MERALCO Announces Lower Rates This February

Have you felt the difference? I know I did. My Meralco bill arrived this month and it looks like there's good news because for the second month in a row, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced that there is a decrease in power rates for the month of February. 

The overall rate for a typical household consuming 200kWh (much like in my home) decreased by Php 0.59 to Php 8.86 per kilowatt hour (kWh). This is at its lowest level in two years. Last month, they had it at Php 9.45 per kWh which is a significant drop in price. This means that in a household like mine, you will get a decrease on our bill of around Php 118 for the total electricity bill this month. This js because of the new Power Supply Agreements that they did last December 26th. They got the ability to choose cheaper electricity suppliers by partnering with specific ones like San Miguel Energy Corporation, South Premiere Power Corporation and AC Energy who charger less than others, hence the lower Generation Charges reflecting on your bill.

This is quite smart as it resulted in back-to-back rate decreases at P1.00 per kWh since the start of the year. This hasn't happened in the last 5 years. Add to that, some charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) (where we buy our power supply) seem to be also lower this month, that's good news!

What happens with these lower cost electricity sourced from PSAs is that you can save a lot, plus after using energy-efficient appliances and devices at home, you can save even more! The money you save can go to payment of other bills, utilities, or food on the table. 

Summer is also near, which means it will be doubly hard to generate with our Hydro plants, Meralco urges us consumers and businesses to practice energy efficiency initiatives. Even at your own home for example. Make sure to unplug appliances when not in use. Some of them still consume power even in sleep or standby mode. If you have air-conditioning at home, put it at mid-setting or around 25 degrees Celsius. That's going to be sufficient enough to keep your room cold and habitable. Consult electricians on how to use a power strip which can supply power to several appliances all at once. You can also opt to use natural light during daytime, photos and portraits look good on them anyway. Keep appliances well-maintained especially air conditioning units to ensure optimal performance, it makes your spot cool faster because the filters are dirt free, air clean too!

Anyway, check out this video to understand more about it!

As for me, I'll check more things at home and see how to improve efficiency and lower power consumption. We all live in this country, might as well do our share to save resources. Your kids would thank you for it!

60 Years of Country Bankers Insurance Corporation

Country Bankers Insurance Corporation is celebrating their 60th year bringing affordable insurance to Filipinos. Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation (CBLIC)  is also celebrating their 55th Anniversary and continues to provide SME's, farmers, fishermen, school teachers in rural areas and cities simple non intimidating insurance options. That's a great achievement, as pinoys continue to trust CBIC all throughout the years.

SVP and GM of Country Bankers Ms. Geraldine Garcia says "We are more known in the provinces and we still have a long way to go to be known in Manila. It is so nice to see all of you, we would need your help in getting our message across Filipinos especially those who are in Manila so you can tell them what we do in life and non-life insurance."

Currently they offer Life and Non-Life type of insurance which includes Microinsurance, Loan Insurance, Whole Life Plans, Term Plans and Savings. During the event, they had us try a game where teams purchased properties, cars, boats and personal insurance coverages so we could understand how it works in different situations. 

Their tagline "Kapag Sigurado Hindi Kabado" says a lot about the convenience and peace of mind you get from their services as they also continue to grow with the thousands who believe in their movement to make every person be ready at all times as accidents, calamities happen when you least expect it. Call them at 85238611 and 85240621. You may also visit them at 648 TM Kalaw Ermita Manila as they have agents to guide you with what you need!

iWANT: Julia Barretto and Toni Labrusca in I AM U

iWant just came out with a very compelling trailer for the new iWant Original story called I AM U. It stars Julia Barretto, who consequently finds her doppleganger and makes her a part of her life. Unfortunately, her character got a little jealous and made the mistake of actually killing her in a truth or dare supposed game. The good thing is, will come out this February 26 on the iWant app which is free to download on Google Play and the App Store.

Julia says "I had to switch characters, it was damaged hair when I got home. I practice lines and do Elise shots and dual shots. It was efficient. In some series I watch I learned much of the doppelgangers and I enjoyed it as much. Elise is well off, she wears the best things, bags, outfits while Rose is simple, very dressed down and she just enjoyed the way they look. The way they talk, the way they talk to other people are different. It is interesting."

Tony adds "I watched Split and I'm a fan of science fiction and thrillers, this was a joy to do with Julia. Kyle is straightforward, he just does so many things because he was intimate with the characters. They ask us if we are comfortable with the scene, even require things but I didn't want to break boundaries."

There's a lot more where that's coming from, go watch it on iWant starting Wednesday. 

The Seasons Residences: Japanese Living In Manila

Japanese living in Manila!? Yeah, that’s exactly what they want to do. The developer Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corp and Federal Land Inc has just partnered with Japan’s leading firms Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. and this will bring to light an iconic property called The Seasons Residences. What this would mean with their remaining towers Natsu, Aki and Fuyu is that they’ll be having units that are world class, innovative and armed with Japanese technology which INAX will provide. They will also have a Mitsukoshi Mall which will open in 2021, that’s good news!

Thomas Mirasol, COO and GM of Federal Land Inc. says “As we aim to have a modern lifestyle, we look to Japan. Despite their modern way of life, they have a rich culture and regards to mother nature. This is one of Federal Land’s biggest projects and we are bringing Japan’s Nomura Real Estate and Isetan Mitsukoshi Mall in the Philippines. Today, we also welcome INAX, to enable our residents to live and set the bar higher, premium living in the Seasons Residences. May this partnership grow, bring convenience to our residents in the property.”

Alpha Ang of LIXIL Philippines says “Even in today’s modern age, this is a relationship that goes over water use. We are harnessing it to improve our household products, for people to have healthier cleaner lives. As you all know INAX improves lives, bringing forth experience that embodies Japan. We are honored to have comfort, reliability that our customers expect elevating standards of premium living.”

As these properties get filled with the most discriminating residents who want premium living personified, these will all happen as construction is going on. If you want to know more about it, or if you’re interested, give them a call via 8359-6756 or email them via invest@federalland.ph or visit their showroom at 7th Ave corner 34th Grand Central Park North BGC. It’s all there!