Weekday mornings are definitely brighter as our favorite morning program and “kasalo sa umaga” continues to spread the gud vibes in TV5’s Gud Morning Kapatid. Hosted by Jes Delos Santos, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Justin Quirino, Maoui David, and our newest Kapatid, award-winning actress, Dimples Romana, Gud Morning Kapatid is quickly becoming every Filipino’s all-in-one source for entertainment, information, and inspiration.

This October, along with the launch of its impressive lineup of hosts, Gud Morning Kapatid is also bringing in new segments with Dimples at the helm: “May Bahay” is all about home improvement tips on a budget, while “Smart Parenting” gives practical parenting advice. Other fan-favorite segments remain, including Kitang-kita, Sabi ni Dok, Legal Ba ‘To, Frontline sa Umaga, and others.

Make sure to get your daily dose of gud vibes and the latest news updates with Gud Morning Kapatid, Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM on TV5. Catch the show’s livestream via News5Everywhere YouTube channel so you don’t miss out, even while on the go. 

For more updates, visit www.tv5.com.ph or check TV5’s official social media pages.

Kids and their parents had the jolliest time at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, held recently at the SMX Convention Center. The event served as the jolliest bonding experience for families, with its engaging learning activities, unique games and challenges, interactive shows, and all-day, all-around fun helping create special memories they’ll remember for a long time.

Jollibee has become a champion of joy for Filipino parents and kids throughout the years, and the Jollitown Kiddie Fair continues to give them more cherished moments. The event was opened by Jollibee’s brand ambassador, Jolina Magdangal Escueta, and her kids, Pele and Vika. She and her kids got to participate and have fun in all the event activities, while also getting interviewed about being a mother and brand ambassador.

“I’m so excited to be here at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, having fun with my kids,” said Jolina. “Time passes so quickly, so I make sure that I spend quality time and make meaningful memories with Pele and Vika every chance I get.

- “Jollibee is honored to be a part of many Filipinos’ core memories, from childhood to adulthood,” said Kat Facun, Jollibee Brand Manager for Noodles and Kids Category. “And with the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, we hope to give kids and their families more reasons to have happy, cherished moments because jolliest ang kids sa Jollibee.”

The event offered activities where kids not only enjoyed with their friends, families, and fellow kids, but also engaged in unique family-friendly challenges that helped them learn along the way through creative play. Kids got a chance to make their own Jolly Spaghetti, Yumburger, and test their store manager skills in the MiniBee station as they had fun assembling delicious Jollibee food for their friends and parents. They also had the Party Palooza, which was an energetic all-day party celebration that had a whole host of games and activities that offered the full party experience.

The Jollitown Kiddie Fair also offered activities that challenged their skills, like the Chickenjoy Bucket Throw game where they tested their aim to win prizes, and avoided spaghetti-shaped wires in the Spag-o-wired game. Kids also solved different puzzles in the Jollitown Puzzle House, which was also a fun learning challenge and an interactive experience for kids of all ages. They also uncovered fun prizes in the Fry-nd The Treasure activity, while other kids tried to grab theirs at Yum’s Claw Machine.

Alongside the many activities and fun games, kids also got to watch an incredible set of shows happening on the main stage. This includes the bubble show where kids rushed to the stage to get closer to participate in blowing and popping bubbles. The magic show had jaw-dropping tricks that left kids in awe with each routine. The Dancing Balloon Show by Tectonix was also a highlight, as kids were dancing along to the music while being fascinated by the many balloon tricks.

 

Aside from the activities, parents and kids enjoyed delicious Jollibee food. This included sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti, which families enjoyed so much during the event. With delicious food and the jolliest activities, the Jollitown Kiddie Fair gave families moments to remember, and memories that they cherish together.

 

 

Have the best time at your favorite Jollibee store, because #JolliestAngKidsSaJollibee! For updates on the latest exciting offerings and events from Jollibee, visit Jollibee.com.ph, follow Jollibee on Facebook at facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines, and on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @Jollibee.

The Philippine government has made the digitalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) a top priority to spur the growth of the Philippine economy. In the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Growth Plan, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted the need to provide targeted support to MSMEs in fast-tracking technology adoption, digitalization, and automation, to lead to higher productivity and greater innovation.

“One of the most important things we learned in the past few years–and especially for MSMEs– is the importance of digitalization. It not only helps businesses keep up with the times but also ensures that they’re growing at pace with the digital economy,” said Natasha Bautista, 917Ventures’ Head of Growth and Programs. “There is still a lot of room for growth when it comes to increasing digitalization in the Philippines. In contrast to countries in the region, the Philippines' digital economy currently accounts for just 9.4% of our gross domestic product, whereas Vietnam stands at 14.26%, and Malaysia at 14%.”

917Ventures, the largest venture builder in the Philippines, supports MSMEs by providing them with the tools they need at every stage of their journey so they can become digital-first businesses and ensure that they achieve long-term success and sustainability.

“Whether it's providing them with initial capital, helping them get started online, or guiding their expansion to reach a wider audience, our comprehensive suite of solutions provides them with end-to-end support to take them where they want to go,” she added. “We have, to date, been able to support more than 10,000 MSMEs across our ventures and portfolio companies and we hope to expand our solutions to the 1 million MSMEs in the Philippines and help them with digitally transforming their businesses.”

Unlocking capital with FundSpace

For entrepreneurs who want to get started or level up but don’t have the funds to do so, there is FundSpace, a loan platform that offers a suite of financing options that cater to every business's needs. On FundSpace, businesses of all sizes can take a loan for amounts as little as Php 50,000 to Php 100 million–one of the largest loan amounts available for local MSMEs.

“Securing capital is often one of the biggest hurdles to starting a business, which is why we created FundSpace–an easy and convenient platform where businesses can get the funds they need at low and flexible interest rates. Through FundSpace, they get cash quickly with its processing time that’s 12 times faster and disbursement that is eight times quicker than usual methods,” Bautista explained.

Upskilling to streamline operations with KodeGo and MemoApp

As businesses expand, the imperative to enhance skills and streamline operations becomes more evident than ever. Enter KodeGo, more than just a coding boot camp, it equips businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a digital world. Beyond traditional coding, KodeGo offers a wide array of digital courses that are indispensable for businesses looking to scale and optimize their processes. These courses cover a spectrum of essential skills, including full-stack web development, virtual assistance, bookkeeping, and artificial intelligence.

When it comes to streamlining processes, MemoApp takes the lead as it digitizes previously manual and paper-based processes to make them more intuitive, accessible, and efficient. With its swift workflow approval system, integrated e-signature feature, and easy access to fundamental document templates, MemoApp simplifies how businesses manage their operations.

Getting started online through RUSH

For businesses that want to embrace digitalization, the first step is to get your business online. RUSH is an all-in-one eCommerce platform that takes care of the entire purchase process – from discovery to delivery – empowering merchants to easily launch, manage, and scale their online stores.

RUSH enables merchants to create their e-commerce platform, their mobile app, and access to the GCash GLife Marketplace. It also offers an end-to-end loyalty management platform so businesses can continue to delight their customers by creating relevant and rewarding experiences.

Accessing a wider audience through m360 and Inquiro

Once businesses have successfully established their online presence, the next step is to strategically connect with their target audience and guide them toward the point of purchase. To accomplish this, companies can harness the power of m360's innovative multi-platform messaging solutions. These comprehensive tools empower businesses to effectively inform and engage their customers through a seamless blend of SMS and social media channels.

m360's multi-platform messaging solutions are key to delivering vital information, timely updates, and enticing promotions to customers. With the ability to reach customers where they are most active, businesses can foster stronger connections and drive higher conversion rates.

Furthermore, understanding customer behavior and preferences is paramount for the success of any marketing campaign. Inquiro’s data-driven solutions offer a suite of services designed to provide deep insights into the current customer base and the target audience. More than just analytics, Inquiro's solutions empower businesses to not only comprehend their existing customer demographics but also unearth untapped opportunities by identifying potential audiences beyond their current reach. Inquiro also offers Credibility Scoring that helps businesses assess the risk profile of customers by automating credit-related decision-making.

“Digitalization is not a destination; it's a journey. It's not just about going online; it's about embracing processes that enable businesses to not only exist in the digital realm but thrive, compete, and innovate within it. That’s what we provide with 917Ventures–an MSME ecosystem that will handhold you through every step of every business’ digital journey,” Bautista added.

The Department of Energy is moving to fully implement the LPG law with the active participation of industry partners. Through a series of symposiums spearheaded by LPG brand Solane, DOE directly addressed concerns raised by LPG retailers and distributors on the provisions of the LPG Industry Regulation Act.

The move comes as DOE set a July 7 deadline for LPG players to secure a License to Operate and other necessary permits to be able to operate legally.

Along with representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and various local government units, DOE reached out to over 3,000 LPG players nationwide through the series of Solane Retailer Trade Outlets (RTO) Symposium. This was done in 20 key areas nationwide with LPG retailers, dealers, and stakeholders, complementing the series of LPG Regional Summits organized by the DOE nationwide.

“The RTO Symposium is our way of showing our unwavering support to the LPG Law as we commit to working closely with government agencies and our retail partners to help ensure their tasks and responsibilities under the law are fulfilled and carried through,” said Tonito Gonzalez, CEO of Isla LPG Corp.

During the series of symposiums, DOE provided clarity on several critical provisions in LIRA, including the extension of LTO compliance for retailers and distributors, amid marketers and refilling plants' LTO applications still being under DOE’s review and assessment. The DOE assured it will continue to accept and process applications for the issuance of permits to qualified LPG participants even after the deadline.

LIRA implementation expected to solve pressing challenges encountered per region

(L-R) Marvin Castor – Liaison Officer, Isla LPG Corp.; Rene Gamba – B2C National Sales Manager, ILC; Engr. Joey Maleza – Energy Industry Management Division Chief, Department of Energy; Banjo Castillo – Chief Operating Officer, Isla Petroleum & Gas Corporation; Francis Yu – President, Association of Solane Distributors, Inc.

During the series of events, DTI, BFP, and local governments pledged their support to DOE and LIRA by noting that they are issuing their respective Department Circulars, manpower, and logistics for the full implementation of the law. DOE also expressed appreciation for the support received from industry associations such as the LPG Industry Association and LPG Marketers Association.

The symposium also enabled government partners to assess the common concerns of LPG players per region, including unique situations in their respective LPG trades. According to Marvin Castor, Solane LPG Liaison Officer, among the most common challenges encountered by LPG partners in Luzon is the presence of unauthorized and non-compliant LPG sellers and refillers.

“Unfair trade practices remain a challenge as illegal refilling plants are rampant. This is supported by Solane LPG’s brand protection activities, wherein as of July 2023, we have already confiscated PHP 338,300 worth of counterfeit and illegally refilled Solane LPG products and paraphernalia in ten raids nationwide,” Castor noted.

In Cagayan alone, agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, in collaboration with Solane LPG and Petron, were able to seize PHP 1.5 million worth of fake and illegally produced LPG tanks, seals, and paraphernalia.

“Meanwhile, for our retailers in Visayas, the inter-island LPG transport regulation is critical, while for those in Mindanao, they’ve raised concerns on the regulations on LPG canisters,” Castor added.  

Signed in 2021, the Republic Act 11592, or LPG Law aims to protect consumers from LPG malpractices, including the sale of counterfeit and illegally refilled LPG cylinders, which are prone to leakages that may cause explosions or massive fires.

“Consumers are expected to benefit when LIRA takes full effect by having safe, legitimate, and properly filled LPG cylinders in their kitchens,” said Castor. “They are hoping that LIRA will not make LPG more expensive with the reduction of substandard LPG products in the market.”

Castor added that the LIRA is also expected to provide consumers with the right to choose their preferred LPG brand through its provision of cylinder swapping.

Several of Solane LPG’s retailers and distributors, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the implementation of the law will put an end to unfair business practices in the market.

“By attending the symposium and getting a chance to understand the law from the resource speakers, LPG business owners were able to see LIRA as a game changer in the industry, in terms of bringing about fair trade practices and safe business conduct,” concluded Castor.

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The 2023 Best Workplaces in Asia award honors workplaces in Asia that provide exceptional work environments for their employees, based on employee experience surveys that assess company culture and values. This prestigious recognition recognizes companies that prioritize employee well-being, foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and demonstrate outstanding practices in areas such as leadership, career development, and work-life balance.

“We are absolutely thrilled and proud to be listed as one of the Best Workplaces 2023 in Asia. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to nurturing a culture of trust, empowerment, and inspiration for our people to use their unique voices and talents to positively impact people’s lives every day – including their own,” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines. “Creating a remarkable experience for our people is the first step in providing transformative healthcare solutions and contributing significantly to our society. By offering a diverse and inclusive work environment, job flexibility, and rewarding development opportunities, we make this possible. Our people are the heart of our success.”

Great Place to Work® encourages companies to continuously invest in their employees' growth and satisfaction, high-trust environment and ultimately contributing to the overall development of the respective industries. A Great Workplace is about the trust employees have with their leaders, the pride they have in their jobs and the happiness they experience with their colleagues, which has become increasingly important in today's competitive job market. Organizations on the list were selected from those that had participated in the Great Place to Work® renowned employee survey process.

Employees at Takeda Philippines are free to express their ideas, suggestions, and recommendations because the company is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and diversity while fostering a respectable, honest, inclusive and speak up culture. This will help the business determine how to make long-lasting improvements. There are numerous opportunities for employees to openly discuss issues with their leaders, such as Coffee Talks and "Thank God It's Friday" sessions.

Takeda Philippines Mid-Year Conference at Taal Vista Hotel

In addition, in the Philippines employees receive quarterly care packages from the company to make them feel valued. Fridays are also designated as "no meetings day," allowing employees to finish up any unfinished business, reorganize for the coming week, and start winding down for the weekend a little earlier. Not to mention, there are programs for leadership development, on-the-job training, and employee assistance initiatives that aim to help employees in need or develop their skills. By doing this, Takeda Philippines gives its employees the tools they need to succeed and make a real difference in their work and ultimately the lives of others.

"Well-being is the cornerstone of our People-First culture. Our mission of ‘Better Health for People, Brighter Future for the World’ is only possible when we take care of our own people. Being listed among the Best Workplaces in Asia is a remarkable achievement for us. I am so proud of our team, so inspired by our people and so motivated by their energy,” added Villanueva.

As Takeda Healthcare Philippines celebrates this remarkable achievement, the company looks forward to building on its success and continuing to serve as an example of excellence in workplace culture not just across Asia but also around the globe.

The Best Workplaces in Asia List is published here: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/asia-2023

In an effort to make greater strides in the country’s digital payment transformation, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad)– the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system and a full-service fintech subsidiary of Meralco – has officially renewed its partnership with Ventaja International Corp., a fintech institution, initially developed as a telecom prepaid card provider for Filipino migrant workers based overseas, and is now offering a variety of financial services such as remittance, loading and bills payment services for both government and household utilities, all of which, are powered and supported by Bayad’s robust biller aggregator system.

Bayad brings in Meralco, Autosweep, Easytrip, SSS, and many others biller brands in Ventaja’s mobile application called Payremit and through Ventaja’s domestic and international payment centers. With this, even Filipinos overseas can be able to help settle their families’ bills in the Philippines and regularly pay for their government contributions at the same time.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared, “We continue to expand our payment footprint globally, as we aim to elevate the payment experience of our kababayans. Our goal is centered on boosting their financial wellbeing, as we help them seamlessly settle their families’ bills in the Philippines, and at the same time, invest for their future through government contributions.

“We are with Ventaja in helping OFWs strengthen their ties to home, and we highly value every story of hard work that our kababayans experience before they are able to provide for their families’ needs back home”, added Ferrer.

Ventaja President and CEO Vincent D. Grey also shared “We are thrilled and grateful for our renewed partnership with Bayad as we both maximize the opportunity to offer enhanced payment services to Filipinos overseas. This way we can further financial inclusion and help boost the country’s economic growth.”

For fintech institutions like Ventaja that are interested in being part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain a nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

Speaking at PLDT’s DigiHub session were (from left) PLDT FVP and Chief Information Security Officer Angel Redoble, PLDT Home ambassador Roxanne Montealegre-Luz, PLDT VP and Head of Home Digital Services Evert Chris Miranda, Microsoft Philippines PR and Communications Head Joshua Aquino, PLDT FVP, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head of Investor Relations Melissa Vergel de Dios, eufy and Anker Assistant Brand Manager Marinel Pascual, former PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon Isberto, PLDT Home ambassadors Edric and Joy Mendoza

As PLDT ushers in the transformation of the Philippines into a Smart Nation by enabling the creation of Smart Cities, the conversation inevitably turns to the Smart Home and various consumer applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

PLDT FVP and Chief Information Security Officer Angel Redoble reiterated the PLDT Group’s commitment to ensure the cyber security and safety of customers.

PLDT VP Evert Miranda demonstrated how PLDT Home is enabling Filipino families to build sustainable and Smart Homes.

Advancing further in terms of adoption and usage, Smart Home and AI continue to headline conversations on digital transformation and breakthroughs in the tech industry. These were among the highlights of the recently concluded Philippine Digital Convention (DigiCon) 2023 presented by PLDT Enterprise at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. 

PLDT FVP and Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios talked about PLDT’s strategic direction towards sustainability and thrust to enable a digital and sustainable future.

PLDT Home showed Digicon attendees a glimpse of the near future with AI-powered Smart Home and security solutions, and showcased how people can use new technologies responsibly at home.

In a DigiCon session called “Family Perspectives on Smart Home and Artificial Intelligence”, PLDT brought together thought leaders on technology and parenting, and emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful connections and responsible use of technology.

Get ready for the Jolliest experience in town as the Jollitown Kiddie Fair arrives at the SMX Convention Center on October 22, 2023. Grab your tickets and have the ultimate bonding experience with your kids through fun activities and games. You can also get a chance to win exciting prizes and dig into some delicious Jollibee food!

Throughout the years, Jollibee has never failed to give parents and their kids special bonding moments they’ll cherish all their lives. The Jollitown Kiddie Fair aims to create even more memories for Jollibee fans!

Kids can become Jollibee crew members for a day in the MiniBee, a mini Jollibee store set-up, and serve their favorite meals! They can play and learn at the giant Jollitown Puzzle House and solve some brain teasers. Kids can try the Spag-o-Wired game and avoid the Jolly Spaghetti wire to win prizes. They can also test their aim at the Chickenjoy Bucket Throw and try Fry-nd The Treasure to search for jolly treasures.

Have artsy fun at Twirlie’s Face Painting Booth and bounce around in Popo’s inflatables. For even more fun prizes, Yum’s Claw Machine is there to give them another kind of challenge. On top of that, kids can also celebrate any occasion with Jollibee at the all-day Jollibee Kids Party, where they can participate in exciting activities, party games, and even dance with Jollibee!

Aside from these awesome festivities, there is so much more in store for kids and families all together!

Don’t miss the ultimate Jolly bonding experience and grab your tickets to the Jollitown Kiddie Fair soon! Tickets are available from October 17 - 22, 2023 for only PHP 150 with every purchase of any Jolly Spaghetti product or Jollibee Kids Meal in select Jollibee stores.

The ticket also includes one free Jolly Spaghetti you can claim in the venue along with a free entrance gift! 

Ticket buyers can also choose between two different afternoon sessions from 1-4 p.m. or 4-7 p.m. 

Twenty lucky winners will also receive golden tickets, giving them a chance to meet and greet Jollibee’s newest ambassador, Jolina Magdangal, and her kids Pele and Vika. 

Look out for the official social media announcement from Jollibee to learn more about the Jollitown Kiddie Fair! 

See you at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair and have the jolliest time with your kids! 

Avail your tickets in the following participating Jollibee stores:
1.Jollibee Biopolis
2.Jollibee Bluebay Walk
3.Jollibee Maysilo
4.Jollibee BGC Triangle Drive
5.Jollibee Trium Square
6.Jollibee Five Ecom
7.Jollibee Libertad Burgos
8.Jollibee MOA1
9.Jollibee Taguig Bayan
10.Jollibee Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Building our kids' health through nutrition is crucial.

Preparing vegetable meals at home is a great way to keep children strong and healthy. Vegetables are good sources of potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and many others.

Aside from its health benefits, compared to high prices of meat, vegetables are also budget friendly. However, homemakers are faced with the challenge of kid’s aversion to eating vegetables.

True to the “Eat Well, Live Well” promise, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) aims to propel meaningful initiatives that will improve the health and wellbeing of Filipino families.

APC recently launched its new “I Love Veggie-licious” campaign under Ajinomoto Ginisa Flavor Seasoning brand featuring the well-loved mother-daughter tandem of Marian Rivera-Dantes and Zia.

"We believe that we can change how kids see vegetables in simple and delicious ways. With Aji-Ginisa® making vegetable dishes ginisarap, we aim to help homemakers gain confidence to get their children to eat more vegetables to eat well and live well." said Daryl Magno Marketing Department Head.

Meningitis is native to the Philippines, and despite being a reportable disease, there is not much data on disease burden in the country. However, it’s important to note that meningitis has a high case fatality rate. In August this year, out of the 107 cases that were reported, 48 died, putting the case fatality rate at 44.86%.

Globally, the disease still affects more than 2.5 million people each year; yet is largely preventable through vaccination.

On World Meningitis Day, global healthcare company Sanofi brought even greater visibility and support in the fight against meningitis through ‘The Meningitis Flag’, a global initiative delivered in partnership between Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO), as well as para-athletes Ellie Challis (Great Britain), Théo Curin (France), and Davide Morana (Italy).

The unique initiative sought to unite the world in the fight against the disease which ranks as one of the world’s largest infectious disease killers . With its three colors—yellow, purple and blue— the Meningitis Flag served as an instantly recognizable symbol to raise awareness and understanding of the disease as well as to give the community a voice in the same way as the pink ribbon has for breast cancer awareness.

The threat posed by meningitis is substantial as the global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased immunity levels worldwide, coupled with a decline in vaccination rates. While there has been a partial global recovery in vaccination coverage following pandemic disruptions, the rate remains uneven per geography and diseases.

On World Meningitis Day, people across the world shared the flag symbol on social media, with the hashtags ‘#MeningitisFlag #WorldMeningitisDay #DefeatMeningitis’.

The flag has been inspired and launched with the support of para-athletes Ellie Challis (Great Britain), Thao Curin (France), and Davide Morana (Italy) who were affected by meningitis at the ages of 16 months, 6 years and 24 years, and who will use the flag in upcoming international competitions to raise awareness of the disease.

Kashmira Prabhu, General Manager of Sanofi Vaccines emphasized, “At Sanofi, we have a long history of working tirelessly to innovate and provide access to vaccinations to help fight meningitis in the Philippines. We are proud and humbled to have joined forces with the meningitis community to create and fly the Meningitis Flag, a symbol of determination and hope, to unite the world so that one day we can defeat meningitis. We cannot do this alone; we need your help in spreading the word about this devastating disease, so together let’s fly the meningitis flag”.

The country’s premier life insurance company, AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life), recently announced that beloved young actress Kathryn Bernardo and her mother, Min, are now part of the company’s roster of ambassadors.

Kathryn and Min Bernardo were officially introduced to the public through a reveal in the company’s social media assets, giving AIA followers a first peek into Kathryn and Min’s very special vlog.

The mother and daughter duo gave viewers a glimpse of their personal lives, which have not been previously shared publicly. They stopped by a local ube halaya vendor which made Min reminisce her pregnancy with Kathryn. “Not sure kung alam ninyo ito—kaya ganyan yung skin ni Kath ay dahil pinaglihi ko sya sa ube!” revealed Min. Min also shared their regular after school trips to the bookstore, where Kathryn asked her Mama to buy little trinkets, which she indulged as gift giving is one of her love languages.

Coincidentally, Min was once a Cabanatuan-based financial advisor of AIA Philippines—a decision she made after experiencing a life-changing event which prompted her to protect her family with life insurance, and finally say yes to becoming a financial advisor. “Out of that bad experience came something good. Kumuha ako agad ng life insurance. Then it became a career. Nagtatop ako sa branch namin at the same time, nakakatulong ako sa ibang tao. Natulungan ko sila to understand kung ano ang life insurance at kung gaano ka important ito,” Min shared. The experience made Min an ideal person to encourage people to get the protection they need so they can enjoy a secure future no matter what happens.

Min’s short-lived career with AIA Philippines allowed her to better contribute to the family, and help her clients become worry-free with the protection products she was able to offer them. In her one year as an advisor, she became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a select group of financial advisors who are considered at the top of their field. Unfortunately, she could no longer continue after a few years, with Kathryn’s career starting to flourish in Manila.

Kathryn and Min Bernardo are great examples of how AIA Philippines has been instrumental in helping families save lives and protect dreams, despite untoward life events. This is why Kathryn and Min are the perfect duo to represent how AIA Philippines can help Filipinos.

“We at AIA Philippines are excited to welcome Kathryn and Min Bernardo to the AIA family. Through them, we will be able to reach more people and communicate the importance of our mission of racing against risk to protect every Filipino family and empower them to live healthier, longer, better lives,” said Kelvin Ang, AIA Philippines CEO. “As someone who has first-hand account of what happens to a family who was not protected, I can’t stress enough the value of life insurance as an expression of love to those who matter most to us—our families. And Min has experienced it too. This understanding of our mission makes Kathryn and Min the best people to help us spread the word on how love can be better said with AIA.”

Kathryn and Min Bernardo join other influential figures in the Philippines—Gary Valenciano, Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, and Wil Dasovich—as AIA Philippines ambassadors, individuals who help bring to life its brand Purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives. Click here to view the latest video of AIA Philippines featuring Kathryn and Min Bernardo.

One of Asia’s leading financial publication, Asiamoney has, for a third year in a row, named Universal Robina Corp. (URC) as the Philippines’ most outstanding company in the consumer staples sector in its Asia’s Outstanding Poll 2023

Asiamoney handed the award to URC, one of the Philippines’ largest food manufacturers, after an exhaustive survey of the region’s top capital movers and financial experts.

URC president and CEO Irwin Lee said clinching the award three times in a row "serves as a validation of the quality of our product, and a testament to the unyielding trust and confidence that our valued customers have in us”.

“It is also a recognition of the remarkable dedication shown by our workforce, and a reaffirmation of the overall excellence that defines our company,” he added.

Asiamoney is a top source of news, commentaries and data services for international capital markets.

The 2023 Asia’s Outstanding Company Poll covered over 1,225 fund managers, analysts, bankers and ratings agencies. In total, 7,653 votes were received for publicly listed companies across 13 markets in Asia.

The results recognized 194 companies as being the most outstanding in their respective sectors and markets.

The poll was designed to acknowledge listed firms that have excelled in areas such as financial performance, management team excellence, investor relations and corporate social responsibility.

Lee thanked the diverse group of fund managers, analysts, bankers, and ratings agencies who participated in the voting.

“We are also grateful to all our stakeholders - employees, suppliers, customers, and consumers - whose unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in our resilience during the recent challenging years," he added.

Lee said the latest award reinforces URC’s commitment to becoming the "foremost sustainable food and beverage enterprise from the Philippines, that delight consumers around the world with good food choices".

URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Fun-O, Tivoli and Lexus.


Asiamoney, one of Asia’s leading financial publications has, for a third year in a row, named Universal Robina Corp. (URC) as the Philippines’ most outstanding company in the consumer staples sector in its Asia’s Outstanding Companies Poll. URC produces popular food and beverage brands such as Cream-O cookies, which are widely available in the region.

The Manila Hotel, renowned for its culinary excellence, joyfully greets the month of October with a selection of dining promotions tailored for its valued clientele.

A Celebration of Beers and Brews

Beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs can partake in a month-long merriment featuring handpicked beers and brews. Ranging from classic lagers to artisanal craft brews, the selection guarantees there’s a beer to cater to every palate. Brands on showcase include San Miguel Light, Pale, Super Dry, Cerveza Negra, and Premium Malt; and Engkanto Lager, Honey Ale, Ube Lager, Mango Nation. Available at the Lobby Lounge, Tap Room, and Pool Bar.

Spooky Confections for Halloween

The Delicatessen presents an assortment of handcrafted confections that reflect both the spooky and sweet aspects of this enchanting holiday. From cookies and cupcakes adorned with ghostly figures to pumpkin lollipops and chocolate-dipped strawberries—these treats are crafted to delight not only kids, but also those who remain young at heart. These sweet bites are available at the Delicatessen from October 15 to November 2, 2023.

All Treats No Tricks for the Kids

In the spirit of Halloween, The Manila Hotel has a special treat in store for the little ones. Junior guests dining at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, Red Jade, or Champagne Room on the evening of October 31 will receive complimentary Halloween goodies.

Sweet Symphony: Mango Sponge Cake with White Chocolate and Almonds

Guests can indulge in our featured cake this October—a delicious confection with luscious layers of mango sponge cake, white chocolate, and crunchy almonds. Available at the Delicatessen for everyone’s enjoyment until October 31, 2023.

M Takeout’s Fresh Offerings

The acclaimed takeout service of The Manila Hotel unveils its latest menu, offering its patrons a new variety of dishes that they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes or workplaces. The highlight of the menu is the introduction of new dishes for Solo Meals & Rice and Noodle Bowls, created to a wider range of tastes and preferences.

Solo Meals encompass a range of cuisines including Filipino, Chinese, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and Halal. Each meal is thoughtfully paired with an assortment of proteins, carbohydrates, sides, and dessert, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

The Rice and Noodle Bowl selection is equally impressive, featuring White Chicken with Ginger Sauce, Spaghetti Amatriciana, Beef Ho Fan Noodles, Penne Pasta Pomodoro, to name a few.

A Holiday Prelude: Festive Merienda Especial

As the holiday season approaches, take pleasure in The Manila Hotel’s Festive Merienda Especial—an assortment of French pastries, mini sandwiches, and all-time favorite Filipino delicacies, complemented by a selection of tea, coffee, or the hotel’s signature hot chocolate. Available from Monday to Sunday at the Lobby Lounge from 10:30am to 6:00pm.

To know more about these offers, please call +632 8527-0011 or +632 5301-5500, email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.