#SendGCashSendLove: Ivana Alawi’s new found partner that does it all for her

Ivana Alawi is one of the most popular vloggers in the country who has gained a loyal following because of her fun content, which shows how she expresses her love for the people around her – family, friends, fans and beyond. As packed as her schedule is, she always makes the time to give back to her community, holding several donation drives and sharing her experiences on her Youtube channel.

This February, Ivana unveils a new way to send love with her new partner that does it all for her – GCash.

The #1 e-wallet in the country recently launched the online sensation as the newest member of its barkada, the perfect face to show #SendGCashSendLove is the easiest and safest way to send your love to the people in your life.

“I’m really happy to be the newest face of GCash. Dati pa akong gumagamit ng app na ito, and I’m really glad na ineendorse ko na siya ngayon,” says Ivana. “I’ve been using GCash Send Money throughout the pandemic to send love and money to my friends and family and it never fails me. Also, nung pandemic gustong-gusto ko tumulong, gustong-gusto ko mag-pamigay (at) ang naging way talaga para sa akin ay GCash.”

Ivana hopes to highlight the many features of GCash Send Money, such as Express Send, Padala, and Send with a Clip and how these can help users send money and love to the people in their lives in real time, hassle free!

GCash’s Chief Customer Officer Winsley Bangit says, “We’re so excited to welcome Ivana to the GCash barkada. She exudes the spirit of GCash, which is to uplift the lives of fellow Filipinos. With her help, we hope to reach as many people to show them how easy and safe it is to #SendGCashSendLove.”

Madali at simple with GCash! Download the app and get verified, so you can cash-in and start sending money to your loved ones with just a few taps. Express Send makes money transfers sulit at safe. It’s easy to send your love from GCash to GCash, in real time, libre pa!

Want to #SendGCashSendLove to someone without a GCash account? No problem! GCash Padala allows you to send money to non-GCash users in real-time, as its network of over 40k partner outlets and growing allows receivers to claim padala sent from GCash accounts. With pinakamurang padala fee of just 1% fee for Php500 transfers and no other hidden fees, kayang-kaya magpadaLOVE kada buwan sa probinsya!

Add a little more heart by personalizing your money transfer with Send with a Clip. Attach themes, photos or videos whether or not there’s a special occasion, to show your love in a more meaningful way.

“With over 51 million registered users, and over 170k* outlets nationwide, GCash is definitely everyone’s favorite and #1 e-wallet in the Philippines because you can access it anytime and anywhere,” adds Bangit.

Whether it’s through Express Send, GCash Padala or Send with a Clip, it’s never been easierfor you to #SendGCashSendLove to the special people in your life – real time na, libre pa!

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USAID, Nestlé Philippines Partner to Support LGUs in Solid Waste Management and Climate Impact Reduction

To mark the Philippines’ Zero Waste Month in January, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program—and Nestlé Philippines, Inc. partnered to help local government units (LGUs) and community leaders better understand the link between climate change and solid waste management.

Tetra Tech’s Rene Acosta, CCBO Asia Regional Director, and Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President Arlene Bantoto signed the memorandum of understanding on January 31. 

Together, USAID and Nestlé Philippines committed to share practical tips about improving local solid waste management, increase communities’ access to solid waste management education, and implement Nestlé Philippines’ Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Education Program.
 
“Combatting ocean plastics pollution is a challenge that requires strong partnerships,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn.  “USAID is pleased to partner with Nestlé Philippines in supporting local governments to reduce waste-linked contributions to ocean plastics and the climate crisis.”
 
The Philippines generates an estimated 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, of which 20 percent is estimated to end up in the ocean.  While the country has legislation on solid waste management, LGUs sometimes struggle to implement and enforce regulations.
 
By extending Nestlé Philippines’ Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Education Program to USAID CCBO engagement sites in Metro Manila and Iloilo, USAID and Nestlé Philippines will support local government efforts to enhance their solid waste management systems and develop resilience to climate change.
 
“As a food and beverage manufacturer with a major presence in the country, we are called upon to be at the forefront in helping tackle the urgent issues of climate change and plastic waste.  As Nestlé Philippines sustains plastic neutrality, and other pioneering initiatives for the environment, it is important for us to help capacitate people at the grassroots level,” said Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki.  “We welcome this partnership with USAID Philippines and look forward to working with other partners as we accelerate our journey toward a waste-free future.”
 
USAID launched CCBO in August 2019 as its flagship program to respond to the ocean plastics pollution crisis.  The five-year (2019-2024), $48-million (Php2.5-billion) program works at the global level and in specific countries like the Philippines to address ocean plastics directly at their source.
 
By strengthening waste management systems and building circular economies city by city, the program builds sustainable solutions that reduce ocean plastics while empowering vulnerable populations and mitigating pollution that affects human health and the climate.

For more information, please visit www.urban-links.org/ccbo.

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Health begins at home

RT–PCR testing at home is not only convenient but also prudent in order to prevent the potential further spread of COVID-19

Just as many Filipinos felt they could finally let loose a bit this past holiday season and resume the old normal of socializing and gathering, so has the highly transmissible Omicron variant emerged and reminded everyone that the pandemic is far from being completely over.

“The rise in COVID-19 cases that greeted us as we welcomed 2022 is a grim yet pragmatic reminder that we should not let our guards down just yet and continue to be vigilant about our health,” says Dr. Austine Gawaran, an emergency medicine and public health specialist.  

As medical director of Lab@Home, a pioneering on-demand mobile diagnostics service provider, Dr. Gawaran underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to protect one’s health amid the ongoing pandemic, and this starts with proper testing.

“Not surprisingly, we have seen a spike in home service RT–PCR testing at the start of the year as individuals and families sought to determine the status of their health, whether they have contracted COVID-19 or not,” shares Dr. Gawaran.

“This is a good practice as Filipinos are realizing that their contribution to mitigating and eventually ending this pandemic is by their personal and collective vigilance against the disease, and the responsibility to continuously observe the proper health protocols,” he adds.

Dr. Austine Gawaran, Lab@Home medical director

With the unprecedented transmissibility of the Omicron variant, a new protocol for managing the disease has emerged, where confirmed infected persons are best quarantined at home if they are asymptomatic or experiencing only mild to manageable symptoms.

Home service diagnostics services such as Lab@Home are critical during these times when venturing out into public not only places the individual at risk but others as well. “Getting tested at home is not only convenient but also prudent in order to prevent the potential further spread of infection,” says Dr. Gawaran.

Aside from RT–PCR testing with results in 48 hours, Lab@Home offers a wide array of both common and specialized laboratory diagnostics, as well as mobile imaging procedures such as x-ray and ultrasound. Its completely online platform provides convenience for patients and efficiency in scheduling. The nearest partner laboratory is dispatched to provide immediate service and results.

These are critical alternatives to physically consulting doctors in hospitals and clinics, and performing necessary laboratory tests and bloodworks in these places.

Launched in 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Lab@Home has been constantly expanding its portfolio of services and its network of operations to meet increasing demand from discerning Filipinos who are appreciating the power of technology in helping them take care of their health.

With a definitive end to the pandemic not yet in clear sight, the “new normal” of home-based healthcare management seems to be here to stay and may very well be the way of the future.

“The future of healthcare is one that will enable better quality of life, as we will be able to address, manage and even cure ailments and diseases within the comforts of our very own homes. This scenario is no longer a vision but a reality that we at Lab@Home are providing to Filipinos with online-based, on-demand medical diagnostic and healthcare services,” concludes Dr. Gawaran.

Visit www.labathome.ph or call +63 917 886 HOME (4663)

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Logitech G Introduces G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in Full Size and TKL Versions

The G413 SE Blends Sophisticated Design with Gaming-Grade Technologies for an Affordable Gaming Keyboard

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, today announced the launch of the Logitech G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the G413 TKL (Tenkeyless) SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Engineered for precision and performance, these affordable new keyboards offer gaming-grade mechanical switches with extremely durable PBT keycaps that are wear, fade and shine resistant.

“We spent a lot of time carefully designing keyboards that deliver advanced performance with just the right feature set,” said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech Gaming. “Made with strong, durable materials and high-performance features, these keyboards are an excellent option for gamers who want a mechanical keyboard at a great price.”

The G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboards feature Tactile Mechanical Switches, which deliver uncompromising performance and give discernible actuation for gamers who prefer direct feedback. In addition, the keyboards feature PBT keycaps that are engineered with quality material, designed to hold up over time and heat- and wear-resistant; making them one of the most durable PBT keycaps on the market.

Featuring white LED lighting and a black-brushed aluminum-magnesium alloy top case as the keyboard’s backbone, the result is a minimal design, balanced with features that make this keyboard a must-have for gamers.

In addition, the keyboards were designed to deliver reliable key input versus other non-gaming mechanical keyboards, with the addition of the six-key rollover anti-ghosting performance, which means multiple keys can be pressed simultaneously and all register at the same time to trigger a special game move.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech G413 SE and Logitech G413 TKL SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboards are expected to be available in the Philippines by February 2022 with suggested retail prices of Php3,999 and Php3,499, respectively. For more information, please check out Logitech G PH on Facebook today! You may also visit the Logitech G website, the Logitech Official Store in Shopee, and the Logitech Lazada Flagship Store to learn more.

 

Logitech products are also available at partner outlets, PC Express, Silicon Valley, DataBlitz, Octagon, Electroworld, Complink, iTech, Techwarez, Gameone, Interpace Computer Systems, GameXtreme, Office Warehouse, TTi, GameOne, JOYO, Gadget Headz, DynaQuest PC, Digi-Serv Solutions, Concept Computer, NUTECH, DFE (Davao Futurebright Enterprises), Villman, PCWorx, Abenson, Digistore, and Greenware.

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Mekeni kicks off 2022 with a fresher, newer look

 

Mekeni Food Corporation made a big leap forward as it embarked on a major brand refresh, strengthening its position as a homegrown family brand in the Philippines.

Kicking off 2022 is the rollout of Mekeni’s new brand packaging, product lines, and a new campaign song that reflects the brand’s heritage and core values. With this brand refresh, Mekeni shows how the homegrown brand from Pampanga, continues to serve Timplang Atin to Filipino families for more than three decades.

“Welcoming 2022 with new branding signals a new era for us at Mekeni. We wanted to send a clear message that we are evolving, innovating, and growing with our customers. Today, more than ever, we want to assure our customers of the quality and taste that we bring to the table reflected throughout this new brand experience we have created. It is a Timplang Atin experience leveled up to cater to our customers’ changing needs,” said Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia.

New look but still the same family specialties that you love

New look, same Timplang Atin quality and taste that families love

Starting with the packaging, Mekeni launched its new design with bold colors and appetizing photos of the products. “With this new visual identity, we will be able to create a stronger brand image in the market. We wanted to get the consumers’ attention right away by putting the spotlight on our products and the new product lines, front and center,” said Garcia.

The new packaging featured the new product lines namely Mekeni Gold, Mekeni GoLite, Mekeni Specials, and Mekeni Suki Choice. Under these new categories are various Mekeni products that Filipino families love.

Mekeni Gold products are specialties made of high-quality meat and premium ingredients, carefully selected to deliver nothing but the best to everyone in the family. One of the premium products included in this line is Garlic Longanisa, a native viand well-loved by Filipinos that is made from premium pork and peppered with garlic and other spices.

Meanwhile, Mekeni GoLite products are those that consumers can enjoy guiltlessly, without compromising on taste and affordability. These products, which are healthier alternatives to the usual ones, are prepared and processed with the Filipino’s health in mind. The products under this category include gluten-free Chicken Longanisa, zero trans-fat Yogurt Sausage, and fatless Pork Tocino.

As for the Mekeni Specials, these are the Mekeni specialty brands that are meant to make each meal even more remarkable. It has the widest array of products that shows how Mekeni is committed to serving great-tasting family specialties all day. Among the Mekeni Specials are the Classic Pork Tocino and the Tamis-Alat Pork Tocino that has the right balance of sweet and salty flavors, as well as the Beef Tapa, Skinless Longanisa, Sweet Ham, Chicken Nuggets, and Sisig.
And lastly, Mekeni Suki Choice is composed of tasty and budget-friendly products that Filipinos can serve at home every day. This range includes All Day Bacon, Sliced Bologna, and Luncheon Meat.
Apart from these, Mekeni’s flagship hotdog brand, Mekeni Picnic Hotdog, had new packaging designs.

“This year, we wanted to show a more cohesive look and feel through the brand refresh. We also aimed to highlight that though we have preferences, there is a Timplang Atin favorite from Mekeni to satisfy that,” shared Garcia.

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Xiaomi Offers 1+1 Extended Warranty and other Promos for the Philippine launch of Redmi Note 11

Fresh from the launch of the Redmi Note 11 in the Philippines, Xiaomi announces a 1+1 extended warranty which guarantees coverage for the smartphones for up to 2 years!

The Redmi Note 11 rises up to the challenge of bringing even stronger specs and features to its camera system, charging speed, display, and System on Chip (SoC)—making flagship-level smartphone performance more accessible than before.

The Redmi Note 11 comes in two variants – 4GB+64GB which will be available for Php 8,999 and 6GB+128GB available for Php 9,999. Both variants will be available for pre-order via Xiaomi’s official sales channels as early as February 11, 2022 in the Philippines.

Pre-order until February 19 (12AM) and avail the early bird promo! Mi Fans who purchase the Redmi Note 11 4GB+64GB at Xiaomi’s official Shopee and Lazada stores will get a free Redmi Buds 3, while those who order the Redmi Note 11 6GB+128GB will receive a free Mi Bunny. Stocks and availability for freebies will be limited.

Meanwhile, those who will pre-order the Redmi Note 11 6GB+128GB variant in authorized Xiaomi retail stores from February 11 to 18 will get a free Redmi Buds 3 plus a Xiaomi Eco Bag, while purchases made on Xiaomi’s first day sale this February 19 to 20 will also receive the Redmi Buds 3 plus a Xiaomi Eco Bag for free. For those who will avail the Redmi Note 11 6GB+128GB on February 21- February 28 will receive a free Xiaomi Tumbler.

Raising up the flagship-level camera experience, the Redmi Note 11 is equipped with a 50MP AI quad camera setup ensures clarity in your photos, allowing you to capture great photos and videos without the extra effort. Its 8MP ultra-wide angle camera expands your perspective with a 118-degree viewing angle and the 2MP depth sensor camera on Redmi Note 11 allows you to create a natural bokeh effect for your portrait shots.

Boasting a high refresh rate up to 90Hz and a touch sampling rate up to 180Hz, Redmi Note 11 enhances your screen experience with smoother animations and lag-free transitions, while also registering more precise finger touches. With a screen size of 6.43-inch, the Redmi Note 11 is equipped with a FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay featuring DCI-P3 wide color gamut, provides more vibrant colours and details, while also reaching as much as 1000 nits to ensure the screen’s clarity even in bright daylight.

The beautiful display is packed into a trendy flat-edge body design. Plus, with dual super linear speakers located at the top and bottom of the phone, Redmi Note 11 offers a complete entertainment experience with immersive stereo sound for gaming or watching videos.

Raising up its performance, Redmi Note 11 is equipped with a Snapdragon® 680 processor built using flagship-level 6nm process to deliver superior performance while conserving power. Additionally, the Redmi Note 11 is equipped with a 5,000mAh large-capacity battery and a 33W Pro fast-charging that charges its battery from 0 to 100% in around an hour*.

 

Remarks:
*Data from Xiaomi Labs. Actual results may vary.

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MSI's Valentines Bundle Giveaways

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your significant other this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got you covered! What better way to spoil your loved ones than giving them a brand-new laptop? MSI, a world leader in producing high-performance and innovative laptops, is celebrating Valentine’s for the whole month of February with exclusive freebies for you and your partner.

Achieve your gaming couple goals and be able to duo queue with your Player Two by purchasing any of these Gaming Series laptops: Delta 15, Alpha 15 and Alpha 17, Katana GF Series, and Thin GF Series. These units are paired up with the perfectbundled accessories and gaming peripherals that are ideal for your couple gaming setup.

Support your partner with their content creation by getting them any laptop from the Creator Series. It comes with an external HDD and thumb drive quintessential for storage and file transfer, a mouse for editing, and a porcelain cup for the coffee most content creators cannot live without.

Give your other half the power to have a more seamless and efficient workflow by buying them anyof the Business and Productivity line laptops, specifically from the Prestige Series and Modern Series complemented by a wireless mouse.

“We’ve featured a wide range of laptops for this Valentine’s Day. It is our endeavor as an industry leader, to help gamers and creators excel. We want to give our customers high-caliber laptops designed for the ultimate gaming experience and exceptional laptop technology that provide solutions from content creation to business development.” says Rhyan Sy, MSI Philippines’ Product Manager.

Make this Valentine’s Day more romantic with the most practical and valuable symbol of endearment. But hurry! The promo runs from February 1-28, 2022, only. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-135156.

Check out the participating laptops and exclusive freebies below:

For more details about the MSI Valentine’s Day Promotion 2022, you may visit: https://ph.msi.com/Promotion/valentinespromo/nb

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TM's FunRaket data promos

Looking for easy and fun ways para lumevel up pa ang iyong raket? TM is the key!

This year, more good vibes await TM’s raketero subscribers who are looking to succeed financially. TM‘s new mobile promos were made richer and more exciting with bigger data allocation para sa pang araw-araw na pang-internet and apps they need for more income.

The all-new EasySurf FunRaket promo is loaded with offers that give Pinoys a better, easier, and more convenient digital experience, and the necessary support to start off or grow an online business or raket at very affordable prices.

With EasySurf50, subscribers can enjoy up to 5GB data allocation—2GB all-access data plus FREE 1GB data daily for all-day access to FunRaket bundled apps like Facebook, Lazada, Shopee, Kumu, foodpanda, JobStreet and GCash, PLUS unlimited texts to all networks for three days—all for only Php50!

Complementing the rich offers of EasySurf FunRaket is TM’s new and improved 5G SIM, which provides subscribers on a tight budget with sulit and reliable internet freebies for their daily needs with extra benefits to grow their rakets.

“Mas kumpleto at pinasulit pa ang aming data promos dahil ang goal namin ay mas lalo pang mapagaan ang raket sa buhay ng aming mga ka-TM,” said TM Brand Head Mark Malabanan.

“Ang bagong EasySurf FunRaket promo at ang latest TM 5G sim are the best partners para makapag-start, level up or sustain sila ng kanilang raket para makabawi from the challenges of the previous years,” he added.

TM’s new sim freebie is not just the typical data, calls and text package, it can also enable raketeros to start and grow a small business in a more affordable way. For only 30 pesos, users can enjoy up to 10GB data, 10 TM rewards points, and 10 pesos GCash credits, plus 30 minutes calls and unlimited texts to all networks.

It also comes with FREE FunAliw Pack that offers access to entertainment and social media apps like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Mobile Legends for seven days.

“Para sa mga ka-TMs na raket is life at sa Samahang Pina-easy ng bawat Pinoy, TM is the key para tuloy-tuloy ang GV!” concluded Malabanan.

To know more about TM’s latest offers, visit www.tmtambayan.ph or download the New GlobeOne app via Google Play and App Store.

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SEND LOVE AND CARE WITH CONTI’S CARE KIT

Isolation can be difficult especially for people who are very close to their families and who are used to being with them day and night. And many have indeed been in such a bubble for almost two years now.

The situation has been further strained as many households find themselves short-handed these days, with only one or two family members remaining illness-free to run the entire house including caring for the sick.

During this time when there is distance even inside the home and words may not be enough, “Get well soon“ or “I miss you” or “I care for you” or “I’m here for you” can be expressed by providing loved ones with all-time favorites that are certain to bring comfort and joy to them. 

And fewer things bring this kind of emotional connection than well-loved food — food for the tummy that doubles as food for the soul.

In the case of Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, its delivery menu does not only include ready-to-eat meals but also frozen delights of some of its classic dishes.

With Conti’s, your loved ones who take utmost delight in Conti’s warm cooked staples such as Molo Soup, Chicken Ala Kiev, Baked Salmon, and other signature pasta dishes can enjoy these favorites right in their very homes.

The same for the restaurant’s Ready-to-Heat frozen packs like Beef Caldereta, Baked Macaroni, Roast Beef, Chicken Tocino, Embutido, Frozen Pies, Laing, and Lasagna in which you can.

If you’re sending out these frozen delights to relatives or friends in isolation or quarantine, you can make it more special as a Conti's Care Kit. The kit is a customizable gift consisting of the selected frozen items packed inside Conti’s insulated bags. It is available in select Conti’s stores.

The comfort of these classics and the feel-good memories of celebrations they bring are certain to make isolation a bit more bearable and even delightful.

It’s a different kind of “dine-in” experience for the current normal, one that only a favorite such as Conti’s can deliver. To know more about Conti's Bakeshop & Restaurant and #ContisAtHome visit their website at http://www.contis.ph/ or check out their Facebook (@contispastryshopandrestaurant) and Instagram (@contis_ph) pages.

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More Japanese treats at FamilyMart

No need to wait until you can travel to Japan or scout for inconspicuous suppliers to enjoy Japanese convenience store favorites, thanks to FamilyMart. Iconic items such as Strong Zero, and Cheeza are now easily accessible across all FamilyMart stores in the Philippines.

“We are so glad to add more Japanese treats to our stores, especially nowadays when travel is still limited. As a brand that originated in Japan, it’s only proper that we finally bring in these favorites so that we can delight more Filipinos amid these trying times,” shared FamilyMart General Manager Celina Matias.

The local franchise of the convenience store chain from Japan opened the new year by stocking its shelves with new products that Filipinos only used to enjoy when visiting the land of the rising sun. Some of the standout items include Strong Zero, a line of ‘chuhai’, which is a traditional Japanese liquor; the Suntory Horoyoi range, including the crowd-favorite peach flavor; and Cheeza, triangular cheese crackers with flavors like ‘Raw Cheese’ and ‘Camembert’. Meanwhile, a healthier option comes in Senbei, a savory, oven-baked rice cracker that’s ideal for snacking.

Aside from being available in stores for walk-in customers, these new offerings are also available via GrabMart, so even those working from home or simply staying in can enjoy these treats without even having to leave their house. According to Philippine FamilyMart, this is only the beginning as close to more items will be introduced starting next month.

Ms. Matias added, “We’re staying true to the brand’s Japanese heritage, and introducing to the local market close to a hundred new items in February, so watch out for that!”

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Jollibee mascots transform into ‘JolliBots’ in new Jolly Kiddie Meal toys

See Jollibee mascots transform into your favorite Jollibee products with the latest Jolly Kiddie Meal toys, the JolliBots!

This February, playtimes are made more exciting as Jollibee introduces the JolliBots—a new set of Jolly Kiddie Meal toys featuring Jollibee mascots in a robot-themed concept!

The latest toy lineup from the no. 1 fast-food chain allows kids to play with their favorite Jollibee mascots and have them transform into the products they represent.

Jolly kids and kids-at-heart can retract both arms of the Chickenjoy Bucket and flip its lid to reveal Jollibee. They can also move the upper corners of the Jolly Spaghetti box to see Hetty inside. Meanwhile, the fries from the robotized Jolly Crispy Fries box just need to be flipped so Popo can say hi!

Fans of Twirlie can have an enjoyable time twisting and twirling a Chocolate Sundae Twirl robot cup. They can split the ice cream portion into half to reveal Twirlie, and rotate the arms to extend the toy figure. Lastly, jolly kids can let their imagination flow as they reveal the arms of the Yumburger figure, and flip the upper part to reveal Yum.

All Jolly Kiddie Meal toys are designed with eye-catching colors that will surely give little ones more joyful playtimes at home. Plus, they make cool memorabilia of their favorite Jollibee meals and mascots.

The toys come with their own Jolly Joy Box and are available with every purchase of a Yumburger (P82), Yumburger Meal with Drink (P102), Jolly Spaghetti (P97), Jolly Spaghetti Meal with Drink (P107), 1-pc. Burger Steak (P97), 1-pc. Burger Steak Meal with Drink (P114), 1-pc. Chickenjoy with Rice (P129), or a 1-pc. Chickenjoy Meal with Drink (P144). Kids can also get their hands on the complete set by purchasing a 6-pc. Chickenjoy Bucket for only P624.

Enjoy everyday robot action with Jollibee’s newest JolliBots! Collect all five toys by visiting the Jollibee branch nearest you, or by having them delivered to your home through the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000 hotline, GrabFood, or foodpanda.

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GROHE: Designed to Flood

 

When asked about the state of global water security, those working in the development sector would usually summarize it in three “too’s”—too much, too little, too dirty. All three are true for many cities in Asia, and severe for cities in emerging economies like the Philippines. Those in the tropical belt suffer the worst typhoons, droughts, and polluted water sources, with sometimes much less resources to pour into solutions to address these issues. In 2018, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or OECD estimated the water infrastructure gap to reach USD 6.7 trillion by 2030 and US$22.6 trillion by 2050. The good news is more designers and city leaders are tapping into nature for infrastructure services.

“Nature-based solutions,” Ross Mckenzie, Arcadis Head of South-East Asia & India, tells us what this direction is. “As urban areas expand, the amount of permeable land reduces, increasing flooding events, pollution, and ultimately the quantity and quality of water supply. Nature-based solutions offer a more sustainable, adaptable, and affordable way to achieve climate and flood resilience. They also have benefits that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They redevelop the natural water cycle process, reduce the peak flows, allow the water to be naturally retained, reduce the flooding risk, and provide a water source during the dry seasons. Kind of like the natural cycle coming back.”

Sometimes called blue, green, or green-gray infrastructure, the premise for its design is simple: work with nature and not against it. It can be executed at multiple scales. “It’s like bringing the concrete jungle back into the natural water cycle,” says Mckenzie. Buildings can integrate gardens to assist cooling and rainwater capture. Streets can help recharge groundwater better through permeable pavements, rain gardens, and grass swales. Concrete revetments or retaining walls of canals and streams can be replaced with more vegetated edges better suited for pedestrian activity. Public parks can be designed with water retention capacities so that extra water during the monsoon season or a typhoon can be directed to it. Then, when the river level is low, during the summer or a dry spell, the parks discard it into waterways to be used. It could be as simple as reforesting the watershed, waterway edges, and mangroves in order to make existing gray infrastructure more resilient.

The World Bank and World Resources Institute’s 2019 report Integrating Green and Gray: Creating Next Generation Infrastructure offers a couple of case studies of the benefits. For example, the filtration services provided by better watershed management in Portland, Maine, replaced the need for a water filtration plant, saving the city an estimated USD 97 to 155 million over 20 years. Residential and industrial infrastructure in the Philippines avoid more than USD 1 billion annually in damages through mangroves, reefs, and other natural systems.

While the severity of rainfall and drought are water stressors not within direct human control, efficiencies in our water utility systems are. “One of the biggest wasters is non-revenue water (NRW), the water that never makes it to consumers. Most of the loss is caused by leakage through pipe bursts that you don’t know about for weeks,” says McKenzie. The International Water Association estimates that emerging markets have experienced up to 75% NRW. Water losses cannot be eliminated, but ideally water service providers should lower it to below 20%.

Utility providers have a lot of aging infrastructure to upgrade. This does not have to be the case for household water mains. There is already technology available for home and business owners to make sure leaks are immediately addressed and wastage reduced. For example, the GROHE Sense and Sense Guard water systems detect any leak in piping or plumbing systems, whether it is minor, major, or impending, and sends alerts to your mobile phone on excessive water usage. Smarter water systems can start at home, informing us of our own consumption habits so we can recalibrate our lifestyles, and also educate the succeeding generation.

GROHE Sense Guard water security system is capable of detecting issues and pipe leaks before they cause a major water damage, which gives more time for everyone to react. Moreover, installing is a job that you can do quickly and easily.

Clean water is a resource we cannot take for granted. Climate change and rapid urbanization are making it more challenging to utilize and restore these days. Efficiencies can be achieved through innovations in the realms of technology and nature, by mindful governments and individual citizens.

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