MANILA, Philippines — The education landscape has been forever changed by the pandemic. Being in the now new normal, going back completely to the way we were does not encourage evolution nor transformation. We have explored so much, stretched our capabilities, challenged old norms, and persevered and persisted. We are moving forward. We take with us the learnings, technology, and innovation of the significant last two years and integrate them into an evolved version of an education continuity template, our shield, for the 21st century.
Whether for physical, online or blended learning, prepare school kids for another challenging year amid the COVID-19 pandemic through help from the following essentials:
Gear up for school with your favorite Disney and Marvel-themed essentials
It’s that time of the year again when kids return to their classrooms, entering a new world filled with knowledge, fun and friendships!
There’s no better way to suit up and get ready for back-to-school adventures than with the latest collections featuring Disney and Marvel heroes. From lunchboxes to school bags and the cutest knick-knacks, these accessories will be the perfect sidekicks for young ones as they learn and explore, and are sure to make their first days at school an experience to remember.
Feel every inch a heroine with these Disney-themed kicks and Disney Frozen trolley bag. Kick off the school day on the right foot with a pair of Disney Princess-themed shoes from C. Kok, inspired by courageous and kind Disney Princess heroes. Let imaginations soar as kids chronicle their journeys with the cutest Disney Princess notebooks from Straightlines.
Students may also easily wheel their classroom supplies around with a Frozen-themed trolley bag from the Optima Fashion Collection. With these, kids are ready to face the world and chart their own destinies – just like their favorite princesses and queens!
Get ready for loads of fun and adventure with these Marvel and Mickey Mouse-themed must-haves. Make going back to school fun for young adventure-seekers with a trusty pair of Spider-Man-inspired shoes from Toons 88. It’s sure to make kids feel every inch like a friendly neighborhood Super Hero.
Every day is an adventure! Let your kids express themselves with arts and crafts supplies bearing designs featuring their favorite characters – create masterpieces with Marvel-themed crayons from Star360 featuring Ant-Man and other Marvel Super Heroes.
Foster kids’ imaginations and the creative juices flowing on paper with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse notebooks from Straightlines. You may just have the next great masterpiece in your hands!
Make meal times more exciting with Mickey- and Disney Princess-themed snacks. Sharing is caring and one surefire way to make friendships last is to bond over sharing snacks! Marby’s loaf bread features a fun Mickey Mouse design on the packaging, while Resourceful offers a wide selection of snacks with Disney Princess designs. As an added treat, put kids’ favorite drinks in the cutest Disney Princess-themed tumbler from Wamrus!
Get your hands on the Disney and Marvel-inspired back-to-school range at leading department stores and online! Going back to school is both an experience and adventure to remember. Level up the excitement and anticipation by getting your hands on these essentials featuring kids’ favorite Disney and Marvel characters. These items–and more–are available at Miniso, SM Department Stores, and Robinsons Department stores. You can also shop this line of merchandise at ShopSM, Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora.
School chairs made from upcycled sachets
Brigada Eskwela 2022 National Kickoff was held last August 1 in Imus, Cavite City, where Bear Brand initially turned over the first 1,500 Tibay chairs from the target of 5,000 chairs for 2022.
The tibay chairs, upcycled from single use sachets, aims to support Filipino schoolchildren by providing them the right tools for a conducive learning environment.The longstanding partnership of Bear Brand and DepEd stays true to their commitment on preparing for the safe return of children to school after two years.
With the country gearing up for the return of face-to-face classes after two years of the virtual and hybrid setup, the brand doubles down on its commitment of building generations of Batang Matibay by strengthening its support for children’s education. Through the brand’s Tibayanihan Project, a total of 5,000 Tibay Chairs made out of upcycled Bear Brand packs will be turned over to schools in 12 cities nationwide this 2022.
As a result of the longstanding 6 year partnership of the brand with the Department of Education (DepEd), the brand joined the national kickoff of the Brigada Eskwela program in Imus Pilot Elementary School where the Tibay Chairs were turned over. Brigada Eskwela, which aims to prepare for the return of Filipino children to school, this year launched with a theme of "Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral." The first batch of 1,500 Tibay Chairs to be turned over as part of the Brigada Eskwela kick off will be distributed in public schools in Calabarzon, Benguet, and Baguio.
Since the start of the Tibay Chairs program of the brand began in 2016, DepEd has received and distributed over 12,000 benches and armchairs to 131 public schools.
“Knowing that having sufficient equipment is one of the key factors in an environment conducive to learning, the brand saw an opportunity to support school children with tibay chairs for a better learning experience. Sharing this goal with DepEd, we were able to identify and extend help to these locations. Through the Tibay Chairs, we not only aim to help students excel, but also, by producing these chairs through upcycled plastic sachets, we contribute to Nestle’s global commitment of achieving net zero emissions by 2050,” shared Russell Lipchin, BEO Dairy Health and Nutrition Solutions.
Even everyday citizens can take part in helping enrich the lives of Filipino students. By donating plastic waste to the Tibayanihan Project, the brand commits to upcycling the waste and producing more TIbay Chairs that can be used by students all over the country. To donate plastic waste, check out the hashtag #PlasticDropPH and search for the nearest collection point through this link.
Bear Brand Fortified has "Doble Tibay" nutrients that help children grow stronger. Doble Tibay refers to "tibay-katawan" nutrients with 100% Vitamin D, protein, calcium and "tibay-resistensya" nutrients with 100% Vitamin C, Iron, Zinc with three balanced meals and exercise.
Converge launches new premium service XCLSV
Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. or Converge has reaffirmed its commitment to provide quick and reliable internet to its subscribers by launching its XCLSV premium customer service experience.
Subscribers that avail of the XCLSV — pronounced "exclusive" — will not only have strong internet speeds but also the best customer service by the provider.
"Exclusive privileges and more hands-on customer service enables members to allot more time to focus on what matters most to them, while our team handles the rest," said Converge's Chief Operations Officer Jesus Romero.
This hands-on customer service involves a dedicated team that attends to queries and needs of XCLSV subscribers, each with a personalized emails and dedicated hotlines exclusive for them.
Being an XCLSV subscriber also means same day on-site repairs (within availability of users), free delivery of add-on devices and other items, access to priority lanes at major business centers around the country, and first notice about upcoming promotions.
Coverge has already soft-launched the XCLSV service for several users, but it is now widely available for any Converge subscriber with the FiberX Plan 3500 plan and up, both existing and new.
Back-to-school gadgets sale
The versatile RedmiBook 15 laptop is perfect for both face-to-face and hybrid classes. Powered with 11th Gen Intel Core i3 and i5 processors, it also roars with 8GB of ultra-high-speed RAM, enabling students to run multiple apps without lagging and save big files in an instant. It has a long battery life, lightweight design, and its 5G connectivity makes it easy to carry around -- for use anywhere. Best of all, the laptop now only costs P25,999 for the i3 edition (regular price is P26,999), and PHP 35,999 for the one with i5 processor (priced at PHP 37,999).
Great for fitness tracking to help students with everyday hectic schedule, the Redmi Watch 2 Lite is now priced for only P2,599 – down from its usual price of PHP 2,899. This smart watch has a comfortable design, a 1.55-inch touch display, decent workout and sleep tracking accuracy, and an elegant user interface. It has over 100 fitness modes, 17 professional modes, and more than 90 extended modes, such as outdoor running, cycling, HIIT, hiking, swimming, and more. It’s multi-system standalone GPS enables outdoor lovers to enjoy high positioning accuracy on the go, while swimmers can take it underwater up to a depth of 50 meters.
The XiaomiSmart Band 6 is now up for grabs for only P1,599 (regular price is P1,999). Known as one of the most popular wearables across the world, the small and lightweight Smart Band 6 works with the Mi Fitness app and its core functionality remains intact. It can do heart-rate measurements, sleep tracking, and sport tracking. Along with the standard features like alarm, timer, and stopwatch, the device can also display notifications, serve as a camera shutter, manage your default music player, and more.
Ideal for actively listening to online classes, reviewing audio notes, watching educational videos, and enjoying music for relaxation, the Redmi Buds 3 earphones deliver high-quality audio, and extra-long battery life. Priced at P1,499 (down from P1,799), this ultra-light earbud has dual-microphone noise reduction to help users enjoy better hearing even in noisy environment, and it also has ultra-low latency – which, ensures that audio and video are always in sync. The device is dust and water resistant, and boasts great features like the MIUI pop-up window function for quick and easy pairing, in-ear detection, Bluetooth 5.2 with stereo sound, and type-C interface fast charging.
Another great option in wireless earphones with special extra features, the popular Redmi Buds 3 Pro is now available for P2,199 (from the regular price of P2,899). Beyond the basics, this premium quality headset boasts of its ability to connect to two devices at once. It is superbly fast, and has a wireless recharging feature. Ideal for busy students, a mere 10-minute charge will allow the earbuds to operate untethered for 3 solid hours. In keeping with its unique, signature design, this device offers above-average sound quality, with plenty of bass, clear vocals and an overall balanced sound profile.
The above Xiaomi devices are available online in Lazada & Shopee, and also in Mi stores and other physical outlets.
Knauf opens first gypsum board training center in the Philippines
Knauf Gypsum Philippines, a leading manufacturer of gypsum boards and jointing compounds in the country, opened recently the first gypsum board training center in the country.
To be known as the “Knauf Academy,” the facility is envisioned to fill the gap with regard to the demand for more skilled workers in the Philippine construction industry.
Mark Sergio, Knauf Philippines Managing Director, said the academy’s opening is a big milestone for Knauf in the Philippines, being the first gypsum board training center in the country and Knauf is very proud of that.
“The intent of the training center is two-fold: we want to make sure that we can improve the capability, the workmanship quality and skills of Filipino installers. We also want to make sure that because of this, we’re able to deliver the best customer experience for our architects, developers and contractor-partners,” he emphasized.
Also, he said the other part of the objective is to be able to help improve the employability of Filipino skilled workers in the construction industry, particularly on gypsum board installation. “Most of our installers in the Philippines actually learned the trade on the job, and they later became foremen themselves and eventually owners of their own small contracting businesses. We want to make sure that we improve their livelihood as well,” Sergio added.
For his part, Alexander Schmidt, Acting Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in the Philippines, was proud that as a German company, Knauf, in cooperation with the German Investment and Development Corporation or DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft) that started this initiative, will further foster good economic relations between Germany and the Philippines.
The Knauf Academy, which can accommodate a maximum of 18 participants, occupies two floors with three main areas: a room at the second floor complete with a classroom setup where trainees learn the theoretical side of gypsum and other standard drywall and ceiling installation techniques; the reception and showroom area at the first floor, complete with a small snack bar where trainees can lounge around during breaks; and finally the Workshop area, also located at the first floor, where trainees can apply what they learned in theory into actual use through the various mock dry wall installations and where their capabilities will be assessed.
The academy’s training modules will help equip learners on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills of Standard Drywall and Ceiling Installation. The 16-hour session will instill the fundamental knowledge and practical skills of interior wall and ceiling system installations to help secure employment and hopefully, strengthen Filipinos’ skills set to make them more attractive targets among construction industry players.
Module 1 involves introduction to the gypsum board where trainees will get to know its history, the production process, its benefits, the various types of the gypsum board, handling and stocking, repair and cutting.
Modules 2 and 3, on the other hand, involves teaching trainees on Standard Partition and Concealed Ceiling System Installation, where they are introduced to the Drywall, Studs Layout, Standard Partition Components and Tools and other procedures. This is also the phase where trainees are introduced to Practical Training that involves Instruction and actual applications of what they learned.
Finally, Module 4 is about Taping and Jointing, the types of Jointing products used and the level of finishes, the Do’s and Don’ts in Jointing, Application Procedures, Joint Deviations and Checking, and then Practical Training through actual application.
Once training is completed, trainees should already be oriented with basic safety protocols, determine the different types of gypsum boards and their proper applications, familiarize themselves with the components of a standard drywall partition and ceiling system, understand the methodology of drywall and ceiling installation, detail connections and techniques, learn the fast and easy way to repair gypsum boards, and avoid damages and wastages through proper gypsum board handling and storage.
Sergio said they made sure that the facility itself and the modules not just follow the Knauf standards but should also consider the Philippine context. “We should also understand how our installers learn, and we can modify the modules based on that, with emphasis on practical training,” he said.
Each course offering can also be expanded further to cater to incoming innovative Knauf products and systems in the Philippines, Sergio added.
The Knauf Academy is open to aspiring drywall and ceiling installers who want to upskill their knowledge of gypsum board installation, architects, engineers, interior designers, students and other partners in the construction industry.
The Knauf Academy is located at Lot 35 Block 11 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Bagumbayan, Quezon City. For more information about the Knauf Academy and how to be part of the training group, email knaufacademyph@knauf.com or call (+63) 29116709 extension 4. For other details, visit www.knaufapac.com/en_ph.
Knauf Gypsum Philippines, Inc. is a manufacturing company that produces gypsum boards and jointing compounds. It is also a fast-growing gypsum board brand used in various residential, commercial and industrial projects in the country. Knauf products include wall, ceiling, jointing and finishing compounds, acoustic panels and ceiling tiles, acoustic suspension systems, including metal systems.
Transition smartly and level up your face-to-face classes
The education landscape has been forever changed by the pandemic. As we continue to champion education and believe that it evolves and transforms lives, we can expect more and better changes in the future.
Being in the now new normal, going back completely to the way we were does not encourage evolution nor transformation. We have explored so much, stretched our capabilities, challenged old norms, and persevered and persisted. We are moving forward. We take with us the learnings, technology, and innovation of the significant last 2 years and integrate them into an evolved version of an education continuity template, our shield, for the 21st century.
With schools getting ready to transition back to face-to-face classes, Rex Education reminds educators that there are many tools and best practices from their distance learning setup that can help them level up students’ learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. Schoology is one useful and impactful tool.
Schoology is one of the very first learning management systems (LMS) made available to teachers and students to continue their teaching and learning from home when schools were forced to close temporarily in 2020. Because of the demand for LMS during that period, REX expanded the reach of Schoology and the wealth of resources available on the platform. Thousands of teachers and students are now using Schoology as part of their online and distance teaching and learning modalities.
“When we introduced Schoology to the Philippines in 2015, we had an idea in mind that the digital classroom is the classroom of the future. That’s why when the pandemic broke out, we were ready. Schoology created an avenue for seamless learning, without compromising our learners, and playing to the advantage of our learners being digital natives. Today, the digital classroom is the classroom of the now normal.” said Rex Education CEO, Don Timothy Buhain.
Returning to face-to-face classes does not mean leaving behind the best practices we have learned from online and distance learning. Schoology was originally designed to augment and enhance the traditional learning setup, not completely replace it, making it the perfect platform to provide 21st-century learning experiences needed to transition students in the now new normal.
Technology cannot be an add-on; it’s a necessity. Flexible learning is not a privilege or an advantage; it’s also a necessity. Certainly, future-proofing our classrooms, although it cannot be perfected, is a reality.
To date, the transition is ongoing and many schools are in different stages in their choice of learning modalities that will fit their learners’ needs. Some may still be designing or experimenting, and some others are already strengthening what they have. Having a trusted partner grounded in sustainability, flexibility, and technology is key in making the transition as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Backed by more than 70 years of expertise, Rex Education and with Schoology could be every school’s ideal partner for the 21st-century classroom.
Schoology makes synchronization seamless. Since many schools have been employing a hybrid learning setup where students go to school in schedules or batches, using Schoology as the primary LMS for each class ensures that all students—both on-site and off-site—are on the same page.
In addition, assessment is made easier with the automated test scoring and consolidation of results through Schoology’s Grade Book. Analytics are readily available for teachers so they may adjust their materials based on the class performance, while parents are able to monitor their children's progress throughout the quarter and the academic year.
Moreover, classroom management and communication are centralized in the platform. Students, teachers, and parents can also monitor the student workload through Workload Planning, and they can be reminded of deadlines using the platform’s Calendar function.
Schoology can be accessed via browser on PC and laptops, or on mobile phones and tablets via the app. As an all-in-one learning platform, it comes packed with features like Personalized Courses, Calendar, Messages, Dropbox, Online Tests, Integrated Apps, Groups, and Grade Book.
“Our partnership with Schoology is just one of REX’s many efforts to fulfill our promise that we go where the learner goes. Our learners’ needs and circumstances are always changing, always evolving; and it is our duty as Edukampyons to be on the cutting-edge of educational innovation so our products and services are always relevant to the 21st-century learner,” revealed Buhain.
Stay updated with Rex Education’s latest releases. Be part of the REX Basic Education Community by registering here. For more information about REX’s Basic Education programs, Schoology and Rex Academy, visit rex.com.ph or contact cicsupport@rex.com.ph.
‘Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan’ Scholarship Program
This coming school year, 14 young and promising students will be pursuing teacher education and taking up the challenge to rekindle our aspiration of bettering lives through education.
Rex Education and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) are sending 14 scholars to Centers of Excellence by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under the PEAC–REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan Scholarship Program, an initiative that hopes to strengthen the quality of teachers in the country by seeking out and encouraging students to take teacher education programs in Mathematics and Sciences.
“Teaching is such a noble career—it is the profession that creates all other professions. But in reality, with a lot of career options to choose from, Education is not always the top-of-mind choice of students. Great teachers inspire great students. This is why we want to encourage the best and the brightest to work with us, commit to the profession, and start creating a ripple effect as we enhance teachers’ quality today,” said Don Timothy Buhain, chief executive officer of Rex Education.
Teachers are some of the most impactful champions of education—Edukampyons—since they are the closest to the students and can directly impact their education. The scholarship program, launched in October 2021, rings true to REX’s Edukampyon advocacy that aims to champion, strengthen, and advance teacher education.
The students who will receive scholarship grants and pursue their specialization in the Sciences from Ateneo De Naga are the following: Lellian Joy L. Alegre, Leschell Mae L. Llagas, Jyla Mir P. Dangca, April Mariella B. Nieves, Maia Niña T. Enimedez, Sheila May B. Ceguerra, Denise Angela P. Rebueno, Kazzandra Jhean R. Alvarez, and Ma. Bernadette Jane S. Aguay.
The students who will pursue their specialization in Mathematics from Ateneo De Naga are Florence M. Pangilinan and Jassi Mary E. Sayson.
Three students will also pursue specializations in Mathematics at Capitol University: Jenika Rosandra S. Diaz, James Elvin A. Ipulan, and Maria Ruth Precious O. Lindawan.
REX and PEAC hope that this batch of scholars under the PEAC–REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan will be the first of many, so that more students, Centers of Excellence, and other education champions contribute to the highest quality of teaching in the country.
“We want to champion teacher education. We want to make teaching an attractive proposition for our young. And at the same time, ensure that the program will have a very strong values formation program, so that our scholars will have a very strong sense of social responsibility and contribute to nation-building,” said Doris Ferrer, Executive Director of PEAC.
The PEAC–REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan is one of the many efforts and collaborations REX enters into to help address the challenges faced by Philippine education.
“We all agree that the quality of teachers facilitating learning has to do a lot in making sure that the quality of education itself is also improved. So any intervention that is designed to provide the Department of Education (DepEd) with better inputs in terms of teachers will truly be a welcome contribution,” said Diosdado M. San Antonio, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction.
International competitiveness reports and activities participated in by the Philippines in 2018–2019 suggest a big gap in quality that should compel critical attention from the government and the education sector.
In a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2018, 81% of the 15-year-old Filipino students who were surveyed scored below minimum proficiency levels in reading, mathematics, and science compared to most countries that participated. Grade 4 students obtained the lowest scores in mathematics and science among the 58 countries surveyed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement’s (IEA’s) Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in 2019.
While limited resources and a challenging learning environment are realities many Filipino learners have to deal with on a daily basis, there is much to improve in terms of uplifting the quality of education that students receive. Quality teachers who nurture students at the basic education level can therefore have a ripple effect in improving Philippine education.
“Improving teacher quality in schools will mean attracting and selecting the best candidates into the teaching profession. To strengthen teacher quality, [we] should begin from selecting the right people into the profession. Policies in teacher recruitment and hiring should be aimed at increasing the attractiveness of the career, such as incentivizing high achievers to pursue teacher training and eventually enter into the profession,” read the World Bank Philippines Report 2021.
“This small act that we are doing at present, can have a great impact in all our futures. Invest in our teachers to-be today, so we can enjoy a bright and progressive tomorrow,” said Buhain.
Follow the Rex Education Facebook Page for updates about the PEAC–REX Edukampyon Iskolar Para Sa Kinabukasan scholarship program. For more information about Edukampyon, visit www.rex.com.ph/#/edukampyon.
Keep safe this cough and cold season
The change in weather between the summer and rainy season can affect your immune system and make you more vulnerable to respiratory conditions such as flu, cough, and colds. The cooler air also causes rhinoviruses to replicate more efficiently, so the chances of catching respiratory diseases such as cough and colds are higher.
MyPharma has a wide online catalogue of authentic, trusted and FDA-approved OTC medications and treatments at accessible prices, along with supplements to help you and your family stay healthy. With its efficient on-time delivery, you can rest and recuperate from your cough and cold at home instead of being exposed to other viruses while your immune system is still in a delicate state.
Among the cough medicines that are available at MyPharma’s online site are Ambroxyl (Ambroxol Hydrochloride) 15 mg/5 ml Syrup and 30mg tablets that can help ease the elimination of phlegm. For colds, Salinase Nacl (Sodium Chloride) in Nasal Drops and Nasal Spray variants naturally moisturizes dry, crusted and stuffy nostrils due to allergy, colds, sinusitis and overuse of antihistamine and decongestants.
To help you breathe easier, there’s also Salinase Max Nasal Drops (Sodium Chloride + Xylitol) that is formulated to be safe for all ages and Salinase Nacl .65% Solution for Nebulization (Sodium Chloride) which is a buffered isotonic solution for nebulization for colds, mucous congestion, allergic rhinitis, acute and chronic sinusitis. These OTC products can help you feel better faster, and you can have them delivered hassle-free to your home with the efficient service and safe and secure online transactions of MyPharma. The online healthcare needs shopping site is easy to navigate and it is backed by the strong nationwide distribution of Dygen Pharma. MyPharma is a virtual hub that makes it possible for you to safely get what you need when you need it. Skip the lines and stay safe and dry in the rainy days. Visit mypharma.ph to find your genuine OTC treatments and healthcare essentials and have them delivered conveniently to your home.
New options for good nutrition
Global health and wellness company Yoli is now physically in the country as it recently opened its office in Greenfield District in Mandaluyong.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony recently, Yoli Founder and Chief Executive Officer Robby Fender said that the new office is not only a store but a space that would bring the brand closer to Filipinos.
“In the US, we have tremendous support from Filipino members who have been successfully transformed by Yoli and were instrumental on why we now have Yoli in the Philippines. That is why more than anything, this new office is also our way of showing our commitment to grow this market,” Fender said.
Joining Fender in inaugurating the new Yoli Philippine Office and Experience Center are Co-Founder Kimi Fender, Chief Operating Officer Kirby Zenger and Yoli Philippines Country General Manager Boots Remotigue.
As part of its festivities, Zenger announced that two new products of its brand are arriving in the Philippines soon: its Truth Pomegranate health drink, which supports immune function and healthy antioxidant levels; as well as its in-demand collagen supplement. The executives were also able to meet and recognize their top performing members in the country during the program.
The brand has been focused and steadfast in growing its local member and subscriber base since its arrival in the Philippines back in 2018. Zenger shared that the overwhelming support they had received from Filipinos overseas was what prompted them to focus expansion plans on the country.
"I truly believe that the Philippines is the next biggest market of (the brand). The Philippine community is truly special, its fuel for growth is that their goal goes beyond self and becomes a much bigger purpose. This is where (our brand's) mission comes to life in the heart of the Filipino," Zenger said.
The company has been in business for over 12 years now. Best known for its Better Body System, the US-based health and wellness company was established in 2009 after its co-founders discovered that many supplements available in the market used processes that destroyed many of the nutrients in the ingredients. Using whole plants, proteins and minerals, the naturally sourced ingredients undergo a freeze-drying process before turned into powders.
For damage-free, salon-perfect hair
Entering the second half of the year means it’s time for a visit to the salon, may it be a regularly scheduled haircut to freshen up your look, a change in color to match the season, or a rebonding session to keep your locks straight. Though any salon experience brings a shiny and blown out look right after, the challenge comes after the first wash.
Maintaining this perfection is heavily dependent on your post salon care. Salon procedures such as bleaching, rebonding, and perming makes use of harsh chemicals, which can lead to hair becoming dry and brittle, prone to split ends and breakage. That’s why it’s so important to consistently treat your locks with the right products that are specially formulated to give them the moisture and care they deserve, making sure it’s healthy and beautiful at the same time.
Now, you can reimagine your hair routine, so you can maintain smooth, beautiful hair, without worrying about damage with the new Cream Silk Salon Expert Daily Treatment Series. The number 1 conditioner brand in the Philippines, Cream Silk once again introduces an innovative solution for modern Filipinas to achieve endless perfection, for beyond beautiful locks. The intense daily treatment is made with a dual action keratin formulation, which deeply repairs every strand and boosts your crowning glory. Made to supplement your everyday conditioner, the Cream Silk Salon Expert Daily Treatment gives next level, intense repair to revitalize hair that’s heavily damaged from dyeing, straightening and other salon treatments.
The all-new Cream Silk Salon Expert Daily Treatment Series comes in two variants that you can use daily or weekly after shampoo to maintain your salon-perfect hair: Keratin Damage Repair with Keratin and Collagen Dual Serum, to deeply restore and nourish each strand for intense regeneration; and Keratin Rebond Straight with Keratin and Amino-Infusion Dual Serum to repair and boost straightness and shine for salon-straight hair. With the Cream Silk Salon Expert Daily Treatment Series, now you have power over damage so you don’t have to just imagine salon-perfect hair - you can achieve it.
The all-new Cream Silk Salon Expert Daily Treatment Series is now available in 18mL sachets for P7 SRP and in 650mL tubs for P250 SRP, in all leading supermarkets, groceries, department stores and e-commerce platforms nationwide. For more information, follow Cream Silk Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.
Related: Catriona Gray laments big number of dropouts from supported charity Young Focus
New financial literacy online game, health awareness program for kids
Leading life insurer Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential Plc, have launched their newest financial literacy and health and safety awareness initiatives, Cha-Ching Money Adventures game and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters with interactive on-ground activities for children in Alabang Town Center. Until August 7, parents brought their kids aged 7 to 12 to try out the newly launched web-based learning game, Cha-Ching Money Adventures, to experience fun learning about key money management concepts. They can also acquire important life-saving health and safety skills from the Safe Steps Kids Stress Busters interactive tasks, videos, and educational materials, which focus on first aid, disaster and road safety, and mental health.
“The Cha-Ching Money Adventures Game and Safe Steps Kids Stress Busters bring enjoyment and encourage participation. We aim to educate and protect as many Filipinos as we can and help them get the most out of life. Raising a generation of financially literate and health-conscious kids will help us achieve this goal in the long run. This is our We DO Commitment,” said Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Eng Teng Wong.
“Cha-Ching and Safe Steps Kids are two core programmes of Prudence Foundation that aim to bring safety and protection to communities across Asia and Africa, through sustainable, long-term initiatives focused on education, health and safety. Given the unprecedented changes brought by the global pandemic in the rise of e-learning as well as the challenges and stress faced by many families across the world, we hope to make a positive contribution to the lives of children and their families with the launch of Cha-Ching Money Adventures and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters,” said Nicole Ngeow Director, Prudence Foundation.
Filipino kids get a chance to try the Cha-Ching Money Adventures game with the installed mobile devices in the playzone and are guided by booth facilitators for a better playing experience. This activity helps improve their money decision-making skills with the fundamental concepts of Earn, Save, Spend and Donate within a compelling narrative adventure. Along with the Cha-Ching band characters, they are able to better engage with the money activities in the booth.
Safe Steps Kids Stress Busters encourages kids to take part in its six Stress Busters setups on how to take care of their health, and features a mental health video clip. This also teaches kids essential life skills, such as first aid, disaster, and road safety.
Cha-Ching and Safe Steps are Prudence Foundation’s notable award-winning initiatives. Cha-Ching provides kids with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. Cha-Ching Money Adventures is the latest addition to the Cha-Ching ecosystem that was created in 2011, in cooperation with Cartoon Network, the leading children’s television channel in Asia Pacific. Safe Steps Kids, on the other hand, is a multi-platform educational and awareness building programme on life saving techniques for natural disasters, road safety and first aid. The programme partners with Cartoon Network and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The Cha-Ching Money Adventures online game will be made available on the official Cha-Ching website, www.cha-ching.com, and SAFE STEPS Kids Stress Busters mental health video can be viewed on the SAFE STEPS Kids website at www.safestepskids.com.
Add these yummy snacks to your in-home, out-of-home routine
Snacks are a surefire way to bring fun and excitement to every member of the family. Whether they’re working or learning from home or on-site, or hanging out with loved ones in their spare time, it can always be a good time when there’s Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites, biscuits and cake treats that the whole family can enjoy whenever, wherever.
For many students, it’s been more than two years since they were in the classroom with their buddies. Having treats, such as a cream-coated pretzel snack like Knots, as part of their baon can make their recess with friends more enjoyable.
Whether it’s acing a quiz or completing a grueling presentation, take a quick break and celebrate small wins with Quake Overload. This snack has layers of cake and delicious filling, coated with chocolate, and topped with drizzle, which definitely adds a burst of good vibes, making it the perfect rewarding treat for any achievement.
A snack that one should have on-hand while researching and typing away is Presto Peanut Butter, a crunchy cookie sandwich with peanut butter filling made from real peanuts that are high in B-Vitamins to help you focus.
Office work can get tedious, but just by opening a pack of Magic Flakes, the mundane moments can be magical. Get energized to power through any day with Magic Flakes. With its creamy-sarap and tamang alat, one can say goodbye to plain and boring days in the office.
The colorful visuals and fun soundtracks of animated media always bring joy to people of all ages. Add more happiness into the mix with Cream-O – whether it’s in a cake bar or cookie form. Enjoy every me-time at home while munching on Cream-O’s yummy chocolate cookie sandwich or cake bar.
Biking is more fun with loved ones. It’s also a great way to see more of the city and get one’s exercise in. Bike with family or friends, and don’t forget to grab some Wafrets for the fun adventure ahead.
Since 2020, Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites biscuits and cakes have been helping make every family bonding moment even more special. These snacks have been bringing more enjoyment to friends and families whenever, wherever. Get these yummy snacks from nearby supermarkets or via online shops. Jack ‘n Jill Snacktime Favorites are products of Universal Robina Corporation (URC).
New burgers for 'baon'
Burgers are undeniably on top of everyone’s not-so-guilty pleasures. And why not – the savory goodness of beef patties or chicken fillets paired with oozing cheese and hefty buns are just too satisfying to ignore. And while we enjoy the filling taste that burgers provide, McDonald’s is here to give us the food fixes we never knew we needed through Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers – your favorite burgers now with slices of zesty tomato and refreshing lettuce.
You heard that right – there’s more to love in burgers you already love and enjoy. Have a more delectable dining experience with Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers as McDonald’s now offers tomatoes and lettuce to the classic favorites Burger McDo, Cheesy Burger McDo, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Double Cheeseburger, and Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Fresh ‘N Tasty Burgers are now available at your nearest branch via Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery.
Summer comfort for rainy days
Starbucks Philippines recently capped off the summer season and introduced new drinks and bringing back some classic flavors. These include new items such as the Strawberry Açaí with Lemonade Starbucks Refreshers and Chunky Monkey Chocolate Cookie, as well as returning crowd favorites, now available in-stores or through GrabFood and Foodpanda delivery.
Unsalted coconut spread for kids' 'baon'
Sagana Unsalted Coconut Spread is ideal for baking and cooking, and for those who have high sodium levels. It has all the goodness of our original Sagana Coconut Spread minus the salt!
Proudly Philippine-made and arguably the first of its kind in the Philippines, Sagana Coconut Spread is made of 81% of the purest coconut oil. It has that creamy buttery taste but with all the goodness of our underrated superfood, the coconut. It’s vegan and dairy-free, made from non-hydrogenated coconut oil, contains zero trans fat and a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial to your heart. It is the healthy alternative to dairy-based spreads. It is enriched with 35% Lauric acid to help boost the immune system. Palm Free, it is not just good for the healthy, it’s good for our country, too. Because the coconut oil we use is sustainably sourced.
Fitness challenge supports DepEd’s distance learning program
As part of its longstanding commitment to giving back to the Filipino community, Telus International Philippines (TIP) recently engaged more than 3,500 team members in the Telus Days of Giving (TDOG) Virtual Fitness Challenge to raise funds in support of World Vision Development Foundation, a global humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and their communities.
More than 3,500 team members raised funds for the TDOG Virtual Fitness Challenge, participating in either a 360-minute Move Challenge or 42 km Run Challenge, monitoring their exercise activities using a fitness gadget or a mobile fitness app throughout the month of May. The 360-minute Move Challenge allows participants to take on a wide range of exercise activities, such as jogging, yoga, biking, dancing, and boxing, while the Run Challenge allows team members to complete 42 km - the equivalent of a marathon.
“Giving back and creating more sustainable communities have always been integral to our culture at TIP. Following the TDOG Virtual Run in 2021 from last year, we wanted to empower our team members to continue raising funds for children and youth beneficiaries from World Vision, and at the same time promote health and well-being among those working from home by facilitating a virtual fitness challenge,” said Carlos Giammattei, Telus International Brand, Marketing and Culture Director for Asia-Pacific.
Through the fitness challenge, TIP reinforced its commitment to support the Abutin Na10 Campaign, a fundraising drive that benefits distance learning initiatives for students through the Department of Education’s learning continuity plan.
“All donations and funds raised through this effort will be used to reproduce self-learning materials and support Brigada Pagbasa, a reading remediation program. Our goal for this year is to distribute 13,000 printed modules to students from last-mile schools in the Philippines,” said Phoebelyn Carrera, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Manager at Telus International.
Since 2014, TDOG initiatives from TIP in support of DepEd's Brigada Eskwela program have touched the lives of more than 49,000 students in 20 schools.
“We owe TDOG’s continued success to each team member who invested their time, effort, and hearts in activities where they can serve our communities and in causes that truly matter to them. The TDOG Virtual Fitness Challenge is just one great example of the positive synergies that happen when a volunteer program is aligned with a company’s culture and principles,” Carrera asserted.
Since the program’s inception in the Philippines in 2007, TDOG activities have been bringing together team members, friends, families, clients, and charity partners every year to exemplify the spirit of volunteerism, generating positive impacts in local communities. TIP’s efforts for this year’s TDOG Virtual Fitness Challenge go beyond the parameters of the Philippines, as these were part of a larger regional initiative in the Asia Pacific.
Staying true to the company’s philosophy of “we give where we live” for communities around the globe, TIP team members participated alongside their colleagues in India and China in their respective TDOG Virtual Fitness Challenges, raising funds to support additional local NGO partners in their countries.
“It warms our hearts to see that we continue to find new and impactful ways to help the community through the Telus Days of Giving Virtual Fitness Challenge. We are thankful for the 4,000 team members across the Asia Pacific who dedicated more than 9,000 hours of volunteer service to the activity,” said Rajiv M. Dhand, Telus International Regional Vice-President for Asia-Pacific.
This year, Telus International team members collectively raised over US$40,000, which will be given to the three local charities across the Asia Pacific, including World Vision Development Foundation, China Association of SOS Children's Villages, and SayTrees Environmental Trust.
“Aside from our goal to distribute 13,000 printed modules to students from last-mile schools in the Philippines, our team in China worked to promote mental health among orphans who need quality alternative care and educational support. For India, the program that we will support is the Miyawaki forest planting, where we aim to plant 2,000 trees in urban areas,” shared Dhand.
The success of the TDOG Virtual Fitness Challenge will be celebrated at an event on June 30 where the fastest runners in the Run Challenge and the fitness enthusiasts who burned the most calories in the Move Challenge will be recognized.
Online tutoring helps students thrive in face-to-face learning
School is back! The kids are getting ready for face-to-face classes. This new school year means shopping for new school supplies, new uniforms, and shoes. It also means I have to juggle a schedule that involves more trips, more time in traffic, and less time to help kids with their schoolwork.
Between meeting work deadlines and buying groceries, parents have precious little time left. What’s a mom to do? Thankfully, Bahay Turo is here to help. Gas prices are going through the roof! Instead of spending an additional hour (or two) in traffic or taking that extra trip after school, kids can do their tutoring from home. The family can go home earlier.
Bahay Turo is a Filipino-made and operated online tutoring community that is easy to use. From finding a tutor, to scheduling, to paying - it’s a one-stop shop. No more haggling over schedules. Payments are done over secure channels.
Nothing can replace face-to-face classroom learning. School is where kids learn, grow, and socialize. Bahay Turo is parents' partner for effective classroom learning. Their academic
tutorials support and enrich my child’s academic growth. The workshops are so interesting. They cover topics not taught in school. To register, visit bahayturo.com. After registering, you can get 700 free credits to book a free trial session. You can also book for a Learning Bundle. It was P2,450 for five sessions.
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