Erceflora Kiddie created the Batang Matatag Bus, a touring bus across the metro meaning to make education on gut health for kids fun and simple

Summer is approaching and kids are getting excited to spend more time out and playing in the sun. It’s not always easy for parents to think of fun and productive ways to keep kids entertained, but the Batang Matag Bus rolled in just in time to give kids a day of play with a lot of cool learning experiences tucked in.

With pandemic blues mostly out of the way, parents are on even higher alert to make sure kids stay healthy and protected as they continue to explore the world around them. However, more than sanitizing hands and keeping surroundings clean, the most crucial first step is making sure kids are healthy on the inside because 70% of the body’s immunity comes from the gut.

“The gut affects so much of a child’s body: their mood, their reasoning, their behavior, and of course their overall health,” said J Ann Mirasol, from the makers of Erceflora Kiddie. “Erceflora Kiddie is created to help balance the good bacteria in the gut, allowing it to absorb nutrients, resist harmful microbes, and prevent upset stomachs.”

To help parents understand the importance of gut health and make building healthy habits easier and more fun for their kids, Erceflora Kiddie created the Batang Matatag Bus, a touring bus across the metro meaning to make education on gut health for kids fun and simple. “Kids with a healthy gut are healthier, happier, and more energetic, and that’s what we call ‘Batang Matatag’,” said Mirasol.

The Batang Matatag Bus was parked at the BGC Amphitheater from March 11-12 to set up the Todo Tatag Playground that had activities for the whole family:

·       The Todo Tatag Playground

The Todo Tatag Playground featured different play areas that highlighted key information on how a healthy gut supports the overall development of children. Playground equipment were turned into exciting learning opportunities for all kids to be strong, healthy, and become Batang Matatag.

·       The Todo Tatag Bus

Hopping onto the Todo Tatag Bus, kids learned the Todo Tatag Technique to make washing hands a fun and effective activity. There were also interactive games and photo walls to take fun photos and make cool memories.

·       A Fun-filled Program

Starting at 2:00 PM on March 11 there will be an interactive program for the family to enjoy together. Families can expect fun games, playful mascots, and entertaining hosts that will give a fun filled family day to all who attend. The program will not only involve energetic activities to keep the audience engaged but also learn more about Erceflora Kiddie and why kids should be encouraged to use it.

·       Bonding with Tatag Mommies

Erceflora Kiddie brought in the Todo Tatag Mommies Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Cheska Kramer, and Andi Manzano with host Riza Diaz to talk about creative ways to encourage the whole family to start more healthy habits and learn more about how to raise stronger, healthier kids starting with gut health. With the help of Erceflora Kiddie, kids can absorb more nutrients, activating better immunity against harmful microbes for todo tatag na tiyan para sa todo tatag na katawan.

With much excitement generated by the Todo Tatag Bus and Playground, BGC is just the first in several other stops for the Batang Matatag Bus throughout the year. In the meantime, parents can help even more kids maintain a healthy gut. When you buy Erceflora Kiddie, a portion of the sale will support Batang Matatag—a movement initiated by Save the Children Philippines and Erceflora Kiddie to improve the overall health and nutrition of children in school.  [PdJ(1] 

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 [PdJ(1]Add BM in this part

Here are five appliances and home equipment you should prioritize purchasing as you get started on your new life milestone

You’ve found the perfect place; you’ve fully paid your deposit and you’re excited to start living independently… but how do you start filling your new space? Whether you’ve just graduated from school and about to start working in a new place, or you’ve just tied the knot and savoring marriage before starting a family, you might feel a mix of excitement and some jitters when moving out of your childhood home.

With limited budget and the urgency of finally settling in a bare apartment or condo unit, the thought of buying appliances and furniture for your new place can be a bit overwhelming. However, you can survive the first few months of independence by learning to prioritize which appliances and tools to buy. 

Here are five appliances and home equipment you should prioritize purchasing as you get started on your new life milestone:

·       Electric fan

An electric fan is a non-negotiable in a humid country like the Philippines, even if your place has lots of windows. A stand fan is good for ventilating wide spaces, but if you have limited room, you could consider tower fans as they fit in tight spaces. Desk and floor fans are portable enough to be placed anywhere, while ceiling or wall fans could help you save floor space. But if you have the budget, investing in an air conditioning unit will provide extra comfort and help get you through the scorching summer days. 

 

·       Refrigerator

If you want to save time and money by cutting down on food delivery fees or dining out, a refrigerator is a must-have. In choosing your first fridge, consider your kitchen space and your food consumption habits. If you’re living alone and prefer cooking, a 3.5 cu. ft personal refrigerator with a freezer would be enough to store frozen goods while giving you enough space for your weeklong meal prep. If you would only like to keep your beverages cold and store minimal leftovers, a mini fridge might do.

·       Electric Kettle

An electric kettle is worth buying if you often need hot water for coffee, tea, chocolate, or even instant meals such as oatmeal and cup noodles, as it is a simple yet energy-efficient way to heat water. Electric kettles are usually made of food-grade plastic, stainless steel, or borosilicate glass. Basic yet functional ones allow you to just ‘switch it and forget it’ while other modern models have features like a clear water level gauge that allows you to check how much water is left, a cord storage and winder, and even a temperature controller. 

·       Vacuum Cleaner

A sturdy broom and dustpan might work for everyday cleaning, but a vacuum cleaner is a must-have to ensure you get rid of dust, debris, and other allergens, especially if you have a carpeted place or if you’re bringing a pet with you. A smart robot vacuum cleaner is the perfect hands-free companion for busy bees, while upright vacuum cleaners are lightweight and space-saving. There are also handy portable vacuum cleaners that are light enough to carry so you can reach difficult corners without dealing with long cords.

·       A gas stove

Moving out doesn’t mean you only have to settle with instant dishes and canned food. Enjoying a fresh, homecooked meal is possible if you invest in a quality stove, such as a gas cooktop, which heats up fast, is durable, allows better temperature control and does not rely on electricity. 

When buying a gas stove, it is also important to consider investing in a trusted kitchen fuel to ensure that it weighs correctly as advertised, lasts as intended and is guaranteed safe to use. 

If you have limited kitchen space, Solane Sakto, a mini-LPG tank containing 1.4 kg of kitchen fuel, is perfect for you. Aside from being a space saver, it is priced for as low as PHP 150 per refill, making it a safer alternative to dangerous fuel sources such as LPG-refilled butane canisters. One tank of Solane Sakto can last up to a week of cooking for the typical family of five, or up to three to four days for heavy cooking. 

Solane Sakto is guaranteed to have gone through proper safety checks to ensure the safety of your household. Fake or illegal LPG tanks that are usually dilapidated and rusty are prone to gas leaks that might cause explosions or fires, endangering the life you’re starting to build in your new home. 

As an added safety measure, Solane also conducts the 7-point Safety Check, an exclusive service provided to all Solane LPG home delivery customers nationwide, to ensure that your LPG is safely installed and make sure that your burner produces a blue flame to maintain the quality of your gas appliance.

 

Starting over in your new place might be difficult and heavy on the budget, but investing in quality equipment will help you save money and energy in the long run so you can upgrade your humble home. You don’t have to sacrifice safety and quality for cost with a trusted LPG like Solane. To order Verified Solane LPG, customers may call the Hatid Bahay Hotline (+632 8887-5555), send a message to 0918-887-5555 (Smart) / 0917 8977555 (Globe). Customers may also place their order through the Solane Web Ordering platform (order.solane.com.ph), the Solane Facebook page (http://m.me/solane.ph), or place their orders through the Solane LPG app, available on the App Store or Google Play. 

 

Crosswinds offers a serene environment for rest and reflection this lenten season

Tagaytay offers a unique experience that is perfect for bonding with family and friends. With its beautiful landscapes, cool climate, and numerous attractions, Tagaytay truly is a home away from home.

 

For its relaxing weather, lush greens, pine trees, beautiful landscapes, and pineapple fields, Tagaytay is more than a place for vacation. Tagaytay is your home away from home, a place for bonding with family and friends.

 

Due to its closeness to nature which also rejuvenates the soul, Tagaytay has also been a place for retreats and recollections among young students, working professionals, and religious groups.

 

The yearlong cold breeze that revitalizes energy propels us to take not just one but another look at Crosswinds Resorts Suites and its ever-evolving massive commercial development that continues to awe local and foreign tourists.

Locals will surely troop to Tagaytay in the run-up to the five-day Lenten holiday—either to have that much-needed vacation, complete the traditional Visita Iglesia, attend the Holy Week retreat, or probably, observe the traditional customs.

 

Crosswinds, a Villar-owned property development, has prepared for the influx of families and groups who will book for the long Lenten holidays.    

 

When all you do is hole up in your room or trek around Crosswinds, as you immerse yourself in the scent of 35,000 trees and the lovely surroundings in this exclusive enclave, make sure to also satisfy your stomach – even during the Holy Week.

 

Apart from meatless food options that can be ordered from its sleek cafes and restaurants, Crosswinds also offers the young and the young-at-heart egg-citing surprises on Easter Sunday (April 9).

 

Andersen’s Bakery 

 

Wake up to the aroma of freshly-baked bread, and enjoy your favorite Walnut Cranberry or Double Chocolate Croissant with that coffee brew—just a stone’s throw away from your hotel room.

 

Named after famous literary fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen, Andersen’s Bakery has a story to tell for its bread.   You’ll love a comfy ambiance while you spend some time in this bread cafe—probably, reading a book, with fewer gadgets and all.

 

Many remain fascinated as they find quaint stores inside the Crosswinds’ exclusive enclaves.

 

Ruined Project

 

Surrounded by towering pine trees,  Ruined Project is another picturesque coffee brand under the Villar Group.  It’s the 50^th branch of Coffee Project—the only difference is that it has fresh plants amid a rustic interior, situated in the Swiss-inspired Crosswinds.

 

Apart from its regular menu, it offers shrimp and crabstick salad this Lenten season for those who observe a no-meat policy or for those who prefer healthier food options.

 

Ruined Project got its name because the construction was halted when Taal Volcano erupted in 2020, further prolonged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Built at a time of disaster and the pandemic,  the interiors were done to also provide us with a wonderful view of nature inside Crosswinds.    Feel free to roam around, take pictures and enjoy the good food and sip the expresso-based concoctions at Ruined Project—to soothe not just your senses but your weary soul.

Windmill Lausanne

 

Inspired by Swiss architecture,  this cafe rose in the midst of a busy pandemic that affected the entire world.  It bears similarity to the Windmill in Solvang, California, which is, in turn, inspired by Switzerland.  Thus, one is built at Crosswinds—but situated in the resort’s rolling terrain and lush greens.

 

Constructed amid a backdrop of blue skies and a beautiful sunset, Windmill Laussane provides another breathtaking experience to its customers.  

 

The windmill and its balcony evoke scenes from a Shakespeare novel—making it very good for taking snaps of memories.

 

For the observance of the Holy Week, Windmill Lausanne offers seared salmon with pesto. 

 

There is also absolutely mouthwatering food such as chicken cordon blu, French toast with bacon, mushroom soup, spaghetti meatballs, and drinks such as Blue Citrus Creamy Frappe and Brown Sugar Choco Frappe.   Take a bite also of Blueberry Danish and Raspberry Danish.

Napa 

Start your day with a hearty meal by ordering Napa’s Sausage Duo for the ultimate breakfast.  But for those who opt for healthier meals, Napa has Founder Provencale added to its menu.

 

Another must-visit cafe in Tagaytay, Napa’s cabin-themed interiors, is inspired by Napa Valley in California.   Its rustic interiors and relaxing ambiance add to the feeling of happiness once you dine at Napa—also situated within Crosswinds.

 

The mountain air in this part of the city makes the visit more worthwhile both for dine-in and alfresco dining.   Kids can also enjoy running around the open area with teepee huts and wooden tables.  

 

Go for a hearty breakfast at Napa, which also concocts hot and cold drinks according to your tastes.  Napa’s specials include Black Smoked Pasta, Chicken Alfredo, Margherita pizza, and beef onion pizza.

 

Cafe Yama

 

Experience a guilt-free food trip this Lenten season by ordering meatless choices from its menu of Cafe Yama, which is seated at an uphill portion of Crosswinds overlooking a vast land of green fields and trees.

 

For this Lenten season, indulge yourself in the authentic flavor of Chicken Fried Rice and Shrimp Teppanyaki, along with tempura, sashimi, sushi, stir-fried food, rice bowls, and noodles.   Quench your thirst with Matcha Cheese Latte, Shinzu Grape Juice, other fruit juices, and coffee brews from this place.

 

The traditional Japanese ornaments such as lanterns, parasols, and murals complement the menu of Cafe Yama, which name means “mountain.”   

For more information on Crosswinds and other Brittany properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph. You may also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

 

PAL’s all-female flight crew participated in the Global Women’s forum held at the Guam Airport

Philippine Airlines (PAL) flew an all-female flight crew for its March 22 PR110 Manila-Guam and March 24 PR111 Guam - Manila flights to participate in the celebration of International Women’s Month. In command of the flight to Guam was Capt. Emmie Inciong-Ragasa, assisted by First Officer Lilybeth Tan - Ng. 

 

The all-women cabin crew team - led by Flight Purser Edrose Mae Tang - had FA Gladys Lim, FA Frances Anne  Alindogan, FA Verona Rae Salangsang, FA Ana Beatriz Alvarez, and FA Pamela Jaine Sta. Ana in its roster. Capt. Hidelina Patrimonio and FO Lilybeth Tan Ng will be in command of the flight to Manila via PR111 tomorrow March 24. 

 

A water salute – organized by PAL Guam and the Guam Airport Authority - greeted flight PR110 upon its arrival at Guam International Airport. 

Buong Pusong Alaga and warm smiles ready for the flight

To inspire more women around the globe, PAL’s all-female flight crew participated in the Global Women’s forum held at the Guam Airport, where FO Tan – Ng,  who is also PAL'S AVP on Pilot Affairs, said in her speech, "Philippine Airlines is an equal opportunity company. PAL's culture of inclusivity has empowered the female members of the workforce to lend their voices, talent and creativity for the good of the Organization."

“What a great way to celebrate women empowerment. Our all-female flight is an inspiring and exhilarating experience,” she quipped when asked to describe the milestone flight journey. 

 

Flight Purser Edrose Tang leading our all-female flight attendants

As part of her inspirational message, she quipped, “We – as women – do not exist in a box. We evolve amid the challenges of the times. We are strong and resilient. We support fellow women and we co-exist with all of humanity. We embrace inclusively.”

What will happen if you fail to register your SIM before the April 26 deadline

Since the announcement of mandatory SIM registration last year, many have been confused about what is it for and why is it important for us Filipinos.

Surely, you have read some articles, heard radio commercials, and even seen TV ads encouraging you to go to your telco’s website or app and register your SIM. Still, you and your friends refuse to comply with the government mandate thinking how something as simple as an unregistered SIM can disrupt our lives. 

In this article, we will tell you why it is relevant and what will happen if you fail to register your SIM before the April 26 deadline.

Your SIM will get deactivated

Yes, the very SIM you use to text and call your loved ones when times are tough, the SIM that contains the number you use to send and receive money, pay bills or make other transactions through mobile apps will get deactivated. As mobile phones become more valuable and intertwined with everyday life, so do SIM cards. 

But what does it mean to have your SIM deactivated? This means you’ll entirely lose your prepaid load balance and receiving OTPs for e-wallet and bank transactions would be impossible. 

Receiving updates from the government on your benefits, loans, etc. is another problem. You might need to contact each agency and undergo a long process to update your contact details. Also, following up and hearing back from your employment application can be more than tricky. Just imagine applying to your dream job only to lose your slot because your future employer cannot reach you.

Having your SIM deactivated means you will become unreachable not only to your bank but to your contacts list as well. Colleagues, friends, and family who contact you using that SIM number won’t be able to do so once that SIM gets deactivated. 

So no incoming nor outgoing calls. You won’t be able to send or receive messages either.  

Your broadband and prepaid SIM-powered mobile internet will not work

If you have been using or recently bought prepaid internet, you might wonder why it’s not working even after powering it up several times, loading the SIM, and reading and rereading the manual, even doing a little troubleshooting to make sure you started it correctly. The answer is this: your new SIM is not yet activated. 

As existing SIMs need to be registered, so do the ones you’re going to buy. Likewise, existing SIMs used for internet have to be registered or you risk rendering it useless. 

You will have problem accessing your online accounts

Most of us use our contact numbers as login details on our social media accounts. In any case you logged out of your account or need to log in to a separate device, it will be troublesome for you to receive OTPs for two-way verification authentication.

Yes, you’re sure to come up with a workaround for these. However, it will require you to go through a long process to resolve this issue.

You can try contacting the applications’ help center and prove to them your identity through a series of authentication documents. You could also try personally going to the offices of these platforms. Or you can just register your SIM to avoid these hassles altogether.

Fighting security and data breach

Security and data breach are the top concerns of Filipinos about SIM registration, especially with the rising incidence of text and other mobile-related scams. 

 

Interestingly, these – security and data breach -- are the very same issues the SIM Registration Law wishes to address. It aims to minimize the risk of users falling victim to scams perpetrated through calls, texts, and online messages. It hopes to make device owners more accountable and responsible users of technology. The law likewise hopes to lessen the occurrence of crimes and make it easier to track down perpetrators of cybercrimes and fraud. 

#SIMguradoAko, Register now!

When you’re ready to register, simply go to your telco’s registration website, input your info, upload government ID and selfie, wait for the SMS confirmation and that’s it! You have now registered your SIM.  

  

Reaffirming its commitment to be every Filipino’s partner Para Sa Life, Home Credit Philippines is urging everyone to register their SIM cards to comply with the SIM Registration Act through the #SIMguradoAko campaign, to help protect Filipinos against text and other phone-related scams.

 

Through its Wais sa Home initiative, the country’s leading consumer finance company has been actively campaigning against cyber fraud such as phishing, pharming, and spoofing to protect its customers. 

In line with its goal of promoting financial literacy and education, Home Credit aims to raise awareness on the basics of saving and budgeting and wise financial management. Amid the widening adoption of e-commerce, it encourages Filipinos to be digitally wise in investing and using the right money apps and to protect themselves against online risks and scams.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

 

#ResetYourRegimen This Summer with the Cult Favorite Skin care Neutrogena

As we ring in the summer season, it’s time to reset our skincare regimens! This means adopting lightweight, yet potent and hydrating products to protect your skin from dryness, aging, and sun damage. As the #1 dermatologist-recommended skin care brand in the US, Neutrogena can help us achieve great skin this summer! Embrace healthy glass skin this season and confidently sport a glowing bare face at the beach with Neutrogena’s new and improved Hydro Boost range! 

Tested by dermatologists, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost product range is a cult favorite all over the world. The full range is formulated with hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin to combat the dryness brought by external aggressors like summer heat. “Just as it is essential to drink water throughout the day to help our bodies function properly, it is also important to keep our skin hydrated and moisturized to prevent the dryness caused by summer heat,” says Macy Agoncillo, Neutrogena’s brand manager.

This year, the classic beauty brand is introducing its new generation of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, a lightweight moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid. It’s the perfect product to complete your summer skincare routine. Suitable for daily use, this lightweight moisturizer boosts the skin’s hydration and helps retain moisture. Easily combat dry skin and achieve healthy glass skin with a formulation that is packed with 20% more hyaluronic acid (vs. previous formulation) that gives 5x more hydration. Tested on several users, visible results were seen immediately with 97% saying their skin felt instantly hydrated, 86% of users reporting smoother skin, 81% mentioning that their skin felt softer, and 73% felt their skin had become more supple. 

The new Hydro Boost Water Gel comes in two sizes – 15 ml and 50 ml that retails for Php 356 and Php 1,012 respectively. So, this summer, whether you’re enjoying a sunny day at the beach, out on adventures, or even lounging around at home, make sure to switch up your products and #ResetYourRegimen for a season of healthy, hydrated, and protected skin with Neutrogena’s new Hydro Boost Water Gel. Before you head out in the sun, apply Neutrogena Ultrasheer Dry Touch SPF50 after Hydro Boost Water Gel for UVA and UVB protection. It is a non-greasy sunscreen that offers broad protection from the sun.  So, what are you waiting for? Grab healthy glass skin in a jar and check out your nearest Watson’s store, or shop online in our official Shopee or Lazada stores!

Ed Sheeran has released his new single ‘Eyes Closed’ alongside the official video

 

Ed Sheeran has released his new single ‘Eyes Closed’ alongside the official video.

Ed originally wrote ‘Eyes Closed’ a few years back. Starting out as a break-up song, the lyrics took on a whole new meaning after Ed suffered heartbreaking loss, which led him to revisit and reimagine the original version of the track for ‘-ʼ. One of the most pop-leaning sonics on his highly anticipated new record, ‘Eyes Closed’ captures the essence of love and loss, which is also reflected in the official video. Directed by Mia Barnes, we see Ed on a night out being followed by a blue monster - serving as a metaphor for grief, Ed is unable to shake it, wherever he goes, reminding him of the void that’s left in his life.

Speaking of the new song and the video, Ed says – “This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together. You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it. 

ED SHEERAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

When I was thinking of concepts for the Eyes Closed music video, I wanted to make a video inspired by movies like Harvey, where the main character has an imaginary friend who’s a giant rabbit that no one can see. There’s also a book I read my daughters where sadness is encapsulated by an imaginary creature. Often sadness is something that follows you around, engulfing the rooms you’re in, and you can feel and see it, but no one else around you can. So I decided to create my own big blue monster for the video. He gets bigger and bigger as the video goes on, til he takes up whole rooms, and is all I can see, just like sadness.”

Ed’s soul-baring new album ‘-‘ will be released on 5 May through Asylum/Atlantic. Written against a backdrop of grief and hope, Ed wrote and recorded the fourteen-track record with Aaron Dessner (The National) in February last year after a series of hard-hitting events impacted his life.

Announced earlier this week, his all-new, four-part documentary ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ will air on Disney+ from 3 May 2023. Blending never-before-seen personal archive, interviews and performances, the intimate documentary explores how his personal experiences have shaped him to become the artist he is today.