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Wading through floodwater may lead to leptospirosis. MakatiMed reminds commuters to wash their feet, legs, hands, and face with soap and clean water. |
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Wading through floodwater may lead to leptospirosis. MakatiMed reminds commuters to wash their feet, legs, hands, and face with soap and clean water. |
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Andrew Yap (Co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books), Catherine Duenas (Assistant Vice President, Head of Mall Leasing), and Ley Almeda (Big Bad Wolf Books Project Director).jpg |
Bad Wolf Books is back in Metro Manila with a legendary lineup of deals, steals, and thrills at V-Mall, Greenhills from May 23 to June 2, 2025. Opening hours are 10AM to 9PM from Monday to Thursday and 10AM to 10PM on Friday to Sunday. With over 2 million books up for grabs at up to 95% off, the world’s biggest book sale is serving up the perfect opportunity to score your dream book haul and more!
This year’s Metro Manila stop is bigger, bolder, and packed with surprises. Whether you're hunting for bestsellers, chasing down BookTok must-reads, or building the ultimate library for the kids, Big Bad Wolf Books makes it easier than ever to bring home your next great read.
With books starting at just ₱60, readers can dig into epic stories, mind-blowing facts, and inspiring lessons without breaking the bank. Snag limited-edition merch, unlock tiered discounts (₱200 off for every ₱2,000 spent, ₱500 off for every ₱5,000), and explore more with every turn of the page.
This year’s sale also welcomes Filipina romance and fantasy author Mica de Leon. Catch her on May 25 at 1:30 PM as she shares her top tips on writing and publishing, and reveals how she landed a 7-book deal in just one year! Don’t miss this exclusive Q&A session and the chance to meet a rising local author.
From viral BookTok titles that range from bingeworthy romance to thrilling fantasy reads, this year’s sale is overflowing with crowd-favorite books you’ve seen all over your feed.
Your ultimate bookhaul starts right here! Whether you're hunting for the next big series, a comfort read to get lost in, or the book that finally got you into reading, this is your chance to grab it for less.
Shadow and Bone: A Netflix Original Series
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Original Price: Php 750
BBW Price: Php 340
The School for Good and Evil: Movie Tie-In Edition
Author: Soman Chainani
Original Price: Php 950
BBW Price: Php 340
The Last Letter
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Original Price: Php 800
BBW Price: Php 400
Flesh & False Gods #1: Immortal Longings
Author: Dustin Thao
Original Price: Php 1,300
BBW Price: Php 620
Flesh & False Gods #1: Immortal Longings
Author: Chloe Gong
Original Price: Php 1,600
BBW Price: Php 440
Ace of Spades
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Original Price: Php 1,327
BBW Price: Php 400
Promos, Prizes, and Pages Galore
Looking for even more reasons to join the fun? Show off your inner creator with the #BBWGreenhills2025 Reels Challenge for a shot at the ₱5,000 grand prize or be one of ten lucky runners-up who will take home ₱1,000 worth of vouchers. All it takes is one creative video to bring home the win!
Beyond massive discounts and thrilling finds, Big Bad Wolf Books continues its mission to ignite the love of reading across the Philippines. Through the Red Readerhood Program, customers can donate books to underprivileged children, giving them the tools and inspiration they need for a brighter future. Every book donated by customers helps Big Bad Wolf Books continue to share the joy of reading to underserved communities.
The Big Bad Wolf Metro Manila Book Sale will run from May 23 to June 2, 2025, at V-Mall, Greenhills, open 10AM to 9PM from Monday to Thursday and 10AM to 10PM from Friday to Sunday. Admission is absolutely free. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your special merch, rally your book buddies, and come by the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale!
Stay updated on Big Bad Wolf Books social media pages to keep up with the latest!
For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
Petron Super Coolant is ready-to-use and is now available at Petron Car Care Centers, service stations and retail outlets nationwide.
Care homes these days are more than just places where older adults receive medical attention—they are vibrant communities designed to enrich the lives of residents. With a growing emphasis on emotional well-being, modern care homes strive to create environments where joy, connection, and purpose flourish daily. Keep reading to find out more about how these places bring joy to people’s lives.
One of the most impactful ways care homes bring joy to residents is by fostering social interaction. Loneliness is a major concern for many older adults, especially those who previously lived alone. Some older people can go for days or even weeks at a time without seeing another human. Residents can enjoy daily companionship in care homes through shared meals, group activities, and casual conversations. These opportunities for connection help reduce feelings of isolation and encourage lasting friendships.
A full and varied schedule of activities plays a central role in boosting morale. From gardening and arts and crafts to music therapy and games, residents are encouraged to participate in hobbies that spark interest and joy. These activities promote physical and cognitive well-being and provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
True joy comes from feeling understood and respected by those around you. Care homes that focus on personalised care plans—tailored to each resident’s needs, preferences, and history—allow individuals to maintain a sense of identity and autonomy. Whether it is choosing meals, decorating their living space, or observing cultural traditions, personalised touches make residents feel valued and at home.
The dedication and empathy of care home staff are vital to creating a joyful atmosphere. When carers approach their work with kindness and attentiveness, it fosters trust and emotional security. Learning each resident’s story helps create meaningful connections and enhances the overall care experience.
Many care homes enrich residents’ lives by welcoming community engagement. Schoolchildren, volunteers, and local performers' visits add variety and excitement to daily routines. Intergenerational programs, in particular, have been shown to bring immense joy and energy to care home environments, helping residents feel more connected to the world beyond their walls.
A shining example of this approach is Verulam House care home in St Albans. Known for its professional nursing care and warm, inclusive environment, Verulam House offers residents a holistic living experience. With a wide range of engaging activities, home-cooked meals, and a focus on individual well-being, it demonstrates how care homes can successfully blend support and joy.
Care homes have the power to transform later life into a vibrant and fulfilling chapter. Residents can thrive emotionally, physically, and socially through meaningful social connections, personalised care, and a joyful living environment. As more care providers embrace this person-centred approach, the standard of elder care continues to rise, promising a brighter and more joyful future for our ageing population.
Moving
into assisted living is more than just a change of address—it’s a major life
transition that affects the whole family. Whether prompted by declining health,
increased care needs, or a desire for more social engagement, the emotional
journey into assisted living can be challenging for everyone involved.
Preparing your family emotionally is just as important as sorting out the
logistics. Here's how to approach it with compassion and clarity.
One of
the most effective ways to ease emotional tension is by initiating open
discussions well before the move becomes urgent. If possible, involve your
loved one in the decision-making process. Talk about what they want and what
they’re worried about. Likewise, encourage other family members to share their
thoughts. This collaborative approach helps everyone feel heard and valued,
making the transition smoother and less distressing.
It’s
normal for everyone to experience a range of emotions—fear, guilt, relief, sadness, or even
resentment. Your loved one may fear losing independence or feel abandoned.
Family members may feel torn between their own limitations and a sense of duty.
These emotions are valid and shouldn’t be dismissed. Talking openly, perhaps
even with a counselor, can help your family process and navigate these feelings
in a healthy way.
Fear of
the unknown can amplify emotional stress. Visiting the assisted living facility
together helps break down that fear. Explore the community, meet the staff,
observe the activities, and take time to get familiar with the surroundings.
This can transform the abstract idea of “moving to a care home” into something
more concrete and positive. For example, if you’re considering a care home in Mansfield in the UK, seeing the facility
firsthand and meeting the team can reassure your loved one that they’ll be in a
safe, warm, and engaging environment.
One of
the biggest concerns people have about moving into assisted living is feeling isolated or forgotten about. Reassure your loved
one that they’ll still be part of family traditions, birthdays, holidays, and
regular visits. Consistency helps maintain emotional connection and eases the
fear of being left behind. You can also involve younger family members to help
build intergenerational bonds that bring joy and stability.
Let your
loved one take ownership of their new space. Bring along personal items—photos,
artwork, favorite blankets, or books—that help create a familiar, comforting atmosphere.
This not only eases the emotional strain of leaving home but also helps the new
space feel truly theirs. Encourage them to continue with hobbies and make new
connections, which can offer a sense of purpose and routine.
Transitions
take time. There will be moments of doubt or homesickness, but that doesn’t
mean the decision was wrong. Regular communication, patience, and emotional
support go a long way in helping everyone adjust. Check in frequently, ask how things
are going, and celebrate small wins—like joining an activity or making a new
friend.
Your home should be more than just a place to eat and sleep—it should be
your retreat, a space that brings calm, comfort, and a sense of peace. You
don’t need a full-scale renovation or a big budget to create a sanctuary-like
environment. With a few small, intentional changes, you can transform your home
into a restful haven where you can truly relax and recharge.
One of the most immediate ways to create a more serene home is to clear
out the clutter. Physical clutter often leads to mental clutter, making it harder to feel
relaxed. Start by identifying items you no longer use or need, and donate or
store them out of sight. Keeping surfaces clean and open helps the space feel
more spacious and less chaotic.
Minimalism doesn’t mean removing all personality; instead, focus on
keeping what you love and use. Organized spaces are visually soothing and can
even boost productivity and sleep quality.
For those looking to upgrade, consider bespoke bathrooms from woodstonebathrooms.com, where you can find luxurious design solutions that blend style and serenity. A well-designed bathroom that suits your personal aesthetic makes daily routines feel like self-care rituals.
.
A small corner dedicated to mindfulness, reading, or meditation can work
wonders for your mental well-being. All you need is a comfortable chair or
cushion, a soft throw, and a small table or shelf for items like a journal,
incense, or a speaker for calming music.
This space doesn’t need to be big—just intentional. Make it a
screen-free zone where you can unplug and be present.
Our sense of smell is deeply connected to memory and emotion. Use it to
your advantage by choosing scents that help you unwind. Essential oil
diffusers, soy candles, or incense can fill your space with calming aromas like
lavender, eucalyptus, sandalwood, or chamomile.
Make scent part of your evening wind-down routine. Consistency helps
signal to your brain that it’s time to relax.
Color impacts mood. Soft, muted tones like sage
green, pale blue, warm beige, or creamy whites can promote relaxation and
clarity. If repainting walls isn’t an option, bring in these colors through
cushions, rugs, throws, or artwork.
Even small pops of calming color can shift the mood of a space
significantly.
You can turn your home into a peaceful sanctuary that nurtures your body
and mind by making a few thoughtful changes. Whether it’s upgrading your
bathroom, introducing a favorite scent, or simply decluttering a surface, these
small steps can help you create a space that feels like your own personal
retreat.
In a world where digital noise often drowns out authenticity, one movement is cutting through with purpose: House Creatives PH. Founded on the belief that content is more than just a form of expression—it is a catalyst for transformation—House Creatives PH is on a mission to equip individuals with the skills, mindset, and confidence to tell stories that change lives.
At the core of this movement is a powerful Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP): “Creating Creators That Influence Transformation.”
Through immersive bootcamps, high-impact workshops, and deeply purposeful mentorship programs, House Creatives empowers entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring content creators to go beyond trends and build legacies. Whether you're a business owner looking to elevate your brand through storytelling or a creator wanting to inspire action, House Creatives offers the tools and support to make that leap.
Their flagship program, the Content Mastery Bootcamp (CMB), has become a proving ground for personal and professional breakthroughs. More than just technical training, it is a transformative experience that nurtures self-mastery, strategic communication, and authentic branding. Attendees don’t just learn how to create content—they know how to lead movements.
At the heart of this thriving community is a culture of collaboration, alignment, and shared growth. Participants leave not only with refined skills but also with a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and connection.
The spark behind House Creatives PH comes from Darbie Kim Estrebilla, widely known as Real Talk Darbs (RTD). A self-made entrepreneur and internationally recognized content creator, Darbs transformed his personal story of struggle, growth, and resilience into a platform that now uplifts thousands.
His motto, “One changed soul is worth more than a billion views,” has become the heartbeat of the community he built. Through House Creatives PH, he continues to turn passion into purpose, proving that with the right guidance, every story has the power to influence, inspire, and transform.
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GCash x Cebuana |
Only 1 out of 3 Filipinos can save, with half of them opting to save their money at home, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. However, this traditional way of saving exposes their hard-earned money to risks of fire and theft, with BSP even noting its potential impact on currency circulation.
“Trusted financial institutions provide fundamental security for funds. On top of this, they also offer an opportunity for Filipinos to get the most out of their hard work: the availability of high-yield savings accounts that offer competitive interest rates,” said Winsley Royce Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses, GCash.
In a move to democratize access to high-yield savings accounts among Filipinos, GCash, through GSave, has partnered with microfinancial services provider Cebuana Lhuillier Bank to offer a savings account designed to provide higher interest rates, accessible through an e-wallet they already trust for everyday transactions.
“GCash and Cebuana are driven by the same mission of making financial services accessible to Filipinos nationwide, especially the underserved communities,” said Bangit. “Through this collaboration, we hope to empower Filipinos to cultivate their financial well-being by transforming saving from being a burden to being an actionable step.”
With over 3,500 branches nationwide, Cebuana is bringing its expertise in financial inclusion to the cashless ecosystem, enabled by finance super app GCash, with millions registered users in the country. Under the partnership, GCash users can now open an eC-Savings by Cebuana Lhuillier Bank account through GSave, a savings marketplace where users can grow and secure their funds within the GCash app. Account holders of eC-Savings by Cebuana Lhuillier Bank on GSave will get 3.5% p.a. interest, regardless of their deposit amount, enabling them to earn higher interest income compared with traditional savings accounts.
To help jumpstart their savings journey, users who open eC-Savings by Cebuana on GCash will get PHP 100 cashback on their initial deposit. Moreover, eC-Savings account holders will get up to PHP 33,000 in free accident coverage.
“While most hardworking Filipinos understand the value of having insurance, cost still prevents them from prioritizing it,” noted Bangit. “We introduced this benefit so they no longer have to face a trade-off between building their savings and having peace of mind during their daily hustle.”
A key deterrent for Filipinos to save money in traditional banks is the perceived complexity of opening a bank account, typically requiring in-person visits and submission of supporting documents. The availability of Cebuana Lhuillier Bank on GSave eliminates this hurdle, as GCash users can open an account on GSave on the app, without having to submit additional IDs.
The BSP study also noted that among the mass market, the amount of savings they have tends to be small and often earmarked for immediate expenses, with most preferring to keep funds readily accessible at home. Given this need for accessible savings, GSave enables users to deposit as low as PHP 1 directly from their GCash wallet. Users no longer have to worry about their accounts being closed, as the eC-Savings account does not have a minimum maintaining balance.
“Filipinos’ hardworking spirit deserves to be matched by financial services that work just as hard as they do, actively supporting their financial goals. By building upon the trust of millions of Filipinos in GCash and Cebuana, we hope to empower their aspirations for a secure future by making saving truly accessible and rewarding for all,” concluded Bangit.
To open an eC-Savings by Cebuana account on GSave, you must be a Filipino Citizen, at least 18 years old, and a fully verified GCash user. Ready to grow your money? You may access GSave through the GCash dashboard or find it under “Grow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!