Union Bank's Accomplishments for 2021 and future projects for the coming year

 

To celebrate its numerous achievements and attainment for the past year and to give us a bird's eye view of what to expect and what lies ahead for Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) for the year 2022, UnionBank held another virtual media roundtable series E-Talktales last December 15.

During the said virtual event, UnionBank Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, and Chief Transformation Officer Henry Aguda discussed the newly formed digital bank which will become a gamechanger for UnionBank's digital transformation journey.

Aguda started the discussion by recalling how UnionBank's digital transformation journey has enabled it to brave 2020 and the equally challenging 2021. "The pandemic created this shift to digital, which we now refer to as the “new digital normal”. We changed the way we live, the way we travel, the way we interact with one another, and basically we've changed forever in terms of how we transact in the financial sector." 

"But even before the pandemic, UnionBank already had this forward-looking view that digital is the way for us to move forward, and when the pandemic hit, not only did we survive, but I'm happy to say that the Bank actually thrived," according to Aguda.

Healthy, Hassle-Free Holiday Bundles from The Goodwill Market

 

Tis the season to show you care by sending healthy goodies from The Goodwill Market to family and friends. The gift baskets have been carefully curated to fit different lifestyles, filled with wholesome products that focus on health and wellbeing.

What’s more, they can be delivered safely and conveniently to your loved one's doorstep via orders on The Goodwill Market website. You don’t have to leave the comfort and safety of your home to send out healthy and high-quality gifts this Christmas.

The Goodwill Market is an online shop owned and operated by Dygen Pharma Distribution Corporation (DPDC), a subsidiary of Dyna Drug Corporation. Its mission is to make premium brands more accessible to Filipino consumers with online orders and fuss-free delivery. “This is a very valuable e-commerce service especially as everyone stays safe inside their homes,” says DPDC General Manager May Panganiban. “Our gift packages contain a wide selection of health and wellness products that are sure to add a spark of joy to the holidays.”

Coca-Cola makes Japan's Lemon-Dou® available in the Philippines

Lemon-Dou®, a Japanese crafted chu-hi drink and one of Japan's Nikkei Top 5 trends in 2020 is now in the Philippines

Lemon-Dou®, one of Japan’s growing chu-hi drinks, is now available in the Philippines in three different variants. The entry of Lemon-Dou® in the country is seen as a response to the increasing demand for refreshing lemon alcoholic drinks and marks the first alcoholic beverage brand in the growing beverage portfolio of Coca-Cola in the Philippines.

"At Coca-Cola, we’ve always strived to deliver innovations that center around what our consumers want, while ensuring that we evolve our business responsibly and sustainably as well. We continue to be bullish on our business here in the Philippines amidst the ongoing challenges of the pandemic — and the launch of Lemon-Dou, our first alcoholic brand in the country, is a tangible proof of that commitment. We are confident that Lemon-Dou will help further accelerate the high-growth trajectory of flavored alcoholic drinks in the country," said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Inspired from the southern province of Kyushu, Japan – the birthplace of shochū over 500 years ago – Lemon-Dou was first introduced by Coca-Cola in 2018. After two years, the lemon-flavored alcoholic drink became one of Japan’s Nikkei Trendy top 5 trends in 2020. 

 

Martyn Ferguson, Marketing Director for Emerging Brands of Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific shared, “Lemon-Dou uses a closely-guarded traditional recipe from Coca-Cola. True to the Japanese philosophy of Kodawari, we’re very proud of how we have tapped into the strength of our global network to ensure that the quality of Lemon-Dou remains consistent when served to the Filipino legal age drinkers.” 

 

Support Filipino Products by visiting BAGSAKAN Christmas Grand Fest

Christmas Gift Shopping especially when done at the last minute may be difficult

Some people love to Christmas shop. They love the decorations, the crowds, and selecting the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Others find it stressful. Whether you dread holiday shopping or it's your favorite pastime, the Christmas shopping tips below will make your experience more streamlined and enjoyable.

Take advantage of the more optimistic economic prospects for the most important shopping season. The good news is, the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) has built up its promotional activities for micro-small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

With support from the DTI-Regional Operations Group, about forty MSMEs are showcasing their wares at the last major selling event to close off the year. The Christmas Grand Fest at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, runs from December 15-19, 2021, and serves as the culminating activity for the Bagsakan special project of DTI-BDTP.

Familiar Comfort Foods and Flavors of Filipino Holiday Feast using The Maya Kitchen Products

 

Preparing for Christmas early is the best thing you can do for yourself. Instead of spending the days leading up to Christmas running around in a tizzy trying to get everything ready, prepared, and checked off your Christmas to-do list, you’ll have everything done prior to Christmas so you can actually sit back, relax, and soak up the holiday season with your family. (Without a long list of to-dos nagging at you.)

Whether it's an intimate gathering for a simple Noche Buena or a much-awaited reunion nothing can be as comforting and enjoyable as the familiar flavors of Filipino dishes. That’s why The Maya Kitchen has put together a selection of easy-to-make yet celebration-worthy, and most importantly, Pinoy-approved recipes with Maya products that make holiday preps easier and these dishes more delicious. 

A Filipino celebration is never complete without everyone’s favorite pasta: Pinoy Style Spaghetti. This one’s a richer, creamier, and sweeter style of spaghetti—thanks to the addition of banana ketchup. It’s also made meatier by adding in not only ground lean beef or pork but also hotdogs. 

Missing all those Simbang Gabi treats? Satisfy your guest’s bibingka cravings by whipping up some at home. The Maya Kitchen suggests you make Oatmeal Bibingka Waffle, which gives your favorite bibingka a healthier spin by using Maya Think Heart Oatmeal Pancake Mix. It has the same beloved Maya hotcake taste the entire family enjoys, and now made thicker, chewier, and more nutritious with real oats.  

Oatmeal Bibingka Waffle

Cleanfuel Celebrates the Holiday Season with Paskong Panalo e-Raffle Promo

Cleanfuel celebrates the holiday season with its Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo starting November 17, 2021. Cleanfuel VIP card holders have a chance to win a one-year supply of fuel, a motocross training course at Cleanfuel Motocross Park, mountain bikes, full-faced helmets and air purifiers.

For every Php 500 spent on fuel products, such as AutoLPG, Diesel, Clean 91, and Premium 95 or any Motul engine oil products, Cleanfuel VIP members may earn one (1) e-raffle entry. For customers who are non-VIP cardholder, Cleanfuel encourages the customers to apply to have a validated raffle entry.

HEALTHY TALK AND NUTRITIOUS RECIPES FROM SANOFI PHILIPPINES FOR THE WORLD DIABETES DAY

 

Living with diabetes may be difficult but it is manageable

Living with someone with diabetes, Mommy Eve Lugod of the Asian parent PH, who is also a nutritionist and dietician, also shared what she knows and what she does to help her family consciously choose to live a healthier lifestyle.

“I would recommend to moms out there to try preparing food with your kids. It’s very fun kasi while preparing the food, they get to learn also the different types of food included in that meal. And at the same time, they also learn why we are including this kind of vegetable and food for good health. Start them young!”, she shared.

“It is our Panata here in the PH to improve the management of this disease because [once again, remember] it's not the end of life, it's the beginning of a change to empower people to [a] better life, live their life.” Dr. Amal Makhloufi shared.

Former Bb. Pilipinas-International and now a kitchen diva, Sabrina Artadi shared a mouthwatering recipe for her Mango Pineapple Yogurt treat during the Sweet Talk Your Way Out of Diabetes private media event as a teaser to the longer What’s Cookin’ Good Lookin’ Instagram Live. 

The Instagram Live on Sanofi PH’s official Instagram page happened on December 1 that featured more of Chef Sabrina’s recipes and techniques on how to enjoy a gastronomic experience without the guilt.

She prepared a handful of recipes using the Panata Box which can be easily done at home including:

Potent Natural Ingredients that may actually help Filipinos to stay healthy

 

LifeFood Natural Health Supplements are made of natural ingredients derived from plants or marine life, LifeFood supplements are standardized and undergo stringent product testing following pharma standards. 

We can't defy aging no matter how hard we try. We can only prevent the signs of early aging, but there's not much we can do. As we age,  whether we like it or not, we start to experience health problems because our bodies change. But some medical conditions become more common or more serious after we get a few decades under our belts. In fact, The National Nutrition Council has pointed out that Filipinos are following diets high in fat and simple sugars and fewer fruits and vegetables, which may have harmful effects on our hearts. It added that typical Pinoys lack physical activity, which may have been worsened by common conditions like joint pain or arthritis. 

LifeFood, a line of food supplements with natural ingredients derived from plants or marine life, can help. It offers products that have been carefully curated to support the specific health needs of Filipinos like maintaining cholesterol levels for a healthier heart and helping with inflammation and pain so we can move more. 

Here are some LifeFood-approved natural ingredients that can help with health issues that affect many Filipinos:

Mostly found in turmeric, curcumin is used to manage general inflammation to address osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. 

Last chance to stream: Catch some holiday family fun with RTYA’s The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off It’s streaming exclusively on Broadway On Demand only

 

It’s finally December, and with Christmas around the corner, everyone’s planning what to do for the holidays. Don’t miss the chance to make the holiday season even more memorable by bringing the magic of Christmas, cookies, and theater into your homes! The must-see show this holiday season, The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off!—a production from REP Theatre for Young Audiences (RTYA)—is streaming only until December 12 on global streaming platform Broadway On Demand!

Since launching last month, audiences both in the Philippines and around the world have enjoyed this fun and a family-friendly musical created by Broadway musical director Rick Hip-Flores, brought to life by the talented ensemble of Repertory Philippines. Both kids and their parents relished the chance to root for cheerful and colorful characters, sing catchy Christmas tunes, and take home lessons that make the most wonderful time of the year truly meaningful.

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The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off! is about eight individuals who joined a televised bake-off at the Cookie Coliseum where they discover new baking skills, cookie flavors, life lessons, and the true meaning of Christmas. It stars emerging theater talents such as Becca Coates as Patty Mañosa, a beautiful sensitive soul who longs for her Grandma’s cookies; Tim Pavino as Javi Carreon, a video game buff who feels out of place in the kitchen but whose heart is definitely in the right place; Jep Go as Gabe Gomez, a bully who’s more than happy to bend the rules; Jillian Ita-as as Anna Santos, the perfect overachiever; Luigi Quesada plays Julian Zamora, a culinary artiste with a talent for fine cuisine; Justine Narciso is Amy Garcia, a Disney devotee who’s slightly scattered in the kitchen but super adorable just the same; Steven Hotchkiss is Josh Bernardo, a science enthusiast who knows his formulas; and Rachel Coates is Samantha Lopez, fun and fabulous social media fanatic who loves the spotlight.

Joining the cast are REP and theater veterans like Carla Guevara-Laforteza playing multiple roles for the show—as the stylish Isabel Guevara, a food fashionista with a high sense of aesthetic and one of the judges of the bake off; as Anna’s Mom, your quintessential helicopter parent who watches every detail; and as Patty’s quirky-loving Grandma. 

Arnel Carrion is also part of the show playing a double role as Michael Holmes, the meanest guy in the food industry and in the Cookie Coliseum, and as Gabe’s Dad, a big wig TV exec who pushes his son to win at all costs. Jaime Wilson plays pop singer and celebrity guest judge Del Ray who has never baked but can certainly lay down some tasty grooves! Hans Eckstein completes the cast as Larry, the faithful host and announcer of the competition.  

Directed by RTYA Creative Director Joy Virata, The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off! is the first Repertory Philippines (REP) show in nearly two years and also the first musical in the country purposely filmed for an international online streaming service. The production also includes an all-star creative team composed of set designer Ed Lacson, lighting designer John Batalla, costume designer Bonsai Cielo, and choreographer Deana Aquino. Multi-awarded director Treb Monteras helms the video production managed by Silver Media.

Stream RTYA’s The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off! on Broadway On Demand. Ticket prices are P700 (24-hour access) and P1,000 (48-hour access). Broadway On Demand can be accessed via computer or mobile device through a web browser (Google Chrome is recommended for optimal streaming) or via tablet or smartphone through the Broadway On Demand app on App Store and Google Play. It’s also available on AppleTV and Roku.  

Get your tickets now through Broadway On Demand, TicketWorld, and Ticket2Me, or via the REP Box Office by calling 0966 905 4013.

For updates, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow Repertory Philippines on Facebook and Instagram. Educators and school representatives who are interested in the show can email sales@repphil.org. 

J&J Philippines marks 65th year in PH with nationwide care initiatives

 

Raghu Krishnan, managing director of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. leads the company’s nationwide care initiatives in celebration of its 65th anniversary with the donation of essential healthcare products to Save The Children Philippines, represented by its Sr. Manager for Corporate Partnerships, Riel Andaluz in this photo. Save The Children is one of the many organizations the company will be partnering with to distribute health kits to 65 communities across the country.

In celebration of its milestone anniversary, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (JJPI) is extending its signature brand of care to 65 communities nationwide through the donation of health kits in keeping with the strong “Culture of Care” that runs throughout the organization.   Distribution of the healthcare products is currently ongoing to communities in Caloocan, Rizal, Batangas, Zambales, Iloilo, and Leyte through partners ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc., World Vision Foundation Philippines, Americares Philippines, and Save the Children Philippines. In addition, hygiene kits for COVID-19 patients in Metro Manila were distributed earlier this year in partnership with Operation Compassion Philippines. 

Johnson & Johnson upholds that good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities, and forward progress, and is committed to using its reach and size for good: to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body, and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. Wherever they are in the world, the Company’s 130,000 global employees work to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. This concern for the health of its stakeholders is articulated in the Johnson & Johnson Credo and is brought to life by the organization for its employees, its network of partners, beneficiaries, and, most especially, its consumers.

“Every innovation, product, and breakthrough for the benefit of public health and well-being is possible because of our two most important assets, our values and our people,” said the managing director of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc., Raghu Krishnan. “Because of our people, we are able to grow the positive impact that we have on the health and wellness of our communities each year.”  

“By reaching out to these communities, we also continue to strengthen employee engagement, which is an important focus for us as they are the driving force behind Johnson & Johnson’s sustained growth,” adds Sean Zantua, Human Resources Director of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.

As a total healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson has continuously introduced new products and innovations for every need state. From iconic consumer brands to scientific breakthroughs in the field of medicine. Johnson and Johnson has helped people from around the world to live healthier lives every day from their very first day.

This focus on making healthcare available to all is brought to life through Johnson & Johnson’s portfolio of consumer health products, medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, along with its numerous partnerships and advocacies. Amid this pandemic, arguably Johnson & Johnson’s most important initiative is the mobilization of its resources—a $1-billion investment—to quickly develop a COVID-19 vaccine which is now being used all over the world.

“We believe it is our responsibility to improve the communities where we live and work, as we ‘blend heart, science, and ingenuity to help change the trajectory of health for humanity. As we renew this responsibility on our 65th year in the Philippines, we will push for more initiatives for our consumers, partners, employees, and communities that provide them with the care they deserve,” ended Krishnan.

Things You Must Order and Try at Jones All Day Restaurant in Serendra, BGC

The wonderful thing about breakfast is that you can pretty much eat it any time of the day and it's socially acceptable. Pancakes for dinner? Hell yeah! Cereal for a midnight snack? No judgmental eyes here, okay? Admittedly, there are those who don't wake up in time for ‘traditional’ breakfast hours (read: the call center agents are pretty good examples). But what's fun about so-called traditional hours anyway? 

Here are some of the things I have tried when my husband and I recently visited Jones All Day Restaurant in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City serving up the best all-day breakfasts (with both Bakery and Bistro too!) in town, no matter if it's well past lunchtime.

Jones All Day is a nice place to enjoy breakfast with a pleasing and vibrant atmosphere. The café is right in the heart of Serendra, Bonifacio Global City. Enjoy filling and scrumptious meals at any time of the day with their friendly staff and baristas. Great service along with freshly served dishes makes Jones All Day a nice place to spend your breakfast or lunch or even late-time snacks with. A variety of drinks can be served along with the dishes that they provide from coffee, tea, and sparkling soda or wine depending on their customer’s preference or taste. Jones All Day provides their customers with a variety of meals served with the finest and fresh produce right off the market. Let me give you an idea of what to try and order when you come and visit them. Check them out: 

1. Jones All Day conveniently serves breakfast all day. We're huge fans of the smashed avocado on toast. Their Salmon Gravlax Avocado Toastie is a must-try! Think simple, healthy, and tasty. 
2.  Inject some sugar into your veins with their Crispy Brioche French Toast (P295). It’s a three-berry compote, toasted almonds and crème fraîche 

Jones All Day's Crispy Brioche French Toast (P295)

3. Not after a sugar hit? Jones Schnitzel (P595) composed of golden crisp pork loin, fried egg, anchovies, butter, purple kraut, potato salad and fresh lemon is a winner.

Jones Schnitzel (P595) 

4. For some of the best hangover food in BGC, pay Jones All Day a visit. Their Mr. Jones Filipino Breakfast (P350) is all you could ever need. It has the restaurant's famous tapa, garlic rice, two cage-free eggs, achara, and fresh orange. It is a breakfast staple that’s really excellent and just don’t believe our words for it. Order them yourselves during your visit. They are the actual best.

 

Mr. Jones famous tapa

5. Jones All Day also features other brekky faves but they also have power salads if you’re in the mood for something healthy. And if you’re after something that’s filling and yummy but absolutely healthy and guilt-free, order their mean Jones Vegan Bowl (P575). It’s made from totally vegan plant-based kofta balls, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, basil, cilantro, cabbage, carrots, onions, crispy garbanzos, passion fruit-herb vinaigrette.

 

Jones Vegan Bowl

6. They also serve house-made handkerchief pasta. We tried their Dan Dan (P395) made from Szechuan chili oil, garlic, cilantro, sesame seeds. But they have other varieties you could try if you aren't into anything with peanuts and a bit spicy stuff. 

 

Dan Dan Homemade Handkerchief Pasta

7. They serve refreshing beverages such as their house-made young coconut, Thai basil, and melon concoction (P220). Made from melon juice, Thais basil syrup, fresh Thai basil, coconut water,  and shreds—who would even think they’d be able to create such an awesome drink? It’s not just a thirst-quencher, it will actually remind you of vitamin sea upon the first sip. There are other drink options as well. I got the Butterfly Iced Tea (P195) while my husband Jason got the Clean and Green drink (P220)--it's a smoothie made from mango smoothie, spinach, lychees, and coconut water. There's also Rosemary Grapefruit Soda (P250) which I have yet to try when I come back for another visit to the restaurant. For matcha lovers, you'd be glad to know they have Matcha Chia Fresh Lemonade at P250. They also have an array of shakes, coffee, and soda water. 

8.   If you love breakfast, Jones All Day pancakes will definitely leave you full and satisfied for the rest of the day. If you have children with you share with them chocolate lasagna with ice cream available at their café. Kids aren’t left out as they have a diverse range of desserts which includes Flourless Chocolate, other decadent sweets, and Carmen ice Cream. Check them out today. 

9. Jones All Day serves one of the best French Onion Soup known to man (no kidding, I swear, they’re fantastic!). A spoonful is sure to chase away any remnants of a hangover. Seriously, this is one of my favorites that I had enjoyed the most from this bistro + bakery restaurant in BGC.  

Jones All Day French Onion Soup

10.   Get your seafood fix and get it at any time of day at Jones All Day. Just one of the reasons why we luuuve this restaurant. And you can find them all your fave kinds of seafood with one order. (double win). Just ask for their Jones Seafood Tower (P1,295). It’s got everything you’ll ever wanted if you’re hankering for fresh seafoods. They’ve got fresh oysters flown daily, shrimp cocktail, mussels, salmon, tuna & uni sashimi, coctel de mariscos, spicy tuna dynamite, fresh citrus, corn tortilla, nori, saltine crackers. If you want more oysters, just tell them and they can customize the seafood tower according to your liking. 

Jones All Day Seafood Tower

Jones All Day has a number of wonderful all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. We'd suggest a dish, but as the menu changes so frequently, it’s better to just wing it. You may have to wait for a table on weekends, but we assure you, it's worth it.

Purple Plum Fairy and husband Jason

Jones All Day opens as early as 7AM. They also have al fresco dining for those who’d like to stay outdoors. Jones All Day is from the Raintree Hospitality Group—the same people who brought us other popular establishments such as Providore, Friends & Family, Farmer’s Table among many others.

Jones All Day is located at the G/F Serendra, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, you may want to check out Jones All Day Menu.

 

Regi's Snowy Yule Cheesecake is perfect for the holiday

 

A friend of mine introduced me to snow cheesecake. Prior to that, I have no idea what exactly it is. Without much hesitate I googled and found out the best ones actually come from this young entrepreneur (yes, only 16 years old) who has come up with the perfect holiday treat called the Snowy Yule Cheesecake from Regi's Cheesecake. 

Basically, it is a smooth and velvety confection that has the classic cheesecake sandwiched between a graham crust and a covering of white chocolate, the Snowy Yule Cheesecake is topped with delectable vanilla and white chocolate flavored frosting to create the perfect amount of comforting sweetness in every bite. Featuring a smiling snowman design, just the sight of this cheesecake can’t help but make one feel the cheer of the season even as their imagination transports them to a wintry landscape where they can build as many jolly snowmen as they want.