BRIA Homes holds its groundbreaking rites of BRIA Condo Calamba on March 26!

The charms of BRIA condo living will soon go to Calamba, a lively city in Laguna, when leading property developer BRIA Homes holds its groundbreaking rites of BRIA Condo Calamba on March 26, 2022. BRIA Homes Division Head Eduardo T. Aguilar will set to kick off the milestone event with a short inspirational speech that will affirm the values driving BRIA to provide Filipinos with quality housing nationwide.

Each unit in BRIA Condo Calamba is cleverly laid out, overlooking the scenic Laguna view

  
Aguilar has reason to be proud of and enthused about BRIA Condo in Calamba. “This project is the first vertical development of BRIA Homes to rise in Laguna, and it certainly will not be the last in the region,” he says. 

Aguilar concurs with reports from the ground that demand for properties in the provinces has been steadily rising, with residential communities in Laguna as some of the most favored by home seekers and investors. “I am thus extremely optimistic about the prospect of young professionals wanting to move out of the metropolis and into the healthier and more relaxing environs of Southern Luzon,” he says.

 

Aguilar further points out that Laguna being home to industrial estates, commercial, and corporate establishments presents various career and business opportunities to hardworking Filipinos, including upwardly mobile millennials and families of Overseas Filipino Workers. The province also touts tourist-friendly heritage sites, top learning institutions, an abundance of hot spring resorts, and other leisure hotspots.

BRIA Condo Calamba is situated close to the rapidly urbanized Laguna, and hospitals, universities,and major road networks

 

All these, Aguilar points out, augur well for BRIA’s latest vertical village, which is part of a 22-hectare residential development located in Barangay Bañadero. The eco-friendly enclave features lush greeneries and exudes a tranquil suburban vibe, yet BRIA Condo Calamba is close to where the action is. Calamba Coliseum and Convention Center are only 10 minutes away. Schools such as Rizal College of Laguna, Laguna College of Business and Arts, Don Bosco College, and Canossa College San Pablo are a short drive or commute away—and so are hospitals like Calamba Medical Center, Calamba Doctor’s Hospital, and Global Care Medical Center. For regular shopping and supply runs, establishments like SM Calamba, Waltermart, Puregold and City Mall are nearby. 

 

Future residents of BRIA Condo Calamba will be pleased to settle in cozy, cleverly laid-out units, complemented by the midrise’s distinct features like landscaped gardens, jogging paths, and amenities like a function hall, swimming pool, fitness gym, and play area for children. BRIA communities likewise boast of strong internet connections and walkable neighborhoods, with essential services right within the area. For relaxing, stress-free weekend getaways, homeowners can simply hie off to Calamba’s water spring resorts.

BRIA Condo Calamba is currently on pre-selling mode and will continue to be as construction progresses. This offers lucrative opportunities to interested homebuyers and prospective investors who’d like to avail of pre-selling prices and ride the wave of value appreciation in the long term.

 

BRIA offers cashless transactions for reservation and amortization payments through BRIA’s bank partners: Maybank, BDO, Unionbank, PNB, Security Bank, RCBC, Robinsons Bank, Chinabank, and Metrobank. E-wallet services like GCash, Paymaya, and All Easy are likewise available.

 

Finally, those interested in purchasing a BRIA Condo unit or any other BRIA project, for that matter, can check these out by immersing in BRIA Homes’ 360 Virtual Tours via bria.com.ph. Inquiries may also be done through the website, as well as through the official BRIA Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BriaHomesIncOfficial. They can also reserve a house online through https://www.bria.com.ph/online-reservation/

BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN MV Holdings, Inc., one of the top real estate companies in the country. Acclaimed for its massive footprint of over 50 developments in major Philippine cities and municipalities, BRIA Homes is committed to bring quality and best-value residential communities closer to everyday Filipino families. Through a diverse portfolio of properties such as houses and lots and condominiums, BRIA Homes promises to provide the right property option for every Filipino’s needs.

 

To know more, visit their website at www.bria.com.ph, like and follow “Bria Homes, Inc.” on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Viber Community, Telegram Channel, Kakao Talk, LINE and WhatsApp, or call 0939-887-9637.

 

UnionBank introduces new features that will give business owners more flexibility when it comes to collecting payments

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), the leading banking partner of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country, has rolled out the latest update for its MSME Business Banking app, introducing new features that will give business owners more flexibility when it comes to collecting payments from customers and managing their account.

First is an added payment option in the app's "Request Payment" feature, which allows business owners to collect payments through a link that they can send to customers. Users can now collect payments via VISA and MasterCard Debit and Credit cards, on top of Instapay, GrabPay, Gcash, Palawan Express, Cebuana Lhuillier, and ECPay Partner Outlets.

Second, the app now has a dashboard – designed to improve user experience by making navigation easier, as well as improve the app's overall performance. The new feature is UnionBank's way of addressing customer feedback related to the app's user interface and performance --ensuring customer satisfaction.

The app also features access to the UnionBank GlobalLinker (UBGL) platform. Customers are now able to sign up to UBGL right inside their banking app, providing them the ability to reach 500,000 MSMEs locally and globally, to grow their business network. What’s more, customers can take advantage of registry to various business-focused webinars and learning sessions, build a FREE online e-commerce store, and tap technology partners that would bring their businesses to the next level of digitization. All these are made available with the refresh and the new MSME Business Banking mobile app.

 

Since the launch of the app in January last year, UnionBank has enabled countless MSMEs to digitize their business -- from the way they collect payments, to how they meet their business banking needs. The move into the digital space and to capitalize on the recent e-commerce boom as a result of the pandemic has been easier for MSMEs.

 

"The app helped me a lot during the pandemic because I didn't have to go to the bank to deposit checks. All I needed to do was take a photo of it. Also, the "request payment" feature assisted me in collecting payments easily. We've been using this facility for quite some time now and it's also convenient for my customers,” said Engr. Justin Padilla, owner of CE Padilla Construction.

"Simply put, it was smooth and fast - UnionBank is quite ahead compared to the other banks in terms of incorporating modern technology and application to its system; so my experience was really great,” said Kenn Ong of KLOCO Corporation.

“With the addition of the new payment option, the “Request Payment”, and the introduction of the dashboard to improve the overall user experience, MSMEs will now be able to do their banking needs more easily and conveniently, allowing them to focus more on growing their business,” said Jaypee Soliman, UnionBank VP and SME & Micropreneurs Segment Head. “This is all part of UnionBank’s commitment to our country’s MSME sector, bolstering our ‘Tech-Up Pilipinas’ advocacy.”

To know more about MSME Business Banking, and UPAY for MSMEs, please visit our website: unionbankph.com/msme. Interested to start now? Please contact any of our Relationship Managers at branches near you.

Give Love Today with Red Ribbon’s cakes and pastries

There is no better time to give love than today and no reason is too little to show someone how you feel. 

 

In its latest campaign, Red Ribbon showed that expressing love does not always have to be a grand gesture. It could be as simple as giving a cake during a birthday, a simple pick-me-up pastry for a friend who needs cheering up, welcoming someone back home with a sweet treat, or making everyday family moments more special by sharing a cake. Set to the iconic tune “What the world needs now is love sweet love,” Red Ribbon’s video shows that all expressions of love make a world of difference especially now when love is needed the most.

Watch the video here:

https://www.facebook.com/redribbonbakeshop/videos/546704576604259/

“They say that love is universal, and it’s true. Everyone needs to feel loved more often because it makes our days better and sweeter. That’s what we, at Red Ribbon, want our customers to feel when they receive a Red Ribbon cake or pastry: that someone loves and appreciates them,” said Cathleen Capati, Red Ribbon Marketing Head.

“For 43 years, Red Ribbon’s accessible, high quality, delectable cakes and pastries have been part of every Filipino celebration–big and small. From our all-time favorite Black Forest Cake to our delightful Butter Mamon, Red Ribbon reminds Filipinos that although things may have changed, one thing always remains the same: we can give love today.”

With Red Ribbon, it’s easy to give love today and make a person’s day brighter. So, if you want to show love for a special occasion or just because, here are some tips to get you started.

 

1.     Make small gatherings feel grander with a little decadence 

Nowadays, it’s all about intimate celebrations. While we may not be able to go big for these occasions, we can make it sweet and special with Red Ribbon’s decadent Black Forest. 

This cake is the epitome of indulgence with its layers of moist chocolate fudge cake filled with delectable chocolate cherry creamy filling, covered in icing and chocolate shavings, and topped with Maraschino cherries.

2.     Surprise far-away loved ones with sweetness

But what if you can’t attend one of these small celebrations? Worry not. You can still surprise your loved ones by sending a cake overloaded with chocolatey, fudgy moist, goodness – the Red Ribbon Chocolate Dedication Cake. 

Gift celebrants with a cake made up of soft and moist chocolate chiffon layers, filled and topped with delicious chocolate icing – with your own loving message written on the cake! If you want to be a little more extra, you can even host an online birthday party with a virtual candle-blowing. 

3.              Say it extra sweetly with a cake!

Sometimes though, you don’t need an occasion to share some love. Maybe you’re just missing a friend and want to tell them how you feel or maybe a family member is in need of a few words of encouragement.

Express sweet sentiments with a Red Ribbon Triple Chocolate Roll – a moist chocolate chiffon roll cake filled and covered with fudgy chocolate icing and milk chocolate toppings to give you the chocolatiest treat.

4.              Bond at home with butter-cheesy delights

With families working and studying at home, it’s easier to create bonding moments together. Enjoy a  filling merienda with Red Ribbon’s Cheesy Ensaimada! Topped with sweet buttercream and loads of cheese. Enjoy this delicious treat paired with a warm drink.

5.               Treat kids to a pastry pick-me-up

Are the kids busy with their online classes? Parents can prepare a yummy pick-me-up snack for their breaks. Your all-time favorite snack, Red Ribbon’s Butter Mamon is made with soft chiffon and 100% real butter. A light and delectable treats for kids.

There are tons of other ways to give love today with Red Ribbon and their new heartwarming online video shows us just how. 

For more information on Red Ribbon’s products and services, visit Red Ribbon Bakeshop on Facebook, subscribe to Red Ribbon Bakeshop on YouTube, and follow @redribbonbakeshop on Instagram.

To purchase these delectable products, you may visit the Red Ribbon Bakeshop store near you, go to the delivery website https://redribbondelivery.com.ph/, call the delivery hotline #87777, send a message via messenger at m.me/redribbonbakeshop, download the Red Ribbon app (available for Android and iOS) or via the delivery partner apps. 

You may also send eGift Cards via the Delivery Website, Red Ribbon app, or messaging Red Ribbon Bakeshop via messenger.

Protect Lives and Livelihood with These Easy Fire Prevention Tips

 

In the first two months of 2022 alone, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced that fire incidents have already increased by almost 13% compared to the same period last year. In addition, back in 2020, data from BFP also showed that open flame due to torch, unattended cooking, and electrical connections are the main causes of fire accidents. 

 

Like other threats and risks of loss in any unfortunate events such as natural calamities, impacts due to fire and negligence mishaps, thousands of lives and millions up to billions worth of properties are being lost every year, and the need for a financial tool arises to make financial impacts less severe.

 

“Damage caused by fire is insurmountable. It affects the lives and livelihood of many Filipinos, regardless of their economic status in life. Unfortunately, our kababayans in the marginalized sector can experience bigger risk and more profound impact. Backed by our commitment for financial inclusion, we also want common Filipinos to be able to afford protection and security as a part of their financial plan. It is crucial that they have access to basic security requirements to cushion the blow of disasters that may happen,” Cebuana Lhuillier CEO and President, Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

 

As the country observes the annual Fire Prevention Month, here are some tips from the BFP to make sure that your house is safe from fire:

1. Unplug appliances when they are not in use 

Unplugging items when not in use not only reduces your electricity consumption but also cuts down the chances of a fire. Excessive electricity flowing through appliances like TV sets, computers, and a lot more – or a possibility of power surge can be a source of conflagration.

 

Make sure to always unplug your appliances when leaving the house.

 

2. Never leave flames or heated appliances unattended

Always be cautious of any excessive flames that you may use like lighting candles or cooking. Always keep an eye and one step ahead if anything goes wrong. Much better if you can install fire alarms or have fire extinguishers ready, nearby.

 

3. Keep flammable items away from things that can be a source of fire

Proper storage of different items and supplies can prevent a fire incident. Ensuring that flammable items are stored in the right place and are far away from a source of heat, can save you from a possible accident.

 

4. Declutter

Too many things cluttered in an area can give fire plenty of space to spread faster. By decluttering certain areas in your home, you’ll be able to minimize the risk of spreading fire, minimize your loss, and save your home in the event of a fire.

 

5. Check your electrical wirings regularly

Pay close attention to any visible faulty wirings. This can damage your appliances that can eventually lead to a fire incident.

 

Always remember that prevention is always better than cure. Knowing these fire prevention tips could save you and others from a devastating event.

 

“This Fire Prevention Month, it is important to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. Apart from being ready when a fire incident happens, it is also important that common Filipinos have a safety net in case it happened. This is our main mission for our microinsurance product, ProtectMax. This product offers comprehensive coverage at a more reasonable cost,” First Vice President and Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers Inc., Jonathan Batangan mentioned.

 

To lessen the risk brought by fire and other natural calamities, Cebuana Lhuiller offers ProtectMAX, an affordable microinsurance product designed for individuals aged 7 to 70 years old with Death Benefit, Accident or Sickness Emergency Cash Assistance, Accidental Dismemberment and/or Disablement, Murder, and Unprovoked Assault and Residential Fire Reconstruction cash assistance.

 

For as low as P50, get a total coverage value of up to P61,000.00. Each certificate is valid for four (4) months from the date of issuance and can be availed up to a maximum of 5 certificates per insured in a year. 

 

To know more about Cebuana Lhuillier ProtectMAX, visit the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch or just log on to www.cebuanalhuillier.com. Avail ProtectMAX now in almost 3,000 branches of Cebuana Lhuillier, nationwide.

 

Make sure your child gets enough growth nutrients with Abbott

Its frustrating if your child is a picky eater or refuse to eat whatever is in the table. One thing, I learned from my mother is that you cant force your kid to eat what you want them to eat. Make sure to surround them with food and let them decide what to pick. Prepare a  food on the table that he usually likes, a fruit, vegetables or cheese. For your child growth, give him the best milk supplements from Abbott. 

Healthy eating is about more than just what we eat. Make sure your child gets enough growth nutrients, only with Abbott. You can get the best deals only on Shopee Mom's Club! Sign up here: https://shopee.ph/m/mom-club. Shop here Abbott PH Official Store 

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Pediasure Plus Vanilla 2.4KG For Kids Above 3 Years Old Bundle of 6: As the Number 1 Child Nutrition Supplement in the Philippines, Pediasure's Plus Vanilla 2.4KG For Kids Above 3 Years Old is clinically proven to provide a hard-to-feed child optimal nutrition for healthy growth, development and immunity!

           Add to cart Similac Gainschool HMO 1.8KG For Kids 3 Years and Above Bundle of 3

Similac Gainschool HMO 1.8KG For Kids Above 3 Years Old Bundle of 2: Now with HMO, an important immune-nourishing ingredient, Similac Gainschool HMO 1.8KG For Kids Above 3 Years Old is essential in protecting your child’s gut and beyond!

Abbott is committed to serve the Filipino people as they pursue healthy lives. Their mission is to help the Filipino people live their best lives beyond making products available to partnering with institutions and decision-makers to work on localized solutions to common health problems. By engaging health institutions, they raise awareness among key stakeholders and help address the country’s unique challenges. 

Abbott is Number 1 Child Nutrition Supplement in the Philippines

Nutritional supplement powder drink clinically proven to provide a hard-to-feed child optimal nutrition for healthy growth, development and immunity.

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Cebu Pacific brings back the first-of-its-kind third run of CEB Super Pass

Cebu Pacific’s month-long Super Seat Fest for its 26th anniversary continues with a super surprise as the Philippines’ leading airline brings back the first-of-its-kind and highly sought after CEB Super Pass, starting from 10AM on March 21, all the way up to March 27, 2022.

 

As travel restrictions continue to ease following the decline of COVID cases across the country, CEB is gearing up to cater to every Juan’s long-overdue travel plans. For just 99 pesos (one-way base fare), the CEB Super Pass gives passengers the flexibility, convenience, and affordability to revisit their favorite PH destinations, or explore new places across the airline’s widest domestic network, whenever they like – from March 28, 2022, all the way until April 30, 2023.

Now on its third run, the CEB Super Pass allows everyJuan to purchase as many travel vouchers without having to commit to a specific date or destination just yet. These vouchers may be redeemed for travel from 30 days to a week prior to the intended date of departure – this means that the passes can be purchased way in advance which enables you to lock in that low fare ahead – even before you have a fully laid-out itinerary of where and when you want to fly.

 

“Now that skies continue to clear, we are very happy to bring back this innovative product once again as we see everyJuan easing into making their travel plans a reality. These super flexible travel vouchers will allow friends and families to reconnect and rekindle the love for travel in a very affordable way,” says Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience.

 

Passengers who hold existing Travel Funds are also encouraged to use these to purchase the vouchers. Whether travelers plan to fly to their favorite beach destinations like Bohol, Boracay, or Cebu for the summer; or want to cozy up with their loved ones in the provinces of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Tacloban, or Zamboanga for the Christmas season, holders of these travel vouchers can enjoy flexible travel dates and destinations all year-round.

 

“We’ve received positive feedback from passengers that purchased the Pass before, and we look forward to enabling more Juans make those much-awaited trips happen,” added Iyog.

 

CEB encourages everyjuan to take advantage of this offer so travelers can secure flexible flight vouchers for themselves and their travel squad.

 

Unpause travel plans and make all those dreams SUPER PASS-ible! Get your CEB Super Pass for yourself and for your loved ones via the Cebu Pacific website – visit https://bit.ly/CEBSuperPass for more information.

realme 9 Pro Unboxing and First Impressions

I used to believe that to enjoy the best smartphone experience, you have to go for the flagship device and pay for its premium price.

 

But that all changed when I got to try the realme 6 a couple of years ago.

 

It was the first midrange device that I truly enjoyed using and made me realize that while they were really tempting, I really didn’t need all those extra features like wireless charging, 100x zoom etc.

As long as it had a nice camera, long-lasting battery and doesn’t hang when things get very busy--I’m good.

A lot has happened since the release of the realme 6, back then the brand was just an upstart contender slowly establishing a presence in the competitive local market. But with a lot of Pinoys answering the call and dared to leap, realme has  become no. 1 smartphone brand in 2021.

So imagine my excitement when I was offered the chance to test out realme’s latest phone in its number series---the realme 9 Pro 5G!

 

And after spending the past couple of weeks with it, I might make the sim change more permanent.

 

Here’s my unboxing and first impressions of the realme 9 Pro 5G.

@lola_lamon Capture the color of summer with @Realme 9 Pro series. Unboxing my new #realmeph 9 pro it packs a 64MP Triple Camera set up that has been fined tuned to capture high-res snaps in various lighting conditions. #capturethelight ♬ Wildest Dreams - Duomo

First things first, I do love how realme sent us this special package. Instead of the usual phone  that came in bubble wrap, this one came in a big box black box the slid open to reveal the realme 9 Pro 5G and a bonus sun Lamp!

 

Now the phone is still packaged in realme’s trademark yellow box, but instead of the number being in the middle, the 9 Pro branding is now placed in the upper left of the box with a smaller 5G label occupying the top right, and the realme logo at the bottom. There’s now also a black line the runs all around the box. Its not a drastic change but still quite noticeable.

@lola_lamon The realme 9 Pro in the Sunrise Blue color looks pretty dazzling and gives off the cool vibe-- perfect for the scorching summer heat. Its another 5G- capable photography powerhouse. The price tag is at P14990. #realmeph #capturethelight ♬ IamU (Instrumental) - BLVKSHP

 

Lifting the lid you’ll be greeted by the “Welcome to the realme family” slim compartment that contains the jelly case a SIM ejector tool and some paper documents.

 

Removing those from the box, you’ll see the phone wrapped in translucent plastic, and underneath it, you’ll see the rest of the accessories such as the 33W Dart Charger and USB-C Cable.

 

Now its too much to expect a pair of earphones but you pretty have everything you need to start using the phone (it comes with 60% precharged)

 

Carefully removing it out of the plastic, you’ll see the realme 9 Pro in the Sunrise Blue color. It looks pretty dazzling and gives off the cool vibe--perfect for the scorching summer heat. I think it also comes in Aurora Green.

 

Looking around and exploring the phone, on the left side is the sim card tray and the volume rocker just slightly below it, on the right is the power button that also doubles as a fingerprint scanner.

 

At the bottom, you’ll find the 3.5mm audio jack even (which made us wish for the earphones even more)the USB-C port and loudspeaker grille just beside it. There’s a mic hole on top and nothing else.

Looking at the back of the phone there’s the familiar rectangular module containing its triple camera and flash, and the realme logo on the bottom, there’s no more “Dare to Leap” branding unlike the realme 8.

Highlight Features: As the brand’s 5G-capable photography powerhouse, the realme 9 Pro boasts of aa 64MP Nightscape Camera +  8MP f/2.2 119-degree ultra-wide-angle + 2MP f/2.4 macro + LED flash

For selfies you get a 16MP f/2.05 front camera.

 

For the display it has a 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel with a 2412×1080 resolution and a 120hz refresh rate (great for gaming!) The front has very slim slim bezels for a more immersive viewing experience.

 

As for its processor, the realme 9 Pro is powered by a 5G ready Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, Andreno 695 GPU, 8GB of RAM + 128GB of storage. It runs on the latest Android 12 as well as the newest realme UI 3.0. Keeping things going is a 5000mAh of battery that supports 33w of fast charging.

First Impressions: This first thing I noticed is its pretty design. Like I mentioned, the Sunrise Blue is a refreshing contrast to those hot summer days as it will remind you of clear skies--and the cool blue waters of the beach.  

 

According to realme, the Sunrise Blue version makes use of three photochromic layers that allows it to change colors from blue to red hues when exposed to direct sunlight. I did like how the color changes depending on how the light strikes it and theres also a glittery-finish that adds to the premium look of the back. It is a fingerprint magnet though so I suggest using that free plastic case to protect your phone.

 

After the quick initial setup, I did notice how smooth everything felt like, from browsing websites, scrolling through the menus and even the gallery.  

 

And speaking of the gallery, I was quickly able to fill it up with photos because the cameras were -amazing! I was surprised at how good they were even if I’m not really a good photographer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lou Sv (@lemongreenteaph)

 

Check out some of our initial photo samples:

 

But you still have to wait for our final review as I will be taking this phone with me to Coron in the next few days!

 

As for the display, I’ve watched a few YouTube videos and the display was bright enough with nice colors and the loudspeaker does a fairly good job when it comes to sound quality.

 

So far, the realme 9 Pro is proving why realme is the brand to beat when it comes to midrange devices. They somehow were able to squeeze in a lot of premium features--design, cameras, processor, quick charging, and still maintain a price tag that’s very attractive for people looking to upgrade or get a new smartphone.

Another notable innovation in the realme 9 Pro Series is the introduction of a Light Shift design for its Sunrise Blue variant, allowing the phone’s exterior to change hues from blue to red under direct sunlight.

 

The realme 9 Pro is available at P14990.

Follow me on my FB page , Twitter, Instagram and  tiktok for more updates as we test all of the realme 9 pro’s features.

https://www.facebook.com/LemonGreenTeaPH

https://www.instagram.com/lemongreenteaph/

https://www.tiktok.com/@lola_lamon

Sustainable living for everyone

Today, living an eco-friendlier life has become much more manageable. With many simple yet effective ways to make our everyday lives more sustainable, and with many groups ready to help us take that first step toward a greener future, there is every reason to start today. Living a personal sustainable lifestyle can be impactful only if we do it together to preserve our planet for generations to come.

One of the best things to live sustainably is to reduce your carbon footprint. Many seemingly harmless daily activities can contribute to a higher carbon footprint or other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, leading to dramatic climate changes. An increased carbon footprint includes high electric consumption, driving our cars over short distances, and the excessive use of aerosols and air conditioners, to name a few. Try to identify and minimize these activities if you can, or look for more eco-friendly alternatives, if available.

 

You can also lower your carbon footprint by using energy efficiently. Use energy-efficient appliances, replace your old lighting fixtures with LED lights, and turn off energy-consuming items when not in use. Doing these eliminates energy waste in your home and helps you save more on utility expenses.

 

The 2020 Climate Transparency Report disclosed that the Philippines generated 1.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2017. The country will need to reduce its emissions to below 132 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and below -198 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. It is to meet the 1.5°C-compliant climate change mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, of which the country is a signatory. 

Together with the Plastic Credit Exchange, SM Cares helps gather empty, clean, and dry plastic waste at select SM Supermalls nationwide. Plastic waste may be dropped off every day from 10AM to 5PM.

 

Another way to make your lifestyle more sustainable is to correctly manage and segregate your garbage. Sort and separate your waste by type (e.g., paper/carton, plastic, glass, metal, electronics, etc.). It helps to find out more about your community's waste collection and management policies. You can even make extra cash if you dispose of your non-organic waste through the proper channels.

 

You can also minimize the waste you generate at home. There are many simple ways to do this. It includes reusing plastic bags, opting for eco-bags when shopping, and avoiding single-use items. By being mindful of our food consumption, we can also significantly reduce food waste and packaging. 

 

The 2020 Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment report that the Philippines ranked third among the world contributors to plastic pollution, with 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste each year.

 

SM's Trash to Cash recycling market happens every first Friday and Saturday of the month 

from 10 AM to 2 PM across all SM Malls and select SDMC Malls nationwide.

 

As a responsible member of the community, SM has consistently implemented programs to inspire Filipinos to be more sustainable, educating them on the importance of sustainability and how to help protect the environment. It includes the long-running Green Film Festival, which features the free screening of environmental documentaries for students and other program partnerships that promote alternative options to plastic. 

 

SM also has projects that directly engage its mall-goers, focusing on solid waste management. These are the monthly Trash to Cash recycling market and the collection of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), the Electronic Waste Collection program, and the Plastic Waste Collection program held in partnership with the Plastic Credit Exchange. To date, SM Supermalls have collected more than 11,600 kg. of plastic waste, 2,000 kg. of electronic waste and 908,000 kg. of assorted recyclable waste. 

 

Customers can drop off their electronic waste at bins in the Cyberzone and selected locations 

of SM Supermalls nationwide.

 

In addition, SM has been exploring renewable alternatives as its malls' energy source. For instance, in 2020, the company generated 9,620 MWh of energy from solar roof panels installed in ten different malls nationwide. The company has also completed solar panel retrofits in other malls. SM hopes to achieve its goal of having 50% of the energy it consumes being sourced from renewable sources by the end of this year.

 

"We have always been an advocate of sustainable living. Proof of this is the numerous environmental initiatives that the company has implemented. We build our malls with the environment and community in mind, and we make sure that our developments contribute to environmental protection," said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls' Corporate Compliance Head. "More importantly, we know that personal sustainability is key to achieving the green future that we want. We will continue to implement programs that encourage positive change within our community partners."

 

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, with programs to support communities, promote social inclusion and care for the environment. Its CSR advocacies include the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program. 

 

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.