Category: SPECIAL FEATURE

Miss Universe Philippines to Unveil the World’s First-Ever Beauty Pageant NFT Collection

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Manila, Philippines (September 20, 2021) — The Miss Universe Philippines 2021 is making its mark as the latest brand and the first beauty pageant in the world to ride the NFT wave. The global beauty pageant has teamed up with RedFOX Labs, a Southeast Asian blockchain venture builder, to launch the Miss Universe Philippines NFT collection.

Available on September 24, 2021 on our NFT Platform, it provides an exciting opportunity for adoring fans to buy NFT collectibles of their favorite beauty queens. But this isn’t the first time a famous brand has entered the NFT space.

In fact, many luxury premium brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry are turning to NFTs to promote their lines. The fashion industry has been looking for ways to capitalize on the buzz surrounding NFTs. Louis Vuitton and several other fashion brands have launched their own NFTs.

For example, Gucci released its first official NFT in a short fashion film inspired by Aria’s collection. It is to celebrate Gucci’s 100th anniversary and the upcoming collaboration with Balenciaga.(link: https://www.esquiresg.com/nft-fashion-top-five-most-interesting/)

Burberry also collaborated with Mythical Games on an in-game clothing NFT collection by featuring a limited-edition Blanko toy called “Sharky B.” It is the first luxury brand to appear in the multiplayer party game Blankos Block Party.

Separately, Louis Vuitton initiated a mobile game where players can collect 30 free NFTs as they follow the brand’s mascot Vivienne to Paris for a birthday celebration. 10 NFTs were created in a partnership with Beeple, a digital artist whose digital collage sold for USD69.3 million. Moreover, the NFTs in the game are collectibles that cannot be sold.

Overpriced’s black hoodie is also part of the growing NFT one-of-a-kind asset trend. The black hoodie from Overpriced, embroidered with an expletive-laden logo in neon green graffiti font, was sold on the digital art marketplace, Blockparty, to an anonymous bidder who can now “wear” the garment in virtual settings online by scanning a code.(link: https://hypebeast.com/2021/3/rtfkt-studios-fewocious-sale-nfts)

Another implementation of NFTs in the fashion world is collaborating with top-selling NFT artists. The famous sneaker brand RTFKT collaborated with FEWOCiOUS, one of the rising young stars in the crypto universe. They created a series of three sneakers that were accompanied by digital merchandise. More than 600 pairs were sold, with the sneakers alone accounting for USD3.1 million in sales.

Winners may receive a physical copy of their sneakers, but the real value came from their limited-edition digital iterations.

The speculative market for one-of-a-kind NFTs has been booming. Blockchain NFTs are making inroads into high-fashion and premium lifestyle brands to reach new audiences, connect with customers, and grow their businesses.

Many luxury brands are taking on NFTs to create experiences for their consumers, similar to the Miss Universe Philippines NFT collection.

With that said, the one-of-a-kind Miss Universe Philippines NFT collection honors the beauty pageant’s essence of empowerment and grace.

This coincides with other premium luxury brands that seek to renew that essence and connect directly with the fanbase.

With this partnership between RedFox Labs and Miss Universe Philippines, we are able to unlock genuine value for the fanbase to interact with the brand in an environment that celebrates beauty, art, and empowerment. Miss Universe Philippines 2021 NFTs are available to purchase with RFOX tokens. They can be bought on Uniswap and MetaMask.

How to purchase RFOX Tokens on MetaMask

1. Set up a MetaMask wallet account.
2. Buy ETH into your wallet you will spend or the amount of RFOX tokens you need to buy. Make sure that you have sufficient ETH balance to complete the deal.
3. Add RFOX token by clicking the ‘ADD TOKENS’ bottom.
4. Click Custom Token and add the Token Address that can be found on our website: www.redfoxlabs.io.
5. Input the Token Symbol and Token of Precision.
6. Swap your ETH for RFOX. A transaction’s preview will appear in a pop-up window from your MetaMask wallet.
7. Confirm the transaction in the MetaMask wallet. You will receive your RFOX tokens.

How to purchase RFOX on Uniswap

1. Create a crypto wallet that lets you trade in the Philippines like PDAX, Coins.PH, or Binance.
2. Purchase ETH for your crypto wallet you will spend or the amount of RFOX tokens you need to buy. Make sure that you have sufficient ETH balance to complete the deal.
3. Visit our website: https://missuniverseph.redfoxlabs.io/ and click ‘BUY RFOX’. It will take you to the Uniswap app.
4. Connect your MetaMask wallet.
5. Swap your ETH for RFOX. A transaction’s preview will appear in a pop-up window from your MetaMask wallet.
6. Confirm the transaction in the MetaMask wallet. You will receive your RFOX tokens.

About RedFOX Labs

RedFOX Labs is a Vietnam-based venture builder that identifies and builds successful business models for Southeast Asian markets. It focuses on unlocking the true market value of the Southeast Asian digital economy for high consumer demand services like e-commerce, e-media, e-travel, and esports/gaming, as well as adding value to the digital economy through the use of emerging technologies like blockchain. Its value as a company is tradable via its native token.

 

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It’s 100 Days ‘til Christmas and it’s all about caring and giving at SM Supermalls

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The past years have always had us counting down to the most wonderful time of the year when the ‘ber’ months roll in; Christmas carols fill the air, dazzling tree lights dot the streets, shopping for gifts becomes a sport, and everyone else goes on a diet to make way for Christmas feasts.

This year may not be as festive as previous years, but it will most certainly be more meaningful. SM showed us the most uplifting way to best celebrate the season with “100 Days of Caring”;  featuring 100 days of spreading love, thoughtfulness, and care for one another and for the communities surrounding our favorite SM malls. The virtual event showcasing the pledges happened Thursday, Sept 16, 2021 over FB Live and WatchSM on YouTube.

 “100 days of Caring”. To kickstart the Christmas countdown, SM pledged to donate to over 10,000 beneficiaries, namely communities in need, hardworking SM employees, medical frontliners and dedicated delivery partners, among others. Some of the beneficiaries and their partner malls are as follows:

  • SM North EDSA is giving 100 pairs of World Balance rubber shoes to seniors from Graces Home for the Elderly in Quezon City.
  • SM Megamall, The Podium, and SM Center Pasig chose delivery partners who will be recipients of 100 raincoats and rain boots.
  • From SM Mall of Asia, 100 sets of care packages like face masks, face shields, Ensure milk, vitamins, supplements, and more, will be handed over to senior citizens within the community.
  • SM Southmall chose SOS Children’s Villages as to receive various story and educational books.
  • Metro Manila and Rizal malls chose several orphanages, namely: Associacion De Damas Filipinas, Bahay Aruga, White Cross Orphanage, and The Little Children’s Home to receive 100 toys and essential goods each, especially prepared by SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Taytay and SM Center Angono.
  • In North Luzon, 100 Aeta families from Zambales and Tarlac will be given grocery packs by SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Olongapo Central, and SM City Tarlac; fishermen in Pangasinan will be handed with fishing supplies by SM City Rosales, SM City Urdaneta Central, and SM Center Dagupan; while select tricycle and jeepney drivers in Bulacan will be given 100 pairs of shoes by SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.
  • SM City Bacoor will give 100 brail books to the Deaf & Blind Foundation Philippines.
  • In the Visayas, SM City Cebu will bring smiles to kids of Kythe Foundation with 100 toys; while SM City Iloilo will give 100 25kg sacks of rice to healthcare and peace & order frontliners. SM City Puerto Princesa on the other hand, will have 100 grocery bags to displaced tourism personnel.
  • SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier will be handing out 100 farming tools to local farmers; while SM City Butuan will be giving 100 Fiesta Food Packs to Por Cristo Foundation, Inc.

‘Gift’ for your mental health. Aside from our physical health being at risk during a pandemic, our mental health is also affected due to the stress and anxiety these times bring. And since SM believes in the value of taking care of our mental health, Dr Gia Sison, MD DPCOM gave a  ‘Call to Share’ talk during the virtual launch. Dr Gia Sison is a mental health advocate and co-founder of PH Leader Livestrong Foundation. Her talk centered on how to cope during this stressful time and still find hope in a better tomorrow.

100 voices that care. If there’s one thing that binds us all Filipinos together, it’s our passion and love for music. While we may not be allowed to have big gatherings this year, SM entertained the audience with the performance of the 3 Divas – Rahda, Frenchie and Bituin Escalante; later on joined by 100 artists, singers, and SM employees and stakeholders who came together to sing during the virtual launch on Sept 16.

We may be in the middle of a pandemic, times may be tough, and many of us may be physically apart, but let’s not forget what this season truly means. To view the event, go to WatchSM on YouTube.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

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CCP’S NEW 13 ARTISTS, PINANGALANAN NA

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Ang kauna-unahang Thirteen Artists Awards (TAA) online press conference na isinagawa Hunyo 30 ay nagbigay-daan upang pormal na ianunsyo ang mga nagwagi sa Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 13 Artists Awardees for 2021.  Ang mga awardee ay sina Allan Balisi, Nice Buenaventura, Gino Bueza, Mars Bugaoan, Rocky Cajigan, Geloy Concepcion, Patrick Cruz, Ian Carlo Jaucian, KoloWn, Czar Kristoff, Lou Lim, Ryan Villamael at Catherine Sarah Young.

Ang selection committee sa taong ito ay kinabibilangan ng mga artist na sina Imelda Cajipe Endaya (13 Artists 1990), Nona Garcia (13 Artists 2003), Nap Jamir II (13 Artists 1974), and Gerry Tan (13 Artists 1988), kasama si Rica Estrada ng CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division. Ang mga juror ay indibiduwal na dumaan sa eighty-eight artist portfolios, na may final online deliberations sa isang grupo.

Ang 13 Artists Awardees ay tatanggap ng isang production grant upang makapag-produce ng bagong likha para sa isang group exhibition sa CCP.  Ang exhibition sa taong ito ay curated ni Shireen Seno (13 Artists 2018) at ang trophy na tatanggapin ng mga artist ay dinisenyo ni Mac Valdezco (13 Artists 2006).  Ang TAA awarding ceremony at exhibition ay iaanunsyo kalaunan.

Sa 18th year of conferment, ang CCP 13 Artists Award ay ang oldest government award para sa visual artists. Ipinagdiriwang nito ang 50 taong pagkakatatag noong 2020 at nagpakilala na sa 198 artists bilang awardees. Isa ito ngayong kilalang National Artist at may apat nang Gawad CCP awardees.

Para sa iba pang impormasyon, tumawag sa CCP Visual Art and Museum Division, Production and Exhibition Department, at mag email sa vamd@culturalcenter.gov.ph o sa kanilang social media pages www.facebook.com/ccpvamd, www.instagram.com/ccpvamd, www.twitter.com/ccpvamd.

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PULILAN SUBSTATION NG MERALCO LALONG PINATIBAY

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Pinasinayaan kamakailan ng Meralco ang bagong 50-MVA transformer bank no. 2 sa kanilang Pulilan 69 kV – 13.8 kV Substation na matatagpuan sa kahabaan ng Plaridel-Pulilan Diversion Road, Pulilan, Bulacan.

Magbibigay ito ng karagdagang kapasidad sa nakatayong 33-MVA transformer bank no. 1 na kasalukuyang kritikal ang loading.

Sa pamamagitan ng karagdagang switching flexibility tuwing may emergency, pinabuting voltage regulation at mas mababang technical system loss, makatutulong ang proyektong ito upang matiyak na tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo ng kuryente para sa mga customer sa mga bayan ng Pulilan, Bustos, Baliwag at Plaridel sa lalawigan ng Bulacan.

Sa kabila ng patuloy na pagpapatupad ng community quarantine sa buong bansa dulot ng pandemyang COVID-19, ang Meralco at ang mga subsidiaries nito ay walang tigil na nagtatrabaho upang maisagawa ang mga mahahalagang electric capital projects na may layuning makapaghatid ng ligtas, sapat, at maaasahang serbisyo ng kuryente sa lahat ng customers nito.

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Richard Lim aims every Filipino to have XTREME Appliances at home

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(From left: XTREME Appliances VP – Marketing Stephen Cheng, SGC Vice President Kevin Richard Lim, President and CEO Richard Lim, XTREME Appliances – President Adrian Lim, XTREME Appliances VP – Business Development Mark del Mundo)


Sun Group of Companies (SGC), a business empire owned by Mr. Richard Lim, thrives in various industries like real estate, buy-and-sell of properties, consumer electronic goods, construction supplies, hotels and 10 malls this 2021. In the past year, SGC has been penetrating multiple industries with its excellent products and services designed for every Filipino. As of 2021, SGC has approximately 5,000 employees across the country.

“SGC aims to be the company for Filipinos. We want to provide excellent and outstanding products and services accessible to everyone,” Lim emphasized.

SGC President and CEO Richard Lim

 

One of the brands under SGC that has been helping every Filipino household achieve a more convenient and comfortable lifestyle is XTREME Appliances. Since 2016, from selling audio and video devices, XTREME Appliances has grown into one of the country’s leading appliance brands and continuously strives to provide affordable yet quality home and commercial appliances that perfectly meet the needs and wants of every Filipino. In line with its commitment to bringing comfort, convenience, and efficiency, XTREME Appliances is now ready to embrace the competition and unfailingly offers innovative and budget-friendly products to all Filipinos.

“Among all other brands, XTREME Appliances’ biggest strength is its quality at an affordable price. Our brand always makes sure that the quality of our products will never compromise while giving every Filipino budget-friendly price,” says Lim.

SGC Vice President Kevin Richard Lim

 

Leading One-Stop Shop Appliances Brand

Positioned to be every Filipino’s local one-stop shop appliance brand, XTREME Appliances offers a wide range of home and commercial appliances under its categories — XTREME for Audio and Video products; XTREME Cool for air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers; XTREME Home for kitchen and home essentials like gas ranges, water dispensers, microwave ovens, induction cookers, multicookers, electric kettles, blenders, and electric fans; and lastly the online exclusive X-Series.

“The goal of our band is every household should have XTREME Appliances at home. I want to be the number 1 local home appliance brand in the next five years,” Lim added.

XTREME Appliances President Adrian Lim

 

Among most Filipinos, appliances are more of an investment. Two of the biggest factors that most Filipinos consider are affordability and quality, and that makes XTREME Appliances emerge as a well-loved brand of Filipinos.

Adrian Lim, XTREME Appliances President assured that the brand will continue to work hard to provide affordable yet world-standard appliances.

“XTREME Appliances has always been a brand for Filipinos. We want to highlight our local brand to be on par with international brands out there,” says Adrian Lim.

As of May 2021, a total of 32 concept stores have been launched across the country, aiming for a total of 100 concept stores by the end of the year. XTREME Appliances aims to make the brand more accessible to every Filipino in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Stephen Cheng, Vice President – Marketing, accepts the challenge of the current market competition. He wants to highlight the strengths of the brand which make it a stand out in the Filipino market.

“XTREME Appliances really works hard to provide innovative, world-class, affordable products to all Filipinos. We want to be the brand who understands the needs, wants, and the ever-changing demands of the market,” says Cheng.

XTREME Appliances Vice President – Marketing Stephen Cheng

 

Adapting to the ever-changing demands of the Filipino market

In the past year, XTREME Appliances has been launching products to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the Filipino market. During the global health pandemic, the brand launched innovative and useful products like multi-cookers, blenders, induction cookers, dishwashers, air fryer, air cooler, and electric kettles that are designed to assist customers in the new-normal world.

 

XTREME Appliances Vice President – Business Development Mark del Mundo

 

“Expect more products to be launched soon. Our goal is to be the #1 one-stop shop appliances brand that’s why we will continue to offer products that can adapt to the new normal world,” says Mark del Mundo, VP — Business Development.

For the next few years, XTREME Appliances will launch a new set of fresh products to its growing portfolio that will cater to every Filipino’s needs, wants, and preferences. The lineup includes a food steamer, deep fryer, oven toaster, coffee maker, stand mixer, food processor, griller, food mixer, mosquito killer, electric oven, and portable aircon.

To keep updated on the latest news and happenings of XTREME Appliances, like and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok accounts and join their official online community on Facebook, XTREME Fam. For the full list of products and exclusive discounts, please visit XTREME on Website, Lazada, and Shopee e-commerce.

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ONE MERALCO FOUNDATION SUPORTADO ANG ‘BAYANIHAN’ SA PANAHON NG KRISIS

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Mahigit isang taon na nating iniinda ang krisis na dulot ng COVID-19 ngunit nakakatuwang isipin na tayong mga Pilipino ay hindi sumusuko at nawawalan ng pag-asa.

Ang kasalukuyang health crisis, bagama’t nagdudulot ng pangamba, ay nagbukas din ng pagkakataon sa marami sa atin upang makatulong sa ating kapwa, lalo na sa mga higit na nangangailangan.

Ang pag-usbong ng mga community pantries, na nagsimula bilang isang simpleng adbokasiya ng isang tao, ay nagpapakita ng ating katatagan at pagdadamayan bilang mga Pilipino.

Mula sa isa sa Maginhawa Street sa Quezon City, daan daang community pantries na ang nagsulputan sa buong bansa. “Nakapagbibigay ng pag-asa ‘yung mga ganitong adbokasiya na kusang kumakalat sa iba’t ibang komunidad. Kahit sa maliit na pamayanan makikita mo ang pagsisikap ng ilan sa ating kababayan na makatulong sa kanilang kapwa sa abot ng kanilang makakaya,” pahayag ni Jeffrey Tarayao, presidente ng One Meralco Foundation.

Ang One Meralco Foundation (OMF), na social development arm at corporate foundation ng Meralco, ay  nagpaabot ng tulong sa halos 40 community pantries sa nasasakupan ng franchise ng Meralco.

Mahigit 2,000 kilo ng sariwang gulay at itlog mula sa mga lokal na magsasaka ay ipinamamahagi nito sa mga nasabing pantry sa tulong ng mga kawani ng Meralco.

Mula Marso 2020, kaliwa’t kanan na mga programa ang isinagawa ng OMF upang makatulong sa ating mga kapus-palad na kababayan at mga frontliner na lubos na apektado ng pandemya.

“Ang pagbibigay natin ng tulong sa community pantries ay bahagi ng ating layuning panatilihing buhay ang pag-asa lalong-lalo na ng ating mga kababayang lubos na tinamaan ng economic impacts ng COVID-19 crisis,” paliwanag ni Tarayao.

Bukod sa suporta sa mga community pantry, nag-donate din ang OMF ng mga personal protective equipment (PPE) sa mahigit-kumulang 6,090 medical at LGU frontliners, food packages sa 7,856 mga pamilya, grocery gift certificates at sanitation kits sa 1,700 mahihirap na residente sa Metro Manila, at halos limang  toneladang sariwang gulay sa mga ospital, quarantine facilities at local government units (LGU).

Upang makatulong sa tuloy tuloy na paghahatid ng serbisyong pampubliko sa ating mga kababayan, nag-donate din ng 12,160 antigen test kits ang nasabing foundation sa Department of Energy (DOE), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), at pamahalaang lokal ng Pasig City.

Katuwang ang PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), milyun-milyong halaga ng hospital at molecular labora tory equipment ang ibinigay ng OMF sa East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), isang COVID-19 referral hospital. Bagama’t marami sa kanila ay naka “work from home,” naging bahagi ng misyon ng OMF ang mga kawani ng Meralco, na nag-ambag upang mabigyan ng ayuda ang higit 6,000 na mga “no work, no pay” na service providers ng kumpanya.

Malaki rin ang papel na ginampanan ng mga Meralco employee upang maihatid ng foundation ang tulong nito sa mga komunidad.

TULOY ANG MISYON!
Hindi naging hadlang ang pandemya upang maisakatuparan ng One Meralco Foundation angmisyon nitong maghatid ng liwanag sa mga pamayanan at paaralang higit na nangangailangan nito.

Sa katunayan, halos 7,000 mga tahanan sa mahihirap na komunidad ang napailawan ng programa nitong household electrification program.

Samantala, 15 na mga pampublikong paaralan sa iba’t ibang isla sa Samar at Masbate ang kinabitan ng  solar power equipment noong nakaraang taon sa pamamagitan school electrification program upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga mag-aaral sa mga liblib na lugar sa bansa na magkaroon ng mas malalim na karanasan sa agham at teknolohiya.

Para sa karagdagan kaalaman tungkol sa mga programa ng OMF, basahin ang 2020 annual report nito sa onemeralcofoundation.org/2020-give-hope.

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MGA TIP UPANG MAKATIPID SA PAMAMAGITAN NG MATALINO AT MASINOP NA PAGGAMIT NG KURYENTE

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Kamakailan ay inanunsyo ng Meralco ang bahagyang pagtaas ng presyo ng kuryente ngayong Mayo. Mula sa presyong P8.41 kada kilowatthour (kWh) noong Abril, ito ay umakyat sa P8.60 kada kWh. Ang P0.19 kada kWh na itinaas ng presyo ng kuryente ay resulta ng pagtatapos ng refund kaugnay ng over-recovery sa mga passthrough na singil. Ang pagtaas na ito ay nangangahulugan ng P37 na pagtaas sa kabuuang bayarin sa kuryente ng isang tipikal na tahanang kumokonsumo ng 200 kWh.

Bahagya ring tumaas ang presyo ng generation charge ngayong Mayo. Nanatiling mataas ang presyo ng kuryente sa Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) bilang resulta ng manipis na supply ng kuryente sa Luzon grid. Nananatili namang walang paggalaw ang distribution charge ng Meralco sa loob ng nakaraang 70 buwan.

Sa kabila ng pataas na paggalaw ng presyo ng kuryente ngayong buwan, mas mababa pa rin ito ng P0.15 kada kWh kumpara sa presyo noong Mayo ng nakaraang taon. Ayon sa Meralco, hindi raw dapat mangamba ang mga konsyumer ukol sa pataas na paggalaw ng presyo ng kuryente ngayong buwan dahil maraming paraan upang makatipid sa konsumo ng kuryente. Ipinaaalala ng Meralco na ang mga konsyumer ay may kakayahang kontrolin ang konsumo upang maiwasan ang pagtaas ng bayarin sa kuryente na maaaring makasira sa badyet ng pamilya. Kailangan lamang ugaliin ang matalino at masinop na paggamit ng kuryente.

Narito ang ilan sa mga tip na maaari ring matagpuan sa website ng Meralco:

BENTILADOR. Sa paggamit ng bentilador, napakahalaga ng pagpili ng tamang uri ng bentilador na naaakma sa laki ng kwartong paglalagyan nito. Ang pagpili ng setting ukol sa bilis ng bentilador ay nakaaapekto rin sa konsumo. Kung mataas ang setting ng bilis, mataas din ang konsumo. Ayon sa pagsusuri ng Meralco Power Lab, maaaring makatipid ng P32.04 sa isang buwan kung ang 16” na bentilador ay gagamitin ng siyam na oras sa isang araw nang nasa mababang setting kumpara kung ito ay nasa pinakamataas na setting. Mahalaga rin ang regular na paglilinis ng bentilador upang maging mas maayos ang konsumo nito.

REFRIGERATOR. Sa pagpili ng refrigerator, ugaliing tingnan ang yellow na sticker na nakakabit dito. Ang mga mayroong mataas na E­nergy Efficiency Factor ay tinatayang mas mababa ang konsumo. Piliin din ang tamang laki base sa laki ng pamilyang gagamit nito. Ang 7-10 cubic foot na refrigerator ay karaniwang may kapasidad ng pag kain na pandalawang tao. Magdagdag ng isa pang cubic foot para sa kada isang miyembro ng pamilya upang malaman ang tamang laki ng refrigerator na naaangkop para sa inyo. Siguraduhin ding mayroong sapat na espasyo na hindi bababa sa dalawang pulgada sa paligid ng refrigerator upang mas makaikot ang hangin nito. Ayon din sa pagsusuri ng Meralco Power Lab, maaaring makatipid ng hanggang 50% kung inverter na refrigerator ang gagamitin.

TELEBISYON. Kung iisa lamang ang pinapanood na palabas, manood na lamang ng sama-sama sa halip na hiwa-hiwalay na telebisyon pa ang gumagana. Kung hindi ginagamit ang telebisyon, ugaliing bunutin ito sa pagkakasaksak. Ang isang TV na may laking 21” ay maaaring makadagdag ng P15-P20 sa inyong bill kada buwan kung ito ay iniiwang naka-stand by mode. Gaya rin ng bentilador, mahalaga rin ang pagpili ng tamang laki ng telebisyon na naaangkop sa laki ng kwartong paglalagyan nito. Maaari ring makatipid ng 27% hanggang 67% sa konsumo kung gagamitin ang energy saving mode ng mga telebisyon. Mas matipid rin ng 77% sa konsumo ang mga LED TV kumpara sa mga CRT (cathode-ray tube) at Plasma television.

RICE COOKER. Ang mga rice cooker ay mayroong ‘Keep Warm’ na setting. Pinaninitili nito ang init na kinakailangan ng kanin matapos itong maisaing. Sa halip na dumepende sa setting na ito, maaaring iadjust ang oras ng pagsasaing ng mas malapit sa aktwal na oras ng pagkain upang hindi na kailanganing gamitin ang nasabing setting. Gaya ng ibang kagamitang de kuryente, makatutulong din kung ugaliin na tanggalin sa pagkakasaksak ang rice cooker kung hindi naman ito ginagamit. Piliin din ang tamang laki ng rice cooker nang naaayon sa laki ng pamilyang gagamit nito.

PLANTSA. Ang pagpaplantsa ay isa sa mga gawaing bahay na karaniwang tumatagal ng ilang oras bago matapos. Upang makatipid sa konsumo sa paggamit ng plantsa, ugaliing magplantsa ng damit nang maramihan. Mas matipid ito sa konsumo kaysa paulit-ulit na pagsasaksak at paggamit para sa iilang damit lamang. Natukoy din ang katpusan ng linggo bilang araw na mababa ang demand sa kuryente kaya’t mainam na sa mga araw na ito itakda ang pagpaplantsa ng mga damit. Suriin ding mabuti ang mga damit na binabalak plantsahin dahil maaaring ang ilan sa mga ito ay hindi na kailangan ng pagpaplantsa.

AIRCON. Ang aircon ang isa sa pinakamalakas pagdating sa konsumo sa kuryente ang pag-uusapan. Tinatayang maaaring nasa 40% hanggang 50% ang kontribusyon nito sa kabuuang konsumo sa kuryente. Napakahalaga ng pagpili ng tamang uri ng aircon na naaangkop sa laki ng kwartong paglalagyan nito. Upang makatipid din sa konsumo ng aircon, i-set ang thermostat nito sa 24 o 25 degrees Celsius. Ayon ulit sa pagsusuri ng Meralco Power Lab, kapag ginamit ng walong oras ang 1.0 window-type na aircon na may thermostat na 25 degrees Celsius, maaaring makatipid ng humigit kumulang P991 kada buwan kumpara kung ito ay gumagamit ng thermostat na 18 degrees Celsius. Ugaliin din ang regular na paglilinis ng aircon at ang pagpapalit ng filter nito kung kinakailangan. Maaaring makatipid ng P334 kada buwan kung mapa­panatiling malinis ang filter ng mga aircon. Mas matipid din sa konsumo kung inverter technology na aircon ang gagamitin.
Ayon kay Meralco FVP and Chief Commercial Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz, “These simple everyday activities include cleaning your aircon filters every 2 weeks to ensure optimal performance. Setting your aircon’s thermostat to 25oC to maximize efficiency, making sure youuse the right aircon size for your room. Making sure your refrigerator’s air vents are not blocked to keep its compressor from working harder, unplugging appliances when not in use to avoid phantom load, using a power strip to make it easier and more convenient to turn appliances off simultaneously with just one switch, and maximizing natural light during daytime.” Ilan lamang ito sa mga tip na maaaring sundin ng mga konsyumer upang hindi masyadong maapektuhan ng pagtaas ng presyo ng kuryente ngayong Mayo. Tumaas man o bumaba ang presyo ng kuryente, nakasalalay pa rin sa mga konsyumer ang pagtaas o pagbaba ng kanilang konsumo. Kung uugaliin ang masinop at matalinong paggamit ng kuryente, maaaring makontrol ang konsumo nang naaayon sa badyet ng pamilya. Para sa kumpletong listahan ng mga tip at iba pang impormasyon, maaaring bumisita sa opisyal na website ng Meralco sa www.meralco. com.ph.

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PAGBABAGO AT PAG-ASA SA PANDEMYA: Pinakaunang Pambansang Ospital sa Rizal

jake
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“PAGBABAGO at Pag-asa.”

Bagama’t ang mga katagang ito ay may iba’t ibang kahulugan o ibig sabihin lalong-lalo na sa panahon ngayon ng masalimuot na krisis pangkalusugan, para sa kinatawan ng ikalawang distrito ng Rizal, ang mga katagang ito ay sinusulong ng kanyang pangunahing proyekto para sa kanyang mga nasasakupan: ang Northern Tagalog Regional Hospital sa Montalban.

Kahapon ng alas-2 ng hapon, pinangunahan ni Congressman Fidel Nograles ang pormal na groundbreaking ceremony para sa itatayong Northern Tagalog Regional Hospital sa Montalban, Rizal. Ito ang kauna-unahang pambansang ospital sa lalawigan ng Rizal.

“Bagong ospital, bagong pag-asa. Ang Northern Tagalog Regional Hospital ay simbolo ng pagbabago at pag-asa sa panahon ng pandemya.”

Ito ang mensahe ni Congressman Fidel Nograles sa ground breaking ceremony na dinaluhan nina Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero, Former Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, Rizal Vice-Governor Reynaldo San Juan, Montalban Mayor Dennis Hernandez, at iba pang mga opisyal mula sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan o DOH sa pangunguna ni Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega at Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Ayon sa DOH-Calabarzon Regional Director na si Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, ang nasabing ospital ay tinaguriang Level 2 National Hospital sa ilalim ng DOH at may 200-bed capacity. “Nangangahulugan po ito na ang ating bagong ospital ay may mga doktor at nurse na may iba’t ibang pinagdalubhasaan o espesyalidad, at mas malawak ang mga pasilidad sapagkat may Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, at High-Risk Pregnancy Unit, in addition sa mga basic requirements ng isang Level 1 Hospital,” ayon kay Dr. Janairo.

Ayon sa datos ng DOH, sa kasalukuyan ay may 3 antas ng ospital sa Pilipinas kung saan Level 3 ang pinakamataas.

Natutuwa rin si Dr. Janairo sapagkat ang ospital ang may pinakaunang Infectious Disease Laboratory sa Calabarzon o Region 4-A na kanyang pinangangasiwaan. “Ang Infectious Disease Laboratory ay tutugon sa mga kaso kaugnay ng COVID at iba pang nakahahawang sakit. Tamang-tama po ito sa panahon ng pandemya,” giit ng Regional Director.

Ayon naman sa DPWH District Engineer na si Engr. Julie Vergara, ang nasabing ospital ay may dalawang palapag at dalawang basement area. “Ang ground floor area ng ospital ay may kabuuang sukat na 3,842 square meters at dito makikita ang Emergency Department at Outpatient Department. Sa second floor naman matatagpuan ang Operating Room, Delivery Room, Intensive Care Unit, at Ward.”

Dagdag din ni Engr. Vergara na napakalaki ng lote kung saan itatayo ang ospital. “Ito ay may sukat na 10,000 square meters, at dahil dito maaari pa tayong magdagdag ng mga gusali at pasilidad upang lumawak ang ating ospital at maging Level 3 na ito,” ayon kay Engr. Vergara.

Ang nasabing lote ay binili ng munisipyo ng Montalban, dagdag din ni Engr. Vergara.

Naganap ang ground breaking ceremony sa mismong lote na matatagpuan sa Mayon Avenue ng Brgy. San Jose, Montalban.

“Tamang-tama ang timing at lokasyon ng ating ospital sapagkat wala na po tayong matakbuhan na ospital sa panahon ngayon na may pambansang krisis sa ospital at napakaraming tao sa ating bayan,” giit ng mambabatas na may akda rin ng House Bill No. 6524, ang panukalang batas na basehan ng ospital.

Ayon sa datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority, ang bayan ng Montalban ang kasalukuyang may pinakamataas na populasyon sa lahat ng mga bayan sa bansa. Pumapatak na ito sa humigit kumulang kalahating milyon o 500,000.

Iniulat naman ni Engr. Vergara na sisimulan na ng DPWH ang kanilang konstruksyon sa lote sa darating na Agosto at sisikapin nilang tapusin ang proyekto ni Congressman Nograles sa loob lamang ng isang taon.

“Sa pangunguna ni Congressman Nograles ay mayroon tayong initial na pondo na 85 million,” ayon kay Engr. Vergara.

Sa kabilang banda, mayroong nakalaan na P50 million sa ilalim ng DOH para sa ospital.

“Sa pangunguna ni Congressman Nograles ay mayroon din tayong pondo na P50 million para sa ospital,” ayon kay Dr. Janairo.

Dahil dito, may kabuuang pondo na P135 million para sa Northern Tagalog Regional Hospital.

Samantala, abot-langit ang pasasalamat ni Congressman Nograles sa mga tumulong sa kanya sa kanyang proyekto.

“Taus-puso po tayong nagpapasalamat sa mga katuwang po natin upang ipatayo ang ating ospital na sina Senator Bong Go, Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero ng 1Pacman Partylist, Governor Rebecca Ynares, at Mayor Dennis Hernandez.”

“Hinding-hindi po natin makakamit ang pagbabago at pag-asa na ating pinapangarap kung hindi dahil sa kanilang tulong at suporta,” giit ni Nograles.

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