Now’s not the time to chicken out

 Now’s not the time to chicken out because Max’s Group Inc. (MGI) will be hosting its first ever All About Chicken promo where fans can get up to PHP500 worth of Max’s Group gift certificates by simply satisfying their chicken-hungry appetites!

From February 15 to April 15, chicken lovers can order their favorite chicken meals worth PHP199 each in exchange for stickers for their all About Chicken promo card. As few as three stickers can earn you PHP100 back!

“The support we have received and continue to get from our fans has been truly overwhelming,” said MGI Group Chief Operating Officer Ariel P. Fermin. “And what better way for us to thank and reward their loyalty than to offer this exciting promo headlined by a wide variety of delicious chicken meals from Max’s Group’s well-loved brands?”



The All About Chicken promo has chicken fanatics everywhere covered no matter what specific chicken experience they’re craving. Fans of the Sarap-To-The-Bones Fried Chicken can head over to Max’s Restaurant for the Basic ¼ Chicken Meal. Those who like their chicken sizzling hot can try the Chicken Strips with Mushroom Soup and Garlic Potato & Chives at Sizzlin’ Steak. Want your crispy, fried chicken flavored only with the classic combination of salt & pepper? Yellow Cab has you covered with its Drum & Thigh Complete Combo with Rice.

The chicken high doesn’t stop there with Pancake House’s bestselling 1-piece Classic Pan Chicken with Rice served alongside the Best Taco in Town, as well as Teriyaki Boy's Chicken Rice Bowl with two (2) pieces of California Roll. And who can’t forget the local favorite that is the Boneless Chicken Inasal made extra special at Dencio’s?

A maximum of three (3) stickers may be given to each customer per visit, but with so many options to choose from, there will always be a reason to go back and enjoy more of Max’s Group’s wide selection of delicious chicken offerings.

Satisfy your chicken craving at participating Max’s Group restaurants and start collecting stickers to redeem gift certificates. You get rewarded for eating more of what you love with the All About Chicken promo. For more details, visit http://www.facebook.com/maxsgroupinc. # # #

#AHallNewExperience: The Food Hall by Foodee Global Concepts

If you drop by SM Aura and is looking for a world-class buffet to dine with your family and friends. Just check out the newly relaunched The Food Hall by Foodee Global Concepts. 


In this insta-age, it’s considered a luxury to slow down and enjoy the simple things — like having a meal. The Food Hall, is a blessing to the public precisely because it marries the simplicity of a food hall and the unlimited choices of a world-class buffet, but don’t call it one. Brought to fruition by Foodee Global Concepts and established in 2014, The Food Hall is now getting a makeover that incorporates its original “food theater” concept and exciting additions to its roster of stations, not to mention new dishes from each one.

“We’re relaunching The Food Hall to remind everyone where it all started — Pound, Flatterie, Hook and The Grill will all be in the roster, to give diners a flexible dining experience that allows them to choose among our high-quality and affordable dishes from different cuisines. It’s a concept that is close to our heart because at the core of the company is a passion for introducing new flavors and dynamic restaurant concepts to the public. This time, we’re bringing all the restaurants we love under one roof,” says Eric Dee, Chief Operating Officer of Foodee Global Concepts.

                                           Nicole Ortega with Kidd and Eric Dee 


Hook by Todd English is now only available in The Food Hall. Specializing in a seafood menu offered through Platters that comes in Raw, Grilled and Fried, Hook’s must-trys include their Beer Battered Fish and Chips, Pan Seared Halibut, Spicy Salted Egg Prawns and Torched Nigiri.

Flatterie’s scrumptious Italian menu is available at The Food Hall as well. Crowd favorites include their signature Barbecue Pork Belly, a flatbread exclusive at the Food Hall, and an extensive pasta menu that covers everything from Mac & Cheese to Spicy Frutti de Mare.
Burger lovers can enjoy Pound’s juicy offerings at The Food Hall, starting with their Double Backyard Cheeseburger, Crispy Chicken Burger, and Pound Foie Gras Burger.

The Grill is an exciting new addition to The Food Hall, as well as its hallmark food station offering a wide variety of premium steaks at affordable prices, such as the Petite Rib Eye Steak is available for only P890 while the Flat Iron Steak at P680, Braised Lamb Shank, The F.H. Half Chicken, Braised Beef Cheek and The F.H. Pork Chop.

Fixed lunch sets are also now available on weekdays. Pomodoro Pasta and Classic Margarita or Pomodoro Pasta and Pound x Pound Sliders combo are available for P285. Food Hall Chowder or Caesar Salad, Food Hall Pork Chop with Garlic Rice or Food Hall Chowder or Caesar Salad, Spicy Salted Egg Shrimp with Garlic Rice, is a set menu available for P365.

A group menu good for four pax starts at P995. Guests can select from set menus that include Asian Chicken Salad, Crunchy California Roll, Dynamite Salmon Skin Roll, Classic Margarita Flatbread, Pesto Pasta, and Winglets.

Last but not least, Dessert. First-time diners at The Food Hall have to try the OMG Lava Cake, and The Bomb, a white chocolate dome (homemade chocolate brownie, banana and dulce de leche ice cream cake) poured with melted salted caramel sauce.

Foodee Global Concepts is also expanding this year, opening four more Pound branches and 2 more Flatterie branches.

Dee says, “With the relaunch of The Food Hall, guests can expect the same premium dining experience in an unfussy yet sophisticated setting, with well curated food stations that offer freshly prepared dishes, more menu options and affordable lunch sets.”

   Chief Operating Officer of Foodee Global Concepts Eric Dee, Stefano Crea, Shaq Raymundo and    Joseph Tay

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Food Hall is located at Level 5, Sky Park, SM Aura, Taguig City. For inquiries, call 0917-8633364 or 02-6214002. For more updates, follow @TheFoodHallph on Facebook and Instagram.

Mary Kay TimeWise Miracle Set 3D defends, delays and delivers to help you look younger longer

I have been using anti aging skin care for about a decade now. Im just excited that Mary Kay launches The TimeWise Miracle Set. I will look this up online. As I have been alternating with some high end and Korean skin care, for 5 years now. I guess, its about time to switch to Mary Kay, as I have been hearing good reviews about their skincare line.

Did you know only 20 percent of visible skin aging is caused by the natural aging process? That means the rest comes from everyday life. UV rays, pollution, smog, diet, smoking, sleep loss and stress — these are all factors that can speed up the aging process, leading to the look of premature skin aging. So while you can’t stop time, Mary Kay has found a way to help you defy it.

Introducing TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™

Our scientists spent years researching the causes of premature aging and uncovered a breakthrough three-dimensional approach to skin aging. They conducted more than 200 consumer, Clinical and safety studies, and over 150 formulas and ingredients were evaluated. The result is an antioxidant powerhouse that features exclusive technology to protect against the environmental and lifestyle skin stressors that can cause skin to look older before its time.

TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™ takes a three—dimensional approach to skin aging: lt DEFENDS against age-accelerating free radicals on skin with multiple antioxidant benefits. It DELAYS the look of aging with UVA/UVB protection and the exclusive, patent-pending Age Minimize 3D™ Complex. It DELIVERS the visible improvement of multiple signs of aging in four weeks* and more results over time.

 Fine Lines
 Wrinkles
 Resilience
 Luminosity
 Smoothness
 Softness
 Overall Appearance

The exclusive Age Minimize 3D™ Complex is in every product and features three innovative ingredients:
• Encapsulated resveratrol provides triple antioxidant benefits, plus helps promote more even-looking skin tone** and supports skin’s natural collagen. **
• Vitamin B3 is a well—known brightening superpower that works double duty as an antioxidant.
• An age-defying peptide supports skin’s natural collagen and elastin** for a more youthful, resilient look.

OUR MOST POWERFUL FREE—RADICAL SKIN REGIMEN DEFENSE
Each product features our Age Minimize 3D™ Complex and works as an antioxidant** to help neutralize free radicals on skin. Each step is formulated to work together to give you the building blocks for a lifetime of beautiful skin. TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™ is available in two variants: normal-to-dry and combination-to-oily.

BENEFITS IN EVERY STEP
Step 1:
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ 4-in-1 Cleanser***
Achieves four skin-loving benefits: (1) removes complexion-dulling impurities and (2) leaves skin feeling clean, (3) exfoliated and (4) looking brighter. Choose the formula that’s right for you: normal to dry to soothe skin as it cleanses or combination to oily to remove excess oil without drying.




Step 2:
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ Day Cream (with and without SPF 30) ***
This moisture-replenishing cream helps delay visible signs of skin aging. It also provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB UVA/UVB protection. It re-energizes skin’s natural youthful glow and helps improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And it helps even the look of skin tone. Skin looks more vibrant throughout the day. Moisturizes for 12 hours.

Step 3:
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ Night Cream***
This effective, moisture-replenishing cream re-energizes skin’s natural, youthful glow and helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Applied at night, it goes to work while skin is most able to rebuild its reserves. Awake to skin that looks healthier, rested and more radiant. This non-greasy cream moisturizes for 12 hours.

Step 4:
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ Eye Cream
This eye cream helps improve multiple visible signs of aging and fatigue, including the appearance of dark Circles, undereye puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Skin looks firmer as this quick—absorbing cream immediately moisturizes and brightens the eye area. Plus, it maintains moisture in the eye area for 12 hours. You’ll see overall improvement in skin’s appearance for a more youthful, rested look.

Younger-looking skin takes just three steps twice a day, and those steps deliver real results women are already talking about. In fact, 8 out of 10 women were excited by the results they saw, + including improvement in the overall quality of their skin and that their skin regained a more youthful look

This is skin science for the real world, and it’s only available through a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

“TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™ reflects not only years of research on the latest ingredient innovations, but also an understanding of how today’s environment impacts the look of skin aging. It’s been known that free radicals contribute to the look of premature skin aging, but it’s a broader scope of what triggers free radicals that has come to light in recent years. More than just UV rays, other environmental aggressors, such as car exhaust, air pollution, stress, lack of sleep and more can cause free radicals. Since you can’t avoid environmental aggressors completely, TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™ uses the latest skin science insights to provide powerful antioxidant protection as well as visible results to help you defy the look of aging.”

— Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay Chief Scientific Officer



TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™***, Price: TBA
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ 4-in-1 Cleanser***, Price: TBA
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ Day Cream SPF 30 ***, Price: TBA
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ Day Cream***, Price: TBA
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ Night Cream***, Price: TBA
TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D™ Eye Cream, Price: TBA
Available through an Independent Beauty Consultant.

*Results based on a 12-week independent clinical study in which 62 women used the TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™ twice a day
**Based on in-vitro testing of key ingredients
***Available in two variants: Normal/Dry Skin or Combination/Oily Skin
+Results based on a five-week independent consumer study in which 214 women used the TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™ twice a day

"The Bully" is a heart-rending but essential watch for people of all ages

 With the recent controversy regarding an alleged bullying incident , Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig came up with McJim Classic Leather’s newest viral short film titled “The Bully,” which zeroes in on the pathetic plight of bullying victims.

Nearly two decades into the new millennium, the age-old problem of bullying remains to be a cause for concern among school authorities and parents of bullied children, mainly because most cases take place in the campus. For some reason, however, such incidents have been largely kept unreported until a fairly recent bullying incident broke out and went viral on social media, creating quite a ruckus among netizens.

Bullying, in fact, is an issue that is hiding in plain sight. According to the United Nations’ 2018 report, one in three children worldwide experience some form of bullying, a disturbing fact we must confront if we resolve to find a long-term solution to the problem.



Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig, it tells the story of Ramon Christian Galvez (played by Jordan “Jay” Castillo, Jr.), an anti-bullying advocate who returns to his alma mater to give a talk on bullying. This rouses memories of the character’s own disquieting past—visions that continue to haunt him to this day.

“With ‘The Bully,’ McJim comes up with yet another compelling and socially relevant short film that tackles issues we need to talk about as a humane and progressive society,” says Cahilig, who is also behind McJim’s previous award-winning shorts “Pitaka,” “Sinturon,” “Bag,” and “No Strings Attached.”

“Once again, McJim proves to be more than just a lifestyle brand as it strives to stay relevant in this day and age. It does so rather convincingly as it takes on another critical advocacy: anti-bullying,” Cahilig says of McJim and its newest short film, which, the director promises, will get viewers hooked until the end—all for a good cause.

‘The Bully’ is a heart-rending but essential watch for people of all ages. Bullying is real. If we persist in glossing over the issue, we will do a disservice to scores of bullying victims and to the values that we hold dear,” Cahilig asserts.

He likewise counsels the youth. “If you are a victim of, or a witness to, bullying, don’t keep quiet. Talk about it and ask for help.”

“The Bully” comes at a time when issues concerning child abuse are coming to the fore. The short film also has worthy precedents. “Pitaka” was hailed as the Best Branded Digital Ad at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards, and the Best Illustrated Poem at the 2018 Wales International Film Festival. “No Strings Attached,” meanwhile, bagged the Best Social Shorts award at the Liverpool International Film Festival 2018 in the United Kingdom.

Prior to “The Bully,” McJim earned praises for its first LGBT-themed short filmed “Bag” for its honest portrayal of a gay-straight friendship—a bold and unconventional move for a masculine brand like McJim.

“The Bully” and other McJim short films can be viewed on McJim’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM/.

“The Bully” was crafted by a team led by Yuji Gonzales (screenplay), Patrick Ferrer (cinematography), Paulo Luneta (editor), Kenneth Amparo (online vfx and color), Jordan Castillo, Jr. (assistant director), Kat Salinas (sound design), Richard Gonzales (scoring), Johanna Evangelista (production manager), and Christian Paul Mendoza (production coordinator). It also stars Adrian Cabido, RJ Perkins, Gold Azeron, Allen Ansay, Sheryl Pasia, and Johanna Evangelista.

For generations now, McJim Classic Leather has been the leading and trusted brand for classic leather goods and accessories of superior quality and design.
For more information, visit and like the official McJim Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM/.

Technolux assures of the best heavy duty commercial washing machines and dryers complete with a two-year comprehensive warranty

Technolux, the country's biggest distributor of premium laundry machines for 43 years  recently launched its Self-Service, Coin-Operated Laundry Business, a full- cycle approach in owning a laundry enterprise.


The demand for self-service, coin-operated laundry machines continues to rise over time owing to different factors:  the added convenience is sought after by busy students, professionals and families as a way to employ a more time- and cost- efficient way of doing their laundry.

Because of this, these facilities have gone through a massive revolution and have become more  user-friendly.

One of the most important components of a successful laundry business primarily depends on the machines’ speed, capacity and durability. One would want his customers to be able to do their laundry in a quick and efficient manner which only reliable washers and dryers can guarantee.

The equipment that are offered in this new business initiative are IPSO and Primus that belong to Alliance Laundry Systems Network, the global leader in commercial laundry. These equipment   are smartly designed and equipped with the latest technology to boost efficiency and reduce water, energy and detergent costs.

Technolux offers different ways to get into the coin-operated laundry enterprise.  Clients can simply purchase individual IPSO/Primus washers and dryers so they can start their own business by themselves.

 Or they can choose from the following packages: Business Package #1 (Start-Up) is ideal for new entrepreneurs wanting to launch their first coin-op laundry business within a 30-sqm space. This includes five (5) units of stackable IPSO/Primus washer and dryer, 250 tokens, 10 laundry baskets, a table for folding clothes and another table/counter for staff, plus 6 units of monobloc chairs for the customers. 

 For Package #2 (Established), clients will get 10 units of IPSO/Primus stackable washer and dryer, 500 tokens, 20 laundry baskets, three rectangular tables, one table/counter for staff, plus 12 units of monobloc chairs enough for a 50-sqm space. Package 3 (Expansion)  includes 15 units of stackable  IPSO/Primus washer and dryers, 750 tokens, 30 laundry baskets, two tables, one table/counter for staff, plus 18 monobloc chairs for a 80-sqm space. 

Technolux also regularly conducts training and seminars  with topics such as operating machines, simple troubleshooting and the ins and outs of the laundry business for interested entrepreneurs.

“What sets Technolux apart from other distributors is that clients are assured of the best heavy duty commercial washing machines and dryers complete with a two-year comprehensive warranty and a preventive maintenance service free for one year. Plus, we guarantee a service response time within 24 hours to avoid down time for our clients. No other distributor provides such solid support to their clients,” says Alex Dumayag, VP for Laundry Division.

Technolux’s clients can expect comprehensive support, hauling and delivery of machines and installation and commissioning. Technolux will go as far as inspecting sites, advising clients on design and layout of the space, supervising  construction and staff training.

And because it’s Technolux, every business package choice will be backed by 43 years of excellent customer service through a round-the-clock call center facility that will respond to any inquiry 24/7, plus a fleet of motorcycle-riding technicians.

“Now is the best time to invest in a coin-operated laundry business because, aside from the increasing demand, Technolux’s Self-Service Coin-Operated Laundry Business gives you the options tailored to your needs, premium machines, technical service support, and a chance to grow your business exponentially. We invite entrepreneurs to partner with us, ” Dumayag concludes.

 Interested about Technolux’s Self-Service Coin-operated Laundry Business? Contact Fersus Lacia at 0917-5697054 or call Technolux at 8964941 loc.4002.

You may visit its corporate office at 2176 Primo Rivera Street, Barangay La Paz Makati City.
Check out www.technolux.net.

#BeExtraORLYnary this summer with ORLY's Vibrant Reds and Aqua Blues

Treating yourself is so emotionally important for us women — we are all doing more,  in my case I really have to set aside time for a little pampering every 2 weeks. It keeps me sane,  that's why it is a must for me to visit a salon, to get a facial massage, a foot spa and a mani-pedi session. 

I take good care of my hands and feet  by visiting my favorite salon in Manila. I always have them painted in blue or gray from the ORLY nail polishes collection. ORLY has the nicest shades of blue, gray and green. I always asks my nail tech for these colors.

It makes my feet clean-looking and while its true that  nail care isn’t just grooming anymore; it’is self-expression. I sometimes have my nail art with the blue/gray design/combination. A pop of blue every now and then helps me relax.  

Ms. Nadia Deering gave a style report on nail care trends and top polish colors this 2019, with the nude tones getting a shimmer and glitter upgrade and the bolder colors of Vibrant Reds and Aqua Blues being a staple of everyone’s Summer wardrobe. Light Coral and Iridescent Pearl also make its usual rounds, renewing a fresh take on a new season.

Recently, ORLY launches its new product  ORLY Gel FX Builder in a Bottle together with ORLY celebrity ambassadors last February 19 at the Marco Polo Hotel and we got to try the product and the newest ORLY color collection from the launch.

Ms. Geraldine Zamora (left most), ORLY Beauty Builder for Medicine, Ms. Pinky Amador (second from right), ORLY Beauty Builder for Acting, Ms. Margaux Salcedo (right most), ORLY Beauty Builder for Journalism, with their FIlipina Builder Portraits.

ORLY, the leading nail polish brand worldwide, held a beauty dialogue featuring

three inspiring Filipina women who have led significant contributions in their respective

fields: Doctor Geraldine Zamora, whose strength and resolve to help her patients is known in

the field of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine; 

Journalist Margaux Salcedo, with

her crystal-clear narrative of events and places in her weekly column; and compleat Actor

Pinky Amador whose talent is well-known globally, were invited to join ORLY International

Vice President for Sales, Nadia Deering, in discussing the importance of women helping other

women thrive in their particular areas of expertise.

The event emphasized the need for everyone to look closely at their own uniqueness,

especially in this era where one is gauged by the optics of social media and celebrate

distinctiveness to promote a kinder and a more loving look of oneself and others.

The all-white afternoon tea party last Tuesday, 19 February, at the Marco Polo Hotel also

served as the launch of ORLY’s newest innovation, the ORLY Gel FX Builder in a Bottle. The

product is an effortless, all-in-one, brush-on builder application that offers flawless and more

natural looking nail extensions.

Elsbeth Schutz, ORLY Ambassador, was also present to train professional nail technicians whowill be the primary users of the new product. “For over forty years, we have delivered quality without compromise at great value and we’d like to keep that streak going with the Builder that hopes to disrupt all the nail care offerings of today,” she said.

“Compared to Acrylic or Hard/ Soft Gel, the Builder allows for an easier application, has

flexible strength that eliminates painful cracking, and follows a fuss-free soak-off removal that

actually protects your natural nails and allows them to grow,” she furthered.

Mr. Paul Yap (right most), SprintAsia President, Ms. Jenifer Yap (second from right), SprintAsia Vice President, Ms. Persie Torregoza (third from left), SprintAsia General Manager, Ms. Frances Abayari (left most), ORLY Philippines Brand Manager, Ms. Nadia Deering (third from left), ORLY International Vice President for Sales, Ms. Elsbeth Schutz (fourth from left), ORLY Ambassador and Celebrity Manicurist, and host, Ms. Cesca Litton (third from left), shared the stage for a toast  

ORLY has built its heritage on leading through innovation and their continuous effort in

reinventing the game puts them at the forefront of building beauty and style for generations

to come.

Starbucks partners with HOUSE Foundation to nurture talents and passion

Beyond each cup, Starbucks serves a purpose far bigger than coffee. For years, the global coffee brand has grown and set itself apart because of its simple but powerful mission: To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.



Inside its stores, Starbucks has cultivated a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome, while outside of its stores; it has always strived to create a positive impact in the lives of its partners (employees) and the communities it serves.



When it comes to its partners, Starbucks nurtures their talents and passion and empowers them to fearlessly pursue their dreams.

Roemil Formalejo, a beneficiary from the HOUSE Foundation, is one of these dreamers. As a program scholar, Roemil was able to continue his college education and because of the foundation’s partnership with the brand, was given an opportunity to work as a Starbucks barista.

Roemil Formalejo from Starbucks Pacific Center BinondoAccording to Roemil (or Roy), his experiences at Messy Bessy, the business sector of HOUSE Foundation, and at Starbucks molded him into a better person, “Noon, ang liit ng tingin ko sa sarili ko at sa pangarap ko. Before, gusto ko ganito lang, pero na-realize ko na dapat hindi ko nili-limit ‘yung sarili ko o ‘yung pangarap ko. Kasi alam ko na naman na nahubog na ‘yung sarili ko, doon na ’ko nagkaroon ng mas mataas na pangarap [Before, I thought lowly of myself and my dreams. For me, they were okay, but soon I realized that I should not limit myself and my dreams. When I had already molded myself that was when I had higher hopes].”

Roemil is just one of a few chosen HOUSE Foundation beneficiaries who were welcomed into Starbucks. Under both HOUSE Foundation and Starbucks, the learners are equipped with important work skills and positive values.



Since 2017, Starbucks and HOUSE Foundation have partnered to support two batches of learners. With the two organizations’ strong advocacy for education, the beneficiaries have also come to realize the value of receiving proper education.

Ariel Mabini form Starbucks 6750 Ayala.For Ariel Mabini, another HOUSE Foundation learner working at Starbucks 6750 Ayala, education was the least of his priorities before he became a scholar of the foundation. As the eldest son, Ariel had always focused on working to provide for his family without much interest in continuing his college education. However, this all changed when his brother, also a HOUSE Foundation beneficiary, suggested that he apply as a scholar. Since then, Ariel has managed to find the perfect balance between school and work. He has even excelled as a partner, winning several employee awards including the ‘Be Welcoming Partner’, ‘Best in Customer Support’, and ‘Partner of the Year’, and is set to graduate in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Management from Manila Business College.



Though from separate branches, both Ariel and his batch-mate Romeo Tapay, have been recognized by Starbucks for their can-do attitude and dedication. After graduating with a degree in Accounting, Romeo has continued to serve as a full-time Starbucks partner and has been awarded ‘Partner of the Quarter’ for two quarters in a row. Being part of Starbucks, Romeo was inspired to go after bigger dreams and is now saving up and working hard to study law. While Romeo dreams of becoming a lawyer in the future, he also loves working as a partner because each day gives him the opportunity to meet new people.

“Masaya ako sa Starbucks kasi bawat araw, ‘yung makakaharap niyo sa register or ‘yung gagawin niyong drink ay para sa ibang tao. Habang nagiging barista ako, gusto kong gumawa ng kape para sa iba kasi gusto ko ‘yung kape nila maging special. Sabi nga ng store manager ko, dapat ‘yung customer hindi lang sa kape natin bumabalik, kundi sa kung paano natin sila kinakausap or ‘yung connection natin sa kanila. So, lalo akong naging passionate sa pagiging barista. Ang sarap kasi sa feeling na masarap ‘yung ginagawa mong kape para sa iba [I’m happy at Starbucks because every day, I face new people at the register and each drink I make is for a different person. As a barista, I like making coffee for other people because I enjoy making each cup special for them. As our store manager said, customers should not just return because of our coffee but also because of how we interact with them and our connection with them.  So, I became more passionate in my craft as a barista. It’s such a fulfilling feeling when you know that you’ve made delicious coffee for others],” he shared.

Just like Romeo, Clariza Capili also enjoys meeting and connecting with customers and shares that one of the most memorable lessons she has learned from was to always smile. “So, ‘yung memorable sa ’kin sa Starbucks is ‘yung laging naka-smile kasi. Sa Starbucks kasi kailangan mo mag-connect, doon din namin nade-develop ‘yung mga ibang customer na nagiging friends na namin. Kapag pumapasok ka, ang saya lang [So, what’s memorable for me about Starbucks is how we always smile. At Starbucks, we have to connect, and that’s how we develop relationships with our customers who eventually become our friends. Whenever you step into the store, it’s always so happy],” she said.



Despite going through tough times after her father’s death, Clariza always found a way to smile through it and stay strong. Now, Clariza will be the first to graduate in her family with the help of the HOUSE Foundation and continues to make them proud as she works hard as a Starbucks partner.

(L-R) Partners from House Foundation: Ariel Mabini, Clariza Capili, Romeo Tapay and Roemil Formalejo.

Though coming from different walks of life, the paths of these inspiring partners have crossed at the HOUSE Foundation and now at Starbucks. Starbucks has strived to be an enabler of moments of connection every day and now it has brought together these partners where they eventually found a family, not only at the HOUSE Foundation but also in their new Starbucks homes.

#MegaGandaAngBuhay MEGA Sardines’ ‘First Day’ delivers a mega dose of ‘kilig’

Do you still remember your first day at your very first job? In the wake of its first two viral videos “Adulting” and “Tipidity,” MEGA Sardines, the Number 1 sardines brand in the Philippines, treads lightly into 2019 with “First Day,” its third short film under its #MegaGandaAngBuhay trilogy.

MEGA Sardines, the No. 1 sardines brand in the Philippines, launches its third short film under its #MegaGandaAngBuhay trilogy titled “First Day” starring Jindric Macapagal.

“First Day” tells the story of Joseph, an idealistic, fresh-out-of-college young man from Cebu (played by Jindric Macapagal) who is caught in an awkward situation on his first day at work in a Makati office. What could go wrong—or right—on Day 1? “‘First Day’ reveals the answer in an unexpected and heartwarming manner, delivering a mega dose of ‘kilig’ on a hugely relatable slice of life,” says film director and public relations specialist Chris Cahilig.

MEGA Sardines’ “First Day” short film tells the story of Joseph, an idealistic young man played by Jindric Macapagal, who encounters an unexpected situation on his first day at work.

As shown in its first two short films, the MEGA Sardines’ #MegaGandaAngBuhay campaign, Cahilig points out, reinforces timeless Filipino themes and values. While “Tipidity” brought humor and “Adulting” delivered drama, “First Day,” the third and last film in the trilogy, offers lighthearted moments and wraps up with a plot twist that the audience won’t see coming. “Whether at work or at home, there’s very little doubt that intriguing conversations—and relationships—can be sparked by delectable comfort food,” Cahilig hints at what’s coming. 

However one looks at it, “First Day” fits right into the #MegaGandaAngBuhay campaign by depicting how MEGA Sardines, as a staple viand, has fortuitously figured in the unforgettable “firsts” of its Filipino patrons. “First Day” was made possible by Tiu Lim Foundation (executive producer), Rommel Sales (cinematography), Yuji Gonzales (screenplay), Jegs Morales (offline editor), Kenneth Amparo (online editor), Melai Entuna (line producer), Clark Lopez (assistant director), Kat Salinas (sound design), Richard Gonzales (scoring), Det Moldera (accounts manager), Yani Bautista (production manager), and Johanna Evangelista (production coordinator).

MEGA Sardines’ “First Day” short film can be viewed on MEGA’s official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/officialmegasardines, along with other #MegaGandaAngBuhay videos “Adulting” and “Tipidity.”  

“First Day” can be viewed on MEGA’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/officialmegasardines and YouTube channel (Mega Global). Meanwhile, “Tipidity” and “Adulting” have garnered, to date, almost 3 million views on YouTube alone. Both short films can also be viewed on MEGA Sardines’ official Facebook page.

Manufactured by Mega Global Corporation, MEGA Sardines offers the freshest and most delicious sardines packed within 12 hours from catching to canning. It is available in easy-to-open cans and pouch formats for convenience. MEGA Sardines is available in supermarkets nationwide, with a wide array of variants like MEGA Sardines in Tomato Sauce, Tomato Sauce with Chili, Paksiw Style, and Spanish-Style; MEGA Sardines Creations in Natural Oil and in Spanish-Style; MEGA Extra Hot Sardines; MEGA Fried Sardines Tausi and MEGA Fried Sardines Hot and Spicy.

For more information about MEGA Sardines and its #MegaGandaAngBuhay campaign, visit www.megaglobal.com.ph or www.facebook.com/officialmegasardines.