Fun Follows Function: Introducing the all-new Converge Freedom

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Now you can choose how you want to enjoy your favorite shows with Converge FREEDOM, Converge ICT Solution’s newest offering. The company intends to revolutionize the way you watch and access content. Powered by their pure fiber internet, Converge FREEDOM is a streaming service designed to access your content at your own pace and convenience.

“We’re very excited to launch Converge FREEDOM today as we give our valued subscribers the full power over what they watch, when they watch it, and where they watch it,” says Jesus Romero, Converge ICT Chief Operating Officer. “This is the first of the many new offerings we’re introducing this year and we’re starting off with what Filipinos enjoy the most: access to entertainment. You will no longer be limited to watching your favorite programs on your TV. With Converge FREEDOM, you can watch anytime, anywhere in your home with its on-demand functionalities.”

Enjoy maximized convenience with Converge FREEDOM. You can access it from your smartphone and tablet via the FREEDOM app, available for download on App Store and Google Play. Or enjoy it on your TV via the Set-Top Box (STB) which you can purchase with your Converge FREEDOM Subscription plan.

Entertainment at your own pace, at your own place

Converge FREEDOM gives you access to premium channels perfect for whatever passion or interest you may have.

Whether it is movie, music, sports, food, news, or events, you won’t have to worry about missing out on your favorite show. Converge FREEDOM comes with four main features that allow you to enjoy content as you please: Time shift, Playback, Multiview, and Movability.

With Converge FREEDOM’s Time Shift functionality, you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward your content for up to four hours. You’ll never have to wonder what happened on your favorite show too because you can watch previous episodes up to seven days before via Playback.

For subscribers with family members with different interests, Converge FREEDOM’s Multiview feature lets you watch shows simultaneously through different devices. For those without a Set-Top Box, Converge FREEDOM can still be enjoyed in your devices via the FREEDOM app. This allows you to access content wherever you may be within your house.

As a leading provider of fiber internet in the country, Converge FREEDOM runs on pure end-to-end fiber internet. It has a minimal bandwidth consumption of 2 to 2.5Mbps for Smartphones and Tablets and 4.5Mbps for TV Set-Top Box for high-definition content

Get it for as low as P299 monthly

To start enjoying your own Converge FREEDOM, existing Converge subscribers and businesses may visit https://freedom.convergeict.com/ to subscribe. Non-Converge customers can access Converge FREEDOM by switching to Converge fiber internet first.

As a treat, Converge ICT is giving its existing subscribers a FREEDOM App 30-day trial period from March 29, 2019 to April 30, 2019.

Converge Freedom Plans are initially available in these areas: Metro Manila (Navotas, Parañaque, Quezon City, Taguig Pateros, Valenzuela, Marikina, Caloocan, Muntinlupa) and North Luzon (Angeles, Mabalacat, Tarlac).

Converge FREEDOM can be enjoyed by Converge FiberX subscribers with Plans 1500, 2500, and 3500; Converge Fiber Xtreme subscribers with Plans 4500 and 7000; Converge Microbiz subscribers with Plans 2000 and 3000; and Converge iBiz subscribers with Plans 9000, 12000, and 15000.

“We hope to upgrade our subscribers’ entertainment experience by maximizing convenience while providing premium content. We’re planning to extend this service to everyone in the country as Converge continues to revolutionize the way Filipinos experience internet and access content,” adds Romero.

Now with Converge FREEDOM, you can enjoy what you want, when you want, where you want.

For more information on Converge FREEDOM, visit freedom.convergeict.com.

Child Evangelism Fellowship NCR South launches Run for the Little Ones

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On April 6, 2019, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) NCR South will be hosting a special event called “Run for the Little Ones,” To be held at SM by the Bay, Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City.

The Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is an international non-profit organization for children now present and operating in over 190 countries all over the world. It was founded by Rev. Jesse Irvin Overholtzer in the USA in 1937. Its ministry in the Philippines began in 1952. Now, with over 50 chapters nationwide, CEF is considered the largest and most extensive missionary outreach for children in our country today.

The ministry of CEF NCR South, covering the cities of Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Bacoor Cavite, and San Pedro and Biñan in Laguna, is now reaching over 100,000 children weekly through its Good News Club and Elementary and High School Values Education Classes in partnership with some 150 local churches, the Department of Education, and LGUs. We also conduct a Five-Day Daily Vacation Bible School for children in the remote areas. The main goal is to teach the children to be Bible-based in their beliefs and practices, God-fearing and be a blessing to their respective families and communities by becoming good and disciplined citizens of our country. In addition, our ministry conducts seminars and training in different provinces and regions here in the Philippines and in other countries as well.

In partnership with Smart, Sunnywood, Pokari, and Prime98 Gold, the “Run for Little Ones” will help raise awareness of the vital role of the family and community in the upbringing of children, as well as help of CEF NCR South. Also through this Run, the amount will be raise will go to the construction of CEF NCR South Children’s Center, which will be used for the training of the hundreds of volunteers, production of free materials, and a regular site fo t the Children’s Camp.

This event is a one-day activity that consists of Fun Run with distance of 1KM, 3KM and 5K. Individual can run either with their family, friends and/or with their pet dogs if they desire to. The day’s event will be followed by Car Show, Education Opportunities for family and all ages & a Social Awareness that will be conduct by Philippine National Police Officer

To know more about the “Run for Little Ones” please contact Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) NCR South at 77 Lovely Rd., BF Homes, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas and look for Mr. Elmer Raniola. You may also send your inquiries via email at runforthelittleones@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/runforthelittleonesfcefncrsouth/

Robinsons Kidz Club Fair brings a world of learning and fun for kids at Robinsons Townville

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Play, learn and having fun are just some of the things that kids can expect from the first Robinsons Kidz Club Fair happening across the Robinsons Townville malls for the whole month of March. Robinsons Kidz Club is the membership club of the Robinsons Townville malls for kids 3 to 12 years old. Members get exclusive access to the various kiddie events of Robinsons Townville including the Robinsons Kidz Club Fair, and a free birthday gift each year.

Last March 23, the Robinsons Kidz Club Fair was a massive hit among kids at the Robinsons Townville Buhay Na Tubig. Various activities were prepared for Robinsons Kidz Club members wherein they learned the science of colors through interactive games and activities which include coloring activities, color wheel making and a special light & color science presentation. They also had fun putting their creativity into action by mixing and matching colorful beads during the friendship bracelet making activity.

“We believe that children best learn through fun and play that’s why we are continuously coming up with events and activities that will not only entertain children but would serve as a platform as well for our Robinsons Kidz Club members to learn,” says Joel Delfin, the AVP for the Robinsons Townville malls.

There are a lot of events in store for the Robinsons Kidz Club members this year continuing with the grand event this April 21 entitled ‘A Magical Easter’. Members can expect fun games and a whole lot of fun as they are invited to come in their cutest unicorn costumes. That’s a magical and one of a kind Easter celebration for the Robinsons Kidz Club members.

Sounds exciting? Register to Robinsons Kidz Club in the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctpIDAbsnvKziM3kbiEHFU7sN-1EeHzWZDPyQ6MpZ5mJmHBQ/viewform

The Robinsons Townville malls is the chain of community malls of the Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. in six locations in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Pulilan and Meycauayan in Bulacan, Fairview in Quezon City, BF Homes in Parañaque, and Buhay na Tubig in Imus. Several locations are already in the pipeline to aggressively increase its portfolio.

FB: RobinsonsTownville
IG: Robinsons_townville
Twitter: RobTownville
Website: www.robinsonstownville.ph

Breaking barrier and misconceptions key to sustain acceptance and utilization of modern contraception

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As the government intensifies the implementation of its family planning program in the next four years, much more needs to be done to educate Filipinos about the importance of reproductive health and to correct the misconceptions about modern contraception.

Despite the availability and accessibility of different types of contraceptive methods, accelerating the acceptance and utilization is still hindered by misconceptions and lack of knowledge on modern contraception.

“Following the launch of the first World Contraception Day Philippines in 2018, we want to continue the conversation to empower and educate Filipino women and couples to make informed choices about their reproductive and sexual health,” said JunIl Kim, Country Division Head, Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Among the types of modern contraceptives, the pill, Intrauterine System (IUS), female sterilization, contraceptive patch and injection are the most effective types of interventions with ~99% efficacy, when administered correctly and used with 100% accuracy. However, male condom, fertility awareness trackers and withdrawal method remain to be the most commonly used with approximately 72-82% efficacy.

Earlier, the government has announced the implementation of an intensified family planning program nationwide targeting 11.3 million women over the next four years. This is to increase the usage of contraceptives among Filipinos from 40 percent to 65 percent.

Via Antonio, actress and comedian, talked about her own experiences in pursuit of better reproductive and physical health, “In this day and age, reproductive health remains to be a taboo topic, even among women. Many are using contraception for various reasons yet no one is openly talking about it. The stigma on birth control is alive.”

Dr. Amity Casurao-Trono, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center Q.C and Rizal Medical Center, shed light on the myths and misconceptions about modern contraceptives during her “Pillowtalk” session held in Makati City.

In 2018, an estimated 25.8% or 7.1 million Filipinas aged 15-49, are using modern contraception, an increase of 1.2 million since 2012.

Oral contraceptives or the pill remains to be one of the most effective and preferred form of modern contraception among Filipinas because they are convenient, non-invasive and reversible. It comes in two types — the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill, which contains both progestin and estrogen hormones and the Mini Pill or progestin-only pill (POP).

Progestin is the main contraceptive ingredient that prevents ovulation, thins out the uterine lining and thickens cervical mucus such that sperm cannot pass through. Ethinyl estradiol, the synthetic female hormone, stabilizes the endometrium and enhances the action of progestin.

Dr. Casurao-Trono clarified and put sense into the most prevalent myths about the use of COCs.

Pills do not cause birth defects: No adverse effects were observed when COCs were accidentally taken during early pregnancy. Past COC use is not associated with an increase in spontaneous abortions.

Pills do not increase cancer risk: Studies have not established strong and direct links between breast cancer and pill usage. In fact, the risk of cancer lowered with COC use. It reduces risks for certain cancers such as ovarian cancer (~40% lower), endometrial cancer (~50% lower) and colorectal cancer (~20% lower) . However, it does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases.

Pills do not make you infertile: 21% of women get pregnant after one month of stopping taking COCs and 79% get pregnant after one year of stopping.

Pills, depending on the formulation and indication, also treat a variety of hormone-related conditions and imbalances such as hyperandrogenism, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe and debilitating form of PMS. Over 88% of women receiving COCs report no adverse effects.

Aside from preventing unintended pregnancies, selected COC pills offer added benefits beyond contraception such as reducing estrogen-related fluid retention and bloating because of its anti-mineralocorticoid property. It regulates hormonal problems such as acne, facial hair and hair loss due to its anti-androgenic quality. Some COC pills also come in a 24/4 regimen that promotes user compliance. Despite its additional benefits, OB-GYNs highly recommend women to go on a healthy diet and take regular exercise to achieve the desired results.

Like any other medication, it comes with some common side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness and headache, which are tolerable.

Some contraindications to taking the pills are presence or history of Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Myocardial Infarction, Ischemic stroke, Transient ischemic attack, angina, Severe liver disease, DM with vascular disease, Migraine with aura, Breast cancer, Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, known or suspected pregnancy, smokers > 35 y/o, severe lipid disease and uncontrolled hypertension.

Dr. Casurao-Trono reiterates that, “It’s time for women to take a more active stance in taking control of their reproductive and sexual health. We should be able to normalize these discussions, without the fear of being shamed or embarrassed.”

To learn more about contraception and reproductive health, visit www.Your-Life.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/wcdphilippines/

Breakfast just got delightfully better!

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Breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day and is a must especially for people who want to start their day, in the best possible way. The morning meal provides not only the fuel but also supplies the necessary nutrients needed for a productive day ahead. In fact, studies have shown that people who eat breakfast are more likely to meet their overall nutritional needs for the day, than those who opt not to.

What not too many people know though is that eating, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, in a relaxed and quiet ambience, especially in the morning, is equally as important, as it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Wouldn’t it be great to eat in a quiet and serene restaurant rather than at a noisy one? Having the perfect ambiance really does affect how diners eat. In the right kind of atmosphere, customers feel comfortable and enjoy their meal even more.

At Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, a meal is more than just a meal. The restaurant prides itself for its well-known ambience, where eating is in itself, an experience. Its regulars would attest to just how they enjoy their meals even more, simply because they can, sensory-wise, see, hear, and smell what they are eating, as well as, enjoy a decent conversation with friends, family, or a professional colleague.

After 22 years of culinary excellence, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant continues its passion to create and serve delectable food, reminiscent of the convenience and comforting warmth in one’s own home. In its latest additions to its already long line of customer favorites, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, has recently unveiled its newest food offerings, with the Filipino appetite in mind.

“Filipinos, myself included, enjoy a hearty breakfast meal of rice, viand, egg, and atchara. Growing up in a family where we savor eating together, I would always enjoy the smell of fried rice, eggs, and different types of viands, every morning. It was always an experience that I look forward to,” said Michael C. Martinez, Business Development & Marketing Director, of Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant.

Set to titillate the Filipinos palate even more are four new additions to the restaurant’s well-loved favorites:

Bacon Bagnet – Homemade pork belly slices naturally-cured and crisped to perfection, with sweet and salty sauce, served with garlic rice, eggs, and atchara.

Classic Skinless Longganisa – Deliciously sweet and yet still savory skinless longganisa, served with lemon, eggs, and atchara. A classic Conti’s recipe!

Salmon Belly in Olive Oil – Norwegian salmon belly strips in seasoned olive oil, served with lemon rice, eggs, and pickled ubod.

Croque Madame – Meaty slices of Conti’s homemade ham roll, in between toasted brioche, topped with sunny-side-up egg and hollandaise sauce, served with potato shoestrings, perfectly complimented with a cup of fresh fruits.

The four new breakfast items are in addition to Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant’s already wide array of all-day breakfast favorites, as well as other sumptuous dishes.

Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant continues to grow and now has 22 branches in Luzon. Expect even more surprises this year and in the years to come.

Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant

Since opening its doors to families and friends in Parañaque in 1997, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant has created and shared memories of togetherness to people who have come to love our wide selection of products, including our signature dishes such as the Baked Salmon, Chicken Pie, and the well-loved Mango Bravo.

With the joy and satisfaction of every guest who walks into our stores in mind, this food haven, which began as a simple family restaurant, now brings the familiar feelings of home and carefully prepared products to thousands of homes across the country through continuous product innovation and service expansion.

Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant today extends its commitment to hospitality and culinary excellence in 10 communities, serving more than 150 sought-after dishes by guests who, over the years, have helped write our story of inspiration and success.

We are committed to make every guest experience memorable and to continue sharing our story in every product we create and serve.

Young culinary talents shine anew in Jolly University Year 5 Grand Cook-Off finale

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Immense culinary prowess and kitchen showmanship by the most promising campus bets in the country shone the brightest at the successful finale of Jolly University (JU) Year 5 Grand Cook Off held at the St. Scholastica’s College in Manila last March 15.

The culinary competition among the top 20 elite finalists focused on elevating one’s culinary passion and recreating everyday dishes with this year’s theme “Innovate. Create. Share.” JU Year 5 is aimed at testing the kitchen skills and creativity of challengers in coming up with their best dish creations under the modern Filipino and fusion categories. The Grand Cook-Off attracted hundreds of culinary and HRM college students from campuses all over the metro and nearby locations.

The top 20 finalists are: Richmond Suntay (University of Sto.Tomas), Jericho Pareja (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila), Jenald Pascual (NCBA Fairview), Phoebe Punzalan (CEU-Makati), Zire Oliver Romero (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila), Andrea Marie Saclao (Lyceum of the Philippines-Manila), John Phillip Brocoy (Emilio Aguinaldo College), Moeko Shinshi (San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation Inc. College), Jesch Bodano (Far Eastern University-Manila), Tyrone Lemuel Ty (University of Sto. Tomas), Rafael Imalay (NCBA Fairview), Camille Dizon (Metropolitan Medical Center College of Arts, Sciences, & Technology), Ma. Trixia Joyce Sevilla (St. Scholastica’s College-Manila), Patricia Ong (Chiang Kai Shek College), Dustin Ryan Agoncillo (Metropolitan Medical Center College of Arts, Sciences, & Technology), Ria Daniel Arugay (San Sebastian College Recoletos), Daryanne Chanel Yongco (University of Sto. Tomas), Eduard Vargas (Earist), Pauline Galang (Manila Tytana Colleges) and Janzel Dayag (St. Joseph College Quezon City).

This year’s sole grand champion took home fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) worth of cash and prizes.

“A successful program takes time to build. While we envisioned JU’s success, we are still overwhelmed by how it sparked the flames of curiosity, creativity, and the cooking abilities of so many students in the past five years. JU indeed has grown to become a long-running program that is greatly supported by the academic communities as well as partners from various industries. By doing so, everyone took part in making the program thrive dynamically throughout the years,” Lucio Cochanco, Jr., President of Fly Ace Corporation, commented.

“We are really excited for Year 5 of Jolly University. It’s great to see a new batch of talented and very promising campus culinary talents going all out as they presented to us their innovative modern renditions of Filipino classics and fusion recipes,” said Abigail Ng-Reyes, AVP for Marketing of Fly Ace Corporation.

As to how the JU program is different from other culinary competitions hosted by food brands or organizations, Ramon Daez, General Manager of Fly Ace Corporation, said that “Jolly University has grown to become a prestigious campus-wide cooking competition that’s deeply committed in harnessing young students’ talents in cooking, pushing their creative boundaries as they come up with a prize-winning dish entry. It also promoted out-of-the-classroom learning experiences, the sharing of industry-ready culinary skills and techniques while also teaching the values of leadership, cooperation, professionalism, and creative showmanship.”

“Besides the prize and fame, another unique aspect of JU is that it creates and supports youth role models. Past JU grand winners become influential role models to fellow students, and as ambassadors of a homegrown food brand that is proud to help empower the youth through cooking. For participants, the program acts as a learning platform and vital stepping stone to their career paths as future food industry entrepreneurs and culinary professionals,” Geetan Raghani, Associate Product Manager for Jolly Food Line added.

For Year 5, greater social media engagement was achieved via the Golden Ticket mechanics wherein two of the chosen top 20 JU finalists can advance immediately to the final round during the cook-off. The two contestants who automatically earned the final slots are Richmond Suntay of UST for whose dish photo garnered the Most Likes and Shares on FB and Ria Arugay of San Sebastian Recoletos for the Most Jolly Canned Vegetable Product Labels Collected.

A program that began in 2013, JU encourages diversity as well as collaboration across and beyond academic borders while effectively transferring key skills to talented young students. Serving as a springboard to prepare aspirants in their future careers, the highly successful campus-wide competition nurtures cooperative relationships among students and institutions in promoting culinary excellence and food business innovation in the Philippines.

Here are the winners of the Jolly University Year 5 Grand Cook Off.

• Grand prize winner: Tyrone Lemuel Ty of University of Santo Tomas.
Winning entry: Hainanese Chicken Binakol Noodle Soup (mushroom & young corn stuffed chicken roulade with egg noodles, vegetables and coconut shreds in creamy coconut broth)

• 1st runner up: Richmond Joseph Suntay of University of Santo Tomas
Winning entry: Shepherd’s Rendang

• 2nd runner up: Patricia Ong of Chiang Kai Shek College
Winning entry: Thai Pork Mushroom Longganisa, Suman with Crispy Shallot-Garlic Latik and Coconut Cream Foam served with Fried Egg and Green Mango Salad

Jolly University Year 5 Grand Cook-Off is made possible with the support of event sponsors: St. Scholastica’s College, Masflex, Fujidenzo, Whirlpool, Tecnogas, UCPB, Jolly Cow, Lotus Biscoff, Doña Elena, May Sparkling Grape Juice, and Good Life.

***

About Fly Ace Corporation. Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino consumers, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. To learn more about Fly Ace, visit http://www.flyacecorp.com.

About JOLLY. JOLLY is a canned fruits and vegetable line marketed and exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corp. For more updates, visit jolly.com.ph or like its official Facebook fanpage or follow via Twitter and Instagram (@jollyeatsph).

Launching of a new Power Tools in the Philippine Market

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With over 50 years of experience in the power tools industry that is guaranteed to be the
best of its kind, Kress finally sets foot on the Philippine market.

The launch of the German brand, Kress, is set to happen on March 6, 2019, at the
Grand Hyatt Manila. This event will incorporate power and style, making it an
establishing image of Kress power tools in the Philippine market. Equipped with 90 years
of experience in the field of electric motors R&D and production, Kress has continued to
provide the best quality power tools in the market. Their designs have continuously
become the standard for power tools. With its innovative, powerful and high quality
products, Kress has gained a notable worldwide reputation as a brand.

Kress started in 1928, the year that the brand was founded and started its production in
a Swabian town located at Tübingen-Lustnau, Germany. Their focus on the earlier years
of their brand has been set on motor R&D manufacturing. In the year 1964, they have
successfully produced their first power drill which became a hit in the German power
tools market. Due to the success of their first creation, they professionally started their
power tool career.

Their latest product is the innovative change up of a traditional mower into a robotic
lawnmower. This latest robotics design exactly knows its way and optimizes its own
route while effortlessly controlled using the special app on a smartphone. This is a huge
leap forward from the traditional lawnmower where one wastes a lot of time and effort in
mowing the lawn, especially the edges. This robotics lawnmower also promotes the
health of your lawn. The temperature, precipitation, and sunlight are important factors
that keep the growth of the lawn. With this kind of advance technology, Kress’ robotic
lawnmower keeps mowing of your lawn easy and effortless.

Kress Powertools have won awards acknowledging their innovative products. The most
recent achievement they have received in 2018 was from the Red Dot Design Award
which is an international product design and communication design award given at
Essen, Germany.

With the launch of Kress power tools in the country, the Philippine market will welcome a
brand that upholds to their slogan: Powered by Tradition. The worldwide reputation of
the brand’s products is an unquestionable proof of its durability, power, and quality. This
further provides their clients and even future clients the validation that Kress power tools
will be a brand of the future, not only in Power tools but a “ONE STOP SHOP” for
professional range of Handtools, Welding Machines, Garden Tools and Accessories

Cebuana Lhuillier launches easier, more convenient way to save through micro savings product.

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The launching coincides with the introduction of “#KayaNa: Unbamked Filipinos No more Movement”

In fact, only 33% or 551 cities in the Philippines have access to banking institutions. The numerous documentary requirements is a major turn off for many, along with the high cost of initial deposit, high maintaining balance, as well as, high dormancy charges.

The product is in line with the Cebuana Lhuillier’s mission of financial inclusion, which has been the thrust of the company for the past 30 years.

“With BSP’s basic deposit framework, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings completes the full roster of our services, all designed and developed with financial inclusion in mind. We’ve come full circle—from offering collateralized loans or pawning, remittance service, micro insurance and now, micro savings—all of these products were designed with Filipinos from all walks of life in mind especially the unbanked and underserved, who would not have access to these financial services given their circumstances in life,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president & CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

This will provide Filipinos with a more convenient and affordable means to save their hard-earned money.

Their wide network of branches comprised of 2,500 retail infrastructures, account holders can deposit and withdraw anywhere at their most convenient hours.

Acting as a cash agent of the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB), micro savings is Cebuana Lhuillier’s platform for Filipinos to overcome the barriers to saving. While Filipinos like to save, they opt to keep it at home according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

The lukewarm attitude of the masses towards opening a savings account is attributed to the barriers to saving in banks. The lack of access to banks among the country’s many cities and municipalities remains as the top deterrent, according to a BSP study.

The app is just the first step in a long line of innovations connected to the micro savings product – on top of which is its migration to an EMV-enabled card which can be accessed through ATMs (automated teller machines).

It will also carry a debit and credit facility for online and cashless shopping, provide access to auxiliary services and help corporate and MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) clients manage their business through payroll cash management solutions.

Furthermore, it will progress to provide more value with features like remit-to-and-from savings account; pay and deposit from savings account; and an international remit-to-account feature which will provide convenience to Filipinos abroad in sending money to their families in the Philippines.

This innovation will also allow clients to have safe and convenient access to their accounts in all Cebuana Lhuillier branches, Cebuana CARES, agent partners, and all online and mobile channels, as well as, access to all CLRB branches set to establish presence nationwide. For easier access, self-service kiosks in Cebuana Lhuillier branches will also be put in place.

All these efforts to make savings accessible to every Filipino are part of Cebuana Lhuillier President & CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier’s vision on financial wellness.

“Cebuana Lhuillier is also adapting a new philosophy, which is financial wellness. Our goal is not just to provide quick cash to the underbanked and unbanked for their short-term financial needs but to become an enabler for a better future for them. Allowing more and more Filipinos to steer their own direction and be captains of their own ship. We want to help them graduate from being dependent through bridge financing options for them to experience financial freedom,” Lhuillier said.

Focusing on the progress of Aklan

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There is nothing Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. wants more than to see his fellow Aklanons achieve a certain level of success in life. And why not, Nonong Haresco as he is lovingly called in the lone district of Aklan, is living proof of what hard work can do to change a person’s life.

Finishing with honors in Economics and in Accounting, his determination developed his little startup turned into a 50-hectare prawn-farming venture in his hometown of Ibajay, Aklan and he would find himself catering to big name restaurants in the metro.

After completing his M.A. in International Economics at the McGill University in Canada, Haresco participated in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development-International Trade Center in Switzerland where his business acumen led to the formation Haresco Trade Specialists Co. and Silver Thread Inc., which exported local capiz shells to the European country.

Clearly, his life is set with all he has accomplished outside of the Philippines. And yet, Haresco decided to return to Aklan with the hope that he can help uplift the lives there.

To say that he has a heart for the less privileged would be a huge understatement. But instead of simply giving them food, he would rather encourage them to set up their own small business ventures—as he once did when he was younger—to make them self-sustaining. Such is the love of Haresco for Aklan and its residents and perhaps it is the proud Ilonggo in him that makes him a firm believer that the microenterprise industry has the ability to uplift individuals as long as they put in the commitment and dedication.

To eventually be able to provide jobs for others in their communities and help in the development of its socio-economic sector is a vision Haresco continues to aspire for Aklan.

Happily married and a loving father of four, his contributions to the development of Aklan and the Philippines are well documented. As of date, Congressman Nonong Haresco has authored and co-authored more than 60 house measures including HB00111, an act establishing a mechanism for the sustainable development and use of the island of Boracay; HB00115, an act increasing the bed capacity of Ibajay District Hospital from 25 to 100; HB02239, an act granting P1,000 monthly stipend by way of financial assistance to centenarians; HB02240, an act exempting users of electronic vehicles from the payment of road user’s tax; HB02241, an act to prescribe nutrition labeling for food products; HB02323, an act granting P500 monthly allowance to barangay tanods; HB02414, an act amending section 5 of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System; HB02415, an act to combat abuse and increase penalties for crimes against senior citizens; HB03192, an act providing for the establishment of barangay drugstores, otherwise known as “Botika sa Barangay”; HB03366, an act penalizing anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive mergers, establishing the Philippine Fair Competition Commission; HB03776, an act empowering the micro, small, and medium enterprises; and HB04335, an act requiring mandatory installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras on major roads included in routes of public utility vehicles among others.

Aside from these, some of his milestone accomplishments include being the only Visayan and Aklanon to receive the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Businessman of the Year Award (2007) and the Deutsche Bank Banker of the Year Award (2005). He was People Asia’s Person of the Year and graced the cover in 2008 and is one of the Modern Day Filipino Heroes (2008), as well as one of 23 Filipinos cited in the book celebrating 347 years of Philippine-British Relations. His company WINSOURCE Solutions Inc. has been a five-time recipient of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Haresco likewise conceptualized the President’s Bridge Programme (PBP) as a parallel intervention to regular government infrastructure programmes. This very successful reengineering model in the Philippines is being duplicated in Sri Lanka, Papa New Guinea, Cambodia, Siberia, and in other parts of Asia.

Haresco is also the principal developer of a nationwide scholarship fund for the children of slain journalists and has put 34 young scholars through school since 2007

Asian Cultural Council partners with Leon Gallery for benefit auction

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Rare masterpiece works, furniture, and important historical documents shine under the spotlight in the Asian Cultural Council Art Auction 2019.

A partnership with Leon Gallery five years running, the auction will benefit the ACC Philippines Fellowship Program, which has helped hone home-grown artists and produced eight Philippine National Artists including Lamberto Avellana, Francisco Feliciano, Jose Joya, Lucrecia Kasilag, Jose Maceda, Alice Reyes, Ramon Santos, and Kidlat Tahimik.

Established in 2000, the ACC Philippines Foundation has been giving four to six grants every year, according to Director Teresa Rances.

“Our partnership with Leon Gallery has been very fruitful and it’s especially thanks to Jaime Ponce de Leon,” Rances says. “He has a very big heart for Filipino artists.”

This year, over 100 lots will be up for bidding including a rare Lorenzo Guerrero, “Manila” (1868) oil on wood; a pair of signed Damian Domingo watercolor on paper “Una India de Manila” and “Un Indio Noble de Manila”; Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Sineguelas Gatherers” and “Two Women”; Vicente Manansala’s “Ang Pulubi” (1979) and a 34×50 Amorsolo “Cooking Under the Mango Tree”.

Also up for auction will be H. R. Ocampo’s “Nude” (1970), Ronald Ventura’s “Untitled” (2014), Lao Lianben’s “Asian-3” (1989), and BenCab’s “Draped Figure III” (2010).

There will also be a lot of Juan Luna watercolor sketches, as well as the artist’s actual leather pencil case.

A narra and rattan four-poster bed from the last quarter of the 19th century by foremost furniture maker Ah Tay will also be up for biding. Isabelo Tampinco is represented by a rare divan (aka Cleopatra) that displays all his iconic motifs. A first for this auction is a lyrical hat rack in kamagong designed by Maximo Viola, Jose Rizal’s best friend in Europe.

ACC fellows will also have works up for bidding including Anton del Castillo’s “Kapit Lang”, oil on gold leaf; Riel Hilario’s “The Guardian of One’s Flowering and Fruition”, carved wood; Dex Fernandez’s “Barred in the Wilderness”, acrylic, ink, thread on paper; Ambie Abano’s “Malaya”, woodcut on textile on board with canvas painted with acrylic; Leeroy New’s “Moonscape”, fiberglass, automotive paint, epoxy, wooden frame; and Sam Penaso’s “Humanscape”, acrylic on stainless.

“2019 is a milestone year as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation’s amazing partnership with Leon Gallery,” ACCPF Chairman Ernest Escaler says. “With profound gratefulness, we recall the past four years as grace-filled opportunities for charity through our fundraising campaigns bannered as the ACCPF Art Auction. Our events would not have been as successful if not through the leadership and acumen of Jaime Ponce de Leon and his tireless team.”