4 Ways to Spend More Time Outside

     Being outside should be a large part of everyone's daily life. From the physical benefits of exercise and moving around to the mental health benefits of more vitamin D from exposure to the sun, spending time outside is the best way to ensure that you get to enjoy life to the fullest. Although it's easy to spend time outside when we're young, it can be hard to convince ourselves to do the same when we're older. Here are the top four ways we could all devote a little more time outside to make it easier on ourselves.

4 Ways to Spend More Time Outside
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New Year, New Rediscoveries

     The year 2020 was a challenging one but it also made Filipinos realize the most important and meaningful constant in life – FAMILY and HOME. As the nation looks forward to a hopeful start of new year, PLDT Home wraps up 2020 with a collection of inspiring narratives that attested to the strength of Filipino families and the learning experiences that prepared each one for a better year ahead. 

     Life may have become a bit different than how Filipinos are used to, but one thing is certain – strong connections at home enable families to thrive and strengthen relationships. What was once almost unimaginable became inevitable and a necessity in 2020 – online learning, online shopping, office video call meetings, and next-level opportunities for business: digital or online selling. Entertainment at home has also evolved – grandparents getting into the Tiktok craze, children watching Korean dramas on Viu and Netflix, and even parents starting to learn and enjoy esports at home with their children. 

New Year, New Rediscoveries

Lessandra- A Place to Call Your Own

     Having a place to call your own is something that we always dream of. I can still vividly remember the strain of moving from one place to another while growing up and it's not a pleasant experience. It's stressful that's why my parents strove hard to give us a better life and that includes a house that we can call our own. Buying a house and lot is an achievement unlocked especially for the Filipinos as this only proves that their hard-earned money has been well spent.

     Though acquiring a property is fulfilling, some find the process stressful and taxing. I presume you've heard of horror stories and the complicated process of purchasing a house before and those things hold you back from owning your dream home. Today, make the dream of owning a beautiful home into reality through Vista Land's brainchild- Lessandra. Get to know more about Lessandra and why it is the perfect home for everyone below :)

Lessandra- A Place to Call Your Own

Making the Connection: Helpful Tips When Planning a Family Reunion

     When it comes to family, we have them near and far. For family members that are close enough in location, you try to see them as often as you can but for family members that live further away, visiting them as often as you would hope to can be a little more difficult. It’s situations like that, that give all the more reason to plan for family reunions.

     Family reunions are great ways for families, near and far, to come together as one and reconnect. These reunions allow you to spend time with family members you haven’t seen in a long time as well as meet new members of the family, whether it be through a marriage or a new baby. Family reunions truly give families the opportunity to showcase the love they have for each other even though they’re miles apart or may not communicate with each other every day.

Making the Connection: Helpful Tips When Planning a Family Reunion

Why Worry? Be the Best Mom with Plan B

     My mission in life is to be the best mom for my son and my life as a stay-at-home mom is not perfect but it's one of the best things that ever happened to me. As a full-time mom, my day begins before sunrise and ends past midnight. I'm in charge of the house chores like cleaning the house, doing the laundry, washing the dishes, and to look after my one and only son. I can literally say that my hands are full when it comes to family matters because from sun up to sun down, I need to have the energy to survive more than 10 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    I'm grateful for the challenges and worries that I've encountered the past years because it taught me to be stronger and optimistic than ever. I'm a self-confessed clean freak and my family's health is important to me. I always worry about three things: the nutrition that my son gets from the food that we eat, the germs that will make him sick, and the quality time that we are going to share every day as he grows older. Sharing with you my realizations this 2019 and the things that I do to have a worry-free life and be the best mom for Kenzo below.

Why Worry? Be the Best Mom with Plan B

How to Deal with Divorce as a Family

     Change comes and goes in life and sometimes it can affect entire families at a time depending on the situation. It can be easy if it’s just you that’s going through the change, however, if it’s your whole family, then it can be difficult to get through tough situations and grow and change. Divorce is one of the most difficult changes that you can go through together, but you can pull through it if you try.

      With the right tools, tricks, and people on your side, getting through a divorce as a family is achievable. You can all come out the other side feeling better than you were before.

How to Deal with Divorce as a Family
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Robinsons Supermarket’s Summer Fair 2018

     Mommies, summer na! What are the plans you have for the family? Now is the time to organize your summer getaway, enroll the kids in fun activities, or simply enjoy doing the grocery shopping together. 

     Great news from Robinsons Supermarket! Enjoy shopping and receive gift certificates when you purchase products from participating brands of their newest campaign- Summer Fair. 

 Robinsons Supermarket’s Summer Fair

Five Sure Signs You're Ready to Move In Together

     The wedding bells have rung and the now husband and wife have said their vows. Moments after the wedding the reality sinks in-living under one roof. Married or not, moving in with your partner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. How do you know it’s the right time?

     There are so many reasons and answers to the questions of how, when, and where but it all boils down to why. "It takes two to tango" means a lot in this kind of decision-making and Property website Lamudi Philippines shares with us these five sure signs that you're ready to have a housewarming anytime soon below :)

Five Sure Signs You're Ready to Move In Together
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Jollibee’s Grand Thank You Project

     When was the last time you said "I love you" to your grand parents? I presume some of us are shy of saying these magic words. I'm lucky that my lolas (both side of my parents) are still alive. I see them every now and then. I still enjoy hearing their stories about animals, plants, the life during their childhood days and more!

     Jollibee, the Philippines’ leading fast-food chain, is known for its unparalleled support for Filipino family values. Following the viral advertisement #KwentongJollibee “Kahera”, the brand released yet another heartwarming online video, “Handog Kay Lola Maria”, that featured the exemplary proof of the selflessness, support, and love of grandparents. Watch the video below :)

Jollibee’s Grand Thank You Project
Lola Maria and her husband and grandchildren celebrate Grandparent’s Day with a toast.

Say YES to Confidence with #TeenWeekPH2016

     Being a teen can be challenging. Pimples, crushes, and high school drama often come with the program. But that doesn’t mean you should allow these challenges to stop you from doing your best. After all, being a teen also comes with friendship, growth, and self-discovery! 

     And, here to help teens make the most out of their teen years by saying yes to confidence is #TeenWeekPH2016. On its 4th year, #TeenWeekPH2016 aims to reach 1 million teens around GMA/NCR, Central Luzon and Calabarzon. Saying YES to Confidence is important for teens as this will help them in overcoming their fears and insecurities. To know more about TeenWeekPH, read more below :)

Say YES to Confidence with #TeenWeekPH2016

The Search is On for the 6th Jollibee Family Values Awardees

     Family is the basic unit of society. Our character and values are molded inside our family. We also learn how to care for the community because of the traits that our parents taught us. It's always a good vibes to see and hear families think not only the welfare of the members but other families as well. 

     Are you familiar with Jollibee Family Values Awards? I presume that some of you have heard their stories and why they received such award from Jollibee. Sharing with you a short story of the families who won awards in the 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA) plus the criteria for the 

Jollibee Family Values Award year six below.

The Search is On for the 6th Jollibee Family Values Awardees

     A family in Opol, Misamis Oriental is showing there is hope for peace in Mindanao. Through their advocacy of non-violent communication among Muslim and Christian faiths, the Mambuay family has been spreading peace and awareness nationwide, most especially in war-torn areas. Currently, they are conducting various peace seminars, particularly in Cebu and Bacolod, as well as teaching and nurturing less fortunate children.

     The Mambuay family is only one of more than 35 families who have been recognized by Jollibee, over the years, for their generosity, compassion, and a genuine concern for their fellowmen through its annual Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA). Now on its 6th year, the campaign continues its search for Filipino families who have made it their mission to help others with their advocacies. These families come from diverse backgrounds and social classes, and no matter how simple or ordinary, they serve as everyday heroes to uplift the lives of others. 

     Another JFVA awardee is the Capilos family of Quezon City. Winning a Special Citation for Education award in the 5th JFVA has given the family a much-needed publicity boost that has enabled them to gain more awareness for their advocacy as well as the trust of educators, in holding free trainings for public school teachers and students. These days, the family is determined to continue their advocacy to include other localities nationwide. They also strive to put more focus on the gains of the public school teachers. “We want to concentrate on the public schools in our vicinity so we can monitor the improvements in the teachers' skills and leadership,” said Jelson Capilos.

     “The extraordinary life stories of all the JFVA awardees in the last five years have never failed to inspire us, and we look forward to honoring more families who serve as everyday heroes for others. We hope to bring these triumphant tales of generosity, hope, kindness, love, and selflessness to the consciousness of more people, not just here but around the world,” said Jollibee Global Chief Marketing Officer Francis Flores. “Through their mission of improving the lives of others, these Filipino families truly make us proud to be Pinoy.”

Honoring a new batch of exemplary families

• Interested parties who wish to nominate model families—including their own—must accomplish a nomination form (available for free in all Jollibee branches nationwide or for download at www.jollibee.com.ph/familyvaluesawards), and answer the questionnaire on the nominees’ suitability and eligibility. 
• Entries may be sent via mail to the 6thJollibee Family Values Awards, Stratworks, Inc., 2/F Zaragoza Building, 102 Gamboa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City; or thru personal delivery to any Jollibee store nationwide.
• The deadline of submission of nomination forms is on or before July 31, 2016.

Exemplary Filipino families may be nominated on the merit of the following criteria: 

     The magnitude of the contribution ofthe family’s advocacy, its relevance and impact on addressing the pressing needs of the community or its beneficiaries, the sustainability of the advocacy’s efforts, the degree of involvement of the family members in the cause, and their ability to surpass challenges and special circumstances on upholding their goals.

     The 6th Jollibee Family Values Awards will honor six winners from across the Philippines, including one OFW family. For the five local winners, a cash prize worth P300,000, a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates will be awarded.

     Jollibee will also present special citation awards to equally exceptional families who promote the following advocacies: Environment, Education, Children, Persons with Disabilities, and Minority Groups. Recipients of these special citations—to be chosen from the 15 shortlisted national finalists—will bring home P50,000 in cash, a plaque of recognition, and Jollibee gift certificates.

To know more about the 6th Jollibee Family Values Awards and its different activities, visit www.jollibee.com.ph/familyvaluesawards.

Join the Avida Homepossible: Familyscape Conference

     We all know that family is the basic unit of the society. We all have families and the values that we have now started inside our family. Starting a family and building a home, while a joyful life milestone, can be daunting. But there are a lot of ways to nourish the homemaker in you so that you can start out strong.

     Discover the inspiring ways that empower lifestarters in Avida’s Homepossible: Familyscape conference, to be held on May28 at Fairmont Hotel, Makati City. The one-day conference aims to encourage family-oriented individuals to pursue a multi-faceted lifestyle in an enabling community, offering a 360-degree approach on gearing up with the essential skills and knowledge that can guide them on the journey to being a homemaker. More details about the conference below :)

Join the Avida Homepossible: Familyscape Conference

     Familyscape will be headlined by ANC’s On the Money host Edric Mendoza and WholeMomPH, composed of aspirational moms Chesca Kramer, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and Marilen Montenegro. Mendoza will talk about how lifestarters can effectively plan their financials.

     Meanwhile, the inspiring moms of WholeMomPh will cover topics ranging from creating a place that affects family dynamics to nurturing one’s inner self amidst all the demands and responsibilities of a homemaker.

     Familyscape is the second installment of Avida’s Homepossible conference series this year. Homepossible is part of Avida’s campaign that is all about encouraging people to pursue the life that they dream of.

     Be inspired to move in and move forward through Homepossible: Familyscape. Learn how you can start shaping the life you’ve envisioned for your own family by joining Homepossible: Familyscape. 

Pre-register and join the conference for free by visiting:

 http://www.avidaland.com/event/homepossible-familyscape

bit.ly/HPFamilyscape

About Avida Land

     An Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land provides thoughtfully-designed yet affordable homes in secure communities that offer value for money and convenience all within reach. With the five pillars of accessibility, unique features and amenities, quality assurance, stress free buying and relaxing living experience integrated in all its condominium and house and lot properties, Avida Land has become the developer of choice among the rising middle class as it continues to expand its product offerings across the country.

The power of coming home

     From the small side streets to the country’s major highways, it’s almost a given nowadays for people to experience traffic—with a 30-minute ride turning into a nightmarish 2 hours, especially during the dreaded rush hours.

     Because of this, hardworking employees lose precious time. They get home too late for dinner. Worse, they would inevitably have less energy for family bonding. Consequently, family members seem to have less time to catch up on each other’s lives.

The power of coming home

     Such is unfortunate because according to a study conducted by Debra Manchester MacMannis, the author of the renowned “How’s Your Family Really Doing?”, family dinners play an important part in the development of both children and teenagers because the presence of a parent is pivotal in building them up to be better individuals. The study showed that sharing meals as a family has been found to give kids a boost in the classroom, improve language skills, increase communication, and overall promote better adjustment of kids.

     With a keen understanding of its employees and their needs outside of work, Del Monte Philippines launched an important corporate initiative--COME HOME TO FAMILY WEDNESDATES-- through which the company encouraged its Manila-based employees to leave the office no later than 6:00 PM at least once a week so they can have ample time to travel and make it home in time for family dinners. 

A testament to its success

     With the program in place for over a year now, Del Monte employees have consistently shared pleasant experiences resulting from the initiative.

     “At first there was a bit of hesitation from the employees. It was weird being asked to go home early for Wednesdates,” Gladys Chua, Accounts Payable Supervisor, shared, “but when we complied, we realized it had very positive results. By going home earlier, I realized I can avoid the traffic a bit, so I can get home in time to cook food for my son. Cooking for him and sharing our Wednesdates dinner has become some sort of mini- tradition for us now.”

     Walter Conti, Del Monte’s Customers Activation Manager, along with his wife and kid, has religiously spent Wednesdate with the family since the initiative was first launched. “We bond better now, and all of uslook forward to it. Along with encouraging us to go home early at least once a week, we also get proposed recipes from Del Monte Kitchenomics that we can prepare and share during our Family Wednesdates. We also enjoy taking pictures of our dinners together and posting them online.”

     Ryanne Villanueva, Del Monte’s Demand Management Head, is also a mother to a five year old. Having always relied on her nanny to prepare dinner for them, she shares that she’s able to personally prepare dinner for her child at least once a week. Sometimes, he even helps her out in the preparation. “It increases our bonding moments from the time we prepare to the time he goes to sleep,” she says. “It’s the type of policy that I think every other company should have. From the workforce perspective, work hours are deliberately maximized so employees can get out before 6:00 pm. In fact, I wish it wouldn’t be just Wednesdays, but everyday if possible. If we can do it on Wednesdays, we should be able to do it on other days.”

     “The advocacy may have started as a Del Monte Tomato Sauce campaign, but we at Del Monte Philippines are very deliberate about walking our talk.” Eileen Manuel-Asuncion, Group Head for Marketing explains. “When the campaign launched, we knew we cannot advocate once-a-week family date nights for Filipino families without deliberately espousing the same among our employees. Soon after, we implemented the 6:00 pm lights out at the Del Monte Manila offices. By 6:00 pm every Wednesday, everyone has to be out of the office so they can get home in time to be with their families.”

     As Del Monte employees can attest to, coming home to have dinner with the family—despite the challenges nowadays--is possible. Down the line, Del Monte hopes to do its part in helping strengthen family bonds over good meals across a broader scale--one Filipino home, one Filipino family at a time.