Lysol Philippines to disinfect Discovery hotels to promote safe spaces amid pandemic

Over the past few months, Lysol has been actively involved in strengthening the country’s COVID-19 testing capacity and expanding its coverage to needy sectors of society. As part of its relentless pursuit of a world where everyone is free from illness-causing germs, Lysol will now be extending its partnership to Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), the management company behind award-winning homegrown brands Discovery Shores Boracay, Discovery Primea Makati, Club Paradise Palawan, and Discovery Suites Ortigas.

With the Lysol brand supporting the launch of Safe Space, a trailblazing initiative re-imagining meeting, event and celebration spaces, this endeavor will be making more people safe at a time of the global pandemic. From the launch of Home Safe program ensuring best practices in safety, service and care among Discovery’s hotel and resorts, to proper disinfection with Lysol products, Safe Space assures the highest standards of hospitality and commitment to guests’ safety.

The partnership is a vital component of the Safe Space program of DHC, which promotes its properties as viable and safe venues for face-to-face business and social meet-ups, events and celebrations amid the new normal. Meeting spaces are sanitized before and after each use following DHC’s safety and sanitation protocols with Lysol products.

“We are excited with this partnership with Discovery hotels. After advocating disinfection practices in healthcare facilities, vulnerable communities and households, we are now venturing into hospitality institutions like hotels and resorts, not just to help them welcome back their clients with sanitized and safe spaces, but more importantly, to teach the importance of hygiene and instill a habit of continuous disinfection among a wider audience,” said Gonzalo Balcazar, RB General Manager for South East Asia, Hygiene.

As part of the partnership, Lysol Philippines will also promote sanitation and disinfection measures and product usage among restaurants, small offices, hotels, and hostels that Discovery Hospitality will identify, invite and enroll to the program.

To know more about Lysol’s partnership with Discovery hotels, visit www.safespace.com.ph or contact safespace@discoveryhospitality.com.

Inspiring Pinoys to #StayStrong with Century Tuna Superbods 2020

The road to Century Tuna Superbods 2020 was all set: launched earlier this year by showbiz royalties Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards with the message “Every day is a chance to be a better you", the annual fitness competition had all 34 finalists lined up. But when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, the competition pivoted to become a platform with an inspiring message for all.

Times are tough but Century Tuna, the country’s leading canned tuna, proved that Pinoys are tougher as it relaunched Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 with a more inclusive and relevant theme: Stay strong, Pilipinas!

Streamed on the Century Superbods Facebook page, the launch featured celebrity Superbods Nadine and Alden, together with the 34 Century Tuna Superbods finalists enjoining everyone to witness the strength of the Superbods spirit to continue pursuing their passion and dreams of a healthier future that begin with proper diet and exercise.   

“Now more than ever, we need to encourage everyone to stay physically and mentally strong, and we feel that that can be achieved by eating right, moving our bodies every day and practicing proper hygiene to protect ourselves from the ongoing virus,” said Century Pacific Food Inc EVP and COO Greg Banzon.

To further reinforce the importance of staying strong, Century Tuna released a rousing video Century Tuna Superbods 2020  that signalled the resumption of the highly-anticipated Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 competition, following the same objectives: The candidate must be a “Difference Maker,” someone who can make a stand and empower Filipinos to be the best they can be.

Of course, this year’s unstoppable finalists were ready to show off their hot and fit bods to make a difference and inspire everyone to Stay Strong.  In the female category, the 18 fit and sexy finalists are Katrina Arceta (@pasteledpawbykat), Grace del Rosario (@gracedelrosario_makeup), Sherlyn Doloriel (@sherlyndoloriel), Zai Ebido (@zaiebido), Shirley Garcia (@shirleygarcia3797), Lynn Gonzales (@lynnrgonzales), Astrid Hernandez (@astridhernandezph), Renzel Jose (@renzel.mae), Liz Kuczera (@lizkuczera), Karla Lasquite, Samantha Lo (@samantha_ashley_lo), Ines Lorenzo (@tack.n.tanlines), Kai Ochosa (@kaiochsa), Kathleen Paton (@kathleen_paton), Christine Picardal (@tinedoesfitness), Samantha Purvor (@istmesamanthap), Candice Ramos (@candiceramos), and Key Trajano (@keytrajano).

The 16 hot and healthy male finalists are Sam Ajdani (@samajdani), Nelson Banzuela (@nelsonbanzuela25), Kirk Bondad (@Kirk_bondad), Enzo Bonoan (@enzobonoan24), Hans Braga (@hansbraga_), Nicholas Chua (@fat.kid.inside), Robert Hamilton (@roberthamilton_official), Albert Lorenzo (@alberttiongson), Philippe Magalona (@philippemagalona), Erie Matic (@eriematic), Malcolm Mostoles (@malc_mostoles), Gianpaolo Paparo (@gianpaolo.paparo), Julian Roxas (@julsfitph), Gian Ruiz (@makeupmusclesnme), Jason Senga (@oh_jizz_on), and Jojo Urquico (@jojourquico).

Each candidate’s journey to becoming the Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 grand winners will consist of various digital challenges that will be posted on the Century Tuna Superbods Facebook page and can be searched using #StayStrongPilipinas, #CenturyTunaSuperbods, #EverybodCanBeASuperbod. These challenges will lead up to the finals night happening on September 19, 2020 where over Php 2,000,000 worth of prizes is at stake and where one male and one female grand winners will be selected.

To know more about “Century Tuna’s Everybod Superbod 2020,” visit and follow Century Tuna’s Facebook page, @centurytuna or Instagram @centurytunasuperbods.

Palacio de Memoria reopens for intimate weddings

As the country adapts to the new normal following the nationwide quarantine, Palacio de Memoria is reopening its doors to couples who would like to tie the knot and spend the rest of lives together.

Palacio de Memoria is now accepting reservations for intimate civil wedding ceremonies, receptions, and pre-nuptial photo shoots. The resplendent Lhuillier-managed estate features a luxuriously restored pre-war mansion which houses the family's unrivaled curated collection of Euro-Filipino art pieces, making it the perfect place for couples looking to celebrate their love.

Couples can have a fun intimate affair at various locations on the Palacio de Memoria estate. After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their loved ones can enjoy a private dinner at a special dining hall at the ground floor of the mansion. The couple may also opt to set up their dining area at the Los Tamaraos Ballroom, style it to their liking, and dine under an impressive Murano chandelier. For the bride and groom who love the outdoors, they can also dance the night away at the Loggia by the garden.

The Palacio de Memoria will also soon open its chapel for traditional nuptial masses.

In addition, Palacio de Memoria has other opulent amenities that can make the entire love affair -- weddings, receptions, and even photo shoots -- more memorable. These include the Mosphil Lounge, a passenger plane refitted to be an enjoyable lounge for special occasions; the Bridal Suite where brides and their bridesmaids can prepare for the ceremony; the Bunker Bar at the top floor for drinks and conversations; and picturesque scenes of the Back Garden perfect for wedding photos.

To help ensure the health of all couples and guests, Palacio de Memoria is implementing strict safety measures. With these and Palacio’s alluring well-appointed amenities, everyone can enjoy the precious moments full of love and happiness.

For inquiries and bookings, e-mail hello@palaciodememoria.com. For more information, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com or follow @thepalaciodememoria on Facebook and @palacio.de.memoria on Instagram.

Filipino teachers and the passion that makes learning continuity possible

The new normal may have limited physical interaction, but in no way did it hinder the unyielding commitment and drive of those at the frontlines of education - Filipino teachers. Even if the academic community is facing numerous challenges in preparation for school year 2020-2021, countless Filipino teachers remain passionate about providing quality basic education to their students. 

Putting Students First

Cagayan National High School Master Teacher Enrique Garcia remains committed to learning continuity during the pandemic.

Like many others, Mr. Garcia received training through webinars for distance learning. This prepares him and many others for the potential challenges that might come during the school year. “Last April, when we were still under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), I took the initiative to come up with self-paced modules. I thought of coming up with modules because this is one way I could help my students for the coming school year,” said Garcia. 

According to Mr. Garcia, he spends his time collaborating with school leaders and his fellow teachers to create efficient class programs that will help the school adapt to the new normal. He also often meets with his colleagues virtually to discuss appropriate and effective learning delivery modalities for the upcoming school year. 

Mr. Garcia (middle) in one of the seminars he attended 

Mr. Garcia goes the extra mile by putting his students first and considering what learning delivery modality is apt for each of them. “I have to consider those who have the resources and those who have limited resources. After all, I cannot utilize a one-size-fits-all scheme. I deeply understand that my students are as diverse as the dreams their hearts have known.”  Teachers like Mr. Garcia exemplify DepEd’s resolve by remaining committed to delivering education amidst the pandemic.

Pride of the Panay Bukidnon Tribe

Argy Catolin, a teacher at Aglonok Primary School Iloilo, is a modern-day hero during these unprecedented times. Mr. Catolin is a proud member of the Panay Bukidnon Tribe, which inspired him to teach as a way to make education accessible to his kin.

Even before the pandemic, Mr. Catolin has been going above and beyond to teach the students in Barangay Cahigon, Calinog, Iloilo. Due to the geographical conditions, students and teachers alike need to take a 2-hour motorcycle ride and a 3-hour walk to reach Aglonok Primary School. Nevertheless, these challenges didn’t stop Mr. Catolin. “Teaching is about inspiring others,” Mr. Catolin reiterates. He is fueled by his passion to touch the lives of his students and influence their future.

With the on-going pandemic, Mr. Catolin admits that students and teachers will face more difficulties in learning. The lack of electricity and reception in their area poses challenges in the upcoming school year. Recognizing the limitations of their area, his school has opted to utilize modular distance learning.

Mr. Catolin’s first general assembly with parents and learners last school year 2019-2020

Despite the challenges they may face, teachers and parents at the Aglonok Primary School work together to make sure that students can adapt to the new normal in education. “In our case in upland areas, we always give our best in helping our pupils. We did it before the pandemic through the Adopt-a-Child Program,” Mr. Catolin shared. “In the new normal, we can help our students by providing learning materials and we can help our parents by providing accurate information regarding the new normal setting.”

“This pandemic affects everything all over the world.” Mr. Catolin said. “Until there’s no vaccine we have to deal with the new normal setting. Us teachers have to be equipped with a positive attitude towards this crisis.” Mr. Catolin also shared that it is only through the collective efforts of teachers, students, parents, and the Department of Education (DepEd) that they can make a difference during these difficult times.

Mr. Catolin and Mr. Garcia are only two of the countless teachers who have their students’ best interests at heart and are working tirelessly to ensure that they still receive quality education.

Both teachers insisted that learning must continue, even during this pandemic. Mr. Catolin believes that quality education can help reduce poverty, promote peace, and foster development in the community, which is why he is in favor of opening classes this year. “As a teacher, we have to be equipped with a positive attitude towards this crisis. Together, we can make a difference,” he said. 

Likewise, Mr. Garcia supports the various learning continuity initiatives in place for the incoming school year. “Education must continue. It is through it that we develop informed, critical, creative, adaptive, flexible, strong-spirited, culturally-clipped, morally-upright, and happy citizenry.”

The resilience, passion, and commitment of these teachers during these trying times have become a source of inspiration for others. As the teachers prepare for SY 2020-2021, the Department of Education (DepEd) is keen in providing support for these modern-day heroes. This is in line with the Department’s unwavering commitment to work with Filipino teachers to deliver quality education despite the circumstances. The collective efforts of the academic community, as well as the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, are what will ultimately make the incoming school year a success.

Manulife Philippines offers free webinars to help Filipinos live every day better

To support Filipinos living through the unprecedented challenges brought by COVID-19, Manulife Philippines has launched a series of free webinars to help address some of Filipinos’ most pressing concerns on health and wellness, and finances. 

Manulife Philippines has invited experts from a variety of fields to provide insights into topics that have been top of mind for Filipinos since the start of the community quarantine. These include how to stay physically and mentally healthy; how to earn, save and invest; and how to start and re-start a business during these trying times. 

“COVID-19 has brought on a period of unprecedented change, which has affected each of us personally. Given the limitations on mobility and the need for physical distancing, Filipinos now spend more time online -- not only for communication and entertainment, but also to seek advice, tutorials, and tips that can help them adapt to the changes, and cope with the uncertainties brought on by the pandemic,” said Melissa Henson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “We recognize that there is a need for knowledge and information to help us navigate the current environment, and we’d like to help Filipinos make every day under community quarantine better, by providing access to relevant and timely insights and information.” 

Manulife Philippines’ webinars are available for viewing on the Manulife website www.manulife.com.ph.  

The series was kicked off by a session about navigating the current market volatility for long-term investments. Manulife Asset Management hosted a market outlook webinar focusing on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Philippine Equities, led by Hui Min Ng, Portfolio Manager of Equities, Manulife Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., and Mark Canizares, Head of Equities of Manulife Asset Management and Trust Corporation. While they acknowledged that many may hesitate to invest in light of the global uncertainty, historical precedence showed that long-term fundamentals can win over short-term volatility.

Manulife Philippines invited celebrated dermatologist, President and Medical Director of the Belo Medical Group Dr. Vicki Belo to discuss self-care during community quarantine. Dr. Belo shared advice focusing on four key pillars - Balance, Exercise and healthy eating, Learning new skills, and Offering gratitude. She emphasized how embracing self-care can help manifest stronger physical and psychological wellbeing amid the evolving realities brought about by COVID-19. 

To help Filipino entrepreneurs start or restart a business during a crisis, Manulife Philippines invited some of the country’s inspiring tech leaders like Jacqueline Lim, Head of GrabExpress, Grab Philippines, Martha Sazon, President & CEO, Mynt, and Ragde Falcis, CEO and Co-Founder, ChatGenie.PH, to help guide both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs, as they find new ways to continue serving their communities and reach more customers in the age of quarantine and social distancing. 

Coming soon: More webinars on key aspects of Filipino life amid the pandemic

Since the community quarantine, many Filipinos have expressed concerns on how to adjust their day-to-day life given the uncertainties brought by COVID-19. Manulife’s upcoming webinars will help address these issues by inviting top experts who can share their insights into important topics like personal motivation, love and relationships, self-care, family life, nutrition and entrepreneurship amid the pandemic. These aim to equip more Filipinos with the right information so they can live every day better, protect their loved ones and achieve their personal and financial goals, even during these trying times.  

For more info and updates on Manulife’s upcoming webinars, visit www.manulife.com.ph  

Your Daily Boost: Kick-Start Coffee Set For Re-launch

 Get ready 2020: Kick-Start Coffee is hitting shelves with a refreshed look and new packaging for their three signature blends! The launch introduces subtle changes that focuses on the positive impact coffee has on drinkers at home, reflecting the need among Filipinos to focus on sustainable partners in a time of constant adversity. Kick-Start Coffee is the partner you can count on for your daily boost! 

“The launch of the new Kick-Start Coffee symbolizes the evolution of the brand and an entrepreneurial journey milestone,” shares Mike Asuncion, founder of Kick-Start Coffee and President of Silca Coffee Roasting Company, Inc. “We hired a firm from San Francisco to preserve the essence of the original design, while modernizing it with a global appeal to prepare Kick-Start Coffee for new markets abroad.” 

What is Kick-Start Coffee?

Kick-Start Coffee was launched in 2010. The brand was developed with the working adult in mind, to give them the energy they need to get through the day; whether it’s a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, or a late-night conversation that forges new connections. Kick-Start Coffee is more than just a product or a beverage. It is a catalyst for inspiring people who want to start something with the potential to change the world. 

“The success story of Kick-Start Coffee can serve as inspiration to Filipinos who are currently evaluating how to pivot in the new normal,” says Asuncion.  

From Dream to Cup: The Story of Kick-Start Coffee
Kick-Start Coffee is the brainchild of Mike Asuncion, President of Silca Coffee Roasting Company, Inc. His parents, Enrile and Evelyn Poblete Asuncion, have been in the coffee industry since 1977. With over forty years of experience in the industry, Silca Coffee is now one of the leading coffee roasters in the Philippines.

“Coffee has played an integral part in fueling my life,” shares Asuncion. “As a kid, I have memories of our warehouse stacked with sacks of coffee and going around to farms and watching many people handle coffee throughout the value chain. In college, I conducted my thesis on Exporting Roasted Philippine Coffee to the United States and I concluded it would be feasible, but we needed an established brand from the Philippines to make it successful.”

Mike Asuncion returned to Manila in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and would trade his life as an investment banker to begin work in the family business. Sparked by a desire to preserve his family’s coffee legacy and inspired by the third-wave coffee culture in cities such as Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco, Asuncion soon achieved his dreams of spotlighting the richness of high-quality coffee roasted in the Philippines with the introduction of Kick-Start Coffee. Within a decade, Kick-Start Coffee grew from a brand sold at bazaars and boutique stores into a supermarket staple. 

“I started the brand at a turning point in my life where I pivoted careers after the 2008 financial crisis,” Asuncion adds. “Much like today’s global pandemic shifted people’s plans, the world economic changes at that time rocked my world. I was an investment banker with Lehman Brothers abroad and came home to Manila to become a start-up coffee entrepreneur.”

Mike Asuncion’s love for the industry has led him to trade directly with farmers across the Philippines and coffee origins around the world. This holistic approach has allowed the company to develop sustainable and long-term relationships to ensure each bag of Kick-Start Coffee delivers high-quality and carefully blended roasts that continue the tradition his parents began in 1977.

A Subtle New Spin on Kick-Start Favorites Kick-Start Coffee’s collection of signature blends arrives in stores this month with new packaging and designs. The understated elegance of these designs symbolizes the Philippine flag, with positive messages that reflect the brand’s resiliency and dedication to better, positive days. Additionally, the new packaging boasts stronger bodies and resealable tin ties to ensure your coffee remains fresh between servings. 

·       Brewed Awakening (SRP: PHP 445.00)
100% Arabica
Rich. Complex. Aromatic.
Spark conversations with Brewed Awakening. Catered to the coffee sophisticate who doesn't compromise taste and quality and is convinced that life is too short to drink bad coffee. 100% Arabica medium-dark roasted coffee. This is our medium strength coffee.

·       Your Daily Lift (SRP: PHP 425.00)
Arabica/Robusta
Balanced. Full-Bodied. Mild.
Love what you brew! Your Daily Lift is our answer to your everyday wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee cup of joe. We made coffee mornings less complicated. A blend of Arabica with direct-trade Cavite Robusta. Medium-dark roasted. This is our mildest coffee blend.

·       Philippine Barako Coffee (SRP: PHP 395.00)

100% Barako
Strong. Bold. Smooth.
Great minds drink alike. Full bodied and robust with an intense fruity aroma and bold, yet sweet flavor. Each bean is hand-picked when perfectly ripe from coffee trees grown in the highlands of Cavite. The unique climate, high elevation, and volcanic soil from the Taal Volcano combine to create this coffee’s strong body and bold taste. Medium-dark roasted. This is our strongest coffee. 

Your Daily Boost
It can be incredibly difficult to stay focused, productive, and positive during these trying times. The daily boost we experience from a cup of coffee is the best solution against the lack of motivation we feel every day. 

Start your morning right with a hot cup of Kick-Start Coffee to ease you into a focused and productive day, or enjoy a freshly-brewed glass of iced coffee right before your work out. A cup of coffee is all we need to lift us to a world where everything is possible. Kick-Start Coffee is available in all leading supermarkets nationwide! For more information and regular updates, follow Kick-Start Coffee on Facebook and IG @KickStartCoffee #KickstartYourDay #DailyBoost

Beauty Made Easy: Alex Gonzaga x Issy & Co. Cosmetics

If youre looking for vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free and affordable make up. Then, you should try Issy and Co. Its a local brand that is making waves to  beauty vloggers nowadays due to its promise of quality and wearable products. 

I love that they have all the nicest and pigmented colors available for morenas like me.  I have tried their lip crayons before. It doesnt bleed or crack my lips. It is pigmented. One swipe and you're good to go. It has a lot of moisturizer too. So, its not drying. 

That's why I have been waiting for their next set of beauty must-haves.

Issy and Co. celebrity endorser Ms. Alex Gonzaga launches her first -ever beauty collection last July 17 via Issy and Company IG live.  

The whole collection which I love is consists of the three make-up products Alex cant live without. The highlighter, creme blush-on and the lip mousse. 

First is the creme blush with SPF15.  The creme blush can also  be used as a lip color or an eyeshadow base. The good thing about this creme blush is that its buildable and pigmented too. Its available in peachy tone, pink, a darker brown town, reddies hues and orange. 

Next is the highlighter slim stick because Alex prefers using highlighters to add shimmer on her inner eye. She calls it the goddess-like look. The highlighter slim stick also makes it easier to apply shimmer on the nose line and the cupids bow. It can even be blended with the creme blush for that natural soft glow. 

Im wearing the "smoked blush" lip mousse

The third one is the lip mousse, a power-packed lip product that's infused with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E, rosehip oil and SPF 15. Like Ive said before. Their lippies are super pigmented and it will not peel on your lips, at least for me.

Its long wearing. Its not heavy on the lips, it feels like youre wearing lip balm. It comes in nudes and neutrals, as well a dark wine shades- the signature lip colors Alex loves to wear herself. 

I tried the lip mousse in smoked blush and it looks good on me. 

Keeping in mind tne brand's purpose to offer beauty that easily accessible, the Alex Gonzaga collection with Issy & Co. are offered at reasonable price points: the creme blush is only P349, the highlighter slim stick is P329 and the lip mousse is P399. 

Issy and Co.'s collection with Alex Gonzaga will be available in six "Get the Look" kits, complete with how-to notes to achieve looks worn by Alex. 

The collaboration collection will be available online at Lazada, Shopee, and BeautyMNL and in stores at Landmark Trinoma and Makati. 

Marks & Spencer teams up with foodpanda to deliver groceries directly to doorsteps

Marks & Spencer announces its new partnership with food delivery service Foodpanda where customers can now order a wide range of staples and M&S food favorites straight to their doorstep.  The partnership will see M&S products delivered through the Foodpanda app where customers can purchase their essentials on a mobile phone or computer and have them delivered contact-free. Bonus: No delivery fee and no minimum purchase required.    With over 300 M&S food and drink products available, there’s something for all occasions – from guilt-free sweets to treat yourself after a hard day's work to savoury snacks to binge on while you watch your favorite series. You can also purchase from a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages and premium wines blended by M&S expert winemakers that's perfect for any celebration. Anthony Huang for Marks and Spencer said: “We know our customers are passionate about M&S food, which is why we’ve partnered with Foodpanda to help get them the products they need as well as supporting those who are not able to visit stores easily. Ordering your M&S favourites is much simpler now with just the click of a button" Browse the range of top-quality M&S food and drink products on the Foodpanda app or at https://www.foodpanda.ph/ Delivery is currently available nationwide with the exception of Cebu until further notice.