Alfamart is open for partnership and collaboration

The economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic can never be overstated. In the wake of the disease – and the quarantines implemented to control it – countless businesses have been forced to cease operations, and ultimately, close shop.

Of course, there are those who are fortunate enough to survive. However, as the economy continues to bear the brunt of diminished consumer spending, even mere survival is becoming a challenge. The prospect of sustained growth seems to be on another level entirely. 

Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the country, has always believed that collaborations and partnerships are the keys to growth, especially during trying times.

“Partnerships have been a key component and core foundation of Alfamart’s progress,” said Alfamart Philippines Chief Operating Officer Harvey Ong. “Ever since we started in 2014, we have been collaborating with landowners, lessors, suppliers, and partner consignees to make sure we can give the best selection and service to our customers,” he continued.

As far as Ong is concerned, an alliance can only be called a true partnership if the benefits apply to all stakeholders. A prime example of this is their tie-up with DECS, a spin-off of the original Diao Eng Chay Chinese deli of Binondo fame.

Justin Chua, a 4^th generation owner of DECS, was a former Alfamart employee who was inspired to start his own business. When he was starting DECS, he saw it fit to partner with Alfamart so that their products could reach more people.

“Partnering with Alfamart helped DECS achieve its main objectives,” Chua explained. “Our market reach has expanded considerably, and we have been given an opportunity and a channel to introduce DECS products to non-Filipino-Chinese.”

DECS’ lumpia, dimsum, and pies were a big hit with Alfamart’s customers and introduced the legendary Diao Eng Chay lumpia, dimsum, and pies to a whole new audience.

“DECS’ growth climbed faster than we imagined,” Chua enthused.

Another Alfamart partner-success story is Bakeshop16, a baked goods and pastry supplier. The proprietors, mom Eunette Ong and her daughters Erica and Eryll, believe that working with Alfamart gave their young business a good boost, especially with their brand equity.

“Being associated with Alfamart helps in building the consumers’ perception towards Bakeshop16,” Eryll said. She also pointed out that the partnership came with exciting challenges that became opportunities for growth.

“Our partnership with Alfamart encouraged us to learn more about production and logistics,” she explained. “Nowadays, with careful planning and close coordination with Alfamart, we are able to build an even stronger partnership with them. Thus, we are still growing with Alfamart,” she underscored.

Alfamart’s partnerships with DECS and Bakeshop16 have allowed the entrepreneurs behind them to look past the present challenges. “Through collaboration, we are able to maintain our growth-oriented perspective, instead of the prevailing survival-oriented one,” the Alfamart COO emphasized. “We are always driven by our advocacy of community development and service. Of course, that extends to our partners as well. We should always be lifting each other up, no matter what happens,” Ong concluded.

To know more about how to become a supplier for Alfamart, please visit https://alfamart.com.ph/be-an-alfamart-supplier/.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City opens for dine-in and takeout

The country's best seafood spot is back and ready to serve you its fresh and delicious offerings for satisfying seafood feasts with family and friends.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City is finally reopening its doors to cater to your seafood cravings. You can finally get a taste of their signature seafood favorites, like the mouthwatering Crispy Calamares, the irresistible Mixed Seafood Kare-Kare, the flavorful Shrimp with Salted Egg, and the new Chicken Inasal.

As it resumes for dine-in and takeout, strict safety measures in compliance with the government, are in place such as wearing of masks, observance of social distancing, checking of temperature and placement of alcohol dispensers inside the restaurant. Isla Sugbu Seafood City employees are also required to undergo all necessary sanitation to ensure safe handling of food.

What’s more, Isla Sugbu Seafood City favorites are also now ready for delivery via www.centraldelivery.ph.

Whether you want to eat out with your loved ones or enjoy a lovely meal at home, Isla Sugbu Seafood City has got you covered.

For more updates, make sure to follow @islasugbuseafoodcity on Facebook and Instagram.

Gary Valenciano lends talent for BUYANIHAN

A music video starring multi-awarded singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, actor, music producer, and TV host Gary Valenciano premiered on July 10 for a campaign to support micro, small, and mid-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The MTV is a public service announcement; part of the multi-sectoral project called BUYANIHAN that was organized by the Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Go Negosyo, SM Super Malls, Globe My Business, PLDT KaAsenso, Security Bank, Union Bank, Sea Oil, and Farmacia ni Dok, with the  support of  the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), and the Kapisanan ng Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP).

MSMEs are the backbone of every economy but, sadly, many were put on the brink of insolvency because of the COVID-19 lockdown. And with the country’s fiscal heartbeat largely driven by consumption, community support for these enterprises cannot be stressed enough.

BUYANIHAN can provide that lifeline.

Prolific for his theme songs in network soap operas and films, Valenciano produced, recorded, and shot the MTV at his home pro bono while most of the country was still confined by the less-stringent GCQ (general community quarantine). 

About 3:30 minutes long, it features the song “Puwede Pang Mangarap” as a message of hope. In it, business owners spoke about the challenges of the lockdown. But there was also inspiration and aspiration; a call to arms for the millions of affected MSMEs to keep up the good fight, and equally, an overture for customers to return and resume their patronage.

Valenciano is not a stranger to offering his talents in advocacies. He has been UNICEF Philippines's first National Ambassador since 1998.

At the height of the quarantine, he held a two-day virtual concert on April 18 and 19 called Hopeful, a recurring motif in the artist’s life’s work. He also performed for the unrelatedly-named Bayanihan Musikahanon March 20.

His influence and efforts were able to generate as much as P6 million in charitable donations which were used to help frontliners, unemployed freelancers, and badly-hit urban poor communities.

On a personal level, Valenciano feels a kindred spirit with those whose lives have been ravaged by COVID-19. 

It was not too long ago that someone very close to him passed away after contracting something similarly virulent. 

Last year Valenciano's mother succumbed to congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and the H1N1 flu.

BUYANIHAN, a composite of the word buy and the local idiom bayanihan, is a movement that will surely bring livelihoods back. 

For Valenciano, his generosity in BUYANIHAN may not just be an act of bayanihan, it could very well be a catharsis.

Top 13 The Pop Stage semifinalists show off diverse creativity

The incredibly talented contestants of "The Pop Stage" are not letting the lockdown hinder them from expressing their creativity and making the most of their own resources. Because of this, all 13 semifinalists, chosen by the show’s creator and host Matteo Guidicelli, together with judges Jed Madela and Ritz Beltran, with the support of Popeyes Philippines in partnership with Viva Artists Agency, have proven themselves worthy of their spots in the competition.

Many of the semifinalists presented original compositions that showed their artistic creativity including singers Luigi D'Avola, Sarah Mae Guno, Giancarlo Calibuso, and Dia Mate. Spoken word poet Martin Naling, dancer El-John Macalatan, beatboxer Roxor Beat, and four-piece indie rock band Silent Moon also showed their own works during the show’s elimination rounds.

Other semifinalists decided to show off their singing prowess by doing amazing covers of their favorite songs like Jehramae Trangia, CJ Villavicencio, Job Christian Tolonghari, Yumi Josue, and Angel Rose Marco.

The semifinalists will continue to prove that they have what it takes to win The Pop Stage. In the end, only one winner will receive the cash prize worth Php 1 million and a one-year contract with Viva Artists Agency. The Pop Stage is presented with the support of Popeyes Philippines and Viva Artists Agency.

To stay updated with The Pop Stage, follow their official Facebook page @thepopstage and Popeyes Philippines' Facebook page @popeyesph and use the hashtag #thepopstage.

New EB Advance Shadow Stick for bold, beautiful eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so make sure your peepers stand out with a bold, beautiful eye makeup look to make them even more expressive!

To help get you started, EB Advance, the sister brand of Ever Bilena, has just released its newest product, the EB Advance Shadow Stick (P195) with four outstanding shades: Black, Bronze, Copper, and Sapphire. Best for beginners and makeup pros alike, these retractable eyeshadow cream sticks glide on the lids and set to a smudge-proof and waterproof finish.

With colors that range from every day to bold, you can definitely use these EB Advance Shadow Sticks to change up your look from daytime to nighttime in just a few swipes. The Bronze and Copper shades, for example, are perfect for daytime errands and would definitely shine as the sunlight hits the lids. To upgrade your look, smudge the Black or Sapphire shade on the corners of the lids and under the eyes for a smokey effect.

Make your eyes the centerpiece of your face with the EB Advance Shadow Sticks available on EB Advance’s official store on Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph). To know more about the product, like and follow EB Advance’s Facebook page (@EBAdvance) and Instagram (@ebadvance).

Cebuana Lhuillier makes remittance available from the comforts of their homes

The COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine protocols have shifted most financial services transactions to the digital space through online and mobile technologies. In response to this new normal, Cebuana Lhuillier has made it possible for its clients to send money from the comforts of their own homes.

Clients can access the Remit-From-Home service by logging on to https://remitfromhome.cebuanalhuillier.com/and accessing the electronic form for remittance or via the ECebuana App through Instapay.

“This is one way that Cebuana Lhuillier has adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic, our Remit-From-Home service makes it much easier and safer for our clients to help their loved ones weather this storm.,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. 

The Remit-from-Home service allows clients to send money by doing their transactions online with the help of Cebuana Lhuillier agents. They do not have to leave the house to go to Cebuana Lhuillier branches. 

The service is similar to the branch transaction and offers the same safe and secure money transfer service that Cebuana Lhuillier has been known for. 

TOP PHILIPPINE COMIC BOOK TALENTS TEAM UP FOR #SUITSFORHEROES

                                                                                                 

Working day and night, Filipino health workers tirelessly put their lives on the line in the fight against COVID-19. Throughout the global pandemic, they have proven themselves the real-life counterparts of our favorite comic book heroes. And, much like the superheroes who suit up to save the world, frontliners have their own kind of gear in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Comic Odyssey, in association with Filbar’s and Planet X, and in partnership with Wunderman Thompson Philippines, has launched a fundraising campaign, “#SuitsForHeroes” to help purchase PPE’s for the frontliners. Accessible at SuitsForHeroes.com, Comic Odyssey has pledged to reward each donor’s contribution with store credit which can be used for back issues at Comic Odyssey’s BGC branch.

To promote the campaign, internationally-renowned Filipino comic book artists have graciously donated their time and talents to create artwork that paid tribute to the heroic frontliners. The list of contributors includes Leinil Yu (X-Men, Civil War), Stephen Segovia (Wonder Woman), Kajo Baldisimo (Trese, Buffy), Whilce Portacio (X-Men), Mico Suayan, and Harvey Tolibao (Green Lantern) with Levi Ramirez on colors. Towards the end of July, these exclusive pieces will be put up for auction to raise additional funds.

All #SuitsForHeroes proceeds will go to the following: Frontliner Feeders Philippines, Kaya Natin, and Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation Incorporated.

For more information, please visit SuitsForHeroes.com or follow @comicodyssey on social media. 

Globe's public free and unli WiFi services continues to power and give thanks to frontliners with connectivity and tribute video

As the world continues to battle the threat of COVID-19, medical and other essential frontliners have been putting their lives at risk for the last four months in order to serve the public. Globe is recognizing the pandemic’s toll on frontliners, who not only must deal with the virus but also distance themselves from their loved ones to ensure their safety through an inspirational video. 

“Medical frontliners are in vulnerable positions as they have been leading the fight against COVID-19 for the past four months or so. The most painful part about this is that they must constantly distance themselves from everyone, especially their loved ones,” shared Albert de Larrazabal, Chief Commercial Officer at Globe. “By offering fast and reliable WiFi connectivity in hospitals and quarantine facilities, we hope to empower frontliners in bridging this gap between them and their loved ones as we continue our battle as a nation against this pandemic.”

GoWiFi has provided free and unlimited internet to over 80 hospitals and quarantine facilities across the country since the outbreak of COVID-19 last March. These include the ff locations:

Department of Health quarantine facilities

World Trade Center, Philippine Arena, Philsports Arena, National Government Center, ASEAN Convention Center, and Quirino Stadium

Las Piñas

Las Piñas Doctors Hospital

Manila

Chinese General Hospital, Metropolitan Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, QualiMed Manila - PGH Area, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Maynila, Ospital ng Sampaloc, and San Lazaro Hospital

Caloocan

Jose N Rodriguez Memorial Hospital

Makati

Ospital ng Makati

Taguig

Manila Naval Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center - Global City

Pasig

The Medical City and Pasig City General Hospital

San Juan

Cardinal Santos Hospital and San Juan Medical Center

Quezon City

Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Capitol Medical Center, Quezon Institute, Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. - Quezon Institute, World Citi Medical Center, and Veterans Memorial Medical Center

Agusan del Norte

MJ Santos Hospital and Holy Child Colleges of Butuan Hospital

Bataan

Bataan St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center Corp.

Batangas

Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center, Lipa City District Hospital, Lipa Medix Medical Center, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, and San Antonio Medical Center

Bohol

Ramiro Community Hospital

Benguet

Benguet General Hospital

Bulacan

Mendoza General Hospital, QualiMed Hospital Altaraza and Rugay General Hospital

Camarines Sur

NICC Doctors Hospital

Capiz

Capiz Emmanuel Hospital

Cavite

Emilio Aguinaldo College Medical Center - Cavite

Cebu

Cebu Community Hospital and Cebu Doctors Hospital

Davao del Sur

Davao Doctors Hospital, Davao Limso Hospital, Davao Medical Center (Southern Philippines Medical Center), Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc., and San Pedro Hospital

Ilocos Norte

Gov. Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital

Ilocos Sur

Gabriela Silang General Hospital

Iloilo

West Visayas State University Medical Center, Medicus Medical Center, The Medical City Iloilo, QualiMed Hospital Iloilo

Isabela

Isabela United Doctors Med Center

La Union

La Union Medical Diagnostic Center and Hospital Inc.

Laguna

HealthServ Los Banos Medical Center, San Pablo Medical Center, The Medical City South Luzon, and QualiMed Hospital Nuvali

Misamis Occidental

Medina Medical Center, Misamis Oriental, Polymedic Velez, and Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital Inc.

Negros Occidental

The Doctor’s Hospital - Visayas and Caritas Health Shield Inc.

Negros Oriental

Holy Child Hospital

Pampanga

The Medical City Clark

Pangasinan

Pangasinan Doctors Hospital

South Cotabato

Socsargen County Hospital

Zambales

James L. Gordon Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes International Medical Center

Zamboanga del Sur

Doctors Hospital and West Metro Medical Center

To stay updated on the latest COVID-19 developments, Globe mobile and broadband customers are also given free access to the official websites of the Department of Health (DOH) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

For more information, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/gowifi.html.

The Good Guys are making a difference

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has changed our lives. And as the disease has spread in many communities around the country, we have seen countless Filipinos stand up and help out amid the crisis. 

The spirit of bayanihan has been in full display during this crisis and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), its employees and the residents of its various developments have been helping out in various ways. 

Shortly after an Enhanced Community Quarantine was declared for Metro Manila, SMDC and its residents did not hesitate to help out their community’s frontliners. The tenants of each residential development started a donation drive for food packs, canned goods, care kits and face masks for the service personnel who could not go home to their families. The donations were coursed through each development’s property management office.

SMDC also launched The Good Guys Care Team, a group of volunteer SMDC employees who provide assistance to elderly and PWD residents living alone in purchasing everyday essentials and in attending to their other needs. Every day for two months now, motorcycle riders have been buying and delivering essentials to the homes of the elderly and PWD  in coordination with the Care Team.  Not only had the residents benefited from this initiative: the riders, who were displaced due to the lockdowns, have also been able to earn a living.

The Good Guys program puts a premium on the physical and mental well-being of SMDC residents. The Care Team is only one of the many projects the program has on elderlies and PWDs. Through the medical missions held in every SMDC development, the elderly and PWD residents have been able to get check-ups performed by the SM Foundation’s doctor and nurses. They also have been receiving vitamin supplements and reading glasses.

SMDC has started a mental wellness online session titled “Happy Mind, Happy Home Life’ in association with the Youth Mental Health Coalition (Y4MH). During the first session, over a hundred residents were taught mindfulness techniques intended to help them deal with the mental impact of the pandemic. 

The tight quarantine measures did not stop SMDC from extending assistance to vulnerable groups outside of its communities. Through The Good Guys Market, SMDC has connected residents directly with farmers and brought the latter’s produce to the doorsteps of SMDC residents. The Market has helped residents have direct access to fresh and nutritious produce while ensuring that farmers have had a reliable source of income. Over 26,000 small and medium-scale farmers affiliated with SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) for Sustainable Agriculture are benefitting from this community grocer initiative, which is currently running in six SMDC properties, with intent to add more in the days ahead. 

These groundbreaking initiatives are part of SMDC’s The Good Guys campaign launched in 2019. The program, which includes community-building activities ranging from emergency preparedness trainings to health and wellness sessions, believes in the capacity of every SMDC resident to be a Good Guy who not only will work to improve his community but will also actively contribute to the stability of society during an emergency or a crisis. 

In line with its commitment to build a community of Good Guys, SMDC intends to ensure that these programs and initiatives remain sustainable. 

FREIA, an All-Inclusive Investment

The current "new environment" and recent enforced home quarantine has spurred people to re-think the purpose of their traditional living spaces and investment portfolio.

Now, one's "residence" goes beyond the confines and size of their direct home - it involves their immediate community as well. Over the past 3 months, residence investors have quickly realized just how cramped spaces often are in cities and how healthy living in a sustainable community plays a vital role more than ever.

Almost overnight, Real Estate as an alternative investment class has gone beyond value preservation and steady yields to now involve personal and familial longevity, safety, and security. In addition to asset diversification, Real Estate is now a major consideration as a logistical haven, should things sour with one's primary residence.

As an investment class, FREIA already stands out from the rest with its proposition of premium seaside living and direct West Philippine Sea views.

However, the added-value that FREIA offers goes beyond the four walls of the luxury condo spaces. These include benefits of healthy seaside living in a properly-maintained community; staying close to the city yet sheltered from the chaotic scenes that one endures on a daily metropolitan basis; and how an exclusive set of amenities reserved for Unit Owners means control over the amount of exposure to external elements by staying safely within the confines of FREIA’s gated enclave, among family and familiar faces.

A calculated environment for young to mature families and retirees, FREIA Building Property Management follows a similar format to the existing condominiums in Pico de Loro Cove, where healthy lifestyle and over-all experience are paramount. 

This kind of sentiment is strongly echoed in the words of Mr. Abrantes, a Pico de Loro Cove resident who stayed in the property throughout the entire quarantine period, “Taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa tulong ninyo sa aming mag-asawa during this 2.5 months of ECQ and GCQ, specially all those food supply runs and prescription refill runs that you afforded us. Words are not enough to express our sincerest gratitude toward the services you have given us. Thanks again for all your help.” Certainly, nothing warms the heart more than to hear compliments from Pico residents, such as Mr. Ed Ong, who opined, “Your efforts brought smiles to all of us!”

During the quarantine lockdown, the Hamilo Coast Estate, in cooperation with the Pico de Loro Cove Condominiums and Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club as locators, came together to ensure that one's investment in this seaside sanctuary is professionally maintained, beginning from thorough security and health checks at the Hamilo Coast Main Gate, to the daily upkeep of the landscaped grounds and 1.5 kilometer white-sand beach, to the welcoming reception of the staff. 

This is summed up well in the positive affirmation voiced by one of the condo unit owners, Ms. Dinah, “I was in Pico de Loro since March...and until today, June 2nd we are still here safe and sound. I am happy the way things were handled for the safety of everyone and at the same time still living healthy and have a normal life...We are very lucky to be quarantined in a very beautiful place, the staff are working with all their effort to cater to us and keep us safe. All in all, I am very happy and satisfied the way things were handled during these difficult times. Thank you to the whole team of Pico de Loro!”

Given today’s varied investment environment, FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove continues to prove that it is in a class of its own, implementing strategies that not only preserve asset value but more importantly, promotes an enhanced lifestyle and personal health benefits.

For more information, visit the official website www.hamilocoast.com or call (632) 7945-8000.