Manila Central University Marks 120th Anniversary with 6 New Programs

 Manila Central University (MCU) takes a leap forward in its pursuit to empower future leaders as it launches 6 new program offerings. The programs, launched during the university’s LIFE Talk last December 4, are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to pave the path for their future careers.

From left to right Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco, Jr. - MCU President Ms. Myrna Reyes - CEO and President of Don@te Philippines Ms. Marissa "Small" Eduardo-Laude Dr. Gaio Tanchoco Gonzalez - Trustee, FDT Trust Board Ms. Chynna Roxanne R. Gonzalez - MCU Executive Vice President Atty. Juan Crisostomo M. Echiverri - MCU Executive Vice Chairman

The unveiling of the new programs coincides with the university’s 120th founding anniversary. The courses, set to be offered in the next academic year, offer students advanced learning opportunities in fields that are rapidly evolving and essential to the modern economy.

New Programs for a New Generation

Existing for over a century, MCU has long been a pillar of academic excellence. With the introduction of these new courses, the institution reinforces its role as a forward-thinking leader in higher education. “These new programs are a direct response to the evolving needs of industries today,” said MCU President Dr. Renato Tanchoco, Jr. “By offering these courses, we aim to uphold our legacy of excellence in education.”

The six new courses offered by MCU include Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, underscoring MCU’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological and entrepreneurial innovation. Also included in the list of new course offerings are Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, and Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology.

“We believe in designing a learning environment that prepares students for real-world challenges. These programs will provide an excellent foundation for those looking to make a tangible impact in their respective industries while uplifting their communities,” Dr. Tanchoco reiterated.

MCU officials pose with Ms. Marissa Small Eduardo-Laude during the L.I.F.E. Talk event

Empowering LIFE Talk Session

The new programs were launched during the LIFE Talk Conference, an event hosted by MCU that brings together professionals and experts to discuss timely topics relevant to their fields. The latest LIFE Talk session featured renowned media personality and entrepreneur, Small Laude. She delivered an informative address, sharing her personal experiences as a digital media figure. 

“Innovation is crucial to success in today’s world,” said Laude. “Arming students with relevant, hands-on skills will empower them to become leaders who can make an impact in their industries.”

Ms. Marissa Small Eduardo-Laude kicking off the L.I.F.E. Talk event with an inspiring opening speech.

Together with the six new degree offerings, LIFE Talks is part of MCU’s broader strategy to ensure students are armed with the academic knowledge, the practical skills, and industry experience necessary to excel in competitive and dynamic sectors.  “Now more than ever, it is crucial for students to choose educational paths that are aligned with the future,” said Dr. Tanchoco. “We are confident that these new programs along with LIFE Talk sessions will empower our students to shape the future with knowledge, creativity, and leadership.” 

As MCU enters another year, the university continues its pursuit of excellence and innovation resolutely. By offering specialized programs in high-demand fields, MCU charts a bold path forward for the next generation of professionals, ensuring that its graduates will thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With the new programs launching in the upcoming academic year, prospective MCU students are encouraged to explore the opportunities that await them. 

To know more about Manila Central University and the new program offerings, visit MCU’s official website. Follow MCU’s social media page (Facebook) for the latest news and updates.

MAC COSMETICS invites all BLOOMS and beauty lovers alike to an exclusive livestream event

MAC COSMETICS invites all BLOOMS and beauty lovers alike to an exclusive livestream event featuring the nation’s girl group, BINI, on December 7, 2024 (Saturday) at 12:00 PM via Shopee Live. 

From crowd-favorite lipsticks to holy grail foundations, the two-hour livestream will feature MAC must-haves offered at up to 40% off plus free gifts. 

BLOOMS will also have the chance to hear beauty tips and product recommendations straight from BINI themselves and watch them take part in fun games and challenges. Lucky viewers will also have the chance to have their questions answered in a live Q&A session with the girls. 

Get ready for livestream-exclusive discounts, vouchers, and exciting prizes! Mark your calendars and tune in to BINI’s MAC Favorites, exclusively on Shopee Live. 

Winter Getaways Made Easy: Klook’s Top 4 Visa-Free Destinations for the Holidays

 The festive holidays are approaching and during these times, Filipinos inevitably experience the Christmas rush; braving the red-lit roads of traffic on the way to gatherings, battling Christmas crowds in search of that one perfect gift, and of course, planning out-of-town holidays to maximize the Christmas break.

“Travel has become quite a love language in recent years as it's seen to bond Filipino families together through unique experiences found across the globe,” Michelle Ho, General Manager of Klook Philippines expressed. “Filipinos are naturally attracted to destinations with colder weather based on the spike in bookings to these countries during the colder months and Christmas break. Whether it’s a family tradition to celebrate the joyous season in Hong Kong, or a sudden decision to plan a Christmas adventure in Sapa, there are many destinations to celebrate the holidays without needing a visa,” she shared. 

 

Ensuring a happy holiday treat to globetrotters and travel beginners alike, Klook lists down some of the best visa-free destinations this winter!

 

 

Hong Kong

Among the most-loved and visited destinations by Filipinos, visa-free Hong Kong has that special je ne sais quoi that keeps them coming back. Like the Philippines, the city doesn’t need snow to begin the magic of the yuletide - the city embellishes its streets with vibrant lights and Christmas decorations to set the season into motion. Whether you’re there to embark on a shopping adventure at Causeway Bay, celebrate Hong Kong Disneyland’s first-ever Christmas in Arendelle at the World of Frozen with the kids, or eat your heart out with the city’s mouthwatering delicacies, Hong Kong’s got a jam-packed Christmas in store for you!

 

Taiwan

While the country is known for its tech, rich history, and tempting dishes, take the plunge and discover a different side of the Heart of Asia! Experience a white Christmas when you take an out-of-city trip to the culturally dynamic destinations Yamingshan National Park, Yushan (Jade Mountain), Hehuanshan, and more! Once you’re all frosted up, head back to New Taipei City and discover Christmasland for its dazzling decors, exciting activities, and breathtaking art installations. Visa-free until July 2025, experience a different kind of Christmas in the oh-so-amazing Taiwan. 

 

 

 

Hanoi and Sapa in Vietnam

Another visa-free destination that celebrates the season of giving, Hanoi and Sapa in Vietnam are beautiful places where winter comes to life. The chilly weather alongside Hanoi’s enchanting lights brightens up the capital with an atmosphere of Christmas. As you visit its cathedrals, you also get to witness heartwarming performances and awe-inspiring sights. Sapa during this time of year cloaks itself in a soft white layer of snow, decorating the cultural villages and panoramic mountainscapes with a touch of magic. A combination of culture and Christmas, Vietnam’s got you equipped with chilling experiences and gorgeous views for a cool winter.

 

Jeju

Surprising to many, there is a destination within South Korea that doesn’t require a visa for Filipinos - Jeju Island! This coastal town is adorned in lush nature and scenery that retains its beauty year-round. Besides the alluring outdoors, Jeju also has UNESCO Heritage Sites, vibrant themed museums, and relaxing wellness experiences that charm its visitors with everything they could ask for. 

 

There are loads of fascinating visa-free destinations and activities just waiting for you to enliven your next winter escape! Klook’syour all-in-one travel best friend for your accommodation, experience, and transportation needs so don’t forget to check it out for amazing deals and discounts!

 

For more information, follow Klook on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. For unforgettable travel experiences, download the Klook app through the Google Play Store or the Apple Store. 

 

AS Watson Celebrates Global Milestone: 16,800th Store Opens in Rotterdam, Reinforcing Leadership in Health & Beauty Retail

ASWatson, the parent company of Watsons
Philippines,announced the grand opening of its 16,800th store worldwide, further consolidating its position as the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, with a portfolio of 12 brands operating across 29 markets. This store was opened in Rotterdam, marking a remarkable milestone in AS Watson’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, expressed her excitement at the store opening ceremony, “The opening of our 16,800th store represents more than our growth as a company - it symbolises our commitment to serving the communities worldwide. With every store we open, we create jobs, foster customer relationships, and build lasting trust.” 

 

“16,800 is a number with special meaning in Chinese culture. The number 6 symbolises ‘everything goes smoothly’ while 8represents ‘good fortune’. We embrace the special meaning of this milestone and look forward to a future of lasting success and prosperity, not only for our business growth but also in extending these best wishes for a brighter future for the world during this festive Christmas season,” Malina added.

 

Commitment to Continuous Growth 

Ed van de Weerd, CEO of AS Watson Benelux, remarked, "We’re honoured that AS Watson’s 16,800th store worldwide opens in vibrant Rotterdam, demonstrating AS Watson’s steadfast commitment to growth in the Benelux region and globally. As the No. 1 health and beauty retailer in the Netherlands, Kruidvat serves its customers with nearly 1,000 O+O stores and over 24,000 passionate colleagues and has become an integral part of many Dutch people’s lives.”

 

The brand-new store will serve over 11,000 customers every week. As one of the largest Kruidvat stores, it spans over 770 square meters and is designed to enhance O+O shopping experience with clear in-store navigation. The store offers an extensive assortment of over 36,000 products, making it the largest selection among all Kruidvat stores. 

 

Watsons Philippines operates in over 1,100 stores nationwide, reflecting its commitment to bringing health, wellness, and beauty closer to every Filipino. Enhancing this experience is the Watsons app, which provides customers access to exclusive deals, personalized recommendations, and convenient services such as Click & Collect and home delivery.

 

Looking ahead, AS Watson remains committed to innovation and excellence in customer experience, and will continue its growth journey with the purpose of putting a smile on the customers’ faces today and tomorrow.  

 

Transform Your Home This Holiday Season with Home Credit: Appliances for as Low as PHP12/Day!

The holiday season brings a wave of gatherings and festivities, and having reliable, high-quality appliances can make each moment more enjoyable and stress-free. With the right appliances, you can enhance comfort, simplify daily tasks, and focus on what truly matters—celebrating with loved ones. This makes upgrading your home appliances essential, especially at this time of year

While upgrading is a practical choice for a smooth holiday season, it is also a well-deserved reward for the hard work you’ve put in throughout the year. Treating yourself and your loved ones to added comfort is a thoughtful way to mark the season, bringing lasting improvements to your living space into the new year and making routines simpler and more manageable.

 

Level up your home with Home Credit

However, enhancing your home appliances can sometimes be challenging, especially when unexpected expenses make it difficult to save for these upgrades. This can mean sacrificingquality or delaying upgrading altogether. Fortunately, Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, makes it possible to bring home the appliances you and your family deserve this season.

 

With its Todo Pasko offers, Home Credit provides access to high-quality, reliable appliances even with a limited budget this holiday season. You can enjoy a range of deals at 0% interest until January 31, 2025, with flexible installment plans from six to 18 months. This allows you to enjoy fantastic holiday appliances for as low as PhP12 per day, with no down payment required for some eligible customers.

 

If you're looking to upgrade your living space this season with top-quality appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, check out these remarkable options available through Home Credit for as low as PhP12 per day.

 

Keep holiday groceries and meals organized and fresh with Samsung

One excellent refrigerator option to consider upgrading to this holiday season through Home Credit is the Samsung 7.4 cu ft Two Door Digital Inverter No Frost Refrigerator, model RT20FARVDSATC. Featuring a sleek metal graphite finish, this refrigerator complements any kitchen style while delivering powerful performance. 

 

Equipped with Samsung’s Digital Inverter Compressor, it provides efficient, noise-free cooling that keeps your food fresh without increasing energy consumption. It also comes with tempered glass shelves for easy organization of groceries and a Moist Fresh Zone, perfect for storing fruits and vegetables and maintaining their freshness even over extended periods. Plus, it has a Deodorizing Filter with activated carbon that helps eliminate unwanted odors inside the refrigerator.

 

Available for as low as PhP736 per month for up to 18 months, this Samsung refrigerator is the perfect upgrade for keeping holiday meals and groceries organized while adding a modern touch to your home.

 

Store frozen goods and refreshing treats this season with Panasonic

For a freezer that keeps frozen goods and holiday treats perfectly chilled, the Panasonic 10.0 cu ft Inverter Upright Freezer, model NR-AQ301FB, is an ideal choice. This freezer is a great upgrade for any home and a reliable option for small businesses, offering excellent performance without consuming too much energy. Built with Turbo Cooling, it quickly freezes items inside, while the Direct Cool Inverter technology ensures efficient energy use.

 

Designed with enough storage space, this model uses an eco-friendly R600a refrigerant, making it a greener cooling appliance. Available for as low as PhP974 per month for up to 18 months through Home Credit, the Panasonic Inverter Upright Freezer is a smart, energy-efficient choice for your frozen storage needs this season.

 

Keep clothes clean and fresh for holiday gatherings with Sharp

If you’re looking for a reliable washing machine to handle laundry tasks this holiday season and beyond, consider the Sharp 7.0kg Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine, model ES-JN07A9(GY). This washing machine makes laundry day easier with its convenient features and advanced settings. For instance, it has a preset timer that lets you schedule wash cycles to start automatically and a memory function that recalls your preferred settings in case of a power outage.

 

Additionally, it includes a tub-cleaning function to clean any leftover stains from the inner and outer tubs, a stainless-steel tub, a tempered glass lid with a lid damper for safe operation,an air-dry feature to reduce moisture in clothes after washing, and more. It also has a large LED display, making it easy to monitor settings and cycle progress. Available for as low as PhP491 per month for up to 18 months through Home Credit, this Sharp washing machine is an excellent upgrade to any household, providing efficiency and convenience all year round.

 

Simplify laundry this holiday season with Panasonic

For households with larger laundry needs, the Panasonic 8.0kg Twin Tub Washing Machine, model NA-W8023B, offers an efficient solution. Available through Home Credit, this twin tub washing machine features an 8kg wash capacity and a 6kg spin capacity, enabling you to wash and dry clothes at once to save time and energy.

 

Equipped with a Dolphin Wave Pulsator, it provides a thorough yet gentle wash to keep clothes clean and intact. Designed for durability, this washing machine is built with a rat-proof plastic body, ensuring it withstands wear and tear over time. It also includes a drag-type lint filter to prevent lint from attaching to clothes during the wash cycle. Available for as low as PhP352 per month for up to 18 months through Home Credit, this Panasonic washing machine is a practical, time-saving upgrade to your home this holiday season.

 

Ensure comfortable holiday gatherings with TLC

To make holiday gatherings more comfortable and enjoyable, you can add the TCL 1.0HP Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner, model TAC-09CSA/KEI to one of your options. This unit maintains a stable, refreshing temperature without excessive energy use, thanks to its high-quality Full SD DC components. By utilizing magnetic force to adjust the compressor’s rotation speed, it can minimize power consumption by up to 60%, making it an energy-efficient choice for year-round use, including the upcoming summerseason next year.

 

In addition to its cooling efficiency, this model includes a self-cleaning function to prevent odors over time, along with multiple filters to ensure that only clean, fresh air circulates in the room. Available for as low as PhP912 per month for up to 24 months through Home Credit, the TCL Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner is a smart investment for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday season.

 

Welcome guests to a comfortable home with Kolin

If you are looking for more cooling system options this holiday season, you can also consider the Kolin 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner, model KAG-100WCINV, available through Home Credit. This air conditioner features a full DC Inverter system, including a DC fan, DC compressor, and DC module, making it both energy-efficient and powerful enough to cool rooms of all sizes.

 

Equipped with an eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, it is designed for minimal environmental impact. The Multi-Stage Air Filtration System ensures cleaner air, while a self-diagnosing feature helps identify issues, and a filter clean indicator alerts you when it is time for maintenance. Available for as low as PhP1,023 per month over 18 months via Home Credit, this Kolin air conditioner is an excellent upgrade to keep your home cool for holiday gatherings and ready for the warmer days of next summer.

 

Don’t wait any longer! Upgrade your home appliances through Home Credit and take advantage of its Todo Pasko deals to enhance your living space, get ready for holiday gatherings, and even prepare for the new year. These exciting offers are available at over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores across 75 provinces nationwide.

 

Qualified customers can apply for product installments with just one valid ID and receive approval in as fast as one minute. For added convenience, download the Home Credit App on Google Play or the App Store to get pre-approved and enjoy a smooth shopping experience. If you need assistance with your application, a Home Credit sales representative is ready to help at any partner store.

 

Be sure to visit Shoppingmall.ph to find where you can purchase the home appliance you’ve been wanting to upgrade and explore more Todo Pasko deals across a wide range of products to treat yourself and your loved ones.

 

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. 

 

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).