Celebrity Chef Tatung Sarthou to Release Two New Books

Celebrity chef Tatung Sarthou rings in the holiday season bearing gifts for everyone. The author-restaurateur is releasing not one but two follow-ups to his bestselling Simpol The Cookbook.

First in the back-to-back release is Simpol Kitchen Secrets, a guidebook on cooking skills and techniques. Here, Chef Tatung breaks down the fundamentals of culinary arts for everyone’s easy reference. It is told through over 100 recipes, 200 kitchen tips, and 600 colored photos and artwork. 

The second is Baking Simpol, a cookbook with 100 recipes for desserts, breads, and pastries. Chef Tatung, who has earned praises for his innovative takes on dessert classics such as bibingka cheesecake, Choc-Nut cake, and pichi-pichi with torched queso de bola topping, lays down the art, crumb by crumb, to satisfy your sweet tooth any time, any day.

"Yung culinary knowledge natin it belongs to the people. Kasi hindi naman orihinal na ideya na nanggaling sa akin. Hindi naman siya kaalaman na ako ‘yung nakadiskubre. Kung ako natutunan ko siya dahil may mga taong nagturo sa akin, may mga taong nag-share sa akin, bakit ko ipagkakait sa tao na matuto din?" - Chef Tatung

So, for those who are looking to elevate their Christmas feast or just searching for the perfect Secret Santa gift, Chef Tatung has you covered just in time.

Simpol Kitchen Secrets will be out by November 30. This shall be followed by Baking Simpol two weeks later. Both books will be available locally and abroad through Lazada, Shopee, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon SG, and eBay.

The two titles shall be published under Vertikal Books, a boutique press specializing in the creative nonfiction genre, specifically culinary content.

Simpol Kitchen Secrets and Baking Simpol shall be the fifth and sixth books penned by Chef Tatung. His previous works have won the prestigious World Gourmand Awards in Paris, France.

Last October, two of his bestselling books, Rice to the Occasion: Kanin to Kakanin and Simpol: The Cookbook, was also featured in the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest and oldest trade fairs for books and content in the world.

Healthy, Hassle-Free Holiday Bundles from The Goodwill Market

Tis' the season to show you care by sending healthy goodies from The Goodwill Market to family and friends. The gift baskets have been carefully curated to fit different lifestyles, filled with wholesome products that focus on health and wellbeing.

What’s more, they can be delivered safely and conveniently to your loved one's doorstep via orders on The Goodwill Market website. You don’t have to leave the comfort and safety of your home to send out healthy and high-quality gifts this Christmas.

The Goodwill Market is an online shop owned and operated by Dygen Pharma Distribution Corporation (DPDC), a subsidiary of Dyna Drug Corporation. Its mission is to make premium brands more accessible to Filipino consumers with online orders and fuss-free delivery.

"This is a very valuable e-commerce service especially as everyone stays safe inside their homes. Our gift packages contain a wide selection of health and wellness products that are sure to add a spark of joy to the holidays." - May Panganiban, DPDC General Manager

Here are some of the gift selections that you can send as corporate giveaways, or as personalized gifts to your loved ones.

1. The Holiday Flavor Pack delivers goodies that are fit for the season’s feasts. It contains a selection of imported pasta sauces for easy meals made special.
2. Work from Home (WFH) is a healthy spread of snacks and ingredients that are perfect for those who like to bond over good food while working. Wholesome meals and snacks are more accessible with tasty treats and premium ingredients.
3. The Lunch Box Buddies is the perfect gift for parents who shower these kids with love and care. It’s got everything they need to make bath time fun while taking care of a baby’s sensitive skin. It’s also got kiddie vitamins for that extra boost of protection.

Make your Christmas list and check it twice. Find out which gift sets from The Goodwill Market will fit your friends and family members best, or check out the other items that are available at www.goodwill.market and its official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram and have these wholesome gift packs delivered directly to your recipient hassle-free.

Book your corporate giveaways, customized orders, and special requests through customer@goodwillmarket.ph

The Goodwill Market Delivers Perfect Presents This Season of Giving

Gift-giving is made simpler with the goodies that have been bundled up for easy delivery by The Goodwill Market. Choose from a wide array of wholesome treats that have been packed into perfect presents to fit any lifestyle. Delivery is also hassle-free as your orders can be delivered directly to friends and family, to help you stay safe at home as you shop for the holidays.

The Goodwill Market is an online shop owned and operated by Dygen Pharma Distribution Corporation (DPDC), a subsidiary of Dyna Drug Corporation. Its mission is to make premium brands more accessible to Filipino consumers with online orders and fuss-free delivery.

"This is a very valuable e-commerce service especially as everyone stays safe inside their homes. We have carefully curated our gift packages, which contain a wide selection of health and wellness products. You can also curate your own gift boxes from our selection of products that are on the website, for your corporate giveaways, or for more personalized gifts for your loved ones." - May Panganiban, DPDC General Manager

Check out these premium gift baskets that are made to share the joy this season:

1. The Holiday Fitspiration package is for the health-conscious eater who pays special attention to their diet. It’s packed with wholesome snacks that are heart-healthy and guilt-free.
2. Coffee, Tea, and Message From Me is a sweet way to show you care for their health and wellbeing, with yummy treats that are great for snack time or movie nights.

The Holiday Fitspiration

Coffee, Tea, and Message From Me

Find out more about these festive gift packs from The Goodwill Market through their website www.goodwill.market and its official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. Have these wholesome gift packs delivered directly to your recipient hassle-free this holiday?

To book your corporate giveaways, customized orders and special requests email customer@goodwillmarket.ph

Cleanfuel Celebrates Yuletide Season with Paskong Panalo e-Raffle Promo

Cleanfuel is celebrating the Christmas season with its Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo starting November 17, 2021.

Cleanfuel VIP cardholders have a chance to win a one-year supply of fuel, a motocross training course at Cleanfuel Motocross Park, mountain bikes, full-face helmets, and air purifiers.

For every Php500.00 spent on fuel products, such as AutoLPG, Diesel, Clean 91, and Premium 95 or any Motul engine oil products, Cleanfuel VIP members may earn one (1) e-raffle entry. For customers who are non-VIP cardholders, Cleanfuel encourages the customers to apply to have a validated raffle entry.

After purchasing, Cleanfuel VIP card members can automatically scan the QR Code (Paskong Panalo wobbler design) attached at every Cleanfuel dispenser that will lead them to Cleanfuel’s Paskong Panalo Sign Up Page https://cleanfuel.ph/raffle/ to fill out the necessary information needed. Once completed, the VIP cardmember will receive an SMS notification stating that their entry has been approved.

The Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel promo is applicable to cash, credit card, or any e-payment transactions.

The promo runs until January 26, 2021, and the electronic raffle draw will be held at Cleanfuel Head Office in the presence of a DTI representative scheduled on January 28, 2022. Winners of the raffle draw will be notified via SMS or email that is registered to the system of Cleanfuel.

Raffle winners may redeem their prize within sixty (60) days upon receiving the notification of their prize. Winners must physically visit the head office of Cleanfuel at Marcos Highway, Sitio Daan Cainta, Dela Paz, Pasig City to claim the prize and must present a valid ID, a Cleanfuel VIP card, and a screenshot of the SMS Notification.

The promo is not valid in conjunction with other Cleanfuel promotions or discount offers.

"As the Christmas season approaches, we want to show our gratitude by bringing joy to our valued customers through the Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo. We are thanking you for your continuous support of Cleanfuel. We are also encouraging our customers to become our VIP members to enjoy rewards and these raffle prizes," - Atty. Jesus Suntay, president and CEO of Cleanfuel.

Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo is registered with DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 130937 Series of 2021.

Surviving the Pandemic with Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings

Two mothers speak on how micro-savings have become their dependable ally during these trying times.

The uncertainties that came with the global health pandemic led to the financial stress that altered the lifestyle of many Filipinos. For close to two years since the global COVID-19 pandemic started, many lost their jobs and had to make do with what little savings they have stashed away.

A study titled, "State of Banking and Financial Wellness" commissioned by US-based research firm Forrester, indicated that more than half of Filipinos identified building their savings as one of their top concerns when it comes to personal finance.

The desire to have the money safely stashed when rainy days come is one that is shared by every Filipino—regardless of stature in life or the money they earn. When COVID-19 hit, the majority of Filipinos were left without a stable means of livelihood as the strict lockdown badly affected the economy, leading to a significant number of business closures and an uncertain future for those engaged in the gig economy.

Stemming from its desire to push for financial inclusion for every Filipino, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank partnered with Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the country’s leading micro financial service providers, to introduce Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings in 2019. Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings provided Filipinos with an accessible and convenient means to save their hard-earned money by addressing the common barriers in saving, including lack of accessibility, the need for numerous documentary requirements, and the high cost of starting and maintaining a balance.

"Our main priority is to be a one-stop-shop for the micro-financial needs of our kababayans. With our commitment to financial inclusion and mobility for everyone, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account is one of the great products we have created to empower many of our kababayans to save, regardless of their status in life," - Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO

The promise of having money saved in times of need was what inspired Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account holders Pillilia Pardo and Maria Luisa Luna to open a savings account and work hard to build a comfortable fund that they can rely on when needed.

Pillilia Pardo, 79-year-old, sari-sari store owner from Las Pinas and a loyal micro-savings account holder, dreams of imparting the value of savings to her children. 

Pillilia, a 79-year-old sari-sari store owner in Las Pinas, makes sure to deposit a fraction of her daily earnings into her micro-savings account. With her store located right beside the Cebuana Lhuillier Casimiro branch, she has become a daily fixture for the branch personnel who assists her on her everyday transactions.

"Napakahalaga ng savings, kasi pag dumating ang pagkakataon na ikaw ay magigipit, kailangan mo ng pera. Kung mayroon kang ipon, anytime puwede ka makapag-withdraw," - Pillilia Pardo

When the pandemic hit, Pillilia used her micro-savings account to augment her day-to-day expenses, which included medicines, food, utilities, and rent. When the lockdowns affected her store’s earnings, she was comforted by the fact that she did not have to resort to borrowing money in order to get by. "Hindi ka magsisisi kung nakapag-ipon ka…anytime nangailangan, nandiyan ang ipon ko. Mayroon akong magagamit," she adds.

Maria Luisa Luna, a 64-year-old, garbage collector from Manila relied on her micro-savings account when the pandemic badly hit her family.

For Maria Luisa, it was her savings that literally saved her family in the midst of the strict Manila lockdowns. She earns her keep by collecting recyclables which she then sells in a junkyard. For over two years, even before the lockdown began, she would make sure that a portion of her earnings goes to her Cebuana Lhuillier micro-savings account, which she intends to use during emergencies.

"Hindi na kami makapangalakal nung naghigpit sa lockdown. Yung kinakain namin, halos galing na lang sa ayuda ng gobyerno pero hindi naman sapat yun. Nagkasakit pa ang anak ko. Hindi ko naman matiis na hindi maipagamot. Doon ko na naisip na gamitin yung ipon ko sa Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings." - Maria Luisa Luna

Tuwing may kailangan sa bahay, gaya nang pangkain at pang-renta, withdraw ako. Tapos pagpapagamot sa anak, withdraw ulit," Maria Luisa shares. She admits that the protracted quarantine period had drained her savings, but now that everything is slowly going back to normal, she has also resumed building her emergency nest egg, visiting the Cebuana Lhuillier branch nearest her after a day of collecting recyclables and items to sell.

Since its launch, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings has enabled more than 5.5M account holders to have a semblance of peace of mind in times of great need and emergencies. As a cash agent, Cebuana Lhuillier provided account holders with a reliable and highly accessible venue to deposit and withdraw their money in any of its 2,500 branches nationwide, anytime and anywhere.

In 2020, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings was made even more accessible and convenient with the introduction of its new digital features.

"We’ve always believed that Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings should be able to evolve according to the changing needs of its users. By going digital, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings is providing greater IPON POWER to its account holders, by providing them convenience and mobility in maximizing the use of their savings through digital channels," Cebuana Lhuillier bank President, Dennis Valdes added.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings boasts of greater IPON POWER through the following features: withdraw cash in over 21,000+ BancNet ATMs nationwide anytime and anywhere; purchase online thru UnionPay merchants worldwide; 24/7 unlimited banking access with eCebuana app; and do cashless payments in over 350,000 UnionPay and BancNet accredited stores nationwide.

With more and more Filipinos slowly realizing the value of saving, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings is gearing towards further improving its features to better provide its account holders with a dependable ally they can continuously rely on.

Home Buddies Goes to SM Southmall on October 8-17!

The biggest online budol community is going to SM Southmall!

The popular online home community, Home Buddies, known for home inspirations and budol finds is finally stepping on the ground. The group is celebrating with big discounts and awesome freebies in their first-ever Home Buddies Fair at SM Southmall’s Event Center on October 8-17.

Check out the fun festivities lined up:

Shop for Home Buddies-approved items at the Haul Buddies Fair from Oct 8-17. Check out trending budol items firsthand from quality shops like Cherry Home’s vacuums and smart locks, SM Home’s Team Kahoy aesthetics, Adelina Home’s gorgeous weaves, Our Home’s minimalist sala sets, Hoton’s budol kitchen tools, and Sweet Freya’s lush vertical wall gardens.

Enjoy up to 70% off on discounts at the Grand Budol Weekend on October 9-10 when you shop from Our Home, Cherry Home, Hoton, Forty Winks, SM Home, and Ace Hardware.

If you’re thinking of redesigning your space but are not sure where to start? You can get FREE interior design consultation from the professionals at Dizenyo.PH on October 8-9.

There’s more! Here are some of the kapitbahay-exclusive promos to check out on SM Southmall’s page: Our Home is raffling off Team Puti & Team Kahoy furniture sets, bolsters, and mystery boxes, Dizenyo.PH is giving away a coffee bar, Cherry Home is gifting a lucky winner a shoe dryer, and SM Supermoms Club is giving away gift certificates!

Don’t miss any of the fun sur-prizes Home Buddies and SM Southmall have in store for you! For more information, follow @SMSouthmall on Facebook and Instagram.

Yaki Yaki Opens First Branch in the South, Fourth Overall

Craving for Takoyaki? Craving for Yakisoba?
Now, you can have both with Yaki Yaki!

Yaki Yaki recently opened its first branch in the south, 4th branch overall, and is here to satisfy your takoYAKI and YAKIsoba cravings. Aside from that, Yaki Yaki also serves handcrafted milk beverages that go well with the combination of takoyaki and yakisoba.

Yaki Yaki CAA Las Piñas Branch held a soft opening last September 23 and officially opened the day after, is the 4th branch opened by Yaki Yaki this year.

Yaki Yaki CAA Las Piñas Branch is located at 19 CAA Rd, 2, Las Pinas, Metro Manila

The Takoyaki-and-Yakisoba-in-one serving concept is the first of its kind in the Philippines and Yaki Yaki (YAKIsoba and TakoYAKI) has grown and is now open for franchising to bring Japanese streetfood treats to more areas soon.

You can choose from their 8 kinds of takoyaki: Yasai (Veggie), Tako (Octopus Bits), Chizu (3 Cheese), Kani (Crab), Bifu (Cheeseburger), Bekon Chizu (Cheesy Bacon), Poku Chizu (Cheesy Pork), Bebi Tako (Baby Octopus), all available in 4pcs, 8pcs or 12pcs.

Their Yakisoba starts at Php75.00 (solo) and Php145.00 (sumo / for sharing). Available in regular and spicy variants.

If you want both, just order the Yaki Yaki and you're good. Both go well with Osaka Milk Bar (handcrafted milk beverages).

Beverages go for Php69.00 (regular) and Php79.00 (large) and available flavors are Blueberry Miruki, Mango Cream Tanoshi, Strawberry Oreo Kurimu, Tokyo Iced Kohi, Butterscotch Makiato, Taro Chizu.

Yaki Yaki's snack and beverage offerings are not only tasty and filling, but they’re also affordable as well! Yaki Yaki starts at as low as Php99.00 (solo) and Php189.00 (sumo).

Follow Yaki Yaki's social media pages for the full menu and updates:
Facebook: Yaki Yaki PH | Instagram: @yakiyakiph

Here are the current branch list of Yaki Yaki PH:

• Yaki Yaki Merville Branch | Block 6B Lot 22 Kalayaan Village, Barangay 201 Merville Access Rd, Pasay
• Yaki Yaki Pasig Branch | 24E Landex Apartment, 3rd Street Corner, Countryside Avenue, Countryside Village, Brgy Sta. Lucia, Pasig City
• Yaki Yaki Taguig Branch | 3 F. Manalo Street, Brgy. Calzada-Tipas, Taguig City
• Ask Yaki Yaki CAA Las Piñas Branch | 19 CAA Rd, 2, Las Pinas, Metro Manila

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Looking for a business that is productive and continues operating even during the pandemic? YAKI YAKI PH is also open for FRANCHISE!

Know the secrets behind the success of the brand during the pandemic! Call their franchise hotline at 0998-2431707 and be the one to bring the craze to your area.

PH’s 1st Stevia grower-manufacturer bullish on financial outlook despite the Pandemic

Glorious, popularly known as the country’s first Stevia company, is positive on its outlook despite almost 2-years in the pandemic as more and more people turn to healthier alternatives, sales of stevia products continue to grow.

According to agribusiness finance giant Rabobank, Stevia's sales are expected to hit $700 million worldwide in the next few years.

Consumers in the Philippines can now get their calorie-free sugar needs from natural alternatives. Before, stevia was restricted to the health food market without any FDA approval. Recently, it is now widely used as a natural substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products.

"Stevia has been touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute with proven health benefits. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities," -  Maura De Leon, the woman behind Glorious, the country’s first stevia grower and manufacturer.

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight but who want to reduce their sugar intake.

Stevia is an herb that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. It is a small bushy plant that belongs to the sunflower family and grows in Paraguay and Brazil, but it can be quickly grown elsewhere. For centuries, the people of Paraguay add them to their foods as sweeteners, and countries like Korea, Brazil, China, Japan, and South America, have long used stevia.

Stevia products such as teas, juices, healthy coffees, chocolate beverages and natural sweeteners, manufactured by Glorious, are approved safe by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) even for people who have diabetes.

"Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you don't have to add much. It’s good to note that the Philippines is also catching up on the use of this natural sweetener in various food preparations," added De Leon.

Stevia is a natural sweetener taken from the leaves of a bushy shrub. The Stevia plant or (Stevia rebaudiana) has 150 species known to have originated from North and South America. Currently, it is produced by lots of countries, with China as the number one exporter of stevia products, and can be purchased at garden centers for home growing.

People who have diabetes can benefit from stevia. Choosing pure stevia extract can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and should be used in moderation. Stevia can also help cut down added sugar consumption, which can be beneficial for children. High sugar intake in children could lead to heart disease due to reconstructing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, contributing to children's weight gain. Substituting added sugar for stevia can minimize these risks. At the same time, moderate consumption of foods with stevia and other sweeteners can prevent adverse side effects and promote overall health.

What’s even better is that you can add Stevia to make healthy desserts which are diabetic and keto friendly. This is great for people who have a sweet tooth but can’t indulge because of health restrictions.

Incidentally, all Glorious Blend beverages — from the 3-in-1, 5-in-1, 7-in-1 mixes, use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day.

For more information about Glorious, the Stevia Company, check out https://gidc.com.ph/

DARREN EMBARKS ON A CAREER-TURNING NEW PHASE WITH THE RELEASE OF “TAMA NA”

LISTEN NOW: DarrenEspanto.lnk.to/TamaNa

Celebrated pop icon Darren Espanto has officially released his new single "Tama Na"—out today on MCA Music Inc. Now ready to embark on a new phase in his career, the multi-awarded young artist distills pop, hip-hop, and R&B into a modern bop that radio wouldn’t mind spinning at the top of the hour. His latest track is a rhythmically charged tune that approaches the verses with edginess and the chorus with suave.

On top of a smooth, urban-leaning production and trap beats, Darren sings about giving up on the person that used to occupy a special place in his heart. "Ayokong masaktan ulit / Ayoko nang lumuha pa't maging biktima," the 20-year-old pop sensation drops the bomb on the chorus, finally making sense of the situation that left him hanging for a long time.

"Tama Na" is a song about unrequited love and finally finding the courage to walk away from a tedious, one-way relationship, which has done nothing but hurt your feelings. The song’s pitched-up samples, hard-hitting electronic beats, and hip-hop-informed sensibilities propel Darren’s soulful delivery to exciting new places. This gives Darren an extra push to showcase his versatility in terms of tone and appeal, turning his youthful fervor into something that resonates with the general public.

"Tama Na" is the latest collaboration between Darren Espanto and fellow hitmaker Zack Tabudlo, who wrote, produced, and mixed the track. According Darren, it has always been their plan to work together on a project, as he admits being a fan of Tabudlo’s music style and talent. "Last year, Zack told me how he became part of the MCA family and we thought that finally, this would be our chance to work together. In just a couple days, Zack created Tama Na and I really liked the song instantly. It’s a sound that people haven’t heard from me before and it’s also a genre I’ve always wanted to try."

A few months later, Zack and Darren went on a Zoom call to guide the latter throughout the entire recording process. Darren recalls, "It was honestly such a chill session, mostly because a lot of it was us just talking about random things that aren’t even related to the song."

The song will be out in music video format soon and is slated to be part of Darren’s new album. With its aim to chart Darren’s evolution as both an artist and a performer, the upcoming record will be a major shift toward a more contemporary-leaning sound with dance and R&B music influences. It will also serve as his more artistically involved release so far, harnessing his songwriting skills and more.

At the moment, Darren Espanto is gearing up for his virtual concert on June 19—to be streamed live via KTX.

He also made headlines a few days ago when a new set of photos showing his new hunky physique went viral on Instagram. Darren’s new look sheds his teenybopper persona and taps into a more grown vibe, marking the celebration of his 20th birthday with newfound adventurousness in style.

Darren is on the cover of Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines

Follow Darren to get the latest updates:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube

Follow MCA Music for more updates:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  Tiktok

Iconic Filipino singer-songwriters to take the virtual stage for ‘ALPAS’ concert

Acclaimed and award-winning solo artists Ebe Dancel, Johnoy Danao, Bullet Dumas, Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, and Kitchie Nadal are coming together for a virtual concert that offers an exciting music experience at the comforts of every music fan’s home.

Literally defined as "breaking free," ALPAS is a digital show produced by kumu, an online community platform for livestreamers, and GNN Entertainment, a Manila-based music events and PR agency. The event is a flagship effort between the two producers to keep the live music scene alive while public life is on lockdown.

With new security and health protocols in place, the virtual showcase will be shot in advance somewhere in a 'familiar' music venue that serves as second home to a lot of progressive-leaning acts and independent bands, and in Spain, where one of its artists, Kitchie Nadal is currently based. Expect the iconic singer-songwriters to perform their biggest hits and rarities in a stripped-down format, and collaborate for a special 'medley' number arranged by renowned musical director, Ronaldo Tomas.

"Music feels more essential than usual in the time of pandemic," - kumu Live Events Manager Lorraine Alelis

"It’s quite challenging to find a sustainable workaround to help artists connect with their fans and implement welcoming developments in the virtual concert space. ALPAS is our way to support the live music scene as we transition into the new normal.

Thanks to GNN, we’re given an opportunity to push boundaries, build a system around it, and help more people in the concert industry who have lost jobs."

ALPAS marks the first time that the six top-notch performers will be equally headlining a show after having performed as solo acts or part of a collective. Through the years, the singer-songwriter trio (Ebe Dancel, Johnoy Danao and Bullet Dumas) have staged three-peat sold-out concerts at the Music Museum (2x) and Kia Theatre (1x) in 2015, 2016 and 2018 respectively, while the queens of alternative rock (Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal) have performed as a group in two sold-out concerts at the Music Museum in 2016 and 2017, and a benefit virtual concert in 2020 to raise funds for the employees of indie music venues in Metro Manila. All these shows were organized and produced by GNN Entertainment.

The online show is slated to premiere on June 5, 2021 from 6pm onwards. Tickets for ALPAS are now available for purchase via kumu, with a price of P499 for general admission.

For details on how to buy tickets, go to this site: www.kumu.live

Coffee That's Really Good For You: Glorious, Isn't It?

For decades, coffee had received a bad reputation. Besides allegedly triggering high blood pressure, insomnia, and hyperacidity, the Filipino habit of adding lots of sugar and cream to one’s cup has been said to aggravate diabetes.

While there’s no denying the Pinoy coffee fan his morning cup, there is concern over the amount of sugar present in commercial 3-in-1 coffee mixes. The leading brand has 14.6 grams of sugar in one 20-gram sachet alone. Imagine how much sugar you’re taking in if you drink an average of three cups of coffee a day.

What About Sugar-Free Coffee?

For health-conscious individuals, especially diabetics, turning to sugar-free coffee mixes seems to be the only option. This meant enduring tasteless cups of coffee just to satisfy their caffeine fix —until Stevia came along.

Stevia is the low calorie, zero sugar sweetener that tastes so much better than artificial sweeteners. 

Stevia is a herb with a sweet-tasting extract that comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has been enjoyed since pre-Columbian South America where indigenous people used the herb to sweeten their tea and other drinks.

The plant's taste stems from steviol glycosides, molecules which are 250–300 times sweeter than regular sugar.  

It became popular among health-conscious individuals because stevia has a very low caloric content. This makes it perfect for dieters and people who are trying to lose weight.

Moreover, Stevia makes coffee and tea taste so much better without adding any calories. 

Aside from beverages, Stevia is also used as an alternative sweetener when cooking or baking.

The Health Advantages of Stevia

Stevia is a safe, healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up food without the negative health effects of refined sugar. It’s also associated with several impressive benefits such as reduced calorie intake, managed blood sugar levels, and minimized risk of cavities.

Additionally, while other sugar substitutes like Aspartame have been linked with cancer, there's no evidence linking stevia to cancer since it is a natural ingredient.

This means you can add stevia to dishes and drinks without fear that you’re taking too much sugar, or that you’ll get sick a few years down the road.

For coffee lovers, it’s also good to note that locally-made Glorious Blend coffees and instant beverages have Stevia as its natural sweetener. The blend of natural and healthful ingredients make the drink not only refreshing and safe, but also good for one’s overall health.

The Glorious Blend boasts a full line of healthy drinks, including a 7-in-1 healthy coffee mix. This special blend is made with proven medicinal ingredients like Malunggay, Mangosteen, Calcium, Gotu Kola, and sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. What’s even better is that the Glorious Blend 7in1 Coffee is non-acidic and promotes regular bowel movement.

The Glorious line-up also includes the 3-in-1 coffee mix with Stevia; 7-in-1 choco mix; 4-in-1 coffee with Malunggay; 5-in-1 coffee mix with Brown Rice; and the MaxiTrim coffee.

All Glorious Blend beverages use Stevia which has no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index. All of their instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day.

Also, Glorious Blend products are locally sourced and manufactured. Their company supports local farmers, stevia growers, and other agricultural communities.

So if you’ve been cutting back on drinking coffee because of health problems like diabetes or hyper acidity, Glorious Blend coffee mixes are here to help. You can enjoy all the aroma and flavor of freshly made coffee all day —without the guilt!

Now, you can drink coffee for better health! Glorious, isn’t it?

For more information about Glorious Blend coffee mixes, check out https://www.facebook.com/gloriousblend.

#WatchSM YouTube Channel Gives Away P100K Shopping Money

SM Supermalls officially launches #WatchSM, its newest entertainment channel on YouTube. It’s the first shopping mall branded entertainment YouTube channel in the Philippines that aims to let SM fans across the globe experience aweSM fun and play anytime, anywhere with their favorite Pinoy celebrities and online influencers plus YouTube sensation herself, SM Elevator Girl, Cheridel!

"SM Supermalls has been dedicated to serving our shoppers online and offline. With the ongoing pandemic, we continue to raise the bar in terms of expanding our omnichannel presence so that we can still bring the joy of being at SM to wherever our shoppers are – and #WatchSM is a nat-ural extension of that," said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for mar-keting.

To kick off the launch, #WatchSM YouTube channel will aired back-to-back-to-back livestreams last March 20, 2021 at 11:00am. SM gave away a total of P100,000-worth of SM gift certificates. The program was followed by #ShopmagConnects and #CheckCyberzone episodes which will treat viewers with more aweSM gifts and prizes.

#WatchSM will feature regular branded entertainment shows especially produced for the unique interests of YouTube viewers. Among its flagship programs are #ShopmagConnects where viewers can learn tips from their favorite celebrities; #CheckCyberzone that highlights the trendiest gadgets; and #LOLwithCheridel that treats SM fans with a dose of aweSM vibes and fun-filled videos that will make everyone laugh out loud.

Also part of #WatchSM are #FirstDibs that is SM Squad’s go-to show for everything new and fresh; #FAMtastic for the fun videos perfect or SuperKids and the whole family; #DineInSM VLOGS that features the best of the best dining spots at SM; and #SMRegional playlists that put the spotlight to the unique experiences enjoyed by shoppers at SM malls across the Philippines.

For its online achievements, SM has won the Gold International Stevie Award for the corporate website smsupermalls.com, the Gold Asia-Pacific Stevie Award for SM Supermalls Mobile App, and the "Best Marketing and Communications Campaign in the Philippines" award from Dragons of Asia for the #SMoments Video Series digital campaign, among others.

So, don't miss out on all the fun and exclusive news! Visit the #WatchSM YouTube channel and don't forget to like and subscribe.

For more aweSM fun and play videos that you can experience anytime, all the time subscribe now to #WatchSM via youtube.com/WatchSMnow.

Fet Boys introduces the First Ruby Chocolate Cookies

Chef Kirk Ngo of Fet Boys is indeed a trailblazer.

After making the first ever Coffee Butterscotch Cookie, he is now launching his newest creation, the Prettier than Pink Cookies.

Derived from Ruby Chocolate, the Prettier than Pink cookie is the first of its kind. Ruby Chocolate is the 4th type of Chocolate that is accepted as "real chocolate." This is derived from Ruby Cacao beans which gives it its natural pink color.

What makes Ruby Chocolate unique is its taste characterized by fruity notes and a pink color which is all-natural. After Dark, Milk, and White chocolate, Ruby is the newest chocolate in the market and it is about to become the next big thing.

In 2020, Chef Kirk of Fet Boys launched his Too Much Chocolate Chip Cookies that were as big as a regular guy’s palm and it was a hit. In the last quarter of 2020 alone, he made over 5000 pcs of his giant creation.

He also invented the Coffee Butterscotch Cookie and this was an instant hit to all coffee lovers because it is best paired with their favorite morning drink, a cup of joe. However, what truly sets apart the Fet Boys cookie is that it is best eaten chilled. Unlike other cookies that are tastier when heated, the Fet Boys cookies are even better after being chilled in the ref.

Grab a box of the Fet Boys cookies and find out why it is considered the best-kept secret of the North and South! To order, message them through their Facebook Page.

Grab, Sarah Geronimo team up to provide everyday value to more Filipinos

Celebrate Her Reveal with Grab’s

Kilo-Kilometrong Pa-Promo!

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - FEBRUARY 15, 2021 — Grab, the Philippines’ leading super app  is excited to announce that it will be working with one of the Philippines’ most popular and influential celebrities, Sarah Geronimo - as its  brand ambassador. Known for her strong sense of practicality, Sarah and Grab Philippines will work on a series of campaigns and initiatives to delight and bring everyday value to Filipinos nationwide.

"As someone who came from a humble background, alam ko kung gaano kahalaga to make the most out of every peso. Mas lalo pa ngayon na I started my journey into married life. Kaya I am very much excited to be working with Grab! May mga campaigns and initiatives kaming inihanda para sa lahat, and I am sure that kung sino ka man, ano man ang iyong budget - may mga makikita kang sulit na deals and exciting promos sa Grab na para sayo," - Sarah Geronimo.

“We are excited to be working with Sarah Geronimo and we believe that we both share our dedication to delight and provide value to our kababayans. Grab has constantly innovated to be the Philippines’ super app - providing everyday value and delight to our customers and communities. Similarly, Sarah has successfully built her career from being a singer to becoming the country’s most admired total performer - bringing joy and excitement to millions of Filipinos. We are confident that by working together, we will continue to delight and provide everyday value to many Filipinos,” said Grace Vera Cruz, Country Head of Grab Philippines.

Kilo-Kilometrong Pa-Promo

To kickstart the partnership, Grab and Sarah have designed a Kilo-Kilometrong Pa-promo campaign that will unload great discounts and perks across the different services and verticals. From February 15 to March 7, Grab users can unlock irresistible deals* across all services on the Grab platform when they use the promo code GRABWITHSARAHG

GREAT MEALS, UNLIMITED FREE DELIVERY. GrabFood customers can have their favorite meals delivered for free within Metro Manila, with every minimum order of P400 For those outside the metro, they can have their meals delivered free of charge for a minimum purchase of P250.

RIDE FOR LESS. Enjoy up to P40 off your fares from GrabCar rides in the next three (3) weeks with the promo code. Passengers can use the code for a maximum of two rides during the promotion period.

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS LESS THE FEES! Get your everyday essentials from Grab within 60 minutes less the booking fees, every time you spend a minimum of PHP 500 and use the promo code. The promo is available to all Grab users  in Metro Manila and Cebu.

CASHBACK WITH GRAB. Don’t miss out on  a one-time PHP 50 cashback when you pay cashless for your Grab services during the promotion period.

To catch your first glimpse of Sarah G on Grab, follow Grab Philippines on Facebook and check out the Grab app.

*Terms and Conditions Apply

Start the year right at SM Southmall’s Luck and Love Fair!

Jazz up your feed by taking cute photos at SM Southmall’s instagrammable display! Check out their selection of flowers, chocolates, wines, jewelry, and stuffed toys!

This Luck and Love Fair is at the Food Street Concourse until February 14.

If you need Social GIFTancing ideas for Valentine’s Day, you can curate your own here: https://smsouthmall.com/giftbox/ and get P100 off on your delivery on us PLUS an iflix voucher for two!