The Journey of Amizah Catubig with Jollibee Foods Corporation: From Part-Time Service Crew to Full-Time Area Manager

With a 20-year career in Jollibee, Amizah is grateful to be part of a company like the Jollibee Group that genuinely looks after its employees’ careers and well-being. Jollibee Group has long committed to providing its employees a nourishing professional workplace culture while sustaining its growth. The company continues to reinforce its global standing after receiving TIME Magazine's World's Best Companies award and its second Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award in 2023.

Amizah Jobaina Catubig holds the distinction of being the first female manager at Jollibee Basilan. In addition, she managed the store's first-ever Gold Award from the organization's Food, Safety, and Cleanliness (FSC) Standards audit during her first year as manager.

Amizah started out as a part-time member of the service crew and is presently the Area Manager (AM) of seven Davao Jollibee restaurants. 

One of her favorite memories from her 20 years with the Jollibee Group is her start on January 5, 2003, at the Jollibee Climaco location in Zamboanga City.

A colorful career in Mindanao

It took Amizah, or Jov to her colleagues, three tries before landing a job in Jollibee in 2003.

“Out of the 18 applicants at that time, I was blessed to become one of the three who passed and got hired. Nasa news parati ang Basilan during this time. There were bombings and threats in [the] town. Rizal Park, which is just in front of the store, was bombed. (“Basilan was always in the news during this time.”). We felt the impact in the store. We witnessed [how] the customers panicked. We posted merchandising materials strategically for awareness. We strengthened store Food Service Cleanliness (FSC) Standards and implemented cost-saving initiatives. Our frontliners communicated to our customers in the local dialect for them to feel at home. We were able to turn a negative store into a profitable one. I am in the position to influence others to embrace the differences, [to] respect the person’s culture and religion. Inaaral ko ‘yung dialect saan man ako ma-assign to really blend in with the team. (“I learned their dialect wherever I was assigned to really blend in with the team.”) “Pinapakita ko sa gawa. At pinaparamdam ko that we are fair to all,” she said. (“I show by doing. And I make them feel that we are fair to all.”). Gumanda ang buhay namin because of Jollibee. (We have a better life today because of Jollibee.”). I personally pay the utilities of our mosque monthly. Natuto kaming makisalamuha at the age of 5. Nakitira kami, palipat-lipat sa bahay ng lola at tita namin. (“We had to learn how to deal with people at age 5. We lived with our grandmother and aunt and would move between their houses.”). Ang Alagang Jollibee ay madadama mo. (“You can feel the Alagang Jollibee. It fosters a culture that values respect and fairness. I take [that] pride where I go, that I work in a company that values its people and promotes Filipino values.” ~Amizah Jobaina Catubig, first female manager of Jollibee Basilan

In 2004, she became the cluster's training manager and led staff training and deployment for new stores in the Zamboanga City area. Three years later, she became an Assistant Manager.

Amizah remained in the Mindanao region for the next eight years, taking on both exciting and challenging stores. She served as Officer-in-Charge of the Jollibee Zamboanga Tumaga kiosk, a branch struggling with sales then. She became the first female Restaurant Manager from Zamboanga at Jollibee Basilan, Jollibee’s 500th store. After this, she had supervisory stints in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Vamenta and Kasuwagan, Cagayan de Oro; and Pershing, Zamboanga. 

She continued her stint in downtown Zamboanga by handling clusters in Pagadian and Ozamis in 2017 and those in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat in 2021 at the height of the pandemic.

A challenge matched with resolve

Of all these stints, Amizah considers the one at Jollibee Basilan in 2010 as the most challenging because of a bombing incident at the park in front of the store, which claimed the lives of ten individuals and sowed fear within the community. 

As a result, store sales suffered. To overcome this, their team beefed up the store’s security workforce and requested police visibility within store premises.

A year after the incident, Jollibee Basilan achieved its first Gold Award in FSC, the prestigious Presidential Awards for Performance Excellence (PAPE). Apart from that, they also achieved a double 100% rating in the corporate audit, another first for the branch, which covers auditing of internal processes. 

FSC is Jollibee’s trademark of service: Food (F) served to the public must meet the company’s excellence standards, or it will not be served at all; the Service (S) must be fast and courteous; Cleanliness (C), from kitchen to utensils, must always be maintained. 

PAPE, meanwhile, signifies the highest level of accomplishment in Jollibee, characterized by the store team’s achievement of the target sales, profit, FSC rating, and operations team performance requirements.

Embracing cultures and ensuring standards 

Amizah ensured that she embraced diversity and inclusivity in the Jollibee branches she handled.

All seven Davao stores she currently supervises have received valuable feedback from customers in the Muslim community, particularly for their pork-free offerings that are labeled accordingly on the menu.

Pride in Alagang Jollibee

Jollibee’s unique brand of care extends not only to its customers, but even so to its employees. 

The eldest in the family, Amizah supported the college education of her three younger siblings, who are now all gainfully employed. She was also able to build her family’s home. 

Since her promotion to Area Manager in 2016, she has been extending help to the community where she lives. 

Born to OFW parents—her mother as a house helper and her father as a family driver in the Middle East—Amizah was raised by her grandparents. She grew up knowing how difficult life could be. 

Alagang Jollibee is how she refers to the way the company cares for its employees.

Amizah is proud to be part of Jollibee.

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,800 stores across 33 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Recently, the Jollibee Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. 

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction. 

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Kemans Booth and MMD Draw Crowd at BeautyCon2024

Kemans basks in the afterglow of the success of the recently-concluded BeautyCon 2024, held at SMX Manila from March 20 to 23, 2024. With BeautyCon 2024’s tagline “Journey into Beauty,” Kemans, one of the Philippines’ most-trusted beauty and wellness brands, aspires to accompany every man and woman on their journey of self-awareness and transformation.

Kemans surprised beauty afficionados, who dropped by their booth, to a free skin analysis, with their skin analyzer. This is the first step in determining which products are best-suited for one’s skin type. Con-goers had a blast playing Plinko, and getting freebies, and loot bags filled with the hottest Kemans products during the event, where all types of Kemans serums were at 50% off, while sunscreens were Buy 1 Take 1. 

One of the event’s highlights was Kemans’ brand segment with Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, where she talked about participating in pageants, her own journey of transformation and self-discovery, and her first encounter with Kemans, and how she considers Kemans products as her secret weapon even when she competed in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador. 

“Might I just say, though, that El Salvador was very hot when I was there so I really have to thank Kemans for helping me look fresh all day, because I love their Pit Solution line, so ‘pag kinakabahan ako, hindi halata. That was when I realized, especially after winning, that their products were really, really effective. They were light. Hindi nags-stick sa skin mo. Hindi siya malagkit. I didn’t really grow up knowing skin care. My mom also didn’t really advocate about it. It was more, ‘Get out there and get dirty.’ Until I entered the life of show business. Every day na ako nagme-make up. Every day I have to be in front of harsh lights and uncertain conditions. So, I realized the value of choosing the right skin care routine.” ~Michelle Dee, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Kemans endorser

She went on to say that she first got to use Kemans products during the Miss Universe Philippines pageant in 2023, where Kemans was one of the sponsors. 

Although Michelle, or MMD, as her fans call her, was never into skin care before her pageant days, her showbiz career made her think twice about being more diligent when it comes to taking better care of her skin. 

Other Kemans products Michelle swears by are the Kemans Retinol Skin Renew and the Kemans Vitamin C Brightening and Regenerating Serum. 

Kemans products are available in store and online at Watsons, and on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. To get the latest updates about Kemans, visit https://www.facebook.com/kemansOfficial/ on Facebook, https://www.instagram.com/KemansOfficial on Instagram, and https://www.tiktok.com/@kemansofficial on TikTok. 

Century Park Hotel to hold "Century-Con" Easter Sunday Celebrations

Century Park Hotel to hold "Century-Con" Easter Sunday Celebrations

This Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of Manila's finest and premier hotels, is delighted to once again host a festive celebration for children aged 0 to 12.

This year's theme, "Century-Con," is inspired by popular comic conventions where like-minded people and enthusiasts come together to meet new and old friends.

Century Park Hotel to hold "Century-Con" Easter Sunday Celebrations

Century Park Hotel to hold "Century-Con" Easter Sunday Celebrations

Children are encouraged to dress in costumes based on their favorite comic characters.  Tickets for the event, which begins at 9:00AM in the Grand Ballroom, start as low as P1,600net (adult or child) and P3,000net (adult and child).  Tickets include a brunch buffet, a loot bag for children, access to the inflatables, a fashion show, a magic show, balloon twisting, games, raffle prizes, and the much-anticipated egg hunt!  Easter Sunday revelers will have a great time searching the hotel's nooks and crannies for the highly sought-after special eggs.

Century Park Hotel to hold "Century-Con" Easter Sunday Celebrations

This annual event brings together generous partners of Century Park Hotel who wish to bring joy to the kids: Asia Brewery Incorporated, Baguio Country Club, Galinco’s Chips Delight, Lemon Square, Leslie’s Clover, Oishi, Puffy & Sparky Bag, Zest-O, Symply G, Trolli Philippines, Commonwealth Foods-Mini Puff, Ritz Biscuits, Gardenia, Monkin, Farmhouse and Timezone.

“It has always been a tradition of the hotel to give families a one-of-a-kind Easter Sunday.  The hotel staff always look forward to the Easter season as they get to prepare amazing treats and activities for our young guests.  Every year, kids and parents leave the property with big smiles on their faces and that means a lot to us, the joy we impart to our guests keeps motivating us to outdo the previous year’s event.” ~Anna Dimagiba, Century Park Hotel’s OIC for Hotel Operations

You can still purchase your “Century-Con Easter” tickets by calling +63 917 528 8888 or emailing dm@centurypark.com.ph.

Launched in 1976, the Century Park Hotel remains as one of the finest hotels in Manila. It is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation and enjoys a mix of local and international patrons. The renowned establishment has over 500 rooms in varied types and facilities for a complete dining and leisure experience. To know more about Century Park Hotel, visit www.centurypark.com or contact information@centurypark.com.ph and telephone number: (632) 8528-8888.

Ginto Capitalizes on Gin Market’s Growth

The country’s growing gin market provides a lucrative opportunity for new players like Ginto, the first locally made barrel-aged gin in the Philippines.

“Consumers are always on the lookout for unique tastes and new experiences, and Ginto offers both of them. It is made using quality ingredients and is aged in oak bar-rels for six months, producing its distinct golden sunset color and complex mix of sweet and spicy flavors with hints of fresh botanicals. The Gin Festival gave us an opportunity to connect with gin lovers and show them how Ginto is different from other gin products. Ginto is a testament to our dedication of observing the highest standards at all times.” ~Jon Edzel Ty, Digital Brand Man-ager, Tanduay DistillersInc., the makers of Ginto

Consumer Engagement and Product Innovation

The brand is focused on enhancing its visibility through marketing and participating in spirits events. Most recently, it joined the Manila Gin Festival 2024. Held at Bonifacio Global City High Street Amphitheater in Taguig, the event was a “celebration of the creativity, diversity, and spirit of craft gin culture.” 

Ginto joined various distilleries in showcasing their products during the two-day festival. It set up a booth where attendees were given free samples of its barrel-aged gin. It also gave away various Ginto and Tanduay merchandise as prizes.

Mr. Ty added that Ginto was crafted to be available to a wide range of consumers, offering them an affordable alternative that is rich in flavor and quality.

Ginto is a blend of neutral spirit and natural flavors of juniper, coriander, and orange oils. It has a slight sweet taste with hints of citrus, juniper berry, and woody notes. Its body is mellow, smooth, and dry and it has a smoothly cascading finish with hints of pepper, juniper, and grapefruit. Juniper, orange peel, and coriander are the top notes of its aroma. Available in 600 ml, it has a 36% alcohol/volume.

Jollibee Group Recognized as among Top Taxpayers in Pasig City

Fifth Top Taxpayer of Pasig City. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (third from left) and Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr. (fifth from left) lead the recognition of the city’s top taxpayers. Receiving the award on behalf of the Jollibee Group were Clarisa Guerra, Jollibee Worldwide Services Director of Tax Services (fourth from left); and Atty. Anna Marie Curan, Jollibee Group Corporate Tax Manager (second from left).

The Jollibee Group was named the top fifth business taxpayer in Pasig City for 2023, further reinforcing its commitment to contribute to nation-building. 

The awarding ceremony, themed "One of the Pillars of Progress: Honoring our Tax Contributors," was held at The Grove by Rockwell. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr., and the Pasig City Council recognized the city’s top taxpayers who contributed to the city's programs and services through fast and efficient payment of due taxes.

“As a company proudly founded in the Philippines, we share in the role of nation-building. We do this not only by growing our business and serving food that brings joy to Filipinos but also by being a responsible taxpayer and corporate citizen. We remain committed to supporting the government’s programs that help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos.” ~Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer and Head of Jollibee Group’s Philippine Business

The Jollibee Group’s Philippine portfolio includes well-loved brands such as Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, and Red Ribbon. As of December 2023, the Company has over 3,300 stores in the country.

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,800 stores across 33 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Recently, the Jollibee Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. 

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The Company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction. 

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Sarah Geronimo Finds Harmony Between a Hectic Schedule and Home Life With the Help of Hanabishi

Sarah Geronimo may be booked and busy, but that doesn’t stop her from doing housework whenever she has the time. For her, cooking and cleaning are not just chores but activities that help her de-stress.

“Kapag may oras ako sa mga gawaing bahay, ginagawa ko talaga, tulad ng pagluluto o paglilinis. Salamat sa Hanabishi, mas madali ko silang nagagawa (When I have time to do housework, I do it like cooking or cleaning. Thanks to Hanabishi, they're easier to do). Hanabishi makes it easier and more enjoyable for people like me who love to cook. Subok na din ang tibay at tagal ng Hanabishi appliances (Hanabishi appliances are proven to be durable and long-lasting. Hindi madali ang work-life balance, pero pwede itong ma-achieve sa tulong ng Hanabishi (Having work-life balance isn’t easy, but you can achieve this with the help of Hanabishi).” ~Sarah Geronimo

Sarah’s Top Appliance Suggestions for Busy Women

Sarah finds time to cook and experiment with new recipes using her trustworthy Hanabishi appliances to help her create different dishes with ease.

For women like her who love to prepare meals for their loved ones but have limited time to do so, she suggested using the Hanabishi Digital Pressure Cooker (HDIGPC10in1) and Digital Transparent Air Fryer (HAFRYER42GLDIGSTMR).

The former has a 5.7-liter capacity and a 10-program cooking selection that includes rice, multigrain, soup, meat/stew, poultry, fish, steam, beans/chili, yogurt, and porridge. The latter, meanwhile, has a 4.2-liter capacity, steam function for more nutrients retention and oil-free food, and six pre-set menus. Both are attractive additions to the kitchen with their sleek design and, most importantly, can help prepare meals without fuss.

Sarah’s other kitchen must-haves are the rice cooker and microwave oven, and she recommended having a Hanabishi Low Sugar Multi-Function Rice Cooker HDESUGAR18MFRC and digital microwave oven (HMOMSSD) in one’s home. They are available in different sizes to fit one’s style and price preference.

When it comes to making coffee, Sarah has the Hanabishi 2IN1 Grinder and Coffee Maker (HGRCM2IN1), which has a smart and compact design and can be used with coffee beans and ground coffee.

Sarah further shared that apart from cooking, she also loves doing the laundry and whenever she has the time to do it, she relies on her Hanabishi washing machine.

The trusted appliance brand offers a selection of washing machines, among them the  Hanabishi Fully Automatic Washing Machine Eco-Inverter 9.5kg Capacity (HAWMD195INV), a quiet and stable machine that saves up to 35% electricity consumption. It is easy to use with its one-touch wash, fast clean system, and triple punching flow.

“It has always been Hanabishi’s goal to make housework easier for homemakers. Our appliances are not complicated to operate and can easily get a cooking or cleaning job done. We also made sure that we offer a wide selection to cater to the taste and budget of different customers.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi Appliances VP for Finance and Marketing

To learn more about the Hanabishi products that Sarah recommended, visit www.myhanabishi.com.

Every Drop Counts: PCPPI champions responsible water usage

Every Drop Counts: PCPPI champions responsible water usage

The country's only PepsiCo beverage manufacturer, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), is continuing to fulfill its commitment to encourage ethical water stewardship throughout its operations. The organization used 5.4% less water overall in 2023 than it did the year before. This illustrates PCPPI's ongoing efforts to guarantee appropriate water use, especially during the production process.

When conducting water use audits to track consumption throughout its facilities, PCPPI adheres to both international standards and PepsiCo's guidelines. The organization uses up to 50% of its water supply for washing returnable glass bottles. Regular scheduling of equipment maintenance and updates is done to maximize efficiency. To keep technical teams up to date on proper machine use, training courses and policy refresher sessions are also held.

PCPPI's efforts to reduce water use are augmented by reducing the frequency of Clean-In-Place (CIP) procedures in specific facilities. An estimated 30 cubic meters of water are used for each CIP procedure, which ensures cleanliness in the production area. In addition to increasing operating hours, PCPPI uses recycled water to maximize CIP periods.

With the Adopt-A-River Program, PCPPI has been an enduring partner of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local governments in the areas it serves. Organizations are able to maintain and care for bodies of water in their operational areas thanks to this initiative. Currently, PCPPI has active agreements with the local governments of Cebu, Pampanga, Davao, Leyte, Zamboanga, and its home city of Muntinlupa.

The bigger picture

March 22 marks World Water Day, an initiative of the United Nations (UN) that promotes responsible use of and better access to safe water. PCPPI remains committed to furthering its position as a champion of water stewardship, especially since the resource is vital to its operations. Aside from the programs mentioned earlier, the organization empowers its employees to develop smarter, more innovative ways to uphold global standards while ensuring that water usage is managed and reduced over time.

“At PCPPI, we are continuously improving our processes to make sure that our operations utilize resources wisely. Aside from arming our employees with the necessary trainings and industry best practices, we work closely with government stakeholders and community leaders in advocating a sustainable future.” ~Atty. Carina S. Bayon, Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer

 

PCPPI is the country’s exclusive manufacturer and distributor of well-known beverage brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier Purified Water, Milkis, and Chum Churum Soonhari. For more information, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Jollibee Group Stores and Facilities Show Sustained Support for Earth Hour 2024

Jollibee Group Stores and Facilities Show Sustained Support for Earth Hour 2024

Over 4,700 stores and facilities of the  Jollibee Group from the Philippines, China, North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia will be turning their lights off on Earth Hour this March 23, 2024, in solidarity with over 190 countries to raise awareness about the environmental impact on the planet of climate change.

Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Burger King, and Common Man Coffee Roasters branches in the Philippines, as well as Tim Ho Wan, Yonghe King, and Hong Zhuang Yuan restaurants in China, Highlands Coffee in Vietnam, and Jollibee, Smashburger, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branches in North America and Canada will give an hour for the Earth--from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (local time)- as they will simultaneously turn their lights off including signage and billboards on their facilities. 

“We believe that all actions count in helping ensure a sustainable future. While participating in Earth Hour starts with turning off the lights, it serves a bigger purpose of being a visible and important reminder that we can take deliberate steps to make a profound difference on the planet.” ~Pepot Miñana Jr., Jollibee Group’s Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer

Energy management priority

Energy Efficiency is one of the major focus areas under the Jollibee Group’s Sustainability Agenda called Joy for Tomorrow. Under this priority area, the Company has set reduction goals and initiatives that are aligned with and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “Affordable and Clean Energy” (Goal #7) and “Responsible Consumption and Production” (Goal #12). 

The Jollibee Group has implemented several energy-saving measures in its stores and commissaries to manifest this goal. This year, the Company will continue increasing the total number of solar-paneled stores to 64, on top of solar installations in its facilities.

After powering up an extensive 6,300 solar panel installation in its Canlubang Baking Facility last January, the Jollibee Group's supply chain will mark another milestone by solarizing its two remaining sites, C3 and Jollibee Worldwide Services Logistics, by the second quarter of 2024.

To continuously contribute to the Company's growing sustainable business practices, these manufacturing and logistics sites are targeting to improve its energy reduction further by the end of the year, following their achievement of a 28.2% reduction in energy use ratio in 2023.

Held annually on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour engages around 190 countries and territories, inspiring millions of people to act and reduce the consumption of natural resources by turning off lights for an hour.

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,800 stores across 33 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Recently, the Jollibee Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. 

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction. 

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

MR.DIY Celebrates Motherhood at SOS Children's Village During Women’s Month

In a heartwarming event held at SOS Children's Villages, MR.DIY Philippines celebrated the essence of motherhood during the Women’s Month last March 8, 2024. The initiative aimed to honor the selfless dedication of SOS mothers who nurture children with love and care, regardless of their backgrounds or life challenges.

"Our collaboration with SOS Children's Villages allows us to celebrate the incredible work of SOS mothers who dedicate their lives to nurturing children. Through initiatives like this, we hope to inspire others to spread kindness and make a positive impact in their communities." ~Charles Salecina, Deputy Head for Marketing at MR.DIY

During the event, MR.DIY employees transformed into "Uncles and Aunties for a Day," guiding children to craft heartfelt Mother's Day gifts using MR.DIY's arts and crafts materials. A total of thirty volunteers passionately engaged with the children, fostering creativity and bonding through the act of crafting.

"This partnership with MR.DIY has provided our children with a wonderful opportunity to express their creativity and gratitude towards their SOS mothers. It's heartwarming to see the joy and love infused into each handmade card, reflecting the strong bond between the children and their SOS families." ~Andrea Celica Santos, Corporate Relations Coordinator at SOS Children's Villages Philippines

The day's highlight was the creation of Mother’s Day cards, each carrying a unique message of love and gratitude. The children poured their hearts into designing these cards, showcasing their appreciation for the SOS mothers who have provided them with a loving home environment.

A special moment unfolded as the best-designed card was awarded a gift pack from MR.DIY, adding an extra touch of joy to the occasion. This gesture not only recognized the children's artistic talents but also symbolized the bond between SOS mothers and their children.

This celebration held particular significance as it redefined the concept of motherhood within SOS Children's Villages. Unlike conventional notions, SOS mothers embody diverse backgrounds and life experiences, yet they share a common trait – an unwavering commitment to nurturing children with love, care, and respect for their individual stories.

The SOS Village's unique approach to family-like care ensures that children grow up in a supportive environment, surrounded by their SOS siblings and a caring SOS mother. This nurturing setting fosters a sense of belonging and security, which is essential for every child's healthy development.

As MR.DIY continues its partnership with SOS Children's Villages and other NGO partners through Acts of Kindness (AoK), the retailer's commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families remains steadfast. Together, through acts of kindness, creativity, and compassion, MR.DIY and its partners create meaningful impacts that resonate across Filipino communities, nurturing hope, love, and opportunities for every child.

In honoring the SOS mothers and embracing the spirit of Women’s Month, let us acknowledge and appreciate the unsung heroes – the SOS mothers – who exemplify the true spirit of motherhood through their dedication, compassion, and resilience.

To know more about MR.DIY, head to MR.DIY’s official website at www.mrdiy.com/ph or follow https://www.facebook.com/mrdiyPH on Facebook, and https://www.instagram.com/mrdiy.philippines on Instagram and https://www.tiktok.com/@mrdiy.philippines on TikTok. You can also check

out MR.DIY’s stores nationwide here: https://www.mrdiy.com/ph/storelocator.

About MR.DIY

MR.DIY is one of the largest home improvement retailers with more than 2,000 stores across Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Cambodia, India, and Europe in Turkey and Spain. The home improvement retailer has dedicated itself to making a positive difference in the lives of its valued customers by offering convenience at all its stores nationwide.

All MR.DIY stores are managed directly, and the company often works in collaboration with other mass merchandise retailers or owners of malls or shopfront properties. MR.DIY stores offer a wide selection of — approximately 18,000 SKUs — across 5 major categories, namely hardware; household and furnishing; electrical; stationery and sports equipment products; and others (comprising amongst other toys, car accessories, jewelry, and cosmetics).

The company strives to put customers first by operating an innovative business that is flexible when it comes to providing a wide variety of products, good quality, and value for money, holding true to the company’s motto of “ALWAYS LOW PRICES”. Visit www.mrdiy.com/ph/ for more details.

Meet the Inspiring CEO of MR.DIY Philippines

Ms. Roselle Andaya Embraces Leadership By Accountability

MR.DIY Philippines invites you to discover the remarkable journey of their CEO, Ms. Roselle Andaya, as she embodies inspiring achievements and transformative leadership through "Leading by Accountability."

With a profound commitment to excellence and empowerment, Ms. Roselle has spearheaded MR.DIY's growth, establishing over 500 stores nationwide. Her vision and dedication have not only shaped our company's success but also set a standard for responsible and impactful leadership.

In a brief interview, Ms. Roselle shares her three-word mantra for aspiring leaders: "Leading by Accountability." This mantra encapsulates the essence of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership, making informed decisions, and embracing accountability for outcomes.

Aspiring leaders can draw inspiration from Ms. Roselle's leadership style, grounded in responsibility, integrity, and transparency. Her commitment to accountability has fostered trust, empowered teams, and driven positive results across our organization.

Join MR.DIY Philippines as it celebrates Women's Month by watching the video and gaining insights from Ms. Roselle's inspiring leadership journey. Discover how "Leading by Accountability" can transform not just businesses but also lives, creating a more empowered and inclusive future.

InLife Sheroes Shines the Spotlight on Filipino Women as it Celebrates 5th Anniversary; Launches the InLife Sheroes Awards

(from left) host KaladKaren Davila, Ms. Mitch Valdez, InLife Dreamweaver Megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas, Aryn Cristobal, and Nicki Morena.

InLife Sheroes shone the spotlight on women, led by Executive Chairperson and InLife Sheroes prime mover Nina D. Aguas, and InLife Dreamweaver, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, in an afternoon program that celebrated its achievements in the last five years.

Aside from Ms. Cuneta, other performers included veteran actress, singer and comedienne Mitch Valdez, multitalented performer Aryn Cristobal , Stand-up performer Nicki Morena. Versatile comedienne KaladKaren hosted the event.

InLife Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas (4^th from left) and InLife Dreamweaver Megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan led guests in exchanging Sheroes bracelets representing the bonds formed these past five years and the promise to stand by each other through thick and thin. With them are (from left) host KaladKaren Davila, Ms. Mitch Valdez, Aryn Cristobal, and Nicki Morena.

Ms. Aguas recalled how from a goal of reaching one million Filipino women three years after its inception in 2019, InLife Sheroes, now 5 years old, has reached more than 6.5 million Filipino women through various on-ground and online activities.

“InLife Sheroes will reach out to more Filipino women so that they become empowered through financial education and inclusion. This will be done through various digital/online and on-the-ground initiatives nationwide coupled with partnerships with various like-minded organizations.” ~Nina D. Aguas, Executive Chairperson and InLife Sheroes Prime Mover

InLife Sheroes, InLife’s flagship program for women empowerment, was established in partnership with the  International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. It aims to reach out to the relatively untapped segment of the women in the Philippines, especially women entrepreneurs who need life and health protection as well as financial solutions to expand their businesses. InLife Sheroes’ four focus areas are financial literacy, health and wellness, women-specific solutions, and access to social and business networks.

In order to exemplify these, InLife forged strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations such as the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, the University of the Philippines – Manila’s Mu Sigma Phi, I Can Serve Foundation, Imaginable Impact, For The Women Foundation, Connected Women and major hospitals in the country among others, aside from its bancassurance partner UnionBank of the Philippines, associate Insular Health Care, and social commitment arm Insular Foundation, Inc.

Recently, InLife launched a critical illness life insurance plan called Resilience Female Cancers, aimed at providing coverage for women who would suffer from nine kinds of cancers such as: breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer; uterine sarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, fallopian tube cancer and leiomyosarcomas.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cuneta, a Shero herself, launched a video series on her YouTube channel, with the first episode discussing the importance of choosing a healthier lifestyle and preparing for the financial impact of health emergencies.

During the anniversary show held at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula on March 12, InLife also launched the InLife Sheroes Awards. The Awards Program will honor Filipino women who embody the four pillars of InLife Sheroes: champions of financial education, advocates for physical and/or mental health and wellness, accomplished women who work for the benefit of women and business leaders whose products and services address women’s needs. Nominations should be accompanied by a 500-word  write up on the nominee’s profile, explaining her advocacies and endeavors, and must be sent to inlifesheroes@insular.com.ph from March 12 to August 15, 2024.

For more information on the InLife Sheroes, visit https://www.inlifesheroes.com/.

Century Park Hotel offers exclusive offers for Elite Card Members

Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of the finest and premier hotels in Manila, is pleased to announce that Elite Card members can now avail of additional perks!

Introduced a few years ago, the Elite Card membership program allows patrons and guests of CPH to enjoy rewards and privileges from F & B to room discounts as well as other exciting benefits.  For a nominal fee, one can sign up and become a member right away!

Beginning this March, existing Elite Card Members can also enjoy 20% off on their total bill at Century Tsukiji Buffet by simply presenting their card before billing out.  To avoid any inconvenience, a prior reservation is required.  The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other discounts and not applicable during F&B blackout dates (December 24, 25, 31 & January 1, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day  and Chinese New Year).

Century Tsukiji Eat-All-You-Can

“We always aim to give our guests a memorable experience once they step inside the hotel.  The exclusive offers that we added to the Elite Card members’ enjoyment is our way of expressing gratitude for their loyalty and continuous patronage.” ~Anna Dimagiba, Century Park Hotel’s OIC for Hotel Operations

You too can become an Elite Card member today! For applications, contact 0917 3289638 or email eyanson@centurypark.com.ph or visit www.centuryparkhotel.com.ph. Once you are a member you may enjoy these Dining Privileges: Meal discounts at Café in the Park for Lunch and Dinner Buffet: (20% discount for 1 diner, 50% discount for 2 diners, 33% discount for 3 diners, 25% discount for 4 diners and 20% discount for 5 or more diners) Only one membership card may be accepted per table / meal period.

In addition, you may also avail of the following:

• 20% discount on food and beverages in all outlets except at Deli Snack or for special promotional items.
• 10% discount on regular items from Deli Snack.
• Two (2) certificates worth Php 500 each to be used when dining at any outlet except Deli Snack.
• One (1) certificate for a complimentary birthday cake in any outlet when dining in (reservation is recommended).
• One (1) certificate for complimentary standard drinks for two (2) persons at the Atrium Lounge.
• One (1) certificate for a complimentary buffet for two (2) persons at Café in the Park.
• One (1) certificate for a specialty Ice Cream at Century Tsukiji.
• Two (2) certificates for a complimentary swimming pool pass for two (2) persons.

The Elite Card membership also comes with accommodation benefits:

• 35% discount on room accommodations based on best available rates (suites are not included).
• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons.
• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Deluxe Room on the 2nd night with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons (best available rates only).
• Two (2) certificates for a special room rate of Php 8,000 in a Superior room with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons. Each certificate is good for a minimum of two nights’ stay.
• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Superior room (for a minimum banquet function of Php150,000).
• Four (4) certificates for 45% off on rooms based on best available rates (suites are not included).
• Three (3) certificates for a complimentary room upgrade to the next available room category (suites are not included).

All accommodation benefits are subject to availability and not valid during high occupancy and blackout dates. An advance reservation is required and the offer is not valid in conjunction with other promotions and closed-out dates (December 24, 25, 31 & January 1, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year).

Launched in 1976, the Century Park Hotel remains as one of the finest hotels in Manila. It is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation and enjoys a mix of local and international patrons. The renowned establishment has over 500 rooms in varied types and facilities for a complete dining and leisure experience. To know more about Century Park Hotel, visit www.centurypark.com or contact information@centurypark.com.ph and telephone number: (632) 8528-8888.