Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

Scholastic, a trusted leader in education, honored its partner schools and educators in the 2021 Scholastic Readers Cup, streamed on Scholastic Asia Teachers Facebook page on the 23rd of September.

In Scholastic’s 101 years of partnering with schools and homes worldwide, it is a love of reading and a belief in its power that is at the heart of everything Scholastic has done and continues to do.  Scholastic’s mission is to make reading a central part of children’s lives.  

In 2012, Scholastic Philippines started the nationwide Readers Cup to excite and motivate its partners in its literacy programs to transform their schools into reading communities.  And every year, more and more schools would hit their reading target and take pride in how their libraries have become one of the busiest and most productive places in school.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the sudden shift to distance learning, Scholastic and its partner schools did not waver in their reading advocacy.  They understood how books and reading are fundamental, and how reading is necessary not just for the continuity of learning, but also for the readers’ delight and personal well-being.  

Through the PR1ME English Program, Scholastic’s partner schools had access to Literacy Pro Library –  a growing digital library of 1,600+ eBooks that enriched learning and that motivated pleasure reading. To aid teachers, PR1ME English also made available instructional resources (both print and digital) and lesson videos for synchronous and asynchronous distance learning.  

“The LitPro Library is the coolest!  Learners can access books whenever and wherever they want to, as long as they have Internet connection.  One of our learners read more than 500 books because she just loves to read.” ~Mr. Joven Sierra Llabore, PR1ME English Coordinator of Assumption Iloilo has this to say about the Literacy Pro Library

Some school libraries, like that of Early Christian College of Arts and Technology (1st place winner in the 2021 Readers Cup Diamond Category), also resumed their lending services through curbside pick-up or bookmobiles.  The books in their Scholastic Reading Centers found their way to children’s homes to provide children comfort and hope, and to take them to adventures in the wonderful world of books.

With Scholastic’s support, many schools continued with their reading campaigns.  Rookie of the Year Awardee, Maria Ferrari School Inc., for example, had regular read aloud sessions with their students, and the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day to encourage independent reading.

Scholastic’s General Manager, Jane Tiongco-Aguirre, proudly reported that the learners in Scholastic’s partner schools even increased their reading rate in SY 2020-2021 by 36% from their readership in SY 2019-2020.  A fantastic achievement during a challenging “pandemic” school year, when many expected that pleasure reading might be put aside.

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

Steadfast Reading Champions

Scholastic is grateful to find in many Philippine schools dedicated and loyal partners in their reading advocacy.  And, with great pride and admiration, they announced that 80 of their partner schools have reached their reading target, with many far-exceeding the goal of 30-books-read per child.

The top winners of the 2021 Readers Cup and their average number of books-read per child are:

DIAMOND CATEGORY:  Early Christian College of Arts & Technology, Inc. (67 books); Our Lady of Peace School Antipolo (66 books); and Philippine Cultural College, Caloocan (64 books)

RUBY CATEGORY:  Iloilo Scholastic Academy (332 books); Stonyhurst Southville International School, Malarayat (103 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Valenzuela (99 books) 

EMERALD CATEGORY:  Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba (326 books); University of Batangas Lipa City (168 books); and Virtudes de la Academia, Inc. (157 books) 

SYNERGY AWARDS:  Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City and Malarayat (108 books); Casa Del Niño Montessori School System (93 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Pampanga and Valenzuela (84 books) 

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:  Maria Ferrari School, Inc. (92 books) 

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

Reading is Transformational.  Read On.

The 2021 Readers Cup theme - “Soar into Possibility” - builds on Scholastic’s centennial theme – Reading is Transformational.  Read On.

Celebrity readers and authors joyfully shared their personal ‘reading stories’. Kakie Pangilinan shared how she was a voracious reader as a child, and how reading has fueled her passion to write.  Martin Del Rosario proudly described himself as a “book lover”, and so did Andrea Torres, who also shared how reading has nurtured her sense of wonder and discovery, imagination, and eloquence.

Filipino authors, Catherine Rose Torres and Joel Donato Ching Jacob, talked about how reading can be our refuge, comfort, and joy during trying times like this pandemic, and proceeded to encourage the youth to write and tell their own stories.

The winning schools shared their journey to becoming a community of readers and the fruits that their learners are reaping from their reading habit.

Mr. Peter Chan, Executive Director of Iloilo Scholastic Academy revealed that their school was guided by these 5Cs in their effort to become a community of readers – Collective efforts, Convincing skills, Conviction, Collaboration, and Consistency.

Ms. Donnabelle Atienza, Principal of Stonyhurst Southville International School – Malarayat, who shared the top Synergy Award with sister school Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City, expressed her delight in how Scholastic’s Reading Program has excited their young learners to read and equipped them to become skilled and confident readers.

“The Scholastic Reading Program and the Readers Cup Award has made our young CASAns voracious readers, and transformed them to be competitive in ways more than we can imagine.  Declared as national champion in this aspect has made our students feel that reading can make them superior and special.”  ~Dr. Farah G. Acierto, School Directress of Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba

The 2021 Readers Cup was indeed a great celebration – a celebration of books and reading, of writers and storytellers, and of readers and those who champion reading to open for all children a world of greater possibilities, opportunities, and joy.

For more information on Scholastic’s education initiatives, visit www.scholastic.asia or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ScholasticAsia.  Please feel free to send a message, too, to Scholastic Philippines at educteam_ph@scholastic.asia.

Learn Easy-to-Prepare Dishes in Hanabishi & Mega Prime’s LazLive Cooking Demos on Sept. 26 & 30

Hanabishi Appliances and Mega Prime Global team up once more for a LazLive cooking demonstration on September 26 at 6:00 PM and September 30 at 5:30 PM. Both events will be live streamed on Hanabishi’s official Facebook account.

“Hanabishi and Mega Prime Global along with The Bailiwick Academy are holding these cooking demonstrations so our audiences can learn how to prepare simple meals using Hanabishi cooking appliances. We made sure that they are easy to follow so that even those who don’t know how to cook and operate basic kitchen appliances can do the dishes at home.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President, Finance and Marketing at Hanabishi Appliances

Learn how to prepare beef pares using an electric pressure cooker and homemade pizza with an air fryer oven.

“From these simple dishes, we hope more people would be encouraged to cook their own meals at home. Both Hanabishi and Mega Prime are here to help our customers make their cooking easier and healthier.” ~Chris Fernandez, head of marketing at Mega Prime Global Corporation

Grace Parazo, CEO of The Bailiwick Academy, added that chefs will be preparing the dishes, they made sure that the cooking procedures are easy to follow.

“It will be a fun and educational event, and we hope we could encourage more people to take up cooking.” ~Grace Parazo, CEO of The Bailiwick Academy

Vouchers and Amazing Deals

All throughout the livestreams, Hanabishi and Mega Prime Global will be giving away discounts and vouchers. Exclusive bundles will also be up for grabs. 

Those who will purchase a Hanabishi electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, and fryer during live events will receive free bundles of Mega Prime products.

Products to Be Used During the Cooking Demos

Hanabishi’s electric pressure cooker and air fryers are two of its most popular product lines.

The Hanabishi HDIGPC10in1 that will be used during the event has a 5.7L capacity. It can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, stir fry pan, steamer, yogurt maker, cake maker, warmer, searing pan, and sterilizer.

It has a 10-program cooking selection: rice, multi-grain, soup, meat/stew, poultry, fish, steam beans/chill, yogurt, porridge. It comes with a digital display and an intelligent no-pot sensor.

Hanabishi air fryers, meanwhile, come in two variations: the standard air fryer and the air fryer oven, which comes in two sizes.

The Hanabishi HAFRYER70 has a 7-liter capacity and a 1 to 30 minutes cooking time setting. Its cooking temperature ranges from 100 to 200°C. It comes with a non-slip base and an air fryer basket.

The Hanabishi Air Fryer Oven HAFEO23SS, meanwhile, has a 23-liter capacity and adjustable thermostat. It has six functions: air fry, boil, bake, toast, convection broil, and convection bake. It also comes with a rotisserie. It has a pure stainless steel housing, and includes an air fryer basket, baking pan, and oven rack.

For more information about Hanabishi products, visit www.myhanabishi.com. and its official flagship store on LazMall : https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/hanabishi/.

*For updates on the upcoming cooking demonstration schedules, please follow Hanabishi’s official 

Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances. Also follow its 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/myhanabishi for the latest product news and promotions.

*For more information about Mega Prime products, visit:

https://megaglobal.com.ph/mega-global-corporation-products/mega-prime/ 

https://primemomclub.com/

Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/MegaPrimeQuality

*For more information on Bailiwick Academy, visit their website and social media pages: www.thebailiwickacademy.com 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thebailiwickacademy 

IG: https://instagram.com/thebailiwickacademy

About Hanabishi:

Spanning more than three decades, Hanabishi has established its reputation as a provider of affordable yet quality home products that lasts, which paved the way for its tagline “Kapartner from Start to Forever.” Hanabishi Home Appliances are available at leading appliance stores nationwide. For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/.

Glowing celebration with Mestiza Philippines & Samantha Bernardo

It was a celebration of unified glow as Mestiza Philippines launched Samantha Bernardo as their new Brand Ambassador in a virtual press conference and a meet & greet with our friends from the media, bloggers, and influencers. Samantha truly showcased her glowing confidence by answering the questions from the guests who happily participated in the program’s games & gimmicks. Everyone had fun, good vibes, and enjoyed special gifts from Mestiza. 

“I am Samantha Bernardo and I am so honored to be Mestiza Philippines’s newest brand ambassador. I am one with the brand in promoting our message to young Pinays out there na with Mestiza, “Achieve ang Healthy Glowing Skin.” Kaya naman sama-sama nating i-achieve ang healthy glowing skin and together we can be confident and fearless to face the world.” ~Ms. Samantha Bernardo, Mestiza Philippines Grand Ambassador, 1st Ruuner Up Miss Grand International

For a brand that consistently advocates the importance of choosing only the best natural ingredients for your skin, Mestiza Philippines is welcoming their newest Grand Ambassador, 1st Ruuner Up Miss Grand International - Ms. Samantha Bernardo.

Ms Samantha, a Filipina beauty queen who exemplified the same glowing confidence from the pageant she joined to this virtual event. That glowing confidence made her win the first-runner up of Miss Grand International 2020 and the perfect choice to be the face of the brand. Mestiza Philippines passionately advocates for self-confidence and individuality among the new generation of young women in the country.  It was notable for the brand to be represented by their newest “Grand Ambassador” who embodies these attributes backed up by a beautiful story of confidence and perseverance. 

“I am proud to introduce to you the new face of our product and the torchbearer of this glowing brand.” ~Martina Salimbangon, Mestiza’s Head of Content

Samantha took the lead in re-introducing the variety of soaps and their benefits to the skin. Its best-selling product “Original” variant is suitable for sensitive skin with 33% extra premium virgin coconut oil while their “Prime” variants are designed to help young Pinays with common skin issues like having oily to dry skin – Earth Brown, Green Serenity, Bountiful Violet, and Scarlet Rose all contain 40% extra premium VCO which makes this variation of soaps a total stand out in the market. Sam was also excited to launch a new line of skincare products with the brand soon. 

Get your own Mestiza variant and be part of the glowing community of #MestizaFam, available in all leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. 

Subway® Adds A New and Adventurous Item on their Menu: The Spicy Buffalo Chicken!

For a limited time only from September 1 to November 16, 2021, Subway® is bringing in an adventurous and affordable menu to spice up your day with their Spicy Buffalo Chicken! Escape the usual and boring with this tasteful recipe that'll surely satisfy your cravings at home or at work!

Enjoy the week by getting your chicken fix-without ever getting your hands dirty! The Spicy Buffalo Chicken is topped with everyone’s favorite hot sauce and zesty ranch along with some lettuce, tomatoes and cheese!

The Subway® Spicy Buffalo Chicken ala carte prices start from Php 125 for 6-inch, Php 240 for a footlong bread, or choose to upgrade it to a 10-inch wrap for only Php 135. Sub lovers can also add Php 70 to make it a meal with a cookie and 16oz drink.

Subway® also offers regular meals with the Spicy Buffalo Chicken where customers can enjoy it with a 22oz drink and 2 cookies for only Php 210 for the 6-inch sub, Php 325 for the footlong sub, and Php 220 for the 10-inch wrap. 

For delivery orders, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken ala carte prices start from Php 152.50 for the 6-inch, Php 292.80 for the footlong, and Php 164.70 for the 10-inch wrap. The regular meals with the 22oz drink and 2 cookies starts at Php 256.20 for the 6-inch sub, Php 396.50 for the footlong, and Php 268.40 for the 10-inch wrap.

Order now and enjoy everyone’s favorite spicy chicken on a bun! This is valid for dine-in and takeout transactions. Subway cares about your health and safety during this pandemic, this new item in the menu is available for delivery via Facebook Messenger BOTTY  www.m.me/SubwayPhilippines or via GrabFood. You can also do a takeout from any Subway branch near you.

Happy Life Rubbing Alcohol

 

It all started last March 15, 2020 when the country was put into a lockdown. At that time nobody knew what to do. In the news, you would see people in long lines trying to get their share of protection by using rubbing alcohols if hand washing is not possible only to go home empty handed. During this time of crisis people all over the country are trying to help each other out, this was the case of Happy Life Organics (HLO). They (HLO) made sure that their rubbing alcohols are made with the strictest quality standards with a very affordable price to be accessible to every Filipino. Quality is everything, this was assured by the organization having a rubbing alcohol that can eliminate germs and viruses upon contact that can

last up to three hours in protection, it also has aloe vera to moisturize the hands every time you use it and a very welcoming fresh scent while applying it.

As the covid19 continuously post a threat in our society, as a new variant emerge and an all-time high in the number of cases being recorded, now more than ever, we need to protect ourselves and our families by using a quality rubbing alcohol if hand washing is not possible together with social distancing, boosting our immunity, being vaccinated and by wearing a face mask.

Today, the most sought-after rubbing alcohol is now available in top restaurants, clinics, hospitals and the whole country thanks to its reseller program system. As Winston Churchill quoted, “Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste” perhaps what he means by that is always look at the silver lining in any crisis, in that you may still have or create a winning mindset with the right perspective, to seek opportunities where they might not have been before. This is the case of the Happy Life Rubbing Alcohol resellers around the country today, earning while securing their items of protection in using these rubbing alcohols. Being proud that they have established a new identity and a new business while keeping their families safe.

You may now avail the reseller package and be one of the few people that was able to secure their territory and enjoy the benefits of peace of mind and having a sound business of your own. Contact us now and reserve a business exploration call at (0906) 2525475.

You may try and discover yourself why this alcohol is really different, get your own share of this alcohols by visiting their platforms below:

Website: happylifeph.com

Also available in Lazada, Shopee and Zalora just search for: Happy Life Organics

You may also visit their FB and IG page: @happylifeorganicss

Balamban’s Best Restaurant Nang Linda’s Reopens amid Pandemic

In celebration of her 75th birthday, Erlinda “Nang Linda” Villanueva-Sangre chose to take a bolder move by opening a full-restaurant under her name, with the help of her children. For a local food icon, it is time to open the first Filipino Family Restaurant in Northwestern Cebu.

Last July 28th, NANG LINDA’S opened to the public to cater the growing demand for well-loved comfort food homemade dishes such as: Hamonada, Humba, Balamban Liempo, Manok Bisaya Inasal, Sisig and a lot more.

Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay, together with Balamban Vice Mayor Alfie Binghay and property owner Concepcion Yu were the guests of honor of the “Liempo and Inasal Chopping”  opening ceremony.

“I am personally attending this because Kumare [Nang] Linda is close to my heart. I can still recall the first carinderia in front of the old Municipal Hall because it was my first term as a Mayor of this town.” ~Mayor Alex Binghay, Balamban Mayor

Formerly known as “Balamban Chikaan” when it opened in 1988, now re-branded NANG LINDA’S is now a full-blown restaurant brand that offers al-fresco dining experience to its diners. The restaurant also offers TAKE OUT and ONLINE DELIVERY via www.NangLindas.com and www.fb.com/NangLindas.

Nang Linda is a Balamban, Cebu native. At 12, she became the family breadwinner after their parents abandoned them to the care of their relatives. She worked as house help to an aunt to be able to continue her studies and at the same time support her other two sisters. It is also where Nang Linda first learned how to cook dishes for the whole family.

At 18, she fell in love with a young debutant Balambanon, Jacinto Sangre. With a fast growing family of 7 children, Jacinto’s poultry work can no longer suffice the growing needs of the family. Looking for alternatives, Nang Linda started a carenderia beside the old Municipal Hall of Balamban.

“I think the informal training I had in appreciating ingredients and actual experience with these ingredients had allowed me to understand each of its unique flavors and characters.” ~Erlinda “NANG LINDA” Villanueva Sangre, Nang Linda Founder

From every food she tasted and loved, Nang Linda slowly built her own repertoire of local Filipino dishes, mastered and perfected in Nang Linda’s.

Since then, Nang Linda has been the go-to lady for quality home cooked meals. Her “suki” will always order her Hamonada Espesyal, Balamban Liempo, Manok Bisaya Inasal, Sisig, Pinakupsan and a lot more.

One of its re-opening guests Concepcion Yu recalls, “Nang Linda has become a well-known name synonymous with good food here in Balamban.”

Her carinderia became a must-dine food stall  every Balambanon’s came to know about.

Today, standing proudly along the busy thoroughfare of the National Highway, Pondol, Balamban, Cebu, is a native bungalow alfresco restaurant of Nang Linda’s.

"We decided to open a native al-fresco restaurant in tribute to my mother's passion for good food. It is her legacy to us and the people of Balamban. Nang Linda’s has already touched so many and different types of people from Balamban. The legacy and passion needs to continue. We believe in the brand NANG LINDA’s stand for. More than food, it emphasizes close knit family values. Entrepreneurs and investors are contacting us for possible franchising and co-ownership opportunities. And we are already opening our doors to that." ~Iren Sangre-Licera, Nang Linda’s Chief Executive Officer

With Nang Linda’s youngest son Chef Jojo Sangre manning the kitchen, Nang Linda’s completes its full-circle of providing local diners sumptuous dining experience that is affordable on the family’s pocket.

CEO Iren Sagre-Licera confirms more openings and expansion plans are in order.

Interested in any Franchising or Co-Ownership Program, you may contact www.NangLindas.com/own-one. 

VPX Starter Package: Own an Auto Repair Shop at 50% of the Franchise Fee

VPX starter package includes the construction or renovation of the shop, two lifters, 3-5 trained manpower, tools and equipment and a cloud-based shop operating system among others. 

 

Sometimes, when it comes to business expansion, it doesn’t necessarily mean always going bigger. Value Plus Auto Service Express (VPX) – The Casa Alternative – now offers a more affordable franchising program for enterprising Filipinos with the “VPX Starter Package.” Now, you can operate your auto repair shop with just a 200-sqm space, with lower startup capital and reduced franchising fee. 

“Our Starter Package offers a real benefit and solution for smaller, dynamic communities – like barangays, towns, and residential neighborhoods – by providing a smaller-scale auto shop that is equipped to handle essential car maintenance and repairs. And when you multiply this with the number of car owners who regularly drive to work, this spells great potential! The beauty of this program is that you can start with a smaller space, smaller capital, and just 50% the franchise fee. Also, we help existing auto repair shop owners pivot their businesses and convert their shops into a VPX shop. ” ~Mark Saberola, the General Manager of ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines Inc.  

He points to the great potential and need for these types of auto shops as, due to the pandemic, many have resorted to using their own vehicles to avoid crowded public transport and reduce infection risk. Thus, preventive maintenance is prioritized to keep their vehicles running. After launching several full-service auto repair shops, including one in Batangas City recently, VPX is changing gear and is ready to cater to the immediate needs of smaller communities. 

According to the GM, when it comes to preventive maintenance services, the average driver spends around P5,500 per visit for at least 2 visits per year. VPX Auto Shop, indeed, offers a unique solution, providing excellent customer service and experience that is at par with major dealerships. 

A VPX shop offers essential services such as preventive maintenance, lube services, suspension, and mechanical repairs, and even car detailing. 

Providing greater security and assurance to franchisees, the VPX Starter Package is founded on a sound business model that's been proven to be pandemic-proof. For P4.5M-P7M startup capital, entrepreneurs can have their own auto shop up and running in three to four months. 

“So, they can benefit from a tried-and-tested system that accelerates their growth and professionalizes their operations. We provide you full confidence in the program as we have built the model to be truly successful. Start your entrepreneurial journey today and get in touch with our team.” ~Mark Saberola, the General Manager of ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines Inc.  

Over the years, VPX has built a sterling reputation and has become the go-to, trusted auto shop for preventive maintenance (PMS), lube services, suspension and mechanical repairs, for after-warranty vehicles. 

The VPX Starter Package is ideal for start-up entrepreneurs as it requires smaller initial investment and a smaller layout. Operators can immediately start the business, earn ROI in a shorter period of time, and have the flexibility to expand services and facilities as needed.  

The start package is recommended for OFWs, returning expatriates, retirees, and multi-business owners who want to diversify their business portfolio. Even independent fuel players, in fact, have availed of the program to complement their stations. 

When it comes to franchising, VPX assists owners every step of the way, from documentation to building and even training and management. 

For more information, email at mark@valueplusph.com or visit fb.com/solutionsvpx.