JOIN THE KLEAN FIGHT!

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Today’s athletes are more sophisticated in their buying and selecting behavior than ever before. The age of information has pushed the envelope in ways that athletes know exactly what they want, what to look out for, and where to get it. Consumer insight has evolved tremendously. Brands are now churning out products engineered to the exact specifications of athletes. The world of sports nutrition has kept pace.

It is apparent that championship athletes are keen on looking for the best available products to take them to that next level. Popular opinion will say there are no secrets to greatness other than proper coaching, hard work, and elite level preparation. But is that all there really is to it? Athletes of any sport will attest that proper nutrition is tantamount to winning at any level. And winning is a way of life.

With this rationale, Klean Athlete products are manufactured through a simple paradigm: provide formulas that are proven through sound science, support your active lifestyle, and give you everything you need — and nothing you don’t. It offers a product line made BY championship athletes, FOR championship athletes. These products have undergone the most rigorous and state of the art tests to ensure that they are made BY the best, FOR the best. The Klean Athlete product line includes supplements for the specific purposes of a workout: Isolate Whey Protein, Electrolytes, Endurance D-Ribose Chews, and Recovery Drink.

The thrust of Klean Athlete was always to raise the bar of sports nutrition, especially in terms of information and education through maximizing the platforms available to us today. Products are certified through the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International, which ensures that they are of premium quality and pass international standards for food safety.

Not only is Klean Athlete NSF Certified, it is NSF Certified for Sport®, a certification level which was created to meet the growing demands of athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals to guarantee that sports supplements are free from banned substances. Every product that carries the NSF Certified for Sport® mark has undergone stringent laboratory testing to confirm content, purity, and compliance. This is especially relevant today as the sports associations and sanctioning bodies have doubled their efforts to crack down on doping and banned substances. To date, Klean Athlete is the only line of NSF Certified for Sport® nutritional supplements available in the Philippines.

Consumers with dietary restrictions will also be happy to note that the complete line is formulated without wheat or gluten and contains no artificial coloring, flavoring or sweeteners.

Klean Athlete is the clean choice for complete nutrition for athletes, promoting peak performance by fueling and fortifying with a solid nutritional base to fully support an athlete’s training and overall well-being, thus making it the new frontier for sports nutrition.

MEET THE KLEAN TEAM

As Klean Athlete has been expanding globally, its introduction to the Philippine market has also been taking stride. Klean Athlete is now advocated by our very own team of world class athletes who live, train, and compete at the highest level. The Klean Athlete Ambassadors were introduced recently at venue partner, The City Club at Alphaland Makati Place. Get to know more about the ambassadors initiating the Klean Fight!

Elle Adda is a multi-sport practitioner of Yoga, Running, Mixed Martial Arts, Crossfit and Obstacle Course Racing. Elle’s versatile and dynamic scope of the human body has also allowed her to build the fitness and wellness community as well as to spread awareness through various platforms and her advocacy as a Klean Athlete Ambassador.

Amy Berezowski is the CEO and Head Coach of the Philippines’ first exclusively women boxing clubhouse – Empowered Clubhouse. She’s a professional boxer and she uses Klean Athlete to make sure that she has everything she needs to stay at the top of her game in and out of the ring.

Mark Hernandez uses Klean Isolate and Klean Recovery to give him the endurance and mental focus in training and racing as a triathlete. Being a champion runner, swimmer, and cyclist all in one is never easy and Mark ensures that his body is getting all the right fuel it needs.

Multi-sport coach Jojo Macalintal is the owner and head coach of Trimac Coaching. Klean Athlete gives Coach Jo that boost of clean energy that keeps his body and mind in shape, ready to face any challenge.

Triathlete Pablo Sospedra Miro’s secret to success is hard work and passion. There are no shortcuts. Being able to train regularly is gives him an edge on his competitors, this is where Klean products come in. They help him maintain his body’s strength by giving the nutrients and boost he needs. No matter where or what season he is competing.

As a triathlete who travels the world, racing in different climates and terrains, Fabio Duque knows the value in keeping his body in top shape. As a Klean Athlete, he knows that what goes into his body is just as important as his training.

Ignacio Escaño is a student athlete who understands at this early age that proper nutrition will pave the way for a long and successful career. He uses Klean Athlete to ensure proper preparation, leading to peak performance when he represents the Philippines as a member of the national team in baseball.

Regenerative medicine research specialist Dr. Ben Valdecañas is Klean Athlete’s brand consultant and key opinion leader. He lends his knowledge on optimizing health and human performance to Klean Athlete, ensuring that its claims are medically proven, safe, and effective.

Klean Athlete Nutritional Supplements are exclusively distributed by Klean Athlete Philippines and readily available in-store at Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy and online via Klean Athlete PH on Shopee and Lazada.

Join us and start being a Klean Athlete today!

For more information, please contact:

Jenifer Lapid
Klean Athlete Philippines
6F Twin Cities Condominium, 110 Legazpi St., Makati City
(T): (02) 838-4350 | (02) 845 1350
(M): (+63917) 705 5436‬
(E): jen@kleanathlete.com.ph
Website: www.kleanathlete.com.ph

For other inquiries, reach us at: info@kleanathlete.com.ph

Follow @kleanathleteph on

Metrobank defines Meaningful Banking experience with latest campaign

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The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) recently launched its Meaningful Banking campaign with an aim to elevate its promise of “You’re in Good Hands” at the Grand Hyatt Manila.

Since Metrobank was founded, its reason for being has always been to serve customers extraordinarily well by helping them spot opportunities and working together to realize their dreams—whether to scale up their business or achieve their goals wherever they are in life.

“In this day and age, we see a lot of developments as our customers continue to evolve. Thus, to keep our promise of keeping them in good hands, the bank must evolve as well,” says Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee. “Today, we announce the start of the next stage of Metrobank’s transformation journey as we aim to deliver Meaningful Banking for our customers. It is our re-commitment to put customers at the heart of everything we do—to listen and understand them as we strive to move, change, and grow together.”

As it begins a new journey to Meaningful Banking, it introduces a new communication campaign featuring its new Metrobank signature frame that serves as a visual focal point highlighting its customers’ meaningful stories. In the near future, Metrobank aims to provide new and more relevant products and services that help fulfill customers’ purpose and dreams.

From driving financial literacy to honoring outstanding Filipinos, to helping the communities it serves; the bank is also committed to supporting meaningful initiatives which can contribute to nation-building. It goes beyond building just a business and aims to make a real difference in Filipinos’ lives–redefining banking that is made truly meaningful.

“Meaningful Banking is Metrobank’s north star as we start on a transformation journey,” says Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba. “Even if we are not yet able to serve them perfectly now, we commit to continuously improving so that we can deliver Meaningful Banking every step of the way, for the customers of today and tomorrow.”

To learn more about the campaign, visit meaningfulbanking.metrobank.com.ph or facebook.com/metrobank.

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About Metrobank:

Metrobank is the country’s premier universal bank and has one of the largest domestic networks with over 950 branches and over 2,300 automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide, and 32 foreign branches, subsidiaries and representative offices. For inquiries, please contact Corporate Communication Department at 857-5526, or Investor Relations Department at 857-9783 and investor.relations@metrobank.com.ph. Or call the Metrobank 24/7 Customer Hotline at 8700-700, or log on to www.metrobank.com.ph. For provincial areas, call toll-free 1-800-1888-5775.

Sun Life Presents life, health and wealth solutions for Financial Independence Month

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Here are the speakers for the Sun Life presentation Krie (CEO ans Founder of Messy Bessy), Sara Black and Lay Preacher Bo Sanchez talks about Life, Health and Wealth.

Filipinos are eager to prepare for the future, but are still tied to traditional ways of handling their finances.

This was revealed in a nationwide study of 1,200 respondents conducted by Kantar Milward Brown and commissioned by Sun Life Financial Philippines (“Sun Life”).

According to the study, 68% of Filipinos were concerned about saving for emergencies, 62% on securing their family’s future, and 57% on retirement. In order to address these priorities, 62% said they are managing their finances while 54% are spending only on things that are planned. Only 39% replied that they were investing their money in order to fund their goals.

Many pointed to their financial situation as a reason for not availing of life insurance or mutual fund products, where an average of 44% said that these products are considered as added expenses rather than tools to be financially secure. Moreover, it appears that lack of knowledge was also a factor, where 16% admitted they knew little about life insurance, 15% confessed to not knowing much about accident insurance, and 17% felt the same way about health insurance.

This prompted Sun Life to adopt the theme ”Life, Health, and Wealth” for its Financial Independence Month campaign this June.

”Life, health, and wealth are the essentials of a brighter future, but one can only achieve them if they save and invest for the future,” Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said. ”This is possible with the right partner, tools, and products, and these are what we would like to highlight this Financial Independence Month.”

Life solutions

Among the initiatives under ”Life” is the Life Insurance Calculator, which would help one assess how much life insurance he would need to properly cover the needs of his loved ones, giving him a clearer goal to pursue. The digital tool can be accessed via bit.ly/SLlnsuranceCalc.

Meanwhile, SUN Smarter Life Classic is a protection plan that provides double life insurance coverage throughout one’s lifetime. Available in flexible premium payments, it also offers benefits that he can use in case of emergencies or immediate need for cash.

Sun Life is also set to team up with Waze to promote road safety in an initiative dubbed ”Brighter Drive, Brighter Life,” which will alert Waze users on accident-prone areas. This may also serve as a reminder for Waze users, who are also registered Lazada members, to insure themselves with a digital life insurance from Sun Life, such as Life Armor. It may be availed via the said online marketplace for as low as P100.

Health solutions

Under ”Health,” Sun Life endorses SUN Fit and Well, a new generation wellness plan that offers comprehensive life and health protection. It covers the whole health Journey from prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, offering comfort and peace of mlnd should a serious illness strike.

GoWell, Sun Life’s wellness community, has also expanded its tie-up with Fitness First to offer club benefits and preferential rates for Sun Life clients, advisors and employees.

Wealth solutions

Those eager to pursue their wealth goals can give the Investment Calculator 3 try at bit.ly/SL|nvestmentCalc to see how their money can grow over time using various financial instruments.
Once they are ready to start investing, they can opt to invest in the Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Funds from Sun Life Asset Management Inc. (SLAMCI). The first target date investment funds in the Philippines, these funds are designed to help investors achieve their goals on time with the minimum investment at only P1,000.

Should they wish to encourage their loved ones to start their own investing journey as well, they can give them a Sun Life Prosperity Card, 3 gift card which can be invested in any of Sun Life’s peso-denominated funds. It is available in P1,000 and P5,000 denominations.

In order to keep them on track as they pursue their life, health, and wealth goals, Sun Life also created Sun Future Planner, a comprehensive financial planning guide that would help one determine his life stage, analyze his needs, and take concrete steps to achieve his goals. The Sun Future Planner may be availed via a Sun Life advisor.

“We hope that Filipinos would utilize these solutions to create a more holistic and hardworking financial plan and serve more of his and his family‘s needs,” Lopa said. ”By saving, investing, and being more proactive in this pursuit, there is no doubt that they can look forward to a brighter future, and we aspire to be their partner for life in theirjourney towards financial freedom.”

For updates on Sun Life’s Financial Independence Month initiatives and for details on Sun Life’s products and digital tools, follow @SunLifePH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, visit sunlife.com.ph, or talk to a Sun Life advisor today.

SENSODYNE HELPS GEN Z OVERCOME TOOTH SENSITIVITY

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Sensodyne launches new Rapid Relief that keeps up with the younger generation’s oral healthcare problem

Research has shown that as many as one in three people may suffer from tooth hypersensitivity or
pangingilo, with prevalence peaking at 30 to 40 years of age 1 . But in a study, two out of five younger adults, between 18 and 25 years old 2 , otherwise known as “Generation Z” or “Gen-Z”, now experience the onset of tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity is a common, irreversible problem caused by dentine exposure brought about by
attrition from tooth grinding or jaw clenching, erosion from dietary acids, or abrasion from brushing too vigorously. However, it can be managed with proper dental hygiene.

“The youth of today enjoy a dynamic lifestyle. They are highly mobile and always multitasking. As such,
oral health may not always be a top priority. In fact, more than 50% of them do not consult their dentist on problems such as tooth sensitivity and find ways to work around it instead,” says Michael Mallari, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines Expert Sales Manager. “However, for Filipino Gen Zers, who constantly connect with friends and family through shared meals, experiencing pangingilo is a major distraction and a problem that needs to be addressed. Instead of enjoying and being able to try out new food, they experience pain and discomfort that takes their attention away from the moments
that matter.”

In a recent event dubbed “Face the Race”, leading oral healthcare brand Sensodyne, launched the new
Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste which provides sufferers with speed and efficiency in beating tooth
sensitivity. “We understand that bonding over meals is a culturally intrinsic activity and is highly valued among Filipino youths,” says Ritesh Pandey, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Consumer Healthcare General Manager. “With Sensodyne Rapid Relief, those who suffer from pangingilo can experience immediate relief from the first time they brush so they can continue enjoying their food-bonding experiences with minimal distraction from their teeth.”

Tooth sensitivity is a dental condition that causes discomfort or pain in teeth when encountering certain substances and temperatures. It occurs when the dentine underneath the tooth enamel becomes
exposed, revealing small holes called tubules.

When the fluid inside these tiny tubules encounters something cold, hot, sweet, or sour, it can trigger
the nerves inside the tooth and cause a short, sharp pain.

When used as directed, the unique technology in Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste offers fast relief
and long lasting protection to beat sensitivity. It has an active ingredient called stannous fluoride which enables faster blockage of the tubules. It also has an optimised polymer system that creates a gel-like scaffold which holds the stannous fluoride in place, preventing it from being washed away in the mouth.

The Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste retails at P208 SRP and is available at leading stores nationwide.

For more information about Sensodyne Rapid Relief, visit sensodyne.com.ph.

Public School Teacher named Cebuana Lhuillier’s Happiest Pinoy 2019

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Zaldy Bueno, a 37-year old teacher from Gumaca, Quezon was hailed as the 4th Happiest Pinoy, winning Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for the Happiest Pinoy which honors and celebrates the Filipinos’ innate “optimism, resilience, and hope amidst different life crises.”

Zaldy bested nine other finalists from different categories, winning one million cash and a trophy.

The board of judges composed of Usec. Zenaida Maglaya, Gang Badoy Capati, James Deakin, RJ Ledesma, Love Anover-Lianko, Jonathan Yabut, Winston Maxino, Rommel Arellano, and Richardson Navor chose Bueno unanimously by virtue of his advocacy to see more children’s lives change through education. Zaldy volunteered as an ALS teacher and taught on weekends, he even had his mother as his student at one point and helped her finish her secondary education. Zaldy also co-founded project PADYAK in 2017, PADYAK stands for Pidal Apakan Dunong Yayaman, Asenso’y Kakamtan, which aims to provide bicycle units for students who could not afford to travel to school.

The project turned out huge with so many people donating new and used bicycle units from all over the Philippines even getting donations from OFWs abroad. This project drastically increased attendance for students at school for which their school received a perfect attendance award.

“I am very happy with the results of this year’s search — with over 800,000 entries received through our branches, online, SMS, and walk-in entries. It’s been amazing to read the entries of the 10 finalists and Zaldy proves to be a worthy winner as his tale will definitely inspire countless people to push on despite life’s difficulties, Zaldy exemplifies the commendable Filipino spirit of rising up from your current predicament and using that as fuel to make a difference in the lives of others.” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Currently, Bueno serves as the head teacher of the English department at the Gumaca National High School. As a kid, their family would often encounter financial difficulties, Zaldy would help his mom wash clothes for their neighbours and would get his daily allowance from selling vegetables he planted to augment the family income. Zaldy vowed to work hard and study hard in order to improve their life.

A turning point in Zaldy’s life was when typhoon Rosing hit in 1995 which completely obliterated their house, and forced to stay at the barangay health center. During clinic days, Zaldy and his family had to move their things on the street to accommodate the influx of patients.

After graduating secondary school, Zaldy tried to get a college education but had to stop schooling due to financial constraints. In order to get back to school, he had to work two jobs, including stints at a tile store and as an advertiser scout for a local radio station. He finished college after 6 years.

Bueno is the fourth winner of the biennial search following Richardson Navor (2015), Rommel Arellano (2012), and Winston Maxino (2009).

When asked what Bueno will do with the prize money, he shared that he will use it to further improve Project PADYAK by acquiring more bike units which more youths can use to get to school. He also shared that he will use a part of it to bring his parents to Singapore for a well-deserved vacation.

Breaking its own record, the Cebuana Lhuillier search received over 800,000 nominations this year, the most entries it received in its ten-year history.

Shopee reveals Sarah Geronimo as new brand ambassador in time for Shopee 6.6 – 7.7 Lowest Price Sale

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MANILA, 31 MAY, 2019 – Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, announces Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo as their new brand ambassador in time for the Shopee 6.6 – 7.7 Lowest Price Sale, happening from June 3 to July 7. On June 1, Filipinos can stay tuned for the first-ever television commercial of Shopee with Sarah Geronimo.

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “We are very happy with how Shopee performed in 2019 and to ramp up our efforts, we are following this up with a big campaign featuring our new brand ambassador, Sarah Geronimo. We believe that Sarah’s approachable and bubbly personality is a perfect representation of the Shopee brand and we are thrilled to have her become part of the family. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the Shopee 6.6 – 7.7 Lowest Price Sale.”

Happening from June 3 to July 7, the Shopee 6.6 – 7.7 Lowest Price Sale promises five weeks of unbeatable deals with up to 90% off from leading brands including P&G Hair, Huawei, Colourette, Colgate, Silverworks, Maybelline, Unilever Personal Care, Watsons, and Olay. Users can enjoy free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on selected brands or categories daily as well as one million Lowest Price Deals, daily 100% cashback vouchers, and ₱1 Deals.

Bigger and better surprises in store for users

Shopee 6.6 – 7.7 Lowest Price Sale will feature 35 days of themed promotions happening from June 3 to July 7. Key highlights include:
● Category days such as TV, Audio, & Gaming Sale on June 28, Mobile Sale on June 30, and Korean Skincare Sale on July 4.
● Mechanic days including:
○ Vouchers Sale on June 3, featuring seller, category, and sitewide vouchers up for grabs
○ Free Shipping Sale on June 4, featuring free shipping with ₱0 min spend across the platform
○ Flash Sale on June 12, with an upsized Flash session happening 10 times across 24 hours.
● Super Brand Days from June 17 to June 21 featuring leading brands across categories including Huawei, Maybelline, Hanford, Unilever Homecare, and Unilever Personal Care.
● Exclusive deals from partners including BDO, Cebu Pacific, and the official store launch of iWant.

For more information on the Shopee 6.6 – 7.7 Lowest Price Sale, please visit https://shopee.ph/m/double-double.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
Visit https://shopee.ph for more information.

Unleash the Beasts in ‘Godzilla II: King of the Monsters’ at SM Cinema

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An epic monster adventure awaits at SM Cinema! Prepare yourselves as the mythical super-creatures collide in Godzilla II: King of the Monsters at SM Cinema.

In this installment of the gripping film series, Godzilla battles ancient super-species Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, King Ghidorah for supremacy. It is up to a crypto-zoological agency Monarch to face off against these god-sized monsters to get a chance at saving humanity.

Watch the battle unfold in the biggest and most immersive cinema experience at SM Cinema’s IMAX theatres! The IMAX release of Godzilla II will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality for the complete The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Combining crystal-clear images, clear audio and IMAX’s customized theatre geometry, you are sure to see Godzilla in action and in all its glory in any of the following SM Supermalls: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Aura Premier, SM City North EDSA, SM City Cebu, SM City Clark, SM Southmall, and SM Lanang Premier.

Directed by Michael Dougherty, the film stars Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobbie Brown, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins and Charles Dance.

Catch Godzilla starting May 29 at SM Cinema branches nationwide. Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app. You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

Magic carpet ride: Disney’s Aladdin flies high in Philippine box office on opening weekend

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Much like the movie’s thrilling magic carpet ride over the port city of Agrabah, Disney’s Aladdin, the live-action adaptation of its animated classic, flew high and soared above every other movie as it posted as the No. 1 film during its opening weekend.

Continuing Disney’s success in providing quality entertainment through live-action remakes, the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin and the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine opened in 494 cinemas nationwide last May 22 and raked in an impressive Php 212,197,892 (USD 4,014,776) on its first six days, making it the number one film over the weekend.

Film director and screenwriter Guy Ritchie lends his flair for fast-paced and exciting action to tell the adventures of the charming scoundrel Aladdin, played by Mena Massoud, and the beautiful and self-determined Princess Jasmine, played by Naomi Scott. Will Smith joins the cast as the larger-than-life Genie.

Aladdin is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Join the conversations online using #AladdinPH.

Unique Pinoy specialties highlighted in Solane Kitchen Hero Chef’s Edition #SolaneKitchenHero

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Solane, the leading LPG solutions brand, launches its grandest culinary competition yet. Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition is the first-ever cooking competition that aims to discover the next big name in the culinary world. This regional-to-national cooking tilt will go from north to south, and across 16 regional stops in the country to recognize a new generation of talented chefs.

“We believe that the Philippines has some of the best and most talented chefs in the world,” says Isla LPG Corp. CEO Ruben Domingo. “Through the Solane Kitchen Hero competition, we aim to recognize these chefs who are vital in bringing Filipino cuisine to the world stage. At the same time, we are on a quest to explore and highlight Filipino specialties that are unique to our provinces.”

For this one-of-a-kind cook-off, participants must be Filipino professional chefs with at least three (3) years of kitchen experience gained locally or abroad. They must be currently employed as a professional chef in a hotel, restaurant, or any food service establishment.

The competition will comprise of two (2) rounds. Round one will be the regional competition where contestants from the different provinces per region will compete to determine who a¬¬¬mong them will represent their region in the national competition. Round two will be the semi-finals and grand finals where all regional champions will cook-off to find out who among them will be hailed the champion of Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition.

The culinary creations will be judged by renowned chef and Solane Kitchen Hero ambassador Chef Sau del Rosario and bestselling author and Solane Kitchen Hero competition director Nancy Reyes-Lumen. It will be based on the following criteria: 50% featured ingredients and 50% originality and creativity. The competition will conclude on September 7, 2019 at Eastwood City, Metro Manila.

The winner of Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition will take home P100,000 and will embark on a culinary trip to Japan with customized stops at different food and drink destinations. This exciting cooking contest is made possible with the support of dynamic organizations and brands championing the same passion for cookery in the country. STI serves as their official school partner while Midea is a co-presenter. Major sponsors are Masflex, Jolly, Jolly Heartmate Canola Oil, Dona Elena, and Dona Elena Al Dente. Minor sponsors are King Sue, Ajinomoto, Philtranco, Fastcat, Chef’s Garb, and National Bookstore.

To know more about Solane Kitchen Hero Chef’s Edition, visit Solane’s website www.solane.com.ph and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/solane.ph/

First Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Young Scientist Award

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) honored 12 aspiring scientists who will represent the Philippines in in the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Finalists of DepEd’s 2019 National Science and Technology Fair, the students were sent off last Friday, May 10 to the annual event. The Intel ISEF will be happening from May 12 to 17 in Phoenix, Arizona in the United States. It is the world’s largest pre-college science competition that gathers top young scientific minds from across the globe to showcase their researches on the international stage. The delegation is sponsored by the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), the family foundation of the leaders and founders of JG Summit Holdings, Inc.

In recognition of their excellence, GBF vested the students with the first Gokongwei Brothers Young Scientist Award. The foundation also announced that they will be granting scholarships to the winners to help them pursue a degree in Science, Technology, Mathematics, or Engineering at their dream universities in the future.

“It is our privilege to be a part of the journey of these amazing researchers. Learning about their story and their aspirations, it is inspiring to know that their youth is not a stumbling block, but actually an enabler to really do what they want to do for their communities. They are a testament to the Filipino youth’s exceptional ingenuity and potential in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM),” said Grace Colet, Gokongwei Brothers Foundation executive director.

Meet the awardees
Among the best six projects heading to Intel ISEF 2019 are two Life Science researches, which explored the use of natural ingredients that could treat human and plant diseases. Taguig Science High School’s John Eric Aggarao, Kathleen Chloie Antonio, and Anna Beatriz Suavengco studied the possible organic solution to brown eye spot disease attacking Kapeng Barako plants. Meanwhile, Maria Isabel Layson of Iloilo National High School presented the antidiabetic properties of aratiles and how it can help produce dietary supplements.

In the Physical Science category, Quezon National High School’s Nathaniel Reyes demonstrated how cornstalk biochar composite can treat algae infestation in lakes and fish ponds. The team of Neil David Cayanan, Shaira Gozun, and E’van Relle Tongol of Angeles City Science High School was also a game-changer with their proposed eco-friendly alternative to acoustic panels.

The Robotics and Intelligent Machines category also saw student-researchers rise to the challenge of developing technology that are beneficial to the communities. Pangasinan National High School’s Maryjoise Karla Buan invented a device that can detect illegal logging activities in forest areas. On the team division, Alpha Acain, Lester Sabadao, and Lia Denise Tan of Cagayan National High School designed a prototype that can assist farmers in drying and storing their rice harvests.

“Just like their passion to develop innovations that could really impact their communities, GBF is committed to support this next generation of talented Filipino scientists to help build their country and make a mark for the Philippines,” said Colet.

With advancing STEM as its core thrust, GBF is guided by its mission of building the future through education. For the past 25 years, GBF has built quality learning facilities, granted scholarships to deserving youth, supported academic institutions through endowments and donations, and created synergies geared toward promoting STEM and uplifting the Filipino.