Small Business Program to Eliminate Credit Card Processing Fees: Solution Update

Cerelac turned its commitment to action with “Tambalang BIG Sustansya sa Barangay,” an interactive caravan that visited four barangays in the Philippines in August and early September, bringing nutrition education closer to nearly 500 Filipino families through a morning of activities, games and conversations focused on babies' nutritional needs.  As part of continuing efforts to help address nutrition gaps among Filipino children, the caravan provided parents with an opportunity to better understand the value of the Tambalang Cerelac + Homemade approach, highlighting how infant cereal and homemade food can work together to support a baby's nutritional needs during the critical first 2,000 days of life.  Cerelac brought educational games, interactive activities and community question-and-answer sessions to each stop: Barangay Socorro in Cubao, Barangay Longos in Malabon City, Barangay Salawag in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and Barangay Macabalan in Cagayan de Oro City.  The final leg was especially meaningful because Cagayan de Oro was also the site of Cerelac's clinical study on complementary feeding among infants, making it a fitting culmination of the caravan's mission to equip parents with science-based nutrition knowledge.  Opening each event, Nestlé brand manager for baby food Sophia Samoy welcomed attendees and reinforced Cerelac's commitment to supporting Filipino families through nutrition and parent education.  “For 160 years, we have remained committed to the belief that every child deserves the right nutrition to help them grow and thrive. Part of this commitment is our continued improvement of our products and our provision of science-based nutrition information to parents to better support the nutritional needs of Filipino babies,” Samoy said.  (Part of this commitment is our continued improvement of our products and our provision of  In Cavite, Megan Young joined the caravan, which drew its largest turnout, with 150 families in attendance. The new mother and Miss World 2013 winner shared her insights on making feeding decisions at home, emphasizing how parents can consider Cerelac as a meal companion.  “It doesn't mean that we have to make every meal complicated. We can start with the food we already prepare at home, learn more about what our babies need, and find ways to give them more BIG nutrition with a tested and proven product like Cerelac,” Young said.  At every barangay, parents took part in “Tambalang Bingo” with Dr. Katrina Florcruz-Dacanay, a fellow of the Philippine Pediatric Society, consultant at Diliman Doctors Hospital, and visiting consultant at Capitol Medical Center and The Medical City. She is also part of the program Baby Talk on UNTV Doctors.  Through the “Tambalang Bingo” activity, parents learned about key nutrients that support their babies' growth and development in a fun and engaging way. Florcruz-Dacanay also discussed the role of infant cereals such as Cerelac in a baby's diet and shared practical ways parents can combine them with home-cooked meals to create nutritious feeding experiences.  “Parents do not have to choose between giving only homemade food or fortified infant cereal because both serve the purpose of providing children with the right nutrition. Homemade food is an important part of a baby's diet. Fortified infant cereals can also help provide energy and essential nutrients appropriate to a baby's needs. Studies have shown that fortified infant cereals can help increase nutrient intake and support proper growth in babies,” Florcruz-Dacanay said.  As the caravan came to a close, parents left with nutrition knowledge and greater confidence in navigating complementary feeding for their children. Through expert guidance and interactive learning experiences, Cerelac reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Filipino parents as they navigate their babies' complementary feeding journey.

In the Philippines, massage has become a popular way to unwind after a long day. After hours at work, a tiring commute or a busy day caring for the family, many Filipinos turn to spas and massage establishments for a moment of relaxation.  However, the experience often ends just as the body begins to relax. Traveling to a spa, paying for a session and setting aside time from an already busy routine can make regular massage visits an added commitment and expense.  Serene Massage Chairs offers a different approach by bringing the massage experience closer to home. Instead of planning a trip to a massage establishment, users can incorporate relaxation into their daily routine with a massage chair at home.  Serene Massage Chairs is designed to make relaxation more accessible by providing a dedicated space for unwinding at home. The chair can be placed in a living room, bedroom or quiet corner, creating a personal space where users can pause, decompress and recharge.  After a long workday, a tiring commute or a busy day at home, the chair offers a convenient option for those looking to take a break without having to leave the house.  Spa and massage establishments will continue to be part of Filipino culture and the country's approach to relaxation. At the same time, increasingly demanding schedules have created a need for convenient options that fit more easily into everyday life.  Serene Massage Chairs brings the massage experience closer to home, allowing relaxation to become part of a regular routine rather than something that always requires a scheduled visit.  Whether after a long day or simply when a quiet break is needed, a Serene Massage Chair provides a dedicated space at home to pause, relax and recharge.

MANILA, Philippines — What if a social media troll could actually help save lives?  This is the idea behind “Ate Rose,” the latest health awareness campaign of Asian Hospital and Medical Center aimed at educating the public about atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases.  Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits or plaque build up inside the arteries, restricting blood flow. Over time, it can contribute to heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease.  To make the condition more relatable and easier to remember, Asian Hospital created Ate Rose as a colorful and mischievous character who “trolls” social media users and personalities.  The campaign uses humor and social media interactions to draw attention to a serious health concern, while directing audiences to information about atherosclerosis and the importance of early detection.  Ate Rose has interacted with several online personalities, including Kuya Kim Atienza, Krizzia Luna, Markybap and Via Austria, creating conversations that eventually lead audiences to Asian Hospital’s website to learn more about the condition.  The campaign also goes beyond the digital space.  Ate Rose has been brought to schools, workplaces and barangays through on-ground caravans. She has also been featured alongside Yosi Kadiri, the well-known character associated with the Department of Health’s anti-smoking campaign, highlighting the role of smoking as one of the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis.  The hospital likewise incorporated cardiovascular health checks into activities such as the Run for Your Heart event organized by the Rockwell Run Club, where participants were given access to free blood pressure and BMI checks conducted by Asian Hospital staff.  Ate Rose also joined actress Amy Perez in an episode of the “Tyang Amy” podcast, together with Asian Hospital cardiologist Dr. Marc Louie Del Rosario, to discuss atherosclerosis, its risks and how the condition can be prevented or managed.  As part of its efforts to encourage early detection, Asian Hospital introduced the Ate Rose Card, which offers a package of check-ups and diagnostic procedures related to the detection of atherosclerosis, along with discounts on selected treatment procedures for qualified patients.  Through the campaign, Asian Hospital hopes that the public will not only remember the character of Ate Rose but also recognize the real health threat she represents.    Because while Ate Rose may be a fictional “troll,” atherosclerosis is real — and knowing the risks, getting checked and taking action early could make a difference.

Christmas is right around the corner, and with it all the parties and reunions. In case you're already scouting for venues for your celebrations, Tapenade at Discovery Primea Hotel in Makati has something in store for you!

If you're looking for something interesting to do, several museums and cultural spaces are offering free admission, extended hours, special exhibitions, and activities in celebration of Museums and Galleries Month 2026.

Maj Trang Olson – Continuing Her Father’s Path exhibition offers an intimate artistic world where meticulous craftsmanship meets elegance, refinement and a distinctly feminine sensibility.

A parent"s relationship with their former partner may end, but their relationship with their child does not, according to clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Cristina Tuazon.

Participants in the Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Heritage and Authenticity visited several of Hà Nội’s prominent cultural and heritage sites as part of the event held from September 27 to October 1.

The issue of child support has once again entered the spotlight after Patrick Garcia broke his 18-year silence on his breakup with Jennylyn Mercado and opened up about his relationship with their son, Alex Jazz.

At the Tràng An Landscape Complex, the delegation watched a video introducing the site, its management, conservation and promotion of heritage values in association with ensuring local livelihoods. They were also briefed on orientations for preparing a nomination dossier for “The Vân Long-Kim Bảng-Tam Chúc Sanctuary: Delacour’s Langur Bio-cultural Landscape” and took a boat tour of Tràng An.

Today, the heritage site is also a cultural tourism destination, where historical values are introduced through exhibitions, cultural activities and new tourism products.

The 2026 cốm pounding, specialty product display and promotion festival will take place on October 3-4 at the Côn Lôn Commune’s Stadium in Tuyên Quang Province.