SOCIAL MEDIA

Swak sa Budget, Swak for Kids! nutritious recipes

Saturday, August 6, 2022

The current increases in food prices contribute to the problem in accessing sufficient nutrition and healthy food choices in Filipino households. With higher prices across different commodities, homemakers now face a greater challenge in budgeting while they strive to prepare nutritious and delicious dishes to help safeguard the family's health, especially the kids.





“We, at Ajinomoto, understand the struggles that parents face nowadays. In our own way, we hope to extend help by sharing thoughtful recipes that take into consideration the health and budget of the family,” shares Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) General Manager Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co. “We aim to provide solution and equip homemakers with knowledge on preparing affordable, delicious and well-balanced meals for their kids and loved ones.”



The following delicious and nutritious recipes are easy to prepare and sure to fit the budget, including AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 11g and Aji-Ginisa® 8g which remain to be the most affordable seasonings in the market at Php 3.00 SRP.

Tokwa Bites Meal


Tofu is rich in protein and calcium. Not only it is an affordable alternative but also a healthy version of meatballs. Prepare a soft and crunchy Tokwa Bites meal for lunch in 3 easy steps: mix, fry, and serve. You only need half pack (11g) A JI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning to bring out its flavors. Try the recipe here at home!

Potato Egg Sandwich


You can make a healthy Potato Egg sandwich for breakfast or merienda which requires little time and ingredients. Potatoes and bread are rich in carbohydrates for energy while tomatoes are rich in vitamin C which is for immunity. Season with half pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning for savory deliciousness. Learn the full recipe here.


Sauteed Corned Beef with Potatoes and Veggies


Sauté, season, and serve – this easy-to-remember recipe. Beef is rich in protein while Baguia beans and sitsaro are rich in fiber beneficial for proper digestion. Season with one pack (8g) AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix and you’re good to go! Serve a nutritious meal today with our cooking guide here.

Chicken Lomi Meal


New way to cook lomi is adding common Malunggay vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B and C, Iron, and Calcium. Season with one pack (8g) AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to complete its flavor! See full recipe here.


APC Group’s brand promise of Eat Well, Live Well provides Filipinos with ways to serve nutritious meals. "We believe that eating and living well does not have to be expensive. We hope that through our affordable products and health initiatives at Ajinomoto, we get to help parents bring about a well-balanced diet at home amid these challenging times," said Co.


For more delicious, nutritious and affordable recipes, visit www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com.ph
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How Flexible Learning Can Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential

The Filipino school system has been the same for 100 years, with children boxed into traditional classrooms and rigid class schedules. But as we’ve observed since the beginning of the pandemic, learning does not have to be restricted to the boundaries of a classroom.




Each child is unique. They differ in how much time they need to learn something, what sparks their interest, and what tools and resources work best for them. So why pigeonhole all students into one outdated learning setup? For many children, flexibility is key to helping them reach their full potential. This is exactly what APEC Schools’ SmartClass offers. An innovative e-homeschooling program, SmartClass is designed for independent, curiosity-driven learners.

Limitless learning


While the traditional setup might work for some, many students today require more breathing room to grow. As a home e-schooling program, SmartClass allows the Filipino child to learn from the comforts of their homes.


Whether they want to breeze through a lesson or to slow down for more in-depth understanding, students can go at their own pace. This way, they no longer have to adjust to their classmates’ learning needs, ensuring that they completely understand the lesson.


Instead of revolving around grades and tests, SmartClass focuses on honing problem-solving skills. Independent learners are tasked to conduct research and work on case studies across two or more subjects. This way, SmartClass students are empowered to take control of their education and develop critical thinking and creativity.

A solid support system




Aside from improving the traditional homeschooling paradigm, SmartClass also lets parents be more involved in their child’s education. Unlike most traditional homeschooling curricula where the parent is the child’s primary and only educator, SmartClass parents receive support from professional teachers, coaches, and coordinators through one-on-one consultations.



Such a support system ensures that the student is on track and that they’re inspired to learn, so parents can rest assured that they’re giving their child quality education. In fact, SmartClass has the seal of approval from Ayala Corporation and the Yuchengco Group — two formidable conglomerates that partnered to create APEC in line with their commitment to nation-building through affordable but quality education.

An adaptive, future-ready curriculum




With the advent of technological tools, children now have more access to resources that previous generations could not even imagine. Embracing the ever-changing digital world, SmartClass is an innovative learning system that’s built for the future.


As the Filipino child’s educational needs change, so should the learning systems adapt and evolve. SmartClass’s flexible learning will empower the next generation to take control of tomorrow.


Parents determined to enable their children’s success with adaptive learning institutions may reach APEC Schools at apecschools.edu.ph, email admissions@apecschools.edu.ph, or contact (02) 7720 2620.
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P&G and Whisper Philippines donate period pads to support over 25,000 girls

Whisper’s #ShareTheConfidence campaign provides access to menstrual hygiene education and period products to girls in underserved communities





More than 25,000 girls in underserved communities across the Philippines will get access to period pads and menstrual hygiene management information and educational materials through a donation by P&G Philippines and Whisper in partnership with World Vision Philippines.



This is part of Whisper Philippines’ #ShareTheConfidence campaign, in partnership with World Vision Philippines and Shopee Philippines, to advance menstrual hygiene education and improve access to period products to girls in underserved communities. Earlier in June, Whisper pledged to match every Whisper pack sold on Shopee and is now fulfilling the said commitment. P&G Philippines will donate Whisper packs to World Visions’ girls’ communities in Laurel, Batangas, Rosario, Batangas, Baseco, Manila, Malabon, Quezon City, Misamis Occidental, and Zamboanga del Norte.



Reports from the organization Save the Children Philippines noted that the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges in managing menstruation, due to an increased absence of adequate resources and support. Furthermore, according to the results of a 2019 study from the World Bank, 8% of girls in the Philippines reported missing school because of menstruation. Through the donation, P&G hopes to increase access to period products and fight some of the challenges surrounding menstruation, allowing young girls to always be at their best.



“Whisper’s purpose is to unleash women and girls’ confidence so they can be whoever they want to be, and our brand’s responsibility is to help create a world where everyone is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity,” shares Charm Banzuelo, P&G’s Communications Leader for Corporate, Baby & Feminine Care. “For us, this starts with engaging families and schools where young girls are able to first learn about menstrual health. We want to help give adequate access to products and right information that they will carry with them as they grow up,” she states.



Partnering with World Vision Philippines also enables P&G and Whisper to reach communities that need assistance the most. Working with some of the most vulnerable communities in the country, World Vision allows the company to benefit those in underserved areas, who have less education and awareness surrounding menstrual hygiene.







“We’re thankful to work alongside companies like P&G and Whisper who truly advocate for female empowerment,” says World Vision Philippines Director Jun Godornes. “At World Vision, we celebrate our girls’ strength and determination. We hope that when these small actions with P&G are pooled together, we can create waves to transform lives one girl at a time,” he ends.
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Shopee, Shopee Xpress partner with Whisper and World Vision to empower young women to #Share The Confidence

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recently launched the #ShareTheConfidence campaign in partnership with Whisper and World Vision, to educate Filipinos on the importance of menstrual hygiene management. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations.





As part of the campaign, Whisper pledged to match and donate sanitary products for every Whisper product sold on Shopee from May 28 to June 30. Almost 130,000 young women from World Vision’s partner communities all over the Philippines benefitted from the initiative and received sanitary products through the delivery efforts of Shopee Xpress, Shopee’s logistics arm. Apart from raising awareness on proper menstrual hygiene management, the #ShareTheConfidence campaign also aimed to break the stigma around menstrual health and address the issue of period poverty in the Philippines.


Last July 22, Shopee and its partners culminated the #ShareTheConfidence campaign with an on-site event in Laurel, Batangas to turn over Whisper sanitary pads to over 85,000 beneficiaries within the area.


Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “Everything we do at Shopee goes back to our main mission of serving the underserved through our technology. We are humbled to partner with Whisper and World Vision to empower Filipinas in need. We look forward to maximizing our platform to deliver even more meaningful initiatives that will benefit communities all over the Philippines.”


With Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective to make e-commerce for everyone by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.
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Three Easy Ways To Score Over ₱2M worth of prizes at the 8.8 ShopeePay Festival

Send money & win up to ₱1M, buy 1GB for only ₱1, and get exclusive vouchers when you use ShopeePay.




Online transactions are now more rewarding as ShopeePay gives you more reasons to send money, buy load, and shop online! From August 6 to 8, ShopeePay is hosting three days of giveaway with over ₱2M in prizes. Users can further rejoice as exciting prizes and rewards are up for grabs at the 8.8 ShopeePay Festival!



If you’re not yet a ShopeePay user, now’s the perfect time to set up your own account and join the celebration. Here’s what you need to do using Shopee’s mobile wallet to win big this August:

1. Send money for free and you could win up to ₱1 million


It’s not everyday that you get a chance to turn your ₱50 into ₱1 million. ShopeePay is giving away prizes to two raffle winners a day from August 6 to 8, with cash prizes increasing up to ₱1 million each day until 8.8. To qualify, simply send at least ₱50 to any ShopeePay user during the duration of the promo.


To join, follow these steps:
Activate and verify your ShopeePay account.
From August 6 to 8, send at least ₱50 to any ShopeePay user.
Play the lucky draw after sending money to qualify for the raffle draw.
Winners will be announced on social media so make sure to follow ShopeePay’s Facebook and Instagram pages.


Just think of how much you can do with ₱1 million pesos: travel fund, tuition fee, household expenses, or perhaps a new car—all it takes is a few taps on your phone and you’re one step closer to being a millionaire. The best thing is that it takes less than a minute to send money with ShopeePay. Plus, there’s no hidden fees!


2. Tune in to your TV for a chance to win up to ₱100,000


Spending your days at home while lounging in front of TV isn’t so bad when you’re off to win cash prizes. Sounds exciting? You can be among the lucky winners of ₱100,000 via ShopeePay when you join the Shopee Shake segments at your favorite programs: It’s Showtime on August 6 and 8, All Out Sundays on August 7, and 24 Oras on August 8. Shopee Shake is one of the app’s popular features that allows you to win prizes as you shake your mobile phone.


Set your alarms and catch some of the country’s popular personalities, Iya Villania, Gabbi Garcia, Andre Paras, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, and more, as they hype up the 8.8 ShopeePay Festival. Watch out for the Shopee Shake segment and, when prompted by the TV hosts, log in to your Shopee app, click the blue Shopee Prizes icon on the homepage, and start doing the Shopee Shake to win.

3. Verify your ShopeePay to get free ₱500 and receive exclusive deals


Getting rewards doesn’t get any easier than this. On August 8, receive free ₱500 when you register on the app, verify your ShopeePay account, and send money for the first time. As a verified user, you’ll also gain access to more rewarding perks when you do your transactions. This 8.8, you can get ShopeePay’s 1GB for ₱1 data offer, available for all major networks. Don’t miss deals on Shopee and keep up with the latest trends in fashion, beauty, tech, home & living and more when you check out with free shipping discounts exclusive for ShopeePay users.


Don’t miss these exclusive promos and have a safe and enjoyable online experience this 8.8 ShopeePay Festival. Reach out to Shopee Cares PH for the best customer care on all things Shopee. Follow @ShopeeCaresPH on Twitter and Facebook, where you and the rest of the Shopee Fam can find answers for your concerns and get the support you need.
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MyPharma online delivery keeps us safe this colds season

The change in weather between the summer and rainy season can affect your immune system and make you more vulnerable to respiratory conditions such as flu, cough, and colds. The cooler air also causes rhinoviruses to replicate more efficiently, so the chances of catching respiratory diseases such as coughs and colds are higher.






When feeling under the weather, it is important to rest to reduce the chances of a full-blown infection. Instead of going to the drug store to purchase your immunity boosters and your flu, cough, and cold medication, you can order online from MyPharma and have your healthcare essentials delivered to your doorstep.

Easy recovery


MyPharma has a wide online catalogue of authentic, trusted, and FDA-approved OTC medications and treatments at accessible prices, along with supplements to help you and your family stay healthy. With its efficient on-time delivery, you can rest and recuperate from your cough and cold at home instead of being exposed to other viruses while your immune system is still in a delicate state.

Among the cough medicines available at MyPharma’s online site are Ambroxyl (Ambroxol Hydrochloride) 15 mg/5 ml Syrup and 30mg tablets that can help ease the elimination of phlegm. For colds, Salinase Nacl (Sodium Chloride) in Nasal Drops and Nasal Spray variants naturally moisturizes dry, crusted and stuffy nostrils due to allergy, colds, sinusitis, and overuse of antihistamine and decongestants.

To help you breathe easier, there are also Salinase Max Nasal Drops (Sodium Chloride + Xylitol) that are formulated to be safe for all ages and Salinase Nacl .65% Solution for Nebulization (Sodium Chloride) which is a buffered isotonic solution for nebulization for colds, mucous congestion, allergic rhinitis, acute and chronic sinusitis. These OTC products can help you feel better faster, and you can have them delivered hassle-free to your home with the efficient service and safe and secure online transactions of MyPharma.

The online healthcare needs shopping site is easy to navigate and backed by the strong nationwide distribution of Dygen Pharma. MyPharma is a virtual hub that allows you to safely get what you need when you need it.

Skip the lines and stay safe and dry in rainy days. Visit mypharma.ph to find your genuine OTC treatments and healthcare essentials and have them delivered conveniently to your home.
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Shopee Promotes Safe Online Shopping Experience with Shopee Cares PH

Shopee Cares PH empowers users to combat fraud activities





With more Filipinos relying on e-commerce to get their essentials, this has also increased the need to protect them due to the growing number of fraudulent activities happening in the digital space. In a Consumer Pulse Survey conducted by TransUnion in February 20221, of the over 1,000 Filipino adults polled, 53% said they were targeted by fraudsters in the previous 3 months. From the same survey, 42% said they were scammed by Phishing, 38% were victimized by money and gift card scams, while 30% were scammed by third-party sellers via online retail shops. While businesses in different industries are continuously upgrading their platforms, fraudsters also search for ways on how they can adapt to the ever-changing landscape and discover new vulnerabilities.



Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes the need to enhance user protection and security by educating customers on vulnerabilities, and how they can avoid being a victim of fraud. With the recently launched Shopee Cares PH – an online community platform where Shopee provides customer education and support – the goal is to empower consumers with proper know-hows and tips on how they can protect themselves from phishing scams, money and gift card scams, and third party seller scams.


Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines Director, said, “Shopee has always been committed to ensuring that every Filipino’s online shopping experience is safe and reliable, and Shopee Cares is a testament to that. Through this platform, we aim to equip them with knowledge on how to shop safely and combat these online scams together so that they can continuously enjoy shopping online.”



With Shopee Cares PH, users are also encouraged to seek help for any product inquiry or concern, and inspire other users through their memorable Shopee finds and experiences. Sale tips and tricks are also provided to ensure online shopping is made enjoyable with exclusive deals and promos.




“As more Filipinos rely on e-commerce, we continuously ensure that measures are in place to make their experience with Shopee more secure. What we want is for our shoppers to continue enjoying the benefits of online shopping, as this has become an essential part of their daily lives,” Yu added.

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Handy nutrition hacks for a healthy you

We’ve all been there–raring to eat healthy but falter when we do our grocery runs. With the sea of available food choices, navigating through the aisles can be a dizzying chore. Here are a few tips to help you skip the stress and fill your cart with healthier food choices!




Lemons pack a punch


Looking to level up your cooking? Lemons help you lose weight and boost your immune system–one lemon alone contains half your daily dose of vitamin C. Squeeze them on top of your favorite dish to add extra zest, or dunk a few slices in a jar for a refreshing glass of lemon-infused water.



Honey never spoils




Honey lasts forever. Its low moisture content keeps bacteria from surviving and it’s acidic enough to ward off most bacteria. It is also rich in antioxidants and is good for your blood sugar levels. Try replacing sugar with honey in your coffee, tea, and morning bowl of oatmeal.





“Low fat” means “added sugar”


When striving to live a healthier lifestyle, it’s natural to gravitate towards labels that say ‘low fat’ or ‘light.’ However, you might want to think twice. It usually means the food contains added sugar which can actually make you gain weight. Sugar, not fat, is your diet's main enemy. Try to opt for food with low sugar content instead of low fat.



"Organic" does not always mean healthy


In recent years, 'organic' and 'gluten-free' have become diet buzzwords. However, just because something is promoted as such doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Truth is, organic sugar is still sugar, and gluten-free junk food is still junk food. Make it a habit to read nutrition fact labels to help you pick your food wisely.



Not all chocolate is bad for you


Here’s a bit of good news: you don’t have to give up chocolate to lead a healthy lifestyle. Dark chocolate is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and can help lower your blood pressure and risk of heart disease. When you’re craving something sweet, reach for a bar of dark chocolate. It's actually good for you. Hooray!




Start your healthy journey with AIA Vitality




The journey to eating better can be overwhelming but AIA Vitality is here to make it easier!



AIA Vitality is AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health, and comes bundled with various AIA products.



Members earn points with each health task they accomplish. The healthier you get, the more points you earn and the higher your AIA Vitality status becomes, the bigger your rewards.



Simply log in your results in the app as you accomplish certain health goals to earn exciting discounts from health and wellness partners such as special rates on medical services, fitness apparel and devices, and more. You can even earn insurance benefits of up to 50% additional coverage, 20% premium discount or 100% loyalty boost on your AIA policy!



Click here for more information about AIA Vitality and the Total Health Solution offered by AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.
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Pru Life UK and Ben&Ben hand-in-hand to help Filipino families get the most out of life

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK officially introduced Ben&Ben as its new brand ambassador to help more Filipino families get the most out of life at a fun-filled family day event held at The Island in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.






At the launch, the company talked about how the band perfectly aligns with the company's progressive and inclusive approach in defining a family. Testament to this is the insurer’s recently announced product called PRUHealth FamLove, a first-of-its-kind yearly renewable life insurance and critical illness plan that protects up to four family members under one policy. Under this plan, family members also include same-sex or common-law partners, parents, and adoptive children.



“Like many Filipino families, Ben&Ben is diverse, inclusive, and warmhearted. They resonate with the strong family ties that Filipinos are known for representing both the traditional and modern Filipino families. We are delighted to welcome Ben&Ben into our Pru Life UK family as our new brand ambassador and ally in helping more Filipino families get the most of life,” said Pru Life UK General Manager and Chief Commercial Officer Gilbert Simpao.



The top-rating Original Pilipino Music band who serenaded the crowd with its top hits such as Paninindigan Kita, Kathang Isip and Pagtingin, is a perfect example of both traditional and progressive Filipino families who are doing great things together, recognizing their differences, and celebrating diversity and inclusivity.



The event is Ben&Ben’s first public performance as Pru Life UK’s ally to help Filipino families of different types and sizes get the most out of their lives through PRUHealth FamLove, and its unique and game changing features. The product is designed for customers to share their critical illness protection coverage with different types of family members, including single parents, cohabiting partners, LGBTQ+ partners, and adoptive family members.



The product is also the first in the country as it provides coverage should any major organs require surgery, without the need to remember the long list of critical illnesses. This is a new generation of solutions designed to provide customers with simple, flexible and future-proof protection benefits against unknown diseases. It also provides long-term coverage until age 85.



“Strengthening Filipino families through financial wellness is one of our biggest advocacies at Pru Life UK. We want every Filipino household to have peace of mind by bringing protection closer to everyone. PRUHealth Famlove, with its shareability feature, is a step forward in achieving that as it gives families an affordable and accessible life protection option,” Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Customer & Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga said.








In celebration of family diversity and championing individuality, Pru Life UK launched Famvatar, a unique digital experience that lets anyone create a personalized group avatar starring one’s family. Users can then use their unique, fun-filled chat stickers in group chats and more.



To make a Famvatar and know more about Pru Life UK’s PRUHealth FamLove, please visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph.
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Entravision MediaDonuts, Anzu Partner to Bring Award-winning In-game Advertising Platform to SE Asia

Leading digital marketing performance and branding solutions platform Entravision MediaDonuts has partnered with Anzu.io to bring the most advanced in-game advertising platform to advertisers, developers, and players in Southeast Asia.






Entravision MediaDonuts will now represent Anzu in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, enabling advertisers in these markets to tap into the power of real-world ads inside gaming platforms.



The partnership will provide brands with a sophisticated channel where they could run campaigns in some of the most popular titles by Ubisoft, Saber Interactive, Amanotes, and other leading game developers. These video and banner ads via blended but highly viewable IAB-compliant formats can appear as stadium banners, billboards, buildings, or other 3D renditions to complement the gameplay and make the user experience more realistic.



Data shows that the global gaming audience, now at 3.1 billion, spends an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes of game time per session, or almost 8 hours a week. More than 1.4 billion of them come from the Asia-Pacific, with Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia topping the list of the highest number of gamers in the world, according to the Global Web Index of 2020.



In terms of revenue, gaming became twice as big as the film and music industries combined in 2020 with $175 billion. Through Entravision MediaDonuts’ expertise in managing full-service campaigns, advertisers can target a multi-billion-dollar industry that is touted as the fastest-growing form of entertainment worldwide.



“Southeast Asia has seen phenomenal growth in gaming in recent years, home to over half of all the world’s gamers. Our partnership with MediaDonuts means advertisers in SEA can now reach this massive, rapidly growing audience with in-game advertising that preserves the gameplay experience. Thanks to our patented, adaptive technology, first-to-market in-game ad viewability measurement with Oracle Moat, and full suite of third-party integrations with AdTech vendors, advertisers will be able to achieve this huge reach in a measurable, cost-effective way,” says Stephanie Lublinski, Head of Partnerships, Emerging Markets at Anzu.



“Gaming in our region has seen incredible growth over the last two years. We’re thrilled to partner with Anzu to bring its groundbreaking, nondisruptive in-game advertising solutions to 8 countries in APAC,” says Entravision MediaDonuts CEO Pieter-Jan de Kroon. “Asia will remain a mobile-first gaming region, but we also see growth in console gaming so advertisers can now connect with consumers across all gaming platforms, leveraging Anzu’s full suite of advertising solutions.”
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