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True to its commitment of championing a culture that values training individuals to be globally competitive and empowering talents to shape the future of beauty, L’Oréal once again hosts Brandstorm – its signature global innovation competition for students. This year, in partnership with L’Oréal Professional Products, students from all over the Philippines were presented with the challenge of innovating the customer experience for the professional salon of the future.

Started in 1992 and present in 60 countries, Brandstorm is one of the largest student competitions in the world, and has been an innovation-incubator for some of the most promising talents in the industry. Locally, L’Oréal Philippines has mounted the annual business competition since 2009.

For 2018, Brandstormers were tasked to to re-imagine and re-invent the professional salon experience of the future by creating breakthrough innovations that combines the application of the most modern technologies to attract and engage millennials as well as increase hairdressers’ loyalty.

In its 10th year in the Philippines, Brandstorm 2018 surpassed last year’s 1,500 sign-ups for its first nationwide run and mounts the second biggest Brandstorm in the world; this year’s competition boasts of more than 3,570 players from over 30 universities from all over the country.

“Since going nationwide in 2017, we are very happy to see growth in the number students joining the competition and are looking forward to sustain this in the coming years. L’Oréal’s goal has always been to encourage and hone such diversity of talent and reach as many students as possible,” shares Jake Bustos, L’Oréal Philippines Talent Acquisition Manager

From more than 1,100 teams, only 24 moved forward to the semi-finals last March 1. The top 8 teams were then subsequently selected to battle it out in the National Finals held in Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas last April 12.

Out of the 8 National finalists, Team C^3 from UP Diliman successfully took home the championship with a ticket to Paris to represent the country in the L’Oréal international Finals as they compete with other students all over the world.

When asked about the whole experience, the team shares, “L’Oréal Brandstorm pushed the limits of innovation by encouraging us to think outside the box. It was a never-ending process of researching and revising our case, until we were completely satisfied with it. With winning this year’s competition, we are excited to fulfill our dream to represent the country in the L’Oréal Brandstorm Worldwide Finals in Paris, France.”

Following suit are Team Bellus from University of the Philippines Visayas (1st runner up) and Team Tala from De La Salle University-Manila (2nd runner up). Both teams win cash prizes and products for their mentors.

The final list of the L’Oréal 2018 National Finalists were as follows:

• Team C^3 from University of the Philippines – Diliman (National Champions)

• Team Bellus from University of the Philippines – Visayas (1st Runner up)

• Team Tala from De La Salle University – Manila (2nd Runner up)

• Team L’Ocked In from De La Salle University – Manila

• Team LoREALTalk from Ateneo de Manila University

• Team RegSteffiJe from University of the Philippines – Diliman

• Team Totally L’Oréal from University of the Philippines – Diliman

• Team TS1 from University of the Philippines – Diliman

“L’Oréal Brandstorm has always stood as an innovation-incubator for some of the most promising talents in the industry. It is always inspiring to see what students come up with with their fresh perspectives and forward-looking insights,” shares Tina Ampil, L’Oréal Philippines General Manager for Human Resources.

Get Set for The Biggest Mid-Year Online Sale in the Philippines

MANILA, PHILIPPINES –  Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, announces Anne Curtis as its first brand ambassador in line with the launch of 5.5 Shopee Super Sale. The campaign is set to be the biggest mid-year online sale in the Philippines and runs from 13 April to 5 May. It features discounts of up to 90% off on thousands of products, with deals as low as 55 peso and daily flash sales. The Filipina-Australian superstar will also be making her debut as Shopee’s brand ambassador in Shopee’s first ever television commercial in the Philippines.

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer of Shopee, said, “We are thrilled to announce Anne as Shopee Philippines’ first official brand ambassador and to have her join us in kick-starting the biggest mid-year online sale in the Philippines. Her friendly, fun and sociable personality best represents Shopee’s brand positioning as the leading online shopping platform, especially among millennials. In addition to being the face of Shopee, and the upcoming 5.5 Shopee Super Sale, Anne will also be starring in our first ever television commercial,”

“I am always on the move because of my busy schedule. Shopee makes it so convenient for me to do all my online shopping on my phone. Shopee has grown tremendously over the past few years, and I am excited to be part of the Shopee family. As brand ambassador for Shopee Philippines, I look forward to more exciting campaigns and events to come,” said Anne Curtis.

In line with the engagement of Anne Curtis as Shopee Philippines’ first brand ambassador is the launch of 5.5 Shopee Super Sale. Users can look forward to non-stop exciting deals lined up from 13 April onwards, leading up to the mega 24-hour shopping fiesta on 5 May. The campaign will feature massive promotions including 55 peso deals, daily in-app vouchers and surprises, as well as discounts up to 90% off across a wide range of categories. Fans of Anne Curtis can also look forward to the “Anne’s Top Picks” collection and giveaways featuring Shopee merchandise autographed by the celebrity.

Users can also shop exclusive deals from leading brands under the recently launched Shopee Mall; such as Samsung, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nescafe Dolce Gusto, NIDO® ADVANCED PROTECTUS® 3+, NANKID® OPTIPRO® FOUR, Colgate-Palmolive, AVEENO® Active Naturals®, Belo Essentials, Equal Sweetener, Silverworks, Banana Peel, i2i New York, Unisilver, Faber-Castell, Deuter, Head Racket, Coleman and more. 

Additionally, Anne will be launching her own cosmetics line on Shopee. From 11 April, makeup lovers will be able to purchase BLK cosmetics via the BLK Cosmetics Official Shop on Shopee Mall, which features a 100% Authenticity Guarantee, 7 Days Return, Cash on Delivery and Free Shipping nationwide. To celebrate the launch of the BLK Cosmetics Official Shop, Anne will be giving away a limited edition autographed mirror to the first 100 customers, with a minimum spend of 1,000 pesos. 

Check out the 5.5 Shopee Super Sale at https://shopee.ph/m/55shopeesupersale

Shop BLK cosmetics at shopee.ph/blkcosmetics

For more information, visit www.shopee.ph

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

Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr. is the visionary and brains behind the innovations in Tanduay, such as the Tanduay novelty store at the Century Hotel.

The best-selling rhum worldwide has a specialty store at the lobby of the Century Park Hotel in Manila. The Tanduay Store is an exciting hub for the brand’s fans who can avail of limited edition items including the CLX Limited Edition Rhum, a premium craft spirit extracted from a special batch of aged rhum reserves, also known as ‘The Chairman’s Reserves’. Released in 2014, the rhum’s first bottle to be produced from the batch was presented to Chairman Dr. Lucio Tan as Tanduay celebrated its 160th founding anniversary, with the Roman numerals CLX representing the number of years of the brand’s existence.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation posted an unaudited consolidated Net Income of P4.3 billion for the year ended 2017, 11.4% higher than the P3.9 billion reported in 2016.

Net income in the fourth quarter alone grew by 146% to P904 million compared to P368 million in the same period last year driven by a 27% growth in Net Interest Income and a 19% growth in Non-Interest Income.

For the full year 2017, Net Interest Margin (NIM) remained strong at 4.24%, an improvement of 19 basis points from the 4.06% recorded in full year 2016.

Net Interest Income reached P18.0 billion with 15% growth year-on-year. This was driven by the Bank’s vibrant lending business with Total Customer Loan portfolio expanding by 16% to P353 billion. All market segments sustained their growth with 12% growth in Corporate loans, 39% growth in SME Loans, 15% growth in Consumer Loans and 29% growth in Credit Card Receivables. Rizal MicroBank (RMB), the Microfinance arm of the Bank that provides financing requirements for micro and small enterprises, increased its outstanding loan portfolio by 39% year on year, through continuous efforts to enhance its current loan products responsive to the needs of its mandated market segments.

Total Gross Income reached P25.1 billion with Total Other Operating Income reaching P 7.1 billion or 28% of Gross Income.  Fees and Commissions, which include card related fees – both credit and debit cards, Trust fees, and Fees on investment banking and loans were at P3.4 billion, and accounted for 14% of total Gross Income.

Total operating expenses increased slowly by 2.3% to P17.8 billion for the year ended 2017. The Bank pursued the expansion of its distribution network by selectively opening 27 branches and deploying 74 ATMs mainly in support of its on-going strategy to broaden customer reach and enhance banking convenience.  This brought the consolidated network to 508 Branches and 1,562 ATMs, resulting to a 3.07 branch-to-ATM ratio, one of the highest in the industry.

Total Consolidated Resources expanded to P556.3 billion. Total Deposits grew by 10% or P35.3 billion year-on-year to P388.9 billion.

The Bank’s Capital funds stood at P67.1 billion and well above the minimum regulatory requirement with a CAR of 15.47% and CET1 Ratio of 12.46%. The Bank’s Asset quality remained stable with NPL Ratio at 1.25%, lower than the 1.41% NPL Ratio as of end-3Q17.

The Bank’s other businesses continued to grow, addressing the various needs of its customers. RCBC Bankard has a strong and active card base of 579,000 in 2017, higher by 9% vs. the previous year. The Bank has built a strong portfolio under its Wealth Management business with Total Assets under Management (AUM) expanding by 12% to P103.0 billion.

“The Bank is on track and ready to take advantage of the opportunities expected from the favorable business environment in 2018.  Our delivery channels are geared up with new branches and improved ATM systems supported by strengthened security measures in anticipation of the increased client activity in 2018. Competition, however, will continue to be strong.  The RCBC management understands this all too well and is prepared to address this with a strong sense of urgency, as we pursue our business plans, key initiatives and key transactions this year”, said Gil A. Buenaventura, RCBC President and CEO.

In support of the regulatory sandbox initiative introduced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), RCBC has recently partnered with eCurrency Mint Limited (eCurrency) to launch its digital money product to deliver accessible and affordable digital financial services in the country.

RCBC also sealed new Trust deals. Some of the deals are, Stock Transfer Account for Meralco and Lopez Holdings, Project Accounts Trusteeship for Red Planet Hotels and Solar Energy Corporation, and Corporate Investment Management Accounts (IMA) for De La Salle Science Foundation.

The Bank received various awards in Credit Cards, among which, in 2017, Best Card Offering from Highly Commended, South East Asia, 4th Annual Card and Electronic Payments International Asia Awards and Annual Retail Banker International Trailblazer Awards; Best Card Design from 4th Annual Cards & Electronic Payments International Asia Awards 2017; Best Loyalty and Rewards Program from  Mastercard Innovation Forum Awards 2017, and Best Credit Card Offering Philippinesfrom  International Finance Magazine. The bank was also awarded Best Leveraged Finance-Backed M&A in Southeast Asiafrom Alpha Southeast Asia Awards 2017, Best Capital Market Deal from IFR Awards 2017, Best Mergers & Acquisition Financing Deal from Triple A – The Asset Asian Awards 2017, and Best in Private Banking from AI Global Awards.

On November 23, 2017, Moody’s upgraded the bank’s baseline credit assessments (BCAs) and adjusted BCAs to baa3 from ba1. On December 14, 2017, Fitch revised upward the Support Rating Floor of RCBC to BB from BB-.

Create blissful memories on bright sunny days, whether it’s a city escape or an island getaway.

Dive into the stunning beauty of Club Paradise Palawan, a private island resort in Coron. For a minimum of two nights, enjoy a Garden View room for P11,200++ or a Sunset Villa for P12,800++. Delight in buffet breakfast for twoadults and two children below 12 years old, roundtrip Busuanga Airport transfers, and a serving of Firefish Restaurant’s “Bowl of Happiness” – different flavors of homemade ice cream, ideal for sharing. Stay date is until June 1, 2018.

Revel in a Week Date Dream at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, with special rates for a Deluxe Suite for only P6,354.38++, and a Premier Suite for just P7,169.04++. The generous offer comes with complimentary set dinner for two and Country Breakfast for two at Restaurant Verbena, wine and cheese platter at sundown, and milk and cookies before bedtime. Use promo code DREAM. Stay period is until November 28, 2018, Sundays to Thursdays except long weekends and holidays.

For a truly unforgettable summer break, book a room at the Discovery Primea Makati’s Business Flat, Business Suite, Executive Suite, or Primea Suite at 10% off the Best Available Rate. The room package includes tempting culinary offerings such as daily gourmet breakfast and one order of pizza of your choice at Restaurant Tapenade, one round of cocktails for two at EDGE, and 20% discount on food and beverage. Take a dip in Discovery Primea’s iconic infinity pool, or break a sweat in the hotel’s 24-hour gym.

Tech-savvy guests will love the complimentary use of Handy smartphone and High Speed Internet Access. Don’t forget to use the promo code DISCOVER. Stay dates are from April 10 to June 30, 2018.

Not to be missed as well is the Weekend Steals deal at Discovery Suites Manila, with rates starting at PHP 3,665.99++ for a Junior Suite Deluxe. This offer includes breakfast buffet for two at Restaurant 5, access to the swimming pool, fitness center, and children’s playroom, as well as weekend kiddie activities on Saturdays, 4pm to 5pm. Stay Period is from April 6 to July 1, 2018, Fridays to Sundays. My Discovery Elite members are entitled to a complimentary upgrade from Junior Suite to One-Bedroom Suite, subject to availability. Use the promo codeLEISUREWEEKEND to enjoy this special deal.

For more information on these irresistible summer deals, visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com.

Luisito Sta. Ana once again added an award under his belt as he won recently as the first ever champion of the KTM Dukehana Luzon leg held at Circuit Makati parking grounds. KTM Dukehana is a motorcycle time trial sport where motorcycle riders compete to maneuver through a paved course restricted by traffic cones and other skill-testing obstacles in shortest time. There will be two more legs of the competition: one in April in Davao and another in June in Cebu. The Filipino champion will represent the country in the Dukehana Asia Finals where he will compete against other Asian competitors including Thailand, China and Taiwan.

Allianz PNB Life Insurance, the local entity of Allianz, the world’s leading insurer, announces its partnership with Conquer Challenge Philippines, to promote obstacle course racing in the Philippines.

The partnership includes the staging of three major races under the name Allianz Conquer Challenge, the first of which, will be on 13 May at the Vermosa, Daang Hari in Imus, Cavite.

In a press launch held at the Allianz PNB Life office in Makati, Alexander Grenz, Chief Operating Officer at Allianz PNB Life, expressed his enthusiasm in the partnership emphasizing how the company would like to create a positive impact on people’s lives by making them experience new challenges through an obstacle course race. “OCR is a sport that has started to gather a strong following in the Philippines. We at Allianz believe that this sport can inspire Filipinos to take on a new challenge and embrace it without fear,” he said.

Grenz explained that the challenges in the race give individuals a chance to test their mind and body’s capability to get a serious workout. “OCR challenges one to develop endurance and physical strength as well as better coordination skills,” he added.

Allianz Chief Market Management Officer Gae Martinez, however, affirmed the growing patronage of Obstacle Course Racing Sports in the Philippines, lodging her support as more and more Filipinos  become interested on the sport that calls for mental alertness, emotional stability, and physical endurance to overcome obstacles in lives. This is true for millenials who comprise a great number of obstacle course racers, but also for GenXers who have also tried it. The increasing awareness of Filipinos to live a healthy and active lifestyle is indicative of a shift of lifestyle that now recognizes the threats of critical illness, but at the same time the pursuit of aspirations for a better future.

Conquer Challenge President Rob Afzelius shares that Allianz Conquer Challenge, with its key message of “Dare to Conquer your Impossible, consists of three races: the Conquer Challenge Power Race which is a 7 Km + 20 obstacles race, the Conquer Challenge Beginner’s obstacle Race, which is 3 Km + 12 obstacles, and even a Conquer Challenge Kids race that is 1.5 km long plus at least 7 obstacles. Kids joining the race must be accompanied by an adult. We see this partnership with Allianz as fit because both entities’ are aligned in inspiring the Filipino never to waiver on its aspirations.

Rei Abrazaldo, Allianz Philippines’ Branding Communications and Digital Director revealed that the company’s foray into supporting obstacle course races is part of a special trio of activities on 13 May, that espouses Filipinos’ to take part in a fitness activity. Abrazaldo explains – Allianz Philippines declares 13 May as Allianz Day of Courage, because aside from the Allianz Conquer Challenge , the company is also supporting two other sporting events on the same day, namely, the Philippine Heart Association Heart Run at SM By the Bay and the Bayanihan Walk in Singapore.

Allianz globally has been supporting various sports and institutions like football, Paralympics, golf and rugby, among other sports that capture the emotional spirit of its business and inspire millions of people around the world with stories of human achievement through sport and innovation.