Philips LED Lights up Starbucks at The Fort

When Rustan Coffee Corporation (Starbucks Philippines) opened the Philippines’ first green and environment-friendly Starbucks store, the decision to light up with Light Emitting Diodes (LED) solutions from Philips was a clear choice.

This new Starbucks store uses LED lighting solutions throughout the building to provide customers with bright, yet soothing, ambient lighting conditions to enjoy their favorite brews. Externally, the building is also lit to catch passer-bys’ attention creating a welcoming location in The Fort.

“Starbucks is always looking for ways to improve the environmental performance of our stores. Designing, building and operating our stores in ways that reduce our impact on the planet is important for us. That is why we have incorporated everything from responsible building materials and furnishings to energy- and water-efficient measures into our store designs,” said Mr. Noey Lopez, Chief Operating Officer for Starbucks Philippines.

Philips, the world’s leading lighting solutions provider, shares the same vision and provides its customers, like Starbucks, with efficient and environment-friendly solutions, while simultaneously enhancing the overall aesthetics of the building structure.

This new and revolutionary Starbucks store is also working towards being LEED* Certified. Securing a LEED certification is the stamp of international approval that every structure with green designs aspires to achieve. Though complying with the LEED requirements isn’t easy, Starbucks believes that they have taken the first steps in doing so by partnering with a company who has made it its mission to be a “green” advocate.

“We are delighted to work with Starbucks for this project and salute their ongoing efforts towards sustainability. As a company that shares the same commitment in environmental responsibility, we work to start the change and make an impact one light bulb at a time,” said Philips’ country manager for Philippines Mr. Rico Gonzalez.

This shared commitment to energy efficiency and aesthetics is something that is embodied in the design of the new Starbucks at the Fort. Located at the 32nd Street, corner 7th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, this Starbucks store offers customers a unique coffee experience enhanced with LED lighting so they can enjoy their favorite brews and know they are in an environmentally responsible location.

CIF Cream Surface Cleaner, the world's choice for home cleaning, is finally here!

Okay, mga friends. Eto na to. For all savvy housewives and homemakers in style, those who find themselves challenged by today's many changes, forced to divide their time and attention among the family's many needs while trying to maintain a spot-free home, adjusting to the multiple roles they've taken, which have left them with little time to maintain the warm and healthy house they're proud to have invested on, I have news: there is a new product to make your lives easier, particularly by making your tasks faster and more manageable:

Cif Cream Surface Cleaner!

Yes, it's here! Cif Cream Surface Cleaner for the toughest cleaning jobs around the house, especially inside the kitchen. It's the homecare brand trusted by generations of dedicated homemakers for over 40 years - and it's now available in the Philippines!

About Cif Cream Surface Cleaner:

• It contains millions of micro particles that deliver unbelievable tough cleaning and shine
• It combines chemical and mechanical action to deal with dirt without damaging surfaces
• It penetrates dirt and lifts away even the toughest stains
• All you need to do is apply the non-scratch cleaner directly to the surface, leave it for a few seconds, then wipe over the surface with a damp sponge or cloth

And you'll have every surface in the house clean, spotless, and shiny in no time!

Cif Surface Cleaner is recommended for the following surfaces: stainless steel, hard surface tops and gas burners, marble, granite and ceramic kitchen tops and bathroom sinks, exhaust fans that are metal-coated with paint or enamel, ceramic tiles, the bottom of stainless steel and non-stick cooking pans, marble, concrete or tiles floors, refrigerator doors that are metal-painted with enamel, and ceramic toilets.

Cif Cream Surface Cleaner will be available in all leading supermarkets in both original and lemon scents starting February 2011.

So ladies, bili na!

Electrolux Asian Food Survey 2010 reveals Asia’s Passion for Food

While Asians prefer dining at home, passion for cooking surprisingly runs higher in men

• Asians prefer eating at home but many unable to do so
• Passion for cooking runs higher among men
• Quality of fresh food is better than in the past
• Health is a big concern among Asians
• Thai and Chinese cooks most likely to experiment

In keeping with its “Thinking of you” brand proposition, Electrolux, a global leader in kitchen and home appliances, has completed and released the results of the Electrolux Asian Food Survey 2010. One of Asia’s largest food surveys - reaching out to over 4,000 respondents from across eight Asian countries - the Electrolux Asian Food Survey 2010 aims to provide better insights into the trends of food preparation in Asia, as well as the motivations of the consumer when it comes to food and dining.

“The Electrolux ‘Thinking of You’ brand proposition is top-of-mind in the work that we do. This is the second time we are conducting such a large-scale survey and we hope to gather views and feedback from our consumers, and in turn, better understand their desires and create experiences that mean something to them,” said Marco Paracciani, Senior Vice President, Product and Brand, Electrolux Asia Pacific.


Asians prefer eating at home but many unable to do so

Despite being a region well-known for its penchant for good food, made readily available through a myriad of hawker fare, street stalls and restaurants, most respondents would much rather enjoy a home-cooked meal in the comfort of their own dining rooms.

The average Asian working adult however finds this impossible to do during lunch. If you take the limited time available for lunch and factor in traffic and distance from work, most people would settle for an eatery within walking distance of their place of work. But this does not apply to the Indians. Nearly half of Indian respondents take the effort to lunch at home.

The reality is that although Asians do have a preference for home-cooked meals, the demands of work and friends make it difficult to reconcile their wants and their choices. Well over half of them are still dining out at least once every two weeks.

• 90% of respondents prefer eating at home.
• 45% of Indians have lunch at home compared to the regional average of 23%.
• 61% of Asians dine out at least once every two weeks.

Passion for cooking runs higher among men

In an age where home delivery numbers have made it into our speed dials and take-out is very much part and parcel of lunch and sometimes even dinner, the desire to dabble in cooking is still going strong. Indians are the most passionate cooks in Asia, followed closely by the Indonesians, Malaysians and Filipinos.

In Asian culture normally steeped in tradition, women have tended to be the mistress of the home and kitchen. However, the survey shows that there is a slight gender difference when it comes to the passion for cooking, with more men spending time in the kitchen than women.

Men are becoming connoisseurs of epicurean pleasures; and a sexy one too. Considered to be sensitive and metrosexual, men who cook are “in” and the kitchen appliances are now his power-tools; a tantalizing meal is now his pet project.

It is also precisely these tools that make time in the kitchen so alluring to men nowadays. Sleek and stylish kitchen appliances create a classy and sophisticated environment that no man would mind being caught in, and the latest and state-of-the-art in kitchen technology appeals to the tech- and gadget-savvy.

“In Asia, more people are spending time in kitchens to entertain, and as a hobby and passion. That is why at Electrolux, we feel it is necessary to design kitchens with the latest cutting-edge technology and thoughtful designer flair to fully enhance the cooking experience in every way possible for our Asian consumers,” said Dr Suresh Balan, President, Electrolux East Asia.

• 64% of Asians enjoy or are passionate about cooking.
• 75% of Indians, 71% of Indonesians and 69% of Malaysians and Filipinos enjoy or are passionate about cooking.
• 66% of men enjoy or are passionate about cooking with the fairer sex falling behind at 63%.

Quality of fresh food is better than in the past

Countries with a greater wet market tradition are in agreement that the quality of fresh food is better than in the past. However, in countries that are modernising quickly to compete as commercial and industrial hubs in the region, the figures are significantly lower.

The belief in the improvement of quality is also largely in sync with the improvement in food storage technology. As refrigerators get more sophisticated, food can be stored for longer periods and its freshness is preserved as well.

• • 51% of Asians believe the quality of fresh food is better than in the past.
• • 59% of Filipinos, 58% of Vietnamese and 51% of Indians believe the quality is better while 42% of Malaysians and 46% of Chinese believe this to be so.

Health is a big concern

With health being a major cause for concern in today’s society, it is no surprise that such concerns should be addressed from within the home. Almost all respondents emphatically believe that you can cook and eat your way to better health. Understandably, the vast majority of people worry about health when cooking a meal at home. Even when dining out, nearly nine out of 10 respondents were concerned with health issues.

Oil and salt are the two main sources of worry when cooking at home. The quality and quantity of oil used occupy the first two positions respectively with salt being a close third. As far as cooking methods go, deep fried food causes the most concern.

What’s surprising is that ‘Best before dates’ are not as strictly adhered to as one might think. Only about three quarters of total respondents refuse to use food after its expiry date. A number of them are still willing to serve it up as long as it has not exceeded more than a couple of days.

Interestingly, this trend is more prevalent in Singapore than in other Asian countries, with only slightly less than half of Singaporean respondents discarding food which have gone past its ‘Best before dates’.

“Health is and always will be a huge concern in today’s society. That is why it is never far off our minds when we design our products. Be it refrigerators for better and longer food preservation, to cooker hoods that clear the air while cooking. We believe in providing only the best for our consumers,” said Mr Paracciani.

• 95% of respondents believe you can cook and eat your way to better health.
• 96% of Asians worry about health when cooking a meal at home vs 89% who worry about health when dining out.
• 68% are concerned about the quality of oil used when cooking, 66% about the amount of oil used and 62% about the amount of salt.
• 73% of respondents will not use food after its ‘Best before date’ with 57% of Singaporeans willing to risk consumption after it.

 
Thai and Chinese cooks most likely to experiment

Thai and Chinese cooks lead the way in creativity and seldom use recipes. In fact, more than half of them are comfortable enough in their culinary skills to adapt dishes to their own personal taste or create new recipes themselves. Not surprisingly, those who opt for the creative approach are more likely to enjoy and have a passion for cooking.

• 40% of Thai and Chinese cooks seldom or never use recipes.
• 24% of Thai cooks treat cooking as a hobby and create their own recipes while the Chinese account for 26%.
• 36% of Thai cooks adapt recipes to their own taste, similar to the Chinese at 35%.
• 74% of respondents who are passionate and enjoy cooking adopt a creative/adaptive approach.

More about the survey

The Electrolux Asian Food Survey, one of Asia’s largest food surveys, was launched in June 2010 with a sample size of more than 4,000 Asians. The online survey is conducted in English, Vietnamese, Bahasa Melayu, Thai and Mandarin via each country’s local Electrolux website.

The survey comprised a questionnaire of multiple-choice questions about food preparation, cooking and dining habits. The questionnaire had been made available since June and the survey ran till the end of October.

This is the second time Electrolux has conducted such a survey with the first taking place in 2007.

Share more of our thinking at www.electrolux.com. For more news and updates visit: www.electrolux.com/electrolux-insiders or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook.

Metro Dental Offers Top-Notch Dental Care for Filipino Families

Filipino families now have access to top-notch dental healthcare with the launch of Metro Dental in key locations in the Metro. And just recently, Metro Dental’s newest branch in Greenbelt 5 was formally opened by Dr. Steve Mark Gan with Antonio L. Go and Rene J. Buenaventura, group chairman and vice-chairman of Equicom Group of Companies, respectively.


Rene J. Buenaventura

“We are committed to provide and maintain exemplary dental health care for Filipino families and opening a branch at the central business hub of the country is a step to make this happen,” said Dr. Steve Mark Gan.


Dr. Steve Mark Gan

With clinics located at strategic areas all over the country, Metro Dental has made its mark with a distinct dental experience that offers the latest in dental technology and the services of the some of the country’s leading dental practitioners.

Dr. Steve Mark Gan shared that Metro Dental’s unique advantage is the fact that it has a core of full-time licensed dentists. “With this, we’re able to provide thorough consultation, personalized service, and top-notch treatment to our patients. The fact that our practitioners undergo continuous training and are well-versed with the latest advancements in dental technologies further ensures that our patients get the care and treatment that they deserve.”





Now that Metro Dental has opened in the highly accessible Greenbelt 5 mall, more people have easy access to dental services ranging from conventional check-ups to cosmetic dental procedures. Orthodontics (braces), endodontics (root canal therapy), restorative dentistry, and tooth extraction are just some of the services and procedures that those in the Makati CBD can avail themselves of.

Metro Dental is part of the Equicom Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate composed of companies in information technology, healthcare, and financial services. “We’re proud to say that Metro Dental is born out of a partnership— a synergistic partnership that combines the dental expertise of Dr. Gan and the business resources and excellent reputation of the Equicom Group of Companies,” noted Antonio L. Go.

Indeed, the launch of the newest Metro Dental clinic in Greenbelt 5 provides a new option for Filipino families looking for elevated dental healthcare that fits their specialized needs and lifestyle.

Whirlpool celebrates 100 years of heritage and excellence in home appliances

Whirlpool Corporation is marking its 100th anniversarythis year, commemorating its world-renowned legacy and excellence in the home appliance business.The company marks its most important year worldwide with the unveiling of a new logo, kicking off a year-long celebration of the company’s centennial.
“The 100th Anniversary logo reflects Whirlpool Corporation’s heritage, global reach and our plans for the future,” said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “It’s a fitting symbol of the core principles of integrity and perseverance set by Whirlpool's Lou Upton, Emory Upton and Lowell Bassford when they introduced the first electric wringer washing machine in 1911. But while Whirlpool has a proud history, this is really about looking forward to the next 100 years and how the company will continue to improve home and family life for future generations.”
In line with the worldwide celebrations, Whirlpool Philippineshas lined up exciting activities and promotions for its local customers, all geared at strengthening the company’s presence in the country for the years to come.

“As we mark Whirlpool’s centennial year, we are not only reminded of its long-standing heritage and excellence in the home appliance industry, but more importantly signals the company’s thrust to elevate and improve the quality of life of families around the world,” said Joy Catiis-Cruz, Marketing Manager of Whirlpool Philippines.

According to Cruz, the Philippine celebration of the Whirlpool centenary will be highlighted by new top-of-the-line products that will introduce Filipinos to a whole new level of elegance and comfort in the home. The products that will be launched “are designed to meet their need for home appliances that exude sophistication but are most importantly, durable and of very high-quality.”

Founded on November 11, 1911, Whirlpool Corporation has influenced home and family life during the last century. The company is driven by the belief that everyone needs a comfortable place to call home and has a 100 year history of creating better ways of cooking, cleaning, refrigerating and storing. By focusing on one person, one family, one home, one community at a time, Whirlpool Corporation is committed to creating better lives, better homes and a better world.

Beka, Unilever team up for easy cleanup!

Stainless steel cookware remains a popular choice among many households and professional kitchens today. One name that consistently delivers high quality stainless steel cookware is Beka. The Beka Lugano Range, for instance, is ideal and convenient for preparing your favorite dishes – from the simplest to the most complex ones!

This season, Beka Lugano Range and Unilever team up to help you with your cooking and cleaning needs! Cleaning your stainless steel cookware definitely need not be difficult with CIF Cream Surface Cleaner, a new revolutionary non-scratch surface cleaner from Unilever that helps you do tough cleaning with minimum effort.

Especially ideal for cleaning stainless steel cookware like Beka Lugano Range, CIF Cream Surface Cleaner is the only product which combines chemical and mechanical action to deliver great results in tough cleaning without harming your surfaces. Now, you don’t ever have to worry about the hassle of cleaning your stainless steel cookware and other hard surfaces. With CIF Cream Surface Cleaner, your cookware set will definitely look as good as new!

To make things even more exciting, Beka is giving away CIF Cream Surface Cleaner for every purchase of Beka Lugano cookware. Enjoy your favorite dishes with a quality stainless steel cookware only from Beka - and breeze through your cleaning duties with a tough stainless steel cleaner like CIF Cream Surface Cleaner! Promo will run through the whole month of February.

Big savings on grocery purchases and utility bills from the new Citibank Cash Back Card

Is it possible to save as you spend? The country’s leading credit card has found a way to make it happen with the launch of its newest product – the Citibank Cash Back Card.

With the Citibank Cash Back Card, cardholders get maximum savings on everyday purchases such as groceries as well as on basic home utility expenses. This rebate offer comes on top of all the value added features of owning a Citibank credit card – discounts and freebies at thousands of partner stores and restaurants in the country.

“Citibank has always been about giving rewarding experiences to our cardholders. What better way to reward them than give them more of what they need – savings on where they spend the most such as on groceries and utility bills? That’s giving them the ultimate value for their hard-earned money,” said Bea Teh-Tan, Credit Payment Products Head for Citibank Philippines.

Apply for the new Citibank Cash Back Card and get 5% rebate on all supermarket purchases at all groceries, all year round.

Plus, from now until June 30, 2011, cardholders can also enjoy savings on basic home utility expenses with 5% rebate on Meralco, PLDT landline and myDSL bills every month. To avail, cardholders simply need to enroll Meralco, PLDT landline or myDSL accounts in Citi One Bill, a facility that automatically charges their utility bills to their Citibank credit card. Another way to earn the attractive rebates is to visit Citibank Online and pay for utility bills charged to the Citibank Cash Back Card account through payments and transfers.

The newest and most exciting addition to Citibank’s diverse card portfolio, the Citibank Cash Back Card complements customers’ wise spending habits by giving them great savings they can use to provide more for their family’s basic needs.

Moreover, the Citibank Cash Back Card also offers cardholders 0.5% rebate on all other purchases. This means they can always enjoy the cash back from their purchases any time of the year without having to wait for special promotions to avail of savings. Each swipe of this card gives cardholders cash back they can use to pay for other expenses like home repair or payment for their kid’s school project.

“What’s great is that cardholders can easily get their earned rebates conveniently and automatically each month without the hassles of calling customer service to redeem. The rebates are automatically credited to your account,” explained Tan.

A Citibank Cash Back cardholder can earn a maximum of P12,000 worth of rebates in a calendar year. That’s definitely much more than the annual membership fee of P2,800. In fact, that annual membership fee can be waived every year, for as long as the customer spends at least P180,000 a year, or P 15,000 per month.

Apart from the rebates, Cash Back cardholders also enjoy a low interest rate of only 2.99% a month.

With the Citibank Cash Back Card, you get to save on everything, everywhere, every day of the year. To know more about the Citibank Cash Back Card, call the 24-Hour CitiPhone at 995-9999 or visit www.citibank.com.ph.