When kids started to go back to face-to-face classes, Goodday supported their learning journey by sharing tools that can help them have more enjoyable school days.
Goodday shared bottles of its yummy immunity-boosting cultured milk drink to approximately 24,000 Filipino students
Kids usually start the school year by meeting their classmates and teachers. To help them make introductions more fun and creative, Goodday recently visited five schools across the Philippines to provide approximately 24,000 students with customizable name tags, school supplies and bottles of Goodday. The cultured milk brand also visited 105 more schools and gave out Goodday products to help boost the immunity of students.
Goodday also attended the “Brigada Eskwela Kick-off” held by the Department of Education last August 2023, and shared around 400,000 bottles of Goodday, a cultured milk drink can help strengthen the immunity of students, and can also be a great baon companion.
“We recognize that students feel the importance of belonging, making friends, and being remembered among their classmates. By letting them customize their own name tags, they can inject their personalities and proudly wear them in campus to meet new people,” said Mian D. David, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Chief Marketing Officer. “We also believe that kids can do more and be more when they are healthy and active. As a brand who champions good well-being, we want to support them by sharing supplies that they can use in school, as well as by giving them a yummy healthy drink that can help boost their immunity.”
Goodday Cultured Milk is a must-have refreshment for students and the whole family. Made using Japanese technology, Goodday contains unique paraprobiotics Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849 or LAC Shield that is clinically proven to boost the immune system. It also helps with the production of antibodies that can protect people against disease-causing microorganisms.
This delicious drink comes in 80ml mini bottles and 350ml PET bottles that have a 12-month shelf life, so parents can definitely keep a stash of this at home. Whether it’s for daily consumption or a “baon” essential at school, the whole family can enjoy Goodday Cultured Milk anytime, anywhere, and choose from its three delightful flavors: Original, Strawberry, and Mango.
Paired with a proper diet and an active lifestyle, Goodday Cultured Milk can help provide daily “YUMImmunity” to students of all ages with its delicious flavors and all-around health benefits.
Shop Goodday at your nearby convenience stores and supermarkets, and online via e-commerce shops such as Shopee.
The holiday season is a time for giving and celebrating the spirit of community. This year, the First Bike Ride community brought these elements together in a unique way with their event, “The 12 Stops of Christmas”. This festive bike ride challenge was not just about fun and games but also about promoting an active lifestyle, building a community, and supporting local businesses.
First Bike Ride, founded in 2020 by Buji Babiera, has always been more than just a cycling group–it’s a platform that tells stories that inspire and move people while advocating for safer roads and better commutes. “I used to work for newspapers and magazines, and during the pandemic, work stopped. I still wanted to write stories and take photos, so I thought, maybe I’ll create a platform where I can still do these things,” shares Babiera.
This year’s “12 Stops of Christmas” event, co-organized with other bike groups such as Esteban Cycling Community, AltMobility, and Mobile in MNL, was a testament to their commitment to their cause. “It is our way of celebrating the holiday with the cycling community and bike-friendly businesses and, at the same time, open our doors to non-bikers,” says Babiera. More than just a celebration, it also served as a fundraiser, with portions of the registration earnings used to purchase bike lights for commuters who need them.
Moreover, the heart of First Bike Ride extends beyond events and initiatives. Recently, they rallied donations for Tatay Romy, whose story touched the hearts of many Filipinos. With their collective support, Tatay Romy received an e-bike, providing him and his family with a much-needed and comfortable mode of transportation. “I wanted to help Tatay Romy because his family really needed it. I never thought that his story would go viral and more people would help, which is great because it gives that sense of bayanihan and that there’s still hope in this difficult time,” Babiera reflects.
The “12 Stops of Christmas” celebrated what First Bike Ride stands for–a healthier, more active lifestyle, a stronger sense of community, and a push for safer, bike-friendly cities. As we look forward to the new year, we can only expect more inspiring initiatives from this dynamic community. After all, as Babiera himself said, “encouraging more people to bike can push people in power to create better roads.”
So here’s to more rides, more stops, and more positive changes in our communities!
Newlyweds Ella Pangilinan and Enrique Miranda give a peek on their special day that marked their journey to forever in Metro Weddings latest digital cover.
The couple recently tied the knot in a Filipiniana themed wedding with hints of Spanish flair held in Puerta Real Gardens in Intramuros. Ella donned a revival wedding dress of her mother, actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, with the help of renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel.
“When we presented the gown to Tito Rajo, we were really more of just ‘how can we revive this, how can we make this happen?’ And it was really up to him on how he wanted to—as he said—‘metamorphosize’ it. We really trusted him completely with the whole process, and we knew that he would really be able to pay homage to the original design and the designer himself,” Ella shared in her interview with Metro.
Enrique looked back on how fate led him to give Ella a symbolic engagement ring that has withstood the test of time. They also shared with Metro how their story began in Palacio de Memoria, a mansion that was restored by Enrique’s mother Angelique Lhuillier Miranda.
“When I told my mom that I needed a ring, she brought out some pieces. I could tell that she was kind of testing me, too, but growing up in the jewelry business, I had developed an ‘eye’ so when I picked one, my mom was so happy because it was a ring that my grandparents had given to her,” Enrique said.
Check out Ella and Enrique’s cover story on Metro Weddings. For more exclusive articles, follow @metrodotstyle on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok as well as Metro Magazine @metromagph on Instagram and Twitter and @Metro.Magazine on Facebook, or visit Metro.Style. #EllaXEnriqueOnMETRO #EllaYEnrique
Following the successful launch of its “Roam like a local” offer, Globe is set to expand its GoRoam promos to more key destinations around the world, providing travelers with the convenience of a roaming service plus affordable options comparable to local rates in those countries.
Globe’s GoRoam is now available in Singapore and the United States, with country-exclusive packages rivaling local SIM connectivity prices. This allows customers to use their mobile devices abroad with the same comfort and cost-efficiency they enjoy in their country of destination.
“We are revolutionizing the way Pinoys stay connected. Our expansion into these vital global markets is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers unparalleled connectivity and convenience wherever they go,” said Coco Domingo, Vice President of Globe’s Postpaid and International Business.
The new GoRoam offers include the following:
● 20GB of data valid for 30 days in Singapore for PHP1,500
● 20GB of data valid for 30 days in the USA for PHP3,000
Globe earlier introduced similar promos in other popular tourist destinations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and the UAE.
The previous GoRoam offers include the following:
● 3GB of data valid for 5 days in Hong Kong for PHP600
● 2.4GB of data valid for 10 days in Taiwan for PHP600
● 15GB of data valid for 8 days in Thailand for PHP800
● 5GB of data valid for 10 days in Malaysia for PHP800
● 8GB of data valid for 28 days in the UAE for PHP2,000
These offers are designed to provide Globe customers with ample data to stay connected while traveling, without the hassle of switching to a local SIM or renting a pocket WiFi. Customers can enjoy the benefits of retaining their Globe number and accessing their usual services, combined with the economic pricing and significant data allocation that compares favorably to local options.
GoRoam promos are available via the GlobeOne app. To register, access the app, click Buy Promos and search for GoRoam to see the available offers. Once registered, simply turn on your mobile data and data roaming to activate and start enjoying the promo abroad. You can easily manage and track your data usage on the app’s dashboard.
The launch of GoRoam in the United States and Asia, including the Middle East, reinforces Globe’s position as the Philippines’ mobile leader in roaming services, being the only telco with a “roam like a local” offer. The company plans to continue expanding its roaming services and offers to address the needs of its customers.
For more information about GoRoam and other offerings by Globe, please visit glbe.co/roam.
Cerebro, an edtech company, is marking this Christmas season with a target to double their just-breached 1,000-signature milestone on their petition to enhance the working conditions and resources available to Filipino teachers. In the spirit of giving and empowerment, Cerebro is inviting the public to join their advocacy for educators’ empowerment.
Amid the holiday cheer, Cerebro’s mission remains focused on empowering educators by ensuring optimal working conditions, resources, and support for their personal success and the success of their students.
According to Cerebro data, Filipino teachers devote a minimum of 400 hours annually beyond their regular work hours, leading to chronic issues that affect their well-being and their ability to deliver quality education. This Christmas, Cerebro is reaching out to parents, teachers, students, and the general public to participate in their campaign by signing the petition. By doing so, they can spread the joy of supporting teachers and improving their working conditions and resources, ultimately making a difference in the educational system.
With at least 70% of teachers worldwide feeling overworked and facing mental health challenges, advocating for optimal working conditions and resources for educators becomes all the more significant during this season of giving. Cerebro’s learning management system and digital content library services aim to make teachers’ lives more manageable, allowing them to reclaim valuable time for personal and social activities, especially during this season for family and reunions.
Justine Itugot, Founder and CEO of Cerebro, said, “As we celebrate this season of giving, do consider signing the petition to empower Filipino teachers. The petition is a powerful gift to demonstrate widespread support for change, which will be presented to relevant stakeholders, policymakers, and educational institutions. By championing this cause, we can ensure a brighter educational journey for every student and unlock the fuller potential of our country.”
To learn more about Cerebro and their advocacy for Filipino teachers, visit cerebro.ph.
About Cerebro:
Cerebro is an edtech company dedicated to empowering teachers and enhancing education. With ready-made lessons, customizable curriculum-based quizzes, and printable K-12 modules, Cerebro enables teachers to optimize their time, personalize instruction, and foster student engagement. By alleviating teachers’ workload, Cerebro supports their well-being and helps them create the best learning experiences for their students. For more information, visit https://cerebrolms.ph/.
As we approach the festive Holiday season, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls announces its modified operating hours for December 2023. You may refer to the mall schedules provided below and please be guided accordingly.
EASTWOOD CITY
December 1-30: Monday to Thursday – 10AM to 10PM | Friday to Sunday – 10AM to 11PM
December 24: 10AM – 8PM
December 25: 10AM – 11PM
December 31: 10AM – 2AM (Extended hours for Eastwood Citywalk)
January 1: 12NN – 10PM
UPTOWN BONIFACIO
December 1-14: Regular Mall Hours – 10AM – 10PM
December 15-23: 10AM – 11PM
December 24: 9AM – 8PM
December 25: 12NN – 11PM
December 26-29: 10AM – 10PM
December 30: 10AM – 11PM
December 31: 9AM – 8PM
January 1: 10AM – 10PM
VENICE GRAND CANAL AT MCKINLEY HILL
December 1-30: Weekdays (11AM-10PM); Weekends (10AM-11PM)
GCash invites you to be part of the 12 Days of Merry GCash celebration. Bringing plenty of merry experiences and exciting surprises every day, it’s the biggest giveaway of the season – and every GCash user from all regions has a chance to be a winner.
From December 4 to 15, you can be one of 9 winners nationwide of exciting major prizes daily, which includes the latest gadgets and GCash credits. Exclusive vouchers from select merchants and Alipay+ Rewards are also up for grabs.
Additionally, GCash is giving away a brand new motorcycle to 5 users, while a grand prize worth a staggering P1 Million GCash awaits for 1 lucky winner!
To join the 12 Days of Merry GCash, all verified GCash users simply need to use GCash daily to earn a raffle ticket.
Each use increases your chances of earning more raffle tickets and winning exciting prizes at the 12 Days of Merry GCash, whether it’s making payments on your favorite online stores, utilizing your GCash Card for convenient Christmas shopping at your preferred retail shops, or buying load to stay connected with loved ones. You can double your chances of winning by using the loan and lending products of GCash such as GGives, GCredit, or GLoan. Meanwhile, when you Scan to Pay at Burger King and Toys “R” Us this December and use GCash to pay online in Lazada and foodpanda, you triple your opportunities to win!
Enjoy Exclusive Deals & Promos Every Day with GCash This December
With everyone excitedly counting down to Christmas, GCash is also going to sprinkle your whole month of December with daily deals and delightful surprises.
Pay with GCash and enjoy these deals at your favorite stores everyday – and that’s not all! Head on over to your GCash app to see even more deals to catch every day.
Ready to join in on the holiday celebration like never before? Lahat Ay Merry this 2023 with GCash kaya download the GCash App and be part of the biggest holiday celebration of the year!
Coca-Cola Philippines brought together a diverse group of stakeholders on November 16, 2023, to discuss locally relevant water issues and explore collaborative solutions for addressing these water-related challenges.
Among the speakers were Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Sen. Grace Poe, US Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission Y. Robert Ewing, Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) Director for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) President Cecile Alcantara.
Water is the primary ingredient used in Coca-Cola beverages and is an essential resource for the well-being of communities around the world. With a presence in more than 200 countries and territories, The Coca-Cola Company believes it has a responsibility to protect local water resources and help people who live in places that face water scarcity.
“In the Philippines, we invest in initiatives to reduce water in making beverages and to treat and reuse water where possible. The goal is to return to nature and communities the amount of water used to produce our finished beverages. Efforts to preserve nature and biodiversity and promote advanced water management practices are among our company’s priorities,” said Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario. “We have an array of partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and communities to generate an even bigger impact and we encourage others to join us in these efforts.”
To accelerate its actions on water, The Coca-Cola Company launched this year its holistic 2030 Water Security Strategy, which focuses on the following:
● Achieve 100% circular water use across 175 facilities globally identified as leadership locations.
● Form partnerships to improve the health of 60 critical watersheds worldwide.
● Return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally between 2021 to 2030.
“Coca-Cola has significantly contributed to water stewardship and in the pillars of water access, sanitation and health, watershed conservation, and water for productive use. They have demonstrated that the private sector can be pivotal in addressing water-related challenges,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
US Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission Y. Robert Ewing also commended Coca-Cola Philippines for its efforts. “Coca-Cola has been a long-standing partner of the U.S. government. I am proud of our strong partnership and shared commitment to providing water access, sanitation, and health services to underserved communities while conserving valuable water resources for future generations. Building a water-secure Philippines is a shared goal that we can achieve by working together.”
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe, Chairperson of the Senate Public Services Committee, renewed her call for the creation of the Department of Water. “Water is indispensable for leading a life of human dignity. Let us work together to lift the floodgates of bureaucracy, attain sustainable consumption and production, and ensure that clean water flows to every household like a mighty stream.”
Efficient water use in manufacturing
CCBPI has improved its national water use efficiency across 18 manufacturing plants throughout the country through stringent water-saving initiatives. From 2015 to 2022, CCBPI saved approximately 11 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to about 4,400 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“Our passion for water sustainability is evident in the way we operate. From conducting Source Water Vulnerability Assessments to understanding and monitoring our water sources, making sure that we improve on our water use in our plants, to ensuring that we have the right people and the right technological investments in our facilities,” shared Atty. Juan Lorenzo Taňada, Director for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs of CCBPI.
Improving watershed health
CCFPI prioritizes nature-based solutions as a way to conserve watersheds using natural processes such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable agriculture. Together with WWF Philippines, the Foundation has worked to improve the health of Ipo Watershed, one of the main sources of water of Metro Manila.
Their 5-year partnership has replenished approximately 400 million liters of water per year due to decreased runoff, helped reduce 2,500 metric tons of CO2 per year from reforestation, and improved sustainable food supply for the people living in the community.
Helping communities access safe and clean water
Coca-Cola Philippines aims to return to nature and communities the amount of water used to produce its finished products and help increase access to drinking water, sanitation, and washing facilities for the most impacted communities.
Through the Foundation, the company collaborates with more than 25 partners nationwide to make these goals happen. For instance, CCFPI’s partnership with the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation for over a decade has led to the installation of more than a hundred ram pump projects across the country, providing water for domestic use and helping reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
“The results of our water stewardship program testify to the power of collaboration on our shared advocacy on water security. We are committed to continue working with partners to reach more Filipino communities in the future,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of CCFPI.
For more information on the sustainability initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines, follow the company’s social media channels: @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram—or visitwww.coca-cola.com.ph.
News broke out several hours ago that Daryl Hall filed a restraining order on John Oates, his partner in the famed pop and soul duo, Hall and Oates. Details are unavailable as all court documents are sealed as per Hall’s request. The only matter that is known is that it is filed in court as a “contract/debt” dispute.
In a podcast interview with Bill Maher in 2022, Hall revealed to the comedian that both him and Oates “are Brothers and not creative partners”. “You think John Oates is my partner? … He’s my business partner. He’s not my creative partner.”
Added Hall, “We made records called Hall & Oates together, but we’ve always been very separate, and that’s a really important thing for me.” Hall then went on to diminish the collaborative aspect of Hall & Oates, using the duo’s 1980 No. 1 hit “Kiss on My List” as an example of their apparent creative separation. “I did all those [harmonies],” Hall said. “That’s all me.” Oates is not credited as a songwriter on “Kiss on My List,” but is listed as a co-producer with Hall.
This dashes any hopes of Filipino music fans seeing, at least, in the foreseeable future any partnership or live shows by Hall & Oates the duo that produced 29 hit singles from the 1970s to the 1980s including six number one songs such as “Rich Girl”, “Kiss On My List”, “Private Eyes”, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)”, “Maneater”, and “Out of Touch”.
Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band would be the best possible chance to experience the chart-topping catalogue of this Rock and Roll and Songwriter Hall of Famer on November 27, 2023 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band with special guest Todd Rundgren is brought to you by Ovation Productions along with Blast TV and Tap Digital Media Ventures Corporation. Tickets at smtickets.com and priced at 15,750 (SVIP) / 14,750 (VIP) / 12,750 (Patron) / 10,750 (Lower Box A) / 9,750 (Lower Box B) / 5,750 (Upper Box) / and 2,750 (Gen. Ad).
Manulife Philippines, the local business of global financial services provider Manulife, recently announced the appointment of Sailesh Nalinakshan as the company’s new Chief Agency Officer (CAO) and Grace Mallabo as its new Chief Health and Product Officer (CHPO).
As CAO, Sailesh Nalinakshan expands his previous role as Manulife Philippines’ Head of Agency Transformation and Strategy, where he led the development and execution of the Company’s new agency operating model. In his new role, he will continue empowering Manulife’s thousands-strong agency force, anchored on strategies that bolster initiatives on digitalization, sales and productivity, talent recruitment and development, training and data analytics-based planning and decision-making. Prior to joining the Philippine leadership team, Nalinakshan was based in Hong Kong as part of Manulife’s Asia Distribution Team.
“We are happy to welcome Sailesh as he brings his extensive experience in distribution management into his new role, leading our Philippines agency team and bringing our distribution network to the next level,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “As depth, expansion, and quality continue to be key enablers for our bigger and bolder growth ambitions, his strategic vision and leadership will play a pivotal role in strengthening our agency distribution channels and driving our growth trajectory for years ahead.”
Meanwhile, Grace Mallabo will spearhead Manulife Philippines’ health strategy, product development and management, and in-force management to help meet the growing demand among Filipinos for life insurance solutions that can support their health and wellness journey, while providing them protection and financial security in the future. With Mallabo at the helm, Manulife Philippines aims to create more innovative, accessible, and relevant products and maximize customer lifetime value through effective in-force management and product innovations that are tailor-fit to Filipinos’ evolving behavior and priorities. Prior to joining Manulife, she had nearly two decades of professional experience in the insurance industry, with a strong track record in strategy, product management, and health business leadership.
“Grace’s leadership will be crucial in driving Manulife Philippines’ goals to bridge the country’s protection gap. Given her vast experience developing innovative life and health solutions that can help enrich people’s lives, we are excited to welcome her to our growing winning team as we deliver on our goals for our customers and the communities we serve,” said Hora.
For more information about Manulife Philippines, you may visit their website at www.manulife.com.ph
