GrabShare expands to more Metro Manila cities

Celebrate "summer sarap" with Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo

Grab Philippines officially brings GrabShare to more cities in Metro Manila. The carpooling service – which had its pilot run in Makati, BGC, Manila and select areas in Ortigas in 2022 – is now also available in Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Pateros, and select areas in Paranaque and Quezon City. 

GrabShare makes the same convenience and reliability of GrabCar more accessible and affordable for the Filipino commuter. With GrabShare, passengers can enjoy as much as 30 percent lower fares on Grab. The service’s passenger-matching feature was also further optimized to ensure that the party is headed in the same direction to avoid surprise detours, hence improving overall shared-ride duration. 

“Every Filipino deserves unfettered access to safe, reliable, and more affordable means of transportation, and we are fully committed to help make that a reality for everyone. We are optimistic that as we expand GrabShare’s service areas to more cities in Metro Manila, we are staying true to our commitment – continuing to play an active role in providing a better mobility experience for everyone.” ~Ronald Roda, Grab Philippines Senior Director for Strategy and Operations

The leading super app is also working on bringing GrabShare to cities outside of Metro Manila. With the growing availability of the service, Grab Philippines reminds its passengers to continue practicing health and safety protocols while on the road. This includes the wearing of face mask and regular hand sanitation. 

ABOUT GRAB

Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading superapp based on GMV in 2021 in each of food deliveries, mobility and the e-wallets segment of financial services, according to Euromonitor. Grab operates across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors in 480 cities in eight countries in the Southeast Asia region – Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Grab enables millions of people each day to access its driver- and merchant-partners to order food or groceries, send packages, hail a ride or taxi, pay for online purchases or access services such as lending, insurance, wealth management and telemedicine, all through a single “everyday everything” app. Grab was founded in 2012 with the mission to drive Southeast Asia forward by creating economic empowerment for everyone, and since then, the Grab app has been downloaded onto millions of mobile devices. Grab strives to serve a double bottom line: to simultaneously deliver financial performance for its shareholders and a positive social impact in Southeast Asia. (www.grab.com).

BingoPlus Night celebrates first year of BingoPlus

BingoPlus Night celebrates first year of BingoPlus

On March 4, BingoPlus held a red carpet-themed BingoPlus Night at the Grand Hyatt Manila, marking the company's first evening grand event since its inception in 2022. Luis Manzano and Maine Mendoza, brand ambassadors for famous brands, led other famous people in celebrating the event.

Billy Crawford and Colleen Garcia at the BingoPlus Night Red Carpet

The glitz-and-glam party which was simultaneously live on the official Facebook page of Viva and BingoPlus started at 6:30 pm with Viva artists Bela Padilla, Sam Concepcion, and Kim Molina walking the red carpet. The main program kicked off later in the evening with a sizzling song and dance number by Josh of SB19. Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid serenaded the audience followed by first BingoPlus female celebrity endorser Maine Mendoza doing a dance number. Highlight of the show was a surprise number by the Unkabogable Vice Ganda who rocked the night with a song and dance number. The event was aired live on TV5 and One PH. 

BingoPlus celebrity endorser Maine Mendoza performs at the BingoPlus Night

Regine Velasquez performs at the BingoPlus Night

Vice Ganda performs at the BingoPlus Night

Over and above the non-stop fun and entertainment, BingoPlus gave away 1 million pesos worth of raffle prizes to its supporters. Two lucky winners of the Mega Jackpot round exclusively for the BingoPlus Night received 25 million pesos while 20 million pesos was donated to the BingoPlus Foundation, the brand’s arm that takes care of giving back to special groups and communities.

“We are grateful for the public’s overwhelming love and support for the brand during its first year of existence.” ~Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President

Present during the wine toasting ceremony were Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) Chairman Eusebio Tanco, LRWC Board of Directors Atty. Mardomeo Raymundo, Jr. and Atty. Jose Paras, LRWC President Andy Tsui, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE) Chairman and CEO Elvis Chan and ABLE President Jasper Vicencio.

Key partners and industry allies from GCash, Maya, Greab Ads, Food Panda, Huawei,  PLDT, Globe, SM Supermalls, Limitless, Family Mart, Shopback and Enravision Media Donuts also participated in the event. 

BingoPlus is the first live-streaming bingo in the Philippines. You may visit www.bingoplus.com and download BingoPlus App for more details.

Celebrate "summer sarap" with Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo

Celebrate Summer Sarap with Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo

Mang Inasal, the country's Grill Expert, ushers in the summer season with its best-selling Extra Creamy Halo-Halo. 

 

Jumpstarting the "Summer Sarap" campaign is a TV commercial that features Mang Inasal brand ambassador Dimples Romana enjoying the Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo while dancing to the tune of “Mas Macrema” -- a fun twist to the 90s hit song Macarena. The song emphasizes the extra creamy milk that makes the Mang Inasal dessert’s blend of ingredients even more delicious. 

 

“Halo-Halo is truly every Filipino's favorite especially during summer. This is why we’re excited to celebrate summer offering our customers the Solid sa Sangkap, Extra Creamy Sarap Halo-Halo. This forms part of our 20th anniversary celebration which highlights the commitment of Mang Inasal to continuously provide food superiority and the best value for money to our customers.” ~Mike V. Castro, Mang Inasal Business Unit Head

 

https://www.facebook.com/manginasalph/videos/944353156719425

 

Customers can enjoy Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and Crema de Leche Halo-Halo starting at P39 with the new 8 oz. add-on to complete their Ihaw-Sarap meals. Classic favorites Small and Regular Halo-Halo are also available for dessert and as snack treats. All Halo-Halo sizes can be ordered for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. 

 

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media! 

FOR KING + COUNTRY scores multi-format hit with “Love Me Like I Am,” featuring American R&B star Jordin Sparks

For King & Country

Multi-GRAMMY® award-winning duo FOR KING + COUNTRY is currently making waves with the crossover success of “Love Me Like I Am,”  their current single featuring American R&B superstar Jordin Sparks.

Aside from topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay charts (dated February 25, 2023), the multi-format smash has recently entered Billboard’s Adult Top 40 charts at No. 31 and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary charts at No. 17, becoming one of the biggest hits in the US by an Australian act this year. To date, the soulful ballad has amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone.

The Christian pop duo, which recently headlined Manila’s Found Music Festival in 2019 at Circuit Makati, also expressed their intent of going back to the Philippines sometime in the future. 

“You know, we hope to always come back to the places that we’ve been, because every country has its own individual culture—taking part in that was a thrill for us. By visiting different cultures around the world, you can learn something from each of them. We just enjoyed being able to spend time with our Filipino friends.” ~Luke Smallbone

Joel and Luke Smallbone

Their song “Love Me Like I Am” will be serviced in Philippine radio soon, thanks to its crossover appeal and inspiring universality that resonate to fans all over the world. A soaring pop tune that recognizes the fact that we all make mistakes, “Love Me Like I Am” highlights the importance of seeking and practicing forgiveness. 

“I think, sometimes in today’s society, we feel like if we make a mistake, that puts us at odds, and we can’t be loved anymore. The truth is if we all made mistakes, that means all of us would never be able to accept this wonderful gift called love. I think ‘Love Me Like I Am’ is obviously talking about heavenly love but I think it’s also a challenge for us to love our families that way. The gift of practicing forgiveness is probably the most important attribute of the world. And, I think, for us, that is what this song is talking about. Is love for people, mistakes, and all. And, look, people will live very differently when they recognize how deeply loved they really are.” ~Luke Smallbone

“Love Me Like I Am,” featuring Jordin Sparks, is part of FOR KING + COUNTRY’s chart-topping fifth studio album, What Are We Waiting For?, released via Curb | World Entertainment last year. The album reached No. 1 on iTunes in multiple countries, and debuted at No. 2 Billboard US’s Top Albums, No. 1 on Billboard US Top Christian Albums, and No. 7 on Billboard US Albums Chart.

About FOR KING + COUNTRY

FOR KING + COUNTRY is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have been awarded four GRAMMY® Awards, seven GMA Dove Awards, a Billboard Music Award, and 16 K-LOVE Fan Awards; and their 11 No. 1 songs have produced an astonishing 2 billion career streams. The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the U.S., Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand. FOR KING + COUNTRY’s WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? released this year, became the duo’s second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200; following their RIAA Gold certified album, BURN THE SHIPS, which also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The duo has had seven consecutive No. 1 songs including “For God Is With Us,” “joy.,” “TOGETHER” (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly),” and the 11-week Platinum smash, “God Only Knows.”  Featured on major networks including MTV, BBC2, ABC and more, the global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE, R3HAB, Hillary Scott and Timbaland, amongst others. www.curb.com.

Century Park Hotel concludes the first quarter with deals on full blast

Century Park Hotel's PG Bar

The season is heating up at Manila’s renowned establishment, Century Park Hotel (CPH), as it announces its line-up of exciting pre-summer promotions.

According to the hotel’s General Manager, Anthony Tan, CPH geared up early this year to present a delightful variety of promos and activities for all its patrons.

“For the last month of the first quarter of the year, the hotel deals are on full blast to give our guests wonderful bonding moments and celebrations. New deals for the second quarter were already rolled out as well.” ~Anthony Tan, Century Park Hotel General Manager

Century Park Hotel's Tsu Kiji

Your fondness with our Century Tsukiji’s Eat-ALL-You-Can gets more exciting as it upgrades its Japanese buffet spread.

Starting March 1, 2023, we are introducing daily add-ons of  crepes station, unlimited juices, and “Make Your Own Ramen” station in your favorite Japanese dishes from appetizers (Otsumami), sushi, sashimi, sunomono (vinegared dishes), nimono (simmered dishes), teppanyaki, tempura, yakimono to delightful desserts for only Php 1,199 net per person every Mondays to Thursdays.

And for Fridays to Sundays and on holidays, enjoy more items like Yakitori, variety of seasonal seafood, new sashimi & sushi creations and an exclusive add-on of Japanese ice cream on top of our regular buffet spread for only Php 1,399 net per person.

Head off to the Century Tsukiji and reward yourself with an indulging meal. The outlet is open from 11:00am to 2:30pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm for lunch and dinner, respectively. 

Century Park Hotel's SamgyuPG

March is the season for graduates! At Century Park Hotel, more people mean more fun in our grand “Salute to the Graduates”. A free buffet awaits graduates who will bring along a minimum of three paying guests at the Café in the Park. Celebrate their moment by indulging in a wide selection of food and fill your plates with your favorite items from soup, salad, cold cuts, carving, seasonal seafood, grilled meats, pasta, Filipino and Chinese stations. Be sure to make room for desserts and unlimited juices all available from 11:00am to 2:30pm and 6:00pm to 10:00pm for lunch and dinner, respectively.

Prom and Graduation Ball’s Package are also available. For reservations, you may call our Sales Department at contact numbers (02) 8528-5871 to 73. 

The Palm Grove Bar, where one of Manila’s first temperature-controlled pools is situated, extends its promo of “Buy 1, Take 1” on Heineken and Tiger beers, Frozen Fruity Margarita and Frozen Sangria every Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. 

When being in the thick of activity on weekends means all the hustle and hassles, take a break and visit Al Fresco by Palm Grove from 5pm to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays and enjoy our Unlimited Samgyeopsal for only Php 799 net per person and spare yourself from cooking at home even just for weekends.

CPH will open it with Easter Candyland, a special celebration to end the Lenten season on April 9. Both adults and children will enjoy a fun-filled day full of exciting activities like interactive games, face painting, enchanting magic show, photo booth, loot bags and the traditional egg hunting at the Grand Ballroom from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

 

 

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 450 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.

Take care of your kidneys and help #STOPCKD

Chronic kidney disease and Filipinos requiring dialysis continue to increase. The Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) is calling on Filipinos to take care of their kidneys as chronic kidney disease (CKD)—while it can be slowed down—cannot be completely cured with medications.

Referring to data from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the PSN revealed that one Filipino develops chronic renal failure every hour, or about 120 Filipinos per million population every year. Worse, it remains underdiagnosed.

“All of us need to be informed of the importance of our kidneys to our general health. Everyone needs to be aware of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of kidney disease, and see a doctor for proper diagnosis even those without symptoms but are at risk. Majority have no symptoms, especially in early CKD, and so it is best to check with your doctor if you think you are at risk. All the more that those with signs and symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, edema, nausea and vomiting, decreased urine, etc., should see a nephrologist.” ~Dr. Maaliddin B. Biruar, PSN President

As the country observes World Kidney Day on March 9, PSN is reminding Filipinos that the kidneys are important to overall health and becoming informed about CKD is a great first step to prevent or managing the disease.

World Kidney Day is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of kidneys not only to one’s overall health but also to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease worldwide. 

In keeping with the observance of World Kidney Day this year, the PSN is undertaking a lay forum that targets informing Filipino patients about kidney functions and CKD—its risk factors and causes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests for the disease, and golden rules for healthy kidneys.

Risk factors include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, smoking, age over 60 years, and family history. 

Stop CKD

The lay forum, slated on March 09 at the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu, will also launch PSN’s initiative dubbed #StopCKD, an online self-awareness test to know one’s risk for kidney disease. 

“By filling out a simple questionnaire, our fellow Pinoys can find out if they might have silent CKD now.” ~Dr. Juliet Chua Chong - Noel, President of PSN Central and Eastern Visayas

Who will be leading the celebration in Cebu. The questionnaire can be accessed thru https://az.app.box.com/v/know-your-CKD-risk.

According to Dr. Vimar A. Luz, Head of Cluster of Patient Care and Member of PSN’s Board of Trustees, damage to the nephrons, the functional units that make up the kidneys, cannot be recovered, making CKD lifelong. But early intervention can improve outcomes, he added.

The consequences of CKD extend beyond the kidneys, including all-cause mortality, hospitalization, impact on multiple organ systems, and progression to End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) requiring dialysis, among others, the PSN said.

Lifestyle change

For his part, Dr. Luz said that apart from getting screened for possible CKD, Filipinos can start following some golden rules for healthy kidneys.

“This disease can be prevented. A lifestyle change can save the kidneys. This golden rule will help in keeping the kidneys healthy. Control blood pressure and blood sugar. The target BP should be lower than 140/90 or as determined by your physician. Blood sugar control level is individualized, so see your doctor about it.  And if you’re under medication, take your medicines regularly. Our kidneys filter around 140 liters of blood daily to create 1-1.8 liters of urine. They’re hardworking organs and important to our overall health, so it is best to take care of them. And Filipinos requiring dialysis continue to increase.” ~Dr. Vimar A. Luz, Head of Cluster of Patient Care and Member of PSN’s Board of Trustees

Dr. Luz said another golden rule is to eat a healthy diet of vegetables and fruits; lean meat and fish; whole grains; and low in added sugar, sodium, and fat. Exercising regularly, drinking adequate water volume, quitting smoking, now abusing the use of pain relievers and supplements, and having regular checkups are the other golden rules Filipinos could follow, he added.

To date, more than seven million have CKD in the Philippines. 

Citing data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, the medical society said CKD had significantly increased as one of the top causes of death in the Philippines. In a span of 10 years, CKD jumped from 6th place in 2009 to 4th place in 2019 among the leading causes of death in the country.

For more information on #StopCKD, visit https://psn.org.ph/ and support PSN in stopping CKD through early diagnosis and intervention. 

The Body Shop's Himalayan Charcoal Line

The Body Shop's Himalayan Charcoal Line

Charcoal is famously known as a detoxifying   superfood, and skin care ingredient, because of its absorption qualities.  This means that when you apply it to your skin, the charcoal attracts any excess oil, dirt, and impurities on your skin, leaving your skin feeling cleansed and purified when you wash the charcoal away. 

The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal line is made from bamboo which is the fastest growing woody plant in the world, making it an environmentally- friendly resource.

What  it does to your skin?

*Re-texturizing.  With   regular use it works   by gently exfoliating the top outer skin, leaving skin feeling smother and softer.

*Clarfying.  Helps  to refine pores over time, leaving the complexion looking clarified and improving skin’s luminosity.

*Organic Acids. Derived from hibiscus flowers and famous for their skin-exfoliating powers, these acids lead to a smoother looking skin surface and a brighter looking complexion.

It is source from charcoal powder from the Himalayan foothills of India, known to have   purifying properties,   brilliant for oily skin.  It also has   hibiscus flower extract that contains   organic acids, known to have exfoliating   properties.  Salicylic acid known to penetrate into the pores of the skin helping remove dead skin that has built up on the surface and alpine willow herb known to help soothe the skin and control sebum production.

The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Line is available at The Body Shop stores and on its online store  www.thebodyshop.com.ph.

About The Body Shop

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick in Little Hampton, England. The beauty brand pioneered corporate activism and was built on a philosophy that business can be a force for good. With its brand expression, Beauty with a Heart, the company continues to be focused on the five core values: Against Animal Testing, Support Community Fair Trade, Activate Self Esteem, Defend Human Rights, and Protect the Planet.