ClickTheCity

Author: Press Release

  • Lucky Me! Go Cups Ditches the Sachets!

    Iconic noodle brand Lucky Me! has recently revealed that consumers can now enjoy Lucky Me! Go Cups without the sachets.

    Lucky Me Easy Prep Cup

    With seasonings already included inside the easy-prep cup, one only needs to add hot water and enjoy the same intense sarap flavors wherever and whenever. A handful of popular content creators and digital personalities, who also enjoy the variety of flavors offered with each Go Cup, have shared what they like most about the change.

    1. No more hassle to add the seasoning

    The feistiest of them all, Sassa Gurl mentioned how easy it is to just enjoy her favorite Lucky Me! Go Cups after her followers asked why she’s not adding the seasoning. Sassa hits back and says, “Nandun na po siya, nakalagay na po. Naka-install na yung powder! In-update nila!”

    @itssassagurl

    Mga nakshie, higop tayo sabaw! Ano ganap? Chikahan tayo with all new @Lucky Me! Go Cup Boogsh #LuckyMeEasyPrepCup #SachetItOff

    ♬ original sound – Sassa Gurl – Sassa Gurl

    She also jokes, “Mas matitikman mo yung flavor kasi kumpleto na sa loob, kumpleto yung 18,000 granules!”

    2. No sachets = instant satisfaction

    One half of the viral PoCha duo, Warren Osinaga (aka Poca) recently shared how he went to a friend’s party to eat—apparently his reason for going—but the food wasn’t ready yet. So, he went back to his car momentarily where he was ready with hot water from a thermos bottle and just enjoyed a Lucky Me! Go Cup to satisfy his hunger.

    @warrendanielosinaga

    Iba rin ang atake netong Lucky Me eh. Napakasarap ng kain kahit nagtatatakbo ka na kung san sa @Lucky Me! #LuckyMeEasyPrepCup #SachetItOff

    ♬ Lo-Fi electric piano fashionable(840331) – yutaka.T

    Poca exclaims, “Bahala kayo diyan, mas matimbang ang Lucky Me Spicy Bulalo kesa sa mga lumpiang shanghai niyo diyan!” The hilarious vlogger later explained that it’s easier to prepare now that there’s no need to fumble with sachets.

    3. No Slow Work, More Bebu Time

    Nelson Baraquia, whom netizens collectively acknowledge as Bebu, also enjoys a convenient pick-me-up between working out and working remotely. He appreciates how it has the “same intense sarap, now in an easy-prep cup.”

    @justthebebu

    Bebu 2.0 coming your way 🙈 @Lucky Me!

    ♬ original sound – Bebu – Bebu

    4. No Assistance Needed

    When you’re the “Trophy Wife” who everyone aspires to be like Rain Matienzo, you must be able to manage on your own, especially during workdays. Embodying her iconic character, Rain shares how she’s back to her acting career and showed what happens behind the camera.

    @rainmatienzo

    Ang hirap na nga ng trabaho at lovelife, buti nalang yung pag kain ng noodles mas madali na @Lucky Me! ❤️#LuckyMeEasyPrepCup #SachetItOff

    ♬ original sound – Rain Matienzo – Rain Matienzo

    “After a few scenes, I was very tired na so I snuck in a quick merienda. Wala nga pala si Yaya dito so I was looking for someone to prep my Lucky Me Go Cup,” the content creator said, still in her character. “But I didn’t need someone to help me na pala so I just prepared it myself! No more sachets, less hassle!”

    5. Intense Sarap you Stay, Sachet Away

    After her stint in Drag Race Philippines, Viñas DeLuxe has gotten a lot busier. Which is why when getting ready for back-to-back performances, she said she has learned how to do her makeup quickly—often in less than 20 minutes.

    @vinas.deluxe

    GRWM full drag in 20 mins! May mas bibilis pa pala sa’kin?? #SachetItOff na ang #LuckyMeEasyPrepCup 🔥 Try niyo na rin ang mas convenient na Lucky Me! Go Cup now in Easy Prep Cup 🔥

    ♬ original sound – Vinas DeLuxe – Vinas Deluxe

    “Sa tagal ko mag-makeup? Mga misis, kulang ako sa oras! Kaya naka-ready always itong Lucky Me! Go Cup!” she explains while doing makeup. “Dati pag namali pa ko nang pagbukas, nalalaglag sa makeup ko yung seasoning, ngayon wala nang sachet pero ganun pa rin kasarap!” she continues.

    With these variants to choose from, Go Lang with your favorite Lucky Me! Go Cup, now in Easy Prep Cup—with no more sachets and with the seasonings already inside, just add hot water and enjoy the same Intense Sarap that you’ve always loved.

    For more information and details, follow Lucky Me! on Facebook.

  • beep™ Powers QR Payment in LRT1, Enhancing Commuting Experience

    AF Payments, Inc.,  the operator of the beep card, is pleased to announce the successful launch of Maya’s and Light Rail Manila Corporation’s (LRMC) QR payment system in LRT1. This new and convenient payment option—which is enabled by beep’s technology—was warmly received by the train commuters, who can now effortlessly purchase QR codes through their smart phones.

    beep logo

    “The overwhelming adoption of QR since the service’s launch demonstrates commuters’ willingness to embrace more diverse payment options that facilitate faster and more convenient commute. Alongside the tap-in and tap-out functionality of beep cards, QR offers an excellent alternative to Single Journey Ticket users, allowing them to skip the lines and enjoy faster travel times. The core mission of AF Payments, Inc. is to provide commuters with convenient, fast, and secure payment solutions, transforming daily commuting into a more efficient, productive, and pleasant experience for everyone,” says JJ Moreno, the President & CEO of AF Payments, Inc.

    Making payments via QR is made incredibly simple through following these steps:

    1.     Open your Maya app and navigate to the Services section.

    2.     Select the LRT-1 tile under the Lifestyle category.

    3.     Choose your desired route (Northbound or Southbound) and set both the origin and destination.

    4.     Click on Pay Now. Your QR ticket will be instantly generated.

    5.     Scan your QR ticket using the turnstile QR scanners at LRT1 stations.

    LRT1 QR tickets, which will be valid for 24 hours, may be conveniently purchased through the Maya and LRMC’s ikotMNL apps, and eventually through the beep app.

    The LRT1 trains cater to passengers from Monumento to Baclaran. “Fast lane” turnstiles with QR readers are located in all LRT1 stops, including Balintawak and Roosevelt stations along EDSA.

    Scan to ride. Photo credit to Maya App 1

    “AF Payments remains committed to providing innovative enabling technologies to projects that enhance the commuting experience of Filipinos. We strongly believe that Filipino commuters deserve nothing less than the best and latest micropayment solutions that cater to their evolving needs,” Mr. Moreno added.

    The recently launched QR ticketing set up at LRT1 was based primarily on the QR Code Application for Transport (QCAT) format, an open-source set of specifications and documents published by AFPI that defines a QR code-based ticketing system applied to different modes of transportation. QCAT defines the structure and format of the QR Code payload of a ticket. The QR ticket is generated and issued through a mobile-based application, and is then scanned and validated as trip fare media or ticket. A backend repository captures these QR ticket transactions and are processed, cleared, and settled based on agreed business rules between the QR ticket issuer, acceptor, and transport operator.

    Prior to its introduction in the rail sector, QCAT was successfully applied in both bus transport (with the BGC Bus network in Taguig) and inter-island ferry terminals (with Topline Express Ferry in Cebu). These two transport use cases replaced the manually validated paper ticketing process to ensure quicker validation and a hassle-free commuting experience.

    With QR ticketing based on the QCAT format, passengers are given another cashless option for a fast, seamless, hassle-free, and convenient commuting experience.

    Transport operators, schools, and other businesses that wish to partner with AF Payments may get in touch via sales@afpayments.com. Stay updated on the latest news and promotions by  following the official beep™ social media accounts: Facebook at <fb.com/beepcardph>, Twitter at <twitter.com/beep_card>, and Instagram at <instagram.com/beep_card>. For more information, visit the website at <https://beep.com.ph/>.

  • Starbucks Philippines commits to creating a positive impact during Global Month of Good

    Since 2011, Starbucks and its partners (employees) around the world have been dedicated to improving their local communities by celebrating the month of April as a time for community service and implementing a range of initiatives that positively impact the planet.

    With over 400 stores across the market, Starbucks Philippines uses its scale to address important issues such as hunger relief, reusability, and access to clean drinking water. We are proud to highlight the efforts of our partners who volunteered their time and resources that create a meaningful difference in the lives of Filipinos.

    Starbucks Philippines strengthens its partnership with Gawad Kalinga to fight hunger

    Starbucks Philippines strengthens its partnership with Gawad Kalinga to fight hunger

    Starbucks Philippines’ ongoing partnership with Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga program provides nutritious meals to children over a 120-day program. Last month, partner volunteers prepared meals for over 350 children from Catmon, Cebu, the company’s first community supported through Kusina ng Kalinga outside of Metro Manila.

    In addition, a new Global Community Impact Grant awarded in April from The Starbucks Foundation will enable Gawad Kalinga to provide nutritious meals to an additional 1,200 children, host family health and nutrition educational workshops, and train 30 Community Food Farmers to build vegetable gardens in the Visayas region.

    Expanding Starbucks FoodShare

    Starbucks Philippines Expands FoodShare

    In partnership with Grab and the Philippine FoodBank Foundation, the company expanded Starbucks FoodShare from Metro Manila to 13 additional stores in Cebu this month. Since the program launched in March 2022, partners connect with Grab drivers daily to deliver rescuable food from their stores to the Philippine FoodBank Foundation, who then distributes donations to communities in need of food assistance. Beneficiaries in Cebu include Balay Samaritano sa Sugbo Shelter, Don Bosco Provincial House, and Our Lady of Lourdes Feeding Center.

    Starbucks Philippines held its second ‘Fill It Forward Starbucks Venti Van stop at Alabang Town Center

    The company also had their second ‘Fill It Forward’ Starbucks Venti Van stop at Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa on April 29.  The initiative encouraged customers to participate in Starbucks FoodShare by purchasing a cookie for PHP 50, which were then donated to various beneficiaries through the Philippine FoodBank Foundation.

    Building a fourth AquaTower in San Antonio, Quezon

    Joining hands with Planet Water Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on alleviating the global water crisis, partner volunteers successfully built Starbucks Philippines’ fourth AquaTower at San Antonio Central School in San Antonio, Quezon on April 4. Through this long-standing partnership, 1,800 community residents are able to easily access safe drinking water and handwashing stations through an AquaTower. The partners also led hygiene education activities with local students.

    Watch our recent volunteering activity with Planet Water here.

    Starbucks Rewards members earn Stars on Reusables

    Starbucks Rewards Bring Your Own Reusable Cup program

    Starbucks Philippines has been incentivizing customers to bring their own reusable cups through the Bring Your Own Reusable Cup program. Customers receive PHP 10 off their order when they bring any personal reusable cups from all stores nationwide. In celebration of Global Month of Good, Starbucks Philippines added 5 Bonus Stars on top of the P10 discount for Starbucks Rewards Members. Customers enjoyed this additional promo for every transaction throughout the whole month of April.

    The company’s community efforts during the Global Month of Good and beyond demonstrate its commitment to creating a positive impact in local communities and the planet. Good things are definitely happening!

  • Love na babalik-balikan: Skater girl circles McDonald’s Ride-Thru for a heart-fluttering reason

    Apart from the film’s cute twist at the end, what was even more pleasantly surprising was how McDonald’s broke category conventions by featuring a GL (Girl Love) story.  When asked about the creation of the ad, McDonald’s Corporate Relations Director, Adi Hernandez shares, “Despite its rare representation locally, it was important that this love story is depicted as a regular, everyday occurrence at McDonald’s Philippines. Gender inclusivity is ingrained in our brand experience from our customers to our employees. No matter who you are, you are welcome and safe to come back here again and again – that’s what we wanted our audience to know.”

    And the story behind the effortless acting that made everyone feel giddy? The brand along with its advertising agency, TBWA\SMP, factored in proper representation in casting and tapped a real member of the LGBTQ+ community. “We wanted to do it right, and we wanted to make sure they (the actors) felt comfortable.”  says Adi Hernandez. 

    Last year, McDonald’s gained praises for sponsoring Pride March 2022 and now with this feel-good film, the brand is constantly proving that it’s not shying away from gender inclusivity. What’s next? Adi Hernandez says, “There’s more to come. This is a part of a broader campaign to show our commitment to ensuring McDonald’s continues to be everyone’s happy place.”  

    And we can’t help but say, we’re lovin’ this step towards inclusivity for McDonald’s.

  • Conquer the Great Outdoors with the Instinct® 2X Solar by Garmin

    Garmin, a global leader in innovative GPS technology, recently announced the launch of the Instinct® 2X Solar, the latest addition to its acclaimed Instinct 2 family of rugged, purpose-built smartwatches. With its unrivaled durability and cutting-edge features, the  Instinct 2X Solar and Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition are specifically designed to thrive in the most challenging and extreme environments.

    Built to U.S. military standards (MIL-STD-810) for thermal shock, water resistance and shock, the smartwatches are water-rated up to 10 ATM1 and feature a chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant Power Glass™ lens. The lens assists in extending battery life, producing 50% more energy than the standard Instinct 2 solar watch. Solar charging gives unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode2, allowing users to do what they love longer without worrying about recharging their watch.

    Instinct 2x Solar series

    “Our latest addition to the Instinct 2 series is the ultimate smartwatch for anyone who wants to live life to the fullest. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to stay connected, this purpose-built GPS smartwatch has you covered.With its bold design, unlimited battery life, and built-in GPS, you can take on anything that comes your way,” said Mr. Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager, Garmin Asia.

    See the Instinct 2X Solar in action here.

    Light up the night

    The Instinct 2X Solar introduces an integrated LED flashlight with variable intensities, whether setting up camp or out for a run in the dark, a red or adjustable white light will illuminate the surroundings for greater visibility and situational awareness. In strobe mode, the light will match a running cadence and alternate between white and red so users can be seen and confidently take each stride.

    Innovative tools to stay healthy and connected

    The Instinct 2X Solar provides the features customers want and the data they can use to pursue wellness, fitness and lifestyle goals as well as navigate outdoor adventures.

    ●        Keep tabs on body metrics with 24/7 Health and Wellness Tracking, including wrist-based heart rate, advanced sleep monitoring, respiration tracking, Pulse Ox and more3.

    ●        Built-in sports apps to take on running, biking, swimming, strength training and more, plus VO2 max and other training features. 

    ●        Gain a deeper understanding of overall health, training and recovery through Heart Rate Variability during sleep, based on technology developed by Garmin’s Firstbeat Analytics™ team.

    ●        New Multi-Band GNSS Support provides improved positional accuracy.

    ●        Navigate the outdoors with built-in sensors for a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter.

    ●        Retrace the trail with TracBack® routing, helping users find the same route back to their starting point and reference point marks of a known spot relative to their location.

    ●        Stay connected with smart notifications, Garmin Pay™ contactless payments and

    Connect IQ™ app integration4.

    Obstacle Course activity addition

    Additionally, the Instinct 2X Solar is the first to offer Obstacle Course Racing as an activity, which includes running segments and obstacles of various types. This activity will allow athletes to manually record obstacle splits and once obstacles are marked for the first lap, they will be automatically tracked for the remaining laps. The Obstacle Course activity will include the number of runs on a particular course, run times, number of obstacles, time spent on each obstacle, run metrics for run splits (distance, pace, cadence, stride length, etc.), elevation profile, heart rate and distance.  

    Instinct 2x Solar by Garmin

    Infinite Battery Life

    The Instinct 2x Solar revolutionizes the way we think about battery life. Harnessing the power of solar charging, Garmin’s latest innovation offers unparalleled longevity, enabling users to stay connected and explore with confidence.

    With its solar charging technology, the Instinct 2X Solar* offers unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, ensuring users can stay connected and explore with confidence.  In case solar charging is unavailable, the Instinct 2x Solar still boasts of an extended battery life through its different modes.

    In Expedition GPS Activity Mode, it provides an impressive 60 days of battery life, while the Battery Saver Watch Mode extends it to an astonishing 100 days. Even without solar charging, the Instinct 2X Solar delivers exceptional longevity, with up to 40 days of battery life in Smartwatch Mode. Garmin’s commitment to innovation and sustainability sets a new benchmark, empowering individuals to push their boundaries and go further without limits.

    *Solar Charging: Assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000-lux conditions

    Purpose-built to conquer the mission

    The Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition is packed with features specific to tactical operations including Jumpmaster and tactical preloaded activities, projected waypoints, dual-position GPS formatting and Night-Vision Compatibility. Users can also enable Stealth Mode, which prevents sharing of GPS position and disables wireless communication. When in stealth mode, GPS location is visible on the watch face but is not saved to the device memory or shared. This allows for training functionality in areas with location security concerns without revealing the location.

    To lead the way during night operations, the multi-LED flashlight on the Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition illuminates in either white or a dedicated green. Users will find the green light useful in maintaining their eyes’ natural night vision.

    Now available in the Philippines, the Instinct 2X Solar has a suggested retail price of PHP 28,250, while the Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition has a suggested retail price of PHP 31,380.

    Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin outdoor recreation products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. For more information about Garmin Philippines, visit their website or Facebook page.

  • Dama Ko Lahi Ko Bets on Filipino Culture as Economic Stimulus

    Dama Ko Lahi Ko, the volunteer-driven initiative encouraging the celebration of Filipino culture through the five senses every Independence Day, enters its third year.

    Established in 2021 by the Filipino Culture Collective, the movement banks on the Filipino’s massive and constant presence on social media to pique interest in, and spread awareness of, what makes Filipino culture unique. In this way, the movement seeks to spotlight Filipino culture (in products, services, and experiences) on the global menu.

    Hosts and Speakers

    Modern Creative Visionaries
    In an intimate event held at the prestigious Ito Kish showroom, prominent figures from various creative fields shared their insights on promoting Filipino culture locally and abroad. 

    Ito Kish

    Each speaker focused on a sense. Award-winning furniture designer Ito Kish described how growing up in San Pablo, Laguna was a tactile inspiration. Solihiya chairs at his grandmother’s house, balusters that let in cool breezes, became memories woven into his creativity. “Filipino will always be my design language,” he said.

    Gino Gonzales

    Renowned scenographer Gino Gonzales illustrated the impact of the terno in Philippine history to champion the sense of sight, with vintage photographs showing how the terno was worn in everyday life. “When you wear a terno, you wear your heart on your sleeve,” he said. “You wear your nationality for everyone to know that you are Filipino.”

    Artu Nepomuceno

    Artu Nepomuceno, one of the most talked about young photographers today, shared his experience of shooting cultural icon Apo Whang-od for Vogue’s magazine’s April 2023 issue, which rapidly gained worldwide acclaim. “I wanted to photograph Apo Whang-od like my lola,” he said. “When people abroad message me about the cover, they thank me for bringing a piece of home to the world. And now this photo exists in homes everywhere.”

    Bayang Barrios

    Bayang Barrios’ lilting voice made its entrance before her, captivating the audience. The indigenous musician spoke of her journey to embracing her Manobo roots, culture, and music. She emphasized that more people should appreciate the different kinds of music in our heritage: “Kung hindi natin mamahalin ang kulturang atin, tayo po ay magkakawatak-watak at mismong bansa ay hihina at walang mapatutunguhan.” 

    Jenny Yrasuegui

    Finally, restaurateur Jenny Yrasuegui spoke for the senses of smell and taste. She pointed out that the combination of Filipino hospitality and food is unparalleled. “Filipino food does not need to be elevated because there is nothing to elevate.” she said. “All you need to do is to find creative ways of presenting it.” 

    Culture and Soft Power
    During the event, the movement’s co-founders Leigh Reyes and Len Cabili emphasized the importance of Filipino culture as soft power in a world seeking what’s authentic, memorable, and valuable.

    Len Cabili and Leigh Reyes

    “What can help us advance as a nation can come from who we are. We can all be part of it by living our culture collectively, consciously, and consistently in our everyday lives,” the co-founders emphasized.

    Dama Ko Lahi Ko is the unifying theme that compiles all Filipino experiences within the framework of the five senses. By using the hashtag #DamaKoLahiKo when sharing Filipino themes, everyone can actively support the growth and recognition of Filipino culture and talent—shaping a future where the Filipino identity thrives both at home and abroad.  

    For more information on Dama Ko Lahi Ko and upcoming events, please visit damakolahiko.com or follow us on Instagram: @damakolahiko.

  • OFW entrepreneur’s Miss Derm clinic is raising a few eyebrows – but not for the reasons you think.

    Self-made entrepreneur Marzen Salazar remembers the many moments when she would catch her grandmother in front of the mirror, filling in her eyebrows faded by time.

    PHOTO 1
    Miss Derm owner and founder Marzen Salazar

    Humans are said to be capable of nearly 10,000 facial expressions. The slightest twitch of facial muscle, the direction of the eye, and the movement of eyebrows all mean a plethora of emotions – the non-verbal cues that make up the unspoken daily chatter.

    Yet as one grows old, it becomes more difficult to do so; the muscles loosen, but most significantly, the eyebrows thin along with the lashes.

    PHOTO 5
    Elite Brows Microshading by Miss Derm

    “My grandmother always draws about her eyebrows. She would try it but (I) would never be satisfied,” remembers Marzen. “When I was growing up in the ‘90s, eyebrow tattooing was a popular solution to the fading of the brow for the elderly and people with thin strokes – but even tattoos have their limits.”

    PHOTO 7
    Wispy Lashes Extensions by Miss Derm

    Today, as Marzen recalls her time growing up in Laguna with her lola, Marzen is gradually and decisively building her own business to provide a better solution for eyebrows, lashes, and other facial care woes.

    In 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic, Marzen boldly launched Miss Derm – a clinic specializing in eyebrows, lashes, and facial treatment services, including microblading.

    PHOTO 8
    Lash Lift by Miss Derm

    A relatively new technology for Filipinos, microblading uses small needles to create soft and subtle hair-like strokes and deposit pigment on the skin. It is a form of cosmetic tattooing but, unlike the traditional tattoo that embeds pigment deep into the skin, microblading only injects pigment superficially on the body and thus is only semi-permanent.

    At Miss Derm, microblading is only done by certified microblading artists. Artists undergo intensive training to provide the highest level of quality and care for customers.

    More than just a business

    From one clinic in Makati, Marzen expanded Miss Derm to two more locations: Las Pinas and Quezon City – one additional business address each year. Despite travel restrictions, Miss Derm’s number of patrons have grown through word of mouth, attracted by the quality of premium services to help customers with their facial care needs.

    “I’ve always been motivated by the fact that the services we do at Miss Derm directly affect our customers’ disposition. If eyes are the windows to the soul, eyebrows and lashes are the frames that help define what you want to express and how you want to be seen. We want to help our customers increase their confidence and wear a brighter face every day,” says Marzen, a former wedding photographer-turned communications manager in Oman.

    PHOTO 9
    Lip Blush by Miss Derm

    Aside from its popular Elite Brows/Lips Package, Miss Derm offers a wide range of microblading, microshading, eyeliner, and blading solutions. Customers will also find a menu of no-needle procedures, including Brow Lamination, Lash Lift, Lash Extensions, and HIFU Skin Tightening for the face, neck, and the body.

    PHOTO 10
    HIFU Face & Chin lift by Miss Derm

    Miss Derm’s complete facial care and skincare solutions prove to be perfect for customers who desire convenience and a highly personalized level of care. At Miss Derm, artists converse with customers about their needs and suggest ways to achieve how they want to look.

    This level of service and hospitality is the product of Marzen’s entrepreneurial instincts, of putting customers at the heart of the process, and ensuring that employees are taken care of.

    PHOTO 2
    Marzen Salazar with the Miss Derm staff

    Despite Marzen’s location in Oman, she has overseen the growth and initial success of Miss Derm with flying colors remotely, flying to Manila to visit the clinics when needed, but talking directly with her clients on a daily basis. “When customers chat with our social media channels for feedback or bookings, they’re likely talking to me. “I always had a passion for talking with customers, especially women. As a wedding photographer in Laguna and Oman, I deal with women on a regular basis. One should listen and be attentive; they know what they want. When you delight them with great service and you build a positive working relationship, they will come back for more and they will treat you like family,” says Marzen.

    Miss Derm is located in Makati (9/f Centuria Medical Makati), Las Pinas (304 Aurora Bldg, Zapote-Alabang Road), and Quezon City (20 Shorthorn Street).  To stay updated about Miss Derm, follow https://www.instagram.com/missderm/

  • Get big discounts on Xiaomi smartphones, AIoT products this 6.6 Mega Sale

    Xiaomi fans are about to get a big mid-year treat as the brand unveils its 6.6 sale lineup. Massive discounts on select smartphones and AIoT products are on tap from June 6 to 8, 2023, via Xiaomi’s e-commerce platforms.

    Smartphones for students, side-hustlers

    Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? Check out the upcoming 6.6 promo where you can shop for various Redmi phones. The entry-level Redmi A1 (P3,299 from P3,799), for example, which will be a Shopee exclusive, is great for online classes, meetings, and daily internet browsing.

    Mid Year Sale

    Another affordable phone option is the Redmi 12C, which comes in two variants: 4+64 (P5,999 from P6,499) and 6+128 (P6,499 from P7,499). It’s the go-to device for side-hustlers that need spacious storage, fast performance, and large screen display for everyday tasks.

    Lifestyle AIoT items for all interests

    Many Xiaomi AIoT products will also be discounted during the 6.6 sale. Music lovers can treat themselves to the Redmi Buds 3 Pro (P2,899 from P1,199) and the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro (P6,999 from P3,999). Keep track of your fitness progress with the Mi Smart Band 7 (P2,499 from P1,999) and Xiaomi Watch S1 Active AP (P8,999 from P5,999).

    These are just some of the products that will be up for sale during Xiaomi’s 6.6 promo. Check out the full product lineup for the mid-year sale here, and be sure to visit Xiaomi’s Shopee store from June 6 to 8 to avail of the special discounts.

    Don’t miss out on these exciting deals and discounts this 6.6. For more information, visit Xiaomi’s official Facebook page and Xiaomi’s official website.

  • SIMPOL Dishkarte is your Kitchen BFF

    Do you know that there are 2 ways of “gisa” or sauteing? One is Chinese-style and the other one is Spanish-style. And how about choosing the right type of oil when deep-frying, sauteing, or preparing a salad dressing? How about marinating the meats or “babad” – before cooking – as one of the best ways to make meats juicy and delicious?

    DSC04123

    Welcome to Simpol DISHKARTE by Chef Tatung Sarthou! This is not your ordinary cookbook but a comprehensive guide for Pinoy cooking that will make kitchen time enjoyable and stress-free. Our goal is to provide you with the much-needed kitchen basics, hacks, tips, and tricks, easy-to-follow recipes, step-by-step photos, and illustrations so that you can have a happy & enjoyable cooking experience, whether at home for the family or a home-based business.

    DSC04141

    The book is divided into three (3) parts: Dish Is It, Dishkubre, and Dishkarte + Recipes.

    • Part 1: Dish Is It, focuses on simple but basic cooking rules such as choosing the right ingredients, knowing what works with the dish to be cooked, and using the right cookware & knives (do remember using a blunt knife is an accident waiting to happen), the correct way of chopping the ingredients, defrosting tips and others.
    • Part 2: Dishkubre, tackles the basic cooking techniques like boiling, steaming, sauteing, frying, deep-frying, thickening, or thinning the sauce, preparing the ingredients, and so much more.
    • Part 3: Dishkarte is all about the different types of beef, pork, and chicken cuts. Also includes the list of flavor enhancers or pampalasa, herbs and spices, noodles, and rice paper, measuring units, and color-coding chopping boards for food safety.
    • Part 3.5: Recipes. This is where we put the techniques and the basic kitchen concepts into action. Leveled-up Sinigang na Baboy, Molo Soup, Crispy Pata, Adobo cooked 4 ways (with gata, puti, pula and classic), Chicken Inasal, Laing, and different kinds of sauces from Chimichurri to Asian Barbeque Sauce to Classic Pinoy Barbeque Sauce.

    Chef Tatung Sarthou, celebrity chef, restaurateur, and award-winning book author, says “Dishkarte was written to bridge the skill gap of home cooks to satisfy the discriminating tastes of people who frequent restaurants when served with home-cooked dishes. It is also written for non-English speakers by providing technical and practical know-how in the kitchen to function in a home or even commercial setting.” Chef Tatung also confirms that “the book is a perfect primer for non-cooks who want to venture into the kitchen. Mga naghahanap ng ibang career or hanapbuhay. Suitable for entry-level or community-based food businesses.”

    On a more personal note, Chef Tatung wrote Dishkarte with his household staff in mind as well. “Ang hirap mag explain ng paulit-ulit, not to mention, time-consuming as there is much to cover and clarify.” says Chef Tatung. The book, initially published in 2018, is well-loved by Filipinos all over the world as evidenced by it being awarded as one of the top winners of the Filipino Readers Choice Award in 2022.

    With our complete guide for Pinoy cooking in a language that most Filipinos can understand, we hope that everyone can learn how to cook delicious Pinoy dishes, understand the nuances and reasons why certain cooking techniques are done and without spending too much time or effort.  So, let’s get started on your culinary journey today. Dapat sa kusina, Ma-Diskarte!

    Simpol Dishkarte (Php 390.00) is available in all National Bookstore and Fully Booked outlets, and online on Amazon, Simpol stores in Shopee https://bit.ly/SimpolDishkarteBookShopee, and Lazada https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/simpol-store/.

  • Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” World Premiere Closes 76th International Cannes Film Festival

    Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” marked its world premiere and closed the 76th International Cannes Film Festival today as voice talent and filmmakers walked the iconic red carpet to celebrate the all-new feature film—in theaters June 16. Filmmakers Peter Sohn (director), Denise Ream (producer) and Pete Docter (EP and CCO of Pixar) were on site alongside English-language voice talent Leah Lewis (Ember) and Mamoudou Athie (Wade), plus members of the French-language voice cast Adèle Exarchopoulos (Ember) and Vincent Lacoste (Wade)—images and footage are now available to share. 

    DSC09110
    DSC08061
    DSC08628
    DSC08733
    DSCF3126
    image003
    image004
    CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 27: Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” themed fireworks at the closing party for 76th International Cannes Film festival Awards Ceremony at Palais des Festivals on May 27, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Serge Arnal for Disney).

    “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn, produced by Denise Ream, p.g.a., and executive produced by Pete Docter, “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s original score was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman.