Tips to Make your holiday shopping safe and stress-free

Despite how crazy the year has been, the arrival of the holidays is something that has been keeping Filipinos hopeful and excited. After all, ‘tis the season to be joyful and grateful for being able to stay safe with loved ones and overcoming the challenges brought by 2020. While Christmas celebrations are going to be different this year, many are still looking forward to doing their gift shopping for friends and family. 

 

Here are some useful tips and reminders to help make holiday shopping safe and stress-free: 

 

Plan and create a Christmas list 

Just like how Santa has his own registry of names, shoppers can also make their own list of who to give presents to and what kinds of gifts they would like. Make it organized by grouping them into categories such as immediate family members, loved ones, friends, and even inaanak (godchildren). This makes it easier and saves time when browsing for gifts, and helps make sure that no one is left behind without any presents.

 

Add to online cart 

People are still encouraged to stay safe indoors, especially that the threat of the pandemic is still looming around. While there may be items that can only be purchased in-store, it is wise to check online shopping sites to see if they carry what you are looking for.  It’s also convenient because there is the option of having the gift delivered straight to the receiver - just make sure that it’s not cash on delivery so they won’t be surprised! In Robinsons Rewards App, you can browse and shop for gift options and earn points from ecommerce sites like GoRobinsons, Shopwise, Toys”R”Us, Marketplace, and Robinsons Appliances.

 

Be on the lookout for sales and get online coupons 

Another benefit of shopping online is that shoppers can save money by availing deals and discounts! Many brands are doing Christmas sales. If you’re looking for new devices such as phones, laptops, or tablets, you can check out the Aerophone discount promo for Robinsons Rewards members. 

Redeem points from your rewards programs

And who says you should only give gifts to others? For an extra rewarding shopping experience, you can also treat yourself to a present that you deserve with Robinsons Rewards. Members who have earned enough points can use it to pay for any product that they want at Robinsons stores - whether it’s a new bag, another set of trendy shoes, or the latest fashionable clothing items. 

 

Meanwhile, those who have yet to join the rewards program can start earning points through their purchases by downloading the Robinsons Rewards mobile app and signing up for free. They can also go to their nearest Robinsons store and buy a Robinsons Rewards Card at the Customer Service/Cashier for only Php 100. 

 

To redeem or transact with points, just simply present your phone and scan the merchant QR code using the Robinsons Rewards app or scan barcode on the Robinsons Rewards Classic Card.

 

So what are you waiting for? It’s the perfect time to shop, earn, and use those hard-earned Robinsons Rewards points to treat yourself for a job well done this year. The Robinson Rewards app is available for free download via iOS App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery.

Level up your meals with Truffle oil and sauce this Holiday Season

The approaching holiday season gives us the opportunity to celebrate all the things we are thankful with our families, despite a long and challenging year. Of course, meals are a special part of a Filipino family celebration and this year, why not find ways to make them extra special?

 

One way to level up your holiday meals is with truffle oil and sauce, a highly versatile ingredient that can significantly enhance the flavor and aroma of a wide variety of dishes. This has been used by restaurants to give ordinary recipes an extra boost in flavor and a unique twist. 

 

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi, an Italian brand distributed by Dygen Food Ventures, Inc., has a roster of artisan productsincluding truffle oils and sauces are made with pure ingredients from the luxuriant area of Valnerina, the green heart of Italy, and do not contain any artificial colors, additives, or preservatives. Their products were created with years of research on the unique and authentic flavor of the truffle.

 

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi has three variants of truffle oils and sauces – White Truffle Oil, Original Black Truffle Sauce, and Black Truffle Sauce 5%.

 

White Truffle Oil vs Black Truffle Sauce

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi’s white truffle oil is a condiment based on olive oil, dehydrated Bianchetto truffle and white truffle aroma. It has a more delicate flavor with a slight garlicky taste and a hint of pepper. It is used almost exclusively as a finishing oil, meaning it is added to a dish near or at the end of preparation, as its potency is heat-sensitive and not suitable as a cooking oil.

 

Meanwhile, black truffle has a more intense and robust flavor, which some may describe as more earthy and nutty with some chocolate notes. Umbria Terra Di Tartufi’s black truffle sauce is made with fresh Champignon mushrooms, extra virgin olive oil, black olives, and the natural flavor of black summer truffle. Truffle sauces are heated up and mixed with other ingredients.

Best pairings with white truffle oil

A few drops of Umbria Terra Di Tartufi’s white truffle oil can already go a long way towards enhancing the flavor of dishes. It works best mixed in fresh with pasta recipes and risotto, so if you will be serving spaghetti or carbonara this Christmas, try drizzling some white truffle oil. It also goes great with fish and chicken recipes such as chicken wings, fish fillet, or salmon and scallops and even simple toasted bread.

 

You can also simply pour some white truffle oil over movie snacks such as popcorn, French fries, or pizza, and you can even mix it with ketchup, mayonnaise, or hummus to make your holiday movie marathons even more extra. It can also be used to dress salads and soups to give them extra flavor. 

 

Best pairings with black truffle sauce

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi’s original black truffle sauce comes ready to use, and you can enhance its taste even more by sauteing some garlic and oil, letting it cool and then pouring the product contained in the jar.  

 

Try experimenting with black truffle if you want to change up your noche buena or media noche line up a little. To use original black truffle sauce, simply heat it up and mix with your choice of pasta, meat, fish, potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salad, and you get an effortlessly luxurious meal. It is perfect for garnishing appetizers and canapés or for enhancing dishes with a delicate and fine flavor like pasta, meat or fish. If you want, you can even add some drops of fresh cooking cream.

 

The black truffle sauce from Umbria Terra Di Tartufi also comes in a 5% variant, which is a special dressing sauce with intense flavor, naturally darker color and a high-quality selection of mushrooms and a special blend of spices. This variant is a perfect match both for Western and Eastern cuisines. A little goes a long way with this product and do not to heat it too much lest you lessen its aroma, so it’s best to add it towards the end of preparation. Try it when cooking shrimps or Risotto for a delicious flavor.

 

Truffle is a great and easy way to add a unique flavor and aroma to a lot of dishes to make your holiday celebrations extra special, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

 

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi is distributed by Dygen Food Ventures, Inc. and is available for purchase at goodwill.market, an e-commerce site under Dyna Drug Corporation that offers healthy and authentic products that are globally loved and curated. They hope to help people make the wisest investments, smartest decisions, and best choices to transform and lead a healthier lifestyle.

 

The Umbria Terra Di Tartufi White Truffle Oil is available in 100 mL and 250 mL bottles for Php 719 and Php 1,399 respectively. Their Original Truffle Sauce is available in 80g and 180g bottles for Php 519 and Php 759 respectively, while their Black Truffle Sauce 5% (intense) is available in a 180g bottle for Php 999.

 

Ajinomoto puts sustainability at the core of its environment-friendly business practices

Businesses play many roles in the communities they operate in. They provide livelihoods, boost the local economy, and contribute to the people’s identity. Another benefit that is often overlooked is the long-term impact of a company’s sustainable practices to the locality’s well-being.

 

The Ajinomoto Group envisions to contribute greater wellness for people worldwide. It utilizes its core businesses to improve people’s lives and increase the sustainability of the earth. By 2030, the company aims to reduce its environmental impact by 50% by contributing to the development of a sustainable society, mitigating climate change, helping develop a recycling-oriented society and realizing sustainability in procurement. 

 

“Goodwill initiatives are no longer an option but an imperative to businesses around the world. One of our top priorities in Ajinomoto is global sustainability, referring to our business practices to reduce our impact on the environment,” says Tsutomu Nara, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group President. “Taking care of the environment is one of the ways that we show our commitment to shaping the way people live, interact, and thrive within communities.”

Challenging zero plastic waste by 2030

 

The Ajinomoto Group, which operates in 30 countries worldwide, developed a program to reduce its environmental impact. The Group also actively finds solutions as it collectively aims to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030.

 

In the Philippines, the Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation Group (APC Group) approaches this pressing concern on Global Sustainability by constantly engaging in Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3Rs). 

 

One of APC Group’s key campaigns is to reduce the amount of plastic materials used, given that the Philippines is the third major source of land-based plastic pollution leaking into the ocean.

 

APC Group conducted packaging size and thickness reductions and increased machine efficiencies that are expected to yield an annual plastic reduction of 70-100 tons. APC is currently working on increasing the recyclability of its packaging materials while ensuring high product quality.

 

Sustainable Factory Operations

 

The factory operations of APC Group are responsible for making its manufacturing and production systems environmentally sustainable. Aside from waste water treatment, it also partnered with companies that help in converting waste materials into fuel to replace coal in cement manufacturing. This practice is more practical, cost-efficient, and environment-friendly than landfilling and segregation.  

 

SustainAbilidad Environmental Sustainability Education 

 

APC likewise launched its environment educational campaign to help consumers incorporate sustainable practices in their daily lives. Dubbed as #SustainAbilidad, the campaign uses its Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines social media pages to feature the adventures of Super Suzy and her kid. The mom and child characters represent Filipinos who champion sustainability by teaching and inspiring others to bring out their “SustainAbilidad,” contributing to environmental stewardship in their own little ways. 

 

“By working hand-in-hand with the communities we operate in, we will fulfill our commitment of creating a circular economy, one where we minimize waste and reuse our resources. This way, we can sustainably help people to eat well and live well into the future,” says Tsutomu Nara, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group President.

 

To know more about Ajinomoto’s sustainability initiatives, visit the Ajinomoto website at ajinomoto.com.ph and the Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines at facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH.

 

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Patrons of Rockwell Malls can now shop more conveniently and safely with the Rockwellist Mobile app powered by PayMaya

Just in time for the holidays, patrons of Rockwell Malls can now shop more conveniently and safely with the Rockwellist Mobile app powered by PayMaya.

 

With the PayMaya cashless experience integrated in the Rockwellist Mobile App, customers of Rockwell Malls can enjoy exclusive promos and rewards whenever they pay for their purchases via PayMaya QR at participating establishments. Mall goers and store personnel can also have safer and faster transactions by utilizing PayMaya's contactless technologies. All customers have to do is log in to their PayMaya account via the Rockwellist Mobile App and Scan to Pay. PayMaya is the first eWallet in the Philippines to be integrated in a shopping mall mobile app.

 

“Our aim is to provide a more seamless experience for our customers through the Rockwellist Mobile App. What makes it even better is that it addressed a very timely need for contactless payments as we have integrated the PayMaya experience in our app, ensuring a safer, more convenient, and more rewarding holiday shopping season and beyond for all,” said Tracey Castillo, AVP of Marketing for Rockwell.

“We’re happy to work with Rockwell in providing innovative cashless solutions to enhance the shopping experience of their patrons. Mall goers can definitely feel safer with PayMaya’s contactless payment options, now available in the Rockwellist Mobile App and inside the stores. Whether they are dining out with family or buying gifts for themselves and their loved ones, customers of Rockwell Malls can also get more rewards and perks every time they pay via PayMaya QR,” said Shailesh Baidwan, President of PayMaya.

 

Aside from providing a safe and seamless mobile wallet for mall-goers, the Rockwellist Mobile App can also be used to easily check store schedules, book visits to restaurants, and get exclusive tickets to the fast pass lane for parking, to keep their transactions safe and convenient.

 

A million reasons to celebrate

 

For a more exciting season, PayMaya has teamed up with Rockwell to offer customers a chance to win a total of over P1 million worth of prizes when they #ScanToPay using their Rockwellist app at the Power Plant Mall.

 

All they have to do is spend at least P2,000 using the Pay via QR code feature of the Rockwellist app at any of PayMaya’s partner merchants at the Power Plant Mall, from December 1, 2020 to January 17, 2021. Every P2,000 purchase gets a customer one entry for the weekly raffle where 10 lucky winners will take home P10,000 until January 17, 2021, while two lucky winners will bag P250,000 on December 29, 2020.

 

On top of the chance to win up to P250,000, customers can also enjoy a cashback of 1%, 10%, or 100% of up to P500 when they #ScanToPay using their Rockwellist app at any of PayMaya's partner merchants. Each QR transaction earns them an entry to join PayMaya's PayMayaguinaldo promo, giving them a chance to win up to 1 million pesos!

 

Providing a #BetterQR experience

 

With all these exciting rewards on top of the safety and convenience you get when you #ScanToPay, PayMaya truly offers customers the #BetterQR experience this holiday season. So the next time you visit Rockwell Malls, don’t pay cash. PayMaya!

 

Getting PayMaya and paying for your purchases using the app is very easy. Just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133  and register an account, to find out what it’s like to go cashless with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding way to pay for anything online and in stores!

 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.

 

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 27 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 150,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 33,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Acer’s new music video encourages Filipinos to find joy amid adversities

Brace yourselves #Kathniels for your favorite real and reel love team Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla joined Ivana Alawi, Janina Vela, Cong Velasquez, and Awi Columna have come together in the music video, "Finding Joy," a song that talks about breaking barriers and staying hopeful even during difficult times.

 

With composition and lyrics by Mart Sam Olivades, Felichi Salva Cruz, and Penelope Ann Medrano, the song was released by Acer Philippines, powered by Windows 10 and 11^th Gen Intel Core™ Processors. "Finding Joy" is both serious and light-hearted and is the perfect song for the season as it expresses hope and optimism.

 

Daniel, Janina, Cong, and Awi are the voices behind the catchy song which premiered on Acer’s YouTube channel on December 15 and played in leading FM Radio Stations, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1, and Play FM 99.5. Aside from being an actor, Daniel is also a singer who used perform in a band. Janina is a YouTube star, content creator and singer known for her beautiful soothing voice. Cong Velasquez is also YouTube sensation and member of rock band COLN. Awi is a rapper whose popular songs include "Panaginip Lang," "Peke" and "Bulalakaw."

Present in the music video as well are Acer’s ambassadors; Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao, COLN Band, Junnieboy and Vien, KuyaNic and Luponwxc, TNC Pro Team DOTA 2, ArkAangel Predator PUBG, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, Armel Tabios, Kim “Gabbi” Santos, Tims Radrup, Damien “Kpii” Chok, Marlon Marcelo, Kuku Palad, and Reg Rubio.

 

"We at Acer Philippines see 'Finding Joy' as the anthem for the times. The world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but we should not feel defeated by this. Acer Philippines, despite the lockdowns and quarantines brought about by the pandemic, has retained its leadership in consumer and gaming PCs. It shows that even during challenging times, people are capable of breaking barriers," said Acer Philippines Managing Director Manuel Wong. 

 

It was also during the pandemic that Acer Philippines also opened its first online store in the country to cater to those who cannot go to Acer's physical stores, demonstrating its commitment to its customers.

 

"Finding Joy" will be Acer Philippines' anthem for the holidays and beyond because it believes that there's hope even in pandemic.

 

You can stream “Finding Joy” on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer. Visit Acer’s Official Social Media Pages for more details: Facebook – @AcerPH, Instagram – @acerph, Twitter – @acerphils, www.acer.com.

 

Baker John teamed up with GMA Kapuso Foundation for the “Bike for Good” project

Baker John, Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) brand of bread, recently teamed up with GMA Kapuso Foundation for the “Bike for Good” project. Through this partnership, 30 beneficiaries will receive bikes and bread products from Baker John.

 

“Our goal is to provide assistance to those who are trying to adapt to this new, challenging situation in the time of the COVID pandemic. Through this partnership, we hope the beneficiaries selected by GMA Kapuso Foundation will have the will -- and the wheels -- to keep going,” said Ellison Lee, URC Flour and Bread Division’s Managing Director.

 

According to Lee, the Bike for Good project provides each of the 30 beneficiaries with a bicycle and a negosyo starter package consisting of Baker John products. “We want to assist them in kicking off their community selling business which can help them with their livelihood,” Lee shared.

 

In choosing the beneficiaries, the project prioritizes those who lost their livelihood due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as residents of Metro Manila and Rizal who have lost their source of income due to the typhoons Rolly and/or Ulysses. 

 

Apart from this, GMA Kapuso Foundation chose beneficiaries who are physically able, have the can do spirit, and willing to use the bicycle to sell Baker John’s bread in their community as a source of alternative livelihood for their family.

 

“COVID and typhoon Ulysses brought economic devastation to residents of NCR. GMA Kapuso Foundation is happy to help Baker John and URC find beneficiaries. It is a very difficult time but in time of great adversity there is also opportunity. Do not lose hope,” stated Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

 

Baker John is URC’s very own line of tasty premium bread products available in selected Robinsons, Rustan’s, Shopwise, and Walter Mart supermarkets, and Ministop branches nationwide. Visit www.urcflour.com today for more information.

 

Suntrust Properties, Inc. partners with Ohmyhome to provide an easier, safer and convenient home buying experience

Thinking of buying a new house in a safe and convenient platform? Suntrust partners with Ohmyhome —a known expert in property technology. 

While it’s true that the pandemic has presented tremendous challenges in the way Filipinos work and do business, amazing new opportunities have materialized as well. In the business front, astute people constantly see the crisis as a way to gain competitive advantage by dealing with it in a timely manner. 

 

In the real estate industry, for instance, experts relate that property developers are finding better ways to engage with potential clients and respond to the new market needs. As communities continue to transition to a more relaxed form of quarantine, developers are taking the chance to highlight their new property management initiatives, especially those that ensure strict hygiene and safety protocols. They know that such would likely lure more property seekers and investors, a situation that could only improve when the economy fully recovers.

 

One such real estate company is Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI). Just like the sun, it quickly rose above the difficulties that beset their operations early this year and recognized the breaks that came. 

 

“To begin with,” Atty. Harry M. Paltongan, President of Suntrust Properties, Inc., states, “we believe that the pandemic drove more Filipino families to realize the need to have their own homes where they can live in a safe and secure environment.”

 

Apart from value-adding services—such as a competent property management team—that Suntrust and its subsidiaries provide to protect clients and their investments, the company was among the first real estate developers to migrate to the digital landscape.

 

According to Paltongan, a major step in this direction was the partnership Suntrust forged with leading proptech company Ohmyhome—a known expert in property technology. 

“This partnership attests to our commitment to provide an easier, safer, and more convenient home buying experience for Filipino families looking to buy their dream homes,” Paltongan explains. 

 

Ohmyhome, a successful property solutions platform in Singapore and Malaysia, launched its operations in the Philippines last September. Providentially, Ohmyhome’s innovative app and website now help prospective homebuyers in their search for Suntrust properties using the intuitive interface. They may also opt for in-house agent assistance, also available through the Ohmyhome platform. 

 

“Suntrust and Ohmyhome aim to spur earnest property seekers to check out the company’s vast array of projects nationwide without leaving their domiciles,” says Paltongan.

 

Asked to give an overview of projects that Suntrust promotes through the Ohmyhome website, Paltongan proudly asserts that Suntrust’s competitive edge lies in the wide spectrum of product offerings targeting all market segments in various strategic locations all over the country. 

 

Paltongan describes their project themes as inspired by famous landmarks of the world. “For example, Suntrust Verona gives homeowners an authentic glimpse of Italy, with its intricately designed Casa de Gulieta of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and its grand archway and clocktower are reminiscent of Verona,” he says. “The grand fountain is inspired by Sandro Botticelli’s famous painting, ‘The Birth of Venus’.”

 

Another project that Paltongan cites is Suntrust Sentosa with its two merlions standing guard at the subdivision’s two entrance gates. “Just like the iconic Merlion of Singapore,” he points out. 

 

These properties are now available in the Ohmyhome app and website.

 

Impressed by Ohmyhome’s success in Singapore and Malaysia, Suntrust believes that the dynamic proptech company has a promising future in the Philippine real estate industry. “With its end-to-end, client-servicing portal dedicated to assisting our customers in their home buying journey, Ohmyhome is definitely a welcome addition to the company,” Paltongan affirms.

 

Kinder Joy wants to help moms create a Christmas that is meaningful and joyful despite the uncertainties

Christmas is just around the corner and Filipino moms are anxiously preparing for a different kind of Christmas. This year, premium chocolate brand Kinder Joy encourages bonding moments between moms and their kids over Christmas tasks—with the iconic surprise-filled Kinder Joy as the special treat. 

Although 2020 has been bounded by restrictions that took everyone by surprise, Kinder Joy allays these worries by showing moms how to discover the joy of this new Christmas while keeping delightful Paskong Pinoy traditions alive.

Actress Camille Prats kicks off the #ChristmasWithKinderJoy campaign on Instagram with her daughter, Nala. The mom - daughter tandem decorated their towering Christmas tree with a parol and Kinder Joy wrapped in limited edition Christmas sleeves. Camille says that this annual Christmas task has become even more meaningful now that it has turned into an enjoyable bonding moment with Nala.

Former beauty queen Lara Quigaman, who just recently gave birth to her third child, and actress Valerie “Bangs” Garcia also joined the Kinder Joy holiday fun with their children Tobias and Amelia wrapping Christmas gifts for friends and playmates they have been missing since the beginning of the quarantine.

Celebrating Christmas amid a pandemic that has kept families apart, Kinder Joy wants to help moms create a Christmas that is meaningful and joyful despite the uncertainties. According to Kinder Joy, which is manufactured by Italian chocolatier Ferrero, moms can still help their children discover the joy of Christmas by passing down the values of togetherness, generosity and gratitude.

To find our more, logon to Kinder Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/KinderPhilippines/

 

Grab this statement laptop and other participating HP products this holiday season

HP is putting merry back to Christmas by giving GCash credits of as much as P6,000 for PC buyers with the extension of its cashback promo until January 31, 2021.

 

Now, you can happily spruce up your work-from-home or learn-from-home setup with HP laptops and desktops that are known for unbeatable performance and unparalleled design. Plus, get extra cash for other WFH or LFH essentials like ergonomic chairs and working tables with the free GCash credits.

 

The HP Pavilion x360 is one laptop that will definitely brighten your working space at home with its fresh new design that blends unique patterns, tones, and finishing touches. Its 3-sided micro-edge display allows your vibrant holiday photos and videos to fill more of the screen. Its full HD resolution together with dual speakers and HP Audio Boost with Audio by B&O will make your Netflix or YouTube viewing or gaming become an immersive experience with crystal clear images and rich, authentic sound.

 

Reduce stress with the new hour glass shape and 360-degree hinge of this fierce personal machine that lets you open your laptop fast and effortlessly gets you into the perfect position to work, write, watch, and play. With a powerful Intel® processor, multitasking becomes easy and breezy with the HP Pavilion x360. 

 

Grab this statement laptop and other participating HP products this holiday season to avail of the Free GCash promo. After purchase, simply go to www.hp.com/ph/promotions to register and upload your purchase details. Once registration has been completed and approved, you will receive a confirmation email and a separate email for the HP GCash voucher code. Then email name, date of birth, mobile number and GCash voucher code to claims@HPGcashpromo.com to convert voucher code to actual GCash credit.

 

For further details and inquiries about the promo or status of your free GCash credits, just email phpromotions@hp.com. 

 

Have a merry Christmas with HP laptops and desktops from HP online stores and authorized retail stores by visiting https://bit.ly/HPonlineShopee or https://bit.ly/HPhomepageLazada. For more details, visit the HP Facebook page or partner-store sites. The HP Free GCash promo is ongoing until January 31, 2021.

 

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit # FTEB-103392 Series of 2020.

 

Here’s why water service interruptions happen even if dams overflow

When a series of typhoons, capped off by Typhoon Ulysses, ravaged the country and unleashed heavy rainfall enough to overflow dams in Luzon, plenty of Filipinos were perplexed that water supply was suddenly interrupted. Doesn’t an immense amount of water in a dam indicate a surplus of water supply? The answer is no.

While there is literally an overflowing amount of raw water, this water is far from potable and therefore cannot be supplied to consumers instantaneously. Here’s why:

Turbidity

To easily visualize what a dam might look like if its walls were see-through – just like an aquarium – imagine a tall glass of hazy water with dirt at the bottom. The water is hazy because of minerals, soil, clay, etc., that flow into the dam with the water coming from mountain tops. The dirt at the bottom of the glass we are visualizing are called sediments—all the aforementioned minerals, dirt, and contaminants which eventually settled down.

When heavy rain strikes the dam water continuously, it’s as if you were mixing the glass of water and dirt with a spoon, eventually turning the water into one that may look like a chocolate drink with almost no clarity. This is called highly turbid water. 

Simply put, turbidity refers to how clear or “muddy” water is. And while technology to treat turbid water exists, when turbidity is high and unlikely to settle anytime soon because of continuously pouring rain, it becomes very difficult to clean and supply to consumers at a normal rate.

From Dam to Home

Okay so the water is dirty and difficult to treat at a regular pace, thus the constriction and regulation of supply to ensure consistent quality. But how come some water service providers do not halt water supply even when turbidity is high? 

Well this is because some water service providers have a huge impounding reservoir for raw water. When the raw water coming from dams is stored inside a reservoir first before it is allowed to enter a treatment facility, excess sediments naturally settle to the bottom by gravity. The result: Raw water becomes less turbid, allowing for easier and less costly treatment. 

Water service providers that are not afforded the luxury of a similar impounding reservoir for raw water end up directly receiving muddy water from the dams during the rainy season. This highly turbid raw water is more difficult to treat. The result: Lower water production leading to service interruptions.

So why don’t they just build a reservoir for storing raw water? The short answer is that there is simply no space for one. Hundreds of hectares of unoccupied land near the treatment facilities would be needed. With our country as densely populated and highly urbanized as it is, one would be lucky to have land for a tiny house.

Hence, the only option for water service providers that don’t have a storage facility for raw water is to invest in more expensive treatment technologies.

Addressing water shortages

The good news is that investments for better water treatment are being made, as water service providers are aware of the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on our country’s raw water sources. Such investments are needed for long-term water security. 

Meantime, water consumers can do something to ease the effect of water supply interruptions resulting from highly turbid raw water. A precaution we can take is to always have a supply of water stored for emergency use. And make sure to store just enough water for when the service will be disrupted. This is because the scheduled service interruption might lengthen if all consumers draw too much water simultaneously in a panic.

A good tip would also be to follow your water service provider on social media as they usually announce specific schedules through these channels.

 All that being said, with all these investments and ongoing upgrades, the time will definitely come when we won’t have to worry about opening an empty faucet anymore.

Get your hands on Red Ribbon's NEW Classic Bread Rolls

Red Ribbon has been a part of Filipinos special occasions, where its truly delightful cakes have made family celebrations and gifting moments more special. Not only that, their delectable Butter Mamon, Cheesy Ensaimada, Taisan, and Moist Choco Cake Slice been well-loved too--for snacks, school baons, and as pasalubongs to kids and loved-ones.

 

But aside from all these sweet treats, we, Filipinos also love our breads, a dining table staple during breakfast as paired with a hot cup of coffee; enjoyed with spaghetti and other noodle dishes like pancit; and of course, during meriendawith our fave palaman and a cool, refreshing drink on the side.

 

And because Red Ribbon has very much been a part of our lives as a curator of high-quality baked products, we delightfully welcome the newest bread product addition to their offerings, beginning with its NEW Classic Bread Rolls that are available in Luzon stores starting this November, and soon in its Visayas and Mindanao stores. 

 

Baked soft and delicious, it will surely become every Filipino family’s favorite bread staple - great for daily breakfast, snack and meals! With its slightly sweet-creamy taste, and delectable softness—Red Ribbon’s NEW Classic Bread Rolls can be eaten on its own, or with butter, peanut butter, jam, cheese or just about any other spread! You can pair it with your favorite drink such as hot coffee or chocolate, or have it as a tasty side to your family’s favorite dishes like fried chicken or pasta meal.

 

So, the next time you find yourself at Red Ribbon to buy your favorite cake and pastries, or if you’re ordering for delivery, get your hands on their NEW Classic Bread Rolls –starts at 70 Pesos only for a pack of 16 pieces! You and your family will surely keep coming back for more!

 

Red Ribbon Classic Bread Rolls is now available in Red Ribbon stores in Luzon for take-out, call & pick up, or for delivery through the Red Ribbon Hotline #87777, and Red Ribbon RIA on Facebook Messenger. You can also order through GrabFood, Foodpanda or LalaFood apps. 

Check out Red Ribbon’s official Facebook page (Red Ribbon Bakeshop) for update on this new product’s availability in Visayas and Mindanao and for its updated list of operating stores and services.