BDO Insure and Pioneer Partner Up for Your Fur Babies!

Have you already insured your kids with 4 paws? If not, then here's good news from BDO Insure and Pioneer. See, they've managed to get more affordable but customizable plans for your cats/dogs. They teamed up just to make sure you get them the protection they need but give you the freedom to choose what you need in it.

The VP for BDO Insure Ed Ramirez says "This Pet Dog and Cat insurance will certainly give paw parents peace of mind when the unexpected happens to our fur babies. The Philippines remains the highest in terms of dog ownership in Asia while we place second in owning cats as pets. The love we have for them inspired us to come up with these insurance plans that can be personalized, easy and affordable too."  

They've got 4 different plans that you can get for as low as Php 560 and get you coverage for fractures, burns, drowning, bites and a couple more on the list. You can customize that and add in those for different illnesses, dental conditions, accidental death, pet travel (for emergencies), if they get abducted or owner's fault. They also welcome different breeds, even mixed ones as young as 3 months. If you've got an older one, they can still be insured as long as they don't go beyond 6 years. Then it can also be renewed til they get to 12 years. This was showcased during the SM Super Pets Club Caravan during weekends at SM Malls. Other activities were also enjoyed by furparents and furbabies like the Doggie Boot Camp, The Super Pet Fur Show, Meet and Greet with TikTok superstar Show Suzuki with his cute Gonta. So if you're around SM Malls, go there from August 12 to September 3 only on 8 pet friendly SM malls. If you want to know more about the BDO Insure Pet Dogs and Cats Insurance, it's all online at bdo.com.ph/bdo-insure/personal/pet so go get them covered!

PSID-Ahlen Institute Inc. Mounts PHUSION Exhibit

The Philippine School of Interior Design - Ahlen Institute Inc. just gave us a glimpse of this year's theme PHusion made by the class of 2023. In the past, they had a lot of these displayed at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Since it was the pandemic, they had a smaller number of spaces designed. Though there was certainly no shortage in talent, I loved what I saw during this batch. 

 PHusion is all about culture and how it influences design. With these spaces catering to Filipino and individuals from different countries, they were able to meld this together. Though just like the other times, it's in the "details" and the designer's interpretation of what they understand from the culture of the other country they are doing. I was assisted by Nicole and shown around the different displays this year.

FILIPINO x EGYPTIAN

 They call this space PER ANK which means Key of Life.

Their two countries were at opposite sides of the world, but they particularly thought of color as common ground to bring this together. The brown sand dune hues, the wood, the several pieces of furniture, the native baskets on the ceiling (as light treatments), the Malakas-Maganda figures etched on the cement wall, the pillars with Egyptian hieroglyphs (as accent wall) plus the Baybayin writings they customized was impressive to see. They knew one could overwhelm the other design and they were careful not to do that. This was certainly a good start.

FILIPINO x SOUTH AFRICA

They call this BAHAY UBUNTU. A term I'm quite familiar with because I'm a Computer Engineer, it's about compassion for others.

South Africa must be a little hard to put into design, but they've managed to concentrate on things that are common with the Philippines. The wood elements are present, they showed the glass table top that remained transparent to show the various wood underneath. What impressed me the most was the Nipa hut style on the ceiling, but it was made of a different material that can withstand years of abuse. It was efficient, virtually pleasing to the eyes, and the prints represented the South African flair.

 

FILIPINO x AMERICAN

 

This time, they used light to define two spaces. The couple they depicted here spend much time in the kitchen which is why the space had the large counter. This is also old 1930's themed which had more gold and geometric elements. The bar with the capiz window treatment and the iconic Kutsara Tinidor on the wall probably gives that Filipino touch. I get why they named it FILLENIUM.

 

FILIPINO x NICARAGUAN

One thing we have in common with Nicaragua is the tropics, which is why they used plants as part of the design in this space. It's a bath, vanity and closet, where you can take refuge and relax after a stressful day.

They didn't overwork the theme, they did it very simple. The natural elements like the weaving on the wall and ceiling plus a 70's style wall blocks has that Filipino stamp. It's very well executed, and didn't have to get too busy in the eyes to interpret their theme RELAJARSE.

FILIPINO x BRAZILIAN

This is called A DIVERSAO. Since the Philippines and Brazil enjoy tropical weather, that's where they have the theme combined. The wall on the shelves are from the Brazilian sunsets, also the curved lines which are common in Brazilian homes. They also had coconut on the face of the cabinets plus the solihiya weaving on the ceiling to make sure there's still Filipino in it. The design of the floor is also an interpretation of Brazilian black and white patterns.  They used it to separate the space between the play area and lounge.

 

 FILIPINO x FRENCH

This space was designed to mix the Filipino and French elements, but had more than what they bargained for. Think of it as a French space with a more worldly view because they also included the vibes of a well traveled individual who takes different pieces from different places and take them home.

I like the balcony, the wall treatments, and the carvings which are innately Filipino. They made it a tad lighter to see, not clunky and max which most Filipino spaces depict. They also had parts likened to "Bahay na Bato". The various things they placed on shelves were shabby chic, floral, to simply get the feel of the French homes with centuries worth of art. I like the artwork and chairs the most.

 

FILIPINO x SCANDINAVIAN

The designers of this space called LAGOM had one problem, it was to mix a more max design culture in the Philippines to the one minimalist style from Scandinavian countries. I loved that wall in the back that transitions into shelves on one side then disappears when you look at it from the other side. The light in the center also was a good choice, the shadows land on the different pieces of furniture and give it a more warm glow. They also had wood, employ a concentric design to have less corners from different views.

FILIPINO x BRITISH

One side of this had Chesterfield sofas which was apt for those who wouldn't want their suits get creases, a classic in every British space. I liked how they used wood mainly which was done to have that Filipino touch. The face of the cupboards and cabinets was also customized with a regional Lumban Barong Tagalog strip which made a statement, it is possible to mix the west and the East. I like how this was done, perfect for the Bachelor client they depicted who wanted this and all the natural elements he wanted from the Philippines.

FILIPINO x ITALIAN

This space reminds me of the bougie Gotti family (though not maximalist). There were gold elements on the recessed wall, fabulous light installation and also the curved arches on the lavatory with a twin waterfall faucets. It was fresh looking, light and airy despite having some big pieces on the wall and different spaces. The wall was a light pink, it didn't clash with the space despite it having a more ethnic design on the center. They did good.

FILIPINO x AUSTRALIAN

This was one impressive space. The work area with a Boomerang shaped table, the recessed wall shaped like the mountains in the outback, the beach dotted artwork (made by one of the members to depict the Great Barrier Reef), that's some of the items that are extremely OZ. The hammock, a place to take rest after a stressful day, with rhum in hand via the cart, it is like a vacation in the Philippines. I can see they used wood pretty much everywhere, which is something common with us too. The abaca fiber on top, plus how the spaces were separated was a good idea. It's a serious place for business, but comforting after that. 

FILIPINO x JAPANESE

This bedroom is a personal favorite. You can see why.

The capiz wall, the arches, the floor, they all depict the rising sun. It's an element both Japan and the Philippines share, which is why they wanted the 8 rays in the sun also included. They also mixed the home grown farmer hat salakot and bangasa which is mostly seen in Japanese festivals.  They also did night and day (sun and moon), as seen on the floors. The bamboo, the circular patterns, even the Kenneth Cobunpue chair in red just fit right in. With so many elements, it didn't look cluttered at all. Excellent work, they named it Pearl of the Orient Meets Prosperity.

FILIPINO x PERSIAN

Designed for a Filipino Iranian family, this wreaks blue royal homes in Iran with woodwork and intricate details from both countries. They have a space made for recreation, bonding on the floor because that's how they do it. They also have sliding doors for the television, as most want it kept. Look at the details on the green built-ins which they wanted to do because of extreme need for storage especially in Persian homes.  

If you want to see the exhibit, it's at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Thank you so much to the nice people we met from the 2023 Batch of PSID. Thank you also to the Batch Adviser IDr. Nicanor Jardenil whom we talked to later that morning. You guys did good this year!

Sparkle Artists Shine at SIGNED FOR STARDOM 2023

One of the most awaited events in the country happened at the GMA Studios a couple days ago. This is "Signed for Stardom 2023" hosted by GMA's Sparkle Artist Center, and we loved seeing those who have stayed and renewed ties with the Kapuso network and its affiliates. The contract signing event also included performances from the network's stars, singers, spiels from their host influencers and appearances from their homegrown character actors which we love seeing in their various series and shows on GMA.

All in all, there were over 48 artists who got singned again, plus a few who got renewed and retained their management contracts with Sparkle. The event was hosted by Martin Javier, Rain Matienzo and guests were welcomed by GMA Netowrk's very own Chairman and CEO Attorney Felipe L. Gozon.

In the event, young GMA stars Siena Stevens, Will Ashley, Bruce Roeland, Matthew Uy, Angel Leighton, AZ Martinez, Yvette Sanchez and Shuveee Etrata got on stage in their best gowns and suits. Seeing them doing good in different GMA shows, endorsements and projects just mean they're reaping the fruits of their labor, working hard especially in honing their talents with the premier talent management company.

From champion singers, international performers and PPOP sensations, GMA is home to the most talented singers this country has ever produced. Liana Castillo, John Rex, Timmy Albert, Vianna Ricafranca, powerful Hannah Precillas, Jessica Villarubin and Guam theater star Garrett Bolden plus XOXO's Riel, Mel, Lyra and Dani went up the stage and performed several hits LIVE at the event. It proved all the more that the Filipino is world class!

Host and Influencers who are going to be part of the various planned lifestyle shows on GMA include Janeena Chan, MH Ordinllano, Maureen Schrijvers, Asnley Yap and Mica Salamanca.

Signed talented actors like Martin Del Rosario, Ashley Rivera, Kristoffer Martin, Paul Salas, Ms. Amy Austria, Maricar de Mesa, Archie Alemania and Nadine Samonte also signed with Sparkle together with already established Sparkle artists Andrea Torres, Andre Paras, Arra San Agustin, Shaira Diaz, beauty queen Celeste Cortesi, Mike Tan, Rita Daniela, Rocco Nacino, Khalil Ramos, twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, plus Richard Yap, Paolo Contis, Lolong lead star Ruru Madrid and popular pair "BarDa's" Barbie Forteza and David Licauco also joined the signing activity.

This is just the start of even more things to come for Sparkle and their artists. The event was also witnessed by GMA Executives SVP Attorney Anette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle's VP Joy Marcelo. Here's to more projects with the stars who appeared at this Signed for Stardom. and yes, until next year! Congratulations to everyone who got signed, we can't wait to see more!

PHILUSA Corporation Launches Babyflo Buddies at Robinsons Magnolia

Just got off the Babyflo Buddies media launch at Robinsons Magnolia's Central Garden grounds in Quezon City. Folks had to wake up early for the morning event and tons of activities were prepared for kids and their families for one fun Saturday with the Play, Party and Pamper event.

Babyflo is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to baby products. Their parent company PHILUSA is also Filipino owned, making sure their products are affordable but of world class quality. If you live nearby or are just in the area, the activities are open to the public from 1pm to 9pm just for today!

I love the party games and food carts the most because you kinda get to have fun while you're there. This would be a fun activity with your kids and other family members. 

PHILUSA Corporation's Marketing Head Maya Leander says "This is the first time we are holding an event after the pandemic, and we are excited to tell you about the latest additions to the Babyflo family. We are the second happiest country in Asia, and we wear that smile while we practice the joy with our families. It's our mission to bring that happiness to every kid, and we have the widest range of products to do that. We use the highest quality of ingredients and make it affordable, all proudly Filipino made. Now we have to encourage our kids to use this inner joy, to make sure they grow up right. I wish everyone a happy day today and beyond!"

Brand Manager Rachelle Inciso adds "Together with our team, we want you to experience fun and the magic of childhood. We believe a happy baby makes a happy mommy, and it also makes a less stressed Dad. We hope you can love the new Babyflow Buddies because you will see them on stage today!"

Mommy influencers Neri Miranda and Iya Villana Arellano also joined in the fun. They have a talk encouraging Moms like them to take time to have fun while taking care of their kids. Iya says "Thank you Lord it's not raining now, we can enjoy the fun activities Babyflo has prepared for all of us. As parents we can always relate at some way and form. I took off a lot of my workout regimen because I need to recover. They are rough boys, all of them, no 5th one yet. No plans but it would be a happy accident because it's unsurmountable joy they bring everyday. If you ask Primo, weekends are the only gadget day."

Neri says "I'm really busy with business but I decided to put load later because I can see my kids are growing up so fast. I want to make sure I have time for them, to be there to send them off to school. Kids are different now, you have to chase them at a certain age. I used to also let them use gadgets but I see the big difference in attitude, so I don't let them have it unless it's needed. They did become impatient, addictive, so I removed it from the equation and let them bond together. That is a whole lot better!"

Together with living with kids, you need products that can make sure they're clean and safe.. and also are having fun. Go to Robinsons Magnolia today and get you, your kids in tow to enjoy the activities this afternoon. Remember, it opens at 1PM til 9PM, only for today! 

Congratulations PHILUSA and Babyflo!