Bikers retrace the road to freedom for National Heroes Day

Bikers from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac and nearby provinces pedaled along the route traversed by the country’s heroes in a fun ride for a cause dubbed, “Ride for Valor.”

The “Ride for Valor” a non-competitive 160 kilometers long bike ride raised funds to save our heroes’ historical markers so that we may remember their sacrifice. The funds will be turned over to the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment (FAME) a non-government organization that maintains the kilometer markers of the Bataan Death March from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

In the past, Bataan Death March markers had been destroyed, uprooted, and neglected due to drainage and other road projects. Ten (10) Death March historical markers in Mariveles, and four (4) in Limay, Bataan have to be relocated soon due to road widening and other repairs.

The Death March markers serve as a reminder of the route taken by Filipino soldiers who defended the country against Japanese forces during World War II some 80 years ago. About 10,000 brave soldiers died along the route; many of the bodies were never identified or recovered.

The ride is part of the 30th anniversary of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB). PVB is a commercial bank owned by World War II veterans and their families. As part of its charter, PVB allocates 20% of its annual net income for the benefit of its shareholders.

Around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers and prisoners of war were forced by the Japanese military to march 69 miles from Bataan to Tarlac during World War II. Only some 54,000 persons reached the camp, and around 20,000 died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of Japanese captors.

For more information, visit www.veteransbank.com.ph.

Jollibee to Open in the Heart of Times Square, New York on August 18

Another first in its international expansion plan, homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee will open in the heart of the iconic Times Square, New York on August 18, 2022. The newest store opening forms part of the Jollibee Group’s aggressive overseas expansion and sustained growth in one of its key pillar markets, North America.

Also known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a top global commercial and entertainment hub. Jollibee Times Square will be located right beside Good Morning America and in the Bowtie, where the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop takes place. The store is expected to attract new fans and introduce the brand to more mainstream American customers.

THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE.
Jollibee makes it to the heart of Times Square, right beside Good Morning America.

“We are excited to spread the joy of eating to everyone and contribute to the diverse and exciting food scene in Times Square,” shared Maribeth Dela Cruz, Jollibee Group’s President for Philippine Brands (Jollibee, Chowking, and Red Ribbon) in North America.

Times Square branch will offer Jollibee menu favorites, including the world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken and Chicken Sandwich–each with its own spicy variant, and other favorites such as Peach Mango Pie and Jolly Spaghetti.

Now with 84 locations across North America and over 1,500 restaurants worldwide, Jollibee continues to grow its presence in the U.S. and Canada, with plans of reaching 500 stores in the next five to seven years. Jollibee is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, one of the world's largest and fastest growing restaurant companies. To learn more about Jollibee and other brands of the Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

PCPPI reinforces food safety system and culture across all plants

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—is bolstering the company’s food safety culture. It benefits its people and the customers in the long term, following the launch of its food safety education campaign.

PCPPI plants implemented the Talas ng Kaalaman on Food Safety program. It is to strengthen the knowledge of its employees on the standard food safety procedures. The goal is to improve its operations responsibly and sustainably.

“PCPPI is committed to meeting the highest food safety and quality standards. This is the reason we continuously implement programs and workshops that would improve the skills of our people. We ensure that they too become ambassadors of our food safety culture,” said Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI President and CEO.

The information campaign was executed through Facebook, bulletin board posts, and email blasts. It provided comprehensive information about food safety culture. It informed how to fight food fraud, product protection, good manufacturing practices, and allergen management. It also highlighted some of the cleaning practices. These include the pest control process, proper waste disposal, and locker sanitation and maintenance.

Throughout the program, PCPPI conducted random ambush interviews with employees. This is to measure their grasp of the food safety system. It recognized the departments with the cleanest space and well-informed personnel on the importance of food safety.

Aside from this, PCPPI completed the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) for its Metro Operations Services, Pampanga, Rosario, STRO, Davao, and Bacolod plant. The FSSC is a globally accepted standard. It recognizes companies’ processes that are at par with global standards— from employee selection to production and warehousing. Its goal is to evaluate the systems in place to ensure food safety.

PCPPI also assures that their products are safe for consumption as all PCPPI plants have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) License to Operate. All PCPPI products also have its valid certificate of product registration.

The company also recently completed other third-party food safety and social welfare audits. Some of which are the McDonald's Safe Water System (SWS) and Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS) for the PCPPI San Fernando plant.

PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, and Premier.

Get to taste the best of Filipino food and more at B Hotel Alabang’s Prime Café

Foodies need not look any further if they want to enjoy the best of Filipino food and more. B Hotel Alabang’s Prime Café offers the Philippines’ most sought-after dishes as well as other favorites from around the country.

This boutique hotel in Alabang may not be the largest in the area, but it is packed with everything you need in the city. A relaxing and homey accommodation, an outdoor Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation, a gym, a function room that can accommodate up to 80 persons, a well-known Filipino restaurant, and a Pastry Corner for the best-baked concoctions in the Metro.

“We take pride in providing good quality of service. Being the number 1 TripAdvisor hotel in the Alabang area is an honor for us, and I believe that this achievement is proof of the quality of hospitality that we have always strived to provide our guests,” said Ms. Glennis Narciso, Hotel Manager of B Hotel Alabang during a media get together.

One aspect of their service that they are highlighting is their very own restaurant – Prime Café. This restaurant offers an impressively wide variety dishes and of particular note is the top-notch Filipino cuisine that it is known for. Their chefs headed by Sous Chef Andrea Urcia put their heart into every dish that they serve, especially the ones that boast rich flavors.

Prime Café offers buffets and Bistro a la carte and is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Lunch buffets are scheduled every Friday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and cost only Php 750 per person. They also offer breakfast buffets every weekend from 6:00 am to 10:00 am which only costs Php 650 per person.

And even if you are in the North area, you may still get to taste the best Filipino and also international cuisine at B Hotel in Quezon City headed by Executive Sous Chef Vincent Odejar. The Lobby Café in B Hotel Quezon City is known for specializing in international cuisine that will surely give you a delicious journey for your taste buds. Serving ala-carte dishes and buffet breakfasts, the Lobby Café is also a feast for the eyes as it is to the tummy. It has also a cool vibe that perfectly matches the hotel’s industrial architecture. 

B Hotel Alabang and B Hotel Quezon City are 4-star hotels that are both managed by The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts. If you are looking for great amenities and exceptional service at a price that won’t break the bank, these hotels are definitely your best choices.  

For inquiries and reservations, you may contact B Hotel Alabang at (+632) 8828 8181 or visit www.bhotelalabang.com, and B Hotel Quezon City at (+632) 8990 5000 or visit www.bhotelqc.com.

Everyday items made safe for the environment

The advent of fast-food chains all around the world spawned the proliferation of every day items like tableware and other table utensils that are made out of petrochemical-based plastics that can be used while dining and then thrown away that easily.

Most of the time, many people even buy these plastic utensils from the supermarket, thinking that they don’t have to worry about washing them since they’d easily end up in the waste basket. Simply throwing away plastic utensils like spoons, forks, knives, drinking glass is oh-so convenient, but have you ever realized the harm it can do to the environment, especially since many of those items don’t break down since they are non-biodegradable?

Focusing on research and development of natural waste plant-based materials to replace petrochem-based plastics, JuTian Cleantech Co. Ltd. came up with tableware such as spoons and forks, straws, drinking tumblers and other lifestyle accessories that are not only sturdy and light but are also completely compostable and biodegradable that it won’t hurt the environment.

Their products are made out of renewable materials and are naturally compostable such as leftover plant fiber that would have been thrown away. These agricultural by-products come from either bamboo fiber, sugarcane pulp or “bagasse,” or even coffee grounds, then sun-dried, chopped and shredded into powder then modified to make it compostable and completely biodegradable. JuTian products are guaranteed to break down in a backyard in just 12 months.

JuTian, which established the “100% ZHI (/Plant/) brand in 2018, with “reuse of waste” as its core brand value, specializes in environment-friendly technologies that can develop compostable products so that the Earth’s limited resources can be recycled and sustained. This helps create a friendly economic and industrial system while implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (“Sustainable Consumption and Production”) and SDG 13 (“Climate Action”) to create carbon-reduced and sustainable life for everyone.

With JuTian, creating better alternatives to plastic ware for lifestyle use is no mean feat, but when the environment is talking because it needs to be taken care of by reducing—or removing—harmful plastic wastes, JuTian listened, and they listened very well.

https://fb.watch/dXqagdcLxl/

Jollibee Group and Yoshinoya International hold partnership ceremony

The Jollibee Group welcomed Yoshinoya International executives in a Partnership Ceremony on June 25 to celebrate their collaboration that will bring the authentic Yoshinoya Japan beef bowl experience to the Philippines.

Yoshinoya, Japan’s world-famous Beef Bowl Chain, is the first foray into Japanese food by the Jollibee Group. Jollibee Foods Corporation formed a joint venture with Yoshinoya International Philippines Inc. (“Yoshinoya International”) to operate the Yoshinoya stores in the country, with plans to expand to 50 stores in the long term.

The Yoshinoya International executives who attended the private ceremony were Tetsuya Naruse, CEO of Asia Yoshinoya International Sdn Bhd (“Asia Yoshinoya”); Shigekazu Miyata, President of Yoshinoya International; and Shigeo Kurokawa, Director of Yoshinoya International.

Asia Yoshinoya CEO Tetsuya Naruse hailed its partnership with the Jollibee Group during the partnership ceremony. “In the history of Yoshinoya, I can say that we have never encountered a company such as yours. I’ve met the best partners that we could work with and I’m really looking forward to this partnership.”

"We would like to thank Yoshinoya International for partnering with Jollibee Group. Together, under Yoshinoya Jollibee Foods Inc., we will grow and expand Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and we will work hard to make it the No. 1 Japanese restaurant in the country," said Joseph Tanbuntiong, President for Philippine Business of the Jollibee Group.

In a disclosure released in February 2021, the Jollibee Group said it aims to be the leading market developer of foreign restaurant brands in the country, as these foreign franchised brands are expected to contribute to the sustainable growth of its domestic business. Jollibee Group continues to see the success of brands like Burger King, Panda Express, and PHO24 and will apply the same success drivers in expanding Yoshinoya.

The Jollibee Group and Yoshinoya International hailed its partnership in a ceremony that culminated in a beef bowl toast led by Jollibee Group President & CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong (front row, 3rd from left), Asia Yoshinoya CEO Tetsuya Naruse (front row, 4th from left), Jollibee Group President for Philippine Business Joseph Tanbuntiong (front row, 2ndfrom left), and Jollibee Group Chief Real Estate and Design Officer William Tan Untiong (back row, 3rd from left).

Partnership for success

Like the humble beginnings of the Jollibee Group, Yoshinoya started as a family-run shop located at Nihonbashi Fish Market in Tokyo. Today, Yoshinoya has more than 2,000 global locations.

“Our dreams to make it big one day in our respective markets have driven Yoshinoya and the Jollibee Group to continuously work hard and always strive for excellence,” said Tanbuntiong. “With similar values and a true love for great tasting food, we see a strong foundation for success in this partnership.”

“I met Jollibee Group Founder and Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong, and after our conversation, I concluded that there is no other company that we would like to do this partnership with. And although some years have passed since then, we have reached this moment today and it’s all thanks to all your efforts,” added Naruse.

“Part of who we are in Yoshinoya Holdings is being ‘For the People,’ which means reaching as many people as possible with our tasty and value-for-money food—this is also what the Jollibee Group is all about. I look forward to working well together and I commit that we in Yoshinoya will give our full support to the Jollibee Group,” he added.

Now ready to serve the same superior tasting and authentic Japanese Beef Bowls, Yoshinoya is set for its grand opening slated this July.

# # #

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. It operates in 34 countries, with over 6,200 stores globally with branches in the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Panama, Malaysia, South Korea, and India.

Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); six franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, PHO24, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines; Dunkin' and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24;and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand.

Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that ultimately owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. It also has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Jollibee Group also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. In 2020, Gallup awarded the Jollibee Group with the Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the first Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.

Jollibee Group has grown brands that bring delightful dining experiences to its customers worldwide, thus spreading the joy of eating to everyone.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Breville Philippines Upgrades Espresso Machine Collection with the new Barista Touch®

What makes a good coffee experience?   

For caffeine lovers, there is a sense of romanticism that comes with the whole experience of lining up at a cafe and having a pro customize their drinks. After all, is there anything else that can make you feel special other than the knowledge that your morning coffee is in the hands of someone who knows their craft?   

But here’s something to think about. How would it make you feel if you can create your own cup of joe with the same level of precision and perfection as your go-to barista?  

This is exactly what premium home lifestyle brand Breville Philippines offers with the newest and most innovative addition to their collection of top-tier espresso machines. Introducing the Barista Touch®, an intuitive and smart model that simplifies each step of coffee-making while retaining the premium quality of every cup.   

“Helping coffee lovers better understand, appreciate, and create third-wave coffee has always been one of our goals,” Haj Cortez-Flores, F&B Business Unit Manager of Breville Philippines shares. “If you take a look at our collection of espresso machines, everything is aligned with that vision. We have the Barista Express which is more suitable for those who want to create their own drinks at the comforts of their homes and the Dual Boiler which is more suitable for start-up businesses. We have something for every type of coffee enthusiast, which makes it perfect sense for us to launch the new Barista Touch.” 

When asked about the newest model, Flores described it as the glammed-up version of their current best-seller, the Barista Express. “It is the perfect model if you want an entry-level espresso machine that can give you the same quality as store-bought drinks, but it does have features that can be taken to another level.”  

A good example of this, according to Flores is milk texturing. Users can try microfoam milk texturing by hand using the model’s steam wand if they want to create latte art or enhance the flavor of their drink. The challenge is that it can be a little tricky to pull off, especially for beginners.   

This is where the Barista Touch® comes in. Breville Philippines decided to up their game by marrying the best features of their best-selling model with improved user experience. In a nutshell, this model is a simpler and much more intuitive espresso machine that gives coffee lovers the best of both worlds—ease of use and quality cups of joe.  

The Barista Touch still covers the top four elements that Breville believes make up top-tier drinks: dose control grinding, precise espresso extraction, ideal temperature, and milk foam texturing. The model, however, comes with an automatic steam wand that lets you easily adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste, as well as a one-touch coffee grinder with customizable grind size and dosage settings.  

One of the best things about the Barista Touch®, moreover, is its intuitive system. You can easily customize your drink in three easy steps by choosing the right Grind, Brew, and Milk settings, and other aspects of the drink like coffee strength and temperature. To top it all off, you can save up to eight personalized coffee settings so you can easily create your preferred drinks with just a push of a button.

“The Barista Touch is like the meeting of the best of both worlds. It delivers quality, but it also makes the overall process so much smoother for our users, which I think is very important. If you ask any coffee lover, I’m sure they will agree that experience is a big part of their appreciation and love for coffee. We don’t just want to help them create their own drinks, we now bring the experience right in their very homes by giving them ‘the barista touch,’” Flores finishes.  

The Barista Touch® is available in Breville outlets and select brand carriers. Know more about the newest model by visiting their website at Breville Philippines and following their Facebook page and Instagram account.

A&A of the North: Your Beach Getaway in the North

With its crystal clear waters, fine sand, and close proximity to Metro Manila, Zambales has become one of the more popular summer destinations in the Philippines. 

There are many resorts to choose from in the area, but one resort that is definitely worth a try is A&A of the North. It’s a newly-opened beachfront resort in Sitio Talisay, Barangay Lomboy, Cabangan, Zambales. 

The accommodations are spacious and have its own comfort rooms with towel and toiletries. The themed rooms also have wifi access and flatscreen TVs with Netflix. Some of the rooms even have balconies where you can catch the breathtaking view of the West Philippine Sea.

*please note that photos above are from the Boracay/Siargao rooms

A&A of the North also has a kitchen area complete with refrigerator, utensils, stove, and grill so that you can prepare and cook your meals.

Enjoy your stay at A&A by swimming by the beach or trying out different activities like beach volleyball, banana boat, tubing, or boat ride.

In case you get tired of the sand and saltwater, A&A has a swimming pool that overlooks the beach and where you can lounge all day.

After watching the sunset, keep everyone entertained with a round of videoke, or by listening to a live band (on some nights) or gather around a bonfire (upon request with fee).

Indeed, A&A of the North is an ideal getaway for the couples, friends, officemates, and for the whole family!

For inquiries, contact (+63) 926 757 4821 or aandaofthenorth@gmail.com

For driving directions:

Waze - https://bit.ly/3JrEC0J

Google Maps - https://bit.ly/3BhNqDq

Public transportation is also available via Victory Liner bus & Tricycle going to A&A of the North.

#AandAOfTheNorth #Zambales #beach

Herbalife Nutrition and National Parks Development Committee Plant “Seedling” Bike Racks in Luneta Park

Herbalife Nutrition, in collaboration with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), unveiled on April 2, 2022 bike racks in Luneta Park. The installation of Herbalife Nutrition-branded bike racks in various locations around the park represents a further step taken by the Company to encourage sustainable mobility and a healthy active lifestyle among Filipinos. 

“We have noticed that the Philippines is starting to develop a cycling culture as a result of the challenges in mobility caused by the pandemic. More Filipinos have started cycling not just for recreation, but for traveling to work, the grocery and other destinations,” said Allan Domingo, General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Philippines. “As a global nutrition company that advocates a healthy active lifestyle supported by good nutrition, we are glad to see our fellow Filipinos becoming more physically active.” 

Domingo noted that not only would cycling bring health benefits to people, but also contribute to a healthier environment. 

“Environmental sustainability is part of Herbalife Nutrition’s commitment to supporting a better, healthier World, and is embedded in both our day-to-day activities and our long-term business strategy,” he said. 

Luneta Park, also known as Rizal Park, is one of the largest urban parks in Asia, covering 58 hectares. Located in the capital city of Manila, it is one of the country’s major tourist attractions, visited by local and foreign tourists alike. 

The bike racks in Rizal Park were constructed based on a design by Eggshell Worldwide Communications, Inc., the creative agency behind the bike rack art installations that were also launched in Manila last year. 

Called “Seedlings”, the bike racks serve as a reminder that nature also needs time and care to reach their optimal state. 

The Philippines is one of the countries in Asia Pacific with strong private sector participation in driving sustainability programs. Herbalife Nutrition seeks to partner with more private companies and local government units to establish more cycling infrastructure in key cities across the country. 

Herbalife Nutrition (NYSE: HLF) is a global company that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through the Company's global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world. 

For more information, please visit IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.

Quality Appliances at Up to 18% Off in Hanabishi’s 5-5 Fiesta Sale At Shopee and LazMall

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift or a replacement for your old appliances, Hanabishi Appliances 5-5 Fiesta Sale is the perfect opportunity for you to score the best appliances at discounted prices.

“Our sale will run from May 5 to 7, so you’ll have enough time to choose a gift for your mom on May 8, Mother’s Day. Of course, Hanabishi products are great for gifting because they’re made from quality materials. So, if you’re also looking to replace an old appliance or invest in one for your home business, make sure to check our Fiesta Sale,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President for Finance and Marketing at Hanabishi Appliances.

The sale will happen simultaneously on Shopee Mall and LazMall.

At Shopee, select Hanabishi appliances will go on sale at up to 15% discount. Watch out for the Flash Sale, as you may just score the product you’ve been eyeing at 18% off. When you buy two items, you will also enjoy PhP55 off your purchase. Hanabishi will be giving away PhP50 vouchers and PhP50 free shipping as well.

Over at LazMall, you can also enjoy up to 18% discount on select Hanabishi appliances during its flash sale. From May 5 to 7, meanwhile, you can purchase products at up to 15% off. Buy two appliances, and enjoy PhP55 off! Make sure to collect Lazada Bonus vouchers at PhP100 as well. You can use them to enjoy further discounts. And don’t worry about the shipping costs if you’ve bought too many items; Hanabishi offers up to PhP300 shipping discount.

“You don’t have to leave home to purchase Hanabishi appliances as they’re available in two of the most popular online selling platforms in the country. You can also visit our own e-commerce website, www.myhanabishi.com,” Ong-Chua shared.

Hanabishi is known for its quality kitchen and home appliances. It has become a staple in most Filipino homes for its reliability and price. To learn more about Hanabishi’s latest products, events, and sales promotions, follow their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. 

Sa Bahay at sa Business Mo, Hanabishi!

Hanabishi is a Filipino household name for appliances for over 35 years. It is a brand engineered to fit the lifestyle of the Filipino both for homes and businesses.  Hardworking, durable and resilient, are the attributes that personify Hanabishi making it the brand of choice of every Filipino mom and businessman when it comes to value and practicality. Hanabishi is the mark of quality that grows with you through the years.  Built with passion and an impeccable desire to uphold the quality of life in every Filipino home, Hanabishi will remain to be the PRACTICAL choice and KAPARTNER, today and for the many years to come.

For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/and  like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/