Realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola Limited Edition launched in Philippines

Realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola Limited Edition launched in Philippines. Price P18,499.00

March 18, 2023

Dr. Nielsen Donato and His True Heart for Animals

Dr. Nielsen Donato and His True Heart for Animals

“What makes you wake up early in the morning?” asks veterinarian Dr. Nielsen Donato while strolling through his animal sanctuary. “It’s not work. It’s something that you’re excited about.”

When people think of veterinarians, they usually think of them tending to household pets, like cats and dogs. But Doc Nielsen isn’t a regular vet. He’s the managing partner and chief surgeon at Vets In Practice (VIP), which caters to not-your-usual pets, and he also has a background in Avian and Exotic Medicine.

But what makes him so special is his unbridled care for virtually any kind of animal, be it crawling, flying, galloping, or slithering.

Doc Nielsen’s passion started when he was around three years old. One of his favorite childhood memories was being excited about going to church just so he could see the yellow chicks and ducklings being sold by vendors outside.

Today, Doc Nielsen helps run the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center, which sits within his family’s property in Pansol. This non-profit organization houses around 100 species of farm animals and wildlife, including domestic and neglected pets, as well as exotic animals that were rescued from illegal sellers and dangerous living conditions. The wildlife park has everything from chickens and goats to monkeys and a serval cat, which he tends to with the help of his staff. It’s also backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which assists in acquiring and transporting animals to the park.

The veterinarian calls the park his “happy place,” which he visits as early as 5 am to see all of the animals and listen to the different sounds that envelope the whole park. “When I’m walking here in the morning or afternoon, it relaxes me. Nalilimutan ko yung mga stress, that’s why I call it my ‘haven,’” says Doc Nielsen.

Compassion project

“We support the animals with our own resources,” Doc Nielsen says as he shows the many enclosures in the park that the animals call home. He also provides them with nutritious food and medicine to keep them healthy while they’re living in the park.

He doesn’t do this alone. Apart from the staff he works with, Doc Nielsen’s family also helps. His kids, Cedric and Nina, are studying veterinary medicine, so they’re well on their way to following in their dad’s footsteps.

Giving animals a second chance

While giving a tour of the park, Doc Nielsen stops to feed and pet the animals he passes by. One of them is a bearcat (binturong), a nocturnal mammal with cat-like features that’s endemic to Palawan. Doc Nielsen explains that the bearcats were transported to the park with the help of DENR, and they are raised until they’re ready to be released back into the wild.

“I promised that if I ever breed any endemic wildlife animal in the park, my goal is to help repopulate their species and bring them back to their natural habitat,” he says. He also takes time to assess animals who might need medical attention and treat them right away to prevent infections.

It’s not always easy for Doc Nielsen to let go of animals, especially those that have been used to being around humans. Many of the monkeys, for example, lived in crowded areas and were treated as pets in their past lives. Releasing them back into the wild would be a safety risk for them because a troop of wild monkeys might hurt them.

This is why he and his staff ensure that animals like these get the care they need so they can live a long and healthy life. The wildlife sanctuary is their safe haven until they are ready to be released in a protected space.

Whether it’s at his clinic in the city or the wildlife park in Laguna, Doc Nielsen is always ready to offer his expertise and care to all types of species, no matter how scary they may seem.

“I always dreamed of being someone like [British veterinary surgeon] James Harriot. I’ve always wanted to treat dogs and cats, and farm animals as big as horses, goats, and sheep,” he said. “There weren’t exotic animals to treat yet [when I was just starting out.] Now, I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”

Doc Nielsen demonstrates how to bathe a Bayawak, with his resident monitor lizard, Bruce.

On full display: Drake the Peacock struts around his pen.

Zuma the Albino Burmese python and Doc Nielsen pose for the camera.

Best Friends Forever: Doc Nielsen and Kulit.

Feeding time: Violet, a rescued tortoise, snacks on papaya.

Dr. Nielsen Donato in his wildlife sanctuary in Laguna: “I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”

Jollibee Group, Manila LGU partner anew to offer jobs for senior citizens, PWDs

Jollibee Group, Manila LGU partner anew to offer jobs for senior citizens, PWDs

Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity at Work. Jollibee Group and Manila LGU officials convened anew for the signing of a new memorandum of agreement that will create employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Jollibee-owned stores across Manila City.

MANILA, Philippines. The Jollibee Group recently announced the resumption of its inclusive employment program to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in Manila after renewing its partnership with the city government of Manila.

The partnership is consistent with Jollibee Group’s commitment to provide equal employment opportunities to different sectors, while promoting and practicing inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.

Jollibee Group will hire 28 senior citizens and 17 PWDs as customer relations staff across the Manila branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King through the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Manila PESO will screen and determine qualified candidates before endorsing them to the company. Applicants must also secure a medical clearance from the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, the accredited hospital for this program.

“We started this program in 2019 with the Manila LGU. Working on this program in the past few years have allowed us to see how our elderly and differently abled individuals have appreciated the opportunity find gainful employment. The Jollibee Group continues to support this initiative of the Manila LGU, and we have been very fortunate to have a partner that shares the same desire and passion as the company in looking after the interest of our elderly and PWDs,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head for Human Resources-Philippines and Global Organization, Leadership & Culture.

“We look forward to forging more partnerships with other LGUs so we can improve more lives and find reliable staff who can join us in our mission to share the joy of eating with everyone,” Angeles added.

The signing of the new memorandum of agreement held last January 31 was attended by Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, and Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marlon Lacson, as well as officials from Jollibee Group represented by Public Affairs AVP Atty. Raul Academia and Philippine Region Human Resources Director Anna Prado.

Interested applicants can get more information on this employment program from the Manila Department of Social Welfare and the Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs.

Back in 2019, Jollibee Group was the first restaurant company in the Philippines to partner with the Manila LGU in providing jobs to over a hundred qualified senior citizens and PWDs in the combined 39 branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, and Greenwich in Manila. Besides Manila, Jollibee Group also partnered with the LGUs of Antipolo and Pasay in 2019 to implement the same inclusive employment program.

5 Best Gifts for Expecting and First-Time Moms According to Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift to give a first-time mom? You may want to consider some of these personal recommendations by celebrity mom Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico!

Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico and Tili

Awaiting the newest member of the family, Solenn shares how she’s taking everything in stride, which all moms, especially first-time moms can relate to all too well.

“I have always been very open about the fact that motherhood was not a walk in the park for me,” she shares. “I think that as a celebrity, it’s very important for myself to share these things with everyone so that other moms know that they are not alone in their struggles. Things can get pretty rough, but if I can overcome it, so can you.”

She adds, “Nothing will ever really prepare you for motherhood. Nothing. Especially during the first few months after giving birth to Tili, there were days when I would just ask myself, ‘When will it end? When will we get proper sleep again?’ It’s not a bad thing. We are entitled to feel tired. But of course, as moms, we must let our love for our family always take over. But, again, this doesn’t mean that we cannot ask for or expect help.”

But even with all the challenges of raising a toddler, Solenn still prioritizes healthy skin for Tili above anything else as this is the foundation of a healthy childhood. And for Christmas, Solenn shares the gift of healthy skin to her fellow moms through her recommendations.

“I believe that healthy skin should be essential to every baby, that’s why I’m so happy to share with you the products that help me raise Tili to the happy and healthy toddler that she is today!”

Here are Solenn’s top gift picks for Christmas:

A picture containing toiletry

Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula

First in Solenn’s list of recommendations is the newest product line from acclaimed sensitive skincare brand for babies, Cetaphil Baby. The Cetaphil Baby Calendula range is composed of three products, which includes the Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula. The Daily Lotion provides baby’s skin with 24-hour hydration to help soothe and calm sensitive skin. Formulated with calendula, sunflower oil, almond oil, and Vitamins B5 & E, the Daily Lotion is clinically proven to prevent baby’s skin from drying out.

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic      Calendula

Another product under the Calendula line is the Wash & Shampoo, which is specifically designed for head-to-toe use and is hypoallergenic and enriched with Calendula and Aloe for up to 8 hours of long-lasting moisturization. It also helps smoothen, soften, and improve skin texture, perfect for everyday use.

Cetaphil Baby Advanced Protection Cream with  Organic Calendula

Finally, there’s the Advanced Protection Cream under the Calendula line, which is used for babies experiencing irritation & rough skin patches on cheeks, knees, elbow areas, or under those chubby folds. “This is especially great now that we’re experiencing colder days, that’s why Tili loves it so much whenever I apply the Advanced Protection Cream before going to bed.”

Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar

As Tili grows to be an active toddler, playtime is part of her everyday routine. Before and after playtime, mealtime or anything in between, she already knows the importance of proper handwashing. The Gentle Cleansing Bar blends into a rich lather that gently cleanses and gives a moisturizing feeling on delicate skin. “We love this because it does not dry out her skin even with frequent washing.”

Cetaphil Baby Gentle  Wipes

Baby Wipes may be one of the last things that you’ll think about giving someone, but for first-time moms, this is a definite must-have! Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes gently cleanses and moisturises baby’s delicate skin with its hypoallergenic formulation. It is made from 100% plant derived fabric and has natural ingredients like Aloe vera and Vitamin E. It also helps prevent baby’s skin from drying out, making Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes ideal for face and body use of baby’s delicate skin.

And if you’re planning to buy these essentials right in time for the holidays, then don’t miss out on a variety of amazing deals and discounts from Cetaphil Baby! Just visit the official Cetaphil Flagship store in Shopee and Lazada to add-to-cart and check out Solenn’s top picks.

“At the end of the day, Christmas is all about spending time with your loved ones, so any gift you’ll be able to give will be greatly appreciated by the receiver,” shares Solenn.

Cetaphil Baby is available in Watsons and Mercury Drug Stores, and on e-commerce sites like Lazada and Shopee.

December 22, 2022

Beyond Christmas, Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria unveil surprises for 2023

Beyond Christmas, Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria unveil surprises for 2023

The holiday season is usually the best time for an urban staycation when the roads unclog and most people travel out. Two iconic hotels in Ortigas have offers that will be hard to resist for families looking for a city holiday break this Christmas and New Year.

At Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, the Holiday Package starts at Php 7,088 nett per room per night. True to Holiday Inn’s promise, kids stay and eat free, too. For a more cosmopolitan vibe, stay at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria where the Holiday Package begins at Php 8,088 nett per room per night.

Both offers include a buffet breakfast, a Christmas welcome amenity, and dining credits (PhP 1,500 for Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and PhP 2,000 for Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria) that can be spent in any of the hotels’ restaurant selections.

The options for a sumptuous Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are simply aplenty, from the international cuisine of Seven Corners to the award-winning authentic Chinese restaurant Xin Tian Di.

At Seven Corners, guests will enjoy many of the signature dishes of the all-day dining restaurant, including Ribeye Steak, savory Roasted Turkey with Bread Stuffing, festive Holiday Ham and a seasoned-to-perfection Salmon Wellington. Guests can delight over these astounding dishes for only Php 3,300 nett per person on Christmas Eve.

A special spread will also be available for New Year’s Eve at PhP 3,300 nett per person and  media noche at P 2,500 at Seven Corners.

Meanwhile, Xin Tian Di has prepared a special set menu for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. For a spectacular value of only Php1,888++ per person, guests can bask on truly authentic Chinese flavors crafted by Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s in-house Chinese executive chef.

Surprises for 2023

This Holiday Season, guests will get a glimpse of the remarkable transformation happening at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Both hotels recently unveiled their newly refurbished lobbies – part of a renovation plan that will bring contemporary flair and function to the two iconic hotels of Ortigas.

At Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, newly refreshed hotel rooms will unravel its “New Modern” style that answers the demand of the modern traveler, sparks imagination and the creative mind, and allows guests to re-energize and experience a sense of home. This new approach will emphasize productivity, efficiency, and performance, and at the same time provide comfortable, warm, relaxing, and delightfully inspiring experiences at the hotel.

Meanwhile, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria’s rooms will take guests to a tropical sojourn, featuring a la casa en el Jardin de jazmin theme of fresh color palette and patterns. The hotel’s new theme, where the classic meets the contemporary, envisions to provide a balance of luxury and comfort for every guest staying at the heart of Ortigas.

The first set of rooms featuring these new designs will be unveiled next year.

For reservations and inquiries, call at 02 8790 9400 or email higm.reservations@ihg.com for Holiday Inn Galleria Manila and cpgm.reservations@ihg.com for Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.

To stay updated about the hotels, follow https://www.instagram.com/crowneplazamanilagalleria/ and https://www.instagram.com/holidayinnmanilagalleria/

December 22, 2022

  Holiday Inn Manila Galleria Holiday Package (Room)

 Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Holiday Package (Room)

 Seven Corners all-day dining restaurant

 Crowne Plaza New Lobby Perspective

 Holiday Inn New Lobby Perspective

 Crowne Plaza New Club Deluxe Room

 Holiday Inn New Rooms (Perspective)

 Xin Tian Di authentic Chinese restaurant