World Milk Day: Robinsons Supermarket donates P100,000 worth of milk products

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In celebration of World Milk Day, Robinsons Supermarket is spreading the goodness of the healthy drink by enabling its customers and brand partners to donate milk towards the nutrition of children beneficiaries with its “Share a Glass of Milk” campaign.

To kickstart this initiative, officials of Robinsons Supermarket and its partners have donated P100,000 worth of milk products to kids and officials from Right Start Community Development Inc. The said organization provides an after-school development program for underprivileged kids, aged 4 to 14 years old.

“This donation represents our strong commitment to promote and safeguard the nutrition of every member of the family, especially the children, who with every glass of milk consumed brings them a step closer to health and wellness,” said Jody Gadia, the supermarket chain’s general manager, during the turnover ceremony held recently at Robinsons Place Pioneer in Mandaluyong City.

Robinsons Supermarket is the first grocery chain in the country to celebrate World Milk Day.

From now until June 15, Robinsons Supermarket’s Share a Glass of Milk campaign enables shoppers to donate a glass of milk for every P250 purchase of participating milk products. With every P300 single-receipt purchase of participating Alaska Milk products, customers can also get a chance to win a P100,000 Asia tour package. Participating products include Alaska Powdered Milk, Alaska Condensed and Evaporated Milk, Alaska UHT Fresh Milk, Alaska Choco Snack Pack, and Alaska Crema Asada.

Robinsons Supermarket also celebrates its wellness commitment by creating fun activities that promote healthy bonding activities. From June 9-10, families and their kids can enjoy different activities in the Share a Glass Milk Festival at the Atrium of Robinsons Supermarket Cloverleaf in Balintawak, Quezon City.

Find out more about Robinsons Supermarket’s wellness campaign and other activities at their official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph or like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial.

Tens of thousands of Citi volunteers celebrate Global Community Day in the Philippines

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Annual event contributes nearly four million hours of service since launch

Citi recently celebrated its annual Global Community Day, as more than 5,000 Citi volunteers in the Philippines engage in service activities in their local communities. In the days leading up to and including Global Community Day, more than 100,000 Citi colleagues, alumni, clients, family and friends in more than 450 cities across 90 countries and territories volunteer on 1,400 service projects that are helping address a range of community needs, from feeding the hungry to revitalizing schools for a better learning environment to preparing young people for jobs.

On Global Community Day, Citi volunteers invest their time and efforts alongside community and nonprofit partners on service opportunities that help create thriving neighborhoods. Some of these volunteer efforts complement the year-round philanthropic and business-led initiatives, including the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress, that help make our communities stronger.
“Citi is committed to making a positive difference in the Philippines. Participation in our Global Community Day continues to grow every year and I’m proud to volunteer alongside more than 5,000 of my colleagues and their family members,” said Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed.

Since the inaugural Global Community Day in 2006, Citi volunteers have contributed nearly four million hours of service to Global Community Day projects in hundreds of cities.

For this year’s GCD, volunteers got to take part in the Brigada Eskwela where they painted classroom desks and chairs, cleaned classrooms, potted plants and refurbished textbooks for the new school year. They also helped build and paint 10 homes and clear and plough nearby plots in Cavite; conducted workshops on career readiness and finance and legal matters; donated and sorted clothing and toys and watched a movie in cinema with street children; and took part in the Freedom Walk to raise awareness and respect for people with disabilities.

This year’s GCD partners were the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Gawad Kalinga, Bayan Academy, ChildHope Philippines, Habitat for Humanity, GMA Kapuso Foundation, World Vision Foundation and the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD).

To learn more about Citi’s citizenship efforts across the globe and to review the 2017 Global Citizenship Report, visit http://citizenship.citigroup.com.

Feel the action of “Escape Plan 2: Hades” at SM Cinema

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With the release of action movies Escape Plan 2: Hades, SM Cinema lets you enjoy a premiere cinema experience at Director’s Club Cinema.

Sit back, relax and enjoy these latest action flicks with recliner seats, butler service and advanced sound and projection technology of SM Cinema Director’s Club at these branches: SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall, SM City BF Parañaque, SM City East Ortigas, SM CDO Downtown Premiere, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM Seaside City Cebu, and S Maison in Conrad Manila.

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An action movie to hit the SM Cinemas this month is Escape Plan 2: Hades, a sequel to Sylvester Stallone’s 2013 action flick, now together with Dave Bautista.

After breaking out of “The Tomb”, Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) continued his life together with his own team of elite specialists trained in the art of breaking people out of the world’s most impenetrable prisons. Unfortunately, his most trusted operative, Shu Ren was kidnapped and disappeared inside Hades, the most elaborate prison ever built. With this situation, Breslin together with his team will go to penetrate Hades and rescue.

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Catch Escape Plan 2: Hades at SM Cinema branches nationwide starting June 13, 2018. Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app. You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

Get the SAMSUNG Galaxy A6 & A6+ in PH stores now!

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The sleek and stylish SAMSUNG Galaxy A6 and A6+ hit stores nationwide today!

Designed to stand out, the Galaxy A6 & A6+ feature an elegant, full-metal unibody case and the all-new blue color. This smartphone is also available in black and gold variants. Completing its sophisticated look is Samsung’s outstanding Super AMOLED Infinity Display, delivering brilliant colors and captivating content under any lighting condition.

Capture stunning photos with Samsung’s newest smartphones. The Galaxy A6 carries a 16MP resolution front and rear camera, while the Galaxy A6+ sports a 24MP front camera and a 16MP + 5MP Professional Dual Camera. Equipped with adjustable LED and selfie flash, the front cameras let you take gorgeous selfies that make you look good every day. These smartphones can also produce clear photos even in low light with its F1.7 rear camera aperture capability.

The Galaxy A6 & A6+ also support Bixby, the tech giant’s intelligent virtual assistant, to help you get more things done with your phone and applications. The phones also give you access to Samsung-exclusive benefits, such as exciting treats and perks via the Samsung Members App, anti-theft app through Find My Mobile, and quick emergency access with the Samsung 321 app.

The Samsung Galaxy A6 & A6+ are now officially available in the Philippines starting today with a suggested retail price of PHP 16,490 (A6) and PHP 22,990 (A6+). The Galaxy A6 comes in black and gold, while the Galaxy A6+ comes in black and blue color options. For more information, log on to samsung.com.ph/ , visit facebook.com/samsungph or visit the Samsung Galaxy Studio located at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

ISLAS PINAS, THE NEW ICON OF TOURISM THROUGH FILIPINO CUISINE, OPENS AT DOUBLEDRAGON PLAZA AT DD MERIDIAN PARK

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Islas Pinas, an indoor “Filipino Food & Heritage Village” and a new, distinct destination for both local and international guests, is now open at the DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA Extension, Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

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Designed to showcase the abundance and vibrancy of the Filipino culture, this new establishment lets guests discover, explore and experience the Philippines’s heritage sites, natural resources, hospitality and most importantly, its cuisine.

The result of collaboration between DoubleDragon Group and Chef Margarita Forés, Islas Pinas is a project that aims to inspire love for the Philippines and to cultivate patriotism by showcasing the country’s beautiful sites and diverse regional cuisines. With a seating capacity of over 700 seats in an expansive 2,500 square meter space, Islas Pinas is the perfect place to give visitors a taste of the best that the Philippines has to offer.

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ISLAS PINAS also hosts an authentic Sarao Jeepney, which for many generations became the king of the Philippine streets especially in the countryside.

“DoubleDragon has always believed in embarking on projects with relevance. We believe Islas Pinas will be a landmark in the country, and will showcase the diversity not only of our cuisine and handicrafts but also our landscape and architecture brought about by the rich heritage and culture of the country,” says DoubleDragon’s Chief Investment Officer Hannah Yulo.

At the helm of this project is none other than Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016, Margarita A. Forés whose mission is to bring Filipino cuisine to global prominence. Thus, Islas Pinas is a vision coming to life for her, where Filipino food is not just on the sidelines but at the centerstage.

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“This is an absolute dream project for me that has come at such a perfect time,” said Forés. “I give my thanks to then Undersecretary of Agriculture, now Secretary of Tourism Berna R. Puyat, for putting me together with the DoubleDragon group, who was looking for someone to operate this amazing Islas Pinas project about half a year ago. This fast-tracked such a blessed opportunity to continue pushing my biggest advocacy – that of helping to promote the best our country – our cuisine, ingredients, farers, artisan producers and home cooks from Batanes to Jolo – in the best way I can!”

It is her aim for guests to experience the Philippines with their five senses and beyond. Thus, aside from the culinary delights and a picturesque interior design worthy of Instagram posts, the venue will also feature modern and traditional cultural performances and games to ensure a fun and truly Pinoy ambiance.

SINAG, the Tagalog word for ‘ray of light’ offers all-day Filipino breakfast favorites like our TAPSILOG (TAPa – salted beef, SInangag – fried rice and ItLOG – fried egg) and Batchoy, an Ilonggo noodle soup with pork offal, crushed pork cracklings and beef loin.

ALAMAT or legend, tells the story of the different regions of the Philippines through its signature dishes. BILAO is coined after the woven winnowing basket where comfort snacks like pansit (fried noodles) and puto (rice cakes) are usually served, while PANADERYA offers neighborhood bakery favorites such as pan de sal and kalihim. TUSOK-TUSOK, on the other hand, offers urban street food finds like barbecue on stick, isaw (grilled chicken intestine) and kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs).

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PANULAK or beverage is where the samalamig (cold drinks with different flavors) will be available. Lastly, PAMPANG or shore will allow guests to enjoy chosen fresh catch cooked to their preference.

All these will be available daily, without the scorching heat and pollution as the space is fully airconditioned. Located at the bustling DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area along EDSA Extension and Macapagal Avenue, Islas Pinas can be easily accessed using both private and public transportation.

“Because of the ideal location of DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park – our close proximity to the airport terminals and being only about 5 minutes away from NAIA X – we believe ISLAS PINAS will become a must-visit stopover for both domestic and international tourists visiting the capital,” said DoubleDragon’s Chairman Edgar Injap Sia II.

ISLAS PINAS is the main anchor of DoubleDragon Plaza, which forms part of the 4.8 Hectare DD Meridian Park commercial and office complex.

The Medical City Launches its Center for Behavioral Health

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Mental Health has previously been in the background of overall health. Through the years, the World Health Organization (WHO) included mental health in its definition of health to emphasize its importance. The magnitude of the consequences of undetected and untreated mental illness has been evident in the number of suicide cases and increasing health costs.

According to the most recent data gathered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, the 3rd leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 14 and the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-24.” According to the data, “the United States has lost $193.2 billion of earnings per year from serious mental illness.”

As a response, the Department of Health (DOH) has improved and increased its mental health programs which include a Suicide Prevention Program in partnership with a non-government organization. The Philippine Psychiatric Association has also sponsored the Philippine Mental Health Act to help make mental health services more accessible in the country.

The Medical City (TMC) Department of Psychiatry, being the only private institution in the country that offers complete psychiatry subspecialties, also takes a more active role in addressing the growing mental health needs of the country. Hence, the Center for Behavioral Health (CBH) was established.

The CBH is the first in the country to offer services that cover the entire continuum of mental health care – from wellness to illness; from assessment to early recognition, to therapeutic intervention to home care; from care that necessitates one therapist to care that necessitates shared responsibility among several team members; from individual therapy to group therapy, and from promotive to preventive care. The CBH is headed by Dr. Mary Daryl Joyce Lindo-Calleja.

Aside from General and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry services, the CBH offers services to address addiction, and children and teens’ behavioral health challenges.

The CBH’s Addiction Psychiatry Services include an Outpatient Detoxification Program, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and Relapse Prevention I and II. The outpatient detoxification program is designed for patients with a history of substance abuse who wish to undergo detoxification to get rid of the substance and its ill effects.

The Motivational Enhancement Therapy or MET is a five-session module designed for patients with a history of substance abuse who wish to live a life of sobriety, but are also undecided about abstaining and how to initiate change. There are two programs under Relapse Prevention, namely Group Therapy and Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation Skills Training.

The following services are being offered to address children and adolescents’ mental health concerns − Group Therapy for Teens, The Parenting Toolkit, and School Mental Health Consult. The Group Therapy for Teens is a group therapy module for adolescents with depression and anxiety designed to enhance self-esteem, utilizing arts-based activities and sharing of experiences to foster a sense of group cohesion and individual empowerment.

The Parenting Toolkit is a half-day workshop designed to teach parents effective skills to raise emotionally and behaviorally healthy children. It combines lectures, role playing, and case-based group discussions. Separate workshops are designed for pre-school and school-age children as well as adolescents.

The School Mental Health Consult is a consultation service designed to continuously provide school counselors and administrators expert assistance on how to address the myriad mental health challenges schools face today.

For more information, please call the Center for Behavioral Health at 9881000 ext. 6135 or 6282.

What would the ideal workspace for millennials look like?

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If an imposing or isolated desk, and a nameplate on the door defined the ideal office space of the 80s and 90s, today’s employees want the exact opposite. With millennials taking over the workforce, it’s time to reconsider just how at tune an existing work space is with their needs.

Founder and owner of the BOOGI concept and furniture store, Burkhardt Zipperich, said that the workspace needed today is one that is responsive to the needs of its users at a particular time.

“Millennials require more than just a desk and chair; they need space that can easily adapt to the need at hand – whether it is for them to prevent external distractions, or to create a space that would be conducive for collaboration and the free flow of ideas,” Zipperich said.

Meeting the needs of millennials are ergonomic, functional, and cool office furniture pieces from some of the multi-awarded European furniture brands housed in BOOGI. One particular brand that stands out is Actiu, one of the most innovative Spanish furniture brands that have been consistently receiving awards in its home country and across Europe.

Banking on its Cool Working Space ideology, Actiu has designed workspace furniture, taking into consideration the changing individual functions and the various ways of collaboration. Initially implemented in their offices across the globe, the Cool Working Space business strategy eventually found its way into the design concept.

In February, Actiu was bestowed with the National Innovation and Design Award by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Dubbed as the highest award for design in Spain, it recognized the excellence and exemplary career of Actiu in the field of design and innovation.

“The Cool Working Space of Actiu actually promotes collaboration, improves focus, and enhances team work. But the best thing about the workspace made with Actiu is how it can easily adapt without sacrificing its primary functions,” said Zipperich.

BOOGI is located along Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City.

Seascape Village Redefines Dining Experience in Metro Manila

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Seafood indulgence in Metro Manila is on a whole new level with the opening of Seascape Village Bay Market.

Seascape Village Bay Market is home to restaurants that offer Filipino, Asian, and fusion cuisines, and a wet and dry market that features fresh seafood trading. It is also a place where dining customers can enjoy an unobstructed view of the glorious Manila Bay sunset.

The Philippines being a tropical archipelago, is also one of the world’s primary sources of fresh seafood. It comes as no surprise for locals and tourists to search for dining places that specialize in seafood. Setting apart the Bay Market is the unique experience of how it elevates the whole process of seafood dining – from selecting fresh and live fish, crabs, shells, and even lobsters, to choosing how it will be cooked – something that everyone is sure to enjoy.

“We really wanted to bring a new experience for locals and tourists alike. Seafood is one of the bountiful resources that we have and with Seascape Village, we are able to bring a more interactive experience to dining,” said Christine Suntay, Seascape Village Marketing and Events Head.

To cater to different segments, the Seascape Village Bay Market has several restaurants that offer various price points – from casual gatherings to the more refined dining. Seascape Village is home to Mr. A’s Bar, Asian Taste Restaurant, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps, Darwin’s Café Hong Kong Special, Fish Music Bar, GoGo Kitchen, Golden China, Golden Fortune, Lhong-E, Lola Ina’s Seafood Paluto Restaurant, Mazu Seaside Diner, Wow Cow Fresh Beef Hot Pot, Yatai Asian Cuisine, and other exciting food stalls.

The Seascape Village Bay Market is the first of the four phases of Seascape Village, which are all set to open in the next two years. The second phase is geared towards lifestyle and wellness. The third phase of the development is all about events and entertainment while the fourth phase will feature a hotel and commercial complex. Upon its completion, one of the main highlights of the property is a beachfront that accords a view of Manila Bay and its famous sunset.

Seascape Village is located at Atang dela Rama Street corner Zoilo Hilario Street, in between Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel and the Manila Film Center, within the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City.

SHELL HELIX ULTRA GIVES ULTIMATE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND PROTECTION

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No matter the challenges on the road, Shell Helix Ultra is designed to meet every motorists’ needs. Developed using ground breaking technology, Shell Helix Ultra is the first natural gas-based fully synthetic oil that can withstand it all, enabling its users to drive on uninterrupted. Made with PurePlus technology, it has less of the impurities and sediments found in crude-based oils that can cause engine damage and corrosion over time.

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By delivering superior protection for ultimate engine performance, car engines are fully protected from extreme temperatures to urban city stresses. Shell Helix Ultra stays stronger for longer to provide superior protection against wear, up to 32% better resistance to oil degradation and up to 50% less evaporation to deliver on fuel and engine efficiency. With its active cleansing technology, it also protects from harmful sludge and deposits that can seriously affect the car’s engine power and performance.

With confidence in the long-lasting engine performance of Shell Helix Ultra, Shell is now offering drivers added peace of mind and the confidence to drive without worry. AXA Partners Philippines, one of the largest and fastest growing assistance solutions companies in the country, joins Shell to provide Shell Helix Ultra users with an extended engine warranty for up to 12 years (or 200,000km). Because Shell stands by its products, the warranty will cover engine problems caused by lubrication issues. For added protection and value, Shell will provide Shell Helix Ultra users with two roadside assistance every six months for peace of mind on the road. Incidents can include towing and minor repairs like accidents, breakdowns, flat tires, battery boosting, emergency fuel delivery, and sending of locksmith.

On top of the extended engine warranty and free roadside assistance, Shell Helix Ultra users can experience world-class service at Shell Helix Oil Change+ centers, one of the most convenient, affordable, and best quality service centers available in the market. Shell Helix Oil Change+ service centers are fully equipped with a complete vehicle servicing set-up and comfortable customer lounges with Wi-Fi access and viewing windows. All technicians are highly trained and certified by the Don Bosco Technical Institute, a premier institution for driver education and for technical-vocational training. Shell Helix Oil Change+ goes the extra mile by providing comprehensive historical data for future visits and free service reminders for car owners’ ease and convenience.

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With over 100 years of experience, Shell has proven time and again why it is one of the most trusted leaders in the energy and petroleum industry, and the number 1 global lubricants supplier for 11 years now according to the Kline Global Report. Shell’s partner OEM manufacturers globally and locally including Ferrari, Maserati, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Mercedes Benz, Jeep, and Hyundai are confident that Shell Helix Ultra lives up to its guarantee. Fueled by these smarter mobility partnerships, Shell Helix Ultra keeps car engines running stronger for longer, enabling the passion for driving.

For more information on the extended warranty, free roadside assistance, and Shell Helix Oil Change+ locations, visit http://share.shell.com/consumer/ph

Cream-O Flix Fest on a unique outdoor movie experience

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Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O brought another memorable outdoor cinema experience in a colourful arcade-themed entertainment park with the second year of Cream-O Flix Fest: Unlock the Irresistible.

The chocolate cookie brand welcomed everyone to a cozy picnic-style area at Central Park, SM By the Bay, where visitors enjoyed an entertaining screening of Hollywood movies.

Creamoholics of all ages enjoyed the action-packed animation of Lego Batman Movie. They also watched futuristic quests in X-Men Days of Future Past, and reveled in the amazing adventure of young Peter Parker in Spider-Man Homecoming.

The day wasn’t just about movies as special activities were created for everyone to enjoy; Creamoholics had a blast showcasing their creativity at the Cream–Ofied Creations booth where they decorated their favorite Cream-O Vanilla, Choco Fudge, Deluxe, Crinkles, Chocolate Chip, Cookies ‘n Cream and Choco ‘n Berries cookies in four easy steps: choose, dip, sprinkle, and drizzle. This create-your-own-Cream-O activity was well received by guests. Consumers also took photos of their cookie creations and shared it online at the Cream-O Flatlay booth.

The crowd was also treated to engaging game booths where they brought out their playful sides and won prizes. Cream-O Warp Pipes and Claw the Cream-O challenged their competitive skills on getting treats using claw mechanism; while Cream-O Movie Combo Trivia Game tested their knowledge on popular movies.

Cream-O made the event more memorable as guests were serenaded with live music performances in between screenings. Lucky Creamoholics also took home Instax Mini Cameras and Kidzania Tickets from the raffle draws.

The second Cream-O Flix Fest truly satisfied everyone’s sweet cravings and created an unforgettable experience for all Creamoholics. If you missed the fun, be sure to follow Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at “/creamoholicsph” for surprises and updates from the brand.