SPLAT toothpastes are safe for kids as young as 0 years old

Bringing children to the dentist as soon as they start growing teeth is an important routine for parents to keep children’s oral care and overall health safe, as untreated cavities can cause infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning .One of the best ways for parents to make their children’s dentist visit smooth and less scary is to teach them good dental habits. 

Parents shall encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day, particularly in the morning and before bedtime. To many kids, especially toddlers, brushing can be painful or intimidating as they don’t understand the importance of brushing their teeth.

To make the experience more fun, parents can choose toothpaste with special flavors known by every child. For example, SPLAT Kids Natural Toothpaste in Strawberry-Cherry and Fruit Ice-Cream flavors make brushing experience similar to having an ice-cream and at the same time takes care of the teeth. SPLAT KIDS toothpaste is safe for children even if they accidentally swallow it as the toothpastes are made from natural ingredients. The SPLAT toothpastes don’t contain artificial coloring agents, flavorings or preservatives. These natural toothpastes are also hypoallergenic.

Another way to encourage them is to make brushing a family activity. Let them see you brushing your teeth so they won’t feel it’s such a chore. As parents, you can also institute a rewards system, perhaps with stickers or stamps. Another way to make it fun is by letting the kids brush to their favorite song. Parents must be sure that the toothpaste they buy for their kids is safe and natural. 

SPLAT toothpastes don’t contain SLES, triclosan, chlorhexidine, aluminum lactate, peroxide, petroleum-derived products, synthetic antiseptic agents, sodium lauryl sulfate and saccharinate because these are ingredients that could potentially harm humans, animals and the planet.

SPLAT, a global pioneer in natural eco-friendly oral care, is present in 70 European and Asian countries. SPLAT products are manufactured from ingredients of leading global suppliers at the company's own ecoplant in Europe. SPLAT manufacture has CO2-neutral status and has been certified for compliance with international standards of GMP Cosmetics and ISO 9001.

SPLAT is holding a special promo with up to 30% on all toothpastes at all Watsons stores, Shopee, Lazada and ShopSM. Included in the promo are SPLAT Kids Natural Toothpaste in Strawberry-Cherry and Fruit Ice-Cream (Php129.50 from Php185), SPLAT Professional White Plus, SPLAT Professional Sensitive White, SPLAT Professional Biocalcium, SPLAT Professional Medical Herbs, SPLAT Professional Green Tea, SPLAT Professional Maximum and SPLAT Professional Lavendersept (Php132.50 from Php189).

In the Philippines, SPLAT is exclusively distributed by ABGPH Corp. and is now available at selected Watsons online and offline stores, Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/watsons/?q=splat&langFlag=en&from=wangpu&lang=en&pageTypeId=2&spm=a2o4l.10450891.searchbar ) and Shopee (https://shopee.ph/mall/search?keyword=splat&shop=92328166).

At SM, We Know What Women Want

Throughout the whole month of March, women take center stage at SM Supermalls. For inspiring us with their voice, their courage in everything they do, SM Supermalls salutes all Women of The World by giving them what their hearts desire most.

The Womenpreneur Market

From comfort food and beauty cosmetics to active lifestyle and more. Great finds that women love are on sale at the Womenpreneur Market, a gathering of pop ups of small and medium business endeavors for women, by women. Presented in partnership with various SM tenants, affiliates and women’s partner organizations. The Womenpreneur Market is open from March 1 to March 15.

Women at Home

The Home Edit Fair for Women opens a world of hobbies that women love to indulge in.  Interior designing, gardening, baking, art and other ways of sprucing up the home have taken the fancy of today’s women. An inviting and charming home for her family and guests is in every woman’s bucket list. The Home Edit Fair is open from March 16 to March 31.

Women’s Wellness and Wednesday Sale

 

To be pampered from head to foot is an offer no woman can refuse. To avail of the offer at discounted prices makes it even more irresistible. For the whole month of March, women can avail of great deals from wellness salons at SM Supermalls, from facials, hair and body treatments to nail care and massage. Women’s Wellness is on from March 1 to March 31.

The Wednesday Sale is a weekly offering of special deals exclusively for women. Shopping on Wednesdays has become even more tempting for her at SM Supermalls. Catch the sale every Wednesday of the month: March 2,9, 16, 23, and 30

Women Who Lunch

From dining deals to specially prepared dishes and free drinks, women are in for some flavorful treats this month. Moms, Titas, Mars, Lolas, Sis and girlfriends may fulfill their cravings at participating restaurants and food outlets that are whipping up delicious offers exclusively for women. From March 1 to March 31.

Women’s month at SM Supermalls began with a Summit on Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Tomorrow entitled, Women Now and The Future that took place last March 8, in partnership with UN Women, Spark Philippines, Connected Women, and Girl Scouts of The Philippines. The hybrid summit focuses on womenpreneur mentorship with women in business such as, Rissa Mananquil- Trillo, Krie Lopez, Gina Romero and Jammy San Juan-Magsino, as well as empowering the next generation women with Antoinette Taus, Sam Tamayo, Mariane Rosario and Nina Lim-Yuson of Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Hosted by Karen Davila with keynote speech from Steven Tan, live at SM Megamall and the @smsupermalls Facebook page.

Women’s World, a celebration of Women’s month at SM Supermalls, aims to make every woman’s shopping experience more special and meaningful. Because at SM Supermalls, we know what she wants and what she deserves. Visit www.smdeals.com to see all our treats just for you. #WomenFeelAweSM

CSMC advocates for holistic brain and spine tumor management in latest webicon

Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) zeroes in on brain and spine tumors in its latest webicon entitled, “It Takes A Village to Save A Life: A Webicon on the Multidisciplinary Approach to Brain and Spine Tumor Management.” The webicon was held on February 24 via ZOOM and Facebook livestreaming.

Together with its top medical experts from the Brain and Spine Institute, CSMC debunked common myths about brain and spine tumors and discussed the different types of treatments and ways to provide the best, most holistic care to a patient. The webicon was moderated by Dr.Michael Louis Gimenez, Chair of the Brain and Spine Institute, and the specialists invited to speak were Dr. Theodor Vesagas, Clinical Director of the Philippine Gamma Knife Center and CSMC Brain and Spine Tumor Center; Dr. Gilbert Rañoa, Training Officer of the CSMC Spine Fellowship Program; and Dr. Ma. Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng, Chair of the Cancer Institute.

Dr. Gimenez opened the webicon by touching on the different signs and symptoms of brain or spine tumors. Meanwhile, Dr. Vesagas explained the benefits of CSMC’s multidisciplinary approach to treating tumors. He noted that a team effort in diagnosis and treatment allows patients to receive consistent and timely care, and increases patient satisfaction.

Dr. Vesagas also talked about Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, a procedure that is only currently available at CSMC. The goal of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is to control or stop the growth of the tumor, and allows for excellent control in the removal of tumors with minimal morbidity.

Dr. Rañoa then elaborated on other innovative open surgery treatment options that CSMC offers, such as Stereotactic Biopsy, where neurosurgeons use a needle to obtain tissue from the brain, as well as Awake Craniotomy, which can only be done if an intraoperative neurostimulator is available, and is used to remove tumors in more critical parts of the brain.

Finally, Dr. Tiambeng spoke about non-surgical tumor management, and wrapped up the team’s discussion with some reminders and practical tips to follow for when one schedules a checkup for possible tumors.

Mr. Rodel Perez, a 45-year-old OFW based in Dubai and one of CSMC’s patients, was also present as a speaker. Perez recounted his experience after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was about the size of a medium-sized lemon. He noted CSMC’s world-class methods and facilities, praising the compassionate care and sincerity the doctors and nurses of CSMC had towards him during his treatment.

The webicon was concluded with the standard Q&A session with all the panelists, where Dr.Tiambeng stamped out the misconception that these treatments are available only to those who are well-off.

“The Philippine Alliance for Brain and Spine Tumors [is a] foundation [that] is helping and has helped hundreds of patients get free treatments,” she said. “There is also Cardinal Charities Foundations, which helps indigent patients get big discounts or even free procedures.”

When asked how they could encourage Filipinos to seek medical advice over checking their symptoms on the internet, Dr. Tiambeng said, “The internet cannot treat you—Google cannot treat you— it can only give you information.” Despite being a powerful tool in gathering information, a specialist’s intervention is still essential in treating any illness.

“Always remember that here at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, you have a village of medical experts working hand in hand to save lives,” Dr. Gimenez concluded.

For more information about the Brain and Spine Institute, as well as other services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

Fly Emirates to Dubai together and save 25% on fares with brand-new offer

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has
launched a new offer for passengers visiting Dubai with friends and family, when booking by February 6, 2022.

Two or more passengers traveling to Dubai from January 24, 2022 to April 30, 2022 will have the opportunity to save 25% on fares when traveling together.

This special offer is valid for two or more travelers who book a return trip via emirates.com to Dubai in Economy or Business Class, between January 24, 2022 and February 6, 2022 on the same booking reference. The offer is also available via travel and call center agents and Emirates Retail shops.


Experience Dubai with Emirates
In addition to this exclusive new offer, there are plenty more ways to save on your Dubai getaway with Emirates and take advantage of its incredible winter sun, beaches, outdoor dining, and events including:

•  Free Emirates Expo Pass: It’s an amazing time to travel to Dubai with the much-anticipated Expo 2020 mega event taking place until March 31, 2022. Emirates customers visiting and traveling through Dubai anytime during the final two months of Expo 2020, will be eligible to receive a free Emirates Expo Pass for every flight ticket booked with the airline. For more information on this promotion, please visit the dedicated offer page.

•  My Emirates Pass – Expo Edition: Customers traveling to or via Dubai anytime until March 31, 2022, get to explore the city for less with My Emirates Pass Expo 2020 Dubai. They can enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits at over 500 retail, dining, and recreational attractions by simply showing their Emirates boarding pass.

• Earn a Mile a Minute in Dubai: Emirates customers can earn 1 Skywards Mile for every 1 minute spent in Dubai until March 31, 2022. Existing and new Emirates Skywards members who sign up for the program before March 31, 2022, can benefit from the offer Mile A Minute, and will earn up to 5,000 Skywards Miles. The offer is applicable on all Emirates flight tickets purchased until March 31, 2022, for travel during Expo 2020 Dubai. Emiratesmarketed, flydubaioperated flights with an Emirates (EK) flight number are also included in the offer.

Visiting Dubai with friends & family

Whether seeking a city break, a beach getaway, a relaxing retreat, or a unique desert experience, there is something for every traveler when visiting Dubai.

Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, especially during the winter season, and visitors can choose from an array of hotels to stay at, to suit all budgets, as well as exciting entertainment, dining and shopping options for all ages. From sun-soaked beaches a heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences.

 

As international borders reopen and travel restrictions ease, Emirates has resumed passenger services to over 120 destinations and currently operates 10 weekly passenger flights from Manila to Dubai.

Explore Dubai with Emirates Holidays

Dubai safely re-opened for international business and leisure visitors in July 2020, and it remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world's first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai's comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

Customers can book their holiday to Dubai, including other Expo-themed packages through Emirates Holidays.

Emirates Holidays’ dedicated 24/7 On Holiday Service team will be there to support holidaymakers for every moment that they’re away.


Traveling with Emirates

Keeping the health and well-being of its passengers as top priority, Emirates has introduced a comprehensive set of safety measures at every step of the customer journey. The airline has also been building on its contactless technology offering and has scaled up its digital verification capabilities to provide its customers even more opportunities to utilize the IATA Travel Pass.

Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services that address traveler needs during a dynamic time. The airline has taken its customer care initiatives further with even more generous and flexible booking policies, its covid-19 medical travel insurance, and helping loyal customers retain their miles and tier status.

Customers are encouraged to check their latest government travel guidelines and ensure they meet the travel requirements of their final destination. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors and residents returning to Dubai visit: https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/

Grand Videoke’s Bahay Entablado Continues Singing Community Aimed At Spreading Joy

Here’s one fun fact that anyone who loves to sing might find interesting: a research study conducted by the Royal College of Music in London in 2017 has proven that singing helps reduce stress by lowering the amount of cortisol–the stress hormone–in the body. In addition, the study also states that the effects of singing in boosting one's happiness are even more effective when the activity is performed by a group or shared within a community.

This is probably one of the most solid proofs that explain why we as Filipinos consider a good round of videoke as something synonymous with happy moments together. With the pandemic leaving us with no other choice but to adjust to the ‘new normal' and the most recent changes shifting us to the ‘next normal,’ simple bonding moments like this had to keep up with the times. The good news? We didn’t really have to let go of something as close to our hearts as singing even during these trying times. We simply needed it to evolve so that it could fit into our lives.

That’s the main rationale behind Bahay Entablado 2.0, a singing community started by leading home entertainment brand Grand Videoke, to spread good vibes across social media. Now on its second year of run, the interactive campaign once again invited talented members of the media to share some of their song numbers following the theme of LSS or Last Song Syndrome. Also doubling as a virtual singing contest, the campaign also invited renowned names in the world of theater and performance arts like Ava Santos (Freestyle), Reb Atadero (Ang Huling El Bimbo, the Musical), and OJ Mariano (The Company) to act as mentors to the participants.

More than just providing helpful tips on how to connect with their audience and how to choose the best song, however, the three also shared nuggets of life lessons that are very timely to the current climate the rest of us are facing.

“We can reinvent ourselves and begin again. You can unlearn, relearn, and learn more if you want to,” Ava said after sharing her initial struggles during the pandemic when she had to cope with the cancellation of live performances. From back when her life revolved around the stage, she managed to make a shift by entering the Sales and Marketing industry. Still, Ava grounded herself by finding other ways to express her love for singing–in her case, by performing regular FB lives.

“It pays to have a creative outlet," she continues. "For me, singing is an easy way of spreading the good vibes which we all needed during the pandemic.”

Mentors OJ and Reb, on the other hand, focused on other tips that could be easily applicable to singing as much as they could apply in everyday life. “Be genuine and enjoy the moment,” Reb says as a piece of quick advice. In a time when people are expected to keep their distance, finding other ways of connecting with each other is important. OJ adds, “Sing to express and not to impress.” Technique may be important, but at the end of the day, what really matters is whether you’re enjoying what you are doing or not.

All of these concepts are something that Grand Videoke has always fully supported as a brand, even more so during the pandemic. The company, which is under the management of Audio-Video Solutions Corporation, has provided more focus on spreading joy during the most trying times of the past few years by giving the market the channel and the means to enjoy something they’ve always held close to their heart.

Grand Videoke, in particular, provides the same enjoyment of singing at home with its products that includes top-of-the-line features like Perfect Pitch, a voice coach feature that helps anyone sing like a pro. Moreover, the videoke unit is also designed for easy virtual sharing and connecting with friends and family via the GV Smart App–where you can send fun messages or easily save your videos to share on social media–and robust compatibility that lets up to four smartphones connect to the main unit.

Through the use of Grand Videoke and the Bahay Entablado 2.0 campaign, the brand was able to bring together a community that is focused on spreading joy and inspiration to everyone. Similar to the tip of OJ when it comes to delivering the best performance–“It is important to find the best part of the song. It can be a verse or a chorus. Whatever it is, look for the hook"–the virtual campaign succeeded in its goal of helping people refocus their attention and love for things. Instead of finding the best hook in a song number, however, everyone is encouraged to look for the best part of life, despite all its challenges at the moment.

Want to get your own professional singing coach at home? Choose from any of Grand Videoke’s premium entertainment units by visiting this link.

UnionBank acquires Citigroup’s consumer banking business in the Philippines

 

Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd. (InLife) Executive Chairman Nina D. Aguas, first female regional audit director in Citibank as well as the first woman country manager in Citibank Philippines, shares her excitement after Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Citigroup Inc. (Citi) to acquire Citi’s consumer banking business in the country. Together with the Aboitiz and SSS, Insular Life Assurance is a key shareholder in UnionBank.

Citi started in the Philippines in July 1902 when the International Banking Corporation, forerunner of Citibank, established a branch in Manila. Today, Citi Philippines is the largest foreign bank in the country in terms of customers, assets, and revenues.

Citi Philippines is an acknowledged leader in consumer banking owing to its enviable track record for innovation and customer service. It offers a full range of world-class banking products and services, including credit cards and Citigold Wealth Management.

“Citi Philippines was the first consumer banking business established by technology pioneer and visionary John Reed in Asia. It is one of Citi’s crown jewels in Asia, so bequeathing this business to UnionBank says a lot about how much confidence and
trust Citi’s management has for the new owner” said Aguas, one of Forbes Asia’s 25 most influential persons in 2020.

In a text message to her fellow former Citibankers, Aguas also assures her fellow Citi Alums that UnionBank will continue to build on the successes of Citi. The legacy, the culture of professionalism, innovation and impact to the community lives on. Quite a number of former Citibankers hold Board and Senior Executive positions in UnionBank.

Prior to being InLife’s executive chairman, Aguas was Citigroup Inc.’s Managing Director for Corporate Center Compliance in New York; Country Business Manager of Global Consumer Group in the Philippines; Head of Sales & Distribution of Global Consumer Group in the Philippines; and Regional Audit Director of Asia Pacific. Aguas is Citibank’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni for Leadership & Ingenuity.

UnionBank acquires Citigroup’s consumer banking business in the Philippines

UnionBank of the Philippines announced today that it has entered into a Share and Business Transfer Agreement with various subsidiaries of Citigroup Inc. (Citi) to acquire Citi’s consumer banking business in the Philippines.

The transaction includes Citi’s credit card, personal loans, wealth management, and retail deposit businesses. The acquisition also includes Citi’s real estate interests in relation to Citibank Square in Eastwood, 3 full service bank branches, 5 wealth centers, and 2 bank branch lites.

Erramon Isidro M. Aboitiz, Chairman of UnionBank, said, “This acquisition further cements our position as a leading bank in the Philippines, as well as fast-tracks our growth aspirations in the retail banking segment.”

Edwin R. Bautista, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnionBank, highlighted that, “Citibank Philippines has a great, profitable and well-run retail portfolio. It has the 3rd largest credit card franchise and is a pre-eminent wealth management provider in the Philippines. We look forward to this game-changing opportunity to leapfrog our credit card business and significantly expand our banking business in the higher end segment of the consumer market.”

Mr. Bautista added, “There are clear synergistic opportunities in this engagement. We intend to learn from Citi’s expertise to enable UnionBank to effectively build on its success and take the business to the next level. As we embark on this journey, we are committed to retain all of Citi’s key talents and uphold the superior customer experience that Citi has delivered to its customers over the years.”

Approximately 1,750 Citi employees, including senior management, are expected to join UnionBank. Mr. Aboitiz added, “We are looking forward to welcoming all employees to the UnionBank family. With the strong cultural similarities between the organizations, we believe Citi’s employees will feel at home at UnionBank.”

UnionBank is the 7th largest publicly-listed bank in the Philippines and widely recognized to be the leading digitally transformed and most innovative bank in the industry.

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has always been among the first to embrace technological innovations to empower its customers. It embraces the future of banking and is committed to be the Philippines’ leading digitally-transformed bank to best serve the growing needs of Filipinos everywhere.

It has consistently been recognized as of one of Asia’s leading companies, ranking among the country’s top universal banks in terms of profitability and efficiency. Over the years, UnionBank has garnered a record-breaking number of awards and recognition including: "Asia Trailblazer Institution of the Year" from Retail Banker International; "Best Bank

Transformation in South East Asia 2021" from Global Banking and Finance; "Best Bank for Customer Experience in South East Asia 2021" from Global Brands Magazine; 4-Time "Digital Bank of the Year (2018-2021)" from The Asset Triple A; "Most Recommended Retail Bank in Asia Pacific 2021" from BankQuality.com; "Fastest Growing Fintech Company, South East Asia 2021" for UBX from Global Banking and Finance; back-to-back "Best Bank for SMEs" (2020-2021) from Asiamoney; "SME Bank of the Year - Philippines 2021" from Asian Banking and Finance; “Asia’s Best Bank Transformation” from Euromoney; "Asia-Pacific Retail Bank of the Year" from Retail Banker International; "Top 2 Most Helpful Banks in Asia Pacific during COVID-19" from BankQuality.com; "Asia Pacific Digital Trailblazer" for UnionBank and "DX CEO Asia Pacific" for President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista from IDC Asia Pacific DX Awards; "Best Digital Community Impact Initiative, South East Asia 2020" for UBX from CFI.co; "Fastest Growing Fintech Company, South East Asia 2020" for UBX from Global Brands Magazine; "2020 Digital Banker of the Year in Asia-Pacific" for President and CEO from The Asset; three-time "Best Digital Bank Philippines" from Asiamoney and International Finance Magazine; back-to-back Digital Transformer of the Year Philippines" from IDC DX Awards Philippines; "Best Retail Bank Philippines 2020" from Global Banking and Finance, The Asian Banker and The Digital Banker; "Domestic Retail Bank of the Year Philippines" from Asian Banking & Finance; back-to-back "Best Digital Bank Philippines" & "Most Innovative Cash Management Services Bank Philippines" from Global Banking and Finance; "#1 Best Service

Domestic Bank in the Philippines" at the 2020 Asiamoney Cash Management Survey; and "Employer of the Year" awards from Stevie Awards for Great Employers, Asian Banking and Finance, and HR Asia.

UnionBank stands firm in its promise to power the future of banking through "Tech-Up Pilipinas" to best serve the growing needs of Filipinos everywhere, while pioneering innovations for a better world.

As of 30 June 2021, Citi’s consumer banking business has total assets of Php 89.5 billion including gross loans of Php 59.7 billion, total liabilities of Php 71.7 billion including deposits of Php 67.8 billion, investment AUM of Php 95.0 billion, and a customer base of close to 1 million.

The transaction will be effected via (i) an asset and liability transfer of the consumer banking activities of Citibank, N.A., Philippines Branch, (ii) the sale of the shares in Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc., and (iii) and the sale of Citibank Square building.

UnionBank will pay a cash consideration for the net assets of the Citi Philippines consumer business (subject to customary closing adjustments) plus a premium of PHP 45.3 billion. Based on the anticipated increase in risk-weighted assets, the required equity is approximately Php 9.7 billion as of 30 June 2021.

The acquisition is expected to be financed via a combination of internal resources and a stock rights offering (SRO). The Bank’s key shareholders – Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Insular Life Assurance, and Social Security System – are fully committed to the SRO.

The transaction with Citi is expected to close in the second half of 2022. Completion is subject to regulatory approvals, including from the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippine Competition Commission, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Insurance Commission.

Citi will continue to operate its consumer banking business in the Philippines until completion of the acquisition, with no immediate changes in the way it serves its customers. All consumer banking operations, including call centers, Citibank online and mobile banking services, will continue to serve

Citi’s customers as usual. Customers will be contacted in the coming months with more details. Citi will continue to operate its institutional business in the Philippines.

Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive international financial advisor to UnionBank in respect of the transaction. Milbank LLP and Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles are acting as legal advisors to UnionBank in respect of the transaction.