Bo’s Coffee releases holiday specials, launches 2020 planner

Tis' the season for planners and hand-crafted beverages =)  

as  Bo's Coffee recently launches its merchandise, hand-crafted beverages, food and app at Bo's Coffee Glorietta 5 last Nov.5.   

When you say merchandise, definitely you'll think about planners, yes Bo's Coffee launches their first planner in years and it comes in color black and maroon. I'll give a review about the planner's design when I get hold of it. They also have their first reloadable card which is soooo cute in Sagada design. 

The song "Give Love On Christmas Day" talks about trying to find a present that is better than anything you get from a store.

For the filipino-owned coffee company,  the holidays are all about "Give Love," as coffee lovers can find ways to show love for others in different forms and ways.

They recently launched its holiday campaign, which urges people to spend time with loved ones over through get-togethers, celebrations over a sumptuous feast, and gift giving. 

This is truly reflective with Bo's Coffee’s holiday offers, where you can show love and "Give Love" by gifting family members and loved ones with something special this season—like embracing them with the warmth of coffee. 

"Our gift merchandise aims to give impact to our local farmers and social enterprise partners in a positive way," said Bo’s Coffee CEO Steve Benitez.

Bo's Coffee is introducing its Reloadable Card and Planner, both of which highlight the beauty and uniqueness of the Philippines and its coffee.

Philippine weave designs have been incorporated into Bo's Coffee's holiday designs like in the cups. Philippine coffee, as shown in the glass sticker, is actually the coffee plant that has been transformed into a Christmas wreath.

As a way of giving back to its roots, Bo’s Coffee incorporates the symbols and elements of Sagada and Philippine coffee to its Coffee Card design. The design includes Sagada's scenery and the weave pattern of the Cordillera Autonomous Region. The details on the card are hand-painted. Also highlighted are first of the five Philippine coffee origins—Matutum, Kitanglad, Apo, and Benguet.

The Bo's Coffee Planner, which comes in Black and Maroon (the brand's colors), also highlights the elements of the Philippine flag and coffee. Some of the planner cover elements are hand drawn to focus on Filipino artistry and there are indigenous weaves in the pattern. The Bo's Coffee Planner is nationalistic, well-designed and functional and is your perfect partner for 2020. 

You can get the Bo's Coffee Planner, Bo’s Coffee Electronic Gift Certificates,  and other rewards by earning points through the Bo’s Coffee Mobile Application, which is another part of the brand's digital initiatives.

Bo's Coffee Chief Operating Officer Rachel Fallarme

Aside from selected gift merchandise and the new Bo's Coffee Card, included in the Bo's Coffee's "Give Love" holiday campaign are Dark Mocha Macadamia Froccino, Mocha Hazelnut Froccino and Almond Buttercrunch Froccino. For pastries, included are Chocolate Mousse Cake and Queso de Bola Cheesecake.

The Bo's Coffee holiday beverages also incorporate flavors that can be traditionally found in Christmas setting. The Dark Mocha Macadamia is a blend of dark chocolate, coffee and macadamia.

Bos Coffee Almond Buttercrunch Froccino

Almond Buttercrunch Froccino has caramel, nut, chocolate and coffee while Mocha Hazelnut Froccino is a blend of hazelnut spread and coffee.

Bos Coffee Mocha Hazelnut Froccino

Bo's Coffee is a Filipino-owned enterprise founded in Cebu in 1996. It has over 100 branches in the Philippines.  Bo's Coffee is known for sourcing its coffee beans from farmers in Sagada, Mountain Province, Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato and Mt. Apo in Davao.

TikTok partners with Smart to build stronger connections with your loved ones

Leading destination for short-form videos partners with the country’s largest telco provider to launch value-added content bundles



TikTok, the world’s leading destination for short-form mobile videos, has teamed up with PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to launch affordable data bundles for Pinoy users. 



TikTok users nationwide can now avail of these value-added bundles, enabling them to make the most out of their short video creation, discovery and sharing, made possible by one of the country’s largest telco providers.

Smart and TNT mobile users can now access TikTok with 1GB* allocation per day for as low as P99 valid for 7 days! Watch videos and be inspired to create more with the GIGA Stories offers. 

TikTok has become a creative playground for all Pinoy users who love to express themselves through their smartphones. With TikTok, every user is empowered to become a content creator, thanks to the app’s diverse array of features, including a robust catalogue of copyrighted background music, filters and stickers. With the app’s easy-to-use tools and features, creating unique and highly-engaging videos is a piece of cake. For these reasons, the Philippines emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for TikTok in the region.

“TikTok is designed to capture the little moments that make your day and fulfill the growing demands of users to share, create and discover short videos of moments that matter to them. We are delighted to have Smart as our ally in harnessing the creativity of Filipinos and showcasing it to our global audience,” said Steven Tannason, Strategic Partnerships (SEA), TikTok.

“Smart is committed to empower our customers in their pursuit of their passions. We are thrilled to forge this partnership with TikTok in bringing Smart closer to our younger Millennials and Gen Z subscribers, and making this enriching mobile video experience more accessible to more Filipinos,” said Oscar Enrico A. Reyes Jr., PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business—Individual Group. 

With Smart and TNT’s 1GB* data allocation per day, Pinoy TikTok users can now stay connected, share special moments, showcase their talents, and watch millions of short but memorable moments that will surely make someone’s day. 

Let your creativity flow and express yourself with TikTok and Smart! Download TikTok for iOS and Android to get started.  (*1GB inclusive of Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok)

Jollibee launches Maja Salvador as the newest face of Super Meals

Jollibee officially launched award-winning Filipino actress, singer, dancer, Maja Salvador as the newest celebrity endorser of their all-star offering, the Jollibee Super Meals.

Maja, a multi-talented star and self-professed loyal Jollibee fan since her childhood, was a suitable choice for the Philippines’ leading fast food company. She reveals that she and her family have always loved having her favorite Jollibee meals during both special occasions and craving moments. She loves combining different Jollibee favorites and especially when she’s super hungry.

Jollibee Global Brand CMO, concurrent JFC Philippines Country Marketing and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head, Francis Flores shares, “Maja is a true superstar with so many wonderful talents and a great showbiz personality. Much like our Jollibee Super Meals, she is definitely a lot of great things in one package!”

“With the Super Meals, nandoon lahat,” Maja quips. “Pag sobrang hirap ng scenes ko sa mga teleserye, sasabihin ko talaga, ‘I deserve to eat my favorite meals!’ Lahat kakainin ko, may combinations, Chickenjoy, Burger Steak and Spaghetti” she shares.

Salvador’s first Jollibee Super Meals TV commercial was released last October 16. The ad showcased her showbiz prowess in acting, singing, dancing, and how having all these skills have made her a true Filipino crowd favorite for so many years, just like Jollibee Super Meals where all Jollibee’s all-time favorites are merged in one meal. Maja truly embodies the Filipinos’ all-time favorites Chickenjoy, Burger Steak, and Jolly Spaghetti together in the Jollibee Super Meal!



Get the Chickenjoy with Burger Steak and Half Jolly Spaghetti Super Meal for only PHP 150, Chickenjoy with 3-pcs. Shanghai and Half Jolly Spaghetti Super Meal for PHP 132, or the Yumburger with Half Jolly Spaghetti and Regular Fries Super Meal for PHP 102. All products come with rice and drink to complete the meal! These are available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery, in all Jollibee stores nationwide.

For more updates and info on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Taxpayer services go digital with Hack-A-Tax

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) with the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a digital initiative aimed at making it easier for taxpayers and business entities to access and interact with BIR online. BIR’s digital transformation is initiated in part through Hack-A-Tax Philippines which was launched last October 15, 2019.

Hack-A-Tax is an innovation challenge that brings talented and skilled IT professionals, and students across the country to help develop simple, streamlined and serviceable digital tax services for micro and small businesses. 

The competition aims to design the best software to digitize BIR’s taxpayers’ services that include tax registration, TIN application, tax filing and payments, among others.

During the October launch, Hack-A-Tax formally opened its invitation for interested parties to submit their proposals until November 15, 2019. Details and mechanics can be found at the official Hackatax website via www.hackatax.ph.

From all submitted proposals, a panel of judges composed of IT and tax experts will review, choose and announce the top 10 entries during the PH Startup Week on November 22, 2019. From November 23 to December this year, Hack-A-Tax finalists will proceed to the app development phase where they will have access to mentors such as BIR resource persons, tax experts, IT developers and industry leaders.

The BIR will then conduct a one-day-boot camp on the third week of January 2020 where experts will mentor them before the day of their actual app or programming presentation to a panel of distinguished jurors. Top three winners will then be selected. Apart from owning, operating, maintaining and monetizing the chosen apps, the winners will also get the following cash prizes: 

Php100,000.00 for the third placer, Php200,000.00 for the second placer and Php300,000.00 for the first placer.

The mobile apps are expected to be ready for service by February 2020 in time for the April 15, 2020 deadline for the annual individual income tax filing and payments.

Hack-A-Tax Philippines is co-organized by DevCon Philippines, Asian Consulting Group (ACG) and media.Xchange PR.

FERN HOLDS EXCLUSIVE LISTENING PARTY FOR UPCOMING EP 'LOVELESS'

    Photo by: Aimee Aznar  

19 year-old singer/songwriter/producer Fern. has officially launched his LOVELESS EP through a private listening party attended by family, close friends, collaborators and media at The Apartment, Poblacion, Makati last October 19.


 

Photo by: Aimee Aznar

     

The young musician played the entirety of his EP ahead of it's November 15 release, with tracks including previously released party anthem 'Sober Up,' a 'SWEET' collaboration with Kiana Valenciano, the emotional 'Murakami,' melancholic 'DANCE FOR ME!,' and fan favorite 'Only You,' along with two new tracks: the crowd pleaser "Falling For U' and 'LOOK INTO MY EYES (feat. Leila Alcasid).'


  

Photo by: Aimee Azna

Aside from being the first event to exclusively play the EP in full, the LOVELESS listening party also served as the launch for Fern.'s partnerships with local fashion brands. This includes official LOVELESS shirts from independent streetwear brand Ill Luck, and a limited edition set of LOVELESS pullover hoodies from up and coming fashion designer OJK.


   

Photo by: Aimee Aznar    

There's much to look forward to in Fern.'s future, and the LOVELESS EP is proof of how far he can go.


The LOVELESS EP will have it's worldwide release under Universal Records on November 15, 2019.

More than just money: Sending love across the miles

When thinking of traits that best describe Filipinos, the words “generous,” “kind,” or “giving,” among others, often come to mind.



True enough, the Filipino spirit of thoughtfulness is heavily ingrained in our culture that we even created traditions such as pasalubong or the act of bringing back home even the smallest tokens for loved ones and friends. Celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries and any holiday imaginable get us excited because they signal another opportunity to give gifts to each other.



Such generosity is just one manifestation of how our culture values close ties with family and loved ones. It comes as no surprise that wherever we go, we always think of ways to make those back home feel loved and remembered.

These days, the act of sending money—be it repaying a friend, giving a cash gift to a loved one or even just sending your child’s daily allowance—has been made even more personal and memorable. GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, takes the monotony out of an everyday task such as sending money with innovative and creative Send Money options on the app.



Users can now send money with a more personalized touch with the added options to attach photos, videos or audio messages through the Send with a Clip feature. Especially for those sending money from miles away, the addition of a photo or short video makes the act more heartwarming and exciting on the receiving end.

To celebrate special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and Lunar New Year, GCash has also added an Ang Pao Send Money feature. Users can send their best wishes to relatives and friends along with a cash gift enclosed in a virtual version of the classic red envelope.



Sometimes, thoughtfulness also comes with keeping the welfare and convenience of the receiver in mind. The Express Send option on GCash is a quick, easy and fuss-free way to instantly send money to someone in dire need. The Send to Bank feature also credits the amount directly to the recipient’s bank account, enabling immediate withdrawal or use.



The great news is that GCash customers are able to enjoy these features free of charge—instantaneously and with the same ease as other GCash financial transactions and features.



Through such thoughtful innovations, Filipinos all over the country and in other places abroad who may be separated by miles can be brought together in celebrating small milestones through the power of their mobile phones and e-wallets.  



GCash, being the leader in the mobile wallet segment, aims to continuously innovate and improve the user experience through these value-added services and features.

Merry Coffee: Starbucks 2020 Planners and Journals

Are you ready for these beauties? 

Yes, its that time of the year again when you start sticker-collecting for these Starbucks 2020 planners and travel organizers. 

The Starbucks 2020 planners are sooo cute with fashionable suede pouch made from Valencia, Spain. (Ang shoshal). It comes in Berry Pink and Frost Gray. Im loving the Berry Pink already. The thing is you can bring it everyday inside your bag, without worrying that it would get dirty or tear up the pages. Just slip it inside the pouch. 

The planner features a hardbound leather cover brimming with meticulously embossed details of the iconic Starbucks Siren.

Alternatively, people who are always on-the-go can vouch for the Starbucks Philippines 2020 Travel Organizer. It comes in two (2) different color variants, Neo Mint and Coffee. The Travel Organizer consists of several card slots, slots for your passport and mobile phone, a pen pocket, and a mini notebook encompassing of three page formats — grid, dotted grid, and plain — which are all ideal for every kind of journaling.

Allowing people to customize their holiday items while sipping their favorite handcrafted drink, both the Philippine exclusive Planners and Travel Organizers come with Starbucks stickers, bookmark, and tear-off Beverage Vouchers that customers can use throughout the year.


High-grade eco leather covers made from Valencia, Spain


A noble and safe product of nature, the covers of the Starbucks Philippines 2020 Planners and Travel Organizers use purely natural substances coming from pre-consumer recycled cowhide fibers bonded by natural latex, which is a renewable green resource tapped from Hevea rubber trees.

The result is a smooth, supple, and breathable leather surface that greatly highlights its premium and elevated look. Starbucks sources their eco-friendly materials from leather factories based in Valencia, Spain, with a renowned tradition of artisanal leather tanning methods.

Paper that supports your wildest ideas…. and the world’s forests

Inside, people can take a glimpse of the wonderful world of coffee discovery with several pages featuring its compelling journey from bean to cup.

And with the brand’s promise to stay true in supporting sustainable movements, the pages of the planners and travel organizers are produced with eco-friendly papers in a facility certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC is an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit organization sealed to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.

Ready for Merry?

The promo begins on November 2, 2019 and ends on January 7, 2020. Within this period, customers may collect one sticker for every purchase of any Tall, Grande or Venti Starbucks handcrafted beverage. The Starbucks Philippines 2020 Planner and Organizer can be redeemed upon the completion of at least 18 stickers. Subject to availability, the redemption in stores will be from November 2, 2019 to March 7, 2020.

So, are you ready for this? Enjoy the holiday festivities paired with your favorite Starbucks handcrafted beverage
— and let the 2020 Planner and Organizer lead you to an amazing year ahead! 

Watch the preview video of the Starbucks Philippines Planner and Travel Organizers here and join the conversations online using the hashtag #MerryCoffeePH.

Michael Lee Avisado from Vikings Group wins the Gold Award with his dish "Shrimp Royale"

The winning dish "Shrimp Royale"

Lee Kum Kee, the inventor of Oyster Sauce,  recently held its First-ever International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge - Philippines Qualifiers in Manila last Oct 30 at MIHCA (Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts) in Manila. 

Left to Right: Gold Awardee Michael Lee Avisado of Vikings Luxury Buffet Mr. Leslie Lau, Managing Director - South Asia of Lee Kum Kee and Mr. Ryan Cruz, Business Manager, Lee Kum Kee Philippines




The cooking competition was joined by chefs and aspiring culinarians. They all compete at the first ever International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge (IYCCCC) - Philippines Qualifiers. Michael Lee Avisado from Vikings Group wins the Gold Award with his dish "Shrimp Royale".

Michael Lee Avisado from Vikings Group who aside from winning the coveted Gold award, also went on to win the Best Sauce Combination and the Best Presentation categories. 

Young chefs, budding restaurateurs, and aspiring culinarians from across the Philippines put their skills to the test and rose to the top of their game as they battled it out to earn the privilege of representing their country for an international culinary contest. 

Left to Right: Mr. Leslie Lau, Managing Director - South Asia of Lee Kum Kee and Mr. Ryan Cruz, Business Manager, Lee Kum Kee Philippines



Since its inception in 2014, the IYCCCC has been a biennial contest providing an international exchange platform for the Chinese culinary industry. It encourages young chefs from the world to hone their skills and learn, while at the same time, promoting the inheritance of Chinese culinary skills and sustainable development of the Chinese culinary industry with the aim of enhancing the international standard of Chinese cuisines.

Left to right: (Standing) Jefferson Palma of King Chef Dimsum Kitchen, Janin Jayco of U-Rack Bar-B-Q & Wings, Muhajiran "Pongky" Ijiran III of Kuya J Restaurant, Michael Lee Avisado of Vikings Luxury Buffet, Elier Maghanoy of King Chef Seafood Restaurant




A star-studded judging panel, including Singaporean award-winning Chef Aaron Tan Kean Loon, Champion of Lee Kum Kee International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge 2016, Executive Sous Chef Intercontinental – Singapore, and Chef James Antolin, President of LTB Philippines Chefs Association, Ms Sandy Cu, Product and Business Development Director of Sysu International, and Mr. Ryan Cruz, Business Manager, Lee Kum Kee Philippines selected two winners from the Philippines Qualifiers. The top two talented contestants - Michael Lee Avisado from Vikings Group and Muhajiran "Pongky" Ijiran III from Kuya J Restaurant, earned the privilege to go on to the next level in the 4th IYCCCC in Hong Kong next year, competing with around 50 aspiring young chefs from over 20 countries and regions for the international championship. In the last contest, all three contestants from the Philippines won bronze awards.


The biggest winner during the IYCCC Qualifiers was Michael Lee Avisado from Vikings Group who aside from winning the coveted Gold award, also went on to win the Best Sauce Combination and the Best Presentation categories. Coming in second place with the Silver Award was Muhajiran "Pongky" Ijiran III of Kuya J Restaurant while the Bronze winners were Elier Maghanoy from King Chef Seafood Restaurant (who also won the Most Creative category), Jefferson Palma from King Chef Dimsum Kitchen and Janin Jayco from U-Rack Bar-B-Q & Wings.

The man of the moment, Michael Lee Avisado, has been in the culinary industry for 9 years already and has been with the Vikings Group already for 2 years. He is currently the Executive Sous Chef, as well as the Officer-in-Charge of the restaurant’s Mall of Asia branch. He is partial to Lee Kum Kee for his unique creations as the flavors blend well while retaining each ingredients’ distinct taste. His winning recipe, Shrimp Royale, uses Lee Kum Kee’s iconic XO sauce as its base.

Mr. Leslie Lau, Managing Director - South Asia of Lee Kum Kee said, “With the mission of ‘Promoting Chinese Culinary Culture Worldwide’, Lee Kum Kee is committed to nurturing Chinese culinary talents worldwide. The IYCCCC is an optimal platform for young Chinese chefs from around the world for culinary exchange. In the 3rd IYCCCC, we had representatives from the Philippines for the first time. This year, we are going even further to host the first-ever Philippines Qualifiers. I wish the two talented winners all the success in the finale in Hong Kong next year, representing the Philippines to fight for the championship.”

Renowned for the invention of oyster sauce and its premium quality with over 130 years of history, Lee Kum Kee, is one of the world’s most recognizable names for Chinese sauces and condiments across the globe. Lee Kum Kee first entered the Philippine market with Sysu International Inc as the sole distributor back in the 1980s and has since been one of the trailblazers in the industry, furthering its efforts to promote Chinese culinary culture, and nurturing future local culinary talents.

For more details, please visit www.LKK.com, follow Lee Kum Kee on Facebook (@LeeKumKeePh) and use the hashtag #LeeKumKeePh.