ChemExpo 2017 brings together the biggest assemblage of chemical producers, manufacturers, and processors on November 24 – 26, 2017 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.
SM commits to a better tomorrow at SM City Trece Martires solar system launch
SM Supermalls marked another milestone in its pursuit to make each day better for all at the launch of SM City Trece Martires’ solar system, held in Trece Martires City, Cavite. At the ‘switching on’ ceremony, SM highlighted that the solar system rollout all over the country was only part of the many sustainability programs SM has been doing for years.
The SM City Trece Martires solar facility houses 2,914 solar panels capable of generating 0.5 megawatts of electricity, enough to fully charge 130,000 cellphones, light up 15,500 10-watt LED lamps, run 4,500 30-watt electric fans, and provide power to 300 households. The use of solar energy promotes clean air and saves the environment by helping reduce carbon footprint from electricity produced from combustion of fossil fuels.
Other sustainability programs of SM include the ‘Trash to Cash’ recycling markets in SM malls, and the integration of transport terminals in malls to mitigate traffics for cleaner air. With disaster risk reduction taking center stage on sustainability, SM has been building ‘resilient’ malls with water catchment basins to help manage flood-prone areas.
SM Prime, alongside UNISDR and ARISE Philippines, also hosts the Top Leaders Forum. The theme for 2017 is ‘Business for Resilience – Towards a Resilient Philippines.’ As a private sector conference aspiring to find concrete measures to make businesses more resilient against disasters, the Forum this year underscores invaluable collaboration between the science and technology community and the private sector towards global disaster preparedness.
SM, in partnership with Solar Philippines, first ventured into renewable energy in 2014 with the launch of its first solar system in the Philippines at SM City North EDSA – the first mall in the country to promote solar energy. SM Mall of Asia then launched its solar facility two years after. This year, SM has announced expansion of green programs with more solar systems in eight more malls.
At the helm of SM’s partner in promoting eco-friendly shopping in the country is Solar Philippines Founder, Mr. Leandro Leviste. Leading the largest developer of solar rooftop power plants in Southeast Asia, Mr. Leviste was recognized in the Forbes Magazine 2016 30 under 30 Asia, a roster of young game-changers, entrepreneurs, and social leaders who are under 30 years old.
With SM’s solar system rollout and other green programs, SM continues to go beyond mall development and management as it integrates environmental sustainability into its operations to ultimately support communities for a better tomorrow.
For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.
Casa Ibarra presents the total events package for your next party
The name Ibarra’s is now associated with the best events memories in generations of Filipinos. Starting with Ibarra’s Garden in Padre Faura in the early 2000s, countless brides, debutantes and other celebrants have found an Ibarra’s location for their special occasions.
Today, Ibarra’s Party Venues and Catering officially unveils its fifth and grandest events venue, Casa Ibarra in MOA Complex, Pasay City. The impressive Casa Ibarra stands out from other buildings in this business and commercial district for its modern Filipino design.
Guests drive up to the porte-cochere for drop-off and enter the lobby dominated by the 11 x 3.5m Homage to Monet artwork of French-Filipino artist Olivia d’Aboville. Specially commissioned for Casa Ibarra, this artwork is made of 365 meters of handwoven silk from Palawan and Aklan. It is the artist’s largest work to date, and evokes an air of lightness and romance.
Putting the grand in grand ballroom is Casa Ibarra’s main centerpiece, the 600-sqm. Sala de Amor on the second floor. The grand ballroom accommodates as much as 350 guests and features six majestic capiz chandeliers and lighted onyx pillars. Each chandelier is made of over 20,000 capiz shells. On one side of the room is a grand stairway where steps light up one by one as the celebrant comes down to meet guests from a landing with two facing staircases. If a bride and groom ever wanted to make an entrance ala Beauty and the Beast, this is the way to do it.
For smaller events or parties, Casa Ibarra offers two function rooms on the ground floor, the Alegria and Hermosa rooms. Each room can fit 140 persons or can be combined to become a larger room.
An even more intimate venue would be the porte-cochere’s balcony, offering lively views of the district, or of the moonrise. The area can fit as much as 80 guests for a small wedding set-up or for open air cocktails. It is also often used for photo shoots.
No party would be complete without glorious food and Ibarra’s has become known for offering a wide Filipino and international selection. Casa Ibarra carries Western, Mediterranean, Oriental, Spanish, and Filipino menu choices. Some of their specialties and signature dishes are Ibarra’s hickory pork spare ribs, braised beef shank and seafood paella. Ibarra’s also provides off-site catering services for parties and corporate events. Clients range all across the metro and provinces, and yes, even international clients searching for great food and service.
Ibarra’s has over 17 years of experience in the party venue and catering business. Each location is distinctive in design and architecture. Ibarra’s Garden in Manila is a classic home from the 1920’s, with a garden inspired by American Art Deco architecture. Plaza Ibarra along Timog Avenue, Quezon City is a Mediterranean-themed garden with elegant ballrooms and lighted grand staircase. Bella Ibarra in Quezon Avenue was built around a timeless and elegant theme and is suited for both small and large gatherings. Villa Ibarra in Tagaytay is a small hotel offering stunning views of Taal Lake. It has often been booked primarily for weddings.
Casa Ibarra offers a modern Filipino take in its design and concept. Wood, capiz, raffia fabric and T’nalak, a special handweave from Mindanao, accentuate a lot of the interiors. The venue exudes quiet sophistication and Filipino pride. No wonder it gained many bookings upon its soft opening. Weddings, debuts, a baptismal, corporate events and a golden wedding celebration have made Casa Ibarra very busy, very fast.
A typical Ibarra’s package starts at about P133,000 all-in. This already includes numerous amenities but all still customizable to the client’s preferences. The company believes in giving great value for money for a hassle-free and enjoyable client event.
Ibarra’s banquet sales associates are also knowledgeable about many fine details like a church schedule or the duration of a ceremony. They assist a client from the preparation stage all the way to the end of an event. Now who wouldn’t want that kind of service?
So if you’re planning a baptism, a kiddie birthday, debut, wedding, product launch, graduation or the company’s next big office party, consider Casa Ibarra as your new partner in memory- and merrymaking.
Great Goodyear Sale this Holiday Season
This yuletide season, Goodyear is inviting families to take some time off to enjoy the perfect bonding experience– the road trip!
Gear up for your holiday drive with up to 65% off on selected tires at the Great Goodyear Sale, happening in select Goodyear Autocare Outlets from November 18 – December 31, 2017.
For over 100 years, Goodyear has created some of the world’s most innovative and category-defining tire products, designed to help customers gear up for the drive and enhance their driving experience.
The love of driving is an integral part of the brand’s DNA as it believes that driving goes beyond just physical transportation; rather, it is an emotional transformation, recharging the body, freeing the mind and boosting the spirit – what they call “Road Therapy.”
The idea of Road Therapy has become even more relevant for Filipinos today, with the rise of both local and international tourism.
In today’s busy and fast-paced lifestyle, a simple weekend road trip is a great way to relax, rejuvenate and share quality time with loved ones – and the upcoming Christmas season is the ideal time to make special memories with the family.
To ensure that your Christmas road trip is smooth and stress-free, get brand new tires at fantastic discounted prices at the Great Goodyear Sale.
Among the great offers available are Buy 3, Get 1 Free (or Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% off) for most tires with rim size 16 and above and a chance to win a brand new Ford EcoSport and other exciting prizes.
And not only can families choose from a variety of high quality tires, they can also enjoy a safer drive through Goodyear’s Worry Free Assurance, which has a number of benefits to ensure peace of mind on the road.
Offered exclusively in all Goodyear Autocare outlets, the Worry Free Assurance Membership Card offers benefits such as a 5-year limited warranty, emergency roadside assistance like tire repair and free towing, and complimentary servicing. Drivers of the covered vehicle can even get up to Php 50,000.00 insurance coverage.
So pack your bags, update your playlist and get the tires you need for a worry-free holiday road trip at the Great Goodyear Sale Kick-off!
For more updates on the Great Goodyear Sale and their great offers, Goodyear is inviting customers to visit its Facebook Page www.facebook.com/GoodyearPhilippines or their website www.goodyear.com.ph/offers.
Nuvali opens its award-winning and immersive lights and sound show this weekend
Nuvali recently kicked off the second installment of the “Magical Field of Lights” which allows audience to have an immersive experience amidst a dancing field of over 5,000 enchanted LED tulips. Nuvali marketing manager Jenn Chua talks about the different Christmas treats that are in store for Nuvali’s residents and guests this year.
Tell us about the “Magical Field of Lights”.
The “ Magical Field of Lights” was the first in the Philippines to introduce a choreographed light and sound show in an open grass field. It uses over 5,000 LED bulbs that when viewed move like enchanted tulips, thanks to the talents of our engineers and designers who developed a combination of light-and-sound technology. The maiden show last year won a Silver Stevie Award for best exhibit display for being the first to mount a light and sound show and installation on an outdoor field.
What is the schedule of the light and sound show?
The show is open to the public from November 11, 2017 to January 7, 2018 and may be viewed nightly from 6:00 to 10:00 pm at the Nuvali football field also known as The Fields, right beside Ayala Malls Solenad.
What other attractions can audience see at The Fields?
Aside from the light and sound spectacle, we have also set up light installations around the field like the 25-meter long light tunnel, which is a crowd favorite and Instagram-worthy installation, festive LED Christmas trees, and dandelion light installations.
What is different this year compared to last year?
This year, the visitors can immerse themselves amidst the 5,000 LED bulbs between the shows. The lights are grouped in clusters that now allow the visitors to get closer to the lights. We added colorful light spheres scattered all over the fields as well.
The show also features three new medleys featuring popular songs such as Kumukutikutitap, Ang Pasko ay sumapit, and Joy to the World.
Why is Nuvali holding this light show again? How does it align with Nuvali’s positioning as an eco-city?
By deriving inspiration from nature and carefully studying the estate’s distinct landscape, the show would like to represent and highlight Nuvali’s generous 50-50 open-space to built-environment ratio. The “Magical Field of Lights” also encourages the community to enjoy the outdoors and Nuvali’s wide open lush spaces and provide a venue for families and the rest of the community to converge, interact and create memories at Nuvali.
Aside from the light and sound show, what other activities has Nuvali prepared for guests this Christmas?
There is the Christmas fair featuring artisanal goods products that showcase traditional Filipino Christmas culinary treats, as well as Christmas bazaars set up at Ayala Malls Solenad.
Another crowd favorite, we are bringing back Nightsky Cinema to offer a one-of-a-kind experience of watching movies outdoors and under the stars on the following dates:
November 25 – “Cinema Flicks” in partnership with Skycable
December 2 &3 – “A Holiday Weekend” in partnership with Fox Movies
December 16 – “OpenAir Cinema” with Cinema One
Before and after watching the “Magical Field of Lights”, visitors can visit the shops at Solenad or opt for a staycation at the 150-room Seda Hotel Nuvali. Nature lovers and adrenaline junkies can also check out Nuvali’s outdoor adventure playground and team-building facility Camp N to try out the roller-coaster zipline, Asia’s tallest Free Fall, wall climbing, obstacle courses and bike tracks.
How many visitors are you expecting to view this year’s show?
We expect to exceed last year’s numbers which recorded more than 900,000 visitors from Metro Manila as well as nearby cities like Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas.
Novartis promotes awareness on Dry Eye Syndrome, a common condition among Internet users
Filipinos spend more time on the Internet than people in any of the other 29 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North America, and Europe profiled in the “Digital in 2017 Global Overview” report. Produced by global advertising agency We Are Social and social media management platform Hootsuite, the report shows that the average Filipino Internet user spends 9 hours online each day, with mobile Internet access accounting for more than three and a half of those hours.1
“It is a welcome development that more Filipinos now have Internet access. Digital connectivity brings many socio-economic benefits such as improved communication, knowledge dissemination, and economic opportunities, among others. However, spending too much time online also has its drawbacks,” said Ms. Cheryl Maley, President & Managing Director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.
The prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES, also known as dry eye disease or simply dry eyes) is increasing worldwide and is now an important public health problem. One reason for the rapid rise in the number of cases of dry eye disease over the last few years is thought to be prolonged visual display terminal (VDT) exposure because of increased computer use. VDT exposure is also becoming common in the general population because of the widespread use of Internet-based mobile technology and portable information terminals, especially smartphones, among all age groups.2
“When we work at a computer or use our smartphone or other portable digital device, we tend to blink our eyes less frequently. This leads to greater tear evaporation and increased risk of DES,” said Dr. Richard L. Nepomuceno, Cornea and External Eye Disease Specialist.
Ms. Maley and Dr. Nepomuceno spoke during a media briefing held by Novartis Healthcare Philippines to promote awareness on DES and highlight Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops. Developed by the Novartis eye care division Alcon, Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops are clinically proven to deliver extended protection and high-performance dry eye symptom relief that lasts. Also present during the media briefing held on November 8, 2017 at the Ludo BoardGame Bar and Bistro in Makati City, were filmmaker and model Janina Manipol and homeschool teacher and mommy blogger Joy Mendoza. The two Systane Ultra brand ambassadors shared their personal experiences on eye care given their busy lifestyles.
DES is a common condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. DES signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include a stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes; stringy mucus in or around your eyes; sensitivity to light; eye redness; a sensation of having something in your eyes; difficulty wearing contact lenses; difficulty with nighttime driving; watery eyes; and blurred vision or eye fatigue.3
To help prevent DES among office workers, call center agents and other individuals who spend long hours online, experts recommend the “20-20-20 rule”: Look away from the computer/ smartphone/portable digital device screen every 20 minutes, focus on an object 20 feet away, and look at it for at least 20 seconds.4 Dr. Nepomuceno also recommends the use of artificial tears, such as Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops, to lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of your eyes.
Systane Ultra is available in all leading drugstores nationwide. For more information about Systane Ultra, visit the Novartis Healthcare Philippines official website, novartis.com.ph or like us on Facebook via Facebook.com/SystanePH or follow @systaneph on Instagram.
References:
- We Are Social. Digital in 2017 Global Overview. Available at: https://wearesocial.com/special-reports/digital-in-2017-global-overview. Accessed November 3, 2017.
- Dogru M et al. A Field Test of Web-Based Screening for Dry Eye Disease to Enhance Awareness of Eye Problems Among General Internet Users: A Latent Strategy to Promote Health. J Med Internet Res. 2013 Sep; 15(9): e209. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3785952/. Accessed November 3, 2017.
- Mayo Clinic. Dry eyes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/basics/definition/con-20024129. Accessed November 3, 2017.
- Healthline. 8 Tips to Prevent Eyestrain. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/eye-strain#overview1. Accessed November 3, 2017.
About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 119,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis.
McDonald’s Stripes Run 2017: You Run, They Learn How to Read
Whether you have little ones or just want to share the happiness of running with the people that matter the most, the annual McDonald’s Stripes Run is the ultimate family bonding experience. More than just a day of active lifestyle and fun, you are also able to help grades 1 and 2 public school children learn how to read.
Now on its 8th year, the highly anticipated run will be held on November 25, 2017 at Garden Bloc, Cebu IT Park, Cebu City and on December 3, 2017 at McKinley West, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
Proceeds will be used to help public school children learn to read through the Ronald McDonald House Charity’s (RMHC) Read to Learn program.
To date, Ronald McDonald Read To Learn has reached over 8,000 partner schools, trained 28,000 educators, and helped close to 12 million students all over the Philippines. This initiative, in partnership with the Department of Education, aims to raise the literacy level among Grade 1 and 2 public school students.
Register yourself and your family for the McDonald’s Stripes Run from October 13 to November 23 for Cebu registrants and until December 1 for Manila registrants. Registration is simple with these three options:
- Fill out the registration form and pay at select McDonald’s stores.
- Download the form on mcdostripesrun.com.ph, and settle the registration fee at select McDonald’s stores.
- Register and pay online at mcdostripesrun.com.ph.
Each registrant will receive a race kit, which includes a pair of the iconic red and white striped socks, a singlet, a race bib, and a stub for a free McDonald’s breakfast meal at the venue.
This year’s fun run opens 7 categories including the 5K Squad Stripes, the newest division that’s perfect for the whole gang. Categories for this year’s run are as follows:
| Kiddie Stripes | 1 kilometer run for ages 8 years old and below |
| Young Stripes | 3 kilometer run for ages 8-15 years old |
| 3K Stripes | 3 kilometer run for ages 16 years and up |
| Family Stripes | 3 kilometer run for teams with 2 adults (aged 16 and up) and 2 kids (aged 15 and under) |
| 5K Stripes | 5 kilometer run for ages 16 years and up |
| 5K Squad Stripes | 5 kilometer run for teams with 4 adults (ages 16 and up) |
| 10K Stripes | 10 kilometer run for ages 16 years old and up |
Exciting game booths and activities await the entire family and barkada at McDonald’s Stripes Run 2017 in Manila and Cebu. Sign-up today and tell your family and friends all about it! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #McDoStripesRun and tag @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram. For more information and to view the list of McDo stores you can register in, visit mcdostripesrun.com.ph or follow McDonald’s Philippines’ Facebook page, facebook.com/mcdo.ph.
The responsible choice: Unioil cares with its “Doing Our Part” campaign
Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. launches its ‘Doing Our Part’ campaign to encourage Filipinos to make a difference in society through the small, everyday actions and responsible decisions they make, including the decision to choose a cleaner fuel.
As pioneers of advanced fuels in the country, Unioil introduces its Euro 5 compliant fuels to give consumers a cleaner and better alternative without the extra cost. Unioil once again becomes the first and only retail petroleum brand to provide the cleanest range of high performance fuels.
“People are now becoming conscious about their actions and how it affects society. With our latest campaign, we want to encourage Filipinos to make small yet meaningful decisions that can leave positive and lasting impact to the community,” said Janice Co Roxas-Chua, Chief Financial Officer, Unioil Petroleum Philippines
With Unioil’s Euro 5 compliant fuels, motorists can have access to the cleanest range of fuels that have significantly less sulfur content at 10 ppm (parts per million), 5 times cleaner than Euro 4 standard fuels. Based on actual tests conducted by the DENR-EMB, Unioil’s Euro 5 fuels can provide up to 77% less emissions compared to Euro 4 fuels. With this, motorists are able to get better engine performance and making a conscious choice to contribute to the environment.
Towards a greener Philippines
As part of the company’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from its own operations, Unioil began its “Hybrid” station program with the installation of Smartflower solar technology in one of its newest retail stations. The Smartflower is equipped with an automated sun tracking technology allowing it to track the sun’s movements across the sky resulting to as much as 40% higher efficiency compared to conventional fixed type solar panels.
Together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Unioil has also put up Airvisual nodes in selected locations to help monitor air quality. The petroleum company is also the first to have a commercially-available electric vehicle (EV) charger in one of its retail stations to advocate the use of more EVs for a cleaner environment.
The right fuel choice
“For the past 50 years, Unioil has always been putting innovative petroleum solutions in the hands of consumers. Today, we continue this by introducing breakthrough ways to harness solar power, promote the use of electric vehicles, and drive with cleaner fuel,” said Kenneth Pundanera, President, Unioil.
Unioil’s “Doing Our Part” campaign engages everyone to make meaningful decisions for the community through every day driving with Unioil. With this advocacy, Unioil presents itself as the reliable and cleaner alternative for motorists on their journey towards a healthier society and a greener environment.
With its programs and Euro 5 performance fuels, Unioil invites motorists, environmental advocates, and families to join its advocacy in making responsible choices for a sustainable and healthier tomorrow.
About Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc.
Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc. traces its roots back to 1966 when it established its own blending facility in Valenzuela. Unioil is currently engaged in fuels trading, lubricants blending and distribution, specialty oils marketing, and distribution of bitumen (asphalt). This makes Unioil one of the country’s most diverse and innovative petroleum companies.
In 1997, upon the deregulation of the oil industry, Unioil became the first independent petroleum company to operate a retail franchising network of service stations. Unioil has also been the exclusive licensed blender and distributor of Idemitsu lubricants since 1994. Idemitsu is the eighth largest lubricants brand in the world.
Unioil has become the pioneer in offering the cleanest and most innovative products in the market. On September 2017, Unioil became the first and only retail station in the Philippines to release a complete line of Euro5-compliant fuels. Euro 5 fuels have further reduced sulfur levels, producing cleaner emissions. Unioil’s Euro 5 fuels are 5x cleaner than the current Philippine standard – with a maximum sulfur content of 10 parts per million (10ppm)
Thor and Hulk tour SM for Marvel Studios’ Thor:Ragnarok
In line with the upcoming theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. and the Walt Disney Company unveiled life-size gladiator figures of the mighty Thor and the Hulk in an interactive exhibit that will tour SM malls around the metro.
Marvel fans got a sneak peak of the upcoming sequel for Thor through a series of iconic displays and immersive activities at the launch in SM Southmall Las Pinas. Midgardians had endless groufies at the interactive Thor-inspired photo booth; game buffs were the first to try out Mavel Studio apps such as Marvel future fight, Marvel contest of champions, Marvel puzzle quest, and Marvel Avengers academy; enthusiasts got a first look at the exclusive Disney merchandise of Thor, Hulk, Loki and Valkyrie; and the crowd gawked at the life-size recreation of the two lead characters, Thor and Hulk, who in one exciting scene, battle each other In a deadly gladiator match.
The electrifying Thor; Ragnarok exhibit celebrates the anticipated comeback of the god of thunder in his self-titled movie. Thor: Ragnarok will be the first Marvel Studios’ film to introduce a major female villain in epic race against time to prevent the destruction of Thor’s home world.
Only seen in IMAX, select key scenes of the movie will be expanded, filling more of the screen and delivering the audience 26% more of the image standard theatres. Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok will premiere in all IMAX Theatres and SM Cinema branches nationwide on October 25.
Complete your movie experience and get a taste of Asgard on earth by visiting the Thor: Ragnarok installation yourself as it tours your favorite SM mall. The Thor: Ragnarok roving exhibit will be at SM Southmall from October 7 – 15, in SM East Ortigas on October 17 – 22, and in S’Maison MOA on October 24 – 31.
Catch Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok in IMAX and SM Cinema from October 25. Buy your tickets in advance through www.smcinema.com. For more information on Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, like and follow SM Cinema on Facebook or @SM_Cinema in Instagram.
Ramen Nagi Finally in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna
Sometimes I just discovered love for food because my wife is a certified foodie to the extend of being also oriented what’s the buzz around.