Choosing to give a voice amidst the silence

Rosalie Macaspac (left) interprets the contents of the program for her students.

Teaching surpasses the realms of jobs or professions–it encompasses service, vocation, and life mission.
Proving this day and night are millions of Filipino teachers who stand as second mothers to students. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, an SM scholar alumna who chose to pursue a career in Special Education (SPED).
Life’s work
Choosing to teach, especially pursue SPED, is a path less travelled. Out of over 800,000 public school teachers, only about 4,000 are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who took the path. For 21 years now, the SM scholar alumna has dedicated her life to teaching SPED students. She wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners.

With much dedication and determination to have the right skills for her students, she pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively.
She currently teaches at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay, the only government-owned institution for the deaf in the country. Here, she spearheaded the numeracy skills training program for deaf learners.
Embedding grit, greatness
Her journey to becoming an educator was not easy. Her parents separated when she was three years old, and her mother became the breadwinner.
“In the early years of my life as a three year old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing clothes of our neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on and promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman,” she said.
The weight on their shoulder became heavier when her mother became bedridden for half a year. Instead of slowing her down, it did the opposite. She continued her studies with much determination. With the help of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold, they could get by.
She finished primary school with good grades, and was a consistent honor student in high school, despite having one centavo allowance and rice and coffee as meals. With good standing, she had her mind set on her next goal: going to college.
“Giving up or surrendering wasn’t in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on to me as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in,” she stressed.
“When I was in fourth year high school, I was deep in thought of what to do to support my college education. Then, God in all His goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office in our school announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew at that very moment that He was with me. All I had to do is to apply for the scholarship,” she recalled.

She vividly remembers sending her SM College Scholarship program application at the Customer Service of the SM in Quiapo and how she learned on May 9, 1995 that she would be interviewed for the scholarship in room 214 of the MSE Bldg. The three-digit number has since become unforgettable for her. By June 1995, Macaspac was among the SM scholars who had started their college education under the scholarship program.
According to her, the scholarship helped her become a well-rounded individual. It was the key to the realization of her dreams and paved the way to success. The activities provided by SM Foundation, such as the scholars’ assembly, the orientation, leadership training, sports fest and annual retreat, were very memorable for her.
“Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted my self-esteem and opened my world to service,” she said.

Rosalie at the Philippine School for the Deaf

Before teaching, she first worked as a Merchandise and Planning Control-Clerk at the SM Head Office, which was then located in Calle Echague, Manila. She was hired immediately after college.
Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today: “Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students.”
“I am not ashamed to tell my colleagues that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry “Tatang” Sy, SM Foundation, Ma’am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially, my mother. They are all the instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.”

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Daughter of former flower farmers lives a vibrant life through the SM Scholarship grant

Jonnah (center) with her parents during her graduation

Stability is the foundation of a well-lived life. With basic needs fulfilled, people have the opportunity to develop themselves, explore various facets of life, and contribute to the welfare of the community.

When aspiring youth, especially those from low-income households, are given the chance to stand on solid ground, they readily take the chance. They utilize it as a seedbed where they can cultivate their dreams and aspirations.

One testament to this is SM scholar alumna Jonnah Jane Sacamay, who grew up in a family where stability seemed like an uncharted territory. Years back, Jonnah’s family’s main source of living was flower farming. This made them walk on a thin line as the demand for flowers was seasonal, and they were also often affected by unpredictable weather disturbances.

But while they had journeyed through life with uncertainty, they had always planted in her mind the power of education.

“Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside from augmenting our daily needs, we also had to ensure that my education is secured,” Jonnah recalled.

Holding on to the power of education

And so, to help her family, she studied hard in grade school as soon as she learned about others who had the opportunity to pursue college through the SM College Scholarship Program. With her whole heart dedicated to learning and her eyes set on the SM scholarship, she finished high school as the class valedictorian. Once the forms were available, she immediately processed her application at the SM Store in Cebu.

“I was informed that I got accepted as an SM Scholar. From then on, a huge weight was lifted off my parents’ shoulders. I could pursue my chosen degree in my chosen university,” she added.

Through the scholarship offered by the SM group through SM Foundation, she was able to focus on the development of her skills and knowledge not only in accountancy but especially in life. She became a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.

“The SM Scholarship helped me reach my dream of becoming a CPA, and this opened doors for me, enabling me to land a job that empowered me to help my family,” she said.

“My experience in retail has given me wide knowledge in different areas. With this, I always make sure that my family makes informed decisions in all aspects of life. One thing that has become a tradition among SM Cebu scholars during my time was to have an outreach program. In our own way, we were able to pay forward the help that we received from SM. It was a fulfilling experience that we could share our blessings in our own little way,” she added.

Jonnah currently serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store, Cebu. Aside from financial security, she currently takes care of her parents’ medical expenses and lets them enjoy vibrant life experiences after retiring as flower farmers.

“Having a degree enabled me and my family to experience more in life. It paved the way for me to secure a stable job, which allowed me to travel, treat my family to a nice meal, take them shopping on special occasions, and most importantly, support my parents and their medical expenses. Aside from providing me with a scholarship grant, working in SM has provided a sense of security for me and my family,” she shared.

Opening doors to more

SM Foundation made it its goal to help create an environment where low-income families can thrive and achieve stability, just like how the SM College Scholarship Program paved ways for Jonnah and her family.

For the school year 2023-2024, the application period is open from February 1-March 31, 2023. The selected scholars may specialize in accounting, information technology, engineering, and education with full tuition and monthly allowance, including enrichment programs and activities.

For more information about the SM College Scholarship program, visit https://www.sm-foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program.

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SM Supermalls, SM Cares to join Earth Hour 2023

SM Supermalls, together with its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is joining the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour this coming March 25 as the company renews its commitment to environmental stewardship.
This year’s Earth Hour is all about “creating the Biggest Hour for Earth,” and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, in addition to switching off their lights.
SM Supermalls has been supporting Earth Hour and the WWF since the initiative was first held in the Philippines in 2008. This year, customers, tenants and employees at SM malls nationwide are once again encouraged to “Give an Hour for Earth” as SM Supermalls joins the annual Global Lights Switch Off from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM on March 25.
This day also marks the start of the World Wildlife Fund’s Virtual Earth Hour Run, a self-paced run supported by SM Cares, to be held from March 25 to April 30, 2023. The run aligns with SM Supermalls’ bid to make “Earth Hour, Any Hour” as participants are encouraged to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle by running and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.
Aside from these, SM Supermalls has been pushing to minimize its carbon footprint in support of the global green movement through various programs ranging from responsible energy consumption to investing in renewable energy.
For instance, more than 50 percent of the energy consumed by SM malls all over the country now come from renewable sources. In terms of solar energy usage, SM now has 12 malls equipped with energized solar panels, with SM Mall of Asia as the latest mall to receive a solar panel installation, which has a capacity of 2.003 MWp.
SM has also been recognized for exceeding compliance with RA7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law, which regulates the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians. This is proof that SM is operated and maintained only by highly qualified engineers.
SM Cares’ sustainability initiatives include the Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, which encourage responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos; the annual Green Film Festival which promotes environmental awareness among students and the youth; and the International Coastal Cleanup which encourages stakeholders to do their part in keeping our seas and oceans clean.
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate developer, SM Prime Holdings. It is responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.
To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

SM Foundation aids quake-hit Türkiye, Syria

SMFI’s Connie Angeles (second from left) hands the donation to PRC chairperson Dick Gordon (third from left). Joining the turnover are PRC Governor Ernesto Isla and PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang (first and fourth from left, respectively). Photo from PRC.

In solidarity with earthquake-hit countries Türkiye and Syria, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) sent aid through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) last Feb. 27, 2023.
Represented by SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Executive Director Connie Angeles, SMFI handed 200 units of gasoline generators to PRC to provide power to the quake-stricken Türkiye and Syria.
Additionally, the social good arm of SM also donated Php5 million to help address the needs of earthquake victims.
The aid comes after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Türkiye and northwest Syria. The disaster was followed by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, hitting southern Turkiye, which led to additional casualties and damages.

To learn more about SM Foundation’s social good programs, visit www.sm-foundation.org or follow its social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube): @SMFoundationInc.

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Gear up for a healthier life with the country’s biggest cycling festival

Pru Life UK’s PRURide PH is back!

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK is bringing back PRURide Philippines, the country’s biggest cycling festival, as part of its advocacy to help Filipinos live a healthier lifestyle through cycling.

This year’s PRURide Philippines, which will be held on May 21 in Clark and May 28 in Cebu, is part of Prudential’s 175th anniversary celebration, including its 100 years in Asia. To launch this event and celebrate life for better health and wellness, Pru Life UK is doing a ceremonial fun ride around Bonifacio Global City with its employees, agency force, and partners from the government and private sectors.

PRURide Philippines 2023 is bigger with the participation of its official advocates Gretchen Ho, Kim Atienza, and Zoren Legaspi; cycling content creators Ger Victor, Darlings Levi & Sara, Jeno Cuenco and Ian Austria; and Pru Life UK’s health champions Miguel Reyes, Montini De Guzman, and Aless Castañeda.

“PRURide Philippines 2023 is about celebrating life and riding together with Filipinos and families for better health and wellness. Filipinos can continue to count on Pru Life UK to have access to many customer-centric health protection and wealth offerings to help them get the most out of life,” says Eng Teng Wong, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pru Life UK.

Fun activities await cyclists at PRURide PH 2023 in May

With a bigger and more exciting cycling festival this year, the ride will be held in two legs, one in Clark and one in Cebu, which are both open to families with child-friendly activities as part of the festivities.

Casual and seasoned cyclists from Luzon and Visayas can join the Gran Fondo, a safe and timed ride ranging from 30 to 60 and 100 kilometers. Gran Fondo 30 is ideal for beginners, while the 100 replicates the route taken by professional cyclists. Those looking for a moderate challenge can join the Gran Fondo 60, which follows a condensed format of the 100.

Professional and amateur cyclists can also be part of the free Virtual PRURide PH, a 175K virtual race happening on May 21 in Clark and May 28 in Cebu. The cyclist finishing with the best time will be declared this category’s winner.​

The Family Fun Ride is a 5K cycling activity for groups, while the Kids Cup is a fun and friendly race for children.
PRURide PH 2023 will end on a high note with a free concert by a top OPM band both in its Clark and Cebu legs.

“The pandemic has shown us how important health is for ourselves and our loved ones. We invite Filipino families to take the first step to a healthier lifestyle by cycling with us in Clark and Cebu for a bigger and better PRURide Philippines this year,” says Allan Tumbaga, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer and Marketing Officer of
Pru Life UK.

Registration for PRURide PH is now open. The registration fee across all Gran Fondo distances is P1,000. All participants will receive a PRURide PH 2023 jersey, and all finishers will take home a finisher medal. To join, please visit prulifeuk.com.ph/en/pruride2023.

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About Pru Life UK
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the pioneer of insuravest, or investment-linked life insurance products, in the Philippines and is one of the first life insurance companies approved to distribute US dollar-denominated investment-linked life insurance policies in the country. Since its establishment, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 190 branches in the Philippines, with the largest life insurance agency force with more than 33,000 licensed agents.
The company is the number one life insurer in the Philippines for two consecutive years in terms of new business annual premium equivalent* (2020-2021) and led in the renewal premium income** from variable life insurance products ranking (2021) according to the Insurance Commission. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Pru Life UK and Prudential are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc., (a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America), Prudential Assurance Company (a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom), 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
Notes:

*New business annual premium equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year
** Renewal premium income – premium collected for existing policies

About Prudential plc
Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. The business helps people get the most out of life, by making healthcare affordable and accessible and by promoting financial inclusion. Prudential protects people’s wealth, helps them grow their assets, and empowers them to save for their goals. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.
Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.
For more information: https://www.prudentialplc.com/

BUILDRITE RAISES THE BAR HIGHER WITH THE LAUNCH OF 8 INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AT WORLDBEX 2023

Buildrite Booth Ribbon Cutiing

Buildrite Construction Chemicals, one of the leading construction chemical innovators in the Philippines, launches new products during the opening day of The Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WorldBEX) on March 16 – 19, 2023, at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Founder and CEO of Buildrite, Derrick A. Tan, expressed his excitement as he introduced their new products to the people. He also thanked their customers for giving valuable insights that allowed them to create such products.

CEO Speech

“Your feedback is liquid gold to us, which is why Buildrite always listens to its customers. These products are the culmination of the insights — your experiences, concerns, and requirements — we have gotten from you through the years,” he explained.

The main highlight of Buildrite’s Booth was their Innovation Hub, which features the company’s new innovative products, including:

Level Up 410 – a self-Leveling compound for deep pours (4,000 psi at 10-25mm thickness) and quickly smoothing and leveling large areas of
Cure Sil EB and WB – an all-weather curing compound and concrete strength optimizer, which ensures that the concrete achieves a proper curing process and its designed
StopGap NW and AF – a paintable, non-woven flashing tape and an aluminum flashing tape that are both using a butyl-based adhesive for an easy, convenient, and long-lasting
StopGap CJ – a self-leveling construction joint sealant that possesses enough hardness to protect the edges of joints from loads while having the right flexibility to prevent
Sapal RTU and 2in1 – a weather-resistant exterior wall waterproofer and a sealant/waterproofer, which are now enhanced with polyurethane for longer-lasting
Tofil 807 and 808 – a drywall finishing system with anti-crack technology recommended for fiber cement boards and gypsum boards to eliminate the problem in cracking
Readyrete – the first and only ready-mix concrete in a bag, which can be used for projects requiring 4000 to 6,000 psi of compressive
SmartBond Flex – the first flexible tile adhesive that functions as a shear stress dampener to absorb and withstand the movements of tiles and substrate, which prevents tile debonding despite structural movements and thermal expansion/contraction.
Buildrite New Products

The launching ceremony was graced by the presence of Inventor Ronald P. Pagsanghan, National President of the Filipino Inventors Society, and Mr. William Chua, Vice President of Operations.

In a brief speech, The Filipino Inventors Society President said there’s a high demand for innovative construction materials, particularly among young inventors. He explained that most inventors are shifting to the construction industry because of its continuous technological advancements.

“Kitang kita natin na napakalaki ng puwang ng mga produktong ito sa construction industry. At ang mga ito ay gawang Pilipino, inobasyong Pilipino,” he said.

Inventor Ronald also expressed his admiration to his fellow inventor Derrick Tan and his team’s dedication to driving innovation in the Philippine construction industry. He then invited Buildrite’s CEO to give a talk at one of their events to inspire young inventors, especially students, to create more innovations for the betterment of the country.

“Congratulations, Buildrite! Please continue to innovate… Keep up the good work, Mr. Derrick Tan, and may you continue being an inspiration to our youths,” he concluded.

This is Buildrite’s first time joining WorldBEX, but the company has been an active exhibitor in various construction events over the years. Last year, Buildrite and Sinclair Paints joined the PhilConstruct Expo and launched SmartBond Flex and Readycrete while simultaneously re-launching Sinclair: The New Generation Paint.

Buildrite and Sinclair Paints are also active participants in international training, seminars, and expos, which allowed them to gain insights into advanced technologies in construction chemicals.

Since the launch of their Magtanong Para Sigurado campaign in 2018, the first and original online campaign that teaches the right construction chemical products and methodologies online, Buildrite has been dubbed one of the best innovators in construction chemical technology in the Philippines.

According to CEO Tan, all their efforts center around their essence as a company, to help and teach people about the right construction chemical products and methodologies for specific requirements. Furthermore, the company envisions bringing about a future where the country is already on par with international standards.

This is why Buildrite is fast-tracking industry standardization by raising the bar to new heights.

Cebu Pacific, Singapore Tourism Board renew partnership to fly every Juan to Singapore

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, has strengthened its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to help travelers reimagine the Lion City and visit Singapore.
CEB and STB previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in April 2022 to mark the reopening of Singapore’s borders. With the successes of the past year, both parties today renewed the MOU to intensify their collaboration to promote travel to Singapore, which is one of the top-of-mind destinations for visitors from the Philippines. Key projects in this 2023 MOU will include joint marketing and promotions, and joint business development in the areas of fly-cruise and meetings and incentive corporate groups.
“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Cebu Pacific, which contributed greatly to Singapore’s strong tourism numbers for 2022,” said Ms. Juliana Kua, Assistant Chief Executive for International Group, Singapore Tourism Board (STB). “Philippines is a key market for Singapore, and the attractive promotions from Cebu Pacific will be complemented by STB’s ‘SingapoRewards’ programme, which offers a free experience for every eligible tourist to Singapore.
SingapoRewards[1] is a new programme that will provide international visitors with an opportunity to try one of nearly 40 new or “off-the-beaten-path” experiences in Singapore for free, across the whole of 2023.
CEB provides strong connectivity to Singapore as it currently flies from Manila, Cebu, Davao, and starting in April, from Clark, Pampanga.
“We value this partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. With recovery in place and our growth plans set in motion, our main goal now is to fly every Juan to exciting destination such as Singapore and enjoy all the offering in this beautiful destination that we missed doing during the pandemic,” said Candice Iyog, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of Cebu Pacific.
CEB currently flies thrice daily between Manila and Singapore, providing passengers easy access to the Lion City, to experience its famous culinary scene, see its scenic spots, engage in thrill-seeking activities, or go shopping.
Passengers from the Visayas may also conveniently reach Singapore through Cebu Pacific’s daily flights from Mactan Cebu International Airport.
CEB will also increase its Singapore flights from Davao up to 4x weekly starting on March 26, 2023.
Travelers from Northern Luzon will also have a new gateway as CEB starts its daily Clark – Singapore flight on April 28, 2023.
To spur travels to Singapore, CEB travelers can book their flights for as low as PHP499 one-way base fare, exclusive of surcharges and fees on March 13 until March 15, 2023. The travel period is from June 1 to November 30, 2023.
Passengers with existing Travel Funds may use these to pay for flights and other add-ons. Apart from the Travel Fund, other payment options such as payment centers, credit or debit cards, and e-wallets may also be used.
CEB now flies to 34 domestic and 25 international destinations, spanning across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

[1] Redemptions and bookings can be made on the VisitSingapore app or SingapoRewards microsite at https://singaporewards.visitsingapore.com/.

Watsons Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle With Race for Wellness

Over 6,000 participants from casual and serious runners to fitness enthusiasts, groups of friends, and families joined Watsons Race for Wellness on Sunday, March 5. The event marks the brand’s enduring commitment to becoming Filipinos’ ultimate health and beauty partner. Watsons helps Filipinos achieve a balanced lifestyle through its holistic solutions, products, and services for every wellness and medical need.

There are many benefits to a healthy lifestyle. It lowers the risk of diseases, prolongs life, lifts the mood, and makes one look their best. This can be attained through a variety of ways: eating healthy food such as fruit and vegetables, lowering one’s intake of sugar, salt, and fat, and staying active.

With the Race for Wellness, participants chose between the 5K, 10K, and 21K categories, all of which have surprises along the routes. Runners were energized by drum beaters and cheerers as they go through Pinoy-themed and Wellness zone obstacles. Apart from these, foam and water fest stations were also set up. “Kuya Kim” Atienza, celebrity endorser for Watsons Brand Vitamin B Complex, and Geneva Cruz were also spotted having fun while keeping up with the challenges. An awarding ceremony was held for all the category finishers who completed the race in the shortest time possible.

Category
BIB No.
Winner
Gun Time
Female
21 KM
21955
April Rose Diaz
1:36:20
10 KM
10552
Saltanat Simbina
0:48:27
5 KM
52801
Princess Valerie
0:25:38
Male
21 KM
21301
Welfred Esporma
1:14:51
10 KM
10847
Alfrene Braza
0:34:20
5 KM
50337
Mark Angelo Biagtan
0:17:08

“The fun run is one of Watsons’ many ways to wellness, with the ultimate goal of encouraging everyone toward a healthy journey of always looking and feeling their best. Good health is a right and is needed to lead happy and productive lives. It, however, requires effort and making the right lifestyle choices. Watsons makes it easier by making health and wellness products, services, and information accessible to all,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Director for Customer Division.

Medical Associations namely, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA), and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) were also present at the event to bring their support and amplify the call for health and wellness.

Cancer survivors from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) have also participated and raced for their continued wellness.

The Filipino’s health and wellness partner

Watsons is leading the way in promoting and providing access to holistic health and wellness solutions, expert care, advice, and a platform for health literacy. The health and beauty retailer accomplishes this through its wide and complete range of vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter or prescription medicines, personal care products, and other essentials. All these are available at affordable prices.

Customers can access these products through Watsons’ network of over 1,000 stores in the Philippines, all staffed by pharmacists and specialists qualified to give expert care and advice. The Watsons Health Hub is an online one-stop shop that offers subscription plans, laboratory and diagnostic tests, teleconsultations, and more.

Watsons also makes it easier to access medicines and other essentials. Customers can purchase and pick up their orders from their selected store in 30 minutes or less through Click & Collect Express, or receive it at their doorstep through the Home Delivery Express.

Lastly, Watsons also drives health and wellness literacy through information and education programs, in partnership with the DOH and medical associations.

When asked about what’s next after Race for Wellness, De Guzman shares, “At Watsons, we recognize that health and wellness come in different forms, thus we strive to cater to various interests and needs. Today, it is about running, but in the coming months it could be about biking, dancing, practicing mental wellness, and the list goes on.”

“This Summer, for example, we’ll be focusing on how Watsons can be every Filipino’s partner when it comes to their complete health and wellness summer essentials. There’s a lot in store that we’re excited to share soon. And it’s all in line with our goal to create an accessible and inclusive space for health,” he ends.

For your beauty and health needs, go to your nearest Watsons branch, visit the official website at watsons.com.ph, or download the official website on the App Store or Google Play. Visit the Watsons Health Hub for more health information and tips.

About Watsons

Watsons is part of the Health and Beauty Store chain of A.S Watson, the largest health, beauty, cosmetics, and perfumery retailer in the world. Today, Watsons H&B Asia is the leading health and beauty chain in the continent with successful operations in 13 markets. In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines’ leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas).

Today, Watsons operates 1000+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 250,000 customers per day. Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1,000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.

HONOR X7a with Industry-setting 3 Day Battery Life arrives in PH at Php 7,990 only

All-day battery life, powerful camera, massive storage and an expansive display come together in this NEW HONOR X7a, perfect for those who strive to maximize their day. For only Php 7,990, you can get a FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590.

Global technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR X7a. Featuring a long-lasting 6,000mAh battery, a 50MP Ultra-clear Quad Camera system, 128GB storage, and a stunning 6.74-inch HONOR FullView Display, the new HONOR X Series smartphone comes with extraordinary battery life and powerful hardware to offer a well-rounded use experience throughout the day, and more – all at an affordable price.

“After the massive hit of HONOR X9a 5G, we want to introduce to you the new HONOR X7a. With a 3-day battery life, people can do more and be more using this new smartphone. At a very affordable price, HONOR X7a offers quality and premium experience,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Slim Body, Large Battery
Embedded in HONOR X7a’s slim and chic body, the 6,000mAh battery delivers the extraordinary battery life among all HONOR X Series smartphones to date. Featuring HONOR Smart Power Saving Technology to optimize power consumption, the latest HONOR X7a can support up to 42 hours of social media browsing, 42 hours of phone calling or 29 hours of music streaming on a full charge, making it a reliable companion for users who are constantly on the go. Packed with 22.5W HONOR SuperCharge, HONOR X7a can be charged vastly to allow users to enjoy over 10 hours of music streaming with just 30 minutes of charging.

With industry-level innovative battery technologies, the cell of the HONOR X7a comes with a higher energy density and a reduced thickness, contributing to the long battery life and the slim form factor of device. The battery also demonstrates exceptional longevity, capable of maintaining above 80% health even after three years of use.

The HONOR X7a has also entered the DXOMARK smartphone battery rankings, earning the DXOMARK Gold Battery Label in recognition of its outstanding battery performance.

A Superb Display for an Immersive Viewing Experience
Featuring a 6.74-inch HONOR FullView Display with a 90.07% screen-to-body ratio, the HONOR X7a delivers an immersive viewing experience, no matter when the user is working, streaming videos or gaming. Supporting HD resolution and a color depth of 16.7 million colors, the HONOR X7a displays visuals in stunning clarity and vibrancy, perfect for viewing photos, videos and movies.

Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light emissions, the display on the HONOR X7a can be used for extended periods of time without stressing the eye. The Eye Comfort Mode, eBook Mode and Dark Mode on the HONOR X7a provide additional display personalization options for further reducing eye fatigue.

Smooth User Experience Enabled by Superior Camera Capabilities and Large Storage
The HONOR X7a features an impressive 50MP Ultra-clear Quad Camera system comprising a 50MP Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Camera, 2MP Macro Camera and a 2MP Depth Camera, allowing users to capture their memorable life moments in vivid detail, all day and all night long. On the front, the 8MP Front Camera makes taking high-quality portraits easy, ideal for selfie lovers who enjoy snapping photos with their loved ones.

Users who enjoy keeping their media always accessible at their fingertips can take full advantage of the large 128GB storage drive, which can keep over 28,000 pictures, 11,000 songs or 450 HD videos locally. The MicroSD card slot allows users to further expand storage by up to 1TB, bringing enhanced flexibility to meet their business and personal needs.

Pricing and Availability
Designed for a style-conscious audience, the HONOR X7a is available in three stunning colors: Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue and Midnight Black. Starting from February 22, the HONOR X7a will be available to purchase via all HONOR kiosks and partner online stores – Lazada (http://bit.ly/3IHXprc), Shopee (http://bit.ly/3ErRvYs), and Tiktok Shop (http://bit.ly/3KvRNS6).

HONOR X7a is priced at Php 7,990 with FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590 from February 22 to 28, 2023.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

About HONOR

HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

So you’re looking for the sweetest valentine? SM Supermalls’ gotchu!

Whether you’re single but not going solo, in a committed relationship, or just happy and in love with the fam, SM Supermalls will give you the sweetest Valentine’s Day ever!

SM Supermalls has got a slew of activities coming up for you from February 1 to 14. So if you are looking for ways to celebrate the sweetest valentine, look no further because SM Supermalls’ gotchu!

Keep the love burning with the sweetest dining deals
They say food is the way to a man’s heart. So why not treat your SO to a sumptuous dining experience? With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, SM got lotsa lovin’ vibe to share and the sweetest dining deals to offer. Plus, there are very cute dining spots and IG-worthy outdoor hubs to dine into. But if you want a more romantic ambiance, there are also alfresco spots available for you!

Self-love is the best kind of love
Experience the euphoria of self-love at your favorite SM mall when you gift yourself with a few pampering items. From skin care packages and discounts on fashion items to solo dining promos, SM will definitely shower you with tons of sweet self-love deals to enjoy a love-filled month.

Sweets for your sweet at the Sweet A-fair
What’s Valentine’s Day without a Sweet A-fair? If you’re looking for the sweetest Valentine’s gifts, there’s no need to scour far and wide just to get them. Check out SM Supermalls’ pop-up bazaar and get your hands on sweet items like chocolates, cakes, and other treats to spoil your loved ones.

Dance to sweet beats and retro nights
This season of love, give your fangirl/fanboy self a sweet reward at the mini-concert held every weekend from February 1 to 14. Your favorite DJs and Tiktok artists will play beats from the 1980s to the 2000s so be there and catch their one-of-a-kind performances.

Make room for Sweet Vibes only!
Everyone deserves a special someone who can take good IG photos. But if you don’t have one, it’s A-ok. You can grab your friends and capture the love at the Sweet Beats Stage or at the V-day installations that will surely make this year’s heart’s day extra memorable for you.

Kiss and Treat at the furry kissing booth
Let your furry friends sashay away in Valentine’s Day-inspired costumes at the activity center and get a chance to win amazing prizes.

Or, if you don’t have pets to flex, you can still experience sweet puppy love. Check out SM Supermalls’ cutest and sweetest Kissing Booth featuring trained dogs. And the best part is, it’s absolutely free!

Nothing says “sweet valentine’s day” like shopping, dining, and getting entertained at SM Supermalls. So come and celebrate the sweetest Valentine’s at your favorite SM mall!

For more sweet V-day ideas, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.