Monthly Archives: January 2019

How do you attract good luck?

When it comes to ushering in good fortune, Feng Shui can help you prepare for the positive energy that the Year of the Pig brings. Feng Shui expert Marites Allen says that it isn’t that hard to practice. The more you do it, the better you get. Here are some tips on how to attract good energy, fortune, and luck this Chinese New Year:

Wear colors that symbolize the element of Fire or Metal. Dress in red, pink, and orange, but don’t forget to add colors that represent Earth – yellow, ocher, or brown – to balance out the flows of inner energy. Shop for fashionable clothes in lucky colors at The SM Store.

Eat food that is dominant in colors red and white. Among hundreds of lucky food, dim sum is one of the luckiest as it translates into having prosperity and good family life. Indulge in Chinese dining at SM’s one of many buffet or Chinese restaurants, and family Dining Deals from January 21 to February 5!

Reimagine your office space. Relieve stress at work and eliminate negative energy by applying Feng Shui techniques in your workspace. Clean out the clutter and tidy up your desk Mari Kondo-style by organizing them in storage boxes, which you can buy at SM Home.

Say hello to accessories. Feng Shui does not only apply to clothing, but also to various accessories such as jewelry, handbags, shoes, and many more. At SM’s Prosperity Bazaar, you can find lucky fruits, plush toys, and trinkets that are perfect for decorating personal spaces until February 5.

Witness a dragon dance. Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during Chinese New Year? At SM, families can watch Prosperity Performances like the Lion and Dragon Dance and Feng Shui Master, as well as the Chinese Character Parade to add excitement to the festivity. Catch it on February 2, 3, and 5!

Scan & Share Your Luck. Scan QR codes in participating SM malls and shake your luck away with the Digital Hongbao where you can win special prizes. Scan as much codes to redeem more gifts until February 5! Check out SM’s Facebook Page for more info.

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com and its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.

The lifestyle rewards program of Cebu Pacific is making every Juan’s travel goals come true with the Points to a Million Promo. Starting January 25, 2019, members who convert their credit card points to a minimum of 2,000 GetGo points can earn an additional 300 GetGo points.

But wait, there’s more surprises coming your way! Members can also earn raffle entries for a chance to win 1 million GetGo points! Every 1 point converted is equivalent to 1 e-raffle entry.

With this much GetGo points, there’s no better time than now to bring out those travel bucket lists and start flying anywhere and anytime, as often as you want! Experience the life of a millionaire and enjoy hopping in and out of the airport as you explore the best of Cebu Pacific’s local and international destinations for free.

Bring your family and friends to backpacking trips in the Philippines to try the thrilling activities in each province. You can also spend long weekends going on shopping sprees at the hottest shopping destinations in Seoul and Japan, or have an epic culinary adventure all around Asia as you visit food cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Taipei to taste the best local street food and modern dishes that each place has to offer.

The Points to a Million Promo is open for GetGo members who own any of the participating credit cards from the following banks: UnionBank, Citi, BPI Credit Cards, Asia United Bank, Bank of Commerce, EastWest Bank Credit Cards, RCBC Bankard, Security Bank, Robinsons Mastercard by Metrobank, and BDO.

Don’t let your hard-earned credit card rewards points go to waste and convert it to GetGo points now to claim the free trips you deserve. The Points to a Million Promo runs until March 31, 2019. Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 1036, Series of 2019.

For more information on memberships and partners, visit www.getgo.com.ph. Stay updated on the latest promos by liking GetGoPH’s official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Convert those credit card points into GetGo points now for a chance to be a Points millionaire! Plus, earn 300 bonus GetGo points for every successful conversion of a minimum of 2,000 GetGo points.

Enjoy double the deals with daily flash sales starting at ₱22, and the return of Shopee Quiz featuring popular celebrities Robi Domingo and Iya Villania

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches the Shopee 2.2 Double Double Sale from January 26 to February 2, featuring twice the savings for Filipino users. Key highlights include up to 90% off top brands across all categories including Oppo, Quaker, Head & Shoulders, and Robinsons Appliances, free shipping starting at ₱199, flash sales as low as ₱22, and ₱7 million worth of Shopee coins up for grabs.

Integrated Nutrition and Health Actions in the First 1,000 Days of Life Program to benefit 40,000 children under-5 and 57,000 pregnant/lactating women in Samar, Northern Samar and Zamboanga del Norte

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UN children’s agency UNICEF, in partnership with the Department of Health and National Nutrition Council, launch an integrated nutrition and health program targeting the first 1,000 days of life to benefit vulnerable children and women in Samar, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga del Norte.

“The Korean Government fully supports the Philippine government in its goal of addressing malnutrition and achieving universal healthcare. By giving assistance to this project, the most vulnerable – mothers and children ages 0-5 years old – will be ensured access to vital health and nutrition services which will help them develop fully later in life,” says Ambassador HAN Dong-Man, Korean envoy to the Philippines.

The support from KOICA amounts to US$6 million and targets 19 local government units in three provinces, namely Samar and Northern Samar in Region VIII and Zamboanga Del Norte in Region IX. Expected reach through the initiative will be 12,000 infants 0-5 months old, 36,000 6-23 months old – including children from poor families and children from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas – and 57,000 pregnant and lactating women. It also aims to improve the LGU’s policy, governance frameworks and service delivery systems and enhance the capacity of 1,370 nutrition and health personnel.

“We thank the Korean government for supporting the Filipino child’s right to survive and thrive. Supporting interventions at the local level is important to reach every vulnerable mother and child especially those who do not have access to essential services,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander says. 

8990 Holdings, listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOUSE” and one of the fastest growing real estate developers in the Philippines, rounded up 2018 hitting its full-year revenue target of Php 11.5 billion. It is eyeing Php 13 billion for 2019. The company is also guiding a net income of Php 5.2 billion.

“We had a strong fourth quarter given the increased interest in our housing projects throughout the country. This means we will have another banner year as our unaudited revenues hit our target of Php 11.5 billion in 2018. This is already double of what we did a mere six years ago,” said 8990 Holdings president and chief executive officer Willie J. Uy.

In 2019, the company expects to grow revenues to Php 13 billion with more than half coming from its projects in Luzon—particularly from its largest project to date, Urban Deca Homes Manila in Tondo.

Situated in an 8.4-hectare property, Urban Deca Homes Manila is a 13-tower residential complex offering over 13,000 units with an estimated sales value of Php 20 billion. Targeting residents of Tondo and those living in the Port Area, Intramuros, Divisoria and the Camanava (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) area, Urban Deca Homes Manila addresses the housing needs in the most densely-populated area in Metro Manila.

According to Uy, “We have been in business for more than a decade. Our success in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao is testament to our belief that housing should be within reach of every Filipino. The market will always be receptive if you provide homes that are within secure communities and make it within reach.”

“Tondo is a good example. Urban Deca Homes Manila is the first large-scale development in the area. We provide Tondo residents and those living in nearby locations, who have been living with relatives or renting, a viable housing alternative in the area. With the completion of the 18,000-square meter Deca Mall, we will surely not only provide housing but a new kind of lifestyle for Tondo,” he added.

Deca Mall recently partnered with the SM Group, making SM Hypermarket as its anchor tenant. SM Hypermarket will occupy 3,073 square meters of the mall, offering a wide array of food and non-food products.

*The 2018 year-end results indicated herein are unaudited and no guarantees are given (nor should any be relied upon) that these results will not be subject to change or adjustments upon audit. These reported results are not meant as any form of guidance or recommendation to the public.

Buying a used laptop is a smart and practical move, especially when you want to save a little cash but still get a good deal. With so many used laptops being sold online, however, knowing which one to choose can be quite daunting.

“There is a huge market for secondhand gadgets, especially for laptops. Based on OLX’s Data Hub, the most searched gadget by our users is the laptop. About 40% of searches for computers are laptops,” says OLX Goods & Services head Rambo Joinani. “As long as one knows what to look for, buying a pre-owned laptop is a smart and economical option. We’d love to share some pointers to help our users find the best laptop that fits their needs.”

So before you close that deal on that pre-loved laptop you’re eyeing, read these 10 useful tips from OLX, the country’s leading classifieds platform:

1. Know your needs

Trim down your choices by identifying your specifications. Are you looking for a laptop that’s good for basic use like sending emails, web surfing, basic office functions, and picture sharing? Or will you be using it for intermediate applications like basic creative software and advanced office duties? Another possible use is for advanced functions like gaming, web hosting, or music/photo/video editing. Knowing what you will be using it for will help lead you to the best used laptop suited for your needs.

2. Do your research

Before making your purchase, make sure to read user reviews on different laptop brands and models. See what people are saying about brand performance over time. It also pays to do a background check on the sellers to make sure that they have a good history in the community.

3. Get to know the original price list for new laptops

Before purchasing a used laptop, make sure to compare the secondhand price with the brand-new price. You can start off your price survey on OLX, which has an extensive amount of listings of both brand-new and pre-owned laptops. Knowing and comparing the prices will help you make an informed decision whether you’re better off buying a used laptop or a brand-new one.

4. Check the specifications

Once you have made a shortlist of possible laptop units you want to buy, check the inclusions that the seller will be providing aside from just the unit. Make sure all the pertinent details of the laptop are made available to you. This includes the original software CD, recovery CD, drivers, backup media, and licenses of the software. Very important: Be sure to check if the preloading operating system is genuine.

5. Examine the ‘inside’ of the laptop

Ask the seller if it is possible to check the motherboard to test how responsive and fast the laptop is. Observe if it heats up fast or makes loud noises when you start it up.

6. Look at the physical condition

Many buyers wish to purchase used laptops that look brand-new and spotless. If the external appearance matter to you, you might want to check if there are any dents or cracks because these might lead to bigger problems for the used laptop in the long run.

7. Examine the laptop screen

Check the condition of the screen. It’s not worth the purchase if the screen flickers or has uneven brightness because it could mean there are loose connections that cannot be repaired.

8. Perform a thorough battery check

The great thing about laptops is that they can be used even when unplugged. Thus, its battery life is important. Most laptop batteries have a lifespan of three years, so if it’s a used laptop, it’s possible that its battery will have a limited standby time. Be sure to check this before making your purchase.

9. Inspect the ports and peripherals

Try out all the ports, headphone plugs, HDMI, SD card slots, CD/DVD drive, and other inputs, which are essential for an easy file transfer or other recreational purposes. These are attached to the motherboard and may get costly to replace.

10. Verify wireless connectivity

The value of a used laptop decreases if it can’t connect to WIFI. Before buying, make sure that it can connect to WIFI networks without hassle.

Search for the best secondhand laptop for your needs only at https://www.olx.ph/.

Shopee users can get the new Honor 10 Lite for only ₱8,491

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, once again partners Honor to launch its latest premium smartphone, the Honor 10 Lite. Starting January 25, over 21 million Shopee users in the Philippines can enjoy an exclusive 15% off the new Honor 10 Lite, a refreshed variant of the hit Honor 10, available at just ₱8,491 instead of the usual ₱9,999. In addition, a limited special bundle featuring an Honor Band 4 Running, Honor Gift Box, and an Honor foldable luggage worth ₱3,000 in total will be up for grabs for the earliest buyers of the Honor 10 Lite on Shopee.

(L-R) Vincent Zhang, Honor Representative, Martin Yu, Associate Director Shopee Philippines, Miguel Bonifacio, Honor Representative

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “Honor was consistently among the best-selling brands on Shopee throughout 2018, highlighted by the immense success of the Honor 10 flash sale on Shopee in June. Our ongoing Super Gadget Zone Sale, which ends on January 25, has also done very well and we are excited to build on this momentum with the exclusive launch of the Honor 10 Lite. As the demand for premium tech products continues to grow in the Philippines, Shopee will bring even more unbeatable deals on leading brands to our Filipino users in 2019.”

Wang Yang, Country Director of Honor Philippines, said, “We are very proud of the new Honor 10 Lite, and we are very excited to partner Shopee for its debut. Honor has grown our online presence rapidly since joining Shopee in 2018, with our orders increasing by over 350%, and we believe this partnership can reach even greater heights in 2019. Honor is always focused on providing consumers with top quality and innovative mobile devices, and we are confident the Honor 10 Lite will be a big hit on Shopee Philippines.”

The Honor 10 Lite comes in three colors: Sapphire Blue, Midnight Black, Sky Blue. Boasting a stylish gradient finish on the rear and a minimalist dewdrop display notch, the phone continues Honor’s streak of inspired designs that has been a huge hit in the country. From January 25, Filipinos can be the first to get their hands on the Honor 10 Lite exclusively on Shopee.

For more information, visit http://bit.do/shopeeph.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

A truly Filipino feast is never complete without inihaw (barbecue or grilled dish), as it is as iconic as the Pinoy fiesta itself. This well-loved dish has found its way in Mang Inasal’s menu 15 years ago, and the rest is history.

Mang Inasal’s 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal stands out amid the different brands of grilled chicken with its large serving of its uniquely flavored char-grilled chicken served in a homey fastfood setting.

This is affirmed by the latest Kantar Worldpanel Eat-Out Panel Study which shows that Mang Inasal emerged as the No.1 Grilled Chicken brand, capturing a lion-share based on moving annual total value as of May 2018.

This is no surprise as Mang Inasal is well entrenched in the market. With the first Mang Inasal store put up in Iloilo City, the great-tasting Chicken Inasal has made waves around the country and spawned over 500 outlets nationwide within the span of 15 years.

This is made possible by Mang Inasal’s winning recipe of high quality fresh chicken, special marinade recipe, and food preparation and grilling that follow strict quality standards.

“There is no shortcut about the way we procure, prepare and cook our chicken. It is done in the most meticulous and best way possible. Even the most discerning customers can tell that it is made with the passion and expertise of Mang Inasal,” said Mang Inasal Philippines Marketing Head Aileen Natividad.

Natividad said Pinoys are discriminating eaters. They want their food served fresh and hot, juicy and with their favorite condiment. Top that with unlimited rice, free soup, and their choice of their favorite desserts and drinks, and you have a blockbuster hit like the Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal!

“You have to treat your customers as king. Give them what they want – a superior meal at the best value and an environment that is conducive to a truly satisfying dining experience,” Natividad said.

As a special tribute to Chicken Inasal lovers, Mang Inasal will celebrate on January 26, the Pambansang Araw ng Chicken Inasal where all Chicken Paborito Value Meals will be sold at a P15 discount. This is in line with Mang Inasal’s 15th anniversary celebration.

Give in to your craving! Visit any Mang Inasal store on January 26.

‘Tis the season to be overweight? Though it can be quite a struggle to resist temptations to overeat with all the festivities going on, you can still have a good time and get through the holiday season without expanding your waistline. Here are some ways to stay in shape and in the pink of health.

Prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep may result in not just fatigue but also poor decisions, such as going for bad food choices and cancelling workout plans. Take a 20-minute nap when you can to help clear your mind. Try to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night even with all the celebrations you may have to attend.

Hydrate. Try drinking at least two glasses of water before each holiday meal to avoid overeating. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it often throughout the day. Keep in mind that alcohol dehydrates the body, so if you are having a few alcoholic drinks, have some water in between.

Exercise when you can. Make small changes to your daily routine, like parking your car a comfortable distance from your destination or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, to burn the excess calories from all those holiday goodies.

Take a breather. Running errands and attending holiday parties and family gatherings can be quite stressful. Do your best to limit your stress, whether it is by slowing down or saying no to some invitations. If you are hosting lunch or dinner at home, delegate the tasks.

Give yourself the gift of health protection. Set your health goals early and live them ASAP. Go the extra mile for your well-being with health insurance, like AXA Philippines’ Global Health Access. This health plan provides coverage of up to P100 million and world-class medical service in the Philippines or abroad. This comprehensive worldwide health solution takes care of your medical needs by giving you access to the very best health options available, because you deserve no less.

For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Believe you can turn your savings into your dream car with RCBC and RCBC Savings Bank’s (RSB) new Deposit and Drive promo.

Six units each of brand new Isuzu mu-X SUVs and Honda Civic Sedans are up for grabs. The more you save with RCBC and RSB, the more chances you get of winning in the raffle draw. Turn your saving woes into the ultimate grand prize!

Simply earn a raffle entry by depositing “fresh funds” into your new or existing account, and maintaining the minimum average daily balance of at least Php 50,000 for your personal account and Php 500,000 for your corporate account. The final number of raffle entries per account will depend on the cut-off period.

Fresh Deposit Funds are limited to: (a) funds deposited to open an account during the Promo Period; or (b) additional deposits made to existing accounts during the Promo Period.

Also, by just dropping by your branch of account and updating your account information, an additional raffle entry is given to you.

With RCBC and RSB, each deposit gives you a chance to earn a spot for you to drive away with your dream wheels!

Deposit and Drive is open to all new and existing account holders, from individual, joint and corporate accounts. Mark your calendars for the first draw on February 14, 2019 and April 15, 2019 for the final raffle draw date.

Start believing you can drive home with a brand new car. Saving has never been this exciting with RCBC and RCBC Savings Bank’s Deposit and Drive promo.