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Travel associations appeal for more support for the tourism industry

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and other travel groups are seeking more assistance from the Department of Tourism.

In a letter to the DOT, the PTAA noted “ongoing financial challenges and impact to business” from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are one with the department’s endeavor towards recovery and to support businesses severely hit by the continuing coronavirus disease,” PTAA President Michelle Taylan wrote in the letter addressed to DOT Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

The travel association is requesting further assistance from state insurers like the Social Security System, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG in maximizing the availment of benefits for PTAA members and other stakeholders in the travel industry who may currently be suffering from financial constraints due to either limited or shuttered business.

The group also seeks discounted lifeline packages for other recurring monthly bills that need to be settled while on an operation. This includes utilities and telecommunication payment dues.

“You can just imagine the financial burden of having to pay off these otherwise usual items, without actual income,” Taylan said. “We are hoping to give tourism industry workers a bit of relief kahit sa simpleng mga bayarin kada buwan.”

The PTAA launched its “Bills Support Care” campaign, taking inspiration from the various community pantries being set up in different parts of the country.

The PTAA launched its “Bills Support Care” campaign, taking inspiration from the various community pantries being set up in different parts of the country.

The association expects momentum for the tourism industry to take off following the vaccination of the A4 priority group which includes tourism workers.

“We see some silver lining as vaccination of economic frontliners begin. It would just be a matter of time until we see the tourism boom again. But until such time, we hope to provide whatever help we can to ailing businesses,” Taylan said.

Leisure travel to and from the NCR Plus to areas under more relaxed restrictions or those in modified general community quarantine has been allowed but limited to point-to-point travel.

Travelers aged below 18 years old and those older than 65 must present a negative RT-PCR test result. Swab test requirements of those in-between age groups will depend on their destination’s local government unit protocol.

Aside from the PTAA and TCP, other travel associations like the PATA, NAITAS, QCTAA, PATS, ALTTA, ATTAP, ATTA, BAPTTA, BATFOI, BITATOA, BSTA, BOSZTAA, CTTA, DTAA, ITATOA, NEATOP, PTOTAA, QuePATTA, TATToO, R1TTA, and the RTAA join the call to seek assistance for travel and tourism workers gravely affected this pandemic.

Featured photo: PTAA President Michelle Taylan

#tourismindustry #appeal #support #travelindustry #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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Stress free laundry days with these washer and dryer lineup

With a busy and ever-changing lifestyle, laundry time is an important errand that is easy to miss due to the demands of work and everyday life. Now that the rainy season is here and the chances of having bad weather is bigger, it has become every person’s nightmare when there’s barely any sun or limited space to dry the clothes. But with the help of Samsung’s washing or drying machines, any laundry chore can be adapted to fit those with a fast-paced lifestyle and different clothing care needs.

  • For hassle-free and personalized washing. Doing laundry for different types of clothes or other home furnishings (such as beddings or curtains) can be an overwhelming task especially when managing home chores all at once. For first-timers most especially, navigating the washing or drying machine can be difficult to even think about because of its complexities.

To make the laundry hassle-free and efficient, the Washer Dryer Front Load Combo’s (WD75T554DBE) AI Control feature familiarizes itself with user preferences and combines that knowledge to provide automatic suggestions of wash cycles on its display. This feature also gives updates on the washing status of a certain cycle. Forgot to put clothes that need washing? This washer-dryer has an AddWash™ feature that lets extra clothing or detergent get added into the wash cycle or allows to pop in hand-washed clothes in the cycle to spin dry

  •     For stubborn stains. One of the most tiresome parts of doing laundry is cleaning out stubborn stains that just won’t go away easily. Stains are unavoidable even when really careful. But with most people attending to their laundry chores once or twice a week due to their busy work schedule, prolonged stains can become a bit difficult to remove.

Using the Front Load Washer (WW75T554DTT)’s Eco Bubble™ technology, detergent is turned into soft bubbles allowing for faster penetration to remove dirt easily even in cold water—all these while saving energy and protecting the texture and color of the fabric.

  • For delicate fabrics. Anyone who is meticulous with the care of their fabrics would be hesitant to use an actual dryer to dry out their delicate clothes. But with the country’s unpredictable rainy weather, it’s hard to air out clothes properly to ensure fresh smelling clothes. The Front Load Dryer (DV80T5220TT)’s OptimalDry feature uses a temperature sensor and monitors the humidity level to prevent clothing from absorbing too much heat to ensure that it won’t be damaged. Additionally, the dryer’s AI Control can help in remembering drying habits and suggest cycles while the Heat Pump Technology gently dries the clothes without using too much electricity to get the job done.

 

  • For busy multi-taskers. To maximize time while attending to other household tasks, users can remotely control the laundry settings of the Front Load Washer (WW75T554DTT ), Front Load Dryer (DV80T5220TT), and Washer Dryer Front Load Combo (WD75T554DBE) by using a smartphone with the SmartThings app. Using this app, get notifications once the cycle is done, never skip laundry chores with the Laundry Planner function, and check recommended wash cycles with the Laundry Recipe for a truly personalized laundry experience.

Make laundry days stress free and convenient by availing these washing machine bundles with the Samsung Digital Appliances Cool Summer Bundles Sale:

  • 5kg Wash, 5.0kg Dry Front Load Combo + 60 sqm Air Purifier for only P63,711
    • Save P18,279
  • 5kg Front Load Washer + 8.0kg Front Load Dryer for only P71,510
    • Save P17,480

With this promo, Samsung Digital Appliances is offering up to 30% off on individual appliances and even bigger savings on bundles until June 30, 2021! Visit SamsungPH on Facebook and samsung.com/ph/cool-summer-bundles to know more about this promo and other participating products.

#SamsungPH #digitalappliances #rainydays #laundrychores #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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40,000 housing beneficiaries nationwide to benefit thru Globe KonekTayo WiFi and NHA partnership

Filipinos’ digital life changed drastically with the constant need for connectivity. Distance learning and work-from-home arrangements continuously challenge the underprivileged families struggling to cope with digitalization.

Driven to address this need, Globe entered into a partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to deploy KonekTayo WiFi in over 100 NHA resettlement sites nationwide. Within the year, the KonekTayo Wifi will benefit about 40,000 housing beneficiaries.

The move is part of Globe’s commitment to bring affordable internet solutions to every Filipino.  Internet connectivity has become a necessity in the country due to the accelerated digital adoption brought about by the pandemic.

KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that provides households with an affordable internet connection without the need for a modem, a postpaid subscription, or mobile data.  Instead, residents can simply connect to the service and choose from various prepaid data packs that suit their budget.

Ernest Cu, Globe President, and CEO was present at the launch, expressing his appreciation to NHA on the partnership: “We are grateful for this partnership with the NHA and will work with them to fulfill their core mission to promote decent, liveable, and resilient homes for all Filipinos, through low-cost and reliable internet connectivity.”

Likewise, Marcelino Escalada, Jr., General Manager of NHA returned the appreciation to Globe saying, “We are grateful for this partnership with Globe that allows us to better serve our constituents by helping them with their digital needs. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with Globe.”

KonekTayo WiFi is available in the following NHA communities: Disiplina Village I- Ugong, Disiplina Village II- Bignay, Valenzuela; Paradise Heights and Vitas LRB in Tondo, Manila; Malabon Homes in Malabon; Lanit River Plains in Iloilo; Greendale Residences, Guadalupe Heights, St Francis Village and North Hill Arbours in Tacloban, Leyte; and Paraiso Heights in Sagay, Negros Occidental. And soon, KonekTayo WiFi will be available in other selected NHA communities nationwide.

In addition to WiFi services, Globe has also committed to conduct ambassadorship training for the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) for communities and implement the eWaste Zero Program in various NHA areas where KonekTayo is made accessible.

DTP educates the youth on digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology through workshops and modules while eWaste Zero is a recovery and recycling program that teaches and ensures proper disposal of electronic wastes. This ensures that communities that are provided access to the internet are also provided access to education on how to act responsibly when online, not to mention being able to protect themselves and loved ones from various online risks and dangers.

Engaging more communities through KonekTayo is also part of Globe’s larger commitment to support digital learning while kids are unable to physically go to school.

During the early stages of the pandemic, Globe stepped in by launching the Globe e-Library (globe elibrary.ph), and granting free access to the government’s online learning platforms, such as the DepEd Commons (https://commons.deped.gov.ph/), the Commission on Higher Education’s Phil-Connect (https://phlconnect.ched.gov.ph/home), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s online learning platform (https://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/).

A 2020 report from the World Bank showed that digital adoption in the Philippines generally trails behind many regional neighbors despite high internet usage. The digital divide, which arises from gaps in digital literacy and digital content, contributes to unequal access to services delivered via the internet.

“With more affordable connectivity, NHA beneficiaries are now empowered to get equal access to information and the modern economy, equal opportunities for education, and equal chances for productivity and livelihood,” Cu said.

Globe remains committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9, which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is also committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

To learn more about KonekTayo WiFI and how to bring the technology to the community, visit KonekTayo WiFi’s Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/konektayowifi  or contact support@konektayowifi.com.

Featured photo: (L-R) Globe CEO and President Ernest Cu, NHA Asst. GM Engr. Victor Balba, and DHSUD Undersecretary Atty. Marilyn Pintor virtually launches Globe KonekTayo WiFi in NHA.

#Globe #KonekTayoWiFi #NHApartnership #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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How to operate effectively in the e-commerce space

As e-commerce takes on greater importance for both consumers and sellers, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to offer in-depth discussions about online selling to support the growth of online businesses through Shopee Thursdays.

These masterclass sessions aim to equip existing and aspiring online entrepreneurs with the right tools and information on how to use data to operate effectively in the e-commerce space.

E-commerce is considered a crucial part of the global retail framework. When the pandemic hit, its role became even more critical as physical businesses closed and people were encouraged to stay at home for safety reasons. With the implementation of lockdown measures, more than 65 percent of business establishments had to close temporarily, and only 29 percent of enterprises remained open with limited operations.[1] This led to people turning to online platforms to shop for their needs and entrepreneurs shifting to digital platforms to sustain their businesses

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is excited to partner with the Department of Trade and Industry to equip MSMEs with proper knowledge and skills to thrive in the e-commerce space through Shopee Thursdays. As many entrepreneurs transition to online platforms like Shopee, it is important that they learn the basics of online selling and maximize the e-commerce space to its full potential. We will continue to collaborate with DTI to support MSMEs in their e-commerce journey to success.”

Jean Pacheco, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Trade and Industry, said, “At DTI, we believe that every business is essential for the Philippine economy to prosper, and that is why it is our goal to support them in any way possible. With leading marketplace platforms like Shopee, we can reach more people who want to expand their business and learn more about e-commerce. It is an honor for us to work with a company that prioritizes the local community and we will keep on partnering with organizations like Shopee, to uplift Filipino entrepreneurs.”

Sellers can learn essential tips on how they can expand their businesses on Shopee in the upcoming sessions.

On June 24, the masterclass session will focus on the potential of data and how entrepreneurs can use it to improve their shop’s performance.

For more information about the topics and to register for Shopee Thursdays, visit https://ecommerce.dti.gov.ph/shopee-thursdays-grow-your-business-online/.

Shop, load, and pay bills with ShopeePay. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

#ShopeeThursdays #DTI #masterclasssession #ecommerce #entrepreneurs #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

[1] ADB, The COVID-19 Impact on the Philippine Business: Key Findings from the Enterprise Survey

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First-time parents Nico Bolzico and Solenn Heusaff are teaching Tili to love water

First-time Dad Nico Bolzico and first-time Mom Solenn Heusaff are teaching their one-year-old daughter Tili, a very important health lesson – to love water.

The couple spent their second Father’s Day over the weekend with Tili who may just grow up to be as active and as adventurous as her famous parents.

To keep her going, and to make sure she grows up healthy, they’re training her early to develop a water habit. Nico and Solenn both lead an active lifestyle and swear by water to keep themselves hydrated and detoxified.

Nico admits to being a water junkie who consumes about 5 liters of water a day, more than the average required amount of water per person per day.

“We can’t go without water. It flushes out waste from our bodies, regulates body temperature, helps the brain function, and gives us the energy we need throughout the day. What I do is drink 1 liter of water first thing every morning. And to make sure I don’t forget to drink, I always make sure to carry around a bottle of water all the time, even at home. Luckily Tili loooo-oves water, so I’m reminded to drink every time she does,” confesses Solenn.

Solenn with daughter Tili

Nico is very determined to get their baby daughter to develop a water drinking habit, right here, right now. “Introducing your babies to love water is most important,” he says. “They are in the most important stage of their life where they are growing, and sometimes what you give them can get them sick very fast. So you have to make sure that they drink water often. And if they don’t wanna drink, you need to force them a little bit to take enough water — because it’s one of the most important aspects of their growth. It’s not about the juice, It’s about the water.”

Adults need to make hydration a habit as well, according to Nico. “When you hydrate, your skin looks better, you feel better and you know, your whole body works better. You have more energy. I do a lot of sports and I work out every day, so if I’m not hydrated, I don’t have the energy to work out. The healthiest thing we can do is drink water. Look, if you’re sick, if you have the flu, you drink water so you flush the toxins out,” Nico explains.

Both Nico and Solenn have a water regimen that helps them to stay fit and active. “I drink water first thing in the morning because my metabolism shoots up if I drink water before I eat anything. So basically, I cannot imagine anyone not drinking enough water because that has so many negative implications for health, the way you look, the way you feel, the way you sleep. At the end of the day, water is life,” says Nico.

“Just make sure you trust the source of your water,” adds Solenn. “Know where that water is coming from — and that you trust the people behind the brand. We chose Nature Spring because they offer quality drinking products that are safe and affordable.

Check out https://shop.naturespring.com.ph/ to learn more about Nature’s Spring products and promos.

#NicoBolzico #Solenn Heusaff #firsttimeparents #Naturespring #qualitydrinking #safeandaffordable #loveforwater #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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The Wolf is Back! The world’s biggest book sale returns to the Philippines!

Starting from June 30th to July 7th, 2021, the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale Philippines 2021 will open its virtual doors and showcase 60,000 book titles for book enthusiasts to browse and purchase at amazingly low prices!

 There’s no stopping the Big Bad Wolf Books as it swiftly adapts to the new norm and pivots Online by offering three times more selection of books via its NEW e-commerce site @ https://signup-ph.bbwbooks.com/.  Starting from June 30th to July 7th, 2021, the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale Philippines 2021 will open its virtual doors and showcase 60,000 book titles for book enthusiasts to browse and purchase at amazingly low prices!

Filipinos nationwide will now be able to enjoy an affordable book hunting experience from the safety and comfort of their own homes with just a click of the button. The 8-day Online Book Sale will be offering discounts of up to 99% off the recommended retail price and a host of exciting promotions that are bound to thrill everyone no matter where they live in the Philippines.

In addition to Online Book Sale, Big Bad Wolf Books will also be running an exciting social media contest – “The Grand Wolfie Contest” that will commence from 21st June to July 6th, 2021! The contest details and mechanics will be posted on Big Bad Wolf Book’s official Facebook page @ facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines. Participants will stand a chance to win e-Gift Cards as well as electronic gadgets with the main two prizes of an Apple iPhone 12 and an Apple MacBook Air.

 Staying True to its Mission…

“During our first virtual launch in 2020, we were delighted to receive an overwhelmingly positive response from customers who were able to buy a whole lot of books they love without burning a hole in their pocket while also enjoying the convenience of having their purchases delivered safely to their homes,” shares Andrew Yap, Co-Founder of Big Bad Wolf Books. “Although we faced many challenges due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we remain persistent in catering to our fans in the Philippines by offering a bigger selection of our ever-growing inventory of book titles and genres that will be easily accessible nationwide through our e-commerce website.”

“We’ve always been warmly welcomed in the Philippines, and we’re thrilled to be able to come back virtually,” adds Jaqueline Ng, Co-Founder of Big Bad Wolf Books. “The current global situation has led us to commit to creating the best Online Book Sale shopping experience for everyone so that we may continue to pursue our core mission of spreading the joy and inculcate the habit of reading. In the future, once the pandemic dissipates and the world re-opens its borders, we certainly look forward to hosting more physical Book Sale in the Philippines.”

Offering Books for Every Passion…

The Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale Philippines 2021 has a variety of books with discounted prices up to 99% off recommended retail price for every age and stage, ranging from bestselling novels, science fiction, romance, literature, and graphic novels to business books, self-help, architecture books, cookbooks and much more. In addition, the Book Sale also offers a wide selection of children’s books, including picture books, activity books, coloring books, and interactive books, to name a few.

 The Online Experience…

After a simple registration process where users will have to create an account [email address & password] on the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale Philippines 2021 website @ https://signup-ph.bbwbooks.com/, they can easily browse for books by genre or search by keyword(s), title, author, or ISBN number. Book enthusiasts can instantly add their favorite selections to either the wish list or shopping cart and check out by paying via several payment options, no matter what time of day it is. Users can also browse for recommendations that include book titles or categories based on their interests.

Fans of Big Bad Wolf Books may anticipate the following promotions:

1) PHP 10 Book Deals

For a minimum purchase of PHP 1,800, buy an additional book for only PHP 10 from a selection of featured book titles.

2) 5% Off Discount Coupon

For a minimum purchase of PHP 1,200, apply coupon code “BBWPH5%” upon checkout to get 5% off the total purchase.

3) 10% Off Discount Coupon

For a minimum purchase of PHP 5,000, apply coupon code “BBWPH10%” upon checkout to get 10% off the total purchase.

4) Little Hippo Books Promotion

Buy any two (2) Little Hippo books or puzzles for PHP 180. [valid only for Little Hippo collection, excluding Disney titles]

5) Goosebumps Books Promotion

Buy any three (3) books from the Goosebumps Books collections for PHP 320. [valid for selected Goosebumps book title collection only]

6) Horrible Histories Books Promotion

Buy any three (3) books from the Horrible Histories Books collection for PHP 320. [valid for selected Horrible Histories book title collection only]

7) Rick Riordan Books Promotion

Buy any three (3) books from the Rick Riordan collection for PHP 460. [pay for two books and get the third book for free, which if of the lower price value]

8) Free Shipping

Get free shipping with a minimum net spend of PHP 2,900 throughout the sale period applicable for deliveries within the Philippines only. [free shipping will be automatically applied during checkout]

NOTE: BIG BAD WOLF BOOKS RESERVES THE RIGHTS TO AMEND THE TERMS & CONDITIONS OR CANCEL PROMOTIONS WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

To help raise awareness on the importance of reading, Big Bad Wolf Books is proud to partner with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale Philippines 2021 in a joint effort to continue to promote and inculcate a love for reading. Big Bad Wolf Books’ association with IPOPHL will help to underscore the commitment to uphold the value and integrity that is an integral aspect of copyright and intellectual property within the publishing industry. The partnership is also indicative of the recognition of the principles surrounding copyright laws and the need to safeguard the authors and content creators.

Dragonpay and eGHL will also be on board as part of the Online Book Sale Payment Gateway to ensure a smooth Online payment process.

For more information about BIG BAD WOLF Books, please visit:

Website: https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/.

Facebook: facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines.

Instagram: instagram.com/bbwbooksph.

#BigBadWolfBooks #TheBiggestOnlineBookSale #BBWPHOnlineSale #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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‘Pa, Salamat’: Unique treats for the whole family

Whether he’s picking us up from school, making us laugh with his jokes, or secretly treating us behind Mama’s back, we can always count on Papa, Dada, Pa, Dad to be there for us.

As a way of saying “Pa, Salamat” to all fathers and father figures this Father’s Day weekend, Globe At Home launches various activities and promos to watch out for so that families can express their appreciation and love for our very own haligi ng tahanan.

“PA, Salamat” Treats until June 30!

Just by purchasing a Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi or availing of any Globe At Home Plan in select retailers nationwide, surprise Dads with free treats such as cakes, gas vouchers, and even a car wash!

Meanwhile, select current Globe At Home customers who download the Globe At Home app may celebrate Father’s Day with gift vouchers from Foodpanda, PureGo, HealthNow, and Viber.

Apart from that, Globe At Home Postpaid customers can gift their tech-savvy dads with a Huawei Vision S monitor. How? Until July 7, customers can earn raffle entries by:

  • Updating Globe At Home contact details by July 4, 2021 to earn (1) raffle ticket;
  • Upgrading current Globe At Home plans to a higher plan OR buying any Globe At Home add-on device to earn (3) raffle tickets;
  • Upgrading current Globe at home plan AND buying any Globe At Home add-on device to earn six (6) raffle tickets

 PA, Let’s hang out via Viber Chat Party on June 18

Each dad’s journey to fatherhood differs from one another and it’s fun to discover the amazing stories of one dad to another. Hear it from Globe At Home ambassadors themselves!  Dad of three, Drew Arellano, and first-time father, Slater Young will share their small and big dad wins at home, wise parenting do’s and don’ts, as well as cool and useful gadgets for dads through the Globe At Home Viber community on June 18.

 PA, Tag Kita on Social Media until June 30!

Stay tuned to the Globe At Home Facebook page for daily social media challenges with #PaSalamat giveaways for Globe At Home Prepaid and Postpaid customers for a chance to win Samsung Smart Things worth Php 19,000. Be ready with throwback photos or favorite photos with dad, legendary dad jokes or memorable lines, as well as valuable life lessons from dad.  Stay tuned to Globe At Home’s Facebook page for more information.

 Even if families today can’t celebrate like before, Globe At Home makes it possible to still own the world at home and have them say #PaSalamat to today’s awesome dads and father figures in our lives.

Follow Globe At Home’s Facebook page and subscribe to the Globe At Home Viber community. For more ways on how to say #PaSalamat this Father’s Day weekend, bookmark this page: https://glbe.co/PaSalamat.

#GlobeAtHome #FathersDay #uniquetreats #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Raising the Benchmark in Resort Living

Landco continuing its pioneering spirit with its latest Leisure Tourism Estates  – Club Laiya and CaSoBē.

Landco raises the benchmark in resort living with the introduction of Club Laiya and CaSoBē in Batangas — its newest Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE) that are master-planned developments offering mixed-use residential and commercial lots situated in tourist destinations.

“With a legacy of premium and exclusive property development for more than 30 years, Landco revolutionizes the concept of property ownership for Filipinos with its newest beachside projects.  This LTE serves as a tourism and lifestyle destination in a community setting. Its diverse resort amenities make it an attractive weekend getaway, work from a resort option, and a venue for events and conferences,” stated Landco President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano.

CaSoBe

“Investors have the flexibility to own premium properties that can serve as residential homes either as a dream beach house or second home, or commercial structure for a resort business, or a blend of both in the thriving destination of Batangas. Through these projects, Landco helps promote Philippine tourism and jumpstart local businesses,” he added.

These two projects under Landco BeachTowns are conveniently accessible within two to three-hour driving distance from Metro Manila and are minutes away from local facilities: hospital, public market, pharmacy, school, chapel, and tourist spots.

Crusoe Cabins at CaSoBe

These beachside properties have thoughtful design elements that offer an inviting and relaxing ambiance that evokes harmony with nature. A sense of community pervades in these developments as property owners share their passion for appreciation of beachside lifestyle – with the invigorating sight of white sand, sea, and sky; water sports; gourmet dining; crafts, arts, and culture with their family and friends as well as locals and tourists.

As premium tourism estates, Club Laiya and CaSoBē are envisioned to contribute to the quality of the leisure tourism experience in its locality and promote the three main principles of sustainable tourism, namely: environment, economic, and socio-cultural sustainability. The two properties are aiming to be both Edge and LEED-certified. Ecological conservation projects particularly the conservation of marine life and sea turtles are in place in both developments.

Aquaria

Staying connected whether for business or leisure is easy at these premium estates which are built with technology-equipped infrastructure.

Moreover, these projects are future-proof investments that thrive on the burgeoning tourism market of Batangas. Property owners have the benefit of enjoying the anticipated increase of their investment’s market value as proven by Landco’s recent project in Punta Fuego, Batangas.

Elevating the resort lifestyle experience, Millennial Resorts offers a wide range of resort amenities at both properties: from unconventional accommodations like the surreal capsule-like rooms of Cocoons to Crusoe Cabins’ beachfront view of Calatagan, Batangas’ picture-perfect sunsets.

Cocoons at Club Laiya

Complementing the beach experience are water amenities such as Aquaria, a water park with a three-story pool slide at CaSoBē, and the Beach Club at Club Laiya. For foodies, Captain Barbozza restaurant and bar showcase a feast for the senses.  While those seeking a venue for corporate events and weddings, the facilities of Canopy and Isle are available.

To ensure continuous productivity, the Colony features a modern and hip beachside co-working space.

MILLI, the Millennial Resorts’ digital service app provides seamless reservations and transactions in the properties.

  • Club Laiya

The 24-hectare Club Laiya is located in Laiya, San Juan Batangas. It is a master-planned estate that features leisure living in a true supra resort community highlighting wide open spaces and beautiful promenades, with parks and retail landscapes.

The Seaside District at Club Laiya provides various offerings serving both the tourist market and the serious investor. For the leisure seeker, apart from having access to Laiya’s expansive white sand beaches, they can also avail themselves of the resort amenities in the estate.

Designed as a contemporary resort destination, it is the place to see and be seen, property owners and tourists alike enjoy an active lifestyle with water sports and activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, and yachting.

  • CaSoBē (Calatagan South Beach)

Nestled on the sands of Calatagan, Batangas is the 15-hectare CaSoBē (Calatagan South Beach).  CaSoBē offers a more laidback resort lifestyle in an intimate setting and complements the rich heritage of its location by providing relaxation and entertainment attractions that are already operational or soon to be operational to serve the residents and the tourist market.

Harbour Estates are lots offered within CaSoBē. These estates are classified as commercial or mixed-use where lots are for residential or commercial or both. Investors enjoy the stature and benefits of owning a beach property in a thriving resort setting.

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

 Featured photo: Club Laiya

#Landco #ClubLaiya #CaSoBe #LeisureTourismEstates #LaiyaSanJuanBatangas #CalataganBatangas #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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The joys of fatherhood

Celebrity fathers Ogie Alcasid, Ariel Rivera, and Cesar Montano are, no doubt, happy with how their respective careers have turned out, but they all agree they experienced far greater joy when they became parents. Needless to say, fatherhood has put meaning to their lives.

Let’s get to know their thoughts on fatherhood and child-rearing experiences.

Ogie Alcasid: “I found my place in the greater scheme of things”

“I found my place in the greater scheme of things,” uttered Ogie from a previous interview. Ogie is a doting and very supportive dad to three children (two girls, Leila and Sarah from his first marriage with former beauty queen Michelle Van Eimeren; and one son Nathaniel James with wife Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid).

Ogie with his children. Courtesy: Ogie Alcasid on Instagram

Ogie is enjoying his role as a father to the fullest. “Every moment that I’m with my children is important for me,” he shared. He became more of a child, too, “because when you’re already a parent you have to play with your kids. At the same time, you can’t take things for granted.”

He advises parents to have time for their family. “Even if it only takes two to three hours a day, make it a point to play and talk to your kids if you don’t want them to grow up not knowing you,” Ogie said.

Ariel Rivera: “The love for a parent to a child is unconditional love”

“There are no words to express my feelings when I became a father,” intimated Ariel from an earlier interview. “Now, I realized that your love for a son is very different from the love you have for your wife and mother.”

Ariel with his wife Gelli and children Joaquin and Julio. Courtesy: Jose Ariel Rivera FB page

With their two sons around, Joaquin and Julio (who are now attending schools in Canada), Ariel and his wife Gelli de Belen have become closer and stronger through times. The couple opted not to have a nanny when their children were still younger. “We didn’t get a nanny because I want to follow what my parents have done for us. My parents raised the five of us in Canada without a yaya. If they were able to do it with five kids, why can’t we do it? Kayang-kaya naman. Ang pinoy kasi gusto natin parati tayong komportable.”

The lesson he learned from child-rearing is the love of a parent to a child. “You’ll never know until you have one,” he said, “It’s unconditional love.”

The earnest balladeer has attained more depth and maturity in his musical career and personal life.

Cesar Montano: “Teach them the value of hard work and money”

Actor, film producer, and director Cesar Montano admitted that he’s a very lenient parent. “Kasi ngayon hindi na panahon ng lecture nang lecture sa bata. The children will not always listen to you, but for sure they will imitate you. ‘Yon ang paniniwala ko,” he explained from a previous interview.

As a parent, he has experienced the worst. But one thing he learned from it is “life should go on no matter what happened. Everyone learns from the lessons of life.” Needless to say, he has developed a broader perspective in life. “Lahat naman ng ito ginagawa ko para sa kanila. Mapalaki ko sila ng maganda at magkaroon ng magandang buhay.”

Cesar has admitted that he’s a very lenient parent. Courtesy: Cesar Montano FB page

One thing he learned from child-rearing, and which he inherited from his late dad, Genovevo, is to make life a little difficult for your children. “Hindi dapat bigay hilig. Hindi kailangan ng lahat ng pangangailangan nila ibibigay mo. Teach them the value of hard work and money.”

Life in Sta. Ana, he said, was the best time of his childhood days. His favorite hangout in Sta. Ana is Plaza Hugo, where he would always play basketball with his peers.

Did he imagine that he’ll become a popular star someday? “Ay, oo. Noong nagtitinda ako ng ice cream sabi ko siguro magiging sikat ako. Hawak ko ang bibingka, sabi ko ‘Cesar Montano ako paglaki,’” he guffawed. “Hindi ko akalaing maiisip ko ‘yon.”

Cesar is proud of his roots. “Siyempre. Dahil hindi ka magiging ganito ngayon, kung hindi ka magiging proud sa pinagdaanan mo. To be able to spend your life in your own way is a success in itself,” he ended.

(Based on the published feature article in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

Featured photos: Courtesy of Jose Ariel Rivera FB page, Ogie Alcasid FB page, and Cesar Montano FB page

#FathersDay #celebrityfathers #OgieAlcasid #ArielRivera #CesarMontano #throwbackseries #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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A flavorful Filipino treat for Father’s Day at Tia Belle’s Tagaytay

This Father’s Day, surprise your dad with a delightful Filipino bundle lovingly prepared by the kitchen team of Tia Belle’s Tagaytay,  popularly known for offering a truly Filipino food experience like no other.

Its flavorful menu for dad’s special day called Bilao Bigkis Dos consists of Miki Bihon, Manok sa Pugaran, Lumpiyang Pinoy, and the melt in your mouth pichi-pichi with keso de bola toppings as dessert will surely make your dad truly delighted. It comes with a free 1.5 liter Coke, for only Php1,485. Tia Belle accepts delivery or dine-in, advance order or pick up, and observes health protocols for the safety of their guests and staff.

Other restaurant bestsellers are pancit malabon with its authentic rich flavor, the very satisfying and yummy-licious  miki bihon, bulalo lomi, and mucho lomi.

Evelyn Wise (also known as Tia Belle), the affable and hands-on owner of Tia Belle’s shares how she puts hard work and passion into her restaurant business. “Every time, I am at the kitchen, cooking and concocting sauces, I feel like dancing — dancing with my wok,” she smiles.  Having spent 20 years of her life in Europe, it was clear to her mind that she wanted to put up her own Filipino restaurant upon her return to the country. Cooking is like second nature to this native of Nueva Ecija.

From its meticulous ingredients to the way it’s cooked, Tia Belle’s food absolutely stems from the all-important Filipino trait and that is hospitality. “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,” she quips. Part of its mission is to foster, share and celebrate Filipino cuisine and culture in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Furthermore, it puts a premium on quality and excellence. “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 explains. “Only the freshest meat and healthiest ingredients are keys to our success!”

It seeks to offer inventive and creative Filipino food with no pretensions. “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.

Tia Belle’s is a complete package – from the food, the ambiance, and to its hospitable and warm welcome of the staff and Tia Belle herself that will make you feel at home. You will love its native setup and display of old Filipino trimmings, a very calming and relaxing background music of kundiman (which you hardly hear these days).

To complete the dining experience,  visit Tia Belle’s gift shop, the Tia’s Aromatherapy Essential Oil, and Cleopatra from Canada to bring home some souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.

On your way to Tagaytay, make sure to visit Tia Belle’s and have a taste of some of the dishes and delicacies that are uniquely Filipino.

(Tia Belle’s is located at Putingkahoy, Silang Cavite, along Tagaytay – Sta. Rosa Rd. Contact Nos: 049 576 4155 | 0939 3868 648 | 0927 7133 558 | 0929 1852 084. Like and follow their FB page @https://www.facebook.com/TiaBellePansitMalabonAndPichiPichi)

#TiaBellesTagaytay #Filipinofood #FathersDayTreat #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph