Appliance, Solidmark, S&R (Gidi), United Mottoaliance, Western Appliance and 1st Megasaver.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, go to http://beko.ph or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bekoph and their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/bekoph/.

 

#Beko #LiveLikeAPro #AirConditioners #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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FinTech industry launches nationwide consumer cybersecurity education campaign

The Philippines’ premier digital and fintech association FinTech Alliance.PH has launched a multistakeholder national cybersecurity awareness and education campaign tagged #WagMagpalokoMagingScamAlerto! aimed at educating millions of Filipino smartphone and online users against phishing scams last May 29, 2023, at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City.

The industry-led multistakeholder national consumer cybersecurity campaign is being led by the FinTech Alliance in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Anti-Money Laundering Council, Securities and Exchange Commission, Insurance Commission, National Privacy Commission, National Telecommunications Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, telecommunications companies, consumer groups, and media groups.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla.

“I am proud to see everyone working hard to make the Nationwide Consumer Cybersecurity Education Campaign an effective and invaluable tool in helping accelerate the Philippines’ Digital Economy. You can count on BSP to be a staunch supporter of our project. We will continue to work hand in hand with all of our stakeholders and ensure the far-reaching impact of this campaign,” said BSP Governor Felipe Medalla.

“With all industry players, government, media, and Filipino consumers working together, we’re ready to unlock the power of cybersecurity with consumer education! We enjoin all FinTech Alliance member companies to have our campaign on all your social media platforms and use the hashtag #WagMagpalokoMagingScamAlerto,” said Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of the Fintech Alliance.PH and RCBC executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer.

Lito Villanueva, founding chairman of the Fintech Alliance. PH.

The massive nationwide multistakeholder cybersecurity education and awareness campaign was launched in response to the emergence of risks and threats to users’ safety and to ensure sustained consumer trust on digital payment platforms. With various organizations coming from the private sector, the government, and the media, FinTech Alliance.PH hopes to combat the rising tide of cybercrime through multiple prongs and engagement strategies.

The leading FinTech organization also jump-started the first cohort of the Cambridge FinTech Regulatory and Innovations (FTRI) Program. The Cambridge FTRI program is by the Judge Business School of the University of Cambridge in Southeast Asia in partnership with Mapua University in the Philippines. The program targets the development and training of regulators, legislators, policymakers, practitioners, and professionals in banking, fintech, and digital industries.

The two initiatives by the Alliance were among the key events in their recent General Membership Meeting with the theme, “Accelerating the Philippines’ digital economy and unlocking the power of consumer education on cybersecurity.” At the same event, BSP Governor Medalla gave a keynote speech entitled, “The Current Philippine Digital Landscape: What’s Next Beyond the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap.”

S&P Global APAC Chief Economist Rajiv Biswas also gave an outlook on the Philippine Economy, highlighting the country’s trajectory towards being a one trillion US dollar economy by 2033.

“We cannot do this as an industry without building a very strong strategic collaboration with regulators that allows an enabling environment for inclusive innovations. From co-developing the National Retail Payments System, National Strategy for Financial Inclusion and other regulations on emerging technologies such as virtual assets, regulatory sandbox, and digital banking, to open finance, and central bank digital currency, among others,” Villanueva added.

New FinTech Alliance corporate members were sworn in by BSP Governor Medalla. From just 15 founding corporate members in 2017 to nearly 100 in 2023.

FinTech Alliance.PH, the Philippines’ premier, and largest digital and fintech association, is composed of startups and unicorns that account for over 95 percent of digital-initiated transaction volume in the country.

For more information, visit https://www.fintechalliance.ph/.

#FintechAlliancePH #cybersecuritycampaign #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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RCBC provides last mile banking to 4Ps/CCT families in Lake Sebu

Philippines’ leading challenger bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), through its partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), successfully assisted hundreds of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)/Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries to easily and quickly cash out aid from the national government through RCBC ATM Go partner merchants in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, an identified geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) by the DSWD.

RCBC’s partner sari-sari stores – Ebanen, Sigfred, and Negros Rice – were able to facilitate over P2 million cash withdrawals by 4Ps/CCT household beneficiaries in three days.

RCBC ATM Go is the country’s first grassroots-based, bank agnostic, and last mile handheld automated teller machine which utilizes mobile point-of-sale devices to dispense financial services in unbanked and underserved communities.

RCBC is currently the only Philippine private universal bank that has the most extensive reach covering 100% of the country across all its 82 provinces with close to 2,000 terminals operated by thousands of its partner merchants. More than 65 percent of RCBC ATM Go’s financial transactions are social grant cash withdrawals by CCT/4Ps household beneficiaries of the national government mostly residing in remote communities. RCBC  is also the only Philippine bank that has the most number of ATM Go terminals in excess of 100 units servicing  all five provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao covering Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi Tawi.

Under the RCBC-DSWD Memorandum of Agreement signed in December 2022, RCBC will provide alternative payout channels for 4Ps/CCT beneficiaries.  Prior to this engagement, RCBC has already collaborated with DSWD during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, RCBC was able to assist the national government in distributing more than Php 21.3 billion through its social amelioration program to over 5.6 million household beneficiaries benefitting 28 million aggregate-covered individuals.

“RCBC has been tirelessly working to make banking available and meaningful for all Filipinos through our RCBC Moneybela Barangayan Banking and RCBC ATM Go  servicing millions of Filipinos in the countryside,” says RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva.

“RCBC’s mantra has always been innovations with empathy, and this is best relayed through digital-forward and frictionless banking services such as what RCBC ATM Go provides to those who live in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as Lake Sebu,” Villanueva added.

As Lake Sebu is a remote community,  there is a limited presence of financial institutions that can provide brick-and-mortar branches or ATM kiosks. Residents need an hour of travel and spend costly transportation of as much as P200  just to be able to withdraw financial aid given by the national government.  There are more than 13,000 4Ps/CCT beneficiaries in Lake Sebu and not all can be served by existing financial service providers in the area.

“The pilot testing conducted in the three (3) barangays of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato in partnership with RCBC has been truly successful. The 4Ps beneficiaries were able to withdraw their grants quicker and more efficiently – it only took them less than a minute receiving the money. We would like to extend our thanks to RCBC for this initiative,” says DSWD SOCCSKSARGEN  Regional Director Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya. SOCCSKSARGEN covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos in Region 12.

Aside from RCBC ATM Go, RCBC has effectively implemented other pioneering, high-impact, human-centric, and demand driven digital financial innovations such as the one-stop-shop digital banking app RCBC Digital; RCBC DiskarTech, the Philippines’ first multi-lingual financial inclusion super app for the Filipino mass market in the vernacular Tagalog-English or Taglish and Cebuano; and RCBC Moneybela Barangayan Banking, the Philippines’ first physical-digital or phygital banking services that use sustainable e-trikes to serve geographically distant and disadvantaged and conflict areas of the country.

RCBC is one of the country’s fastest-growing banks, and the most awarded for its banking innovations.  It is now the Philippines’ 5th largest privately-owned universal bank that breached the P1-Trillion asset mark by the end of June 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. RCBC’s continuing digital and business transformation further enhanced its value and reach.

With this, RCBC has become the most awarded bank in the Philippines. Among its global and local recognitions include a three-peat award as the Philippines’ Best Bank for Digital by Asiamoney, back-to-back wins for Best Financial Inclusion App by The Asian Banker’s Financial Technology Innovations Awards, and the YouTube challenger award for its viral and out-of-the-box digital ad campaigns generating combined views of over 17 million. Just recently, RCBC was also hailed as Grand Champion for Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion by the Bankers Institute of the Philippines.

 

#RCBC #LakeSebu #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Discover Sampaloc Quezon

The quaint town of Sampaloc is known for its impressive array of “buri” products, the source of livelihood of the amiable people of this 5th class municipality in the province of Quezon.

“Buri,” a large palm tree noted for its strong leaves that can be made into various products like bags and other native accessories. The houses are adorned with different buri products during the Bulihan Festival.

Assorted products made of buri and some native delicacies.

This writer has witnessed this festival in years past – during the 4th Bulihan Festival. The highlights of the festival were the costume parade and the showcase of native dishes, as only “Sampalukins” (how residents are called in Sampaloc) can uniquely prepare and do.

“Palos” Cooking Contest

One of the awaited activities of the festival was the native “Palos Cooking Contest.” “Palos,” is Sampaloc’s term for native eel, which is caught in the Maapon River. It’s often brought by Sampalukins as a present to somebody being asked for a favor.  The “madulas” is associated with a saying that if it is given as a gift to the person being asked for a favor, the request will be easily granted.

This exciting and one-of-a-kind cooking contest was participated by representatives from the 14 Barangays through the town’s Rural Improvement Club.

The cooking skills and creativity of the “Sampalukins” were once again demonstrated — with everything and anything that can be done and concocted with “palos.”  Spicy, sweet, saucy, “ginataan”, “ginisa”, baked, steamed, fried, what have you!

The winning recipe came from Barangay Ibabang Owain. The dish is called “Steamed Palos.”

Steamed “Palos”

Sharing here the winning recipe:

Ingredients:

1-kilo Palos (cleaned)

Ginger

Salt

Pepper

Green Chili

Chicken Broth

Calamansi or Lemon juice

White Onion

Grated Cheese

Aluminum Foil

Tomatoes for garnishing

Toppings: mayonnaise, grated carrots, chopped hard-boiled egg, onion leeks

Cooking procedure:

  1. Mix all ingredients and wrap with aluminum foil.
  2. Put onion leek into the water and set for boiling.
  3. Steam Palos for about 30-40 minutes.
  4. When cooked, arrange the steamed Palos on a platter with the toppings.
  5. Serve hot.

Uniquely Sampaloc

The “Parada ng Bayan”- a buri-inspired costume parade was participated by the different sectors of the community like NGOs, the private sector, puroks, barangay, and municipal government officials and employees.

The strong camaraderie was felt as the whole town took time to participate and support the costume parade. It was amazing to see how young women and men were dressed in different creative and distinctively classy costumes made from colorful buri. It was as if these costumes were tailored and styled by professional designers — knowing these were handcrafted by the “Sampalukins”!

The Bulihan Festival provides jobs to residents and promotes tourism in the municipality.

Beautiful sceneries

Some of Sampaloc’s beautiful sceneries are the Malaoag Cave and Underground River, the Hangga Falls, and the Kakati River. During our stay, we were fortunate to explore Hangga Falls, a hidden gem located in the boundary of the towns of Sampaloc and Lucban. An approximate one to two hours of trekking was needed to reach the destination, and was worth the exhaustion upon seeing the invigorating waterfalls!

Feeling invigorated at Hangga Falls after a two-hour trek.
With friends from Sampaloc

Discover Sampaloc and know more about its culture, people, and captivating attractions!

#SampalocQuezon #throwbacktravel #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Beko Marks 3rd Anniversary In The Philippines With Trade Launch

In celebration of its third year of operations, Beko announces its goal of being the number one European brand in the Philippine market in the next five years.

 

Beko Philippines is entering a new phase of business in its journey to bring the European brand to a sustainable lifestyle for Filipino customers. In celebration of its third year of operations, Beko announces its goal of being the number one European brand in the Philippine market in the next five years.

“We are very happy to be holding this trade launch for our dealers and stakeholders as we share that Beko will be a bigger and better brand in the Philippines in 2023 and beyond,” said Gürhan Günal, Beko’s country director in the Philippines, who also presented the company’s business development plans of EXPAND, GROW, LEAD, CONNECTIVITY and SUSTAINABILITY for the Philippines along with the brand’s hero technologies at the anniversary trade launch at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila.

This is the heart and reason why this year, Beko will be made available soon in other appliance stores nationwide as it continues to “expand” its distribution to other retail channels.

To further “grow” brand awareness and visibility they also announced the renewal of their brand ambassadorship with Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo alongside digital and traditional media investments.

As one of the “leading” manufacturers of home appliances, Beko promotes the Live Like a Pro lifestyle and inspires Filipinos to experience a more convenient way of living through European-style product lines. They stated that Beko Pilipinas Corporation is the exclusive distributor of Hitachi’s Major Domestic Appliances as part of their brand portfolio.

Beko appliances are smart, relevant, and designed to support Filipino families easily. With the HomeWhiz function, you can easily “connect” to your Beko appliances with the use of your smartphones.

As part of Beko’s global sustainability effort, Beko Philippines announces its partnership with Plastic Credit Exchange, which serves a global ecosystem of carefully vetted partners that recover, process, and recycle plastic waste with programs that improve livelihood, scale up social impact, and reduce the flow of plastic pollution into nature.

The partnership is in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility Law, which holds companies responsible for the plastic packaging they use throughout the lifecycle of their products.

Trade launch showcasing hero technologies

The appliance brand recently held a grand trade launch for its dealers at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom with the theme “Empowered to Live Like A Pro.”

Beko Philippines showcased its hero technologies, such as HarvestFresh, ProSmart Inverter Technology, Steam Cure, Hygiene+,  AeroPerfect TM, and many others. These technologies help you live like a pro.

Among the products displayed that day were cookers, refrigerators, one of the appliances which Beko is famous for. The GNO480E40HFGBPH is a 16.6cf inverter multi-door refrigerator with Neofrost Triple Cooling Technology, HarvestFresh, and Prosmart Inverter Compressor, in a sleek black glass door finish.  Also featured is the Hitachi Refrigerator R-WB640VG0-1 GBK with Vacuum Technology with Platinum Catalyst, Inverter X Dual-fan Cooling with Eco-thermo sensor.

Other appliances include the CEG7302B, a bean-to-cup espresso machine, and the BSEOG180/181 2Hp air-conditioner with Go Clean Technology, MicroClean TM Filter, Gold Guard, ZoneFollow, 4D Auto Swing, and HomeWhiz.

Gurhan Gunal, Country Manager of Beko Philippines.

Beko appliances are available at 1st Megasaver, Abenson, All Home, Anson’s, Appliance Centrum, Asian Home Appliance, Automatic Centre, BHF, Echo Electrical, Fair N Square, Gloria Bazaar, Great World, Hat, J Marketing, Lazada, Magic Appliance, Manhattan Appliance, Mike’s Department Store, NB Marketing, Pricewise, RS David, Our Builders, Robinsons Appliance, Savers, Shopee, SM Appliance, Solidmark, SVC & Plusign, United Motoliance, and Western Appliance.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, go to http://beko.ph or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bekoph and their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/bekoph/.

 

Featured photo:

Beko Executives (L-R – Rolixus Kho Yute, Product Certification Specialist of Beko Philippines, Rebecca Aguilar, Product Marketing Senior Specialist of Beko Philippines, Ghie Papa, Brand Marketing Communications Specialist of Beko Philippines, Gurhan Gunal, Country Manager of Philippines, Nattinee Techanungnirun, Beko APAC Marketing Director, Panninuch Suwanaroek, Beko APAC Senior Lead Marketing Communications, Dyeun Zapanta, Marketing Head of Beko Philippines)

 

#BekoPhilippines #EmpoweredToLiveLikeAPro #BekoPH #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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How to celebrate Mother’s Day by treating yourself well amidst COVID and hot weather

It’s the time of the year again when we celebrate and honor the special women of our lives.

However, 2023 may yet, prove to be challenging in terms of observing this occasion here in the Philippines. The reason? An unexpected case of double whammy that can lead to developing, or worsening a long-term illness: Diabetes.

Heat Index and Diabetes

 According to medical experts, high temperatures and humidity can cause dehydration and affect insulin sensitivity, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

 COVID-19 and Diabetes

 Several studies have suggested a link between COVID-19 and the development of diabetes. According to research published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, COVID-19 can cause acute insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Diabetes and Mother’s Day

 Diabetes can have a significant impact on women’s health, from pregnancy and cardiovascular disease to sexual and reproductive health and mental health. Therefore, as a means to honor our mothers, we want every woman to have the proper know-how to prevent or worsen diabetic conditions.

Make the Most, Treat Yourself Well

 This Mother’s Day, show your appreciation to the moms in your life and share information that greatly reduces the risk of diabetes even if exposed to conditions like extreme heat, and COVID-19. Here are four wellness tips to make the most of the occasion as we take our mothers on a journey to #TreatYourselfWell:

l Start Well

 Check your overall health if you are prone to or already developing symptoms of diabetes. Start by knowing if you are at risk by simply taking the DiabeTest.

l Move Well

 Physical Exercise and fitness help improve overall health. For diabetics, added value includes lowering blood glucose levels, boosting the body’s sensitivity to insulin, and countering insulin resistance.

l Eat Well

Boosting your immune system with much-needed nutrition is key to preventing diabetes and resisting Covid-19. Follow a healthy diet to greatly reduce the risk.

l Think Well

 Be mindful and maintain healthy habits. Look for ways to supplement your lifestyle with safe and trusted nutrition interventions that will help you #TreatYourselfWell.

Nutritional supplements like Diabetasol can deliver key benefits that will not only help you keep your blood sugar levels stable but also help reinforce your immune system. This brand of nutrition powder is complete with calcium, fiber, 11 vitamins, and 6 minerals. It comes in three delicious flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and cappuccino; and it is ideal for diabetics and a great choice for those who want to prevent diabetes risks.

For more information on how you can #TreatYourselfWell, follow Diabetasol  Nutrition Philippines on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/DiabetasolNutritionPhils

 

#MothersDay2023 #Diabetasol #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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AC Health Unveils Healthway Medical Network

Ceremonial signage lighting at Healthway QualiMed Santa Rosa is the first in a series of events celebrating the launch of the new Healthway Medical Network (HMN).

 

 Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) launches Healthway Medical Network (HMN), marking the integration of all its hospitals and clinics under the Healthway brand. With the promise to deliver “Care Beyond Cure,” Healthway Medical Network aims to create a comprehensive patient journey across all its touchpoints, focusing on holistic and patient-centric healthcare.

The new identity of AC Health’s hospitals and clinics group was announced last May 8 at the ceremonial signage lighting of Healthway QualiMed Sta. Rosa. The momentous occasion was attended by key executives from Ayala Corporation, AC Health, and HMN, as well as local government officials, representatives from various sectors of the community, and existing patrons of QualiMed Sta. Rosa.

From L-R: Moderator Dr. Isabel Nabor-Umali, Patient-Caregiver Mrs. Tess Valero, Patient Representative Mr. Sebastian Schaffer, Obstetrician Dr. Rani Cadiz of Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa, Women’s Health Center, and Chief Public Health Officer and Chief Operations Officer of Healthway QualiMed Manila Dr. Ma. Carissa Alejandro.

 

“At Healthway, we believe that care beyond cure is not simply an empty slogan, but a guiding principle,” said Jimmy Ysmael, President and CEO of Healthway Medical Network. “We understand that our patients are more than just a set of symptoms or a medical condition. They are people with unique stories, experiences, and emotions. Through the integration of our clinics and hospitals, we will strive to provide the highest quality of care, focusing on treating the whole person, not just the illness.”

During the event’s round table discussion, AC Health Chief Public Health Officer and QualiMed Manila Chief Operating Officer Dr. Rizzy Alejandro shared how Healthway plans to deliver on its brand promise through its “Connected Care Circles.”

“We want to provide holistic care to our patients, and this is where Connected Care Circles come in,” explained Dr. Alejandro. “Our goal is to provide seamless care from one point to another, regardless of where the patient is in their healthcare journey.” “Connected Care Circles” is Healthway’s innovative healthcare approach to providing patient-centric end-to-end care.

From L-R: Ayala Corporation Board of Director Mr. Eric Francia, AC Health President, and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Paolo Borromeo, Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas, Ayala Corporation Adviser to the Board, Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Laguna Municipal Health Officer Dr. Odie Inoncillo, Healthway Philippines Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jaime Ysmael, and QualiMed Health Network Group Chief Operations Officer, Ms.Margaret Bengzon.

 

Aside from HMN, AC Health’s subsidiaries include Generika Drugstore, IE Medica and MedEthix, and KonsultaMD in partnership with Globe’s 917 Ventures.

The brand launch signifies an exciting chapter of growth and progress for the Healthway Medical Network. Borromeo shared that HMN is also integrating its processes, including procurement and other shared services, and its IT platform, with the launch of a unified EMR and clinical information system later this year. HMN plans to further expand its footprint in clinics and hospitals.

In 2022, the network successfully inaugurated 3 new multispecialty centers. This year, HMN plans to open 3 additional clinics in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, expanding its network to a total of 15 outpatient centers. The long-awaited Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the first of its kind in the country, is also set to open in September 2023.

Present at the event was Ayala Corporation’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who reaffirmed the group’s commitment to continue investing in healthcare. “The integration and launch of the Healthway Medical Network and its promise to deliver care beyond cure exemplifies Ayala’s relentless pursuit of excellence in its unwavering commitment to nation-building,” said Zobel. “At Ayala, we believe that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare and we are committed to helping make this a reality.”

The launch of the Healthway Medical Network marks a significant milestone for AC Health in its mission to improve healthcare for all Filipinos. With its human-centered approach, innovative healthcare solutions, and integration of clinics and hospitals backed by the entire AC Health ecosystem, Healthway Medical Network is well-positioned to deliver holistic and high-quality care to patients across the country.

 

For information on AC Health, you may contact Monica Rivera at rivera.mtl@achealth.com.ph

For more information on Healthway Medical Network, you may contact HMN’s integrated contact center at (02) 7751 4929 or (0917) 629 6584, or through e-mail at care@healthway.com.ph.

 

#ACHealth #HealthwayMedicalNetwork #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Celebrate a Decade of Joy at Holiday Inn and Suites Makati

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati celebrates A Decade of Joy, a milestone celebration as it turns ten this year. Take part in this journey as they offer exciting promos just for you!

Celebrate with Holiday Inn and Suites Makati and enjoy a staycation with family and friends and delectable cuisines from Flavors Restaurant. Stay at Holiday Inn and Suites Makati and get to enjoy a buffet breakfast for two (2) at Php 10. This is available during the weekends until June 30, 2023. The rate is good for 2 adults and 2 children where kids stay and eat free! This is bookable through the website when you Book Early and Save or you may call directly at the hotel.

Enjoy more time as you plan your staycation and indulge in a shopcation spree as Holiday Inn and Suites Makati is giving a Lifestyle Passport to all check-in guests where you can enjoy special discounts from various merchant partners at Glorietta Mall. Guests have more options for an enjoyable and relaxing staycation with its direct access to Glorietta Mall.

If you want to start the week right, this is the chance for you to enjoy a Happy Monday as Holiday Inn and Suites Makati is offering all guests and visitors a 50% discount on lunch or dinner buffet at Flavors Restaurant on all Mondays until May 30, 2023. Get big savings from Php2,300 nett to Php1,150 nett per person.

Savor the mouthwatering cuisines since 2013 as you indulge in Flavors Best of 10 – the top favorites that guests have loved through the years. Enjoy these ala carte dishes of Kare-Kare, Chicken Biryani, Pink Salmon Fillet, and Country-style Fried Chicken to name a few, and enjoy a bottomless iced tea for every order. This is available daily until June 30, 2023, at Flavors Restaurant.

If you are celebrating with your family and friends, this is a good time to treat them to a buffet. Avail of the 5 + 1 buffet treat for those celebrating birthdays from April until June 30, 2023, or for those graduating students, as they dine for free for every five (5) full-paying adults. So come now and celebrate your special occasion at Flavors Restaurant.

Jehan J. Balbanero (center), Holiday Inn & Suites Director of Marketing Communications with media guests from The Manila Times, BusinessMirror, and Ruby’s Precious Moments during the 10th anniversary celebration recently.

 

It gets even better as Holiday Inn and Suites Makati offers a 40% discount on Lunch and Dinner Buffet until December 30, 2023, once you enroll at IHG One Rewards. Not yet a member? Join the IHG One Rewards at https://bit.ly/IHGRewards®2023. So now is a good time to avail of all these offers and treats as Holiday Inn and Suites Makati turns ten!

For bookings and reservations, please call +63 2 79090888 or email hism.reservations@ihg.com. To know more about the promos and offerings, visit www.ihg.com/holidayinn/makati. Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at HolidayInnMakati.

 

#HolidayInnMakati #10thanniversary #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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The Philippines welcomes Vanessa Hudgens as its newest Global Tourism Ambassador

The title recognizes the Hollywood actress’ “contributions to help promote the Philippines as one of the world’s best tourism destinations.”

The Philippines offers numerous picturesque places perfect for any traveler looking for a thrilling and enjoyable getaway. For the same reason that Vanessa Hudgens believes the Philippines is a paradise waiting to be discovered. As the new tourism ambassador for the Philippines, the Filipino-American actress hopes to showcase the country’s rich heritage by retracing her Filipino roots.

On March 30, 2022, Vanessa had been appointed as the Global Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines, and she was thrilled about the opportunity.

“It’s a little bit of everything. It’s got paradise. It’s got [a] metropolitan city. It’s got kindness,” she enthusiastically expressed. “Everybody is so warm, so friendly. The people here are unique. Everyone is just so warm. I haven’t met anyone who seems like they’re not having a bad day. The hospitality is unmatched. It got wonder, and it’s just a magical place.”

The title was given by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a conferment ceremony at the Malacañang Palace. The title recognizes the Hollywood actress’ “contributions to help promote the Philippines as one of the world’s best tourism destinations.”

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), “The initiative is a branding campaign and marketing strategy aimed at attracting international tourists as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Arts (OPACC) and the DOT (Department of Tourism) set their sights on creating opportunities to aggressively push for the resurgence of the Philippines as a travel destination.”

The High School Musical star has started working with director Paul Soriano on a travel documentary. In partnership with the tourism department, the documentary will highlight the actress’ reconnection with her Filipino roots while promoting the country’s tourist spots. The film will also feature her relationship with her Filipino mother, Gina Guangco, and sister Stella.

Gina was born in Manila, Philippines, and left when she was 25 years old, making Vanessa half-Filipino. She has always been proud of her Filipino heritage and has been talking about it in various interviews. She even shared her desire to showcase her Filipino identity in an interview with Glamour UK in 2021.

“My mom is from the Philippines, and growing up, there weren’t many women who looked like me and my mom and my family onscreen. It’s important to share all the different stories because America is a massive melting pot, [just like the] world.”

While the 34-year-old Broadway beauty admits this was the first time she had the chance to visit the country, she made it worthwhile by visiting the crystal clear lagoons of El Nido, Palawan. Aside from her plans of visiting the beautiful beaches and historical landmarks in the country, she also would like to immerse herself in Filipino culture. She particularly wants to meet with local tribal communities.

Photo credits to PEP.ph

“I’m going to hang out with tribes, there’s so much to do,” she stated. “I haven’t even gone shopping!”

As she entered her mid-30s, her plans involved finding her roots and rediscovering herself, hence the trip to the Philippines. “I’m thinking about raising a family, and I wanna be able to know my heritage so that I can bring that forth and so that my kids can know their background, they can know more about their own blood.”

Meanwhile, Vanessa faced backlash on social media as many netizens deemed her unworthy of the title. Nevertheless, the actress opened up about how she struggled to find her place in Hollywood as a Fil-Am.

Even though the industry is slowly diversifying, there is still a lack of international representation, especially among the Filipino tribes. Thus, she looks forward to more opportunities to work and stay in the country to fulfill her goal of learning about the Philippines and discovering her Filipino identity.

“I already can’t wait to come back. I feel like the time that I have spent here has been so incredible and so special, but I need more time. The country is so big and has so much to offer,” she said.

 

Contributed by Princess Friel Lontoc

 

Featured photo credits to GMA News

#VanessaHudgens #PHGlobalTourismAmbassador #Philippines #DOT #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Canadian Embassy ties with FinTech Alliance.PH to elevate Filipino FinTech in global scene

FinTech Alliance. ph, the Philippines’ premier digital trade organization, which is composed of startups and unicorns that account for over 90% of digital-initiated transactions volume in the country, has teamed up with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines to showcase the Filipino fintech talent at upcoming global events including AsiaTech x Singapore (ATxSG) and Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) happening in Singapore, and Collision 2023 that will take place in Toronto, Canada.

This collaboration aims to promote excellence, ingenuity, and diligence of the Filipino FinTech players on the world stage by connecting them with global partners for cross-border digital technologies and services, including e-commerce payments and remittances for expertise building, knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and investment stimulation. The Embassy of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service in the Philippines will be facilitating business-to-business meetings between Filipino FinTech players and Canadian companies exhibiting at these events.

“This collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to leverage our collective strengths and expertise as Filipino FinTech players, and bring innovative financial solutions to the global stage. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem for FinTech innovation, and contribute to the sustainable economic development of the Philippines,” said Lito Villanueva, Founding Chairman, Fintech Alliance. ph.

“The Canadian FinTech ecosystem is highly competitive and is home to over 850 companies and several financial hubs, the largest being Toronto. This collaboration would open opportunities for Canadian FinTech players to connect and do business with key partners in the fast-growing economy of the Philippines, as well as foster and sustain a successful FinTech innovation ecosystem,” said Guy Boileau, Senior Trade Commissioner of the Embassy of Canada.

AsiaTech x Singapore is the gateway to the world’s fastest-growing digital economy and leading platform where the international tech and enterprise communities congregate for conversations and networking that set the agenda for key tech trends, governance, and innovation impacting businesses and society in the region. This year’s conference will happen in Singapore.

The Singapore Fintech Festival brings together the global FinTech community to engage, connect, and collaborate on issues relating to the development of financial services, public policy, and technology. As the world’s largest FinTech festival, last year’s edition brought together over 62,000 participants from 115 countries. SFF is organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Elevandi, and Constellar and in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore.

Collision 2023, North America’s fastest-growing tech conference dubbed as the “Olympics of Tech,” will feature sessions that gather tech experts, cultural icons, and global policymakers, as well as interactive Q&As, masterclasses, roundtables, and speaker experiences.

 

#FinTechAlliancePH #CanadianEmbassy #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Galerie du Soleil MNL launches back-to-back fundraising exhibition

Since opening its doors on December 8, 2022, Galerie du Soleil MNL, an emerging art and culture hub in the heart of Taguig, now launches its third exhibit, two back-to-back group shows titled “Ama” – a Lenten offering and “Straight from the Heart” running from March 28 until April 23, 2023.

“Ama” was conceptualized by artists Danny Rayos del Sol, Agi Pagkatipunan, and Jik Villanueva as an annual Lenten exhibition, an offering, and sacrifice, an invitation to reflect and contemplate how the divine relates to humankind, manifesting in fatherhood and its many faces.

The show’s first run highlights nine artists, also fathers and whose works centered on spirituality and faith. Each artwork expresses their Christian faith and life and how it grounds their approaches toward and understanding of fatherhood.

Villanueva shares that the team would like “Ama” to evolve into a mobile exhibit that can be mounted anywhere, all while consistently highlighting works centered on Christian faith. Each edition aims to devote its proceeds to a chosen beneficiary each year.

Such bayanihan continues in “Straight from the Heart,” whose proceeds will also go to Ama’s beneficiary, Ino Pagkatipunan, Agi Pagkatipunan’s son in need of medical assistance.

Both established and emerging artists donated their artworks to the show. Galleries like Artes Orientes and Artologist also sent artworks to aid the cause.

Participating artists include Ramon Orlina, Kublai Millan, Ram Mallari, Ombok Villamor, Marge Organo, Melissa Yeung Yap, Richard Buxani, Jeff Dahilan, Wencyl Mallari, Meroy Castrillo, Elias Pernecita, among others.

Given such a variety of works, collectors and visitors may purchase artwork for as low as Php 4,000.00. Many participating artists did not know Agi personally but still decided to help.

Overwhelmed and grateful for such generosity, Rayos del Sol can’t help but recall a particular bible verse, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, quoting: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Left to right: Danny Rayos del Sol, Tess Rayos del Sol, Agi Pagkatipunan, and Jik Villanueva

Galerie du Soleil MNL also doubles as a museum, housing the permanent collection of the Rayos del Sol family. It aims to be a destination that highlights the creative scene in Taguig spotlighting visual art, music, dance, spoken word, creative writing, and more art forms, all helmed by Taguig artists but also welcoming creatives beyond the city borders.

Rayos del Sol, a former officer in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), reveals that “preservation, promotion, enriching and developing arts and culture was always my advocacy.” It’s not so much giving back as it is “paying forward, as we need to support living artists in their profession.”

Exhibition opening with special guests

Today, he continues this mission in his capacity as a private individual, working hand in hand with the Taguig City government as a partner through its Think Big Taguig and I Love Taguig programs.

For updates, follow Galerie du Soleil MNL on Facebook. For inquiries, message Tess Rayos del Sol at 0919 991 8765 via SMS or Viber.

 

#GalerieduSoleil #Ama #StraightfromtheHeart #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Tia Belle’s in Silang offers traditional vegetable and fish dishes this Lenten Season

As the bastion of Christianity in Asia, the Holy Week or Semana Santa has been a sacred occasion for the Filipinos, with ancient traditions still taking hold up to this day. The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation with the nationwide observance of the Lenten Season. The Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, with the Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday declared statutory holidays.

Filipinos are known for honoring traditions during Holy Week. True to its Catholic roots, each Filipino family has their own customs when it comes to the Lenten Season. Filipino families conduct the Pabasa or Pasyon and join festivals and processions.

One of the long-standing traditions is fasting or abstinence, observed during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday to honor Jesus’ death and His resurrection. Filipinos usually refrain eating various kinds of meat, sticking to vegetables and seafood-based dishes. This tradition also seeks to cleanse the soul and regenerate one’s spiritual health.

The Holy Week has always been a time for faith, family, and love – values which the Tia Belle’s in Silang resonate with – values that bind their love for the country and faith in God as infused in their famous roster of homemade Filipino dishes.

Tia Belle’s in Silang offers a wide variety of traditional vegetable and fish dishes that still stimulates one’s palate and leaves them satisfied with their meal. This Filipino-style restaurant makes it a point to honor the country’s values and traditions and prepare dishes to suit large families, Catholics, and non-Catholics alike!

Start with their seafood meals, their relyenong bangus, one of Tia Belle’s signature dishes. With its crunchy and tasty texture, this dish is cooked with vegetables and organic ingredients, free from processed food, and served with homemade atsara. It will surely satisfy your cravings!

Another fan favorite is the pinasingawang pompano sa dahon ng saging, a delectable Filipino dish highlighting the highly sought-after Pompano. This steamed dish is carefully wrapped in a banana leaf before being steamed, giving it a juicy and sumptuous smell that makes the food’s various flavors dance with one another, a must-try this Lenten Season!

Moreover, coconut milk enthusiasts may try Tia Belle’s special laing, made from fresh gabi and other root crops, topped with crushed chicharon and siling haba. This dish will surely tickle your taste buds! Another best seller is their special lumpiang bukid, a mix of root crops wrapped in a malunggay-based wrapper garnished with sesame seed sauce.

 

Tia Belle’s also caters to bulk orders, perfect for large families holding reunions or get-togethers during the season. Among these are the spicy seafood cajun and ginataang tilapia, Filipino seafood favorites that can cater to 20 up to 100 people.

For dessert lovers, they also serve Filipino-style halo-halo, their special inangit suman, and their signature dessert, Tia Belle’s famous pichi pichi, best paired with their special hot cacao!

The Holy Week observance is meaningful with food that respects and honors Filipino traditions, the same core values that Tia Belle’s stands for. With its superb hospitality and service, Tia Belle’s is the place to go during Lent for food and quality time with your family!

 

#TiaBellesSilang #filipinodishes #HolyWeek2023 #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Musical Theatre Review: ‘The Sound of Music’ brings its magic back on stage in the PH

Like all great musicals, The Sound of Music has exuded a certain magic that makes it special — you can credit the amazing direction, the beautiful milieu, the incredible music, and the story itself. It became so successful due to the amount of love present in it: the love of music, of freedom, of family, and the love between a man and a woman (which – as Reverend Mother wisely reminds us – is holy, too).

Having watched the film repeatedly on the small screen, it was an experience to witness it inside a sophisticated theater in Circuit Makati, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. The venue was a good choice for Broadway Asia and GMG Productions to stage this worth-watching Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s masterpiece, which had its last staging in 2020 at The Theatre at Solaire.

The Sound of Music, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp set in Austria, follows an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. However, the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, and Maria and the von Trapp family must make a moral decision.

The recent international tour was worth the visit. The stellar cast included Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria and Trevor Martin as Captain Georg von Trapp, who are both talented and shared their emotions with the audience often. They make the perfect team and possess the very best diction I have heard on a professional stage in a long time.

Trevor Martin was an emotional powerhouse as he did an excellent job portraying the stern, complex, but loving Captain von Trapp. Jill-Christine Wiley’s rendition of Maria felt young and lovely. She sang with clarity the title song “The Sound of Music” and other popular tunes, such as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “The Lonely Goatherd.”

I found the moment touching when the Captain turned over his whistle to Maria when he realized he no longer treats his children and household like a naval battleship. Wiley played her role with justice in her opening scenes and became a loving governess during the story.

This production was star-studded, including the talented Filipino singer-actress Karylle Tatlonghari as Baroness Elsa Schraeder. She portrayed her  character with natural elegance, convincing sophistication, and maturity.

Cassi Mikat, who played Mother Abbess, astoundingly delivered “Climb Every Mountain” with passion and made it one of the best hair-raising moments of the show.

Markki Stroem, on the other hand, who portrayed the telegram delivery boy, Rolf Gruber, did captivate the audience with his charms and well-built connection to Lauren O’Brien as Liesl. His rendition of the show tune “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was enjoyable to watch and listen to. A little bit cheeky to describe, Joshua La Force made Max Detweiler a compelling character with that hilarious personality, obviously distinguished in his performance of “How Love Can Survive” with Tatlonghari. The Von Trapp kids, however, were undeniably witty and quirky and became the center of attention for the scenes they were in.

It was a compelling moment when the large Nazi flags dropped from the ceiling and were used as the backdrop of the Festival concert. There’s nothing more symbolic than seeing a proud Austrian, Captain Von Trapp, sings “Edelweiss” (Austria’s national flower – used as an image of symbolism and loyalty to his country) before he bids farewell to his homeland and runs away with his family to the mountains, instead of reporting to Bremerhaven to assume command in the Army of the Third Reich. This scene is a chilling moment. It was also fascinating at the end of the production, with the Von Trapp children, as they escaped the Nazis after the Anschluss. They were taking a long and arduous journey to reach safety. As the family ascended into the hills of the mountains, my breath was taken away (Finale Ultimo).

The mise-en-scene of the show was extravagant with its minimalist set design and lovely lighting. My favorite set design was the last part of the show when the nuns opened the gate where the Von Trapp family escaped — it was realistic and aesthetic!

The musical appeared different from the film in which Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer starred. “My Favorite Things” was sung in the abbey by Maria and Mother Abbess. In place of that song in the thunderstorm scene, Maria and the kids sang “The Lonely Goatherd” instead. “Edelweiss” was only sung once by the Captain at the concert. Uncle Max and Baroness Schraeder also performed two songs. Not like in the film, they were singing characters, too.

This musical was a perfect show from start to finish and imparted a good lesson to kids and adults alike —  a feeling of an incredible sense of joy and love.

Contributed by Rayne Jarabo

 #TheSoundofMusic #review #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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A Special Wednesday: Oh Crop! Adlai Rice dominating Manila’s restaurants

OhCrop! Brand adlai hosted its first “OhCropWednesday” event at Marvin Agustin’s Cochi Bistro at the Bonifacio Global City last March 8, 2023.

The intimate event feted influencers, celebrity chefs, and close friends alike with a custom menu featuring the Philippines’ healthy, indigenous grain.

From left to right: Redge Tolentino, Kit Robles, Mags Fetalino, Marvin Agustin, Rose Tolentino, Chari Mendoza and Mark Justin Antonio.

Adlai’s taste-full potential was unleashed in several courses.

Among these were Fat Seed’s Chef Bryant Dee’s creamy Saffron Seafood Risotto – a paella-style dish with clams, shrimp and squid, and saffron and other spices.

Another crowd-favorite was Burrow and Lula Cafe’s Chef Dani’s Salmon Truffle Adlai – a light main featuring the flavors of fresh basil, cherry tomatoes in balsamic vinegar, and truffle essence.

Chef Marvin Agustin’s signature hearty Cochinillo was the supper’s mainstay.

It was accompanied by his Korean Uni Adlai (a Korean-inspired, pilaf-textured fried adlai rice sautéed to perfection with Kimchi, topped with sriracha-mayo, sprinkled with Nori flakes and fresh Uni), and Shiitake Mushroom Adlai (fried in garlic, onion leeks, Shiitake and oyster mushrooms flambeed with Shao Xing wine seasoned with special spices, drizzled with sesame oil, and garnished with chopped leeks).

Korean Uni Adlai & Shitake Mushroom Adlai

The ever-endearing Chef Wado of Wadoughs Cake Studio ended the events with nostalgia. His Adlai Champorado upgrades a Filipino staple into a refined classic, fusing melted coconut and evaporated milk with 100% Davao tablea, before being dusted with muscovado sugar and topped with crunchy cacao nibs.

Adlai Champorado

Between dishes, diners were also regaled with OhCrop! adlai cooking experiences by the chosen chefs, personal anecdotes by mother/influencer Kit Bernardino-Robles (@HappyHome.Mom), and the sustainable and ethical sourcing of OhCrop! Adlai by its CFO, Magellan Fetalino

Slated as a monthly event meant to increase awareness for adlai as a healthy, local, and tasteful alternative to similar grains like quinoa, amaranth, and basmati, “OhCrop! Wednesday” is shaping up to be a fun gathering of like-minded fine diners who don’t always have to take themselves too seriously – much like the OhCrop! brand.

#OhCrop #adlai #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Diamond Star Maricel Soriano is a Tough Mama

Maricel Soriano reflects on her life as a single mom and concludes Kaya ko pala. Success to her is being able to live life her own way. But the most important thing, she said, was learning to love herself.

 

In real life, versatile dramatic actress Maricel Soriano is much like the frank and straight-talking Mary you see on TV, although much toned down and not really as combative as her past TV role in Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis (TV series 1999 – 2000). The bigger difference is that at home, she is both dad and mom to two children – Marron and Sebastien.

Her “heavy drama days” marred by three failed romances seem to have passed. She smiles easily. She is quite happy at the moment!

All the emotional hurts have healed over time, she said. Success to her is being able to live life her own way. She became a bit misty-eyed when she talked about how she was being a mom and how she loved her children. But the most important thing, she said, was learning to love herself.

Having spent half of her life in show business, Maricel has metamorphosed into a fine actress. From her Underage days (with Snooky Serna and Dina Bonnevie), John en Marsha, Kaluskos Musmos, Maricel Drama Special, and other equally memorable TV shows and movies, Maricel has earned the tag “Diamond Star.” To closer friends and associates, however, she is “Inay.”

Her wish? “A more glorious movie industry and for a long-lasting showbiz career.  For myself, I just hope that my career will go on for a long time,” she says. “While I’m in the business, I’ll make the most of the present moment and the opportunities it lends.”

She’s now in her 49th year in show business.

How are you coping as a single parent?

So far, I’m getting used to it. It’s both fulfilling and challenging because I didn’t imagine that I’ll be able to do it. Of course, it would have been different if my family were intact.

Did becoming a single parent change your personality?

Hindi pa rin, ganoon pa rin ako (laughs). Yeah in a way. Pagdating sa paggastos hindi ko na naiisip minsan ang sarili ko. Ang naiisip ko, I want to buy these things for my children. ‘Pag naging magulang ka ganoon pala.

What’s a regular day like for Maricel?

When I have no work, I just stay at home. I’m the type of person who doesn’t really like going out. I’m a very homebody person. Occasionally,  if I’m invited by my close friends. (Among her showbiz close friends are Roderick Paulate, Michael de Mesa, among others).

I seldom take a rest. Perhaps that’s how much I love my job. Alam ko kasi kung paano akong mahalin ng trabaho ko. It’s like give and take, bigyan mo ito ng importansya at ganoon din ang gagawin sa iyo. I always give my 100 percent to everything that I do.

How come you’re called “Inay”?

It started when I was doing Maricel Drama Special. So everybody was calling me Inay, instead of calling me ma’am or boss. Hello! Parang feeling ko teacher ba ako. For me, I like it when I’m being called Inay.

It seems you’re so close to gay people . . .

Because they make me laugh (‘cause it’s hard to make me laugh). They make me feel very comfortable. And I’m myself when I’m with them.  Iba ‘yong feeling ko kapag nandiyan sila. Ang treatment kasi nila parang nandoon ‘yong respect. They follow my advice and come back and tell me “Inay your advise is so effective.” So I feel so good. It’s quite ironic because, at one point, these people were misinterpreted by society. Tao rin sila. They know how to care and love. It’s just that some straight people don’t want to understand them.

What do you think is your biggest achievement as an actress?

My entire career. I always say this, “Ang pangalan ko, o kung sino man ako ngayon, ay hindi ko pinukpuk sa utak ng bawat mamamayan. Pinaghirapan ko eto pawis at dugo, kung baga. Kung anuman ang na-enjoy ko o iniiyak ko ngayon, it’s a package deal thing.

How about your biggest achievement as a person in general?

My greatest achievement is my children.

What else do you aspire for?

For more money, yes. Of course, all of us have a purpose in life. When you work, you should love your work because you’ll get paid for it. It makes you a whole person.

What do you feel most grateful for?

They come in a package. Kasi hindi lang isang aspeto ako dapat matuwa. Hindi naman tayo mabubuo kung kapiraso lang ang pinag-uusapan natin. Parang rosary ‘yan hindi mo matatapos na nilalaktawan mo ang isang mystery. Kung baga lahat ng nangyari sa buhay ko, pangit, maganda or mabaho, lahat pinagpapasalamat ko. Dahil kundi lahat ng ito, I don’t think I’ll be a better person.

And what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life?

I have to love myself! (she didn’t elaborate).

How would you like to be remembered?

I want to be remembered for being unique  — the real Marya.

 

(Based on the interview published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author.)

#DiamondStar #MaricelSoriano #veteranactress #icon #longevity #showbiz #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph #throwbackseries

 

Featured photo courtesy of  Maricel Soriano (The Official Fan page)

 

 

 

 

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Artifract showcased the newest NFT collection of Sanso, Alcuaz, and Imao in a private auction

Artifract, the very first Fine Arts NFT Company in Southeast Asia, showcased the newest NFT collection of Juvenal Sansó, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Abdulmari Asia Imao last February 9, 2023, held at the Unionbank Plaza, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.

Being the forerunner in fine arts NFT, Artifract allows art collectors to own a piece of archival and historical fine art pieces, while carefully hand-holding art estates, museums, and private collections into a secure, blockchain-based, and worry-free future.

The event hosted a private auction and was participated by some of the country’s influential millennial entrepreneurs.  It has sold out, selling off the premium NFT tiles of Juvenal Sansó’s Euphoric Abundance, Abdulmari Asia Imao’s Sarimanok Series, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s Manila Bay Sunset to various art collectors.

During the auction proper, Mr. Jack Teotico, Chairman and Managing Director of Galerie Joaquin Group, expressed his support and gratitude to Artifract, and gave an insightful story behind the masterpiece of Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s Manila Bay Sunset.

“It has been a great honor for us to be partnered with Artifract since our first project, featuring the NFT collections of Juvenal Sansò,” Mr. Jack Teotico said in his speech.

“What makes Manila Bay Sunset interesting is that it’s one of the very few paintings of Manila Bay that is in Red. Federico Aguilar Alcuaz was able to capture the intensity, the romance, and the passion of the Manila Bay Sunset,” he added.

It was then followed by a heartwarming speech done by Mr. Diego Gabriel I. Imao, who is currently an Architectural Designer for Physical and Virtual Spaces, and the grandson of the country’s first Muslim National Artist for Visual Arts, Abdulmari Asia Imao, to voice his gratitude to the Artifract team, and gave an inspiring story behind the Sarimanok Series masterpiece of his grandfather.

Mr. Ricky Francisco, Director of Fundacion Sansò, a non-profit organization that exhibits the works of globally famous painter Juvenal Sanso, also shared an inspiring story behind the Euphoric Abundance masterpiece by Juvenal Sansò. His insights made it more interesting for the auctioneers to win the premium tiles of Sansò’s NFT art piece.

Indeed, the event last February 9 was a success as it received a warm welcome from several art collectors, influential entrepreneurs, and estate partners, learning the future of modern-day art collecting brought by Artifract.

Recently, at Art Fair Philippines, Artifract, in partnership with Globe Platinum, featured the Sarimanok Series masterpiece by Abdulmari Asia Imao, the country’s First Muslim National Artist for Visual Arts.

 

#Artifract #NFTs #Sanso #Alcuaz #Imao #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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The Perfect Pair for Coffee Lovers

Introducing the newest addition to the already impressive lineup of Tiger Sugar Philippines – the Tiger Sugar Coffee variants. If you are a coffee lover, you are in for a treat!

Tiger Sugar has always been known for its top-notch milk teas that come in a variety of flavors, from classic to fruit-infused ones. Now, they are expanding their menu to cater to the coffee enthusiasts out there. With four exciting flavors to choose from, you can indulge in your coffee cravings anytime, anywhere.

 

First on the list is the classic Tiger Sugar’s Iced Latte, made with premium coffee beans and combined with the signature brown sugar syrup that Tiger Sugar is famous for. It’s the perfect balance of strong and sweet that will surely awaken your senses. For those who prefer a stronger kick, the Americano variant is a must-try.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not try the Cafe Latte? It’s a velvety mix of fresh milk and espresso, topped with a dollop of cream. It’s a coffee lover’s dream come true.

Lastly, the Dirty Matcha, a generous serving of premium mix of matcha and coffee, and milk. It’s a unique twist to matcha that will surely surprise you.

But that’s not all! Tiger Sugar is also introducing a new product – the Brown Sugar Almond Croissant, made in collaboration with Ijo Bakery: The Batangas Viennoiserie. This flaky and buttery pastry is filled with rich almond cream and drizzled with the same brown sugar syrup that Tiger Sugar is known for. It’s a perfect complement to your cup of coffee or milk tea.

You can enjoy a Milk Tea and Croissant Combo for only PHP 240! That’s a great deal that you don’t want to miss.

So head on over to the nearest Tiger Sugar branch and try out their new coffee and croissant variants. It’s a perfect way to start your day or cap off your afternoon.

 

#TigerSugarPhilippines #TigerSugar #coffeeandcroissantvariants #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Art is Life: The Laguna Art Festival 2023

The art scene in the South is making itself heard in a big way. The first-ever Laguna Art Festival, a celebration of art and culture, is happening until February 26, 2023, at the Activity Park, Ayala Malls Solenad, Nuvali, Sta Rosa, Laguna.

Over 50 exhibitors of various art forms will dot the grounds of the venue w, which will see an explosion of creativity and inspiration that will appeal to anyone who appreciates the arts, whether you’re an enthusiast, a serious collector, a newbie, or a newbie even a crafter. Diverse groups of artists, galleries, students, and schools of art will all be represented at the booths, with a particular slant for local artists based in the region.

The definition of art is certainly multifarious and multi-disciplinary, and for this particular exhibit, this includes not just what is traditionally thought of as visual art like paintings and sculptures, but also bonsai art, tattoo, arts and crafts like crochet, and, others. Best of all, admission is free and everyone is invited.

More than a space for artists and galleries to exhibit and sell their works, The Laguna Art Festival 2023 offers a myriad of activities to encourage and nurture a love for the arts.  Influential art enthusiasts will hold talks aimed at aspiring artists.  Interactive art activities as well as on-the-spot painting sessions will be held. Expect art supply freebies, special and l raffle prizes, and gorge on an art buffet table. As the saying goes, all art is interrelated, and their music and dance performances will be another art dimension to the event.

The Laguna Arts Festival is organized by Life ‘n Arts,  a community-based center of arts, music, and dance located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, also houses an art gallery where premium art supplies are sold. Headed by Lerma Julian, Life n’ Arts recently celebrated its 20th year of nurturing and incorporating the arts into daily life. Organizing the Laguna Art Festival is certainly a big way to cap this celebration.

Artists have previously lauded the organization for their previous events. “I have joined numerous group exhibits with Life ‘n Arts, and I must say that it was always very professionally curated and executed. I am always eager to be part of their exhibits, and look forward to holding a solo exhibit,” said local artist Ana Isip. Jaime Nepomuceno also said the booths are always busy with high traffic and interest. “People stopped by to look, chat, and inquire…my pieces got sold.”

 

Life ‘n Arts team and VIP guests

 

Ruby’s Precious Moments (right) with Lerma Julian, and AUP TraDigital Fine Arts student, Beatrice Lebajo.

 

The Laguna Art Festival is held in coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Art Association Of The Philippines, Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts – UPLB, City Government of Sta. Rosa Laguna. It is in partnership with the following:

The Mapúa MCL Cup, DLSU-Dasmariñas CBAA Student Government, St. Scholastica’s College-Westgrove. It is sponsored by these businesses: International Fine Paper Exchange, M. Enriquez Art Supplies, Kulay Art Materials, Office Basics, Inc., Times Trading Co., Inc., ENFANT DOUE, Reply4dEdited.

Laguna Art Festival

www.facebook.com/lagunaartfestival

Instagram: @LagunaArtFestival

Tiktok: @LagunaArtFestival

 

Life n’ Arts Official

www.facebook.com/lifenartsofficial

Instagram:@lifenartsofficialph

 

Contributed by Maggie Silvestre

 

#LagunaArtFestival2023 #LAF2023 #salebrateartmonthwithlaf2023 #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Artifract.io allows you to own a piece of music and artistry of Music Icon Ely Buendia

Artifract.io, a pioneer in Fine Arts NFTs in Asia, signs a partnership agreement with Ely Buendia, W E U Event Management Services, and Dvent Productions to bring the Pinoy Rock Icon’s music to the Metaverse.  This collaboration allows fans and music lovers to immerse in Ely Buendia’s musical art and unprecedented access to exclusive multimedia contents from the one and only Maestro of Pinoy Rock Music.

The project makes the musical experience immersive and enjoyable, at the same time allowing fractional ownership of Ely’s exclusive musical NFTs. Artifract aims to preserve timeless musical collections by placing them in a metaverse where users, as their avatar personas, can immerse themselves and appreciate works from Ely.

“We cannot wait to bring Ely Buendia NFTs into Artifract’s platform. Our users will be able to appreciate and have access to exclusive fractionalized musical arts. Most importantly, they will own a piece of Ely’s musical art on the blockchain,” said Marvin Agustin, co-founder of Artifract.io.

“We’re excited to be working with Artifract. This new partnership allows us the opportunity to explore other ways of sharing our music in the metaverse. We look forward to curating an exclusive set of musical pieces for our upcoming Web3 project!”,  Ely Buendia said.

The conceptualizing and execution planning started with Ely’s longtime colleagues at DVent Productions and WEU Event Management Services. According to W E U President Francis D. Lumen Jr., “W E U is excited to collaborate with icons and innovators like Ely Buendia and Artifract, to create the next wave of the art content for fans to enjoy and share through blockchain technology.”

“We’re neophytes in this enterprise and relatively new to the digital community, aware of the misgivings of traditional art aficionados and collectors which inspired us to thoughtfully create art featuring both digital and tangible collectible assets that have inherent value in the real world and NFT metaverse,” says Maria Diane Ventura of Dvent Productions.

“Artifract created a platform for creators to digitize their works and to democratize access to it. We’re thrilled to enable Ely Buendia and many more artists, brands, and creators to build stronger relationships and connections with their audiences using the technology we developed at Artifract and UBX,” according to Rico Dela Cruz of UBX.

Under this collaboration, Ely will release his exclusive NFT titled “Flamed Lullaby,” with an Ely-composed  original  tracking/song title called “Hele.”  The artwork is inspired by the Eraserhead’s last 2008 Reunion Concert, where the Sticker Happy Piano was burned and smashed during their final performance of “Huling El Bimbo.”

This never-before-released musical art piece will be heard and appreciated by not more than 2,000 owners of the NFT, which will start at Php 15,000 per fractional NFT, with exclusive royalty rights and printed version of the Artwork plus a certificate of Authenticity.

 

#Artifract #ElyBuendia #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Romantic indulgences to share with your special someone

The season of love calls for romantic indulgences to share with your special someone. At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, you can surprise your beloved with a relaxing staycation in the metro and an exquisite dinner for two in celebration of the St. Valentine’s holiday.

Toast to Love

Whether you want to snuggle up and chill or add more excitement to your couple’s rendezvous, Richmonde’s month-long Toast to Love room promotion gives you a selection of packages to suit your date plans this February. Room-only deals start at PhP 3,500nett per night, inclusive of cozy room accommodations for two, a 15 percent discount on a la carte orders from Richmonde Café and Room Service, and use of the heated indoor pool and gym.

Looking forward to a hearty breakfast together? For as low as PhP 4,300nett per night, get to delight in a sumptuous breakfast buffet at Richmonde Café when you wake up. Want to make your evening extra special too? Go all out and book the Valentine room package starting at PhP 6,000nett with breakfast for two persons, plus a bottle of wine, and a special charcuterie board for your in-room dinner date. Both packages are also inclusive of a 15% discount on a la carte orders, as well as access to the Health Club’s gym, heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.

RHO Valentine’s room promo.

Love at First Bite

Wine and dine with your significant other on February 14th as Richmonde Café presents the ultimate gustatory experience—a special dinner aptly called Love at First Bite. You’ll swoon and gush with delight as each dish tickles your taste buds and fills your tummies.

Begin your meal with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and fruits brought to your table via a rolling cart, and customize your own charcuterie board to complement your first glass of wine. Then, head on over to the grazing table where a variety of French and Italian-inspired canapé style appetizers and slices of bread are spread.

As a prelude to your main course, the king prawn and pumpkin bisque de viande will be served tableside. For the premium entrée, choose between the Angus flank steak, served with classic tahini, crispy onions, and shimeji mushroom for a tender and buttery delight, or the black cod, cooked sous vide and served with peas, mint risotto, and black caviar. Then, end the night on a sweet note with bite-sized desserts from the grazing table.

This Valentine’s Day Dinner is served from 6 pm to 10 pm and is priced at PhP 3,500 nett, inclusive of unlimited pours of red or white wine and bottomless beer, Valentine’s cocktail drink, soda, or iced tea. Guests who are checked-in on February 14 may avail of the discounted dinner rate of PhP 3,200 nett per person.

For bookings and inquiries, call Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638 7777 or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. You may also call or message via mobile/Viber at 0917 859 7914 (Room Reservations) and 0917 534 4352 (Richmonde Café).

  

#RichmondeHotelOrtigas #ValentinesDay2023 #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Museo Orlina’s first major group show for 2023: ‘Artistic Legacies’

“Artistic Legacies” presents an intimate look into these artistic families and their artistic journeys, from the catalyst to their continuing legacies.

 

Family values are deeply etched into our culture as Filipinos. It is considered the foundation of an individual’s social life. The bond between a parent and a child can be considered sacred even. A relationship should hold values such as respect, discipline, honor, love, and everything good under the sun.

“Artistic Legacies” presents an intimate look into these artistic families and their artistic journeys, from the catalyst to their continuing legacies. The exhibition proves how art can be an instrument for uniting families and teaching family values.

The exhibition also aims to show the artistic journeys that branched from generation to generation, highlighting the importance of family. The artworks on display are works that have come from these families that take their art and their family to heart. A special bond between them will stand the test of time and last for generations to come.

The participating artists include Ramon Orlina, Anna Orlina, Michael Orlina, Eduardo Castrillo, Mierro Castrillo, Nixxio Castrillo, Ovvian Castrillo-Hill, Fil Delacruz, Janos Delacruz, Emmanuel Garibay, Alee Garibay, Bam Garibay, Nina  Garibay, Raul Lebajo, Gio Lebajo, and Nikulas Lebajo.

Opening ceremonies of the exhibition will be held at the Reflections Gallery of Museo Orlina on January 29, 2023, at 3 pm. The exhibition will run until March 31, 2023.

For more information, you may call Museo Orlina at tel. no (046) 413 2581 mobile no: +63 995 7354462 or e-mail them at info@museo-orlina.org.

 

#MuseoOrlina #artisticlegacies #reflectionsgallery #tagaytaycity #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Conrad Singapore Orchard debuts in the heart of the city

Singapore – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is pleased to announce the opening of Conrad Singapore Orchard, its second Conrad Hotel & Resorts property in Singapore, joining Conrad Centennial Singapore. Set to create seamless connections between bold design and impactful experiences, Conrad Singapore Orchard will provide guests with a new sense of hospitality that is inspiring, meaningful, and purposeful.

Inspiring Culinary Experiences

Among the highly-immersive experiences at the hotel is the selection of distinct dining concepts that will truly bring guests on a culinary journey. The array of cuisines at the hotel’s ten restaurants and bars, including Manhattan, Basilico, Summer Palace, Dolcetto, and the Tea Lounge, enable guests to explore different cultures through the sense of taste while sparking connections as they reconnect over food.

To welcome the new year, one-Michelin-starred Summer Palace, well-known for serving authentic Cantonese fare in a sophisticated environment, has curated an impressive range of Chinese New Year set menus and special menu offerings perfect for intimate family reunions and business events. Guests can also look forward to sumptuous Chinese New Year buffet brunches and dinners with an Italian touch at the award-winning Basilico, which emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic Italian flavors.

Exceptional Events

The hotel’s 14 event spaces are also primed to host an array of memorable weddings and social events of any scale. Over 1,600 square meters of contemporary events and meeting spaces, including a 583 square-meter ballroom for up to 500 guests, are complemented by thoughtfully curated cuisine by the hotel’s culinary team.

Served by a passionate team that intuitively offers purposeful and personalized service, Conrad Singapore Orchard’s unique approach to hospitality includes pet-friendly solemnization ceremonies and 14 different floral themes to choose from for an unforgettable wedding.

Elevating Luxury Through Distinctive, Bold Design

From now till late 2023, the hotel’s 440 rooms will undergo extensive reinvention and refurbishment. Combining Conrad’s contemporary, bold design ethos that draws in local influences with best-in-class amenities, Conrad Singapore Orchard will bring new levels of sophisticated, modern luxury to Singapore when it opens fully in early 2024.

‘Like A Member’ Dining Offer

Conrad Singapore Orchard will be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. As part of the ‘Like A Member’ dining offer, Hilton Honors members will enjoy discounts and opportunities to earn Bonus Points when they dine at Summer Palace, Basilico, Manhattan, Dolcetto, and the Tea Lounge at Conrad Singapore Orchard.

Tea Lounge Afternoon Tea Sets.

For more information, guests may visit www.conradsingaporeorchard.com, call +65 6733 8888, or email conrad_singapore_orchard@conradhotels.com.

 

#ConradSingaporeOrchard  #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Watch the New Year unfold with Tia Belle’s sumptuous dishes

For Tia Belle’s, great food is a big part of how Filipino families brighten up the holidays and anticipate the unfolding of a new year.

The New Year’s celebration in the Philippines is always something to look forward to. Being a Filipino means that you get to partake in occasions that actively involve family spirit and fondness for one another. The New Year festivities, in particular, shine brighter than the others. Aside from our fun traditions and customs, Filipino food has a culture of its own. From our heirloom dishes to fusion food, the Philippines never runs out of recipes and twists that come with its diverse palate. In addition, each region has its holiday staples and specialty dishes – the New Year is absolutely a feast for everyone!

Relyenong Bangus

This is what Tia Belle’s offers for every Filipino family this New Year – a feast of sumptuous dishes that binds the family together. For Tia Belle’s, great food is a big part of how Filipino families brighten up the holidays and anticipate the unfolding of a new year. Their holiday menu consists of Filipino specialty dishes that evoke memories and hope for the coming year. Armed with their cozy ambiance and hospitality. They offer a variety of food that becomes the center of attention this holiday season. Whether for the whole clan or a family of three, Tia Belle’s got you back!

As a Filipino, one of the staples in each occasion is the famous Lumpiyang Bukid. Tia Belle’s version of this traditional dish is both satisfying and creamy and is sure to become the star of the table. They also offer regional favorites such as the delectable Laing enriched with coconut milk. Seafood fans can have a field day with their specialty Dinengdeng, an Ilokano favorite. Other seafood dishes include Steam Pompano and Relyenong Bangus, a healthy alternative to greasy dishes. Moreover, if the holidays prove to be taxing for your health, you can also try their Ampalaya Sotanghon Guisado, which combines healthy eating and tasty food. They also have Ginataang Sitaw Kalabasa for vegetarians or those who want a healthy detox for the New Year!

Laing

Tia Belle’s history of serving people Filipino food all goes back to the heart and soul of its owner, Evelyn Wise. “Every time I am in the kitchen, cooking and concocting sauces, I feel like dancing  — dancing with my wok,” she shares. To this Nueva Ecija native, being in the kitchen gave her power to produce dishes that became a core memory for her customers, which is what made her leave Europe after staying there for 20 years, a sacrifice she made to finally follow her dream to build her own restaurant. Tia Belle’s seeks to give people the homey vibes and hospitality they crave, which makes them feel like they belong, just like how Evelyn has wholeheartedly embraced Filipino cuisine.

Lumpiyang Bukid

Being hospitable is Tia Belle’s way of paying homage to the illustrious Filipino culture. “We want to be of service to our fellow countrymen while keeping and incorporating the important values and traditions of what being Filipino is all about,” Evelyn says. Tia belle’s also gives you the Filipino dining experience with their regional dishes, and great service, partnered with authentic Filipino architecture. “We make sure we provide an optimal dining experience for our customers by making sure that their dining experience is our responsibility the minute they step into our restaurant.”

Whether you want to dine in or celebrate at home, Tia Belle’s will surely make you feel like a true-blooded Filipino with its dishes. Tia Belle’s is waiting for you to make this occasion memorable. Let’s enjoy ourselves this New Year with Tia Belle’s mouth-watering menu– the Filipino way!

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/TiaBellePansitMalabonAndPichiPichi or call 0956 470 8145.

 

#TiaBelles #NewYear2022 #filipinodishes #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Ricky Lee: From Multi-Awarded Scriptwriter to National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts

As scriptwriter-director Bibeth Orteza said, “Ricky Lee is a remembrance of all that makes the idea of writing romantic: a lonely childhood, collegiate years without money to spend, a term in jail even. And then an enviable body of work.”

 Ricky Lee has spent a good chunk of his career writing scripts for films. Like his screen films, he assumes multiple forms and shadows, complexity, and simplicity in one sleek package.

Filipino film buffs have bought this package, making Ricky, one of the best and most multi-awarded scriptwriters in the Philippines today. Some of his finest Filipino films include Himala, Moral, Brutal, Salome, Madrasta, Curacha,  and Miguel/Michelle, among many others.

Aside from his many years of teaching at UP and the Ateneo, he has been conducting scriptwriting workshops, proof of his generosity in imparting career secrets to aspiring and upcoming writers.

Ricky is also a well-known fictionist, having won several literary awards. He has published an anthology of some of his works in 20 years in fiction, journalism, and film (Si Tatang at Mga Himala ng Ating Panahon.)

Revise, revise

Ricky recalls that his scripts of Brutal and Moral had five to seven drafts before he finally perfected them.

“Talagang madugo, hindi bawat revision may nabago lang, talagang overhaul ng skeleton,” he shared during a past interview. “Kasi ‘yong first sequence ng Brutal walang makaintindi kundi si Marilou (Diaz-Abaya). So you have to be patient and concentrate para mag ugat ang mga paa mo. Kailangan mayroong matatag na foundation.”

In writing a script, Ricky follows not just his own judgment. “Natanggap ko na na magkakaroon ng sariling buhay yong script. Whatever will be good for the script doon ako susunod,” he said. “I’m willing to adjust to the popular taste of the audience. Dahil gusto kong ma-reach ang audience ko kaya ako nagsusulat.”

He culled most of his ideas from real-life experiences; some from his imagination. “The ideas in terms of the situation, characters, and images are mostly from outside influences and the environment. Then the inside which is the emotion.”

Length of time

In his early years as a scriptwriter, Ricky could finish a script in a month (the longer script took three months at the most). Now he can finish a script in one or two days.

For instance, the script of the movie Mapusok (starred by Rosanna Roces) was written for two days. As well as Malikot na Mundo (1997) and Sinner or Saint (1984). “I wrote Sinner or Saint on the airplane while going home from Brazil. Pagbaba ko ng airport, may script na ako,” shared Ricky.

The film Andrea by Superstar Nora Aunor was written in less than seven days. The longest material he wrote was Moral. “Hanggang nag shooting na nag-revise pa ako. Nagdidikta ako ng lines kay Marilou over the phone,” said Ricky, “because we wanted to find the best way of telling the story.”

Yet, it was the most fulfilling movie for Ricky.

Working with the best directors

His first year in the industry was a big advantage for Ricky because it was during this period that he got the chance to work with the local cinema’s best directors.

“Nakatrabaho ko agad sina Ishmael Bernal, Mike De Leon, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Mel Chionglo, Lino Brocka, para akong nag workshop ng todo,” he said.

When he was working with Marilou he learned a different technique. “Expand. Push. When you develop the characters huwag kang nakakahon. Let’s go unstructured. Most of my works with her are mostly on women, like the trilogy of Brutal, Moral, and Karnal. We clicked because she’s a woman. Hindi ko kailanman ma-approximate ‘yong mga alam niyang nuances, malinaw sa kanya ang pagkababae.”

With Ismael Bernal, he learned how to go “classical and structured.”

Meanwhile, Mike De Leon was very conscious of details.

Whereas, Lino Brocka was grounded in one kind of social and political philosophy. “Laging malinaw iyon kay Lino. That’s very reassuring kasi alam mo ang direction,” he said.

Working with dexterous directors (with different approaches) has stretched Ricky’s creative side to the most. From 1979 up to now, Ricky is full-time in the movies. There may be ups and downs in his career, but there will always be people around who will pull him back from leaving the industry.

Nowadays, half of his time is spent writing scripts; the other half he devotes to writing literature, journalism, and theatre. And of course, teaching.

“I will never stop teaching even if it’s difficult to teach because I’m always grounded with reality,” he explained. “Kung puro showbiz ako, lulutang ako, maaaburido ka, o mababaliw ka kasi ang daming humihila sa iyo sa iba’t ibang sides. Mawawalan ka ng perspective.”

Working with the stars

Among the stars he has worked with, he particularly cherished the times when he became close with Nora Aunor. He first worked with Nora in Himala. But they became good friends while they were doing Andrea.

“Kasi trabahong kaibigan talaga ‘yon. We’re still friends up to now, but not as close as before,” he disclosed. Ricky related that he’s not close with celebrities. He keeps a distance from them as much as possible.

Turbulent childhood

Ricky’s turbulent childhood has taught him to face life’s challenges and to excel in one’s talent.  He endured many hardships in his struggle to become the country’s multi-awarded scriptwriter.

Courtesy: Mell T. Navarro FB

He typifies the rags-to-riches story. He was born into immigrant families originally from Fujian, China, and was raised in Daet, Bicol. He had a desolate childhood after his parents died when he was still young. He grew up under the care of a relative.

He excelled in school both in Daet and UP. His college days were something for the books. He experienced hunger and loneliness and was jailed for one year during Martial Law for his student activism.

He didn’t resent his past. Rather, he became selfless. He uses his life experiences, struggles, idealism, and intelligence to create over 70 screenplays that have stimulated many Filipino moviegoers. For those pieces of work, he earned more than 30 (and counting) trophies from all the award-giving bodies in the local movie industry.

Because of his upbringing, Ricky related that he became a very shy person. However, he got over his shyness when he entered show business. “I was extremely shy because my father was also extremely shy. We hardly talked. But he loved me. I was very sure of that,” he intimated.

Behind his reserved manner are his witty punchlines. “Defense ko ‘yon para hindi nila ako tingnan sa likod,” he said. “I’m very trusting, but deep inside I’m afraid to trust people. Kasi ilang beses na akong nauntog.”

As a child, he was wont to read almost everything.  “Ang feeling ko noon parang inaarmasan ko ang sarili ko. So I accumulated a lot of knowledge. Basa ako nang basa ng libro since I was seven years old.” But he always wanted to become a writer.

When he was in his fourth year of high school at Daet Chung Hua High School, he wanted to run away from home but there was no chance. He had no money.

“Then I read an ad from Free Press (Filipino) that they would accept the short story. Pinadala ko ‘yong story ko (entitled ‘Mayon’) and it was accepted. Every week, binabantayan kong lumabas ang story ko. Finally, when I saw my byline, na reaffirm ‘yong pag-alis ko sa Bicol. I was paid Php50 for my story. That was the happiest time for me as a writer. Then I came to Manila.”

Ricky said that he experienced the most personal growth during his Bicol and UP years. “Those were the happiest years of my life. And also the starvation years for me,” he said.

As scriptwriter-director Bibeth Orteza said, “Ricky Lee is a remembrance of all that makes the idea of writing romantic: a lonely childhood, collegiate years without money to spend, a term in jail even. And then an enviable body of work.”

By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

(Based on the feature article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#RickyLee #scriptwriter #fictionist #teacher #upcloseandpersonal #exclusiveinterview #nationalartistforliterature #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo courtesy of Shandii Bacolod FB

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Upclose and personal with Ara Mina

“Ara Mina has a certain innocence and is in a category completely her own,” according to Direk Carlitos Siguion-Reyna. It helps that the actress is sexy and charming in person. She titillates readers with candid remarks on her sexuality. Meanwhile, this interview reveals a half-child, half-woman excited and eager to give her best shot.

Having a great body makes her more confident. Ara Mina described herself as “dibdib manok. Medyo hiwalay siya (referring to her breasts), so you need to push it, to achieve a cleavage. Sometimes it depends on the dress or bra I’m wearing.”

To maintain her 36-24-35 shape, Ara Mina said she works out at a gym twice a week and observes some dietary restrictions. “I have my dumbbells,” she volunteered. She said she has not eaten rice for two months now. Also, soft drinks have not been in her diet for two years.

Courtesy: Ara Mina FB page

Her liberal view of woman-to-woman relationships

Back to her past movie “Tatlo,” Ara Mina admitted she felt uncomfortable kissing another girl.

“I was tense, especially with my kissing scene with Ate Rita,” she said. “Ingat talaga ako. Mayroong torrid kissing scene pero hindi naman labas ang tongue. Actually, na-tense din siya.”

Ara Mina, however, confessed that she has a liberal view of woman-to-woman relationships in real life.

“It’s fine with me. In “Tatlo,” you can’t blame Elsie (my character in the film) if she falls in love with another woman (Rita Avila). She’s looking for something that she cannot find in her husband (Tonton Gutierrez).”

She recalled how she experienced difficulties doing a love scene with Rita. She called it the “Scandinavian style” ( a pumping scene between lesbian lovers, but she did not explain it in detail).

“We tried to relax . . . Nakakangawit talaga, pinagpawisan ako,” she relates. “Biniro ko pa nga si ate Rita na ituloy na namin sa kuwarto. Sa eksenang yon naisip ko, parehas naman kaming babae. So I decided not to wear any plaster. Pero talagang makikita ang boobs namin doon.”

Ara Mina admitted that she can be attracted to members of both sexes.

“I think there’s nothing wrong with having a relationship with another woman as long as there’s no sex involved. I couldn’t imagine myself having sex with another woman. I have best friends who are all girls. Sometimes I develop a crush on them. Sometimes, I feel I like a woman, and sometimes I like a man.”

But she denied being bisexual.

“Hindi ko masasabi,” she says. “Minsan gandang-ganda ako sa babae. Minsan nagsasabi pa ako, ‘Ang seksi niya.’ Wala naman akong nararamdamang feelings for her. It’s like an admiration.”

Reflected Ara Mina: A man is completely different from a woman when it comes to expressing affection.

“Ang lalaki siyempre medyo brusko; ang babae tender ang dating . Kaya lang nakaka-ilang kung humahampas ang boobs níyo,” she laughed.

In real life, Ara Mina said she has had lesbian suitors.

“I treat them as friends. Natatawa nga ako dahil kapag nanligaw sila, itsura nila babae, tapos inaamin nila na may boyfriend sila, pero may gusto sa akin at nag-I I love you,” she related. “They write love love letters, send flowers, chocolates, and stuffed toys. I entertained them kasi kung iniiwasan mo minsan delikado. Grabeng ma-in love ang mga lesbians; they’re very posessive, parang nakakatakot.”

Portraying meaty roles

Now that she gets to portray meaty roles, Ara Mina hopes that she will be noticed for her acting ability and not just her ability to show off those curves.

“Kahit na naghuhubad ako, gusto ko namang mapansin nila ang acting ko lalo na sa mga pelikulang ginagawa ko, para irespeto rin nila ako. Natutuwa naman ako dahil hindi nila sinasabi na bastusin ako, kahit na naghuhubad ako.”

She said she’s only daring in the movies. But she emphasized that she hasn’t experienced doing her onscreen love scenes in real life.

“That’s one good thing about me. At first, it was really difficult for me because I used to portray sweet roles. Like the scenes in my previous movie, “Sagad Sa Init” na nakipag-laplapan ako sa bubungan at sa kotse. As of now, ‘yong mga wild things na nagawa ko sa movies pa lang.”

Career transition

Ara Mina’s life changed when she junked her sweet image. But the transition was not easy. Going the bold route made it possible for her to land her first starring role in “Maldita.”

But it was in the movie “Curacha, Ang Babaing Walang Pahinga” that film critics began to pay attention to her. Before this, she became a supporting player in such movies as “Roller Boys,” “Butch Belgica Story,” and the “Flor Contemplacion Story.” She entered showbiz at the age of 14 via the teenybopper show That’s Entertainment.

Ara Mina said she couldn’t imagine herself portraying bold roles or posing nude for pictorials. She was conservative then, she said. She recalled how she would react negatively to the bold pictures she saw in the newspapers.

“Now, pagbukas ko ng dyaryo, ang sinasabi ko, Okay lang naman as long as ang mga shots mo na hubad ay artistic ang pagkakakuha,” she smiles.

Because of the attention, she’s getting at the moment, she vowed never to let success get into her head. She said she is especially thankful to her parents for understanding her when she decided to go bold without their permission.

In the near future, she hopes to bag an acting award, “Para masabi ko na rin na may narating yong paghuhubad ko,” she said.

Real-life

Ara Mina is Hazel Reyes in real life. Her mom combined the names of her two sisters Ara Christine and Mina Princess to come up with the name Ara Mina.

The eldest in a brood of six (two boys and four girls), Ara Mina is a product of a broken family. She was only seven years old when her parents separated. However, she was not disheartened by what happened to her parents. Although both have their own individual families, they maintain open communications. “They are on good terms now,” she notes.

Ara Mina is a high school graduate of Morning Dew Montessori. If her schedule permits, she said she plans to take up Interior Design or Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines (UP).

Off-camera, Ara Mina is a sweet, simple person. She doesn’t talk much during interviews.

“Hindi ako palaaway,” she relates, “gusto ko lahat ng tao kasundo ko. Tapos sweet pa rin, nando’n pa rin ‘yong pagiging childish ko. Sa set nga, nagugulat ang iba dahil parang ang lakas kong maghubad sa eksena. Then after the scene para akong bata. They are confused. That’s who I am. Trabaho lang.”

Her type of man is someone who resembles actor Matthew Mendoza. “Parang hindi siya makabasag pinggan, tipong hindi ka lolokohin. And he’s a gentleman, baby face talaga, she notes. “Yong guy dapat mabango ang hininga, malinis sa katawan, sweet, and understanding.”

Although she admits she has had two boyfriends before, one from showbiz, and one from non-showbiz. She prefers to stay at home during her free time and shuns the nightlife.

Ara Mina feels that her job is quite fulfilling at present. In her five-year stay in the business, she has been able to buy a condominium unit, a car, and jewelry. The other earnings go to her savings (time deposit) and her family. She rewards herself by shopping for signature clothes and accessories.

“Nakakatuwa dahil at my age, nakakabili na ako ng mga ganitong bagay sa sarili kong kita. . . kung baga sarili kong pagod.”

Older men go for her. Ara Mina reveals that she has received around five “indecent proposals” from different men.

“May nag-alok pa nga sa akin ng house and lot with matching brand new car and allowance. Siyempre ang kapalit no’n iiwanan ko ang career ko,” she revealed. “Yong tipong ibabahay ka. Hindi ko pinapatulan ang mga offers nila kasi kaya ko namang kitain sa sarili ko. Besides, I don’t want to experience what my parents had experienced in the past.”

(Based on the same writer’s exclusive article published at the now-defunct Mirror Weekly Magazine.)

As of a recent update, Ara Mina is experiencing a new “journey” in her personal life. She is now married to her non-showbiz husband, Dave Almarinez, CEO of Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC). 

Featured photo courtesy of Ara Mina Almarinez Facebook

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Celebrate the Holidays with Tia Belle’s Special Christmas Dishes

Tia Belle’s special Christmas dishes revolve around pasta and noodles. Aside from the symbolism of long life, these dishes are also a staple in every Christmas celebration and even in the New Year.

Filipinos are known for their hospitality, strong family ties, and super long Christmas holidays. Most families tend to celebrate in their homes or gather in restaurants and other venues to catch up with relatives. What’s never missing in these gatherings is food – lots and lots of it. It’s the holiday season, everybody deserves to eat good food while enjoying the festivities.

They say love is best expressed through food – and for Tia Belle’s Tagaytay, these scrumptious Christmas dishes are just the perfect addition to your holiday feast. Armed with its Christmas specials, Tia Belle’s is ready to serve customers with a smile and a warm heart. Whether you want to prepare food for two or the whole clan, Tia Belle’s got you covered. Be sure to feast your eyes and stomachs with these delectable dishes and the overflowing hospitality that Tia Belle’s offers!

Tia Belle’s special Christmas dishes revolve around pasta and noodles. Aside from the symbolism of long life, these dishes are also a staple in every Christmas celebration and even in the New Year. A celebration is not complete without these Filipino dishes we love and adore so much. Each dish will surely bring back a lot of memories, and eventually, make way to create new ones this year!

They offer Pansit Malabon, Pansit Siomai, Miki Bihon, Pansit Bihon, Pansit Canton, and Pansit Tofu – all of which are fit for family and clan reunions. The more food, the merrier their stomachs will be!

Other than that, Tia Belle’s also offers Carbonara and Spaghetti for their pasta dishes, perfect for all ages and tastes.

Moreover, they also have Bulalo Lomi and Mucho Lomi, which most tourists crave and always come back to. There’s no stomach Tia Belle’s can’t satisfy!

Food can bind families together

Evelyn Wise, the hands-on owner of Tia Belle’s, truly believes that food can bind families together, just like how her restaurant is bound to her heart.  “Every time I am in the kitchen, cooking and concocting sauces, I feel like dancing with my wok,” she says. Cooking has become both her solace and passion, a privilege she enjoys as people appreciate her food. She has a diverse palate, and her cooking styles reflect the years she lived in Europe before she put up a Filipino-style restaurant in our country. For her, cooking can change the world, one plate at a time.

Evelyn Wise, the owner of Tia Belle’s

True to her word, Tia Belle’s reflects Evelyn’s life values. Her restaurant prioritizes its customers before anything else and seeks to uphold hospitality in all ways. “We make sure we provide an optimal dining experience for our customers by making sure that their dining experience is our responsibility the minute they step into our restaurant,” she elaborates.

The restaurant itself also bears a testament to how wonderful Filipino culture can be – adorned with a homey ambiance, it is surely the place to be during the holidays. It gives you a sense of belongingness in a bigger community – just like how Evelyn intended it to be. “We want to give our customers an authentic and genuine glimpse of the Philippines by honoring and delving into the Filipino culture and traditions through our services, atmosphere, art, and food,” says Evelyn.

This Christmas season, Tia Belle’s doors are always welcome for people who want a genuine Filipino experience of the holidays, complete with stellar service, delectable dishes, and good company. The holidays will never be boring for your heart and stomach whenever you’re at Tia Belle’s. You can contact them at 0956 470 8145 or message them on their Facebook page, Tia Belle’s Pansit Malabon and Pichi-Pichi.

Contributed by Princess Friel Lontoc

Featured photos: Pansit Tofu, Pansit Malabon, Carbonara, and Miki Bihon

 

#TiaBelles #Tagaytay #filipinorestaurant #Christmas2022 #holidaydishes #noodlesandpasta #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Artifract teams up with Belvedere Museum to promote NFTs

Artifract, the country’s first tokenized NFT platform by UBX and Unit 256, has expanded its operations by collaborating with the Belvedere Museum and promoting “The Kiss” NFTs in Asia.

The Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria, has the largest collection of Austrian art from the Middle Ages to the present day and works by foreign artists. The world’s biggest collection of Gustav Klimt’s paintings is the centerpiece of the Upper Belvedere’s Art Around 1900 exhibition, which includes such works as “The Kiss” and “Judith and the Head of Holofernes.”

Artifract and Belvedere’s collaboration is the firm’s first international venture and the first partnership of its kind in Asia. With the help of the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy, the partnership was made possible as the leaders of the two companies met through Advantage Austria Global NFT Academy.

NFT “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt.

“The Kiss” by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt will be Artifract’s first project with the museum. From December 2022, The Kiss NFTs will be distributed via Artifract. The NFTs will be minted on thekiss.art. According to Wolfgang Bergmann, the Chief Financial Officer of Belvedere, Artifract is an excellent partner for their project’s global promotion.

“Artifract is an outstanding partner for the international promotion of our NFT project “The Kiss,” as it allows us to reach out to contemporary art buyers in and around the Philippines.”

“People from the Philippines are well-known in Austria for their strong interest in art, particularly Gustav Klimt’s work. Therefore, we aim to inspire them with our unique and exclusive collectibles,” he added.

From (L-R): Austrian Ambassador Johann Brieger, Belvedere CMO Markus Wiesenhofer, Advantage Austria Head Christina Stieber, Artifract Co-Founders Brian Poe Llamanzares and Steph Oller, Artifract Officer Monica Villardo, Belvedere CFO Wolfgang Bergmann, and Artifract CEO/President Edison Tsai.

 

 Christina Stieber, the Austrian commercial counselor, likewise anticipates “marvelous” results from the collaboration.

“When technology meets classical art, marvelous things will come out of it. Just like the cooperation between Artifract and the Belvedere Museum. This unique partnership across continents will unite beauty and groundbreaking new technologies in a fabulous new fashion.”

 Steph Oller, Artifract’s co-founder and head of collections, expressed gratitude to the Belvedere Museum for its trust and pledged a fast and efficient partnership.

“Meeting the team behind ‘The Kiss’ during an actual panel that Artifract was part of was amazing. It was indeed a serendipitous encounter. At the end of the day, we at Artifract believe that we can help each other grow faster and more efficiently if we collaborate closer and better,” she said.

 Rico de la Cruz, product owner for Artifract at UBX, stated that the relationship between Artifract and the Belvedere Museum exemplifies their mission to democratize access to valuable art pieces.

“Now more than ever, artists and collectors may access regional and international markets and collections,” he said.

Last October, UBX and Unit 256 established Artifract to allow collectors and enthusiasts, as well as ordinary individuals, to engage in the market by making art more accessible and inexpensive. Also in October, Fundacion Sanso, a non-profit that exhibits the paintings of the world-famous painter Juvenal Sanso, partnered with Artifracts to make sure that all of Sanso’s paintings are safe and secure for future preservation.

The Belvedere in Vienna is one of the world’s leading museums.  Austrian art is presented in an international context at three venues. The Upper and Lower Belvedere Baroque complex and its garden are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Its renowned art collection includes works ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. And with 24 paintings by Gustav Klimt, the Belvedere possesses the world’s largest collection of his paintings. Other highlights include prominent works from the Viennese Biedermeier period, the Austrian Baroque, Vienna around 1900, and French Impressionism. Continued development and digitization in all areas will ensure Belvedere’s status as an outstanding museum in the future as well.  www.belvedere.at

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, with around 100 offices in over 70 countries, provides a broad range of intelligence and business development services for both Austrian companies and their international business partners. Around 800 employees around the world can assist you in locating Austrian suppliers and business partners. We organize about 1,200 events every year to bring business contacts together. Other services provided by ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offices range from introductions to Austrian companies looking for importers, distributors, or agents to providing in-depth information on Austria as a business location and assistance in entering the Austrian market.

Artifract.io is a joint venture between Unit 256 Ventures Inc. and UBX Philippines Corporation. It is a pioneer of Fine Arts NFT in Asia, focused on helping art estates and museums in the preservation of Fine Arts, ensuring the copyright of every piece, and future-proofing collections. On the collector side, they help art collectors and NFT enthusiasts have access to exclusive art pieces via tiles. To mint more fine pieces of NFT art, please visit Artifract.io.

UBX is the Philippines’ leading Open Finance platform, providing access to the widest network of financial institutions and solutions.  They are a company that allows businesses, fintechs, developers, and the government to access embeddable solutions and the widest network of financial institutions in the Philippines.  Banking and financial services are used to distract and interrupt the daily activities of individuals and businesses. Aboitiz-backed UnionBank, Asia’s Best Digital Bank, changed the narrative by launching UBX in 2018. Leveraging years of proven banking and technology experience, UBX’s first-in-industry solutions aid MSMEs and large enterprises to connect to a high-caliber financial network, fast-track automation, and improve scalability.

Featured photo: The Belvedere in Vienna is one of the world’s leading museums.

#Artifract #Belvedere #TheKiss #NFT #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Five beautiful Baguio hotels perfect for your Christmas getaway

Christmas is fast approaching and the festive season is making us crave for the cold, the perfect combination with the warmth the holidays bring. Baguio is the place to be – with its cool climate and family-friendly attractions. Your trip to this magical place will certainly be memorable with these beautiful hotel accommodations, just in time for your Christmas getaway!

  • The Kamiseta Hotel

This gorgeous place just screams Bridgerton vibes with its French contemporary design and its equally enchanting glass house! Located beside the famous Mansion house, it is also near the stable Baguio tourist spots: Wright Park, Baguio Country Club Golf Course, and Camp John Hay. Each suite has a distinct motif that makes you feel like royalty, and their staff and concierge will surely treat you like one! Moreover, it is surrounded by pine trees, which gives you the serenity you need. This majestic 3360-degree view can best be seen in their glass house, an area adorned with glass ceilings and a spacious patio. Their comfy ambiance will surely help you settle into the Christmas feels– book your reservation now!

  • The Orchard Hotel Baguio

Do you want a hotel that’s Instagram-worthy? Look no more as the Orchard Hotel Baguio combines comfort and style with its millennial-themed rooms and amenities. Promoting the #TheORCHARDlifestyle, the hotel ensures that its guests receive 24-hour service that’s worthy of praise. Conveniently located 168 km away from The Clark International Airport, the Orchard Hotel Baguio is also near SM City Baguio, Mines View Park, and the Lourdes grotto.

Photo credits to Plane of Hotels

Whether it’s a family vacation or a couple’s getaway, the hotel makes sure to give you the best room possible!

  • The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay
Photo credits to Agoda

Christmas is incomplete without outdoor activities that bind your family even stronger than before–and The Forest Lodge provides you with an equal dose of thrill and relaxation. Surrounded by the lush pine forest of Camp John Hay, the hotel is also famous for its Twist Cafe, with sumptuous dishes from different regions cooked by the Chef Billy King of Le Soufflé Manila. It is also near Mile Hi, a shopping center that’s perfect for buying your pasalubong and souvenirs. This place is perfect for a quick getaway from the busy streets of the city, and for you to embrace your adventurous side this holiday season!

  • Le Monet Hotel

Showcasing scenic mountain views, the Le Monet Hotel is also within the heart of Camp John Hay. This hotel has several amenities best enjoyed with family and friends, such as the Viva Verde Spa, which includes a variety of massages. Furthermore, their heated indoor swimming pool is a wonderful treat after a long day. Don’t you worry about your appetite–The Lobby restaurant offers a variety of delectable dishes presented by famous Chef Robby Goco! Le Monet Hotel surely lives up to people’s expectations.

Photo credits to Tripadvisor
  • Grand Sierra Pines Hotel

Looking for a hotel that is both culturally inclined and has an outdoorsy vibe? The Grand Sierra Pines Hotel has got you covered! Located at North Outlook drive, the hotel is known for its rich forests, adorned galleries,and environmentally-friendly amenities. Tourists have raved about the Adkos Gallery, an in-house gallery that showcases true Filipino talent; the true marvel and pride of the hotel. It exhibits various painters, from those in the indie scene to award-winning ones. Grand Sierra Pines Hotel will certainly never bore you this Christmas season!

Photo credits to Agoda

These hotels will surely be your home away from home these upcoming holidays. Be sure to spend it with your family and loved ones in the lush greenery and beautiful spots of Baguio!

Contributed by Princess Friel Lontoc

Featured photo credits to Real Living PH

 

#BaguioCity #Philippines #Christmas #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Ace Gapuz on acing the social media game

Currently running an influencer marketing company called Blogapalooza, this millennial CEO, entrepreneur, and marketing and public relations specialist has seen it all. From blogs to vlogs, this social media mogul has gone through all the latest trends in the interwebs, witnessed the rise of the influencer, and figured out all the tips and tricks to marketing yourself.

Yet beyond the face value of her job, her goal to build a community and see the genuine person behind the screen shines through tenfold. “I hope there will be more creators. I hope that more voices could be heard. I hope that we will have more acknowledgment [towards creators].”

Started with a Blog

 Growing up, Ace Gapuz has always been the ‘madaldal’ one in the classroom. As told by her class advisors, she was always going off talking to her peers and saying whatever was on her mind, whichever seating arrangement she was placed in.

Moving from the IRL to the URL, her talking audience switched to behind the screen where she discovered blogging around the ages 11-12 years old back in the early 2000s. “It’s just innate in me to just talk. I have always been a storyteller. I guess that’s what brought me very naturally into blogging.”

“It was a novel concept back then. You write about your thoughts. Let people read them. It’s like a diary that you can have other people read. And the fact that people were hearing you, paying attention to what you have to say, and making you part of their lives, that was groundbreaking during that time,” Ace fondly reminisces.

Ace treated her blog like a personal diary, writing about her day-to-day life, interests, and opinions to a faceless audience. But, come 2009, she stopped because, in her words, “college happened.” “Blogging, for me back then, it was an honored pastime. It was something I did because I genuinely enjoyed. It wasn’t something I thought about as a career,” she muses.

So, at this time, she found herself taking up a bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering with a Minor in HR Management in the Ateneo at Manila University and, later on, an MBA. She felt that business was the more practical and pragmatic choice for the future. It was a versatile path that led to many outcomes.

That was until Ace took on a corporate job in a fashion and retail company and worked at it for two years. And very naturally, she found herself back into more creative and media pursuits as she was placed in PR and events. “I like the dynamic nature of PR and events. You get to meet people. And I got to meet the bloggers I used to just know over the internet.”

Maintaining contact and connecting her way through the industry, she didn’t see any other path than to start Blogapalooza.

Ended with a Blogapalooza 

Being a young CEO, Ace Gapuz didn’t let her age get in the way of pursuing her goals. She was determined to see things through.

From being a storyteller herself to letting other people share their stories, it all ties back to Ace’s roots with personal blogging to now, Blogapalooza. Through the years, the premier influencer marketing company has built a community of thousands of bloggers, social media influencers, and content creators all over the Philippine archipelago and nearby Southeast Asian countries.

“When I started building the Blogapalooza community of creators, I went to different parts of the Philippines and the world, for that matter. I wanted to hear them, to feel them. I think when you talk about building a community, it’s important to get to know what drives these people, what’s at their core, and what would make them happy. And that’s where you come in to provide the value.”

The greatest lesson she’s learned in the process? Be genuine, always. “If you’re genuine about service if you’re genuine about providing value, and if you genuinely care for them, they’re also going to feel that, and they’re going to give you that same energy.”

 

#AceGapuz #Blogapalooza #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy: How a couple’s love revolutionized aromatherapy

Lloyd and Judith Barran seemed to have it all– a blossoming business, a great marriage, but one must simply know how they came to achieve all of this. There is one word for it: love.

 

A couple’s shared love and passion

 Before they married and had three wonderful children, Lloyd and Judith were in different worlds– almost literally. Lloyd was born in Guyana, South America while Judith first saw the light of the world in Davao, Philippines. Even as a young man, Lloyd did everything with passion and grit. He was a stellar student– up till he entered college at the University of Saskatchewan, he continued his love for science by taking up Pharmacy.

However, science took a break for a while when he went back to Guyana to become a corporate secretary to six companies in the Booker, McConnell Group of Companies. It was a great undertaking, but his love for science still prevailed as he went back to Canada, eventually opening up a retail pharmacy that lasted for 25 years. That was the time when Lloyd met Judith– an encounter like no other.

 

Judith and Lloyd Barran: The couple’s love for aromatherapy and their strong bond has been crucial for the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare to rise to greater heights.

 

Judith was a Commerce graduate, but she was also keen on discovering and making new paths for herself. She studied interior decorating, and affluent people from Davao would acquire her to decorate their mansions. She followed her heart and married Lloyd in 1992, and moved to Canada a year later. In 2000, She attended Aromatherapy school, and Lloyd followed her the next year. Their love for each other and their interest in aromatherapy brought forth the existence of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare– a testament of dedication and passion to their craft.

 

Judith is currently focused on marketing its products in Western Canada, preparing for the launch of its product in the fall of 2022.

 

A product of their love and dedication 

The Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare features a wide range of products that seek to enlighten one’s well-being and promote a healthy and invigorated lifestyle as well. Like the name Cleopatra, which originated from Ancient Egypt, they also want their customers to experience beauty in its most refreshing form. They have several products that seek to help people feel naturally better. They have several aromatherapy blends for Muscle & Joint Pain, Cold Sores, Headaches, and Cold & Flu, among others. All of their products are made from 100% essential oils and are used and recommended by doctors and dermatologists alike.

During the pandemic, they have also created their skincare line, Cleopatra Luxury Skincare. It features a variety of luxury serums–the Scar and Stretch Mark serum, the Youth Serum Elixir, and the Acne Blend. Customers from all over the world have been raving about it, as it enhances their youthful beauty and nourishes the skin!

On to greater heights

 Despite all the odds, the couple’s love for aromatherapy and their strong bond has been crucial for the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy, Presenting Cleopatra Luxury Skincare to rise to greater heights. Their partnership, sense of duty, and love for each other have helped them grow together and as individuals. In turn, the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy is now growing and thriving, never backing down.

 

Lloyd and Judith are now hand in hand in managing their business, which has also helped people from all around the world discover what it takes to take their health and beauty to a higher level. Judith is currently focused on marketing its products in Western Canada, preparing for the launch of its product in the fall of 2022. One thing is for sure– their love for aromatherapy and each other will never waver, much like the Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy’s success.

For more information, visit www.essenceofcleopatra.com.

 

#EssenceofCleopatra #luxuryskincare #LloydandJudithBarran #AlbertaCanada #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Robles -Tolentino Vows Exchanged on the Iberian Peninsula

A celebration of true love, and the realization of a dream by two dreamers  – only Spain would “I do.”

 

“Location, location, location,” goes the old saying and, for Joanna and Raphael, the youngest children of property magnate Mr. and Mrs. Exequiel Robles and businessman Mr. and Mrs. Romualdo Tolentino – only Spain would “I do.”

Kicking off the two-day event was a visit to Monasterio de Monserrat in the afternoon with a Despedida de Soltera at Cavas Freixenet in the evening. The Rumbredos band serenaded guests into an open-floor Flamenco night.

The next day, Joanna Robles flowed down the aisle in a Michael Leyva gown on September 15, 2022, meeting her longtime sweetheart, Raphael Tolentino, wearing a Joey Samson Tuxedo, at the altar of Mare de Deu de la Bonanova in the heart of Barcelona. The couple exchanged vows in front of God and some two hundred teary-eyed, close friends and family at a ceremony officiated by New York-based Father Rhey Garcia, who surprised the couple with a marriage certificate signed by Pope.

Joanna in Michael Leyva and Raphael in a textured classic tuxedo by Joey Samson.

Cheers from local onlookers served as an impromptu sendoff for the entourage as the group whisked away to the reception at Castel De San Marcal. A live jazz band welcomed guests as they strolled across fresh-cut lawns, the crowd enticed by caterer Merçes’s Spanish delicacies, including truffle paella, foie biscuit, and Iberian ham sliced so thin one could see through them. Liveried staff served various cavas, as some opted for freshly rolled Cuban cigars while waiting for the reception to start.

A few moments before Joanna walks down the aisle. Makeup by Jelly Eugenio and hair by Paul Nebres.

Festivities formally began close to sunset at 7 o’clock. Under the shadow of the former Count of Barcelona’s 11th-century fortress home, singers Lexter and Audrey serenaded Joanna and Raphael and their guests as they feted to a multi-course meal chosen with the help of planners Priscila Llorens. Heartier than the tenderloin and sweeter than the baked apple crumble the speeches and toasts given by guests to the newlyweds were followed closely by stunning captures from the esteemed photographer, Pat Dy, and a breath-taking same-day-edit by renowned videographer, Jason Magbanua.

The groom cutting a towering, 7-foot-tall wedding cake with a medieval sword amidst a stream of fireworks served as a finale to the dinner and the beginning of the wild after-party. The castle’s stone inner sanctum thrummed to beats by DJs Marlo, and Janus Naval as an open bar of wines and spirits kept guests’ energy up the next morning.

Joanna and Raphael’s wedding, originally slated for 2020, was instead realized as a three-year event in the making — a merging of twin cultures, a celebration of true love, and the realization of a dream by two dreamers.

 

#RoblesTolentinoWedding #Spain #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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SeedIn Technology Makes Financing Accessible for Everybody

SeedIn Technology is a mobile app, a web-based investment platform that matches Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with potential investors from around the world.  As the only SEC-licensed P2B SME Crowdlending platform in the country, this easy-to-use app has taken the finance world by storm, making financing and investment accessible for everybody.  The model has been widely successful and SeedIn Technology is now one of the biggest P2B (person to business) crowdfunding platforms in the region, having put over US $200 million into SMEs across Southeast Asia in 4 countries (Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and Cambodia).

 SeedIn was brought to the Philippines by Edison Tsai, Anson Uy, and Dexter Tiu, successful entrepreneurs in the Information Technology, Finance, and Energy space.  They were looking for the next big thing and saw the potential in SeedIn’s financially inclusive model, along with the benefits it would give to both SMEs and investors in the country. They tirelessly worked to bring the brand into the country, eventually launching operations in 2017, and forged strategic partnerships with banks like Unionbank, fintech organizations such as FintechAlliance.ph and Fintech Philippines, and other government institutions and payment gateways in the country.

Planting the Seed for SMEs

SeedIn Technology has democratized the world of finance through crowdfunding and by tapping into SMEs—a sector that is often overlooked by banks due to their heavy risk portfolios or low credit scores.  The company’s crowdfunding model has found a decentralized solution to financing. While banks are financially centralized, SeedIn pulls together the resources of tens of thousands of investors who use their app.  Tsai calls SeedIn “The People’s Bank.”  As a result, many struggling businesses are now able to gain access to credit and continue to thrive and be part of the comeback economy.

SeedIn Technology Executive Director Edison Tsai.

The process of becoming a borrower on SeedIn’s website is easy. SMEs simply need to register as Ïssuer” and make a “Loan Request” once their profile has been approved. SeedIn then contacts the Issuer and performs the necessary due diligence by analyzing the company’s financials and business plans to come up with a Credit Score.  Once the project is approved, it will go live and be displayed in the marketplace on the app, where it becomes available to SeedIn investors around the world.  The investors then select the project and their desired investment amount.  With SeedIn’s platform, the possibilities for SMEs and investors are endless.

Financial Inclusion

SeedIn makes financing more inclusive by allowing anybody to be an investor.  With a minimum per investment amount of only Php 1,000 and an average of 10% per annum returns, investments now become accessible to anyone 18 and above with a Philippine bank account or e-wallet.  The process is easy: download the app on Google or Apple store, upload your ID and fill up required fields, and complete the eKYC process within 10-15 minutes. Now the fun begins, and you are introduced to the fascinating and prosperous world of finance.  SeedIn provides investors with the profile of the SMEs they are investing in and pertinent loan information such as interest rate, tenure, and repayment method. tenure, interest rate.

 

Tsai believes that what they are doing will have a positive social and economic impact on the country.  “It is really about connecting people and allowing them to invest in an easy, convenient way,” he says. “We are not lending [to the big conglomerates] because they do not need us.  We are thinking about the other 99%. That is our mission—our social purpose.”  The company encourages “social lending” and “ïmpact investment” by ways of providing local businesses with accessible decentralized capital to help them grow and prosper.

Serve the Deserving

Having operated in the Philippines for five years, SeedIn Technology has continued to serve Filipino SMEs, and retail and institutional investors.  Today they have served hundreds of businesses and over 80,000 investors across 80 countries around the world.  As one of the largest P2B SME crowdfunding platforms in Asia, SeedIn plans to further educate SMEs and investors on alternative financing and investment by expanding to other regions in the near future.

 

For more information, please go to Seedin’s social media or visit https://www.seedinph.tech

 

#SeedIn #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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A successful inaugural race weekend for the 2022 SEAOIL Radical Challenge

Radical Cars Philippines, in partnership with SEAOIL Philippines Inc., kick-started the 2022 SEAOIL Radical Challenge last August 27, 2022. It takes its spot in Philippine motorsport history as the first and only local race series featuring an all-Radical grid, making it the fastest race series in the country. The championship is powered by SEAOIL Extreme 97 Octane as its official fuel. Motul Philippines, a co-presenter of the race series, provides the whole grid with its 300V Performance Oil.

The driver line-up features many familiar faces such as young talent Iñigo Anton, seasoned racers Stefan Ramirez, Jason Choachuy, Gibson Yu, JV Colayco, rookie racer Brian Poe, and Mark Bumgarner; a seasoned racer in his youth, now making his much-awaited return to motorsport. These drivers represent the well-known and respected teams participating in the series: Motul PartsPro (Iñigo), Illa Racing PartsPro (Brian), EnSport (Stefan), OTR Motorsport (Mark), and TrackHos (Jason, Gibson, and JV).

The race weekend started early last August 27 with a driver briefing. Race Director Marlon Stokinger welcomed the drivers and team heads at the Motul paddock and briefed everyone on the rules and regulations of the championship, followed by a full day of 5 practice sessions for drivers and teams to prepare for Sunday’s races. At the lunch break, the organizers initiated a practice start session for drivers to get used to the rolling start procedure at the beginning of the race. Qualifying took place as the last session for the day. It was a race against the weather as a light rain began to dampen the track at the start. Despite the sudden change in conditions, Iñigo Anton put out a dominant performance to secure pole position, followed closely by Mark Bumgarner in P2 and Stefan Ramirez in P3.

Sunday’s races saw another dominant performance by Iñigo, the young driver winning all three races in his Motul SR1, securing the top spot in the driver standings. Not far behind were Stefan and Mark in a heated battle for P2 in the standings with Stefan getting the upper hand in Race 1 and 2. Mark remained consistent throughout all three races by securing three consecutive podium finishes in P3 with his SEAOIL livery SR1. Jason Choachuy surprised everyone during Race 3 by starting in P4 and finishing in P2 in the only SR3 on the grid, securing big points for his team. Brian Poe started at the back of the grid after not being able to participate in qualifying but was very much still in the fight after close battles with JV Colayco in Race 1 and Gibson Yu in Race 2.

There was a decent number of spectators in attendance during race day; a good sign for any motorsport event, especially for a championship’s maiden race weekend. Among the crowd supporting the race was SEAOIL Vice President for Corporate and Consumer Marketing Jayvee Dela Fuente and official dealer for Motul Philippines, Charlie Ong.

It was a fantastic first race weekend for the SEAOIL Radical Challenge and one for the history books. Two more weekends remain on the schedule from the 23rd to the 25th of September at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

 

#SEAOIL #RadicalChallenge #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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Soil Rejuvenation: ENVIRO helps Filipino farmers bring soil back to life

Every crop season, farmers use more and more chemical inputs to keep up with the yield and high quality needed for harvest. This results in a vicious cycle of the need for chemical fertilizers that strip our soil of its essential nutrients. As a way to combat this anti-productive practice, the bright agripreneurs at ENVIRO have made it their mission to introduce BioFertilizers to Filipino farmers. This sustainable method has been proven to bring the soil back to its healthiest state of biodiversity and nutrition. Therefore, increasing yields by 30-40%.

Planting the Seeds for Success 

To ensure the effectiveness of their BioFertilizers, ENVIRO has partnered with globally accredited specialists, government research centers, top universities, and the best scientists to bring forward an innovative product that doesn’t only benefit our environment, but also the nation’s food security. One of the company’s main missions is to achieve Balance Fertilization or the practice of bringing our soil back to its healthiest state. “Balance Fertilization enables farmers to produce a healthy increase in yield, as well as nutrient-rich crops, contributing to food for the Filipino nation that is free from destructive chemicals,” explains ENVIRO co-founder Prashant Dargani.

Research has shown that the use of BioFertilizers have increased farmer’s crop yields by 30-40% while cutting costs by at least 30-50% —making it a highly sustainable, cost-efficient method of farming. ENVIRO has also taken into consideration our local farmers’ well-being. “[We] started because we first heard about how farmers’ health was negatively affected by spraying hazardous chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the plants without wearing face masks, gloves, and [other] protective gear,” says Dargani. With ENVIRO’s BioFertilizers, farmers are risk-free, because the product significantly lowers environmental pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by severely restricting the use of manufactured chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Finally, price points for their products have been specifically designed for farmers. “Sobrang laki po talaga ng tulong ng Enviro samin,” says Mr. Jun Alcantara, a Local Farmer Technician (LFT) from Nueva Ecija. “Kitang kita po talaga and tagumpay.”

Changing the Future Today  

ENVIRO highly encourages soil rejuvenation, knowing that there would be no future without it. “We need to do it today,” Dargani explains. “We need to be able to rejuvenate the earth back to a constant state of rich nutrients and bio-availability. Without this, we will never achieve food security. As we take care of the earth, so does it take care of us.” To help achieve this brighter tomorrow, the company has closely worked with farmers by providing them with on-the-ground training on how to maximize the use of Bio-fertilizers. These training centers focus on teaching them how to get higher yields, how to protect their crops against destructive pests, and how to use the latest farming technologies and systems.

The agripreneurs behind ENVIRO has built the organization on the mission of changing how farming is done, rather than trying to introduce “trendy” organic farming trends. They have also partnered with government agencies that have lent them their trust and full confidence for the last seven years. Particularly, the Department of Agriculture and its agencies continue to work with ENVIRO to help spread the word about Balance Fertilization across different regions in the country.

Saving Our Soil 

By introducing this sustainable method of farming, ENVIRO hopes that it will leave a big impact on our Agricultural Sector. Dargani notes that “saving our soil” is the first step in providing our people with better lives. Good, nutrient-rich soil affects everybody. It begins with our farmers and ends with the rest of us at home, who consume their produce. ENVIRO is aware of the current situation of poor farming practices that could easily be remedied through help and education. Truly, a revolutionary company, helping bring the Philippines towards a brighter future. Save the soil, and surely, you can save the people too.

For more information, visit www.essi.com.ph

#Enviro #BioFertilizers #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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A 70-year reign: Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy

As the world mourns Queen Elizabeth II’s death, it cannot be ignored that people felt like they’ve lost a mother, a leader whom they can all look up to. Her reign was eventful as it was legendary– and one could only hope that the next leader would be as astounding and dedicated as she was.

 

One of the longest reigns in the history of the British Monarch has come to an end. Queen Elizabeth II, an icon and a ruler, died on September 8, 2022, at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her leadership style and dedication to her role have become a constant reminder of the monarch’s stability and power, and in her death, her legacy still resonates. 

Queen Elizabeth II had an eventful and record-breaking reign in a contemporary monarchy. She assumed the throne when she was 25, after her father’s death in 1952. Her reign, spanning 70 years, has witnessed quite a several historical and groundbreaking events, most of which changed the course of humanity. She has seen the downfall of the British Empire, the birth of the internet and the smartphone, and took part in welcoming new norms and trends throughout her life. With all these experiences combined, Queen Elizabeth II played the long game. 

Her impeccable influence 

Through the years, Queen Elizabeth II has become a beacon of stability– not only for her subjects but for the whole world. Despite the chaotic slew of events that coincided with her reign, she was one of the vital reasons as to why the monarchy survived and continues to hold power and influence to this day. 

In leading the British empire, and later on the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II has consistently been an enigma– in a way that her decisions are calculated and precise, yet almost nobody truly knows what is going on inside her mind. Her reign has also been full of scandals and exposes, most of which tarnished the image of the Royal Family. However, despite everything that happened, her influence as the Queen remained and the monarchy regained its reputation every time. 

Her staunch beliefs, though reminiscent of the old colonial past of Britain, also evolved as the world’s perspective changed. Radical shifts and new norms were welcomed as the Royal Family embraced the modern era. Queen Elizabeth II has a favorability rating of 75 percent, which played a huge role in how the monarchy continues to be relevant in the current times.  

Her unique leadership style 

Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t born into immense pressure– she was far in the line of succession back when her uncle, Edward, was the heir to the throne. When he abdicated in favor of her father, King George VI, she immediately became the heir to the throne. Her discipline and utmost dedication to her work were highlighted, and they helped in accomplishing her steadfast vision for the monarchy.

Elizabeth II portrait. Photo credits to Getty Images

She worked incredibly hard at her job. Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t the type to stay stagnant as a leader, she would always have engagements, both local and foreign, to expand relations and oversee operations throughout the entire Commonwealth. In turn, all the countries under the Commonwealth look up to her as an unchanging leader, whom they follow and admire. 

One may view Queen Elizabeth II’s leadership style as apolitical and neutral, which she is constantly known for (and sometimes praised for) at times. The people of the Commonwealth valued her neutrality and deemed it vital for their countries’ stability. Despite the current political climate, the Commonwealth remained powerful and significant. 

As the world mourns Queen Elizabeth II’s death, it cannot be ignored that people felt like they’ve lost a mother, a leader whom they can all look up to. Her reign was eventful as it was legendary– and one could only hope that the next leader would be as astounding and dedicated as she was. As people look forward to the new reign, it cannot be denied that Queen Elizabeth II did an adequate job in shaping the present– and who knows, with her long-standing legacy, maybe even the future. 

 

Contributed by Princess Friel Lontoc

Photo credits to Getty Images

 

#QueenElizabethII #death #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Experience a Queenly rest with Queen of Hearts Silk Sleepwear

Apart from being completely luxurious in look and feel, the Queen of Hearts Silk Sleepwear Collection makes an ideal investment in beauty, health, and wellness.

Sleep is a vital, often neglected component of every person’s overall well-being. With this premise, a relevant business idea on wellness has been created.

“Lack of sleep is a major concern among people of all ages so we decided to put up a sleepwear business to help people get all the benefits of quality sleep,” shares Mitzie Go-Gil, CEO at Beauty Queens Collection Fashion House. Her company distributes Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection products.

The silk fabric material chosen for the sleepwear can provide utmost comfort, gentle on even sensitive skin, and breathable which will promote better sleep, according to Gil.

Silk sleepwear is recommended particularly for women. It provides many health benefits, looks elegant, classic, sexy, and beautiful.

For its initial stage, the products will be available online, and eventually will be distributed in Manila areas. “Volume orders for areas outside the initial distribution area including overseas will be considered carefully on its viability,” adds Gil, the beauty queen turned enterprising woman.

The health benefits of Silk

Did you know that silk is one of the most luxurious, coveted fabrics in the world? But more than this, it offers several health benefits.

First, silk is the strongest of natural fibers. It contains natural protein and 18 essential amino acids. It also contains natural cellular albumen which speeds up the metabolism in skin cells.

Second, silk is hypoallergenic. It does not attract dust mites and is a natural fungal repellent.

The silk fabric provides utmost comfort and breathable which promotes better sleep.

Third, silk does not draw moisture away from your skin and hair but encourages a proper moisture balance. While its extremely smooth and soft texture proves to be beneficial for those with a sensitive skin condition.

Sleeping on Silk for overall wellbeing

Sleeping on silk provides proper health hydration, natural, cool, prevents sleep creases, no sweat, slows down the aging process, and most importantly, it improves the quality of your sleep.

Queen of Hearts Sleepwear red collection. Silk sleepwear suits even the most sensitive skin and helps to keep your skin moisturized.

The fabric itself helps with eczema and asthma, prevents allergies because of its natural anti-fungal element. It suits even the most sensitive skin and helps to keep your skin moisturized.

As it does not conduct static electricity, sleeping on silk helps reduce hair breakage. Thus, works wonder for hair health.

Queen of Hearts Sleepwear gold collection. As it does not conduct static electricity, sleeping on silk helps reduce hair breakage. Thus, works wonder for hair health.

Interestingly, wearing silk can help fight the symptoms of menopause. Silk is temperature regulating, which makes it beneficial for menopausal women combating the battle against night sweats and hot flashes. Hot flashes are usually triggered by fluctuating estrogen levels and other hormonal changes in menopause.

Can you give one important piece of advice to women on choosing the right sleepwear?

“Silk sleepwear is recommended particularly for women,” Gil said. “Silk is the strongest of natural fibers. As it is a breathable fabric and a natural temperature regulator. Silk helps the body retain heat in cold weather while excess heat is expelled in warm weather, helping the body maintain a comfortable, natural temperature. Silk sleepwear is free from wrinkles, looks elegant, classic, sexy, and beautiful.”

No wonder, Gil is a testament to a satisfied silk sleepwear user. It is her secret to a youthful, glowing complexion, healthy and happy physical state.

Apart from being completely luxurious in look and feel, Queen of Hearts Silk Sleepwear makes an ideal investment in beauty, health, and wellness.

For more information, visit the Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection FB page https://www.facebook.com/QueensSleepwear.

#silksleepwear #wellbeing #health #beauty #qualitysleep #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo: Mitzie Go-Gil, CEO at Beauty Queens Collection Fashion House. Her company distributes Queen of Hearts Sleepwear Collection products.

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Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas, Ronin Leviste sets his vision of building a ‘tomorrow together’

“No act is too small to make your country better,” said Leviste during a valedictory speech to his fellow graduates, encouraging them to make a positive impact.

 

“Being Batangueño is the best thing ever,” began Ronin Leviste, the uber-passionate and ultra-proud yet humble recently elected 23-year-old Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas. “We have the most beautiful province in the entire country — beyond the instagrammable mountains and world-class beaches, it is our people [my fellow Batangueños] and their stories who can showcase all the best my province has to offer. We’re already so near [Manila], but we still have a lot more infrastructure coming in soon, surely putting us in a sweet spot for rapid development.”

Following in his father’s footsteps

Politics was never an alien concept to Ronin. His father is Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, whose flourishing career began over two decades ago. As soon as he could walk, Ronin was already accompanying his father to constituent consultations, sessions, and the campaign trails. Seeing his father work closely with communities inspired the young man to follow in his footsteps.

As a student at Xavier, Ronin developed outreach programs growing up and played a role in the social action arm of the school. He recalls a great memory when he started a movement of the solar light building with his barkada in the school’s science lab and then installed them in underprivileged dim communities in Batangas and Mindanao.

While in college at De La Salle University, Leviste received two of the highest honors, the Br. Gabriel Connon Award and the Gawad Francisco Ortigas Jr. Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader Award. In his final year at school, he served as Vice President for External Affairs of the University Student Government. To top it all off, he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Development Studies with the Best Undergraduate Thesis Award.

Creating a positive impact

During the university’s 192nd Commencement Exercise, Leviste gave a rousing valedictory speech to his fellow graduates, encouraging them to make a positive impact. “Everyone here has a different timeline, everyone here has a unique story, but the commonality that binds us is that we all have talents, opportunities, and skills worth sharing when put together, with almost no limit to what the world can expect from us. More importantly, we all have an equal role to play in the development of the Philippines that we call our home. So when our country needs us, we, as Lasallian leaders, must always respond with unconditional service to the nation because to build the nation is to love.” It was Leviste’s wake-up call to his peers: that no act is too small to make your country better.

Education as his advocacy

Ronin soon began building his political career, serving as Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad in Makati and as the Youth Affairs Head of the office of the Vice Governor. He then ran as Municipal Vice-Mayor of Lian, Batangas, as an independent candidate.

“Education can uplift people from poverty and give them an extra sense of fulfillment,” says Leviste.

While he is one of the youngest vice mayors in the country, Ronin never takes it for granted. Apart from what he learned from his father and other mentors, he humbly credits his success to his education — learning loads from school and the people around him. The Batangueño says that education is one of his main advocacies as Vice-Mayor. “Education can uplift people from poverty and give them an extra sense of fulfillment. I learned so much from it, but it also taught me that there is still so much more to learn, so much more to do, so much more to serve,” he muses.

“Everything starts with a vision,” he says. “And mine begins by building a Tomorrow Together. For me, this means we leave absolutely no one behind. I want the Philippines where everyone can wake up in the morning knowing they have food on their tables, that they have jobs sufficient to provide for their family, and that their kids go to school and now have the means to do so. All of this will help uplift families to a better future — giving everyone equal opportunities in life. It is a daunting task ahead, but our generation has shown that if anyone can lead this change — it’s us.”

 

#RoninLeviste #vicemayor #LianBatangas #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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The Logic in Logistics: Beverly Arcangel of Prozone Xpress Logistics   

PXL has established a network coverage of 150 cities in 75 countries across six continents. It is now one of the country’s top logistics superstars.

 

It is 4 in the morning and Beverly Anne Arcangel is already getting out of bed. These early hours are precious for the Managing Director of Prozone Xpress Logistics INC. (PXL) because it won’t be long before her phone starts ringing off the hook. Though the majority of PXL’s clients are from China and Intra-Asia, Europe and the United States are also at par so she needs to be awake when they are.

The 43-year-old begins her routine with a session/flow of Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ), a traditional Japanese practice that helps harmonize one’s energy by holding different parts of the body. Beverly puts herself in a state of peace and relaxation. After that, she makes her way towards the fairway, yoga, or Pilates studio, but manages time to reply to every e-mail in her inbox.  By the time the sun is shining bright, she already managed to put on her #GirlBoss hat even before she arrives at the office.

“I wear different hats in the office, “ she says while explaining her daily routine. Being in the logistics industry means new and unexpected situations happen daily. As Managing Director (without a General Manager), it is up to Beverly to be on top of everything – making sure her team is running like a well-oiled machine. While Prozone Xpress Logistics Inc. is a relatively new company, Beverly and her team have quickly elevated it to become one of the country’s top logistics superstars. They handle diverse industries from the shipment of luxury furniture and lifestyle items to medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, appliances, construction materials, retail, trading, and essentials (IT, telecommunication, water, agriculture, etc). PXL has established a network coverage of 150 cities in 75 countries across six continents.

Power team

Prozone Xpress Logistics Inc. maneuvered during the pandemic by being quick and agile. She also credits her partner, her co-Managing Director at PXL along with her colleagues whose hard work, commitment, and passion for logistics made them the ideal power team. Taking pride in their unique customer service approach which makes them different from competitors, “I always say, I don’t just give a quotation to the customer, I ensure to give them a solutions-focused and client-first approach that require precision, timing, foresight, and flexibility. I listen to their requirements then I customize our services depending on their needs,“ she explains. “I always tell my team, that it is all about personalized service.”

“I always tell my team, that it is all about personalized service,” says Arcangel.

While many companies were minimizing manpower during the pandemic, Beverly did the exact opposite. She made sure that PXL’s clients always had somebody to talk to directly about their concerns. Her way of doing business helped foster strong relationships with her clients, who ultimately trusted the company with all their logistical needs.

The business of logistics

The business of logistics is high stakes and nerve-racking. One small mistake could cost millions. “If you miss information like the correct chargeable weight or correct volume in a cubic meter of a shipment, then everything changes. And a mistake translates to a monetary loss in dollars, not in pesos. This is the reason why it is called LOGISTICS – because this work requires LOGIC.”

Remembering her journey was an emotional process for the successful businesswoman. Throughout the interview, she held back genuine tears. Beverly was somebody else’s employee for a good 19 years, and now she is calling the shots. Yet, her success has not gone to her head. She remains humble, knowing that her quiet strength can be harnessed into gold. “Last June 2022, one of the Philippines’ leading shipping lines called a meeting with me. Announcing that Prozone Xpress Logistics Inc. was noticed as one of the top 10 importers/producers for their line. I was so proud to be in a roster of the big logistics players in the country.” As we ended the interview, I realized that life can indeed begin at 40. All you need is a little strength, a lot of prayers, and a lot of logic.

 

#BeverlyArcangel #ProzoneXpressLogistics #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Artist Mylene Quito hopes to inspire women through her art

For her forthcoming second solo exhibit in October, the artist will showcase her “Belle Fleur” series calling for women’s empowerment.

 

There is truly no limit to what a woman can do. Artist Mylene Quito proves this with her second solo exhibit this coming October 2022 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay featuring her “Belle Fleur” series calling for women empowerment. She hopes to inspire women to follow their passion, continue to reinvent themselves, and bloom.

The black backdrop in the Belle Fleur collection symbolizes all the dark times and failures she experienced throughout her art journey. Quito recalls all the painful storms she went through and reminisces an episode where a critic said she will not make it. Claiming she wasn’t talented enough, and would never succeed without their help . . .  all of which she now feels thankful for as she realized it only made her stronger.

Every painting in the collection are flowers that symbolize the diversity of women – soft, sweet, powerful; all silhouetted with golden linings – symbolic of rebirth and indestructibility.  “No matter what a woman’s flaws and imperfections are, we are uniquely beautiful,” Quito shares.

The Lotus is one of her favorite pieces, a testimony of human resilience and unwavering spirit; also a flower often associated with rebirth and enlightenment. Latched in mud, it submerges in the river and blooms sparkling clean in the morning. Similar to life, we are filled with different problems and anxieties but we will always find a way to rise.

From her La Familia exhibit inspired by her childhood roots, Quito pushes for more greatness beyond as she conquers the Philippine art industry.

From one woman in bloom to another, she says, “Once you become a successful woman, remember to raise others. Start a domino [effect] through your kindness and always remember to stay grounded.”

 

#MyleneQuito #visualartist #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Constructing a Legacy: Alvin, Aimee and Alrich Lam

The Lam siblings remember their childhood as a busy one. “During the holidays, our friends would leave town, and we’d be working. Truth be told, back then, there was resentment. Why did we have to work?” recalled Aimee. What the trio didn’t realize was that they were part of a family legacy. Their parents are Joey and Herminia Lam, the husband-wife power duo who founded Fighter Lock Philippines Corporation (FLPC) in 1986, one of the country’s leading distributors of hardware, construction, and electrical materials. While their peers were enjoying the simple joys of childhood, Alvin, Aimee, and Alrich were training to take on the keys of the family kingdom.

The journey wasn’t easy. Unlike other COOs (Children of Owner), their parents strongly believed that their children needed to start from the bottom. As early as grade school, the siblings were asked to man the stores, make deliveries, and learn the behind-the-scenes nature of their homegrown company. Alvin, the firstborn, was the first to find his footing within FLPC. “He was a bit of a wild child,” Aimee shared with a laugh. As a way to deal with his rowdiness, Alvin was sent to China to learn Mandarin. It wasn’t long before he was homesick. The eldest son begged his parents to let him come back to the Philippines, promising that he would finally shape up. He kept his word and soon began running the business’ daily operations.

Aimee had a similar journey. She went to Canada to study, as a way of escaping the dullness of a daily routine. Although she was looking to do something entirely different, she realized her heart belonged back at home. “They told us time and time again, that this was our bread and butter. They frequently told us their rags to riches story. I felt that it was such a waste to throw this opportunity away if we didn’t continue it.” She moved back home, ultimately taking her place as the company’s head of finance.

Their youngest sibling, Alrich, also felt a sense of resentment as a child because he was asked to work early on. Growing up around his older siblings (Aimee is 4 years older, while Alvin is 10) and seeing them contribute to the company’s success, he came on board after college, handling the FLPC’s marketing department. “I realized, all the experiences we had mattered because they helped us become who we are today,” Alrich says.

Another important lesson instilled into them by their parents is that they are all equal. While many traditional Chinese families believe that the eldest should be the most respected, the Lams reject that dogma. Because of this, they can challenge each other’s perspectives, which have been an instrument in the company’s continuous growth.

As a trio, Alvin, Aimee, and Alrich have been able to bring FLPC into the modern age. The three put their minds together to build a professional image, as well as streamline operations, that propelled the company from a small family business to a thriving corporation. Under their watch, FLPC has expanded from being more than a distributor, but also a creator of their own brands: LAMCO (plumbing needs), Aimee (locks and keys), and Kantt (LED lighting).

Although their success was born from resentment, the Lam siblings are certain that they are where they’re supposed to be. “We can do anything when we’re together,” Aimee shared. As they continue to construct their empire, the Lams have embraced their destiny with open minds and a smile.

#Lamsiblings #FLPC #lamco #Kantt #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Taiwan Tour: Exploring island and geology parks, and other scenic spots

Traveling broadens our horizons and gives us more opportunities to enjoy and learn about the places we visit.

On our fifth day in Taiwan, we had a jampacked itinerary and explored several interesting tourist attractions, such as (1) Yehliu Geopark Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan; (2) Heping Island Park Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan;  (3) Zhengbin Fishing Port Nostalgia Pier Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan;  (4) Agenna Aboriginal Culture Restaurant Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan; and (5) Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Sightseeing at Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is a park of natural wonders. Located in New Taipei City, Taiwan, it has full of sea water-eroded holes as well as numerous rocks that look so real in many shapes and forms!

Mushroom Rock / Personal photo
Fairy’s Shoe / Personal photo

Among other statues are named Fairy’s Shoe, Tofu Rock, Ice Cream Rock, Mushroom Rock, Candle Rock, and Ginger Rock. But the most famous one is the Queen’s Head. All these make this 1,700-meter-long cape a geology park with rich ecological resources and a prosperous fishing village.

The Queen’s Head is the most famous rock formation. Courtesy: Taiwan Tourism

At Heping Island Park, tourists can appreciate ocean views and world-class geo-scape. The Cliff at the island park is the vantage point where you can see and feel the sound of the waves. The sight brings total relaxation to the mind, body, and soul. You can take time exploring the scenic spot and feel its everyday charm. The island park is located right within the North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area.

The Cliff in Heping Island / Personal photo

Zhengbin Fishing Port, also known as “Nostalgia Pier,” gives a more laidback feel. It is located in the south of Heping Island. The Port is built by the Japanese in 1934, and it was the biggest fishing port in Taiwan during the Japanese era. Although it gradually diminished as years went by, its down-to-earth appearance endures. The city is actively seeking to preserve it as a place for relaxation and nostalgia. There has been a boat named “Folk Art” at the Port, considered the first art museum on the sea. Sports activities such as dragon boat races are also quite popular in the area.

The Nostalgia Pier / Personal photo

The group had a sumptuous lunch at Agenna Aboriginal Culture Restaurant located in Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan. The dishes served to us were a fusion of local and international cuisines. Indeed, it was a hearty and satisfying meal!

Fun shot with former colleague Sara at Agenna / Personal photo

The last destination for the day was Jiufen, a well-known tourist spot in Taiwan. It’s a narrow street where you can shop for a lot of things from food to souvenirs. If you’re tight on a budget, it’s still alright to come here because there are a lot of stores offering some free food for tasting.

The writer striking a pose in Jiufen / Personal photo

Jiufen is located on a hillside that faces the ocean and is surrounded on three sides by mountains, with its people still maintaining their original simple lifestyle. With the changing seasons, the scenery also varies greatly, presenting different aspects of Jiufen. In the past, the place was the dreamland of gold diggers; now it has become a sanctuary for many artists and tourists.

Being able to see and appreciate the beauty and history of these scenic spots makes every trip a learning experience.

#Yehliu Geopark # HepingIslandPark   #ZhengbinFishingPort   #AgennaAboriginalCultureRestaurant  #Jiufen #Taiwan #tour #throwbacktravel #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

(Part 5 of a 6-part feature article)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Taiwan Tour: Cultural immersion experience

The Atayal culture was quite interesting. We were introduced to its unique qualities of aboriginal performances, recreational activities, local food and aboriginal cuisine, cultural skills such as bamboo dance, assassination ball experience, and clothing try-on.

 

(Note: Bringing back Day 4 of our unforgettable tour to Taiwan when the world was still COVID-19-free. )

On our fourth day in Taiwan, we traveled to the Atayal Resort in Guoxing Township, Nantou County; the high-speed rail in Taichung station; visited the national historic monument, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101 Observatory, and mall, and had a wonderful stay at Amba Taipei Songshan.

Atayal Resort during the day. Courtesy: pinoyformosa.com

To fully embraced the Atayal experience, we stayed at Atayal Palace Spring Hotel with a Baroque architectural style. Located amidst the fresh greeneries and natural forest, we were secluded from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The resort features the culture of the Atayal tribe, a minority aboriginal tribe in Taiwan.

Atayal Palace at night / personal photo

The Atayal culture was quite interesting. We were introduced to its unique qualities of the aboriginal performances, recreational activities, local food and aboriginal cuisine, aboriginal cultural skills such as bamboo dance, assassination ball experience, and aboriginal clothing try-on.

Bamboo dance experience / personal photo
Wearing the aboriginal costumes / personal photo
Enjoying the native game / personal photo
The writer in the company of Atayal aboriginals @ Atayal Palace Hotel / personal photo

A unique attraction at the resort was a popular skywalk that hangs out of the mountain located 500 meters above sea level, offering a stunning view of the mountainous landscape. The shape of the skywalk was in concise design with a geometrical pattern and tempered glass construction at the bottom.

Standing on the glass platform, 500 meters high above the mountain foot, you can admire the beautiful mountain landscape and spectacular natural scenery that leave you with many wonderful memories.

Beautiful Architecture

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall located in the heart of Taipei City / personal photo

From the resort, we took the high-speed rail to Taichung station to be able to reach Taipei City in 40 minutes. If by regular transportation, travel time would be two hours. Our next stop was at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall located in the heart of Taipei City.

It has become the landmark of the city and is most visited by foreign tourists. Its architecture is inspired by Tiantan in Beijing and is a prime example of the beauty of architecture.

At Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall / personal photo

Two stairs leading to the top, you will find the bronze statue of the historical great leader. It’s being manned by equally attentive guards. The stairs have 89 steps which represent the age of death of Chiang Kai-shek.

View from the top

@ Taipei 101 Observatory / personal photo

For first-time visitors like me, it was a must to visit the Taipei 101 Observatory. There was a fast lift up to the top and the view from the top was impressive!

I couldn’t get over how fast the elevator ride was. It was located inside Taipei 101 mall, considered Taiwan’s premier international shopping destination – featuring luxury goods, fashion, and fine dining. Here, you can enjoy your shopping in comfort and total relaxation.

Urban vibe

After a long day of the tour, we were billeted at the Amba Taipei Songshan, which was five minutes walk to Raohe Night Market. The hotel is admirable for its urban vibe, spacious contemporary rooms, dramatic views of Taipei 101 as you arrived at the chic lobby, and multi-purpose communal areas, best of all, it has one of the best lineups of buffet menus.

Amba communal space with the view of Taipei 101 / personal photo
Amba’s welcome note for this writer / personal photo
Comfortable bed @ Amba / personal photo

It is designed for the savvy urban traveler who appreciates creativity, connectivity, and conservation. Created by Ambassador Hotels, the amba brand was launched in 2012 to coincide with the group’s celebration of 50 years of luxury hospitality.

A sumptuous dinner in the company of Ms. Jeanie Mak, alignment officer of Amba (in yellow-orange scarf)

We had a nice time at Amba, especially with the gracious and very welcoming accommodation of the hotel’s chief alignment officer, Ms. Jeanie Mak (in a yellow-orange scarf). She joined us during dinner and introduced us to the many amenities of the hotel.

Succulent steak at amba / personal photo
Delicious salad @ Amba / personal photo
Bread and cheese / personal photo

With all these things that happened in just one day, we shared the joys and experiences like never before.

#Taiwantour #TaiwanTourismBureau #destination #Asia #tourism #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph #atayalresort #taipei101 #ambataipeisongshan #CKSMemorialHall

 (Part 4 of a 6-part feature article)

 

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Taiwan Tour: Love for rails and amazing scenery

Sun Moon Lake provides visitors with different charms in all seasons. But my favorite is in early spring around February, and the place is embraced by cherry blossoms in full bloom. Sun Moon Lake – a stunning landscape and a romantic paradise rolled into one.

 

Discovering new places of interest adds excitement to any traveler who visits the destination for the first time. On our third day in Taiwan, we went to the Jiji Township, still in Nantou County, where the Jiji and Checheng Railway Stations, the Toushe Basin, and Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area can be found.

  • Jiji and Checheng Railway Stations

Jiji is a lovely small town surrounded by beautiful mountains and streams. Even today, the town has retained its rustic style and precious ecological resources. Tourism has been actively developed here, revealing the town’s charm to visitors.

80-year-old Jiji Station in the Japanese style. Image: Personal photo

When you pay a visit to Jiji, make sure to take photos in front of Jiji Station. It is Taiwan’s most well-known Japanese-style terminal station and has been around for more than 80 years now. It was destroyed in the 1999 earthquake but later reconstructed and restored to its original look. Since then it became a must-visit tourism destination in Jiji.

Jiji Station / personal photo

Checheng is the final destination on the Jiji line and is often referred to as “The Last Train Station.” Full of beautiful and amazing scenery, the Jiji Line is like a gallery that provides both sightseeing and educational enlightenment.

The view of Toushe Basin. Courtesy:sunmoonlake.gov.tw
  • Toushe Basin

The next stop was at the Toushe Basin, where an old “Bed and Breakfast” (worth 25 million in Taiwan dollars) was located. But, because of the storm, the land became soft and wasn’t cultivated well. The structures turned crooked and appeared to be like a “leaning tower of Pisa.”

Sun Moon Lake: Beauty and tranquility. Photo courtesy of Sarion Films
  • Sun Moon Lake

The last location we toured for the day was Sun Moon Lake – the alpine lake with serene beauty and tranquility. It is located in the middle of Taiwan, with an elevation of 748 meters above sea level, the only natural big lake in Taiwan.

The southern part of Lalu Island is shaped like a new moon, and the northern part is shaped like a sun; for this reason, it was named Sun Moon Lake. Visitors are often captivated by the refreshingly beautiful and elegant landscapes in this location. It’s like a Manila Bay cruise if you compared it to Manila.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Cherry Blossom Season. Photo courtesy of Sunmoonlake.gov

Here, you can also enjoy a fascinating ecological tour. Sun Moon Lake provides visitors with different charms in all seasons. But my favorite is in early spring around February, and the place is embraced by