In any part of the world, a sign of a thriving school community is a sense of belonging for all its students, no matter how different everyone’s backgrounds may be from each other. This atmosphere is the fruit of an environment that welcomes inclusivity and celebrates potential – much like the community that the British School Manila (BSM) continues to create today.

One of the school’s many initiatives to foster this energy is its Taguig Scholarship Programme (BSMTSP). Now 19 years running, the program supports academically outstanding senior high and college students from less fortunate local communities. Its track record so far includes four magna cum laude graduates, nine cum laude, an executive dean’s lister, and a Gold Awardee, among other academic and leadership accolades.

This month BSM also signed a new memorandum of agreement with DepEd Taguig-Pateros, renewing their partnership and commitment to the BSM Taguig Scholarship Programme.

So what makes this program the legacy that it is today? The secret sauce may be BSM’s dedication to understanding their scholars’ unique needs and providing support beyond a tuition subsidy. In BSM, scholars are developed to aim for life experience, and not just straight A’s.

Take BSMTSP scholar Daniela Castro’s case. She began her application process unsure if she lived up to the academic standards of a prestigious school like BSM. “First meeting with the other students, they were like the valedictorians of their class,” said Castro. “I [had] this thinking that, oh, they are better than me, they are much more intelligent than me.”

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But upon meeting the panel, it became a matter of owning her whole potential and not just her report card. “The panel made me feel comfortable. They made me feel like I’m just talking with my friends,” she said.

Now, Castro is an aircraft maintenance technology student, but she finds the time to engage in community outreach work to give back the same way that BSM has done with her. “With all the opportunities they have given me, I’m now creating other opportunities and platforms for students as well,” said Castro.

Scholars like Castro became candidates through BSM’s long-standing partnership with the Department of Education Taguig-Pateros. Candidates come from a DepEd-endorsed list of the top Taguig public school graduates, who will then undergo interviews, exams, and ocular visits to ensure that, along with upholding transparency, the committee can thoroughly assess their potential.

Successful scholars receive holistic support that the BSM has developed to maximize their overall potential. They typically prepare their scholars for higher education through leadership seminars and skills development activities, and they also provide support for the timely challenges that these students face.

Case in point: Recently, the pandemic shifted these executions to address the scholars’ challenges on focus and drive during lockdown periods. Adapting to the times, the school held online activities like the BEI Scholars E-Brunch in 2020 and virtual Tambayan sessions to encourage peer support and socialization. 

Prioritizing the scholars’ mental health, the SAFE SPACE workshop was also conducted to help scholars manage the psychological pitfalls of the pandemic. The initiative included one-on-one sessions with BSM counselors, well-being workshops, and regular check-ins to ensure they are mentally prepared and fully supported for the pandemic-caused shifts in education.

Now, as students come back to school physically, the BSM also looks forward to a new chapter for their scholars and the program’s legacy of uplifting the local community. “We are truly inspired by our Taguig scholars. Their incredible commitment and tireless pursuit of academic excellence are praiseworthy and they have achieved truly remarkable success,” said Martin van der Linde, BSM’s head of school.

“We take great pride in our scholarship students and their outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields. They are a testament to the transformative power of education and collaborative pursuits. Our commitment to the program remains unwavering.”

Established in 1976, the BSM is the oldest and sole non-profit British international school in the Philippines. Hosting over 900 students from more than 40 nationalities, the school is dedicated to creating an international community that promotes respect and kindness across cultures. To learn more about the school and their programs, visit their website at https://www.britishschoolmanila.org/. – Rappler.com

Heads up, fur moms and dads!

SM Supermalls just launched the biggest pet community in town, the SM Super Pets Club, at the SM Aura Premier’s Paw Park.

“Filipinos are known to be the best fur parents and we don’t treat them just like pets, but as part of our own families. As everyone is welcome here at SM, including our furry friends, we’ve made a program that gives them the best benefits when entering our malls. So register now and join our club!” shared Joaquin L. San Agustin, SVP for marketing of SM Supermalls.

By joining the community, you get special access to super perks, exclusive rewards, and amazing experiences for you and your fur babies.

Access the Paw Park conveniently

You can now create up to 5 Pet IDs per owner which will provide access to over 50 Paw Parks in SM Malls nationwide. The ID also provides the mall with information on each dog’s latest vaccine so that your fur baby is guaranteed a safe and clean environment at SM’s parks.

Get your hands on exclusive deals and treatos

From an SM Super Pet welcome gift and exclusive e-vouchers, to the grandest rewards and discounts from partner tenants, members can get their hands on these super perks. Plus, you can reserve the Paw Park exclusively at any SM Mall for 1 hour on your dog’s birthday celebration! How cool is that?

Have a go-to community for pets

Members of the SM Super Pets Club will be given access to a microsite filled with pet-related activities, events, and promos happening at SM. The microsite will have a community feature where you can chat with others about your pets. Talk about a supportive community, right?

To join the SM Super Pets Club, register your fur baby using the QR codes at the SM Paw Park or at the counters in various SM stores. Just input all your pet’s details including their vaccination status, and voila! You can download your Pet ID and claim your welcome gift.

The Pet IDs will only be valid only for one year from your pets’ anti-rabies vax date, so be sure to get them vaccinated annually.

Let’s get this paw-ty started by joining the SM Super Pets Club!

Visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms for news and updates on exciting deals and promos. – Rappler.com

Going from a little-known plant extract to the fuel that the modern world runs on, it’s safe to say that coffee plays a big part in our daily lives. Although we find ourselves a little spoiled for choice these days, those options still lie either out in a shop or in a time-consuming DIY process. The experts at Nespresso, however, have been known to take the best of both worlds and give their customers café-style coffee at home – and this year, they want to broaden those at-home horizons even further.

That’s no easy feat, considering how much they’ve already revolutionized how millions enjoy a steaming cup at home. But the world is always changing, and with it, your coffee.

Enter the Vertuo line, the global coffee brand’s latest innovation for your at-home coffee experience. Along with its patented Centrifusion technology that utilizes a specific spinning motion to get more out of every pod, its options for new roasts, flavors, and even varying sizes truly set this machine apart. Sounds complicated? Not really. All you have to do is push the button and get the appropriate container, and you’re all set to rediscover café-style coffee in the comfort of your own home.

To hardcore Nespresso fans, the name might sound familiar; fair enough, since the Vertuo line was launched in North America back in 2014, followed by the Vertuo Plus. The current model is called the Vertuo Next, and will be the first in the Philippines that utilizes Centrifusion (as opposed to the more widely known pressure system). Other models in the Vertuo line will become available for purchase in the coming months.

What stands out about Centrifusion is found in the results – the spinning creates a better separation of oil and water, forming a greater amount of crema (or froth) without eating up the espresso. The effect is a richer flavor and a longer-lasting, even more pleasant aftertaste. Pro tip: gently fold the crema back in for a creamier cup.

Perhaps the best part about Vertuo overall is its flexibility. Users are free to customize their cups as they please while they’re brewing, but ultimately, most of the work is done by the machine. So whether you’re serving café-style coffee for dinner parties, one-and-done servings, a lazy weekend afternoon cup, or whatever it is you need to get you through the day, the Vertuo is more than equipped to handle it.

The appropriate coffee pods are marked with a barcode around the rim that informs the machine to dispense the right amount of water for the size you’ve selected: choose espresso for a quick pick-me-up; double espresso for a bigger boost; gran lungo or even a mug if you really want to savor your cup; or the craft brew carafe for when you’re entertaining.

This February, Nespresso lovers will finally be able to purchase and experience the convenience and the expanded range of the latest machine.

You can click add-to-cart on their e-commerce page, or visit any Nespresso boutique store, pop-up, or certified machine retailer in Metro Manila and Cebu. Follow Nespresso Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for updates, or log on to their website for more information on Nespresso Vertuo. – Rappler.com

From typhoons to earthquakes, we Filipinos are used to seeing all kinds of disasters happen in our own backyard. Most adults probably already know what to do and how to prepare ahead of time, but what about young children?

Here comes the Super Preppers!

Meet Betchay, Lani, Maya, and Mong – The Super Preppers Disaster Fight Squad! They’re here to teach children from all walks of life on what they need to do in case of an emergency.

The squad was formed by the Good Neighbors International Philippines, an international humanitarian development Non-Government Organization in consultation with UNICEF Philippines that aims to protect children’s rights and push for more inclusive disaster risk reduction programs in the country. And they are taking the Super Preppers and putting them into educational materials like videos and comic strips to teach them the basics of inclusive child-centered disaster risk reduction and management.

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INFOGRAPHIC: How to make disaster risk reduction programs more accessible to children

Part of their efforts too is to make this information accessible to all kinds of children, including persons with disabilities. In this video, we invited over Lorhen Joy Sumili and her son Prince Joben who are both deaf to watch some episodes of the Super Preppers video, and see what kinds of important safety tips they can learn.

Watch the Super Prepper videos here. – Rappler.com

The Ford Everest has finally gotten an update! Released last July, the new lineup which was first launched in 2003 and then updated in 2015 now has a new generation of SUVs for those looking for a new car. So who is the Next Generation Ford Everest built for exactly?

SUVs have been rising in popularity over other car types simply because they are big enough for a family or a group but not too big that they would be hard to drive around.

They’re great for city driving and powerful enough for off-road driving. It’s a great middle-ground for those who are looking for power, space, and comfort. And the Next Generation Ford Everest, released last July, is getting an all-around boost, plus a five-year warranty that comes standard with all Next-Gen Ford Vehicles.

In this video, we take the Next Generation Ford Everest Limited for a spin to see just how great of a family SUV it really is!

Be one of the first owners of the Next Generation Ford Everest Limited! Reserve a unit here. – Rappler.com

The Next Generation of the Ford Ranger is here, and this time, it has expanded its capacities way beyond being a work truck and terrain explorer. In fact, the new line is a surprisingly able partner for the most daunting adventure of all – raising a family.

The new line introduces itself as the smartest, most versatile, and most capable Ranger ever. To achieve this, the Next Gen line was formulated with the input of thousands of Ford Ranger users worldwide on what a Ranger Life should look like. This allowed the brand to strike a balance between adventure and a daily lifestyle, allowing users to integrate their Rangers more seamlessly into every aspect of their lives.

For this iteration, expect leveled-up technology, more intuitive cargo systems, and overall enhanced tools to help Ranger users take on the challenges of the world.

Don’t get us wrong, the Next Gen Ford Rangers are still beasts when it comes to traversing adrenaline-pumping terrain, but a number of its new features also work surprisingly well in letting you bring your family safely off the beaten path.

The Infotainment System that keeps your cruises comfy

An important part of a family ride is keeping the mood fun through light entertainment. The Ford Ranger’s supercharged dashboard now features a 10” touch screen (or 12” in the case of the Wildtrak) that contains Ford’s cloud-connected vehicle communication and entertainment system. The interface, named SYNC®4A, allows the driver to control the car’s temperature for the family’s comfort, adopt a Dark Mode to keep the ambiance cozy on night drives, and play songs on Spotify for pump-up singalong sessions. A smartphone can also be connected to SYNC®4A, and a digital owner’s manual is available for convenience.

Flexible seating that fits the whole family

The Next Gen models have a refreshed interior with optimized seats that can handle a large family – fur baby included. The luxe interior is decked out in smooth leatherette and has fold-flat rear seats that allow seating configurations for fitting in items or even a pet in a carrier. For road trips, the backseat comes with pop-out cup holders that the family can use for those gas station drink breaks.

Smarter load box designs for outdoor bonding

The Next Gen Ford Rangers have stepped their cargo system up with their decked out load boxes, making it useful for both work and play. Have the kids ever dreamed of an overnight stargazing trip? Then car camping will be a breeze with the load box’s after-market option (except for the Wildtrak, which has this built in) of roof rails for canopies or rooftop tents. Want to take the family out biking? Storing your rides will be no problem with the Next Gen Rangers’ wider track that can now fit a full Euro-standard pallet. Want to try something new and work from the wilderness with your partner? For Wildtrak drivers, its load box would be fitted with power sockets that can handle gadgets from laptops to power tools.

Drive Modes that deliver both power and fuel economy

It’s important for families to keep track of their expenses, and gas can be a heavy bill to pay these days. Lucky for Ford Ranger users, the Next Gen units come with an Eco Drive Mode which optimizes the car’s performance to make the most of fuel economy. In addition to this, the Ranger also has other Drive Modes to help you and your family power through any challenging road scenarios.

Ergonomic features for every relative’s ease of access

Ford listened to the Ranger users’ concerns no matter how small, and this resulted in the creation of helpful details which makes it a lifestyle-friendly choice for any driver. For starters, the Ranger now has a rear load box access step, making it easier for folks to jump into the back. The car also has step boards and side handles to assist passengers in getting into their seats. The dashboard also contains a wireless charging pad that eliminates the dreaded low battery problem both kids and parents face.

For the cherry on top of the cake, all Next Gen Ford Ranger and Everest units get a five-year warranty upon purchase, making it a smart decision for discerning parents.

These are just glimpses of why the Ford Ranger is just as tough as it is family-friendly. With a Ford unit as your family car, you and the kids get to explore new ways to create lasting memories together – and maybe find a love for adventure and the Ranger Life that you can carry on for years to come.

Interested in getting your own Next Gen Ford Ranger? Dive into its specs and features at the official Ford Ranger website or go ahead and reserve a unit now. – Rappler.com

Red sauce? Nah.

White sauce? Err, maybe next time.

Oil-based? Let’s go!

We’re giving some love for oil-based pastas in our final episode of our special series for World Pasta Month together with San Remo.

Oil-based pastas may look simple, but you can create the most complex and interesting flavors and textures with the right ingredients. So for this episode, Michelle Aventajado is kicking things up a notch by teaching us how to make bow ties with shrimp and marinated artichokes.

She’s also going to be sharing with us a couscous recipe. That’s right! Couscous is in fact a kind of pasta, not a grain! She’ll be mixing roasted tomatoes & white beans with grilled chicken into a bowl of San Remo couscous.

Creating more pasta-bilities with her are special guests we’ve invited for this episode. Joining us in Kitchen 143 are Chef Paolo Durante of The European Diner, and host and entrepreneur Mica Pineda who also runs The Nest Tagaytay.

The final episode of our three-part series will go live on World Pasta Day itself, October 25, at 4:00 pm!

And since this is a celebration of all things pasta, we’re giving away some San Remo goodies to winners of our Quiz The Cook trivia contest. Be sure to tune in and answer those questions to win prizes that will help you recreate some of the recipes we will be sharing.

Bookmark this page so you don’t miss it!

Get your San Remo and La Espanola staples at the Sysu Foodhub in Quezon City, or order through their official website. – Rappler.com

When was the last time you made a mess with your family just for the fun of it? Aside from regular celebrations and traditions, embracing spontaneous moments and going outside of the box can make your family bonding activities special.

But for some parents, the fear of getting tough stains or stubborn dirt on clothes or home linen is discouraging. If this sounds like your household, don’t worry: you can let loose with the powerful cleaning capabilities of Breeze.

Formulated to carry the brunt of the work when it comes to stain removal, Breeze Power Machine Liquid Detergent swiftly dissolves in water to break down dirt and ensure deep cleaning. With Breeze, it’s all work for your washing machine and all play for your family.

With stains being the least of your worries, you can concentrate on creating irreplaceable memories with your family. Need some fun ideas? We have a list of creative, kid-friendly bonding activities that makes the messy aftermath worth it.

Paint a sidewalk chalk mural

Even drab gray concrete can become a canvas of possibilities with a creative mind. Bring color to the streets for a day by creating a sidewalk chalk mural with the family! All you need are chalk sticks, or a DIY washable paint mixture of cornstarch, water, and food coloring. After you’re done illustrating your masterpiece and taking pictures, you can wash the mural away with water and save the blank street canvas for another art-filled day.

Play outdoor sports 

Want to fire up a little friendly competition? You can head to the great outdoors to play sports. Team games like soccer or volleyball are classic choices, or you can all get in touch with your inner child by playing street games like patintero or luksong baka. If you want to take it a step further and go on a trip, a kid-friendly hiking route will also be an intimate way to experience nature.

Experiment in a DIY home lab

Nurture your children’s curiosity by setting up your own home lab. Explore DIY experiments online with your household items and learn new things together. For example, this Walking Water activity lets you talk about the relationship of primary and secondary colors, while this Fake Snow creation lets you replicate the joys of winter by making little snowmen and other “snow” sculptures. Who knows, you might just be raising a scientist in the making.

Grow a home garden

Here’s another activity in the vein of science: gardening. Not only will you be able to add beauty to your home, but you can also teach your children important life skills like responsibility and environmental awareness. If lack of space is a concern, you can start small by making a mini herb garden that fits into a plant box with beginner-friendly greenery like basil or mint. Another bonus – fresh ingredients for your family meals!

Craft creative planters

In addition to your home garden, you and your little ones can also let your creativity run free through your planters. Make a day out of picking out perfect vases or vessels that will become your canvases, and then paint or embellish them to your heart’s content. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even recycle plastic bottles and craft a planter with them. You can bond with your family while also teaching them that avoiding waste can be an opportunity for fun.

Whichever project you choose, Breeze will be there to clean up the stains after. Just like the brand’s motto of “sige sa mantsa,” dirt and stains don’t have to limit you and your family anymore.

To learn more about Breeze, visit https://www.facebook.com/BreezePhilippines/ or shop their products at https://www.ustore.com.ph/92-breeze. – Rappler.com

Put your finger down pasta edition: put your finger down if carbonara, not just pancit or Pinoy spaghetti, is a staple for birthday celebrations!

Our World Pasta Month celebration continues! In episode 2 of our three-part special for World Pasta Month with San Remo, Michelle Aventajado is taking a closer look at creamy and delectable white sauces, and how you can give them that extra flair to make them more special for your birthday.

Michelle Aventajado walks us through her zucchini lasagna dish, and her poached egg carbonara with fettuccine.

Sharing their own love for pasta sauces too are Chef Don Colmenares of Stonehill Suites, and Raleigh Guzman-Pagtalunan of Cholate Bar who will also share how they use San Remo products for their own dishes.

Of course, a celebration wouldn’t be complete without some giveaways, so if you join our Quiz The Cook trivia contest, you can get a chance to win San Remo goodies that can help you recreate some of the dishes we’re featuring on the show.

Catch the first episode of our three-part special series on World Pasta Month on October 18 at 4:00 pm! Bookmark this page so you don’t miss it.

Get your San Remo and La Espanola staples at the Sysu Foodhub in Quezon City, or order through their official website. – Rappler.com

Plastic use has been on an upward trajectory worldwide for decades, and we need to act fast to keep up with mitigating the waste we produce. 

According to the UN Environment Programme, we had already generated more plastic waste in one decade in the early 2000s than the previous 40 years. However, only 10% out of the seven billion tonnes of plastic produced globally has been recycled so far.

At this rate, as single-use plastics and improper waste disposal continue, the world needs to be on top of waste management to keep these virtually indestructible materials out of our oceans. 

We have our work cut out for us, but not all hope is lost. We can still make a change once we commit to being mindful of our plastic waste and cultivate an eco-conscious culture – and Unilever’s vision is to contribute to this with their Linis Pilipinas campaign.

For a cleaner Philippines

The company wants to make good on their consumers’ belief that manufacturers have the most responsibility to protect the planet. That’s why, Unilever’s Home Care unit has committed to a clean future by injecting sustainable technology into their products. 

The company will begin the project by utilizing biodegradable cleaning agents, naturally-derived stain removers, and 100% recycled sachets & bottles. They also promise to continue developing new ways to improve their products’ sustainability.

The initiative took off from the initial 2021 launch of their Linis Pilipinas campaign, which tied in a Haribon Foundation tree planting reward for online purchases with participating brands. Now, the campaign’s second iteration signals a more inside-out progression on sustainability for the company. 

Empowering Filipinos to think eco-consciously

Additionally, the company wants to empower its consumers to dispose of waste responsibly. For Linis Pilipinas, Unilever will implement a Reduce, Upcycle, Recycle model that households can participate in. 

To reduce plastic waste, Unilever will offer incentives like promos and discounts for consumers who choose to buy their Home Care products, most of which now come in 100% recycled plastic packaging. 

Shoppers who purchase from Unilever or participating supermarkets Puregold, Robinsons, or Waltermart can enjoy exciting promos like getting a free “eco-bayong” with purchases of the participating brands’ big packs, buy-two-get-one deals on Unilever Homecare products, and other special offers. To add to the hype, shoppers who purchase the most from Linis Pilipinas brands also get the chance to win a free washing machine.

Unilever Homecare’s shift to upcycled packaging helps shoppers easily choose more eco-conscious products for their home. “Our campaign’s leading brands are Domex and Breeze, which have saved an equivalent of 8 million bottles and 20,000 supermarket bags a year, respectively, through their shift to recycled plastic,” shares Amor Prieto, Unilever Philippines’ Homecare Philippines research and development lead.

For the other two legs of the campaign, Unilever will educate its audience on the importance of upcycling along with how to incorporate it into everyday life. Finally, to push consumers to take action and recycle, Unilever has launched the Breeze x The Plastic Flamingo plastic drop off point at UP Town Center. Through this avenue, Breeze aims to collect 16,000 kilograms of plastic, which will then be turned over to The Plastic Flamingo (PLAF) for upcycling into eco-lumbers and furniture. A beneficiary public school will receive the upcycled work as a donation.

With more engaging and accessible ways for households to participate in Unilever’s bid for change, the Linis Pilipinas campaign aims to make sustainable living commonplace. 

To participate in the campaign, drop off your plastics at the Breeze x PLAF drop off, or visit Unilever’s Home Care shop or its participating retailers Puregold, Robinsons, and Waltermart supermarkets online or in-store. – Rappler.com