Elite Filipino athletes headline PRURide PH 2019 Criterium

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Last year’s PRURide PH champions Jan Paul Morales and Jermyn Prado once again
dominated and defended their crown in PRURide PH 2019 Criterium held on April 7, Sunday at
Filinvest, Alabang. Hundreds of cyclists participated in the action-packed races categorized by
bicycle types such as fixed gear, mountain bike, and road bike

After the adrenaline-pumping course where participants raced in a number of 1-2km laps, 43
cyclists won grand prizes up to PhP 50,000.

Morales and Prado snagged gold medals in this year’s Criterium Road Bike (RB) Open Male
and Female categories. Prado topped returning athletes Avegail Rombaon and Marella
Salamat of Corratec who came in second and third in RB Open Female, while Morales easily
outperformed his teammates Ronald Oranza and George Oconer.

Returning athlete Ismael Grospe of Go for Gold ruled the first wave of RB -25 and below
followed by Daniel Ven of Navy-Standard Insurance and Jonel Carcueva of Go for Gold.
PRURide PH 2019 ambassadors Gretchen Ho, Kim Atienza, and Zoren Legaspi also took
the challenge of the Criterium races. Legaspi tested his speed at the road bike age group
category together with Atienza, a triathlon enthusiast but a first-timer in competitive Criterium.
Ho, on the other hand, joined the road bike open female category, also her first-ever bike
racing experience.

“We are proud of the success of our first run this year. This leg sets the tone of the whole
festival and shows what cyclists from across Asia can experience in PRURide PH 2019,” said Pru
Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga.
Criterium is just the first of PRURide PH 2019’s two legs and will be followed by the PRUride
UCI 2.2 Stage Race at the Subic Freeport Zone from May 24 to 26. Here, 20 continental
teams from across the globe—including Uzbekistan, Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia,
South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Ethiopia, and of course the Philippines—can collect UCI points
and earn their tickets to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan.

Meanwhile, aspiring racers can also join the PRURide Masters Race to experience the thrill
professionals go through. Enthusiasts can cycle with the ambassadors in the non-competitive
PRURide Gran Fondo in 30-, 60-, and 100-kilometer options. Both events will be held on May
26.

The Virtual Ride is also set to reach the finals in Subic, wherein 10 qualifiers with the best time
in the preliminaries will compete for a carbon fiber road bike worth P150,000. Hopefuls can still
join the remaining preliminary rounds at Harbor Point in Subic on April 26-28 and May 17-19.
The whole family and barkada can likewise enjoy fun activities for free, such as Zumba
sessions, an inflatable playground, massage and health check stations, face paint booths, and
special performances from Callalily with Gracenote as front act.
Join the fun and register at pruride.ph!

About Pru Life UK

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the country's pioneer of insuravest or investment-linked life insurance products, and is one of the first life insurance companies approved to market US dollar-denominated investment-linked life insurance policies in the country. Since its establishment, Pru Life UK has expandedits reach to over 130 branches in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force of more than 20,000 licensed agents, and has emerged as one of the top five life insurers. Pru Life UK holds headquarters in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of British financial services giant Prudential plc. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Prudential plc has an extensive network of life insurance and mutual funds operations around the world covering Europe, the United States (US), Africa, and 14 markets in Asia. Its regional office, Prudential Corporation Asia, is based in Hong Kong. Prudential plc has over 26 million customers worldwide and manages £657 billion of assets as of 31 December 2018.

Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. (a US-registered company), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies). Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans.

For more information: www.prulifeuk.com.ph

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2019

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Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series divers, Orlando Duque (COL), Rhiannan Iffland (AUS), and Xantheia Pennisi (AUS) held a special media gathering and workshop at the Rizal Memorial Complex, Pasay City. The event was hosted by Eleanor Townsend Smart (USA), Red Bull Cliff Diving Athlete and founder of the Clean Cliffs Project. Together, the athletes introduced their sport to those in attendance and shared their experiences from previous competitions.

After a short question and answer session with the nation’s leading news outlets, the divers gave a glimpse of what to expect at the first stop of the 2019 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in El Nido.

“It’s a big challenge of mine to break my personal best again,” says Rhiannan Iffland. “Scoring consistently higher at each event is the one thing I want to focus on this year.”

As a veteran of the sport, Duque’s goal for this 2019 season is a bit more conservative, stating that he wants to “just hang in there one more season and then say goodbye.”

Xantheia Pennisi, the 1st competitor of Filipino descent to compete in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, is excited to be back in the Philippines after 7 years. A newcomer to the sport, Pennisi is ready to showcase her skills in front of her family, stating “I feel very special to be representing Australia and the Philippines.” She goes on to say, “My goal is to place in the top 5 at all the competitions. I know my Filipino family are all supporting me, and I want to dive for them and make them proud.”

Smart, Duque, Iffland, and Pennisi then took the time to share their knowledge with members of the Philippine National Diving Team for an in-depth diving workshop. This allowed members of the National Team to improve their takeoffs and dive executions by learning from four of the world’s most decorated high divers.

“We’re excited to share the morning with Orlando, Rhiannan, Xantheia, and Eleanor,” shares Marie Dimanche, Chairman of the Philippine National Diving Team. “Having an international event of this scope in the country will go a very long way in recognizing high diving as a premier sport.”

The upcoming 11th season of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series opens in El Nido, Palawan, on April 12th, 2019, in Miniloc Island’s Big and Small Lagoons. Twenty-four (24) professional male and female divers from eighteen (18) countries will take off from breath-taking heights of up to 27 meters with only their concentration, skill, and physical control. El Nido will mark the first and only stop in Asia on this year’s tour.

Where to Watch Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Catch the live broadcast from El Nido on Red Bull TV, Facebook and YouTube on April 13th, 2019. Viewers in the Philippines may also watch the full event, along with the remaining six stops of the 2019 World Series, on S+A and iWant Sports (iwant.ph), 5PLUS and 5plus.com.ph, FOX Sports, FOX Sports GO, FOX+ app, online at http://www.foxsports.ph, and on iFlix VOD service.

We also invite you to follow the World Series on Facebook (http://win.gs/cliffdivingelnido), Instagram (@redbullcliffdiving) and Twitter (@cliffdiving).

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to our athletes by vitalizing body and mind – supporting their professional career and helping them achieve milestones within their sport.

About Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Since 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has provided a platform for aesthetic free-falls and dives of ever growing complexity, spotlighting the sport’s finest athletes as well as the most promising talents and in 2014 it introduced a Women’s World Series. In its 11th season, the sport’s best athletes will once again leap, twist and somersault from breath-taking heights with no protection, except their concentration, skill and physical control during seven demanding competitions around the world.

For more info, visit http://www.redbullcliffdiving.com and check www.redbullcliffdivingnewsroom.com for more editorial content. #RedBullCliffDiving

Get ready to collect happy experiences at the Cream-O Flix Fest 2019

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Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O will kick-off the summer fun with yet another Cream-O Flix Fest.

Now on its third year, Cream-O Flix Fest once again invites all Cream-Oholics to another exciting outdoor cinema experience. Themed “Collect Happiness”, Cream-O Flix Fest will celebrate a common love for movies, playing games, and eating their favorite chocolate cookies on April 6, 2019, at the Quezon Memorial Circle, from 3pm onwards. The event is free and open to the public.

A lineup of blockbuster movies presented by Cream-O awaits attendees in the outdoor movie marathon. Join the adventures of Marvel Comics’ mutants in X-Men Apocalypse; follow the comedic antics of beloved Po in Kung Fu Panda 3; and sing-along to the songs of The Greatest Showman.

Cream-O goes all-out in bringing next level fun to this unique one-of-a-kind event. Aside from the film showing, live music performances and raffle giveaways, there are activity booths that will surely make everyone’s experience more awesome and memorable. Take a photo with friends and family in the colorful Cream-O-OOTD booth, challenge your movie knowledge in the Cream-O Movie Combo, unleash your creativity in the Happiness Studio, and test your luck in the Pachink-O and Tic-Tac-O game.

Not to be missed is Cream-Ofied Creations, a crowd-favorite activity where everyone can customize their own Cream-O in four easy steps: (1) choose a Cream-O cookie variant, (2) dip it in chocolate, jam, or peanut butter (3) sprinkle your choice of toppings and (4) drizzle with your favorite kind of syrup.

Spread the excitement with your friends and family using #CreamOholics and #CreamOFlixFest2019 and get ready to collect happiness with your favorite Cream-O cookies. Follow Cream-O on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at “/creamoholicsph” for latest updates.

Join the fun as Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O celebrates common love for movies, games, and its well-loved chocolate cookies on the third year of Cream-O Flix Fest on April 6, at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. This event is free and open to the public.

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.

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/

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.

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.”