Women Bartenders on Using Tanduay to Make Cocktails, Overcoming Stereotypes, and Surviving in a Field Where Men Rule

“It’s very easy to mix in cocktails because of its unique and bold character. I usually go for the classic Tanduay Dark Rum in my root beer and rum with a squeeze of fresh lemon. I have my own signature cocktail, which is perfect when I mix it with Tanduay. We have female guests here in the resort who would request for cocktails that are not too strong, and I would make one for them also using Tanduay. There are different varieties of bars here like sports bars and pool bars, and they are all super busy because of the many tourists who visit our island. It’s very easy to mix in cocktails because of its unique and bold character. I usually go for the classic Tanduay Dark Rum in my root beer and rum with a squeeze of fresh lemon. While I may have experienced some catcalling and received some indecent proposals from male guests in some instances, I have to say that I have been lucky to have always worked with my husband behind the bar. In 2016, we joined Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 to show that there is more to bartending than meets the eye. That would be the key to your success. Bartending is fun, and you get to entertain guests. Gone are the days when women were simply considered as bar backs or force multipliers during busy bar shifts. Or worse, simply as ornaments behind the bar. It is my wish that female bartenders will continue to flourish and leave their own mark in the field we all so love and are passionate about.” ~Sharleen Antonio, works with her husband and fellow bartending professional

Bartenders are also taking the spotlight as a result of the renewed interest in cocktails. In El Nido and Siargao, two bartenders are paving the way for women to shine in an industry that is dominated by men.

Sharleen Antonio and Larry Guevara, who is also a bartender, are coworkers in one of Palawan's most popular beach towns. In contrast, Riza Delguime works as a bartender at a prominent resort in the nation's surfing mecca.

Creating Tanduay-Infused Cocktails

 

Both women have been bartending for years and share a preference for Tanduay in creating cocktails.

She shared that they used Tanduay rums in her bar management class back in college, so she is very familiar with the brand. Collaborating with the brand, she came up with three Tanduay-infused cocktails that are perfect for any time of the year -- the Mango Basil Mojito, Tanduay Espresso Martini, and Tanduay Old Fashioned.

Delguime likes Tanduay’s sweet and strong flavor. Foreign customers would usually ask what rum brand she uses in her cocktails and would then request drinks infused with Tanduay rums.

Delguime further shared that the bartending scene in Siargao has always been “good and clean.”

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Antonio shared working in a male-dominated industry wasn’t easy in the beginning. Women bartenders used to be seen as just “cotton candies” behind the bar to attract male clients and rake in tips.

Advice for Aspiring Bartenders

Delguime advised aspiring bartenders to just be themselves. 

Antonio, meanwhile, has made it her advocacy to educate people about bartending as hospitality and F&B professionals.

Antonio wants to motivate, inspire, and empower women bartenders and those who would like to start a career in the bartending industry. She and her husband have been conducting workshops and seminars around the country to help aspiring bartenders better their craft.

Peak Travel Reminders for the Lenten Break

Many Filipinos take advantage of Holy Week as a time to reflect and spend time with their families, either by participating in religious activities or taking a much-needed vacation.

Despite the fact that airports are expected to become more crowded during this time of year, air travel should not be a tumultuous experience for every Juan. Cebu Pacific has a few reminders for you:

1. Be on time at the airport and beat traffic

Cebu Pacific and Cebgo passengers must allot time for traffic going to the airport. Passengers must be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and 4 at least three (3) hours before departure for domestic flights, and four (4) hours for international flights. Passengers traveling to Dubai are allowed to check in as early as seven (7) hours before departure.

 

2. Check in online

Long lines may be avoided at the airport by checking in via the official CEB mobile app or via the Manage Booking section of the CEB website. Both options are available from seven (7) days up to one (1) hour before scheduled time of departure for domestic flights, and up to four (4) hours before scheduled departure for international fliers.

 

3. Check flight information, closing times

All check-in counters close one (1) hour before the scheduled time of departure to ensure there is ample time for all necessary pre-flight procedures. After checking in, we encourage passengers to immediately go through immigration and final security to avoid delays. Boarding commences 45 minutes before the scheduled departure.

 

Updated flight information may be viewed at https://www.cebupacificair.com/flight-status

 

4. Self-tag luggage for select domestic destinations

Guests flying out of select domestic destinations (Manila, Davao, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Bohol, Iloilo, and Zamboanga) are reminded to self-tag their check-in luggage at the designated kiosks at the airport, prior to proceeding to counters for bag drops.

 

5. Pack your bags accordingly

Passengers must bring only one carry-on bag for a more convenient flight experience. The carry-on bag must not exceed 7kg in weight and can fit in the overhead bins or under the seat.

CEB has exempted items that are allowed to be carried aside from the single hand carried bag:

• Gadgets or food items that cannot be checked-in;
• Items purchased inside the airport (requires proof of receipt);
• Assistive or medical items such as walking canes, foldable walkers;
• Baby food and necessities for passengers traveling with infants;
• Or a small bag that can fit under the seat.

6. Checked baggage policy

Passengers are encouraged to purchase prepaid baggage online via the CEB website or mobile app to save on fees. CEB has implemented a per piece baggage policy which applies to all passengers with checked baggage. A passenger can bring one (1) piece for each purchase of 20kg or 32kg, and may get up to any two (2) of these weight options, for a maximum of two (2) pieces of baggage and a combined weight of 64kg.

Any excess in size, weight and pieces are subject to oversized baggage fee, excess baggage fee and/or extra Bag Fee.

 

7. Check the airport terminal assignment of your flight

Passengers must check their itineraries and boarding passes before proceeding to their designated airport terminal. Cebu Pacific’s 5J flights arrive at and depart from the NAIA Terminal 3, while Cebgo (DG) flights to and from Manila operate from the NAIA Terminal 4 at Domestic Road, Pasay City. There will not be any terminal change for Cebu Pacific and Cebgo flights from NAIA.

 

We are grateful to every Juan for choosing to fly with us. We look forward to more travels with you, and your families and friends in 2023. CEB now flies to a total of 34 domestic and 25 international destinations. Visit www.cebupacificair.com for more information.

Lumina Homes is looking for digital marketing associates to join its growing team

Start your real estate career with Lumina Homes

This could be the first step to your dream of becoming a real estate agent? Maybe we have the first step toward your dream job!

Lumina Homes is actively hiring for over 50 digital marketing associates who would help our offices specifically in Tarlac; Pampanga; Cabanatuan; Tuguegarao; Subic; San Miguel and Baliwag in Bulacan; Tanza in Cavite; Bauan and Lipa in Batangas; Sariaya, Quezon; Sorsogon; Iloilo; Pagadian; Malabalay, Bukidnon; Ozamiz; and Tagum in Davao.

Since Lumina has taken its digital platforms seriously since before the pandemic, the year 2020 merely confirmed the company's innovative approach to marketing and sales.

The beyond couple of years involved dynamic commitment to its own web-based reservation entrance. Additionally, Lumina was one of the first housing brands to introduce GCash-based digital home reservation vouchers to Shopee, Lazada, and GLife online shopping platforms.

The following stage for Lumina's advertising group is to augment its wide presence in the advanced world, and arrive at additional hopeful mortgage holders neighborhood and abroad. Accordingly, by recruiting more computerized deals relates, the group can reinforce its power.

While there are chatbots set up, numerous clients actually favor conversing with a live specialist — in light of the fact that home possessing is viewed as a significant venture.

Join Lumina Homes today

The perks of the job

Candidates for the digital marketing associate position are enrolled in a program with free digital sales modules so that they can acquire a comprehensive understanding of digital selling trends, best real estate practices, and many other topics.

This is on top of promotion impetuses and extra procuring open doors in one of the nation's quickest developing reasonable lodging designers.

For this position, Lumina is looking for graduates of any four-year program. Candidates must be at least 25 years old, willing to learn, a team player, and have excellent negotiation and presentation skills. Although fresh graduates are welcome to apply, sales experience is an advantage.

Nowadays, digital entrepreneurship is becoming a growing passion. It could be one of your best decisions to join the digital pioneer Lumina Homes and its parent company, Vista Land and Lifescapes, to achieve it.

Be a Lumina Digital associate today

For more information or to check more careers in Lumina Homes, visit https://www.lumina.com.ph/careers/apply-for-digital-sales-associate/.

Manny Pacquiao and Hidilyn Diaz tried each other at the Alaxan Confrontation of the Year

“Pacquiao and Hidilyn have been icons and testaments that attaining your dreams is possible through determination. We’re very honored to have these champions who are very discerning about their health trust Alaxan, and we’re looking forward to seeing them achieve bigger things in life and in their career without worrying about body pains.” ~Valerie Ifurung-Siquian, UNILAB Consumer Health

At the most recent Alaxan's Showdown of the Year, which was held at the Unilab Bayanihan Center, Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao and Weightlifting Champion Hidilyn Diaz showed their determination despite the challenges they faced as world-renowned athletes.

Pacquiao and Diaz switched roles to celebrate their alliance for Alaxan FR: Diaz challenged Pacquiao to lift weights, while Pacquiao challenged Diaz to a sparring match. In addition to the difficulties, the elite athletes discussed their most recent professional and personal endeavors and revealed who had supported them throughout their success.

Pacquiao and Diaz, along with the pain relief medication brand Alaxan FR, want to empower hardworking Filipinos—the everyday champions—who consistently persevere and push themselves beyond their limits to achieve their objectives.

In addition, Pacquiao and Diaz exhibit the same enthusiasm in their other endeavors as they continue to hone their skills in order to compete at a higher level in their respective sports.

Pacquiao as of late disclosed his lodging project called "Pacman Town" in Saranggani Area after he was named "envoy for the destitute and defenseless" by worldwide association Spring Precipitation Worldwide. He is also putting in time to help young boxers, like Mark Magsayo, who won the WBC featherweight title in 2022. As he gets ready for a fight in 2023 in Japan, Pacquiao juggles these social projects with his training.

Hidilyn Diaz, on the other hand, is going through intense training as she moves up to the 59-kg division for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she hopes to defend the gold medal she won in 2020. Named the Competitor of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Affiliation (public service announcement), Hidilyn endeavors to advance weightlifting and engage youthful trying competitors, particularly ladies, to arrive at their fantasies.

Pacquiao and Diaz ensure that they are accompanied by their tried-and-true pain relief partner when they are busy with both personal and professional endeavors. This enables them to concentrate on being champions without worrying about body pain or serious side effects.

Since 2001, Pacquiao has been taking Alaxan FR in fighting body pains not only from trainings but also from his non-athletic activities and endeavors.  

“Alaxan FR ang naging kaagapay ko for the past 22 years. Ngayong 44 years old na ako, masasabi kong malusog at malakas pa rin ako, at ‘di ako nangangamba kapag nakararanas ng sakit ng katawan dahil sinusunod ko ang correct dose. [Alaxan FR has been a reliable companion for the past 22 years. Now that I am 44 years old, I could say that I am perfectly healthy and have nothing to worry about when experiencing and treating my body pain because I always follow the correct dose.]” ~Manny Pacquiao, Boxing Legend

 

“Kilala ang mga Pinoy bilang masisipag kaya talagang isinasabuhay ko ‘to hanggang ngayon. Kapag weightlifter ka, hindi talaga maiiwasan ‘yong sakit ng katawan. I’m sure marami rin sa atin ang nakakaranas ng ganito sa araw-araw kaya importante na mayroong trusted companion gaya ng Alaxan na tumutulong labanan ang body pain at magpatuloy sa laban. [Filipinos are known for being hard-working and it is a value that I always keep in mind until now. As a professional weightlifter, body pains are inevitable. I’m sure many of us also experience this in our daily lives so it’s important to have a trusted companion like Alaxan that will help us beat body pains and continue moving forward.]” ~Hidilyn Diaz, Weightlifting Champion

Trusted by many Filipinos for 50 years, Alaxan has not caused serious side effects with regard to taking this pain relief medicine. That is because it combined a lower level of Ibuprofen & Paracetamol (200mg Ibuprofen and 325mg Paracetamol).  In fact, in a systematic analysis done by Cochrane in 2015, they found that “there were fewer side effects for people taking ibuprofen plus paracetamol than those taking placebo (a pretend treatment).” The study highlighted only Ibuprofen Paracetamol as having a good safety profile among all other common pain medicines that were included in the study.

For more information about Alaxan FR, visit their Facebook Page or visit their website:  more about Alaxan. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 

The rapid expansion of Ayala Land's Vermosa Estate excite investors, businesses, and communities

In 2023, Ayala Land's fourth largest estate, Vermosa, is said to be the new South's business and lifestyle district.

The next financial and commercial center in the South is expanding its retail offerings and services. It is also adding features and amenities like parks, a government center, a church, and malls that cater to the needs of the community and businesses.

The 725-hectare central business and residential district that straddles the cities of Imus and Dasmarinas in Cavite is attracting investors, businesses, and residents who are excited about the rapid growth of commerce and a thriving community. Vermosa continues to drive development in the Daang Hari corridor with a complete package of residences, malls, offices, institutions, schools, entertainment venues, government centers, BPOs, and a world-class training and lifestyle destination for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

In order to guarantee that the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH)'s expanding amenities and features continue to receive power, Meralco is constructing a dedicated substation in Vermosa. A Landers store, the Ayala Malls Vermosa, the Army Navy, and Panda Express drive-thru stores will soon open in the area. These stores will serve food brands like Starbucks, McDonald's, Jollibee, Burger King, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Peri Peri Chicken in the busy east-west connector. The Philippine Red Cross will soon establish a headquarters and provide essential services at a government center.

Since the Estate's launch in 2014, capital values for commercial lot investments have thus nearly doubled, reaching 82%. Investors in homes have expressed satisfaction with the various residential areas' high turnover rates.

The various residential communities, which include the 125-hectare private enclave known as The Courtyards by Ayala Land Premier, the solitary 36-hectare upscale modern community known as Alveo's Ardia, and the 10-hectare Avida Verra Settings located in the residential district, are currently getting ready to welcome the anticipated 2,000 new residents.

With ultra-wide landscaped pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, jogging paths, an active street life, and pocket parks, Vermosa Campus Town—the estate's commercial business district—will complement the diverse lifestyles of residents and visitors.

Vermosa will live up to its promise of being the leading growth center in the South, attracting investors and businesses seeking to expand in this region of the metro. Additional significant developments are in the works to ensure this.

SKYGO Rides High with SKYGO KPV150

"The SKYGO KPV150 is the much-awaited SKYGO scooter that showcases advanced and the most sought-after features in a scooter model. The SKYGO KPV150 is starting to gain even greater popularity with riders for its styling that presents strength and flexibility." ~David Ian C. King, Chief Executive Officer of SKYGO Marketing Corporation

From Left to Right : Gino Rosales (SKYGO Chief Marketing Officer), Charvy Caritero, James Biano, Yiwen Zhu, Xiaolin Zhou, Jake Flores (NIVI Vice President)

The SKYGO KPV150 is on display at the World Trade Center during a bike fest and trade show put on by SKYGO Marketing Corporation. The company's most recent motorcycle scooter model, the SKYGO KPV150, was made available to riders late last year.

The SKYGO KPV150 has the features that the majority of riders want in a scooter. It is EFI, has a digital LCD dashboard, an LED headlamp with low beam lights, a USB port built in, and a 12V power outlet. The SKYGO KPV150 is a serious contender in the scooter market thanks to all of its rider-friendly features.

On mid- and small-displacement engines, it has a water-cooling technology that leads the industry. This allows for long-distance riding and sustained power without overheating.  In addition, the SKYGO KPV150 has a front fuel tank with a capacity of 11.1 liters, which guarantees a 400-kilometer range to ensure that riders get to their destinations.  Additionally, its 180mm ground clearance makes it easy to navigate uneven roads. LED tail light and hazard lamp with emergency security system (ESS), adjustable windscreen protector, LED-lit u-box, and front and rear disc brakes complete its robust features.

The SKYGO Pony and SKYGO Magnus are two additional models that share the spotlight with SKYGO. The SKYGO Horse requests to the exemplary rider with its retro look and styling. It has a vertical 100cc engine with an electric start, a hydraulic brake system at the front and back, a retro-style headlight, a full LCD panel, and a seat design that is timeless.

The SKYGO Magnus is a one-of-a-kind cruiser with a retro and stylish appearance that positions it as an entry-level model. The 200cc engine can handle a variety of riding conditions. Its easy control and comfortable riding experience will boost confidence in beginners.

"The stylish appearance, retro design, and its American-style elements make the SKYGO Magnus distinct from conventional 200cc cruisers. This differentiated style has become one of the main reasons why we feel that many riders will enjoy riding the new SKYGO Magnus." ~Gino Rosales, Chief marketing Officer of SKYGO Marketing Corporation

SKYGO aims to bring more variety of motorcycle choices for its increasing number of followers and loyal riders to choose from and enjoy. 

About Us

SKYGO Marketing Corporation markets the popular SKYGO motorcycle brand.  SKYGO has a portfolio of motorcycle products from lifestyle choices to business motorcycles.  It operates a network of retail stores nationwide. 

SKYGO Marketing Corporation is part of the SKYGO Group of Companies that is a privately owned Cebu-based conglomerate engaged in various industries, including importation, logistics, retail and wholesale trade, finance, mobility, transportation, human resource, and real estate. 

The group includes the following companies: New Moto Marketing Corporation, and Sto. Nino de Cebu Financing Corporation, Nito’s Auto Supply Inc., High Leap Shared Services Corporation, Nito’s International Ventures Inc., Trendwell Motors OPC, Recon Masters OPC, and Country Motorbike Corporation.

Monarch Motorcycle Aims to Reign

"We are happy to give our motorcycle riders a sample of what is yet to come. Monarch Motorcycle is set to introduce more model options for riders looking for power, performance, and styling that matches their unique lifestyle and riding preference. Monarch Motorcycle is perfect for riders looking for fantastic features at the right price." ~David Ian C. King, Chief Executive Officer of New Moto Marketing Corporation

From Left to Right: Charvy Carter, Max Lei, Zhonglin Luo, Leon Zhou, Odjie Antonio, Yong Zhou (RATO COO), Jake Flores, Ramon Santos (NMMC President) and Gino Rosales

New Moto Marketing Corporation's newest motorcycle brand in the Philippines is Monarch Motorcycle. Monarch Motorcycle showcases the Monarch Tempest, Monarch Spectre, and Monarch Axis motorcycle models at a bike festival and trade show in the World Trade Center.

The Tempest, Spectre, and Axis models from Monarch have features that will appeal to a wide range of riders. The 250cc engine of the Monarch Tempest comes in a classic race car design. For riders with a "passion to ride," Monarch Tempest can pump up the adrenaline. It has a modern LED filament, traditional round lighting, and an LED headlamp. A 250cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine provides power.

With a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour, the Monarch Spectre's 175cc water-cooled engine will provide any rider with a spirited ride. It has sport deflector grille, diamond-type taillights, falcon eye headlights, a 5-inch TFT meter, and has been dubbed "the new generation of sport."

Monarch Axis is a unique cub with a 125cc engine and is meant to ride through light off-road experiences. 

"Monarch Motorcycle is designed with the Filipino rider in mind with our partnership with RATO Holdings Ltd. Our team worked with RATO Holdings Ltd. to design and deliver motorcycles that match Filipino riders better. We intend to provide riders with Monarch motorcycles that will give them the experience of reigning the road." ~Ramon B. Santos, President of New Moto Marketing Corporation

Monarch motorcycles will be available through popular dealers across the country and at retail prices that Filipino riders will surely welcome. 

Monarch Motorcycle will roll out more models in the future, as it aims to reign the Philippine roads. For inquiries, call Eusebio Antonio at 0917-843-9740.

About Us

New Moto Marketing Corporation markets Monarch Motorcycle brand in partnership with RATO Holdings Ltd.  In addition, New Moto Marketing Corporation also markets motorcycle space parts. 

New Moto Marketing Corporation is part of the SKYGO Group of Companies that is a privately owned Cebu-based conglomerate engaged in various industries, including importation, logistics, retail and wholesale trade, finance, mobility, transportation, human resource, and real estate. 

The group includes the following companies: SKYGO Marketing Corporation, Sto. Nino de Cebu Financing Corporation, Nito’s Auto Supply Inc., High Leap Shared Services Corporation, Nito’s International Ventures Inc., Trendwell Motors OPC, Recon Masters OPC, and Country Motorbike Corporation.

Shinagawa collaborates with Fujifilm Philippines Inc. to advance Philippine preventive care in the Philippines

“It is of utmost importance to conduct detailed examinations regularly to find diseases at an early stage, leading to preventive care. In particular, Fujifilm's endoscopy equipment enables early detection of diseases that could not be found in advance by general medical checkups in the Philippines, and we believe this will lead to preventive medicine.” ~Masako Uemori, President of Shinagawa LASIK and Aesthetics, Philippines

Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center is a subsidiary of Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics, the country’s leading Lasik provider.

Patients have more time to seek effective treatments that can help lessen their symptoms and possibly cure them, which can help save lives. With the assistance of Fujifilm Philippines Inc., and Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care Center takes this one step further and promotes preventative healthcare by providing examinations that are more in-depth and advanced.

(L-R) John Paul Camarillo, Deputy Division Manager of Medical Systems for Fujifilm Philippines Inc., Evan Reyes, Division Manager of Medical Systems for Fujifilm Philippines Inc., Masahiro Uehara, President of Fujifilm Philippines Inc., Masako Uemori, President of Shinagawa Philippines, Raymond Mendoza, MD, DPSP, Medical Director for Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corp., Christian Parra, MD, Family Medicine for Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions Corp., and Tahnee Sunga - Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Shinagawa Philippines.

In a signing ceremony held at Shangri-La The Fort, Shinagawa announces its partnership with Fujifilm Philippines Inc., an expert in prevention and diagnostics technology, committed to maintaining high-quality medical services. Through the joint effort, Shinagawa's Symptomatic and Preventive Consideration Place obtains Fujifilm's endoscopy hardware to lead progressed testing for the gastrointestinal (GI) plot, which incorporates the throat, stomach, and small digestive system. This helps find new diseases like stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, problems with the lungs, and possibly tumors. The technology makes it easier to find problems because it uses endoscopes that don't put too much stress on the patient to find even the tiniest abnormality.

Shinagawa collaborates with Fujifilm Philippines Inc. to advance Philippine preventive care in the Philippines

Shinagawa collaborates with Fujifilm Philippines Inc. to advance Philippine preventive care in the Philippines

Shinagawa collaborates with Fujifilm Philippines Inc. to advance Philippine preventive care in the Philippines

The Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care will have its grand opening this April. Those who are interested in the center may check out Shinagawa’s official Facebook page @ShinagawaDiagnostic or the official website at www.shinagawa-healthcare.ph to book an appointment. Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care Center is located at Ore Central Tower, BGC.

ABOUT SHINAGAWA

Being the world leader in LASIK and Aesthetic medicine, Shinagawa takes on a new role this 2023 in diagnostic and preventive care. Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care is the first one-stop medical hub that offers Japanese-standard health services that provide a wide range of diagnostic tests and customizable screenings by globally competitive medical specialists in bringing convenient, efficient, and affordable preventive diagnostic centers. Through this, the company can pursue its commitment to providing “Health and Well-being for All” and heightening prevention awareness among Filipinos to realize that early detection is better than cure.

Choosing to give a voice amidst the silence

“In the early years of my life as a three year old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing clothes of our neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on and promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman. Giving up or surrendering wasn’t in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on to me as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in. When I was in fourth year high school, I was deep in thought of what to do to support my college education.  Then, God in all His goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office in our school announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew at that very moment that He was with me. All I had to do is to apply for the scholarship. Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted my self-esteem and opened my world to service. Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students. I am not ashamed to tell my colleagues that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry “Tatang” Sy, SM Foundation, Ma’am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially, my mother. They are all the instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.” ~Rosalie Macaspac, SM Researcher Alumna

Teaching encompasses service, vocation, and life's purpose, transcending occupations and professions.

Millions of Filipino teachers who serve as students' second mothers demonstrate this day and night. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, a SM researcher alumna who decided to seek after a lifelong in a custom curriculum (SPED).

Life’s work

A less well-traveled route is to choose to teach, and especially to pursue SPED. Only about 4,000 of the over 800,000 public school teachers are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who chose this route. The SM scholar alumna has been teaching SPED students her entire life for the past 21 years. By advocating for the well-being of deaf students, she wanted to empower special children and give them a voice.

She pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively, with a great deal of dedication and determination to acquire the necessary skills for her students.

She is currently a teacher at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay, which is the only deaf school in the country that is owned by the government. She was in charge of the deaf students' numeracy skills training program here.

Embedding grit, greatness

It wasn't easy for her to become an educator. When she was three years old, her parents divorced, and her mother became the primary breadwinner.

When her mother spent half a year in bed, the weight on their shoulders got heavier. It actually increased her speed rather than decreasing her. She proceeded with her examinations with much assurance. They were able to survive with the assistance of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold.

She completed elementary school with passing marks, and was a reliable honor understudy in secondary school, notwithstanding having one centavo remittance and rice and espresso as dinners. With great standing, she had her psyche put forth on her next objective: setting off for college.

Rosalie Macaspac (left) interprets the contents of the program for her students.

She distinctly recalls submitting her application for the SM College Scholarship program at the SM Customer Service in Quiapo and learning on May 9, 1995, that she would be interviewed for the scholarship in MSE Building, room 214. Since then, the three-digit number has stuck with her forever. Macaspac was one of the SM scholars who had begun their college education as part of the scholarship program by June 1995.

She claims that the scholarship made her a more complete person. It set her on the path to success and provided the key to achieving her goals. She will always remember the SM Foundation's events, like the students' assembly, orientation, leadership training, sports festival, and annual retreat.

Rosalie at the Philippine School for the Deaf

Prior to educating, she originally filled in as a Product and Arranging Control-Representative at the SM Administrative center, which was then situated in Calle Echague, Manila. Following graduation from college, she got a job.

Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today.

Gaining solid ground through education

“Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside from augmenting our daily needs, we also had to ensure that my education is secured. I was informed that I got accepted as an SM Scholar. From then on, a huge weight was lifted off my parents' shoulders. I could pursue my chosen degree in my chosen university. The SM Scholarship helped me reach my dream of becoming a CPA, and this opened doors for me, enabling me to land a job that empowered me to help my family. My experience in retail has given me wide knowledge in different areas. With this, I always make sure that my family makes informed decisions in all aspects of life. One thing that has become a tradition among SM Cebu scholars during my time was to have an outreach program. In our own way, we were able to pay forward the help that we received from SM. It was a fulfilling experience that we could share our blessings in our own little way. Having a degree enabled me and my family to experience more in life. It paved the way for me to secure a stable job, which allowed me to travel, treat my family to a nice meal, take them shopping on special occasions, and most importantly, support my parents and their medical expenses. Aside from providing me with a scholarship grant, working in SM has provided a sense of security for me and my family.” ~Jonnah Jane Sacamay, SM Scholar Alumna

Jonnah (center) with her parents during her graduation

A well-lived life is built on stability. When people's most fundamental requirements are met, they are able to grow as individuals, investigate a variety of aspects of life, and contribute to the well-being of the community.

Young people who want to do something, especially those from low-income families, are willing to take a chance when they can. They use it as a nursery where they can plant their hopes and dreams.

Jonnah Sacamay serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store in Cebu

One testament to this is SM scholar alumna Jonnah Jane Sacamay, who grew up in a family where stability seemed like an uncharted territory. Years back, Jonnah’s family’s main source of living was flower farming. This made them walk on a thin line as the demand for flowers was seasonal, and they were also often affected by unpredictable weather disturbances. 

However, they had instilled in her mind the importance of education throughout their life's journey of uncertainty.

Holding on to the power of education

Thus, to help her family, she really focused in grade school when she found out about other people who had the chance to seek after school through the SM School Grant Program. She graduated from high school as class valedictorian with her whole heart set on learning and her sights set on the SM scholarship. When the structures were free, she quickly handled her application at the SM Store in Cebu.

She was able to concentrate on expanding her knowledge and skills not only in accounting but also in life thanks to the scholarship that the SM group provided through the SM Foundation. At the University of San Carlos, she earned a BS in accounting and became a Magna Cum Laude graduate.

At the SM Store in Cebu, Jonnah works as a Senior Accounting Manager. She provides her parents with financial security by paying for their medical bills and allowing them to have fun after retiring as flower farmers.

Opening doors to more

Similar to how the SM College Scholarship Program helped Jonnah and her family, the SM Foundation set out to help create a setting where low-income families can thrive and achieve stability.

The application period for the academic years 2023-2024 runs from February 1 to March 31, 2023. The chose researchers might represent considerable authority in bookkeeping, data innovation, designing, and training with full educational cost and month to month recompense, including enhancement projects and exercises.

For more information about the SM College Scholarship program, visit https://www.sm-foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program. 

SM Supermalls, SM Cares to join Earth Hour 2023

As the company reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship, SM Supermalls and its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, will participate in Earth Hour on March 25 with the rest of the world.

This year's Earth Hour is all about "creating the Biggest Hour for Earth," and those who want to take part in the global event are encouraged to turn off their lights and spend 60 minutes doing something good for the environment. Since the first Earth Hour was held in the Philippines in 2008, SM Supermalls has been a supporter of the WWF and Earth Hour. SM Supermalls will participate in the annual Global Lights Switch Off on March 25 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., encouraging customers, tenants, and employees nationwide to "Give an Hour for Earth" this year. This day likewise denotes the beginning of the World Natural life Asset's Virtual Earth Hour Run, an independent run upheld by SM Cares, to be held from Walk 25 to April 30, 2023. The run is in line with SM Supermalls' goal of making "Earth Hour, Any Hour" because runners are encouraged to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.

In addition, SM Supermalls has been supporting the global green movement by minimizing its carbon footprint through a variety of programs that include investing in renewable energy and responsible energy consumption.

For instance, renewable sources now account for more than half of the energy used by SM malls nationwide. In terms of how it uses solar energy, SM now has 12 malls with activated solar panels. The SM Mall of Asia is the latest mall to get solar panels with a capacity of 2.003 MWp.

Additionally, SM has been acknowledged for exceeding the requirements of RA7920, also known as the New Electrical Engineering Law, which governs the licensing, registration, and practice of electrical engineers and electricians. This demonstrates that only highly skilled engineers run and maintain SM.

The Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, both of which promote responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos, are examples of SM Cares' sustainability initiatives. the annual Green Film Festival, which educates students and young people about the environment; as well as the International Coastal Cleanup, which urges stakeholders to contribute to the cleanliness of our oceans and seas.

The corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the nation's largest mall chain developed by one of Southeast Asia's most prominent real estate developers, SM Prime Holdings, is called SM Cares. In addition to its Programs on the Environment, it is accountable for initiatives that support sustainability and the growth of the community. These initiatives include programs for women and breastfeeding mothers, people with disabilities, seniors, children and youth, and the Bike-Friendly SM initiative.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.