XTREME Appliances, one of the fastest-growing appliance brands in the Philippines, has announced the opening of its first branch in Robinsons malls. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to expand its footprint across the country.
The new XTREME Appliances store, located in Robinsons Place GenTrias in General Trias, Cavite, offers a wide range of high-quality appliances that are designed to meet the needs of Filipino households. Customers can browse through an extensive selection of home appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and many more. They can also enjoy exclusive bundle deals giving them up to P28,000 worth of savings.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first branch in Robinsons malls. This new store is a testament to our commitment to providing Filipino households with affordable, high-quality appliances that are designed to meet their needs,” said Paula Dizon, Brand Marketing Manager of XTREME Appliances
“Our goal is to make our products accessible to more Filipino families, and we believe that Robinsons malls provide the perfect platform for us to achieve this goal. We are excited to bring our range of appliances to Robinsons Place GenTrias and look forward to serving our customers in this new location.”
The new XTREME Appliances store in Robinsons Place GenTrias features a modern, spacious design that allows customers to browse through the products comfortably. The store is trained sales personnel who are always ready to assist customers with their purchases and provide them with expert advice on choosing the right appliances for their homes.
“We are delighted to welcome XTREME Appliances to Robinsons Place GenTrias,” said by Sid Benavidez, Mall Manager of Robinsons Place GenTrias. “We are confident that our customers will appreciate the high-quality and affordable appliances that XTREME Appliances has to offer. We look forward to working with XTREME Appliances as they continue to expand their presence in our malls.”
XTREME Appliances is committed to providing Filipino households with affordable, high-quality appliances that are designed to meet their needs. Another branch of XTREME Appliances inside Robinsons Malls is set to open in South Luzon and Mindanao this Q2 2023.
About XTREME Appliances
XTREME Appliances is a #OneStopShopAppliances brand that offers premium and affordable home and light commercial appliances like TV, Air Conditioner, Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Gas Range, and many more. To know more about XTREME Appliances please like and follow XTREME Appliances Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
Fujifilm Philippines brings healthcare service to communities Fujifilm Philippines, one of the most trusted leaders in imaging solutions, continues its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the Philippines by conducting health outreach programs in various parts of the country. Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines President, said the Japanese company will partner with local government units to provide free medical consultations and diagnostic tests to communities using their innovative medical equipment.
These include the FDR nano and FDR GO Plus for tuberculosis screening and X-ray. “As part of our corporate social responsibility and commitment to adapting to the changing times, Fujifilm Philippines is taking action by implementing social initiatives to aid Filipinos and local government units. Through these outreach programs, we want to show our dedication toward the betterment of communities,” he said. Uehara noted that Fujifilm Philippines will first go to Majayjay, Laguna to kick off the outreach program and provide medical assistance to around 300 individuals. “Majayjay is committed in providing quality healthcare to its citizens and its commitment makes it an ideal site to launch our health outreach program,” he explained. During the event, Fujifilm Philippines will also turn over medical kits, including sphygmomanometers and thermometers, to the local government of Majayjay to augment the local health centers’ medical instruments. “We are committed to providing medical assistance to communities in need.
At the same time, we look forward to launching more programs that will benefit more Filipinos,” Uehara added. Pivoting to healthcare Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products starting from the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers and X-ray Imaging Films. Introduction of these products paved the way to establish Fujifilm Brand. In 2013, the business expanded to include Ultrasound Systems, Dry Chemistry, Digital Flat Panel Detectors, Endoscopy Systems and Digital Mammography Systems. Fujifilm then become one of the most competitive brands in the market as it continuously increase its installation around the Philippines. Moreover, with FUJIFILM Corporation latest acquisition of Diagnostic Imaging-related Business of Hitachi, Ltd in 2021. Fujifilm Philippinesnow offers a comprehensive product lineup covering CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems Pictures Archiving and Communications System (PACS). At the height of the pandemic, Fujifilm Philippines helped healthcare workers identify and monitor COVID-19 patients through a mobile X-ray system called the FDR Go PLUS. Another innovative medical instrument is the FDR nano, a mobile device for high-quality X-ray imaging. Unlike the traditional mobile X-ray, which is around 500 kilograms, the FDR nano only weighs 90 kilograms. Its compact design makes it easy to use and ideal for confined spaces.
Uehara said Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to developing new technologies to produce exceptional products and facilitate the treatment of patients. ‘Never stop’ campaign Besides health outreach programs, Fujifilm Philippines will also conduct basic photography training for young adults highlighting Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras and Instax. The training will be facilitated by Ms. Jam Ramos, instructor at Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) and a part-time multimedia teacher. In 2020, Fujifilm Philippines launched the Fujifilm Online Academy, where professionals provide free training on photography, videography, and vlogging. Fujifilm will also put on display its various camera products including mirrorless cameras and Instax to provide a hands-on experience for the participants. As part of its “Never Stop” global brand campaign, Fujifilm offers a diverse selection of products and services, such as Healthcare (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals), Materials (data storage media, electronic materials, sensor films for touch panels, film for LCD monitors, inkjets, and graphic systems), Business Innovation (office printers, digital production printers, and business solutions) and Imaging (instant photography/instax and advanced digital cameras). Established in 2012 as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm’s regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific, Fujifilm Philippines is committed to promoting sustainability and addressing social issues through developing innovative products, services, and technologies. For more information about Fujifilm Philippines, visit www.fujifilm.com/ph
The leading international water supply tradeshow and the major energy expo in the country jointly opened one of the biggest and most anticipated three-day events this week. Organized by Informa Markets, a division of global trade show specialist Informa plc, WATER PHILIPPINES 2023 and PhilEnergy 2023 rolled out a ‘sustainable event,’ which promoted the use of sustainable materials and pushed for ethical and socially responsible business practices in the respective sectors.
More than 10,000 trade visitors that included top players and thought leaders in the water and energy industries from 36 countries gathered from March 22 to 24, 2023 occupying the four halls of SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The joint event kicked off with the year’s widest trade exhibition featuring over 300 exhibitors from 14 participating international countries that showcased the latest products, technologies, and innovations in the water and energy sectors.
The opening ceremony was graced by no less than the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who commended the return of both event after its postponement in 2021 due to the pandemic. He reiterated the significance of the WATER PHILIPPINES and PhilEnergy in the government’s goals to strengthen the local water and energy industries.
This year’s editions aimed at further expanding networks for building strong partnerships and serving as a source of valuable information in the community. It puts the spotlight on the latest market trends through exhibits and conferences where professionals and practitioners established relationships and opportunities for matters covering different sectors of water and energy industry.
“With the continued support of our partner associations, these events are the perfect platforms for leading water and energy industry players to showcase their latest innovations and solutions, aligning perfectly with the government’s aspiration in transforming the country’s water, wastewater and energy service industry in the pursuit of a more sustainable water supply for the coming generation.” said Informa Markets Philippines Country General Manager, Mr. Gerard Leeuwenburgh.
THE ASCOTT LIMITED EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a globally renowned lodging owner-operator, is proud to announce its significant expansion plans for 2023, which will include the opening of eight new properties, along with several elevated brand experiences and a strong focus on sustainability. This growth reflects Ascott’s commitment to offering world-class hospitality experiences to its guests.
Philip Barnes, the Country General Manager of The Ascott Limited Philippines, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s expansion. “We are thrilled to announce the unprecedented growth of The Ascott Limited Philippines, which is a testament to our commitment to providing guests with exceptional hospitality experiences across all our brands,” he said. “Our expansion is fueled by our desire to deliver top-notch service to our guests while also advocating for the environment. We are excited to continue expanding across the Philippines and offering guests a range of world-class properties to choose from.”
In addition, The Ascott Limited is excited to introduce its new brand, lyf (“live your freedom”), along with the launch of its official social media pages. To stay updated on the latest news and promotions, guests can follow @lyfmalatemanila on Instagram and Facebook, and like lyf Philippines on TikTok.
Pre-Opening Properties
With a growing portfolio across the Philippines, the new addition to the operating roster of properties will allow guests to experience the country’s diverse landscape and vibrant culture while enjoying the brands’ signature hospitality.
lyf Malate Manila: As the first lyf property in the Philippines, lyf Malate Manila is the ideal choice for millennial-minded travelers looking to explore the culturally and historically rich area. Nearby famous landmarks such as Rizal Park, Lucky China Town, Quiapo Church, and the National Museum are easily accessible. The 201-apartment co-living property is perfect for travelers looking for a place to socialize, work, and be creative during their stay.
The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate: The property’s well-designed residences are supplemented with top-notch amenities ideal for a fast-paced lifestyle. The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate is also within walking distance of top universities, hospitals, retail centers, and well-known tourist destinations.
Citadines Benavidez Makati: In the heart of the lifestyle district of Legaspi Village lies Citadines Benavidez Makati, a new and vibrant serviced residence. Designed for young business executives or couples on holiday exploring the city, it boasts the best of both worlds—a prime location in the Makati Central Business District and a relaxing haven in the quieter side of town. The area is also known for its myriad of lifestyle options including dining, entertainment, cultural and fitness and wellness establishments.
lyf Cebu City: Located within the same complex as Citadines Cebu City, the property features 233 well-designed apartments that cater to the needs of millennials and young professionals. With its modern facilities and vibrant social spaces, lyf Cebu City aims to foster a community-driven lifestyle that promotes social interaction, collaboration, and personal growth among its residents.
Citadines Bacolod City: Citadines Bacolod City is a serviced residence with 200 spacious apartments with modern amenities and furnishings, providing guests with a comfortable and stylish living space. Situated in the heart of Bacolod, the property features three food and beverage outlets – a lobby café, an all-day dining restaurant, and a bar that offers international and all-time favorite local cuisines. Complementing the accommodation and leisure facilities are versatile function halls and a ballroom that can fit a maximum of 800 attendees for corporate events, business meetings, and social gatherings. Citadines Bacolod City is the best choice for travelers wanting to explore, enjoy and experience the heritage, culture, and warmth that is uniquely Bacolod. Citadines brings you to the city and the city to you.
Somerset Valero Makati: Salcedo Village is a popular upscale neighborhood in Makati that’s known for its sense of community, as well as its well-maintained parks and green spaces. For a convenient and relaxing stay, the 182-unit Somerset Valero Makati is your best choice. The building also comes with a retail floor for your additional needs.
Citadines Roces Quezon City: Known to be Metro Manila’s biggest city, Quezon City offers a wealth of interesting sights, thrilling activities, and mouthwatering cuisine. Citadines Roces Quezon City serves as a relaxing haven in the center of it all. Guests can venture to the nearby South Triangle, which boasts popular retail and dining concepts and enjoy proximity to shopping malls. The serviced residence offers a range of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.
Somerset Gorordo Cebu: The serviced residence boasts of 157 fully furnished apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units, designed to cater to the needs of both short and long-term guests. With its strategic location and modern facilities, Somerset Gorordo Cebu promises a comfortable and convenient stay, complemented by its impeccable service and hospitality.
Ascott C.A.R.E.S Launch
Furthermore, Ascott is committed to promoting sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. Ascott Makati, its flagship property located in the central business district, has been awarded the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification, which recognizes buildings that incorporate environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mechanisms in its operations. The property’s design and construction were assessed using EDGE software, which evaluates the building’s energy and water usage, materials used, and waste management practices. This certification is a testament to Ascott’s dedication to sustainability and its efforts to promote environmentally responsible practices in the hospitality industry.
To further support its sustainability efforts, Ascott has introduced Ascott CARES, a sustainability framework that aligns its growth strategy with ESG considerations and GSTC Criteria. The framework is centered around five pillars that represent the acronym CARES – Community, Alliance, Respect, Environment, and Supply Chain. These pillars guide the company’s initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across the organization.
The new’Initiatives include the installation of energy-efficient lighting, water-saving devices, and waste management programs across its properties. Ascott also plans to introduce sustainable food options in its restaurants and reduce single-use plastics in all its properties by 2025. The company’s Sustainability Council expressed excitement about the positive impact these initiatives will have on its operations and the environment.
Ascott’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to promote environmentally responsible practices demonstrate its dedication to providing guests with unforgettable experiences while championing the planet’s welfare.
Oakwood Integration and Growth
We are pleased to announce that the Oakwood brand will be returning to Manila as part of Ascott’s diverse portfolio of global brands. Ascott has started integrating the newly acquired Oakwood brand, which will focus on the rising demographic of ‘bleisure’ guests through its brand pillars of comfort, craft of hospitality, and connections.
The refreshed Oakwood brand will feature purpose-designed workspaces to support business needs, curated dining programs providing convenience for home-cooked meals within the apartment, signature community engagement initiatives, and programs to develop associates in the craft of hospitality. As a part of The Ascott Limited Philippines, we are dedicated to providing unparalleled hospitality experiences through our expanding portfolio, sustainable initiatives, and refreshing brand identity.
Our company’s continued growth, focus on sustainability, and commitment to personalized service make us the go-to choice for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. We look forward to welcoming guests to the new Oakwood Manila, where they can enjoy our signature brand experience, designed with their comfort and convenience in mind.
About The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of the leading international lodging owner-operators. Ascott’s portfolio spans over 220 cities across more than 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA.
Ascott has over 94,000 operating units and more than 64,000 units under development, making a total of over 159,000 units in more than 900 properties.
The company’s serviced apartment, coliving and hotel brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Préférence, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello.
Ascott’s loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards, offers exclusive benefits to its members when they book directly with Ascott for their stays at its participating properties.
Ascott, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment Limited, pioneered Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced apartment with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. Today, the company boasts almost 40 years of industry track record and award-winning brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.
Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 September 2022, CLI had about S$130 billion of real estate assets under management, and about S$86 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and about 30 private vehicles across Asia-Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.
CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
It is said that to every woman, behind her good looks and vivacious spirit lies that special character that generates from the inside and permeates out: that special thing that is called AURA.
It is that very same aura that develops her innermost strengths that will radiate into something more productive, more transforming and more inspiring to the rest of humankind.
And, it is here where a one-of-a-kind pageant generates that renewed sense of confidence, compassion, service, dedication and spirit among its contenders as it transcends the common notions of what beauty contests are all about. One that combines beauty and brains with what these females can do to create that big difference in much more holistic, inspiring ways as interactive role models. Enter Miss AURA Philippines 2023, a joint production with Charmed Entertainment Productions.
Founded with the aim of empowering young women, breaking stereotypes, and promoting self-confidence, Miss Aura Philippines welcomes females between the ages of 18-28 who are passionate about making a positive difference in their communities. The pageant will showcase the contestants’ skills and abilities, including talent, poise, the social graces, current events/current issues proficiency, mettle and public speaking, among others.
In addition to celebrating the beauty and intelligence of young women, Ms. Aura will also promote various humanitarian causes, whereas contestants will be required to participate in community service projects. This pageant will not only provide a platform for young women to showcase their abilities, but it will also be an opportunity to make a transformative and uplifting impact in their communities.
“We are excited to grace the second National Search for candidates who will represent the country to show the world our empowered Filipina, with intellect, beauty, grace, devotion and compassion. The Miss Aura International competition ushered in a new modern woman who possesses Beauty, Body, Brains and Behavior, tempered with ‘Interactive Compassion’ that will make a big difference in transforming and uplifting lives. This is indeed a whole new level of criteria never seen in beauty pageants Worldwide”, stressed Rowee Lucero, a visionary entrepreneur, model and beauty queen, and the pageant’s President and National Director.
Kathniss Griffiths, Ms. Aura Philippines’ founder and CEO is excited about the potential impact this beauty pageant will have on young women’s lives and the communities in which they live. “We believe that every young woman has the potential to make a positive difference in her community, and Ms. Aura Philippines’ will provide a platform for them to showcase their talents, skills, and abilities. We are excited about the opportunity to empower and inspire young women from all walks of life.”
For more information about the Ms Aura Philippines, please visit Miss Aura Philippines’ facebook and Instagram pages, or you may email hello@charmedep.com
Ms. Aura Philippines was founded in 2020 with Katniss Griffiths as the CEO, and now with the current team of Ms. Rowee Lucero as the President and National Director and Jino Wilfredo Esteban as the Vice President. Miss Aura Philippines will have its Grand Coronation Night on May 27, 2023.
Federal Meat Academy of Japan’s Hiroki Samata headlines as guest chef
Hotel Okura Manila invites guests and patrons to travel by taste to the historical Saga Prefecture in Japan through a six-course dinner featuring the globally-esteemed Saga Wagyu beef, elevated with authentic sake pairings. Four kitchen masters, including guest chef Hiroki Samata of the Federal Meat Academy of Japan, collaborate in curating a tasting menu that traverses through different interpretations of the premium beef.
For starters, Saga-Gyu is made from the finest breeds of Japanese cattle raised on fertile farmlands within the prefecture. These black-haired cattle are perfectly embraced by the region’s mild climate, clean air, and fresh water. The highly-maintained standards – from being raised in agricultural-association-designated farms and rigorous grading processes, places Saga beef among the best of over 200 beef brands in Japan carrying a grade of 4 (or A4) by the country’s meat grading standards. In addition, its characteristics of tsuya-sashi or marbling is so outstanding, the shades of the cross-section are reminiscent of that of a cherry blossom flower. With a rating of 7 (the highest within the range of A4 grade meat), the marbling becomes an unwrapped gift of flavors when cooked.
With its arrival in Newport World Resorts, frequenters and enthusiasts alike are in for a spectacular culinary treat. The dinner features Yawaragi Chef de Cuisine Jerrymie Tamayo as he prepares the amuse-bouche, salad and soup, Yamazato Japanese Executive Chef Keiichiro Fujino prepares the entrée, Hotel Okura Manila Pastry Chef VI Serrano steps in for the dessert, and finally Hiroki Samata gets his hands on the appetizer and the main course.
Hiroki Samata brings in years of skills sharpened by experience as a Master Butcher and faculty member of The Federal Meat Academy, a unique school located in Gunma, Japan, that advances the appreciation and knowledge of all skills associated with the processing and marketing of various kinds of meats.
The courses are paired with premium Sake for superior dining experience. The drinks include Sunflower and Strawberry-flavored drink from the historically-rich Amabuki Junmai, the award-wining bottles from Tenzan Sake Brewery, Shichida Junmai.
This exclusive gastronomic wonder is happening on March 18, 2023, Saturday, and starts at 7 PM at the visually-captivating dining venue, Yawaragi, in Hotel Okura, right within Newport World Resorts. Limited seats are available. Prices start at PHP 9,100++ per person. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5318 2888 or +63 917 842 9067. This event is made in partnership with Mayon Consolidated, Inc. and Philippine Wine Merchants.
About Hotel Okura Manila and Okura Nikko Hotels
Hotel Okura Manila brings together Japanese omotenashi with Filipino warmth. Okura Nikko Hotels exemplifies the highest in Japanese hotel standards, both in Japan and around the world. Comprising Okura Hotels & Resorts, Nikko Hotels International, and Hotel JAL City, the Group includes 81 hotels in 12 countries and regions.
MullenLowe MARC, the public relations unit of MullenLowe TREYNA, won 1 Gold and 5 Silver Anvils at the 58th Anvil Awards organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).
Cetaphil emerged as the big winner in the group after Skin Awareness Monthreceived top honors in the category of Special Events and Exhibits. It won Gold for effectively mounting a multi-stakeholder event despite the pandemic, bringing together over 5,000 pharmacists, 800 Health Care Professionals, and 2,814 consumers in Cetaphil’s biggest virtual event in 2022.
Also under Cetaphil, the Level Up Serieswon silver in the Product Launch category after successfully launching the Cetaphil Ultra Protect Antimicrobial Cleansing Bar in 2022.
Both wins mark a first for Cetaphil (and parent company Galderma) in the prestigious awards ceremony.
Unilever hair care brand TRESemmé also won silver in the Special Events category for the TRESemmé House of Salon, bringing MullenLowe MARC’s total haul to 3 for the events category.
Meanwhile, longtime MullenLowe MARC client Avon Philippines bagged 3 awards in this year’s show. Avon’s SpeakOut Dialogues won Silver in Podcasts, Beauty For Allwon Silver in Publications, and Avon’s Breast Cancer Awareness effort #NormalForMewon Silver in the Multimedia category, all under PR Tools.
For this year’s haul, MullenLowe MARC became a PR Agency of the Year nominee for the second straight year.
The Anvil Awards, presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), is the industry’s most prestigious awards program for public relations campaigns in the country. For more information on MullenLowe MARC’s Anvil-winning work, visit, https://philippines.mullenlowe.com/
PCPPI recognizes exceptional employees at Gold Crown Awards Excellence thrives where it is practiced consistently. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—recently honored three outstanding employees with this year’s Gold Crown Awards. This recognition is awarded to employees for demonstrating professional dedication in line with PCPPI’s ICARE Values, which stands for Integrity and Innovation, Care and Respect, Empowerment and Excellence.
The three awardees for this year are (in photo, from left to right) Faith Marie M. Zacal of from PCPPI’s Cagayan De Oro plant, Lucky J. Mallari from the Central Luzon Operations (CLO) and Jona Marie S. Rollan from the Davao manufacturing facility. Of the awardees, PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong said, “Our people remain at the core of what makes us proud to be part of PCPPI. The Gold Crown Awards allow us as one team to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our employees.” He added, “Jona, Lucky, and Faith are among the many brilliant team members who exemplify how true PCPPI Bravehearts are. We look forward to nurturing more inspiring professionals in the future.” For more information about PCPPI and the organization’s ICARE values, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.
One of the galleries that will be participating in Art in the Park 2023 is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.
For this year’s art fair, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists BPI offers flexible payment options to Art in the Park 2023 fairgoers Looking to build your art collection on a budget?
Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. “BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards. For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.
One of the galleries that will be participating is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits. “Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna. The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados a broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors. Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University. For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas. Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes. “What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potential lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said. BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards. Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network. For more information about Art in the Park and BPI’s special offers, follow www.facebook.com/bpi and http://www.facebook/artinthepark on Facebook, or visit www.bpi.com.ph/ and www.artinthepark.ph.
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. reaffirms commitment to responsible water stewardship Water remains the world’s top resource, as industry and community benefit from having access to clean, sustainable supply. Among the environmental commitments of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, is practicing sound, responsible methods that help manage its use of water in collaboration with its various stakeholders.
The 22nd of March marks the commemoration of World Water Day, and aside from implementing industry best practices and policies, PCPPI encourages process improvement to further optimize how water is utilized across all areas of operations. “Upholding our commitment to responsible water stewardship goes beyond having the systems and protocols in place that allow our teams to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Our employees are encouraged to embrace innovation as part of our advocacy,” said PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong.
Strategic plans supported by strong partnerships The water resource management policies of PCCPI are embodied in the Luntiang Yaman program, which covers the organization’s sustainability efforts. These include the 3Rs approach to manage water consumption: reduce, re-use, and recycle. Other than reducing water use, PCPPI also has protocols in place to optimize electricity use, optimize fuel yield, manage solid waste output, and community engagement. PCCPI also works with government authorities in the communities where it operates.
For example, the organization actively works with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to periodically assess the health of the waterways in the communities they operate alongside multi-sectoral groups. Sto. Tomas: Shifting the traditional mindset PCPPI’s commitment to responsible water management is demonstrated in its manufacturing facilities, particularly in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The plant has twice-received PCPPI’s Galing at Sikap Plant Excellence Award in Sustainability in 2021 and 2022. This recognition is given to the business units with the highest performance ratings on key focus areas of operations, including environmental resource management. “The Sto. Tomas facility was lauded for its efforts in consuming water and energy in the most economical way, thereby minimizing environmental impact,” Ong added.
According to Plant Manager Chrysler Salcedo, one of the best practices at work at the Sto. Tomas plant includes setting definitive operating hours for optimum target volume of water required, both for the products to be manufactured and for its manpower’s daily water consumption. This encourages all employees to become more mindful in their water use in daily operations. Regular training sessions on resource conservation are also scheduled, and serve as checkpoint meetings where employees can proactively address potential areas of concern. “Open communication and collaboration make even the most complex policies work.
In Sto. Tomas, it remains important for our team to engage in discussions about how we can best manage the resources we look after: water, electricity, and oil, among others,” said Salcedo. “To become more effective in our industry, we recognize the value of implementing more creative, cost-efficient policies so that we can better serve our communities,” he added. Strategic and planned updates in the Sto. Tomas plant have also been implemented to further manage how the facility consumes water, one of which involves decreasing the frequency of production line Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures.
These pertain to the overall cleaning of equipment used after continuous production. “We shifted to a 72-hour cycle, which will allow us to save 780 liters of water a week. Combined with our stringent sanitation protocols, we are confident that our operations will continue to meet internal and industry standards while maximizing financial and resource savings,” Salcedo explained. PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It distributes well-loved brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.
WOMAN LIFESTYLE 