4th District Tourism Numbers Triple in Early 2023

 Not usually known as a tourist destination, an unprecedented surge in tourism has graced the

4th District with numbers having “more than tripled.” Local chief executives and administrators

have attributed the influx to renewed pushes for tourism and infrastructure around the protection

and rehabilitation of heritage sites and traditions.

Barotac Nuevo Mayor Bryant Paul “BP” Q. Biron believes that a collective cultural identity in the

21st century is integral to this combined success. Barotac Nuevo’s latest accomplishments

include the construction of the Tamasak Arena where the first Tamasak Festival will soon be

held, the modernized and eco-friendly Market Mall, and the Ina Farmers Learning Site and Agri

Farm. With these latest attractions, locals and tourists are reminded of their histories while

building a strong and stable economy from the ground up.

“With how our tourist attractions were developed and marketed, we’ve witnessed incredible

numbers coming in. The pandemic has made it very hard on the economy. We’re happy we’re

getting this opportunity to show more people the beauty of Barotac Nuevo, ” said Mayor BP

Biron.

Dumangas Vice Mayor Ronaldo “Onal” Golez, whose municipality boasts the famous Curvus

Cafe, Costa Buena restaurant, and the newly constructed Dumangas Coastal Boardwalk,

shares the sentiment that tourism is key to rebounding from the pandemic. In an interview,

Mayor Onal Golez has this to say of his approach to tourism:

“Tourism is not only helping us develop and protect our natural heritage - but it’s also fairly

sustainable and family friendly. We were able to communicate that message to the rest of the

world”

Passi City Councilor Andrei Pantin wants to highlight what makes each locality distinct and

special. “(Passi City) was never known to be a tourist attraction but with the latest

developments, we’re seeing new faces everyday,” he said.

Heading the committee on tourism, Councilor Pantin proudly brandishes the Passi City

Agcacarao Mountain View farmstay as testament to eco-tourism and the celebration of culture

and natural heritage.

Anilao Mayor Nathalie Ann Debuque is in agreement that “tourism has considerably helped in

economic growth as well as environmental protection”. The Balunos Mountain Resort in Anilao

is the latest attraction to gather large crowds looking for a break from the busy city. Alongside

the Marine Protective Sanctuary, both flora and fauna are the centerpieces for tourist attractions

in Anilao.

Noteworthy is the 4th District’s Bugal Sang Kwarto Distrito initiative under Congressman

Ferjenel “Ferj” Biron which has pushed for tourism since Day 1. These leading municipalities -

and the rest of the 4th District - will continue developing eco-tourism in their respective locales

in 2024 and the years to follow. After having been mostly known as an agricultural district for

several decades, only now is the 4th District getting recognition for its staggering efforts at

cultivating nature alongside modernization and cultural celebration. They do so in their own

unique and thematic ways befitting the colorful spectrum of the 4th District’s people.

Check out what’s in Moira’s shopping list this Christmas!

Finding the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones can be challenging for some people. Well, gift giving doesn’t come with no pressure since we only want to give our loves ones what’s best for them.

If you’re still looking for the ideal presents or rather need some inspiration, Filipina singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre shares her holiday gift ideas that are perfect for all ages and for every special person in your life! 

Making it a merrier Christmas season, Home Credit recently launched The Great 0% Interest Festival, so every shopper can check out items from almost 10,000 partner stores nationwide. Customers can choose from more than 50,000 products available through Home Credit that they get at 0% interest until January 31, 2023.

Are you ready? Check out what’s in Moira’s shopping list this holiday season!

Gifts for learning and entertainment

Now is the time to reward hard-working children and inaanaks the gadgets they deserve. Gifting them the latest devices can help them not only study hard, but also enjoy little play time in between to maintain that school-life balance. Not to mention, in the new normal way of learning, smartphones, laptops and tablets, and accessories such as noise-canceling headphones have proven to optimize students’ educational experience, whether for physical classes and especially in hybrid learning.

New NBA season just began last month and this means you may find your dads and brothers with their eyes glued on screens. Investing in a high-quality smart TV at home can be an amazing present for sports fans in the household, as the whole family spends their time at home in the spirit of togetherness during the holidays. To top this off, gifting ate or bunso superb-quality Bluetooth speakers lets everyone party or just chill, anytime and anywhere.

Top tech brands to name a few – OPPO, realme, vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Acer, Apple, Huawei, and Asus all offer these gadgets that make the perfect study and play buddy. Not to worry, these brands and other Home Credit’s partner stores nationwide are part of the 0% interest festival for the best deal that you can get this season.

Presents for convenience and healthy living

Inverter technology has been quite an innovation that parents fancy for household appliances. Choosing inverter items over traditional appliances helps one save on energy and cost at home. This season of giving, gifting parents the latest appliances that would guarantee convenient living at home will surely have them enjoying the holidays and beyond.

 

Inverter refrigerator and air-conditioner are top choices for you to consider! As moms love spending time in the kitchen and making snacks for their families, with a cool and cost-efficient refrigerator in place they can keep their grocery foods in a safe storage to ensure the quality of each item.

While you’re at it, why not get an inverter air conditioner for the family so they can enjoy the cool room temperature during family reunions? An air conditioner will definitely be appreciated in a tropical weather country like the Philippines plus it is also environment-friendly and has lower power consumption.

Another important household appliance is owning a good quality washing machine. Give your titas a washing machine to help them save time by just simply putting their clothes on it, turning on the power and choosing their preferred cycle. It is more ideal than doing their laundry manually, a good way to show how you value their convenience.

Home workouts saw an increase in demand during the pandemic. Surprise your fitness enthusiast sibling or significant other by gifting them a punching bag, dumbbells, yoga mat or go big and fulfill their home gym dream by gifting them with an indoor cycling bike or treadmill as a present this Christmas. Having these fitness equipment at home can let them maximize their workouts at home, to keep them fit and healthy.

Get these home appliances and fitness equipment from Home Credit’s retail partners such as SM Appliances, Robinsons Appliances, Abenson, FC Home, Home Along, AllHome, Emcor, and Automatic Centre.

Curated holiday presents for a more personal touch

Looking for a more creative option for holiday gifting? Try creating your very own holiday gift package! For your coworkers who just had a baby, put in some nice items for infants, toys and clothing in a ribbon-tied box for the complete Christmasy feel. And for the BFFs, you can collect some new shades of lipstick, tag along some trendy accessories and perfume in a cute tote bag or basket for a well-thought out present.

Through Home Credit’s Shopping Basket, customers can visit its partner stores and shop for these varieties of goodies that they can curate in bundles for Php 3,000 minimum worth of items. Shoppers can get them through a monthly installment plan now with 0% interest.

The spirit of Christmas is livelier now more than ever. Home Credit wishes to celebrate this with you, offering 0% interest for the best gift items of your choice that can make the whole family feel loved and cherished.

Hurry! Click here to download the My Home Credit app and get the best deals and promos this holiday season. Find out more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Have the merriest holiday with Home Credit’s The Great 0% Interest Festival

 

Grab your most desired items at 0% interest rates through Home Credit from almost 10,000 stores nationwide!

The most awaited season for Filipinos is fast approaching — signaling the most beautiful time of the year for giving and sharing. Get ready to fill your hearts with your most wishlisted items for yourself and your loved ones and embark on the most exciting shopping season of the year!

 

Want something for your monitos and monitas? Or have you been wanting to reward yourself for a year of hard work? Better not pout, better not let your wallets cry because a huge blowout is coming to town!

 

As a holiday treat for Filipino customers, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, launches The Great 0% Interest Festival with over 50,000 products offered at 0% interest rates at almost 10,000 partner stores nationwide.

 

“Giving has always been a part of every Filipino's holiday tradition. What other way to start the season than to share the fruits of our labor with our loved ones and make their holidays extra special. To make this possible, Home Credit gives back to its customers by making holiday gifting more accessible and affordable this year by offering items at 0% interest rates to fit every Filipino’s holiday budget,” shares HCPH’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sheila Paul.

 

This is indeed a perfect time for Filipino shoppers to make their desired purchases without the need to hurt their wallets. From your desired phone upgrades, quality appliances, and new furniture to awesome tech and digital finds — Home Credit has everything that you need for your holiday gifting!

 

The biggest 0% interest rate promo nationwide

Home Credit’s The Great 0% Interest Festival is the biggest and longest-running 0% interest promo of any BNPL brand nationwide running since April 2022.

 

Filipino customers can enjoy their holiday shopping experience with Home Credit’s wide selection of over 50,000 products – from home appliances and furniture, bicycles and motorcycle accessories to electronics and hardware, sports equipment and apparel, and many more – offered at 0% interest rates at almost 10,000 partner stores across the country.

 

Fulfill your holiday wishes with Home Credit

Tick off all items on your wishlist because you can now avail of your desired purchases through Home Credit and its partner brands and retail stores nationwide at a 0% interest rate.

 

You can now get your dream gadgets, camera phones, and digital devices at the nearest partner brand stores — OPPO, realme, vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Acer, Apple, Huawei, Asus and Lenovo.

 

If you are looking for some new furniture or appliances to give away as presents, or tools and home essentials for your loved ones, you can now get them at Home Credit’s retail partners: SM appliances, Robinsons Appliances, Abenson, FC Home, Home Along, AllHome, Emcor, Automatic Centre.

 

Wait there’s more!

As an added treat, the brand wants to hype up your Home Credit holiday experience by launching an exciting campaign video that is set to launch on November 17 on Home Credit’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts, headlined by Home Credit’s brand ambassador – Moira dela Torre.

 

What are you waiting for? Shop now via the My Home Credit app and visit its partner brands and retail stores near you. Shoppers can now experience The Great 0% Interest Festival and make the most affordable purchases until January 31!

 

More food cravings satisfied: foodpanda rides to Batangas, Butuan, Dasmariñas, Iligan, Koronadal, Ormoc, and more

  Prepare to see even more delivery riders in pink across the country

On-demand food delivery service, foodpanda, announced its expansion to more cities in the Philippines, solidifying the brand’s position as the biggest online food and groceries delivery service in the country. Among the new places where foodpanda is now available are Malolos, Dasmarinas, Iligan, Legazpi, Cabanatuan, Dagupan, Olongapo, Novaliches and Batangas.

 

foodpanda has been constantly growing, as people turn to delivery apps during these challenging times. The expansion to new cities reflects its commitment to serving more Filipinos with unparalleled delivery service. foodpanda delivers dishes from a range of global and local cuisines as well as grocery items to your doorstep. It is founded on the “three Cs” of food delivery service, simplifying life for its customers.

 

Choices
foodpanda gets your food so you don’t have to. You can stay at home and remain focused on attending to work or family duties without having to worry about what to eat. With foodpanda and its extensive list of dining partners, you can always order a burger or pizza, milk tea or frappuccino, Japanese or Mexican, and so on. Aside from your usual favorites, foodpanda is able to satisfy your cravings for your favorite local food from small businesses to establishments waiting to be discovered. Whatever your food choice may be, know that you’ll get everything in a tap, safe and fast.

 

Convenience 

All the time and energy that goes into going out to buy food or groceries is reduced to simple scrolls and taps on the screen. foodpanda’s app and website are as easy to access as they are simple to use. With a few taps here and there, expect a seamless experience for every order delivered to your doorstep in less than twenty-five minutes. 

 

Customer Perks & Rewards 

Lastly, foodpanda offers deals and offers for its valued customers like no other does. Enjoy regular discounts and free delivery promos. From food to goods, you’ll surely end up loving its endless list of benefits whether you’re on a tight budget or feeling the need to indulge.

 

These prime offerings make foodpanda the top delivery service of choice in any market it enters. That includes city centers, where a fast-paced lifestyle leaves little time for going out, as well as non-urban areas, where the distance between home and restaurant often make it a chore to buy essentials. Thanks as well to its dedicated riders, the quality, and satisfaction of customers are consistently in check.

 

Whether you’re busy at home or enjoying a weekend with family, foodpanda is definitely just a tap away for your food and grocery needs. Check out restaurants and shops that are now available in your area!

Foodpanda partners with local restaurants in the City of Love

ILOILO, PHILIPPINES -- Grounded on its advocacy of helping local restaurants nationwide, foodpanda, an on-demand food delivery service in the Philippines, partnered with three restaurants in Iloilo City so that Ilonggos could have a taste of specially made food and drinks at a reasonable price.

foodpanda definitely has got your love for food covered by sharing the great stories of three of their restaurant partners and how the platform helped their business:

Akamon Ramen Bar started out in 2018 as a small ramen shop in a food park located in Iloilo City. Back then, it was still called Ramen Raku until they decided to take a big leap and opened a stand-alone ramen restaurant in SM Strata this year. The new name, Akamon, means a red gate (door) in Japanese.

Mr. Bryan Te, owner of Akamon Ramen Bar, started the business, wanting to serve authentic Japanese food to its customers in hopes of becoming one of the leading ramen chains in Iloilo City. “Always dream big and put quality first before anything else. There will be struggles along the way but you have to keep up and think of innovative ideas'', shared Mr. Te.

Kai Royal Tea started out only last year but they are already bringing lots of smiles to people living in Iloilo City because of their milk teas and refreshing drinks. The owner of the milk tea shop, Mr. Keano Lev Eslabon, has plans of branching out soon and his team is also working on franchising the business in order to open more branches in the city.

"Always study the market first to understand it and focus on your customers without forgetting about your employees. Make sure you have enough knowledge of the industry you’ll be involved in. Lastly, there will always be risks but you can manage risk by planning ahead", said Mr. Eslabon.

Another homegrown brand, Monkey Grounds Coffee, which started in 2016, serves healthy meatless food. It has always been Ms. Glaiza Wong-Nava and Ms. Goldline Wong's dream to have a coffee shop and as business owners, they discussed how there's a lot of challenges along the way but they always try to improve and do their best as receiving good feedback from their valued customers is very rewarding.

"No one is going to take care of your business but you. You need to put your heart and soul into it and to stay motivated when problems arise. It’s also important that your family understands your long hours spent in the business but at the same time you also need to balance business, and family, and personal life", said Ms. Nava.

The three business owners shared how foodpanda was instrumental during the difficult times of community quarantines, with its convenient ordering and delivery process. foodpanda truly has got its partner restaurants and customers covered.

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Weekend Sidetrips: South Korea

SM distributes PPEs and medical supplies to over 50 hospitals nationwide

Through SM Foundation, SM is donating over PhP 170 million towards the fight against COVID-19, surpassing its initial allocation of PhP 100 million.

The initiative is to help ensure that Healthcare workers in hospitals nationwide are armored with personal protective equipment (PPEs) – full protective suits (including for ICU use), face shields, gloves, N95 masks, surgical masks, goggles, and including raincoats as requested by some hospitals as back-up alternatives. 

Testing is made more widely available, by supporting and donating the local Manila Healthtek test kits developed by the UP-NIH team (upon DOH approval), providing the testing needs of RITM, and donating FDA-approved PCR kits sourced from Korea, and by providing ICU-grade ventilators to help hospitals manage patients with severe cases. 

PPEs and medical equipment arrive for SM Foundation on chartered aircraft via Airspeed Logistics.

Among the hospitals that received PPE donations as of March 27, 2020 are University of the Philippines PGH, Lung Center of the Philippines, Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and major Government hospitals like Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), National Kidney and Transplant Institute, San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, National Children’s Hospital and Rizal Medical Center.

Medical frontliners from Medical City Manila ready to fight COVID-19 in their PPE outfits from SM Foundation

Other hospitals include, Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Chinese General Hospital, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM) Memorial Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, University of Sto. Tomas Hospital, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Ospital mg Muntinlupa, and more. 

Several shipments of PPEs are also on their way to provincial hospitals nationwide, including Rizal, Pampanga, Bataan, Quezon, Pangasinan, Catanduanes,  Cebu, Iloilo, Samar, Tacloban, Surigao del Sur, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Marawi, Zamboanga, and more.

Dr. Gam Legaspi, Exec Director of PGH, receiving the first batch of ICU-grade ventilators .

SM has committed to be of service to the Filipino public, its hospitals, and its government, in ensuring that we all contain and overcome the COVID-19 crisis together.