The Kitchen Mom by dhess

  Metro Manila’s forecast of becoming a global power city is challenged by the consequences of rapid urbanization. The UN-Habitat lists the effects of climate change, natural disasters that hamper urban infrastructures and city competitiveness, unequal livability, job creation, and poverty reduction.  Is there a way out of Metro Manila’s challenges? Architect and urban designer Chintan Raveshia, and urban planner and sustainability consultant Tony Chan of Singapore-based Arup emphasize urban development should also consider people’s aspirations, its changing needs and expectations, and the national identity of the residents.  Finding the identity of the city Raveshia inspires responsible stakeholders to ask themselves first the most fundamental question: “What’s the identity of the city and how do we make its residents proud?” He quips, “Singapore, a city that is high on everyone’s liveability list, is also working with citizens and grass roots organizations to inculcate a sense of ‘l

  SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development. Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability.  The scholarship will be awarded to students from low-income households in Pasay City intended to provide better employment prospects and help reduce poverty and inequality, which are major obstacles to sustainable development.  Members of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and SM Prime Holdings Inc ink partnership to create scholarships geared towards sustainable development. Present during the signing are (From left) UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources Dean Marlo Mendoza, UPLB College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Ricardo Sandalo, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing,

“I believe that Vets in Practice has revolutionized the way a vet hospital should look like,” says Dr. Nielsen Donato while giving a tour of the Vets In Practice (VIP) Animal Hospital branch in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Since he was a young boy, Doc Nielsen has had a heart for animals. People would liken him to “Dr. Dolittle,” because of his fascination for all living creatures, from domesticated pets to wild animals. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Donato is now known as one of the top veterinarians in the country. He is the managing partner and chief surgeon at VIP. When he’s not in the clinic, he co-hosts “Born to be Wild,” a weekly wildlife documentary on GMA7, and helps run the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center in Pansol. At VIP, Doc Nielsen usually spends the whole day meeting animal patients. He would often do general check-ups, where he does a thorough assessment of the animal’s face, coat and skin, blood, and other important areas to spot signs of infection.

While access to quality healthcare continues to be hampered by challenges, medical missions have become an increasingly vital source of support for low-income communities. Through time, they have gone beyond providing medical care and have taken up a new role: transforming the lives of individuals and communities. The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities.  Just recently, the medical mission team headed to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Northern Luzon and provided services to thousands of low-income families. Two of them are Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin.   Strength to do more Roland Bariuan takes home free medicines after his medical check-up. Roland has been a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994. But, two years ago, he suddenly felt weak and had to spend money on medical consultation

  Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it also means more laundry. Whether it's sandy beach towels or sweaty workout clothes, a reliable washing machine is a must-have for any household. If you're in the look out for a new washing machine, here are four features to consider before making your purchase.   Capacity - The capacity of a washing machine refers to the amount of laundry it can hold in one cycle. If you have a large family or regularly wash bulky items like comforters or pillows, a washing machine with a larger capacity is a must-have. However, if you live by yourself or have limited space, a smaller capacity washing machine may be more practical. LG’s washing machines are designed to carry large loads in a very compact chassis, perfect even in tight spaces.   Energy Efficiency - Energy-efficient washing machines are not only better for the environment, but they can also save you money on your energy bill. Look for washing machines with an Energy Star rating, which

  Teaching surpasses the realms of jobs or professions–it encompasses service, vocation, and life mission.  Proving this day and night are millions of Filipino teachers who stand as second mothers to students. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, an SM scholar alumna who chose to pursue a career in Special Education (SPED). Life’s work Choosing to teach, especially pursue SPED, is a path less travelled. Out of over 800,000 public school teachers, only about 4,000 are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who took the path. For 21 years now, the SM scholar alumna has dedicated her life to teaching SPED students. She wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners. With much dedication and determination to have the right skills for her students, she pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively.  She currently teaches at the P

Stability is the foundation of a well-lived life. With basic needs fulfilled, people have the opportunity to develop themselves, explore various facets of life, and contribute to the welfare of the community. When aspiring youth, especially those from low-income households, are given the chance to stand on solid ground, they readily take the chance. They utilize it as a seedbed where they can cultivate their dreams and aspirations. One testament to this is SM scholar alumna Jonnah Jane Sacamay, who grew up in a family where stability seemed like an uncharted territory. Years back, Jonnah’s family’s main source of living was flower farming. This made them walk on a thin line as the demand for flowers was seasonal, and they were also often affected by unpredictable weather disturbances.  But while they had journeyed through life with uncertainty, they had always planted in her mind the power of education. “Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside