Magnolia Chicken Timplados introduces its All Around Giniling and Pangsahog products, designed for easy and versatile cooking. These ready-to-cook offerings are expertly marinated, adding convenience to a range of dish possibilities.

Sulit & easy to prepare delicious Pinoy staples for only P49 per tub
Real chicken goodness- made with real Magnolia Chicken
High in protein which boosts immunity
Packed in “Selyado Sigurado” tub packaging
Versatile dish applications
Giniling – can be used as stuffing for lumpiang shanghai, chicken siomai or formed into chicken ball or patty
Pangsahog – can be used as pangsahog in pancit, soupy and vegetable dishes

With Magnolia Chicken Timplados All Around Giniling and Pangsahog, Sarap na pang all-around, Abot kaya na! 

SOPAS

Amount, Ingredients & Preparation

• 1 tub (250 g) MAGNOLIA CHICKEN TIMPLADOS ALL-AROUND CHICKEN PANGSAHOG
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 can (340 g) evaporated milk
• 1/2 pc cabbage, sliced
• 1 pc carrots, small sized, diced
• 1-1/2 cup elbow macaroni
• 6-8 cups water
• 3-4 pc hotdog, sliced
• 2-3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1-2 cubes chicken bouillon
• 1 pc (100 g) chicken liver (optional)

Procedure:

• In a wok/casserole, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the Magnolia All-Around Pangsahog, hotdog & chicken liver* for 4-5 minutes until meat becomes brown in color.
• Add the carrots, celery & cabbage and continue to sauté for 2-3minutes.
• Pour the water and let it boil. Then put the macaroni & cook for 9-10 minutes (depending on cooking guide).
• Pour the evaporated milk while stirring. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Add salt & pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.

Serving size: 6-8 pax

For more recipes, visit www.homefoodie.com.ph

 

 

Do you get overwhelmed by complicated recipes with so much ingredients on its list? 😭Worry no more! With Magnolia Chicken Timplados All Around Giniling, every dish would be effortlessly yummy because it is ready to cook and perfectly marinated which makes it versatile for various dishes. BUT, that is not all, it is also high in protein which boosts immunity! This will be your new go-to ingredient for any dish may it be lumpia, siomai, chicken meatballs or patty! Make your life hassle free and save time on preparing your holiday staples. Say good bye to tasteless meals, and hello to Magnolia Chicken Timplados All-Around Giniling!

Start your first journey with Magnolia Chicken Timplados All-Around Giniling with #Madalicious Lumpiang Shanghai recipe that your family will surely love. From a newbie cook to a seasoned chef level! We got you! 

LUMPIANG SHANGHAI

Amount, Ingredients & Preparation

1 tub (250 g) MAGNOLIA CHICKEN TIMPLADOS ALL-AROUND CHICKEN GINILING
10 pc lumpia/ spring roll wrappers (6-inch)
2 cups cooking oil

Procedure:

Place 25 g of Chicken Giniling on lumpia wrappers.
Brush edges with water. Fold sides then roll to seal completely.
Heat oil in a pan. Fry lumpia for 3 - 5 minutes until golden brown & cooked through.
Drain Excess oil on paper towels.

Makes 2 servings.
(Yield: 10 pc, 5pc per serving)


For more recipes, visit www.homefoodie.com.ph

Gathering strength, determination, and a sea of endurance: Participants unite for the Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa 2023, capturing the essence of the long-distance triathlon journey in a single frame.

Puerto Princesa City, which forms part of the Philippines’ Last Frontier, is first on the list of ideal destinations of travelers, adventure-seekers, and nature lovers. With a good number of sports tournaments being held in the city, it is now solidifying its status as the “Sports Capital of the Philippines.”

Unstoppable. Phenomenal. Unbreakable. That’s what Puerto Princesa is as it plays host to world-class sports activities such as marine events like kite-boarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana-boat ride, tube riding and hookah diving. The city also regularly hosts the “Motocross Masters of Asia.” the Philippine leg of the FIM UAM Asian Motocross Series, Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix, Thai Riders, Pinoy Riders, Mountain Bike XC Challenge, and Boxing Eve “Hamon sa Puerto Princesa”

Puerto Princesa understands that sports and tourism are interrelated and complementary driving forces for the promotion and sustainable economic development of the city as an attractive tourism destination. It continues to boost its tourist arrivals by hosting and organizing more sporting events.

The city is blessed with natural resources and landscape to hold excellent mass-participation events such as triathlons and marathons, mountain bike and motor cross races, beach volleyball, and other water sports competitions.

“Talagang naka-project na ang Puerto Princesa sa sports tourism. Syempre yung hinahabol nating sports tourism yung mayroong international flavor,” City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron said. Mega sports events such as Ironman and dragon boat festival can be catalysts for tourism development in Puerto Princesa if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and other economic, cultural, and social benefits.

IRONMAN 70.3 PUERTO PRINCESA-ASIA TRI-CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Ironman 70.3 participants rushing from Puerto Princesa Bay

The second year of the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa - Asia Tri-Club Championship, the ultimate test of endurance, strategy, and strength, capped off the Philippines' triathlon season. It was successfully held in Puerto Princesa on November 12.

A total of 523 foreign and Filipino triathletes from 38 countries participated in the amazing race. Satar Salem (4 hours, 22 minutes, and 25 seconds) and Leyann Ramo (5 hours, 2 minutes, and 56 seconds) both of Tri SND Barracuda dominated the top overall age group for the male and female categories, respectively.

China’s Junyu Cao finished the race in second place at 4:23.13 while Dutch Olympian Eric Van der Linden rounded off the top three finishers in the male category with 4:24.41. Ramo’s teammate Lyllian Grace Banzon trailed her at second place in 5:29.23 while American Catherine Wood completed the top three in the women’s side with the time of 5:36.26.

Tri SND Barracuda of Lanao del Norte netted the country’s top triathlon squad a whopping P500,000 purse put up by Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

The competition was divided into three segments: a 1.9-kilometer swim in Puerto Princesa Baywalk, a 90-kilometer bike ride through the city’s southern part, and a 21.1-kilometer run. The grueling course covered 113.0 kilometers, or 70.3 miles.

City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron expressed his gratitude to the organizers, participants, and spectators for their support for Ironman 70.3. He also showed confidence that the competition will be successfully held again in the city next year as more local and foreign delegates are expected to attend.

THIRD LEGENDS RIDE 2023

The city understands that one of the most popular ways to experience a destination is through a sports event. It allows sports enthusiasts as well as tourists to better engage with local people, nature, and culture.

That happened when about 200 local and visiting riders participated in the 3rd Legends Ride 2023 held on November 18 in Puerto Princesa. The sports activity is part of the successful Subaraw Biodiversity Festival 2023.

From the starting point at Caltex Junction 3, the riders of different groups from all over the country, led by the Tamilok Motorcycle Group, marched together. The other participants were the Big Bikes, Palawan Street Monkeys, Himass Motorcycle Group/Hijos, United Sports Bike of Palawan (USP) and others on small bikes.

The route took the legend riders to Puerto Princesa landmarks such as the Montible Junction, Napsan at the Villa Francesca Resort in Simpocan, the Tala Beach Resort and straight to the Tennis Covered Court of the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, inside Balayong People’s Park.

“Thank you very much for bringing the Legends Ride to our city. Because you enjoyed it, you will definitely come back here. You are always welcome here in Puerto Princesa City,” said City Mayor Bayron at the fellowship dinner at the Tennis Covered Court as he congratulated the organizers, riders, guests, and sponsors for the successful holding of the Legends Ride 2023.

Jun Diagono, president of the National Federation of Motorcycles said they are very happy with the success of Legends Ride 2023. He set two goals in going to Puerto Princesa City: first was to unite all the big bikes clubs in the Philippines; and second, to invite various groups to the National Motorcycle Convention on April 26-27, 2024, at the Subic Bay Convention Center.

Diagono also convinced Puerto Princesa City bike legend Edward Butch Chase to hold the national convention in the city next year. He also promised to bring LMFI’s 54-member bike clubs to participate in the upcoming event, including the Federation of Bikes Club based in Mindanao.

At the awarding, the youngest rider was Blu Andre Rausa, 19 years old; and the oldest rider was Bob Del Rosario, 74 years old. The Most Organized Group is Evo Riders Club Philippines and Biggest Group is Palawan Street Monkeys. A Special Citation was given to Philip Dulatas as the overall chair of the event, and a Certificate of Greatest Appreciation for the support of William Genato, Naj Abdul, and Elroy John “Clink: Hagedorn. The Living legend award was given to Edward Butch Chase.

The other participating groups were the Legends Ride are Binuang, GBC, Bandits, Baghawi Rider Club, Bundakan Motorcycle Club and Widows Son Masonic Riders Association. 2ND INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 2023

The 2nd International Dragon Boat Festival 2023, held on November 19, attracted teams from Chinese Taipei, Manila, Cebu and Siargao which competed in the just-concluded 200-meter event. From this series of international activities, it has been proven that it is possible to raise the level of programs and activities in Puerto Princesa.

Strength, strategy, paddling speed, and teamwork were the advantages of the 'paddlers' who won the championship in the final competition. They showed the audience a breath-taking fight. Everyone wants to get away and no one wants to be left behind. So even on a sunny day, the applause and screams from the audience were loud and clear.

In the Women’s Category, the Alliance of Masters from Manila won the championship; 1st runner-up is the Philippine Titans – Manila; Fire Dragons A is 2nd runner-up – Manila; and Rampage is 3rd runner-up – Manila.

In the Men’s Category, Mr. Canoe from Chinese Taipei won the championship. Followed by Philippine Titans in second place, Dagun Pilipinas A in third place and Alliance of Masters in fourth place. The battle in the Mixed Category was also uneventful where the Siargao Dragons from Surigao del Norte proved that they deserve to be champions. The Alliance of Masters placed second; Hongkong China Canoe took third place followed by SAG-1 from Manila in fourth place.

In the Masters Category where those aged 40 and above were given the opportunity to show their skills, the Sugbo Mighty Dragons from Cebu became champions; followed in second place by the Alliance of Masters; Rampage in third place; and Blue Phoenix from Manila in fourth place.

Praise and admiration were showered on the leadership of the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation, or PCKDF, for taking the lead in organizing the international sports event in the city. Also heavily praised were the efforts shown by Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron in the tremendous success achieved by the municipal government for the competition.

“It was not easy but we know that we can win these big international events of ours. Of course with the support of department heads, city hall employees and the citizens who are there to support what we do. And even the organizations that trust us for big events. I am very grateful,” said City Mayor Bayron. “Please also expect that there are many more activities to look forward to that will definitely make the city recognized by the whole world not only for its eco-tourism wealth but also to become famous as the Sports Tourism Capital of the Philippines!”

Working toward your health goals can be a long process, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. A small change to your diet, for example, can make the journey fun and worthwhile.

Here’s an idea: how about making plant-based milk drinks a part of your morning meals? Ready-to-drink milk brand Vitasoy is here to help you level up your breakfast with its range of delicious and nutritious plant-based milk drinks.

The brand offers three great-tasting, nutrient-packed milky variants: the soy-based Vitasoy Plus Milky and two new milk options: Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond, made from 100% almonds and oat-based Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat. What you’ll love about them is how they are nutritional powerhouses — packed with calcium, protein, and Vitamin D. Vitasoy Plus products are heart and gut-friendly as they are cholesterol and lactose free and low in saturated fat. With proper diet and exercise, these Vitasoy plant-based milk drinks will surely keep you strong and healthy while you enjoy that familiar milky goodness.

Don’t know which plant milk to choose? Vitasoy Plus Milky is soy milk that’s milky and creamy, even vegans couldn’t believe it’s plant milk! Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond has a creamy texture and roasted almond taste, while Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat has the rich, oat-y flavor and a milky texture and aroma. You can enjoy these plant-based milk drinks on their own, mix them in your morning cup of coffee or tea, or use them to elevate your breakfast game. Check out some ideas below:

Milky Overnight Oats

Level up your overnight oats with Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat

In need of a quick breakfast? Prep one the night before! Just mix Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat, oatmeal, chopped fresh fruit, and a sprinkle of nuts in a jar, place it in your fridge, and enjoy it the next day. For your fruit and nut toppings, you can try bananas or apples and cashews or walnuts. The creaminess of Vitasoy Plus Milky Oat enhances the various textures and tastes of this dish, making it a hearty and enjoyable meal.

Milky Breakfast Cereal

Enjoy your morning cereal with Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond

Yes, you can level up your basic breakfast cereal with plant-based milk! Pour Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond over cornflakes, and add your favorite fruits like strawberries or mangoes. Vitasoy Plus Milky Almond’s delightfully nutty flavor will complement the crunch of the cereal.

Milky Korean Ramyeon

Experience your Korean Ramyeon the milky way with Vitasoy Plus Milky.

Balance out the heat in your Korean ramen by adding the creamy goodness of milk! Pour in some Vitasoy Plus Milky into your favorite Korean ramyeon recipe, further level up its protein content with egg! Mix in some chopped vegetables and enjoy your healthy Korean breakfast!

You know what they say, there’s nothing better than starting your day with a healthy and hearty breakfast. It’s time to make Vitasoy Plus’s plant-based milk drinks a regular part of your morning! Follow @VitasoyPH on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.

 

 

For moms, opportunities like these are important because of the need to secure most of the documents for the family. So, thankfully there's PSAHelpline.ph to ease the problem of securing such documents.  

PSAHelpline.ph is a user-friendly online channel, simplifying the process of acquiring essential PSA certificates, including birth, marriage, death, and Certificate of No Marriage or CENOMAR. The website is easily accessible through desktops, tablets, or mobile phones, and offers a convenient and secure solution for Filipinos seeking a straightforward and efficient way to obtain vital civil registry documents wherever they are in the country.

Since 2000, PSAHelpline.ph has swiftly addressed the need for hassle-free ordering and delivery of PSA certificates. In an effort to provide better services, it has undergone remarkable enhancements, offering seamless and efficient features over the year.

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year. The air is chillier but the heart warmer and ready for abundance. The Filipino appetite is indeed ready for anything!

When Filipinos celebrate love, we do it with family and we go big on food. This is evident in some food fare we prepare especially for the season. Sometimes we add special twists and throw more ingredients in staple recipes to make our Noche Buena taste more special, stuffing stomachs with food prepared for the season with love. 

Golden Grains PH has been a part of Filipinos’ kitchen since its launch in 1986. It has also provided many Christmas celebrations with the best of grain varieties the brand has to offer. The fancier versions of the season’s popular rice dishes like Paella, or if you’re feeling a bit more local - Bringhe, are somehow brought forth by the best of Golden Grains.

Even as a simply cooked dish, the Golden Grains’ rice is never boring because somehow it is always aromatic and appetizing. This Christmas, as rice is paired with gigantic dishes like the Lechon, Stuffed Chicken, Beef Caldereta and the likes, Golden Grains PH is even more grateful for the many ways this staple food has never disappointed many rice lovers through the years especially in this most festive season. 

Choosing the right rice is pivotal in crafting a dish that resonates with the festive spirit. Here are some ways to have a Merry Christmas with Golden Grains’ Rice: Make the Perfect Paella Recipe with Dinurado Aromatic Rice

The key to a perfect Paella lies in the meticulous choice of rice, and Golden Grains’ Dinurado emerges as a champion in this celebratory culinary adventure. This premium rice variety possesses a remarkable absorption ability, striking the delicate balance between tenderness and resilience. 

 

What sets Dinurado apart is its exceptional consistency, making it the ideal canvas for absorbing the rich tapestry of flavors inherent in a well-crafted paellera. The grains serve as culinary sponges, soaking up the essence of saffron, the depth of broth, and the succulence of meats, creating a symphony of taste that delights the palate.

In the realm of Paella perfection, let Golden Grains’ Dinurado Rice be your trusted companion, elevating your culinary prowess and ensuring that every grain tells a tale of excellence, from the aroma that wafts through the air to the delightful texture that dances on your tongue. 

Elevate Staple Dishes with Golden Grains’ Specialty Rice - Thai Jasmine Rice

Opportunities to share joy and abundance with loved ones abound during this festive season. As we gather to celebrate, the versatility of rice becomes a canvas for creating unforgettable culinary experiences. While Fried Rice remains a beloved staple year-round, this season beckons us to elevate it to new heights. Enter the exquisite Pineapple and Prawn Fried Rice, a delectable fusion of flavors, where each grain tells a story of celebration.

Golden Grains’ Thai Jasmine, named after the delicate Jasmine flower, with its long-grain elegance and a distinctive blend of floral notes and buttery richness, this rice transcends the ordinary, transforming a simple meal into a symphony of tastes and textures. Abundant in fiber and essential nutrients, it not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body, making every bite a celebration of both indulgence and well-being.

As we come together to savor the season's delights, let the Pineapple and Prawn Fried Rice made with Golden Grains’ Thai Jasmine be the centerpiece of your festivities. With each spoonful, create lasting memories and relish the joy of sharing a meal that transcends tradition, adding a touch of elegance and nutrition to the season's festivities.

Pick both Quality and Affordability with Sinandomeng and Maharlika

Golden Grains PH offers its customers with many alternatives. The Sinandomeng Rice and Maharlika rice varieties are very popular not just for their good qualities but for their affordability as well. After all, no matter how grandiose and hefty all the other holiday dishes are, rice eaters will never disregard the quality of their staple rice. Rice is life. Rice is home. And yes, Rice is a part of the Filipino Christmas season.

Make the Best Kakanin Platter with Golden Grains Malagkit Rice

Two of the most well loved Kakanin that literally flies off the Christmas table are Suman and Biko. Suman, the quintessential rice cake, is a dish that has many variants depending on where you are in the country, but in essence it is a steamed dish comprising of glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and tightly wrapped in palm leaves.

Biko is another rice cake variety and favorite dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk and dark sugar. Both dishes are so good especially if the glutinous rice is assured in quality marked by the Golden Grains’ brand.

Whatever the menu you are crafting for this year’s Noche Buena, we hope Golden Grains takes part in your stories of love, laughter, and delicious moments created around your Filipino Christmas tables!

Golden Grains is a quality brand under REJ Commercial Corporation that was launched on October 1987 amidst political turmoil in the Philippines. It has emerged as a sturdy brand despite the challenges through the years because of its high quality and homegrown rice products coming directly from known rice granaries of Mindoro, Nueva Ecija, and Isabela.  

Bayad, the biggest and widest multi-channel payment platform in the Philippines, showcased its commitment to advancing financial technology and expanding its global presence at the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival.

The highlight of Bayad's participation was the thought-provoking presentation by President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, where he shared valuable insights on the pivotal role of bill payments in catalyzing digital economic growth.

In his presentation titled "Fueling Progress: Bill Payments as the Catalyst for Digital Economic Growth," Mr. Ferrer emphasized the importance of bill payments in the Philippines and its significant contribution to the country's economy.

The Move Toward Digital

Currently, the Philippines ranks as the largest recipient of money remittances in Southeast Asia, 3rd in Asia, and 4th globally, with the World Bank predicting continued growth in remittances.

Payment behavior in the Philippines is shifting towards digital transactions, with a projected increase to at least 50% in 2023, aligning with the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The digital economy clearly continues to grow, as “Every day, more and more people are choosing to make digital transactions, as seen in the 9.4% share of the digital economy to the GDP of the Philippines in 2022. With the growing Philippine market globally and the increasing preference for digital payment platforms, we want to answer to the demand of Filipinos for a secure and convenient way of managing their bills, wherever they may be, by creating solutions anchored in their bill payment needs,” said Ferrer.

Bayad's Role in the Bill Payment Industry

Given this, Bayad, formerly known as Bayad Center, has continued to be a trusted brand in the industry for 26 years, initially serving MERALCO customers with alternative bill payment outlets.

Now with a massive ecosystem, Bayad has evolved into the premier bill payments aggregator, serving over 3,000 biller brands from both public and private sectors, covering a wide range of services, including electric and water utilities, telecommunications, government contributions, airline booking payments, loans, e-loading, e-wallet top-ups, toll RFID loading, insurance, memorial and more.

“And of course, with our dedication to providing Filipinos more payment channels to access our biller partners, we continue to strengthen our omnichannel presence. We currently have over 400,000 physical touchpoints and we are connected to over 80 million subscribers of leading digital and mobile platforms, spread across domestic and international borders,” pointed out Ferrer.

“In fact, 9/10 of all banks and fintechs are connected through our bill payment trail. We stand as a single point of transaction for billing institutions and payment channels who want a faster time-to-market approach,” he emphasized.

Bayad Overseas - Expanding Opportunities for Global Filipinos

With the launch of Bayad Overseas, Filipinos around the world now have a convenient way to pay their bills in the Philippines, enhancing their financial experiences globally.

Bayad Overseas aims to support and uplift the global market of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by providing a secure, convenient, and reliable payment solution for their bill payment needs.

“Capture the global OFW market by partnering with the biller aggregator of choice and the most trusted brand by Filipinos for their payment needs. With Bayad’s physical and digital payment touchpoints, Filipinos are assured of a safe, convenient, and reliable payment transaction whatever their payment style may be,” Ferrer said as he invited the audience.

Partnership for the Future

Ferrer concluded his presentation by welcoming potential partners to collaborate with Bayad, emphasizing the company's commitment to integrity, reliability, and trust.

“Bayad is with you in shaping a better world of fintech. Become a Bayad partner today and together, let’s fuel the expansion of the global digital economy,” he said.

Bayad also participated in a booth exhibition, alongside more than 500 fintech companies from around the world, showcasing its massive biller ecosystem.

"As a single point of transaction for billing institutions and payment channels, Bayad offers a faster time-to-market approach, making us the biller aggregator of choice," said Mr. Ferrer.

Bayad's participation in the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival marks a significant step toward its mission of empowering individuals and businesses with seamless and convenient bill payment solutions, both domestically and internationally.

To be part of Bayad’s extensive international channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com.

EastWest, one of the fastest-growing banks in the country today, was recently awarded “Best CSR Initiative” by The Digital Banker at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards for the Bank’s project “Magenta Race,” a virtual run/walk and cycle for breast cancer.

In its debut year, EastWest employees rallied to raise funds for breast cancer detection and prevention of the beneficiaries of Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc. (PFBCI), also known as Kasuso.org. This was done through the launch of the very first Magenta Race—a virtual run/walk and cycle for breast cancer, which was able to raise a significant amount through the employees’ personal donations. The choice of magenta, a deeper shade of the pink that is associated with cancer awareness, wishes to express EastWest’s deeper commitment to this cause.

A total of 145 employees took part in the first ever EastWest Magenta Race, with 94 joining the run/walk, and 51 joining the cycle race. Proceeds coming from the registration fee, which included Magenta Run shirts, were collected as donations to PFBCI. But, notably, many of those who could not join the race itself still purchased shirts or made an outright donation to aid in the contributions.

Leading the Charge in the War Against Breast Cancer

During the awarding, EastWest expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement of their efforts, while also committing to continued efforts in the name of women and the fight against breast cancer.

“Thank you for this incredible honor. We at EastWest are humbled to accept the best CSR Initiative Award, and we would like to extend our gratitude to The Digital Banker for seeing and recognizing our efforts. In the Philippines, breast cancer is the top illness among women, and EastWest being powered by 66 percent females, led by a female President, and founded by the first Filipina President in the banking industry, we wanted to support a cause that touches the hearts of so many of our people,” said Carmina Jeanne D. Roque, EastWest Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications.

“So, we organized the Magenta Race, uniting our employees in a virtual race to raise funds for the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our EastWest family. Our people showed incredible dedication, with many participants and generous contributions, and this recognition is a testament to the power of unity and commitment within our community. We at EastWest are determined to make a difference, to save lives, and to continue our journey of empowerment and awareness. Let’s keep the magenta flame of hope and compassion burning bright in our hearts,” concluded Roque.

Second Magenta Race Continuing the Legacy

Now on its second annual run, EastWest carries on its advocacy for breast cancer awareness by inviting more bikers and runners to participate. The second Race kicked off last October 13 with 119 runners and 29 cyclists.

For the ongoing and future Magenta Race events, EastWest and its employees will continue to don their running shoes, hop on their bikes, or simply extend their support through the purchase of a T-shirt, knowing that every stride, pedal, and purchase makes a difference in this battle against breast cancer.

Peatlands, crucial for carbon storage and ecosystem balance, face relentless threats from human activities. Restoring these vital ecosystems holds the promise of quelling fires, preserving biodiversity, and combatting climate change. However, the path to restoration is riddled with complexities, stirring disagreements among stakeholders with conflicting interests, from companies holding concessions to local communities.

In the Philippines, where peat soil is distributed across the archipelago, there is a glaring lack of awareness about peat and its management persists across various sectors. The recent approval of House Bill 8204 signifies a significant stride toward conserving these ecosystems. However, bridging the knowledge gap demands collective efforts. Engaging local communities, NGOs, and government bodies in comprehensive strategies is essential for effective peatland stewardship, bolstering the country's capacity to address climate change through sustainable practices.

Yusuf's Peatland Oasis: Thriving Horticulture for Sustainable Futures

In the sprawling peatlands of Riau, Muhammad Yusuf treads lightly on the fragile ecosystem that he has come to call home. Proudly displaying a massive pumpkin weighing over 9 kilograms, Yusuf symbolizes the agricultural innovation blossoming in these peatlands. As chairman of the Cemerlang Forest Farmers Group in Dayun Village, his journey mirrors the struggle to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

Indonesia's 21 million-hectare peatlands face similar issues, with 7.5 million hectares cleared for unsuitable oil palm and Industrial Forest Plantations (HTI), leading to severe damage, land sinking, and significant global CO2 emissions, surpassing 5%. Immediate action and sustainable alternatives are imperative to address these escalating threats to global ecosystems and climate stability.

Amidst the environmental discord, Muhammad Yusuf and his fellow farmers offer hope. While industrial giants encroach on peatlands, they demonstrate that alternative, profitable livelihoods can exist without compromising the fragile ecosystem. They show that peatlands can thrive, be restored, and sustainably support the surrounding community. "We must endure for the long term, not just for our survival but for the environment as well. It's crucial for us to strive for greater independence and not rely solely on landowners and oil palm plantations," said Yusuf.

Yusuf has transformed his 2-hectare peatland into a thriving oasis that reflects his unwavering dedication. Within this space, he skillfully tends to various crops, including pumpkins, watermelons, eggplants, and cayenne peppers, alongside nurturing timber trees like meranti, punak, sago, matoa, and rubber. His dedication bore fruit last October, yielding an extraordinary 60 tonnes watermelon harvest that surpassed all expectations. This success led him to advocate for his colleagues to embrace watermelon cultivation as well.

Eggplants and cayenne peppers also particularly shine in productivity. One harvest of eggplants can yield up to 200 kilograms in three months, while a cayenne pepper tree produces around 8-9 ounces. These crops not only bring profit but also sustainability, maturing much faster than oil palm.

"We aim to empower the local community economically by promoting the shift to horticultural farming. Beyond fostering self-reliance, horticultural farming offers eco-friendliness. By diversifying, we enhance self-sufficiency and contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach beyond the monoculture of palm oil."

Despite his efforts to persuade the local government to transition to horticulture farming due to its proven success, he has yet to achieve success. However, amidst the dominance of oil palm in Siak's landscape, Yusuf and his peers persist in showcasing that peatlands can support diverse crops beyond the confines of monoculture.

Yusuf believes in cultivating these alternative crops for the future. His group, the Cemerlang Forest Farmers, is dedicated to identifying the best-suited horticultural crops for peatland farming challenges. Farming in peatlands requires unique techniques, including careful soil compaction, water management to prevent rapid water loss, and essential fertilization due to low nutrient content.

"That's why I consistently encourage Siak's farmers to transition towards horticulture. With relatively modest investments, they can own and harvest from their own plots of land. I also frequently motivate and train my workers, emphasizing the importance of them having their own farms in the future, ensuring sustainable utilization of these peatlands."

Despite the challenges, farmers like Yusuf embrace the opportunity these lands offer. Reduced chemical use and easier pest control make this environmentally friendly farming approach appealing.

Collaborative Efforts and Transformation

In this evolving agricultural landscape, initiatives like Perkumpulan Elang step in to bridge gaps. Recognizing the need for policy-level solutions and alternative livelihoods, they advocate for sustainable practices like Paludiculture in peatlands. Alternative crops like pineapple, squash, eggplant, cayenne pepper, and long beans offer economic and environmental benefits, with faster harvest cycles than oil palm.

Perkumpulan Elang collaborates with farmers like Yusuf and government stakeholders, conducting research, campaigns, and community programs. The result is evident in Dayun Village, with reduced oil palm reliance, increased prosperity, and ultimately reduced forest fire risk.

Muhammad Yusuf's story embodies hope in adversity, emphasizing the urgency of protecting Indonesia's peatlands and their potential for sustainable agriculture. By embracing alternative crops and eco-friendly farming practices, these farmers secure livelihoods while safeguarding our planet's delicate ecosystems. The time to act for the peatlands, for Indonesia, and for global climate stability is now.

Global technology brand HONOR is leading the way in foldable innovation and eye comfort technology, achieving an estimated 200% growth in overseas markets this year. HONOR focused on human-centric innovations; a part of the enlightening discussion titled “A New Intelligent World: What’s Next for Smart Devices” at the Fortune Global Forum 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

“We believe human-centric innovations will enable new possibilities for the next generation of smart devices. Foldables are on the cusp of going mainstream, on-device AI is paving the way for a transformative era, and human-centric technologies, such as eye comfort display technology, are enhancing human-device interaction experiences. From our perspective, this is what’s next for smart devices,” said Dr. Ray Guo, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of HONOR Device Co. Ltd.

One million Foldable Phones Milestone

According to the World Health Organizations (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment or blindness globally, of whom at least 1 billion have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. This pain point became HONOR’s top priority by integrating eye comfort display technology, investing more than $140 million on display technology R&D, and developing over 500 display-related patents.

In the past, some core user pain points of foldables were not yet solved – namely portability, durability, and battery life. Now, devices like the HONOR Magic V2 are as thin and light as a regular flagship smartphone, while delivering all the benefits of an immersive foldable screen. The HONOR Magic V2 is tested to withstand at least 400,000 folds, representing great durability, and includes silicon-carbon battery technology for all-day battery life.

After solving these consumer pain points, HONOR has recently hit a significant milestone in manufacturing 1 million foldables from its factory. Its Magic V2 is currently the No.1 best-selling foldable in China market, capturing 25% share of the expanding foldable market as a single model, according to industry analysis firm Omdia.

The growing scale of production demonstrates how HONOR is driving the industry’s supply chain forwards – and that the industry is maturing. Surpassing this milestone of 1 million units shows that the supply chain is reaching a stage of mass production where the manufacturing process is more automated and efficient.

Unleashing the Potential of On-device AI

Moreover, AI was undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated topics of discussion. HONOR has invested in AI for years, having debuted platform-level AI to enhance the smartphone user experience with intention-based AI services. During the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit in October, HONOR unveiled that its upcoming HONOR Magic6 smartphone will feature On-device LLM powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. HONOR believes in a hybrid AI model, utilizing on-device AI for personalized content and services while ensuring user privacy with data staying on the device.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

Christmas is upon us, and you know what that means: traffic, crowded malls, with everyone rushing to buy gifts and prepare for parties. For business owners, this season is great news, but the heightened demand for products and services can be a double-edged sword.

But three business owners are ready to face the holiday rush. Here’s how Aguirre Office Furniture, Bloomingails.ph, and Etiquetta PH are powering through this season:

Aguirre Office Furniture

The orders and inquiries started pouring in as early as October for Aguirre Office Furniture, a national provider of office furniture, services, and office solutions.

According to their Chief Financial Officer Ken Arocena, the holiday season has given them a 50 percent increase in orders.

However, Arocena shared that their operations require additional resources to manage the increased demand. “Given this, we have to deal with potential shipping delays and managing customer expectations,” he added.

The solution, according to Arocena: Lalamove. He remarked that Lalamove’s wide array of services, especially affordable rates, helped Aguirre Office Furniture keep up and deliver what they promise to their clients, which is the ease of how they do business.

Arocen also noted that their “secret hack” is using Lalamove’s multiple booking feature. He explained, “It’s how we minimize logistics costs and send our orders to multiple locations in one go.”

Bloomingails.ph

For Bloomingails.ph, one of the most trusted flower shops in Manila, the demand is quite high, especially for their fresh mini pine trees, wreaths, and Christmas centerpieces. According to their Chief Executive Officer Abigail Ang-Santander, their event styling business is very robust as well, as this season is a time for a lot of celebrations.

Since part of their business is making sure every special occasion is perfect for their clients, the Bloomingail.ph CEO explains, “We prepare and send out orders very early or after rush hour if the client is amenable to accepting late deliveries. But we make sure we’re on top of our inventory and don’t have to do lots of rush orders for suppliers.”

This peak season, Abigail also heavily relies on Lalamove. She remarked, “With Lalamove, I can book multiple drops and multiple vehicles, especially for our time-sensitive products to reach our clients on time.”

When asked about her favorite feature of the on-demand delivery app, she shared, “We can always rely on trusted partner drivers. This is crucial because we always need to make sure the items are carefully delivered, plus the partner drivers are courteous not only to us but to the recipients – our clients – especially, despite being stuck in traffic the whole day.”

Etiquetta PH

Every year, Etiquetta PH, a souvenir shop, always urges its customers to book in advance to beat the holiday season. “We offer early bird promos as early as August, as well as scheduled pickups of set date of releasing orders, so by the third week of November, we’re already dispatching the items,” shared Etiquetta PH Chief Executive Officer Ria San Juan-Gumaru.

This mompreneur explained that this is their process in anticipation of the major challenges for their business. These include logistics issues, whether it’s delays in the delivery of raw materials or shipping of orders to their customers due to the heavy traffic.

When the peak season ushers in paired with increased demand for logistics, Lalamove always comes to the rescue for Etiquetta PH. According to Ria, “Lalamove’s user-friendly app makes booking seamless and efficient. It’s easy to schedule deliveries, and you don’t have to fill in a ton of information.”

Her favorite, though, proven to help with their business, is Lalamove’s vast fleet of delivery vehicles. “I can choose the most suitable option according to my needs. This flexibility ensures we can adapt to the ever-changing demands of the peak season,” she adds.

“Supporting the needs of the micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is always a priority for Lalamove, especially during this time of year. Our platform is here to make the holiday season easier for our business owners, one delivery at a time,” remarked Lalamove Philippines Managing Director Djon Nacario.

No need to worry about the high demand during the holiday season. Learn from these business owners and go for their logistics tactics with Lalamove, your trusted delivery partner in Luzon and Cebu.

Visit https://www.lalamove.com/en-ph/ for more information.

 

 Shopee, the top online shopping hub in our country, joyfully marked its very first Shopee Super Awards. It was a special night filled with thanks and acknowledgment, celebrating the wonderful journey of our valued partners on Shopee. The event emphasized Shopee's dedication to building strong and lasting partnerships with brands, sellers, creators, and industry friends. The goal is to work together closely for shared success, like a supportive family growing together.