First-ever Urban Farm in Newport World Resorts

The country’s pioneering integrated resort, Newport World Resorts, is taking a bolder step in its property-wide I Love Earth (ILE) sustainability program with the launch of a technology-controlled onsite farm, through Marriott Hotel Manila, to grow high-value vegetables for use in its restaurants.

The collaborators tapped BoomGrow, a regional agriculture technology startup to develop the first ILE Urban Farm within the property as part of its sustainable culinary program. Through BoomGrow’s proprietary Indoor Precision Farming technology, the entire complex will have access to farm-fresh, clean and sustainable produce throughout the year.

The opening of the ILE Urban Farm makes Newport World Resorts the first destination resort outside of Malaysia to house BoomGrow’s Indoor Precision Farming Machine. Fresh produce will be grown and nurtured within a highly-controlled environment, using best-in-class hydroponic systems that are supported by artificial intelligence to ensure optimal conditions at all times.  

The ILE Urban Farm is the latest addition to the Healthy, Responsible, and Sustainable Sourcing initiatives that include sustainable seafood offerings and cage-free egg use led  by Marriott Hotel Manila executive chef Meik Brammer. 

Last year, Newport World Resorts ramped up its commitment to caring for the planet with the launch of the ILE program, which carries out specific initiatives with concrete goals, by harmonizing the respective sustainability programs of the integrated resort and its international partner hotels.   

This has allowed the ILE initiatives to prosper, and by 2022, earn a coveted Bronze Benchmarked certification for the whole complex from EarthCheck, the world's leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism.

Newport World Resorts’ I Love Earth sustainability program is part of Alliance Global Group’s wider SustainAGIlity initiative.

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on the I Love Earth sustainability initiative, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts and @ILovEarthPH on Facebook and Instagram, and @nwresorts on Twitter. Make the most of your visit and sign up for an Epic Membership or download the Newport World Resorts Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Race, Raise funds, And Receive Prizes at 7-Eleven Run 2023 his February 4 and 5

In keeping with their annual run series tradition, 7-Eleven propels 2023 with a two-day fun run event encouraging everyone to step on the tracks for their 11th installment. Sprinting on February 4 and 5, the country’s go-to convenience store chain strengthens their hallmark of convenience by championing the event as an avenue for unifying recreation and fundraising. 7-Eleven enjoins communities to create change where proceeds of the run will be donated to the beneficiaries of Philseven Foundation, Inc.,    7-Eleven’s non-profit social advocacy arm. 

The 7-Eleven Run 2023 is open to all beginner and professional runners and is an exciting avenue for an outdoor date with friends and families. Multiple categories from 1k, 3k, 5k, 10k, 10k Buddy, 21K, 32K, and up to 42k are up to enjoy in the simultaneous event happening in three locations: Filinvest, Alabang in Metro Manila, SM Seaside City, in Cebu City, and SM City Davao in Davao City. 

This year’s run converges personal and community benefits as medals and cash prizes await winners of all categories at the finish line. More tokens are also to be awarded to the top three male and female finishers of the 21k, 32k, and 42k categories as they win the opportunity of representing the country in an international race.

A Simple Guide to Gentle Parenting

As poet and philosopher Rumi once eloquently said, “raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”  

Parenting is a challenging journey, and the truth is that nobody has everything figured out. One parenting style might suit others best, and some might favor other methods. However, children respond better to a calm demeanor, so it’s best to avoid dealing with them with   anger.   Gentle   parenting   is a   transformative   style   that   can   help   you   raise   confident, independent, and, most importantly, happy children. This method involves empathy, respect, understanding, and setting healthy boundaries.

Wonderful bunches of grapes! Fruit we love that loves us back!

My family can’t have enough of grapes. They’re a healthy and portable snack with no prep necessary. No peeling and no slicing! Just wash and munch!

 

Our family doctor said that grapes are an excellent addition to our diet, especially during the pandemic when he had to maintain a strong immunity. Studies suggest that resveratrol and certain flavonoids found in grapes may positively influence immune function. Grapes are also a good source of Vitamin K, which may help support lung and overall  

 

Having a diabetic daughter, there are only a few fruits recommended for her to eat on a daily basis, and grapes are one of them. Grapes have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t cause dramatic increase in blood sugar levels. The Vitamin K in grapes is also linked to healthy insulin and glucose levels.

 

Did you know that grapes are also good for the heart? It’s a fruit we love that loves us back! Grapes are a heart-healthy food that contain no saturated fat, no cholesterol, and very low in sodium. The natural compounds and nutrients found in grapes promote the relaxation of blood vessels to help maintain healthy circulation.

 

My daughter enjoys her grapes a lot! It’s 82% water so it keeps her hydrated especially during play time. She likes eating them fresh, but I sometimes make grape smoothies and ice  pops.

 

 

 

I couldn't emphasize enough how nutritious this fruit is! At only 90 calories per ¾ cup serving, it can even be part of any wholesome diet and a healthy lifestyle. 

 

If you want to enjoy high-quality grapes, go for Grapes from California. They’re the best-tasting grapes out there! And that’s not an exaggeration! They’re sweet, crisp, firm, juicy and plump. They look so nice, too, as they come in red, green, and black and in different shapes and sizes.

 

Time to include more grapes in your meals! Your taste buds and whole body will thank you for it.

 

For more information on Grapes from California, visit https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/ or like and follow them on Instagram @grapesfromca and Facebook @GrapesFromCalifornia.

 

#GrapesFromCA #GoWithGrapes #Grapes #TableGrapes #FreshGrapes #CaliforniaGrapes #InSeasonNow #HealthyEating #HealthySnacking #HealthyFruit #FreshFruit #SoGood #Yummy #GoodForTheBody #HeartHealthy #ImmunitySupport #HeartCheck #DiabeticDiet #Ad #Sponsored

Mrs. Garcia’s Meatshop Now Has Its First Community Store in QC

Fresh Meats, Loving Treats, now made more accessible for customers and future franchisees

Every delicious Filipino dish has traditionally had meat as a key ingredient. Filipinos have embraced the practice of offering warm affection and fantastic food to gather around and reconnect with friends and loved ones, whether for ordinary food on the table or fiestas, celebrations, and holidays.

In keeping with this history, Mrs. Garcia's Meats has been winning over consumers who expect fresh, affordable, safe, and high-quality meat products, as well as excellent service for more than 25 years.

From opening new outlets in major supermarkets and making itself accessible round-the-clock to convenience stores, such as Shell Select and 7-Eleven, Mrs. Garcia's Meats is delighted to share tender news with its clients as it carries on with its legacy.

 I keeping with this, here is what Bernadette Lee, Mrs. Garcia’s Meats Chief Operating Officer, has to say...

“Every home has grown to love Mrs. Garcia’s Meats as their companion in making every mealtime special. So, we are excited to announce that we finally opened the first-ever Mrs. Garcia’s Meatshop this October 11, 2022, allowing more families to enjoy that extra special dining experience at home. As we open our new Community Store, located at Platinum Business Center, #188 Congressional Ave., Quezon City, we are eager to provide fresh, affordable, safe, and high-quality meat products to all Filipinos.” 

This was announced at the recently concluded media event held at the Meat Depot in Magallanes.

The store will serve a variety of Premium Pork, Beef, Korean, and Japanese Cuts, including Short Ribs, Sirloin, Lean Ground Pork, Liempo, and Porkchop, as well as Japanese Shabu-Shabu, Beef Yakiniku, Beef Woo Samgyeop, Korean Pork Steak Bulgogi, and Pork Samgyeopsal.

All customers can also order in advance before picking up their items in Mrs. Garcia’s Meatshop through its Pick-A-Meat Express. This service offering allows customers to order via phone call before picking up the items. All they need to do is to drop by the parking space in front of the store, where friendly staff members are ready to hand them the meat products or help load the items directly into their car. 

Meanwhile, as a way of marking this milestone, Mrs. Garcia’s Meatshop will now be open for franchising to provide Filipinos with business and investment options.

“The last few years have seen tremendous growth for Mrs. Garcia’s Meats. In many supermarket chains and eateries, people have come to trust our brand. As the core of MEATWORLD International Inc., Mrs. Garcia’s Meats has also hired a rising 1,500 butchers and merchandisers. By providing a franchise option to our customers, mom-preneurs, and every Filipino looking for business prospects, we hope to spread the word about these success stories,” Lee added.

Mrs. Garcia’s Meats by MEATWORLD International, Inc. was founded in 1996. Since then, it has been helping ensure that fresh, affordable, safe, and high-quality meat products are available for every family and their recipes as it offers a wide choice of meat categories and cuts.

For more information about Mrs. Garcia’s Meats and Meatshop, the latest news, promos, and how to become a Franchisee, check out https://mrsgarcias.com.ph/ and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrsGarciasMeats.

The LG PuriCare AeroTower - Experience Nature's Pure Breeze Inside Your Home

As a Filipino, I grew up having an electric fan around, it has been one of the most common fixtures you’ll see in every home.  Having lived in a tropical country, that's hot and humid,  an electric fan in every room is a common sighting, 

And over the past few years, the need for access to clean air has sprung up. Not just because of COVID, but with air pollution,  household dust and pet hair and dander as well, hence the need for an added home appliance had been a must - the air purifier. 

LG seeks to solve this problem with the introduction of the AeroTower, which leverages the South Korean brand’s PuriCare technology and combines it with a cooling fan. In a recently concluded event at Living Innovations in BGC hosted by socialite and interior designer, Ms. Tessa Prieto, LG gave the first glimpse and a hands-on product demo of the AeroTower to select members of the media, including yours truly.

Standing from left: Dr. Jansen Calalan, MD, Mr. Jave Enriquez - AeroTower product manager
Sitting from left: Mr. Changsoo Jang - LG Air Solutions product director, Ms. Tessa Prieto, Mr. Sungjae Kim - LG Philippines managing director, Sofia Andres and Shamcey Supsup

Sungjae Kim, LG PH’s managing director, was elated with the introduction of the new product to the local market. “This is a new favorite, as I feel that it captures the essence of the brand. It provides the perfect blend of form and function. It’s sleek, stylish, and can hold its own among any artwork in any room. At the same time, it provides pure, clean air and cools you off according to your specific needs. What’s not to love?”

LG Product Manager, Jave Enriquez highlighted the features and aesthetically pleasing design of the new AeroTower. Inspired by the Red Canyon, it is part appliance and part work of art, adding elegance to any space in your home or work. It gives three different airflows that fits to your liking. There are 10 speed settings and virtually quieter than a library for only 23 decibels. It also tells you the air quality so you can breathe cool and pure, clean air.

LG brought in influencers from all walks of life to share their thoughts on how the AeroTower is a direct upgrade to their home or work setup. Architect and beauty queen, Shamcey Supsup-Lee, gushed how the AeroTower perfectly blends form and function. “Even if the AeroTower was just a fan or just an air-purifier, it can hold its own with any designer furniture or artwork on display. The mere fact that it works as both is astounding.” LG brought in Dr. Jansen Calalan, a lifestyle medicine specialist, who talked about the importance of clean air. “Having access to clean air lowers the risk of respiratory issues and heart disease, improves cognitive health, and of course, makes you happier overall.” Actress and new mom Sofia Andres shared how LG’s multi filtration technology helps her feel safe as well. “The multi-filtration technology gives me assurance and peace of mind, that even with the comings and goings of my babies, both human and canine/feline, the whole family is safe.”

Mr. Changsoo Jang, LG Air Solutions Product Director says, “This product is the culmination of years of research and development with the end goal of making life better for every customer. The AeroTower, as well as this event itself, is just the first step towards the future. Together, we take each step forward together.” 

Before I end the event story, let me share you my IG post where I get to experience the Aero tower myself  when it came to our home.

Click photo to direct you to IG video

For more information regarding the LG AirCare Complete System, visit www.lg.com/ph. You can purchase LG AeroTower at authorized LG dealers nationwide and in LG’s official flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Cash prizes, freebies await runners at the 7-Eleven Run on September 24, 25

Last chance to register for the two-day physical event in Manila, Cebu, and Davao on September 13

After two years of running virtually, the 7-Eleven Run Series is finally back on the road. 

The leading convenience store is bringing back the fun and thrill of running together with its 10th installment and 5th simultaneous event in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. To celebrate the grand comeback of the two-day physical event from September 24 to 25, 7-Eleven is preparing exciting cash prizes, major freebies from sponsor brands, and a chance to run in an international competition. 

There are nine (9) distance categories to choose from: 3KM, 5KM, 5KM Buddy, 10KM, 10KM Buddy, 16KM, 21KM, 32KM, and 42KM, with medals and cash prizes ranging from P2,000 to P25,000. The top three (3) male and female Filipino winners from the 21KM, 32KM, and 42KM will get a chance to run and represent the country in an international marathon competition.

Participants can do a quick grocery run with the number of freebies they can grab from over 30 sampling booths courtesy of 7-Eleven’s brand partners. On the two-day simultaneous event, specifically in Filinvest, Alabang for the Manila leg, Cebu Business Park, Ayala Center for the Cebu leg, and SM City Davao Ecoland, Davao City for the Davao leg, partner brands will offer their favorite snacks, drinks, daily essentials, and more for FREE.

Participants can register to join for FREE by collecting 15 e-stamps through the CLiQQ App to redeem one (1) registration code for their chosen category. 30 e-stamps are required to redeem a registration code for each buddy run category. 

A P100 minimum purchase of participating items is needed to get one (1) e-stamp. This also entitles the customer to one (1) e-raffle entry per e-stamp, for a chance to be one of the 3,000 winners of products from the run’s major sponsors. This includes freebies from Cornetto, Pocari Sweat, Kopiko Lucky Day, Nature’s Spring, Gatorade, Summit, Del Monte Fit N Right, Le Minerale, Cali, C2, Coca-Cola, Absolute, Nova, Pepsi, Re Fresh, Cobra, Mountain Dew, Wilkins, Nutri Boost, and Selecta.

Participants can also opt to register by paying the corresponding fee per run category starting at P500 each. Once paid or the required number of e-stamps are collected, the participant can claim their Race Kit at the nearest 7-Eleven store.

Registration period is until September 13 only. It doesn’t matter if one is a newbie, a pro runner, or just joining for fun alone, with a friend, or a group, everyone’s welcome to join and run as one community. 

Run to the nearest 7-Eleven store or register online at www.run711.com to join! 

Singlife Launches Cash for Goals (Education), A Better Way to Fund Your Child's Ambition

Do you believe that quality education is the best way to pave a better life for your children?

Like most of Filipino Parents I do too!

However, college tuition fees are expensive and they do increase yearly.  In my case,  with two children in college and two other ones following in years, I have developed the will to save early when they were wee small through savings in the bank or college insurance plans.  It did eat a chunk of our family's finances but being earnest allowed us security and were able to send our kids to good schools without thinking about where to get the money.

I'm happy to share this good news with parents who are thinking ahead of their kids' future.  Singlife Philippines developed Cash for Goals (Education) to help parents prepare for education expenses.  

Helping parents provide for their children cash for Goals (Education) helps parents save and grow their money so they can afford their child’s college tuition fees. Singlife makes this hassle-free by making the product available on GCash, which is accessible anytime, anywhere through any mobile device. 

The purchase experience is designed to be informative, user-friendly, and transparent so that parents can learn how the product works and make a purchase in just a few minutes.  Singlife has made investing for a child’s college fund budget-friendly. Initial investment starts low at only Php 2,500 and additional investments can be as low as Php 500/month. And it’s easy to stay consistent with monthly investing as funds are automatically deducted from the parent’s GCash account for convenience. 

Through Cash for Goals, the parent’s money is invested in the Singlife Smart Investment Fund - a peso-denominated investment-linked fund that aims to earn more than traditional savings accounts by primarily investing in a mix of Philippine fixed-income and equity classes. The fund is managed by ATRAM, one of the country’s leading asset management companies.  

On top of helping parents save and grow their money, Cash for Goals (Education) also ensures that the child has money for college in case anything unfortunate happens to his/her parents. If the parent investing in the child’s college fund passes away, Singlife will ensure that the target amount is available for the child by the time he/she enters college. Singlife provides a better way What makes Cash for Goals (Education) better than the run-of-the-mill investment-linked insurance product is that 100% of the parents’ money is invested, as compared to other products that charge very high entry fees. For parents, this translates to their investments earning more than 50% versus other products in the market, especially during the early years. 

singlife.com.ph.

The product’s low cash out makes saving for education budget-friendly for every-Juan (and Maria). Cash for Goals (education) is available for as low as Php 500/month after a one-time initial investment of just Php 2,500. And when things get tight and parents need to withdraw funds for emergencies, they can do so without any fees or charges at any given time. 

“As parents, we want to provide all we can for our children to help them reach their big ambitions and education is key to that. It is better to start as early as possible to avoid being confronted with the high cost of education when the need is already there and when our budgets might be constrained. To help parents be ready, we created ‘Cash for Goals (Education)’ and give them a better way to plan, save and grow funds for their child’s education,” says Rien Hermans, Singlife’s CEO.

Cash for Goals (Education) is the first unit-linked investment product offered by Singlife Philippines. The company develops products that help customers plan, save, and invest for their financial future.  

To learn more about Singlife’s Cash for Goals product visit our website 

(http://singlife.com.ph/cash-for-goals/) or go to GCash (http://go.gcash.com/SinglifeCFGE).

Here is how Cash for Goals (Education) works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PARRWa9dWHw&t=5s

 

Inviting You to the #711Day SALE-bration Day

 Enjoy a huge price drop on Big Bite, City Cafe, Crunch Time Chicken, and MORE from July 8 to 13 

The most-awaited annual 7-Eleven SALE-bration is coming! 7-Eleven is gearing up for this year’s 7-Eleven Day with a 6-day promo-filled party from July 8 to 13 in all stores nationwide. 7-Eleven is treating customers to up to 50% OFF on over 200 items including its signature food items from Big Bite, City Cafe, and Crunch Time Chicken.  

Office workers, students, loyal customers, and those residing near 7-Eleven stores, better take note! Crunch Time Chicken will start its P10 OFF promo on its 1pc. Chicken with Rice on July 6, in time for National Fried Chicken Day, until July 11. 

Come 7-Eleven Day on July 11, the small size of the crowd-favorite City Cafe coffee blend is offered at half the price. This applies to all available blends: Brewed Coffee, French Vanilla, Mochaccino, Salted Caramel, and Hot Chocolate. Small Prima Americano is also available at half off. The customers’ go-to 7-Eleven snack, Big Bite Hotdog, is also at 50% off on this day. Should anyone need a quick bite or baon, then this is where to get the bang for that buck — and a delicious one at that! 

From July 8 to 13, the convenience store will offer a huge price drop of up to 50% discount on snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, personal hygiene products for the face, body, and hair, and other grocery essentials.  

While #711Day merits its own grand party, what makes this year’s celebration even more special is that everyone is finally able to celebrate together, in person after spending the past two years in quarantine.  

Now that everyone is going back to work, back to school, and back to regular daily routines, 7-Eleven is also urging Filipinos to come back to their stores to regain the experience of shopping at their favorite neighborhood convenience store. Take this as an invitation to get back all the things and people we missed — because with 7-Eleven’s #711Day, it’s a celebration like no other!  

Contactless payments through the CLiQQ app and GCash are available. Don’t miss out on 7-Eleven’s six-day celebration! Visit here for the list of the complete sale items available from July 8 to 13.  

DOT's KAIN NA! A Multi-sensory adventure for Foodies

The Department of Tourism (DOT) aims to satisfy the cravings of foodies, tourists, and non-tourists alike with the fourth hybrid serving of the KAIN NA! Food and Travel Festival in partnership with Ayala Malls.

KAIN NA! with the theme “Foodie Adventures” continues to serve its signature line-up of digital food tourism talks and discussions from June 9 to 11, while on-ground festivities of specially-curated foodie pop-ups of regional cuisines and delicacies are scheduled at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque City, Metro Manila from June 10 to 12, from 10AM to 10PM.