PLDT Enterprise, Zoom partnership to empower PH businesses with hybrid work solutions

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PLDT Enterprise and cloud-based video communications company Zoom Video Communications, Inc. have forged a strategic partnership to enable local companies with an enterprise-grade collaboration solution designed to give a better user experience in a hybrid working arrangement.

Through this partnership, PLDT Enterprise and Zoom will offer Zoom Meetings and Zoom Phone, a Zoom collaboration solution that enables users to meet and collaborate instantly wherever they are using any device compatible with Zoom.

“This partnership will enable the delivery of quality and efficient in-person and remote collaboration experience for employees in a hybrid workplace. PLDT Enterprise and Zoom will work together to empower local companies to maximize their productivity and time through these innovative business communication services,” said Melvin Jeffrey Chan, VP & Head of Enterprise Innovations & IoT Business Development.

With Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) integration, Zoom Phone can make and receive calls like a regular landline telephone with the necessary capabilities to enable users to not miss a single call. Likewise, Zoom Phone uses a landline number caller ID and can be used to conduct any type of call whether local, domestic, or international to both landline and mobile endpoints.

This provides an effective and efficient solution to companies and allows their employees to stay connected, productive, and collaborative anytime and anywhere.

Nico Alcoseba, PLDT Enterprise FVP & Head of Product Management & Marketing Group, noted that the said solution will be beneficial to local companies as it outperforms on-premise phone systems that do not meet the requirements of a remote and hybrid working environment employed by numerous companies now.

“This collaboration solution is timely and necessary to address the need of businesses for a feature-rich phone system to support their operations in a hybrid and remote setup. We are excited to offer this solution to local businesses looking for a cost-effective, scalable, intuitive, and simple business phone system to equip their employees,” said Alcoseba.

Zoom Video Communications Inc. is a cloud-based video communications company that allows users to set up virtual video and audio conferencing, webinars, live chats, screen-sharing, and other collaborative capabilities.

According to a study by research and review platform TrustRadius, Zoom is the leading video conferencing tool, dominating 50 percent of the video conferencing market in 2021.

Other video conferencing solutions offered by the company include Zoom Rooms, a software-based room system that provides an integrated video conferencing experience; Zoom Webinar which permits users to broadcast a Zoom meeting to up to 50,000 attendees; and Zoom Events, a versatile platform that allows the creation of a variety of engaging virtual experiences for attendees such as their own branded event hub, track ticketing, and registration, and control user access, among others.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. 

BusyBee wins Stevie Award in 2022 International Business Awards

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Winners to Be Celebrated During Event in London on 15 October



MyBusybee, Inc. (BusyBee) was named the winner of a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Company of the Year – Computer Software category in The 19th Annual International Business Awards today.

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - are eligible to submit nominations. The 2022 IBAs received entries from organizations in 67 nations and territories.

Winners will be celebrated during a gala banquet at the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel, in London, England, on Saturday, 15 October – the first live IBA awards ceremony since 2019.

More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year, among others. This year’s competition also featured a number of new categories to recognize organizations’ and individuals’ achievements in social media and thought leadership.

“We are grateful and honored to be recognized as the Company of the Year - Computer Software category at the annual international business awards. It’s been our mission in Busybee to innovate and create solutions that will help organizations from both the public and private sector with their pain points and help address various social issues such as the challenge for children in far-flung areas from accessing education.” Said Rico Hernandez, CEO of MyBusybee, Inc.

“We dedicate this recognition to our clients and partners for continuously trusting us and to all our staff members in making this happen. With this, Busybee reaffirms its commitment to leading innovation for the Filipino nation”, he added.

Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 300 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process in June and July.

“We’re thrilled that we’re able to return to celebrating Stevie winners in person this year,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “This year’s class of honorees are as innovative, adventuresome, persistent, and successful as we’ve ever had. We look forward to celebrating their achievements with them during our 15 October awards banquet in London.”

SMNI hosts accused of red tagging books and authors

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Language, culture, and education orgs unite against redtagging of authors and pulling out of KWF books 

More than 30 language, culture, and educational departments or organizations signed a unity statement against SMNI hosts’ redtagging of authors and some Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language (KWF) commissioners’ purported order to pull out or stop the publication of at least 17 books erroneously labelled as “subversive” or “anti-government.” 

In a YouTube video posted on 09 August 2022, three SMNI hosts – including former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson Lorraine Badoy and a uniformed personnel –  tagged books written by Reuel Aguila, Rommel Rodriguez, Don Pagusara, Malou Jacob, and Dexter Cayanes, and more than a dozen more books published by KWF as “subversive” allegedly because they cited references written by the CPP-NPA, and the said hosts also redtagged prominent art critic Alice Guillermo and National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera (who died last year) in the same broadcast.

The unity statement signed by various organizations defended authors from redtagging, asserting that “many books – be it in Filipino or English – will certainly cite or quote materials from various references, including those from groups considered by the government as subversive or revolutionary. Such citation should not be treated as agreement or sympathy with the cited material, but rather a part of the typical academic and scholarly process of analyzing various sources. Granted for the sake of argument that a book agrees or sympathizes with a political ideology, such socially committed writing tradition is respected in the whole world and considered as an important element of any country that calls itself as democratic.”

The abovementioned unity statement also calls upon Congress to investigate SMNI’s redtagging broadcasts as these violate constitutional provisions on free expression.

The signatories also emphasized that “reading, analyzing, scrutinizing, citing, and using any reading material, regardless of the writer and the publisher, is part of the academic freedom of writers, teachers, researchers, and all citizens.” 

One of the redtagged authors, Rommel Rodriguez is a professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (DFPP), reacted on the de-facto book ban through this statement: “Ang libro ko’y naglalaman ng mga akdang hinubog ng aking danas bilang manunulat. Mula ito sa kaibuturan ng aking puso na hinulma ng aking pang-araw-araw na pag-iral. Ang bawat salita’y maingat kong hinabi upang makabuo ng pananaw na maglalatag ng mga katotohanan sa isang lipunang makitid at mapagkunwari. Ang pagsupil ng aking akda, ay pagsupil sa aking malayang paglikha. Hindi ako kailaman padadaig sa anumang pananakot sapagkat batid kong marami akong kasamang mga manunulat, artista ng bayan, manggawang pangkultura, mananaliskik, edukador, at mambabasa na nakasandig pa rin sa katuwiran, hustisya, karapatan at halaga ng pagbabago ng lipunan.”

Another multi-awarded and redtagged author who was a founding member of the Davao Writers Guild, Don Pagusara asserted that his work is literary – fiction based on real-life events: “Ako ang author ng May Hadlangang Umaga. Ang akdang iyon ay isang dula, na ang kuwento ay natuon sa  buhay ng bilanggoan --- sa Fort Bonifacio...noong mga unang taon ng Martial Law.  Specifically, 1974 -1976.  Iyong sinipi nilang bahagi ay isang ekenang dula/kung saan nag-uusap ang dalawang tauhan.  Bale, fictional na nababatay sa totoong nangyayari sa  loob ng kulungang YRC. Naisulat iyon ng mga taong 1980s...Hindi namount, ni nalathala kailanman.”

The KWF Chair, Dr. Arthur Casanova – who did not sign the purported KWF memorandum that stops the publication of the said books – defended the authors saying in a public statement that “(t)hese books which are alleged to be subversive passed through the review process of the KWF. All the books underwent the usual scrutiny that all publications of the KWF must pass, including receiving the imprimatur of the other two full-time commissioners...the allegations that these books are subversive is a dangerous accusation which may already be stepping on the boundaries of freedom of expression and academic freedom.”

UP Professor Ramon Guillermo, who’s also a leader of the Network in Defense of Historical Truth and Academic Freedom (a signatory in the abovementioned statement) pointed out that “the KWF is right in publishing books in various disciplines. It is not true that KWF can publish only books on languages or orthography. In the context of Filipino as our national language, the KWF is within its mandate when it publishes materials in any discipline because intellectualization of the national language is among its main functions. Publishing cutting-edge works in every discipline is thus part of the KWF’s role in ensuring the further intellectualization of Filipino which all the more becomes important as we fight disinformation in these times.” 

De La Salle University professor and Tanggol Wika convener David San Juan also asserted that labeling books as “subversive” is tantamount to censorship and an attack on academic freedom, both of which have no place “in a civilized and democratic society. Hence, if the purported KWF memo is genuine, we call upon the commissioners who signed it to immediately withdraw their signatures in that clearly repressive and authoritarian order.”

ACT for Peace Convener and Ateneo de Manila History Prof. Mike Pante notes that “this is not the first time that government bureaucrats redtagged books and authors. In 2021, under threat from the government's NTF-ELCAC, some libraries removed books deemed ‘subversive’ from library shelves. Hence, in a way, NTF-ELCAC paved the way for the purported KWF memo that stops the publication of some books. Hence, we join calls for the immediate abolition of NTF-ELCAC and other similar redtagging entities that curtail the people’s right to information, right to free expression, and academic freedom.”

“As the country commemorates the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law this year, we are once again reminded that the fight against tyranny is far from over. The struggle for democracy and human rights carries on,” Tanggol Kasaysayan Convener Dr. Francis Gealogo commented.  

The updated list of signatories in the unity statement is posted at: https://tanggolwika.org/2022/08/11/nagkakaisang-pahayag-ng-mga-organisasyon-at-departamento-laban-sa-pangreredtag-ng-tatlong-host-ng-smni-sa-mga-may-akda-ng-mga-aklat-na-nilathala-ng-komisyon-sa-wikang-filipino-kwf/ 

Miss Philippines Earth’s Jasmine Paguio bats for environmental education as Miss BingoPlus Lucky

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Fil-Canadian Jasmine Paguio finished as runner-up in the recently concluded Miss Philippines Earth beauty-with-a-cause pageant, but for the BingoPlus community of players, game developers, employees, partner brands, institutions and beneficiaries, she is their queen.

The 23-year old actress and model who grew up in Canada but returned to the Philippines to seek an acting and pageantry career was chosen as Miss BingoPlus Lucky among 36 contestants at the Miss Philippines Earth Finals held August 6 in Coron, Palawan.

It was her brave and game personality coupled with her sincere concern and dedication to the environment that made her stand out to BingoPlus officials as the fitting person to embody the company’s own advocacies.

“She has a great personality that reflects both her outer and inner beauty. Her courage to pursue her dreams and passion by leaving the country where she grew up and taking a leap in the Philippines is admirable. Her faith and confidence in herself and her desire to share her advocacy by educating others about saving our planet is remarkable. She is a fun-loving, high-spirited person, embodying the same characteristics we seek in every person working at BingoPlus, and the same outlook shared by our partners and patrons,” said AB Leisure Exponent Inc. president Jasper Vicencio.

“We have been taught to reduce, re-use and recycle since we were young. Although it may appear straightforward, the task of recycling and proper waste management is more intricate than it might seem. If one wrong item is recycled incorrectly, then tons of recyclable items get tossed into landfills daily. That is why I am advocating for a change in our educational system where we can properly teach the youth the importance of proper waste management and how to correctly recycle. This way we can have full confidence that correct knowledge will be passed down to future generations and we can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle beginning at a young age,” Miss Paguio said.

As Miss BingoPlus Lucky, she will take part in the brand’s corporate social responsibility projects conducted under its mother company, Leisure & Resorts World Corporation. She will also actively promote BingoPlus through various events and spread the value of entertainment and having fun while sharing the message of responsible gaming.

“Miss BingoPlus Lucky will inspire our employees and show proof that you can still serve others while having fun by helping save the environment,” added Mr. Vicencio.

I wish to not just advocate for change, but to be a part of that change. I want to continue spreading my message, sharing my passion, helping educate others and most of all saving our planet,” Miss BingoPlus Lucky said.

Protecting children’s lives through vaccines

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When the five-month-old son of Marissa Santos had recovered from measles, more commonly known as “tigdas,” Santos thought that that would be her son’s last encounter with the measles virus. Six years later, Santos’ son started to show symptoms of a rare and serious complication caused by measles—subacute sclerosing panencephalitis or SSPE. Santos says she hopes parents can take advantage of vaccination to help prevent measles and SSPE among their children.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral respiratory disease. The symptoms of measles include high-grade fever, rashes, and the three C’s—namely cough, conjunctivitis, and coryza. Measles can result in serious complications even among previously healthy children. The virus that causes measles can mutate and cause fatal complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2018, more than 140,000 people—most of them children under five years old—died of measles. This was despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine against the disease. According to the WHO, before the measles vaccine became widely used, major measles epidemics happened around every two to three years. Measles led to an estimated 2.6 million deaths per year.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) reported in 2020 that about 2.4 million children under the age of five are susceptible to measles. The DOH also reported from 2008 to 2017, that there had been a decline from above 80 percent to below 70 percent in the first dose of measles vaccine in the Philippines. The DOH had declared measles outbreaks in 2014 and 2019. As with the cases of some countries, outbreaks happened despite attempts at wider immunization coverage.



A complication of measles

(L-F) Dr. Anleyn Reyes, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist; Dr. Marissa Lukban, Pediatric Neurologist;

Ms. Marissa Santos, Mother & SSPE Advocate and Ms. Diane Medina, Celebrity Mom & Host during

the “Baby Come Vax: Mga Bakunang Nalaktawan, Panahon nang Balikan” online forum.

Sharing her story in an online forum, Marissa Santos said that at five months old, her son, Jan, was hospitalized because of severe fever and convulsion following his measles infection. Because Jan was exposed to measles at an early age, Santos received advice from a pediatrician that Jan no longer needed to be vaccinated against measles.

Santos said that Jan had recovered from his episode of measles infection and spent the next five years living a normal life. But at six years old, Jan began having twitches and seizures. At times, Jan would suddenly drop things that he was holding in his hands. His head would suddenly drop or he would be in a daze. Both Jan’s mother and teacher noticed, too, a decline in Jan’s performance in school.

Worried, Marissa brought her son to an expert in pediatric neurology in the country, Dr. Marissa Lukban. In 2002, 7 year-old Jan was diagnosed with stage 2 subacute sclerosing panencephalitis or SSPE, a rare but progressive, disabling, and fatal brain disease.

According to Dr. Lukban, SSPE occurs in 0.5 to five cases per million population worldwide, although these figures depend on vaccination rates.

SSPE may occur when the measles virus mutates, Dr. Lukban said. Unrecognized by the body's immune system, the virus enters the nerves, reaches the brain of a patient, and remains dormant until several years later when it reactivates.

Symptoms of SSPE include involuntary muscle movements, seizures, and behavioral changes including diminished performance in school. With less than five percent of cases having remission, SSPE patients often eventually become unable to swallow, speak, see, hear, and interact with others. The last stage of SSPE is characterized by coma or long coma.

“’Yung nightmare sa akin no’n, sinasabi ni Dr Lukban, was that there was no cure [The nightmare for me then was when Dr. Lukban said that there was no cure for SSPE],” Santos said.

Marissa and Jan had joined a support group in the hope of finding a cure for the disease. However, after ten years of enduring SSPE, Jan died in 2014 at 25 years old.


Measles vaccine as form of protection against SSPE

While a cure for SSPE has yet to be discovered, the best protection against this disease remains to be vaccination against measles.

Based on the Philippine General Hospital’s experience and citing Dr. Aida Salonga’s (2002) work, Dr. Lukban reported that from 1999 to 2001, there were roughly 18 to 20 Filipino children admitted in PGH with SSPE each year. But increased vaccination efforts since 1998 led to significantly lower measles cases. In 2002 to 2006, Dr. Lukban noted that the number of admitted cases decreased to 10-15 new cases per year and more recently down to 1-2 cases per year.

“Vaccination is a protection against getting measles at ‘pag hindi ka nagka-tigdas, hindi na magkaka-SSPE. Kumpletuhin lang po ang MMR vaccine at dapat po may booster [Vaccination is a protection against getting measles and if you haven’t had measles, you will not have SSPE. Complete the MMR vaccine and there should be a booster],” said Dr. Lukban.

Dr. Lukban also warned that high vaccine coverage needs to be sustained to prevent future measles outbreaks and SSPE cases. In the Philippines, there have been reports of measles outbreaks in 2014 and 2019. There is a likelihood that SSPE cases may increase in the following years.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng campaign in 2004 pero bigla nating napansin na umaakyat na naman at nagkaroon ng ilang outbreaks, which only shows na talagang dapat kapag may programa, dire-diretso [We have had a campaign in 2004 but we also noticed that the cases increased and there were outbreaks, which only shows that if there is a program to vaccinate against measles, the program should be consistent and steady,” said Dr. Lukban.


The importance of continuing vaccination amid Covid-19

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents have been fearful of bringing their children outside their homes and have opted to postpone their children’s vaccination. Manpower and resources in public health have also been focused on the COVID-19 vaccination.

Dr. Anelyn Reyes, an infectious disease specialist, estimated that one in two children is not being vaccinated. According to DOH, the national vaccination rate in 2021 was at

48.5 percent. Dr. Reyes also cited a study that indicates three to four Filipino families are hesitant to have their children vaccinated due to misinformation on social media and lack of knowledge about vaccine safety.

The online forum entitled Baby Come Vax: Mga Bakunang Nalaktawan, Panahon nang Balikan is an activity under the Vax My Baby campaign–a vaccine mobilization campaign aimed at improving routine immunization amid the COVID-19 pandemic under the partnership of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, Metro Manila Development Authority, and GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Inc.

Pedigree: A Pandora's Box of Dry & Wet food and Oral Care Treats for all dogs!

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It is common for pet owners to assume that the diet that works for us humans also works for dogs such that feeding them with table food is enough to keep them fit and healthy. However, pet parents must always bear in mind that humans are omnivores and dogs are semi-carnivores. Therefore, both also have different nutritional requirements.

All dogs, big and small, deserve to eat high-quality dog food. Proper diet is an essential part of an optimal pet lifestyle, especially throughout every life stage of the dog.

Our lifetime companion needs a recipe that is high-quality and backed up with scientific research that will give the right amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to live a long, happy pet-life.

With more than 40 years of expertise creating PEDIGREE® recipes, Pedigree has a variety of dog foods that will provide the proper amount of nutrients at every stage of life, regardless of life stage. There are available products on dental care, dry food, and wet food to help your dog’s overall proper nutrition and bring the best in them!

For more information about Pedigree visit https://www.pedigree.com.ph/.


Social Caption:

With Pedigree, everything we do is for the love of dogs! 

Pedigree is 100% nutritionally complete and balanced, developed by veterinary nutritionists and experts. It is designed to provide the nutrients your dog needs and also contain ingredients to support the 5 signs of good health. That's why Pedigree develops recipes based on research from Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

Pedigree’s recipes provide complete & balanced nutrition to address the Universals Needs of Dogs. It is created with quality ingredients and formulated for professional nutrition to bring out your dog’s best.

For more information about Pedigree visit https://www.pedigree.com.ph/.



Have a PAWsome day!



#PedigreeFeedTheGood

Wednesday is Taste Teasers Day at Sheraton Manila Bay’s UNSPOKEN Bar

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Wednesday is Taste Teaser day at Sheraton Manila Bay’s UNSPOKEN bar as the hotel’s talented bartenders and mixologist create exquisite cocktail drinks and unique beverage concoctions for guests and diners to taste test for free. Available every Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, discover new food & beverage experiences with complimentary samplers and mixes ranging from signature cocktail drinks to bite-size bar chows. Selection varies every week and is available for a limited time only.
After 7:00 PM, indulge in Happy Hour daily until 10:00 pm for only Php 550++ and enjoy any two (2) of our best-selling cocktails (Gin Basil Smash, Old Manila, Aperol Spritz, Sangria de Malate, Gin & Tonic, Margarita, Mojito, Negroni, and Martini) complemented with our chef’s special pica-pica platter. We spice up the evening even more with great live entertainment and acoustic performances from duo Sonny and Sunshine and Franco and Catherine every Friday and Saturday.


UNSPOKEN bar is a bespoke bar that offers a curated and intimate cocktail experience, transitioning from passive/hidden to active as the day rolls on, the UNSPOKEN bar delivers perfectly on the classics through both global and local spirits. The paired-back aesthetic of the bar top allows the entire bar to be brought to life by the highly visible signature back wall bottle display, showcasing a curated selection of spirits from around the world. Located at the Main Lobby, Sheraton Manila Bay, M. Adriatico cor. Gen Malvar Streets. Malate, Manila. UNSPOKEN bar is open from 3:00 pm to 12:00mn.

For reservations, please call +632 5318 0788 or email reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay. For more information, please visit our website at www.sheratonmanilabay.com.

Beyond just beauty and aspiration: How Air Residences gives new meaning to luxury

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Since the beginning of time, luxury has always been about attaching symbolic significance to certain objects. By owning luxury residential real estate, for instance, people acquire a sense of distinction — improving their self-worth, creating elusive exclusivity, and making them feel more accomplished.

The biggest catalyst in these outward displays of spectacle and affluence is the fact that humans are, by nature, aspirational creatures. However, a recent Forbes article said that the pandemic has introduced a new force to reckon with in luxury marketing: personal meaning. Rather than social status, people now aspire for purpose and look at what is truly important; at things that make their lives rich and fulfilling.

A known trailblazer in Philippine real estate, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) remains at the forefront of the industry with master-planned, residential developments that bring together the perfect blend of artistry, comfort, and functionality. A fine example is Air Residences along Ayala Avenue Extension, Makati City.

Luxury made meaningful

What makes a luxury home is its ability to offer more than just a place to live. It’s a place to create meaningful relationships, to pursue career opportunities, to bask in idyllic spaces that make you feel alive and luxurious, and all in all, to cultivate a holistic well-being.

To make this possible, strategic location is key. PropertyGuru Philippines’ “Best Lifestyle Developer,” SMDC, took this into account upon designing Air Residences. The 59-floor, high-rise development sits in the country’s prized business and financial district amongst many renowned multinational and local corporations. This proximity not only grants residents superb convenience in swiftly getting to their workplaces, but also gives them more time and energy for the things that make them happy.

While professional growth is the city’s appeal to many, Makati City is no stranger to prime lifestyle establishments. From upscale shopping malls, to quaint parks, to world-class hotels and entertainment venues, to contemporary museums and cultural attractions, to the best flavors and culinary indulgences, down to iconic skyscrapers, captivating streetscapes, and eccentric art festivals that define the city’s unique character — Makati is undoubtedly home to the epicurean adventures that feed your soul.



Sustainable is the new luxurious

In a post-pandemic world that puts a premium on health and wellness, sustainability is made more of a core consideration than an afterthought. A luxury home, therefore, is now synonymous to greenery, open spaces, and an extensive selection of indoor and outdoor activities.

Air Residences embodies this new narrative exceptionally. The two-level amenity deck at Air Residences holds a plethora of active and passive rest opportunities for residents to enjoy, thanks to the expertise of Adrian L. Norman Limited, a Hong Kong-based firm esteemed in the fields of landscape architecture, urban design, and master-planning.

Take a dip, do a lap, or swim languorously in the cool, blue waters that await at the vast range of pools available. There’s a pool pavilion with a sun deck too, if catching some rays is what you’re up for. For a rejuvenating mental and physical experience, there’s the sports and yoga lawn where you could break a sweat and find your balance, and a jogging trail where you could go for runs amidst the lushest of landscapes. Unlock core memories with your loved ones at the gaming alley where you could bond over billiards and table tennis. Host your next house party at the barbeque terrace and pavilions, and nourish your young ones' minds in the kids' playground.

True luxury transcends mere aesthetic and extravagance alone. It's future-proofing; consciousness in leading a healthier, more rewarding lifestyle — and it all begins at Air Residences.



No less exquisite

While Air Residences excels in functionality, its architectural details are no less exquisite. In the same way that a luxury property is often built to possess the same aesthetic value as a work of art, Air Residences takes its inspiration from high fashion and the world-class Armani Hotel.

Dark yet airy interiors encapsulate timeless sophistication. Brass abstract fixtures on the walls punctuate a streamlined design. Taupe lounge seats, bright throw pillows, and sleek box lamps with hints of gold reiterate its contemporary look and feel. Tiered drum chandeliers fall in line above you and accentuate the grandness of the space. Meanwhile, the doorman and concierge staff, along with big, white orchids and the jazz music constantly playing in the background, ensure you come home to a five-star ambiance every single day.



Auspicious resilience

With drastic changes in the way people live came the record-breaking resilience of the residential property market. Well-designed, strategically located homes will continue to be a precious commodity and thus, a promising investment opportunity.

Financial experts noted that property investments do not carry as much risk in comparison to stocks and bonds where volatility is inevitable. If capitalizing on the inevitable threats posed by the inflation is what you're after, property is still, without a doubt, your best bet.

With high-value features such as excellent location, refined interiors, and sustainability-focused features, and proximity to key infrastructure developments such as the Makati Intra-city Subway and the PNR Commuter Railway System, end-users and investors alike are assured of an auspicious experience at Air Residences.

SMDC invites more Filipinos to look at premium vertical living from a new perspective — a home that is no longer just yours to enjoy, but an asset increasingly sought-after that you could secure your future with.

To know more about Air Residences, follow SMDC on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, or visit the SMDC website.

Negros Bounty: What’s turning up lush beyond sugar

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Negros Bounty

Agriculture is a way of life in Negros Occidental, and so, at the height of the country’s wet season in August, Negros Season of Culture takes a look at what’s turning up lush beyond sugar. 

Towards the mountain, in the town of Murcia, a farm of naturally grown vegetables has now opened its gates to Saturday diners. Vientos de la Granja by Twenty-Six Herb Garden is the advocacy of Dr. Anabel Villanueva.

In “The Teaching Farm”, visitors come to pick vegetables from the garden and right there have them prepared for healthy meals. By buying at source, cooking at source, and dining at source, they eat fresh and reduce their carbon footprint, thus closing the loop of farm-to-table dining.

The Manila Galleon Trade (1565-1815) brought cacao from Mexico to the Philippines. “In Search of Heritage Cacao” is a rare chance to sit down and learn from one of the world’s leading cacao farmers, Cris Fadriga. Cacao trees have thrived well in his farm in Bago City. For years he has relentlessly sought specimens of the rarest type of cacao dating back to Spanish colonial times. His travels up and down the archipelago searching for sample trees has gained him a treasure of knowledge that now he wants his farm to be a learning center. 

In our story, “There is Always a Better Way”, we feature Herbanext  Laboratories and its innovative leader, Philip S. Cruz. The company’s botanical farm in Bago City and several satellite organic farms, all planted to Philippine medicinal herbs, provide Herbanext a cornucopia of raw materials, including banaba, bitter gourd, cat’s whisker, five-leaf chaste  tree, ginger, green chireta, roselle, wild tea, and turmeric. Herbanext works with various research institutions to develop herbal extracts for the  manufacture of health supplements, functional foods, fitness beverages, even cosmetics. Indeed, from pastoral plants come sophisticated solutions.