How to deal with emotional crisis, mental health issues amidst the pandemic

Filipinos have been ranked third among the most optimistic consumers across 14 economies in Asia-Pacific. However, depression and other mental health conditions have been on the rise since the pandemic hit last year. In fact, New Good Feelings (NGF) Mindstrong’s 24/7 suicide hotline HOPELINE alone received a total of 30,452 calls in 2020 — a 250% surge compared to 8,610 calls in 2019.

HOPELINE was created in 2012 with Globe as its technology partner. To reach out to more people in need of immediate crisis intervention to de-escalate their heightened emotions and give guidance and information during their crucial moments, especially in these trying times, Globe and NGF expanded their partnership to include telehealth service integrator HealthNow.

HealthNow is a mobile application that helps patients conveniently consult with a doctor, buy medicine for delivery, and soon, schedule clinic appointments without leaving their homes. Currently, the app has over 600 doctors from various specializations nationwide. It also recognizes and accepts PWD/SC discounts for consultations and pharmacy transactions. The app may be downloaded from Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS. HealthNow is a joint venture between 917Ventures, the country’s largest corporate venture builder wholly owned by Globe, and AC Health.

“Our vision in HealthNow is to make healthcare accessible for every Filipino in a tap. Mental health support continues to be very critical at this time, and so we’re happy to be renewing our collaboration with NGF to ensure our users get the right care they need when they need it most,” said Beia Latay, HealthNow CEO.

Through HealthNow, Globe and TM subscribers may quickly call the NGF HOPELINE for FREE anytime they want to talk to someone. HOPELINE can be found under the Urgent Help button on the welcome page of the HealthNow app.

Globe and NGF are optimistic that with an additional channel for customers to access and seek help, those undergoing an emotional crisis will be more encouraged to call HOPELINE.

“We understand how difficult it is for many people with depression to open up because of the stigma that goes with it. At this time, when we are trying to cope with social restrictions and the uncertainties of COVID-19, it becomes even more necessary to have access to professional help. Globe is empowering its customers who are struggling with mental health to do just that,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally.  Yearly, close to 800,000 people die due to suicide, the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.  Depression is also a leading cause of disability worldwide.

The integration of HOPELINE in HealthNow is part of Globe’s efforts to support mental health awareness in the Philippines. Aside from conducting mental health webinars, it also launched Hope Bank, an online support community particularly for frontliners and patients suffering from COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Download HealthNow on Android and iOS or dial 2919 for HOPELINE.

Globe is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 3, which ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all ages. The company also supports the UN Global Compact principles and contributes to 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Featured photo courtesy of Polina Zimmerman on Pexels

#HealthNow #Globe #mentalhealth #emotionalcrisis #pandemic #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Araneta Group vaccinates 100% of employees, personnel vs. COVID-19

The Araneta Group continues to ensure the safety of its staff and customers as it vaccinates all of its 3,000 office-based employees and frontline personnel.

The free inoculation for Araneta Group employees and personnel was administered in batches since May 2021 through the arrangements of J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF).

“We are very pleased with the outcome of our internal COVID vaccination program. The company made sure that everyone will be covered and will receive their jabs as soon as possible,” JAAF Executive Director Diane Romero said.

Vaccination – Smart Araneta Theater

Romero also acknowledges the support of Quezon City’s local government in this initiative. As the company waits for the full arrival of its vaccines, the LGU extended its vaccination program to Araneta Group frontliners and other businesses within Araneta City.

“The vaccination program is part of Araneta Group’s goal of providing a safe and healthy live, work, dine, shop, and play environment at the City of Firsts. We are not just guaranteeing the safety of our own people, but we are also assuring the public that they can visit any Araneta City property safely and with ease,” she said.

Aside from the free vaccination, the Araneta Group continues to conduct sanitation and disinfection in all Araneta City properties. Social distancing measures and other health and safety protocols continue to be strictly implemented. Individuals are still required to wear facemasks and face shields, and precautionary measures in entrances such as temperature checks, alcohol dispensers, and foot baths remain.

The Araneta City malls have also received safety seal certifications from the QC LGU following their strict compliance with minimum public health standards.

Since the pandemic hit the country last year, the Araneta Group prioritized to make its businesses safe for its employees and customers with its slogan “Safety First at the City of Firsts”.

#AranetaGroup #vaccination #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Rainy Day Comfort Food

Cooking is one of the rainy day activities that we can do as a form of bonding at home. The joy of sharing good food with our loved ones is truly incomparable.

These two dishes – Champorado and Arroz Caldo —  are what we always crave during the rainy season – our comfort food, so to speak. The cuddle weather makes us wanting for dishes that are hot, delicious, and with a thick creamy soup. Just imagine enjoying a warm bowl of these flavorful dishes.

We used Adlai rice for the arroz caldo and champorado recipes. Adlai rice is the healthier choice — gluten-free, high in dietary fiber, and rich in protein and calcium. It also contains minerals such as iron and has a low glycemic index that means that it has low sugar levels and is good for those who are diabetic.

Filipinos love rice; it’s a staple in every family’s menu. But with Oh Crop! Adlai rice no need to feel guilty every time you have that extra serving of Arroz Caldo and champorado. It will keep you full longer and will make you feel less hungry after hours compared to regular glutinous rice.

According to Tribune World of Flavors columnist Dolly Dy-Zulueta, she was surprised at how economical Oh Crop! Adlai rice when she cooked Arroz Caldo recently. “I was surprised at how matipid Adlai is. You need only a little because it keeps absorbing the liquid that you cook it in so that it doubles in amount. “

It’s important to be health-conscious now that we are in a pandemic. Health is wealth and as long as you take care of yourself by staying fit and eating right, you’ll be able to save yourself from hospital and medicine bills later on. More than ever, we have to make sure that we, and our families, are making efforts to stay healthy. This isn’t the time to let up on our commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Delicious champorado. Photo courtesy of Oh Crop
  • Adlai Champorado (By Chef Wado)

Ingredients:

5 cups water

5 tablets of Tablea

¾ cup Condensed milk

¼ cup Muscovado sugar

2 tbsp Desiccated coconut

1 cup Washed Oh Crop! Adlai

Procedure:

Boil water

Add Tablea

Stir until the Tablea dissolve

Add washed Adlai rice

Add Muscovado sugar

Pour the condensed milk

Add desiccated coconut

Wait until it boils

Serve

Topping time: Top it with sliced bananas

Add condensed milk

Enjoy!


Mouthwatering Arroz Caldo. Photo courtesy of Dolly Dy-Zulueta
  • Adlai Arroz Caldo

1 white onion, chopped

2 tbsp ginger, julienned

2 cloves garlic, minced Cook in 2 tbsp olive oil

Add 150g chicken breast

Add 2 cups washed Adlai

Cook until fragrant

Add 4 cups water 2 chicken cubes

Let it boil for 10 mins or until Adlai is al dente

Season with fish sauce and pepper

Garnish with boiled egg, crunchy garlic, and spring onion

Serve and enjoy!

#champorado #arrozcaldo #comfortfood #rainyseason #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

65 Erasmus+ Filipino Scholars to pursue higher education in the EU

There is a gold mine among the Filipino youth!

In the coming weeks, 65 Filipino students will pursue their academic dreams in several countries of the European Union after they won scholarships under the EU’s Erasmus + Programme.

Erasmus+, the European Union’s mobility and scholarship programme, allow students to pursue their studies – MA and PhD programmes- in more than one EU member state giving them the opportunity to benefit from the academic expertise and culture of more than one university.

EU Ambassador Luc Véron said that the Philippines has consistently ranked as among the top 10 countries which has the highest number of Erasmus+ scholars in the world from 2004 to 2020.  The Philippines has also ranked as the second country with the highest number of Erasmus+ scholars in the region from 2004 to 2021.

These 65 Erasmus+ students will be sent off in a virtual ceremony on 5 August in collaboration with Campus Erasmus comprised of Erasmus+ scholars in the country.

“I congratulate the new Erasmus scholars as they depart for the EU campuses starting this August. Make the most out of your Erasmus journey and take pride in your Filipino heritage,” EU Ambassador Véron said. “I encourage you to become agents of social change and transformation for the Philippines and to become goodwill ambassadors for the partnership and friendship between the EU and the Philippines.”

This programme gives life-changing opportunities for Filipino students to experience living the European culture, learning European languages and being integrated into the European society for one to two years.

The Erasmus + programme is among the leading international academic mobility programmes in the world, and students from the Philippines have benefited considerably from the programme.  Erasmus + (formerly called the Erasmus Mundus Programme) promotes the EU as a centre of excellence in learning and making student mobility a reality for EU and non-EU citizens alike.

Featured photo courtesy of European Commission

#Erasmus+programme #internationalacademic #europeanunion #erasmusscholars #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Check out big deals from your favorite brands

Are you the type of shopper to prioritize brand loyalty above everything else? Exciting news, brand sukis: you can score big discounts on essentials from your favorite brands at the Shopee 8.8 Mega Flash Sale. Until August 8, enjoy a huge variety of flash deals at irresistible prices—as low as ₱8!—from top brands in lifestyle, electronics, and more.

To discover these deals, open Flash Deals on your Shopee homepage and browse through the Mall Flash Deals tab to find your favorite brands. Don’t forget to press “Remind Me” to receive a notification once the deal goes live. Flash deals are available in limited quantities for a limited time only, so hurry!

Meanwhile, check out big deals from leading brands below:

Comfy and stylish loungewear

You’ll definitely want to update your old pambahays with these discounted offers. INSPI Oversized Shirt features a stylish silhouette and an eye-catching silk screen graphic print. If you prefer a tighter fit, go for Bobson Basic Tee’s semi body-fit. Top off the look with JEIKY Naruto Rubber Slippers, which is made of anti-skid rubber PVC.

Upgraded home essentials

Take advantage of the sale and stock up on groceries and other home essentials. Start each morning with a piping hot cup of UCC Black Ready to Drink, which contains 100% roasted sugar-free coffee. Then cozy up your home with luxurious Home de Luxe Cotton Pillows. Each pillow is 100% hypoallergenic and has a 500 thread count.

Workout-from-home must-haves

If you’re going running or biking in your neighborhood, first things first: stay safe and healthy with Ilwoul KF94 Nano Respirator’s four-layered protection. Don’t forget to hydrate every once in a while using Hydro Flask Standard Mouth, which eliminates condensation and keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours. After winding down, whip up a healthy fruit or vegetable smoothie in one minute using Hawaii Home Mini Juicer.

Gadgets and appliances for the home

 Whether you’re looking for WFH accessories or home appliances, you won’t be able to resist the discounts on these electronics. If you’re in the market for wireless earbuds, check out LG TONE Free FN7. It has an Ambient Sound Mode, a total playtime of 15 hours, and a waterproof design. Health buffs can use Homezania Air Fryer to create balanced dinner options minus the oil. Lastly, you’ll find Deerma Handheld Vacuum Cleaner to be a worthy investment with 10kPa suction power and up to 35 minutes of running time.

To discover more flash deals, visit https://shopee.ph/m/8-8.

To save more on purchases from your favorite brands, use ShopeePay to enjoy daily free shipping and coins cashback. Top up your ShopeePay wallet through your debit card, online banking, or over-the-counter payment partners. Get up to 50% cashback when you pay your electricity, water, and internet bills with ShopeePay. Enjoy ShopeePay ₱1 Deals from Puregold, Seaoil, Potato Corner, and more; 10% off on mobile load; and flash deals on mobile load & data for as low as ₱1.

For a chance to win more ShopeePay credits, join the #BudolFinds challenge on Tiktok from July 26 to August 8. Just buy products from the Fashion, Food & Beverages, Electronics, Beauty/Personal Care, and Home categories on Shopee. Then shoot a creative 30-second review and include the hashtag #BudolFinds in the caption. Participants can win up to ₱5,000 worth of ShopeePay credits. For more details about the #BudolFinds challenge, visit https://shp.ee/u6vfw6j.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

#Shopee88MegaFlashSale #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Globe continues service support to customers as NCR placed under ECQ

Globe assures its customers that it will continuously deliver service support and #ExtraCareAtHome despite the new lockdown. The IATF announced Metro Manila will be placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) starting 06 August 2021 to 20 August 2021 to curb the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Easier service-related transactions using digital channels 

Globe keeps its digital channels operational 24/7 including GCash, GlobeOne, and Globe At Home apps so customers have access to their needs from buying load, tracking of data and promos, quick troubleshooting of issues, and reporting customer service concerns while remaining safe at home. Download the apps through Google Play Store for Android devices or Apple Store for iOS devices. The use of these apps is free of charge.

Globe hotlines 211 and 808 for TM customers are also open for reporting of concerns and self-service transactions through a digital assistant. Our customer support team is available to respond to issues reported through our digital channels.

Globe continues to provide access to select government sites with no data charges.  These include:

  • Department of Health (DOH) – https://doh.gov.ph/
  • Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – https://pia.gov.ph/
  • National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) – https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/

Free calls to government hotlines are also available to Globe Prepaid, Globe Postpaid, TM, and Globe landline customers:

  • National Emergency Hotline – 911
  • PH Red Cross Hotline – 143
  • DOH Hotline – 87111001-02
  • NDRRMC Trunk Lines – 89115061-65
  • NDRRMC Operations Center – 89111406, 89122665, 89125668, 89111873
  • PH Red Cross Emergency Response Unit – 87902300
  • DOH COVID Hotline – 86517800, 89426843, 1555

Meanwhile, through HealthNow, Globe and TM subscribers may call the NGF HOPELINE for FREE anytime to promote mental health. HOPELINE can be found under the Urgent Help button on the welcome page of the HealthNow app.

Safe Options to Load Up

Globe encourages its customers to load safely from home and maximize GCash for their loading needs or any of its partner apps including Shopee, Lazada, Grab, Coins.PH, Puregold Mobile App, Telepreneur, as well as BPI and BDO.

Globe also has offline partners from supermarkets, remittance centers, and convenience stores that customers can check out, provided they observe social distancing and wear face masks and face shields.

On the go service technicians to support Globe At Home Customers

For broadband service repairs requiring onsite visits and assistance, Globe at Home’s customer field service personnel is on standby to support and assist customers.  Customers may request for onsite visit or service assistance using the Globe at Home app, also readily available for download and FREE to use.

Globe technicians are trained to follow strict health protocols, before, during, and after their deployment. To know more about the Globe broadband services readily available during the pandemic, visit this link: https://www.globe.com.ph/broadband/faq.html

Globe is one with Filipinos in fighting the spread of the virus.  The company is committed to providing its customers with reliable connectivity while extending extra protection at home.

Twitter: @talk2GLOBE │ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/globeph

Photo courtesy of John Alvin Merin on Unsplash

#ExtraCareAtHome #Globe #ECQ #connectivity #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

Devices and freebie bundles to love, keep, and how to make an amazing content this rainy season

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has announced recently its latest deals and promos for the rainy season. Fans will love the 20 percent discount on the Nokia 2.4 and Nokia 3.4. Those eyeing the Nokia 5.4 and Nokia 1.4 can also get first dibs on the limited-edition Nokia hoodie and umbrella – the perfect rainy season freebies to trust and keep.

Meanwhile, Samsung collaborates with Mobile Filmmaking Philippines (MFP) for a series of instructional videos captured with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The clips show how filmmakers can make epic content using the phone’s groundbreaking hardware and intelligent software. The partnership aims to provide insightful ideas about making small and everyday win at home become more epic moments using the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.

  •  It’s raining discounts and freebies with Nokia mobile’s Rainy Season Sale

Nokia mobile brings its Filipinos fans amazing discounts and freebies until supplies last:

Get 20 percent off with the Nokia 2.4, which features 3GB RAM and 64GB memory in timeless Charcoal, with free TWS earbuds for only Php5,590, an amazing price cut from its original price of Php6,990.

The Nokia 3.4 with 4GB RAM and 64GB memory in vibrant Fjord or timeless Charcoal is now available for Php6,590 with free Yoobao Speaker, down from its original price of Php7,990.

Grab a free Nokia hoodie with every purchase of the Nokia 5.4 for only Php7,990 from its original price of Php9,990. The phone is packed with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage and comes in Polar Night and Dusk colour variants.

Snag a premium Nokia umbrella when getting a Nokia 1.4 which comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB memory in Fjord and Charcoal colour variants, for only Php4,990.

Stay active at home

Stream workout videos and stay active even whilst indoors with the Nokia 2.4. Match your exercise pace to online HIIT, yoga or other programs with the Nokia 2.4’s immersive 6.5-inch HD+ screen. The phone’s massive display gives users an immersive experience that elevates their viewing time. With 3GB RAM and 64GB memory, users can enjoy seamless navigation of mobile activities such as video streaming, chatting to taking amazing photos.

The Nokia 2.4 is also equipped with modern essentials such as a fingerprint scanner and face unlock feature, giving fans effortless access and added security for their smartphones.

 Enjoy rainy, cosy days with family

Rainy days can still be fun at home with family and loved ones close by. Extend bonding time with the Nokia 3.4. Streaming your favourite movies and vlogs and binge watch on the phone’s wide 6.39-inch HD+ screen with a punch-hole design.

The Nokia 3.4 also has a powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 460 Mobile Platform and octa-core processor to ensure a strong and trustworthy performance upgrade combined with a premium design and the best of Android in a durable package.

Create amazing content at home like a pro

Let the rain pour and enjoy time indoors whilst exploring your creativity and creating amazing content with the Nokia 5.4. The phone’s impressive 48MP quad-camera setup and 16MP front camera capture stunning photos and videos with incredible detail whether with light or in the dark with zero shutter lag.

Tailored to young and creative content creators, the Nokia 5.4’s strong camera and film capabilities brought by the reliable Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 662 Mobile Platform and two-day battery life enable users to perform each activity with speed, whether it’s for work, games, streams, photoshoots or entertainment.

Family time with peace of mind

The sturdy Nokia 1.4 is the phone for the family. It features a Qualcomm® chipset, fingerprint sensor for security and built-in parental control that allows users to manage content downloaded from Google Play store and downloadable content whilst letting children play with the device during rainy days.

The Nokia 1.4 also boasts a massive 6.51-inch HD+ edge-to-edge screen real estate, the largest ever on a Nokia 1 series. The new and expanded HD+ screen is perfect for video calls, keeping friends and families connected even from afar.

Fans can purchase all discounted phones to love, trust and keep at all Nokia mobile physical stores and kiosks nationwide and online at Shopee, Lazada, Zalora and all authorised resellers until stocks last.

 

  • SAMSUNG partners with Mobile Filmmaking Philippines for a series of epic videos

MFP is an organization of individuals who are passionate about creating motion pictures using smartphones. Led by its founder Mark Tristan Cua, the group has more than 29,000 followers who are given tips and tricks when recording a film.

The first instructional video talks about the capability to shoot in 8K. MFP also demonstrates how to take a high-resolution photo from the 8K video using the 8K Video Snap. Watch the video through: https://fb.watch/v/CgTjINSz/

In the next video, MFP demonstrates the Night Mode feature to capture vivid images even in a low-light environment. This time, MFP takes snaps with and without the said function to make a side-by-side comparison. Watch it here: https://fb.watch/v/1Tej4nRI3/

The third instructional video highlights the convenience of shooting with the Super Steady feature. It is best utilized when capturing moments that require quick movements to achieve a smooth, shake-free video recording. Watch the clip here: https://fb.watch/v/1gTcc4nL7/

The fourth clip highlights the Director’s View feature that allows users to switch from different angles while recording a video. It also has Vlogger View to help filmmakers capture the moment and user’s real-time reaction by using the front and rear cameras simultaneously. Watch the video through: https://fb.watch/v/1tnMlUVVl/

For more videos created by Mobile Filmmaking Philippines in partnership with Samsung, visit their official page: facebook.com/MobileFilmmakingPH/.

To find the nearest Samsung Experience Store, visit samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations.

#HMD #Nokia #Samsung #MobileFilmmakingPhilippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Tan brothers aim for growing ready-to-drink market with new Barman Cocktail Concentrates

Tanduay is introducing new cocktail concentrates with the aim of capturing the surging ready-to-drink market. According to The Millionaires’ Club issue of Drinks International Magazine, ready-to-drink products were one of the key trends in the past year along with e-commerce and low/no alternatives.

“It’s a growing category, and we are ready to address the needs of the market,” said Tanduay President and COO Lucio Tan III, adding that, “We also anticipated a spike in the number of people drinking in the comfort of their homes.”

The new Barman Cocktail Concentrates come in three flavors:  Amaretto Sour, Black Russian, and Dark & Stormy. They come in 250 ml bottles and can be purchased via www.shots.ph., Tanduay’s e-commerce website. They are also available in Shopee, Lazada, Puregold, 7-Eleven, and leading supermarkets and grocery stores.

The new Barman Cocktail Concentrates come in three flavors: Amaretto Sour, Black Russian, and Dark & Stormy.

The product line was developed by the Tanduay New Product Development unit along with its sales and marketing departments to cater to evolving market’s tastes and needs.

“We call it the quick-fix cocktail mix as they’re hassle-free to prepare. All you need to do is add water to enjoy them,” said Tanduay Executive Vice President Kyle Tan.

The Tan brothers took over the reins at Tanduay this year, and have been aggressive in exploring new markets and entering new product categories.

“While we continue offering the Tanduay products that many Filipinos love, we are also developing new products for emerging consumers such as the millennial market,” said the older Tan.

About the Barman Cocktail Concentrates

Barman Amaretto Sour is a blend of rum with flavors of amaretto and citrus fruit. It contains 50% alcohol and has the aroma of fresh cherries, lemon, vanilla, and candied almond. Its taste is a balance of sweet amaretto and sour lemon with sweet almond cherry taste that finishes with fruity and nutty caramel.

 Barman Black Russian, meanwhile, is a blend of vodka and coffee liqueur. It also contains 50% alcohol. Its flavor has notes of black coffee, sweet vanilla bean, tablea, and notes of caramel and it has aromas of bittersweet coffee bean and roasted chestnut. It’s the perfect everyday cocktail, whether enjoyed on your own or via a virtual party with colleagues and friends.

Rum with flavors of ginger and citrus fruits make up. Barman Dark & Stormy Cocktail Concentrate. It has a clear, transparent, and pale straw yellow color and refreshing ginger, a slice of lime, with notes of cucumber aroma. Its taste is a sweet blend of rum with a spicy bite of ginger and a pleasant kick of freshly squeezed lemon juice with lingering citrus zest.

Earlier this year, Tanduay also introduced Ginto, a barrel-aged gin that is the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Featured photo: Tanduay President and COO Lucio Tan III

 #tanduay #barman #cocktail #readytodrinkmarket #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Golden Feat: Hidilyn Diaz feels grateful for making her triumph “possible”

As the first Gold Medalist in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Hidilyn Diaz still couldn’t believe that she did it, and conceded that she couldn’t do it on her own, but her faith in the divine providence made everything possible. She posted and shared this message on her Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/hidilyndiaz/

“Di ako makapaniwala na nandito ako ngayon sa Olympics .
Di ako makapaniwala na matutuloy ang Olympics .
Di ako makapaniwala na nandito ang TeamHD.
Di ako makapaniwala na
𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 ako sa Olympics .

Kung ako lang ito, di ko ito magagawa parang impossible. Salamat God sa pagdala ng mga tao, government support, private support, pamilya, kaibigan at prayer warriors para magawa ko ito at maging possible.

Jesus looked at them and said, “with man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.

Team HD. Photo courtesy of hidilyndiaz on Instagram


Diaz continues to hog the headlines after she won the gold medal for the Weightlifting 55 kg category in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. With her mighty strength, focus, and determination, she bested two opponents from China (Q.Y. Liao) and Kazakhstan (Z. Chinshanlo). She cleared 127kg in her final lift in clean and jerk and finished with a total of 224kg lifted – both Olympic records.

Hidilyn Diaz was ecstatic after winning the gold medal for weightlifting at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Photo courtesy of Reuters / Edgard Garrido

Diaz is set to receive Php10 million from the government for bagging the historic first gold medal for the Philippines after nearly 100 years of Olympic gold dry spell. Meanwhile, a silver is worth Php5 million, while a bronze Php2 million, but additional pledges from various individuals have reached the total prize of Php35 million+ (to date, as per a recent report).

The Zamboanga City pride is now the most consummate Philippine Olympian. She’s not just a gold medalist, but a multi-medal winner from various competitions, such as the 2016 Rio Olympics, 2018 Asian Games, 2019 World Championships, and 2019 SEA Games.

Hidilyn Diaz has now 232k followers on her Instagram account.

Featured photo courtesy of @hidilyndiaz on Instagram

#OlympicWeightlifting #TokyoOlympics2020 #HidilynDiaz #goldmedalist #pinaypower #Philippines #pinaypride #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

MVP Steers Landco to Help Build a More Resilient Nation

Aiming for the socio-economic recovery of the nation from the impact of COVID-19, Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), chairman of the MVP Group of Companies, assuaged uncertainties by strengthening Landco and jumpstarting the tourism industry in order to build a more resilient nation.

“MVP is not just about profits.  As part of the MVP Group of companies, we feel how much he cares about his employees, the people under his stewardship.  Taking his lead, Landco endeavored to take care of its own.  At the start of the pandemic, there was a public commitment by Landco Top Management to its employees that no one will lose their job.  And we are proud to say that we’ve lived up to that promise,” said Erickson Y. Manzano, President, and CEO, Landco.

Landco’s strong workforce reengineered its systems and processes for greater productivity at the onset of the community quarantine. The company at the same time rationalized and analyzed its budget for cost-efficiency.

“Our operations team channeled energies to our back office: Title Transfer, Customer Service, Finance, and IT.  We focused on customers and updated them on their titles. We implemented a more efficient enterprise-wide system to replace SAP, and streamlined our operations,” added Manzano.

While these improvements in operations are essential to the stability of the organization, Landco, known for pioneering landscapes for more than 30 years, continued to offer innovative and exciting concepts for Filipinos to adapt to the new normal.

Landco introduced its revolutionary concept of Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE). These are master-planned developments with mixed-use residential and commercial lots, situated in the tourist destination of Batangas: 24-hectare Club Laiya and 15-hectare CaSoBē; and Samal Island, Davao.

Club Laiya Beach Club

Millennial Resorts, operated by Landco, features a wide range of resort amenities that serve as a beacon for tourists in these developments. True to its commitment to developing and keeping local talents, Landco employs and trains locals who are part of the team that ensures that guests will have a pleasant and unforgettable experience at its facilities.

“We support MVP’s thrust in tourism as one of the key drivers in the recovery efforts of the country, “stated Patrick C. Gregorio, Senior Consultant for Hospitality and Tourism, Landco.

“On the operations front, we got our Resort and Staycation Certifications from the Department of Tourism during the pandemic.  We offered our Crusoe Cabins for those who wanted to work from the beach, and with that, we were able to keep our whole team employed throughout the pandemic, 90% of whom live in the Batangas community where Crusoe is located,” cited Manzano.

Millennial Resorts staff provides warm hospitality to CaSoBe and Club Laiya guests

Millennial Resorts also offers unconventional accommodations of the surreal capsule-like rooms of Cocoons and water amenities such as Aquaria, a water park with a three-story pool slide at CaSoBē, and the Beach Club at Club Laiya. Captain Barbozza restaurant and bar provides a chic and casual dining experience.

With the leadership of Pangilinan on a long-term sustainability program for a better nation, Lando’s LTEs Club Laiya and CaSoBe are both LEED registered. Millennial Resorts will soon acquire EDGE Certification, a Sustainability Certification from the International Finance Corp of the World Bank by the end of 2021.

Landco is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Corporation. For more information about Landco and LTEs: Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit landco.ph or FB page @LandcoPacificCorporation.

#MVP #Landco #LTEs #EricksonManzano #ClubLaiya #CaSoBe #tourismindustry  #Batangas #SamalIslandDavao #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph