Maxicare brings world-class healthcare to Cebuanos

The new Maxicare HealthHub in Robinsons Galleria Cebu offers members a convenient and time-saving way of getting their LOA (letter of authorization), and has fully digitized system to manage patient queuing and gather initial vital signs quickly and accurately

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, has recently opened its new Primary Care Center (PCC) and second HealthHub in Cebu that offers world-class services to Cebuano members.

Maxicare president and chief executive officer Christian Argos, with chairman of Equicom Group Antonio Go and other executives, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the new facilities. “We are excited to serve our members here in the Visayas region, as we promote and incorporate new innovative technology with medical services. Through the PCC and HealthHub, we will attend to our members’ needs in the most convenient and fastest manner possible,” said Argos.

Patient queuing corner in Maxicare HealthHub

The new Maxicare HealthHub in Cebu is a one-stop Maxicare facility that uses cutting-edge technology to streamline medical consultation. It has new self-service features using an HMO-owned (health maintenance organization) healthcare system that gives members a relaxing and convenient way to access their benefits.

A first-of-its-kind in the country, the automated health pod lets members get their LOA (letter of authorization) quickly and easily. It has a fully digitized system to shorten patient queue and make initial tests for vital signs quick, accurate, and hassle-free.   

At the new PCC, Cebuanos can get the most efficient healthcare experience. The staff consists of Customer Service Associates and Primary Care Physicians who specialize in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Cardiology, Obstetrics-Gynecology, OB Sonography, ENT (ear, nose, throat), Dermatology, Ophthalmology and Psychiatry. 

The Maxicare PCC in Cebu aims to give outstanding services with its state-of-the-art medical facility and highly qualified physicians. Services include consultation, laboratory test, X-ray, ECG (electro-cardiogram) and Ultrasound.

The newest Maxicare Primary Care Center is at Lot 5, Block 6, Mindanao Avenue corner Siquijor Road, Cebu Business Park while the Maxicare HealthHub is at the Ground Floor, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, General Maxilom Avenue corner Sergio Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation: One of the pioneers in the health maintenance organization (HMO) industry was established in 1987 by an esteemed group of doctors and businessmen with the vision to deliver a better healthcare system. Three decades later, Maxicare has progressed into becoming the No. 1 HMO* in the country, continuously providing comprehensive healthcare programs via its wide network of medical providers and strengthened customer support. Maxicare has more than 1.2 Million Members, more than 56,000 affiliated Doctors, more than 1,000 affiliated Hospitals and Clinics, 3,800 Dental providers, 8 Primary Care Centers and 13 Helpdesks, 9 Satellite Offices, 5 Exclusive Wings.

Toshiba pays homage to exceptional moms this Mother’s Day

Margarita Fores and Christine Jacob-Sandejas

This Mother’s Day, Toshiba appliances pay homage to two extraordinary moms, both an inspiration to many, who graced the launch of Toshiba’s latest line of state-of-the-art home appliances: Margarita Fores and Christine Jacob Sandejas. Fores, mother to son Amado, was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 and is the moving force behind Cibo, a modern Italian caffé concept, and Cibo di Marghi Signature Caterer, her highly-successful catering arm. Meanwhile, Jacob, mother to five kids, is a former athlete and is co-anchor of the popular show New Day on CNN Philippines.

These outstanding moms prove that even with kids to raise, it is possible to wear many hats while giving their all in everything that they do. And with home appliances like Toshiba, each one imbued with the distinctive “takumi” spirit, life is made easier for busy moms with the ease and convenience they bring. Toshiba’s line of home appliances include the signature Washers and Dryers, Refrigerators, and top-loading water dispensers.

Enjoy Turks Doners this Mother’s Day like John Lloyd Cruz

Mother's Day is just a few days away, but there is no need to worry because you can show your love and affection to your mom even with a minimal budget. Bring her to the nearest Turks branch and enjoy together its latest offerings.

After the very successful launch of the video commercial of John Lloyd Cruz recently for the No. 1 shawarma in the Philippines, Turks, everyone now can join John Lloyd Cruz in enjoying Turks Small Doner and Rice Doner Bowl.

Grab the latest offering of Turks – Rice Doner Bowl. For only P50 satisfy your hunger and palate with Turks signature sauces that makes your Rice Doner Bowl mouthwatering and scrumptious. 

Choose from chicken or beef for your rice topping and complete this delicious rice meal with your choice of sweet or spicy sauces. 

Meanwhile, the Small Pita Doner, which we all love, is making a comeback to fill your stomach despite its size because it’s full of Turks signature flavor. For P35, Small Pita Doner can satisfy your cravings for Turks shawarma.

Visit the nearest Turks branches in your area. For more information visit www.turks.ph or follow and like our social media pages: IG: turks.official FB: Turks.official. 

The best gift for family

The importance of family togetherness as told by the Muhlach family in newest Jollibee Chickenjoy commercial

Sharing a meal with the people you love the most is an incomparable feeling—especially for the Muhlach family.

In their latest Jollibee commercial, the celebrity family once again reveals a side that many Filipino families can relate to. We see Aga, Charlene, and their twins Andres and Atasha sharing a bucket of their favorite Chickenjoy while talking about their day and what truly matters for them: the love of family.

Watch VIDEO HERE.

This newest commercial strengthens the brand’s message of family togetherness, with quality bonding time made even more special with the crispylicious, juicylicious, walang kasing sarap Chickenjoy. 

Jumping off from previous ads highlighting Aga and Charlene’s sentiments as loving parents, this commercial captures a heartfelt moment in the Muhlachs’ dinner meal, each member sharing why it’s best when they’re all together as a family.

“They make me feel like everything will be okay,” says Andres in the commercial. His twin sister Atasha agrees: “In our family, we support each other.”

"We are all familiar with the deep love and care that Filipino parents feel for their children,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee AVP and Marketing Head for Flagship Category. “Having the children appreciate and live out the lessons their parents imparted on them, like Andres and Atasha do, is such a refreshing and equally heartfelt take to this much-beloved series of commercials.”

The best gift for family

For Charlene, the best gift for her family is not necessarily expensive—or even material. 

“The best gift that we, as parents, really give our children is quality time,” shared the actress-host. “Like in each milestone in their lives, we make sure to be there all the time! 

Even as teenagers with their own busy lives, Andres and Atasha still love hanging out with their parents; the result of their relatively “normal”, tight-knit upbringing. 

"Whenever we spend time together, there’s never a dull moment. We always enjoy each other’s company, even if it’s just being in the same room for hours just talking,” Atasha shared. Their favorite family moments are usually derived from simple conversations enjoyed over delicious food, especially the best-tasting Chickenjoy.

A true-blue Jollibee family

Aga has been part of the Jollibee family, with endorsements and advocacy projects for the country’s number one fast-food brand since 1991. Having his wife and children join him for family-centered commercials brought special joy to the actor.

“The time we spent together in the shoot was precious also. Being together the whole day doesn’t feel like working,” Aga said. “But it’s also nice because at least the kids get to see what we have been doing, and now they’re part of it,” agreed Charlene.

"For me honestly, this opportunity is special because not everyone can say they can experience this moment. Not everyone can say that they have done a commercial with their whole family! And it’s enjoyable because we’re all together, just bonding in every way,” added Andres.

“What makes the Chickenjoy commercials with the Muhlach family work is that they truly embody the value of togetherness that we want to support and promote,” said Capati. “If you see them working together, joking around and having fun, you’ll see that the warmth and closeness they exude on-cam is genuine—and the love that they have for Chickenjoy is genuine, too!”

Like the Muhlachs, give the best to your family and make bonding moments more special with the best-tasting Chickenjoy. Indulge in the crispylicious, juicylicious goodness while basking in the love of family.

Prices start at PHP 75.00*

For more information on Jollibee’s products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

*Prices may vary across locations.

Mang Inasal successfully holds National Halo-Halo Sarap Day with Angel Locsin and Empoy

Mang Inasal successfully holds National Halo-Halo Sarap Day (NHHSD) with surprise store visits by celebrity endorsers Angel and Empoy.

Mang Inasal, the leading Pinoy fast-food restaurant that serves the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal, successfully celebrated the third National Halo-Halo Sarap Day (NHHSD) with its customers who got to enjoy the creamiest Pinoy halo-halo at P20 off in all Mang Inasal stores nationwide.

Delighting customers with their surprise store visits were the “General’s Daughter” star Angel Locsin who went to the Mang Inasal Circuit Makati store and comedian Empoy Marquez who went to SM Fairview and SM Novaliches stores during the NHHSD.

Starring in the latest Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo TV commercial aired on the same day as the NHHSD, Angel told customers at the Circuit store that she is really a member of “Samahang  Simot,” or those diners who really finish their halo-halo up to the last drop.

“Narito po kami ngayon ng Mang Inasal para magpasalamat sa inyong walang sawang pagsuporta sa Pinoy Halo-Halo. Alam naman po ninyo na talagang paborito ko ang Pinoy Halo- Halo dahil ito ang da best sa creaminess. Espesyal ang gatas nito dahil ito ay ginawa lang para sa Mang Inasal (We are here today to thank you for your endless support for Pinoy Halo-Halo. You know that it is really my favorite because it is the creamiest. It is made from special milk made exclusively for Mang Inasal),” she said.

One of the customers who came to celebrate was a balikbayan from Malaysia, Susan Casteral, who came with her son. She always eats at Mang Inasal every time she goes back to the Phlippines. She said that she loves eating the Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo because it has the right amount of sweetness and the creaminess that stands out.

Josephine Quiatchon, who came with her friend, is a senior citizen who loves Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo. She finds it really delicious because it has the creamiest milk and generous serving  of ingredients.

“Kahit senior na at sipunin na, tuwing summer kumakain talaga ako lagi ng halo-halo (Even if I'm already a senior citizen and would always have colds, I still make it a point to eat halo-halo during summer),” she jovially shared. 

Katrina Nagidao, who came with her daughter, even won a prize in one of the NHHSD raffle draws at the Mang Inasal-SM Novaliches store. She said that she and her daughter always eat at Mang Inasal since her daughter loves its Chicken Inasal, while she craves for its creamiest Pinoy Halo-Halo.

Mang Inasal Brand Manager Schubert Quilinquin said that the National Halo-Halo Sarap Day was celebrated in over 500 stores nationwide as Mang Inasal’s way of showing its appreciation  to its customers who contributed to making its Pinoy Halo-Halo a well-loved dessert or merienda (snack). 

“We thank everyone who joined us in celebrating the National Halo-Halo Sarap Day this year. We hope to celebrate with all of you again next year, as we prepare more surprises for you at our stores,” he said.

Emirates Skywards invites members to fly more and earn 4 times the miles

• Skywards members can earn up to 4X Miles on Emirates and flydubai through special offer in March
• Members can also stand to win a million miles by donating to the Emirates Airline Foundation

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai, is rolling out a new limited time offer for all new and existing Skywards members to boost their Miles.

The offer is valid for Economy and Business class tickets booked on Emirates and flydubai between March 20, 2019 and March 31, 2019, for travel between April 10, 2019 and June 27, 2019, and between September 6, 2019 and November 30, 2019.

Under the offer, members will earn 100% bonus Skywards Miles on top of their regular Miles for their first ticket during the eligible travel period. If flying more than once with Emirates or flydubai during the offer period, members will earn 200% bonus Skywards Miles for their second ticket and 300% bonus Skywards Miles for their third ticket. 

The Skywards Miles earned through the offer can be redeemed for flights and upgrades on Emirates or flydubai. For example, a Skywards member flying three round trips from Dubai to London during the offer period on Economy Flex Plus fares, will be able to gather sufficient miles through this offer to access a return flight Saver reward on Economy class between Dubai and London. 

Members will need to register online to be eligible for the offer and will have to choose Saver, Flex or Flex Plus fares on Emirates flights and Value, Flex or Business fares on flydubai flights. 

More details including information on how to register for the offer is available on the Emirates Skywards website. Emirates Skywards members can also access the latest information on special offers through the Skywards section on the Emirates app. 

Offer Details:

Validity: All existing and new Emirates Skywards members can register for the offer

Booking Period: 20 March 2019- 31 March 2019 (both days inclusive)

Travel Period: 10 April 2019- 27 June 2019 and 6 September 2019- 30 November 2019 (all days inclusive)

First ticket: Base Skywards Miles + Bonus 100% Skywards Miles 

Second ticket: Base Skywards Miles + Bonus 200% Skywards Miles

Third ticket: Base Skywards Miles + Bonus 300% Skywards Miles

Donate for a cause and get the chance to become a Miles Millionaire

Members of the Emirates Skywards loyalty programme can also donate AED 20 for a good cause and stand a chance to win a million Skywards Miles. The ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign is in its 18th year and proceeds raised through the initiative will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on helping disadvantaged children reach their potential by providing them access to shelter, food, healthcare, and education. The winners of the lucky draw, one for 500,000 Skywards Miles and another for one million Skywards Miles will be announced at the Dubai World Cup event taking place on March 30, 2019 at the Meydan racecourse. More information on how to donate can be found here. 

About Emirates Skywards

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, offers four tiers of membership - Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum - with each membership tier providing exclusive privileges. Emirates Skywards members earn Skywards Miles when they fly on Emirates, flydubai or partner airlines, or when they use the programme’s designated hotels, car rentals, financial, leisure and lifestyle partners. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive range of rewards, including tickets on Emirates or flydubai plus Emirates Skywards partner airlines, hotel accommodation, excursions and exclusive shopping.  Visit Emirates Skywards online at: www.emirates.com/skywards or skywards.flydubai.com

Cutting trees can help the environment

Among the recommended options to maintain the forests’ health is to harvest mature trees to make way for new ones.

Trees play a vital role in providing natural carbon storage for the environment, helping to sequester it from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change. Trees are important in our goal to help stop global warming on its tracks, but the need of our country for wood and other by-products is undeniable. Aside from this, many of our countrymen’s livelihoods depend on the forestry sector. As such, proper management of the aforementioned is of tantamount value. 

Sustainable forest management is the holistic approach to the problems that local forests encounter today as it not only focuses on the well-being of the environment but also zeroes in on the needs of the people who directly benefit from it. Among the recommended options to maintain the forests’ health is to harvest mature trees to make way for new ones. Here are five ways cutting trees can help the environment:

1. It does not release the carbon stored inside

Unless these trees are allowed to decay or burn, the fear of contributing to climate change through cutting of trees is out of the question. Matured trees that are later on processed to become wood products continue to store that carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere for decades. Based on a study, the net CO2 emission of wood recorded only -1,000 kilograms per cubic meter, making it the most sustainable building material option in terms of carbon emissions.

2.   Wood as a raw material is renewable

Responsibly sourced wood is the only renewable raw material there is today. This means that trees that are harvested are 100% biodegradable and can possibly be replenished for new growth. If we refuse to cut down trees, we’ll hinder the production of fuel and fiber needed in providing warmth and shelter through the products derived from them.

3.    Cutting mature trees provides regeneration

The moment forests become too crowded, there will be increased competition among trees for light and water, which will make them more susceptible to drought and insect attacks. Cutting mature trees provides regeneration, improves the habitat of many species, and maintains forest health in the long run.

4.   Sustainable forest management provides livelihood opportunities

Investing in the industry makes way for more jobs in the upland and rural areas as it requires an abundant amount of manpower to harvest and process wood. An increase in Sustainable Forest Management income-generating projects means more revenue to farmers and workers which will provide additional taxes to the government while preserving the environment.

5.   Wood produces essential products

Wood products come in many forms such as lumber, paper and pulp, chemicals, food, furniture, etc. One can only imagine life without it, giving up common necessities such as toilet paper and reading materials.

One of the organizations pushing for sustainable forest management is the Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA). They believe that by ensuring that there is a balance between the needs of the people and the viability of the forests, a more prosperous and sustainable future for the entire country can be achieved. They continually promote the market of wood, which when harnessed sustainably, can be an important driver for growth and development for many communities, and by extension for the entire economy as well. 

About PWPA

The Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) is the national association of companies, corporations, partnerships, and individuals involved in forest management. It aims to promote the sustainable management of natural and plantation forests that will increase their capacity to supply the wood requirement and enhance their capacity to provide ecological balance for the country. It strives to serve and protect the market of the wood industry against unfair trade practices. By executing events such as the annual Philippine Wood Expo, participating in timber conferences, workshops, and environmental advocacies, it attains the public’s appreciation for its role in the social, economic, and environmental development of the country.