Embrace 40, age gracefully!

Turning 40 can make women start feeling old. To beat the creeping signs of aging such as wrinkles and graying hair, they invest in anti-aging cosmetics and aesthetic products to give them a younger and fresher look.

But some women overlook another natural part of aging – near-vision blurriness or presbyopia. They don’t want to wear eyeglasses with bifocal lenses which seems to be obvious signs of aging. Bifocal lenses have distinct lines that sit horizontally across the lenses for two areas of vision correction, near and far. Older people whose eyesight has grown dimmer wear them.

Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optics and a key player in visual health, offers an age-defying solution that not only gives a youthful and modern look, but also corrects presbyopia and gives people freedom and comfort to live life to the fullest. Varilux® progressive lenses provide women the confidence to face the daily challenges of aging by eliminating all visible lines or points of focus for the eyes.

Near or far, Varilux®, the world leader in progressive lenses, gives dynamic clarity whatever the distance. It is also perfect for those with active lifestyle. All Varilux® lenses are tested to ensure satisfaction, including fast and easy adaptation.

Turning 40 is not to be feared. It can be the best time to explore new opportunities to look better while also seeing better! Correct presbyopia while maintaining a sharp, sophisticated look with Varilux®.

For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

###

About Essilor

The world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission is to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet his or her unique visual requirements. To support this vision, the Company allocates over €160 million to research and development every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Essilor’s flagship brands are Varilux®, Crizal®, Crizal Transitions® and Crizal Evezen®

It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eyecare professionals. Essilor reported consolidated revenue of €4.9 billion in 2012 and employs around 50,700 people in some 100 countries. It operates 19 plants, a total of 390 prescription laboratories and edging facilities, as well as several research and development centers around the world.
Essilor was classified by Forbes magazine as being among the world’s 30 most innovative companies.

For more information, please visit www.essilor.com.ph.

HERBALIFE NUTRITION-SPONSORED ATHLETE CRISTIANO RONALDO NAMED BEST FIFA MEN’S PLAYER FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

International football super star Cristiano Ronaldo, an Herbalife Nutrition-sponsored athlete since 2013, was recently named “The Best FIFA Men’s Player” for the second consecutive year.

The award was determined through a combined voting process that included the votes of team captains and managers from national teams all around the globe, an online public ballot of football fans, and votes by a select group of global media representatives.

“Cristiano proves once again that his dedication on the field and commitment to nutrition has elevated him to the top of his game, earning him one of FIFA’s top honors, The Best Men’s Player Award,” said Rich Goudis, CEO of Herbalife Nutrition.

Ronaldo, named the most famous athlete in the world by ESPN, adds to other major awards and accomplishments in 2017. He won the 2016/17 UEFA Men’s Player of the year for the second consecutive year, after once again leading Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title and finishing as the top goal scorer, as well as helping his team win the Spanish La Liga cup. In 2017, he also became the first player to score 100 goals in UEFA Champions League and European competitions.  He currently holds four Ballon d’ Or titles, the annual football award presented by France Football, and is in the running this year for his fifth.

Herbalife Nutrition-sponsored athletes use Herbalife® products before, during and after training and games. As part of its ongoing commitment to improving sports nutrition and performance, Herbalife Nutrition launched Herbalife24® CR7 Drive in collaboration with Cristiano Ronaldo, a sports drink designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of the global soccer legend and benefit athletes of all levels.

Herbalife Nutrition supports more than 190 athletes worldwide. To learn more about Herbalife Nutrition sponsored athletes, visit http://iamherbalife.com/blog/athletes. To receive the latest company updates from Herbalife Nutrition, follow @HerbalifeNews.

About Herbalife:

Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. We have been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products & programs - since 1980. Together with our Herbalife Nutrition independent distributors, we are committed to providing solutions to the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity, an aging population, skyrocketing public healthcare costs and a rise in entrepreneurs of all ages. We offer high-quality, science-backed products, most of which are produced in Company-operated facilities, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition independent distributor, and a supportive community approach that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Our targeted nutrition, weight management, energy, fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Herbalife Nutrition distributors in more than 90 countries. Through our corporate social responsibility efforts, Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and our Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. We are also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy, and numerous Olympic teams.
Herbalife Nutrition has over 8,000 employees worldwide, and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HLF) with net sales of approximately $4.5 billion in 2016. To learn more, visit Herbalife.com or IAmHerbalife.com. Financial information is available on ir.herbalife.com.

Hippest Bazaar this Holiday Season!

This Holiday season, Circuit Makati welcomes Holiday with the hippest bazaar called Pop Up Town! In partnership with Mastercard, Alveo, and Samsung Air Conditioner, Circuit Makati officially welcomes the Holiday by lighting it up majestically over the city's most upbeat lifestyle and entertainment destination.

Co-presented by Mastercard and Fox Life, in cooperation with Grab, Pop Up Town has wide array of offerings. It will feature over 200 curated shops to thrill gift buyers, dining options for those who seek bonding moments, and assorted activities for the whole family.

Consisting of four zones: Pop Up Shop, Pop Up Market, Pop Up Gallery and Pop Up Local, it is sure to delight every shopper!

Papelikhaan, products made of recycled paper, woven and re-purposed as delightful gift items

Pop Up Shop offers a variety of well curated goods and pre-loved items from Karl Edwards, Passion Fly, UP JMA, Mommy Mundo, and big discounts by Folded and Hung. At the Star Avenue section, fun brands and pre-loved items will be available from the likes of Janice De Belen, Kaila Estrada, Inah de Belen, Ara Mina, Danita Paner, Maricar Reyes Poon, Marissa Sanchez, Nene Tamayo, Nikki Valdez, Christine Babao, Maria Lopez, Mara Lopez, Gretchen Fullido, MJ Marfori, Aubrey Carampel, Cherry Lou Damaso, Denise Joaquin, Mike Agassi and Miriam Quiambao.

Authentic Takoyaki from Takoichi

A dizzying array of delicious food will be at the Pop Up Market with Mercato. For those who love art, the Pop Up Gallery features works curated by Para sa Sining. Home grown, locally-sourced made products will be showcased under Pop Up Local.

For a fun holiday vibe, there will be outdoor movie screenings, art workshops, battle of the bands and live acoustic performances. Kids can have hours of fun with inflatable obstacle course dubbed as Wacky Obstacle Run.

Mastercard holders will have the chance to win prizes during the bazaar, aside from enjoying free entrance to bazaar. What's more, Grab will offer discounted Grab rides heading to and from venue using promo code Grab50, free shuttle rides from Park Square to Circuit Makati, free parking and the option to shop cashless with your Mastercard credit card.

Indulging your loved ones with fun memories and lots of bonding time is easier with Pop Up Town! Drop by the Arca South on December 2 to 3!

Rags2Riches – Uplifting Lives through Social Entrepreneurship

For entrepreneur Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, a major turning point in her life was when she was named Young Laureate for the Environment at the prestigious Rolex Awards for Enterprise in 2010. The award brought international recognition to her efforts to help impoverished women in the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City through the social enterprise Rags2Riches, a fashion and design house that empowers underprivileged community artisans.

Using a business model based on collaboration and inclusivity, Fernandez-Ruiz sought to break down barriers between the underprivileged community and the market. She adopted a marketing strategy that took cottage industry to the next level.

More important, her efforts transformed the lives of the women in Payatas, who provide Rags2Riches its merchandise. From living lives of abject poverty, the women now live with pride and dignity, equipped with entrepreneurial and life skills to achieve their ambitions.

Rags2Riches enabled Fernandez-Ruiz to achieve two goals: Create sustainable and eco-ethical products by upcycling waste like rags, scraps of fabrics, etc. into bags and other fashion accessories, designed for the high-end market; and empower women entrepreneurs in Payatas by eliminating the middleman so they can sell directly to retailers. By partnering with top designers like Rajo Laurel and Amina Aranaz, the Payatas women were able to level up their creations to world-class standards.

Just as Fernandez-Ruiz helped the women reach their goals, AXA MyAmbition, an investment-linked product with insurance, also wants to help people secure their future and fulfill their dreams—by encouraging them to have a game plan in place that will enable them to live the life they choose.

AXA MyAmbition is an affordable investment and life insurance plan that’s the first in the country to be made purchasable online. It lets you grow your money by investing it in a fund best suited for you. A one-time investment of a minimum of P50,000 and a maximum of P125,000 is all that is needed to be on your way towards living the life you choose. What’s more, you also get life insurance coverage of 125% of the single premium or the account value, whichever is higher.

To learn more, visit axa.com.ph today.

ABOUT THE AXA GROUP

The AXA Group is a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, with 166,000 employees serving 107 million clients in 64 countries. In 2016, IFRS revenues amounted to Euro 100.2 billion and IFRS underlying earnings to Euro 5.7 billion. AXA had Euro 1,429 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2016.

The AXA ordinary share is listed on compartment A of Euronext Paris under the ticker symbol CS (ISN FR 0000120628 – Bloomberg: CS FP – Reuters: AXAF.PA). AXA’s American Depository Share is also quoted on the OTC QX platform under the ticker symbol AXAHY.

The AXA Group is included in the main international SRI indexes, such as Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) and FTSE4GOOD.

It is a founding member of the UN Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Sustainable Insurance and a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment.

ABOUT AXA PHILIPPINES

AXA Philippines is a joint venture between the AXA Group and the Metrobank Group, one of the country’s largest financial conglomerates. AXA Philippines is 2nd leading life insurance company in the country, with P21.6 billion in gross premium income reported in 2016, and over 811,000 customers protected under various individual and group life insurance products.

Most recently, AXA Philippines announced its entry into the non-life insurance business with the acquisition of Charter Ping-An, the 5th largest non-life insurance company in the Philippines.

Exciting weekends with Citi

The holiday season is finally approaching and in anticipation of the upcoming dining celebrations, Citi credit cards recently launched the Weekends with Citi campaign.  From now until January 28, 2018, use your Citi credit card when dining out from Friday to Sunday, and get the chance to win what you dine, up to P5,000!

A total of 1,200 winners will be chosen throughout the promotion period – that’s 60 winners every weekend! Dine anywhere – from fast food restaurants to bars to cocktail lounges to hotel dining outlets – and your purchase will be eligible to win.

Citi Credit Payment Products Head David Stoughton

Citi Philippines Customer Franchise Head Roy Villareal

Citi Philippines Corporate Affairs Director Aneth Lim and Dinah Ventura

Linda Bolido and Pualo Dela Cruz

Anna Sobrepena

What’s more, no minimum order or spend is required, so every swipe gives you one chance to win. Winners will be conveniently notified through SMS soon after their cards are swiped to pay for their meals. The total dining bill or a max of P5,000 will be credited back to their card, no need to claim separately.

In the recently concluded launch, David Stoughton, Citi’s Credit Payment Products head for the Philippines, said that this campaign is only one of the many successful dining promotions offered by Citi. He encouraged everyone to follow Citi’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and see more of this exciting offer and other irresistible #LoveToDine deals.

Aside from Stoughton, Aneth Ng-Lim, Corporate Affairs Director of Citi Philippines and Roy Villareal, Citi Consumer Franchise head were also present in the event.

With Citi Credit Cards, you have more reason to dine with family and friends, and swipe your Citi plastic. For more information, point your browser to www.citibank.com.ph/weekends.

PROMIL® Four, Nurturing Every Child’s Gift

Nurturing your child is very important because it has so much impact when they grow old. Wyeth Philippines turned back time and let mommy bloggers experience to become child again and learn new things like a kid!

Last November 7, 2017, PROMIL® Four, in partnership with the Philippine Center for Gifted Education (PCGE), conducted a Learning Workshop, that features expert speakers in the field of Developmental Pediatrics, Clinical Psychology, Obstetrics, Health & Wellness, Arts, and Nutrition as part of this year's celebration of the Gifted Awareness Month. The event was held at Sofitel Philippines Plaza Manila in Pasay City and was hosted by Ms. Dimples Romana.

The event is in line with the brand’s theme of “Shaping the Gift to Build Tomorrow’s Greats.” It gathered with celebrity and blogger parents, who participated in a series of workshops and activities in a bid to educate them on the importance of building a strong foundation for their child’s learning abilities.

According to Dra. Leticia Ho, Clinical Psychologist/Neurotherapist and President of Philippine Center for Gifted Education, the future will be different for children. In the face of an ever-changing world, they will need to learn a different set of skills. The best period to nurture these abilities lies in the crucial first 1,000 days of the child, starting with the mother’s pregnancy. It is during these days that the child responds and adapts to different interventions.

“A child’s development results from an ongoing and cumulative process of nurturing. This means that your child’s brain development can be affected by both environmental and intrinsic factors,” added Ho. “This event aims to educate the parents on the proper tools and approach to help shape their child’s gift. With the proper parenting, proper stimulation, and proper nutrition we believe that your child can reach his full potential.”

PROMIL® Four’s Learning Workshop highlights three different activities that show the advantage of multi-dimensional development in nurturing a child’s gift to its full potential. These activities are based on three learning zones focused on the physical, mental, and socio-emotional development.

The physical activity focused on the importance of growth and immunity to strengthen physical agility through a yoga class. As a productive meditation activity, it showed how yoga can stimulate body movement and sensory experiences for children. It also promotes multi-dimensional learning as it encourages balance and coordination, focus and concentration, mind and body connection, and self-awareness and mindfulness.

Meanwhile, the mental activity featured an art workshop developed to encourage recognition and memory. This activity focused on bringing the experience on how art can develop a child’s memory through storytelling and painting while inculcating repetitive practices and rhythms.

Lastly, the camp also has a social activity, through a giant block game, focused on the need of being socially adept for better learning. It underlined how an imaginative game can promote strong leadership qualities in children through imagination, communication, and collaboration.

Meanwhile, PROMIL® Four’s Learning Camp also emphasized the importance nutrition plays in supporting a child’s advanced learning abilities. “Proper nutrition plays an essential role in your child’s brain development. With the right nutrients, it can further support a child’s advanced learning abilities,” added Ma. Neva Luna Batayola, Medical Director.

To end the event, Dra. Leticia Penano-Ho, President of Phil Center for Gifted Education gave a key take away message and that is “Every child has the talent which can be a Gift if discovered and nurtured early. It is the parent’s role to make the child’s talent reach his full potential, or else that gift could just be there untapped and undiscovered.”

Aside from the Learning Workshop, this year, PROMIL® Four is also partnering with Atlantis Production. They will be showcasing awe-inspiring talents in the local production of Matilda the Musical, a theater play that features the story of a gifted child.

The three child actors, who will portray the lead role of the play are Esang De Torres of ABS-CBN’s “The Voice Kids” and “Les Miserables” Asian Tour; Uma Naomi Martin of “A Little Princess”; and Gawad Musika’s Outstanding Child Performer, Felicity Kyle Napuli. This musical play will run from November 10 to December 10, 2017. Promil Four is raffling out free Matilda tickets, visit www.promilfour-matilda.com for more information.

PROMIL® Four has long been known for nurturing the young Filipino’s gift. It is specially formulated for children above three years old and is the only brand that contains NUTRISSENTIALS®—the combination of the unique and important nutrients that help support mental & physical development to help Nurture the Gift, together with balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

To know more about PROMIL® and its other variants, visit its website at www.wyeth.com.ph.

Sharper, clearer vision at the prime of life

Although it is said that “life begins at 40,” many people still dread reaching the so-called prime of their lives. This is the time when undesirable physical changes start to appear. One of the most telling signs of being 40 is the beginning of eye problems like presbyopia or near-vision blurriness.

But do people really have to suffer poor vision as they age? Top actor Piolo Pascual does not think so.

Piolo, who recently turned 40, continues to charm audiences on the silver screen and television with his expressive eyes, which light up in romances, pierce through rivals in action-thrillers and brim with tears in dramas.

Piolo emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s health and ensuring and protecting clear eyesight. For people who enter their 40s and start to experience near-vision blurriness, he recommends having the eyes checked regularly. He says that the key to keeping the eyes healthy midlife are prevention, protection and correction. He recommends Varilux® lenses for his fellow forty-somethings with presbyopia.

Varilux® progressive lenses are recognized worldwide as an optimal solution to achieving natural, sharper vision in any distance, with smooth transition in between. Using patented W.A.V.E 2.0 and Binocular Booster™ lens technologies, Varilux® lenses help those in the prime of their lives see effortlessly in any distance, and also help boost their active lifestyles.

Pascual says, “Turning 40 is one of the greatest milestones in life that we should embrace and appreciate. We need healthy vision to see and enjoy every moment in our life, which is why it’s important that we take care of our eyes. With healthy vision, we can live our lives to the fullest.”

Feel good and look good while enjoying the prime of your life with healthy eyesight. Use Varilux® to achieve sharper and clearer vision. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

###

About Essilor

The world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission is to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet his or her unique visual requirements. To support this vision, the Company allocates over €160 million to research and development every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Essilor’s flagship brands are Varilux®, Crizal®, Xperio® and OptifogTM.
It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eyecare professionals.
Essilor reported consolidated revenue of €4.9 billion in 2012 and employs around 50,700 people in some 100 countries. It operates 19 plants, a total of 390 prescription laboratories and edging facilities, as well as several research and development centers around the world.
Essilor was classified by Forbes magazine as being among the world’s 30 most innovative companies.

For more information, please visit www.essilor.com.ph.

#BicToSchool for a Brighter Future

BIC Product Asia launched "Bright Future are Written by Hand" as its back-to-school campaign in the Philippines in partnership with their exclusive distributor in the country, the Filstar Distributors Corporation.

You migh ask why is BIC still emphasizing on handwriting given the proliferation of technology. It is true that we are living in a changing world and while handwriting might seem trivial for some, let us not forget that handwriting is still essential to a child's development. The act of handwriting alone helps develop a child's cognitive and motor skills, helps boost memory and creativity as well as promotes self-confidence and interpersonal skills 

Last October 26, 2017, BIC Product Asia celebrated the importance of handwriting and education together with the friends from media and bloggers. BIC Product Asia kicked off its biggest social campaign in Asia, #BICBrightFuture in cooperation with Filstar Distributors Corporation.

As Champions of Education, BIC® believes that a bright future is for everyone. As such, BIC® will be having a half million of Stationery products - the biggest donation in Asia to date - to Children's Hour, Yellow Boat of Hope and Kariton Klasrum to help kids as they pursue their dreams.

The campaign of #BICBrightFuture happened at KidZania Manila in BGC for a fun day and learning and playing with the company's estimated 200 children beneficiaries from Children's Hour, Kariton Klasrum and Yellow Boat of Hope.

For one day, the children are encouraged to have fun while exploring the adult world by immersing themselves in over 100 role-play activities in the play city Using BIC® pens, they will also plot out their goals and dreams in a special BIC® Bright Futures workbook.

 My baby Jam excited to explore #KidZaniaManila and have #BICBrightFuture!

The event was hosted by Ms. Issa Litton, #BICBrightFutures event encourages Fipino children to love handwriting again and emphasizes that education is very important to have a brighter future.

Mr. Efren Penaflorida, founder of Kariton Klasrum, an education advocate, teacher, and social worker, talked to the kids about the importance of going back to school and how it will help them build a brighter future. He also shared the best valuable lesson in life.

"Out main focus, since Kariton Klasrum's inception, has always been about bringing  education to less-fortunate children. Through this event, we will be able to show them that a bright future is possible for them as long as they plan for it and persevere to achieve it," said Efren Penaflorida.

Ms. Net Garcia, Children's Hour Executive Director said that "Many children are in great need of encouragement from the adults in their lives in order to push themselves to work hard for a better future. We are happy that our kids will walk away with a sneak peak at what their own futures can hold, as well as a new hope."

"We have always believed that bright futures are written by hand. As adults, many of us have become what are we today because we put pen to paper and wrote down our ambitions. That act of writing down our aspirations makes the dream seem real. Today, we want to inspire less-fortune children to dream and work for their futures, because after all, everyone deserves a bright future." said Frederic Dumon, BIC Asia Deputy General Manager.

BIC® feels strongly about giving back to communities where the Group i7s present in the form of product or financial donations and volunteering. As part of its strong societal commitment, the BIC® Corporate Foundation for Education was launched in 2016 focusing on fighting for universal access of education as a basic human right. Through this foundation, BIC® is engaged in the fight against school drop-outs, access to education for girls and women and environmental education. In te same year, the global company has made 112 donations to promote education giving more than 6 million pens to children in need.

BIC is family-owned company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and a world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers. For more than 60 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, simple, inventive and reliable choices for everyone, everywhere, everytime. A world leader in the consumer goods, 30.9 million BIC® products are purchased everyday worldwide (18.9 million stationery products, 4.2 million lighters, 7.1 million shavers and 0.7 million promotional products).

Filstar Distributors Corporation pride itself as having been the exclusive licensee of Hallmark in the Philippines since 1974 and the exclusive distributor of BIC®  Stationery products since 2001. Since then, Filstar has evolved to be a distributor of not just these two distinguished brands but of other world class brands that supplement and eWnhance the self-expression industry. In 2013, Filstar expanded its partnership with BIC® to cover BIC© Lighters ans Shavers categories.

Find more about BIC® from the following online references.

Website: https://www.bicworld.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bicstationeryphilippines
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BicGroup
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bicbrand
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bic_group/

Never Let Lose A Strand Of Your Patience

Have you ever experienced a day wherein nothing seems to go well, that no matter how you try to choose the right path, you keep making the wrong turn? Just like having a bad hair day, no matter how many times you comb your hair, it just would not budge.

Life can be challenging at times but there will always be a way to resolve these challenges and come out victorious. Having this in mind will be easy to keep your patience and continue to move forward.

Just like losing strands of your hair due to factors beyond your control, you too can do something.

Eat healthy – Eating the right food can alter your mood. Having low-level of folic acid in your body can cause anxiety, hence, food such as asparagus, avocado, salmon, and almond are recommended to fight stress hormones.

Stay calm – Listen to comforting music and reading feel-good stories can help switch you to a calm mood.

Exercise – Exercise releases endorphins that can relieve you from stress and anxiety.

Supplement –Taking in Vitamins such as B-complex can alter mood swings.

Don’t let your stress factors contribute to your hair loss. Letting yourself succumb to anxiety will definitely show up to your follicles and this can lead to more hair loss.

Hectic schedules and pressure from work, not to mention the pollution and filth outside easily make you feel unease and, at times, irritable. Slow down a bit, have fun and relax. There’s no better way to begin with your mane.

Tip 1:  The stroke of a comb can give you a soothing feeling while, at the same time, help unleash the natural oil of your hair.

Tip 2:  Stay away from getting pigtails, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers, which can pull and stress your hair.

Tip 3: Avoid perming, straightening or coloring because they contain toxic chemicals that could cause damage to your locks.

Tip 4: Choose natural. Use NOVUHAIR topical solution. Apply liberal amount on to your scalp and hair. Massage it gently for -10 minutes to help permeate deeply from root to tip. NOVUHAIR is packed with 19 natural ingredients that help promote growth, nourishment and rejuvenation of your tress.

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, please contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575 from Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm or visit www.n.ovuhair.com

LG gives the gift of immersive entertainment with OLED TV promo

LG offers best-in-class OLED TVs at discounted rates; one lucky winner gets to bring home an LG InstaView Door-in-Door

Make this year’s Holiday the best ever by treating yourself or your loved ones to LG Electronics’ (LG) best-in-class OLED TVs at discounted rates, and get the chance to win an LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator. This nationwide promo starts on November 1 and ends on December 3, 2017.

To qualify for the promo and raffle, purchase any of these LG OLED TV models: the 55-inch LG OLED55EG9A7T (from Php89,990 to Php74,990) – the latest addition to LG’s OLED family;the 65-inch LG OLED65C7P(from Php249,990 to Php199,990); and the 65-inch OLED65E7P (from Php299,990 to Php249,990). Purchasing any of these models automatically qualifies you for one (1) digital raffle entry to win the LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator worth Php149,995.

The 55-inch LG OLED55C7P is also available at a discounted price. During the promo period, the LG OLED55C7P can be bought at Php109,990, a 27% discount from its suggested retail price of Php149,990. Purchase of this model entitles you to one (1) digital raffle entry to win the LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator, plus a free gift – an LG K7 Smartphone with Jelly Case worth Php6,690.  

To join the raffle, just log on to www.LG.com/PH or bit.ly/LGOLEDChristmasPromo2017 and fill up the form. Entries will be accepted until December 3, 11:59pm.The winner will be notified via registered mail address and e-mail. The winner will also be announced on the LG TV Philippines Facebook Page.

Participating stores are: Abenson, Adessa, All Home, AMB Ambassador, Anson, Asian Homes, Automatic, Avid, BHF, Des Appliance, Desmark, Du Ek Sam, Echo, Emcor, Esla, First Family, Imperial, J&R, K-Servico, Magic, Major Brands, Ocampos, Pricewise, Reverb, RJ Homes, Robinsons Appliances, Savers (SEWI), SM Appliance, Solidmark, Megasavers, Western, and Wrenleys.  

For more information about “LG OLED TV: Giving You The Perfect Christmas Gift” promo, please visit:www.lg.com/ph.promotions.

KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. welcomes new partners

(L-R): KPMG RGM&Co tax partner Ryan E. Cabello, audit partner Maria Arleene C. Yu, and advisory partner Jallain Marcel S. Manrique

In line with its 10th anniversary celebration, top local auditing firm KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG RGM&Co), the Philippine member firm of KPMG International, recently welcomed three new partners to further strengthen the Firm’s capabilities.

New audit partner Maria Arleene C. Yu brings with her 14 years of audit experience and has worked on various assignments carrying out the audits of KPMG RGM&Co’s biggest clients. She has significant experience in the financial audits of various sectors, which include food and beverages, power utilities, pharmaceutical and healthcare, business process outsourcing, real estate, and manufacturing.
KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. welcomes new partners

New tax partner Ryan E. Cabello, meanwhile, has successfully assisted clients in their handling of tax assessments conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue; securing tax treaty relief applications; filing administrative claims for refund; and preparing Independent Certified Public Accountant Reports before the Court of Tax Appeals. Currently, he is a member of KPMG’s Energy and Natural Resources network.

New advisory partner Jallain Marcel S. Manrique, on the other hand, has over 10 years of domestic and international experience in information technology governance, risk and compliance in the field of financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, BPO/shared services, etc. A seasoned IT project manager, his expertise lies in the synergy between IT and business, focusing on IT governance, risk and compliance, cybersecurity, data privacy, IT assurance and attestation, IT-enabled transformation, data and analytics, and IT project management. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Lean Six Sigma – Green Belt.

According to KPMG RGM&Co chairman and CEO Roberto G. Manabat, the new partners are ready to make the extraordinary happen across KPMG’s functional areas of audit, tax, and advisory.

For more information on KPMG in the Philippines, you may visit www.kpmg.com.ph.

Multivitamins for kids with Chocolate flavor!

My baby doesn't like drinking vitamins but he loves to eat chocolates! That's why i was so surprised with the new multivitamins for kids with Chocolate flavor!

Last week, October 27, 2017, ChocoVit Philippines invited mommy bloggers and kids for a fun-filled afternoon! They introduce us the newest multivitamins for kids with exciting flavor, Chocolate! The event was held at La Marapili Restaurant, 30th Ayala Mall. We really enjoy the delicious food and games they prepared.

The kids also had so much fun because there are designated table for them to color their favorite cartoon characters! They also held several raffles aside from the games.

The ChocoVit Syrup has the essential vitamins and minerals that our child needs and every parents primary concern is the total health of his/her children, physical, mental, socio-emotional and even spiritual health!

Here's the many Benefits of Chocovit:

B-Complex

One of the ChocoVit's strongrest suit is its B-Complex formulation. ChocoVit's unique formulation contribute to a wide range of crucial functions which include among others:

•a healthy nervous system
•proper focus
•supports memory
•emotional calmness and sleep
•promotes growth and strong bones
•strong heart for growing children
•imcrease oxygen uptake and production of red blood cells
•supports of the immune system
•maintaining healthy skin

Zinc

Zinc is one of the most important trace elements our body needs. It supports a healthy immune system and hence prevents colds among others. Even when one has colds it helps shorten the period and increases recovery time.

Zinc is also given during diarrhea and aids in creating a healthy digestive environment.

Fatigue? Recovery? Zinc plays a critical role on both.

Of course it goes without saying that zinc is an imporw antioxidant. In fact there are studies that suggests zinc can help prevent cancer.

Vitamin D3

The "Sunshine Vitamin". This is what Vitamin D3 is all about. Books have already been written on the importance of Vitamin D for overall good health including a robust immune system, anti-oxidant, strong heart, strong bones, balance hormones, nerve health, strong muscles and supportive growth for teenage kids. Truly growing children need a supplement of Vitamin D3 even those living in tropical countries in the Philippines!

Vitamin A

For healthy eyes, strong lungs, immune support and lovely skin, these are the key phrases and imagery Vitamin A conjures. Indeed Vitamin A is one of the truly important Vitamins one can have. Unless your child loves to eat half a cup of carrots which is the best source of Vitamin A, better supplement him with Chocovit.

Vitamin E

A powerful anti-oxidant, Vitamin E is touched to fight free-radicals in a very potent manner. It is good for the heart, skin, hair, immune system, brain and even lower cancer risks.

For your information, Chocovit syrup has no overdosage and the best time to take it is before bedtime around 1-2 tablespoons a day to work inside the body, to replenish and repair while sleeping. Our child can also take chocovit syrup during sickness like flu or fever. They can also take it as a reward for drinking bitter tasting medicines especially anti-biotics.

The chocolate flavor in Chocovit is hypoallergenic and therefore doesn't cause coughing.

With Choco Bear during the event :)

For more details and to avail their promos, visit their official facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chocovitforkids.

Happy 10 years Propee!

ADP Pharma Corporation, a company that takes pride in providing Filipinos with the best quality healthcare and wellness products, celebrates the 10th anniversary of Propan’s ambassador, the violet whale, Proppee! As now the number one Pediatric Multivitamin brand in the non-mineral segment, Propan TLC also showed their appreciation to their partner doctors   and   their families   who   have continuously  supported  the   brand. The event showcased a musical play about the quest of the Pamilyang Magana in finding Proppee’s castle and rediscovering the benefits of Propan TLC and Propan Fit.

Focus Propan Variants

Propan TLC - A vitamin preparation with Taurine, Lysine, and Chlorella Growth Factor (TLC), Propan TLC comes in drops and syrup fOR infants and children from 7 months to 12 years old. It   is   a   dietary   supplement   that   helps   in   in   maintaining   adequate   nutrition   which   is essential   for   a   child’s   optimum   growth,   good   health,   physical   strength   and   mental development.

Propan Fit - A dietary supplement that helps in the prevention and treatment of vitamin and mineral deficiency including fatigue, pregnancy lactation, weak constitution, the period of growth senescense.  Additionally,   Propan   Fit   enhances   natural   resistance   and   recuperative power of the body and reduces fatigue; as a general tonic.

For more info of the product, you may visit their website at:

http://www.adppharma.com/index.php/products/pediatrics/item/85-propan-tlc-syrup

https://www.facebook.com/PropanTLC/

Jobstreet Happy at Work

Filipinos are less happy in the workplace according to JobStreet.com. Correspondents said that salary increase, getting a new job will make them happier in 6 months.

Last October 25, 2017, Mr. Philip Gioca, Country Manager of Jobstreet.com Philippines presented the Job Happiness in the Philippine Perspective. Take a look at the Philippine's 2017 Happiness at Work Report.

The Philippines’ job satisfaction level dropped from 5.25 in 2016 to its current rating of 4.97 on a 10-point scale. According to JobStreet.com’s 2017 Job Happiness Index, the key factors associated with unhappiness at work are lack of career development and training opportunities, as well as the management style of a company’s leadership team.

JobStreet.com surveyed 9,326 Philippine respondents from July 31 to August 31, 2017. The respondents were from different position levels (predominantly junior executives and supervisors) and represented a diverse mix of specializations. Fiftysix percent of respondents came from the National Capital Region, 12% from Southern Tagalog, 7% from overseas, 6% from Central Luzon, and 5% from Cebu City/Province.

“More and more Filipinos are looking for career development. They want to move forward in their chosen fields, but the lack of career development and training opportunities in their current companies seem to hold them back,” jobStreet.com Country Manager Philip Gioca said.

When respondents were asked what will make them happier in the next six months, 33% said a salary increase would help, but 23% wish to resign and get a new job.

Colleagues and work location make Filipinos happy at work

The respondents who said they were happy cited colleagues, work location, and company reputation as the top three drivers of workplace satisfaction. This is largely true across all demographics.

Baby Boomers are the happiest

According to the study, in terms of generations, baby boomers, or those born before 1960, are the happiest at 5.63, followed by the those belonging to Generation Z at 5.10.

The same can be said in terms of position level, where the top executives or the more established segment of the workforce, which are expectedly populated by the baby boomers, as well as the Fresh Graduates, have the highest happiness score.

Generation Xers barely managed to score above neutral at 5, while millennials, who compose the majority of workplaces, are below neutral with an average of 4.9.

“The results of this study serve as a wake-up call for companies who wonder why there is such a high turnover rate. Career development, training opportunities, and the management style of the company’s leadership team are just some of the reasons why many Filipinos are unhappy in the workplace. It would be best if managers can get to the heart of why this is happening as each company’s DNA is unique,” Gioca added.

The 2017 Job Happiness Index was conducted in Southeast Asia, with a sample size of 35,513. Job satisfaction is highest in Indonesia (5.27), followed by Vietnam (5.19), the Philippines (4.97), Malaysia (4.65), Thailand (4.55), Hong Kong (4.45), and Singapore (4.31).

That's why if you're looking for a work and happiness at the same time, go to the official website and create your account right away at www.jobstreet.com.ph for free using your email or facebook. And you can start a career that will make you happy for sure!

JobStreet.com Philippines is located at 20F Cybergate Tower 3, Pioneer St, Mandaluyong City. Tel: (632) 286-62-22 Fax: (632) 637 22 08

For more information about JobStreet.com and the 2017 Job Happiness Index, please visit the website at http://wwww.jobstreet.com.ph.

About JobStreet.com

JobStreet.com is a leading online job board presently covering the employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. JobStreet.com currently services over 230,000 corporate hirers and over 15 million jobseekers in its database.   About SEEK Asia   JobStreet.com is part of SEEK Asia, which is the leading online employment market place in Asia. SEEK Asia covers 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.   SEEK Asia is the extension of the Australian Securities Exchange listed company called SEEK. The company’s purpose is to help improve people’s lives through a better career. SEEK Asia’s database consist of over 500,000 corporate hirers and over 24 million candidates.

Pop Up Town 2017

This Holiday season, sales are everywhere! But if you're looking for something new and unique for your loved one, you really have to drop by at Pop Up Town! You know why? Because you will discover new things that they'll surely love!

Make Circuit Makati and Arca South your ultimate entertainment and hassle free shopping destinations this Holiday season!

The holidays are just around the corner and the only thing better than the breeze getting colder, nights getting longer and is the fact it's now the time for some shopping! With bazaars in various parts of the Metro that offer almost always similar items, it may be hard to find something unique for loved ones. But don't fret! There's a better way to get a head start at  crossing out items on your Holiday gift list without having to go from one place to another to find that one-of-a-kind present for your loved ones.

If you happen to live in the city, you'll be a stone's throw away to the much-awaited ultimate holiday shopping and entertainment experience! Introducing Pop Up Town - the biggest and hippest Holiday bazaar happening at two of Ayala Land's sustainable estates: Circuit Makati and Arca South.

These are set on November 17 to 19 at Circuit Makati, and December 2 to 3 at Arca South in Taguig. The bazaar is on its fourth year at Circuit Makati and promises to jumpstart the holiday shopping mood through Pop up Town.

The event will feature over 200 curated shops, dining options and a ton of activities for the whole family.

What's in store at Pop up Town?

With a variety of shopping options to choose from - everything from quirky novelty gifts, to hard-to-find local products, Pop-Up Town will consist of four zones - - Pop Up Shop, Pop Up Market, Pop Up Gallery and Pop Up Local.

Pop Up Shop will have a variety of well curated goods and pre-loved items from Karl Edwards, Passion Fly, UP JMA, Mommy Mundo, and big discounts by Folded and Hung.

Unique brands and pre-loved items from our favorite stars will also be featured under the Star Avenue such as Janice De Belen, Karla Estrada, Inah de Belen, Ara Mina, Danita Paner, Maricar Reyes Poon, Marissa Sanchez, Nene Tamayo, Nilki Valdez, Christine Babao, Maria Lopez, Mara Lopez, Gretchen Fullido, MJ Marfori, Aubrey Carampel, Cherry Lou Damaso, Denise Joaquin, Mike Agassi amd Miriam Quiambao.

Mommy Mundo - online community of moms and momenterprenuers that showcases wide range of products for moms and baby. Their dedicated to making motherhood easier, happier and more fulfilling for every mom.

Karl Edwards International & Passion Fly - a bazaar organizer with over 16 years of experience. From its humble beginnings since 1996, Karl Edward's bazaar has been a dynamic player in the growing bazaar industry and continues to support start up businesses to give back to the community!

Star Avenue - Get together of known artists in the industry bringing the crowd their products and pre-loved items.

Blogger's Corner - bloggers open their closets of pre-loved items and products. Participating bloggers includr Angel Yelo, Kate Katigbak, Rhea Bue and more.

Big Discounts by Folded and Hung - Enjoy bug discounts by Folded & Hung during the Pop Up Town on Dec. 2 to 3 at Arca South.

Pop Up Market 

A wide variety of scrumptious dishes will give everyone a taste of the season with Pop Up Market with Mercato. Mercado began as a food market. Now, they embrace their role as the #1 food business incubator for new, innovative and sustainable food businesses in the country and they will be bringing a gastronomic experience from Pop Up Town ranging from Japanese Takoyaki to grilled delicacies.

Pop Up Lokal

A curated mix of home grown and local - sourced and locally made products from different Philippine provinces featuring crafts like accessories and jewelries made and designed by PWD's.

Papaelikhaan - recycled papers made by partner communicaties.

Pop Up Gallery

• Para sa Sining - a collective of creative individuals and organizations passionate in building a collaborative community through Philippine Art and Culture.

Pop Up Shows

• Live acoustic and band  performances and battle of the bands
• Outdoor Movie screening featuring family-themed movies

Pop Up Arena 

• Wacky Obstacle Run or WOR - where you can go up against giant inflatables and classic challenges with a twist. But most especially, it's an arena where you can let your inner child come out and play.

There's definitely something for all at the Pop Up Town.

Pop up Town offers a comprehensive collection of merchants that highlight the rich heritage of flavor and culture in the country with their local products from different regions. Student entrepreneurs will feature their innovative and unique products. Celebrity and blogger merchants will also offer everything from artisanal delicacies to pre-loved fashion items.

Ayala Land's estates, being a one-stop destination of leisure and entertainment, will be the perfect venue to spend the long weekend and holidays. Complementing all the shopping choices are activities like outdoor movie screenings, art workshops, battle of the bands and live acoustic performances. Kids and the kids at the heart will even be able to enjoy an inflatable obstacle course dubbed as Wacky Obstacle Run.

The Holiday eason is the most wonderful time of the year, especially in the city that makes it happen, bringing together family, friends and colleagues. And since the success of the previous Circuit Makati Holiday Bazaars in the past years, Ayala Land ups the ante by bringing it to another Ayala Land estate, giving more people the chance to create new memorable holiday traditions.

At Pop Up Town, surprises awaits Mastercard holders as they have the chance to win prizes during the bazaar, and experience a variety of perks--from hassle free cashless shopping to free entrance to both bazaars at Circuit Makati and Arca South!

In addition, Circuit Makati and Arca Soutge also partnered with Grab to offer discounted Grab rides heading to and from venue, free shuttle rides in select areas across the metro, free parking and option to go cashless shopping via Mastercard.

This is truly the easiest way to create fun and exciting memories to remember this holiday season by. Drop by on November 17 to 19 and December 2 to 3, and get a  head start on your shopping list!

Pop up Town is co-presented by Mastercard and Fox Life, in cooperation with Grab.

Enjoy the moisturizing “magic” of EB Evera Magic Lipstick

Who says only a chosen few can be blessed with soft and supple pink lips? With the EB Evera Magic Lipstick, you can easily achieve long-lasting pink color that girls desire. Each shade changes a few seconds after applying.

What’s even more interesting is that not everyone will get the same shade of pink, because this lipstick changes color depending on the user’s skin pH level! Infused with moisturizers and fruity scents like Apple, Grapes, Lemon, Orange, Strawberry, and Watermelon, your lips are sure to be soft and supple all day long. So go ahead and flaunt those pink lips with the EB Evera Magic Lipstick, available in all Ever Bilena counters from any leading supermarket, drugstore, convenience store or department store nationwide.

To learn more about Ever Bilena and its products, visit www.everbilena.com.ph, and follow www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics.

Enlighten Your Dish this Holiday Season with the New Eden Queso De Bola

Ever since, Eden Cheese is my favorite Cheese brand. From making Spaghetti, Meaty Salsa, to dessert! Yema Cake is one of my favorite and it's not complete without Eden cheese because i put lots of grated Eden Cheese for toppings! I also put Eden Cheese cubes every time i make fruit salad for the family to make it more creamy and cheesier!

Last October 23, 2017, Eden Cheese, the market leader in the Philippine Cheese category, introduces a new flavor innovation exclusive only for this Holiday season, the Eden Queso De Bola (QDB) flavor.

For the first time in its 36-year history, it is the first flavor innovation by Eden exclusively for Holiday and is proudly developed in the Philippines!

The Eden Queso De Bola launch was held at the Limbaga 77 Cafe in Quezon City where bloggers and media guests are present to witnessed and taste the yumminess and creaminess of Eden Queso De Bola Cheese!

The event started with the live performance of the OPM Rockstar Musicians, Mr. Raymond Marasigan. 

Chef DJ Santos shows us how to level up the 3 Recipes with the help of the media guests! 

First is the Cheesy Caldereta, just add the melted cheese on top of the caldereta and add some dash of paprika! Note that when melting cheese, you have to grate it first or slice it and you can also add some milk to melt the cheese.

Second is the Triple Cheese Morcon that was made with bits of cheese, the sauce on top contains melted Eden cheese and lastly, the dish was topped with grated cheese and was torched to add a smokey flavor.

The third one is the Cheesy Buko Pandan, with big chunks of eden cheese. The plain buko pandan level up and became more cheesier!

For the first time in its 36-year history, it is the first flavor innovation by Eden exclusively for Holiday and is proudly developed in the Philippines!

Proudly developed and produced by Mondelez Philippines, Eden Cheese aims to strengthen its market leadership position through Eden’s deep understanding of the Filipino consumers’ taste preference, especially during Holiday.

Carlo Licuanan, Mondelez’s Southeast Asia and China Marketing Director for the Meals category shares that this move is a step to hopefully grow the carton cheese category.  “As a pioneer and the market leader of the carton cheese category, we want to accelerate our growth and that of the category by providing a new taste, innovation and experience for consumers to enjoy. We take pride in launching our Queso de Bola-flavored Eden Cheese. It is the first flavor innovation by Eden exclusively for Christmas and is proudly developed right here in the Philippines. We put great value in our product that not only reflects the traditional and memorable ‘Paskong Pinoy’ (Filipino Christmas) but also is sensitive to the pockets of Filipinos. Eden QDB, at P59 SRP for the 165g pack and P159 SRP for the bigger 440g carton, can now grace the table of every Filipino family during Noche Buena and any occasion for family gatherings.”

As the marketer of globally iconic snack brands such as  Cheez Whiz, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Oreo cookies to name a few, Mondelez Philippines tapped its global expertise in food innovation to develop the new cheese flavor that will help upgrade Pinoy Christmas traditions. “We believe that by introducing this new flavor in the carton cheese category, we are opening more possibilities for our consumers to upgrade their Christmas dishes and provide a whole new level of food enjoyment with their families this coming holiday season,” says Michelle Gan, Mondelez Philippines’ Category Lead for Meals. “Eden has already become a Christmas food staple by making holiday dishes more delicious through its creamy taste. However, we want to further entice the hearts and palates of Filipinos by combining a classic Christmas cheese product which is the Queso de Bola, together with the taste preference of Filipinos who look for that rich and creamy texture in their cheese.  Now moms can have a wider opportunity to upgrade their Christmas food specialties—from cheese appetizers to spaghetti, from a traditional pan de sal and cheese to the special Caldereta and even Buko Salad—using our Eden Queso de Bola flavor.”

Eden Queso de Bola flavor is a limited edition product and is available only until the end of the holidays.

#  #  #


About Mondelez Philippines
Mondelez Philippines, formerly Kraft Foods Philippines, has done business in the country since 1963, providing consumers with delicious snack products like Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 400 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City.

Essilor Vision Foundation hosts free vision tests for Delfingen employees, dependents

Essilor Vision Foundation and Delfingen Foundation joined hands recently to provide free eye screenings and free prescription glasses for 700 Delfingen employees and their family members. Held in Delfingen Cebu plant, the event was graced by French ambassador to the Philippines Christian Hue, Delfingen CEO Bernard Streit and Essilor Vision Foundation president Aicha Mokdahi. This initiative aims not only to provide vision care to Filipinos, but also to raise awareness of the need for adequate eye care and the importance of regular eye checkups. Photo shows French ambassador to the Philippines Christian Hue getting an eye check-up from Essilor Philippines general manager Dr. Emelita Roleda. For more information, visit www.essilor.com.ph.

Confident and Optimistic Entrepreneurs Uncovered in 1st PH Startup Survey

Filipino startups are confident and optimistic, with plans ranging from conducting initial public offering (IPO) to tapping new markets within and outside the Philippines. To achieve their goals, they want to make their businesses sustainable through improved tax incentives, greater ease in doing business, and better access to capital.

These sum up the findings of the 2017 Philippine Startup Survey, which will be unveiled during Slingshot ASEAN:Startup and Innovation Summit on 20 October 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila. The survey was conducted by Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines (PwC), the Knowledge Partner for the summit, in partnership with QBO Philippines, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups formed in 2016.

Mary Jade Roxas-Divinagracia

Deals and Corporate Finance Managing Partner of Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines

PwC Philippines’ Deals and Corporate Finance Managing Partner Jade Roxas-Divinagracia, explains: “Respondents were asked about their experiences, insights, motivations, plans, and needs. The report also gives a snapshot of the beginnings and the current status of the Philippine startup ecosystem.”

Rene "Butch" Meily

President of QBO Philippines and IdeaSpace Foundation Inc.

“Through insights gleaned from this report, we hope that the government and private sector can continue to collaborate to support entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into reality,” says Rene “Butch” Meily, President of QBO Philippines and of IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc.

Diane Eustaquio

Executive Director of IdeaSpace Foundation Inc.

IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc. is one of the founders of QBO Philippines. Its Executive Director, Diane Eustaquio, notes: “The journey though is not going to get any easier as the landscape is VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous). Let us continue to work on paving the way for Philippine-based technopreneurs and their innovations so that they can prove their impact on creating greater business value and a brighter future.”

Alexander Cabrera

(PwC Philippines Chairman and Senior Partner)

Atty. Alexander Cabrera, PwC Philippines’ Chairman and Senior Partner, has nothing but respect for the 106 CEOs and founders who participated in the survey. “I hope that the stories will inspire other startups, investors, corporates, and the government to work together, and build great companies. There is a huge multiplier effect to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Survey highlights:

•   35% of the respondents launched their startups in 2016, and 19% launched in 2017.
•   43% are in the pre-revenue phase, while 37% have annual revenues below PHP2m.
•  When they were starting their businesses, the top challenges they faced were capital requirements (88%), regulatory requirements (54%), and general economic/business conditions (50%).
• 63% are planning to raise equity financing to finance their growth.
• 47% are planning to raise less than US$1m in the next three to five years, while 27% are planning to raise between US$1m and US$3m.
• 94% are planning to welcome an investor in the next three years.
• Primary uses of funds in the next three to five years are product development (39%) and marketing initiatives (29%).
• Strategies for growth in the next three to five years are to improve existing products or services (84%), introduce new products or services (79%), and enter new territories outside the Philippines (61%).
• 63% are planning to conduct an IPO in the next five to seven years.
• 95% are planning to enter new territories in the next five years.
• New markets to tap are other areas in the Philippines (56%), Indonesia (59%), Thailand (57%), Malaysia (55%), and Vietnam (52%).
• To help startups build sustainable businesses, the top focus areas for improvement are tax incentives for startups (59%), ease of doing business (59%), and access to capital (55%).

QBO Philippines co-founder, the Department of Science and Technology, expresses its desire for the startup community to thrive. DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña says, “May everyone realize and appreciate the entrepreneurial environment that has been set up especially for those whose agenda includes not only having a robust source of livelihood but also contributing to the country’s development on the overall.”

For his part, Secretary Ramon Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry, another QBO Philippines co-founder, shares the same sentiment: “We are confident that with the demonstrated capacity of the Filipino in terms of creativity, talent, and hard work to be innovative and entrepreneurial, plus the continued partnership among stakeholders, we can build an inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that can help in the development of MSMEs.”

About QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) represents bayanihan or teamwork. They invite entrepreneurs, talents, and mentors and investors alike to come together and make ideas flourish, showcase Filipino innovation, and build great companies.

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub, or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provide startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent.  QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, DOST, and DTI. Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

QBO VISION

Filipino startups changing the world.

QBO MISSION

Developing a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines by encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors, developing the startup community and providing business incubation from ideation to exit.

To fulfill their mission to develop a globally competitive startup ecosystem, they believe in three core actions to achieve it:

TO ENCOURAGE QLLABORATION

TO DEVELOP THE STARTUP QMMUNITY

TO ASSIST IN INQBATION

HOW THEY DO IT? Through...

QLITAN. Networking events

They host regular networking events that also feature guest speakers for their startup community to discover, collaborate, and bounce ideas off of each other.

BASIQS. Introductory classes

They conduct classes that run through the fundamentals of initiating a startup for those who are new to the scene and are exploring putting up their own venture.

WORQSHOPS. Specialized workshops

They offer in-depth workshops on a range of topics like branding, marketing, and fundraising to shed more light on specialized topics and provide actionable learnings.

FEEDBAQ. Feedback and mentorships sessions

They provide an avenue for startups to receive insight on different aspects of their business through small group sessions with peers and their network of mentors and industry leaders.

SHOWQASE. Investor pitch

They set up sessions where startups get the opportunity to pitch their ideas to top angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporations for a chance to get funded or secure partnerships.

QONSULTATION. Consultation services

They equip startups with expert advice and practical tips through individual consultation services on government-related matters as well as legal, financial, and design concerns with top firms.

QBO HQ. Co-working space

They provide members of their QMMUNITY access to their headquarters to use as a co-working space or a venue to host meetings, workshops, and other startup-related events.

INQBATION. Incubation Program

They offer select startups the opportunity to be considered for INQBATION, a program created in partnership with J.P. Morgan that provides customized mentorship and other resources based on a startup’s specific needs.

Visit www.qbo.com.ph for more information.