Thursday, March 26, 2020

6 Best Tips You Can Do To Keep Your Smartphone Sanitized

“We touch our smartphones more than anything especially now that we try to stay connected to our loved ones who are away from us and keep updated on the latest news. But it can pose a health risk especially that dirt gets easily transferred into our phones. So, in light of the current COVID-19 situation, we strongly encourage our consumers to practice proper smartphone sanitation in order to protect themselves from contracting the virus.” ~Zen Han,  OPPO Philippines’ VP of National Sales

Given the common habit of always having our smartphones on hand, it is crucial now more than ever to make sure that we keep our hands and our smartphones clean and to be vigilant in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With that, here are a few simple and efficient ways on how you can prevent the spread of germs by sanitizing your smartphone. Make it a habit to sanitize the one thing you always have on hand

There’s no better time than now to be extra careful in keeping your smartphone clean, especially since this is our everyday driver that we can rely on that ends up getting a lot of exposure. Make sure to do your part in staying safe!

According to a study published in February 2020 under the Journal of Hospital Infection, viruses such as the COVID-19 are capable of surviving up to nine days on smooth surfaces, and that includes a smartphone screen. 

Sanitation is key in keeping clean and safe, making it particularly relevant for Filipinos who are very active smartphone users. Aside from constantly washing your hands with soap and water as advised by the World Health Organization, make sure to practice these tips on properly and safely cleaning your phone, highly recommended by OPPO Philippines:

  1. Wash or sanitize your hands. To avoid transferring any harmful bacteria, make sure to sanitize your hands before and after you clean your phone.
  2. Ready a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths such as towels and paper towels. Using such may damage the surface of your screen. 
  3. Use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Isopropyl Alcohol is a highly effective disinfectant against viruses particularly the ones with 70% concentration. Anything beyond it may evaporate too quickly. When cleaning your phone with alcohol, make sure to use cotton balls or felt-tips swabs when cleaning harder to reach areas like ports and mics and to avoid liquid spilling on such parts that may cause damage to internal components. 
  4. Use liquid hand soaps with alcohol content. If Isopropyl Alcohol is not readily available, you may use hand soaps with alcohol content. Add a few drops on the screen and gently wipe the whole phone with a microfiber cloth. Make sure to avoid getting moisture in any openings. Wipe off the soap with a damp microfiber cloth afterward, and then dry your phone off with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
  5. Avoid using harsh home cleaning products. Window and household cleaners with strong chemical components like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide may damage your smartphone screen.
  6. Use UV light sanitation. UV-C light, in particular, also used in hospital-grade disinfecting procedures serves as a potent solution that targets certain bacteria. UV devices can be used as well to sanitize your smartphone.  


These simple ways have been proven to significantly cut down the number of bacteria found on a smartphone’s surface, as demonstrated by Dr. Lena Ciric, a microbiologist from University College London in this study. 

Stay smart in making sure you’re doing your part in keeping safe, and always make it a habit to sanitize your phones! 

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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Millennials poised to drive the Philippine home loan market Nook

“There is a strong interest in property among financially savvy millennials in the Philippines, a dynamic market that has shown a desire to save money on things like home loans to enjoy more of what life offers. Females, in particular, are keen on real estate, mirroring their investment aptitude and financial strength. The average loan amount being reviewed by millennials using Nook is in fact, above P3 million. We offer borrowers the one place in the Philippines to compare banks side-by-side to find the right home loan option for them. We then help them every step of the way to get their home loan approved.” ~Chris Elder, Nook CEO

Millennials emerged as the fastest-growing generation to contribute to the growth of the home loan landscape in the country, according to PH’s first online mortgage brokering platform, Nook. As the platform disrupts the home loan process in the Philippines, millennials are seen to lead the industry as they express keen interest to invest in real estate properties.

The millennials or Generation Y are often lumped into somewhat narrow categories of traits and characteristics and are stigmatized for being self-absorbed and narcissistic according to a research article by Grubbs et al in 2019. While millennials are seen to prioritize other leisure activities, data shows that millennials, in fact, are generally good financial planners. Based on an article by Forbes in 2019, millennials are taking advantage of finding new alternative investments and securing stability to settle down for their future. The millennial generation is both captive to and captivated by growing their money over time, investing in various social and environmental causes.

In the US, millennials have also shown an increase in their home buying purchase power, assuming the largest chunk of shares for new home loans, according to Realtor.com.

In the Philippines, as disposable incomes grow, more Filipinos aged 40 and below are purchasing property – a trend that industry observers correlate with the country’s strong economic fundamentals, and mirrors global trends.

According to the data gathered by Nook, almost 44% of loans from its platform are being acquired by millennials. Interestingly, 69% of those applicants are female and 65% are single. 

Almost half of the applicants prefer house and lots while a third acquire condominiums, reflecting the diversity of preferences among buyers. 

The preponderance of property options now available in the market has spurred strong interest among millennials. Over the past few years, the country’s largest developers have been offering a wide range of homes and condominiums across the country to fit various budgets and style preferences. The quick appreciation of property values has also been seen as a reason behind the strong uptake of real estate among millennials, who see themselves gaining not just a home, but an investment vehicle as well.

Recognizing that home buyers need assistance as they go through the loan application process in the Philippines, mortgage broker Nook launched its online platform that tech-savvy millennials have no trouble navigating. Nook enables users to do a loan comparison from many banks and experience a seamless loan application process online with the support of their loan consultants.

Mr. Elder notes that many prospective applicants, especially millennials taking out their first loans, are intimidated by the complicated loan application process. Moreover, they do not know what housing loan terms work best for their purposes and circumstances. Nook simplifies the entire process, by helping users to evaluate the most optimal loan terms to acquire their target properties.

Nook has partnered with the top banking institutions in the Philippines, providing home buyers with a wide range of financing options to match their needs. A buyer can compare what each bank offers, making the decision-making process easier. Nook also provides a preview of the amount of monthly repayments they have to make, including fees and other requirements.

With Nook’s digital innovations, more Filipino millennials would be empowered to invest in real estate.

For more details and updates, visit Nook’s official website at https://www.nook.com.ph/.


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Sunday, March 22, 2020

Lazada Stands with the Philippines to Combat COVID-19

“We are grateful that our advocacy partners have placed their trust in Lazada. We stand together, committed to serve and empower the Filipino community in all the ways that we can. The only way to truly fight this pandemic is through our collective efforts, and as one country.” ~Ray Alimurung, Lazada Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer

Four new advocacy partners join LazadaForGood to facilitate donations in support of front liners and those in need.

With a strong call to combat COVID-19, Lazada onboards four new advocacy partners onto LazadaForGood, Lazada's digital giving platform, to help our fellow countrymen in the frontlines and those in need of aid. They are Philippine Red Cross, Kaya Natin, Virlanie Foundation, Inc. and 2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid, joining the list of existing partners like Caritas Manila and UNICEF Philippines, bringing the total to 15.

Over the week, our partner agencies have raised more than PHP 2,000,000 through Lazada's digital giving platform to support our front liners and provide relief to the people affected by the virus. Through the platform, consumers can support local communities and causes in need through direct donations where they are assured of secure online payments.

The four new advocacy partners:
  1. Philippine Red Cross - a long-standing and esteemed humanitarian organization providing social welfare services and volunteerism;
  2. Kaya Natin - an organization promoting good governance and ethical leadership;
  3. Virlanie Foundation, Inc. - caters to marginalized children and communities; and
  4. 2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid - empowers underprivileged youth through education.

Proceeds of all donations will help supply different forms of support for these organizations. Philippine Red Cross and UNICEF donations are for medical staff supplies - PPEs and hygiene kits. Donations for Caritas Manila supplies safety kits to be distributed to families and communities in need. Kaya Natin Movement supports food and personal care packages, as well as personal protective equipment (PPEs) for our medical front liners. Likewise, Virlanie Foundation and 2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid are donating food and personal care packages for street children. Red Cross will also provide support through community engagement activities like psychosocial support and access to education for out-of-school children.

How to access direct donations to LazadaForGood through the platform? Click on this link to access the page: https://lzd.co/LazadaForGood

On the Lazada website:
  • Open the Lazada website
  • Click ‘Load & eStore’
  • Once the page opens, click on the ‘Donations’
  • Select an advocacy partner of choice and ‘Add to cart’ to donate*

On the Lazada App:
  • Launch the Lazada app
  • Click on ‘Load, Bills, and Coupon’
  • Tap on ‘Donation’
  • Select an advocacy partner of choice and ‘Add to cart’ to donate*

*All proceeds go directly to your chosen advocacy partner. Lazada does not benefit from any of the remittances made on the LazadaforGood Platform.

For more information about LazadaForGood, visit https://lzd.co/LazadaForGood Facebook: Lazada Philippines Facebook and Lazada Philippines Instagram.






About LazadaForGood
LazadaForGood is Lazada's ongoing efforts to drive long term social impact to fulfill our core mission of accelerating progress in Southeast Asia through technology and commerce. We envision progress can be achieved through digital giving; community building; empowering entrepreneurship; promoting gender equality in our workplace and on our platform; and applying innovation to environmental sustainability challenges. LazadaForGood aims to achieve these goals together with all our stakeholders as we do our part for a better world.

About Lazada Group
Founded in 2012, Lazada Group is the leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia. We are accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. With the largest logistics and payment networks in the region, Lazada is a part of our consumers’ daily lives in the region and we aim to serve 300 million shoppers by 2030. Since 2016, Lazada is the Southeast Asia flagship platform of the Alibaba Group powered by its cutting-edge technology infrastructure.



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Ben&Ben launches online event to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

“As artists, we believe that in a crisis like this we are called to do what we can to help—may it be by sending messages of hope, making efforts in raising funds for this crisis, or others.” ~Ben&Ben

Ben&Ben is set to hold a massive fundraising online showcase entitled, “Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts.”

The nine-piece collective will be performing some of their biggest hits for a one-hour live stream show while staying in their respective homes.


The platform will also provide an opportunity for people to contribute to the ongoing efforts in helping the frontliners and urban poor community affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

All proceeds from this project are to raise funds for COVID19 test kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, and relief goods for daily wage earners.

The upcoming online concert is in partnership with YSEALI, Limitless Lab, and the Asian Institute of Management - Team Energy Center For Bridging Leadership.

The Facebook Live Jam will happen on March 27, 2020 (Friday) at 7:00 PM. It will serve as a launchpad for the band’s community-initiative website, www.puhon.ph, which aims to inspire, uplift and boost the collective morale of all the key stakeholders of the COVID-19 the response through uplifting stories, music, art, and more.

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Friday, March 20, 2020

Making the Philippines a friendlier place for people with Down Syndrome

“Everyone is welcome in SM, and we have always made a conscious effort in ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are in the heart of everything we do. We believe that every member of our community should experience the same fun and leisure whenever they are in SM. SM is a Mall for all, and we strive to support communities and create a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment for every Filipino, especially for our customers with diverse needs.” ~Engr. Bien Mateo, SVP Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Program on PWDs

A parent’s love knows no bounds. This is especially true of those of persons who are born with Down syndrome. The nurturing that their parents provide is the equalizer that will allow them to thrive and do great things, regardless of their condition. It is the key factor that will enable these individuals with special needs to live fulfilled lives.

Being active members of their respective organizations, all mothers know how crucial inclusion is, in enabling a society where persons with Down syndrome and other disabilities can feel secure and cared for. They believe that it is the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and corporations to work together and create an environment that is free from discrimination and prejudice.
“Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all, or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is usually associated with increased risks of health conditions, physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial and physical features.” ~Suzanna Yuzon, Founder of Miss Philippines Foundation
Suzanna Yuzon, is the founder of the Miss Possibilities Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization that advocates for the differently-abled, including those with Down syndrome, by offering free therapy sessions, medical missions, and activities that are set to enrich their lives—particularly a pageant where girls with special needs can show the world their beauty and individuality.

Among the Miss Possibilities Foundation’s numerous contributions to the upliftment of lives of people with special needs is the creation of the first Bill for Down syndrome that has had its first reading in Congress, and the group is currently lobbying and hoping for more support from members of Congress. 

Suzanna Yuzon, founder of Miss Philippines Foundation, together with her family.
Wanting to use their personal experience to help other families, all three mothers each have made it personal advocacy to help raise awareness about Down syndrome and other disabilities and promote inclusion for those who have it in the country.
“More than that, I think children and adults with Down syndrome face the challenge of not being included. Many times, they are left out due to laws not being implemented properly, or worse yet cultural stigma that inhibits them from even being counted. It is imperative. It is their right. Children with Down Syndrome have the right to be included in schools, in social situations, and fully integrated into society where they can contribute and earn a proper wage through gainful employment. Kids and adults with Down syndrome are completely capable of achieving the same milestones as a typical child or adult, it just might take them a little longer.” ~Michelle Aventajado, Executive Director at Best Buddies Philippines
Michelle Aventajado is the Executive Director of Best Buddies Philippines, the local arm of international non-profit Best Buddies, which is “dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).”

The organization has, among numerous initiatives: a Friendship Program that matches persons with IDD with non-IDD individuals according to their age, interests, and gender, with the aim of fostering friendships; a Leadership Program that involves identifying leaders within the community, giving them speech coaching lessons, and teaching them how to self-advocate; and, a Jobs Program that actively looks for companies who are ready to partner to help facilitate an inclusive work environment for persons with Down syndrome, by offering integrated employment for individuals with IDD.

Michelle Aventajado, Executive Director at Best Buddies Philippines, together with her family
SM’s support for these and similar organizations align with the countless programs that the company has introduced in its various developments over the years—programs that address the needs of customers with special needs and celebrate their abilities over their disabilities, earning a reputation as being the most PWD-friendly developer in the country.
“There are also challenges associated with development, wherein individuals will experience certain delays in that regard, as well as behavioral issues. These equally require great care and attention.” ~Agnes Lapena, of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines 
Agnes Lapena is a member of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI), a non-profit organization that aims to offer support to families that have members with Down syndrome. Some of the many programs of DSAPI include Happy Walk, an annual walking event for Down syndrome that gathers thousands of families and advocates from different parts of the country; the annual golf tournament Tee-Up for Down, a fund-raising campaign that supports various Down syndrome initiatives; and the Early Intervention seminar, which offers counseling and clinical consultation for parents of children with Down syndrome.

Agnes Lapena of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines together with her family.
In addition, DSAPI has a partnership with Shakey’s Philippines wherein people with Down syndrome are given opportunities to work.

As a responsible corporate citizen, and as a program partner that supports the advocacy on inclusion for persons with Down syndrome, SM Supermalls, through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility group, fully understands the importance of inclusion for PWDs in their business environments. This is why the Mall giant has been actively supporting non-profit organizations like DSAPI, Miss Possibilities Foundation, and Best Buddies Philippines, amongst others, as the company has always supported causes for persons with disabilities (PWDs). 


Mothers Agnes Lapena, Suzanna Yuzon, and Michelle Aventajado are living embodiments of this kind of parental love. As mothers of persons with Down syndrome themselves, they know firsthand the challenges that living with a family member who has Down syndrome entails.

Help DSAPI, Miss Possibilities Foundation, and Best Buddies Philippines make a difference by attending their events and supporting all their projects. Visit their websites and social media sites for more information:
To learn more about DSAPI

To learn more about the Miss Possibilities Foundation

To learn more about Best Buddies Philippines

Learn more about SM Cares and their Various Community Programs


Attendees of Best Buddies Philippines, Go Skating 2020 pose for the camera during a day of fun on the ice at the SM Mall of Asia. 

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Thursday, March 19, 2020

5 Impressive Benefits of Saffron (Plus Tips on Where to Get The Best Saffron)


A specie of the flowering plant called crocus Sativa is commonly known as the “saffron crocus” or “autumn crocus”. The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and coloring agent in food. Saffron is said to be originally cultivated in Greece but today, saffron is being grown in the Mediterranean, East Asia, and the Irano-Turanian regions as well. Saffron has long been the world's most costly spice by weight.
The history of saffron use spans more than 3,500 years, extending across cultures and continents. From the grounds of Cleopatra and old Egyptian pharaohs to the scientific complexities of modern times, Saffron has been used massively to treat several illnesses such as heartaches to hemorrhoids. Aside from those, the spice is also widely used by traditional healers and people with a medical background in warding off inflammation and treating some cardiovascular diseases.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. 1 pound of saffron (450 grams) costs between 500 and 5000 USD and the reason behind its strapping price is the time and labor devoted to cultivating and producing the actual product.

Did you know that Saffron Flower is also known as QUEEN OF FLOWERS and blooms for a few days every Autumn.


In the culinary world, saffron is a great addition to many international recipes such as bouillabaisse (a French fish stew), arancini (Sicilian rice balls), paella (Spanish rice with clams, sausage, and chicken) and simple steamed mussels in tomato sauce.

Saffron's aroma is often described by connoisseurs as reminiscent of metallic honey with grassy or hay-like notes, while its taste has also been noted as hay-like and sweet. Saffron also contributes a luminous yellow-orange coloring to foods. Saffron is widely used in Persian, Indian, European, and Arab cuisines. Confectioneries and liquors also often include saffron. Saffron is used in dishes ranging from the jeweled rice and khoresh of Iran, the Milanese risotto of Italy, the paella of Spain, the bouillabaisse of France, to the biryani with various meat accompaniments in South Asia.

From the ancient times to the modern season, we could record saffron being widely used in food, drink and traditional herb medicines. Now, saffron is, no doubt, a baking wonder.


Here are 5 impressive health benefits of saffron:

1. Saffron helps alleviate depression
Saffron extract may support mental health partly by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Generally, the spice’s effect on people who suffer from depression is comparable to that of standard antidepressants (Ristic, 2020)

Also, both the saffron petals and thread-like stigma appear to be effective against mild-to-moderate depression (Raman, 2019).

2. Saffron may reduce PMS symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period. Studies show that saffron may help treat PMS symptoms like irritability, headaches, cravings and abdominal pain (Raman, 2019).

A different study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms like lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol (Fujui, et. Al, 2016).

3. Saffron helps alleviate asthma
Children who have asthma or have difficulty in breathing can benefit from saffron. The spice generally helps in clearing your child’s airways from inflammation. It is also a good quick fix for asthma attacks.

4. Saffron helps in reducing acne
Saffron is known for its anti-fungal properties, fighting germs and bacteria that cause whiteheads, blackheads, and acne.

You can make a face pack by cashing basil leaves along with a few strands of saffron. Apply the paste on your face for about 15 minutes and then wash it off with cool water.

5. Saffron can help with insomnia
Saffron has mild sedative properties that can possibly babies and adults who have sleep disorders. You can include 2-3 strands of saffron in a variety of drinks or you may opt to take saffron supplements that are available in the market.


Where to buy saffron?

Saffron is available in a number of local Middle Eastern groceries and also, in some online platforms. Redsaff Saffron is one of the most credible sources of saffron spices known for its premium quality and authenticity.

Organically grown in Herat Province, West of Afghanistan, Redsaff Saffron is a superior spice cultivated in the rich soil and ideal climate of the Afghan region. All threads are handpicked by the Afghan women and packed in a beautiful airtight sealed jar in New York City.

Redsaff Saffron is also GMO-free, Gluten-free, Vegan with no added preservatives or additives.

Follow Redsaff on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for more information about saffron and promos.



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McDonald’s works with GrabExpress, GrabFood, and foodpanda to deliver food during enhanced community quarantine


In these trying times during the enhanced community quarantine throughout Luzon, McDonald’s ensures its customers that they are taking immediate steps to support everyone in staying safe and eating safely.

McDonald’s Philippines announces the necessary temporary adjustments for McDelivery services effective March 17, 2020, in compliance with the government-mandated regulations to flatten the curve in the number of local COVID-19 cases.

McDonald’s Philippines announces the necessary temporary adjustments for McDelivery services effective March 17, 2020. This is in compliance with the regulations of the enhanced quarantine in Luzon implemented as a safety measure to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maximizing McDonald’s Partnership with GrabExpress 

McDonald’s maximizes its ongoing partnership with GrabExpress to be able to serve more customers via McDelivery during this challenging period.

With the limited workforce available, McDonald’s stores can opt to book a GrabExpress, utilizing its extended pool of delivery-partners. There will be no additional charges for the customer should the delivery be made via GrabExpress. 

McDonald’s and GrabExpress assure customers that all delivery personnel will be well-equipped to handle food, and are applying necessary safety and sanitary measures. GrabExpress drivers will also be observing McDelivery’s No-Touch procedure as a precautionary measure. 

Alternative Delivery Platforms through GrabFood and foodpanda

With food delivery platforms having resumed operations last March 17, customers can also order McDonald’s via GrabFood and foodpanda on top of the McDelivery App and website. The process will remain the same whereas bookings through GrabFood and foodpanda will be fulfilled by their respective delivery partners.

McDelivery is still available nationwide but with the following limitations in Luzon. Below are further guidelines taking into consideration the limited workforce: 
  1. Only orders placed between 7:00AM to 4:30PM will be accommodated (but may vary per area depending on store availability).
  2. Not all areas will be covered (limited workforce may not be able to cover demand).
  3. No delivery time guarantee (goal is to deliver as soon as possible but a limited workforce may cause delays).


McDonald’s prioritizes the health and safety of both its employees and customers and these temporary measures will be executed with everyone’s well-being in mind. Once the quarantine is lifted, McDonald’s commits to being fully 100% operational to serve its customers.

For more of the latest updates, stay tuned to McDonald’s Philippines' official social media pages on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.



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