“Sustainable” Future of LT Group from Mr. Tan Jr.

Lucio K. Tan, Jr., president, and chief operating officer, Tanduay Distillers Inc.

Lucio K. Tan Jr. gave a glimpse of the sustainable future that the companies under the Lucio Tan (LT) Group will undertake and emphasized the need to develop clean and renewable energy projects during the company’s recent year-end gathering. 

In his customary year-end message, Tan Jr. encouraged his company executives to develop an ability to “go on offensive business mode” to adapt to a changing world advocating technologies that are environmentally-responsible and help ease the impacts of climate change. 

“Our thrust is to participate and develop clean and renewable energy projects for our sustainability...reduce our carbon footprint to underscore our commitment to help mitigate the effects of climate change. I believe this is incumbent upon us as a responsible corporate entity, where we can invest in technologies that will unravel economic opportunities for the group and our employees,” said the president and COO of Tanduay Distillers. 

The younger Tan revealed the revival of Asian Alcohol Corp. next year. It can be recalled that the operation of the Bacolod-based facility was temporarily suspended eight years ago. 

“Kapitan (Lucio Tan Sr.) made a strategic move to take one step backward in the hope of moving forward, a strategy that teaches us how to realize our future by our sacrifices of today. Next year, Asian Alcohol will begin its biofuel production. Like Absolut Distillers, it will blaze new paths and return to its old glory,” he divulged.

Lucio K. Tan, Jr., president and chief operating officer, Tanduay Distillers Inc.

Located in a 10-hectare plant, Asian Alcohol Corp. was the second largest distillery in the Philippines. The plant houses alcohol aging and wastewater treatment facilities, which converts distillery waste into biogas energy for its power requirements. It used to have a daily rated capacity of 210, 000 liters of quality ethyl alcohol.

With this development, Tan Jr. said, Asian Alcohol Corp. is expected to be patterned after the success of Absolut Distillers Inc. in Batangas, which has made more than Php880M from its bioethanol operations since 2015. 

On the other hand, he also revealed, Absolut Distillers has commissioned a six-effect evaporator as part of its continuous improvement and wastewater treatment upgrade. Next year, a pot still distillery will be added to its operation together with a small mill.

He also divulged that one of the companies under the group, Macroasia, will be going into "full blast" next year. 

Tan Jr. recalled the hardwork and dedication of his father Lucio C. Tan, who is the man behind the success of the companies under the LT Group, but stressed the need to “deliver the future of the Group.” 

“Our thrust is to participate and develop clean and renewable energy projects for our sustainability...reduce our carbon footprint to underscore our commitment to help mitigate the effects of climate change. I believe this is incumbent upon us as a responsible corporate entity, where we can invest in technologies that will unravel economic opportunities for the group and our employees. Kapitan (Lucio Tan Sr.) made a strategic move to take one step backward in the hope of moving forward, a strategy that teaches us how to realize our future by our sacrifices of today. Next year, Asian Alcohol will begin its biofuel production. Like Absolut Distillers, it will blaze new paths and return to its old glory. I cannot wait to find out how we will fare against the best of the best. Tanduay will grow its assets to compete and be even more relevant in the liquor industry. Macroasia is going full blast with our thrust to address the future of water…our Chairman (Lucio Tan Sr.) has already been building dams to compliment the farmers with their harvest up north. We are now investing more in this valuable liquid. I believe that the world opens up to those who know where they are going,” he said, adding that, “So, let us, as one company, stay focused, and get this dream going towards our goals.” ~Mr. Lucio K. Tan, Jr., President, and Chief Operating Officer, Tanduay Distillers Inc.

For Tanduay Distillers, according to him, this coming year, the company is expected to sell 20 million cases. Part of the growth plans is Tanduay’s more aggressive operations in pursuing the Luzon market and continued exploration of markets outside the country. 

Understanding the label: A closer look at your child’s milk

“By taking time in reading and understanding the label, it helps you make smart choices in identifying the best milk for your child. All of these nutrients are expressed through the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI) of children, based on the guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). So, if the Protein Content in the milk indicates 30 percent, then, your child needs 70 percent more from other food sources to meet his or her daily RENI. In some cases, it’s easy to identify the right formula milk for your child if you take time to read and understand the labels. It might seem complicated at first but, it can help you make good choices for your child’s growth and development.” ~Dr. Francisco, Food Scientist 

As a mother of 2 very active and very playful I make sure they have enough energy and strength in the form of milk for their daily activities and growth.

Aside from a well-balanced, nutritious diet, giving your child a glass of milk has been shown to help support your child’s well-being. Aside from being a source of calcium, a glass of milk can also provide essential and important nutrients for growth and mental development. 

As parents, however, it is important to take a closer look—beyond the promises—at the nutritional values, ingredients, calorie counts, and even the sugar content of your child’s milk to better understand how it factors into his or her nutrition. One way of doing so is by getting accustomed to reading the labels. 

What’s on milk labels? 

Dr. Francisco said that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires labels on all prepackaged food, like milk. These labels must provide a complete list of ingredients, as well as its nutrition information in readable type. Usually, these are located at the back or side of the packaging under the “Ingredients” and “Nutrition Facts” headings. 

When reading the Ingredients label, you must take note that the items listed are in descending order of proportion: from most to least. This means that the first ingredient in the list is also the main component of the milk. 

For instance, some formula milk, like PROMIL® Four, have non-fat milk as their first listed ingredient, and this is their first component. Dr. Francisco noted that this component is preferred for children over 3 years old since it eliminated unnecessary fatty acids and kept the other milk components like lactose.

Other milk brands, meanwhile, use other key ingredients like hydrolyzed cornstarch that serves as an agent to retain milk’s sensory properties, and functions as a source of carbohydrates with also its sucrose content. With these ingredients, your child’s milk would look and feel like that of a regular one when consumed and is much sweeter than the recommended. 

How do you read the Nutritional Facts? 

The Nutritional Facts label, on the other hand, appears in a tabulated form that declares the protein, carbohydrates (including dietary fibers and sugars), fats (including saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol), sodium, as well as the caloric content of the milk. Added Vitamin A, Iron, and Iodine, as well as other vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are also included in the tabulation.

How do you know the sugar content? 

When it comes to formula milk’s sugar levels, most parents may find it confusing, especially that the Nutritional Facts label only indicates an aggregated sugar content. That is why high sugar levels do not necessarily imply poor quality. 

Among the types of sugar added in formula milk include sucrose, also referred to as table sugar and starches. These are added to replace some or all of the lactose naturally found in milk. Given the case, Dr. Francisco noted that it is still better to check the type of sugar used in your child’s milk. For your child’s proper growth and mental development, PROMIL® Four is predominantly lactose with its non-fat milk as the main ingredient.

What other nutrients should you look out for? 

To ensure that your child gets the essential and important nutrients for proper growth and mental development, it pays off to check if milk’s macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—are at the right level for children over 3 years old. 

Based on FNRI’s Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes, your child’s milk per serving should have Protein within 6-15% of total energy, Fat within 15-30% of total energy, and Carbohydrates within 55-79% of total energy to be within the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR). 

Below recommended range may stunt a child’s growth and drain energy, while above may cause the risk of obesity. To support proper growth and mental development, it is preferred for these nutrients to be within range. For PROMIL FOUR, it gives 15% total energy from its protein content, 30% total energy from fats, and 55% total energy from carbohydrates. 

PROMIL FOUR is also the only formula milk with NUTRISSENTIALS. It contains:

• DHA
• AA
• Lutein
• Iodine
• Iron to help support brain and visual development
• Vitamin A, which supports healthy eye development
• Zinc for normal growth and maintaining a healthy immune system
• Niacin, which aids in metabolism
• Biotin, which enhances energy for physical development
• Potassium, which promotes healthy muscles

For many years, PROMIL FOUR has helped parents nurture the gift through proper care, parenting, and nutrition. 

To learn more about PROMIL Four, visit their website at www.promilnurturethegift.com.ph. 

Milk labels provide the necessary information that would allow you to check and balance the ingredients and other nutritional facts of the milk. 

Christmas Tunnel Lighting at Tiendesitas!

Ortigas & Company’s award-winning Christmas spectacle—the first of its kind in the Philippines—returns this year as the Christmas Street Light Musical Tunnel opens to the public last November 6. The first spectacle of its kind in the country promises an even more exciting show fresh from its international win.

Set to light up the premier developer’s Ortigas East estate, the Christmas Tunnel will warm hearts and delight the senses with a captivating light display playing alongside some of the yuletide season’s well-loved hits.

Ortigas & Company is gearing up for another exhilarating show as the Christmas Tunnel marks its second run with new arrangements and a flashier show for more artistic and musical flair. With this show, families and friends who will troop to Ortigas East are sure to feel the joy of the Christmas season.

The Christmas Street Light Musical Tunnel, which bagged two Stevie Awards in the recent International Business Awards for Real Estate Marketing Campaign of the Year and Re-Branding/Brand Renovation of the Year, promises a one-of-a-kind experience with its structural features. Made with 2,368 pixels of light, each pixel is composed of three bulbs in red, blue, and green, flickering and dancing festively according to the music’s beat. When stretched out, the Christmas Tunnel is equivalent to 1.4 kilometers, or the length of 28 Olympic swimming pools.

“Ortigas & Company continues to make its malls the go-to destination for family and friends, and what better way to show this than through the return of the award-winning Christmas Street Light Musical Tunnel at Ortigas East. This much-awaited tradition, which began last year, was developed to provide Filipinos and even tourists more reasons to celebrate at Tiendesitas and make it a must-see holiday destination.” ~Renee C. Bacani, Ortigas Malls Vice President

As an added offering, famed shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra and Ben&Ben will perform during the launch. There is also a whole slew of holiday activities in the estate’s retail destination, Tiendesitas, which guests can enjoy.

There will be a StrEAT Food Market from November 7 to January 6 for foodies in the metro, while kids get the chance to take photos with Santa in the Meet & Greet sessions happening on all Saturdays of December at the Fashion and Furniture Village from 2 to 5 PM. Fireworks will light the Ortigas skyline also every Saturday at 7 PM. Churchgoers can also flock to the Simbang Gabi which will take place at the Food Village from December 15 to 23 at 6 PM.

Families and friends out to explore Tiendesitas will also find new dining choices, such as the largest Rico’s Lechon branch in Metro Manila. Sports enthusiasts will also soon be in shopping heaven as Decathlon, the largest European sports brand, opens in Tiendesitas.

These new shops are on top of the exciting redevelopment happening in Ortigas East, which will give rise to Metro Manila’s eco-estate filled with some of the choicest retail, residential, and lifestyle offerings.

For more information and updates, please visit and follow Tiendesitas on Facebook and Instagram.

About Ortigas & Company

Ortigas & Company is one of the pioneers in real estate development in the Philippines. Now on its 87th year, the company continues to build great places for life through its iconic estates for living, shopping, business, and entertainment. It is the developer behind some of Metro Manila’s best-known master planned and mixed-use developments: Greenhills, Ortigas East, Capitol Commons, and Circulo Verde. For more information, visit www.ortigas.com.ph or call 633-1580.

Ayala Street Christmas Traditions Light Up the City

This year, revel in the beauty of the light installations by Zenas Pineda, showcasing Philippines’ rich history and culture through light and capiz installations inspired by different church altars giving a bright Christmas feel along Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas. To capture the symbols that make the Filipino Christmas memorable and meaningful, Ayala Land light up the heart of Makati once more with beautiful light installations depicting the altars of the Philippines’ most iconic churches. Building on a yuletide tradition it has started several decades ago, Ayala Landmarks its 30^th anniversary by once again bringing the Filipino community together for a joyous event where well-loved and new traditions intersect. 

Crafted by the masterful hands of Zenas Pineda, a seasoned interior designer specializing in visual merchandising and who has been designing the street lights of Ayala Land for 7 years now, the light installations are sure to capture the historic and cultural richness of the altars of selected Philippine churches across the archipelago. Capiz installations are likewise wrapped around the trees that line the main street to complement the altars. To lend more color and whimsical elements to the overall design, totem poles symbolizing the 12 days of Christmas will be installed between the altars.

For Filipinos, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the time when people come together in friendship, celebration, and worship. Festivities and traditions such as the much-awaited Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo highlight the importance of the church and the community.  As Christmas draws near, Philippine churches come alive, their altars covered in magnificent lights that proclaim the birth of Christ.

In celebration of Ayala Land Inc.'s 30th Anniversary, the leaders of Ayala Land Inc., along with the local government officials of Makati, made extraordinary traditions shine in the city with installations inspired by church altars across the country namely:

• The San Sebastian Altar from Manila
• The Santuario de San Antonio from Makati
• The San Miguel Archangel Parish Altar from Argao, Cebu
• The Molo Church Altar from Iloilo
• Immaculate Conception Church of Jasaan, Northern Mindanao

Among the altars to be featured are those of the iconic San Sebastian in Manila; the San Miguel Archangel Parish, Cebu and Molo Church, Iloilo in the Visayas; the Immaculate Conception Church of Jasaan, Northern Mindanao; and the Santuario de San Antonio of Makati.

“Christmas is always special for Filipinos because it’s about bonding with family and loved ones. We realize that for many Filipinos, experiencing Makati’s holiday displays have become part of their Christmas celebrations, alongside revered Filipino Christmas traditions such as the simbang gabi, family reunions, and Noche Buena. This is why Ayala Land ensures that our Christmas celebrations in Makati are truly inspiring and memorable. We’d like to bring the community together and give them all the opportunities to create new and wonderful memories.” ~Shiella Aguilar, Makati Project Development Head for Ayala Land

Makati’s streets will bring Christmas cheer through its dazzling lights from November 5 to January 8.

The Makati Christmas Street Lighting is a toast to Filipino traditions. It will also usher in a spectacular Christmas celebration by Ayala Land, including Reimagine the Magic: Festival of Lights, anticipated novena masses at Ayala Triangle Gardens, holiday bazaars, and a whole range of cultural events that Filipinos have come to look forward to.

Together, let us pay homage to the Philippines’ rich history and culture, and celebrate a truly Filipino Christmas.

Ayala Land is the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates, offering a diverse mix of properties such as residential, retail, office, hotels, and leisure developments, that support local economic growth and nation-building. The company was established in 1988 as the real estate arm of Ayala Corporation, a pioneer conglomerate, and builder of the country’s premier financial and commercial district, now known as Makati Central Business District and Ayala Center.

Today, Ayala Land has a total of 25 sustainable estates and is present in 55 growth areas nationwide. It has five residential brands, namely Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, Amaia, and BellaVita, which deliver quality homes to a broad segment of the housing market. Its commercial development and leasing portfolio is comprised of Ayala Malls, Ayala Land Offices, and Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation.

Hotel Sogo Yabut Branch Grand Opening

Hotel Sogo was founded in 1992 by two individuals who decided to come together to satisfy the public's growing clamor for a better and more convenient low-cost lodging. One was a hotel professional with over 20 years of experience in a leading motel chain, while the other was a commercial developer and an "AAA" licensed contractor.

Hotel Sogo Yabut Branch

Whenever we are having brownout at home we always have Hotel Sogo to stay for the night since my 2 kids can't handle the heat and can't manage to sleep well without the fan. Before Hotel Sogo Yabut Branch we always go to the one along EDSA at Guadalupe, but this time we have a new option like what they say because its "So clean. So Good."

Hotel Sogo, the largest hotel chain in the Philippines, launches its 36th branch along Sgt. Fabian Yabut St., Guadalupe, Makati City. Its recent expansion shows the company's dedication to extending its operations nationwide alongside providing more employment in the city.

All branches of Hotel Sogo, Yabut Branch boasts superb features:

• Clean and fully air-conditioned rooms
• Free Wi-Fi
• LED TVs with cable and in-house movie channels
• FM radio music
• 24-hour food and beverage assistance
• Massage service at an affordable rate

For inquiries in Hotel Sogo Yabut Branch, you may call 816-2980 / 816-2979.

For more information about Hotel Sogo's upcoming new branches and promos check their website at https://www.hotelsogo.com.

The Power of a Healthy Breakfast: Look Good, Feel Great

Skipping a breakfast meal might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but the side-effects could be detrimental to your health in the long run. For a start, skipping your breakfast could lead to more cravings later in the day which makes it harder to manage your weight. 

“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. This adage suggests that breakfast should constitute the most important meal of our daily diet, followed by lunch, and end off with a light dinner.  Studies have shown that a healthy breakfast has wide-ranging benefits for the human body, such as supporting metabolism, boosting mental alertness and improving digestion. In general, we tend to make bad food choices when we are starving, as we would be more likely to indulge in food. Also, research has revealed that skipping your breakfast could increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Plus, there's less risk of heart disease and diabetes, while you can improve muscle health, memory, energy and mood by starting the day right. A healthy, balanced breakfast should provide you with an adequate amount of protein, while a few pieces of fruit or vegetables can provide sustained energy and fiber. For healthy fats, nuts or avocado can serve as a delicious energy source for your body. And if time is pressing, consider having a protein shake, like the Herbalife Formula 1 Shake – which is easy to prepare and provides all the nutrients required to start your day right.” ~Susan Bowerman, Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife

Yet according to the Healthy Breakfast Survey conducted in 11markets across the Asia Pacific region by Herbalife, 21 percent of the Filipino respondents do not consume breakfast daily. While those who do, have an unbalanced meal that comprises mainly carbohydrates in the morning. Too often, breakfast is little more than toast, white rice, noodles or a cup of coffee, tea or chocolate drink - all of which digest quickly, leaving people hungry by mid-morning. 

By contrast, starting the day with a good breakfast has many benefits. Consuming your breakfast could do wonders for weight management, as food consumption releases gut hormones which control appetite, having a sustained effect throughout the day and helping to reduce the number of cravings. 

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also found that people who consume a high-protein breakfast tend to eat fewer calories throughout the day compared to those who do not, due to the appetite-suppressing effect from dietary protein, thus providing satiety between meals. 

But how can we practically incorporate a healthy breakfast into our daily eating habits? According to Herbalife’s Healthy Breakfast Survey, the top three motivators for Filipino respondents to adopt a regular breakfast diet are if consuming breakfast contributes to health and well-being; if their breakfast can help in giving them more energy; and if their breakfast can be made more accessible to them. 

With this in mind, perhaps making a few simple changes to daily living might do the trick – such as waking up 15 minutes earlier, opting for a quick and nutritious breakfast fix, or getting a friend or loved one to join you for breakfast.

While this marks a positive start to a long-term change in lifestyle habits, the type of breakfast choices one makes will also have an impact on overall health and well-being. 

When it comes to selecting just what to eat for breakfast, Bowerman advocates following Herbalife's Global Nutrition Philosophy, according to which our total daily calories should be comprised of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fats, along with 25g of fibre and eight glasses of water.

So, all you need to have a healthy breakfast each day is a little time and commitment. Choose ingredients that are enjoyable and nutritious, and you can make it a habit to start the day right and will soon enjoy the benefits as you feel and look better, with more zest for life.

About Herbalife Nutrition

Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. The Company has been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products and programs - since 1980. Together with our Herbalife Nutrition independent members, we are committed to providing solutions to the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity, an aging population, skyrocketing public healthcare costs and a rise in entrepreneurs of all ages. Herbalife Nutrition offers high-quality, science-backed products, most of which are produced in Company-operated facilities, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition independent member, and a supportive community approach that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Herbalife Nutrition’s targeted nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through its independent members in more than 90 countries. Through its corporate social responsibility efforts, Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. Herbalife Nutrition is also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy, and numerous Olympic teams.

Herbalife Nutrition has over 8,300 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HLF) with net sales of approximately US$4.4 billion in 2017. To learn more, visit Herbalife.com or IAmHerbalife.com. 

Tanduay online store to launch at Shopee

Paul Lim, chief marketing officer of Tanduay, said the partnership with Shopee is aligned with the strategy of the company to continuously improve ways and find new avenues to make Tanduay accessible to a broader market. 

“Tanduay is now an official Shopee partner. Online shopping has continued to gain traction in the region with the increasing internet and smartphone penetration. We are excited about the opportunities that our partnership will open for our business. As of now, the move is consistent with our core strategies to reach a growing global market of online shoppers.” ~Paul Lim, chief marketing officer of Tanduay

Tanduay Distillers Inc., makers of the world’s number one selling rum brand, has recently partnered with Shopee, the leading Singapore-based e-commerce platform with 12 million users in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, to launch the Tanduay brand international online store. 

“We have chosen to partner with Shopee because insights from all our marketing efforts point towards the future of commerce online. With Shopee, we are making our products available to them with several payment and delivery options all for their convenience.” ~Brand manager Edzel Ty

The e-commerce store features carefully curated products previously available only at the Tanduay store in Century Park Hotel such as original apparel, bags, and accessories. This dedicated in-app space will allow shoppers to easily access authentic premium items and products from one of the country’s well-loved Filipino brands. 

Last June, global spirits think tank Drinks International revealed Tanduay has taken over the world’s number one spot from a list of rum brands that has long been dominated by Bacardi.

To check out the collections click this link https://shopee.ph/tanduaybrandsinternational

Tanduay Distillers Inc. is a member of the LT Group of Companies. Tanduay is the Philippines’ top rum maker, which is also distributed in the United States. Likewise, the company produces whiskey, brandy, gin, vodka and other flavored spirits.