ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

As the school year begins with online and blended learning innovations, home schooling takes on a different meaning for today’s kids. And they will be needing all the supplies and tools to stay smart, creative, and productive as #TheNewNormal in schooling begins... Here are some tips for parents from the SM Stationery and Gadgets Hub 1. Set a schedule for your study time with your kid. Let your child set the time for each subject that you want to work on, hour by hour, day by day, week per week.  2. Choose a quiet and well-lit area where your kids can focus on their lessons.  3. Stock up on homeschool supplies. Have enough pencils, erasers, activity books, notebooks, pad paper, and other school supplies you need. Prepare the gadgets they needed and sanitize it before starting the class. 4. Encourage your child to read and write freely. Make them read their favorite books whenever they are bored or have them keep a daily journal which helps them to deal their f...

For decades, residents in far-flung areas in Visayas and Mindanao have been burdened by minimal, if not outright lack of access to banks.  It’s not unusual for residents to travel many kilometers just to get cash from a bank or ATM. They need to spend half a day, or even an entire day in some cases, to transact with banks in distant urban areas. Some of them may need to travel by land and even by boat, spending hundreds of pesos in the process.  That situation has been slowly changing for distant communities that now have the Cash Agad service. Cash Agad, which has been operating in both far-flung and semi-urban communities for the past several years, is allowing residents to make cash withdrawals, receive remittances and government cash subsidies, make balance inquiries, and get access to calamity funds and loan releases.  Essentially, Cash Agad is a service that turns community-based shops and similar establishments into a neighborhood ATM. It was BDO Uniban...

SM aims bring back hope in farming by updating the agricultural knowledge of our farmers through the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program of the SM Foundation. The 225th Batch for this training was launched at the Center for Agriskills and Livelihood Inc. in Brgy. Magancina, Santa Barbara Iloilo last October 7, 2020. For 12 weeks, these farmers will be taught on effective backyard planting and small-scale farming techniques for fruits and vegetables. This helps improve the quality and quantity of their crops as well as provide organic food for their families. SM also assist farmers who form cooperatives by linking them to local markets and SM suppliers for a more stable source of income. The project is in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Develoment, and Macondray Philippines with the Municipalities of Santa Barbara and Cabatuan, Iloilo.

  With good health as a top priority today, keeping yourself active is one way to keep fit and to boost your immune system. And whether you want to hit the new opened gym, or exercise in favorite workout spot at home, you’ll look fit and fab in the Surplus active wear collection that is a combination of style, performance and comfort. Be ready for your yoga practice with your friends through video call, learn new jump rope tricks, join a fun cycling online class or do your usual cardio or strength training with a snug fit sports bra or sweat-wicking gym tees and tanks and a pair of leggings for a free flow of movements. Level up your workout routine with Surplus essentials such as extra thick yoga mats in fun colors, Bluetooth speakers, quick-dry towels, caps and socks.  Workout jackets will protect your skin from the sun worn, of course, with protective face masks and face shields for outdoor activities such as running or biking. While outdoors...

It caused a lot of speculations at first when business giant SM bought the derelict Lacson/Yusay/Consing heritage mansion. But Ilonggos breathe a sigh of relief when  plans for the adaptive re-use of the property were drawn and shared in public Now, christened as The Molo Mansion , it now houses SM's Kultura Store showcasing local artistry and craftsmanship, bringing together specialties from all over the Philippines for a unique shopping experience.  Photo Credit BONG FALLURIN

As the rest of the country progresses to more lenient measures under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) policies, the fight against the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic continues among medical frontliners who are leading on-ground.  Throughout the duration of the pandemic, Globe has continuously extended its support to these hard working men and women from the medical field by providing financial and in-kind assistance in the form of PPEs, prepaid load , WiFi connectivity, and mobile devices. The telco giant also engages its customers to participate in its various advocacies for the benefit of the frontliners and different hospitals all over the country. Earlier this June, Globe At Home launched an engagement program to encourage its postpaid customers to settle their bills within June 15 to July 31, 2020 via the Globe At Home App, Globe One, or Globe.com payment sites while staying safe and connected at home. For every bill payment made within this period through the ...

Far from the looks and usage of the original edifice, the National Museum of the Philippines Western Visayas Regional Museum stands as a testament of glorious restoration and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings in Iloilo City. The museum is the former Iloilo Rehabilitation Center, a jail facility that was abandoned in 2006 when the inmates were transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-run Iloilo Provincial Jail at Brgy. Nanga, Pototan. Built in 1911, the old Iloilo Provincial Jail is an Important Cultural Property - a recognition of its exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines. In particular, the built-heritage is recognized for having exceptional cultural and architectural significance reflective of the local’s history and culture, thus, an intrinsic part of the heritage and patrimony of the Filipino people. After the PhP 80 million make over by the Iloilo Provincial Government and t...

With more casual lifestyles brought about by work from home arrangements, new protocols, and a return to what is simple and essential, Crocs has become more than ever the footwear of choice for many.  And the good news is that you can now shop for your favorite style from the comfort of your home through the new Crocs Call and Collect Service. It's all about Crocs - The iconic Classic Clog that started a comfort revolution around the world . . . the Crocband collection with a bold mini-stripe for a sporty look . . . Literide’s superbly cushioned new kind of clog athletically inspired for your on-the-go lifestyle . . . the Tulum Collection’s summery sandals and flats for all-day, all-year comfort. Here’s how to Call and Collect with Crocs  Go to Facebook @crocsphilippines” with “Facebook @crocs” Look for the blue checkmark beside the logo to make sure you are dealing with the authentic Crocs page. Select an item and contact your chosen store via Viber to place your ...

The World Patient Safety Day was celebrated at The Medical City Iloilo. The said global celebration was made more meaningful with a Lighting Ceremony on September 23 attended by the representatives of other hospitals here.  Bearing the theme “Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety”, this year’s World Patient Safety Day celebration is centered on the interrelationship between health worker safety and patient safety. This also highlights the need for a safe working environment among health workers as they ensure the safety of their patients.  TMC Iloilo facade was lighted in orange color as gesture of respect and gratitude to all healthcare workers for their exemplary dedication in ensuring patient safety amidst the hurdles caused by the pandemic.  With the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to the healthcare industry, most especially to the healthcare workers, the celebration of the World Patient Day has become more significant this year.  Rep...