Subway® Celebrates 26th Year in the Philippines

Subway® celebrates 26 years in an intimate gathering held at the biggest Subway® Restaurant in the Philippines located at Axis Filinvest Tower 1 in Muntinlupa.

Attended by co-bloggers, media and along with some influencers and their partners, Subway® Philippines reaffirms its brand promise of serving only the fresh ingredients to its guests.

“Subway® Philippines has come a long way since our first franchise, and it continues to expand to multiple areas in the country thanks to the efforts of our crew, our loyal guests, and to you, our partners in the media.” ~Jean Gargarino, Subway® Philippines Territory Manager

Penetrating a dominant rice-eating market, Subway® rose to the challenge and established a niche as the “fresher brand for me and thus my #BetterChoice” with its customizable and signature sandwiches, wraps and salads. Subway® continues to offer flavorful better-for-you options that are convenient, affordable and made fresh to order.

“The Subway® brand has earned a global reputation of offering fresher alternatives to traditional fast foods. Subway® has always provided better choices to our guests. We are honored to continue giving the ‘feel good’ food to many Filipinos, especially during the pandemic. The search for quality of food is important and critical to us. At Subway® we will uphold our brand promise of becoming the #BetterChoice for our guests.” ~Joshua Wahiman, Subway® Philippines Marketing Manager

And the lucky winner of the raffle....

As the brand continues to expand around the country, Subway® will be opening more restaurants with a projection of 40 restaurants by year-end.

ABOUT Subway®

As one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries in more than 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees – a network that includes more than 20,000 dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities. Visit www.Subway.com for more information.

Subway Celebrates 26th Anniversary with E-learning Program

From left to right — Mr. Joshua Wahiman (Subway's Marketing Manager), Ms Jean Gagarino (Subway's Territory Manager), Atty. Rainier Butalid (CEO of e-DRIS Inc.), Syed Darwish Bederi III (Asia Pacific Regional Head of Critical Links  based in Princeton, NJ US.)

Internet connectivity has been an issue that has plagued the educational system over the past two years. A pressing problem in the far-flung areas in the country and even in some parts of Metro Manila is the issue of intermittent or no internet connectivity at all. 

Every student deserves the opportunity to access learning resources despite accessibility issues. It is equally important that the country’s education system is also improved so that students will be prepared to face the highly competitive workforce.

One company that is passionate about education is Subway. Subway is the world’s largest submarine sandwich chain with more than 34,000 locations around the world. Subway understands that it takes more than just good food to nourish people and build vibrant communities. It starts with taking care of people, the heart and soul of the Subway experience.

One way of taking care of people is to provide opportunities for the future generation to get the best education that is available. To celebrate its 26th anniversary, Subway will be partnering with Critical Links and e-Dris, to launch the School-in-the-Box initiative.

Partners

Critical Links is a pioneer in delivering innovative e-Learning infrastructure for the next generation of schools, especially in challenging environments. E-Dris, on the other hand, is a company that offiers online and offline education through Micro-Cloud Architecture, Hybrid Learning or through Instant Access or Content.

“The past two years has shown us how important internet connectivity is for our children. Those with better internet connectivity do much better in school because of better access to online educational resources. Our partnership with Critical Links and e-Dris will be able to benefit more children so that they will have a better opportunity to achieve excellence in education. This will be our way of supporting the Department of Education in the attainment of their goal of bridging the digital divide. This School-in-the-Box initiative is going to be a game changer in the provinces because even if there is limited or sporadic bandwidth, lack of connectivity, rigid security and usage restrictions, schools can use the C3 Micro-Cloud to bring 21st century learning and discovery to their students. Together with our partners, we will be opening a world of learning and opportunity to students in schools anywhere.” ~Mr. Joshua Wahiman, Marketing Manager of Subway

Under the School-in-a-Box initiative, schools that do not have access to the internet will be given an opportunity to optimize technology and allow students to benefit from a 21st century education. The program will be piloted in a school in Metro Manila that has infrastructure limitations such as power outages and fluctuations and is often cut off from the Internet and cloud based resources due to the lack of regular or robust connectivity.

Cloud based environment

The program will utilize the C3 Micro-Cloud, a self-contained, cloud-enabled environment that allows the provisioning of content, resources, and management to local students and teachers even if they do not have access to the Internet. The server can support up to 50 devices at a time and is ideal for a library, laboratory or a facility room.

“Content in the form of texts and other resources can be centrally curated in the C3 Cloud Control portal by those responsible for curriculum and distributed to any authorized C3 Micro-Cloud regardless of where it is, whenever a network link becomes available.” ~Atty. Rainier Butalid (CEO of e-DRIS Inc.) and  Syed Darwish Bederi III, of Critical Links

With the C3 Micro-Cloud any school can use podcasts, e-books, quizzes, and learning games, allowing students to seek and gather information on their own under the guidance of their teachers instead of passively receiving only the hardcopy of information available in books.

Keeping Up with the Lopezes Here’s how the Lopez family lives a healthier, better life with Santé

They say that a family is like the branches of a tree that grow in different directions. However, for the Lopez family, their root remains united through a household hobby–bicycling.  

In an interview with the Lopezes, Louie, Alou, Gel, Aira, and Kang shared what they feel about being the newest addition to the family of Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider, and their secrets to achieving not just a fit body but a healthier lifestyle, especially amid the global health crisis. 

Speaking of #FamilyGoals and #FitnessGoals, the Lopez family has the best of both worlds. Heading the tribe of these health enthusiasts is their father, who is well-loved and known by many as “Papa Louie.” His daughters sharing his same energy include Aira Lopez, a duathlete, a YouTube vlogger with half a million subscribers, and the host of a CNN show called Cycling Unlimited, with her equally beautiful and fit siblings Alou Lopez, Angela Lopez, and Alyssa Lopez. 

During the height of the pandemic, the family’s home was not an exception to the virus. Alou, who was working as a flight attendant in a local airline, was very much exposed to different people. Thus, she was infected first. Thankfully, due to their active regimen, the family only had mild symptoms and recovered faster. 

“With the mobility limitations brought by the pandemic, it was challenging for everyone to stay active. However, we delivered packed foods to frontliners at the hospitals and checkpoints using our bikes. As we helped and gave back to the community, it became an exercise routine for the family. We trust the brand. I have been drinking Santé Barley for a long time. It has helped me address my health issues. It is also my secret to keeping an energized and fit body.” ~Papa Louie

Ever since, the family has been health enthusiasts, doing different kinds of sports and physical activities. But more than the benefit to them, they equally see it as their mission to tap more.

“Biking is not just a sport for us. It is our advocacy. Because it is a male-dominated sport, we want to encourage more women to participate in it.” ~Alou Lopez

As the Lopezes hope to reach more Filipinos, especially women and inspire them to do the sport they love and enjoy, the family was ecstatic to join Santé as they share the same values and goals with the brand--helping people live better lives. 

Santé Barley™, the company’s flagship product, is made of barley grass gathered at a young age and turned into powder and capsule forms. It is composed of pure organic barley grass rich in vitamins and minerals that help detoxify the body, lower bad cholesterol, aid digestive health, deliver a good number of antioxidants, assist wound healing, bone formation, and many more.  

A glass or capsule of Santé Barley™ fortifies the body with Vitamin C, zinc, calcium, amino acids, magnesium, iron, B-vitamins, and carotenoids, essential to giving the immune system an extra boost. The healthy goodness of Santé Barley™ is certified organic by New Zealand’s renowned organic produce and products organization, BioGro. 

Lastly, the Lopezes reminded everyone to be happy and mentally prepared before pursuing any sports, such as cycling.

“Most importantly, do not forget to drink your everyday supplements, such as Santé Barley.” ~Aira Lopez, a Duathlete, a YouTube Vlogger

Santé Barley™ and other Santé products are organic health and wellness products offered by Santé, known for developing a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are designed to improve people’s quality of life to live more and do more.  

Santé is one of the leading global growers of certified barley grass grown and harvested from New Zealand. With its mission to help people live better lives, the company promotes, produces, and distributes premier natural health and wellness products and services. Today, Santé has expanded its offerings, including a fitness and rehabilitation center with Santé Fitness Lab, staying true to its thrust of promoting a healthy lifestyle. 

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at mysante.com.  

About Santé 

Santé is one of the leading global manufacturers of certified barley grass grown and harvested from New Zealand. With its mission to help people live better lives, the company promotes, produces, and distributes premier natural health and wellness products and services. With Santé Barley as its flagship brand, the company has dominated the local market with its barley grass certified organic by BioGro, New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier for organic produce and products. With the proven health benefits of Santé Barley, Santé has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. Today, Santé has expanded its offerings, including a fitness and rehabilitation center with Santé Fitness Lab, staying true to its thrust of promoting a healthy lifestyle. Headquartered in the Philippines, Santé has offices worldwide in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Nigeria, and Cyprus. 

Overdoughs is not your ordinary Bakeshop

Do you want to do good and at the same time enjoy good food?

You should visit Overdoughs which offers their very own versions of donuts or doughnuts, mouthwatering chunky cookies or Chonky Cookies, brownies or brookies, pizza and fries.

“I wanted to start a food business and I was looking at trends around and then I realized there were different kinds of donuts that were not being served here. So that is what I wanted to introduce to the market. However, there have been a lot of recreations of Overdoughs because we started with donuts, donut holes and then we transitioned to fried cookie dough and then we transitioned to baked cookies. That’s where we are now. I remember an experience before when I was a teenager visiting a clothing shop. The employees at the shop were all at the cashier talking to each other. And then there was a guy who approached me but he was not talking. He was trying his best to really assist me and it was then that I noticed that there was a name tag and the word deaf was placed there. I saw that the customers were interacting with them. And we made sure that we put a system in place where the customers and the deaf partners will have an easy time. Then we have LED writing board where people can communicate easily. Currently we have around 30 deaf partners. We had more pre-pandemic but we had to retrench because we had to close some of our branches. So far we have 12 branches. We really want to offer the full experience and hopefully, we can also start providing sign language classes so that our customers can eat, can learn and can interact.” ~Francis Carl Reyes, CEO and Founder of Caravan Food Group Inc., the company behind Overdoughs and Elait!

If you are into ice cream, Overdoughs also offers Elait ice cream where customers can witness ice cream being rolled with their favorite flavors right in front of them. 

Deaf partners

That’s the good food part. The doing good part is that customers who buy Overdough’s many products are providing employment and opportunities for most of their employees who are deaf. 

That was Reyes’ first experience with a deaf person who he felt was the “epitome of good customer service. No matter who you are, he is going to assist you. No judgement.” That experience made him decide that he would employ deaf partners for his store.

He tried out the partner program initially with Elait. When he saw that it was doing well, he implemented it at Overdoughs. Initially, Reyes started with two able and two deaf partners and he would be observing how they were doing their jobs.

Sign language

He also posted basic sign language in all the branches so that customers can learn how to communicate with them.

In the future, Reyes hopes to convert more of their Overdoughs outlets in to cafes so that customers get to savor their other products like pizzas, fried chicken, fries and empanadas.

Overdoughs currently has one such outlet in Greenhills where customers can not only enjoy good food but do good as well.

For more information about Overdoughs, you can visit www.overdoughs.ph and @overdoughsph on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. 

RSG PH is the supreme winner in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup 2022!

RSG PH reigned supreme in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup 2022. The epic showdown between RSG PH and RRQ Hoshi was hosted at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre to a sold-out crowd of over 1,000 spectators.

The event was graced by Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister, YB Dato' Seri Ahmad Faizal bin Dato' Azumu, Deputy Minister, YB Senator Dato' Sri Ti Lian Ker, and Chief Executive Officer of Esports Integrated, Ahmed Faris Amir. MSC 2022 is held in line with the country's vision to propel the nation as a vibrant esports hub.

Dubbed as Kingslayers, RSG PH scored a victorious 4:0 sweep against the 'King of Kings' RRQ Hoshi. Eman "Emann" Llanda Sangco was awarded the most valuable player (MVP). The newly crowned SEA kings are the third Filipino team to take home the Southeast Asia title alongside Aether Main (Bren Esports) in 2018 and Smart Omega (formerly known as Execration) in 2021.

The historic grand finals drew a peak concurrent view (PCU) of 2.8 million viewers, according to analytical partner Esports Charts.

At MSC 2022, it was announced that the M4 World Championship will be held between 1 - 15 January, 2023. More details on the host country, tournament arena, and participating nations will be shared in the following months.

About MOONTON

Established in 2014, MOONTON is a global video game company dedicated to gaming development, publication and esports. With more than 900 employees worldwide, the company operates offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China. It has successfully launched a number of high-profile mobile games globally and has built long-term relationships with governments and esports organizations in more than 30 countries around the world. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is its current star game and the leading mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game worldwide.

About Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is the most popular mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game worldwide that brings communities together through teamwork and strategy. With over one billion installations and 100 million active monthly users, the award-winning game is among the top 10 most played in over 80 countries. With an extensive reach across the Asia Pacific region, the multiplayer is available in 139 countries with an expansive global esports presence.

About Mobile Legends Esports

Established in 2017, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports serves as a platform for players to pursue their dreams of becoming esports athletes and illuminate opportunities within the international esports ecosystem. MLBB Esports has since expanded to multiple leagues, including the MPL series hosted in Southeast Asia.

4 ways to turn passions into something valuable and powerful

Reports have called millennials the “burnout generation.” This is further expanded by the 2020 Deloitte Global Millennial Survey, which found that 57% of Filipino millennials feel anxious or stressed all or most of the time. The 2022 report found that 45% of millennials around the world feel “burned out due to the intensity/demands of their working environments.”

There are so many stressors these days. Work, finances, and the welfare of their family are just some of the things that induce anxiety. Their only solace is their passion, which ranges from creating and consuming content to playing mobile games.

With all the stressors hounding millennials every day, it’s important to turn passions into something valuable and powerful. Here are four ways to do that:

• Make time for it. Face it, there’s always something that needs to be done. It’s important to set boundaries between work and leisure because a mind must be well-rested in order to function well in the office. It’s not enough to simply find time for one’s passion. These days, it’s about making it. Set a rule that after 6 PM, work notifications must be switched off. The hours after that must be dedicated to rest, spending time with loved ones, and hobbies.
• Connect with like-minded people. A group of friends who share the same passion will most likely encourage it. Friends who enjoy the same bands can go to gigs together, while gamers can join tournaments or just play together. Film buffs can have movie nights where they can discuss their favorite scenes. There are communities that cater to every passion, from Facebook groups to apps like Goodreads for books, Letterboxd for movies, and Reddit for anything under the sun.

• Share it with the world. Social media has made the world smaller, allowing everyone to reach bigger audiences. Creators can share their work on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which can build a following. While the point of pursuing one’s passion is a break from the monotony of work, this could lead to freelancing gigs or even a change in career.

• Have the right device. The right tool can turn a simple hobby into something more powerful. Samsung’s Galaxy M33 5G and M23 5G are great companions for young professionals who want to take their passions to the next level, especially content creation and mobile games.

Both smartphones are equipped with a multi-camera system to capture memories. The Galaxy M33 5G and M23 5G’s suite of lenses is bannered by the 50MP Main camera, which takes photos and videos in clear detail. The smartphones’ 6.6” displays with Full HD+ technology made the gaming experience richer. Lags are virtually undetectable with the 120Hz refresh rate. There’s space for everything since the smartphones have 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded by up to 1TB with a microSD card.

Both devices are available at a discounted price on Samsung.com and other online platforms this June. The Galaxy M33 5G is priced at 16,990 SRP, down from its original price of PHP 19,490 SRP in Blue, Brown, and Green. Meanwhile, the Galaxy M23 5G is available for PHP 15,490 SRP, down from its original price of PHP 17,990 SRP in Light Blue, Deep Green, and Orange Copper.

Becoming successful at something you're passionate about takes time, persistence, and drive. Put these pieces together and you'll be well on your way to doing what you love, gaining more control and freedom in your life, and unleashing the genuine power that's within you all along.

For more information about the Samsung Galaxy M33 and M23 5G, visit samsung.com/ph.

• Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has limited the number of its customers to only 50%, implemented the mandatory use of masks and shields, and performs frequent cleaning in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.

Find the nearest Samsung Experience store via samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations/.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

Green Run at Vermosa encourages outdoor activity, nature appreciation for physical, mental health

After two years of quiet and confinement, it’s time to celebrate the green outdoors and have fun in the sun. 

Vermosa, an Ayala Land Estate in Imus Cavite, is front running the event. It is a modern, suburban community that promotes healthy and active living. On July 3, Sunday, everyone is invited to lace up and run for a greener tomorrow with the staging of Green Run. It will be a one-day, multi-level run within its 750-hectare property that is fast gaining fame as the new sports and fitness hub down south.

Consisting of 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K distance categories, the Green Run is targeting elite athletes, fun runners, fitness enthusiasts, athletes in training, weekend athletes, families, barkada, and just about anyone who is eager to run.  Various running routes winding through wide open spaces and abundant greenery punctuated with wide pedestrian walkways, bicycle and jogging lanes, and enhanced greenways will make this Run a truly pleasant experience.

Vermosa’s famous Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, a state-of-the-art professionally–managed sports facility that has already hosted various national and international sports events will be the center of activities for registration and information. Featuring a FINA-standard Olympic size swimming pool, a warm up pool, an IAAF standard 400m track oval, field with natural tiff grass, an Athletes Lounge, and a gym operated by Sante Fitness Lab, a premier training ground for amateur and professional athletes.

Vermosa has partnered with Pinoy Fitness, the running, fitness and multisport event organizer, to conduct the Run. A beautiful medal created by artist Cynthia Bauzon-Arre of Forest Foundation Philippines, will be among the perks that runners will get for their participation. Proceeds of the Run will go to Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-a-Seedling Program, to build a greener tomorrow.

“As more places begin to reopen, we can now enjoy the outdoors with more activities to engage in. I personally advocate sports and spending time outdoors as it helps boost physical and mental health. Physical activities, like running, provide a change of scenery and help reduce stress. This is why we organized the Vermosa Green Run. We want people to rediscover their surroundings, appreciate nature, enjoy the fresh air and boost their health. With an abundance of wide-open spaces and the state-of-the-art sports facilities at Vermosa Sports Hub, Vermosa provides one of the best venues to engage in physical activities.” ~Jay Teodoro, Vermosa Estate Head

Those interested to join Green Run may go to ayalaland.myruntime.com to register.

ABOUT VERMOSA

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) is located within Ayala Land’s sprawling 750-hectare estate along Daang Hari Road, Imus, Cavite.  It brings together residential, retail, commercial spaces and a school all within the estate.  AVSH highlights an active lifestyle by offering athletes a number of sports facilities and wellness amenities including the nine-lane 400-meter track and field oval, football field, Olympic-size lap pool, warm up pool, The Athlete’s Lounge, a gym operated by Sante Fitness Lab, and green open spaces. With its state-of-the-art features, AVSH is home to some National Sports Associations and renowned teams in the country.  

Collaboration: A key in creating sustainable agri-enterprises

KSK Pop-up booths in Davao

Limited market information and market access are two major obstacles to increased smallholder farmers’ income. According to studies, farmers in grassroot communities often lack access to profitable, value-added markets. In the absence of critical supporting functions, such as infrastructure and service provision – farmers struggle to transform their traditional subsistence farms into a feasible commercially oriented production. Buyers, on the other hand, such as wholesalers, find it difficult to get the quantity and quality of produce that they need for processing on a timely basis. 

Because of this challenge, SM Foundation collaborated with various government agencies, and engaged various SM business units such as the SM Development Corp. (SMDC), SM Supermalls and SM Markets to ensure that local farmers under the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program have venues where they can sell their produce amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

SMDC Weekend Market

Locally farmed onions by KSK farmers in SM Markets

Locally farmed onions by KSK farmers in SM Markets

From training KSK participants in practicing sustainable farming technologies via technology transfer and product development, SMFI, together with various SM business units used the power of collaboration to create farm-market linkage - which intends to create a powerful driver of rural poverty reduction.

Team social good

 

The Good Guys Market is a weekend market set up in SMDC properties to connect small-scale farmers directly with consumers—condo residents. This initiative links around 26,000 small-scale farmers directly with consumers.

Together with SM Supermalls, SMFI launched the Green Lane initiative. Led by the wives of the KSK farmers, the social enterprise offers a wide variety of quality yet affordable indoor and landscape plants which cater to every enthusiast’s preference. In addition, the team also launched the KSK Farmers’ Market Day to provide farmers with market exposure in select SM Malls nationwide.

Green lane: an agri-enterprise led by the wives of KSK farmers

Meanwhile, SMFI also partnered with SM Markets in creating market for onion farmers. Through the partnership, SMFI was able to establish specialized onion pop-up booths creating a stable market for small scale onion farmers.

Millions of smallholder farmers are seeking ways to improve the productivity of their farms and to improve their market performance. Modern farming technologies, paired with market linkage, such as the SM KSK, plays a vital role in improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers and their families.

SM Foundation’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) is SMFI’s Social Good program on sustainable agriculture that intends to uplift the lives of Filipinos in grassroot communities through sustainable agriculture via technology transfer, product development and farm-market linkage. To date, the program has trained more than 28,500 farmers from more than 900 cities/municipalities nationwide.

Going Green for Good: McDonald's opens new solar-powered restaurants

McDonald’s pilot test for solar power rooftop in its Quezon Avenue, Quezon City store.

Quick service restaurant giant McDonald’s Philippines, majority owned and operated by its Master Franchise Holder, Chairman & Founder Dr. George T. Yang is poised to strengthen its Green & Good intiative, the company’s commitment to the environment, by scaling innovative and sustainable restaurant solutions in more of its new stores in the country.

The newest solar-powered McDonald’s store in Arayat, Pampanga. These solar panels will become a significant source of electricity for the restaurant, providing employees and customers with clean and renewable energy.

Similar to its existing branches in U.N. Del Pilar Manila and Shaw Wack-Wack Mandaluyong, the new stores will also feature solar lamp posts, photo and motion sensors, and high-performance glass film as part of its utility efficiency solutions, as well as eco-friendly air conditioning for less energy consumption. Green building solutions such as light gauge steel frames, ecopavers/panels and concrete fiber are incorporated as well. Meanwhile, sustainable packaging, proper waste disposal, and active mobility continue to be part of Green & Good stores’ upcycling and inclusive dining experiences.

McDonald’s pilot test for solar power rooftop in its Malasiqui, Pangasinan store.

This year, the company projects to further expand its commitment to the environment by opening more new Green & Good flagship stores in the country and convert more of its existing stores to use solar power energy. 

McDonald’s Philippines master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang一who oversees and sits as chairman for 40 years一founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 650 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of Choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines.

Cluck Sarap: The New Roast of the Town

 

A few weeks ago, a new chicken store named Cluck Sarap opened at Barangay Banaba, San Mateo, Rizal. The store offers one of the tastiest and juiciest value for money roasted chickens in the market today.  

 

Cluck Sarap originated in Iloilo. Its first store in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City opened four years ago.   It all started with an idea on how to provide Filipinos with freshly cooked, flavorful and reasonably-priced food.  The idea came from a family-owned company engaged in the business of growing broilers. Being one of the biggest poultry producers in the Visayas, the company behind Cluck Sarap thought that it would serve its consumers better if they can offer ready-to-eat products using mostly their own-grown birds.  

 

Since then, Cluck Sarap has expanded to serve most of the municipalities in Iloilo. Currently, it’s one of the fastest growing chicken rotisserie chains in the region. It also has opened branches in other provinces such as Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Negros Occidental, Leyte and Cebu. Most recently, it opened its first store in Luzon, the San Mateo, Rizal branch. To date, Cluck Sarap has grown to a total of 40 branches.

 

Cluck Sarap is known for its perfectly roasted chicken.  Their classsic roasted chicken is made with quality fresh chicken and natural herbs and spices.  Fresh dressed chickens are marinated before roasting in an oven rotiserrie, where the juiciness of the chicken is preserved. The ideal blend of Cluck’s unique marinate, coupled with natural herbs such as rosemary and lemon grass, yields an aromatic and tasty roasted chicken treat that every family will love.  Truly, Cluck Sarap’s Roasted Chicken is worth the price.  As most Ilonggos would say, “Sulit Gid!” 

More Cluck stores are set to open this year in Antique, Guimaras and Cebu.

You may visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/clucksarap.ph/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/clucksarap/.

Leading global smart device brand OPPO announced that it is partnering with Getty Images, a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace, to launch the Reinterpret Your Moment campaign.

Inspiring photographers from all walks of life to unleash their passion for the craft through the lens of the OPPO Find X5 Pro, Getty Images will partner renowned creative expertise with its global network of Custom Content photographers to yield visuals that ensure true representation, global reach, and, ultimately, visual assets that connect with OPPO customers.

Just this May, OPPO introduced its cutting-edge Find X5 Pro flagship smartphone featuring advanced imaging capabilities. Powered by OPPO’s first self-developed NPU — MariSilicon X — and a revolutionary Five-axis OIS system combined with proprietary algorithms, the Find X5 Pro enables users to capture extraordinary images and express their inspirations to the fullest, no matter what the situation.

“As the benchmark in visual content creation and curation, and a name synonymous with quality photography, Getty Images has inspired millions of creatives worldwide. “OPPO has always championed the idea of enabling users to interpret their world through the lens of their smartphone. With its legendary imaging experience, we believe the Find X5 Pro will empower even more people to uncover their inspiration through photography.” ~William Liu, Vice President and President of Global Marketing at OPPO

To further empower photographers to capture and share unique visual stories through their smartphone, OPPO will provide its latest flagship Find X5 Pro to 20 Getty Images Custom Content photographers, who will use the phone’s industry-leading image capabilities to submit their works to five photography themes, highlighting their unique perspectives:

● Repicture Fatherhood

● Reinterpret the World of Work

● Age is Just a Number

● Repicture Women

● The New Milestones of Success

As the world’s foremost visual experts, Getty Images will also use their expertise in image curation to include images from the campaign in their global online library found at GettyImages.com.

“We are excited by our partnership with OPPO. At Getty Images we have spent over a decade working to break down stereotypes and create a more authentic visual view of concepts such as gender, LGBTQ, religion, race, mental illness and disability across media, advertising, and social media. Just as visuals have the power to shape ideas, we believe they have the power to move the world – elevating diverse narratives that can alter perceptions, evoke empathy and build community. The Reinterpret your moment OPPO campaign centers on our exclusive Custom Content photographers creating authentic views of fatherhood, our new world of work, age, women and the new milestones of success that looks to challenge stereotypes and also reflects what consumers want to see.” ~Kate Rourke, Head of Creative Insights, APAC

With rising consumer demand for top-quality photo and video features on smartphones, OPPO has invested heavily in developing fundamental imaging technology to deliver advanced imaging experiences on its device. As OPPO’s high-end flagship series, the Find X series represents the pinnacle of OPPO’s pursuit in helping users unlock their creative inspiration through professional photography features.

Visit OPPO’s official Instagram page to view images from the campaign and find your own inspiration to Reinterpret Your Moment.

About OPPO

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 5 R&D Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO's employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

About Getty Images

Getty Images is a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace that offers a full range of content solutions to meet the needs of any customer around the globe, no matter their size. Through its Getty Images, iStock and Unsplash brands, websites and APIs, Getty Images serves customers in almost every country in the world and is the first-place people turn to discover, purchase and share powerful visual content from the world’s best photographers and videographers. Getty Images works with over 450,000 contributors and more than 300 content partners to deliver this powerful and comprehensive content. Each year Getty Images covers more than 160,000 news, sport and entertainment events providing depth and breadth of coverage that is unmatched. Getty Images maintains one of the largest and best privately-owned photographic archives in the world with millions images dating back to the beginning of photography.

DITO celebrates Filipino talent this Independence Day with GALING DITO movement launch

In celebration of Independence Day, newest telco player DITO Telecommunity, launched its major digital platform GALING DITO. A play on the dual meaning of “galing” in our vernacular, which translates to “TALENT” and likewise “FROM," this movement aims to recognize and celebrate the innate talent of Filipinos by providing a platform for up-and-coming artists, content creators, and music lovers, to rediscover and embrace their Filipino roots and showcase their passion and creativity. Every time you see artists or content creators displaying world-class TALENT or “galing” online, there's a big chance it's FROM our country or “galing dito” – proudly Philippine-made.

Evelyn Jimenez, DITO’s Chief Commercial Officer

“GALING DITO will collaborate with and enable these artists and creatives so they can finally showcase what it takes to be proudly Filipino. The movement is a form of bayanihan with Filipinos supporting fellow talents while also celebrating and empowering one another. DITO believes that as individuals, Filipinos are already superbly talented. But as one telecommunity, Filipinos can be better together.” ~Evelyn Jimenez, DITO’s Chief Commercial Officer

A showcase of proudly Filipino talent and creativity, empowered by next-level connectivity.

“Where we are once divided through cliques, tribes, and differences in affinities and beliefs, GALING DITO aims to connect and unite us all together as one telecommunity. Through dance, music, and artistry, furthered by a strong sense of belongingness, this movement shall thrive in the Filipino’s oneness.” ~Jasper Evangelista, DITO’s Director of Brand and Marketing

Jasper Evangelista, DITO’s Director of Brand and Marketing

Discovering and Empowering Homegrown Talents 

More than just a digital platform, GALING DITO is a movement that emboldens Filipino talents who might otherwise go unnoticed to take the center stage, and enables them to be a part of a digital community with a shared desire to get in touch with their local heritage and rediscover what it means to be truly Filipino. 

To kick off the GALING DITO movement, DITO showcased Filipino dancers, singers, rappers, and performers from various provinces all over the country in a proudly Pinoy music video. Featuring an original composition by Arri Veloso and Vinnie Pacleb, and arranged by Thyro Alfaro, DITO’s music video not only displays picturesque landscapes of the different cities and regions in the Philippines, but also proves the potential of Filipino artists.

Among the talents featured in this memorable and thump-stopping video are singer Marga Jayy, rapper February Bank, dance group Femme Manila, the Buganda Drum Beaters, Ilocos-based rapper Fairy Flojo, Cebu-based rapper Cookie$, P-Pop boy group 13C, and many more!

The GALING DITO music video only marks the beginning of what the GALING DITO movement has in store. This movement will also roll-out exciting activities that everyone can look forward to and participate in:

• Nationwide celebration of the Filipino culture’s diversity by giving artists, musicians, and creators all over the country access to a platform wherein they can showcase their attention-worthy talents.
• Opportunities to bring talents from the local scene together in one collaborative community and feature them on DITO’s digital channels.

Enabling Telecommunities with Next-Level Connectivity 

Of course, all these dreams and ambitions to position Pinoy talent front and center, and get them to collaborate from anywhere in the Philippines is made possible through next-level connectivity. With DITO’s reliable and value-for-money data offers and promos, more Filipinos are enabled to become part of the movement – whether as a talent or an audience. 

On top of the featured regular offers that cater to the ever-growing demand of Filipinos all over the country, DITO recently launched new promos and partnerships designed to further meet the connectivity and entertainment needs of its growing telecommunity: 

• DITO Advance Pay and DITO Auto Pay: Offering the lowest price per GB in the market, the DITO Advance Pay feature, allows DITOzens to receive and pay for their subscriptions 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months in advance. Better yet, they can get a 1 year mobile subscription for as low as P713!

Convenience is at the palm of your hands with the DITO Auto Pay! With this feature, subscribers can get up to 10GB bonus data, and they no longer have to worry about their unused data expiring because remaining data from the previous month will be automatically carried over to the following month.

• DITO Data Sachets: For those who are looking for more affordable data offers, the new DITO Data Sachets offer all access data for as low as P10. You can also avail of Data 50 with 5GB of data for P50, and Data 30 with 3GB of data for P30. 
• TikTok and Facebook Promo: For those who can’t get enough of their daily social media scrolling, DITO also offers an extra 30GB of TikTok and Facebook (free 1GB daily for 30 days) when you purchase a Level-Up 99 SIM bundle.
• HBO GO Promo: Movie buffs will be delighted to avail of the 1 month HBO GO subscription bonus when you subscribe to DITO’s Level-Up 499 and Level-Up 999 via the DITO APP.
• DITO 5G Home WiFi: The whole family can now enjoy DITO’s fastest internet yet with speeds up to 500Mbps by availing DITO’s 5G Home WiFi. Aside from the hassle-free installation of its plug-and-play 5G modem, subscribers can also enjoy a 3-month FREE HBO GO subscription and double data promos. 

Indeed, there’s no stopping Filipinos from joining the GALING DITO movement. Through this empowering digital community and DITO’s strong connectivity, every Filipino can now dare to champion homegrown talents from anywhere across the country.

For more information on the GALING DITO movement and DITO’s data offers and promos, you may visit the official Facebook page of DITO at www.facebook.com/DITOphofficial or the website at www.dito.ph/www.galingdito.ph.