First Eduspec Inc. encourages institutions to be STEAM-STRONG for the future of learners

The results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other international standardized tests have brought attention to the poor performance of Filipino learners, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the quality of education in our country today. Filipino students are falling behind in critical areas, particularly math and science, ranking 77th among 81 countries in the 2022 PISA rankings released in December 2023.

For First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), this news presents a challenge and an opportunity to provide better support for learners by emphasizing their STEAM curriculum. With a purposive and well-designed STEAM curriculum, experiential tools to test and hone students’ skills, assessments to measure performance, and continuous professional development programs for teachers, Filipino learners can fully realize their potential and become more equipped and STEAM-strong. All these are offered by FEI, a multinational organization known for its innovative, technology-based educational solutions and services, and a sister company of Rex Education, a leading academic publisher in the country.

On October 11, FEI and REX underscored their commitment in a special program to address the challenges of providing better support for Filipino learners in STEAM education as they prepare to become future-ready citizens of a digital, technology-driven world.

Themed Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens Through Leveled-Up STEAM Learning with First Eduspec Inc., the program featured keynotes from prominent STEAM stakeholders, including FEI General Manager Willard Paras and Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of the Philippine Normal University. FEI and Rex Education also reaffirmed their commitment to actively support initiatives aimed at advancing the Philippine education system and further empowering Filipino learners.

“At FEI, we have made it our mission to come up with STEAM learning solutions that are relevant, needs-driven, and research- and evidence-based to respond to the ever-changing needs for innovative learning solutions,” Paras said, as he discussed the four pillars of FEI’s STEAM-STRONG programs:

STEAM curriculum designed to develop 21st-century skills.

Authentic assessment for evidence-based teaching, learning dynamics, and evaluation of students’ skills achievement.

Educational technology to help students and teachers familiarize themselves with the world of work.

Capacity building and professional development for institutions, and especially teachers, to effectively deliver these programs.

“We work closely with every partner and institution to ensure schools are ready to assist learners in their STEAM journey. We provide training and workshops to help empower teachers and instructors, enabling them to become competent STEAM enthusiasts who can, in turn, arm and equip our learners,” Paras added.

In his keynote, REX CEO Don Timothy Buhain reflected on the Philippines’ low PISA ranking, calling it “a challenge for all of us” and prompting the audience to consider these vital questions: How are we teaching STEAM in our schools? Are we truly giving our learners all the tools and support they need to succeed in the real world?

“This is a conversation we need to have, and I am happy we are here as part of the solution. We will do more,” Buhain assured.

“With FEI’s guidance, our STEAM offerings have been significantly enhanced, enabling us to better meet the needs of our learners. For us at REX, FEI is family—an integral contributor to the symphony of learning solutions we have developed over the years. This relationship grows stronger every day as we approach our 75th year of nurturing Filipino learners,” Buhain said.

These needs have only increased in the 21st century, with the introduction of digital learning technologies fundamentally transforming how people learn and interact with information. This transformation underscores the importance of technology—a core component of STEAM—in ensuring young people’s successful participation in all spheres of life.

Mr. Lim Soon Seong, President of First Eduspec Inc., and Mr. Willard Paras, General Manager of FEI Inc., present a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone of Philippine Normal University, the event's keynote speaker.

In line with this, PISA has introduced in its ninth cycle a new, innovative domain: Learning in a Digital World, which assesses students’ ability to learn and thrive in digital environments alongside its usual evaluations of core skills in math and science. FEI and Rex Education’s STEAM-STRONG initiative aims to help improve Filipino learners’ performance in PISA and prepare them for a digital, technology-driven future.

The special event also marked the launch of the Partnership Graduate Studies Program with First City Providential College, an institution granted autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education. The program will offer advanced learning opportunities in STEAM and robotics education to further empower educators. Additionally, the event included the soft launch of the Federation of Robotics Schools in the Philippines, an organization dedicated to advancing coding, robotics, and STEAM learning nationwide through various programs and activities.

A total of 55 schools have signed up for FEI’s robotics program for SY 2024–2025, including St. Mary’s College (Quezon City), which showcased an agricultural robot prototype designed to help Filipino farmers cultivate their fields. This demonstration highlights both the far-reaching impact of robotics in various aspects of life and the exceptional talent of Filipino students in this high-tech field.

St. Mary’s College wowed the audience with their groundbreaking Robot Project. Embracing the theme "Armed and Equipped: Nurturing Future-Ready Citizens with Leveled-Up STEAM Learning and Robotics," these young tech innovators showcased exceptional creativity, engineering skills, and problem-solving expertise.

Snack Your Way to South Korea: Mister Potato and Squid Game 2 Present the Ultimate “Crunch to Win” Challenge

Mister Potato Philippines is taking your love for snacks to a thrilling new level. In collaboration with Netflix’s global hit Squid Game, Mister Potato has launched an interactive contest that could turn your next canister of crisps into a passport to incredible prizes—including a dream trip to South Korea!

Dubbed the Crunch to Win: Mister Potato x Squid Game 2 contest, this high-stakes campaign combines the excitement of Netflix’s breakout series with the irresistible crunch of Mister Potato snacks. Whether you're a Squid Game superfan or a dedicated snacker, this campaign promises something for everyone.

The Crunch That Could Take You to Korea

Running from November 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the Crunch to Wincontest invites snack lovers to uncover hidden Squid Game-inspired symbols inside the metal lids of specially marked Mister Potato canisters. These symbols could be your ticket to an unforgettable journey filled with exclusive prizes.

Here’s what’s at stake:

● Weekly Prizes:

○ Squid Game Funko Pop collectibles.

○ P1,000 worth of vouchers for select partners.

○ Bundles of Mister Potato products to keep your snack stash stocked.

● Grand Prize:

○ A dream getaway to South Korea, including airfare, accommodations, and a curated itinerary designed to immerse you in the magic of Korean culture.

● Consolation Prizes:

○ Additional bundles of Mister Potato products.

○ Exclusive Squid Game merchandise and vouchers worth up to P1,500.

Each canister brings a new opportunity to win, making snack time an even more exciting adventure!

How It Works

Participating in the contest is as easy as crunching open your favorite Mister Potato flavor. Follow these steps to join:

Purchase limited-edition Mister Potato x Squid Game 2 canisters, available at leading retailers nationwide.

Look for the hidden Squid Game symbols inside the metal lid of the canister.

Submit your entries online at www.misterpotatoph.com.

Follow Mister Potato on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok to get updates on contest announcements, symbol collection tips, and winner reveals.

Each unique symbol you find serves as a ticket to the weekly draws and the grand prize. The more symbols you collect, the better your chances of winning!

Pop Culture Meets Snack Innovation

This collaboration between Mister Potato and Squid Game 2 is a testament to the power of blending entertainment and consumer engagement. With Squid Game returning for a much-anticipated second season, Mister Potato aims to capture fans’ excitement and turn it into an unforgettable brand experience.

“Collaborating with Squid Game 2 felt like a natural fit for Mister Potato. Both our brand and the series have legions of loyal fans, and this contest allows us to bring something truly exciting and unique to both audiences,” said How Yuan Yi, Chief Marketing Officer of Mister Potato. “We’ve combined the thrill of watching Squid Game with the fun of enjoying a snack, offering fans a chance to win fantastic rewards along the way.”

By linking its signature snack with one of Netflix’s one of the most successful series, Mister Potato taps into the growing trend of experiential marketing, where brands create memorable, interactive moments for their consumers.

Beyond Snacking: A Gateway to Adventure

The Crunch to Win campaign isn’t just about munching on crisps; it’s about being part of a global phenomenon. The collaboration celebrates the best of both worlds—Mister Potato’s bold flavors and Squid Game’s gripping storytelling. Together, they’ve created a contest that takes consumer engagement to the next level.

“This collaboration with Netflix is about more than just cross-promotion,” the spokesperson added. “It’s about offering a new kind of experience, where our product becomes part of the fun and excitement of a global entertainment event. It’s not just a snack anymore; it’s a gateway to an adventure.”

Exclusive Canister Designs

The specially marked canisters are just as exciting as the prizes. Each flavor—Original, Sour Cream & Onion, Honey Cheese, Hot & Spicy, and Barbecue—features limited-edition Squid Game designs, making them collectible items for fans of the series. Whether you're a fan of the iconic Red Light, Green Light doll or the mysterious masked guards, these canisters add a touch of Squid Game to your snack shelf.

Your Chance to Be a Winner

Ready to crunch your way to South Korea? The Crunch to Win contest is your ticket to rewards that go beyond the snack aisle. With prizes designed for fans of both Mister Potato and Squid Game, this campaign offers a unique way to connect with your favorite snack brand while celebrating the cultural phenomenon that is Squid Game.

The contest is live from November 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to collect those symbols, rack up entries, and snag one of the amazing prizes.

For more information and contest mechanics, visit www.misterpotatoph.com. Be sure to follow Mister Potato on social media to stay updated on the latest announcements, winner highlights, and special promotions.

Enchanting Escapes: LakeFarm Resort in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija

Discover the enchanting allure of LakeFarm Resort in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, where each moment unfolds into a picturesque memory.

Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Pantabangan Lake, our resort features a captivating hot air balloon, meticulously designed to infuse your stay with romance and wonder. Picture yourself stepping into a fairytale realm, surrounded by vibrant colors and breathtaking panoramas, while you capture cherished moments with your loved ones.

But LakeFarm Resort offers more than just a stunning backdrop. With our pet-friendly policy, no family member gets left behind. Bring along your furry companions and unwind in our tranquil ambiance, where relaxation and adventure await without breaking the bank.

Indulge in the awe-inspiring infinity swimming pool, where the serene waters seamlessly merge with the horizon, offering a refreshing escape from the chaos of daily life. Lounge by the poolside, bask in the sun, and let your cares dissolve as you soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

As night falls, immerse yourself in the magical ambiance of our 5,000 roses blooming under the moonlight. Lose yourself in a sea of rosy hues, where each petal seems to glow with its own inner light, creating a romantic atmosphere that lingers long after dark.

Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, LakeFarm Resort promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning to return. Come, and let the enchantment of LakeFarm Resort whisk you away to a world where dreams and reality intertwine seamlessly.

For reservations and inquiries, contact us at: Phone: 0917 891 1836 Email: Mktg-delamarre@onesourcemsgs.com

Located at L15 KM5 Villarica, Pantabangan, Philippines.

Flexitarian Diet: An Easier Approach to Eating Healthy

Coming up with a wholesome meal plan could be a struggle for both experienced and new cooks alike — especially a healthy one! Scrolling through social media for a recipe worth trying could be mind-numbing. Search results for a "healthy meal” would most likely just lead to multiple choices of greens; and a drastic change in diet like this could be intimidating for most. Adapting to a flexitarian diet can be an easier approach.

This is a semi-vegetarian diet that increases the consumption of plant or plant-based foods and beverages, along with smaller meat portions. Veega provides a variety of delicious and protein-rich options such as Veega Meat-Free Nuggets and Veega Meat-Free Burger Patty — dishes that even kids will enjoy. This is also perfect for the Lenten season.

Elevate your meals with Veega — mmmeaty without the meat! Check out a variety of recipes in Home Foodie and get to shop conveniently from San Miguel Mart.

#Madalicious #HomeFoodie #Veega #VeegaMeatFree #HealthyMealPrep #MeatFree #SanMiguelFoods

Make everyday meals special with Magnolia Chicken Timplados

Magnolia Chicken Timplados All Around Giniling and Pangsahog products are ready to cook and perfectly marinated which makes it versatile for various dish applications. 

* Sulit & easy to prepare delicious Pinoy staples for only P49 per tub

* Real chicken goodness- made with real Magnolia Chicken

* High in protein which boosts immunity

* Packed in “Selyado Sigurado” tub packaging

* Versatile dish applications

* Giniling – can be used as stuffing for lumpiang shanghai, chicken siomai or formed into chicken ball or patty

* Pangsahog – can be used as pangsahog in pancit, soupy and vegetable dishes

With Magnolia Chicken Timplados All Around Giniling and Pangsahog, Sarap na pang all-around, Abot kaya na!

SOPAS

Ingredients:

1 tub (250 g) MAGNOLIA CHICKEN TIMPLADOS ALL-AROUND CHICKEN PANGSAHOG

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 can (340 g) evaporated milk

1/2 pc cabbage, sliced

1 pc carrots, small sized, diced

1-1/2 cup elbow macaroni

6-8 cups water

3-4 pc hotdog, sliced

2-3 stalks celery, chopped

1-2 cubes chicken bouillon

1 pc (100 g) chicken liver (optional)

Procedure:

In a wok/casserole, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the Magnolia All-Around Pangsahog, hotdog & chicken liver* for 4-5 minutes until meat becomes brown in color.

Add the carrots, celery & cabbage and continue to sauté for 2-3minutes.

Pour the water and let it boil. Then put the macaroni & cook for 9-10 minutes (depending on cooking guide).

Pour the evaporated milk while stirring. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.

Add salt & pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.

Serving size: 6-8 pax

For more recipes, visit www.homefoodie.com.ph

Sundays Just Got Tastier: Café Rizal at Rizal Park Hotel Unveils Irresistible P999 Buffet Deal!

Cafe Rizal, the buffet restaurant of Rizal Park Hotel, is thrilled to announce an exciting promotion for the month of September. Every Sunday, families are invited to savor a sumptuous lunch buffet from 11:30AM to 2:30PM for an incredible price of just P999.

This extraordinary Sunday Savings offer is the perfect opportunity for friends and families to gather and create cherished memories while relishing an array of delectable dishes expertly prepared by the restaurant’s culinary team. Delight in a diverse selection of mouthwatering dishes that cater to every palate. The buffet spread includes an assortment of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. From succulent roast meats to fresh seafood, vibrant salads, and decadent desserts, there's something to please every discerning taste bud.

And for the young guests, Cafe Rizal presents a delightful DIY Cupcake Station. Let your kids unleash their creativity as they decorate their own cupcakes with a variety of toppings, creating sweet treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

"We wanted to offer our guests an exceptional dining experience at an unbeatable value," said Samantha Paz, Managing Director, Rizal Park Hotel. "Our Sunday Savings Buffet is the perfect way for families and friends to come together and enjoy a memorable meal in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere."

Cafe Rizal is renowned not only for its culinary excellence but also for its commitment to creating an inviting and comfortable environment for its patrons. The Sunday Savings Buffet is yet another example of Cafe Rizal's dedication to providing outstanding hospitality.

This Sunday promo is available only on September 3, 10, 17, and 24 so don't miss this opportunity. Reservations are highly recommended to secure your table for this fantastic family dining experience. To make a reservation or for more information, please call 09177113926.

To know more about Rizal Park Hotel and its facilities follow https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/

Pans Up Home Cooks! You #GataLoveJolly’s Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk

Are you a big fan of gata-based dishes? If you’re someone who loves using the magic of coconut milk in your favorite recipes, then you’re probably familiar with how challenging it is to handle sometimes. Not because it is hard to cook with, but because of the preparation process when using it as an ingredient.

For example, if you are someone who prefers using freshly squeezed gata, then you might need to do the tedious task of squeezing your own coconut milk. If you’re lucky enough to get an already squeezed version from your suki at the market, however, then you usually need to use it as soon as possible to keep it from spoiling.

This can be a little challenging because it means that you always have to plan to cook your favorite gata dishes. But what if your loved ones want to have a taste of them stat and you don’t have time to run to the market anymore?

As a homemaker, cooking our family’s favorite dishes is one of the best ways that we show and express our love. There’s nothing more heartwarming than the thought of creating something that they can enjoy anytime when they want it. Jolly, the leading brand of packed fruits, vegetables and condiments, aims to answer common kitchen challenges by providing freshly packed ingredients straight to the pantries of homemakers without sacrificing quality. In the case of coconut-based dishes, the brand has two standouts that can finally give moms the chance to cook their family’s gata favorites anytime— Jolly Coconut Milk and Jolly Coconut Cream.

Both ingredients are made with 100 percent real coconuts and are packed with the creamy goodness of fresh gata that is as good and flavorful as the ones you get from the market. Coconut Cream or Kakang Gata has a thicker and richer consistency because it is made from pressing four parts shredded coconut in one part warm water while Coconut Milk (Gata) has a more liquid consistency (similar to cow’s milk) that is made from pressing one part shredded coconut in one part water.

Gata, regardless if it is in cream or milk form, is very versatile on its own. Whether you and your family are craving savory or sweet dishes, there is definitely a recipe where you can use this wonder ingredient. Coconut cream is perfect for savory dishes because its consistency provides a creamier and richer texture common in curries,. Use it for standout Pinoy favorites like Ginataang Isda, Chicken Curry, Ginataang Gulay, Bicol Express, and Laing. Check out our very own recipe for Bicol Express using Jolly Coconut Cream below.

Bicol Express

Ingredients:

3 to 4 tablespoons canola oil

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 small ginger, finely chopped

1 can Jolly Whole Mushrooms 400g, drained and quartered

1/2 kilo pork belly, cut into cubes

1 tablespoon shrimp paste

250mL Jolly Coconut Cream

1/2 cup water

3-5 pieces siling labuyo, sliced

Procedure:

Heat oil in a pot over medium heat then sauté garlic, onion, ginger, and Jolly Mushrooms.

Add cubed pork belly and cook until the pork turns brown. Add shrimp paste.

Add Jolly Coconut Cream and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Add water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Add chopped siling labuyo. Remove from heat and serve with hot steaming rice.

Coconut milk, on the other hand, has a unique taste and texture that can give your desserts and beverages a distinct flavor. Crack open a can of it if you’re craving sweet goodies like Maja Blanca, Bibingka, Ginataang Bilo Bilo, Biko, and Ginataang Mais.

Here’s our very own recipe for Maja Blanca using Jolly Coconut Milk.

Maja Blanca

Ingredients:

2 cans Jolly Coconut Milk 400ml

1 1/2 cups fresh milk

1 cup cornstarch

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup latik

1 can Jolly Whole Corn Kernels 425g, drained

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated (for topping)

Procedure:

Combine Jolly Coconut Milk, fresh milk, cornstarch, sugar, cheese and Jolly Whole Corn Kernels in a mixing bowl and stir thoroughly.

Place in a large saucepan and cook while stirring constantly over low heat until thick.

Pour into small mold containers. Cool, then refrigerate until firm.

Top with grated cheese or latik.

As a brand that has always been dedicated to providing high-quality ingredients to Filipino households, Jolly allows homemakers to show their care to their families through hearty, memorable dishes that they can cook anytime. Jolly Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk, in particular, are a true testament to this brand promise because they come in easy-open cans that can be easily stocked in our pantries for times when we want to cook our favorite gata dishes. Not only are they high-quality because they are made from one hundred percent real coconuts, they are also irresistibly creamy so you can expect to enjoy the same goodness from the ones you get from the market. You #GataLoveJolly for that, don’t you think?

Jolly products are available in leading supermarkets, groceries and public markets nationwide. You can also order Jolly Coconut Milk and Jolly Coconut Cream online on AceMarket.ph and Fly Ace Corporation’s stores on Lazada and Shopee. Need more recipe inspirations that can make you and your family scream #YanAngJollyLove? Follow Jolly’s official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts now for more ideas.

BPI offers flexible payment options to Art in the Park 2023 fairgoers

Looking to build your art collection on a budget? Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards.

For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.

One of the galleries that will be participating is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.

“Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna.

The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados a broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors.

Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia. He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University.

For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas.

One of the galleries that will be participating in Art in the Park 2023 is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits. For this year’s art fair, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists

Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes.

“What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potential lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said.

BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards.

Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.

For more information about Art in the Park and BPI’s special offers, follow www.facebook.com/bpi and www.facebook/artinthepark on Facebook, or visit www.bpi.com.ph/ and www.artinthepark.ph.

Jollibee Group, Manila LGU partner anew to offer jobs for senior citizens, PWDs

The Jollibee Group recently announced the resumption of its inclusive employment program to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in Manila after renewing its partnership with the city government of Manila.

The partnership is consistent with Jollibee Group’s commitment to provide equal employment opportunities to different sectors, while promoting and practicing inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

Jollibee Group will hire 28 senior citizens and 17 PWDs as customer relations staff across the Manila branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King through the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Manila PESO will screen and determine qualified candidates before endorsing them to the company. Applicants must also secure a medical clearance from the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, the accredited hospital for this program.

“We started this program in 2019 with the Manila LGU. Working on this program in the past few years have allowed us to see how our elderly and differently abled individuals have appreciated the opportunity find gainful employment. The Jollibee Group continues to support this initiative of the Manila LGU, and we have been very fortunate to have a partner that shares the same desire and passion as the company in looking after the interest of our elderly and PWDs,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head for Human Resources-Philippines and Global Organization, Leadership & Culture.

“We look forward to forging more partnerships with other LGUs so we can improve more lives and find reliable staff who can join us in our mission to share the joy of eating with everyone,” Angeles added.

Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity at Work. Jollibee Group and Manila LGU officials convened anew for the signing of a new memorandum of agreement that will create employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Jollibee-owned stores across Manila City.

The signing of the new memorandum of agreement held last January 31 was attended by Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, and Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marlon Lacson, as well as officials from Jollibee Group represented by Public Affairs AVP Atty. Raul Academia and Philippine Region Human Resources Director Anna Prado.

Interested applicants can get more information on this employment program from the Manila Department of Social Welfare and the Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs.

Back in 2019, Jollibee Group was the first restaurant company in the Philippines to partner with the Manila LGU in providing jobs to over a hundred qualified senior citizens and PWDs in the combined 39 branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, and Greenwich in Manila. Besides Manila, Jollibee Group also partnered with the LGUs of Antipolo and Pasay in 2019 to implement the same inclusive employment program.

The Stoveless Kitchen: Modern Solutions for Modern Problems

Managing your own space is as fulfilling as it is challenging sometimes. For anyone living in a modern apartment or a condo set-up where every square foot holds its weight in gold, finding the sweet spot between maximizing space and making it conducive for everyday living can be a real struggle.

It's because of this need that so many multi-functional and space-saving household essentials shot in popularity in recent years. But how effective are they for other parts of the home where we usually spend a lot of time doing manual work and prep? Case in point: our kitchens.

Years ago, a regular kitchen was expected to have several appliances to be truly functional. But modern problems require modern solutions, and so a new wave of kitchen partners that can do multiple jobs started taking over households. Think about it: a few years ago, would you have even imagined that you could survive without a stove?

Now you might say, "This isn't even possible at present" Well, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is here to prove you wrong. The latest model from the premium lifestyle brand’s best-selling line of kitchen partners, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile unit that can do almost anything and everything a home cook needs in their kitchen.

The model’s dedicated air frying setting is just the tip of the iceberg of its note-worthy line of features. With ten cooking functions that include grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, and even a pizza-cooking feature, you can skip having a stove–and a dozen other appliances in your kitchen. Make your favorite roast or whip up your favorite crunchy fries in minutes with its dual-speed convection feature that raises hot air and sinks cold air to reduce the cooking time by 30 percent.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also has an Element IQ System that makes it ideal even for a newbie home cook. The technology is a smart algorithm feature that helps create the perfect cooking environment for different cooking techniques. The advanced sensing and temperature control of this model promises even cooking all the time, eliminating guesswork for its users.

In terms of design, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is crafted for ease of use. It comes with a clear and easy-to-understand LCD Display and an interior oven light that automatically turns on at the end of every cooking cycle. Topping these is its sophisticated and sleek aesthetic which makes it so easy to fit in any modern, classy home.

True enough, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer checks all the boxes a smart homeowner needs from a cooking appliance. It is sleek, versatile, user-friendly, and can elevate anyone’s creativity in the kitchen regardless of their cooking level. Small space or not, this model is a definite must-have for anyone looking for a kitchen partner that can meet their modern needs.

Do you want to learn more about the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer? Check out their website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages now for more information.