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Thursday, June 5, 2025

SOUR POWER FOR ALL: McCormick’s Sour Seasoning Mix Packs a Punch of Flavor

 You might be juggling what feels like a million things while navigating the exhausting #adulting life but making mealtime exciting shouldn’t be another chore. After all, enjoying great food is one of the few simple pleasures we can truly look forward to.

Whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home chef, you may want to liven up your meals with bold, crave-worthy flavors. 

Sour has long been a flavor hero in both Filipino and global cuisine. Locally, we all know and love the iconic sourness of sinigang and adobo. We also savor the tangy kick in dishes like sisig and chicken inasal where a splash of calamansi brightens up the rich, savory taste. And now more than ever, the power of sour has finally stepped in and grabbed its place in the spotlight of Filipino food, inspiring more adventurous dishes and exciting new flavor experiments.

What if adding a vibrant, consistent sour twist to your dishes was easier than ever?

Recognizing the need for a convenient, consistent way to bring sour to the table, McCormick introduces its latest innovation: McCormick Sour Seasoning Mix, your new kitchen essential for achieving a consistent sour punch to whatever you’re whipping up. From your favorite ulam to refreshing drinks and cocktails, it’s got you covered.

What makes McCormick’s Sour Seasoning Mix special? It’s packed with SOUR POWERbold, mouth-puckering sourness that hits hard and tastes great! Choose your punch with three bold variants: Tangy Calamansi, Zesty Lime, ZingyTamarind.

The convenient and versatile sachets are your go-to for everything, without having to peel tamarind and squeeze limes or calamansi. Power up your classic soups, give your barbeques a bright, sour kick, or even mix them into mocktails and juices for a refreshing twist.  

Adding exciting bold sour flavors to your cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're putting together a comforting soup, marinating meat for the grill, or even concocting a refreshing drink, this seasoning mix delivers a bold and consistent sour flavor every time. It revolutionizes the way you prepare and enjoy your favorite dishes and beverages!  

Ready to satisfy those inventive sour cravings? Visit your nearest supermarket or shop online through McCormick’s official Lazada and Shopeestores. Grab your McCormick Sour Seasoning Mix today and experience how this versatile flavor essential can achieve sour power right in your own kitchen!

Back to School Just Got Better with #AcerCampus2025

The 2025 school year is just around the corner, and the highly anticipated #BacktoSchoolWithAcer promo is in full swing. #AcerCampus2025 emphasizes the power of choice. With Acer’s extensive range of laptops, students have limitless options to make the most of the upcoming school year. Enjoy discounts of up to Php 20,000, plus an eGift valued at up to Php 10,000 with any purchase of participating Acer laptops.



Choose your academic tribe:

All-rounders – The Acer Aspire series is the ideal companion for balancing schoolwork and passion projects. This series delivers exceptional value in terms of productivity and performance. Purchase any participating Aspire and receive up to a 2,000 discount along with a 4,000 eGift.

 

On-the-Go Multitaskers - If you’re a student involved in many extracurricular activities and always on the go, the Acer Swift series provides powerful performance in a lightweight and thin form factor. Get any participating Swift laptop with up to a 4,000 discount and a 6,000 eGift.

Passion Powerhouses - Acer Nitro and Predator Gaming laptops are designed for students with advanced needs, including gaming and content creation. Nitro laptops are ideal for value-oriented student gamers, while Predator laptops provide high-end performance and premium features. Get any participating Nitro or Predator Gaming laptop with discounts of up to 20,000 and a 10,000 eGift.

 

Customers are required to register their purchased product for warranty within one week of purchase by visiting https://warranty.acer.com.ph. To redeem the eGift, customers must select their preferred merchant from the list of participating partners provided via the link in the SMS and email notification.

Only purchases made from Acer Concept Stores, Acer Authorized Retailers, and/or the Acer Philippines Online Store qualify for this promotion.

The #AcerCampus2025 promo runs until July 13, 2025.

For more information about the promotion, follow Acer Philippines on its social media platforms: @AcerPH on Facebook, @acerph on Instagram, and @acerphils on Twitter, or go to www.acer.com. 

UNIQLO x Studio Ghibli Returns with Third Collaboration Drop

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the launch of “My Dear,” the latest UT collaboration collection with Studio Ghibli, on July 4th. A special event will also be held to commemorate the release of this collection, celebrating the imagination and wonderment of Studio Ghibli and UNIQLO.


UNIQLO and Studio Ghibli Special Collection Vol. 3

UNIQLO and Studio Ghibli will release a third UT collection as part of a collaboration that started in February 2022. All 14 designs in this latest collection, which are being released first in Europe, feature art that expresses emblematic Ghibli works, along with works by Thai artist Kanyada Phatan, whose work for previous collaborations has been highly acclaimed, and Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki. 






Collection Overview

Launch date: July 4, 2025 (Friday)

Content: STUDIO GHIBLI UT Collection
MENS T-shirts, 6 Styles / Sweatshirts, 5 styles |  Php 790 - Php 1,490. Sizes XS, XXL, and 3XL are exclusively available on uniqlo.com and the UNIQLO App.
KIDS T-shirts, 5 styles | Php 490, Sizes 110 - 169

Store availability: All UNIQLO stores and the uniqlo.com online store

Special website: https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/special-feature/ut-collection/ghibli 

About Kanyada Phatan

Artist from Thailand. Her work From Pak Thong Chai is serialized in the monthly booklet Neppu published by Studio Ghibli in Japan, where she contributes a photo and poem each month. She is the author of The Tale of Ghibli Museum, and co-author of Goro, Where did you Come from, Where are you Going? and Words of Wisdom I Heard from Ghibli’s Suzuki About Work (both published in Japan). In 2022, she published KANYADA, a collection of photographs of the beautiful scenery of Pak Thong Chai, Thailand.

About Toshio Suzuki​​​​​​

Born in Nagoya in 1948. Suzuki graduated from Keio University Faculty of Letters, and joined Tokuma Shoten Publishing. After working on the weekly magazine Asahi Geino he participated in the launch of the monthly animation magazine Animage. While serving as deputy editor and editor-in-chief, he was involved in the production of Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki works, including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind(1984), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), and My Neighbor Totoro (1988). Suzuki participated in the establishment of Studio Ghibli in 1985 and has been a key member of the studio since 1989. He has produced almost all theatrical works, including Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, The Boy and the Heron, released in 2023, which won Best Animated Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards®. He is currently Executive Director and Producer at Studio Ghibli.

See a New Day: How SMILE at Fatima University Helps You Rediscover Clear Vision


As we grow older, it’s natural for our eyes to undergo changes—some gradual, some more noticeable. You may start holding your phone farther away, squinting more often, or struggling with night driving. These are just some of the signs of our eyes aging with us. But while blurry vision may feel inevitable, it doesn’t have to be permanent. With modern advancements in eye care, there's now a gentler, faster, and flap-free solution: SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). And yes, it's now available at Fatima University Medical Center. If you’re ready to welcome the world with fresh, clearer vision—without the hassle of glasses or long recovery times—then SMILE might just be your new beginning. Because every day deserves to be seen clearly.

(L-R) News anchor and event host Kim Atienza, Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC) President Dr. Vicente Santos, Jr.; Pulmonologist and ZEISS SMILE pro Patient Dr. Nikki Payawal and FUMC Refractive Surgery Head Dr. Jerome Sarmiento

 



Fatima University Medical Center Antipolo (FUMC), a trusted leader in eye care in the Philippines, announced today the integration of the cutting-edge ZEISS SMILE pro technology into its Eye Laser Center offerings. This revolutionary laser vision correction procedure is minimally invasive and requires little recovery time. This advancement aims to help more patients achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

 





FUMC has been at the forefront of providing exceptional eye care for decades. Its medical expertise, combined with the latest advancements in vision correction, such as the ZEISS SMILE pro, has transformed the lives of many visually impaired Filipinos.

 

The ZEISS SMILE pro is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Utilizing the advanced Zeiss Visumax 800 femtosecond laser, SMILE reshapes the cornea through a small incision, maintaining the biomechanical stability of the cornea, thereby protecting its integrity. The tiny incision also helps minimize post-operative dry eye. The laser ablation is completed in just nine seconds, faster compared to the earlier SMILE technology. This enhances patient comfort and overall procedural efficiency, and allows for a quick recovery time.


 

"Our integration of Zeiss SMILE pro underscores our dedication to pioneering the future of laser vision correction in the Philippines, providing Filipinos with the latest technology available, complemented by our caring and professional medical experts and staff," stated Dr. Vicente Santos, president of Fatima University Medical Center. "FUMC has a long and successful track record of achieving outstanding results for our eye care patients, and this latest advancement further solidifies our commitment to healthcare excellence."

 

Fatima University Medical Center is every Filipino’s partner in achieving clearer and better vision. Beyond laser vision correction, FUMC offers a comprehensive range of eye care services, including routine check-ups and advanced treatments for various eye conditions. Take the first step toward clearer vision today. Schedule your consultation at FUMC Antipolo and discover how their expertise and care can transform the way you see the world.

 

See the world in high definition. Schedule your appointment today.

FUMC Antipolo - Eye Center

Landline: (02) 8727-8845 ext. 2020

Mobile: 0967-462-2020 / 0951-816-2020

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

How the PNP Officers’ Ladies Club is Changing Lives Across the Nation

Once known simply as a circle of police officers’ wives, the Philippine National Police Officers’ Ladies Club (PNPOLC) has evolved into a powerful, purpose-driven organization making a real difference in Filipino communities. On June 4, 2025, the group proved just how far it has come by launching the nationwide LAB Virus Program and Medical Mission in partnership with Cardinal Santos Medical Center. 


With "Love and Blessing" at its core, the initiative brought essential healthcare services—from consultations and vaccinations to free medicines and wellness education—to police camps and underserved areas across the country, showing that when compassion leads, communities thrive.

“In the past, it's the Officers' Ladies Club. This is composed of the wives of the officers of the PNP. But, of course, due to the changing times, nakita natin na ang mas kailangan pala ang mga pulis. So, that's why we decided to transform it and register it as a foundation with the sole purpose of helping our PNP personnel and in order to make this sustainable, we made sure to create partnerships like this with Cardinal Santos Medical Center,” said Mrs. Mary Rose Marbil, National Adviser of the PNP-OLC Foundation. 


Mrs. Marbil said she and her husband, former PNP Chief Rommel Marbil have decided to make this initiative nationwide and simultaneous in all the regional police offices in the country. 

“Ang pangarap niya ay pangarap ko rin. Matatag na ekonomiya, maayos na lipunan at maayos na Kapulisan”, she added. 

In an unprecedented show of unity and service, the PNP-OLC mobilized members in all regions to simultaneously conduct medical missions in police camps, barangays, and remote areas. In collaboration with Cardinal Santos Medical Center, the initiative will provide:


Free health consultations

Basic laboratory services and Free circumcision

Blood pressure and blood sugar checks

Flu and pneumonia vaccinations

Medicine distribution and wellness education

The event is part of PNP-OLC’s broader effort to redefine the role of women in the uniformed service community—not just as supporters, but as leaders, organizers, and changemakers in their own right.

Mrs. Marbil further assured the continuity of the initiative as they transition to a new leadership in the PNP. 

“I made a playbook para may guide na kung ano ‘yung gagawin, we will support the new adviser. I'm sure may mas marami pa siyang ideas na maiisip for the police force”

By teaming up with one of the country’s leading medical institutions, the club ensures quality care reaches even the hardest-to-reach populations, proving that true service transcends uniforms—and that compassion knows no rank.

Singlife Philippines Introduces Funeral Protection Plan That Honors Life with Love

 In Filipino culture, being present is everything. Whether it’s for birthdays, emergencies, or moments of grief—showing up is how we show love. But what if you couldn’t be there when it matters most?

With Protect from Funeral Costs, the latest offering in the Singlife Plan & Protect App, Singlife Philippines makes it possible to do one last act of love—to show up for those that matter most, even when you no longer can.

This whole life insurance product offers a lump sum benefit of up to ₱500,000, which can help families cover funeral arrangements or other end-of-life expenses, giving peace of mind to both policyholders and their loved ones. Fully accessible through Singlife’s all-digital mobile platform, this solution empowers every Filipino to prepare responsibly, protect those they love, and continue showing up—even in their absence.

“Losing someone you love is already one of life’s most difficult moments, and having to rely on ‘abuloy’ or having to pass the hat just to pay for funeral costs makes it even harder,” said Lester Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of Singlife Philippines. “Protect from Funeral Costs allows you to prepare in advance and leave behind a final act of love, one that ensures your family can grieve without financial worry. It’s part of our mission at Singlife: to empower every Filipino toward financial independence—in life, and beyond it.”

Growing Suite of Protection in the Singlife Plan & Protect App

Protect from Funeral Costs joins Singlife’s best-in-class suite of affordable, mobile-first insurance and investment solutions. These include life insurance, medical cost protection, and investment-linked plans—all designed to put financial control directly in the hands of customers. Like booking a flight or managing a savings account, buying funeral protection can now be done anytime, anywhere.

With funeral expenses in the Philippines typically exceeding ₱200,000, Singlife’s latest product provides straightforward, flexible coverage in the face of a very real financial risk.

The Protection You Leave Behind

Protect from Funeral Costs provides a lump sum cash benefit that gives your family the flexibility to honor your final wishes in their own way. Whether it’s for a modest ceremony or a more elaborate farewell, your loved ones can decide how to use the money without being locked into a fixed package from a funeral service provider. The product was designed with key features to give customers a convenient and easy way to plan for their funeral expenses.

·       Customizable and affordable protection: You can choose coverage from ₱100,000 to ₱500,000. Premiums are pocket-friendly, starting at just ₱447 per month, with payment terms of just 5 or 10 years—and your coverage lasts until age 120.

·       Built-in Financial Needs Analysis: Not sure how much coverage you need? This feature helps you estimate how much your family may need based on your preferred funeral type, casket, memorial lot, number of viewing days, and expected guests. Since most people don’t realize how much a funeral can cost, this unique tool empowers you to plan ahead and ensure your family won’t be caught off guard. 

·       Yearly coverage boost*: Keep your policy active and enjoy additional coverage* each year at no extra cost, helping you stay ahead of inflation and rising funeral expenses.

·       Spouse and child coverage: Extend protection to your spouse or life partner under one plan. Starting from the second policy year, you also have the option to enroll your child for coverage at no extra cost—no need to buy a separate policy for them.

·       Waiver of premiums due to disability: If you become permanently disabled during your premium payment period, you won’t have to worry about future payments—your premium payments will be waived but your coverage will remain active and in force.

·       Cash value and loan access: Over time, your policy builds cash value, which you can borrow from starting in the fourth year—giving you extra financial flexibility when needed.

·       Immediate cash assistance: Your beneficiaries will receive 10% of the cash benefit in advance upon submission of the policyholder’s death certificate and beneficiary’s identity verification. This helps cover urgent funeral expenses while the remaining amount is released upon claim approval.

*Coverage boosts come from non-guaranteed dividends, and their performance depends on market conditions.

A Final Act of Protection. A Lifetime of Love.

In a country where insurance penetration remains below 2%, Singlife Philippines is challenging the status quo by offering simple, relevant solutions that meet Filipinos where they are—on their phones, and in real life.

With Protect from Funeral Costs, the company transforms what used to be a taboo topic into a powerful expression of love and foresight. Because even if you can’t be there, your protection still can be.

Protect from Funeral Costs is now available exclusively in the Singlife Plan & Protect App, downloadable on the App Store and Google Play. Check how much coverage you need using the financial analysis tool and get an instant ₱300 in Singlife Credits—free—to help jumpstart your journey to financial independence.                                                                                                          

Because love doesn’t stop—even when life does.

Click here to learn more about Protect from Funeral Costs.

PSAHelpline.ph Marks 25 Years of Making Civil Documents More Accessible Nationwide

 This year, PSAHelpline.ph celebrates 25 years of pioneering innovation and service excellence in helping Filipinos conveniently access their PSA certificates—proof of its commitment to continuously improving how civil registry documents are delivered across the country.

Launched in 2000 as NSO Helpline Plus, the service is the first and longest-running PSA certificate ordering and delivery platform in the country. What began as a groundbreaking call-in hotline (737-1111) quickly became a trusted solution for millions of Filipinos seeking a more accessible and secure way to request birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR). By 2011, the service expanded its reach and convenience through the launch of its official website, allowing users to place orders online using desktops, laptops, tablets, or mobile phones—without the need to leave home.

In 2013, following the creation of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) from the former National Statistics Office (NSO), the service was officially renamed PSAHelpline.ph. The rebranding reflected the platform’s strengthened role as a reliable digital partner of the PSA and marked a new phase in its commitment to making vital documents more accessible to Filipinos across the country. Today, PSAHelpline.ph continues to lead the way in digital service innovation, now also offering the Certificate of No Death (CENODEATH) and PSA certificates with QR codes for improved authenticity and verification.

Since then, PSAHelpline.ph has grown into a fully digital, nationwide platform trusted by millions. From its beginnings as a call-in service, it has continuously improved its features and operations. Today, users can conveniently order their PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, CENOMAR, or CENODEATH online without the need for a PSA online appointment. The process is simple: visit www.PSAHelpline.ph, fill out the online form, choose your preferred payment method (over-the-counter, mobile wallet, credit/debit card, or online banking), and wait for your PSA delivery to arrive.

Delivery takes approximately 2 to 3 business days within Metro Manila and 3 to 8 business days for provincial addresses. Users can track their orders in real-time through the website.

Security and personal data protection are at the heart of PSAHelpline.ph’s operations. To safeguard sensitive information, the platform has implemented strict identity verification and delivery protocols. Applicants are encouraged to personally receive their documents. Alternatively, they may opt to claim their PSA certificate from select National Book Store and Robinsons Department Store branches—offering flexibility for those with unpredictable schedules.

PSAHelpline.ph also recently began issuing PSA certificates with QR codes, adding another layer of document security and making verification easier for institutions and individuals alike.

What began as a bold idea 25 years ago has grown into the most reliable PSA certificate online ordering and delivery service in the country. With responsive customer service via hotline (Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM) and email support available 24/7, PSAHelpline.ph has not only made access to vital records more convenient, but also more dependable than ever before.

PSAHelpline.ph is proud to have been a trusted partner of the Philippine Statistics Authority for a quarter of a century—offering a fast, secure, and innovative way to get your PSA certificates online.

To request your PSA certificate today, visit www.PSAHelpline.ph.

Cebuana Lhuillier Mindcare: Bridging Mental Health Support and Financial Security

 As a leader in Philippine microinsurance, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc. (CLIB) has long prioritized accessible financial protection. 

With the launch of Cebuana Lhuillier Mindcare, CLIB extends this mission to address the country's growing mental health needs. According to the Department of Health (DOH), 3.6 million Filipinos are affected by mental health issues, yet many face significant barriers, including stigma, high costs, and limited access to services.

 CebuanaLhuillier Mindcare integrates emotional well-being with comprehensive insurance coverage, equipping Filipinos to manage their mental wellness before challenges escalate.  

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, emphasized "Cebuana Lhuillier Mindcare isn't just a product; it's a movement to make mental wellness an integral part of everyday life. By combining unlimited teleconsultations with comprehensive insurance coverage, we provide essential support for emotional health while offering financial protection when it's needed most. This holistic approach ensures that individuals are cared for throughout their wellness journey." 

 

Accessible Mental Health Support for Every Filipino 

 

Cebuana Lhuillier Mindcare is for everyone, whether you're a professional managing work stress, a parent supporting your child's emotional health, or someone simply striving for balance.This service empowers individuals to take control of their mental health through an affordable and inclusive solution, regardless of their background or circumstances.

 

For only ₱1,999 annually, policyholders receive:

• Unlimited online and teleconsultation for stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns with 24/7 chat support and helpline.
• Accidental Medical Emergency care and Hospitalization coverage of up to ₱20,000
• Accidental and natural death benefits of up to ₱100,000

Available to individuals aged six months to 65 years, CebuanaLhuillier Mindcare is accessible nationwide via over 3,500 Cebuana Lhuillier branches and Lazada—ensuring no Filipino is left behind.

 

A Holistic Approach to Wellness and Financial Protection 

 

"We believe mental health is just as vital as physical health," Lhuillier continued. "Cebuana Lhuillier Mindcare goes beyond crisis management— it's about fostering a culture of proactive, preventative care that supports Filipinos every day. Our goal is to help every Filipino build a healthier, more resilient life where mental wellness is a key part of overall well-being." 

 

By eliminating barriers to care, Cebuana Lhuillier Mindcareempowers Filipinos to prioritize their mental health with confidence. It serves as a vital support system in creating a more resilient, mentally healthy society where mental wellness is treated as an essential pillar of total well-being.

 

Tarausap tayo with Cebuana Lhuillier Mindcare.

Real Help, Real Impact: How M Lhuillier Is Saving Lives Through Blood Donation Drives

As a mom, there’s nothing more important to me than the health and safety of my family.  Whether it’s stocking up on vitamins or knowing th...