Indulge All You Can at Ogetsu Hime

Ogetsu Hime Tokubetsu sashimi 

 If you’re on a quest for delicious Japanese fare, Ogetsu Hime has a trove of stellar beef dishes, sushi, and premium menu favorites right here in the city. Named after Ogetsu Hime, the food goddess of Japan, the restaurant offers only the best from the Land of the Rising Sun, with premium ingredients you won’t find elsewhere.

A cut above all other run-of-the-mill Japanese restaurants, Ogetsu Hime brings the freshest and most authentic seafood from the famous Tsukiji Market regularly. It follows the Japanese food philosophy and delivers only high-quality delights at reasonable prices to its customers. This includes the world’s rarest, most tender cut of marbled beef from Japan’s Mie prefecture.

And if you thought that was all, there’s another mouthwatering reason to go to Ogetsu Hime. You can enjoy a premium, top quality selection of the best delicious Japanese fare at an order-all-you-can price! Sample an array of high-grade, authentic dishes made with ingredients imported from Japan now. Indulge in the ultimate Japanese buffet experience with the Ogetsu and Enjoy All-You-Can!

Ogetsu Hime ebi shiitake tempura

14th Las Piñas Water Lily Festival 2019 promotes the city’s rich heritage

Las Piñas  City recently put the spotlight on water lily during the celebration of the 14^th Water Lily Festival where they had featured the city’s rich cultural heritage as well as its best products.  The said festivity was basically the brainchild of Senator Cynthia Villar who took the initiative to celebrate the festivity back in 2006. Through the years, it became a venue for the city’s most talented performers and the most beautiful people. It had also served as a way for people to express their creativity. 

“We are very proud of the festival because it is also a way for us to stay true to our commitment for a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature and the environment,” Villar said.

Among this year’s activities include the search for Miss Las Pinas Water Lily 2019 where the coronation was held at the Villar SIPAG Pavillion. The winners of this pageant were judged according to their physical beauty, intelligence and overall uniqueness and creativity of the waterlily gown which they wore. Candidates were also chosen for their communication skills and active involvement in community service.

Miss CAA-BF INT'L

Candidates were fully represented by their respective barangays and were required to create a decent cut of mestiza terno made of 100% water lily. Prizes at stake include Php25,000 cash and crown for the Grand Champion, Php15,000 cash for the First Runner up, and Php10,000 for Second Runner up.

Miss Talon 2

Miss Almanza 2

3rd Villar SIPAG Youth Poverty Reduction Challenge Awards 2019

3rd edition of Villar SIPAG Awards 2019

We have been fully aware of the many programs and activities of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty and Governance [VILLAR SIPAG] spearheaded by the country’s number one senator in the recent national senatorial election, Senator Cynthia Villar. Purple Plum Fairy attended the recent Las Pinas 14th Water Lily Festival which coincides with the Villar SIPAG Awards where 11 youngsters across the nation emerged as the Most Outstanding Youth Social Enterprises at a ceremony held at the Villar SIPAG Hall in C5 Extension, Las Pinas City.

Sen.Cynthia Villar with Bishop Jesse Mercado and Congresswoman Camille Villar with their supporters

Sen. Cynthia Villar, Director of Villar SIPAG said that the program is her family’s way of recognizing the efforts of the youth in creating a positive change in our society. “This is our way of supporting youth empowerment in the hope to further encourage more people as well as inspire others to significantly contribute to our goals as a nation,” Villar said. 

Sen. Cynthia Villar recently topped the senatorial notch in the recent election

Villar SIPAG awards is currently on its third year, whose main goal is to alleviate poverty in their respective communities by means of social enterprises. Candidates for the awards are composed of groups of college or masteral students; young professionals, social enterprise groups, young businessmen, youth organizations as well as those from community organizations.

Villar SIPAG Awards Trophies

Emerson’s RIDGID Professional Tools Donates Wet/Dry Vacuum with Integrated Detachable Blower to Two Flood-Prone Schools in Bulacan

Emerson's RIDGID Brand had a cleanup as part of CSR in Marilao and Calumpit Bulacan

We’ve all been there —covering our ears as the weird, often loud, intense sound of a powerful cleaning machine makes its way around the house, office or school. If you’re picturing a vacuum cleaner in mind, then you’re picturing it right! As cumbersome as the sound of a vacuum cleaner is, it’s a household necessity that keeps our carpets clean and fresh. It also helps in keeping the surroundings spic and span, not to mention, it is a big help also for flood-prone areas. Now, who doesn’t want a top notch vacuum like RIDGID’S?

RIDGID is well-known brand leader in Wet/Dry vacuum as well as other man-powered innovative tools. RIDGID’s commitment stems from its unwavering superior performance in technology and quality. That’s why it’s no surprise that RIDGID is the go-to choice for any clean-up activity.

RIDGID'S powerful vacuums

Novuhair introduces for HIS & HERS Gift Packs

Novuhair

Press release:

There’s a thin line between the idea of being thoughtful and practical when choosing the perfect gift for couples. Striking a balance can be a real challenge. You have to consider their shared interests and make sure that you pick up something neither of them owns. Novuhair is here to help you decide and make the process simpler.

Introducing 2 gift ideas that fit couples of all forms and are guaranteed to be loved and used by your favorite duo. These gifts are perfect for couples who share the same passion to couples celebrating major milestones together such as engagement, housewarming, and anniversary to name a few. 

Promo duration: October 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019

DOH-FDA-CCRR Permit No. 0929 s. 2018

                                    *NOVUHAIR TRAVEL KIT SRP: Php 4,220 (Save Php 202.25)

Two of the country’s leading brands packed in one travel kit exclusively available at participating Watsons stores nationwide and online:

ü  NOVUHAIR, nature’s answer to hair loss, the No.1 hair loss treatment brand in the Philippines

ü  NAFLORA, made delicate for your generation, the No.1 most prescribed feminine hygiene wash in the Philippines

HIS: Experience nature’s makeover at home

NOVUHAIR 2-IN-1 PACK contains one 200ml. bottle each of the Topical Scalp Lotion and Herbal Shampoo, highly recommended if HE is –

ü  experiencing hair loss - excessive hair shedding, thinning hair, receding hairline and bald patches

ü  in need of a natural solution to help prevent hair loss, keep healthy hair and scalp, and stimulate hair growth

ü  opting to regain hair luster and vibrancy

ü  looking for a natural alternative solution to help prevent dandruff and scalp itchiness

ü  in need of scalp cleansing and detoxification

NOVUHAIR TOPICAL SCALP LOTION has a unique combination of 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help prevent hair loss and is clinically proven safe and effective.

NOVUHAIR HERBAL SHAMPOO cleanses and prepares the scalp in an optimal way prior to the application of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion and helps enhance the effect of the topical scalp lotion.

HERS: Experience a special protection made for your delicate flora

NAFLORA PROTECT is a feminine wash formulated for women of reproductive age and in need of special care to help maintain and protect their natural flora during monthly periods and everyday use. It is formulated with antimicrobial ingredients that help prevent vaginal irritations and infections.

To order NOVUHAIR Travel Pack visit https://www.watsons.com.ph/topical-scalp-lotion-herbal-shampoo-free-naflora-protect-feminine-hygiene-wash-travel-organizer-pouch/p/BP_50002150

Promo duration: September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2019

DOH-FDA-CCRR Permit No. 0581 s. 2018

                                *NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 PLUS 1 PROMO PACK, SRP: Php 5,280 (Save 1,100)

HERS: NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 Pack

NOVUHAIR Herbal Conditioner has been formulated specially to complement the use of NOVUHAIR Topical Scalp Lotion and NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo.

Regular use of NOVUHAIR Herbal Conditioner and NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo helps prepare the scalp for the application of NOVUHAIR Topical Scalp Lotion in order to maximize its effect, improve the overall cosmetic qualities of the hair, giving it a shinier, softer and supple look.

HIS: NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo (free)

Chemical-based shampoos contain ingredients that may seem to clean the hair but does not preserve its natural texture. These harsh chemicals strip off the hair’s natural protective layer making it more prone to damage.

A good herbal shampoo like NOVUHAIR herbal shampoo may help leave a stronger, healthier-looking hair and aid in preventing excessive hair shedding which may lead to hair loss. This will be a healthier alternative for him.

NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 PLUS 1 PROMO PACK contains one 200mL. Bottle each of the Topical Scalp Lotion, Herbal Shampoo and Herbal Conditioner plus another extra 200ml. bottle of NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo for FREE exclusively available at participating Mercury Drug stores nationwide.

Without being too cheesy, these couple gifts are fun and surprising, a perfect way to express how much you value their gift of friendship - a gift that may keep them both well-groomed and well-protected. It may not be the best gift in the world but it’s the thought that really counts, agree? Anyways, that’s what friends are for.

To learn more about NOVUHAIR, visit www.novuhair.com

#nothingtolose #choosenatural #choosenovuhair 

Tetra Pak sustainability reporting reaches 21-year landmark

Press Release:

Tetra Pak has published the company’s 2019 Sustainability Report online, marking 21 years of sustainability reporting.

Over the past two decades, the company’s approach to sustainability reporting has evolved significantly, from focusing on environmental commitments and actions in the first report in 1999 to evaluating every part of the business and its impact, including societal and supplier governance. Adopting a mix of self-assessment to aligning with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, as well as supporting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a process called materiality assessment to ensure the company can make the biggest possible impact.

In this year’s report highlights, find more about:

-       Tetra Pak sustainable packaging portfolio strategy and the $90.5 million investment in development of paper straws, tethered caps, and other solutions that replace fossil-fuel based plastics straws from 2019 to 2021.  

-       How the company is on track with meeting its 2020 carbon emissions reduction ambitions, by saving a cumulative total of 10 million tons CO₂ equivalent since 2010 across the value chain.

-       The company’s commitment to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation New Plastics Economy

-      Recycling partnerships with companies like Veolia in order to expand collaboration and accelerate global beverage carton recycling. Tetra Pak has made $22.6 million in investments since 2012 to support collection and recycling infrastructures. Plus, creating 45 new roles within the company to support the collection and recycling of cartons globally. 

Driving a Low Carbon Circular Economy

In Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines, much have been done to drive a low carbon circular economy. In 2018, 592 million packs of Used Beverage Cartons (UBCs), which are equivalent to 8,453 tons have been collected and recycled. Tetra Pak works with recycling facilities such as SHA Paper Mill and KPT Recycle Sdn Bhd in Malaysia and Rural Industrial Corporation in the Philippines, all of which have a combined recycling capacity of 23,000 tons per year. 

As part of Tetra Pak’s efforts to drive low carbon circular economy, responsible sourcing plays an important part as well. 100% of packaging materials used in Tetra Pak packages are sourced from Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®)-certified forests and other controlled sources.

Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia, Managing Director, Michael Wu says: ‘Sustainability has always been at the core of our promise to protect food, people and futures, we are continuously working to achieve minimum climate impact across the whole value chain; and we understand the importance of long term collaboration with our partners such as waste collector, recyclers, customers, government, communities and other stakeholders to succeed in our ambition of a low-carbon circular economy.’

How Insurance Market Singapore Can Help You Finding the Right Insurance

In some parts of our lives, there will be times in which we will be thinking about our future, especially if we do have our family or important matters that we think we need to do before we encounter any unprecedented circumstances.

We will also sometimes be thinking about protection and security to which can cover us from harm or any unexpected surprises like a car accident, typhoon or sickness.

And if you are an individual or a traveler in a certain country, for example in Singapore, chances are, you will be contemplating and looking for insurance during your vacation or during the time that you would want to become a permanent resident of this country. And since there are a lot of insurers out there that offer and provide you different covers that sometimes you do not need, it will be really hard to compare or choose something that you think will fit your budget and something that you can use in cases of emergency.

Good thing that there is Insurance Market. Insurance Market Singapore aims to help you in finding the perfect insurance. They offer a wide variety of plans from different insurance companies in Singapore to tailor a plan that suits your individual needs.

 In some parts of our lives, there will be times in which we will be thinking about our future, especially if we do have our family or important matters that we think we need to do before we encounter any unprecedented circumstances.

We will also sometimes be thinking about protection and security to which can cover us from harm or any unexpected surprises like a car accident, typhoon or sickness.

And if you are an individual or a traveler in a certain country, for example in Singapore, chances are, you will be contemplating and looking for insurance during your vacation or during the time that you would want to become a permanent resident of this country. And since there are a lot of insurers out there that offer and provide you different covers that sometimes you do not need, it will be really hard to compare or choose something that you think will fit your budget and something that you can use in cases of emergency.

Good thing that there is Insurance Market. Insurance Market Singapore aims to help you in finding the perfect insurance. They offer a wide variety of plans from different insurance companies in Singapore to tailor a plan that suits your individual needs.

They also have a sales team that is certified by the Singapore Institute of Insurance, making sure that they can provide the best advice you need when it comes to any type of insurance policies.

And Insurance Market Singapore is a broker. And as an independent insurance broker, they can carefully help you choose the best possible insurance solution for you.

To know more about them and what they can offer, you can visit their website at https://insurancemarket.sg/.

They also have a sales team that is certified by the Singapore Institute of Insurance, making sure that they can provide the best advice you need when it comes to any type of insurance policies.

And Insurance Market Singapore is a broker. And as an independent insurance broker, they can carefully help you choose the best possible insurance solution for you.

To know more about them and what they can offer, you can visit their website at https://insurancemarket.sg/.

How to Open a Successful Card Laundry Business with Whirlpool-Maytag

As cities in Philippines have recently become concrete jungles, more and more condominium buildings are being built. This creates the necessity for coin/card laundry businesses, as people can no longer accommodate washing machines and dryers in their homes due to their unit’s small space. Card laundry business are a saving grace for those in apartment/condo-living. With the right planning and determination, you can become a part of this increasingly lucrative industry.

I recently attended Whirlpool-Maytag’s event where they have introduced their top-quality machines as well as the opportunity to learn more on how to earn big bucks via the laundromat business. It was where that I’ve found out that laundromats have actually been in existence since the 1930’s in the US. However, the fully-automated self-service machines where people brought their own detergent and waited for their laundry to be done only rise to its popularity in the Philippines back in the late 90’s.  Nowadays, the growth of self-service laundry shops had become so popular because of its high demand. Proof of such would be seeing one in every corner of the neighborhood.

For serious budding entrepreneurs, opening a laundry shop is not only appealing but it also raises the probability of success. It is one of the few business ventures where with a low capital investment, you can even bring high rates of return. Where else can you find a business where from a mere Php600,000-1M pesos—you can have them returned in 18 months? 

RIDGID Club: Upgrading tools and skills for property boom

The FlexShaft cable (left) is the first de-clogging tool on the market that can be used side by side with SeeSnake camera (right) systems to actually watch clogs as they are broken down in deeply buried pipes. 

Press release:

There is a massive construction boom in the Philippines; many of the projects are of a grand scale, and need to be completed within often impossible timeframes. These factors contribute to making upgrades in the capabilities of contractors, both in terms of equipment and skills absolutely vital.  This is why RIDGID, a manufacturer of innovative tools for professional artisans and contractors formed RIDGID Club Philippines, the first club its kind in the region.

RIDGID Club members are instructed on the use of Seek tech locators, which allow contractors to locate, follow and map underground data or power lines.  

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the total number of construction projects just between April and June of 2018, was 29,060 residential, 5,644 non-residential, 1,511 upgrades to existing structures, and 3,697 alterations and repairs.  These overwhelming numbers are why builders and contractors are looking for new methods and technologies to improve productivity, efficiency and profitability.

But even when new tools completely improve the way an old practice is done, people still need to be trained in the new method, even if it is far easier.  Such is the case with RIDGID’s premium tools, the new procedures are often significantly different from anything that came before them. 

RIDGID Head Training Officer in the Philippines Mr. Joel Matosiños demonstrates proper pipe threading technique 

That is why RIDGID Club held its annual sports fest for the second time in as many years, to offer new training with new tools and new methods, and to make that training fun.  The event was done on a Saturday, at the Quest Adventure Camp, well outside of Metro Manila, and only a trophy and bragging rights were at stake.  Despite these, it was well attended and enthusiastically participated in by Those Who Know, a.k.a. members of RIDGID Club; professionals with a real desire to improve.

RIDGID Club Philippines, the first of its kind in the region, is founded on the idea that professionalism means constant self-improvement.

 

RIDGID Head Training Officer in the Philippines Mr. Joel Matosiños explains: “Many came to see the FlexShaft drain cleaning machine for the first time.  Unlike previous models that use an exposed, spinning shaft, the FlexShaft’s cable is insulated, this means that it can be operated side by side with a camera when de clogging.” 

With huge scale projects that require a massive mobilization of men and equipment on a virtual 24/7 basis time, labor and cost-saving technologies and methods are essential.  Builders can no longer rely on archaic tools and methods to satisfy the demands of the property hungry market.

RIDGID is a wholly owned division of Emerson.  Emerson is a global Fortune 500 company ranked 178 in the world in 2017, and which has been a Fortune 500 company for 64 consecutive years. 

RIDGID is a brand like no other brand in the world.  Far from being just a manufacturer of the highest quality workman’s tools, it is most well-known for state of the art innovations that empower RIDGID equipped contractors to do things that would otherwise be either way too costly or even impossible to do without RIDGID tools.  Some of the biggest names in the industry are already RIDGID equipped, further cementing RIDGID as the brand for those who know. 

Because RIDGID is always innovating, the RIDGID Club Philippines was established in 2017.   It is a venue for customer members to constantly keep abreast of the latest tools from RIDGID and know how required to use them, and use them safely. The club is the first of its kind in the region, which is fitting because the Philippines is the regional training hub of RIDGID.

Hodai Fusion Japanese Cuisine Food Review

Hodai Fusion Japanese Cuisine Restaurant

In this day of Samgyupsal hype, it’s so easy to understand why most Filipinos are into Korean food in as much as they’re also into anything Korean these days—be it K-Pop fashion or music or skincare and or soap operas. So when you come across a Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant, you’d surely want to try it out and see for yourself what’s there to discover. I stumbled upon Hodai Fusion Japanese Cuisine through the invitation of my fellow foodie and good friend, Rence Chan. It’s a Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant tucked within the residential area along Examiner Street in West Triangle, Quezon City.

Interestingly, and increasingly, fusion restaurants are popping up all over the city. Their rooted dispositions like “a combination of global influence,” or a “mashup of food cultures” or “marrying the best of both cultures” immediately comes to mind with the mere mention of the word “fusion.”

Hodai Gold Meal Set

7-Eleven Celebrates Anniversary with #711Day giving 50% off on selected items

Our well-loved 24/7 convenience store 7-Eleven celebrates its anniversary in style by throwing in its biggest and loudest bang as it gives loyal customers plenty of reasons to be happy too and join in the fun including the opening of the 2,000^th City Blends store and the 1,000^th Crunch Time store! 7-Eleven had amazing offers on selected items including brand favorites like Big Bite Hotdogs, Crunch Time and City Blends coffee.

On July 11, customers get 50% off on Big Bite Hotdogs and City Blends Coffee. You can also get FREE Crunch Time Flavorites when you purchase any Crunch Time products on the same day.

So drop by any of the 2,664 7-Eleven branches nationwide to satisfy your cravings and get loads of huge discounts on sweet treats and other filling snacks. You can also get discounts on select products from July 3-16. 

Visit www.7-eleven.com.ph/7-eleven-day/ for more information on getting those sweet deals mentioned above.

Follow 7-Eleven Philippines on Facebook and Instagram @711ph to get the latest updates and promos. 

Sun Life's Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships

A lifetime partner is someone who is a trusted companion... and that you can rely on at all times. Some people may have been lucky to have found their lifetime partner early in their lives. It may be someone from their family, a good friend, their significant other, fiance or spouse, among many others for as long as they have found profound soul connections. 

I like to think of a life partner as any person we have formed a long-term connection with. These are the big relationships in our lives, the natural, symbiotic arrangements that we have fallen into over time. These relationships can be purposefully cultivated or develop completely by happenstance. They can also take many forms. These special individuals are a guiding presence in our lives. By sharing their experiences, offering advice, and critiquing our work, they help us reach our potential. The fit of your relationship is familiar, practiced, likely cultivated over many years of shared joy, tears, and adventures. If you’re lucky, your other life partners likely started in this category.

Sun Life Financial Celebrity Ambassadors Inigo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Charo Santos-Concio, Piolo Pascual and Matteo Guidicelli

I recently attended the launch of Sun Life Philippines' KAAKBAY: Stories of Lifetime Partnership held at the posh ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza. This new campaign of Sun Life Financial Philippines hopes to encourage Filipinos to find that partner who will help them shine to their full potential. 

Also present during the said media launch were Sun Life Celebrity Ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Inigo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Matteo Guidicelli and Ms. Charo Santos-Concio. They too shared their personal stories and experiences for Sun Life Financial's latest campaign called "Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships." They even made videos which shows how their lives were made brighter with the help of their respective lifetime partners, who believed in them, supported them and inspired them.