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Empowering Mompreneurs: PLDT Home Supports Madiskarte Moms

PLDT Home believes that the future of Philippine entrepreneurship is female and digital, and the company is proud to support Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH). MMPH is an online community of mompreneurs who are building and growing their online businesses while taking care of their families at home. With the fastest broadband internet provider in the country, PLDT Home supports this group of 153,000 community members by providing digital business tools, knowledge and skills training, and networking opportunities. The group has helped many of its members grow their side hustles into booming online home businesses that have allowed them to support and build dreams for their families.

These successful mompreneurs share the most important lessons they’ve learned

The group became not only a go-to space for digital business tools, basic and necessary knowledge and skills training, and networking opportunities, but it also became an emotional and mental support system. MMPH believes in the importance of giving recognition to the passion and resilience that the members have shown all throughout their entrepreneurial journey, especially during the pandemic.

Hence, MMPH launched the Gawad Madiskarte Awards in 2022 to highlight and celebrate the most outstanding mompreneurs in the community. The winners were rewarded with more of the support that they need to expand their business further and their stories serve as an inspiration to every mompreneur who are working hard to reach their own dreams of success.

Mompreneurs who inspire

For mompreneur and Diskarteng Solid Award winner Abigail Madrigal, support from many people is always crucial when trying to get a business off the ground. She sold high-quality bedsheets on online selling platforms while balancing a full-time job and raising a toddler during the pandemic.

“I started this business with the capital of P10,000—equivalent to 50 yards of fabric in five designs that were sewn by my Nanay. Now, we have the house next to ours as a production area, with rolls and thousand yards of fabrics in almost 100+ designs,” she shared.

“MMPH gave me the important backing that I needed when I was starting. This platform landed me several clients and the word-from-mouth created from these transactions started the growth and reputation of my store, Mommy Matters. The posts that I read in the group also inspired me to work better on my venture,” Abigail said.

Kaylynn Adolfo of The Asian Mommy is a Diskarteng Eco-Friendly winner for her line of locally-made reusable cloth diapers. Her business follows her staunch zero-waste advocacy, exemplified with the reusable diapers and environmentally friendly packaging.

Kaylynn learned that the network of like-minded people you meet can also be your biggest supporters and customers. “Through the Madiskarte Moms community, I have met moms that are now my suppliers,” she said. “I have also taken advice from other moms that has helped my brand flourish. The group has also helped me find customers multiple times.”

Protecting the environment is likewise the advocacy of Rosanna Dela Cruz Kabiling of Something Nice Environmental Corp., a winner for the Diskarteng May Puso award, whose biggest lesson was that committing to a good cause can bring you success.

Her business deals with the proper transport, treatment, disposal of hazardous waste; and reduce, reuse, recycle of scrap material for local and multinational companies. She values the supportive network that she has built with MMPH.

“I am happy to see a lot of mommies today who are open-minded enough to start their own business and who are fulfilling their dreams. The group helps me to realize how blessed I am,” Rosanna said.

Madiskarte Mom Theresa Carbonell Buenaflor of Ellana Mineral Cosmetics was chosen for the Diskarteng Digital award, for using social media platforms to reach her customer base with her skincare, body care, and makeup products. Her inspiring insight is that one should always use technology and digital trends for better chances of success.

“MMPH helped us believe that there are still good people out there who support our brand, especially during the challenges of the pandemic,” Theresa said. “I’m grateful for the support and reception of this group because it helped me believe that there are still good people out there who can support each other in these tough times.”

Lou Neri Putian was the 2022 Diskarteng Home Biz winner. She has emerged successful with her Sy Glow cosmetics and skincare products that are available through direct sales. She was able to thrive and properly manage her home business despite being a full-time mom raising her three kids, proving thatwith some diskarte and the right motivation, it is never impossible for moms to balance a business and being a mother.

“I was inspired by the other Madiskarte Moms of the group in growing my business, which I juggled together with taking care of my kids at home,” she says.

PLDT Home aims to support the online community further, and help empower more women to achieve business success.

PLDT Home is set to hold the second Gawad Madiskarte Awards in May 2023 to recognize the Madiskarteng Pinays who have shown excellence in growing their online home businesses and positive attitude in helping and inspiring other fellow mompreneurs. To know more about this year’s Gawad Madiskarte Awards, join the Madiskarte Moms PH online community here: https://pldthome.info/GawadMadiskarteWomensMonth2023.

March 30, 2023
WATCH: Wes Anderson’s New Sci-fi Movie ‘Asteroid City’ Unveils Trailer

The trailer for the upcoming movie Asteroid City has been released, giving us a glimpse of Wes Anderson’s sci-fi flick and the director’s unique style in bringing together captivating colors in his movies. Watch the trailer for Asteroid City below:

Taking place in the fictional American desert town circa 1955, the movie revolves around the Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention where the organizers, students, and parents across the country who are taking part in the convention are suddenly dragged into the center of world-changing events.

The film has a star-studded cast that includes Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Margot Robbie, and Hong Chau. Completing the lineup are Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, Ed Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Stephen Park, Rupert Friend, Matt Dillon, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan, Grace Edwards, Aristou Meehan, Sophia Lillis, Ethan Lee, Jeff Goldblum, and Rita Wilson.

Asteroid City is coming to US cinemas this June 16.

March 30, 2023
Action-Packed Quest Awaits Fans and Gamers in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”

Nintendo’s mustached hero Mario, along with the rest of the characters from the Super Mario Bros. that have been captivating gamers and fans for decades jump out of the game for The Super Mario Bros. Movie that will finally open in Philippine cinemas on April 19.

For the first time, iconic global entertainment brands Illumination and Nintendo join forces to create “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”, a new cinematic adventure starring pop culture’s most prominent plumber of the past four decades. Based on the world of Nintendo’s Super Mario games, the film invites audiences into a vibrant, thrilling new universe unlike any created before in an action-packed cinematic comedy event.

In “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”, while working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt, Jurassic World and The LEGO Movie franchises) and brother Luigi (Charlie Day, Horrible Bosses) are transported down a mysterious pipe and wander into a magical new world. But when the brothers are separated, Mario embarks on an epic quest to find Luigi. With the assistance of a Mushroom Kingdom resident Toad (Keegan-Michael Key, The Lion King) and some training from the strong-willed ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy, The Queen’s Gambit), Mario taps into his own power.

Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” features an extraordinary comedic cast, including Jack Black (Jumanji films) as Bowser, Seth Rogen (The Fabelmans) as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live) as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson (Family Guy) as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco (Green Book) as Spike, plus a special voice appearance by Charles Martinet, who has voiced the characters of Mario and Luigi in the Super Mario games for more than 30 years.

Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Super Mario games and producer of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, explains that the Super Mario world connects with so many people across the globe because it has continued to evolve since its conception. “Since I was a child, I longed to become a manga artist, and until around the time that I entered high school, my dream was to become one,” Miyamoto says. “Around then, I was imagining the characters I drew myself appearing in my own manga. Although the rail shifted to the game instead of manga, I believe that if my first game was not fun enough, the characters which appear in it would not have remained in everyone’s memories. Fortunately, the character which appeared in Donkey Kong, the very first game I developed, was remembered and recognized by many people, and allowed me to produce many series of games after that. For the people who play the game, the character was recognized as an alter ego of themselves which moves around on the TV screen. And Mario evolved along with the evolvement of digital technology. As I continuously produced a game of Mario whenever a new technology came out, Mario became a very unique character which is totally one of a kind.”

From Universal Pictures International, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” starts playing in local cinemas nationwide on April 19.

March 29, 2023
PPO Reaches Its Final Metamorphosis

Maestro Herminigildo Ranera takes the dais and performs with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for the finale concert of its 38th concert season on April 28, 2023, 8pm, at the CCP Live at the Metropolitan Theater.

The PPO resident and associate conductor is a multi-awarded musician who won top prizes at the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 1982 and 1983 for his performances in the Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba (Chamber Music) categories. He won second place at the 1983 League of Filipino Composers Competition for Young Composers. He has performed with various orchestras here and abroad, including the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Manila Philharmonic, the Philippine Pops Orchestra, the CSULB Symphony Orchestra, the Chia Yi Wind Orchestra, San Miguel Philharmonic, Transylvania Philharmonic Orchestra in Club, Romania, and the Philippine Pop Orchestra, among others. He has collaborated with his mentor, Fr. Manuel P. Maramba, O.S.B. in various CCP productions. He was the musical director and conductor of the Philippine Opera Companies’ OPERA NOW in 2005, the conductor of the world premiere of three Filipino Operas and Zarzuela. Founder of the Philippine Band Association (PHILBANDA), Dr. Ranera is currently the board member of the Asia-Pacific Band Directors Association and the adviser of Band Conductors League of the Philippines.

The PPO, under his baton, will premiere his very own music “Lola Basyang Miniature Suite,” alongside with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Christoph Willibald Gluck’s L’espoir renait dans mon ame from Orphee et Eurydice, and Gaetano Donizetti’s Prendi, per me sei libero from L’elisir d’amore.

The CCP resident orchestra continues its repertoire for its Concert VIII with Gioacchino Rossini’s Si, ritrovarla io giuro from La Cenerentola, Georges Bizet’s Je dis que rien ne m’epouvante from Carmen, and Gaetano Donizetti’s Quio! Vous m’aimez? from La fille du regiment, and Antonin Dvorak Symphony no. 9, op.95, E minor (“from the New World”).

The PPO shares the stage with young talented singers, soprano Mheco Joy Manlangit and tenor Radnel Del Rio Ofalsa.

A winner of multiple vocal competitions locally and internationally, Manlangit won first prize and the Audience Choice at the 2018 Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition, and second Prize at the 2017 Singapore International Festival of Music Competition. She has played various notable roles such as Maria Clara in CCP’s Noli Me Tangere the Opera, Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, and Lady Billows in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring. She is the current choir director of the Hudson Montessori School, and an active performing artist in New York and Manila.

Ofalsa, meanwhile, bagged the first prize in two National Vocal Competitions, the 2018 Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition, and the Best Interpretation of the Competition Piece at the 2017 NAMCYA Senior Voice Category. He was an Encouragement Award winner at the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in San Francisco District. He has performed at the CCP’s 50th Gala Concert, NAMCYA’s 45th Anniversary Concert, Paco Park Presents, UST Christmas Gala Concerts, NCCA’s Musikapuluan, the Friends of the Philippines Society USA Inc.’s Modern Day Filipino Heroes Concert, and the Mannes Sounds Festival.

Dubbed Metamorphosis, the 38th concert series serves as the battleground for the five shortlisted conductors vying for the musical director position. Watch out who will be named the PPO musical director.

Ticket prices for concerts are: Php 1,500, Php 1,200, Php 800 and Php 500. For inquiries and tickets, call CCP Box Office at 8832-3704 or email customercare@culturalcenter.gov.ph. Follow the official social media accounts of CCP in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates.

March 29, 2023
Beat the Heat with Chowking 13 SuperSangkap Halo-Halo

This delightful dessert is packed with 13 classic halo-halo sangkap or ingredients that offer a unique burst of flavors and textures with each bite that will leave you craving for more.

Chowking 13 SuperSangkap Halo-Halo

This summer favorite is filled with 13 classic halo-halo sangkap or ingredients: shaved ice, nata, langka, macapuno, saba, ube paste, red sago, ube ice cream, sweet milk, leche flan, yellow beans, monggo beans, and pinipig. All of these delicious ingredients are perfectly combined in one cup to create a refreshing and satisfying dessert.

If you’re feeling hot and sticky this summer, head to your nearest Chowking restaurant and treat yourself to this ultimate summer dessert. With this delightful combination of ingredients in one cup, every spoonful of SuperSangkap Halo-Halo is sure to make you feel cool and refreshed on even the hottest of days.

So if you’re looking for a sweet and refreshing way to beat the summer heat, head to your nearest Chowking restaurant and treat yourself to the ultimate summer dessert!

Not in the mood to leave the house? No problem! You can also enjoy this delightful dessert via takeout, drive-thru, and delivery through the Chowking app, GrabFood, and Foodpanda. With prices starting at PHP 59, you can indulge in this sweet treat without breaking the bank.

So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to the ultimate summer dessert with Chowking’s 13 SuperSangkap Halo-Halo and beat the heat in the most delicious way possible!

March 29, 2023
Bistro Group’s 6 New Restaurants at Estancia Mall

There is no such thing as ‘choice overload’ in the world of The Bistro Group. “More is better” is a good thing because guests get to choose whatever strikes their fancy. “Is it burger? Ribs? Pasta? Pizza? Dimsum?” The selection is extensive, diners gets to enjoy their favorite dishes without hopping from mall to mall.

This is what awaits you at Estancia Mall when Bistro opens six new restaurants with different cuisines meant to satisfy diverse palates: Italianni’s, TGIFridays, Denny’s, Randy’s Donuts, Texas Roadhouse and Modern Shang. Plus, Buffalo Wild Wings which has been opened in the mall since 2015.

Italianni’s

From the effusive Buon Giorno! to the complimentary bread basket, starters, mains and desserts, the whole customer experience at Italiann’s is one that is saved in guests’ memory banks for a long time. The menu features classics like the Spinach Artichoke Formaggio, Spaghetti Meatballs, Quattro Staggioni and Chicken Italianni’s and new fare including Grilled Pear Salad; Braised Beef Osso Bucco Platter; Halibut Al Cartoccio and Blueberry Mango Cheesecake. Located at G/F East Wing. Follow @italiannisph.

Texas Roadhouse

Yee Haw! Texas Roadhouse is now at Estancia Mall! Look at the menu and see legendary dishes that made them
famous in many parts of the world such as hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides and their famous freshly-baked bread. Enjoy a lively and fun meal, amidst a welcoming ambiance and an occasional line dance from the staff to keep the dining energy up. Located at G/F East Wing. Follow @texasroadhouseph.

Denny’s

From breakfast to lunch, snacks, dinner and late-night, the food at Denny’s is always comforting and hearty like the All-American Slam, Mom’s Spaghetti, South Carolina Fried Chicken and Denny’s Share Four All. Sit in one of the comfortable booths, order, eat and bond amidst a warm and welcoming ambiance. Located at G/F East Wing. Follow @dennysph.

TGIFridays

American-style food, legendary drinks, genuine personalized service, bartenders who rock, a highly-charged vibe- that sum up the TGIFridays experience. In the menu, Fridays Signature Ribs takes the lead, as well as Fried Mozzarella, Nachos, Burgers, Pizzas and more. Enjoy a 30% discount on the Happy Hour promo happening daily from2pm to 7pm. Located at The Royalton, Capitol Commons. Follow @tgifridaysph.

Randy’s

LA’s iconic donuts, Randy’s, provides that delightful sweetness from fluffier, airier and ginormous donuts! There are the Classic Glazed Raised as well the deluxe, fancy and premium ones such as S’mores, Fruit Loops Raised, Apple Fritter, Butter Crumb, Jelly Raspberry and Cake Sprinkles. Located at G/F East Wing. Follow @randysph

Modern Shang

Modern Shanghai hits the spot when on the lookout for dishes that are delicious, comforting and familiar. Enjoy
orders of Braised Pork Knuckle and Braised Pork Belly; Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Hakaw Shrimp Dumpling, Roasted Crispy Pork, Wok-Fried Beef with Broccoli, Orange Chicken, Deep Fried Squid and Birthday Noodles, among others. Located at G/F East Wing. Follow @modernshanghai.

March 29, 2023
Score Up to 50% Off on Samsung, Oppo, & Vivo Smartphones and More at This Sale

The Automatic Centre Outlet Store is set to host its highly anticipated Outlet Sale, featuring a discount guide with up to 50% off on select mobile and appliance products! With big brands such as Samsung, Vivo, and Oppo on offer, this sale is not one to be missed! Shoppers can enjoy discounts on smartphones, wearables, and tablets, among other electronic devices.

The Outlet Sale will take place from March 31 to April 3, 2023, at the Automatic Centre Outlet Store located at Benito Building, 11 Sheridan St. Mandaluyong City. Customers are advised to arrive early and take advantage of the great deals on offer. The store will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving shoppers ample time to browse and make their purchases. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big discounts on high-quality electronic devices from some of the biggest brands in the industry!

Here’s a list of some of the offers you can score at the Outlet Sale:

All major credit cards are accepted. Available for installment on select banks for up to 6 months.

March 29, 2023
The Only Sandals You Need This Long Holy Week Break

As the Holy Week break is just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your vacation plans and what you’ll be packing. And if there’s one thing everyone needs in their summer wardrobe, it’s a pair of comfortable sandals! Whether you’re planning on hitting the beach or exploring a new city, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best summer sandals that will take you from day to night in style.

The Pool Slide

Planning to lounge around the pool all day? Make sure to pack a trusty pair of slides! Beyond its ease of wear and comfort, they’re a surefire way to add a splash of color and playfulness to your feet. Keds’ Bliss II Cocktails Slides and Sperry’s Ombre Float Slide practically have “Poolside Happy Hour” written all over ‘em.

From Left: Bliss II Sandals Cocktails, P2890, Available in Keds stores nationwide. Women’s Float Slide Ombre, P3295, Available on Sperry’s website and stores nationwide.

The Utilitarian

If your trip involves a lot of walking and trekking around the locales you’ll be visiting, you need a pair that is as comfortable as is it secure on feet. Merrell’s Huntington and Bravada Backstrap sandals ride on the resurgence of the “90s normcore” trend, backing it up with added cushioning for shock absorption and enhanced traction for all your outdoor activities.

From Left: Men’s Huntington Sport Convert Sandal Boulder, P4395, Available on Merrell’s website and concept stores nationwide. Women’s Bravada Backstrap Sandal Brindle/Navy, P4195, Available on Merrell’s website and concept stores nationwide.

The Water Shoe

Water shoes are a must-have if you need a pair that can do it all, especially if getting wet is an inevitability. Merrell’s Hydro Mocs and Sperry’s Float Fish Core, both sharing a common EVA foam DNA, are getting their time in the sun nowadays (no pun intended) especially if you want something functional yet trendy while on the beach.

From Left: Women’S Hydro Moc Drift in Birch/Rose, P3095, Available in Merrell concept stores nationwide. Women’s Float Fish Core in Rose, P3095, Available in Sperry retail stores nationwide.

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The “Porma” Sandal

From Left: Trio Jute Platform Sandal, P4995, Available in Keds retail stores nationwide. Men’s Plushwave Dock Thong Tan, P3590, Available in Sperry retail stores nationwide.

Looking to have a picture-perfect OOTD post while vacation? Be sure to have a sleek and stylish pair with you to match all your resort-ready looks. We recommend Keds’ Trio Jute Platform Sandal for added height and Sperry’s Plushwave Dock Thongs for all your photo op needs. It also doesn’t hurt that they look great from day to night!

March 29, 2023
WATCH: Pixar’s New Film ‘Elemental’ Releases Trailer

Exciting news for Disney and Pixar fans – the new original feature film Elemental is coming to theaters this June! Today, the full trailer has been revealed, featuring a lively world filled with living elements. Watch the trailer for Elemental below:

The movie takes us to Element City, a spectacular world where the elements of air, earth, water, and fire live and work together. Ember, a fiery woman who always lived close to her home in Firetown, meets the empathetic water guy Wade and sets out to discover the bigger world outside her comfort zone. Other interesting characters include Clod, a street-smart Earth kid who is always around Ember and Gale, an air element with a big personality.

Photos courtesy of Disney

Elemental is directed by Peter Sohn with a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh with story by Sohn, Hoberg & Likkel and Hsueh. The film’s voice cast includes Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O’Hara, Mason Wertheimer, and Joe Pera.

On top of the feature film, the much-awaited Pixar short Carl’s Date will also premiere alongside the movie. It will follow the beloved old man from Up as he reluctantly agrees to go on a date. Elemental is set for a US release in US cinemas on June 16.

March 29, 2023
Enter the Dystopian World of “Black Knight”, Netflix’s Epic Series Premieres May 12th

Adapted from a widely acclaimed webtoon, Black Knight narrates the story of black knights, the delivery men who endanger their lives to transport essentials to people in a polluted and dystopian world, where strict social hierarchy is enforced. Starring Kim Woo-bin as the legendary delivery man and knight 5-8, the show has garnered significant enthusiasm from fans worldwide. Kim Woo-bin expressed, “I felt immense happiness while filming this series, and I sincerely hope that our collective efforts resonate with the viewers, and they too relish every moment of it, just as I did.”

The show features an impressive cast, including Song Seung-heon, who portrays the lone heir to the Chunmyung Group, Kang You-seok, who plays a young boy idolizing 5-8, and Esom, who stars as a major at the Defense Intelligence Command. This dream team works together to bring to life the stories of the characters as they navigate survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The series is helmed by director Cho Ui-seok, known for his remarkable work on acclaimed films such as Master, Cold Eyes, and The World of Silence.

The second teaser poster, capturing the legendary 5-8 unloading packages in the desolate landscape, signals the imminent worldwide release of Black Knight on May 12th, only on Netflix.

March 29, 2023