VILLARICA earned the most trophies for a single campaign at the Marketing Excellence Awards for a second year in a row.
The pawnshop pioneer received six Gold awards and retained its second overall position in the Philippine edition of the prestigious marketing competition for its “Usisa” campaign. The consumer-goods giant Unilever was hailed as the Marketer of the Year after picking up 17 awards for its numerous brands and campaigns.
“We’re not the biggest and that’s okay,” said Hans Villarica, who was proclaimed the Marketing Leader of the Year. “We’re just happy and grateful to be recognized for providing the best services and experiences to our customers.”
VILLARICA’s “Usisa” entry secured the top prize for Excellence in Experiential Marketing, in Brand Strategy, in Advertising, in Content Marketing, and in TV/Video Advertising at last week’s ceremony at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. It also won the Silver trophy for Social Media Marketing.
These recognitions came on the heels of the pawnshop innovator’s strong showing at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, where it competed against companies from the region’s 29 markets and notched 10 wins, including People’s Choice for Favorite Company in the Financial Industries.
VILLARICA developed the “Usisa” campaign with marketing partners Silver Machine and Dentsu X to make transparency the norm in an industry notorious for opaque processes. It encouraged customers to visit, compare and scrutinize the loan offers of multiple pawnshops for the welfare of their families.
Fujii Kaze – the Japanese singer songwriter announces that he will be taking the “Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR” to Asia cities by end of this year. The official tour image, and special website also revealed.
Last year, Fujii Kaze just held his first Asia tour. This time, the tour will be scaled up to an arena venue and titled “Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR,” which sets to hit eight cities in the region starting in Singapore from October 26. After kicking off in Singapore, the singer will travel to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Taipei, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul and more.
Promoted by Ovation Productions and AEG Presents Asia, “Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR” in Manila will be taking place on 10 December 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets for the concert are priced from Php 3,800 (exclusive of ticketing charges). General on-sale will take place on August 30 (Friday) / 12 PM PHT via smtickets.com.
This tour announcement follows the conclusion of his successful two-day live concerts titled Fujii Kaze Stadium Live “Feelin’ Good,” which consisted of 2 shows with 140,000 people at Nissan Stadium in Japan.
“Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024”, which was previously available only on Apple Music and Spotify, is now available on all streaming platforms.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
October 26: Singapore – Singapore Indoor Stadium November 2: Kuala Lumpur – Axiata Arena November 9: Bangkok – Impact Arena November 10: Bangkok – Impact Arena November 16: Taipei – Taipei Arena November 30: Jakarta – Beach City International Stadium December 4: Hong Kong – AsiaWorld-Arena December 10: Manila – SM Mall of Asia Arena December 14: Seoul – Gocheok Sky Dome And more…
Best of Fujii Kaze 2024-2024 ASIA TOUR in Manila
Date: 10 December 2024 Show Time: 8PM PHT Venue: Mall of Asia Arena
AOC, a global leader in gaming monitors and IT accessories and the #1 Gaming Monitor brand for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023*, is thrilled to announce the AOC Masters 2024, set to take center stage at the Thailand Game Show from October 18th to 20th, 2024. This premier event will bring together top gamers and esports enthusiasts from around the world for an unforgettable weekend of competitive gaming, entertainment, and community engagement.
International VALORANT Tournament Kicks Off with Local Qualifiers
The AOC Masters 2024 will feature an exciting VALORANT tournament with representatives from 10 regions: Australia & New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Middle East (MEA), Taiwan, and South Korea. The event will kick off with local qualifiers, giving each region’s top players to realize their dream to play like a pro, competing in a series of competitive events in mid-September 2024 where the exact dates will differ depending on the region. The top two players from each region will earn a coveted spot to represent their country at the main AOC Masters 2024 event in Bangkok on October 19, 2024. This prestigious event’s total prize value will be more than USD 30,000, including a cash prize pool of USD 3000. The qualifying matches will be held in various formats, including 1v1, Tandem Mode, and a 5v5 Show Match. This global high-stakes competition is a testament to AOC’s commitment to fostering local gaming talent and providing elite players with a platform to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Consumer promotion: AOC Masters Consumer Promo
Promo Duration: August 27, 2024 – September 27, 2024
AOC Monitor Philippines is thrilled to announce the AOC Masters Consumer Promo, an exciting opportunity for you to win a spectacular grand prize! Here’s your chance to embark on a thrilling adventure and experience the vibrant culture of Thailand. Don’t miss out!
The Local Philippine qualifier registration is currently ongoing. There are two categories in the Philippine Qualifiers, one is for KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) with a single platform following of not less than 15,000 and combined platforms following of 20,000. The other is for non-professional gamers who have not been a professional for the last 12 months. The winner from each group will be representing the Philippines at the regional playoff to be held at the Thailand Game Show from October 18th to 20th, 2024.
For more information visit the AGON by AOC Facebook page
Cosplay Contest, Mini Concert, and Interactive Booth Activities
The event will offer more than just esports competition. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant cosplay contest showcasing creative fan costumes, as well as a mini concert featuring live performances from popular artists – creating a true festival-like atmosphere. Beyond the stage, the AOC booth will host a variety of walk-in tournaments, including TFT and LoL ARAM. This will allow attendees to participate and compete for exciting prizes. Visitors can also take the opportunity to experience the latest high-performance AOC gaming products firsthand, including QD-OLED monitors AG276QZD2 and AG346UCD, Mini-LED monitor Q27G4XM, Google Monitor with AI features Q27G4XY, and more.
“As a long-standing supporter of the global esports community, AOC is thrilled to present the AOC Masters 2024 tournament,” said Kevin Wu, General Manager at MMD Singapore. “This event embodies our commitment to innovation and fostering elite gaming talent worldwide. We look forward to delivering immersive experiences and showcasing the latest advancements in gaming technology to our passionate fans and players.”
The AOC Masters 2024 at the Thailand Game Show promises an action-packed weekend filled with gaming excellence and entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned esports fan or new to the scene, this event has something for everyone. Stay tuned for our upcoming local qualifiers and KOL activities, then join us in Bangkok during the main event for an unforgettable experience.
* No.1 Gaming Monitor Brand 2023, according to IDC Quarterly Gaming Tracker: Gaming Monitor 2023Q4 (≥144Hz)
Creatives, like writers and artists, share a similar vein. When they’re starting out, they write about or create from what they know. As they mature and explore different aspects, however, their style evolves—it becomes richer, more varied. This blossoming of lush creativity is now on display at ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo where the works of six female artists are in the spotlight.
“Her Art, Her Story: Celebrating Women’s Narratives” explores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams as conjured by Aed Solis, Dolores Van, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, Mary Joy Ann Cruz Tuaño, Maxi Cajayon Tungol, and Yam Tamayo. All six are members of the ARTipolo Group.
Pol Mesina, head of ARTipolo chose the six artists for the ARTablado exhibit because of their distinct styles and their surprising use of color. “They each have their own identities and a sizable portfolio. More importantly, they’re unafraid of showing their emotions through the art they create,” he said.
Solis started out by combining social realism with pastels but has evolved to realism using acrylics. “I paint to discover an art with freedom and no boundaries. I paint to express to others—the society, the environment—the things that I feel. It makes me happy,” Solis said.
A classically trained artist in charcoal portraiture, Van Duijvenbode describes her art style as “intuitive” and based on strongly-felt emotions. “I paint to reignite my spark [as I am] coming back to a craft I never lost. I paint because I am passionate and love what I do. I want to inspire others to follow in my footsteps but to continue to go for their dreams,” Van Duijvenbode said.
Aside from being a visual artist, Castillo is an author, journalist and poet. The intuitive artist has participated in local and international exhibits where her abstract, expressionist and surrealist style has been on display.
“I paint because through art, I can express my innermost emotions,” Castillo said. “When my muse prompts me, I create multiverses which depict worlds in all their beauty and madness. I also believe that art is therapeutic and helps to heal us emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and physically,” she added.
Tuaño describes her style of creating as a “progressive artistic experiment” and likens the act of painting to cooking a meal. “Painting and cooking are essentially the same experience: the thrill of creation, reconnection with sentiment or nostalgia, and finally consumption for enjoyment. The way I enjoy painting is similar to the way I enjoy cooking, where I prepare the ingredients, create a dish, and have loved ones and friends enjoy its sumptuous tastes afterwards. Except with art, the consumption never ends; it endures through time,” Tuaño said.
Tamayo is a practicing lawyer and a self-taught artist. She describes her abstract works as “out of the box” because she wants the end result to feel random and unplanned—like “a colorful mess.”
“Painting is a form of release from the stress of having to constantly face adversaries as part of my day job as a litigation lawyer. When I paint, I only see beauty even in the darkest of hues, or the most torturous aspect of the creative journey,” Tamayo said.
Tungol is another self-taught artist who bravely works with mixed media. She is known for combining different paints such as oil, acrylic, gouache and raw, powdered pigments with lace, gems, sand and charcoal.
“Painting is an opportunity for me to become productive. It’s also so I can retain a semblance of individuality,” Tungol said.
Tamayo put it best when she said, “If the eyes are the window to the soul, I would say a painting is a reflection of one’s innermost being. It is never impersonal. It is you, but in bits and pieces, in curves and lines, in drips and spots.”
This is not the ARTipolo Group’s first partnership with ARTablado and by the looks of things, it won’t be the last. “We continue to partner with ARTablado because it provides us artists with a platform to showcase our works and to reach a wider audience,” Mesina said, adding that its location inside Robinsons Antipolo makes it accessible to both art enthusiasts and mall goers alike.
“Her Art, Her Story: Celebrating Women’s Narratives” runs until August 31 at ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo.
In celebration of Project PEARLS’ 14th anniversary, Globe and TM customers can now help combat hunger in the country and give disadvantaged children a better life by donating their Rewards points to the organization through the GlobeOne app.
Project PEARLS, a partner of Globe’s hunger alleviation program, The Hapag Movement, has been tirelessly working since 2010 to provide education, empowerment, nutrition, and healthcare to communities in need across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zambales.
As it enters another year of service, Project PEARLS is expanding its fundraising efforts to reach more supporters and make an even greater impact.
“We are happy to partner with Globe in offering this convenient yet impactful way for its customers to contribute to our cause,” said Melissa Villa, Project PEARLS Founder and Executive Director. “Every donation, no matter how small, helps us provide nutritious meals, education, and healthcare to children and families in need.”
Globe and TM customers can donate as little as one Rewards point to Project PEARLS, making it easier than ever for individuals to support the organization’s vital work. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Hapag Movement’s goal of leveraging technology and partnerships to drive collective action for sustainable development.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Project PEARLS on its 14th anniversary of making a profound difference in communities across the Philippines,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. “To mark this milestone, we are excited to empower more people to join the fight against hunger by offering our customers the opportunity to donate their Rewards points to Project PEARLS via the GlobeOne app.”
In addition to the new GlobeOne app donation channel, Project PEARLS is commemorating its anniversary with other exciting initiatives.
Project PEARLS has launched a virtual charity auction, offering supporters the chance to bid on exclusive items such as a Taylor Swift-signed acoustic guitar, framed NBA jerseys autographed by basketball legends Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Steph Curry, a trip to Tuscany, and more. While primarily targeting US-based supporters, these prizes can be shipped worldwide, expanding the reach of Project PEARLS’ fundraising efforts.
The anniversary celebrations will culminate in a gala event at the end of the month, bringing together some of Project PEARLS’ biggest partners, including Globe and Canva. This event will highlight the organization’s achievements and reinforce its commitment to creating lasting change in communities across the Philippines.
Globe’s collaboration with Project PEARLS started earlier this year. The organization became an international partner of the Hapag Movement, enabling US-based individuals and corporations to contribute to the cause through the dedicated platform at https://givebutter.com/c/globe_projectpearls/. This alliance has opened up new avenues for global engagement, particularly among the 4 million Filipino-Americans in the United States.
The Hapag Movement, launched in 2022, has already made significant strides in addressing hunger in the Philippines. To date, it has provided food packs to over 95,000 Filipinos and produced 2,662 livelihood training graduates, with 2,361 of them successfully starting their own small businesses.
Despite these efforts, the need for continued support remains crucial. In June 2024, 17.6% of Filipino families reported experiencing involuntary hunger or had nothing to eat at least once, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey. This is an increase from 14.2% in March 2024.
Hapag Movement and Project PEARLS call on the public to support its various fundraising activities as every contribution helps the organization move closer to its vision of a world where no child goes hungry.
In celebration of Ghost Month, an August tradition believed to be a time when the spirits of the dead come to visit the living, Ayala Malls Cinemas is holding their annual Thrill Fest on August 21 until September 3. This year’s lineup consists of spine-tingling horror and thriller Hollywood classics that are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year – old goodies that are back once again on the big screen for a limited time only. Even more spooktacular? Movie lovers can watch remastered versions of these frightening old favorites for only P200 – P250.
Opening this year’s festival, dubbed “Thrill Fest: The Ghost Month Classic Film Series,” are “Interview with the Vampire,” celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and “Gremlins,” originally released in 1984 and turning 40 this year. These two films, starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood – Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Phoebe Cates – will be showing in participating Ayala Malls Cinemas during the first week of Thrill Fest from August 21 to 27.
Read on to find out why you shouldn’t miss the rare opportunity to watch these classic movies on the big screen!
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (1994) What: In “Interview with the Vampire,” 200-year-old vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt) shares his story with reporter Daniel Molloy (Christian Slater), chronicling two centuries of desire, love, yearning, grief, terror, ecstasy and regret.
Why: Beautiful, mysterious and powerful – vampires are endlessly alluring creatures. Throw in both Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in the mix and it doesn’t get more alluring and classic than that.
GREMLINS (1984) What: In the idyllic small town of Kingston Falls, struggling inventor Randall Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) returns home with an unusual pet, called a Mogwai, as a gift for his son Billy (Zach Galligan). Taking care of the Mogwai is simple as long as they follow three important rules: Keep the Mogwai away from water, don’t expose him to bright lights, and never feed him after midnight. But the rules are broken, and the consequences literally multiply at an alarming rate.
Why: Cute one minute, horrifying the next. From the mind of Christopher Columbus, responsible for children’s classics “Home Alone” 1 and 2, and the first three “Harry Potter” films, the horror-comedy of “Gremlins” was so irresistible that the Steven Spielberg couldn’t pass up the opportunity to produce the film.
Only on the big screen
The Thrill Fest runs for two straight weeks, from August 21 to September 3, offering moviegoers a rare cinematic experience. This exclusive opportunity is quite affordable too! For only P200 – P250, audiences can watch these classics where they were originally made for – on the big screen. After “Interview with the Vampire” and “Gremlins” on August 21 to 27, moviegoers can enjoy from August 28 to September 3 two other classics celebrating their anniversaries this year: the horror-slasher “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984) and thriller “The Towering Inferno” (1974).
Catch the classic films of the Thrill Fest for only P250 in the following Ayala Malls Cinemas branches: Glorietta, Greenbelt, The 30th, Circuit, Market Market, Fairview Terraces, Feliz, Trinoma, UPTC, Manila Bay, Harbor Point and Solenad.
Movie tickets for the Thrill Fest are at P200 in the following branches: Ayala Center Cebu, Centrio, Capitol Central and Central Bloc.
Ayala Malls Cinemas ensure an enhanced and enjoyable movie-watching experience, thanks to their state-of-the-art facilities, including plush seating, generous legroom, cutting-edge laser projections, better images and superior audio technologies like Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos.
Ayala Malls Cinemas also exclusively offer the rare chance to watch old movies on the big screen, allowing audiences to re/discover timeless masterpieces and experience them the way filmmakers originally intended for them to be seen. Where classic movies are concerned, there’s a whole other – and bigger – world than the smartphone streaming experience. So hurry and book your tickets to the Thrill Fest now!
Make sure to catch the festival’s four classics – “Interview with the Vampire,” “Gremlins,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “The Towering Inferno” – during their limited festival run in Philippine cinemas from August 21 to September 3. For more information on screening schedules and to book tickets, movie enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Ayala Malls Cinemas FB and IG pages. You may book your tickets in advance by visiting www.sureseats.com or any of the participating cinemas.
The FDCP, under its government mandate, leads the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM). In its fourth year, PFIM 2024 promises an unforgettable tribute to the nation’s cinematic heritage, with the theme ‘Tuloy ang Tradisyon ng Pelikulang Pilipino,’ honoring the legacies of National Artists for Film, especially marking the 100th birth anniversary of Eddie Romero.
Throughout September, the FDCP will bring the nation together through a series of film screenings, events, and new initiatives designed to showcase the cultural and historical importance of these cinematic icons.
Below is the calendar of activities for the Philippine Film Industry Month 2024:
Sept. 1 – PFIM Opening Ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater
The Philippine Film Industry Month will commence with a special screening of Eddie Romero’s 1980 period drama film “Aguila” and a mini-exhibit for Eddie Romero at the historic Metropolitan Theater. Through this special tribute, the FDCP aims to pay homage to Romero’s cinematic legacy that continues to inspire contemporary Filipino filmmakers and audiences.
This event is in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Metropolitan Theater with the support of FPJ Productions.
Sept. 4-27 – Pamanang Pelikula: Honoring the Masterpieces of National Film Legends at FDCP Cinematheque Centres
The FDCP will present classic films by National Artists at Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao, and Nabunturan, with accompanying talkbacks. On September 4, Cinematheque Centre Manila will host an exhibit and screening of canonical works that significantly contributed to Philippine cinema.
The films to be screened at Cinematheque Centres nationwide are: ● “Aguila” directed by Eddie Romero ● “Anak Dalita” by Lamberto Avellana ● “Ang Panday” directed by Fernando Poe, Jr. ● “Bulaklak ng City Jail” directed by Mario O’Hara and top-billed by Nora Aunor ● “Genghis Khan” by Manuel Conde ● “Karnal” directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by Ricky Lee ● “Manila by Night” directed by Ishmael Bernal ● “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag” directed by Lino Brocka ● “Moises Padilla Story” directed by Gerry de Leon ● “Perfumed Nightmares” directed by Kidlat Tahimik
Sept. 13 – PFIM Gala Night at the Teatrino Promenade
The PFIM Gala Night, the highlight of Philippine Film Industry Month, will honor National Artists for Film with special performances by celebrities and celebrate industry milestones with filmmakers, luminaries, and officials.
Sept. 14 – Films for Peace Opening at Intramuros Centro de Turismo
The FDCP will officially launch Films for Peace on September 14 along with a special screening of Mario O’Hara’s “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.” Films for Peace recognizes film as a powerful tool to promote conflict resolution, cultural dialogue, and social justice.
Sept. 15-21 – Films for Peace screenings at Cinematheque Centres
The Films for Peace lineup features Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Bagong Buwan, Sheron Dayoc’s Women of the Weeping River, and Mario O’Hara’s Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, screening nationwide at Cinematheque Centres.
On September 15, Cinematheque Centre Nabunturan will host a panel with Mindanaoan filmmakers and a screening of Kip Oebanda’s Liway, focusing on cinema’s role in promoting conflict resolution and social cohesion.
Sept. 17-18 – Film Education Convention (FilmEC) at De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde
The inaugural Film Education Convention (FilmEC) is a dynamic two-day event showcasing top student films, engaging panel discussions, and film book sales. Designed for students and educators, FilmEC aims to elevate film education in the Philippines and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
Sept. 18-24 – PFIM x PCIM: Sine50: Pelikula ng Bayan Screenings and Film Talks at Trinoma, SM Southmall, Robinsons Galleria, and Cinematheque Centres
A joint celebration of PFIM and the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PFIM), Pelikula ng Bayan showcases regional films from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, celebrating Philippine cinema as a unified national treasure. In partnership with CEAP, selected films will screen at cinemas for only PHP 50.
● “Tu Pug Imatuy” by Arbi Barbarona ● “Cleaners” by Glenn Barit ● “Huwebes Huwebes” by Don Gerardo Frasco. Januar Yap, and Kris Villarino ● “Little Azkals” by Babyruth Villarama
Sept. 20-22 – Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival 2024 at Shangri-La Plaza
projects. Sine Kabataan, part of the PFIM celebration, offers a platform for youth to present their perspectives on contemporary issues through filmmaking.
Sept. 27 – PFIM x PCIM: DGPI-FDCP Film Pitch at Seda Vertis North
Following last year’s success, the FDCP and Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. will present DGPI-FDCP Film Pitch 2024. Fifteen selected filmmakers will pitch their projects to producers, with pre-event mentorship from an industry expert at the DGPI-FDCP Film Pitch Workshop on September 7.
Sept. 27 – PFIM Closing Ceremony at Seda Vertis North
The FDCP will conclude the 4th Philippine Film Industry Month with a closing ceremony honoring contributors to Philippine cinema. The event will feature the announcement of the Philippine entry for the 97th Academy Awards, unveil FDCP’s upcoming initiatives, and showcase PFIM 2024 highlights and FDCP’s achievements.
By celebrating Philippine Film Industry Month, the FDCP reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and sustaining the growth of Philippine cinema.
For more news and updates, visit FDCP’s official pages on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
From rapid weight loss diets to the latest hype on superfoods, the public’s fixation to look and feel healthier seems to have taken over our daily lives. While there is a lot of helpful information online, it remains to be a little-known fact that the key to unlocking health and wellness lies from within, beginning with proper gut care.
Thus, Erceflora Kiddie has relaunched into Erceflora Gut Defense, a probiotic drink that helps enhance the intestinal ecology, and Erceflora Gut Restore, which aids the enhancement of natural resistance to intestinal infection of children and adults.
Concept of health care and internal organs – intestines
“The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays an important role in digestion, nutritional absorption, and the immunological function of the human body,” says Dr. Yvonne Marie Ferrer, ASEA Medical Lead. “Moments of stress, foreign environments, improper food habits, and even select antibiotics can disrupt this ecosystem, often leading to gut imbalance.”
Gut health plays an active role in the body at any age, and an imbalanced gut can lead to a variety of health problems, including digestive difficulties, lower immunity, and even psychological disorders.
So, here are three signs that you are dealing with an unhealthy gut, according to the makers of Erceflora:
1. You constantly struggle with an upset stomach.
Abdominal pain, frequent bowel discomfort, and diarrhea are probably the most common symptoms of an unhealthy gut. Whether your stomach aches are caused by the consumption of uncleaned food and water, intake of certain medications, or simply changes in your diet, these factors can determine the way our gut functions.
2. You often experience the symptoms of a “lazy gut.”
Nausea, inconsistent stools, and bloating are all signs that you have a what is called a “lazy gut.” Lazy gut is usually accompanied by constipation or painful bowel movement, a condition characterized by slow or sluggish digestion, hindering your body to absorb nutrients and process food efficiently.
3. You usually have low mood and energy levels.
Astonishingly, the gut also plays a major role in mood and energy regulation. People with chronic fatigue, depressive episodes, or poor sleep patterns may be silently dealing with imbalances in the gut as well, since majority of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut.
Healthy Gut, Happy Life
Probiotics like Erceflora with billions of 4-strain Bacillus clausii offer targeted products for different gut needs, fit for all age groups. It is scientifically formulated to either restore and maintain gut health, ultimately helping the body regulate intestinal flora, enhance immunity, and fight certain diseases.
“Probiotics are an essential ally in maintaining and enhancing gut health for all ages,” says Dr. Ferrer. “Supporting your gut not only through the nutritious dishes we consume or the exercises we allot time for, but also in choosing the right probiotics can improve your well-being and strengthen your immune system.”
When taken daily, ErcefloraGut Defense is good for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and can best support moments of gut vulnerability such as changes in routine and travelling.
While Erceflora Gut Restore, a quick relief supplement that aids in re-establishing a healthy microbiome and enhancing nutrient absorption, , especially during antibiotic usage and episodes of acute dirrhea that can disrupt the health of the body’s gut flora.
You can purchase a box of Erceflora in your nearest drug store or pharmacy, or online through the Sanofi Official Store at LazMall, Shopee Mall, and Tiktok Mall. For more information, visit the Erceflora website here.
To know more about the right Erceflora probiotic for you, take the gut assessment test here.
Makati Diamond Residences proudly brought home a remarkable 19 medals from the 14th edition of the Philippine Culinary Cup, held at the SMX Convention Center last July 31 to August 3, 2024. This prestigious event, where the best meet to compete, celebrated culinary excellence, and Makati Diamond Residences was honored with accolades across 15 award categories.
Senior Sous Chef Jemelle Arlo Baarde led the charge clinching the gold medal in the highly competitive Creative Breakfast Challenge. His award winning dish, Tasmanian salmon sisig with creamy mashed potatoes, poached egg in mushroom broth and coriander, crispy fried spinach and squash flower showcased a harmonious blend of savory and umami flavors. Chef Baarde’s dedication to his craft is evident in his mantra, “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today”.
Silver medals were awarded to Sous Chef Jessienor Paet, who impressed with his Pork chorizo with fried egg yolk, tinapa rice, and pomelo salad in the Creative Breakfast Challenge, and to Sous Chef Allan Mislos for his pasta entry, featuring Divella Rigatoni, Guanciale, Tomato and red pepper sauce and ricotta sage cream.
The team’s collective excellence was further highlighted by nine bronze medals awarded across individual and team categories. Notable individual winners include Sous Chef Jonathan Bareza with recognition in the Plant Based Diet Meals, U.S Lamb, U.S. Beef, and U.S. Pork categories. Senior Sous Chef Jemelle Arlo Baarde was honored in the Poultry and Pasta categories. Commis 2 Chef Bryan Rosales was awarded for his entry in Plant Based Diet Meals, Chef de Partie John Robert Arevalo was recognized in the U.S. Lamb category, Chef de Partie Cherwin P. Torralba was awarded in the U.S. Pork category, and Sous Chef Allan Mislos was honored in the pasta category.
The Filipino Cuisine Challenge also saw success with Sous Chef Allan Mislos and Commis 2 Chef Jan Paul B. Apas delivering a delightful fusion of local flavors, featuring dishes like Balbacua na may ginabot, etag at pinuneg, Blatinao, sinangag sa adobong pusit na may kibitz, and Sinisig na manok at hipon na may bu-ow. Additionally, Commis 3 Chef Nilo R. Peñaverde Jr. and Commis 2 Chef Roldan Bayucan impressed the judges with their creation of Dinengdeng na may inihaw na hito, Sinangag na may bagoong sa gata at ensaladang manga, and Kare kareng buntot ng baka sa kalabasa at mani.
In the Dream Team Challenge, Senior Sous Chef Mario Abrio, Commis 1 Chef Sheena Jireh Echague, and Commis 2 Chef Mon Paolo Nogrado delivered a well-rounded three-course meal. The team served Pan seared scallops and ikura salmon with avocado, burnt corn puree, tomato and cucumber aspic, crispy caviar and creamy onion leeks sauce. This was followed by a main course of Stuffed pork loin roulade with roasted pumpkin risotto, caramelized onion and pommery mustard sauce, culminating in a decadent Chocolate apricot success cake.
Makati Diamond Residences continues to set the standard for culinary excellence in the Philippines. We invite you to experience award-winning cuisine at Alfred or discover a thoughtfully curated menu for your next corporate or social event. Our doors are open to delight your palate and create memorable dining experiences.
Makati Diamond Residences is located at Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229. For more information, contact (63 2) 5317 0999 or visit www.makatidiamond.com or email reservations@makatidiamond.com. Check facebook.com/MakatiDiamondResidences or follow @makatidiamondresidences in Instagram for more updates.
This month, Banana Republic is squeezing every last drop out of the season inspired by the city of New York, where a day can take you anywhere. Inspired by the endless energy and charismatic culture, we reach for effortless layers ready to hit the streets.
See the world wearing natural fibers like soft, sumptuous silk and beautiful, naturally breathable linen and cotton. Offering ultimate versatility and timeless style, delight in the act of simply getting dressed, from layering an irresistibly soft cotton cardigan sweater over a classic slim-fit t-shirt andpants.
Men’s shirts are a foundational piece in any wardrobe. But when away on business or pleasure, styling options may tend to run low. That’s where BR comes to the rescue with layerable pieces to draw out your closet with ease. Take our men’s dress shirts and style them three ways. Sure, this classic style looks incredible alone, but have you considered wearing it under our men’s sweaters? Or perhaps unbuttoned and layered over a casual t-shirt and men’s casual pants.
