Uniqlo's MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM

Gundam continues to excite children and adults from around the world with its story, mobile suits, and unique characters. In celebration of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 40th Anniversary, Uniqlo released twelve designs that will surely make Gundam fanatics happy.  This is a UT collection that makes you look back on its history and memories.

SMART WOMEN INVEST with FAMI

I seldom attend events to cover for this blog because I choose topics that will benefit me and my children. Last week, though quite busy, I made sure to join First Metro Management, Inc. (FAMI), celebration on Women’s Month with the “Smart Women Invest” Workshop.

This event is a literacy workshop specifically catered to help Filipinas transform from savers into investors. I'm glad I joined this workshop as I got to learn more about investments that yields more profit and easier payment.

Leading the workshop is FAMI’s first-ever female president Karen Roa, a 25-year expert in the field of finance. With a career that spans both domestic and international banking operations, she has a wealth of experience that fuels her financial skills. She has worked with some of the most renowned global companies in banking and asset management, such as Chase Manhattan Bank, SunGard Asia Pacific, trust banking groups of Philam Bank, and Citibank NA. She also served as President and CEO of Philam Asset Management, Inc. (PAMI). Roa was also a lecturer at the country’s top universities, Ateneo de Manila and UP, teaching business courses on strategy, investment management, and financial services.

Ms. Rose Fres Fausto on the other hand, is known as FQ Mom. She was an investment banker turned full-time homemaker and now a writer, speaker, and resource person on money and family. Her career draws its roots in banking as an analyst at Far East Bank and later on as assistant vice president for Corporate Finance at one of the country’s leading investment houses. She also had a consultancy stint for a USAID renewable energy project. Today she discusses money, parenting, women issues, and the use of Behavioral Economics principles in different aspects of life in her books, columns, online shows, talks, and workshops.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the online FQ Test, which determines the participants’ standing in terms of Financial Intelligence Quotient (FQ). Fausto said: “In order to have a high FQ, women must first understand their relationship with money. She also added that those who didn’t fare well in the test need not worry because their FQ scores are not cast in stone. They can be improved by tweaking some of their money habits and unleashing the female characteristics that are actually good for investing, allowing them to go beyond saving.”

The best part about a healthy FQ is that its concepts can be learned and, in turn, shared with the family. Fausto said, “Women are large influencers in their community so a woman with high FQ can be a driver in raising children with smarter money sense, build a career and investment life that is fruitful and lucrative, and even lead a household and home that is sufficient and stable. Again, with fortified FQ—women have proven once again that they’re on top of their game.”

Ms. Rose Fres Fausto and FAMI’s President, Karen Roa

Securing a Financial Future

As a member of the Metrobank Group, FAMI holds a veritable reputation in asset management. FAMI’s mutual fund business is adept at promoting savings mobilization and advocates investment literacy, making it the perfect partner for women to learn, live and start loving finance.  Besides the women-centric learning in finance and investment, the attendees also received a free investment in First Metro Consumer Fund. Roa said, “This is our way of thanking the women who attended our workshop. The First Metro Consumer Fund is invested in industries that benefit from the Philippine family consumption and expenditure pattern. These are industries supported by women and mothers in our country. This is a great way to start their investment journey.

About First Metro Asset Management, Inc.

A partnership between First Metro Investment Corporation, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, and the Marist Brothers Foundation, First Metro Asset Management, Inc. (FAMI) engages in the mutual fund business, promotes savings mobilization, and advocates investment literacy among Filipinos. Today, FAMI manages six mutual funds, with more products in the pipeline. Various securities houses with online platforms have asked to make FAMI funds available on their platforms.  For more information, visit www.fami.com.ph.

About First Metro Investment Corporation

First Metro Investment Corporation is the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, one of the largest financial conglomerates in the country. First Metro is the biggest investment bank in the Philippines with assets of P53.6 billion and stockholders’ equity of P14.1 billion as of end-2017. Backed by over 50 years of experience in developing the country’s capital markets, our key strengths lie in origination, structuring, and execution. They offer a wide range of services – from debt and equity underwriting, loan syndication, project finance, and financial advisory, to investment advisory, government securities and corporate debt trading, equity brokering, online trading, asset management, and research. In 2017, First Metro participated in 68% of the total publicly listed capital transactions in the domestic market, raising P493.33 billion for the public and private sectors. We accounted for 86% of total bond issues for the year, proof of our solid leadership, innovation, and service excellence. A concrete testament to our industry dominance are the string of awards and recognitions we received from international publications. For the third consecutive year, we were named the Philippines’ Best Investment Bank - by Euromoney in 2015, by Global Finance in 2016 and in 2017 by Alpha Southeast Asia as Best Investment Bank and M&A House. In a survey of The Asset Benchmark Research, First Metro ranked second in the Top Investment Houses in Asian Local Currency Bonds, and third in Local Currency Bonds, and third in Top Bank in Government Bonds categories. First Metro was also recognized as the Best Advisory House by the Investment House Association of the Philippines. For more information, visit www.firstmetro.com.ph

Sarah Geronimo on Phoenix Super LPG

Phoenix Super LPG held an event earlier at The Tent in Acacia Estates in Taguig where Sarah Geronimo  was presented as Ambassadress.  

Since Sarah is a singer it is but fitting that she sings the jingle of Phoenix Super LPG. Aside from singing and acting, Sarah Geronimo is now into cooking. She happily said she found new joy in cooking using Phoenix Super LPG with the following reasons: It has inlet safety valve that automatically stops LPG flow in case of leakage, it offers a reserve indicator which indicates cylinder content, it has a snap on mechanism that makes it easy to install.

When asked who her role model is, Sarah immediately said mother, “Kasi po si mama ko ay Kapampangan. Hindi po sa biased ako pero the best po talaga magluto ang nanay ko sa kahit anong restaurant na natikman ko na Filipino dish. Ang tatay ko po ay masarap din po magluto. Punong puno ng pagmamahal 'yung inihahain sa lamesa namin”.

When asked what dishes she likes, Sarah said,  "kare-kare and sweet chili prawns po ng nanay ko at ang pininyahang adobong manok po ng tatay ko". She also added that Matteo Guidicelli  is also her inspiration since his family also owns a restaurant.

Before Sarah arrived, Chef JM Sunglao taught guests and media simple, five-minute, easy-to-prepare meals using cooking Phoenix Super LPG.

To order Phoenix Super LPG, you may call #SUPER (#78737) for nationwide delivery.
Visit phoenix.ph/LPG

Thanks to Ms Jookie and Tita Joy of Occasions of Joy for this invite!

Gaye

Lazada's 7th Birthday Sale

Being a faithful Lazada , I am happy to announce they are celebrating its 7th  birthday on March 27 and it’s  one  birthday party you  don’t  want   to miss! Customers have plenty of reasons to shop on Lazada as they will be offering jaw dropping discounts up to 90% off. 

Shop and come join the party! Don’t miss out on the amazing deals from our brand partners up for grabs. Some must-haves in the lineupare:

 Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Un-Nude Liquid Lipstick at Php 193.

 Abbott Ensure Gold Vanilla 1200g (Bundle of 6) at Php 9,702.

 Kamiliant Waikiki 3P Set - Raspberry Red at Php 8,299.

 Honor Play Smartphone at Php 13,290.

 Pampers Baby Dry New Born Taped Diapers 40 pcs x 4 pack (160pcs) at Php 594.

Aside from the millions of items on sale, major partners are also joining the shopping party. Below aresome exciting offers for you: Shop with your BDO Visa card and get up to Php 5,000 off on LazMall gadgets. Pay with GCash and PayMaya for instant discounts on quick purchases.

 Be the first in the country to purchase real estate online! Revolution Precrafted and Robinsons Landwill be giving their reservation fees at 50% off on March 27 only.

Get a chance to win travel packages care of Sunlife.

 Win yourself a discount voucher when you play Lazada’s very own Facebook game called OverEasy: Laz Edition.

 Get a free Shakey’s pizza when you shop on March 27.

 Don’t forget to download the Lazada 7th Birthday Sticker pack on Viber.Partygoers’ kind of shoppertainment Lazada is also blending shopping and entertainment, ushering in  a new  era of ‘shoppertainment’.  

TheLazada app will introduce new experiences for customers! Get additional discounts and attractive voucherswhen you play LazGame, pop as many balloons as you can with Popping Balloons, blast all the cakes andfun gifts with Birthday Blast, and slash your way to the top with Fruit Slash! Earn cupcake points with everygame and exchange these for your favorite brand vouchers.Tune in as well on March 26 and witness the in-app livestreaming of the “Super Party” concert as Grammyand Brit Awards winner and British popstar Dua Lipa shares the stage with  some of  Southeast Asia’sbrightest stars, including the Philippines' “Multi-Media Princess” Nadine Lustre, “Absolute Performer” SamConcepcion and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

With all these celebration and perks, it’s really going to feel like it’s your birthday instead! Watch out for all the products that will go on sale during Lazada’s 7th Birthday happening on March 27 by visiting official Facebook   and   Instagram   pages,   or   by   simply  logging  on   to  www.lazada.com.ph    or   downloading   theLazada Mobile app via App Store or Google Play for free. 

About Lazada Group:

Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number-one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the  Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and  Vietnam. With  300 million SKUs available, Lazada offers the widest range of products in categories from beauty, fashion, and consumer electronics to household goods,toys,   sports  equipment   and  groceries.  

The   expanded  grocery   business  also  adds  more   than   160,000  products,ranging   from  high-quality  fresh  fruits  and   vegetables,   frozen   and   chilled  meats   and   seafood,  premium  specialty products, baby food and toys, and daily necessities such as toiletries, home, and pet care. Lazada Group is majority owned Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA)

From The Lens Of Eve

Aside from reading novel and comic books, photography is some of the few things I really enjoy.  Last night at Shangri-La Plaza, vive  women   photographers   are   featured   in   the   show   –  Annabelle  Chavez,  Lauren  Malcampo,  Maryanne Mendoza,  Mrae  Orden  and  Jen Perez  – with  the spectrum  of their works  drawing inspiration from natural landscapes, and the varying style of each photographer as wide-ranging as the locations of the photographs. The exhibition explores the nexus between photographer and photograph – the uniqueness of the narratives and emotion   behind  each   frame.  

 “Women  bring   a   different   perspective   to   photography.   Women   see   and   feel differently, and the images they create altogether enrich the entire field,” Mrae Orden explains.  

 

On   the  significance  of   having   an   all   women   landscape   photography   exhibition,   the featured photographers describe the realities of the genre. Lauren Malcampo points out, “In photography, women have always been a minority.” Jen Perez agrees, “While women have slowly made remarkable inroads in photography, it is still a male-dominated industry, particularly in the genre of landscape photography. Not because few are good, but because women are less visible.” Shangri-La Plaza hopes to change that by providing a platform to highlight the talent of women photographers and help cultivate a wider appreciation of their work. “We want to laud Shangri-La Plaza for being a platform in bringing together female talent in photography,” says Maryanne Mendoza. Annabelle Chavez adds, “I hope that other women artists who will see our exhibit get encouraged in pursuing their own passions.” 

A must-see for mall guests, From the Lens of Eve photography exhibition is at the East Atrium from March 14-19,and  at  the   Level   1,   Main   Wing  from  March   20-31.  #FeelTheShangVibe at #FromTheLensOfEve  exhibit thisWomen’s Month at Shangri-La Plaza.  

For   inquiries,   call   370-2597/98 

  visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaoffcial.   

Follow   the   Shang   onInstagram:@shangrilaplazao)cial.

Singapore Math at Galileo

Do you have a child age 3 to 12 years old? Is your child struggling with Math? If you answer yes to all, you might to check out Galileo as they offer Singapore Math

Why is Singapore Math popular among schools around the world?

The roots of this homegrown approach to Math started from a country with a population that struggled with Mathematics. Like most developing countries, they depended on textbooks and curriculum from foreign publishers. Recognizing the important role of Math education in shaping the citizens’ global proficiency, the Ministers of Education decided to take charge of the country's learning roadmap and developed an approach never before used in the world. 

Enter Singapore Math, a teaching method that places emphasis on mathematical fluency through problem-solving without the need for rote learning and memorization. Fewer topics are introduced per level but discussed in greater detail, allowing deeper understanding and creating a strong foundation for higher math learning. 

This change in direction proved effective as the country reaped its benefits. Since 1995, Singapore has consistently ranked first (or in the top three) in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and in the Program for International Student  Assessment (PISA). The tables suddenly turned and Singapore Math became the resource and standard of effective approaches to learning Math. Now, over 25 countries including USA, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, and Israel (including the Philippines) have incorporated Singapore Math into their textbooks.  

As one of the pioneers in advancement in learning, Galileo Enrichment Learning Program was the first to introduce Singapore Math as an after-school program and the first to hold Singapore Math Festivals in the Philippines. The Galileo Singapore Math Program aims to enhance the Math skills of students aged 6-12 through the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) Approach. This learning strategy allows the student to represent math concepts first through actual and concrete objects, then reinforced with a visual method called bar modeling, before finally progressing to mental solving techniques. 

To strengthen its Singapore Math Program, Galileo has partnered with Add-Venture Learning, a publishing and training company headquartered in Singapore. Add-Venture Learning specializes in making Singapore Math an enjoyable experience for students through their game packages, apps, magazines, and training. Behind their products are prominent figures in the world of Singapore Math and are recognized for their contribution in shaping and training Singapore teachers of the Ministry of Education. 

The two educational think tanks have shared teaching and learning philosophies which complement their approach to making learning fun and meaningful through play. Both Galileo and Add-Venture believe that a child learns best by enjoying what is taught. Both companies employ game-play elements and a variety of activities to bring amusement, wonder, and knowledge in every engagement of any child. 

  

For more details on the Singapore Math Program and the Add-Venture Learning materials, contact the Head Office at 845-1234 or select centers: Galileo Legaspi, Makati City (810-8506); Galileo Better Living, Parañaque (846-5398, 0998-793-9363); Galileo Malabon (362-3154); Galileo Parada, Valenzuela (291-1136, 0948-365-2970); Galileo Sta. Rosa, Laguna (502-7023, 0988 554 8101); and Galileo Bacolod (433-4713, 0917-801-0338).