Yee Pioneers Likha Collab: Unveiling an All-Filipino Natural Marketplace

Living sustainably means making choices that align with a healthier planet and a healthier lifestyle. In today's consumer-driven society, one of the most impactful choices we can make is opting for products that are toxin-free and organic.

Pioneering a new era of conscious consumerism, Pinky T. Yee, the visionary behind Pure Essentials Specialist Corp (PESC), introduced Likha Collab to the public sphere on Monday in celebration of Earth Day. This breakthrough e-commerce marketplace is designed to collaborate with Filipino micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME’s) in showcasing their products to a wider audience.

Left to right; Abdul Paravengal,- Pulse63 Managing Director, Czar Carbonel - Magwai Organics founder; Pinky T. Yee, Likha Collab and Pure Essentials Specialist Corp. founder; MG Claveria representative of Human Nature; Trixie Odiamar, Isarog Beautanics founder; Marvin Chua, Wonderhome Naturals founder; and Paulo Campos - Kaya Founders Managing General Partner, and Pulse63 Ventures Founding Partner

Partnered with Pulse63, a health-focused business accelerator, Yee conceptualized the marketplace as a vetted space for local entrepreneurs and business owners who champion the cause of sustainability, environmental consciousness, and label transparency, while adhering to regulatory guidelines.

Yee expressed her vision for Likha Collab to emerge as the preferred destination for enthusiasts of natural living and advocates of local businesses. The innovative space, she added, was borne out of her “desire to help bring Earth-friendly Filipino-made brands and to transform every Filipino home to conscious and biodegradable living.”

According to Abdul Paravengal, Managing Director of Pulse63, Yee’s advocacy towards healthy living and showcasing selected home-grown brands were among the key factors that led them into collaborating with Likha Collab, empowered by their accelerator program.

 

Yee also underscored the importance of label literacy and consumer awareness. “We vet our partner brands rigorously, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies, accurate labeling, and of course, the exclusion of harmful ingredients in their products,” she remarked.

 

In addition to the marketplace, Likha Collab also launched alongside its accompanying Facebook community, Eco Friends PH, to serve as a platform for individuals embarking on their sustainable living journey. The interactive space serves to inspire and facilitate discussions among consumers and like-minded advocates. It also aspires to become an avenue for industry experts from the medical and business sectors to promote awareness and respond to forums.

 

Among the pioneer brands that joined the mission of Likha Collab are Oryspa, Human Nature, Magwai, Wonderhome Naturals, Pure Culture, and Isarog. Additionally, the marketplace also includes LivClean, First Skincare, and First Botanicals as its house brands.

 

"We extend an open invitation to local MSMEs to join us in our commitment to provide homes with products that are free from toxic chemicals, safe for all ages, and beneficial for both the family and the planet," concluded Yee.

 

Join the movement in making better and responsible choices, and explore Likha Collab’s offerings by visiting www.likhacollab.com.

FIRST Skincare CEO Pinky Yee, bags top Innovation prize at GoNegosyo Filipina Entrep Awards

 

The philosopher Plato famously said that “necessity is the mother of invention”, and this has been substantiated throughout generations. From another standpoint, however, a variation of the saying also rings true: mothers often come up with the best inventions, based on their necessities and experiences.

This is certainly the case with Pinky Yee, a sustainability advocate, wife, and mother, who was recently hailed as the year's Woman Innovator during the Go Negosyo Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs for 2022 awarding ceremony. 

Yee is President and CEO of Pure Essential Specialist Corp (PESC), which is most renowned for their LivClean brand -- a line of cleaning products that are made from 100% natural and sustainable ingredients, such as pure calamansi essential oil, baking soda, and sugar cane vinegar that are locally sourced. These include the first-of-its-kind Cleaning Vinegar with Calamansi, Dishwashing Concentrate with Calamansi, and All-Natural Anolyte Disinfectant, which kills 99.9% of bacteria and pathogens.

Each of these breakthrough products share four core attributes, consistent with the LivClean philosophy: their raw materials are plant-based & locally sourced, completely natural & biodegradable, contain no harsh or toxic chemicals, and are strong enough to deep clean (and in the case of the Anolyte, disinfect) while still ensuring safety. 

“I am so honored and humbled to be recognized as an innovator by the Go Negosyo Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs Awards 2022,” said Yee. “I started PESC and LivClean with my business partner Lynet Ng because, essentially, I made a personal decision to commit to a life of clean living, and I knew that many women shared my concern about the prevalence of harsh chemicals in our everyday lives." she added.  

More recently, PESC launched a new line of skincare products under the brands FIRST for WOMEN | FIRST for MEN, which offers skin-brightening soaps. Needless to say, these products are also rooted in Yee’s advocacies of being all-natural and free from toxic chemicals, as well as supporting the local coconut oil producers.  "I am very excited about FIRST Skincare, as we are the first to combine Swiss technology through the PSE (Pumpkin Seed Extract) Antioxidant System that helps retain skin moisture, fight free radicals, and reduce the signs of aging. The positive reviews have been quite overwhelming," Yee enthused.

The GoNegosyo Filipina Entrepreneurs Award has been held since 2007, and has since recognized more than 200 Filipina entrepreneurs. This year's event attracted more than 15,000 online participants, and was supported by some of the country's largest conglomerates, business organizations and foreign missions.

LivClean and FIRST Skincare are trailblazers to a better world. It amazes me how in a small part of our everyday lives, cleaning, we can make a cleaner environment for our loved ones.

 

LivClean’s Dishwashing Concentrate with Calamansi and Cleaning Vinegar surprised me with how it easily cleans my dishes from tough grease while being gentle with my hands and leaving a citrus scent. Recommend this to my family and friends to use.

 

The truth behind the #DongYanwedding massive cake

So much has been said and done for the enchanting  #DongYanwedding, let alone for their  massive  cake, which created quite a stir in the social network.  The 12 ft 3D, 5 tiered wedding cake was the groom's concept and was beautifully perfected by Goldilocks. Almost everyone speculated that the couple paid a whooping php7 million for the cake alone. 

Ms Pinky Yee,  Goldilocks New Business Director released the following statement to put closure on the issue.

Visit Triple O's second store at SM Aura Level 4, Food on Four

That remarkable taste and juiciness of the 100% Canadian burger from their first store launched at SM Megamall from months ago remains the same and keeps getting better, I should say, this time around at their second store  Triple Os SM Aura.   It was again a love at second bite for their meaty patty. The bun, pickles, the 100% Canadian patty are all there to give  burger lovers what they are looking for in a gourmet meat patty sandwich. 

Bacon Cheddar (php 300 burger only,    php 380 combo)

The juiciest burger I have laid my eyes upon on their first store launched at the SM Megamall is the mouth-watering Bacon Cheddar. It has the tastiest dripping cheddar topped on a 100% Canadian patty with onions, mayo and bacon for that exciting burger experience. Best eaten fresh and hot off the grill with their milkshakes.

I ordered another bestseller at SM Aura second store launched last October 28. I asked for  the Monty Mushroom because some of the burger aficionados told me to try this one since I love my burger with mushrooms in it. 

Monty Mushroom (php 310 burger,  php 390 combo)

Yes, a burger is better with mushrooms, it is made to taste perfect in my opinion.  I guess it accentuates the fat of the patty same with the cheese, tomatoes and veggies inside the Monty Mushroom. Theyre like one happy family for me. This again would make for a one hearty meal. It is meant for sharing but if you have a big appetite, this alone would satisfy your craving.

Fish and chips ala carte Php 300.00, combo Php 335.00, Milkshakes small Php 150, Regular Php 200.

Monty Mushroom, Fish and chips and Milkshakes 

We ordered for their fish and chips too, the soft, hot and white fish meat is a "cod" fish. The chips and fish is better with mayo and their sauce.  I could finish this in one seating with a Strawberry milkshake to booth. What I love about their strawberry milkshake is that, its not that sweet, it has the creamiest and tastiest premium ice cream mix with strawberries.

Pinky Yee 

"In Manila, we have become known as the place that serves the best milkshakes in town," explained SweetSpot Philippines President Pinky Yee who was mainly responsible for bringing the brand to the Philippines. "Our hand-scooped Triple O's milkshakes have developed quite a loyal following," she further noted.

“Triple O”  came from the shorthand language of the drive-in service attendants, otherwise known as "carhops". When guests at the drive-in chose from mayonnaise and relish, their order slips were printed with X's and O's. Three O's on the slip meant plenty of everything, and that's exactly what Triple O's by White spot of Canada serves on their menu.

Triple O's SM Aura counter

Triple O's come up with their "Daily Specials" promo wherein you have to get a free sundae, pasta, nespresso coffee or a one 3 piece order of dippin chicken. Or spotsize your combo, add Php 40.00 and substitute your softdrinks to a small milkshake and add Php 100.

You can now visit Triple Os at SM Aura Level 4, Food on Four, and SM Megamall. For more info visit facebook.com/triplesosph.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith's Heart of Gold

JASMINE CURTIS-SMITH’S SWEETEST VALENTINE’S DAY

Goldilocks together with Jasmine Curtis- Smith made the kids of White Cross Children's Home in San Juan, the happiest  this February. As they danced,  decorated their cakes, played games,  feasted on the ever favorite sarapinoy meals and the caramel pusong mamon, these and all with Kapatid star Jasmine Curtis- Smith. She gamely posed pictures with children and  to the people who were present that afternoon.  All smiles were plastered to those who witnessed the event as love was truly in the air.  Orphaned children has a soft spot for Jasmine as this was made evidence to the time she spent with them. She made their February truly a memorable one,  full of fun and memories to reckon with.

February is the month of giving love and showing people how much you care. Even at the tender age of nineteen, rising star Jasmin Curtis-Smith is no stranger
to bringing happiness and hope to others. During the relief operations for Typhoon Maring, for example, the young celebrity worked with World Vision and Habagat response teams to provide relief goods for victims.

As the newest member of Goldilocks family, it is clear that Jasmine’s dedication
for community work remains among her top priorities. Together with representatives from the country’s  number one bakeshop, the young actress recently visited White Cross Children’s Home to share her affection with kids who need it the most.

Located in the heart of San Juan, the White Cross Children’s Home offers food and shelter to orphaned children. Following with a group tour of the facility, Jasmine led a unigue game to break the ice: a “Trip to Jerusalem” with a twist. Everyone then proceeded with a Valentine’s-themed eating contest, with the new Goldilocks Caramel Pusong Mamon as the yummy fare.

“The kids were racing to finish as many Caramel Pusong Mamon pieces as they could, but it was obvious that they were enjoying the treat as much as the game,”
Jasmine enthused. “The incredible smiles on their faces and the sound of their
laughter – it doesn’t take a lot to elicit that out of them, just time and sincerity,”
she further added.

The children then had a chance to display their creativity through a “Decorate
Your Cake” contest, personalizing their own 6” round cakes with a variety of colorful (and delicious) toppings. Another fun surprise came when Jasmine – joined by one of Goldilocks cuddly party mascots Baker Bear – led a birthday
song for all February celebrants, making them feel very special indeed. As the event came to a close, Jasmine thanked the children for letting her to be a part of their wonderful Valentine’s day.

“Jasmine truly exemplifies what it means to be pusong mamon, and we are so pleased to welcome her into Goldilocks family,” noted Goldilocks Marketing Director Pinky Yee. “As she continues to spread hope and and reach out to children in need, we can all see that Jasmine’s heart is as soft and sweet as our Pusong Mamon,” she concluded.[]