Cebu Pacific is Jollibee Family Values Awards’ official airline and Special Citation for Environment Partner

The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific, forged a strategic partnership with the country’s leading fast-food chain, Jollibee, as the Official Airline Partner and Co-Presenter of the Special Citation for Environment of the 9th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA). The annual award pays tribute to exemplary Filipino families residing in the Philippines and abroad who promote positive family values through selflessly serving their fellowmen.

The Special Citation for Environment was given to the Sali family, for their innate and selfless love for the environment as manifested by their One Child One Tree movement. The organization promotes environment preservation and a commitment to sustainable development through tree planting initiatives.

Under the auspices of the Fostering Education and Environment for Development (FEED), Inc., the Sali family has been actively supporting environmental projects in Hagonoy, Bulacan. Activities such as tree planting, mangrove reforestation efforts, as well as training modules and the sharing of technical expertise is made available to teachers, volunteers, and community residents. To date, FEED has seen the planting of 5,000 mangrove seedlings along the Tibaguin seashore while over 2,000 fruit-bearing and native trees have been planted in different elementary schools and forests in the province.

“It is truly an honor to be part once again of the Jollibee Family Values Awards,” says Michelle Eve De Guzman, Director for Marketing at Cebu Pacific, “It’s an even greater privilege for us to recognize the selfless efforts of the Sali family and their meaningful environmental initiatives that are worthy of emulation by others.”

As an advocate and supporter of the environment, Cebu Pacific launched Juan Effect program in 2018. The sustainable campaign helps promote sustainable tourism by encouraging travelers to make a positive impact on nature by bringing their own water bottles and eco bags, and disposing of waste properly.

Sali Family

The Sali family, whose organization promotes the preservation of nature, received the Special Citation for the Environment awarded by Jollibee Family Values Awards and its partner, Cebu Pacific.

BLOCBAGETS: A Way to a Worry-free Undas Travels

Quezon City, Philippines – October 2019 – If you are among the thousands of Filipinos who will travel to the province this long weekend in time for Undas (All Saints Day), then you need to ensure that your car is properly equipped and in tip-top condition for a safe and stress-free travel.

This Undas, PRESTONE, is joining anew the NLEX Corporation’s “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko,” an assistance program that aims to provide hassle-free travel experience to motorists traversing the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).

To help you prepare for a safer and more convenient journey, PRESTONE, trusted brand of Coolant, Brake Fluid, and Engine Oil, is also here to remind you to look closely at your BLOCBAGETS. This handy mnemonic stands for Brakes, Lights, Oil, Coolant, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self. Simply put, it’s all the things you need to check before using your car for a long drive to prevent accidents or breakdowns.

Brake. To check if your brake system is not faulty, you should push the brake pedal all the way to the floor. It should not feel spongy and have little to no resistance. Make sure your BRAKE FLUID and other parts are still in good condition. Otherwise, you need to let a mechanic check if you are due for parts replacement, cleaning, or flush & fill of brake fluid.

Lights. Inspect your auto lights, such as the headlights, turn signal signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and tail lights, to ensure safety for nighttime driving. To confirm if they are working properly, test all the lights and check if the light beam reflects on the wall. It also pays to check your lights for dirt, cracks, and breakage. If there will be any, have you’re them cleaned or fixed.

Oil. Cars need oil to lubricate its small engine components. Checking your engine’s oil level and color is important to keep the engine working and to prevent dealing with expensive repairs. When oil is below the minimum level, it’s time to refill. Look for leaks, as well, since they signify that your car is losing oil quickly.

Coolant. Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. If you want to prevent the overheating nightmare, then a simple check if your car has the right level of Coolant can save the day.

Battery. Before you get in your car, make sure that your battery is well-charged and has clean terminals. Also, check if the cable-to-terminal connection is placed. By doing so, you can be sure to prevent being stuck on the roadside because your battery dies in the middle of your driving.

Air. Your car’s tires should always be properly inflated to prevent accidents and decreased fuel efficiency. Use a tire pressure gauge to check if the tire, regardless if it is old or new, have the right inflation.

Gas. Do not forget to check your fuel level through the fuel gauge before taking your car for a drive. Ensuring a full gas tank, especially during long drives, can save you from the stress of looking for a gas station or being stuck in the middle of the road.

Engine. Check for engine problems, such as leaks and other sounds like pinging, tapping, knocking, or any weird noise, which may hint at any issues. If any of these are present, then better have a mechanic check it.

Tire. Worn-out tires can lead to accidents. Before a long trip, check your tires for bumps, tears, and other signs of damage.

Self. Lastly, you should also be well-prepared for a long drive. Make sure that you are physically and emotionally fit to drive—free from sickness, dizziness, alcohol, and tiredness (sleep well before the long drive).
To help you with your auto care needs, PRESTONE will be providing FREE TOP Ups and 5-minute Vehicle Check in specific locations along NLEX, SCTEX, and CAVITEX.

From October 30 to November 3, 2019, 6 AM to 6 PM, visit the PRESTONE roadside SMSK motorist camps in SCTEX Floridablanca Lay-by (Subic bound) and CAVITEX Paranaque toll plaza and Kawit toll plaza.

PRESTONE will also be present in Petron Lakeshore along NLEX Outbound, Mexico Pampanga; Caltex Mega Station in NLEX-SB, San Felipe, San Fernando, Pampanga; and Shell of Asia in E1, Guiguinto, Bulacan to provide additional information as well as exciting games and freebies.

If you want to grab exciting deals, PRESTONE product will also be available through its STMSK in Caltex Drive and Dine along NLEX Valenzuela, Metro Manila.

To know more about PRESTONE and the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” campaign, visit its website at www.prestone.com.ph.

Andrea Fulfills a Childhood Dream

Andrea Brillantes is grateful to fulfill a childhood dream: to have her own make-up line. This was made possible through her collaboration with Careline Cosmetics, the trendy and cool cosmetics line of Ever Bilena for the Filipina youth.

Named Blythe by Careline, her make-up collection, launched recently, carries her signature style from packaging to the quality of the actual products as she made sure that these are easy to apply even without makeup tools.

“I want everyone to see that there are many things you can do with makeup. You can experiment, and have fun with different looks to create different personalities,” Andrea proudly shares. “The products that I designed are especially made for teens like me, but older girls will surely enjoy using it too.”

Her collection of make-up essentials include the Cloud Tint, a velvety tint that can be used as an eye shadow, lipstick and blush; eye make-up such as the The Eyeliner Duo Stamp, The Starlight Eyes and eyeshadow palette named Blythe Face Palette.

There’s also the highlighter palette named Stardust Palette, and Perfect Brow Trio for the brows. Completing her make-up line are the lipsticks which come in various shades and formulations—the Stellar Satin Lipsticks and Majestic Matte Lipsticks.

Blythe by Careline will be exclusively available in selected Careline counters at leading drugstores and department stores nationwide. It will also be distributed in Lazada and Shopee.

To know more about Blythe by Careline, visit https://careline.com.ph/ and follow their social media accounts: www.facebook.com/blythebycareline, and https://www.instagram.com/blythecosmetics/.

Cebu City is Among 66 Worldwide Designated by UNESCO as New Creative Cities

On October 30, Cebu City joined 66 cities designated as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay.

Cebu City is now officially part of the UNESCO Creative Cities International Network under the design category.

As explained in the UNESCO website (https://en.unesco.org), the UNESCO Creative Cities are laboratories of ideas and innovative practices that bring a tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative thinking and action.

Through their commitment, creative cities from all continents and regions with different income levels and populations are championing sustainable development actions that directly benefit communities at urban level.

“All over the world, these cities, each in its way, make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy,” says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. “This favours political and social innovation and is particularly important for the young generations.”

With 66 new creative cities this year, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now counts to a total of 246 cities all over the world.

As stated in the website, UNESCO Creative Cities Network members work together towards a common mission: placing creativity and the creative economy at the core of their urban development plans to make cities safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Design Center's Pinyapel earns D&AD pencil

Pasay City–The Philippine-made Pinyapel, a specialty paper made from discarded pineapple leaves, bagged a Wood Pencil at the D&AD Future Impact Awards 2019 in recognition of its potential to create a huge impact on environment and sustainability as it is proposed to be a food packaging alternative to single-plastic. The award will be presented in New York City, USA on November 6.  Industry professionals consider the D&AD pencil as equivalent to “career knighthood”.

With this recognition of Pinyapel, it will receive a D&AD Wood Pencil, a place on the D&AD Future Impact Accelerator programme, especially designed to accelerate Pinyapel’s development in order to deliver tangible impact in their category area within 12 months.  The D&AD Future Impact Programme supports great ideas that have the potential to change the world.

Winning a Wood Pencil also provides an opportunity for the Philippine team behind Pinyapel to pitch at the D&AD Festival 2020 to gain support from venture capitalists (VCs) and creatives, a pass to the D&AD Festival 2020, a dedicated space at the Impact exhibition in London, 12-month membership and a year of exposure to a global audience through D&AD and third-party press.

Design and Art Direction (D&AD) is a British non-profit that exists to celebrate, inspire, and nurture excellence in design and advertising in the United Kingdom and worldwide. More than just awards, D&AD has world-class training programmes, accelerator platform, and festival to support the industry towards creative excellence.

 “Pinyapel’s recognition in the international scene is a big leap in our move to promote Philippine design and innovation excellence. It highlights the Filipino brand of design point of view that is anchored in ‘malasakit’ which brings an authentic Filipino design perspective on developing impact-driven solutions that address the problems of today and of tomorrow, while protecting the future generations and ensuring a better future for them,” said Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Pinyapel was the result of a research and development initiative led by the Design Center of the Philippines on pineapple leaves. After its breakthrough research on developing the material, it collaborated with Nature’s Fresh Pineapples for the supply of raw materials; CDO Handmade Paper, for paper sheet processing; and Ideatechs Packaging, Inc., for paper sheet conversion to food packaging applications.

The Pinyapel project was led by the Design Center’s materials research and development program, which aims to produce sustainable, cost-effective and commercially viable materials and contribute to strengthening local businesses.

Pinyapel is reflective of Design Center’s quadruple bottomline approach to circular design. The project began with the intent of maximizing the use of agricultural waste to improve the livelihood of farmers (prosperity), address concerns on dwindling natural resources and offer alternatives to plastic (planet); collaborate with local enterprises (people); and consequently, show the world what the creative and design mind of Philippines can do (purpose),”  said Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea O. Matute. “With the country’s desire for a more value creating economy, Design Center hopes to develop and unlock more commercialization opportunities for impactful ideas like Pinyapel,” Matute further shares.

Pinyapel production and use

Pinyapel is a specialty paper that is reinforced and print-viable for secondary packaging applications. It may also be used for gift bags, paper cup sleeves, and corrugated paper.

Production involves harvesting the discarded leaves from pineapple plantation, drying the leaves under direct sunlight, pulping and rinsing the cut leaves, and pounding the rinsed pulp. Reinforcing solutions are used to improve the mechanical properties of the material. Once dry, the paper sheets are either run in corrugating machines for corrugated paper and cup sleeves or cut out for paper bag production.

Pinyapel leaves during production and after consumer use can be used as raw materials to produce brown bags and cardboards.

With the challenges faced by the pulp and paper industry in sourcing pulp locally, Design Center’s move to develop Pinyapel and partner with local businesses provided an alternative and sustainable source for paper. It is also seen as an additional income source for farmers in the country’s large pineapple production area, with a total hectarage of 63,904 according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s April -June 2019 Quarterly Bulletin on Major Fruit Crops; thus, providing new purpose and value to what was previously considered agricultural waste.

The Design Center’s materials research and development program has explored the potential of agricultural waste and otherwise overlooked resources as raw materials for various product applications, impacting the design and value of Philippine products.

Shopee Offers All Day Sitewide Free Shipping with ₱0 Minimum Spend for Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale

MANILA, OCTOBER 30 2019 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, will celebrate Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale by offering users all day sitewide free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on November 11. Consumers can also score up to 90% off deals and tune in to an exclusive 12-hour livestream with non-stop giveaways and vouchers.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines, said, “In recent years, more and more Filipinos have been shopping online, especially during the holiday season. We see this trend, and are working closely with our brands, sellers, and partners to offer users the best deals on Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. We encourage everyone to celebrate one of our biggest annual events with us on November 11.”

Score these 11 deals at 50% off on Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale:

1. Nokia 5.1 Plus With Free Mobile Gamepad

The Nokia 5.1 Plus balances good performance and design in a compact smartphone. It boasts a 5.8-inch HD+ display and houses a great processor for graphic-intensive games. Get the Nokia 5.1 Plus for only ₱6,490.

2. Avision 50” Smart LED TV

Watch crystal clear shows with the slim Avision 50” Smart LED TV with built-in Netflix and YouTube applications. Get Avision 50” Smart LED TV for only ₱14,699.

3. Nextbook 11.6" 2in1 Laptop

The Nextbook 11.6” 2in1 Laptop is perfect for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. This tablet features a detachable keyboard that allows you to work anytime, anywhere. Get the Nextbook 2in1 Laptop for only ₱9,199.

4. Travel Basic Cloe Luggage

Up your travel game with this sturdy carry-on luggage. The hard-shell case and integrated lock ensures durability and security while traveling. Get the Travel Basic Cloe Luggage for only ₱999.

5. The Platinum KS-5 Karaoke Player

Belt out your favorite tunes with this karaoke player, which has over 9,000 pre-programmed songs. Get the Platinum KS-5 Karaoke Player for only ₱1,498.

6. Avision 43” LED TV

The Avision 43” LED TV has adjustable brightness and contrast for a perfect viewing experience. It can also be connected to a computer or laptop for higher quality images when working or playing games. Get the Avision 43” LED TV for only ₱9,499.

7. Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans 

Looking for a pair of jeans that is flattering on all body types? The Levi’s 501 Jeans are a timeless piece and a great addition to your wardrobe. Get the Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans for only ₱1,999.

8. TigerNu 15.6" Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack

Carry all your essentials around the metro without any worries using TigerNu’s Anti-Theft Backpack. It is designed with an external USB charging port for easy access to more battery power. Get the TigerNu Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack for only ₱999.

9. Nivea Body Intensive Milk Buy 1 Take 1

Nivea Body Intensive Milk is enriched with vitamin E which moisturizes and repairs dry skin. It also has grape seed oil and avocado oil for smoother and more supple skin. Get the Nivea Body Intensive Milk for only ₱189.

10. EWEADN Keyboard and Mouse

This keyboard and mouse set can easily help in making your desk space more ergonomic and efficient, great for everyday use. Get the EWEADN Keyboard and Mouse for only ₱150.

11. Maybelline Powder Matte Lipstick

Get ready for a night out with Maybelline’s Powder Matte Lipstick. This lightweight matte lipstick comes in 15 different shades. Get the Maybelline Powder Matte Lipstick for only ₱149.

Find out more about Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale at https://www.shopee.ph/1111.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is a platform tailored for the region, providing customers with an easy, secure and fast online shopping experience through strong payment and logistical support. Shopee aims to continually enhance its platform and become the region’s e-commerce destination of choice.

Shopee has a wide selection of product categories ranging from consumer electronics to home & living, health & beauty, baby & toys, fashion and fitness equipment.

Shopee, a Sea company, was first launched in Singapore in 2015, and has since expanded its reach to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Sea is a leader in digital entertainment, e-commerce and digital financial services across Southeast Asia. Sea's mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology, and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol SE.

Easy Ways to Make your Bathroom Look Stylish and Luxurious

A beautiful bathroom should make you feel relaxed, comfortable and luxurious. Although interior design is one important factor, knowing that your bathroom is absolutely hygienic and spotlessly clean is another key to creating a feeling of utmost comfort and self-indulgence.

American Standard, the famous, innovative bathroom and kitchen fixture manufacturer, shares tips on how to give your bathroom that pleasurable and luxurious feel:

Tip #1: Utilize your wall.

Don’t limit your bathroom to flat walls! Add a touch of dimension to it by installing functional but decorative shelves to store your towels, extra toilet paper rolls, candles, and other bathroom essentials.

Tip #2: Use big mirrors.

Big mirrors create an optical illusion of a bigger space. The trick is to strategically place your mirror across from your window. Doing so will make your room visually seem like you have two windows.

Tip #3: Choose light color palettes

When it comes to bathroom interiors, color schemes can make a difference. Sticking to light color palettes such as white, cream, yellow, and beige can make your bathroom look larger. Add value and depth to your bathroom by adding little accessories in dark hues.

Tip #4: Allow natural light

The darker a small room, the more confined and uninviting it may look. Small bathrooms will have a roomier and airy ambience when windows are added to allow natural light to come in.

Tip #5: Invest in innovative and trendy fixtures

To achieve your ideal bathroom, invest in fixtures that are not only innovative and stylish but also ensures your safety. Begin with American Standard’s HygieneClean System delivered by its powerful flushing technologies: Siphonmax, a dynamic vacuum mechanism with side water jets that create a powerful swirl, and a lower jet that removes both heavy and light waste completely; Double Vortex with maximum flushing performance, yet with minimum water usage. It also features the cutting-edge innovation of Aqua Ceramic which prevents dirt and dark ring stains to stick to ceramic surfaces, and Comfort Clean, a revolutionary ceramic glaze with zinc oxide that effectively kills E. coli bacteria inside the toilet bowl for the long term and beyond.

Tip #6: Work with vertical designs

Emphasize on height by accessorizing your bathroom with vertical-striped decorations. This type of pattern makes ceilings appear higher and create a visual impression of more space.

Having a spacious and stylish bathroom is now made achievable by following these tips from American Standard.

For more information on HygieneClean, visit your nearest American Standard retailer where brand ambassadors will help you learn more about how it can ensure bathroom safety in your home.

Canva Reaches US$3.2B Valuation, Launches Enterprise and Affiliate Programs

Design platform Canva recently announced its new valuation of US$3.2 billion, raising an additional US$85 million dollars from high-profile investors Mary Meeker's Bond, General Catalyst, Bessemer Venture Partners, Blackbird and Sequoia China. At the back of this announcement, the company also introduced two new ventures: Canva for Enterprise and Canva Pro Affiliate Program.

Founded by Chief Executive Officer Melanie Perkins, Chief Operating Officer Cliff Obrecht and Chief Product Officer Cameron Adams in 2013, Canva has grown to over 20 million users across 190 countries, publishing over 1.8 million designs.
“In a world that is increasingly visual, Canva solves real challenges faced by product and marketing teams across every industry. We continue to be impressed by this team and their ability to expand their product lines to meet demand and we’re delighted to invest once again,” shared Kyle Doherty, Managing Director of General Catalyst.

Early last year, the startup reached unicorn status, making it one of the fastest growing and most promising female-led tech companies in the world.

Democratizing design for Filipino enterprises

Fueled by its mission to empower the world to design, Canva expands its services to cater to the needs of large Filipino businesses with the introduction of Canva for Enterprise.

“The Philippines is fast becoming a thriving hub for businesses and we, Filipinos, love to collaborate. However, as a franchisee or a company that works with teams from different offices and geographies, collaborating and centralizing processes may be a challenge - resulting in marketing materials being off-brand.
“With Canva for Enterprise, we are enabling local businesses to ensure brand consistency throughout their teams,” said Yani Hornilla-Donato, country manager of Canva Philippines.

With Canva for Enterprise, large organizations can ensure all designs created are on brand, by facilitating collaboration with teams via a digital asset management platform, integrated workflow tools, and brand control features.
Donato adds, “With brand control, unlimited storage, and thousands of templates, we hope to empower every business in the Philippines with a simple, easy and efficient design platform.”

Photo 2: Canva for Enterprise is designed with integrated and customizable design tools which make it easier for businesses to create brand assets and collaborate online.

Earn while creating with Canva Pro

While Canva for Enterprise is custom-built for large teams, Canva Pro is designed to boost productivity and empower small business owners, content creators and marketers with its time-saving design features. Whether you’re a team of one or an online business owner who has just started, Canva Pro will empower you to take your business to the next level.

With the launch of the new Canva Pro Affiliate Program, Filipinos can also earn additional income with a commission of up to US$36.50 (around PHP1,800) for each Canva Pro subscriber referred.

“From business cards and social media posts, to presentations and flyers, we’re hoping that the affiliate program will help us spread the word about the power that Canva Pro can have for small businesses,” added Donato. “We hope that with Canva’s continued growth and expanded services, we are able to provide meaningful design solutions to every Filipino entrepreneur.”

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.